# Dictionary

Topic: Draw-bridge
Definition:
DRAW-BRIDGE, n. A bridge which may be drawn up or let down to admit or hinder communication, as before the gate of a town or castle, or in a bridge over a navigable river. In the latter, the draw-bridge usually consists of two movable platforms, which may be raised to let a vessel pass through.


Topic: Drawback
Definition:
DRAWBACK, n. 
1. Money or an amount paid back. Usually, a certain amount of duties or customs, paid or bonded by an importer, paid back or remitted to him on the exportation of the goods; or a certain amount of excise paid back or allowed on the exportation of home manufacturers.
2. In popular sense, any loss of advantage, or deduction from profit.


Topic: Drawee
Definition:
DRAWEE, n. The person on whom an order or bill of exchange is drawn; the payer of a bill or exchange.


Topic: Drawer
Definition:
DRAWER, n. 
1. One who draws or pulls; one who takes water from a well; one who draws liquors from a cask.
2. That which draws or attracts, or has the power of attraction.
3. He who draws a bill of exchange or an order for the payment of money.
4. A sliding box in a case or table, which is drawn at pleasure.
5. Drawers, in the plural, a close under garment worn on the lower limbs.


Topic: Drawing
Definition:
DRAWING, ppr. Pulling; hauling; attracting; delineating.
DRAWING, n. 
1. The act of pulling, hauling, or attracting.
2. The act of representing the appearance or figures of objects on a plain surface, by means of lines and shades, as with a pencil, crayon, pen, compasses, &c.; delineation.


Topic: Drawing-room
Definition:
DRAWING-ROOM, n. 
1. A room appropriated for the reception of company; a room in which distinguished personages hold levees, or private persons receive parties. It is written by Coxe, withdrawing-room, a room to which company withdraws from the dining-room.
2.  The company assembled in a drawing-room.


Topic: Drawl
Definition:
DRAWL, v.t. To utter words in a slow lengthened tone.
DRAWL, v.i. To speak with slow utterance.
DRAWL, n. A lengthened utterance of the voice.


Topic: Drawn
Definition:
DRAWN, pp. [See Draw.]
1. Pulled; hauled; allured; attracted; delineated; extended; extracted; derived; deduced; written.
2. Equal, where each party takes his own stake; as a drawn game.
3. Having equal advantage, and neither party a victory; as a drawn battle.
4. With a sword drawn.
5. Moved aside, as a curtain; unclosed, or closed.
6. Eviscerated; as a drawn fox.
7. Induced, as by a motive; as, men are drawn together by similar views, or by motives of interest.
Drawn and quartered, drawn on a sled, and cut into quarters.


Topic: Drazel
Definition:
DRAZEL, n. Drazl.  A dirty woman; a slut. [This is a vulgar word; in New England pronounced drozl, and I believe always applied to a female.]


Topic: Dread
Definition:
DREAD, n. Dred. [L., to dread; fearful; to tremble. The primary sense is probably to tremble, or to shrink.]
1. Great fear, or apprehension of evil or danger. It expresses more than fear, and less than terror or fright.  It is an uneasiness or alarm excited by expected pain, loss or other evil.  We speak of the dread of evil; the dread of suffering; the dread of the divine displeasure. It differs from terror also in being less sudden or more continued.
2. Awe; fear united with respect.
3. Terror.
Shall not his dread fall on you. Job 13.
4. The cause of fear; the person or the thing dreaded.
Let him be your dread. Isaiah 8.
DREAD, a. 
1. Exciting great fear or apprehension.
2. Terrible; frightful.
3. Awful; venerable in the highest degree; as dread sovereign; dread majesty; dread tribunal.
DREAD, v.t. To fear in a great degree; as, to dread the approach of a storm.
DREAD, v.i. To be in great fear.
Dread not, neither be afraid of them. Deuteronomy 1.


Topic: Dreadful
Definition:
DREADFUL, a. 
1. Impressing great fear; terrible; formidable; as a dreadful storm, or dreadful night.
The great and dreadful day of the Lord. Malachi 4.
2. Awful; venerable.
How dreadful is this place. Genesis 48.


Topic: Dream
Definition:
DREAM, n. [G.]
1. The thought or series of thoughts of a person in sleep. We apply dream, in the singular, to a series of thoughts, which occupy the mind of a sleeping person, in which he imagines he has a view of real things or transactions. A dream is a series of thoughts not under the command of reason, and hence wild and irregular.
2. In scripture, dreams were sometimes impressions on the minds of sleeping persons, made by divine agency. God came to Abimelech in a dream. Joseph was warned by God in a dream. Genesis 20. Matthew 2.
3. A vain fancy; a wild conceit; an unfounded suspicion.
DREAM, v.i. pret. dreamed or dreamt. [G.]
1. To have ideas or images in the mind, in the state of sleep; with of before a noun; as, to dream of a battle; to dream of an absent friend.
2. To think; to imagine; as, he little dreamed of his approaching fate.
3. To think idly.
They dream on in a course of reading, without digesting.
4. To be sluggish; to waste time in vain thoughts; as, to dream away life.
DREAM, v.t. To see in a dream.
And dreamt the future fight.
It is followed by a noun of the like signification; as, to dream a dream.


Topic: Dreamer
Definition:
DREAMER, n. 
1. One who dreams.
2. A fanciful man; a visionary; one who forms or entertains vain schemes; as a political dreamer.
3. A man lost in wild imagination; a mope; a sluggard.


Topic: Drear
Definition:
DREAR, n. Dread; dismalness.
DREAR, n. Dread; dismalness.
DREAR, n. Dread; dismalness.
DREAR, a. Dismal; gloomy with solitude.
A drear and dying sound.


Topic: Dreary
Definition:
DREARY, a. 
1. Dismal; gloomy; as a dreary waste; dreary shades. This word implies both solitude and gloom.
2. Sorrowful; distressing; as dreary shrieks.


Topic: Dredge
Definition:
DREDGE, n. 
1. A dragnet for taking oysters, &c.
2. A mixture of oats and barley sown together.
DREDGE, v.t. To take, catch or gather with a dredge.
DREDGE, v.t. To sprinkle flour on roast meat. 


Topic: Dredger
Definition:
DREDGER, n. One who fishes with a dredge; also, an utensil for scattering flour on meat while roasting.


Topic: Dregs
Definition:
DREGS, n. Plu. [Gr.]
1. The sediment of liquors; lees; grounds; feculence; any foreign matter of liquors that subsides to the bottom of a vessel.
2. Waste or worthless matter; dross; sweepings; refuse. Hence, the most vile and despicable part of men; as the dregs of society.
Dreg, in the singular, is found in Spenser, but is not now used.


Topic: Drench
Definition:
DRENCH, v.t. [G., to water, to soak. See Drink and Drag.]
1. To wet thoroughly; to soak; to fill or cover with water or other liquid; as garments drenched in rain or in the sea; the flood has drenched the earth; swords drenched in blood.
2. To saturate with drink.
3. To purge violently.
DRENCH, n. A draught; a swill; also, a portion of medicine to purge a beast, particularly a horse. Hence, a violent dose of physic to be forced down the throat.


Topic: Dress
Definition:
DRESS, v.t. pret. and pp. dressed or drest. [L.]
1. To make straight or a straight line; to adjust to a right line. We have the primary sense in the military phrase, dress your ranks. Hence the sense, to put in order.
2. To adjust; to put in good order; as, to dress the beds of a garden. Sometimes, to till or cultivate. Genesis 2. Deuteronomy 28.
3. To put in good order, as a wounded limb; to cleanse a wound, and to apply medicaments. The surgeon dresses the limb or the wound.
4. To prepare, in a general sense; to put in the condition desired; to make suitable or fit; as, to dress meat; to dress leather or cloth; to dress a lamp; but we, in the latter case, generally use trim. To dress hemp or flax, is to break and clean it.
5. To curry, rub and comb; as, to dress a horse; or to break or tame and prepare for service, as used by Dryden; but this is unusual.
6. To put the body in order, or in a suitable condition; to put on clothes; as, he dressed himself for breakfast.
7. To put on rich garments; to adorn; to deck; to embellish; as, the lady dressed herself for a ball.
To dress up, is to clothe pompously or elegantly; as, to dress up with tinsel.
The sense of dress depends on its application. To dress the body, to dress meat, and to dress leather, are very different senses, but all uniting in the sense of preparing or fitting for use.
DRESS, v.i. 
1. To arrange in a line; as, look to the right and dress.
2. To pay particular regard to dress or raiment.
DRESS, n. 
1. That which is used as the covering or ornament of the body; clothes; garments; habit; as, the dress of a lady is modest and becoming; a gaudy dress is evidence of a false taste.
2. A suit of clothes; as, the lady has purchased an elegant dress.
3. Splendid clothes; habit of ceremony; as a full dress.
4. Skill in adjusting dress, or the practice of wearing elegant clothing; as men of dress.


Topic: Dressed
Definition:
DRESSED, pp. Adjusted; made straight; put in order; prepared; trimmed; tilled; clothed; adorned; attired.


Topic: Dresser
Definition:
DRESSER, n. 
1. One who dresses; one who is employed in putting on clothes and adorning another; one who is employed in preparing trimming or adjusting any thing.
2. A side-board; a table or bench on which meat and other things are dressed or prepared for use.


Topic: Dressing
Definition:
DRESSING, ppr. Adjusting to a line; putting in order; preparing; clothing; embellishing; cultivating.
DRESSING, n. 
1. Raiment; attire.
2. That which is used as an application to a wound or sore.
3. That which is used in preparing land for a drop; manure spread over land. When it remains on the surface, it is called a top-dressing.
4. In popular language, correction; a flogging, or beating.


Topic: Dribble
Definition:
DRIBBLE, v.i. 
1. To fall in drops or small drops, or in a quick succession of drops; as, water dribbles from the eaves.
2. To slaver as a child or an idiot.
3. To fall weakly and slowly; as the dribbling dart of love.
DRIBBLE, v.t. To throw down in drops.


Topic: Dribblet
Definition:
DRIBBLET, n. A small piece or part; a small sum; odd money in a sum; as, the money was paid in dribblets.


Topic: Drier
Definition:
DRIER, n. [from dry.] That which has the quality of drying; that which may expel or absorb moisture; a desiccative. The sun and northwesterly wind are great driers of the earth.


Topic: Drift
Definition:
DRIFT, n. 
1. That which is driven by wind or water, as drift seems to be primarily a participle. Hence,
2. A heap of any matter driven together; as a drift of snow, called also a snow-drift; a drift of sand.
3. A driving; a force impelling or urging forward; impulse; overbearing power or influence; as the drift of a passion.
4. Course of any thing; tendency; aim; main force; as the drift of reasoning or argument; the drift of a discourse.
5. Any thing driven by force, as a drift of dust; a log or a raft driven by a stream of water, without guidance.
6. A shower; a number of things driven at once; as a drift of bullets.
7. In mining, a passage cut between shaft and shaft; a passage within the earth.
8. In navigation, the angle which the line of a ships motion makes with the nearest meridian, when she drives with her side to the wind and waves, and is not governed by the helm. Also, the distance which the ship drives on that line.
9. The drift of a current, is its angle and velocity.
DRIFT, v.i.
1. To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps; as, snow or sand drifts.
2. To float or be driven along by a current of water; as, the ship drifted astern; a raft drifted ashore.
DRIFT, v.t. To drive into heaps; as, a current of wind drifts snow or sand.


Topic: Drill
Definition:
DRILL, v.t. [G.]
1. To pierce with a drill; to perforate by turning a sharp pointed instrument of a particular form; to bore and make a hole by turning an instrument. We say, to drill a hole through a piece of metal, or to drill a cannon.
2. To draw on; to entice; to amuse and put off.
She drilled him on to five and fifty. [Not elegant.]
3. To draw on from step to step. [Not elegant.]
4. To draw through; to drain; as, waters drilled through a sandy stratum.
5. In a military sense, to teach and train raw soldiers to their duty, by frequent exercise; a common and appropriate use of the word.
6. In husbandry, to sow grain in rows, drills or channels.
DRILL, v.t.
1. To sow in drills.
2. To flow gently.
3. To muster, for exercise.
DRILL, n. 
1. A pointed instrument, used for boring holes, particularly in metals and other hard substances.
2. An ape or baboon.
3. The act of training soldiers to their duty.
4. A small stream; now called a rill. [Drill is formed on the root of rill, G., a channel.]
5. In husbandry, a row of grain, sowed by a drill-plow.


Topic: Drink
Definition:
DRINK, v.i. pret. and pp. drank. Old pret. And pp. drunk; pp. Drunken. [G. Drink and drench are radically the same word, and probably drown. We observe that n is not radical.]
1. To swallow liquor, for quenching thirst or other purpose; as, to drink of the brook.
Ye shall indeed drink of my cup. Matthew 20.
2. To take spirituous liquors to excess; to be intemperate in the use of spirituous liquors; to be a habitual drunkard.
3. To feast; to be entertained with liquors.
To drink to,
1. To salute in drinking; to invite to drink by drinking first; as, I drink to you grace.
2. To wish well to, in the act of taking the cup.
DRINK, v.t. 
1. To swallow, as liquids; to receive, as a fluid, into the stomach; as, to drink water or wine.
2. To suck in; to absorb; to imbibe.
And let the purple violets drink the stream.
3. To take in by any inlet; to hear; to see; as, to drink words or the voice.
I drink delicious poison from thy eye.
4. To take in air; to inhale.
To drink down, is to act on by drinking; to reduce or subdue; as, to drink down unkindness.
To drink off, to drink the whole at a draught; as, to drink off a cup of cordial.
To drink in, to absorb; to take or receive into any inlet.
To drink up, to drink the whole.
To drink health, or to the health, a customary civility in which a person at taking a glass or cup, expresses his respect or kind wishes for another.
DRINK, n. Liquor to be swallowed; any fluid to be taken into the stomach, for quenching thirst, or for medicinal purposes; as water, wine, beer, cider, decoctions, &c.


Topic: Drinker
Definition:
DRINKER, n. One who drinks, particularly one who practices drinking spirituous liquors to excess; a drunkard; a tipler.


Topic: Drinking
Definition:
DRINKING, ppr. Swallowing liquor; sucking in; absorbing.
DRINKING, n. 
1. The act of swallowing liquors, or of absorbing.
2. The practice of drinking to excess. We say, a man is given to drinking.


Topic: Drip
Definition:
DRIP, v.i. [G.]
1. To fall in drops; as, water drips from eaves.
2 To have any liquid falling from it in drops; as, a wet garment drips.
DRIP, v.t. To let fall in drops.
The thatch drips fast a shower of rain.
So we say, roasting flesh drips fat.
DRIP, n. 
1. A falling in drops, or that which falls in drops.
In building, avoid the drip of your neighbors house.
2. The edge of a roof; the eaves; a large flat member of the cornice.


Topic: Dripping
Definition:
DRIPPING, ppr. Falling or letting fall in drops.
DRIPPING, n. The fat which falls from meat in roasting; that which falls in drops.


Topic: Drive
Definition:
DRIVE, v.t. pret. Drove, [formerly drave; pp. Driven, G.]
1. To impel or urge forward by force; to force; to move by physical force. We drive a nail into wood with a hammer; the wind or a current drive a ship on the ocean.
2. To compel or urge forward by other means than absolute physical force, or by means that compel the will; as, to drive cattle to market. A smoke drives company from the room. A man may be drive by the necessities of the times, to abandon his country.
Drive thy business; let not thy business drive thee.
3. To chase; to hunt.
To drive the deer with hound and horn.
4. To impel a team of horses or oxen to move forward, and to direct their course; hence, to guide or regulate the course of the carriage drawn by them. We say, to drive a team, or to drive a carriage drawn by a team.
5. To impel to greater speed.
6. To clear any place by forcing away what is in it.
To drive the country, force the swains away.
7. To force; to compel; in a general sense.
8. To hurry on inconsiderately; often with on. In this sense it is more generally intransitive.
9. To distress; to straighten; as desperate men far driven.
10. To impel by influence of passion. Anger and lust often drive men into gross crimes.
11. To urge; to press; as, to drive an argument.
12. To impel by moral influence; to compel; as, the reasoning of his opponent drove him to acknowledge his error.
13. To carry on; to prosecute; to keep in motion; as, to drive a trade; to drive business.
14. To make light by motion or agitation; as, to drive feathers.
His thrice driven bed of down.
The sense is probably to beat; but I do not recollect this application of the word in America.
To drive away, to force to remove to a distance; to expel; to dispel; to scatter. 
To drive off, to compel to remove from a place; to expel; to drive to a distance.
To drive out, to expel.
DRIVE, v.i.
1. To be forced along; to be impelled; to be moved by any physical force or agent; as, a ship drives before the wind.
2. To rush and press with violence; as, a storm drives against the house.
Fierce Boreas drove against his flying sails.
3. To pass in a carriage; as, he drove to London. This phrase is elliptical. He drove his horses or carriage to London.
4. To aim at or tend to; to urge towards a point; to make an effort to reach or obtain; as, we know the end the author is driving at.
5. To aim a blow; to strike at with force.
Four rogues in buckram let drive at me.
Drive, in all its senses, implies forcible or violent action. It is opposed to lead. To drive a body is to move it by applying a force behind; to lead is to cause to move by applying the force before, or forward of the body.
DRIVE, n. Passage in a carriage.


Topic: Drivel
Definition:
DRIVEL, v.i. drivl. [from the root of drip.]
1. To slaver; to let spittle drop or flow from the mouth, like a child, idiot or dotard.
2. To be weak or foolish; to dote; as a driveling hero; driveling love.
DRIVEL, n. 
1. Slaver; saliva flowing from the mouth.
2. A driveller; a fool; an idiot. [Not used.]


Topic: Driven
Definition:
DRIVEN, pp. Drivn. [from drive.] Urged forward by force; impelled to move; constrained by necessity.


Topic: Driver
Definition:
DRIVER, n. 
1. One who drives; the person or thing that urges or compels any thing else to move.
2. The person who drives beasts.
3. The person who drives a carriage; one who conducts a team.
4. A large sail occasionally set on the mizenyard or gaff, the foot being extended over the stern by a boom.


Topic: Driving
Definition:
DRIVING, ppr. Urging forward by force; impelling.
DRIVING, n. 
1. The act of impelling.
2. Tendency.


Topic: Drizzle
Definition:
DRIZZLE, v.i. [G., L.] To rain in small drops; to fall as water from the clouds in very fine particles. We say, it drizzles; drizzling drops; drizzling rain; drizzling tears.
DRIZZLE, v.t. To shed in small drops or particles.
The air doth drizzle dew. 
Winters drizzled snow.


Topic: Drizzling
Definition:
DRIZZLING, ppr. Falling in fine drops or particles; shedding in small drops or particles.
DRIZZLING, n. The falling of rain or snow in small drops.


Topic: Droil
Definition:
DROIL, v.i. To work sluggishly or slowly; to plod. [Not much used.]
DROIL, n. A mope; a drone; a sluggard; a drudge. [Little used.]


Topic: Droll
Definition:
DROLL, a. [G.] Odd; merry; facetious; comical; as a droll fellow.
DROLL, n. 
1. One whose occupation or practice is to raise mirth by odd tricks; a jester; a buffoon.
2. A farce; something exhibited to raise mirth or sport.
DROLL, v.i. To jest; to play the buffoon.
DROLL, v.t. To cheat.


Topic: Drollery
Definition:
DROLLERY, n. 
1. Sportive tricks; buffoonery; comical stories; gestures, manners or tales adapted to raise mirth.
2. A puppet-show.


Topic: Dromedary
Definition:
DROMEDARY, n. [Gr., perhaps from swiftness, running.] A species of camel, called also the Arabian camel, with one bunch or protuberance on the back, in distinction from the Bactrian camel, which has two bunches. It has four callous protuberances on the fore legs, and two on the hind ones. It is a common beast of burden in Egypt, Syria, and the neighboring countries.


Topic: Drone
Definition:
DRONE, n. [G., to tinkle, to shake, to tingle.]
1. The male of the honey bee. It is smaller than the queen bee, but larger than the working bee. The drones make no honey, but after living a few weeks, they are killed or driven from the hive. Hence,
2. An idler; a sluggard; one who earns nothing by industry.
3. A humming or low sound, or the instrument of humming.
4. The largest tube of the bag-pipe, which emits a continued deep note.
DRONE, v.i. 
1. To live in idleness; as a droning king.
2. To give a low, heavy, dull sound; as the cymbals droning sound.


Topic: Droop
Definition:
DROOP, v.i. [L., from the root of drop.]
1. To sink or hang down; to lean downwards, as a body that is weak or languishing. Plants droop for want of moisture; the human body droops in old age or infirmity.
2. To languish from grief or other cause.
3. To fail or sink; to decline; as, the courage or the spirits droop.
4. To faint; to grow weak; to be dispirited; as, the soldiers droop from fatigue.


Topic: Drop
Definition:
DROP, n. [G.]
1. A small portion of any fluid in a spherical form, which falls at once from any body, or a globule of any fluid which is pendent, as if about to fall; a small portion of water falling in rain; as a drop of water; a drop of blood; a drop of laudanum.
2. A diamond hanging from the ear; an earring; something hanging in the form of a drop.
3. A very small quantity of liquor; as, he had not drank a drop.
4. The part of a gallows which sustains the criminal before he is executed, and which is suddenly dropped.


Topic: Drop-wort
Definition:
DROP-WORT, n. The name of a plant, the Spiraea filipendula. The hemlock drop-wort, and the water drop-wort, are species of Oenanthe.


Topic: Dropped
Definition:
DROPPED, pp. Let fall; distilled; laid aside; dismissed; let go; suffered to subside; sprinkled or variegated.


Topic: Dropping
Definition:
DROPPING, ppr. Falling in globules; distilling; falling; laying aside; dismissing; quitting; suffering to rest or subside; variegating with ornaments like drops.
DROPPING, n. 
1. The act of dropping; a distilling; a falling.
2. That which drops.


Topic: Drops
Definition:
DROPS, v.t. [G.]
1. To pour or let fall in small portions or globules, as a fluid; to distill.
The heavens shall drop down dew. Deuteronomy 33.
2. To let fall as any substance; as, to drop the anchor; to drop a stone.
3. To let go; to dismiss; to lay aside; to quit; to leave; to permit to subside; as, to drop an affair; to drop a controversy; to drop a pursuit.
4. To utter slightly, briefly or casually; as, to drop a word in favor of a friend.
5. To insert indirectly, incidentally, or by way of digression; as, to drop a word of instruction in a letter
6. To lay aside; to dismiss from possession; as, to drop these frail bodies.
7. To leave; as, to drop a letter at the post office.
8. To set down and leave; as, the coach dropped a passenger at the inn.
9. To quit; to suffer to cease; as, to drop an acquaintance.
10. To let go; to dismiss from association; as, to drop a companion.
11. To suffer to end or come to nothing; as, to drop a fashion.
12. To bedrop; to speckle; to variegate, as if by sprinkling with drops; as a coat dropped with gold.
13. To lower; as, to drop the muzzle of a gun.


Topic: Dropsical
Definition:
DROPSICAL, a. [See Dropsy.]
1. Diseased with dropsy; hydropical; inclined to the dropsy; applied to persons.
2. Partaking of the nature of the dropsy; applied to disease.


Topic: Dropsy
Definition:
DROPSY, n. [L, Gr., water; the face. Formerly written hydropisy; whence by contraction, dropsy.] In medicine, an unnatural collection of water, in an part of the body, proceeding from a greater effusion of serum by the exhalant arteries, than the absorbents take up. It occurs most frequently in persons of lax habits, or in bodies debilitated by disease.  The dropsy takes different names, according to the part affected; as ascites, or dropsy of the abdomen; hydrocephalus, or water in the head; anasarca, or a watery swelling over the whole body; &c.


Topic: Dross
Definition:
DROSS, n. [G.]
1. The recrement or despumation of metals; the scum or extraneous matter of metals, thrown off in the process of melting.
2. Rust; crust of metals; an incrustation formed on metals by oxydation.
3. Waste matter; refuse; any worthless matter separated from the better part; impure matter.
The worlds glory is but dross unclean.


Topic: Drossy
Definition:
DROSSY, a. 
1. Like dross; pertaining to dross.
2. Full of dross; abounding with scorious or recrementitious matter; as drossy gold. 
3. Worthless; foul; impure.


Topic: Drouth
Definition:
DROUTH, n. [See dry. The word generally used is now, as it was written by Bacon, drouth or drowth; its regular termination is th.]
1. Dryness; want of rain or of water; particularly, dryness of the weather, which affects the earth, and prevents the growth of plants; aridness; aridity.
2. Dryness of the throat and mouth; thirst; want of drink.


Topic: Drove
Definition:
DROVE, pret. of drive.
DROVE, n. 
1. A collection of cattle driven; a number of animals, as oxen, sheep or swine, driven in a body. We speak of a herd of cattle, and a flock of sheep, when a number is collected; but properly a drove is a herd or flock driven. It is applicable to any species of brutes. Hence,
2. Any collection of irrational animals, moving or driving forward; as a finny drove.
3. A crowd of people in motion.
Where droves, as at a city gate, may pass.
4. A road for driving cattle. [English.]


Topic: Drover
Definition:
DROVER, n. 
1. One who drives cattle or sheep to market. Usually in New England, a man who makes it his business to purchase fat cattle and drive them to market.
2. A boat driven by the tide.


Topic: Drown
Definition:
DROWN, v.t. 
1. Literally, to overwhelm in water; an appropriately, to extinguish life by immersion in water or other fluid; applied to animals; also, to suspend animation by submersion.
2. To overwhelm in water; as, to drown weeds.
3. To overflow; to deluge; to inundate; as, to drown land.
4. To immerse; to plunge and lose; to overwhelm; as, to drown ones self in sensual pleasure.
5. To overwhelm; to overpower.
My private voice is drowned amid the senate.
DROWN, v.i. To be suffocated in water or other fluid; to perish in water.
Methought what pain it was to drown.


Topic: Drowse
Definition:
DROWSE, v.i. drowz.
1. To sleep imperfectly or unsoundly; to slumber; to be heavy with sleepiness.
2. To look heavy; to be heavy or dull.
DROWSE, v.t. To make heavy with sleep; to make dull or stupid.


Topic: Drowsily
Definition:
DROWSILY, adv. 
1. Sleepily; heavily; in a dull sleepy manner.
2. Sluggishly; idly; slothfully; lazily.


Topic: Drowsiness
Definition:
DROWSINESS, n. 
1. Sleepiness; heaviness with sleep; disposition to sleep.
2. Sluggishness; sloth; idleness; inactivity.


Topic: Drowsy
Definition:
DROWSY, a. 
1. Inclined to sleep; sleepy; heavy with sleepiness; lethargic; comatose.
2. Dull; sluggish; stupid.
3. Disposing to sleep; lulling; as a drowsy couch.


Topic: Drub
Definition:
DRUB, v.t. [G., L. Drubbing is a particular form of driving.] To beat with a stick; to thrash; to cudgel.
The little thief had been soundly drubbed with a cudgel.
DRUB, n. A blow with a stick or cudgel; a thump; a knock.


Topic: Drudge
Definition:
DRUDGE, v.i. druj. To work hard; to labor in mean offices; to labor with toil and fatigue.
In merriment did drudge and labor.
DRUDGE, n. One who works hard, or labors with toil and fatigue; one who labors hard in servile employments; a slave.


Topic: Drudgery
Definition:
DRUDGERY, n. Hard labor; toilsome work; ignoble toil; hard work in servile occupations.
Paradise was a place of bliss-without drudgery or sorrow.


Topic: Drug
Definition:
DRUG, n. [See the verb, to dry.]
1. The general name of substances used in medicine, sold by the druggist, and compounded by apothecaries and physicians; any substance, vegetable, animal or mineral, which is used in the composition or preparation of medicines. It is also applied to dyeing materials.
2. Any commodity that lies on hand, or is not salable; an article of slow sale, or in no demand in market.
3. A mortal drug, or a deadly drug, is poison.
4. A drudge. 
DRUG, v.i. To prescribe or administer drugs or medicines.
DRUG, v.t. 
1. To season with drugs or ingredients.
2. To tincture with something offensive.


Topic: Druggist
Definition:
DRUGGIST, n. One who deals in drugs; properly, one whose occupation is merely to but and sell drugs, without compounding or preparation. In America, the same person often carries on the business of the druggist and the apothecary.


Topic: Druid
Definition:
DRUID, n. A priest or minister of religion, among the ancient Celtic nations in Gaul, Britain and Germany. The Druids possessed some knowledge of geometry, natural philosophy, &c., superintended the affairs of religion and morality, and performed the office of judges.


Topic: Druidism
Definition:
DRUIDISM, n. The system of religion, philosophy and instruction taught by the druids, or their doctrines, rites and ceremonies.


Topic: Drum
Definition:
DRUM, n. [G., L.]
1. A martial instrument of music, in form of a hollow cylinder, and covered at the ends with vellum, which is stretched or slackened at pleasure.
2. In machinery, a short cylinder revolving on an axis, generally for the purpose of turning several small wheels, by means of straps passing round its periphery.
3. The drum of the ear, the tympanum, or barrel of the ear; the hollow part of the ear, behind the membrane of the tympanum. The latter is a tense membrane, which closes the external passage of the ear, and receives the vibrations of the air.
DRUM, v.i. 
1. To beat a drum with sticks; to beat or play a tune on a drum.
2. To beat with the fingers, as with drumsticks; to beat with a rapid succession of strokes; as, to drum on the table.
3. To beat as the heart.
DRUM, v.t. To expel with beat of drum.


Topic: Drummer
Definition:
DRUMMER, n. One whose office is to beat the drum, in military exercises and marching; one who drums.


Topic: Drunk
Definition:
DRUNK, a. [from drunken. See Drink.]  
1. Intoxicated; inebriated; overwhelmed or overpowered by spirituous liquor; stupefied or inflamed by the action of spirit on the stomach and brain. It is brutish to be drunk.
Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.
2. Drenched or saturated with moisture or liquor.
I will make my arrows drunk with blood. Deuteronomy 32.
[Note. Drunk was formerly used as the participle of drink; as, he had drunk wine. But in modern usage, drank has taken its place; and drunk is now used chiefly as an adjective.]


Topic: Drunkard
Definition:
DRUNKARD, n. One given to ebriety or an excessive used of strong liquor; a person who habitually or frequently is drunk.
A drunkard and a glutton shall come to poverty. Proverbs 23.


Topic: Drunken
Definition:
DRUNKEN, a. Drunkn. [participle of drink, but now used chiefly as an adjective, and often contracted to drunk.]
1. Intoxicated; inebriated with strong liquor.
2. Given to drunkenness; as a drunken butler.
3. Saturated with liquor or moisture; drenched.
Let the earth be drunken with our blood.
4. Proceeding from intoxication; done in a state of drunkenness; as a drunken quarrel.
A drunken slaughter.


Topic: Drunkenness
Definition:
DRUNKENNESS, n. 
1. Intoxication; inebriation; a state in which a person is overwhelmed or overpowered with spirituous liquors, so that his reason is disordered, and he reels or staggers in walking. Drunkenness renders some persons stupid, others gay, others sullen, others furious.
Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness.
2. Habitually ebriety or intoxication.
3. Disorder of the faculties resembling intoxication by liquors; inflammation; frenzy; rage.
Passion is the drunkenness of the mind.


Topic: Drupaceous
Definition:
DRUPACEOUS, a. 
1. Producing drupes; as drupaceous trees.
2. Pertaining to drupes; or consisting of drupes; as drupaceous fruit; drupaceous follicles.


Topic: Drupe
Definition:
DRUPE, n. [L., Gr, olives ready to fall, Gr., a tree; to fall.] In botany, a pulpy pericarp or fruit without valves, containing a nut or stone with a kernel; as the plum, cherry, apricot, peach, almond, olive, &c.


Topic: Druse
Definition:
DRUSE, n. [G., a gland, glanders.] Among miners, a cavity in a rock having its interior surface studded with crystals, or filled with water.


Topic: Dry
Definition:
DRY, a. [See the Verb.]
1. Destitute of moisture; free from water or wetness; arid; not moist; as dry land; dry clothes.
2. Not rainy; free from rain or mist; as dry weather; a dry March or April.
3. Not juicy; free from juice, sap or aqueous matter; not green; as dry wood; dry stubble; dry hay; dry leaves.
4. Without tears; as dry eyes; dry mourning.
5. Not giving milk; as, the cow is dry.
6. Thirsty; craving drink.
7. Barren; jejune; plain; unembellished; destitute of pathos, or of that which amuses and interests; as a dry style; a dry subject; a dry discussion.
8. Severe; sarcastic; wiping; as a dry remark or repartee; a dry run.
9. Severe; wiping; as a dry blow; a dry basting. See the verb, which signifies properly to wipe, rub, scour.
10. Dry goods, in commerce, cloths, stuffs, silks, laces, ribbons, &c., in distinction from groceries.
DRY, v.t. [G., to dry, to wipe; Gr., L. See Dry. The primary sense is to wipe, rub, scour.]
1. To free from water, or from moisture of any kind, and by any means; originally by wiping, as to dry the eyes; to exsiccate.
2. To deprive of moisture by evaporation or exhalation; as, the sun dries a cloth; wind dries the earth.
3. To deprive of moisture by exposure to the sun or open air. We dry cloth in the sun.
4. To deprive of natural juice, sap or greenness; as, to dry hay or plants.
5. To scorch or parch with thirst; with up.
Their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Isaiah 5.
6. To deprive of water by draining; to drain; to exhaust; as, to dry a meadow. 
To dry up, to deprive wholly of water.
DRY, v.i. 
1. To grow dry; to lose moisture; to become free from moisture or juice. The road dries fast in a clear windy day. Hay will dry sufficiently in two days.
2. To evaporate wholly; to be exhaled; sometimes with up; as, the stream dries or dries up.


Topic: Dryad
Definition:
DRYAD, n. [L., Gr., a tree.] In mythology, a deity or nymph of the woods; a nymph supposed to preside over woods.


Topic: Drying
Definition:
DRYING, ppr. Expelling or losing moisture, sap or greenness.
DRYING, n. The act or process of depriving of moisture or greenness.
DRYING, n. The act or process of depriving of moisture or greenness.


Topic: Dryite
Definition:
DRYITE, n. [Gr., an oak.] Fragments of petrified or fossil wood in which the structure of the wood is recognized.


Topic: Dryly
Definition:
DRYLY, adv. 
1. Without moisture.
2. Coldly; frigidly; without affection.
3. Severely; sarcastically.
4. Barrenly; without embellishment; without any thing to enliven, enrich or entertain.


Topic: Dryness
Definition:
DRYNESS, n. 
1. Destitution of moisture; want of water or other fluid; siccity; a aridity; aridness; as the dryness of a soil; dryness of the road.
2. Want of rain; as dryness of weather.
3. Want of juice or succulence; as dryness of the bones or fibers.
4. Want of succulence or greenness; as the dryness of hay or corn.
5. Barrenness; jejuneness; want of ornament or pathos; want of that which enlivens and entertains; as the dryness of style or expression; the dryness of a subject.
6. Want of feeling or sensibility in devotion; want of ardor; as dryness of spirit.


Topic: Drynurse
Definition:
DRYNURSE, n. 
1. A nurse who attends and feeds a child without the breast.
2. One who attends another in sickness.
DRYNURSE, v.t. To feed, attend and bring up without the breast.


Topic: Dualistic
Definition:
DUALISTIC, a. Consisting of two. The dualistic system of Anaxagoras and Plato taught that there are two principles in nature, one active, the other passive.


Topic: Duality
Definition:
DUALITY, n. 
1. That which expresses two in number.
2. Division; separation.
3. The state or quality of being two.


Topic: Dub
Definition:
DUB, v.t. [Gr.] Literally, to strike. Hence,
1. To strike a blow with a sword, and make a knight.
Se cyng, dubbade his sunu Henric to ridere.
The King dubbed his son Henry a knight.
2. To confer any dignity or new character.
A man of wealth is dubbd a man of worth.
DUB, v.i. to make a quick noise.
DUB, n. 
1. A blow. [Little used.]
2. In Irish, a puddle.


Topic: Dubious
Definition:
DUBIOUS, a. [L. See Doubt. The primary sense is probably to turn or to waver.]
1. Doubtful; wavering or fluctuating in opinion; not settled; not determined; as, the mind is in a dubious state.
2. Uncertain; that of which the truth is not ascertained or known; as a dubious question.
3. Not clear; not plain; as dubious light.
4. Of uncertain event or issue.
In dubious battle.


Topic: Dubiousness
Definition:
DUBIOUSNESS, n. 
1. Doubtfulness; a state of wavering and indecision of mind; as, he speaks with dubiousness.
2. Uncertainty; as the dubiousness of the question.


Topic: Dubitable
Definition:
DUBITABLE, a. [L. See Doubt.] Doubtful; uncertain. [Little used.] But the derivative indubitable is often used.


Topic: Ducat
Definition:
DUCAT, n. [from duke.] A coin of several countries in Europe, struck in the dominions of a duke. It is of silver or gold. The silver ducat is generally of the value of four shillings and sixpence sterling, equal to an American dollar, or to a French crown, and the gold ducat of twice the value.


Topic: Ducatoon
Definition:
DUCATOON, n. A silver coin, struck chiefly in Italy, of the value of about four shillings and eight pence sterling, or nearly 104 cents. The gold ducatoon of Holland is worth twenty florins.


Topic: Duck
Definition:
DUCK, n. [G, L., to weave.] A species of coarse cloth or canvas, used for sails, sacking of beds, &c.
DUCK, n. [from the verb, to duck.]
1. A water fowl, so called from its plunging.  There are many species or varieties of the duck, some wild, others tame.
2. An inclination of the head, resembling the motion of a duck in water.
3. A stone thrown obliquely on the water so as to rebound; as in duck and drake.
DUCK, n. A word of endearment or fondness.
DUCK, v.t. [G.]
1. To dip or plunge in water and suddenly withdraw; as, to duck a seamen. It differs from dive, which signifies to plunge ones self, without immediately emerging. 
2. To plunge the head in water and immediately withdraw it; as, duck the boy.
3. To bow, stoop or nod.
DUCK, v.i. 
1. To plunge into water and immediately withdraw; to dip; to plunge the head in water or other liquid.
In Tiber ducking thrice by break of day.
2. To drop the head suddenly; to bow; to cringe.
Duck with French nods.


Topic: Duck-meat
Definition:
DUCK-MEAT, DUCKS-MEAT, n. A plant, the Lemna, growing in ditches and shallow water, and serving for food for ducks and geese.  The starry ducks-meat is the Callitriche.


Topic: Ducking
Definition:
DUCKING, ppr. Plunging; thrusting suddenly into water and withdrawing; dipping.
DUCKING, n.  The act of plunging or putting in water and withdrawing. Ducking is a punishment of offenders in France, and among English seamen, it is a penalty to which sailors are subject on passing, for the first time, the equator or tropic.


Topic: Ducking-stool
Definition:
DUCKING-STOOL, n. A stool or chair in which common scolds were formerly tied and plunged into water.


Topic: Duct
Definition:
DUCT, n. [L., to lead. See Duke.]
1. Any tube or canal by which fluid or other substance is conducted or conveyed. It is particularly used to denote the vessels of an animal body, by which the blood, chyle, lymph, &c., are carried from one part to another, and the vessels of plants in which the sap is conveyed.
2. Guidance; direction. [Little used.]


Topic: Ductile
Definition:
DUCTILE, a. [L., to lead.]
1. That may be led; easy to be led or drawn; tractable; complying; obsequious; yielding to motives, persuasion or instruction; as the ductile minds of youth; a ductile people.
2. Flexible; pliable.
The ductile rind and leaves of radiant gold.
3. That may be drawn out into wire or threads. Gold is the most ductile of the metals.
4. That may be extended by beating.


Topic: Ductility
Definition:
DUCTILITY, n. 
1. The property of solid bodies, particularly metals, which renders them capable of being extended by drawing without breaking; as the ductility of gold, iron or brass.
2. Flexibility; obsequiousness; a disposition of mind that easily yields to motives or influence; ready compliance.


Topic: Due
Definition:
DUE, a. Du. [L., Gr., to bind. It has no connection with owe.]
1. Owed; that ought to be paid or done to another. That is due from me to another which contract, justice or propriety requires me to pay, and which he may justly claim as his right. Reverence is due to the creator; civility is due from one man to another. Money is due at the expiration of the credit given, or at the period promised.
2. Proper; fit; appropriate; suitable; becoming; required by the circumstances; as, the event was celebrated with due solemnities. Men seldom have a due sense of their depravity.
3. Seasonable; as, he will come in due time.
4. Exact; proper; as, the musicians keep due time.
5. Owing to; occasioned by. [Little used.]
6. That ought to have arrived, or to be present, before the time specified; as, two mails are now due.
DUE, adv. Directly; exactly; as a due east course.
DUE, n. 
1. That which is owed; that which one contracts to pay, do or perform to another; that which law or justice requires to be paid or done. The money that I contract to pay to another is his due; the service which I covenant to perform to another is his due; reverence to the creator is his due.
2. That which office, rank, station, social relations, or established rules of right or decorum, require to be given, paid or done. Respect and obedience to parents and magistrates are their due.
3. That which law or custom requires; as toll, tribute, fees of office, or other legal perquisites.
4. Right; just title.
The key of this infernal pit by due--I keep.
DUE, v.t. To pay as due. [Not used.]


Topic: Duel
Definition:
DUEL, n. [L.]
1. Single combat; a premeditated combat between two persons, for the purpose of deciding some private difference or quarrel. A sudden fight, not premeditated, is called a rencounter. A duel is fought with deadly weapons and with a purpose to take life.
2. Any contention or contest.
DUEL, v.i. To fight in single combat.
DUEL, v.t. To attack or fight singly.


Topic: Dueling
Definition:
DUELING, ppr. Fighting in single combat.
DUELING, n. The act or practice of fighting in single combat.


Topic: Duelist
Definition:
DUELIST, n. 
1. One who fights in single combat.
The duelist values his honor above the life of his antagonist, his own life, and the happiness of his family.
2. One who professes to study the rules of honor.


Topic: Dug
Definition:
DUG, n. [L.] The pap or nipple of a cow or other beast. It is applied to a human female in contempt, but seems to have been used formerly of the human breast without reproach.
From tender dug of common nurse.
DUG, pret. and pp. of dig; as, they dug a ditch; a ditch was dug.


Topic: Duke
Definition:
DUKE, n. [G., L, to lead; to draw, to tug. Gr.]
1. In Great Britain, one of the highest order of nobility; a title of honor or nobility next below the princes; as the Duke of Bedford or of Cornwall.
2. In some countries on the Continent, a sovereign prince, without the title of king; as the Duke of Holstein, of Savoy, of Parma, &c.
3. A chief; a prince; as the dukes of Edom.  Genesis 36.


Topic: Dukedom
Definition:
DUKEDOM, n. 
1. The seignory or possessions of a duke; the territory of a duke.
2. The title or quality of a duke.


Topic: Dulcet
Definition:
DULCET, a. [L., sweet.] 
1. Sweet to the taste; luscious.
She tempers dulcet creams.
2. Sweet to the ear; melodious; harmonious; as dulcet sounds; dulcet symphonies.


Topic: Dulcification
Definition:
DULCIFICATION, n. [See Dulcify.] The act of sweetening; the act of freeing from acidity, saltness or acrimony.


Topic: Dulcified
Definition:
DULCIFIED, pp. Sweetened; purified from salts. 
Dulcified spirits, a term formerly applied to the different ethers; as dulcified spirits of niter and vitriol, nitric and sulphuric ethers.


Topic: Dull
Definition:
DULL, a. [G.]
1. Stupid; doltish; blockish; slow of understanding; as a lad of dull genius.
2. Heavy; sluggish; without life or spirit; as a surfeit leaves a man very dull.
3. Slow of motion; sluggish; as a dull stream.
4. Slow of hearing or seeing; as dull of hearing; dull of seeing.
5. Slow to learn or comprehend; unready; awkward; as a dull scholar.
6. Sleepy; drowsy.
7. Sad; melancholy.
8. Gross; cloggy; insensible; as the dull earth.
9. Not pleasing or delightful; not exhilarating; cheerless; as, to make dictionaries is dull work.
10. Not bright or clear; clouded; tarnished; as, the mirror is dull.
11. Not bright; not briskly burning; as a dull fire.
12 Dim; obscure; not vivid; as a dull light.
13. Blunt; obtuse; having a thick edge; as a dull knife or ax.
14. Cloudy; overcast; not clear; not enlivening; as dull weather.
15. With seamen, being without wind; as, a ship has a dull time.
16. Not lively or animated; as a dull eye.
DULL, v.t.
1. To make dull; to stupify; as, to dull the senses.
2. To blunt; as, to dull a sword or an ax.
3. To make sad or melancholy.
4. To hebetate; to make insensible or slow to perceive; as, to dull the ears; to dull the wits.
5. To damp; to render lifeless; as, to dull the attention.
6. To make heavy or slow of motion; as, to dull industry.
7. To sully; to tarnish or cloud; as, the breath dulls a mirror.
DULL, v.i. To become dull or blunt; to become stupid.


Topic: Dullness
Definition:
DULLNESS, n. 
1. Stupidity; slowness of comprehension; weakness of intellect; indocility; as the dullness of a student.
2. Want of quick perception or eager desire.
3. Heaviness; drowsiness; inclination to sleep.
4. Heaviness; disinclination to motion.
5. Sluggishness; slowness.
6. Dimness; want of clearness or luster.
7. Bluntness; want of edge.
8. Want of brightness or vividness; as dullness of color.


Topic: Duly
Definition:
DULY, adv. [from due.]
1. Properly; fitly; in a suitable or becoming manner; as, let the subject be duly considered.
2. Regularly; at the proper time; as, a man duly attended church with his family.


Topic: Dumb
Definition:
DUMB, a. Dum. 
1. Mute; silent; not speaking.
I was dumb with silence; I held my peace. Psalm 34.
2. Destitute of the power of speech; unable to utter articulate sounds; as the dumb brutes. The asylum at Hartford in Connecticut was the first institution in America for teaching the deaf and dumb to read and write.
3. Mute; not using or accompanied with speech; as a dumb show; dumb signs.
To strike dumb, is to confound; to astonish; to render silent by astonishment; or it may be, to deprive of the power of speech.
DUMB, v.t. To silence.


Topic: Dumbness
Definition:
DUMBNESS, n. Dumness.
1. Muteness; silence or holding the peace; omission of speech. This is voluntary dumbness.
2. In capacity to speak; inability to articulate sounds. This is involuntary dumbness.


Topic: Dump
Definition:
DUMP, n. [G.]
1. A dull gloomy state of the mind; sadness; melancholy; sorrow; heaviness of heart.
In doleful dumps.
2. Absence of mind; reverie.
3. A melancholy tune or air.  [This is not an elegant word, and in America, I believe, is always used in the plural; as, the woman is in the dumps.]


Topic: Dumpling
Definition:
DUMPLING, n. [from dump.] A kind of pudding or mass of paste in cookery; usually, a cover of paste inclosing an apple and boiled, called apple-dumpling.


Topic: Dun
Definition:
DUN, a. 
1. Of a dark color; of a color partaking of a brown and black; of a dull brown color; swarthy.
2. Dark; gloomy.
In the dun air sublime.
DUN, v.t. To cure, as fish, in a manner to give them a dun color. [See Dunning.]
DUN, v.t. [See Din.]
1. Literally, to clamor for payment of a debt. Hence, to urge for payment; to demand a debt in a pressing manner; to urge for payment with importunity. But in common usage, dun is often used in a milder sense, and signifies to call for, or ask for payment.
2. To urge importunately, in a general sense, but not an elegant word.
DUN, n. 
1. An importunate creditor who urges for payment.
2. An urgent request or demand of payment in writing; as, he sent his debtor a dun.
3. An eminence or mound. [See Down and Town.]


Topic: Dunce
Definition:
DUNCE, n. Duns. [G.] A person of weak intellects; a dullard; a dolt; a thickskull.
I never knew this town without dunces of figure.


Topic: Dunder
Definition:
DUNDER, n. [L.] Lees; dregs; a word used in Jamaica.
The use of dunder in the making of run answers the purpose of yeast int he fermentation of flour.


Topic: Dung
Definition:
DUNG, n. [G.] The excrement of animals.
DUNG, v.t. To manure with dung.
DUNG, v.i. To void excrement.


Topic: Dungeon
Definition:
DUNGEON, n. 
1. A close prison; or a deep, dark place of confinement.
And in a dungeon deep.
They brought Joseph hastily out of the dungeon. Genesis 41.
2. A subterraneous place of close confinement.
DUNGEON, v.t. To confine in a dungeon.


Topic: Dunghill
Definition:
DUNGHILL, n. 
1. A heap of dung.
2. A mean or vile abode.
3. Any mean situation or condition.
He lifteth the beggar from the dunghill. 1 Samuel 2.
4. A term of reproach for a man meanly born. [Not used.]
DUNGHILL, a. Sprung from the dunghill; mean; low; base; vile.


Topic: Dunnage
Definition:
DUNNAGE, n. Faggots, boughs or loose wood laid on the bottom of a ship to raise heavy goods above the bottom.


Topic: Dunning
Definition:
DUNNING, ppr. [from dun.] Urging for payment of a debt, or for the grant of some favor, or for the obtaining any request; importuning.
DUNNING, ppr. Or n. [from dun, a color.] The operation of curing codfish, in such a manner as to give it a particular color and quality. Fish for dunning are caught early in spring, and often in February. At the Isles of Shoals, off Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, the cod are taken in deep water, split and slack-salted; then laid in a pile for two or three months, in a dark store, covered, for the greatest part of the time, with salt-hay or eel-grass, and pressed with some weight. In April or May, they are opened and piled again as close as possible in the same dark store, till July or August, when they are fit for use.


Topic: Duodecimo
Definition:
DUODECIMO, a. [L., twelve.] Having or consisting of twelve leaves to a sheet; as a book of duodecimo form or size.
DUODECIMO, n. A book in which a sheet is folded into twelve leaves.


Topic: Dupe
Definition:
DUPE, n. [See the verb.] A person who is deceived; or one easily led astray by his credulity; as the dupe of a party.
DUPE, v.t. To deceive; to trick; to mislead by imposing on ones credulity; as, to be duped by flattery.


Topic: Duplicate
Definition:
DUPLICATE, a. [L., to double; twofold; to fold. See Double.] Double; twofold.
Duplicate proportion or ratio, is the proportion or ratio of squares. Thus in geometrical proportion, the first term to the third is said to be in a duplicate ratio of the first to the second, or as its square is to the square of the second. Thus in 2. 4. 8. 16., the ratio of 2 to 8 is a duplicate of that of 2 to 4, or as the square of 2 is to the square of 4.
DUPLICATE, n. 
1. Another corresponding to the first; or a second thing of the same kind.
2. A copy; a transcript. Thus a second letter or bill of exchange exactly like the first is called a duplicate.
DUPLICATE, v.t. [L.] To double; to fold.


Topic: Duplication
Definition:
DUPLICATION, n. 
1. The act of doubling; the multiplication of a number by 2.
2. A folding; a doubling; also, a fold; as the duplication of a membrane.


Topic: Duplicity
Definition:
DUPLICITY, n. [L., double.]
1.  Doubleness; the number two.
2. Doubleness of heart or speech; the act or practice of exhibiting a different or contrary conduct, or uttering different or contrary sentiments, at different times, in relation to the same thing; or the act of dissembling ones real opinions for the purpose of concealing them and misleading persons in the conversation and intercourse of life; double-dealing; dissimulation; deceit.
3. In law, duplicity is the pleading of two or more distinct matters or single pleas.


Topic: Durability
Definition:
DURABILITY, n. [See Durable.] The power of lasting or continuing, in any given state, without perishing; as the durability of cedar or oak timber; the durability of animal and vegetable life is very limited.


Topic: Durable
Definition:
DURABLE, a. [L., to last; hard.] Having the quality of lasting or continuing long in being, without perishing or wearing out as durable timber; durable cloth; durable happiness.


Topic: Durance
Definition:
DURANCE, n. [L.]
1. Imprisonment; restraint of the person; custody of the jailer.
2. Continuance; duration. [See Endurance.]


Topic: Duration
Definition:
DURATION, n. 
1. Continuance in time; length or extension of existence, indefinitely; as the duration of life; the duration of a partnership; the duration of any given period of time; everlasting duration. This holding on or continuance of time is divided by us arbitrarily into certain portions, as minutes, hours and days; or it is measured by a succession of events, as by the diurnal and annual revolutions of the earth, or any other succession; and the interval between two events is called a part of duration.  This interval may be of any indefinite length, a minute or a century.
2. Power of continuance.


Topic: Dure
Definition:
DURE, v.i. [L. See Durable.] To last; to hold on in time or being; to continue; to endure. [This word is obsolete; endure being substituted.]


Topic: Duress
Definition:
DURESS, n. [L. See Durable.]
1. Literally, hardship; hence, constraint. Technically, duress, in law, is of two kinds; duress of imprisonment, which is imprisonment or restraint of personal liberty; and duress by menaces or threats [per minas,] when a person is threatened with loss of life or limb.  Fear of battery is no duress. Duress then is imprisonment or threats intended to compel a person to do a legal act, as to execute a deed; or to commit an offense; in which cases the act is voidable or excusable.
2. Imprisonment; restraint of liberty.


Topic: During
Definition:
DURING, ppr. Of dure. Continuing; lasting; holding on; as during life, that is, life continuing; during our earthly pilgrimage; during the space of a year; during this or that. These phrases are the case absolute, or independent clauses; durante vita, durante hoc.


Topic: Duse
Definition:
DUSE, n. A demon or evil spirit. Quosdam daemones quos dusios Galli nuncupant. August. De Civ. Dei, 15. 23. What the duse is the matter? The duse is in you. [Vulgar.]


Topic: Dusk
Definition:
DUSK, a. [G., tarnish; to tarnish; to become dull or obscure. Gr.]
1. Tending to darkness, or moderately dark.
2. Tending to a dark or black color; moderately black.
DUSK, n. 
1. A tending to darkness; incipient or imperfect obscurity; a middle degree between light and darkness; twilight; as the dusk of the evening.
2. Tendency to a black color; darkness of color.
Whose dusk set off the whiteness of the skin.
DUSK, v.t. To make dusky. [Little used.]
DUSK, v.i. To begin to lose light or whiteness; to grow dark. [Little used.]


Topic: Duskish
Definition:
DUSKISH, a. Moderately dusky; partially obscure; slightly dark or black; as duskish smoke.
Duskish tincture.


Topic: Dusky
Definition:
DUSKY, a. 
1. Partially dark or obscure; not luminous; as a dusky valley.
A dusky torch.
2. Tending to blackness in color; partially black; dark-colored; not bright; as a dusky brown.
Dusky clouds.
3. Gloomy; sad.
This dusky scene of horror.
4. Intellectually clouded; as a dusky sprite.


Topic: Dust
Definition:
DUST, n. 
1. Fine dry particles of earth or other matter, so attenuated that it may be raised and wafted by the wind; powder; as clouds of dust and seas of blood.
2. Fine dry particles of earth; fine earth.
The peacock warmeth her eggs in the dust.  Job 34.
3. Earth; unorganized earthy matter.
Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3.
4. The grave.
For now shall I sleep in the dust. Job 7.
5. A low condition.
God raiseth the poor out of the dust. 1 Samuel 2.
DUST, v.t. 
1. To free from dust; to brush, wipe or sweep away dust; as, to dust a table or a floor.
2. To sprinkle with dust.
3. To levigate.


Topic: Dusty
Definition:
DUSTY, a. 
1. Filled, covered or sprinkled with dust; clouded with dust.
2. Like dust; of the color of dust; as a dusty white; a dusty red.


Topic: Dutch
Definition:
DUTCH, n. The people of Holland; also, their language.
DUTCH, a. Pertaining to Holland, or to its inhabitants.


Topic: Duteous
Definition:
DUTEOUS, a. [from duty.]
1. Performing that which is due, or that which law, justice or propriety requires; obedient; respectful to those who have natural or legal authority to require service or duty; as a duteous child or subject.
2. Obedient; obsequious; in a good or bad sense.
Duteous to the vices of thy mistress.
3. Enjoined by duty, or by the relation of one to another; as duteous ties. [Little used.]


Topic: Dutiful
Definition:
DUTIFUL, a. 
1. Performing the duties or obligations required by law, justice or propriety; obedient; submissive to natural or legal superiors; respectful; as a dutiful son or daughter; a dutiful ward or servant; a dutiful subject.
2. Expressive of respect or a sense of duty; respectful; reverential; required by duty; as dutiful reverence; dutiful attentions.


Topic: Dutifully
Definition:
DUTIFULLY, adv. In a dutiful manner; with a regard to duty; obediently; submissively; reverently; respectfully.


Topic: Dutifulness
Definition:
DUTIFULNESS, n. 
1. Obedience; submission to just authority; habitual performance of duty; as dutifulness to parents.
2. Reverence; respect.


Topic: Duty
Definition:
DUTY, n. 
1. That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound, by any natural, moral or legal obligation, to pay, do or perform.  Obedience to princes, magistrates and the laws is the duty of every citizen and subject; obedience, respect and kindness to parents are duties of children; fidelity to friends is a duty; reverence, obedience and prayer to God are indispensable duties; the government and religious instruction of children are duties of parents which they cannot neglect without guilt.
2. Forbearance of that which is forbid by morality, law, justice or propriety.  It is our duty to refrain from lewdness, intemperance, profaneness and injustice.
3. Obedience; submission.
4. Act of reverence or respect.
They both did duty to their lady.
5. The business of a soldier or marine on guard; as, the company is on duty.  It is applied also to other services or labor.
6. The business of war; military service; as, the regiment did duty in Flanders.
7. Tax, toll, impost, or customs; excise; any sum of money required by government to be paid on the importation, exportation, or consumption of goods. An impost on land or other real estate, and on the stock of farmers, is not called a duty, but a direct tax.


Topic: Duumvir
Definition:
DUUMVIR, n. [L., two; man.] One of two Roman officers or magistrates united int he same public functions.


Topic: Duumvirate
Definition:
DUUMVIRATE, n. The union of two men in the same office; or the office, dignity or government of two men thus associated; as in ancient Rome.


Topic: Dwale
Definition:
DWALE, n. 
1. In heraldry, a sable or black color.
2. The deadly nightshade, a plant or a sleepy potion.


Topic: Dwarf
Definition:
DWARF, n. 
1. A general name for an animal or plant which is much below the ordinary size of the species or kind.  A man that never grows beyond two or three feet in highth, is a dwarf. This word when used alone usually refers to the human species, but sometimes to other animals.  When it is applied to plants, it is more generally used in composition; as a dwarf-tree; dwarf-elder.
2. An attendant on a lady or knight in romances.
DWARF, v.t. To hinder from growing to the natural size; to lessen; to make or keep small.


Topic: Dwarfish
Definition:
DWARFISH, a. Like a dwarf; below the common stature or size; very small; low; petty; despicable; as a dwarfish animal; a dwarfish shrub.


Topic: Dwell
Definition:
DWELL, v.i. pret. dwelled, usually contracted into dwelt. [See Dally.]
1. To abide as a permanent resident, or to inhabit for a time; to live in a place; to have a habitation for some time or permanence.
God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem. Genesis 9.
Dwell imports a residence of some continuance.  We use abide for the resting of a night or an hour; but we never say, he dwelt in a place a day or a night.  Dwell may signify a residence for life or for a much shorter period, but not for a day.  In scripture, it denotes a residence of seven days during the feast of tabernacles.
Ye shall dwell in booths seven days. Leviticus 23.
The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1.
2. To be in any state or condition; to continue.
To dwell in doubtful joy.
3. To continue; to be fixed in attention; to hang upon with fondness.
The attentive queen dwelt on his accents. 
They stand at a distance, dwelling on his looks and language, fixed in amazement.
4. To continue long; as, to dwell on a subject, in speaking, debate or writing; to dwell on a note in music.
 Dwell, as a verb transitive, is not used.  We who dwell this wild, in Milton, is not a legitimate phrase.


Topic: Dwelling
Definition:
DWELL'ING, ppr. Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention.
DWELL'ING, n.  Habitation; place of residence; abode.
Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons.  Jer.49.
1.  Continuance; residence; state of life.
Thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. Dan.4.


Topic: Dwindle
Definition:
DWIN'DLE, v.i.  
1.  To diminish; to become less; to shrink; to waste or consume away.  The body dwindles by pining or consumption; an estate swindles by waste, by want of industry or economy; an object dwindles in size, as it recedes from view; an army dwindles by death or desertion.
Our drooping days have dwindled down to naught.
2. To degenerate; to sink; to fall away.
Religious societies may dwindle into factious clubs.
DWIN'DLE, v.t.  To make less; to bring low.
1. To break; to disperse.


Topic: Dye
Definition:
DYE, v.t. [L. tingo, for tigo.]
To stain; to color; to give a new and permanent color to; applied particularly to cloth or the materials of cloth, as wool, cotton, silk and linen; also to hats, leather, &c.  It usually expresses more or a deeper color than tinge.


Topic: Dyeing
Definition:
DY'EING, ppr. Staining; giving a new and permanent color.
DY'EING, n.  The art or practice of giving new and permanent colors; the art of coloring cloth, hats, &c.


Topic: Dying
Definition:
DY'ING, ppr.  [from die.]  Losing life; perishing; expiring; fading away; languishing.
1.  a. Mortal; destined to death; as dying bodies.


Topic: Dynameter
Definition:
DYNAM'ETER, n.  [Gr. strength, and to measure.]
An instrument for determining the magnifying power of telescopes.


Topic: Dynamics
Definition:
DYNAMICS, n. [Gr., power.] That branch of mechanical philosophy which treats of the force of moving bodies; the science of moving powers, and the effect of moving bodies acting on each other and producing motion.


Topic: Dynamometer
Definition:
DYNAMOM'ETER, n.  [See Dynameter.]  An instrument for measuring the relative strength of men and other animals.


Topic: Dynasty
Definition:
DY'NASTY, n.  [Gr. power, sovereignty; a lord or chief; to be able or strong, to prevail.]
Government; sovereignty; or rather a race or succession of kings of the same line or family, who govern a particular country; as the dynastics of Egypt or Persia.
The obligation of treaties and contracts is allowed to survive the change of dynasties.


Topic: Dyscrasy
Definition:
DYS'CRASY, a.  [Gr. evil, and habit.]  In medicine, an ill habit or state of the humors; distemperature of the juices.


Topic: Dysenteric
Definition:
DYSENTER'IC, a.  Pertaining to dysentery; accompanied with dysentery; proceeding from dysentery.
1.  Afflicted with dysentery; as a dysenteric patient.


Topic: Dysentery
Definition:
DYS'ENTERY, n.  [L. dysenteria;  Gr. bad; intestines.]
A flux in which the stools consist chiefly of blood and mucus or other morbid matter, accompanied with griping of the bowels, and followed by tenesmus.


Topic: Dysodile
Definition:
DYS'ODILE, n.  A species of coal of a greenish or yellowish gray color, in masses composed of thin layers.  When burning, it emits a very fetid odor.


Topic: Dyspeptic
Definition:
DYSPEP'TIC, a.  Afflicted with indigestion; as a dyspeptic person.
1.  Pertaining to or consisting in dyspepsy; as a dyspeptic complaint.


Topic: Dysphony
Definition:
DYS'PHONY, n.  [Gr. bad, hard; and voice.]  A difficulty of speaking, occasioned by an ill disposition of the organs of speech.


Topic: Dysury
Definition:
DYS'URY, n.  [Gr. urine.]  Difficulty in discharging the urine, attended with pain and a sensation of heat.


Topic: Each
Definition:
EACH, a.  Every one of any number separately considered or treated.
To all of them he gave each man changes of  raiment. Gen.14.
And the princes of Israel, being twelve men, each one was for the house of his fathers. Num.1.
Simeon and Levi took each man his sword. Gen.34.
The emperor distributed to each soldier in his army a liberal donative.
To each corresponds other. Let each esteem other better than himself.  It is our duty to assist each other; that is, it is our duty to assist, each to assist the other.


Topic: Ead
Definition:
EAD,ED, in names, is a Saxon word signifying happy, fortunate; as in Edward, happy preserver; Edgar, happy power; Edwin,happy conqueror; Eadulph, happy assistance; like Macarius and Eupolemus in Greek and Fausta, Fortunatus, Felicianus, in Latin.


Topic: Eadish
Definition:
E'ADISH, n.  The latter pasture or grass that comes after mowing or reaping; called also eagrass, earsh, etch. [Not used, I believe, in America.]


Topic: Eager
Definition:
E'AGER, a.  [L. acer, fierce, brisk, sharp, sour; acus, Eng.edge.]
1.  Excited by ardent desire in the pursuit of any object; ardent to pursue, perform or obtain; inflamed by desire; ardently wishing or longing. The soldiers were eager to engage the enemy.  Men are eager in the pursuit of wealth.  The lover is eager to possess the object of his affections.
2.  Ardent; vehement; impetuous; as eager spirits; eager zeal; eager clamors.
3.  Sharp; sour; acid; as eager droppings into milk. [Little used.]
4.  Sharp; keen; biting; severe; as eager air; eager cold.  [Little used.]
5.  Brittle; inflexible; not ductile; as, the gold is too eager. [Local.]


Topic: Eagerly
Definition:
E'AGERLY, adv.  With great ardor of desire; ardently; earnestly; warmly; with prompt zeal; as, he eagerly flew to the assistance of his friend.
1.  Hastily; impetuously.
2.  Keenly; sharply.


Topic: Eagerness
Definition:
E'AGERNESS, n.  Ardent desire to do, pursue or obtain any thing; animated zeal; vehement longing; ardor of inclination.  Men pursue honor with eagerness.  Detraction is often received with eagerness.  With eagerness the soldier rushes to battle. The lover's eagerness often disappoints his hopes.
1.  Tartness; sourness.


Topic: Eagle
Definition:
E'AGLE, n.  [L. aquila.]
1. A rapacious fowl of the genus Falco. The beak is crooked and furnished with a cere at the base, and the tongue is cloven or bifid.  There are several species, as, the bald or white-headed eagle, the sea eagle or ossifrage, the golden eagle, &c.
The eagle is one of the largest species of fowls, has a keen sight, and preys on small animals, fish, &c.  He lives to a great age; and it is said that one died at Vienna, after a confinement of a hundred and four years.  On account of the elevation and rapidity of his flight, and of his great strength, he is called the king of birds.  Hence the figure of an eagle was made the standard of the Romans, and a spread eagle is a principal figure in the arms of the United States of America.  Hence also in heraldry, it is one of the most noble bearings in armory.
2.  A gold coin of the United States, of the value of ten dollars, or forty-five shillings sterling.
3. A constellation in the northern hemisphere, having its right wing contiguous to the equinoctial.


Topic: Eagle-eyed
Definition:
E'AGLE-EYED, a.  Sharpsighted as an eagle; having an acute sight.
1.  Discerning; having acute intellectual vision.


Topic: Eagle-stone
Definition:
E'AGLE-STONE, n.  Etite, a variety of argillaceous oxyd of iron, occurring in masses varying from the size of a walnut to that of a man's head.  Their form is spherical, oval or nearly reniform, or sometimes like a parallelopiped with rounded edges and angles.  They have a rough surface, and are essentially composed of concentric layers. These nodules often embrace at the center a kernel or nucleus, sometimes movable, and always differing from the exterior in color, density and fracture.  To these hollow nodules the ancients gave the name of eagle-stones, from an opinion that the eagle transported them to her nest to facilitate the laying of her eggs.


Topic: Ear
Definition:
E'AR, n.  [L. auris, whence auricula; audio.]
1.  The organ of hearing; the organ by which sound is perceived; and in general, both the external and internal part is understood by the term.  The external ear is a cartilaginous funnel, attached, by ligaments and muscles, to the temporal bone.
2.  The sense of hearing, or rather the power of distinguishing sounds and judging of harmony; the power of nice perception of the differences of sound, or of consonances and dissonances.  She has a delicate ear for music, or a good ear.
3.  In the plural, the head or person.
 It is better to pass over an affront from one scoundrel,than to draw a herd about one's ears.
4.  The top, or highest part.
 The cavalier was up to the ears in love. 
5. A favorable hearing; attention; heed; regard. Give no     ear to flattery.
I cried to God--and he gave ear to me. Ps.77.
He could not gain the prince's ear.
6.  Disposition to like or dislike what is heard; opinion; judgment; taste.
He laid his sense closer--according to the style and ear of those times.
7.  Any part of a thing resembling an ear; a projecting part from the side of any thing; as the ears of a vessel used as handles.
8.  The spike of corn; that part of certain plants which contains the flowers and seeds; as an ear of wheat or maiz.
To be by the ears,------------------
To fall together by the ears,------- to fight or scuffle; to
To go together by the ears,---------  quarrel.
To set by the ears, to make strife; to cause to quarrel.


Topic: Earing
Definition:
E'ARING, n.  In seamen's language, a small rope employed to fasten the upper corner of a sail to its yard.
E'ARING, n.  A plowing of land. Gen.44.


Topic: Earl
Definition:
EARL, n.  erl.
A British title of nobility, or a nobleman, the third in rank, being next below a marquis, and next above a viscount. The title answers to count [compte] in France, and graaf in Germany. The earl formerly had the government of a shire, and was called shireman.  After the conquest earls were called counts, and from them shires have taken the name of counties.  Earl is now a mere title, unconnected with territorial jurisdiction.


Topic: Earl-marshal
Definition:
EARL-M`ARSHAL, n.  An officer in Great Britain, who has the superintendence of military solemnities.  He is the eighth great officer of state. The office was originally conferred by grant of the king, but is now hereditary in the family of the Howards.


Topic: Earliness
Definition:
EARLINESS, n.  er'liness.  [See Early and Ere.]
A state of advance or forwardness; a state of being before anything, or at the beginning; as the earliness of rising in the morning is a rising at the dawn of the morning, or before the usual time of rising.  So we speak of the earliness of spring, or the earliness of plants, to express a state somewhat in advance of the usual time of spring, or growth of plants.


Topic: Early
Definition:
EARLY, a.  er'ly. [Eng.ere.]
1.  In advance of something else; prior in time; forward; as early fruit, that is, fruit that comes to maturity before other fruit; early growth; early manhood; early old age or decrepitude, that is, premature old age.  So an early spring; an early harvest.
2.  First; being at the beginning; as early dawn.
3.  Being in good season; as, the court met at an early hour.
EARLY, adv.  er'ly.  Soon; in good season; betimes; as, rise early; come early; begin early to instill into children principles of piety.
Those who seek me early shall find me.  Prov.8.


Topic: Earmark
Definition:
E'ARMARK, n.  A mark on the ear, by which a sheep is known.
E'ARMARK, v.t.  To mark, as sheep by cropping or slitting the ear.


Topic: Earn
Definition:
EARN, v.t. ern.
1.  To merit or deserve by labor, or by any performance; to do that which entitles to a reward, whether the reward is received or not.  Men often earn money or honor which they never receive.
Earn money before you spend it, and spend less than you earn.
2.  To gain by labor, service or performance; to deserve and receive as compensation; as, to earn a dollar a day; to earn a good living; to earn honors or laurels.


Topic: Earnest
Definition:
EARNEST, a.  ern'est.
1.  Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain; having a longing desire; warmly engaged or incited.
They are never more earnest to disturb us, than when they see us most earnest in this duty.
2.  Ardent; warm; eager; zealous; animated; importunate; as earnest in love; earnest in prayer.
3.  Intent; fixed.
On that prospect strange
Their earnest eyes were fixed.
4.  Serious; important; that is, really intent or engaged; whence the phrase, in earnest.  To be in earnest, is to be really urging or stretching towards an object; intent on a pursuit. Hence, from fixed attention, comes the sense of seriousness in the pursuit, as opposed to trifling or jest.  Are you in earnest or in jest?
EARNEST, n.  ern'est.  Seriousness; a reality; a real event; as opposed to jesting or feigned appearance.
Take heed that this jest do not one day turn to earnest.
And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest.
1.  First fruits; that which is in advance, and gives promise of something to come.  Early fruit may be an earnest of fruit to follow.  The first success in arms may be an earnest of future success.  The christian's peace of mind in this life is an earnest of future peace and happiness.  Hence earnest or earnest-money is a first payment or deposit giving promise or assurance of full payment.  Hence the practice of giving an earnest to ratify a bargain.
This sense of the word is primary, denoting that which goes before, or in advance.  Thus the earnest of the spirit is given to saints, as a pledge or assurance of their future enjoyment of God's presence and favor.


Topic: Earnestly
Definition:
EARNESTLY, adv.  ern'estly. Warmly; zealously; importunately; eagerly; with real desire.
Being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly.  Luke 22.
That ye should earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Jude 3.
2.  With fixed attention; with eagerness.
A certain maid looked earnestly upon him.  Luke 22.


Topic: Earnestness
Definition:
EARNESTNESS, n.  ern'estness.  Ardor or zeal in the pursuit of any thing; eagerness; animated desire; as, to seek or ask with earnestness; to engage in a work with earnestness.
1.  Anxious care; solicitude; intenseness of desire.
2.  Fixed desire or attention; seriousness; as,the charge was maintained with a show of gravity and earnestness.


Topic: Earning
Definition:
EARNING, ppr.  ern'ing.  Meriting by services; gaining by labor or performance.
EARNING, n.  ern'ing.plu. earnings. That which is earned; that which is gained or merited by labor, services or performance; wages; reward.  The folly of young men is to spend their earnings in dissipation or extravagance.  It is wise for the poor to invest their earnings in a productive fund.


Topic: Earring
Definition:
E'ARRING, n.  A pendant; an ornament, sometimes set with diamonds, pearls or other jewels, worn at the ear, by means of a ring passing through the lobe.


Topic: Earth
Definition:
EARTH, n.  erth.
1.  Earth, in its primary sense, signifies the particles which compose the mass of the globe, but more particularly the particles which form the fine mold on the surface of the globe; or it denotes any indefinite mass or portion of that matter.  We throw up earth  with a spade or plow; we fill a pit or ditch with earth; we form a rampart with earth.  This substance being considered, by ancient philosophers, as simple, was called an element; and in popular language, we still hear of the four elements, fire, air,earth, and water.
2.  In chimistry, the term earth was, till lately, employed to denote a simple elementary body or substance, tasteless, inodorous, uninflammable and infusible.  But it has also been applied to substances which have a very sensible alkaline taste, as lime.  The primitive earths are reckoned ten in number, viz, silex, alumin, lime, magnesia, baryte, strontian, zircon, glucin, yttria and thorina.  Recent experiments prove that most or all of them are compounds of oxygen with bases, some of which appear to possess the properties of metals. In this case the earths are to be considered as metallic oxyds.
3.  The terraqueous globe which we inhabit.  The earth is nearly spherical, but a little flatted at the poles, and hence its figure is called an oblate spheroid.  It is one of the primary planets, revolving round the sun in an orbit which is between those of Venus and Mars.  It is nearly eight thousand miles in diameter, and twenty five thousand miles in circumference.  Its distance from the sun is about ninety five millions of miles,and its annual revolution constitutes the year of 365 days, 5 hours, and nearly 49 minutes.
4.  The world, as opposed to other scenes of existence.
5.  The inhabitants of the globe.
The whole earth was of one language.  Gen.11.
6.  Dry land, opposed to the sea.
God called the dry land earth.  Gen.1.
7.  Country; region; a distinct part of the globe.
In this sense, land or soil is more generally used.
In scripture, earth is used for a part of the world. Ezra. 1.2.
8.  The ground; the surface of the earth.  He fell to the earth.  The ark was lifted above the earth.
In the second month--was the earth dried. Gen.8.
9.  In scripture, things on the earth, are carnal, sensual, temporary things; opposed to heavenly, spiritual or divine things.
    10. Figuratively, a low condition. Rev.12.
    11. [from ear, L. aro, to plow.]  The act of turning up the ground in tillage. [Not used.]
EARTH, v.t.  To hide in the earth.
The fox is earthed.
1.  To cover with earth or mold.
EARTH, v.i.  To retire under ground; to burrow.  Here foxes earthed.


Topic: Earthborn
Definition:
EARTH'BORN, a.  Born of the earth; terrigenous; springing originally from the earth; as the fabled earthborn giants.
1.  Earthly; terrestrial.
All earthborn cares are wrong.


Topic: Earthflax
Definition:
EARTH'FLAX, n.  Amianth; a fibrous, flexile, elastic mineral substance, consisting of short interwoven, or long parallel filaments.


Topic: Earthliness
Definition:
EARTH'LINESS, n.  [from earthly.]  The quality of being earthly; grossness.
1.  Worldliness; strong attachment to worldly things.


Topic: Earthly
Definition:
EARTH'LY, a.  Pertaining to the earth, or to this world.
Our earthly house of this tabernacle.  2 Cor.5.
1.  Not heavenly; vile; mean,
This earthly load
Of death called life.
2.  Belonging to our present state; as earthly objects; earthly residence.
3.  Belonging to the earth or world; carnal; vile; as opposed to spiritual or heavenly.
Whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.  Phil.3.
4.  Corporeal; not mental.


Topic: Earthnut
Definition:
EARTH'NUT, n.  The groundnut, or root of the Arachis; a small round bulb or knob, like a nut.  This root or bulb is formed from the germen, which becomes a pod and is thrust into the ground by a natural motion of the stalk.
It is properly the fruit of the plant, and differs from other fruit only in the circumstance of ripening in the earth.
EARTH'NUT, n.  The pignut, or bunium; a globular root, somewhat resembling in taste a chestnut, whence it is called bulbocastanum.


Topic: Earthquake
Definition:
EARTH'QUAKE, n.  A shaking, trembling or concussion of the earth; sometimes a slight tremor; at other times a violent shaking or convulsion; at other times a rocking or heaving of the earth.  Earthquakes are usually preceded by a rattling sound in the air, or by a subterraneous rumbling noise.  Hence the name, earthdin, formerly given to an earthquake.


Topic: Earthworm
Definition:
EARTH'WORM, n.  The dew worm, a species of Lumbricus; a worm that lives under ground.
1.  A mean sordid wretch.


Topic: Earthy
Definition:
EARTH'Y, a. Consisting of earth; as earthy matter.
1.  Resembling earth; as an earthy taste or smell.
2.  Partaking of earth; terrene.
3.  Inhabiting the earth; terrestrial; as earthy spirits.
4.  Relating to earth; as an earthy sign.
5.  Gross; not refined; as an earthy conceit.
6.  Earthy fracture, in mineralogy, is when the fracture of a mineral is rough, with minute elevations and depressions.


Topic: Earwax
Definition:
E'ARWAX, n.  The cerumen; a thick viscous substance, secreted by the glands of the ear into the outer passage.


Topic: Earwig
Definition:
E'ARWIG, n.  A genus of insects of the order of Coleopters. The antennae are bristly; the elytra dimidiated; the wings covered; and the tail forked.  This animal is called in Latin forficula, from the forceps at the end of the abdomen.  The English name was given to it from an ill founded notion that the animal creeps into the ear and causes injury.
In New England, this name is vulgarly given to a species of centiped.


Topic: Ease
Definition:
EASE, n.  s as z. [L. otium.]
1.  Rest; an undisturbed state.  Applied to the body, freedom from pain, disturbance, excitement or annoyance.  He sits at his ease.  He takes his ease.
2. Applied to the mind, a quiet state; tranquillity; freedom from pain, concern, anxiety, solicitude, or any thing that frets or ruffles the mind.
His soul shall dwell at ease.  Ps.25.
Wo to them that are at ease in Zion. Amos.6.
3.  Rest from labor.
4.  Facility; freedom from difficulty or great labor. One man will perform this service with ease. This author writes with ease.
5.  Freedom from stiffness, harshness, forced expressions, or unnatural arrangement; as the ease of style.
6.  Freedom from constraint or formality; unaffectedness; as ease of behavior.
At ease, in an undisturbed state; free from pain or anxiety.


Topic: Easel
Definition:
E'ASEL, n. The frame on which painters place their canvas.
Easel-pieces, among painters, are the smaller pieces, either portraits or landscapes, which are painted on the easel, as distinguished from those which are drawn on walls, ceilings, &c.


Topic: Easement
Definition:
E'ASEMENT, n.  Convenience; accommodation; that which gives ease, relief or assistance.
He has the advantage of a free lodging, and some other easements.
In law, any privilege or convenience which one man has of another, either by prescription or charter,without profit;as a way through his land, &c.


Topic: Easily
Definition:
E'ASILY, adv. [from easy.]  Without difficulty or great labor; without great exertion, or sacrifice of labor or expense, as, this task may be easily performed; that event might have been easily foreseen.
1.  Without pain, anxiety or disturbance; in tranquillity; as, to pass life well and easily.
2. Readily; without the pain of reluctance.
Not soon provoked, she easily forgives.
3.  Smoothly; quietly; gently; without tumult or discord.
4.  Without violent shaking or jolting; as, a carriage moves easily.


Topic: Easiness
Definition:
E'ASINESS, n.  Freedom from difficulty; ease.
Easiness and difficulty are relative terms.
1. Flexibility; readiness to comply; prompt compliance; a yielding or disposition to yield without opposition or reluctance.
Give to him, and he shall but laugh at your easiness.
So we say, a man's easiness of temper is remarkable.
2.  Freedom from stiffness, constraint, effort or formality; applied to manners or to the style of writing.
3.  Rest; tranquillity; ease; freedom from pain.
4.  Freedom from shaking or jolting,as of a moving vehicle.
5.  Softness; as the easiness of a seat.


Topic: East
Definition:
EAST, n.  [L. oriens, this word may belong to the root of hoise,hoist.]
1.  The point in the heavens, where the sun is seen to rise at the equinox, or when it is in the equinoctial, or the corresponding point on the earth; one of the four cardinal points.  The east and the west are the points where the equator intersects the horizon. But to persons under the equinoctial line, that line constitutes east and west.
2.  The eastern parts of the earth; the regions or countries which lie east of Europe, or other country.  In this indefinite sense, the word is applied to Asia Minor, Syria, Chaldea, Persia, India, China, &c. We speak of the riches of the east, the diamonds and pearls of the east, the kings of the east.
The gorgeous east, with richest hand,
Pours on her kings barbaric,pearl and gold.
EAST, a.  Towards the rising sun; or towards the point where the sun rises, when in the equinoctial; as the east gate; the east border; the east side. The east wind is a wind that blows from the east.


Topic: Easter
Definition:
E'ASTER, n.  
A festival of the christian church observed in commemoration of our Savior's resurrection.  It answers to the pascha or passover of the Hebrews, and most nations still give it this name, pascha, pask, paque.


Topic: Easterly
Definition:
E'ASTERLY, a.  Coming from the eastward; as an easterly wind.
1.  Situated towards the east; as the easterly side of a lake or country.
2.  Towards the east; as, to move in an easterly direction.
3.  Looking towards the east; as an easterly exposure.
E'ASTERLY, adv.  On the east; in the direction of east.


Topic: Eastern
Definition:
E'ASTERN, a.  Oriental; being or dwelling in the east; as eastern kings; eastern countries; eastern nations.
1.  Situated towards the east; on the east part; as the eastern side of a town or church; the eastern gate.
2.  Going towards the east,or in the direction of east; as an eastern voyage.


Topic: Eastward
Definition:
E'ASTWARD, adv.  [east and ward.]  Toward the east; in the direction of east from some point or place. New Haven lies eastward from New York.  Turn your eyes eastward.


Topic: Easy
Definition:
E'ASY, a.  s as z.  [See Ease.]  Quiet;being at rest; free from pain, disturbance or annoyance. The patient has slept well and is easy.
1.  Free from anxiety, care, solicitude or peevishness; quiet; tranquil; as an easy mind.
2.  Giving no pain or disturbance; as an easy posture; an easy carriage.
3.  Not difficult; that gives or requires no great labor or exertion; that presents no great obstacles; as an easy task.  It is often more easy to resolve, than to execute.
Knowledge is easy to him that understandeth.  Prov.14.
4.  Not causing labor or difficulty.  An easy ascent or slope, is a slope rising with a small angle.
5.  Smooth; not uneven; not rough or very hilly; that may be traveled with ease; as an easy road.
6.  Gentle; moderate; not pressing; as a ship under easy sail.
7.  Yielding with little or no resistance; complying; credulous.
With such deceits he gained their easy hearts.
8.  Ready; not unwilling; as easy to forgive.
9.  Contented; satisfied. Allow hired men wages that will make them easy.
    10. Giving ease; freeing from labor, care or the fatigue of business; furnishing abundance without toil; affluent; as easy circumstances; an easy fortune.
    11. Not constrained; not stiff or formal; as easy manners; an easy address; easy movements in dancing.
    12. Smooth; flowing; not harsh; as an easy style.
    13. Not jolting; as, the horse has an easy gait.
    14. Not heavy or burdensome.
My yoke is easy, and my burden light.  Matt.11.


Topic: Eat
Definition:
EAT, v.t.  pret. ate;  pp. eat or eaten.  [L. edo, esse, esum.]
1.  To bite or chew and swallow, as food.  
Men eat flesh and vegetables.
They shall make thee to eat grass as oxen. Dan.4.
2.  To corrode; to wear away; to separate parts of a thing gradually, as an animal by gnawing.  We say a cancer eats the flesh.
3.  To consume; to waste.
When goods increase, they are increased that eat them. Ecc.5.
4.  To enjoy.
If ye be willing and obedient,ye shall eat the good of the land. Is.1.
5.  To consume; to oppress.
Who eat up my people as they eat bread.  Ps.14.
6.  To feast.
Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die. Is.22.
In scripture, to eat the flesh of Christ, is to believe on him and be nourished by faith.
To eat one's words, is to swallow back; to take back what has been uttered; to retract.
EAT, v.i.  To take food; to feed; to take a meal, or to board.
He did eat continually at the king's table. 2 Sam.
Why eateth your master with publicans and sinners.  Matt.9.
1.  To take food; to be maintained in food.
To eat, or to eat in or into, is to make way by corrosion; to gnaw, to enter by gradually wearing or separating the parts of a substance.  A cancer eats into the flesh.
Their word will eat as doth a canker.  2 Tim.2.
To eat out, to consume.
Their word will eat out the vitals of religion, corrupt and destroy it.


Topic: Eatable
Definition:
E'ATABLE, a.  That may be eaten; fit to be eaten; proper for food; esculent.
E'ATABLE, n. Any thing that may be eaten; that which is fit for food; that which is used as food.


Topic: Eaves
Definition:
EAVES, n. plu. [In English the word has a plural ending.]
The edge or lower border of the roof of a building, which overhangs the walls, and casts off the water that falls on the roof.


Topic: Eaves-drop
Definition:
E'AVES-DROP, v.i.  [eaves and drop.]  To stand under the eaves or near the windows of a house, to listen and learn what is said within doors.


Topic: Eaves-dropper
Definition:
E'AVES-DROPPER, n. One who stands under the eaves or near the window or door of a house, to listen and hear what is said within doors,whether from curiosity, or for the purpose of tattling and making mischief.


Topic: Ebb
Definition:
EBB, n.  The reflux of the tide; the return of tidewater towards the sea; opposed to flood or flowing.
1.  Decline; decay; a falling from a better to a worse state; as the ebb of life; the ebb of prosperity.
EBB, v.i.  To flow back; to return as the water of a tide towards the ocean; opposed to flow.  The tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty four hours.
1. To decay; to decline; to return or fall back from a better to a worse state.


Topic: Ebionite
Definition:
EB'IONITE,n.  The ebionites were heretics who denied the divinity of Christ and rejected many parts of the scriptures.


Topic: Ebonize
Definition:
EB'ONIZE, v.t. [See Ebony.]  To make black or tawny; to tinge with the color of ebony; as, to ebonize the fairest complexion.


Topic: Ebony
Definition:
EB'ONY, n.  [L. ebenus.]  A species of hard,heavy and durable wood, which admits of a fine polish or gloss; said to be brought from Madagascar. The most usual color is black, red or green.  The best is a jet black, free from veins and rind, very heavy, astringent and of an acrid pungent taste.  On burning coals it yields an agreeable perfume, and when green it readily takes fire from its abundance of fat.  It is wrought into toys, and used for mosaic and inlaid work.


Topic: Ebony-tree
Definition:
EB'ONY-TREE, n.  The Ebenus, a small tree constituting a genus, growing in Crete and other isles of the Archipelago.


Topic: Ebriety
Definition:
EBRI'ETY, n.  [L. ebrietas, from ebrius, intoxicated.]
Drunkenness; intoxication by spirituous liquors.


Topic: Ebullition
Definition:
EBULLI'TION, n.  [L. ebullitio, from ebullio, bullio; Eng. to boil,which see.]
1.  The operation of boiling; the agitation of a liquor by heat, which throws it up in bubbles, or more properly, the agitation produced in a fluid by the escape of a portion of it, converted into an aeriform state by heat.  Ebullition is produced by the heat of fire directly applied, or by the heat or caloric evolved by any substance in mixture.  Thus, in slaking lime, the caloric set at liberty by the a absorption of water, produces ebullition.
2.  Effervescence, which is occasioned by fermentation, or by any other process which causes the extrication of an aeriform fluid, as in the mixture of an acid with a carbonated alkali.


Topic: Eccentricity
Definition:
ECCENTRIC'ITY, n.  Deviation from a center.
1.  The state of having a center different from that of another circle.
2.  In astronomy, the distance of the center of a planet's orbit from the center of the sun; that is, the distance between the center of an ellipsis and its focus.
3.  Departure or deviation from that which is stated, regular or usual; as the eccentricity of a man's genius or conduct.
4.  Excursion from the proper sphere.


Topic: Ecchymosis
Definition:
ECCHYM'OSIS, n.  In medicine, an appearance of livid spots on the skin, occasioned by extravasated blood.


Topic: Eccoprotic
Definition:
ECCOPROT'IC, a.  [Gr. out or from, and stercus.]  Having the quality of promoting alvine discharges; laxative; loosening; gently cathartic.
ECCOPROT'IC, n. A medicine which purges gently, or which tends to promote evacuations by stool; a mild cathartic.


Topic: Echelon
Definition:
ECHELON', n.  In military tactics,the position of an army in the form of steps,or with one division more advanced than another.


Topic: Echinite
Definition:
ECH'INITE, n.  [See Echinus.]  A fossil found in chalk pits, called centronia; a petrified shell set with prickles or points; a calcarious petrifaction of the echinus or sea-hedgehog.


Topic: Echinus
Definition:
ECH'INUS, n.  [L. from Gr.]  A hedgehog.
1.  A shell-fish set with prickles or spines.  The Echinus, in natural history, forms a genus of Mollusca.  The body is roundish, covered with a bony crust, and often beset with movable prickles. There are several species and some of them eatable.
2.  With botanists, a prickly head or top of a plant; an echinated pericarp.
3.  In architecture, a member or ornament near the bottom of Ionic, Corinthian or Composite capitals, so named from its roughness, resembling, in some measure, the spiny coat of a hedgehog.


Topic: Echo
Definition:
ECH'O, n.  [L. echo; Gr.sound, to sound.]
1.  A sound reflected or reverberated from a solid body; sound returned; repercussion of sound; as an echo from a distant hill.
The sound must seem an echo to the sense.
2.  In fabulous history, a nymph, the daughter of the Air and Tellus, who pined into a sound, for love of Narcissus.
3.  In architecture, a vault or arch for redoubling sounds.
ECH'O, v.i.  To resound; to reflect sound.
The hall echoed with acclamations.
1.  To be sounded back; as echoing noise.
ECH'O, v.t.  To reverberate or send back sound; to return what has been uttered.
Those peals are echoed by the Trojan throng.


Topic: Echometer
Definition:
ECHOM'ETER, n.  [Gr. sound, and measure.]  Among musicians, a scale or rule, with several lines thereon, serving to measure the duration of sounds, and to find their intervals and ratios.


Topic: Echometry
Definition:
ECHOM'ETRY, n.  The art or act of measuring the duration of sounds.
The art of constructing vaults to produce echoes.


Topic: Eclampsy
Definition:
ECLAMP'SY, n.  [Gr. a shining, to shine.]  A flashing of light, a symptom of epilepsy.  Hence, epilepsy itself.


Topic: Eclat
Definition:
ECLAT, n.  ecla.
1.  Primarily, a burst of applause; acclamation.  Hence, applause; approbation; renown.
2.  Splendor; show; pomp.


Topic: Eclectic
Definition:
ECLEC'TIC, a.  [Gr. to choose.]  Selecting; choosing; an epithet given to certain philosophers of antiquity, who did not attach themselves to any particular sect, but selected from the opinions and principles of each, what they thought solid and good. Hence we say, an eclectic philosopher; the eclectic sect.
ECLEC'TIC, n.  A philosopher who selected from the various systems such opinions and principles as he judged to be sound and rational.
1. A christian who adhered to the doctrines of the Eclectics. Also, one of a sect of physicians.


Topic: Eclipse
Definition:
ECLIPSE, n.  eclips'.  [L. eclipsis;  Gr. defect,  to fail, to leave.]
1.  Literally, a defect or failure; hence in astronomy, an interception or obscuration of the light of the sun, moon or other luminous body.  An eclipse of the sun is caused by the intervention of the moon, which totally or partially hides the sun's disk; an eclipse of the moon is occasioned by the shadow of the earth, which falls on it and obscures it in whole or in part, but does not entirely conceal it.
2.  Darkness; obscuration. We say,his glory has suffered an eclipse.
All the posterity of our first parents suffered a perpetual eclipse of spiritual life.
ECLIPSE, v.t. eclips'.  To hide a luminous body in whole or in part and intercept its rays; as, to eclipse the sun or a star.
1. To obscure; to darken, by intercepting the rays of light which render luminous; as, to eclipse the moon.
2.  To cloud; to darken; to obscure; as, to eclipse the glory of a hero.  Hence,
3.  To disgrace.
4.  To extinguish.
Born to eclipse thy life.
ECLIPSE, v.i.  eclips'.  To suffer an eclipse.


Topic: Ecliptic
Definition:
ECLIP'TIC, n.  [Gr. to fail or be defective;  L. eclipticus, linea ecliptica, the ecliptic line, or line in which eclipses are suffered.]
1.  A great circle of the sphere supposed to be drawn through the middle of the zodiac, making an angle with the equinoctial of 23deg.30', which is the sun's greatest declination.  The ecliptic is the apparent path of the sun, but as in reality it is the earth which moves, the ecliptic is the path or way among the fixed stars which the earth in its orbit appears to describe, to an eye placed in the sun.
2.  In geography, a great circle on the terrestrial globe, answering to and falling within the plane of the celestial ecliptic.
ECLIP'TIC, a.  Pertaining to or described by the ecliptic.
1.  Suffering an eclipse.


Topic: Eclogue
Definition:
EC'LOGUE, n. ec'log.  [Gr. choice, to select.]  Literally, a select piece.  Hence, in poetry, a pastoral composition, in which shepherds are introduced conversing with each other, as the eclogues of Virgil; or it is a little elegant composition in a simple natural style and manner. An eclogue differs from an idyllion, in being appropriated to pieces in which shepherds are introduced.


Topic: Economist
Definition:
ECON'OMIST, n.  One who manages domestic or other concerns with frugality; one who expends money, time or labor judiciously, and without waste.
1.  One who writes on economy; the writer of a treatise on economy.


Topic: Economize
Definition:
ECON'OMIZE, v.i.  To manage pecuniary concerns with frugality; to make a prudent use of money, or of the means of saving or acquiring property.  It is our duty to economize, in the use of public money, as well as of our own.
ECON'OMIZE, v.t.  To use with prudence; to expend with frugality; as, to economize one's income.
To manage and economize the use of circulating medium.


Topic: Economy
Definition:
ECON'OMY, n.  [L. oeconomia; Gr. house, and law, rule.]
1.  Primarily, the management, regulation and government of a family or the concerns of a household.
2. The management of pecuniary concerns or the expenditure of money. Hence,
3.  A frugal and judicious use of money; that management which expends money to advantage,and incurs no waste; frugality in the necessary expenditure of money.  It differs from parsimony, which implies an improper saving of expense.  Economy includes also a prudent management of all the means by which property is saved or accumulated; a judicious application of time, of labor, and of the instruments of labor.
4.  The disposition or arrangement of any work; as the economy of a poem.
5.  A system of rules, regulations, rites and ceremonies; as the Jewish economy.
6.  The regular operation of nature in the generation, nutrition and preservation of animals or plants; as animal economy; vegetable economy.
7.  Distribution or due order of things.
8. Judicious and frugal management of public affairs; as political economy.
9.  System of management; general regulation and disposition of the affairs of a state or nation, or of any department of government.


Topic: Ecphractic
Definition:
ECPHRAC'TIC, a.  [Gr.]  In medicine, deobstruent; attenuating.
ECPHRAC'TIC, n.  A medicine which dissolves or attenuates viscid matter, and removes obstructions.


Topic: Ecstasy
Definition:
EC'STASY, n.  [Gr. to stand.]
1.  Primarily, a fixed state; a trance; a state in which the mind is arrested and fixed, or as we say, lost; a state in which the functions of the senses are suspended by the contemplation of some extraordinary or supernatural object.
Whether what we call ecstasy be not dreaming with our eyes open, I leave to be examined.
2.  Excessive joy; rapture; a degree of delight that arrests the whole mind; as a pleasing ecstasy; the ecstasy of love; joy may rise to ecstasy.
3.  Enthusiasm; excessive elevation and absorption of mind; extreme delight.
He on the tender grass
Would sit and hearken even to ecstasy.
4.  Excessive grief or anxiety. [Not used.]
5.  Madness; distraction.  [Not used.]
6.  In medicine, a species of catalepsy, when the person remembers, after the paroxysm is over, the ideas he had during the fit.
EC'STASY, v.t.  To fill with rapture or enthusiasm.


Topic: Edder
Definition:
ED'DER, n.  In husbandry, such wood as is worked into the top of hedge-stakes to bind them together.
ED'DER, v.t.  To bind or make tight by edder; to fasten the tops of hedge-stakes, by interweaving edder.


Topic: Eddy-water
Definition:
ED'DY-WATER, n. Among seamen, the water which falls back on the rudder of a ship under sail, called dead-water.


Topic: Eddy-wind
Definition:
ED'DY-WIND, n.  The wind returned or beat back from a sail, a mountain or any thing that hinders its passage.


Topic: Edematous
Definition:
EDEM'ATOUS, a.  [Gr. a tumor; to swell.]  Swelling with a serous humor; dropsical.  An edematous tumor is white, soft and insensible.


Topic: Eden
Definition:
E'DEN, n.  [Heb. pleasure, delight.]  The country and garden in which Adam and Eve were placed by God himself.


Topic: Edge
Definition:
EDGE, n.  [L. acies, acus.]
1.  In a general sense, the extreme border or point of any thing; as the edge of the table; the edge of a book; the edge of cloth. It coincides nearly with border, brink, margin.  It is particularly applied to the sharp border, the thin cutting extremity of an instrument, as the edge of an ax, razor, knife or scythe; also, to the point of an instrument, as the edge of a sword.
2.  Figuratively, that which cuts or penetrates; that which wounds or injures; as the edge of slander.
3.  A narrow part rising from a broader.
Some harrow their ground over, and then plow it upon an edge.
4.  Sharpness of mind or appetite; keenness; intenseness of desire; fitness for action or operation; as the edge of appetite or hunger. 
Silence and solitude set an edge on the genius.
5.  Keenness; sharpness; acrimony.
Abate the edge of traitors.
To set the teeth on edge, to cause a tingling or grating sensation in the teeth.
EDGE, v.t.
1.  To sharpen.
To edge her champion's sword.
2.  To furnish with an edge.
A sword edged with flint.
3.  To border; to fringe.
A long descending train,
With rubies edged.
4.  To border; to furnish with an ornamental border; as, to edge a flower-bed with box.
5.  To sharpen; to exasperate; to embitter.
By such reasonings,the simple were blinded, and the malicious edged.
6.  To incite; to provoke; to urge on; to instigate; that is, to push on as with a sharp point; to goad. Ardor or passion will edge a man forward,when arguments fail.
7.  To move sideways; to move by little and little; as, edge your chair along.
EDGE, v.i.  To move sideways; to move gradually.  Edge along this way.
1. To sail close to the wind.
To edge away, in sailing, is to decline gradually from the shore or from the line of the course.
To edge in with, to draw near to, as a ship in chasing.


Topic: Edgewise
Definition:
EDGEWISE, adv.  [edge and wise.]  With the edge turned forward, or towards a particular point; in the direction of the edge.
1.  Sideways; with the side foremost.


Topic: Edging
Definition:
EDG'ING, ppr.  Giving an edge; furnishing with an edge.
1.  Inciting; urging on; goading; stimulating; instigating.
2.  Moving gradually or sideways.
3.  Furnishing with a border.
EDG'ING, n.  That which is added on the border, or which forms the edge; as lace, fringe, trimming, added to a garment for ornament.
Bordered with a rosy edging.
1.  A narrow lace.
2.  In gardening, a row of small plants wet along the border of a flower-bed; as an edging of box.


Topic: Edible
Definition:
ED'IBLE, a.  [from L. edo, to eat.]  Eatable; fit to be eaten as food; esculent.  Some flesh is not edible.


Topic: Edict
Definition:
E'DICT, n.  [L. edictum, from edico, to utter or proclaim; e and dico, to speak.]
That which is uttered or proclaimed by authority as a rule of action; an order issued by a prince to his subjects,as a rule or law requiring obedience; a proclamation of command or prohibition.  An edict is an order or ordinance of a sovereign prince, intended as a permanent law, or to erect a new office, to establish new duties, or other temporary regulation; as the edicts of the Roman emperors; the edicts of the French monarch.


Topic: Edification
Definition:
EDIFICA'TION, n.  [L. oedificatio.  See Edify.]
1.  A building up, in a moral and religious sense; instruction; improvement and progress of the mind, in knowledge, in morals, or in faith and holiness.
He that prophesieth, speaketh to men to edification. 1 Cor.14.
2.  Instruction; improvement of the mind in any species of useful knowledge.


Topic: Edifice
Definition:
ED'IFICE, n.  [L. oedificium.  See Edify.]  A building; a structure; a fabric; but appropriately,  a large or splendid building. The word is not applied to a mean building, but to temples,churches or elegant mansion-houses, and to other great structures.


Topic: Edify
Definition:
ED'IFY, v.t.  [L. oedifico; oedes, a house, and facio, to make.]
1.  To build, in a literal sense.  [Not now used.]
2.  To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness.
Edify one another.  1 Thess.5.
3.  To teach or persuade. [Not used.]


Topic: Edile
Definition:
E'DILE, n.  [L. oedilis, from oedes, a building.]  A Roman magistrate whose chief business was to superintend buildings of all kinds, more especially public edifices, temples, bridges, aqueducts, &c.  The ediles had also the care of the highways, public places, weights and measures, &c.


Topic: Edit
Definition:
ED'IT, v.t.  [from L. edo, to publish; e and do, to give.]
1. Properly, to publish; more usually, to superintend a publication; to prepare a book or paper for the public eye, by writing, correcting or selecting the matter.
Those who know how volumes of the fathers are generally edited.
2.  To publish.
Abelard wrote many philosophical treatises which have never been edited.


Topic: Edition
Definition:
EDI'TION, n.  [L. editio, from edo, to publish.]
1. The publication of any book or writing; as the first edition of a new work.
2.  Republication, sometimes with revision and correction; as the second edition of a work.
3.  Any publication of a book before published; also, one impression or the whole number of copies published at once; as the tenth edition.


Topic: Editor
Definition:
ED'ITOR, n.  [L. from edo, to publish.]  A publisher; particularly, a person who superintends an impression of a book; the person who revises, corrects and prepares a book for publication; as Erasmus, Scaliger, &c.
1.  One who superintends the publication of a newspaper.


Topic: Editorial
Definition:
EDITO'RIAL, a.  Pertaining to an editor, as editorial labors; written by an editor, as editorial remarks.
   


Topic: Edituate
Definition:
EDIT'UATE, v.t.  [Low L. oedituor, from oedes, a temple or house.]
To defend or govern the house or temple. [Not in use.]


Topic: Educate
Definition:
ED'UCATE, v.t.  [L. educo, educare; e and duco, to lead.]
To bring up, as a child; to instruct; to inform and enlighten the understanding; to instill into the mind principles of arts, science, morals, religion and behavior.  To educate children well is one of the most important duties of parents and guardians.


Topic: Educated
Definition:
ED'UCATED, pp.  Brought up; instructed; furnished with knowledge or principles; trained, disciplined.


Topic: Education
Definition:
EDUCA'TION, n. [L. educatio.]   The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.


Topic: Educe
Definition:
EDU'CE, v.t.  [L. educo, eduxi; e and duco, to lead.]
To bring or draw out; to extract; to produce from a state of occultation.
Th' eternal art educing good from ill.


Topic: Educt
Definition:
E'DUCT, n.  [L. eductum, from educo.]  Extracted matter; that which is educed; that which is brought to light, by separation, analysis or decomposition.
We must consider the educts of its analysis by Bergman, &c.


Topic: Eductor
Definition:
EDUCT'OR, n.  That which brings forth, elicits or extracts.
Stimulus must be called an eductor of vital ether.


Topic: Edulcorate
Definition:
EDUL'CORATE, v.t. [Low L. edulco, from dulcis, sweet.]
1. To purify; to sweeten.  In chimistry, to render substances more mild, by freeing them from acids and salts or other soluble impurities, by washing.
2.  To sweeten by adding sugar, syrup, &c.


Topic: Edulcoration
Definition:
EDULCORA'TION, n. The act of sweetening or rendering more mild, by freeing from acid or saline substances, or from any soluble impurities.
1.  The act of sweetening by admixture of some saccharine substance.


Topic: Eel
Definition:
EEL, n.  A species of Muraena, a genus of fishes belonging to the order of apodes. The head is smooth; there are ten rays in the membrane of the gills; the eyes are covered with a common skin; the body is cylindrical and slimy.  Eels, in some respects, resemble reptiles, particularly in their manner of moving by a serpentine winding of the body; and they often creep upon land and wander about at night in search of snails or other food.  In winter, they lie buried in mud, being very impatient of cold. They grow to the weight of 15 or 20 pounds; and the conger eel is said to grow to a hundred pounds in weight, and to 10 feet in length.  They are esteemed good food.


Topic: Eelpout
Definition:
EE'LPOUT,n. A species of Gadus, somewhat resembling an eel, but shorter in proportion, seldom exceeding a foot in length.  It is a delicate fish.


Topic: Effable
Definition:
EF'FABLE, a.  [L. effabilis, from effor; ex and for, to speak.]
Utterable; that may be uttered or spoken.  [This word is not used; but ineffable is in common use.]


Topic: Efface
Definition:
EFFA'CE, v.t.  [L. ex and facio or facies.]
1.  To destroy a figure on the surface of any thing, whether painted or carved, so as to render it invisible or not distinguishable; as, to efface the letters on a monument.
2.  To blot out; to erase, strike or scratch out, so as to destroy or render illegible; as, to efface a writing; to efface a name.
3.  To destroy any impression on the mind; to wear away; as, to efface the image of a person in the mind; to efface ideas or thoughts; to efface gratitude.
To deface is to injure or impair a figure; to effect is to rub out or destroy, so as to render invisible.


Topic: Effect
Definition:
EFFECT', n.  [L. effectus, from efficio; ex and facio, to make.]
1. That which is produced by an agent or cause; as the effect of luxury; the effect of intemperance.
Poverty, disease and disgrace are the natural effects of dissipation.
2.  Consequence; event.
To say that a composition is imperfect,is in effect to say the author is a man.
3.  Purpose; general intent.
They spoke to her to that effect.  2 Chron.34.
4.  Consequence intended; utility; profit; advantage.
Christ is become of no effect to you. Gal.5.
5.  Force; validity.  The obligation is void and of no effect.
6.  Completion; perfection.
Not so worthily to be brought to heroical effect by fortune or necessity.
7.  Reality; not mere appearance; fact.
No other in effect than what it seems.
8.  In the plural, effects are goods; movables; personal estate. The people escaped from the town with their effects.
EFFECT', v.t.  [from the Noun.]  To produce, as a cause or agent; to cause to be.  The revolution in France effected a great change of property.
1. To bring to pass; to achieve; to accomplish; as, to effect an object or purpose.


Topic: Effective
Definition:
EFFECT'IVE, a.  Having the power to cause or produce; efficacious.
They are not effective of any thing.
1.  Operative; active; having the quality of producing effects.
Time is not effective,nor are bodies destroyed by it.
2.  Efficient; causing to be; as an effective cause.
3.  Having the power of active operation; able; as effective men in any army; an effective force.


Topic: Effectively
Definition:
EFFECT'IVELY, adv. With effect; powerfully; with real operation.
This effectively resists the devil.
[In this sense, effectually is generally used.]


Topic: Effectual
Definition:
EFFECT'UAL, a.  Producing an effect, or the effect desired or intended; or having adequate power or force to produce the effect. The means employed were effectual.
According to the gift of the grace of God given me by the effectual working of his power. Eph. 3.
1.  Veracious; expressive of facts. [Not used.]
2.  Effectual assassin, in Mitford, is unusual and not well authorized.


Topic: Effectually
Definition:
EFFECT'UALLY, adv.  With effect; efficaciously; in a manner to produce the intended effect; thoroughly. The weeds on land for grain must be effectually subdued.  The city is effectually guarded.


Topic: Effectuate
Definition:
EFFECT'UATE, v.t.  To bring to pass; to achieve; to accomplish; to fulfil; as, to effectuate a purpose or desire.


Topic: Effeminacy
Definition:
EFFEM'INACY, n.  [from effeminate.]  The softness, delicacy and weakness in men, which are characteristic of the female sex, but which in males are deemed a reproach; unmanly delicacy; womanish softness or weakness.
1.  Voluptuousness; indulgence in unmanly pleasures; lasciviousness.


Topic: Effeminate
Definition:
EFFEM'INATE, a.  [L. effoeminatus, from effoeminor, to grow or make womanish, from foemina, a woman. See Woman.]
1.  Having the qualities of the female sex; soft or delicate to an unmanly degree; tender; womanish; voluptuous.
The king, by his voluptuous life and mean marriage, became effeminate, and less sensible of honor.
2.  Womanish; weak; resembling the practice or qualities of the sex; as an effeminate peace; an effeminate life.
3.  Womanlike, tender, in a sense not reproachful.
EFFEM'INATE, v.t.  To make womanish; to unman; to weaken; as to effeminate children.
EFFEM'INATE, v.i.  To grow womanish or weak; to melt into weakness.
In a slothful peace courage will effeminate.


Topic: Effeminately
Definition:
EFFEM'INATELY,  adv.  In a womanish manner; weakly; softly.
1.  By means of a woman; as effeminately vanquished.


Topic: Effemination
Definition:
EFFEMINA'TION, n.  The state of one grown womanish; the state of being weak or unmanly.  [Little used.]


Topic: Effervesce
Definition:
EFFERVESCE, v.i. efferves'.  [L. effervesco, from ferveo, to be hot, to rage.See Fervent.]  To be in natural commotion, like liquor when gently boiling; to bubble and hiss, as fermenting liquors, or any fluid,when some part escapes in an elastic form; to work, as new wine.


Topic: Effervescence
Definition:
EFFERVES'CENCE, n.  A kind ofnatural ebullition; that commotion of a fluid,which takes place, when some part of the mass flies off in an elastic form, producing innumerable small bubbles; as the effervescence or working of new wine,cider or beer; the effervescence of a carbonate with nitric acid.


Topic: Effervescible
Definition:
EFFERVES'CIBLE, a.  That has the quality of effervescing; capable of producing effervescence.
 A small quantity of effervescible matter.


Topic: Effervescing
Definition:
EFFERVES'CING, ppr. Boiling;bubbling, by means of an elastic fluid extricated in the dissolution of bodies.


Topic: Effete
Definition:
EFFE'TE, a.  [L. effoetus, effetus; ex and foetus, embryo.]
1.  Barren; not capable of producing young, as animal, or fruit, as the earth.  An animal becomes effete by losing the power of conception.  The earth may be rendered effete, by drouth, or by exhaustion of fertility.
2.  Worn out with age; as effete sensuality.


Topic: Efficacious
Definition:
EFFICA'CIOUS, a.  [L. efficax, from efficio.  See Effect.]
Effectual; productive of effects; producing the effect intended; having power adequate to the purpose intended; powerful; as an efficacious remedy for disease.


Topic: Efficaciously
Definition:
EFFICA'CIOUSLY, adv.  Effectually; in such a manner as to produce the effect desired.  We say, a remedy has been efficaciously applied.


Topic: Efficacy
Definition:
EF'FICACY, n.  [L. efficax.]  Power to produce effects;production to the effect intended; as the efficacy of the gospel in converting men from sin; the efficacy of prayer; the efficacy of medicine in counteracting disease; the efficacy of manure in fertilizing land.


Topic: Efficient
Definition:
EFFI'CIENT, a.  Causing effects; producing; that causes any thing to be what is is.  The efficient cause is that which produces; the final cause is that for which it is produced.
EFFI'CIENT, n.  The agent or cause which produces or causes to exist.
1.  He that makes.


Topic: Effigy
Definition:
EF'FIGY, n.  [L. effigies, from effingo, to fashion; ex and fingo, to form or devise.]
1.  The image or likeness of a person; resemblance; representation; any substance fashioned into the shape of a person.
2.  Portrait; likeness; figure, in sculpture or painting.
3.  On coins,the print or impression representing the head of the prince who struck the coin.
To burn or hang in effigy, is to burn or hang an image or picture of the person intended to be executed, disgraced or degraded.  In France,when a criminal cannot be apprehended, his picture is hung on a gallows or gibbet, at the bottom of which is written his sentence of condemnation.


Topic: Effloresce
Definition:
EFFLORESCE, v.t.  efflores'.  [L. effloresco, from floresco, floreo, to blossom, flos, a flower.  See Flower.
1. In chimistry, to form a mealy powder on the surface; to become pulverulent or dusty on the surface.  Substances effloresce by losing their water of crystallization.
Those salts whose crystals effloresce, belong to the class which is most soluble, and crystalize by cooling.
2.  To form saline vegetation on the surface; or rather to shoot out minute spicular crystals; as the efflorescence of salts on plaster.


Topic: Efflorescence
Definition:
EFFLORES'CENCE, n.  In botany,the time of flowering; the season when a plant shows its first blossoms.
1.  Among physicians, a redness of the skin; eruptions; as in rash, measles, small pox, scarlatina, &c.
2.  In chimistry, the formation of small white threads, resembling the sublimated matter called flower, on the surface of certain bodies, as salts.  This is properly a shooting out of minute spicular crystals, called sometimes a saline vegetation, as that of the sulphate of magnesia on the deserts of Siberia, and of natron in Egypt.  In butter much salted, the salt shoots in spiculae, and an efflorescence is often seen on walls formed with plaster.  In some species of salts, as in sulphate and carbonate of soda, the efflorescence consists of a fine white dust.  This kind of efflorescence is the contrary of deliquescence.  In the latter, the saline crystals decompose the air, or rather abstract moisture from it; in the former, the atmosphere decomposes the saline crystals, and the water of crystallization is abstracted from the salts.


Topic: Effluence
Definition:
EF'FLUENCE, n.  [L. effluens, effluo; ex and fluo, to flow.  See Flow.]  A flowing out; that which flows or issues from any body or substance.
Bright effluence of bright essence increate.


Topic: Effluvium
Definition:
EFFLU'VIUM, n.  plu. effluvia.  [L. from effluo, to flow out.  See Flow.]  The minute and often invisible particles which exhale from most, if not all terrestrial bodies, such as the odor or smell of plants, and the noxious exhalations from diseased bodies or putrefying animal or vegetable substances.


Topic: Efflux
Definition:
EF'FLUX, n.  [L. effluxus, from effluo, to flow out.]
1. The act of flowing out, or issuing in a stream; as an efflux of matter from an ulcer.
2.  Effusion; flow; as the first efflux of men's piety.
3.  That which flows out; emanation.
Light--efflux divine.


Topic: Effluxion
Definition:
EFFLUX'ION, n.  [L. effluxum, from effluo.]
1.  The act of flowing out.
2.  That which flows out; effluvium; emanation.


Topic: Efforce
Definition:
EFFO'RCE, v.t.
1.  To force; to break through by violence.
2.  To force; to ravish.
3.  To strain; to exert with effort.
[This word is now rarely used; perhaps never, except in poetry. We now use force.]


Topic: Effort
Definition:
EF'FORT, n.  [L. fortis. See Force.]  A straining; an exertion of strength; endeavor; strenuous exertion to accomplish an object; applicable to physical or intellectual power. The army, by great efforts, scaled the walls.  Distinction in science is gained by continued efforts of the mind.


Topic: Effossion
Definition:
EFFOS'SION, n. [L. effossus, from effodio, to dig out.]  The act of digging out of the earth; as the effossion of coins.


Topic: Effrenation
Definition:
EFFRENA'TION, n.  [L. effroenatio, from froenum, a rein.]
Unbridled rashness or license; unruliness.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Effrontery
Definition:
EFFRONT'ERY, n.  Impudence; assurance; shameless boldness; sauciness; boldness transgressing the bounds of modesty and decorum.  Effrontry is a sure mark of ill breading.


Topic: Effulge
Definition:
EFFULGE, v.i.  effulj'.  [L. effulgeo; ex and fulgeo, to shine.]
To send forth a flood of light; to shine with splendor.


Topic: Effulgence
Definition:
EFFUL'GENCE, n. A flood of light; great luster or brightness; splendor; as the effulgence of divine glory.  It is a word of superlative signification, and applied,with peculiar propriety, to the sun and to the Supreme Being.


Topic: Effuse
Definition:
EFFU'SE, v.t.  effu'ze.  [L. effusus, from effundo; ex and fundo, to pour.]  To pour out as a fluid; so spill; to shed.
With gushing blood effused.
EFFU'SE, a.  Dissipated; profuse.  [Not in used.]


Topic: Effusion
Definition:
EFFU'SION, n.  effu'zhon.  The act of pouring out as a liquid.
1.  The act of pouring out; a shedding or spilling; waste; as the effusion of blood.
2.  The pouring out of words.
3.  The act of pouring out or bestowing divine influence; as the effusions of the Holy Spirit; effusions of grade.
4.  That which is poured out.
Wash me with that precious effusion, and I shall be whiter than snow.
5.  Liberal donation.  [Not used.]


Topic: Egeran
Definition:
E'GERAN, n.  [from Eger, in bohemia.]  A subspecies of pyramidical garnet, of a reddish brown color.  It occurs massive or crystallized.


Topic: Egg
Definition:
EGG, n.  [L. ovum, by a change of g into v.]  A body formed in the females of fowls and certain other animals, containing an embryo or fetus of the same species, or the substance from which a like animal is produced.  The eggs of fowls when laid are covered with a shell, and within is the white or albumen, which incloses the yolk or yellow substance.  The eggs of fish and some other animals are united by a viscous substance, and called spawn.  Most insects are oviparous.
Egg, to incite, is a more blunder.  [See Edge.]


Topic: Egoist
Definition:
E'GOIST, n.  [from L. ego.]  A name given to certain followers of Des Cartes, who held the opinion that they were uncertain of every thing except their own existence and the operations and ideas of their own minds.


Topic: Egotism
Definition:
E'GOTISM, n.  [L. ego.]  Primarily, the practice of too frequently using the word I.  Hence, a speaking or writing much of one's self; self-praise; self-commendation; the act or practice of magnifying one's self, or making one's self of importance.
A deplorable egotism of character.


Topic: Egotist
Definition:
E'GOTIST, n.  One who repeats the word I very often in conversation or writing; one who speaks much of himself, or magnifies his own achievements; one who makes himself the hero of every tale.


Topic: Egregious
Definition:
EGRE'GIOUS, a.  [L. egregius, supposed to be from e or ex grege, from or out of or beyond the herd, select, choice.]
1.  Eminent; remarkable; extraordinary; distinguished; as egregious exploits; an egregious prince.  But in this sense it is seldom applied to persons.
2.  In a bad sense, great; extraordinary; remarkable; enormous; as an egregious mistake; egregious contempt.  In this sense it is often applied to persons; as an egregious rascal; an  egregious murderer.


Topic: Egregiously
Definition:
EGRE'GIOUSLY, adv.  Greatly; enormously; shamefully; usually in a bad sense; as, he is egregiously mistaken; they were egregiously cheated.


Topic: Egress
Definition:
E'GRESS, n.  [L. egressus, from egredior; e and gradior, to step.]
The act of going or issuing out, or the power of departing from any inclosed or confined place.
Gates of burning adamant,
Barr'd over us, prohibit all egress.


Topic: Egret
Definition:
E'GRET, n.  The lesser white heron, a fowl of the genus Ardea; an elegant fowl with a white body and a crest on the head.
1.  In botany, the flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds, as the down of the thistle.


Topic: Eights-core
Definition:
EIGHTS-CORE, a. or n.  'atescore.  [eight and score; score is a notch noting twenty.]  Eight times twenty; a hundred and sixty.


Topic: Eigne
Definition:
EIGNE, a. Eldest; an epithet, used in law to denote the eldest son; as bastard eigne.
1. Unalienable; entailed; belonging to the eldest son.  [Not used.]


Topic: Either
Definition:
E'ITHER, a. or pron.  
1.  One or another of any number. Here are ten oranges; take either orange of the whole number, or take either of them. In the last phrase, either stands as a pronoun or substitute.
2.  One of two.  This sense is included in the foregoing.
Lepidus flatters both,
Of both is flattered; but he neither loves,
Nor either cares for him.
3.  Each; every one separately considered.
On either side of the river. Rev.22.
4. This word, when applied to sentences or propositions, is called a distributive or a conjunction.  It precedes the first of two or more alternatives, and is answered by or before the second, or succeeding alternatives.
Either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he sleepeth.  l Kings 18.
In this sentence, either refers to each of the succeeding clauses of the sentence.


Topic: Ejaculate
Definition:
EJAC'ULATE, v.t.  [L. ejaculor, from jaculor, to throw or dart, jaculum, a dart, from jacio, to throw.]
To throw out; to cast; to shoot; to dart; as rays of light ejaculated.
It is now seldom used, except to express the utterance of a short prayer; as,he ejaculated a few words.


Topic: Ejaculation
Definition:
EJACULA'TION, n.  The act of throwing or darting out with a sudden force and rapid flight; as the ejaculation of light. [This sense is nearly obsolete.]
 1.  The uttering of a short prayer; or a short occasional prayer uttered.


Topic: Ejaculatory
Definition:
EJAC'ULATORY, a.  Suddenly darted out; uttered in short sentences; as an ejaculatory prayer or petition.
1.  Sudden; hasty; as ejaculatory repentance.
2.  Casting; throwing out.


Topic: Eject
Definition:
EJECT', v.t.  [L. ejicio, ejectum; e and jacio, to throw; jacto.]
1.  To throw out; to cast forth; to thrust out, as from a place inclosed or confined.
2.  To discharge through the natural passages or emunctories; to evacuate.
3.  To throw out or expel from an office; to dismiss from an office; to turn out; as, to eject a clergyman.
4.  To dispossess of land or estate.
5.  To drive away; to expel; to dismiss with hatred.
6.  To cast away; to reject; to banish; as, to eject words from a language.


Topic: Ejected
Definition:
EJECT'ED, pp.  Thrown out; thrust out; discharged; evacuated; expelled; dismissed; dispossessed; rejected.


Topic: Ejection
Definition:
EJEC'TION, n.  [L. ejectio.]  The act of casting out; expulsion.
1.  Dismission from office.
2.  Dispossession; a turning out from possession by force or authority.
3.  The discharge of any excrementitious matter through the pores or other emunctories; evacuation; vomiting.
4.  Rejection.


Topic: Ejectment
Definition:
EJECT'MENT, n.  Literally, a casting out; a dispossession.
1.  In law, a writ or action which lies for the recovery of possession of land from which the owner has been ejected, and for trial of title.  Ejectment may be brought by the lessor against the lessee for rent in arrear, or for holding over his term; also by the lessee for years, who has been ejected before the expiration of his term.


Topic: Ejulation
Definition:
EJULA'TION, n.  [L. ejulatio, from ejulo, to cry, to yell, to wail.]
Outcry; a wailing; a loud cry expressive of grief or pain; mourning; lamentation.


Topic: Eke
Definition:
EKE, v.t.  [L. augeo.]
1.  To increase; to enlarge; as, to eke a store of provisions. 2.  To add to; to supply what is wanted; to enlarge by addition; sometimes with out; as, to eke or eke out a piece of cloth; to eke out a performance.
3.  To lengthen; to prolong; as, to eke out the time.
EKE, adv.  [L. ac, and also.]  Also, likewise; in addition.
'Twill be prodigious hard to prove,
That this is eke the throne of love.
[This word is nearly obsolete, being used only in poetry of the familiar and ludicrous kind.]


Topic: Elaborate
Definition:
ELAB'ORATE, v.t.  [L. elaboro, from laboro, labor.  See Labor.]
1. To produce with labor.
They in full joy elaborate a sigh.
2.  To improve or refine by successive operations.  The heat of the sun elaborates the juices of plants and renders the fruit more perfect.
ELAB'ORATE, a.  [L. elaboratus.]  Wrought with labor; finished with great diligence; studies; executed with exactness; as an elaborate discourse; an elaborate performance.
Drawn to the life in each elaborate page.


Topic: Elaolite
Definition:
ELA'OLITE, n.  [Gr. olive.]  A mineral, called also fettstein [fat-stone.]  from  its greasy appearance.  It has a crystalline structure, more or less distinctly foliated in directions parallel to the sides of a rhombic prism, and also in the direction of the shorter diagonals of the bases.  Its fracture is uneven, and sometimes imperfectly conchoidal.  Some varieties are slightly chatoyant.  It is fusible by the blow-pipe into a white enamel.  Its colors are greenish or bluish gray, greenish blue and flesh red, and it is more or less translucent.


Topic: Elapse
Definition:
ELAPSE, v.i.  elaps'.  [L. elapsus, from elabor,labor, to slide.]
To slide away; to slip or glide away; to pass away silently, as time; applied chiefly  or wholly to time.  [Instead of elapse,the noun, we use lapse.]


Topic: Elasticity
Definition:
ELASTIC'ITY, n.  The inherent property in bodies by which they recover their former figure or state, after external pressure,tension or distortion.  Thus elastic gum, extended, will contract to its natural dimensions, when the force is removed.  Air, when compressed, will, on the removal of the compressing force, instantly dilate and fill its former space.


Topic: Elate
Definition:
ELA'TE, a.  [L. elatus.]  Raised; elevated in mind; flushed, as with success.  Whence, lofty; haughty; as elate with victory.  [It is used chiefly in poetry.]
ELA'TE, v.t.  To raise or swell, as the minds or spirits; to elevate with success; to puff up; to make proud.
1.  To raise; to exalt.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Elated
Definition:
ELA'TED, pp.  Elevated in mind or spirits; puffed up, as with honor, success or prosperity.  We say, elated with success; elated with pride.  [This is used in prose.]


Topic: Elaterium
Definition:
ELATE'RIUM, n.  A substance deposited from the very acrid juice of the Momordica elaterium, wild cucumber.  It is in thin cakes of a greenish color and bitter taste, and is a powerful cathartic.


Topic: Elatin
Definition:
EL'ATIN, n.  The active principle of the elaterium, from which the latter is supposed to derive its cathartic power.


Topic: Elation
Definition:
ELA'TION, n.  An inflation or elevation of mind proceeding from self-approbation; self-esteem, vanity or pride, resulting from success.  Hence, haughtiness;pride of prosperity.


Topic: Elbow
Definition:
EL'BOW, n.
1.  The outer angle made by the bend of the arm.
The wings that waft our riches out of sight
Grow on the gamester's elbows.
2.  Any flexure or angle; the obtuse angle of a wall, building or road.
To be at the elbow, is to be very near; to be by the side; to be at hand.
EL'BOW, v.t.  To push with the elbow.
1.  To push or drive to a distance; to encroach on.
He'll elbow out his neighbors.
EL'BOW, v.i.  To jut into an angle; to project; to bend.


Topic: Elbow-room
Definition:
EL'BOW-ROOM, n.  Room to extend the elbows on each side; hence, in its usual acceptation, perfect freedom from confinement; ample room for motion or action.


Topic: Eld
Definition:
ELD, n.  Old age; decrepitude.
1.  Old people; persons worn out with age.
[This word is entirely obsolete.  But its derivative elder is in use.]


Topic: Eldership
Definition:
ELD'ERSHIP, n.  Seniority; the state of being older.
1.  The office of an elder.
2.  Presbytery; order of elders.


Topic: Eldest
Definition:
ELD'EST, a.  Oldest; most advanced in age; that was born before others; as the eldest son or daughter.  It seems to always applied to persons or at least to animals, and not to things.  If ever applied to things, it must signify, that was first formed or produced, that has existed the longest time.  But applied to things we use oldest.


Topic: Eleatic
Definition:
ELEAT'IC, a. An epithet given to a certain sect of philosophers, so called from Elea, or Velia, a town of the Lucani; as the Eleatic sect or philosophy.


Topic: Elecampane
Definition:
ELECAMPA'NE, n.  [L. helenium, from Gr. which signifies this plant and a feast in honor of Helen.  Pliny informs us that this plant was so called because it was said to have sprung from the tears of Helen.  The past part of the word is from the Latin campana; inula campana.]
A genus of plants, the Inula, of many species.  The common elecampane has a perennial, thick, branching root, of a strong odor, and is used in medicine.  It is sometimes called yellow star-wort.  The Germans are said to candy the root, like ginger, calling it German spice.


Topic: Elect
Definition:
ELECT', v.t.  [L. electus, from eligo; e or ex and lego; Gr. to choose.]
1.  Properly, to pick out; to select from among two or more, that which is preferred.  Hence,
2.  To select or take for an office or employment; to choose from among a number; to select or manifest preference by vote or designation; as, to elect a representative by ballot or viva voce; to elect a president or governor.
3.  In theology, to designate, choose or select as an object of mercy or favor.
4.  To choose; to prefer; to determine in favor of.
ELECT', a. Chosen, taken by preference from among two or more.  Hence,
1.  In theology, chosen as the object of mercy; chosen, selected or designated to eternal life; predestinated in the divine counsels.
2.  Chosen, but no inaugurated, consecrated or invested with office; as bishop elect; emperor elect; governor or mayor elect. But in the scriptures, and in theology, this word is generally used as a noun.
ELECT', n.  One chosen or set apart; applied to Christ.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.  Is. 42.
1.  Chosen or designated by God to salvation; predestinated to glory as the end, and to sanctification as the means; usually with a plural signification, the elect.
Shall not God avenge his own elect?  Luke 18.
If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Matt.24.
He shall send his angels--and they shall gather his elect from the four winds.  Matt.24.
2.  Chosen; selected; set apart as a peculiar church and people; applied to the Israelites.  Is.45.


Topic: Elected
Definition:
ELECT'ED, pp.  Chosen; preferred; designated to office by some act of the constituents, as by vote; chosen or predestinated to eternal life.


Topic: Electing
Definition:
ELECT'ING, ppr. Choosing; selecting from a number; preferring; designating to office by choice or preference; designating or predestinating to eternal salvation.


Topic: Election
Definition:
ELEC'TION, n.  [L. electio.]  The act of choosing; choice; the act of selecting one or more from others.  Hence appropriately,
1.  The act of choosing a person to fill an office or employment, by any manifestation of preference, as by ballot, uplifted hands or viva voce; as the election of a king, of a president, or a mayor.
Corruption in elections is the great enemy of freedom.
2. Choice; voluntary preference; free will; liberty to act or not.  It is at his election to accept or refuse.
3.  Power of choosing or selecting.
4.  Discernment; discrimination; distinction.
To use men with much difference and election is good.
5. In theology, divine choice; predetermination of God, by which persons are distinguished as objects of mercy, become subjects of grace, are sanctified and prepared for heaven.
There is a remnant according to the election of grace. 
Rom.11.
6.  The public choice of officers.
7.  The day of a public choice of officers.
8.  Those who are elected.
The election hath obtained it. Rom.11.


Topic: Electioneer
Definition:
ELECTIONEE'R, v.i.  To make interest for a candidate at an election; to use arts for securing the election of a candidate.


Topic: Electioneering
Definition:
ELECTIONEE'RING, ppr.  Using influence to procure the election of a person.
ELECTIONEE'RING, n.  The arts or practices used for securing the choice of one to office.


Topic: Elective
Definition:
ELECT'IVE, a.  Dependent on choice, as an elective monarchy, in which the king is raised to the throne by election; opposed to hereditary.
1.  Bestowed or passing by election; as an office is elective.
2.  Pertaining to or consisting in choice or right of choosing; as elective franchise.
3.  Exerting the power of choice; as an elective act.
4.  Selecting for combination; as elective attraction, which is a tendency in bodies to unite with certain kinds of matter in preference to others.


Topic: Elector
Definition:
ELECT'OR, n.  One who elects, or one who has the right of choice; a person who has,by law or constitution, the right of voting for an officer, In free governments, the people or such of them as possess certain qualifications of age, character and property, are the electors of their representatives, &c., in parliament, assembly, or other legislative body.  In the United States, certain persons are appointed or chosen to be electors of the president or chief magistrate.  In Germany, certain princes were formerly electors of the emperor, and elector was one of their titles, as the elector of Saxony.


Topic: Electoral
Definition:
ELECT'ORAL, a.  Pertaining to election or electors. The electoral college in Germany consisted of all the electors of the empire, being nine in number, six secular princes and three archbishops.


Topic: Electorate
Definition:
ELECT'ORATE, n.  The dignity of an elector in the German empire.
1.  The territory of an elector in the German empire.


Topic: Electre
Definition:
ELEC'TRE, n. [L. electrum.]  Amber.  [Bacon used this word for a compound or mixed metal. But the word is not now used.]


Topic: Electric
Definition:
ELEC'TRIC, n.  Any body or substance capable of exhibiting electricity by means of friction or otherwise,and of resisting the passage of it from one body to another.  Hence an electric is called a non-conductor, an electric per se.  Such are amber, glass, rosin, wax, gum-lac, sulphur, &c.


Topic: Electrician
Definition:
ELECTRI'CIAN, n.  A person who studies electricity, and investigates its properties,by observation and experiments; one versed in the science of electricity.


Topic: Electricity
Definition:
ELECTRIC'ITY, n.  The operations of a very subtil fluid, which appears to be diffused through most bodies, remarkable for the rapidity of its motion, and one of the most powerful agents in nature.  The name is given to the operations of this fluid, and to the fluid itself.  As it exists in bodies, it is denominated a property of those bodies, though it may be a distinct substance, invisible, intangible and imponderable.  When an electric body is rubbed with a soft dry substance, as with woolen cloth, silk or fur, it attracts or repels light substances, at a greater or less distance, according to the strength of the electric virtue; and the friction may be continued, or increased, till the electric body will emit sparks or flashes resembling fire, accompanied with a sharp sound. When the electric fluid passes from cloud to cloud, from the clouds to the earth, or from the earth to the clouds, it is called lightning, and produces thunder.  Bodies which, when rubbed, exhibit this property, are called electrics or non-conductors. Bodies, which,when excited, do not exhibit this property, as water and metals, are called non-electrics or conductors, as they readily convey electricity from one body to another, at any distance, and such is the rapidity of the electric fluid in motion, that no perceptible space of time is required for its passage to any known distance.
It is doubted by modern philosophers whether electricity is a fluid or material substance.  Electricity, according to Professor Silliman, is a power which causes repulsion and attraction between the masses of bodies under its influence; a power which causes the heterogeneous particles of bodies to separate, thus producing chimical decomposition; one of the causes of magnetism.


Topic: Electrictrical
Definition:
ELEC'TRIC'TRICAL, a.  [Gr. amber.]
1.  Containing electricity, or capable of exhibiting it when excited by friction; as an electric body, such as amber and glass; 
an electric substance.
2.  In general, pertaining to electricity; as electric power or virtue; electric attraction or repulsion; electric fluid.
3.  Derived from or produced by electricity; as electrical effects; electric vapor; electric shock.
4.  Communicating a shock like electricity; as the electric eel or fish.


Topic: Electrifiable
Definition:
ELEC'TRIFIABLE, a.  [from electrify.]  Capable of receiving electricity, or of being charged with it; that may become electric.
1.  Capable of receiving and transmitting the electrical fluid.


Topic: Electrify
Definition:
ELEC'TRIFY, v.t.  To communicate electricity to; to charge with electricity.
1.  To cause electricity to pass through; to affect by electricity; to give an electric shock to.
2.  To excite suddenly; to give a sudden shock; as, the whole assembly was electrified.


Topic: Electro-chimistry
Definition:
ELECTRO-CHIM'ISTRY, n. That science which treats of the agency of electricity and galvanism in effecting chimical changes.


Topic: Electro-magnetic
Definition:
ELECTRO-MAGNET'IC, a.  Designating what pertains to magnetism, as connected with electricity, or affected by it.  Electromagnetic phenomena.


Topic: Electro-magnetism
Definition:
ELECTRO-MAG'NETISM, n.  That science which treats of the agency of
electricity and galvanism in communicating magnetic properties.


Topic: Electro-motion
Definition:
ELECTRO-MO'TION, n.  The motion of electricity or galvanism, or the passing of it from one metal to another, by the attraction or influence of one metal plate in contact with another.


Topic: Electro-negative
Definition:
ELECTRO-NEG'ATIVE, a.  Repelled by bodies negatively electrified, and attracted by those positively electrified.


Topic: Electro-positive
Definition:
ELECTRO-POS'ITIVE, a.  Attracted by bodies negatively electrified, or by the negative pole of the galvanic arrangement.


Topic: Electrometer
Definition:
ELECTROM'ETER, n.  [L. electrum; Gr. amber, and to measure.]
An instrument for measuring the quantity or intensity of electricity, or its quality; or an instrument for discharging it from a jar.


Topic: Electrometrical
Definition:
ELECTROMET'RICAL, a.  Pertaining to an electrometer; made by an electrometer; as an electrometrical experiment.


Topic: Electromotor
Definition:
ELEC'TROMOTOR, n.  [electrum and motor.]  A mover of the electric fluid; an instrument or apparatus so called.


Topic: Electrum
Definition:
ELEC'TRUM, n.  [L. amber.]  In mineralogy, an argentiferous gold ore, or native alloy, of a pale brass yellow color.


Topic: Electuary
Definition:
ELEC'TUARY, n.  [Low L. electarium, electuarium; Gr. to lick.]
In pharmacy, a form of medicine composed of powders, or other ingredients, incorporated with some conserve, honey or syrup, and made into due consistence, to be taken in doses, like boluses.


Topic: Eleemosynary
Definition:
ELEEMOS'YNARY, a.  [Gr. alms, to pity, compassion.]
1.  Given in charity; given or appropriated to support the poor; as eleemosynary rents or taxes.
2.  Relating to charitable donations; intended for the distribution of alms, or for the use and management of donations, whether for the subsistence of the poor or for the support and promotion of learning; as an eleemosynary corporation.  A hospital founded by charity is an eleemosynary institution for the support of the poor, sick and impotent; a college founded by donations is an eleemosynary institution for the promotion of learning. The corporation entrusted with the care of such institutions is eleemosynary.
ELEEMOS'YNARY, n.  One who subsists on charity.


Topic: Elegant
Definition:
EL'EGANT, a.  [L. elegans.]  Polished; polite; refined; graceful; pleasing to good taste; as elegant manners.
1.  Polished, neat; pure; rich in expressions; correct in arrangement; as an elegant style or composition.
2.  Uttering or delivering elegant language with propriety and grace; as an elegant speaker.
3.  Symmetrical; regular; well formed in its parts, proportions and distribution; as an elegant structure.
4.  Nice; sensible to beauty; discriminating beauty from deformity or imperfection; as an elegant taste.  [This is a loose application of the word; elegant being used for delicate.]
5.  Beautiful in form and colors; pleasing; as an elegant flower.
6.  Rich; costly and ornamental; as elegant furniture or equipage.


Topic: Elegantly
Definition:
EL'EGANTLY, adv.  In a manner to please; with elegance; with beauty; with pleasing propriety; as a composition elegantly written.
1.  With due symmetry; with well formed and duly proportioned parts; as a house elegantly built.
2.  Richly; with rich or handsome materials well disposed; as a room elegantly furnished; a woman elegantly dressed.


Topic: Elegiac
Definition:
ELE'GIAC, a.  [Low L. elegiacus.  See Elegy.]  Belonging to elegy; plaintive; expressing sorrow or lamentation; as an elegiac lay; elegiac strains.
1.  Used in elegies.  Pentameter verse is elegiac.


Topic: Elegit
Definition:
ELE'GIT, n.  [L. eligo, elegi, to choose.]  A writ of execution, by which a defendant's goods are apprized, and delivered to the plaintiff,and if not sufficient to satisfy the debt, one moiety of his lands are delivered, to be held till the debt is paid by the rents and profits.
1.  The title to estate by elegit.


Topic: Elegy
Definition:
EL'EGY, n.  [L. elegia; Gr. to speak or utter.; L. lugeo.  The verbs may have a common origin, for to speak and to cry out in wailing are only modifications of the same act, to throw out the voice with more or less vehemence.]
1.  A mournful or plaintive poem, or a funeral song; a poem or a song expressive of sorrow and lamentation.
2.  A short poem without points or affected elegancies.


Topic: Element
Definition:
EL'EMENT, n.  [L. elementus.]
1.  The first or constituent principle or minutest part or any thing; as the elements of earth, water, salt, or wood; the elements of the world; the elements of animal or vegetable bodies.  So letters are called the elements of language.
2.  An ingredient; a constituent part of any composition.
3.  In a chimical sense, an atom; the minutest particle of a substance; that which cannot be divided by chimical analysis, and therefore considered as a simple substance, as oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, &c.
 An element is strictly the last result of chimical analysis; that which cannot be decomposed by any means now employed.
 An atom is the last result of mechanical division; that which cannot be any farther divided, without decomposition; hence there may be both elementary and compound atoms.
4.  In the plural, the first rules or principles of an art or science; rudiments; as the elements of geometry; the elements of music; the elements of painting; the elements of a theory.
5.  In popular language, fire,air, earth and water, are called the four elements, as formerly it was supposed that these are simple bodies,of which the world is composed.  Later discoveries prove air, earth and water to be compound bodies,and fire to be only the extrication of light and heat during combustion.
6.  Element, in the singular, is sometimes used for the air.
7.  The substance which forms the natural or most suitable habitation of an animal.  Water is the proper element of fishes; air, of man.  Hence,
8.  The proper state or sphere of any thing; the state of things suited to one's temper or habits.  Faction is the element of a demagogue.
9.  The matter or substances which compose the world.
The elements shall melt with fervent heat.  2 Pet.3.
    10. The outline or sketch; as the elements of a plan.
    11. Moving cause or principle; that which excites action.
Passions, the elements of life.


Topic: Elemental
Definition:
ELEMENT'AL, a.  Pertaining to elements.
1.  Produced by some of the four supposed elements; as elemental war.
2.  Produced by elements; as elemental strife.
3.  Arising from first principles.


Topic: Elementally
Definition:
ELEMENT'ALLY, adv.  According to elements; literally; as the words, 'Take, eat; this is my body,' elementally understood.


Topic: Elemi
Definition:
EL'EMI, n.  The gum elemi, so called; but said to be a resinous substance, the produce of the Amyris elemifera, a small tree or shrub of South America.  It is of a whitish color tinged with green or yellow.


Topic: Elench
Definition:
ELENCH', n.  [L. elenchus; Gr. to argue, to refute.]
1.  A vicious or fallacious argument, which is apt to deceive under the appearance of truth; a sophism.  [Little used.]
2.  In antiquity, a kind of earring set with pearls.


Topic: Elephant
Definition:
EL'EPHANT, n.  [L. elephas, elephantus; probably from the Heb. a leader or chief, the chief or great animal.]
1.  The largest of all quadrupeds, belonging to the order of Bruta.  This animal has no foreteeth in either jaw; the canine-teeth are very long; and he has a long proboscis or trunk, by which he conveys food and drink to his mouth.  The largest of these animals is about 16 feet long and 14 feet high; but smaller varieties are not more than seven feet high.  The eyes are small and the feet short,round,clumsy, and distinguishable only by the toes.  The trunk is a cartilaginous and muscular tube, extending from the upper jaw, and is seven or eight feet in length.  The general shape of his body resembles that of swine.  His skin is rugged, and his hair thin,  The two large tusks are of a yellowish color,and extremely hard.  The bony substance of these is called ivory.  The elephant is 30 years in coming to his full growth, and he lives to 150 or 200 years of age.  Elephants are natives of the warm climates of Africa and Asia, where they are employed as beasts of burden.  They were formerly used in war.
2.  Ivory; the tusk of the elephant.


Topic: Elephant-beetle
Definition:
EL'EPHANT-BEETLE, n.  A large species of Scarabaeus, or beetle, found in South America.  It is of a black color; the body covered with a hard shell, as thick as that of a crab.  It is nearly four inches long.  The feelers are horny, and the proboscis an inch and a quarter in length.


Topic: Elephantiasis
Definition:
ELEPHANTI'ASIS, n.  [L.and Gr. from elephant.]
A species of leprosy, so called from covering the skin with incrustations, like those of an elephant.  It is a chronic and contagious disease, marked by a thickening and greasiness of the legs, with loss of hair and feeling, a swelling of the face, and a hoarse, nasal voice.  It affects the whole body; the bones, as well as the skin, are covered with spots and tumors, at first red, but afterwards black.


Topic: Elephantine
Definition:
ELEPHANT'INE, a.  Pertaining to the elephant; huge; resembling an elephant; or perhaps white, like ivory.
1.  In antiquity, an appellation given to certain books in which the Romans registered the transactions of the senate, magistrates, emperors and generals; so called perhaps, as being made of ivory.


Topic: Eleusinian
Definition:
ELEUSIN'IAN, a.  Relating to Eleusis in Greece; as Eleusinian mysteries or festivals, the festivals and mysteries of Ceres.


Topic: Elevate
Definition:
EL'EVATE, v.t.  [L. elevo; e and levo, to raise; Eng. to lift.  See Lift.]
1.  To raise, in a literal and general sense; to raise from a low or deep place to a higher.
2.  To exalt; to raise to higher state or station; as, to elevate a man to an office.
3.  To improve, refine or dignify; to raise from or above low conceptions; as, to elevate the mind.
4.  To raise from a low or common state; to exalt; as, to elevate the character; to elevate a nation.
5.  To elate with price.
6.  To excite; to cheer; to animate; as, to elevate the spirits.
7.  To take from; to detract; to lessen by detraction.  [Not used.]
8.  To raise from any tone to one more acute; as, to elevate the voice.
9.  To augment or swell; to make louder, as sound.
EL'EVATE, a.  [L. elevatus.]  Elevated; raised aloft.


Topic: Elevated
Definition:
EL'EVATED, pp.  Raised; exalted; dignified; elated; excited; made more acute or more loud, as sound.


Topic: Elevation
Definition:
ELEVA'TION, n.  [L. elevatio.]  The act of raising or conveying from a lower or deeper place to a higher.
1.  The act of exalting in rank, degree or condition; as the elevation of a man to a throne.
2.  Exaltation; an elevated state; dignity.
Angels, in their several degrees of elevation above us, may be endowed with more comprehensive faculties.
3.  Exaltation of mind by more noble conceptions; as elevation of mind, of thoughts, of ideas.
4.  Exaltation of style; lofty expressions; words and phrases expressive of lofty conceptions.
5.  Exaltation of character or manners.
6.  Attention to objects above us; a raising of the mind to superior objects.
7.  An elevated place or station.
8.  Elevated ground; a rising ground; a hill or mountain.
9.  A passing of the voice from any note to one more acute; also, a swelling or augmentation of voice.
    10. In astronomy, altitude; the distance of a heavenly body above the horizon, or the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between it and the horizon.
    11. In gunnery, the angle which the chace of a cannon or mortar, or the axis of the hollow cylinder, makes with the plane of the horizon.
    12. In dialling, the angle which the style makes with the substylar line.
Elevation of the Host, in Catholic countries, that part of the mass in which the priest raises the host above his head for the people to adore.


Topic: Elevator
Definition:
EL'EVATOR, n.  One who raises, lifts or exalts.
1.  In anatomy, a muscle which serves to raise a part of the body, as the lip or the eye.
2.  A surgical instrument for raising a depressed portion of a bone.


Topic: Elevatory
Definition:
EL'EVATORY, n.  An instrument used in trepanning, for raising a depressed or fractured part of the skull.


Topic: Elf
Definition:
ELF, n.  plu. elves.
1.  A wandering spirit; a fairy; a hobgoblin; an imaginary being which our rude ancestors supposed to inhabit unfrequented places, and in various ways to affect mankind.  Hence in Scottish, elf-shot is an elf-arrow; an arrow-head of flint, supposed to be shot by elfs; and it signifies also a disease supposed to be produced by the agency of spirits.
Every elf, and fairy sprite,
Hope as light as bird from brier.
2.  An evil spirit; a devil.
3.  A diminutive person.
ELF, v.t.  To entangle hair in so intricate a manner, that it cannot be disentangled.  This work was formerly ascribed to elves.


Topic: Elf-arrow
Definition:
ELF'-ARROW, n.  A name given to flints in the shape of arrow-heads, vulgarly supposed to be shot by fairies.


Topic: Elicit
Definition:
ELIC'IT, v.t.  [L. elicio; e or ex and lacio, to allure.]
1.  To draw out; to bring to light; to deduce by reason or argument; as, to elicit truth by discussion.
2.  To strike out; as, to elicit sparks of fire by collision.
ELIC'IT, a.  Brought into act; brought from possibility into real existence.  [Little used.]


Topic: Elide
Definition:
ELI'DE, v.t.  [L. elido; e and loedo.]  To break or dash in pieces; to crush.  [Not used.]
1.  To cut off a syllable.


Topic: Eligibility
Definition:
ELIGIBIL'ITY, n.  [from eligible]  Worthiness or fitness to be chosen; the state or quality of a thing which renders it preferable to another, or desirable.
1.  The state of being capable of being chosen to an office.


Topic: Eligible
Definition:
EL'IGIBLE, a.  [L. eligo, to choose or select; e and lego.]
1.  Fit to be chosen; worthy of choice, preferable.
In deep distress, certainty is more eligible than suspense.
2.  Suitable; proper; desirable; as, the house stands in an eligible situation.
3.  Legally qualified to be chosen; as, a man is or is not eligible to an office.


Topic: Eliminate
Definition:
ELIM'INATE, v.t.  [L. elimino; e or ex and limen, threshhold.]
1.  To thrust out of doors.
2.  To expel; to thrust out; to discharge, or throw off; to set at liberty.
This detains secretions which nature finds it necessary to eliminate.


Topic: Elimination
Definition:
ELIMINA'TION, n.  The act of expelling or throwing off; the act of discharging,or secreting by the pores.


Topic: Eliquation
Definition:
ELIQUA'TION, n.  [L. eliquo, to melt; e and liquo.]
In chimistry, the operation by which a more fusible substance is separated from one that is less so, by means of a degree of heat sufficient to melt the one and not the other; as an alloy of copper and lead.


Topic: Elision
Definition:
ELI'SION, n.  s as z.  [L. elisio, from elido, to strike off; e and loedo.]
1.  In grammar, the cutting off or suppression of a vowel at the end of a word, for the sake of sound or measure, when the next word begins with a vowel; as, th' embattled plain; th' empyreal sphere.
2.  Division; separation. [Not used.]


Topic: Elisor
Definition:
ELI'SOR, n.  s as z.  In law, a sheriff's substitute for returning a jury.  When the sheriff is not an indifferent person, as when he is a party to a suit, or related by blood or affinity to either of the parties, the venire is issued to the coroners; or if any exception lies to the coroners,the venire shall be directed to two clerks of the court, or to two persons of the county, named by the court, and sworn; and these, who are called elisors or electors, shall return the jury.


Topic: Elixation
Definition:
ELIXA'TION, n.  [L. elixus, from elixio, to boil, to moisten or macerate, from lixo, lix.]
1.  The act of boiling or stewing; also, concoction in the stomach; digestion.
2.  In pharmacy, the extraction of the virtues of ingredients by boiling or stewing; also, lixiviation.


Topic: Elixir
Definition:
ELIX'IR, n.
1.  In medicine, a compound tincture, extracted from two or more ingredients.  A tincture is drawn from one ingredient; an elixir from several. But tincture is also applied to a composition of many ingredients.  An elixir is a liquid medicine made by a strong infusion, where the ingredients are almost dissolved in the menstruum, and give it a thicker consistence than that of a tincture.
2.  A liquor for transmuting metals into gold.
3.  Quintessence; refined spirit.
4.  Any cordial; that substance which invigorates.


Topic: Elk
Definition:
ELK, n.  [L. alce, alces.]  A quadruped of the Cervine genus, with palmated horns, and a fleshy protuberance on the throat. The neck is short, with a short, thick, upright mane; the eyes are small; the ears long, broad and slouching; and the upper lip hangs over the under lip.  It is the largest of the deer kind, being seventeen hands high and weighing twelve hundred pounds.  It is found in the northern regions of Europe, Asia and America.  In the latter country it is usually called Moose, from the Indian name musu.


Topic: Ell
Definition:
ELL, n.  [L. ulna.]  A measure of different lengths in different countries, used chiefly for measuring cloth.  The ells chiefly used in Great Britain are the English and Flemish.  The English ell is three feet and nine inches, or a yard and a quarter.  The Flemish ell is 27 inches, or three quarters of a yard. The English is to the Flemish as five to three.  In Scotland, an ell is 37 2/10 English inches.


Topic: Ellipsis
Definition:
ELLIP'SIS, n.  [Gr. an omission or defect, to leave or pass by.]
1.  In geometry, an oval figure generated from the section of a cone, by a plane cutting both sides of it, but not parallel to the base.
2.  In grammar, defect; omission; a figure of syntax, by which one or more words are omitted, which the hearer or reader may supply; as, the heroic virtues I admire,for the heroic virtues which I admire.


Topic: Ellipsoid
Definition:
ELLIPS'OID, n.  [ellipsis and Gr. form.]  In conics, a solid or figure formed by the revolution of an ellipse about its axis; an elliptic conoid; a spheroid.


Topic: Elm
Definition:
ELM, n.  [L. ulmus.]  A tree of the genus Ulmus.  The common elm is one of the largest and most majestic trees of the forest, and is cultivated for shade and ornament.  Another species, the fulva, is called slippery elm, from the quality of its inner bark.  One species seems to have been used to support vines.
The treaty which William Penn made with the natives in 1682 was negotiated under a large Elm which grew on the spot now called Kensington, just above Philadelphia.  It was prostrated by a storm in 1810, at which time its stem measured 24 feet in circumference.


Topic: Elocation
Definition:
ELOCA'TION, n.  [L. eloco.]  A removal from the usual place of residence.
1.  Departure from the usual method; an ecstasy.


Topic: Elocution
Definition:
ELOCU'TION, n.  [L. elocutio, from eloquor; e and loquor, to speak.]
1.  Pronunciation; the utterance or delivery of words, particularly in public discourses and arguments.  We say of elocution, it is good or bad; clear, fluent or melodious.
Elocution, which anciently embraced style and the whole art of rhetoric, now signifies manner of delivery.
2.  In rhetoric, elocution consists of elegance, composition and dignity; and Dryden uses the word as nearly synonymous with eloquence, the act of expressing thoughts with elegance or beauty.
3.  Speech; the power of speaking.
Whose taste--gave elocution to the mute.
4.  In ancient treatises on oratory, the wording of a discourse; the choice and order of words; composition; the act of framing a writing or discourse.


Topic: Elogium
Definition:
ELO'GIUM, n.  [L. elogium.  See Eulogy.]
The praise bestowed on a person or thing; panegyric.  [But we generally use eulogy.]


Topic: Elongate
Definition:
ELON'GATE, v.t.  [Low L. elongo, from longus.  See Long.]
1.  To lengthen; to extend.
2.  To remove farther off.
ELON'GATE, v.i.  To depart from; to recede; to move to a greater distance; particularly, to recede apparently from the sun, as a planet in its orbit.


Topic: Elongating
Definition:
ELON'GATING, ppr.  Lengthening; extending.
1.  Receding to a greater distance, particularly as a planet from the sun in its orbit.


Topic: Elongation
Definition:
ELONGA'TION, n.  The act of stretching or lengthening; as the elongation of a fiber.
1.  The state of being extended.
2.  Distance; space which separates one thing from another.
3.  Departure; removal; recession.
4.  Extension; continuation.
May not the mountains of Westmoreland and Cumberland be considered as elongations of these two chains.
5.  In astronomy, the recess of a planet from the sun, as it appears to the eye of a spectator on the earth; apparent departure of a planet from the sun in its orbit; as the elongation of Venus or Mercury.
6.  In surgery, an imperfect luxation, occasioned by the stretching or lengthening of the ligaments; or the extension of a part beyond its natural dimension.


Topic: Elope
Definition:
ELO'PE, v.i.  [Eng. to leap.]
1.  To run away; to depart from one's proper place or station privately or without permission; to quit, without permission or right, the station in which one is placed by law or duty.  Particularly and appropriately, to run away or depart from a husband, and live with an adulterer, as a married woman; or to quit a father's house, privately or without permission, and marry or live with a gallant, as an unmarried woman.
2.  To run away; to escape privately; to depart, without permission, as a son from a father's house, or an apprentice from his master's service.


Topic: Elopement
Definition:
ELO'PEMENT, n.  Private or unlicensed departure from the place or station to which one is assigned by duty or law; as the elopement of a wife from her husband, or of a daughter from her father's house, usually with a lover or gallant.  It is sometimes applied to the departure of a son or an apprentice, in like manner.


Topic: Eloping
Definition:
ELO'PING, ppr. Running away; departing privately,or without permission, from a husband, father or master.


Topic: Elops
Definition:
E'LOPS, n.  A fish, inhabiting the seas of America and the West Indies,with a long body, smooth head, one dorsal fin, and a deeply furcated tail, with a horizontal lanceolated spine, above and below, at its base.
1.  The sea-serpent.


Topic: Eloquence
Definition:
EL'OQUENCE, n.  [L. eloquentia, from eloquor, loquor, to speak;  Gr. to crack, to sound, to speak.  The primary sense is probably to burst with a sound; a fissure, from the same root; whence, to open or split; whence L. lacero, to tear; and hence perhaps Eng. a leak.]
1.  Oratory; the act or the art of speaking well, or with fluency and elegance.  Eloquence comprehends a good elocution or utterance; correct; appropriate and rich expressions, with fluency, animation and suitable action.  Hence eloquence is adapted to please, affect and persuade.  Demosthenes in Greece, Cicero in Rome, lord Chatham and Burke in Great Britain, were distinguished for their eloquence in declamation, debate or argument.
2.  The power of speaking with fluency and elegance.
3.  Elegant language, uttered with fluency and animation.
She uttereth piercing eloquence.
4.  It is sometimes applied to written language.


Topic: Eloquent
Definition:
EL'OQUENT, a.  Having the power of oratory; speaking with fluency, propriety, elegance and animation; as an eloquent orator; an eloquent preacher.
1.  Composed with elegance and spirit; elegant and animated; adapted to please, affect and persuade; as an eloquent address; an eloquent petition or remonstrance; an eloquent history.


Topic: Eloquently
Definition:
EL'OQUENTLY, adv.  With eloquence; in an eloquent manner; in a manner to please, affect and persuade.


Topic: Else
Definition:
ELSE, a. or pron. els.  [L. alius, alias.  See Alien.]
Other; one or something beside.  Who else is coming?  What else shall I give?  Do you expect any thing else?  [This word, if considered to be an adjective or pronoun, never precedes its noun,but always follows it.
ELSE, adv. els.  Otherwise; in the other case; if the fact were different.  Thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it; that is, if thou didst desire sacrifice, I would give it.  Ps. v.16.  Repent, or else I will come to thee quickly; that is, repent, or if thou shouldst not repent, if the case or fact should be different, I will come to thee quickly.  Rev.2.5.
1.  Beside; except that mentioned; as, no where else.


Topic: Elsewhere
Definition:
ELSEWHERE, adv.  In any other place; as, these trees are not to be found elsewhere.
1.  In some other place; in other places indefinitely.  It is reported in town and elsewhere.


Topic: Elucidate
Definition:
ELU'CIDATE, v.t  [Low L. elucido, from eluceo,luceo, to shine, or from lucidus, clear, bright.  See Light.]
To make clear or manifest; to explain; to remove obscurity from, and render intelligible; to illustrate.  An example will elucidate the subject.  An argument may elucidate an obscure question.  A fact related by one historian may elucidate an obscure passage in another's writings.


Topic: Elucidation
Definition:
ELUCIDA'TION, n.  The act of explaining or throwing light on any obscure subject; explanation; exposition; illustration; as, one example may serve for an elucidation of the subject.


Topic: Elude
Definition:
ELU'DE, v.t.  [L. eludo; e and ludo, to play. The Latin
verb forms lusi, lusum; and this may be the Heb. to deride.
1.  To escape; to evade; to avoid by artifice, stratagem, wiles, deceit, or dexterity; as, to elude an enemy; to elude the sight; to elude an officer; to elude detection; to elude vigilance; to elude the force of an argument; to elude a blow or stroke.
2.  To mock by an unexpected escape.
Me gentle Delia beckons from the plain,
Then,hid in shades, eludes her eager swain.
3.  To escape being seen; to remain unseen or undiscovered.  The cause of magnetism has hitherto eluded the researches of philosophers.


Topic: Elusive
Definition:
ELU'SIVE, a.  Practicing elusion; using arts to escape.
Elusive of the bridal day, she gives
Fond hopes to all, and all with hopes deceives.


Topic: Elutriate
Definition:
ELU'TRIATE, v.t.  [L. elutrio.]  To purify by washing; to cleanse by separating foul matter,and decanting or straining off the liquor.  In chimistry, to pulverize and mix a solid substance with water, and decant the extraneous lighter matter that may rise or be suspended in the water.


Topic: Elutriation
Definition:
ELUTRIA'TION, n.  The operation of pulverizing a solid substance, mixing it with water, and pouring off the liquid,while the foul or extraneous substances are floating, or after the coarser particles have subsided, and while the finer parts are suspended in the liquor.


Topic: Elysian
Definition:
ELYS'IAN, a.  elyzh'un.  [L. elysius.]  Pertaining to elysium or the seat of delight; yielding the highest pleasures; deliciously soothing; exceedingly delightful; as elysian fields.


Topic: Elysium
Definition:
ELYS'IUM, n.  elyzh'um.  [L. elysium.]  In ancient mythology, a place assigned to happy souls after death; a place in the lower regions, furnished with rich fields, groves, shades, streams, &c., the seat of future happiness.  Hence, any delightful place.


Topic: Emaciate
Definition:
EMA'CIATE, v.i. [L. emacio, from maceo, or macer, lean; Gr. small; Eng. meager, meek.]   To lose flesh gradually; to become lean by pining with sorrow, or by loss of appetite or other cause; to waste away, as flesh; to decay in flesh.
EMA'CIATE, v.t.  To cause to lose flesh gradually; to waste the flesh and reduce to leanness.
Sorrow, anxiety, want of appetite, and disease, often emaciate the most robust bodies.


Topic: Emaciation
Definition:
EMACIA'TION, n.  The act of making lean or thin in flesh; or a becoming lean by a gradual waste of flesh.
1.  The state of being reduced to leanness.


Topic: Emaculation
Definition:
EMACULA'TION, n.  [L. emaculo, from e and macula, a spot.]
The act or operation of freeing from spots.  [Little used.]


Topic: Emanate
Definition:
EM'ANATE, v.i.  [L. emanano; e and mano, to flow.
1.  To issue from a source; to flow from; applied to fluids; as, light emanates from the sun; perspirable matter, from animal bodies.
2.  To proceed from a source of fountain; as, the powers of government in republics emanate from the people.


Topic: Emanation
Definition:
EMANA'TION,n.  The act of flowing or proceeding from a fountain-head or origin.
1.  That which issues, flows or proceeds from any source, substance or body; efflux; effluvium.  Light is an emanation from the sun; wisdom, from God; the authority of laws, from the supreme power.


Topic: Emancipate
Definition:
EMAN'CIPATE, v.t.  [L. emancipo, from e and mancipium, a slave; manus,hand,and capio, to take, as slaves were anciently prisoners taken in war.]
1.  To set free from servitude or slavery, by the voluntary act of the proprietor; to liberate;to restore from bondage to freedom; as, to emancipate a slave.
2.  To set free or restore to liberty; in a general sense.
3.  To free from bondage or restraint of any kind; to liberate from subjection, controlling power or influence; as, to emancipate one from prejudices or error.
4.  In ancient Rome, to set a son free from subjection to his father, and give him the capacity of managing his affairs, as if he was of age.


Topic: Emancipation
Definition:
EMANCIPA'TION, n.  The act of setting free from slavery, servitude, subjection or dependence; deliverance from bondage or controlling influence; liberation; as the emancipation of slaves by their proprietors; the emancipation of a son among the Romans; the emancipation of a person from prejudices, or from a servile subjection to authority.


Topic: Emasculate
Definition:
EM`ASCULATE, v.t.  [Low L. emasculo, from e and masculus, a male. See Male.]
1.  To castrate; to deprive a male of certain parts which characterize the sex; to geld; to deprive of virility.
2.  To deprive of masculine strength or vigor; to weaken; to render effeminate; to vitiate by unmanly softness.
Women emasculate a monarch's reign.
To emasculate the spirits.
EM`ASCULATE, a.  Unmanned; deprived of vigor.


Topic: Emasculation
Definition:
EMASCULA'TION, n.  The act of depriving a male of the parts which characterize the sex; castration.
1.  The act of depriving of vigor or strength; effeminacy; unmanly weakness.


Topic: Embalm
Definition:
EMB'ALM, v.t.  emb'am.
1.  To open a dead body, take out the intestines,and fill their place with odoriferous and desiccative spices and drugs, to prevent its putrefaction.
Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. Gen.1.
2.  To fill with sweet scent.
3.  To preserve,with care and affection, from loss or decay.
The memory of my beloved daughter is embalmed in my heart.
Virtue alone, with lasting grace,
Embalms the beauties of the face.


Topic: Embalming
Definition:
EMB`ALMING, ppr.  Filling a dead body with spices for preservation; preserving with care from loss, decay or destruction.


Topic: Embar
Definition:
EMB`AR, v.t.  [en and bar.]  To shut, close or fasten with a bar; to make fast.
1.  To inclose so as to hinder egress or escape.
When fast embarr'd in mighty brazen wall.
2.  To stop; to shut from entering; to hinder; to block up.
He embarred all further trade.


Topic: Embargo
Definition:
EMB`ARGO, n.  In commerce, a restraint on ships, or prohibition of sailing, either out of port, or into port, or both; which prohibition is by public authority, for a limited time.  Most generally it is a prohibition of ships to leave a port.


Topic: Embargoed
Definition:
EMB`ARGOED, pp.  Stopped; hindered from sailing; hindered by public authority, as ships or commerce.


Topic: Embark
Definition:
EMB`ARK, v.t.  
1.  To put or cause to enter on board a ship or other vessel or boat. The general embarked his troops and their baggage.
2.  To engage a person in any affair.  This projector embarked his friends in the design or expedition.
EMB`ARK, v.i.  To go on board of a ship, boat or vessel; as, the troops embarked for Lisbon.
1.  To engage in any business; to undertake in; to take a share in.  The young man embarked rashly in speculation, and was ruined.


Topic: Embarkation
Definition:
EMBARKA'TION, n.  The act of putting on board of a ship or other vessel, or the act of going aboard.
1.  That which is embarked; as an embarkation of Jesuits.
2.  A small vessel, or boat.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Embarrass
Definition:
EMBAR'RASS, v.t.
1.  To perplex; to render intricate; to entangle.  We say, public affairs are embarrassed; the state of our accounts is embarrassed; want of order tends to embarrass business.
2.  To perplex, as the mind or intellectual faculties; to confuse.  Our ideas are sometimes embarrassed.
3.  To perplex, as with debts, or demands, beyond the means of payment; applied to a person or his affairs. In mercantile language, a man or his business is embarrassed,when he cannot meet his pecuniary engagements.
4.  To perplex; to confuse; to disconcert; to abash.  An abrupt address may embarrass a young lady.  A young man may be too much embarrassed to utter a word.


Topic: Embarrassment
Definition:
EMBAR'RASSMENT, n.  Perplexity; intricacy; entanglement.
1.  Confusion of mind.
2.  Perplexity arising from insolvency, or from temporary inability to discharge debts.
3.  Confusion; abashment.


Topic: Embase
Definition:
EMBA'SE, v.t.  [en and base.]  To lower in value; to vitiate; to deprave; to impair.
The virtue--of a tree embased by the ground.
I have no ignoble end--that may embase my poor judgment.
1.  To degrade; to vilify.
[This word is seldom used.]


Topic: Embassador
Definition:
EMBAS'SADOR, n.  
1.  A minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign.  Embassadors are ordinary, when they reside permanently at a foreign court; or extraordinary, when they are sent on a special occasion.  They are also called ministers.  Envoys are ministers employed on special occasions, and are of less dignity.
2.  In ludicrous language, a messenger.


Topic: Embassy
Definition:
EM'BASSY, n.
1.  The message or public function of an embassador; the charge or employment of a public minister, whether ambassador or envoy; the word signifies the message or commission itself, and the person or persons sent to convey or to execute it.  We say the king sent an embassy, meaning an envoy,minister, or ministers; or the king sent a person on an embassy.  The embassy consisted of three envoys.  The embassy was instructed to inquire concerning the king's disposition.
2.  A solemn message.
Eighteen centuries ago, the gospel went forth from Jerusalem on an embassy of mingled authority and love.
3. Ironically, an errand.
[The old orthography, ambassade, ambassage, being obsolete, and embassy established, I have rendered the orthography of embassador conformable to it in the initial letter.]


Topic: Embattle
Definition:
EMBAT'TLE, v.t.  [en and battle.]  To arrange in order of battle; to array troops for battle.
On their embattled ranks the waves return.
1.  To furnish with battlements.
EMBAT'TLE, v.i.  To be ranged in order of battle.


Topic: Embattled
Definition:
EMBAT'TLED, pp.  Arrayed in order of battle.
1.  Furnished with battlements; and in heraldry,having the outline resembling a battlement, as an ordinary.
2.  Having been the place of battle; as an embattled plain or field.


Topic: Embay
Definition:
EMBA'Y, v.t.  [en, in, and bay.]  To inclose in a bay or inlet; to land-lock; to inclose between capes or promontories.
1.  To bathe; to wash.  [Not used.]


Topic: Embed
Definition:
EMBED', v.t.  [en, in, and bed.]  To lay as in a bed; to lay in surrounding matter; as, to embed a thing in clay or in sand.


Topic: Embedded
Definition:
EMBED'DED, pp.  Laid as in a bed; deposited or inclosed in surrounding matter; as ore embedded in sand.


Topic: Embellish
Definition:
EMBEL'LISH, v.t.  [L. bellus, pretty.]
1.  To adorn; to beautify; to decorate; to make beautiful or elegant by ornaments; applied to persons or things.  We embellish the person with rich apparel, a garden with shrubs and flowers, and style with metaphors.
2.  To make graceful or elegant; as, to embellish manners.


Topic: Embellishment
Definition:
EMBEL'LISHMENT, n.  The act of adorning.
1. Ornament; decoration; any thing that adds beauty or elegance; that which renders any thing pleasing to the eye, or agreeable to the taste, in dress, furniture, manners, or in the fine arts.  Rich dresses are embellishments of the person.  Virtue is an embellishment of the mind, and liberal arts, the embellishments of society.


Topic: Ember
Definition:
EMBER, in ember-days, ember-weeks, is the Saxon emb-ren, or ymb-ryne, a circle, circuit or revolution, from ymb, around, and ren, or ryne, course, from the root of run. Ember-days are the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday,after Quadragesima Sunday, after Whitsunday, after Holyrood day in September, and after St. Lucia's day in December.  Ember-days are days returning at certain seasons;  Ember-weeks, the weeks in which these days fall; and formerly, our ancestors used the words Ember-fast and Ember-tide or season.


Topic: Ember-goose
Definition:
EM'BER-GOOSE, n.  A fowl of the genus Colymbus and order of ansers.  It is larger than the common goose; the head is dusky; the back, coverts of the wings and tail, clouded with lighter and darker shades of the same; the primaries and tail are black; the breast and belly silvery.  It inhabits the northern regions, about Iceland and the Orkneys.


Topic: Embers
Definition:
EM'BERS, n.  plu.
Small coals of fire with ashes; the residuum of wood, coal or other combustibles not extinguished; cinders.
He rakes hot embers, and renews the fires.
It is used by Colebrooke in the singular.
He takes a lighted ember out of the covered vessel.


Topic: Embezzle
Definition:
EMBEZ'ZLE, v.t.  [Heb. signifies to plunder.]
1.  To appropriate fraudulently to one's own use what is entrusted to one's care and management.  It differs from stealing and robbery in this, that the latter imply a wrongful taking of another's goods,but embezzlement denotes the wrongful appropriation and use of what came into possession by right. It is not uncommon for men entrusted with public money to embezzle it.
2.  To waste; to dissipate in extravagance.
When thou hast embezzled all thy store.


Topic: Embezzlement
Definition:
EMBEZ'ZLEMENT, n.  The act of fraudulently appropriating to one's own use, the money or goods entrusted to one's care and management. An accurate account of the embezzlements of public money would form a curious history.
1.  The thing appropriated.


Topic: Embezzling
Definition:
EMBEZ'ZLING, ppr.  Fraudulently applying to one's own use what is entrusted to one's care and employment.


Topic: Emblaze
Definition:
EMBLA'ZE, v.t.
1.  To adorn with glittering embellishments.
No weeping orphan saw his father's stores
Our shrines irradiate, or emblaze the floors.
2.  To blazon; to paint or adorn with figures armorial.
The imperial ensign, streaming to the wind,
With gems and golden luster rich emblazed.


Topic: Emblazon
Definition:
EMBLA'ZON, v.t.  embla'zn.  
1.  To adorn with figures of heraldry or ensigns armorial.
2.  To deck in glaring colors; to display pompously.
We find Augustus--emblazoned by the poets.


Topic: Emblazoner
Definition:
EMBLA'ZONER, n.  A blazoner; one that emblazons; a herald.
1.  One that publishes and displays with pomp.


Topic: Emblem
Definition:
EM'BLEM, n.  [Gr. to cast in, to insert.]
1.  Properly, inlay; inlayed or mosaic work; something inserted in the body of another.
2. A picture representing one thing to the eye, and another to the understanding; a painted enigma, or a figure representing some obvious history, instructing us in some moral truth.  Such is the image of Scaevola holding his hand in the fire, with these words,'agere et pati fortiter Romanum est.' to do and to suffer with fortitude is Roman.
3.  A painting or representation, intended to hold forth some moral or political instruction; an allusive picture; a typical designation.  A balance is an emblem of justice; a crown is the emblem of royalty; a scepter, of power or sovereignty.
4.  That which represents another thing in its predominant qualities.  A white robe in scripture is an emblem of purity or righteousness; baptism, of purification.
EM'BLEM, v.t.  To represent by similar qualities.


Topic: Emblematically
Definition:
EMBLEMAT'ICALLY, adv. By way or means of emblems; in the manner of emblems; by way of allusive representation.


Topic: Emblement
Definition:
EM'BLEMENT, n.  used mostly in the plural.
The produce or fruits of land sown or planted.  This word is used for the produce of land sown or planted by a tenant for life or years, whose estate is determined suddenly after the land is sown or planted and before harvest. In this case the tenant's executors shall have the emblements. Emblements comprehend not only corn, but the produce of any annual plant.  But the produce of grass and perennial plants belongs to the lord, or proprietor of the land.


Topic: Embody
Definition:
EMBOD'Y, v.t.  [en,in, and body.]  To form or collect into a body or united mass; to collect into a whole; to incorporate; to concentrate; as, to embody troops; to embody detached sentiments.


Topic: Emboguing
Definition:
EMBO'GUING, n.  The mouth of a river or place where its waters are discharged into the sea.  [An ill formed word.]


Topic: Embolism
Definition:
EM'BOLISM, n.  [Gr. to throw in, to insert.]
1.  Intercalation; the insertion of days,months or years, in an account of time, to produce regularity. The Greeks made use of the lunar year of 354 days, and to adjust it to the solar year of 365, they added a lunar month every second or third year, which additional month they called embolimaeus.
2.  Intercalated time.


Topic: Embolismal
Definition:
EMBOLIS'MAL, a.  Pertaining to intercalation; intercalated; inserted.
The embolismal months are either natural or civil.


Topic: Embolismic
Definition:
EMBOLIS'MIC, a.  Intercalated; inserted.
Twelve lunations form a common year; and thirteen, the embolismic year.


Topic: Embolus
Definition:
EM'BOLUS, n.  [Gr. to thrust in.]  Something inserted or acting in another; that which thrusts or drives; a piston.


Topic: Emboss
Definition:
EMBOSS', v.t.  [en, in, and boss.]  In architecture and sculpture, to form bosses or protuberances; to fashion in relievo or raised work; to cut or form with prominent figures.
1.  To form with bosses; to cover with protuberances.
2.  To drive hard in hunting, till a deer foams, or a dog's knees swell.
EMBOSS', v.t.  To inclose as in a box; to include; to cover. [Not used.]
EMBOSS', v.t.  To inclose in a wood; to conceal in a thicket. [Not used.]


Topic: Embottle
Definition:
EMBOT'TLE, v.t.  [en, in, and bottle.]  To put in a bottle; to bottle; to include or confine in a bottle.


Topic: Embowel
Definition:
EMBOW'EL, v.t.  [en, in, and bowel.]  To take out the entrails of an animal body; to eviscerate.
1.  To take out the internal parts.
Fossils and minerals that the emboweled earth
Displays.
2.  To sink or inclose in another substance.


Topic: Embrace
Definition:
EMBRA'CE, v.t.
1. To take, clasp or inclose in the arms; to press to the bosom, in token of affection.
Paul called to him the disciples and embraced them.  Act.20.
2.  To seize eagerly; to lay hold on; to receive or take with willingness that which is offered; as, to embrace the christian religion; to embrace the opportunity of doing a favor.
3.  To comprehend; to include or take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
4.  To comprise; to inclose;to encompass; to contain; to encircle.
Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed,
Between the mountain and the stream embraced.
5.  To receive; to admit.
6.  To find; to take; to accept.
Fleance--must embrace the fate
Of that dark hour.
7.  To have carnal intercourse with.
8.  To put on.
9.  To attempt to influence a jury corruptly.
EMBRA'CE, v.i.  To join in an embrace.
EMBRA'CE, n.  Inclosure or clasp with the arms; pressure to the bosom with the arms.
1. Reception of one thing into another.
2. Sexual intercourse; conjugal endearment.


Topic: Embraced
Definition:
EMBRA'CED, pp.  Inclosed in the arms; clasped to the bosom; seized; laid hold on; received; comprehended; included; contained; accepted.
1.  Influenced corruptly; biassed; as a juror.


Topic: Embracement
Definition:
EMBRA'CEMENT, n.  A clasp in the arms; a hug; embrace.
1.  Hostile hug; grapple.  [Little used.]
2.  Comprehension; state of being contained; inclosure.  [Little used.]
3.  Conjugal endearment; sexual commerce.
4.  Willing acceptance. [Little used.]


Topic: Embracery
Definition:
EMBRA'CERY, n.  In law, an attempt to influence a jury corruptly to one side,by promises,persuasions, entreaties, money, entertainments, or the like.


Topic: Embracing
Definition:
EMBRA'CING, ppr. Clasping in the arms; pressing to the bosom; seizing and holding; comprehending; including; receiving; accepting; having conjugal intercourse.
1.  Attempting to influence a jury corruptly.


Topic: Embrasure
Definition:
EMBRASU'RE, n.  s as z.
1.  An opening in a wall or parapet,through which cannon are pointed and discharged.
2. In architecture, the enlargement of the aperture of a door or window, on the inside of the wall, for giving greater play for the opening of the door or casement, or for admitting more light.


Topic: Embrave
Definition:
EMBRA'VE, v.t.  [See Brave.]  To embellish; to make showy.
1.  To inspire with bravery; to make bold.


Topic: Embrocate
Definition:
EM'BROCATE, v.t.  [Gr. to moisten, to rain.]
In surgery and medicine, to moisten and rub a diseased part of the body, with a liquid substance, as with spirit, oil, &c., by means of a cloth or spunge.


Topic: Embrocation
Definition:
EMBROCA'TION, n.  The act of moistening and rubbing a diseased part, with a cloth or spunge, dipped in some liquid substance, as spirit, oil. &c.
1. The liquid or lotion with which an affected part is rubbed or washed.


Topic: Embroider
Definition:
EMBROID'ER, v.t.  To border with ornamental needle-work, or figures; to adorn with raised figures of needle-work; as cloth, stuffs or muslin.
Thou shalt embroider the coat of fine line. Ex. 28.


Topic: Embroidery
Definition:
EMBROID'ERY, n. Work in gold, silver or silk thread, formed by the needle on cloth, stuffs and muslin, into various figures; variegated needle-work.
1.  Variegation or diversity of figures and colors; as the natural embroidery of meadows.


Topic: Embroil
Definition:
EMBROIL', v.t.
1.  To perplex or entangle; to intermix in confusion.
The christian antiquities at Rome--are embroiled with fable and legend.
2.  To involve in troubles or perplexities; to disturb or distract by  connection with something else; to throw into confusion or commotion; to perplex.
The royal house embroiled in civil war.


Topic: Embryotomy
Definition:
EMBRYOT'OMY, n.  [embryo and Gr. a cutting, to cut.]
A cutting or forcible separation of the fetus in utero.


Topic: Emendable
Definition:
EMEND'ABLE, a.  [L. emendabilis, from emendo,to correct; e and menda, a spot or blemish.]  Capable of being amended or corrected.  [See Amendable.]


Topic: Emendation
Definition:
EMENDA'TION, n.  [L. emendatio.]  The act of altering for the better, or correcting what is erroneous or faulty; correction; applied particularly to the correction of errors in writings.  When we speak of like and manners, we use amend, amendment, the French orthography.
1.  An alteration for the better; correction of an error or fault.
The last edition of the book contains many emendations.


Topic: Emerald
Definition:
EM'ERALD, n.  [L. smaragdus.]  A mineral and a precious stone, whose colors are a pure, lively green, varying to a pale,yellowish, bluish, or grass green.  It is always crystallized, and almost always appears in regular, hexahedral prisms, more or less perfect, and sometimes slightly modified by truncations on the edges, or on the solid angles.  It is a little harder than quartz, becomes electric by friction, is often transparent, sometimes only translucent, and before the blowpipe is fusible into a whitish enamel or glass. The finest emeralds have been found in Peru.
The subspecies of emerald are the precious emerald and the beryl.


Topic: Emerge
Definition:
EMERGE, v.i. emerj'.  [L. emergo; e, ex, and mergo, to plunge.]
1.  To rise out of a fluid or other covering or surrounding substance; as, to emerge from the water or from the ocean.
That is--emerging from the deep.
We say, a planet emerges from the sun's light; a star emerging from chaos.  It is opposed to immerge.
2. To issue; to proceed from.
3. To reappear, after being eclipsed; to leave the sphere of the obscuring object.
The sun is said to emerge, when the moon ceases to obscure its light; the satellites of Jupiter emerge, when they appear beyond the limb of the planet.
4.  To rise out of a state of depression or obscurity; to rise into view; as, to emerge from poverty or obscurity; to emerge from the gloom of despondency.


Topic: Emergent
Definition:
EMERG'ENT, a. Rising out of a fluid or any thing that covers or surrounds.
The mountains huge appear emergent.
1.  Issuing or proceeding from.
2.  Rising out of a depressed state or from obscurity.
3.  Coming suddenly; sudden; casual; unexpected; hence,calling for immediate action or remedy; urgent; pressing; as an  emergent occasion.


Topic: Emerods
Definition:
EM'ERODS, n.  With a plural termination.  [Corrupted from hemorrhoids, Gr. to labor under a flowing of blood.]
Hemorrhoids; piles; a dilatation of the veins about the rectum, with a discharge of blood.
The Lord will smite thee--with the emerods.  Deut.28.


Topic: Emersion
Definition:
EMER'SION, n. [from L. emergo.  See Emerge.]
1.  The act of rising out of a fluid or other covering or surrounding substance; opposed to immersion.
2.  In astronomy, the reappearance of a heavenly body after an eclipse, as the emersion of the moon from the shadow of the earth; also, the time of reappearance.
3..  The reappearance of a star, which has been hid by the effulgence of the sun's light.
4.  Extrication.


Topic: Emery
Definition:
EM'ERY, n.  [Gr. and L. smiris.]  A mineral, said to be a compact variety of corundum, being equal to it in hardness.  It is always amorphous; its structure finely granular;its color varying from a deep gray to a bluish or blackish gray, sometimes brownish.  This is almost indispensable in polishing metals and hard stones.  The lapidaries cut ordinary gems on their wheels, by sprinkling them with the moistened powder of emery; but it will not cut the diamond.


Topic: Emetic
Definition:
EMET'IC, a. [Gr. to vomit.]  Inducing to vomit; exciting the stomach to discharge its contents by the oesophagus and mouth.
EMET'IC, n.  A medicine that provokes vomiting.


Topic: Emetin
Definition:
EM'ETIN, n.  [See Emetic.]  A substance obtained from the root of ipecacuana, half a grain of which is a powerful emetic.


Topic: Emication
Definition:
EMICA'TION, n. [L. emicatio, emico, from e and mico, to sparkle, that is, to dart.]
A sparkling; a flying off in small particles, as from heated iron or fermenting liquors.


Topic: Emiction
Definition:
EMIC'TION, n.  [L. mingo, mictum.]  The discharging of urine; urine; what is voided by the urinary passages.


Topic: Emigrant
Definition:
EM'IGRANT, a.  [See Emigrate.]  Removing from one place or country to another distant place with a view to reside.
EM'IGRANT, n. One who removes his habitation, or quits one country or region to settle in another.


Topic: Emigrate
Definition:
EM'IGRATE, v.i.  [L. emigro; e and migro, to migrate.]
To quit one country, state or region and settle in another; to remove from one country or state to another for the purpose of residence.  Germans, Swiss, Irish and Scotch, emigrate, in great numbers, to America. Inhabitants of New England emigrate to the Western States.


Topic: Emigration
Definition:
EMIGRA'TION, n.  Removal of inhabitants from one country or state to another, for the purpose of residence, as from Europe to America, or in America, from the Atlantic States to the Western.
The removal of persons from house to house in the same town, state or kingdom is not called emigration, but simple removal.


Topic: Eminent
Definition:
EM'INENT, a.  [L. eminens, from emineo.]
1.  High; lofty; as an eminent place.  Ezek.16.
2. Exalted in rank; high in office; dignified; distinguished. Princes hold eminent stations in society, as do ministers, judges and legislators.
3.  High in public estimation; conspicuous; distinguished above others; remarkable; as an eminent historian or poet; an eminent scholar.  Burke was an eminent orator; Watts and Cowper were eminent for their piety.


Topic: Eminently
Definition:
EM'INENTLY, adv.  In a high degree; in a degree to attract observation; in a degree to be conspicuous and distinguished from others; as, to be eminently learned or useful.


Topic: Emir
Definition:
E'MIR, n.  [Heb. to speak.]  A title of dignity among the Turks, denoting a prince; a title at first given to the Caliphs, but when they assumed the title of Sultan, that of Emir remained to their children.  At length it was attributed to all who were judged to descend from Mohammed, by his daughter Fatimah.


Topic: Emissary
Definition:
EM'ISSARY, n.  [L. emissarius, from emitto; e and mitto, to send.]
A person sent on a mission; a missionary employed to preach and propagate the gospel.
If one of the four gospels be genuine, we have, in that one, strong reason to believe, that we posses the accounts which the original emissaries of the religion delivered.
[This sense is now unusual.]
2.  A person sent on a private message or business; a secret agent, employed to sound or ascertain the opinions of others, and to spread reports or propagate opinions favorable to his employer, or designed to defeat the measures or schemes of his opposers or foes; a spy; but an emissary may differ from a spy.  A spy in war is one who enters an enemy's camp or territories to learn the condition of the enemy; an emissary may be a secret agent employed not only to detect the schemes of an opposing party, but to influence their councils. A spy in war must be concealed, or he suffers death; an emissary may in some cases be known as the agent of an adversary, without incurring similar hazard.
3.  That which sends out or emits.  [Not used.]
Emissary vessels,in anatomy, the same as excretory.
EM'ISSARY, a.  Exploring; spying.


Topic: Emission
Definition:
EMIS'SION, n.  [L. emissio, from emitto, to send out.]  The act of sending or throwing out; as the emission of light from the sun or other luminous body; the emission of odors from plants; the emission of heat from a fire.
1.  The act of sending abroad or into circulation notes of a state or of a private corporation; as the emission of state notes, or bills of credit, or treasury notes.
2.  That which is sent out or issued at one time; an impression or a number of notes issued by one act of government.  We say, notes or bills of various emissions were in circulation.


Topic: Emit
Definition:
EMIT', v.t.  [L. emitto; e and mitto, to send.]
1.  To send forth; to throw or give out; as, fire emits heat and smoke; boiling water emits steam; the sun and moon emit light; animal bodies emit perspirable matter; putrescent substances emit offensive or noxious exhalations.
2.  To let fly; to discharge; to dart or shoot; as, to emit an arrow.  [Unusual.]
3.  To issue forth, as an order or decree.  [Unusual.]
4.  To issue, as notes or bills of credit; to print, and send into circulation. The United States have once emitted treasury notes.
No state shall emit bills of credit.


Topic: Emmenagogue
Definition:
EMMEN'AGOGUE, n.  [Gr. menstruous, in month, and to lead.]
A medicine that promotes the menstrual discharge.


Topic: Emollescence
Definition:
EMOLLES'CENCE, n.  [L. emollescens, softening. See Emolliate.]
In metallurgy, that degree of softness in a fusible body which alters its shape; the first or lowest degree of fusibility.


Topic: Emolliate
Definition:
EMOL'LIATE, v.t.  [L. emollio, mollio, to soften; mollis, soft;  Eng. mellow, mild.]  
To soften; to render effeminate.
Emolliated by four centuries of Roman domination, the Belgic colonies had forgotten their pristine valor.
[This is a new word, though well formed and applied; but what connection is there between softening and forgetting?  Lost is here the proper word for forgotten.]


Topic: Emollient
Definition:
EMOL'LIENT, a. Softening; making supple; relaxing the solids.
Barley is emollient.
EMOL'LIENT, n.  A medicine which softens and relaxes, or sheaths the solids; that which softens or removes the asperities of the humors.


Topic: Emolument
Definition:
EMOL'UMENT, n.  [L. emolumentum, from emolo, molo, to grind. Originally, toll taken for grinding.  See Mill.]
1.  The profit arising from office or employment; that which is received as a compensation for services, or which is annexed to the possession of office, as salary, feels and perquisites.
2.  Profit; advantage; gains in general.


Topic: Emolumental
Definition:
EMOLUMENT'AL, a.  Producing profit; useful; profitable; advantageous.
Emongst, for among, in Spenser, is a mistake.


Topic: Emotion
Definition:
EMO'TION, n.  [L. emotio; emoveo, to move from.]
1.  Literally, a moving of the mind or soul; hence,any agitation of mind or excitement of sensibility.
2.  In a philosophical sense, an internal motion or agitation of the mind which passes away without desire; when desire follows, the motion or agitation is called a passion.
3.  Passion is the sensible effect, the feeling to which the mind is subjected,when an object of importance suddenly and imperiously demands its attention.  The state of absolute passiveness, in consequence of any sudden percussion of mind, is of short duration.  The strong impression, or vivid sensation, immediately produces a reaction correspondent to its nature, either to appropriate and enjoy, or avoid and repel the exciting cause. This reaction is very properly distinguished by the term emotion.
Emotions therefore, according to the genuine signification of the word, are principally and primarily applicable to the sensible changes and visible effects, which particular passions produce on the frame, in consequence of this reaction, or particular agitation of mind.


Topic: Empale
Definition:
EMPA'LE, v.t.  [L. palus.]
1.  To fence or fortify with stakes; to set a line of stakes or posts for defense.
All that dwell near enemies empale villages, to save themselves from surprise.
[We now use stockade, in a like sense.]
2.  To inclose; to surround.
Round about her work she did empale,
With a fair border wrought of sundry flowers.
3.  To inclose; to shut in.
Impenetrable, empal'd with circling fire.
4.  To thrust a stake up the fundament, and thus put to death; to put to death by fixing on a stake; a punishment formerly practiced in Rome, and still used in Turkey.


Topic: Empalement
Definition:
EMPA'LEMENT, n.  A fencing, fortifying or inclosing with stakes; a putting to death by thrusting a stake into the body.
1.  In botany, the calyx or flower-cup of a plant, which surrounds the fructification, like a fence of pales.
2.  In heraldry, a conjunction of coats of arms, pale-wise.


Topic: Empannel
Definition:
EMPAN'NEL, n.  [Eng. pane, a square.  See Pane and Pannel.]
A list of jurors; a small piece of paper or parchment containing the names of the jurors summoned by the sheriff.  It is now written pannel, which see.
EMPAN'NEL, v.t.  To form a list of jurors.  It is now written impannel, which see.


Topic: Emperor
Definition:
EM'PEROR, n.  [L. imperator, from impero, to command.]
Literally, the commander of an army. In modern times, the sovereign or supreme monarch of an empire; a title of dignity superior to that of king; as the emperor of Germany or of Russia.


Topic: Emphasis
Definition:
EM'PHASIS, n.  In rhetoric, a particular stress of utterance, or force of voice, given to the words or parts of a discourse, whose signification the speaker intends to impress specially upon his audience; or a distinctive utterance of words, specially significant, with a degree and kind of stress suited to convey their meaning in the best manner.
The province of emphasis is so much more important than accent, that the customary seat of the latter is changed, when the claims of emphasis require it.


Topic: Emphasize
Definition:
EMPHASIZE, v.t. To utter or pronounce with a particular or more forcible stress of voice; as, to emphasize a word, for the purpose of rendering the sense more distinct or impressive than other words in the sentence.


Topic: Emphatically
Definition:
EMPHAT'ICALLY, adv.  With emphasis; strongly; forcibly; in a striking manner.
1.  According to appearance.  [Not used.]


Topic: Emphysem
Definition:
EM'PHYSEM,  n.  [Gr. to inflate.]  In surgery, a puffy tumor, easily yielding to pressure, but returning to its former state,as soon as that pressure is removed. A swelling of the integuments, from the admission of air into the cellular membrane.


Topic: Emphyteutic
Definition:
EMPHYTEU'TIC, c.  [Gr. a planting, to plant.]
Taken on hire; that for which rent is to be paid; as emphyteutic lands.


Topic: Empire
Definition:
EM'PIRE, n.  [L. imperium;  See Emperor.]
1.  Supreme power in governing; supreme dominion; sovereignty; imperial power.  No nation can rightfully claim the empire of the ocean.
2.  The territory, region or countries under the jurisdiction and dominion of an emperor.  An empire is usually a territory of greater extent than a kingdom, which may be and often is a territory of small extent.  Thus we say, the Russian empire; the Austrian empire; the sovereigns of which are denominated emperors.  The British dominions are called an empire, and since the union of Ireland, the parliament is denominated the imperial parliament, but the sovereign is called king.  By custom in Europe, the empire means the German empire; and in juridical acts, it is called the holy Roman empire.  Hence, we say, the diet of the empire; the circles of the empire; &c.  But the German empire no longer exists; the states of Germany now form a confederacy.
3.  Supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as the empire of reason, or of truth.
4.  Any region, land or water, over which dominion is extended; as the empire of the sea.


Topic: Empiric
Definition:
EM'PIRIC, n.  [Gr. to attempt;  L. empiricus.]
Literally, one who makes experiments.  Hence its appropriate signification is, a physician who enters on practice without a regular professional education, and relies on the success of his own experience.  Hence,the word is used also for a quack, an ignorant pretender to medical skill, a charlatan.


Topic: Empirical
Definition:
EMPIR'ICAL, a.  Pertaining to experiments or experience.
1.  Versed in experiments; as an empiric alchimist.
2.  Known only by experience; derived from experiment; used and applied without science; as empiric skill; empiric remedies.
I have avoided that empirical morality that cures one vice by means of another.


Topic: Empirically
Definition:
EMPIR'ICALLY, adv.  By experiment; according to experience; without science; in the manner of quacks.


Topic: Empiricism
Definition:
EMPIR'ICISM, n.  Dependence of a physician on his experience in practice,without the aid of a regular medical education.
1.  The practice of medicine without a medical education.  Hence, quackery; the pretensions of a ignorant man to medical skill.
Shudder to destroy life,either by the naked knife, or by the surer and safer medium of empiricism.


Topic: Emplastic
Definition:
EMPL`ASTIC, a.  [Gr.]  See Plaster, Plastic.]  Viscous; glutinous; adhesive; fit to be applied as a plaster; as emplastic applications.


Topic: Emplead
Definition:
EMPLE'AD, v.t.  [em and plead.]  To charge with a crime; to accuse.  but it is now written implead, which see.


Topic: Employ
Definition:
EMPLOY', v.t.  [L. plico.]
1.  To occupy the time, attention and labor of; to keep busy, or at work; to use.  We employ our hands in labor; we employ our heads or faculties in study or thought; the attention is employed, when the mind is fixed or occupied upon an object; we employ time, when we devote it to an object.  A portion of time should be daily employed in reading the scriptures, meditation and prayer; a great portion of life is employed to little profit or to very bad purposes.
2.  To use as an instrument or means.  We employ pens in writing, and arithmetic in keeping accounts.  We employ medicines in curing diseases.
3.  To use as materials in forming any thing.  We employ timber, stones or bricks, in building; we employ wool, linen and cotton, in making cloth.
4.  To engage in one's service; to use as an agent or substitute in transacting business; to commission and entrust with the management of one's affairs.  The president employed an envoy to negotiate a treaty. Kings and States employ embassadors at foreign courts.
5.  To occupy; to use; to apply or devote to an object; to pass in business; as, to employ time; to employ an hour, a day or a week; to employ one's life.
To employ one's self, is to apply or devote one's time and attention; to busy one's self.


Topic: Employment
Definition:
EMPLOY'MENT, n.  The act of employing or using.
1.  Occupation; business; that which engages the head or hands; as agricultural employments; mechanical employments.  Men, whose employment is to make sport and amusement for others, are always despised.
2.  Office; public business or trust; agency or service for another or for the public.  The secretary of the treasury has a laborious and responsible employment.  He is in the employment of government.


Topic: Empoison
Definition:
EMPOIS'ON, v.t.  s as z.
1.  To poison; to administer poison to; to destroy or endanger life by giving or causing to be taken into the stomach any noxious drug or preparation. [In this sense, poison is generally used; but empoison may be used, especially in poetry.]
2.  To taint with poison or venom; to render noxious or deleterious by an admixture of poisonous substance.  [This may be used, especially in poetry.]


Topic: Empoisoner
Definition:
EMPOIS'ONER, n.  One who poisons; one who administers a deleterious drug; he or that which embitters.


Topic: Empoisonment
Definition:
EMPOIS'ONMENT, n.  The act of administering poison, or causing it to be taken; the act of destroying life by a deleterious drug.


Topic: Emporium
Definition:
EMPO'RIUM, n.  [L. from the Gr. to buy; to pass or go.]
1.  A place of merchandize; a town or city of trade; particularly, a city or town of extensive commerce, or in which the commerce of an extensive country centers, or to which sellers and buyers resort from different countries.  Such are London, Amsterdam and Hamburg.  New York will be an emporium.
2. in medicine, the common sensory in the brain.


Topic: Empower
Definition:
EMPOW'ER, v.t.  [from en or in and power.]
1. To give legal or moral power or authority to; to authorize, either by law, commission, letter of attorney, natural right, or by verbal license.  The supreme court is empowered to try and decide all cases, civil or criminal.  The attorney is empowered to sign an acquittance and discharge the debtor.
2.  To give physical power or force; to enable.  [In this sense the use is not frequent,and perhaps not used at all.]


Topic: Empress
Definition:
EM'PRESS, n.  [Contracted from emperess. See Emperor.]  The consort or spouse of an emperor.
1.  A female who governs an empire; a female invested with imperial power or sovereignty.


Topic: Emprise
Definition:
EMPRI'SE, n. s as z. [Norm; em, en, and prise, from prendre, to take.]    An undertaking; an enterprise.
[This word is now rarely or never used, except in poetry.]


Topic: Emptiness
Definition:
EMP'TINESS, n.  [from empty.]  A state of being empty; a state of containing nothing except air; destitution; absence of matter; as the emptiness of a vessel.
1.  Void space; vacuity; vacuum.
2.  Want of solidity or substance; as the emptiness of light and shade.
3.  Unsatisfactoriness; inability to satisfy desire; as the emptiness of earthly things.
4.  Vacuity of head; want of intellect or knowledge.


Topic: Empty
Definition:
EMP'TY, a.
1.  Containing nothing, or nothing but air; as an empty chest; empty space; an empty purse is a serious evil.
2.  Evacuated; not filled; as empty shackles.
3.  Unfurnished; as an empty room.
4.  Void; devoid.
In civility thou seemest so empty.
5.  Void; destitute of solid matter; as empty air.
6.  Destitute of force or effect; as empty words.
7.  Unsubstantial; unsatisfactory; not able to fill the mind or the desires.  The pleasures of life are empty and unsatisfying.
Pleased with empty praise.
8.  Not supplied; having nothing to carry.
They beat him, and sent him away empty.  Mark 12.
9.  Hungry.
My falcon now is sharp and passing empty.
    10. Unfurnished with intellect or knowledge; vacant of head; ignorant; as an empty coxcomb.
    11. Unfruitful; producing nothing.
Israel is an empty vine.  Hosca 10.
Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind. Gen.41.
   12. Wanting substance; wanting solidity; as empty dreams.
    13. Destitute; waste;desolate.
Nineveh is empty.  Nah.2.
    14. Without effect.
The sword of Saul returned not empty. 2 Sam.1.
    15. Without a cargo; in ballast; as, the ship returned empty.
EMP'TY, v.t.  To exhaust; to make void or destitute; to deprive of the contents; as, to empty a vessel; to empty a well or a cistern.
1.  To pour out the contents.
The clouds empty themselves on the earth.  Eccles.11.
Rivers empty themselves into the ocean.
2.  To waste; to make desolate.  Jer.51.
EMP'TY, v.i.  To pour out or discharge its contents.
The Connecticut empties into the Sound.
1.  To become empty.


Topic: Empurple
Definition:
EMPUR'PLE, v.t.  [from purple.]  To tinge or dye of a purple color; to discolor with purple
The deep empurpled ran.


Topic: Empyreal
Definition:
EMPYR'EAL, a.  [L. empyroeus; from Gr. fire.]
1.  Formed of pure fire or light; refined beyond aerial substance; pertaining to the highest and purest region of heaven.
Go, soar with Plato to the empyreal sphere.
2.  Pure; vital; dephlogisticated; an epithet given to the air, or rather gas, now called oxygen.


Topic: Empyrean
Definition:
EMPYRE'AN, a.  Empyreal.
EMPYRE'AN, n.  [See Empyreal.]  The highest heaven, where the pure element of fire has been supposed to subsist.
The empyrean rung
With halleluiahs.


Topic: Empyreuma
Definition:
EMPYREU'MA, n.  [Gr. fire.]  In chimistry, a disagreeable smell produced from burnt oils, in distillations of animal and vegetable substances.


Topic: Emu
Definition:
E'MU, n.  A large fowl of S. America, with wings unfit for flight.
This name properly belongs to the Cassowary, but has been erroneously applied, by the Brazilians, to the Rhea or S. American ostrich.


Topic: Emulate
Definition:
EM'ULATE, v.t.  [L. oemulor;  Gr. strife, contest.]
1.  To strive to equal or excel, in qualities or actions; to imitate, with a view to equal or excel; to vie with; to rival.  Learn early to emulate the good and the great. Emulate the virtues and shun the vices of distinguished men.
2.  To be equal to.
Thy eye would emulate the diamond.
3.  To imitate; to resemble. [Unusual.]
Convulsion emulating the motion of laughter.
EM'ULATE, a.  Ambitious.  [Little used.]


Topic: Emulation
Definition:
EMULA'TION, n. The act of attempting to equal or excel in qualities or actions; rivalry; desire of superiority, attended with effort to attain to it; generally in a good sense, or an attempt to equal or excel others in that which is praise-worthy, without the desire of depressing others. Rom.11. In a bad sense, a striving to equal or do more than others to obtain carnal favors or honors. Val.5.
1. An ardor kindled by the praise-worthy examples of others, inciting to imitate them, or to equal or excel them.
A noble emulation heats your breast.
2.  Contest; contention; strife; competition; rivalry accompanied with a desire of depressing another.
Such factious emulations shall arise.


Topic: Emulgent
Definition:
EMULG'ENT, a.  [L. emulgeo; e and mulgeo, to milk out.]
Milking or draining out. In anatomy, the emulgent or renal arteries are those which supply the kidneys with blood, being sometimes single, sometimes double.  The emulgent veins return the blood, after the urine is secreted.  This the ancients considered as a milking or straining of the serum whence the name.
EMULG'ENT, n.  An emulgent vessel.


Topic: Emulous
Definition:
EM'ULOUS, a.  [L. oemulus.]  Desirous or eager to imitate, equal or excel another; desirous of like excellence with another; with of; as emulous of another's example or virtues.
1.  Rivaling; engaged in competition; as emulous Carthage.
2.  Factious; contentious.


Topic: Emulsion
Definition:
EMUL'SION, n.  [L. emulsus, emulgeo, to milk out.]
A soft liquid remedy of a color and consistence resembling milk; any milk-like mixture prepared by uniting oil and water, by means of another substance, saccharine or mucilaginous.


Topic: Emulsive
Definition:
EMUL'SIVE, a.  Softening; milk-like.
1.  Producing or yielding a milk-like substance; as emulsive acids.


Topic: Emunctory
Definition:
EMUNC'TORY, n. [L. emunctorium, from emunctus, emungo, to wipe, to cleanse.]   In anatomy, any part of the body which serves to carry off excrementitious matter; a secretory gland; an excretory duct.
The kidneys and skin are called the common emunctories.


Topic: En
Definition:
EN, a prefix to many English words, chiefly borrowed from the French.  In coincides with the Latin, in, Gr., and some English words are written indifferently with en or in.  For the ease of pronunciation, it is changed to em, particularly before a labial, as in employ, empower.
En was formerly a plural termination of nouns and of verbs, as in housen, escapen.  It is retained in oxen and children.  It is also still used as the termination of some verbs, as in hearken, from the Saxon infinitive.


Topic: Enable
Definition:
ENABLE, v.t. [Norm. enhabler; en and hable, able. See Able.]
1.  To make able; to supply with power,physical or moral; to furnish with sufficient power or ability.  By strength a man is enabled to work.  Learning and industry enable men to investigate the laws of nature.  Fortitude enables us to bear pain without murmuring.
2.  To supply with means.  Wealth enables men to be charitable, or to live in luxury.
3.  To furnish with legal ability or competency; to authorize.  The law enables us to dispose of our property by will.
4.  To furnish with competent knowledge or skill, and in general, with adequate means.


Topic: Enact
Definition:
ENACT', v.t.  [en and act.]  To make, as a law; to pass, as a bill into a law; to perform the last act of a legislature to a bill, giving it validity as a law; to give legislative sanction to a bill.
Shall this bill pass to be enacted?
1.  To decree; to establish as the will of the supreme power.
2.  To act; to perform; to effect.  [Not used.]
3.  To represent inaction.  [Not used.]


Topic: Enacting
Definition:
ENACT'ING, ppr.  Passing into a law; giving legislative sanction to a bill, and establishing it as a law.
1.  Giving legislative forms and sanction; as the enacting clause of a bill.


Topic: Enactment
Definition:
ENACT'MENT, n.  The passing of a bill into a law; the act of voting, decreeing and giving validity to a law.


Topic: Enactor
Definition:
ENACT'OR, n.  One who enacts or passes a law; one who decrees or establishes, as a law.
1.  One who performs any thing.  [Not used.]


Topic: Enallage
Definition:
ENAL'LAGE, n.  enal'lajy.  [Gr. change.]
A figure, in grammar, by which some change is made in the common mode of speech, or when one word is substituted for another; as exercitus victor, for victoriousus; scelus, for scelestus.


Topic: Enamel
Definition:
ENAM'EL, n.  
1.  In mineralogy, a substance imperfectly vitrified, or matter in which the granular appearance is destroyed, and having a vitreous gloss.
In the arts, a substance of the nature of glass, differing from it by a greater degree of fusibility or opacity.
Enamels have for their basis a pure crystal glass or frit, ground with a fine oxyd of lead and tin.  These baked together are the matter of enamels, and the color is varied by adding other substances,  Oxyd of gold gives a red color; that of copper, a green; manganese, a violet; cobalt, a blue; and iron, a fine black.
2.  That which is enameled; a smooth, glossy surface of various colors, resembling enamel.
 3.  In anatomy, the smooth hard substance which covers the crown of a tooth.
ENAM'EL, v.t.  To lay enamel on a metal, as on gold, silver, copper, &c.
1.  To paint in enamel.
2.  To form a glossy surface like enamel.


Topic: Enamor
Definition:
ENAM'OR, v.t.  [L. amor, love.]  To inflame with love; to charm; to captivate; with of before the person or thing; as, to be enamored of a lady; to be enamored of books or science.
[But it is now followed by with.]


Topic: Enarmed
Definition:
EN`ARMED, a.  In heraldry, having arms, that is, horns, hoofs, &c. of a different color from that of the body.


Topic: Enarration
Definition:
ENARRA'TION, n.  [L. enarro,narro, to relate.]  Recital; relation; account; exposition.  [Little used.]


Topic: Enarthrosis
Definition:
ENARTHRO'SIS, n.  [Gr. a joint.]  In anatomy, that species of articulation which consists in the insertion of the round end of a bone in the cup-like cavity of another, forming a movable joint; the ball and socket.


Topic: Encamp
Definition:
ENCAMP', v.i.  [from camp.]  To pitch tents or form huts, as an army; to halt on a march, spread tents and remain for a night or for a longer time, as an army or company.
They encamped in Etham. Ex.13.
The Levites shall encamp about the tabernacle.  Num.1.
1.  To pitch tents for the purpose of a siege; to besiege.
Encamp against the city and take it.  2 Sam. 7.


Topic: Encampment
Definition:
ENCAMP'MENT, n.  The act of pitching tents or forming huts, as an army or traveling company, for temporary lodging or rest.
1.  The place where an army or company is encamped; a camp; a regular order of tents or huts for the accommodation of an army or troop.


Topic: Encaustic
Definition:
ENCAUS'TIC, a.  [Gr. caustic, to burn.]  Pertaining to the art of enameling, and to painting in burnt wax.  Encaustic painting, is a method in which wax is employed to give a gloss to colors.
ENCAUS'TIC, n.  Enamel or enameling.
1. The method of painting in burnt wax.


Topic: Enceint
Definition:
ENCE'INT, n.  [L. cingo, to gird.]  In fortification, inclosure; the wall or rampart which surrounds a place, sometimes composed of bastions and curtains.  It is sometimes only flanked by round or square towers, which is called a Roman wall.
ENCE'INT, a.  In law, pregnant;; with child.


Topic: Enchain
Definition:
ENCHA'IN, v.t.
1.  To fasten with a chain; to bind or hold in chains; to hold in bondage.
2.  To hold fast; to restrain; to confine.
3.  To link together; to connect.


Topic: Enchant
Definition:
ENCH`ANT, v.t.  [L. incanto; in and canto, to sing.  See Chant and Cant.]
1.  To practice sorcery or witchcraft on any thing; to give efficacy to any thing by songs of sorcery, or fascination.
And now about the cauldron sing,
Like elves and fairies in a ring,
Enchanting all that you put in.
2.  To subdue by charms or spells.
3.  To delight to the highest degree; to charm; to ravish with pleasure; as,the description enchants me; we were enchanted with the music.


Topic: Enchanted
Definition:
ENCH`ANTED, pp.  Affected by sorcery; fascinated; subdued by charms; delighted beyond measure.
1.  Inhabited or possessed by elves, witches, or other imaginary mischievous spirits; as an enchanted castle.


Topic: Enchanter
Definition:
ENCH`ANTER, n.  One who enchants; a sorcerer or magician; one who has spirits or demons at his command; one who practices enchantment, or pretends to perform surprising things by the agency of demons.
1. One who charms or delights.
Enchanter's nightshade, a genus of plants, the Circaea.


Topic: Enchanting
Definition:
ENCH`ANTING, ppr.  Affecting with sorcery, charms or spells.
1.  Delighting highly; ravishing with delight; charming.
2.  Charming; delighting; ravishing; as an enchanting voice; an enchanting face.
Simplicity in manners has an enchanting effect.


Topic: Enchantingly
Definition:
ENCH`ANTINGLY, adv. With the power of enchantment; in a manner to delight or charm; as, the lady sings enchantingly.


Topic: Enchantment
Definition:
ENCH`ANTMENT, n.  The act of producing certain wonderful effects by the invocation or aid of demons, or the agency of certain supposed spirits; the use of magic arts, spells or charms; incantation.
The magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments.  Ex.7.
1.  Irresistible influence; overpowering influence of delight.
The warmth of fancy--which holds the heart of a reader under the strongest enchantment.


Topic: Enchantress
Definition:
ENCH`ANTRESS, n. A sorceress; a woman who pretends to effect wonderful things by the aid of demons; one who pretends to practice magic.
1.  A woman whose beauty or excellencies give irresistible influence.
From this enchantress all these ills are come.


Topic: Enchase
Definition:
ENCHA'SE, v.t.  [Eng. a case.]
1.  To infix or inclose in another body so as to be held fast, but not concealed.
2.  Technically, to adorn by embossed work; to enrich or beautify any  work in metal,by some design or figure in low relief, as a watch case.
3.  To adorn by being fixed on it.
To drink in bowls which glittering gems enchase.
4.  To mark by incision.
5.  To delineate.


Topic: Encircle
Definition:
ENCIR'CLE, v.t.  ensur'cl.  [from circle.]
1. To inclose or surround with a circle or ring, or with any thing in a circular form.
2.  To encompass; to surround; to environ.
3.  To embrace; as, to encircle one in the arms.


Topic: Enclitic
Definition:
ENCLIT'IC, a.  [Gr. inclined; to incline.]
1.  Leaning; inclining, or inclined.  In grammar, an enclitic particle or word,is one which is so closely united to another as to seem to be a part of it; as que, ne, and ve, in virumque, nonne, aliusve.
2.  Throwing back the accent upon the foregoing syllable.
ENCLIT'IC, n. A word which is joined to the end of another, as que, in virumque, which may vary the accent.
1.  A particle or word that throws the accent or emphasis back upon the former syllable.


Topic: Encomium
Definition:
ENCO'MIUM, n.  plu. encomiums.  Praise; panegyric; commendation.  Men are quite as willing to receive as to bestow encomiums.


Topic: Encompass
Definition:
ENCOM'PASS, v.t.  [from compass.]  To encircle; to surround; as, a ring encompasses the finger.
1.  To environ; to inclose; to surround; to shut in. A besieging army encompassed the city of Jerusalem.
2. To go or sail round; as Drake encompassed the globe.


Topic: Encore
Definition:
ENCO'RE, a.  French word, pronounced nearly ongkore,and signifying, again, once more; used by the auditors and spectators of plays and other sports, when they call for a repetition of a particular part.
ENCO'RE, v.t.  To call for a repetition of a particular part of an entertainment.


Topic: Encounter
Definition:
ENCOUNT'ER, n.  [L. contra, against,or rather rencontre.]
1. A meeting, particularly a sudden or accidental meeting of two or more persons.
To shun th' encounter of the vulgar crowd.
2.  A meeting in contest; a single combat, on a sudden meeting of parties; sometimes less properly, a duel.
3.  A fight; a conflict; a skirmish; a battle; but more generally, a fight between a small number of men,or an accidental meeting and fighting of detachments, rather than a set battle or general engagement.
4.  Eager and warm conversation, either in love or anger.
5.  A sudden or unexpected address or accosting.
6.  Occasion; casual incident.  [Unusual.]
ENCOUNT'ER, v.t.
1.  To meet face to face; particularly, to meet suddenly or unexpectedly.
[This sense is now uncommon, but still in use.]
2.  To meet in opposition, or in a hostile manner; to rush against in conflict; to engage with in battle; as, two armies encounter each other.
3.  To meet and strive to remove or surmount; as, to encounter obstacles, impediments or difficulties.
4.  To meet and oppose; to resist; to attack and attempt to confute; as, to encounter the arguments of opponents.  Acts.17.18.
5.  To meet as an obstacle.  Which ever way the infidel turns, he encounters clear evidence of the divine origin of the scriptures.
6.  To oppose; to oppugn.
7.  To meet in mutual kindness.  [Little used.]
ENCOUNT'ER, v.i. To meet face to face;to meet unexpectedly.  [Little used.]
1.  To rush together in combat; to fight; to conflict.  Three armies encountered at Waterloo.
When applied to one party, it is sometimes followed by with; as, the christian army encountered with the Saracens.
2.  To meet in opposition or debate.


Topic: Encourage
Definition:
ENCOUR'AGE, v.t.  enkur'rage.  To give courage to; to give or increase confidence of success; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind; to embolden; to animate; to incite; to inspirit.
But charge Joshua, and encourage him.  Deut. 3.


Topic: Encouragement
Definition:
ENCOUR'AGEMENT, n.  The act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive.  We ought never to neglect the encouragement of youth in generous deeds. The praise of good men serves as an encouragement of virtue and heroism.
1.  That which serves to incite, support, promote or advance, as favor, countenance, rewards, profit.  A young man attempted the practice of law, but found little encouragement.  The fine arts find little encouragement among a rude people.


Topic: Encourager
Definition:
ENCOUR'AGER, n.  One who encourages,incites or stimulates to action; one who supplies incitements, either by counsel, reward or means of execution.
The pope is a master of polite learning and a great encourager of arts.


Topic: Encouraging
Definition:
ENCOUR'AGING, ppr.  Inspiring with hope and confidence; exciting courage.
1.  Furnishing ground to hope for success; as an encouraging prospect.


Topic: Encrinite
Definition:
EN'CRINITE, n.  [Gr. a lily.]  Stone-lily; a fossil zoophyte, formed of many joints, all perforated by some starry form.


Topic: Encroach
Definition:
ENCROACH, v.i.  [Eng. crook.]  Primarily, to catch as with a hook.  Hence,
1.  To enter on the rights and possession of another; to intrude; to take possession of what belongs to another, by gradual advances into his limits or jurisdiction, and usurping a part of  his rights or  prerogatives; with on.  The farmer who runs a fence on his neighbor's land, and incloses a piece with his own, encroaches on his neighbor's property.  Men often encroach, in this manner, on the highway.  The sea is said to encroach on the land, when it wears it away gradually; and the land encroaches on the sea, when it is extended into it by alluvion.  It is important to prevent one branch of government from encroaching on the jurisdiction of another.
2.  To creep on gradually without right.
Superstition--a creeping and encroaching evil.
3.  To pass the proper bounds, and enter on another's rights.
Exclude th' encroaching cattle from thy ground.


Topic: Encroacher
Definition:
ENCROACHER, n.  One who enters on and takes possession of what is not his own, by gradual steps.
1.  One who makes gradual advances beyond his rights.


Topic: Encroaching
Definition:
ENCROACHING, ppr. Entering on and taking possession of what belongs to another.
ENCROACHING, a.  Tending or apt to encroach.
The encroaching spirit of power.


Topic: Encroachment
Definition:
ENCROACHMENT, n.  The entering gradually on the rights or possessions of another, and taking possession; unlawful intrusion; advance into the territories or jurisdiction of another,by silent means, or without right.
1.  That which is taken by encroaching on another.
2.  In law, if a tenant owes two shillings rent service to the  lord, and the lord takes three, it is an encroachment.


Topic: Encumber
Definition:
ENCUM'BER, v.t.
1.  To load; to clog; to impede motion with a load, burden or any thing inconvenient to the limbs; to render motion or operation difficult or laborious.
2.  To embarrass; to perplex; to obstruct.
3.  To load with debts; as, an estate is encumbered with mortgages, or with a widow's dower.


Topic: Encumbered
Definition:
ENCUM'BERED, pp.  Loaded; impeded in motion or operation, by a burden or difficulties; loaded with debts.


Topic: Encumbrance
Definition:
ENCUM'BRANCE, n.  A load; any thing that impedes motion, or renders it difficult and laborious; clog; impediment.
1.  Useless addition or load.
Strip from the branching Alps their piny load,
The huge encumbrance of horrific wood.
2.  Load or burden on an estate; a legal claim on an estate, for the discharge of which the estate is liable.


Topic: Encyclical
Definition:
ENCYC'LICAL, a.  [Gr. a circle.]  Circular; sent to many persons or places; intended for many, or for a whole order of men.  [This word is not used. We now use circular.]


Topic: Encyclopedy
Definition:
ENCYCLOPE'DY,  n.  [Gr. in, a circle, and instruction; instruction in a circle, or circle of instruction.]
The circle of sciences; a general system of instruction or knowledge.  More particularly, a collection of the principal facts, principles and discoveries, in all branches of science and the arts, digested under proper titles and arranged in alphabetical order; as the French Encyclopedia; the Encyclopedia Britannica.


Topic: End
Definition:
END, n.  
1.  The extreme point of a line, or of anything that has more length than breadth; as the end of a house; the end of a table; the end of a finger; the end of a chain or rope.  When bodies or figures have equal dimensions, or equal length and breadth, the extremities are called sides.
2.  The extremity or last part, in general; the close or conclusion, applied to time.
At the end of two months, she returned. Judges 11.
3.  The conclusion or cessation of an action.
Of the increase of his government there shall be no end.  Is.9.
4.  The close or conclusion; as the end of a chapter.
5.  Ultimate state or condition; final doom.
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.  Ps.37.
6.  The point beyond which no progression can be made.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.  Ps.107.
7.  Final determination; conclusion of debate or deliberation.
My guilt be on my head and there's an end!
8.  Close of life; death; decease.
Unblamed through life, lamented in thy end.
9.  Cessation; period; close of a particular state of things; as the end of the world.
    10. Limit; termination.
There is no end of the store. Hahum 2.
    11. Destruction. Amos 8.
The end of all flesh is come. Gen.6.
   12. Cause of death; a destroyer.
And award
Either of you to be the other's end.
    13. Consequence; issue; result; conclusive event; conclusion.
The end of these things is death. Rom.6.
    14. A fragment or broken piece.
Old odd ends.
    15. The ultimate point or thing at which one aims or directs his views; the object intended to be reached or accomplished by any action or scheme; purpose intended; scope; aim; drift; as private ends; public ends.
Two things I shall propound to you, as ends.
The end of the commandments is charity.  l Tim.1.
A right to the end, implies a right to the means necessary for attaining it.
    16. An end, for on end, upright; erect; as, his hair stands an end.
    17. The ends of the earth, in scripture, are the remotest parts of the earth, or the inhabitants of those parts.
END, v.t.  To finish; to close; to conclude; to terminate; as, to end a controversy; to end a war.
On the seventh day God ended his work.  Gen.2.
1.  To destroy; to put to death.
King Harry, thy sword hath ended him.
END, v.i. To come to the ultimate point; to be finished; as, a voyage ends by the return of a ship.
1.  To terminate; to close; to conclude.  The discourse ends with impressive words.
2.  To cease; to come to a close.  Winter ends in March, and summer in September.  A good like ends in peace.


Topic: Endamage
Definition:
ENDAM'AGE, v.t.  [from damage.]  To bring loss or damage to; to harm; to injure; to mischief; to prejudice.
The trial hath endamaged thee no way.
So thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. 
Ezra.4.


Topic: Endanger
Definition:
ENDANGER, v.t.  [from danger.]  To put in hazard; to bring into danger or peril; to expose to loss or injury.  We dread any thing that endangers our life, our peace or our happiness.
1.  To incur the hazard of.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Endear
Definition:
ENDE'AR, v.t.  [from dear.]  To make dear; to make more beloved. The distress of a friend endears him to us, by exciting our sympathy.
1. To raise the price.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Endearment
Definition:
ENDE'ARMENT, n.  The cause of love; that which excites or increases affection, particularly that which excites tenderness of affection.
Her first endearments twining round the soul.
1.  The state of being beloved; tender affection.


Topic: Endeavor
Definition:
ENDEAV'OR, n.  endev'or.  An effort; an essay; an attempt; an exertion of physical strength, or the intellectual powers, towards the attainment of an object.
The bold and sufficient pursue their game with more passion, endeavor and application, and therefore often succeed.
Imitation is the endeavor of a later poet to write like one who has written before him on the same subject.
Labor is a continued endeavor, or a succession of endeavors.
ENDEAV'OR, v.i.  endev'or.  To exert physical strength or intellectual power, for the accomplishment of an object; to try; to essay; to attempt.  In a race, each man endeavors to outstrip his antagonist.  A poet may endeavor to rival Homer, but without success.  It is followed by after before a noun; as, the christian endeavors after more strict conformity to the example of Christ.
1.  v.t.  To attempt to gain; to try to effect. 
It is our duty to endeavor the recovery of these beneficial subjects.


Topic: Endeictic
Definition:
ENDEI'CTIC, a.  [Gr. to show.]  Showing; exhibiting.  An endeictic dialogue, in the Platonic philosophy, is one which exhibits a specimen of skill.


Topic: Endemial
Definition:
ENDE'MIAL, a.  [Gr. people.]  Peculiar to a people or nation. An endemic disease, is one to which the inhabitants of a particular country are peculiarly subject, and which, for that reason, may be supposed to proceed from local causes, as bad air or water.  The epithet is also applied to a disease which prevails in a particular season, chiefly or wholly in a particular place.


Topic: Ending
Definition:
END'ING, ppr.  [from end.]  Terminating; closing; concluding.
END'ING, n.  Termination; conclusion.
1.  In grammar, the terminating syllable or letter of a word.


Topic: Endless
Definition:
END'LESS, a.  [See End.]  Without end; having no end or conclusion; applied to length, and to duration; as an endless line; endless progression; endless duration; endless bliss.
1.  Perpetual; incessant; continual; as endless praise; endless clamor.


Topic: Endlessly
Definition:
END'LESSLY, adv.  Without end or termination; as, to extend a line endlessly.
1. Incessantly; perpetually; continually.


Topic: Endow
Definition:
ENDOW', v.t.  [L. dos, doto, or a different Celtic root.]
1.  To furnish with a portion of goods or estate, called dower; to settle a dower on, as on a married woman or widow.
A wife is by law entitled to be endowed of all lands and tenements, of which her husband was seized in fee simple or fee tail during the coverture.
2.  To settle on, as a permanent provision; to furnish with a permanent fund of property; as, to endow a church; to endow a college with a fund to support a professor.
3.  To enrich or furnish with any gift, quality or faculty; to indue.  Man is endowed by his maker with reason.


Topic: Endowed
Definition:
ENDOW'ED, pp.  Furnished with a portion of estate;having dower settled on; supplied with a permanent fund; indued.


Topic: Endowment
Definition:
ENDOW'MENT, n.  The act of settling dower on a woman, or of settling a fund or permanent provision for the support of a parson or vicar, or of a professor, &c.
1.  That which is bestowed or settled on; property, fund or revenue permanently appropriated to any object; as the endowments of a church, of a hospital, or of a college.
2.  That which is given or bestowed on the person or mind by the creator; gift of nature; any quality or faculty bestowed by the creator.  Natural activity of limbs is an endowment of the body; natural vigor of intellect is an endowment of the mind. Chatham and Burke, in Great Britain, and Jan, Ellsworth and Hamilton, in America, possessed uncommon endowments of mind.


Topic: Endurance
Definition:
ENDU'RANCE, n.  [See Endure.]  Continuance; a state of lasting or duration; lastingness.
1.  A bearing or suffering; a continuing under pain or distress without resistance, or without sinking or yielding to the pressure; sufferance; patience.
Their fortitude was most admirable in their presence and endurance of all evils, of pain, and of death.
2.  Delay; a waiting for.  [Not used.]


Topic: Endure
Definition:
ENDU'RE, v.t.  [L. durus, duro.]
1.  To last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide.
The Lord shall endure forever.  Ps.9.
He shall hold it [his house] fast, but it shall not endure.  Job.8.
2.  To bear; to brook; to suffer without resistance, or without yielding.
How can I endure to see the evil that shall come to my people?  Esther 8.
Can thy heart endure, or thy hands be strong? Ezek. 22.
ENDU'RE, v.t.  To bear; to sustain; to support without breaking or yielding to force or pressure.  Metals endure a certain degree of heat without melting.
Both were of shining steel, and wrought so pure.
As might the strokes of two such arms endure.
1.  To bear with patience; to bear without opposition or sinking under the pressure.
Therefore, I endure all things for the elect's sake.  2 Tim 2.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons.  Heb.12.
2.  To undergo; to sustain.
I wish to die, yet dare not death endure.
3.  To continue in.  [Not used.]


Topic: Enduring
Definition:
ENDU'RING, ppr.  Lasting; continuing without perishing; bearing; sustaining; supporting with patience, or without opposition or yielding.
1.  Lasting long; permanent.


Topic: Enemy
Definition:
EN'EMY, n.  [L. inimicus.]
1.  A foe; an adversary.  A private enemy is one who hates another and wishes him injury, or attempts to do him injury to gratify his own malice or ill will.  A public enemy or foe, is one who belongs to a nation or party, at war with another.
I way to you, love your enemies. Matt.5.
Enemies in war; in peace friends.
2.  One who hates or dislikes; as an enemy to truth or falsehood.
3.  In theology, and by way of eminence, the enemy is the Devil; the archfiend.
4.  In military affairs, the opposing army or naval force in war, is called the enemy.


Topic: Energize
Definition:
EN'ERGIZE, v.i.  [from energy.]  To act with force; to operate with vigor; to act in producing an effect.
EN'ERGIZE, v.t.  To give strength or force to; to give active vigor to.


Topic: Energy
Definition:
EN'ERGY, n.  [Gr. work.]
1. Internal or inherent power; the power of operating, whether exerted or not; as men possessing energies sometimes suffer them to lie inactive. Danger will rouse the dormant energies of our natures into action.
2.  Power exerted; vigorous operation; force; vigor.  God, by his Almighty energy, called the universe into existence.  The administration of the laws requires energy in the magistrate.
3.  Effectual operation; efficacy; strength or force producing the effect.
Beg the blessed Jesus to give an energy to your imperfect prayers, by his most powerful intercession.
4.  Strength of expression; force of utterance; life; spirit; emphasis. The language of Lord Chatham is remarkable for its energy.


Topic: Enervate
Definition:
ENERV'ATE, a. [infra.]  Weakened; weak; without strength or force.
1.  To deprive of nerve, force or strength; to weaken; to render feeble.  Idleness and voluptuous indulgences enervate the body.  Vices and luxury enervate the strength of state.
2. To cut the nerves; as, to enervate a horse.


Topic: Enervation
Definition:
ENERVA'TION, n.  The act of weakening, or reducing strength.
1. The state of being weakened; effeminacy.


Topic: Enfeeble
Definition:
ENFEE'BLE, v.t.  [from feeble.]  To deprive of strength; to reduce the strength or force of; to weaken; to debilitate; to enervate. Intemperance enfeebles the body, and induces premature infirmity.  Excessive grief and melancholy enfeeble the mind. Long wars enfeeble a state.


Topic: Enfeoff
Definition:
ENFEOFF, v.t. enfeff'.  [Law L. feaffo, feoffare, from fief, which see.]
1.  To give one a feud; hence, to invest with a fee; to give to another any corporeal hereditament, in fee simple or fee tail, by livery of seizin.
2.  To surrender or give up.  [Not used.]


Topic: Enfeoffment
Definition:
ENFEOFF'MENT, n.  The act of giving the fee simple of an estate.
1.  The instrument or deed by which one is invested with the fee of an estate.


Topic: Enfilade
Definition:
ENFILA'DE, n.  [L. filum.]  A line or straight passage; or the situation of a place which may be seen or scoured with shot all the length of a line, or in the direction of a line.
ENFILA'DE, v.t.  [from the noun.]  To pierce, scour or rake with shot, in the direction of a line, or through the whole length of a line.
In conducting approaches at a siege, care should be taken that the trenches be not enfiladed.
In a position to enfilade the works at Fort Isle.


Topic: Enforce
Definition:
ENFO'RCE, v.t.
1.  To give strength to; to strengthen; to invigorate.  [See Def.5.]
2.  To make or gain by force; to force; as, to enforce a passage.
3.  To put in act by violence; to drive.
Stones enforced from the old Assyrian slings.
4.  To instigate; to urge on; to animate.
5.  To urge with energy; to give force to; to impress on the mind; as, to enforce remarks or arguments.
6.  To compel; to constrain; to force.
7.  To put in execution; to cause to take effect; as, to enforce the laws.
8.  To press with a charge.
9.  To prove; to evince.  [Little used.]
ENFO'RCE, v.i.  To attempt by force.  [Not used.]
ENFO'RCE, n.  Force; strength; power.  [Not used.]


Topic: Enforcement
Definition:
ENFO'RCEMENT, n.  The act of enforcing; compulsion; force applied.
1.  That which gives energy or effect; sanction. The penalties of law are enforcements.
2.  Motive of conviction; urgent evidence.
3.  Pressing exigence; that which urges or constrains.
4.  In a general sense, any thing which compels or constrains; any thing which urges either the body or the mind.
5.  A putting in execution; as the enforcement of law.


Topic: Enforcer
Definition:
ENFO'RCER, n. One who compels, constrains or urges; one who effects by violence; one who carries into effect.


Topic: Enfouldered
Definition:
ENFOUL'DERED, a.  Mixed with lightning.  [Not in use.]
1.  To make free of a city, corporation or state; to admit to the privileges of a freeman. The English colonies were enfranchised by special charters.
2.  To free or release from custody.
3.  To naturalize; to denizen; to receive as denizens; as, to enfranchise foreign words.


Topic: Enfranchised
Definition:
ENFRAN'CHISED, pp.  Set free; released from bondage.
1.  Admitted to the rights and privileges of freemen.


Topic: Enfranchisement
Definition:
ENFRAN'CHISEMENT, n.  Release from slavery or custody.
1.  The admission of persons to the freedom of a corporation or state; investiture with the privileges of free citizens; the incorporating of a person into any society or body politic.


Topic: Enfranchising
Definition:
ENFRAN'CHISING, ppr.  Setting free from slavery or custody; admitting to the rights and privileges of denizens or free citizens in a state, or to the privileges of a free man in a corporation.


Topic: Engage
Definition:
ENGA'GE, v.t.  
1.  To make liable for a debt to a creditor; to bind one's self as surety.
2.  To pawn; to stake as a pledge.
3.  To enlist; to bring into a party; as, to engage men for service; to engage friends to aid in a cause.
4.  To embark in an affair; as, be not hasty to engage yourself in party disputes.
5.  To gain; to win and attach; to draw to.
Good nature engages every one to its possessor.
To very duty he could minds engage.
6.  To unite and bind by contract or promise. Nations engage themselves to each other by treaty.  The young often engage themselves to their sorrow.
7.  To attract and fix; as, to engage the attention.
8.  To occupy; to employ assiduously.  We were engaged in conversation. The nation is engaged in war.
9.  To attack in contest; to encounter. The army engaged the enemy at ten o'clock.  The captain engaged the ship, at point blank distance.
ENGA'GE, v.i.  To encounter; to begin to fight; to attack in conflict.  The armies engaged at Marengo, in a general battle.
1.  To embark in any business; to take a concern in; to undertake.  Be cautious not to engage in controversy, without indispensable necessity.
2.  To promise or pledge one's word; to bind one's self; as, a friend has engaged to supply the necessary funds.


Topic: Engaged
Definition:
ENGA'GED, pp. or a.  Pledged; promised; enlisted; gained and attached; attracted and fixed; embarked; earnestly employed; zealous.


Topic: Engagement
Definition:
ENGA'GEMENT, n.  The act of pawning, pledging or making liable for debt.
1.  Obligation by agreement or contract.  Men are often more ready to make engagements than to fulfil them.
2.  Adherence to a party or cause; partiality.
3.  Occupation; employment of the attention.
Play, by too long or constant engagement, becomes
like an employment or profession.
4.  Employment in fighting; the conflict of armies or fleets; battle; a general action; appropriately the conflict of whole armies or fleets, but applied to actions between small squadrons or single ships, rarely to a fight between detachments of land forces.
5.  Obligation; motive; that which engages.


Topic: Engaging
Definition:
ENGA'GING, ppr.  Pawning; making liable for debt; enlisting; bringing into a party or cause; promising; binding; winning and attaching; encountering; embarking.
1.  Winning; attractive; tending to draw the attention or the affections; pleasing; as engaging manners or address.


Topic: Engender
Definition:
ENGEN'DER, v.t.  [L. gener, genero, geno, gigno.  See Generate.]
1.  To beget between the different sexes; to form in embryo.
2.  To produce; to cause to exist; to cause to bring forth. Meteors are engendered in the atmosphere; worms are sometimes engendered in the stomach; intemperance engenders fatal maladies; angry words engender strife.
ENGEN'DER, v.i.  To be caused or produced.
Thick clouds are spread, and storms engender there.


Topic: Engine
Definition:
EN'GINE, n.  [L. ingenium.]
1.  In mechanics, a compound machine, or artificial instrument, composed of different parts, and intended to produce some effect by the help of the mechanical powers; as a pump, a windlas, a capstan, a fire engine, a steam engine.
2.  A military machine; as a battering ram, &c.
3.  Any instrument; that by which any effect is produced.  An arrow, a sword, a musket is an engine of death.
4.  A machine for throwing water to extinguish fire.
5.  Means; any thing used to effect a purpose.
6.  An agent for another; usually in an ill sense.


Topic: Engineer
Definition:
ENGINEE'R, n.  In the military art, a person skilled in mathematics and mechanics, who forms plans of works for offense or defense, and marks out the ground for fortifications.  Engineers are also employed in delineating plans and superintending the construction of other public works, as aqueducts and canals.  The latter are called civil engineers.
1.  One who manages engines or artillery.


Topic: Enginery
Definition:
EN'GINERY, n.  en'ginry.  The act of managing engines or artillery.
1.  Engines in general; artillery; instruments of war.
2.  Machination.


Topic: English
Definition:
ENGLISH, a.  ing'glish.  [L. ango, from the sense of pressing, depression, laying, which gives the sense of level.]
Belonging to England, or to its inhabitants.
ENGLISH, n.  The people of England.
1.  The language of England or of the English nation, and of their descendants in India, America and other countries.
ENGLISH, v.t.  To translate into the English language.


Topic: Englut
Definition:
ENGLUT', v.t.  [L. glutio.]
1.  To swallow.
2.  To fill; to glut.  [This word is little used.  See Glut.]


Topic: Engorge
Definition:
ENGORGE, v.t. engorj'.  To swallow;; to devour; to gorge; properly, to swallow with greediness, or in large quantities.
ENGORGE, v.t.  engorj'.  To devour; to feed with eagerness or voracity.


Topic: Engrail
Definition:
ENGRA'IL, v.t.  In heraldry, to variegate; to spot as with hail; to indent or make ragged at the edges, as if broken with hail; to indent in curve lines.


Topic: Engrapple
Definition:
ENGRAP'PLE, v.t.  [from grapple. To grapple; to seize and hold; to close in and hold fast.  [See Grapple, which is generally used.]


Topic: Engrasp
Definition:
ENGR`ASP, v.t.  [from grasp.]  To seize with a clasping hold; to hold fast by inclosing or embracing; to gripe.  [See Grasp, which is generally used.]


Topic: Engrave
Definition:
ENGRA'VE, v.t. pret. engraved; pp. engraved or engraven.
Literally, to scratch or scrape.  Hence,
1.  To cut, as metals, stones or other hard substances, with a chisel or graver; to cut figures, letters or devices, on stone or metal; to mark by incision.
Thou shalt engrave the two stones with the 
names of the children of Israel.  Ex.28.
2.  To picture or represent by incisions.
3.  To imprint; to impress deeply; to infix.
Let the laws of God and the principles of morality be engraved on the minds in early years.
4.  To bury; to deposit in the grave; to inter; to inhume.  [Not now used.]


Topic: Engraver
Definition:
ENGRA'VER, n.  One who engraves; a cutter of letters, figures or devices, on stone, metal or wood; a sculptor; a carver.


Topic: Engraving
Definition:
ENGRA'VING, ppr.  Cutting or marking stones or metals, with a chisel or graver; imprinting.
ENGRA'VING, n. The act or art of cutting stones, metals and other hard substances, and representing thereon figures, letters, characters and devices; a branch of sculpture.


Topic: Engross
Definition:
ENGRO'SS, v.t.
1.  Primarily, to make thick or gross; to thicken.  [Not now used.]
2.  To make larger; to increase in bulk.  [Not used.]
3.  To seize in the gross; to take the whole; as, worldly cares engross the attention of most men, but neither business nor amusement should engross our whole time.
4.  To purchase, with a view to sell again, either the whole or large quantities of commodities in market, for the purpose of making a profit by enhancing the price.  Engrossing does not necessarily imply the purchase of the whole of any commodity, but such quantities as to raise the price, by diminishing the supplies in open market, and taking advantage of an increased demand.
5.  To copy in a large hand; to write a fair, correct copy, in large or distinct, legible characters, for preservation or duration; as records of public acts, on paper or parchment.
6.  To take or assume in undue quantities or degrees; as, to engross power.


Topic: Engrossed
Definition:
ENGRO'SSED, pp.  Made thick; taken in the whole; purchased in large quantities for sale; written in large fair characters.


Topic: Engrosser
Definition:
ENGRO'SSER, n.  He or that which takes the whole; a person who purchases the whole or such quantities of articles in a market as to raise the price.
1.  One who copies a writing in large, fair characters.


Topic: Engrossing
Definition:
ENGRO'SSING, ppr.  Taking the whole; buying commodities in such quantities as to raise the price in market.
1.  Writing correct copies in large, fair characters.


Topic: Engrossment
Definition:
ENGRO'SSMENT, n.  The act of engrossing; the act of taking the whole.
1.  The appropriation of things in the gross, or in exorbitant quantities; exorbitant acquisition.


Topic: Enhance
Definition:
ENH`ANCE, v.t.  enh`ans.
1.  To raise; to lift; applied to material things by Spenser, but this application is entirely obsolete.
2.  To raise; to advance; to highthen; applied to price or value.  War enhances the price of provisions; it enhances rents, and the value of lands.
3.  To raise; applied to qualities, quantity, pleasures, enjoyments, &c.  Pleasure is enhanced by the difficulty of obtaining it.
4.  To increase; to aggravate.  The guilt of a crime may be enhanced by circumstances.
ENH`ANCE, v.i.  enh`ans.  To be raised; to swell; to grow larger.  A debt enhances rapidly by compound interest.


Topic: Enhancement
Definition:
ENH`ANCEMENT, n.  Rise; increase; augmentation; as the enhancement of value,price, enjoyment, pleasure, beauty.
1.  Increase; aggravation; as the enhancement of evil, grief, punishment, guilt or crime.


Topic: Enharmonic
Definition:
ENHARMON'IC, a.  [from harmonic, harmony.]  In music, an epithet applied to such species of composition, as proceed on very small intervals, or smaller intervals that the diatonic and chromatic.  An enharmonic interval is the eighth of a tone.


Topic: Enigma
Definition:
ENIG'MA, n.  [L. oenigma; Gr. to hint.]  A dark saying, in which some known thing is concealed under obscure language; an obscure question; a riddle. A question, saying or painting, containing a hidden meaning,which is proposed to be guessed.


Topic: Enigmatically
Definition:
ENIGMAT'ICALLY, adv.  In an obscure manner; in a sense different from that which the words in common acceptation imply.


Topic: Enjoin
Definition:
ENJOIN', v.t.  [L. injungo.  See Join.  We observe that the primary sense of join is to set, extend or lay to, to throw to or on; otherwise the sense of order or command could not spring from it.To enjoin is to set or lay to or on.]
1.  To order or direct with urgency; to admonish or instruct with authority; to command. Says Johnson, 'this word is more authoritative than direct, and less imperious than command.'  It has the force of pressing admonition with authority; as, a parent enjoins on his children the duty of obedience.  But it has also the sense of command; as the duties enjoined by God in the moral law.
2.  In law, to forbid judicially; to issue or direct a legal injunction to stop proceedings.
This is a suit to enjoin the defendants from disturbing the plaintiffs.


Topic: Enjoy
Definition:
ENJOY', v.t.
1.  To feel or perceive with pleasure; to take pleasure or satisfaction in the possession or experience of.  We enjoy the dainties of a feast,the conversation of friends, and our own meditations.
I could enjoy the pangs of death,
And smile in agony.
2.  To possess with satisfaction;  to take pleasure or delight in the possession of.
Thou shalt beget sons, but thou shalt not enjoy them.  Deut.28.
3.  To have, possess and use with satisfaction; to have,hold or occupy, as a good or profitable thing, or as something desirable.  We enjoy a free constitution and inestimable privileges.
That the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.  Num.36.
The land shall enjoy her sabbaths.  Lev.26.
To enjoy one's self, is to feel pleasure or satisfaction in one's own mind, or to relish the pleasures in which one partakes; to be happy.
ENJOY', v.i.  To live in happiness.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Enjoyed
Definition:
ENJOY'ED, pp. Perceived with pleasure or satisfaction; possessed or used with pleasure; occupied with content.


Topic: Enjoyment
Definition:
ENJOY'MENT, n.  Pleasure; satisfaction; agreeable sensations; fruition.
1.  Possession with satisfaction; occupancy of any thing good or desirable; as the enjoyment of an estate; the enjoyment of civil and religious privileges.


Topic: Enkindle
Definition:
ENKIN'DLE, v.t.  [from kindle.]  To kindle; to set on fire; to inflame; as, to enkindle sparks into a flame.  In this literal sense, kindle is generally used.
1.  To excite; to rouse into action; to inflame; as, to enkindle the passions into a flame; to enkindle zeal; to enkindle war or discord, or the flames of war.


Topic: Enlarge
Definition:
ENL`ARGE, v.t.  enlarj.  [from large.]  To make greater in quantity or dimensions; to extend in limits, breadth or side; to expand in bulk.  Every man desires to enlarge his possessions; the prince, his dominions. and the landholder, his farm.  The body is enlarged by nutrition, and a good man rejoices to enlarge the sphere of his benevolence.
God shall enlarge Japhet. Gen.9.
1.  To dilate; to expand; as with joy or love.
O ye, Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our  
heart is enlarged.
2.  To expand; to make more comprehensive.  Science enlarges the mind.
3.  To increase in appearance; to magnify to the eye; as by a glass.
4.  To set at liberty; to release from confinement or pressure.
5.  To extend in a discourse; to diffuse in eloquence.
They enlarged themselves on this subject.
In this application, the word is generally intransitive.
6.  To augment; to increase; to make large or larger, in a general sense; a word of general application.
To enlarge the heart, may signify to open and expand in good will; to make free, liberal and charitable.
ENL`ARGE, v.i.  enlarj.  To grow large or larger; to extend; to dilate; to expand.  A plant enlarges by growth; an estate enlarges by good management; a volume of air enlarges by rarefaction.
1.  To be diffuse in speaking or writing; to expatiate.  I might enlarge on this topic.
2.  To exaggerate.


Topic: Enlarged
Definition:
ENL`ARGED, pp. Increased in bulk; extended in dimension; expanded; dilated; augmented; released from confinement or straits.


Topic: Enlargement
Definition:
ENL`ARGEMENT, n.  Increase of size or bulk, real or apparent; extension of dimensions or limits; augmentation; dilatation; expansion. The enlargement of bulk may be by accretion or addition; of dimensions, by spreading, or by additions to length and breadth; of a sum or amount, by addition, collection or accumulation.
1.  Expansion or extension, applied to the mind, to knowledge, or to the intellectual powers, by which the mind comprehends a wider range of ideas or thought.
2.  Expansion of the heart, by which it becomes more benevolent and charitable.
3.  Release from confinement, servitude, distress or straits. Esther 4.
4.  Diffusiveness of speech or writing; an expatiating on a particular subject; a wide range of discourse or argument.


Topic: Enlarging
Definition:
ENL`ARGING, ppr.  Increasing in bulk; extending in dimension; expanding; making free or liberal; speaking diffusively.
ENL`ARGING, n.  Enlargement.


Topic: Enlighten
Definition:
ENLI'GHTEN, v.t.  enli'tn.  [from light.]
1.  To make light; to shed light on; to supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth.
His lightnings enlightened the world.  Ps.97.
2.  To quicken in the faculty of vision; to enable to see more clearly.
Jonathan's--eyes were enlightened.  1 Sam. 14.
3.  To give light to; to give clearer views; to illuminate; to instruct; to enable to see or comprehend truth; as, to enlighten the mind or understanding.
4.  To illuminate with divine knowledge, or a knowledge of the truth.
Those who were once enlightened.  Heb.6.


Topic: Enlightener
Definition:
ENLI'GHTENER, n.  One who illuminates; he or that which communicates light to the eye, or clear views to the mind.


Topic: Enlist
Definition:
ENLIST', v.t.  [See List.]  To enroll; to register; to enter a name on a list.
1.  To engage in public service, by entering the name in a register; as, an officer enlists men.
ENLIST', v.i. To engage in public service, by subscribing articles, or enrolling one's name.


Topic: Enliven
Definition:
ENLI'VEN, v.t.  enli'vn.  [from life, live.]  Literally, to give life.  Hence,
1.  To give action or motion to; to make vigorous or active; to excite; as, fresh fuel enlivens a fire.
2.  To give spirit or vivacity to; to animate; to make sprightly. social mirth and good humor enliven company; they enliven the dull and gloomy.
3.  To make cheerful, gay or joyous.


Topic: Enlivening
Definition:
ENLI'VENING, ppr.  Giving life, spirit or animation; inspiriting; invigorating; making vivacious, springtly or cheerful.


Topic: Enmity
Definition:
EN'MITY, n.
1.  The quality of being an enemy; the opposite of friendship; ill will; hatred; unfriendly dispositions; malevolence.  It expresses more than aversion and less than malice,and differs from displeasure in denoting a fixed or rooted hatred, whereas displeasure is more transient.
I will put enmity between thee and the woman. Gen.3.
The carnal mind is enmity against God.Rom. 8.
2.  A state of opposition.
The friendship of the world is enmity with God. James 4.


Topic: Enneagon
Definition:
EN'NEAGON, n.  [Gr. nine, an angle.]  In geometry, a polygon or figure with nine sides or nine angles.


Topic: Enneatical
Definition:
ENNEAT'ICAL, a. [Gr. nine.]  Enneatical days, are every ninth day of a disease. Enneatical years, are every ninth year of a man's life.


Topic: Ennoble
Definition:
ENNO'BLE, v.t.
1.  To make noble; to raise to nobility; as, to ennoble a commoner.
2.  To dignify; to exalt; to aggrandize; to elevate in degree, qualities or excellence.
What can ennoble sots, or slaves, or cowards?
3.  To make famous or illustrious.


Topic: Ennoblement
Definition:
ENNO'BLEMENT, n. The act of advancing to nobility.
1.  Exaltation; elevation in degree or excellence.


Topic: Enodation
Definition:
ENODA'TION, n. [L. enodatio, from enodo, to clear from knots; e and nodus, a knot.]
1.  The act or operation of clearing of knots, or of untying.
2.  Solution of a difficulty.  [Little used.]


Topic: Enomoty
Definition:
ENOM'OTY, n.  [Gr. to swear.]  In Lacedaemon, anciently, a body of soldiers, supposed to be thirty two; but the precise number is uncertain.


Topic: Enormity
Definition:
ENOR'MITY, n.  [L. enormitas. See Enormous.]
1.  Literally, the transgression of a rule, or deviation from right. Hence, any wrong, irregular, vicious or sinful act, either in government or morals.
We shall speak of the enormities of the government.
This law will not restrain the enormity.
1.  Atrocious crime; flagitious villainy; a crime which exceeds the common measure.
2.  Atrociousness; excessive degree of crime or guilt.  Punishment should be proportioned to the enormity of the crime.


Topic: Enormous
Definition:
ENOR'MOUS, a.  [L. enormis; e and norma, a rule.]
1.  Going beyond the usual measure or rule.
Enormous in their gait.
2. Excursive; beyond the limits of a regular figure.
The enormous part of the light in the circumference of every lucid point.
3.  Great beyond the common measure; excessive; as enormous crime or guilt.
4. Exceeding, in bulk or highth, the common measure; as an enormous form; a man of enormous size.
5.  Irregular; confused; disordered; unusual.


Topic: Enough
Definition:
ENOUGH', a. enuf'. [Heb. to rest, to be quiet or satisfied.]
That satisfies desire, or gives content; that may answer the purpose; that is adequate to the wants.
She said, we have straw and provender enough. Gen.24.
How many hired servants of my father have bread enough, and to spare.  Luke 15.
[Note.  This word, in vulgar language, is sometimes placed before its noun, like most other adjectives.  But in elegant discourse or composition, it always follows the noun, to which it refers; as, bread enough; money enough.]
ENOUGH', n.  enuf'.  A sufficiency; a quantity of a thing which satisfies desire, or is adequate to the wants.  We have enough of this sort of cloth.
And Esau said, I have enough, my brother.  Gen.33.
Israel said, it is enough; Joseph is yet alive.  Gen.45.
1.  That which is equal to the powers or abilities. He had enough to do to take care of himself.
ENOUGH', adv.  enuf'.  Sufficiently; in a quantity or degree that satisfies, or is equal to the desires or wants.
The land, behold, it is large enough for them.  Gen.34.
Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount. Deut.1.
1.  Fully; quite; denoting a slight augmentation of the positive degree.  He is ready enough to embrace the offer.  It is pleasure enough to consider the different notions of different men respecting the same thing.
2.  Sometimes it denotes diminution, delicately expressing rather less than is desired; such a quantity or degree as commands acquiescence, rather than full satisfaction. The song or the performance is well enough.
3.  An exclamation denoting sufficiency. Enough, enough, I'll hear no more.


Topic: Enounce
Definition:
ENOUNCE, v.t.  enouns'.  [L. enuncio; e and nuncio, to declare.]
To utter; to pronounce; to declare.  [Little used.]


Topic: Enrapture
Definition:
ENRAP'TURE, v.t.  [from rapture.]  To transport with pleasure; to delight beyond measure.  Enrapt, in a like sense, is little used, and is hardly legitimate.


Topic: Enrich
Definition:
ENRICH', v.t.
1.  To make rich, wealthy or opulent; to supply with abundant property.  Agriculture, commerce and manufactures enrich a nation.  War and plunder seldom enrich, more generally they impoverish a country.
2.  To fertilize; to supply with the nutriment of plants and render productive; as, to enrich land by manures or irrigation.
3.  To store; to supply with an abundance of any thing desirable; as, to enrich the mind with knowledge, science or useful observations.
4.  To supply with any thing splendid or ornamental; as, to enrich a pointing with elegant drapery; to enrich a poem or oration with striking metaphors or images; to enrich a garden with flowers or shrubbery.


Topic: Enriched
Definition:
ENRICH'ED, pp.  Made rich or wealthy; fertilized; supplied with that which is desirable, useful or ornamental.


Topic: Enriching
Definition:
ENRICH'ING, ppr.  Making opulent; fertilizing; supplying with what is splendid, useful or ornamental.


Topic: Enrichment
Definition:
ENRICH'MENT, n.  Augmentation of wealth; amplification; improvement; the addition of fertility or ornament.


Topic: Enroll
Definition:
ENROLL, v.t.
1.  To write in a roll or register; to insert a name or enter in a list or catalogue; as, men are enrolled for service.
2.  To record; to insert in records; to leave in writing.
3.  To wrap; to involve.


Topic: Enrollment
Definition:
ENROLLMENT, n.  A register; a record; a writing in which any thing is recorded.
1.  The act of enrolling.


Topic: Ens
Definition:
ENS, n.  [L. ens, part. present of esse, to be.]
Entity; being; existence.  Among the old chimists, the power, virtue or efficacy, which certain substances exert on our bodies; or the things which are supposed to contain all the qualities or virtues of the ingredients they are drawn from, in little room.  [little used.]


Topic: Ensample
Definition:
ENSAM'PLE, n. [ L. exemplum.]   An example; a pattern or model for imitation.
Being ensamples to the flock.  1 Pet.5.
ENSAM'PLE, v.t.  To exemplify; to shew by example. This word is seldom used, either as a noun or a verb.  [See Example.]


Topic: Ensanguine
Definition:
ENSAN'GUINE, v.t.  [L. sanguis, blood;  Eng. sanguine.]
To stain or cover with blood; to smear with gore; as an ensanguined field.


Topic: Ensconce
Definition:
ENSCONCE, v.t.  enscons'.  [from sconce.]
To cover, or shelter, as with a sconce or fort; to protect; to secure.
I will ensconce me behind the arras.


Topic: Enshrine
Definition:
ENSHRI'NE, v.t.  [from shrine.]  To inclose in a shrine or chest; to deposit for safe-keeping in a cabinet.


Topic: Ensiform
Definition:
EN'SIFORM, a.  [L. ensiformis; ensis, sword, and forma, form.]
Having the shape of a sword; as the ensiform or xiphoid cartilage; an ensiform leaf.


Topic: Ensign
Definition:
EN'SIGN, n.  en'sine.  [L. insigne, insignia, from signum, a mark impressed, a sign.]
1. The flag or banner of a military band; a banner of colors; a standard; a figured cloth or piece of silk,  attached to a staff, and usually with figures, colors or arms thereon, borne by an officer at the head of a company, troop or other band.
2.  Any signal to assemble or to give notice.
He will lift up an ensign to the nations.  Is.5.
Ye shall be left as an ensign on a hill.  Is.30.
3.  A badge; a mark of distinction, rank or office; as ensigns of power or virtue.
4.  The officer who carries the flag or colors, being the lowest commissioned officer in a company of infantry.
5.  Naval ensign, is a large banner hoisted on a staff and carried over the poop or stern of a ship; used to distinguish ships of different nations, or to characterize different equadrons of the same navy.


Topic: Enslave
Definition:
ENSLA'VE, v.t.  [from slave.]  To reduce to slavery or bondage; to deprive of liberty and subject to the will of a master. Barbarous nations enslave their prisoners of war, but civilized men barbarously and wickedly purchase men to enslave them.
1.  To reduce to servitude or subjection.  Men often suffer their passions and appetites to enslave them.  They are enslaved to lust, to anger, to intemperance, to avarice.


Topic: Enstamp
Definition:
ENSTAMP', v.t.  [from stamp.]  To impress as with a stamp; to impress deeply.
God enstamped his image on man.


Topic: Ensue
Definition:
ENSU'E, v.t.  [L. sequor, to follow.  See Seek.]
To follow; to pursue.
Seek peace,and ensue it.  l Pet.3.
[In this sense, it is obsolete.]
ENSU'E, v.i.  To follow as a consequence of premises; as, from these facts or this evidence, the argument will ensue.
1.  To follow in a train of events or course of time; to succeed; to come after.  He spoke and silence ensued.  We say, the ensuing age or years;the ensuing events.


Topic: Entail
Definition:
ENTA'IL, n.  
1.  An estate or fee entailed, or limited indescent to a particular heir or heirs.  Estates-tail are general, as when lands and tenements are given to one and the heirs of his body begotten; or special, as when lands and tenements are given to one and the heirs of his body by a particular wife.
2.  Rule of descent settled for an estate.
3.  Engraver's work; inlay.
ENTA'IL, v.t.  To settle the descent of lands and tenements, by gift to a man and to certain heirs specified, so that neither the donee nor any subsequent possessor can alienate or bequeath it; as, to entail a manor to AB and to his eldest son, or to his heirs of his body begotten, or to his heirs by a particular wife.
1.  To fix unalienably on a person or thing, or on a person and his descendants.  By the apostasy misery is supposed to be entailed on mankind.  The intemperate often entail infirmities, diseases and ruin on their children.
2.  [from the French verb.]  To cut; to carve for ornament.


Topic: Entailed
Definition:
ENTA'ILED, pp.  Settled on a man and certain heirs specified.
1.  Settled on a person and his descendants.


Topic: Entailing
Definition:
ENTA'ILING, ppr.  Settling the descent of an estate; giving, as lands and tenements, and prescribing the mode of descent; settling unalienably on a person or thing.


Topic: Entailment
Definition:
ENTA'ILMENT, n.  The act of giving, as an estate, and directing the mode of descent, or of limiting the descent to a particular heir or heirs.
1.  The act of settling unalienable on a man and his heirs.


Topic: Entangle
Definition:
ENTAN'GLE, v.t.  [from tangle.]  To twist or interweave in such a manner as not to be easily separated; to make confused or disordered; as, thread, yarn or ropes may be entangled; to entangle the hair.
1.  To involve in any thing complicated, and from which it is difficult to extricate one's self; as, to entangle the feet in a net, or in briers.
2.  To lose in numerous or complicated involutions, as in a labyrinth.
3.  To involve in difficulties; to perplex; to embarrass; as, to entangle a nation in alliances.
4.  To puzzle; to bewilder; as, to entangle the understanding.
5.  To insnare by captious questions; to catch; to perplex; to involve in contradictions.
The Pharisees took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.  Matt. 22.
6.  To perplex or distract, as with cares.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.  2 Tim.2.
7.  To multiply intricacies and difficulties.


Topic: Entangled
Definition:
ENTAN'GLED, pp. or a.  Twisted together; interwoven in a confused manner; intricate; perplexed; involved; embarrassed; insnared.


Topic: Enter
Definition:
EN'TER, v.t.  [L. inter, intra, whence intro, to enter.  The L. inter seems to be in, with the termination ter, as in subter, from sub.]
1.  To move or pass into place, in any manner whatever; to come or go in; to walk or ride in; to flow in; to pierce or penetrate.  A man enters a house; an army enters a city or a camp; a river enters the sea; a sword enters the body; the air enters a room at every crevice.
2.  To advance into, in the progress of life; as, a youth has entered his tenth year.
3.  To begin in a business, employment or service; to enlist or engage in; as, the soldier entered the service at eighteen years of age.
4.  To become a member of; as, to enter college; to enter a society.
5.  To admit or introduce; as, the youth was entered a member of College.
6.  To set down in writing; to set an account in a book or register; as, the clerk entered the account or charge in the journal; he entered debt and credit at the time.
7.  To set down, as a name; to enroll; as, to enter a name in the enlistment.
8.  To lodge a manifest of goods at the custom-house, and gain admittance or permission to land; as, to enter goods.  We say also, to enter a ship at the custom-house.
EN'TER, v.i.  To go or come in; to pass into; as, to enter a country.
1.  To flow in; as, water enters into a ship.
2.  To pierce; to penetrate; as, a ball or an arrow enters into the body.
3.  To penetrate mentally; as, to enter into the principles of action.
4.  To engage in; as, to enter into business or service; to enter into visionary projects.
5.  To be initiated in; as, to enter into a taste of pleasure or magnificence.
6.  To be an ingredient; to form a constituent part.  Lead enters into the composition of pewter.


Topic: Entering
Definition:
EN'TERING, ppr.  Coming or going in; flowing in; piercing; penetrating; setting down in writing; enlisting; engaging.
EN'TERING, n.  Entrance; a passing in.  l. Thes. 1.


Topic: Enterocele
Definition:
EN'TEROCELE, n.  [Gr. intestine, and tumor.]  In surgery,  intestinal hernia; a rupture of the intestines.


Topic: Enterology
Definition:
ENTEROL'OGY, n.  [Gr. intestine, and discourse.]  A treatise or discourse on the bowels or internal parts of the body, usually including the contents of the head, breast and belly.


Topic: Enterprise
Definition:
EN'TERPRISE, n.  s as z.  That which is undertaken, or attempted to be performed; an attempt; a project attempted; particularly, a bold, arduous or hazardous undertaking, either physical or moral.  The attack on Stoney-Point was a bold, but successful enterprise.  The attempts to evangelize the heathen are noble enterprises.
Their hands cannot perform their enterprise.  Job.5.
EN'TERPRISE, v.t.  To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform.
The business must be enterprised this night.


Topic: Enterpriser
Definition:
EN'TERPRISER, n.  An adventurer; one who undertakes any projected scheme, especially a bold or hazardous one; a person who engages in important  or dangerous designs.


Topic: Enterprising
Definition:
EN'TERPRISING, ppr.  Undertaking, especially a bold design.
1.  Bold or forward to undertake; resolute, active, or prompt to attempt great or untried schemes.  Enterprising men often succeed beyond all human probability.


Topic: Entertain
Definition:
ENTERTA'IN, v.t.  [L. tenco.]
1.  To receive into the house and treat with hospitality, either at the table only, or with lodging also.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Heb.13.
2.  To treat with conversation; to amuse or instruct by discourse; properly, to engage the attention and retain the company of one, by agreeable conversation, discourse or argument.  The advocate entertained his audience an hour, with sound argument and brilliant displays of eloquence.
3.  To keep in one's service; to maintain.  He entertained ten domestics.
You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred.
[This original and French sense is obsolete or little used.]
4.  To keep, hold or maintain in the mind with favor; to reserve in the mind; to harbor; to cherish.  Let us entertain the most exalted views of the Divine character.  It is our duty to entertain charitable sentiments towards our fellow men.
5.  To maintain; to support; as, to entertain a hospital.
6.  To please; to amuse; to divert.  David entertained himself with the meditation of God's law.  Idle men entertain themselves with trifles.
7.  To treat; to supply with provisions and liquors, or with provisions and lodging, for reward.  The innkeeper entertains a great deal of company.
ENTERTA'IN, n.  Entertainment.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Entertained
Definition:
ENTERTA'INED, pp.  Received with hospitality, as a guest; amused; pleased and engaged; kept in the mind; retained.


Topic: Entertainer
Definition:
ENTERTA'INER, n.  He who entertains; he who received company with hospitality, or for reward.
1.  He who retains others in his service.
2.  He that amuses, pleases or diverts.


Topic: Entertaining
Definition:
ENTERTA'INING, ppr.  Receiving with hospitality; receiving and treating with provisions and accommodations, for reward; keeping or cherishing with favor; engaging the attention; amusing.
1.  Pleasing; amusing; diverting; as an entertaining discourse; an entertaining friend.


Topic: Entertainment
Definition:
ENTERTA'INMENT, n.  The receiving and accommodating of guests, either with or without reward. The hospitable man delights in the entertainment of his friends.
1.  Provisions of the table; hence also, a feast; a superb dinner or supper.
2.  The amusement, pleasure or instruction, derived from conversation, discourse, argument, oratory, music, dramatic performances, &c.; the pleasure which the mind receives from any thing interesting, and which holds or arrests the attention.  We often have rich entertainment, in the conversation of a learned friend.
3.  Reception; admission.
4.  The state of being in pay or service.  [Not used.]
5.  Payment of those retained in service.
6.  That which entertains; that which serves for amusement; the lower comedy; farce.


Topic: Enthrone
Definition:
ENTHRO'NE, v.t.  [from throne.]  To place on a throne; to exalt to the seat of royalty.
Beneath a sculptured arch he sits enthroned.
1.  To exalt to an elevated place or seat.
2.  To invest with sovereign authority.


Topic: Enthusiasm
Definition:
ENTHU'SIASM, n.  enthuziazm.  [Gr. to infuse a divine spirit, inspired, divine; God.]
1.  A belief or conceit of private revelation; the vain confidence or opinion of a person, that he has special divine communications from the Supreme Being, or familiar intercourse with him.
Enthusiasm is founded neither on reason nor divine revelation, but rises from the conceits of a warmed or overweening imagination.
2.  Heat of imagination; violent passion or excitement of the mind, in pursuit of some object, inspiring extravagant hope and confidence of success.  Hence the same heat of imagination, chastised by reason or experience, becomes a noble passion, an elevated fancy, a warm imagination, an ardent zeal, that forms sublime ideas, and prompts to the ardent pursuit of laudable objects.  Such is the enthusiasm of the poet, the orator, the painter and the sculptor.  Such is the enthusiasm of the patriot, the hero and the christian.
Faction and enthusiasm are the instruments by which popular government are destroyed.
  


Topic: Enthusiast
Definition:
ENTHU'SIAST, n.  enthu'ziast.
1.  One who imagines he has special or supernatural converse with God, or special communications from him.
2.  One whose imagination is warmed; one whose mind is highly excited with the love or in the pursuit of an object; a person of ardent zeal; as an enthusiast in poetry or music.
3.  One of elevated fancy or exalted ideas.


Topic: Enthymeme
Definition:
EN'THYMEME, n.  [Gr. to think or conceive; mind.]  In rhetoric, an argument consisting of only two propositions, an antecedent and a consequent deduced from it; as, we are dependent, therefore we should be humble. Here the major proposition is suppressed; the complete syllogism would be, dependent creatures should be humble; we are dependent creatures; therefore we should be humble.


Topic: Entice
Definition:
ENTI'CE, v.t.  [L. titio, a firebrand.]
1.  To incite or instigate, by exciting hope or desire; usually in a bad sense; as, to entice one to evil.  Hence, to seduce; to lead astray; to induce to sin, by promises or persuasions.
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Prov.1.
2.  To tempt; to incite; to urge or lead astray.
      Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. James 1.
3.  To incite; to allure; in a good sense.


Topic: Enticement
Definition:
ENTI'CEMENT, n.  The act or practice of inciting to evil; instigation; as the enticements of evil companions.
1.  Means of inciting to evil; that which seduces by exciting the passions.  Flattery often operates as an enticement to sin.
2.  Allurement.


Topic: Enticing
Definition:
ENTI'CING, ppr.  Inciting to evil; urging to sin by motives, flattery or persuasion; alluring.
1.  Having the qualities that entice or allure.


Topic: Entire
Definition:
ENTI'RE, a.  [L. integer, said to be in neg. and tango, to touch.]
1.  Whole; undivided; unbroken; complete in its parts.
2.  Whole; complete; not participated with others.  This man has the entire control of the business.
3.  Full; complete; comprising all requisites in itself.
An action is entire, when it is complete in all its parts.
4.  Sincere; hearty.
He run a course more entire with the king of Arragon.
5.  Firm; solid; sure; fixed; complete; undisputed.
Entire and sure the monarch's rule must prove,
Who founds her greatness on her subjects' love.
6.  Unmingled; unalloyed.
In thy presence joy entire.
7.  Wholly devoted; firmly adherent; faithful.
No man had a heart more entire to the king.
8.  In full strength; unbroken.
9.  In botany, an entire stem is one without branches; an entire leaf is without any opening in the edge, not divided.


Topic: Entirely
Definition:
ENTI'RELY, adv.  Wholly; completely; fully; as, the money is entirely lost.
1.  In the whole; without division.
Euphrates--falls not entirely into the Persian sea.
2.  With firm adherence or devotion; faithfully.


Topic: Entireness
Definition:
ENTI'RENESS, n.  Completeness; fullness; totality; unbroken form or state; as the entireness of an arch or a bridge.
1.  Integrity; wholeness of heart; honesty.


Topic: Entitative
Definition:
EN'TITATIVE, a.  [from entity.]  considered by itself.  [This word, and entitatively, rarely or never used.]


Topic: Entitle
Definition:
ENTI'TLE, v.t.  [L. titulus, a title.]
1.  To give a title to; to give or prefix a name or appellation; as, to entitle a book, Commentaries on the laws of England.
2.  To superscribe or prefix as a title.  Hence as titles are evidences of claim or property, to give a claim to; to give a right to demand or receive.  The labor of the servant entitles him to his wages. Milton is entitled to fame.  Our best services do not entitle us to heaven.
3.  To assign or appropriate by giving a title.
4.  To qualify; to give a claim by the possession of suitable qualifications; as, an officer's talents entitle him to command.
5.  To dignify by a title or honorable appelation.  In this sense, title is often used.
6.  To ascribe.


Topic: Entitled
Definition:
ENTI'TLED, pp.  Dignified or distinguished by a title; having a claim as, every good man is entitled to respect.


Topic: Entity
Definition:
EN'TITY, n.  [Low L. entitas.]  Being; existence.
Fortune is no real entity.
1.  A real being, or species of being.


Topic: Entomb
Definition:
ENTOMB, v.t.  entoom'.  [from tomb.]  To deposit in a tomb, as a dead body.
1.  To bury in a grave; to inter.


Topic: Entomolite
Definition:
EN'TOMOLITE, n.  [Gr. insect, stone.]
A fossil substance bearing the figure of an insect, or a petrified insect.


Topic: Entomology
Definition:
ENTOMOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. insect, to cut, discourse.]
That part of zoology which treats of insects; the science or history and description of insects.


Topic: Entrance
Definition:
EN'TRANCE, n.  [L. intrans, intro.]
1.  The act of entering into a place; as the entrance of a person into a house or an apartment.
2.  The power of entering.  Let the porter give no entrance to strangers.
Where diligence opens the door of the understanding, and impartiality keeps it, truth is sure to find an entrance and a welcome too.
3.  The door, gate, passage or avenue, by which a place may be entered.  
They said, show us the entrance into the city.  Judges 1.
4.  Commencement; initiation; beginning.  A youth at his entrance on a difficult science, is apt to be discouraged.
5.  The act of taking possession, as of land; as the entrance of an heir or a disseizor into lands and tenements.
6.  The act of taking possession, as of an office.  Magistrates at their entrance into office, usually take an oath.
7.  The act of entering a ship or goods at the custom-house.
8.  The beginning of any thing.
St. Augustine, in the entrance of one of his discourses, makes a kind of apology.


Topic: Entranse
Definition:
ENTR`ANSE, v.t. or i.  [L. transeo.]
1.  To put in a transe; to withdraw the soul, and leave the body in a kind of dead sleep or insensibility; to make insensible to present objects.  The verb is seldom used, but the participle, entransed, is common.
2.  To put in an ecstasy; to ravish the soul with delight or wonder.
And I so ravish'd with her heavenly note,
I stood entransed, and had no room for thought.


Topic: Entransed
Definition:
ENTR`ANSED, pp.  Put in a transe; having the soul withdrawn, and the body left in a state of insensibility; enraptured; ravished.


Topic: Entrap
Definition:
ENTRAP', v.t.  To catch as in a trap; to insnare; used chiefly or wholly in a figurative sense.  To catch by artifices; to involve in difficulties or distresses; to entangle; to catch or involve in contradictions; in short, to involve in any difficulties from which an escape is not easy or possible.  We are entrapped by the devices of evil men.  We are sometimes entrapped in our own words.


Topic: Entreaat
Definition:
ENTREA'AT, v.t.  [L. tracto, to handle, feel,treat, use,manage.]
1.  To ask earnestly; to beseech; to petition or pray with urgency; to supplicate; to solicit pressingly; to importune.
Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife.  Gen. 25.
2.  To prevail on by prayer or solicitation.  Hence in the passive form, to be prevailed on; to yield to entreaty.
It were a fruitless attempt to appease a power, whom no prayers could entreat.
3.  To treat, in any manner; properly, to use or manage; but I believe, entreat is always applied to persons, as treat is to persons or things.  Applied to persons, to entreat is to use, or to deal with; to manifest to others any particular deportment, good or ill.
I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well.  Jer.15.
The Egyptians evil-entreated us.  Deut.26.
[In this application, the prefix en is now dropped, and treat is used.]
4.  To entertain; to amuse.
5.  To entertain; to receive.


Topic: Entreat
Definition:
ENTRE'AT, v.i.  To make an earnest petition or request.
The Janizaries entreated for them, as valiant men.
1.  To offer a treaty.  [Not used.]
2.  To treat; to discourse.  [Not used.]


Topic: Entreated
Definition:
ENTRE'ATED, pp.  Earnestly supplicated, besought or solicited; importuned; urgently requested.
1.  Prevailed on by urgent solicitation; consenting to grant what is desired.
2.  Used; managed.


Topic: Entreating
Definition:
ENTRE'ATING, ppr.  Earnestly asking; pressing with request or prayer; importuning.
1.  Treating; using.


Topic: Entreaty
Definition:
ENTRE'ATY, n.  Urgent prayer; earnest petition; pressing solicitation; supplication.
The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.  Prov.18.


Topic: Entremets
Definition:
ENTREMETS, n.  [L. intromissum.]  Small plates set between the principal dishes at table, or dainty dishes.


Topic: Entrochite
Definition:
EN'TROCHITE, n.  [Gr. a wheel.]  A kind of extraneous fossil, usually about an inch in length, and made up of round joints, which, when separated, are called trochites. These seem to be composed of the same kind of substance as the fossil shells of the echini. They are striated from the center to the circumference and have a cavity in the middle.  They appear to be the petrified arms of the seastar, called stella arborescens.


Topic: Entry
Definition:
EN'TRY, n.  The passage by which persons enter a house or other building.
1.  The act of entering; entrance; ingress; as the entry of a person into a house or city; the entry of a river into the sea or a lake; the entry of air into the blood; the entry of a spear into the flesh.
2.  The act of entering and taking possession of lands or other estate.
3.  The act of committing to writing, or of recording in a book.  Make an entry of every sale, of every debt and credit.
4.  The exhibition or depositing of a ship's papers at the custom house, to procure license to land goods; or the giving an account of a ship's cargo to the officer of the customs, and obtaining his permission to land the goods.


Topic: Enubilate
Definition:
ENU'BILATE, v.t.  [L. e and nubila,mist, clouds.]
To clear from mist, clouds or obscurity.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Enucleate
Definition:
ENU'CLEATE, v.t.  [L. enucleo; e and nucleus, a kernel.]  Properly, to take out the kernel.  Hence, 
1.  To clear from knots or lumps, to clear from intricacy; to disentangle.
2.  To open as a nucleus; hence, to explain; to clear from obscurity; to make manifest.


Topic: Enucleation
Definition:
ENUCLEA'TION, n.  The act of clearing from knots; a disentangling.
Neither air, nor water, nor food seem directly to contribute any thing to the enucleation of this disease [the plica Polonica.]
1.  Explanation; full exposition.


Topic: Enumerate
Definition:
ENU'MERATE, v.t.  [L. enumero; e and numero,numerus,number.]
To count or tell, number by number; to reckon or mention a number of things, each separately; as, to enumerate the stars in a constellation; to enumerate particular acts of kindness; we cannot enumerate our daily mercies.


Topic: Enumeration
Definition:
ENUMERA'TION, n.  [L. enumeratio.]  The act of counting or telling a number, by naming each particular.
1.  An account of a number of things, in which mention is made of every particular article.
2.  In rhetoric, a part of a peroration, in which the orator recapitulates the principal points or heads of the discourse or argument.


Topic: Enunciate
Definition:
ENUN'CIATE, v.t.  [L. enuncio; e and nuncio, to tell.]
To utter; to declare; to proclaim; to relate.


Topic: Enunciation
Definition:
ENUNCIA'TION, n.  The act of uttering or pronouncing; expression; manner of utterance.  In a public discourse, it is important that the enunciation should be clear and distinct.
1.  Declaration; open proclamation; public attestation.
2.  Intelligence; information.


Topic: Envelop
Definition:
ENVEL'OP, v.t.
1.  To cover by wrapping of folding; to inwrap; to invest with a covering.  Animal bodies are usually enveloped with skin; the merchant envelops goods with canvas; a letter is enveloped with paper.
2.  To surround entirely; to cover on all sides; to hide.  A ship was enveloped in fog; the troops were enveloped in dust.
3. To line; to cover on the inside.
His iron coat--enveloped with gold.
ENVEL'OP, n.  A wrapper; an inclosing cover; an integument; as the envelop of a letter, or of the heart.
1.  In fortification, a work of earth, in form of a parapet or of a small rampart with a parapet.


Topic: Enveloping
Definition:
ENVEL'OPING, ppr.  Inwrapping; folding around; covering or surrounding on all sides, as a case or integument.


Topic: Envenom
Definition:
ENVEN'OM, v.t.  [from venom.]  To poison; to taint or impregnate with venom, or any substance noxious to life; never applied, in this sense, to persons, but to meat, drink or weapons; as an envenomed arrow or shaft; an envenomed potion.
1.  To taint with bitterness or malice; as the envenomed tongue of slander.
2.  To make odious.
O what a world is this, when what is comely
Envenoms him that bears it!


Topic: Enviable
Definition:
EN'VIABLE, a.  [See Envy.]  That may excite envy; capable of awakening ardent desire of possession.  The situation of men in office is not always enviable.


Topic: Envier
Definition:
EN'VIER, n.  One who envies another; one who desires what another possesses, and hates him because his condition is better than his own, or wishes his downfall.


Topic: Envious
Definition:
EN'VIOUS, a.  Feeling or harboring envy; repining or feeling uneasiness, at a view of the excellence, prosperity or happiness of another; pained by the desire of possessing some superior good which another possesses, and usually disposed to deprive him of that good, to lessen it or to depreciate it in common estimation.  Sometimes followed by against, but generally and properly by at, before the person envied.
Neither be thou envious at the wicked.  Prov.14.
Be not envious of the blessings or prosperity of others.
1.  Tinctured with envy; as an envious disposition.
2.  Excited or directed by envy; as an envious attack.


Topic: Enviously
Definition:
EN'VIOUSLY, adv. With envy; with malignity excited by the excellence or prosperity of another.
How enviously the ladies look.
When they surprise me at my book.


Topic: Environ
Definition:
ENVI'RON, v.t.  [Eng. to veer.]
1.  To surround; to encompass; to encircle; as a plain environed with mountains.
2.  To involve; to envelop; as, to environ with darkness, or with difficulties.
3.  To besiege; as a city environed with troops.
4.  To inclose; to invest.
That soldier, that man of iron,
Whom ribs of horror all environ.


Topic: Environing
Definition:
ENVI'RONING, ppr.  Surrounding; encircling; besieging; inclosing; involving; investing.  The appropriation of different parts of the globe to some particular specles of stone environing it.


Topic: Environs
Definition:
ENVI'RONS, n.  plu.  The parts or places which surround another place, or lie in its neighborhood, on different sides; as the environs of a city or town.


Topic: Envoy
Definition:
EN'VOY, n.  [L. via; Eng. way, contracted from viag, vag, or wag.]
1.  A person deputed by a prince or government, to negotiate a treaty, or transact other business, with a foreign prince or government.  We usually apply the word to a public minister sent on a special occasion, or for one particular purpose; hence an envoy is distinguished from an embassador or permanent resident at a foreign court, and is of inferior rank.  But envoys are ordinary and extraordinary, and the word may sometimes be applied to resident ministers.
2.  A common messenger.  [Not in use.]
3.  Formerly, a postscript sent with compositions, to enforce them.


Topic: Envy
Definition:
EN'VY, v.t.  [L. invideo, in and video, to see against, that is, to look with enmity.]
1.  To feel uneasiness, mortification or discontent, at the sight of superior excellence, reputation or happiness enjoyed by another; to repine at another's prosperity; to fret or grieve one's self at the real or supposed superiority of another, and to hate him on that account.
Envy not thou the oppressor.  Prov.3.
Whoever envies another, confesses his superiority.
2.  To grudge; to withhold maliciously.
To envy at, used by authors formerly, is now obsolete.
Who would envy at the prosperity of the wicked?
EN'VY, n.  Pain, uneasiness, mortification or discontent excited by the sight of another's superiority or success, accompanied with some degree of hatred or malignity, and often or usually with a desire or an effort to depreciate the person, and with pleasure in seeing him depressed.  Envy springs from pride, ambition or love, mortified that another has obtained what one has a strong desire to possess.
Envy and admiration are the Scylla and Charybdis of authors.
All human virtue, to its latest breath,
Finds envy never conquered, but by death.
Emulation differs from envy, in not being accompanied with hatred and a desire to depress a more fortunate person.
Envy, to which th' ignoble mind's a slave,
Is emulation in the learn'd or brave.
It is followed by of or to. They did this in envy of Caesar, or in envy to his genius.  The former seems to be preferable.
1.  Rivalry; competition.  [Little used.]
2.  Malice; malignity.
 You turn the good we offer into envy.
3. Public odium; ill repute; invidiousness.
To discharge the king of the envy of that opinion.


Topic: Envying
Definition:
EN'VYING, ppr.  Feeling uneasiness at the superior condition and happiness of another.
EN'VYING, n.  Mortification experienced at the supposed prosperity and happiness of another.
1.  Ill will at others, on account of some supposed superiority.  Gal.5.21.


Topic: Enwomb
Definition:
ENWOMB, v.t.  enwoom'.  [from womb.]  To make pregnant.  [Not used.]
1.  To bury; to hide as in a gulf; pit or cavern.


Topic: Eolipile
Definition:
EOL'IPILE, n.  [Aeolus, the deity of the winds, and pila, a ball.]
A hollow ball of metal, with a pipe or slender neck, used in hydraulic experiments.  The ball being filled with water, is heated, till the vapor issued from the pipe with great violence and noise, exhibiting the elastic power of steam.


Topic: Eon
Definition:
E'ON, n.  [Gr. age, duration.]  In the platonic philosophy, a virtue, attribute or perfection.  The Platonists represented the deity as an assemblage of eons.  The Gnostics considered eons as certain substantial powers or divine natures emanating from the Supreme Deity, and performing various parts in the operations of the universe.


Topic: Epact
Definition:
E'PACT, n.  [Gr. adscititious, to adduce or bring; to drive.]
In chronology, the excess of the solar month above the lunar synodical month, and of the solar year above the lunar year of twelve synodical months.  The epacts then are annual or menstrual.  Suppose the new moon to be on the first of January; the month of January containing 31 days, and the lunar month only 29 days, 12h. 44'3', the difference, or 1 day, 11h. 15'57', is the menstrual epact.  The annual epact is nearly eleven days; the solar year being 365 days, and the lunar year 354.


Topic: Eparchy
Definition:
EP'ARCHY, n.  [Gr. a province; government.]  A province, prefecture or territory under the jurisdiction of an eparch or governor.


Topic: Epaulet
Definition:
EP'AULET, n.  A shoulder-piece; an ornamental badge worn on the shoulder by military men.  Officers, military and naval, wear epaulets on one shoulder, or on both, according to their rank.


Topic: Epaulment
Definition:
EPAUL'MENT, n.  In fortification, a side-work or work to cover sidewise, made of gabions, fascines or bags of earth.  It sometimes denotes a semi-bastion and a square orillon, or mass of earth faced and lined with a wall, designed to cover the cannon of the casemate.


Topic: Epha
Definition:
E'PHA, n.  [Heb. properly a baking.]  A Hebrew measure of three pecks and three pints, or according to others, of seven gallons and four pints, or about 15 solid inches.


Topic: Ephemera
Definition:
EPHEM'ERA, n.  [L. from Gr. daily; a day.]  A fever of one day's continuance only.
1.  The Day-fly; strictly, a fly that lives one day only; but the word is applied also to insects that are very short-lived, whether they live several days or an hour only.  There are several species.


Topic: Ephemeric
Definition:
EPHEM'ERIC, a.  Diurnal; beginning and ending in a day; continuing or existing one day only.
1.  Short-lived; existing or continuing for a short time only.  [Ephemeral is generally used. Ephemerous is not analogically formed.]


Topic: Ephemeris
Definition:
EPHEM'ERIS, n.  plu.  ephemer'ides.  [Gr.]
1.  A journal or account of daily transactions; a diary.
2.  In astronomy, an account of the daily state or positions of the planets or heavenly orbs; a table, or collection of tables, exhibiting the places of all the planets every day at noon. From these tables are calculated eclipses, conjunctions and other aspects of the planets.


Topic: Ephipora
Definition:
EPHIP'ORA, n.  [Gr. to bear.]  The watery eye; a disease in which the tears, from increased secretion, or an obstruction in the lachrymal duct, accumulate in front of the eye and trickle over the cheek.


Topic: Ephod
Definition:
EPH'OD, n.  [Heb. to bind.]  In Jewish antiquity, a part of the sacerdotal habit, being a kind of girdle, which was brought from behind the neck over the two shoulders, and hanging down before, was put across the stomach, then carried round the waist and used as a girdle to the tunic.  There were two sorts; one of plain linen, the other embroidered for the high priest.  On the part in front were two precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Before the breast was a square piece or breastplate.


Topic: Ephor
Definition:
EPH'OR, n.  [Gr. to inspect.]
In ancient Sparta, a magistrate chosen by the people.  The ephors were five, and they were intended as a check on the regal power, or according to some writers, on the senate.


Topic: Epic
Definition:
EP'IC, a.  [L. epicus; Gr. a song, or to speak.]  Narrative; containing narration; rehearsing.  An epic poem, otherwise called heroic, is a poem which narrates a story, real or fictitious or both, representing, in an elevated style, some signal action or series of actions and events, usually the achievements of some distinguished hero, and intended to form the morals and affect the mind with the love of virtue.  The matter of the poem includes the action of the fable, the incidents, episodes, characters, morals and machinery.  The form includes the manner of narration, the discourses introduced, descriptions, sentiments, style, versification, figures and other ornaments.  The end is to improve the morals, and inspire a love of virtue, bravery and illustrious actions.


Topic: Epicure
Definition:
EP'ICURE, n.  [L. epicurus, a voluptuary, from Epicurus.]
Properly, a follower of Epicurus; a man devoted to sensual enjoyments; hence, one who indulges in the luxuries of the table.  [The word is now used only or chiefly in the latter sense.


Topic: Epicurism
Definition:
EP'ICURISM, n.  Luxury; sensual enjoyments; indulgence in gross pleasure; voluptuousness.
1.  The doctrines of Epicurus.


Topic: Epicurize
Definition:
EP'ICURIZE, v.i. To feed or indulge like an epicure; to riot; to feast.
1.  To profess the doctrines of Epicurus.


Topic: Epicycle
Definition:
EP'ICYCLE, n.  [Gr. a circle.] A little circle, whose center is in the circumference of a greater circle; or a small orb, which, being fixed in the deferent of a planet, is carried along with it, and yet by its own peculiar motion, carries the body of the planet fastened to it round its proper center.


Topic: Epicycloid
Definition:
EPICYC'LOID, n.  [Gr. form.]  In geometry, a curve generated by the revolution of the periphery of a circle along the convex or concave side of the periphery of another circle.
A curve generated by any point in the plane of a movable circle which rolls on the inside or outside of the circumference of a fixed circle.


Topic: Epidermis
Definition:
EPIDERM'IS, n.  [Gr. skin.]  In anatomy, the cuticle or scarf-skin of the body; a thin membrane covering the skin of animals, or the bark of plants.


Topic: Epidote
Definition:
EP'IDOTE, n.  [From Gr.; so named from the apparent enlargement of the base of the prism in one direction.  It is called by Werner, pistazit, and by Hausmann, thallit.]
A mineral occurring in lamellar, granular or compact masses, in loose grains, or in prismatic crystals of six or eight sides, and sometimes ten or twelve.  Its color is commonly some shade of green, yellowish, bluish or blackish green.  It has two varieties, zoisite and aranaceous or granular epidote.
Epidote is granular or manganesian.


Topic: Epigastric
Definition:
EPIGAS'TRIC, a.  [Gr. belly.]  Pertaining to the upper part of the abdomen; as the epigastric region; the epigastric arteries and veins.


Topic: Epigram
Definition:
EP'IGRAM, n.  [Gr. inscription; a writing.]  A short poem treating only of one thing, and ending with some lively, ingenious and natural thought.  Conciseness and point form the beauty of epigrams.
Epigrams were originally inscriptions on tombs, statues, temples, triumphal arches, &c.


Topic: Epigraph
Definition:
EP'IGRAPH, n.  [Gr. to write.]  Among antiquaries, an inscription on a building, pointing out the time of its erection, the building, its uses, &c.


Topic: Epilepsy
Definition:
EP'ILEPSY, n.  [Gr. to seize.]  The falling sickness, so called because the patient falls suddenly to the ground; a disease accompanied with spasms or convulsions and loss of sense.


Topic: Epileptic
Definition:
EPILEP'TIC, a.  Pertaining to the falling sickness; affected with epilepsy; consisting of epilepsy.
EPILEP'TIC, n.  One affected with epilepsy.


Topic: Epilogue
Definition:
EP'ILOGUE, n.  ep'ilog.  [L. epilogus, from Gr. conclusion; to conclude; to speak.]
1.  In oratory, a conclusion; the closing part of a discourse, in which the principal matters are recapitulated.
2.  In the drama, a speech or short poem addressed to the spectators by one of the actors, after the conclusion of the play.


Topic: Epiphany
Definition:
EPIPH'ANY, n.  [Gr. appearance; to appear.]  A christian festival celebrated on the sixth day of January, the twelfth day after Christmas, in commemoration of the appearance of our Savior to the magians or philosophers of the East, who came to adore him with presents; or as others maintain, to commemorate the appearance of the star to the magians, or the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.  Jerome and Chrysostom take the epiphany to be the day of our Savior's baptism, when a voice from heaven declared, 'This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.'  The Greek fathers use the word for the appearance of christ in the world, the sense in which Paul used the word. 2 Tim. 1.10.


Topic: Epiphyllospermous
Definition:
EPIPHYLLOSPERM'OUS, a.  [Gr. a leaf, and seed.]  In botany, bearing their seeds on the back of the leaves, as ferns.


Topic: Epiplocy
Definition:
EPIP'LOCY, n.  [Gr. implication; to fold.]  A figure of rhetoric, by which one aggravation, or striking circumstance, is added in due gradation to another; as, 'He not only spared his enemies, but continued them in employment; not only continued them, but advanced them.'


Topic: Episcopacy
Definition:
EPIS'COPACY, n.  [L. episcopatus; Gr. to inspect, to see.  See Bishop.]
Government of the church by bishops; that form of ecclesiastical government, in which diocesan bishops are established, as distinct from and superior to priests or presbyters.


Topic: Episcopal
Definition:
EPIS'COPAL, a.  Belonging to or vested in bishops or prelates; as episcopal jurisdiction; episcopal authority.
1.  Governed by bishops; as the episcopal church.


Topic: Episcopalian
Definition:
EPISCOPA'LIAN, a.  Pertaining to bishops or government by bishops; episcopal.
EPISCOPA'LIAN, n.  One who belongs to an episcopal church, or adheres to the episcopal form of church government and discipline.


Topic: Episcopate
Definition:
EPIS'COPATE, n.  A bishopric; the office and dignity of a bishop.
1.  The order of bishops.
EPIS'COPATE, v.i.  To act as a bishop; to fill the office of a prelate.


Topic: Episode
Definition:
EP'ISODE, n. [From the Gr.] In poetry, a separate incident, story or action, introduced for the purpose of giving a greater variety to the events related in the poem; an incidental narrative, or digression, separable from the main subject, but naturally arising from it.


Topic: Epispastic
Definition:
EPISPAS'TIC, a.  [Gr. to draw.]  In medicine, drawing; attracting the humors to the skin; exciting action in the skin; blistering.
EPISPAS'TIC, n.  A topical remedy, applied to the external part of the body, for the purpose of drawing the humors to the part, or exciting action in the skin; a blister.


Topic: Epistle
Definition:
EPIS'TLE, n.  epis'l.  [L. epistola; Gr. to send to; to send.]
A writing, directed or sent, communicating intelligence to a distant person; a letter; a letter missive.  It is rarely used in familiar conversation or writings, but chiefly in solemn or formal transactions.  It is used particularly in speaking of the letters of the Apostles, as the epistles of Paul; and of other letters written by the ancients, as the epistles of Pliny or of Cicero.


Topic: Epistler
Definition:
EPIS'TLER, n.  A writer of epistles.  [Little used.]
1. Formerly, one who attended the communion table and read the epistles.


Topic: Epistolary
Definition:
EPIS'TOLARY, a.  Pertaining to epistles or letters; suitable to letters and correspondence; familiar; as an epistolary style.
1. Contained in letters; carried on by letters; as an epistolary correspondence.


Topic: Epistyle
Definition:
EP'ISTYLE, n.  [Gr. a column.]
In ancient architecture, a term used by the Greeks for what is now called the architrave, a massive piece of stone or wood laid immediately over the capital of a column or pillar.


Topic: Epitaph
Definition:
EP'ITAPH, n.  [Gr. a sepulcher.]
1.  An inscription on a monument, in honor or memory of the dead.
The epitaphs of the present day are crammed with fulsome compliments never merited.
Can you look forward to the honor of a decorated coffin, a splendid funeral, a towering monument--it may be a lying epitaph.
2.  An eulogy, in prose or verse, composed without any intent to be engraven on a monument, as that on Alexander:
'Sufficit huic tumulus, cui non sufficeret orbis.'


Topic: Epithem
Definition:
EP'ITHEM, n.  [Gr. to place.]  In pharmacy, a kind of fomentation or poultice, to be applied externally to strengthen the part.
Any external application, or topical medicine.  The term has been restricted to liquids in which cloths are dipped, to be applied to a part.


Topic: Epithet
Definition:
EP'ITHET, n.  [Gr. a name added; to place.]  An adjective expressing some real quality of the thing to which it is applied, or an attributive expressing some quality ascribed to it; as a verdant lawn; a brilliant appearance; a just man; an accurate description.
It is sometimes used for title, name, phrase or expression; but improperly.
EP'ITHET v,t,  To entitle; to describe by epithets.


Topic: Epithetic
Definition:
EPITHET'IC, a.  Pertaining to an epithet or epithets.
1.  Abounding with epithets.  A style or composition may be too epithetic.


Topic: Epitomize
Definition:
EPIT'OMIZE, v.t.  To shorten or abridge, as a writing or discourse; to abstract, in a summary, the principal matters of a book; to contract into a narrower compass.  Xiphilin epitomized Dion's Roman History.
1.  To diminish; to curtail.  [Less proper.]


Topic: Epitomy
Definition:
EPIT'OMY, n.  [Gr. to cut, a cutting, a section.]  An abridgment; a brief summary or abstract of any book or writing; a compendium containing the substance or principal matters of a book.
Epitomes are helpful to the memory.


Topic: Epitrite
Definition:
EP'ITRITE, n.  [Gr. third.]  In prosody, a foot consisting of three long syllables and one short one; as salutantes, concitati, incantare.


Topic: Epizootic
Definition:
EPIZOOT'IC, a.  [Gr. animal.]  In geology, an epithet given to such mountains as contain animal remains in their natural or in a petrified state, or the impressions of animal substances.
Epizootic mountains are of secondary formation.


Topic: Epoch
Definition:
E'POCH, n.  [L. epocha; Gr. retention, delay, stop, to inhibit; to hold.]
1.  In chronology, a fixed point of time, from which succeeding years are numbered; a  point from which computation of years begins.  The Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, and the Babylonish captivity, are remarkable epochs in their history.
2.  Any fixed time or period; the period when any thing begins or is remarkably prevalent; as the epoch of falsehood; the epoch of woe.
The fifteenth century was the unhappy epoch of military establishments in time of peace.


Topic: Epode
Definition:
EP'ODE, n.  [Gr. ode.]  In lyric poetry, the third or last part of the ode; that which follows the strophe and antistrophe; the ancient ode being divided into strophe, antistrophe and epode.  The word is now used as the name of any little verse or verses, that follow one or more great ones.  Thus a pentameter after a hexameter is an epode.


Topic: Epopee
Definition:
EPOPEE', n.  [Gr. a song, to make.] An epic poem.  More properly, the history, action or fable, which makes the subject of an epic poem.


Topic: Epos
Definition:
E'POS, n.  [Gr.]  An epic poem, or its fable or subject.
Epsom salt, the sulphate of magnesia, a cathartic.


Topic: Epulotic
Definition:
EPULOT'IC, a.  [Gr. to heal, to cicatrize; a cicatrix, to be sound, whole.]  Healing; cicatrizing.
EPULOT'IC, n.  A medicament or application which tends to dry, cicatrize and heal wounds or ulcers, to repress fungous flesh and dispose the parts to recover soundness.


Topic: Equability
Definition:
EQUABIL'ITY, n.  [See Equable.]  Equality in motion; continued equality, at all times, in velocity or movement; uniformity; as the equability of the motion of a heavenly body, or of the blood in the arteries and veins.
1. Continued equality; evenness or uniformity; as the equability of the temperature of the air; the equability of the mind.


Topic: Equable
Definition:
E'QUABLE, a.  [L. oequabilis, from oequus, equal, even, oeguo, to equal, to level.]
1.  Equal and uniform at all times, as motion.  An equable motion continues the same in degree of velocity, neither accelerated nor retarded.
2. Even; smooth; having a uniform surface or form; as an equable glove or plain.


Topic: Equably
Definition:
E'QUABLY, adv.  With an equal or uniform motion; with continued uniformity; evenly; as, bodies moving equably in concentric 
circles.


Topic: Equal
Definition:
E'QUAL, a.  [L. oegualis, from oequus, equal, even, oeguo, to equal, perhaps Gr. similar.]
1.  Having the same magnitude or dimensions; being of the same bulk or extent; as an equal quantity of land; a house of equal size; two persons of equal bulk; an equal line or angle.
2.  Having the same value; as two commodities of equal price or worth.
3.  Having the same qualities or condition; as two men of equal rank or excellence; two bodies of equal hardness or softness.
4.  Having the same degree; as two motions of equal velocity.
5.  Even; uniform; not variable; as an equal temper or mind.
Ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal. Ezek. 16.
6.  Being in just proportion; as, my commendation is not equal to his merit.
7.  Impartial; neutral; not biased.
Equal and unconcerned, I look on all.
8.  Indifferent; of the same interest or concern.  He may receive them or not, it is equal to me.
9.  Just; equitable; giving the same or similar rights or advantages.  The terms and conditions of the contract are equal.
    10. Being on the same terms; enjoying the same or similar benefits.
They made the married, orphans, widows, yea and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.
    11. Adequate; having competent power, ability or means. The ship is not equal to her antagonist. The army was not equal to the contest. We are not equal to the undertaking.
E'QUAL, n.  One not inferior or superior to another; having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, &c.
Those who were once his equals, envy and defame him.
It was thou, a man my equal, my guide.  Ps.55. Gal.1
E'QUAL, v.t.  To make equal; to make one thing of the same quantity, dimensions or quality as another.
1.  To rise to the same state, rank or estimation with another; to become equal to.  Few officers can expect to equal Washington in fame.
2.  To be equal to.
One whose all not equals Edward's moiety.
3.  To make equivalent to; to recompense fully; to answer in full proportion.
He answer'd all her cares, and equal'd all her love.
4.  To be of like excellence or beauty.
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it.  Job.28.


Topic: Equality
Definition:
EQUAL'ITY, n.  [L. oequalitas.]  An agreement of things in dimensions, quantity or quality; likeness; similarity in regard to two things compared.  We speak of the equality of two or more tracts of land, of two bodies in length, breadth or thickness, of virtues or vices.
1.  The same degree of dignity or claims; as the equality of men in the scale of being; the equality of nobles of the same rank; an equality of rights.
2.  Evenness; uniformity; sameness in state or continued course; as an equality of temper or constitution.
3.  Evenness; plainness; uniformity; as an equality of surface.


Topic: Equally
Definition:
E'QUALLY, adv.  In the same degree with another; alike; as, to be equally taxed; to be equally virtuous or vicious; to be equally impatient, hungry, thirsty, swift or slow; to be equally furnished.
1.  In equal shares or proportions.  The estate is to be equally divided among the heirs.
2.  Impartially; with equal justice.


Topic: Equalness
Definition:
E'QUALNESS, n.  Equality; a state of being equal.
1.  Evenness; uniformity; as the equalness of a surface.


Topic: Equangular
Definition:
EQUAN'GULAR, a.  [L. oequus and angulus.]  Consisting of equal angles. [See Equiangular, which is generally used.]


Topic: Equanimity
Definition:
EQUANIM'ITY, n.  [L. oequanimitas; oequus and animus, an equal mind.]  Evenness of mind; that calm temper or firmness of mind which is not easily elated or depressed, which sustains prosperity without excessive joy, and adversity without violent agitation of the passions or depression of spirits.  The great man bears misfortunes with equanimity.


Topic: Equanimous
Definition:
EQUAN'IMOUS, a.  Of an even, composed frame of mind; of a steady temper; not easily elated or depressed.


Topic: Equation
Definition:
EQUA'TION, n.  [L. oequatio, from oequo, to make equal or level.]
1.  Literally, a making equal, or an equal division.
2.  In algebra, a proposition asserting the equality of two quantities, and expressed by the sign=between them; or an expression of the same quantity in two dissimilar terms, but of equal value, as 3s=36d, or x=b+m-r. In the latter case, x is equal to be added to m, with r subtracted, and the quantities on the right hand of the sign of equation are said to be the value of x on the left hand.
3.  In astronomy, the reduction of the apparent time or motion of the sun to equable, mean or true time.
4.  The reduction of any extremes to a mean proportion.


Topic: Equator
Definition:
EQUA'TOR, n.  [L. from oequo, to make equal.]  In astronomy and geography, a great circle of the sphere, equally distant from the two poles of the world, or having the same poles as the world.  It is called equator, because when the sun is in it, the days and nights are of equal length; hence it is called also the equinoctial, and when drawn on maps, globes and planispheres, it is called the equinoctial line, or simply the line.  Every point in the equator is 90 degrees or a quadrant's distance from the poles; hence it divides the globe or sphere into two equal hemispheres, the northern and southern.  At the meridian, the equator rises as much above the horizon as is the complement of the latitude of the place. 


Topic: Equatorial
Definition:
EQUATO'RIAL, a.  Pertaining to the equator; as equatorial climates. The equatorial diameter of the earth is longer than the polar diameter.


Topic: Equery
Definition:
E'QUERY, n.  [Low L. scutarius, from scutum, a shield.  See Esquire.]
1.  An officer of princes, who has the care and management of his horses.
2.  A stable or lodge for horses.


Topic: Equestrian
Definition:
EQUES'TRIAN, a.  [L. equester, equestris, from eques, a horseman, from eqnus, a horse.]
1.  Pertaining to horses or horsemanship; performed with horses; as equestrian feats.
2.  Being on horseback; as an equestrian lady.
3.  Skilled in horsemanship.
4.  Representing a person on horseback; as an equestrian statue.
5.  Celebrated by horse-races; as equestrian games, sports or amusements.
6.  Belonging to knights. Among the Romans, the equestrian order was the order of knights, equites; also their troopers or horsemen in the field.  In civil life, the knights stood contra-distinguished from the senators; in the field, from the infantry.


Topic: Equiangular
Definition:
EQUIAN'GULAR, a.  [L. oequus, equal, and angulus, an angle.]
In geometry, consisting of or having equal angles; an epithet given to figures whose angles are all equal, such as a square, an equilateral triangle, a parallelogram, &c.


Topic: Equibalance
Definition:
EQUIBAL'ANCE, n. [L. oequus and bilanx.]   Equal weight.
EQUIBAL'ANCE, v.t.  To have equal weight with something.


Topic: Equicrural
Definition:
EQUICRU'RAL, a.  [L. oequus, equal and crus, a leg.]  Having legs of equal length.
1.  Having equal legs, but longer than the base; isosceles; as an equicrural triangle.


Topic: Equidifferent
Definition:
EQUIDIF'FERENT, a.  Having equal differences; arithmetically proportional.
In crystalography, having a different number of faces presented by the prism and by each summit; and these three numbers form a series in arithmetical progression, as 6.4.2.


Topic: Equidistant
Definition:
EQUIDIS'TANT, a.  [L. oequus, equal, and distans, distant.]
Being at an equal distance from some point or place.


Topic: Equilateral
Definition:
EQUILAT'ERAL, a.  [L. oequus, equal, and lateralis, from latus, side.]
Having all the sides equal; as an equilateral triangle.  A square must necessarily be equilateral.
EQUILAT'ERAL, n. A side exactly corresponding to others.


Topic: Equilibrate
Definition:
EQUILI'BRATE, v.t.  [L. oequus and libro, to poise.]
To balance equally two scales, sides or ends; to keep even with equal weight on each side.
The bodies of fishes are equilibrated with the water. 


Topic: Equilibration
Definition:
EQUILIBRA'TION, n.  Equipoise; the act of keeping the balance even, or the state of being equally balanced.
Nature's laws of equilibration.


Topic: Equilibrity
Definition:
EQUILIB'RITY, n.  [L. oequilibritas.] The state of being equally balanced; equal balance on both sides; equilibrium; as the theory of equilibrity.


Topic: Equilibrium
Definition:
EQUILIB'RIUM, n.  [L.]  In mechanics, equipose; equality of weight; the state of the two ends of a lever or balance, when both are charged with equal weight, and they maintain an even or level position, parallel to the horizon.
1.  Equality of powers.
Health consists in the equilibrium between those two powers.
2.  Equal balancing of the mind between motives or reasons; a 
state of indifference or of doubt, when the mind is suspended in indecision, between different motives, or the different forces of evidence.


Topic: Equimultiple
Definition:
EQUIMUL'TIPLE, a.  [L. oequus and multiplico or multiplex.]
Multiplied by the same number or quantity.
EQUIMUL'TIPLE, n.  In arithmetic and geometry, a number multiplied by the same number or quantity.  Hence equimultiples are always in the same ratio to each other, as the simple numbers or quantities before multiplication.  If 6 and 9 are multiplied by 4, the multiples, 24 and 36, will be to each other as 6 to 9.


Topic: Equine
Definition:
E'QUINE, a.  [L. equinus, from equus, a horse.]  Pertaining to a horse or to the genus.
The shoulders, body, thighs, and mane are equine; the head completely bovine.


Topic: Equinoctial
Definition:
EQUINOC'TIAL, a.  [L. oequus, equal, and nox, night.]
1.  Pertaining to the equinoxes; designating an equal length of day and night; as the equinoctial line.
2.  Pertaining to the regions or climate of the equinoctial line or equator; in or near that line; as equinoctial heat; an equinoctial sun; equinoctial wind.
3.  Pertaining to the time when the sun enters the equinoctial points; as an equinoctial gale or storm, which happens at or near the equinox, in any part of the world.
4.  Equinoctial flowers, flowers that open at a regular, stated hour.
EQUINOC'TIAL, n.  [for equinoctial line.]  
In astronomy, a great circle of the sphere, under which the equator moves in its diurnal course.  This should not be confounded with the equator, as there is a difference between them; the equator being movable, and the equinoctial immovable; the equator being drawn about the convex surface of the sphere, and the equinoctial on the concave surface of the magnus orbis.  These words however are often confounded.  When the sun, in its course through the ecliptic, comes to this circle, it makes equal days and nights in all parts of the globe.  The equinoctial then is the circle which the sun describes, or appears to describe, at the time the days and nights are of equal length, viz. about the 21st of March and 23d of September.
Equinoctial points, are the two points wherein the equator and ecliptic intersect each other; the one, being in the first point of Aries, is called the vernal point or equinox; the other, in the first point of Libra, the autumnal point or equinox.
Equinoctial dial, is that whose plane lies parallel to the equinoctial.


Topic: Equinox
Definition:
E'QUINOX, n.  [L. oequus, equal, and nox, night.]
The precise time when the sun enters one of the equinoctial points, or the first point of Aries, about the 21st of March, and the first point of Libra, about the 23d of September, making the day and the night of equal length.  These are called the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.  These points are found to be moving backward or westward, at the rate of 50' of a degree in a year.  This is called the precession of the equinoxes.


Topic: Equinumerant
Definition:
EQUINU'MERANT, a.  [L. oequus, equal, and numerus, number.]
Having or consisting of the same number.  [Little used.]


Topic: Equip
Definition:
EQUIP', v.t.  
1.  Properly, to dress; to habit.  Hence, to furnish with arms, or a complete suit of arms, for military service.  Thus we say, to equip men or troops for war; to equip a body of infantry or cavalry.  But the word seems to include not only arms, but clothing, baggage, utensils, tents, and all the apparatus of an army, particularly when applied to a body of troops.  Hence, to furnish with arms and warlike apparatus; as, to equip a regiment.
2.  To furnish with men, artillery and munitions of war, as a ship.  Hence, in common language, to fit for sea; to furnish with whatever is necessary for a voyage.


Topic: Equipage
Definition:
EQ'UIPAGE, n.  The furniture of a military man, particularly arms and their appendages.
1.  The furniture of an army or body of troops, infantry or cavalry; including arms, artillery, utensils, provisions, and whatever is necessary for a military expedition.  Camp equipage includes tents, and every thing necessary for accommodation in camp.  Field equipage consists of arms, artillery, wagons, tumbrels, &c.
2.  The furniture of an armed ship, or the necessary preparations for a voyage; including cordage, spars, provisions, &c.
3.  Attendance, retinue, as persons, horses, carriages, &c.; as the equipage of a prince.
4.  Carriage of state; vehicle; as celestial equipage.
5.  Accouterments; habiliments; ornamental furniture.


Topic: Equipendency
Definition:
EQUIPEN'DENCY, n.  [L. oequus, equal, and pendeo, to hang.]
The act of hanging in equipoise; a being not inclined or determined either way.


Topic: Equipment
Definition:
EQUIP'MENT, n.  The act of equipping, or fitting for a voyage or expedition.
1.  Any thing that is used in equipping; furniture; habiliments; warlike apparatus; necessaries for an expedition, or for a voyage; as the equipments of a ship or an army.


Topic: Equipoise
Definition:
E'QUIPOISE, n.  s as z.  [L. oequus, equal.]  Equality of weight or force; hence, equilibrium; a state in which the two ends or sides of a thing are balanced.  Hold the scales in equipoise.  The mind may be in a state of equipoise, when motives are of equal weight.


Topic: Equipollent
Definition:
EQUIPOL'LENT, a.  [supra.]  Having equal power or force; equivalent.  In logic, having equivalent signification.


Topic: Equiponderate
Definition:
EQUIPON'DERATE, v.i.  [L. oequus, equal, and pondero, to weigh.]
To be equal in weight; to weigh as much as another thing.


Topic: Equipped
Definition:
EQUIP'PED, pp.  Furnished with habiliments, arms, and whatever is necessary for a military expedition, or for a voyage or cruise.


Topic: Equipping
Definition:
EQUIP'PING, ppr.  Furnishing with habiliments or warlike apparatus; supplying with things necessary for a voyage.


Topic: Equisonance
Definition:
EQUISO'NANCE, n.  An equal sounding; a name by which the Greeks distinguished the consonances of the octave and double octave.


Topic: Equitable
Definition:
EQ'UITABLE, n.  [L. oequitas, from oequus, equal.]
1.  Equal in regard to the rights of persons; distributing equal justice; giving each his due; assigning to one or more what law or justice demands; just; impartial.  The judge does justice by an equitable decision.  The court will make an equitable distribution of the estate.
2.  Having the disposition to do justice, or doing justice; impartial; as an equitable judge.
3.  Held or exercised in equity, or with chancery powers; as the equitable jurisdiction of a court.


Topic: Equitableness
Definition:
EQ'UITABLENESS, n.  The quality of being just and impartial; as the equitableness of a judge.
1.  Equity; the state of doing justice, or distributing to each according to his legal or just claims; as the equitableness of a decision or distribution of property.


Topic: Equitably
Definition:
EQ'UITABLY, adv.  In an equitable manner; justly; impartially.  The laws should be equitably administered.


Topic: Equitant
Definition:
EQ'UITANT, a.  [L. equitans, equito, to ride, from eques, a horseman, or equus, a horse.]
In botany, riding, as equitant leaves: a term of leafing or foliation, when two opposite leaves converge so with their edges, that one incloses the other; or when the inner leaves are inclosed by the outer ones.


Topic: Equity
Definition:
EQ'UITY, n.  [L. oequitas, from oequus, equal, even, level.]
1.  Justice; right.  In practice, equity is the impartial distribution of justice, or the doing that to another which the laws of God and man, and of reason, give him a right to claim.  It is the treating of a person according to justice and reason.
The Lord shall judge the people with equity.  Ps.98.
With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity.  Is.11.
2.  Justice; impartiality; a just regard to right or claim; as, we must, in equity, allow this claim.
3.  In law, an equitable claim. 'I consider the wife's equity to be too well settled to be shaken.'
4.  In jurisprudence, the correction or qualification of law, when too severe or defective; or the extension of the words of the law to cases not expressed, yet coming within the reason of the law.  Hence a court of equity or chancery, is a court which corrects the operation of the literal text of the law, and supplies its defects, by reasonable construction, and by rules of proceeding and deciding, which are not admissible in a court of law.  Equity then is the law of reason, exercised by the chancellor or judge, giving remedy in cases to which the courts of law are not competent.
5.  Equity of redemption, in law, the advantage, allowed to a mortgager, of a reasonable time to redeem lands mortgaged, when the estate is of greater value than the sum for which it was mortgaged.


Topic: Equivalence
Definition:
EQUIV'ALENCE, n.  [L. oequus, equal, and valens, from valeo, to be worth.]
1.  Equality of value; equal value or worth.  Take the goods and give an equivalence in corn.
2.  Equal power or force.  [To equivalence, a verb, used by Brown, has not gained currency.]


Topic: Equivalent
Definition:
EQUIV'ALENT, a.  Equal in value or worth.  In barter, the goods given are supposed to be equivalent to the goods received. Equivalent in value or worth, is tautological.
1.  Equal in force, power or effect.  A steam engine may have force or power equivalent to that of thirty horses.
2.  Equal in moral force, cogency or effect on the mind.  Circumstantial evidence may be almost equivalent to full proof.
3.  Of the same import or meaning.  Friendship and amity are equivalent terms.
For now to serve and to minister, servile and ministerial, are terms equivalent.
Equivalent propositions in logic are called also equipollent.
4.  Equal in excellence or moral worth.
EQUIV'ALENT, n.  That which is equal in value, weight, dignity or force, with something else.  The debtor cannot pay his creditor in money, but he will pay him an equivalent.  Damages in money cannot be an equivalent for the loss of a limb.
1.  In chimistry, equivalent is the particular weight or quantity of any substance which is necessary to saturate any other with which it can combine.  It is ascertained that chimical combinations are definite, that is, the same body always enters into combination in the same weight, or if it can combine with a particular body in more than one proportion, the higher proportion is always a multiple of the lower.


Topic: Equivocal
Definition:
EQUIV'OCAL, a.  [Low L. oequivocus; oequus, equal, and vox, a word.  See Vocal.]
1.  Being of doubtful signification; that may be understood in different senses; capable of a double interpretation; ambiguous; as equivocal words, terms or senses. Men may be misled in their opinions by the use of equivocal terms.
2.  Doubtful; ambiguous; susceptible of different constructions; not decided. The character of the man is somewhat equivocal. His conduct is equivocal.
3.  Uncertain; proceeding from some unknown cause, or not from the usual cause.  Equivocal generation is the production of animals without the intercourse of the sexes, and of plants without seed. This doctrine is now exploded.
EQUIV'OCAL, n.  A word or term of doubtful meaning, or capable of different meanings.


Topic: Equivocally
Definition:
EQUIV'OCALLY, adv.  Ambiguously; in a doubtful sense; in terms susceptible of different senses.  He answered the question equivocally.
1.  By uncertain birth; by equivocal generation.


Topic: Equivocate
Definition:
EQUIV'OCATE, v.i.  To use words of a doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses; to use ambiguous expressions.  To equivocate is the dishonorable work of duplicity.  The upright man will not equivocate in his intercourse with his fellow men.


Topic: Equivocation
Definition:
EQUIVOCA'TION, n. Ambiguity of speech; the use of words or expressions that are susceptible of a double signification.  Hypocrites are often guilty of equivocation, and by this means lose the confidence of their fellow men.  Equivocation is incompatible with the christian character and profession.


Topic: Equivocator
Definition:
EQUIV'OCATOR, n.  One who equivocates; one who uses language which is ambiguous and may be interpreted in different ways; one who uses mental reservation.


Topic: Equivorous
Definition:
EQUIV'OROUS, a.  [L. equus, horse, and voro, to eat.]
Feeding or subsisting on horse flesh.
Equivorous Tartars.


Topic: Er
Definition:
ER, the termination of many English words, is the Teutonic form of the Latin or; the one contracted from wer, the other from vir, a man.  It denotes an agent, originally of the masculine gender, but now applied to men or things indifferently; as in farmer, heater, grater.  At the end names of places, er signifies a man of the place; Londoner is the same as London-man.
There is a passage in Herodotus, Melpomene, 110, in which the word wer, vir, a man, is mentioned as used by the Scythians; a fact proving the affinity of the Scythian and the Teutonic nations.
'The Scythians call the Amazons Oiorpata, a word which may be rendered, in Greek, menkillers; for oior is the name they give to man, pata signifies to kill.'  Pata, in the Burman language, signifies to kill; but it is probable that this is really the English beat.


Topic: Era
Definition:
E'RA, n.  [L. oera.  The origin of the term is not obvious.]
1.  In chronology, a fixed point of time, from which any number of years is begun to be counted; as the Christian Era.  It differs from epoch in this; era is a point of time fixed by some nation or denomination of men; epoch is a point fixed by historians and chronologists.  The christian era began at the epoch of the birth of Christ.
2.  A succession of years proceeding from a fixed point, or comprehended between two fixed points.  The era of the Seleucides ended with the reign of Antiochus.


Topic: Eradicate
Definition:
ERAD'ICATE, v.t.  [L. eradico, from radix, root.]
1.  To pull up the roots, or by the roots.  Hence, to destroy anything that grows; to extirpate; to destroy the roots, so that the plant will not be reproduced; as, to eradicate weeds.
2.  To destroy thoroughly; to extirpate; as, to eradicate errors, or false principles, or vice or disease.


Topic: Eradication
Definition:
ERADICA'TION, n.  The act of plucking up by the roots; extirpation; excision; total destruction.
1.  The state of being plucked up by the roots.


Topic: Eradicative
Definition:
ERAD'ICATIVE, a.  That extirpates; that cures or destroys thoroughly.
ERAD'ICATIVE, n.  A medicine that effects a radical cure.


Topic: Erase
Definition:
ERA'SE, v.t.  [L. erado, erasi; e and rado, to scrape; Heb. a graving tool.]
1.  To rub or scrape out, as letters or characters written, engraved or painted; to efface; as, to erase a word or a name.
2.  To obliterate; to expunge; to blot out; as with pen and ink.
3.  To efface; to destroy; as ideas in the mind or memory.
4.  To destroy to the foundation.  [See Raze.]


Topic: Erastian
Definition:
ERAS'TIAN, n.  A follower of one Erastus, the leader of a religious sect, who denied the power of the church to discipline its members.


Topic: Erasure
Definition:
ERA'SURE, n.  era'zhur.  The act of erasing; a scratching out; obliteration.
1.  The place where a word or letter has been erased or obliterated.


Topic: Ere
Definition:
ERE, adv.  Before;  sooner than.
Ere sails were spread new oceans to explore.
The nobleman saith to him, Sir, come down ere my child die.  John 4.
In these passages, ere is really a preposition, followed by a sentence, instead of a single word, as below.
ERE, prep.  Before.
Our fruitful Nile
Flow'd ere the wonted season.


Topic: Erebus
Definition:
ER'EBUS, n.  [L. erebus.]  In mythology, darkness; hence, the region of the dead; a deep and gloomy place; hell.


Topic: Erect
Definition:
ERECT', a.  [L. erectus, from erigo, to set upright; e and rego, to stretch or make straight, right, rectus.  See Right.]
1.  Upright, or in a perpendicular posture; as, he stood erect.
2.  Directed upward.
And suppliant hands, to heaven erect.
3.  Upright and firm; bold; unshaken.
Let no vain fear thy generous ardor tame;
But stand erect.
4.  Raised; stretched; intent; vigorous; as a vigilant and erect attention of mind in prayer.
5.  Stretched; extended.
6.  In botany, an erect stem is one which is without support from twining, or nearly perpendicular; an erect leaf is one which grows close to the stem; an erect flower has its aperture directed upwards.
ERECT', v.t.  To raise and set in an upright or perpendicular direction, or nearly such; as, to erect a pole or flag-staff.
To erect a perpendicular, is to set or form one line on another at right angles.
1.  To raise, as a building; to set up; to build; as, to erect a house or temple; to erect a fort.
2.  To set up or establish anew; to found; to form; as, to erect a kingdom or commonwealth; to erect a new system or theory.
3.  To elevate; to exalt.
I am far from pretending to infallibility; that would be to erect myself into an apostle.
4.  To raise; to excite; to animate; to encourage.
 Why should not hope
 As much erect our thoughts, as fear deject them?
5.  To raise a consequence from premises. [Little used.]
 Malebranche erects this proposition.
6.  To extend; to distend.
ERECT', v.i.  To rise upright.


Topic: Erected
Definition:
ERECT'ED, pp.  Set in a straight and perpendicular direction;  set upright; raised; built; established; elevated; animated; extended and distended.


Topic: Erecting
Definition:
ERECT'ING, ppr.  Raising and setting upright; building; founding; establishing; elevating; inciting; extending and distending.


Topic: Erection
Definition:
EREC'TION, n.  The act of raising and setting perpendicular to the plane of the horizon; a setting upright.
1.  The act of raising or building, as an edifice or fortification; as the erection of a wall, or of a house.
2.  The state of being raised, built or elevated. 
3.  Establishment; settlement; formation; as the erection of a commonwealth, or of a new system; the erection of a bishop-rick or an earldom.
4.  Elevation; exaltation of sentiments.
Her peerless height my mind to high erection draws up.
5.  Act of rousing; excitement; as the erection of the spirits.
6.  Any thing erected; a building of any kind.
7.  Distension and extension.


Topic: Erelong
Definition:
E'RELONG, adv.  [ere and long.]  Before a long time had elapsed.
He mounted the horse, and following the stag, erelong slew him.
1.  Before a long time shall elapse; before long.  Erelong you will repent of your folly.
The world erelong a world of tears must weep.


Topic: Eremite
Definition:
ER'EMITE, n.  [L. eremita; Gr.a desert.]  One who lives in a wilderness, or in retirement, secluded from an intercourse with men.  It is generally written hermit, which see.


Topic: Ergot
Definition:
ERGOT, n.  In farriery, a stub, like a piece of soft horn, about the bigness of a chestnut, situated behind and below the pastern joint, and commonly hid under the tuft of the fetloc.
1.  A morbid excrescence in grain; a dark colored shoot, often an inch long, from the ears of grain, particularly of rye.


Topic: Ermined
Definition:
ER'MINED, a.  Clothed with ermin; adorned with the fur of the ermin; as ermined pride; ermined pomp.


Topic: Erne
Definition:
ERNE, or AERNE, a Saxon word, signifying a place or receptacle, forms the termination of some English words, as well as Latin; as in barn, lantern, tavern, taberna.


Topic: Erode
Definition:
ERO'DE, v.t.  [L. erodo; e and rodo, to gnaw.]  To eat in or away; to corrode; as, canker erodes the flesh.
The blood, being too sharp or thin, erodes the vessels.


Topic: Erosion
Definition:
ERO'SION, n.  s as z.  [L. erosio.]  The act or operation of eating away.
1.  The state of being eaten away; corrosion; canker.


Topic: Erpetologist
Definition:
ERPETOL'OGIST, n.  [Gr. reptile, discourse.]  One who writes on the subject of reptiles, or is versed in the natural history of reptiles.


Topic: Err
Definition:
ERR, v.i.  [L. erro.]
1.  To wander from the right way; to deviate from the true course or purpose.
But errs not nature from this gracious end,
From burning suns when livid deaths descend?
2.  To miss the right way, in morals or religion; to deviate from the path or line of duty; to stray by design or mistake.
We have erred and strayed like lost sheep.
3.  To mistake; to commit error; to do wrong from ignorance or inattention.  Men err in judgment from ignorance, from want of attention to facts, or from previous bias of mind.
4.  To wander; to ramble.
A storm of strokes, well meant, with fury flies,
And errs about their temples,ears, and eyes.


Topic: Errableness
Definition:
ER'RABLENESS, n.  Liableness to mistake or error.
We may infer from the errableness of our nature, the reasonableness of compassion to the seduced.


Topic: Errand
Definition:
ER'RAND, n.
1.  A verbal message; a mandate or order; something to be told or done; a communication to be made to some person at a distance.  The servant was sent on an errand; he told his errand; he has done the errand.  These are the most common modes of using this word.
I have a secret errand to thee, O King.  Judges 3.
2.  Any special business to be transacted by a messenger.


Topic: Errant
Definition:
ER'RANT, a.  [L. errans,from erro, to err.]
1.  Wandering; roving; rambling; applied particularly to knights, who, in the middle ages, wandered about to seek adventures and display their heroism and generosity, called knights errant.
2.  Deviating from a certain course.
3.  Itinerant.
Errant, for arrant, a false orthography.  [See Arrant.]


Topic: Erratic
Definition:
ERRAT'IC, a.  [L. erraticus, from erro, to wander.]  Wandering; having no certain course; roving about without a fixed destination.
1.  Moving; not fixed or stationary; applied to the planets, as distinguished from the fixed stars.
2.  Irregular; mutable.


Topic: Erratum
Definition:
ERRA'TUM, n.  plu. errata. [See Err.]  An error or mistake in writing or printing.  A list of the errata of a book is usually printed at the beginning or end, with references to the pages and lines in which they occur.


Topic: Errhine
Definition:
ER'RHINE, a.  er'rine. [Gr. the nose.]  Affecting the nose, or to be snuffed into the nose; occasioning discharges from the nose.
ER'RHINE, n.  er'rine.  A medicine to be snuffed up the nose, to promote discharges of mucus.


Topic: Erroneous
Definition:
ERRO'NEOUS, a.  [L. erroneus, from erro, to err.]
1.  Wandering; roving; unsettled.
They roam
Erroneous and disconsolate.
2.  Deviating; devious; irregular; wandering from the right course.
Erroneous circulation of blood.
[The foregoing applications of the word are less common.]
3.  Mistaking; misled; deviating, by mistake, from the truth.  Destroy not the erroneous with the malicious.
4.  Wrong; false; mistaken; not conformable to truth; erring from truth or justice; as an erroneous opinion or judgment.


Topic: Erroneousness
Definition:
ERRO'NEOUSNESS, n.  The state of being erroneous, wrong or false; deviation from right; inconformity to truth; as the erroneousness of a judgement or proposition.


Topic: Error
Definition:
ER'ROR, n.  [L. error, from erro, to wander.]  A wandering or deviation from the truth; a mistake in judgment, by which men assent to or believe what is not true.  Error may be voluntary, or involuntary.  Voluntary, when men neglect or pervert the proper means to inform the mind; involuntary, when the means of judging correctly are not in their power.  An error committed through carelessness or haste is a blunder.
Charge home upon error its most tremendous consequences.
1.  A mistake made in writing or other performance.  It is no easy task to correct the errors of the press.  Authors sometimes charge their own errors to the printer.
2.  A wandering; excursion; irregular course.
Driv'n by the winds and errors of the sea.
[This sense is unusual and hardly legitimate.]
3.  Deviation from law, justice or right; oversight; mistake in conduct.
Say not, it was an error.  Eccles.5.
4.  In scripture and theology, sin; iniquity; transgression.
 Who can understand his errors?  Cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Ps.19.


Topic: Erst
Definition:
ERST, adv. [See Ere.]
1.  First; at first; at the beginning.
2.  Once; formerly; long ago.
3.  Before; till then or now; hitherto.
[This word is obsolete, except in poetry.]


Topic: Erubescence
Definition:
ERUBES'CENCE, n.  [L. erubescens, erubesco, from rubeo, to be red.]
A becoming red; redness of the skin or surface of any thing; a blushing.


Topic: Eructation
Definition:
ERUCTA'TION, n. [L. eructatio.] The act of belching wind from the stomach; a belch.
1.  A violent bursting forth or ejection of wind or other matter from the earth.


Topic: Erudition
Definition:
ERUDI'TION, n.  Learning; knowledge gained by study, or from books and instruction; particularly, learning in literature, as distinct from the sciences, as in history, antiquity and languages.  The Scaligers were men of deep erudition.
The most useful erudition for republicans is that which exposes the causes of discords.


Topic: Eruginous
Definition:
ERU'GINOUS, a.  [L. aeruginosus, from aerugo, rust.]
Partaking of the substance or nature of copper or the rust of copper; resembling rust.


Topic: Eruption
Definition:
ERUP'TION, n. [L. eruptio, from erumpo, erupi; e and rumpo, for rupo.
1.  The act of breaking or bursting forth from inclosure or confinement; a violent emission of any thing, particularly of flames and lava from a volcano.  The eruptions of Hecla in 1783, were extraordinary for the quantity of lava discharged.
2.  A sudden or violent rushing forth of men or troops for invasion; sudden excursion.
Incensed at such eruption bold.
3.  A burst of voice; violent exclamation.  [Little [used.]
4.  In medical science, a breaking out of humors; a copious excretion of humors on the skin, in pustules; also, an efflorescence or redness on the skin, as in scarlatina; exanthemata; petechiae; vibices;as in small pox, measles and fevers.


Topic: Eruptive
Definition:
ERUP'TIVE, a.  Bursting forth.
The sudden glance
Appears far south eruptive through the cloud.
1.  Attended with eruptions or efflorescence, or producing it; as an eruptive fever.


Topic: Eryngo
Definition:
ERYN'GO, n.  [Gr.]  The sea-holly, Eryngium, a genus of plants of several species.  The flowers are collected in a round head; the receptacle is paleaceous or chaffy.  The young shoots are esculent.


Topic: Erysipelas
Definition:
ERYSIP'ELAS, n.  [Gr.]  A disease called St.Anthony's fire; a diffused inflammation with fever of two or three days, generally with coma or delirium; an eruption of a fiery acrid humor, on some part of the body, but chiefly on the face.  One species of erysipelas is called shingles, or eruption with small vesicles.


Topic: Escalade
Definition:
ESCALA'DE, n. [L. scala, a ladder. See Scale.]  In the military art, a furious attack made by troops on a fortified place, in which ladders are used to pass a ditch or mount a rampart.
Sin enters, not by escalade, but by cunning or treachery.
ESCALA'DE, v.t.  To scale; to mount and pass or enter by means of ladders; as, to escalade a wall.


Topic: Escalop
Definition:
ESCAL'OP, n.  skal'lup.  A family of bivalvular shell-fish, whose shell is regularly indented.  In the center of the top of the shell is a trigonal sinus with an elastic cartilage for its hinge.
1.  A regular curving indenture in the margin of any thing. [See Scallop and Scollop.]


Topic: Escape
Definition:
ESCA'PE, v.t.  [L. capio, with a negative prefix, or from a word of the same family.]
1.  To flee from and avoid; to get out of the way; to shun; to obtain security from; to pass without harm; as, to escape danger.
A small number, that escape the sword, shall return.  Jer.44.
Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Pet.1.
2.  To pass unobserved; to evade; as, the fact escaped my notice or observation.
3.  To avoid the danger of; as, to escape the sea.  Act.28.
Note.  This verb is properly intransitive, and in strictness should be followed by from; but usage sanctions the omission of it.
ESCA'PE, v.i.  To flee, shun and be secure from danger; to avoid an evil.
Escape for thy life to the mountains.  Gen.19.
1.  To be passed without harm.  The balls whistled by me, my comrades fell, but I escaped.
ESCA'PE, n. Flight to shun danger or injury; the act of fleeing from danger.
I would hasten my escape from the windy storm.  Ps.55.
1.  A being passed without receiving injury, as when danger comes near a person, but passes by, and the person is passive.  Every soldier who survives a battle has had such an escape.
2.  Excuse; subterfuge; evasion.
3.  In law, an evasion of legal restraint or the custody of the sheriff, without due course of law.  Escapes are voluntary or involuntary; voluntary, when an officer permits an offender or debtor to quit his custody, without warrant; and involuntary, or negligent, when an arrested person quits the custody of the officer against his will, and is not pursued forthwith and retaken before the pursuer hath lost sight of him.
4.  Sally; flight; irregularity.  [Little used.]
5.  Oversight; mistake.  [Little used, or improper.]


Topic: Escapement
Definition:
ESCA'PEMENT, n.  That part of a clock or watch, which regulates its movements, and prevents their acceleration.


Topic: Escaping
Definition:
ESCA'PING, ppr.  Fleeing from and avoiding danger or evil; being passed unobserved or unhurt; shunning; evading; securing safety; quitting the custody of the law, without warrant.
ESCA'PING, n.  Avoidance of danger.  Ezra 9.


Topic: Eschalot
Definition:
ESCHALOT, n.  shallo'te.  A species of small onion or garlic, belonging to the genus Allium; the ascalonicum.


Topic: Eschar
Definition:
ES'CHAR, n.  [Gr.]  In surgery, the crust or scab occasioned by burns or caustic applications.
1.  A species of Coralline, resembling a net or woven cloth.


Topic: Escharotic
Definition:
ESCHAROT'IC, a.  Caustic; having the power of searing or destroying the flesh.
ESCHAROT'IC, n. A caustic application; a medicine which sears or destroys flesh.


Topic: Escheat
Definition:
ESCHE'AT, n. [L. cado, cadere.]
1.  Any land or tenements which casually fall or revert to the lord within his manor, through failure of heirs.  It is the determination of the tenure or dissolution of the mutual bond between the lord and tenant, from the extinction of the blood of the tenant, by death or natural means, or by civil means, as forfeiture or corruption of blood.
2.  In the U. States, the falling or passing of lands and tenements to the state, through failure of heirs or forfeiture, or in cases where no owner is found.
3.  The place or circuit within which the king or lord is entitled to escheats.
4.  A writ to recover escheats from the person in possession.
5.  The lands which fall to the lord or state by escheat.
6.  In Scots law, the forfeiture incurred by a man's being denounced a rebel.
ESCHE'AT, v.i.  In England, to revert, as land, to the lord of a manor, by means of the extinction of the blood of the tenant.
1.  In America, to fall or come, as land, to the state, through failure of heirs or owners, or by forfeiture for treason.  In the feudal sense, no escheat can exist in the United States; but the word is used in statutes confiscating the estates of those who abandoned their country, during the revolution, and in statutes giving to the state the lands for which no owner can be found.
ESCHE'AT, v.t.  To forfeit.  [Not used.]


Topic: Escheated
Definition:
ESCHE'ATED, pp.  Having fallen to the lord through want of heirs, or to the state for want of an owner, or by forfeiture.


Topic: Escheating
Definition:
ESCHE'ATING, ppr.  Reverting to the lord through failure of heirs, or to the state for want of an owner, or by forfeiture.


Topic: Escheator
Definition:
ESCHE'ATOR, n.  An officer who observes the escheats of the king in the county whereof he is escheator, and certifies them into the treasury.


Topic: Eschew
Definition:
ESCHEW', v.t.  To flee from; to shun; to avoid.
He who obeys, destruction shall eschew.
Job--feared God and eschewed evil.  Job.1.


Topic: Escort
Definition:
ES'CORT, n.  A guard; a body of armed men which attends an officer, or baggage; provisions or munitions conveyed by land from place to place,to protect them from an enemy, or in general, for security.  [This word is rarely, and never properly used for naval protection or protectors; the latter we call a convoy.  I have found it applied to naval protection, but it is unusual.] 


Topic: Escritoir
Definition:
ESCRITO'IR, n.  [L. scribo; Eng. to scrape.]  A box with instruments and conveniences for writing; sometimes, a desk or chest of drawers with an apartment for the instruments of writing.  It is often pronounced scrutoir.


Topic: Escrow
Definition:
ES'CROW, n.  In law, a deed of lands or tenements delivered to a third person, to hold till some condition is performed by the grantee, and which is not to take effect till the condition is performed.  It is then to be delivered to the grantee.


Topic: Escuage
Definition:
ES'CUAGE, n. [L. scutum, a shield.]  In feudal law, service of the shield, called also scutage; a species of tenure by knight service, by which a tenant was bound to follow his lord to war; afterwards exchanged for a pecuniary satisfaction.


Topic: Esculent
Definition:
ES'CULENT, a.  [L. esculentus, from esca, food.]  Eatable; that is or may be used by man for food; as esculent plants; esculent fish.
ES'CULENT, n.  Something that is eatable; that which is or may be safely eaten by man.


Topic: Escurial
Definition:
ESCU'RIAL, n.  The palace or residence of the King of Spain, about 15 miles North West of Madrid.  This is the largest and most superb structure in the kingdom, and one of the most splendid in Europe.  It is built in a dry barren spot,and the name itself is said to signify a place full of rocks.
The Escurial is a famous monastery built by Philip II in the shape of a gridiron, in honor of St. Laurence.  It takes its name from a village near Madrid.  It contains the king's palace, St. Laurence's church, the monastery of Jerenomites, and the free schools.


Topic: Escutcheon
Definition:
ESCUTCH'EON, n.  [L. scutum, a shield.]  The shield on which a coat of arms is represented; the shield of a family; the picture of ensigns armorial.


Topic: Esophagotomy
Definition:
ESOPHAGOT'OMY, n.  [esophagus and a cutting.]  In surgery, the operation of making an incision into the esophagus, for the purpose of removing any foreign substance that obstructs the passage.


Topic: Esoteric
Definition:
ESOT'ERIC, a. [Gr. interior, from within.]  Private; an epithet applied to the private instructions and doctrines of Pythagoras; opposed to exoteric, or public.


Topic: Espalier
Definition:
ESPAL'IER, n.  [L. palus, a stake or pole.]  A row of trees planted about a garden or in hedges, so as to inclose quarters or separate parts, and trained up to a lattice of wood-work, or fastened to stakes, forming a close hedge or shelter to protect plants against injuries from wind or weather.
ESPAL'IER, v.t.  To form an espalier, or to protect by an espalier.


Topic: Espand
Definition:
ESPAND', v.i. To open; to spread.  Flowers expand in spring.
1.  To dilate; to extend in bulk or surface.  Metals expand by heat.  A lake expands, when swelled by rains.
2.  To enlarge; as, the heart expands with joy.


Topic: Especial
Definition:
ESPE'CIAL, a.  [L. specialis, from specio, to see, species, kind.]
Principal; chief; particular; as, in an especial manner or degree.


Topic: Especially
Definition:
ESPE'CIALLY, adv.  Principally; chiefly; particularly; in an uncommon degree; in reference to one person or thing in particular.


Topic: Espionage
Definition:
ES'PIONAGE, n.  The practice or employment of spies; the practice of watching the words and conduct of others and attempting to make discoveries, as spies or secret emissaries; the practice of watching others without being suspected, and giving intelligence of discoveries made.


Topic: Esplanade
Definition:
ESPLANA'DE, n.  [L. planus, plain.]
1.  In fortification, the glacis of the counter scarp, or the sloping of the parapet of the covered-way towards the country; or the void space between the glacis of a citadel, and the first houses of the town.
2.  In gardening, a grass-plat.


Topic: Espousal
Definition:
ESPOUS'AL, a.  espouz'al.  [See Espouse.]  Used in or relating to the act of espousing or betrothing.
ESPOUS'AL, n.  The act of espousing or betrothing.
1.  Adoption; protection.


Topic: Espousals
Definition:
ESPOUS'ALS, n.  plu.  The act of contracting or affiancing a man and woman to each other; a contract or mutual promise of marriage.
I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals.


Topic: Espouse
Definition:
ESPOUSE, v.t.  espouz'.  [L. spondeo, sponsus, the letter n, in the latter, must be casual, or the modern languages have lost the letter.  The former is most probable; in which case, spondeo was primarily spodeo, sposus.]
1.  To betroth.
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph.  Matt.1.
     2. To betroth; to promise or engage in marriage, by contract in writing, or by some pledge; as, the king espoused his daughter to a foreign prince. Usually and properly followed by to, rather than with.
3.  To marry; to wed.
4.  To unite intimately or indissolubly.
I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  2 Cor.11.
5.  To embrace; to take to one's self, with a view to maintain; as, to espouse the quarrel of another; to espouse a cause.


Topic: Espoused
Definition:
ESPOUS'ED, pp.  Betrothed; affianced; promised in marriage by contract; married; united intimately; embraced.


Topic: Espousing
Definition:
ESPOUS'ING, ppr.  Betrothing; promising in marriage by covenant; marrying; uniting indissolubly; taking part in.


Topic: Espy
Definition:
ESPY',v.t.  [L. specio.]
1.  To see at a distance; to have the first sight of a thing remove.  Seamen espy land as they approach it.
2.  To see or discover something intended to be hid, or in a degree concealed and not very visible; as, to espy a man in a crowd, or a thief in a wood.
3.  To discover unexpectedly.
As one of them opened his sack, he espied his money.  Gen.42.
4.  To inspect narrowly; to examine and make discoveries.
Moses sent me to espy out the land, and I brought him word again.  Josh. 14.
ESPY', v.i.  To look narrowly; to look about; to watch.
Stand by the way and espy.  Jer.48.
[This word is often pronounced spy, which see.]
ESPY', n.  A spy; a scout.


Topic: Esquire
Definition:
ESQUI'RE, n.  [L. scutum, a shield; Gr. a hide, of which shields were anciently made.], a shield-bearer or armor-bearer, scutifer; an attendant on a knight.  Hence in modern times, a title of dignity next in degree below a knight.  In England, this title is given to the younger sons of noblemen, to officers of the king's courts and of the household, to counselors at law, justices of the peace, while in commission, sheriffs, and other gentlemen.  In the United States, the title is given to public officers of all degrees, from governors down to justices and attorneys.  Indeed the title, in addressing letters, is bestowed on any person at pleasure, and contains no definite description.  It is merely an expression or respect.
ESQUI'RE, v.t.  To attend; to wait on.


Topic: Essay
Definition:
ESSA'Y, v.t. [L. sequor.  See Seek.  The radical sense is to press, drive, urge, strain, strive.]
1. To try; to attempt; to endeavor; to exert one's power or faculties, or to make an effort to perform any thing.
While I this unexampled task essay.
2.  To make experiment of.
3.  To try the value and purity of metals.  In this application, the word is now more generally written assay, which see.


Topic: Essence
Definition:
ES'SENCE, n.  [L. essentia, esse, to be.]
1.  That which constitutes the particular nature of a being or substance, or of a genus, and which distinguishes it from all others.
Mr. Locke makes a distinction between nominal essence and real essence.  The  nominal essence, for example, of gold, is that complex idea expressed by gold; the real essence is the constitution of its insensible parts, on which its properties depend, which is unknown to us.
The essence of God bears no relation to place.
2.  Formal existence; that which makes any thing to be what it is; or rather, the peculiar nature of a thing; the very substance; as the essence of christianity.
3.  Existence; the quality of being.
I could have resigned my very essence.
4.  A being; an existent person; as heavenly essences.
5.  Species of being.
6.  Constituent substance; as the pure essence of a spirit.  [Locke's real essence, supra.]
7.  The predominant qualities or virtues of any plant or drug, extracted, refined or rectified from grosser matter; or more strictly, a volatile essential oil; as the essence of mint.
8.  Perfume, odor,scent; or the volatile matter constituting perfume.  
Nor let th' imprisoned essences exhale.
ES'SENCE, v.t.  To perfume; to scent.


Topic: Essential
Definition:
ESSEN'TIAL, a.  [L. essentialis.]  Necessary to the constitution or existence of a thing.  Piety and good works are essential to the christian character.  Figure and extension are essential properties of bodies.
And if each system in gradation roll,
Alike essential to the amazing whole--
1.  Important in the highest degree.
Judgment is more essential to a general than courage.
2.  Pure; highly rectified.  Essential oils are such as are drawn from plants by distillation in an alembic with water, as distinguished from empyreumatic oils, which are raised by a naked fire without water.
ESSEN'TIAL, n.  Existence; being.  [Little used.]
1.  First or constituent principles; as the essentials of religion.
2.  The chief point; that which is most important.


Topic: Essentially
Definition:
ESSEN'TIALLY, adv.  By the constitution of nature; in essence; as, minerals and plants are essentially different.
1.  In an important degree; in effect. The two statements differ, but not essentially.


Topic: Essentiate
Definition:
ESSEN'TIATE, v.i.  To become of the same essence.
ESSEN'TIATE, v.t.  To form or constitute the essence or being of.


Topic: Essoin
Definition:
ESSOIN',n. [Law L. exonia, sonium.]
1.  An excuse; the alleging of an excuse for him who is summoned to appear in court and answer, and who neglects to appear at the day. In England, the three first days of a term are called essoin-days, as three days are allowed for the appearance of suitors.
2.  Excuse; exemption.
3.  He that is excused for non-appearance in court, at the day appointed.
ESSOIN', v.t.  To allow an excuse for non-appearance in court; to excuse for absence.


Topic: Establish
Definition:
ESTAB'LISH, v.t.  [L. stabilio; Heb. to set, fix, establish.]
1.  To set and fix firmly or unalterably; to settle permanently.
I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant.  Gen.17.
2.  To found permanently; to erect and fix or settle; as, to establish a colony or an empire.
3.  To enact or decree by authority and for permanence; to ordain; to appoint; as, to establish laws, regulations, institutions, rules, ordinances, &c.
4.  To settle or fix; to confirm; as, to establish a person, society or corporation, in possessions or privileges.
5.  To make firm; to confirm; to ratify what has been previously set or made.
Do we then make void the law through faith?
God forbid; yea, we establish the law. Rom.3.
6.  To settle or fix what is wavering, doubtful or weak; to confirm.
So were the churches established in the faith.  Acts.16.
To the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in 
holiness.  l Thess.3.
7.  To confirm; to fulfill; to make good.
Establish thy word to thy servant.  Ps.119.8.  To set up in the place of another and confirm.
Who go about to establish their own righteousness.  Rom.10.


Topic: Establishment
Definition:
ESTAB'LISHMENT, n.  The act of establishing, founding, ratifying or ordaining.
1.  Settlement;; fixed state.
2.  Confirmation; ratification of what has been settled or made.
3.  Settled regulation; form; ordinance; system of laws; constitution of government.
Bring in that establishment by which all men should be contained in duty.
4.  Fixed or stated allowance for subsistence; income; salary.
His excellency--might gradually lessen your establishment.
5.  That which is fixed or established; as a permanent military force, a fixed garrison, a local government, an agency, a factory, &c.  The king has establishments to support, in the four quarters of the globe.
6.  The episcopal form of religion, so called in England.
7.  Settlement or final rest.
We set up our hopes and establishment here.


Topic: Estate
Definition:
ESTA'TE,n. [L. status, from sto, to stand.  The roots stb, std and stg, have nearly the same signification, to set, to fix.  It is probable that the L. sto is contracted from stad, as it forms steti.
1.  In a general sense, fixedness; a fixed condition; now generally written and pronounced state.
She cast us headlong from our high estate.
2.  Condition or circumstances of any person or thing, whether high or low.  Luke 1.
3.  Rank; quality.
Who hath not heard of the greatness of your estate?
4.  In law, the interest, or quantity of interest, a man has in lands, tenements, or other effects.  Estates are real or personal.  Real estate consists in lands or freeholds, which descent to heirs; personal estate consists in chattels or movables, which go to executors and administrators. There are also estates for life, for years, at will, &c.  
5.  Fortune; possessions; property in general.  He is a man of a great estate.  He left his estate unincumbered.
6.  The general business or interest of government; hence, a political body; a commonwealth; a republic.  But in this sense, we now use State.
Estates, in the plural, dominions; possessions of a prince.
1.  Orders or classes of men in society or government.  Herod made a supper for his chief estates.  Mark 6.
In Great Britain, the estates of the realm are the king, lords and commons; or rather the lords and commons.
ESTA'TE, v.t.  To settle as a fortune.  [Little used.]
1.  To establish.  [Little used.]


Topic: Esteem
Definition:
ESTEE'M, v.t. [L. estimo; Gr. to  honor or esteem.]
1.  To set a value on, whether high or low; to estimate; to value.
Then he forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation.  Deut.32.
They that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.  1 Sam.2.
2.  To prize; to set a high value on; to regard with reverence, respect or friendship.  When our minds are not biased, we always esteem the industrious, the generous, the brave, the virtuous, and the learned.
Will he esteem thy riches?  Job.36.
3.  To hold in opinion; to repute; to think.
One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike.  Rom.14.
4.  To compare in value; to estimate by proportion.  [Little used.]
ESTEE'M, n.  Estimation; opinion or judgment of merit or demerit.  This man is of no worth in my esteem.
1.  High value or estimation; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Both those poets lived in much esteem with good and holy men in orders.


Topic: Esteemed
Definition:
ESTEE'MED, pp.  Valued; estimated; highly valued or prized on account of worth; thought; held in opinion.


Topic: Esteemer
Definition:
ESTEE'MER, n.  One who esteems; one who sets a high value on any thing.
A proud esteemer of his own parts.


Topic: Estimable
Definition:
ES'TIMABLE, a.  
1.  That is capable of being estimated or valued; as estimable damage.
2.  Valuable; worth a great price.
A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man,
Is not so estimable or profitable.
3.  Worthy of esteem or respect; deserving our good opinion or regard.
A lady said of her two companions, that one was more amiable, the other more estimable.
ES'TIMABLE, n.  That which is worthy of regard.


Topic: Estimate
Definition:
ES'TIMATE, v.t.  [L. oestimo.  See Esteem.]
1.  To judge and form an opinion of the value of; to rate by judgment or opinion, without weighing or measuring either value, degree, extent or quantity.  We estimate the value of cloth by inspection, or the extend of a piece of land, or the distance of a mountain.  We estimate the worth of a friend by his known qualities.  We estimate the merits or talents of two different men by judgment.  We estimate profits, loss and damage.  Hence,
2.  To compute; to calculate; to reckon.
ES'TIMATE, n.  A valuing or rating in the mind; a judgment or opinion of the value, degree, extent or quantity of any thing, without ascertaining it.  We form estimates of the expenses of a war, of the probable outfits of a voyage, of the comparative strength or merits of two men, of the extent of a kingdom or its population.  Hence estimate may be equivalent to calculation, computation, without measuring or weighing.
1.  Value.


Topic: Estimating
Definition:
ES'TIMATING, ppr.  Valuing; rating; forming an opinion or judgment of the value, extent, quantity, or degree of worth of any object; calculating; computing.


Topic: Estimation
Definition:
ESTIMA'TION, n.  [L. oestimatio.]  The act of estimating.
1.  Calculation; computation; an opinion or judgment of the worth, extent or quantity of any thing, formed without using precise data.  We may differ in our estimations of distance, magnitude or amount, and no less in our estimation of moral qualities.
1.  Esteem; regard; favorable opinion; honor.
I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honor with the elders.


Topic: Estimative
Definition:
ES'TIMATIVE, a.  Having the power of comparing and adjusting the worth or preference.  [Little used.]
1.  Imaginative.


Topic: Estival
Definition:
ES'TIVAL, a.  [L. oestivus, from oestas, summer.  See Heat.]
Pertaining to summer, or continuing for the summer.


Topic: Estivation
Definition:
ESTIVA'TION, n.  [L. oestivatio, from oestas, summer, oestivo, to pass the summer.]
1.  The act of passing the summer.
2.  In botany, the disposition of the petals within the floral gem or bud; l. convolute, when the petals are rolled together like a scroll; 2. imbricate, when they lie over each other like tiles on a roof;  3. conduplicate, when they are doubled together at the midrib; 4. valvate, when as they are about to expand they are placed like the glumes in grasses.


Topic: Estop
Definition:
ESTOP', v.t.  In law, to impede or bar, by one's own act.
A man shall always be estopped by his own deed, or not permitted to aver or prove any thing in contradiction to what he has once solemnly avowed.


Topic: Estoppel
Definition:
ESTOP'PEL, n.  In law, a stop; a plea in bar, grounded on a man's own act or deed, which estops or precludes him from averring any thing to the contrary.
If a tenant for years levies a fine to another person, it shall work as an estoppel to the cognizor.


Topic: Estovers
Definition:
ESTO'VERS, n.  In law, necessaries, or supplies; a reasonable allowance out of lands or goods for the use of a tenant; such as sustenance of a felon in prison, and for his family, during his imprisonment; alimony for a woman divorced, out of her husband's estate.
Common of estovers is the liberty of taking the necessary wood for the use or furniture of a house or farm, from another's estate.  In Saxon, it is expressed by bote, which signifies more or supply, as house-bote, plow-bote, fire-bote, cart-bote, &c.


Topic: Estrange
Definition:
ESTRANGE, v.t.  
1.  To keep at a distance; to withdraw; to cease to frequent and be familiar with.
Had we estranged ourselves form them in things indifferent.
I thus estrange my person from her bed.
2.  To alienate; to divert from its original use or possessor; to apply to a purpose foreign from its original or customary one.
They have estranged this place, and burnt incense in it to other gods.  Jer.19.
3.  To alienate, as the affections; to turn from kindness to indifference or malevolence.
I do not know, to this hour, what it is that has estranged him from me.
4.  To withdraw; to withhold.
We must estrange our belief from what is not clearly evidenced.


Topic: Estrangement
Definition:
ESTRANGEMENT, n.  Alienation; a keeping at a distance; removal; voluntary abstraction; as an estrangement of affection.
An estrangement of desires from better things.


Topic: Estrapade
Definition:
ESTRAPA'DE, n.  The defense of a horse that will not obey, and which, to get rid of his rider, rises before and yerks furiously with his hind legs.


Topic: Estray
Definition:
ESTRA'Y, v.i.  To stray.  [See Stray.]
ESTRA'Y, n.  A tame beast, as a horse, ox or sheep, which is found wandering or without an owner; a beast supposed to have strayed from the power or inclosure of its owner.  It is usually written stray.


Topic: Estreat
Definition:
ESTRE'AT, n.  [L. extractum, extraho, to draw out.]
In law, a true copy or duplicate of an original writing, especially of amercements or penalties set down in the rolls of court to be levied by the bailiff or other officer, on every offender.
ESTRE'AT, v.i.  To extract; to copy.


Topic: Estrepement
Definition:
ESTRE'PEMENT, n.  [Eng. to strip.]  In law, spoil; waste; a stripping of land by a tenant, to the prejudice of the owner.


Topic: Estuary
Definition:
ES'TUARY, n.  [L. oestuarium, from oestuo, to boil or foam, oestus, heat, fury, storm.]
1.  An arm of the sea; a frith; a narrow passage, or the mouth of a river or lake, where the tide meets the current, or flows and ebbs.
2.  A vapor-bath.


Topic: Etch
Definition:
ETCH, v.t.  
1.  To make prints on copper-plate by means of lines or strokes first drawn, and then eaten or corroded by nitric acid.  The plate is first covered with a proper varnish or ground, which is capable of resisting the acid, and the ground is then scored or scratched by a needle or similar instrument, in the places where the hatchings or engravings are intended to be; the plate is then covered with nitric acid, which corrodes or eats the metal in the lines thus laid bare.
2.  To sketch; to delineate.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Etching
Definition:
ETCH'ING, ppr.  Marking or making prints with nitric acid.
ETCH'ING, n.  The impression taken from an etched copper-plate.


Topic: Eternal
Definition:
ETER'NAL, a.  [L. oeternus, composed of oevum and ternus, oeviternus, Varro.  The origin of the last component part of the word is not obvious.  It occurs in diuturnus, and seems to denote continuance.]
1.  Without beginning or end of existence.
The eternal God is thy refuge.  Deut.33.
2.  Without beginning of existence.
To know whether there is any real being, whose duration has been eternal.
3.  Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal.
That they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  2 Tim.2.
What shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  Matt.19.
Suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  Jude 7.
4.  Perpetual; ceaseless; continued without intermission.
And fires eternal in thy temple shine.
5.  Unchangeable; existing at all times without change; as eternal truth.
ETER'NAL, n.  An appellation of God.


Topic: Eternally
Definition:
ETER'NALLY, adv.  Without beginning or end of duration, or without end only.
1.  Unchangeably; invariably; at all times.
That which is morally good must be eternally and unchangeably so.
2.  Perpetually; without intermission; at all times.
Where western gales eternally reside.


Topic: Eternity
Definition:
ETER'NITY, n.  [L. oeternitas.]  Duration or continuance without beginning or end.
By repeating the idea of any length of duration, with the endless addition of number, we come by the idea of eternity.
The high and lofty one who inhabiteth eternity.  Is.57.
We speak of eternal duration preceding the present time.  God has existed from eternity.  We also speak of endless or everlasting duration in future, and dating from present time or the present state of things. Some men doubt the eternity of future punishment, though they have less difficulty in admitting the eternity of future rewards.


Topic: Eternize
Definition:
ETER'NIZE, v.t.  [Low L. oeterno.]
1.  To make endless.
2.  To continue the existence or duration of indefinitely; to perpetuate; as, to eternize woe.
So we say, to eternize fame or glory.
3.  To make forever famous; to immortalize; as, to eternize a name; to eternize exploits.


Topic: Etesian
Definition:
ETE'SIAN, a.  ete'zhan.  [L. etesius; Gr. a year.]
Stated; blowing at stated times of the year; periodical.  Etesian winds are yearly or anniversary winds, answering to the monsoons of the East Indies.  The wind is applied, in Greek and Roman writers, to the periodical winds in the Mediterranean, from whatever quarter they blow.


Topic: Ether
Definition:
E'THER, n.  [L. oether;  Gr. to burn, to shine; Eng. weather.]
1.  A thin, subtil matter, much finer and rarer than air, which, some philosophers suppose, begins from the limits of the atmosphere and occupies the heavenly space.
There fields of light and liquid ether flow.
2.  In chimistry, a very light, volatile and inflammable fluid, produced by the distillation of alcohol or rectified spirit of wine, with an acid.  It is lighter than alcohol, of a strong sweet smell, susceptible of great expansion, and of a pungent taste.  It is so volatile, that when shaken it is dissipated in an instant.


Topic: Ethereal
Definition:
ETHE'REAL, a.  Formed of ether; containing or filled with ether; as ethereal space; ethereal regions.
1.  Heavenly; celestial; as ethereal messenger.
2.  Consisting of ether or spirit.
Vast chain of being, which from God began,
Natures ethereal, human, angel, man.


Topic: Etherialized
Definition:
ETHERIALIZED, pp. Converted into ether or a very subtil fluid; as an etherialized and incorporeal substrate.


Topic: Ethics
Definition:
ETH'ICS, n.  The doctrines of morality or social manners; the science of moral philosophy, which teaches men their duty and the reasons of it.
1.  A system of moral principles; a system of rules for regulating the actions and manners of men in society.
Ethiops martial, black oxyd of iron; iron in the form of a very fine powder, and in the first state of calcination.
Ethiops mineral, a combination of mercury and sulphur, of a black color; black sulphuret of mercury.


Topic: Ethology
Definition:
ETHOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. manners, morals, and discourse.]
A treatise on morality or the science of ethics.


Topic: Etiolate
Definition:
E'TIOLATE, v.i.  [Gr. to shine.]  To become white or whiter; to be whitened by excluding the light of the sun, as plants.
E'TIOLATE, v.t. To blanch; to whiten by excluding the sun's rays.


Topic: Etiolation
Definition:
ETIOLA'TION,n.  The operation of being whitened or of becoming white by excluding the light of the sun.
In gardening, the rendering plants white, crisp and tender, by excluding the action of light from them.


Topic: Etiology
Definition:
ETIOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. cause, and discourse.]
An account of the causes of any thing, particularly of diseases.


Topic: Etiquet
Definition:
ETIQUET', n.  etiket'.  [Eng. to dock.  Originally, a little piece of paper, or a mark or title, affixed to a bag or bundle, expressing its contents.]
Primarily, an account of ceremonies.  Hence in present usage, forms of ceremony or decorum; the forms which are observed towards particular persons, or in particular places, especially in courts, levees, and on public occasions.  From the original sense of the word, it may be inferred that it was formerly the custom to deliver cards containing orders for regulating ceremonies on public occasions.


Topic: Etymological
Definition:
ETYMOLOG'ICAL,a.  [See Etymology.]  Pertaining to etymology or the derivation of words; according to or by means of etymology.


Topic: Etymologist
Definition:
ETYMOL'OGIST, n.  One versed in etymology or the deduction of words from their originals; one who searches into the original of words.


Topic: Etymology
Definition:
ETYMOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. true, and discourse.]
1.  That part of philology which explains the origin and derivation of words, with a view to ascertain their radical or primary signification.
  In grammar, etymology comprehends the various inflections and modifications of words, and shows how they are formed from their simple roots.
2.  The deduction of words from their originals; the analysis of compound words into their primitives.


Topic: Eucharist
Definition:
EU'CHARIST, n.  [Gr. a giving of thanks; well, favor.]
1.  The sacrament of the Lord's supper; the solemn act or ceremony of commemorating the death of our Redeemer, in the use of bread and wine, as emblems of his flesh and blood, accompanied with approprite prayers and hymns.
2.  The act of giving thanks.


Topic: Euchology
Definition:
EUCHOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. prayer or vow, and discourse.]
A formulary of prayers; the Greek ritual, in which are prescribed the order of ceremonies, sacraments and ordinances.


Topic: Euclase
Definition:
EU'CLASE, n.  [Gr. to break; easily broken.]  
A mineral, a species of emerald, prismatic emerald, of a greenish white, apple or mountain green, bluish green, or dark sky blue color.  It is a rare mineral, and remarkably brittle, whence its name.


Topic: Eucrasy
Definition:
EU'CRASY, n.  [Gr. well, and temperament.]
In medicine, such a due or well proportioned mixture of qualities in bodies, as top constitute health or soundness.


Topic: Eudiometer
Definition:
EUDIOM'ETER, n.  [Gr. serene, and Jove, air, and measure.]
An instrument for ascertaining the purity of the air, or the quantity of oxygen it contains.


Topic: Euharmonic
Definition:
EUHARMON'IC, a.  [Gr. well, and harmonic.]
Producing harmony or concordant sounds; as the euharmonic organ.


Topic: Eukairite
Definition:
EUK`AIRITE, n.  [Gr. opportune.]  Cupreous seleniuret of silver, a mineral of a shining lead gray color and granular structure.


Topic: Eulogist
Definition:
EU'LOGIST, n.  [See Eulogy.]  One who praises and commends another; one who writes or speaks in commendation of another, on account of his excellent qualities, exploits or performances.


Topic: Eulogize
Definition:
EU'LOGIZE, v.t.  [See Eulogy.]  To praise; to speak or write in commendation of another; to extol in speech or writing.


Topic: Eulogy
Definition:
EU'LOGY, n.  [Gr.]  Praise; encomium; panegyric; a speech or writing in commendation of a person, on account of his valuable qualities, or services.


Topic: Euphemism
Definition:
EU'PHEMISM, n.  [Gr. well, and to speak.]  A representation of good qualities; particularly in rhetoric, a figure in which a harsh or indelicate word or expression is softened, or rather by which a delicate word or expression is substituted for one which is offensive to good manners or to delicate ears.


Topic: Euphony
Definition:
EU'PHONY, n.  [Gr. voice.]  An agreeable sound; an easy, smooth enunciation of sounds; a pronunciation of letters and syllables which is pleasing to the ear.


Topic: Euphorbia
Definition:
EUPHOR'BIA, n.  [Gr. with a different signification.]  
In botany, spurge, or bastard spurge, a genus of plants of many species, mostly shrubby herbaceous succulents, some of them armed with thorns.


Topic: Euphorbium
Definition:
EUPHOR'BIUM, n.  [L. from Gr.]
In the materia medica, a gummi-resinous substance, exuding from an oriental tree.  It has a sharp biting taste, and is vehemently acrimonious, inflaming and ulcerating the fauces.


Topic: Euphrasy
Definition:
EU'PHRASY, n.  [According to DeTheis, this word is contracted from euphrosyne, joy, pleasure; a name given to the plant on account of its wonderful effects in curing disorders of the eyes.]
Eyebright, a genus of plants, Euphrasia, called in French casse-lunette.


Topic: Euripus
Definition:
EU'RIPUS, n.  [Gr. L. Euripus.]  A strait; a narrow tract of water, where the tide or a current flows and reflows, as that in Greece, between Euboea and Attica, or Euboea and Boeotia.  It is sometimes used for a strait or frith much agitated.


Topic: Eurite
Definition:
EU'RITE, n.  The white stone [weiss stein] of Werner; a very small-grained granite, with the parts intimately blended, and hence often apparently compact.  It is gray, red, &c., according to the color of the felspar, of which it is principally composed.
  Whitestone is a finely granular felspar, containing grains of quartz and scales of mica.


Topic: Euroclydon
Definition:
EUROC'LYDON, n.  [Gr. wind, and a wave.]  A tempestuous wind, which drove ashore, on Malta, the ship in which Paul was sailing to Italy.  It is supposed to have blown from an easterly point. Acts. 27.


Topic: Europe
Definition:
EU'ROPE, n.  [Bochart supposes this word to be composed of white face, the land of white people, as distinguished from the Ethiopians, black-faced people, or tawny inhabitants of Asia and Africa.]
The great quarter of the earth that lies between the Atlantic ocean and Asia, and between the Mediterranean sea and the North sea.


Topic: Eurythmy
Definition:
EU'RYTHMY, n.  [Gr. rythmus, number or proportion.]
In architecture, painting and sculpture, ease, majesty and elegance of the parts of a body, arising from just proportions in the composition.


Topic: Eustyle
Definition:
EU'STYLE, n.  [Gr. a column.]  In architecture, a sort of building in which the columns are placed at the most convenient distances from each other, the intercolumniations being just two diameters and a quarter of the column, except those in the middle of the face, before and behind, which are three diameters distant.


Topic: Evacuant
Definition:
EVAC'UANT, a.  [L. evacuans.]  Emptying; freeing from.
EVAC'UANT, n.  A medicine which procures evacuations, or promotes the natural secretions and excretions.


Topic: Evacuate
Definition:
EVAC'UATE, v.t.  [L. evacuo; e and vacuus, from vaco, to empty.  See Vacant.]
1.  To make empty; to free from any thing contained; as, to evacuate the church.
2.  To throw out; to eject; to void; to discharge; as, to evacuate dark-colored matter from the bowels.  Hence,
3.  To empty; to free from contents, or to diminish the quantity contained; as, to evacuate the bowels; to evacuate the vessels by bleeding.
4.  To quit; to withdraw from a place.  The British army evacuated the city of New York, November 25,1783.
5.  To make void; to nullify; as, to evacuate a marriage or any contract.  [In this sense, vacate is now generally used.]


Topic: Evacuated
Definition:
EVAC'UATED, pp.  Emptied; cleared; freed from the contents; quitted, as by an army or garrison; ejected; discharged; vacated.


Topic: Evacuation
Definition:
EVACUA'TION, n.  The act of emptying or clearing of the contents; the act of withdrawing from, as an army or garrison.
1.  Discharges by stool or other natural means; a diminution of the fluids of an animal body by cathartics, venesection, or other means.
2.  Abolition; nullification.


Topic: Evade
Definition:
EVA'DE, v.t.  [L. evado; e and vado, to go.]
1.  To avoid by dexterity.  The man evaded the blow aimed at his head.
2.  To avoid or escape by artifice or stratagem; to slip away; to elude.  The thief evaded his pursuers.
3.  To elude by subterfuge, sophistry, address or ingenuity.  The advocate evades an argument or the force of an argument.
4.  To escape as imperceptible or not to be reached or seized.
EVA'DE, v.i.  To escape; to slip away; formerly and properly with from; as, to evade from perils.  But from is now seldom used.
1.  To attempt to escape; to practice artifice or sophistry for the purpose of eluding.
The ministers of God are not to evade and take refuge in any such ways.


Topic: Evagation
Definition:
EVAGA'TION, n.  [L. evagatio, evagor; e and vagor, to wander.]
The act of wandering; excursion; a roving or rambling.


Topic: Evanescence
Definition:
EVANES'CENCE, n.  [L. evanescens, from evanesco; e and vanesco, to vanish, from vanus, vain, empty.  See Vain.]
1.  A vanishing; a gradual departure from sight or possession, either by removal to a distance, or by dissipation, as vapor.
2.  The state of being liable to vanish and escape possession.


Topic: Evanescent
Definition:
EVANES'CENT, a.  Vanishing; subject to vanishing; fleeting; passing away; liable to dissipation, like vapor, or to become imperceptible.  The pleasures and joys of life are evanescent.


Topic: Evangelist
Definition:
EVAN'GELIST, n.  A writer of the history, or doctrines, precepts, actions, life and death of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ; as the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
1.  A preacher or publisher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, licensed to preach, but not having charge of a particular church.


Topic: Evangelize
Definition:
EVAN'GELIZE, v.t.  [Low L. evangelizo.]  To instruct in the gospel; to preach the gospel to, and convert to a belief of the gospel; as, to evangelize heathen nations; to evangelize the world.
EVAN'GELIZE, v.i.  To preach the gospel.


Topic: Evangelized
Definition:
EVAN'GELIZED, pp.  Instructed in the gospel; converted to a belief of the gospel, or to christianity.


Topic: Evangelizing
Definition:
EVAN'GELIZING, ppr.  Instructing in the doctrines and precepts of the gospel; converting to christianity.


Topic: Evanid
Definition:
EVAN'ID, a.  [L. evanidus.  See Vain.]
Faint; weak; evanescent; liable to vanish or disappear; as an evanid color or smell.


Topic: Evanish
Definition:
EVAN'ISH, v.i.  [L. evanesco.  See Vain.]  To vanish; to disappear; to escape from sight or perception.  [Vanish is more generally used.]


Topic: Evaporable
Definition:
EVAP'ORABLE, a.  [See Evaporate.]  That may be converted into vapor and pass off in fumes; that may be dissipated by evaporation.


Topic: Evaporate
Definition:
EVAP'ORATE, v.i.  [L. evaporo; e and vaporo, from vapor, which see.]
1.  To pass off in vapor, as a fluid; to escape and be dissipated, either in visible vapor, or in particles too minute to be visible.  Fluids when heated often evaporate in visible steam; but water, on the surface of the earth, generally evaporates in an imperceptible manner.
2.  To escape or pass off without effect; to be dissipated; to be wasted.  Arguments evaporate in words.  The spirit of a writer often evaporates in translating.
EVAP'ORATE, v.t.  To convert or resolve a fluid into vapor, which is specifically lighter than the air; to dissipate in fumes, steam, or minute particles.  Heat evaporates water at every point of temperature, from 32 degrees to 212 degrees, the boiling point, of Fahrenheit.  A north west wind, in New England, evaporates water and dries the earth more rapidly, than the heat alone of a summer's day.
1.  To give vent to; to pour out in words or sound.
EVAP'ORATE, a.  Dispersed in vapors.


