# Dictionary

Topic: Mealy-mouthedness
Definition:
MEALY-MOUTH'EDNESS, n.  Inclination to express the truth in soft words, or to disguise the plain fact; reluctance to tell the plain truth.


Topic: Mean
Definition:
MEAN, a. [L. communis, vulgus, minor and minuo.]
1.  Wanting dignity; low in rank or birth; as a man of mean parentage,mean birth or origin.
2.  Wanting dignity of mind; low minded; base; destitute of honor; spiritless.
 Can you imagine I so mean could prove,
 To save my life by changing of my love?
3.  Contemptible; despicable.
 The Roman legions and great Caesar found
 Our fathers no mean foes.
4.  Of little value; low in worth or estimation; worthy of little or no regard.
 We fast, not to please men, nor to promote any mean worldly interest.
5.  Of little value; humble; poor; as a mean abode; a mean dress.
MEAN, a.  [L. medium, medius.]
1.  Middle; at an equal distance from the extremes; as the means distance; the mean proportion between quantities; the mean ratio.
 According to the fittest style of lofty, mean, or lowly.
2. Intervening; intermediate; coming between; as in the mean time or while.
MEAN, n.  The middle point or place; the middle rate or degree; mediocrity; medium.  Observe the golden mean.
 There is a mean in all things.
 But no authority of gods or men
 Allow of any mean in poesy.
1.  Intervening time; interval of time; interim; meantime.
 And in the mean, vouchsafe her honorable tomb.
Here is an omission of time or while.
2.  Measure; regulation.  [Not in use.]
3.  Instrument; that which is used to effect an object; the medium through which something is done.
 The virtuous conversation of christians was a mean to work the conversion of the heathen to Christ.
In this sense, means, in the plural,is generally used, and often with a definitive and verb in the singular.
 By this means he had them more at vantage.
 A good character,when established, should not be rested on as an end, but employed as a means of doing good.
4. Means, in the plural, income, revenue, resources, substance or estate, considered as the instrument of effecting any purpose.  He would have built a house, but he wanted means.
 Your means are slender.
5.  Instrument of action or performance.
By all means, without fail.  Go, by all means.
By no means, not at all; certainly not; not in any degree.
 The wine on this side of the lake is by no means so good as that on the other.
By no manner of means, by no means; not the least.
By any means, possibly; at all.
 If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. Phil.3.
Meantime
Meanwhile, in the intervening time. [In this use of these words there is an omission of in or in the; in the meantime.]
MEAN, v.t. pret. and pp. meant; pronounced ment. [L. mens; Eng.mind; L. intendo, propono.]
1.  To have in the mind, view or contemplation; to intend.
 What mean you by this service? Ex.12.
2.  To intend; to purpose; to design, with reference to a future act.
 Ye thought evil against me, but God meant it for good. Gen.1.
3.  To signify; to indicate.
 What mean these seven ewe lambs? Gen.21.
 What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? 1 Sam.4.
 Go ye, and learn what that meaneth-- Matt.9.
MEAN, v.i.  To have thought or ideas; or to have meaning.


Topic: Meander
Definition:
MEAN'DER, n. [the name of a winding river in Phrygia.]
1.  A winding course; a winding or turning in a passage; as the meanders of the veins and arteries.
 While lingering rivers in meanders glide.
2.  A maze; a labyrinth; perplexity; as the meanders of the law.
MEAN'DER, v.t.  To wind, turn or flow round; to make flexuous.
MEAN'DER, v.i.  To wind or turn in a course or passage; to be intricate.


Topic: Meaning
Definition:
ME'ANING, ppr.  Having in mind; intending; signifying.
ME'ANING, n.  That which exists in the mind, view or contemplation as a settled aim or purpose, though not directly expressed.  We say, this or that is not his meaning.
1.  Intention; purpose; aim; with reference to a future act.
 I am no honest man, if there by any good meaning towards you.
2.  Signification.  What is the meaning of all this parade?  The meaning of a hieroglyphic is not always obvious.
3.  The sense of words or expressions; that which is to be understood; signification; that which the writer or speaker intends to express or communicate.  Words have a literal meaning, or a metaphorical meaning, and it is not always easy to ascertain the real meaning.
4.  Sense; power of thinking.  [Little used.]


Topic: Meanly
Definition:
ME'ANLY, adv. [See Mean.]  Moderately; not in a great degree.
 In the reign of Domitian, poetry was meanly cultivated. [Not used.]
1.  Without dignity or rank; in a low condition; as meanly born.
2.  Poorly; as meanly dressed.
3.  Without greatness or elevation of mind; without honor; with a low mind or narrow views.  He meanly declines to fulfill his promise.
 Would you meanly thus rely
 On power, you know, I must obey?
4.  Without respect; disrespectfully.  We cannot bear to hear others speak meanly of our kindred.


Topic: Meanness
Definition:
ME'ANNESS, n.  Want of dignity or rank; low state; as meanness of birth or condition.  Poverty is not always meanness; it may be connected with it, but men of dignified minds and manners are often poor.
1.  Want of excellence of any kind; poorness; rudeness.
 This figure is of a later date, by the meanness of the workmanship.
2.  Lowness of mind; want of dignity and elevation; want of honor.  Meanness in men incurs contempt. All dishonesty is meanness.
3.  Sordidness; niggardliness; opposed to liberality or charitableness.  Meanness is very different from frugality.
4.  Want of richness; poorness; as the meanness of dress or equipage.


Topic: Mease
Definition:
ME'ASE, n. [from the root of measure.]  The quantity of 500; as a mease of herrings.  [Not used in America.]


Topic: Measles
Definition:
MEASLES, n. mee'zles; with a plural termination.
1.  A contagious disease of the human body,usually characterized by an eruption of small red points or spots, from which it has its name.
2.  A disease of swine.
3.  A disease of trees.


Topic: Measurable
Definition:
MEASURABLE, a. mezh'urable.  [See Measure.]
1.  That may be measured; susceptible of mensuration or computation.
2.  Moderate; in small quantity or extent.


Topic: Measure
Definition:
MEASURE, n. mezh'ur. [L. mensura, from mensus, with a casual n, the participle of metior, to measure; Eng. to mete.]
1.  The whole extent or dimensions of a thing, including length, breadth and thickness.
 The measure thereof is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.  Job.11.
It is applied also to length or to breadth separately.
2.  That by which extent or dimension is ascertained, either length, breadth, thickness, capacity, or amount; as, a rod or pole is a measure of five yards and a half; an inch, a foot, a yard, are measures of length; a gallon is a measure of capacity.  Weights and measures should be uniform.  Silver and gold are the common measure of value.
3.  A limited or definite quantity; as a measure of wine or beer.
4.  Determined extent or length; limit.
 Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days. Ps.39.
5.  A rule by which any thing is adjusted or proportioned.
 God's goodness is the measure of his providence.
6.  Proportion; quantity settled.
 I enter not into the particulars of the law of nature, or its measures of punishment; yet there is such a law.
7.  Full or sufficient quantity.
 I'll never pause again,
 Till either death hath clos'd these eyes of mine,
 Or fortune given me measure of revenge.
8.  Extent of power or office.
 We will not boast of things without our measure. 
2 Cor.10.
9.  Portion allotted; extent of ability.
 If else thou seekest
 Aught not surpassing human measure, say.
   10. Degree; quantity indefinite.
 I have laid down, in some measure,the description of the old world.
 A great measure of discretion is to be used in the performance of confession.
    11. In music, that division by which the motion of music is regulated; or the interval or space of time between the rising and falling of the hand or foot of him who beats time. This measure regulates the time of dwelling on each note. The ordinary or common measure is one second.
    12. In poetry, the measure or meter is the manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or the long and short syllables. Thus,hexameter, pentameter, Iambic, Sapphic verses, &c. consist of different measure.
    13. In dancing, the interval between steps, corresponding to the interval between notes in the music.
 My legs can keep no measure in delight.
    14. In geometry, any quantity assumed as one or unity, to which the ratio of other homogeneous or similar quantities is expressed.
    15. Means to an end; an act, step or proceeding towards the accomplishment of an object; an extensive signification of the word, applicable to almost every act preparatory to a final end, and by which it is to be attained. Thus we speak of legislative measures, political measures, public measures, prudent measures, a rash measure, effectual measures, inefficient measures.
In measure, with moderation; with excess.
Without measure, without limits; very largely or copiously.
To have hard measure, to be harshly or oppressively treated.
Lineal or long measure, measure of length; the measure of lines or distances.
Liquid measure, the measure of liquors.
MEASURE, v.t. mezh'ur.  To compute or ascertain extent, quantity, dimensions or capacity by a certain rule; as, to measure land; to measure distance; to measure the altitude of a mountain; to measure the capacity of a ship or of a cask.
1.  To ascertain the degree of any thing; as, to measure the degrees of heat, or of moisture.
2.  To pass through or over.
 We must measure twenty miles to day.
 The vessel plows the sea,
 And measures back with speed her former way.
3.  To judge of distance, extent or quantity; as, to measure any thing by the eye.
 Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite
 Thy power; what thought can measure thee?
4.  To adjust; to proportion.
 To secure a contended spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.
5.  To allot or distribute by measure.
 With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matt.7.


Topic: Measured
Definition:
MEASURED, pp. mezh'ured.  Computed or ascertained by a rule; adjusted; proportioned; passed over.
1.  a. Equal; uniform; steady.  He walked with measured steps.


Topic: Measurer
Definition:
MEASURER, n. mezh'urer.  One who measures; one whose occupation or duty is to measure commodities in market.


Topic: Measuring
Definition:
MEASURING, ppr.  mezh'uring.  Computing or ascertaining length, dimensions, capacity or amount.
1.  a. A measuring cast, a throw or cast that requires to be measured, or not to be distinguished from another but by measuring.


Topic: Meat
Definition:
MEAT, n.
1. Food in general; any thing eaten for nourishment, either by man or beast.
 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb--to you it shall be for meat. Gen.1.
 Every moving thing that liveth, shall be meat for you. 
Gen.9.
 Thy carcass shall be meat to all fowls of the air.
Deut.28.
2.  The flesh of animals used as food.  This is now the more usual sense of the word.  The meat of carnivorous animals is tough, coarse and ill flavored.  The meat of herbivorous animals is generally palatable.
3.  In Scripture, spiritual food; that which sustains and nourishes spiritual life or holiness.
 My flesh is meat indeed. John.6.
4.  Spiritual comfort; that which delights the soul.
 My meat is to do the will of him that sent me. John.4.
5.  Products of the earth proper for food. Hab.3.
6.  The more abstruse doctrines of the gospel, or mysteries of religion. Heb.5.
7.  Ceremonial ordinances. Heb.13.
To sit at meat, to sit or recline at the table.


Topic: Mechanically
Definition:
MECHAN'ICALLY, adv.  According to the laws of mechanism, or good workmanship.
1.  By physical force or power.
2.  By the laws of motion, without intelligence or design, or by the force of habit.  We say, a man arrives to such perfection in playing on an instrument, that his fingers move mechanically.
Mechanically turned or inclined, naturally or habitually disposed to use mechanical arts.


Topic: Mechanics
Definition:
MECHAN'ICS, n. That science which treats of the doctrines of motion.  It investigates the forces by which bodies are kept either in equilibrium or in motion, and is accordingly divided into statics and dynamics.
A mathematical science which shows the effects of powers or moving forces, so far as they are applied to engines, and demonstrates the laws of motion.
It is a well known truth in mechanics, that the actual and theoretical powers of a machine will never coincide.


Topic: Mechanism
Definition:
MECH'ANISM, n.  The construction of a machine, engine or instrument, intended to apply power to a useful purpose; the structure of parts, or manner in which the parts of a machine are united to answer its design.
1.  Action of a machine, according to the laws of mechanics.


Topic: Mechoacan
Definition:
MECHO'ACAN, n.  White jalap, the root of an American species of Convolvulus, from Mechoacan, in Mexico; a purgative of slow operation, but safe.


Topic: Meconium
Definition:
MECO'NIUM, n. [Gr. poppy.]
1. The juice of the white poppy, which has the virtues of opium.
2.  The first faeces of infants.


Topic: Medal
Definition:
MED'AL, n. [L. metallum, metal.]  An ancient coin, or a piece of metal in the form of a coin, stamped with some figure or device to preserve the portrait of some distinguished person, or the memory of an illustrious action or event.


Topic: Meddle
Definition:
MED'DLE, v.i.
1.  To have to do; to take part; to interpose and act in the concerns of others, or in affairs in which one's interposition is not necessary; often with the sense of intrusion  or officiousness.
 I have thus far been an upright judge, not meddling with the design nor disposition.
 What hast thou to do to meddle with the affairs of my family?
 Why should'st thou meddle to thy hurt? 2 Kings 14.
2.  To have to do; to touch; to handle.  Meddle not with edge-tools, is an admonition to children.  When the object is specified, meddle is properly followed by with or in; usually by the former.
 The civil lawyers--have meddled in a matter that belongs not to them.
MED'DLE, v.t.  To mix, to mingle.
 He meddled his talk with many a tear.


Topic: Meddler
Definition:
MED'DLER, n.  One that meddles; one that interferes or busies himself with things in which he has no concern; an officious person; a busy body.


Topic: Meddlesome
Definition:
MED'DLESOME, a.  Given to meddling; apt to interpose in the affairs of others; officiously intrusive.


Topic: Meddling
Definition:
MED'DLING, ppr.  Having to do; touching; handling; officiously interposing in other men's concerns.
1.  a. Officious; busy in other men's affairs; as a meddling neighbor.


Topic: Medial
Definition:
ME'DIAL, a. [L. medius, middle.]  Mean; noting a mean or average.
Medial alligation, is a method of finding the mean rate or value of a mixture consisting of two or  more ingredients of different quantities and values.  In this case,the quantity and value of each ingredient are given.


Topic: Mediant
Definition:
ME'DIANT, n. In music, an appellation given to the third above the key-note, because it divides the interval between the tonic and dominant into thirds.


Topic: Mediate
Definition:
ME'DIATE, a.  [L. medius, middle.]  Middle; being between the two extremes.
 Anxious we hover in a mediate state.
1.  Interposed; intervening; being between two objects.
 Soon the mediate clouds shall be dispelled.
2.  Acting by means, or by an intervening cause or instrument.  Thus we speak of mediate and immediate cause of its motion; the oar with which a man rows a boat is the immediate cause of its motion; but the rower is the mediate cause, acting by means of the oar.
ME'DIATE, v.i. To interpose between parties, as the equal friend of each; to act indifferently between contending parties, with a view to reconciliation; to intercede.  The prince that mediates between nations and prevents a war, is the benefactor of both parties.
1.  To be between two. [Little used.]
ME'DIATE, v.t.  To effect by mediation or interposition between parties; as, to mediate a peace.
1.  To limit by something in the middle.  [Not used.]


Topic: Mediately
Definition:
ME'DIATELY, adv.  By means or by a secondary cause,acting between the first cause and the effect.
 God worketh all things amongst us mediately,by secondary means.
 The king grants a manor to A,and A grants a portion of it to B.  In this case, B holds his lands immediately of A,but mediately of the king.


Topic: Mediation
Definition:
MEDIA'TION, n. [L. medius, middle.]
1.  Interposition; intervention; agency between parties at variance, with a view to reconcile them.  The contentions of individuals and families are often terminated by the mediation of friends.  The controversies of nations are sometimes adjusted by mediation.  The reconciliation of sinners to God by the mediation of Christ, is a glorious display of divine benevolence.
2.  Agency interposed; intervenient power.
 The soul,during its residence in the body, does all things by the mediation of the passions.
3.  Intercession; entreaty for another.


Topic: Mediator
Definition:
MEDIA'TOR, n.  One that interposes between parties at variance for the purpose of reconciling them.
1.  By way of eminence, Christ is the mediator, the divine intercessor through whom sinners may be reconciled to an offended God. Tim.2.
 Christ is a mediator by nature, as partaking of both natures divine and human; and mediator by office, as transacting matters between God and man.


Topic: Mediatorial
Definition:
MEDIATO'RIAL, a.  Belonging to a mediator; as mediatorial office or character. [Mediatory is not used.]


Topic: Medic
Definition:
MED'IC, n.  A plant of the genus Medicago.  The sea-medic is of the same genus; the medic vetch is of the genus Hedysarum.


Topic: Medical
Definition:
MED'ICAL, a. [L. medicus, from medcor, to heal; Gr. cure.]
1.  Pertaining to the art of healing diseases; as the medical profession; medical services.
2.  Medicinal; containing that which heals; tending to cure; as the medical properties of a plant.


Topic: Medically
Definition:
MED'ICALLY, adv.  In the manner of medicine; according to the rules of the healing art, or for the purpose of healing; as a simple or mineral medically used or applied.
1.  In relation to the healing art; as a plant medically considered.


Topic: Medicament
Definition:
MED'ICAMENT, n. [L.medicamentum.]  Any thing used for healing diseases or wounds; a medicine; a healing application.


Topic: Medicate
Definition:
MED'ICATE, v.t. [L. medico.]  To tincture or impregnate with healing substances, or with any thing medicinal.


Topic: Medication
Definition:
MEDICA'TION, n.  The act or process of impregnating with medicinal substances; the infusion of medicinal virtues.
1.  The use of medicine.


Topic: Medicinal
Definition:
MEDIC'INAL, . [L. medicinalis.]  Having the property of healing or of mitigating disease; adapted to the cure or alleviation of bodily disorders; as medicinal plants, medicinal virtues of minerals; medicinal springs.  The waters of Saratoga and Ballston are remarkably medicinal.
1.  Pertaining to medicine; as medicinal days or hours.


Topic: Medicinally
Definition:
MEDIC'INALLY, adv.  In the manner of medicine; with medicinal qualities.
1.  With a view to healing; as, to use a mineral medicinally.


Topic: Medicine
Definition:
MED'ICINE, n. [L. medicina, from medeor, to cure; vulgarly and improperly pronounced med'sn.]
1.  Any substance, liquid or solid, that has the property of curing or mitigating disease in animals, or that is used for that purpose.  Simples, plants and minerals furnish most of our medicines.  Even poisons used with judgment and in moderation, are safe and efficacious medicines.  Medicines are internal or external, simple or compound.
2.  The art of preventing, curing or alleviating the diseases of the human body.  Hence we say, the study of medicine, or a student of medicine.
3.  In the French sense, a physician. [Not in use.]
MED'ICINE, v.t.  To affect or operate on as medicine. [Not used.]


Topic: Mediety
Definition:
MEDI'ETY, n. [L.medietas; from L.medius, middle.]
The middle state or part; half; moiety.  [Little used.]


Topic: Mediocral
Definition:
MEDIO'CRAL, a. [L. mediocris.]  Being of a middle quality; indifferent; ordinary; as mediocral intellect.  [Rare.]


Topic: Mediocrity
Definition:
MEDIOC'RITY, n. [L.mediocritas, from mediocris, middling; medius,middle.]
1.  A middle state or degree; a moderate degree or rate.  A mediocrity of condition is most favorable to morals and happiness.  A mediocrity of talents well employed will generally ensure respectability.
 Men of age seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success.
2.  Moderation; temperance.
 We owe obedience to the law of reason, which teacheth mediocrity in meats and drinks.


Topic: Meditate
Definition:
MED'ITATE, v.i. [L. meditor.]
1.  To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; appropriately but not exclusively used of pious contemplation, or a consideration of the great truths of religion.
 His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps.1.
2.  To intend; to have in contemplation.
 I meditate to pass the remainder of life in a state of undisturbed repose.
MED'ITATE, v.t.  To plan by revolving in the mind; to contrive; to intend.
 Some affirmed that I meditated a war.
1.  To think on; to revolve in the mind.
 Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things.


Topic: Meditation
Definition:
MEDITA'TION, n. [L.meditatio.]  Close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation.
 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Ps.19.


Topic: Medium
Definition:
ME'DIUM, n. plu.mediums; media not being generally, though sometimes used. [L.]  In philosophy, the space or substance through which a body moves or passes to any point. Thus either is supposed to be the medium through which the planets move; air is the medium through which bodies move near the earth; water the medium in which fishes live and move; glass a medium through which light passes; and we speak of a resisting medium, a refracting medium, &c.
1.  In logic, the mean or middle term of a syllogism, or the middle term in an argument, being the reason why a thing is affirmed or denied.
Nothing can be honorable that violates moral principle.
Dueling violates moral principle.
Therefore dueling is not honorable.
Here the second term is the medium, mean, or middle term.
2.  Arithmetical medium, that which is equally distant from each extreme, or which exceeds the lesser extreme as much as it is exceeded by the greater, in respect of quantity, not of proportion. Thus, 9 is a medium between 6 and 12.
3.  Geometrical medium, is that wherein the same ratio is preserved between the first and second terms, as between the second and third.  Thus, 6 is a geometrical medium between 4 and 9.
In the three last senses or applications, mean is more generally used for medium.
4.  The means or instrument by which any thing is accomplished, conveyed or carried on.  Thus money is the medium of commerce; coin is the common medium of trade among all civilized nations, but wampum is the medium of trade among the Indian tribes, and bills of credit or bank notes are often used as mediums of trade in the place of gold and silver.  Intelligence is communicated through the medium of the press.
5.  The middle place or degree; the mean.
 The just medium of this case lies between pride and abjection.
6.  A kind of printing paper of middle size.


Topic: Medlar
Definition:
MED'LAR, n. [L. mespilus.]  A tree and a genus of trees, called Mespilus; also, the fruit of the tree.  The German or common medlar is cultivated in gardens for its fruit.


Topic: Medley
Definition:
MED'LEY, n.  A mixture; a mingled and confused mass of ingredients; used often or commonly with some degree of contempt.
 This medley of philosophy and war.
 Love is a medley of endearments, jars, suspicions, reconcilements, wars--then peace again.
MED'LEY, a.  Mingled; confused. [Little used.]


Topic: Medullin
Definition:
MEDUL'LIN, n. [L. medulla.]  The pith of the sunflower, which has neither taste nor smell.  It is insoluble in water, ether, alcohol and oils,but soluble in nitric acid,and instead of yielding suberic acid, it yields the oxalic.


Topic: Meed
Definition:
MEED, n.
1.  Reward; recompense; that which is bestowed or rendered in consideration of merit.
 Thanks to men
 Of noble minds is honorable meed.
2.  A gift or present. [Not used.]


Topic: Meek
Definition:
MEEK, a. [L. mucus; Eng. mucilage; Heb. to melt.]
1.  Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.
 Now the man Moses was very meek, above all men. Num.12.
2.  Appropriately,humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations.  Christ says, 'Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls.' Matt.11.
 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt.5.


Topic: Meekly
Definition:
MEE'KLY, adv. Mildly; gently; submissively; humbly; not proudly or roughly.
 And this mis-seeming discord meekly lay aside.


Topic: Meekness
Definition:
MEE'KNESS, n.  Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations.
1.  In an evangelical sense, humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness; opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness. Gal.5.
 I beseech you by the meekness of Christ. 1 Cor.10.
 Meekness is a grace which Jesus alone inculcated, and which no ancient philosopher seems to have understood or recommended.


Topic: Meer-schaum
Definition:
MEER-SCHAUM, n.  A hydrate of magnesia combined with silex. It occurs in beds in Natolia,and when first taken out, is soft,and makes lather like soap.  It is manufactured into tobacco pipes,which are boiled in oil or wax,and baked.


Topic: Meet
Definition:
MEET, a. [L. convenio.]  Fit; suitable; proper; qualified; convenient; adapted, as to a use or purpose.
 Ye shall pass over armed before your brethren, the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war. Deut.3.
 It was meet that we should make merry--Luke 15.
 Bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Matt.3.
MEET, v.t. pret. and pp. met.  [Gr. with.]
1.  To come together, approaching in opposite or different directions; to come face to face; as, to meet a man in the road.
 His daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances.  Judges 11.
2.  To come together in any place; as, we met many strangers at the levee.
3.  To come together in hostility; to encounter. The armies met on the plains of Pharsalia.
4.  To encounter unexpectedly.
5.  To come together in extension; to come in contact; to join.  The line A meets the line B and forms an angle.
6.  To come to; to find; to light on; to receive.  The good man meets his reward; the criminal in due time meets the punishment he deserves.
 Of vice or virtue, whether blest or curst,
 Which meets contempt, or which compassion first.
MEET, v.i.  To come together or to approach near, or into company with.  How pleasant it is for friends to meet on the road; still more pleasant to meet in a foreign country.
1.  To come together in hostility; to encounter.  The armies met at Waterloo, and decided the fate of Buonaparte.
2.  To assemble; to congregate. The council met at 10 o'clock.  The legislature will meet on the first Wednesday in the month.
3.  To come together by being extended; to come in contact; to join.  Two converging lines will meet in a point.
To meet with; to light on; to find; to come to; often with the sense of an unexpected event.
 We met with many things worthy of observation.
1.  To join; to unite in company.
 Falstaff at that oak shall meet with us.
2.  To suffer unexpectedly; as, to meet with a fall; to meet with a loss.
3.  To encounter; to engage in opposition.
 Royal mistress,
 Prepare to meet with more than brutal fury
 From the fierce prince.
4.  To obviate; a Latinism.
To meet half way, to approach from an equal distance and meet; metaphorically, to make mutual and equal concessions, each party renouncing some pretensions.


Topic: Meeting
Definition:
MEE'TING, ppr. Coming together; encountering; joining; assembling.
MEE'TING, n.  A coming together; an interview; as a happy meeting of friends.
1.  An assembly; a congregation; a collection of people; a convention.  The meeting was numerous; the meeting was clamorous; the meeting was dissolved at sunset.
2.  A conflux, as of rivers; a joining, as of lines.


Topic: Megalonyx
Definition:
MEGALON'YX, n. [Gr. great, and a nail.]  An animal now extinct, whose bones have been found in Virginia.


Topic: Megrim
Definition:
ME'GRIM, n.  [ L. hemicrania, half the head.]  Properly, a pain in the side of the head; hence, a disorder of the head; vertigo.


Topic: Meionite
Definition:
MEIONITE, n. [Gr. less; from its low pyramids.]pyramidical feldspar, of a grayish white color. It occurs massive and crystallized.


Topic: Meiosis
Definition:
MEIO'SIS, n. [Gr.]  Diminution; a rhetorical figure, a species of hyperbole, representing a thing less than it is.


Topic: Melanagogue
Definition:
MELANAGOGUE, n. melan'agog. [Gr. black, and to drive.]
A medicine supposed to expel black bile or choler.


Topic: Melancholic
Definition:
MEL'ANCHOLIC, a. [See Melancholy.]
1.  Depressed in spirits; affected with gloom; dejected; hypochondriac. Grief indulged to excess, has a tendency to render a person melancholic.
2.  Produced by melancholy; expressive of melancholy; mournful; as melancholic strains.
 Just as the melancholic eye,
 See fleets and armies in the sky.
3.  Unhappy; unfortunate; causing sorrow; as accidents and melancholic perplexities.
MEL'ANCHOLIC, n.  One affected with a gloomy state of mind. [Melancholian, in a like sense, is not used.]
1.  A gloomy state of mind.


Topic: Melancholize
Definition:
MEL'ANCHOLIZE, v.i.  To become gloomy in mind.
MEL'ANCHOLIZE, v.t.  To make melancholy.
[This verb is rarely or never used.]


Topic: Melancholy
Definition:
MEL'ANCHOLY, n. [Gr. black, and bile; L. melancholia.]
1.  A gloomy state of mind, often a gloomy state that is of some continuance, or habitual; depression of spirits induced by grief; dejection of spirits. This was formerly supposed to proceed from a redundance of black bile.  Melancholy, when extreme and of long continuance, is a disease, sometimes accompanied with partial insanity.  Cullen defines it, partial insanity without dyspepsy.
In nosology, mental-alienation restrained to a single object or train of ideas, in distinction from mania, in which the alienation is general.
 Moon-struck madness, moping melancholy.
MEL'ANCHOLY, a.  Gloomy; depressed in spirits; dejected; applied to persons.  Overwhelming grief has made me melancholy.
1.  Dismal; gloomy; habitually dejected; as a melancholy temper.
2.  Calamitous; afflictive; that may or does produce great evil and grief; as a melancholy event.  The melancholy fate of the Albion!  The melancholy destruction of Scio and of Missolonghi!


Topic: Melanite
Definition:
MEL'ANITE, n. [Gr. black.]  A mineral, a variety of garnet, of a velvet black or grayish black, occurring always in crystals of a dodecahedral form.
Melanite is perfectly opake.  It is found among volcanic substances.


Topic: Melanteri
Definition:
MEL'ANTERI, n. [Gr. black.]  Salt or iron, or iron in a saline state, mixed with inflammable matter.


Topic: Melasses
Definition:
MEL`ASSES, n. sing. [Gr. black, or honey.]  The sirup which drains from Muscovado sugar when cooling; treacle.


Topic: Meliorate
Definition:
ME'LIORATE, v.t. [L.melior,better.]  To make better; to improve; as, to meliorate fruit by grafting, or soil by cultivation.  Civilization has done much, but christianity more, to meliorate the condition of men in society.
 Nature by art we nobly meliorate.
ME'LIORATE, v.i. To grow better.


Topic: Meliorating
Definition:
ME'LIORATING, ppr.  Improving; advancing in good qualities.
 The pure and benign light of revelation has had a meliorating influence on mankind.


Topic: Mellit
Definition:
MEL'LIT, n.  In farriery, a dry scab on the heel of a horse's fore foot,cured by a mixture of honey and vinegar.


Topic: Mellite
Definition:
MEL'LITE, n. [L.mel.]  Honey stone; a mineral of a honey color,found only in very minute regular crystals.


Topic: Mellow
Definition:
MEL'LOW, a. [L. mollis, malus.]
1.  Soft with ripeness; easily yielding to pressure; as a mellow peach or apple; mellow fruit.
2.  Soft to the ear; as a mellow sound; a mellow pipe.
3.  Soft; well pulverized; not indurated or compact; as mellow ground or earth.
4.  Soft and smooth to the taste; as mellow wine.
5.  Soft with liquor; intoxicated; merry.
6.  Soft or easy to the eye.
 The tender flush whose mellow stain imbues
 Heaven with all freaks of light.
MEL'LOW, v.t.  To ripen; to bring to maturity; to soften by ripeness or age.
 On foreign mountains may the sun refine
 The grape's soft juice and mellow it to wine.
1.  To soften; to pulverize.  Earth is mellowed by frost.
2.  To mature; to bring to perfection.
 This episode--mellowed into that reputation which time has given it.
MEL'LOW, v.i.  To become soft; to be ripened, matured or brought to perfection.  Fruit, when taken from the tree, soon mellows.  Wine mellows with age.


Topic: Mellowness
Definition:
MEL'LOWNESS, n.  Softness; the quality of yielding easily to pressure; ripeness, as of fruit.
1.  Maturity; softness or smoothness from age, as of wine.


Topic: Melocotone
Definition:
MELOCOTO'NE, n. [L. malum cotoneum, quince-apple.  Cotomeum is probably our cotton, and the fruit so named from its pubescence.]
A quince.  But the name is sometimes given to a large kind of peach.


Topic: Melodious
Definition:
MELO'DIOUS, a. [See Melody.]  Containing melody; musical; agreeable to the ear by a sweet succession of sounds; as a melodious voice; melodious strains.
 And music more melodious than the spheres.


Topic: Melodiousness
Definition:
MELO'DIOUSNESS, n. The quality of being agreeable to the ear by a sweet succession of sounds; musicalness.


Topic: Melody
Definition:
MEL'ODY, n. [Gr. a limb, or a song, an ode; L. melos.]
An agreeable succession of sounds; a succession of sounds so regulated and modulated as to please the ear.  To constitute melody, the sounds must be arranged according to the laws of rhythms, measure, or the due proportion of the movements to each other.  Melody differs from harmony, as it consists in the agreeable succession and modulation of sounds by a single voice; whereas harmony consists in the accordance of different voices or sounds.  Melody is vocal or instrumental.
To make melody in the heart, to praise God with a joyful and thankful disposition, ascribing to him the honor due to his name. Eph.5.


Topic: Melon
Definition:
MEL'ON, n. [L. melo; Gr. an apple; L. mollis.]  The name of certain plants and their fruit, as the water-melon, the musk-melon.


Topic: Melt
Definition:
MELT, v.t. [Eng.smelt,smalt.  We have in these words decisive evidence that s, in smelten, &c. is a prefix.  Melt, in English, is regular, forming melted for its past tense and passive participle.  The old participle molten, is used only as an adjective.]
1.  To dissolve; to make liquid; to liquefy; to reduce from a solid to a liquid or flowing state by heat; as, to melt wax, tallow or lead; to melt ice or snow.
2.  To dissolve; to reduce to first principles.
3.  To soften to love or tenderness.
 For pity melts the mind to love.
4.  To waste away; to dissipate.
 In general riot melted down thy youth.
5.  To dishearten.  Josh.14.
MELT, v.i.  To become liquid; to dissolve; to be changed from a fixed or solid to a flowing state.
 And whiter snow in minutes melts away.
1.  To be softened to love, pity, tenderness or sympathy; to become tender, mild or gentle.
 Melting with tenderness and mild compassion.
2.  To be dissolved; to lose substance.
 --And what seem'd corporal,
 Melted as breath into the wind.
3.  To be subdued by affliction; to sink into weakness.
 My soul melteth for heaviness--strengthen thou me. Ps.119.
4.  To faint; to be discouraged or disheartened.
 As soon as we heard these things, our heart melted. Josh.2.


Topic: Melting
Definition:
MELT'ING, ppr.  Dissolving; liquefying; softening; discouraging.
1.  a.  Tending to soften; softening into tenderness; as melting eloquence.
MELT'ING, n.  The act of softening; the act of rendering tender.


Topic: Member
Definition:
MEM'BER, n. [L. membrum.]
1.  A limb of animal bodies, as a leg, an arm, an ear, a finger, that is, a subordinate part of the main body.
2.  A part of a discourse, or of a period or sentence; a clause; a part of a verse.  Harmony in poetry is produced by a proportion between the members of the same verse, or between the members of different verses.
3.  In architecture, a subordinate part of a building, as a frieze or cornice; sometimes a molding.
4.  An individual of a community or society. Every citizen is a member of the state or body politic. So the individuals of a club, a corporation or confederacy, are called its members.  Students of an academy or college are its members. Professed christians are called members of the church.
5.  The appetites and passions, considered as tempting to sin. Rom.7. Col.3.


Topic: Membranaceous
Definition:
MEMBRANA'CEOUS, a.  Belonging to a membrane; consisting of membranes; as a membraneous covering.
 Birds of prey have membranaceous stomachs, not muscular.
1.  In botany, a membranaceous leaf has no distinguishable pulp between the two surfaces.  In general, it denotes flatted or resembling parchment.


Topic: Membrane
Definition:
MEM'BRANE, n. [L. membrana.]  In anatomy, a thin, white, flexible skin, formed by fibers interwoven like net-work, and serving to cover some part of the body.
The term is applied to the thin expanded parts, of various texture, both in animals and vegetables.


Topic: Memoir
Definition:
MEM'OIR, n.  A species of history written by a person who had some share in the transactions related.  Persons often write their own memoirs.
1.  A history of transactions in which some person had a principal share, is called his memoirs, though compiled or written by a different hand.
2.  The history of a society, or the journals and proceedings of a society; as memoirs of the Royal Society.
3.  A written account; register of facts.


Topic: Memorable
Definition:
MEM'ORABLE, a. [L.memorabilis.  See Memory.]
Worthy to be remembered; illustrious; celebrated; distinguished.
 By tombs, by books, by memorable deeds.


Topic: Memorandum
Definition:
MEMORAND'UM, n.  plu. memorandums or memoranda. [L.]
A note to help the memory.
 I entered a memorandum in my pocketbook.


Topic: Memorial
Definition:
MEMO'RIAL, a. [L.memorialis.  See Memory.]
1.  Preservative of memory.
 There high in air memorial of my name,
 Fix the smooth oar, and bid me live to fame.
2.  Contained in memory; as memorial possession.
MEMO'RIAL, n.  That which preserves the memory of something; any thing that serves to keep in memory.  A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event.  The Lord's supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ.
 Churches have names; some as memorials of peace, some of wisdom, some of the Trinity.
1.  Any note or hint to assist the memory.
 Memorials written with king Edward's hand shall be the ground of this history.
2.  A written representation of facts, made to a legislative or other body as the ground of a petition, or a representation of facts accompanied with a petition.


Topic: Memorialist
Definition:
MEMO'RIALIST, n.  One who writes a memorial.
1.  One who presents a memorial to a legislative or any other body, or to a person.


Topic: Memorize
Definition:
MEM'ORIZE, v.t.  To record; to commit to memory by writing.
 They neglect to memorize their conquest of the Indians.
1.  To cause to be remembered.
 They meant to memorize another Golgotha.


Topic: Memory
Definition:
MEM'ORY, n. [L. memoria; Gr. to remember, from mind, or the same root.  See Mind.]
1.  The faculty of the mind by which it retains the knowledge of past events, or ideas which are past.  A distinction is made between memory and recollection.  Memory retains past ideas without any, or with little effort; recollection implies an effort to recall ideas that are past.
 Memory is the purveyor of reason.
2.  A retaining of past ideas in the mind; remembrance. Events that excite little attention are apt to escape from memory.
3.  Exemption from oblivion.
 That ever-living man of memory,
 Henry the fifth.
4.  The time within which past events can be remembered or recollected, or the time within which a person may have knowledge of what is past.  The revolution in England was before my memory; the revolution in America was within the author's memory.
5.  Memorial; monumental record; that which calls to remembrance.  A monument in London was erected in memory of the conflagration in 1666.
6.  Reflection; attention.
MEM'ORY, v.t.  To lay up in the mind or memory.  [Not used.]


Topic: Memphian
Definition:
MEMPH'IAN, a. [from Memphis, the ancient metropolis of Egypt, said to be altered from Menuf, Memf. Ludolf.]
Pertaining to Memphis; very dark; a sense borrowed from the darkness of Egypt in the time of Moses.


Topic: Men
Definition:
MEN, plu. of man.  Two or more males, individuals of the human race.
1.  Males of bravery.  We will live in honor, or die like men.
2.  Persons; people; mankind; in an indefinite sense. Men are apt to forget the benefactor, while they riot on the benefit.


Topic: Menace
Definition:
MEN'ACE, v.t. [L. minor.]
1.  To threaten; to express or show a disposition or determination to inflict punishment or other evil. The combined powers menaced France with war on every side.
2.  To show or manifest the probability of future evil or danger to.  The spirit of insubordination menaced Spain with the horrors of civil war.
3.  To exhibit the appearance of any catastrophe to come; as, a hanging rock menaces a fall, or menaces the plain or the inhabitants below.
MEN'ACE, n.  A threat or threatening; the declaration or show of a disposition or determination to inflict an evil; used of persons.
1.  The show of a probable evil or catastrophe to come.


Topic: Menachanite
Definition:
MEN'ACHANITE, n.  An oxyd of titanium, or mineral of a grayish or iron black color, occurring in very small rounded grains, imperfectly lamellar, and of a glistening luster; found near Menachan, in Cornwall, Eng.


Topic: Menacing
Definition:
MEN'ACING, ppr.  Threatening; declaring a disposition or determination to inflict evil.
1.  a.  Exhibiting the danger or probability of an evil or catastrophe to come; as a menacing attitude.


Topic: Mend
Definition:
MEND, v.t. [L. emendo, menda, a fault, spot or blemish.]
1.  To repair, as a breach; to supply a part broken or defective; as, to mend a garment, a road, a mill-dam, a fence, &c.
2.  To correct; to set right; to alter for the better; as, to mend the life or manners.
3.  To repair; to restore to a sound state; as, to mend a feeble or broken constitution.
4.  To help; to advance; to make better.
This plausible apology does not mend the matter.
 Though in some lands the grass is but short, yet it mends garden herbs and fruit.
5.  To improve; to hasten.
 He saw the monster mend his pace.


Topic: Mendacity
Definition:
MENDAC'ITY, n. [L.mendax, false, lying.]  Falsehood.
[The proper signification of this word would be a disposition to lie, or habitual lying.]


Topic: Mendicant
Definition:
MEND'ICANT, a. [L. mendicans, from mendico, to beg; allied to L.mando, to command, demand.]
1.  Begging; poor to a state of beggary; as reduced to a mendicant state.
2.  Practicing beggary; as a mendicant friar.
MEND'ICANT, n.  A beggar; one that makes it his business to beg alms; one of the begging fraternity of the Romish church.


Topic: Menial
Definition:
ME'NIAL, a.
1.  Pertaining to servants or domestic servants; low; mean.
 The women attendants perform only the most menial offices.
[Johnson observes on this passage, that Swift seems not to have known the meaning of this word.  But this is the only sense in which it is now used.]
2.  Belonging to the retinue or train of servants.
 Two menial dogs before their master pressed.
[If this definition of Johnson is correct,it indicates that menial is from meinez, many, rather than from mesnie, family.  But the sense may be house-dogs.]


Topic: Menilite
Definition:
MEN'ILITE, n.  A mineral substance found at Menil Montant near Paris, of the nature of silex, of a brown liver color on the interior, and ordinarily of a clear blue on the surface.  It is found in the shape of the kidneys, of the size of the hand or larger; sometimes in globules of the size of a nut.


Topic: Meniscus
Definition:
MENIS'CUS, n. plu. meniscuses.  [Gr. a little moon.]
A lens convex on one side, and concave on the other.


Topic: Menology
Definition:
MENOL'OGY, n. [Gr. month, and discourse.]
1.  A register of months.
2.  In the Greek church, martyrology, or a brief calendar of the lives of the saints, for each day in the year, or a simple remembrance of those whose lives are not written.


Topic: Menpleaser
Definition:
MEN'PLEASER, n.  One who is solicitous to please men, rather than to please God, by obedience to him commands.


Topic: Mensal
Definition:
MEN'SAL, a. [L. mensalis, from mensa, a table.]
Belonging to the table; transacted at table. [Little used.]


Topic: Menstrual
Definition:
MEN'STRUAL, a. [L. menstrualis, from mensis, month.]
1.  Monthly; happening once a month; as the menstrual flux.
2.  Lasting a month; as the menstrual orbit of the moon.
3.  Pertaining to a menstruum.


Topic: Menstruous
Definition:
MEN'STRUOUS, a. [L. menstruus, from mensis, a month.]
1.  Having the monthly flow or discharge; as a female.
2.  Pertaining to the monthly flow of females.


Topic: Menstruum
Definition:
MEN'STRUUM, n. plu. menstruums. [from L. mensis, month.  The use of this word is supposed to have originated in some notion of the old chimists, about the influence of the moon in the preparation of dissolvents.  Johnson.]
A dissolvent or solvent; any fluid or subtilized substance which dissolves a solid body.
 All liquors are called menstruums which are used as dissolvents, or to extract the virtues of ingredients by infusion or decoction.
 Inquire what is the proper menstruum to dissolve a metal.


Topic: Mensurable
Definition:
MEN'SURABLE, a. [L. mensura, measure. The n is probably casual, and the word is the same as measurable.]
Measurable; capable of being measured.


Topic: Mensuration
Definition:
MENSURA'TION, n.  The act, process or art of measuring, or taking the dimensions of any thing.
1.  Measure; the result of measuring.


Topic: Mental
Definition:
MEN'TAL, a.  Pertaining to the mind; intellectual; as mental faculties; mental operations; mental sight; mental taste.


Topic: Mention
Definition:
MEN'TION, n. [L. mentio, from Gr. to put in mind; L. moneo and mind.]  A hint; a suggestion; a brief notice or remark expressed in words or writing; used chiefly after make.
 Make no mention of other gods.  Josh.23.
 I will make mention of thy righteousness. Ps.71.
 Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. Rom.1.
MEN'TION, v.t.  To speak; to name; to utter a brief remark; to state a particular fact, or to express it in writing.  It is applied to something thrown in or added incidentally in a discourse or writing, and thus differs from the sense of relate, recite, and narrate.  I mentioned to him a fact that fell under my own observation.  In the course of conversation, that circumstance was mentioned.
 I will mention the loving-kindness of the Lord. Is.63.


Topic: Mephitic
Definition:
MEPHIT'IC, a. [L. mephitis, an ill smell.]  Offensive to the smell; foul; poisonous; noxious; pestilential; destructive to life.
Mephitic acid is carbonic acid.


Topic: Mercantile
Definition:
MER'CANTILE, a. [L. mercans, mercor, to buy.]
1.  Trading; commercial; carrying on commerce; as mercantile nations; the mercantile class of men.
2.  Pertaining or relating to commerce or trade; as mercantile business.


Topic: Mercenary
Definition:
MER'CENARY, a. [L. mercenarius, from merces, reward, wages, mercor, to guy.]
1.  Venal; that may be hired; actuated by the hope of reward; moved by the love of money; as a mercenary prince or judge.
2.  Hired; purchased by money; as mercenary services; mercenary soldiers.
3.  Sold for money; as mercenary blood.
4.  Greedy of gain; mean; selfish; as a  mercenary disposition.
5.  Contracted from motives of gain; as a mercenary  marriage.
MER'CENARY, n.  One who is hired; a soldier that is hired into foreign service; a hireling.


Topic: Merchandise
Definition:
MER'CHANDISE, n.
1.  The objects of commerce; wares, goods, commodities, whatever is usually bought or sold in trade. But provisions daily sold in market, horses, cattle, and fuel are not usually included in the term,and real estate never.
2.  Trade; traffick; commerce.
MER'CHANDISE, v.i.  To trade; to carry on commerce.


Topic: Merchant
Definition:
MER'CHANT, n. [L.mercor,to buy.]
1.  A man who trafficks or carries on trade with foreign countries,or who exports and imports goods and sells them by wholesale.
2.  In popular usage, any trader, or one who deals in the purchase and sale of goods.
3.  A ship in trade. [Not used.]
MER'CHANT, v.i. To trade.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Merchantable
Definition:
MER'CHANTABLE, a.  Fit for market; such as is usually sold in market  or such as will bring the ordinary price; as merchantable wheat or timber.


Topic: Merchantman
Definition:
MER'CHANTMAN, n.  A ship or vessel employed in the transportation of goods, as distinguished from a ship of war.


Topic: Merciful
Definition:
MER'CIFUL, a. [from mercy.]  Having or exercising mercy; compassionate; tender; disposed to pity offenders and to forgive their offenses; unwilling to punish for injuries; applied appropriately to the Supreme being.
 The Lord passed before  him and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth.  Ex.34.
1.  Compassionate; tender; unwilling to give pain; not cruel.  A merciful man will be merciful to his beast.


Topic: Mercifulness
Definition:
MER'CIFULNESS, n.  Tenderness towards offenders; willingness to forbear punishment; readiness to forgive.


Topic: Merciless
Definition:
MER'CILESS, a.  Destitute of mercy; unfeeling; pitiless; hard-hearted; cruel; as a merciless tyrant.
1.  Not sparing; as the merciless waves or tempest.


Topic: Mercurial
Definition:
MERCU'RIAL, a. [L. mercurialis.]
1.  Formed under the influence of Mercury; active; sprightly; full of fire or vigor; as a mercurial youth; a mercurial nation.
2.  Pertaining to quicksilver; containing quicksilver,or consisting of mercury; as mercurial preparations or medicines.


Topic: Mercurialist
Definition:
MERCU'RIALIST, n.  One under the influence of Mercury, or one resembling Mercury in variety of character.


Topic: Mercuriate
Definition:
MERCU'RIATE, n.  A combination of the oxyd of mercury with another substance.
Mercuric acid, a saturated combination of mercury and oxygen.


Topic: Mercurification
Definition:
MERCURIFICA'TION, n.  In metallurgic chimistry,the process or operation of obtaining the mercury from metallic minerals in its fluid form.
1.  The act of mixing with quicksilver.


Topic: Mercurify
Definition:
MERCU'RIFY, v.t.  To obtain mercury from metallic minerals, which it is said may be done by a large lens, the intense heat of which expels the mercury in fumes, which are afterwards condensed.


Topic: Mercury
Definition:
MER'CURY, n. [L. Mercurius.  In mythology, Mercury is the god of eloquence and of commerce, called by the Greeks Hermes, and his name is said to be formed from merces, or mercor.  But in antiquity, there were several persons or deities of this name.]
1.  Quicksilver, a metal remarkable for its fusibility, which is so great that to fix or congeal it requires a degree of cold which is marked on Fahrenheit's scale at thirty nine degrees below zero.  Its specific gravity is greater than that of any other metal, except platina, gold and tungsten.  Under a heat of 660 degrees, it rises in fumes and is gradually converted into a red oxyd.  Mercury is used in barometers to ascertain the weight of the atmosphere, and in thermometers to determine the temperature of the air, for which purposes it is well adapted by its expansibility, and the extensive range between its freezing and boiling points.  Preparations of this metal are among the most powerful poisons, and are extensively used as medicines.  The preparation called calomel, is a most  efficacious deobstruent.
2.  Heat of constitutional temperament; spirit; sprightly qualities.
3.  A genus of plants,the Mercurialis, of several species.
4.  One of the planets nearest the sun.  It is 3224 miles in diameter, and revolves round the sun in about 88 days.  Its mean distance from the sun is thirty seven millions of miles.
5.  The name of a newspaper or periodical publication, and in some places,the carrier of a newspaper or pamphlet.
MER'CURY, v.t.  To wash with a preparation of mercury.


Topic: Mercy
Definition:
MER'CY, n. [L. misericordia.]
1.  That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant.  In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy.  That which comes nearest to it is grace.  It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders.  Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.
 The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num.14.
2.  An act or exercise of mercy or favor.  It is a mercy that they escaped.
 I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. Gen.32.
3.  Pity; compassion manifested towards a person in distress.
 And he said, he that showed mercy on him.  Luke.10.
4.  Clemency and bounty.
 Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy.  Prov.28.
5.  Charity, or the duties of charity and benevolence.
 I will have mercy and not sacrifice.  Matt.9.
6.  Grace; favor.  1 Cor.7.  Jude 2.
7.  Eternal life, the fruit of mercy. 2 Tim.1.
8.  Pardon.
 I cry thee mercy with all my heart.
9.  The act of sparing, or the forbearance of a violent act expected.  The prisoner cried for mercy.
To be or to lie at the mercy of, to have no means of self-defense, but to be dependent for safety on the mercy or compassion of another, or in the power of that which is irresistible; as, to be at the mercy of a foe, or of the waves.


Topic: Mercy-seat
Definition:
MER'CY-SEAT, n.  The propitiatory; the covering of the ark of the covenant among the Jews.  This was of gold, and its ends were fixed to two cherubs, whose wings extended forward, and formed a kind of throne for the majesty of God, who is represented in Scripture as sitting between the cherubs.  It was from this seat that God gave his oracles to Moses, or to the high priest who consulted him.


Topic: Mere
Definition:
MERE, a. [L. merus.]  This or that only; distinct from any thing else.
 From mere success nothing can be concluded in favor of a nation.
 What if the head,the eye or ear repin'd
 To serve mere engines to the ruling mind?
1.  Absolute; entire.
MERE, n. [L. mare.  See Moor.]  A pool or lake.
MERE, n. [Gr. to divide.]  A boundary; used chiefly in the compound, mere-stone.
MERE, v.t.  To divide, limit or bound.


Topic: Merely
Definition:
ME'RELY, adv.  Purely; only; solely; thus and no other way; for this and no other purpose.
 Price not your life for other ends
 Than merely to oblige your friends.


Topic: Meretricious
Definition:
MERETRI'CIOUS, a. [L. meretricius, from meretrix, a prostitute.]
1.  Pertaining to prostitutes; such as in practiced by harlots; as meretricious arts.
2.  Alluring by false show; worn for disguise; having a gaudy but deceitful appearance; false; as meretricious dress or ornaments.


Topic: Merge
Definition:
MERGE, v.t. [L. mergo.]  To immerse; to cause to be swallowed up.
 The plaintiff became the purchaser and merged his term in the fee.
MERGE, v.i.  To be sunk, swallowed or lost.


Topic: Merger
Definition:
MERG'ER, n. [L. mergo, to merge.]  In law, a merging or drowning of a less estate in a greater; as when a reversion in fee simple descends to or is purchased by a tenant of the same estate for years, the term for years is merged, lost, annihilated in the inheritance or fee simple estate.


Topic: Meridian
Definition:
MERID'IAN, n. [L. meridies.]
1.  In astronomy and geography, a great circle supposed to be drawn or to pass through the poles of the earth, and the zenith and nadir of any given place, intersecting the equator at right angles, and dividing the hemisphere into eastern and western.  Every place on the globe has its meridian, and when the sun arrives at this circle, it is mid-day or noon. whence the name.  This circle may be considered to be drawn on the surface of the earth, or it may be considered as a circle in the heavens coinciding with that on the earth.
2.  Mid-day, noon.
3.  The highest point; as the meridian of life; the meridian of power or of glory.
4.  The particular place or state, with regard to local circumstances or things that distinguish it from others.  We say, a book is adapted to the meridian of France or Italy; a measure is adapted to the meridian of London or Washington.
Magnetic meridian, a great circle, parallel with the direction of the magnetic needle, and passing through its poles.
MERID'IAN, a.  Being on the meridian or at mid-day.
 The sun sat high in his meridian tower.
1.  Pertaining to the meridian or to mid-day; as the sun's meridian heat or splendor.
2.  Pertaining to the highest point; as, the hero enjoyed his meridian glory.
3.  Pertaining to the magnetic meridian.


Topic: Meridional
Definition:
MERID'IONAL, a.  Pertaining to the meridian.
1.  Southern.
2.  Southerly; having a southern aspect.
Meridional distance is the departure from the meridian, or easting or westing.


Topic: Meridionality
Definition:
MERIDIONAL'ITY, n.  The state of being in the meridian.
1.  Position in the south; aspect towards the south.


Topic: Merit
Definition:
MER'IT, n. [L. meritum, from mereo, to earn or deserve.]
1.  Desert; goodness or excellence which entitles one to honor or regard; worth; any performance or worth which claims regard or compensation; applied to morals, to excellence in writing, or to valuable services of any kind. Thus we speak of the inability of men to obtain salvation by their own merits.  We speak of the merits of an author; the merits of a soldier, &c.
2.  Value; excellence; applied to things; as the merits of an essay or poem; the merits of a pointing; the merits of a heroic achievement.
3.  Reward deserved; that which is earned or merited.
 Those laurel groves, the merits of thy youth.
MER'IT, v.t. [L. merito.]  To deserve; to earn by active service, or by any valuable performance; to have a right to claim reward in money, regard, honor or happiness.  Watts, by his writings, merited the gratitude of the whole christian world.  The faithful laborer merits his wages.
 A man at best is incapable of meriting any thing from God.
1.  To deserve; to have a just title to.  Fidelity merits and usually obtains confidence.
2.  To deserve, in an ill sense; to have a just title to.  Every violation of law merits punishment.  Every sin merits God's displeasure.


Topic: Merit-monger
Definition:
MER'IT-MONGER, n.  One who advocates the doctrine of human merit,as entitled to reward, or depends on merit for salvation.


Topic: Meritorious
Definition:
MERITO'RIOUS, a.  Deserving of reward or of notice, regard, fame or happiness, or of that which shall be a suitable return for services or excellence of any kind.  We applaud the meritorious services of the laborer, the soldier and the seaman.  We admire the meritorious labors of a Watts, a Doddridge, a Carey and a Martyn.  We rely for salvation on the meritorious obedience and sufferings of Christ.


Topic: Mermaid
Definition:
MER'MAID, n. [L.mare, the sea, and maid.]  A marine animal, said to resemble a woman in the upper parts of the body, and a fish in the lower part.  The male is called the merman.


Topic: Merrily
Definition:
MER'RILY, adv. [from merry.]  With mirth; with gayety and laughter; jovially.  [See Mirth and Merry.]
 Merrily sing and sport and play.


Topic: Merrimake
Definition:
MER'RIMAKE, n. [merry and make.]  A meeting for mirth; a festival; mirth.
MER'RIMAKE, v.i.  To be merry or jovial; to feast.


Topic: Merry
Definition:
MER'RY, a.
1.  Gay and noisy; jovial; exhilarated to laughter.
 Man is the merriest species of the creation.
 They drank and were merry with him. Gen.43.
2.  Causing laughter or mirth; as a merry jest.
3.  Brisk; as a merry gale. [This is the primary sense of the word.]
4.  Pleasant; agreeable; delightful.
To make merry, to be jovial; to indulge in hilarity; to feast with mirth.  Judges 9.


Topic: Merry-making
Definition:
MER'RY-MAKING, a.  Producing mirth.
 Mirth, music,merry-making melody
 Speed the light hours no more at Holyrood.


Topic: Merry-thought
Definition:
MER'RY-THOUGHT, n.  The forked bone of a fowl's breast, which boys and girls break by pulling each one side; the longest part broken betokening priority of marriage.


Topic: Mersion
Definition:
MER'SION, n. [L. mersio, from mergo, to dive or sink.]
The act of sinking or plunging under water. But immersion is generally used.


Topic: Meseems
Definition:
MESEE'MS, verb impersonal. [me and seems.]  It seems to me.  It is used also in the past tense, meseemed.


Topic: Mesentery
Definition:
MES'ENTERY, n. [Gr. middle, and intestine.]  A fatty membrane placed in the middle of the intestines, and to which they are attached.  This prevents them from becoming entangled with each other by convolutions.  It is formed by a duplicature of the peritoneum.


Topic: Mesh
Definition:
MESH, n.
1.  The opening or space between the threads of a net.
2.  The grains or wash of a brewery.
MESH, n.  
1.  The opening or space between the threads of a net.
2.  The grains or wash of a brewery.
MESH, v.t.  To catch in a net; to ensnare.


Topic: Meslin
Definition:
MES'LIN, n.  [L. miscellaneus, from misceo, to mix.]
A mixture of different sorts of grain; in America, a mixture of wheat and rye.


Topic: Mesne
Definition:
MESNE, a. meen.  In law, middle; intervening; as a mesne lord, that is, a lord who holds land of a superior, but grants a part of it to another person.  In this case,he is a tenant to the superior, but lord or superior to the second grantee, and called the mesne lord.
Mesne process, that part of the proceedings in a suit which intervenes between the original process or writ and the final issue, and which issues, pending the suit, on some collateral matter; and sometimes it is understood to be the whole process preceding the execution.
Mesne profits, the profits of an estate which accrue to a tenant in possession, after the demise of the lessor.


Topic: Mesocolon
Definition:
MES'OCOLON, n. [Gr. middle, and colon.]
In anatomy, that part of the mesentery, which, having reached the extremity of the ileum, contracts and changes its name, or that part of the mesentery to which the colon is attached.


Topic: Mesologarithm
Definition:
MESOLOG'ARITHM, n. [Gr. middle, and logarithm.]
A logarithm of the co-sines and co-tangents.
The former is called by Napier an antilogarithm, the latter a differential.


Topic: Mesomelas
Definition:
MESOM'ELAS, n. [Gr. middle, and black.]  A precious stone with a black vein parting every color in the midst.


Topic: Mesotype
Definition:
MES'OTYPE, n. [Gr. middle, and form, type.]  Prismatic zeolite; a mineral divided into three subspecies, fibrous zeolite, natrolite,and mealy zeolite.  This is said by some writers to be so named from its property,when transparent, of doubling images.  Others say it is a mean form between stilbite and analcime.


Topic: Mess
Definition:
MESS, n. [L. mensa.]
1.  A dish or a quantity of food prepared or set on a table at one time; as a mess of pottage; a mess of herbs; a mess of broth.
2.  A medley; a mixed mass; a quantity.
3.  As much provender or grain as is given to a beast at once.
4.  A number of persons who eat together; among seamen and soldiers.
MESS, v.i.  To eat; to feed.
1.  To associate at the same table; to eat in company, as seamen.
MESS, v.t.  To supply with a mess.


Topic: Message
Definition:
MES'SAGE, n. [L. missus, mitto, to send.]
1.  Any notice, word or communication, written or verbal, sent from one person to another.  We send a servant with a verbal or written message.
 The welcome message made, was soon received.
2.  An official written communication of facts or opinions sent by a chief magistrate to the two houses of a legislature or other deliberative body. Congress receives a message from the President of the United States at the opening of the session. The Governors of some of the states communicate to the legislature by message, others by address.
3.  An official verbal communication from one branch of a legislature to the other.


Topic: Messiah
Definition:
MESSI'AH, a. [Heb. anointed.]  Christ, the anointed; the Savior of the world.
 I know that when Messiah cometh, who is called Christ, he will tell us all things.  Jesus answered her, I that speak to thee am he.  John 4.


Topic: Messiahship
Definition:
MESSI'AHSHIP, n.  The character, state or office of the Savior.
 Josephus--whose prejudices were against the Messiahship and religion of Jesus.


Topic: Messuage
Definition:
MESS'UAGE, n.  In law, a dwelling house and adjoining land, appropriated to the use of the household, including the adjacent buildings.


Topic: Metabasis
Definition:
METAB'ASIS, n. [Gr. from beyond, and to go.]  In rhetoric, transition; a passing from one thing to another.


Topic: Metabola
Definition:
METAB'OLA, n. [Gr. beyond, and a casting.]  In medicine, a change of air, time or disease. [Little used.]


Topic: Metacarpus
Definition:
METACARP'US, n. [Gr. beyond, and the wrist.]  In anatomy, the part of the hand between the wrist and the fingers.


Topic: Metachronism
Definition:
METACH'RONISM, n. [Gr. beyond, and time.]  An error in chronology, by placing an event after its real time.


Topic: Metagrammatism
Definition:
METAGRAM'MATISM, n. [Gr. beyond, and a letter.]
Anagrammatism, or metagrammatism, is a transposition of the letters of a name into such a connection as to express some perfect sense applicable to the person named.


Topic: Metal
Definition:
METAL, n. met'l. [L. metallum.]  A simple, fixed, shining, opake body or substance, insoluble in water, fusible by heat, a good conductor of heat and electricity, capable when in the state of an oxyd, of uniting with acids and forming with them metallic salts.  Many of the metals also malleable or extensible by the hammer, and some of them extremely ductile.  Metals are mostly fossil, sometimes found native or pure, but more generally combined with other matter.  Some metals are more malleable than others, and this circumstance gave rise to the distinction of metals and semi-metals; a distinction little regarded at the present day.  Recent discoveries have enlarged the list of the metals, and the whole number now recognized is thirty, exclusive of those which have been recently discovered, as the bases of the earths and alkalies. Twelve of these are malleable, viz. platina, gold, silver,mercury, lead, copper, tin, iron, zink, palladium, nickel, and cadmium.  The following sixteen are not sufficiently tenacious to bear extension by beating, viz. arsenic, antimony, bismuth, cobalt,manganese, tellurium, titanium, columbium,molybden, tungsten,chrome, osmium, iridium, rhodium, uranium, and cerium.
To these may be added potassium, sodium, barium, strontium, calcium, and lithium.
The following have not been exhibited in a separate form; magnesium, glucinum, yttrium, aluminum, thorinum, zirconium, and silicium.
1.  Courage; spirit; so written by mistake for mettle.


Topic: Metalepsis
Definition:
METALEP'SIS, n. [Gr. participation; beyond, and to take.]
In rhetoric, the continuation of a trope in one word through a succession of significations, or the union of two or more tropes of a different kind in one word, so that several gradations or intervening senses come between the word expressed and the thing intended by it; as 'in one Caesar there are many Mariuses.'  Here  Marius, by a synecdoche or antonomasy, is put for any ambitious, turbulent man, and this, by a metonymy of the cause, for the ill effects of such a temper to the public.


Topic: Metaleptic
Definition:
METALEP'TIC, a.  Pertaining to a metalepsis or participation; translative.
1.  Transverse; as the metaleptic motion of a muscle.


Topic: Metallic
Definition:
METAL'LIC, a. [L. metallicus.]  Pertaining to a metal or metals; consisting of metal; partaking of the nature of metals; like a metal; as a metallic substance; metallic ore; metallic brightness.


Topic: Metalline
Definition:
MET'ALLINE, a. Pertaining to a metal; consisting of metal.
1.  Impregnated with metal; as metalline water.


Topic: Metallization
Definition:
METALLIZA'TION, n.  The act or process of forming into a metal; the operation which gives to a substance its proper metallic properties.


Topic: Metallography
Definition:
METALLOG'RAPHY, n. [Gr. metal, and description.]  An account of metals, or a treatise on metallic substances.


Topic: Metallurgist
Definition:
MET'ALLURGIST, n.  One whose occupation is to work metals, or to purify, refine and prepare metals for use.


Topic: Metallurgy
Definition:
MET'ALLURGY, n. [Gr. metal, and work.]  The art of working metals, comprehending the whole process of separating them from other matters in the ore, smelting, refining and parting them.  Gilding is also a branch of metallurgy.  But in a more limited and usual sense, metallurgy is the operation of separating metals from their ores.
The French include in metallurgy the art of drawing metals from the earth.


Topic: Metamorphosis
Definition:
METAMORPH'OSIS, n.  Change of form or shape; transformation; particularly, a change in the form of being; as the metamorphosis of an insect from the aurelia or chrysalis state into a winged animal.
1.  Any change of form or shape.


Topic: Metaphor
Definition:
MET'APHOR, n. [Gr. to transfer, over, to carry.]  A short similitude; a similitude reduced to a single word; or a word expressing similitude without the signs of comparison. Thus 'that man is a fox,' is a metaphor; but 'that man is like a fox,' is a similitude or comparison. So when I say, 'the soldiers fought like lions,' I use a similitude.  In metaphor, the similitude is contained in the name; a man is a fox, means, a man is as crafty as a fox.  So we say, a man bridles his anger, that is, restrains it as a bridle restrains a horse.  Beauty awakens love or tender passions; opposition fires courage.


Topic: Metaphrase
Definition:
MET'APHRASE, n. [Gr. over, according to or with, and phrase.]
A verbal translation; a version or translation or one language into another, word for word.


Topic: Metaphysics
Definition:
METAPHYS'ICS, n. s as z. [Gr. after, and physics. It is said that this name was given to the science by Aristotle or his followers, who considered the science of natural bodies, physics, as the first in the order of studies, and the science of mind or intelligence to be the second.]
The science of the principles and causes of all things existing; hence,the science of mind or intelligence.  This science comprehends ontology, or the science which treats of the nature, essence, and qualities or attributes of being; cosmology, the science of the world, which treats of the nature and laws of matter and of motion; anthroposophy, which treats of the power of man, and the motions by which life is produced; psychology, which treats of the intellectual soul; pneumatology, or the science of spirits or angels, &c. Metaphysical theology, called by Leibnitz and others theodicy, treats of the existence of God, his essence and attributes.  These divisions of the science of metaphysics, which prevailed in the ancient schools, are now not much regarded.  The natural division of things that exist is into body and mind, things material and immaterial.  The former belong to physics, and the latter to the science of metaphysics.


Topic: Metaplasm
Definition:
MET'APLASM, n. [Gr. transformation; over, and to form.]
In grammar, a transmutation or change made in a word by transposing or retrenching a syllable or letter.


Topic: Metastasis
Definition:
METAS'TASIS, n. [Gr. mutation; over, and to place.]  A translation or removal of a disease form one part to another, or such an alteration as is succeeded by a solution.


Topic: Metatarsus
Definition:
METATAR'SUS, n. [Gr. beyond, and tarsus.] The middle of the foot, or part between the ankle and the toes.


Topic: Metathesis
Definition:
METATH'ESIS, n. [Gr. over, and to set.]
1.  Transposition; a figure by which the letters or syllables of a word are transposed; as pistris for pristis.
2.  In medicine, a change or removal of a morbid cause, without expulsion.


Topic: Mete
Definition:
METE, v.t. [L. metior; Heb. to measure.]  To measure; to ascertain quantity, dimensions or capacity by any rule or standard. [Obsolescent.]
METE, n.  Measure; limit; boundary; used chiefly in the plural, in the phrase, metes and bounds.


Topic: Metempsychosis
Definition:
METEMPSYCHO'SIS, n. [Gr. beyond, and animation, life; to animate.]
Transmigration; the passing of the soul of a man after death into some other animal body. Pythagoras and his followers held that after death the soul of men pass into other bodies, and this doctrine still prevails in some parts of Asia, particularly in India and China.


Topic: Metemptosis
Definition:
METEMP'TOSIS, n. [Gr. after, and to fall.]  In chronology,the solar equation necessary to prevent the new moon from happening a day too late, or the suppression of the bissextile once in 134 years.  The opposite to this is the proemptosis, or the addition of a day every 300 years, and another every 2400 years.


Topic: Meteor
Definition:
ME'TEOR, n. [Gr. sublime, lofty.]
1.  In a general sense, a body that flies or floats in the air, and in this sense it includes rain,hail, snow, &c.  But in a restricted sense, in which it is commonly understood.
2.  A fiery or luminous body or appearance flying or floating in the atmosphere, or in a more elevated region. We give this name to the brilliant globes or masses of matter which are occasionally seen moving rapidly through our atmosphere, and which throw off, with loud explosions, fragments that reach the earth, and are called falling stones.  We call by the same name those fire balls which are usually denominated falling stars, supposed to be owning to gelatinous matter inflated by phosphureted hydrogen gas; also,the lights which appear over moist grounds and grave yards, called ignes fatui, which are ascribed to the same cause.
 And meteor-like flame lawless through the  sky.


Topic: Meteoric
Definition:
METEOR'IC, a Pertaining to meteors; consisting of meteors.
1.  Proceeding from a meteor; as meteoric stones.


Topic: Meter
Definition:
ME'TER, n. [from mete.]  One who measures; used in compounds, as in coal-meter, land-meter.
ME'TER, n. [L. metrum.]
1.  Measure; verse; arrangement of poetical feet, or of long and short syllables in verse.  Hexameter is a meter of six feet.  This word is most improperly written metre. How very absurd to write the simple word in this manner, but in all its numerous compounds, meter, as in diameter, hexameter, thermometer, &c.
2.  A French measure of length, equal to 39 37/100 English inches, the standard of linear measure, being the ten millionth part of the distance from the equator to the North Pole, as ascertained by actual measurement of an arc of the meridian.


Topic: Meterolite
Definition:
MET'EROLITE, n.  A meteoric stone; a stone or solid compound of earthy and metallic matter which falls to the earth after the displosion of a luminous meteor or fire ball; called also aerolite.


Topic: Meterologist
Definition:
METEROL'OGIST, n.  A person skilled in meteors; one who studies the phenomena of meteors, or keeps a register of them.


Topic: Meteromancy
Definition:
METEROM'ANCY, n. [Gr. a meteor, and divination.]  A species of divination by meteors, chiefly by thunder and lightning; held in high estimation by the Romans.


Topic: Methinks
Definition:
METHINKS, v. impers. pp. methought. [me and think.]  It seems to me; it appears to me; I think.  Me is here in the dative.  The word is not antiquated, but is not elegant.


Topic: Method
Definition:
METH'OD, n. [L. methodus; Gr. with, and way.]
1.  A suitable and convenient arrangement of things, proceedings or ideas; the natural or regular disposition of separate things or parts; convenient order for transacting business, or for comprehending any complicated subject.  Without method, business of any kind will fall into confusion.  To carry on farming to advantage, to keep accounts correctly, method is indispensable.
2.  Way; manner.  Let us know the nature of the disease, and the method of cure.
3.  Classification; arrangement of natural bodies according to their common characteristics; as the method of Theophrast; the method of Ray; the Linnean method.
In natural arrangements a distinction is sometimes made between method and system.  System is an arrangement founded, throughout all its parts, on some one principle.  Method is an arrangement less fixed and determinate, and founded on more general relations.  Thus we say, the natural method, and the artificial or sexual system of Linne, though the latter is not a perfect system.


Topic: Methodist
Definition:
METH'ODIST, n.  One that observes method.
1.  One of a sect of christians, founded by Morgan, or rather by John Wesley, and so called from the exact regularity of their lives, and the strictness of their principles and rules.
2.  A physician who practices by method or theory.
3.  In the cant of irreligious men, a person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties.


Topic: Methodize
Definition:
METH'ODIZE, v.t.  To reduce to method; to dispose in due order; to arrange in a convenient manner.
 One who brings with him any observations he has made in reading the poets,will find his own reflections methodized and explained in the works of a good critic.


Topic: Metic
Definition:
ME'TIC, n. [Gr. house.]  In ancient Greece, a sojourner; a resident stranger in a Grecian city or place.


Topic: Metonymy
Definition:
MET'ONYMY, n. [Gr. over, beyond, and name.]  In rhetoric, a trope in which one word is put for another; a change of names which have some relation to each other; as when we say, 'a man keeps a good table.' instead of good provisions.  'We read Virgil.' that is, his poems or writings. 'They have Moses and the prophets,' that is, their books or writings.  A man has a clear head, that is, understanding, intellect; a warm heart, that is affections.


Topic: Metope
Definition:
METOPE, n. met'opy. [Gr. with, near or by, and an aperture or hollow.]  In architecture, the space between the triglyphs of the Doric frieze, which among the ancients used to be painted or adorned with carved work.


Topic: Metoposcopy
Definition:
METOPOS'COPY, n. [Gr. the forehead, and to view.]  The study of physiognomy; the art of discovering the character or the dispositions of men by their features, or the lines of the face.


Topic: Metrical
Definition:
MET'RICAL, a. [L. metricus.]
1.  Pertaining to measure, or due arrangement or combination of long and short syllables.
2.  Consisting of verses; as metrical compositions.


Topic: Metrology
Definition:
METROL'OGY, n. [Gr. measure, and discourse.]
1.  A discourse on measures or mensuration; the description of measures.
2.  An account of measures, or the science of weights and measures.


Topic: Metropolis
Definition:
METROP'OLIS, n. [L. from Gr. mother, and city.  It has no plural.]
Literally, the mother-city, that is, the chief city or capital of a kingdom, state or country, as Paris in France, Madrid in Spain, London in Great Britain.  In the United States, Washington, in the District of Columbia, is the metropolis, as being the seat of government; but in several of the states, the largest cities are not the seats of the respective governments.  Yet New York city, in the state of that name, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, are the chief cities, and may be called each the metropolis of the state in which it is situated, though neither of them is the seat of government in the state.


Topic: Metropolitan
Definition:
METROPOL'ITAN, a.  Belonging to a metropolis, or to the mother church; residing in the chief city.
METROPOL'ITAN, n.  The bishop of the mother church; an archbishop.


Topic: Mettle
Definition:
METTLE, n. met'l. [usually supposed to be corrupted from metal. 
L. animus, animosus.]  Spirit; constitutional ardor; that temperament which is susceptible of high excitement.  It is not synonymous with courage, though it may be accompanied with it, and is sometimes used for it.
 The winged courser, like a generous horse,
 Shows most true mettle when you check his course.


Topic: Mettlesome
Definition:
MET'TLESOME, a. Full of spirit; possessing constitutional ardor; brisk; fiery; as a mettlesome horse.


Topic: Mew
Definition:
MEW, n.  A seafowl of the genus Larus; a gull.
MEW, n.  A cage for birds; an inclosure; a place of confinement.
MEW, v.t.  [from the noun.]  To shut up; to inclose; to confine, as in a cage or other inclosure.
 More pity that the eagle should be mew'd.
 Close mew'd in their sedans, for fear of air.
MEW, v.t.  [L. muto and moto.]  To shed or cast; to change; to molt.  The hawk mewed his feathers.
 Nine times the moon had mew'd her horns--
MEW, v.i. [L. mugio.]  To cry as a cat.
MEW, v.i.  To change; to put on a new appearance.


Topic: Mezzotinto
Definition:
MEZZOTINT'O, n. [L. tinctus, painted.]  A particular manner of engraving or representation of figures on copper,in imitation of painting in Indian ink.  To perform this the plate is scratched and furrowed in different directions; the design is then drawn on the face, then the dents and furrows are erased from the parts where the lights of the piece are to be; the parts which are to represent shades being left.


Topic: Mica
Definition:
MI'CA, n. [L. mica, a grain or particle; mico, to shine.]  A mineral of a foliated structure, consisting of thin flexible lamels or scales, having a shining surface.  The scales are sometimes parallel, sometimes interwoven, sometimes wavy or undulated, sometimes representing filaments.  It is called also talck, glimmer, muscovy-glass, and glist.
Jameson subdivides mica into ten subspecies, viz. mica, pinite, lepidolite,chlorite, green earth, talck, nacrite, potstone, steatite and figure stone.


Topic: Micarel
Definition:
MIC'AREL, n.  A species of argillaceous earth; a mineral of a brownish or blackish red color, commonly crystallized in rhomboidal prisms, or in prisms of six sides.


Topic: Michaelmas
Definition:
MICH'AELMAS, n.  The feast of St. Michael, a festival of the Romish church, celebrated Sept.29; hence,
1.  In colloquial language, autumn.


Topic: Microcosm
Definition:
MIC'ROCOSM, n. [Gr. small, and world.]  Literally, the little world; but used for man, supposed to be an epitome of the universe or great world.
Microcosmic salt,a triple salt of soda, ammonia and phosphoric acid, obtained from urine.


Topic: Microcoustic
Definition:
MICROCOUS'TIC, n. [Gr. small, and to hear.]  An instrument to augment small sounds, and assist in hearing.


Topic: Micrography
Definition:
MICROG'RAPHY, n. [Gr. small, and to describe.]  The description of objects too small to be discerned without the aid of a microscope.


Topic: Micrometer
Definition:
MICROM'ETER, n. [Gr. small, and measure.]  An instrument for measuring small objects or spaces, by the help of which,the apparent magnitude of objects viewed through the microscope or telescope, is measured with great exactness.


Topic: Microscope
Definition:
MIC'ROSCOPE, n. [Gr. small, and to view.]  An optical instrument consisting of lenses or mirrors,which magnify objects,and thus render visible minute objects which cannot be seen by the naked eye, or enlarge the apparent magnitude of small visible bodies, so as to enable us to examine their texture or construction.


Topic: Mid
Definition:
MID, a. [L. medius.]
1.  Middle; at equal distance from extremes; as the mid hour of night.
2.  Intervening.
 No more the mounting larks, while Daphne sings,
 Shall, lifting in mid air, suspend their wings.


Topic: Mid-day
Definition:
MID'-DAY, a.  Being at noon; meridional; as the mid-day sun.
MID'-DAY, n.  The middle of the day; noon.


Topic: Middle
Definition:
MIDDLE, a. mid'l. [L. medius.]
1.  Equally distant from the extremes; as the middle point of a line or circle; the middle station of life.  The middle path or course is most safe.
2.  Intermediate; intervening.
 Will, seeking good, finds many middle ends.
Middle ages, the ages or period of time about equally distant from the decline of the Roman empire and the revival of letters in Europe, or from the eighth to the fifteenth century of the christian era.


Topic: Middle-aged
Definition:
MID'DLE-AGED, a.  Being about the middle of the ordinary age of man.  A middle-aged man is so called from the age of thirty five or forty to forty five or fifty.


Topic: Middlemost
Definition:
MID'DLEMOST, a.  Being in the middle, or nearest the middle of a number of things that are near the middle.  If a thing is in the middle, it cannot be more so, and in this sense the word is improper. But when two or more things are near the middle, one may be nearer than another.


Topic: Middling
Definition:
MID'DLING, a.  Of middle rank, state, size or quality; about equally distant from the extremes; moderate. Thus we speak of people of the middling class or sort, neither high nor low; of a man of middling capacity or understanding; a man of middling size; fruit of a middling quality.


Topic: Midland
Definition:
MID'LAND, a.  Being in the interior country; distant from the coast or sea shore; as midland towns or inhabitants.
1.  Surrounded by the sea; mediterranean.
 And on the midland sea the French had aw'd.


Topic: Midnight
Definition:
MID'NIGHT, n.  The middle of the night; twelve o'clock at night.
MID'NIGHT, a.  Being in the middle of the night; as midnight studies.
1.  Dark as midnight; very dark; as midnight gloom.


Topic: Midriff
Definition:
MID'RIFF, n.  In anatomy, the diaphragm; the muscle which divides the trunk into two cavities, the thorax and abdomen.


Topic: Midshipman
Definition:
MID'SHIPMAN, n. In ships of war, a kind of naval cadet, whose business is to second the orders of the superior officers and assist in the necessary business of the ship, particularly in managing the sails,that he may be trained to a knowledge of the machinery, discipline and operations of ships of war, and qualified for naval service.


Topic: Midst
Definition:
MIDST, n. [contracted from middest, the superlative of mid.]
The middle.
 There is nothing said or done in the midst of the play, which might not have been placed in the beginning.
The phrase, in the midst, often signifies involved in, surrounded or overwhelmed by, or in the thickest part, or in the depths of; as in the midst of afflictions, troubles or cares; in the midst of our contemplations; in the midst of the battle; in the midst of pagan darkness and error; in the midst of gospel light; in the midst of the ocean; in the midst of civil dissensions.
From the midst, from the middle, or from among. Deut.18.
MIDST, adv. In the middle.
 On earth,join all ye creatures to extol
 Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end.


Topic: Midway
Definition:
MID'WAY, n.  The middle of the way or distance.
 Paths indirect, or in the midway faint.
MID'WAY, a.  Being in the middle of the way or distance; as the midway air.
MID'WAY, adv. In the middle of the way or distance; half way.
 She met his glance midway.


Topic: Midwife
Definition:
MID'WIFE, n. [supposed by Junius and Skinner to be meedwife, a woman that has a reward. This is probably a mistake. The word is a compound of mid, with, and wif,a woman; in analogy with the L. obstetrix, from obsto, obstiti, to stand before. L. cum, with, and madre, mother, which is precisely analogous to midwife.]
A woman that assists other women in childbirth.
MID'WIFE, v.i. To perform the office of midwife.
MID'WIFE, v.t.  To assist in childbirth.


Topic: Midwifery
Definition:
MID'WIFERY, n. The art or practice of assisting women in childbirth; obstetrics.
1.  Assistance at childbirth.
2.  Help or cooperation in production.


Topic: Miemite
Definition:
MI'EMITE, n.  Granular miemite is a sub-variety of magnesian limestone, first found at Miemo, in Tuscany. It occurs massive, or crystallized in flat, double,three-sided pyramids. Its color is light green or greenish white.


Topic: Might
Definition:
MIGHT, n. pret. of may.  Had power or liberty.  He might go, or might have gone.
1.  It sometimes denotes was possible, implying ignorance of the fact in the speaker.  Orders might have been given for the purpose.
MIGHT, n.
1. Strength; force; power; primarily and chiefly, bodily strength or physical power; as, to work or strive with all one's might.
 There small be no might in thy hand. Deut.28.
2.  Political power or great achievements.
 The acts of David--with all his reign and his might. 
1 Chron.29. l Kings 15.
3.  National strength; physical power or military force.
 We have no might against this great company that cometh against us. 2 Chron.20.
4.  Valor with bodily strength; military prowess; as men of might. 1 Chron.12.
5.  Ability; strength or application of means.
 I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God--1 Chron.29.
6.  Strength or force of purpose.
 Like him was no king that turned to the Lord with all his might.  2 Kings 23.
7.  Strength of affection.
 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul,and with all thy might. Deut.6.
8.  Strength of light; splendor; effulgence.
 Let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. Judges 5.
Shakespeare applied the word to an oath.  'An oath of mickle might.'  This application is obsolete.  We now use strength or force; as the strength or force of an oath or covenant.
With might and main, with the utmost strength or bodily exertion; a tautological phrase, as both words are from the same root, and mean the same thing.


Topic: Mightily
Definition:
MI'GHTILY, adv. [from mighty.]  With great power, force of strength; vigorously; as, to strive mightily.
1.  Vehemently; with great earnestness.
 Cry mightily to God. Jonah 3.
2.  Powerfully; with great energy.
 Whereto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Col.1.
3.  With great strength of argument.
 He mightily convinced the Jews. Acts.18.
4.  With great or irresistible force; greatly; extensively.
 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.  Acts.19.
5.  With strong means of defense.
 Fortify the power mightily. Nah.2.
6.  Greatly; to a great degree; very much.
 I was mightily pleased with a story applicable to this piece of philosophy.
[Admissible in colloquial and familiar language.]


Topic: Mightiness
Definition:
MI'GHTINESS, n.  Power; greatness; highth of dignity.
 How soon this mightiness meets misery!
1.  A title of dignity; as their High Mightinesses.


Topic: Mighty
Definition:
MI'GHTY, a.  Having great bodily strength or physical power; very strong or vigorous; as a mighty arm.
1.  Very strong; valiant; bold; as a mighty man of valor. Judges 6.
2.  Very powerful; having great command.
 Cush begat Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth. Gen.10.
3.  Very strong in numbers; as a mighty nation. Gen.18.
4.  Very strong or great in corporeal power; very able.
 Wo to them that are mighty to drink wine. Is.5.
5.  Violent; very loud; as mighty thunderings. Ex.9. Ps.68.
6.  Vehement; rushing with violence; as a mighty wind or tempest. Ex.10. Rev.6.
7.  Very great; vast; as mighty waters. Neh.9.
8.  Very great or strong; as mighty power. 2 Chron.26.
9.  Very forcible; efficacious; as, great is truth and mighty.
    10. Very great or eminent in intellect or acquirements; as the mighty Scaliger and Selden.
    11. Great; wonderful; performed with great power; as mighty works. Matt.11.
    12. Very severe and distressing; as a mighty famine. Luke.15.
    13. Very great, large or populous; as a mighty city. Rev.18.
    14. Important; momentous.
 I'll sing of heroes and of kings,
 In mighty numbers mighty things.
MI'GHTY, adv.  In a great degree; very; as might wise; mighty thoughtful. [Colloquial.]


Topic: Migrate
Definition:
MI'GRATE, v.i. [L. migro.]  To pass or remove from one country or from one state to another, with a view to permanent residence, or residence of some continuance.  The first settlers of New England migrated first to Holland, and afterwards to America. Some species of fowls migrate in autumn to a warmer climate for a temporary residence.  To change residence in the same city or state is not to migrate.
1.  To pass or remove from one region or district to another for a temporary residence; as, the Tartars migrate for the sake of finding pasturage.


Topic: Migrating
Definition:
MI'GRATING, ppr.  Removing from one state to another for a permanent residence.  The people of the eastern states are continually migrating to the western states.


Topic: Migration
Definition:
MIGRA'TION, n. [L. migratio.]  The act of removing from one kingdom or state to another, for the purpose of permanent residence, or a residence of some continuance.
1.  Change of place; removal; as the migration of the center of gravity.


Topic: Migratory
Definition:
MI'GRATORY, a. Removing or accustomed to remove from one state or country to another for permanent residence.
1.  Roving; wandering; occasionally removing for pasturage; as the migratory Tartars.
2.  Passing from one climate to another; as fowls.


Topic: Mild
Definition:
MILD, a. [The primary sense is soft or smooth, L. mollis, Eng. mellow.]
1.  Soft; gently and pleasantly affecting the senses; not violent; as a mild air; a mild sun; a mild temperature; a mild light.
 The rosy morn resigns her light
 And milder glory to the noon.
 And with a milder gleam refreshed the sight.
2.  Not acrid, pungent, corrosive or drastic; operating gently; not acrimonious; demulcent; mollifying; lenitive; assuasive; as a mild liquor; a mild cataplasm; a mild cathartic or emetic.
3.  Tender and gentle in temper or disposition; kind; compassionate; merciful; clement; indulgent; not severe or cruel.
 It teaches us to adore him as a mild and merciful Being.
4.  Not fierce, rough or angry; as mild words.
5.  Placid; not fierce; not stern; not frowning; as a mild look or aspect.
6.  Not sharp, tart, sour or bitter; moderately sweet or pleasant to the taste; as mild fruit.
7.  Calm; tranquil.  When passion subsides the temper becomes mild.
8.  Moderate; not violent or intense; as a mild heat.


Topic: Mildew
Definition:
MIL'DEW, n. [L. melligo, from mel, honey.]
1.  Honey dew; a thick, clammy, sweet juice, found on the leaves of plants, which is said to injure the plants by corroding them, or otherwise preventing them from coming to perfection.
2.  Spots on cloth or paper caused by moisture.
MIL'DEW, v.t.  To taint with mildew.


Topic: Mildly
Definition:
MILDLY, adv.  Softly; gently; tenderly; not roughly or violently; moderately; as, to speak mildly; to burn mildly; to operate mildly.


Topic: Mildness
Definition:
MILDNESS, n.  Softness; gentleness; as the mildness of words or speech; mildness of voice.
1.  Tenderness; mercy; clemency; as mildness of temper.
2.  Gentleness of operation; as the mildness of a medicine.
3.  Softness; the quality that affects the senses pleasantly; as the mildness of fruit or of liquors.
4.  Temperateness; moderate state; as the mildness of weather.


Topic: Mile
Definition:
MILE, n. [L. mille passus, a thousand paces; passus being dropped in common usage.]  A measure of length or distance, containing eight furlongs, 320 rods, poles or perches, 1760 yards, 5280 feet, or 80 chains.  The Roman mile was a thousand paces, equal to 1600 yards English measure.


Topic: Miliary
Definition:
MIL'IARY, a. [L.milium, millet.]
1.  Resembling millet seeds; as a miliary eruption; miliary glands.  The miliary glands are the sebaceous glands of the skin.
2.  Accompanied with an eruption like millet seeds; as a miliary fever.


Topic: Militant
Definition:
MIL'ITANT, a. [L. militans, milito, to fight.]
1.  Fighting; combating; serving as a soldier.
2.  The church militant, is the christian church on earth, which is supposed to be engaged in a constant warfare against its enemies; thus distinguished from the church triumphant, or in heaven.


Topic: Military
Definition:
MIL'ITARY, a. [L. militaris, from miles, a soldier; milito, to fight.]
1.  Pertaining to soldiers or to arms; as a military parade or appearance; military discipline.
2.  Engaged in the service of soldiers or arms; as a military man.
3.  Warlike; becoming a soldier; as military virtue; military bravery.
4.  Derived from the services or exploits of a soldier; as military renown.
5.  Conformable to the customs or rules of armies or militia. The conduct of the officer was not military.
6.  Performed or made by soldiers; as a military election.
Military tenure, a tenure of land, on condition of performing military service.
MIL'ITARY, n.  The whole body of soldiers; soldiery; militia; an army.


Topic: Militate
Definition:
MIL'ITATE, v.i. [L. milito.]  To militate against, is to oppose; to be or to act in opposition.
Paley writes, to militate with; but in America, against is generally used.


Topic: Militia
Definition:
MILI'TIA, n. [L. from miles, a soldier; Gr. war, to fight, combat, contention.  The primary sense of fighting is to strive, struggle, drive, or to strike, to beat, Eng. moil, L. molior; Heb. to labor or toil.]  The body of soldiers in a state enrolled for discipline, but not engaged in actual service except in emergencies; as distinguished from regular troops, whose sole occupation is war or military service.  The militia of a country are the able bodied men organized into companies, regiments and brigades,with officers of all grades, and required by law to attend military exercises on certain days only, but at other times left to pursue their usual occupations.


Topic: Milk
Definition:
MILK, n.
1.  A white fluid or liquor, secreted by certain glands in female animals, and drawn from the breasts for the nourishment of their young.
2.  The white juice of certain plants.
3.  Emulsion made by bruising seeds.
MILK, v.t.  [L. mulgeo.]
1.  To draw or press milk from the breasts by the hand, as, to milk a cow.
2.  To suck. [Not used.]


Topic: Milky
Definition:
MILK'Y, a.  Made of milk.
1.  Resembling milk; as milky sap or juice.
2.  Yielding milk; as milky mothers.
3.  Soft; mild; gentle; timorous; as a milky heart.


Topic: Milky-way
Definition:
MILK'Y-WAY, n.  The galaxy; a broad luminous path or circle in the heavens, supposed to be the blended light of innumerable fixed stars, which are not distinguishable with ordinary telescopes.


Topic: Mill
Definition:
MILL, n. [L. mille, a thousand.]  A money of account of the United States, value the tenth of a cent, or the thousandth of a dollar.
MILL, n. [L. mola, molo, mel, honey, mollis; Eng. mellow, mild, mold, meal.
1.  A complicated engine or machine for grinding and reducing to fine particles, grain, fruit or other substance, or for performing other operations by means of wheels and a circular motion; as a grist-mill for grain; a coffee-mill; a cider-mill; a bark-mill.  The original purpose of mills was to comminute grain for food, but the word mill is now extended to engines or machines moved by water, wind or steam, for carrying on many other operations.  We have oil-mills, saw-mills, slitting-mills, bark-mills, fulling-mills,&c.
2.  The house or building that contains the machinery for grinding, &c.
MILL, v.t.  To grind; to comminute; to reduce to fine particles or to small pieces.
1.  To beat up chocolate.
2.  To stamp coin.
3.  To full, as cloth.


Topic: Milldam
Definition:
MILL'DAM, n.  A dam or mound to obstruct a water course, and raise the water to an altitude sufficient to turn a mill wheel.


Topic: Millenarian
Definition:
MILLENA'RIAN, a.  Consisting of a thousand years; pertaining to the millenium.
MILLENA'RIAN, n.  A chiliast; one who believes in the millenium, and that Christ will reign on earth with his saints a thousand years before the end of the world.


Topic: Millenial
Definition:
MILLEN'IAL, a.  Pertaining to the millenium, or to a thousand years; as millenial period; millenial happiness.


Topic: Millenium
Definition:
MILLEN'IUM, n. [L. mille, a thousand, and annus, year.]
A thousand years; a word used to denote the thousand years mentioned in Revelations 20. during which period Satan shall be bound and restrained from seducing men to sin, and Christ shall reign on earth with his saints.


Topic: Milleped
Definition:
MIL'LEPED, n. [L.mille, a thousand, and pes, foot.]  The wood-louse, an insect having many feet, a species of Oniscus.


Topic: Millepore
Definition:
MIL'LEPORE, n. [L. mille, a thousand, and porus, a pore.]
A genus of lithophytes or polypiers of various forms, which have the surface perforated with little holes or pores, or even without any apparent perforation.


Topic: Miller
Definition:
MIL'LER, n. [from mill.]  One whose occupation is to attend a grist-mill.
1.  An insect whose wings appear as if covered with white dust or powder, like a miller's clothes.


Topic: Millesimal
Definition:
MILLES'IMAL, a. [L. millesimus, from mille, a thousand.]
Thousandth; consisting of thousandth parts; as millesimal fractions.


Topic: Millet
Definition:
MIL'LET, n. [L. milium.]  A plant of the genus Milium, of several species, one of which is cultivated as an esculent grain.
The Indian millet is of the genus Holcus.


Topic: Milliary
Definition:
MIL'LIARY, a. [L. milliarium, a milestone.]
Pertaining to a mile; denoting a mile; as a milliary column.


Topic: Milligram
Definition:
MIL'LIGRAM, n. [L. mille, a thousand, and Gr. a gram.]
In the system of French weights and measures,the thousandth part of a gram, equal to a cubic millimeter of water.
The milligram is equal to .0154 English grains.


Topic: Milliliter
Definition:
MIL'LILITER, n. [L. mille, a thousand, and liter.]
A French measure of capacity containing the thousandth part of a liter or cubic decimeter, equal to .06103 decimals of a cubic inch.


Topic: Millimeter
Definition:
MILLIM'ETER, n. [L. mille, a thousand, and metrum, a measure.]
A French lineal measure containing the thousandth part of a meter; equal to .03937 decimals of an inch.  It is the least measure of length.


Topic: Milliner
Definition:
MIL'LINER, n. [Johnson supposes this word to be Milaner, form Milan, in Italy.]  A woman who makes and sells head-dresses,hats or bonnets, &c. for females.


Topic: Millinery
Definition:
MIL'LINERY, n.  The articles made or sold by milliners, as head-dresses, hats or bonnets, laces, ribbons and the like.


Topic: Million
Definition:
MILLION, n. mil'yun. [L. mille, a thousand.]
1.  The number of ten hundred thousand, or a thousand thousand.  It is used as a noun or an adjective; as a million of men, or a million men.  As a noun, it has a regular plural, millions.
2.  In common usage, a very great number, indefinitely.
 There are millions of truths that men are not concerned to know.


Topic: Millionary
Definition:
MILL'IONARY, a.  Pertaining to millions; consisting of millions; as the millionary chronology of the Pundits.


Topic: Milt
Definition:
MILT, n.
1.  In anatomy, the spleen, a viscus situated in the left hypochondrium under the diaphragm.
2.  The soft roe of fishes, or the spermatic part of the males.
MILT, v.t.  To impregnate the roe or spawn of the female fish.


Topic: Mime
Definition:
MIME, n.  A buffoon.  [See Mimic.]
1.  A kind of dramatic farce.
MIME, v.i.  To mimic, or play the buffoon. [See Mimic.]


Topic: Mimick
Definition:
MIM'ICK, v.t.  To imitate or ape for sport; to attempt to excite laughter or derision by acting or speaking like another; to ridicule by imitation.
 --The walk, the words, the gesture, could supply,
 The habit mimick, and the mien belie.


Topic: Mina
Definition:
MI'NA, n. [L. mina.]  A weight or denomination of money. The mina of the Old Testament was valued at sixty shekels.  The Greek or Attic mina, was valued at a hundred drachmas, about f2. l7s.sterling, $10.44 cents.


Topic: Mince
Definition:
MINCE, v.t. mins. [L. minuo, to diminish; L. minor, smaller; minuo, to diminish; Gr. small, slender; to diminish; L. minutus, minute.
1.  To cut or chop into very small pieces; as, to mince meat.
2.  To diminish in speaking; to retrench, cut off or omit a part for the purpose of suppressing the truth; to extenuate in representation.
 I know no way to mince it in love, but to say directly, I love you.
 Siren, now mince the sin,
 And mollify damnation with a phrase--
 
 If, to mince his meaning, I had either omitted some part of what he said, or taken from the strength of his expression, I certainly had wronged him.
 These--were forced to mince the matter.
3.  To speak with affected softness; to clip words; not to utter the full sound.
4.  To walk with short or diminished steps.
MINCE, v.i.  To walk with short steps; to walk with affected nicety; to affect delicacy in manner.
 I'll turn two mincing steps
 Into a manly stride.
 Because the daughters of Zion are haughty--
 walking and mincing as they go. Is.3.
1.  To speak softly, or with affected nicety.


Topic: Mind
Definition:
MIND, n. [L. reminiscor; L. mens; Gr. memory, mention, to remember, mind, ardor of mind, vehemence; anger.  Mind signifies properly intention, a reaching or inclining forward to an object, from the primary sense of extending, stretching or inclining, or advancing eagerly, pushing or setting forward, whence the Greek sense of the word, in analogy with the Teutonic mod, moed, muth, mind, courage, spirit, mettle. So L. animus, animosus.]
1.  Intention; purpose; design.
 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination; how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind. Prov.21.
2.  Inclination; will; desire; a sense much used, but expressing less than settled purpose; as in the common phrases, 'I wish to know your mind;' 'let me know your mind;' 'he had a mind to go;' 'he has a partner to his mind.'
3.  Opinion; as, to express one's mind.  We are of one mind.
4.  Memory; remembrance; as, to put one in mind; to call to mind; the fact is out of my mind; time out of mind.  From the operations of the intellect in man,this word came to signify.
5.  The intellectual or intelligent power in man; the understanding; the power that conceives, judges or reasons.
 I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
So we speak of a sound mind, a disordered mind, a weak mind, a strong mind, with reference to the active powers of the understanding; and in a passive sense, it denotes capacity, as when we say, the mind cannot comprehend a subject.
6.  The heart or seat of affection.
 Which were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah. Gen.26.
7.  The will and affection; as readiness of mind. Acts.17.
8.  The implanted principle of grace. Rom.7.
MIND, v.t.  To attend to; to fix the thoughts on; to regard with attention.
 Cease to request me; let us mind our way.
 Mind not high things. Rom.12.
1.  To attend to or regard with submission; to obey.  His father told him to desist, but he would not mind him.
2.  To put in mind; to remind.
3.  To intend; to mean.
MIND, v.i.  To be inclined or disposed to incline.
 When one of them mindeth to go into rebellion.


Topic: Minded
Definition:
MINDED, a.  Disposed; inclined.
 If men were minded to live virtuously.
 Joseph was minded to put her away privily. Matt.1.
Minded is much used in composition; as high-minded; low-minded; feeble-minded; sober-minded; double-minded.


Topic: Mindful
Definition:
MINDFUL, a.  Attentive; regarding with care; bearing in mind; heedful; observant.
 I promise to be mindful of your admonitions.
 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Ps.7.


Topic: Mindless
Definition:
MINDLESS, a.  Inattentive; heedless; forgetful; negligent; careless.
 Cursed Athens, mindless of thy worth.
1.  Not endued with mind or intellectual powers; as mindless bodies.
2.  Stupid; unthinking; as a mindless slave.


Topic: Mine
Definition:
MINE, a. called sometimes a pronominal adj. [L. meus.]
My; belonging to me.  It was formerly used before nouns beginning with vowels. 'I kept myself from mine iniquity.' Ps.18.  But this use is no longer retained.  We now use my before a vowel as well as before an articulation; as my iniquity.  In present usage, my always precedes the noun, and mine follows the noun, and usually the verb; as, this is my book; this book is mine; it is called my book; the book is called mine: it is acknowledged to be mine.
Mine sometimes supplies the place of a noun.  Your sword and mine are different in construction.
MINE, n. 
1.  A pit or excavation in the earth, from which metallic ores, mineral substances and other fossil bodies are taken by digging.  The pits from which stones only are taken, are called quarries.
2. In the military art, a subterraneous canal or passage dug under the wall or rampart of a fortification, where a quantity of power may be lodged for blowing up the works.
3.  A rich source of wealth or other good.
MINE, v.i. To dig a mine or pit in the earth.
1.  To form a subterraneous canal or hole by scratching; to form a burrow or lodge in the earth, as animals; as the mining coney.
2.  To practice secret means in injury.
MINE, v.t.  To sap; to undermine; to dig away or otherwise remove the substratum or foundation; hence, to ruin or destroy by slow degrees or secret means.
 They mined the walls.
 In a metaphorical sense, undermine is generally used.


Topic: Miner
Definition:
MI'NER, n.  One that digs for metals and other fossils.
1.  One who digs canals or passages under the walls of a fort, &c.  Armies have sappers and miners.


Topic: Mineral
Definition:
MIN'ERAL, n. [Low L. minera, a matrix or vein of metals, whence mineralia; all from mine.]
A body destitute of organization, and which naturally exists within the earth or at its surface.
Minerals were formerly divided into salts, earths, inflammables and ores; a division which serves for a general distribution, but a more scientific arrangement into classes, orders, genera, species, subspecies and varieties, has been adopted to meet the more precise views of modern mineralogists.
MIN'ERAL, a.  Pertaining to minerals; consisting of fossil substances; as the mineral kingdom.
1.  Impregnated with minerals or fossil matter; as mineral waters; a mineral spring.


Topic: Mineralization
Definition:
MINERALIZA'TION, n. [See Mineralize.]
1.  The process of forming an ore by combination with another substance; the natural operation of uniting a metallic substance with another.
2.  The process of converting into a mineral, as a bone or a plant.
3.  The act of impregnating with a mineral, as water.


Topic: Mineralize
Definition:
MIN'ERALIZE, v.t. [from mineral]  In mineralogy, to combine with a metal in forming an ore or mineral.  Sulphur mineralizes many of the metals.
1.  To convert into a mineral.
 In these caverns, the bones are not mineralized.
2.  To impregnate with a mineral substance; as, to mineralize water.


Topic: Mineralized
Definition:
MIN'ERALIZED, pp.  Deprived of its usual properties by being combined with another substance or formed into an ore; as, metallic substances are mineralized.
1.  Converted into a mineral.
2.  Impregnated with a mineral.


Topic: Mineralizer
Definition:
MIN'ERALIZER, n. A substance which mineralizes another or combines with it in an ore, and thus deprives it of its usual and peculiar properties.  Sulphur is one of the most common mineralizers.


Topic: Mineralogical
Definition:
MINERALOG'ICAL, a. [See Mineralogy.]  Pertaining to the science of minerals; as a mineralogical table.


Topic: Mineralogist
Definition:
MINERAL'OGIST, n.  One who is versed in the science of minerals, or one who treats or discourses of the properties of mineral bodies.


Topic: Mineralogy
Definition:
MINERAL'OGY, n. [mineral and Gr. discourse.]  The science which treats of the properties of mineral substances, and teaches us to characterize, distinguish and class them according to their properties.  It comprehends the study or science of all inorganic substances in the earth or on its surface.


Topic: Mingle
Definition:
MIN'GLE, v.t.
1.  To mix; to blend; to unite in one body; as, to mingle liquors of different kinds.
2.  To mix or blend without order or promiscuously.
 There was fire mingled with hail. Ex.9.
3.  To compound; to unite in a mass, as solid substances; as, to mingle flour, sugar and eggs in cookery.
4.  To join in mutual intercourse or in society.
 The holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands. Ezra.9. Ps.106.
5.  To contaminate; to render impure; to debase by mixture.
 The best of us appear contented with a mingled imperfect virtue.
6.  To confuse.
 There mingle broils.
MIN'GLE, v.i.  To be mixed; to be united with.
 She, when she saw her sister nymphs, suppressed
 Her rising fears, and mingled with the rest.
MIN'GLE, n.  Mixture; medley; promiscuous mass. [Not used.]


Topic: Miniature
Definition:
MIN'IATURE, n.
1.  A painting in water colors on vellum, ivory or paper, with points or dots; sometimes in oil colors.  The term is usually applied to portraits painted on a very small scale.
2.  A picture or representation in a small compass, or less than the reality.
3.  Red letter; rubric distinction.


Topic: Minikin
Definition:
MIN'IKIN, a.  Small; diminutive; used in slight contempt.
MIN'IKIN, n.  A small sort of pins.
1.  A darling; a favorite.  [See Minion.]


Topic: Minim
Definition:
MIN'IM, n.
1.  A little man or being; a dwarf.
2.  One of a certain reformed order of Franciscans or Minimi.
3.  A note in music, equal to half a semi-breve or two crotchets.
4.  A short poetical encomium.
5.  A small fish.


Topic: Mining
Definition:
MI'NING, ppr.  Digging into the earth, as for fossils and minerals; sapping.
1.  a.  Designating the business of digging mines; as the mining districts of Siberia.


Topic: Minister
Definition:
MIN'ISTER, n. [L.]
1.  Properly, a chief servant; hence, an agent appointed to transact or manage business under the authority of another; in which sense, it is a word of very extensive application.
 Moses rose up and his minister Joshua. Ex.24.
2.  One to whom a king or prince entrusts the direction of affairs of state; as minister of state; the prime minister.  In modern governments, the secretaries or heads of the several departments or branches of government are the ministers of the chief magistrate.
3.  A magistrate; an executive officer.
 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. Rom.13.
4.  A delegate; an embassador; the representative of a sovereign at a foreign court; usually such as is resident at a foreign court, but not restricted to such.
5.  One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church, duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments. Eph.3.
6.  Christ is called a minister of the sanctuary. Heb.8.
7.  An angel; a messenger of God.
 Who maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. Ps.104.
MIN'ISTER, v.t. [L. ministro.]  To give; to afford; to supply.
 He that ministereth seed to the sower--2 Cor.9.
 That it may minister grace to the hearers. Eph.4.
MIN'ISTER, v.i.  To attend and serve; to perform service in any office, sacred or secular.
 I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office. Ex.29.
1.  To afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.
 When saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 
Matt.25.
2.  To give medicines.
 Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased?
In this sense, we commonly use administer.


Topic: Ministerial
Definition:
MINISTE'RIAL, a.  Attending for service; attendant; acting at command.
 Enlight'ning spirits and ministerial flames.
1.  Acting under superior authority; pertaining to a minister.
 For the ministerial offices in court, there must be an eye to them.
2.  Pertaining to executive offices, as distinct from judicial.  The office and acts of a sheriff are ministerial.
3.  Sacerdotal; pertaining to ministers of the gospel; as ministerial garments; ministerial duties.
 Genuine ministerial prudence keeps back no important truth, listens to no compromise with sin, connives at no fashionable vice, cringes before no lordly worldling.
4.  Pertaining to ministers of state; as ministerial circles; ministerial benches.


Topic: Ministering
Definition:
MIN'ISTERING, ppr.  Attending and serving as a subordinate agent; serving under superior authority. Heb.1.
1.  Affording aid or supplies; administering things needful.


Topic: Ministrant
Definition:
MIN'ISTRANT, a.  Performing service as a minister; attendant on service; acting under command.
 Princedoms and dominations ministrant.


Topic: Ministration
Definition:
MINISTRA'TION, n. [L. ministratio.]  The act of performing service as a subordinate agent; agency; intervention for aid or service.
 --Because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations. Acts.6.
1.  Office of a minister; service; ecclesiastical function.
 As soon as the days of his ministration were ended. 
Luke 1.


Topic: Ministry
Definition:
MIN'ISTRY, n. [L. ministerium.]  The office, duties or functions of a subordinate agent of any kind.
1.  Agency; service; aid; interposition; instrumentality.
 He directs the affairs of this world by the ordinary ministry of second causes.
2.  Ecclesiastical function; agency or service of a minister of the gospel or clergyman in the modern church, or of priests, apostles and evangelists in the ancient.  Acts 1.  Rom.12. 2 Tim.4. Num.4.
3.  Time of ministration; duration of the office of a minister, civil or ecclesiastical.
 The war with France was during the ministry of Pitt.
4.  Persons who compose the executive government or the council of a supreme magistrate; the body of ministers of state.
5.  Business; employment.
 He abhorred the wicked ministry of arms.


Topic: Minium
Definition:
MIN'IUM, n. [L.]  The red oxyd of lead, produced by calcination.  Lead exposed to air while melting is covered with a gray dusky pellicle.  This taken off and agitated becomes a greenish gray powder, inclining to yellow.  This oxyd, separated by sifting from the grains of lead which it contains, and exposed to a more intense heat, takes a deep yellow color, and in this state it is called massicot.  The latter, slowly heated, takes a beautiful red color, and is called minium.


Topic: Mink
Definition:
MINK, n.  An American quadruped of the genus Mustela, an amphibious animal that burrows in the earth on the side of a river or pond, whose fur is more valuable than that of the muskrat.


Topic: Minority
Definition:
MINOR'ITY, n. [L. minor.]
1.  The state of being under age. [See Minor.]
2.  The smaller number; as the minority of the senate or house of representatives; opposed to majority.  We say, the minority was large or small; AB was in the minority; the minority must be ruled by the majority.


Topic: Minotaur
Definition:
MIN'OTAUR, n. [L.. minotaurus; from man, which must have been in early ages a Latin word, and taurus, a bull.]
A fabled monster, half man and half bull.


Topic: Minster
Definition:
MIN'STER, n.  A monastery; an ecclesiastical convent or fraternity; but it is said originally to have been the church of a monastery; a cathedral church.


Topic: Minstrel
Definition:
MIN'STREL, n.  A singer and musical performer on instruments.  Minstrels were formerly poets as well as musicians, and held in high repute by our rude ancestors.  Their attendance was sought and their performances lavishly rewarded by princes.  It was in the character of a minstrel that king Alfred entered the camp of the Danes his enemies, and explored their situation.


Topic: Minstrelsy
Definition:
MIN'STRELSY, n.  The arts and occupations of minstrels; instrumental music.
1.  A number of musicians.
 The minstrelsy of heaven.


Topic: Mint
Definition:
MINT, n. [L. moneta.]
1.  The place where money is coined by public authority.  In Great Britain, formerly, there was a mint in almost every county; but the privilege of coining is now considered as a royal prerogative in that country, and as the prerogative of the sovereign power in other countries.  The only mint now in Great Britain is in the Tower of London.  The mint in the United States is in Philadelphia.
2.  A place of invention or fabrication; as a mint of phrases; a mint of calumny.
3.  A source of abundant supply.
MINT, v.t.  To coin; to make and stamp money.
1.  To invent; to forge; to fabricate.
MINT, n. [L.mentha.]   A plant of the genus Mentha.


Topic: Minuend
Definition:
MIN'UEND, n. [L. minuendus, minuo, to lessen.]
In arithmetic, the number form which another number is to subtracted.


Topic: Minuet
Definition:
MIN'UET,n.
1.  A slow graceful dance, consisting of a coupee, a high step and a balance.
2.  A tune or air to regulate the movements in the dance so called; a movement of three crotchets or three quavers in a bar.


Topic: Minum
Definition:
MIN'UM, n.
1.  A small kind of printing types; now written minion.
2.  A note of slow time containing two crotchets; now written minim, which see.


Topic: Minute
Definition:
MINU'TE, a. [L. minutus.]
1.  Very small,little or slender; of very small bulk or size; small in consequence; as a minute grain of sand; a minute filament.  The blood circulates through very minute vessels.  Minute divisions of a subject often perplex the understanding.  Minute details are tedious.
2.  Attending to small things; critical; as minute observation.


Topic: Minutely
Definition:
MINU'TELY, adv. [from minute.]  To a small point of time, space or matter; exactly; nicely; as, to measure the length of any thing minutely; to ascertain time minutely; to relate a story minutely. 


Topic: Minuteness
Definition:
MINU'TENESS, n.  Extreme smallness, fineness or slenderness; as the minuteness of the particles of air or of a fluid; the minuteness of the filaments of cotton; the minuteness of details in narration.
1.  Attention to small things; critical exactness; as the minuteness of observation or distinction.


Topic: Miracle
Definition:
MIR'ACLE, n. [L. miraculum, from miror, to wonder.]
1.  Literally, a wonder or wonderful thing; but appropriately,
2.  In theology, an event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event.  Miracles can be wrought only by Almighty power, as when Christ healed lepers, saying, 'I will, be thou clean,' or calmed the tempest, 'Peace, be still.'
 They considered not the miracle of the loaves.  Mark 6.
 A man approved of God by miracles and signs. Acts.2. 
3.  Anciently, a spectacle or dramatic representation exhibiting the lives of the saints.
MIR'ACLE, v.t.  To make wonderful. [Not used.]


Topic: Miraculous
Definition:
MIRAC'ULOUS, a.  Performed supernaturally, or by a power beyond the ordinary agency of natural laws; effected by the direct agency of Almighty power, and not by natural causes; as the miraculous healing of the sick or raising the dead by Christ.
1.  Supernatural; furnished supernaturally, or competent to perform miracles; as the miraculous powers of the Apostles.  Miraculous, applied to the extraordinary powers of the Apostles, may mean conferred by supernatural agency, or competent to work miracles. I believe it is generally used in the latter sense.
2.  In a less definite sense, wonderful; extra-ordinary.


Topic: Miraculously
Definition:
MIRAC'ULOUSLY, adv. By miracle; supernaturally.
AEneas, wounded as he was, could not have engaged him in single combat, unless his hurt had been miraculously healed.
1.  Wonderfully; by extraordinary means.


Topic: Mire
Definition:
MIRE, n.  Deep mud; earth so wet and soft as to yield to the feet and to wheels.
MIRE, v.t.  To plunge and fix in mire; to set or stall in mud. We say, a horse, an ox or a carriage is mired, when it has sunk deep into mud and its progress is stopped.
1.  To soil or daub with mud or foul matter.
MIRE, v.i.  To sink in mud, or to sink so deep as to be unable to move forward.
MIRE, n.  An ant.  [See Pismire.]


Topic: Mirror
Definition:
MIR'ROR, n. [L. miror, to admire.]
1.  A looking glass; any glass or polished substance that forms images by the reflection of rays of light.
 In the clear mirror of thy ruling star
 I saw, alas!  some dread event depend.
2.  A pattern; an exemplar; that on which men ought to fix their eyes; that which gives a true representation, or in which a true image may be seen.
 O goddess, heavenly bright,
 Mirror of grace and majesty divine.


Topic: Mirth
Definition:
MIRTH, n. merth.  Social merriment; hilarity; high excitement of pleasurable feelings in company; noisy gayety; jollity.  Mirth differs from joy and cheerfulness, as always implying noise.
 With genial joy to warm the soul,
 Bright Helen mixed a mirth-inspiring bowl.
 I will cause to cease the voice of mirth from Judah and Jerusalem. Jer.7.


Topic: Mirthful
Definition:
MIRTH'FUL, a.  Merry; jovial; festive.
 The feast was served, the bowl was crown'd,
 To the king's pleasure went the mirthful round.


Topic: Miry
Definition:
MI'RY, a. [from mire.]  Abounding with deep mud; full of mire; as a miry road; a miry lane.
1.  Consisting of mire.


Topic: Misadventure
Definition:
MISADVEN'TURE, n.  Mischance; misfortune; ill luck; an unlucky accident.
1.  In law, homicide by misadventure,is when a man, doing a lawful act, without any intention of injury, unfortunately kills another. This is called excusable homicide.


Topic: Misapply
Definition:
MISAPPLY', v.t.  To apply to a wrong person or purpose; as to misapply a name or title; to misapply our talents or exertions; to misapply public money.


Topic: Misbecome
Definition:
MISBECOME, v.t. misbecum'.  [See Become.]
Not to become; to suit ill; not to befit.
 Thy father will not act what misbecomes him.


Topic: Miscarriage
Definition:
MISCAR'RIAGE, n.  Unfortunate event of an undertaking; failure.
 When a counselor, to save himself,
 Would lay miscarriages upon his prince.
1.  Ill conduct; evil or improper behavior; as the failings and miscarriages of the righteous.
2.  Abortion; the act of bringing forth before the time.


Topic: Miscarry
Definition:
MISCAR'RY, v.i.  To fail of the intended effect; not to succeed; to be unsuccessful; to suffer defeat; applied to persons or undertakings, and to things.  We say, a project, scheme, design, enterprise, attempt, has miscarried.
 Have you not heart of Frederick, the great soldier, who miscarried at sea?
 My ships have all miscarried.
1.  To bring forth young before the proper time; to suffer abortion.


Topic: Miscast
Definition:
MISC`AST, v.t.  To cast or reckon erroneously.
MISC`AST, pp.  Erroneously cast or reckoned.
MISC`AST, n.  An erroneous cast or reckoning.


Topic: Miscellanarian
Definition:
MISCELLANA'RIAN, a. [See Miscellany.]  
Belonging to miscellanies; of miscellanies.
 Miscellanarian authors.
MISCELLANA'RIAN, n.  A writer of miscellanies.


Topic: Miscellaneous
Definition:
MISCELLA'NEOUS, a. [L. miscellaneus, from misceo, to mix.]  
Mixed; mingled; consisting of several kinds; as a miscellaneous publication; a miscellaneous rabble.


Topic: Miscellany
Definition:
MIS'CELLANY, n. [L.miscellanea, from misceo, to mix.]
1.  A mass or mixture of various kinds; particularly,
2.  A book or pamphlet containing a collection of compositions on various subjects, or a collection of various kinds of compositions.
MIS'CELLANY, a. Miscellaneous.


Topic: Mischance
Definition:
MISCH`ANCE, n.  Ill luck; ill fortune; misfortune; mishap; misadventure.
 It is a man's unhappiness, his mischance or calamity, but not his fault.


Topic: Mischaracterize
Definition:
MISCHAR'ACTERIZE, v.t. [See Character.]  To characterize falsely or erroneously; to give a wrong character to.
 They totally mischaracterize the action.


Topic: Mischarge
Definition:
MISCH`ARGE, v.t.  To mistake in charging, as an account.
MISCH`ARGE, n.  A mistake in charging, as an account; an erroneous entry in an account.


Topic: Mischief
Definition:
MIS'CHIEF, n.
1.  Harm; hurt; injury; damage; evil, whether intended or not.  A new law is made to remedy the mischief.
2.  Intentional injury; harm or damage done by design.
 Thy tongue deviseth mischief. Ps.52.
3.  Ill consequence; evil; vexatious affair.
 The mischief was, these allies would never allow that the common enemy was subdued.
MIS'CHIEF, v.t.  To hurt; to harm; to injure.


Topic: Mischievous
Definition:
MIS'CHIEVOUS, a.  Harmful; hurtful; injurious; making mischief; of persons; as a mischievous man or disposition.
1.  Hurtful; noxious; as a mischievous thing.
2.  Inclined to do harm; as a mischievous boy.


Topic: Mischievously
Definition:
MIS'CHIEVOUSLY, adv.  With injury, hurt, loss or damage.  We say, the law operates mischievously.
1.  With evil intention or disposition.  The injury was done mischievously.


Topic: Mischievousness
Definition:
MIS'CHIEVOUSNESS, n.  Hurtfulness; noxiousness.
1.  Disposition to do harm, or to vex or annoy; as the mischievousness of youth.
Mischief denotes injury, harm or damage of less malignity and magnitude than what are usually called crimes.  We never give the name of mischief to theft, robbery or murder.  And it so commonly implies intention in committing petty offenses, that it shocks us to hear the word applied to the calamities inflicted by Providence.  We say, a tempest has done great damage,but not mischief.  In like manner, the adjective mischievous is not applied to thieves, pirates and other felons,but to persons committing petty trespasses and offenses.


Topic: Misconception
Definition:
MISCONCEP'TION, n.  Erroneous conception; false opinion; wrong notion or understanding of a thing.
 Great errors and dangers result from a misconception of the names of things.


Topic: Misconstruction
Definition:
MISCONSTRUC'TION, n.  Wrong interpretation of words or things; a mistaking of the true meaning; as a misconstruction of words or actions.


Topic: Misconstrue
Definition:
MISCON'STRUE, v.t.  To interpret erroneously either words or things.  It is important not to misconstrue the Scriptures.
 Do not, great sir, misconstrue his intent.
 A virtuous emperor was much affected to find his actions misconstrued.


Topic: Miscorrect
Definition:
MISCORRECT', v.t.  To correct erroneously; to mistake in attempting to correct another.
 He passed the first seven years of his life at Mantua, not seventeen, as Scaliger miscorrects his author.


Topic: Miscount
Definition:
MISCOUNT', v.t.  To count erroneously; to mistake in counting.
MISCOUNT', v.i. To make a wrong reckoning.
MISCOUNT', n.  An erroneous counting or numbering.


Topic: Miscreant
Definition:
MIS'CREANT, n. [L. credens, credo.]
1. An infidel, or one who embraces a false faith.
2. A vile wretch; an unprincipled fellow.


Topic: Misdemeanor
Definition:
MISDEME'ANOR, n.  Ill behavior; evil conduct; fault; mismanagement.
1.  In law, an offense of a less atrocious nature than a crime.  Crimes and misdemeanors are mere synonymous terms; but in common usage, the word crime is made to denote offenses of a deeper and more atrocious dye, while small faults and omissions of less consequence are comprised under the gentler name of misdemeanors.


Topic: Misdirect
Definition:
MISDIRECT', v.t.  To give a wrong direction to; as to misdirect a passenger.
1.  To direct to a wrong person or place; as, to misdirect a letter.


Topic: Misdoing
Definition:
MISDOING, ppr.  Doing wrong; committing a fault or crime.
MISDOING, n.  A wrong done; a fault or crime; an offense.


Topic: Misdoubt
Definition:
MISDOUBT, v.t. misdout'.  [See Doubt.]  To suspect of deceit or danger.  [An ill formed word and not in use.]


Topic: Mise
Definition:
MISE, n. meze.  [L. mitto.]
1.  In law, an issue to be tried at the grand assize.
2.  Expense; cost.
3.  A tax or tallage; in Wales, an honorary gift of the people to a new king or prince of Wales; also, a tribute paid in the county Palatine of Chester at the change of the owner of the earldoms.


Topic: Misemploy
Definition:
MISEMPLOY', v.t.  To employ to no purpose, or to a bad purpose; as, to misemploy time, power, advantages, talents, &c.


Topic: Miser
Definition:
MI'SER, n. s as z. [L. miser, miserable.]  A miserable person; one wretched or afflicted.
1.  A wretch; a mean fellow.
2.  An extremely covetous person; a sordid wretch; a niggard; one who in wealth makes himself miserable by the fear of poverty.  [This is the only sense in which it is now used.]
 No silver saints by dying misers given.


Topic: Miserabale
Definition:
MIS'ERABALE, a. s as z. [L. miser, miserabilis.]
1.  Very unhappy from grief, pain, calamity, poverty, apprehension of evil, or other cause.  It however expresses somewhat less than wretched.
 What hopes delude thee, miserable man?
2.  Very poor; worthless.
 Miserable comforters are ye all. Job.16.
3.  Causing unhappiness or misery.
 What's more miserable than discontent?
4.  Very poor or mean; as a miserable hut; miserable clothing.
5.  Very poor or barren; as a miserable soil.
6.  Very low or despicable; as a miserable person.


Topic: Miserably
Definition:
MIS'ERABLY, adv.  Unhappily; calamitously.
 The fifth was miserably stabbed to death.
1. Very poorly or meanly; wretchedly. They were miserably entertained.
2. In misery or unhappiness.


Topic: Misery
Definition:
MIS'ERY, n. s as z. [L. miseria.]
1. Great unhappiness; extreme pain of body or mind. A man suffers misery from the gout, or from great afflictions, distress, calamity,and other evils.  Misery expresses somewhat less than wretchedness.
 Misery is as really the fruit of vice reigning in the heart, as tares are the produce of tares sown in the field.
2. Calamity; misfortune; natural evils which are the cause of misery.
 And mourn the miseries of human life.
3.  Covetousness.  [Not used.]


Topic: Misfortune
Definition:
MISFOR'TUNE, n.  Ill fortune; ill luck; calamity; an evil or cross accident; as loss of property at sea or by fire.
 Consider why the change was wrought,
 You'll find it his misfortune, not his fault.


Topic: Misgive
Definition:
MISGIVE, v.t. misgiv'.  [See Give.]  To fill with doubt; to deprive of confidence; to fail; usually applied to the heart.
 So doth my heart misgive me.
 His heart misgave him.
1.  To give or grant amiss. [Not in use.]


Topic: Misgiving
Definition:
MISGIV'ING, ppr.  Filling with doubt or distrust; failing.
MISGIV'ING, n.  A failing of confidence; doubt; distrust.
 Doubts, suspicions and misgivings.


Topic: Misgovern
Definition:
MISGOV'ERN, v.t.  To govern ill; to administer unfaithfully.
 Solyman charged him bitterly that he had misgoverned the state.


Topic: Misgoverned
Definition:
MISGOV'ERNED, pp. Ill governed; badly administered.
1.  Rude; unrestrained; as rude, misgoverned hands.


Topic: Misgovernment
Definition:
MISGOV'ERNMENT, n.  Ill administration of public affairs.
1.  Ill management in private affairs.
2.  Irregularity; disorder.


Topic: Misguide
Definition:
MISGUI'DE, v.t.  To lead or guide into error; to direct ill; as, to misguide the understanding or mind.


Topic: Mishap
Definition:
MISHAP', n.  Ill chance; evil accident; ill luck; misfortune.
 Secure from worldly chances and mishaps.


Topic: Misimprove
Definition:
MISIMPROVE, v.t. misimproov'. To improve to a bad purpose; to abuse; as, to misimprove time, talents, advantages.


Topic: Misjudge
Definition:
MISJUDGE, v.t. misjudg'.  To mistake in judging of; to judge erroneously.
MISJUDGE, v.i. misjudg'.  To err in judgment; to form false opinions or notions.


Topic: Mislay
Definition:
MISLA'Y, v.t.  To lay in a wrong place.
 The fault is generally mislaid upon nature.
1.  To lay in a place not recollected; to lose.
 If the butler be the tell-tale, mislay a spoon so as he may never find it.


Topic: Mislead
Definition:
MISLE'AD, v.t. pret. and pp. misled.  [See Lead.]
To lead into a wrong way or path; to lead astray; to guide into error; to cause to mistake; to deceive.
 Trust not servants who mislead or misinform you,
 But of the two, less dangerous is th' offense,
 To tire our patience, than mislead our sense.


Topic: Misled
Definition:
MISLED', pp. of mislead.  Let into error; led a wrong way.
 --To give due light
 To the misled and lonely traveller.


Topic: Misletoe
Definition:
MISLETOE, n. mis'lto.  A plant or shrub that grows on trees.  It is of the genus Viscum.  The berry contains a glutinous substance, and the shrub is said to be propagated by birds.  This plant was held in great veneration by the Druids.


Topic: Mislike
Definition:
MISLI'KE, v.t.  To dislike; to disapprove; to have aversion to; as, to mislike a man or an opinion.
[For this word, dislike is generally used.]
MISLI'KE, n.  Dislike; disapprobation; aversion.


Topic: Mismanage
Definition:
MISMAN'AGE, v.t.  To manage ill; to administer improperly; as, to mismanage public affairs.
MISMAN'AGE, v.i.  To behave ill; to conduct amiss.


Topic: Mismanagment
Definition:
MISMAN'AGMENT, n.  Ill or improper management; ill conduct; as the mismanagement of public or private affairs.


Topic: Misnomer
Definition:
MISNO'MER,n.  In law, the mistaking of the true name of a person; a misnaming. [Misnosmer, as written by Blackstone, must be a corrupt orthography.  In no dialect has name, L. nomen, been written with s, unless by mistake.


Topic: Misorder
Definition:
MISOR'DER, v.t.  To order ill; to manage erroneously.
1.  To manage ill; to conduct badly.
MISOR'DER, n.  Irregularity; disorderly proceedings. [We now use disorder.]


Topic: Mispikel
Definition:
MISPIK'EL, n.  Arsenical pyrite; an ore of arsenic, containing this metal in combination with iron, sometimes found in cubic crystals, but more often without any regular form.


Topic: Misplace
Definition:
MISPLA'CE, v.t.  To put in a wrong place; as, the book is misplaced.
1.  To place on an improper object; as, he misplaced his confidence.


Topic: Misprint
Definition:
MISPRINT', v.t.  To mistake in printing; to print wrong.
MISPRINT', n.  A mistake in printing; a deviation from the copy.


Topic: Misprize
Definition:
MISPRI'ZE, v.t.
1.  To mistake.
2.  To slight or undervalue.
 O for those vanish'd hours, so much mispris'd.


Topic: Mispronounce
Definition:
MISPRONOUNCE, v.t.  mispronouns'.  To pronounce erroneously; as, to mispronounce a word, a name, &c.
MISPRONOUNCE, v.i. mispronouns'.  To speak incorrectly.


Topic: Misreport
Definition:
MISREPORT, v.t.  To report erroneously; to give an incorrect account of.
MISREPORT, n.  An erroneous report; a false or incorrect account given.


Topic: Misrepresent
Definition:
MISREPRESENT', v.t.  To represent falsely or incorrectly; to give a false or erroneous representation, either maliciously, ignorantly or carelessly.


Topic: Misrepresentation
Definition:
MISREPRESENTA'TION, n.  The act of giving a false or erroneous representation.
1.  A false or incorrect account given, either from mistake, carelessness or malice.


Topic: Misrepresenting
Definition:
MISREPRESENT'ING, ppr.  Giving a false or erroneous representation.
[Note. This word is so customarily used for an euphemism, or as a softer expression for lie or falsehood, as to convey the idea generally of intentional falsehood.  This signification however is not necessarily implied.]


Topic: Misrule
Definition:
MISRU'LE, n.  Disorder; confusion; tumult from insubordination.
 Enormous riot and misrule--
1. Unjust domination.


Topic: Miss
Definition:
MISS, n.
1.  The title of a young woman or girl; as little masters and misses.
2.  A kept mistress; a prostitute retained; a concubine.
MISS, v.t. [L. mitto, misi; omitto, omisi.]
1.  To fail in aim; to fail of reaching the object; not to hit; as, to miss the mark; to miss the object intended.
2.  To fail of finding the right way; to err in attempting to find; as, to miss the way or the road.
3.  To fail of obtaining.
 Orgalus feared nothing but to miss Parthenia.
4.  To learn or discover that something is wanting, or not where it was supposed to be; as, to miss one's snuff-box; I missed the first volume of Livy.
 Neither missed we any thing--.  Nothing was missed of all that pertained to him. 1 Sam.25.
5.  To be without; as, we cannot miss him.
6.  To omit; to pass by; to go without; to fail to have; as, to miss a meal of victuals.
 She would never miss one day
 A walk so fine, a sight so gay.
7.  To perceive the want of.
 What by me thou hast lost, thou least shalt miss,
 He who has a firm sincere friend, may want all the rest without missing them.
8.  To fail of seeing or finding.
MISS, v.i.  To fail to hit; to fly wide; to deviate from the true direction.
 Flying bullets now,
 To execute his rage, appear too slow;
 They miss, or sweep but common souls away.
1.  Not to succeed; to fail.
 Men observe when things hit, and not when they miss--
2.  To fail; to miscarry, as by accident.
 The invention all admired, and each, how he
 To be the inventor missed.
3.  To fail to obtain, learn or find; with of.
 On the least reflection, we can miss of them.
4.  To fail; to mistake.
MISS, n.  Loss; want.
 There will be no great miss of those which are lost.
1.  Mistake; error.
 He did without any great miss in the hardest points of grammar. [Little used.]
2.  Harm from mistake.


Topic: Misshape
Definition:
MISSHA'PE, v.t. [See Shape.]  To shape ill; to give an ill form to; to deform.
 And horribly misshapes with ugly sights.
 A misshaped figure.
 Misshapen mountains.


Topic: Missile
Definition:
MIS'SILE, a. [L. missilis, from missus, sent; mitto, to send.]
Thrown or sent, or that may be thrown.  A missile weapon is one that is thrown by the hand, or from an engine in war, in distinction from such as are held or retained in the hand, or fixed.  An arrow, a dart, a javelin, a stone, a bullet, a bomb, are missile weapons.


Topic: Missing
Definition:
MISS'ING, ppr. [from miss.]  Failing to hit, to reach or to find; discovering to be wanting.
1.  a. Lost; absent from the place where it was expected to be found; wanting.  My horse is missing; my pen or my book is missing.
 For a time caught up to God, as once
 Moses was in the mount, and missing long.


Topic: Mission
Definition:
MIS'SION, n. [L. missio, from mitto, to send.]
1.  A sending or being sent, usually the latter; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; commission; as sent on a foreign mission.
 How to begin, how to accomplish best
 His end of being on earth, and mission high.
2.  Persons sent; any number of persons appointed by authority to perform any service; particularly, the persons sent to propagate religion, or evangelize the heathen. The societies for propagating the gospel have missions in almost every country.  Last week a mission sailed for the Sandwich isles.  We have domestic missions and foreign missions.
3.  Dismission; discharge from service; a Roman use of the word; in English, obsolete.
4.  Faction; party.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Missionary
Definition:
MIS'SIONARY, n.  One sent to propagate religion.  Christian missionaries are called missionaries of the cross.  
MIS'SIONARY, a.  Pertaining to mission; as a missionary meeting; a missionary fund.


Topic: Missive
Definition:
MIS'SIVE, a.  Such as is sent; as a letter missive.
1.  Thrown or sent, or such as may be sent; as a missive weapon.
MIS'SIVE, n.  A letter sent, or  messenger.


Topic: Misspend
Definition:
MISSPEND', v.t.  To spend amiss; to waste or consume to no purpose, or to a bad one; as, to misspend time or money; to misspend life.
1.  To waste.
 The genial moisture due
 To apples, otherwise misspends itself.


Topic: Misspent
Definition:
MISSPENT', ppr.  Ill spent; expended or consumed to no purpose, or to a bad one; as misspent time or life.


Topic: Misstate
Definition:
MISSTA'TE, v.t.  To state wrong; to make an erroneous representation of facts; as, to misstate a question in debate.


Topic: Misstatement
Definition:
MISSTA'TEMENT, n.  A wrong statement; an erroneous representation, verbal or written; as a misstatement of facts in testimony, or of accounts in a report.


Topic: Missy
Definition:
MIS'SY, n.  The sulphate of iron, having lost the water of its crystallization, is called sori; more thoroughly calcined, it is yellow, and called missy.


Topic: Mist
Definition:
MIST, n. [L. mixtus, mistus, from misceo, to mix.]
1.  Water falling in very numerous, but fine and almost imperceptible drops.
 A mist is a multitude of small but solid globules, which therefore descend.
2.  That which dims or darkens, and obscures or intercepts vision.
 His passion cast a mist before his sense.
MIST, v.t.  To cloud; to cover with vapor.


Topic: Mistake
Definition:
MISTA'KE, v.t.  To take wrong; to conceive or understand erroneously; to misunderstand or misapprehend.
 'Tis to mistake them costs the time and pain.
1.  To take one thing or person for another.
 We mistake the eloquence of self-apology for the animation of conscious integrity.
 A man may mistake the love of virtue for the practice of it.
MISTA'KE, v.i.  To err in opinion or judgment.
 Servants mistake, and sometimes occasion misunderstanding among friends.
MISTA'KE, n.  An error in opinion or judgment; misconception.
 Infallibility is an absolute security of the understanding from all possibility of mistake.
1.  A slip; a fault; an error.  There is a mistake in the account or in the date.


Topic: Mistaken
Definition:
MISTA'KEN.  In the use of this participle, there is a peculiarity which ought to be carefully noticed. When used of persons, it signified to be in an error, to be wrong; as, I am mistaken, you are mistaken, he is mistaken.  But when used of things, it signified misunderstood, misconceived; as, the sense of the passage is mistaken, that is, not rightly understood.


Topic: Mistaking
Definition:
MISTA'KING, ppr.  Making a mistake; erring from the truth; misconceiving.
MISTA'KING, n.  An error; a mistake.


Topic: Mister
Definition:
MIS'TER, n.  The common title of address to gentlemen, and to men of all classes.  In writing, it is expressed by the abbreviation Mr.
MIS'TER, v.t.  To occasion loss.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Mistime
Definition:
MISTI'ME, v.t.  To time wrong; not to adapt to the time.
MISTI'ME, v.i.  To neglect the proper time.


Topic: Mistress
Definition:
MIS'TRESS, n. [L. magistra.]
1.  A woman who governs; correlative to servant, slave, or subject.
 My mistress here lies murdered in her bed.
2.  The female head of a family.
3.  That which governs; a sovereign.  Rome was mistress of the world.
4.  One that commands, or has possession and sovereignty.  The queen is mistress of the Indies.
5.  A female who is well skilled in any thing; as, she is mistress of arithmetic.
6.  A woman teacher; an instructress of a school.
7.  A woman beloved and courted.
8.  A woman in keeping for lewd purposes.
9.  A term of contemptuous address.
MIS'TRESS, v.t.  To wait upon a mistress; to be courting.


Topic: Mistrust
Definition:
MISTRUST', n.  Want of confidence or trust; suspicion.
MISTRUST', v.t.  To suspect; to doubt; to regard with jealousy or suspicion.
 Fate her own book mistrusted at the sight.


Topic: Misty
Definition:
MIST'Y, a.  [from mist.]  Overspread with mist; filled with very minute drops of rain; as misty weather; a misty atmosphere; a misty night or day.
1.  Dim; obscure; clouded; as misty sight.


Topic: Misunderstanding
Definition:
MISUNDERSTAND'ING, ppr.  Mistaking the meaning.
MISUNDERSTAND'ING, n.  Misconception; mistake of the meaning; error.
1.  Disagreement; difference; dissension; sometimes a softer name for quarrel.


Topic: Mite
Definition:
MITE, n. [Heb. small.]
1.  A very small insect of the genus Acarus.
2.  In Scripture, a small piece of money, the quarter of a denarius, or about seven English farthings.
3.  Any thing proverbially very small; a very little particle or quantity.
4.  The twentieth part of a grain.


Topic: Miter
Definition:
MI'TER, n.
1.  A sacerdotal ornament worn on the head by bishops and certain abbots, on solemn occasions.
2.  In architecture, an angle of 45 degrees.
3.  In Irish history, a sort of base money or coin.
4.  Figuratively, the dignity of bishops or abbots.
MI'TER, v.t.  To adorn with a miter.
1.  To unite at an angle of 45 degrees.


Topic: Mitered
Definition:
MI'TERED, ppr. or a.  Wearing a miter.
1.  Honored with the privilege of wearing a miter.
2.  Cut or joined at an angle of 45 degrees.


Topic: Mithridate
Definition:
MITH'RIDATE, n.  In pharmacy, an antidote against poison, or a composition in form of an electuary, supposed to serve either as a remedy or a preservative against poison.  It takes its name from Mithridates, king of Pontus, the inventor.


Topic: Mitigant
Definition:
MIT'IGANT, a. [L. mitigans, mitigo, from mitis, mild.]
1.  Softening; lenient; lenitive.
2.  Diminishing; easing; as pain.


Topic: Mitigate
Definition:
MIT'IGATE, v.t. [L.. mitigo, from mitis, soft, mild.]
1.  To alleviate, as suffering; to assuage; to lessen; as, to mitigate pain or grief.
 And counsel mitigates the greatest smart.
2.  To make less severe; as, to mitigate doom.
3.  To abate; to make less rigorous; to moderate; as, to mitigate cold; to mitigate the severity of the season.
4.  To temper; to moderate; to soften in harshness or severity.
 We could wish that the rigor of their opinions were allayed and mitigated.
5.  To calm; to appease; to moderate; as, to mitigate the fierceness of party.
6.  To diminish; to render more tolerable; as, to mitigate the evils or calamities of life; to mitigate punishment.
7.  To reduce in amount or severity; as, to mitigate a penalty.
8.  To soften, or make mild and accessible; in a literal sense.
 It was this opinion which mitigated kings into companions. [Unusual.]


Topic: Mitigation
Definition:
MITIGA'TION, n. [L. mitigatio.]  Alleviation; abatement or diminution of any thing painful, harsh, severe, afflictive or calamitous; as the mitigation of pain, grief, rigor, severity, punishment or penalty.


Topic: Mitten
Definition:
MIT'TEN, n.
1.  A cover for the hand, worn to defend it from cold or other injury.  It differs from a glove, in not having a separate cover for each finger.
2.  A cover for the arm only.
To handle without mittens, to treat roughly; a popular colloquial phrase.


Topic: Mittimus
Definition:
MIT'TIMUS, n. [L. we send.]  In law, a precept or command in writing, under the hand or hand and seal of a justice of the peace or other proper officer, directed to the keeper of a prison, requiring him to imprison an offender; a warrant of commitment to prison.
1.  A writ for removing records from one court to another.


Topic: Mix
Definition:
MIX, v.t. pret. and pp. mixed or mixt. [L. misceo, mixtum; Heb. to mix.]
1.  To unite or blend promiscuously two or more ingredients into a mass or compound; applied both to solids and liquids; as, to mix flour and salt; to mix wines.
2.  To join; to associate; to unite with in company.
 Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people. Hos.7.
3.  To join; to mingle.
 You mix your sadness with some fear.
4.  To unite with a crowd or multitude.
MIX, v.i.  To become united or blended promiscuously in a mass or compound.  Oil and water will not mix without the intervention of a third substance.
1.  To be joined or associated; as, to mix with the multitude, or to mix in society.


Topic: Mixed
Definition:
MIX'ED, pp.  United in a promiscuous mass or compound; blended; joined; mingled; associated.
1.  a.  Promiscuous; consisting of various kinds or different things; as a mixed multitude.


Topic: Mixture
Definition:
MIX'TURE, n. [L. mixtura.]  The act of mixing, or state of being mixed.  Compounds are made by the mixture of different substances.
1.  A mass or compound, consisting of different ingredients blended without order.  In this life there is a mixture of good and evil.  Most wines in market are base mixtures.
2.  The ingredient added and mixed. Cicero doubted whether it is possible for a community to exist without a prevailing mixture of piety in its constitution.
3.  In pharmacy, a liquid medicine which receives into its composition not only extracts, salts and other substances dissolvable in water, but earths, powders and other substances not dissolvable.
4.  In chimistry, mixture differs from combination. In mixture, the several ingredients are blended without an alteration of the substances, each of which still retains its own nature and properties.  In combination, the substances unite by chimical attraction, and losing their distinct properties, they form a compound differing in its properties from either of the ingredients.


Topic: Mizzen
Definition:
MIZZEN, n. miz'n.  In sea-language, the aftermost of the fixed sails of a ship, extended sometimes by a gaff, and sometimes by a yard which crosses the mast obliquely.


Topic: Mnemonics
Definition:
MNEMON'ICS, n. [from Gr. to remember.]  The art of memory; the precepts and rules intended to teach the method of assisting the memory.


Topic: Moan
Definition:
MOAN, v.t.  To lament; to deplore; to bewail with an audible voice.
 Ye floods, ye woods,ye echoes, moan
 My dear Columbo dead and gone.
MOAN, v.i.  To grieve; to make lamentations.
 Unpitied and unheard, where misery moans.
MOAN, n.  Lamentation; audible expression of sorrow; grief expressed in words or cried.
 Sullen moans,
 Hollow groans.


Topic: Moat
Definition:
MOAT, n.  In fortification, a ditch or deep trench round the rampart of a castle or other fortified place.  It is sometimes filled with water.
MOAT, v.t.  To surround with a ditch for defense; as a moated castle.


Topic: Mob
Definition:
MOB, n. [from L. mobilis, movable, variable.]
1.  A crowd or promiscuous multitude of people, rude, tumultuous and disorderly.
2.  A disorderly assembly.
 Had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob.
3.  A huddled dress.
MOB, v.t.  To attack in a disorderly crowd; to harass tumultuously.
1.  To wrap up in a cowl or vail.


Topic: Mobile
Definition:
MO'BILE, a.  Movable.  [Not used.] 
MO'BILE, n. [L. mobilis.]  The mob; the populace.
Primum mobile, in the ancient astronomy, a ninth heaven or sphere, supposed to be beyond the fixed stars, and to be the first mover of all the lower spheres.


Topic: Mobility
Definition:
MOBIL'ITY, n. [L. mobilitas, from moveo, to move.]
1.  Susceptibility of motion; capacity of being moved.
2.  Aptitude to motion; activity; readiness to move.
3.  In cant language, the populace.
4.  Fickleness; inconstancy.


Topic: Moccason
Definition:
MOC'CASON, n.  A shoe or cover for the feet, made of deer-skin or other soft leather, without a sole, and ornamented on the upper side; the customary shoe worn by the native Indians.


Topic: Mocha-stone
Definition:
MO'CHA-STONE, n.  Dendritic agate; a mineral in the interior of which appear brown, reddish brown, blackish or green delineations of shrubs destitute of leaves.  These in some cases may have been produced by the filtration of the oxyds of iron and manganese; but in other cases they appear to be vegetable fibers, sometimes retaining their natural form and color, and sometimes coated by oxyd of iron.


Topic: Mock
Definition:
MOCK, v.t.  
1.  Properly, to imitate; to mimick; hence, to imitate in contempt or derision; to mimick for the sake of derision; to deride by mimicry.
2.  To deride; to laugh at; to ridicule; to treat with scorn or contempt.
 As he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, saying, go up, thou bald head.  2 Kings 2. Mark 10.
3.  To defeat; to illude; to disappoint; to deceive; as, to mock expectation.
 Thou hast mocked me and told me lies. Judg.16.
4.  To fool; to tantalize; to play on in contempt.
 He will not
 Mock us with his blest sight, then snatch him hence.
MOCK, v.i. To make sport in contempt or in jest, or to speak jestingly.
 When thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? Job.11.
MOCK, n. Ridicule; derision; sneer; an act manifesting contempt.
 Fools make a mock at sin. Prov.14.
 What shall be the portion of those who make a mock at every thing sacred?
1.  Imitation; mimicry.  [Little used.]
MOCK, a.  False, counterfeit; assumed; imitating reality, but not real.
 That superior greatness and mock majesty--


Topic: Mockery
Definition:
MOCK'ERY, n.  The act of deriding and exposing to contempt, by mimicking the words or actions of another.
1.  Derision; ridicule; sportive insult or contempt; contemptuous merriment at persons or things.
 Grace at meals is now generally so performed as to look more like mockery upon devotion, than any solemn application of the mind to God.
2.  Sport; subject of laughter.
 Of the holy place they made a mockery.
3.  Vain imitation or effort; that which deceives, disappoints or frustrates.
 It is as the air, invulnerable,
 And our vain blows malicious mockery.
4.  Imitation; counterfeit appearance; false show.
 And bear about the mockery of woe
 To midnight dances.


Topic: Mocking
Definition:
MOCK'ING, ppr.  Imitating in contempt; mimicking; ridiculing by mimicry; treating with sneers and scorn; defeating; deluding.
MOCK'ING, n.  Derision; insult.


Topic: Modal
Definition:
MO'DAL, a.  [See Mode.]  Consisting in mode only; relating to form; having the form without the essence or reality; as the modal diversity of the faculties of the soul.


Topic: Mode
Definition:
MODE, n. [L. modus, metior.  The primary sense of mode is measure hence form.  Measure is from extending, the extent, hence a limit, and hence the derivative sense of restraining.  See Meet and Measure.]
1.  Manner of existing or being; manner; method; form; fashion; custom; way; as the mode of speaking; the mode of dressing; modes of receiving or entertaining company.
 The duty of itself being resolved on, the mode of doing it may be easily found.
It is applicable to particular acts, or to a series of acts, or to the common usage of a city of nation.  One man has a particular mode of walking; another has a singular mode of dressing his hair.  We find it necessary to conform in some measure to the usual modes of dress.
2.  Gradation; degree.
 What modes of sight between each wide extreme!
3.  State; quality.
4.  In metaphysics, the dependence or affection of a substance.  Such complex ideas as contain not in them the supposition of subsisting by themselves, but are considered as dependencies or affections of substances, Locke calls modes.  Of these he makes two kinds; simple modes, which are only variations or different combinations of the same idea, as a dozen, which consists of so many units added together; and mixed modes, which are compounded of simple ideas of several kinds, as beauty, which is compounded of color and figure.
A mode is that which cannot subsist in and of itself, but is esteemed as belonging to and subsisting by the help of some substance, which for that reason is called its subject.
5.  In music, a regular disposition of the air and accompaniments relative to certain principal sounds, on which a piece of music is formed, and which are called the essential sounds of the mode.
6.  In grammar, a particular manner of conjugating verbs to express manner of action or being, as affirmation, command, condition and the like; usually and not very properly written mood.  Mood is a word of different signification.  [See Mood.]
7.  A kind of silk.


Topic: Model
Definition:
MODEL, n. mod'l. [L. modulus, from modus.]
1.  A pattern of something to be made; any thing of a particular form, shape or construction, intended for imitation; primarily, a small pattern; a form in miniature of something to be made on a larger scale; as the model of a building; the model of a fort.
2.  A mold; something intended to give shape to castings.
3.  Pattern; example; as, to form a government on the model of the British or American constitution.
4.  Standard; that by which a thing is to be measured.
 He that despairs, measures Providence by his own contracted model.
5.  In painting and sculpture, that which is to be copied or imitated; as the naked human form.
6.  A pattern; any thing to be imitated. Take Cicero, lord Chatham or Burke, as a model of eloquence; take Washington as a model of prudence, integrity and patriotism; above all, let Christ be the model of our benevolence, humility, obedience and patience.
7.  A copy; representation; something made in imitation of real life; as anatomical models, representing the parts of the body. General Pfiffer constructed a model of the mountainous parts of Switzerland.


Topic: Moderate
Definition:
MOD'ERATE, a. [L. moderatus, from moderor, to limit, from modus, a limit.]
1.  Literally, limited; restrained; hence, temperate; observing reasonable bounds in indulgence; as moderate in eating or drinking, or in other gratifications.
2.  Limited in quantity; not excessive or expensive. He keeps a moderate table.
3.  Restrained in passion, ardor or temper; not violent; as moderate men of both parties.
4.  Not extreme in opinion; as a moderate Calvinist or Lutheran.
5.  Placed between extremes; holding the mean or middle place; as reformation of a moderate kind.
6.  Temperate; not extreme, violent or rigorous; as moderate weather; a moderate winter; moderate heat; a moderate breeze of wind.
7.  Of a middle rate; as men of moderate abilities.
8.  Not swift; as a moderate walk.
MOD'ERATE, v.t.  To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a state of violence; to lessen; to allay; to repress; as, to moderate rage, action, desires, &c.; to moderate heat or wind.
1.  To temper; to make temperate; to qualify.
 By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water.
MOD'ERATE, v.i.  To become less violent, severe, rigorous or intense.  The cold or winter usually moderates in March; the heat of summer moderates in September.


Topic: Moderately
Definition:
MOD'ERATELY, adv. Temperately; mildly; without violence.
1.  In a middle degree;; not excessively; as water moderately warm.
 Each nymph but moderately fair.


Topic: Moderateness
Definition:
MOD'ERATENESS, n.  State of being moderate; temperateness; a middle state between extremes; as the moderateness of the weather; used commonly of things, as moderation is of persons.


Topic: Moderation
Definition:
MODERA'TION, n. [L. moderatio.]  The state of being moderate, or of keeping a due mean between extremes or excess of violence.  The General's moderation after victory was more honorable than the victory itself.
 In moderation placing all my glory,
 While tories call me whig, and whigs a tory.
1.  Restraint of violent passions or indulgence of appetite.  Eat and drink with moderation; indulge with moderation in pleasures and exercise.
2.  Calmness of mind; equanimity; as, to bear prosperity or adversity with moderation.
3.  Frugality in expenses.


Topic: Moderator
Definition:
MODERA'TOR, n.  He or that which moderates or restrains.  Contemplation is an excellent moderator of the passions.
1.  The person who presides over a meeting or assembly of people to preserve order, propose questions, regulate the proceedings and declare the vote; as the moderator of a town meeting or of a society.


Topic: Modern
Definition:
MOD'ERN, a. [L. modo, and ern, which we find in other Latin words that have reference to time, as in hodiernus, hesternus.]
1.  Pertaining to the present time, or time not long past; late; recent; not ancient or remote in past time; as modern days, ages or time; modern authors; modern fashions; modern taste; modern practice.
2.  Common; mean; vulgar.  [Not used.]


Topic: Modernize
Definition:
MOD'ERNIZE, v.t.  To render modern; to adapt ancient compositions to modern persons or things, or rather to adapt the ancient style or idiom to modern style and taste.


Topic: Moderns
Definition:
MOD'ERNS, n.  Those who have lived in times recently past, or are now living; opposed to the ancients.


Topic: Modest
Definition:
MOD'EST, a. [L. modestus, from modus, a limit.]
1.  Properly, restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man.
2.  Not bold or forward; as a modest maid.  The word may be thus used without reference to chastity.
 The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
3.  Not loose; not lewd.
 Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife.
4.  Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation.


Topic: Modestly
Definition:
MOD'ESTLY, adv.  Not boldly; not arrogantly or presumptuously; with due respect. He modestly expressed his opinions.
1.  Not loosely or wantonly; decently; as, to be modestly attired; to behave modestly.
2.  Not excessively; not extravagantly.


Topic: Modesty
Definition:
MOD'ESTY, n. [L. modestia.]  That lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance.  This temper when natural, springs in some measure from timidity, and in young and inexperienced persons, is allied to bashfulness and diffidence.  In persons who have seen the world, and lost their natural timidity, modesty springs no less from principle than from feeling, and is manifested by retiring, unobtrusive manners, assuming less to itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require.
2.  Modesty, as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, audacity or impudence.  Thus we say, the petitioner urged his claims with modesty; the speaker addressed the audience with modesty.
3.  Moderation; decency.
4. In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners.  In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle.  Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.


Topic: Modifiable
Definition:
MOD'IFIABLE, a. [from modify.]  That may be modified or diversified by various forms and differences; as modifiable matter.


Topic: Modification
Definition:
MODIFICA'TION, n. [from modify.]  The act of modifying, or giving to any thing new forms, or differences of external qualities or modes.
If these powers of cogitation, volition and sensation are not inherent in matter as such, nor acquirable to matter by any motion or modification of it--
1.  Particular form or manner; as the various modifications of light or sound.  The treaty, in several of its modifications, was held to be objectionable.
2.  Moderated; tempered; qualified in exceptionable parts.


Topic: Modify
Definition:
MOD'IFY, v.t. [L. modificor; modus, limit, manner, and facio, to make.]
1.  To change the form or external qualities of a thing; to shape; to give a new form of being to; as, to modify matter, light or sound.
2.  To vary; to give a new form to any thing; as, to modify the terms of a contract.  A prefix modifies the sense of a verb.
3.  To moderate; to qualify; to reduce in extent or degree.
 Of his grace
 He modifies his first severe decree.
MOD'IFY, v.i.  To extenuate.


Topic: Modillion
Definition:
MODILLION, n. modil'yun. [L. modiolus, from modus.]
In architecture, an ornament in the cornice of the Ionic, Corinthian and composite columns; a sort of bracket serving to support the projecture of the larmier or drip; a dental.


Topic: Modish
Definition:
MO'DISH, a. [from mode.]  According to the mode or customary manner; fashionable; as a modish dress; a modish feast.


Topic: Modulate
Definition:
MOD'ULATE, v.t. [L. modulor, from modus, limit, measure.]
1.  To form sound to a certain key, or to a certain proportion.
2.  To very or inflect sound in a natural, customary or musical manner.  Thus the organs of speech modulate the voice in reading or speaking.
 Could any person so modulate her voice as to deceive so many.


Topic: Modulation
Definition:
MODULA'TION, n. [L. modulatio.]
1.  The act of forming any thing to a certain proportion; as the different proportion and modulation of matter.
2.  The act of inflecting the voice in reading or speaking; a rising or falling of the voice.
3.  In music, the art of composing melody or harmony agreeable to the laws prescribed by any particular key, or of changing the key, or of passing from one key to another.
Modulation is the manner of ascertaining and managing the modes; or more generally, the art of conducting the harmony and air through several modes in a manner agreeable to the ear and conformed to rules.
4.  Sound modulated; melody.


Topic: Modulator
Definition:
MOD'ULATOR, n.  He or that which modulates.  The tongue is a principal modulator of the human voice.


Topic: Module
Definition:
MOD'ULE, n. [L. modulus.]  A model or representation.
1.  In architecture, a certain measure or size taken at pleasure for regulating the proportion of columns, and the symmetry or disposition of the whole building.  The usual module of a column is its semidiameter at the base.  This is divided into parts or minutes.
MOD'ULE, v.t.  To model; to shape; to modulate. [Little used.]


Topic: Modus
Definition:
MO'DUS, n. [L.]  A compensation for tithes; an equivalent in money or other certain thing, given to a parson or vicar by the owners of land in lieu of tithes.  The whole phrase is modus decimandi; but modus alone is commonly used.


Topic: Mohair
Definition:
MO'HAIR, n.  The hair of a kind of goat in Turkey, of which are made camlets, which are sometimes called by the same name.


Topic: Mohair-shell
Definition:
MO'HAIR-SHELL, n.  In conchology, a peculiar species of Voluta, of a closely and finely reticulated texture, resembling on the surface mohair, or a close web of the silkworm.


Topic: Mohammedan
Definition:
MOHAM'MEDAN.  This word and the name of the Arabian prophet, so called, are written in many different ways.  The best authorized and most correct orthography seems to be Mohammed, Mohammedan.  [See Mohammedan.]


Topic: Mohammedanism
Definition:
MOHAM'MEDANISM, n.  The religion or doctrines and precepts of Mohammed, contained in a book called the Koran or Alkoran.


Topic: Moiety
Definition:
MOI'ETY, n. [L. medietas.]  The half; one of two equal parts; as a moiety of an estate, of goods or of profits; the moiety of a jury or of a nation.


Topic: Moil
Definition:
MOIL, v.t.  To daub; to make dirty.  [Little used.]
1.  To weary.  [See the next word.]
MOIL, v.i. [Gr. labor, combat; to strive, to fight; L. molior, and miles.]  To labor; to toil; to work with painful efforts.
 Now he must moil and drudge for one he loathes.
MOIL, n.  A spot. [Not in use.]


Topic: Moist
Definition:
MOIST, a. [L. madeo.]
1.  Moderately wet; damp; as a moist atmosphere or air.
 Exhalation dusk and moist.
2.  Containing water or other liquid in a perceptible degree.


Topic: Moisten
Definition:
MOISTEN, v.t. mois'n.  To make damp; to wet in a small degree.
 A pipe a little moistened on the inside.
 His bones are moistened with marrow. Job 21.


Topic: Moisture
Definition:
MOIST'URE, n.  A moderate degree of wetness.
 Set such plants as require much moisture, on sandy, dry grounds.
1.  A small quantity of any liquid; as the moisture of the body.


Topic: Mold
Definition:
MOLD, n. [L. mollis.]
1.  Fine soft earth, or earth easily pulverized, such as constitutes soil; as black mold.
 A mortal substance of terrestrial mold.
2.  A substance like down which forms on bodies which lie long in warm and damp air.  The microscope exhibits this substance as consisting of small plants.
3.  Matter of which any thing is formed.
 Nature formed me of her softest mold.
MOLD, n.
1.  The matrix in which any thing is cast and receives its form.  Molds are of various kinds.  Molds for casting cannon and various vessels, are composed of some species of earth, particularly clay. Molds for other purposes consist of a cavity in some species of metal, cut or formed to the shape designed, or are otherwise formed, each for its particular use.
2.  Cast; form; as a writer of vulgar mold.
3.  The suture or contexture of the skull.
4.  In ship-building, a thin flexible piece of timber, used as a pattern by which to form the curves of the timbers and compassing pieces.
5.  Among gold beaters, a number of pieces of vellum or a like substance, laid over one another, between which the leaves of gold and silver are laid for beating.
MOLD, v.t.  To cause to contract mold.
1.  To cover with mold or soil.
MOLD, v.i.  To contract mold; to become moldy.
MOLD, v.t.  To form into a particular shape; to shape; to model.
 He forgeth and moldeth metals.
 Did I request them, Maker, from my clay
 To mold me man?
1.  To knead; as, to mold dough or bread.


Topic: Mold-warp
Definition:
MOLD-WARP, n.  A mole; a small animal of the genus Talpa, that moves under ground and turns up the mold or surface of the earth.


Topic: Molder
Definition:
MOLDER, n.  He who molds or forms into shape.
MOLDER, v.i.
1.  To turn to dust by natural decay; to crumble; to perish; to waste away by a gradual separation of the component particles, without the presence of water.  In this manner, animal and vegetable substances molder, and so also do stones and shells.
 When statues molder, and when arches fall.
2.  To be diminished; to waste away gradually.
 If he had sat still, the enemy's army would have moldered to nothing.
MOLDER, v.t.  To turn to dust; to crumble; to waste.
 Some felt the silent stroke of moldering age.


Topic: Molding
Definition:
MOLDING, ppr. [from mold.]  Forming into shape; kneading.
MOLDING, n. Any thing cast in a mold, or which appears to be so; hence, in architecture, a projecture beyond the wall, column, wainscot, &c. an assemblage of which forms a cornice, a door-case, or other decoration.


Topic: Mole
Definition:
MOLE, n.
1.  A spot, mark or small permanent protuberance on the human body, from which usually issue one or more hairs.
2.  [L.mola.]  A mass of fleshy matter of a spherical figure, generated in the uterus.
MOLE, n. [L. moles.]
1.  A mound or massive work formed of large stones laid in the sea by means of coffer dams, extended either in a right line or an arch of a circle before a port, which it serves to defend from the violent impulse of the waves; thus protecting ships in a harbor.  The word is sometimes used for the harbor itself.
2.  Among the Romans, a kind of mausoleum, built like a round tower on a square base, insulated, encompassed with columns and covered with a dome.
MOLE, n. A small animal of the genus Talpa, which in search of worms or other insects, forms a road just under the surface of the ground, raising the soil into a little ridge; from which circumstance it is called a mold-warp, or mold-turner.  The mole has very small eyes.
 Learn of the mole to plow, the worm to weave.
MOLE, v.t.  To clear of mole-hills.  [Local.]


Topic: Mole-hill
Definition:
MO'LE-HILL, n.  A little hillock or elevation of earth thrown up by moles working under ground; hence proverbially, a very small hill, or other small thing, compared with a larger.
 --Having leaped over such mountains, lie down before a mole-hill.


Topic: Molecule
Definition:
MO'LECULE, n.  A very minute particle of matter.  Molecules are elementary, constituent, or integrant.  The latter result from the union of the elementary.


Topic: Molest
Definition:
MOLEST', v.t. [L. molestus, troublesome, molo.  See Mill.]
To trouble; to disturb; to render uneasy.
 They have molested the church with needless opposition.


Topic: Molestation
Definition:
MOLESTA'TION, n.  Disturbance; annoyance; uneasiness given. [It usually expresses less than vexation.]


Topic: Molinist
Definition:
MO'LINIST, n.  A follower of the opinions of Molina, a Spanish Jesuit, in respect to grace; an opposer of the Jansenists.


Topic: Mollient
Definition:
MOL'LIENT, a. [L. molliens, mollio.  See Mellow.]
Softening; assuaging; lessening.  [See Emollient, which is generally used.]


Topic: Mollifier
Definition:
MOL'LIFIER, n.  That which softens, appeases or mitigates.
1.  He that softens, mitigates or pacifies.


Topic: Mollify
Definition:
MOL'LIFY, v.t. [L. mollio.]  To soften; to make soft or tender. Is.1.
1.  To assuage, as pain or irritation.
2.  To appease; to pacify; to calm or quiet.
3.  To qualify; to reduce in harshness or asperity.


Topic: Mollusca
Definition:
MOLLUS'CA, n. [from L. mollis, soft.]  In zoology, a division or class of animals whose bodies are soft, without an internal skeleton, or articulated covering.  Some of them breathe by lungs, others by gills; some live on land, others in water.  Some of them are naked; others testaceous or provided with shells.  Many of them are furnished with feelers or tentacula.


Topic: Molt
Definition:
MOLT, v.i.  To shed or cast the hair, feathers, skin, horns, &c.; as an animal.  Fowls molt by losing their feathers, beasts by losing their hair, serpents by casting their skins, and deer their horns.  The molting of the hawk is called  mewing.


Topic: Molting
Definition:
MOLTING, ppr.  Casting or shedding a natural covering, as hair, feathers, skin or horns.
MOLTING, n.  The act or operation by which certain animals, annually or at certain times, cast off or lose their hair, feathers, skins, horns, &c.


Topic: Molybdenous
Definition:
MOLYB'DENOUS, a.  Pertaining to molybden, or obtained from it.  The molybdenous acid is the deutoxyd of molybdenum.


Topic: Molybdenum
Definition:
MOLYB'DENUM, n.  A metal which has not been reduced into masses of any magnitude, but has been obtained only in small separate globules, in a blackish, brilliant mass.  These are brittle and extremely infusible.
The most common natural compound of this metal is a sulphuret.


Topic: Moment
Definition:
MO'MENT, n. [L. momentum.  This word is contracted from motamentum, or some other word,the radical verb of which signified to move, rush, drive or fall suddenly, which sense gives that of force.  The sense of an instant of time is from falling or rushing, which accords well with that of meet.]
1.  The most minute and indivisible part of time; an instant.
 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. 1 Cor.15.
2.  Force; impulsive power.
 --Touch with lightest moment of impulse,
 His free will.
Little used; but hence,
3.  Importance in influence or effect; consequence; weight or value.
 It is an abstruse speculation, but also of far less moment to us than the others.


Topic: Momentary
Definition:
MO'MENTARY, a.  Done in a moment; continuing only a moment; lasting a very short time; as a momentary pang.
 Momentary as a sound,
 Swift as a shadow, short as any dream.


Topic: Momently
Definition:
MO'MENTLY, adv.  For a moment.
1.  In a moment; every moment.  We momently expect the arrival of the mail.


Topic: Momentous
Definition:
MOMENT'OUS, a.  Important; weighty; of consequence.  Let no false step be made in the momentous concerns of the soul.


Topic: Momentum
Definition:
MOMENT'UM, n. [L.]  In mechanics, impetus; the quantity of motion in a moving body.  This is always equal to the quantity of matter multiplied into the velocity.


Topic: Monad
Definition:
MON'AD, n. [Gr. unity, from sole.]
1.  An ultimate atom, or simple unextended point.
2.  An indivisible thing.


Topic: Monadelph
Definition:
MON'ADELPH, n. [Gr. sole, and brother.]  In botany, a plant whose stamens are united in one body by the filaments.


Topic: Monarch
Definition:
MON'ARCH, n. [Gr. sole, and a chief.]
1.  The prince or ruler of a nation, who exercises all the powers of government without control, or who is vested with absolute sovereign power; an emperor, king or prince invested with
an unlimited power.  This is the strict sense of the word.
2.  A  king or prince, the supreme magistrate of a nation, whose powers are in some respects limited by the constitution of the government.  Thus we call the king of Great Britain a monarch, although he can make no law without the consent of parliament.
3.  He or that which is superior to others of the same kind; as, an oak is called the monarch of the forest; a lion the monarch of wild beasts.
4.  One that presides; president; as Bacchus, monarch of the vine.
MON'ARCH, a.  Supreme; ruling; as a monarch savage.


Topic: Monarchal
Definition:
MONARCH'AL, a.  Pertaining to a monarch; suiting a monarch; sovereign; regal; imperial.
 Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised
 Above his fellows, with monarchial pride--


Topic: Monarchize
Definition:
MON'ARCHIZE, v.i.  
1. To play the king; to act the monarch.
2. To convert to a monarchy.
MON'ARCHIZE, v.t.  To rule; to govern.


Topic: Monarchy
Definition:
MON'ARCHY, n.  [Gr.  See Monarch.]
1.  A state or government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a single person.  Such a state is usually called an empire or a kingdom; and we usually give this denomination to a large state only.  But the same name is sometimes given to a kingdom or state in which the power of the king or supreme magistrate is limited by a constitution, or by fundamental laws. Such is the British monarchy.  Hence we speak of absolute or despotic monarchies, and of limited monarchies.
 A free government has a great advantage over a simple monarchy.
2.  A kingdom; an empire.


Topic: Monastery
Definition:
MON'ASTERY,n. [Low L. monasterium; Gr. from sole, separate.]
A house of religious retirement, or of seclusion from ordinary temporal concerns, whether an abbey, a priory or a nunnery.  The word is usually applied to the houses of monks, mendicant friars and nuns.


Topic: Monecian
Definition:
MONE'CIAN, n. [Gr. sole and house.]  In botany, one of that class of plants, whose male and female flowers are on the same plant.
MONE'CIAN, a.  Pertaining to the class of plants above described.


Topic: Money
Definition:
MONEY, n. plu. moneys. 
1.  Coin; stamped metal; any piece of metal, usually gold, silver or copper, stamped by public authority, and used as the medium of commerce. We sometimes give the name of money to other coined metals,and to any other material which rude nations use a medium of trade.  But among modern commercial nations, gold, silver and copper are the only metals used for this purpose.  Gold and silver, containing great value in small compass, and being therefore of easy conveyance, and being also durable and little liable to diminution by use, are the most convenient metals for coin or money, which is the representative of commodities of all kinds, of lands, and of every thing that is capable of being transferred in commerce.
2.  Bank notes or bills of credit issued by authority, and exchangeable for coin or redeemable, are also called money; as such notes in modern times represent coin, and are used as a substitute for it.  If a man pays in hand for goods in bank notes which are current, he is said to pay in ready money.
3.  Wealth; affluence.
Money can neither open new avenues to pleasure, nor block up the passages of anguish.


Topic: Moneyage
Definition:
MONEYAGE, n. Anciently, in England, a general land tax levied by the two first Norman kings, a shilling on each hearth.


Topic: Moneyed
Definition:
MONEYED, a. Rich in money; having money; able to command money; used often in opposition to such as have their wealth in real estate.
 Invite moneyed men to lend to the merchants.
1.  Consisting in money; as moneyed capital.


Topic: Moneyer
Definition:
MONEYER, n.  A banker; one who deals in money.
1.  A coiner of money. [Little used in either sense.]


Topic: Monger
Definition:
MONGER, n.  A trader; a dealer; now used only or chiefly in composition; as a fish-monger, iron-monger,news-monger, cheese-monger.


Topic: Mongrel
Definition:
MONGREL, a.  [See Mingle.]  Of a mixed breed; of different kinds.
MONGREL, n.  An animal of a mixed breed.


Topic: Moniment
Definition:
MON'IMENT, n. [L. monimemtum, from moneo, to admonish.]
1.  An inscription; something to preserve memory.
2.  A mark; an image; a superscription.


Topic: Monition
Definition:
MONI'TION, n. [L. monitio.]
1.  Warning; instruction given by way of caution; as the monitions of a friend.
2.  Information; indication.
 We have no visible monitions of other periods, such as we have of the day by successive light and darkness.


Topic: Monitor
Definition:
MON'ITOR, n. [L.]  One who warns of faults or informs of duty; one who gives advice and instruction by way of reproof or caution.
 You need not be a monitor to the king.
1.  In schools, a person authorized to look to the scholars in the absence of the instructor, or to notice the absence of faults of the scholars; or to instruct a division of class.


Topic: Monitorial
Definition:
MONITORIAL, a. 
1. Relating to a monitor.
2. Performed by monitors or a monitor; as monitorial instruction.
3. Conducted by or under the instruction of monitors, or subordinate teachers; as monitorial schools.


Topic: Monitory
Definition:
MON'ITORY, a.  Giving admonition; warning; instructing by way of caution.
 Losses, miscarriages and disappointments are monitory and instructive.
MON'ITORY, n.  Admonition; warning.


Topic: Monk
Definition:
MONK, n. [L. monachus.]  A man who retires from the ordinary temporal concerns of the world, and devotes himself to religion.  Monks usually live in monasteries, on entering which they take a vow to observe certain rules. Some however live as hermits in solitude,and others have lived a strolling life without any fixed residence.


Topic: Monkey
Definition:
MONKEY, n.  The popular name of the ape and baboon.  But in zoology, monkey is more properly the name of those animals of the genus Simia, which have long tails.  Ray distributes animals of this kind into three classes; apes which have no tails; monkeys with long tails; and baboons with short tails.
1.  A name of contempt or of slight kindness.


Topic: Monkish
Definition:
MONKISH, a.  Like a monk, or pertaining to monks; monastic; as monkish manners; monkish dress; monkish solitude.


Topic: Monochord
Definition:
MON'OCHORD, n. [Gr. sole, only, and chord.]  A musical instrument of one string.  As its name imports, it had originally but one string; but it is generally constructed with two, by means of which the musician is better enabled to try the proportions of sounds and intervals, and judge of the harmony of two tempered notes.
In the proper sense of the word, a trumpet marine is considered a monochord.


Topic: Monochromatic
Definition:
MONOCHROMAT'IC, a. [Gr. sole, and color.]  Consisting of one color, or presenting rays of light of one color only.


Topic: Monodon
Definition:
MON'ODON, n. [Gr. having one tooth or shoot.]  The unicorn fish, or sea-unicorn, which has a remarkable horn projecting from its head. [This horn is really a tusk, of which there are two, but only one of them is usually developed.]  
It is called also the monoceros, or horned narwhal.  Its usual size is form sixteen to twenty feet.


Topic: Monogam
Definition:
MON'OGAM, n. [Gr. sole, and marriage.]  In botany, a plant that has a simple flower, though the anthers are united.


Topic: Monogamy
Definition:
MONOG'AMY, n. [supra.]  The marriage of one wife only, or the state of such as are restrained to a single wife.


Topic: Monogram
Definition:
MON'OGRAM, n. [Gr. sole and letter.]  A character or cypher composed of one, two or more letters interwoven, being an abbreviation of a name; used on seals, &c.


Topic: Monograph
Definition:
MON'OGRAPH, n. [Gr. sole, and to describe.]  An account or description of a single thing or class of things; as a monograph of violets in botany; a monograph of an Egyptian mummy.


Topic: Monologue
Definition:
MONOLOGUE, n. mon'olog. [Gr. sole, and speech.]
1.  A soliloquy; a speech uttered by a person alone.
2.  A poem, song or scene composed for a single performer.


Topic: Monopetalous
Definition:
MONOPET'ALOUS, a. [Gr. only, and flower-leaf.]  In botany, having only one petal, or a one-petaled corol; as a monopetalous corol or flower.


Topic: Monophysite
Definition:
MONOPH'YSITE, n. [Gr. only, and nature.]  One who maintains that Jesus Christ had but one nature, or that the human and divine nature were so united as to form one nature only.


Topic: Monopolizer
Definition:
MONOP'OLIZER, n.  One that monopolizes; a person who engrosses a commodity by purchasing the whole of that article in market for the purpose of selling it at an advanced price; or one who has a license or privilege granted by authority, for the sole buying or selling of any commodity.  The man who retains in his hands his own produce or manufacture, is not a monopolist within the meaning of the laws for preventing monopolies.


Topic: Monopoly
Definition:
MONOP'OLY, n. [L.monopolium.]  The sole power of vending any species of goods, obtained either by engrossing the articles in market by purchase, or by a license from the government confirming this privilege. Thus the East India Company in Great Britain has a monopoly of the trade to the East Indies, granted to them by charter. Monopolies by individuals obtained by engrossing, are an offense prohibited by law.  But a man has by natural right the exclusive power of vending his own produce or manufactures,and to retain that exclusive right is not a monopoly within the meaning of law.


Topic: Monostrophic
Definition:
MONOSTROPH'IC, a. [Gr. having one strophe.]  Having one strophe only; not varied in measure; written in unvaried measure.


Topic: Monosyllabic
Definition:
MONOSYLLAB'IC, a. [See Monosyllable.]
1.  Consisting of one syllable; as a monosyllabic word.
2.  Consisting of words of one syllable; as a monosyllabic verse.


Topic: Monotone
Definition:
MON'OTONE, n. [See Monotony.] In rhetoric, a sameness of sound, or the utterance of successive syllables on one unvaried key, without inflection or cadence.


Topic: Monotony
Definition:
MONOT'ONY, n. [Gr. sole, and sound.]
1.  Uniformity of tone or sound; want of inflections of voice in speaking; want of cadence or modulation.
2.  Uniformity; sameness.
 At sea, every thing that breaks the monotony of the surrounding expanse attracts attention.


Topic: Monsoon
Definition:
MONSOON',n.  A periodical wind, blowing six months from the same quarter or point of the compass, then changing and blowing the same time from the opposite quarter. The monsoons prevail in the East Indies, and are called also trade winds.  But we usually give the denomination of trade winds to those which blow the whole year from the same point, as the winds within the tropics on the Atlantic.


Topic: Monster
Definition:
MON'STER, n. [L. monstrum, from monstro,to show.  So we say in English, a sight.  See Muster.]
1.  An animal produced with a shape or with parts that are not natural, as when the body is ill formed or distorted, or the limbs too few or too many, or when any part is extravagantly out of proportion, either through defect or excess.
2.  Any unnatural production; something greatly deformed.  Monsters are common in the vegetable kingdom.
3.  A person so wicked as to appear horrible; one unnaturally wicked or mischievous.  So a parricide is called a monster.
MON'STER, v.t.  To make monstrous.  [Not used.]


Topic: Monstrosity
Definition:
MONSTROS'ITY, n.  The state of being monstrous, or out of the common order of nature.
 We often read of monstrous births; but we see a greater monstrosity in education, when a father begets a son and trains him up into a beast.
1.  An unnatural production; that which is monstrous.
 Fabri arranges distortions, gibbosities, tumors, &c. in the class of morbific monstrosities.
 A monstrosity never changes the name or affects the immutability of a species.


Topic: Monstrous
Definition:
MON'STROUS, a. [L. monstrosus.]  Unnatural in form; out of the common course of nature; as a monstrous birth or production.
1.  Strange; very wonderful; generally expressive of dislike.
2. Enormous; huge; extraordinary; as a monstrous highth; a monstrous tree or mountain.
3.  Shocking to the sight or other senses; hateful.
MON'STROUS, adv.  Exceedingly; very much; as monstrous hard; monstrous thick.
 And will be monstrous witty on the poor.
[This use is colloquial and vulgar.]


Topic: Monstrously
Definition:
MON'STROUSLY, adv.  In a manner out of the common order of nature; hence, shockingly; terribly; hideously; horribly; as a man monstrously wicked.
1.  To a great degree; enormously; extravagantly.
 Who with his wife is monstrously in love.


Topic: Montanic
Definition:
MONTAN'IC, a. [L. montanus, from mons, mountain.]  Pertaining to mountains; consisting in mountains.


Topic: Montanist
Definition:
MON'TANIST, n.  A follower of the heresiarch Montanus, a Phrygian by birth, who pretended he was inspired by the Holy Spirit and instructed in several points not revealed to the apostles. His sect sprung up in the second century.


Topic: Month
Definition:
MONTH, n. [L. mensis; Gr. a month, from the moon.]  A space or period of time constituting a division of the year.  Month originally signified the time of one revolution of the moon, a lunation, or the period from one change or conjunction of the moon with the sun to another, a period of 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes and 5 seconds.  This is the periodical month, or as we generally call it, the lunar month.  In this sense we still use the word month.  But we also apply the term to the space of time in which the sun passes through one sign, or a twelfth part of the zodiac.  This period contains 30 days, 10 hours, 29 minutes, 5 seconds, and it called a solar month.  In the year, there are twelve solar months, and thirteen lunar months.
In popular language, four weeks are called a month, being nearly the length of the lunar month. A calendar month differs in some degree from a solar month; consisting of twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty or thirty one days, as the months stand in calendars or almanacs.


Topic: Monthly
Definition:
MONTHLY, a.  Continued a month or performed in a month; as the monthly revolution of the moon.
1.  Done or happening once a month, or every month; as the monthly concert of prayer; a monthly visit.
MONTHLY, adv.  Once a month; in every month.  The moon changes monthly.
1.  As if under the influence of the moon; in the manner of a lunatic.  [Not used.]


Topic: Montmartrite
Definition:
MONTM`ARTRITE, n. A mineral of a yellowish color, occurring massive, and found at Montmartre, near Paris.  It is soft, but resists the weather. It is a compound of the sulphate and carbonate of lime.


Topic: Monument
Definition:
MON'UMENT, n. [L. monumentum, from moneo, to admonish or remind.]
1.  Any thing by which the memory of a person or an event is preserved or perpetuated; a building, stone or other thing placed or erected to remind men of the person who raised it, or of a person deceased, or of any remarkable event; as a mausoleum, a pillar, a pyramid, a triumphal arch, a tombstone and the like.  A pillar of 200 feet in highth, composed of Portland stone, was erected in London as a monument to preserve the memory of the great conflagration in 1666.  A monument is erected on Bunker Hill to commemorate the battle of June 17, 1775.
2.  A stone or a heap of stones or other durable thing, intended to mark the bounds of states, towns or distinct possessions, and preserve the memory of divisional lines.
3.  A thing that reminds or gives notice.


Topic: Monumental
Definition:
MONUMENT'AL, a.  Pertaining to a monument; as a monumental inscription.
1.  Serving as a monument; memorial; preserving memory.
 Of pine or monumental oak.
 A work outlasting monumental brass.
2.  Belonging to a tomb; as a monumental rest.


Topic: Mood
Definition:
MOOD, n. [L. modus.  See Mode.]
1.  The form of an argument; the regular determination of propositions according to their quantity, as universal or particular, and their quality, as affirmative or negative.
2.  Style of music.
3.  The variation of a verb to express manner of action or being. [See Mode.]
In the foregoing senses, and in all cases, this word when derived from the Latin modus, ought to be written mode, it being a distinct word from the following.
MOOD, n.  [L. animus.]
1.  Temper of mind; temporary state of the mind in regard to passion or feeling; humor; as a melancholy mood; an angry mood; a suppliant mood.
2.  Anger; heat of temper.
[In this sense little used,unless qualified by an adjective.]


Topic: Moody
Definition:
MOOD'Y, a.  Angry; peevish; fretful; out of humor.
 Every peevish moody malcontent.
1.  Mental; intellectual; as moody food.
2.  Sad; pensive.
3.  Violent; furious.


Topic: Moon
Definition:
MOON, n. 
1.  The heavenly orb which revolves round the earth; a secondary planet or satellite of the earth, whose borrowed light is reflected to the earth and serves to dispel the darkness of night.  Its mean distance from the earth is 60 1/2 semidiameters of the earth, or 240,000 miles.  Its revolution round the earth in 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes, constitutes the lunar month.
2.  A month.  This is the sense in which rude nations use the name of the moon; as seven moons.
Half-moon, in fortification, a figure resembling a crescent.


Topic: Moonlight
Definition:
MOON'LIGHT, n.  The light afforded by the moon.
MOON'LIGHT, a.  Illuminated by the moon; as moonlight revels.


Topic: Moonshine
Definition:
MOON'SHINE, n.  The light of the moon.
1.  In burlesque, a month.
A matter of moonshine, a matter of no consequence or of indifference.
MOON'SHINE


Topic: Moonshiny
Definition:
MOON'SHINY, a. Illuminated by the moon; as a fair moonshine night.
 I went to see them in a moonshiny night.


Topic: Moonstone
Definition:
MOON'STONE, n. A variety of adularia, of a white color, or a yellowish or greenish white, somewhat iridescent, found in blunt amorphous masses, or crystallized in truncated rhomboidal prisms, or in rectangular tables, or in hexahedral prisms beveled at both ends.  The surface is often sulcated.


Topic: Moony
Definition:
MOON'Y, a. Lunated; having a crescent for a standard; in resemblance of the moon; as the moony troops or moony host of the sultans of Turkey.


Topic: Moor
Definition:
MOOR, n.
1.  A tract of land overrun with heath.
2.  A marsh; a fen; a tract of wet low ground, or ground covered with stagnant water.
MOOR, n.  [Gr. dark, obscure.]  A native of the northern coast of Africa, called by the Romans from the color of the people, Mauritania, the country of dark-complexioned people. The same country is now called Morocco, Tunis, Algiers, &c.
MOOR, v.t. [L. moror.]  To confine or secure a ship in a particular station, as by cables and anchors or by chains.  A ship is never said to be moored, when she rides by a single anchor.
MOOR, v.i.  To be confined by cables or chains.
 On oozy ground his galleys moor.


Topic: Mooring
Definition:
MOOR'ING, ppr.  Confining to a station by cables or chains.
MOOR'ING, n. In seamen's language, moorings are the anchors, chains and bridles laid athwart the bottom of a river or harbor to confine a ship.


Topic: Moorland
Definition:
MOOR'LAND, n.  A marsh or tract of low water ground.
1.  Land rising into moderate hills, foul, cold and full of bogs, as in Staffordshire, England.


Topic: Moose
Definition:
MOOSE, n.  moos. [a native Indian name.]
An animal of the genus Cervus, and the largest of the deer kind, growing sometimes to the highth of 17 hands, and weighing 1200 pounds.  This animal has palmated horns,with a short thick neck, and an upright mane of a light brown color.  The eyes are small, the ears a foot long, very broad and slouching; the upper lip is square,hangs over the lower one, and has a deep sulcus in the middle so as to appear bifid.  This animal inhabits cold northern climates, being found in the American forests of Canada and New England, and in the corresponding latitudes of Europe and Asia.  It is the elk of Europe.


Topic: Moot
Definition:
MOOT, v.t. [L. contra.]  To debate; to discuss; to argue for and against. The word is applied chiefly to the disputes of students in law, who state a question and discuss it by way of exercise to qualify themselves for arguing causes in court.
MOOT, v.i.  To argue or plead on a supposed cause.
MOOT


Topic: Mop
Definition:
MOP, n. [L. mappa.]  A piece of cloth, or a collection of thrums or coarse yarn fastened to a handle and used for cleaning floors.
1.  A wry mouth.  [Not used.]
MOP, v.t.  To rub or wipe with a mop.
MOP, v.i.  To make a wry mouth. [Not used.]


Topic: Mope
Definition:
MOPE, v.i.  [I have not found this word, unless in the D. moppen, to pout.]
To be very stupid; to be very dull; to drowse; to be spiritless or gloomy.
 Demoniac phrensy, moping melancholy.
 --Or but a sickly part of one true sense
 Could not so mope.
MOPE, v.t.  To make stupid or spiritless.
MOPE, n.  A stupid or low spirited person; a drone.


Topic: Moral
Definition:
MOR'AL, a. [L. moralis, from mos, moris, manner.]
1.  Relating to the practice, manners or conduct of men as social beings in relation to each other, and with reference to right and wrong.  The word moral is applicable to actions that are good or evil, virtuous or vicious, and has reference to the law of God as the standard by which their character is to be determined.  The word however may be applied to actions which affect only, or primarily and principally, a person's own happiness.
 Keep at the least within the compass of moral actions, which have in them vice or virtue.
 Mankind is broken loose from moral bands.
2.  Subject to the moral law and capable of moral actions; bound to perform social duties; as a moral agent or being.
3.  Supported by the evidence of reason or probability; founded on experience of the ordinary course of things; as moral certainty, distinguished from physical or mathematical certainty or demonstration.
 Physical and mathematical certainty may be stiled infallible, and moral certainty may be properly stiled indubitable.
 Things of a moral nature may be proved by moral arguments.
4.  Conformed to rules of right, or to the divine law respecting social duties; virtuous; just; as when we say, a particular action is not moral.
5. Conformed to law and right in exterior deportment; as, he leads a good moral life.
6.  Reasoning or instructing with regard to vice and virtue.
 While thou, a moral fool, sitt'st still and cri'st.
7.  In general, moral denotes something which respects the conduct of men and their relations as social beings whose actions have a bearing on each others's rights and happiness, and are therefore right or wrong, virtuous or vicious; as moral character; moral views; moral knowledge; moral sentiments; moral maxims; moral approbation; moral doubts; moral justice; moral virtue; moral obligations, &c.  Or moral denotes something which respects the intellectual powers of man, as distinct form his physical powers. Thus we speak of moral evidence, moral arguments, moral persuasion, moral certainty, moral force; which operate on the mind.
Moral law, the law of God which prescribes the moral or social duties, and prohibits the transgression of them.
Moral sense, an innate or natural sense of right and wrong; an instinctive perception of what is right or wrong in moral conduct, which approves some actions and disapproves others, independent of education or the knowledge of any positive rule or law. But the existence of any such moral sense is very much doubted.
Moral philosophy, the science of manners and duty; the science which treats of the nature and condition of man as a social being, of the duties which result form his social relations, and the reasons on which they are founded.
MOR'AL, n.  Morality; the doctrine or practice of the duties of life. [Not much used.]
1.  The doctrine inculcated by a fiction; the accommodation of a fable to form the morals.
 The moral is the first business of the poet.
MOR'AL, v.i.  To moralize.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Moralist
Definition:
MOR'ALIST, n.
1.  One who teaches the duties of life, or a writer of essays intended to correct vice and inculcate moral duties.
2.  One who practices moral duties; a mere moral person.


Topic: Morality
Definition:
MORAL'ITY, n.  The doctrine or system of moral duties, or the duties of men in their social character; ethics.
 The system of morality to be gathered from the writings of ancient sages, falls very short of that delivered in the gospel.
1.  The practice of the moral duties; virtue.  We often admire the politeness of men whose morality we question.
2.  The quality of an action which renders it good; the conformity of an act to the divine law, or to the principles of rectitude.  This conformity implies that the act must be performed by a free agent, and from a motive of obedience to the divine will.  This is the strict theological and scriptural sense of morality.  But we often apply the word to actions which accord with justice and human laws, without reference to the motives form which they proceed.


Topic: Moralization
Definition:
MORALIZA'TION, n. Moral reflections, or the act of making moral reflections.
1.  Explanation in a moral sense.


Topic: Moralize
Definition:
MOR'ALIZE, v.t.
1.  To apply to a moral purpose, or to explain in a moral sense.
 This fable is moralized in a common proverb.
 Did he not moralize this spectacle?
2.  To furnish with manners or examples.
3.  To render moral or virtuous; to correct the morals of.
 It had a large share in moralizing the poor white people of the country.
[This sense, though the most strictly etymological, is rare, or to make moral reflections.
MOR'ALIZE, v.i.  To speak or write on moral subjects, or to make moral reflections.


Topic: Moralized
Definition:
MOR'ALIZED, pp.  Applied to a moral purpose, or explained in a moral sense.
1.  Rendered moral or less corrupt.


Topic: Moralizing
Definition:
MOR'ALIZING, ppr.  Applying to a moral purpose, or explaining in a moral sense.
1.  Making moral reflections in words or writing.
MOR'ALIZING, n.  The application of facts to a moral purpose, or the making of moral reflections.
 His moralizings are always pleasant, and he does not spare, where he thinks it useful to moralize.


Topic: Morally
Definition:
MOR'ALLY, adv.  In a moral or ethical sense; according to the rules of morality.
 By good, morally so called, bonum honestum ought chiefly to be understood.
1.  Virtuously; honestly; according to moral rules in external department.  He resolves to live morally.
2.  According to the rules of the divine law.  An action is not in strictness morally good, which does not proceed from good motives, or a principle of love and obedience to the divine law and to the lawgiver. Charity bestowed to gratify pride, or justice done by compulsion, cannot be morally good in the sight of God.
3.  According to the evidence of human reason or of probabilities, founded on facts or experience; according to the usual course of things and human judgment.
 It is morally impossible for a hypocrite to keep himself long on his guard.
 From the nature of things, I am morally certain that a mind free from passion and prejudice is more fit to pass a true judgment than one biased by affection and interest.


Topic: Morals
Definition:
MOR'ALS, n. plu. The practice of the duties of life; as a man of correct morals.
1.  Conduct; behavior; course of life, in regard to good and evil.
 Some, as corrupt in their morals as vice could make them, have been solicitous to have their children virtuously and piously educated.
 What can laws do without morals?


Topic: Moravian
Definition:
MORA'VIAN, a.  Pertaining to Moravia.
MORA'VIAN, n.  One of a religious sect, called the United Brethren.


Topic: Morbid
Definition:
MOR'BID, a. [L. morbidus, form morbus, a disease, from the root of morior, to die.]  Diseased; sickly; not sound and healthful; as morbid humors; a morbid constitution; a morbid state of the juices of a plant; a morbid sensibility.


Topic: Morbillous
Definition:
MORBIL'LOUS, a. [L. morbilli, measles, a medical term from morbus.]
Pertaining to the measles; measly; partaking of the nature of measles, or resembling the eruptions of that disease.


Topic: Morbose
Definition:
MORBO'SE, a. [L. morbosus.]  Proceeding from disease; unsound; unhealthy; as a morbose tumor or excrescence in plants.


Topic: Mordant
Definition:
MOR'DANT, n.  A substance which has a chimical affinity for coloring matter and serves to fix colors; such as alum.


Topic: Mordication
Definition:
MORDICA'TION, n. [from L. mordeo, to bite.]  The act of biting or corroding; corrosion.
 Another cause is the mordication of the orifices, especially of the mesentery veins.


Topic: More
Definition:
MORE, a. [L. magis; mare for mager; but this is conjecture.]
1.  Greater in quality, degree or amount; in a general sense; as more land; more water; more courage; more virtue; more power or wisdom; more love; more praise; more light. It is applicable to every thing, material or immaterial.
2.  Greater in number; exceeding in numbers; as more men; more virtues; more years.
 The children of Israel are more than we. Ex.1.
3.  Greater.
 The more part knew not why they had come together.  Acts.19.
4.  Added to some former number; additional.
 But Montague demands one labor more.
MORE, adv.  To a greater degree.
 Israel loved Joseph more than all his children. Gen.37.
1.  It is used with the.
 They hated him yet the more. Gen.37.
2.  It is used to modify an adjective and form the comparative degree, having the same force and effect as the termination er, in monosyllables; as more wise; more illustrious; more contemptible; more durable. It may be used before all adjectives which admit of comparison, and must be used before polysyllables.
3.  A second or another time; again.  I expected to hear of him mo more.
 The dove returned not to him again any more. Gen.8.
No more, not continuing; existing no longer; gone; deceased or destroyed.  Cassius is no more.  Troy is no more.
No more is used in commands, in an elliptical form of address. No more! that is, say no more; let me hear no more. In this use however, more, when the sentence is complete, is a noun or substitute for a noun.
Much more, in a greater degree or with more readiness; more abundantly.
More and more, with continual increase.
 Amon trespassed more and more. 2 Chron. 33.
MORE, a noun or substitute for a noun.  A greater quantity, amount or number.
 They gathered some more, some less. Ex.16.
 They were more who died by hail-stones, than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. Josh.10.
 God do so to thee and more also. 1 Sam.3.
 There were more than forty who had made this conspiracy.  Acts.23.
1.  Greater thing; other thing; something further. Here we rest; we can do no more.  He conquered his enemies; he did more, he conquered himself.
MORE, v.t.  To make more.


Topic: Moreover
Definition:
MOREO'VER, adv. [more and over.]  Beyond what has been said; further; besides; also; likewise.
 Moreover,by them is thy servant warned. Ps.19.


Topic: Morgray
Definition:
MOR'GRAY, n.  A Mediterranean fish of a pale reddish gray color, spotted with brown and white. It is called also the rough hound-fish.  It weighs about twenty ounces and is well tasted.


Topic: Morigerous
Definition:
MORIG'EROUS, a. [L. morigerus; mos, moris,manner, and gero, to carry.]  Obedient; obsequious.  [Little used.]


Topic: Morkin
Definition:
MOR'KIN, n. [L. mortuus, dead, and kin, kind.]
Among hunters, a beast that has died by sickness or mischance.


Topic: Morn
Definition:
MORN, n.  The first part of the day; the morning; a word used chiefly in poetry.
 And blooming peach shall ever bless thy morn.


Topic: Morning
Definition:
MORN'ING, n.
1.  The first part of the day, beginning at twelve o'clock at night and extending to twelve at noon.  Thus we say, a star rises at one o'clock in the morning.  In a more limited sense, morning is the time beginning an hour or two before sunrise, or at break of day, and extending to the hour of breakfast and of beginning the labors of the day.  Among men of business in large cities, the morning extends to the hour of dining.
2.  The first or early part.
 In the morning of life, devote yourself to the service of the Most High.
MORN'ING, a.  Pertaining to the first part or early part of the day; being in the early part of the day; as morning dew; morning light; morning service.
 She looks as clear
 As morning roses newly washed with dew.


Topic: Morocco
Definition:
MOROC'CO, n.  A fine kind of leather; leather dressed in a particular manner; said to be borrowed from the Moors.


Topic: Morose
Definition:
MORO'SE, a. [L. morosus. Morose then is from the root of L. moror, to delay, stop, hinder, whence commoror, to dwell; Eng. demur.]
Of a sour temper; severe; sullen and austere.
 Some have deserved censure for a morose and affected taciturnity; others have made speeches though they had nothing to say.


Topic: Moroseness
Definition:
MORO'SENESS, n.  Sourness of temper; sullenness. Moroseness is not precisely peevishness or fretfulness, though often accompanied with it.  It denotes more of silence and severity or ill humor, than the irritability or irritation which characterizes peevishness.
 Learn good humor, never to oppose without just reason; abate some degrees of pride and moroseness.


Topic: Moroxylic
Definition:
MOROX'YLIC, a. Moroxylic acid is obtained from a saline exsudation from the morrus alba or white mulberry.


Topic: Morphia
Definition:
MOR'PHIA, n.  A vegetable alkali extracted from opium,of which it constitutes the narcotic principle.


Topic: Morrow
Definition:
MOR'ROW, n.
1.  The day next after the present.
 Till this stormy night is gone,
 And th' eternal morrow dawn.
This word is often preceded by on or to.
 The Lord did that thing on the morrow. Ex.9.
 To morrow shall this sign be. Ex.8.
So we say, to night, to day.  To morrow is equivalent to on the morrow.
2.  The next day subsequent to any day specified.
 But if the sacrifice of his offering shall be a vow or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice; and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten. Lev.7.
Good morrow, a term of salutation; good morning.


Topic: Morse
Definition:
MORSE, n. mors.  In zoology, the sea-horse, or walrus, an animal of the genus Trichechus, which sometimes grows to the length of 18 feet.  This animal has a round head, small mouth and eyes, thick lips,a short neck, and a body thick in the middle and tapering towards the tail.  His skin is wrinkled, with short hairs thinly dispersed.  His legs are short and loosely articulated, and he has five toes on each foot connected by webs.  Teeth of this animal have been found which weighed thirty pounds.  These animals are gregarious, but shy and very fierce when attacked.  They inhabit the shores of Spitzbergen, Hudson's bay and other places in high northern latitudes.


Topic: Morsel
Definition:
MOR'SEL, n. [from L. morsus, a bite, form mordeo.]
1.  A bite; a mouthful; a small piece of food.
 Every morsel to a satisfied hunger is only a new labor to a tired digestion.
2.  A piece; a meal; something to be eaten.
 On these herbs and fruits and flowers
 Feed first, on each beast next and fish and fowl,
 No homely morsels.
3.  A small quantity of something not eatable. [Improper.]


Topic: Mortal
Definition:
MOR'TAL, a. [L. mortalis, from mors, death, or morior, to die, that is, to fall.]
1.  Subject to death; destined to die. Man is mortal.
2.  Deadly; destructive to life; causing death, or that must cause death; as a mortal wound; mortal poison.
 The fruit
 Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste
 Brought death into the world, and all our woe--
3.  Bringing death; terminating life.
 Safe in the hand of one disposing power,
 Or in the natal or the mortal hour.
4.  Deadly in malice or purpose; as a mortal foe.  In colloquial language, a mortal foe is an inveterate foe.
5.  Exposing to certain death; incurring the penalty of death; condemned to be punished with death; not venial; as a mortal sin.
6.  Human; belonging to man who is mortal; as mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power.
 The voice of God
 To mortal ear is dreadful.
7.  Extreme; violent. [Not elegant.]
 The nymph grew pale, and in a mortal fright--
MOR'TAL, n.  Man; a being subject to death; a human being.
 Warn poor mortals left behind.
It is often used in ludicrous and colloquial language.
 I can behold no mortal now.


Topic: Mortality
Definition:
MORTAL'ITY, n. [L. mortalitas.]  Subjection to death or the necessity of dying.
 When I saw her die,
 I then did think on your mortality.
1.  Death.
 Gladly would I meet
 Mortality, my sentence.
2.  Frequency of death; actual death of great numbers of men or beasts; as a time of great mortality.
3.  Human nature.
 Take these tears, mortality's relief.
4.  Power of destruction.
 Mortality and mercy in Vienna,
 Live in thy tongue and heart.


Topic: Mortally
Definition:
MOR'TALLY, adv.  Irrecoverably; in a manner that must cause death; as mortally wounded.
1.  Extremely.
 Adrian mortally envied poets, painters and artificers, in works wherein he had a vein to excel.


Topic: Mortar
Definition:
MOR'TAR, n. [L. mortarium.]
1.  A vessel of wood or metal in form of an inverted bell, in which substances are pounded or bruised with a pestle.
2.  A short piece of ordnance, thick and wide, used for throwing bombs, carcasses,shells, &c.; so named from its resemblance in shape to the utensil above described.
MOR'TAR, n.  A mixture of lime and sand with water, used as a cement for uniting stones and bricks in walls.  If the lime is slaked and the materials mixed with lime water, the cement will be much stronger.
Mort d'ancestor.  In law, a writ of assize, by which a demandant recovers possession of an estate from which he has been ousted, on the death of his ancestor.


Topic: Mortgage
Definition:
MORTGAGE, n.  mor'gage.
1.  Literally, a dead pledge; the grant of an estate in fee as security for the payment of money, and on the condition that if the money shall be paid according to the contract, the grant shall be void, and the mortgagee shall re-convey the estate to the mortgager.  Formerly the condition was,that if the mortgager should repay the money at the day specified, he might then re-enter on the estate granted in pledge; but the modern practice is for the mortgagee, on receiving payment, to reconvey the land to the mortgager.  Before the time specified for payment, that is, between the time of contract and the time limited for payment, the estate is conditional, and the mortgagee is called tenant in mortgage; but on failure of payment at the time limited, the estate becomes absolute in the mortgagee.  But in this case, courts of equity interpose,and if the estate is of more value than the debt, they will on application grant a reasonable time for the mortgager to redeem the estate. This is called the equity of redemption.
2.  The state of being pledged; as lands given in mortgage.
3. A pledge of goods or chattels by a debtor to a creditor, as security for the debt.
MORTGAGE, v.t. mor'gage.  To grant an estate in fee as security for money lent or contracted to be paid at a certain time, on condition that if the debt shall be discharged according to the contract, the grant shall be void, otherwise to remain in full force.  It is customary to give a mortgage for securing the repayment of money lent, or the payment of the purchase money of an estate, or for any other debt.
1.  To pledge; to make liable to the payment of any debt or  expenditure.
 Already a portion of the entire capital of the nation is mortgaged for the support of drunkards.


Topic: Mortgager
Definition:
MORTGAGER, n. mor'gager. [from mortgage.  Mortgagor is an orthography that should have no countenance.]
The person who grants an estate as security for a debt, as above specified.


Topic: Mortiferous
Definition:
MORTIF'EROUS, a. [L. mortifer; mors, death, and fero, to bring.]
Bringing or producing death; deadly; fatal; destructive.


Topic: Mortification
Definition:
MORTIFICA'TION, n.  [See Mortify.]
1.  In medicine and surgery, the death and consequent putrefaction of one part of any animal body, while the rest is alive; or the loss of heat and action in some part of a living animal, followed by a dissolution of organic texture; gangrene; sphacelus.  Mortification is the local or partial death of a living animal body, and if not arrested, soon extinguishes life in the whole body. We usually apply mortification to the local extinction of life and loss or organic texture in a living body.  The dissolution of the whole body after death, is called putrefaction.
2.  In Scripture, the act of subduing the passions and appetites by penance, abstinence or painful severities inflicted on the body.  The mortification of the body by fasting has been the practice of almost all nations, and the mortification of the appetites and passions by self-denial is always a christian duty.
3.  Humiliation or slight vexation; the state of being humbled or depressed by disappointment, vexation, crosses, or any thing that wounds or abases pride.
 It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts disordered by a tedious visit.
 We had the mortification to lose sight of Munich, Augsburg and Ratisbon.
4.  Destruction of active qualities; applied to metals. [See Mortify; but I believe not used.]


Topic: Mortify
Definition:
MOR'TIFY, v.t. [L. mors, death, and facio, to make.]
1.  To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of some part of a living animal; to change to sphacelus or gangrene.  Extreme inflammation speedily mortifies flesh.
2.  To subdue or bring into subjection, as the bodily appetites by abstinence or rigorous severities.
 We mortify ourselves with fish.
 With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.
3.  To subdue; to abase; to humble; to reduce; to restrain; as inordinate passions.
 Mortify thy learned lust.
 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth. Col.3.
4.  To humble; to depress; to affect with slight vexation.
 How often is the ambitious man mortified with the very praises he receives, if they do not rise so high as he thinks they ought.
 He is controlled by a nod, mortified by a frown, and transported with a smile.
5.  To destroy active powers or essential qualities.
 He mortified pearls in vinegar--
 Quicksilver--mortified with turpentine.
[I believe this application is not now in use.]
MOR'TIFY, v.i.  To lose vital heat and action and suffer the dissolution of organic texture, as flesh; to corrupt or gangrene.
1.  To be subdued.
2.  To practice severities and penance from religious motives.
 This makes him give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast and mortify.


Topic: Mortifying
Definition:
MOR'TIFYING, ppr.  Changing from soundness to gangrene or sphacelus.
1.  Subduing; humbling; restraining.
2.  a. Humiliating; tending to humble or abase.  
 He met with a mortifying repulse.


Topic: Mortise
Definition:
MORTISE, n. mor'tis.  A cut or hollow place made in timber by the augur and chisel, to receive the tenon of another piece of timber.


Topic: Mortmain
Definition:
MORT'MAIN, n.  In law, possession of lands or tenements in dead hands, or hands that cannot alienate.  Alienation in mortmain is an alienation of lands or tenements to any corporation, sole or aggregate, ecclesiastical or temporal, particularly to religious houses, by which the estate becomes perpetually inherent in the corporation and unalienable.


Topic: Mortuary
Definition:
MOR'TUARY, n.
1.  A sort of ecclesiastical heriot, a customary gift claimed by and due to the minister of a parish on the death of a parishioner. It seems to have been originally a voluntary bequest or donation, intended to make amends for any failure in the payment of tithes of which the deceased had been guilty.
2.  A burial place.
MOR'TUARY, a.  Belonging to the burial of the dead.


Topic: Mosaic
Definition:
MOSA'IC, a. s as z. [L. musivum.]
1.  Mosaic work is an assemblage of little pieces of glass, marble, precious stones, &c. of various colors, cut square and cemented on a ground of stucco, in such a manner as to imitate the colors and gradations of painting.
2.  [from Moses.]  Pertaining to Moses,the leader of the Israelites; as the Mosaic law, rites or institutions.


Topic: Moschatel
Definition:
MOS'CHATEL, n. [L. muscus, musk.]  A plant of the genus Adoxa, hollow root or inglorious. There is one species only, whose leaves and flowers smell like musk; and hence it is sometimes called musk-crowfoot.


Topic: Mosk
Definition:
MOSK, n.  A Mohammedan temple or place of religious worship.  Mosks are square building, generally constructed of stone.  Before the chief gate is a square court paved with white marble, and surrounded with a low gallery whose roof is supported by pillars of marble.  In this gallery the worshipers wash themselves before they enter the mosk.


Topic: Moss
Definition:
MOSS, n. [L. muscus.]  The mosses are one of the seven families or classes into which all vegetables are divided by Linne in the Philosophia Botanica.  In Ray's method, the mosses form the third class, and in Tournefort's, they constitute a single genus. In the sexual system, they are the second order of the class cryptogamia, which contains all the plants in which the parts of the flower and fruit are wanting or not conspicuous.
The mosses, musci, form a natural order of small plants, with leafy stems and narrow simple leaves. Their flowers are generally monecian or diecian, and their seeds are contained in a capsule covered with a calyptra or hood.
The term moss is also applied to many other small plants, particularly lichens, species of which are called tree-moss, rock-moss, coral-moss, &c.  The fir-moss and club-moss are of the genus Lycopodium.
1.  A bog; a place where peat is found.
MOSS, v.t.  To cover with moss by natural growth.
 An oak whose boughs were mossed with age.


Topic: Mossy
Definition:
MOSS'Y, a.  Overgrown with moss; abounding with moss.
 Old trees are more mossy than young.
1. Shaded or covered with moss, or bordered with moss; as mossy brooks; mossy fountains.


Topic: Most
Definition:
MOST, a. superl. of more.
1.  Consisting of the greatest number.  That scheme of life is to be preferred, which presents a prospect of the most advantages with the fewest inconveniences.
 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness. Prov.20.
2.  consisting of the greatest quantity; greatest; as the most part of the land or the mountain.
MOST, adv.  In the greatest or highest degree.  Pursue that course of life which will most tend to produce private happiness and public usefulness.  Contemplations on the works of God expand the mind and tend to produce most sublime views of his power and wisdom.
As most is used to express the superlative degree, it is used before any adjective; as most vile, most wicked, most illustrious.
MOST, n. [used as a substitute for a noun, when the noun is omitted or understood.]
1. The greatest number or part.
 Then he began to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done. Matt.11.
[This use seems to have resulted form the omission of part, or some similar word,and most in this case signifies greatest, that is, the greatest part.]
2.  The most, the greatest value, amount or advantage, or the utmost in extent, degree or effect.
 A covetous man makes the most of what he has, and can get.
At the most, the greatest degree or quantity; the utmost extent.  Stock brings six per cent. interest at the most, often less.


Topic: Mostly
Definition:
MOSTLY, adv.  For the greatest part.  The exports of the U. States consist mostly of cotton, rice, tobacco, flour and lumber.


Topic: Mote
Definition:
MOTE, in folkmote, &c. signifies a meeting.

MOTE, n.  A small particle; any thing proverbially small; a spot.
 Why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother's eye?  Matt.7.
 The little motes in the sun do ever stir, though there is no wind.
MOTE, for mought, might or must, obsolete.


Topic: Moth
Definition:
MOTH, n.
1.  An animal of the genus Phalaena, which breeds in yard and garments, and often does injury by eating the substance and destroying the texture. Matt.6.
The name is also applied to the whole genus.
2.  Figuratively, that which gradually and silently eats, consumes or wastes any thing.  Idle persons are a moth to the community.


Topic: Mother
Definition:
MOTHER, n. [L. mater, mother; matrix, the womb; materia, matter, stuff, materials of which any thing is made.  We observe that in some other languages, as well as in English, the same word signifies a female parent, and the thick slime formed in vinegar; and in all the languages of Europe here cited, the orthography is nearly the same as that of mud and matter.  The question then occurs whether the name of a female parent originated in a word expressing matter, mold; either the soil of the earth, as the producer, or the like substance, when shaped and fitted as a mold for castings; or whether the name is connected with the opinion that the earth is the mother of all productions; whence the word mother-earth.  We are informed by a fragment of Sanchoniathon, that the ancient Phenicians considered mud to be the substance from which all things were formed.  See Mud.  The word matter is evidently from the Ar. madda, to secrete, eject or discharge a purulent substance; and I think cannot have any direct connection with mud.  But in the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, the same word madre signified mother, and a mold for castings; and the northern languages, particularly the German and Danish, seem to establish the fact that the proper sense of mother is matrix.  Hence mother of pearl, the matrix of pearl.  If this word had its origin in the name of the earth used for the forms of castings, it would not be a singular fact; for our word mold, in this sense, I suppose to be so named from mold, fine earth.  The question remains sub judice.]
1.  A female parent; especially, one of the human race; a woman who has borne a child; correlative to son or daughter.
2.  That which has produced any thing.
 Alas, poor country! it cannot
 Be called our mother, but our grave.
So our native land is called mother country, and a plant from which a slip or cion is taken, is called the mother plant.  In this use, mother may be considered as an adjective.
3.  That which has preceded in time; the oldest or chief of any thing; as a mother-church.
4.  Hysterical passion. [Not used.]
5.  A familiar term of address or appellation of an old woman or matron.
6.  An appellation given to a woman who exercises care and tenderness towards another, or gives parental advice; as when one says,' a woman has been a mother to me.'
7.  A thick slimy substance concreted in liquors, particularly in vinegar, very different from scum or common lees.
MOTHER of pearl, n.  The matrix of pearl; the shell in which pearls are generated; a species of Mytilus or Mussel.
MOTHER of thyme, n.  A plant of the genus Thymus.
MOTHER, a.  Native; natural; received by birth; as mother-wit.
1.  Native; vernacular; received from parents or ancestors; as mother-tongue.
MOTHER, v.i.  To concrete, as the thick matter of liquors.
MOTHER, v.t.  To adopt as a son or daughter.


Topic: Mother-water
Definition:
MOTHER-WATER, n.  A fluid remaining after the evaporation of salt water, and containing deliquescent salts and impurities.


Topic: Motherly
Definition:
MOTHERLY, a.  Pertaining to a mother; as motherly power or authority.
1.  Becoming a mother; tender; parental; as motherly love or care.
MOTHERLY, adv.  In the manner of a mother.


Topic: Mothery
Definition:
MOTHERY, a.  Concreted; resembling or partaking of the nature of mother; as the mothery substance in liquors.


Topic: Motion
Definition:
MO'TION, n. [L. motio.  See Move.]  The act or process of changing place; change of local position; the passing of a body from one place to another; change of distance between bodies; opposed to rest.
Animal motion is that which is performed by animals in consequence of volition or an act of the will; but how the will operates on the body in producing motion, we cannot explain. 
Mechanical motion is effected by the force or power of one body acting on another.
Perpetual motion is that which is effected or supplied by itself, without the impulse or intervention of any external cause.  Hitherto it has been found impossible to invent a machine that has this principle.
1. Animal life and action.
 Devoid of sense and motion.
2.  Manner of moving the body; port; gait; air.
 Each member move and every motion guide.
3.  Change of posture; action.
 Watching the motion of her patron's eye.
4.  Military march or movement.
5.  Agitation; as the motions of the sea.
6.  Internal action; excitement; as the motions of the breast.
7.  Direction; tendency.
 In our proper motion we ascend.
8.  The effect of impulse; action proceeding from any cause, external or internal. In the growth of plants and animals, there must be a motion of the component parts, though invisible. Attraction or chimical affinity produces sensible motion of the parts of bodies.  Motions of the mind ascribed to the invisible agency of the Supreme Being, are called good motions.
 Let a good man obey every good motion rising in his heart, knowing that every such motion proceeds from God.
9.  Proposal made; proposition offered; particularly, a proposition made in a deliberative assembly.  A motion is made for a committee; a motion for introducing a bill; a motion to adjourn.
    10. A puppet-show or puppet. [Not used.]
MO'TION, v.t.  To propose.  [Little used.  See Move.]


Topic: Motive
Definition:
MO'TIVE, a. [See the Noun.]  Causing motion; having power to move or tending to move; as a motive argument; motive power.
MO'TIVE, n.
1.  That which incites to action; that which determines the choice, or moves the will. Thus we speak of good motives, and bad motives; strong and weak motives.  The motive to continue at rest is ease or satisfaction; the motive to change is uneasiness, or the prospect of good.
2.  That which may or ought to incite to action; reason; cause.
3.  A mover. [Not in use.]


Topic: Motley
Definition:
MOT'LEY, a. [Eng.mote.]
1.  Variegated in color; consisting of different colors; dappled; as a motley coat.
2.  Composed of different or various parts, characters or kinds; diversified; as a motley style.
 And doubts of motley hue.
[This word primarily means spotted; but it may signify also striped.]


Topic: Motto
Definition:
MOT'TO, n.  Primarily, a word; but more commonly, a sentence or phrase prefixed to an essay or discourse, containing the subject of it, or added to a device.
In heraldry, the motto is carried in a scroll, alluding to the bearing or to the name of the bearer, or expressing some important idea.


Topic: Mound
Definition:
MOUND, n. [L. mons. See Mount.]  Something raised as a defense or fortification,usually a bank of earth or stone; a bulwark; a rampart or fence.
 God has thrown
 That mountain as his garden mound, high raised.
 To thrid the thickets or to leap the mounds.
MOUND, v.t.  To fortify with a mound.


Topic: Mount
Definition:
MOUNT, n. [L. mons, literally a heap or an elevation.]
1.  A mass of earth, or earth and rock, rising considerably above the common surface of the surrounding land. Mount is used for an eminence or elevation of earth, indefinite in highth or size, and may be a hillock, hill or mountain.  We apply it to Mount Blanc, in Switzerland, to Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke, in Massachusetts, and it is applied in Scripture to the small hillocks on which sacrifice was offered as well as to Mount Sinai. Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount or heap of stones raised for a witness between him and Laban. Gen.31.
2.  A mound; a bulwark for offense or defense.
 Hew ye down trees and cast a mount against Jerusalem. Jer.6.
3.  Formerly, a bank or fund of money.
MOUNT, v.i.
1.  To rise on high; to ascend; with or without up.
 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command? Job 39.
 The fire of trees and houses mounts on high.
2.  To rise; to ascend; to tower; to be built to a great altitude.
 Though Babylon should mount up to heaven. Jer.51.
3.  To get on horseback.
4.  To leap upon any animal.
5.  To amount; to rise in value.
 Bring then these blessings to a strict account, 
 Make fair deductions, see to what they mount.
MOUNT, v.t.  To raise aloft; to lift on high.
 What power is it which mounts my love so high?
1.  To ascend; to climb; to get upon an elevated place; as, to mount a throne.
2.  To place one's self on horseback; as, to mount a horse.
3.  To furnish with horses; as, to mount a troop. The dragoons were well mounted.
4.  To put on or cover with something; to embellish with ornaments; as, to mount a sword.
5.  To carry; to be furnished with; as, a ship of the line mounts seventy four guns; a fort mounts a hundred cannon.
6.  To raise and place on a carriage; as, to mount a cannon.
To mount guard, to take the station and do the duty of a sentinel.


Topic: Mountain
Definition:
MOUNT'AIN, n. [L. adjective, montanus.]  A large mass of earth and rock, rising above the common level of the earth or adjacent land, but of no definite altitude. We apply mountain to the largest eminences on the globe; but sometimes the word is used for a large hill. In general, mountain denotes an elevation higher and larger than a hill; as the Altaic mountains in Asia, the Alps in Switzerland, the Andes in South America,the Allegheny mountains in Virginia, the Catskill in New York, the White mountains in New Hampshire, and the Green mountains in Vermont. The word is applied to a single elevation, or to an extended range.
MOUNT'AIN, a.  Pertaining to a mountain; found on mountains; growing or dwelling on a mountain; as mountain air; mountain pines; mountain goats.


Topic: Mountainous
Definition:
MOUNT'AINOUS, a.  Full of mountains; as the mountainous country of the Swiss.
1.  Large as a mountain; huge; as a mountainous heap.
2.  Inhabiting mountains. [Not used.]


Topic: Mountebank
Definition:
MOUNT'EBANK, n.
1.  One who mounts a bench or state in the market or other public place, boasts of his skill in curing diseases, vends medicines which he pretends are infallible remedies, and thus deludes the ignorant multitude.  Persons of this character may be indicted and punished.
2.  Any boastful and false pretender.
 Nothing so impossible in nature, but mountebanks will undertake.
MOUNT'EBANK, v.t.  To cheat by boasting and false pretenses; to gull.


Topic: Mounted
Definition:
MOUNT'ED, pp. Raised; seated on horseback; placed on a carriage; covered or embellished; furnished with guns.


Topic: Mourn
Definition:
MOURN, v.i.  [L. maereo.]
1.  To express grief or sorrow; to grieve; to be sorrowful. Mourning may be expressed by weeping or audible sounds, or by sobs, sighs or inward silent grief.
 Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep. Gen.23.
 Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Matt.5.
2.  To wear the customary habit of sorrow.
 We mourn in black.
 Grieve for an hour perhaps, then mourn a year.
MOURN, v.t.  To grieve for; to lament.  But there is an ellipsis of for, the verb not being transitive.  When we say, we mourn a friend or a child, the real sense and complete phrase is, we mourn for a friend, or mourn for the loss of a friend.  'He mourn'd his rival's ill success,' that is,he mourned for his rival's ill success.
1.  To utter in a sorrowful manner.
 The love lorn nightingale
 Nightly to thee her sad song mourneth well.


Topic: Mourne
Definition:
MOURNE, n. morn.  The round end of a staff; the part of a lance to which the steel is fixed, or the ferrel. [Not used.]


Topic: Mourner
Definition:
MOURNER,n.  One that mourns or is grieved at any loss or misfortune.
1.  One that follows a funeral in the habit of mourning.
2.  Something used at funerals.
 The mourner eugh and builder oak were there.


Topic: Mournful
Definition:
MOURNFUL, a.  Intended to express sorrow, or exhibiting the appearance of grief, as a mournful bell; mournful music.
 No funeral rites nor man in mournful weeds.
1.  Causing sorrow; sad; calamitous; as a mournful death.
2.  Sorrowful; feeling grief.
 The mournful fair--
 Shall visit her distinguished urn.


Topic: Mourning
Definition:
MOURNING, ppr. Grieving; lamenting; sorrowing; wearing the appearance of sorrow.
MOURNING, n.  The act of sorrowing or expressing grief; lamentation; sorrow.
1.  The dress or customary habit worn by mourners.
 And ev'n the pavements were with mourning hid.


Topic: Mouse
Definition:
MOUSE, n. plu.mice. [L. mus; The L. mus forms muris in the genitive, and the root is not obvious.]
1.  A small animal of the genus Mus, inhabiting houses.  The name is also applied to many other species of the genus, as the field mouse, meadow mouse, rock mouse, &c.
2.  Among seamen, a knob formed on a rope by spun yarn or parceling.
MOUSE, v.i.. mouz.  To catch mice.
MOUSE, v.t. mouz.  To tear, as a cat devours a mouse.
To mouse a hook, with seamen, is to fasten a small line across the upper part to prevent unhooking.


Topic: Mouse-ear
Definition:
MOUSE-EAR, n. mouse'-ear.  A plant of the genus Hieracium; also, a plant of the genus Myosotis, called likewise mouse-ear scorpion grass.  The mouse-ear chickweed is of the genus Cerastium.


Topic: Mouse-hole
Definition:
MOUSE-HOLE, n. mous'hole.  A hole where mice enter or pass; a very small hole or entrance.
 He can creep in at a mouse-hole.


Topic: Mouth
Definition:
MOUTH, n.  
1.  The aperture in the head of an animal, between the lips, by which he utters his voice and receives food.  In a more general sense, the mouth consists of the lips, the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the palate, the salival glands, the uvula and tonsils.
2.  The opening of a vessel by which it is filled or emptied; as the mouth of a jar or pitcher.
3.  The part or channel of a river by which its waters are discharged into the ocean or into a lake.  The Mississippi and the Nile discharge their waters by several mouths.
4.  The opening of a piece of ordnance at the end, by which the charge issues.
5.  The aperture of a vessel in animal bodies, by which fluids or other matter is received or discharged; as the mouth of the lacteals.
6.  The opening or entrance of a cave, pit, well or den. Dan.8.
7.  The instrument of speaking; as, the story is in every body's mouth.
8.  A principal speaker; one that utters the common opinion.
 Every coffee house has some statesman belonging to it, who is the mouth of the street where he lives.
9.  Cry; voice.
 The fearful dogs divide,
 All spend their mouth aloft, but none abide.
    10. In Scripture, words uttered. Job.19. Is.49. Ps.73.
    11. Desires; necessities. Ps.103.
    12. Freedom and boldness of speech; force of argument. 
Luke 21.
    13. Boasting; vaunting. Judges 9.
    14. Testimony. Deut.17.
    15. Reproaches; calumnies. Job.5.
To make a mouth,  to distort the mouth;
To make mouths, to make a wry face; hence, to deride or treat with scorn.
1.  To pout; to treat disdainfully.
Down in the mouth, dejected; mortified.

To have God's law in the mouth, to converse much on it and delight in it. Ex.13.
To draw near to God with the mouth, to make an external appearance of devotion and worship, while there is no regard to him in the heart. Is.29.
A froward mouth, contradictions and disobedience. Prov.9.
A smooth mouth, soft and flattering language. Prov.5.
To stop the mouth, to silence or to be silent; to put to shame; to confound. Rom.3.lay the hand on the mouth, to be struck silent with shame. Mic.7.
To set the mouth against the heavens, to speak arrogantly and blasphemously. Ps.73.
MOUTH, v.t.  To utter with a voice affectedly big or swelling; as, to mouth words or language.
 Twitch'd by the sleeve, he mouths it more and more.
1.  To take into the mouth; to seize with the mouth.
2.  To chew; to grind, as food; to eat; to devour.
3.  To form by the mouth, as a bear her cub. [Not used.]
4.  To reproach; to insult.
MOUTH, v.i.  To speak with a full, round, or loud, affected voice; to vociferate; to rant; as a mouthing actor.
 I'll bellow out for Rome and for my country,
 And mouth at Caesar, till I shake the senate.


Topic: Mouthed
Definition:
MOUTH'ED,pp.  Uttered with a full, swelling, affected voice.
1.  Taken into the mouth; chewed.
2.  a.  Furnished with a mouth; used chiefly in composition; as well-mouthed; foul-mouthed, contumelious, reproachful or obscene; mealy-mouthed, bashful, reserved in speaking the plain truth; hard-mouthed, as a horse, not obedient to the bit, difficult to be restrained or governed by the bridle.
3.  Borne down or overpowered by clamor.


Topic: Mouthful
Definition:
MOUTH'FUL, n.  As much as the mouth contains at once.
1.  A quantity proverbially small; a small quantity.


Topic: Movable
Definition:
MOVABLE, a. [from move.]  That may be moved; that can or may be lifted, carried, drawn, turned or conveyed, or in any way made to change place or posture; susceptible of motion.
1.  That may or does change from one time to another; as a movable feast.
A movable letter, in Hebrew grammar, is one that is pronounced, as opposed to one that is quiescent.


Topic: Movables
Definition:
MOVABLES, plu.  Goods, wares, commodities,furniture; any species of property not fixed, and thus distinguished from houses and lands.


Topic: Move
Definition:
MOVE, v.t. moov. [L. moveo.]
1.  To impel; to carry, convey or draw from one place to another; to cause to change place or posture in any manner or by any means.  The wind moves a ship; the cartman moves goods; the horse moves a cart or carriage. Mere matter cannot move itself. Machines are moved by springs, weights, or force applied.
2.  To excite into action; to affect; to agitate; to rouse; as, to move the passions.
3.  To cause to act or determine; as, to move the will.
4.  To persuade; to prevail on; to excite from a state of rest or indifference.
 Minds desirous of revenge were not moved with gold.
 But when no female arts his mind could move,
 She turn'd to furious hate her impious love.
5.  To excite tenderness, pity or grief in the heart; to affect; to touch pathetically; to excite feeling in.
 The use of images in orations and poetry is to move pity or terror.
 When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them--Matt.9.
6.  To make angry; to provoke; to irritate.
7.  To excite tumult or commotion.
 When they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was moved about them. Ruth 1. Matt.21.
8.  To influence or incite by secret agency.
 God moved them to depart from him. 2 Chron.18.  2 Pet.1.
9.  To shake; to agitate.
 The kingdoms were moved. Ps.46. Jer.49.
    10. To propose; to offer for consideration and determination; as, to move a resolution in a deliberative assembly.
    11. To propose; to recommend.
 They are to be blamed alike who move and who decline war upon particular respects.
    12. To prompt; to incite; to instigate. Acts. 17.
MOVE, v.i.  To change place or posture; to stir; to pass or go in any manner or direction from one place or part of space to another.  The planets move in their orbits; the earth moves on its axis;  a ship moves at a certain rate an hour.  We move by walking, running or turning; animals move by creeping, swimming or flying.
 On the green bank I sat and listened long,
 Nor till her lay was ended could I move.
1.  To have action.
 In him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts.17.
2.  To have the power of action.
 Every moving thing that liveth, shall be meat for you.
Gen.9.
3.  To walk.
 He moves with manly grace.
4.  To march.  The army moved and took a position behind a wood.
5.  To tremble; to shake.
 The foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. Ps.18.
6.  To change residence. Men move with their families from one house, town or state to another.
MOVE, n.  The act of moving; the act of transferring from place to place, as in chess.


Topic: Movement
Definition:
MOVEMENT, n.  Motion; a passing, progression, shaking, turning or flowing; any change of position in a material body; as the movement of an army in marching or maneuvering; the movement of a wheel or a machine.
1.  The manner of moving.
2.  Excitement; agitation; as the movement of the mind.
3.  In music, any single strain or part having the same measure or time.
 Any change of time is a change of movement.


Topic: Movent
Definition:
MO'VENT, a. [L. movens.]  Moving; not quiescent. [Little used.]
MO'VENT, n.  That which moves any thing.  [Little used.]


Topic: Mover
Definition:
MOVER, n.  The person or thing that gives motion or impels to action.
1.  He or that which moves.
2.  A proposer; one that offers a proposition, or recommends any thing for consideration or adoption; as the mover of a resolution in a legislative body.


Topic: Moving
Definition:
MOVING, ppr.  Causing to move or act; impelling; instigating; persuading; influencing.
1.  a. Exciting the passions or affections; touching; pathetic; affecting; adapted to excite or affect the passions; as a moving address or discourse.
MOVING, n.  Motive; impulse.


Topic: Movingly
Definition:
MOVINGLY, adv.  In a manner to excite the passions or affect sensibility; pathetically.
 His air, his voice, his looks and honest soul,
 Speak all so movingly in his behalf.


Topic: Mow
Definition:
MOW, n.  A heap, mass or pile of hay deposited in a barn.
[We never give this name to hay piled in the field or open air.  The latter is called a stack or rick.]
MOW, v.t.  To lay hay in a heap or mass in a barn, or to lay it in a suitable manner.
MOW, v.t. pret. mower; pp. mowed or mown.  [The L. has meto, and the Gr. to mow or reap.  The last radical letter is not ascertained.]
1.  To cut down with a scythe, as grass or other plants.  We say, to mow grass.
2.  To cut the grass from; as, to mow a meadow.
3.  To cut down with speed; to cut down indiscriminately, or in great numbers or quantity.  We say, a discharge of grape shot mows down whole ranks of men.  Hence Saturn or Time is represented with a scythe, an emblem of the general and indiscriminate destruction of the human race by death.
MOW, v.i.  To cut grass; to practice mowing; to use the scythe.  Does the man mow well?
1.  To perform the business of mowing; to cut and make grass into hay; to gather the crop of grass, or other crop.
[In America, mow is not applied to the cutting of wheat or rye.  When these are cut with a scythe, they are said to be cradled.  Oats and barley are sometimes mowed.]
MOW, n. [from mouth.]  A wry face.
MOW, v.i.  To make mouths.


Topic: Moxa
Definition:
MOX'A, n. The down of the mugwort of China; a soft lanuginous substance prepared in Japan from the young leaves of a species of Artemisia.  In the eastern countries, it is used for the gout,&c. by burning it on the skin.  This produces a dark colored spot,the exulceration of which is promoted by applying a little garlic.


Topic: Much
Definition:
MUCH, a.
1.  Great in quantity or amount.
 Thou shalt carry much seed into the field, and gather but little in.  Deut.28.
 Manasseh wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord to provoke him to anger. 2 Kings 21.
 Return with much riches to your tents. Jost. 22.
2.  Long in duration.  How much time is spent in trifling amusements!
3.  Many in number.
 Edom came out against him with much people. Num.20.
[This application of much is no longer used.]
MUCH, adv.  In a great degree; by far; qualifying adjectives of the comparative degree; as much more, much stronger, much heavier, much more splendid, much higher.  So we say, much less, much smaller, much less distinguished, much weaker, much finer.
1.  To a great degree or extent; qualifying verbs and participles.
 Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David. 1 Sam.19.
 It is a night to be much observed. Ex.12.
 The soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Num.21.
 A much afflicted, much enduring man.
2.  Often or long.
 Think much, speak little.
3.  Nearly.
 All left the world much as they found it.
MUCH, n.  A great quantity; a great deal.
 He that gathered much had nothing over. Ex.16.
 To whom much is given, of him much shall be required. Luke 12.
 They have much of the poetry of Maecenas, but little of his liberality.
1.  More than enough; a heavy service or burden.
 He thought not much to clothe his enemies.
 Who thought it much a man should die of love.
2.  An uncommon thing; something strange.
 It was much that one who was so great a lover of peace should be happy in war.
As much, an equal quantity; used as an adjective or noun.  Return as much bread as you borrowed.  If you borrow money, return as much as you receive.  So we say, twice as much, five times as much, that is, twice or five times the quantity.
1.  A certain or suitable quantity.
 Then take as much as thy soul desireth. 1 Sam.2.
2.  To an equal degree; adverbially.  One man loves power as much as another loves gold.

So much, an equal quantity or a certain quantity, as a noun; to an equal degree, or to a certain degree, as an adverb.
 Of sweet cinnamon half so much. Ex.30.
 In all Israel, there was none to be so much praised as Absalom. 2 Sam.14.
Too much, an excessive quantity, as a noun; to an excessive degree, as an adverb.
To make much of, to value highly; to prize or to treat with great kindness and attention.
1.  To fondle.
Much at one, nearly of equal value, effect or influence.


Topic: Mucic
Definition:
MU'CIC, a. [from mucus.]  The mucic acid is the same as the saccholactic.  It is obtained from gums, &c.


Topic: Mucilage
Definition:
MU'CILAGE, n. [L. mucus, the slimy discharges from the nose; Heb. to dissolve, to putrefy.]
1.  In chimistry, one of the proximate elements of vegetables. The same substance is a gum when solid, and a mucilage when in solution.
 Both the ingredients improve one another; for the mucilage adds to the lubricity of the oil, and the oil preserves the mucilage from inspissation.
 Mucilage is obtained from vegetable or animal substances.
2.  The liquor which moistens and lubricates the ligaments and cartilages of the articulations or joints in animal bodies.


Topic: Mucilaginous
Definition:
MUCILAG'INOUS, a.  Pertaining to or secreting mucilage; as the mucilaginous glands.
1. Slimy; ropy; moist, soft and lubricous; partaking of the nature of mucilage; as a mucilaginous gum.


Topic: Muck
Definition:
MUCK, n. [L. mucus.]
1.  Dung in a moist state, or a mass of dung and putrefied vegetable matter.
 With fattening muck besmear the roots.
2.  Something mean, vile or filthy.
To run a muck, to run madly and attack all we meet.
Running a muck, is a phrase derived from the Malays, (in whose language amock signified to kill,) applied to desperate persons who
intoxicate themselves with opium and then arm themselves with a dagger and attempt to kill all they meet.
MUCK, v.t. To manure with muck.


Topic: Mucker
Definition:
MUCK'ER, v.t. [from muck.]  To scrape together money by mean labor or shifts. [Not used in America.]


Topic: Muckworm
Definition:
MUCK'WORM, n.  A worm that lives in muck.
1. A miser; one who scrapes together money by mean labor and devices.


Topic: Mucous
Definition:
MU'COUS, a. [See Mucus.]  Pertaining to mucus or resembling it; slimy, ropy and lubricous; as a mucous substance.
1.  Secreting a slimy substance; as the mucous membrane.
 The mucous membrane lines all the cavities of the body which open externally, and secretes the fluid called mucus.


Topic: Mucus
Definition:
MU'CUS, n. [L. See Mucilage and Muck.]
1.  A viscid fluid secreted by the mucous membrane, which it serves to moisten and defend.  It covers the lining membranes of all the cavities which open externally, such as those of the mouth, nose, lungs, intestinal canal, urinary passages, &c.  It differs from gelatine.
 In the action of chewing, the mucus mixeth with the ailment.
2.  This term has also been applied to other animal fluids of a viscid quality, as the synovial fluid, which lubricates the cavities of the joints.


Topic: Mud
Definition:
MUD, n. [L. madeo.]  Moist and soft earth of any kind, such as is found in marshes and swamps, at the bottom or rivers and ponds, or in highways after rain.
MUD, v.t.  To bury in mud or slime.
1.  To make turbid or foul with dirt; to stir the sediment in liquors.


Topic: Muddle
Definition:
MUD'DLE, v.t. [from mud.]  To make foul, turbid or muddy, as water.
 He did ill to muddle the water.
1.  To intoxicate partially; to cloud or stupefy, particularly with liquor.
 He was often drunk, always muddled.
 Epicurus seems to have had his brains muddled.


Topic: Muddy
Definition:
MUD'DY, a. [from mud.]  Foul with dirt or fine earthy particles; turbid, as water or other fluids; as a muddy stream.  Water running on fine clay always appears muddy.
1.  Containing mud; as a muddy ditch; a muddy road.
2.  Dirty; dashed, soiled or besmeared with mud; as muddy boots.
3.  Consisting of mud or earth; gross, impure; as this muddy vesture of decay.
4.  Dark; of the color of mud; as muddy cheeks.
5.  Cloudy in mind; dull; heavy; stupid.
 Dost think I am so muddy?
MUD'DY,v.t.  To soil with mud; to dirty.
1.  To cloud; to make dull or heavy.


Topic: Muffle
Definition:
MUF'FLE, v.t.
1.  To cover from the weather by cloth, fur or any garment; to cover close, particularly the neck and face.
 You must be muffled up like ladies.
 The face lies muffled up within the garment.
2.  To blindfold.
 Alas! that love whose view if muffled still--
 He muffled with a cloud his mournful eyes.
3.  To cover; to conceal; to involve.
 They were in former ages muffled in darkness and superstition.
4.  In seamanship, to put matting or other soft substance round an oar, to prevent its making a noise.
5.  To wind something round the strings of a drum to prevent a sharp sound, or to render the sound grave and solemn.
MUF'FLE, v.i.  To mutter; to speak indistinctly or without clear articulation.
MUF'FLE, n.  In chimistry, a vessel in the shape of an oblong arch or vault, closed behind by a semi-circular plane, the floor of which is a rectangular plane; or in other words, a little oven to be placed in a furnace, and under which small cupels and crucibles are placed, in which substances are subjected to heat without coming in contact with fuel, smoke or ashes; used in metallurgic operations.


Topic: Muffling
Definition:
MUF'FLING, ppr.  Covering closely, especially about the face; wrapping close; involving; blindfolding.


Topic: Mug
Definition:
MUG, n. [I know not whence derived.]  A kind of cup from which liquors are drank.  In American, the word is applied chiefly or solely to an earthen cup.


Topic: Muggy
Definition:
MUG'GY, a.
1.  Moist; damp;; moldy; as muggy straw.
2.  Moist; damp; close; warm and unelastic; as muggy air. [This is the principal use of the word in America.]


Topic: Mulatto
Definition:
MULAT'TO, n. [L. mulus, a mule.]  A person that is the offspring of a negress by a white man, or of a white woman by a negro.


Topic: Mulct
Definition:
MULCT, n. [L. mulcta or multa.]  A fine imposed on a person guilty of some offense or misdemeanor, usually a pecuniary fine.
MULCT, v.t. [L. mulcto.]  To fine; to punish for an offense or misdemeanor by imposing a pecuniary fine.


Topic: Mule
Definition:
MULE, n. [L. mulus.]
1.  A quadruped of a mongrel breed,usually generated between an ass and a mare, sometimes between a horse and a she-ass.  But the name is applied to any animal produced by a mixture of different species.
2.  A plant or vegetable produced by impregnating the pistil of one species of plant with the farin or fecundating dust of another.  This is called also a hybrid.


Topic: Muliebrity
Definition:
MULIEB'RITY, n. [from L. muliebris, from mulier, a woman.]
Womanhood; the state of being a woman; a state in females corresponding to virility in man; also, effeminacy; softness.


Topic: Mull
Definition:
MULL, v.t. [L. mollio, to soften.]
1.  To soften; or to heat, sweeten and enrich with spices; as, to mull wine.
 Drink new cider, mull'd with ginger warm.
2.  To dispirit or deaden.
MULL, n.  In Scottish, a snuff-box, made of the small end of a horn.
MULL, n.  Dust. [Not in use.]


Topic: Muller
Definition:
MUL'LER, n. [L. molaris, from mola, a mill-stone.]
1.  A stone held in the hand with which colors and other matters are ground on another stone; used by painters and apothecaries.
2.  An instrument used by glass grinders, being a piece of wood with the piece of glass to be ground cemented to one end, either convex in a basin, or concave in a sphere or bowl.


Topic: Mullet
Definition:
MUL'LET, n. [L. mullus.]  A fish of the genus Mugil. The lips are membranaceous; the inferior one carinated inwards; it has no teeth, and the body is of a whitish color.  This fish frequents the shore and roots in the sand like a hog.  It is an excellent fish for the table.


Topic: Multangular
Definition:
MULTAN'GULAR, a. [L. multus, many, and angulus, angle; Basque, mola, a multitude; multsa, much.]
Having many angles; polygonal.


Topic: Multifarious
Definition:
MULTIFA'RIOUS, a. [L. multifarius.]  Having great multiplicity; having great diversity or variety; as multifarious artifice.


Topic: Multifariously
Definition:
MULTIFA'RIOUSLY, adv.  With great multiplicity and diversity; with great variety of modes and relations.


Topic: Multifid
Definition:
MUL'TIFID, a. [L. multifidus, multus, many, and findo, to divide.] 
Having many divisions; many-cleft; divided into several parts by linear sinuses and straight margins; as a multifid leaf or corol.


Topic: Multiform
Definition:
MUL'TIFORM, a. [L. multiformis; multus, many, and forma, form.]
Having many forms, shapes or appearances; as the multiform operations of the air-pump.


Topic: Multilateral
Definition:
MULTILAT'ERAL, a. [L. multus, many, and latus, side.]many sides.  A multilateral figure must also be multangular.


Topic: Multilocular
Definition:
MULTILOC'ULAR, a. [L. multus, many, and loculus, a cell.]
Having many cells; as a multilocular pericarp.


Topic: Multiloquous
Definition:
MULTIL'OQUOUS, a. [L. multus, many, and loquor, to speak.]
Speaking much; very talkative; loquacious.


Topic: Multiparous
Definition:
MULTIP'AROUS, a. [L. multus,many, and pario, to bear.]
Producing many at a birth.  A serpent is a multiparous animal.


Topic: Multipartite
Definition:
MULTIP'ARTITE, a. [L. multus, many, and partitus, divided.]
Divided into many parts; having several parts.


Topic: Multiped
Definition:
MUL'TIPED, n. [L. multus,many, and pes, foot.]
An insect that has many feet.
MUL'TIPED, a.  Having many feet.


Topic: Multiple
Definition:
MUL'TIPLE, a. [L. multiplex; multus, many, and plico, to fold.]
Containing many times.
MUL'TIPLE, n.  In arithmetic, a common multiple of two or more numbers contains each of them a certain number of times exactly; thus 24 is a common multiple of 3 and 4.  But the least common multiple, is the least number which will do this; thus 12 is the least common multiple of 3 and 4.


Topic: Multiplicand
Definition:
MULTIPLICAND', n. [L. multiplicandus.  See Multiply.]
In arithmetic, the number to be multiplied by another, which is called the multiplier.


Topic: Multiplicate
Definition:
MUL'TIPLICATE, a. [L. multiplicatus.]
1.  Consisting of many, or more than one.
2.  A multiplicate flower is a sort of luxuriant flower, having the corol multiplied so far as to exclude only some of the stamens.


Topic: Multiplication
Definition:
MULTIPLICA'TION, n. [L. multiplicatio.]
1. The act of multiplying or of increasing number; as the multiplication of the human species by natural generation.
2.  In arithmetic, a rule or operation by which any given number may be increased according to any number of times proposed.  Thus 10 multiplied by 5 is increased to 50.


Topic: Multiplicity
Definition:
MULTIPLIC'ITY, n. [L. multiplex.]
1.  A state of being many; as a multiplicity of thoughts or objects.
2.  Many of the same kind. The pagans of antiquity had a multiplicity of deities.


Topic: Multiplier
Definition:
MUL'TIPLIER, n.  One who multiplies, or increases number.
1.  The number in arithmetic by which another is multiplied; the multiplicator.


Topic: Multiply
Definition:
MUL'TIPLY, v.t. [L. multiplico; multus, many, and plico, to fold or double.]
1.  To increase in number; to make more by natural generation or production, or by addition; as, to multiply men, horses or other animals; to multiply evils.
 I will multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt. Ex.7.
 Impunity will multiply motives to disobedience.
2. In arithmetic, to increase any given number as many times as there are units in any other given number. Thus 7x8=56, that is, 7 multiplied by 8 produces the number 56.
MUL'TIPLY, v.i.  To grow or increase in number.
 Be fruitful and multiply. Gen.1.
 When men began to multiply on the face of the earth. Gen.6.
1.  To increase in extent; to extend; to spread.
 The word of God grew and multiplied.  Acts  12.


Topic: Multipotent
Definition:
MULTIP'OTENT, a. [L. multipotens; multus, many, much, and potens, powerful.]  Having manifold power, or power to do many things; as Jove multipotent.


Topic: Multipresence
Definition:
MULTIPRES'ENCE, n. [L. multus, many, and proesentia, presence.]
The power or act of being present in many places at once, or in more places than one.


Topic: Multitude
Definition:
MUL'TITUDE, n. [L. multitudo, form multus, many.]
1.  The state of being many; a great number.
2.  A number collectively; the sum of many.
3.  A great number, indefinitely.
 It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues.
4.  A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage.
 He the vast hissing multitude admires.
 The multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful.


Topic: Multitudinous
Definition:
MULTITU'DINOUS, a.  Consisting of a multitude or great number.
1.  Having the appearance of a multitude; as the multitudinous sea.
2.  Manifold; as the multitudinous tongue.


Topic: Multivalve
Definition:
MUL'TIVALVE, n. [L. multus,many, and valvoe, valves, folding doors.]  An animal which has a shell of many valves.
MUL'TIVALVE


Topic: Multiversant
Definition:
MULTIV'ERSANT, a. [L. multus, many, and verto, to form.]
Protean; turning into many shapes; assuming many forms.


Topic: Multure
Definition:
MUL'TURE, n.  [L. molitura, a grinding.  See Mill.]
1.  In Scots law, the toll or emolument given to the proprietor of a mill for grinding corn.
2.  A grist or grinding.


Topic: Mum
Definition:
MUM, a.  [See Mumble, Mumm, and Mummery.]
1.  Silent; not speaking.
 The citizens are mum; say not a word.
2.  As an exclamation or command, be silent; hush.
 Mum the, and no more proceed.
3.  As a noun, silence.
MUM, n.  A species of malt liquor much used in Germany. It is made of the malt of wheat, seven bushels, with one bushel of oat meal and a bushel of ground beans, or in the same proportion.  This is brewed with 63 gallons of water, and boiled till one third is evaporated.


Topic: Mumble
Definition:
MUM'BLE, v.i.
1.  To mutter; to speak with the lips or other organs partly closed, so as to render the sounds inarticulate and imperfect; to utter words with a grumbling tone.
 Peace, you mumbling fool.
 --A wrinkled hag, with age grown double,
 Pickling dry sticks and mumbling to herself.
2.  To chew or bite softly; to eat with the lips close.
MUM'BLE, v.t.  To utter with a low inarticulate voice.
 He with mumbled prayers atones the deity.
1.  To mouth gently, or to eat with a muttering sound.
2.  To suppress or utter imperfectly.


Topic: Mumblingly
Definition:
MUM'BLINGLY, adv.  With a low inarticulate utterance. [Mumble and mutter are not always synonymous; mutter often expresses peevishness, which mumble does not.]


Topic: Mumm
Definition:
MUMM, v.t. [Gr. Momus, the deity of sport and ridicule, a buffoon.]
To mask; to sport or make diversion in a mask or disguise.


Topic: Mummer
Definition:
MUM'MER, n.  One who masks himself and makes diversion in disguise; originally, one who made sport by gestures without speaking.
 Jugglers and dancers, anticks, mummers.


Topic: Mummery
Definition:
MUM'MERY, n.  An entertainment or frolick in masks; a farcical entertainment in which masked persons play antic tricks.


Topic: Mummy
Definition:
MUM'MY, n.
1.  A dead human body embalmed and dried after the Egyptian manner; a name perhaps given to it from the substance used in preserving it.  There are two kinds of mummies.  The first are bodies dried by the heat of the sun.  Such are found in the sands of Libya. The other kind is taken from the catacombs in Egypt.
2.  The name of two substances prepared for medicinal use, which according to Hill are, the one, the dried flesh of human bodies embalmed with myrrh and spice; the other, a liquor running from such mummies when newly prepared, or when affected by great heat and damps.  This is preserved in vials, and if suffered to dry, becomes solid. But it is alleged that the first sort consists of pieces of the flesh of executed criminals, or other flesh filled with bitumen and other ingredients.  But see the opinion of Chardin, supra.
3.  There are found in Poland natural mummies lying in caverns, supposed to be the remains of persons who in time of war took refuge in caves, but being discovered were suffocated by their enemies.  These bodies are dried, with the flesh and skin shrunk almost close to the bones, and are of a blackish color.
4. Among gardeners, a sort of wax used in grafting and planting trees.
To beat to a mummy, to beat soundly, or to a senseless mass.


Topic: Mump
Definition:
MUMP, v.t.
1.  To nibble; to bite quick; to chew with continued motion; as a mumping squirrel.
2.  To talk loud and quick.
3.  To go begging.
4.  To deceive; to cheat.


Topic: Mumps
Definition:
MUMPS, n.  [See Mum, Mumble, Mumm.]
1.  Sullenness; silent displeasure. [Little used.]
2.  A disease,the cynanche parotidoea, a swelling of the parotid glands.


Topic: Munch
Definition:
MUNCH, v.t.chew by great mouthfuls.  [Vulgar.]
MUNCH, v.i.  To chew eagerly by great mouthfuls.  [Vulgar.]


Topic: Mund
Definition:
MUND, Sax. mund, protection, patronage, peace, is found in old laws; as mundbrece, that is, a breaking or violation of the peace. It is retained in names, as in Edmund, Sax. eadmund, happy peace, as in Greek Irenoeus, Hesychius.


Topic: Mundane
Definition:
MUN'DANE, a. [L.mundanus, from mundus, the world.]
Belonging to the world; as mundane sphere; mundane space.


Topic: Mundification
Definition:
MUNDIFICA'TION, n. [L. mundus,clean, and facio, to make.]
The act or operation of cleansing any body from dross or extraneous matter.


Topic: Mundificative
Definition:
MUNDIF'ICATIVE, a.  Cleansing; having the power to cleanse.
MUNDIF'ICATIVE, n.  A medicine that has the quality of cleansing.


Topic: Mungrel
Definition:
MUN'GREL, n. [See Mongrel.]  An animal generated between different kinds, as a dog.
MUN'GREL, a.  Generated between different kinds; degenerate.


Topic: Municipal
Definition:
MUNIC'IPAL, a. [L.municipalis, from municeps, a person who enjoys the rights of a free citizen; munus, office, duty, and capio, to take.]
1.  Pertaining to a corporation or city; as municipal rights; municipal officers.
2.  Pertaining to a state, kingdom or nation.
 Municipal law is properly defined to be a rule of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state--
Municipal, as used by the Romans, originally designated that which pertained to a municipium, a free city or town.  It still retains this limited sense; but we have extended it to what belongs to a state or nation, as a distinct, independent body.  Municipal law or regulation respects solely the citizens of a state, and is thus distinguished from commercial law, political law, and the law of nations.


Topic: Munificence
Definition:
MUNIF'ICENCE, n. [L. munificentia; munus, a gift or favor, and facio, to make.]
1.  A giving or bestowing liberally; bounty; liberality.  To constitute munificence, the act of conferring must be free, and proceed from generous motives.
 A state of poverty obscures all the virtues of liberality and munificence.
2.  In Spenser, fortification or strength. [L.munio, to fortify.] [Not used.]


Topic: Muniment
Definition:
MU'NIMENT, n. [L. munimentum, from munio, to fortify.]
1.  A fortification of any kind; a strong hold; a place of defense.
2.  Support; defense.
3.  Record; a writing by which claims and rights are defended or maintained.  Termes de la ley.


Topic: Munition
Definition:
MUNI'TION, n. [L. munitio, from munio, to fortify.]
1.  Fortification.
2.  Ammunition; whatever materials are used in war for defense, or for annoying an enemy.  The word includes guns of all kinds, mortars, &c. and their loading.
3.  Provisions of a garrison or fortress, or for ships of war,and in general for an army; stores of all kinds for a fort, an army or navy.
Munition-ships, ships which convey military and naval stores of any kind, and attend or follow a fleet to supply ships of war.


Topic: Munnion
Definition:
MUNNION, n. mun'yon.  [See Munition.]  An upright piece of timber which separates the several lights in a window frame. [See Mullion.]


Topic: Mural
Definition:
MU'RAL, a. [L. muralis, from murus, a wall.]
1.  Pertaining to a wall.
 --Soon repaired her mural breach.
2.  Resembling a wall; perpendicular or steep; as a mural precipice.
Mural crown, among the ancient Romans, a golden crown or circle of gold, indented and embattled, bestowed on him who first mounted the wall of a besieged place and there lodged a standard.


Topic: Murder
Definition:
MUR'DER, n. [L. mors.]
1.  The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind.  To constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice prepense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express.
2.  An outcry, when life is in danger.
MUR'DER, v.t.
1.  To kill a human being with premeditated malice. [See the Noun.]
2.  To destroy; to put an end to.
 Canst thou murder thy breath in middle of a word?


Topic: Murderer
Definition:
MUR'DERER, n.  A person who in possession of his reason, unlawfully kills a human being with premeditated malice.
1.  A small piece of ordnance.


Topic: Murderous
Definition:
MUR'DEROUS, a.  Guilty of murder; as the murderous king.
1.  Consisting in murder; done with murder; bloody; cruel; as murderous rapine.
2.  Bloody; sanguinary; committing murder; as murderous tyranny.
3.  Premeditating murder; as murderous intent or design.


Topic: Mure
Definition:
MURE, n. [L. murus.]  A wall.  [Not used.]
MURE, v.t.  To inclose in walls; to wall.
[But immure is chiefly used.]


Topic: Muriate
Definition:
MU'RIATE, n. [L. muria, muries, salt water, brine; amarus, bitter; Heb. to be bitter.]   A salt formed by muriatic acid combined with a base.


Topic: Muriatic
Definition:
MURIAT'IC, a. Having the nature of brine or salt water; pertaining to sea salt. The muriatic acid is the acid of marine salt.


Topic: Muricated
Definition:
MU'RICATED, a. [L. muricatus, from murex,the point of a rock.]
1.  Formed with sharp points; full of sharp points or prickles.
2.  In botany,having the surface covered with sharp points, or armed with prickles.


Topic: Murmur
Definition:
MUR'MUR, n. [L. See the Verb.]  A low sound continued or continually repeated, as that of a stream running in a stony channel, or that of flame.
 Black melancholy sits,
 Deepens the murmur of the falling floods,
 And breathes a browner horror on the woods.
1.  A complaint half suppressed, or uttered in a low,muttering voice.
 Some discontents there are, some idle murmurs.
MUR'MUR, v.i. [L. murmuro.]
1.  To make a low continued noise, like the hum of bees, a stream of water, rolling waves, or like the wind in a forest; as the murmuring surge.
 The forests murmur and the surges roar.
2.  To grumble; to complain; to utter complaints in a low,half articulated voice; to utter sullen discontent; with at, before the thing which is the cause of discontent; as, murmur not at sickness; or with at or against, before the active agent which produces the evil.
 The Jews murmured at him. John 6.
 The people murmured against Moses. Ex.13.


Topic: Murrhine
Definition:
MUR'RHINE, a. [L. murrhinus.]  An epithet given to a delicate kind of ware or porcelain brought from the east; Pliny says from Carmania, now Kerman, in Persia.


Topic: Murrion
Definition:
MUR'RION, n. [L. murus, a wall.  See Mural.]
A helmut; a casque; armor for the head; written also morion.


Topic: Muscle
Definition:
MUS'CLE, n. [L. musculus, a muscle,and a little mouse.]
1.  In anatomy,the muscles are the organs of motion, consisting of fibers or bundles of fibers inclosed in a thin cellular membrane.  The muscles are susceptible of contraction and relaxation, and in a healthy state the proper muscles are subject to the will, and are called voluntary muscles.  But other parts of the body, as the heart, the urinary bladder, the stomach, &c. are of a muscular texture, and susceptible of contraction and dilatation, but are not subject to the will, and are therefore called involuntary muscles. The red color of the muscles is owing to the blood vessels which they contain.  The ends of the muscles are fastened to the bones which they move, and when they act in opposition to each other, they are called antagonists.
Muscles are divided into the head, belly and tail.  The head is the part fixed on the immovable joint called its origin, and is usually tendinous; the belly is the middle fleshy part,which consists of the true muscular fibers; the tail is the tendinous portion inserted into the part to be moved, called the insertion; but in the tendon, the fibers are more compact than in the belly of the muscle,and do not admit the red globules.
2.  A bivalvular shell fish of the genus Mytilus; sometimes written mussel.


Topic: Muscovado
Definition:
MUSCOVA'DO, n.  Unrefined sugar; the raw material from which loaf and lump sugar are procured by refining. Muscovado is obtained from the juice of the sugar cane by evaporation and draining off the liquid part called molasses.
[This word is used wither as a noun or an adjective.]


Topic: Muscular
Definition:
MUS'CULAR, a. [from muscle.]  Pertaining to a muscle; as a muscular fiber.
1.  Performed by a muscle; as muscular motion.
2.  Strong; brawny; vigorous; as a muscular body or frame.


Topic: Musculous
Definition:
MUS'CULOUS, a. [L. musculosus.]  Full of muscles.
1.  Strong; brawny.
2.  Pertaining to a muscle or to muscles.


Topic: Muse
Definition:
MUSE, n. s as z. [L. musa.]
1.  Properly, song; but in usage, the deity or power of poetry.  Hence poets in modern times, as in ancient, invoke the aid of the Muse or Muses, or in other words,the genius of poetry.
 Granville commands; your aid, O Muses, bring,
 What Muse for Granville can refuse to sing?
2.  Deep thought; close attention or contemplation which abstracts the minds from passing scenes;  hence sometimes, absence of mind.
 As in great muse, no word to creature spake.
 He was fill'd
 With admiration and deep muse to hear
 Of things so high and strange.
MUSE, v.i. s as z. [L. musso and mussito, to mutter or murmur, to demur, to be silent.  The Greek signifies to press, or utter sound with the lips compressed.  The latter verb belongs to a sound uttered through the nose or with close lips, or of the same family, L. mussitatio.  The word then primarily denotes what we call humming, to hum, as persons do when idle, or alone and steadily occupied.]
1.  To ponder; to think closely; to study in silence.
 He mused upon some dangerous plot.
 I muse on the works of thy hands. Ps.143.
2.  To be absent in mind; to be so occupied in study or contemplation, as not to observe passing scenes or things present.
3.  To wonder.
 Do not muse of me.
MUSE, v.t.  To think on; to meditate on.


Topic: Museum
Definition:
MUSE'UM, n. [Gr. a place for the muses or for study.]
A house or apartment appropriated as a repository of things that have an immediate relation to the arts; a cabinet of curiosities.


Topic: Mushroom
Definition:
MUSH'ROOM, n.
1.  The common name of numerous cryptogamian plants of the natural order of Fungi.  Some of them are esculent, others poisonous.  Mushrooms grow on dunghills and in moist rich ground,and often spring up in a short time.
 The origin of man, in the view of the atheist, is the same with that of the mushroom.
2.  An upstart; one that rises suddenly from a low condition in life.


Topic: Music
Definition:
MU'SIC, n. s as z. [L. musica.]
1.  Melody or harmony; any succession of sounds so modulated as to please the ear, or any combination of simultaneous sounds in accordance or harmony.  Music is vocal or instrumental. Vocal music is the melody of a single voice, or the harmony of two or more voices in concert. Instrumental music is that produced by one or more instruments.
 By music minds an equal temper know.
2.  Any entertainment consisting in melody or harmony.
 What music and dancing and diversions and songs are to many in the world, that prayers and devotions and psalms are to you.
3.  The science of harmonical sounds, which treats of the principles of harmony, or the properties, dependencies and relations of sounds to each other. This may be called speculative or theoretical music.
4.  The art of combining sounds in a manner to please the ear.  This is practical music or composition.
5.  Order; harmony in revolutions; as the music of the spheres.


Topic: Musical
Definition:
MU'SICAL, a. Belonging to music; as musical proportion; a musical instrument.
1.  Producing music or agreeable sounds; as a musical voice.
2.  Melodious; harmonious; pleasing to the ear; as musical sounds or numbers.


Topic: Musician
Definition:
MUSI'CIAN, n.  A person skilled in the science of music, or one that sings or performs on instruments of music according to the rules of the art.


Topic: Musimon
Definition:
MUS'IMON, n.  An animal esteemed a species of sheep, described by the ancients as common in Corsica, Sardinia and Barbary.  Buffon considers it to be the sheep in a wild state.


Topic: Musk
Definition:
MUSK, n. [L. muscus; Gr.musk, and moss.]  A strong scented substance obtained from a cyst or bag near the navel of the Thibet musk [Moschus moschiferus,] an animal that inhabits the Asiatic Alps, especially the Altaic chain.  This animal is a little more than three feet in length; the head resembles that of the roe,the fur is coarse, like that of the cervine race, but thick, erect, smooth and soft.  It has no horns, but the male has two long tusks, one on each side, projecting from the mouth.  The female is smaller than the male and has neither tusks nor follicle.  The cyst of the male is about the size of a hen's egg, oval, flat on one side and rounded on the other, having a small orifice.  This contains a clotted, oily, friable matter of a dark brown color, which is the true musk, one of the strongest odors or perfumes in nature. We give the name to the substance and to the animal.
MUSK, n.  Grape-hyacinth or grape-flower.
MUSK, v.t. To perfume with musk.


Topic: Musket
Definition:
MUSK'ET, n. [L. musca, a fly.]
1.  A species of fire-arms used in war, and fired by means of a lighted match.  This manner of firing was in use as late as the civil war in England.  But the proper musket is no longer in use.  The name, however, in common speech, is yet applied to fusees or fire-locks fired by a spring lock.
2.  A male hawk of a small kind, the female of which is the sparrow hawk.


Topic: Musketoe
Definition:
MUSKE'TOE, n. [L. musca, a fly.]  A small insect of the genus Culex, that is bred in water; a species of gnat that abounds in marshes and low lands, and whose sting is peculiarly painful and vexatious.


Topic: Musketoon
Definition:
MUSKETOON', n.  A short thick musket, carrying five ounces of iron, or seven and a half of lead; the shortest kind of blunderbuss.
1.  One who is armed with a musketoon.


Topic: Muslin
Definition:
MUS'LIN, n. s as z.  A sort of fine cotton cloth, which bears a downy knot on its surface.
MUS'LIN, a.  Made of muslin; as a muslin gown.


Topic: Mussite
Definition:
MUS'SITE, n. [from the valley of Mussa, in Piedmont.]
A variety of pyroxene of a greenish white color; otherwise called diopside.


Topic: Mussulman
Definition:
MUS'SULMAN, n.  A Mohammedan or follower of Mohammed. The word, it is said, signifies in the Turkish language a true believer, or orthodox.  It may be from Ar. eslam, salvation.


Topic: Must
Definition:
MUST, v.i.  
1.  To be obliged; to be necessitated.  It expresses both physical and moral necessity.  A man must eat for nourishment, and he must sleep for refreshment.  We must submit to the laws or be exposed to punishment.  A bill in a legislative body must have three readings before it can pass to be enacted.
2.  It expresses moral fitness or propriety, as necessary or essential to the character or end proposed. 'Deacons must be grave,' 'a bishop must have a good report of them that are without.' 1 Tim.3.
MUST, n. [L. mustum; Heb. to ferment.]  
New wine; wine pressed from the grape but not fermented.
MUST, v.t.  To make moldy and sour.
MUST, v.i.  To grow moldy and sour; to contract a fetid smell.


Topic: Mustard
Definition:
MUS'TARD, n.  A plant of the genus Sinapis,and its seed, which has a pungent taste and is a powerful stimulant.  It is used externally in cataplasms, and internally as a diuretic and stimulant.


Topic: Muster
Definition:
MUS'TER, v.t. [L. monstro, to show.]  Properly, to collect troops for review, parade and exercise; but in general, to collect or assemble troops, persons or things.  The officers muster their soldiers regularly; they muster all their forces.  The philosopher musters all the wise sayings of the ancients.
MUS'TER, v.i.  To assemble; to meet in one place.
MUS'TER, n. [L. monstrum, a show or prodigy.]
1.  An assembling of troops for review, or a review of troops under arms.
2.  A register or roll of troops mustered.
 Ye publish the musters of your own bands.
3.  A collection, or the act of collecting.
To pass muster, to be approved or allowed.


Topic: Muster-master
Definition:
MUS'TER-M`ASTER, n.  One who takes an account of troops, and of their arms and other military apparatus.  The chief officer of this kind is called muster-master-general.


Topic: Musty
Definition:
MUS'TY, a. [from must.]  Moldy; sour; foul and fetid; as a musty cask; musty corn or straw; musty books.
1.  State; spoiled by age.
 The proverb is somewhat musty.
2.  Having an ill flavor; as musty wine.
3.  Dull; heavy; spiritless.
 That he may not grow musty and unfit for conversation.


Topic: Mutability
Definition:
MUTABIL'ITY, n. [L. mutabilitas, from mutabilis, muto, to change.]
1.  Changeableness; susceptibility of change; the quality of being subject to change or alteration, either in form, state or essential qualities.
 Plato confesses that the heavens and the frame of the world are corporeal, and therefore subject to mutability.
2.  The state of habitually or frequently changing.
3.  Changeableness, as of mind, disposition or will; inconstancy; instability; as the mutability of opinion or purpose.


Topic: Mutable
Definition:
MU'TABLE, a. [L. mutabilis, from muto, to change.]
1. Subject to change; changeable; that may be altered in form, qualities or nature.  Almost every thing we see on earth is mutable; substances are mutable in their form, and we all know by sad experience how mutable are the conditions of life.
2.  Inconstant; unsettled; unstable; susceptible of change.  Our opinions and our purposes are mutable.


Topic: Mutation
Definition:
MUTA'TION, n. [L. mutatio.]  The act or process of changing.
1.  Change; alteration, either in form or qualities.
 The vicissitude or mutations in the superior globe are no fit matter for this present argument.


Topic: Mute
Definition:
MUTE, a. [L. mutus.]
1.  Silent; not speaking; not uttering words, or not having the power of utterance; dumb. Mute may express temporary silence, or permanent inability to speak.
 To the mute my speech is lost.
In this phrase, it denotes unable to utter words.  More generally, it denotes temporarily silent; as, all sat mute.
 All the heavenly choir stood mute.
2.  Uttering no sound; as mute sorrow.
3.  Silent; not pronounced; as a mute letter.
MUTE, n.  In law, a person that stands speechless when he ought to answer or plead.
1.  In grammar,a letter that represents no sound; a close articulation which intercepts the voice. Mutes are of two kinds, pure and impure. The pure mutes instantly and entirely intercept the voice, as k, p and t, in the syllables ek,ep, et.  The impure mutes intercept the voice less suddenly, as the articulations are less close. Such are b,d and g, as in the syllables eb, ed,eg.
2. In music, a little utensil of wood or brass, used on a violin to deaden or soften the sounds.
MUTE, v.i. To eject the contents of the bowels, a birds.
MUTE, n.  The dung of fowls.


Topic: Mutilate
Definition:
MU'TILATE, v.t. [L. mutilo, probably from the root of meto, to cut off.]
1.  To cut off a limb or essential part of an animal body.  To cut off the hand or foot is to mutilate the body or the person.
2.  To cut or break off, or otherwise separate any important part, as of a statue or building.
3.  To retrench, destroy or remove any material part, so as to render the thing imperfect; as, to mutilate the poems of Homer or the orations of Cicero.
 Among the mutilated poets of antiquity,there is none whose fragments are so beautiful as those of Sappho.


Topic: Mutilation
Definition:
MUTILA'TION, n. [L. mutilatio.]  The act of mutilating; deprivation of a limb or of an essential part.
1.  Mutilation is a term of very general import,applied to bodies, to statues, to buildings and to writings; but appropriately, it denotes the retrenchment of a human limb or member, and particularly of the male organs of generation.


Topic: Mutilous
Definition:
MU'TILOUS, a.  Mutilated; defective; imperfect.
Mutine, a mutineer, and mutine, to mutiny, are not in use.


Topic: Mutineer
Definition:
MUTINE'ER, n. [See Mutiny.]  One guilty of mutiny; a person in military or naval service, who rises in opposition to the authority of the officers, who openly resists the government of the army or navy, or attempts to destroy due subordination.


Topic: Mutinous
Definition:
MU'TINOUS, a.  Turbulent; disposed to resist the authority of laws and regulations in an army or navy, or openly resisting such authority.
1.  Seditious. [See Mutiny.]


Topic: Mutinously
Definition:
MU'TINOUSLY, adv.  In a manner or with intent to oppose lawful authority or due subordination in military or naval service.


Topic: Mutiny
Definition:
MU'TINY, n. [L. muto, to change.] An insurrection of soldiers or seamen against the authority of their commanders; open resistance of officers or opposition to their authority.  A mutiny is properly the act of numbers, but by statutes and orders for governing the army and navy in different countries, the acts which constitute mutiny are multiplied and defined; and acts of individuals, amounting to a resistance of the authority or lawful commands of officers, are declared to be mutiny. Any attempt to excite opposition to lawful authority, or any act of contempt towards officers, or disobedience of commands, is by the British mutiny act declared to be mutiny.  Any concealment of mutinous acts, or neglect to attempt a suppression of them, is declared also to be mutiny.
[Note-In good authors who lived a century ago, mutiny and mutinous were applied to insurrection and sedition in civil society.  But I believe these words are now applied exclusively to soldiers and seamen.]
MU'TINY, v.i. To rise against lawful authority in military and naval service; to excite or attempt to excite opposition to the lawful commands of military and naval officers; to commit some act which tends to bring the authority of officers into contempt, or in any way to promote insubordination.


Topic: Mutter
Definition:
MUT'TER, v.i. [L. mutio, muttio, and musso,mussito; allied perhaps to muse, which see.]
1.  To utter words with a low voice and compressed lips, with sullenness or in complaint; to grumble; to murmur.
 Meantime your filthy foreigner will stare, 
 And mutter to himself.
2.  To sound with a low rumbling noise.
 Thick lightnings flash, the muttering thunder rolls.
MUT'TER, v.t.  To utter with imperfect articulations, or with a low murmuring voice.
 Your lips have spoken lies,your tongue hath muttered perverseness. Is.59.
 They in sleep will mutter their affairs.
MUT'TER, n.  Murmur; obscure utterance.


Topic: Mutton
Definition:
MUTTON, n.
1.  The flesh of sheep, raw or dressed for food.
2.  A sheep. [But this sense is now obsolete or ludicrous.]


Topic: Mutual
Definition:
MU'TUAL, a. [L. mutuus, from muto, to change.]
Reciprocal; interchanged , each acting in return or correspondence to the other; given and received.  Mutual love is that which is entertained by two persons each for the other; mutual advantage is that which is conferred by one person or another,and received by him in return.  So we say, mutual assistance, mutual aversion.
 And, what should most excite a mutual flame,
 Your rural cares and pleasures are the same.


Topic: Mutually
Definition:
MU'TUALLY, adv.  Reciprocally, in the manner of giving and receiving.
 The tongue and the pen mutually assist one another.
[Note-Mutual and mutually properly refer to two persons or their intercourse; but they may be and often are applied to numbers acting together or in concert.]


Topic: Mutule
Definition:
MU'TULE, n.  In architecture, a square modillion under the cornice. In French, it is rendered a corbel or bracket.


Topic: Muzzle
Definition:
MUZ'ZLE, n.
1. The mouth of a thing; the extreme or end for entrance or discharge; applied chiefly to the end of a tube, as the open end of a common fusee or pistol,or of a bellows.
2.  A fastening for the mouth which hinders from biting.
 With golden muzzles all their mouths were bound.
MUZ'ZLE, v.t.  To bind the mouth; to fasten the mouth to prevent biting or eating.
 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Deut.25.
1.  To fondle with the mouth close. [Low.]
2.  To restrain from hurt.
 My dagger muzzled--
MUZ'ZLE, v.i.  To bring the mouth near.
 The bear muzzles and smells to him.


Topic: My
Definition:
MY, pronoun. adj. [contracted from migen, mine.  Me was originally mig, and the adjective migen. So in L. meus.  See Mine.]
Belonging to me; as, this is my book.  Formerly, mine was used before a vowel, and my before a consonant; my is now used before both.  We say, my book; my own book; my old friend.  Mine is still used after a verb; as, this book is mine.


Topic: Myology
Definition:
MYOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. muscle, and discourse.]
A description of the muscles, or the doctrine of the muscles of the human body.


Topic: Myriad
Definition:
MYR'IAD, n. [Gr. extreme, innumerable.]
1.  The number of ten thousand.
2.  An immense number, indefinitely.


Topic: Myriameter
Definition:
MYRIAM'ETER, n. [Gr. ten thousand, and measure.]
In the new system of French measures, the length of ten thousand meters, equal to two mean leagues of the ancient measure.


Topic: Myriare
Definition:
MYR'IARE, [Gr. are; L. area.]  A French linear measure of ten thousand areas, or 100,000 square meters.


Topic: Myricin
Definition:
MYR'ICIN, n.  The substance which remains after bees-wax, or the wax of the myrica cordifolia, has been digested in alcohol.


Topic: Myrioliter
Definition:
MYRIOL'ITER, n. [Gr. a pound.]  A French measure of capacity containing ten thousand liters, or 610,280 cubic inches.


Topic: Myrmidon
Definition:
MYR'MIDON, n. [Gr. a multitude of ants.]  Primarily, the Myrmidons are said to have been a people on the borders of Thessaly, who accompanied Achilles to the war against Troy.  Hence the name came to signify a soldier of a rough character, a desperate soldier or ruffian.


Topic: Myrobalan
Definition:
MYROB'ALAN, n. [L. myrobolanum; Gr. unguent, and a nut.]
A dried fruit of the plum kind brought from the East Indies, of which there are several kinds, all slightly purgative and astringent, but not now used in medicine.


Topic: Myrrh
Definition:
MYRRH, n. mer. [L. myrrha.]  A gum-resin that comes in the form of drops or globules of various colors and sizes, of a pretty strong but agreeable smell, and of a bitter taste.  It is imported from Egypt, but chiefly from the southern or eastern parts of Arabia; from what species of tree or plant it is procured, is unknown.  As a medicine, it is a good stomachic, antispasmodic and cordial.


Topic: Myrtle
Definition:
MYR'TLE, n. [L. myrtus.]  A plant of the genus Myrtus, of several species.  The common myrtle rises with a shrubby upright stem, eight or ten feet high.  Its branches form a close full head, closely garnished with oval lanceolate leaves.  It has numerous small, pale flowers from the axillas, singly on each footstalk.


Topic: Myself
Definition:
MYSELF', pron.  A compound of my and self, used after I, to express emphasis, marking emphatically the distinction between the speaker and another person; as, I myself will do it; I have done it myself.
1.  In the objective case, the reciprocal of I.  I will defend myself.
2. It is sometimes used without I, particularly in poetry.
 Myself shall mount the rostrum in his favor.


Topic: Mystagogue
Definition:
MYSTAGOGUE, n. mys'tagog. [Gr. one initiated in mysteries, and a leader.]
1.  One who interprets mysteries.
2.  One that keeps church relics and shows them to strangers.


Topic: Mysterious
Definition:
MYSTE'RIOUS, a. [See Mystery.]  Obscure; hid from the understanding; not clearly understood.  The birth and connections of the man with the iron mask in France are mysterious, and have never been explained.
1.  In religion, obscure; secret; not revealed or explained; hidden from human understanding, or unintelligible; beyond human comprehension.  Applied to the divine counsels and government, the word often implies something awfully obscure; as, the ways of God are often mysterious.


Topic: Mysteriously
Definition:
MYSTE'RIOUSLY, adv. Obscurely; enigmatically.
1.  In a manner wonderfully obscure and unintelligible.


Topic: Mysteriousness
Definition:
MYSTE'RIOUSNESS, n.  Obscurity; the quality of being hid from the understanding, and calculated to excite curiosity or wonder.
1.  Artful perplexity.


Topic: Mystery
Definition:
MYS'TERY, n. [L. mysterium; Gr. a secret.  This word in Greek is rendered also murium latibulum; but probably both senses are from that of hiding or shutting; Gr. to shut, to conceal.
1.  A profound secret; something wholly unknown or something kept cautiously concealed, and therefore exciting curiosity or wonder; such as the mystery of the man with the iron mask in France.
2. In religion, any thing in the character or attributes of
God, or in the economy of divine providence, which is not revealed to man.
3.  That which is beyond human comprehension until explained. In this sense, mystery often conveys the idea of something awfully sublime or important; something that excites wonder.
 Great is the mystery of godliness. 1 Tim.3.
 Having made known to us the mystery of his will. Eph.1.
 We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery.  1 Cor.2.
4.  An enigma; any thing artfully made difficult.
5.  A kind of ancient dramatic representation.
6. A trade; a calling; any mechanical occupation which supposes skill or knowledge peculiar to those who carry it on, and therefore a secret to others.
[The word in the latter sense has been supposed to have a different origin from the foregoing, viz.]


Topic: Mysticism
Definition:
MYS'TICISM, n.  Obscurity of doctrine.
1.  The doctrine of the Mystics, who profess a pure, sublime and perfect devotion, wholly disinterested, and maintain that they hold immediate intercourse with the divine Spirit.


Topic: Mythologist
Definition:
MYTHOL'OGIST, n.  One versed in mythology; one who writes on mythology, or explains the fables of the ancient pagans.


Topic: Mythology
Definition:
MYTHOL'OGY,n. [Gr. a fable, and discourse.]  A system of fables or fabulous opinions and doctrines respecting the deities which heathen nations have supposed to preside over the world or to influence the affairs of it.


Topic: N
Definition:
N is the fourteenth letter of the English Alphabet, and an articulation formed by placing the end of the tongue against the root of the upper teeth.  It is an imperfect mute or semi-vowel, and a nasal letter; the articulation being accompanied with a sound through the nose.  It has one sound only, and after m is silent or nearly so, as in hymn and condemn.  N, among the ancients, was a numeral letter signifying 900, and with a stroke over it, 9000.  Among the lawyers, N. L. stood for non liquet, the case is not clear.  In commerce, No. Is an abbreviation of the French nombre, and stands for number.  N.S. stands for New Style.


Topic: Nab
Definition:
NAB, n. The summit of a mountain or rock.
NAB, v.t. To catch suddenly; to seize by a sudden grasp or thrust; a word little used and only in low language.


Topic: Nabob
Definition:
NABOB, n. 
1. A deputy or prince in India, subordinate to the Subahs; hence,
2. A man of great wealth.


Topic: Nacrite
Definition:
NACRITE, n. [See Naker.] A rare mineral, called also talckite, consisting of scaly parts; glimmering, pearly, friable, with a greasy feel; the color, a greenish white.


Topic: Nadir
Definition:
NADIR, n. 
1. Natara, to be like, proportional, corresponding to, opposite.
2. That point of the heavens or lower hemisphere directly opposite to the zenith; the point directly under the place where we stand.


Topic: Nag
Definition:
NAG, n. 
1. A small horse; a horse in general, or rather a sprightly horse.
2. A paramour; in contempt.


Topic: Nail
Definition:
NAIL, n. If the word was originally applied to a claw or talon, the primary sense may be to catch, or it may be a shoot.
1. The claw or talon of a fowl or other animal.
2. The horny substance growing at the end of the human fingers and toes.
3. A small pointed piece of metal, usually with a head, to be driven into a board or other piece of timber, and serving to fasten it to other timber.  The larger kinds of instruments of this sort are called spikes; and a long thin kind with a flattish head, is called a brad.
4. A stud or boss; a short nail with a large broad head.
5. A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or the 16th of a yard.
6. On the nail, in hand; immediately; without delay or time of credit; as, to pay money on the nail.
7. To hit the nail on the head, to hit or touch the exact point.
NAIL, v.t. 
1. To fasten with nails; to unite, close or make compact with nails.
2. To stud with nails.
3. To stop the vent of a cannon; to spike.


Topic: Naked
Definition:
NAKED, a. Open, discovered, to strip.
1. Not covered; bare; having no clothes on; as a naked body or a naked limb.
2. Unarmed; defenseless; open; exposed; having no means of defense or protection against an enemys attack, or against other injury.
Behold my bosom naked to your swords. 
3. Open to view; not concealed; manifest. Hebrews 4.
4. Destitute of worldly goods. Job 1.
5. Exposed to shame and disgrace. Exodus 32.
6. Guilty and exposed to divine wrath. Revelations 3.
7. Plain; evident; undisguised; as the naked truth.
8. Mere; bare; simple; wanting the necessary additions. God requires of man something besides the naked belief of his being and his word.
9. Not inclosed in a pod or case; as naked seeds of a plant.
10. Without leaves, fulcres or arms; as a naked stem or trunk.
11. Not assisted by glasses; as the naked eye.


Topic: Nakedness
Definition:
NAKEDNESS, n. 
1. Want of covering or clothing; nudity; bareness.
2. Want of means of defense.
Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land are ye come. Gen 42.
3. Plainness; openness to view. 
To uncover nakedness, in Scripture, is to have incestuous or unlawful commerce with a female.


Topic: Naker
Definition:
NAKER, n. Mother of pearl; the white substance which constitutes the interior surface of a shell producing a pearl.


Topic: Name
Definition:
NAME, n. 
1. That by which a thing is called; the sound or combination of sounds used to express an idea, or any material substance, quality or act; an appellation attached to a thing by customary use, by which it may be vocally distinguished from other things. A name may be attached to an individual only, and is then proper or appropriate, as John, Thomas, London, Paris; or it may be attached to a species, genus, or class of things, as sheep, goat, horse, tree, animal, which are called common names, specific or generic.
2. The letters or characters written or engraved, expressing the sounds by which a person or thing is known and distinguished.
3. A person.
They list with women each degenerate name.
4. Reputation; character; that which is commonly said of a person; as a good name; a bad name.
5. Renown; fame; honor; celebrity; eminence; praise; distinction.
What men of name resort to him?
6. Remembrance; memory.
The Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven. Deut. 29.
7. Appearance only; sound only; not reality; as a friend in name. Rev. 3. 
8. Authority; behalf; part; as in the name of the people.  When a man speaks or acts in the name of another, he does it by their authority or in their behalf, as their representative.
9. Assumed character of another.
Had forged a treason in my patrons name.
10. In Scripture, the name of God signifies his titles, his attributes, his will or purpose,, his honor and glory, his word, his grace, his wisdom, power and goodness, his worship or service, or God himself. 
11. Issue; posterity that preserves the name. Deut. 25. 
12. In grammar, a noun.
To call names, to apply opprobrious names; to call by reproachful appellations.
To take the name of God in vain, to swear falsely or profanely,, or to use the name of God with levity or contempt. Exodus 20. 
To know by name, to honor by a particular friendship or familiarity. Exodus 33.
Christian name, the name a person receives by baptism, as distinguished from surname.
NAME, v.t. to call, to name, to invoke.
1. To set or give to any person or thing a sound or combination of sounds by which it may be known and distinguished ; to call; to give an appellation to.
She named the child Ichabod. 1 Samuel 4. 
Thus was the building left Ridiculous, and the work confusion named.
2. To mention by name; to utter or pronounce the sound or sounds by which a person or thing is known and distinguished.
Neither use thyself to the naming of the Holy One.
3. To nominate; to designate for any purpose by name.
Thou shalt anoint to me him whom I name to thee. I Samuel 16. 
4. To entitle.
To the name of Christ, to make profession of faith in him. 2 Timothy 4.


Topic: Nameless
Definition:
NAMELESS, a. 
1. Without a name; not distinguished by an appellation; as a nameless star.
2. He or that whose name is not known or mentioned.


Topic: Namely
Definition:
NAMELY, adv. To mention by name; particularly.
For the excellency of the soul, namely, its power of divining in dreams; that several such divinations have been made, none can question.


Topic: Nan
Definition:
NAN, a Welsh word signifying what, used as an interrogative. [This word has been extensively used within my memory by the common people of New England.]


Topic: Nankeen
Definition:
NANKEEN, n. [Nankin a Chinese word.] A species of cotton cloth of a firm texture, from China, now imitated by the manufacturers in Great Britain.


Topic: Nap
Definition:
NAP, n. To lean, that is, to nod.
1. A short sleep or slumber.
NAP, v. I. 
1. To have a short sleep; to be drowsy.
2. To be in a careless, secure state.
NAP, n. 
1. The woolly or villous substance on the surface of cloth. 
2. The downy or soft hairy substance on plants.
3. A knop.


Topic: Naphtha
Definition:
NAPHTHA, n. [from nafata, to push out, as pustules, to throw out, to boil, to be angry. In Ambaric, neft or nepht, from this sense, signifies a gun or musket.]
1. An inflammable mineral substance of the bituminous kind, of a light brown or yellowish color, sharp taste, and incapable of decomposition. By long keeping it hardens into a substance resembling vegetable resin, and becomes black.  It is as inflammable as ether.  It is said to issue from the earth at Baku, in Persia, and to be received into cisterns. 
2. Naphtha consists of carbon and hydrogen.


Topic: Naphthaline
Definition:
NAPHTHALINE, n. A peculiar crystalizable substance, deposited from naphtha distilled from coal tar, consisting of hydrogen and carbon.


Topic: Napkin
Definition:
NAPKIN, n. [nape, cloth; of which napkin is a diminutive.]
1. A cloth used for wiping the hands; a towel.
2. A handkerchief.


Topic: Nappiness
Definition:
NAPPINESS, n. 
1. The quality of being sleepy or inclined to take naps.
2. The quality of having a nap; abundance of nap; as on cloth.


Topic: Naptaking
Definition:
NAPTAKING, a. Taking naps.
NAPTAKING, n. A taking by surprise, as when one is not on his guard; unexpected onset when one is unprepared.


Topic: Narcissus
Definition:
NARCISSUS, n. In botany, the daffodil, a genus of plants of several species. They are of the bulbous rooted tribe, perennial in root, but with annual leaves and flower stalks.


Topic: Narcotic
Definition:
NARCOTIC, n. A medicine which stupefies the senses and renders insensible to pain; hence, a medicine which induces sleep; a soporific; and opiate.


Topic: Nard
Definition:
NARD, n.
1. A plant usually called spikenard, spica nardi; highly valued by the ancients, both as an article of luxury and of medicine. It is an odorous or aromatic plant.
2. An unguent prepared from the plant.


Topic: Narrate
Definition:
NARRATE, v.t.
1. To tell, rehearse or recite, as a story; to relate the particulars of any event or transaction , or any series of incidents.
2. To write, as the particulars of a story or history, We never say, to narrate a sentence, a sermon or an oration, but we narrate a story, or the particular events which have fallen under our observation, or which we have heard related.


Topic: Narration
Definition:
NARRATION, n. 
1. The act of telling or relating the particulars of an event; rehearsal; recital.
2. Relation; story; history; the relation in words or writing, of the particulars of any transaction or event,, or of any series of transactions or events.
3. In oratory, that part of a discourse which recites the time, manner, or consequences of an action , or simply states the facts connected with the subject.


Topic: Narrative
Definition:
NARRATIVE, a. 
1. Relating the particulars of an event or transaction; giving a particular or continued account.
2. Apt or inclined to relate stories, or to tell particulars of events; story-telling.
But wise through time and narrative with age.


Topic: Narrow
Definition:
NARROW, a. I suspect this word and near to be contracted by the loss of g, nig, narrow, strait; nigiaw, to narrow; for the D. has naauw, narrow, close, G. with a prefix.  In this case, the word belongs to the root of nigh; to approach.
1. Of little breadth; not wide or broad; having little distance from side to side; as a narrow board; a narrow street; a narrow sea; a narrow hem or border.  It is only or chiefly applied to the surface of flat or level bodies.
2. Of little extent; very limited; as a narrow space or compass.
3. Covetous; not liberal or bountiful; as a narrow heart.
4. Contracted; of confined views or sentiments; very limited. 
The greatest understanding is narrow.
In this sense and the former, it is often prefixed to mind or soul, & c. ; as narrow-minded; narrow-souled; narrow-hearted.
5. Near; within a small distance.
6. Close; near; accurate; scrutinizing; as a narrow search; narrow inspection.
7. Near; barely sufficient to avoid evil; as a narrow escape.
NARROW, n. A strait; a narrow passage through a mountain, or a narrow channel of water between one sea or lake and another; a sound. It is usually in the plural, but sometimes in the singular.


Topic: Narrowly
Definition:
NARROWLY, adv. 
1. With little breadth. 
2. Contractedly; without much extent.
3. Closely; accurately; with minute scrutiny; as, to look or watch narrowly; to search narrowly.
4. Nearly; within a little; by a small distance; as, he narrowly escaped.
5. Sparingly.


Topic: Narrowness
Definition:
NARROWNESS, n. 
1. Smallness of breadth or distance from side to side; as the narrowness of cloth, of a street or highway, of a stream or sea. 
2. Smallness of extent; contractedness; as the narrowness of capacity or comprehension; narrowness of knowledge or attainments.
3. Smallness of estate or means of living; poverty; as the narrowness of fortune or of circumstances.
4. Contractedness; penuriousness; covetousness; as narrowness of heart.
5. Illiberality; want of generous, enlarged or charitable views or sentiments; as narrowness of mind or views. 


Topic: Narrows
Definition:
NARROWS, n. A strait; a narrow passage through a mountain, or a narrow channel of water between one sea or lake and another; a sound. It is usually in the plural, but sometimes in the singular.


Topic: Narwal
Definition:
NARWAL, n. The Monodon monoceros, a cetaceous animal found in the northern seas, which grows to twenty feet in length.  The spiracle of this animal is on the anterior part of the skull.  When young it has two teeth or horns, but when old it has but one, which projects from the upper jaw and is spiral.  From this circumstance of its having one horn only, it has obtained the name of the sea unicorn, or unicorn fish. 


Topic: Nasal
Definition:
NASAL, a. Pertaining to the nose; formed or affected by the nose; as a nasal sound; a nasal letter. 
NASAL, n. 
1. A letter whose sound is affected by the nose. 
2. A medicine that operates through the nose; an errhine.


Topic: Nascal
Definition:
NASCAL, n. 
1. A kind of medicated pessary.
2.  Pessary made of wool or cotton, to raise the nose when compressed.


Topic: Nasus
Definition:
NASUS, n. A fresh water fish, about nine inches in length, resembling the chub.  It is found in the Danube, Rhine and other large rivers of Germany.


Topic: Natal
Definition:
NATAL, a. Pertaining to birth. The natal day is the day of birth or nativity. So we say, natal hour; natal place.


Topic: Nation
Definition:
NATION, n. [to be born]
1. A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government; as the English nation; the French nation.  It often happens that many nations are subject to one government; in which case, the word nation usually denotes a body of people speaking the same language, or a body that has formerly been under a distinct government, but has been conquered, or incorporated with a larger nation.  Thus the empire of Russia comprehends many nations, as did formerly the Roman and Persian empires.  Nation, as its etymology imports, originally denoted a family or race of men descended from a common progenitor, like tribe, but by emigration, conquest and intermixture of men of different families, this distinction is in most countries lost.
2. A great number, by way of emphasis.


Topic: National
Definition:
NATIONAL, a. 
1. Pertaining to a nation; as national customs, dress or language. 
2. Public; general; common to a nation; as a national calamity.
3. Attached or unduly attached to ones own country. The writer manifested much national prejudice.  He was too national to be impartial.


Topic: Nationality
Definition:
NATIONALITY, n.  National character; also, the quality of being national, or strongly attached to ones own nation.


Topic: Nationalize
Definition:
NATIONALIZE, v.t. To make national; to give to one the character and habits of a nation, or the peculiar attachments which belong to citizens of the same nation.


Topic: Nationally
Definition:
NATIONALLY, adv.  In regard to the nation; as a whole nation.
The jews-bing nationally espoused to God by covenant. 


Topic: Native
Definition:
NATIVE, a. 
1. Produced by nature; original; born with the being; natural; not acquired; as native genius; native affections; a native talent or disposition; native cheerfulness; native simplicity.
2. Produced by nature; not factitious or artificial; as native ore; native color.
3. Conferred by birth; as native rights and privileges.
4. Pertaining to the place of birth; as native soil; native country; native graves. 
5. Original; that of which any thing is made; as mans native dust. 
6. Born with; congenial.
NATIVE, n. 
1. One born in any place is said to be a native of that place, whether country, city or town. 
2. Offspring. 


Topic: Nativity
Definition:
NATIVITY, n. 
1. Birth; the coming into life or the world.  The feast of Christmas is observed in memory of Christs nativity.
2. Time, place and manner of birth; as, to calculate ones nativity. 
3. State or place of being produced.
These, in their dark nativity, the deep Shall yield us pregnant with infernal flame.


Topic: Natrolite
Definition:
NATROLITE, n. A variety of mesotype or zeolite, so called by Klaproth on account of the great quantity of soda it contains.


Topic: Natural
Definition:
NATURAL, a. [to be born or produced]
1. Pertaining to nature; produced or effected by nature, or by the laws of growth, formation or motion impressed on bodies or beings by divine power.  Thus we speak of the natural growth of animals or plants; the natural motion of a gravitating body; natural strength or disposition; the natural heat of the body; natural color; natural beauty.  In this sense, natural is opposed to artificial or acquired. 
2. According to the stated course of things. Poverty and shame are the natural consequences of certain vices. 
3. Not forced; not far fetched; such as is dictated by nature. The gestures of the orator are natural.
4. According to the life; as a natural representation of the face. 
5. Consonant to nature. 
Fire and warmth go together, and so seem to carry with them as natural an evidence as self-evident truths themselves. 
6. Derived from nature, as opposed to habitual.  The love of pleasure is natural ; the love of study is usually habitual or acquired. 
7. Discoverable by reason; not revealed; as natural religion.
8. Produced or coming in the ordinary course of things, or the progress or animals and vegetables; as a natural death; opposed to violent or premature.
9. Tender; affectionate by nature. 
10. Unaffected; unassumed; according to truth and reality.
What can be more natural than the circumstances of the behavior of those women who had lost heir husbands on this fatal day?
11. Illegitimate; born out of wedlock; as a natural son.
12. Native; vernacular; as ones natural language. 
13. Derived from the study of the works or nature; as natural knowledge.
14. A natural note, in music, is that which is according to the usual order of the scale; opposed to flat and sharp notes, which are called artificial.
Natural history, in its most extensive sense, is the description of whatever is created, or of the whole universe, including the heavens and the earth, and all the productions of the earth.  But more generally, natural history is limited to a description of the earth and its productions, including zoology, botany, geology, mineralogy, meteorology, & c. 
Natural philosophy, the science of material natural bodies, of their properties, powers and motions.  It is distinguished from intellectual and moral philosophy, which respect the mind or understanding of man and the qualities of actions.  Natural philosophy comprehends mechanics, hydrostatics, optics, astronomy, chimistry, magnetism, eletricity, galvanism, & c. 


Topic: Naturalist
Definition:
NATURALIST, n. One that studies natural history and philosophy or physics; one that is versed in natural history or philosophy.  It is more generally applied to one that is versed in natural history.


Topic: Naturalization
Definition:
NATURALIZATION, n. [See Naturalize] The act of investing an alien with the rights and privileges of a native subject or citizen.  Naturalization in Great Britain is only by act of parliament.  In the United States, it is by act of Congress, vesting certain tribunals with the power.


Topic: Naturalize
Definition:
NATURALIZE, v.t. [from natural, nature.]
1. To confer on an alien the rights and privileges of a native subject or citizen; to adopt foreigners into a nation or state, and place them in the condition of natural born subjects.
2. To make natural; to render easy and familiar by custom and habit; as, custom naturalizes labor or study.
3. To adapt; to make suitable; to acclimate; as, to naturalize one to a climate.
4. To receive or adopt as native, natural or vernacular; to make our own; as, to naturalize foreign words.
5. To accustom; to habituate; as, to naturalize the vine to a cold climate.


Topic: Naturalized
Definition:
NATURALIZED, pp. Invested with the privileges of natives; rendered easy and familiar; adapted to a climate; acclimated; received as native.


Topic: Naturally
Definition:
NATURALLY, adv.
1. According to nature; by the force or impulse of nature; not by art or habit.  We are naturally prone to evil.
2. According to nature; without affectation; with just representation; according to life.
3. According to the usual course of things; as, the effect or consequence naturally follows.
4. Spontaneously; without art or cultivation. Every plant must have grown naturally in some place or other.


Topic: Naturalness
Definition:
NATURALNESS, n. 
1. The state of being given or produced by nature; as the naturalness of desire.
2. Conformity to nature, or to truth and reality; not affectation ; as the naturalness of the eyebrows.


Topic: Naturals
Definition:
NATURALS, n. plu. Among physicians, whatever belongs naturally to an animal; opposed to non-naturals. [ It may perhaps be sometimes used in the singular.]


Topic: Nature
Definition:
NATURE, n. [L. from nature, born, produced,]
1. In a general sense, whatever is made or produced; a word that comprehends all the works of God; the universe. Of a phoenix we say, there is no such thing in nature.
And look through nature up to natures God.
2. By a metonymy of the effect for the cause, nature is used for the agent, creator, author, producer of things, or for the powers that produce them.  By the expression, trees and fossils are produced by nature, we mean, they are formed or produced by certain inherent powers in matter, or we mean that they are produced by God, the Creator, the Author of whatever is made or produced.  The opinion that things are produced by inherent powers of matter, independent of a supreme intelligent author, is atheism.  But generally men mean by nature, thus used, the Author of created things, or the operation of his power.
3. The essence, essential qualities or attributes of a thing, which constitute it what it is; as the nature of the soul; the nature of blood; the nature of a fluid; the nature of plants, or of a metal; the nature of a circle or an angle.  When we speak of the nature of man, we understand the peculiar constitution of his body or mind, or the qualities of the species which distinguish him from other animals.  When we speak of the nature of a man, or an individual of the race, we mean his particular qualities or constitution; either the peculiar temperament of his body, or the affections of his mind, his natural appetites, passions, disposition or temper.  So of irrational animals.
4. The established or regular course of things; as when we say, an event is not according to nature, or it is out of the order of nature.
5. A law or principle of action or motion in a natural body.  A stone by nature falls, or inclines to fall.
6. Constitution aggregate powers of a body, especially a living one.  We say, nature is strong or weak; nature is almost exhausted.
7. The constitution and appearances of things.
The works, whether of poets, painters, moralists or historians, which are built upon general nature, live forever. 
8. Natural affection or reverence.
Have we not seen, the murdering son ascend his parents bed through violated nature force his way?
9. System of created things.
He binding nature fast in fate, Left conscience free and will.
10. Sort; species; kind; particular character.
A dispute of this nature caused mischief to a king and an archbishop.
11. Sentiments r images conformed to nature, or to truth and reality.
Only nature can please those tastes which are unprejudiced and refined.
12. Birth. No man is noble by nature.
NATURE, v.t. To endow with natural qualities. [Not in use]


Topic: Naufrage
Definition:
NAUFRAGE, n. [L. A ship, and to break See wreck, which is from the same root, break] Shipwreck. [Not in use]


Topic: Naught
Definition:
NAUGHT, n. Nothing. 
Doth Job serve God for naught? Job 1.
Thou sellest thy people for naught. Psalm 44.
To set at naught, to slight, to disregard or despise.
Ye have set at naught all my counsel. Proverbs 1.
NAUGHT, adv. In no degree
To wealth or sovereign power he naught applied.
NAUGHT, a. Bad; worthless; of no value or account.
Things naught and things indifferent.
It is naught, it is naught, says the buyer. Proverbs 20.


Topic: Naughtiness
Definition:
NAUGHTINESS, n. Nautiness.
1. Badness; wickedness; evil principle or purpose. 
I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thy heart. 1 Samuel 17.
2. Slight wickedness of children; perverseness; mischievousness.
, a. Nauty. 
1. Wicked; corrupt. 
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. Proverbs 6. 
2. Bad; worthless.
The other basket had very naughty figs. Jeremiah 24.
3. Mischievous; perverse; froward; as a naughty child. It is now seldom used except in the latter sense, as applied to children.


Topic: Naumachy
Definition:
NAUMACHY, n. 
1. Among the ancient Romans, a show or spectacle representing a sea-fight.
2. The place where these shows were exhibited.


Topic: Nausea
Definition:
NAUSEA, n.  Originally and properly, sea-sickness; hence, any similar sickness of the stomach, accompanied with a propensity to vomit; qualm; loathing; squeamishness of the stomach.


Topic: Nauseate
Definition:
NAUSEATE, v.t. 
1. To lothe; to reject with disgust. 
The patient nauseates and lothes wholesome foods.
Old age, with silent pace, comes creeping on, Nauseates the praise which in her youth she won.
2. To affect with disgust.


Topic: Nauseous
Definition:
NAUSEOUS, a. Lothesome; disgustful; disgusting; regarded with abhorrence; as a nauseous drug or medicine.


Topic: Nauseousness
Definition:
NAUSEOUSNESS, n. Lothesomeness; quality of exciting disgust; as the nauseousness of a drug or medicine.
The nauseousness of such company disgusts a reasonable man.


Topic: Nautic
Definition:
NAUTIC, a. [L. A seaman, a ship, See Navy] Pertaining to seamen or navigation; as nautical skill; a nautical almanack.


Topic: Nautical
Definition:
NAUTICAL, a. [L. A seaman, a ship, See Navy] Pertaining to seamen or navigation; as nautical skill; a nautical almanack.


Topic: Nautilus
Definition:
NAUTILUS, n. [L.,Gr. A ship] A genus of marine animals, whose shell consists of one spiral valve divided into several apartments by partitions.  There are many species.  This animal, when it sails, extends two of its arms, and between these supports a membrane that serves as a sail.  With two other arms it rows or steers. 
Learn of the little nautilus to sail.


Topic: Naval
Definition:
NAVAL, a. [L. Gr. A ship]
1. Consisting of ships; as a naval force or armament. 
2. Pertaining to ships; as naval stores.


Topic: Nave
Definition:
NAVE, n. 
1. The thick piece of timber in the center of a wheel, in which the spokes are inserted; called also the hob. 
2. The middle or body of a church extending from the balluster or rail of the door, to the chief choir.


Topic: Navel
Definition:
NAVEL, n.  The center of the lower part of the abdomen, or the point where the umbilical cord passes out of the fetus.  The umbilical cord is a collection of vessels by which the fetus of an animal communicates with the parent by means of the placenta, to which it is attached.


Topic: Navicular
Definition:
NAVICULAR, a. [L., a little ship]
1. Relating to small ships or boats. 
2. Shaped like a boat; cymbiform.  The navicular bone is the scaphoid bone of the wrist. 


Topic: Navigable
Definition:
NAVIGABLE, a. [L. From navigo, to sail, from navis, a ship] To pass on water in ships; to sail. 
The Phoenicians navigated to the extremities of the Western ocean.


Topic: Navigate
Definition:
NAVIGATE, v.t.  
1. To pass over in ships; to sail on ; as to navigate the Atlantic.
2. To steer, direct or manage in sailing; as, to navigate a ship.


Topic: Navigation
Definition:
NAVIGATION, ppr. Passing on or over in sailing; steering and managing in sailing.
NAVIGATION, n. 
1. The act of navigating; the act of passing on water in ships or other vessels.
2. The art of conducting ships or vessels from one place to another.  This art comprehends not only the management of the sails, but the directing and measuring of the course of ships by the laws of geometry, or by astronomical principles and observations. 
3. Ships in general.
Aerial navigation, the sailing or floating in the air by means of balloons.
Inland navigation, the passing of boats or small vessels on rivers, lakes or canals, in the interior of a country; conveyance by boats or vessels in the interior of a country.


Topic: Navigator
Definition:
NAVIGATOR, n. One that navigates or sails; chiefly, one who directs the course of a ship, or one who is skillful in the art of navigation.  We say, a bold navigator, an experienced navigator, an able navigator.


Topic: Navy
Definition:
NAVY, n. [Gr. From to swim. To swim then is to move up and down.]
1. A fleet of ships; an assemblage of merchantmen, or so many as sail in company.
The navy of Hiram brought gold from Ophir.  1 Kings 10.
2. The whole of the ships of war belonging to a nation or king.  The navy of Great Britain is the defense of the kingdom and its commerce.  This is the usual acceptation of the word.


Topic: Nay
Definition:
NAY, adv. [a contracted word, to deny]
1. No; a word that expresses negation.
I tell you nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Luke 13.
2. It expresses also refusal.
He that will not when he may, When he would he shall have nay.
[In these senses it is now rarely used; no being substituted.] 
3. Not only so; not this alone; intimating that something is to be added y way of amplification.  He requested an answer; nay, he urged it.
NAY, n. Denial, refusal.
NAY, v.t. To refuse. [Not in use]


Topic: Ne
Definition:
NE, not, is obsolete.  We find it in early English writers, prefixed to other words; as nill, for ne will, will not; nas, for ne has, has not; nis for ne is, is not.


Topic: Neal
Definition:
NEAL, v.t. To temper and reduce to a due consistence by heat.  But neal is now rarely used. [See Anneal]
NEAL, v.i. To be tempered by heat. [Little used] [See Anneal]


Topic: Neap
Definition:
NEAP, n. [This word may belong to the root of neb, nib; nose] The tongue or pole of a cart, sled or wagon.
NEAP, a. [to incline, to fall] The neap tides are those which happen in the middle of the second and fourth quarters of the moon.  They are low tides, and opposed to spring tides.
NEAP, n. Low water. [Little used.]


Topic: Neaped
Definition:
NEAPED, BENEAPED, a. Left aground.  A ship is said to be neaped, when left aground, particularly on the height of a spring tide, so that she will not float till the return of the next spring tide.


Topic: Near
Definition:
NEAR, a. [This seems to be a contracted word, from nigher, the comparative of neh, nih or nieh; strait, narrow; to narrow]
1. Nigh; not far distant in place, time or degree.  Regularly, near should be followed by to, but this is often omitted.  We say, a house stands near a river; a friend sits near me; the man fell and was near destruction.
And Jacob went near to Isaac his father.  Genesis 27.
Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  Romans 13. 
2. Closely related by blood.
She is thy fathers near kinswoman.  Leviticus 18.
3. Not distant in affection, support or assistance; present; ready; willing to aid.
Call upon the Lord, while he is near.  Isaiah 55. 
4. Intimate; united in close ties of affection or confidence; as a near friend.
5. Dear; affecting ones interest or feelings; as a near concern.
My nearest life.
6. Close; parsimonious.
7. Close; not loose, free or rambling; as a version near the original.
8. Next to one; opposed to off; as the near horse or ox in a team.


Topic: Nearest
Definition:
NEAREST, a. Shortest; most direct; as the nearest way to London.  So we use nearer for shorter. [The use of these words is not correct, but very common.]


Topic: Nearly
Definition:
NEARLY, adv.  
1. At no great distance; not remotely.
2. Closely; as two persons nearly related or allied.
3. Intimately; pressingly; with a close relation to ones interest or happiness.  It nearly concerns us to preserve peace with our neighbor.
4. Almost; within a little.  The fact is nearly demonstrated.
5. In a parsimonious or niggardly manner.


Topic: Nearness
Definition:
NEARNESS, n. 
1. Closeness; small distance.  The nearness of a place to a market enhances the value of lands.
2. Close alliance by blood; propinquity; as the nearness of brothers and sisters, parents and children.
3. Close union by affection; intimacy of friendship.
4. Parsimony; closeness in expenses.


Topic: Neat
Definition:
NEAT, n. [Neat coincides with the root of need in elements, and if connected with it, the sense is a herd or collection, from crowding, pressing; but this is doubtful.]
1. Cattle of the bovine genus, as bulls, oxen and cows.  In America, this word is used in composition, as in neats tongue, neats foot oil, and tautologically in neat cattle.
2. A single cow.
NEAT, a. [L. to shine, to be clean, fair or fine; pure, to purify, to winnow.]
1. Very clean; free from foul or extraneous matter; as neat clothes.  The vessels are kept neat; the woman keeps her house very neat.
2. Pure; free from impure words and phrases; as a neat style.
3. Cleanly; preserving neatness; as a neat woman.
4. Pure; unadulterated; as neat wine.
5. Free from tawdry appendages and well adjusted; as a neat dress.
6. Clear of the cask, case, bag, box, & c. ; as neat weight.  It is usually written net or nett.


Topic: Neatly
Definition:
NEATLY, adv. 
1. With neatness; in a neat manner; in a cleanly manner; as a garment neatly washed.
2. With good taste; without tawdry ornaments; as a lady neatly dressed.
3. Nicely; handsomely; as a vessel neatly gilt.


Topic: Neatness
Definition:
NEATNESS, n. 
1. Exact cleanliness; entire freedom from foul matter; as the neatness of a floor or of a garment.
2. Purity; freedom from ill chosen words; as the neatness of style.
3. Freedom from useless or tawdry ornaments; with good adjustment of the several parts; as the neatness of a dress.


Topic: Neatress
Definition:
NEATRESS, n. [from neat, cattle] A female who takes care of cattle. [ Not used in the United States]


Topic: Neb
Definition:
NEB, n. [G. In the different dialects, it signifies a bill, beak, the nose, or the face, from extending or shooting. It is also written nib.] The nose; the beak of a fowl; the bill; the mouth.


Topic: Nebulab
Definition:
NEBULAB, n. [fog, mist; Probably the primary sense is thick or mixed.]
1. A dark spot, a film in the eye, or a slight opacity of the cornea.
2. In astronomy, a cluster of fixed stars, not distinguishable from each other or scarcely visible to the naked eye, and exhibiting a dim hazy light, appearing like dusky specks or clouds through the telescope.


Topic: Nebule
Definition:
NEBULE, n . [fog, mist; Probably the primary sense is thick or mixed.]
1. A dark spot, a film in the eye, or a slight opacity of the cornea.
2. In astronomy, a cluster of fixed stars, not distinguishable from each other or scarcely visible to the naked eye, and exhibiting a dim hazy light, appearing like dusky specks or clouds through the telescope.


Topic: Necessarian
Definition:
NECESSARIAN,n. [See Necessary.] An advocate for the doctrine of philosophical necessity; more properly necessitarian.


Topic: Necessaries
Definition:
NECESSARIES, n. plu. [from necessary] Things necessary for some purpose; as the necessaries of life.


Topic: Necessarily
Definition:
NECESSARILY, adv.
1. By necessity; in such a manner that it cannot be otherwise.  Truth is necessarily opposite to falsehood.  A square is necessarily different from a circle.
2. Indispensably.  Most men are necessarily occupied in procuring their subsistence.
3. By unavoidable consequence.  Certain inferences necessarily result from particular premises.


Topic: Necessary
Definition:
NECESSARY, a. 
1. That must be; that cannot be otherwise; indispensably requisite.  It is necessary that every effect should have a cause.
2. Indispensable; requisite; essential; that cannot be otherwise without preventing the purpose intended.  Air is necessary to support animal life; food is necessary to nourish the body; holiness is a necessary qualification for happiness; health is necessary to the enjoyment of pleasure; subjection to law is necessary to the safety of persons and property.
3. Unavoidable; as a necessary inference or consequence from facts or arguments.
4. Acting from necessity or compulsion; opposed to free.  Whether man is a necessary or a free agent is a question much discussed.
NECESSARY, n. A privy.


Topic: Necessitarian
Definition:
NECESSITARIAN, n.  One who maintains the doctrine of philosophical necessity in regard to the origin and existence of things.


Topic: Necessitate
Definition:
NECESSITATE, v.t. To make necessary or indispensable; to render unavoidable; to compel.
The marquis of Newcastle, being pressed on both sides, was necessitated to draw all his army into York.
Sickness might necessitate his removal from court.


Topic: Necessitous
Definition:
NECESSITOUS, a. 
1.Very needy or indigent; pressed with poverty.
There are multitudes of necessitous heirs and penurious parents.
2. Narrow; destitute; pinching; as necessitous circumstances.


Topic: Necessity
Definition:
NECESSITY, n. 
1. That which must be and cannot be otherwise, or the cause of that which cannot be otherwise.  It is of necessity that a thing cannot be and not be at the same time.  It is of necessity that two contradictory propositions cannot both be true.
2. Irresistible power; compulsive force, physical or moral.  If mans actions are determined by causes beyond his control, he acts from necessity, and is not a free agent.  Necessity compelled the general to act on the defensive.
3. Indispensableness; the state of being requisite.  The necessity of funds to support public credit, no man questions.  The necessity of economy in domestic concerns is admitted.  No man can plead necessity in excuse for crimes.
4. Extreme indigence; pinching poverty; pressing need.
The cause of all the distractions in his court or army proceeded from the extreme poverty and necessity his majesty was in.
5. Unavoidableness; inevitableness; as the necessity of a consequence from certain premises.
6. In the plural, things requisite for a purpose.
These should be hors for necessities, Not for delights.


Topic: Neck
Definition:
NECK, n. [G. This word is properly the nape or vertebrae of the neck behind, and is so rendered in other languages, L.  that is a knob or mass.] 
1. The part of an animals body which is between the head and the trunk, and connects them.  In man and many other animals, this part is more slender than the trunk; hence, 
2. A long narrow tract of land projecting from the main body, or a narrow tract connecting two larger tracts; as the neck of land between Boston and Roxbury.
3. The long slender part of a vessel,, as a retort; or of a plant, as a gourd; or of any instrument, as a guitar.
A stiff neck, in Scripture, denotes obstinacy in sin.
On the neck , immediately after; following closely.
First by committing one sin on the neck of another.
[This phrase is not much used.  We more frequently say, on the heels.]
To break the neck of an affair, to hinder, or to do the principal thing to prevent.
To harden the neck, to grow obstinate; to be more and more perverse and rebellious.  Nehemiah 9.


Topic: Neckverse
Definition:
NECKVERSE, n.  The verse formerly read to entitle a party to the benefit of clergy, said to be the first verse of the fifty first Psalm, Miserere mei, & c.


Topic: Necromancer
Definition:
NECROMANCER, n. [See Necromancy.] One who pretends to foretell future events by holding converse with departed spirits; a conjurer.


Topic: Necromancy
Definition:
NECROMANCY, n. [Gr. Dead, and divination.]
1. The art of revealing future events by means of a pretended communication with the dead.  This imposture is prohibited.  Deuteronomy 18.
2. Enchantment; conjuration.


Topic: Necromantic
Definition:
NECROMANTIC, a. Pertaining to necromancy; performed by necromancy.
NECROMANTIC, n. Trick; conjuration.


Topic: Necronite
Definition:
NECRONITE, n. [Gr., dead] Fetid feldspar, a mineral which when struck or pounded, exhales a fetid odor like that of putrid flesh.


Topic: Nectar
Definition:
NECTAR, n. 
1. In fabulous history and poetry, the drink of the gods; hence,
2. A very sweet and pleasant drink.


Topic: Nectarial
Definition:
NECTARIAL, a. Pertaining to the nectary of a plant.
Stamens inserted into the margin of a glandulous nectarial ring.


Topic: Nectary
Definition:
NECTARY, n. In botany, the melliferous part of a vegetable, peculiar to the flower.  It usually makes a part of the corol, gut is sometimes distinct from it.  Sometimes ti is in the form of a horn or spur; sometimes in that of a cup; whence it is called the honey cup.


Topic: Need
Definition:
NEED, n. [to be in want. The primary sense is to press.]
1. Want; occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief.  It sometimes expresses urgent want; pressing exigency.
What further need have we of witnesses? Matthew 26.
2. Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence.
I know how to abound and to suffer need.  Philippians 4.

NEED, v.t. [ to compel] To want; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.
They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  Matthew 9.
NEED,v.i. To be wanted; to be necessary.
When we have done it, we have done all that is in our power, and all that needs. [Not used.]
Need is often used as an auxiliary, or at least without the personal termination.
And the lender need not fear he shall be injured.


Topic: Needle
Definition:
NEEDLE, n. [G. something sharp or pointed.  It may be allied to nettle.]
1. A small instrument of steel pointed at one end, with an eye at the other to receive a thread; used in sewing and embroidery.  Needles are also used by surgeons in sewing up wounds.
2. A small pointed piece of steel used in the mariners compass, which by its magnetic quality is attracted and directed to the pole, and thus enables navigators to steer their ships the course intended.
3. Any crystalized substance in the form of a needle.
Dipping needle, a magnetic needle that dips or inclines downwards.
NEEDLE, v.t. To form crystals in the shape of a needle.
NEEDLE, v.i. To shoot in crystalization into the form of needles; as needled prisms.


Topic: Needle-fish
Definition:
NEEDLE-FISH, n. A fish of the genus Syngnathus.  The middle of the body is hexangular.  Also, the sea-urchin.


Topic: Needless
Definition:
NEEDLESS, a. 
1. Not wanted; unnecessary; not requisite; as needless labor; needless expenses.
2. Not wanting.


Topic: Needlework
Definition:
NEEDLEWORK, n. Work executed with a needle; or the business of a seamstress.  It is used particularly for embroidery.


Topic: Needy
Definition:
NEEDY, a. Necessitous; indigent; very poor; distressed by want of the means of living.
To relieve the needy and comfort the afflicted, are duties that fall in our way every day.
Spare the blushes of needy merit.


Topic: Nefandous
Definition:
NEFANDOUS, a. [L. Unlawful, or to utter.] Wicked in the extreme; abominable; atrociously sinful or villianous; detestably vile.


Topic: Negation
Definition:
NEGATION, n. [L. The sense is to thrust, to stop or repel; for in Italian, negare is to deny, and annegare is to deny, and to drown, to stifle in water; to drown or inundate.]
1. Denial; a declaration that something is not; opposed to affirmation; as, the soul is not matter.
2. In logic, description by denial, exclusion or exception.
Negation is the absence of that which does not belong to the thing we are speaking of. 
3. Argument drawn from denial.
It may be proved by way of negation, that they came not from Europe, as having no remainder of the arts, learning and civilities of it.


Topic: Negative
Definition:
NEGATIVE, a. 
1. Implying denial or negation; opposed to affirmative, as a negative proposition is that which denies.  Matter is not spirit.
2. Implying absence; opposed to positive.
There is a negative way of denying Christ, when we do not acknowledge and confess him.
3. Having the power of stopping or restraining. A negative voice in legislation is a voice or vote to prevent the passing of a law or decree.
Negative sign, in algebra, the sign of subtraction , a sign which indicates that the quantity to which it is prefixed is to be subtracted.  It is opposed to positive ro affirmative; as ab-n.
Negative electricity, according to Dr. Franklin, is a deficiency of the fluid in a substance, or less than the substance naturally contains.
NEGATIVE, n. 
1. A proposition by which something is denied; as, matter has not the power of moving itself.
2. A word that denies; as not, no.


Topic: Negatively
Definition:
NEGATIVELY, adv.
1. With or by denial; as, he answered negatively.
2. In the form of speech implying the absence of something; opposed to positively.
I shall show what this image of god in man is, negatively, by showing wherein it does not consist, and positively, by showing wherein it does consist.
3. Negatively charged or electrified. [See Positively]


Topic: Negboor
Definition:
NEGBOOR, n. 
1. One who lives near another.  In large towns, a neighbor is one who lives within a few doors.  In the country, a neighbor may live at a greater distance; a dn in new settlements, where the people are thinly scattered over the country, a neighbor may be distant several miles.  Such is the use of the word in the United States.
2. One who lives in familiarity with another; a word of civility.
3. An intimate; a confidant.
4. A fellow being. Acts 7.
5. One of the human race; any one that needs our help, or to whom we have an opportunity of doing good.
6. A country that is near.


Topic: Neglect
Definition:
NEGLECT, v.t. [G. To let, to leave, to suffer to pass. The sense of the latter words then is to leave behind, or permit to remain; I suspect the L. To be composed of the same prefix, as n is not radical in the latter.  But of this I am not confident.]
1. To omit by carelessness or design; to forbear to do, use, employ, promote or attend to; as, to neglect duty or business; to neglect to pay honest debts; to neglect our interest or policy; to neglect the means in our power.
2. To omit to receive or embrace; to slight.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Hebrews 2.
3. To slight; not to notice; to forbear to treat with attention or respect.  Among people of good breeding, strangers seldom complain of being neglected.
4. To postpone. [Not in use.]
NEGLECT, n. 
1. Omission; forbearance to do any thing that can be done or that requires to be done.  Neglect may be from carelessness or intention.  The neglect of business is the cause of many failures, but neglect of economy is more frequent and more injurious.
2. Slight; omission of attention or civilities.  Neglect of due notice and attention to strangers is characteristic of ill breeding.
3. Negligence; habitual want of regard.
Age breeds neglect in all.
4. State of being disregarded.
Rescue my poor remains from vile neglect.


Topic: Neglectful
Definition:
NEGLECTFUL, a. 
1. Heedless; careless; inattentive.
2. Accustomed or apt to omit what may or ought to be done.
3. Treating with neglect or slight.
4. Indicating neglect, slight or indifference; as a neglectful countenance.


Topic: Negligence
Definition:
NEGLIGENCE, n. 
1. Neglect; omission to do; more generally, 
2. Habitual omission of that which ought to be done, or a habit of omitting to do things, either from carelessness or design.  Negligence is usually the child of sloth or laziness, and the parent of disorders in business, often of poverty.


Topic: Negligent
Definition:
NEGLIGENT, a. 
1. Careless; heedless; apt or accustomed to omit what ought to be done; inattentive to business or necessary concerns.  It is applied to a particular instance of neglect, or it denotes habitually careless or inattentive. 2 Chronicles 29. 2 Peter 1. 
He that thinks he can afford to be negligent, is not far from being poor.
2. Regardless.
Be thou negligent of fame.


Topic: Negligently
Definition:
NEGLIGENTLY, adv.  
1. Carelessly; heedlessly; without exactness; as a person negligently dressed; a piece negligently written; a farm negligently cultivated.
2. With slight, disregard or inattention.


Topic: Negotiable
Definition:
NEGOTIABLE, a. [from negotiate] That may be transferred by assignment or indorsement; that may be passed from the owner to another person so as to vest the property in the assignee; as a negotiable note or bill or exchange.


Topic: Negotiate
Definition:
NEGOTIATE, v.i. [ L. An errand, business; to go on errands, to negotiate.]
1. To transact business; to treat with another respecting purchase and sale; to hold intercourse in bargaining or trade, either in person or by a broker or substitute; as, to negotiate with a man for the purchase of goods or a farm.
2. To hold intercourse with another respecting a treaty, league or convention; to treat with respecting peace or commerce.
 It is a crime for an embassador to betray his prince for whom he should negotiate.
NEGOTIATE, v.t. 
1. To procure by mutual intercourse and agreement with another; as, to negotiate a loan of money. 
Ship brokers and interpreters negotiate affreightments.
2. To procure, make or establish by mutual intercourse and agreement with others.  Mr. Jay negotiated a treaty with the British ministry in 1794.
3. To sell; to pass; to transfer for a valuable consideration; as, to negotiate a bill of exchange.
 The notes were not negotiated to them in the usual course of business or trade.


Topic: Negotiated
Definition:
NEGOTIATED, pp. Procured or obtained by agreement with another; sold or transferred for a valuable consideration.


Topic: Negotiation
Definition:
NEGOTIATION, n. 
1. The act of negotiating; the transacting of business in traffick; the treating with another respecting sale or purchase.
2. The transaction of business between nations; the mutual intercourse of governments by their agents, in making treaties and the like; as the negotiations at Ghent.


Topic: Negotiator
Definition:
NEGOTIATOR, n. One that negotiates; one that treats with others either as principal or agent, in respect to purchase and sale, or public compacts.


Topic: Negro
Definition:
NEGRO, n. [It is remarkable that our common people retain the exact Latin pronunciation of this word, neger.] A native or descendant of the black race of men in Africa.  The word is never applied to the tawny or olive colored inhabitants of the northern coast of Africa, but to the more southern race of men who are quite black.


Topic: Negus
Definition:
NEGUS, n .  A liquor made of wine, water, sugar, nutmeg and lemon juice; so called, it is said, from its first maker, Col. Negus.


Topic: Neigh
Definition:
NEIGH, v.i. [signifies to jar or quarrel; a sharp noise.] To utter the voice of a horse, expressive of want or desire; to whinny.
NEIGH, n. na.  The voice of a horse; a whinnying.


Topic: Neighbor
Definition:
NEIGHBOR, n. 
1. One who lives near another.  In large towns, a neighbor is one who lives within a few doors.  In the country, a neighbor may live at a greater distance; and in new settlements, where the people are thinly scattered over the country, a neighbor may be distant several miles.  Such is the use of the word in the United States.
2. One who lives in familiarity with another; a word of civility.
3. An intimate; a confidant.
4. A fellow being.  Acts 7. 
5. One of the human race; any one that needs our help, or to whom we have an opportunity of doing good.
6. A country that is near.


Topic: Neighborhood
Definition:
NEIGHBORHOOD, n. 
1. A place near; vicinity; the adjoining district or any place not distant.  He lives in my neighborhood.
2. State of being near each other; as several states in a neighborhood.
3. The inhabitants who live in the vicinity of each other. The fire alarmed all the neighborhood.


Topic: Neighboring
Definition:
NEIGHBORING, a. Living or being near; as the neighboring inhabitants; neighboring countries or nations.


Topic: Neighborly
Definition:
NEIGHBORLY, a.
1. Becoming a neighbor; kind; civil.
Judge if this be neighborly dealing.
2. Cultivating familiar intercourse; interchanging frequent visits; social.  Friend, you are not neighborly.
NEIGHBORLY, adv. With social civility; as, to live neighborly.


Topic: Neither
Definition:
NEITHER, n. [Compound pronoun, pronominal adjective, or a substitute, and not either, or not other. Not either; not the one nor the other.]
1. It refers to individual things or persons; as, which road shall I take?  Neither, take neither road.  The upright judge inclines to neither party.  It is used as a substitute; as, the upright judge inclines to neither of the parties.
He neither loves Nor either cares for him.
2. It refers to a sentence; as, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it.  That is, ye shall not eat, not either or other shall ye touch it; ye shall not eat, nor shall ye do the other thing here mentioned, that is, touch it. Genesis 3. 
Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king; that is, fight not, either with small or great. 1 Kings 22. 
Neither, in the first part of a negative sentence, is followed by nor, in the subsequent part.  It is neither the one nor the other.  But or would be most proper, for the negative in neither, applies to both parts of the sentence.  It is often used in the last member of a negative sentence instead of nor, as in the passage above cited.  Ye shall not eat it , neither shall ye touch it.  Here neither is improperly used for nor, for not in the first clause refers only to that clause, and the second negative refers only to the second clause.  Ye shall not eat it, nor shall ye touch it.  In the sentences above, neither is considered to be a conjunction or connecting word, though in fact it is a pronoun or representative of a clause of a sentence.
3. Neither primarily refers to two; not either of two.  But by usage it is applicable to any number, referring to individuals separately considered.  Five or ten persons being charged with a misdemeanor or riot, each may say, neither of us was present.
4. Neither sometimes closes a sentence in a peculiar manner, thus, men come not to the knowledge of ideas thought to be innate, till they come to the use of reason; not then neither.  That is not either when they come to the use of reason, or before.  Formerly, in English, as in Greek and French, two negatives were used for one negation.  But in such phrases as that above, good speakers now use either; nor then either.


Topic: Neologist
Definition:
NEOLOGIST, n. One who introduces new words into a language.  Lavoisier has been a successful neologist.


Topic: Neology
Definition:
NEOLOGY, n. The introduction of a new word or of new words into a language.  The present nomenclature of chimistry is a remarkable instance of neology.


Topic: Neophyte
Definition:
NEOPHYTE, n.
1. A new convert or proselyte; a name given by the early Christians to such heathens as had recently embraced the Christian faith, and were considered as regenerated by baptism.
2. A novice; one newly admitted to the order of priest.
3. A tyro; a beginner in learning.


Topic: Nepenthe
Definition:
NEPENTHE, n. [Gr. not, and grief.] A drug or medicine that drives away pain and grief. [Little used.]


Topic: Nephelin
Definition:
NEPHELIN, n. [Gr. A cloud] A mineral found mixed with other substances, primitive or volcanic, in small masses or veins, granolamellar and in hexahedral crystals.  It is white or yellow.


Topic: Nepheline
Definition:
NEPHELINE, n. [Gr. A cloud] A mineral found mixed with other substances, primitive or volcanic, in small masses or veins, granolamellar and in hexahedral crystals.  It is white or yellow.


Topic: Nephrite
Definition:
NEPHRITE, n. A mineral, a subspecies of jade, of a leek green color, massive and in rolled pieces.  It occurs in granite and gnesis, and is remarkable for its hardness and tenacity.  It was formerly worn as a remedy for diseases of the kidneys, but is now cut into handles of sabers and daggers.


Topic: Nephritic
Definition:
NEPHRITIC, a. [Gr. From the kidneys.]
1. Pertaining to the kidneys or organs of urine; as a nephritic disease.
2. Affected with the stone or gravel; as a nephritic patient.
3. Relieving or curing the stone or gravel, or disorders of the kidneys in general; as a nephritic medicine.
Nephritic stone, a stone of the silicious kind, called jade.
Nephritic wood, a species of compact wood of a fine grain, brought from New Spain, which gives a blue color to spirit of wine and to water; which color is changed to yellow by acids, and again to blue by alkalies.


Topic: Nephritical
Definition:
NEPHRITICAL, a. [Gr. From the kidneys.]
1. Pertaining to the kidneys or organs of urine; as a nephritic disease.
2. Affected with the stone or gravel; as a nephritic patient.
. Relieving or curing the stone or gravel, or disorders of the kidneys in general; as a nephritic medicine.
Nephritic stone, a stone of the silicious kind, called jade.
Nephritic wood, a species of compact wood of a fine grain, brought from New Spain, which gives a blue color to spirit of wine and to water; which color is changed to yellow by acids, and again to blue by alkalies.


Topic: Nephrotomy
Definition:
NEPHROTOMY, n. [Gr. A kidney, to cut]  In surgery, the operation of extracting a stone from the kidney.


Topic: Nepotism
Definition:
NEPOTISM, n. [from nephew]
1. Fondness for nephews.
2. Undue attachment to relations; favoritism shown to nephews and other relations.


Topic: Neptunian
Definition:
NEPTUNIAN, a. [the fabled deity of the ocean.]
1. Pertaining to the ocean or sea.
2.  Formed by water or aqueous solution; as Neptunian rocks.
NEPTUNIAN, n. One who adopts the theory that the whole earth was once covered with water, or rather that the substances of the globe were formed from aqueous solution; opposed to the Plutonic theory.


Topic: Neptunist
Definition:
NEPTUNIST, n. One who adopts the theory that the whole earth was once covered with water, or rather that the substances of the globe were formed from aqueous solution ; opposed to the Plutonic theory.


Topic: Nereid
Definition:
NEREID, n. In mythology, a sea nymph.  In ancient monuments, the Nereids are represented as riding on sea horses, sometimes with the human form entire, and sometimes with the tail of a fish.  They were the daughters of Nereus, and constantly attended Neptune.


Topic: Nerfling
Definition:
NERFLING, n. A fresh water fish of Germany, of the lether-mouthed kind, and apparently a variety of rudd.


Topic: Nerve
Definition:
NERVE, n. 
1. An organ of sensation and motion in animals.  The nerves are prolongations of the medullary substance of the brain, which ramify and extend to every part of the body.
2. A sinew or tendon.
3. Strength; firmness of body; as a man of nerve.
4. Fortitude; firmness of mind; courage.
5. Strength; force; authority; as the nerves of discipline.
NERVE, v.t. To give strength or vigor; to arm with force; as, fear nerved his arm.


Topic: Nerved
Definition:
NERVED, pp. 
1. Armed with strength.
2. In botany, having vessels simple and unbranched, extending from the base towards the tip; as a nerved leaf.


Topic: Nervine
Definition:
NERVINE,a. That has the quality of relieving in disorders of the nerves.
NERVINE, n. A medicine that affords relief from disorders of the nerves.


Topic: Nervous
Definition:
NERVOUS, a. 
1. Strong; vigorous; as a nervous arm.
2. Pertaining to the nerves; seated in or affecting the nerves; as a nervous disease or fever.
3. Having the nerves affected; hypochondriac; a colloquial use of the word.
4. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; as a nervous historian.
NERVOUS, a. In botany [See Nerved, No.2]


Topic: Nest
Definition:
NEST, n. 
1. The place or bed formed or used by a bird for incubation or the mansion of her young, until they are able to fly.  The word is used also for the bed in which certain insects deposit their eggs.
2. Any place where irrational animals are produced.
3. An abode; a place of residence; a receptacle of numbers, or the collection itself; usually in an ill sense; as a nest of rogues.
4. A warm close place of abode; generally in contempt.
5. A number of boxes, cases or the like, inserted in each other.
NEST, v.i. To build and occupy a nest.
The king of birds nested with its leaves.


Topic: Nestle
Definition:
NESTLE, v.i. 
1. To settle; to harbor; to lie close and snug, as a bird in her nest.
The king-fisher nestles in hollow banks.
Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild country, and their nestle till succors came.
2. To move about in ones seat, like a bird when forming her nest; as, a child nestles.


Topic: Nestling
Definition:
NESTLING, n. 
1. A young bird in the nest, or just taken from the nest.
2. A nest.
NESTLING, a. Newly hatched; being yet in the nest.


Topic: Nestorian
Definition:
NESTORIAN, n. A follower of Nestorius, a heretic of the fifth century, who taught that Christ was divided into two persons.


Topic: Net
Definition:
NET, n. 
1. An instrument for catching fish and fowls, or wild beasts, formed with twine or thread interwoven with meshes.
2. A cunning device; a snare. Mich 7. 
3. Inextricable difficulty. Job 18.
4. Severe afflictions. Job 19.
NET, v.t. To make a net or net-work; to knot.
NET, a. [See Neat]
1. Neat; pure; unadulterated.
2. Being without flaw or spot.
3. Being beyond all charges or outlay; as net profits.
4. Being clear of all tare and tret, or all deductions; as net weight.  It is sometimes written nett, but improperly.  Net is properly a mercantile appropriation of neat.
NET, v.t. To produce clear profit.


Topic: Net-work
Definition:
NET-WORK, n. A complication of threads, twine or cords united at certain distances, forming meshes, interstices or open space between the knots or intersections; reticulated or decussated work.


Topic: Nether
Definition:
NETHER, a. [This word is of the comparative degree; the positive occurs only in composition, as in beneath.  It is used only in implied comparison, as in the nether part, the nether millstone; but we never say, one part is nether than another. It is not much used.]
1. Lower; lying or being beneath or in the lower part; opposed to upper; as the nether millstone.
Distorted all my nether shape thus grew transformd.
2. In a lower place.
Twixt upper, nether and surrounding fires.
3. Belonging to the regions below.


Topic: Netting
Definition:
NETTING, n. 
1. A piece of network.
2. A complication of ropes fastened across each other, to be stretched along the upper part of a ships quarter to contain hammocks.  Netting is also employed to hammocks.  Netting is also employed to hold the fore and main-top-mast sails when stowed.  Netting is also extended along a ships gunwale in engagements, to prevent the enemy from boarding.


Topic: Nettle
Definition:
NETTLE, n. A plant of the genus Urtica, whose prickles fret the skin and occasion very painful sensations.
And near the noisome nettle blooms the rose.
NETTLE, v.t. To fret or sting; to irritate or vex; to excite sensations of displeasure or uneasiness, not amounting to wrath or violent anger.
The princes were nettled at the scandal of this affront.


Topic: Nettle-tree
Definition:
NETTLE-TREE, n. A tree of the genus Celtis whose leaves are deeply serrated, and end in a sharp point.


Topic: Neurological
Definition:
NEUROLOGICAL, a. [See Neurology.] Pertaining to neurolgy, or to a description of the nerves of animals.


Topic: Neurology
Definition:
NEUROLOGY,n. [Gr. A nerve, and discourse.] A description of the nerves of animal bodies, or the doctrine of the nerves.


Topic: Neuropter
Definition:
NEUROPTER, n. [Gr., a nerve, and a wing.] The neuropters are an order of insects having four membranous, transparent, naked wings, reticulated with veins.


Topic: Neuroptera
Definition:
NEUROPTERA, n. [Gr., a nerve, and a wing.] The neuropters are an order of insects having four membranous, transparent, naked wings, reticulated with veins.


Topic: Neurotic
Definition:
NEUROTIC, a. [Gr. A nerve.] Useful in disorders of the nerves.
NEUROTIC, n. A medicine useful in the disorders of the nerves.


Topic: Neurotomy
Definition:
NEUROTOMY, n. [Gr. A nerve, and to cut.] 
1. The dissection of a nerve.
2. The art or practice of dissecting the nerves.


Topic: Neuter
Definition:
NEUTER, a. [L. not either.]
1. Not adhering to either party; taking no part with either side, either when persons are contending, or questions are discussed.  It may be synonymous with indifferent, or it may not.  The United States remained neuter during the French Revolution, but very few of the people were indifferent as to the success of the parties engaged.  A man may be neuter from feeling, and he is then indifferent; but he may be neuter in fact, when he is not in feeling or principle.  A judge should be perfectly neuter in feeling, that he may decide with impartiality.
2. In grammar, of neither gender; an epithet given to nouns that are neither masculine nor feminine; primarily to nouns which express neither sex.
NEUTER, n. 
1. A person that takes no part in a contest between two or more individuals or nations; a person who is either indifferent to the cause, or forbears to interfere.
2. A animal of neither sex, or incapable of propagation.  The working bees are neuters.
Neuter verb, in grammar, a verb which expresses an action or state limited to the subject, and which is not followed by an object; as, I go; I sit; I am; I run; I walk.  It is better denominated intransitive.


Topic: Neutral
Definition:
NEUTRAL, a. [L. From neuter.]
1. Not engaged on either side; not taking an active part with either of contending parties.  It is policy for a nation to be neutral when other nations are at war.  Belligerents often obtain supplies from neutral states.
2. Indifferent; having no bias in favor of either side or party.
3. Indifferent; neither very good nor bad.
Some things good, and some things ill do seem, And neutral some in her fantastic eye.
Neutral salt, in chimistry, a salt or body composed of two primitive saline substances in combination, and possessing the character neither of an acid or alkaline salt; or a combination of an acid with any substance which destroys its acidity; any salt saturated with an alkali, an earth or a metal.  But it is more usual to denominate neutral, a salt which is united with an alkaline substance, and to cal the others earthy or metallic.
NEUTRAL, n. A person or nation that takes no part in a contest between others.
The neutral, as far as his commerce extends, becomes a party in the war.


Topic: Neutrality
Definition:
NEUTRALITY, n.  
1. The state of being unengaged in disputes or contests between others; the state of taking no part on either side.  States often arm to maintain their neutrality.
2. A state of indifference in feeling or principle.
3. Indifference in quality; a state neither very good nor evil. [Little used.]
4. A combination of neutral powers or states; as the armed neutrality.


Topic: Neutralization
Definition:
NEUTRALIZATION, n. [from neutralize.]
1. The act of neutralizing or destroying the peculiar properties of a body by combination with another body or substance.
2. The act of reducing to a state of indifference or neutrality.


Topic: Neutralize
Definition:
NEUTRALIZE, v.t.
1. To render neutral; to reduce to a state of indifference between different parties or opinions.
2. In chimistry, to destroy or render inert or imperceptible the peculiar properties of a body by combining it with a different substance.  Thus to neutralize acids and alkalies, is to combine them in such proportions that the compound will no exhibit the qualities of either.  This is called a neutral salt.
3. To destroy the peculiar properties or opposite dispositions of parties or other things, or reduce them to a state of indifference or inactivity; as, to neutralize parties in government; to neutralize opposition.
The benefits of universities- neutralized by moral evils.
A cloud of counter citations that neutralize each other.
 


Topic: Neutralizer
Definition:
NEUTRALIZER, n. That which neutralizes; that which destroys, disguises or renders inert the peculiar properties of a body.  The base of a salt is its neutralizer.


Topic: Neutralizing
Definition:
NEUTRALIZING, ppr.  Destroying or rendering inert the peculiar properties of a substance; reducing to indifference or inactivity.


Topic: Never
Definition:
NEVER, adv.
1. Not ever; not at any time; at no time.  It refers to the past or the future.  This man was never at Calcutta; he will never be there.
2. It has a particular use in the following sentences.
Ask me never so much dower and gift. Genesis 34.
Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. Psalm 58.
 A fear of battery-though never so well grounded, is no duress.
This is a genuine English use of never, found in our Saxon authors, and it ought to be retained.  Ask me so much dower as never was done; that is, dower to any extent.  The practice of using ever in such phrases, is corrupt.  It not only destroys the force but the propriety of the phrase.
3. In no degree; not.
Whoever has a friend to guide him, may carry his eyes in another mans head and yet see never the worse.
4. It is used for not.  He answered him never a word; that is, not ever.  This use is not common.
5. It is much used in composition; as in never-ending, never-failing, never-dying, never-ceasing, never-fading; but in all such compounds, never retains its true meaning.


Topic: Nevertheless
Definition:
NEVERTHELESS, adv. Not the less; notwithstanding; that is, in opposition to any thing, or without regarding it. It rained, nevertheless, we proceeded on our journey; we did not the less proceed on our journey; we proceeded in opposition to the rain, without regarding it, or without being prevented.


Topic: New
Definition:
NEW, a. 
1. Lately made, invented, produced or come into being; that has existed a short time only; recent in origin; novel; opposed to old, and used of things; as a new coat; a new house; a new book; a new fashion; a new theory; the new chimistry; a new discovery.
2. Lately introduced to our knowledge; not before known; recently discovered; as a new metal; a new species of animals or plants found in foreign countries; the new continent.
3. Modern; not ancient.
4. Recently produced by change; as a new life.
Put on the new man.  Ephesians 4.
5. Not habituated; not familiar; unaccustomed.
Heretics and such as instill their poison into new minds.
New to the plough, unpracticed in the trace.
6. Renovated; repaired so as to recover the first state.
Men, after long emaciating diets, wax plump, fat and almost new.
7. Fresh after any event.
New from her sickness to that northern air.
8. Not of ancient extraction or a family of ancient distinction.
By superior capacity and extensive knowledge, a new man often mounts to favor.
9. Not before used; strange; unknown.
They shall speak with new tongues.  Mark 16.
10. Recently commenced; as the new year.
11. Having passed the change or conjunction with the sun; as the new moon.
12. Not cleared and cultivated, or lately cleared; as new land.
13. That has lately appeared for the first time; as a new star.
New is much used in composition to qualify other words, and always bears its true sense of late, recent, novel, fresh; as in new-born, new-made, new-grown, new-formed, new-found.  In this use, new may be considered as adverbial, or as a part of the compound.
NEW, v.t. To make new. [Not used.]


Topic: New-fangled
Definition:
NEW-FANGLED, a. [new and fangle.] New made; formed with the affectation of novelty; in contempt.
New-fangled devices.


Topic: Newel
Definition:
NEWEL, n. In architecture, the upright post about which are formed winding stairs, or a cylinder of stone formed by the end of the steps of the winding stairs.
2. Novelty. [Not used.]


Topic: Newly
Definition:
NEWLY, adv.
1. Lately; freshly; recently.
He rubbd it oer with newly gathered mint.
2. With a new form, different from the former.
And the refined mind doth newly fashion Into a fairer form.
3. In a manner not existing before.


Topic: Newness
Definition:
NEWNESS, n. 
1. Lateness of origin; recentness; state of being lately invented or produced; as the newness of a dress; the newness of a system.
2. Novelty; the state of being first known or introduced.  The newness of the scene was very gratifying.
3. Innovation; recent change.
And happy newness that intends old right.
4. Want of practice or familiarity.
His newness shamed most of the others long exercise.
5. Different state or qualities introduced by change or regeneration.
Even so we also should walk in newness of life.  Romans 6.


Topic: News
Definition:
NEWS, n. [ From new; This word has a plural form, but is almost always united with a verb in the singular.]
1. Recent account; fresh information of something that has lately taken place at a distance, or of something before unknown; tidings.  We have news from Constantinople.  News has just arrived.  This news is favorable.
Evil news rides fast, while good news baits.
It is no news for the weak and poor to be a prey to the strong and rich.
2. A newspaper.


Topic: Newspaper
Definition:
NEWSPAPER, n. A sheet of paper printed and distributed for conveying news; a public print that circulates news, advertisements, proceedings of legislative bodies, public documents and the like.


Topic: Newtonian
Definition:
NEWTONIAN, a. Pertaining to Sir Isaac Newton, or formed or discovered by him; as the Newtonian philosophy or system.
NEWTONIAN, n. A follower of Newton in philosophy.


Topic: Next
Definition:
NEXT, a. 
1. Nearest in place; that has no object intervening between it and some other; immediately preceding, or preceding in order.  We say, the next person before or after another.
Her princely guest was next her side, in order sat the rest.
2. Nearest in time; as the next day or hour; the next day before or after Easter.
3. Nearest in degree, quality, rank, right or relation; as, one man is next to another in excellence; one is next in kindred; one is next in rank or dignity.  Assign the property to nim who has the next claim.
NEXT, adv.  At the time or turn nearest or immediately succeeding.  It is not material who follows next.


Topic: Nibble
Definition:
NIBBLE, v.t. [from nib.]
1. To bite by little at a time; to eat slowly or in small bits.  So sheep are said to nibble the grass.
2. To bite, as a fish does the bait; to carp at; just to catch by biting.
NIBBLE, v.i. 
1. To bite at; as, fishes nibble at the bait.
2. To carp at; to find fault; to censure little faults.
Instead of returning a full answer to my book, he manifestly nibbles at a single passage.
NIBBLE, n. A little bite, or seizing to bite.


Topic: Nice
Definition:
NICE, a. [G. To eat dainties or sweetmeats]
1. Properly, soft; whence, delicate; tender; dainty; sweet or very pleasant to the taste; as a nice bit; nice food.
2. Delicate; fine; applied to texture, composition or color; as cloth of a nice texture; nice tints of color.
3. Accurate; exact; precise; as nice proportions; nice symmetry; nice workmanship; nice rules.
4. Requiring scrupulous exactness; as a nice point.
5. Perceiving the smallest difference; distinguishing accurately and minutely by perception; as a person of nice taste; hence, 
6. Perceiving accurately the smallest faults, errors or irregularities; distinguishing and judging with exactness; as a nice judge of a subject; nice discernment.
Our author happy in a judge so nice.
7. Over scrupulous or exact.
Curious, not knowing; not exact, but nice.
8. Delicate; scrupulously and minutely cautious.
The letter was not nice, but full of charge of dear import.  
Dear love, continue nice and chaste.
9. Fastidious; squeamish.
And to taste, think not I shall be nice.
10. Delicate; easily injured.
How nice the reputation of the maid!
11. Refined; as nice and subtle happiness.
12. Having lucky hits. [Not used.]
13. Weak; foolish; effeminate.
14. Trivial; unimportant.
To make nice, to be scrupulous.


Topic: Nicely
Definition:
NICELY, adv. 
1. With delicate perception; as, to be nicely sensible.
2. Accurately; exactly; with exact order or proportion; as the parts of a machine or building nicely adjusted; a shape nicely proportioned; a dress nicely fitted tot he body; the ingredients of a medicine nicely proportioned and mixed.
3. In colloquial language, well; cleverly; dextrously; handsomely; in the best manner; as, a feat is nicely done.


Topic: Nicene
Definition:
NICENE, a. Pertaining to Nice, a town of Asia Minor.  The Nicene creed, was a summary of Christian faith composed by the council of Nice against Arianism, A.D. 325, altered and confirmed by the council of Constantinople, A.D. 381.


Topic: Niceness
Definition:
NICENESS, n. 
1. Delicacy of perception; the quality of perceiving small differences; as niceness of taste.
2. Extreme delicacy; excess of scrupulousness or exactness.
Unlike the niceness of our modern dames.
3. Accuracy; minute exactness; as niceness of work; niceness of texture or proportion.
Wheres now the labored niceness in thy dress?


Topic: Nicety
Definition:
NICETY, n.
1. Niceness; delicacy of perception.
2. Excess of delicacy; fastidiousness; squeamishness.
So love doth lothe disdainful nicety.
3. Minute difference; as the niceties of words.
4. Minuteness of observation or discrimination; precision.  The connoisseur judges of the beauties of a painting with great nicety.
5. Delicate management; exactness in treatment.
Love such nicety requires.  One blast will put out all his fires.
6. Niceties, in the plural, delicacies for food; dainties.


Topic: Nick
Definition:
NICK, n. In the northern mythology, an evil spirit of the saters; hence the modern vulgar phrase, Old Nick, the evil one.
NICK, n. [G. The nape; a continual nodding. The word seems to signify a point, from shooting forward.]
1. The exact point of time required by necessity or convenience; the critical time.
2. [G. knick, a flaw.] A notch or score for keeping an account; a reckoning.
3. A winning throw.
NICK, v.t.
1. To hit; to touch luckily; to perform by a slight artifice used at the lucky time.
The just reason of doing things must be nicked, and all accidents improved.
2. To cut in nicks or notches. [See Notch]
3. To suit, as lattices cut in nicks.
4. To defeat or cozen, as at dice; to disappoint by some trick or unexpected turn.
NICK, v.t. [G. knicken, to flaw.] To notch or make an incision in a horses tail, to make him carry it higher.


Topic: Nickar-tree
Definition:
NICKAR-TREE, n. A tree of the genus Guilandina, which grows in the western parts of the United States, and bears a nut of the size of a pignut.


Topic: Nickel
Definition:
NICKEL, n. A metal of a white or reddish white color, of great hardness, very difficult to be purified, always magnetic, and when perfectly pure, malleable.  It is generally obtained from its sulphuret.


Topic: Nickname
Definition:
NICKNAME, n. [G. To banter. Signifies to surname, to call by a name of reproach.] A name given in contempt, derision or reproach; an opprobrious appellation.
NICKNAME, v.t. To give a name of reproach; to call by an opprobrious appellation.
You nickname virtue vice.


Topic: Nicolaitan
Definition:
NICOLAITAN, n. One of a sect in the ancient Christian church, so named from Nicolas, a deacon of the church of Jerusalem.  They held that all married women should be common to prevent jealousy.  They are not charged with erroneous opinions respecting God, but with licentious practices.  Revelations 2.


Topic: Nicotian
Definition:
NICOTIAN, a. Pertaining to or denoting tobacco; and as a noun, tobacco; so called from Nicot, who first introduced it into France, A.D. 1560.


Topic: Nicotin
Definition:
NICOTIN, n. The peculiar principle in the leaves of tobacco; a colorless substance of an acrid taste.  It is precipitated from its solution by the tincture of nutgalls.


Topic: Nictating
Definition:
NICTATING, ppr. or a. Winking. The nictitating membrane is a thin membrane that covers and protects the eyes of some animals, without entirely obstructing the sight.


Topic: Nictitating
Definition:
NICTITATING, ppr. or a. Winking.  The nictitating membrane is a thin membrane that covers and protects the eyes of some animals, without entirely obstructing the sight.


Topic: Nidification
Definition:
NIDIFICATION, n. The act or operation of building a nest, and the hatching and feeding of young in the nest.


Topic: Nidulant
Definition:
NIDULANT, a. [L. Nest.] In botany, nestling; lying loose in pulp or cotton, within a berry or pericarp.


Topic: Niggard
Definition:
NIGGARD, n. [straight, narrow; to haggle, to be sordidly parsimonious; exhibiting analogies similar to those of wretch, wreck and haggle.] A miser; a person meanly close and covetous; a sordid wretch who saves every cent, or spends grudgingly.
Serve him as a grudging master, As a penurious niggard of his wealth.
Be niggards of advice on no pretense.
NIGGARD, a. 
1. Miserly; meanly covetous; sordidly parsimonious.
2. Sparing; wary.
Most free of question , but to our demands Niggard in his reply.
NIGGARD, v.t. To stint; to supply sparingly. [Little used.]


Topic: Niggardliness
Definition:
NIGGARDLINESS, n. Mean covetousness; sordid parsimony; extreme avarice manifested in sparing expense.
Niggardliness is not good husbandry.


Topic: Niggardly
Definition:
NIGGARDLY, a. 
1. Meanly covetous or avaricious; sordidly parsimonious; extremely sparing of expense.
Where the owner of the house will be bountiful, it is not for the steward to be niggardly.
2. Sparing; wary; cautiously avoiding profusion.
NIGGARDLY, adv. Sparingly; with cautious parsimony.


Topic: Nigh
Definition:
NIGH, a. [G. A preposition signifying to, on or after, that is, approaching, pressing on, making towards; strait, narrow.]
1. Near; not distant or remote in place or time.
The loud tumult shows the battle nigh.
When the fig-tree putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh.
2. Closely allied by blood; as a nigh kinsman.
3. Easy to be obtained or learnt; of easy access.
The word is very nigh unto thee.  Deuteronomy 30.
4. Ready to support, to forgive, or to aid and defend.
The Lord is nigh unto them who are of a broken heart. Psalm 34.
5. Close in fellowship; intimate in relation.
Ye are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  Ephesians 2.
6. Near in progress or condition.  Hebrews 6.
NIGH, adv. ni. 
1. Near; at a small distance in place or time, or in the course of events.
He was sick, nigh to death. Philippians 2.
2. Near to a place.
He drew nigh.
3. Almost; near.  He was nigh dead.
Nigh is never a preposition.  In the phrase, nigh this recess, with terror they survey,  there is an ellipsis of to.  They, nigh to this recess, survey, &c.
NIGH, v.i. ni. To approach; to advance or draw near. [Not used.]


Topic: Night
Definition:
NIGHT, n. [The sense may be dark, black, or it may be the decline of the day, from declining, departing.]
1. That part of the natural day when the sun is beneath the horizon, or the time from sunset to sunrise.
2. The time after the close of life; death. John 9.
She closed her eyes in everlasting night.
3. A state of ignorance; intellectual and moral darkness; heathenish ignorance.  Romans 13.
4. Adversity; a state of affliction and distress.  Isaiah 21.
5. Obscurity; a state of concealment from the eye or the mind; unintelligibleness.
Nature and natures works lay hid in night.
In the night, suddenly; unexpectedly. Luke 12. 
To-night, in this night.  To-night the moon will be eclipsed.


Topic: Night-fire
Definition:
NIGHT-FIRE, n. 
1. Ignis fatuus; Will with a wisp; Jack with a lantern.
2. Fire burning in the night.


Topic: Night-walker
Definition:
NIGHT-WALKER, n. 
1. One that walks in his sleep; a somnambulist.
2. One that roves about in the night for evil purposes.  Night-walkers are punishable by law.


Topic: Night-walking
Definition:
NIGHT-WALKING, a. Roving in the night.
NIGHT-WALKING, n. A roving in the streets at night with evil designs.


Topic: Night-watch
Definition:
NIGHT-WATCH, n. 
1. A period in the night, as distinguished by the change of the watch.  Night-watches, however, in the Psalms, seems to mean the night or time of sleep in general.
2. A watch or guard in the night.


Topic: Nightingale
Definition:
NIGHTINGALE, n. 
1. A small bird that sings at night, of the genus Motacilla; Philomela or Philomel.
2. A word of endearment.


Topic: Nightly
Definition:
NIGHTLY, a. 
1. Done by night; happening in the night, or appearing in the night; as nightly sports; nightly dews.
2. Done every night.  The watch goes his nightly round.
NIGHTLY, adv. 
1. By night.
Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath, nightly I visit.
2. Every night.


Topic: Nightmar
Definition:
NIGHTMAR, n. Incubus; a sensation in sleep resembling the pressure of a weight on the breast or about the praecordia.  It is usually the effect of indigestion or of a loaded stomach.


Topic: Nightshade
Definition:
NIGHTSHADE, n. A plant of the genus Solanum.  The deadly nightshade is of the genus Atropa; the American nightshade of the genus Phytolacea; the bastard nightshade of the genus Rivina; the enchanter's nightshade of the genus Circaea; the Malabar nightshade of the genus Basella; and the three-leaved nightshade of the genus Trillium.


Topic: Nigrescent
Definition:
NIGRES'CENT, a. [L. to grow black.] Growing black; changing to a black color; approaching to blackness.


Topic: Nill
Definition:
NILL, v.t. Not to will; to refuse; to reject.
NILL, v.i. To be unwilling.
NILL, n. The shining sparks of brass in trying and melting the ore.


Topic: Nimble
Definition:
NIM'BLE, a. Light and quick in motion; moving with ease and celerity; lively; swift.  It is applied chiefly to motions of the feet and hands, sometimes to other things; as a nimble boy; the nimble-footed deer.
Through the mid seas the nimble pinnace sails.


Topic: Nimbleness
Definition:
NIM'BLENESS, n. Lightness and agility in motion; quickness; celerity; speed; swiftness.  It implies lightness and springiness.
The stag thought it better to trust to the nimbleness of his feet.
Ovid ranged over Parnassus with great nimbleness and agility.


Topic: Nincompoop
Definition:
NIN'COMPOOP, n. [said to be a corruption of L. non compos, not of sound mind.] A fool; a blockhead; a trifling dotard. [A low word.]


Topic: Nine
Definition:
NINE, a. Denoting the number composed of eight and one; as nine men; nine days.
NINE, n. The number composed of eight and one; or the number less by a unit than ten; three times three.


Topic: Nine-pins
Definition:
NI'NE-PINS, n. A play with nine pins or sharpened pieces of wood set on end, at which a bowl is rolled for throwing them down.  We say, to play at nine-pins, or a game at nine-pins.


Topic: Ninth
Definition:
NINTH, a. The ordinal of nine; designating the number nine, the next preceding ten; as the ninth day or month.
NINTH, n. In music, an interval containing an octave and a tone.


Topic: Nip
Definition:
NIP, v.t. [G. a nipping tool; to nip, to cut off, to pinch.]
1. To cut, bite or pinch off the end or nib, or to pinch off with the ends of the fingers.  The word is used in both senses; the former is probably the true sense. Hence,
2. To cut off the end of any thing; to clip, as with a knife or scissors; as, to nip off a shoot or twig.
3. To blast; to kill or destroy the end of any thing; hence, to kill; as, the frost has nipped the corn; the leaves are nipped; the plant was nipped int he bud.  Hence, to nip in the bud, is to kill or destroy in infancy or youth, or in the first stage of growth.
4. To pinch, bite or affect the extremities of any thing; as a nipping frost; hence, to pinch or bite in general; to check growth.
5. To check circulation.
When blood is nipt. [Unusual.]
6. To bite; to vex.
And sharp remorse his heart did prick and nip.
7. To satirize keenly; to taunt sarcastically.
NIP, n. 
1. A pinch with the nails or teeth.
2. A small cut, or a cutting off the end.
3. A blast; a killing of the ends of plants; destruction by frost.
4. A biting sarcasm; a taunt.
5. A sip or small draught; as a nip of toddy.


Topic: Nipple
Definition:
NIP'PLE, n. 
1. A teat; a dug; the spungy protuberance by which milk is drawn from the breasts of females.
2. The orifice at which any animal liquor is separated.


Topic: Nisan
Definition:
NIS'AN, n. A month of the Jewish calendar, the first month of the sacred year and seventh of the civil year, answering nearly to our March.  It was originally called Abibi, but began to be called Nisan after the captivity.


Topic: Nisiprius
Definition:
NISIPRIUS, n. In law, a writ which lies in cases where the jury being impaneled and returned before the justices of the bench, one of the parties requests to have this writ for the ease of the country, that the cause may be tried before the justices of the same county.  The purport of the writ is, that the sheriff is commanded to bring to Westminster the men impanneled at a certain day, before the justices, nisi prius, that is, unless the justices shall first come into the county to take assizes.  Hence the courts directed to try matters of fact in the several counties are called courts of Nisi Prius, or Nisi Prius courts.  In some of the United States, similar courts are established, with powers defined by statute.


Topic: Nitency
Definition:
NI'TENCY, n. [L. to shine.]
1. Brightness; luster. [Little used.]
2. [L. to strive.] Endeavor; effort; spring to expand itself. [Little used.]


Topic: Niter
Definition:
NI'TER, n. [In Hebrew, the verb under which this word appears signifies to spring, leap, shake, and to strip or break; in Ch. to strip or to fall off; in Syriac, the same; in Sam. to keep, to watch or guard.]  A salt, called also salt-peter [stone-salt,] and in the modern nomenclature of chimistry, nitrate of potash.  It exists in large quantities in the earth, and is continually formed in inhabited places, on walls sheltered from rain, and in all situations where animal matters are decomposed, under stables and barns, &c. It is of great use in the arts; is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is useful in medicines, in preserving meat, butter, &c. It is a white substance, and has an acrid, bitterish taste.


Topic: Nitric
Definition:
NI'TRIC, a. Impregnated with niter. Nitric acid is the acid saturated with oxygen, or an acid composed of oxygen and nitrogen or azote.


Topic: Nitro-muriatic
Definition:
NITRO-MURIAT'IC, a. Partaking of niter and muria or sea-salt.  The nitro-muriatic acid is a combination or mixture of nitric and muriatic acid.


Topic: Nitrogen
Definition:
NI'TROGEN, n. [Gr. to produce.] The element of niter; that which produces niter; that element or component part of air which is called azote. [See Azote.]


Topic: Nitrous
Definition:
NI'TROUS, a. Pertaining to niter; partaking of the qualities of niter, or resembling it.  Nitrous acid is one of the compounds formed of nitrogen and oxygen, in which the oxygen is in a lower proportion than that in which the same elements form nitric acid.


Topic: Nobility
Definition:
NOBIL'ITY, n. 
1. Dignity of mind; greatness; grandeur; that elevation of soul which comprehends bravery, generosity, magnamimity, intrepidity, and contempt of every thing that dishonors character.
Though she hated Amphialus, yet the nobility of her courage prevailed over it.
They thought it great their sovereign to control, and named their pride, nobility of soul.
2. Antiquity of family; descent from noble ancestors; distinction by blood, usually joined with riches.
When I took up Boccace unawares, I fell on the same argument of preferring virtue to nobility of blood and titles, in the story of Sigismunda.
3. The qualities which constitute distinction of rank in civil society, according to the customs or laws of the country; that eminence or dignity which a man derives from birth or title conferred, and which places him in an order above common men.  In Great Britain, nobility is extended to five ranks, those of duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron.
4. The persons collectively who enjoy rank above commoners; the peerage; as the English nobility; French, German, Russian nobility.


Topic: Noble
Definition:
NO'BLE, a. 
1. Great; elevated; dignified; being above every thing that can dishonor reputation; as a nobel mind; a noble courage; noble deeds of valor.
2. Exalted; elevated; sublime.
Statues, with winding ivy crown'd, belong to nobler poets for a nobler song.
3. Magnificent; stately; splendid; as a noble parade; a noble edifice.
4. Of an ancient and splendid family; as nobel by descent.
5. Distinguished from commoners by rank and title; as a noble personage.
6. Free; generous; liberal; as a noble heart.
7. Principal; capital; as the noble parts of the body.
8. Ingenuous; candid; of an excellent disposition; ready to receive truth.  Acts 17. 
9. Of the best kind; choice; excellent; as a noble vine. Jeremiah 2.
NO'BLE, n. 
1. A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer; as a duke, marquis, earl, viscount or baron.
2. In Scripture, a person of honorable family or distinguished by station.  Exodus 24. Nehemiah 6.
3. Originally, a gold coin, but now a money of account, value 6s. 8d. sterling, or $1 48cts.


Topic: Nobleness
Definition:
NO'BLENESS, n. 
1. Greatness; dignity; ingenuousness; magnanimity; elevation of mind or of condition, particularly of the mind.
His purposes are full of honesty, nobleness and integrity.
Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat build in her loveliest.  The nobleness of life is to do this--
2. Distinction by birth; honor derived from a noble ancestry.


Topic: Nobless
Definition:
NOBLESS', n. 
1. The nobility; persons of noble rank collectively, including males and females.
2. Dignity; greatness; noble birth or condition. [In these senses, not now used.]


Topic: Nobly
Definition:
NO'BLY, adv. 
1. Of noble extraction; descended from a family of rank; as nobly born or descended.
2. With greatness of soul; heroically; with magnanimity; as a deed nobly done.  He nobly preferred death to disgrace.
3. Splendidly; magnificently.  He was nobly entertained.
Where could an emperor's ashes have been so nobly lodged as in the midst of his metropolis and on the top of so exalted a monument?


Topic: Nocent
Definition:
NO'CENT, a. [L. to hurt, from striking.] Hurtful; mischievous; injurious; doing hurt; as nocent qualities.


Topic: Noctambulist
Definition:
NOCTAM'BULIST, n. One who rises from bed and walks in his sleep.  Arbuthnot uses noctambulo in the same sense; but it is a less analogical word.


Topic: Noctiluca
Definition:
NOCTIL'UCA, n. [L. night, and to shine.] A species of phosphorus which shines in darkness without the previous aid of solar rays.


Topic: Nocturnal
Definition:
NOCTURN'AL, a. [L. night.]
1. Pertaining to night; as nocturnal darkness.
2. Done or happening at night; as a nocturnal expedition or assault; a nocturnal visit.
3. Nightly; done or being every night.
From gilded roofs depending lamps display nocturnal beams, that emulate the day.
NOCTURN'AL, n. An instrument, chiefly used at sea to take the altitude of stars about the pole, in order to ascertain the latitude.  This may be a hemisphere, or a planisphere on the plane of the equinoctial.


Topic: Nod
Definition:
NOD, v.i. [Gr. contracted; a nod; to nod, to beckon, a leap a spring; to leap, to throb or beat, as the pulse]
1. To incline the head with a quick motion, either forward or sidewise, as persons nod in sleep.
2. To bend or incline with a quick motion; as nodding plumes.
The nodding verdure of its brow.
3. To be drowsy.
Your predecessors, contrary to other authors, never pleased their readers more than when they were nodding.
4. To make a slight bow; also, to beckon with a nod.
NOD, v.t. To incline or bend; to shake.
NOD, n. 
1. A quick declination of the head.
A look or a nod only ought to correct them when they do amiss.
2. A quick declination or inclination.
Like a drunken sailor on a mast, ready with every nod to tumble down.
3. A quick inclination of the head in drowsiness or sleep.
4. A slight obeisance.
5. A command; as in L. numen, for nutamen.


Topic: Noddle
Definition:
NODDLE, n. [L. A lump; or from nod.] The head; in contempt.
Come, master, I have a project in my noddle.


