# Dictionary

Topic: Smooth
Definition:
SMOOTH, a. [L. mitis.]
1.  Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points are perceptible to the touch; not rough; as smooth glass; smooth porcelain.  The out lines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch.
2.  To free from obstruction; to make easy.  Thou, Abelard, the last sad office pay, And smooth my passage to the realms of day.
3.  To free from harshness; to make flowing.  In their motions harmony divine so smooths her charming tones.'
4.  To palliate; to soften; as, to smooth a fault.
5.  To calm; to mollify; to allay.  Each perturbation smooth'd with outward calm.
6.  To ease.  The difficulty smoothed.
7.  To flatter; to soften with blandishments.  Because I cannot flatter and look fair, smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and coy.


Topic: Smoothly
Definition:
SMOOTH'LY, adv,
1.  Evenly; not roughly or harshly.
2.  With even flow or motion; as, to flow or glide smoothly.
3.  Without obstruction or difficulty; readily; easily.
4.  With soft, bland, insinuating language.


Topic: Smoothness
Definition:
SMOOTH'NESS, n.
1.  Evenness of suface; freedom from roughness or asperity; as the smoothness of a floor or wall; smoothness of the skin; smoothness of the water.
2.  Softness or mildness to the palate; as the smoothness of wine.
3.  Softness and sweetness of numbers; easy flow of words.  Virgil, though smooth where smoothness is required, is far from affecting it.
4.  Mildness or gentleness of speech; blandness of address.


Topic: Smother
Definition:
SMOTHER, v.t. [allied perhaps to smoke.]
1.  To suffocate of extinguish life by causing smoke or dust to enter the lungs; to stifle.
2.  To suffocate or extinguish by closely covering, and be the exclustion of air; as, to smother a child in bed.
3.  To suppress; to stifle; as, to smother the light of the understanding.
SMOTHER, n. 
1.  Smoke; thick dust.
2.  A state of suppression. [Not in use.]


Topic: Smouldering
Definition:
SMOULDERING, SMOULDRY, a. [a word formed from mold, molder. and therefore it ought to be written smoldering.]  Burning and smoking without vent.


Topic: Smug
Definition:
SMUG, a.  Nice; neat; affectedly nice in dress. [Not in use.]
SMUG, v.t.  To make spruce; to dress with affected neatness. [Not in use.]


Topic: Smuggle
Definition:
SMUG'GLE, v.t. [We probably have the root mug, in hugger mugger.]
1.  To import or export secretly goods which are forbidden by the goverment to be imported or exported; or secretly to import or export dutiable goods without paying the duties imposed by law; to run.
2.  To convey clandestinely.


Topic: Smuggler
Definition:
SMUG'GLER, n.
1.  One that imports or exports goods privately and contrary to law, either contraband goods or dutiable goods, without paying the customs.
2.  A vessel employed in running goods.


Topic: Smuggling
Definition:
SMUG'GLING, ppr.  Importing or exporting goods contrary to law.
SMUG'GLING, n.  The offense of importing or exporting prohibited goods. or other goods without paying the customs.


Topic: Smut
Definition:
SMUT, n.
1.  A spot made with soot or coal; or the foul matter itself.
2.  A foul black substance which forms on corn.  Sometimes the whole ear is blasted and converted into smut.  This is often the fact with maiz. Smut lessens the value of wheat.
3.  Obscene language.
SMUT, v.i.  To gather smut; tobe converted into smut.


Topic: Smutch
Definition:
SMUTCH, v.t. [from smoke.]  To blacken with smoke, soot or coal.
[Note.  We have a common word in New England, pronouced smooch, which I take to be smutch.  It signifies to foul or blacken with something produced by combustion or other like substance.]


Topic: Smutty
Definition:
SMUT'TY, a.
1.  Soiled from smut, coal, soot or the like.
2.  Tainted with mildew; as smutty corn.
3.  Obscene; not modest or pure; as smutty language.


Topic: Snack
Definition:
SNACK, n. [Qu. from the root of snatch.]
1.  A share.  It is now chiefly or wholly used in the phrase, to go snacks with one, that is, to have a share.
2. A slight hasty repast.


Topic: Snaffle
Definition:
SNAF'FLE, n.  A bridle consisting of a slender bit-mouth, without branches.
SNAF'FLE, v.t. To bridle; to hold or manage with a bridle.


Topic: Snag
Definition:
SNAG, n.
1.  A short branch, or a sharp or rough branch; a shoot; a knot.  The coat of arms now on a naked snag in triumph borne.
2.  A tooth, in contempt; or a tooth projecting beyond the rest.


Topic: Snagged
Definition:
SNAG'GED, SNAG'GY, a.  Full of snags; full of short rough branches or sharp points; abounding with knots; as a snaggy tree; a snaggy stick; a snaggy oak.


Topic: Snail
Definition:
SNAIL, n.
1.  A slimy slow creeping animal, of the genus Helix, and order of Mollusca.  The eyes of this insect are in the horns, one at the end of each, which it can retract at pleasure.
2.  A drone; a slow moving person.


Topic: Snail-like
Definition:
SNA'IL-LIKE, a.  Resembling a snail; moving very slowly.
SNA'IL-LIKE, adv.  In the manner of a snail; slowly.


Topic: Snake
Definition:
SNAKE, n.  A serpent of the oviparous kind, distinguished from a viper, says Johnson. But in America, the common and general name of serpents, and so the word is used by the poets.
SNAKE, v.t.  In seamen's language, to wind a small rope round a large one spirally, the small ropes lying in the spaces between the strands of the large one.  This is called also worming.


Topic: Snakeroot
Definition:
SNA'KEROOT, n. [snake and root.]  A plant, a species of birth-wort, growing in North Am merica the Aristolochia serpentaria.


Topic: Snakewood
Definition:
SNA'KEWOOD, n. [snake and wood.]  The smaller branches of a tree, growing in the isle of Timor and other parts of the east, having a bitter taste, and supposed to be a certain remedy for the bite of the hooded serpent.  It is the wood of the Slrychnos colubrina.


Topic: Snaky
Definition:
SNA'KY, a. 
1.  Pertaining to a snake or to snakes; resembling a snake; serpentine; winding.
2.  Sly; cunning; insinuating; deceitful.  So to the coast of Jordan he directs his easy steps, girded with snaky wiles.
3.  Having serpents; as a snaky rod or want.  That sanky headed gorgon shield.


Topic: Snap
Definition:
SNAP, v.t.
1.  To break at once; to break short; as substances that are brittle.  Breaks the doors open, smaps the locks.
2.  To strike with a sharp sound.
3.  To bite or seize suddenly with the teeth.
4.  To break upon suddenly with sharp angry words.
5.  To crack; as, to snap a whip.


Topic: Snap-dragon
Definition:
SNAP'-DRAGON, n. 
1.  A plant, calf's snout, of the genus Antirrhinum, and another of the genus Ruellia, and one of the genus Barleria.
2.  A play in which raisins are snatched from burning brandy and put into the mouth.
3.  The thing eaten at snap-dragon.


Topic: Snappish
Definition:
SNAP'PISH, a. 
1.  Eager to bite; apt to snap; as a snappish cur.
2.  Peevish; sharp in reply; apt to speak angrily or tartly.


Topic: Snare
Definition:
SNARE, n.
1.  An instrument for catching animals, particularly fowls, by the leg.  It consists of a cord or string with slip-knots, in which the leg is entangled.  A snare is not a net.
2.  Any thing by which one is entangled and brought into troble. I Cor. 7.  A fool's lip are the snare of his soul. Prov. 18.
SNARE, v.t.  To catch with a snare; to ensnare; to entangle; to bring into unexpected evil, perplexity or danger. The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Ps. 9.


Topic: Snarl
Definition:
SN'ARL, v.i. [This word seems to be allied to gnarl, and to proceed from some root signifyingto twist, bind, or fasten, or to involve, entangle, and thus to be allied to snare.]
1.  To growl, as an angry or surly dog; to gnarl; to utter grumbling sounds; but it expresses more violence than grumble.  That I should snarl and bit and play the dog.
2.  To speak roughly; to talk in rude murmuring terms.  It is malicious and unmanly to snarl at the little lapses of a pen, from with Virgil himself stands not exempted.
SN'ARL, v.t.
1.  To entangle; to complicate; to involve in knots; as, to snarl the hair; to snarl a skain of thread.  [This word is in universal popular use in New England.]
2. To embarrass.
SN'ARL, n.  Entanglement; a knot or complication of hair, thread, &c., which it is difficult to disentangle.


Topic: Snary
Definition:
SNA'RY, a. [from snare.]  Entangling; insidious.  Spiders in the vault their snary webs have spread.


Topic: Snatch
Definition:
SNATCH, v.t. pret. and pp. snatched or snacht.
1.  To seize hastily or abruptly.  When half our knowledge we must snatch, not take.
2.  To seize without permission or ceremony; as, to snatch a kiss.
3.  To seize and transport away; as, snatch me to heaven.
SNATCH, v.i.  To catch at; to attempt to seize suddenly.  Nay, the ladies too will be snatching.  He shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry.  Is. 9.
SNATCH, n.
1.  A hasty catch or seizing.
2.  A catching at or attempt to seize suddenly.
3.  A short fit of vigorous action; as a snatch as weeding after a shower.
4.  A broken or interrupted action; a short fit or turn.  They move by fits and snatches.  We have often little snatches of sunshine.
5.  A shuffling answer. [Little used.]


Topic: Sneak
Definition:
SNEAK, v.i. [See Snake.]
1.  To creep or steal away privately; to withdraw meanly, as a person afraid or ashamed to be seen; as, to sneak away from company; to sneak into a corner or behind a screen.  You skulk'd behind the fence, and sneak'd away.
2.  To speak roughly; to talk in rude murmuring terms.  It is malicious and unmanly to snarly at the little lapses of a pen, from which Virgil himself stands not exempted.
SNEAK, v.t.  To hide. [Not in use.]
SNEAK, n.  A mean fellow.


Topic: Sneaking
Definition:
SNE'AKING, ppr.
1.  Creeping away slily; stealing away.
2. a.  Mean; servile; crouching.
3.  Meanly parsimonious; covetous; niggardly.


Topic: Sneer
Definition:
SNEER, v.i. [from the root of L. naris, nose; to turn up the nose.]
1.  To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular cast or countenance; 'naso suspendere adunco.'
2.  To insinuate contempt by covert expression.  I could be content to be a little sneered at.
3.  To utter with grimace.
4.  To show mirth awkwardly.
SNEER, n.
1.  A look of contempt, or a turning up of the nose to manifest contempt; a look of disdain, derision or ridicule.
2.  An expression of ludicrous scorn.


Topic: Sneering
Definition:
SNEE'RING, ppr.  Manifesting contempt or scorn by turning up the nose, or by some grimace or significant look.


Topic: Sneeze
Definition:
SNEEZE, v.i.
To emit air through the nose audibly and violently, by a kind of involuntary convulsive force, occasioned by irriatation of the inner membrance of the nose.  Thus snuff or any thing that tickles the nose, makes one sneeze.


Topic: Sneezing
Definition:
SNEE'ZING, ppr.  Emitting air from the nose audibly.
SNEE'ZING, n.  The act of ejecting air violently and audibly through the nose; sternutation.


Topic: Snick
Definition:
SNICK, n.  A small cut or mark; a latch. [Not in use.]  Snick and snee, a combat with knives.  [Not in use.]
[Snee is a Dutch contraction of snyden, to cut.]


Topic: Snicker
Definition:
SNICK'ER, SNIG'GER, v.i.  [This can have no connection with sneer.  the elements and the sense are different.]  To laugh slily; or to laugh in one's sleeve.  [It is a word in common use in New WNgland, not easily defined.  It signifies to laugh with small audible catches of voice, as when persons attempt to suppress loud laughter.]


Topic: Sniff
Definition:
SNIFF, v.i.  To draw air audibly up the nose. [See Snuff.]
SNIFF, v.t.  To draw in with the breath. [Not in use.]
SNIFF, n.  Perception by the nose. [Not in use.]


Topic: Sniggle
Definition:
SNIG'GLE, v.i. [supra.] To fish for eels, by thrusting the bait into their holes.
SNIG'GLE, v.t.  To snare; to catch.


Topic: Snip
Definition:
SNIP, v.t.  To clip; to cut off the nip or neb, or to cut off at once with shears or scissors.
SNIP, n.  
1.  A clip; a single cut with shears or scissors.
2.  A small shred.
3.  Share; a snack. [A low word.]


Topic: Snipe
Definition:
SNIPE, n.
1.  A bird tha frequents the banks of rivers and the borders of fens, distinguished by the length of its bill; the scolopax gallinago.
2.  A fool; a blockhead.


Topic: Snite
Definition:
SNITE, n. A snipe. [Not in use.]
SNITE, v.t.  To blow the nose. [Not in use.]  In Scotland, snite the candle, snuff it.


Topic: Sniveler
Definition:
SNIV'ELER, n. 
1.  One that cries with sniveling.
2.  One that weeps for slight causes, or manifests weakness by weeping.


Topic: Snore
Definition:
SNORE, v.i.  [from the root of L. naris, the nose or nostrils.] To breathe with a rough hoarse noise in sleep.
SNORE, n.  A breathing with a harse noise in sleep.


Topic: Snort
Definition:
SNORT, v.i. 
1.  To force the air with violence through the nose, so as to make a noise, as high spirited horses in prancing and play.
2.  To snore. [Not common.]
SNORT, v.t.  To turn up in anger, scorn or derision, as the nose. [Unusual.]


Topic: Snorting
Definition:
SNORT'ING, ppr. Forcing the air violently through the nose.
SNORT'ING, n.  The act of forcing the air through the nose with violence and noise. Jer. 8.


Topic: Snout
Definition:
SNOUT, n.
1.  The long projecting nose of a beast, as that of swine.
2.  The nose of a man; in contempt.
3.  The nozzle or end of a hollow pipe.
SNOUT, v.t.  To furnish with a nozzle or point.


Topic: Snow
Definition:
SNOW, n. [L. nix,nivis; The Latin nivis, is contracted from nigis, like Eng. bow.]
1.  Frozen vapor; watery particles congealed into white crystals in the air, and falling to the earth.  When there is no wind, these crystals fall in flakes or unbroken collections, sometimes extremely beautiful.
2.  A vessel equipped with two masts, resembling the main and fore-masts of a ship, and a third small mast just abaft the mainmast, carrying a try-sail.
SNOW, v.i.  To fall in snow; as, it snows; it snowed yesterday.
SNOW, v.t.  To scatter like snow.


Topic: Snow-bird
Definition:
SNOW-BIRD, n. A small bird whcih appears in the time of snow, of the genus Emberiza; called also snow-bunting.  In the U. States, the snow-bird is the Fringilla nivalis.


Topic: Snow-drop
Definition:
SNOW-DROP, n. [snow and drop.]  A plant bearing a white flower, cultivated in gardens for its beauty; the Galanthus nivalis.


Topic: Snow-shoe
Definition:
SNOW-SHOE, n. [snow and shoe.]  A shoe or racket worn by men traveling on snow, to prevent their feet from sinking into the snow.


Topic: Snow-slip
Definition:
SNOW-SLIP, n. [snow and slip.] A large mass of snow which slips down the side of a mountain, and sometimes buries houses.


Topic: Snowy
Definition:
SNOWY, a. 
1.  White like snow.
2.  Abounding with snow; covered with snow.  The snowy top of cold Olympus.
3.  White; pure; unblemished.


Topic: Snub
Definition:
SNUB, n.  A knot or protuberance in wood; a snag. [Not in use.]
SNUB, v.t. [supra.]  
1.  To nip; to clip or break off the end. Hence,
2.  To check; to reprimand; to check, stop or rebuke with a tart sarcastic reply or remark.  [This is the same word radically as sneap, sneb, and is the word chiefly used.]


Topic: Snudge
Definition:
SNUDGE, v.i. [See Snug.]  To lie close; to snug. [Not in use.]
SNUDGE, n.  A miser, or a sneaking fellow. [Not in use.]


Topic: Snuff
Definition:
SNUFF,  n. [allied to snub, neb, nib.]
1.  The burning part of a candle wick, or that which has been charred by the flame, whether burning or not.
2.  A candle almost burnt out.
3.  Pulverized tobacco, taken or prepared to be taken into the nose.
4.  Resentment; huff, expressed by a snuffing of the nose.


Topic: Snuffle
Definition:
SNUF'FLE, v.i.  To speak through the nose; to breathe hard through the nose, or through the nose when obstructed. Some senseless Phillis, in a broken not, SnuffLing at nose.


Topic: Snug
Definition:
SNUG, v.i. [See Snake.]  To lie close; as, a child snugs to its mother or nurse.
SNUG, a.
1.  Lying close; closely pressed; as, an infant lies snug.
2.  Close; concealed; not exposed to notice.  At Will's lie snug and hear what critics say.
3.  Being in good order; all convenient; neat; as a snug little farm.
4.  Close; neat; convenient; as a snug house.
5.  Slily or insidiously close.  When you lay snug, to snap young Damon's goat.


Topic: Snuggle
Definition:
SNUG'GLE, v.i. [from snug.]  To move one way and the other to get a close place; to lie close for convenience or warmth.


Topic: So
Definition:
SO, adv. [L. sic, contracted. It is from some root signifying to set, to still, and this sense is retained in the use of the word by milkmaids, who say to cows, so, so, that is, stand still, remain as you are; and in this use, the word may be the original verb.]
1.  In like manner, answering to as, and noting comparison or resemblance; as with the people, so with the priest.
2.  In such a degree; to that degree.  Why is his chariot so long in coming? Judges 5.
3.  In such a manner; sometimes repeated, so and so; as certain colors, mingled so and so.
4.  It is followed by as.  There is something equivalent in France and Scotland; so as it is a hard calumny upon our soil to affirm that so excellent a fruit will not grow here.  But in like phrases, we now use that; 'so that it is a hard calumny;' and this may be considered as the extablished usage.
5.  In the smae manner.  Use your tutor with great respect, and cause all your family to do so too.
6.  Thus; in this manner; as New York so called from the duke of York.  I know not why it is, but so it is.  It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire whether theese thing are so or not.
7.  Therefore; thus; for this reason; in consequence of this or that.  It leaves instruction, and so instructors, to the sobriety fo the settled articles of the church.  God makes him in own image an intelectual creature, and so capable of dominion.  This statute made the clipping of coin hign treason, which it was not at common law; so that this was an enlarging staute.
8.  On these terms, noting a conditional petition.  Here then exchange we mutually forgiveness;  SO may the guilt of all my broken vows, my perjuries to thee be all forgotten.  So here might be expressed by thus, that is, in this manner, by this mutual forgiveness.
9.  Provided that; on condition that, [L. modo.]  So the doctrine by but wholesome and edifying though there should be a want of exactness in the manner of speaking and resoning, it may be overlooked.  I care not who furnishes the means, so they are furnished.
10.  In like manner, noting the concession of one proposition of fact and the assumption of another; answering to as. As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in when he enters on it.
11.  So often expresses the sense of a word or sentence going before.  In this case it prevents a repetition, and may be considered as a substitute for the word or phrase.  'France is highly cultivated, but England is more so,' that is, more highly cultivated.
12.  Thus; thus it is; this is the state.  How sorrow shakes him!  So now the tempest tears him up by th' roots.
13.  Well; the fact being such. And so the work is done, is it?
14.  It is sometimes used to express a certain degree, implying comparison, and yet without the corresponding word as, to render the degree definite.  An astringent is not quite so proper, where relaxing the urinary passages is necessary.
15.  It is sometimes equivalent to be it so, let it be so, let it be as it is, or in that manner.  There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself.
16.  It expresses a wish, desire or petition.  Ready are the appellant and defendant- So please your highness to behold the fight.
17.  So much as, however much.  Instead of so, we now generally use as; as much as, that much; whatever the quantity may be.
18.  So so, or so repeated, used as a kind of exclamation; equivalent to well, well; or it is so, the thing is done. So, so, it works; now, mistress, sit you fast.
19.  So so, much as it was; indifferently; not well not much amiss.  His leg is but so so.
20.  So then, thus then it is; therefore; the consequence is.  So then the Volscians stand; but as at first ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road upon's again.


Topic: Soak
Definition:
SOAK, v.t.
1.  To steep; to cause or suffer to lie in a fluid till the substance has imbibed what it can contain; to macerate in water or other fluid; as, to soak cloth; to soak bread.
2.  To drench; to wet thoroughly.  The earth is soaked with heavy rain.  Their land shall be soaked with blood. Is. 34.
3.  To draw in by the pores; as the skin.
4.  To drain. [Not authirized.]
SOAK, v.i.
1.  To lie steeped in water or other fluid.  Let the cloth lie and soak.
2.  To enter into pores or interstices. Water soaks into the earth or other porous matter.
3.  To drink intemperately or gluttonously; to drench; as a soaking club. [Low.]


Topic: Soaking
Definition:
SOAKING, ppr.
1.  Steeping; macerating; drenching; imbibing.
2.  a. That wets thoroughly; as a soaking rain.


Topic: Soap
Definition:
SOAP, n. [L. sapo.]  A compound of oil and alkali, or oil and earth, and metallic oxyds; usually, a compound of oil and vegetable alkali or lye; used in washing and cleansing, in medicine, &c.


Topic: Soapstone
Definition:
SOAPSTONE, n.  Steatite; a minera; or species of magnesian earth, usually white or yellow;; the lapis ollaris.


Topic: Soar
Definition:
SOAR, v.i.
1.  To fly aloft; to mount upon the wing; as an eagle. Hence,
2.  To rise high; to mount; to tower in thought or imagination; to be sublime; as the poet or orator.
3.  To rise high in ambition or heroism.  Valor soars above what the world calls misfortune.
4.  In general, to rise aloft; to be lofty.


Topic: Soaring
Definition:
SOARING, ppr.  Mounting on the wing; rising aloft; towering in thought or mind.
SOARING, n.  The act of mounting on the wing, or of towering in thought or mind; intellectual flight.


Topic: Sob
Definition:
SOB, v.i.  To sigh with a sudden heaving of the breast, or a kind of convulsive motion; to sigh with deep sorrow or with tears. She sigh'd, she sobb'd, and furious wtih despair, she rent her garments, and she tore her hair.


Topic: Sober
Definition:
SO'BER, a. [L. sobrius.]
1.  Temperate in the use of spiritous liquors; habitually temperate; as a sober man.  Live a sober, righteous and godly life.
2.  Not intoxicated or overpowered by spiritous liquors; not drunken.  The sot may at times be sober.
3.  Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary or heated with passion; having the regular exercise of cool dispassionate reason.  There was not a sober person to be had; all was tempestuous and blustering.  Not sober man would put himself in danger, for the applause of escaping without breaking his neck.
4.  Regular; calm; not under the influence of passion; as sober judgment; a man in his sober senses.
5.  Serious; solemn; grave; as the sober livery of autumn.  What parts gay France from sober Spain?  See her sober over a sampler, or gay over a jointed baby.
SO'BER, v.t.  TO make sober; to cure of intoxication.  There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain and drinking largely sobers us again.


Topic: Soberly
Definition:
SO'BERLY, adv.
1.  Without intemperance.
2.  Without enthusiasm.
3.  Without intemperate passion; coolly; calmly; moderately.
4.  Gravely; seriously.


Topic: Soberness
Definition:
SO'BERNESS, n. 
1.  Freedom from intoxication; temperance.
2.  Gravity; seriousness.
3.  Freedom from heat and passion; calmness; coolness.  The soberness of Virgil might have shown him the difference.


Topic: Sobriety
Definition:
SOBRI'ETY, n. [L. sobrietas, from sobrius.]
1.  Habitual soberness or temperance in the use of spirituous liquors; as when we say. a man of sobriety.
2.  Freedom from intoxication. Public sobriety is a relative duty.
3.  Habitual freedom from enthusiasm, inordinate passion or overheated imagination; calmness; coolness; as the sobriety of riper years; the sobriety of age.
4.  Seriousness; gravity without sadness or melancholy. Mirth makes them not mad, nor sobriety sad.


Topic: Soc
Definition:
SOC, n. [L. sequor.]
1.  Properly, the sequela, secta or suit, or the body of suitors; hence, the power or privilege of holding a court in a district, as in a manor; jurisdiction of causes, and the limits of that jurisdiction.
2.  Liberty or privilege of tenants excused from customary burdens.
3.  An exclusive privilege claimed by millers of grinding all the corn used within the manor or township in which the mill stands.


Topic: Socage
Definition:
SOC'AGE, n. [from soc,supra, a privilege.]  In English law, a tenure of lands and tenements by a cetain or determinate service; a tenure distinct from chivalry or knight's service, in which the render was uncertain.  The service must be certain, in order to be denominated socage; as to hold by fealty and twenty shillings rent. Socage is of two kinds; free socage, where the services are not only certain, but honorable, and villein socage, where the services, though certain, are of a baser nature.


Topic: Sociability
Definition:
SOCIABIL'ITY, n.  Sociableness; disposition to associate and converse with others; or the practive of familiar converse.


Topic: Sociable
Definition:
SO'CIABLE, a. [L. sociabilis, from socius, a companion, probably from sequor, to follow.  See Seek.]
1.  That may be conjoined; fit to be united in one body or company; as sociable parts united in one body.
2.  Ready or disposed to unite in a general interest. To make man mild, and sociable to man.
3.  Ready and inclined to join in company or society; or frequently meeting for conversation; as sociable neighbors.
4.  Inclined to converse when in company; disposed to freedom in conversation; opposed to reserved and taciturn.
5.  Free in conversation; conversing much or familiarly.  The guests were very sociable.


Topic: Sociableness
Definition:
SO'CIABLENESS, n. Disposition to associate; inclination to company and converse; or actual frequent union in society or free converse.  This word may signify either the disposition to associate, or the disposition to enter into familiar conversation, or the actual practice of associating and conversing.


Topic: Sociably
Definition:
SO'CIABLY, adv.  In a sociable manner; with free intercourse; conversibly; familiarly; as a companion.


Topic: Social
Definition:
SO'CIAL, a. [L. socialis, from socius, companion.]
1.  Pertaining to society; relating to men living in society. or to the publice as an aggregate body; as social interests or concerns; social pleasures; social benefits; social happiness; social duties.  True self-love and social are the same.
2.  Ready or disposed to mix in friendly converse; companionable.  Withers, adieu? yet not with thee remove thy martial spirit or thy social love.
3.  Consisting in union or mutual converse.
4.  Disposed to unite in society.  Man is a social being.


Topic: Society
Definition:
SOCI'ETY, n. [L. societas, from socius, a companion. See Sociable.]
1. The union of a number of rational beings; or a number of persons united, either for a temporary or permanent purpose.  Thus the inhabitants of a state or of a city constitute a society, having common interests; and hence it is called a community. In a more enlarged sense, the whole race or family of man is a society, and called human society.  The true and natural foundation of society, are the wants and fears of individuals.
2.  Any number of persons associated for a particular purpose, whether incorporated by law, or only united by articles of agreement; a fraternity.  Thus we have bible societies for various objects; societies for mechanics, and leaned societies; societies for encouraging arts, &c.
3.  Company; a temporary association of persons for profit or pleasure.  In this sense, company is more generally used.
4.  Conpany; fellowship.  We frequent the society of those we love and esteem.
5.  Partnership; fellowship; union on equal terms.  Among unequals what society can sort?  Heav'n's greatness no society can bear.
6.  Persons living in the same neighborhood, who frequently meet in company and have fellowship.  Literary society renders a place interesting and agreeable.
7.  In Connecticut, a number of families united and incorporated for the purpose of supporting public worship, is called an exxlesiastical society.  This is a parish, except that it has not territorial limits.  In Massachusetts, such as incorporated society is usually called a parish, though consisting of persons only, without regard to territory.


Topic: Socinian
Definition:
SOCIN'IAN, a. [from Socinus, a native of Sienna, in Tuscany, the founder of the sect of Socinians in the 16th century.]  Pertaning to Socinus, or his religious creed.
SOCIN'IAN, n.  One of the followers of Socinian.


Topic: Socinianism
Definition:
SOCINIANISM, n.  The tenets or doctrines of Socinus, who held Christ to be a mere man inspired, denied his divinity and atonement, and the doctrine of original depravity.


Topic: Sock
Definition:
SOCK, n. [L. soccus;]
1.  The shoe of the ancient actors of comedy.  Hence the word is used for comedy, and opposed to buskin or tragedy.  Great Fletcher never teads in buskin here, nor greater Jonson dares in socks appear.
2.  A garment for the foot, like the foot of a stocking.
3.  A plowshare.


Topic: Socket
Definition:
SOCK'ET, n.  
1.  The little hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick.  And in the sockets oily bubbles dance.
2.  Any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as the sockets of the teeth or of the eyes.  his eyeballs in their hollow sockets sink.  Gomphosis is the connection of a tooth to its socket.


Topic: Socle
Definition:
SO'CLE, n. [See Sock.]   In architecture, a flat squre member under the basis of pedestals of vases and statues, serving as a foot or stand.


Topic: Socotorine
Definition:
SOC'OTORINE, SOC'OTRINE, a.  Socotorine or socotrine aloes, a fine kind of aloes from Socotra, an isle in the Indian oceans.


Topic: Socratic
Definition:
SOCRAT'IC, SOCRAT'ICAL,  a.  Pertaining to Socrates, the Grecian sage, or his language or manner of teaching and philosophizing.  The Socratic metod of resoning and instruction was by inter rugatories.


Topic: Sod
Definition:
SOD,n.  Turf; sward; that stratum of earth on the surface which is filled with the roots of grass,  or any portion of that surface.  It differs from clod, which may be compact mass of earth without roots; but sod is formed by earth held together by roots.


Topic: Soda
Definition:
SO'DA, n.  Mineral fixed alkali; natron; so called because it forms the basis of marine salt.  It is found native in Egypt; but it is generally obtained form the salsola kali. Soda is an oxyd, or the protoxyd of sodiem, a metal.


Topic: Soda-water
Definition:
SO'DA-WATER, n.  A very weak solution of soda in water supersaturated with carbonic acid, and constituting a favorite beverage.


Topic: Sodalite
Definition:
SO'DALITE, n.  A mineral; so called from the large portion of mineral alkali which enters into its composition.  It is of a bluish green color, and found crystalized or in masses.


Topic: Soder
Definition:
SOD'ER, v.t. [It has been taken for granted that this is a contracted word, from L. solido, and hence written solder.  The fact may be doubted; but if true, the settled pronunciation seems to render it expedient to let the contracted orthography remain undisturbed.]  To unite and make solid, as metallic substances; to join separate things or parts of the same thing by a metallic substance in a state of fustion, which hardens in cooling, and renders the joint solid.
SOD'ER, n.  Metallic cement; a metal or metallic composition used in uniting other metallic substances.


Topic: Sodium
Definition:
SO'DIUM, n.  The metallic base of soda.  It is soft, sectile, white and opake, and very malleable.  It is lighter than water.


Topic: Soever
Definition:
SOEVER, so and ever, found in compounds, as in whosoever, whatsoever, wheresoever,  See these words.  It is sometimes used separate from the pronoun; as, in what things soever you undertake, use diligence and fidelity.


Topic: Sofa
Definition:
SO'FA, n. [probably an oriental word.]  An elegant long seat, usually with a stuffed bottom.  Sofas are variously made.  In the United States, the frame of stuffed cloth, with a covering of silk, chintz. calico or hair-cloth.  The sofa of the orientals is a kind of alcove raised half a foot above the floor, where visitors of distinction are received.  It is also a seat by the side of the room covered with a carpet.


Topic: Soffit
Definition:
SOF'FIT, n.  
1.  In architecture, any timber ceiling formed of cross beams, the compartments of which are enriched with sculpture, painting or gilding.
2.  The under side of face of an architrave, enriched with compartment of roses.


Topic: Soft
Definition:
SOFT, a. 
1.  Easily yielding to pressure ; the contrary of hard; as a soft bed; a soft peach; soft earth.
2.  Not hard; easily separated by an edged instrument; as soft wood.  The chestnut is a soft wood, but more durable than hickory, with is a very hard wood.  So we say, a soft stone, when it breaks or is hewed with ease.
3.  Easily worked; malleable; as soft iron.
4.  Not rough, rugged or harsh; smooth to the touch; delicate; as soft silk; soft raiment a soft skin.
5.  Delicate; feminine; as the softer sex.
6.  Easily yielding to persuasion or motives flexible; susceptible of influence or passion.  In both these senses, soft is appiled to females, and sometimes males; as a divine of a soft and servile temper.  One king is too soft and easy.
7.  Tender; timorous.  However soft within themselves they are, to you they will be valiant be despair.
8.  Mild; gentle; kind; not severe or unfeeling; as a person of a soft nature.
9.  Civil; complaisant; courteous; as a person of soft manners.  He has a soft way of asking favors.
10.  Placid; still; easy.  On her soft axie while whe paces even, she bears thee soft with the smooth air along.
11.  Effeminate; viciouly nice.  An idle soft course of life is the source of crminal pleasures.
12.  Delicate; elegantly tender.  Her form more soft and feminine.
13.  Weak; impressible.  The deceive soon found this soft place of Adam's  [Not elegant.]
14.  Gentle; smooth or melodious to the ear. not loud, rough or harsh; as a soft voice or note; a soft sound; soft accents; soft whispers.
15.  Smooth; flowing; not rough or vehement.  The solemn nightingale tun'd her soft lays.  Soft were my numbers, who could take offense?
16.  Easy; quiet; undisturbed; as soft slumbers.
17.  Mild to the eye; not strong or glaring; as soft colors; the soft coloring of a picture.  The sun shining on the upper part of the clounds, made the softes light imaginable.
18.  Mild; warm; pleasant to the feelings; as soft air.
19.  Not tinged with an acid; not hard; not astringent; as, soft water is the best for washing.
20.  Mild; gentle; not rough, rude or irritating. A soft answer turneth away wrath. Prov. 15.
SOFT, adv.  Softly; gently; quietly.


Topic: Soften
Definition:
SOFTEN, v.t. sof'n.
1.  To make soft or more soft; to make less hard.  their arrow's point they soften in the flame.
2.  To mollify; to make less fierce or intractable; to make more susceptible of humane or fine feelings; as, to soften a hard heart; to soften savage natures.  The heart is softened by pity.  Diffidence concilliates the proud, and softens the severe.
3. To make less harsh or severe; as, to soften an expression.
4.  To palliate; to represent as less enormous; as, to soften a fault.
5.  To make easy; to compose; to mitigate; to alleviate.  Music can soften the pain to ease.
6.  To make calm and placid.  Bid her be all that cheers or softens life.
7.  To make less harsh, less rude, less offensive or violent.  But sweetly temper'd awe, and soften'd all be spoke.
8.  To make less glaring; as, to soften the coloring of a picture.
9.  To make tender; to make effeminate; to enervate; as troops softened by luxury.
10.  To make less harsh or grating; as, to soften the voice.
SOFTEN, v.i. sof'n. To become less hard; to become more pliable and yielding to pressure; as, irion or wax softens in heat; fruits soften as they ripen.
2.  To become less rude, harsh or cruel; as, savage natures soften by civilization.
3.  To become less obstinate or obdurate; to become more susceptible of humane feelings and tenderness; to relent.  The heart softens at the sight of woe.
4. To become more mild; as, the air softens.
5. To become less harsh, severe or rigorous.


Topic: Softening
Definition:
SOFT'ENING, ppr.  Making more soft; making less rough or cruel, &c. 
SOFT'ENING, n.  The act of making less hard, less cruel or obdurate, less violent, less glaring. &c.


Topic: Softhearted
Definition:
SOFT'HEARTED, a.  Having tenderness of heart; susceptible of pity or other kindly affection; gentle; meek.


Topic: Softly
Definition:
SOFT'LY, adv.
1.  Without hardness.
2.  Not with force or violence; gently; as, be softly pressed my hand.
3.  Not loudly; without noise; as, speak softly; walk softly. In this dark silence softly leave the town.
4.  Gently; placidly.  She softly lays him on a flowery bed.
5.  Mildly; tenderly.  The king must die; though pity softly pleads within my soul.


Topic: Softness
Definition:
SOFT'NESS, n.
1.  The quality of bodies which renders them capable of yielding to pressure, or of easily receiving impressions from other bodies; opposed to hardness.
2.  Susceptibility of feeling or passion; as the softness of the heart or of our natures.
3.  Mildness; kindness; as softness of words or expressions.
4.  Mildness; civility; gentleness; as softness of manners.
5.  Effeminacy; vicious delicacy.  He was not delighted with the softness of the court.]
6.  Timorousness; pusillanimity; excessive susceptibility of fear or alarm.  This virtue could not proceed out of fear or softness.
7.  Smoothness to the ear; as the softness of sounds, which is distinct from exility or fineness.
8.  Facility; gentleness; candor; easiness to be affected; as softness of spirit.
9.  Gentleness, as contrary to vehemence.  With strength and softness, energy and ease.
10. Mildness of temper; meekness.  For contemplation he and valor form'd for softness she, and sweet attractive grace.
11. Weakness; simplicity.
12. Mild temperature; as the softness of a climate.


Topic: Soggy
Definition:
SOG'GY, a. [allied probably to soak.]
1.  Wet; filled with water; soft with moisture; as soggy land.  Timber that has imbibed water is said to be soggy.
2. Steaming with damp.


Topic: Soil
Definition:
SOIL, v.t.
1.  To make dirty on the surface; to foul; to dirt; to stain; to defile; to tarnish; to sull; as, to soil a garment with dust.  Out wonted ornaments now soil'd and stain'd.
2.  To cover or tinge with any thing extraneous; as, to soil the earth with blood.
3.  To dung; to manure. 


Topic: Sojourn
Definition:
SOJOURN, v.i. so'jurn.  To dwell for a time; to dwell or live in a place as a temporary resident, or as a stranger, not considering the place as his permanent habitation. So Abram sojourned in Egypt.  Gen. 12.


Topic: Sojourner
Definition:
SO'JOURNER, n.  A temporary resident; a stranger or traveler who dwells in a place for a time.  We are strangers before thee and sojourners, as all out father were. I Chron. 29.


Topic: Sojourning
Definition:
SO'JOURNING, ppr.  Dwelling for a time.
SO'JOURNING, n.  The act of dwelling in a place for a time; also, the time of abode. Ex. 12.


Topic: Sol
Definition:
SOL, n. [from L. solidus.]
1. In France, a small copper coin; a penny; usually sou sor sous.
2. A copper coin and money of acount in Switzerland.
SOL, n.  The name of a not in music.


Topic: Sol-fa
Definition:
SOL-FA, v.i. To pronounce the notes of the gammut, ascending or descending, ut, re ,mi, sol, la, and e converso.


Topic: Solace
Definition:
SOL'ACE, v.t. [from L. soatium; solor, to comfort, assuage, relieve. See Console.]
1.  To cheer in grief or under calamity; to comfort; to relieve in afflication; to console; applied to persons; as, to solace one's self with the hop of future reward.
2.  To allay; to assuage; as, to solace grief.
SOL'ACE, v.i.  To take comfort; to be cheered or relieved in grief.


Topic: Solan-goose
Definition:
SOLAN-GOOSE, n.  The gannet, (Pelecanus bassanus,) as aquatic fowl found on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland.  It is nearly of the size of the domestic goose.


Topic: Solar
Definition:
SO'LAR, a. [L. solaris, for sol, the sun.]
1.  Pertaining to the sun, as the solar system;
2.  Belonging to the sun as solar herbs. [Not used.]
3.  In astrology, born under the predominant influence of the sun; as a solar people.
4.  Measured by the progress of the sun, or by its revolution; as the solar year.


Topic: Solder
Definition:
SOL'DER, v.t. [from L. solido, solidus.]  To unite by a metallic cement. [See Soder.]
SOL'DER, n.  A metallic cement. [See Soder.]


Topic: Soldier
Definition:
SOLDIER, n. soljur. [from L. solidus, a piece of money, the pay of a soldier.]
1.  A man engaged in military service; one whose occupation is military; a man enlisted for service in an army; a private, or noe in the ranks.  There ought to be some time for sober reflection between the life of a soldier and his death.
2.  A man enrolled for service, when on duty or embodied for military discipline; a private; as a militia soldier.
3.  Emphatically, a brave warrior; a man of military experience and skill, or a man of distinguished valor.  In this sense, an officer of any grade may be denominated a soldier.


Topic: Soldiership
Definition:
SOLDIERSHIP, n. Military qulities; military character or state; martial skill; behavior becoming a soldier.


Topic: Sole
Definition:
SOLE, n. [L. solea, solum; that which sets or is set or laid.  The radical sense coincides with that of sill.]
1.  The bottom of the foot; and by a figure, the foot itselft.
2.  The bottom of the shoe; or the piece of lether which constitutes the bottom.  The cliga was a military show with a very thick sole, tied above the instep.
3.  The part of any thing that forms the bottom, and on which it stands upon the ground.  Elms is proper for mills, soles for wheels, and pipes.
4.  A marine fish of the genus Pleurinectes, so called  probably because it keeps on or near the bottom of the sea.  These fish abound on the British coast, and hence the name of sole bank, to the southward of Ireland.  This fish sometimes grows to the weight of six or seven pounds.
5.  In ship-building, a sort of lining, used to prevent the wearing of any thing.
6.  A sort of horn under a horse's hoof.


Topic: Solecism
Definition:
SOL'ECISM, n. 
1.  Impropriety in language, or a gross deviation from the rules of syntax; incongruity of words; want of correspondence or consistency.  A barbarism may be in one word; a solecism must be of more.
2.  Any unfitness, absurdity or impropriety.  Cesar, by dismissing his guards and retaining his power, committed a dangerous solecism in politics.


Topic: Solely
Definition:
SO'LELY, adv.  Singly; alone; only; without another; as, to rest a cause solely on one argument; to rely solely on one's own strength.


Topic: Solemn
Definition:
SOLEMN, a.  sol'em.  [L. solennis, form soleo, to be accustomed, to use, that is, to hold on or continue, as we have wont.]
1.  Anniversary; observed once a year with religious ceremonies.  The worship of this image was advanced and a solemn supplication observed every year.  [I doubt the correctness of this definition of Johnson; or whether solemn, in out language, ever includes the sense of anniversary.  In the passage cited, the sense of anniversary is expressed by every year, and if it is included in solemn also the sentence is tautological.  I should say the, that solemn in this passage of Stillingfleet, has the sense given in the second definition below.]
2.  Religiously grave; marked with pomp and sanctity; attended with religious rites.  His holy rites and solemn feasts profan'd.
3.  Religiosly serious; piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God; as solemn prayer; the solemn duties of the sanctuary.
4.  Affectiong with seriousness; impressing or adapted to impress seriousness, gravity or reverence; sober; serious.  There reign'd a solemn silence over all.  To 'swage with solemn touches troubled thoughts.
5.  Grave; serious; or affectedly grave; as a solemn face.
6.  Sacred; enjoined by religion; or attended with a serious appeal to God; as a solemn oath.
7.  Marked with solemaities; as a solemn day.


Topic: Solemness
Definition:
SOL'EMNESS, n. 
1.  The state or quality of being solemn; reverential manner; gravity; as the solemness of public worship.
2.  Solemnity; gravity of manner.


Topic: Solemnity
Definition:
SOLEM'NITY, n.
1. A rite or ceremony annualy performed with religious reverence.  Great was the cause; our old solemnities from no blind zeal or fond tradition rise, but sav'd from death, our Arguves yearly pay these grateful honors to the god of day.
[Solemnities seems here to include the sense of anniversary.  See the fourth line.  But in modern usage, that sense is rarely or never attached to the word.]
2.  A religious ceremony; a ritual performance attended with religious reverence; as the solemnity of a funral or of a sacrament.
3.  A ceremony adapted to impress awe; as the solemnities of the last day.
4.  Manner of acting awfully serious.  With horrible solemnity he caused every thing to be prepared for his triumph of victory.
5.  Gravity; steady seriouness; as the solemnity of the Spanish language.
6.  Affected gravity.  Solemnity's a cover for a sot.


Topic: Solemnize
Definition:
SOL'EMNIZE, v.t.
1.  To dignify or honor by ceremonies; to celebrate; as, to solemnize the birth of Christ.  Their choice nobility and flow'r met from all parts to solemnize this feast.
2.  To perform with ritual ceremonies and respect, or according to legal forms; as, to solemnize a marriage.
3. To peform religiouly once a year.
4.  To make grave, serious and reverential; as, to solemnize the mind for the duties of the sanctuary. [This use of the word is well authorized in the United States.]


Topic: Solemnly
Definition:
SOL'EMNLY, adv.  With gravity and religious reverence.  Let us solemnly address the throne of grace.
2.  With official formalities and be due authority.  This question of law has been solemnly decided in the highest court.
3.  With formal state.
4.  With formal gravity and stateliness, or with affected gravity.  There in deaf murmurs solemnly are wise.
5.  With religious seriousness; as, I solemnly declare myselft innocent. I do solemnly assure the reader.


Topic: Solicit
Definition:
SOLIC'IT, v.t. [L. solicito. I know not whether this word is somple or compound; probably the latter.]
1.  To ask with some degree of earnestness; to make petition to; to apply to for obtaining something.  This word implies earnestness in seeking, but I think less earnestness in seeking, but I tinks less earnestness than beg, implore, entreat. and importune, and more than ask or request; as when we say, a man solicits the minister for an office; he solicits his father for a favor.  Did I solicit thee form darkness to promote me?
2.  TO ask for with some degree of earnestness; to seek by petition; as, to solicit an office; to solicit a favor.
3.  To awake or excite to action; to summon; to invite.  That fruit solicited her longing eye.  Sounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and force an entrance to the mind.
4.  To attempt; to try to obtain.  I view my crime, but kindle at the view, repeat old pleasures and solicit nes.
5.  TO disturb; to disquiet; a Latinism rarely used.  But anxious fears solicit my weak breast.


Topic: Solicitation
Definition:
SOLICITA'TION, n. 
1.  Earnest request; a seeking to obtain something from another with some degree of zeal and earnestness; sometimes perhaps, importunity.  He obtained a grant by repeated solicitations.
2.  Excitement; invitation; as the solicitation of the senses.


Topic: Solicitor
Definition:
SOLIC'ITOR,  n.
1.  One who asks with earnestness; one that asks for another.
2.  An attorney, advocate or counselor at law who is authorized to practice in the English court or chancery.  In America, an advocate or counselor at law, who, like the attorney general or state's attorney, prosecutes actions for the state.


Topic: Solicitous
Definition:
SOLIC'ITOUS, a. [L. solicitus.]
1.  Careful; anxious; ver desirous, as to obtain something.  Men are often more solicitous to obtain the favor of their king or of the people, than of their Maker.
2.  Careful; anxious concerned; as respecting an unknown but interesting event; followed usually by about or for.  We say, a man is solicitous about the fate ofhis petition, or about the result of the negotiation.  He is solicitous for the safety of his ship.
3.  Anxious; concerned; followed by for, as when something is to be obtained.  Be not solicitous for the future.


Topic: Solicitously
Definition:
SOLIC'ITOUSLY, adv.  Anxiously; with car and concern.  Errors in religion or in science are to be solicitously avoided.  A wise prince solicitously promotes the prosperity of his subjects.


Topic: Solicitude
Definition:
SOLIC'ITUDE, n. [L. solicitude.]  Carefulness; concern; anxiety; uneasiness of mind occasioned by the fear of evil or the desire of good.  A man feels soliciude when his friend is sick.  We feel solicitude for the success of an enterprise.  With what solicitude should men seek to secure future happiness.


Topic: Solid
Definition:
SOL'ID, a. [L, solidus; from the sense to setting or pressure, and hence allied to L. solum, Eng. sill.]
1.  Hard; firm; compact; having its constituent particles so close or dense as to resist the impression or penetration of other bodies.  Hence solid bodies are not penetrable, not are the parts moveable and easily displaced like those of fluids.  Solid is opposed to fluid and liquid.
2.  Not hollow; full of matter; as a solid globe or cone, as distinguished from a hollow one.
3.  Having all the gemetrical dimensions; cubic; as, a solid foot contains 1728 solid inhes.  [In this sense, cubic is not generally used.]
4.  Firm; compact; strong; as a solid pier; a solid pile; a solid wall.
5.  Sound; not weakly; as a solid constitution of body.  [Sound is more generally used.]
6.  Real; sound; valid; true; just; not empty or fallacious.  Wise men seek solid reasons for their opinions.
7.  Grave; profound; not light, trifling or superficial.  These wanting wit, affect gravity, and go by the name of solid men.
8.  In botany, of a fleshy, uniform, undivided substance, as a bulb or root; not spungy or hollow within, as a stem.


Topic: Solidity
Definition:
SOLID'ITY, n. [L. soliditas.]
1.  Firmness; hardness; density; compactness; that quality of bodies whcih resists impression and penetration; opposed to fluidity.  That which hinders the apporach of two bodies moving ine towards another, I call solidity.
2.  Fullness of matter; opposed to hollowness.
3.  Moral firmness; soundness; strength; validity; truth; certainty; as opposed to weakness or fallaciounes; as the soildity of arguments or reasonig; the solidity of principles, truths or opinious.
4.  In geometry, the solid contents of a body.


Topic: Solidly
Definition:
SOL'IDLY, adv,  
1.  Firmly; densely; compactly; as the parts of a pier solidly united.
2.  Firmly; truly; on firm grounds.  A complete brave man ought to know solidly the main end of his being in the world.


Topic: Solidness
Definition:
SOL'IDNESS, n.
1.  The quality of being firm, dense or compact; firmness; compactness; solidity; as of material bodies.
2.  Soundness; strength; truth; validity; as of arguments, reasons, principles, &c.


Topic: Solidungulous
Definition:
SOLIDUN'GULOUS, a. [L. solidus, solid, and ungula, hoof.]  Having hoofs that are whole or not cloven.  A horse is a solidungulous animal.


Topic: Solifidian
Definition:
SOLIFID'IAN, n. [L. solus, alone, and fides, faith.]  One who maintains that faith alone, without works, is necessary to justification.


Topic: Soliloquy
Definition:
SOLIL'OQUY, n. [L. solus, alone, and loquor, to speak.]
1.  A talking to one's self; a talking or discourse of a person alone, or not addressed to another person, even when others are persent.  Lovers are always allowed the comfort of soliloquy.
2.  A written composition, reciting what it is supposed a person speaks to himself.  The whole poem is a solioquy.


Topic: Soliped
Definition:
SOL'IPED, n. [L. solus, alone, or solidus, and pes, foot.  But the word is ill formed.]  AN animal whose foot is not cloven.  The solopeds constitute an order of quadrupeds with undivided hoofs, corresponding to the Linnean genus Equus.


Topic: Solitair
Definition:
SOLITA'IR, n. [L. solitarius.  See Solitary.]
1.  A person who lives in solitude; a recluse; a hermit.
2.  An ornament for the neck.


Topic: Solitarily
Definition:
SOL'ITARILY, adv. [from solitary.] In solitude; alone; without company.  Feed they people with thy rod, the flock of thy heritage, that dwell solitarily in the wood. Mic. 17.


Topic: Solitariness
Definition:
SOL'ITARINESS, n. The state of being alone; forbearance of company; retirement, or habitual retirement.  At home, in wholesome solitariness.
2.  Solitude;  loneliness; destitution of company or of animated beings; applied to place; as the solitariness of the country or of a wood.


Topic: Solitary
Definition:
SOL'ITARY, a. [L. solitarius, from solus, alone.]
1.  Living alone; not having company. Some of the more ferocious animals are solitary, seldom or never being found in flocks or herds.  Thus the lion is called a solitary animal.  Those rare and solitary, these in flocks.
2.  Retired; remote from society; not having company, or not much frequented; as a solitary residence or place.
3.  Lonely; destitute of company; as a solitary life.
4.  Gloomy; still; dismal.  Let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein. Job 3.
5.  Single; as a solitary instance of vengeance; a solitary example.
6.  In botany, separate; one only in a place; as a solitary stipule.  A solitary flower is when there is only one to each peduncle; a solitary seed, when there is only one in a pericarp.
SOL'ITARY, n.  One that lives alone of in solitude; a hermit; a recluse.


Topic: Solitude
Definition:
SOL'ITUDE, n. [L. solitudo; from solus, alone.]
1.  Loneliness; a state of being alone; a lonely life. Whoever is delighted with solitude, is either a wild beast or a god.
2.  Loneliness; remote ness from society; as the solitude of a wood or a valley; the solitude of the country.  The solitude of his little parish is become matter of great comfort to him.
3.  A lonely place; a desert.  In these deep solitudes and awful cells, where heavenly-pensive contemplation dwells.


Topic: Solmization
Definition:
SOLMIZA'TION, n. [from sol,mi, musical notes.]  A solfaing; a repetition or recital of the notes of the gammut.


Topic: Solo
Definition:
SO'LO, n. [L. solus, alone.]  A tune, air or strain to be played by a single instrument, or sung by a single voice.


Topic: Solstice
Definition:
SOL'STICE, n. [L. solstitium; sol, the sun, and sto, to stand.]  In astronomy, the point in the ecliptic at which the sun stops or ceases to recede from the equator, eith north in summer, or south in winter; a tropic or tropical point.  There are two solstices; the summer solsitce, the first degree of Cancer, which the sun enter on the 21st of June, and the winter solstice, the first degree of Capricorn, which the sun enters on the 21st of Decenber.


Topic: Solubility
Definition:
SOLUBIL'ITY,N. [from soluble.]  The quality of a body which renders it susceptible of solution; susceptibility of being dissolved in a fluid.  The solubility of resins is chiefly confined to spirits or alcohol.


Topic: Soluble
Definition:
SOL'UBLE, a. [L. solubilis, from solvo, to melt.]  Susceptible of being dissolved in a fluid; capable of solution.  Sugar is solube in water; salt is soluble only to a certain extent, that is, till water is saturated.


Topic: Solute
Definition:
SOLU'TE, a. [L. solutus, solvo.]
1. In a general sense, loose; free; as a solute interpretation. [Not in use.]
2.  In botany, loose; not adhering; opposed to adnate; as a solute stipule.
SOLU'TE, v.t.  To dissolve. [Not in use.]


Topic: Solution
Definition:
SOLU'TION, n. [L. solutio, from solvo, to loosen, melt, dissolve.  See Solve.]
1.  The act of separating the parts of any body; disruption; breach.
2.  The operation or process of dissolving or melting in a fluid; as the solution of sugar or salt.  [Note.  This word is not used in chimistry or mineralogy for the dissolution or melting of bodies by the heat of fire.]  The term solution is appiled to a very extensive class of phenomena.  When a solid disappears in a liquid, if the compound exhibits perfect transparency, we have an example of solution.  The word is applied both to the act of combination and to the result of the process.  Thus common salt disappears in water, that is its solution takes place, and the liquid obtain ed is called a solution of salt in water.  Solution is the result of attraction or affinity between. the fluid and the solid.  This affinity continues  to operate to a certain point, where it is overbalanced bly the cohesion of the solid;  it then ceases the fluid issaid to be saturated, the point where the operation ceases is called saturation, and the fluid is called a saturated solution.  Solution is a true chimical union.  Mixture is a mere mechanicall union of bodies.
3.  Resolution; explanation; the act of explaning or removing difficulty or doubt; as the solution of a doubt in casuistry.
4.  Release; deliverance; discharge.
5.  In algebra and geometry, the answering of a question, or the resolving of a problem proposed.


Topic: Solve
Definition:
SOLVE, v.t. solv. [L. solvo.]
1.  Properly, to loosen or separate the parts of any thing; hence, to explain; to resolve; to eclaircise; to unfold; to clear up; as what is obscure or difficult to be understood; as, to solve questions; to solve difficulties or a problem.  When God shall solve the dark decrees of fate.
2.  To remove; to dissipate; as, to solve doubts.


Topic: Solvency
Definition:
SOLV'ENCY, n. [L. solvens.]  Ability to pay all debts or just claims; as, the solvency of a merchant is undoubted.  The credit of a nation's notes depends on a favorable opinion of its solvency.


Topic: Solvent
Definition:
SOLV'ENT, a.
1.  Having the power of dissolving; as a solvent body.
2.  Able to pay all just debts.  The merchant is solvent.
3.  Sufficient to pay all just debts.  The estate is solvent.
SOLV'ENT, n.  A fluid that dissolves any substance, is called the solvent.


Topic: Somatist
Definition:
SO'MATIST, n. [supra.]  One who admits the existence or corporeal or material beings only; one who denies the existence of spiritual substances.


Topic: Some
Definition:
SOME, a. sum.
1.  Noting a certain quantity of a thing, but indeterminate; a portion greater or less. Give me some bread; drink some wine; bring some water.
2.  Noting a number of persons or things, greater or less, but indeterminate.  Some theoretical writes allege that there was a time when there was no such thing as society.
3.  Noting a person or thing, but not known, or not specific and definite.  Some person, I know not who, gave me the information.  Enter the city, and some man will direct you to the house.  Most gentlemen of property, as some period or other of their lives, are ambitious of representing their country in parliament.
4.  It sometimes precedes a word of number or quantity, with the sense of about or near, noting want of certainty as to the specific number of amount, but something near it; as a village or some eighty houses; some two or three persons; some seventy miles distant; an object at some good distance.
5.  Some is often opposed to others.  Some men believe one thing, and others another.
6. Some is often used without a noun, and then like other adjectives, is a substitute for a noun. We consumed some of our provisions, and the rest was given to the poor. Some to the shores do fly, some to the woods. Your edicts some reclaim for sins, but most your life and blest example wins.
7.  Some is used as a termination of certain adjectives, as in handsome, mettlesome, blithesome, fullsome, lonesome, gladsome, gamesome.  In these words, some has primarily the sense of little, or a certain degree; a little blithe or glad.  But in usage, it rather indicates a considerable degree of the thing or quantity; as mettlesome, full of mettle or spirit; gladsome, very glad or joyous.


Topic: Somebody
Definition:
SOMEBODY, n. [some and body.]
1.  A person unknown or uncertain; a person indeterminate. Jesus said, somebody hath touched me Luke 8.  We must draw in somebody that may stand 'Twixt us and danger.
2.  A person of consideration.  Before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody.  Acts 5.


Topic: Somehow
Definition:
SOMEHOW, adv. [some and how.]   One way or other; on some way not yet known. The thing must have happened somehow or other.


Topic: Somersault
Definition:
SOM'ERSAULT, SOM'ERSET, n. [L super and salio, to leap.]  A leap by which a person jumps from a highth, turns over his head and falls upon his feet.


Topic: Something
Definition:
SOMETHING, n. [some and thing.]
1.  An indeterminate or unknown event.  Something must have happened to prevent the arrival of our friends at the time fixed.  I shall call at two o'clock, unless something should prevent. [See Thing.]
2.  A substance or material thing, unknown indeterminate or not specified.  A machine stops because something obstructs its motion. There must be something to support a wall or an arch.
3.  A part; a portion more or less.  Something yet of doubt remains.  Still from his little he could something spare, to feed the hungry and to clothe the bare.  Something of it arises from our infant state.
4.  A little; an indefinite quantity or degree.  The man asked me a dollar, but I gave him something more.
5.  Distance not great.  It must be done tonight, and something from the palace.
6.  Something is used adverbially for in some degree; as, he was something discouraged; but the use in not elegant.


Topic: Sometime
Definition:
SOMETIME, adv. [some and time.]  
1.  Once; formerly.  That fair and warlike form, in which the majesty of buried Denmark did sometime march.
2.  At one time or other hereafter.  [Sometime is really a compound noun, and at is understood before it; at some time.]


Topic: Sometimes
Definition:
SOMETIMES, adv. [some and times.]
1.  At times; at intervals; not always; not and then.  We are sometimes indisposed, sometimes occupied, sometimes at leisure; that is, at some times.  It is good that we be sometimes contradicted.
2.  At one time; opposed to another time.


Topic: Somewhat
Definition:
SOMEWHAT, n. [some and what.]
1.  Something, though uncertain what.
2.  More or less; a certain quantity or degree, indeterminate.  These salts have somewhat of a nitrous taste.
3.  A part, greater or less.  Somewhat of his good sense will suffer in this transfusion, and much of the beauty of his thoughts will be lost.
SOMEWHAT, adv. In some degree or quantity. This is somewhat more or less than was expected; he is somewhat aged; he is somewhat disappointed; somewhat disturbed.


Topic: Somewhere
Definition:
SOMEWHERE, adv. [some and where.]  In some place, unknown or not specified; in one place or another.  He lives somewhere in obscurity.  Dryden somewhere says peace to the manes of the dead.


Topic: Sommite
Definition:
SOM'MITE, n. Nepheline; a mineral which occurs in small crystals and crystaline grains in the lava of mount Somma on Vesuvius.


Topic: Somniferous
Definition:
SOMNIF'EROUS, a. [L. somnifer; somnus, sleep, and fero, to bring.]  Causing or inducing sleep; soporiferous; narcotic; as a somniferous potion.


Topic: Somnolence
Definition:
SOM'NOLENCE, SOM'NOLENCY, n. [Low L. somnolentia; for somnus, sleep.]  Sleepiness; drowsiness; inclination to sleep.


Topic: Son
Definition:
SON, n.
1.  A male child; the male issue of a parent, father or mother.  Jacob had twelve sons.  Ishmael was the son of Hagar by Abraham.
2.  A male descendant, however distant; hence in the plural, sons signifies descendants in general, a sense much used in the Scriptures.  The whole human race are styled sons of Adam.
3.  The compellation of an old man to a young one, or of a confessor to his penitent; a term of affection.  Eli called Samuel his son.  Be plain, good son, and home;y in thy drift.
4.  A native or inhabitant of a country; as the sons of Britain.  Let our country never be ashamed of her sons.
5.  The produce of any thing.  Earth's tall sons, the cedar, oak and pine.  [Note. The primary sense of child is produce, issue; a shoot.]
6.  One adopted into a family.  Moses was the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Ex. 2.
7.  One who is converted by another's instrumentality, is called his son; also, one educated by another; as the sons of the prophets.
8.  Christ is called the Son of God, as being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, or in consequence of his relation to the Father.
9.  Son of pride, sons of light, son of Belial.  These are Hebraisms, which denote that persons possess the qualities of pride, of light, or of Belial, as children inherit the qualities of their ancestors.


Topic: Song
Definition:
SONG, n.
1.  In general, that which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of the human voice or that of a bird.
2.  A little poem to be sung, or uttered with musical modulations; a ballad.  The songs of a country are characteristic of its manners.  Every country has its love songs, its war songs, and its patriotic songs.
3.  A hymn; a sacred poem or hymn to be sung either in joy or thanksgiving, as that sung by Moses and the Israelites after escaping the dangers of the Arabian gulf and of Pharaoh; or of lamentation, as that of David over the death of Saul and Jonathan.  Songs of joy are represented as constituting a part of heavenly felicity.
4.  A lay; a strain; a poem.  The bard that first adorn'd our native tongue, tun'd to his British lyre this ancient song.
5.  Poetry; poesy; verse.  This subject for heroic song pleas'd me.
6.  Notes of birds.  [See Def. 1.]
7.  A mere trifle.  The soldier's pay is a song. Old song, a trifle.  I do not intend to be thus put off with an old song.


Topic: Songster
Definition:
SONG'STER, n.
1.  One that sings; one skilled in singing; not often applied to human beings, or only in slight contempt.
2.  A bird that sings; as the little songster in his cage.  [In this use, the word is elegant.]


Topic: Sonnet
Definition:
SON'NET, n.
1.  A short poem of fourteen lines, two stanzas of four verses each and two of three each, the chymes being adjusted by a particular rule.
2.  A short poem.  I have a sonnet that will serve the turn.
SON'NET, v.i.  To compose sonnets.


Topic: Sonometer
Definition:
SONOM'ETER, n. [L. sonus, sound, and fero, to measure.]  An instrument for measuring sounds or the intervals of sounds.


Topic: Sonoriferous
Definition:
SONORIF'EROUS, a. [L. sonus, sound and fero, to bring.]  That gives sound; sounding; as the sonoriferous particles of bodies.


Topic: Sonorific
Definition:
SONORIF'IC, a. [L. sonus, sound and fecio, to make.]  Producing sound; as the sonorific quality of a body.


Topic: Sonorous
Definition:
SONO'ROUS, a. [L. sonorus, from sonus, sound.]
1.  Giving sound when struck.  Metals are sonorous bodies.
2.  Loud sounding; giving a clear or loud sound; as a sonorous voice.
3.  Yielding sound; as, the vowels are sonorous.
4.  High sounding; magnificent of sound.  The Italian opera, amidst all the meanness and familiarity of the thoughts, has something beautiful and sonorous in the expression.


Topic: Sonorousness
Definition:
SONO'ROUSNESS,  n. 
1.  The quality of yielding sound when struck or coming in collision with another body; as the sonorousness of metals.
2.  Having or giving a loud or clear sound; as the sonorousness of a voice or an instrument.
3.  Magnificence of sound.


Topic: Sonship
Definition:
SONSHIP, n. [from son.]
1.  The state of being a son, or of having the relation of a son.
2.  Filiation; the character of a son.


Topic: Soon
Definition:
SOON, adv. 
1.  In a short time; shortly after any time specified or supposed; as soon after sunrise; soon after dinner; I shall soon return; we shall soon have clear weather.
2.  Early; without the usual delay; before any time supposed.  How is it that ye have come so soon to-day? Ex. 2.
3.  Readily; willingly.  But in this sense it accompanies would, or some other word expressing will.  I would as soon see a river winding among woods or in meadows, as when it is tossed up in so many whimsical figures at Versailles.


Topic: Soot
Definition:
SOOT, n.  A black substance formed by combustion, or disengaged from fuel in the process of combustion, rising in fine particles and adhering to the sides of the chimney or pipe conveying the smoke.  Soot consists of oil, carbon and other substances.  The soot of burnt pine forms lampblack.
SOOT, v.t.  To cover or foul with soot.


Topic: Sooterkin
Definition:
SOOT'ERKIN, n.  A kind of false birth fabled to be produced by the Dutch women from sitting over their stoves.


Topic: Sooth
Definition:
SOOTH, n.
1.  Truth; reality.
2.  Prognostication.
3.  Sweetness; kindness.
SOOTH, a.
1.  Pleasing; delightful.
2.  True; faithful.


Topic: Soothe
Definition:
SOOTHE, v.t.  [The sense of setting, allaying of softening, would give that of truth, and of sweet, that is, smooth.]
1.  To flatter; to please with blandishments or soft words.  Can I soothe tyranny?  I've tried the force of every reason on him. Sooth'd and caress'd, been angry, sooth'd again
2.  To soften; to assuage; to mollify; to calm; as, to soothe one in pain or passion; or to soothe pain.  It is applied both to persons and things.
3.  To gratify; to please.  Sooth'd with his future fame.


Topic: Soothsayer
Definition:
SOOTH'SAYER, n.  A foreteller; a prognosticator; one who undertakes to foretell future events without inspiration.


Topic: Soothsaying
Definition:
SOOTH'SAYING, n.  The foretelling of future events by persons without divine aid or authority, and thus distinguished form prophecy.


Topic: Sooty
Definition:
SOOT'Y, a.
1.  Producing soot; as sooty coal.
2.  Consisting of soot; fuliginons; as sooty matter.
3.  Foul with soot.
4.  Black like soot; dusky; dark; as the sooty flag of Acheron.
SOOT'Y, v.t.  To black or foul with soot.  [Not authorized.]


Topic: Sop
Definition:
SOP, n.
1.  Anything steeped or dipped and softened in liquor, but chiefly something thus dipped in broth or liquid food, and intended to be eaten.  Sops in win, quantity for quantity, inebriate more than win itself.
2.  Any thing given to pacify; so called from the sop given to Cerberus, in mythology.  Hence the phrase, to give a sop to Cerberus.


Topic: Sophism
Definition:
SOPH'ISM, n. [L. sophisma.]  A specious but fallacious argument; asubtilty in reasoning; an argument that is not supported by sound reasoning , or in which the inference is not justly deduced from the premises.  When a false argument puts on the appearance of a true one, then it is properly called a sophism or fallacy.


Topic: Sophist
Definition:
SOPH'IST, n. [L. sophista.]
1.  A professor of philosophy; as the sophists of Greece.
2.  A captious or fallacious reasoner.


Topic: Sophister
Definition:
SOPH'ISTER, n. [supra.]
1.  A disputant fallaciously subtil; an artful but insidious logician; as an atheistical sophister.  Not all the subtil objection of sophisters and rabbies against the gospel, so much prejudiced the reception of it, as the reproach of those crimes with which they aspersed the assemblies of Christians.
2.  A professor of philosophy; a sophist.
SOPH'ISTER, v.t.  To maintain by a fallacious argument. [Not in use.]


Topic: Sophisticate
Definition:
SOPHIST'ICATE, v.t.
1.  To adulterate; to corrupt by something spurious or foreign; to pervert; as, to sophisticate nature, philosophy or the understanding.
2.  To adulterate; to render spurious; as merchandise; as, to sophisticate wares or liquors.  They purchase but sophisticated ware.
SOPHIST'ICATE, a.  Adulterated; not pure; not genuine.  So truth, when only one supplied the state, grew scarce and dear, and hey sophisticate.


Topic: Sophistication
Definition:
SOPHISTICA'TION, n.  The act of adulterating; a counterfeiting or debasing the purity of some thing be a foreign admixture; adulteration.


Topic: Sophisticator
Definition:
SOPHIST'ICATOR, n.  One that adulterates; one who injures the purity and genuineness of any thing by foreign admixture.


Topic: Sophistry
Definition:
SOPH'ISTRY, n.
1.  Fallacious reasoning; reasoning sound in appearance only.  These men have obscured and confounded the nature of things by their false principles and wretched sophistry.
2.  Exercise in logic.


Topic: Soporiferous
Definition:
SOPORIF'EROUS, a. [L. soporifer; sopor, asleep, and fero, to bring; from sopio, to lull to sleep.]  Causing sleep, or tending to produce it; narcotic; opiate; anodyne; somniferous.  The poppy pssesses soporiferous qualities.


Topic: Soporific
Definition:
SOPORIF'IC, a. [L. sopor, sleep, and facio, to make.]  Causing sleep; tending to cause sleep; narcotic; as the soporific virtues of opium.
SOPORIF'IC, n.  A medicine, drug, plant or other thing that has the quality of inducing sleep.


Topic: Sorbonist
Definition:
SOR'BONIST, n.  A doctor of the Sorbonne in the university of Paris.  Sorbonne is the place of meeting, and hence is used for the whole faculty of theology.


Topic: Sorcerer
Definition:
SOR'CERER, [L. sors, lot.]  A conjurer; an enchanter; a magician.  The Egyptian sorcerers contended with Moses.


Topic: Sorcery
Definition:
SOR'CERY, n.  Magic; enchantment; witchcraft; divination be the assistance of evil spirits, or the power of commanding evil spirits. Adder's wisdom I have learn'd to fence my ears against the sorceries.


Topic: Sordawalite
Definition:
SORD'AWALITE, n. A mineral so named from Sordawald, in Wibourg.  It is nearly black, rarely gray or green.


Topic: Sordet
Definition:
SOR'DET, SOR'DINE, n. [L. surdus, deaf.]  A little pipe in the mouth of a trumpet to make it sound lower or shriller.


Topic: Sordid
Definition:
SOR'DID, a. [L. sordidus, form sordes, filth.]
1.  Filthy; foul; dirty; gross.  There Charon stands a sordid god. [This literal sense is nearly obsolete.]
2. Vile; base; mean; as vulgar, sordid mortals.
3. Meanly avaricious; covetous; niggardly.  He may be old and yet not sordid, who refuses gold.


Topic: Sordidness
Definition:
SOR'DIDNESS, n.
1.  Filthiness; dirtiness.
2.  Meanness; baseness; as the execrable sordidness of the delights of Tiberius.
3.  Niggardliness.


Topic: Sore
Definition:
SORE, n. 
1.  A place in an animal body where the skin and flesh are ruptured or bruised, so as to be pained with the slightest pressure.
2.  An ulcer; a boil.
3.  In Scriptures, grief; affliction.  2 Chron. 6.
SORE, a.
1.  Tender and susceptible of pain from pressure; as, a boil, ulcer or abscess is very sore; a wounded place is sore; inflammation renders a part sore.
2.  Tender, as the mind; easily pained, grieved or vexed; very susceptible of irritation from any thing that crosses the inclination.  Malice and hatred are very fretting, and apt to make our minds sore and uneasy.
3.  Affected with inflammation; as sore eyes.
4.  Violent with pain; severe; afflictive; distressing; as a sore disease; sore evil or calamity; a sore night.
5.  Severe; violent; as a sore conflict.
6.  Criminal; evil.
SORE, adv. 
1.  With painful violence; intensely; severely; grievously.  They hand presseth me sore.
2.  Greatly; violently; deeply.  He was sorely afflicted at the loss of his son.  Sore sigh'd the knight, who this long sermon heard.
SORE, v.t. To wound; to make sore.
SORE, n. A hawk of the first year.


Topic: Sorehon
Definition:
SOREHON, SORN, n.  A kind of servile tenure which subjected the tenant to maintain his chieftain gratuitously, whenever he wished to indulge himself in a debauch.  So that when a person obtrudes himself on another for bed and board, he is said to sorn, or be a sorner.


Topic: Sorely
Definition:
SO'RELY, adv. [from sore.]
1.  With violent pain and distress; grievously; greatly; as, to be sorely pained or afflicted.
2.  Greatly; violently; severely; as, to be sorely pressed with want; to be sorely wounded.


Topic: Soreness
Definition:
SO'RENESS, n. [from sore.]
1.  The tenderness of any part of an animal body, which renders it extremely susceptible of pain from pressure; as the soreness of a boil, an abscess or wound.
2.  Figuratively, tenderness of mind, or susceptibility of mental pain.


Topic: Sorites
Definition:
SORI'TES, n.  In logic, an argument where one proposition is accumulated on another.  Thus, all men of revenge have their souls often uneasy.  Uneasy souls are a plague to themselves.  Now to be one's own plague is folly in the extreme.


Topic: Sororicide
Definition:
SOROR'ICIDE, n. [L. soror, sister, and cado, to strike, to kill.]  The murder or murderer of a sister. [Little used, and obviously because the crime is very infrequent.


Topic: Sorrily
Definition:
SOR'RILY, adv. [from sorry.]  Meanly; despicably; pitiably; in a wretched manner.  Thy pipe, O Pan, shall help though I sing sorrily.


Topic: Sorrow
Definition:
SOR'ROW, n. The uneasiness or pain of mind which is produced by the loss of any good. or of frustrated hopes of good, or expected loss of happiness; to grieve; to be sad. I rejoice not that ye were made sorry, but the ye sorrowed to repentance. I Cor. 7. Sorrowing most of all for the words which be spoke, that they should see his face no more. Acts 20.


Topic: Sorrowful
Definition:
SOR'ROWFUL, A.
1.  Sad; grieving for the loss of some good, or on account of some expected evil.
2.  Deeply serious; depressed; dejected. I Sam. 1.
3.  Producing sorrow; exciting grief; mournful; as a sorrowful accident.
4.  Expressing grief; accompanied with grief; as sorrowful meat. Job 6.


Topic: Sorry
Definition:
SOR'RY, a.
1.  Grieved for the loss of some good; pained for some evil that has happened to one's self or friends or country.  It does not ordinarily imply severe grief, but rather slight or transient regret.  It may be however, and often is used to express deep grief.  We are sorry to lose the company of those we love; we are sorry to lose friends or property; we are sorry for the misfortunes of our friends or of out country.  And the king was sorry. Matt 14.
2.  Melancholy; dismal.
3.  Poor; mean; vile; worthless; as a sorry slave; a sorry excuse.  Coarse complexions, and cheeks of sorry grain-


Topic: Sort
Definition:
SORT,  n. [L. sors, lot, chance, state, way, sort.  This word is form the root of L. sortior; the radical sense of which is to start or shoot, to throw or to fall, to come suddenly.  Hence sore is lot, chance, that which comes or falls.  This sense of sort is probably derivative, signifying that which is thrown out, separated or selected.]
1.  A kind or species; any number or collection of individual persons or thing characterized by the same or like qualities; as a sort of men; a sort of horses; a sort of trees; a sort of poems or writings.  Sort is not a technical word, and therefore is used with less precision or more latitude than genus or species in the sciences.
2.  Manner; form of being or acting.  Flowers, in such sort worn, can neither be smelt not seen well by those that wear them.  To Adam in what sort shall I appear?
3.  Class or order; as men of the wiser sort, or the better sort; all sorts of people.  [See Def. 1.]
4.  Rank; condition above the vulgar. [Not in use.]
5.  A company or knot of people. [Not in use.]
6.  Degree of any quality.  I shall not be wholly without praise, if in some sort I have copied his style.
7.  Lot.
8.  A pair; a set; a suit.


Topic: Sortilege
Definition:
SORT'ILEGE, n. [L. sortilegium; sors, lot, and lego, to select.]  The act or practice of drawing lots. [Sortilegy is not used.]


Topic: Sortment
Definition:
SORT'MENT, n.
1.  The act of sorting; distribution into classes of kinds.
2.  A parcel sorted.  [This word is superseded by assortment, which see.]


Topic: Sory
Definition:
SORY, n.  A fossil substance, firm, but of a spungy, cavernous structure, rugged on the surface, and containing blue vitriol; a sulphate of iron.


Topic: Soss
Definition:
SOSS, v.i. [This word is probably connected with the Armoric souez, surprise, the primary sense of which is to fall. See Souse.]  To fall at once into a chair or seat; to sit lazily. [Not in use.]


Topic: Sot
Definition:
SOT, n.
1.  A stupid person; a blockhead; a dull fellow; a dolt.
2.  A person stupefied by excessive drinking; an habitual drunkard.  What can ennoble sots?
SOT, v.t.  To stupefy; to infatuate; to besot.  I hat to see a brave bold bellow sotted. [Not much used.] [See Besot.]
SOT, v.i.  To tipple to stupidity. [Little used.]


Topic: Sothernwood
Definition:
SOTHERNWOOD, n.  suth'ernwood,  A plant agreeing in most parts with the wormwood.  The southernwood is the Artemisia abrotanum, a different species form the wormwood.


Topic: Sottish
Definition:
SOT'TISH, a.
1.  Dull; stupid; senseless; doltish; very foolish.  How ignorant are sottish pretenders to astrology!
2.  Dull with intemperance.


Topic: Sottishness
Definition:
SOT'TISHNESS, n.
1.  Dullness in the exercise reason; stupidity.  Few consider into what a degree of sottishness and confirmed ignorance men may sin themselves.
2.  Stupidity from intoxication.


Topic: Sou
Definition:
SOU, n. plu. sous.  A French money of account, and a copper coin, in value the 20th part of a livre or of a franc.


Topic: Soul
Definition:
SOUL, n.
1.  The spiritual, rational and immortal substance in man, which distinguishes him from brutes; that part of man which enables him to think and reason, and which renders him a subject of moral government.  The immortality of the soul is a fundamental article of the christian system.  Such is the nature of the human soul that it must have a God, an object of supreme affection.
2.  The understanding; the intellectual principle.  The eyes of our soul then only begin to see, when our bodily eye are closing.
3.  Vital principle.  Thou son, of this great world both eye and soul.
4.  Spirit; essence; chief part; as charity, the soul of all the virtues.  Emotion is the soul of eloquence.
5.  Life; animation principle or part; as, an able commander is the soul of an army.
6.  Internal power.  There is some soul of goodness in things evil.
7.  A human being; a person.  There was no a soul present.  In Paris there are more than seven hundred thousand souls.  London, Westminster, Southwark and the suburbs, are said to contain twelve hundred thousand souls.
8.  Animal life.  To deliver their soil from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Ps. 33. 7.
9.  Active power. And heaven would fly before the driving soul.
10.  Spirit; courage; fire; grandeur of mind.  That he wants caution he must needs confess, but not a soul to give our arms success.
11.  Generosity;  nobleness of mind; a colloquial use.
12.  An intelligent being.  Every soul in heav'n shall bend the knee.
13.  Heart; affection.  The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.  I Sam. 18.
14.  In Scripture, appetite; as the full soul; the hungry soul. Prov. 27. Job 33.
15.  A familiar compellation of a person, but often expressing some qualities of the mind; as alas, poor soul; he was a good soul.


Topic: Soul-destroying
Definition:
SOUL-DESTROY'ING, a.  Pernicious to the soul.  Procrastination of repentance and faith is a soul-destroying evil.


Topic: Soul-scot
Definition:
SOUL-SCOT, SOUL-SHOT, n. [soul and scot.]  A funeral duty, or money paid by the Romanists in former times for a requiem for the soul.


Topic: Soul-selling
Definition:
SOUL-SELLING, a. [soul and sell.]  Selling persons; dealing in the purchase and sale of human beings.


Topic: Soulless
Definition:
SOUL'LESS, a.  Without a soul, or without greatness or nobleness of mind; mean; spiritless. Slave, soulless villain.


Topic: Sound
Definition:
SOUND, a. [L. sanus.]
1.  Entire; unbroken; not shaky, split or defective; as sound timber.
2.  Undecayed; whole; perfect, or not defective; as sound fruit; a sound apple or melon.
3.  Unbroken; not bruised or defective; not lacerated or decayed; as a sound limb.
4.  Not carious; not decaying; as a sound tooth.
5.  Not broken or decayed; not defective; as a sound ship.
6.  Whole; entire; unhurt; unmutilated; as a sound body.
7.  Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; having all the organs complete and in perfect action; as a sound body; sound health; a sound constitution; a sound man; a sound horse.
8.  Founded in truth; firm; strong; valid; solid; that cannot be overthrown or refuted; as sound reasoning; a sound argument; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles.
9.  Right; correct; well founded; free form error; orthodox.  II Tim 1.  Let my heart be sound in thy statutes. Ps. 119.
10.  Heavy; laid on with force; as sound strokes; a sound beating.
11.  Founded in right and law; legal; valid; not defective; that cannot be overthrown; as a sound title to land; sound justice.
12.  Fast; profound; undisturbed; as sound sleep.
13.  Perfect, as intellect; not broken or defective; not enfeebled by age or accident; not wild or wandering; not deranged; as a sound mind; a sound understanding or reason.
SOUND, adv.  Soundly; heartily.  So sound he slept that nought might him awake.
SOUND, n.  The air bladder of a fish.


Topic: Sound-board
Definition:
SOUND'-BOARD, SOUNG'ING BOARD, n.  A board which propagates the sound in an organ.  To many a row of pipes the sound-board breathes.


Topic: Sounding
Definition:
SOUND'ING,  ppr.
1.  Causing to sound; uttering audibly.
2.  Trying the depth of water by the plummet; examining the intention or will.
3. a.  Sonorous; making a noise.
4.  Having a magnificent sound; as words more sounding or significant.
SOUND'ING, n. 
1.  The act of uttering noise;  the act or endeavoring to discover the opinion or desires; the act of throwing the lead.
2.  In surgery, the operation of introducing the sound into the bladder; called searching for the stone.


Topic: Sounding-board
Definition:
SOUND'ING-BOARD, n.  A board or structure with a flat surface, suspended over a pulpit to prevent the sound of the preacher's voice from ascending, and thus propagating it further in a horizontal direction. [Used in American churches.]


Topic: Sounding-rod
Definition:
SOUND'ING-ROD, n.  A rod or piece of iron used to ascertain the depth of water in a ship's hold.  It is let down in a groove by a pump.


Topic: Soundings
Definition:
SOUND'INGS,  n.  Any place or part of the ocean, where a deep sounding line will reach the bottom; also, the kind of ground or bottom where the lead reaches.


Topic: Soundly
Definition:
SOUND'LY, adv. [from sound, entire.]
1.  Healthily; heartily.
2.  Severely; lustily; with heavy blows; smartly; as, to beat one soundly.
3.  Truly; without fallacy or error; as, to judge or reason soundly.
4.  Firmly; as a doctrine soundly settled.
5.  Fast; closely; so as not to be easily awakened; as, to sleep soundly.


Topic: Soundness
Definition:
SOUND'NESS, n.
1.  Wholeness; entireness; an unbroken, unimpaired or undecayed state; as the soundness of timber, of fruit, of the teeth, of a limb, &c.
2.  An unimpaired state of an animal or vegetable body; a state in which the organs are entire and regularly perform their functions.  We say, the soundness of the body, the soundness of the constitution, the soundness of health.
3.  Firmness; strength; solidity; truth; as soundness of reasoning or argument, of doctrine or principles.
4. Truth; rectitude; firmness; freedom from error or fallacy; orthodoxy; as soundness of faith.


Topic: Soup
Definition:
SOUP, n. [See Sup and Sop.]  Broth; a decoction of flesh for food.
SOUP, v.t.  To sup; to breathe out. [Not in use.]
SOUP, v.t.  To sweep. [Not in use.] [See Sweep and swoop.]


Topic: Sour
Definition:
SOUR, a. 
1.  Acid; having a pungent taste; sharp to the taste; tart; as, vinegar is sour; sour cider; sour beer.
2.  Acid and austere or astringent; as, sunripe fruits are often sour.
3.  Harsh of temper; crabbed; peevish; austere; morose; as a man of a sour temper.
4.  Afflictive; as sour adversities. [Not in use.]
5.  Expressing discontent or peevishness.  He never uttered a sour word.  The lord treasurer often looked on me with a sour countenance.
6.  Harsh to the feelings; cold and damp; as sour weather.
7.  Rancid; musty.
8.  Turned, as milk; coagulated.
SOUR, n.  An acid substance.
SOUR, v.t.
1.  To make acid; to cause to have a sharp taste.  So the sun's heat, with different pow'rs, ripens the grape, the liquor sours.
2.  To make harsh, cold or unkindly.  Tufts of grass sour land.
3.  To make harsh in temper; to make cross, crabbed, peevish or discontented.  Misfortunes often sour'd, nor wrath debas'd my heart.
4.  To make uneasy or less agreeable.  Hail, great king! To sour your happiness I must report the queen is dead.
5.  In rural economy, to macerate, as lime, and render fir for plaster or mortar.
SOUR, v.i.
1.  To become acid; to acquire the quality of tartness or pungency to the taste.  Cider sours rapidly in the rays of the sun.  When food sours in the stomach, it is evidence of imperfect digestion.
2.  TO become peevish or crabbed.  They hinder the hatred of vice from souring into severity.


Topic: Source
Definition:
SOURCE, n. [L. surgo.]
1.  Properly, the spring or fountain from which a stream of water proceeds, or any collection of water within the earth or upon its surface, in which a stream originates.  This is called also the head of the stream.  We call the water of a spring, where it issues from the earth, the source of the stream or rivulet proceeding form it.  We say also that springs have their sources in subterranean ponds, lakes or collections of water.  We say also that a large river has is source in a lake.  For example, the St. Lawrence has its source in the great lakes of America.
2.  First cause; original; that which gives rise to any thing.  Thus ambition, the love of power and of fame, have been the sources of half the calamities of nations.  Intemperance is the source of innumerable evils to individuals.
3.  The first producer; he or that which originates; as Greece the source of arts.


Topic: Sourly
Definition:
SOUR'LY, adv.
1.  With acidity.
2.  With peevishness; with acrimony.  The stern Athenian prince the sourly smil'd.
3.  Discontentedly.


Topic: Sourness
Definition:
SOUR'NESS, n.
1.  Acidity; sharpness to the taste; tartness; as the sourness of vinegar or of fruit.  Sourness being one of those simple ideas which one cannot describe.
2.  Asperity; harshness of temper.  Take care that no sourness and moroseness mingle with our seriousness of mind.


Topic: Souse
Definition:
SOUSE, n.
1.  Pickle made with salt.
2.  Something kept or steeped on pickle.
3.  The ears, feet, &c. of swine. [America.]
SOUSE, v.t. 
1.  To steep in pickle.  But souse the cabbage with a bounteous heart.
2.  To plunge into water.  They soused me into the Thames, with as little remorse as they drown blind puppies.
SOUSE, v.i.  [See Soss.  This word is probably the same as the preceding, to plunge, to dip; I believe from the Armoric.]  To fall suddenly on; to rush with speed; as a hawk on its prey.  Jove's bird will souse upon the tim'rous hare.
SOUSE, v.t.  To strike with sudden violence.
SOUSE, adv.  With sudden violence.  [This word is low and vulgar.]


Topic: South
Definition:
SOUTH, n.
1.  The north and south are opposite points in the horizon; each ninety degrees or the quarter of a great circle distant from the east and west.  A man standing with his face towards the east or rising sun, has the south on his right hand. The meridian of every place is a great circle passing through the north and south points.  Strictly, south is the horizontal point in the meridian of a place, on the right hand of a person standing with his face towards the east.  But the word is applied to any point in the meridian, between the horizon and the zenith.
2.  In a less exact sense, any point or place on the earth or in the heavens, which is near the meridian towards the right hand as one faces the east.
3.  A southern region, country or place; as the queen of the south, in Scriptures.  So in Europe, the people of Spain and Italy are spoken of as living in the south.  In the United States, we speak of the states of the south, and of the north.
4.  The wind that blows from the north. [Not used.]
SOUTH, a. 
1.  In any place north of the tropic of Cancer, pertaining to or lying in the meridian towards the sun; as a south wind.
2.  Being in a southern direction; as the south sea.
SOUTH, adv.  Towards the south.  A ship sails south; the wind blows south.


Topic: Southeast
Definition:
SOUTHE'AST, n.  The point of the compass equally distant from the south and east.
SOUTHE'AST, a. In the direction of southeast, or coming from the southeast; s a southeast wind.


Topic: Southerly
Definition:
SOUTHERLY, a. suth'erly.
1.  Lying at the south, or in a direction nearly south; as a southerly point.
2.  Coming from the south or a point nearly south; as a southerly wind.


Topic: Southern
Definition:
SOUTHERN, a.  suth'ern.
1.  Belonging to the south; meridional; as the southern hemisphere.
2.  Lying towards the south; as a southern country or climate.
3.  Coming form the south; as a southern breeze.


Topic: Southing
Definition:
SOUTH'ING, a.  Going towards the south; as the southing sun.
SOUTH'ING, n.
1.  Tendency or motion to the south.
2.  The southing of the moon, the time at which the moon passes the meridian.
3.  Course or distance south; as a ship's southing.


Topic: Southward
Definition:
SOUTHWARD, adv. suth'ard.  Towards the south; as, to go southward.
SOUTHWARD, n. suth'ard.  The southern regions or countries.


Topic: Southwest
Definition:
SOUTHWEST, n. [south and west.]  The point of the compass equally distant from the south and west.
SOUTHWEST, a.
1.  Lying in the direction of the southwest; as a southwest country.
2.  Coming from the southwest; as a southwest wind.


Topic: Southwesterly
Definition:
SOUTHWEST'ERLY, a.
1.  In the direction of southwest, or nearly so.
2.  Coming from the southwest, or a point near it; as a southwesterly wind.


Topic: Sovereign
Definition:
SOVEREIGN, a. suv'eran. [We retain this babarous orthography from the Norman sovereign.  The true spelling would be suveran from  the L. supernes, superus.]
1.  Supreme in power; possessing supreme dominion; as a sovereign ruler of the universe.
2.  Supreme; superior to all others; chief. God is the sovereign good of all who love and obey him.
3.  Supremely efficacious; superior to all others; predominant; effectual; as a sovereign remedy.
4.  Supreme; pertaining to the first magistrate of a nation; as sovereign authority.
SOVEREIGN, n. suv'eran.
1.  A supreme lord or ruler; one who possesses the highest authority without control.  Some earthly princes, kings and emperors are sovereigns in their dominions.
2.  A supreme magistrate; a king.
3.  A gold coin of England, value 20s or $4.44


Topic: Sovereignly
Definition:
SOVEREIGNLY, adv. suv'eranly.  Supreme power; supremacy; the possession power. Absolute sovereignty belongs to God only.


Topic: Sow
Definition:
SOW, n.
1.  The female of the hog kind or of swine.
2.  An oblong piece of lead.
3.  An insect; a milleped.


Topic: Sowed
Definition:
SOWED, pp.  Scattered on ground, as seed; sprinkled with seed, as ground.  We say, seed is sowed; or land is sowed.


Topic: Sower
Definition:
SOWER, n.
1.  He that scatters seed for propagation.  Behold, a sower went forth to sow.  Matt. 13.
2.  One who scatters or spreads; as a sower of words.
3.  A breeder; a promoter; as a sower of suits.


Topic: Sowing
Definition:
SOWING, ppr. Scattering, as seed; sprinkling with seed, as ground; stocking with seed.
SOWING, n.  The act of scattering seed for propagation.


Topic: Sozzle
Definition:
SOZ'ZLE, n. [See Soss.]  A sluttish woman, or one that spills water and other liquids carelessly.  [New England.]


Topic: Spa
Definition:
SPAW, SPA, n.
1.  A mineral water from a place of this name in Germany.  The name may perhaps be applied to other similar waters.
2.  A spring of mineral water.


Topic: Space
Definition:
SPACE, n. [L. spatium, space; spatior, to wander.  This word is probably formed on the root of pateo.]
1.  Room; extension.  Space in the abstract, is mere extension.  Pure space is capable neither of resistance nor motion.
2.  Any quantity of extension.  In relation to bodies, space is the interval between any two or more object' as the space between two stars or two hills  The quantity of space or extent between bodies, constitutes their distance form each other.
3.  The distance or interval between lines; as in books.  The space in music are named as well as the lines.
4.  Quantity of time; also, the interval between two points of time.  Nine times the space that measures day and God may defer his judgment for a time, and give a people a longer space for repentance.
5.  A short time; a while.  To stay your deadly strife a space.  [This sense is nearly obsolete.]
SPACE, v.i.  To rove. [Not in use.]
SPACE, v.t.  Among printers, to make space or wider intervals between lines.


Topic: Spacious
Definition:
SPA'CIOUS, a.  [L. spatiosus.]
1.  Wide; roomy; having large or ample room; not narrow; as a spacious church; a spacious hall or drawing room.
2.  Extensive; vast in extent; as the spacious earth; the spacious ocean.


Topic: Spaciousness
Definition:
SPA'CIOUSNESS, n.
1.  Wideness; largeness of extent;  roominess; as the spaciousness of the rooms in a building.
2.  Extensiveness; vastness of extent; as the spaciousness of the ocean.


Topic: Spade
Definition:
SPADE, n. [L. spatula, from the root of pateo.]
1.  An instrument for digging, consisting of a broad palm with a handle.
2.  A suit of cards.
3.  A deer three years old; written also spaid.
4.  A gelded beast. [L. spado.]


Topic: Spadix
Definition:
SPA'DIX, n. [L.]  In botany, the receptacle in palms and some other plants, proceeding from a spathe.


Topic: Span
Definition:
SPAN, n. [This word is formed on the root of bend, L. pando.  The primary sense is to strain, stretch, extend, hence to join a team.]
1.  The space from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; the eighth of a fathom.
2. A short space of time. Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy.
3.  A span of horses, consists of two of nearly the same color, and otherwise nearly alike, which are usually harness side by side.  The word signifies properly the same as yoke, when applied to horned cattle, from buckling or fastening together.  But in America, span always implies resemblance in color at least; it  being an object of ambition with gentlemen and with teamters to unite two horses abreast that are alike.
4.  In seamen's language, a small line or cord, the middle of which is attached to a stay.
SPAN, v.t.  
1.  To measure by the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.
2.  To measure. This soul doth span the world.
SPAN, v.i.  To agree in color,  or in color and size; as, the horses span well.  [New England.]
SPAN, pert. of spin.  We now use spun.


Topic: Spang
Definition:
SPANG, n.  A spangle or shining ornament; a thin piece of shining metal; something brilliant used as an ornament.
2. An y little thing sparkling and brilliant like pieces of metal; as crystals of ice.  For the rich spangles that adorn the sky.


Topic: Spangle
Definition:
SPAN'GLE, v.t.  To set or sprinkle with spangles; to adorn with small distinct brilliant bodies; as a spangled breastplate.  What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty-


Topic: Spaniel
Definition:
SPAN'IEL, n. 
1.  A dog used in sports of the field, remarkable for his sagacity and obedience.
2.  A mean, cringing, fawning person.
SPAN'IEL,  a.  Like a spaniel; mean; fawning.
SPAN'IEL, v.i.  TO fawn; to cringe; to be obsequious.
SPAN'IEL, v.t.  To follow like a spaniel.


Topic: Spanish-fly
Definition:
SPANISH-FLY, n.  A fly or insect, the cantharis used in vesicatories, or composition for raising blisters.


Topic: Spanker
Definition:
SPANK'ER, n.
1.  A small coin.
2.  In seamen's language, a ship driver; a large sail occasionally set upon the mizenyard or gaff, the foot being extended by a boom.
3.  One that takes long strides in walking; also a stout person.


Topic: Spanner
Definition:
SPAN'NER, n.
1.  One that spans.
2.  The lock of a fusee or carbine; or the fusee itself.
3.  A wrench or nut screw-driver.


Topic: Spar
Definition:
SP'AR, [If this word is connected with spare, the primary sense is probably thin.  The sense of bar and spar, is however more generally derived from thrusting, shooting in length; so spear likewise.  See Bar.]
1.  A stone that breaks into a regular shape; marcasite.  This name is popularly given to any crystalized mineral of a shining luster.
2.  A round piece of timber.  This name is usually given to the round pieces of timber used for the yards and top-masts of ships.
3.  The bar of a gate.
SP'AR, v.t.  To bar; to shut close or fasten with a bar.
SP'AR, v.i. [This is another form of the L. spiro.  The primary sense is to urge, drive, throw, propel.]
1.  To dispute; to quarrel in words; to wrangle. [This is the sense of the word in America.]
2.  To fight with preclusive strokes.


Topic: Spare
Definition:
SPARE, v.t. [It seems to be from the same root as L. parco.]
1.  To use frugally; not to be profuse; not to waste.  Thou thy Father's thunder did'st not spare/
2.  To save or withhold from any particular use or occupation.  He has no bread to spare, that is, to withhold from his necessary uses.  All the time he could spare from the necessary cares of his weighty charge, he bestowed on prayer and serving of God.
3.  To part with without much inconvenience; to do without.  I could have better spar'd a better man.  Nor can we spare you long-
4.  To omit; to forbear.  We might have spared this toil and expense;  Be pleas'd your politics to spare.
5.  To use tenderly; to treat with pity and forbearance; to forbear to afflict, punish or destroy.  Spare us, good Lord. dim sadness did not spare celestial visages.  But man alone can whom be conquers spare.
6.  Not to take when in one's power; to forbear to destroy; as, to spare the life of a prisoner.
7.  To grant; to allow; to indulge.  Where anger Jove did never spare one breath of kind and temp'rate air.
8.  TO forbear to inflict of impose.  Spare my sight the pain of seeing what a world of tears it cost you.
SPARE, v.i.
1.  TO live frugally; to be parsimonious.  Who at some times spend, as other spare, divided between carelessness and care.
2.  To forbear; to be scrupulous.  To pluck and cat my fill I spar'd not.
3.  To be frugal; not to be profuse.
4.  To use mercy or forbearance; to forgive to be tender.  The king was sparing and compassionate towards hid subjects.
SPARE, a.
1.  Seanty; parsimonious; not abundant; as a spare diet.  He was spare but discreet of speech.  [We more generally use, in the latter application, sparing; as, he was sparing of words.]
2.  That can be dispensed with; not wanted; superfluous.  I have no spare time on my hands.  If that no spare clothes he had to give.
3.  Lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin.  O give me your spare men and spare me the great ones.
4.  Slow. [Not in use.]
SPARE, n.  Parsimony; frugal use. [Not in use.]


Topic: Sparerib
Definition:
SPA'RERIB, n. [spare and rib.]  The piece of a hog taken from the side, consisting of the ribs with little flesh on them.


Topic: Sparing
Definition:
SPA'RING, ppr.
1.  Using frugally; forbearing; omitting to punish or destroy.
2. a. Scarce; little.
3.  Scanty; not plentiful; not abundant; as a sparing diet.
4.  Saving; parsimonious.  Virgil being so very sparing of his words, and leaving so much to be imagined by the reader, can never be translated as he ought in amy modern tongue.


Topic: Sparingly
Definition:
SPA'RINGLY, adv.
1.  Not abundantly.
2.  Frugally;  parsimoniously; not lavishly.  High titles of honor were in the king's minority sparingly granted, because dignity then waited on desert. Commend but sparingly whom thou dost love.
3.  Abstinently; moderately.  Christians are obliged to taste even the innocent pleasures of life but sparingly.
4.  Seldom; not frequently. The morality of a grave sentence, affected by Lucan, is more sparingly used by Virgil.
5.  Cautiously; tenderly.


Topic: Spark
Definition:
SP'ARK, n. [The sense is that which shoots, darts off or scatters; probably allied to B. spargo.]
1.  A small particle of fire or ignited substance, which is emitted from bodies in combustion, and which either ascends with the smoke, or is darted in another direction.
2.  A small shining body or transient light.  We have here and there a little clear light, and some sparks of bright knowledge.
3.  A small portion of any thing active.  If any spark of life is yet remaining.
4.  A very small portion.  If you have a spark or generosity.
5.  A brisk, showy, gay man. The finest sparks and cleanest beaux.
6.  A lover.
SP'ARK, v.i.  To emit particles of fire; to sparkle. [Not in use.]


Topic: Sparkle
Definition:
SP'ARKLE, n.
1.  A spark.
2.  A luminous particle.
SP'ARKLE, v.i.
1.  To emit sparks; to send off small ignited particles; as burning fuel, &c.
2.  To glitter;  to glisten; as, a brilliant sparkles; sparkling colors.
3.  To twinkle; to glitter; as sparkling stars.
4.  To glisten; to exhibit an appearance of animation; as, the eyes sparkle with joy.
5.  To emit little bubbles, as spirituous liquors; as sparkling wine.
SP'ARKLE, v.i.  To throw about; to scatter. [Not in use.]


Topic: Sparrow
Definition:
SPAR'ROW, n.  A small bird of the genus Fringilla and order of Passers.  These birds are frequently seen about houses.


Topic: Sparry
Definition:
SP'ARRY, a. [from spar.]  Resembling spar, or consisting or spar; having a confused  cyrstraline structure; spathose.


Topic: Sparse
Definition:
SPARSE, a. spars. [L. sparsus, scattered, from spargo.]
1.  Thinly scattered; set or planted here and there; as a sparse population.
2.  In botany, not opposite, not alternate, nor in any apparent regular order; applied to branches, leaves peduncles, &c.
SPARSE, v.t. spars.  To disperse. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spartan
Definition:
SP'ARTAN, a.  Pertaining to ancient Sparta; hence, hardly undaunted; as Spartan souls; Spartan bravery.


Topic: Spasm
Definition:
SPASM, n.  [L. spasmus.]  A n involuntary contraction of muscles or muscular fibers in animal bodies; irregular motion of the muscles or muscular fibers; convulsion; cramp.


Topic: Spasmodic
Definition:
SPASMOD'IC, a.  Consisting in spasm; as a spasmodic affection.
SPASMOD'IC, n.  A medicine good for removing spasm; but I believe the word generally employed in anti-spasmodic.


Topic: Spathe
Definition:
SPATHE, n. [L.  spatha.]  In botany, the calyx of a spadix opening or bursting longitudinally, in form of a sheath.  It is also applied to the calyx of some flowers which have no spadix, as of narcissus, crocus, iris, &c.


Topic: Spathic
Definition:
SPATH'IC, a.  Foliated or lamellar.  Spathic iron is a mineral of  a foliated structure, and a yellowish or brownish color.


Topic: Spathiform
Definition:
SPATH'IFORM, a. [spath and form.]  Resembling spar in form.  The ocherous, spathiform and mineralized forms of urinate-


Topic: Spatter
Definition:
SPAT'TER, v.t.  [This root is a derivative of the family of spit, or L. pateo.  See Sputter.]
1.  To scatter a liquid substance on; to sprinkle with water or any fluid, or with any moist and dirty matter; as, to spatter a coat; to spatter the floor; to spatter the boots with mud.  [This word,  I believe, is applied always to fluid or moist substances.  We say, to spatter with water, mud, blood or gravy; but never to spatter with dust or meal.]
2.  Figuratively, to asperse; to defame.  [In this sense, asperse is generally used.]
3.  To throw out any thing offensive; as, to spatter foul speeches. [Not in use.]
4.  To scatter about; as, to spatter water here and there.
SPAT'TER, v.i.  To throw out of the mouth in a scattered manner; to sputter.  [See Sputter.]


Topic: Spatterdashes
Definition:
SPAT'TERDASHES, n. plu. [spatter and dash.]  Coverings for the legs to keep them clean from water and mud.  [Since boots are generally worn, these things and their name are little used.]


Topic: Spatula
Definition:
SPAT'ULA, SPAT'TLE, n. [L. spathula, spatha, a slice. from the root of L. pateo; so named from its breadth, or from its use in spreading things.  A slice; an apothecaries' instrument, for spreading plasters, &c.


Topic: Spatulate
Definition:
SPAT'ULATE, a. [from L. spathula.] In botany, a spatulate leaf is one shaped like a spatula or battledore, being roundish with a long, narrow, linear base; as in cistus incanus.


Topic: Spavin
Definition:
SPAV'IN, n. A tumor or excrescence that forms on the inside of a horse's hough, not far from the elbow; at first like gristle, but afterwards hard and bony.


Topic: Spawl
Definition:
SPAWL, v.i.  To throw saliva from the mouth in a scattering form; to disperse spittle in a careless dirty manner.  Why must he sputter, spawl and slaver it?
SPAWL, n.  Saliva or spittle thrown out carelessly.


Topic: Spawling
Definition:
SPAWL'ING, ppr. Throwing spittle carelessly from the mouth.
SPAWL'ING, n. Saliva thrown out carelessly.


Topic: Spawn
Definition:
SPAWN, n. It has no plural. [If this word is not contracted, it belongs to the root of L. pano.  If contracted, it probably belongs to the root of spew or spaw.  The radical sense is that which is ejected or thrown out.]
1.  The eggs of fish or frogs, when ejected.
2.  Any product or offspring; an expression of contempt.
3.  Offsets; shoots; suckers of plants. [Not in use in American.]
SPAWN, v.t.
1.  To produce or deposit, as fishes do their eggs.
2.  To bring forth; to generate; in contempt.
SPAWN, v.i. 
1.  To deposit eggs, as fish or frogs.
2.  To issue, as offspring; in contempt.


Topic: Spawner
Definition:
SPAWN'ER, n.  the female fish.  the spawner and the melter of the barbel cover their spawn with sand.


Topic: Spay
Definition:
SPAY, v.t. [L. spado, a gelding.]  To castrate the female of a beast by cutting and by taking out the uterus; as, to spay a sow.


Topic: Speak
Definition:
SPEAK, v.i. pret.  spoke, [spake, nearly, obs.] pp. spoke, spoken. It is easy to see that the root of this word is allied to that of beak peak, pick.]
1.  To utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts bywords.  Children learn to speak at an early age.  The organs may be so obstructed that a man may not be able to speak.  Speak, Lord , for thy servant hearth. I Sam. 3.
2.  To utter a speech, discourse or harangue; to utter thoughts in a public assembly.  A man may be well informed on a subject, and yet to diffident to speak in public.  Many of the nobility make them selves popular by speaking in parliament against those things which were most grateful to his majesty.
3.  To talk; to express opinions; to dispute.  An honest man, sir, is able to speak for himself, when the knave is not.
4.  To discourse; to make mention of.  Lucan speaks of a part of Cesar's army that came to him from the Leman lake.  The Scripture speaks only of those to whom it speaks.
5.  To give sound. Make all your trumpets speak.


Topic: Speaker
Definition:
SPE'AKER, n.
1.  One that speaks, in what ever manner.
2.  One that proclaims or celebrates. -No other speaker of my living actions.
3.  One that utters or pronounces a discourse; usually, one that utters a speech in public.  We say, a man is a good speaker, or a bad speaker.
4.  The person who presides in a deliberative assembly, preserving order and regulating the debates; as the speaker of the house of commons; the speaker of a house or representatives.


Topic: Speaking
Definition:
SPE'AKING, ppr.  Uttering words; discoursing; talking.
SPE'AKING, n.
1.  The act of uttering words; discourse.
2.  In colleges, public declamation.


Topic: Speaking-trumpet
Definition:
SPE'AKING-TRUMPET, n. A trumpet by which the sound of the human voice may be propagated to a great distance.


Topic: Spear
Definition:
SPEAR, n.
1.  A long pointed weapon, used in war and hunting by thrusting or throwing; a lance.
2.  A sharp pointed instrument with barbs; used for stabbing fish and other animals.
3.  A shoot, as of grass; usually spire.
SPEAR, v.t.  To pierce with a spear; to kill with a spear; as, to spear a fish.
SPEAR, v.i.  To shoot into a long stem.  [See Spire.]


Topic: Spear-grass
Definition:
SPE'AR-GRASS, n. [spear and grass.]
1.  A long stiff grass.
2.  In New England, this name is given to a species of Poa.


Topic: Specially
Definition:
SPECIALLY, adv.
1.  Particularly; in a manner beyond what is common, or out of the ordinary course.  Every signal deliverance form danger ought to be specially noticed as a divine interposition.
2.  For a particular purpose.  A meeting of the legislature is specially summoned.
3.  Chiefly; specially.


Topic: Specialty
Definition:
SPECIALTY, n.
1.  Particularity.  specialty of rule hat been neglected.
2.  A particular or peculiar case.  Note.  This word is now little used in the senses above.  Its common acceptation is,
3.  A special contract; an obligation or bond; the evidence of a debt by deed or instrument under seal.  Such a debt is called a debt by specialty, in distinction from simple contract.


Topic: Specie
Definition:
SPECIE, n. spe'shy.  Coin; copper, silver or gold coined and used as a circulating medium of commerce. [See Special.]


Topic: Species
Definition:
SPECIES, n. spe'shiz. [L.  from specio, to see. See Special.]
1.  In zoology, a collection of organized beings derived from one common parentage by natural generation, characterized by one peculiar from one common parentage by natural generation, characterized by one peculiar form, liable to vary within certain narrow limits.  These accidental and limited variations are varieties. Different races from the same parents are called varieties.
2.  In botany, all the plants which spring from the same see, or which resemble each other in certain character or in variable forms.  There are as many species as there are different in variable forms or circumstances only with in certain narrow limits.  These accidental and limited variations are varieties. Different races from the same parents are called varieties.
3.  In logic, a special idea, corresponding to the specific distinctions of things in nature.
4.  Sort; kind; in a loose sense; as a species of low cunning in the world; as a species of generosity; a species of cloth.
5.  Appearance to the senses; visible or sensible representation.  An apparent diversity between the species visible and audible, is that the visible doth not mingle in the medium, but the audible doth.  The species of letters illuminated with indigo and violet. [Little used.]
6.  Representation to the min.  Wit-the faculty of imagination in the writer, which searches over all the memory for the species or ideas of those things which it designs to present. [Little used.]
7.  Show; visible exhibition.  Shows and species serve best with the common people. [Not in use.]
8.  Coin, or coined silver and gold, used as a circulating medium; as the current species of Europe.  In modern practice. this word is contracted into specie.  What quantity of specie has the bank in its vault?  What is the amount of all the current specie in the country? What is the value in specie, of a bill of exchange?  We receive payment for goods in specie, not in bank notes.
9.  In pharmacy, a simple; a component part of a compound medicine.
10.  The old pharmaceutical term for powders.


Topic: Specifical
Definition:
SPECIF'IC, SPECIF'ICAL, a. 
1.  That makes a thing of the species of which it is designating the peculiar property of properties of a thing, which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things.  Thus we say, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific form of a cube or square; the specific qualities of a plant or a drug; the specific difference between an acid and an alkali; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.  Specific difference is that primary attribute which distinguishes each species form one another.
2.  In medicine, appropriate for the cure of a particular disease; that certainly cures or is less fallible than others; as a specific remedy for the gout.  The Saratogs waters are found to be a specific remedy, or nearly so, for the cure of bilious complaints, so called.


Topic: Specifically
Definition:
SPECIF'ICALLY, adv.  In such a manner as to constitute a species; according to the nature of the species.  A body is specifically lighter than another, when it has less weight in the same bulk than the other.  Human reason-differs specifically from the fantastic reason of brutes.  -Those several virtues that are specifically requisite to a due performance of duty.


Topic: Specification
Definition:
SPECIFICA'TION, n.
1.  The act of determining by a mark or limit; notation of limits.  The specification of limitation of the question hinders the disputers from wandering away from the precise point of inquiry.
2.  The act of specifying; designation of particulars; particular mention; as the specification of a charge against a military or naval officer.
3.  Article or thing specified.


Topic: Specify
Definition:
SPEC'IFY, v.t.  To mention or name, as a particular thing; to designate in words so as to distinguish a thing from every other; as, to specify the uses of a plant; to specify the articles one wants to purchase.  He has there given us an exact geography of Greece, where the countries and the uses of their soils are specified.


Topic: Specimen
Definition:
SPEC'IMEN, n. [L. from species, with the termination men, which corresponds in sense to the English hood or ness.]  A sample; a part or small portion of any thing, intended to exhibit the kind and quality of the whole, or of something not exhibited; as a specimen of a man's handwriting; a specimen of painting or composition; specimen of one's art or skill.


Topic: Specious
Definition:
SPE'CIOUS,  a. [L. speciosus.]
1.  Showy; pleasing to the view.  The rest, far greater part will deem in outward rites and specious form religion satisfied.
2.  Apparently right; superficially fair, just or correct' plausible; appearing well at first view; as specious reasoning; a specious argument; a specious objection; specious deeds.  Temptation is of greater danger, because it is covered with the specious names of good nature, good manners, nobleness of mind, &c.


Topic: Speck
Definition:
SPECK, n. [This word may be formed from  peck, for peckled has been used for speckled, spotted as though pecked.]
1.  A spot; a stain; a small place in any thing that is discolored by foreign matter, or is of a color different from that of the main substance; as a speck on paper or cloth.
2.  A very small thing.
SPECK, v.t.  To spot; to stain in spots or drops.


Topic: Speckle
Definition:
SPECK'LE, n.  A little spot in any thing, of a different substance or color from that of the thing itself.
SPECK'LE, v.t.  To mark with small spots of a different color; used chiefly in the participle passive, which see.


Topic: Speckled
Definition:
SPECK'LED, pp. or a.  Marked with specks; variegated with spots of a different color from the ground or surface of the object; as the speckled breast of a bird; a speckled serpent.


Topic: Specktacle
Definition:
SPECK'TACLE, n. [L. spectaculum, from specto, to behold; specio, to see.]
1.  A show; something exhibited to view; usually, something presented to view as extraordinary, or something that is beheld as unusual and worthy of special notice.  Thus we call things exhibited for amusement, public spectacles, as the combats of gladiators in ancient Rome. We are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.  I Cor. 4.
2.  Any thing seen ; a sight.  A drunkard is a shocking spectacle.
3.  Spectacles, in the plural, glasses to assist the sight.
4.  Figuratively, something that aids the intellectual sight.  Shakespeare needed not the spectacles of books to read nature.


Topic: Spectator
Definition:
SPECTA'TOR, n. [L. whence]
1.  One that looks on; one that sees or beholds; a beholder; as the spectators of the show.
2.  One personally present.  The spectators were numerous.


Topic: Specter
Definition:
SPEC'TER, n. [L. spectrum, from specto, to behold.]
1.  An apparition; the appearance of a person who is dead; a ghost.  The ghosts of traitors from the bridge descend, With bold fanatic specters to rejoice.
2.  Something made preternaturally visible.
3.  In conchology, a species of voluta, marked with reddish broad bands.


Topic: Spectrum
Definition:
SPEC'TRUM, n. [L.] A visible form; an image of something seen, continuing after image of something seen, continuing after the eyes are closed, covered or turned away.  This is called an ocular spectrum.


Topic: Specuation
Definition:
SPECUA'TION, n.
1.  Examination by the eye; view [Little used.]
2.  Mental view of any thing in its various aspects and relations; contemplation; intellectual examination.  The events of the day afford matter of serious speculation to the friends  of christianity.  Thenceforth to speculations high or deep. I turn'd my thoughts-
3.  Train of thoughts formed by meditation.  From him Socrates derived the principles of morality and most part of his natural speculations.
4.  Mental scheme; theory; views of a subject not verified by fact or practice.  This globe, which was formerly round only in speculation, has been circumnavigated.  The application of steam to navigation is no longer a matter of mere speculation.  Speculations which originate in guilt, must end in ruin.
5.  Power of sight.  Thou hast no speculation in those eyes. [Not in use.]
6.  In commerce, the act or practice of buying land or goods,&c. in expectation of a rise as distinguished from a regular trade, in which the profit expected is the difference between the retail and wholesale prices, or the difference of price in the place where the good are purchased, and the place to which they are to be carried for market.  In England, France and America, public stock is the subject of continual speculation.  In the United States, a few men have been enriched, but many have been ruined by speculation.


Topic: Specular
Definition:
SPEC'ULAR, a. [L. specularis, from speculum, a mirror, from specio, to see.]
1.  Having the qualities of a mirror or looking glass; having a smooth reflecting surface; as a specular metal; a specular surface.
2.  Assisting sight. [Improper and not used.]
3.  Affording view.


Topic: Speculate
Definition:
SPEC'ULATE, v.i. [L. speculor, to view, to contemplate, from specio, to see.]
1.  To meditate; to contemplate; to consider a subject by turning it in the mind and viewing it in its different aspects and relations; as, to speculate on political events; to speculate on the probable results of a discovery.
2.  In commerce, to purchase land, goods, stock or other things, with the expectation of an advance in price, and of selling the articles with a profit by means of such advance; as, to speculate in coffee, or in sugar, or in six percent stock, or in bank stock.


Topic: Speculative
Definition:
SPEC'ULATIVE, a.
1.  Given to speculation; contemplative; applied to persons.  The min of man being by nature speculative-
2.  Formed by speculation; theoretical; ideal; not verified by fact, experiment or practice; as a scheme merely speculative.
3.  Pertaining to view; also, prying.


Topic: Speculatively
Definition:
SPEC'ULATIVELY, adv.
1.  In contemplation; with meditation.
2.  Ideally; theoretically; in theory only, not in practice.  Propositions seem often to be speculatively true, which experience does not verify.


Topic: Speculator
Definition:
SPEC'ULATOR, n.
1.  One who speculates or forms theories.
2.  An observer; a contemplator.
3.  A spy; a watcher.
4.  In commerce, one who buys goods, land or other thing, with the expectation of a rise of price, and of deriving profit from such advance.


Topic: Speculm
Definition:
SPEC'ULM, n. [L.]
1.  A mirror or looking glass.
2.  A glass that reflects the images of objects.
3.  A metallic reflector used in catadioptric telescopes.
4.  In surgery, an instrument for dilating and keeping open certain parts of the body.


Topic: Speech
Definition:
SPEECH, n.
1.  The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds.  Speech was given to man by his Creator for the noblest purposes.
2.  Language; words as expressing ideas.  The acts of God to human ears cannot without process of speech be told.
3.  A particular language, as distinct form others. Ps. 19.
4.  That which is spoken; words uttered in connection and expressing thoughts.  You smile at my speech.
5.  Talk; mention; common saying.  The duke did of me demand, what was the speech among the londoners concerning the French journey.
6.  Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue.  The member has made his first speech in the legislature.
7.  Any declaration of thoughts.  I, with leave of speech implor'd, repli'd.
SPEECH, v.i.  To make a speech; to harangue. [Little used.]


Topic: Speechless
Definition:
SPEE'CHLESS, a. 
1.  Destitute or deprived of the faculty of speech.  More generally,
2.  Mute; silent; not speaking for a time.  Speechless with wonder, and half dead with fear.


Topic: Speed
Definition:
SPEED, v.i. pret. and pp. sped, speeded. [The L. expedio may be from the same root, which signifies to drive, to hurry, of the family of L. peto.]
1.  To make haste; to move with celerity.
2.  To have success; to prosper; to succeed; that is, to advance in one's enterprise.  He that's once demi'd will hardly speed.  Those that profaned and abused the second temple, sped no better.
3.  To have any condition good or ill; to fare.  Ships heretofore in seas like fishes sped, The mightiest still upon the smallest fed.
SPEED, v.t.
1.  TO dispatch; to send away in haste.  He sped him thence home to his habitation.
2.  To hasten; to hurry; to put in quick motion.  -But sped his steps along the hoarse resounding shore.
3.  TO hasten to a conclusion; to execute; to dispatch; as, to speed judicial acts.
4.  To assist; to help forward; to hasten.  -With rising gales that sped their happy flight.
5.  To prosper; to cause to succeed.  May heaven speed this undertaking.
6.  To furnish in haste.
7.  To dispatch; to kill; to ruin; to destroy.  With a speeding thrust his heart he found.  A dire dilemma! either way I'm sped; If foes, they write if friends they read me dead.  
Note In the phrase, 'God speed,' there is probably a gross mistake in considering it as equivalent to 'may God give you success.'  The true phrase is probably 'good speed; good, in Saxon, being written god. I bid you or wish you good speed, that is, good success.
SPEED, n.
1.  Swiftness; quickness; celerity; applied to animals.  We say, a man or a horse runs or travels with speed; a fowl flies with speed.  We speak of the speed of a fish in the water, but we do not speak of the speed of a river, or of wind, or of a falling body.  I think however I have seen the word applied to the lapse of time and the motion of lightning, but in poetry only.
2.  Haste; dispatch; as, to perform a journey with speed; to execute an order with speed.
3.  Rapid pace; as a horse of speed.  We say also, high speed, full speed.
4.  Success; prosperity in an undertaking; favorable issue; that is, advance to the desired end.  O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day. Gen. 24.  This use is retained in the proverb, 'to make more haste than good speed,' and in the Scriptural phrase, 'to bid one good speed,' [Not God speed, as erroneously written.]


Topic: Speedy
Definition:
SPEE'DY, a.
1.  Quick; swift; nimble; hasty; rapid in motion; as a speedy flight; on speedy foot.
2.  Quick in performance; not dilatory or slow; as a speedy dispatch of business.


Topic: Spell
Definition:
SPELL, n. [The verb primarily signifies to throw or drive, and is probably formed on the root of L. pello. In some of the application of spell, we observe the sense of turn.  We observe the same in throw, warp, cant, &c.]
1.  A story; a tale.
2.  A charm consisting of some words of occult power.  Start not; her actions shall be holy; you hear my speel is lawful.  Begin, begin; the mystic spell prepare.
3.  A turn of work; relief; turn of duty.  Take a spell at the pump.  Their toil is so extreme, that they cannot endure it above four hours in a day, but are succeed by spells.
4.  In New England, a short time; a little time. [Not elegant.]
5.  A turn of gratuitous labor, sometimes accompanied with presents.  People give their neighbors a spell.
SPELL, v.t. pret. and pp.  spelled or spelt.
1.  To tell or name the letters of a word, with a proper division of syllables, for the with a proper division of syllables, for the purpose of learning the pronunciation. In this matter children learn to read by first spelling the words.
2.  To write or print with the proper letters; to form words by correct orthography.  The word satire ought to be spelled with i, and not with y.
3.  To take another's place or turn temporarily in any labor or service. [This is a popular use of the word in New England.]
4.  To charm; as spelled with words of power.
5.  To read; to discover by characters or marks; with out; as, to speel out the sense of an author.  We are not left to spell out a God in the works of creation.
6.  To tell; to relate; to teach. [Not in use.]
SPELL, v.i.
1.  To form words with the proper letters, either in reading or writing. He knows not how to spell. Our orthography is so irregular that most persons never learn to spell.
2.  To read.


Topic: Spelling
Definition:
SPELL'ING, ppr.
1.  Naming the letters of a word, or writing them; forming words with their proper letters.
2.  Taking another's turn.
SPELL'ING, n.
1.  The act of naming the letters of a word, or the act of writing or printing words with their proper letters.
2.  Orthography; the manner of forming words with letters. Bad spelling is disreputable to a gentleman.


Topic: Spelt
Definition:
SPELT, n.  A species of grain of the genus Triticum; called also German wheat.
SPELT, v.t.  To split. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spelter
Definition:
SPEL'TER, n.  Common zink, which contains a portion of lead, copper, iron, a little arsenic, manganese and plumbago.


Topic: Spend
Definition:
SPEND, v.t. pret. and pp. spent. [L. expendo; from the root of L. pando, pendeo, the primary sense of which is to strain, to open or spread; allied to span, pane, &c.]
1.  To lay out; to dispose of; to part with; as, to spend money for clothing.  Why do ye spend money for that which is not bread? Is. 55.
2.  To consume; to waste; to squander; as to spend an estate in gaming or other vices.
3.  To consume; to exhaust.  The provisions were spent, and the troops were in want.
4.  To bestow for any purpose; often with on or upon.  It is folly to spend words in debate on trifles.
5.  To effuse. [Little used.]
6.  To pass, as time; to suffer to pass away. They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.  Job. 13.
7.  To lay out; to exert or to waste; to wear away; as, to spend one's strength.
8.  To exhaust of force; to waste; to wear away; as, a ball had spend its force.  The violence of the waves was spent.  Heaps of spent arrows fall and strew the ground.
9.  To exhaust of strength; to harass; to fatigue.  Their bodies spent with long labor and thirst-
SPEND, v.i.
1.  To make expense; to make disposition of money.  He spends like a prudent man.
2.  To be lost or wasted; to vanish; to be dissipated.  The sound spendeth and is dissipated in the open air.
3.  To prove in the use.  -Butter spent as if it cam from the richer soil.
4.  To be consumed. Candles spend fast in a current of air Our provision spend rapidly.
5.  To be employed to any use.  The vines they use for wine are so often cut, that their sap spendeth into the grapes. [Unusual.]


Topic: Spendthrift
Definition:
SPEND'THRIFT, n. [spend and thrift.]  One who spends money profusely or improvidently; a prodigal; one who lavishes his estate.


Topic: Spericalness
Definition:
SPER'ICALNESS, SPERIC'ITY, n.  The state or quality of being orbicular or spherical; roundness; as the sphericity of a drop of water.


Topic: Sperm
Definition:
SPERM, n. [L. sperma.]
1.  Animal seed; that by which the species is propagated.
2.  The head matter of a certain species of whale, called cachalot.  It is called by the French blanc de baleine, the white of whales.  It is found also in other parts of the body; but it is improperly named, not being a spermatic substance. Of this matter are mad candles of a beautiful white color.
3.  Spawn of fishes or frogs.


Topic: Spermatic
Definition:
SPERMAT'IC, a.
1.  Consisting of seed; seminal.
2.  Pertaining to the semen, or conveying it; as spermatic vessels.


Topic: Spew
Definition:
SPEW, v.t. [L. spuo.]
1.  To vomit; to puke; to eject from the stomach.
2.  To eject; to cast forth.
3.  To cast out with abhorrence. Lev. 18.
SPEW, v.i. To vomit; to discharge the contents of the stomach.


Topic: Sphacelate
Definition:
SPHAC'ELATE, v.i.  [See Sphacelus.]
1.  To mortify; to become gangrenous; as flesh.
2.  To decay or become carious, as a bone.
SPHAC'ELATE, v.t. To affect with gangrene.


Topic: Sphacelus
Definition:
SPHAC'ELUS, n.
1.  In medicine and surgery, gangrene; mortification of the flesh of a living animal.
2.  Caries or decay of a bone.


Topic: Sphene
Definition:
SPHENE, n.  A mineral composed of nearly equal parts of oxyd of titanium, silex and lime.  Its colors are commonly grayish, yellowish, redish and blackish brown, and various shades of green.  It is found amorphous and in crystals.


Topic: Sphenoid
Definition:
SPHENOID, SPHENOID'AL, a.  Resembling a wedge.  The spenoid bone, is the pterygoid bone of the basis of the skull.


Topic: Sphere
Definition:
SPHERE, n. [L. sphera.]
1.  In geometry,  a solid body contained under a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point called its center.  The earth is not an exact sphere. The sun appears to be a sphere.
2.  An orb or globe of the mundane system.  First the sun, a mighty sphere, he fram'd.  Then mortal ears had heard the music of the spheres.
3.  An orbicular body, or a circular figure representing the earth or apparent heavens.
4.  Circuit of motion; revolution; orbit; as the diurnal sphere.
5.  The concave or vast orbicular expanse in which the heavenly orbs appear.
6.  Circuit of action, knowledge or influence; compass; province; employment.  Every man has his particular sphere of action, in which it should be his ambition to excel.  Events of this kind have repeatedly fallen within the sphere of my knowledge.  This man treats of matters not within his sphere.
7.  Rank; order of society.  Persons moving in a higher sphere claim more deference.


Topic: Spheric
Definition:
SPHER'IC, SPHER'ICAL, a. [L. sphericus.]
1.  Globular; orbicular; having a surface in every part equally distant from the center; as a spherical body. Drops of water take a spherical form.
2.  Planetary; relating to the orbs of the planets.  We make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon and the stars, as if we were villains by spherical predominance.


Topic: Spheroid
Definition:
SPHEROID,n. [sphere and form.]  A body or figure approaching to a sphere, but not perfectly spherical.  A spheroid is oblate or prolate.  The earth is found to be a oblate spheroid, that is, flatted at the poles, whereas some astronomers formerly supposed it to be prolate or oblong.


Topic: Spheroidal
Definition:
SPHEROID'AL, SPHEROID'IC, SPHEROID'ICAL, a.
1.  Having the form of a sheriod.
2.  In crystalography, bounded by several convex faces.


Topic: Spherosiderite
Definition:
SPHEROSID'ERITE, n.  A substance found in the basaltic compact lava of Steinheim; called also glass lava or hyatite.


Topic: Spherule
Definition:
SPHER'ULE, n. [L. spharula.]  A little sphere or spherical body.  Mercury or quicksilver when poured upon a plane, divides itself into a great number of minute spherules.


Topic: Sphincter
Definition:
SPHINC'TER, n. In anatomy, a muscle that contracts or shuts; as the sphincter labiorum; sphincter vesica.


Topic: Sphinx
Definition:
SPHINX, n. [L. sphinx.]
1.  A famous monster in Egypt, having the body of a lion and the face of a young woman.
2.  In entomology, the hawk-moth, a genus of insects.


Topic: Sphragid
Definition:
SPHRAG'ID, n.  A species of ocherous clay which falls to pieces in water with the emission of many bubbles; called also earth of Lemons.


Topic: Spice
Definition:
SPICE, n. 
1.  A vegetable production, fragrant or aromatic to the smell and pungent to the taste; used in sauces and in cookery.
2.  A small quantity; something that enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of a thing.
3.  A sample. 
SPICE, v.t.
1.  To season with spice; to mix aromatic substances with; as, to spice wine.
2.  To tincture; as the spiced Indian air.
3.  To render nice; to season with scruples.


Topic: Spicery
Definition:
SPI'CERY, n.
1. Spices in general; fragrant and aromatic vegetable substances used in seasoning.
2.  A repository of spices.


Topic: Spick
Definition:
SPICK AND SPAN, bright; shining; as a garment spick and span new, or span-new. brightness; spiccare, to shine; spiccar le parole, to speak distinctly; spicciare, to rush out, the radical sense of which is to shoot or dart.  Span is probably from the root of spangle, a mirror.


Topic: Spiculate
Definition:
SPIC'ULATE, v.t. [L. spiculo, to sharpen, from spiculum, a dart, from spica, or its root. See Spike.]  To sharpen to a point.


Topic: Spicy
Definition:
SPI'CY, a. [from spice.]
1.  Producing spice; abounding with spices; as the spicy shore of Arabia.
2.  Having the qualities of spice; fragrant; aromatic; as spicy plants.  Led by new stars and borne by spicy gales.


Topic: Spider
Definition:
SPI'DER, n. [I know not from what source this word is derived.]  The common name of the insects of the genus Aranea, remarkable for spinning webs for taking their prey and forming a convenient habitation, and for the deposit of their food.  The spider's touch, how exquisitely fine!


Topic: Spike
Definition:
SPIKE, n. [L. L. spica, and ear of corn.  It signifies a shoot or point.]
1.  A large uail; always in American applied to a nail or pin of metal.  A similar thing made of word is called a peg or pin.  In England, it is sometimes used for a sharp point of wood.
2.  An ear of corn or grain.  It is applied to the heads of wheat, rye and barley; and is particularly applicable to the ears of maiz.
3.  A shoot.
4.  [L. spica.]  In botany, a species of inflorescence, in which sessile flowers are alternate on a common simple peduncle, as in wheat and rye, lavender, &c.
SPIKE, n.  A smaller species of lavender.
SPIKE, v.t.
1.  To fasten with spikes or long and large nails; as, to spike down the planks of a floor or bridge.
2.  To set with spikes.  A youth leaping over the spiked pales-was caught by the spikes. [Unusual.]
3.  To stop the vent with spikes; as, to spike cannon.


Topic: Spikenard
Definition:
SPIKENARD, n. spik'nard. [L. spica nardi.]
1.  A plant of the genus Nardus.
2.  The oil of balsam procured from the spikenard.


Topic: Spile
Definition:
SPILE, n. [L. pilus, pilum, &c.]
1.  A small peg or wooden pin, used to stop a hole.
2.  A stake driven into the ground to protect a bank, &c.


Topic: Spill
Definition:
SPILL, n. [a different orthography of spile, supra.]
1.  A small peg or pin for stopping a cask; as a vent hole stopped with a spill.
2.  A little bar or pin of iron.
3.  A little sum of money. [Not in use.]
SPILL, v.t. pret. spilled or spilt; pp. id.
1.  To suffer to fall or run out of a vessel; to lose to suffer to be scattered; applied only to fluids and to substances whose particles are small and loose.  Thus we spill water from a pail; we spill spirit or oil from a bottle; we spill quicksilver or powders form a vessel or a paper; we spill sand or flour.
2.  To suffer to be shed; as, a man spills his own blood.
3.  To cause to flow out or lose; to shed; as, a man spills another's blood.  [This is applied to cases of murder or other homicide, but not to venesection.  In the later case we say, to let or take blood.]
4.  To mischief; to destroy; as, to spill the mind or soul; to spill glory; to spill forms, &c. [This application is obsolete and now improper.]
5.  TO throw away.
6. In seamen's language, to discharge the wind out of the cavity or belly of a sail.
SPILL, v.i.
1.  To waste; to be prodigal. [Not in use.]
2.  TO be shed; to be suffered to fall, he lost or wasted.  He was so topfull of himself, that he let it spill on all the company.


Topic: Spin
Definition:
SPIN, v.t. pret. and pp. spun.  Span is not used. [If the sense is to draw out or extend, this coincides in origin with span.]
1.  To draw out and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton or flax; to spin goats' hair.  All the yarn which Penelope spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca with moths.
2.  To draw out tediously; to form by a slow process of be degrees; with out; as, to spin out large volumes on a subject.
3.  To extend to a great length; as, to spin out a subject.
4.  To draw out; to protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in the idleness  By one delay after another, they spin out their whole lives.
5.  To whirl with a thread; to turn or cause to whirl; as, to spin a top.
6.  To draw out from the stomach in a filament; as, a spider spins a web.


Topic: Spinal
Definition:
SPI'NAL, a. [See Spine.]  Pertaining to the spine or back bone of an animal; as the spinal marrow; spinal muscles; spinal arteries.


Topic: Spindle
Definition:
SPIN'DLE, a. [See Spin.]
1.  The pin used in spinning wheels for twisting the thread, and on which the thread when twisted, is wound.
2.  A slender pointed rod or pin on which any thing turn; as the spindle of a vane.
3.  The fusee of a watch.
4.  A long slender stalk.
5.  The lower end of a capstan, shod with iron; the pivot.
SPIN'DLE, v.i.  To shoot or grow in a long slender stalk or body.


Topic: Spine
Definition:
SPINE, n. [L.]
1.  The back bone of an animal.
2.  The shin of the leg.
3.  A thorn; a sharp process from the woody part of a plant.  It differs from a prickle, which proceeds form the bark. A spine which proceeds from the bark.  A spine sometimes terminates a branch or a leaf, and sometimes is axillary, growing at the angle formed by the branch or leaf with the stem.  The wild apple and pear are armed with thorns;  the rose, bramble, gooseberry. &c. are armed with prickles.


Topic: Spinel
Definition:
SPI'NEL, SPINELLE, n.  The spinelle ruby, says Hauy; is the true ruby, a gem of a red color, blended with tints of blue or yellow.  It is in grains more or less crystalized.  A subspecies of octahedral corundum.


Topic: Spinellane
Definition:
SPINELLANE, n.  A mineral occurring in small crystaline masses and in minute crystals.  It has been found only near the lake of Laach.


Topic: Spinet
Definition:
SPIN'ET, n.  An instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but smaller; a virginal; a clavichord.
SPIN'ET, n. [L. spinetum.]  A small wood or place where briars and thorns grow. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spinning
Definition:
SPIN'NING, ppr. Drawing out and twisting into threads; drawing out; delaying.
SPIN'NING, n.
1.  The act, practice or art of drawing out and twisting into threads, as wool, flax and cotton.
2.  The act or practice of forming webs, as spiders.


Topic: Spinning-jenny
Definition:
SPIN'NING-JENNY, n.  An engine or complicated machine for spinning wool or cotton, in the manufacture of cloth.


Topic: Spinozism
Definition:
SPI'NOZISM, n.  The doctrines or principles of Spinoza, a native of Amsterdam, consisting in atheism and pantheism, or naturalism and hulotheism, which allows of no God but nature or the universe.


Topic: Spinster
Definition:
SPIN'STER, n. [spin and ster.]
1.  A woman who spins, or whose occupation is to spin. Hence,
2.  In law, the common title by which a woman without rank or distinction is designated.  If a gentlewoman is termed a spinster, she may abate the writ.


Topic: Spiny
Definition:
SPI'NY, a. [from spine.]
1.  Full of spines; thorny; as a spiny tree.
2.  Perplexed; difficult; troublesome.


Topic: Spiracle
Definition:
SPIR'ACLE, n. [L. spiraculum, form spiro, to breathe.]
1.  A small aperture in animal and vegetable bodies, by which air or other fluid is exhaled or inhaled; a small hole, orifice or vent; a pore; a minute passage; as the spiracles of the human skin.
2.  Any small aperture, hole or vent.


Topic: Spiral
Definition:
SPI'RAL, a. [L. spira, a spire.]  Winding round a cylinder or other round body, or in a circular form, and at the same time rising or advancing forward; winding like a screw.  The magnificent column in the Place Vendeme, at Paris, is divided by a spiral line into compartments.  It is formed with spiral compartments, on which are engraved figures emblematical of the victories of the French armies.  A whirlwind is so named from the spiral motion of the air.  Water in a tunnel descends in a spiral form.


Topic: Spire
Definition:
SPIRE, n. [L. spira; from the root of L. spiro, to breathe. The primary sense of the root is to throw, to drive, to send, but it implies a winding motion, like throw, warp, and many others.]
1.  A winding line like the threads of a screw; any thing wreathed or contorted; a curl; a twist; a wreath.  His neck erect amidst his circling spires.  A dragon's fiery form belied the god; sublime on radiant spires he rode.
2.  A body that shoots up to a point; a tapering body; a round pyramid or pyramidical body; a steeple.  With glist'ring spires and pinnacles adorn'd.
3.  A stalk or blade of grass or other plant.  How humble ought man to be, who cannot make a single spire or grass.
4.  The top or uppermost point of a thing.
SPIRE, v.i.
1.  To shoot; to shoot up pyramidically.
2.  To breathe. [Not in use.]
3.  To sprout, as grain in malting.


Topic: Spirit
Definition:
SPIR'IT, n. [L. spiritus, from spiro, to breathe, to blow.  The primary sense is to rush or drive.]
1.  Primarily, wind; air in motion; hence, breath.  All bodies have spirits and pneumatical parts within them. [This sense is now unusual.]
2.  Animal excitement, or the effect of it; life; ardor; fire; courage; elevation or vehemence of mind.  The troops attacked the enemy with great spirit.  The young man has the spirit of youth.  He speaks or act with spirit.  Spirits, in the plural, is used in nearly a like sense.  The troops began to recover their spirits.
3.  Vigor of intellect; genius.  His wit, his beauty and his spirit.  The noblest spirit or genius cannot deserve enough of mankind to pretend to the esteem of heroic virtue.
4.  Temper; disposition of mind, habitual or temporary; as a man of a generous spirit, or of a revengeful spirit; the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Let us go to the house of God in the spirit of prayer.
5.  The soul of man; the intelligent, immaterial and immortal part of human beings. [See Soul.]  the spirit shall return to God that gave it. Eceles. 12.
6.  An immaterial intelligent substance.  Spirit is a substance in which thinking, knowing, doubting, and a power of moving do subsist. Hence,
7.  An immaterial intelligent being.  By which he went and preached to the spirit in prison. I Pet. 3. God is a spirit. John 4.
8.  Turn of mind; temper; occasions; state of the mind. A perfect judge will read each work of wit, with the same spirit that its author writ.
9.  Powers of mind distinct from the body.  In spirit perhaps he also saw Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume.
10.  Sentiment; perception.  You spirit is too true, your fears too certain.
11.  Eager desire; disposition of mind excited and directed to a particular object.  God has made a spirit of building succeed a spirit of pulling down.
12.  A person of activity; a man of life, vigor or enterprise.  The watery kingdom is no bar to stop the foreign spirits, but they come.
13.  Persons distinguished by qualities of the mind.  Such spirits as he desired to please, such would I choose for my judges.
14.  Excitement of mind; animation; cheerfulness; usually in the plural.  We found our friend in very good spirits.  He has a great flow of spirits.  -To sing thy praise, would heaven my breath prolong, Infusing spirits worthy such a song.
15.  Life or strength of resemblance; essential qualities; as, to set off the face in its true spirit.  The copy has not the spirit of the original.
16.  Something eminently pure and refined.  Nor doth the eye itself, that most pure spirit of sense, behold itself.
17.  That which hath power or energy; the quality of any substance which manifest life, activity, or the power of strongly affecting other bodies; as the spirit of wine or of any liquor.
18.  A strong, pungent or stimulation liquor, usually obtained by distillation, as rum, brandy, gin, whiskey.  In America, spirit, used without other words explanatory of its meaning, signifies the liquor distilled from cane-juice, or rum.  We say, new spirit, or old spirit, Jamaica spirit, &c.
19.  An apparition; a ghost.
20.  The renewed nature of man. Matt 26. Gal. 5.
21.  The influences of the Holy Spirit.  Matt. 22.


Topic: Spirited
Definition:
SPIRITED, pp.
1. Animated; encouraged; incited.
2. a. Animated; full of life; lively; full of spirit or fire; as a spirited address or oration; a spirited answer. It is used in composition, noting the state of the mind; as in high-spirited, low-spirited, mean-spirited.


Topic: Spiritedness
Definition:
SPIRITEDNESS, n. 
1. Life; animation.
2. Disposition or make of mind; used in compounds; as high-spiritedness, low-spiritedness, mean-spiritedness, narrow-spiritedness.


Topic: Spiritless
Definition:
SPIRITLESS, a. 
1. Destitute of spirits; wanting animation; wanting cheerfulness; dejected; depressed.
2. Destitute of vigor; wanting life, courage or fire; as a spiritless slave.
A man so faint, so spiritless, so dull, so dead in look--
3. Having no breath; extinct; dead.


Topic: Spiritous
Definition:
SPIRITOUS, a. 
1. Like spirit; refined; defecated; pure.
More refind, more spiritous and pure.
2. Fine ardent; active.


Topic: Spiritousness
Definition:
SPIRITOUSNESS, n.  A refined state; fineness and activity of parts; as the thinness and spiritousness of liquor.


Topic: Spiritual
Definition:
SPIRITUAL, a. 
1. Consisting of spirit; not material; incorporeal; as a spiritual substance or being. The soul of man is spiritual.
2. Mental; intellectual; as spiritual armor.
3. Not gross; refined from external things; not sensual; relative to mind only; as a spiritual and refined religion.
4. Not lay or temporal; relating to sacred things; ecclesiastical; as the spiritual functions of the clergy; the lords spiritual and temporal; a spiritual corporation.
5. Pertaining to spirit or to the affections; pure; holy.
Gods law is spiritual; it is a transcript of the divine nature, and extends its authority to the acts of the soul of man.
6. Pertaining to the renewed nature of man; as spiritual life.
7. Not fleshly; not material; as spiritual sacrifices. 1 Peter 2.
8. Pertaining to divine things; as spiritual songs. Ephesians 5.
Spiritual court, an ecclesiastical court; a court held by a bishop or other ecclesiastic.


Topic: Spirituality
Definition:
SPIRITUALITY, n. 
1. Essence distinct from matter; immateriality.
If this light be not spiritual, it approacheth nearest to spirituality.
2. Intellectual nature; as the spirituality of the soul.
3. Spiritual nature; the quality which respects the spirit or affections of the heart only, and the essence of true religion; as the spirituality of Gods law.
4. Spiritual exercises and holy affections.
Much of our spirituality and comfort in public worship depend on the state of mind in which we come.
5. That which belongs to the church, or to a person as an ecclesiastic, or to religion; as distinct from temporalities.
During the vacancy of a see, the archbishop is guardian of the spiritualities thereof.
6. An ecclesiastical body. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spiritualization
Definition:
SPIRITUALIZATION, n. The act of spiritualizing. In chemistry, the operation of extracting spirit from natural bodies.


Topic: Spiritualize
Definition:
SPIRITUALIZE, v.i. 
1. To refine the intellect; to purify from the feculences of the world; as, to spiritualize the soul.
2. In chemistry, to extract spirit from natural bodies.
3. To convert to a spiritual meaning.


Topic: Spiritually
Definition:
SPIRITUALLY, adv. Without corporeal grossness or sensuality; in a manner conformed to the spirit of true religion; with purity of spirit or heart.
Spiritually minded, under the influence of the Holy Spirit or of holy principles; having the affections refined and elevated above sensual objects, and placed on God and his law. Romans 8.
Spiritually discerned, known, not by carnal reason, but by the peculiar illumination of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2.


Topic: Spirituous
Definition:
SPIRITUOUS, a. 
1. Containing spirit; consisting of refined spirit; ardent; as spirituous liquors. [This might well be written spiritous.]
2. Having the quality of spirit; fine; pure; active; as the spirituous part of a plant.
3. Lively; gay; vivid; airy. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spirituousness
Definition:
SPIRITUOUSNESS, n. 
1.  The quality of being spirituous; ardor; heat; stimulating quality; as the spirituousness of liquors.
2. Life; tenuity; activity.


Topic: Spiry
Definition:
SPIRY, a. 
1. Of a spiral form; wreathed; curled; as the spiry volumes of a serpent.
2. Having the form of a pyramid; pyramidical; as spiry turrets.


Topic: Spissitude
Definition:
SPISSITUDE, n. [supra.] Thickness of soft substances; the denseness or compactness which belongs to substances not perfectly liquid nor perfectly solid; as the spissitude of coagulated blood or of any coagulum.


Topic: Spit
Definition:
SPIT, n. [G.]
1. An iron prong or bar pointed, on which meat is roasted.
2. Such depth of earth as is pierced by the spade at once. [D. spit, a spade.]
3. A small point of land running into the sea, or a long narrow shoal extending from the shore into the sea; as a spit of sand.
SPIT, v.t. [from the noun.]
1. To thrust a spit through; to put upon a spit; as, to spit a loin of veal.
2. To thrust through; to pierce.
SPIT, v.t. pret. and pp. spit. Spat is obsolete. [G. The sense is to throw or drive.]
1. To eject from the mouth; to thrust out, as saliva or other matter from the mouth. 
2. To eject or throw out with violence.
SPIT, v.i. To throw out saliva from the mouth. It is a dirty trick to spit on the floor or carpet.
SPIT, n. What is ejected from the mouth; saliva.


Topic: Spital
Definition:
SPITAL, SPITTEL, n. Corrupted from hospital. Rob not the spital, or charitable foundation. [Vulgar and not in use.]


Topic: Spite
Definition:
SPITE, n. [L.] Hatred; rancor; malice; malignity; malevolence.
Spite, however, is not always synonymous with these words. It often denotes a less deliberate and fixed hatred than malice and malignity, and is often a sudden fit of ill will excited by temporary vexation. It is the effect of extreme irritation, and is accompanied with a desire of revenge, or at least a desire to vex the object of ill will.
Be gone, ye critics, and restrain your spite; Codrus writes on, and will for ever write.
In spite of, in opposition to all efforts; in defiance or contempt of. Sometimes spite of is used without in, but not elegantly. It is often used without expressing any malignity of meaning.
Whom God made use of to speak a word in season, and saved me in spite of the world, the devil and myself.
In spite of all applications, the patient grew worse every day.
To owe one a spite, to entertain a temporary hatred for something.
SPITE, v.t. 
1. To be angry or vexed at.
2. To mischief; to vex; to treat maliciously; to thwart.
3. To fill with spite or vexation; to offend; to vex.
Darius, spited at the Magi, endeavored to abolish not only their learning but their language. [Not used.]


Topic: Spiteful
Definition:
SPITEFUL, a. Filled with spite; having a desire to vex, annoy or injure; malignant; malicious.
--A wayward son, spiteful and wrathful.


Topic: Spitefulness
Definition:
SPITEFULNESS, n. The desire to vex, annoy or mischief, proceeding from irritation; malice; malignity.
It looks more like spitefulness and ill nature, than a diligent search after truth.


Topic: Spitter
Definition:
SPITTER, n. 
1. One that puts meat on a spit.
2. One who ejects saliva from his mouth.
3. A young deer whose horns begin to shoot or become sharp; a brocket or pricket.


Topic: Spittle
Definition:
SPITTLE, n. [from spit.]
1. Saliva; the thick moist matter which is secreted by the salivary glands and ejected from the mouth.
2. A small sort of spade. [spaddle.]
SPITTLE. [See Spital.]
SPITTLE, v.t. To dig or stir with a small spade. [Local.]


Topic: Splanchnology
Definition:
SPLANCHNOLOGY, n. [Gr., bowels, discourse.]
1. The doctrine of the viscera; or a treatise or description of the viscera.
2. The doctrine of diseases of the internal parts of the body.


Topic: Splash
Definition:
SPLASH, v.t. [formed on plash.] To spatter with water, or with water and mud.
SPLASH, v.i. To strike and dash about water.
SPLASH, n. Water or water and dirt thrown upon any thing, or thrown from a puddle and the like.


Topic: Splay
Definition:
SPLAY, v.t. [See Display.] 
1. To dislocate or break a horses shoulder bone.
2. To spread. [Little used.]
SPLAY, for display. [Not in use.]
SPLAY, a. Displayed; spread; turned outward.


Topic: Spleen
Definition:
SPLEEN, n. [L., Gr.] 
1. The milt; a soft part of the viscera of animals, whose use is not well understood. The ancients supposed this to be the seat of melancholy, anger or vexation. Hence, 
2. Anger; latent spite; ill humor. Thus we say, to vent ones spleen.
In noble minds some dregs remain, Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain.
3. A fit of anger.
4. A fit; a sudden motion. [Not used.]
5. Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.
--Bodies changd to recent forms by spleen.
6. Immoderate merriment. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spleenful
Definition:
SPLEENFUL, a. 
1. Angry; peevish; fretful.
Myself have calmd their spleenful mutiny.
2. Melancholy; hypochondriacal.


Topic: Spleeny
Definition:
SPLEENY, a. 
1. Angry; peevish; fretful.
A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to our cause.
2. Melancholy; affected with nervous complaints. 


Topic: Splendent
Definition:
SPLENDENT, a. [L., to shine.]
1. Shining; glossy; beaming with light; as splendent planets; splendent metals.
2. Very conspicuous; illustrious.


Topic: Splendid
Definition:
SPLENDID, a. [L., to shine. See Plain.]
1. Properly, shining; very bright; as a splendid sun. Hence,
2. Showy; magnificent; sumptuous; pompous; as a splendid palace; a splendid procession; a splendid equipage; a splendid feast or entertainment.
3. Illustrious; heroic; brilliant; as a splendid victory.
4. Illustrious; famous; celebrated; as a splendid reputation.


Topic: Splendidly
Definition:
SPLENDIDLY, adv. 
1. With great brightness or brilliant light.
2. Magnificently; sumptuously; richly; as a house splendidly furnished.
3. With great pomp or show. The king was splendidly attended.


Topic: Splendor
Definition:
SPLENDOR, n. [L. See Plant and Planet.]
1. Great brightness; brilliant luster; as the splendor of the sun.
2. Great show of richness and elegance; magnificence; as the splendor of equipage or of royal robes.
3. Pomp; parade; as the splendor of a procession or of ceremonies.
4. Brilliance; eminence; as the splendor of a victory.


Topic: Splenetic
Definition:
SPLENETIC, a. [L.] Affected with spleen; peevish; fretful.
You humor me when I am sick; Why not when I am splenetic.
SPLENETIC, n. A person affected with spleen.


Topic: Splent
Definition:
SPLENT, n. 
1. A callous substance or insensible swelling on the shank-bone of a horse.
2. A splint. [See Splint.]


Topic: Splice
Definition:
SPLICE, SPLISE, v.t. [G.] To separate the strands of the two ends of a rope, and unite them by a particular manner of interweaving them; or to unite the end of a rope to any part of another by a like interweaving of the strands. There are different modes of splicing, as the short splice, long splice, eye splice, &c.


Topic: Splint
Definition:
SPLINT, SPLINTER, n. [G.]
1. A piece of wood split off; a thin piece (in proportion to its thickness,) of wood or other solid substance, rent from the main body; as splinters of a ships side or mast, rent off by a shot.
2. In surgery, a thin piece of wood or other substance, used to hold or confine a broken bone when set.
3. A piece of bone rent off in a fracture.
SPLINT, SPLINTER, v.t. 
1. To split or rend into long thin pieces; to shiver; as, the lightning splinters a tree.
2. To confine with splinters, as a broken limb.


Topic: Splintery
Definition:
SPLINTERY, a. Consisting of splinters, or resembling splinters; as the splintery fracture of a mineral, which discovers scales arising from splits or fissures, parallel to the line of fracture.


Topic: Split
Definition:
SPLIT, v.t. pret. and pp. split. [G. See Spalt.]
1. To divide longitudinally or lengthwise; to separate a thing from end to end by force; to rive; to cleave; as, to split a piece of timber; to split a board. It differs from crack. To crack is to open or partially separate; to split is to separate entirely.
2. To rend; to tear asunder by violence; to burst; as, to split a rock or a sail.
Cold winter splits the rocks in twain.
3. To divide; to part; as, to split a hair. The phrases to split the heart, to split a ray of light, are now inelegant and obsolete, especially the former. The phrase, to split the earth, is not strictly correct.
4. To dash and break on a rock; as, a ship stranded and split.
5. To divide; to break into discord; as a people split into parties.
6. To strain and pain with laughter; as, to split the sides.
SPLIT, v.i. 
1. To burst; to part asunder; to suffer disruption; as, vessels split by the freezing of water in them. Glass vessels often split when heated too suddenly.
2. To burst with laughter.
Each had a gravity would make you split.
3. To be broken; to be dashed to pieces. We were driven upon a rock, and the ship immediately split.
To split on a rock, to fail; to err fatally; to have the hopes and designs frustrated.


Topic: Splutter
Definition:
SPLUTTER, n. A bustle; a stir. [A low word and little used.]
SPLUTTER, v.i. To speak hastily and confusedly. [Low.]


Topic: Spodumene
Definition:
SPODUMENE, n. [Gr., to reduce to ashes.] A mineral, called by Hauy triphane. It occurs in laminated masses, easily divisible into prisms with rhomboidal bases; the lateral faces smooth, shining and pearly; the cross fracture uneven and splintery. Before the blowpipe it exfoliates into little yellowish or grayish scales; whence its name.


Topic: Spoil
Definition:
SPOIL, v.t. [L., to pull asunder, to tear, to strip, to peel.]
1. To plunder; to strip by violence; to rob; with of; as, to spoil one of his goods or possessions.
My sons their old unhappy sire despise, Spoild of his kingdom, and deprivd of eyes.
2. To seize by violence; to take by force; as, to spoil ones goods.
This mount with all his verdure spoild--
3. To corrupt; to cause to decay and perish. Heat and moisture will soon spoil vegetable and animal substances.
4. To corrupt; to vitiate; to mar.
Spiritual pride spoils many graces.
5. To ruin; to destroy. Our crops are sometimes spoiled by insects.
6. To render useless by injury; as, to spoil paper by wetting it.
7. To injure fatally; as, to spoil the eyes by reading.
SPOIL, v.i. 
1. To practice plunder or robbery.
--Outlaws which, lurking in woods, used to break forth to rob and spoil.
2. To decay; to lose the valuable qualities; to be corrupted; as, fruit will soon spoil in warm weather. Grain will spoil, if gathered when wet or moist.
SPOIL, n. [L.]
1. That which is taken from others by violence; particularly in war, the plunder taken from an enemy; pillage; booty.
2. That which is gained by strength or effort.
Each science and each art his spoil.
3. That which is taken from another without license.
Gentle gales fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole their balmy spoils.
4. The act or practice of plundering; robbery; waste.
The man that hath not music in himself, nor is not movd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treason, stratagems and spoils.
5. Corruption; cause of corruption.
Villainous company hath been the spoil of me.
6. The slough or cast skin of a serpent or other animal.


Topic: Spoiling
Definition:
SPOILING, ppr. 
1. Plundering; pillaging; corrupting; rendering useless.
2. Wasting; decaying.
SPOILING, n. Plunder; waste.


Topic: Spoke
Definition:
SPOKE, pret. of speak.
SPOKE, n. [G., this word, whose radical sense is to shoot or thrust, coincides with spike, spigot, pike, contracted from to spew.]
1. The radius or ray of a wheel; one of the small bars which are inserted in the hub or nave, and which serve to support the rim or felly.
2. The spar or round of a ladder. [Not in use in the United States.]


Topic: Spokesman
Definition:
SPOKESMAN, n. [speak, spoke, and man.[ One who speaks for another. 
He shall be thy spokesman to the people. Exodus 4.


Topic: Spoliate
Definition:
SPOLIATE, v.t. [L.] To plunder; to pillage.
SPOLIATE, v.i. To practice plunder; to commit robbery. In time of war, rapacious men are let loose to spoliate on commerce.


Topic: Spoliation
Definition:
SPOLIATION, n. 
1. The act of plundering, particularly of plundering an enemy in time of war.
2. The act or practice of plundering neutrals at sea under authority.
3. In ecclesiastical affairs, the act of an incumbent in taking the fruits of his benefice without right, but under a pretended title.


Topic: Sponk
Definition:
SPONK, n. [a word probably formed on punk.] Touchwood. In Scotland, a match; something dipped in sulphur for readily taking fire. [See Spunk.]


Topic: Sponsor
Definition:
SPONSOR, n. [L.] A surety; one who binds himself to answer for another, and is responsible for his default. In the church, the sponsors in baptism are sureties for the education of the child baptized.


Topic: Spontaneous
Definition:
SPONTANEOUS, a. [L., of free will.]
1. Voluntary; acting by its own impulse or will without the incitement of any thing external; acting of its own accord; as spontaneous motion.
2. Produced without being planted, or without human labor; as a spontaneous growth of wood.
Spontaneous combustion, a taking fire of itself. Thus oiled canvas, oiled wool, and many other combustible substances, when suffered to remain for some time in a confined state, suddenly take fire, or undergo spontaneous combustion.


Topic: Spontaneously
Definition:
SPONTANEOUSLY, adv. 
1. Voluntarily; of his own will or accord; used of animals; as, he acts spontaneously.
2. By its own force or energy; without the impulse of a foreign cause; used of things. 
Whey turns spontaneously acid.


Topic: Spontaneousness
Definition:
SPONTANEOUSNESS, n. 
1. Voluntariness; freedom of will; accord unconstrained; applied to animals.
2. Freedom of acting without a foreign cause; applied to things.


Topic: Spool
Definition:
SPOOL, n. [G.] A piece of cane or reed, or a hollow cylinder of wood with a ridge at each end; used by weavers to wind their yarn upon in order to slaie it and wind in on the beam. The spool is larger than the quill, on which yarn is wound for the shuttle. But in manufactories, the word may be differently applied.
SPOOL, v.t. To wind on spools.


Topic: Spoon
Definition:
SPOON, n. 
1. A small domestic utensil, with a bowl or concave part and a handle, for dipping liquids; as a tea spoon; a table spoon.
2. An instrument consisting of a bowl or hollow iron and a long handle, used for taking earth out of holes dug for setting posts.
SPOON, v.i. To put before the wind in a gale. [I believe not now used.]


Topic: Spoon-bill
Definition:
SPOON-BILL, n. [spoon and bill.] A fowl of the grallic order, and genus Platatea, so named from the shape of its bill, which is somewhat like a spoon or spatula. Its plumage is white beautiful.


Topic: Spoon-drift
Definition:
SPOON-DRIFT, n. In seamens language, a showery sprinkling of sea water, swept from the surface in a tempest.


Topic: Spoon-meat
Definition:
SPOON-MEAT, n. [spoon and meat.] Food that is or must be taken with a spoon; liquid food.
Diet most upon spoon-meats.


Topic: Spoonful
Definition:
SPOONFUL, n. [spoon and full.] 
1. As much as a spoon contains or is able to contain; as a tea spoonful; a table spoonful.
2. A small quantity of a liquid.


Topic: Sporadic
Definition:
SPORADIC, SPORADICAL, a. [Gr., separate, scattered; whence certain isles of Greece were called Sporades.] Separate; single; scattered; used only in reference to diseases. A sporadic disease, is one which occurs in particular persons and places, in distinction from an epidemic, which affects persons generally or in great numbers.
Sporadic diseases are opposed to epidemics, as accidental, scattered complaints, neither general nor contagious.


Topic: Sport
Definition:
SPORT, n. 
1. That which diverts and makes merry; play; game; diversion; also, mirth. The word signifies both the cause and the effect; that which produces mirth, and the mirth or merriment produced.
Her sports were such as carried riches of knowledge upon the stream of delight.
Here the word denotes the cause of amusement.
They called Samson out of the prison-house; and he made them sport. Judges 16. 
Here sport is the effect.
2. Mock; mockery; contemptuous mirth.
Then make sport at me, then let me be your jest.
They made a sport of his prophets.
3. That with which one plays, or which is driven about.
To flitting leaves, the sport of every wind.
Never does man appear to greater disadvantage than when he is the sport of his own ungoverned passions.
4. Play; idle jingle.
An author who should introduce such a sport of words upon our stage, would meet with small applause.
5. Diversion of the field, as fowling, hunting, fishing.
In sport. To do a thing in sport, is to do it in jest, for play or diversion.
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, am not I in sport? Proverbs 26.
SPORT, v.t. 
1. To divert; to make merry; used with the reciprocal pronoun.
Against whom do ye sport yourselves? Isaiah 47.
2. To represent by any kind of play.
Now sporting on thy lyre the love of youth.
SPORT, v.i. 
1. To play; to frolick; to wanton.
See the brisk lambs that sport along the mead.
2. To trifle. The man that laughs at religion sports with his own salvation.


Topic: Sportful
Definition:
SPORTFUL, a. 
1. Merry; frolicksome; full of jesting; indulging in mirth or play; as a sportful companion.
Down he alights among the sportful herd.
2. Ludicrous; done in jest or for mere play.
These are no sportful productions of the soil.


Topic: Sportfulness
Definition:
SPORTFULNESS, n. Play; merriment; frolick; a playful disposition; playfulness; as the sportfulness of kids and lambs.


Topic: Sportive
Definition:
SPORTIVE, a. 
1. Gay; merry; wanton; frolicksome.
Is it I that drive thee from the sportive court?
2. Inclined to mirth; playful; as a sportive humor.


Topic: Sportsman
Definition:
SPORTSMAN, n. [sport and man.]
1. One who pursues the sports of the field; one who hunts, fishes and fowls.
2. One skilled in the sports of the field. 


Topic: Sportulary
Definition:
SPORTULARY, a. [L., a basket, an alms-basket.] Subsisting on alms or charitable contributions. [Little used.]


Topic: Sportule
Definition:
SPORTULE, n. [L., a little basket.] An alms; a dole; a charitable gift or contribution. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spot
Definition:
SPOT, n. [We see this word is of the family of spatter, and that the radical sense is to throw or thrust. A spot is made by spattering or sprinkling.
1. A mark on a substance made by foreign matter; a speck; a blot; a place discolored. The least spot is visible on white paper.
2. A stain on character or reputation; something that soils purity; disgrace; reproach; fault; blemish.
Yet Chloe sure was formd without a spot.
See 1 Peter 1:17,  Ephesians 5:27.
3. A small extent of space; a place; any particular place.
The spot to which I point is paradise.
Fixd to one spot.
So we say, a spot of ground, a spot of grass or flowers; meaning a place of small extent.
4. A place of a different color from the ground; as the spots of a leopard.
5. A variety of the common domestic pigeon, so called from a spot on its head just above its beak.
6. A dark place on the disk or face of the sun or of a planet.
7. A lucid place in the heavens.
Upon the spot, immediately; before moving; without changing place. [So the French say, sur le champ.]
It was determined upon the spot.
SPOT, v.t. 
1. To make a visible mark with some foreign matter; to discolor; to stain; as, to spot a garment; to spot paper.
2. To patch by way of ornament.
3. To stain; to blemish; to taint; to disgrace; to tarnish; as reputation.
My virgin life no spotted thoughts shall stain.
To stop timber, is to cut or chip it, in preparation for hewing.


Topic: Spotless
Definition:
SPOTLESS, a. 
1. Free from spots, foul matter or discoloration.
2. Free from reproach or impurity; pure; untainted; innocent; as a spotless mind; spotless behavior.
A spotless virgin and a faultless wife.


Topic: Spotted
Definition:
SPOTTED, pp. Marked with spots or places of a different color from the ground; as a spotted beast or garment.


Topic: Spousal
Definition:
SPOUSAL, a. [from spouse.] Pertaining to marriage; nuptial; matrimonial; conjugal; connubial; bridal; as spousal rites; spousal ornaments.
SPOUSAL, n. [L. See Spouse.] Marriage; nuptials. It is now generally used in the plural; as the spousals of Hippolita.


Topic: Spouse
Definition:
SPOUSE, n. [L., to engage.] One engaged or joined in wedlock; a married person, husband or wife. We say of a man, that he is the spouse of such a woman; or of a woman, she is the spouse of such a man.
SPOUSE, v.t. To wed; to espouse. [Little used. See Espouse.]


Topic: Spoused
Definition:
SPOUSED, pp. Wedded; joined in marriage; married; but seldom used. The word used in lieu of it is espoused.


Topic: Spout
Definition:
SPOUT, n. [G., to spit, and spotten is to mock, banter, sport. These are of one family; spout retaining nearly the primary and literal meaning. See Bud and Pout.]
1. A pipe, or a projecting mouth of a vessel, useful in directing the stream of a liquid poured out; as the spout of a pitcher, of a tea pot or water pot.
2. A pipe conducting water from another pipe, or from a trough on a house.
3. A violent discharge of water raised in a column at sea, like a whirlwind, or by a whirlwind. [See Water-spout.]
SPOUT, v.t. 
1. To throw out, as liquids through a narrow orifice or pipe; as, an elephant spouts water from his trunk.
Next on his belly floats the mighty whale--He spouts the tide.
2. To throw out words with affected gravity; to mouth.
SPOUT, v.i.  To issue with violence, as a liquid through a narrow orifice or from a spout; as, water spouts from a cask or a spring; blood spouts from a vein.
All the glittering hill is bright with spouting rills.


Topic: Spouting
Definition:
SPOUTING, ppr. Throwing in a stream from a pipe or narrow opening; pouring out words violently or affectedly.
SPOUTING, n. The act of throwing out, as a liquid from a narrow opening; a violent or affected speech; a harangue.


Topic: Sprag
Definition:
SPRAG, a. Vigorous; sprightly. [Local.] [Note. In America, this word is, in popular language, pronounced spry, which is a contraction of spright, in sprightly.]
SPRAG, n. A young salmon. [Local.]


Topic: Sprain
Definition:
SPRAIN, v.t. To overstrain the ligaments of a joint; to stretch the ligaments so as to injure them, but without luxation or dislocation.
SPRAIN, n. An excessive strain of the ligaments of a joint without dislocation.


Topic: Sprawl
Definition:
SPRAWL, v.i. [The origin and affinities of this word are uncertain. It may be a contracted word.]
1. To spread and stretch the body carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out or struggling. We say, a person lies sprawling; or he sprawls on the be or on the ground.
2. To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scrabble or scramble in creeping.
The birds were not fledged; but in sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled.
3. To widen or open irregularly, as a body of horse.


Topic: Sprawling
Definition:
SPRAWLING, ppr. 
1. Lying with the limbs awkwardly stretched; creeping with awkward motions; struggling with contorsion of the limbs.
2. Widening or opening irregularly, as cavalry.


Topic: Spray
Definition:
SPRAY, n. [probably allied to sprig. The radical sense is a shoot.]
1. A small shoot or branch; or the extremity of a branch. Hence in England, spray faggots are bundles of small branches, used as fuel.
2. Among seamen, the water that is driven from the top of a wave in a storm, which spreads and flies in small particles. It differs from spoon-drift; as spray is only occasional, whereas spoon-drift flies continually along the surface of the sea.


Topic: Spread
Definition:
SPREAD, SPRED, v.t. pret. and pp. spread or spred. [G., to spread. The more correct orthography is spred.
1. To extend in length and breadth, or in breadth only; to stretch or expand to a broader surface; as, to spread a carpet or a table cloth; to spread a sheet on the ground.
2. To extend; to form into a plate; as, to spread silver. Jeremiah 10.
3. To set; to place; to pitch; as, to spread a tent. Genesis 33.
4. To cover by extending something; to reach every part.
And an unusual paleness spreads her face.
5. To extend; to shoot to a greater length in every direction, so as to fill or cover a wider space.
The stately trees fast spread their branches.
6. To divulge; to propagate; to publish; as news or fame; to cause to be more extensively know; as, to spread a report.
In this use the word is sometimes accompanied with abroad.
They, when they had departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. Matthew 9.
7. To propagate; to cause to affect greater numbers; as, to spread a disease.
8. To emit; to diffuse; as emanations or effluvia; as, odoriferous plants spread their fragrance.
9. To disperse; to scatter over a larger surface; as, to spread manure; to spread plaster or lime on the ground.
10. To prepare; to set and furnish with provision; as, to spread a table. God spread a table for the Israelites in the wilderness.
11. To open; to unfold; to unfurl; to stretch; as, to spread the sails of a ship.
SPREAD, SPRED, v.i. 
1. To extend itself in length and breadth, in all directions, or in breadth only; to be extended or stretched. The larger elms spread over a space of forty or fifty yards in diameter; or the shade of the larger elms spreads over that space. The larger lakes in America spread over more than fifteen hundred square miles.
Plants, if they spread much, are seldom tall.
2. To be extended by drawing or beating; as, a metal spreads with difficulty.
3. To be propagated or made known more extensively. Ill reports sometimes spread with wonderful rapidity.
4. To be propagated from one to another; as, a disease spreads into all parts of a city. The yellow fever of American cities has not been found to spread in the country.
SPREAD, SPRED, n. 
1. Extent; compass.
I have a fine spread of improvable land.
2. Expansion of parts.
No flower has that spread of the woodbind.


Topic: Spreading
Definition:
SPREADING, SPREDDING, ppr. 
1. Extending; expanding; propagating; divulging; dispersing; diffusing.
2. a. Extending or extended over a large space; wide; as the spreading oak.
Gov. Winthrop and his associates at Charleston had for a church a large spreading tree.
SPREADING, SPREDDING, n. The act of extending, dispersing or propagating.


Topic: Spredder
Definition:
SPREADER, SPREDDER, n. 
1. One that spreads, extends, expands or propagates; as a spreader of disease.
2. One that divulges one that causes to be more generally know; a publisher; as a spreader of news or reports.


Topic: Sprig
Definition:
SPRIG, n. 
1. A small shoot or twig of a tree or other plant; a spray; as a sprig of laurel or of parsely.
2. A brad, or nail without a head. [Local.]
3. The representation of a small branch in embroidery.
4. A small eye-bolt ragged at the point.
SPRIG, v.t. To mark or adorn with the representation of small branches; to work with sprigs; as, to sprig muslin.


Topic: Sprig-crystal
Definition:
SPRIG-CRYSTAL, n. Crystal found in the form of a hexangular column, adhering to the stone, and terminating at the other end in a point.


Topic: Spright
Definition:
SPRIGHT, SPRITE, n. [G., spirit. It should be written sprite.]
1. A spirit; a shade; a soul; an incorporeal agent.
Forth he calld, out of deep darkness dread, legions of sprights.
And gaping graves receivd the guilty spright.
2. A walking spirit; an apparition.
3. Power which gives cheerfulness or courage.
Hold thou my heart, establish thou mu sprights. [Not in use.]
4. An arrow. [Not in use.]
SPRIGHT, v.t. To haunt, as a spright. [ Not used.]


Topic: Sprightful
Definition:
SPRIGHTFUL, a. [This word seems to be formed from the root of sprag, a local word, pronounced in America spry. It belongs to the family of spring and sprig.] Lively; brisk; nimble; vigorous; gay.
Spoke like a sprightful noble gentleman.
Steeds sprightful as the light.
[This word is little used in America. We use sprightly in the same sense.]


Topic: Sprightliness
Definition:
SPRIGHTLINESS, n. [from sprightly.] Liveliness; life; briskness; vigor; activity; gayety; vivacity.
In dreams, with what sprightliness and alacrity does the soul exert herself.


Topic: Sprightly
Definition:
SPRIGHTLY, a. Lively; brisk; animated; vigorous; airy; gay; as a sprightly youth; a sprightly air; a  sprightly dance.
The sprightly Sylvia trips along the green.
And sprightly wit and love inspires.


Topic: Spring
Definition:
SPRING, v.i. pret. sprung, [sprang, not wholly obsolete;] pp. sprung.
1. To vegetate and rise out of the ground; to begin to appear; as vegetables.
To satisfy the desolate ground, and cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth. Job 38.
2. To begin to grow.
The teeth of the young not sprung--
3. To proceed, as from the seed or cause.
Much more good of sin shall spring.
4. To arise; to appear; to begin to appear or exist.
When the day began to spring, they let her go. Judges 21
Do not blast my springing hopes.
5. To break forth; to issue into sight or notice.
O spring to light; auspicious babe, be born.
6. To issue or proceed, as from ancestors or from a country. Aaron and Moses sprung from Levi.
7. To proceed, as from a cause, reason, principle, or other original. The noblest title springs from virtue.
They found new hope to spring out of despair.
8. To grow; to thrive.
What makes all this but Jupiter the king, at whose command we perish and we spring.
9. To proceed or issue, as from a fountain or source. Water springs from reservoirs in the earth. Rivers spring from lakes or ponds.
10. To leap; to bound; to jump.
The mountain stag that springs from highth to highth, and bounds along the plains--
11. To fly back; to start; as, a bow when bent, springs back by its elastic power.
12. To start or rise suddenly from a covert.
Watchful as fowlers when their game will spring.
13. To shoot; to issue with speed and violence.
And sudden light sprung through the vaulted roof--
14. To bend or wind from a straight direction or plane surface. Our mechanics say, a piece of timber or a plank springs in seasoning.
To spring at, to leap towards; to attempt to reach by a leap.
To spring in, to rush in; to enter with a leap or in haste.
 To spring forth, to leap out; to rush out.
To spring on or upon, to leap on; to rush on with haste or violence; to assault.
SPRING, v.t. 
1. To start or rouse, as game; to cause to rise from the earth or from a covert; as, to spring a pheasant.
2. To produce quickly or unexpectedly.
The nurse, surprisd with fright, starts up and leaves her bed, and springs a light.
[I have never heard such an expression.]
3. To start; to contrive or to produce or propose on a sudden; to produce unexpectedly.
The friends to the cause sprang a new project.
[In lieu of spring, the people int he United States generally use start; to start a new project.]
4. To cause to explode; as, to spring a mine.
5. To burst; to cause to open; as, to spring a leak. When it is said, a vessel has sprung a leak, the meaning is, the leak has then commenced.
6. To crack; as, to spring a mast or a yard.
7. To cause to close suddenly, as the parts of a trap; as, to spring a trap.
To spring a butt, in seamens language, to loosen the end of a plank in a ships bottom.
To spring the luff, when a vessel yields to the helm, and sails nearer to the wind than before.
To spring a fence, for to leap a fence, is not a phrase used in this country.
To spring an arch, to set off, begin or commence an arch from an abutment or pier.
SPRING, n. 
1. A leap; a bound; a jump; as of an animal.
The prisner with a spring from prison broke.
2. A flying back; the resilience of a body recovering its former state by its elasticity; as the spring of a bow.
3. Elastic power or force. The soul or the mind requires relaxation, that it may recover its natural spring.
Heavns, what a spring was in his arm.
4. An elastic body; a body which, when bent or forced from its natural state, has the power of recovering it; as the spring of a watch or clock.
5. Any active power; that by which action or motion is produced or propagated.
--Like nature letting down the springs of life.
Our author shuns by vulgar springs to move the heros glory--
6. A fountain of water; an issue of water from the earth, or the basin of water at the place of its issue. Springs are temporary or perennial. From springs proceed rivulets, and rivulets united form rivers. Lakes and ponds are usually fed by springs.
7. The place where water usually issues from the earth, though no water is there. Thus we say, a spring is dry.
8. A source; that from which supplies are drawn. The real Christian has in his own breast a perpetual and inexhaustible spring of joy.
The sacred spring whence right and honor stream.
9. Rise; original; as the spring of the day. 1 Samuel 9.
10. Cause; original. The springs of great events are often concealed from common observation.
11. The season of the year when plants begin to vegetate and rise; the vernal season. This season comprehends the months of March, April and May, in the middle latitudes north of the equator.
12. In seamens language, a crack in a mast or yard, running obliquely or transversely. [In the sense of leak, I believe it is not used.]
13. A rope passed out of a ships stern and attached to a cable proceeding from her bow, when she is at anchor. It is intended to bring her broadside to bear upon some object. A spring is also a rope extending diagonally from the stern of one ship to the head of another, to make on ship sheer off to a greater distance.
14. A plant; a shoot; a young tree. [Not in use.]
15. A youth. [Not in use.]
16. A hand; a shoulder of pork. [Not in use.]


Topic: Spring-tide
Definition:
SPRING-TIDE, n. [spring and tide.] The tide which happens at or soon after the new and full moon, which rises higher than common tides.


Topic: Spring-wheat
Definition:
SPRING-WHEAT, n. [spring and wheat.] A species of wheat to be sown in the spring; so called in distinction from winter wheat.


Topic: Springe
Definition:
SPRINGE, n. [from spring.] A gin; a noose; which being fastened to an elastic body, is drawn close with a sudden spring, by which means it catches a bird.
SPRINGE, v.t. To catch in a springe; to ensnare.


Topic: Springer
Definition:
SPRINGER, n. 
1. One who springs; one that rouses game.
2. A name given to the grampus.
3. In architecture, the rib of a groin or concentrated vault.


Topic: Springiness
Definition:
SPRINGINESS, n. [from springy.]
1. Elasticity; also, the power of springing.
2. The state of abounding with springs; wetness; spunginess; as of land.


Topic: Springing
Definition:
SPRINGING, ppr. Arising; shooting up; leaping; proceeding; rousing.
Sprining use, in law, a contingent use; a use which may arise upon a contingency.
SPRINGING, n. 
1. The act or process of leaping, arising, issuing or proceeding.
2. Growth; increase. Psalm 65.
3. In building, the side of an arch contiguous to the part on which it rests.


Topic: Springy
Definition:
SPRINGY, a. [from spring.] 
1. Elastic; possessing the power of recovering itself when bent or twisted.
2. Having great elastic power.
3. Having the power to leap; able to leap far.
4. Abounding with springs or fountains; wet; spungy; as springy land.


Topic: Sprinkle
Definition:
SPRINKLE, v.t. [G., L.]
1. To scatter; to disperse; as a liquid or a dry substance composed of fine separable particles; to besprinkle; as, to sprinkle the earth with water; to sprinkle a floor with sand; to sprinkle paper with iron filings.
2. To scatter on; to disperse on in small drops or particles; to besprinkle; as, to sprinkle the earth with water; to sprinkle a floor with sand; to sprinkle paper with iron filings.
3. To wash; to cleanse; to purify.
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. Hebrews 10.
SPRINKLE, v.t. 
1. To perform the act of scattering a liquid or any fine substance, so that it may fall in small particles.
The priest shall sprinkle of the oil with his fingers. Leviticus 14.
Baptism may well enough be performed by sprinkling or effusion of water.
2. To rain moderately; as it sprinkles.
SPRINKLE, n. A small quantity scattered; also, an utensil for sprinkling.


Topic: Sprinkled
Definition:
SPRINKLED, pp.
1. Dispersed in small particles, as a liquid or as dust.
2. Having a liquid or a fine substance scattered over.


Topic: Sprinkling
Definition:
SPRINKLING, ppr. 
1. Dispersing, as a liquid or as dust.
2. Scattering on, in fine drops or particles.
SPRINKLING, n. 
1. The act of scattering in small drops or parcels.
2. A small quantity falling in distinct drops or parts, or coming moderately; as a sprinkling of rain or snow.


Topic: Sprit
Definition:
SPRIT, v.t. [G.] To throw out with force from a narrow orifice; to eject; to spirt. [Not in use. See Spurt.]
SPRIT, n. 
1. A shoot; a sprout.
2. A small boom, pole or spar which crosses the sail of a boat diagonally from the mast to the upper aftmost corner, which it is used to extend and elevate.


Topic: Sprit-sail
Definition:
SPRIT-SAIL, n. [sprit and sail.]
1. The sail extended by a sprit.
2. A sail attached to a yard which hangs under the bowsprit.


Topic: Sprout
Definition:
SPROUT, v.i. [G.]
1. To shoot, as the seed of a plant; to germinate; to push out new shoots. A grain that sprouts in ordinary temperature in ten days, may by an augmentation of heat be made to sprout in forty eight hours. The stumps of trees often sprout, and produce a new forest. Potatoes will sprout and produce a crop, although pared and deprived all their buds or eyes.
2. To shoot into ramifications.
Vitriol is apt to sprout with moisture.
3. To grow, like shoots of plants.
And on the ashes sprouting plumes appear.
SPROUT, n. 
1. The shoot of a plant; a shoot from the seed or from the stump or from the root of a plant or tree. The sprouts of the cane, in Jamaica are called ratoons.
2. A shoot from the end of a branch. The young shoots of shrubs are called sprouts, and in the forest often furnish browse of cattle.


Topic: Spruce
Definition:
SPRUCE, a. Nice; trim; neat without elegance or dignity; formerly applied to things with a serious meaning; now applied to persons only.
He is so spruce, that he never can be genteel.
SPRUCE, v.t. To trim; to dress with great neatness.
SPRUCE, v.i. To dress ones self with affected neatness.
SPRUCE, n. The fir-tree; a name given to a species of evergreen, the Pinus nigra, which is used in families to give flavor to beer. It is used by way of decoction, or in the essence.


Topic: Spruce-beer
Definition:
SPRUCE-BEER, n. A kind of beer which is tinctured with spruce, either by means of the essence or by decoction.


Topic: Sprue
Definition:
SPRUE, n. 
1. A matter formed in the mouth in certain diseases.
2. In Scotland, that which is thrown off in casting metals; scoria.


Topic: Sprung
Definition:
SPRUNG, pret. and pp. of spring. The man sprung over the ditch; the mast is sprung; a hero sprung from a race of kings.


Topic: Spry
Definition:
SPRY, a. Having great power of leaping or running; nimble; active; vigorous. [This word is in common use in New England, and is doubtless a contraction of sprig. See Sprightly.]


Topic: Spud
Definition:
SPUD, n. 
1. A short knife. [Little used.]
2. Any short thing; in contempt.
3. A tool of the fork kind, used by farmers.
SPUD, v.t. To dig or loosen the earth with a spud. [Local.]


Topic: Spume
Definition:
SPUME, n. [L.] Froth; foam; scum; frothy matter raised on liquors or fluid substances by boiling, effervescence or agitation.
SPUME, v.i. To froth; to foam.


Topic: Spumous
Definition:
SPUMOUS, SPUMY, a. [L.] Consisting of froth or scum; foamy.
The spumy waves proclaim the watry war.
The spumous and florid state of the blood.


Topic: Spunge
Definition:
SPUNGE, n. [L., Gr.] 
1. A porous marine substance, found adhering to rocks, shells, &c. Under water, and on rocks about the shore at low water. It is generally supposed to be of animal origin, and consists of a fibrous reticulated substance, covered by a soft gelatinous matter, but in which no polypes have hitherto been observed. It is so porous as to imbibe a great quantity of water, and is used for various purposes in the arts and in surgery.
2. In gunnery, an instrument for cleaning cannon after a discharge. It consists of a cylinder of wood, covered with lamb skin. For small guns, it is commonly fixed to one end of the handle of the rammer.
3. In the manege, the extremity or point of a horse-shoe, answering to the heel.
Pyrotechnical spunge, is made of mushrooms or fungi, growing on old oaks, ash, fir, &c. which are boiled in water, dried and beaten, then put in a strong lye prepared with saltpeter, and again dried in an oven. This makes the black match or tinder brought from Germany.
SPUNGE, v.t. 
1. To wipe with a wet spunge; as, to spunge a slate.
2. To wipe out with a spunge, as letters or writing.
3. To cleanse with a spunge; as, to spunge a cannon.
4. To wipe out completely; to extinguish or destroy.
SPUNGE, v.i. 
1. To suck in or imbibe, as a spunge.
2. To gain by mean arts, by intrusion or hanging on; as an idler who spunges on his neighbor.


Topic: Spungy
Definition:
SPUNGY, a. 
1. Soft and full of cavities; of an open, loose, pliable texture; as a spungy excrescence; spungy earth; spungy cake; the spungy substance of the lungs.
2. Full of small cavities; as spungy bones.
3. Wet; drenched; soaked and soft, like spunge.
4. Having the quality of imbibing fluids.


Topic: Spunk
Definition:
SPUNK, n. [probably from punk.]
1. Touchwood; wood that readily takes fire. Hence,
2. Vulgarly, an inflammable temper; spirit; as a man of spunk. Ill natured observations touched his spunk. [Low.]


Topic: Spur
Definition:
SPUR, n. 
1. An instrument having a rowel or little wheel with sharp points, worn on horsemens heels, to prick the horses for hastening their pace.
Girt with rusty sword and spur.
Hence, to set spurs to a horse, is to prick him and put him upon a run.
2. Incitement; instigation. The love of glory is the spur to heroic deeds.
3. The largest or principal root of a tree; hence perhaps, the short wooden buttress of a post; [that is, in both cases, a shoot.]
4. The hard pointed projection on a cocks leg, which serves as an instrument of defense and annoyance.
5. Something that projects; a snag.
6. In America, a mountain that shoots from any other mountain or range of mountains, and extends to some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles.
7. That which excites. We say, upon the spur of the occasion; that is, the circumstances or emergency which calls for immediate action.
8. A sea swallow.
9. The hinder part of the nectary in certain flowers, shaped like a cocks spur.
10. A morbid shoot or excrescence in grain, particularly in rye.
11. In old fortifications, a wall that crosses a part of the rampart and joins to the town wall.
SPUR, v.t. 
1. To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; as, to spur a horse.
2. To incite; to instigate; to urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object. Some men are spurred to action by the love of glory, others by the love of power. Let affection spur us to social and domestic duties.
3. To impel; to drive.
Love will not be spurrd to what it lothes.
4. To put spurs on.
Spurs of the beams, in a ship, are curving timbers, serving as half beams to support the deck, where whole beams cannot be used.
SPUR, v.i. 
1. To travel with great expedition.
The Parthians shall be there, and spurring from the fight, confess their fear. [Unusual.]
2. To press forward.
Some bold men--by spurring on, refine themselves.


Topic: Spur-royal
Definition:
SPUR-ROYAL, n. A gold coin, first made in the reign of Edward IV. IN the reign of James I. its value was fifteen shillings. Sometimes written spur-rial or ryal.


Topic: Spurgall
Definition:
SPURGALL, v.t. [spur and gall.] To gall or wound with a spur.
SPURGALL, n. A place galled or excoriated by much using of the spur.


Topic: Spurious
Definition:
SPURIOUS, a. [L.]
1. Not genuine; not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; counterfeit; false; adulterate. Spurious writings are such as are not composed by the authors to whom they are ascribed. Spurious drugs are common. The reformed churches reject spurious ceremonies and traditions.
2. Not legitimate; bastard; as spurious issue. By the laws of England, one begotten and born out of lawful matrimony, is a spurious child.
Spurious disease, a disease not of the genuine type, but bearing a resemblance in its symptoms.


Topic: Spuriousness
Definition:
SPURIOUSNESS, n. 
1. The state or quality of being counterfeit, false or not genuine; as the spuriousness of drugs, of coin or of writings.
2. Illegitimacy; the state of being bastard, or not of legitimate birth; as the spuriousness of issue.


Topic: Spurling-line
Definition:
SPURLING-LINE, n. Among seamen, the line which forms the communication between the wheel and the tell-tale.


Topic: Spurn
Definition:
SPURN, v.t. [L., spur, kicking.]
1. To kick; to drive back or away, as with the foot.
2. To reject with disdain; to scorn to receive or accept. What multitudes of rational beings spurn the offers of eternal happiness!
3. To treat with contempt.
SPURN, v.i. 
1. To manifest disdain in rejecting any thing; as, to spurn at the gracious offers of pardon.
2. To make contemptuous opposition; to manifest disdain in resistance.
Nay more, to spurn at your most royal image.
3. To kick or toss up the heels.
The drunken chairman in the kennel spurns.
SPURN, n. Disdainful rejection; contemptuous treatment. 
The insolence of office, and the spurns that patient merit of the unworthy takes.


Topic: Spurt
Definition:
SPURT, v.t. [The English word has suffered a transposition of letters. It is from the root of sprout, which see.] To throw out, as liquid in a stream; to drive or force out with violence, as a liquid from a pipe or small orifice; as, to spurt water from the mouth, or other liquid from a tube.
SPURT, v.i. To gush or issue out in a stream, as liquor from a cask; to rush from a confined place in a small stream.
Then the small jet, which hasty hands unlock, spurts in the gardners eyes who turns the cock.
SPURT, n. 
1. A sudden or violent ejection or gushing of a liquid substance from a tube, orifice or other confined place; a jet.
2. A sudden or short occasion or exigency; sudden effort. [Vulgar.]


Topic: Spurway
Definition:
SPURWAY, n. [spur and way.] A horse path; a narrow way; a bridle road; a way for a single beast. [Not used in the United States.]


Topic: Sputter
Definition:
SPUTTER, v.i. [L., to spit. It belongs to the root of spout and spit; of the latter it seems to be a diminutive.]
1. To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small or scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.
2. To throw out moisture in small detached parts; as green wood sputtering in the flame.
3. To fly off in small particles with some crackling or noise.
When sparkling lamps their sputtering lights advance.
4. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; literally, to spout small; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.
They could neither of them speak their rage, and so they fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples.
SPUTTER, v.t. To throw out with haste and noise; to utter with indistinctness.
In the midst of caresses--to sputter out the basest accusations.
SPUTTER, n. Moist matter thrown out in small particles.


Topic: Sputtered
Definition:
SPUTTERED, pp. Thrown out in small portions, as liquids; uttered with haste and indistinctness, as words.


Topic: Sputtering
Definition:
SPUTTERING, ppr. Emitting in small particles; uttering rapidly and indistinctly; speaking hastily; spouting.


Topic: Spy
Definition:
SPY, n. 
1. A person sent into an enemys camp to inspect their works, ascertain their works, ascertain their strength and their intentions, to watch their movements, and secretly communicate intelligence to the proper officer. By the laws of war among all civilized nations, a spy is subjected to capital punishment.
2. A person deputed to watch the conduct of others.
3. One who watches the conduct of others.
These wretched spies of wit.
SPY, v.t. 
1. To see; to gain sight of; to discover at a distance, or in a state of concealment. It is the same as espy; as, to spy land from the mast head of a ship.
As tiger spied two gentle fawns. 
One in reading skipped over all sentences where he spied a note of admiration.
2. To discover by close search or examination; as, a lawyer in examining the pleadings in a case, spies a defect.
3. To explore; to view, inspect and examine secretly; as a country; usually with out.
Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof. Numbers 21.
SPY, v.i. To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
It is my natures plague to spy into abuse.


Topic: Squab
Definition:
SQUAB, a. [G., plump, sleek; to be plump or sleek, and to vibrate.]
1. Fat; thick; plump; bulky.
Nor the squab daughter, nor the wife were nice.
2. Unfledged; unfethered; as a squab pigeon.
SQUAB, n. 
1. A young pigeon or dove. [This word is in common or general use in America, and almost the only sense in which it is used is the one here given. It is sometimes used in the sense of fat, plump.]
2. A kind of sofa or couch; a stuffed cushion. [Not used in America.]
SQUAB, adv. Striking at once; with a heavy fall; plump.
The eagle dropped the tortoise squab upon a rock. [Low and not used.]
[The vulgar word awhap or whop, is used in a like sense in America. It is found in Chaucer.]


Topic: Squabble
Definition:
SQUABBLE, v.i. [I know not the origin of this word, but it seems to be from the root of wabble; G., to vibrate, to quake, to be sleek. See Squab.]
1. To contend for superiority; to scuffle; to struggle; as, two persons squabble in sport.
2. To contend; to wrangle; to quarrel.
3. To debate peevishly; to dispute. If there must be disputes, it is less criminal to squabble than to murder.
[Squabble is not an elegant word in any of its uses. In some of them it is low.]
SQUABBLE, n. A scuffle; a wrangle; a brawl; a petty quarrel.


Topic: Squadron
Definition:
SQUADRON, n. [L., to square; four.]
1. In its primary sense, a square or square form; and hence, a square body of troops; a body drawn up in a square. So Milton has used the word.
Those half rounding guards just met, and closing stood in squadron joind.
[This sense is probably obsolete, unless in poetry.]
2. A body of troops, infantry or cavalry, indefinite in number.
3. A division of a fleet; a detachment of ships of war, employed on a particular expedition; or one third part of a naval armament.


Topic: Squalid
Definition:
SQUALID, a. [L., to be foul.] Foul; filthy; extremely dirty. 
Uncombd his locks, and squalid his attire.


Topic: Squall
Definition:
SQUALL, v.i.  To cry out; to scream or cry violently; as a woman frightened, or a child in anger or distress; a, the infant squalled.
SQUALL, n. 
1. A loud scream; a harsh cry.
2. A sudden gust of violent wind.


Topic: Squally
Definition:
SQUALLY, a. 
1. Abounding with squalls disturbed often with sudden and violent gust of wind; as squally weather.
2. In agriculture, broken into detached pieces; interrupted by unproductive spots. [Local.]


Topic: Squander
Definition:
SQUANDER, v.t. [G., to turn.]
1. To spend lavishly or profusely; to spend prodigally; to dissipate; to waste without economy or judgment; as, to squander an estate.
They often squanderd, but they never gave.
The crime of squandering health is equal to the folly.
2. To scatter; to disperse.
Our squanderd troops he rallies.
[In this application not now used.]


Topic: Squanderer
Definition:
SQUANDERER, n. One who spends his money prodigally, without necessity or use; a spendthrift; a prodigal; a waster; a lavisher.


Topic: Square
Definition:
SQUARE, a. [Gr.]
1. Having four equal sides and four right angles; as a square room; a square figure.
2. Forming a right angle; as an instrument for striking lines square.
3. Parallel; exactly suitable; true.
Shes a most triumphant lady, if report be square to her. [Unusual.]
4. Having a straight front, or a frame formed with straight lines; not curving; as a man of a square frame; a square built man.
5. That does equal justice; exact; fair; honest; as square dealing.
6. Even; leaving no balance. Let us make or leave the accounts square.
Three square, five square, having three or five equal sides, &c.; an abusive use of square. 
Square root, in geometry and arithmetic. The square root of a quantity or number is that which, multiplied by itself, produces the square. Thus 7 is the square root of 49, for 7 times 7 = 49.
In seamens language, the yards are square, when they are arranged at right angles with the mast or the keel. The yards and sails are said also to be square, when they are of greater extent than usual.
SQUARE, n. 
1. A figure having four equal sides and four right angles.
2. An area of four sides, with houses on each side.
The statue of Alexander VII. stands in the large square of the town.
3. The content of the side of a figure squared.
4. An instrument among mechanics by which they form right angles, or otherwise measure angles.
5. Im geometry and arithmetic, a square or square number is the product of a number multiplied by itself. Thus 64 is the square of 8, for 8 times 8 = 64. 
6. Rule; regularity; exact proportion; justness of workmanship and conduct.
They of Galatia much more out of square.
I have not kept my square. [Not in use.]
7. A square body of troops; a squadron; as the brave square of war. [Not in use.]
8. A quaternion; four. [Not in use.]
9. Level; equality.
We live not on the square with such as these.
10. In astrology, quartile; the position of planets distant ninety degrees from each other.
11. Rule; conformity; accord. I shall break no squares with another for a trifle.
Squares go. Let us see how the squares go, that is, how the game proceeds; a phrase taken from the game of chess, the chess board being formed with squares.
SQUARE, v.t. 
1. To form with four equal sides and four right angles.
2. To reduce to a square; to form to right angles; as, to square masons work.
3. To reduce to any given measure or standard.
4, To adjust; to regulate; to mold; to shape; as, to square our actions by the opinions of others; to square our lives by the precepts of the gospel.
5. To accommodate; to fit; as, square my trial to my strength.
6. To respect in quartile.
7. To make even, so as to leave no difference or balance; as, to square accounts; a popular phrase.
8. In arithmetic, to multiply a number by itself; as, to square the number.
9. In seamens language, to square the yards, is to place them at right angles with the mast or keel.
SQUARE, v.i. 
1. To suit; to fit; to quadrate; to accord or agree. His opinions do not square with the doctrines of philosophers.
2. To quarrel; to go to opposite sides.
Are you such fools to square for this? [Not in use.]


Topic: Square-rigged
Definition:
SQUARE-RIGGED, a. In seamens language, a vessel is square-rigged when her principal sails are extended by yards suspended by the middle, and not by stays, gaffs, booms and lateen yards. Thus a ship and a brig are square-rigged vessels.


Topic: Squarrous
Definition:
SQUARROUS, a. [Gr., scurf.] In botany, scurfy or ragged, or full of scales; rough; jagged. A squarrous calyx consists of scales very sidely divaricating; a squarrous leaf is divided into shreds or jags, raised above the plane of the leaf, and not parallel to it.


Topic: Squash
Definition:
SQUASH, v.t. [L.] To crush; to beat or press into pulp or a flat mass.
SQUASH, n. 
1. Someting soft an deasily crushed.
2. [Gr.] A plant of the genus Cucurbita, and its fruit; a culinary vegetable.
3. Something unripe or soft; in contempt.
This squash, this gentleman.
4. A sudden fall of a heavy soft body.
5. A shock of soft bodies.
My fall was stoppd by a terrible squash. [Vulgar.]


Topic: Squat
Definition:
SQUAT, v.i. 
1. To sit down upon the hams or heels; as a human being.
2. To sit close to the ground; to cower; as an animal.
3. In Massachusetts and some other states of America, to settle on anothers land without pretense of title; a practice very common in the wilderness.
SQUAT, v.t. To bruise or make flat by a fall. [Not in use.]
SQUAT, a. 
1. Sitting on the hams or heels; sitting close to the ground; cowering.
Him there they found, squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve.
2. Short and thick, like the figure of an animal squatting.
The head of the squill insect is broad and squat.
SQUAT, n.
1. The posture of one that sits on his hams, or close to the ground.
2. A sudden or crushing fall. [Not in use.]
3. A sort of mineral.


Topic: Squatter
Definition:
SQUATTER, n. 
1. One that squats or sits close.
2. In the United States, one that settles on new land without a title.


Topic: Squeak
Definition:
SQUEAK, v.t. [G., to squeak. This word probably belongs to the family of quack.]
1. To utter a sharp shrill cry, usually of short duration; to cry with an acute tone, as an animal; or to make a sharp noise, as a pipe or quill, a wheel, a door and the like. Wheels squeak only when the axle tree is dry.
Who can endure to hear one of the rough old Romans, squeaking through the mouth of an eunuch?
Zoilus calls the companions of Ulysses, the squeaking pigs of Homer.
2. To break silence or secrecy for fear or pain; to speak.
SQUEAK, n.  A sharp shrill sound suddenly uttered, either of the human voice or of any animal or instrument, such as a child utters in acute pain, or as pigs utter, or as is made by carriage wheels when dry, or by a pipe or reed.


Topic: Squeal
Definition:
SQUEAL, v.i. [See Squall.] To cry with a sharp shrill voice. It is used of animals only, and chiefly of swine. It agrees in sense with squeak, except that squeal denotes a more continues cry than squeak, and the latter is not limited to animals. We say, a squealing hog or pig, a squealing child; but more generally a squalling child.


Topic: Squeamish
Definition:
SQUEAMISH, a. [probably from the root of wamble.] Literally, having a stomach that is easily turned, or that readily nauseates any thing; hence, nice to excess in taste; fastidious; easily disgusted; apt to be offended at trifling improprieties; scrupulous.
Quoth he, that honors very squeamish that takes a basting for a blemish.
His muse is rustic, and perhaps too plain the men of squeamish taste to entertain.


Topic: Squeamishness
Definition:
SQUEAMISHNESS, n. Excessive niceness; vicious delicacy of taste; fastidiousness; excessive scrupulousness.
The thorough-paced politician must presently laugh at the squeamishness of his conscience.


Topic: Squeeze
Definition:
SQUEEZE, v.t. 
1. To press between two bodies; to press closely; as, to squeeze an orange the fingers or with an instrument; to squeeze the hand in friendship.
2. To oppress with hardships, burdens and taxes; to harass; to crush.
In a civil war, people must expect to be squeezed with the burden.
3. To hug; to embrace closely.
4. To force between close bodies; to compel or cause to pass; as, to squeeze water through felt.
To squeeze out, to force out by pressure, as a liquid.
SQUEEZE, v.i. 
1. To press; to urge ones way; to pass by pressing; as, to squeeze hard to get through a crowd.
2. To crowd.
To squeeze through, to pass through by pressing and urging forward.
SQUEEZE, n. 
1. Pressure; compression between bodies.
2. A close hug or embrace.


Topic: Squeezing
Definition:
SQUEEZING, ppr. Pressing; compressing; crowding; oppressing.
SQUEEZING, n. 
1. The act of pressing; compression; oppression.
2. That which is forced out by pressure; dregs. 
The dregs and squeezings of the brain.


Topic: Squib
Definition:
SQUIB, n. [This word probably belongs to the family of whip; denoting that which is thrown.]
1. A little pipe or hollow cylinder of paper, filled with powder or combustible matter and sent into the air, burning and bursting with a crack; a cracker.
Lampoons, like squibs, may make a present blaze.
The making and selling of squibs is punishable.
2. A sarcastic speech or little censorious writing published; a petty lampoon.
3. A pretty fellow. [Not in use.]
The squibs, in the common phrase, are called libellers.
SQUIB, v.i. To throw squibs; to utter sarcastic or severe reflections; to contend in petty dispute; as, two members of a society squib a little in debate. [Colloquial.]


Topic: Squill
Definition:
SQUILL, n. [L., a squill, a lobster or prawn.]
1. A plant of the genus Scilla. It has a large acrid bulbous root like an onion, which is used in medicine.
2. A fish, or rather a crustaceous animal, of the genus Cancer.
3. An insect, called squill insect form its resemblance to the fish, having a long body covered with a crust, the head broad and squat.


Topic: Squint
Definition:
SQUINT, a. 
1. Looking obliquely; having the optic axes directed to different objects.
2. Looking with suspicion.
SQUINT, v.i. 
1. To see obliquely.
Some can squint when they will.
2. To have the axes of the eyes directed to different objects.
3. To slope; to deviate from a true line; to run obliquely.
SQUINT, v.t. 
1. To turn the eye to an oblique position; to look indirectly; as, to squint an eye.
2. To form the eye to oblique vision.
He gives the web and the pin, squints the eye, and make the hare-lip.


Topic: Squint-eyed
Definition:
SQUINT-EYED, a. 
1. Having eyes that squint; having oblique vision.
2. Oblique; indirect; malignant; as squint-eyed praise.
3. Looking obliquely or by side glances; as squint-eyed jealousy or envy.


Topic: Squinting
Definition:
SQUINTING, ppr. Seeing or looking obliquely; looking by side glances.
SQUINTING, n. The act or habit of looking obliquely.


Topic: Squire
Definition:
SQUIRE, n. [a popular contraction of esquire. See Esquire.]
1. In Great Britain, the title of a gentleman next in rank to a knight.
2. In Great Britain, an attendant on a noble warrior.
3. An attendant at court.
4. In the United States, the title of magistrates and lawyers. In New-England, it is particularly given to justices of the peace and judges.
5. The title customarily given to gentlemen.
SQUIRE, v.t. 
1. To attend as a squire.
2. In colloquial language, to attend as a beau or gallant for aid and protection; as, to squire a lady to the gardens.


Topic: Squirrel
Definition:
SQUIRREL, n. [L., Gr., shade, and tail.] A small quadruped of the genus Sciurus, order of Glires, and class Mammalia. The squirrel has two cutting teeth in each jaw, four toes on the fore feet, and five on the hind feet. Several species are enumerated. Among these are the gray, the red, and the black squirrel. These animals are remarkably nimble, running up tress and leaping from branch to branch with surprising agility. They subsist on nuts, of which they lay up a store for winter, some of them in hollow trees, others in the earth. Their flesh is delicate food.


Topic: Squirt
Definition:
SQUIRT, v.t. To eject or drive out of a narrow pipe or orifice, in a stream; as, to squirt water.
SQUIRT, v.i. To throw out words; to let fly. [Not in use.]
SQUIRT, n. 
1. An instrument with which a liquid is ejected in a stream with force.
2. A small quick stream.


Topic: Squirter
Definition:
SQUIRTER, n. One that squirts. [This word in all its forms, is vulgar.]
Squirting cucumber, a sort of wild cucumber, so called from the sudden bursting of its capsules when ripe; the Momordica elaterium.


Topic: Stab
Definition:
STAB, v.t. [This word contains the elements, and is probably from the primary sense, of the L., to point or prick, and a multitude of others in many languages. The radical sense is to thrust; but I know not to what oriental roots they are allied.]
1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; as, to be stabbed by a dagger or a spear; to stab fish or eels.
2. To wound mischievously or mortally; to kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument.
3. To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab reputation.
STAB, v.i. 
1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon.
None shall dare with shortend sword to stab in closer war.
2. To give a mortal wound. 
He speaks poniards, and every word stabs.
To stab at, to offer a stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at. 
STAB, n. 
1. The thrust of a pointed weapon.
2. A wound with a sharp pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab of an assassin.
3. An injury given in the dark; a sly mischief; as a stab given to character.


Topic: Stabbing
Definition:
STABBING, ppr. Piercing with a pointed weapon; killing with a pointed instrument by piercing the body.
STABBING, n. The act of piercing with a pointed weapon; the act of wounding or killing with a pointed instrument.
This statute was made on account of the frequent quarrels and stabbings with short daggers.


Topic: Stabiliment
Definition:
STABILIMENT, n. [L., to make firm. See Stab.] Act of making firm; firm support. 
They serve for stabiliment, propagation and shade.


Topic: Stability
Definition:
STABILITY, n. [L. See Stab.]
1. Steadiness; stableness; firmness; strength to stand without being moved or overthrown; as the stability of a throne; the stability of a constitution of government.
2. Steadiness or firmness of character; firmness of resolution or purpose; the qualities opposite to fickleness, irresolution or inconstancy. We say, a man of little stability, or of unusual stability.
3. Fixedness; as opposed to fluidity. [I believe not now used.]
Since fluidness and stability are contrary qualities--


Topic: Stable
Definition:
STABLE, a. [L. The primary sense is set, fixed. See Stab.]
1. Fixed; firmly established; not to be easily moved, shaken or overthrown; as a stable government.
2. Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering; as a stable man; a stable character.
3. Fixed; steady; firm; not easily surrendered or abandoned; as a man of stable principles.
4. Durable; not subject to be overthrown or changed.
In this region of chance and vanity, where nothing is stable--
STABLE, v.t. To fix; to establish. [Not used.]
STABLE, n. [L., a stand, a fixed place, like stall. See the latter. These words do not primarily imply a covering for horses or cattle.] A house or shed for beasts to lodge and feed in. In large towns, a stable is usually a building for horses only, or horses and cows, and often connected with a coach house. In the country towns in the northern states of America, a stable is usually an apartment in a barn in which hay and grain are deposited.
STABLE, v.t. To put or keep in a stable. Our farmers generally stable not only horses, but oxen and cows in winter, and sometimes young cattle.
STABLE, v.i. To dwell or lodge in a stable; to dwell in an inclosed place; to kennel.


Topic: Stableness
Definition:
STABLENESS, n. 
1. Fixedness; firmness of position or establishment; strength to stand; stability; as the stableness of a throne or of a system of laws.
2. Steadiness; constancy; firmness of purpose; stability; as stableness of character, of mind, of principles or opinions.


Topic: Stablestand
Definition:
STABLESTAND, n. [stable and stand.] In law, when man is found at his standing in the forest with a cross bow bent, ready to shoot at a deer, or with a long bow; or standing close by a tree with grayhounds in a leash ready to slip. This is one of the four presumptions that a man intends stealing the kings deer.


Topic: Stabling
Definition:
STABLING, ppr. Putting or keeping in a stable.
STABLING, n. 
1. The act or practice of keeping cattle in a stable.
2. A house, shed or room for keeping horses and cattle.


Topic: Stablish
Definition:
STABLISH, v.t. [L. See Stab.] To fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm. [In lieu of this, establish is now always used.]


Topic: Stack
Definition:
STACK, n. 
1. A large conical pile of hay, grain or straw, sometimes covered with thatch. In America, the stack differs from the cock only in size, both being conical. A long pile of hay or grain is called a rick. In England, this distinction is not always observed. This word in Great Britain is sometimes applied to a pile of wood containing 108 cubic feet, and also to a pile of poles; but I believe never in America.
Against every pillar was a stack of billets above a mans highth.
2. A number of funnels or chimneys standing together. We say, a stack of chimneys; which is correct, as a chimney is a passage. But we also call the whole stack a chimney. Thus we say, the chimney rises ten feet above the roof.
STACK, v.t. 
1. To lay in a conical or other pile; to make into a large pile; as, to stack hay or grain.
2. In England, to pile wood, poles, &c.


Topic: Stacte
Definition:
STACTE, n. [L., Gr.] A fatty resinous liquid matter, of the nature of liquid myrrh, very odoriferous and highly valued.  But it is said we have none but what is adulterated, and what is so called is liquid storax.


Topic: Staddle
Definition:
STADDLE, n. [G. It belongs to the root of stead, steady.]
1. Any thing which serves for support; a staff; a crutch; the frame or support of a stack of hay or grain. [In this sense not used in New England.]
2. In New England, a small tree of any kind, particularly a forest tree. In America, trees are called staddles from three or four years old till they are six or eight inches in diameter or more, but in this respect the word is indefinite. This is also the sense in which it is used by Bacon and Tusser.
STADDLE, v.t. To leave staddles when a wood is cut.


Topic: Stadium
Definition:
STADIUM, n. [L., Gr.] 
1. A Greek measure of 125 geometrical paces; a furlong.
2. The course or career of a race.


Topic: Stadtholder
Definition:
STADTHOLDER, n. Formerly, the chief magistrate of the United Provinces of Holland; or the governor or lieutenant governor of a province.


Topic: Staff
Definition:
STAFF, n. plu. [G., a bar, a rod. The primary sense is to thrust, to shoot. See Stab.]
1. A stick carried in the hand for support or defense by a person walking; hence, a support; that which props or upholds. Bread is the proverbially called the staff of life.
The boy was the very staff of my age.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23.
2. A stick or club used as a weapon.
With forks and staves the felon they pursue.
3. A long piece of wood; a stick; the long handle of an instrument; a pole or stick, used for many purposes.
4. The five lines and the spaces on which music is written.
5. An ensign of authority; a badge of office; as a constables staff.
6. The round of a ladder.
7. A pole erected in a ship to hoist and display a flag; called a flag-staff. There is also a jack-staff, and an ensign-staff.
8. In military affairs, an establishment of officers in various departments, attached to an army. The staff includes officers not of the line, as adjutants, quarter-masters, chaplain, surgeon, &c. The staff is the medium of communication from the commander in chief to every department of an army.
9. A stanza; a series of verses so disposed that when it is concluded, the same order begins again.
Cowley found out that no kind of staff is proper for a heroic poem, as being all too lyrical.
10. Stave and staves, plu. of staff. [See Stave.]


Topic: Stag
Definition:
STAG, n. [This word belongs to the root of stick, stage, stock. The primary sense is to thrust, hence to fix, to stay, &c.]
1. The male red deer; the male of the hind.
2. A colt or filly; also, a romping girl. [Local.]
3. In New England, the male of the common ox castrated.


Topic: Stage
Definition:
STAGE, n. [G.] Properly, one step or degree of elevation, and what the French call etage, we call a story. Hence, 
1. A floor or platform of any kind elevated above the ground or common surface, as for an exhibition of something to pubic view; as a stage for a mountebank; a stage for speakers in public; a stage for mechanics. Seamen use floating stages, and stages suspended by the side of a ship, for calking and repairing.
2. The floor on which theatrical performances are exhibited, as distinct from the pit, &c. Hence, 
3. The theater; the place of scenic entertainments.
Knights, squires and steeds must enter on the stage.
4. Theatrical representations. It is contended that the stage is a school or morality. Let it be inquired, where is the person whom the stage has reformed?
5. A place where any thing is publicly exhibited.
When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.
6. Place of action or performance; as the stage of life.
7. A place of rest on a journey, or where a relay of horses is taken. When we arrive at the next stage, we will take some refreshment. Hence, 
8. The distance between two places of rest on a road; as a stage of fifteen miles.
9. A single step; degree of advance; degree of progression, either in increase or decrease, in rising or falling, or in any change of state; as the several stages of a war; the stages of civilization or improvement; stages of growth in an animal or plant; stages of a disease, of decline or recovery; the several stages of human life.
10. [instead of stage-coach, or stage-wagon.] A coach or other carriage running regularly from one place to another for the conveyance of passengers.
I went in the six-penny stage.
A parcel sent by the stage. American usage.
STAGE, v.t. To exhibit publicly. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stage-coach
Definition:
STAGE-COACH, n. [stage and coach.] A coach that runs by stages; or a coach that runs regularly every day or on stated days, for the conveyance of passengers.


Topic: Stage-player
Definition:
STAGE-PLAYER, n. An actor on the stage; one whose occupation is to represent characters on the stage. Garrick was a celebrated stage-player.


Topic: Stager
Definition:
STAGER, n. 
1. A player. [Little used.]
2. One that has long acted on the stage of life; a practitioner; a person of cunning; as an old cunning stager; an experienced stager; a stager of the wiser sort.
[I do not recollect to have ever heard this word used in America.]


Topic: Stagger
Definition:
STAGGER, v.t. 
1. To reel; to vacillate; to move to one side and the other in standing or walking; not to stand or walk with steadiness. 
Deep was the wound; he staggerd with the blow.
2. To fail; to cease to stand firm; to begin to give way.
The enemy staggers.
3. To hesitate; to begin to doubt and waver in purpose; to become less confident or determined.
Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief. Romans 4.


Topic: Staggering
Definition:
STAGGERING, ppr. Causing to reel, to waver or to doubt.
STAGGERING, n. 
1. The act of reeling.
2. The cause of staggering.


Topic: Staggers
Definition:
STAGGERS, n. plu.
1. A disease of horses and cattle, attended with reeling or giddiness; also, a disease of sheep, which inclines them to turn about suddenly.
2. Madness; wild irregular conduct. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stagnancy
Definition:
STAGNANCY, n. [See Stagnant.] The state of being without motion, flow or circulation, as in a fluid.


Topic: Stagnant
Definition:
STAGNANT, a. [L., to be without, a flowing motion.]
1. Not flowing; not running in a current or stream; as a stagnant lake or pond; stagnant blood in the veins.
2. Motionless; still; not agitated; as water quiet and stagnant.
The gloomy slumber of the stagnant soul.
3. Not active; dull; not brisk; as, business is stagnant.


Topic: Stagnate
Definition:
STAGNATE, v.i. [L.]
1. To cease to flow; to be motionless; as, blood stagnates in the veins of an animal; air stagnates in a close room.
2. To cease to move; not to be agitated. Water that stagnates in a pond or reservoir, soon becomes foul.
3. To cease to be brisk or active; to become dull; as, commerce stagnates; business stagnates.


Topic: Stagnation
Definition:
STAGNATION, n. 
1. The cessation of flowing or circulation of a fluid; or the state of being without flow or circulation; the state of being motionless; as the stagnation of the blood; the stagnation of water or air; the stagnation of vapors.
2. The cessation of action or of brisk action; the state of being dull; as the stagnation of business.


Topic: Staid
Definition:
STAID, pret, and pp. of stay; so written for stayed.
1. a. [from stay, to stop.] Sober; grave; steady; composed; regular; not wild, volatile, flighty or fanciful; as staid wisdom.
To ride out with staid guides.


Topic: Staidness
Definition:
STAIDNESS, n.  Sobriety; gravity; steadiness; regularity; the opposite of wildness.
If he sometimes appears too gay, yet a secret gracefulness of youth accompanies his writings, though the staidness and sobriety of age be wanting.


Topic: Stain
Definition:
STAIN, v.t. [L., a sprinkle, a spread, a layer; to spread, expand, sprinkle, or be scattered. Gr.]
1. To discolor by the application of foreign matter; to make foul; to spot; as, to stain the hand with dye; to stain clothes with vegetable juice; to stain paper; armor stained with blood.
2. To dye; to tinge with a different color; as, to stain cloth.
3. To impress with figures, in colors different from the ground; as, to stain paper for hangings.
4. To blot; to soil; to spot with guilt or infamy; to tarnish; to bring reproach on; as, to stain the character.
Of honor void, of innocence, of faith, of purity, our wonted ornaments now soild and staind.
STAIN, n. 
1. A spot; discoloration from foreign matter; as a stain on a garment or cloth.
2. A natural spot of a color different from the ground.
Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains.
3. Taint of guilt; tarnish; disgrace; reproach; as the stain of sin.
Nor death itself can wholly wash their stains.
Our opinion is, I hope, without any blemish or stain of heresy.
4. Cause of reproach; shame.
Hereby I will lead her that is the praise and yet the stain of all womankind.


Topic: Stair
Definition:
STAIR, n. 
1. A step; a stone or a frame of boards or planks by which a person rises one step. A stair, to make the ascent easy, should not exceed six or seven inches in elevation. When the riser is eight, nine or ten inches in breadth, the ascent by stairs is laborious.
2. Stairs, in the plural, a series of steps by which persons ascend to a higher room in a building. [Stair, in this sense, is not in use.]
Flight of stairs, may signify the stairs which make the whole ascent of a story; or in winding stairs, the phrase may signify the stairs from the floor to a turn, or from one turn to another.


Topic: Staircase
Definition:
STAIRCASE, n. [stair and case.] The part of a building which contains the stairs. Staircases are straight or winding. The straight are called fliers, or direct fliers. Winding stairs, called spiral or cockle, are square, circular or elliptical.
To make a complete staircase, is a curious piece of architecture.


Topic: Stake
Definition:
STAKE, n. [The primary sense is to shoot, to thrust, hence to set or fix.]
1. A small piece of wood or timber, sharpened at one end and set in the ground, or prepared for setting, as a support to something. Thus stakes are used to support vines, to support fences, hedges and the like. A stake is not to be confounded with a post, which is a larger piece of timber.
2. A piece of long rough wood.
A sharpend stake strong Dryas found.
3. A palisade, or something resembling it.
4. The piece of timber to which a martyr is fastened when he is to be burnt. Hence, to perish at the stake, is to die a martyr, or to die in torment. Hence, 
5. Figuratively, martyrdom. The stake was prepared for those who were convicted of heresy.
6. That which is pledged and wagered; that which is set, thrown down or laid, to abide the issue of a contest, to be gained by victory or lost by defeat.
7. The state of being laid or pledged as a wager. His honor is at stake.
8. A small anvil to straighten cold word, or to cut and punch upon.
STAKE, v.t. 
1. To fasten, support or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.
2. To mark the limits by stakes; with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road, or the ground for a canal.
3. To wager; to pledge; to put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a future contingency.
Ill stake yon lamb that near the fountain plays.
4. To point or sharpen stakes. [Not used in America.]
5. To pierce with a stake.


Topic: Stake-head
Definition:
STAKE-HEAD, n. In rope-making, a stake with wooden pins in the upper side to keep the strands apart.


Topic: Staking
Definition:
STAKING, ppr. 
1. Supporting with stakes; marking with stakes; wagering; putting at hazard.
2. Sharpening; pointing.


Topic: Stalactite
Definition:
STALACTITE, n. [Gr., to drop. L.] A subvariety of carbonate lime, usually in a conical or cylindrical form, pendent from the roofs and sides of caverns like an icicle; produced by the filtration of water containing calcarious particles, through fissures and pores of rocks.


Topic: Stalagmite
Definition:
STALAGMITE, n. [L., a drop. Gr.] A deposit of earthy or calcarious matter, formed by drops on the floors of caverns.


Topic: Stale
Definition:
STALE, a. [I do not find this word in the other Teutonic dialects. It is probably from the root of still, G., to set, and equivalent to stagnant.]
1. Vapid or tasteless from age; having lost its life, spirit and flavor from being long kept; as stale beer.
2. Having lost the life or graces of youth; worn out; decayed; as a stale virgin.
3. Worn out by use; trite; common; having lost its novelty and power of pleasing; as a stale remark.
STALE, n. [G. See Stall.]
1. Something set or offered to view as an allurement to draw others to any place or purpose; a decoy; a stool-fowl.
Still as he went, he crafty stales did lay.
A pretense of kindness is the universal stale to all base projects. [In this sense obsolete.]
2. A prostitute.
3. Old vapid beer.
4. A long handle; as the state of a rake.
5. A word applied to the king in chess when stalled or set; that is, when so situated that he cannot be moved without going into check, by which the game is ended.
STALE, v.t. To make void or useless; to destroy the life, beauty or use of; to wear out.
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety.
STALE, v.i. [G.] To make water; to discharge urine; as horses and cattle.
STALE, n. Urine; used of horses and cattle.


Topic: Staleness
Definition:
STALENESS, n. 
1. The state of being stale; vapidness; the state of having lost the life or flavor; oldness; as the staleness of beer or other liquors; the staleness of provisions.
2. The state of being worn out; triteness; commonness; as the staleness of an observation.


Topic: Stalk
Definition:
STALK, n. [G., a handle, and a stalk or stem. Gr. from the root of stall; to set.]
1. The stem, culm or main body of an herbaceous plant. Thus we speak of a stalk of wheat, rye or oats, the stalks of maiz or hemp. The stalk of herbaceous plants, answers to the stem of shrubs and tress, and denotes that which is set, the fixed part of a plant, its support; or it is a shoot.
2. The pedicle of a flower, or the peduncle that supports the fructification of a plant.
3. The stem of a quill.
STALK, v.i. 
1. To walk with high and proud steps; usually implying the affectation of dignity, and hence the word usually expresses dislike. The poets however use the word to express dignity of step.
With manly mein he stalkd along the ground.
Then stalking through the deep he fords the ocean.
2. It is used with some insinuation of contempt or abhorrence. 
Stalks close behind her, like a witchs fiend, pressing to be employd.
Tis not to stalk about and draw fresh air from time to time.
3. To walk behind a stalking horse or behind a cover.
The king crept under the shoulder of his led horse, and said, I must stalk.
STALK, n. A high, proud, stately step or walk.


Topic: Stalking-horse
Definition:
STALKING-HORSE, n. A horse, real or factitious, behind which a fowler conceals himself from the sight of the game which he is aiming to kill; hence, a mask; a pretense.
Hypocrisy is the devils stalking-horse, under an affectation of simplicity and religion.


Topic: Stall
Definition:
STALL, n. [G., to set, that is, to throw down, to thrust down. See Still.]
1. Primarily, a stand; a station; a fixed spot; hence, the stand or place where a horse or an ox is kept and fed; the division of a stable, or the apartment for one horse or ox. The stable contains eight or ten stalls.
2. A stable; a place for cattle.
At last he found a stall where oxen stood.
3. In 1 Kings 4:26 stall is used for horse. Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots. In 2 Chronicles 9:25, stall means stable. Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots. These passages are reconciled by the definition given above; Solomon had four thousand stables, each containing ten stalls; forty thousand stalls.
4. A bench, form or frame of shelves in the open air, where any thing is exposed to sale. It is curious to observe the stalls of books in the boulevards and other public places in Paris.
5. A small house or shed in which an occupation is carried on; as a butchers stall.
6. The seat of a dignified clergyman in the choir.
The dignified clergy, out of humility, have called their thrones by the name of stalls. [probably a mistake of the reason.]
STALL, v.t. 
1. To put into a stable; or to keep in a stable; as, to stall an ox.
Where king Latinus then his oxen stalld.
2. To install; to place in an office with the customary formalities. [For this, install is now used.]
3. To set; to fix; to plunge into mire so as not to be able to proceed; as, to stall horses or a carriage. [This phrase I have heard in Virginia. In New England, set is used in a like sense.]
STALL, v.i.
1. To dwell; to inhabit. 
We could not stall together in the world. [Not in use.]
2. To kennel.
3. To be set, as in mire.
4. To be tired of eating, as cattle.


Topic: Stall-feed
Definition:
STALL-FEED, v.t. [stall and feed.] To feed and fatten in a stable or on dry fodder; as, to stall-feed an ox. [This word is used in America to distinguish this mode of feeding from grass-feeding.]


Topic: Stall-worn
Definition:
STALL-WORN, in Shakespeare, Johnson thinks a mistake for stall-worth, stout. 
His stall-worn steed the champion stout bestrode. [The word is not in use.]


Topic: Stallage
Definition:
STALLAGE, n. 
1. The right of erecting stalls in fairs; or rent paid for a stall.
2. In old books, laystall; dung; compost.


Topic: Stallion
Definition:
STALLION, n. [G.] A stone horse; a seed horse; or any male horse not castrated, whether kept for mares or not. According to the Welsh, the word signifies a stock horse, a horse intended for raising stock.


Topic: Stamen
Definition:
STAMEN, n. plu. stamens or stamina. [L. This word belong to the root of sto, stabilis, or of stage.]
1. In a general sense, usually in the plural, the fixed, firm part of a body, which supports it or gives it its strength and solidity. Thus we say, the bones are the stamina of animal bodies; the ligneous parts of trees are the stamina which constitute their strength. Hence,
2. Whatever constitutes the principal strength or support of any thing; as the stamina of a constitution or of life; the stamina of a stage.
3. In botany, an organ of flowers for the preparation of the pollen or fecundating dust. It consists of the filament and the anther. It is considered as the male organ of fructification.


Topic: Stamineous
Definition:
STAMINEOUS, a. [L.]
1. Consisting of stamens or filaments. Stamineous flowers have no corol; they want the colored leaves called petals, and consist only of the style and stamina. Linne calls them apetalous; others imperfect or incomplete.
2. Pertaining to the stamen, or attached to it; as a stamineous nectary.


Topic: Staminiferous
Definition:
STAMINIFEROUS, a. [L., to bear.] A staminiferous flower is one which has stamens without a pistil. A staminiferous nectary is one that has stamens growing on it.


Topic: Stammer
Definition:
STAMMER, v.i. Literally, to stop in uttering syllables or words; to stutter; to hesitate or falter in speaking; and hence, to speak with stops and difficulty. Demosthenes is said to have stammered in speaking, and to have overcome the difficulty by persevering efforts.
STAMMER, v.t. To utter or pronounce with hesitation or imperfectly.


Topic: Stammering
Definition:
STAMMERING, ppr. 
1. Stopping or hesitating in the uttering of syllables and words; stuttering.
2. a. Apt to stammer.
STAMMERING, n. The act of stopping or hesitating in speaking; impediment in speech.


Topic: Stamp
Definition:
STAMP, v.t. [G.] In a general sense, to strike; to beat; to press. Hence, 
1. To strike or beat forcibly with the bottom of the foot, or by thrusting the foot downwards; as, to stamp the ground.
He frets, he fumes, he stares, he stamps the ground. [In this sense, the popular pronunciation is stomp, with a broad.]
2. To impress with some mark or figure; as, to stamp a plate with arms or initials.
3. To impress; to imprint; to fix deeply; as, to stamp virtuous principles on the heart. [See Enstamp.]
4. To fix a mark by impressing it; as a notion of the Deity stamped on the mind.
God has stamped no original characters on our minds, wherein we may read his being.
5. To make by impressing a mark; as, to stamp pieces of silver.
6. To coin; to mint; to form.
STAMP, v.i. To strike the foot forcibly downwards.
But starts, exclaims, and stamps, and raves, and dies.
STAMP, n. 
1. Any instrument for making impressions on other bodies.
Tis gold so pure, it cannot bear the stamp without alloy.
2. A mark imprinted; an impression.
That sacred name gives ornament and grace, and , like his stamp, makes basest metals  pass.
3. That which is marked; a thing stamped.
Hanging a golden stamp about their necks.
4. A picture cut in wood or metal, or made by impression; a cut; a plate.
At Venice they put out very curious stamps of the several edifices which are most famous for their beauty and magnificence.
5. A mark set upon things chargeable with duty to government, as evidence that the duty is paid. We see such stamps on English newspapers.
6. A character of reputation, good or bad, fixed on any thing. These persons have the stamp of impiety. The Scriptures bear the stamp of a divine origin.
7. Authority; current value derived from suffrage or attestation.
Of the same stamp is that which is obtruded on us, that an adamant suspends the attraction of the loadstone.
8. Make; cast; form; character; as a man of the same stamp, or of a different stamp.
9. In metallurgy, a kind of pestle raised by a water wheel, for beating ores to powder; any thing like a pestle used for pounding or beating.


Topic: Stamp-duty
Definition:
STAMP-DUTY, n. [stamp and duty.] A duty or tax imposed on paper and parchment, the evidence of the payment of which is a stamp.


Topic: Stan
Definition:
STAN, as a termination, is said to have expressed the superlative degree; as in Athelstan, most noble; Dunstan, the highest. But qu. Stan, in Saxon, is stone.


Topic: Stanch
Definition:
STANCH, v.t. In a general sense, to stop; to set or fix; but applied only to the blood; to stop the flowing of blood. Cold applications to the neck will often stanch the bleeding of the nose.
STANCH, v.i. To stop, as blood; to cease to flow.
Immediately the issue of her blood stanched. Luke 8. 
STANCH, a. [This is the same word as the foregoing, the primary sense of which is to set; hence the sense of firmness.]
1. Sound; firm; strong and tight; as a stanch ship.
2. Firm in principle; steady; constant and zealous; hearty; as a stanch churchman; a stanch republican; a stanch friend or adherent.
In politics I hear youre stanch.
3. Strong; not to be broken.
4. Firm; close.
This is to be kept stanch.
A stanch hound, is one that follows the scent closely without error or remissness.


Topic: Stanchion
Definition:
STANCHION, n. [See Stanch.] A prop or support; a piece of timber int he form of a stake or post, used for a support. In ship-building, stanchions of wood or iron are of different forms, and are used to support the deck, the quarter rails, the nettings, awnings and the like.


Topic: Stand
Definition:
STAND, v.i. pret. and pp. stood. [This verb, if from the root of G., is a derivative from the noun, which is formed from the participle of the original verb. In this case, the noun should properly precede the verb. It may be here remarked that if stan is the radical word, stand and L. Sto cannot be from the same stock. But stand in the pret. is stood, and sto forms steti. This induces a suspicion that stan is not the root of stand, but that n is casual. I am inclined however to believe these words to be from different roots. The Russ. Stoyu, to stand, is the L. sto, but it signifies also to be, to exist, being the substantive verb.]
1. To be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie.
The absolution to be pronounced by the priest alone, standing.
And the king turned his face about and blessed all the congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood. 1 Kings 8.
2. To be erect, supported by the roots, as a tree or other plant. Notwithstanding the violence of the wind, the tree yet stands.
3. To be on its foundation; not to be overthrown or demolished; as, an old castle is yet standing.
4. To be placed or situated; to have a certain position or location. Paris stands on the Seine. London stands on the Thames.
5. To remain upright, in a moral sense; not to fall.
To stand or fall, free in thy own arbitrement it lies.
6. To become erect.
Mute and amazd, my hair with horror stood.
7. To stop; to halt; not to proceed.
I charge thee, stand, and tell thy name.
8. To stop; to be at a stationary point.
Say, at what part of nature will they stand?
9. To be in a state of fixedness; hence, to continue; to endure. Our constitution has stood nearly forty years. It is hoped it will stand for ages.
Commonwealth by virtue ever stood.
10. To be fixed or steady; not to vacillate. His mind stands unmoved.
11. To be in or to maintain a posture of resistance or defense. Approach with charged bayonets; the enemy will not stand.
The king granted the Jews to stand for their life. Esther 8. 
12. To be placed with regard to order or rank. Note the letter that stands first in order. Gen. Washington stood highest in public estimation. Christian charity stands first in the rank of gracious affections.
13. To be in particular state; to be, emphatically expressed, that is, to be fixed or set; the primary sense of the substantive verb. How does the value of wheat stand? God stands in no need of our services, but we always stand in need of his aid and his mercy.
Accomplish what your signs foreshow; I stand resignd.
14. To continue unchanged or valid; not to fail or become void.
No condition of our peace can stand.
My mercy will I keep for him, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. Psalm 89.
15. To consist; to have its being and essence.
Sacrifices--which stood only in meats and drinks. Hebrews 9.
16. To have a place.
This excellent man, who stood not on the advantage-ground before, provoked men of all qualities.
17. To be in any state. Let us see how our matters stand.
As things now stand with us--
18. To be in particular respect or relation; as, to stand godfather to one. We ought to act according to the relation we stand in towards each other.
19. To be, with regard to state of mind. 
Stand in awe, and sin not. Psalm 4.
20. To succeed; to maintain ones ground; not to fail; to be acquitted; to be safe.
Readers by whose judgment I would stand or fall--
21. To hold a course at sea; as, to stand from the shore; to stand for the harbor.
From the same parts of heavn his navy stands.
22. To have a direction.
The wand did not really stand to the metal, when placed under it.
23. To offer ones self as a candidate.
He stood to be elected one of the proctors of the university.
24. To place ones self; to be placed.
I stood between the Lord and you at that time-- Deuteronomy 5.
25. To stagnate; not to flow.
--Or the black water of Pomptina stands.
26. To be satisfied or convinced.
Though Page be a secure fool, and stand so firmly on his wifes frailty--
27. To make delay. I cannot stand to examine every particular.
28. To persist; to persevere.
Never stand in a lie when thou art accused.
29. To adhere; to abide.
Despair would stand to the sword.
30. To be permanent; to endure; not to vanish or fade ; as, the color will stand.
To stand by,
1. To be near; to be a spectator; to be present. I stood by when the operation was performed. This phrase generally implies that the person is inactive, or takes no part in what is done. In seamens language, to stand by is to attend and be ready. Stand by the haliards.
2. To be aside; to be placed aside with disregard.
In the mean time, we let the commands stand by neglected.
3. To maintain; to defend; to support; not to desert. I will stand by my friend to the last. Let us stand by our country. To stand by the Arundelian marbles, in Pope, is to defend or support their genuineness.
4. To rest on for support; to be supported.
This reply standeth by conjecture.
To stand for, 
1. To offer ones self as a candidate.
How many stand for consulships?--Three.
2. To side with; to support; to maintain, or to profess or attempt to maintain. We all stand for freedom, for our rights or claims.
3. To be in the place of; to be the substitute or representative of. A cipher at the left hand of a figure stands for nothing.
I will not trouble myself, whether these names stand for the same thing, or really include one another.
4. In seamens language, to direct the course towards.
To stand from, to direct the course from.
To stand one in, to cost. The coat stands him in twenty dollars.
To stand in, or stand in for, in seamens language, is to direct a course towards land or a harbor.
To stand off, 
1. To keep at a distance.
2. Not to comply.
3. To keep at a distance in friendship or social intercourse; to forbear intimacy.
We stand off from an acquaintance with God.
4. To appear prominent; to have relief.
Picture is best when it standeth off, as if it were carved.
To stand off, or off from, in seamens language, is to direct the course from land. 
To stand off and on, is to sail towards land and then from it.
To stand out,
1. To project; to be prominent.
Their eyes stand out with fatness. Psalm 73.
2. To persist in opposition or resistance; not to yield or comply; not to give way or recede.
His spirit is come in, that so stood out against the holy church.
3. With seamen, to direct the course from land or a harbor.
To stand to, 
1. To ply; to urge efforts; to persevere.
Stand to your tackles, mates, and stretch your oars.
2. To remain fixed in a purpose or opinion.
I still stand to it, that this is his sense.
3. To abide by; to adhere; as to a contract, assertion, promise, &c.; as, to stand to an award; to stand to ones word.
4. Not to yield; not to fly; to maintain the ground.
Their lives and fortunes were put in safety, whether they stood to it or ran away.
To stand to sea, to direct the course from land.
To stand under, to undergo; to sustain.
To stand up, 
1. To rise from sitting; to be on the feet.
2. To arise in order to gain notice.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation of such things as I supposed. Acts 25.
3. To make a party.
When we stood up about the corn--
To stand up for, to defend; to justify; to support, or attempt to support; as, to stand up for the administration.
To stand upon,
1. To concern; to interest. Does it not stand upon them to examine the grounds of their opinion? This phrase is, I believe, obsolete; but we say, it stands us in hand, that is, it is our concern, it is for our interest.
2. To value; to pride.
We highly esteem and stand much upon our birth.
3. To insist; as, to stand upon security.
To stand with, to be consistent. The faithful servants of God will receive what they pray for, so far as stands with his purposes and glory.
It stands with reason that they should be rewarded liberally.
To stand together, is used, but the last two phrases are not in very general use, and are perhaps growing obsolete.
To stand against, to oppose; to resist.
To stand fast, to be fixed; to be unshaken or immovable.
To stand in hand, to be important to ones interest; to be necessary or advantageous.  It stands us in hand to be on good terms with our neighbors.
STAND, v.t. 
1. To endure; to sustain; to bear. I cannot stand the cold or the heat.
2. To endure; to resist without yielding or receding.
So had I stood the shock of angry fat.
He stood the furious foe.
3. To await; to suffer; to abide by.
Bid him disband the legions--and stand the judgment of a Roman senate.
To stand ones ground, to deep the ground or station one has taken; to maintain ones position; in a literal or figurative sense; as, an army stands its ground, when it is not compelled to retreat. A man stands his ground in an argument, when he is able to maintain it, or is not refuted.
To stand it, to bear; to be able to endure; or to maintain ones ground or state; a popular phrase.
To stand trial, is to sustain the trial or examination of a cause; not to give up without trial.
STAND, n. 
1. A stop; a halt; as, to make a stand; to come to a stand, either in walking or in any progressive business.
The horse made a stand, when he charged them and routed them.
2. A station; a place or post where one stands; or a place convenient for persons to remain for any purpose. The sellers of fruit have their several stands in the market.
I took my stand upon an eminence.
3. Rank; post; station.
Father, since your fortune did attain so high a stand, I mean not to descend.
[In lieu of this, standing is now used. He is a man of high standing in his own country.]
4. The act of opposing.
We have come off like Romans; neither foolish in our stands, nor cowardly in retire.
5. The highest point; or the ultimate point of progression, where a stop is made, and regressive motion commences. The population of the world will not come to a stand, while the means of subsistence can be obtained. The prosperity of the Roman empire came to a stand in the reign of Augustus; after which it declined.
Vice is at stand, and at the highest flow.
6. A young tree, usually reserved when the other trees are cut. [English.]
7. A small table; as a candle-stand; or any frame on which vessels and utensils may be laid.
8. In commerce, a weight of from two hundred and a half to three hundred of pitch.
9. Something on which a thing rests or is laid; as a hay-stand.
Stand of arms, in military affairs, a musket with its usual appendages, as a bayonet, cartridge box, &c.
To be at a stand, to stop on account of some doubt or difficulty; hence, to be perplexed; to be embarrassed; to hesitate what to determine, or what to do.


Topic: Standard
Definition:
STANDARD, n. [G., sort, kind.]
1. An ensign of war; a staff with a flag or colors. The troops repair to their standard. The royal standard of Great Britain is a flag, in which the imperial ensigns of England, Scotland and Ireland are quartered with the armorial bearings of Hanover.
His armies, in the following day, on those fair plains their standards proud display.
2. That which is established by sovereign power as a rule or measure by which others are to be adjusted. Thus the Winchester bushel is the standard of measures in Great Britain, and is adopted in the United States as their standard. So of weights and of long measure.
3. That which is established as a rule or model, by the authority of public opinion, or by respectable opinions, or by custom or general consent; as writings which are admitted to be the standard of style and taste. Homers Iliad is the standard of heroic poetry. Demosthenes and Cicero are the standards of oratory. Of modern eloquence, we have an excellent standard in the speeches of lord Chatham. Addisons writings furnish a good standard of pure, chaste and elegant English stayle. It is not an easy thing to erect a standard of taste.
4. In coinage, the proportion of weight of fine metal and alloy established by authority. The coins of England and of the United States are of nearly the same standard.
By the present standard of the coinage, sixty two shillings is coined out of one pound weight of silver.
5. A standing tree or stem; a tree not supported or attached to a wall.
Plant fruit of all sorts and standard, mural, or shrubs which lose their leaf.
6. In ship-building, an inverted knee placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.
7. In botany, the upper petal or banner of a papilionaceous corol.


Topic: Standard-bearer
Definition:
STANDARD-BEARER, n. [standard and bear.] An officer of an army, company or troop, that bears a standard; an ensign of infantry or a cornet of horse.


Topic: Stander-by
Definition:
STANDER-BY, n. One that stands near; one that is present; a mere spectator. [We now more generally use by-stander.]


Topic: Standing
Definition:
STANDING, ppr. 
1. Being on the feet; being erect. [See Stand.]
2. Moving in a certain direction to or from an object.
3. a. Settled; established, either by law or by custom, &c.; continually existing; permanent; not temporary; as a standing army. Money is the standing measure of the value of all other commodities. Legislative bodies have certain standing rules of proceeding. Courts of law are or ought to be governed by standing rules. There are standing rules of pleading. The gospel furnishes us with standing rules of morality. The Jews by their dispersion and their present condition, are a standing evidence of the truth of revelation and of the prediction of Moses. Many fashionable vices and follies ought to be the standing objects of ridicule.
4. Lasting; not transitory; not liable to fade or vanish; as a standing color.
5. Stagnant; not flowing; as standing water.
6. Fixed; not movable; as a standing bed; distinguished from a truckle bed.
7. Remaining erect; not cut down; as standing corn.
Standing rigging, of a ship. This consists of the cordage or ropes which sustain the masts and remain fixed in their position. Such are the shrouds and stays.
STANDING, n. 
1. Continuance; duration or existence; as a custom of long standing.
2. Possession of an office, character or place; as a patron or officer of long standing.
3. Station; place to stand in.
I will provide you with a good standing to see his entry.
4. Power to stand.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing. Psalm 69.
5. Rank; condition in society; as a man of good standing or of high standing among his friends.


Topic: Standish
Definition:
STANDISH, n. [stand and dish.] A case for pen and ink.
I bequeath to Dean Swift my large silver standish.


Topic: Stang
Definition:
STANG, n. [G.]
1. A pole, rod or perch; a measure of land. [Not in use.]
2. A long bar; a pole; a shaft.
To ride the stang, is to be carried on a pole on mens shoulders, in derision. [Local.]
STANG, v.i. To shoot with pain. [Local.]


Topic: Stank
Definition:
STANK, a. Weak; worn out. [Not in use.]
STANK, v.i. To sigh. [Not used.]
STANK, old pret. of stink. Stunk is now used.
STANK, n. [See Stanch.] A dam or mound to stop water. [Local.]


Topic: Stanza
Definition:
STANZA, n.  In poetry, a number of lines or verses connected with each other, and ending in a full point or pause; a part of a poem containing every variation of measure in that poem. A stanza may contain verses of a different length or number of syllables, and a different number of verses; or ti may consist of verses of equal length. Stanzas are said to have been first introduced from the Italian into French poetry about the year 1580, and thence they were introduced into England. The versions of the Psalms present examples of various kinds of stanzas.
Horace confines himself to one sort of verse or stanza in every ode.


Topic: Staple
Definition:
STAPLE, n. [G., a stake, a pile or heap, a staple, stocks, a mart. The primary sense of the root is to set, to fix. Staple is that which is fixed, or a fixed place, or it is a pile or store.]
1. A settled mart or market; an emporium. In England, formerly, the kings staple was established in certain ports or towns, and certain goods could not be exported, without being first brought to these ports to be rated and charged with the duty payable to the king or public.  The principal commodities on which customs were levied, were wool, skins and lether, and these were originally the staple commodities. Hence the words staple commodities, came in time to signify the principal commodities produced by a country for exportation or use. Thus cotton is the staple commodity of South Carolina, Georgia and other southern states of America. Wheat is the staple of Pennsylvania and New York.
2. A city or town where merchants agree to carry certain commodities.
3. The thread or pile of wool, cotton or flax. Thus we say, this is wool of a coarse staple, or fine staple. In America, cotton is of a short staple, long staple, fine staple, &c. The cotton of short staple is raised on the upland; the sea-island cotton is of a fine long staple.
4. A loop of iron, or a bar or wire bent and formed with two points to be driven into wood, to hold a hook, pin, &c.
Staple of land, the particular nature and quality of land.
STAPLE, a. 
1. Settled; established in commerce; as a staple trade.
2. According to the laws of commerce; marketable; fit to be sold. [Not much used.]
3. Chief; principal; regularly produced or made for market; as staple commodities. [This is now the most general acceptation of the word.]


Topic: Star
Definition:
STAR, n. 
1. An apparently small luminous body in the heavens, that appears in the night, or when its light is not obscured by clouds or lost in the brighter effulgence of the sun. Stars are fixed or planetary. The fixed stars are known by their perpetual twinkling, and by their being always in the same position in relation to each other. The planets do not twinkle, and they revolve about the sun. The stars are worlds, and their immense numbers exhibit the astonishing extent of creation and of divine power.
2. The pole-star. [A particular application, not in use.]
3. In astrology, a configuration of the planets, supposed to influence fortune. Hence the expression, You may thank your stars for such and such an event.
A pair of star-crossd lovers.
4. The figure of a star; a radiated mark in writing or printing; an asterisk; thus*; used as a reference to a note in the margin, or to fill a blank in writing or printing where letters are omitted.
5. In Scripture, Christ is called the bright and morning star, the star that ushers in the light of an eternal day to his people. Revelations 22. Ministers are also called stars in Christs right hand, as, being supported and directed by Christ, they convey light and knowledge to the followers of Christ. Revelations 1.  The twelve stars which form the crown of the church, are the twelve apostles. Revelations 12.
6. The figure of a star; a badge of rank; as stars and garters.
The pole-star, a bright star in the tail of Ursa minor, so called from its being very near the north pole.
Star of Bethlehem, a flower and plant of the genus Ornithogalum. There is also the star of Alexandria, and of Naples, and of Constantinople, of the same genus.
STAR, v.t. To set or adorn with stars or bright radiating bodies; to bespangle; as a robe starred with gems.


Topic: Star-apple
Definition:
STAR-APPLE, n. A globular or olive-shaped fleshy fruit, inclosing a stone of the same shape. It grows in the warm climates of America, and is eaten by way of dessert. It is of the genus Chrysophyllum.


Topic: Star-chamber
Definition:
STAR-CHAMBER, n. Formerly, a court of criminal jurisdiction in England. This court was abolished by Stat. 16 Charles I. See Blackstone, B. 4 Chapter 19.


Topic: Star-fish
Definition:
STAR-FISH, n. [star and fish.] The sea star or asterias, a genus of marine animals or zoophytes, so named because their body is divided into rays, generally five in number, int he center of which and below is the mouth, which is the only orifice of the alimentary canal. They are covered with a coriaceous skin, armed with points or spines and pierced with numerous small holes, arranged in regular series, through which pass membranaceous tentacula or feelers, terminated each by a little disk or cup, by means of which they execute their progressive motions.


Topic: Star-shoot
Definition:
STAR-SHOOT, n. [star and shoot.] That which is emitted from a star.
I have seen a good quantity of that jelly, by the vulgar called a star-shoot, as if it remained upon the extinction of a falling star.
[The writer once saw the same kind of substance from a brilliant meteor, at Amherst in Massachusetts. See Journ. Of Science for a description of it by Rufus Graves, Esq.]


Topic: Star-stone
Definition:
STAR-STONE, n. Asteria, a kind of extraneous fossil, consisting of regular joints, each of which is of a radiated figure.


Topic: Star-wort
Definition:
STAR-WORT, n. A plant of the genus Aster, and another of the genus Iridax. The yellow star-wort is of the genus Inula or elecampane.


Topic: Starboard
Definition:
STARBOARD, n. [G., the rudder or helm. I know not from what particular construction of a vessel the helm should give name to the right hand side, unless from the tillers being held by the right hand, or at the right side of the steersman.] The right hand side of a ship or boat, when a spectator stands with his face towards the head, stem or prow.
STARBOARD, a. Pertaining to the right hand side of a ship; being or lying on the right side; as the starboard shrouds; star-board quarter; starboard tack. In seamanship, starboard, uttered by the master of a ship, is an order to the helmsman to put the helm to the starboard side.


Topic: Starch
Definition:
STARCH, n. [G., strength, starch; strong. See Stare and Steer.] A substance used to stiffen linen and other cloth. It is the fecula of flour , or a substance that subsides from water mixed with wheat flour. It is sometimes made from potatoes. Starch forms the greatest portion of farinaceous substances, particularly of wheat flour, and it si the chief aliment of bread.
STARCH, a. Stiff; precise; rigid.
STARCH, v.t. To stiffen with starch.


Topic: Stare
Definition:
STARE, n. A bird, the starling.
STARE, v.i. The sense then is to open or extend, and it seems to be closely allied to G., stiff, and to starch, stern, which imply straining, tension.]
1. To gaze; to look with fixed eyes wide open; to fasten an earnest look on some object. Staring is produced by wonder, surprise, stupidity, horror, fright and sometimes by eagerness to hear or learn something, sometimes by impudence. We say, he stared with astonishment.
Look not big, nor stare, nor fret.
2. To stand out; to be prominent.
Take off all the staring straws and jaggs in the hive. [Not used.]
To stare in the face, to be before the eyes or undeniably evident.
The law stares them int he face, while they are breaking it.
STARE, n. A fixed look with eyes wide open.


Topic: Stargazer
Definition:
STARGAZER, n. [star and gazer.] One who gazes at the stars; a term of contempt for an astrologer, sometimes used ludicrously for an astronomer.


Topic: Stark
Definition:
STARK, a. [G., stark, stiff, strong; formed on the root of the G., stiff, rigid. See Starch and Steer.]
1. Stiff; strong; rugged.
Many a nobleman lies stark and stiff, under the hoofs of vaunting enemies.
The north is not so stark and cold.
2. Deep; full; profound; absolute.
He pronounces the citation stark nonsense.
STARK, adv. Wholly; entirely; absolutely; as stark mad; stark blind; stark naked. These are the principal applications of this word now in use. The word is in popular use, but not an elegant word in any of its applications.


Topic: Starlight
Definition:
STARLIGHT, n. [star and light.] The light proceeding from the stars.
Nor walk by moon or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet.
STARLIGHT, a. Lighted by the stars, or by the stars only; as a starlight evening.


Topic: Starlike
Definition:
STARLIKE, a. [star and like.]
1. Resembling a star; stellated; radiated like a star; as starlike flowers.
2. Bright; illustrious.
The having turned many to righteousness shall confer a starlike and immortal brightness.


Topic: Starred
Definition:
STARRED, pp. or a. [from star.]
1. Adorned or studded with stars; as the starred queen of Ethiopia.
2. Influenced in fortune by the stars.
My third comfort, starrd most unluckily--


Topic: Starring
Definition:
STARRING, ppr. or a. 
1. Adorning with stars.
2. Shining; bright; sparkling; as starring comets. [Not in use.]


Topic: Starry
Definition:
STARRY, a. [from star.]
1. Abounding with stars; adorned with stars.
Above the clouds, above the starry sky.
2. Consisting of stars; stellar; stellary; proceeding from the stars; as starry light; starry flame.
3. Shining like stars; resembling stars; as starry eyes.


Topic: Start
Definition:
START, v.t. 
1. To move suddenly, as if by a twitch; as, to start in sleep or by a sudden spasm.
2. To move suddenly, as by an involuntary shrinking from sudden fear or alarm.
I start as from some dreadful dream.
3. To move with sudden quickness, as with a spring or leap.
A spirit fit to start into an empire, and look the world to law.
4. To shrink; to wince. 
But if he start, it is the flesh of a corrupted heart.
5. To move suddenly aside; to deviate; generally with from, out of, or aside.
Th old drudging sun from his long beaten way shall at thy voice start and misguide the day.
Keep your soul to the work when ready to start aside.
6. To set out; to commence a race, as from a barrier or goal. The horses started at the word, go. 
At once they start, advancing in a line.
7. To set out; to commence a journey or enterprise. The public coaches start at six oclock.
When two start into the world together--
To start up, to rise suddenly, as from a seat or couch; or to come suddenly into notice or importance.
START, v.t. 
1. To alarm; to disturb suddenly; to startle; to rouse.
Upon malicious bravery dost thou come, to start my quiet?
2. To rouse suddenly from concealment; to cause to flee or fly; as, to start a hare or a woodcock; to start game.
3. To bring into motion; to produce suddenly to view or notice.
Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Cesar.
The present occasion has started the dispute among us.
So we say, to start a question, to start an objection; that is, to suggest or propose anew.
4. To invent or discover; to bring within pursuit.
Sensual men agree in the pursuit of every pleasure they can start.
5. To move suddenly from its place; to dislocate; as, to start a bone.
One started the end of the clavicle from the sternum.
6. To empty, as liquor from a cask; to pour out; as, to start wine into another cask.
START, n. 
1. A sudden motion of the body, produced by spasm; a sudden twitch or spasmodic affection; as a start in sleep.
2. A sudden motion from alarm.
The fright awakend Arcite with a start.
3. A sudden rousing to action; a spring; excitement.
Now fear I this will give it start again.
4. Sally; sudden motion or effusion; a bursting forth; as starts of fancy.
To check the starts and sallies of the soul.
5. Sudden fit; sudden motion followed by intermission.
For she did speak in starts distractedly.
Nature does nothing by starts and leaps, or in a hurry.
6. A quick spring; a darting; a shoot; a push; as, to give a start.
Both cause the string to give a quicker start.
7. First in motion from a place; act of setting out.
The start of first performance is all.
You stand like grayhounds in the slips, straining upon the start.
To get the start, to begin before another; to gain the advantage in a similar undertaking.
Get the start of the majestic world.
She might have forsaken him, if he had not got the start of her.
START, n. A projection; a push; a horn; a tail. IN the latter sense it occurs int he name of the bird red-start. Hence the Start, in Devonshire.


Topic: Started
Definition:
STARTED, pp. Suddenly roused or alarmed; poured out, as a liquid; discovered; proposed; produced to view.


Topic: Starter
Definition:
STARTER, n. 
1. One that starts; one that shrinks from his purpose.
2. One that suddenly moves or suggests a question or an objection.
3. A dog that rouses game.


Topic: Starting
Definition:
STARTING, ppr. Moving suddenly; shrinking; rousing; commencing, as a journey, &c.
STARTING, n. The act of moving suddenly.


Topic: Starting-post
Definition:
STARTING-POST, n. [start and post.] A post, stake, barrier or place from which competitors in a race start or begin the race.


Topic: Startle
Definition:
STARTLE, v.i. [dim. of start.] To shrink; to move suddenly or be excited on feeling a sudden alarm.
Why shrinks the soul back on herself, and startles at destruction?
STARTLE, v.t. 
1. To impress with fear; to excite by sudden alarm, surprise or apprehension; to shock; to alarm; to fright. We were startled at the cry of distress. Any great and unexpected event is apt to startle us.
The supposition that angles assume bodies, need not startle us.
2. To deter; to cause to deviate. [Little used.]
STARTLE, n. A sudden motion or shock occasioned by an unexpected alarm, surprise or apprehension of danger; sudden impression of terror.
After having recovered from my first startle, I was well pleased with the accident.


Topic: Startup
Definition:
STARTUP, n. [start and up.]
1. One that comes suddenly into notice. [Not used. We use upstart.]
2. A kind of high shoe.
STARTUP, a. Suddenly coming into notice. [Not used.]


Topic: Starve
Definition:
STARVE, v.i. [G., to die, either by disease or hunger, or by a wound.]
1. To perish; to be destroyed. [In this general sense, obsolete.]
2. To perish or die with cold; as, to starve with cold. [This sense is retained in England, but not in the United States.
3. To perish with hunger. [This sense is retained in England and the United States.]
4. To suffer extreme hunger or want; to be very indigent.
Sometimes virtue starves, while vice is fed.
STARVE, v.t. 
1. To kill with hunger. Maliciously to starve a man is, in law, murder.
2. To distress or subdue by famine; as, to starve a garrison into a surrender.
3. To destroy by want; as, to starve plants by the want of nutriment.
4. To kill with cold. [Not in use in the United States.]
From beds of raging fire to starve in ice their soft ethereal warmth--
5. To deprive of force or vigor.
The powers of their minds are starved by disuse. [Unusual.]


Topic: Starved
Definition:
STARVED, pp. 
1. Killed with hunger; subdued by hunger; rendered poor by want.
2. Killed by cold. [Not in use in the United States.]


Topic: Starveling
Definition:
STARVELING, a. starvling. Hungry; lean; pining with want.
STARVELING, n. starvling. An animal or plant that is made thin, lean and weak through want of nutriment.
And thy poor starveling bountifully fed.


Topic: Starving
Definition:
STARVING, ppr. 
1. Perishing with hunger; killing with hunger; rendering lean and poor by want of nourishment.
2. Perishing with cold; killing with cold. [English.]


Topic: State
Definition:
STATE, n. [L., to stand, to be fixed.]
1. Condition; the circumstances of a being or thing at any given time. These circumstances may be internal, constitutional or peculiar to the being, or they may have relation to other beings. We say, the body is in a sound state, or it is in a weak state; or it has just recovered from a feeble state. The state of his health is good. The state of his mind is favorable for study. So we say, the state of public affairs calls for the exercise of talents and wisdom. In regard to foreign nations, our affairs are in a good state. So we say, single state, and married state.
Declare the past and present state of things.
2. Modification of any thing.
Keep the state of the question in your eye.
3. Crisis; stationary point; highth; point from which the next movement is regression.
Tumors have their several degrees and times, as beginning, augment, state and declination. [Not in use.]
4. Estate; possession. [See Estate.]
5. A political body, or body politic; the whole body of people united under one government, whatever may be the form of the government. 
Municipal law is a rule of conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state.
More usually the word signifies a political body governed by representatives; a commonwealth; as the States of Greece; the States of America. In this sense, state has sometimes more immediate reference to the government, sometimes to the people or community. Thus when we say, the state has made provision for the paupers, the word has reference to the government or legislature; but when we say, the state is taxed to support paupers, the word refers to the whole people or community.
6. A body of men united by profession, or constituting a community of a particular character; as the civil and ecclesiastical states in Great Britain. But these are sometimes distinguished by the terms church and state. In this case, state signifies the civil community or government only.
7. Rank; condition; quality; as the state of honor.
8. Pomp; appearance of greatness.
In state the monarchs marchd.
Where least of state, there most of love is shown.
9. Dignity; grandeur.
She instructed him how he should keep state, yet with a modest sense of his misfortunes.
10. A seat of dignity.
This chair shall be my state.
11. A canopy; a covering of dignity.
His high throne, under state of richest texture spread-- [Unusual.]
12. A person of high rank. [Not in use.]
13. The principal persons in a government.
The bold design pleasd highly those infernal states.
14. The bodies that constitute the legislature of a country; as the states general.
15. Joined with another word, it denotes public, or what belongs to the community or body politic; as state affairs; state policy.
STATE, v.t.
1. To set; to settle. [See Stated.]
2. To express the particulars of any thing verbally; to represent fully in words; to narrate; to recite. The witnesses stated all the circumstances of the transaction. They are enjoined to state all the particulars. It is the business of the advocate to state the whole case. Let the question be fairly stated.


Topic: State-room
Definition:
STATE-ROOM, n. [state and room.]
1. A magnificent room in a palace or great house.
2. An apartment for lodging in a ships cabin.


Topic: Stated
Definition:
STATED, pp. 
1. Expressed or represented; told; recited.
2. a. Settled; established; regular; occurring at regular times; not occasional; as stated hours of business.
3. Fixed; established; as a stated salary.


Topic: Statedly
Definition:
STATEDLY, adv. Regularly; at certain times; not occasionally. It is one of the distinguishing marks of a good man, that he statedly attends public worship.


Topic: Stateliness
Definition:
STATELINESS, n. [from stately.] 
1. Grandeur; loftiness of mien or manner; majestic appearance; dignity.
For stateliness and majesty, what is comparable to a horse?
2. Appearance of pride; affected dignity.


Topic: Stately
Definition:
STATELY, a. 
1. Lofty; dignified; majestic; as stately manners; a stately gait.
2. Magnificent; grand; as a stately edifice; a stately dome; a stately pyramid.
3. Elevated in sentiment.
STATELY, adv. Majestically; loftily.


Topic: Statement
Definition:
STATEMENT, n. 
1. The act of stating, reciting or presenting verbally or on paper.
2. A series of facts or particulars expressed on paper; as a written statement.
3. A series of facts verbally recited; recital of the circumstances of a transaction; as a verbal statement.


Topic: Stater
Definition:
STATER, n. Another name of the daric, an ancient silver coin weighing about four Attic drachmas, about three shillings sterling, or 61 cents.


Topic: Statesman
Definition:
STATESMAN, n. [state and man.]
1. A man versed in the arts of government; usually, one eminent for political abilities; a politician.
2. A small landholder.
3. One employed in public affairs.


Topic: Static
Definition:
STATIC, STATICAL, a. [See Statics.] Relating to the science of weighing bodies; as a static balance or engine.


Topic: Statics
Definition:
STATICS, n. [L., Gr.]
1. That branch of mechanics which treats of bodies at rest. Dynamics treats of bodies in motion.
2. In medicine, a kind of epileptics, or persons seized with epilepsies.


Topic: Station
Definition:
STATION, n. [L.]
1. The act of standing.
Their manner was to stand at prayer--on which their meetings for that purpose received the name of stations.
2. A state of rest.
All progression is preformed by drawing on or impelling forward what was before in station or at quiet. [Rare.]
3. The spot or place where one stands, particularly where a person habitually stands, or is appointed to remain for a time; as the station of a sentinel. Each detachment of troops had its station.
4. Post assigned; office; the part or department of public duty which a person is appointed to perform. The chief magistrate occupies the first political station in a nation. Other officers fill subordinate stations. The office of bishop is an ecclesiastical station of great importance. It is the duty of the executive to fill all civil and military stations with men of worth.
5. Situation; position.
The fig and date, why love they to remain in middle station?
6. Employment; occupation; business.
By sending the sabbath in retirement and religious exercises, we gain new strength and resolution to perform Gods will in our several stations the week following.
7. Character; state.
The greater part have kept their station.
8. Rank; condition of life. He can be contented with a humble station.
9. In church history, the fast of the fourth and sixth days of the week, Wednesday and Friday, in memory of the council which condemned Christ, and of his passion.
10. In the church of Rome, a church where indulgences are to be had on certain days.
STATION, v.t. To place; to set; or to appoint to the occupation of a post, place or office; as, to station troops on the right or left of an army; to station a sentinel on a rampart; to station ships on the coast of Africa or in the West Indies; to station a man at the head of the department of finance.


Topic: Station-bill
Definition:
STATION-BILL, n. In seamens language, a list containing the appointed posts of the ships company, when navigating the ship.


Topic: Stationary
Definition:
STATIONARY, a. 
1. Fixed; not moving, progressive or regressive; not appearing to move. The sun becomes stationary in Cancer, in its advance into the northern signs. The court in England which was formerly itinerary, is now stationary.
2. Not advancing, in a moral sense; not improving; not growing wiser, greater or better; not becoming greater or more excellent.
3. Respecting place.
The same harmony and stationary constitution---
Stationary fever, a fever depending on peculiar seasons.


Topic: Stationer
Definition:
STATIONER, n. [from station, a state.] A bookseller; one who sells books, paper, quills, inkstands, pencils and other furniture for writing. The business of the bookseller and stationer is usually carried on by the same person.


Topic: Stationery
Definition:
STATIONERY, n. The articles usually sold by stationers, as paper, ink, quills; &c.
STATIONERY, a. Belonging to a stationer.


Topic: Statist
Definition:
STATIST, n. [from state.] A statesman; a politician; one skilled in government.
Statists indeed, and lovers of their country. [Not now used.]


Topic: Statistic
Definition:
STATISTIC, STATISTICAL, a. [from state or statist.] Pertaining to the state of society, the condition of the people, their economy, their property and resources.


Topic: Statistics
Definition:
STATISTICS, n. A collection of facts respecting the state of society, the condition of the people in a nation or country, their health, longevity, domestic economy, arts, property and political strength, the state of the country, &c.


Topic: Statuary
Definition:
STATUARY, n. [L., a statue; to set.]
1. The art of carving images as representatives of real persons or things; a branch of sculpture.
[In this sense the word has no plural.]
2. One professes or practices the art of carving images or making statues.
On other occasions the statuaries took their subjects from the poets.


Topic: Statue
Definition:
STATUE, n. [L., to set; that which is set or fixed.] An image; a solid substance formed by carving into the likeness of a whole living being; as a statue of Hercules or of a lion.
STATUE, v.t. To place, as a statue; to form a statue of.


Topic: Stature
Definition:
STATURE, n. [L., to set.] The natural highth of an animal body. It is more generally used of the human body.
Foreign men of mighty stature came.


Topic: Statutable
Definition:
STATUTABLE, a. [from statute.]
1. Made or introduced by statute; proceeding from an act of the legislature; as a statutable provision or remedy.
2. Made or being in conformity to statute; as statutable measures.


Topic: Statute
Definition:
STATUTE, [L., to set.]
1. An act of the legislature of a state that extends its binding force to all the citizens or subjects of that state, as distinguished from an act which extends only to an individual or company; an act of the legislature commanding or prohibiting something; a positive law. Statutes are distinguished from common law. The latter owes its binding force to the principles of justice, to long use and the consent of a nation. The former owe their binding force to a positive command or declaration of the supreme power. Statute is commonly applied to the acts of a legislative body consisting of representatives. In monarchies, the laws of the sovereign are called edicts, decrees, ordinances, rescripts, &c.
2. A special act of the supreme power, of a private nature, or intended to operate only on an individual or company.
3. The act of a corporation or of its founder, intended as a permanent rule or law; as the statutes of a university.


Topic: Statute-merchant
Definition:
STATUTE-MERCHANT, n. In English law, a bond of record pursuant to the Stat. 13 Edw. 1. acknowledged before one of the clerks of the statutes-merchant and the mayor or chief warden of London, or before certain persons appointed for the purpose; on which, if not paid at the day, an execution may be awarded against the body, lands and goods of the obligor.


Topic: Statute-staple
Definition:
STATUTE-STAPLE, n. A bond of record acknowledged before the mayor of the staple, by virtue of which the creditor may forthwith have execution against the body, lands and goods of the debtor, on non-payment.


Topic: Statutory
Definition:
STATUTORY, a. Enacted by statute; depending on statute for its authority; as a statutory provision or remedy.


Topic: Staurolite
Definition:
STAUROLITE, STAUROTIDE, n. [Gr., a cross, a stone.] The granatit of Werner or grenatite of Jameson; a mineral crystalized in prisms, either single or intersecting each other at right angles. Its color is white or gray, reddish or brown. It is often opake, sometimes translucent. Its form and infusibility distinguish it from the garnet. It is called by the French, harmotome.


Topic: Stave
Definition:
STAVE, n. [from staff. It has the sound of a, as in save.]
1. A thin narrow piece of timber, of which casks are made. Staves make a considerable articles of export from New England to the West Indies.
2. A staff; a metrical portion; a part of a psalm appointed to be sung in churches.
3. In music, the five horizontal and parallel lines on which the notes of tunes are written or printed; the staff, as it is now more generally written.
To stave and tail, to part dogs by interposing a staff and by pulling the tail.
STAVE, v.t. pret. stove or staved; pp. id.
1. To break a hole in; to break; to burst; primarily, to thrust through with a staff; as, to stave a cask.
2. To push as with a staff; with off.
The condition of a servant staves him off to a distance.
3. To delay; as, to stave off the execution of a project.
4. To pour out; to suffer to be lost by breaking the cask.
All the wine in the city has been staved.
5. To furnish with staves or rundles. [Not in use.]
STAVE, v.i. To fight with staves. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stay
Definition:
STAY, v.i. pret. staid, for stayed. [L., to stand.]
1. To remain; to continue in a place; to abide for any indefinite time. Do you stay here, while I go to the next house. Stay here a week. We staid at the Hotel Montmorenci.
Stay, I command you; stay and hear me first.
2. To continue in a state.
The flames augment, and stay at their full highth, then languish to decay.
3. To wait; to attend; to forbear to act.
I stay for Turnus.
Would ye stay for them from having husbands? Ruth 1. 
4. To stop; to stand still.
She would command the hasty sun to stay.
5. To dwell.
I must stay a little on one action.
6. To rest; to rely; to confide in; to trust.
Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression, and stay thereon--Isaiah 30.
STAY, v.t. pret. and pp. staid, for stayed.
1. To stop; to hold from proceeding; to withhold; to restrain.
All that may stay the mind from thinking that true which they heartily wish were false.
To stay these sudden gusts of passion.
2. To delay; to obstruct; to hinder from proceeding.
Your ships are staid at Venice.
I was willing to stay my reader on an argument that appeared to me to be new.
3. To keep from departure; as, you might have staid me here.
4. To stop from motion or falling; to prop; to hold up; to support.
Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands. Exodus 17.
Sallows and reeds for vineyards useful found to stay thy vines.
5. To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; as, to take a luncheon to stay the stomach.
STAY, n. 
1. Continuance in a place; abode for a time indefinite; as, you make a short stay in this city.
Embrace the hero, and his stay implore.
2. Stand; stop; cessation of motion or progression.
Affairs of state seemd rather to stand at a stay.
[But in this sense, we now use stand; to be at a stand.]
3. Stop; obstruction; hinderance from progress.
Grievd with each step, tormented with each stay.
4. Restraint of passion; moderation; caution; steadiness; sobriety.
With prudent stay, he long deferrd the rough contention.
5. A fixed state.
Alas, what stay is there in human state!
6. Prop; support.
Trees serve as so many stays for their vines.
My only strength and stay!
The Lord is my stay. Psalm 18.
The stay and the staff, the means of supporting and preserving life. Isaiah 3.
7. Steadiness of conduct.
8. In the rigging of a ship, a large strong rope employed to support the mast, by being extended from its upper end to the stem of the ship. The fore-stay reaches from the foremast head towards the bowsprit end; the main-stay extends to the ships stem; the mizen-stay is stretched to a collar on the main-mast, above the quarter deck, &c.
Stays, in seamanship, implies the operation of going about or changing the course of a ship, with a shifting of the sails. To be in stays, is to lie with the head to the wind, and the sails so arranged as to check her progress.
To miss stays, to fail in the attempt to go about.


Topic: Stay-tackle
Definition:
STAY-TACKLE, n. [stay and tackle.] A large tackle attached to the main-stay by means of a pendant, and used to hoist heavy bodies, as boats, butts of water and the like.


Topic: Stayedness
Definition:
STAYEDNESS, n. 
1. Moderation; gravity; sobriety; prudence. [See Staidness.]
2. Solidity; weight. [Little used.]


Topic: Stays
Definition:
STAYS, n. plu.
1. A bodice; a kind of waistcoat stiffened with whalebone or other thing, worn by females.
2. Stays, of a ship. [See Stay.]
3. Station; fixed anchorage.
4. Any support; that which keeps another extended.
Weavers, stretch your stays upon the weft.


Topic: Stead
Definition:
STEAD, STED, n. [G. See Stay.]
1. Place; in general.
Fly this fearful stead. 
[In this sense not used.]
2. Place or room which another had or might have, noting substitution, replacing or filling the place of another, as, David died and Solomon reigned in his sted.
God hath appointed me another seed in stead of Abel, whom Cain slew. Genesis 4.
3. The frame on which a bed is laid.
Sallow the feet, the borders and the sted.
[But we never use this word by itself in this sense. We always use bedstead.]
To stand in sted, to be of use or great advantage.
The smallest act of charity shall stand us in great stead.
STEAD, STED, in names of places distant from a river or the sea, signifies place, as above; but in names of places situated on a river or harbor, it is from Sax. Stathe, border, bank, shore, Both words perhaps are from one root.


Topic: Steadfast
Definition:
STEADFAST, STEDFAST, a. [stead and fast.]
1. Fast fixed; firm; firmly fixed or established; as the stedfast globe of earth.
2. Constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering.
Abide stedfast to thy neighbor in the time of his trouble.
Him resist, sted fast in the faith. 1 Peter 5. 
3. Steady; as stedfast sight.


Topic: Steadfastly
Definition:
STEADFASTLY, STEDFASTLY, adv. Firmly; with constancy or steadiness of mind.
Steadfastly believe that whatever God has revealed is infallibly true.


Topic: Steadfastness
Definition:
STEADFASTNESS, STEDFASTNESS, n.
1. Firmness of standing; fixedness in place.
2. Firmness of mind or purpose; fixedness in principle; constancy; resolution; as the stedfastness of faith. He adhered to his opinions with steadfastness.


Topic: Steadily
Definition:
STEADILY, STEDDILY, adv. 
1. With firmness of standing or position; without tottering, shaking or leaning. He kept his arm steddily directed to the object.
2. Without wavering, inconstancy or irregularity; without deviating. He steddily pursues his studies.


Topic: Steak
Definition:
STEAK, n. [G., a piece.] A slice of beef or pork broiled, or cut for broiling. [As far as my observation extends, this word is never applied to any species of meat, except to beef and pork, nor to these dressed in any way except by broiling. Possible it may be used of a piece fried.]


Topic: Steal
Definition:
STEAL, v.t. pret. stole; pp. stolen, stole. [G. L, to take, to lift.]
1. To take and carry away feloniously, as the personal goods of another. To constitute stealing or theft, the taking must be felonious, that is, with an intent to take what belongs to another, and without his consent.
Let him that stole, steal no more. Ephesians 4.
2. To Withdraw or convey without notice or clandestinely.
They could insinuate and steal themselves under the same by submission.
3. To gain or win by address or gradual and imperceptible means.
Variety of objects has a tendency to steal away the mind from its steady pursuit of any subject.
So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15.
STEAL, v.i. 
1. To withdraw or pass privily; to slip along or away unperceived.
Fixed of mind to fly all company, one night she stole away.
From whom you now must steal and take no leave.
A soft and solemn breathing sound rose like a steam of rich distilld perfumes, and stole upon the air.
2. To practice theft; to take feloniously. He steals for a livelihood.
Thou shalt not steal. Exodus 20.


Topic: Stealing
Definition:
STEALING, ppr. Taking the goods of another feloniously; withdrawing imperceptibly; gaining gradually.


Topic: Stealth
Definition:
STEALTH, n. stelth. 
1. The act of stealing; theft.
The owner proveth the stealth to have been committed on him by such an outlaw.
2. The thing stolen; as cabins that are dens to cover stealth. [Not in use.]
3. Secret act; clandestine practice; means unperceived employed to gain an object; way or manner not perceived; used in a good or bad sense.
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
The monarch blinded with desire of wealth, with steel invades the brothers life by stealth.


Topic: Stealthy
Definition:
STEALTHY, a. Stelthy. Done by stealth; clandestine; unperceived.
Now witherd murder with his stealthy pace moves like a ghost.


Topic: Steam
Definition:
STEAM, n. 
1. The vapor of water; or the elastic, aeriform fluid generated by heating water to the boiling point. When produced under the common atmospheric pressure, its elasticity is equivalent to the pressure, its elasticity is equivalent to the pressure of the atmosphere, and it is called low steam; but when heated in a confined state, its elastic force is rapidly augmented, and it is then called high steam. On the application of cold, steam instantly returns to the state of water, and thus forms a sudden vacuum. From this property, and from the facility with which an elastic force is generated by means of steam, this constitutes a mechanical agent at once the most powerful and the most manageable, as is seen in the vast and multiplied uses of the steam engine. Steam is invisible, and is to be distinguished from the cloud or mist which it forms in the air, that being water in a minute state of division, resulting from the condensation of steam.
2. In popular use, the mist formed by condensed vapor.
STEAM, v.i. 
1. To rise or pass off in vapor by means of heat; to fume.
Let the crude humors dance in heated brass, steaming with fire intense.
2. To send off visible vapor.
Ye mists that rise from steaming lake. 
3. To pass off in visible vapor.
The dissolved amber--steamed away into the air.
STEAM, v.t. 
1. To exhale; to evaporate. [Not much used.]
2. To expose to steam; to apply steam to for softening, dressing or preparing; as, to steam cloth; to steam potatoes instead of boiling the; to steam food for cattle.


Topic: Steaming
Definition:
STEAMING, ppr. Exposing to steam; cooking or dressing by steam; preparing for cattle by steam, as roots.


Topic: Stearin
Definition:
STEARIN, n. One of the proximate elements of animal fat, as lard, tallow, &c. The various kinds of animal fat consist of two substances, stearin and elain; of which the former is solid, and the latter liquid.


Topic: Steatite
Definition:
STEATITE, n. [Gr., fat.] Soapstone; so called from its smooth or unctuous feel; a subspecies of rhomboidal mica. It is of two kings, the common, and the pagodite or lard-stone. It is sometimes confounded with talck, to which its is allied. It is a compact stone, white, green of all shades, gray, brown or marbled, and sometimes herborized by black dendrites. It is found in metalliferous veins, with the ores of copper, lead, zink, silver and tin.


Topic: Steddiness
Definition:
STEADINESS, STEDDINESS, n. 
1. Firmness of standing or position; a state of being not tottering or easily moved or shaken.  A man stands with steddiness; he walks with steddiness.
2. Firmness of mind or purpose; constancy; resolution. We say, a man has steddiness of mind, steddiness in opinion, steddiness in the pursuit of objects.
3. Consistent uniform conduct.
Steddiness is a point of prudence as well as of courage.


Topic: Steddy
Definition:
STEADY, STEDDY, a. 
1. Firm in standing or position; fixed; not tottering or shaking; applicable to any object.
2. Constant in mind, purpose or pursuit; not fickle, changeable or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; as a man steddy in his principles, steddy in his purpose, steddy in the pursuit of an object, steddy in his application to business.
3. Regular; constant; undeviating; uniform; as the steddy course of the sun. Steer the ship a steddy course. A large river runs with a steddy stream.
4. Regular; not fluctuating; as a steddy breeze of wind.
STEADY, STEDDY, v.t. To hold or keep from shaking, reeling or falling; to support; to make or keep firm. Steddy my hand.


Topic: Steed
Definition:
STEED, n. A horse, or a hose for state or war. [This word is not much used in common discourse. It is used in poetry and descriptive prose, and is elegant.]
Stout are our men, and warlike are our steeds.


Topic: Steel
Definition:
STEEL, n. [G.]
1. Iron combined with a small portion of carbon; iron refined and hardened, used in making instruments, and particularly useful as the material of edged tools. It is called in chemistry, carburet of iron; but this is more usually the denomination of plumbago.
2. Figuratively, weapons; particularly, offensive weapons, swords, spears and the like. 
Brave Macbeth with his brandishd steel. 
-- While doubting thus he stood, receivd the steel bathd in this brothers blood.
3. Medicines composed of steel, as steel fillings.
After relaxing, steel strengthens the solids.
4. Extreme hardness; as heads or hearts of steel.
STEEL, a. Made of steel; as a steel plate or buckle.
STEEL, v.t.
1. To overlay, point or edge with steel; as, to steel the point of a sword; to steel a razor; to steel an ax.
2. To make hard or extremely hard.
O God of battles, steel my soldiers hearts.
Lies well steeld with weighty arguments.
3. To make hard; to make insensible or obdurate; as, to steel the heart against pity; to steel the mind or heart against reproof or admonition.


Topic: Steely
Definition:
STEELY, a. 
1. Made of steel; consisting of steel.
Broachd with the steely point of Cliffords lance.
Around his shop the steely sparkles flew.
2. Hard; firm.
That she would unarm her noble heart of that steely resistance against the sweet blows of love.


Topic: Steelyard
Definition:
STEELYARD, n. [steel and yard.] The Roman balance; an instrument for weighing bodies, consisting of a rod or bar marked with notches, designating the number of pounds and ounces, and a weight which is movable along this bar, and which is made to balance the weight of the body by being removed at a proper distance from the fulcrum. The principle of the steelyard is that of the lever; where an equilibrium is produced, when the products of the weights on opposite sides into their respective distances from the fulcrum, are equal to one another. Hence a less weight is made to indicate a greater, by being removed to a greater distance from the fulcrum.


Topic: Steep
Definition:
STEEP, a. Making a large angle with the plane of the horizon; ascending or descending with a great inclination; precipitous; as a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep declivity.
STEEP, n. A precipitous place, hill, mountain, rock or ascent; any elevated object which slopes with a large angle to the plane of the horizon; a precipice.
We had on each side rocks and mountains broken into a thousand irregular steps and precipices.
STEEP, v.t. [probably formed on the root of dip.] To soak in a liquid; to macerate; to imbue; to keep any thing in a liquid till it has thoroughly imbibed it, or till the liquor has extracted the essential qualities of the substance. Thus cloth is steeped in lye or other liquid in bleaching or dyeing. But plants and drugs are steeped in water, wine and the like, for the purpose of tincturing the liquid with their qualities.
STEEP, n. A liquid for steeping grain or seeds; also, a runnet bag. [Local.]


Topic: Steeple
Definition:
STEEPLE, n. A turret of a church, ending in a point; a spire. It differs from a tower, which usually ends in a square form, thought the name is sometimes given to a tower. The bell of a church is usually hung in the steeple.
They, far from steeples and their sacred sound---


Topic: Steepness
Definition:
STEEPNESS, n. The state of being steep; precipitous declivity; as the steepness of a hill, a bank or a roof.


Topic: Steepy
Definition:
STEEPY, a. Having a steep or precipitous declivity; as steepy crags; a poetical word.
No more, my goats, shall I behold you climb the steepy cliffs.


Topic: Steer
Definition:
STEER, n. A young male of the ox kind or common ox. It is rendered in Dutch, a bull; but in the United States, this name is generally given to a castrated male of the ox kind, from two to four years old.
With solemn pomp then sacrificd a steer.
STEER, v.t. [G., to hinder, restrain, repress, to curb, to steer, to pilot, to aid, help, support. The verb si connected with or derived from steuer, a rudder, a helm, aid, help, subsidy, impost, tax, contribution.]
1. To direct; to govern; particularly, to direct and govern the course of a ship by the movements of the helm. Hence, 
2. To direct; to guide; to show the way or course to.
That with a staff his feeble steps did steer.
STEER, v.i. 
1. To direct and govern a ship or other vessel in its course. Formerly seamen steered by the stars; they ow steer by the compass.
A ship--where the wind veers oft, as oft so steers and shifts her sail.
2. To be directed and governed; as, a ship steers with ease.
3. To conduct ones self; to take or pursue a course or way.
STEER, n. A rudder or helm. [Not in use.]


Topic: Steerage
Definition:
STEERAGE, n. 
1. The act or practice of directing and governing in a course; as the steerage of a ship.
[In this sense, I believe the word is now little used.]
2. In seamens language, the effort of a helm, or its effect on the ship.
3. In a ship, an apartment forward of the great cabin, from which it is separated by a bulk-head or partition, or an apartment in the fore part of a ship for passengers. In ships of war it serves as a hall or antichamber to the great cabin.
4. The part of a ship where the tiller traverses.
5. Direction; regulation.
He that hath the steerage of my course. [Little used.]
6. Regulation or management.
You raise the honor of the peerage, proud to attend you at the steerage. 
7. That by which a course is directed.
Here he hung on high the steerage of his wings---
[Steerage, in the general sense of direction or management, is in popular use, but by no means an elegant word. It is said, a young man when he sets out in life, makes bad steerage; but no good writer would introduce the word into elegant writing.]


Topic: Steerage-way
Definition:
STEERAGE-WAY, n. In seamens language, that degree of progressive movement of a ship, which renders her governable by the helm.


Topic: Steering
Definition:
STEERING, ppr. Directing and governing in a course, as a ship; guiding; conducting.
STEERING, n. The act or art of directing and governing a ship or other vessel in her course; the act of guiding or managing.


Topic: Steeving
Definition:
STEEVING, n. In seamens language, the angle of elevation which a ships bowsprit makes with the horizon.


Topic: Steganography
Definition:
STEGANOGRAPHY, n. [supra.] The art of writing in ciphers or characters which are not intelligible, except to the persons who correspond with each other.


Topic: Stegnotic
Definition:
STEGNOTIC, a. [Gr.] Tending to bind or render costive.
STEGNOTIC, n. A medicine proper to stop the orifices of the vessels or emunctories of the body, when relaxed or lacerated.


Topic: Stellar
Definition:
STELLAR, STELLARY, a. [L., a star.]
1. Pertaining to stars; astral; as stellar virute; stellar figure.
2. Starry; full of stars; set with stars; as stellary regions.


Topic: Stellate
Definition:
STELLATE, STELLATED, a. [L.]
1. Resembling a star; radiated. 
2. In botany, stellate or verticillate leaves are when more leaves than two surround the stem in a whorl, or when they radiate like the spokes of a wheel, or like a star. A stellate bristle is when a little star of smaller hairs is affixed to the end applied also to the stigma. A stellate flower is a radiate flower.


Topic: Stellionate
Definition:
STELLIONATE, n. [Low L.] In law, the crime of selling a thing deceitfully for what it is not, as to sell that for ones own which belongs to another. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stellite
Definition:
STELLITE, n. [L., a star.] A name given by some writers to a white stone found on Mount Libanus, containing the lineaments of the star-fish.


Topic: Stem
Definition:
STEM, n. [G., stock, stem, race. The primary sense is to set, to fix.]
1. The principal body of a tree, shrub or plant of any kind; the main stock; the firm part which supports the branches.
After thy are shot up thirty feet in length, they spread a very large top, having no bough or twig on the stem.
The lowring spring with lavish rain, beats down the slender stem and bearded grain.
2. The peduncle of the fructification, or the pedicle of a flower; that which supports the flower or the fruit of a planet.
3. The stock of a family; a race or generation of progenitors; as a noble stem.
Learn well their lineage and their ancient stem.
4. Progeny; branch of a family.
Of that victorious stock.
5. In a ship, a circular piece of timber, to which the two sides of a ship are united at the fore end. The lower end of it is scarfed to the keel, and the bowsprit rests upon its upper end. From stem to stern, is from one end of the ship to the other, or through the whole length.
STEM, v.t. 
1. To oppose or resist, as a current; or to make progress against a current. We say, the ship was not able with all her sails to stem the tide.
They stem the flood with their erected breasts.
2. To stop; to check; as a stream or moving force.
At length Erasmus, that great injurd name, stemmd the wild torrent of a barbrous age, and drove those holy Vandals off the stage.


Topic: Stench
Definition:
STENCH, n. [See Stink.] An ill smell; offensive odor.
STENCH, v.t. 
1. To cause to emit a hateful smell. [Not in use.]
2. To stanch; to stop. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stencil
Definition:
STENCIL, n. A piece of thin lether or oil cloth, used in painting paper hangings.
STENCIL, v.t. To paint or color in figures with stencils.


Topic: Stenographer
Definition:
STENOGRAPHER, n. [Gr., close, narrow; to write.] One who is skilled in the art of short hand writing.


Topic: Stenographic
Definition:
STENOGRAPHIC, STENOGRAPHICAL, a. [supra.] Pertaining to the art of writing in short hand; expressing in characters or short hand.


Topic: Stenography
Definition:
STENOGRAPHY, n. [supra.] The art of writing in short hand by using abbreviations or characters for whole words.


Topic: Stentorian
Definition:
STENTORIAN, a. [from Stentor.] 
1. Extremely loud; as a stentorian voice.
2. Able to utter a very loud sound; as stentorian lungs.


Topic: Stentorophonic
Definition:
STENTOROPHONIC, a. [from Stentor, a herald in Homer, whose voice was as loud as that of fifty other men, and Gr., voice.] Speaking or sounding very loud.
Of this stentorophonic horn of Alexander there is a figure preserved in the Vatican.


Topic: Step
Definition:
STEP, v.i. [Gr., the foot. The sense is to set, as the foot, or move probably to open or part, to stretch or extend.]
1. To move the foot; to advance or recede by a movement of the foot or feet; as, to step forward, or to step backward.
2. To go; to walk a little distance; as, to step to one of the neighbors.
3. To walk gravely, slowly or resolutely.
Home the swain retreats, his flock before him stepping to the fold.
To step forth, to move or come forth.
To step aside, to walk to a little distance; to retire from company.
To step in or into, 
1. To walk or advance into a place or state; or to advance suddenly in John 5. 
2. To enter for a short time. I just stepped into the house for a moment.
3. To obtain possession without trouble; to enter upon suddenly; as, to step into an estate.
To step back, to move mentally; to carry the mind back.
They are stepping almost three thousand years back into the remotest antiquity.
STEP, v.t. 
1. To set, as the foot.
2. To fix the foot of a mast in the keel; to erect.
STEP, n. [G., to form a step or ledge.]
1. A pace; an advance or movement made by one removal of the foot.
2. One remove in ascending or descending; a stair.
The breadth of every single step or stair should be neer less than one foot.
3. The space passed by the foot in walking or running. The step of one foot is generally five feet; it may be more or less.
4. A small space or distance. Let us go to the gardens; it is but a step.
5. The distance between the feet in walking or running.
6. Gradation; degree. We advance improvement step by step, or by steps.
7. Progression; act of advancing.
To derive two or three general principles of motion from phenomena, and afterwards tell us how the properties and actions of all corporeal things follow from those manifest principles, could be a great step in philosophy. 
8. Footstep; print or impression of the foot; track.
9. Gait; manner of walking. The approach of a man is often known by his step.
10. Proceeding; measure; action.
The reputation of a man depends of the first steps he makes in the world.
11. The round of a ladder.
12. Steps in the plural, walk; passage.
Conduct my steps to find the fatal tree in this deep forest.
13. Pieces of timber in which the foot of a mast is fixed.


Topic: Step-son
Definition:
STEP-SON, n. A son-in-law, [an orphan son.]
[In the foregoing explication of step, I have followed Lye. The D. And G. Write stief, and the Swedes styf, before the name; a word which does not appear to be connected with any verb signifying to bereave, and the word is not without some difficulties. I have given the explanation which appears to be most probably correct. If the radical sense of step, a pace, is to part or open, the word coincides with Sax. Stepan, to deprive, and in the compounds above, step may imply removal or distance.]


Topic: Stepping
Definition:
STEPPING, ppr. Moving, or advancing by a movement of the foot or feet; placing; fixing or erecting, as a mast.
STEPPING, n. The act of walking or running by steps.


Topic: Ster
Definition:
STER, in composition, is from the Sax. Steora, a director. See Steer. It seems primarily to have signified chief, principal or director, as in the L. Minister, chief servant; but in other words, as in spinster, we do not recognize the sense of chief, but merely that of a person who carries on the business of spinning.


Topic: Stercoranist
Definition:
STERCORARIAN, STERCORANIST, n. [L., dung.] One in the Romish church who held that the host is liable to digestion.


Topic: Stereographic
Definition:
STEREOGRAPHIC, STEREOGRAPHICAL, a. [from stereography.] Made or done according to the rules of stereography; delineated on a plane; as a stereographic chart of the earth.


Topic: Stereography
Definition:
STEREOGRAPHY, n. [Gr., firm; to write.] The act or art of delineating the forms of solid bodies on a plane; a branch of solid geometry which shows the construction of all solids which are regularly defined.


Topic: Stereometry
Definition:
STEREOMETRY, n. [Gr., firm, fixed; to measure.] The art of measuring solid bodies, and finding their solid content.


Topic: Stereotomy
Definition:
STEREOTOMY, n. [Gr., fixed; to cut.] The science or art of cutting solids into certain figures or sections, as arches, &c.


Topic: Stereotype
Definition:
STEREOTYPE, n. [Gr., fixed; type, form.]
1. Literally, a fixed metal type; hence, a plate of fixed or solid metallic types for printing books. Thus we say, a book is printed on stereotype, or in stereotype. In the latter use, the word seems rather to signify the workmanship or manner of printing, than the plate.
2. The art of making plates of fixed metallic types, or of executing work on such plates.
STEREOTYPE, a. 
1. Pertaining to fixed metallic types.
2. Done on fixed metallic types, or plates of fixed types; as stereotype work; stereotype printing; a stereotype copy of the Bible.
STEREOTYPE, v.t. To make fixed metallic types or plates of type metal, corresponding with the words and letters of a book; to compose a book in fixed types; as, to stereotype the New Testament; certain societies have stereotyped the Bible.


Topic: Stereotyping
Definition:
STEREOTYPING, ppr. Making stereotype plates for any work; or impressing copies on stereotype plates.


Topic: Steril
Definition:
STERIL, STERILE, a. [L.]
1. Barren; unfruitful; not fertile; producing little or no crop; as sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year.
2. Barren; producing no young.
3. Barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment, as a sterile production or author.
Sterile flower, in botany, is a term given by Tournefort to the male flower, or that which bears only stamens.


Topic: Sterility
Definition:
STERILITY, n. [L.]
1. Barrenness; unproductiveness; unfruitfulness; the quality or state of producing little or nothing; as the sterility of land or soil.
2. Barrenness; unfruitfulness; the state of not producing young; as of animals.
3. Barrenness of ideas or sentiments, as in writings.
4. Want of fertility or the power of producing sentiment; as the sterility of an author or of his mind.


Topic: Sterilize
Definition:
STERILIZE, v.t.
1. To make barren; to impoverish, as land; to exhaust of fertility; as, to sterilize soil or land. [Little used.]
2. To deprive of fecundity, or the power of producing young. [Little used.]


Topic: Sterlet
Definition:
STERLET, n. A fish of the Caspian and of the rivers in Russia, the Acipenser ruthenus of Linne, highly esteemed for its flavor, and from whose roe is made the finest caviare.


Topic: Sterling
Definition:
STERLING, a. [probably from Easterling.]
1. An epithet by which English money of account is distinguished; as a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling. It is not now applied to the coins of England; but sterling cost, sterling value are used.
2. Genuine; pure; of excellent quality; as a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling wit or good sense.
STERLING, n. 
1. English money.
And Roman wealth in English sterling view.
In this use, sterling may signify English coins.
2. Standard; rate. [Little used in either sense.]


Topic: Stern
Definition:
STERN, a. [G., staring; stubborn. See Stare, Starck, Stark, with which this word is probably connected.]
1. Severe; austere; fixed with an aspect of severity and authority; as a stern look; a stern countenance; a stern frown.
I would outstare the sternest eyes that look.
2. Severe of manner; rigid; harsh; cruel.
Stern as tutors, and as uncles hard.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
3. Hard; afflictive.
If wolves had at thy gate howld that stern time.
4. Rigidly stedfast; immovable.
Stern virtue is the growth of few soils.
STERN, n. 
1. The hind part of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stern or prow. This part of a ship is terminated by the tafferel above, and by the counters below.
2. Post of management; direction.
An sit at chiefest stern of public weal. [Not in use. We now say, to sit at the helm.]
3. The hinder part of any thing. [Not elegant.]
By the stern, is a phrase which denotes that a ship is more deeply laden abaft than forward.


Topic: Stern-board
Definition:
STERN-BOARD, n. [stern and board.] In seamens language, a loss of way in making a tack. To make a stern-board, is when by a current or other cause, a vessel has fallen back from the point she had gained in the last tack. 


Topic: Stern-chase
Definition:
STERN-CHASE, n. [stern and chase.] A cannon placed in a ships stern, pointing backward and intended to annoy a ship that is in pursuit of her.


Topic: Stern-post
Definition:
STERN-POST, n. [stern and post.] A straight piece of timber, erected on the extremity of the keel to support the rudder and terminate the ship behind.


Topic: Stern-sheets
Definition:
STERN-SHEETS, n. [stern and sheet.] That part of a boat which is between the stern and the aftmost seat of the rowers; usually furnished with seats for passengers.


Topic: Sterned
Definition:
STERNED, a. In compounds, having a stern of a particular shape; as square-sterned; pink-sterned, &c.


Topic: Sternly
Definition:
STERNLY, adv. [See Stern.] In a stern manner; with an austere or stern countenance; with an air of authority.
Sternly he pronouncd the rigid interdiction.


Topic: Sternmost
Definition:
STERNMOST, a. [stern and most.] Farthest in the rear; farthest astern; as the sternmost ship in a convoy.


Topic: Sternness
Definition:
STERNNESS, n. 
1. Severity of look; a look of austerity, rigor or severe authority; as the sternness of ones presence.
2. Severity or harshness of manner; rigor. 
I have sternness in my soul enough to hear of soldiers work.


Topic: Sternum
Definition:
STERNUM, n. [Gr., from fixing, setting. See Starch, Stark.] The breast bone; the bone which forms the front of the human chest from the neck to the stomach.


Topic: Sternutatory
Definition:
STERNUTATORY, a. [L., to sneeze.] Having the quality of exciting to sneeze.
STERNUTATORY, n. A substance that provokes sneezing.


Topic: Stethescope
Definition:
STETHESCOPE, n. [Gr., the breast; to view.] A tubular instrument for distinguishing diseases of the stomach by sounds.


Topic: Stew
Definition:
STEW, v.t. 
1. To seethe or gently boil; to boil slowly in a moderate manner, or with a simmering heat; as, to stew meat; to stew applies; to stew prunes.
2. To boil in heat.
STEW, v.i. To be seethed in a slow gentle manner, or in heat and moisture.
STEW, n. 
1. A hot house; a bagnio.
The Lydians were inhibited by Cyrus to use any armor, and give themselves to baths and stews.
2. A brothel; a house of prostitution; but generally or always used int he plural, stews.
3. A prostitute. [Not in use.]
4. [See Stow.] A store pond; a small pond where fish are kept for the table. [Not used.]
5. Meat stewed; as a stew of pigeons.
6. Confusion, as when the air is full of dust. [Not in use or local.]


Topic: Steward
Definition:
STEWARD, n. [G., a room. The steward was then originally a chamberlain or a butler.]
1. A man employed in great families to manage the domestic concerns, superintend the other servants, collect the rents or income, keep the accounts, &c. See Genesis 15:2 and 43:19.
2. An officer of state; as lord high steward; steward of the household, &c.
3. In colleges, an officer who provides food for the students and superintends the concerns of the kitchen.
4. In a ship of war, an officer who is appointed by the purser to distribute provisions to the officers and crew. In other ships, a man who superintends the provisions and liquors, and supplies the table.
5. In Scripture and theology, a minister of Christ, whose duty is to dispense the provisions of the gospel, to preach its doctrines and administer its ordinances.
It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4.
STEWARD, v.t. To manage as a steward. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stich
Definition:
STICH, n. [Gr.] 
1. In poetry, a verse, of whatever measure or number of feet.
Stich is used in numbering the books of Scripture.
2. In rural affairs, an order or rank of trees. [In New England, as much land as lies between double furrows, is called a stitch, or a land.]


Topic: Stichometry
Definition:
STICHOMETRY, n. [Gr., a verse; measure.] A catalogue of the books of Scriptures, with the number of verses which each book contains.


Topic: Stick
Definition:
STICK, n. [G. This word is connected with the verb to stick, with stock, stack, and other words having the like elements. The primary sense of the root is to thrust, to shoot, and to set.]
1. The small shoot or branch of a tree or shrub, cut off; a rod; also, a staff; as, to strike one with a stick.
2. Any stem of a tree, of any size, cut for fuel or timber. It is applied in America to any long and slender piece of timber, round or square, from the smallest size to the largest, used in the frames of buildings; as a stick of timber for a post, a beam or a rafter.
3. Many instruments, long and slender, are called sticks; as the composing stick of printers.
4. A thrust with a pointed instrument that penetrates a body; a stab.
Stick of eels, the number of twenty five eels. A bind contains ten sticks.
STICK, v.t. pret. and pp. stuck. [G., to sting or prick, to stick, to adhere.]
1. To pierce; to stab; to cause to enter, as a pointed instrument; hence, to kill by piercing; as, to stick a beast in slaughter. [A common use of the word.]
2. To thrust in; to fasten or cause to remain by piercing; as, to stick a pin on the sleeve.
3. To fasten; to attach by causing to adhere to the surface; as, to stick on a patch or plaster; to stick on a thing with paste or glue.
4. To set; to fix in; as, to stick card teeth.
5. To set with something pointed; as, to stick cards.
6. To fix on a pointed instrument; as, to stick an apple on a fork.
STICK, v.i. 
1. To adhere; to hold to by cleaving to the surface, as by tenacity or attraction; as, glue sticks to the fingers; paste sticks to the wall, and causes paper to stick.
I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick to thy scales. Ezekiel 29. 
2. To be united; to be inseparable; to cling fast to, as something reproachful.
If on your fame our sex a blot has thrown, twill ever stick, through malice of your own.
3. To rest with the memory; to abide.
4. To stop; to be impeded by adhesion or obstruction; as, the carriage sticks in the mire.
5. To stop; to be arrested in a course.
My faltering tongue sticks at the sound.
6. To stop; to hesitate. He sticks at no difficulty; he sticks at the commission of no crime; he sticks at nothing.
7. To adhere; to remain; to resist efforts to remove.
I had most need of blessing, and amen stuck in my throat.
8. To cause difficulties or scruples; to cause to hesitate.
This is the difficulty that sticks with the most reasonable--
9. To be stopped or hindered from proceeding; as, a bill passed the senate, but stuck in the house of representatives.
They never doubted the commons; but heard all stuck in the lords house.
10. To be embarrassed or puzzled.
They will stick long at part of a demonstration, for want of perceiving the connection between two ideals.
11. To adhere closely in friendship and affection.
There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18.
To stick to, to adhere closely; to be constant; to be firm; to be persevering; as, to stick to a party or cause.
The advantage will be on our side, if we stick to its essentials.
To stick by, 
1. To adhere closely; to be constant; to be firm in supporting.
We are your only friends; stick by us, and we will stick by you.
2. To be troublesome by adhering. 
I am satisfied to trifle away my time, rather than let it stick by me.
To stick upon, to dwell upon; not to forsake.
If the matter be knotty, the mind must stop and buckle to it, and stick upon it with labor and thought. [Not elegant.]
To stick out, to project; to be prominent.
His bones that were not seen, stick out. Job 33.


Topic: Stickiness
Definition:
STICKINESS, n. [from stick.] The quality of a thing which makes it adhere to a plane surface; adhesiveness; viscousness; glutinousness; tenacity; as the tenacity of glue or paste.


Topic: Stickle
Definition:
STICKLE, v.i. [from the practice of prize-fighters, who placed seconds with staves or sticks to interpose occasionally.]
1. To take part with one side or other.
Fortune, as she wont, turnd fickle, and for the foe began to stickle.
2. To contend; to contest; to altercate. Let the parties stickle each for his favority doctrine.
3. To trim; to play fast and loose; to pass from one side to the other.
STICKLE, v.t. To arbitrate. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stickle-back
Definition:
STICKLE-BACK, n. A small fish of the genus Gasterosteus, of several species. The common species seldom grows to the length of two inches.


Topic: Stickler
Definition:
STICKLER, n. 
1. A sidesman to fencers; a second to a duelist; one who stands to a judge a combat.
Basilius the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey.
2. An obstinate contender about any thing; as a stickler for the church of for liberty.
The tory or high church clergy were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of king James.
3. Formerly, an officer who cut wood for the priory of Ederose, within the kings parks of Clarendon.


Topic: Sticky
Definition:
STICKY, a. Having the quality of adhering to a surface; adhesive; gluey; viscous; viscid; glutinous; tenacious. Gums and resins are sticky substances.


Topic: Stiff
Definition:
STIFF, a. [Gr.] 
1. Not easily bent; not flexible or pliant; not flaccid; rigid; applicable to any substance; as stiff wood; stiff paper; cloth stiff with starch; a limb stiff with frost.
They, rising on stiff pinions, tower the mid aerial sky.
2. Not liquid or fluid; thick and tenacious; inspissated; not soft nor hard. Thus melted metals grow stiff as they cool; they are stiff before they are hard. The paste is too stiff, or not stiff enough.
3. Strong; violent; impetuous in motion; as in seamens language, a stiff gale or breeze.
4. Hardy; stubborn; not easily subdued.
How stiff is my vile sense!
5. Obstinate; pertinacious; firm in perseverance or resistance.
It is a shame to stand stiff in a foolish argument.
A war ensues; the Cretans own their cause, stiff to defend their hospitable laws.
6. Harsh; formal; constrained; not natural and easy; as a stiff formal style.
7. Formal in manner; constrained; affected; starched; not easy or natural; as stiff behavior.
The French are open, familiar and talkative; the Italians stiff, ceremonious and reserved.
8. Strongly maintained, or asserted with good evidence.
This is stiff news.
9. In seamens language, a stiff vessel is one that will bear sufficient sail without danger of oversetting.


Topic: Stiff-hearted
Definition:
STIFF-HEARTED, a. [stiff and heart.] Obstinate; stubborn; contumacious.
They are impudent children and stiff-hearted. Ezekiel 2.


Topic: Stiff-necked
Definition:
STIFF-NECKED, a. [stiff and neck.] Stubborn; inflexibly obstinate; contumacious; as a stiff-necked people; stiff-necked pride.


Topic: Stiffen
Definition:
STIFFEN, v.t. 
1. To make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; as, to stiffen cloth with starch.
He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart from turning to the Lord God of Israel. 2 Chronicles 36.
Stiffen the sinews; summon up the blood.
2. To make torpid; as stiffening grief.
3. To inspissate; to make more thick or viscous; as, to stiffen paste.
STIFFEN, v.i.
1. To become stiff; to become more rigid or less flexible.
--Like bristles rose my stiffning hair.
2. To become more thick, or less soft; to be inspissated; to approach to hardness; as, melted substances stiffen as they cool.
The tender soil then stiffning by degrees--
3. To become less susceptible of impression; to become less susceptible of impression; to become less tender or yielding; to grow more obstinate.
Some souls, we see, grow hard and stiffen with adversity.


Topic: Stiffening
Definition:
STIFFENING, ppr. Making or becoming less pliable, or more thick, or more obstinate.
STIFFENING, n. Something that is used to make a substance more stiff or less soft.


Topic: Stiffly
Definition:
STIFFLY, adv. 
1. Firmly; strongly; as the boughs of a tree stiffly upheld.
2. Rigidly; obstinately; with stubbornness. The doctrine of the infallibility of the church of Rome is stiffly maintained by its adherents.


Topic: Stiffness
Definition:
STIFFNESS, n. 
1. Rigidness; want of pliableness or flexibility; the firm texture or state of a substance which renders it difficult to bend it; as the stiffness or iron or wood; the stiffness of a frozen limb.
2. Thickness; spissitude; a state between softness and hardness; as the stiffness of sirup, paste, size or starch.
3. Torpidness; inaptitude to motion.
An icy stiffness benumbs my blood.
4. Tension; as the stiffness of a cord.
5. Obstinacy; stubbornness; contumaciousness.
The vices of old age have the stiffness of it too.
Stiffness of mind is not from adherence to truth, but submission to prejudice.
6. Formality of manner; constraint; affected precision.
All this religion sat easily upon him, without stiffness and constraint.
7. Rigorousness; harshness.
But speak no word to her of these sad plights, which her too constant stiffness doth constrain.
8. Affected or constrained manner of expression or writing; want of natural simplicity and ease; as stiffness of style.


Topic: Stifle
Definition:
STIFLE, v.t. [L., stiff and stop. Gr.]
1. To suffocate; to stop the breath or action of the lungs by crowding something into the windpipe, or by infusing a substance into the lungs, or by other means; to choke; as, to stifle one with smoke or dust.
2. To stop; as, to stifle the breath; to stifle respiration.
3. To oppress; to stop the breath temporarily; as, to stifle one with kisses; to be stifled in a close room or with bad air.
4. To extinguish; to deaden; to quench; as, to stifle flame; to stifle a fire by smoke or by ashes.
5. To suppress; to hinder from transpiring or spreading; as, to stifle a report.
6. To extinguish; to check or restrain and destroy; to suppress; as, to stifle a civil war in its birth.
7. To suppress or repress; to conceal; to withhold from escaping or manifestation; as, to stifle passion; to stifle grief; to stifle resentment.
8. To suppress; to destroy; as, to stifle convictions.
STIFLE, n. 
1. The joint of a horse next to the buttock, and corresponding to the knee in man; called also the stifle joint.
2. A disease in the knee-pan of a horse or other animal.


Topic: Stigma
Definition:
STIGMA, n. [L., Gr., to prick or stick.]
1. A brand; a mark made with a burning iron.
2. Any mark of infamy; any reproachful conduct which stains the purity or darkens the luster of reputation.
3. In botany, the top of the pistil, which is moist and pubescent to detain and burst the pollen or prolific powder.


Topic: Stigmata
Definition:
STIGMATA, n. plu. The apertures in the bodies of insects, communicating with the trachea or air-vessels.


Topic: Stigmatical
Definition:
STIGMATIC, STIGMATICAL, a. 
1. Marked with a stigma, or with something reproachful to character.
2. Impressing with infamy or reproach.


Topic: Stigmatize
Definition:
STIGMATIZE, v.t.
1. To mark with a brand; in a literal sense; as, the ancients stigmatized their slaves and soldiers.
2. To set a mark of disgrace on; to disgrace with some not of reproach or infamy.
To find virtue extolled and vice stigmatized--
Sour enthusiasts affect to stigmatize the finest and most elegant authors, ancient and modern, as dangerous to religion.


Topic: Stilbite
Definition:
STILBITE, n. [Gr., to shine.] A mineral of a shining pearly luster, of a white color, or white shaded with gray, yellow or red. It has been associated with zeolite, and called foliated zeolite, and radiated zeolite. Werner and the French mineralogists divide zeolite into two kinds, mesotype and stilbite; the latter is distinguished by its lamellar structure.


Topic: Stile
Definition:
STILE, n. [This is another spelling of style. See Style and Still.] A pin set on the face of a dial to form a shadow.
Erect the stile perpendicularly over the substilar line, so as to make an angle with the dial-plane equal to the elevation of the pole of your place.
STILE, n. [G. See Stair.] A step or set of steps for ascending and descending, in passing a fence or wall.


Topic: Still
Definition:
STILL, v.t. [G., to put, set, place, Gr., to send, and with style, stool, stall.]
1. To stop, as motion or agitation; to check or restrain; to make quiet; as, to still the raging sea.
2. T stop, as noise; to silence.
With his name the mothers still their babes.
3. To appease; to calm; to quiet; as tumult, agitation or excitement; as, to still the passions.
STILL, a. 
1. Silent; uttering no sound; applicable to animals or to things. The company or the man is still; the air is still; the sea is still.
2. Quiet; calm; not disturbed by noise; as a still evening.
3. Motionless; as, to stand still; to lie or sit still.
4. Quiet; calm; not agitated; as a still atmosphere.
STILL, n. Calm; silence; freedom from noise; as the still of midnight. [A poetic word.]
STILL, adv. 
1. To this time; till now.
It hath been anciently reported, and is still received. [Still here denotes this time; set or fixed.]
2. Nevertheless; notwithstanding.
The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; he is still afraid lest any of his actions should be thrown away in private.
[Still here signifies set, given, and refers to the whole of the first clause of the sentence. The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; that fact being given or set, or notwithstanding, he is afraid, &c.]
3. It precedes or accompanies words denoting increase of degree.
The moral perfections of the Deity, the more attentively we consider them, the more perfectly still shall we know them.
[This is not correct.]
4. Always; ever; continually.
Trade begets trade, and people go much where many people have already gone; so men run still to a crowd in the streets, though only to see.
The fewer still you name, you wound the more.
5. After that; after what is stated.
In the primitive church, such as by fear were compelled to sacrifice to strange gods, after repented, and kept still the office of preaching the gospel.
6. In continuation.
And, like the watchful minutes to the hour, still and anon cheerd up the heavy time.
STILL, n. [L., to drop. See Distill.] A vessel, boiler or copper used in the distillation of liquors; as vapor ascending of the still. The word is used in a more general sense for the vessel and apparatus. A still house is also called a still.
STILL, v.t. [L.] To expel spirit from liquor by heat and condense it in a refrigeratory; to distill. [See Distill.]
STILL, v.i. To drop. [Not in use. See Distill.]


Topic: Still-born
Definition:
STILL-BORN, a. [still and born.]
1. Dead at the birth; as a still-born child.
2. Abortive; as a still-born poem.


Topic: Still-burn
Definition:
STILL-BURN, v.t. [still and burn.] To burn in the process of distillation; as, to still-burn brandy.


Topic: Still-life
Definition:
STILL-LIFE, n. [still and life.]
1. Things that have only vegetable life.
2. Dead animals, or paintings representing the dead.


Topic: Stillatory
Definition:
STILLATORY, n. 
1. An alembic; a vessel for distillation. [Little used or not at all.]
2. A laboratory; a place or room in which distillation is performed. [Little used.]


Topic: Stilling
Definition:
STILLING, ppr. Calming; silencing; quieting.
STILLING, n. 
1. The act of calming, silencing or quieting.
2. A stand for casks. [Not used in America.]


Topic: Stillness
Definition:
STILLNESS, n. 
1. Freedom from noise or motion; calmness; quiet; silence; as the stillness of the night, the air or the sea.
2. Freedom from agitation or excitement; as the stillness of the passions.
3. Habitual silence; taciturnity.
The gravity and stillness of your youth, the world hath noted.


Topic: Stilpnosiderite
Definition:
STILPNOSIDERITE, n. [Gr., shining, and siderite.] A mineral of a brownish black color, massive, in curving concretions, splendent and resinous.


Topic: Stilt
Definition:
STILT, n. [G.] A stilt is a piece of wood with a shoulder, to support the foot in walking. Boys sometimes use stilts for raising their feet above the mud in walking, but they are rarely seen.
Men must not walk upon stilts.
STILT, v.t. 
1. To raise on stilts; to elevate.
2. To raise by unnatural means.


Topic: Stimulant
Definition:
STIMULANT, a. [L.] Increasing or exciting action, particularly the action of the organs of an animal body; stimulating.
STIMULANT, n. A medicine that excites and increases the action of the moving fibers or organs of an animal body.


Topic: Stimulate
Definition:
STIMULATE, v.t. [L., to prick, to goad, to excite; a goad.] Literally, to prick or goad. Hence,
1. To excite, rouse or animate to action or more vigorous exertion by some pungent motive or by persuasion; as, to stimulate one by the hope of reward, or by the prospect of glory.
2. In medicine, to excite or increase the action of the moving fibers or organs of an animal body; as, to stimulate a torpid limb; or to stimulate the stomach and bowels.


Topic: Stimulation
Definition:
STIMULATION, n. 
1. The act of goading or exciting.
2. Excitement; the increased action of the moving fibers or organs in animal bodies.


Topic: Stimulative
Definition:
STIMULATIVE, a. Having the quality of exciting action in the animal system.
STIMULATIVE, n. That which stimulates; that which rouses into more vigorous action; that which excites.


Topic: Stimulus
Definition:
STIMULUS, n. [L. This word may be formed on the root of stem, a shoot.] Literally, a goad; hence, something that rouses from languor; that which excites or increases action in the animal system, as a stimulus in medicine; or that which rouses the mind or spirits; as, the hope of gain is a powerful stimulus to labor and action.


Topic: Sting
Definition:
STING, v.t. pret. and pp. stung. Stang is obsolete. [G., to stick, to sting. We see that sting, is stick altered in orthography and pronunciation.]
1. To pierce with the sharp pointed instrument with which certain animals are furnished, such as bees, wasps, scorpions and the like. Bees will seldom sting persons, unless they are first provoked.
2. To pain acutely; as, the conscience is stung with remorse.
Slander stings the brave.
STING, n. 
1. A sharp pointed weapon or instrument which certain animals are armed by nature for their defense, and which they thrust from the hinder part of the body to pierce any animal that annoys or provokes them. In most instances, this instrument is a tube, through which a poisonous matter is discharged, which inflames the flesh, and in some instances proves fatal to life.
2. The thrust of a sting into the flesh. The sting of most insects produces acute pain.
3. Any thing that gives acute pain. Thus we speak of the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach.
4. The point in the last verse; as the sting of an epigram.
5. That which gives the principal pain, or constitutes the principal terror.
The sting of death is sin. 1 Corinthians 15.


Topic: Stingy
Definition:
STINGY, a. [from straitness.]
1. Extremely close and covetous; meanly avaricious; niggardly; narrow hearted; as a stingy churl. [A word in popular use, but low and not admissible into elegant writing.]


Topic: Stink
Definition:
STINK, v.i. pret. stand or stunk. To emit a strong offensive smell.
STINK, n. A strong offensive smell.


Topic: Stint
Definition:
STINT, v.t. [Gr., narrow.]
1. To restrain within certain limits; to bound; to confine; to limit; as, to stint the body in growth; to stint the mind in knowledge; to stint a person in his meals. 
Nature wisely stints our appetite.
2. To assign a certain task in labor, which being performed, the person is excused from further labor for the day, or for a certain time; a common popular use of the word in America.
STINT, n. A small bird, the Tringa cinctus.
STINT, n. 
1. Limit; bound; restraint.
2. Quantity assigned; proportion allotted. The workmen have their stint.
Our stint of woe is common.


Topic: Stipe
Definition:
STIPE, n. [L.; Gr., a stake.] In botany, the base of a frond; or a species of stem passing into leaves, or not distinct from the leaf. The stem of a fungus is also called stipe. The word is also used for the filament or slender stalk which supports the pappus or down, and connects it with the seed.


Topic: Stipend
Definition:
STIPEND, n. [L., a piece of money; to pay.] Settled pay or compensation for services, whether daily or monthly wages; or an annual salary.
STIPEND, v.t. To pay by settled wages.


Topic: Stipendiary
Definition:
STIPENDIARY, a. [L.] Receiving wages or salary; performing services for a stated price or compensation.
His great stipendiary prelates came with troops of evil appointed horsemen not half full.
STIPENDIARY, n. [supra.] One who performs services for a settled compensation, either by the day, month or year.
If thou art become a tyrants vile stipendiary--


Topic: Stipula
Definition:
STIPULA, STIPULE, n. [L., a straw or stubble.] In botany, a scale at the base of nascent petioles or peduncles. Stipules are in pairs or solitary; they are lateral, extrafoliaceous, intrafoliaceous, &c. A leafy appendage to the proper leaves or to their footstalks; commonly situated at the base of the latter, in pairs.


Topic: Stipulaceous
Definition:
STIPULACEOUS, STIPULAR, a. [L. See Stipula.]
1. Formed of stipules or scales; as a stipular bud.
2. Growing on stipules, or close to them; as stipular glands.


Topic: Stipulate
Definition:
STIPULATE, v.i. [L., to crowd; whence the sense of agreement, binding, making fast.]
1. To make an agreement or covenant with any person or company to do or forbear any thing; to contract; to settle terms; as, certain princes stipulated to assist each other in resisting the armies of France. Great Britain and the United States stipulate to oppose and restrain the African slave trade. A has stipulated to build a bridge within a given time. B has stipulated not to annoy or interdict our trade.
2. To bargain. A has stipulated to deliver me his horse for fifty guineas.
STIPULATE, a. [from stipual.] Having stipules on it; as a stipulate stalk.


Topic: Stipulated
Definition:
STIPULATED, pp. Agreed; contracted; covenanted. It was stipulated that Great Britain should retain Gibraltar.


Topic: Stipulation
Definition:
STIPULATION, n. [L.]
1. The act of agreeing and covenanting; a contracting or bargaining.
2. An agreement or covenant made by one person with another for the performance or forbearance of some act; a contract or bargain; as the stipulations of the allied powers to furnish each his contingent of troops.
3. In botany, the situation and structure of the stipules.


Topic: Stir
Definition:
STIR, v.t. stur. [G., to stir, to disturb.]
1. To move; to change place in any manner.
My foot I had never yet in five days been able to stir.
2. To agitate; to bring into debate.
Stir on the questions of jurisdiction.
3. To incite to action; to instigate; to prompt.
An Ate stirring him to blood and strife.
4. To excite; to raise; to put into motion.
And for her sake some mutiny will stir.
To stir up,
1. To incite; to animate; to instigate by inflaming passions; as, to stir up a nation to rebellion.
The words of Judas were good and able to stir them up to valor. 2 Maccabees.
2. To excite; to put into action; to begin; as, to stir up a mutiny or insurrection; to stir up strife.
3. To quicken; to enliven; to make more lively or vigorous; as, to stir up the mind. 
4. To disturb; as, to stir up the sediment of liquor.


Topic: Stirrer
Definition:
STIRRER, n. 
1. One who is in motion.
2. One who puts in motion.
3. A riser in the morning.
4. An inciter or exciter; an instigator.
5. A stirrer up, an exciter; an instigator.


Topic: Stirring
Definition:
STIRRING, ppr. Moving; agitating; putting in motion.
STIRRING, n. [supra.] The act of moving or putting in motion.


Topic: Stirrup
Definition:
STIRRUP, n. sturup. [G., step-bow or mounting-bow. The first stirrups appear to have been ropes.] A kind of ring or bending piece of metal, horizontal on one side for receiving the foot of the rider, and attached to a strap which is fastened to the saddle; used to assist persons in mounting a horse, and to enable them to sit steadily in riding, as well as to relieve them by supporting a part of the weight of the body.


Topic: Stitch
Definition:
STITCH, v.t. [G. This is another form of stick.]
1. To sew in a particular manner; to sew slightly or loosely; as, to stitch a collar or wristband; to stitch the leaves of a book and form a pamphlet.
2. To form land into ridges. [N. England.]
To stitch up, to mend or unite with a needle and thread; as, to stitch up a rent; to stitch up an artery.
STITCH, v.i. To practice stitching.
STITCH, n. 
1. A single pass of a needle in sewing.
2. A single turn of the thread round a needle in knitting; a link of yarn; as, to let down a stitch; to take up a stitch.
3. A land; the space between two double furrows in plowed ground.
4. A local spasmodic pain; an acute lancing pain, like the piercing of a needle; as a stitch in the side.


Topic: Stitching
Definition:
STITCHING, ppr. Sewing in a particular manner; uniting with a needle and thread.
STITCHING, n. 
1. The act of stitching.
2. Work done by sewing in a particular manner.
3. The forming of land into ridges or divisions.


Topic: Stive
Definition:
STIVE, v.t. [See Stuff and Stew.]
1. To stuff up close. [Not in use.]
2. To make hot, sultry and close. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stiver
Definition:
STIVER, n. A Dutch coin of about the value of a half-penny sterling, or the cent of the United States. It is also a money of account in Holland and Flanders.


Topic: Stoat
Definition:
STOAT, n. An animal of the weasel king; the ermine. This animal is called stoat when of a reddish color, and ermine when white, as in winter.


Topic: Stoccado
Definition:
STOCCADE, STOCCADO, n. 
1. A stab; a thrust with a rapier.
2. A fence or barrier made with stakes or posts planted in the earth; a slight fortification. [See Stockade.]


Topic: Stock
Definition:
STOCK, n. [G., a stem, a staff, a stick, a block. This word coincides with stake, stick, stack; that which is set or fixed.]
1. The stem or main body of a tree or other plant; the fixed, strong, firm part; the origin and support of the branches. Job 14.
2. The stem in which a graft is inserted, and which is its support.
The cion overruleth the stock quite.
3. A post; something fixed, solid and senseless. 
When all our fathers worshipd stocks and stones.
4. A person very stupid, dull and senseless.
Lets be no stoics, nor no stocks.
5. The handle of any thing.
6. The wood in which the barrel of a musket or other fire-arm is fixed.
7. A thrust with a rapier. [Not in use.]
8. A cravat or band for the neck.
9. A cover for the leg. [Now stocking.]
10. The original progenitor; also, the race or line of a family; the progenitors of a family and their direct descendants; lineage; family. From what stock did he spring?
Thy mother was no goddess, nor thy stock from Dardanus--
Men and brothern, children of the stock of Abraham--Acts 13.
11. A fund; capital; the money or goods employed in trade, manufactures, insurance, banking, &c.; as the stock of a banking company; the stock employed in the manufacture of cotton, in making insurance and the like. Stock may be individual or joint.
12. Money lent to government, or property in a public debt; a share or shares of a national or other public debt, or in a company debt. The United States borrow of the bank or of individuals, and sell stock bearing an interest of five, six or seven per cent. British stocks are the objects of perpetual speculation.
13. Supply provided; store. Every one may be charitable out of his own stock. So we say, a stock of honor, a stock of fame.
Add to that stock which justly we bestow.
14. In agriculture, the domestic animals or beasts belonging to the owner of a farm; as a stock of cattle or of sheep. It is also used for the crop or other property belonging to the farm.
15. Living beasts shipped to a foreign country; as, a brig sailed yesterday with stock on deck. The cattle are called also live stock.
16. In the West Indies, the slaves of a plantation.
17. Stocks, plu. A machine consisting of two pieces of timber, in which the legs of criminals are confined by way of punishment.
18. The frame or timbers on which a ship rests while building.
19. The stock of an anchor is the piece of timber into which the shank is inserted.
20. In book-keeping, the owner or owners of the books.
STOCK, v.t. 
1. To store; to supply; to fill; as, to stock the mind with ideas. Asia and Europe are well stocked with inhabitants.
2. To lay up in store; as, he stocks what he cannot use.
3. To put in the stocks. [Little used.]
4. To pack; to put into a pack; as, to stock cards.
5. To supply with domestic animals; as, to stock a farm.
6. To supply with seed; as, to stock land with clover or herdsgrass.
7. To suffer cows to retain their milk for 24 hours or more, previous to sale.
To stock up, to extirpate; to dig up.


Topic: Stock-dove
Definition:
STOCK-DOVE, n. [stock and dove.] The ring-dove.
The stock dove is the wild pigeon of Europe, [Columbus oenas,] long considered as the stock of the domestic pigeon, but now regarded as a distinct species. The ring-dove is the Columba palumbus.


Topic: Stock-jobber
Definition:
STOCK-JOBBER, n. [stock and job.] One who speculates in the public funds for gain; one whose occupation is to buy and sell stocks.


Topic: Stock-still
Definition:
STOCK-STILL, a. [stock and still.] Still as a fixed post; perfectly still.
Our preachers stand stock-still in the pulpit.


Topic: Stockade
Definition:
STOCKADE, n. [See Stoccade.]
1. In fortification, a sharpened post or stake set in the earth.
2. A line of posts or stakes set in the earth as a fence or barrier.
STOCKADE, v.t. TO surround or fortify with sharpened posts fixed in the ground.


Topic: Stockbroker
Definition:
STOCKBROKER, n. [stock and broker.] A broker who deals in the purchase and sale of stocks or shares in the public funds.


Topic: Stocky
Definition:
STOCKY, a. [from stock.] Thick and firm; stout. A stocky person is one rather thick than tall or corpulent; one whose bones are covered well with flesh, but without a prominent belly.


Topic: Stoic
Definition:
STOIC, n. [Gr., a porch in Athens where the philosopher Zeno taught.] A disciple of the philosopher Zeno, who founded a sect. He taught that men should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submit without complaint to the unavoidable necessity by which all things are governed.


Topic: Stoical
Definition:
STOIC, STOICAL, a. 
1. Pertaining to the Stoics or to their doctrines.
2. Not affected by passion; unfeeling; manifesting indifference to pleasure or pain.


Topic: Stoically
Definition:
STOICALLY, adv. In the manner of the Stoics; without apparent feeling or sensibility; with indifference to pleasure or pain.


Topic: Stoicism
Definition:
STOICISM, n. 
1. The opinions and maxims of the Stoics.
2. A real or pretended indifference to pleasure or pain; insensibility.


Topic: Stole
Definition:
STOLE, pret. of steal.
STOLE, n. 
1. A long vest or robe; a garment worn by the priests of some denominations when they officiate. It is a broad strip of cloth reaching from the neck to the feet.
2. [L.] A sucker; a shoot from the root of a plant, by which some plants may be propagated; written also stool.


Topic: Stoloniferous
Definition:
STOLONIFEROUS, a. [L., a sucker; to produce.] Producing suckers; putting forth suckers; as a stoloniferous stem.


Topic: Stomach
Definition:
STOMACH, n. [L.]
1. In animal bodies, a membranous receptacle, the organ of digestion, in which food is prepared for entering into the several parts of the body for its nourishment.
2. Appetite; the desire of food caused by hunger; as a good stomach for roast beef. [A popular use of the word.]
3. Inclination; liking.
He which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart--
4. Anger; violence of temper.
Stern was his look, and full of stomach vain.
5. Sullenness; resentment; willful obstinacy; stubbornness.
This sort of crying proceeding from pride, obstinacy and stomach, the will, where the fault lies, must be bent.
6. Pride; haughtiness.
He was a man of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking himself with princes.
[Note. This word in all the foregoing senses, except the first, is nearly obsolete or inelegant.]
STOMACH, v.t. [L.] 
1. To resent; to remember with anger.
The lion began to show his teeth, and to stomach the affront.
This sense is not used in America, as far as my observation extends. In America, at least in New England, the sense is, 
2. To brook; to bear without open resentment or without opposition. [Not elegant.]
STOMACH, v.i. To be angry. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stomachical
Definition:
STOMACHIC, STOMACHICAL, a. 
1. Pertaining to the stomach; as stomachic vessels.
2. Strengthening to the stomach; exciting the action of the stomach.


Topic: Stone
Definition:
STONE, n. [Gr.]
1. A concretion of some species of earth, as lime, silex, clay and the like, usually in combination with some species of air or gas, with sulphur or with a metallic substance; a hard compact body, of any form and size. In popular language, very large masses of concretions are called rocks; and very small concretions are universally called gravel or sand, or grains of sand. Stones are of various degrees of hardness and weight; they are brittle and fusible, but not malleable, ductile, or soluble in water. Stones are of great and extensive use int he construction of buildings of all kinds, for walls, fences, piers, abutments, arches, monuments, sculpture and the like.  When we speak of the substance generally, we use stone in the singular; as a house or wall of stone. But when we speak of particular separate masses, we say, a stone, or the stones.
2. A gem; a precious stone.
Inestimable stones, unvalud jewels.
3. Any thing made of stone; a mirror.
4. A calculous concretion in the kidneys or bladder; the disease arising from a calculus.
5. A testicle.
6. The nut of a drupe or stone fruit; or the hard covering inclosing the kernel, and itself inclosed by the pulpy pericarp.
7. In Great Britain, the weight of fourteen pounds. [8, 12, 14, or 16.] [Not used in the United States, except in reference to the riders of horses in races.]
8. A monument erected to preserve the memory of the dead.
Should some relentless eye glance on the stone where our cold relics lie--
9. It is used to express torpidness and insensibility; as a heart of stone.
I have not yet forgot myself to stone.
10. Stone is prefixed to some words to qualify their signification. Thus stone-dead, is perfectly dead, as lifeless as a stone; stone-still, still as a stone, perfectly still; stone-blind, blind as a stone, perfectly blind.
To leave no stone unturned, a proverbial expression which signifies to do every thing that can be done; to use all practicable means to effect an object.
Meteoric stones, stones which fall from the atmosphere, as after the displosion of a meteor.
Philosophers stone, a pretended substance that was formerly supposed to have the property of turning any other substance into gold.
STONE, a. Made of stone, or like stone; as a stone jug.
STONE, v.t. 
1. To pelt, beat or kill with stones.
And they stoned Stephen calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7.
2. To harden.
O perjurd woman, thou dost stone my heart. [Little used.]
3. To free from stones; as, to stone raisins.
4. To wall or face with stones; to line or fortify with stones; as, to stone a well; to stone a cellar.


Topic: Stone-crop
Definition:
STONE-CROP, n. A sort of tree. A plant of the genus Sedum; wall-pepper. The stone-crop tree or shrubby glass-wort is of the genus Chenopodium.


Topic: Stone-fruit
Definition:
STONE-FRUIT, n. [stone and fruit.] Fruit whose seeds are covered with a hard shell enveloped in the pulp, as peaches, cherries, plums, &c.; a drupe.


Topic: Stones-cast
Definition:
STONES-CAST, STONES-THROW, n. [stone and cast or throw.] The distance which a stone may be thrown by the hand.


Topic: Stoniness
Definition:
STONINESS, n. [from stony.] 
1. The quality of abounding with stones; as, the stoniness of ground renders it difficult to till.
2. Hardness of heart.


Topic: Stony
Definition:
STONY, a. [G.]
1. Made of stone; as a stony tower.
2. Consisting of stone; as a stony cave.
3. Full of stones; abounding with stones; as stony ground.
4. Petrifying; as the stony dart of senseless cold.
5. Hard; cruel; unrelenting; pitiless; as a stony heart.
6. Insensible; obdurate; perverse; morally hard.


Topic: Stool
Definition:
STOOL, n. [G., a stool, a stock, a pew, a chair, the see of a bishop. This coincides with stall and still. A stool is that which is set, or a seat.
1. A seat without a back; a little form consisting of a board with three or four legs, intended as a set for one person.
2. The seat used in evacuating the contents of the bowels; hence, an evacuation; a discharge from the bowels.
3. [L.] A sucker; a shoot from the bottom of the stem or the root of a plant.
Stool of repentance, in Scotland, an elevated seat in the church, on which persons sit as a punishment for fornication and adultery.
STOOL, v.i. In agriculture, to ramify; to tiller, as grain; to shoot out suckers.


Topic: Stoop
Definition:
STOOP, v.i. 
1. To bend the body downward and forward; as, to stoop to pick up a book.
2. To bend or lean forward; to incline forward in standing or walking. We often see men stoop in standing or walking, either from habit or from age.
3. To yield; to submit; to bend by compulsion; as, Carthage at length stooped to Rome.
4. To descend from rank or dignity; to condescend. IN modern days, attention to agriculture is not called stooping in men of property.
Where men of great wealth stoop to husbandry, it multiplieth riches exceedingly.
5. To yield; to be inferior.
These are arts, my prince, in which our Zama does not stoop to Rome.
6. To come down on prey, as a hawk.
The bird of Jove stoopd from his airy tour, two birds of gayest plume before him drove.
7. To alight from the wing.
And stoop with closing pinions from above.
8. To sink to a lower place.
Cowering low with blandishments, each bird stoopd on his wing.
STOOP, v.t. 
1. To cause to incline downward; to sink; as, to stoop a cask of liquor.
2. To cause to submit. [Little used.]
STOOP, n. 
1. The act of bending the body forward; inclination forward.
2. Descent from dignity or superiority; condescension.
Can any loyal subject see with patience such a stoop from sovereignty?
3. Fall of a bird on his prey.
4. In America, a kind of shed, generally open, but attached to a house; also, an open place for seats at a door.
STOOP, n. 
1. A vessel of liquor; as a stoop of wine or ale.
2. A post fixed in the earth. [Local.]


Topic: Stop
Definition:
STOP, v.t. [G., to stop, to check, to pose, to fill, to cram, to stuff, to quilt, to darn, to mend. See Stifle. L., tow; to stuff, to crowd; to be stupefied, whence stupid, stupor, [that is, to stop, or a stop.] The primary sense is either to cease to move, or to stuff, to press, to thrust in, to cram; probably the latter.]
1. To close, as an aperture, by filling or by obstructing; as, to stop a vent; to stop the ears; to stop wells of water. 2 Kings 3.
2. To obstruct; to render impassable; as, to stop a way, road or passage.
3. To hinder; to impede; to arrest progress; as, to stop a passenger in the road; to stop the course of a stream.
4. To restrain; to hinder; to suspend; as to stop the execution of a decree.
5. To repress; to suppress; to restrain; as, to stop the progress of vice.
6. To hinder; to check; as, to stop the approaches of old age or infirmity.
7. To hinder from action or practice.
Whose disposition, all the world well knows, will not be rubbd nor stoppd.
8. To put an end to any motion or action; to intercept; as, to stop the breath; to stop proceedings.
9. To regulate the sounds of musical strings; as, to stop a string.
10. In seamanship, to make fast.
11. To point; as a written composition. [Not in use.]
STOP, v.i. 
1. To cease to go forward.
Some strange commotion is in his brain; he bites his lip, and starts; stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground---
2. To cease from any motion or course of action. When you are accustomed to a course of vice, it is very difficult to stop.
The best time to stop is at the beginning.
STOP, n. 
1. Cessation of progressive motion; as, to make a stop.
2. Hindrance of progress; obstruction; act of stopping.
Occult qualities put a stop to the improvement of natural philosophy--
3. Repression; hindrance of operation or action.
It is a great step towards the mastery of our desires, to give this stop to them.
4. Interruption.
These stops of thine fright me the more.
5. Prohibition of sale; as the stop of wine and salt.
6. That which obstructs; obstacle; impediment.
A fatal stop travesd their headlong course.
So melancholy a prospect should inspire us with zeal to oppose some stop to the rising torrent.
7. The instrument by which the sounds of wind music are regulated; as the stops of a flute or an organ.
8. Regulation of musical chords by the fingers.
In the stops of lutes, the higher they go, the less distance is between the frets.
9. The act of applying the stops in music.
Th organ-sound a time survives the stop.
10. A point or mark in writing, intended to distinguish the sentences, parts of a sentence or clauses, and to show the proper pauses in reading. The stops generally used, are the comma, semi-colon, colon and period. To these may be added the marks of interrogation and exclamation.


Topic: Stoppage
Definition:
STOPPAGE, n. The act of stopping or arresting progress or motion; or the state of being stopped; as the stoppage of the circulation of the blood; the stoppage of commerce.


Topic: Stopper
Definition:
STOPPER, n. 
1. One who stops, closes, shuts or hinders; that which stops or obstructs; that which closes or fills a vent or hole in a vessel.
2. In seamens language, a short piece of rope used for making something fast, as the anchor or cables. Stoppers are also used to prevent the running rigging from coming up, whilst the men are belaying it.
STOPPER, v.t. To close with a stopper.


Topic: Stopping
Definition:
STOPPING, ppr. Closing; shutting; obstructing; hindering from proceeding; ceasing to go or move; putting an end to; regulating the sounds of.


Topic: Storage
Definition:
STORAGE, n. [from store.]
1. The act of depositing in a store or warehouse for safe keeping; or the safe keeping of goods in a warehouse.
2. The price charge or paid for keeping goods in a store.


Topic: Storax
Definition:
STORAX, n. [L.] A plant or tree; also, a resinous and odoriferous drug brought from Turkey, but generally adulterated. It imparts to water a yellow color, and has been deemed a resolvent. 
Storax is a solid balsam, either in red tears, or in large cakes, brittle, but soft to the touch, and of a reddish brown color. It is obtained from the Styrax officinalis, a tree which grows in the Levant. Liquid storax, or styrax, is a liquid or semifluid balsam, said to be obtained from the Liquidamber styraciflua, a tree which grows in Virginia. It is greenish, of an aromatic taste, and agreeable smell.


Topic: Store
Definition:
STORE, n. 
1. A large number; as a store of years.
2. A large quantity; great plenty; abundance; as a store of wheat or provisions.
3. A stock provided; a large quantity for supply; ample abundance. The troops have great stores of provisions and ammunition. The ships have stores for a long voyage. [This the present usual acceptation of the word, and in this sense the plural, stores, is commonly used. When applied to a single article of supply, it is still sometimes used in the singular; as a good store of wine or of bread.]
4. Quantity accumulated; fund; abundance; as stores of knowledge.
5. A storehouse; a magazine; a warehouse. Nothing can be more convenient than the stores on Central wharf in Boston.
6. In the United States, shops for the sale of goods of any kind, by wholesale or retail, are often called stores.
In store, in a state of accumulation, in a literal sense; hence, in a state of preparation for supply; in a state of readiness. Happiness is laid up in store for the righteous; misery is in store for the wicked.
STORE, a. Hoarded; laid up; as store treasure. [Not in use.] 
STORE, v.t. 
1. To furnish; to supply; to replenish.
Wise Plato said the world with men was stord.
Her mind with thousand virtues stord.
2. To stock against a future time; as a garrison well stored with provisions.
One having stored a pond of four acres with carp, tench and other fish--
3. To reposit in a store or warehouse for preservation; to warehouse; as, to store goods.


Topic: Store-house
Definition:
STORE-HOUSE, n. [store and house.]
1. A building for keeping grain or goods of any kind; a magazine; a repository; a warehouse.
Joseph opened all the store-houses and sold to the Egyptians. Genesis 41.
2. A repository.
The Scripture of God is a store-house abounding with inestimable treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
3. A great mass reposited. [Not in use.]


Topic: Storied
Definition:
STORIED, a. [from story.] 
1. Furnished with stories; adorned with historical paintings.
Some greedy minion or imperious wife, the trophied arches, storied halls, invade.
 2. Related in story; told or recited in history.


Topic: Storm
Definition:
STORM, n. [G., to disturb. L. The primary sense of storm is a rushing, raging or violent agitation.[
1. A violent wind; a tempest. Thus a storm of wind, is correct language, as the proper sense of the word is rushing, violence. It has primarily no reference to a fall of rain or snow. But as a violent wind is often attended with rain or snow, the word storm has come to be used, most improperly, for a fall of rain or snow without wind.
O beat those storms, and roll the seas in vain.
2. A violent assault on a fortified place; a furious attempt of troops to enter ad take a fortified place by scaling the walls, forcing the gates and the like.
3. Violent civil or political commotion; sedition; insurrection; also, clamor; tumult; disturbance of the public peace.
I will stir up in England some black storms.
Her sister began to scold and raise up such a storm--
4. Affliction; calamity; distress; adversity.
A brave man struggling in the storms of fate.
5. Violence; vehemence; tumultuous force.
STORM, v.t. To assault; to attack and attempt to take by scaling the walls, forcing gates or breaches and the like; as, to storm a fortified town.

STORM, v.i.
1. To raise a tempest.
2. To blow with violence; impersonally; as, it storms.
3. To rage; to be in a violent agitation of passion; to fume. The master storms.


Topic: Stormy
Definition:
STORMY, a. 
1. Tempestuous; agitated with furious winds; boisterous; as a stormy season; a stormy day or week.
2. Proceeding from violent agitation or fury; as a stormy sound; stormy shocks.
3. Violent; passionate. [Unusual.]


Topic: Story
Definition:
STORY, n. [L., Gr.]
1. A verbal narration or recital of a series of facts or incidents. WE observe in children a strong passion for hearing stories.
2. A written narrative of a series of facts or events. There is probably on record no story more interesting than that of Joseph in Genesis.
3. History; a written narrative or account of past transactions, whether relating to nations or individuals.
The four great monarchies make the subject of ancient story.
4. Petty tale; relation of a single incident or of trifling incidents.
5. A trifling tale; a fiction; a fable; as the story of a fairy. In popular usage, story is sometimes a softer term for a lie.
6. A loft; a floor; or a set of rooms on the same floor or level. A story comprehends the distance from one floor to another; as a story of nine or ten feet elevation. Hence each floor terminating the space is called a story; as a house of one story, of two stories, of five stories. The farm houses in New England have usually two stories; the houses in Paris have usually five stories; a few have more; those in London four. But in the United States the floor next the ground is the first story; in France and England, the first floor or story, is the second from the ground.
STORY, v.t.
1. To tell in historical relation; to narrate.
How worthy he is, I will leave to appear hereafter, rather than story him in his own hearing.
It is storied of the brazen colossus in Rhodes, that it was seventy cubits high.
[This verb is chiefly used in the passive participle.]
2. To range one under another. [Little used.]


Topic: Story-teller
Definition:
STORY-TELLER, n. [story and tell.]
1. One who tells stories; a narrator of a series of incidents; as an amusing story-teller.
2. A historian; in contempt.
3. One who tells fictitious stories.


Topic: Stound
Definition:
STOUND, n. 
1. Sorrow; grief. [Not in use.]
2. A shooting pain. [Not in use.]
3. Noise. [Not in use.]
4. Astonishment; amazement. [Not in use.]
5. Hour; time; season. [Not in use.]
6. A vessel to put small beer in.


Topic: Stout
Definition:
STOUT, a. 
1. Strong; lusty.
A stouter champion never handled sword.
2. Bold; intrepid; valiant; brave.
He lost the character of a bold, stout, magnanimous man.
3. Large; bulky. [A popular use of the word.]
4. Proud; resolute; obstinate.
The lords all stand to clear their cause, most resolutely stout.
5. Strong; firm; as a stout vessel.
STOUT, n. A cant name for strong beer.


Topic: Stove
Definition:
STOVE, n. [G., a bagnio or hot house; a room; a stove. This primarily is merely a room, a place. See Stow.]
1. A hot house; a house or room artificially warmed.
2. A small box with an iron pan, used for holding coals to warm the feet. It is a bad practice for young persons to accustom themselves to sit with a warm stove under the feet.
3. An iron box, with various apartments in it for cooking; a culinary utensil of various forms.
STOVE, v.t. To keep warm in a house or room by artificial heat; as, to stove orange trees and myrtles.
STOVE, pret. of stave.


Topic: Stover
Definition:
STOVER, n. [a contraction of estover.] Fodder for cattle; primarily, fodder from threshed grain; but in New England, any kind of fodder from the barn or stack.


Topic: Stow
Definition:
STOW, v.t. [G. L., to crowd, to stuff; the handle of a plow. The sense is to set or throw down, from the more general sense of throwing, driving.]
1. To place; to put in a suitable place or position; as, to stow bags, bales or casks in a ships hold; to stow hay in a mow; to stow sheaves. The word has reference to the placing of many thing, or of one thing among many, or of a mass of things.
2. To lay up; to reposit.
Stow in names, signifies place, as in Barstow.


Topic: Stowage
Definition:
STOWAGE, n. 
1. The act or operation of placing in a suitable position; or the suitable disposition of several things together. The stowage of a ships cargo to advantage requires no little skill. It is of great consequence to make good stowage. [This is the principal use of the word.]
2. Room for the reception of things to be reposited.
In every vessel there is stowage for immense treasures.
3, The state of being laid up. I am curious to have the plate and jewels in safe stowage.
4. Money paid for stowing goods. [Little used.]


Topic: Straddle
Definition:
STRADDLE, v.i. To part the legs wide; to stand or walk with the legs far apart.
STRADDLE, v.t. To place one leg on one side and the other on the other of any thing; as, to straddle a fence or a horse.


Topic: Straddling
Definition:
STRADDLING, ppr. Standing or walking with the legs far apart; placing one leg on one side and the other on the other.


Topic: Straggle
Definition:
STRAGGLE, v.i. stragl. [This word seems to be formed on the root of stray. G., to pass, to migrate.] 
1. To wander from the direct course or way; to rove. When troops are on the march, let not the men straggle.
2. To wander at large without an certain direction or object; to ramble.
The wolf spied a straggling kid.
3. To exuberate; to shoot too far in growth. Prune the straggling branches of the hedge.
4. To be dispersed; to be apart from any main body.
They came between Scylla and Charybdis and the straggling rocks.


Topic: Straggler
Definition:
STRAGGLER, n. 
1. A wanderer; a rover; one that departs from the direct or proper course; one that rambles without any settled direction.
2. A vagabond; a wandering shiftless fellow.
3. Something that shoots beyond the rest or too far.
4. Something that stands by itself.


Topic: Straight
Definition:
STRAIGHT, a. [L., formed from the root of reach, stretch, right. It is customary to write straight, for direct or right, and strait, for narrow, but this is a practice wholly arbitrary, both being the same word. Strait we use in the sense in which it is used in the south of Europe. Both sense proceed from stretching, straining.] 
1. Right, in a mathematical sense; direct; passing from one point to another by the nearest course; not deviating or crooked; as a straight line; a straight course; a straight piece of timber.
2. Narrow; close; tight; as a straight garment. [See strait, as it is generally written.]
3. Upright; according with justice and rectitude; not deviating from truth or fairness.
STRAIGHT, adv. Immediately; directly; in the shortest time.
I know thy generous temper well; fling but the appearance of dishonor on it, it straight takes fire, and mounts into a blaze.


Topic: Straighten
Definition:
STRAIGHTEN, v.t. 
1. To make straight; to reduce from a crooked to a straight form.
2. To make narrow, tense or close; to tighten.
3. To reduce to difficulties or distress.


Topic: Straightness
Definition:
STRAIGHTNESS, n. 
1. The quality or state of being straight; rectitude.
2. Narrowness; tension; tightness.


Topic: Straightway
Definition:
STRAIGHTWAY, adv. [straight and way.] Immediately; without loss of time; without delay.
He took the damsel by the hand, and said to her, Talitha cumi--and straightway the damsel arose. Mark 5. [Straightways is obsolete.]


Topic: Straiks
Definition:
STRAIKS, n. Strong plates of iron on the circumference of a cannon wheel over the joints of the fellies.


Topic: Strain
Definition:
STRAIN, v.t. [L. This word retains its original signification, to stretch.]
1. To stretch; to draw with force; to extend with great effort; as, to strain a rope; to strain the shrouds of a ship; to strain the chords of an instrument.
2. To cause to draw with force, or with excess of exertion; to injure by pressing with too much effort. He strained this horses or his oxen by overloading them.
3. To stretch violently or by violent exertion; as, to strain the arm or the muscles.
4. To put to the utmost strength. Men in desperate cases will strain themselves for relief.
5. To press or cause to pass through some porous substance; to purify or separate from extraneous matter by filtration; to filter; as, to strain milk. Water may be stained through sand.
6.  To sprain; to injure by drawing or stretching. 
Prudes decayd about may tack, strain their necks with looking back.
7. To make tighter; to cause to bind closer.
To strain his fetters with a stricter care.
8. To force; to constrain; to make uneasy or unnatural.
His mirth is forced and strained.
STRAIN, v.i. 
1. To make violent efforts.
To build his fortune I will strain a little.
Straining with too weak a wing.
2. To be filtered. Water straining through sand becomes pure.
STRAIN, n. 
1. A violent effort; a stretching or exertion of the limbs or muscles, or of any thing else.
2. An injury by excessive exertion, drawing or stretching.
3. Style; continued manner of speaking or writing; as the genius and strain of the book of Proverbs. So we say, poetic strains, lofty strains.
4. Song; note; sound; or a particular part of a tune.
Their heavenly harps a lower strain began.
5. Turn; tendency; inborn disposition.
Because heretics have a strain of madness, he applied her with some corporal chastisements.
6. Manner of speech or action.
Such take too high a strain at first.
7. Race; generation; descent.
He is of a noble strain. [Not in use.]
8. Hereditary disposition.
Intemperance and lust breed diseases, which propagated, spoil the strain of a nation. [Not in use.]
9. Rank; character. [Not in use.]


Topic: Strainer
Definition:
STRAINER, n. That through which any liquid passes for purification; an instrument for filtration.
The lacteals of animal bodies are the strainers to separate the pure emulsion from its feces. [This doctrine is now questioned.]


Topic: Straining
Definition:
STRAINING, ppr. Stretching; exerting with violence; making great efforts; filtering.
STRAINING, n. The act of stretching; the act of filtering; filtration.


Topic: Strait
Definition:
STRAIT, a. [See Straight.]
1. Narrow; close; not broad.
Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7.
2. Close; intimate; as a strait degree of favor.
3. Strict; rigorous.
He now, forsooth, takes on him to reform some certain edicts, and some strait decrees.
4. Difficult; distressful.
5. Straight; not crooked.
STRAIT, n. [See Straight.]
1. A narrow pass or passage, either in a mountain or in the ocean, between continents or other portions of land; as the straits of Gibraltar; the straits of Magellan; the straits of Dover. [In this sense, the plural is more generally used than the singular, and often without any apparent reason or propriety.]
2. Distress; difficulty; distressing necessity; formerly written streight. [Used either in the singular or plural.]
Let no man who owns a providence, become desperate under any calamity or strait whatsoever.
Ulysses made use of the pretense of natural infirmity to conceal the straits he was in at that time in his thoughts.
STRAIT, v.t. To put to difficulties. [Not in use.]


Topic: Strait-laced
Definition:
STRAIT-LACED, a. [strait and lace.]
1. Griped with stays.
We have few well-shaped that are strait-laced.
2. Stiff; constrained. Hence, 
3. Rigid in opinion; strict.


Topic: Straiten
Definition:
STRAITEN, v.t. 
1. To make narrow. 
In narrow circuit, straitend by a foe.
2. To contract; to confine; as, to straiten the British commerce.
3. To make tense or tight; as, to straiten a cord.
4. To distress; to perplex; to press with poverty or other necessity; as, a man straitened in his circumstances.
5. To press by want of sufficient room.
Waters when straitened, as at the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise.


Topic: Straitly
Definition:
STRAITLY, adv. 
1. Narrowly; closely.
2. Strictly; rigorously. [For this, strictly is now used.]
3. Closely; intimately.


Topic: Straitness
Definition:
STRAITNESS, n. 
1. Narrowness; as the straitness of a place; straitness of mind; straitness of circumstances.
2. Strictness; rigor; as the straitness of a mans proceedings. 
3. Distress; difficulty; pressure from necessity of any kind, particularly from poverty.
4. Want; scarcity; or rather narrowness; as the straitness of the conveniences of life.


Topic: Strake
Definition:
STRAKE, pret. of strike. [See Strike.]
STRAKE, n. 
1. A streak. [Not used unless in reference to the range of planks in a ships side. See Streak.]
2. A narrow board. [Not used.]
3. The iron band of a wheel. [In the United States, this is called a band, or the tire of a wheel.]


Topic: Strand
Definition:
STRAND, n. 
1. The shore or beach of the sea or ocean, or of a large lake, and perhaps of a navigable river. It is never used of the bank of a small river or pond. The Dutch on the Hudson apply it to a landing place; as the strand at Kingston.
2. One of the twists or parts of which a rope is composed. 
STRAND, v.t. 
1. To drive or run aground on the sea shore, as a ship.
2. To break one of the strands of a rope.
STRAND, v.i. To drift or be driven on shore; to run aground; as, a ship strands at high water.


Topic: Strange
Definition:
STRANGE, a. [L.]
1. Foreign; belonging to anther country.
I do not contemn the knowledge of strange and divers tongues. [This sense is nearly obsolete.
2. Not domestic; belonging to others.
So she impatient her own faults to see, turns from herself, and in strange things delights. [Nearly obsolete.]
3. New; not before known, heard or seen. The former custom was familiar; the latter was new and strange to them. Hence, 
4. Wonderful; causing surprise; exciting curiosity. It is strange that men will not receive improvement, when it is shown to be improvement.
Sated at length, ere long I might perceive strange alteration in me.
5. Odd; unusual; irregular; not according to the common way.
Hes strange and peevish.
6. Remote. [Little used.]
7. Uncommon; unusual.
This made David to admire the law of god at that strange rate.
8. Unacquainted.
They were now at a gage, looking strange at one another.
9. Strange is sometimes uttered by way of exclamation.
Strange! What extremes should thus preserve the snow, high on the Alps, or in deep caves below.
This is an elliptical expression for it is strange.
STRANGE, v.t. To alienate; to estrange. [Not in use.]
STRANGE, v.i. 
1. To wonder; to be astonished. [Not in use.]
2. To be estranged or alienated. [Not in use.]


Topic: Strangely
Definition:
STRANGELY, adv. 
1. With some relation to foreigners.
2. Wonderfully; in a manner or degree to excite surprise or wonder.
How strangely active are the acts of peace.
It would strangely delight you to see with what spirit he converses.


Topic: Strangeness
Definition:
STRANGENESS, n. 
1. Foreignness; the state of belonging to another country.
If  I will obey the gospel, no distance of place, no strangeness of country can make any man a stranger to me.
2. Distance in behavior; reserve; coldness; forbidding manner.
Will you not observe the strangeness of his alterd countenance?
3. Remoteness from common manners or notions; uncouthness.
Men worthier than himself here tend the savage strangeness he puts on.
4. Alienation of mind; estrangement; mutual dislike.
This might seem a means to continue a strangeness between two nations. [This sense is obsolete or little used.
5. Wonderfulness; the power of exciting surprise and wonder; uncommonness that raises wonder by novelty.
This raised greater tumults in the hearts of men than the strangeness and seeming unreasonableness of all the former articles.


Topic: Stranger
Definition:
STRANGER, n. 
1. A foreigner; one who belongs to another country. Paris and London are visited by strangers from all the countries of Europe.
2. One of another town, city, state or province in the same country. The Commencements in American colleges are frequented by multitudes of strangers from the neighboring towns and states.
3. One unknown. The gentleman is a stranger to me.
4. One unacquainted.
My child is yet a stranger to the world.
I was no stranger to the original.
5. A guest; a visitor.
6. One not admitted to any communication or fellowship.
Melons on beds of ice are taught to bear, and strangers to the sun yet ripen here.
7. In law, one not privy or party to an act.
STRANGER, v.t To estrange; to alienate. [Not in use.]


Topic: Strangle
Definition:
STRANGLE, v.t. [L.]
1. To choke; to suffocate; to destroy life by stopping respiration.
Our Saxon ancestors compelled the adulteress to strangle herself.
2. To suppress; to hinder from birth or appearance.


Topic: Strangling
Definition:
STRANGLING, ppr. Choking; suffocating; suppressing.
STRANGLING, n. The act of destroying life by stopping respiration.


Topic: Strangulated
Definition:
STRANGULATED, a. Compressed. A hernia or rupture is said to be strangulated, when it is so compressed as to cause dangerous symptoms.


Topic: Strangulation
Definition:
STRANGULATION, n. [L.] 
1. The act of strangling; the act of destroying life by stopping respiration; suffocation.
2. That kind of suffocation which is common to women in hysterics; also, the straitening or compression of the intestines in hernia.


Topic: Strangury
Definition:
STRANGURY, n. [L., Gr., a drop, urine.] Literally, a discharge of urine by drops; a difficulty of discharging urine, attended with pain.


Topic: Strap
Definition:
STRAP, n. [L. Strap and strop appear to be from stripping, and perhaps stripe also; all having resemblance to a strip of bark peeled from a tree.]
1. A long narrow slip of cloth or lether, of various forms and for various uses; as the strap of a shoe or boot; straps for fastening trunks or other baggage, for stretching limbs in surgery, &c.
2. In botany, the flat part of the corollet in ligulate florets; also, an appendage to the leaf in some grasses.
STRAP, v.t. 
1. To beat or chastise with a strap.
2. To fasten or bind with a strap.
3. To rub on a strap for sharpening, as a razor.


Topic: Strappado
Definition:
STRAPPADO, n. A military punishment formerly practiced. It consisted in drawing an offender to the top of a beam and letting him fall, by which means a limb was sometimes dislocated.
STRAPPADO, v.t. To torture.


Topic: Strapping
Definition:
STRAPPING, ppr. 
1. Drawing on a strap, as a razor.
2. Binding with a strap.
3. a. Tall; lusty; as a strapping fellow.


Topic: Stratagem
Definition:
STRATAGEM, n. [L., Gr., to lead an army.]
1. An artifice, particularly in war; a plan or scheme for deceiving an enemy.
2. An artifice; a trick by which some advantage is intended to be obtained.
Those oft are stratagems which errors seem.


Topic: Stratification
Definition:
STRATIFICATION, n. [from stratify.]
1. The process by which substances in the earth have been formed into strata or layers.
2. The state of being formed into layers in the earth.
3. The act of laying in strata.


Topic: Stratify
Definition:
STRATIFY, v.t. [L.]
1. To form into a layer, as substances in the earth. Thus clay, sand and other species of earth are often found stratified.
2. To lay in strata.


Topic: Stratocracy
Definition:
STRATOCRACY, n. [Gr., an army; to hold.] A military government; government by military chiefs and an army.


Topic: Stratography
Definition:
STRATOGRAPHY, n. [Gr., and army; to describe.] Description of armies, or what belongs to an army. [Not in use.]


Topic: Stratum
Definition:
STRATUM, n. plu. stratums or strata. The latter is most common. [L., to spread or lay.]
1. In geology and mineralogy, a layer; any species of earth, sand, coal and the like, arranged in a flat form, distinct from the adjacent matter. The thicker strata are called beds; and these beds are sometimes stratified.
2. A bed or layer artificially made.


Topic: Straw
Definition:
STRAW, n. [G., L. See Strew.]
1. The stalk or stem of certain species of grain, pulse, &c. Chiefly of wheat, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat and peas. When used of single stalks, it admits of a plural, straws. Straws may show which way the wind blows. We say of grain while growing, the straw is large, or it is rusty.
2. A mass of the stalks of certain species of grain when cut, and after being thrashed; as a bundle or a load of straw. In this sense, the word admits not the plural number.
3. Any thing proverbially worthless. I care not a straw for the play. I will not abate a straw.
STRAW, v.t. To spread or scatter. [See Strew and Strow.]


Topic: Strawberry
Definition:
STRAWBERRY, n. [straw and berry.] A plant and its fruit, of the genus Fragaria. Strawberries are of various kinds, all delicious fruit.


Topic: Strawberry-tree
Definition:
STRAWBERRY-TREE, n. An evergreen tree of the genus Arbutus; the fruit is of a fleshy substance, like a strawberry.


Topic: Stray
Definition:
STRAY, v.i. [The elements of this word are not certainly known. L., G., to wander, to strike; both probably from the root of reach, stretch. See Straggle.]
1. To wander, as from a direct course; to deviate or go out of the way. We say, to stray from the path or road into the forest or wood.
2. To wander from company, or from the proper limits; as, a sheep strays from the flock; a horse strays from an inclosure.
3. To rove; to wander from the path of duty or rectitude; to err; to deviate.
We have erred and strayed--
4. To wander; to rove at large; to play free and unconfined.
Lo, the glad gales oer all her beauties stray, breathe on her lips and in her bosom play.
5. To wander; to run a serpentine course.
Where Thames among the wanton valley strays.
STRAY, v.t. To mislead. [Not in use.]
STRAY, n. 
1. Any domestic animal that has left an inclosure or its proper place and company, and wanders at large or is lost. The laws provide that strays shall be taken up, impounded and advertised.
Seeing him wander about, I took him up for a stray.
2. The act of wandering. [Little used.]


Topic: Straying
Definition:
STRAYING, ppr. Wandering; roving; departing from the direct course, from the proper inclosure, or from the path of duty.


Topic: Streak
Definition:
STREAK, n. [G., a stroke or stripe. L.]
1. A line or long mark, of a different color from the ground; a stripe.
What mean those colord streaks in heaven?
2. In a ship, a uniform range of planks on the side or bottom; sometimes pronounced strake.
STREAK, v.t.
1. To form streaks or stripes in; to stripe; to variegate with lines of a different color or of different colors.
A mule admirably streaked and dappled with white and black--
Now streakd and glowing with the morning red.
2. To stretch. [Not elegant.
STREAK, v.i. To run swiftly. [Vulgar in New England.]


Topic: Stream
Definition:
STREAM, n. 
1. A current of water or other fluid; a liquid substance flowing in a line or course, either on the earth, as a river or brook, or from a vessel or other reservoir or fountain. Hence, 
2. A river, brook or rivulet.
3. A current of water in the ocean; as the gulf stream.
4. A current of melted metal or other substance; as a stream of lead or iron flowing from a furnace; a stream of lava from a volcano.
5. Any thing issuing from a source and moving with a continued succession of parts; as a stream of words; a stream of sand.
A stream of beneficence.
6. A continued current of course; as a stream of weather. [Not used.]
The stream of his life.
7. A current of air or gas, or of light.
8. Current; drift; as of opinions or manners. It is difficult to oppose the stream of public opinion.
9. Water.
STREAM, v.i. 
1. To flow; to move or run in a continuous current. Blood streams from a vein.
Beneath the banks where rivers stream.
2. To emit; to pour out in abundance. His eyes streamed with tears.
3. To issue with continuance, not by fits.
From opning skies my streaming glories shine.
4. To issue or shoot in streaks; as light streaming from the east.
5. To extend; to stretch in a long line; as a flag streaming in the wind.
STREAM, v.t. To mark with colors or embroidery in long tracts.
The heralds mantle is streamed with gold.


Topic: Streamer
Definition:
STREAMER, n. An ensign or flag; a pennon extended or flowing in the wind; a poetic use of the word.
Brave Rupert from afar appears, whose waving streamers the glad general knows.


Topic: Streaming
Definition:
STREAMING, ppr. 
1. Flowing; running in a current.
2. Emitting; pouring out in abundance; as streaming eyes.
3. Flowing; floating loosely; as a flag.


Topic: Streamy
Definition:
STREAMY, a. 
1. Abounding with running water.
However streamy now, adust and dry, denied the goddess water.
2. Flowing with a current or streak.
His nodding helm emits a streamy ray.


Topic: Street
Definition:
STREET, n. [L., strewed or spread. See Strew.]
1. Properly, a paved way or road; but in usage, any way or road in a city, chiefly a main way, in distinction from a lane or alley.
2. Among the people of New England, any public highway.
3. Streets, plural, any public way, road or place.
That there be no complaining in our streets. Psalm 144.


Topic: Street-walker
Definition:
STREET-WALKER, n. [street and walk.] A common prostitute that offers herself to sale in the streets.


Topic: Strength
Definition:
STRENGTH, n. [See Strong.]
1. That property or quality of an animal body by which it is enabled to move itself or other bodies. We say, a sick man has not strength to walk, or to raise his head or his arm. We say, a man has strength to lift a weight, or to draw it. This quality is called also power and force. But force is also used to denote the effect of strength exerted, or the quantity of motion. Strength in this sense, is positive, or the power of producing positive motion or action, and is opposed to weakness.
2. Firmness; solidity or toughness; the quality of bodies by which they sustain the application of force without breaking or yielding. Thus we speak of the strength of a bone, the strength of a beam, the strength of a wall, the strength of a rope. In this sense, strength is a passive quality, and is opposed to weakness or frangibility.
3. Power or vigor of any kind.
This act shall crush the strength of Satan. 
Strength there must be either of love or war.
4. Power of resisting attacks; fastness; as the strength of a castle or fort.
5. Support; that which supports; that which supplies strength; security.
God is our refuge and strength. Psalm 46.
6. Power of mind; intellectual force; the power of any faculty; as strength of memory; strength of reason; strength of judgment.
7. Spirit; animation.
Me thinks I feel new strength within me rise.
8. Force of writing; vigor; nervous diction. The strength of words, of style, of expression and the like, consists in the full and forcible exhibition of ideas, by which a sensible or deep impression is made on the mind of a hearer or reader. It is distinguished from softness or sweetness. Strength of language enforces an argument, produces conviction, or excites wonder or other strong emotion; softness and sweetness give pleasure.
And praise the easy vigor of a line, where Denhams strength and Wellers sweetness join.
9. Vividness; as strength of colors or coloring.
10. Spirit; the quality of any liquor which has the power of affecting the taste, or of producing sensible effects on other bodies; as the strength of wine or spirit; the strength of an acid.
11. The virtue or spirit of any vegetable, or of its juices or qualities.
12. Legal or moral force; validity; the quality of binding, uniting or securing; as the strength of social or legal obligations; the strength of law; the strength of public opinion or custom.
13. Vigor; natural force; as the strength of natural affection.
14. That which supports; confidence.
The allies, after a successful summer, are too apt upon the strength of it to neglect preparation for the ensuing campaign.
15. Amount of force, military or naval; an army or navy; number of troops or ships well appointed. What is the strength of the enemy by land, or by sea?
16. Soundness; force; the quality that convinces, persuades or commands assent; as the strength of an argument or of reasoning; the strength of evidence.
17. Vehemence; force proceeding from motion and proportioned to it; as the strength of wind or a current of water.
18. Degree of brightness or vividness; as the strength of light.
19. Fortification; fortress; as an inaccessible strength. [Not in use.]
20. Support; maintenance of power.
What they boded would be a mischief to us, you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths. [Not used.]
STRENGTH, v.t To strengthen. [Not in use.]


