# Dictionary

Topic: A
Definition:
A is the first letter of the Alphabet in most of the known languages of the earth; in the Ethiopic, however it is the thirteenth, and in the Runic the tenth. It is naturally the first letter, because it represents the first vocal sound naturally formed by the human organs; being the sound uttered with a mere opening of the mouth without constraint, and without any effort to alter the natural position or configuration of the lips. The A has been proven to be the first natural vocal sound, and entitled to the first place in alphabets. 
A has in English, three sounds; the long or slender, as in place, fate; the broad, as in wall, fall, which is shortened in salt, what; and the open, as in father, glass, which is shortened in rather, fancy. Its primitive sound was probably aw.  A is also an abbreviation used before words beginning with an articulation; as a table, instead of an table, or one table.  This is a modern change.
This letter serves as a prefix to many English words, as in asleep; awake; afoot; aground; agoing.  In some cases, this is a contraction of Teutonic ge, as in asleep, aware, from the Saxon geslapan, to sleep, to beware.  Sometimes it is a corruption of the Saxon on, as again from ongean , awake from onwacian to watch or wake.  Before participles, it may be a contraction of the Celtic ag, the sign of the participle of the present tense; as, ag-radh, saying; a saying, a going. Or this may be a contraction of on, or what is equally probable, it may have proceeded from a mere accidental sound produced by negligent utterance.  In some words, a may be a contraction of at, of, in, to, or an.  In some words of Greek original, a is privative, giving to them a negative sense, as in anonymous.
Among the ancients, A was a numeral denoting 500, and with a dash A 5000. In the Julian Calendar, A is the first of the seven dominical letters.
Among logicians, A, as an abbreviation, stands for a universal affirmative proposition. A asserts; E denies. Thus in barbara, a thrice repeated denotes so many of the propositions to be universal.
The Romans used A to signify a negative or dissent in giving their votes; A standing for antiquo, I oppose or object to the proposed law. Opposed to this letter were U R, uti rogas, be it as you desire - the words used to express assent to a proposition. These letters were marked on wooden ballots, and each voter had an affirmative and a negative put into his hands, one of which at pleasure he gave as his vote, - In criminal trials, A stood for absolvo, I acquit, C for condemno, I condemn; and N L for non liquet, it is not evident; and the judges voted by ballots this marked.  In inscriptions, A stands for Augustus; or for ager, aiunt, , aurum, argentum, &c.
A is also used for anno, or ante; as in Anno Domini, the year of our Lord; anno mundi, the year of the world; ante meridiem, before noon, and for arts, in artium magister, master of arts. 
In algebra, a and first letters of the alphabet represent known quantities - the last letters are sometimes used to represent unknown quantities.
music, A is the nominal of the sixth note in the natural diatonic scale - called by Guido la. It is also the name of one of the two natural moods; and it is the open note of the 2d string of the violin, by which the other strings are tuned and regulated.
In pharmacy, a or aa, abbreviations of the Greek ana, signify of each separately, or that the things mentioned should be taken in quantities of the same weight or measure.
In chimistry, A A A stand for amalgama, or amalgamation.
In commerce, A stands for accepted, as in case of a bill of exchange.  Merchants also number their books by the letters - A,B,C, instead of figures.  Public officers number their exhibits in the same manner; as the document A, or B.
Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet, are used in Scripture for the beginning and end - representative of Christ.
In mathematics, letters are used as representatives of numbers, lines, angles and quantities.  In arguments, letters are substituted for persons, in cases supposed, or stated for illustration, as A contracts with B to deliver property to D. - In the English phraseology "a landlord as a hundred a year," " the sum amounted to ten dollars a man," a is merely the adjective one, and this mode of expression is idiomatic; a hundred in a year; ten dollars to a man.


Topic: A-posteriori
Definition:
A-POSTERIORI, [L. posterior, after.]
Arguments a posteriori, are drawn from effect, consequences or facts; in opposition to reasoning a priori, or from causes previously known.


Topic: Aaronic
Definition:
AARON'IC, a. Pertaining to Aaron, the Jewish High Priest, or to the priesthood of which he was the head.


Topic: Ab
Definition:
AB, In English names, is an abbreviation of Abbey or Abbot.
AB, a prefix to words of Latin origin, and a Latin preposition, as in abscond, written in ancient Latin af. It denotes from, separating or departure.
 
AB, The Hebrew name of Father.
AB, The eleventh month of the Jewish civil year, and fifth of the ecclesiastical year, answering to a part of July, and a part of August.


Topic: Aback
Definition:
ABACK, adv. [At, on or towards the back.  See Back]  
Towards the back; on the back part; backward.  In seamen's language it signifies the situation of the sails, when pressed back against the mast by the wind. 
Taken aback, is when the sails are carried back suddenly by the wind.  
Laid aback, is when the sails are purposely placed in that situation to give the ship sternway.


Topic: Abacot
Definition:
AB'ACOT, n. The cap of State, formerly used by English Kings, wrought into the figure of two crowns.


Topic: Abactor
Definition:
ABAC'TOR, n. [Latin from abigo, ab and ago, to drive.]  
In law, one that feloniously drives away or steals a herd or numbers of cattle at once, in distinction from one that steals a sheep or two.


Topic: Abacus
Definition:
AB'ACUS, n. [L. anything flat, as a cupboard, a bench, a slate, a table or board for games;  Gr. Usually deduced from the Oriental, abak, dust, because the ancients used tables covered with dust for making figures and diagrams.]
1.  Among the Romans, a cupboard or buffet.
2. An instrument to facilitate operations in arithmetic; on this are drawn lines; a counter on the lowest line, is one; on the next, ten; on the third, a hundred, &e. On the spaces, counters denote half the number of the line above. Other schemes are called by the same name. The name is also given to a table of numbers, cast up as an abacus of addition; and by analogy, to the art of numbering, as in Knighton's Chronicon.
3. In architecture, a table constituting the upper member or crowning of a column and its capital. It is usually square, but sometimes its sides are arched inwards. The name is also given to a concave molding on the capital of the Tuscan pedestal; and to the plinth above the boultin in the Tuscan and Doric orders.


Topic: Abada
Definition:
AB'ADA, n.  A wild animal of Africa, of the size of a steer, or half grown colt, having two horns on its forehead and a third on the nape of the neck.  Its head and tail resemble those of an ox, but it has cloven feet, like the stag.


Topic: Abaddon
Definition:
ABAD'DON, n. [Heb. Ch. Syr. Sam. to be lost, or destroyed, to perish.]
1.  The destroyer, or angel of the bottomless pit. Rev. ix.
2.  The bottomless pit.


Topic: Abaft
Definition:
AB'AFT, adv. or prep. [Sax. eft or aeft, again. Hence efter or aefter, after, subsequent; Sax. aeftan, behind in place; to which word be is prefixed - beaeftan, behind, and this word is corrupted into abaft.]
A sea-term signifying in or at the hinder part of a ship, or the parts which lie towards the stern; opposed to afore.  Relatively it denotes further aft or towards the stern; as abaft the mainmast. Abaft the beam, is in that arch of the horizon which is between a line drawn at right angles with the keel, and the point to which the stern is directed.  It is often contracted into aft.


Topic: Abagun
Definition:
AB'AGUN, n. The name of a fowl in Ethiopia, remarkable for its beauty and for a sort of horn, growing on its head.  The word signifies stately Abbot.


Topic: Abandon
Definition:
ABAN'DON, v.t. [Fr. abandonner; Sp. and Port. abandonar; It. abbandonare; said to be from ban, and donner, to give over to the ban or proscription; or from a or ab and bandum, a flag or ensign.]
1.  To forsake entirely; as to abandon a hopeless enterprize.  
Wo to that generation by which the testimony of God shall be abandoned.
2.  To renounce and forsake; to leave with a view never to return; to desert as lost or desperate; as to abandon a country; to abandon a cause or party.
3.  To give up or resign without control, as when a person yields himself, without restraint, to a propensity; as to abandon one's self to intemperance.  Abandoned over and abandoned of are obsolete.
4.  To resign; to yield, relinquish, or give over entirely.
Verus abandoned the cares of empire to his wiser colleague.
5. In commerce, to relinquish to insurers all claim to a ship or goods insured, as a preliminary towards recovering for a total loss.
ABAN'DON, n.  One who totally forsakes or deserts.
2.  A relinquishment. [not used.]


Topic: Abandoned
Definition:
ABAN'DONED, pp. Wholly forsaken or deserted.
2.  Given up, as to a vice; hence, extremely wicked, or sinning without restraint; irreclaimably wicked.


Topic: Abandoning
Definition:
ABAN'DONING, ppr.  Forsaking or deserting wholly; renouncing; yielding one's self without restraint.
ABAN'DONING, n.  A forsaking; total desertion
He hoped his past meritorious actions might outweigh his present abandoning the thought of future actions.


Topic: Abandonment
Definition:
ABAN'DONMENT, n.  
1. A total desertion; a state of being forsaken.
2. In commerce, the relinquishing to underwriters all the property saved from loss by shipwreck, capture or other peril stated in the policy. This abandonment must be made before the insured can demand indemnification for a total loss.


Topic: Abarticulation
Definition:
ABARTICULA'TION, n.  [See Articulate.]
In anatomy, that species of articulation or structure of joints, which admits of manifest or extensive motion; called also diarthrosis and dearticulation


Topic: Abase
Definition:
ABA'SE, v.t.  [Fr abaisser, from bas, low, or the bottom; W. bais; Latin and Gr. basis; Eng. base; It. Abbassare; Sp. bare, low. See Abash.]
1.  The literal sense of abase is to lower or depress, to throw or cast down, as used by Bacon, "to abase the eye."  But the word is seldom used in reference to material things.
2.  To cast down; to reduce low; to depress; to humble; to degrade; applied to the passions, rank, office, and condition in life.
Those that walk in pride he is able to abase.  Dan. 4.
Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, Mat. 23.  Job. 40.  2 Cor. 11.


Topic: Abased
Definition:
ABA'SED, pp.  Reduced to a low state, humbled, degraded.
In heraldry, it is used of the wings of eagles, when the tops are turned downwards towards the point of the shield; or when the wings are shut, the natural way of bearing them being spread, with the top pointing to the chief of the angle.


Topic: Abasement
Definition:
ABA'SEMENT, n.  The act of humbling or bringing low; also a state of depression, degradation, or humiliation.


Topic: Abash
Definition:
ABASH', v.t.  [Heb. and Ch. bosh, to be confounded, or ashamed.]
To make the spirits to fall; to cast down the countenance; to make ashamed; to confuse or confound, as by exciting suddenly a consciousness of guilt, error, inferiority, &e.
They heard and were abashed.


Topic: Abassi
Definition:
ABAS'SI, or ABAS'SIS, n.  A silver coin of Persia, of the value of twenty cents, about ten pence sterling.


Topic: Abate
Definition:
ABA'TE, v.t. [Heb. Ch., to beat.  The Saxon has the participle gebatod, abated.  The prefix is sunk to a in abate, and lost in beat.  See Class Bd. No. 23, 33.]
1.  To beat down; to pull down; to destroy in any manner; as to abate a nuisance.
2.  To lessen; to diminish; to moderate; as to abate zeal; to abate pride; to abate a demand; to abate courage.
3.  To lessen; to mitigate; as to abate pain or sorrow.
4.  To overthrow; to cause to fail; to frustrate by judicial sentence; as to abate a writ.
5.  To deject; to depress; as to abate the soul.  Obs.
6.  To deduct; 
Nothing to add and nothing to abate.
7.  To cause to fail; to annul.  By the English law, a legacy to a charity is abated by a deficiency of assets.
8.  In Conneticut, to remit, as to abate a tax.
ABA'TE, v.i.  To decrease, or become less in strength or violence; as pain abates; a storm abates.
2.  To fail; to be defeated, or come to naught; as a writ abates.  By the civil law a legacy to a charity does not abate by deficiency of assets.
3.  In law, to enter into a freehold after the death of the last occupant, and before the heir or devisee takes possession.
4.  In horsemanship, to perform well a downward motion.  A horse is said to abate, or take down his curvets, when, working upon curvets, he puts both his hind legs to the ground at once, and observes the same exactness in all the times.


Topic: Abatement
Definition:
ABA'TEMENT, n.  
1.  The act of abating; the state of being abated.
2.  A reduction, removing, or pulling down as of a nuisance.
3.  Diminution, decrease, or mitigation, as of grief or pain.
4.  Deduction, sum withdraw, as from an account.
5.  Overthrow, failure or defeat, as of a writ.
6.  The entry of a stranger into a freehold after the death of the tenant, before the heir or devisee.
7.  In heraldry, a mark of dishonor in a coat of arms, by which its dignity is debased for some stain on the character of the wearer.


Topic: Abatis
Definition:
AB'ATIS, 
Rubbish.  In fortification, piles of trees, or branches of trees sharpened, and laid with the points outward, in front of ramparts, to prevent assailants from mounting the walls.


Topic: Abator
Definition:
ABA'TOR, n.  A person who enters into a freehold on the death of the last possessor, before the heir or devisee


Topic: Abba
Definition:
AB'BA, n.  In the Chaldee and Syriac, a father, and figuratively a superior.  appen.
In the Syriac, Coptic and Ethiopic churches, it is a title given to the Bishops, and the Bishops bestow the title, by way of distinction, on the Bishop of Alexandria.  Hence the title Baba, or Papa, Pope or great father, which the Bishop of Alexandria bore, before the Bishop of Rome.


Topic: Abbacy
Definition:
AB'BACY, n.  [from abba, Low Lat, abbatia.]  The dignity, rights and privileges of an abbot.  It comprehends the government and revenues.


Topic: Abbe
Definition:
AB'BE, n.  Ab'by,  [from abba.]
In a monastic sense, the same as an abbot; but more generally, a title, in Catholic countries, without any determinate rang, office or rights.  The abbes are numerous, and generally have some literary attainments; they dress as academics or scholars, and act as instructors, in colleges and private families; or as tutors to young gentlemen on their travels; and many of them become authors.


Topic: Abbess
Definition:
AB'BESS, n.  [from abba.]
A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the Monks.  [See Abbey.]


Topic: Abbey
Definition:
AB'BEY, n. plu. abbeys,  [from abba.]
A monastery or society of persons of either sex, secluded from the world and devoted to religion.  The males are called monks, and governed by an abbot; the females are called nuns, and governed by an abbess.  These institutions were suppressed in England by Henry VIII.; but they still exist in Catholic countries.


Topic: Abbot
Definition:
AB'BOT, n.  [formerly abbat, from abba, latinized abbas, or from Heb. plural.]  
The superior or governor of an abbey or monastery.  Originally monasteries were founded in retired places, and the religious had no concern with secular affairs, being entirely subject to the prelates.  But the abbots possessing most of the learning, in ages of ignorance, were called from their seclusion to aid the churches in opposing heresies; monasteries were founded in the vicinity of cities; the abbots became ambitious and set themselves to acquire wealth and honors; some of them assumed the miter, threw off their dependence on the bishops, and obtained seats in parliament.  For many centuries, princes  and noblemen bore the title of abbots.  At present, in catholic countries, abbots are regular, or such as take the vow, and wear the habit of the order; and commendatory, such as are seculars, but obliged, when of suitable age, to take orders.  The title is borne also by some persons, who have not the government of a monastery; as bishops, whose sees were formerly abbeys.


Topic: Abbreuvoir
Definition:
ABBREUVOIR, n. [Fr. from abreuver, to water.]
Among masons, the joint between stones in a wall, to be filled with mortar.  [I know not whether it is now used.]


Topic: Abbreviate
Definition:
ABBRE'VIATE, v.t.  [from Latin abbrevio, brevio, from brevis, short]
1.  To shorten; to make shorter by contracting the parts.  [In this sense, not much used, nor often applied to material substances.]
2.  To shorten; to abridge by the omission or defalcation of a part; to reduce to a smaller compass; as to abbreviate a writing.
3.  In mathematics, to reduce fractions to the lowest terms.


Topic: Abbreviated
Definition:
ABBRE'VIATED, pp.  
1.  Shortened; reduced in length; abridged.
2.  In botany an abbreviated perianth is shorter than the rube of the corol.


Topic: Abbreviation
Definition:
ABBREVIA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of shortening or contracting.
2.  A letter or a few letters used for a word; as Gen. for Genesis; U.S.A. for United States of America.
3.  The reduction of fractions to the lowest terms.


Topic: Abbreviators
Definition:
ABBRE'VIATORS, a college of seventy-two persons in the chancery of Rome, whose duty is to draw up the Pope's briefs, and reduce petitions, when granted, to a due form for bulls.


Topic: A.b.c.
Definition:
AB'BACY, n.  [from abba, Low Lat, abbatia.]  The dignity, rights and privileges of an abbot.  It comprehends the government and revenues.


Topic: Abdals
Definition:
AB'DALS, n.  The name of certain fanatics in Persia, who, in excess of zeal, sometimes run into the streets, and attempt to kill all they meet who are of a different religion; and if they are slain for their madness, they think it meritorious to die, and by the vulgar are deemed martyrs.


Topic: Abderite
Definition:
AB'DERITE, n.  An inhabitant of Abdera, a maritime town in Thrace.  Democritus is so called, from being a native of the place.  As he was given to laughter, foolish or incessant laughter, is call abderian.


Topic: Abdicate
Definition:
AB'DICATE, v.t.  [L. abdica; ab and dico, to dedicate, to bestow, but the literal primary sense of dico is to send or thrust.]
1.  In a general sense, to relinquish, renounce, or abandon.
2.  To abandon an office or trust, without a formal resignation to those who conferred it, or without their consent; also to abandon a throne, without a formal surrender of the crown.  3.  To relinquish an office before the expiration of the time of service.
4.  To reject; to renounce; to abandon as a right.
5.  To cast away; to renounce; as to abdicate our mental faculties  [Unusual.]
6.  In the civil law, to disclaim a son and expel him from the family, as a father; to disinherit during the life of the father.
AB'DICATE, v.i.  To renounce; to abandon; to cast off; to relinquish, as a right, power, or trust.
     Though a King may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.


Topic: Abdication
Definition:
ABDICA'TION, n.  
1. The act of abdicating; the abandoning of an office or trust, without a formal surrender, or before the usual or stated time of expiration.
2.  A casting off; rejection.


Topic: Abditive
Definition:
AB'DITIVE, a.  [L. abdo, to hide; ab and do.]  Having the power or quality of hiding.  [Little used.]


Topic: Abdomen
Definition:
AB'DOMEN, or ABDO'MEN, n. [L. perhaps abdo and omentum.]
1.  The lower belly or that part of the body which lies between the thorax and the bottom of the pelvis.  It is lined with a membrane called peritoneum, and contains the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and guts.  It is separated from the breast internally by the diaphragm, and externally, by the extremities of the ribs.  On its outer surface it is divided into four regions - the epigastric, the umbilical, the hypogastric and lumbar.
2.  In insects, the lower part of the animal, united to the corslet by a thread.  In some species, it is covered with wings, and a case.  It is divided into segments and rings, on the sides of which are small spiracles by which the insect respires.


Topic: Abdominal
Definition:
ABDOM'INAL, a.  Pertaining to the lower belly.
ABDOM'INAL, n. plu.  abdominals.  In ichthyology the abdominals are a class of fish whose ventral fins are placed behind the pectoral, and which belong to the division of bony fish.  The class contains nine genera - the loche, salmon, pike, argentine, atherine, mullet, flying fish, herring and carp.


Topic: Abduce
Definition:
ABDU'CE, v.t.  [L. adduco, to lead away, of ab and duco, to lead.  See Duke.]
To draw from; to withdraw, or draw to a different part; used chiefly in anatomy.


Topic: Abducent
Definition:
ABDU'CENT, a.  Drawing from, pulling back; used of those muscles which pull back certain parts of the body, for separating, opening, or bending them.  The abducent muscles, called abductors, are opposed to the adducent muscles or adductors.


Topic: Abduction
Definition:
ABDUC'TION, n.  
1.  In a general sense, the act of drawing apart, or carrying away.
2.  In surgery, a species of fracture, in which the broken parts recede from each other.
3.  In logic, a kind of argumentation, called by the Greeks apagoge, in which the major is evident, but the minor is not so clear, as not to require farther proof.  As in this syllogism, 'all whom God absolves are free from sin;  God absolves all who are in Christ; therefore all who are in Christ are free from sin.'
4.  In law, the taking and carrying away of a child, a ward, a wife, &c. either by fraud, persuasion, or open violence.


Topic: Abductor
Definition:
ABDUC'TOR, n.  In anatomy, a muscle which serves to withdraw, or pull back a certain part of the body; as the abductor oculi, which pulls the eye outwards.


Topic: Abecedarian
Definition:
ABECEDA'RIAN, n.  [a word formed from the first four letters of the alphabet.]  One who teaches the letters of the alphabet, or a learner of the letters.


Topic: Abelians
Definition:
ABE'LIANS, ABELO'NIANS or A'BELITES, in Church history, a sect in Africa which arose in the reign of Areadius; they married, but lived in continence after the manner, as they pretended, of Abel, and attempted to maintain the sect by adopting the children of others.


Topic: Abelmosk
Definition:
A'BELMOSK, n.  A trivial name of a species of hibiscus, or Syrian mallow.  The plant rises on a herbacceous stalk, three or four feet, sending out two or three side branches.  The seeds have a musky odor, for which reason the Arabians mix them with coffee.


Topic: Aberrance
Definition:
ABER'RANCE, [L. aberrans, aberro, to wander from; of ab and ABER'RANCY, erro, to wander.]
A wandering or deviating from the right way, but rarely used in a literal sense.  In a figurative sense, a deviation from truth, error, mistake; and in morals, a fault, a deviation from rectitude.


Topic: Aberration
Definition:
ABERRA'TION, n.  [L. aberratio.]  
1.  The act of wandering from the right way; deviation from truth or moral rectitude; deviation from a strait line.
2.  In astronomy, a small apparent motion of the fixed stars, occasioned by the progressive motion of light and the earth's annual motion in its orbit.  By this, they sometimes appear twenty seconds distant from their true situation.
3.  In optics, a deviation in the rays of light when inflected by a lens or speculum, by which they are prevented from uniting in the same point.  It is occasioned by the figure of the glass, or by the unequal refrangibility of the rays of light.
Crown of aberration, a luminous circle surrounding the disk of the sun, depending on the aberration of its rays, by which its apparent diameter is enlarged.


Topic: Abet
Definition:
ABET' v.t.  [Sax. betan, gebatan; properly to push forward, to advance; hence to amend, to revive, to restore, to make better; and applied to fire, to increase the flame, to excite, to promote.  Hence to aid by encouraging or instigating. Hence in Saxon, 'Na bete nan man that fyr.'  Let no man bet, [better, excite] the fire, LL. Ina. 78.]
1.  To encourage by aid or countenance, but now used chiefly in a bad sense.  'To abet an opinion,' in the sense of support, is used by Bishop Cumberland; but this use is hardly allowable.
2.  In law, to encourage, counsel, incite or assist in a criminal act.
ABET', n.  The act of aiding or encouraging in a crime. [Not used.]


Topic: Abettor
Definition:
ABETTOR, n.  One who abets, or incites, aids or encourages another to commit a crime.  In treason, there are no abettors; all persons concerned being principals.


Topic: Abevacuation
Definition:
ABEVACUA'TION, n.  [ab and evacuation.]
In medicine, a partial evacuation of morbid humors of the body, either by nature or art.


Topic: Abeyance
Definition:
ABEY'ANCE, n. pron. abayance.  [Norm. abbaiaunce, or abaizance, in expectation; boyance, expectation.  Qu. Fr. bayer, to gape, to look a long time with the mouth open; to stand looking in a silly manner. [See Bay]
In expectation or contemplation of law.  The fee simple or inheritance of lands and tenements is in abeyance, when there is no person in being in whom it can vest; so that it is in a state of expectancy or waiting until a proper person shall appear.  Thus if land is leased to a man for life, remainder to another for years, the remainder for years is in abeyance, till the death of the lessee, for life.


Topic: Abhor
Definition:
ABHOR', v.t.  [L abhorreo, of ab and horreo, to set up bristles, shiver or shake; to look terrible.]
1.  To hate extremely, or with contempt; to lothe, detest or abominate.
2.  To despise or neglect.  Ps. xxii. 24.  Amos vi. 8.
3.  To cast off or reject.  Ps. lxxix. 38.


Topic: Abhorrent
Definition:
ABHOR'RENT, a.  
1.  Hating, detesting, struck with abhorrence.
2.  Contrary, odious, inconsistent with, expressive of extreme opposition, as, 'Slander is abhorrent to all ideas of justice.'  In this sense, it should be always followed by to - abhorrent from is not agreeable to the English idiom.


Topic: Abhorring
Definition:
ABHOR'RING, ppr.  Having great aversion, detesting.  As a noun, it is used in Isaiah lxvi, for the object of hatred - 'An abhorring to all flesh.'


Topic: Abib
Definition:
A'BIB, n.  [Heb. swelling, protuberant. To produce the first or early fruit; a full grown ear of corn.]
The first month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year, called also Nisan.  It begins at the spring equinox, and answers to the latter part of March and beginning of April.  Its name is derived from the full growth of wheat in Egypt, which took place anciently, as it does now, at that season.


Topic: Abide
Definition:
ABI'DE, v. i. pert. and part. abode.
abada, to be, or exist, to continue; W. bod, to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely.  Class Bd. No 7.]
1.  To rest, or dwell.  Gen. xxix 19.
2.  To tarry or stay for a short time.  Gen. xxiv. 55.
3.  To continue permanently or in the same state; to be firm and immovable.  Ps. cxix. 90.
4.  To remain, to continue.  Acts, xxvii. 31.  Eccles. viii. 15.
ABI'DE, v.t.  
1.  To wait for; to be prepared for; to await.
Bonds and afflictions abide me.  Acts, 20:23.
[For is here understood.]
2.  To endure or sustain.
To abide the indignation of the Lord.  Joel 10.
3.  To bear or endure; to bear patiently.  'I cannot abide his impertinence.'
This verb when intransitive, is followed by in or at before the place, and with before the person.  'Abide with me - at Jerusalem or in this land.'  Sometimes by on, the sword shall abide on his cities; and in the sense of wait, by far, abide for me.  Hosea, iii. 3.  Sometimes by by, abide by the crib. Job, xxxix.
In general, abide by signifies to adhere to, maintain defend, or stand to, as to abide by a promise, or by a friend; or to suffer the consequences, as to abide by the event, that is, to be fixed or permanent in a particular condition.


Topic: Abiding
Definition:
ABI'DING, ppr.  Dwelling; remaining; continuing; enduring; awaiting.
ABI'DING, n.  Continuance; fixed state; residence; an enduring.


Topic: Ability
Definition:
ABIL'ITY, n.  [L. habilitas, ableness, fitness, from habeo, to have or hold.]
1.  Physical power, whether bodily or mental; natural or acquired; force of understanding; skill in arts or science.  Ability is active power, or power to perform; as opposed to capacity, or power to receive.  In the plural, abilities is much used in a like sense; and also for faculties of the mind, and acquired qualifications.
2.  Riches, wealth, substance, which are the means, or which furnish the power, of doing certain acts.
They gave after their ability to the work.  Ez. 2.
3.  Moral power, depending on the will - a metaphysical and theological sense.
4.  Civil or legal power, the power or right to do certain things, as an ability to transfer property or dispose of effects - ability to inherit.  It is opposed to disability.


Topic: Abintestate
Definition:
ABINTEST'ATE, a.  [L. ab and intestatus - dying without a will, from in and tester, to bear witness;  W. tyst; Arm. test, witness.  See Test and Testify.]
In the civil law, inheriting the estate of one dying without a will.


Topic: Abjuration
Definition:
ABJURA'TION, n.  [See Abjure.]
1.  The act of abjuring; a renunciation upon oath; as 'an abjuration of the realm,' by which a person swears to leave the country, and never to return.  It is used also for the oath of renunciation.  Formerly in England, felons, taking refuge in a church, and confessing their guilt, could not be arrested and tried, but might save their lives by abjuring the realm; that is by taking an oath to quit the kingdom forever.
2.  A rejection or denial with solemnity; a total abandonment; as 'an abjuration of heresy.'


Topic: Abjure
Definition:
ABJU'RE, v.t.  [L. abjuro, to deny upon oath, from ab and juro, to swear.]
1.  To renounce upon oath; to abandon; as to abjure allegiance to a prince.
2.  To renounce or reject with solemnity; to reject; as to abjure errors; abjure reason.
3.  To recant or retract.
4.  To banish.  [Not used.]


Topic: Ablactation
Definition:
ABLACTA'TION, n.  [L. ab and lae, milk.  Lacto, to suckle.]
1.  In medical authors, the weaning of a child from the breast.
2.  Among ancient gardeners, a method of grafting in which the cion was not separated from the parent stock, till it was firmly united to that in which it was inserted.  This is now called grafting by approach or inarching.  [See Graft.]


Topic: Ablaqueation
Definition:
ABLAQUEA'TION, [L. ablaqueatio, from ab and laquear, a roof or covering.]
A laying bare the roots of trees to expose them to the air and water - a practice among gardeners.


Topic: Ablation
Definition:
ABLA'TION, n.  [L. ab and latio, a carrying.]
A carrying away.  In medicine, the taking from the body whatever is hurtful; evacuations in general.  In chimistry, the removal of whatever is finished or no longer necessary.


Topic: Ablative
Definition:
AB'LATIVE, a.  [L.ablativus; L. ablatus, from aufero, to carry away, of ab and fero.]
A word applied to the sixth case of nouns in the Latin language, in which case are used words when the actions of carrying away, or taking from, are signified.
Ablative absolute, is when a word in that case, is independent, in construction, of the rest of the sentence.


Topic: Able
Definition:
ABLE, a. a'bl.  [L. habitis]
1.  Having physical power sufficient; having competent power or strength, bodily or mental; as a man able to perform military service - a child is not able to reason on abstract subjects.
2.  Having strong or unusual powers of mind, or intellectual qualifications; as an able minister.
Provide out of all Israel able men.  Ex. 18.
3.  Having large or competent property; or simply have property, or means.
Every man shall give as he is able.  Deut. 16.
4.  Having competent strength or fortitude.
He is not able to sustain such pain or affliction.
5.  Having sufficient knowledge or skill.
He is able to speak French.
She is not able to play on the piano.
6.  Having competent moral power or qualifications.
An illegitimate son is not able to take by inheritance.


Topic: Able-bodied
Definition:
A'BLE-BODIED, a.  Having a sound strong body, or a body of competent strength for service.  In marine language, it denotes skill in seamanship.
 


Topic: Abluent
Definition:
AB'LUENT, a.  [L. abluo, to wash away; ab and luo, or lavo, to wash.]
Washing clean; cleansing by water or liquids. [Little used except as a noun.]
AB'LUENT, n.  In medicine, that which thins, purifies or sweetens the blood.  [See diluent and Abstergent.]


Topic: Ablution
Definition:
ABLU'TION, n.  [L. ablutio, from ab and luo or lavo to wash.]
1.  In a general sense, the act of washing; a cleansing or purification by water.
2.  Appropriately, the washing of the body as a preparation for religious duties, enjoined by Moses and still practiced in many countries.
3.  In chimistry, the purification of bodies by the affusion of a proper liquor, as water to dissolve salts.
4.  In medicine, the washing of the body externally as by baths; or internally, by diluting fluids.
5.  Pope has used ablution for the water used in cleansing.
6.  The cup given to the laity without consecration, in popish churches.


Topic: Abnegation
Definition:
ABNEGA'TION, n.  [L. abnego, to deny, from ab and nego;  Eng. nay; L. nee, not.]  A denial; a renunciation; self-denial.


Topic: Abnormity
Definition:
ABNORM'ITY, n.  [L. abnormis, irregular; ab and norma, a rule.] Irregularity; deformity.  [Little used.]


Topic: Aboard
Definition:
ABOARD, adv.  [a and board.  See Board.]  Within a ship, vessel, or boat.
To go aboard, to enter a ship, to embark.
To fall aboard, to strike a ship's side.
Aboard main tack, an order to draw a corner of the main-sail down to the chess-tree.


Topic: Abode
Definition:
ABO'DE, pret.  of abide
ABO'DE, n.  [See Abide.]  
1.  Stay; continuance in a place; residence for a longer or shorter time.
2.  A place of continuance; a dwelling; a habitation.
3.  To make abode, to dwell or reside.
ABO'DE, v.t.  [See Bode.]  To foreshow.
ABO'DE, v.i.  To be an omen


Topic: Abolish
Definition:
ABOL'ISH, v.t.  [L. abolco; from ab and oleo, olesco, to grow.]
1.  To make void; to annul; to abrogate; applied chiefly and appropriately to established laws, contracts, rites, customs and institutions - as to abolish laws by a repeal, actual or virtual.
2.  To destroy, or put an end to; as to abolish idols.  Isa. ii.  To abolish death 2Tim. i.  This sense is not common.  To abolish posterity, in the translation of Pausanias, Lib. 3.  Ca. 6, is hardly allowable.


Topic: Abolition
Definition:
ABOLI'TION, n.  abolishun.  The act of abolishing; or the state of being abolished; an annulling; abrogation; utter destruction; as the abolition of laws, decrees, ordinances, rites, customs, debts, &c.
The application of this word to persons and things, is now unusual or obsolete.  To abolish persons, canals and senses, the language of good writers formerly, is no longer legitimate.


Topic: Abominable
Definition:
ABOM'INABLE, a.  [See Abominate.]  
1.  Very hateful; detestable; lothesome.
2.  This word is applicable to whatever is odious to the mind or offensive to the senses.
3.  Unclean.  Levit. vli.


Topic: Abominably
Definition:
ABOM'INABLY, adv.  
1.  Very odiously; detestably; sinfully.  1Kings xxi.
2.  In vulgar language, extremely, excessively.


Topic: Abominate
Definition:
ABOM'INATE, v.t.  [L. abomino, supposed to be formed by ab and omen; to deprecate as ominous; may the Gods avert the evil.]
To hate extremely; to abhor; to detest


Topic: Abomination
Definition:
ABOMINA'TION, n.  
1.  Extreme hatred; detestation.
2.  The object of detestation, a common signification in scripture.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.  Prov.xv.
3.  Hence, defilement, pollution, in a physical sense, or evil doctrines and practices, which are moral defilements, idols and idolatry, are called abominations.  The Jews were an abomination to the Egyptians; and the sacred animals of the Egyptians were an abomination to the Jews.  The Roman army is called the abomination of desolation.  Mat. 24:13.  In short, whatever is an object of extreme hatred, is called an abomination.


Topic: Abord
Definition:
ABO'RD, n.  [Fr. See Border.]  Literally, arrival, but used for first appearance, manner of accosting, or address, but not an English word.
ABO'RD, v.t.  To accost.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Aborea
Definition:
ABO'REA, n.  A species of duck, called by Edwards, the black-bellied whistling duck.  This fowl is of a reddish brown color, with a sort of crest on its head; the belly is spotted with black and white.  It belongs to the genus, anas.


Topic: Aboriginal
Definition:
ABORIG'INAL, a.  [L. ab and origo, origin.  See Origin.]
First; original; primitive; aboriginal people are the first inhabitants of a country.
Aboriginal tribes of America.
ABORIG'INAL, a.  an original, or primitive inhabitant.  The first settlers in a country are called aboriginals; as the Celts in Europe, and Indians in America.


Topic: Aborinines
Definition:
ABORIN'INES, n. plur.  Aboriginals - but not an English word.
It may be well to let it pass into disuse.  [See Aboriginal.]


Topic: Abort
Definition:
ABORT', v.i.  [L. aborto; ab and ortus, orior.]
To miscarry in birth.  [Not in use.]
ABORT', n.  an abortion.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Abortion
Definition:
ABOR'TION, n.  [L. abortio, a miscarriage; usually deduced from ab and orior.]
1.  The act of miscarrying, or producing young before the natural time, or before the fetus is perfectly formed.
2.  In a figurative sense, any fruit or produce that does not come to maturity, or any thing which fails in its progress, before it is matured or perfect, as a design or project.
3.  The fetus brought forth before it is perfectly formed.


Topic: Abortive
Definition:
ABOR'TIVE, a.  
1.  Brought forth in an immature state; failing, or coming to naught, before it is complete.
2.  Failing in its effect; miscarrying; producing nothing; as an abortive scheme.
3.  Rendering abortive; as abortive gulf, in Milton, but not legitimate.
4.  Pertaining to abortion; as abortive vellum, made of the skin of an abortive calf.
5.  In botany, an abortive flower is one which falls without producing fruit.
ABOR'TIVE, n.  That which is brought forth or born prematurely.  [Little used.]


Topic: Abortiveness
Definition:
ABOR'TIVENESS, n.  The state of being abortive; a failing in the progress to perfection or maturity; a failure of producing the intended effect.


Topic: Abound
Definition:
ABOUND', v. i.  [L. abundo.  If this word is from L. unda, a wave, the latter has probably lost its first consonant.  Abound may naturally be deduced from the Celtic.  L.  fons, a fountain.]
1.  To have or possess in great quantity; to be copiously supplied; followed by with or in; as to abound with provisions; to abound in good things.
2.  To be in great plenty; to be very prevalent.
Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.  Rom. v.


Topic: Abounding
Definition:
ABOUND'ING, ppr.  Having in great plenty; being in great plenty, being very prevalent; generally prevailing.
ABOUND'ING, n. Increase.


Topic: About
Definition:
ABOUT', prep. [Gr. butan, without, [see but,] literally, around, on the outside.]
1.  Around; on the exterior part or surface.
Bind them about thy neck.  Prov. iii. 3.  Isa. l.  Hence,
2.  Near to in place, with the sense of circularity.
Get you up from about the tabernacle.  Num. xvi.
3.  Near to in time.
He went out about the third hour.  Mat. xxi. 3.
4.  Near to, in action, or near to the performance of some act.
Paul was about to open his mouth.
They were about to flee out of the ship.  Acts, 28:14 - 28:30.
5.  Near to the person; appended to the clothes.  Every thing about him is in order.  Is your snuff box about you?  From nearness on all sides, the transition is easy to a concern with.  Hence,
6.  Concerned in, engaged in, relating to, respecting.
I must be about my father's business.  Luke, ii. 49.  The painter is not to take so much pains about the drapery as about the face
What is he about?
7.  In compass or circumference; two yards about the trunk.
ABOUT', adv.  
1.  Near to in number or quantity.
There fell that day about three thousand men.  Ex. xxxii.
2.  Near to in quality or degree; as about as high, or as cold.
3.  Here and there; around; in one place and another.
Wandering about from house to house. 1Tim. v.
4.  round, or the longest way, opposed to across, or the shortest way.  A mile about, and half a mile across.
To bring about, to bring to the end; to effect or accomplish a purpose.
To come about, to change or turn; to come to the desired point.  In a like sense, seamen say go about, when a ship changes her course and goes on the other tack.
Ready about, about ship, are orders for tacking.
To go about, signifies to enter upon; also to prepare; to seek the means.
Why go ye about to kill me.  John, 7.


Topic: Above
Definition:
ABOVE', prep.
1.  Literally, higher in place.
The fowls that fly above the earth.  Gen. i. 20.
2.  Figuratively, superior in any respect.
I saw a light above the brightness of the Sun, Acts, 26.
The price of a virtuous woman is above rubies, Prov. 31.
3.  More in number or quantity.
He was seen by above five hundred brethren at once, 1 Cor. 25. 
The weight is above a tun.
4.  More in degree; in a greater degree.
Hannaniah feared God above many. Neh. vii. 2.
The serpent is cursed above all cattle.  Gen. iii.
5.  Beyond; in excess.
In stripes above measure. 2Cor. xi.
God will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able, 1 Cor. 10:13.
6.  Beyond; in a state to be unattainable; as things above comprehension.
7.  Too proud for.
This man is above his business.
8.  Too elevated in mind or rank; having too much dignity for; as
This man is above mean actions.
9.  It is often used elliptically, for heaven, or the celestial regions.
Let not God regard it from above, Job, 3.
The powers above.
10.  In a book or writing, it denotes before or in a former place, as what has been said above; supra.  This mode of speaking originated in the ancient manner of writing, on a strip of parchment, beginning at one end and proceeding to the other.  The beginning was the upper end.
ABOVE', adv.  
1.  Overhead; in a higher place.
2.  Before.
3.  Chief in rank or power.  Deut. 28.
Above all is elliptical; above all considerations; chiefly; in preference to other things.
Above board; above the board or table; in open sight; without trick, concealment or deception.  This expression is said by Johnson to be borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.


Topic: Abracadabra
Definition:
ABRACADAB'RA,  The name of a deity worshipped by the Syrians: a cabalistic word.  The letters of his name, written on paper, in the form of an inverted cone, were recommended by Samonicus as an antidote against certain diseases.


Topic: Abrade
Definition:
ABRA'DE, v.t.  [L. abrado, to scrape, from rado.]
To rub or wear off; to waste by friction; used especially to express the action of sharp, corrosive medicines, in wearing away or removing the mucus of the membranes.


Topic: Abreast
Definition:
ABREAST', adv. abrest', [from a and breast.]
1.  Side by side; with the breasts in a line.
Two men rode abreast.
2.  In marine language, ships are abreast when their heads are equally advanced; and they are abreast of objects when the objects are on a line with the beam. - Hence,
Opposite; against; on a line with - as a ship was abreast of Montauk point - A seaman's phrase.


Topic: Abridge
Definition:
ABRIDGE', v.t.  abridj', [G. short, or its root, from the root of break or a verb of that family.]
1.  To make shorter; to epitomize; to contract by using fewer words, yet retaining the sense in substance - used of writings.
Justin abridged the history of Trogus Pompeius.
2.  To lessen; to diminish; as to abridge labor; to abridge power of rights.
3.  To deprive; to cut off from; followed by of; as to abridge one of his rights, or enjoyments.  to abridge from, is now obsolete or improper.
4.  In algebra, to reduce a compound quantity or equation to its more simple expression.  The equation thus abridged is called a formula.


Topic: Abridgment
Definition:
ABRIDG'MENT, n.  
1.  An epitome; a compend, or summary of a book.
2.  Diminution; contraction; reduction - as an abridgment of expenses.
3.  Deprivation; a debarring or restraint - as an abridgment of pleasures.


Topic: Abroach
Definition:
ABROACH, adv.  [See Broach.]
Broached; letter out or yielding liquor, or in a posture for letting out; as a cask is abroach.  Figuratively used by Shakespeare for setting loose, or in a state of being diffused, 'Set mischief abroach;' but this sense is unusual.


Topic: Abroad
Definition:
ABROAD, adv. abrawd'.  [See Broad]
In a general sense, at large; widely; not confined to narrow limits.  Hence,
1.  In the open air.
2.  Beyond or out of the walls of a house, as to walk abroad.
3.  Beyond the limits of a camp.  Deut. xxiii. 10
4.  Beyond the bounds of a country; in foreign countries - as to go abroad for an education.  We have broils at home and enemies abroad.
5.  Extensively; before the public at large.
He began to blaze abroad the matter.  Mark i. 45.  
Esther i.
6.  Widely; with expansion; as a tree spreads its branches abroad.


Topic: Abrogate
Definition:
AB'ROGATE, v.t.  [L abrago, to repeal. from ab and rogo, to ask or propose.  See the English reach.  Class Rg.]
To repeal; to annul by an authoritative act; to abolish by the authority of the maker or his successor; applied to the repeal of laws, decrees, ordinances, the abolition of established customs &c.


Topic: Abrupt
Definition:
ABRUPT', a.  [L. abruptus, from abrumpo, to break off, of ab and rumpo.  See Rupture.]
1.  Literally, broken off, or broken short.
Hence,
2.  Steep, craggy; applied to rocks, precipices and the like.
3.  Figuratively, sudden; without notice to prepare the mind for the event; as an abrupt entrance and address.
4.  Unconnected; having sudden transitions from one subject to another; as an abrupt style.
5.  In botany, an abrupt pinnate leaf is one which has neither leaflet, nor entril at the end.
ABRUPT', n.  A chasm or gulf with steep sides.  'Over the vast abrupt.'  [This use of the word is infrequent.]


Topic: Abruptly
Definition:
ABRUPT'LY, adv.  suddenly; without giving notice, or without the usual forms; as, the Minister left France abruptly.


Topic: Abruptness
Definition:
ABRUPT'NESS, n.  
1.  A state of being broken; craggedness; steepness.
2.  Figuratively, suddenness; unceremonious haste or vehemence.


Topic: Abscess
Definition:
AB'SCESS, n.  [L. abscessus, from ab and cedo, to go from.]
An imposthume.  A collection of morbid matter, or pus in the cellular or adipose membrane; matter generated by the suppuration of an inflammatory tumor.


Topic: Absciss
Definition:
AB'SCISS, n.  [L. abscissus, from ab and scindere, to cut;  See Scissors.]
In conics, a part of the diameter, or transverse axis of a conic section, intercepted between the vertex or some other fixed point, and a semiordinate.


Topic: Abscission
Definition:
ABSCIS'SION, n.  [See Absciss.]
1. A cutting off, or a begin cut off.  In surgery, the separation of any corrupted or useless part of the body, by a sharp instrument; applied to the soft parts, as amputation is to the bones and flesh of a limb.
2. In rhetoric, a figure of speech, when having begun to say a thing, a speaker stops abruptly, as supposing the matter sufficiently understood. Thus, He is a man of so much honor and candor, and such generosity--but I need say no more.


Topic: Abscond
Definition:
ABSCOND', v.i.  [L. abscondo, to hide, of abs and condo, to hide, i.e. to withdraw, or to thrust aside or into a corner or secret place.]
1.  To retire from public view, or from the place in which one resides or is ordinarily to be found; to withdraw, or absent one's self in a private manner; to be concealed; appropriately, used of persons who secrete themselves to avoid a legal process.
2.  To hide, withdraw or be concealed; as 'the marmot absconds in winter.'  [Little used.]


Topic: Absconding
Definition:
ABSCOND'ING, ppr.  Withdrawing privately from public view; as, an absconding debtor, who confines himself to his apartments, or absents himself to avoid the ministers of justice.  In the latter sense, it is properly an adjective.


Topic: Absence
Definition:
AB'SENCE, n.  [L. absens, from absum, abesse, to be away; ab and sum.]
1.  A state of being at a distance in place, or not in company.  It is used to denote any distance indefinitely, either in the same town, or country, or in a foreign country; and primarily supposes a prior presence.  'Speak well of one in his absence.'
2.  Want; destitution; implying no previous presence.  'In the absence of conventional law.'
3.  In law, non-appearance; a not being in court to answer.
4.  Heedlessness; inattention to things present.  Absence of mind is the attention of the mind to a subject which does not occupy the rest of the company, and which draws the mind from things or objects which are present, to others distant or foreign.


Topic: Absent
Definition:
AB'SENT, a.  
1.  Not present; not in company; at such a distance as to prevent communication.  It is used also for being in a foreign country.
A gentleman is absent on his travels.
Absent from one another.  Gen. 31:49.
2.  Heedless; inattentive to persons present, or to subjects of conversation in company.
An absent man is uncivil to the company.
3.  In familiar language, not at home; as, the master of the house is absent.  In other words, he does not wish to be disturbed by company.


Topic: Absentee
Definition:
ABSENTEE', n.  One who withdraws from his country, office or estate; one who removed to a distant place or to another counter.


Topic: Absinthium
Definition:
ABSINTH'IUM, n.  Budaeus in his commentaries on Theophrast, supposes the word composed of a priv. delight, so named from its bitterness.  But it may be an Oriental word.
The common wormwood; a bitter plant, used as a tonic.  A species of Artemisia.


Topic: Absolute
Definition:
AB'SOLUTE, a.  [L. absolutus.  See Absolve.]
1.  Literally, in a general sense, free, independent of any thing extraneous.  Hence,
2.  Complete in itself; positive; as an absolute declaration.
3.  Unconditional, as an absolute promise.
4.  Existing independent of any other cause, as God is absolute.
5.  Unlimited by extraneous power or control, as an absolute government or prince.
6.  Not relative, as absolute space.
In grammar, the case absolute, is when a word or member of a sentence is not immediately dependent on the other parts of the sentence in government.
Absolute equation, in astronomy, is the aggregate of the 
optic and eccentric equations.  The apparent inequality of a planet's motion in its orbit, arising from is unequal distances from the earth at different times, is called its optic equation; the eccentric inequality is caused by the uniformity of the planet's motion, in an elliptical orbit, which, for that reason, appears not to be uniform.
Absolute numbers, in algebra, are such as have no letters annexed, as 2a+36=48.  the two latter numbers are absolute or pure.
Absolute space, in physics, is space considered without relation to any other object.
Absolute gravity, in philosophy, is that property in bodies by which they are said to weigh so much, without regard to circumstances of modification, and this is always as the quantity of matter they contain.


Topic: Absolutely
Definition:
AB'SOLUTELY, adv.  
1. Completely, wholly, as a thing is absolutely unintelligible.
2.  Without dependence or relation; in a state unconnected
Absolutely we cannot discommend, we cannot absolutely approve, either willingness to live, or forwardness to die.
3.  Without restriction or limitation; as God reigns absolutely.
4.  Without condition, as God does not forgive absolutely, but upon condition of faith and repentance.
5.  Positively, peremptorily, as command me absolutely not to go.


Topic: Absoluteness
Definition:
AB'SOLUTENESS, n. Independence, completeness in itself.
2.  Despotic authority, or that which is subject to no extraneous restriction, or control.


Topic: Absolution
Definition:
ABSOLU'TION, n.  In the civil law, an acquittal or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.  In the canon law, a remission of sins pronounced by a priest in favor of a penitent.  Among protestants, a sentence by which an excommunicated person is released from his liability to punishment.


Topic: Absolvatory
Definition:
ABSOLV'ATORY, a.  [from absolve.]  Containing absolution, pardon, or release; having power to absolve.


Topic: Absolve
Definition:
ABSOLVE', v.t. abzolv',  [L. absolvo, from ab and solvo, to loose or release; to absolve, to finish;  Heb. to loose or loosen.  See Solve.]
To set free or release from some obligation, debt or responsibility; or from that which subjects a person to a burden or penalty; as to absolve a person from a promise; to absolve an offender, which amounts to an acquittal and remission of his punishment.  Hence, in the civil law, the word was used for acquit; and in the canon law, for forgive, or a sentence of 
remission.  In ordinary language, its sense is to set free or release from an engagement.  Formerly, good writers used the word in the sense of finish, accomplish; as to absolve work, in Milton; but in this sense, it seems to be obsolete.


Topic: Absorb
Definition:
ABSORB', v.t.  [L.  absorbeo, ab and sorbeo, to drink in;  to draw or drink in;  whence sirup, sherbet, shrub.]
1.  To drink in; to suck up; to imbibe; as a spunge, or as the lacteals of the body.
2.  To drink in, swallow up, or overwhelm with water, as a body in a whirlpool.
3.  To waste wholly or sink in expenses; to exhaust,; as, to absorb an estate in luxury.
4.  To engross or engage wholly, as absorbed in study or the pursuit of wealth.


Topic: Absorbent
Definition:
ABSORB'ENT, a.  Imbibing; swallowing.
ABSORB'ENT, n.  In anatomy, a vessel which imbibes, as the lacteals, lymphatics, and inhaling arteries.  In medicine, a testaceous powder, or other substance, which imbibes the humors of the body, as chalk or magnesia.


Topic: Absorption
Definition:
ABSORP'TION, n.  
1.  The act or process of imbibing or swallowing; either by water which overwhelms, or by substances, which drink in and retain liquids; as the absorption of a body in a whirlpool, or of water by the earth, or of the humors of the body by dry powders.  It is used also to express the swallowing up of substances by the earth in chasms made by earthquakes, and the sinking of large tracts in violent commotions of the earth.
2.  In chimistry, the conversion of a gaseous fluid into a liquid or solid, by union with another substance.


Topic: Abstain
Definition:
ABSTA'IN, v.i.  [L.  abstineo, to keep from; abs and teneo, to hold.  See Tenant.]
In a general sense, to forbear, or refrain from, voluntarily; but used chiefly to denote a restraint upon the passions or appetites; to refrain from indulgence.
Abstain from meats offered to idols.  Acts, xv.
To abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries.


Topic: Abstemious
Definition:
ABSTE'MIOUS, a.  [L. abstemium, from abs and temetum, an ancient name of strong wine, according to Fabius and Gellius.  But Vossius supposes it to be from abstineo, by a change of n to m.  It may be from the root of timeo, to fear, that is, to withdraw.]  
1.  Sparing in diet; refraining from a free use of food and strong drinks.
Instances of longevity are chiefly among the abstemious.
2.  Sparing in the enjoyment of animal pleasures of any kind.  [This sense is less common, and perhaps not legitimate.]
3.  Sparingly used, or used with temperance; belonging to abstinence; as an abstemious diet; an abstemious life.


Topic: Abstemiousness
Definition:
ABSTE'MIOUSNESS, n.  The quality of being temperate or sparing in the use of food and strong drinks.
This word expresses a greater degree of abstinence than temperance.


Topic: Absterge
Definition:
ABSTERGE', v.t.  abstery'.  [L. abstergeo, of abs and tergeo, to wipe.  Tergeo may have a common origin with the Sw. torcka, G. trocknen, D. droogen, Sax. drygan, to dry; for these Teutonic verbs signify to wipe, as well as to dry.]
To wipe or make clean by wiping; to cleanse by resolving obstructions in the body.  [Used chiefly as a medical term.]


Topic: Abstergent
Definition:
ABSTERG'ENT, a.  Wiping; cleansing.
ABSTERG'ENT, n.  a medicine which frees the body from obstructions, as soap; but the use of the word is nearly superseded by detergent, which see.


Topic: Abstersion
Definition:
ABSTER'SION, n.  [from L.  abstergeo, abstersus.]  The act of wiping clean; or a cleansing by medicines which resolve obstructions.  [See Deterge, Detersion.]


Topic: Abstinence
Definition:
AB'STINENCE, n.  [L. abstinentia.  See Abstain.]  
1.  In general, the act or practice of voluntarily refraining from, or forbearing any action.  'Abstinence from every thing which can be deemed labor.
More appropriately,
2.  The refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal propensities.  It denotes a total forbearance, as in fasting, or a forbearance of the usual quantity.  In the latter sense, it may coincide with temperance, but in general, it denotes a more sparing use of enjoyments than temperance.  Besides, abstinence implies previous free indulgence; temperance does not.


Topic: Abstinents
Definition:
AB'STINENTS, a sect which appeared in France and Spain in the third century, who opposed marriage, condemned the use of flesh meat, and placed the Holy Spirit in the class of created beings.


Topic: Abstract
Definition:
ABSTRACT', v.t.  [L. abstraho, to draw from or separate; from abs and traho, which is the Eng. draw.  See Draw.]
1.  To draw from, or to separate; as to abstract an action from its evil effects; to abstract spirit from any substance by distillation; but in this sense extract is now more generally used.
2.  To separate ideas by the operation of the mind; to consider one part of a complex object, or to have a partial idea of it in the mind.
3.  To select or separate the substance of a book or writing; to epitomize or reduce to a summary.
4.  In chimistry, to separate, as the more volatile parts of a substance by repeated distillation, or at least by distillation.


Topic: Abstraction
Definition:
ABSTRAC'TION, n.  
1.  The act of separating, or state of being separated.
2.  The operation of the mind when occupied by abstract ideas; as when we contemplate some particular part, or property of a complex object, as separate from the rest.  Thus, when the mind considers the branch of a tree by itself, or the color of the leaves, as separate from their size or figure, the act is abstraction.  so also, when it considers whiteness, softness, virtue, existence, as separate from any particular objects.
The power which the understanding has of separating the combinations which are presented to it, is distinguished by logicians, by the name of abstraction.
Abstraction is the ground-work of classification, by which things are arranged in orders, genera, and species.  We separate in idea the qualities of certain objects which are of the same kind, from others which are different in each, and arrange the objects having the same properties in a class, or collected body.
3.  A separation from worldly objects, a recluse life; as a hermit's abstraction.
4.  Absence of mind; inattention to present objects.
5.  In the process of distillation, the term is used to denote the separation of the volatile parts, which rise, come over, and are condensed in a receiver, from those which are fixed.  It is chiefly used, when a fluid is repeatedly poured upon any substance in a retort, and distilled off, to change its state, or the nature of its composition.


Topic: Abstractive
Definition:
ABSTRACT'IVE, a.  Having the power or quality of abstracting.
ABSTRACT'IVE, a.  Abstracted, or drawn from other substances,


Topic: Abstractly
Definition:
AB'STRACTLY, adv.  separately; absolutely; in a state or manner unconnected with any thing else; as, matter abstractly considered.


Topic: Abstractness
Definition:
AB'STRACTNESS, n.  A separate state; a state of being in contemplation only, or not connected with any object.


Topic: Abstruse
Definition:
ABSTRU'SE, a.  [L.  abstrusus, from abstrudo, to thrust away, to conceal; abs and trudo; Eng. to thrust.]  Hid; concealed; hence, remote from apprehension; difficult to be comprehended or understood; opposed to what is obvious. [Not used of material objects.]
Metaphysics is an abstruse science.


Topic: Abstrusely
Definition:
ABSTRU'SELY, adv.  In a concealed; hence, remote from apprehension; difficult to be comprehended or understood; opposed to what is obvious.  [Not used of material objects.]


Topic: Absurd
Definition:
ABSURD', a.  [L. absurdus, from ab and surdus, deaf, insensible.]  Opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with reason or the plain dictates of common sense.  An absurd man acts contrary to the clear dictates of reason or sound judgement.  An absurd proposition contradicts obvious truth.  An absurd practice or opinion is repugnant to the reason or common apprehension of men.  It is absurd to say six and six make ten, or that plants will take root in stone.


Topic: Absurdity
Definition:
ABSURD'ITY, n.  
1.  The quality of being inconsistent with obvious truth, reason, or sound judgment.  Want of judgment, applied to men; want of propriety, applied to things.
2.  That which is absurd; in this sense it has a plural; the absurdities of men.


Topic: Abundance
Definition:
ABUND'ANCE, n.  Great plenty; an overflowing quantity; ample sufficiency; in strictness applicable to quantity only; but customarily used of number, as an abundance of peasants.
In scripture, the abundance of the rich is great wealth. Eccl. 5. Mark, 7. Luke 21.
The abundance of the seas is great plenty of fish. 
Deut. 33.
It denotes also fullness, overflowing, as the abundance of the heart.  Mat. 22.  Luke, 6.


Topic: Abundant
Definition:
ABUND'ANT, a.  Plentiful; in great quantity; fully sufficient; as an abundant supply.  In scripture, abounding; having in great quantity; overflowing with.
The Lord God is abundant in goodness and truth. Ex. xxxiv.
Abundant number, in arithmetic, is one, the sum of whose aliquot parts exceeds the number itself.  Thus 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, the aliquot parts of 12, make the sum of 16.  This is opposed to a deficient number, as 14, whose aliquot parts are 1, 2, 7, the sum of which is 10; and to a perfect number, which is equal to the sum of its aliquot parts, as 6, whose aliquot parts are 1, 2, 3.


Topic: Abuse
Definition:
ABU'SE, v.t. s as z.  [L.  abutor, abusus of ab and utor, to use; Gr. to accustom.  See Use.]
1.  To use ill; to maltreat; to misuse; to use with bad motives or to wrong purposes; as, to abuse rights or privileges.
They that use this world as not abusing it. 1Cor. vii.
2.  To violate; to defile by improper sexual intercourse.
3.  To deceive; to impose on.
Nor be with all these tempting words abused.
4.  To treat rudely, or with reproachful language; to revile.
He mocked and abused them shamefully.
5.  To pervert the meaning of; to misapply; as to abuse words.
ABU'SE, n.  Ill use; improper treatment or employment; application to a wrong purpose; as an abuse of our natural powers; an abuse of civil rights, or of religious privileges; abuse of advantages, &c.
Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty, as well as by the abuses of power.
2.  A corrupt practice or custom, as the abuses of government.
3.  Rude speech; reproachful language addressed to a person; contumely; reviling words.
4.  Seduction.
After the abuse he forsook me.
5.  Perversion of meaning; improper use or application; as an abuse of words.


Topic: Abused
Definition:
ABU'SED, pp. s as z.  Ill-used; used to a bad purpose; treated with rude language; misemployed; perverted to bad or wrong ends; deceived; defiled; violated.


Topic: Abuser
Definition:
ABU'SER, n. s as z.  One who abuses, in speech or behavior; one that deceives; a ravisher; a sodomite.  1Cor. vi.


Topic: Abusing
Definition:
ABU'SING, ppr.  s as z.  Using ill; employing to bad purposes; deceiving; violating the person; perverting.


Topic: Abusive
Definition:
ABU'SIVE, a.  
1.  Practicing abuse; offering harsh words, or ill treatment; as an abusive author; an abusive fellow.
2.  Containing abuse, or that is the instrument of abuse, as abusive words; rude; reproachful.  In the sense of deceitful, as an abusive treaty.  [Little used.]


Topic: Abusiveness
Definition:
ABU'SIVENESS, n.  Ill-usage; the quality of being abusive; rudeness of language, or violence to the person.


Topic: Abut
Definition:
ABUT', v.i.  To border upon; to be contiguous to; to meet; in strictness, to adjoin to at the end; but this distinction has not always been observed.  The word is chiefly used in describing the bounds or situation of land, and in popular language, is contracted into but, as butted and bounded.


Topic: Abutment
Definition:
ABUT'MENT, n.  
1.  The head or end; that which unites one end of a thing to another; chiefly used to denote the solid pier or mound of earth, stone or timber, which is erected on the bank of a river to support the end of a bridge and connect it with the land.
2.  That which abuts or borders on another.


Topic: Abyss
Definition:
ABYSS', n.  [Gr. bottomless, from a priv. and bottom, Ion.  See Bottom.]  
1.  A bottomless gulf; used also for a deep mass of waters, supposed by some to have encompassed the earth before the flood.
Darkness was upon the face of the deep, or abyss, as it is in the Septuagint.  Gen. i. 2.
The word is also used for an immense cavern in the earth, in which God is supposed to have collected all the waters on the third day of the creation.  It is used also for hell, Erebus.
2.  That which is immeasurable; that in which any thing is lost.
Thy throne is darkness, in the abyss of light.
The abyss of time.
3.  In antiquity, the temple of Proserpine, so called from the immense treasures it was supposed to contain.
4.  In heraldry, the center of an escutcheon.
He bears azure, a fleur de lis, in abyss.


Topic: Abyssinians
Definition:
ABYSSIN'IANS, n.  A sect of christians in Abyssinia, who admit but one nature in Jesus Christ, and reject the council of Chalcedon.  They are governed by a bishop, or metropolitan, call Abuna, who is appointed by the Coptic patriarch of Cairo.


Topic: Acacia
Definition:
ACA'CIA, n.  [L. acacia, a thorn, from Gr., a point.]
Egyptian thorn, a species of plant ranked by Linne under the genus mimosa, and by others, made a distinct genus.  Of the flowers of one species, the  Chinese make a yellow dye which bears washing in silks, and appears with elegance on paper.


Topic: Acacians
Definition:
ACA'CIANS, in Church History, were certain sects, so denominated from their leaders, Acacius, bishop of Cesarea, and Acacius, patriarch of Constantinople.  Some of these maintained that the Son was only a similar, not the same, substance with the Father; others, that he was not only a distinct but a dissimilar substance.


Topic: Academic
Definition:
ACADEM'IC, a. Belonging to an academy, or to a college or ACADEM'ICAL, university - as academic studies; also noting what belongs to the school or philosophy of Plato - as the academic sect.
ACADEM'IC, n.  One who belonged to the school or adhered to the philosophy of Socrates and Plato.  The latter is considered as the founder of the academic philosophy in Greece.
He taught, that matter is eternal and infinite, but without form, refractory, and tending to disorder; and that there is an intelligent cause, the author of spiritual being and of the material world.


Topic: Academician
Definition:
ACADEMI'CIAN, n.  a member of an academy, or society for promoting arts and sciences; particularly, a member of the French academies.


Topic: Academist
Definition:
ACAD'EMIST, n.  a member of an Academy for promoting arts and sciences; also an academic philosopher.


Topic: Academy
Definition:
ACAD'EMY, n.  [L.  academia.]  Originally, it is said, a garden, grove, or villa, near Athens, where Plato and his followers held their philosophical conferences.
1.  A school, or seminary of learning, holding a rank between a university or college, and a common school; also a school for teaching a particular art, or particular sciences, as a military academy.
2.  A house in which the students or members of an academy meet; a place of education.
3.  A society of men united for the promotion of arts and sciences in general, or of some particular art.


Topic: Acanaceous
Definition:
ACANA'CEOUS, a acana'shus.  [Gr. a prickly shrub.]
Armed with prickles.  A class of plants are called acanaceae.


Topic: Acantha
Definition:
ACANTH'A, n.  [Gr.  a spine or thorn.]
In botany, a prickle; in zoology, a spine or prickly fin; an acute process of the vertebers.


Topic: Acantharis
Definition:
ACAN'THARIS, n.  In entomology, a species of Cimex, with a spinous thorax, and a ciliated abdomen, with spines; found in Jamaica.


Topic: Acanthine
Definition:
ACANTH'INE, a  [See acanthus.]
Pertaining to the plant, acanthus.  The acanthine garments of the ancients were made of the down of thistles, or embroidered in imitation of the acanthus.


Topic: Acanthopterygious
Definition:
ACANTHOPTERYG'IOUS, a  [Gr. a thorn, and a little feather, from a feather.]
In zoology, having back fins which are hard, bony and pricky, a term applied to certain fishes.


Topic: Acanthus
Definition:
ACANTH'US, n.  [G. and L.  acanthus, from a prickle or thorn.  See acantha.]
1.  The plant bear's breech or brank ursine; a genus of several species, receiving their name from their prickles.
2.  In architecture, an ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus, used in capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.


Topic: Acatalectic
Definition:
ACATALEC'TIC, n.  [Gr. not defective at the end, to cease.]  A verse, which has the complete number of syllables without defect or superfluity.


Topic: Acatalepsy
Definition:
ACAT'ALEPSY, n.  [Gr.  to comprehend.]
Impossibility of complete discovery or comprehension; incomprehensibility.  [Little used.]


Topic: Acauline
Definition:
ACAU'LINE, a. [L. a priv. and caulis, Gr. a stalk. See ACAU'LOUS, Colewort.]
In botany, without a stem, having flowers resting on the ground; as the Carline thistle.


Topic: Accede
Definition:
ACCE'DE, v.i.  [L.  accedo, of ad and cedo, to yield or give place, or rather to move.]
1.  To agree or assent, as to a proposition, or to terms proposed by another.  Hence in a negotiation.
2.  To become a party, by agreeing to the terms of a treaty or convention.


Topic: Acceding
Definition:
ACCE'DING, ppr.  Agreeing; assenting: becoming a party to a treaty by agreeing to the terms proposed.


Topic: Accelerate
Definition:
ACCEL'ERATE, v.t.  [L. accelero, of ad and celero, to hasten, from celer, quick.
1.  To cause to move faster; to hasten; to quicken motion; to add to the velocity of a moving body.  It implies previous motion or progression.
2.  To add to natural or ordinary progression; as to accelerate the growth of a plant, or the progress of knowledge.
3.  To bring nearer in time; to shorten the time between the present time and a future event; as to accelerate the ruin of a government; to accelerate a battle.


Topic: Acceleration
Definition:
ACCELERA'TION, n.  The act of increasing velocity or progress; the state of being quickened in motion or action.  Accelerated motion in mechanics and physics, is that which continually receives accessions of velocity; as, a falling body moves towards the earth with an acceleration of velocity.  It is the opposite of retardation.
Acceleration of the moon, is the increase of the moon's mean motion from the sun, compared with the diurnal motion of the earth; the moon moving with more velocity now than in ancient times - a discovery made by Dr. Halley.
The diurnal acceleration of the fixed stars, is the time by which they anticipate the mean diurnal revolution of the sun, which is nearly three minutes, fifty-six seconds.


Topic: Accend
Definition:
ACCEND', v.t.  [L. accendo, to kindle; ad and candeo, caneo, to be white, canus, white;  W. can, white, bright; also a song.  Whence, canto, to sing, to chant; cantus, a song; Eng. cant; W. canu, to bleach or whiten, and to sing; cymnud, fuel.  Hence, kindle, L. candidus, candid, white.  The primary sense is, to throw, dart, or thrust; to shoot, as the rays of light.  Hence, to cant, to throw.  See Chant and Cant.]  To kindle; to set on fire.  [The verb is not used.]


Topic: Accension
Definition:
ACCEN'SION, n.  The act of kindling or setting on fire; or the state of being kindled; inflammation.


Topic: Accent
Definition:
AC'CENT, n.  [L. accentus, from ad and cano, cantum, to sing; See Accend.]
1.  The modulation of the voice in reading or speaking, as practiced by the ancient Greeks, which rendered their rehearsal musical.  More strictly, in English,
2.  A particular stress or force of voice upon certain syllables of words, which distinguishes them from the others.  Accent is of two kinds, primary and secondary; as in as'pira'tion.  In uttering this word, we observe the first and third syllables are distinguished; the third by a full sound, which constitutes the primary accent; the first by a  degree of force in the voice which is less than that of the primary accent, but evidently greater than that which falls on the second and fourth syllables.
When the full accent falls on a vowel, that vowel has its long sound, as in vo'cal; but when it falls on an articulation or consonant, the preceding vowel is short, as in hab'it.  Accent alone regulates English verse.
3.  A mark or character used in writing to direct the stress of the voice in pronunciation.  Our ancestors borrowed from the Greek language three of these characters, the acute, the grave and circumflex. In the Greek, the first shows when the voice is to be raised; the second, when it is to be depressed; and the third, when the vowel is to be uttered with an undulating sound.
4.  A modulation of the voice expressive of passions or sentiments.
The tender accents of a woman's cry.
5.  Manner of speaking.
A man of plain accent.  Obs.
6.  Poetically, words, language, or expressions in general.
Words, on your wings, to heaven her accents bear,
Such words as heaven alone is fit to hear.
7.  In music, a swelling of sounds, for the purpose of variety or expression.  the principal accent falls on the first note in the bar, but the third place in common time requires also an accent.
8.  A peculiar tone or inflection of voice.
AC'CENT, v.t.  To express accent; to utter a syllable with a particular stress or modulation of the voice.  In poetry, to utter or pronounce in general.  Also to note accents by marks in writing.


Topic: Accept
Definition:
ACCEPT', v.t.  [L. accepto, from accipio, ad and capio, to take.]
1.  To take or receive what is offered, with a consenting mind; to receive with approbation or favor.
Bless, Lord, his substance, and accept the work of his hands.  Deut. 33.
He made an offer which was accepted.
Observe the difference between receive and accept.
He received an appointment or the offer of a commission, but he did not accept it.
2.  To regard with partiality; to value or esteem.
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked.  Prov. 28.  2 Cor. 8.
In theology, acceptance with God implies forgiveness of sins and reception into his favor.
3.  To consent or agree to; to receive as terms of a contract; as, to accept a treaty; often followed by of.
Accept of the terms.
4.  To understand; to have a particular idea of; to receive in a particular sense.
How is this phrase to be accepted?
5.  In commerce, to agree or promise to pay, as a bill of exchange.  [See Acceptance.]


Topic: Acceptable
Definition:
ACCEPT'ABLE, a.  
1.  That may be received with pleasure; hence pleasing to a receiver; gratifying; as an acceptable present.
2.  Agreeable or pleasing in person; as, a man makes himself acceptable by his services or civilities.


Topic: Acceptableness
Definition:
ACCEPT'ABLENESS, n. the quality of being agreeable to a ACCEPTABIL'ITY, receiver, or to a person with whom one has intercourse. [The latter word is little used, or not at all.]


Topic: Acceptably
Definition:
ACCEPT'ABLY, adv.  In a manner to please, or give satisfaction.
Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably.  
Heb. 12.


Topic: Acceptance
Definition:
ACCEPT'ANCE, n.  
1.  A receiving with approbation or satisfaction; favorable reception; as work done to acceptance.
They shall come up with acceptance on my altar.  Isa. 60.
2.  the receiving of a bill of exchange or order, in such a manner, as to bind the acceptor to make payment.  This must be by express words; and to charge the drawer with costs, in case of non payment, the acceptance must be in writing, under across, or on the back of the bill.
3.  An agreeing to terms or proposals in commerce, by which a bargain is concluded and the parties bound.
Page 41
4.  An agreeing to the act or contact of another, by some act which binds the person in law; as, a bishop's taking rent reserved on a lease made by his predecessor, is an acceptance of the terms of the lease and binds the party.
5.  In mercantile language, a bill of exchange accepted; as a merchant receives another's acceptance in payment.
6.  Formerly, the sense is which a word is understood.  Obs.
[See Acceptation.]


Topic: Acceptation
Definition:
ACCEPTA'TION, n.  
1.  Kind reception; a receiving with favor or approbation.
This is a saying worthy of all acceptation.  1 Tim. 1.
2.  A state of being acceptable; favorable regard.
Some things are of great dignity and acceptation with God
But in this sense acceptableness is more generally used.
3.  the meaning or sense in which a word or expression is understood, or generally received; as a term is to be used according to its usual acceptation.
4.  Reception in general.  Obs.


Topic: Accepter
Definition:
ACCEPT'ER, OR ACCEPT'OR, n.  A person who accepts; the person who receives a bill of exchange so as to bind himself to pay it.  [See Acceptance.]


Topic: Access
Definition:
ACCESS', n.  [L. accessus, from accedo.  See Accede.]
1.  A coming to; near approach; admittance; admission, as to gain access to a prince.
2.  Approach, or the way by which a thing may be approached; as, the access is by a neck of land.
3.  Means of approach; liberty to approach; implying previous obstacles.
By whom also we have access by faith.  Rom. v.
4.  Admission to sexual intercourse.
During coverture, access of the husband shall be presumed, unless the contrary be shown.
5.  Addition; increase by something added; as an access of territory; but in this sense accession is more generally used.
6.  The return of a fit or paroxysm of disease, or fever.  In this sense accession is generally used.


Topic: Accessible
Definition:
ACCESS'IBLE, a.  
1.  That may be approached or reached; approachable; applied to things; as an accessible town or mountain.
2.  Easy of approach, affable, used of persons.


Topic: Accession
Definition:
ACCESS'ION, n.  [L. accessio.]  
1.  A coming to; an acceding to and joining; as a king's accession to a confederacy.
2.  Increase by something added; that which is added; augmentation; as an accession of wealth or territory.
3.  In law, a mode of acquiring property, by which the owner of a corporeal substance, which receives an addition by growth, or by labor, has a right to the thing added or the improvement; provided the thing is not changed into a different species.  Thus the owner of a cow becomes the owner of her calf.
4.  The act of arriving at a throne, an office, or dignity.
5.  That which is added.
The only accession which the Roman Empire received, was the province of Britain.
6.  The invasion of a fit of a periodical disease, or fever.  It differs from exacerbation.  Accession implies a total previous intermission, as of a fever; exacerbation implies only a previous remission or abatement of violence.


Topic: Accessorily
Definition:
AC'CESSORILY, adv.  [See Accessory.]  In the manner of an accessory; by subordinate means, or in a secondary character; not as principal, but as a subordinate agent.


Topic: Accessory
Definition:
AC'CESSORY, a.  [L.  Accessorius, from accessus, accedo.  See Accede.  This word is accented on the first syllable on account of the derivatives, which require a secondary accent on the third; but the natural accent of accessory is on the second syllable, and thus it is often pronounced by good speakers.]
1.  Acceding; contributing; aiding in producing some effect, or acting in subordination to the principal agent.  Usually, in a bad sense, as John was accessory to the felony.
2.  Aiding in certain acts or effects in a secondary manner, as accessory sounds in music.
AC'CESSORY, n.  
1.  In law, one who is guilty of a felony, not by committing the offense in person or as principal, but by advising or commanding another to commit the crime, or by concealing the offender.  There may be accessories in all felonies, but not in treason.  An accessory before the fact, is one who counsels or commands another to commit a felony, and is not present when the act is executed; after the fact, when one receives and conceals the offender.
2.  That which accedes or belongs to something else, as its principal.
Accessory nerves, in anatomy, a pair of nerves, which arising from the medulla in the vertebers of the neck, ascend and enter the skull; then passing out with the par vagum, are distributed into the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
Accessory, among painters, an epithet given to parts of a history-piece which are merely ornamental, as vases, armor, &c.


Topic: Accident
Definition:
AC'CIDENT, n.  [L. accidens, falling, from ad and cado, to fall.  See Case and Cadence.  Class Gd.]
1.  A coming or falling; an event that takes place without one's foresight or expectation; an event which proceeds from an unknown cause, or is an unusual effect of a known cause, and therefore not expected; chance; casualty; contingency.
2.  That which takes place or begins to exist without an efficient intelligent cause and without design.
All of them, in his opinion, owe their being, to fate, accident, or the blind action of stupid matter.
3.  In logic, a property, or quality of a being which is not essential to it, as whiteness in paper.  Also all qualities are called accidents, in opposition to substance, as sweetness, softness, and things not essential to a body, as clothes.
4.  In grammar, something belonging to a word, but not essential to it, as gender, number, inflection.
5.  In heraldry, a point or mark, not essential to a coat of arms.


Topic: Accidental
Definition:
ACCIDENT'AL, a.  
1.  Happening by chance, or rather unexpectedly; casual; fortuitous, taking place not according to the usual course of things; opposed to that which is constant, regular, or intended, as an accidental visit.
2.  Non-essential; not necessarily belonging to; as songs are accidental to a play.
Accidental colors, are those which depend upon the affections of the eye, in distinction from those which belong to the light itself.
Accidental point, in perspective, is that point in the horizontal line, where the projections of two lines parallel to each other, meet the perspective plane.


Topic: Accipiter
Definition:
ACCIP'ITER,  n.  [L. ad and capio, to seize.]
1.  A name given to a fish, the milvus or lucerna, a species of Trigla.
2.  In ornithology, the name of the order of rapacious fowls.
The accipiters have a hooked bill, the superior mandible, near the base, being extended on each side beyond the inferior.  The genera are the vultur, the falco, or hawk, and the strix, or owl.


Topic: Acclaim
Definition:
ACCLA'IM v.t. [L acclamo, ad and clamo, to cry out.  See Claim, Clamor.]  To applaud.  [Little used.


Topic: Acclamation
Definition:
ACCLAMA'TION, n.  [L. acclamatio.  See acclaim.]
A shout of applause uttered by a multitude.  Anciently, acclamation was a form of words, uttered with vehemence, somewhat resembling a song, sometimes accompanied with applauses which were given by the hands.  Acclamations were ecclesiastical, military, nuptial, senatorial, synodical, theatrical, &e; They were musical and rythmical; and bestowed for joy, respect, and even reproach, and often accompanied with words, repeated, five, twenty, and even sixty and eighty times.  In the later ages of Rome, acclamations were performed by a chorus of music instructed for the purpose.
In modern times, acclamations are expressed by huzzas; by clapping of hands; and often by repeating vivat rex, vivat respublica, long live the king or republish, or other words expressive of joy and good wishes.


Topic: Acclimated
Definition:
ACCLI'MATED, a.  Habituated to a foreign climate, or a climate not native; so far accustomed to a foreign climate as not to be peculiarly liable to its endemical diseases.


Topic: Acclivity
Definition:
ACCLIV'ITY, n.  [L. acclivus, acclivis, ascending, from ad and clivus, an ascent.  
A slope or inclination of the earth as the side of a hill, considered as ascending, in opposition to declivity, or a side descending.  Rising ground; ascent; the talus of a rampart.


Topic: Accolade
Definition:
ACCOLA'DE, n.  [L. ad and collum, neck.]  
A ceremony formerly used in conferring knighthood; but whether an embrace or a blow, seems not to be settled.


Topic: Accommodable
Definition:
ACCOM'MODABLE, a.  [See Accommodate.]
That may be fitted, made suitable, or made to agree.  [Little used.]


Topic: Accommodate
Definition:
ACCOM'MODATE,  v.t.  [L.  accommodo, to apply or suit, from ad and commodo, to profit or help; of con, with, and modus, measure, proportion, limit, or manner.  See Mode.]
1.  To fit, adapt, or make suitable; as, to accommodate ourselves to circumstances; to accommodate the choice of subjects to the occasions.
2.  To supply with or furnish; followed by with; as, to accommodate a man with apartments.
3.  To supply with conveniences, as to accommodate a friend.
4.  To reconcile things which are at variance; to adjust; as to accommodate differences.
5.  To show fitness or agreement; to apply; as, to accommodate prophecy to events.
6.  To lend - a commercial sense.
In an intransitive sense, to agree, to be conformable to, as used by Boyle.
ACCOM'MODATE, a.  suitable; fit; adapted; as means accommodate to the end.


Topic: Accommodated
Definition:
ACCOM'MODATED, pp.  fitted; adjusted; adapted; applied; also furnished with conveniences.
We are well accommodated with lodgings.


Topic: Accommodating
Definition:
ACCOM'MODATING, ppr.  Adapting; making suitable; reconciling; furnishing with conveniences; applying.


Topic: Accommodation
Definition:
ACCOMMODA'TION, n.  
1.  Fitness; adaptation; followed by to.
The organization of the body with accommodation to its functions.
2.  Adjustment of differences; reconciliation; as of parties in dispute.
3.  Provision of conveniences.
4.  In plural; conveniences; things furnished for use; chiefly applied to lodgings.
5.  In mercantile language, accommodation is used for a loan of money; which is often a great convenience.  An accommodation note, in the language of bank directors, is one drawn and offered for discount, for the purpose of borrowing its amount, in opposition to a note, which the owner has received in payment for goods.
In England, accommodation bill, is one given instead of a loan of money.
6.  It is also used of a note lent merely to accommodate the borrower.
7.  In theology, accommodation is the application of one thing to another by analogy, as of the words of a prophecy to a future event.
Many of those quotations were probably intended as nothing more than accommodations.
8.  In marine language, an accommodation ladder is a light ladder hung over the side of a ship at the gangway.


Topic: Accompaniment
Definition:
ACCOM'PANIMENT, n. Something that attends as a circumstance, or which is added by way of ornament to the principal thing, or for the sake of symmetry.  Thus instruments of music attending the voice; small objects in painting; dogs, guns and game in a hunting piece; warlike instruments with the portrait of a military character, are accompaniments.


Topic: Accompany
Definition:
ACCOM'PANY, v.t.  [See Company.]
1.  To go with or attend as a companion or associate on a journey, walk, &c; as a man accompanies his friend to church, or on a tour.
2.  To be with as connected; to attend; as pain accompanies disease.


Topic: Accomplice
Definition:
ACCOM'PLICE, n.  [L. complicatus, folded together, of con, with, and plico, to fold.  See Complex and Pledge.]  An associate in a crime; a partner or partaker in guilt.  It was formerly used in a good sense for a co-operator, but this sense is wholly obsolete.  It is followed by with before a person; as A was an accomplice with B in the murder of C.  Dryden uses it with to before a thing.


Topic: Accomplish
Definition:
ACCOM'PLISH, v.t.  [L.  compleo, to complete.  See Complete.]  
1.  To complete; to finish entirely.
That He would accomplish seventy years in the desolation of Jerusalem.  Dan. 9
2.  To execute; as to accomplish a vow, wrath or fury.  Lev. 13 and 20.
3.  To gain; to obtain or effect by successful exertions; as to accomplish a purpose.  Prov. 13.
4.  To fulfil or bring to pass; as, to accomplish a prophecy.
This that is written must yet be accomplished in me.  Luke, 22.
5.  To furnish with qualities which serve to render the mind or body complete, as with valuable endowments and elegant manners.


Topic: Accomplished
Definition:
ACCOM'PLISHED, pp.  
1.  Finished; completed; fulfilled; executed; effected.
2.  a.  Well endowed with good qualities and manners; complete in acquirements; having a finished education.
3.  Fashionable.


Topic: Accomplishing
Definition:
ACCOM'PLISHING, ppr.  finishing; completing; fulfilling; executing; effecting; furnishing with valuable qualities.


Topic: Accomplishment
Definition:
ACCOM'PLISHMENT, n.
1.  Completion; fulfillment; entire performance; as the accomplishment of a prophecy.
2.  The act of carrying into effect, or obtaining an object designed; attainment; as the accomplishment of our desires or ends.
3.  Acquirement; that which constitutes excellence of mind, or elegance of manners, acquired by education.


Topic: Accord
Definition:
ACCORD', n.The Lat. has concors, concordo.  
1.  Agreement; harmony of minds; consent or concurrence of opinions or wills.
They all continued with one accord in prayer.  Acts, 1.
2.  Concert; harmony of sounds; the union of different sounds, which is agreeable to the ear; agreement in pitch and tone; as the accord of notes; but in this sense, it is more usual to employ concord or chord.
3.  Agreement; just correspondence of things; as the accord of light and shade in painting.
4.  Will; voluntary or spontaneous motion; used of the will of persons, or the natural motion of other bodies, and preceded by own.
Being more forward of his own accord. 2Cor. 8.
That which groweth of its own accord thou shall not reap.  Lev. 25.
5.  Adjustment of a difference; reconciliation.
The mediator of an accord.
6.  In law, an agreement between parties in controversy, by which satisfaction for an injury is stipulated, and which, when executed, bars a suit.
7.  Permission, leave.
ACCORD', v.t.  
1.  To make to agree, or correspond; to adjust one thing to another.
Her hands accorded the lute's music to the voice.
2.  To being to an agreement; to settle, adjust or compose; as to accord suits or controversies.


Topic: According
Definition:
ACCORD'ING, ppr.  
1.  Agreeing; harmonizing.
Th' according music of a well mixt state.
2.  Suitable; agreeable; in accordance with.
In these senses, the word agrees with or refers to a sentence.
Our zeal should be according to knowledge.
Noble is the fame that is built on candor and ingenuity, according to those beautiful lines of Sir John Denham.
Here the whole preceding parts of the sentence are to accord, i.e. agree with, correspond with, or be suitable to, what follows.  According, here, has its true participial sense, agreeing, and is always followed by to.  It is never a preposition.


Topic: Accordingly
Definition:
ACCORD'INGLY, adv.  Agreeably; suitably; in a manner conformable to.
Those who live in faith and good works, will be rewarded accordingly.


Topic: Accost
Definition:
ACCOST',  v.t.  
1.  To approach; to draw near; to come side by side, or face to face.  [Not in use.]
2.  To speak first to; to address.
ACCOST', v.i.  to adjoin.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Account
Definition:
ACCOUNT',  n.
1.  A sum stated on paper; a registry of a debt or credit; of debts and credits, or charges; an entry in a book or on paper of things bought or sold, of payments, services &c., including the names of the parties to the transaction, date, and price or value of the thing.
Account signifies a single entry or charge, or a statement of a number of particular debts and credits, in a book or on a separate paper; and in the plural, is used for the books containing such entries.
2.  A computation of debts and credits, or a general statement of particular sums; as, the account stands thus; let him exhibit his account.
3.  A computation or mode of reckoning; applied to other things, than money or trade; as the Julian account of time.
4.  Narrative; relation; statement of facts; recital of particular transactions and events, verbal or written; as an account of the revolution in France.  Hence,
5.  An assignment of reasons; explanation by a recital of particular transactions, given by a person in an employment, or to a superior, often implying responsibility.
Give an account of thy stewardship.  Luke, 16.
Without responsibility or obligation.
He giveth not account of his matters.  Job, 33.
6.  Reason or consideration, as a motive; as on all accounts, on every account.
7.  Value; importance; estimation; that is, such a state of persons or things, as renders them worthy of more or less estimation; as men of account of him.  Ps. 144.
8.  Profit; advantage; that is, a result or production worthy of estimation.  To find our account in a pursuit; to turn to account.
9.  Regard; behalf; sake; a sense deduced from charges on book; as on account of public affairs.
Put that to mine account.  Philem. 18.
To make account, that is, to have a pervious opinion or expectation, is a sense now obsolete.
A writ of account, in law, is a writ which the plaintiff brings demanding that the defendant should render his just account, or show good cause to the contrary; call also an action of account.


Topic: Accountability
Definition:
ACCOUNTABIL'ITY, n.  
1.  The state of being liable to answer for one's conduct; liability to give account, and to receive reward or punishment for actions.
The awful idea of accountability.
2.  Liability to the payment of money or of damages; responsibility for a trust.


Topic: Accountable
Definition:
ACCOUNT'ABLE, a.
1.  Liable to be called to account; answerable to a superior.
Every man is accountable to God for his conduct.
2.  Subject to pay, or make good, in case of loss.  A sheriff is accountable, as bailiff and receiver of goods.
Accountable for, that may be explained.  [Not elegant.]


Topic: Accountableness
Definition:
ACCOUNT'ABLENESS, n.  Liableness to answer or to give account; the state of being answerable, or liable to the payment of money or damages.


Topic: Accountant
Definition:
ACCOUNT'ANT, n.  One skilled in mercantile accounts; more generally, a person who keeps accounts; an officer in a public office who has charge of the accounts.  In Great Britain, an officer in the court of chancery, who receives money and pays it to the bank, is call accountant-general.


Topic: Accounting
Definition:
ACCOUNT'ING, ppr.  Deeming; esteeming; reckoning; rendering an account.
Accounting for, rendering an account; assigning the reasons; unfolding the causes.
ACCOUNT'ING, n.  The act of reckoning or adjusting accounts.


Topic: Accouter
Definition:
ACCOUTER, v.t.  acoot'er
In a general sense, to dress; to equip, but appropriately, to array in a military dress; to put on, or to furnish with a military dress and arms; to equip the body for military service.


Topic: Accouterments
Definition:
ACCOUT'ERMENTS, n. plu.  
1.  Dress; equipage; furniture for the body; appropriately, military dress and arms; equipage for military service.
2.  In common usage, an old or unusual dress.


Topic: Accredit
Definition:
ACCRED'IT, v.t.  [L. ad and credo, to believe, or give faith to.  See Credit.]
To give credit, authority, or reputation; to accredit an envoy, is to receive him in his public character, and give him credit and rank accordingly.


Topic: Accretion
Definition:
ACCRE'TION, n.  [Lat.  accretio, increase; accres'co, to increase, literally, to grow to; ad and cresco;  Eng. accrue;  See Increase, Accrue, Grow.]
1.  A growing to; an increase by natural growth; applied to the increase of organic bodies by the accession of parts.
Plants have an accretion, but no alimentation.
2.  In the civil law, the adhering of property to something else, by which the owner of one thing becomes possessed of a right to another; as, when a legacy is left to two persons, and one of them dies before the testator, the legacy devolves to the survivor by right of accretion.


Topic: Accretive
Definition:
ACCRE'TIVE, a.  Increasing by growth; growing; adding to be growth; as the accretive motion of plants.


Topic: Accroach
Definition:
ACCROACH, v.i.
1.  To hook, or draw to, as with a hook; but in this sense not used.
2.  To encroach; to draw away from another.  Hence in old laws to assume the exercise of royal prerogatives.
The noun accroachment, an encroachment, or attempt to exercise royal power, is rarely or never used.  [See Encroach.]


Topic: Accrue
Definition:
ACCRUE, v.i.  accru'.  [L. accresco, cresco.]
Literally, to grow to; hence to arise, proceed or come; to be added, as increase, profit or damage; as, a profit accrues to government from the coinage of copper; a loss accrues from the coinage of gold and silver.
ACCRUE,  n.  accru'.  Something that accedes to, or follows the property of another.  Obs.


Topic: Accubation
Definition:
ACCUBA'TION, n.  [L. accubatio, a reclingin, from ad and cubo, to lie down.  See Cube.]
A lying or reclining on a couch, as the ancients at their meals.  The manner was to recline on low beds or couches with the head resting on a pillow or on the elbow.  Two or three men lay on one bed, the feet of one extended behind the back of another.  This practice was not permitted among soldiers, children and servants; nor was it known, until luxury had corrupted manners.


Topic: Accumbent
Definition:
ACCUM'BENT, a.  [L. accumbens, accumbo, from cubo.  See Accubation.]  Leaning or reclining, as the ancients at their meals.


Topic: Accumulate
Definition:
ACCU'MULATE, v.t.  [L. accumulo, ad and cumulo, to heap; cumulus a heap.]
1.  To heap up; to pile; to amass; as, to accumulate earth or stones.
2.  To collect or bring together; as to accumulate causes of misery; to accumulate wealth.
ACCU'MULATE, v.i.  To grow to a great size, number or quantity; to increase greatly; as public evils accumulate.
ACCU'MULATE, a.  Collected into a mass, or quantity.


Topic: Accumulation
Definition:
ACCUMULA'TION,n.  
1.  The act of accumulating; the state of being accumulated; an amassing; a collecting together; as an accumulation of earth or of evils.
2.  In law, the concurrence of several titles to the same thing, or of several circumstances to the same proof.
3.  In Universities, an accumulation of degrees, is the taking of several together, or at smaller intervals than usual, or than is allowed by the rules.


Topic: Accuracy
Definition:
AC'CURACY,n.  [L. accuratio, from accurare, to take care of; ad and curare, to take care; cura, care.  See Care.]
1.  Exactness; exact conformity to truth; or to a rule or model; freedom from mistake; nicety; correctness; precision which results from care.  The accuracy of ideas or opinions is conformity to truth.  The value of testimony depends on its accuracy; copies of legal instruments should be taken with accuracy.
2.  Closeness; tightness; as a tube sealed with accuracy.


Topic: Accurate
Definition:
AC'CURATE, a.  [L. accuratus.]  
1.  In exact conformity to truth, or to a standard or rule, or to a model; free from failure, error, or defect; as an accurate account; accurate measure; an accurate expression.
2.  Determinate; precisely fixed; as, one body may not have a very accurate influence on another.
3.  Close; perfectly tight; as an accurate sealing or luting.


Topic: Accurately
Definition:
AC'CURATELY,  adv.  
1.  Exactly; in an accurate manner; with precision; without error or defect; as a writing accurately copied.
2.  Closely; so as to be perfectly tight; as a vial accurately stopped.


Topic: Accurse
Definition:
ACCURSE, v.t. accurs', [ Ac for ad and curse.]  To devote to destruction; to imprecate misery or evil upon. [This verb is rarely used.  See Curse.]


Topic: Accursed
Definition:
ACCURS'ED, pp. or a.  
1.  Doomed to destruction or misery:
The city shall be accursed.  John 6.
2.  Separated from the faithful; cast out of the church; excommunicated.
I could wish myself accursed from Christ.
3.  Worthy of the curse; detestable; execrable.
Keep from the accursed thing.  Josh. 6.
Hence,
4.  Wicked; malignant in the extreme.


Topic: Accusable
Definition:
ACCU'SABLE,a.  That may be accused; chargeable with a crime; blamable; liable to censure; followed by of.


Topic: Accusation
Definition:
ACCUSA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of charging with a crime or offense; the act of accusing of any wrong or injustice.
2.  The charge of an offense or crime; or the declaration containing the charge.
They set over his head his accusation.  Mat. 27.


Topic: Accusative
Definition:
ACCU'SATIVE, a.  A term given to a case of nouns, in Grammars, on which the action of a verb terminates or falls; called in English Grammar the objective case.


Topic: Accusatively
Definition:
ACCU'SATIVELY, adv.  
1.  In an accusative manner.
2.  In relation to the accusative case in Grammar.


Topic: Accuse
Definition:
ACCU'SE, v.t.  [L. accuso, to blame or accuse; ad and causor, to blame, or accuse; causa, blame, suit, or process, cause.  See Cause.]
1.  To charge with, or declare to have committed a crime, either by plaint, or complaint, information, indictment, or impeachment; to charge with an offense against the laws, judicially or by a public process; as, to accuse one of a high crime or misdemeanor.
2.  To charge with a fault; to blame.
Their thoughts, in the meanwhile, accusing or excusing one another.  Rom. 2.
It is followed by of before the subject of accusation; the use of for after this verb is illegitimate.


Topic: Accuser
Definition:
ACCU'SER, n.  One who accuses or blames; an officer who prefers an accusation against another for some offense, in the name of the government, before a tribunal that has cognizance of the offense.


Topic: Accustom
Definition:
ACCUS'TOM, v.t.
To make familiar by use; to form a habit by practice; to habituate or inure; as to accustom one's self to a spare diet.
ACCUS'TOM, v.i.  
1.  To be wont, or habituated to do anything.  [Little used.]
2.  To cohabit.  [Not used.]
ACCUS'TOM, n.  Custom.  [Not used.]


Topic: Accustomed
Definition:
ACCUS'TOMED, pp.  
1.  Being familiar by use; habituated; inured.
2.  a.  Usual; often practiced; as in their accustomed manner.


Topic: Ace
Definition:
ACE, n.  [L. as, a unit or pound; G. ass.]
1.  A unit; a single point on a card or die; or the card or die so marked.
2.  A very small quantity; a particle; an atom; a trifle; as a creditor will not abate an ace of his demand.


Topic: Aceetate
Definition:
ACE'ETATE, n.  [See Acid.]  In chimistry, a neutral salt formed by the union of the acetic acid, or radical vinegar, with any salifiable base, as with earths, metals, and alkalies; as the acetate of alumine, of lime, or of copper.


Topic: Aceldama
Definition:
ACEL'DAMA,  n.  
A field said to have laid south of Jerusalem, the same as the potters field, purchased with the bribe which Judas took for betraying his master, and therefore called the field of blood.  It was appropriated to the interment of strangers.


Topic: Acephalous
Definition:
ACEPH'ALOUS, a.  [Gr. a priv., a head.]
Without a head, headless.  In history, the term Acephali, or Acephalites was given to several sects who refused to follow some noted leader, and to such bishops as were exempt from the jurisdiction and discipline of their patriarch.  It was also given to certain levelers who acknowledged no head in the reign of Henry 1st.  It was also applied to the Blemmyes, a pretended nation of Africa, and to other tribes in the East, whom ancient naturalists represented as having no head; their eyes and mouth being placed in other parts.  Modern discoveries have dissipated these fictions.  In English Laws, men who held lands of no particular lord, and clergymen who were under no bishop.


Topic: Acephalus
Definition:
ACEPH'ALUS, n.  an obsolete name of the taenia or tape worm, which was formerly supposed to have no head; an error now exploded.  the term is also used to express a verse defective in the beginning.


Topic: Acerb
Definition:
ACERB', a.  [L. acerbus;  G. herbe, harsh, sour, tart, bitter, rough, whence herbst autumn, herbstzeit, harvest time.  See Harvest.]
Sour, bitter, and harsh to the taste; sour, with astringency or roughness; a quality of unripe fruits.


Topic: Acerbity
Definition:
ACERB'ITY, n.  
1.  A sourness, with roughness, or astringency.
2.  Figuratively, harshness or severity of temper in man.


Topic: Aceric
Definition:
ACER'IC, a.  [L. acer, a maple tree.]
Pertaining to the maple; obtained from the maple, as aceric acid.


Topic: Acerous
Definition:
AC'EROUS, a.  [L. acerosus, chaffy, from acus, chaff or a point.]
1.  In botany, chaffy; resembling chaff.
2.  An acerous or acerose leaf is one which is linear and permanent, in form of a needle, as in pine.


Topic: Acescency
Definition:
ACES'CENCY, n. [L.  acescens, turning sour, from acesco.  See Acid.]  
A turning sour by spontaneous decomposition; a state of becoming sour, tart, or acid, and hence a being moderately sour.


Topic: Acescent
Definition:
ACES'CENT, a.  Turning sour; becoming tart or acid by spontaneous decomposition.  Hence slightly sour; but the latter sense is usually expressed by acidulous or subacid.


Topic: Aceste
Definition:
ACES'TE, n.  In entomology, a species of papilio or butterfly, with subdentated wings, found in India.


Topic: Acetabulum
Definition:
ACETAB'ULUM, n.  [L. from acetum, vinegar.  See Acid.]  Among the Romans a vinegar cruse or like vessel, and a measure of about one eighth of a pint.
1.  In anatomy, the cavity of a bone for receiving the protuberant end of another bone, and therefore forming the articulation called enarthrosis.  It is used especially for the cavity of the os innominatum, which receives the head of the thigh bone.
2.  In botany, the trivial name of a species of peziza, the cup peziza; so called from its resemblance to a cup.
3.  A glandular substance found in the placenta of some animals.
4.  It is sometimes used in the sense of Cotyledon.
5.  A species of lichen.


Topic: Acetary
Definition:
AC'ETARY, n.  [See Acid.]  an acid pulpy substance in certain fruits, as the pear, inclosed in a congeries of small calculous bodies, towards the base of the fruit.


Topic: Acetic
Definition:
ACE'TIC, a.  [See Acid.]  A term used to denote a particular acid, acetic acid, the concentrated acid of vinegar, or radical vinegar.  It may be obtained by exposing common vinegar to frost - the water freezing leaves the acetic acid, in a state of purity.


Topic: Acetite
Definition:
AC'ETITE,  [See Acid.]  Neutral salt formed by the acetous acid, with a salifiable base; as the acetite of copper, aluminous acetite.


Topic: Acetometer
Definition:
ACETOM'ETER, n.  [L. acetum, vinegar, and measure.]
An instrument for ascertaining the strength of vinegar.


Topic: Acetous
Definition:
ACE'TOUS, a.  [See Acid.[  Sour; like or having the nature of vinegar.  Acetous acid is the term used by chimists for distilled vinegar.  This acid, in union with different bases, forms salts called acetites.


Topic: Acetum
Definition:
ACE'TUM, n.  [L.  See Acid.]  Vinegar, a sour liquor, obtained from vegetables dissolved in boiling water, and from fermented and spirituous liquors, by exposing them to heat and air.
This is called the acid or acetous fermentation


Topic: Ache
Definition:
ACHE, v.i.  ake.  [Gr. to ache or be in pain.  The primary sense is to be pressed.  Perhaps the oriental to press.]
1.  To suffer pain; to have or be in pain, or in continued pain; as, the head aches.
2.  To suffer grief, or extreme grief; to be distressed; as the heart aches.
ACHE, n. ake.  Pain, or continued pain, in opposition to sudden twinges, or spasmodic pain.  it denotes a more moderate degree of pain than pang, anguish, and torture.


Topic: Achean
Definition:
ACHE'AN, a.  Pertaining to Achaia in Greece, and a celebrated league or confederacy established there.  This State lay on the gulf of Corinth, with Peloponnesus.


Topic: Acherner
Definition:
ACHERN'ER,  n.  A star of the first magnitude in the southern extremity of the constellation Eridanus.


Topic: Achieve
Definition:
ACHIE'VE, v.t.
1.  To perform, or execute; to accomplish; to finish, or carry on to a final close.  It is appropriately used for the effect of efforts made by the hand or bodily exertion, as deeds achieved by valor.
2.  To gain or obtain, as the result of exertion.
Show all the spoils by valiant Kings achieved.


Topic: Achievement
Definition:
ACHIE'VEMENT, n.
1.  The performance of an action.
2.  A great or heroic deed; something accomplished by valor, or boldness.
3.  An obtaining by exertion.
4.  An escutcheon or ensigns armorial, granted for the performance of a great or honorable action.


Topic: Achiote
Definition:
A'CHIOTE, n.  The anotta, a tree, and a drug used for dyeing red.  The bard of the tree makes good cordage, and the wood is used to excite fire by friction.  [See Anotta.]


Topic: Achor
Definition:
A'CHOR, n.  [Gr., sordes capitis.]
1.  The scald head, a disease forming scaly eruptions, supposed to be a critical evacuation of acrimonious humors; a species of herpes.
2.  In mythology, the God of flies, said to have been worshipped by the Cyreneans, to avoid being vexed by those insects.


Topic: Achromatic
Definition:
ACHROMAT'IC, a. [Gr. priv. and color.]
Destitute of color.  achromatic telescopes are formed of a combination of lenses, which separate the variously color rays of light to equal angles of divergence, at different angles of refraction of the mean ray.  In this case, the rays being made to refract towards contrary parts, the whole ray is caused to deviate from its course, without being separated into colors, and the optical aberration arising from the various colors of light, is prevented.  This telescope is an invention of Dolland.


Topic: Acicular
Definition:
ACIC'ULAR, a.  [L. acicula, Priscian, a needle, from Gr., L. a point.  See Acid.]
In the shape of a needle; having sharp points like needles.
An acicular prism is when the crystals are slender and straight.


Topic: Acid
Definition:
AC'ID, a.  [L. acidus.  See Edge.]
Sour, sharp or biting to the taste, having the taste of vinegar, as acid fruits or liquors.
AC'ID, n.  In chimistry, acids are a class of substances, so denominated from their taste, or the sensation of sourness which they produce on the tongue.  But the name is now given to several substances, which have not this characteristic in an eminent degree.  The properties, by which they are distinguished, are these:
1.  When taken into the mouth, they occasion the taste of sourness.  They are corrosive, unless diluted with water; and some of them are caustic.
2.  They change certain vegetable blue colors to red, and restore blue colors which have been turned green, or red colors which have been turned blue by an alkali.
3.  Most of them unite with water in all proportions, with a condensation of volume and evolution of heat; and many of them have so strong an attraction for water, as not to appear in the solid state.
4.  They have a stronger affinity for alkalies, than these have for any other substance; and in combining them, most of them produce effervescence.
5.  They unite with earths, alkalies and metallic oxyds, forming interesting compounds, usually called salts.
6.  With few exceptions, they are volatilized or decomposed by a moderate heat.
The old chimists divided acids into animal, vegetable, and mineral - a division now deemed inaccurate.  They are also divided into oxygen acids, hydrogen acids, and acids destitute of these acidifiers.  Another division is into acids with simple radicals, acids with double radicals, acids with triple radicals, acids with unknown radicals, compound acids, dubious acids, and acids destitute of oxygen.


Topic: Acidiferous
Definition:
ACIDIF'EROUS,  a.  [Acid and L. fero.] Containing acids, or an acid.
Acidiferous minerals are such as consist of an earth combined with an acid; as carbonate of lime, aluminite, &c.


Topic: Acidifiable
Definition:
ACID'IFIABLE, a.  [From Acidify.]
Capable of being converted into an acid, by union with an acidifying principle, without decomposition.


Topic: Acidify
Definition:
ACID'IFY, v.t.  [Acid and L. facio.]
To make acid; but appropriately to convert into an acid, chimically so called, by combination with any substance.


Topic: Acidifying
Definition:
ACID'IFYING, ppr.  Making acid; converting into an acid; having power to change into an acid.  Oxygen is called the acidifying principle or element.


Topic: Acidulate
Definition:
ACID'ULATE, v.t.  [L. acidulus, slightly sour;
To tinge with an acid; to make acid in a moderate degree.


Topic: Acidulous
Definition:
ACID'ULOUS, a.  [L. acidulus.  See Acid.]
Slightly sour; sub-acid, or having an excess of acid; as acidulous sulphate.


Topic: Acinaciform
Definition:
ACINAC'IFORM, a.  [L. acinaces, a cimeter, Gr. and L. forma, form.]
In botany, formed like, or resembling a cimeter.


Topic: Aciniform
Definition:
AC'INIFORM, a.  [L. acinus, a grape stone, and forma, shape.]
Having the form of grapes; being in clusters like grapes.  The uvea or posterior lamen of the iris in the eye, is called the aciniform tunic.  Anatomists apply the term to many glands of a similar formation.


Topic: Acinus
Definition:
AC'INUS, n.  [L.]  In botany, one of the small grains, which compose the fruit of the blackberry, &c.


Topic: Acipenser
Definition:
AC'IPENSER, a.  In ichthyology, a genus of fishes, of the order of chondropterygii, having an obtuse head; the mouth under the head, retractile and without teeth.  To this genus belong the sturgeon, sterlet, huso, &c.


Topic: Acknowledge
Definition:
ACKNOWL'EDGE, v.t.  Aknol'edge, [ad and knowledge.  See Know.]
1.  To own, avow or admit to be true, by a declaration of assent; as to acknowledge the being of a God.
2.  To own or notice with particular regard.
In all thy ways acknowledge God.  Prov. 3.  Isa. 33.
3.  To own or confess, as implying a consciousness of guilt.
I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Ps. 51 and 32.
4.  To own with assent; to admit or receive with approbation.
He that acknowledgeth the son, hath the father also.  
1John 2.  2Tim. 2.
5.  To own with gratitude; to own as a benefit; as, to acknowledge a favor, or the receipt of a gift.
Thy his gifts acknowledged not.
6.  To own or admit to belong to; as, to acknowledge a son.
7.  To receive with respect.
All that see them shall acknowledge that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.  Isa. 6.  1Cor. 16.
8.  To own, avow or assent to an act in a legal form, to give it validity; as, to acknowledge a deed before competent authority.


Topic: Acknowledged
Definition:
ACKNOWL'EDGED, pp.  Owned; confessed; noticed with regard or gratitude; received with approbation; owned before authority.


Topic: Acknowledging
Definition:
ACKNOWL'EDGING, ppr.  Owning; confessing; approving; grateful; but the latter sense is a gallicism, not to be used.


Topic: Acknowledgment
Definition:
ACKNOWL'EDGMENT, n.  
1.  The act of owning; confession; as, the acknowledgment of a fault.
2.  The owning, with approbation, or in the true character; as the acknowledgment of a God, or of a public minister.
3.  Concession; admission of the truth; as, of a fact, position, or principle.
4.  The owning of a benefit received, accompanied with gratitude; and hence it combines the ideas of an expression of thanks.  Hence, it is used also for something given or done in return for a favor.
5.  A declaration or avowal of one's own act, to give it legal validity; as the acknowledgment of a deed before a proper officer.
Acknowledgment-money, in some parts of England, is a sum paid by tenants, on the death of their landlord, as an acknowledgment of their new lords.


Topic: Acme
Definition:
AC'ME, n.  Ac'my  [Gr.]
The top or highest point.  It is used to denote the maturity or perfection of an animal.  Among physicians, the crisis of a disease, or its utmost violence.  Old medical writers divided the progress of a disease into four periods, the arche, or beginning, the anabasis, or increase, the acme or utmost violence, and the paracme, or decline.  But acme can hardly be considered as a legitimate English word.


Topic: Acnestis
Definition:
ACNESTIS, n.  [Gr. a priv. to rub or gnaw.]
That part of the spine in quadrupeds which extends from the metaphrenon, between the shoulder blades, to the loins; which the animal cannot reach to scratch.


Topic: Acolin
Definition:
AC'OLIN, n.  a bird of the partridge kind in Cuba.  Its breast and belly are white; its back and tail of a dusky yellow brown.


Topic: Acolyte
Definition:
AC'OLYTE,
In the ancient church, one of the subordinate officers, who lighted the lamps, prepared the elements of the sacraments, attended the bishops, &c.  An officer of the like character is still employed in the Romish Church.


Topic: Aconite
Definition:
AC'ONITE, n.  [L. aconitum;  Gr.]
The herb wolf's bane, or monks-hood, a poisonous plant; and in poetry, used for poison in general.


Topic: Acontias
Definition:
ACON'TIAS, n.  [Gr. a dart.]
1.  A species of serpent, called dart-snake, or jaculum, from its manner of darting on its prey.  This serpent is about three feet in length; of a light gray color with black spots, resembling eyes; the belly perfectly white.  It is a native of Africa and the Mediterranean isles; is the swiftest of its kind, and coils itself upon a tree, from which it darts upon its prey.
2.  A comet or meteor resembling the serpent.


Topic: Acorn
Definition:
A'CORN, n.
1.  The seed or fruit of the oak; an oval nut which grows in a rough permanent cup.
The first settlers of Boston were reduced to the necessity of feeding on clams, muscles, ground nuts, and acorns.
2.  In marine language, a small ornamental piece of wood, of a conical shape, fixed on the point of the spindle above the vane, on the mast head, to keep the vane from being blown off.
3.  In natural history, the Lepas, a genus of shells of several species found on the British coast.  The shell is multivalvular, unequal, and fixed by a stem; the valves are parallel and perpendicular, but they do not open, so that the animal performs its functions by an aperture on the top.  These shells are always fixed to some solid body.


Topic: Acorus
Definition:
A'CORUS, n.  [L. from Gr..]
1.  Aromatic Calamus, sweet flag, or sweet rush.
2.  In natural history, blue coral, which grows in the form of a tree, on a rocky bottom, in some parts of the African seas.  it is brought from the Camarones and Benin.
3.  In medicine, this name is sometimes given to the great galangal.


Topic: Acotyledon
Definition:
ACOTYL'EDON, n.  [Gr. a priv. a hollow.]
In botany, a plant whose seeds have no side lobes, or cotyledons. 


Topic: Acoustic
Definition:
ACOUS'TIC, a.  [Gr. to hear.]
Pertaining to the ears, to the sense of hearing, or to the doctrine of sounds.
Acoustic duct, in anatomy, the meatus auditorius, or external passage of the ear.
Acoustic vessels, in ancient theaters, were brazen tubes or vessels, shaped like ab bell, used to propel the voice of the actors, so as to render them audible to a great distance; in some theaters at the distance of 400 feet.
Acoustic instrument, or auricular tube, called in popular language, a speaking trumpet.
Acoustics, or acousmatics, was a name given to such of the disciples of Pythagoras, as had not completed their five years probation.


Topic: Acoustics
Definition:
ACOUS'TICS, n.  
1.  The science of sounds, teaching their cause, nature and phenomena.  This science is, by some writers, divided into diacoustics, which explains the properties of sounds coming directly from the sonorous body to the ear; and catacoustics, which treats of reflected sounds.  But the distinction is considered of little real utility.
2.  In medicine, this term is sometimes used for remedies for deafness, or imperfect hearing.


Topic: Acquaint
Definition:
ACQUA'INT,  v.t. [Eng. can, and ken; which see.]
1.  To make known; to make fully or intimately known; to make familiar.
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  Isaiah 53.
2.  To inform; to communicate notice to; as a friend in the country acquaints me with his success.  Of before the object, as to acquaint a man of this design, has been used, but is obsolete or improper.
3.  To acquaint one's self, is to gain an intimate or particular knowledge of.
Acquaint now thyself with him and be at peace.  Job 22.


Topic: Acquaintance
Definition:
ACQUAI'NTANCE, n.  
1.  Familiar knowledge; a state of being acquainted, or of having intimate or more than slight or superficial knowledge; as, I know the man, but have no acquaintance with him.  Sometimes it denotes a more slight knowledge.
2.  A person or persons well known; usually persons we have been accustomed to see and converse with; sometimes, persons more slightly known.
Lover and friend has thou put far from me and mine acquaintance into darkness.  Ps. 88.
My acquaintance are estranged from me.  Job 19.
Acquaintances, in the plural is used, as applied to individual persons known; but more generally, acquaintance is used for one or more.
Acquaintant, in a like sense, is not used.


Topic: Acquest
Definition:
ACQUEST', n.  [L. acquisitus, acquiro.]
1.  Acquisition; the thing gained.
2.  Conquest; a place acquired by force.


Topic: Acquiesce
Definition:
ACQUIESCE, v.i.  acquiess'.  [L.  acquiesco, of ad and quiesco, to be quiet; quies, rest.]
1.  To rest satisfied, or apparently satisfied, or to rest without opposition and discontent; usually implying previous opposition, uneasiness, or dislike, but ultimate compliance, or submission; as, to acquiesce in the dispensations of providence.
2.  To assent to, upon conviction; as, to acquiesce in an opinion; that is, to rest satisfied of its correctness, or propriety.
Acquiesced in, in a passive sense, complied with; submitted to, without opposition; as, a measure has been acquiesced in.


Topic: Acquiescence
Definition:
ACQUIES'CENCE, n.  A quiet assent; a silent submission, or submission with apparent content; distinguished from avowed consent on the one hand, and on the other, from opposition or open discontent; as, an acquiescence in the decisions of a court, or in the allotments of providence.


Topic: Acquire
Definition:
ACQUI'RE, v.t.  [L. acquiro, ad and quaero to seek, that is to follow, to press, to urge; acquiro signifies to pursue to the end or object;  Heb. to seek, to make towards, to follow.  The L. quaesivi, unless contracted, is probably from a different root.  See class Gr. and Gs.]
To gain, by any means, something which is in a degree permanent, or which becomes vested or inherent in the possessor; as, to acquire a title, estate, learning, habits, skill, dominion, &c.  Plants acquire a green color from the solar rays.  a mere temporary possession is not expressed by acquire, but by gain, obtain, procure, as to obtain [not acquire] a book on loan.
Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law.


Topic: Acquired
Definition:
ACQUI'RED, pp.  Gained, obtained, or received from art, labor, or other means, in distinction from those things which are bestowed by nature.  Thus we say, abilities, natural and acquired.  It implies title, or some permanence of possession.


Topic: Acquirement
Definition:
ACQUI'REMENT, n.  The act of acquiring, or that which is acquired; attainment.  It is used in opposition to natural gifts; as, eloquence, and skill in music and painting, are acquirement; genius, the gift of nature.  it denotes especially personal attainments, in opposition to material or external things gained,  Which are more usually called acquisitions; but this distinction is not always abserved.


Topic: Acquiring
Definition:
ACQUI'RING, ppr.  Gaining by labor or other means, something that has a degree of permanence in the possessor.


Topic: Acquisition
Definition:
ACQUISI'TION, n.  [L. acquisitio, from acquisitus, acquaesivi, which are given as the part. and pret. of acquiro; but quaesivi is probably from a different root.]
1.  The act of acquiring; as, a man takes pleasure inthe acquisition of property, as well as in the prosession.
2.  The thing acquired, or gained; as, learning is an acquisition.  It is used for intellectual attainments, as well as for external things, property, or dominion; and in a good sense, denoting something estimable.


Topic: Acquit
Definition:
ACQUIT', v.t.  [L. cedo.]
To set free; to release or discharge from an obligation, accusation, guilt, censure, suspicion, or whatever lies upon a person as a charge or duty; as, the jury acquitted the prisoner; we acquit a man of evil intentions.  It is followed by of before the object; to acquit from is obsolete.  In a reciprocal sense, as, the soldier acquitted himself well in battle, the word has a like sense, implying the discharge of a duty or obligation.  Hence its use in expressing excellence in performance; as the orator acquitted himself well, that is, in a manner that his situation and public expectation demanded.


Topic: Acquitment
Definition:
ACQUIT'MENT, n.  The act of acquitting, or state of being acquitted.  [This word is superseded by acquittal.]


Topic: Acquittal
Definition:
ACQUIT'TAL, n.  A judicial setting free, or deliverance from the charge of an offense; as, by verdict of a jury, or sentence of a court.
The acquittal of a principal operates as an acquittal of the accessories.


Topic: Acquittance
Definition:
ACQUIT'TANCE, n.  
1.  A discharge or release from a debt.
2.  The writing, which is evidence of a discharge; a receipt in full, which bars a further demand.


Topic: Acquitted
Definition:
ACQUIT'TED, pp.  Set free, or judicially discharge from an accusation; released from a debt, duty, obligation, charge, or suspicion of guilt.


Topic: Acquitting
Definition:
ACQUIT'TING, ppr.  Setting free from accusation; releasing from a charge, obligation, or suspicion of guilt.


Topic: Acrasy
Definition:
AC'RASY, n.  [Gr. from a priv. constitution or temperament.]
In medical authors, an excess or predominancy of one quality above another, in mixture, or in the human constitution.


Topic: Acraze
Definition:
ACRA'ZE, 
1.  To make crazy; to infatuate.  [Not in use.]  [See Crazy.]
2.  To impair; to destroy.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Acre
Definition:
ACRE, n. a'ker.  [Gr; Lat. ager.  In these languages, the word retains its primitive sense, an open, plowed, or sowed field.  In Eng. it retained its original signification, that of any open field, until it was limited to a definite quantity by statutes 31. Ed. 35 Ed 1.24. H.8]
1.  A quantity of land, containing 160 square rods or perches or 4840 square yards.  This is the English statute acre.  The acre of Scotland contains 6150 2-5 square yards.  The French arpent is nearly equal to the Scottish acre, about a fifth larger than the English.  The Roman juger was 3200 square yards.
2.  In the Mogul's dominions, acre is the same as lack, or 100,00 rupees, equal to 12,500 sterling, or $55,500..
Acre-fight, a sort of duel in the open field, formerly fought by English and Scotch combatants on their frontiers.
Acre-tax, a tax on land in England, at a certain sum for each acre, called also acre-shot.


Topic: Acrid
Definition:
AC'RID, a.  [L. accr.]
Sharp; pungent; bitter; sharp or biting to the taste; acrimonious; as acrid salts.


Topic: Acrimonious
Definition:
ACRIMO'NIOUS, a.  
1.  Sharp; bitter; corrosive; abounding with acrimony.
2.  Figuratively, sharpness or severity of temper; bitterness of expression proceeding from anger, ill-nature, or petulance.


Topic: Acrisy
Definition:
AC'RISY, n.  [Gr. a priv., judgment.]
A state or condition of which no right judgment can be formed; that of which no choice is made; matter in dispute; injudiciousness.  [Little used.]


Topic: Acroamatic
Definition:
ACROAMAT'IC, a.  [Gr. to hear.]
Abstruse; pertaining to deep learning; an epithet applied to the secret doctrines of Aristotle.


Topic: Acroatic
Definition:
ACROAT'IC, a.  [Gr.]
Abstruse; pertaining to deep learning; and opposed to exoteric.  Aristotle's lectures were of two kinds, acroatic, acroamatic, or esoteric, which were delivered to a class of select disciples, who had been previously instructed in the elements of learning; and exoteric, which were delivered in public.  The former respected being, God, and nature; the principal subjects of the latter were logic, rhetoric, and policy.  The abstruse lectures were called acroatics.


Topic: Acroceraunian
Definition:
ACROCERAU'NIAN, a.  [Gr. a summit, and thunder.]
An epithet applied to certain mountains between Epirus and Illyricum, in the 41st degree of latitude.  They project into the Adriatic, and are so termed from being often struck with lightning.


Topic: Acromion
Definition:
ACRO'MION, n.  [Gr. highest, and shoulder.]
In anatomy, that part of the spine of the scapula, which receives the extreme part of the clavicle.


Topic: Acronical
Definition:
ACRON'ICAL,
In astronomy, a term applied to the rising of a star at sun set, or its setting at sun rise.  This rising or setting is called acronical. The word is opposed to cosmical.


Topic: Acrospire
Definition:
AC'ROSPIRE, n.  [Gr. highest, a spire, or spiral line.]
A shoot, or sprout of a seed; the plume, or plumule, so called from its spiral form.


Topic: Across
Definition:
ACROSS', prep. akraus'.  [a and cross.  See Cross.]
1.  From side to side, opposed to along, which is in the direction of the length; athwart; quite over; as, a bridge is laid across a river.
2.  Intersecting; passing over at any angle; as a line passing across another.


Topic: Acrostic
Definition:
ACROS'TIC, n. [Gr extremity or beginning, order, or verse.]
A composition in verse, in which the first letter of the lines, taken in order, form the name of a person, kingdom, city, &c., which is the subject of the composition, or some title or motto.
ACROS'TIC, a.  That relates to, or contains an acrostic.


Topic: Acroteleutic
Definition:
ACROTELEU'TIC, n.  [Gr. extreme, and end.]
Among ecclesiastical writers, an appellation given to any thing added to the end of a psalm, or hymn; as a doxology.


Topic: Acroter
Definition:
AC'ROTER, n.  [Gr. a summit.]
In architecture, a small pedestal, usually with out a base, anciently placed at the two extremes, or in the middle of pediments or frontispieces, serving to support the statues, &c.  It also signifies the figures placed as ornaments on the tops of churches, and the sharp pinnacles that stand in ranges about flat buildings with rails and balusters.  Anciently the word signified the extremities of the body, as the head, hands, and feet.


Topic: Acrothymion
Definition:
ACROTHYM'ION, n.  [Gr. extreme, and thyme.]
Among physicians, a species of wart, with a narrow basis and broad top, having the color of thyme.  It is call Thymus.


Topic: Act
Definition:
ACT, v.i.  [Gr., Lat. to urge, drive, lead, bring, do, perform, or in general to move, to exert force.]
1.  To exert power; as, the stomach acts upon food; the will acts upon the body in producing motion.
2.  To be in action or motion; to move
He hangs between in doubt to act or rest.
3.  To behave, demean, or conduct, as in morals, private duties, or public offices; as, we know not why a minister has acted in this manner.  But in this sense, it is most frequent in popular language; as, how the man acts or has acted.
To act up to, is to equal in action; to fulfil or perform a correspondent action; as he has acted up to his engagement or his advantages.


Topic: Actian
Definition:
AC'TIAN, a.  Relating to Actium, a town and promontory of Epirus, as Actian games, which were instituted by Augustus, to celebrate his navel victory over Anthony, near that town,  Sep. 2, B.C. 31.  They were celebrated every five years.  Hence, Actian years, reckoned from that era.


Topic: Acting
Definition:
ACT'ING, ppr.  Doing; performing; behaving; representing the character of another.
ACT'ING, n.  Action; act of performing a part of a play.


Topic: Actinolite
Definition:
AC'TINOLITE, n.  [Gr. a ray, a stone.]
A mineral, called, by Werner, strahlstein, ray-stone, nearly allied to hornblend.  It occurs in prismatic crystals, which are long, and incomplete, and sometimes extremely minute and even fibrous.  Its prevailing color is green of different shades, or shaded with yellow or brown.  There are several varieties, as the common, the massive, the acicular, the glassy, and the fibrous.
Actinolite is crystalized, asbestiform, and glassy.


Topic: Action
Definition:
AC'TION, n.  [L. actio.  See Act.]
1.  Literally, a driving; hence, the state of acting or moving; exertion of power or force, as when one body acts on another; or action is the effect of power exerted on one body by another; motion produced.  Hence, action is opposed to rest.  Action, when produced by one body on another, is mechanical; when produced by the will of living  being, spontaneous or voluntary.
[See Def. 3.]
2.  An act or thing done; a deed.
The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him are actions weighed.  1Sam. 2.
3.  In mechanics, agency; operation; driving impulse; effort of one body upon another; as, the action of wind upon a ship's sails.  Also the effect of such action.
4.  In ethics, the external signs or expression of the sentiments of a moral agent; conduct; behavior; demeanor; that is, motion or movement, with respect to a rule or propriety.
5.  In poetry, a series of events, called also the subject or fable; this is of two kinds; the principal action which is more strictly the fable, and the incidental action or episode.
6.  In oratory, gesture or gesticulation; the external deportment of the speaker, or the accommodation of his attitude, voice, gestures, and countenance to the subject, or to the thoughts and feelings of the mind.
7.  In physiology, the motions or functions of the body, vital, animal and natural; vital and involuntary, as the action of the heart and lungs; animal, as muscular, and all voluntary motions; natural, as manducation, deglutition, and digestion.
8.  In law, literally, an urging for right; a suit or process, by which a demand is made of a right; a claim made before a tribunal.  Actions are real, personal or mixed; real, or feudal, when the demandant claims a title to real estate; personal when a man demands a debt, personal duty, or damages in lieu of it, or satisfaction for an injury to person or property; and mixed, when real estate is demanded, with damages for a wrong sustained.  Actions are also civil or penal; civil, when instituted solely in behalf of private persons, to recover debts or damages; penal, when instituted to recover a penalty, imposed by way of punishment.  The word is also used for a right of action; as, the law gives an action for every claim.
A chose in action, is a right to a thing, in opposition to the possession.  A bond or note is a chose in action and gives the owner a right to prosecute his claim to the money, as he has an absolute property in a right, as well as in a thing, in possession.
9.  In some countries of Europe, action is a share in the capital stock of a company, or in the public funds, equivalent to our term share; and consequently, in a more general sense, to stocks.  The word is also used for movable effects.
10.  In painting and sculpture, the attitude or position of the several parts of the body, by which they seem to be actuated by passions; as, the arm extended, to represent the act of giving or receiving.
11.  Battle; fight; engagement between troops in war, whether on land or water, or by a greater or smaller number of combatants.  This and the 8th definition exhibit the literal meaning of action - a driving or urging.
Quantity of action, in physics, the product of the mass of a body by the space it runs through and its velocity.
In many cases action and act are synonymous; but some distinction between them is observable.  Action seems to have more relation to the power that acts, and its operation and process of acting; and act, more relation to the effect or operation complete.  Action is also more generally used for ordinary transactions; and act, for such as are remarkable, or dignified; as, all our actions should be regulated by prudence; a prince is distinguished by acts of heroism or humanity.
Action taking, in Shakespeare, is used for litigious.


Topic: Actionable
Definition:
AC'TIONABLE, a.  That will bear a suit, or for which an action at law may be sustained; as, to call a man a thief is actionable.


Topic: Actionary
Definition:
AC'TIONARY or AC'TIONIST, n.  In Europe, a proprietor of stock in a trading company; one who owns actions or shares of stock.


Topic: Active
Definition:
ACT'IVE, a.  [L. activus.]
1.  That has the power or quality of acting; that contains the principle of action, independent of any visible external force; as, attraction is an active power: or it may be defined, that communicates action or motion, opposed to passive, that receives action; as, the active powers of the mind.
2.  Having the power of quick motion, or disposition to move with speed; nimble; lively; brisk; agile; as an active animal.
Hence,
3.  Busy; constantly engaged in action; pursuing business with vigor and assiduity; opposed to dull, slow, or indolent; as an active officer.  It is also opposed to sedentary, as an active life.
4.  Requiring action or exertion; practical; operative; producing real effects; opposed to speculative; as, the active duties of life.
5.  In grammar, active verbs are those which not only signify action, but have a noun or name following them, denoting the object of the action or impression; called also transitive, as they imply the passing of the action expressed by the verb to the object; as a professor instructs his pupils.
6.  Active capital, or wealth, is money, or property that may readily be converted into money, and used in commerce or other employment for profit.
7.  Active commerce, the commerce in which a nation carries its own productions and foreign commodities in its own ships, or which is prosecuted by its own citizens; as contradistinguished from passive commerce, in which the productions of one country are transported by the people of another country.
The commerce of Great Britain and of the United States is active; that of China is passive.
It may be the interest of foreign nations to deprive us, as far as possible, of an active commerce in our own bottoms.


Topic: Actively
Definition:
ACT'IVELY, adv.  in an active manner; by action; nimbly; briskly; also in an active signification, as a word is used actively.


Topic: Activeness
Definition:
ACT'IVENESS, n.  the quality of being active; the faculty of acting; nimbleness; quickness of motion; less used than activity.


Topic: Activity
Definition:
ACTIV'ITY, n.  The quality of being active; the active faculty; nimbleness; agility; also the habit of diligent and vigorous pursuit of business; as, a man of activity.  It is applied to persons or things.
Sphere of activity, is the whole space in which the virtue, power, or influence of any object, is exerted.
To put in activity, a French phrase, for putting in action or employment.


Topic: Actor
Definition:
ACT'OR, n.  
1.  He that acts or performs; an active agent.
2.  He that represents a character or acts a part in a play; a stage player.
3.  Among civilians, an advocate or proctor in civil courts or causes.


Topic: Actual
Definition:
ACT'UAL, a.
1.  Real or effective, or that exists truly and absolutely; as, actual heat, opposed to that, which is virtual or potential; actual cautery, or the burning by a red-hot iron, opposed to a cautery or caustic application, that may produce the same effect upon the body by a different process.
2.  Existing in act; real; in opposition to speculative, or existing in theory only; as an actual crime.
3.  In theology, actual sin is that which is committed by a person himself, opposed to original sin, or the corruption of nature supposed to be communicated from Adam.
4.  That includes action.
Besides her walking and other actual performances.  [Hardly legitimate.]


Topic: Actuary
Definition:
ACT'UARY, n.  [L. actuarius.]
A register or clerk; a term of the civil law, and used originally in courts of civil law jurisdiction; but in Europe used for a clerk or register generally.


Topic: Actuate
Definition:
ACT'UATE, a.  Put in action.  [Little used.]  
ACT'UATE, v.t.  [from act.]
To put into action; to move or incite to action; as, men are actuated by motives, or passions.  It seems to have been used formerly in the sense of invigorate, noting increase of action; but the use is not legitimate.


Topic: Actus
Definition:
ACT'US, n.  Among the Romans, a measure in building equal to 120 Roman feet.  In agriculture, the length of one furrow.


Topic: Acuate
Definition:
AC'UATE,  v.t.  [L. acuo, to sharpen.  See Acid.]
To sharpen; to make pungent, or corrosive.  [Little used.]


Topic: Aculeate
Definition:
ACU'LEATE, a.  [L. aculeus, from acus, Gr. a point, and the diminutive.  See Acid.]
1.  In botany, having prickles, or sharp points; pointed; used chiefly to denote prickles fixed in the bark, in distinction from thorns, which grow from the wood.
2.  In zoology, having a sting.


Topic: Aculon
Definition:
AC'ULON, or AC'ULOS, n.  [Gr. probably from ac, an oak.]
The fruit or acorn of the ilex, or scarlet oak.


Topic: Acumen
Definition:
ACU'MEN, n.  [L. acumen, from acus or acuo.]
A sharp point; and figuratively, quickness of perception, the faculty of nice discrimination.


Topic: Acupuncture
Definition:
ACUPUNC'TURE, n.  [L. acus, needle, and punctura, or punctus, a pricking.]
Among the Chinese, a surgical operation, performed by pricking the part affected with a needle, as in head-aches and lethargies.


Topic: Acus
Definition:
A'CUS, n.  [L.]
1.  The needle-fish,or gar-fish.
2.  The ammodyte or sand eel.
3.  The oblong cimex.


Topic: Acute
Definition:
ACU'TE, a.  [L.  acutus, sharp-pointed; Heb.]
1.  Sharp at the end; ending in a sharp point; opposed to blunt or obtuse.  An acute angle in geometry, is one which is less than a right angle, or which subtends less than ninety degrees.  An acute angled triangle is one whose three angles are all acute, or less than ninety degrees each.
2.  Figuratively, applied to mental powers; penetrating; having nice discernment; perceiving or using minute distinctions; opposed to dull or stupid; as an acute reasoner.
3.  Applied to the senses; having nice or quick sensibility; susceptible of slight impressions; having power to feel or perceive small objects; as, a man of acute eyesight, hearing, or feeling.
4.  An acute disease, is one which is attended with violent symptoms, and comes speedily to a crisis, as a pleurisy; opposed to chronic.
5.  An acute disease, is one which is attended with violent symptoms, and comes speedily to a crisis, as a pleurisy; opposed to chronic.
6.  In music, acute is applied to a tone which is sharp, or high; opposed to grave.
7.  In botany, ending in an acute angle, as a leaf or perianth.


Topic: Acuteness
Definition:
ACU'TENESS, n.  
1.  Sharpness; but seldom used in this literal sense, as applied to material things.
2.  Figuratively, the faculty of nice discernment or perception; applied to the senses, or the understanding.  By an acuteness of feeling, we perceive small objects or slight impressions; by an acuteness of intellect, we discern nice distinctions.
3.  Sharpness, or elevation of sound, in rhetoric or music.
4.  Violence of a disease, which brings it speedily to a crisis.


Topic: Acutiator
Definition:
ACUTIA'TOR, n.  In the middle ages, a person whose office was to sharpen instruments.  Before the invention of fire-arms, such officers attended armies, to sharpen their instruments.


Topic: Ad
Definition:
AD.  A Latin preposition, signifying to.  It is probably from Heb. Ch. Syr. Sam. Eth. and Ar.  To come near, to approach; from which root we may also deduce at.  In composition, the last letter is usually changed into the first letter of the word to which it is prefixed.  Thus for adclamo, the Romans wrote acclamo.  The reason of this change is found in the ease of pronunciation, and agreeableness of the sounds.
Ad hominem, to the man, in logic, an argument, adapted to touch the prejudices of the person addressed.
Ad inquirendum, in law, a judicial writ commanding inquiry to be made.
Ad libitum  [L.] at pleasure
Ad valorem, according to the value, in commerce and finance, terms used to denote duties or charges laid upon goods, at a certain rate per cent, upon their value, as stated in their invoices; in opposition to a specific sum upon a given quantity or number.


Topic: Adage
Definition:
AD'AGE, n.  [L. adagium, or adagio]
A proverb; an old saying, which has obtained credit by long use; a wise observation handed down from antiquity.


Topic: Adagio
Definition:
ADA'GIO, n.  [L. otium; Eng. ease.]
In music, a slow movement.  As an adverb, slowly, leisurely, and with grace.  When repeated, adagio, adagio, it directs the movement to be very slow.


Topic: Adam
Definition:
AD'AM, n.  In Heb., Man; primarily, the name of the human species, mankind; appropriately, the first Man, the progenitor of the human race.  The word signifies form, shape, or suitable form, hence, species.  It is evidently connected with Heb., to be like or equal, to form an image, to assimilate.  Whence the sense of likeness, image, form, shape; Gr., a body, like.  [See Man.]
Adam's apple, a species of citron [See Citron] also the prominent part of the throat.
Ad'am's needle, the popular name of the yucca, a plant of four species, cultivated in gardens.  Of the roots, the Indians made a kind of bread.  [See Yucca.]


Topic: Adamant
Definition:
AD'AMANT, n.  [ Gr.; L. adamas; a word of Celtic origin.]
A very hard or impenetrable stone; a name given to the diamond and other substances of extreme hardness.  The name has often been given to the load stone; but in modern mineralogy, it has no technical signification.


Topic: Adamantine
Definition:
ADAMANT'INE, a.  Made of adamant; having the qualities of adamant; that cannot be broken, dissolved, or penetrated, as adamantine bonds, or chains.
Adamantine Spar, a genus of earths, of three varieties.  The color of the first is gray, with shades of brown or green; the form when regular, a hexangular prism, two sides large and four small, without a pyramid; its surface striated, and with a thin covering of white mica, interspersed with particles of red felspar; its fracture, foliaceous and sparry.  The second variety is whiter, and the texture more foliaceous.  The third variety is of a reddish brown color.  This stone is very hard, and of difficult fusion.
A variety of corrundum.


Topic: Adamic
Definition:
AD'AMIC, a.  Pertaining to Adam.  Adamic earth, is the term given to common red clay, so called by means of a mistaken opinion that Adam means red earth.


Topic: Adamites
Definition:
AD'AMITES, in Church history, a sect of visionaries, who pretended to establish a state of innocence, and like Adam, went naked.  They abhorred marriage, holding it to be the effect of sin.  Several attempts have been made to revive this sec; one as late as the 15th century.


Topic: Adansonia
Definition:
ADANSO'NIA, n.  Ethiopian sour gourd, monkey's bread, of African calabash-tree.  It is a tree of one species, called baobab, a native of Africa, and the largest of the vegetable kingdom.  The stem rises not above twelve or fifteen feet, but is from sixty-five to seventy-eight feet in circumference.  The branches shoot horizontally to the length of sixty feet, the ends bending to the ground.  The fruit is oblong, pointed at both ends, ten inches in length, and covered with a greenish down, under which is a hard ligneous rind.  It hangs to the tree by a pedicle two feet long, and contains a white spungy substance.  The leaves and bark, dried and powdered, are used by the negroes, as pepper, on their food, to promote perspiration.  The tree is named from M. Adanson, who has given a description of it.


Topic: Adapt
Definition:
ADAPT' v.t.  [L. ad. and apto, to fit; Gr.]
To make suitable; to fit or suit; as, to adapt an instrument to its uses; we have provision adapted to our wants.  It is applied to things material or immaterial.


Topic: Adar
Definition:
A'DAR, n.  a Hebrew month, answering to the latter part of February, and the beginning of March, the 12th of the sacred and 6th of the civil year; so named to become glorious, from the exuberance of vegetation, in that month, in Egypt and Palestine.


Topic: Adarce
Definition:
ADAR'CE, n.  [Gr.]
A saltish concretion on reeds and grass in marshy grounds in Galatia.  It is lax and porous, like bastard spunge, and used to clear the skin in leprosy, tetters, &c.


Topic: Adarcon
Definition:
ADAR'CON, n.  In Jewish antiquity, a gold coin worth about three dollars and a third, or about fifteen shillings sterling.


Topic: Adarme
Definition:
ADAR'ME, n.  A Spanish weight, the sixteenth of an ounce.  The Spanish ounce is seven per cent. Lighter than that of Paris.


Topic: Adatis
Definition:
AD'ATIS, n.  A muslin or species of cotton cloth from India.  It is fine and clear; the piece is ten French ells long, and three quarters wide.


Topic: Add
Definition:
ADD, v.t.  [L. addo, from ad and do, to give.]
1.  To set or put together, join or unite, as one thing or sum to another, in an agreegate; as, add three to four, the sum is seven.
2.  To unite in idea or consideration; to subjoin.
To what has been alledged, let this argument be added.
3.  To increase number.
Thou shalt add three cities more of refuge.  Deut. 19.
4.  To augment.
Rehoboam said, I will add to your yoke.  1Kings, 12.
Ye shall not add to the word which I command you.  Deut. 4.
As here used, the verb is intransitive, but there may be an ellipsis.
To add to, is used in scripture, as equivalent to give, or bestow upon.  Gen. 30,  Matt. 6.  In Gal. 2, the word is understood to signify instruction.  'In conference they added nothing to me.'  In narration, he or they added, is elliptical; he added words, or what follows, or he continued his discourse.
In general, when used of things, add implies a principal thing, to which a smaller is to be annexed, as a part of the whole sum, mass, or number.


Topic: Added
Definition:
ADD'ED, pp.  Joined in place, in sum, in mass or aggregate, in number, in idea or consideration; united; put together.


Topic: Addiction
Definition:
ADDIC'TION, n.  
1.  The act of devoting or giving up in practice; the state of being devoted.
His addiction was to courses vain.
2.  Among the Romans, a making over goods to another by sale or legal sentence; also an assignment of debtors in service in their creditors.


Topic: Additament
Definition:
ADDIT'AMENT, n.  [L.  additamentum, from additus and ment.  See Add.]
An addition, or rather the thing added, as furniture in a house; any material mixed with the principal ingredient in a compound.  Ancient anatomists gave the name to an epiphysis, or junction of bones without articulation.  [Little used in either sense.]


Topic: Addition
Definition:
ADDI'TION, n.  [L. additio, from addo.]
1.  The act of adding, opposed to subtraction, or diminution; as, a sum is increased by addition.
2.  Any thing added, whether material or immaterial.
3.  In arithmetic, the uniting of two or more numbers in one sum; also the rule or branch of arithmetic which treats of adding numbers.  Simple addition is the joining of sums of the same denomination, as pounds to pounds, dollars to dollars.  Compound addition is the joining of sums of different denominations, as dollars and cents.
4.  In law, a title annexed to a man's name, to show his rank, occupation or place of residence; as John Doe, Esq.; Richard Roe, Gent; Robert Dale, Mason; Thomas Way, of New York.
5.  In music, a dot at the side of a note, to lengthen its sound one half.
6.  In heraldry, something added to a coat of arms, as a mark of honor, opposed to abatements, as bordure, quarter, canton, gyron, pile, &c.  See these terms.
7.  In distilling, any thing added to the wash or liquor in a state of fermentation.
8.  In popular language, an advantage, ornament, improvement; that is, an addition by way of eminence.


Topic: Addle
Definition:
AD'DLE, a.  [Heb. to fail.]
In a morbid state; putrid; applied to eggs.  
Hence, barren, producing nothing.
His brains grow addle.


Topic: Addorsed
Definition:
ADDORS'ED, a.  [L. ad and dorsum,the back.]
In heraldry, having the backs turned to each other, as beasts.


Topic: Address
Definition:
ADDRESS', v.t.  [This is supposed to be from L. dirigo.]
1.  To prepare; to make suitable dispositions for.
Turnus addressed his men to single fight.
2.  To direct words or discourse; to apply to by words; as, to address a discourse to an assembly; to address the judges.
3.  To direct in writing; as a letter; or to direct and transmit; as he addressed a letter to the speaker.  Sometimes it is used with the reciprocal pronoun, as, he addressed himself to the speaker, instead of, he addressed his discourse.  The phrase is faulty; but less so than the following.  To such I would address with this most affectionate petition.
Young Turnus to the beauteous maid aldrest.
The latter is admissible in poetry, as an elliptical phrase.
4.  To present an address, as a letter of thanks or congratulation, a petition, or a testimony of respect; as, the legislature addressed the president.
5.  To court or make suit as a lover.
6.  In commerce, to consign or entrust to the care of another, as agent or factor; as, the ship was addressed to a merchant in Baltimore.


Topic: Adduce
Definition:
ADDU'CE, v.t.  [L. adduco, to lead or bring to; ad and duco, to lead.  See Duke.]
1.  To bring forward, present or offer; as, a witness was adduced to prove the fact.
2.  To cite, name or introduce; as, to adduce an authority or an argument.


Topic: Adducent
Definition:
ADDU'CENT, a.  Bringing forward, or together; a word applied to those muscles of the body which pull one part towards another.  [See adductor.]


Topic: Adductor
Definition:
ADDUC'TOR, n.  [L.]
A muscle which draws one part of the body towards another; as the adductor oculi, which turns the eye towards the nose; the adductor pollicis manus, which draws the thumb towards the fingers.


Topic: Adeb
Definition:
AD'EB, n.  An Egyptian weight of 210 okes, each of three rotolos, which is a weight of about two drams less than the English pound.  But at Rosetta, the adeb is only 150 okes.


Topic: Adeling
Definition:
AD'ELING, n.  a title of honor given by our Saxon ancestors to the children of princes, and to young nobles.  It is composed of adel, or rather athel, the Teutonic term for noble, illustrious, and ling, young posterity.


Topic: Adelite
Definition:
AD'ELITE, n.  adelites or Almogenens, in Spain, were conjurers, who predicted the fortunes of individuals by the flight and singing of birds, and other accidental circumstances.


Topic: Ademption
Definition:
ADEMP'TION, n.  [L. adimo, to take away; of ad and emo, to take.]
In the civil law, the revocation of a grant, donation, or the like.


Topic: Adenoid
Definition:
AD'ENOID, a.  [Gr. a gland, and form.]
In the form of a gland; glandiform; glandulous; applied to the prostate glands.


Topic: Adenology
Definition:
ADENOL'OGY, n.  [Gr. a gland, and discourse.]
In anatomy, the doctrine of the glands, their nature, and their uses.


Topic: Adept
Definition:
ADEPT', n.  [L. adeptus, obtained, from adipiscor.]
One fully skilled or well versed in any art.  The term is borrowed from the Alchimists, who applied it to one who pretended to have found the philosopher's stone, or the panacea.
ADEPT', a.  Well skilled; completely versed or acquainted with.


Topic: Adequacy
Definition:
AD'EQUACY, n.  [L. adaequatus, of ad and aquatus, made equal.
The state or quality of being equal to, proportionate, or sufficient; a sufficiency for a particular purpose; as, 'the adequacy of supply to the expenditure.'


Topic: Adequate
Definition:
AD'EQUATE, a.  Equal; proportionate; correspondent to; fully sufficient; as, means adequate to the object; we have no adequate ideas of infinite power.
Adequate ideas, are such as exactly represent their object.
AD'EQUATE, v.t.  To resemble exactly.  [Not used.]


Topic: Adequately
Definition:
AD'EQUATELY, adv.  In an adequate manner; in exact proportion; with just correspondence, representation, or proportion; in a degree equal to the object.


Topic: Adequateness
Definition:
AD'EQUATENESS, n.  The state of being adequate; justness of proportion or representation; sufficiency.


Topic: Adessenarians
Definition:
ADESSENA'RIANS, n.  [L. adesse, to be present.]
In church history, a sect who hold the real presence of Christ's body in the eucharist, but not by transubstantiation.  They differ however as to this presence; some holding the body of Christ to be in the bread; others, about the bread.


Topic: Adfiliation
Definition:
ADFILIA'TION, n.  [L. ad and filius, a son.]
A Gothic custom, by which the children of a former marriage, are put upon the same footing with those of a succeeding one; still retained in some parts of Germany.


Topic: Adhere
Definition:
ADHE'RE, v.i.  [L. adhaereo, ad and haereo, to stick.]
1.  To stick to, as glutinous substances, or by natural growth; as, the lungs sometimes adhere to the pleura.
2.  To be joined, or held in contact; to cleave to.
3.  Figuratively, to hold to, be attached, or remain fixed, either by personal union or conformity of faith, principle, or opinion; as, men adhere to a party, a leader, a church, or creed.
4.  To be consistent; to hold together as the parts of a system.
Every thing adheres together.


Topic: Adherence
Definition:
ADHE'RENCE, n.  
1.  The quality or state of sticking or adhering.
2.  Figuratively, a being fixed in attachment; fidelity; steady attachment; as, an adherence to a party or opinions.


Topic: Adherent
Definition:
ADHE'RENT, a.  Sticking, uniting, as glue or wax; united with, as an adherent mode in Locke, that is, a mode accidentally joined with an object, as wetness in a cloth.
ADHE'RENT, n.  The person who adheres; one who follows a leader, party or profession; a follower, or partisan; a believer in a particular faith or church.
In the sense of appendage.  Obs.


Topic: Adhesion
Definition:
ADHE'SION, n. adhe'shun.  [L.  adhasio.]
1.  The act or state of sticking, or being united and attached to; as the adhesion of glue, or of parts united by growth, cement, and the like.  Adhesion is generally used in a literal; adherence, in a metaphorical sense.
2.  Sometimes figuratively, adherence, union or steady attachment; firmness in opinion; as, an adhesion to vice: but in this sense nearly obsolete.  The union of bodies by attraction is usually denominated cohesion.


Topic: Adhesive
Definition:
ADHE'SIVE, a.  Sticky; tenacious, as glutinous substances; apt or tending to adhere.  Thus gums are adhesive.


Topic: Adhil
Definition:
AD'HIL, n.  A star of the sixth magnitude, upon the garment of Andromeda, under the last star in her foot.


Topic: Adhortatory
Definition:
ADHORT'ATORY, a.  [L.  adhortor, to advise, ad and hortor.]
Advisory; containing counsel or warning.


Topic: Adiaphorists
Definition:
ADIAPH'ORISTS, n. [Gr. indifferent.]
Moderate Lutherans; a name given in the sixteenth century, to certain men that followed Melancthon, who was more pacific than Luther
The adiaphorists held some opinions and ceremonies to be indifferent, which Luther condemned as sinful or heretical.


Topic: Adiaphorous
Definition:
ADIAPH'OROUS, a.  Indifferent; neutral; a name given by Boyle to a spirit distilled from tartar, and some other vegetable substances, neither acid, nor alkaline, or not possessing the distinct character of any chimical body.


Topic: Adieu
Definition:
ADIEU', Adu'.
Farewell; an expression of kind wishes at the parting of friends.
ADIEU', n.  A farewell, or commendation to the care of God; as an everlasting adieu.


Topic: Adipocere
Definition:
AD'IPOCERE, n.  [L.  adeps, fat, and cera.]
A soft unctuous or waxy substance, of a light brown color, into which the muscular fibers of dead animal bodies are converted, when protected from atmospheric air, and under certain circumstances of temperature and humidity.  This substance was first discovered by Fourcroy, in the burying ground of the Church des Innocens, when it was removed in 1787.  It is speedily produced, when the body is immersed in running water.


Topic: Adipose
Definition:
AD'IPOSE, a. [L. adiposus, from adeps, fat. Heb. fat, gross, AD'IPOUS,  stupid.]
Fat.  The adipose membrane is the cellular membrane, containing the fat in its cells, and consisting of ductile membranes, connected by a sort of net-work.  The adipose vein spreads itself on the coat and fat that covers the kidneys.  The adipose ducts are the bags and ducts which contain the fat.


Topic: Adit
Definition:
ADIT, n.  [L.  aditus, from adeo, aditum, to approach, ad and eo, to go.]
An entrance or passage; a term in mining, used to denote the opening by which a mine is entered, or by which water and ores are carried away.  It is usually made in the side of a hill.  The word is sometimes used for aid-shaft, but not with strict propriety.


Topic: Adjacency
Definition:
ADJA'CENCY, n.  [L.  adjaceo, to lie contiguous, from ad and jaceo, to lie.]
The state of lying close or contiguous; a bordering upon, or lying next to; as the adjacency of lands or buildings.  In the sense of that which is adjacent, as used by Brown, it is not legitimate.


Topic: Adjacent
Definition:
ADJA'CENT, a.  Lying near, close, or contiguous; bordering upon; as, a field adjacent to the highway.
ADJA'CENT, n.  That which is next to or contiguous.  [Little used.]


Topic: Adjective
Definition:
AD'JECTIVE, n.  In grammar, a word used with a noun, to express a quality of the thing named, or something attributed to it, or to limit or define it, or to specify or describe a thing, as distinct from something else.  It is called also an attributive or attribute.  Thus, in the phrase, a wise ruler, wise is the adjective or attribute, expressing a particular property of ruler.


Topic: Adjoin
Definition:
ADJOIN', v.t.  [L. adjungo, ad and jungo.  See Join.]
To join or unite to; to put to, by placing in contact; to unite, by fastening together with a joint, mortise, or knot.  But in these transitive senses, it is rarely used.  [See Join.]
ADJOIN', v.i.  To lie or be next to, or in contact; to be contiguous; as, a farm adjoining to the highway.  This is the common use of the word, and to is often omitted; as adjoining the highway.


Topic: Adjourn
Definition:
ADJOURN', v.t. Adjurn'.  
Literally, to put off, or defer to another day; but now used to denote a formal intermission of business, a putting off to any future meeting of the same body, and appropriately used of public bodies or private commissioners, entrusted with business; as, the court adjourned the consideration of the question.
ADJOURN', v.i.  To suspend business for a time; as, from one day to another, or for a longer period, usually public business, as of legislatures and courts, for repose or refreshment; as, congress adjourned at four o'clock.  It is also used for the act of closing the session of a public body; as, the court adjourned without day.
It was moved that parliament should adjourn for six weeks.


Topic: Adjourned
Definition:
ADJOURN'ED, pp.  
1.  Put off, delayed, or deferred for a limited time.
2.  As an adjective, existing or held by adjournment, as an adjourned session of a court, opposed to stated or regular.


Topic: Adjournment
Definition:
ADJOURN'MENT, n.
1.  The act of adjourning; as, in legislatures, the adjournment of one house is not an adjournment of the other.
2.  The putting off till another day or time specified, or without day; that is, the closing of a session of a public or official body.
3.  The time or interval during which a public body defers business; as, during an adjournment.  but a suspension of business, between the forming of a house and an adjournment for refreshment, is all a recess.  In Great Britain, the close of a session of parliament is called a prorogation; as the close of a parliament is a dissolution.  But in Great Britain, as well as in the United States, adjournment is now used for an intermission of business, for any indefinite time; as, an adjournment of parliament for six weeks.


Topic: Adjudge
Definition:
ADJUDGE', v.t.
To decide, or determine, in the case of a controverted question; to decree by a judicial opinion; used appropriately of courts of law and equity.
The case was adjudged in Hilary term.
The prize was adjudged to the victor; a criminal was adjudged to suffer death.
It has been used in the sense of to judge; as, he adjudged him unworthy of his friendship.  But this sense is unusual.


Topic: Adjudicate
Definition:
ADJU'DICATE, v.t.  [L. adjudico, to give sentence.  See Judge.]
To adjudge; to try and determine, as a court.  it has the sense of adjudge.
ADJU'DICATE, v.i.  To try and determine judicially; as, the court adjudicated upon the case.


Topic: Adjudication
Definition:
ADJUDICA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of adjudging; the act or process of trying and determining judicially; as a ship was taken and sent into port for adjudication.
2.  A judicial sentence; judgment or decision of a court.
Whose families were parties to some of the former adjudications.
3.  In Scots law, an action by which a creditor attaches the heritable estate of his debtor, or his debtor's heir, in payment or security of his debt; or an action by which the holder of an heritable right, laboring under a defect in point of form, may supply that defect.


Topic: Adjunct
Definition:
AD'JUNCT,n.  [L. adjunctus, joined, from adjungo.  See Join.]
1.  Something added to another, but not essentially a part of it; as, water absorbed by a cloth or spunge is its adjunct.  Also a person joined to another.
2.  In metaphysics, a quality of the body or the mind, whether natural or acquired; as color, in the body; thinking, in the mind.
3.  In grammar, words added to illustrate or amplify the force of other words; as, the History of the American revolution.  The words in Italics are the adjuncts of History.
4.  In music, the word is employed to denominate the relation between the principal mode and the modes of its two fifths.
The adjunct deities, among the Romans, were inferior deities which were added as assistants to the principal gods; as Bellona to Mars; to Vulcan, the Cabiri; to the Good Genius, the Lares; to the Evil, the Lemures.
In the royal academy of sciences at Paris, the adjuncts are certain members attached to the study of particular sciences.  They are twelve in number, created in 1716.
Adjunct has been used for a colleague, but rarely.
AD'JUNCT, a.  Added to or united with, as an adjunct professor.


Topic: Adjuration
Definition:
ADJURA'TION, n.  
1.The act of adjuring; a solemn charging on oath, or under the penalty of a curse.
2.The form of oath.


Topic: Adjure
Definition:
ADJU'RE, v.t.  [L. adjuro, to sweat solemnly, or compel one to swear; from ad and juro, to swear.]
1.  To charge, bind or command on oath, or under the penalty of a curse.
Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city of Jericho.  Josh. 6.
2.  To charge earnestly and solemnly, on pain of God's wrath.
I adjure thee by the living God. Mat. 26., Acts, 19.
3.  To conjure; to charge, urge or summon with solemnity.
The magistrates adjured by all the bonds of civil duty.
Ye sacred stars, be all of you adjured.
The Commissioners adjured them not to let pass so favorable an opportunity of securing their liberties.


Topic: Adjust
Definition:
ADJUST', v.t. [L. ad, and justus, just, exact.  See Just.]
1.  To make exact; to fit; to make correspondent, or conformable; as, to adjust a garment to the body, an event to the prediction, or things to a standard.
2.  To put in order; to regulate or reduce to system; as to adjust a scheme; to adjust affairs.
3.  To make accurate; to settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result; as to adjust accounts; the differences are adjusted.


Topic: Adjustment
Definition:
ADJUST'MENT, n.  The act of adjusting; regulation; a reducing to just form or order; a making fit or conformable; settlement.


Topic: Adjutant
Definition:
AD'JUTANT, n.  [L. adjutans, aiding; from adjuto, to assist; of ad and juvo, jutum, to help.]
In military affairs, an officer whose business is to assist the Major by receiving and communicating order.  Each battalion of foot, and each regiment of horse has an adjutant, who receives orders from the adjutant, who receives orders from the Brigade Major, to communicate to the Colonel, and to subalterns.  He places guards, receives and distributes ammunition, assigns places of rendezvous, &c.
Adjutant-General, in an army, is the chief adjutant.
Adjutants General, among the Jesuits, were a select number of fathers, who resided with the general of the order, each of whom had a province or country assigned to his care.  Their business was to correspond with that province, by their delegates, emissaries or visitors, and give information of occurrences to the father general.


Topic: Adlegation
Definition:
ADLEGA'TION, n.  [L. ad and legatio, an embassy, from lego, to send.  See Legate.]
In the public law of the German Empire, a right claimed by the states, of joining their own ministers with those of the Emperor, in public treaties and negotiations, relating to the common interest of the Empire.


Topic: Admeasure
Definition:
ADMEAS'URE, v.t. admezh'ur.  [ad and measure.  See Measure.]
1.  To measure or ascertain dimensions, size or capacity; used for measure.
2.  To apportion; to assign to each claimant has right; as, to admeasure dower or common of pasture.


Topic: Admeasurement
Definition:
ADMEAS'UREMENT, n.  
1.  The measuring of dimensions by a rule, as of a ship, cask, and the like.
2.  The measure of a thing, or dimensions ascertained.
In these uses the word is equivalent to measurement, mensuration and measure.
3.  The adjustment of proportion, or ascertainment of shares, as of dower or pasture held in common.  This is done by 
writ of admeasurement, directed to the sheriff.


Topic: Administer
Definition:
ADMIN'ISTER, v.t.  [L. administro, of ad and ministro, to serve or manage.  See Minister.]
1.  To act as minister or chief agent, in managing public affairs, under laws or a constitution of government, as a king, president, or other supreme officer.  it is used also of absolute monarchs, who rule not in subordination; but is more strictly applicable to limited monarchs and other supreme executive officers,  and to governors, vice-roys, judges and the like, who are under the authority of laws.  A king or a president administers the government or laws, when he executes them or carries them into effect.  A judge administers the laws, when he applies them to particular cases or persons.  In short, to administer is to direct the execution or application of laws.
2.  To dispense, as to administer justice or the sacrament.
3.  To afford, give or furnish; as, to administer relief, that is, to act as the agent.  To administer medicine is to direct and cause it to be taken.
4.  To give, as an oath; to cause to swear according to law.
ADMIN'ISTER, v.i.  
1.  To contribute; to bring aid or supplies; to add something; as, a shade administers to our comfort.
2.  To perform the office of administrator; as, A administers upon the estate of B.


Topic: Administration
Definition:
ADMINISTRA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of administering; direction; management; government of public affairs; the conducting of any office or employment.
2.  The executive part of government, consisting in the exercise of the constitutional and legal powers, the general superintendence of national affairs, and the enforcement of laws.
3.  The persons collectively, who are entrusted with the execution of laws, and the superintendence of public affairs; the chief magistrate and his council; or the council alone, as in Great Britain.
4.  dispensation; distribution; exhibition; as the administration of justice, of the sacrament, or of grace. 
1Cor. 12.  2Cor. 9.
5.  the management of the estate of an intestate person, under a commission from the proper authority.  This management consists in collecting debts, paying debts and legacies, and distributing the property among the heirs.
6.  The power, office or commission of an administrator.
Surrogates are authorized to grant administration.
It is more usual to say, letters of administration.
7.  This name is given by the Spaniards, to the staple magazine or warehouse, at Callao, in Peru, where foreign ships must unload.


Topic: Administrator
Definition:
ADMINISTRA'TOR, n.  
1.  a man who, by virtue of a commission from the Ordinary, Surrogate, Court of Probate, or other proper authority, has the charge of the goods and estate of one dying without a will.
2.  One who administers, or who directs, manages, distributes, or dispenses laws and rites, either in civil, judicial, political, or ecclesiastical affairs.
3.  In Scots law, a tutor, curator or guardian, having the care of one who is incapable of acting for himself.  The term is usually applied to a father who has power over his children and their estate, during their minority.


Topic: Administratrix
Definition:
ADMINISTRA'TRIX, n.  A female who administers upon the estate of an intestate; also a female who administers government.


Topic: Admirable
Definition:
AD'MIRABLE, a.  [L. admirabilis.]
To be admired; worthy of admiration; having qualities to excite wonder, with approbation, esteem or reverence; used of persons or things; as, the admirable structure of the body, or of the universe.


Topic: Admiral
Definition:
AD'MIRAL, n.  [In the Latin of the middle ages.  Amira, Amiras, Admiralis, an Emir;  Heb. to speak.  The terminating syllable of admiral may be from the sea.  This word is said to have been introduced in Europe by the Turks, Genoese or Venetains, in the 12th or 13th century.]
A marine commander in chief; the commander of a fleet or navy.
1.  The Lord High Admiral, in Great Britain, is an officer who superintends all maritime affairs, and has the government of the navy.  He has also jurisdiction over all maritime causes, and commissions the naval officers.
2.  The Admiral of the fleet, the highest officer under the admiralty.  When he embarks on an expedition, the union flag is displayed at the main top gallant mast head.
3.  The Vice Admiral, an officer next in rank and command to the Admiral, has command of the second squadron.  He carries his flag at the fore top gallant mast head.  This name is given also to certain officers who have power to hold courts of vice-admiralty, in various parts of the British dominions.
4.  The Rear Admiral, next in rank to the Vice Admiral, has command of the third squadron, and carries his flag at the mizen top gallant mast head.
5.  The commander of any single fleet, or in general any flag officer.
6.  The ship which carries the admiral; also the most considerable ship of a fleet of merchantmen, or of fishing vessels.
7.  In zoology, a species of shell-fish.  [See Voluta.]
8.  Also a butterfly, which lays her eggs on the great stinging nettle, and delights in brambles.


Topic: Admiralty
Definition:
AD'MIRALTY, n.  In Great Britain, the office of Lord High Admiral.  This office is discharged by one person, or by Commissioners, called Lords of the Admiralty; usually seven in number.
The admiralty court, or court of admiralty, is the supreme court for the trial of maritime causes, held before the Lord High Admiral, or Lords of the admiralty.
In general, a court of admiralty is a court for the trial of causes arising on the high seas, as prize causes and the like.  In the United States, there is no admiralty court, distinct from others; but the district courts, established in the several states by Congress, are invested with admiralty powers.


Topic: Admiration
Definition:
ADMIRA'TION, n.  Wonder mingled with pleasing emotions, as approbation, esteem, love or veneration; a compound emotion excited by something novel, rare, great, or excellent; applied to persons and their works.  It often includes a slight degree of surprise.  Thus, we view the solar system with admiration.
Very near to admiration is the wish to admire.
It has been sometimes used in an ill sense, denoting wonder with disapprobation.
Your boldness I with admiration see.
When I saw her I wondered with great admiration.  Luke 18.


Topic: Admire
Definition:
ADMI'RE, v.t.  [L. admiror, ad and miror, to wonder; demiror.  See Moor and Mar.]
1.  To regard with wonder or surprise, mingled with approbation, esteem, reverence or affection.
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints and be admired in all them that love him. 2Thes. 1.
This word has been used in an ill sense, but seems now correctly restricted to the sense here given, and implying something great, rare or excellent, in the object admired.
2.  To regard with affection; a familiar term for to love greatly.
ADMI'RE, v.i.  To wonder; to be affected with slight surprise; sometimes with at; as, to admire at his own contrivance.
To admire at sometimes implies disapprobation.


Topic: Admired
Definition:
ADMI'RED, pp.  Regarded with wonder, mingled with pleasurable sensations, as esteem, love or reverence.


Topic: Admissible
Definition:
ADMISS'IBLE, a.  [See admit.]  That may be admitted, allowed or conceded; as, the testimony is admissible.


Topic: Admission
Definition:
ADMISS'ION, n.  [L. admissio.]
1.  The act or practice of admitting, as the admission of aliens into our country; also, the state of being admitted.
2.  Admittancep power or permission to enter; entrance; access; power to approach; as, our laws give to foreigners easy admission to the rights of citizens; the admission of a clerk to a benefice.
3.  Allowance; grant of an argument or position not fully proved.


Topic: Admit
Definition:
ADMIT',  v.t.  [L. admitto, from ad and mitto, to send.]
1.  To suffer to enter; to grant entrance; whether into a place, or an office, or into the mind, or consideration; as to admit a student into college; to admit a serious thought into the mind.
2.  To give right of entrance; as, a ticket admits one into a play house.
3.  To allow; to receive as true; as, the argument or fact is admitted.
4.  To permit, grant or allow, or to be capable of; as, the words do not admit of such a construction.  In this sense, of may be used after the verb, or omitted.


Topic: Admittance
Definition:
ADMIT'TANCE, n.  
1.  The act of admitting; allowance.  More usually,
2.  Permission to enter; the power or right of entrance; and hence, actual entrance; as, he gained admittance into the church.
3.  Concession; admission; allowance; as the admittance of an argument.  [Not used.]
4. Shakespeare uses the word for the custom or prerogative of being admitted; 'Sir John, you are a gentleman of excellent breeding, of great admittance': but the license is unwarrantable.


Topic: Admixtion
Definition:
ADMIX'TION, n.  admixchun,  [L. admixtio, or admistio; of ad and misceo, to mix.  See Mix.]
A mingling of bodies; a union by mixing different substances together.  It differs from composition or chimical combination; for admixtion does not alter the nature of the substances mixed, but merely blends them together; whereas in composition, the particles unite by affinity, lose their former properties, and form new compounds, with different properties.


Topic: Admixture
Definition:
ADMIX'TURE, n.  [From admix.]
The substance mingled with another; sometimes the act of mixture.  We say, an admixture of sulphur with alum, or the admixture of different bodies.


Topic: Admonish
Definition:
ADMON'ISH, v.t.  [L. admoneo, ad and moneo, to teach, warn, admonish.]
1.  To warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness.
Count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  2Thess. 3.
2.  To counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise.
Admonish one another in psalms and hymns.  Col. 3.
3.  To instruct or direct.
Moses was admonished of God, when he was about to make the tabernacle.  Heb. 8.
4.  In ecclesiastical affairs, to reprove a member of the church for a fault, either publicly or privately; the first step of church discipline.  It is followed by of, or against; as, to admonish of a fault committed, or against committing a fault.  It has a like use in colleges.


Topic: Admonition
Definition:
ADMONI'TION, n.  Gentle reproof; counseling against a fault; instruction in duties; caution; direction.  Tit. 3.  1Cor. 10.  In church discipline, public or private reproof to reclaim an offender; a step preliminary to excommunication.


Topic: Adnata
Definition:
ADNA'TA, n.  [L. ad and natus, grown from nascor, to grow.]
1.  In anatomy, one of the coats of the eye, which is also called albuginea, and is sometimes confounded with the conjunctive.  It lies between the sclerotica, and conjunctiva.
2.  Such parts of animal or vegetable bodies, as are usual and natural, as the hair, wool, horns; or accidental, as fungus, mistletoe, and excrescences.
3.  Offsets of plants, germinating under ground as from the lily, narcissus, and hyacinth.


Topic: Ado
Definition:
ADO', n.  
Bustle; trouble; labor; difficulty; as, to make a great ado about trifles; to persuade one with much ado.


Topic: Adolescence
Definition:
ADOLES'CENCE, n.  [L. adolescens, growing, of ad and olesco, to grow, from oleo.  Heb. to ascend.]
The state of growing, applied to the young of the human race; youth, or the period of life between childhood and manhood.


Topic: Adonia
Definition:
ADO'NIA, n.  Festivals celebrated anciently in honor of Adonis, by females, who spent two days in lamentations and infamous pleasures.


Topic: Adonic
Definition:
ADO'NIC, a.  Adonic Verse, a short verse, in which the death of Adonis was bewailed.  It consists of a dactyl and spondee or trochee.
ADO'NIC, n.  An Adonic verse.


Topic: Adonis
Definition:
ADO'NIS, n.  In mythology, the favorite of Venus, said to be the son of Cinyras, king of Cyprus.  He was fond of hunting, and received a mortal wound from the tusk of a wild boar.  Venus lamented his death, and changed him into the flower, anemony.


Topic: Adonists
Definition:
ADO'NISTS, n.  [Heb. Lord, a scriptural title of the Supreme Being.]
Among critics, a sect or party who maintain that the Hebrew points ordinarily annexed to the consonants of the word Jehovah, are not the natural points belonging to that word, and that they do not express the true pronunciation of it; but that they are vowel points belonging to the words, Adonai and Elohim, applied to the ineffable name Jehovah, which the Jews were forbid to utter, and the true pronunciation of which was lost; they were therefore always to pronounce the word Adonai, instead of Jehovah.


Topic: Adopt
Definition:
ADOPT',  v.t.  [L. adopto, of ad and opto, to desire or choose.  See Option.]
1.  To take a stranger into one's family, as son and heir; to take one who is not a child, and treat him as one, giving him a title to the privileges and rights of a child.
2.  In a spiritual sense, to receive the sinful children of men into the invisible church, and into God's favor and protection, by which they become heirs of salvation by Christ.
3.  To take or receive as one's own, that which is not naturally so; as, to adopt the opinions of another; or to receive that which is new; as, to adopt a particular mode of husbandry.
4.  To select and take; as, which mode will you adopt?


Topic: Adopter
Definition:
ADOPT'ER, n.
1.  One who adopts.
2.  In chimistry, a large round receiver, with two necks, diametrically opposite to each other, one of which admits the neck of a retort, and the other is joined to another receiver.  It is used in distillations, to give more space to elastic vapors, or to increase the length of the neck of a retort.


Topic: Adoption
Definition:
ADOP'TION, n.  [L. adoptio.]
1.  The act of adopting, or the state of being adopted; the taking and treating of a stranger as one's own child.
2.  The receiving as one's own, what is new or not natural.
3.  God's taking the sinful children of men into his favor and protection.
Adoption of arms, an ancient ceremony of presenting arms to one for his merit or valor, which laid the person under an obligation to defend the giver.
Adoption by baptism is the spiritual affinity which is contracted by god-fathers and god-children, in the ceremony of baptism.  It was introduced into the Greek church, and afterwards among the ancient Franks.  This affinity was supposed to entitle the god-child to a share of the god-father's estate.
Adoption by hair was performed by cutting off the hair of a person and giving it to the adoptive father.  Thus Pope John VIII adopted Boson, king of Arles.
Adoption by matrimony is the taking the children of a wife or husband, by a former marriage, into the condition of natural children.  This is a practice peculiar to the Germans; but is not so properly adoption as adfiliation.
Adoption by testament is the appointing of a person to be heir, by will, or condition of his taking the name, arms, &c. of the adopter.
In Europe, adoption is used for many kinds of admission to a more intimate relation, and is nearly equivalent to reception; as, the admission of persons into hospitals, or monasteries, or of one society into another.


Topic: Adoptive
Definition:
ADOPT'IVE, a.  [L. adoptivus.]
That adopts, as an adoptive father; or that is adopted, as an adoptive son.
ADOPT'IVE, n.  A person or thing adopted.


Topic: Adorable
Definition:
ADO'RABLE, a.  That ought to be adored; worth of divine honors.  In popular use, worthy of the utmost love or respect.


Topic: Adoration
Definition:
ADORA'TION, n. 
1.  The act of paying honors to a divine being; the worship paid to God; the act of addressing as a God.  
Adoration consists in external homage, accompanied with the highest reverence.  It is used for the act of praying, or preferring requests or thanksgiving, to the Supreme Being.
2.  Homage paid to one in high esteem; profound reverence.
Adoration, among the Jews, as performed by bowing, kneeling and prostration.  Among the Romans, the devotee, with his head uncovered, applied his right hand to his lips, bowing and turning himself from left to right.  The Persians fell on the face, striking the forehead against the earth, and kissing the ground.  The adoration paid to the Grecian and Roman emperors, consisted in bowing and kneeling at the feet of the prince, laying hold of his robe, then withdrawing the hand and clapping it to the lips.  In modern times, adoration is paid to the pope by kissing his feet, and to princes, by kneeling and kissing the hand.  This word was used by the Romans for acclamation or great applause, given to public performer; and the election of a pope is sometimes by adoration, that is, by sudden acclamation without scrutiny.


Topic: Adore
Definition:
ADO'RE, v.t.  [L. adoro.  In Heb. to honor, reverence or glorify to adorn; to be magnificent or glorious, to magnify, to glorify.  This word is usually referred to the Latin ad orare, to carry to one's mouth; ad and os, oris; as, in order to kiss one's hand, the hand is carried to one's mouth.  See Calmet, ad verbum, who cites, in confirmation of this opinion, the ancient practice of kissing the hand.  See Job 31.  1Kings, 19.  Ps. 2.  Gen 41.  Ainsworth supposes the word to be a compound of ad and oro, to pray; and if the word is compound, as I suspect, this opinion is most probably correct.]
1.  To worship with profound reverence; to address with exalted thoughts, by prayer and thanksgiving; to pay divine honors to; to honor as a god or as divine.
2.  To love in the highest degree; to regard with the utmost esteem, affection and respect; as, the people adore their prince.


Topic: Adorn
Definition:
ADORN', v.t.  [L. adorno, ad and orno, to deck, or beautify, to dress, set off, extol, furnish.
1. To deck or decorate; to make beautiful; to add to beauty by dress; to deck with external ornaments.
A bride adorneth, herself with jewels.  Isa. 6.
To set off to advantage; to add ornaments to; to embellish by any thing external or adventitious; as, to adorn a speech by appropriate action, sentiments with elegance of language, or a gallery with pictures.
3.  To make pleasing, or more pleasing; as, great abilities adorned by virtue or affability.
4.  To display the beauty or excellence of; as, to adorn the doctrine of God.  Titus 2.
ADORN', n.  Ornament.  Obs.
ADORN', a.  Adorned; decorated.  Obs.


Topic: Adorning
Definition:
ADORN'ING, ppr.  Ornamenting; decorating; displaying beauty.
ADORN'ING, n.  Ornament; decoration.  1Peter 3.


Topic: Adosculation
Definition:
ADOSCULA'TION, n.  [L. ad and osculatio, a kissing, from osculum, a kiss, or mouth.]
The impregnation of plants by the falling of the farina on the pistils.
Adosculation is also defined to be the inserting of one part of a plant into another.


Topic: Adown
Definition:
ADOWN', prep.  [a and down.]  From a higher to a lower situation; downwards; implying descent.
ADOWN', adv.  Down; on the ground; at the bottom.


Topic: Adriatic
Definition:
ADRIAT'IC, a.  [L. Aldria, or Hadria, the gulf of Venice.]
Pertaining to the Gulf, called, from Venice, the Venetian Gulf.
ADRIAT'IC, n.  The Venetian Gulf; a Gulf that washes the eastern side of Italy.


Topic: Adrift
Definition:
ADRIFT', a. or adv.  [See Drive.  Adrift is the participle of the verb.]
Literally, driven; floating; floating at random; impelled or moving without direction.  As an adjective, it always follows its noun; as, the boat was adrift.


Topic: Adrogation
Definition:
ADROGA'TION, n.  [L. ad and rogo, to ask.  See Interrogate and Rogation.]
A species of adoption in ancient Rome, by which a person, capable of choosing for himself, was admitted into the relation of a son.  So called from the questions put to the parties.


Topic: Adroit
Definition:
ADROIT',  [L. directus, dirigo.  See Right.]
Dextrous; skillful; active in the use of the hands, and figuratively, in the exercise of the mental faculties; ingenious; ready in invention or execution.


Topic: Adscititious
Definition:
ADSCITI'TIOUS, a.  [L.  ascititius, from adscisco, ascisco, to add or join.]
Added; taken as supplemental; additional; not requisite.
ADSCITI'TIOUS, n.  [L. adstrictio, astrictio, of ad and stringo, to strain or bind fast.  See Strict.]
A binding fast.  Among physicians, the rigidity of a part of the body, occasioning a retention of usual evacuations; costiveness; a closeness of the emunctories; also the styptic effects of medicines.


Topic: Adularia
Definition:
ADULA'RIA, n.  [From Adula, the summit of a Swiss mountain.]
A mineral deemed the most perfect variety of felspar; its color white, or with a tinge of green, yellow, or red.


Topic: Adulation
Definition:
ADULA'TION, n.  [L. adulatio.]
Servile flattery; praise in excess, or beyond what is merited; high compliment.


Topic: Adulatory
Definition:
AD'ULATORY, a.  Flattering; containing excessive praise or compliments; servilely praising; as, an adulatory address.


Topic: Adult
Definition:
ADULT', n.  [L. adultus, grown to maturity, from oleo, to grow; Heb. to ascend.]
Having arrived at mature years, or to full size and strength; as an adult person or plant.
ADULT', n.  A person grown to full size and strength, or to the years of manhood.  It is also applied to full grown plants.  among civilians, a person between fourteen and twenty-five years of age.


Topic: Adulterate
Definition:
ADUL'TERATE, v.t.  [L. adultero, from adulter, mixed, or an adulterer; ad and alter, other.]
To corrupt, debase, or make impure by an admixture of baser materials; as, to adulterate liquors, or the coin of a country.
ADUL'TERATE, v.i.  To commit adultery.  Obs.
ADUL'TERATE, a.  Tainted with adultery; debased by foreign mixture.


Topic: Adulteration
Definition:
ADULTERA'TION, n.  The act of adulterating, or the state of being adulterated, corrupted or debased by foreign mixture.
The adulteration of liquors, of drugs, and even of bread and beer, is common, but a scandalous crime.


Topic: Adulterer
Definition:
ADUL'TERER, n.  [L. adulter.]
1.  A man guilty of adultery; a man who has sexual commerce with any married woman, except his wife.  [See Adultery.]
2.  In scripture, an idolator.  Ezek. 23.
3.  An apostate from the true faith, or one who violates his covenant engagements; a very wicked person.  Jer. 9 and 23.
4.  One devoted to earthly things.  James, 4.


Topic: Adulterous
Definition:
ADUL'TEROUS, a.  
1.  Guilty of adultery; pertaining to adultery.
2.  In scripture, idolatrous, very wicked.  Mat. 12 and 16.  Mark, 8.


Topic: Adultery
Definition:
ADUL'TERY, n.  [L. adulterium.  See Adulterate.]
1.  Violation of the marriage bed; a crime, or a civil injury, which introduces, or may introduce, into a family, a spurious offspring.
By the laws of Connecticut, the sexual intercourse of any man, with a married woman, is the crime of adultery in both: such intercourse of a married man, with an unmarried woman, is fornication in both, and adultery of the man, within the meaning of the law respecting divorce; but not a felonious adultery in either, or the crime of adultery at common law, or by statute.  This latter offense is, in England, proceeded with only in the ecclesiastical courts.
In common usage, adultery means the unfaithfulness of any married person to the marriage bed.  In England, Parliament grant absolute divorces for infidelity to the marriage bed in either party; and the spiritual courts divorce a mensa et thoro.
2.  In a scriptural sense, all manner of lewdness or unchastity, as in the seventh commandment.
3.  In scripture, idolatry, or apostasy from the true God.  Jer. 3.
4.  In old laws, the fine and penalty imposed for the offense of adultery.
5.  In ecclesiastical affairs, the intrusion of a person into a bishopric, during the life of the bishop.
6.  Among ancient naturalists, the grafting of trees was called adultery, being considered as an unnatural union.


Topic: Adumbrate
Definition:
ADUM'BRATE, v.t.  [L. adumbro, to shade, from umbra, a shade.]
To give a faint shadow, or slight likeness; to exhibit a faint resemblance, like a shadow.


Topic: Adumbration
Definition:
ADUMBRA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of making a shadow or faint resemblance.
2.  A faint sketch; an imperfect representation of a thing.
3.  In heraldry, the shadow only of a figure, outlined, and painted of a color darker than the field.


Topic: Aduncity
Definition:
ADUN'CITY, n.  [L. aduncitas, hookedness, of ad and uncus, a hook.]
Hookedness; a bending in form of a hook.


Topic: Adust
Definition:
ADUST', a.  [L. adustus, burnt, the participle of aduro, to burn.]
Burnt; scorched; become dry by heat; hot and fiery.


Topic: Adustion
Definition:
ADUS'TION, n.  The act of burning, scorching, or heating to dryness; a state of being thus heated or dried.


Topic: Advance
Definition:
ADV'ANCE, v.t.  adv'ans. [Heb. surface, face; whence.]
1.  To bring forward; to move further in front.  Hence,
2.  To promote; to raise to a higher rank; as, to advance one from the bar to the bench.
3.  To improve or make better, which is considered as a progression or moving forward; as, to advance one's true interests.
4.  To forward; to accelerate growth; as, to advance the growth of plants.
5.  To offer or propose; to bring to view or notice; as, to advance an opinion or an argument.
6.  In commerce, to supply beforehand; to furnish on credit, or before goods are delivered, or work done; or to furnish as a part of a stock or fund; as, to advance money on loan or contract, or towards a purchase or establishment.
7.  To furnish for others; to supply or pay for others, in expectation of reimbursement.
They advanced the money out of their own funds, and took the sheriff's deeds in their own name.
8.  To raise; to enhance; as, to advance the price of goods.
ADV'ANCE, v.i.  
1.  To move or go forward; to proceed; as, the troops advanced.
2.  To improve, or make progress; to grow better, greater, wiser or older; as, to advance in knowledge, in stature, in wisdom, or in years.
3.  To rise in rank, office, or consequence; to be preferred, or promoted; as, to advance in political standing.


Topic: Advanced
Definition:
ADV'ANCED, pp.  Moved forward; promoted; improved; furnished beforehand; situated in front, or before the rest; also old, having reached the decline of life; as, advanced in years; an advanced age.


Topic: Advancement
Definition:
ADV'ANCEMENT, n.  
1.  The act of moving forward or proceeding.
2.  The state of being advanced; preferment; promotion, in rank or excellence; the act of promoting.
3.  Settlement on a wife, or jointure.
4.  Provision made by a parent for a child, by gift of property, during his, the parent's life, to which the child would be entitled as heir, after his parent's death. 


Topic: Advancer
Definition:
ADV'ANCER, n.  One who advances; a promoter.
Among sportsmen, a start or branch of a buck's attire, between the back antler and the palm.


Topic: Advancing
Definition:
ADV'ANCING, ppr.  Moving forward; proceeding; promoting; raising to higher rank or excellence; improving; supplying beforehand, as on loan, or as stock in trade.


Topic: Advantage
Definition:
ADV'ANTAGE, n.  
1.  Any state, condition, or circumstance, favorable to success, prosperity, interest, or reputation.
The enemy had the advantage of elevated ground.
2.  Benefit; gain; profit.
What advantage will it be to thee? Job 35.
There exists, in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage.
3.  Means to an end; opportunity; convenience for obtaining benefit; as, student enjoy great advantages for improvement.
The General took advantage of his enemy's negligence.
4.  Favorable state or circumstances; as, jewels set to advantage.
5.  Superiority, or prevalence over; with of or over.
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us, (or over us.)  2Cor. 2.
6.  Superiority, or that which gives it; as, the advantage of a good constitution.
7.  Interest; increase; overplus.
And with advantage means to pay thy love.  Obs.
8.  Additional circumstance to give preponderation.
ADV'ANTAGE, v.t.  
1.  To benefit; as to yield profit or gain.
What is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?  Luke 9.
2.  To promote; to advance the interest of.


Topic: Advantage-ground
Definition:
ADV'ANTAGE-GROUND, n.  Ground that gives advantage or superiority; a state that gives superior advantages for annoyance or resistance.


Topic: Advantageous
Definition:
ADVANTA'GEOUS, a.  Being of advantage; furnishing convenience, or opportunity to gain benefit; gainful; profitable; useful; beneficial; as, an advantageous position of the troops; trade is advantageous to a nation.


Topic: Advantageousness
Definition:
ADVANTA'GEOUSNESS, n.  The quality or state of being advantageous; profitableness; usefulness; convenience.


Topic: Advene
Definition:
ADVE'NE, v.i.  [L. advenio, to come to, ad and venio.]
To accede, or come to; to be added to, or become a part of, though not essential.  [Little used.]


Topic: Advent
Definition:
AD'VENT, n.  [L. adventus, from advenio, of ad and venio, to come.  See Find.]
A coming; appropriately the coming of our Savior, and in the calendar, it includes four sabbaths before Christmas, beginning of St. Andrew's Day, or on the sabbath next before or after it.  It is intended as a season of devotion, with reference to the coming of Christ in the flesh, and his second coming to judge the world.


Topic: Adventitious
Definition:
ADVENTI'TIOUS, a.  [L. adventitius, from advenio.  See Advent.]
Added extrinsically; accidental; not essentially inherent; casual; foreign.
Diseases of continuance get an adventitious strength from custom.


Topic: Adventure
Definition:
ADVENT'URE, n.  [See Advent.]
1.  Hazard; risk; chance; that of which one has no direction; as, at all adventures, that is, at all hazards.  [See Venture.]
2.  An enterprize of hazard; a  bold undertaking, in which hazards are to be encountered, and the issue is staked upon unforeseen events.
3.  That which is put to hazard; a sense in popular use with seamen, and usually pronounced venture.  Something which a seaman is permitted to carry abroad, with a view to sell for profit.
A bill of adventure, is a writing signed by a person, who takes goods on board of his ship, wholly at the risk of the owner.
ADVENT'URE, v.t.  To risk, or hazard; to put in the power of unforeseen events; as, to adventure one's life.  [See Venture.]


Topic: Adventurer
Definition:
ADVENT'URER, n.
1.  One who hazards, or puts something at risk, as merchant-adventurers.
2.  One who seeks occasions of chance, or attempts bold, novel, or extraordinary enterprizes.


Topic: Adventurous
Definition:
ADVENT'UROUS, a.
1.  Inclined or willing to incur hazard; bold to encounter danger; daring; courageous; enterprizing; applied to persons.
2.  Full of hazard; attended with risk; exposing to danger; requiring courage' applied to things; as, an adventurous undertaking.
And followed freedom on the adventurous tide.


Topic: Adverb
Definition:
AD'VERB, n.  [L. adverbium, of ad and verbum, to a verb.]
In grammar, a word used to modify the sense of a verb, participle, adjective or attribute, and usually placed near it; as, he writes well; paper extremely white.  This part of speech might be more significantly named a modifier, as its use is to modify, that is, to vary or qualify the sense of another word, by enlarging or restraining it, or by expressing form, quality or manner, which the word itself does not express.  The term adverb, denoting position merely, is often improper.


Topic: Adversaria
Definition:
ADVERSA'RIA, n.  [L. from adversus.  See Adverse.]
Among the ancients, a book of accounts, so named from the placing of debt and credit in opposition to each other.  A commonplace book.


Topic: Adversary
Definition:
AD'VERSARY, n.  [See Adverse.]
1.  An enemy or foe; one who has enmity at heart.
The Lord shall take vengeance on his adversaries.  Nah. 1.
In scripture, Satan is called THE adversary, by way of eminence.  1Peter 5.
2.  An opponent or antagonist, as in a suit at law, or in single combat; an opposing litigant.
AD'VERSARY, a.  Opposed; opposite to; adverse.  In law, having an opposing party, as an adversary suit; in distinction from an application, in law or equity, to which no opposition is made.


Topic: Adversative
Definition:
ADVERS'ATIVE, a.  Noting some difference, contrariety, or opposition; as, John is an honest man, but a fanatic.  Here but is called an adversative conjunction.  This denomination however is not always correct; for but does not always denote opposition, but something additional.
ADVERS'ATIVE, n.  A word denoting contrariety or opposition.


Topic: Adverse
Definition:
AD'VERSE, a.  [L. adversus, opposite; of ad and versus, turned; from verto, to turn.  See Advert.  This word was formerly accented, by some authors, on the last syllable; but the accent is now settled on the first.]
1.  Opposite; opposing; acting in a contrary direction; conflicting; counteracting; as, adverse winds; an adverse party.
2.  Figuratively, opposing desire; contrary to the wishes, or to supposed good; hence, unfortunate; calamitous; afflictive; pernicious, unprosperous; as, adverse fate or circumstances.


Topic: Adversely
Definition:
AD'VERSELY, adv.  In an adverse manner; oppositely; unfortunately; unprosperously; in a manner contrary to desire or success.


Topic: Adversity
Definition:
ADVERS'ITY, n.  An event, or series of events, which oppose success or desire; misfortune; calamity; affliction; distress; state of unhappiness.
In the day of adversity, consider.  Eccl. 7.
Ye have rejected God, who saved you out of all you adversities.  1Sam. 10.


Topic: Advert
Definition:
ADVERT', v.i.  [L. adverto, of ad and verto, to turn.]
To turn the mind or attention to; to regard, observe, or notice: with to; as, he adverted to what was said, or to a circumstance that occurred.


Topic: Advertise
Definition:
ADVERTI'SE, v.t.  s as z.  [See Advert.]
1.  To inform; to give notice, advice or intelligence to, whether of a past or present event, or of something future.
I will advertise thee what this people will do to thy people in the latter day.  Num. 24.
I thought to advertise thee, saying; buy it before the inhabitants and elders of my people.  Ruth 4.
In this sense, it has of before the subject of information; as, to advertise a man of his losses.
2.  To publish a notice of; to publish a written or printed account of; as, to advertise goods or a farm.


Topic: Advertised
Definition:
ADVERTI'SED, pp.  Informed; notified; warned; used of persons: published; made known; used of things.


Topic: Advertisement
Definition:
ADVER'TISEMENT, n.  Information; admonition, notice given.  More generally, a publication intended to give notice; this may be, by a short account printed in a newspaper, or by a written account posted, or otherwise made public.


Topic: Advertising
Definition:
ADVERTI'SING, ppr.  
1.  Informing; giving notice; publishing notice.
2.  a.  Furnishing advertisements; as, advertising customers.
3.  In the sense of monitory, or active in giving intelligence, as used by Shakespeare.  [Not now used.]


Topic: Advice
Definition:
ADVI'CE, n.  [L. viso, to see, to visit.]
1.  Counsel; an opinion recommended, or offered, as worthy to be followed.
What advice give ye?  2Ch. 10.
With good advice make war.  Prov. 20.
We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct.
2.  Prudence; deliberate consideration.
3.  Information; notice; intelligence; as, we have late advices from France.
To take advice, is to consult with others.


Topic: Advisable
Definition:
ADVI'SABLE, a.  [See Advise.]
1.  Proper to be advised; prudent; expedient; proper to be done or practiced.
It is not advisable to proceed, at this time, to a choice of officers.
2.  Open to advice.


Topic: Advise
Definition:
ADVI'SE, v.t.  s as z.  [See Advice.]
1.  To give counsel to; to offer an opinion, as worthy or expedient to be followed; as, I advise you to be cautious of speculation.
2.  To give information; to communicate notice; to make acquainted with; followed by of, before the thing communicated; as, the merchants were advised of the risk.
3.  To deliberate, consider, or consult.
Advise thyself of what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.  1Ch. 21.
But in this sense, it is usually intransitive.
ADVI'SE, v.i.  To deliberate, weigh well, or consider.
Advise and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.  2Sam. 24.
To advise with is to consult for the purpose of taking the opinions of others.


Topic: Advised
Definition:
ADVI'SED, pp.  
1.  Informed; counseled; also cautious; prudent; acting with deliberation.
Let him be advised in his answers.
With the well advised is wisdom.  Prov. 13.
2.  Done, formed, or taken with advice or deliberation; intended; as, an advised act or scheme.


Topic: Advisedly
Definition:
ADVI'SEDLY, adv.  With deliberation or advice; heedfully; purposely; by design; as, an enterprize advisedly undertaken.


Topic: Advisement
Definition:
ADVI'SEMENT, n.
1.  Counsel; information; circumspection.
2.  Consultation.
The action standing continued nisi for advisement.


Topic: Adviser
Definition:
ADVI'SER, n.  One who gives advice or admonition; also, in a bad sense, one who instigates or persuades.


Topic: Advisory
Definition:
ADVI'SORY, a.  
1.  Having power to advise.
The general association has a general advisory superintendence over all the ministers and churches.
2.  Containing advice; as, their opinion is merely advisory.


Topic: Advocate
Definition:
AD'VOCATE, n.  [L. advocatus, from advoco, to call for, to plead for; of ad and voco, to call.  See Vocal.]
1.  Advocate, in its primary sense, signifies, one who pleads the cause of another in a court of civil law.  Hence,
2.  One who pleads the cause of another before any tribunal or judicial court, as a barrister in the English courts.  We say, a man is a learned lawyer and an able advocate.
In Europe, advocates have different titles, according to their particular duties.
Consistorial advocates, in Rome, appear before the Consistory, in opposition to the disposal of benefices.
Elective advocates are chosen by a bishop, abbot, or chapter, with license from the prince.
Feudal advocates were of a military kind, and to attach them to the church, had grants of land, with power to lead the vassals of the church war.
Fiscal advocates, in ancient Rome, defended causes in which the public revenue was concerned.
Juridical advocates became judges, in consequence of their attending causes in the earl's court.
Matricular advocates defended the cathedral churches.
Military advocates were employed by the church to defend it by arms, when force gave law to Europe.
Some advocates were called nominative, from their being nominated by the pope or king; some regular, from their being qualified by a proper course of study.  Some were supreme; others, subordinate.
Advocate, in the German polity, is a magistrate, appointed in the emperor's name, to administer justice.
Faculty of advocates, in Scotland, is a society of eminent lawyers, who practice in the highest courts, and who are admitted members only upon the severest examination, at three different times.  It consists of about two hundred members, and from this body are vacancies on the bench usually supplied.
Lord advocate, in Scotland, the principal crown lawyer, or prosecutor of crimes.
Judge advocate, in courts martial, a person who manages the prosecution.
In English and American courts, advocates are the same as counsel, or counselors.  In England,they are of two degrees, barristers and serjeants; the former, being apprentices or learners, cannot, by ancient custom, be admitted serjeants, till of sixteen years standing.
3.  One who defends, vindicates, or espouses a cause, by argument; one who is friendly to; as, an advocate for peace, or for the oppressed.
In scripture, Christ is called an advocate for his people.
We have an advocate with the father.  1John, 2.
AD'VOCATE, v.t.  To plead in favor of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal; to support or vindicate.
Those who advocate a discrimination.
The Duke of York advocated the amendment.
The Earl of Buckingham advocated the original resolution.
The idea of a legislature, consisting of a single branch, though advocated by some, was generally reprobated.
How little claim persons, who advocate this sentiment, really posses to be considered calvinists, will appear from the following quotation.
The most eminent orators were engaged to advocate his cause.
A part only of the body, whose cause be advocates, coincide with him in judgment.


Topic: Advocation
Definition:
ADVOCA'TION, n.  A pleading for: plea; apology.
A bill of advocation, in Scotland, is a written application to a superior court, to call an action before them from an inferior court.  The order of the superior court for this purpose is called a letter of advocation.


Topic: Advowee
Definition:
ADVOWEE', n.  
1.  He that has the right of advowson.
2.  The advocate of a church or religious house.


Topic: Advowson
Definition:
ADVOW'SON, n.  s as z.  [The word was latinized, advocatio, from advoco, and avow is from advoco.]
In English law, a right of presentation to a vacant benefice; or in other words, a right of nominating a person to officiate in a vacant church.  The name is derived from advocatio, because the right was first obtained by such as were founders, benefactors or strenuous defenders, advocates, or the church.  those who have this right are styled patrons.  Advowsons are of three kinds, presentative, collative, and donative; presentative, when the patron presents his clerk to the bishop of the diocese to be instituted; collative, when the bishop is the patron, and institutes, or collates his clerk, by a single act; donative, when a church is founded by the king, and assigned to the patron, without being subject to the ordinary, so that the patron confers the benefice on his clerk, without presentation, institution, or induction.
Advowsons are also appendant, that is, annexed to a manor; or, in gross, that is annexed to the person of the patron.


Topic: Ady
Definition:
A'DY, n.  The abanga, or Thernel's restorative; a species of Palm tree, in the West Indies, tall, upright, without branches, with a thick branching head, which furnishes a juice of which the natives make a drink by fermentation.


Topic: Adz
Definition:
ADZ, n.  An iron instrument with an arching edge, across the line of the handle, and ground from a base on its inside to the outer edge; used for chipping a horizontal surface of timber.


Topic: Ae
Definition:
AE, a diphthong in the Latin language; used also by the Saxon writers.  In derivatives from the learned languages, it is mostly superseded by e, and convenience seems to require it to be wholly rejected in anglicized words.  For such words as may be found with this initial combination, the reader will therefore search under the letter E.


Topic: Aed
Definition:
AED, ed, ead, syllables found in names from the Saxon, signify happy; as, Eadric, happy kingdom; Eadrig, happy victory; Edward prosperous watch;  Edgar, successful weapon.


Topic: Aedile
Definition:
AE'DILE, n.  [Lat.]  In ancient Rome, an officer or magistrate, who had the care of the public buildings, [ades,] streets, highways, public spectacles, &c.


Topic: Aelf
Definition:
AELF, seems to be one form of help, but more generally written elph or ulph; as, in AElfwin, victorious aid; AEthelwulph, illustrious help.


Topic: Aerate
Definition:
A'ERATE, v.t.  [See Air.]  To combine with carbonic acid, formerly called fixed air.  [The word has been discarded from modern chimistry.]


Topic: Aerial
Definition:
AE'RIAL, a.  [L. aerius.  See Air.]
1.  Belonging to the air, or atmosphere; as, aerial regions.
2.  Consisting of air; partaking of the nature of air; as, aerial particles.
3.  Produced by air; as, aerial honey.
4.  Inhabiting or frequenting the air; as, aerial songsters.
5.  Placed in the air; high; lofty; elevated; as, aerial spires; aerial flight.


Topic: Aerians
Definition:
AE'RIANS, n.  In church history, a branch of Arians, so called from Aerius, who maintained, that there is no difference between bishops and priests.


Topic: Aerification
Definition:
AERIFICA'TION, n.
1.  The act of combining air with; the state of being filled with air.
2.  The act of becoming air or of changing into an aeriform state, as substances which are converted from a liquid or solid form into gas or an elastic vapor; the state of being aeriform.


Topic: Aeriform
Definition:
A'ERIFORM, a.  [L. aer, air, and forma, form.]
Having the form or nature of air, or of an elastic, invisible fluid.  The gases are aeriform fluids.


Topic: Aerography
Definition:
AEROG'RAPHY, n.  [Gr. air, and to describe.]
A description of the air or atmosphere; but aerology is chiefly used.


Topic: Aerolite
Definition:
A'EROLITE, n.  [Gr. air, and a stone.]
A stone falling from the air, or atmospheric regions; a meteoric stone.


Topic: Aerology
Definition:
AEROL'OGY, n  [Gr. air, and description.]
A description of the air; that branch of philosophy which treats of the air, its constituent parts, properties, and phenomena.


Topic: Aerometer
Definition:
AEROM'ETER, n.  [Gr.  air, and measure.]
An instrument for weighing air, or for ascertaining the mean bulk of gases.


Topic: Aerometry
Definition:
AEROM'ETRY, n.  [as above.]  The science of measuring the air, including the doctrine of its pressure, elasticity, rarefaction, and condensation.
Rather, aerometry is the art or science of ascertaining the mean bulk of the gases.


Topic: Aeronaut
Definition:
A'ERONAUT, n.  [Gr. a sailor, from a ship.]
One who sails or floats in the air; an aerial navigator; applied to persons who ascent in air balloons.


Topic: Aerostat
Definition:
A'EROSTAT, n.  [Gr. sustaining, from to stand.]
A machine or vessel sustaining weights in the air; a name given to air balloons.


Topic: Aerostation
Definition:
AEROSTA'TION, n.  
1.  Aerial navigation; the science of raising, suspending, and guiding machines in the air, or of ascending in air balloons.
2.  The science of weighing air.


Topic: Afar
Definition:
AF'AR, adv.  [a and far.  See Far.]
1.  At a distance in place; to or from a distance; used with from preceding, or off following; as, he was seen from afar; I saw him afar off.
2.  In scripture, figuratively, estranged in affection; alienated.
My kinsmen stand afar off. Ps. 38.
3.  Absent; not assisting.
Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?  Ps. 10
4.  Not of the visible church.  Eph. 2.


Topic: Afeard
Definition:
AFE'ARD, a.  Afeard is the participle passive.  See Fear.]
Afraid; affected with fear or apprehension, in a more moderate degree than is expressed by terrified.  It is followed by of, but no longer used in books, and even in popular use, is deemed vulgar.


Topic: Affability
Definition:
AFFABIL'ITY, n.  [See Affable.]  The quality of being affable; readiness to converse; civility and courteousness, in receiving others, and in conversation; condescension in manners.  Affability of countenance is that mildness of aspect, which invites to free social intercourse.


Topic: Affable
Definition:
AF'FABLE, a.  [L. affabilis, of ad and fabulor.  See Fable.]
1.  Easy of conversation; admitting others to free conversation without reserve; courteous; complaisant; of easy manners; condescending; usually applied to superiors; as an affable prince.
2.  Applied to external appearance, affable denotes that combination of features, which invites to conversation, and renders a person accessible, opposed to a forbidding aspect; mild; benign; as, an affable countenance.


Topic: Affair
Definition:
AFFA'IR, n.  [L. facere.  The primary sense of facio is to urge, drive, impel.]
1.  Business of any kind; that which is done, or is to be done; a word of very indefinite and undefinable signification.  In the plural, it denotes transactions in general; as human affairs; political or ecclesiastical affairs: also the business or concerns of an individual; as, his affairs are embarrassed.
2.  Matters; state; condition of business or concerns.
I have sent that ye may know our affairs.  Eph. 6.
3.  In the singular, it is used for a private dispute, or duel; as, an affair of honor; and sometimes a partial engagement of troops.
In the phrase, at the head of affairs, the word means, the public concerns of executing the laws and administering the government.


Topic: Affect
Definition:
AFFECT', v.t.  [L. afficio, affectum, of ad and facio, to make; affecto, to desire, from the same room.  Affect is to make to, or upon to press upon.]
1.  To act upon; to produce an effect or change upon; as, cold affects the body; loss affects our interests.
2.  To act upon, or move the passions; as, affected with grief.
3.  To aim at; aspire to; desire or entertain pretension to; as, to affect imperial sway.  [See the etymology of Affair.]
4.  To tend to by natural affinity or disposition; as, the drops of a fluid affect a spherical form.
5.  To love, or regard with fondness.
Think not that wars we love and strife affect.
[This sense is closely allied to the third.]
6.  To make a show of; to attempt to imitate, in a manner not natural; to study the appearance of what is not natural, or real; as, to affect to be grave; affected friendship.
It seems to have been used formerly for convict or attaint, as in Ayliffe's Parergon; but this sense is not now in use.


Topic: Affectation
Definition:
AFFECTA'TION, n.  [L.  affectatio.]
1.  An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false pretense; artificial appearance, or show; as, an affectation of wit, or of virtue.
2.  Fondness; affection.  [Not used.]


Topic: Affected
Definition:
AFFECT'ED, pp.  
1.  Impressed; moved, or touched, either in person or in interest; having suffered some change by external force, loss, danger, and the like; as, we are more or less affected by the failure of the bank.
2.  Touched in the feelings; having the feelings excited; as, affected with cold or heat.
3.  Having the passions moved; as, affected with sorrow or joy.
4.  a.  Inclined, or disposed; followed by to; as, well affected to government.
5.  a.  Given to false show; assuming, or pretending to possess what is not natural or real; as, an affected lady.
6.  a.  Assumed artificially; not natural; as, affected airs.


Topic: Affectedly
Definition:
AFFECT'EDLY, adv.  In an affected manner; hypocritically; with more show than reality; formally; studiously; unnaturally; as, to walk affectedly; affectedly civil.


Topic: Affecting
Definition:
AFFECT'ING, ppr.
1.  Impressing; having an effect on; touching the feelings; moving the passions; attempting a false show; greatly desiring; aspiring to possess.
2.  a.  Having power to excite, or move the passions; tending to move the affections; pathetic; as, an affecting address.
The most affecting music is generally the most simple.


Topic: Affection
Definition:
AFFEC'TION, n. 
1.  The state of being affected.  [Little used.]
2.  Passion; but more generally,
3.  A bent of mind towards a particular object, holding a middle place between disposition, which is natural, and passion, which is excited by the presence of its exciting object.  Affection is a permanent bent of the mind, formed by the presence of an object, or by some act of another person, and existing without the presence of its object.
4.  In a more particular sense, a settle good will, love or zealous attachment; as, the affection of a parent for his child.  It was formerly followed by to or towards, but is now more generally followed by far.
5.  Desire; inclination; propensity, good or evil; as, virtuous or vile affections.  Rom. 1.  Gal. 5.
6.  In a general sense, an attribute, quality or property, which is inseparable from its object; as, love, fear and hope are affections of the mind; figure, weight, &c., are affections of bodies.
7.  Among physicians, a disease, or any particular morbid state of the body; as, a gouty affection; hysteric affection.
8.  In painting, a lively representation of passion.
Shakespeare uses the word for affectation; but this use is not legitimate.


Topic: Affectionate
Definition:
AFFEC'TIONATE, a. 
1.  Having great love, or affection; fond; as, an affectionate brother.
2.  Warm in affection; zealous.
Man, in his love to God, and desire to please him, can never be too affectionate.
3.  Proceeding from affection; indicating love; benevolent; tender; as, the affectionate care of a parent; an affectionate countenance.
4.  Inclined to; warmly attached.  [Little used.]


Topic: Affectioned
Definition:
AFFEC'TIONED, a.  
1.  Disposed; having an affection of heart.
Be ye kindly affectioned one to another.  Rom 12.
2.  Affected; conceited.  Obs.


Topic: Affeer
Definition:
AFFEE'R, v.t.  To confirm.  [Not used.]
AFFEE'R, v.t.
In law, to assess or reduce an arbitrary penalty or amercement to a precise sum; to reduce a general amercement to a sum certain, according to the circumstances of the case.


Topic: Affeerment
Definition:
AFFEE'RMENT, n.  The act of affeering, or assessing an amercement, according to the circumstances of the case.


Topic: Affeeror
Definition:
AFFEE'ROR, n.  One who affeers; a person sworn to assess a penalty, or reduce an uncertain penalty to a certainty.


Topic: Affettuoso
Definition:
AFFETTUO'SO, or con affetto,  [L. affectus.]
In music, a direction to render notes soft and affecting.


Topic: Affiance
Definition:
AFFI'ANCE, n.  [L. fido, fides.]
1.  The marriage contract or promise; faith pledged.
2.  Trust in general; confidence; reliance.
The Christian looks to God with implicit affiance.
AFFI'ANCE, v.t.  
1.  To betroth; to pledge one's faith or fidelity in marriage, or to promise marriage.
To me, sad maid, he was affianced.
2.  To give confidence
Affianced in my faith.


Topic: Affidavit
Definition:
AFFIDA'VIT, n.  [An old law verb in the perfect tense; he made oath; from ad and fides, faith.]
A declaration upon oath.  In the United States, more generally, a declaration in writing, signed by the party, and sworn to, before an authorized magistrate.


Topic: Affiliate
Definition:
AFFIL'IATE, v.t.  [L. ad and filius, a son.]
1.  To adopt; to receive into a family as a son.
2.  To receive into a society as a member, and initiate in its mysteries, plans, or intrigues - a sense in which the word was much used by the Jacobins in France, during the revolution.


Topic: Affinity
Definition:
AFFIN'ITY, n.  [L. affinitas, from affinis, adjacent, related by marriage; ad and finis, end.]
1.  The relation contracted by marriage, between a husband and his wife's kindred, and between a wife and her husband's kindred; in contradistinction from consanguinity or relation by blood.
Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh.  1Kings 3.
2.  Agreement; relation; conformity; resemblance; connection; as, the affinity of sounds, of colors, or of languages.
3.  In chimistry, attraction; elective attraction, or that tendency which different species of matter have to unite, and combine with certain other bodies, and the power that disposes them to continue in combination There are two kinds of affinity.
1.  Affinity of aggregation, which is the power that causes two homogeneous bodies to tend towards each other, unite and cohere, as two drops of water, which unite in one.
2.  Affinity of composition, which is the tendency of bodies of different kinds to unite and form new combinations of bodies with different properties.  Such is the affinity which unites acids and alkalies, the results of which combination are neutral salts.
The operations of this principle are various.  When heterogeneous bodies have mutually an equal attraction, it is called compound affinity.  When one substance decomposes a combination of others, unites with one of them and precipitates the other, the power is called the affinity of decomposition.  When bodies will not unite, but by means of a third, which enables them to combine, this is affinity by means of a medium.
Double affinity is when by means of four bodies, two decompositions and two new combinations are effected.


Topic: Affirm
Definition:
AFFIRM, v.t.  afferm' [L. affirmo; ad and firmo, to make firm.  See Firm.]
1.  To assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to declare the existence of something; to maintain as true; opposed to deny.
Of one Jesus whom Paul affirmed to be alive.  Acts 25.
2.  To make firm; to establish, confirm or ratify; as, the Supreme court affirmed the judgment.


Topic: Affirmable
Definition:
AFFIRM'ABLE, a.  That may be asserted or declared; followed by of; as, an attribute affirmable of every just man.
 


Topic: Affirmance
Definition:
AFFIRM'ANCE, n.  
1.  Confirmation; ratification; as, the affirmance of a judgment; a statute in affirmance of common law.
2.  Declaration; affirmation.  [Little used.]


Topic: Affirmation
Definition:
AFFIRMA'TION, n.
1.  The act of affirming or asserting as true; opposed to negation or denial.
2.  That which is asserted; position declared as true; averment.
3.  Confirmation; ratification; an establishing of what had been before done or decreed.
4.  A solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury, by persons who conscientiously decline taking an oath; which affirmation is in law equivalent to testimony given under oath.


Topic: Affirmative
Definition:
AFFIRM'ATIVE, a.  
1.  That affirms, or asserts; declaratory of what exists; opposed to negative; as, an affirmative proposition.
2.  Confirmative; ratifying; as, an act affirmative of common law.
3.  In algebra, positive; a term applied to numbers which have the sign + plus, denoting addition, and opposed to negative, or such as have the sign - minus, denoting subtraction.
4.  Positive; dogmatic.  Obs.
AFFIRM'ATIVE, n.  That side of a question which affirms or maintains; opposed to negative; as, there were seventy votes in the affirmative, and thirty-five in the negative.


Topic: Affirmatively
Definition:
AFFIRM'ATIVELY, adv.  In an affirmative manner; positively; on the affirmative side of a question; opposed to negatively.


Topic: Affix
Definition:
AFFIX',  v.t.  [L. affigo, affixum, of ad and figo, to fix.  Eng. peg.  See Fix.]
1.  To unite at the end; to subjoin, annex, or add at the close; as, to affix a syllable to a word; to affix a seal to an instrument.
2.  To attach, unite, or connect with, as names affixed to ideas, or ideas affixed to things.
3.  To fix or fasten in any manner.  In this sense, fix is more generally used.


Topic: Afflation
Definition:
AFFLA'TION, n.  [L. affle, afflatum, of ad and flo; Eng. blow.  See Blow.]
A blowing or breathing on.


Topic: Afflatus
Definition:
AFFLA'TUS, n.  [L.]
1.  A breath or blast of wind.
2.  Inspiration; communication of divine knowledge, or the power of prophesy.


Topic: Afflict
Definition:
AFFLICT', v.t.  [L. affligo, afflicto, of ad and figo, to strike;  eng. flog;  Gr. to strike;, L. plaga, a stroke.  Hence, eng. flail, g being suppressed; L. flagellum.  See Flog.]
1.  To give to the body or mind pain which is continued or of some permanence; to grieve, or distress; as, one is afflicted with the gout, or with melancholy, or with losses and misfortunes.
They affect thy heritage, O Lord.  Ps. 95.
2.  To trouble; to harass; to distress.


Topic: Afflicted
Definition:
AFFLICT'ED, pp.  Affected with continued or often repeated pain, either of body or mind; suffering grief or distress, of any kind; followed by at, by or with; as, afflicted at the loss of a child, by the rheumatism, or with losses.


Topic: Afflicting
Definition:
AFFLICT'ING, ppr.  Causing continued or durable pain of body or mind; grieving; distressing.
AFFLICT'ING, a.  Grievous; distressing; as, an afflicting event.


Topic: Affliction
Definition:
AFFLIC'TION, n. 
1.  The state of being afflicted; a state of pain, distress, or grief.
Some virtues are seen only in affliction.
2.  The cause of continued pain of body or mind, as sickness, losses, calamity, adversity, persecution.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous.  Ps. 34.


Topic: Affluence
Definition:
AF'FLUENCE, n.  [L. affluentia, of ad and fluo, to flow.  See Flow.]
1.  Literally, a flowing to, or concourse.  In this sense it is rarely used.  It is sometimes written affluency.
2.  Figuratively, abundance of riches; great plenty of worldly goods; wealth.


Topic: Afflux
Definition:
AF'FLUX, n.  [L. affluxum, from affluo.  See Flow.]
The act of flowing to; a flowing to, or that which flows to; as, an afflux of blood to the head.


Topic: Afforage
Definition:
AF'FORAGE, n.  [ad and force.]
In France, a duty paid to the lord of a district, for permission to sell wine or other liquors, within his seignory.


Topic: Afford
Definition:
AFFO'RD, v.t.  [ad and the root of forth, further.  The sense is to send forth.  But I have not found this precise word in the exact sense of the English, in any other language.]
1.  To yield or produce as fruit, profit, issues, or result.  Thus, the earth affords grain; a well affords water; trade affords profit; distilled liquors afford spirit.
2.  To yield, grant or confer; as, a good life affords consolation in old age.
3.  To be able to grant or sell with profit or without loss; as, A can afford wine at a less price than B.
4.  To be able to expend without injury to one's estate; as, a man can afford a sum yearly in charity; or be able to bear expenses, or the price of the thing purchased; as, one man can afford to buy a farm, which another cannot.
5.  To be able without loss or with profit.
The merchant can afford to trade for smaller profits.


Topic: Afforest
Definition:
AFFOR'EST, v.t.  [ad and forest.]
To convert ground into forest, as was done by the first Norman kings in England, for the purpose of affording them the pleasures of the chase.


Topic: Affranchisement
Definition:
AFFRAN'CHISEMENT,n.  [See Franchise and disfranchise.]
The act of making free, or liberating from dependence or servitude.  [Little used.]


Topic: Affreight
Definition:
AFFREIGHT', v.t.  affra'te.  [See Freight.]
To hire a ship for the transportation of goods or freight.


Topic: Affright
Definition:
AFFRI'GHT, v.t.  affri'te.  [See Fright.]
To impress with sudden fear; to frighten; to terrify or alarm.  It expresses a stronger impression than fear or apprehend, and perhaps less than terror.
AFFRI'GHT, n.  Sudden or great fear; terror; also, the cause of terror; a frightful object.


Topic: Affrighted
Definition:
AFFRI'GHTED, pp.  Suddenly alarmed with fear; terrified; followed by at or with, more generally by at; as, affrighted at the cry of fire.


Topic: Affrightment
Definition:
AFFRI'GHTMENT, n.  Affright; terror; the state of being frightened.  [Rarely used.]  [In common discourse, the use of this word, in all its forms, is superseded by fright, frighted, frightful.]


Topic: Affront
Definition:
AFFRONT', v.t.  [L. frons, front, face.]
1.  Literally, to meet or encounter face to face, in a good or bad sense; as,
The seditious affronted the king's forces
[The foregoing sense is obsolete.]
2.  To offer abuse to the face; to insult, dare or brave openly; to offer abuse or insult in any manner, by words or actions; as, to affront one by giving him the lie.
3.  To abuse, or give cause of offense to, without being present with the person; to make slightly angry; a popular use of the word.
AFFRONT', n. 
1.  Opposition to the face; open defiance; encounter.  Obs.
2.  Ill treatment; abuse; any thing reproachful or contemptuous, that excites or justifies resentment, as foul language, or personal abuse.  It usually expresses a less degree of abuse than insult
3.  Shame; disgrace.  [Not used.]
4.  In popular language, slight resentment; displeasure.


Topic: Affronted
Definition:
AFFRONT'ED, pp.  
1.  Opposed face to face; dared; defied; abused.
2.  In popular language, offended; slightly angry at ill treatment, by words or actions; displeased.


Topic: Affronting
Definition:
AFFRONT'ING, ppr.  Opposing face to face; defying; abusing; offering abuse, or any cause of displeasure.
AFFRONT'ING, a.  Contumelious; abusive.


Topic: Affuse
Definition:
AFFU'SE, v.t.  s as z.  [L. affundo, affusum, ad and fundo, to pour out.  See Fuse.]
To pour upon; to sprinkle, as with a liquid.


Topic: Affusion
Definition:
AFFU'SION, n.  affu'zhun.  The act of pouring upon, or sprinkling with a liquid substance, as water upon a diseased body, or upon a child in baptism.


Topic: Affy
Definition:
AFFY', v.t.  To betroth; to bind or join.  [Not used.]
AFFY', v.t.  To trust or confide in.  [Not used.]


Topic: Afloat
Definition:
AFLO'AT, adv. or a.  [a and float.]
1.  Borne on the water; floating; swimming; as, the ship is afloat.
2.  Figuratively, moving; passing from place to place; as, a rumor is afloat.
3.  Unfixed; moving without guide or control; as, our affairs are all afloat.  [As an adjective, this word always follows the noun.]


Topic: Afoot
Definition:
AFOOT', adv.  [a or on and foot.]  
1.  On foot; borne by the feet; opposed to riding.
2.  In action; in a state of being planned for execution; as, a design is afoot, or on foot.


Topic: Afore
Definition:
AFO'RE, adv. or prep.  [a and fore.]
1.  In front.
2.  Between one object and another, so as to intercept a direct view or intercourse; as, to stand between a person and the light of a candle - a popular use of the word.
3.  Prior in time; before; anterior; prior time being considered as in front of subsequent time.
The grass which withereth afore it groweth up.  Ps. 129.
In all these senses it is now inelegant, and superseded by before.
4.  In seaman's language, toward the head of the ship; further forward, or nearer the stem; as, afore the windlas.  Afore the mast, is a phrase which is applied to a common sailor, one who does duty on the main deck, or has no office on board the ship.


Topic: Aforehand
Definition:
AFO'REHAND, adv.  [afore and hand.]
1.  In time previous; by previous provision; as, he is ready aforehand.
She is come aforehand to anoint my body.  Mark 14.
2.  a.  Prepared; previously provided; as, to be aforehand in business.  Hence in popular language, amply provided; well supplied with the means of living; having means beyond the requirements of necessity; moderately wealthy.  The word is popularly changed into aforehanded, beforehanded, or rather forehanded; as, a forehanded farmer.


Topic: Afraid
Definition:
AFRA'ID, a.  [The participle of affray.]
Impressed with fear or apprehension; fearful.  This word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened.  It is followed by of before the object of fear; as, to be afraid of death.
Joseph was afraid to sin against God.


Topic: Afresh
Definition:
AFRESH', adv.  [a and fresh.]  Anew; again; recently; after intermission.
They crucify the son of God afresh.  Heb. 6.


Topic: African
Definition:
AF'RICAN, a.  Pertaining to Africa.
AF'RICAN, n.  A native of Africa.
This name is given also to the African marygold.


Topic: Aft
Definition:
'AFT, a. or adv.
In seaman's language, a word used to denote the stern or what pertains to the stern of a ship; as, the aft part of the ship; haul aft the main sheet, that is, further towards the stern.  Fore and aft is the whole length of a ship.  Right aft is in a direct line with the stern.


Topic: After
Definition:
'AFTER, a.  [The comparative degree of aft.  But is some Teutonic dialects it is written with g.]
1.  In marine language, more aft, or towards the stern of the ship; as, the after sails; after hatchway.
2.  In common language, later in time; as, an after period of life.
In this sense, the word is often combined with the following noun; as in afternoon.
'AFTER, prep.  
1.  Behind in place; as, men placed in a line one after another.
2.  Later in time; as, after supper.  This word often precedes a sentence, as a governing preposition.
After I have arisen, I will go before you into Galilee.  Math. 26.
3.  In pursuit of, that is, moving behind, following; in search of.
After whom is the king of Israel come out?  1Sam. 24.
Ye shall not go after other Gods.  Deut. 6.
4.  In imitation of; as, to make a thing after a model.
5.  According to; as, consider a thing after its intrinsic value.
6.  According to the direction and influence of.
To walk after the flesh; to live after the flesh.  Rom. 8.
To judge after the sight of the eye.  Is. 11.
To inquire after is to seek by asking; to ask concerning.
To follow after, in scripture,  is to pursue, or imitate; to serve, or worship.


Topic: After-clap
Definition:
'AFTER-CLAP, n.  An unexpected, subsequent event; something happening after an affair is supposed to be at an end.


Topic: After-guard
Definition:
'AFTER-GUARD, n.  The seaman stationed on the poop or after part of the ship, to attend the after sails.


Topic: After-life
Definition:
'AFTER-LIFE, n.  
1.  Future life or the life after this. 
2.  A later period of life; subsequent life.


Topic: After-most
Definition:
'AFTER-MOST, a.  Superl.  In marine language, nearest the stern, opposed to foremost; also hindmost.


Topic: After-thought
Definition:
'AFTER-THOUGHT, n.  [See Thought.]  Reflections after an act; later thought, or expedient occurring too late.


Topic: Aga
Definition:
AGA, n.  In the Turkish dominions, a commander or chief officer.  The title is given to various chief officers, whether civil or military.  It is also given to great land holders, and to the eunuchs of the Sultan's seraglio.


Topic: Again
Definition:
AGAIN, adv. agen'.  [L. con, whence contra;]
1.  A second time; once more.
I will not again curse the ground.  Gen 8.
2.  It notes something further, or additional to one or more particulars.
For to which of the angels said he at any time, thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son? and again, let all the angels of God worship him.  Heb. 1.
All the uses of this word carry in them the ideas of return or repetition; as in these phrases; give it back again; give him as much again, that is, the same quantity once more or repeated.
There is not, in the world again, such a commerce as in London.
Who art thou that answerest again?
Bring us word again.
Again and again, often; with frequent repetition.


Topic: Against
Definition:
AGAINST, prep. agenst'.
1.  In opposition; noting enmity or disapprobation.
His hand will be against every man.  Gen. 16.
I am against your pillows.  Ez. 8.
2.  In opposition, noting contrariety, contradiction, or repugnance; as, a decree against law, reason or public opinion.
3.  In opposition, noting competition, or different sides or parties; as, there are twenty votes in the affirmative against ten in the negative.
4.  In an opposite direction; as, to ride against the wind.
5.  Opposite in place; abreast; as, a ship is against the mouth of a river.  In this sense it is often preceded by over.
Aaron lighted the lamps over against the candlesticks.  
Num. 8.
6.  In opposition, noting adversity, injury, or contrariety to wishes; as, this change of measures is against us.
7.  Bearing upon; as, one leans against a wall.
8.  In provision for; in preparation for.
Urijah made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. 
2Kings, 16.
In this sense against is a preposition, with the following part of the sentence for an object.  See After, prep. def. 2.
In short, the sense of this word is opposition, variously modified according to its application to different objects.


Topic: Agalmatolite
Definition:
AGALMAT'OLITE,n.  [Gr. image, and stone.]
A name given by Klaproth to two varieties of the pierre de lard, lard stone, of China.  It contains no magnesia, but otherwise has the characters of talck.  It is called in German, bildstein, figure-stone, and by Brongniart, steatite pagodite.


Topic: Agape
Definition:
AG'APE, adv. or a.  [a and gape.  See Gape.]
Gaping, as with wonder, expectation, or eager attention; having the mouth wide open.
AG'APE, n.  ag'apy.  [Gr. Love.]
Among the primitive christians, a love feast or feast of charity, held before or after the communion, when contributions were made for the poor.  This feast was held at first without scandal, but afterwards being abused, it was condemned at the council of Carthage, A.D. 397.


Topic: Agaric
Definition:
AG'ARIC, n.  [Gr.]
In botany, mushroom, a genus of funguses, containing numerous species.  Mushrooms grow on trees, or spring from the earth; of the latter species some are valued as articles of food; others are poisonous. The name was originally given to a fungus growing on the larch.  This species is now frequent in the shops, and distinguished by the name of female agaric.  From this fungus is extracted a turpentine, of which three fourths of its weight is a resinous substance; the rest, a slimy, mucilaginous, earthy matter, tenacious and almost insoluble in water.  It is used in dyeing, but is little esteemed in medicine.
The Agaric of the oak is called touch-wood, from its readiness to take fire.
Agaric mineral, a calcarious earth, or carbonate of lime, resembling a fungus in color and texture; found in fissures of rocks, and on the roofs of caverns.  It is sometimes used as an astringent in fluxes, and a styptic in hemorrhages.  It occurs in a loose semi-indurated form, white or whitish red, or yellow, light and friable.  Kirwan mentions three varieties.


Topic: Agast
Definition:
AG'AST or AGH'AST, a
Struck with terror, or astonishment; amazed; struck silent with horror.
With shuddering horror pale and eyes agast.


Topic: Agatized
Definition:
AG'ATIZED, a.  Having the colored lines and figures of agate.
Agatized wood, a substance apparently produced by the petrifaction of wood; a species of hornstone.


Topic: Agave
Definition:
AGA'VE, n.  [Gr. admirable.]
1.  The American aloe.  The great aloe rises twenty feet, and its branches form a sort of pyramid at the top.
2.  A genus of univalvular shells.


Topic: Age
Definition:
AGE, n.  [L. aetas,or aevum.  But these are undoubtedly contracted words.]
1.  The whole duration of a being, whether animal, vegetable, or other kind; as, the usual age of man is seventy years; the age of a horse may be twenty or thirty years; the age of a tree may be four hundred years.
2.  That part of the duration of a being, which is between its beginning and any given time; as, what is the present age of a man, or of the earth?
Jesus began to be about thirty years of age.  Luke 3.
3.  The latter part of life, or long continued duration; oldness.
The eyes of Israel were dim for age.  Gen 48.
4.  A certain period of human life, marked by a difference of state; as, life is divided into four stages or ages, infancy, youth, manhood, and old age; the age of youth; the age of manhood.
5.  The period when a person is enabled by law to do certain acts for himself, or when he ceases to be controlled by parents or guardians; as, in our country, both males and females are of age in twenty-one years old.
6.  Mature years; ripeness of strength or discretion.
He is of age, as him.  John 9.
7.  The time of life for conceiving children, or perhaps the usual time of such an event.
Sarah was delivered of a son when she was past age.  
Heb. 11.
8.  A particular period of time, as distinguished from others; as, the golden age, the age of iron, the age of heroes or of chivalry.
9.  The people who live at a particular period; hence, a generation and a succession of generations; as, ages yet unborn.
The mystery hid from ages.  Col. 1.
10.  A century; the period of one hundred years.


Topic: Aged
Definition:
A'GED, a.  
1.  Old; having lived long; having lived almost the usual time allotted to that species of being; applied to animals or plants; as, an aged man, or an aged oak.
2.  Having a certain age; having lived; as, a man aged forty years.
A'GED, n.  Old persons.
And the aged arose and stood up.  Job 29.


Topic: Agency
Definition:
A'GENCY, n.  [L. agens.  See Act.]
1.  The quality of moving or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.
2.  The office of an agent, or factor; business of an agent entrusted with the concerns of another; as, the principal pays the charges of agency.


Topic: Agenda
Definition:
AGEND'A, n.  [L. things to be done.]
A memorandum-book; the service or office of a church; a ritual or liturgy.


Topic: Agent
Definition:
A'GENT, a.  Acting; opposed to patient, or sustaining action; as, the body agent.  [Little used.]
A'GENT, n.  
1.  An actor; one that exerts power, or has the power to act; as, a moral agent.
2.  An active power or cause; that which has the power to produce an effect; as, heat is a powerful agent.
3.  A substitute, deputy, or factor; one entrusted with the business of another; and attorney; a minister.


Topic: Agglomerate
Definition:
AGGLOM'ERATE, v.t.  [L.  agglomero, ad and glomero, to wind into a ball, from glomus a ball of yarn; from the Heb. to involve.]
To wind, or collect into a ball; to gather into a mass.
AGGLOM'ERATE, v.i.  To gather, grow or collect into a ball or mass.


Topic: Agglomeration
Definition:
AGGLOMERA'TION, n.  The act of winding into a ball; the state of being gathered into a ball or mass.


Topic: Agglutinant
Definition:
AGGLU'TINANT, n.  Any viscous substance which unites other substances, by causing an adhesion; any application which tends to unite parts which have too little adhesion.
AGGLU'TINANT, a.  Uniting as glue; tending to cause adhesion.


Topic: Agglutinate
Definition:
AGGLU'TINATE, v.t.  [Lat.  agglutino, ad and glutino, from gluten.  Eng. glue.  See Glue.]
To unite, or cause to adhere, as with glue or other viscous substance; to unite by causing an adhesion of substances.


Topic: Agglutination
Definition:
AGGLUTINA'TION, n.  The act of uniting by glue or other tenacious substance; the state of being thus united.


Topic: Aggrandize
Definition:
AG'GRANDIZE, v.t.  [L. ad and grandis.  See Grand.]
1.  To make great or greater in power, rank or honor; to exalt, as, to aggrandize a family.
2.  To enlarge, applied to things; as, to aggrandize our conceptions.  It seems to be never applied to the bulk or dimensions of material bodies.


Topic: Aggrandizement
Definition:
AGGRAND'IZEMENT, n.  The act of aggrandizing; the state of being exalted in power, rank or honor; exaltation; enlargement.
The Emperor seeks only the aggrandizement of his own family.


Topic: Aggravate
Definition:
AG'GRAVATE, v.t.  [L. aggravo, of ad and gravis, heavy.  See Grave, Gravity.]
1.  To make heavy, but not used in this literal sense.  Figuratively, to make worse, more severe, or less tolerable; as, to aggravate the evils of life; to aggravate pain or punishment.
2.  To make more enormous, or less excusable; as, to aggravate a crime.
3.  To exaggerate.
4.  To give coloring in description; to give an exaggerated representation; as, to aggravate a charge against an offender; to aggravate circumstances.
The propriety of the word in the latter passage is questionable.  Aggravate is generally used in reference to evils, or something improper or unnatural.


Topic: Aggravating
Definition:
AG'GRAVATING, ppr.  Increasing in severity, enormity, or degree, as evils, misfortunes, pain, punishment, crimes, guilt, &c.; exaggerating.


Topic: Aggravation
Definition:
AGGRAVA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of making worse, used of evils, natural or moral; the act of increasing severity or hainousness; addition to that which is evil or improper; as, an aggravation of pain or grief.
2.  Exaggerated representation, or heightened description of any thing wrong, improper, or unnatural; as, an aggravation of features in a caricature.


Topic: Aggregate
Definition:
AG'GREGATE, v.t  [L. aggrego, to collect in troops, of ad and grex, a herd or band.  See Gregarious.]
To bring together; to collect particulars into a sum, mass or body.
AG'GREGATE, a.  Formed by a collection of particulars into a whole mass or sum; as, the aggregate amount of charges.
Aggregate flowers, in botany, are such as are composed of florets united by means of the receptacle or calyx.
Aggregate corporation, in law, is one which consists of two or more persons united, whose existence is preserved by a succession of new members.
AG'GREGATE, n.  A sum, mass or assemblage of particulars; as, a house is an aggregate of stones, bricks, timber, &c.  It differs from a compound in this, that the particulars of an aggregate are less intimately mixed than in a compound.


Topic: Aggregation
Definition:
AGGREGA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of aggregating; the state of being collected into a sum or mass; a collection of particulars; an aggregate.
2.  In chimistry, the affinity of aggregation, is the power which causes homogeneous bodies to tend towards each other, and to cohere; and from a mixture, which consists of parts dissimilar in their nature.  The word is used of solid, fluid, or aeriform bodies.
3.  The union and coherence of bodies of the same nature.


Topic: Aggress
Definition:
AGGRESS', v.i.  [L.  aggredior, aggressus, of ad and gradior, to go.  See Grade.]
To make a first attack; to commit the first act of hostility or offense; to begin a quarrel or controversy; to assault first or invade.


Topic: Aggression
Definition:
AGGRESS'ION, n.  The first attack, or act of hostility; the first act of injury, or first act leading to war or controversy.


Topic: Aggressor
Definition:
AGGRESS'OR, n.  The person who first attacks; he who first commences hostility or a quarrel; an assaulter; an invader.
The insolence of the aggressor is usually proportioned to the tameness of the sufferer.


Topic: Aggrievance
Definition:
AGGRIE'VANCE, n.  See Aggrieve.]  Oppression; hardship; injury.  But grievance is more generally used.


Topic: Aggrieve
Definition:
AGGRIE'VE, v.t.  [of ad and grieve from grief. See Grief and Grave.]
1.  To give pain or sorrow; to afflict.  In this sense, it is nearly superseded by grieve.
2.  To bear hard upon; to oppress or injure, in one's rights; to vex or harass by civil or political injustice.
AGGRIE'VE, v.i.  To mourn; to lament.  [Not used.  See Grieve.]


Topic: Aggroop
Definition:
AGGROOP, v.t.  [See Group.]
To bring together; to group; to collect many persons in a crowd, or many figures into a whole, either in statuary, painting or description.


Topic: Agile
Definition:
AG'ILE, a.  [L. agilis, from ago.  See Act.]
Nimble; having the faculty of quick motion in the limbs; apt or ready to move; brisk; active.
And bending forward, stuck his agile heels.


Topic: Agility
Definition:
AGIL'ITY, n.  [L. agilitas.]
The power of moving the limbs quickly; nimbleness; briskness; activity; quickness of motion.


Topic: Agio
Definition:
A'GIO, n.
1.  In commerce, the difference between bank notes and current coin.  In Holland, the agio is three or four per cent; in Rome, from fifteen to twenty five per cent; in Venice, twenty per cent: but the agio is subject to variation.
2.  Premium; sum given above the nominal value.


Topic: Agist
Definition:
AGIST', v.t. 
In law, to take the cattle of others to graze, at a certain sum; to feed or pasture the cattle of others; used originally for the feeding of cattle in the king's forest.


Topic: Agistator
Definition:
AGIST'OR, or AGISTA'TOR n.  An officer of the king's forest, who has the care of cattle agisted, and collects the money for the same; hence called gist-taker, which in England is corrupted into guest-taker.


Topic: Agistment
Definition:
AGIST'MENT, n.  The taking and feeding other men's cattle in the king's forest, or on one's own land; also, the price paid for such feeding.  it denotes also a burden, charge or tax.  [In canon law, a modus, or composition.


Topic: Agitate
Definition:
AG'ITATE, v.t.  [L. agito, from ago.  See Act.]
1.  To stir violently; to move back and forth with a quick motion; to shake or move briskly; as, to agitate water in a vessel.
2.  To move or force into violent irregular action; as, the wind agitates the sea.
3.  To disturb, or excite into tumult; as, to agitate the mind or passions.
4.  To discuss; to debate; to controvert; as, to agitate a question.
5.  To consider on all sides; to revolve in the mind, or view in all its aspects; to contrive by mental deliberation; as, politicians agitate desperate designs.
6.  To move or actuate.  [Not used.]


Topic: Agitated
Definition:
AG'ITATED, pp.  Tossed from side to side; shaken; moved violently and irregularly; disturbed; discussed; considered.


Topic: Agitation
Definition:
AGITA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of shaking; the state of being moved with violence, or with irregular action; commotion; as, the sea after a storm is in agitation.
2.  Disturbance of tranquility in the mind; perturbation; excitement of passion.
3.  Discussion; examination of a subject in controversy.
4.  A state of being deliberated upon, with a view to contrivance, or plan to be adopted; as, a scheme is in agitation.


Topic: Agitato
Definition:
AGITA'TO,  in music, denotes a broken style of performance, adapted to awaken surprise or perturbation.


Topic: Agitator
Definition:
AG'ITATOR, n.  One who agitates; also, an insurgent; one who excites sedition or revolt.  In antiquity, a charioteer, that is, a driver.  In Cromwell's time, certain officers appointed by the army to manage their concerns, were called agitators.


Topic: Agminal
Definition:
AG'MINAL, a.  [L. agmen, a troop or body of men arrayed from ago.] Pertaining to an army or troop.  [Little used.]


Topic: Agnail
Definition:
AG'NAIL, n.  [ad and nail.  See Nail.]
A disease of the nail; a whitlow; an inflammation round the nail.


Topic: Agnate
Definition:
AG'NATE, a.  [L. agnatus.]  Related or akin by the father's side.
AG'NATE, n.  [L. agnatus, adnascor, of ad and nascor, to be born.  See Nature.]  Any male relation by the father's side.


Topic: Agnation
Definition:
AGNA'TION, n.  Relation by the father's side only, or descent in the male line, distinct from cognation, which includes descent in the male and female lines.


Topic: Agnel
Definition:
AG'NEL, n.  [From agnus, a lamb, the figure struck on the coin.]
An ancient French coin, value twelve sols, six deniers.  It was called also mouton d'or and agnel d'or.


Topic: Agnomination
Definition:
AGNOMINA'TION, n.  [L. agnomen, a surname, of ad and nomen.  See Name.]
1.  An additional name, or title; a name added to another, as expressive of some act, achievement, &c.; a surname.
2.  Allusion of one word to another by sound.


Topic: Agog
Definition:
AGOG', adv.
In a state of desire; highly excited by eagerness after an object.
The gaudy gossip when she's set agog.


Topic: Agoing
Definition:
AGO'ING,  [The participle of go, with the prefix a.]
In motion, as to set a mill agoing; or about to go; ready to go; as, he is agoing immediately.  The latter use is vulgar.


Topic: Agonist
Definition:
AG'ONIST, n.  One who contends for the prize in public games.  Milton has used Agonistes in this sense, and so called his tragedy, from the similitude of Sampson's exertions, in slaying the Philistines, to prize fighting.  In church history, the disciples of Donatus are called agonistics.


Topic: Agonize
Definition:
AG'ONIZE, v.t.  [Gr. to strive.  See Agony.]
To write with extreme pain; to suffer violent anguish.
To smart and agonize at every pore.
AG'ONIZE, v.t.  To distress with extreme pain; to torture.


Topic: Agony
Definition:
AG'ONY, n.  [Gr. a contest with bodily exertion; a word used to denote the athletic games, in Greece; whence anguish, solicitude; from L. ago.  Gr. to strive.  See Act.]
1.  In strictness, pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the body, similar to those made in the athletic contests in Greece.  Hence,
2.  Extreme pain of body or mind; anguish; appropriately, the pangs of death, and the sufferings of our Savior in the garden of Gethsemane.  Luke 22.
3.  Violent contest or striving.


Topic: Agouty
Definition:
AGOUTY, n.  [L. acutus.]
A quadruped of the order Rodentia; arranged by naturalist in the genus Cavia.  It is of the size of a rabbit.  The upper part of the body is brownish, with a mixture of red and black; the belly yellowish.  Three varieties are mentioned, all peculiar to South America and West Indies.  It burrows in the ground, or in hollow trees; lives on vegetables; is voracious like a pig, and makes a similar grunting noise.  It holds its meat in its fore paws, like a squirrel.  When scared or angry, its hair is erect, and it strikes the ground with its hind feet.  Its flesh is white and well tasted.


Topic: Agrarian
Definition:
AGRA'RIAN, a.  [L. agrarius, from ager, a field.]
Relating to lands.  appropriately, denoting or pertaining to an equal division of lands; as, the agrarian laws of Rome, which distributed the conquered and other public lands equally among all the citizens, limiting the quantity which each might enjoy.  Authors sometimes use the word as a noun; an agrarian, for agrarian law.
An agrarian distribution of land or property, would make the rich, poor, but would not make the poor, rich.


Topic: Agree
Definition:
AGREE', v.i.[L. gratia.  the primary sense is advancing, from the same root as L. gradior.]
1.  To be of one mind; to harmonize in opinion.
In the expediency of the law, all the parties agree.
2.  To live in concord, or without contention; as, parents and children agree well together.
3.  To yield assent; to approve or admit; followed by to; as, to agree to an offer, or to an opinion.
4.  To settle by stipulation, the minds of parties being agreed, as to the terms; as,
Didst thou not agree with me for a penny a day?  Mat. 20
To agree on articles of partnership
5.  To come to a compromise of differences; to be reconciled.
Agree with thy adversary quickly.  Mat. 5
6.  To come to one opinion or mind; to concur; as, to agree on a place of meeting.
This sense differs not essentially from the fourth, and it often implies a resolving to do an act.  John 9.
7.  To be consistent; to harmonize; not to contradict, or be repugnant.
Their witness agreed not together.  Mark 24.
This story agrees with what has been related by others.
8.  To resemble; to be similar; as, the picture does not agree with the original.
9.  To suit; to be accommodated or adapted to; as, the same food does not agree with every constitution.
AGREE', v.t.  To admit, or come to one mind concerning; as, to agree the fact.  Also, to reconcile or make friends; to put an end to variance; but these senses are unusual and hardly legitimate.  Let the parties agree the fact, is really elliptical; let them agree on the fact.


Topic: Agreeable
Definition:
AGREE'ABLE, a.
1.  Suitable; conformable; correspondent; consistent with; as, the practice of virtue is agreeable to the law of God and our own nature.
2.  In pursuance of; in conformity with; as, agreeable to the order of the day, the house took up the report of the committee.  It is not correctly followed by with.  In this sense, some writers use agreeably, for agreeable, but in violation of the true principles of construction; for the word is an adjective or attribute, in agreement with the last clause of the sentence.  The house took up the report of a committee, (which taking up was) agreeable to the order of the day.  The use of agreeably in this sentence would pervert the sense.
3.  Pleasing, either to the mind or senses; as, agreeable manners; fruit agreeable to the taste.


Topic: Agreeableness
Definition:
AGREE'ABLENESS, n.  
1.  Suitableness; conformity; consistency; as, the agreeableness of virtue to the laws of God.
2.  The quality of pleasing; that quality which gives satisfaction or moderate pleasure to the mind or senses; as, an agreeableness of manners; there is an agreeableness in the taste of certain fruits.  This is the usual sense of the word.
3.  Resemblance; likeness; with to or between; as,
The agreeableness between man and other parts of creation.  Obs.


Topic: Agreeably
Definition:
AGREE'ABLY,  adv.
1.  Pleasingly; in an agreeable manner; in a manner to give pleasure; as, to be agreeably entertained with a discourse.
2.  Suitably; consistently; conformably;
The effect of which is, that marriages grow less frequent, agreeably to the maxim above laid down.
This is a gross error, proceeding from mistake.  Agreeably signifies, in an agreeable manner; but this is not the sense, nor does the word modify the verb grow.  The sense is, marriages grow less frequent, which [fact, or whole member of the sentence, or proposition] is agreeable to the maxim above laid down.  This use of agreeably is common, but grossly erroneous.
3.  Alike; in the same manner.
Both armed agreeably.  Obs.


Topic: Agreed
Definition:
AGREE'D, pp.  
1.  Being in concord or harmony of opinion; of one mind.
Can two walk together except they be agreed?  Amos 3.
2.  Assented to; admitted; as, a proposition is agreed to.
3.  Settled by consent; implying bargain or contract; as, the terms were agreed to, or agreed upon.


Topic: Agreement
Definition:
AGREE'MENT, n.  
1.  Concord; harmony; conformity.
What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? 2Cor. 6.
2.  Union of opinions or sentiments; as, a good agreement subsists among the members of the council.
3.  Resemblance; conformity; similitude.
Expansion and duration have this farther agreement.
4.  Union of minds in regard to a transfer of interest; bargain; compact; contract; stipulation.
Make an agreement with me by a present.  2Kings 18.
He made an agreement for the purchase of a house.


Topic: Agricultor
Definition:
AG'RICULTOR, n.  [L. ager, a field, and cultor, a cultivator.]
One whose occupation is to till the ground; a farmer; a husbandman; one skilled in husbandry.


Topic: Agriculture
Definition:
AG'RICULTURE, n.  [L. ager, a field, and cultura, cultivation.  See Acre and Culture.]
In general sense, the cultivation of the ground, for the purpose of producing vegetables, and fruits, for the use of man and beast; or the art of preparing the soil, sowing and planting seeds, dressing the plants, and removing the crops.  In this sense, the word includes gardening, or horticulture, and also the raising and feeding of cattle, or stock.  But in a more common and appropriate sense, it is used to signify that species of cultivation which is intended to raise grain and other crops for man and beast.  It is equivalent to husbandry.
Agriculture is the most general occupation of man.


Topic: Agrimony
Definition:
AG'RIMONY, n.  [L. agremonia, from the Gr. Thus it is written by Pliny.  But in lower Latin it is written agrimonia.  Said to be from Gr. the web or pearl of the eye from white, which this plant was supposed to cure.  See Theoph 887.]
A genus of plants, of several species.  Of these, the eupatoria or common agrimony, and the odorata or sweet scented, are the most useful.


Topic: Agrippinians
Definition:
AGRIPPIN'IANS, n.  In Church history, the followers of Agrippinus, bishop of Carthage, in the third century, who first taught and defended the doctrine of rebaptization.


Topic: Agrise
Definition:
AGRISE, v.i.  To shiver.  [Not in use.]
AGRISE, v.t.  To terrify; also, to make frightful.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Agrom
Definition:
A'GROM, n.  a disease frequent in Bengal, and other parts of the E. Indies, in which the tongue chaps and cleaves, becomes rough and sometimes covered with white spots.  The remedy is some chalybeate liquor, or the juice of mint.


Topic: Agrostemma
Definition:
AGROSTEM'MA, n.  A genus of plants of several species, containing the common corn cockle, wild lychnis or campion, &c.


Topic: Aground
Definition:
AGROUND', adv.  [Of a, at or on, and ground.]
1.  On the ground; a marine term, signifying that the bottom of a ship rests on the ground, for want of sufficient depth of water.  When the ground is near the shore, the ship is said to be ashore or stranded.
2.  Figuratively, stopped; impeded by insuperable obstacles.


Topic: Aguapecaca
Definition:
AGUAPECA'CA, n.  The Jacana, a Brazilian bird, about the size of a pigeon.  In the extremity of each wing, it has a sharp prickle which is used for defense.


Topic: Ague
Definition:
A'GUE, n.  a'gu,
1.  The cold fit which precedes a fever, or a paroxysm of fever in intermittents.  It is accompanied with shivering.
2.  Chilliness; a chill, or state of shaking with cold, though in health.
3.  It is used for a periodical fever, an intermittent, whether quotidian, tertian, or quartan.  In this case, the word, which signifies the preceding cold fit, is used for the disease.
A'GUE, v.t.  To cause a shivering in; to strike with a cold fit.


Topic: Ague-cake
Definition:
A'GUE-CAKE, n.  a hard tumor on the left side of the belly, lower than the false ribs; supposed to be the effect of intermitting fevers.


Topic: Aguillaneuf
Definition:
AGUILLANEUF', n. [From a, to, gui, misleto, and l'an neuf, the new year.]
A form of rejoicing among the ancient Franks, on the first day of the year; derived from the druidical custom of cutting misleto, which was held sacred by the druids, and on the first day of the year, consecrating it by crying, aguillaneuf, the year to the misleto.  This cry is said to be still observed in some parts of France; and the term came to signify also a begging of New Year's gifts.


Topic: Aguish
Definition:
A'GUISH, a.  Chilly; somewhat cold or shivering; also, having the qualities of an ague.
Her aguish love now glows and burns.


Topic: Ah
Definition:
AH,  An exclamation, expressive of surprise, pity, complaint, contempt, dislike, joy, exultation, &c., according to the manner of utterance.


Topic: Aha
Definition:
'AH'A.
1.  An exclamation expressing triumph, contempt, or simple surprise; but the senses are distinguished by very different modes of utterance, and different modification of features.
2.  A sunk fence, not visible, without near approach.


Topic: Ahead
Definition:
AHEAD, adv. Ahed',  [a and head, or at head.]
1.  Further forward than another thing; in front; originally a sea term, denoting further forward than another ship, or on the point to which the stem is directed, in opposition to astern.
2.  Onward; forward; towards the point before the stem or head; as, move ahead.
3.  Headlong; without restraint; precipitantly; as children suffered to run ahead.  [Not used.]


Topic: Ahiccyatli
Definition:
AHICCYAT'LI, n.  A poisonous serpent of Mexico, somewhat resembling the rattlesnake, but destitute of rattles.  Its poison is as fatal as that of any known species of serpent.


Topic: Ahuitla
Definition:
AHUIT'LA, n.  A worm found in the lake of Mexico, four inches in length, as thick as a goose-quill; the tail, which is hard and poisonous, contains a sting.


Topic: Ahuitzote
Definition:
AHUIT'ZOTE, n.  An amphibious quadruped of the tropical climate. of America, whose body is a foot long, its snout long and sharp, its skin of a mixed black and brown color.


Topic: Aicurus
Definition:
AICU'RUS, n.  A large and beautiful species of parrot, found in Brazil; its head beautifully variegated with yellow, red and violet colors; its body green; the tips of its wings red, and its tail long and yellow.


Topic: Aid
Definition:
AID, v.t.  [L. adjuto.
To help; to assist; to support, either by furnishing strength or means to effect a purpose, or to prevent or remove evil.
AID, n.  
1.  Help; succor; support; assistance.
2.  The person who aids or yields support; a helper; an auxiliary; also the thing that aids or yields succor.
3.  In English law, a subsidy or tax granted by parliament, and making a part of the king's revenue.
In France, aids are equivalent to customs, or duties on imports and exports.
4.  In England, a tax paid by a tenant to his lord; originally a mere gift, which afterwards became a right demandable by the lord.  the aids of this king were chiefly three.
1.  To ransom the lord when a prisoner.
2.  To make the lord's eldest son a knight.  
3.  To marry the lord's eldest daughter.
5.  An aiddecamp, so called by abbreviation.
6.  To pray in aid, in law, is to call in a person interested in a title, to assist in defending it.  Thus a tenant for life may pray in the aid of him in remainder or reversion; that is, he may pray or petition that he may be joined in the suit to aid or help maintain the title.  This act or petition is called aid-prayer.
Court of aids, in France, is a court which has cognizance of causes respecting duties or customs.


Topic: Aiddecamp
Definition:
A'IDDECAMP, n.  plur.  Aiddecamps.]
In military affairs, an officer whose duty is to receive and communicate the orders of a general officer.  [The pronunciation should be English, according to the orthography, not aid de cong.]


Topic: Aiglet
Definition:
A'IGLET, n.  
1.  A tag of a point curved into the representation of an animal, generally of a man; a small plate of metal.
2.  In botany, a pendant at the ends of the chives of flowers, as in the rose and tulip.


Topic: Aigrette
Definition:
A'IGRET,  AIGRETTE, n.  
1.  In zoology, a name of the small white heron.
2.  In botany.  [See Egret.]


Topic: Ail
Definition:
AIL, v.t.
To trouble; to affect with uneasiness, either of body or mind; used to express some uneasiness or affection, whose cause is unknown; as, what ails the man?  I know not what ails him.
What aileth thee, Hagar?  Gen. 21.
It is never used to express a specific disease.  We never say, he ails a pleurisy; but it is unusual to say, he ails something; he ails nothing; nothing ails him.
AIL, n.  Indisposition, or morbid affection.


Topic: Ailment
Definition:
A'ILMENT, n.  Disease; indisposition; morbid affection of the body; but the word is not applied ordinarily to acute diseases.


Topic: Aim
Definition:
AIM, v.i.
To point at, with a missive weapon; to direct the intention or purpose; to attempt to reach, or accomplish; to tend towards; to endeavor; followed by at before the object; as, a man aims at distinction; or aims to be rich.
AIM, v.t.  To direct or point as a weapon; to direct to a particular object; as, to aim a musket or an arrow, the first or a blow; to aim a satire or a reflection at some person or vice.
AIM, n.  
1.  The pointing or direction of a missile weapon; the direction of any thing to a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it; as a spear, a blow, a discourse or remark.
2.  The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be affected; as, a man missed his aim.
3.  Figuratively, a purpose; intention; design; scheme; as, men are often disappointed of their aim.
4.  Conjecture; guess.
It is impossible, by aim, to tell it.  [Not used.]


Topic: Aiming
Definition:
A'IMING, ppr.  Pointing a weapon at an object; directing any thing to an object; intending; purposing.


Topic: Air
Definition:
AIR, n.  [L. aer; Heb. to shine.  The radical sense is to open, expand; whence clear; or to flow, to shoot, to radiate.]
1.  The fluid which we breathe.  Air is inodorous, invisible, insipid, colorless, elastic, possessed of gravity, easily moved, rarefied, and condensed.
Atmospheric air is a compound fluid, consisting of oxygen gas, and nitrogen or azote; the proportion of each is stated by chimists differently; some experiments making the oxygen a twenty-eighth part of a hundred; others, not more than a twenty-third, or something less.  The latter is probably the true proportion.
Oxygen gas is called vital air.  The body of air surrounding the earth is called the atmosphere.  The specific gravity of air is to that of water, nearly as 1 to 828.  Air is necessary to life; being inhaled into the lungs, the oxygenous part is separated from the azotic, and it is supposed to furnish the body with heat and animation.  It is the medium of sounds and necessary to combustion.
2.  Air in motion; a light breeze.
Let vernal airs through trembling osiers play.
3.  Vent; utterance abroad; publication; publicity; as, a story has taken air. 
You gave it air before me.
Wind is used in like manner.
4.  A tune; a short song or piece of music adapted to words; also, the peculiar modulation of the notes, which gives music its character; as, a soft air.  A song or piece of poetry for singing; also, the leading part of a tune, or that which is intended to exhibit the greatest variety of melody.
5.  The peculiar look, appearance, manner or mien of a person; as, a heavy air; the air of youth; a graceful air; a lofty air.  It is applied to manners or gestures, as well as to features.
6.  Airs, in the plural, is used to denote an affected manner, show of pride, haughtiness; as, when it is said of a person, he puts on airs.  The word is used also to express the artificial motions or carriage of a horse.
7.  In painting, that which expresses the life of action; manner; gesture; attitude.
8.  Any thing light or uncertain; that is light as air.
Who builds his hope in air of your fair looks.  Obs.
9.  Advice; intelligence; information.  Obs.
10.  Different states of air are characterized by different epithets; as, good air, foul air, morning air, evening air; and sometimes airs may have been used for ill-scent or vapor, but the use is not legitimate.
To take the air, is to go abroad; to walk or ride a little distance.
To take air, is to be divulged; to be made public.
AIR, v.t.  
1.  To expose to the air; to give access to the open air; to ventilate; as, to air clothes; to air a room.
2.  To expose to heat; to warm; as, to air liquors.
3.  To dry by a fire; to expel dampness; as, to air linen.


Topic: Air-built
Definition:
A'IR-BUILT, a.  Erected in the air; having no solid foundation; chimerical; as, an air-built castle; air build hopes.


Topic: Air-gun
Definition:
A'IR-GUN, n.  A pneumatic engine, resembling a musket, to discharge bullets by means of the elastic force of compressed air.


Topic: Air-holder
Definition:
A'IR-HOLDER, n.  [Air and hold.]
An instrument for holding air, for the purpose of counteracting the pressure of a decreasing column of mercury.


Topic: Air-jacket
Definition:
A'IR-JACKET, n.  A leather jacket, to which are fastened bags or bladders filled with air, to render persons buoyant in swimming.


Topic: Air-pipe
Definition:
A'IR-PIPE, n.  A pipe used to draw foul air from a ship's hold, by means of a communication with the furnace, and the rarefaction of the air by fire.  This pipe is intended to supply the combustion with the air of the hold, by preventing the access of other air to the fire.


Topic: Air-pump
Definition:
A'IR-PUMP, n.  A machine for exhausting the air of a vessel.  The machines for this purpose are of different constructions.


Topic: Air-sacs
Definition:
A'IR-SACS, n.  Air bags in birds, which are certain receptacles of air, or vesicles lodged in the fleshy parts, in the hollow bones and in the abdomen, which all communicate with the lungs.  These are supposed to render the body specifically lighter, and to supply the place of a muscular diaphragm.


Topic: Air-shaft
Definition:
A'IR-SHAFT, n.  A passage for air into a mine, usually opened in a perpendicular direction, and meeting the adits or horizontal passages, to cause a free circulation of fresh air through the mine.


Topic: Air-thread
Definition:
A'IR-THREAD, n.  A name given to the spider's webs, which are often seen floating in the air.  These filaments are attached to the tops or ends of branches or shrubs or trees, and serve to support the spider when in quest of prey.


Topic: Air-vessel
Definition:
A'IR-VESSEL, n.  A spiral duct in plants contained air, and supposed to be analogous to the lungs in animals.


Topic: Airiness
Definition:
A'IRINESS, n.  
1.  Exposure to a free current of air; openness to the air; as, the airiness of a country seat.
2.  Gaiety; levity; as, the airiness of young persons.


Topic: Airing
Definition:
A'IRING, ppr.  Exposing to the air; warming; drying.
A'IRING, n.  An exposure to the air, or to a fire, for warming or drying; also, a walk or ride in the open air; a short excursion.  The exercise of horses in the open air.


Topic: Airy
Definition:
A'IRY, a. 
1.  Consisting of air; as, an airy substance.
2.  Relating or belonging to air; high in air; as, an airy flight; airy region.
3.  Open to a free current of air; as, an airy situation.
4.  Light as air; resembling air; thin; unsubstantial; without solidity; as, airy ghosts.  An airy dress is one which admits air, and is cool.
5.  Without reality; having no solid foundation; vain; trifling; as, an airy scheme; airy notions.
6.  Gay; sprightly; full of vivacity and levity; light of heart; lively; as an airy girl.


Topic: Aizoon
Definition:
AIZO'ON, n.  [L. aizoon.]  it seems to be composed of Gr. always, and Eng. aye, and living.]
A genus of plants, called by Miller sempervive.  The name has, by some writers, been applied to the house leek and to the aloes.


Topic: Ajava
Definition:
AJA'VA, n.  The seed of a plant brought from Malabar, said to be an excellent carminative, and very useful in the colic.


Topic: Ajuru-catinga
Definition:
AJU'RU-CATINGA, n.  A species of American parrot, of a green color, with eyes of a fiery red, encircled with white.


Topic: Ajuru-curau
Definition:
AJU'RU-CURAU, n.  An American parrot, of a lively green color, with a blue crown; the throat, and sides of the head, of a fine yellow.


Topic: Ajuru-para
Definition:
AJU'RU-PARA, n.  A small parrot of America, of a beautiful green, with the beak, legs and circlets of the eyes white.


Topic: Ajutage
Definition:
AJ'UTAGE, or AD'JUTAGE, n.  
A tube fitted to the mouth of a vessel, through which the water of a fountain is to be played.


Topic: Ake
Definition:
AKE, v.i.  Less properly written ache.  [See Ache.]
1.  To be in pain; usually, in pain of some continuance.
2.  To feel distress of mind; to be grieved; as, the heart akes.


Topic: Aker
Definition:
A'KER, n.  [Gr., L. ager.]
Originally an open field.  But in G. Britain the quantity of land in the aker is fixed by statute at four thousand eight hundred and forty square yards, making one hundred and sixty square rods, perches or poles; and this is the quantity of land it contains in the United States of America.  [See Acre.]


Topic: Akin
Definition:
AKIN', a.  [a or of and kin.  See Kin.]
1.  Related by blood, used of persons; as, the two families are near akin.
2.  Allied by nature; partaking of the same properties; as, envy and jealousy are near akin.  [This adjective is used only after the noun.]


Topic: Al
Definition:
AL, in Arabic, an adjective or inseparable prefix.  Its use is to render nouns definite, like the English the; as, alkoran, the koran or the book by eminence; alcove, alchimy, alembic, almanac, &c.
AL, In English, is sometimes a contraction of the Saxon athel, noble or illustrious.
More generally al, in composition is a contraction of ald or alt, old, and it is prefixed to many names, as Alburg.
Al, in the composition of Latin words, is written before l for ad, for the ease of pronunciation; as, in allevo, alludo, for ad levo, ad ludo.


Topic: Alabaster
Definition:
AL'ABASTER, n.  [L. from Gr.]
A sub-variety of carbonate of lime, found in large masses, formed by the deposition of calcarious particles in caverns of limestone rocks.  These concretions have a foliated, fibrous or granular structure, and are of a pure white color, or more generally they present shades of yellow, red or brown, in undulating or concentric stripes, or in spots.
Among the ancients, alabaster was also the name of a vessel in which odoriferous liquors were kept; so called from the stone of which it was made.  Also, the name of a measure, containing ten ounces of wine or nine of oil.
AL'ABASTER, a.  Made of alabaster, or resembling it.
Alabastrum dendroide, a kind of laminated alabaster, variegated with figures of shrubs and trees, found in the province of Hohenstein.


Topic: Alacrity
Definition:
ALAC'RITY, n.  [L. alacritas, from alacer, alaris.]
Cheerfulness; gaiety; sprightliness; more usually, a cheerful readiness or promptitude to do some act; cheerful willingness; as, the soldiers advanced with alacrity to meet the enemy.


Topic: Alalite
Definition:
AL'ALITE, n.  A crystallized mineral; diopside; a semi-transparent pyroxene.  A variety with twelve sided prisms, was found by Bonvoisin, near the village of Ala in Piedmont, and by him called Alalite.


Topic: Alamode
Definition:
ALAMO'DE, adv.  According to the fashion or prevailing mode.
ALAMO'DE, n.  A thin glossy silk for hoods, scarfs, &c.


Topic: Alarm
Definition:
AL'ARM,  n. 
1.  Any sound, outcry or information intended to give notice of approaching danger as, to sound an alarm.
2.  A summon to arms.
3.  Sudden surprise with fear or terror; as, the fire or the enemy excited an alarm.
4.  Terror; a sensation excited by an apprehension of danger, from whatever cause; as, we felt an alarm at the cry of fire.
5.  In fencing, an appeal or challenge.


Topic: Alarmed
Definition:
AL'ARMED, pp.  Notified of sudden danger; surprised with fear; roused to vigilance or activity by apprehension of approaching danger; solicitous at the prospect or expectation of evil.  Thus, we are alarmed at the approach of danger, or alarmed for the safety of friends at sea.


Topic: Alarming
Definition:
AL'ARMING, ppr.  Giving notice of approaching danger; rousing to vigilance; exciting solicitude by a prospect of evil.
AL'ARMING, a.  Exciting apprehension; terrifying; awakening a sense of danger; as, an alarming message.


Topic: Alas
Definition:
ALAS', ex.  
An exclamation expressive of sorrow, grief, pity, concern, or apprehension of evil; sometimes followed by day or while; alas the day, like alack a day; or alas the while, expressing an unhappy time.


Topic: Alb
Definition:
ALB, n.  [L. albus, Gr. white.]
A surplice or vestment of white linen, reaching to the feet, worn by the Romish clergy.  Also a Turkish coin, called also an asper, value one hundred and twelve mills.


Topic: Albatros
Definition:
AL'BATROS, n.  An aquatic fowl, belonging to the order of ansers.  The bill is strait; the upper mandible crooked at the point, and the lower one truncated; the nostrils are oval, open and little prominent, and placed on the sides; the wings are pennated, and there are three webbed toes on each foot.  The upper part of the body is of a spotted brown, and the belly white.  It is of the size of a pelican or larger, very voracious, preying on fish and small water fowls.  These fowls are seen, in great numbers, about the capes of the two continents, and on the northern shores of Asia.  They are sometimes called the great gull.


Topic: Albegeois
Definition:
ALBIGEN'SES, ALBEGEOIS, n.  A party of Reformers, who separated from the church of Rome, in the 12th century; so called from the Albegeois, a small territory in France, where they resided.  They are sometimes confounded with the Waldenses; but they were prior to them in time, differed from them in some of their tenets, and resided in a different part of France.  The Catholics made war upon them, and they gradually dwindled, till the reformation, when the remains of them fell in with the followers of Zuinglius and the Genevan Protestants.


Topic: Albeit
Definition:
ALBE'IT,  [This is supposed to be a compound of all, be and it, and is equivalent to admit, or grant it all.]
Be it so; admit all that; although; notwithstanding.
Whereas ye say, the Lord saith it, albeit I have not spoken.  Ez. 8.
[This word is not antiquated.]


Topic: Albelen
Definition:
AL'BELEN, n.  A fish of the truttaceous or trout kind, found in the German lakes, weighing five or six pounds.


Topic: Albin
Definition:
AL'BIN, n.  [L. albus, white.]
A mineral, of an opake white color, consisting of aggregated crystalline lamins, found in Bohemia.
This is regarded as a variety of apophyllite.


Topic: Albino
Definition:
ALBI'NO, n.  [L. albus, white.]
A white descendant of black parents, or a white person belonging to a race of blacks.  A person naturally white.


Topic: Albinos
Definition:
ALBI'NOS, n.  A name signifying white men, given by the Portuguese to the white negroes of Africa.  The color of this race appears like that of persons affected with leprosy; and negroes look upon them as monsters.


Topic: Albion
Definition:
AL'BION, n.  An ancient name of England, still used in poetry.  It is supposed this name was given to it on account of its white cliffs.


Topic: Albora
Definition:
ALBO'RA, n.  A sort of itch or rather leprosy, terminating without ulceration, but with fetid evacuations in the mouth and nostrils.


Topic: Albugineous
Definition:
ALBUGIN'EOUS, a.  [L. albugo, the white spot in the eye, from albus white.]
Pertaining to or resembling the white of the eye, or of an egg.
Albugineous humor, the aqueous humor of the eye.


Topic: Albugo
Definition:
ALBU'GO,n.  The white speck in the eye, called the film, haw, dragon, pearl or cicatrice.  Also a disease of the eye, occasioned by a white opake spot growing on the cornea and obstructing vision.  It is called also leucoma, nebula, pannus oculi, onyx, unguis &c.


Topic: Albula
Definition:
ALBU'LA, n.  A species of truttaceous fish, destitute of teeth.  The albula Indica is called by the Dutch wit-fish, and is of the size of a herring.  The Albula nobilis is a fish caught in the lakes of Germany.


Topic: Album
Definition:
AL'BUM, n.  [L. albus, white.]
1.  Among the Romans, a white table, board or register, on which the names of public officers and public transactions were entered.
2.  A book, originally blank, in which foreigners or strangers insert autographs of celebrated persons, or in which friends insert pieces as memorials for each other.


Topic: Albumen
Definition:
ALBU'MEN, n.  [L. from albus, white.]
The white of an egg.  A like substance is a chief constituent in all animal solids.


Topic: Alcaic
Definition:
ALCA'IC, a.  Pertaining to Alcaeus, a Lyric poet of Mitylene, in Lesbos, who flourished about the forty-fourth Olympiad; or to other poets of the same name, of which three are mentioned; one an Athenian tragic poet, and another a Messenian.


Topic: Alcaics
Definition:
ALCA'ICS, n.  plu.  Several kinds of verse; so called from Alcaeus, their inventor.  One kind consists of five feet, a spondee or iambic, an iambic, a long syllable and two dactyls.


Topic: Alcaid
Definition:
ALCA'ID,
Among the Moors, Spaniards and Portuguese, a governor.  In Portugal, the chief civil magistrate of a town or city; also the jurisdiction of certain judges of appeal.  In Spain, the governor of a castle or fort; also a jailer.


Topic: Alcanna
Definition:
ALCAN'NA, n.  A plant; and a powder, prepared from the leaves of the Egyptian privet, used by the Turkish females to give a golden color to the nails and hair.  Infused in water it forms a yellow color; with vinegar, it forms a red.  From the berries is extracted an oil, used in medicine.  In Cairo, it forms an article of commerce.


Topic: Alcatraz
Definition:
AL'CATRAZ, n.  The Spanish name of the Pelecanus Onocrotalus of Linne; a pelican; also a fish taken on the coast of India.


Topic: Alcedo
Definition:
ALCE'DO, n.  [L.]
The king fisher; a genus of birds, of the order of Picae.  The species are numerous.  They usually live about rivers, feeding on fish, which they take by darting into the water with surprising velocity.  [See Halcyon.]


Topic: Alchimy
Definition:
AL'CHIMY,  n.  [See Chimistry.]
1.  The more sublime and difficult part of chimistry, and chiefly such as relate to the transmutation of metals are gold, the finding a universal remedy for diseases, and an alkabest or universal solvent, and other things now treated as ridiculous.  This pretended science was much cultivated in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, but is now held in contempt.
2.  formerly, a mixed metal used for utensils.


Topic: Alcmanian
Definition:
ALCMA'NIAN, a.  Pertaining to Alcman, a lyric poet of the twenty-seventh Olympiad, celebrated for his amorous verses.  The alcmanian verse consisted of two dactyls and two trochees.


Topic: Alco
Definition:
AL'CO, n.  a quadruped of America, nearly resembling a dog, but mute and melancholy; and this circumstance seems to have given rise to the fable that dogs, transported to America become mute.  The animal was used for food by the native Americans, and the first Spanish settlers; but it is said to be now extinct.  It is known also by the name of Techichi.


Topic: Alcohol
Definition:
AL'COHOL, n.  [Heb. to paint with a preparation of powder of antimony.  The oriental females still practice the painting of the eye brows with this material.  The name was applied to this substance, and afterwards to other fine powders, and to highly rectified spirits.]
Pure or highly rectified spirit, obtained from formented liquors by distillation.  It consists of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen.  it is extremely light and inflammable, and a powerful stimulant and antiseptic.  This is the usual sense of the word; but originally, in Arabic, it signified a fine impalpable powder, in which sense it is still used.


Topic: Alcoholization
Definition:
ALCOHOLIZA'TION, n.  the act of rectifying spirit, till it is wholly dephlegmatedor of reducing a substance to an impalpable powder.


Topic: Alcoholize
Definition:
AL'COHOLIZE, v.t.  To convert into alcohol; to rectify spirit till it is wholly dephlegmated; also, to reduce a substance to an impalpable powder.


Topic: Alcove
Definition:
AL'COVE or ALCO'VE, n.  [Eng. cubby.]
1.  A recess, or part of a room, separated by an estrade, or partition of columns, or by other corresponding ornaments; in which is placed a bed of state, and sometimes seats for company.  The bed is sometimes raised two or three steps, with a rail at the foot.  These are frequent in Spain.
2.  A recess in a library, or small lateral apartment for books.


Topic: Alcyonium
Definition:
ALCYO'NIUM, n.  The name of a submarine plant, or bastard spunge.  Also a kind of astroit or coral, a fossil found in England.


Topic: Alder
Definition:
AL'DER, n.  [L. alnus.]
A tree, usually growing in moist land, and belonging to the genus Alnus.  The name is applied also to some species of other genera.


Topic: Alderman
Definition:
ALD'ERMAN, n. plu. Aldermen.
1.  Among our Saxon ancestors, a senior or superior.  The title was applied to princes, dukes, earls, senators and presiding magistrates; also to archbishops and bishops, implying superior wisdom or authority.  Thus, Ethelstan, duke of the East-Anglians, was called alderman of all England; and there were aldermen of cities, counties, and castles, who had jurisdiction within their respective districts.
2.  In present usage, a magistrate or officer of a town corporate, next in rank below the mayor.  The number of aldermen is different in different cities.  In London the number is twenty-six, one in each ward, and the office is held for life.
In the United States, the number of aldermen depends on the charters of incorporation.  In general, aldermen have the powers of a justice of the peace, and with the mayor, they constitute the court of the corporation.  In most of our cities, they are annually elected by the citizens.


Topic: Ale
Definition:
ALE, n.
1.  A liquor made from an infusion of malt by fermentation.  It differs from beer, in having a smaller proportion of hops.  It is of different sorts, chiefly pale and brown; the first made from malt slightly dried; the second, from malt more considerably dried or roasted.  Ale was the common drink of the ancient inhabitants of Europe.  It is usually made with barley; but sometimes with wheat, rye, millet, oats, &c.
2.  A merry meeting in English country places, so called from the liquor drank.
Medicated Ales are those which are prepared for medicinal purposes, by an infusion of herbs during fermentation.


Topic: Ale-conner
Definition:
A'LE-CONNER, n.  [ale and con, to know or see.]
An officer in London, whose business is to inspect the measures used in public houses, to prevent frauds in selling liquors.  four of these are chosen annually by the livery men, in common hall, on midsummer's day.


Topic: Ale-hoof
Definition:
A'LE-HOOF, n.
Ground-ivy, the glechoma hederacea, of Linne.  The leaves of this plant are used to clarify and give flavor to ale.


Topic: Ale-taster
Definition:
A'LE-TASTER, n.  An officer appointed in every court leet, and sworn, to inspect ale, beer and bread, and examine the quality and quantity within the precincts of the lordship.


Topic: Alectryomancy
Definition:
ALECTRYOM'ANCY, n.  [Gr. a cock and divination.]
An ancient practice of foretelling events by means of a cock.  The twenty four letters were laid on the ground, and a grain of corn on each; a cock was then permitted to pick up the grains, and the letters under the grains selected, being formed into words, were supposed to foretell the event desired.


Topic: Alee
Definition:
ALEE', adv.  [a or at and lee.  See Lee.]
In seaman's language, on the side opposite to the wind, that is opposite to the side on which it strikes.  The helm of a ship is alee, when pressed close to the see side.
Hard alee or luff alee, is an order to put the helm to the lee side.
Helm's alee, that is, the helm is alee, a notice given as an order to the seamen to cause the head-sails to shake in the wind, with a view to bring the ship about.


Topic: Alembdar
Definition:
ALEMB'DAR, n.  In Turkey, an officer who bears the green standard of Mohammed, when the Sultan appears in public.


Topic: Alembic
Definition:
ALEM'BIC, n.
A chimical vessel used in distillation; usually made of glass or copper.  The bottom part containing the liquor to be distilled, is called the cucurbit; the upper part which receives and condenses the stream, is called the head, the beak of which is fitted to the neck of a receiver.  The head is more properly the alembic.  This vessel is not so generally used now, as the worm still and retort.


Topic: Alert
Definition:
ALERT', a.
1.  Watchful; vigilant; active in vigilance.  hence the military phrase, upon the alert, upon the watch, guarding against surprise or danger.
2.  Brisk; nimble; moving the celerity.


Topic: Aleutian
Definition:
ALEU'TIAN, or ALEU'TIC, a.  Designating certain isles in the Pacific ocean, eastward of Kamtschatka, extending northeastward towards America.  The word is formed from aleut, which, in Russia, is a bald rock.


Topic: Alewife
Definition:
A'LEWIFE, or A'LOOF, n.  
An American fish, belonging to the genus Clupea, and called Clupea Serrata.  it resembles the herring.  The established pronunciation is alewife, plu alewives.


Topic: Alexandrian
Definition:
ALEX'ANDRIAN, n.  Pertaining to Alexandria.  There are many cities of this name, in various parts of the earth.  The term is often applied an attribute, or used as a noun, for one who professed or taught the sciences in the school of Alexandria in Egypt; a place highly celebrated for its literature and magnificence, and whose library, it is said, consisted of 700,000 volumes.  The Persians and Turks write for Alexander, Scander, or Sconder; and for Alexandria, Scanderona; hence Scanderoon, a sea port in Syria.


Topic: Alexandrine
Definition:
ALEX'ANDRINE,or ALEXANDRIAN, n.  A kind of verse, consisting of twelve syllables, or of twelve and thirteen alternately; so called from a poem written in French on the life of Alexander.  This species of verse is peculiar to modern poetry, but well adapted to epic poems.  The Alexandrine in English consists of twelve syllables, and is less used than this kind of verse is among the French, whose tragedies are generally composed of Alexandrines.


Topic: Alexipharmic
Definition:
ALEXIPH'ARMIC, a.  [Gr. to expel, and poison.]
Expelling poison; antidotal; sudorific; that has the quality of expelling poison or infection by sweat.
ALEXIPH'ARMIC, n.  A medicine that is intended to obviate the effects of poison; an antidote to poison or infection.  By the Greeks, the word was used for an amulet.


Topic: Algarot
Definition:
AL'GAROT, or AL'GAROTH, n.  The name of an emetic powder, prepared from the regulus of antimony, dissolved in acids, and separated by repeated lotions in warm water.  It is either an Arabic term, or the name of the inventor, a physician of Verona.


Topic: Algebra
Definition:
AL'GEBRA, n.  [Ar. the reduction of parts to a whole, or fractions to whole numbers from the verb, which signifies to consolidate;  Heb. to be strong.]
The science of quantity in general, or universal arithmetic.  Algebra is a general method computation, in which signs and symbols, which are commonly the letters of the alphabet, are made to represent numbers and quantities.  It takes an known quantity sought, as if granted; and, by means of one or more quantities given, proceeds till the quantity supposed is discovered, by some other known quantity to which it is equal.
This science was of Oriental discovery; but whether among the Arabians or Indians, is uncertain.


Topic: Algeneb
Definition:
AL'GENEB, n.  A fixed star of the second magnitude, in the right side of Perseus; Long. 27 degrees 46' 12' of Taurus; Lat. 30 degrees 05' 28' North.


Topic: Algerine
Definition:
ALGERINE', n.  [from Algiers.]  A native of Algiers, a city and a government on the coast of Africa.
ALGERINE', a.  Belonging to Algiers.


Topic: Algol
Definition:
AL'GOL, n.  A fixed star of the third magnitude, called Medusa's head, in Perseus; Long. 21 degrees 50' 42' of Taurus; Lat 23 degrees 23' 47' North.


Topic: Algorism
Definition:
AL'GORITHM, or AL'GORISM, n.  An arabic term, signifying numerical computation, or the six operations of arithmetic.


Topic: Algum
Definition:
AL'GUM, n.  In scripture, a tree or wood about which the learned are not agreed.  The most probably conjecture is that the word denotes gummy or resinous wood in general.
The Vulgate translates it ligna thyina, and the Septuagint, wrought-wood; others, ebony, bravil or pine, and the Rabbins render it coral.  It was used for musical instruments, stair cases, &c.
The thyinum is the citron tree, from Mauritania, much esteemed by the ancients for its fragrance and beauty.  The almug, almugim, or algumin, or simply gummin is most probably a gummy wood, and perhaps may be the Shittim, often mentioned in Scripture.  See 1Kings 10:11.


Topic: Alias
Definition:
A'LIAS, [L.]  Otherwise; as in this example, Simson alias Smith; a word used in judicial proceedings to connect the different names by which a person is called who attempts to conceal his true name and pass under a fictitious one.
A'LIAS, n.  A second writ, or execution, issued when the first has failed to enforce the judgment.


Topic: Alibi
Definition:
AL'IBI, n.  [L.]  Elsewhere; in another place; a law term.  When a person is charged with an offense, and he proves that he could not have committed it, because he was, at the time, in another place, he is said to prove an alibi.  The part of a plea or allegation, which avers the party to have been in another place, is also called an alibi.


Topic: Alien
Definition:
A'LIEN, a.  alyen,  [L. alienus, from alius, another.  L. alieno, to alienate; alter, another, to altercate.]
1.  Foreign; not belonging to the same country, land or government.
2.  Belonging to one who is not a citizen.
3.  Estranged; foreign; not allied; adverse to; as, principles alien from our religion.
A'LIEN, n. alyen.  
1.  A foreigner; one born in, or belonging to, another country; one who is not a denizen, or entitled to the privileges of a citizen.
2.  In scripture, one who is a stranger to the church of Christ, or to the covenant of grace.
At that time, ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.  Eph. 2.
In France, a child born of residents who are not citizens, is an alien.  In Great Britain, the children of aliens born in that country, are mostly natural born subjects; and the children of British subjects, owing allegiance to the crown of England, though born in other countries, are natural subjects, and entitled to the privileges or resident citizens.
Alien-duty, a tax upon goods imported by aliens, beyond the duty on the like goods imported by citizens; a discriminating duty on the tonnage of ships belonging to aliens, or any extra duties imposed by laws or edicts on aliens.


Topic: Alienable
Definition:
A'LIENABLE, a.  That may be sold, or transferred to another; as, land is alienable according to the laws of the State.


Topic: Alienage
Definition:
A'LIENAGE, n.  The state of being an alien.  
Why restore estates, forfeitable on account of alienage?


Topic: Alienate
Definition:
A'LIENATE, v.t.  [L. alieno.]
1.  To transfer title, property or right to another; as, to alienate lands, or sovereignty.
2.  To estrange; to withdraw, as the affections; to make indifferent or averse, where love or friendship before subsisted; with from; as, to alienate the heart or affections; to alienate a man from the friends of his youth.
3.  To apply to a wrong use.
They shall not alienate the first fruits of the land.  
Ezek. 48.
A'LIENATE, a.  [L. alienatus.]
Estranged; withdrawn from; stranger to; with from.
O alienate from God, O spirit accurst.
The whigs were alienate from truth.


Topic: Alienation
Definition:
ALIENA'TION, n.  [L. alienatio.]
1.  A transfer of title; or a legal conveyance of property to another.
2.  The state of being alienated.
3.  A withdrawing or estrangement, as of the heart or affections.
4.  Delirium; derangement of mental faculties; insanity.
Alienation-office, in Great Britain, is an office to which all writs of covenant and entry, on which fines are levied and recoveries suffered, are carried, to have fines for alienation set and paid thereon.


Topic: Aliene
Definition:
ALIE'NE, v.t.  [L. alieno.]
1.  To transfer title or property to another; to sell.
Nor could he aliene the estate, even with the consent of the Lord.
2.  To estrange; to make averse or indifferent; to turn the affections from.
The prince was aliened from all thoughts of the marriage.
In this sense, it is more common to use alienate.


Topic: Alienee
Definition:
ALIENEE', n.  One to whom the title to property is transferred.
If the alienee enters and keeps possession.


Topic: Alienism
Definition:
ALIENISM, n. Alyenizm. The state of being an alien.
The law was very gentle in the construction of the disability of alienism.


Topic: Aliform
Definition:
ALI'FORM, a.  [L. ala, wing, and forma, shape.]
Having the shape of a wing; a term applied to a certain process and muscles of the body, as the pterygoid process, and the muscles arising from that process.


Topic: Alight
Definition:
ALI'GHT, v.i.
1.  To get down or descend, as from on horseback or from a carriage.
2.  To descend and settle; as, a flying bird alights on a tree.
3.  To fall or descend and lodge; as, snow alights on a roof.


Topic: Alike
Definition:
ALI'KE, a.
Having resemblance or similitude; similar.
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.  Ps. 13.
[This adjective never precedes the noun which it qualifies.]
ALI'KE, adv.  in the same manner, form or degree.
We are all alike concerned in religion.
He fashioneth their hearts alike.  Ps. 33.


Topic: Aliment
Definition:
AL'IMENT, n.  [L. alimentum, from alo, to feed.]
That which nourishes; food; nutriment; any thing which feeds or adds to a substance, animal or vegetable, in natural growth.


Topic: Alimental
Definition:
ALIMENT'AL, a.  Supplying food; that has the quality of nourishing; that furnishes the materials for natural growth; as, chyle is alimental; alimental sap.


Topic: Alimentary
Definition:
ALIMENT'ARY, a.  Pertaining to aliment or food; having the quality of nourishing; as, alimentary particles.
The alimentary canal, in animal bodies, is the great duct or intestine, by which aliments are conveyed through the body, and the useless parts evacuated.
Alimentary law, among the Romans, was a law which obliged children to support their parents.
Obligation of aliment, in Scots law, is the natural obligation of parents to provide for their children.


Topic: Alimony
Definition:
ALI'MONY, n.  [L. alimonia, of alo, to feed.  See Aliment.]
An allowance made for the support of a woman, legally separated from her husband.  The sum is fixed by the proper judge, and granted out of the husband's estate.


Topic: Aliped
Definition:
AL'IPED, a.  [L. ala, wing, and pes, foot.]
Wing-footed; having the toes connected by a membrane, which serves as a wing.
AL'IPED, n.  [Supra.]
An animal whose toes are connected by a membrane, and which thus serve for wings; a cheiropter; as, the bat.


Topic: Aliquant
Definition:
AL'IQUANT, a.  [L. aliquantum, a little.]
In arithmetic, an aliquant number or part is that which does not measure another number without a remainder.  Thus 5 is an aliquant part of 16, for 3 times 5 is 15, leaving a remainder 1.


Topic: Aliquot
Definition:
AL'IQUOT, a.  [L.]
An aliquot part of a number or quantity is one which will measure it without a remainder.  Thus 5 is the aliquot part of 15.


Topic: Alive
Definition:
ALI'VE, a.
1.  Having life, in opposition to dead; living; being in a state in which the organs perform their functions, and the fluids move, whether in animals or vegetables; as, the man or plant is alive.
2.  In a state of action; unextinguished; undestroyed; unexpired; in force or operation; as, keep the process alive.
3.  Cheerful; sprightly; lively; full of alacrity; as, the company were all alive.
4.  Susceptible; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as when the mind is solicitous about some event; as, one is alive to whatever is interesting to a friend.
5.  Exhibiting motion or moving bodies in great numbers.
The city was all alive, when the General entered.
6.  In a scriptural sense, regenerated; born again.
For this my son was dead and is alive.  Luke 15.
[This adjective always follows the noun which it qualifies.]


Topic: Alkahest
Definition:
AL'KAHEST, n.  
A universal dissolvent; a menstrumm capable of dissolving every body, which Paracelsus and Van Helmont pretended they possessed.  This pretense no longer imposses on the credulity of any man.
The word is sometimes used for fixed salts volatilized.


Topic: Alkalescency
Definition:
ALKALES'CENCY, n.  [See Alkali.]
A tendency to become alkaline; or a tendency to the properties of an alkali; or the state of a substance in which alkaline properties begin to be developed, or to be predominant.


Topic: Alkali
Definition:
AL'KALI, n.  plu.  Alkalies
In chimistry, a term applied to all bodies which possess the following properties:
1.  a caustic taste;
2.  volatilizable by heat;
3.  capability of combining with acids, and of destroying their acidity;
4.  solubility in water, even when combined with carbonic acid;
5.  capability of converting vegetable blues to green.
The term was formerly confined to three substances:
1.  potash or vegetable fixed alkali, generally obtained from the ashes of wood;
2.  soda or mineral fixed alkali, which is found in the earth and procured from marine plants; and 
3.  ammonia or volatile alkali, an animal product.
Modern chimistry has discovered many new substances to which the term is now extended.
The alkalies were formerly considered as elementary substances; but it is now ascertained that they are all compounds.
The alkalies are used in the manufacture of glass and soap, in bleaching and in medicine.


Topic: Alkalimeter
Definition:
ALKALIM'ETER, n.  [Alkali and Gr. measure.]
An instrument for ascertaining the strength of alkalies, or the quantity of alkali in potash and soda.


Topic: Alkalize
Definition:
AL'KALIZE,  v.t.  [and formerly Alkalizate.]
To make alkaline; to communicate the properties of an alkali to, by mixture.


Topic: Alkanet
Definition:
AL'KANET, n.  The plant bugloss.  The root is used to impart a deep red color to oily substances, ointments, plasters, &c.


Topic: Alkekengi
Definition:
ALKEKEN'GI, n.  The winter cherry, a species of physalis.  The plant bears a near resemblance to solanum, or nightshade.  The berry is medicinal.


Topic: Alkenna
Definition:
ALKEN'NA or ALHEN'NA, n.  Egyptian privet, a species of Lawsonia.  The pulverized leaves of this plant are much used by the eastern nations for staining their nails yellow.  The powder, being wet, forms a paste, which is bound on the nails for a night, and the color thus given will last several weeks.


Topic: Alkermes
Definition:
ALKERM'ES, n.
In pharmacy, a compound cordial, in the form of a confection, derived from the kermes berries.  Its other ingredients are said to be pippin-cider, rose water, sugar, ambergris, musk, cinnamon, aloes-wood, pearls, and leaf-gold.


Topic: Alkoran
Definition:
AL'KORAN, n.
The book which contains the Mohammedan doctrines of faith and practice.  It was written by Mohammed, in the dialect of the Koreish, which is the purest Arabic; but the Arabian language has suffered such changes, since it was written, that the language of the Alkoran is not now intelligible to the Arabians themselves, without being learned like other dead languages.


Topic: Alkoranist
Definition:
AL'KORANIST, n.  One who adheres strictly to the letter of the Alkoran, rejecting all comments.  The Persians are generally Alkoranists; the Turks, Arabs, and Tartars admit a multitude of traditions.


Topic: All
Definition:
ALL, a.  awl.  [Gr. Shemitic from calah, to be ended or completed to perfect.]
1.  Every one, or the whole number of particulars.
2.  The whole quantity, extent, duration, amount, quality, or degree; as, all the wheat; all the land; all the year; all the strength.  This word signifies then, the whole or entire thing, or all the parts or particulars which compose it.  It always precedes the definitive adjectives, the, my, thy, his, our, your, their; as, all the cattle; all my labor; all thy goods; all his wealth; all our families; all your citizens; all their property.
This word, not only in popular language, but in the scriptures, often signifies, indefinitely, a large portion or number, or a great part.  Thus, all the cattle in Egypt died; all Judea and all the region round about Jordan; all men held John as a prophet; are not to be understood in a literal sense, but as including a large part or very great numbers.
This word is prefixed to many other words, to enlarge their signification; as already, always, all-prevailing.
ALL, adv.  Wholly; completely; entirely; as all along; all bedewed; all over; my friend is all for amusement; I love my father all.  In the ancient phrases, all too dear, all so long, this word retains its appropriate sense; as,'he thought them six-pence all too dear,' that is, he thought them too dear by the sum of sixpence.  In the sense of although, as, 'all were it as the rest,'  and in the sense of just, or at the moment, as 'all as his straying flock he fed,'  it is obsolete, or restricted to poetry.
It is all one is a phrase equivalent to the same thing in effect; that is, it is wholly the same thing.
All the better is equivalent to wholly the better; that is, better by the whole difference.
ALL, n.  
1.  The whole number; as, all have not the same disposition; that is, all men.
2.  The whole; the entire thing; the aggregate amount; as, our all is at stake.
And Laban said, all that thou seest is mine.  Gen. 31.
This adjective is much used as a noun, and applied to persons or things.
All in all is a phrase which signifies, all things to a person, or every thing desired.
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee, Forever.
When the words, and all close an enumeration of particulars, the word all is either intensive, or is added as a general term to express what is not enumerated; as a tree fell, nest, eagles and all.
At all is a phrase much used by way of enforcement or emphasis, usually in negative or interrogative sentences.  He has no ambition at all; that is, not in the least degree.  Has he any property at all?
All and some, in Spenser, Mason interprets, one and all.  But from Lye's Saxon dictionary_webster1828, it appears that the phrase is a  corruption of the Sax. ealle at somne, all together, all at once, from somne, together, at once.  See Lye under Somne.
All in the wind, in seamen's language, is a phrase denoting that the sails are parallel with the course of the wind, so as to shake.
All is well is a watchman's phrase, expressing a state of safety.
All, in composition, enlarges the meaning, or adds force to a word; and it is generally more emphatical than most.  In some instances, all is incorporated into words, as in almighty, already, always; but in most instances, it is an adjective prefixed to other words, but separated by a hyphen.


Topic: All-fours
Definition:
ALL-FOURS, n.  [all and four.]
A game at cards, played by two or four persons; so called from the possession of the four honors, by one person, who is then said to have all fours.
To go on all fours is to move or walk on four legs, or on the two legs and two arms.


Topic: All-hail
Definition:
ALL-HA'IL, ex.
All health; a phrase of salutation, expressing a wish of all health or safety to the person addressed.


Topic: All-hallows
Definition:
ALL-HAL'LOW, or ALL-HALLOWS, n.  
All Saints day, the first of November; a feast dedicated to all the saints in general


Topic: All-saints-day
Definition:
ALL-SAINTS-DAY, n.  The first day of November, called also all hallows; a feast in honor of all the saints.


Topic: All-souls-day
Definition:
ALL-SOULS-DAY, n.  The second day of November; a feast or solemnity held by the church of Rome, to supplicate for the souls of the faithful deceased.


Topic: All-sufficient
Definition:
ALL-SUFFI'CIENT, a.  Sufficient to every thing; infinitely able.
ALL-SUFFI'CIENT, n.  The all-sufficient Being; God.


Topic: Allagite
Definition:
AL'LAGITE, n.  A mineral, of a brown or green color, massive, with a flat conchoidal fracture, and nearly opake, found in the Hartz near Elbingerode.


Topic: Allanite
Definition:
AL'LANITE, n.  A mineral named from Mr. Allan, of Edinburg, who first recognized it as a distinct species.  It is massive, of a brownish black color, and conchoidal fracture.  A siliceous oxyd of cerium.


Topic: Allay
Definition:
ALLA'Y, v.t.  [Gr.; L.ligo, to bind; but this may be the same word differently applied, that is, to set, to fix, to make fast, to unite.  Allay and alloy were formerly used indifferently; but I have recognized an entire distinction between them, applying alloy to metals.]
1.  To make quiet; to pacify, or appease; as, to allay the tumult of the passions, or to allay civil commotions.
2.  To abate, mitigate, subdue or destroy; as, to allay grief or pain.
Females, who soften and allay the bitterness of adversity.
3.  To obtund or repress as acrimony; as, to allay the acrid qualities of a substance.
4.  Formerly, to reduce the purity of; as, to allay metals.  But, in this sense, alloy is now exclusively used.  [See Alloy.]
ALLA'Y, n.
1.  Formerly, a baser metal mixed with a finer; but in this sense it is now written alloy, which see.
2.  That which allays, or abates the predominant qualities; as, the allay of colors.
Also, abatement; diminution by means of some mixture; as, joy without allay.  But alloy is now more generally used.


Topic: Allayment
Definition:
ALLA'YMENT, n.  The act of quieting, or a state of tranquility; a state of rest after disturbance; abatement; ease; as, the allayment of grief.


Topic: Alledge
Definition:
ALLEDGE', v.t.  [L. allego, ad and lego, to send;  Eng. lay.]
1.  To declare; to affirm; to assert; to pronounce, with positiveness; as, to alledge a fact.
2.  To produce as an argument, plea or excuse; to cite or quote; as, to alledge the authority of a judge.


Topic: Allegation
Definition:
ALLEGA'TION,  n.  
1.  Affirmation; positive assertion or declaration.
2.  That which is affirmed or asserted; that which is offered as a plea, excuse or justification.
3.  In ecclesiastical courts, a formal complaint, or declaration of charges.


Topic: Allegeas
Definition:
ALLE'GEAS, or ALLE'GIAS, n.  A stuff manufactured in the East Indies, of two kinds, one of cotton, the other of various plants which are spun like flax.


Topic: Alleghany
Definition:
ALLEGHA'NY, n.  The chief ridge of the great chains of mountains which run from N. East to S. West through the middle and southern states of North America; but, more appropriately, the main or unbroken ridge, which casts all the waters on one side to the east, and on the other side to the west.  This ridge runs from Pennsylvania to Georgia, and chains extend through the United States.
This name is given also to the river Ohio, above its confluence with the Monongahela; but improperly, as the Indian name of the river to its source is Ohio.


Topic: Allegiance
Definition:
ALLE'GIANCE, n.  [L. alligo, of ad and ligo, to bind.  See Liege and League.]
The tie or obligation of a subject to his Prince or government; the duty of fidelity to a king, government or state.  Every native or citizen owes allegiance to the government under which he is born.  This is called natural or implied allegiance, which arises from the connection of a person with the society in which he is born, and his duty to be a faithful subject, independent of any express promise.  Express allegiance, is that obligation which proceeds from an express promise, or oath of fidelity.
Local or temporary allegiance is due from an alien to the government or state in which he resides.


Topic: Allegorize
Definition:
AL'LEGORIZE, v.t.  
1.  To form an allegory; to turn into allegory; as, to allegorize the history of a people.
2.  To understand in an allegorical sense; as, when a passage in a writer may be understood literally or figuratively, he who gives it a figurative sense is said to allegorize it.
AL'LEGORIZE, v.i.  To use allegory; as, a man may allegorize, to please his fancy.


Topic: Allegory
Definition:
AL'LEGORY, n.  [Gr. other, to speak, a forum, an oration.]
A figurative sentence or discourse, in which the principal subject is described by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances.  The principal subject is thus kept out of view, and we are left to collect the intentions of the writer or speaker, by the resemblance of the secondary to the primary subject.  Allegory is in words that hieroglyphics are in painting.  We have a fine example of an allegory in the eightieth Psalm, in which God's chosen people are represented by a vineyard.  The distinction in scripture between a parable and an allegory, is said to be that a parable is a supposed history, and an allegory, a figurative description of real facts.  An allegory is called a continued metaphor.  The following line in Virgil is an example of an allegory.
Claudite jam rivos, pueri, sat prata biberunt.
Stop the currents, young men, the meadows have drank sufficiently; that is let your music cease, our ears have been sufficiently delighted.


Topic: Allegretto
Definition:
ALLEGRET'TO,  [from allegro,]  denotes, in music, a movement or time quicker than andante, but not so quick as allegro.


Topic: Allegro
Definition:
ALLE'GRO.  [See Light.]
In music, a word denoting a brisk movement; a sprightly part or strain; the quickest except presto.  Piu allegro is a still quicker movement.


Topic: Alleluiah
Definition:
ALLELU'IAH, n.  [Heb. praise to Jah.]
Praise to Jehovah; a word used to denote pious joy and exultation, chiefly in hymns and anthems.  The Greeks retained the word in their praise to Io; probably a corruption of Jah.  The Romans retained the latter word in their Io triumphe.


Topic: Allemand
Definition:
ALLEMAND', n.  A slow air in common time, or grave, solemn music, with a slow movement.  Also a brisk dance, or a figure in dancing.


Topic: Allemannic
Definition:
ALLEMAN'NIC, a.  Belonging to the Alemanni, ancient Germans, and to Alemannia, their country.  The word is generally supposed to be composed of all and manni, all men.  Cluver, p. 68.  This is probably an error.  The word is more probably composed of the Celtic all, other, the root of Latin alius and man, place; one of another place, a stranger.  The Welsh allman is thus rendered, and this seems to be the original word.
The name, Alemanni, seems to have been first given to the Germans who invaded Gaul in the reign of Augustus.


Topic: Allerion
Definition:
ALLER'ION, n.  In heraldry, an eagle without beak or feet, with expanded wings; denoting Imperialists vanquished and disarmed.


Topic: Alleviate
Definition:
ALLE'VIATE, v.t.  [Low L. allevio; ad and levo, to raise, levis, light.]
1.  To make light; but always in a figurative sense, as it is not applied to material objects.  To remove in part; to lessen, mitigate, or make easier to be endured; applied to evils; as, to alleviate sorrow, pain, care, punishment, a burden, &c.; opposed to aggravate.
2.  To make less by representation; to lessen the magnitude or criminality; to extenuate; applied to moral conduct; as, to alleviate an offense.  [This sense of the word is rare.]


Topic: Alleviation
Definition:
ALLEVIA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of lightening, allaying, or extenuating; a lessening or mitigation.
2.  That which lessens, mitigates or makes more tolerable; as, the sympathy of a friend is an alleviation of grief.
I have not wanted such alleviations of life, as friendship could supply.  Dr. Johnson's letter to Mr. Hector.
This use of alleviation is hardly legitimate without supplying some word expressing evil, as trouble, sorrow, &c.
Without such alleviations of the cares of troubles of life.


Topic: Alley
Definition:
AL'LEY, n.  al'ly
1.  A walk in a garden; a narrow passage.
2.  A narrow passage or way in a city, as distinct from a public street.
3.  A place in London where stocks are bought and sold.


Topic: Alliaceous
Definition:
ALLIA'CEOUS, a.  [L. allium, garlic.]
Pertaining to allium, or garlic; having the properties of garlic.


Topic: Alliance
Definition:
ALLI'ANCE, n.  [Gr.; L.]
1.  The relation or union between families, contracted by marriage.
2.  The union between nations, contracted by compact, treaty or league.
3.  The treaty, league, or compact, which is the instrument of confederacy; sometimes perhaps the act of confederating.
4.  Any union or connection of interests between persons, families, states or corporations; as, an alliance between church and state.
5.  The persons or parties allied; as, men or states may secure any alliances in their power.


Topic: Alliciency
Definition:
ALLI'CIENCY, n.  [Lat. allicio, ad and lacio, allecto, elicio.
The power of attracting any thing; attraction; magnetism.  [Little used.]


Topic: Alligate
Definition:
AL'LIGATE, v.t.  [L. alligo, and ad and ligo, to bind.  See Allegiance, Liege, League.]
To tie together; to unite by some tie.


Topic: Alligation
Definition:
ALLIGA'TION, n.  
1.  The act of tying together; the state of being tied.  [Little used.]
2.  A rule of arithmetic, for finding the price or value of compounds consisting of ingredients of different values.  Thus if a quantity of sugar, worth eight cents the pound, and another quantity worth ten cents, are mixed, the question to be solved by alligation is, what is the value of the mixture by the pound.  Alligation is of two kinds, medial and alternate; medial, when the rate of a mixture is sought from the rates and quantities of the simples; alternate, when the quantities of the simples are sought from the rates of the simples, and the rate of the mixture.


Topic: Alligator
Definition:
ALLIGA'TOR, n.  [The Latin word seems to be connected with lacertus, the arm; and the animal may be named from the resemblance of his legs to arms.]
The American crocodile.  This animal is of the lizard genus, having a long naked body, four feet, with five toes on the fore feet, and four on the hind, armed with claws, a serrated tail.  The mouth is very large, and furnished with sharp teeth; the skin is brown, tough, and, on the sides, covered with tubercles.  The largest of these animals grow to the length of seventeen or eighteen feet.  They live in and about the rivers in warm climates, eat fish, and sometimes catch hogs, on the shore, or dogs which are swimming.  In winter, they burrow in the earth, which they enter under water and work upwards, lying torpid till spring.  The female lays a great number of eggs, which are deposited in the sand, and left to be hatched by the heat of the sun.


Topic: Alligator-pear
Definition:
ALLIGA'TOR-PEAR, n.  A west India fruit, resembling a pear in shape, from one to two pounds in weight.  It contains within its rind a yellow butyraceous substance, which, when the fruit is perfectly ripe, constitutes an agreeable food.


Topic: Allinement
Definition:
ALLI'NEMENT, n.  [L. linea.]
A reducing to a line or to a square; a state of being in squares, in a line, or on a level; a line; a row.


Topic: Allision
Definition:
ALLISION, n. allizh'un.  [L. allido, to dash or strike against of ad and lado, to hurt by striking.]
A striking against; as, the allision of the sea against the shore.


Topic: Alliteration
Definition:
ALLITERA'TION, n.  [L. ad and litera, a letter.]
The repetition of the same letter at the beginning of two or more words immediately succeeding each other, or at short intervals; as f and g in the following line:
Fields ever fresh, and groves forever green.


Topic: Allocation
Definition:
ALLOCA'TION, n.  [L. ad and locatio, a placing, from locus, place.  See Local.]
The act of putting one thing to another; hence its usual sense is the admission of an article of account, or an allowance made upon an account; a term used in the English Exchequer.  [See Allow.]


Topic: Allochroite
Definition:
AL'LOCHROITE, n.  An amorphous, massive, opake mineral, of a grayish, yellowish or reddish color, found in Norway; considered as a variety of garnet.  Its name is said to be given to it, as expressive of its changes of color before the blowpipe;  Gr. other, and color.


Topic: Allocution
Definition:
ALLOCU'TION, n.  [L. allocutio, of ad and loquor, to speak.  See eloquence.]
1.  The act or manner of speaking to, or of addressing in words.
2.  An address; a formal address; as, of a General to his troops; a Roman term rarely used in English.


Topic: Allodial
Definition:
ALLO'DIAL, a.  Pertaining to allodium; freehold; free of rent or service; held independence of a lord paramount; opposed to feudal.


Topic: Allodium
Definition:
ALLO'DIUM, n.
Freehold estate; land which is the absolute property of the owner; real estate held in absolute independence, without being subject to any rent, service, or acknowledgment to a superior.  It is thus opposed to feud.  In England, there is no allodial land, all land being held of the king; but in the United States, most lands are allodial.


Topic: Allonge
Definition:
ALLONGE',  n.  allunj'.
1.  A pass with a sword; a thrust made by stepping forward and extending the arm; a term used in fencing, often contracted into lunge.
2.  A long rein, when a horse is trotted in the hand.


Topic: Allophane
Definition:
AL'LOPHANE, n.  [Gr. other and to appear.]
A mineral of a blue, and sometimes of a green or brown color, which occurs massive, or in imitative shapes.  It gelatinizes in acids.
Allophane is a variety of clay, occurring in amorphous, botryoidal or reniform masses.


Topic: Allot
Definition:
ALLOT',  v.t.  [of ad and lot; See Lot.]
1.  To divide or distribute by lot.
2.  To distribute, or parcel out in parts or portions; or to distribute a share to each individual concerned.
3.  To grant, as a portion; to give, assign or appoint in general.
Let every man be contented with that which providence allots to him.


Topic: Allotment
Definition:
ALLOT'MENT, n.
1.  That which is allotted; a share, part, or portion granted or distributed; that which is assigned by lot, or by the act of God.
2.  A part, portion or place appropriated.
In a field, there is an allotment for olives.


Topic: Allow
Definition:
ALLOW', v.t.  [L. loco, to lay, set, place.  See Lay.]
1.  To grant, give or yield; as, to allow a servant his liberty; to allow a pension.
2.  To admit; as, to allow the truth of a proposition; to allow a claim.
3.  To admit; to own or acknowledge; as, to allow the right of the President to displace officers.
4.  To approve, justify or sanction.
Ye allow the deeds of your fathers.  Luke 11.  Rom. 8.
5.  To afford, or grant as a compensation; as, to allow a dollar a day for wages.
6.  To abate or deduct; as, to allow a sum for tare or leakage.
7.  To permit; to grant license to; as, to allow a son to be absent.


Topic: Allow-ableness
Definition:
ALLOW-ABLENESS, n.  The quality of being allowable; lawfulness; exemption from prohibition, or impropriety.


Topic: Allowable
Definition:
ALLOW'ABLE, a.  That may be permitted as lawful, or admitted as true and proper; not forbid; not unlawful or improper; as, a certain degree of freedom is allowable among friends.


Topic: Allowance
Definition:
ALLOW'ANCE, n. 
1.  The act of allowing or admitting.
2.  Permission; license; approbation; sanction; usually slight approbation.
3.  Admission; assent to a fact or state of things; a granting.
4.  Freedom from restraint; indulgence.
5.  That which is allowed; a portion appointed; a stated quantity, as of food or drink; hence, in seamen's language, a limited quantity of meat and drink, when provisions fall short.
6.  Abatement; deduction; as, to make an allowance for the inexperience of youth.
7.  Established character; reputation; as, a pilot of approved allowance.  Obs.
ALLOW'ANCE, v.t.  To put upon allowance; to restrain or limit to a certain quantity of provisions or drink.
Distress compelled the captain of the ship to allowance his crew.


Topic: Alloy
Definition:
ALLOY', v.t.  [L. alligo, ad and ligo, to bind.  Gr.]
1.  To reduce the purity of a metal, by mixing with it a portion of one less valuable; as, to alloy gold with silver, or silver with copper.
2.  To mix metals.
3.  To reduce or abate by mixture; as, to alloy pleasure with misfortunes.
ALLOY', n.  
1.  A baser metal mixed with a finer.
2.  The mixture of different metals; any metallic compound; this is its common signification in chimistry.
3.  Evil mixed with good; as, no happiness is without alloy.


Topic: Alloyage
Definition:
ALLOY'AGE, n.  
1.  The act of alloying metals or the mixture of a baser metal with a finer, to reduce its purity; the act of mixing metals.
2.  The mixture of different metals.


Topic: Alloying
Definition:
ALLOY'ING, ppr.  Mixing a baser metal with a finer, to reduce its purity; abating by foreign mixture.


Topic: Allude
Definition:
ALLU'DE, v.i.  [L. alludo, to smile upon or make sport with of ad and ludo, to play.]
To refer to something not directly mentioned; to have reference; to hint at by remote suggestions; as, that story alludes to a recent transaction.


Topic: Alluminor
Definition:
ALLU'MINOR, n.
One who colors or paints upon paper or parchment, giving light and ornament to letters and figures.
This is now written limner.


Topic: Allure
Definition:
ALLU'RE, v.t.
To attempt to draw to; to tempt by the offer of some good, real or apparent; to invite by something flattering or acceptable; as, rewards allure men to brave danger.  Sometimes used in a bad sense, to allure to evil; but in this sense entice is more common.  In Hosea 2:14, allure is used in its genuine sense;  2Peter 2:18, in the sense of entice.


Topic: Allurement
Definition:
ALLU'REMENT, n.  That which allures; any real or apparent good held forth, or operating; as a motive to action; temptation; enticement; as, the allurements of pleasure, or of honor.


Topic: Alluring
Definition:
ALLU'RING, ppr.
1.  Drawing; tempting; inviting by some real or apparent good.
2.  a. Inviting; having the quality of attracting or tempting.


Topic: Alluringness
Definition:
ALLU'RINGNESS, n.  The quality of alluring or tempting by the prospect of some good.  [Rarely used.]


Topic: Allusion
Definition:
ALLU'SION, n.  alluzhun.  [L.  See Allude.]
A reference to something not explicitly mentioned; a hint; a suggestion, by which something is applied or understood to belong to that which is not mentioned, by means of some similitude which is perceived between them.


Topic: Alluvial
Definition:
ALLU'VIAL, a.  [See alluvion.]
1.  Pertaining to alluvion; added to land by the wash of water.
2.  Washed ashore or down a stream; formed by a current of water; as, alluval ores; alluvial soil.


Topic: Alluvium
Definition:
ALLU'VIUM, n.  [L. alluvio, of ad and lavo or luo, alluo, to wash.  See Lave.]
1.  The insensible increase of earth on a shore, or bank of a river, by the force of water, as by a current or by waves.  The owner of the land thus augmented has a right to the alluvial earth.
2.  A gradual washing or carrying of earth or other substances to a shore or bank; the earth thus added.
3.  The mass of substances collected by means of the action of water.
In this alluvium was found the entire skeleton of a whale.


Topic: Ally
Definition:
ALLY', v.t.  [L. ligo.]
1.  To unite, or form a relation, as between families by marriage, or between princes and states by treaty, league or confederacy.
2.  To form a relation by similitude, resemblance or friendship.  Note.  This word is more generally used in the passive form, as families are allied by blood; or reciprocally, as princes ally themselves to powerful states.


Topic: Almadie
Definition:
ALMADIE, n.  A bark canoe used by the Africans; also a long boat used at Calicut, in India,eighty feet long, and six or seven broad; called also cathuri.


Topic: Almagest
Definition:
AL'MAGEST, n.  
A book or collection of problems in astronomy and geometry, drawn up by Ptolemy.  The same title has been given to other works of the like kind.


Topic: Almagra
Definition:
ALMA'GRA, n.  a fine deep red ocher, with an admixture of purple, very heavy, dense but friable, with a rough dusty surface.  It is the sil atticum of the ancients.  it is austere to the taste, astringent, melting in the mouth and staining the skin.  it is used as a paint and as a medicine.


Topic: Almanack
Definition:
AL'MANACK, n.
A small book or table, containing a calendar of days, weeks and months, with the times of the rising of the sun and moon, changes of the moon, eclipses, hours of full tide, stated festivals of churches, stated terms of courts, observations on the weather, &c. for the year ensuing.  this calendar is sometimes published on one side of a single sheet, and called a sheet-almanack.
The Baltic nations formerly engraved their calendars on pieces of wood, on swords, helves of axes, and various other utensils, and especially on walking sticks.  many of these are preserved in the cabinets of the curious.  they are called by different nations, rimstocks, primstories, runstocks, runstaffs, clogs, &c.
The characters used are generally the Runic or Gothic.


Topic: Almandine
Definition:
AL'MANDINE, n.  In mineralogy, precious garnet, a beautiful mineral of a red color, of various shades, sometimes tinged with yellow or blue.  It is commonly translucent, sometimes transparent.  It occurs crystallized in the rhombic, dodecahedron.


Topic: Almighty
Definition:
ALMI'GHTY, a.  [all and mighty.  See Might.]
Possessing all power; omnipotent; being of unlimited might; being of boundless sufficiency; appropriately applied to the Supreme Being.
ALMI'GHTY, n.  The Omnipotent God.


Topic: Almond
Definition:
AL'MOND, n.
1.  The fruit of the almond tree; an ovate, compressed nut, perforated in the pores.  It is either sweet or bitter.  [It is popularly pronounced ammond.]
2.  The tonsils, two glands near the basis of the tongue, are called almonds, from their resemblance to that nut; vulgularly, but improperly, called the almonds of the ears, as they belong to the throat.
3.  In Portugal, a measure by which wine is sold, twenty-six of which make a pipe.
[But in Portuguese it is written almude.]
4.  Among lapidaries, almonds signify pieces of rock crystal, used in adorning branch candlesticks, so called from their resemblance to this fruit.


Topic: Almond-furnace
Definition:
ALMOND-FURNACE, among refiners, is a furnace in which the slags of litharge, left in refining silver, are reduced to lead, by the help of charcoal; that is, according to modern chimistry, in which the oxyd of lead is deoxydized, and the metal revived.


Topic: Almond-tree
Definition:
ALMOND-TREE, n.  The tree which produces the almond.  The leaves and flowers resemble those of the peach, but the fruit is longer and more compressed, the green coat is thinner and drier when ripe, and the shell is not so rugged.


Topic: Almoner
Definition:
AL'MONER, n.  [See Alms.]
An officer whose duty is to distribute charity or alms.  By the ancient canons, every monastery was to dispose of a tenth of its income in alms to the poor, and all bishops were obliged to keep an almoner.  This title is sometimes given to a chaplain; as, the almoner of a ship or regiment.
The Lord Almoner, or Lord High Almoner, in England, is an ecclesiastical officer, generally a bishop, who has the forfeiture of al deodands, and the goods of self-murderers, which he is to distribute to the poor.
The Grand Almoner, in France, is the first ecclesiastical dignitary, and has the superintendence of hospitals.


Topic: Almonry
Definition:
AL'MONRY, n.  [Corrupted into ambry, aumbry, or aumery.]
The place where the almoner resides, or where the alms are distributed.


Topic: Almost
Definition:
ALMO'ST, adv.  [all and most.]  Nearly; well nigh; for the greatest part.
Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian.  Acts 26.


Topic: Alms
Definition:
'ALMS, 'amz.  [Eng. almesse; L. eleemosyna; Gr. to pity.]
Any thing given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money, food, or clothing, otherwise called charity.
A lame man was laid daily to ask an alms.  Acts. 3.
Cornelius gave much alms to the people.  Acts. 10.
Tenure by free alms, or frank-almoign, in England, is that by which the possessor is bound to pray for the soul of the donor, whether dead or alive; a tenure by which most of the ancient monasteries and religious houses in England held their lands, as do the parochial clergy, and many ecclesiastical and eleemosynary establishments at this day.  Land thus held was free from all rent or other service.


Topic: Almucantar
Definition:
AL'MUCANTAR, n.  A series of circles of the sphere passing through the center of the sun, or of a star, parallel to the horizon.  It is synonymous with a parallel of altitude, whose common zenith is the vertical point.


Topic: Alnager
Definition:
AL'NAGER, or AL'NAGAR, n.  A measurer by the ell; a sworn officer, whose duty was to inspect and measure woolen cloth and fix upon it a seal.  This office was abolished by Statute, 11 and 12.  Will. 3.  No duty or office of this kind exists in the United States.


Topic: Aloe
Definition:
AL'OE, n.  al'o, plu. aloes, pronounced aloze, and popularly al'oez, in three syllables, according to the Latin.  [L. aloe; Gr; Heb. plu aloe trees.]
In botany, a genus of monogynian hexanders, of many species; all natives of warm climates, and most of them, of the southern part of Africa.
Among  the Mohammedans, the aloe is a symbolic plant, especially in Egypt; and every one who returns from a pilgrimage to Mecca, hangs it over his street door, as a token that he has performed the journey.
In Africa, the leaves of the Guinea aloe are made into durable ropes.  Of one species are made fishing lines, bow strings, stockings and hammocs.  The leaves of another species hole rain water.


Topic: Aloes
Definition:
ALOES, in medicine, is the inspissated juice of the aloe.  The juice is collected from the leaves, which are cut and put in a tub, and when a large quantity is procured, it is boiled to a suitable consistence; or it is exposed to the sun, till all the fluid part is exhaled.  There are several kinds sold in the shops; as the socotrine aloes from Socotora, an isle in the Indian ocean; the hepatic or common Barbadoes aloes; and the fetid or caballine aloes.
Aloes is a stimulating stomachic purgative; when taken in small doses, it is useful for people of a lax habit and sedentary life.


Topic: Aloft
Definition:
ALOFT', adv.  [a and loft.  See Loft and Luff.]
1.  On high; in the air; high above the ground; as, the eagle soars aloft.
2.  In seamen's language, in the top; at the mast head; or on the higher yards or rigging.  Hence on the upper part, as of a building.


Topic: Alogians
Definition:
ALO'GIANS, n.  [Gr. a neg. and word.]
In church history, a sect of ancient heretics, who denied Jesus Christ to be the Logos and consequently rejected the gospel of St. John.


Topic: Alogotrophy
Definition:
AL'OGOTROPHY, n.  [Gr. unreasonable and nutrition.]
A disproportionate nutrition of the parts of the body, as when one part receives more or less nourishment and growth than another.


Topic: Alone
Definition:
ALO'NE, a.  [all and one.]
1.  Single; solitary; without the presence of another; applied to a person or thing.
It is not good that man should be alone.  Gen. 2.
[This adjective follows its noun.]
2.  It is applied to two or more persons or things, when separate from others, in a place or condition by themselves; without company.
And when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.  Mark 4.
3.  Only.
Thou whose name alone is Jehovah.  Ps. 83.
This sense at first appears to be adverbial, but really is not; whose name single, solitary, without another, is Jehovah.
To let alone is to suffer to rest; to forbear molesting or meddling with; to suffer to remain in its present state.  Alone, in this phrase, is an adjective, the word to which it refers being omitted; let me alone; let them alone; let it alone; that is, suffer it to be unmolested, or to remain as it is, or let it remain by itself.
ALO'NE, adv.  Separately; by itself.


Topic: Along
Definition:
ALONG', adv.  [See Long.]
1.  By the length; lengthwise; in a line with the length; as, the troops marched along the bank of the river, or along the highway.  1Sam. 6.
2.  Onward; in a line, or with a progressive motion; as, a meteor glides along the sky; let us walk along.
All along signifies the whole length; through the whole distance; in the whole way or length.
Ishmael went forth, weeping all along as he went.  Jer. 41.  1Sam. 28.
Along with signifies in company; joined with; as, Go along with us.  Sometimes with is omitted;
Come then, my friend, my genius, come along.
Along side, in seamen's language, that is, by the length or in a line with the side, signifies side by side, as by another ship or by the side of a wharf.
Along shore is by the shore or coast, lengthwise, and near the shore.
Lying along is lying on the side, or pressed down by the weight of sail.


Topic: Aloof
Definition:
ALOOF, adv.  [Probably from the root of leave, to depart.]
1.  At a distance, but within view, or at a small distance, in a literal sense; as, to stand aloof.
2.  In a figurative sense, not concerned in a design; declining to take any share, implying circumspection; keeping at a distance from the point, or matter in debate.


Topic: Alopecy
Definition:
AL'OPECY, n.  [Gr. a fox, whose urine is said to occasion baldness.]
A disease, called the fox-evil or scurf, which is a falling off of the hair, from any part of the body.


Topic: Alosa
Definition:
ALO'SA, n.  A fish of passage, called the shad, or other of herrings, a species of Clupea.  It is an abdominal, and some naturalists allege it to be a different species from the shad.


Topic: Aloud
Definition:
ALOUD', adv.  [a and loud;  See Loud.]
Loudly; with a loud voice, or great noise.  
Cry aloud, spare not.  Isa. 58.


Topic: Alp
Definition:
ALP, ALPS, n.  [Gr. white; L. albus
A high mountain.  The name, it is supposed, was originally given to mountains whose tops were covered with snow, and hence appropriately applied to the mountains of Swisserland; so that by Alps is generally understood the latter mountains.  But geographers apply the name to any high mountains.


Topic: Alpagna
Definition:
ALPAG'NA, n.  An animal of Peru, used as a beast of burden; the Camelus Paco of Linne, and the Pacos of Pennant.


Topic: Alpha
Definition:
AL'PHA, n.  [Heb. an ox, a leader.]
The first letter in the Greek alphabet, answering to A, and used to denote first or beginning.
I am Alpha and Omega.  Rev. 1.
As a numeral, it stands for one.  It was formerly used also to denote chief; as, Plato was the Alpha of the wits.


Topic: Alphabet
Definition:
AL'PHABET, n.  [Gr.]
The letters of a language arranged in the customary order; the series of letters which form the elements of speech.
AL'PHABET, v.t.  To arrange in the order of an alphabet; to form an alphabet in a book, or designate the leaves by the letters of the alphabet.


Topic: Alphenix
Definition:
ALPHE'NIX, n.  [al and phaenix.]
White barley sugar, used for colds.  It is common sugar boiled till it will easily crack; then poured upon an oiled marble table, and molded into various figures.


Topic: Alphest
Definition:
AL'PHEST, n.  A small fish, having a purple back and belly, with yellow sides, a smooth mouth, and thick fleshy lips; always caught near the shore or among rocks.


Topic: Alphonsin
Definition:
ALPHON'SIN, n.  A surgical instrument for extracting bullets from wounds, so called from its inventor, Alphonsus Ferrier of Naples.  It consists of three branches, which close by a ring, and open when it is drawn back.


Topic: Alphus
Definition:
AL'PHUS, n.  [Gr. white.]
That species of leprosy called vitiligo, in which the skin is rough, with white spots.


Topic: Alpine
Definition:
AL'PINE, a.  [L. alpinus, from Alpes.]
1.  Pertaining to the Alps, or to any lofty mountain; very high; elevated.
2.  Growing on high mountains; as, alpine plants.
AL'PINE, n.  A kind of strawberry growing on lofty hills.


Topic: Alquier
Definition:
AL'QUIER, n.  A measure in Portugal for dry things, as well as liquids, containing half an almude or about two gallons.  It is called also Cantar.


Topic: Alquifou
Definition:
AL'QUIFOU, n.  A sort of lead ore, which, when broke, looks like antimony.  It is found in Cornwall, England; used by potters to give a green varnish to their wares, and called potters ore.  A small mixture of manganese gives it a blackish hue.


Topic: Already
Definition:
ALREAD'Y,  adv.  alred'dy.  [all and ready.  See Ready.]
Literally, a state of complete preparation; but, by an easy deflection, the sense is, at this time, or at a specified time.
Elias is come already.  Mat. 17.
Joseph was in Egypt already.  Ex. 1.


Topic: Also
Definition:
AL'SO, adv.  [all and so.]  Likewise; in like manner.
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Mat 16.


Topic: Alt
Definition:
ALT or AL'TO, a.  [L. altus, high;  Heb. upper, high.]
In music a term applied to high notes in the scale.  In sculpture, alto-relievo, high relief, is when the figures project half or more, without being entirely detached from the ground.


Topic: Altaic
Definition:
ALTA'IC, or ALTA'IAN, a.  
Pertaining to the Altai, a vast ridge of mountains extending, in an easterly direction, through a considerable part of Asia, and forming a boundary between the Russian and Chinese dominions.


Topic: Altar
Definition:
AL'TAR, n.  [L. altare, probably from the same root as altus, high.
1.  A mount; a table or elevated place, on which sacrifices where anciently offered to some deity.  Altars were originally made of turf, afterwards of stone, wood or horn; some were round, others square, others triangular.  They differed also in height, but all faced the east.  The principal altars of the Jews were, the altar of incense, of burnt-offerings, and of shewbread; all of shittim wood, and covered with gold or brass.
2.  In modern churches, the communion table; and, figuratively, a church; a place of worship.
3. In scripture, Christ is called the altar of Christians, he being the atoning sacrifice for sin.
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat, who serve tabernacles.  Heb. 13.


Topic: Altar-thane
Definition:
AL'TARIST, or AL'TAR-THANE,  n.  In old laws, an appellation given to the priest to whom the altarage belonged; also a chaplain.


Topic: Altarage
Definition:
AL'TARAGE, n.  The profits arising to priests from oblations, or on account of the altar.  Also, in law, altars erected in virtue of donations, before the reformation, within a parochial church, for the purpose of singing a mass for deceased friends.


Topic: Alter
Definition:
AL'TER, v.t.  [L. alter, another.  See Alien.]
1.  To make some change in; to make different in some particular; to vary in some degree, without an entire change.
My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that has gone out of my lips.  Ps. 89.
2.  To change entirely or materially; as, to alter an opinion.  In general, to alter is to change partially; to change is more generally to substitute one thing for another, or to make a material difference in a thing.
AL'TER, v.i.  To become, in some respects, different; to vary; as, the weather alters almost daily.
The law which altereth not.  Dan 4.


Topic: Alterage
Definition:
AL'TERAGE, n.  [From alo, to feed.]
The breeding, nourishing or fostering of a child.  But this is not an English word.


Topic: Alterant
Definition:
AL'TERANT, a.  Altering; gradually changing.
AL'TERANT, n.  A medicine which, without a sensible operation, gradually corrects the state of the body and changes it from a diseased to a healthy condition.  An alterative.


Topic: Alteration
Definition:
ALTERA'TION, n.  [L. alteratio.]
The act of making different, or of varying in some particular; an altering or partial change; also the change made, or the loss or acquisition of qualities not essential to the form or nature of a thing.  Thus a cold substance suffers an alteration when it becomes hot.


Topic: Alterative
Definition:
AL'TERATIVE, a.  Causing alteration; having the power to alter.
AL'TERATIVE, n.  A medicine which, without sensible operation, gradually induces a change in the habit or constitution and restores healthy functions.  This word is more generally used than alterant.


Topic: Altercate
Definition:
AL'TERCATE, v.i.  [L. altercor, alterco, from alter, another.]
To contend in words; to dispute with zeal, heat or anger; to wrangle.


Topic: Altercation
Definition:
ALTERCA'TION, n.  [L. altercatio.]
Warm contention in words; dispute carried on with heat or anger; controversy; wrangle.


Topic: Altern
Definition:
AL'TERN a.  [L. alternus, of alter, another.]
1.  Acting by turns; one succeeding another; alternate, which is the word generally used.
2.  In crystallography, exhibiting, on two parts, an upper and a lower part, faces which alternate among themselves, but which, when the two parts are compared, correspond with each other.
Altern-base, in trigonometry, is a term used in distinction from the true base.  Thus in oblique triangles, the true base is the sum of the sides, and then the difference of the sides is the altern-base; or the true base is the difference of the sides, and then the sum of the sides is the altern-base.


Topic: Alternate
Definition:
ALTERN'ATE, a.  [L. alternatus.]
1.  Being by turns; one following the other in succession of time or place; hence reciprocal.
And bid alternate passions fall and rise.
2.  In botany branches and leaves are alternate, when they rise higher on opposite sides alternately, come out singly, and follow in gradual order.
Alternate alligation.  [See Alligation.]
Alternate angles, in geometry, the internal angles made by a line cutting two parallels, and lying on opposite sides of the cutting line; the one below the first parallel, and the other above the second.
In heraldry, the first and fourth quarters, and the second and third, are usually of the same nature, and are called alternate quarters.
ALTERN'ATE, n.  That which happens by turns with something else; vicissitude.


Topic: Alternately
Definition:
ALTERN'ATELY, adv.  In reciprocal succession; by turns, so that each is succeeded by that which it succeeds, as night follows day and day follows night.


Topic: Alternation
Definition:
ALTERNA'TION, n.
1.  The reciprocal succession of things, in time or place; the act of following and being followed in succession; as, we observe the alternation of day and night, cold and heat, summer and winter.
2.  The different changes or alterations of orders, in numbers.  Thus, if it is required to know how many changes can be rung on six bells, multiply the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6, continually into one another, and the last product is the number required.  This is call permutation.
3.  The answer of the congregation speaking alternately with the minister.
4.  Alternate performance, in the choral sense.


Topic: Alternative
Definition:
ALTERN'ATIVE, a.  Offering a choice of two things.
ALTERN'ATIVE, n.  That which may be chosen or omitted; a choice of two things, so that if one is taken, the other must be left.  Thus, when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called alternatives.  In strictness, then, the word can not be applied to more than two things, and when one thing only is offered for choice, it is said there is no alternative.
Between these alternatives there is no middle ground.


Topic: Alternatively
Definition:
ALTERN'ATIVELY, adv.  In the manner of alternatives; in a manner that admits the choice of one out of two things.


Topic: Althea
Definition:
ALTHE'A, n.  [Gr. to heal.]
In botany, a genus of polyandrian monadelphs, of several species; called in English marsh-mallow.
The common species has a perennial root, and an annual stalk rising four or five feet.  It abounds with mucilage, and is used as an emollient.


Topic: Although
Definition:
ALTHO'UGH, altho', obs. verb, or used only in the Imperative.  Grant all this; be it so; allow all; suppose that; admit all that; as, 'although the fig tree shall not blossom.' Hab. 3.  That is, grant, admit or suppose what follows - 'the fig tree shall not blossom.'  It is a transitive verb, and admits after it the definitive that - although that the fig tree shall not blossom; but this use of the verb, has been long obsolete.  The word may be defined by notwithstanding, non obstante; as not opposing may be equivalent to admitting or supposing.


Topic: Altiloquence
Definition:
ALTIL'OQUENCE, n.  [L. altus, high, and loquor, loquens, speaking.]  Lofty speech; pompous language.


Topic: Altimeter
Definition:
ALTIM'ETER, n.  [L. altus, high and Gr. measure.  See Measure and Mode.]
An instrument for taking altitudes by geometrical principles, as a geometrical quadrant.


Topic: Altimetry
Definition:
ALTIM'ETRY, n.  The art of ascertaining altitudes by means of a proper instrument, and by trigonometrical principles without actual mensuration.


Topic: Altin
Definition:
AL'TIN, n.  A money of account in Russia, value three kopecks, or about three cents; also a lake in Siberia, ninety miles in length.


Topic: Altincar
Definition:
ALTIN'CAR, n.  A species of factitious salt or powder, used in the fusion and purification of metals, prepared in various ways.  [See Tincal.]


Topic: Altitude
Definition:
AL'TITUDE, n.  [L. altitudo, of altus, high, and a common termination, denoting state, condition or manner.]
1.  Space extended upward; height; the elevation of an object above its foundation; as, the altitude of a mountain, or column; or the elevation of an object or place above the surface on which we stand, or above the earth; as, the altitude of a cloud or a meteor; or the elevation of one object above another; as, of a bird above the top of a a tree.
2.  The elevation of a point, a star, or other object above the horizon.  This is true or apparent altitude; true, when taken from the rational or real horizon; apparent, when taken from the sensible, or apparent horizon.
3.  Figuratively, high degree; superior excellence; highest point of excellence.
He is proud to the altitude of his virtue.
The altitude of the eye, in perspective, is a right line let fall from the eye, perpendicular to the geometrical plane.
Meridian altitude is an arch of the meridian between the horizon and any star or point on the meridian.


Topic: Alto
Definition:
AL'TO.  [L. altus.]  High.
Alto and Basso, high and low, in old law, terms used to signify a submission of all differences of every kind to arbitration.


Topic: Alto-relievo
Definition:
AL'TO-RELIE'VO.  High relief, in sculpture, is the projection of a figure half or more, without being entirely detached.


Topic: Altogether
Definition:
ALTOGETH'ER, adv.  [all and together.  See Together.]
Wholly; entirely; completely; without exception.
Every man at his best estate is altogether vanity.  Ps. 39.


Topic: Aludel
Definition:
AL'UDEL, n.  [a and lutum, without lute.  Lunier.]
In chimistry, aludels are earthern pots without bottoms, that they may be exactly fitted into each other, and used in sublimations.  At the bottom of the furnace is a pot containing the matter to be sublimed, and at the top a head to receive the volatile matter.


Topic: Alum
Definition:
AL'UM, n.  [L. alumen.]
A triple sulphate of alumina and potassa.  This substance is white, transparent and very astringent; but seldom found pure or crystallized.  This salt is usually prepared by roasting and lixiviating certain clays containing pyrites, and to the lye adding a certain quantity of potassa; the salt is then obtained by crystallization.  Alum is of great use in medicine and the arts.  In medicine, it is used as an astringent; internally, in hemoptoe, diarrhea, and dysentery; externally, as a styptic applied to bleeding vessels, and as an escharotic.  In the arts, it is used in dyeing to fix colors; in making candles, for hardening the tallow; in tanning, for restoring the cohesion of skins.


Topic: Aluminite
Definition:
AL'UMINITE, n.  Subsulphate of alumina; a mineral that occurs in small roundish or reniform masses.  Its color is snow white or yellowish white.


Topic: Alveary
Definition:
AL'VEARY, n.  [L. alvearium, alveare,a bee hive, from alvus, the belly.]  The hollow of the external ear, or bottom of the concha.


Topic: Alveolate
Definition:
AL'VEOLATE, a.  [L. alveolatus,from alveus, a hollow vessel.]pitted, so as to resemble a honey comb.


Topic: Alveolus
Definition:
AL'VEOLUS, n.  [L. dim of alveus.]
1.  A cell in a bee hive, or in a fossil.
2.  The socket in the jaw, in which a tooth is fixed.
3.  A sea fossil of a conic figure, composed of a number of cells, like bee-hives, joined by a pipe of communication.


Topic: Alway
Definition:
AL'WAY or AL'WAYS, adv.  [all and way]
1.  Perpetually; throughout all time; as, God is always the same.
2.  Continually; without variation.
I do alway those things which please him.  John 8.  Mat. 28.
3. Continually or constantly during a certain period, or regularly at stated intervals.
Mephibosheth shall eat bread alway at my table.  2Sam. 9.
4.  At all convenient times; regularly.
Cornelius prayed to God alway.  Acts 10. Luke 18. Eph. 6.
Alway is now seldom used.  The application of this compound to time proceeds from the primary sense of way, which is a going or passing; hence, continuation.
A.M. stand for Artium Magister, master of arts, the second degree given by universities and colleges; called in some countries, doctor of philosophy.  In America, this degree is conferred without examination, on bachelors of three years standing.
A.M. stand also for Anno Mundi, in the year of the world.
AM, the first person of the verb to be, in the indicative mode, present tense.
I am that I am.  Ex. 3.


Topic: Amability
Definition:
AMABIL'ITY, n.  [L. amabilis, from to love.]
Loveliness; the power of pleasing, or rather the combination of agreeable qualities which win the affections.


Topic: Amadavad
Definition:
AMAD'AVAD, n.  A small curious bird of the size of the crested wren; the upper part of the body is brown, the prime feathers of the wings black.


Topic: Amadogade
Definition:
AMAD'OGADE, n.  a small beautiful bird in Peru; the upper part of its body and wings are of a lively green, its breast red, and its belly white.


Topic: Amadou
Definition:
AM'ADOU, n.  A variety of the boletus igniarius, found on old ash and other trees.
This is written also amadow, and called black match, and pyrotechnical spunge, on account of its inflammability.


Topic: Amain
Definition:
AMA'IN, adv.
With force, strength or violence; violently; furiously; suddenly; at once.
What, when we fled amain.
Let go amain, in seamen's language or strike amain, is to let fall or lower at once.


Topic: Amalgam
Definition:
AMAL'GAM, n.  [Gr. to soften.  Its usual derivation is certainly erroneous.]
1.  A mixture of mercury or quicksilver with another metal; any metallic alloy, of which mercury forms an essential constituent part.
2.  A mixture or compound of different things.


Topic: Amalgamate
Definition:
AMAL'GAMATE, v.t.  
1.  To mix quicksilver with another metal.  Gregory uses amalgamize.
2.  To mix different things, to make a compound; to unite.
AMAL'GAMATE, v.i.  To mix or unite in an amalgam; to blend.


Topic: Amalgamation
Definition:
AMALGAMA'TION, n.  
1.  The act or operation of mixing mercury with another metal.
2.  The mixing or blending of different things.


Topic: Amandola
Definition:
AMAN'DOLA, n.  A green marble, having the appearance of honey comb, and containing white spots; of 100 parts 76 are mild calcarious earth, 20 shist and 2 iron.  The cellular appearance proceeds from the shist.


Topic: Amanuensis
Definition:
AMANUEN'SIS, n.  [L. from manus, hand.]
A person whose employment is to write what another dictates.


Topic: Amaranthus
Definition:
AMARANTH'US, n.  [Gr.of a neg. and to decay; so called, it is said, because, when cropped, it does not soon wither.]
Flower-gentle; a genus of plants, of many species.  Of these the tricolored has long been cultivated in gardens, on account of the beauty of its variegated leaves.


Topic: Amaritude
Definition:
AMAR'ITUDE, n.  [L. amaritudo, from amarus, bitter; from Heb. bitter.]  Bitterness.  [Not much used.]


Topic: Amaryllis
Definition:
AMARYL'LIS, n.  [The name of a country girl in Theocritus and Virgil.]
In botany, lily-daffodil, a genus of liliaceous plants of several species, which are cultivated in gardens for the beauty of their flowers.


Topic: Amass
Definition:
AM'ASS, v.t.  [L. massa, a heap or lump; Gr.  See mass.]
1.  To collect into a heap; to gather a great quantity; to accumulate; as, to amass a treasure.
2.  To collect in great numbers; to add many things together; as, to amass words or phrases.
AM'ASS, n.  An assemblage, heap or accumulation.  [This is superseded by Mass.]


Topic: Amateur
Definition:
AMATEU'R, n.  [L. anator, a lover, from amo, to love.]
A person attached to a particular pursuit, study or science, as to music or painting; one who has a taste for the arts.


Topic: Amatory
Definition:
AM'ATORY, a.  [L. amatorius, from amo, to love.]
1.  Relating to love; as, amatorial verses; causing love; as, amatory potions; produced by sexual intercourse; as, amatorial progeny.
2.  In anatomy, a term applied to the oblique muscles of the eye, from their use in ogling.


Topic: Amaurosis
Definition:
AMAURO'SIS, n.  [Gr. obscure.]
A loss or decay of sight, without any visible defect in the eye, except an immovable pupil; called also gutta serena.  Sometimes the disease is periodical, coming on suddenly, continuing for hours or days, and then disappearing.  It has sometimes been cured by electricity.


Topic: Amaze
Definition:
AMA'ZE, v.t.
To confound with fear, sudden surprise, or wonder; to astonish.
They shall be afraid; they shall be amazed at one another.  Is. 23.
They were all amazed and glorified God.  Mark 2.  Luke 5.
This word implies astonishment or perplexity, arising from something extraordinary, unexpected,unaccountable, or frightful.
AMA'ZE, n.  Astonishment; confusion; perplexity, arising from fear, surprise or wonder.  It is chiefly used in poetry, and is nearly synonymous with amazement.


Topic: Amazedness
Definition:
AMA'ZEDNESS, n.  The state of being confounded with fear, surprise or wonder; astonishment; great wonder.


Topic: Amazement
Definition:
AMA'ZEMENT, n.  Astonishment; confusion or perplexity, from a sudden impression of fear, surprise or wonder.  It is sometimes accompanied with fear or terror; sometimes merely extreme wonder or admiration at some great, sudden or unexpected event, at an unusual sight, or at the narration of extraordinary event.


Topic: Amazing
Definition:
AMA'ZING, ppr.
1.  Confounding with fear, surprise or wonder.
2.  a. Very wonderful; exciting astonishment, or perplexity.


Topic: Amazingly
Definition:
AMA'ZINGLY, adv.  In an astonishing degree; in a manner to excite astonishment, or to perplex, confound or terrify.


Topic: Amazon
Definition:
AM'AZON, n.  [This is said to be formed of a neg and breast.  History informs us, that the Amazons cut off their right breast, that it might not incommode them in shooting and hurling the javelin.  This is doubtless a fable.]
1.  The Amazons are said by historians, to have been a race of female warriors, who founded an empire on the river Thermodon, in Asia Minor, on the coast of the Euxine.  They are said to have excluded men from their society; and by their warlike enterprises, to have conquered and alarmed surrounding nations.  Some writers treat these accounts as fables.
2.  By analogy, a warlike or masculine woman; a virago.
3.  This name has been given to some American females, on the banks of the largest river in the world, who joined their husbands in attacking the Spaniards that first visited the country.  This trivial occurrence gave the name Amazon to that river, whose real name is Maranon.


Topic: Amazonian
Definition:
AMAZO'NIAN, a.  
1.  Pertaining to or resembling an Amazon.  Applied to females, bold; of masculine manners; warlike.
2.  Belonging to the river Maranon in South America, or to Amazonia, the country lying on that river.


Topic: Ambages
Definition:
AMBA'GES, n.  [L. amb and ago, to drive.]
1.  A circumlocution; a circuit of words to express ideas which may be expressed in fewer words.
2.  A winding or turning.


Topic: Ambassador
Definition:
AMBAS'SADOR, n.  [This is the more common orthography; but good authors write also embassador; and as the orthography of embassy is established, it would be better to write embassador.  See Embassador.]


Topic: Ambe
Definition:
AM'BE or AM'BI, n.  [Gr. a brim; from amb, about.]
Literally, a brim; but in surgery, an instrument for reducing dislocated shoulders, so called from the jutting of its extremity.  Also the mango tree.
 


Topic: Amber
Definition:
AM'BER, n.  [In 1Kings 10:2-10, the Arabic is rendered spices.  The Arabic word is rendered by Castle, amber, a marine fish, a shield made of skins, crocus and fimus.]
A hard semi-pellucid substance, tasteless and without smell, except when pounded or heated, when it emits a fragrant odor.  It is found in alluvial soils, or on the sea shore, in many places; particularly on the shores of the Baltic, in Europe, and at Cape Sable, in Maryland, in the United States.  The ancient opinion of its vegetable origin seems now to be established, and it is believed or known to be a fossil resin.  It yields by distillation an empyreumatic oil, and succinic acid, which sublimes in small white needles.  Its color usually presents some tinge of yellow.  it is highly electrical, and is the basis of a varnish.
AM'BER, a.  Consisting of, or resembling amber.
AM'BER, v.t.  To scent with amber.


Topic: Amber-seed
Definition:
AM'BER-SEED, n.  Musk-seed, resembling millet.  It is of a bitterish taste, and brought from Egypt and the West Indies.


Topic: Amber-tree
Definition:
AM'BER-TREE,  n.  The English name of a species of Anthospermum, a shrub, with evergreen leaves, which, when bruised, emit a fragrant odor.


Topic: Ambergris
Definition:
AM'BERGRIS, n.  
A solid, opake, ash-colored inflammable substance, variegated like marble, remarkably light, rugged on its surface, and when heated, it has a fragrant odor.  It does not effervesce with acids; it melts easily into a kind of yellow resin, and is highly soluble in spirit of wine.  Various opinions have been entertained respecting its origin; but it is well ascertained, that it is indurated fecal matter, discharged by the spermaceti whale, a species of physeter.  It has been found in that species of whale, but usually is found floating on the surface of the ocean, in regions frequented by whales; sometimes in masses of from 60 to 225 pounds weight.  In this substance are found the beaks of the cuttle fish, on which that whale is known to feed.  It is highly valued as a material in perfumery. 


Topic: Ambidexter
Definition:
AM'BIDEXTER,  n.  [L. ambo, both, and dexter, the right hand.]
1.  A person who uses both hands with equal facility.
2.  A double dealer; one equally ready to act on either side in party disputes.  [This sense is used in ludicrous language.]
3.  In law, a juror who takes money of both parties, for giving his verdict; an embracer.


Topic: Ambidextrousness
Definition:
AMBIDEX'TROUSNESS, n.  The faculty of using both hands with equal facility; double dealing; the taking of money from both parties for a verdict.


Topic: Ambient
Definition:
AM'BIENT, a.  [L. ambiens, from ambio, to go round, from amb, about, and eo, to go.]
Surrounding; encompassing on all sides; investing; applied to fluids or diffusible substances; as, the ambient air.


Topic: Ambigenal
Definition:
AMBIG'ENAL, a.  [L. ambo, both, and genu, a knee.]
An ambigenal hyperbola is one of the triple hyperbolas of the second order, having one of its infinite legs falling within an angle formed by the asymptotes, and the other without.


Topic: Ambiguity
Definition:
AMBIGU'ITY, n.  [L. ambiguitas, from ambigo.]
Doubtfulness or uncertainty of signification, from a word's being susceptible of different meanings; double meaning.
Words should be used which admit of no ambiguity.


Topic: Ambiguous
Definition:
AMBIG'UOUS, a.  [L. ambiguus.]
Having two or more meanings; doubtful; being of uncertain signification; susceptible of different interpretations; hence, obscure.  It is applied to words and expressions; not to a dubious state of mind, though it may be to a person using words of doubtful signification.
The ancient oracles were ambiguous, as were their answers.


Topic: Ambiguousness
Definition:
AMBIG'UOUSNESS, n.  The quality of being ambiguous; uncertainty of meaning; ambiguity; and hence, obscurity.


Topic: Ambit
Definition:
AM'BIT, n.  [L. ambitus, a circuit, from ambio, to go about.  See Ambient.]
The line that encompasses a thing; in geometry, the perimeter of a figure, or the surface of a body.  The periphery or circumference of a circular body.


Topic: Ambition
Definition:
AMBI'TION, n.  [L. ambitio, from ambio, to go about, or to seek by making interest, of amb, about, and eo, to go.  See Ambages.  This word had its origin in the practice of Roman candidates for office, who went about the city to solicit votes.]
A desire of preferment, or of honor; a desire of excellence or superiority.  It is used in a good sense; as, emulation may spring from a laudable ambition.  It denotes also an inordinate desire of power, or eminence, often accompanied with illegal means to obtain the object.  It is sometimes followed by of; as, a man has an ambition of wit.  Milton has used the word in the Latin sense of going about, or attempting; but this sense is hardly legitimate.
AMBI'TION, v.t.  Ambitiously to seek after.  [Little used.]


Topic: Ambitious
Definition:
AMBI'TIOUS, a. 
1.  Desirous of power, honor, office, superiority or excellence; aspiring; eager for fame; followed by of before a noun; as ambitious of glory.
2.  Showy; adapted to command notice or praise; as, ambitious ornaments.
3.  Figuratively, eager to swell or rise higher; as, the ambitious ocean.


Topic: Ambitiousness
Definition:
AMBI'TIOUSNESS, n.  The quality of being ambitious; ambition.  Being nearly synonymous with ambition, it is not often used.


Topic: Amble
Definition:
AM'BLE, v.i.  [L. ambulo, to walk.]
1.  To move with a certain peculiar pace, as a horse, first lifting his two legs on one side, and then changing to the other 2.  To move easy, without hard shocks.
Him time ambles withal.
3.  In a ludicrous sense, to move with submission, or by direction, or to move affectedly.
AM'BLE, n.  A peculiar pace of a horse.


Topic: Ambligon
Definition:
AM'BLIGON, or AM'BLYGON, n.  [Gr. obtuse, and an angle.]
An obtuse angled triangle; a triangle with one angle of more than ninety degrees.


Topic: Ambligonite
Definition:
AM'BLIGONITE, n.  [Gr. having an obtuse angle.]
A greenish colored mineral, of different pale shades, marked on the surface with reddish and yellowish brown spots.  It occurs massive or crystallized in oblique foursided prisms, in granite, with topaz and tourmalin, in Saxony.


Topic: Amblyopy
Definition:
AM'BLYOPY, n.  [Gr. dull, and eye.]
Incipient amaurosis; dulness or obscurity of sight, without any apparent defect of the organs; sight so depraved that objects can be seen only in a certain light, distance, or position.


Topic: Ambrosia
Definition:
AMBRO'SIA, n.  ambro'zha,  [Gr. a neg. and mortal, because it was supposed to confer immortality on them that fed on it.]
1.  In heathen antiquity, the imaginary food of the gods.  Hence,
2.  Whatever is very pleasing to the taste or smell.  The name has also been given to certain alexipharmic compositions.


Topic: Ambrosial
Definition:
AMBRO'SIAL, a.  ambro'zhal.  Partaking of the nature or qualities of ambrosia; fragrant; delighting the taste or smell; as, ambrosial dews.  Ben Jonson uses ambrosiac in a like sense, and Bailey has ambrosian, but these seem not to be warranted by usage.


Topic: Ambrosian
Definition:
AMBRO'SIAN, a.  Pertaining to St Ambrose.  The Ambrosian office, or ritual, is a formula of worship in the church of Milan, instituted by St. Ambrose, in the fourth century.


Topic: Ambrosin
Definition:
AM'BROSIN, n.  In the middle ages, a coin struck by the dukes of Milan, on which St. Ambrose was represented on horseback, with a whip in his right hand.


Topic: Ambry
Definition:
AM'BRY, n.  
1.  An almonry; a place where alms are deposited for distribution to the poor.  In ancient abbeys and priories there was an office of this name, in which the almoner lived.
2.  A place in which are deposited the utensils for house keeping; also a cupboard; a place for cold victuals.


Topic: Ambulant
Definition:
AM'BULANT, a.  [L. ambulans, from ambulo.]
Walking; moving from place to place.
Ambulant brokers, in Amsterdam, are exchange-brokers, or agents, who are not sworn, and whose testimony is not received in courts of justice.


Topic: Ambulator
Definition:
AM'BULATOR, n.  In entomology, a species of Lamia, whose thorax is armed on each side with two spines; a Cerambyx of Linne.


Topic: Ambulatory
Definition:
AM'BULATORY, a.  
1.  That has the power of faculty of walking; as, an animal is ambulatory.
2.  Pertaining to a walk; as, an ambulatory view.
3.  Moving from place to place; not stationary; as, an ambulatory court, which exercises its jurisdiction in different places.


Topic: Ambury
Definition:
AM'BURY, OR AN'BURY,  n.  [L. umbo, the navel;  Gr.]
Among farriers, a tumor, wart or swelling on a horse, full of blood and soft to the touch.


Topic: Ambuscade
Definition:
AM'BUSCADE, n.  [Eng. bush.]
1.  Literally, a lying in a wood, concealed, for the purpose of attacking an enemy by surprise: hence, a lying in wait, and concealed in any situation, for a like purpose.
2.  A private station in which troops lie concealed with a view to attack their enemy by surprise; ambush.
AM'BUSCADE, v.t.  To lie in wait for, or to attack from a concealed position.


Topic: Ambuscaded
Definition:
AM'BUSCADED, pp.  Having an ambush laid against, or attacked from a private station; as, his troops were ambuscaded.


Topic: Ambush
Definition:
AM'BUSH, n.
1.  A private or concealed station, where troops lie in wait to attack their enemy by surprise.
2.  The state of lying concealed, for the purpose of attacking by surprise; a lying in wait.
3.  The troops posted in a concealed place for attacking by surprise.
Lay thee an ambush for the city.  Josh. 8.
AM'BUSH, v.t.  To lie in wait for; to surprise, by assailing unexpectedly from a concealed place.
AM'BUSH, v.i.  To lie in wait, for the purpose of attacking by surprise.
Nor saw the snake, that ambushed for his prey.


Topic: Ambustion
Definition:
AMBUS'TION, n.  [L. ambustio, from amburo, to burn or scorch, of amb, about, and uro, to burn.]
Among physicians, a burning; a burn or scald.


Topic: Amel
Definition:
AM'EL, n.  The matter with which metallic bodies are overlaid; but its use is superseded by enamel; which see.


Topic: Ameliorate
Definition:
AME'LIORATE, v.t.  [L. melior, better.]
To make better; to improve; to meliorate.
AME'LIORATE, v.il  To grow better; to meliorate.


Topic: Amen
Definition:
AMEN'.  This word, with slight differences or orthography, is in all the dialects of the Assyrian stock.  As a verb, it signifies to confirm, establish, verify; to trust, or give confidence; as a noun, truth, firmness, trust, confidence; as an adjective, firm, stable.  In English, after the oriental manner, it is used at the beginning, but more generally at the end of declarations and prayers, in the sense of, be it firm, be it established.
And let all the people say amen.  Ps. 104.
The word is used also as a noun.
'All the promises of God are amen in Christ;' that is, firmness, stability, constancy.  


Topic: Amenable
Definition:
AME'NABLE, a.  
1.  In old law, easy to be led; governable, as a woman by her husband.  [This sense is obsolete.]
2.  Liable to answer; responsible; answerable; liable to be called to account; as, every man is amenable to the laws.
We retain this idiom in the popular phrase, to bring in, to make answerable; as a man is brought in to pay the debt of another.


Topic: Amend
Definition:
AMEND', v.t.  [L. emendo, of e neg, and menda, mendum, a fault.  See mend.]
1.  To correct; to rectify by expunging a mistake; as, to amend a law.
2.  To reform, by quitting bad habits; to make better in a moral sense; as, to amend our ways or our conduct.
3.  To correct; to supply a defect; to improve or make better, by some addition of what is wanted, as well as by expunging what is wrong, as to amend a bill before a legislature.  Hence it is applied to the correction of authors, by restoring passages which had been omitted, or restoring the true reading.
AMEND', v.i.  To grow or become better, by reformation, or rectifying something wrong in manners or morals.  It differs from improve, in this, that to amend implies something previously wrong; to improve, does not.
AMEND',  A pecuniary punishment, or fine.  The amende honorable, in France, is an infamous punishment inflicted on traitors, parricides and sacrilegious persons.  The offender,being led into court with a rope about his neck, begs pardon of his God, the court, &c.  These words denote also a recantation in open court, or in presence of the injured person.


Topic: Amendment
Definition:
AMEND'MENT, n.
1.  An alteration or change for the better; correction of a fault or faults; reformation of life, by quitting vices. 
2.  A word, clause or paragraph, added or proposed to be added to a bill before a legislature.
3.  In law, the correction of an error in a writ or process.
Shakespeare uses it for the recovery of health, but this sense is unusual.


Topic: Amends
Definition:
AMENDS', n. plu.
Compensation for an injury; recompense; satisfaction; equivalent; as, the happiness of a future life will more than make amends for the miseries of this.


Topic: Amenity
Definition:
AME'NITY, n.  [L. amanitas; amanus.]  Pleasantness; agreeableness of situation; that which delights the eye; used of places and prospects.


Topic: Ament
Definition:
AM'ENT, n.  [L. amentum, a thong, or strap.]
A botany, a species of inflorescence, from a common, chaffy receptacle; or consisting of many scales, ranged along a stalk or slender axis, which is the common receptacle; as in birch, oak, chestnut.


Topic: Amentaceous
Definition:
AMENTA'CEOUS, a.  Growing in an ament; resembling; a thong; as, the chestnut has an amentaceous inflorescence.


Topic: Amerce
Definition:
AMERCE, v.t.  amers'.  [A verb formed from a for on or at, from L. merces, reward.]
1.  To inflict a penalty at mercy; to punish by a pecuniary penalty, the amount of which is not fixed by law, but left to the discretion or mercy of the court; as, the court amerced the criminal in the sum of one hundred dollars.
2.  To inflict a pecuniary penalty; to punish in general.  Milton uses of after amerce; 'Millions of spirits amerced of heaven;' but this use seems to be a poetic license.


Topic: Amercement
Definition:
AMERCEMENT, n. amers'ment.  A pecuniary penalty inflicted on an offender at the discretion of the court.  It differs from a fine, in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statute for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary.  Hence the practice of affeering.  [See Affeer.]  But in America, the word fine is now used for a pecuniary penalty which is uncertain; and it is common in statutes, to enact that an offender shall be fined, at the discretion of the court.  In England also, fines are now usually discretionary.  Thus the word fine has, in a measure, superseded the use of amercement.  This word, in old books, is written amerciament.
Amercement royal is a penalty imposed on an officer for a misdemeanor in his office.


Topic: America
Definition:
AMER'ICA, n.  [from Amerigo Vespucci, a Florentine, who pretended to have first discovered the western continent.]
One of the great continents, first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, June 11, O.S. 1498, and by Columbus, or Christoval Colon, Aug. 1, the same year.  It extends from the eightieth degree of North, to the fifty-fourth degree of South Latitude; and from the thirty-fifth to the one hundred and fifty-sixth degree of Longitude West from Greenwich, being about nine thousand miles in length.  Its breadth at Darien is narrowed to about forty-five miles, but at the northern extremity is nearly four thousand miles.  From Darien to the North, the continent is called North America, and to the South, it is called South America.


Topic: American
Definition:
AMER'ICAN, a.  Pertaining to America.
AMER'ICAN, n.  A native of America; originally applied to the aboriginals, or copper-colored races, found here by the Europeans; but now applied to the descendants of Europeans born in America.
The name American must always exalt the pride of patriotism.


Topic: Americanism
Definition:
AMER'ICANISM, n.  The love which American citizens have to their own country, or the preference of its interests.  Analogically, an American idiom.


Topic: Americim
Definition:
AMER'ICIM, n.  A species of lizard in South America, not more than two inches in length, and the third of an inch in diameter.  Its legs are of the size of a hog's bristle.


Topic: Amethyst
Definition:
AM'ETHYST, n.  [L. amethystus;  Gr. which the Greeks supposed to be formed from a neg. and to inebriate, from some supposed quality in the stone of resisting intoxication.  Plin. 37.9, mentions an opinion that it takes its name from its color approaching that of wine, but not reaching it.]
A sub-species of quartz, of a violet blue color, of different degrees of intensity.  It generally occurs crystallized in hexahedral prisms or pyramids; also in rolled fragments, composed of imperfect prismatic crystals.  Its fracture is conchoidal or splintery.  It is wrought into various articles of jewelry.
AM'ETHYST, in heraldry, signifies a purple color.  It is the same, in a nobelman's escutcheon, as purpure, in a gentleman's and mercury, in that of a prince.


Topic: Amethystine
Definition:
AMETHYST'INE, a.  Pertaining to or resembling amethyst; anciently applied to a garment of the color of amethyst, as distinguished from the Tyrian and hyacinthine purple.


Topic: Amiable
Definition:
A'MIABLE, a.  [L. amabilis; from amo, to love.]
1.  Lovely; worth of love; deserving of affection; applied usually to persons.  But in Ps. 84:1, there is an exception, 'How amiable are the tabernacles, O Lord.'
2.  Pretending or showing love.
Lay amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife.
But this use is not legitimate.


Topic: Amianthinite
Definition:
AMIANTH'INITE, n.  A species of amorphous mineral, a variety of actinolite; its color ash, greenish or yellowish gray, often mixed with yellow or red; its fracture confusedly foliated and fibrous.


Topic: Amianthoid
Definition:
AMIANTH'OID, n.  [Amianth and Gr. form.]
A mineral which occurs in tufts, composed of long capillary filaments, flexible and very elastic; more flexible than the fibers of asbestus, but stiffer and more elastic than those of amianth.  The color is olive green, or greenish white.
AMIANTH'OID, a.  Resembling amianth in form.


Topic: Amianthus
Definition:
AMIANTH'US, n.  [Gr. of a neg. and to pollute, or vitiate; so called from its incombustibility.  Plin. 36. 19.]
Earth-flax, or mountain flax; a mineral substance somewhat resembling flax; usually grayish, or of a greenish white; sometimes of a yellowish or silvery white, olive or mountain green, of a pale flesh red or ocher color.  It is composed of delicate filaments, very flexible and somewhat elastic, often long and resembling threads of silk.  It is incombustible, and has sometimes been wrought into cloth and paper.


Topic: Amicable
Definition:
AM'ICABLE, a.  [L. amicabilis, from amicus, a friend, from amo, to love.]
1.  Friendly; peaceable; harmonious in social or mutual transactions; usually applied to the dispositions of men who have business with each other, or to their intercourse and transactions; as, nations or men have come to an amicable adjustment of their differences.
2.  Disposed to peace and friendship; as, an amicable temper.  [But rarely applied to a single person.]


Topic: Amicableness
Definition:
AM'ICABLENESS, n.  The quality of being peaceable, friendly, or disposed to peace; friendliness; a disposition to preserve peace and friendship.


Topic: Amicably
Definition:
AM'ICABLY, adv.  In a friendly manner; with harmony or good will; without controversy; as, the dispute was amicably adjusted.


Topic: Amice
Definition:
AM'ICE, n.  [L. amictus from amicior, to clothe.]
A square linen cloth that a Catholic priest ties about his neck, hanging down behind under the alb, when he officiates at mass.


Topic: Amilot
Definition:
AM'ILOT, n.  A white fish in the Mexican lakes, more than a foot in length, and much esteemed at the table.


Topic: Amiss
Definition:
AMISS', a.  [a and miss.  See Miss.]
1.  Wrong; faulty; out of order; improper; as, it may not be amiss to ask advice.  [This adjective always follows its noun.]
2.  adv.  In a faulty manner; contrary to propriety, truth, law or morality.
Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss.  James 4.
Applied to the body, it signifies indisposed; as, I am somewhat amiss to day.


Topic: Amity
Definition:
AM'ITY, n.  [L. amo, amicitia.]
Friendship, in a general sense, between individuals, societies or nations; harmony; good understanding; as, our nation is in amity with all the world; a treaty of amity and commerce.


Topic: Amma
Definition:
AM'MA, n.  [Heb. mother.]
1.  An abbess or spiritual mother.
2.  A girdle or truss used in ruptures.  [Gr.]


Topic: Amman
Definition:
AM'MAN, n.  [See embassador.]
In some European nations, a judge who has cognizance of civil causes.  In France, a notary or officer who draws deeds and other writings.


Topic: Ammite
Definition:
AM'MITE, or HAM'MITE, n.  [Gr. sand.]
A sand-stone or free-stone, of a pale brown color, very heavy, of a lax texture, composed of small round granules, cemented by an earthy sparry matter.  The grit or granules are small stalagmites, composed of crusts or coats including one another.  It is the roe-stone or oolite of recent authors.


Topic: Ammocete
Definition:
AM'MOCETE,n.  An obsolete name of the ammodyte.  In Cuvier, the name of a genus of fish, including the lampern.


Topic: Ammochryse
Definition:
AM'MOCHRYSE, n.  am'mokris. [Gr. sand and gold.]
A yellow soft stone, found in Germany, consisting of glossy yellow particles.  When rubbed or ground, it is used to strew over writing, like black sand with us.


Topic: Ammodyte
Definition:
AM'MODYTE, n.  [Gr. and, and to enter.]
The sand eel, a genus of fish, of the apodal order, about a foot in length, with a compressed head, a long slender body, and scales hardly perceptible.  There is but one species, the tobianus or lance.  It buries itself in the sand, and is found also in the stomach of the porpess.  which indicates that the latter fish roots up the sand like a hog.
This name is also given to a serpent of the size of a viper, and of a yellowish color, found in Africa; also to a large serpent of Ceylon, of a whitish ash color, and very venomous.


Topic: Ammonian
Definition:
AMMO'NIAN, a.  Relating to Ammonius, surnamed Saccas,of Alexandria, who flourished at the end of the second century, and was the founder of the eclectic system of Philosophy; or rather, he completed the establishment of the sect, which originated with Potamo.


Topic: Ammonite
Definition:
AM'MONITE, n.[Cornu ammonis, from Jupiter Ammon, whose statues were represented with ram's horns.]
Serpent-stone, or cornu ammonis, a fossil shell, curved into a spiral, like a ram's horn; of various sizes, from the smallest grains to three feet in diameter.  This fossil is found in stratums of limestone and clay, and in argillaceous iron ore.  It is smooth or ridged; the ridges strait, crooked or undulated.


Topic: Ammonium
Definition:
AMMO'NIUM, n.  A name given to the supposed metallic basis of ammonia.  If mercury, at the negative pole of a galvanic battery, is placed in contact with a solution of ammonia, and the circuit is completed, an amalgam is formed, which, at the temperature of 70 degrees or 80 degrees of Fahrenheit, is of the consistence of butter, but at the freezing point is a firm and crystallized mass.  This amalgam is supposed to be formed by the metallic basis, ammonium.


Topic: Ammony
Definition:
AM'MONY, n.  [The real origin of this word is not ascertained.  Some authors suppose it to be from Ammon, a title of Jupiter, near whose temple in upper Egypt, it was generated.  Others suppose it to be from Ammonia, a Cyrenaic territory; and others deduce it from sand, as it was found in sandy ground.  anglicized, this forms an elegant word, ammony.]
Volatile alkali; a substance, which, in its purest form, exists in a state of gas.  It is composed of hydrogen and nitrogen.  Combined with the muriatic acid, it forms the muriate of ammonia, called also sal ammoniac and hydro-chlorate of ammonia.  Native muriate of ammony is found in Egypt, where it is said to be generated in large inns and caravanseras, from the excrements of camels and other beasts.  It occurs also massive and crystallized in the vicinity of volcanoes.  Ammony, popularly called hartshorn, is extremely pungent and acrid, but when diluted, is an agreeable stimulant.  it extinguishes flame, and is fatal to animal life.  It combines with acids, and produces a class of salts, which, with few exceptions, are soluble in water.


Topic: Ammunition
Definition:
AMMUNI'TION, n.  [L. ad and munitio, from munio, to fortify.]
Military stores, or provisions for attack or defense.  In modern usage, the signification is confined to the articles which are used in the discharge of fire-arms and ordnance of all kinds; as powder, balls, bombs, various kinds of shot, &c.
Ammunition-bread, bread or other provisions to supply troops.


Topic: Amnesty
Definition:
AM'NESTY, n.  [Gr. of a neg and memory, from the root of mens, mind.  See Mind.]
An act of oblivion; a general pardon of the offenses of subjects against the government, or the proclamation of such pardon.


Topic: Amnion
Definition:
AM'NIOS or AM'NION, n.  [Gr. a vessel or membrane.]
The innermost membrane surrounding the fetus in the womb.  It is thin, transparent, soft and smooth on the inside, but rough on the outside.


Topic: Amobeum
Definition:
AMOBE'UM, n.  [Gr. alternate; change.]
A poem in which persona are represented as speaking alternately, as the third and seventh eclogues of Virgil.


Topic: Amomum
Definition:
AMO'MUM n.  [Gr.]
A genus of plants; all natives of warm climates, and remarkable for their pungency and aromatic properties.  it includes the common ginger or zingiber, the zerumbet, zedoary, cardamom, and granum paradisi or grains of paradise.  The roots of the three former, and the seeds of the two latter, are used in medicine as carminatives and stimulants, and in cookery as condiments.  They are important articles of commerce.
True amomum is a round fruit, from the East, of the size of a grape, containing, under a membranous cover, a number of angular seeds of a dark brown color, in three cells.  Of this fruit, ten or twelve grow in a cluster, adhering without a pedicle, to a woody stalk.  It is of a pungent taste and aromatic smell, and was formerly much used in medicine, but is not a stranger to the shops.


Topic: Amonian
Definition:
AMO'NIAN, a.  [from Amon or Hamon, a title of Jupiter, or rather of the sun.  Heb.]
Pertaining to Jupiter Amon, or to his temple and worship in upper Egypt.


Topic: Amorado
Definition:
AMORA'DO, n.  [L. amor, love, amo, to love.  but the word is ill formed.]  A lover.  See Inamorato, which is chiefly used.


Topic: Amore
Definition:
AMO'RE, n.  A name given by Marcgrave, to a tribe of fish, of three species, the pixuma, guacu, and tinga.  They are found about the shores of South America, and are used for food.


Topic: Amoreans
Definition:
AMORE'ANS, n.  A sect of Gemaric doctors or commentators on the Jerusalem Talmud.  The Amoreans were followed by the Mishnic doctors, and these by the Sebureans.


Topic: Amoret
Definition:
AMORET', n.  [L. amor, love.]
A lover; an amorous woman; also a love knot or a trifling love affair.


Topic: Amorous
Definition:
AM'OROUS, a.  [L. amor, love.]
1.  Inclined to love; having a propensity to love, or to sexual enjoyment; loving; fond.
2.  In love; enamored.
3.  Pertaining or relating to love; produced by love; indicating love; as amorous delight; amorous airs.


Topic: Amorousness
Definition:
AM'OROUSNESS, n.  The quality of being inclined to love, or to sexual pleasure; fondness; lovingness.


Topic: Amorpha
Definition:
AMORPH'A, n.  [Gr. a neg and form.]
False or bastard indigo.  The plant is a native of Carolina, constituting a genus.  It rises, with many irregular stems, to the height of twelve or fourteen feet; the leaves, beautifully pinnated, are of an admired green color, and its purple flowers grow in spikes of seven or eight inches long.  Of this plant has been made a course kind of indigo.


