# Dictionary

Topic: Infusory
Definition:
INFU'SORY, a.  The infusory order of worms. [vermes] comprehends those minute and simple animalcules which are seldom capable of being traced except by the microscope.
Ing, in Saxon, signifies a pasture or meadow.


Topic: Ingathering
Definition:
INGATH'ERING, n. [in and gathering.]  The act or business of collecting and securing the fruits of the earth; harvest; a the feast of ingathering.  Ex.23.


Topic: Ingeminate
Definition:
INGEM'INATE, a. [L. ingeminatus.]  Redoubled.
INGEM'INATE, v.t. [L. ingemino; in and gemino.]
To double or repeat.


Topic: Ingenerate
Definition:
INGEN'ERATE, v.t. [L. ingenero; in and genero, to generate.]
To generate or produce within.
INGEN'ERATE, a.  Generated within; inborn; innate; inbred; as ingenerate powers of body.


Topic: Ingenious
Definition:
INGE'NIOUS, a. [L. ingeniosus, from ingenium; in and genius, geno, gigno, to beget.
1.  Possessed of genius, or the faculty of invention; hence, skillful or prompt to invent; having an aptitude to contrive, or to form new combinations of ideas; as an ingenious author; an ingenious mechanic.
 The more ingenious men are, the more apt are they to trouble themselves.
2.  Proceeding from genius or ingenuity; of curious design, structure or mechanism; as an ingenious performance of any kind; an ingenious scheme or plan; an ingenious model or machine; ingenious fabric; ingenious contrivance.
3.  Witty; well formed; well adapted; as an ingenious reply.
4.  Mental; intellectual.  [Not used.]


Topic: Ingeniousness
Definition:
INGE'NIOUSNESS, n.  The quality of being ingenious or prompt in invention; ingenuity; used of persons.
1.  Curiousness of design or mechanism; used of things.


Topic: Ingenuity
Definition:
INGENU'ITY, n.  The quality or power of ready invention; quickness or acuteness in combining ideas, or in forming new combinations; ingeniousness; skill; used of persons.  How many machines for saving labor has the ingenuity of men devised and constructed.
1.  Curiousness in design, the effect of ingenuity; as the ingenuity of a plan or of mechanism.
2.  Openness of heart; fairness; candor. [This sense of the word was formerly common, and is found in good authors down to the age of Locke, and even later; but it is now wholly obsolete. In lieu of it, ingenousness is used.]


Topic: Ingenuous
Definition:
INGEN'UOUS, a. [L. ingenuus.]  Open; frank; fair; candid; free from reserve, disguise, equivocation or dissimulation;  used of persons or things.  We speak of an ingenuous mind; an ingenuous man; an ingenuous declaration or confession.
1.  Noble; generous; as an ingenuous ardor or zeal; ingenuous detestation of falsehood.
2.  Of honorable extraction; freeborn; as ingenuous blood or birth.


Topic: Ingenuousness
Definition:
INGEN'UOUSNESS, n.  Openness of heart; frankness; fairness; freedom from reserve or dissimulation; as, to confess our faults with ingenuousness.
1.  Fairness; candidness; as the ingenuousness of a confession.


Topic: Ingest
Definition:
INGEST', v.t.  [L. ingestus, from ingero; in and gero, to bear.]
To throw into the stomach.  [Little used.]


Topic: Ingle
Definition:
IN'GLE, n. [L. igniculus, ignis.]  Flame; blaze.  [Not in use.]
1.  In Scottish, a fire, or fireplace.


Topic: Inglorious
Definition:
INGLO'RIOUS, a. [L. inglorius; in and gloria.]
1.  Not glorious; not bringing honor or glory; not accompanied with fame or celebrity; as an inglorious life of ease.
2.  Shameful; disgraceful.  He charged his troops with inglorious flight.


Topic: Ingraft
Definition:
INGR`AFT, v.t. [in and graff.  The original word is ingraff or graff, but it is corrupted beyond recovery.]
1.  To insert a cion of one tree or plant into another for propagation; as, to ingraft the cion of an apple-tree on a pear-tree, as its stock; to ingraft a peach on a plum.
2.  To propagate by incision.
3.  To plant or introduce something foreign into that which is native, for the purpose of propagation.
 This fellow would ingraft a foreign name
 Upon our stock.
4. To set or fix deep and firm.
 Ingrafted love he bears to Caesar.


Topic: Ingrafted
Definition:
INGR`AFTED, pp.  Inserted into a stock for growth and propagation; introduced into a native stock; set or fixed deep.


Topic: Ingrafting
Definition:
INGR`AFTING, ppr. Inserting, as cions in stocks; introducing and inserting on a native stock what is foreign; fixing deep.


Topic: Ingratiate
Definition:
INGRA'TIATE, v.t.  ingra'shate. [L. in and gratia, favor.]
1.  To commend one's self to another's good will, confidence or kindness.  It is always used as a reciprocal verb,and followed by with, before the person whose favor is sought. Ministers and courtiers ingratiate themselves with their sovereign.  Demagogues ingratiate themselves with the populace.
2. To recommend; to render easy; used of things.


Topic: Ingratiating
Definition:
INGRA'TIATING, ppr.  Commending one's self to the favor of another.
INGRA'TIATING, n.  The act of commending one's self to another's favor.


Topic: Ingratitude
Definition:
INGRAT'ITUDE, n.
1.  Want of gratitude or sentiments of kindness for favors received; insensibility to favors,and want of a disposition to repay them; unthankfulness.
 Ingratitude is abhorred by God and man.
 No man will own himself guilty of ingratitude.
2.  Retribution of evil for good.
 Nor was it with ingratitude returned.


Topic: Ingredient
Definition:
INGRE'DIENT, n. [L. ingrediens, entering into; ingredior; in and gradior.  See Grade.]
That which enters into a compound, or is a component part of any compound or mixture.  It is particularly applied to the simples in medicinal compositions, but admits of a very general application.  We say, an ointment or a decoction is composed of certain ingredients; and Addison wondered that learning was not thought a proper ingredient in the education of a woman of quality or fortune.


Topic: Ingress
Definition:
IN'GRESS, n. [L. ingerssus, ingredior, supra.]
1.  Entrance; as the ingress of air into the lungs. It is particularly applied to the entrance of the moon into the shadow of the earth in eclipses, the sun's entrance into a sign, &c.
2.  Power of entrance; means of entering. All ingress was prohibited.


Topic: Ingulf
Definition:
INGULF', v.t. [in and gulf.]  To swallow up in a vast deep,gulf or whirlpool.
1.  To cast into a gulf.


Topic: Ingurgitate
Definition:
INGUR'GITATE, v.t. [L. ingurgito; in and gurges, a gulf.]
To swallow greedily or in great quantity.
INGUR'GITATE, v.i. To drink largely; to swill.


Topic: Inhabile
Definition:
INHAB'ILE, a. [L. inhabilis; in and habilis, apt, fit.]
1.  Not apt or fit; unfit; not convenient; as inhabile matter.
2.  Unskilled; unready; unqualified; used of persons.  [Little used. See Unable.]


Topic: Inhability
Definition:
INHABIL'ITY, n. [from inhabile.]  Unaptness; unfitness; want of skill. [Little used.  See Inability.]


Topic: Inhabit
Definition:
INHAB'IT, v.t. [L. inhabito; in and habito, to dwell.]
To live or dwell in; to occupy as a place of settled residence.  Wild beasts inhabit the forest; fishes inhabit the ocean, lakes and rivers; men inhabit cities and houses.
 Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity--Is.57.
INHAB'IT, v.i.  To dwell; to live; to abide.
 They say wild beasts inhabit here.


Topic: Inhabitable
Definition:
INHAB'ITABLE, a. [from inhabit.]  Habitable; that may be inhabited; capable of affording habitation to animals. The stars may be inhabitable worlds. Some regions of the earth are not inhabitable by reason of cold or sterility.  A building may be too old and decayed to be inhabitable.
1.  Not habitable. [L. inhabitabilis.]  [Not in use.]


Topic: Inhabitancy
Definition:
INHAB'ITANCY, n.  Residence; habitancy; permanent or legal residence in a town, city or parish; or the domiciliation which the law required to entitle a pauper to demand support from the town, city or parish in which he lives, otherwise called a legal settlement, which subjects a town to support a person, if a pauper.


Topic: Inhabitant
Definition:
INHAB'ITANT, n.  A dweller; one who dwells or resides permanently in a place, or who has a fixed residence, as distinguished from an occasional lodger or visitor; as the inhabitant of a house or cottage; the inhabitants of a town, city, county or state. So brute animals are inhabitants of the regions to which their natures are adapted; and we speak of spiritual beings, as inhabitants of heaven.
1.  One who has a legal settlement in a town, city or parish. The conditions or qualifications which constitute a person an inhabitant of a town or parish, so as to subject the town or parish to support him, if a pauper, are defined by the statutes of different governments or states.


Topic: Inhabitation
Definition:
INHABITA'TION, n.  The act of inhabiting, or state of being inhabited.
1.  Abode; place of dwelling.
2.  Population; whole mass of inhabitants.
[This word is little use.]


Topic: Inhale
Definition:
INHA'LE, v.t. [L. inhalo; in and halo, to breathe.]
To draw into the lungs; to inspire; as, to inhale air; opposed to exhale and expire.
 Martin was walking forth to inhale the fresh breeze of the evening.


Topic: Inhaler
Definition:
INHA'LER, n. One who inhales.
1. In medicine, a machine for breathing or drawing warm steam into the lungs, as a remedy for coughs and catarrhal complaints.


Topic: Inhere
Definition:
INHE'RE, v.i. [L. inhoereo; in and hoereo, to hang.]
To exist or be fixed in something else; as, colors inhere in cloth; a dart inheres in the flesh.


Topic: Inherent
Definition:
INHE'RENT, a.  Existing in something else, so as to be inseparable from it.
 Inherent baseness.
1.  Innate; naturally pertaining to; as the inherent qualities of the magnet; the inherent right of men to life, liberty and protection.


Topic: Inherit
Definition:
INHER'IT, v.t. [L. hoeres, an heir.  See Heir.]
1.  To take by descent from an ancestor; to take by succession, as the representative of the former possessor; to receive, as a right or title descendible by law from an ancestor at his decease.  The heir inherits the lands or real estate of his father; the eldest son of the nobleman inherits his father's title, and the eldest son of a king inherits the crown.
2.  To receive by nature from a progenitor.  The son inherits the virtues of his father; the daughter inherits the temper of her mother, and children often inherit the constitutional infirmities of their parents. 
3.  To possess; to enjoy; to take as a possession, by gift or divine appropriation; as, to inherit everlasting life; to inherit the promises.
 --That thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.  Deut. 16.
 The meek shall inherit the earth. Matt.5.
INHER'IT, v.i.  To take or have possession or property.
 --Thou shall not inherit in our father's house. Judges 11.


Topic: Inheritable
Definition:
INHER'ITABLE, a.  That may be inherited; transmissible or descendible from the ancestor to the heir by course of law; as an inheritable estate or title.
1.  That may be transmitted from the parent to the child; as inheritable qualities or infirmities.
2.  Capable of taking by inheritance, or of receiving by descent.
 By attainder--the blood of the person attainted is so corrupted as to be rendered no longer inheritable.


Topic: Inheritance
Definition:
INHER'ITANCE, n. An estate derived from an ancestor to an heir by succession or in course of law; or an estate which the law casts on a child or other person, as the representative of the deceased ancestor.
1.  The reception of an estate by hereditary right, or the descent by which an estate or title is cast on the heir; as, the heir received the estate by inheritance.
2.  The estate or possession which may descend to an heir, though it has not descended.
 And Rachel and Leah answered and said, is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? Gen.31.
3.  An estate given or possessed by donation or divine appropriation. Num.26.
4.  That which is possessed or enjoyed.
 Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance. Ps.2.


Topic: Inheriting
Definition:
INHER'ITING, ppr.  Taking by succession or right of representation; receiving from ancestors; possessing.


Topic: Inhesion
Definition:
INHE'SION, n. s as z. [L. inhoesio, inhoereo.]
Inherence; the state of existing or being fixed in something.


Topic: Inhibit
Definition:
INHIB'IT, v.t. [L. inhibeo; in and habeo, to hold, properly to rush or drive.]
1.  To restrain; to hinder; to check or repress.
 Their motions also are excited or inhibited--by the objects without them.
2.  To forbid; to prohibit; to interdict.
 All men were inhibited by proclamation at the dissolution so much as to mention a parliament.


Topic: Inhibition
Definition:
INHIBI'TION, n. [L. inhibitio.]
1.  Prohibition; restraint; embargo.
2.  In law, a writ to forbid or inhibit a judge from farther
proceedings in a cause depending before him; commonly, a writ issuing from a higher ecclesiastical court to an inferior one, on appeal.


Topic: Inhold
Definition:
INHOLD, v.t.  pret. and pp. inheld. [in and hold.]
To have inherent; to contain in itself. [Little used.]


Topic: Inhospitable
Definition:
INHOS'PITABLE, a. [in and hospitable.]
1.  Not hospitable; not disposed to entertain strangers gratuitously; declining to entertain guests, or entertaining them with reluctance; as an inhospitable person or people.
2.  Affording no conveniences, subsistence or shelter to strangers; as inhospitable desserts or rocks.


Topic: Inhospitality
Definition:
INHOSPITAL'ITY , n. Want of hospitality or kindness to strangers; refusal or unwillingness to entertain guests or strangers without reward.


Topic: Inhuman
Definition:
INHU'MAN, a. [L. inhumanus; in and humanus, humane.]
1.  Destitute of the kindness and tenderness that belong to a human being; cruel; barbarous; savage; unfeeling; as an inhuman person or people.
2.  Marked with cruelty; as an inhuman act.


Topic: Inhumanity
Definition:
INHUMAN'ITY, n. Cruelty in disposition; savageness of heart; used of persons.
1.  Cruelty in act; barbarity; used of actions.


Topic: Inhume
Definition:
INHU'ME , v.t.  [L. inhumo, humo, to bury.]
1.  To bury; to inter; to deposit in the earth, as a dead body.
2.  To digest in a vessel surrounded with warm earth.


Topic: Inimical
Definition:
INIM'ICAL, a. [L. inimiens; in and amicus, a friend.]
1.  Unfriendly; having the disposition or temper of an enemy; applied to private enmity, as hostile is to public.
2.  Adverse; hurtful; repugnant.
 --Savage violences inimical to commerce.


Topic: Inimitable
Definition:
INIM'ITABLE, a. [L. inimitabilis; in and imitabilis, from imitor, to imitate.]  That cannot be imitated or copied; surpassing imitation; as inimitable beauty or excellence; an inimitable description; inimitable eloquence.


Topic: Inimitably
Definition:
INIM'ITABLY, adv.  In a manner not to be imitated; to a degree beyond imitation.
 Charms such as thine, inimitably great.


Topic: Iniquitous
Definition:
INIQ'UITOUS, a.  [See Iniquity.]  Unjust; wicked; as an iniquitous bargain; an iniquitous proceeding.  [It is applied to things rather than to persons, but may be applied to persons.]


Topic: Iniquity
Definition:
INIQ'UITY, n. [L. iniquitas; in and oequitas, equity.]
1.  Injustice; unrighteousness; a deviation from rectitude; as the iniquity of war; the iniquity of the slave trade.
2.  Want of rectitude in principle; as a malicious prosecution originating in the iniquity of the author.
3.  A particular deviation from rectitude; a sin or crime; wickedness; any act of injustice.
 Your iniquities have separated between you and your God. Is.59.
4.  Original want of holiness or depravity.
 I was shapen in iniquity. Ps.51.


Topic: Inirritability
Definition:
INIRRITABIL'ITY, n. [in and irritability.]  The quality of being inirritable, or not susceptible of contraction by excitement.


Topic: Inirritable
Definition:
INIR'RITABLE, a. [in and irritable.]  Not irritable; not susceptible of irritation, or contraction by excitement.


Topic: Initial
Definition:
INI'TIAL, a. [L. initialis, initium, beginning.]
1.  Beginning; placed at the beginning; as the initial letters of a name.
2.  Beginning; incipient; as the initial symptoms of a disease.
INI'TIAL, n.  The first letter of a name.


Topic: Initiate
Definition:
INI'TIATE, v.t. [Low L. initio, to enter or begin, from initum, ineo, to enter; in and eo, to go.]
1.  To instruct in rudiments or principles; or to introduce into any society or sect by instructing the candidate in its
principles or ceremonies; as, to initiate a person into the mysteries of Ceres.
2.  To introduce into a new state or society; as, to initiate one into a club.
3.  To instruct; to acquaint with; as, to initiate one in the higher branches of mathematics.
4.  To begin upon.
INI'TIATE, v.i.  To do the first act; to perform the first rite.
INI'TIATE, a.  Unpracticed.
1.  Begun; commenced.  A tenant by the curtesy initiate, becomes so by the birth of a child, but his estate is not consummate till the death of the wife.
INI'TIATE, n.  One who is initiated.


Topic: Initiation
Definition:
INITIA'TION, n. [L. initiatio.]  The act or process of introducing one into a new society, by instructing him in its principles, rules or ceremonies; as, too initiate a person into a christian community.
1.  The act or process of making one acquainted with principles before unknown.
2.  Admission by application of ceremonies or use of symbols; as, to initiate one into the visible church by baptism.


Topic: Initiatory
Definition:
INI'TIATORY, a.  Initiating or serving to initiate; introducing by instruction, or by the use and application of symbols or ceremonies.
 Two initiatory rites of the same general import cannot exist together.
INI'TIATORY, n. [supra.]  Introductory rite.


Topic: Inject
Definition:
INJECT', v.t. [L. injectus, injicio; in and jacio, to throw.]
1.  To throw in; to dart in; as, to inject any thing into the mouth or stomach.
2.  To cast or throw on.
 --And mound inject on mound.


Topic: Injection
Definition:
INJECT'ION, n. [L. injectio.]  The act of throwing in, particularly that of throwing a liquid medicine into the body by a syringe or pipe.
1.  A liquid medicine thrown into the body by a syringe or pipe; a clyster.
2.  In anatomy, the act of filling the vessels of an animal body with some colored substance, in order to render visible their figures and ramifications.


Topic: Injudicious
Definition:
INJUDI'CIOUS, a. [in and judicious.]  Not judicious; void of judgment; acting without judgment; unwise; as an injudicious person.
1.  Not according to sound judgment or discretion; unwise; as an injudicious measure.


Topic: Injunction
Definition:
INJUNC'TION, n. [L. injunctio, from injungo, to enjoin; in and jungo, to join.]
1.  A command; order; precept; the direction of a superior vested with authority.
 For still they knew, and ought t'have still remembered
 The high injunction, not to taste that fruit.
2.  Urgent advice or exhortation of persons not vested with absolute authority to command.
3.  In law, a writ or order of the court of chancery, directed to an inferior court, or to parties and their counsel, directing them to stay proceedings, or to do some act, as to put the plaintiff in possession for want of the defendant's appearance, to stay waste or other injury, &c.  When the reason for granting an injunction ceases,the injunction is dissolved.


Topic: Injure
Definition:
IN'JURE, v.t. [L. injuria, injury.]
1.  To hurt or wound, as the person; to impair soundness, as of health.
2.  To damage or lessen the value of, as goods or estate.
3.  To slander, tarnish or impair, as reputation or character.
4.  To impair or diminish; to annoy; as happiness.
5.  To give pain to; to grieve; as sensibility or feelings.
7.  To hurt or weaken; as, to injure a good cause.
8.  To impair; to violate; as, to injure rights.
9.  To make worse; as, great rains injure the roads.
    10. In general, to wrong the person, to damage the property, or to lessen the happiness of ourselves or others. A man injures his person by wounds, his estate by negligence or extravagance, and his happiness by vices. He injures his neighbor by violence to his person, by fraud, by calumny, and by non-fulfillment of his contracts.


Topic: Injurious
Definition:
INJU'RIOUS, a. [L. injurius.]
1.  Wrongful; unjust; hurtful to the rights of another.  That which impairs rights or prevents the enjoyment of them, is injurious.
2.  Hurtful to the person or health. Violence is injurious to the person, as intemperance is to the health.
3.  Affecting with damage or loss.  Indolence is injurious to property.
4.  Mischievous; hurtful; as the injurious consequences of sin or folly.
5.  Lessening or tarnishing reputation.  The very suspicion of cowardice is injurious to a soldier's character.
6.  Detractory; contumelious; hurting reputation; as, obscure hints as well as open detraction, are sometimes injurious to reputation.
7.  In general, whatever gives pain to the body or mind, whatever impairs or destroys property or rights, whatever tarnishes reputation, whatever disturbs happiness, whatever retards prosperity or defeats the success of a good cause, is deemed injurious.


Topic: Injury
Definition:
IN'JURY, n. [L. injuria; in and jus,juris, right.]
1.  In general, any wrong or damage done to a man's person, rights, reputation or goods.  That which impairs the soundness of the body or health, or gives pain, is an injury.  That which impairs the mental faculties, is an injury.  These injuries may be received by a fall or by other violence.  Trespass, fraud, and non-fulfillment of covenants and contracts are injuries to rights.  Slander is an injury to reputation, and so is cowardice and vice.  Whatever impairs the quality or diminishes the value of goods or property, is an injury. We may receive injury by misfortune as well as by injustice.
 2.  Mischief; detriment.
 Many times we do injury to a cause by dwelling on trifling arguments.
3.  Any diminution of that which is good, valuable or advantageous.


Topic: Injustice
Definition:
INJUS'TICE, n. [L. injustitia; in and justitia,justice.]
1.  Iniquity; wrong; any violation of another's rights, as fraud in contracts, or the withholding of what is due.  It has a particular reference to an unequal distribution of rights, property or privileges among persons who have equal claims.
2.  The withholding from another merited praise, or ascribing to him unmerited blame.


Topic: Ink
Definition:
INK, n.  A black liquor or substance used for writing, generally made of an infusion of galls, copperas and gum-arabic.
1.  Any liquor used for writing or forming letters, as red ink, &c.
2.  A pigment.
Printing ink is made by boiling lintseed oil, and burning it about a minute, and mixing it with lampblack, with an addition of soap and rosin.
Ink for the rolling press, is made with lintseed oil burnt as above,and mixed with Frankfort black.
Indian ink, from China, is composed of lampblack, and size or animal glue.
Sympathetic ink, a liquor used in writing, which exhibits no color or appearance till some other means are used, such as holding it to the fire, or rubbing something over it.
INK, v.t.  To black or daub with ink.


Topic: Inkhorn
Definition:
INK'HORN, n. [ink and horn; horns being formerly used for holding ink.]
1.  A small vessel used to hold ink on a writing table or desk, or for carrying it about the person.  Inkhorns are made of horn, glass or stone.
2.  A portable case for the instruments of writing.


Topic: Inland
Definition:
IN'LAND, a. [in and land.]  Interior; remote from the sea.  Worcester in Massachusetts, and Lancaster in Pennsylvania, are large inland towns.
1.  Within land; remote from the ocean; as an inland lake or sea.
2.  Carried on within a country; domestic,not foreign; as inland trade or transportation; inland navigation.
3.  Confined to a country; drawn and payable in the same country; as an inland bill of exchange, distinguished from a foreign bill, which is drawn in one country on a person living in another.
IN'LAND, n.  The interior part of a country.


Topic: Inlapidate
Definition:
INLAP'IDATE, v.t. [in and lapido, lapis, a stone.]
To convert into a stony substance; to petrify.  [Little used.]


Topic: Inlay
Definition:
INLA'Y, v.t. pret. and pp. inlaid. [in and lay.]
To veneer; to diversify cabinet or other work by laying in and fastening with glue, thin slices or leaves of fine wood, on a ground of common wood.  This is used in making compartments.


Topic: Inlaying
Definition:
INLA'YING, ppr.  The operation of diversifying or ornamenting work with thin pieces of wood, set in a ground of other wood.


Topic: Inlet
Definition:
IN'LET, n. [in and let.]  A passage or opening by which an inclosed place may be entered; place of ingress; entrance.  Thus, a window is an inlet for light into a house; the senses are the inlets of ideas or perceptions into the mind.
1.  A bay or recess in the shore of the sea or of a lake or large river, or between isles.
In limine, [L.] at the threshold; at the beginning or outset.


Topic: Inlist
Definition:
INLIST', v.i.  [in and list.]  To enter into military service by signing articles and receiving a sum of money.  [See List.]
INLIST', v.t.  To engage or procure to enter into military service. [See Enlist, a common spelling, but inlist is preferable.]


Topic: Inlistment
Definition:
INLIST'MENT, n.  The act of inlisting.
 These inlistments were for one year only.
1.  The writing containing the terms of military service,and a list of names of those who enter into the service.


Topic: Inly
Definition:
IN'LY, a.  [in and like.]  Internal; interior; secret.
IN'LY, adv. Internally; within; in the heart; secretly; as, to be inly pleased or grieved.


Topic: Inmate
Definition:
IN'MATE, n. [in or inn, and mate.]  A person who lodges or dwells in the same house with another, occupying different rooms, but using the same door for passing in and out of the house.
1.  A lodger; one who lives with a family, but is not otherwise connected with it than as a lodger.
IN'MATE, a. Admitted as a dweller.


Topic: Inmost
Definition:
IN'MOST, a. [in and most.]  Deepest within; remotest from the surface or external part.
 The silent, slow, consuming fires
 Which on my inmost vitals prey.
 I got into the inmost court.


Topic: Inn
Definition:
INN, n. [Heb. To dwell or to pitch a tent.]
1.  A  house for the lodging and entertainment of travelers.  In America, it is often a tavern, where liquors are furnished for travelers and others.
 There was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2.
2.  In England, a college of municipal or common law professors and students; formerly, the town-house of a nobleman, bishop or other distinguished personage, in which he resided when he attended the court.
Inns of court, colleges in which students of law reside and are instructed.  The principal are the Inner Temple, the Middle Temple, Lincoln's Inn, and Gray's Inn.
Inns of chancery, colleges in which young students formerly began their law studies.  These are now occupied chiefly by attorneys, solicitors, &c.


Topic: Innate
Definition:
IN'NATE, a. [L. innatus,from innascor; in and nascor, to be born.]
Inborn; native; natural. Innate ideas are such as are supposed to be stamped on the mind, at the moment when existence begins.  Mr. Locke has taken great pains to prove that no such ideas exist.


Topic: Innavigable
Definition:
INNAV'IGABLE, a. [L. innavigabilis; in and navigabilis. See Navigate.]  That cannot be navigated; impassable by ships or vessels.


Topic: Inner
Definition:
IN'NER, a. [from in.]  Interior; farther inward than something else, as an inner chamber; the inner court of a temple or palace.
1.  Interior; internal; not outward; as the inner man. Eph.3.


Topic: Innholder
Definition:
INN'HOLDER, n. [inn and hold.]  A person who keeps an inn or house for the entertainment of travelers; also,a taverner.
1.  An inhabitant.


Topic: Innkeeper
Definition:
INN'KEEPER, n. [inn and keep.]  An innholder.  In America, the innkeeper is often a tavern keeper or taverner, as well as an innkeeper, the inn for furnishing lodgings and provisions being usually united with the tavern for the sale of liquors.


Topic: Innocent
Definition:
IN'NOCENT, a. [L.innocens.]
1.  Properly, not noxious; not producing injury; free from qualities that can injure; harmless; innoxious; as an innocent medicine or remedy.
2.  Free from guilt; not having done wrong or violated any law; not tainted with sin; pure; upright.  In this general sense, no human being that is a moral agent, can be innocent.  It is followed by of.
3.  Free from the guilt of a particular crime or evil action; as, a man is innocent of the crime charged in the indictment.
4.  Lawful; permitted; as an innocent trade.
5.  Not contraband; not subject to forfeiture; as innocent goods carried to a belligerent nation.
IN'NOCENT, n.  One free from guilt or harm.
1.  A natural; an idiot.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Innocently
Definition:
IN'NOCENTLY, adv.  Without harm; without incurring guilt.
1.  With simplicity; without evil design.
2.  Without incurring a forfeiture or penalty; as goods innocently imported.


Topic: Innocuous
Definition:
INNOC'UOUS, a. [L. innocuus; in and noceo, to hurt.]
Harmless; safe; producing no ill effect; innocent.  Certain poisons used as medicines in small quantities, prove not only innocuous, but beneficial. It applied only to things; not to persons.


Topic: Innocuousness
Definition:
INNOC'UOUSNESS, n.  Harmlessness; the quality of being destitute of mischievous qualities or effects.


Topic: Innovate
Definition:
IN'NOVATE, v.t. [L. innovo; in and novo, to make new, novus, new.]
1.  To change or alter by introducing something new.
 From his attempts upon the civil power, he proceeds to innovate God's worship.
2.  To bring in something new.
IN'NOVATE, v.i.  To introduce novelties; to make changes in any thing established; with on.  It is often dangerous to innovate on the customs of a nation.


Topic: Innovation
Definition:
INNOVA'TION, n. [from innovate.]  Change made by the introduction of something new; change in established laws, customs, rites or practices. Innovation is expedient, when it remedies an evil, and safe,when men are prepared to receive it.  Innovation is often used in an ill sense, for a change that disturbs settled opinions and practices without an equivalent advantage.


Topic: Innovator
Definition:
IN'NOVATOR, n.  An introducer of changes.
 Time is the greatest innovator.
1.  One who introduces novelties, or who makes changes by introducing something new.


Topic: Innoxious
Definition:
INNOX'IOUS, a. [L. innoxius; in and noxius, noceo, to hurt.]
1.  Free from mischievous qualities; innocent; harmless; as an innoxious drug.
2.  Not producing evil; harmless in effects.
 Innoxious flames are often seen on the hair of men's heads, and on horses' manes.
3.  Free from crime; pure; innocent.


Topic: Innuendo
Definition:
INNUEND'O, n. [L. from innuo, to nod; in and nuo.]
1.  An oblique hint; a remote intimation or reference to a person or thing not named.
 Mercury--owns it a marriage by innuendo.
2.  In law, a word used to  point out the precise person.


Topic: Innumerous
Definition:
INNU'MEROUS, a. [L. innumerus; in and numerus, number.]  
Too many to be counted or numbered; innumerable.


Topic: Inoculate
Definition:
INOC'ULATE, v.t. [L. inoculo; in and occulus, the eye.]
1.  To bud; to insert the bud of a tree or plant in another tree or plant, for the purpose of growth on the new stock.  All sorts of stone fruit, apples,pears, &c. may be inoculated. We inoculate the stock with a foreign bud.
2.  To communicate a disease to a person by inserting infectious matter in his skin or flesh; as, to inoculate a person with the matter of small pox or cow pox.  When the latter disease is communicated, it is called vaccination.
INOC'ULATE, v.i.  To propagate by budding; to practice inoculation.  The time to inoculate is when the buds are formed at the extremities of the same year's shoot, indicating that the spring growth for that season is complete.


Topic: Inoculated
Definition:
INOC'ULATED, pp.  Budded; as an inoculated stock.
1.  Inserted in another stock, as a bud.
2.  Infected by inoculation with a particular disease.


Topic: Inoculating
Definition:
INOCULA'TING, ppr.  Budding; propagating by inserting a bud on another stock.
1.  Infecting by inoculation.


Topic: Inoculation
Definition:
INOCULA'TION, n. [L. inoculatio.]  The act or practice of inserting buds of one plant under the bark of another for propagation.
1.  The act or practice of communicating a disease to a person in health, by inserting contagious matter in his skin or flesh.  This practice is limited chiefly to the communication of the small pox,and of the cow pox, which is intended as a substitute for it.  [See Vaccination.]


Topic: Inodorous
Definition:
INO'DOROUS, a. [L. inodorus; in and odor.]  Wanting scent; having no smell.
 The white of an egg is an inodorous liquor.


Topic: Inoffensive
Definition:
INOFFENS'IVE, a. [in and offensive.]
1.  Giving no offense or provocation; as an inoffensive man; an inoffensive answer.
2.  Giving no uneasiness or disturbance; as an inoffensive appearance or sight.
3.  Harmless; doing no injury or mischief.
 Thy inoffensive satires never bite.
4.  Not obstructing; presenting no hinderance.
 --From hence a passage broad,
 Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to hell.


Topic: Inoffensiveness
Definition:
INOFFENS'IVENESS, n.  Harmlessness; the quality of being not offensive either to the senses or to the mind.


Topic: Inofficial
Definition:
INOFFI'CIAL, a. [in and official.]  Not official; not proceeding from the proper officer; not clothed with the usual forms of authority, or not done in an official character; as an inofficial communication; inofficial intelligence.
 Pinckney and Marshall would not make inofficial visits to discuss official business.


Topic: Inofficious
Definition:
INOFFI'CIOUS, a. [in and officious.]
1.  Unkind; regardless of natural obligation; contrary to natural duty.
 --Suggesting that the parent had lost the use of his reason, when he made the inofficious testament.
 Let not a father hope to excuse an inofficious disposition of his fortune, by alleging that every man may do what he will with his own.
2.  Unfit for an office.
 Thou drown'st thyself in inofficious sleep.
3.  Not civil or attentive.


Topic: Inoperative
Definition:
INOP'ERATIVE, a. [in and operative.]  Not operative; not active; having no operation; producing no effect; as laws rendered inoperative by neglect; inoperative remedies.


Topic: Inopportune
Definition:
INOPPORTU'NE, a. [L. inopportunus.  See Opportune.]
Not opportune; inconvenient; unseasonable in time.


Topic: Inordinacy
Definition:
INOR'DINACY, n. [from inordinate.]  Deviation from order or rule prescribed; irregularity; disorder; excess, or want of moderation; as the inordinacy of desire or other passion.


Topic: Inordinate
Definition:
INOR'DINATE, a. [L. inordinatus; in and ordo,order.]
Irregular; disorderly; excessive; immoderate; not limited to rules prescribed, or to usual bounds; as an inordinate love of the world; inordinate desire of fame.


Topic: Inordinateness
Definition:
INOR'DINATENESS, n.  Deviation from order; excess; want of moderation; inordinacy; intemperance in desire or other passion.


Topic: Inorganized
Definition:
INOR'GANIZED, a.  Not having organic structure; void of organs, as earths, metals, and other minerals.


Topic: Inosculate
Definition:
INOS'CULATE, v.i. [L. in and osculatus, from osculor, to kiss.]
In anatomy, to unite by apposition or contact; to unite, as two vessels at their extremities; as, one vein or artery inoculates with another; a vein inosculates with an artery.
INOS'CULATE, v.t. To unite, as two vessels in an animal body.


Topic: Inosculation
Definition:
INOSCULA'TION, n.  The union of two vessels of an animal body at their extremities, by means of which a communication is maintained, and the circulation of fluids is carried on; anastomosy.


Topic: Inpolitic
Definition:
INPOL'ITIC, a.  Not wise; devising and pursuing measures adapted to injure the public interest; as an impolitic prince or minister.
1.  Unwise; adapted to injure the public interest; as an impolitic law, measure or scheme.
2.  Not wise in private concerns; pursuing measures ill suited to promote private welfare; not prudent.
3.  Not suited to promote private interest.


Topic: Inquest
Definition:
IN'QUEST, n. [L. inquisitio, inquiro; in and quoero, to seek.]
1. Inquisition; judicial inquiry; official examination.  An inquest of office, is an inquiry made by the king's officer, his sheriff, coroner, or escheator, concerning any matter that entitles the king to the possession of lands or tenements, goods or chattels.  It is made by a jury of no determinate number.
 In the United States, a similar inquiry, made by the proper officer, under the authority of a state.
2.  A jury.
3.  Inquiry; search.


Topic: Inquietude
Definition:
INQUI'ETUDE, n. [L. inquietudo; in and quies,rest.]
Disturbed state; want of quiet; restlessness; uneasiness, either of body or mind; disquietude.


Topic: Inquinate
Definition:
IN'QUINATE, v.t. [L.inquino, to defile; Gr. common.]
To defile; to pollute; to contaminate.  [Little used.]


Topic: Inquination
Definition:
INQUINA'TION, n.  The act of defiling, or state of being defiled; pollution; corruption.  [Little used.]


Topic: Inquire
Definition:
INQUI'RE, v.i. [L. inquiro; in and quoero, to seek.]
1.  To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by asking questions.
 We will call the damsel and inquire at her mouth. Gen.24.
It has of before the person asked.  Enquire of them, or of him.  It has of, concerning, or after, before the subject of inquiry.
 He sent Hadoram, his son, to king David to inquire of his welfare. 1 Chron.18.
 For thou does not inquire wisely concerning this. 
Eccl. 7.
When search is to be made for particular knowledge or information, it is followed by into. The coroner by jury inquires into the cause of a sudden death.  When a place or person is sought, or something hid or missing, for is commonly used.  Inquire for Saul of Tarsus.  He was inquiring for the house to which he was directed.  Inquire for the cloke that is lost.  Inquire for the right road.  Sometimes it is followed by after. Inquire after the right way.
When some general information is sought, this verb is followed by about; sometimes by concerning. His friends inquired about him; they inquired concerning his welfare.
2.  To seek for truth by argument or the discussion of questions, or by investigation.
To inquire into, to make examination; to seek for particular information.  Inquire into the time, manner and place.  Inquire into all the circumstances of the case.
INQUI'RE, v.t.  To ask about; to seek by asking; as,he inquired the way; but the phrase is elliptical, for inquire for the way.


Topic: Inquirer
Definition:
INQUI'RER, n. One who asks a question; one who interrogates; one who searches or examines; one who seeks for knowledge or information.


Topic: Inquiring
Definition:
INQUI'RING,  ppr.  Seeking for information by asking questions; asking; questioning; interrogating; examining.


Topic: Inquiry
Definition:
INQUI'RY, n.
1.  The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation.
 The men who were sent from Cornelius, had made inquiry for Simon's house,and stood before the gate. Acts.10.
2.  Search for truth, information or knowledge; research; examination into facts or principles by proposing and discussing questions, by solving problems, by experiments or other modes; as physical inquiries; inquiries about philosophical knowledge.
The first inquiry of a rational being should be, who made me? the second, why was I made? who is my Creator, and what is his will?


Topic: Inquisition
Definition:
INQUISI'TION, n. s as z. [L. inquisitio,inquiro.  See Inquire.]
1.  Inquiry; examination; a searching or search. Ps.9.
2.  Judicial inquiry; official examination; inquest.
 The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county.
3.  Examination; discussion.
4.  In some catholic countries, a court or tribunal established for the examination and punishment of heretics. This court was established in the twelfth century by father Dominic, who was charged by pope Innocent III. with orders to excite catholic princes and people to extirpate heretics.


Topic: Inquisitive
Definition:
INQUIS'ITIVE, a. s as z.  Apt to ask questions; addicted to inquiry; inclined to seek information by questions; followed by about or after.  He was very inquisitive about or after news.  Children are usually inquisitive.
1.  Inclined to seek knowledge by discussion, investigation or observation; given to research.  He possesses an inquisitive mind or disposition.  We live in an inquisitive age.
INQUIS'ITIVE, n.  A person who is inquisitive; one curious in research.


Topic: Inquisitiveness
Definition:
INQUIS'ITIVENESS, n.  The disposition to obtain information by questioning others, or by researches into facts, causes or principles; curiosity to learn what is not known.  The works of nature furnish ample matter for the inquisitiveness of the human mind.


Topic: Inquisitor
Definition:
INQUIS'ITOR, n. [L. See Inquire.]  One who inquires; particularly, one whose official duty it is to inquire and examine.
1.  A member of the court of inquisition in Catholic countries.


Topic: Inquisitorial
Definition:
INQUISITO'RIAL, a.  Pertaining to inquisition; as inquisitorial power.
1. Pertaining to the catholic court of inquisition; as inquisitorial tragedy.
 Inquisitorial robes.


Topic: Inroad
Definition:
IN'ROAD, n. [in and road.]  The entrance of an enemy into a country with purposes of hostility; a sudden or desultory incursion or invasion.  The confines of England and Scotland were formerly harassed with frequent inroads.  The English made inroads into Scotland, and the Scots into England, and the country was sometimes desolated.
1.  Attack; encroachment.


Topic: Insalubrious
Definition:
INSALU'BRIOUS, a. [in and salubrious.]  Not salubrious; not healthful; unfavorable to health; unwholesome; as an insalubrious air or climate.


Topic: Insalubrity
Definition:
INSALU'BRITY, n.  [in and salubrity.]  Want of salubrity; unhealthfulness; unwholesomeness; as the insalubrity of air, water or climate.


Topic: Insalutary
Definition:
INSAL'UTARY, a. [in and salutary.]  Not salutary; not favorable to health or soundness.
1.  Not tending to safety; productive of evil.


Topic: Insane
Definition:
INSA'NE, a. [L. insanus; in and sanus, sound.]
1.  Unsound in mind or intellect; mad; deranged in mind; delirious; distracted.  [In this sense of making mad, it is little used.]
2.  Used by or appropriated to insane persons; as an insane hospital.
INSA'NE, n.  An insane person; as a hospital for the insane.


Topic: Insatiable
Definition:
INSA'TIABLE, a. insa'shable. [L. insatiabilis; in and satio, to satisfy.]  Incapable of being satisfied or appeased; very greedy; as an insatiable appetite or desire; insatiable thirst.


Topic: Inscribe
Definition:
INSCRI'BE, v.t. [L. inscribo; in and scribo,to write, Eng. to scrape.  See Scribe.]
1.  To write on; to engrave on for perpetuity or duration; as, to inscribe a line or verse on a monument, on a column or pillar.
2.  To imprint on; as, to inscribe any thing on the mind or memory.
3.  To assign or address to; to comment to by a short address, less formal than a dedication; as, to inscribe an ode or a book to a prince.
4.  To mark with letters, characters or words; as, to inscribe a stone with a name.
5.  To draw a figure within another, so that all the angles of the figure inscribed touch the angles, sides or planes of the other figure.


Topic: Inscription
Definition:
INSCRIP'TION, n.[L. inscriptio.  See Inscribe.]
1.  Something written or engraved to communicate knowledge to after ages; any character, word, line or sentence written or engraved on a solid substance for duration; as inscriptions on monuments, called epitaphs, on pillars, &c.  We do not call by this name writings on paper or parchment.
2.  A title.
3.  An address or consignment of a book to a person, as a mark of respect, or an invitation of patronage.  It is less formal than a dedication.


Topic: Inscrutable
Definition:
INSCRU'TABLE, a. [L. inscrutabilis; in and scrutor, to search.]
1.  Unsearchable; that cannot be searched into and understood by inquiry or study.  The designs of the emperor appear to be inscrutable.
2.  That cannot be penetrated, discovered or understood by human reason.  The ways of Providence are often inscrutable. Mysteries are inscrutable.


Topic: Inscrutably
Definition:
INSCRU'TABLY, adv. In a manner or degree not to be found out or understood. The moral government of an infinite being must often be inscrutably dark and mysterious.


Topic: Insecable
Definition:
INSEC'ABLE, a. [L. insecabilis; in and seco, to cut.]
That cannot be divided by a cutting instrument; indivisible.


Topic: Insect
Definition:
IN'SECT, n. [L. insecta, plu.,from inseco, to cut in; in and seco, to cut. This name seems to have been originally given to certain small animals whose bodies appear cut in, or almost divided.]
1.  In zoology, a small invertebral animal, breathing by lateral spiracles, and furnished with articulated extremities and movable antennae.  Most insects pass through three states or metamorphoses, the larva, the chrysalis,and the perfect insect. 
The class of insects, in the Linnean system, is divided into seven orders, the last of which [Aptera] includes the Crustacea, which breathe by gills, and the Arachnids, which have no antennae, now forming two distinct classes.
The term insect has been applied,but improperly, to other small invertebral animals of the Linnean class Vermes.
2.  Any thing small or contemptible.
IN'SECT, a.  Small; mean; contemptible.


Topic: Insectivorous
Definition:
INSECTIV'OROUS, a. [insect and L. voro, to eat.]
Feeding or subsisting on insects. Many winged animals are insectivorous.


Topic: Insecure
Definition:
INSECU'RE, a. [in and secure.]  Not secure; not safe; exposed to danger or loss.  Goods on the ocean are insecure. Hay and grain unhoused are insecure.  Debts are often insecure.


Topic: Insecurity
Definition:
INSECU'RITY, n. [in and security.]  Want of safety, or want of confidence in safety.  Seamen in a tempest must be conscious of their insecurity.
1. Uncertainty.  With what insecurity of truth we ascribe effects or unseen causes.
2.  Want of safety; danger; hazard; exposure to destruction or loss; applied to things; as the insecurity of a building exposed to fire; the insecurity of a debt.


Topic: Insensibility
Definition:
INSENSIBIL'ITY, n. [from insensible.]
1.  Want of sensibility, or the power of feeling or perceiving.  A frozen limb is in a state of insensibility, as is an animal body after death.
2.  Want of the power to be moved or affected; want of tenderness or susceptibility of emotion and passion.  Not to be moved at the distresses of others denotes an insensibility extremely unnatural.
3.  Dullness; stupidity; torpor.


Topic: Insensible
Definition:
INSENS'IBLE, a. [L. in and sensus, sense, sentio, to feel.]
1.  Imperceptible; that cannot be felt or perceived.  The motion of the earth is insensible to the eye.  A plant grows, and the body decays by insensible degrees.  The humors of the body are evacuated by insensible perspiration.
 The dense and bright light of the circle will obscure the rare and weak light of these dark colors round about it, and render them almost insensible.
2.  Destitute of the power of feeling or perceiving; wanting corporeal sensibility.  An injury to the spine often renders the inferior parts of the body insensible.
3.  Not susceptible of emotion or passion; void of feeling; wanting tenderness.  To be insensible to the sufferings of our fellow men is inhuman.  To be insensible of danger is not always evidence of courage.
4.  Dull; stupid; torpid.
5.  Void of sense or meaning; as insensible words.


Topic: Insensibleness
Definition:
INSENS'IBLENESS, n. Inability to perceive; want of sensibility.  [See Insensibility, which is generally used.]


Topic: Insensibly
Definition:
INSENS'IBLY, adv. Imperceptibly; in a manner not to be felt or perceived by the senses.
 The hills rise insensibly.
1.  By slow degrees; gradually.  Men often slide insensibly into vicious habits.


Topic: Inseparability
Definition:
INSEPARABIL'ITY , n.  The quality of being inseparable,or incapable of disfunction. [The latter word is rarely used.]


Topic: Inseparable
Definition:
INSEP'ARABLE, a. [L. inseparabilis; in and separabilis, separo, to separate.]   That cannot be separated or disjoined; not to be parted. There is an inseparable connection between vice and suffering or punishment.


Topic: Insert
Definition:
INSERT', v.t.  [L. insero, insertum; in and sero, to thrust.]
Literally, to thrust in; hence, to set in or among; as, to insert a cion in a stock; to insert a letter, word or passage in a composition; to insert an advertisement or other writing in a paper.


Topic: Insertion
Definition:
INSER'TION, n. [L. insertio.]
1.  The act of setting or placing in or among other things; as the insertion of cions in stocks; the insertion of words or passages in writings; the insertion of notices or essays in a public paper; the insertion of vessels, tendons, &c. in other parts of the body.
2.  The thing inserted.


Topic: Inside
Definition:
IN'SIDE, n. [in and side.]  The interior part of a thing; internal part; opposed to outside; as the inside of a church; the inside of a letter.


Topic: Insidious
Definition:
INSID'IOUS, a. [L. insidiosus, from insideo, to lie in wait; in and sedeo, to sit.]
1.  Properly, lying in wait; hence, watching an opportunity to insnare or entrap; deceitful; sly; treacherous; used of persons.
2.  Intended to entrap; as insidious arts.


Topic: Insidiously
Definition:
INSID'IOUSLY, adv.  With intention to insnare; deceitfully; treacherously; with malicious artifice or stratagem.


Topic: Insight
Definition:
IN'SIGHT, n. in'site. [in and sight.]  Sight or view of the interior of any thing; deep inspection or view; introspection; thorough knowledge or skill.
 A garden gives us a great insight into the contrivance and wisdom of Providence.


Topic: Insignia
Definition:
INSIG'NIA, n. [L. plu.]  Badges or distinguishing marks of office or honor.
1.  Marks,signs or visible impressions, by which any thing is known or distinguished.


Topic: Insignificant
Definition:
INSIGNIF'ICANT, a. [in and significant.]
1. Void of signification; destitute of meaning; as insignificant words.
2. Unimportant; answering no purpose; having no weight or effect; as insignificant rites.
3.  Without weight of character; mean; contemptible; as an insignificant being or fellow.
INSIGNIF'ICANT, n.  An insignificant, trifling or worthless thing.


Topic: Insincere
Definition:
INSINCE'RE, a. [L. insincerus; in and sincerus, sincere.]
1.  Not sincere; not being in truth what one appears to be; dissembling; hypocritical; false; used of persons; as an insincere heart.
2.  Deceitful; hypocritical; false; used of things; as insincere declarations or professions.
3.  Not sound.


Topic: Insincerity
Definition:
INSINCER'ITY, n.  Dissimulation; want of sincerity or of being in reality what one appears to be; hypocrisy; used of persons.
1.  Deceitfulness; hollowness; used of things; as the insincerity of professions.


Topic: Insinuate
Definition:
INSIN'UATE, v.t.  [L. insinuo; in and sinus, the bosom, a bay, inlet or recess.]
1.  To introduce gently, or into a narrow passage; to wind in.  Water insinuates itself into the crevices of rocks.
2.  To push or work one's self into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle or artful means.
 He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the duke of Buckingham.
3.  To hint; to suggest by remote allusion.
 And all the fictions bards pursue,
 Do but insinuate what's true.
4.  To instill; to infuse gently; to introduce artfully.
 All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions and thereby mislead the judgment.
INSIN'UATE, v.i. To creep in; to wind in; to flow in; to enter gently, slowly or imperceptibly, as into crevices.
1.  To gain on the affections by gentle or artful means, or by imperceptible degrees; as insinuating flattery.
2.  To wind along.


Topic: Insinuating
Definition:
INSIN'UATING, ppr.  Creeping or winding in; flowing in; gaining on gently; hinting.
1.  Tending to enter gently; insensibly winning favor and confidence.


Topic: Insinuation
Definition:
INSINUA'TION, n. [L. insinuatio.]
1.  The act of insinuating; a creeping or winding in; a flowing into crevices.
2.  The act of gaining on favor or affections, by gentle or artful means.
3.  The art or power of pleasing and stealing on the affections.
 He had a natural insinuation and address; which made him acceptable in the best company.
4.  A hint; a suggestion or intimation by distant allusion. Slander may be conveyed by insinuation.


Topic: Insipid
Definition:
INSIP'ID, a. [L. insipidus; in and sapidus, sapio, to taste.]
1.  Tasteless; destitute of taste; wanting the qualities which affect the organs of taste; vapid; as insipid liquor.
2.  Wanting spirit, life or animation; wanting pathos, or the power of exciting emotions; flat; dull; heavy; as an insipid address; an insipid composition.
3.  Wanting power to gratify desire; as insipid pleasure.


Topic: Insipidness
Definition:
INSIP'IDNESS, n.
1.  Want of taste, or the power of exciting sensation in the tongue.
2.  Want of life or spirit.
 Dryden's lines shine strongly through the insipidity of Tate's.


Topic: Insipience
Definition:
INSIP'IENCE, n. [L. insipientia; in and sapio, to be wise.]
Want of wisdom; folly; foolishness; want of understanding.


Topic: Insist
Definition:
INSIST', v.i. [L.insisto; in and sisto, to stand.]
1.  Literally, to stand or rest on.  [Rarely used.]
2.  In geometry, an angle is said to insist upon the arc of the circle intercepted between the two lines which contain the angle.
3.  To dwell on in discourse; as, to insist on a particular topic.
To insist on, to press or urge for any thing with immovable firmness; to persist in demands; as, to insist on oppressive terms in a treaty; to insist on immediate payment of a debt.


Topic: Insition
Definition:
INSI'TION, n. [L.insitio, from insitus, insero, to plant.]
The insertion of a cion in a stock; ingraftment.


Topic: Insnare
Definition:
INSNA'RE, v.t. [in and snare.]  To catch in a snare; to entrap; to take by artificial means.
1.  To inveigle; to seduce by artifice; to take by wiles, stratagem or deceit.  The flattering tongue is apt to insnare the artless youth.
2.  To entangle; to involve in difficulties or perplexities.
[This word is often written ensnare, but insnare is the true orthography.]


Topic: Insociable
Definition:
INSO'CIABLE, a. [L. insociabilis; in and sociabilis, socio, to unite.]
1.  Not inclined to unite in social converse; not given to conversation; unsociable; taciturn.
2.  That cannot be joined or connected.
 Lime and wood are insociable.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Insolate
Definition:
IN'SOLATE, v.t. [L. insolo; in and sol,the sun.]
To dry in the sun's rays; to expose to the heat of the sun; to ripen or prepare by exposure to the sun.


Topic: Insolation
Definition:
INSOLA'TION, n.  The act of exposing to the rays of the sun for drying or maturing, as fruits, drugs, &c. or for rendering acid, as vinegar, or for promoting some chimical action of one substance on another.
1.  A stroke of the sun; the action of extreme heat on the brain.


Topic: Insolence
Definition:
IN'SOLENCE, n. [L. insolentia; in and soleo,to be accustomed.]
Pride or haughtiness manifested in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others; petulant contempt; impudence.
 Blown with insolence and wine.
IN'SOLENCE, v.t.  To treat with haughty contempt.  [Not used.]


Topic: Insolent
Definition:
IN'SOLENT, a. Proud and haughty, with contempt of others; overbearing; domineering in power; as an insolent master.
1.  Proceeding from insolence; haughty and contemptuous; as insolent words or behavior.
2.  Unaccustomed; the primary sense. [Not used.]


Topic: Insolubility
Definition:
INSOLUBIL'ITY, n. [from insoluble.]  The quality of not being soluble or dissolvable, particularly in a fluid.


Topic: Insoluble
Definition:
INSOL'UBLE, a. [L. insolubilis; in and solvo, to dissolve.]
1.  That cannot be dissolved, particularly by a liquid.  We say a substance is insoluble in water, when its parts will not separate and mix with that fluid.
2.  Not to be solved or explained; not to be resolved; as a doubt or difficulty.  [Not much used.]


Topic: Insolvable
Definition:
INSOLV'ABLE, a. [L. in and solvo, to loosen or dissolve.]
1.  Not to be cleared of difficulty or uncertainty; not to be solved or explained; not admitting solution or explication; as an insolvable problem or difficulty.
2.  That cannot be paid or discharged.


Topic: Insolvency
Definition:
INSOLV'ENCY, n. [infra.]  Inability of a person to pay all his debts; or the state of wanting property sufficient for such payment; as a merchant's insolvency.
1.  Insufficiency to discharge all debts of the owner; as the insolvency of an estate.
Act of insolvency.  [See infra, Insolvent law.]


Topic: Insolvent
Definition:
INSOLV'ENT, a. [L. in and solvens, solvo, to solve, to free, to pay.]
1.  Not having money, goods or estate sufficient to pay all debts; as an insolvent debtor.
2.  Not sufficient to pay all the debts of the owner; as an insolvent estate.
3.  Respecting insolvent debtors; relieving an insolvent debtor from imprisonment for debt, or form liability to arrest and imprisonment for debts previously contracted; as an insolvent law.
Insolvent law, or act of insolvency, a law which liberates a debtor from imprisonment, or exempts him from liability to arrest and imprisonment on account of any debt previously contracted.  These terms may be considered as generic, comprehending also bankrupt laws, which protect a man's future acquisitions from his creditors. But in a limited sense, as the words are now generally used, an insolvent law extends only to protect the person of the debtor form imprisonment on account of debts previously contracted.
INSOLV'ENT, n.  A debtor unable to pay his debts.


Topic: Insomuch
Definition:
INSOMUCH', adv. [in,so, and much.]  So that; to that degree.
 Simonides was an excellent poet,insomuch that he made his fortune by it.
[This word or combination of words is not deemed elegant, and is obsolescent, at least in classical composition.]


Topic: Inspect
Definition:
INSPECT', v.t. [L. inspicio,inspectum; in and specio, to view.]
1.  To look on; to view or oversee for the purpose of examination.  It is the duty of parents to inspect the conduct or manners of their children.
2.  To look into; to view and examine, for the purpose of ascertaining the quality or condition of a thing; as, to inspect potash; to inspect flour; to inspect arms.
3. To view and examine for the purpose of discovering and correcting errors; as, to inspect the press, or the proof-sheets of a book.
4.  To superintend.
INSPECT', n.  Close examination. [Not used.]


Topic: Inspecting
Definition:
INSPECT'ING, ppr.  Looking on or into; viewing with care; examining for ascertaining the quality or condition.


Topic: Inspection
Definition:
INSPEC'TION, n. [L. inspectio.]
1.  A looking on or into; prying examination; close or careful survey; as the divine inspection into the affairs of the world.
2.  Watch; guardianship; as a youth placed at school under the inspection of a friend.
3.  Superintendence; oversight. The fortifications are to be executed under the inspection of an officer of the army.
4.  Official view; a careful viewing and examining of commodities or manufactures, to ascertain their quality; as the inspection of flour.
5.  Official examination, as of arms, to see that they are in good order for service.


Topic: Inspector
Definition:
INSPECT'OR, n.  One who inspects, views or oversees; as an inspector of morals; an inspector of the press.
1.  A superintendent; one to whose care the execution of any work is committed, for the purpose of seeing it faithfully performed.
2.  An officer whose duty is to examine the quality of goods or commodities offered for sale.
3.  An officer of the customs.
4.  A military officer whose duty is to inspect the troops and examine their arms.


Topic: Inspirable
Definition:
INSPI'RABLE, a. [from inspire.]  That may be inspired.
1.  That may be drawn into the lungs; inhalable; as air or vapors.


Topic: Inspiration
Definition:
INSPIRA'TION, n. [L. inspiro.]
1.  The act of drawing air into the lungs; the inhaling of air; a branch of respiration, and opposed to expiration.
2.  The act of breathing into any thing.
3.  The infusion of ideas into the mind by the Holy Spirit; the conveying into the minds of men, ideas, notices or monitions by extraordinary or supernatural influence; or the communication of the divine will to the understanding by suggestions or impressions on the mind, which leave no room to doubt the reality of their supernatural origin.
 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Tim.3.
4.  The infusion of ideas or directions by the supposed deities of pagans.
5.  The infusion or communication of ideas or poetic spirit, by a superior being or supposed presiding power; as the inspiration of Homer or other poet.


Topic: Inspire
Definition:
INSPI'RE, v.i. [L. inspiro; in and spiro, to breathe.]
To draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; opposed to expire.
INSPI'RE, v.t.  To breathe into.
 Ye nine, descend and sing,
 The breathing instruments inspire.
1.  To infuse by breathing.
 He knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul.
2.  To infuse into the mind; as, to inspire with new life.
3.  To infuse or suggest ideas or monitions supernaturally; to communicate divine instructions to the mind.  In this manner, we suppose the prophets to have been inspired, and the Scriptures to have been composed under divine influence or direction.
4.  To infuse ideas or poetic spirit.
5.  To draw into the lungs; as, to inspire and expire the air with difficulty.


Topic: Inspiring
Definition:
INSPI'RING, ppr.  Breathing in; inhaling into the lungs; infusing into the mind supernaturally.
1.  Infusing spirit or courage; animating.


Topic: Inspirit
Definition:
INSPIR'IT, v.t. [in and spirit.]  To infuse or excite spirit in; to enliven; to animate; to give new lift to; to encourage; to invigorate.
 The courage of Agamemnon is inspirited by the love of empire and ambition.


Topic: Inspissate
Definition:
INSPIS'SATE, v.t. [L. in and spissus, thick.]  To thicken, as fluids; to bring to greater consistence by evaporating the thinner parts, &c.


Topic: Instability
Definition:
INSTABIL'ITY, n. [L. instabilitas, instabilis; in and stabilis, from sto, to stand.
1.  Want of stability; want of firmness in purpose; inconstancy; fickleness; mutability of opinion or conduct.  Instability is the characteristic of weak minds.
2.  Changeableness; mutability; as the instability of laws, plans or measures.


Topic: Instable
Definition:
INSTA'BLE, a. [L. instabilis.]  Inconstant; prone to change or recede from a purpose; mutable; of persons.
1.  Not steady or fixed; changeable; of things.
[Instable and unstable are synonymous, and the latter is more commonly used.]


Topic: Install
Definition:
INSTALL', v.t. [Gr. to send.]  To set, place or instate, in an office, rank or order; to invest with any charge, office or rank, with the customary ceremonies.  To install a clergyman or minister of the gospel, is to place one who has been previously ordained, over a particular church and congregation, or to invest an ordained minister with a particular pastoral charge; in England, to induct a dean, prebendary or other ecclesiastical dignitary into possession of the church to which he belongs.


Topic: Installation
Definition:
INSTALLA'TION, n.  The act of giving possession of an office, rank or order, with the customary ceremonies.
 On the election,the bishop gives a mandate for his installation.


Topic: Installment
Definition:
INSTALL'MENT, n.  The act of installing, or giving possession of an office with the usual ceremonies or solemnities.
1.  The seat in which one is placed. [Unusual.]
2.  In commerce, a part of a large sum of money paid or to be paid at a particular period.  In constituting a capital stock by subscriptions of individuals, it is customary to afford facilities to subscribers by dividing the sum subscribed into installments, or portions payable at distinct periods.  In large contracts also, it is not unusual to agree that the money shall be paid by installments.


Topic: Instance
Definition:
IN'STANCE, n. [L. insto, to press; in and sto, to stand.]
Literally, a standing on.  Hence,
1.  Urgency; a pressing; solicitation; importunity; application.  The request was granted at the instance of the defendant's advocate.
2.  Example; a case occurring; a case offered.  Howard furnished a remarkable instance of disinterested benevolence.  The world may never witness a second instance of the success of daring enterprise and usurpation, equal to that of Buonaparte.
 Suppose the earth should be removed nearer to the sun, and revolve, for instance,in the orbit of Mercury, the whole ocean would boil with heat.
 The use of instances, is to illustrate and explain a difficulty.
3.  Time; occasion; occurrence.
 These seem as if, in the time of Edward I, they were drawn up into the form of a law, in the first instance.
4.  Motive; influence.
5.  Process of a suit.
Instance-court, a branch of the court of admiralty, in England, distinct from the prize-court.
IN'STANCE, v.i.  To give or offer an example or case.
 As to false citations--I shall instance in two or three.
IN'STANCE, v.t.  To mention as an example or case.  He instanced the event of Caesar's death.


Topic: Instant
Definition:
IN'STANT, a. [L. instans, insto.]
1.  Pressing; urgent; importunate; earnest.
 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.  Rom.12.
2.  Immediate; without intervening time; present.
 Impending death is thine and instant doom.
3.  Quick; making no delay.
 Instant he flew with hospitable haste.
4.  Present; current. On the tenth of July instant.
IN'STANT, n.  A point in duration; a moment; a part of duration in which we perceive no succession, or a part that occupies the time of a single thought.
1.  A particular time.


Topic: Instantaneous
Definition:
INSTANTA'NEOUS, a.  Done in an instant; occurring or acting without any perceptible succession; very speedily.  The passage of electricity through any given space appears to be instantaneous.


Topic: Instantaneously
Definition:
INSTANTA'NEOUSLY, adv.  In an instant; in a moment; in an indivisible point of duration.  The operations of the human mind are wonderful; our thoughts fly from world to world instantaneously.  In the western parts of the Atlantic states of America, showers of rain sometimes begin instantaneously.


Topic: Instanter
Definition:
INSTANT'ER, adv. [L.]  In law, immediately; at the present time; without delay.
 The party was compelled to plead instanter.


Topic: Instantly
Definition:
IN'STANTLY, adv.  Immediately; without any intervening time; at the moment.
 Lightning often kills instantly.
1.  With urgent importunity.
 And when they came to Jesus,they besought him instantly, saying, that he was worthy for whom he should do this. Luke 7.
2.  With diligence and earnestness.  Acts.26.


Topic: Instar
Definition:
INST`AR, v.t. [in and star.]  To set or adorn with stars, or with brilliants.
 A golden throne
 Instarr'd with gems.


Topic: Instate
Definition:
INSTA'TE, v.t. [in and state.]  To set or place; to establish, as in a rank or condition; as, to instate a person in greatness or in favor.
1.  To invest.


Topic: Instauration
Definition:
INSTAURA'TION, n. [L. instauratio, instauro, to renew.]
Renewal; repair; re-establishment; the restoration of a thing to its former state, after decay, lapse or dilapidation.


Topic: Instead
Definition:
INSTEAD, insted'. [a compound of in and stead, place; but stead retains its character of a noun, and is followed by of; instead of, in the same manner as in the stead of.]
In the place or room of.
 Let thistles grow instead of wheat. Job 31.
 Absalom made Amasa captain of the hose instead of Joab. 2 Sam.17.
This consideration is instead of a thousand arguments.  In this use, instead may be equivalent to equal to.
When instead is used without of following, there is an ellipsis, or some words are understood.


Topic: Insteep
Definition:
INSTEE'P, v.t. [in and steep.]  To steep or soak; to drench; to macerate in moisture.
1.  To keep under or in water.


Topic: Instep
Definition:
IN'STEP, n. [in and step.]  The instep of the human foot, is the fore part of the upper side of the foot, near its junction with the leg.
1.  The instep of a horse, is that part of the hind leg, which reaches form the ham to the paster-joint.


Topic: Instigate
Definition:
IN'STIGATE, v.t.[L. instigo; in and stigo, inusit; Gr. to prick.]
To incite; to set on; to provoke; to urge; used chiefly or wholly in an ill sense; as, to instigate one to evil; to instigate to a crime.


Topic: Instigation
Definition:
INSTIGA'TION, n.  Incitement, as to evil or wickedness; the act of encouraging to commit a crime or some evil act.
1.  Temptation; impulse to evil; as the instigation of the devil.


Topic: Instigator
Definition:
IN'STIGATOR, n.  One who incites another to an evil act; a tempter.
1.  That which incites; that which moves persons to commit wickedness.


Topic: Instill
Definition:
INSTILL', v.t. [L. instillo; in and stillo, to drop.]
1.  To infuse by drops.
2.  To infuse slowly, or by small quantities; as, to instill good principles into the mind.


Topic: Instillation
Definition:
INSTILLA'TION, n. [L. instillatio.]  The act of infusing by drops or by small quantities.
1.  The act of infusing slowly into the mind.
2.  That which is instilled or infused.


Topic: Instinct
Definition:
INSTINCT', a.  [L. instinctus.  See the Noun.]
Moved; animated; excited; as instinct with spirit.
 Betulia--instinct with life.


Topic: Instinctive
Definition:
INSTINCT'IVE, a.  Prompted by instinct; spontaneous; acting without reasoning, deliberation, instruction or experience; determined by natural impulse or propensity.  The propensity of bees to form hexagonal cells for holding their honey and their young, must be instinctive.


Topic: Instinctively
Definition:
INSTINCT'IVELY, adv.  By force of instinct; without reasoning, instruction or experience; by natural impulse.


Topic: Institute
Definition:
IN'STITUTE, v.t. [L. instituo; in and statuo,to set.]
1.  To establish; to appoint; to enact; to form and prescribe; as, to institute laws; to institute rules and regulations.
2.  To found; to originate and establish, as to institute a new order of nobility; to institute a court.
3.  To ground or establish in principles; to educate; to instruct; as, to institute children in the principles of a science.
4.  To begin; to commence; to set in operation; as, to institute an inquiry; to institute a suit.
5.  To invest with the spiritual part of a benefice or the care of souls.
IN'STITUTE, n. [L. institutum.]
1.  Established law; settled order.
2.  Precept; maxim; principle.
 To make the Stoic institutes thy own.
3.  A book of elements or principles; particularly, a work containing the principles of the Roman law.


Topic: Institution
Definition:
INSTITU'TION, n. [L. institutio.]
1.  The act of establishing.
2.  Establishment; that which is appointed, prescribed or founded by authority,and intended to be permanent. Thus we speak of the institutions of Moses or Lycurgus.  We apply the word institution to laws, rites, and ceremonies, which are enjoined by authority as permanent rules of conduct or of government.
3.  A system, plan or society established, either by law or by the authority of individuals for promoting any object, public or social. We call a college or an academy, a literary institution; a bible society, a benevolent or charitable institution; a banking company and an insurance company are commercial institutions.
4.  A system of the elements or rules of any art or science.
5.  Education; instruction.
 His learning was not the effect of precept or institution.
6.  The act or ceremony of investing a clerk with the spiritual part of a benefice, by which the care of souls is committed to his charge.


Topic: Institutive
Definition:
IN'STITUTIVE, a.  That establishes; having power to establish.
1.  Established; depending on institution.


Topic: Institutor
Definition:
IN'STITUTOR, n. [L.]  The person who establishes; one who enacts laws, rites and ceremonies, and enjoins the observance of them.
1.  The person who founds an order, sect, society or scheme for the promotion of a public or social object.
2.  An instructor; one who educates; as an institutor of youth.


Topic: Instruct
Definition:
INSTRUCT', v.t. [L. instruo, instructum; in and struo, to set or to put on, to furnish. The L. struo is contracted from struco or strugo.  See Destroy.]
1.  To teach; to inform the mind; to educate; to impart knowledge to one who was destitute of it.  The first duty of parents is to instruct their children in the principles of religion and morality.
2.  To direct; to enjoin; to persuade or admonish.
 She being before instructed by her mother, said, give me here the head of John the Baptist in a charger. Matt.14.
3.  To direct or command; to furnish with orders.  The president instructed his envoy to insist on the restitution of the property.
4.  To inform; to advise or give notice to.  On this question the court is not instructed.
5.  To model; to form; to prepare.  [Not used.]


Topic: Instruction
Definition:
INSTRUC'TION, n. [L. instructio.]
1.  The act of teaching or informing the understanding in that of which it was before ignorant; information.
2.  Precepts conveying knowledge.
 Receive my instruction and not silver. Prov.8.
3.  Direction; order; command; mandate.  The minister received instructions from his sovereign to demand a categorical answer. 


Topic: Instructive
Definition:
INSTRUCT'IVE, a.  Conveying knowledge; serving to instruct or inform.  Affliction furnishes very instructive lessons.


Topic: Instructor
Definition:
INSTRUCT'OR, n. A teacher; a person who imparts knowledge to another by precept or information. 1 Cor.4.
1.  The preceptor of a school or seminary of learning; any president, professor or tutor, whose business is to teach languages, literature or the sciences; any professional man who teaches the principles of his profession.


Topic: Instrument
Definition:
IN'STRUMENT, n. [L. instrumentum, from instruo, to prepare; that which is prepared.]
1.  A tool; that by which work is performed or any thing is effected; as a knife, a hammer, a saw, a plow, &c.  Swords, muskets and cannon are instruments of destruction.  A telescope is an astronomical instrument.
2.  That which is subservient to the execution of a plan or purpose, or to the production of any effect; means used or contributing to an effect; applicable to persons or things.  Bad men are often instruments of ruin to others.  The distribution of the Scriptures may be the instrument of a vastly extensive reformation in morals and religion.
3.  An artificial machine or body constructed for yielding harmonious sounds; as an organ, a harpsichord, a violin, or flute, &c., which are called musical instruments, or instruments of music.
4.  In law, a writing containing the terms of a contract, as a deed of conveyance, a grant, a patent, an indenture, &c.; in general, a writing by which some fact is recorded for evidence, or some right conveyed.
5.  A person who acts for another, or is employed by another for a special purpose, and if the purpose is dishonorable, the term implies degradation or meanness.


Topic: Instrumental
Definition:
INSTRUMENT'AL, a.  Conducive as an instrument or means to some end; contributing aid; serving to promote or effect an object; helpful.  The press has been instrumental in enlarging the bounds of knowledge.
1.  Pertaining to instruments; made by instruments; as instrumental music, distinguished form vocal music, which is made by the human voice.


Topic: Instrumentality
Definition:
INSTRUMENTAL'ITY, n.  Subordinate or auxiliary agency; agency of any thing as means to an end; as the instrumentality of second causes.


Topic: Instrumentally
Definition:
INSTRUMENT'ALLY, adv.  By way of an instrument; in the nature of an instrument; as means to an end.
1.  With instruments of music.


Topic: Insuccation
Definition:
INSUCCA'TION, n. [L. insucco, to moisten; in and succus, juice.]
The act of soaking or moistening; maceration; solution in the juice of herbs.


Topic: Insufferable
Definition:
INSUF'FERABLE, a. [in and sufferable.]
1.  Intolerable; that cannot be borne or endured; as insufferable heat, cold or pain.
2.  That cannot be permitted or tolerated.
 Our wrongs are insufferable.
3.  Detestable; contemptible; disgusting beyond endurance.
 A multitude of scribblers who daily pester the world with their insufferable stuff--


Topic: Insufferably
Definition:
INSUF'FERABLY, adv.  To a degree beyond endurance; as a blaze insufferably bright; a person insufferably proud.


Topic: Insufficiency
Definition:
INSUFFI'CIENCY, n. [in and sufficiency.]
1.  Inadequateness; want of sufficiency; deficiency; as an insufficiency of provisions to supply the garrison.
2.  Inadequacy of power or skill; inability; incapacity; incompetency; as the insufficiency of a man for an office.
3.  Want of the requisite strength, value or force; defect.
 The insufficiency of the light of nature is supplied by the light of Scripture.


Topic: Insufficient
Definition:
INSUFFI'CIENT, a. [in and sufficient.]
1.  Not sufficient; inadequate to any need, use or purpose.  The provisions are insufficient in quantity and defective in quality.
2.  Wanting in strength, power, ability, or skill; incapable; unfit; as a person insufficient to discharge the duties of an office.


Topic: Insufflation
Definition:
INSUFFLA'TION, n. [L. in and sufflo, to blow.]
1.  The act of breathing on.
2.  The act of blowing a substance into a cavity of the body.


Topic: Insular
Definition:
IN'SULAR, a. [L. insularis, from insula, an isle.]
Belonging to an isle; surrounded by water; as an insular situation.
IN'SULAR, n.  One who dwells in an isle.


Topic: Insulate
Definition:
IN'SULATE, v.t. [L. insula, an isle.]  To place in a detached situation, or in a state to have no communication with surrounding objects.
1.  In architecture, to set a column alone or not contiguous to a wall.
2.  In electrical experiments, to place on a non-conducting substance, or in a situation to prevent communication with the earth.
3.  To make an isle.  [Little used.]


Topic: Insulated
Definition:
IN'SULATED, pp. or a.  Standing by itself; not being contiguous to other bodies; as an insulated house or column.
1.  In electrical experiments, placed on an electric or non-conducting substance; not communicating with the earth.


Topic: Insulating
Definition:
IN'SULATING, ppr.  Setting in a detached position.  In electrical experiments, preventing communication by the interposition of an electric body.


Topic: Insulation
Definition:
INSULA'TION, n.  The act of insulating; the state of being detached from other objects.
1.  In electrical experiments, that state in which the communication of electrical fluid is prevented by the interposition of an electric body.


Topic: Insulator
Definition:
IN'SULATOR, n.  In electrical experiments, the substance or body that insulates, or interrupts the communication of electricity to surrounding objects; a non-conductor or electric.


Topic: Insult
Definition:
IN'SULT, n. [L. insultus, from insilio, to leap on; in and salio, to leap.]
1.  The act of leaping on.  [Little used.]
2.  Any gross abuse offered to another, either by words or actions; act or speech of insolence or contempt.
 The ruthless sneer that insult adds to grief.


Topic: Insuperable
Definition:
INSU'PERABLE, a. [L. insuperabilis; in and superabilis, from supero, to overcome or surpass.]
1.  That cannot be overcome or surmounted; insurmountable; as insuperable difficulties, objections or obstacles.
2.  That cannot be passed over.
 And middle natures, how they long to join,
 Yet never pass th' insuperable line.
The latter application is unusual. This word is rarely or never used in reference to any enemy, in the sense of invincible or unconquerable.  We do not say that troops or enemies are insuperable; but the word is applied chiefly to difficulties, objections, obstacles or impediments.


Topic: Insupportable
Definition:
INSUPPORTABLE, a.
1.  That cannot be supported or borne; as the weight or burden is insupportable.
2.  That cannot be borne or endured; insufferable; intolerable.  We say of heat or cold, insult, indignity or disgrace, it is insupportable.


Topic: Insupportableness
Definition:
INSUPPORTABLENESS, n.  The quality of being insupportable; insufferableness; the state of being beyond endurance.


Topic: Insurable
Definition:
INSU'RABLE, a. [from insure.]  That may be insured against loss or damage; proper to be insured.
 The French law annuls the latter policies so far as they exceed the insurable interest which remained in the insured at the time of the subscription thereof.


Topic: Insurance
Definition:
INSU'RANCE, n. [from insure.]  The act of insuring or assuring against loss or damage; or a contract by which one engages for a stipulated consideration or premium per cent to make up a loss which another may sustain. Insurance is usually made on goods or property exposed to uncommon hazard, or on lives.
Insurance company, a company or corporation whose business is to insure against loss or damage.


Topic: Insure
Definition:
INSU'RE, v.t. inshu're. [in and sure.]  To make sure or secure; to
contract or covenant for a consideration to secure a person against loss; or to engage to indemnify another for the loss of any specified property, at a certain stipulated rate per cent, called a premium. The property usually insured is such as is exposed to extraordinary hazard. Thus the merchant insures his ship or its cargo, or both, against the dangers of the sea; houses are insured against fire; sometimes hazardous debts ar insured, and sometimes lives.
INSU'RE, v.i.  To underwrite; to practice making insurance.  This company insures at 3 per cent, or at a low premium.


Topic: Insurer
Definition:
INSU'RER, n. One who insures; the person who contracts to pay the losses of another for a premium; an underwriter.


Topic: Insurgent
Definition:
INSURG'ENT, a. [L. insurgens; in and surgo, to rise.]in opposition to lawful civil or political authority; as insurgent chiefs.
INSURG'ENT, n.  A person who rises in opposition to civil or political authority; one who openly and actively resists the execution of laws. [See Insurrection.]  An insurgent differs from a rebel.  The insurgent opposes the execution of a particular law or laws; the rebel attempts to overthrow or change the government, or he revolts and attempts to place his country under another jurisdiction. All rebels are insurgents, but all insurgents are not rebels.


Topic: Insurmountable
Definition:
INSURMOUNT'ABLE, a.
1.  Insuperable; that cannot be surmounted or overcome; as an insurmountable difficulty, obstacle or impedient.
2.  Not to be surmounted; not to be passed by ascending; as an insurmountable wall or rampart.


Topic: Insurrection
Definition:
INSURREC'TION, n. [L. insurgo; in and surgo, to rise.]
1.  A rising against civil or political authority; the open and active opposition of a number of persons to the execution of a law in a city or state.  It is equivalent to sedition, except that sedition expresses a less extensive rising of citizens.  It differs from rebellion, for the latter expresses a revolt, or an attempt to overthrow the government, to establish a different one or to place the country under another jurisdiction.  It differs from mutiny, as it respects the civil or political government; whereas a mutiny is an open opposition to law in the army or navy.  Insurrection is however used with such latitude as to comprehend either sedition or rebellion.
 It is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings,and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. Ezra. 4.
2.  A rising in mass to oppose an enemy. [Little used.]


Topic: Insusceptibility
Definition:
INSUSCEPTIBIL'ITY, n. [from insusceptible.]  Want of susceptibility, or capacity to feel or perceive.


Topic: Insusceptible
Definition:
INSUSCEPT'IBLE, a. [in and susceptible.]
1.  Not susceptible; not capable of being moved, affected or impressed; as a limb insusceptible of pain; a heart insusceptible of pity.
2.  Not capable of receiving or admitting.


Topic: Intaglio
Definition:
INTAGLIO, n. intal'yo.  Literally, a cutting or engraving; hence, any thing engraved, or a precious stone with a head or an inscription engraved on it.


Topic: Intangible
Definition:
INTANG'IBLE, a. [in and tangible.]  That cannot or may not be touched.
1.  Not perceptible to the touch.
 A corporation is an artificial, invisible, intangible being.


Topic: Integer
Definition:
IN'TEGER, n. [L. See Entire.]  The whole of any thing; particularly, in arithmetic, a whole number, in contradistinction to a fraction.  Thus in the number 54.7, in decimal arithmetic, 54 is an integer,and 7 a fraction, or seven tenths of a unit.


Topic: Integral
Definition:
IN'TEGRAL, a.  Whole; entire.
 A local motion keepeth bodies integral.
1.  Making part of a whole, or necessary to make a whole.
2.  Not fractional.
3.  Uninjured; complete; not defective.
IN'TEGRAL, n.  A whole; an entire thing.


Topic: Integrant
Definition:
IN'TEGRANT, a.  Making part of a whole; necessary to constitute an entire thing.
Integrant particles of bodies, are those into which bodies are reduced by solution or mechanical division, as distinct from elementary particles.


Topic: Integrity
Definition:
INTEG'RITY, n. [L. integritas, from integer.]
1.  Wholeness; entireness; unbroken state.  The constitution of the U.States guaranties to each state the integrity of its territories.  The contracting parties guarantied the integrity of the empire.
2.  The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty.  Integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property,and agencies for others.
The moral grandeur of independent integrity is the sublimest thing in nature, before which the pomp of eastern magnificence and the splendor of conquest are odious as well as perishable.
3.  Purity; genuine, unadulterated, unimpaired state; as the integrity of language.


Topic: Integumation
Definition:
INTEGUMA'TION, n. [L. intego, to cover.]
That part of physiology, which treats of the integuments of animals and plants.


Topic: Integument
Definition:
INTEG'UMENT, n. [L. integumentum, intego, to cover; in and tego.  See Deck.]  That which naturally invests or covers another thing; but appropriately and chiefly, in anatomy, a covering which invests the body, as the skin, or a membrane that invests a particular part.  The skin of seeds and the shells of crustaceous animals are denominated integuments.


Topic: Intellect
Definition:
IN'TELLECT, n. [L. intellectus, from intelligo, to understand.  See Intelligence.]  That faculty of the human soul or mind, which receives or comprehends the ideas communicated to it by the senses or by perception, or by other means; the faculty of thinking; otherwise called the understanding.  A clear intellect receives and entertains the same ideas which another communicates with perspicuity.


Topic: Intellection
Definition:
INTELLEC'TION, n. [L. intellectio, from intelligo.]
The act of understanding; simple apprehension of ideas.


Topic: Intellective
Definition:
INTELLECT'IVE, a.  Having power to understand.
1.  Produced by the understanding.
2.  To be perceived by the understanding, not by the senses.


Topic: Intellectual
Definition:
INTELLECT'UAL, a.
1.  Relating to the intellect or understanding; belonging to the mind; performed by the understanding; mental; as intellectual power or operations.
2.  Ideal; perceived by the intellect; existing in the understanding; as an intellectual scene.
3.  Having the power of understanding; as an intellectual being.
4.  Relating to the understanding; treating of the mind; as intellectual philosophy, now sometimes called mental philosophy.
INTELLECT'UAL, n.  The intellect or understanding. [Little used.]


Topic: Intelligence
Definition:
INTEL'LIGENCE, n. [L. intelligentia, from intelligo, to understand.  This verb is probably composed of in, inter, or intus, within, and lego  to collect.  The primary sense of understand is generally to take or hold, as we say, to take one's ideas or meaning.]
1.  Understanding; skill.
2.  Notice; information communicated; an account of things distant or before unknown.  Intelligence may be transmitted by messengers, by letters, by signals or by telegraphs.
3.  Commerce of acquaintance; terms of intercourse.  Good intelligence between men is harmony.  So we say, there is a good understanding between persons, when they have the same views, or are free from discord.
4.  A spiritual being; as a created intelligence.  It is believed that the universe is peopled with innumerable superior intelligences.
INTEL'LIGENCE, v.t.  To inform; to instruct. [Little used.]


Topic: Intelligence-office
Definition:
INTEL'LIGENCE-OFFICE, noun An office or place where information may be obtained, particularly respecting servants to be hired.


Topic: Intelligencer
Definition:
INTEL'LIGENCER, n.  One who sends or conveys intelligence; one who gives notice of private or distant transactions; a messenger.
1.  A public paper; a newspaper.


Topic: Intelligent
Definition:
INTEL'LIGENT, a. [L. intelligens.]
1.  Endowed with the faculty of understanding or reason.  Man is an intelligent being.
2.  Knowing; understanding; well informed; skilled; as an intelligent officer; an intelligent young man; an intelligent architect; sometimes followed by of; as intelligent of seasons.
3.  Giving information. [Not used nor proper.]


Topic: Intelligential
Definition:
INTELLIGEN'TIAL, a. Consisting of unbodied mind.
 Food alike those pure
 Intelligential substances require.
1.  Intellectual; exercising understanding.


Topic: Intelligibleness
Definition:
INTEL'LIGIBLENESS, n.  [from intelligible.]  The quality of state of being intelligible; the possibility of being understood.


Topic: Intelligibly
Definition:
INTEL'LIGIBLY, adv. In a manner to be understood; clearly; plainly; as, to write or speak intelligibly.


Topic: Intemperament
Definition:
INTEM'PERAMENT, n. [in and temperament.]
A bad state or constitution; as the intemperament of an ulcerated part.


Topic: Intemperance
Definition:
INTEM'PERANCE, n. [L. intemperantia.]
1. In a general sense, want of moderation or due restraint; excess in any kind of action or indulgence; any exertion of body or mind, or any indulgence of appetites or passions which is injurious to the person or contrary to morality; as intemperance in study or in labor, in eating or drinking, or in any other gratification.  Hence, appropriately and emphatically,
2.  Habitual indulgence in drinking spirituous liquors,with or without intoxication.
 Should a foreign army land on our shores, to levy such a tax upon us as intemperance levies--no mortal power could resist the swelling tide of indignation that would overwhelm it.


Topic: Intemperate
Definition:
INTEM'PERATE, a. [L. intemperatus; in and temperatus, from tempero, to moderate or restrain.]
1.  Not moderate or restrained within due limits; indulging to excess any appetite or passion, either habitually or in a particular instance; immoderate in enjoyment or exertion.  A man may be intemperate in passion, intemperate in labor, intemperate in study or zeal.  Hence by customary application, intemperate denotes indulging to excess in the use of food or drink, but particularly in the use of spirituous liquors.  Hence,
  2.  Addicted to an excessive or habitual use of spirituous liquors.
3.  Passionate; ungovernable.
4.  Excessive; exceeding the convenient mean or degree; as an intemperate climate.  The weather may be rendered intemperate by violent winds, rain or snow, or by excessive cold or heat.
INTEM'PERATE, v.t.  To disorder.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Intemperately
Definition:
INTEM'PERATELY, adv.  With excessive indulgence of appetite or passion; with undue exertion; immoderately; excessively.


Topic: Intemperateness
Definition:
INTEM'PERATENESS, n.  Want of moderation; excessive degree of indulgence; as the intemperateness of appetite or passion.
1. Immoderate degree of any quality in the weather, as in cold, heat or storms.


Topic: Intenable
Definition:
INTEN'ABLE, a. [in and tenable.]  That cannot be held or maintained; that is not defensible; as an intenable opinion; an intenable fortress.
[Untenable, though not more proper,is more generally used.]


Topic: Intend
Definition:
INTEND', v.t. [L. intendo; in and tendo, to stretch or strain, from teneo; Gr. to stretch.]
1.  To stretch; to strain; to extend; to distend.
 By this the lungs are intended or remitted.
[This literal sense is now uncommon.]
2.  To mean; to design; to purpose, that is, to stretch or set forward in mind. [This is now the usual sense.]
 For they intended evil against thee. Ps.21.
3.  To regard; to fix the mind on; to attend; to take care of.
 Having no children, she did with singular care and tenderness intend the education of Phillip.
[This use of the word is now obsolete.  We now use tend and superintend or regard.]
4.  To enforce; to make intense.


Topic: Intendant
Definition:
INTEND'ANT, n. [L. intendo.]
1.  One who has the charge, oversight, direction or management of some public business; as an intendant of marine; as intendant of finance; a word much used in France, and sometimes in England and America, but we generally use in lieu of it superintendent.
2.  In Charleston, S. Carolina, the mayor or chief municipal officer of the city.


Topic: Intended
Definition:
INTEND'ED, pp.  Designed; purposed; as, the insult was intended.
1.  Stretched; made intense.  [Little used.]


Topic: Intendment
Definition:
INTEND'MENT, n.  Intention; design; in law, the true meaning of a person or of a law, or of any legal instrument.  In the construction of statutes or of contracts, the intendment of the same is, if possible, to be ascertained, that is, the true meaning or intention of the legislator or contracting party.


Topic: Intenerate
Definition:
INTEN'ERATE, v.t. [L. in and tener, tender.]  
To make tender; to soften.
 Autumn vigor gives,
 Equal, intenerating, milky grain.


Topic: Inteneration
Definition:
INTENERA'TION, n.  The act of making soft or tender.
[Intenerate and its derivatives are little used.]


Topic: Intense
Definition:
INTENSE, a. intens'. [L. intensus, from intendo, to stretch.]
1.  Literally, strained, stretched; hence, very close, strict,as when the mind is fixed or bent on a particular subject; as, intense study or application; intense thought.
2.  Raised to a high degree; violent; vehement; as intense heat.
3.  Very severe or keen; as intense cold.
4.  Vehement; ardent; as intense phrases in language.
5.  Extreme in degree.
 The doctrine of the atonement supposes that the sins of men were so laid on Christ, that his sufferings were inconceivably intense and overwhelming.
6.  Kept on the stretch; anxiously attentive; opposed to remiss.


Topic: Intensely
Definition:
INTENSELY, adv. intens'ly.  To an extreme degree; vehemently; as a furnace intensely heated; weather intensely cold.
1.  Attentively; earnestly.


Topic: Intenseness
Definition:
INTENSENESS, n. intens'ness. The state of being strained or stretched; intensity; as the intenseness of a cord.
1.  The state of being raised or concentrated to a great degree; extreme violence; as the intenseness of heat or cold.
2.  Extreme closeness; as the intenseness of study or thought.


Topic: Intension
Definition:
INTEN'SION, n. [L. intensio.]  A straining, stretching or bending; the state of being strained; as the intension of a musical string.
1. Increase of power or energy of any quality; opposed to remission.


Topic: Intensity
Definition:
INTENS'ITY, n.  The state of being strained or stretched; intenseness, as of a musical chord.
1.  The state of being raised to a great degree; extreme violence; as the intensity of heat.
2.  Extreme closeness; as intensity of application.
3.  Excess; extreme degree; as the intensity of guilt.


Topic: Intensive
Definition:
INTENS'IVE, a.  Stretched, or admitting of extension.
1.  Intent; unremitted; assiduous; as intensive circumspection.
2.  Serving to give force or emphasis; as an intensive particle or preposition.


Topic: Intent
Definition:
INTENT', a. [L. intentus, from intendo.  See Intend.]
Literally, having the mind strained or bent on an object; hence, fixed closely; sedulously applied; eager in pursuit of an object; anxiously diligent; formerly with to, but now with on; as intent on business or pleasure; intent on the acquisition of science.
 Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker--
INTENT', n.  Literally, the stretching of the mind towards an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim; applied to persons or things.
 The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the laws of duties supernatural.
 I ask therefore, for what intent ye have sent for me?  Acts 10.
To all intents, in all senses; whatever may be designed.
 He was miserable to all intents and purposes.


Topic: Intention
Definition:
INTEN'TION, n. [L. intentio.  See Intend.]
1.  Primarily, a stretching or bending of the mind towards an object; hence, uncommon exertion of the intellectual faculties; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
 Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness and of choice, fixes its view on any idea, considers it on every side, and will not be called off by the ordinary solicitation of other ideas.
2.  Design; purpose; the fixed direction of the mind to a particular object, or a determination to act in a particular manner.  It is my intention to proceed to Paris.
3.  End or aim; the object to be accomplished.
 In chronical distempers,the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts.
4.  The state of being strained. [See Intension.]


Topic: Intentional
Definition:
INTEN'TIONAL, a. Intended; designed; done with design or purpose.  The act was intentional, not accidental.


Topic: Intentioned
Definition:
INTEN'TIONED, in composition; as well-intentioned, having good designs, honest in purpose; ill-intentioned, having ill designs.


Topic: Intentive
Definition:
INTENT'IVE, a.  Attentive; having the mind close applied.
[This word is nearly superseded by attentive.]


Topic: Intently
Definition:
INTENT'LY, adv.  With close attention or application; with eagerness or earnestness; as the mind intently directed to an object; the eyes intently fixed; the man is intently employed in the study of geology.


Topic: Intercalate
Definition:
IN'TERCALATE, v.t. [L. intercalo; inter and calo, to call.]
To insert an extraordinary day or other portion of time.


Topic: Intercalation
Definition:
INTERCALA'TION, n. [L. intercalatio.]  The insertion of an odd or extraordinary day in the calendar, as the 29th of February in leap year.


Topic: Intercede
Definition:
INTERCE'DE, v.i. [L. intercedo; inter and cedo; literally, to move or pass between.]
1.  To pass between.
 He supposes that a vast period interceded between that origination and the age in which he lived.
2.  To mediate; to interpose; to make intercession; to act between parties with a view to reconcile those who differ or contend; usually followed by with.
3.  To please in favor of one.


Topic: Interceder
Definition:
INTERCE'DER, n. One who intercedes or interposes between parties, to effect a reconciliation; a mediator; an intercessor.


Topic: Intercept
Definition:
INTERCEPT', v.t. [L. interceptus, intercipio, to stop; inter and capio, to take.]
1.  To take or seize on by the way; to stop on its passage; as, to intercept a letter. The prince was intercepted at Rome.  The convoy was intercepted by a detachment of the enemy.
2.  To obstruct; to stop in progress; as, to intercept rays of light; to intercept the current of a river, or a course of proceedings.
3.  To stop, as a course or passing; as, to intercept a course.
4.  To interrupt communication with, or progress towards.
 While storms vindictive intercept the shore.
5.  To take, include or comprehend between.
 Right ascension is an arch of the equator, reckoning towards the east, intercepted between the beginning of Aries, and the point of the equator which rises at the same time with the sun or star in a right sphere.


Topic: Interception
Definition:
INTERCEP'TION, n.  The act of seizing something on its passage; a stopping; obstruction of a course or proceeding; hinderance.


Topic: Intercession
Definition:
INTERCES'SION, n. [L. intercessio, from intercedo.  See Intercede.]
The act of interceding; mediation; interposition between parties at variance, with a view to reconciliation; prayer or solicitation to one party in favor of another, sometimes against another.
 Your intercession now is needless grown;
 Retire and let me speak with her alone.
 He bore the sin of many, and made intercession
for the transgressors. Is. 53.


Topic: Intercessor
Definition:
INTERCES'SOR, n. [L. See intercede.]
1.  A mediator; one who interposes between parties at variance, with a view to reconcile them; one who pleads in behalf of another.
2.  A bishop who, during a vacancy of the see, administers the bishopric till a successor is elected.


Topic: Interchange
Definition:
INTERCHANGE, v.t.  [inter and change.]
1.  To put each in the place of the other; to give and take mutually; to exchange; to reciprocate; as, to interchange places; to interchange cares or duties.
 I shall interchange
 My waned state of Henry's regal crown.
2.  To succeed alternately.


Topic: Interchangeable
Definition:
INTERCHANGEABLE, a. That may be interchanged; that may be given and taken mutually.
1.  Following each other in alternate succession; as the four interchangeable seasons.


Topic: Interchanging
Definition:
INTERCHANGING, ppr. Mutually giving and receiving; taking each other's place successively; reciprocating.


Topic: Intercipient
Definition:
INTERCIP'IENT, a. [L. intercipiens.  See Intercept.]
Intercepting; seizing by the way; stopping.
INTERCIP'IENT, n.  He or that which intercepts or stops on the passage.


Topic: Interclude
Definition:
INTERCLU'DE, v.t. [l. intercludo; inter and cludo, to shut.]
1.  To shut from a place or course by something intervening; to intercept.
2.  To cut off; to interrupt.


Topic: Intercolumniation
Definition:
INTERCOLUMNIA'TION, n. [L. inter and columna, a column.]
In architecture, the space between two columns.  By the rules of the art, this should be in proportion to the highth and bulk of the columns.


Topic: Intercommon
Definition:
INTERCOM'MON, v.i. [inter and common.]
1.  To feet at the same table.
2.  To graze cattle in a common pasture; to use a common with others, or to possess or enjoy the right of feeding in common.
 Common because of vicinage, is where the inhabitants of two townships contiguous to each other, have usually intercommoned with one another.


Topic: Intercommoning
Definition:
INTERCOM'MONING, ppr.  Feeding at the same table, or using a common pasture; enjoying a common field with others.


Topic: Intercommunicate
Definition:
INTERCOMMU'NICATE, v.i. [inter and communicate.]
To communicate mutually; to hold mutual communication.


Topic: Intercommunity
Definition:
INTERCOMMU'NITY, n. [inter and community.]  A mutual communication or community; mutual freedom or exercise of religion; as the intercommunity of pagan theology.


Topic: Intercostal
Definition:
INTERCOST'AL, a. [L. inter, between, and costa, a rib.]
Placed or lying between the ribs; as an intercostal muscle, artery or vein.
INTERCOST'AL, n.  A part lying between the ribs.


Topic: Intercourse
Definition:
IN'TERCOURSE, n. [L. intercursus, intercurro; inter and curro, to run.]  Literally, a running or passing between.  Hence,
1.  Communication; commerce; connection by reciprocal dealings between persons or nations, either in common affairs and civilities, in trade, or correspondence by letters.  We have an intercourse with neighbors and friends in mutual visits and in social concerns; nations and individuals have intercourse with foreign nations or individuals by an interchange of commodities, by purchase and sale, by treaties, contracts, &c.
2.  Silent communication or exchange.
 This sweet intercourse
 Of looks and smiles.


Topic: Interdict
Definition:
INTERDICT', v.t. [L. interdico, interdictum; inter and dico, to speak.]
1.  To forbid; to prohibit.  An act of congress interdicted the sailing of vessels from our ports. Our intercourse with foreign nations was interdicted.
2.  To forbid communion; to cut off from the enjoyment of communion with a church.
 An archbishop may not only excommunicate and interdict his suffragans, but his vicar-general may do the same.


Topic: Interdiction
Definition:
INTERDIC'TION, n. [L. interdictio.]  The act of interdicting; prohibition; prohibiting decree; curse.


Topic: Interequinoctial
Definition:
INTEREQUINOC'TIAL, a. [inter and equinox.]  Coming between the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.
 Spring and autumn I have denominated equinoctial periods.  Summer and winter I have called interequinoctial intervals.


Topic: Interest
Definition:
IN'TEREST, v.t. [L. inter and esse.]
1.  To concern; to affect; to excite emotion or passion, usually in favor,but sometimes against a person or thing.  A narration of suffering interests us in favor of the sufferer.  We are interested in the story or in the fate of the sufferer.  We are interested to know the result, issue or event of an enterprise.  It is followed by in or for.  We are interested in the narration,but for the sufferer.
2.  To give a share in.  Christ, by his atonement, has interested believers in the blessings of the covenant of grace.
3.  To have a share.
 We are not all interested in the public funds, but we are all interested in the happiness of a free government.
4.  To engage; as, to interest one in our favor.
To interest one's self, is to take a share or concern in.
IN'TEREST, n.  Concern; advantage; good; as private interest; public interest.
 Divisions hinder the common interest and public good.
1. Influence over others. They had now lost their interest at court.
 He knew his interest sufficient to procure the office.
2.  Share; portion; part; participation in value.  He has parted with his interest in the stocks.  He has an interest in a manufactory of cotton goods.
3.  Regard to private profit.
 'Tis interest calls off all her sneaking train.
4.  Premium paid for the use of money; the profit per cent derived from money lent, or property used by another person, or from debts remaining unpaid.  Commercial states have a legal rate of interest.  Debts on book bear an interest after the expiration of the credit.  Courts allow interest in many cases where it is not stipulated.  A higher rate of interest than that which the law allows, is called usury.
 Simple interest is that which arises from the principal sum only.
 Compound interest is that which arises from the principal with the interest added; interest on interest.
5.  Any surplus advantage.
 With all speed,
 you shall have your desire with interest.


Topic: Interested
Definition:
IN'TERESTED, pp.  Made a sharer; as one interested in the funds.
1.  Affected; moved; having the passions excited; as one interested by a story.
2. Having an interest; concerned in a cause or in consequences; liable to be affected; as an interested witness.


Topic: Interesting
Definition:
IN'TERESTING, ppr.  Giving  a share or concern; as by interesting one in a voyage, or in a banking company.
1.  Engaging the affections; as by interesting a person in one's favor.
2.  Engaging the attention or curiosity; exciting emotions or passions; as an interesting story.


Topic: Interfere
Definition:
INTERFE'RE, v.i. [L. inter and fero, to bear, or ferio, to strike.]
1.  To interpose; to intermeddle; to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others.  It is prudence not to interfere in party disputes, but from necessity.
2.  To clash; to come in collision; to be in opposition.  The claims of two nations may interfere.
3.  A horse is said to interfere, when one hoof or shoe strikes against the fetlock of the opposite leg, and breaks the skin or injures the flesh.


Topic: Interference
Definition:
INTERFE'RENCE, n.  Interposition; an intermeddling; mediation.
1.  A clashing or collision.
2.  A striking of one foot against the other.


Topic: Interfering
Definition:
INTERFE'RING, ppr.  Interposing; meddling.
1.  Clashing; coming in collision.
2.  Striking one foot against the fetlock of the opposite leg.
INTERFE'RING, n.  Interference.


Topic: Interfoliaceous
Definition:
INTERFOLIA'CEOUS, a. [L. inter and folium, a leaf.]
Being between opposite leaves, but placed alternately with them; as interfoliaceous flowers or peduncles.


Topic: Interfused
Definition:
INTERFU'SED, a. s as z. [L. interfusus; inter and fundo, to pour.]
Poured or spread between.
 The ambient air, wide interfused,
 Embracing round this florid earth.


Topic: Interior
Definition:
INTE'RIOR, a. [L. comp. formed from inter or intra, in or within.]
1.  Internal; being within any limits, inclosure or substance; inner; opposed to exterior or superficial; as the interior apartments of a house; the interior ornaments; the interior surface of a hollow ball, the interior parts of the earth.
2.  Inland; remote from the limits, frontier or shore; as the interior parts of a country, state or kingdom.
INTE'RIOR, n.  The internal part of a thing; the inside.
1.  The inland part of a country, state or kingdom.


Topic: Interjacency
Definition:
INTERJA'CENCY, n. [L. interjacens; inter and jacens, lying.]
1.  A lying between; a being between; intervention; as the interjacency of the Tweed between England and Scotland.
2. That which lies between. [Little used.]


Topic: Interjacent
Definition:
INTERJA'CENT, a. [L. interjacens, supra.]  Lying or being between; intervening; as interjacent isles.


Topic: Interject
Definition:
INTERJECT', v.t. [L. interjicio; inter and jacio, to throw.]
To throw between; to throw in between other things; to insert.
 A circumstance--may be interjected even between a relative word and that to which it relates.


Topic: Interjection
Definition:
INTERJEC'TION, n. The act of throwing between.
1.  A word in speaking or writing, thrown in between words connected in construction, to express some emotion or passion.  
'These were delightful days, but, alas, they are no more.'  [See Exclamation.]


Topic: Interlace
Definition:
INTERLA'CE, v.t. To intermix; to put or insert one thing with another.
 They interlaced some errors.
 The epic way is every where interlaced with dialogue.


Topic: Interlard
Definition:
INTERL`ARD, v.t.
1.  Primarily, to mix fat with lean; hence, to interpose; to insert between.
2.  To mix; to diversify by mixture.


Topic: Interleave
Definition:
INTERLE'AVE, v.t. [inter and leaf.]  To insert a leaf; to insert a blank leaf or blank leaves in a book, between other leaves.


Topic: Interline
Definition:
INTERLI'NE, v.t. [inter and line.]  To write in alternate lines; as, to interline Latin and English.
1. To write between lines already written or printed, for the purpose of adding to or correcting what is written.


Topic: Interlineation
Definition:
INTERLINEA'TION, n. [inter and lineation.]
1. The act of inserting words or lines between lines before written or printed.
2.  The words, passage or line inserted between lines before written or printed.


Topic: Interlined
Definition:
INTERLI'NED, pp.  Written between lines; as an interlined word.
1.  Containing a line or lines written between lines; as an interlined manuscript.


Topic: Interlining
Definition:
INTERLI'NING, ppr. Writing between lines already written or printed.
INTERLI'NING, n.  Correction or alteration by writing between the lines.


Topic: Interlocution
Definition:
INTERLOCU'TION, n. [L. interlocutio; inter and locutio, loquor, to speak.]
1.  Dialogue; conference; interchange of speech.
2.  In law, an intermediate act or decree before final decision.


Topic: Interlocutor
Definition:
INTERLOC'UTOR, n. [L. interloquor, supra.]
1.  One who speaks in dialogue; a dialogist.
2.  In Scots law, an interlocutory judgment or sentence.


Topic: Interlocutory
Definition:
INTERLOC'UTORY, a.
1.  Consisting of dialogue.
 There are several interlocutory discourses in the holy Scriptures.
2.  In law, intermediate; not final or definitive.  An order, sentence,decree or judgment, given in an intermediate stage of a cause, or on some intermediate question before the final decision, is called interlocutory; as a decree in chancery referring a question of fact to a court of law, or a judgment on default in a court of law.


Topic: Interlope
Definition:
INTERLO'PE, v.i. [inter and Eng. to leap.  See Leap.]
To run between parties and intercept the advantage that one should gain from the other; to traffick without a proper license; to forestall; to prevent right.


Topic: Interloper
Definition:
INTERLO'PER, n.  One who runs into business to which he has no right; one who interferes wrongfully; one who enters a country or place to trade without license.


Topic: Interlude
Definition:
IN'TERLUDE, n. [L. inter and ludus, play.]
An entertainment exhibited on the state between the acts of a play, or between the play and the afterpiece, to amuse the spectators, while the actors take breath and shift their dress, or the scenes and decorations are changed. In ancient tragedy, the chorus sung the interludes. In modern times, interludes consist of songs, feats of activity, dances, concerts of music, &c.


Topic: Interluency
Definition:
INTERLU'ENCY, n. [L. interluens, interluo, to flow between.]
A flowing between; water interposed.  [Little used.]


Topic: Intermarriage
Definition:
INTERMAR'RIAGE, n. [inter and marriage.]  Marriage between two families, where each takes one and gives another.


Topic: Intermarry
Definition:
INTERMAR'RY, v.i. [inter and marry.]
1.  To marry one and give another in marriage; as two families.
2.  To marry some of each order, family, tribe or nation with the other.
 About the middle of the fourth century from the building of Rome, it was declared lawful for nobles and plebeians to intermarry.


Topic: Intermeddle
Definition:
INTERMED'DLE, v.i. [inter and meddle.]  To meddle in the affairs of others, in which one has no concern; to meddle officiously; to interpose or interfere improperly.
 The practice of Spain has been, by war and by conditions of treaty, to intermeddle with foreign states.


Topic: Intermeddler
Definition:
INTERMED'DLER, n.  One that interposes officiously; one who meddles, or intrudes into business to which he has no right.


Topic: Intermeddling
Definition:
INTERMED'DLING, ppr.  Interposing officiously; intruding.
INTERMED'DLING, n.  Officious interposition.


Topic: Intermediary
Definition:
INTERME'DIARY, n. [from intermediate.]
1. Interposition; intervention. [Not much used.]
2. Something interposed.


Topic: Intermediate
Definition:
INTERME'DIATE, a. [L. inter and medius,middle.]  Lying or being in the middle place or degree between two extremes; intervening; interposed; as an intermediate space between hills or rivers; intermediate colors.  Man has an intermediate nature and rank between angels and brutes.
INTERME'DIATE, n.  In chimistry, a substance which is the intermedium or means of chimical affinity, as an alkali, which renders oil combinable with water.


Topic: Intermigration
Definition:
INTERMIGRA'TION, n. [L. inter and migro, to migrate.]
Reciprocal migration; removal from one country to another by men or tribes which take the place each of the other.


Topic: Interminable
Definition:
INTERM'INABLE, a. [L. in and terminus, end; termino, to end.]
Boundless; endless; admitting no limit; as interminable space or duration; interminable sufferings. Milton uses this word as an appellation of the Godhead.


Topic: Interminate
Definition:
INTERM'INATE, a. [L. interminatus, intermino.]  
Unbounded; unlimited; endless; as interminate sleep.
INTERM'INATE, v.t. [L. interminor.]  To menace.  [Not used.]


Topic: Intermingle
Definition:
INTERMIN'GLE, v.t. [inter and mingle.]  
To mingle or mix together; to put some things with others.
INTERMIN'GLE, v.i. To be mixed or incorporated.


Topic: Intermission
Definition:
INTERMIS'SION, n. [L. intermissio.  See Intermit.]
1.  Cessation for a time; pause; intermediate stop; as, to labor without intermission; service or business will begin after an intermission of one hour.
2.  Intervenient time.
3.  The temporary cessation or subsidence of a fever; the space of time between the paroxysms of a disease.  Intermission is an entire cessation, as distinguished from remission or abatement of fever.
4.  The state of being neglected; disuse; as of words. [Little used.]


Topic: Intermit
Definition:
INTERMIT', v.t. [L. intermitto; inter and mitto, to send.]
To cause to cease for a time; to interrupt; to suspend.
 Pray to the gods, to intermit the plague
 That needs must light on this ingratitude.
INTERMIT', v.i.  To cease for a time; to go off at intervals; as a fever.  A tertian fever intermits every other day.  The pulse sometimes intermits for a second of time.


Topic: Intermittent
Definition:
INTERMIT'TENT, a.  Ceasing at intervals; as an intermittent fever.
INTERMIT'TENT, n.  A fever which entirely subsides or ceases at certain intervals. The ague and fever is called an intermittent.


Topic: Intermix
Definition:
INTERMIX', v.t. [inter and mix.]  To mix together; to put some things with others; to intermingle.
 In yonder-spring of roses, intermix'd
 With myrtle, find what to redress 'till noon.
INTERMIX', v.i.  To be mixed together; to be intermingled.


Topic: Intermixture
Definition:
INTERMIX'TURE, n.  A mass formed by mixture; a mass of ingredients mixed.
1.  Admixture; something additional mingled in a mass.
 In this height of impiety there wanted not an intermixture of levity and folly.


Topic: Intermontane
Definition:
INTERMONT'ANE, a. [L. inter and montanus, mons, a mountain.]
Between mountains; as intermontane soil.


Topic: Intermundane
Definition:
INTERMUND'ANE,a. [L. inter and mundanus, mundus, the world.]
Being between worlds or between orb and orb; as intermundane spaces.


Topic: Internal
Definition:
INTERN'AL, a. [L. internus.]  Inward; interior; being within any limit or surface; not external.  We speak of the internal parts of a body, of a bone, of the earth, &c.  Internal excellence is opposed to external.  The internal peace of man, is peace of mind or conscience.  The internal evidence of the divine origin of the Scriptures, is the evidence which arises from the excellence of its precepts and their adaptation to the condition of man, or from other peculiarities.
1.  Pertaining to the heart.
 With our Savior, internal purity is every thing.
2.  Intrinsic; real; as the internal rectitude of actions.
3.  Confined to a country; domestic; not foreign; as the internal trade of a state or kingdom; internal troubles or dissensions; internal war. Internal taxes are taxes on the lands and other property within a state or kingdom;  opposed to external taxes.


Topic: Internally
Definition:
INTERN'ALLY, adv. Inwardly; within the body; beneath the surface.
1.  Mentally; intellectually.
2.  Spiritually.


Topic: International
Definition:
INTERNA'TIONAL, a. [inter and national.]  Existing and regulating the mutual intercourse between different nations; as international law.


Topic: Internecine
Definition:
INTERNE'CINE, a. [L. internecinus, interneco, to kill; inter and neco.]   Deadly; destructive. [Little used.]


Topic: Internode
Definition:
IN'TERNODE, n. [L. internodium; inter and nodus, knot.
In botany, the space between two joints of a plant.


Topic: Internuncio
Definition:
INTERNUN'CIO, n. [L. internuncius; inter and nuncius, a messenger.]
A messenger between two parties.


Topic: Interossealseous
Definition:
INTEROS'SEAL'SEOUS, a. [L. inter and os, a bone.]  Situated between bones; as an interosseous ligament.


Topic: Interpellation
Definition:
INTERPELLA'TION, n. [L. interpellatio, interpello; inter and pello, to drive or thrust.]  A summons; a citation.
1.  Interruption.
2.  An earnest address; intercession.


Topic: Interplead
Definition:
INTERPLE'AD, v.i. [inter and plead.]  In law, to discuss a point incidentally happening, before the principal cause can be tried.


Topic: Interpleader
Definition:
INTERPLE'ADER, n.  A bill of interpleader, in chancery, is where a person owes a debt or rent to one of the parties in suit, but, till the determination of it, he knows not to which,and he desired that they may interplead or settle their claims between themselves, that he may be safe in the payment.


Topic: Interpolate
Definition:
IN'TERPOLATE, v.t. [L. interpolo; inter and polio, to polish.]
1.  To renew; to begin again; to carry on with intermission; as a succession of interpolated motions.
2.  To foist in; to insert, as a spurious word or passage in a manuscript or book; to add a spurious word or passage to the original.
 The Athenians were put in possession of Salamis by another law which was cited by Solon, or as some think, interpolated by him for that purpose.


Topic: Interpolation
Definition:
INTERPOLA'TION, n.  The act of foisting a word or passage into a manuscript or book.
1.  A spurious word or passage inserted in the genuine writings of an author.
 I have changed the situation of some of the Latin verses, and made some interpolations.
2.  In mathematics, that branch of analysis, which treats of the methods by which, when a series of quantities succeeding each other, and formed all according to some determinate law, are given, others subject to the same law may be interposed between them.


Topic: Interpolator
Definition:
IN'TERPOLATOR, n. [L.]  One who foists into a book or manuscript, spurious words or passages; one who adds something to genuine writings.


Topic: Interposal
Definition:
INTERPO'SAL, n. s as z. [from interpose.]
1.  The act of interposing; interposition; interference; agency between two persons.
2.  Intervention; a coming or being between.


Topic: Interpose
Definition:
INTERPO'SE, v.t. s as z. [L. interpono, interpositum; inter and pono, to place.]
1.  The act of interposing; interposition; interference; agency between two persons.
2.  To place between or among; to thrust in; to intrude, as an obstruction, interruption or inconvenience.
 What watchful cares do interpose themselves
 Betwixt your eyes and night.
 Human frailty will too often interpose itself among persons of the holiest function.
3.  To offer, as aid or services, for relief or the adjustment of differences. The emperor interposed his aid or services to reconcile the contending parties.
 The common Father of mankind seasonably interposed his hand and rescued miserable man--
INTERPO'SE, v.i.  To step in between parties at variance; to mediate. The prince interposed and made peace.
1.  To put in by way of interruption.
 But,interposes Eleutherius, this objection may be made against almost any hypothesis.
INTERPO'SE, n.  Interposal. [Not used.]


Topic: Interposition
Definition:
INTERPOSI'TION, n. [L. interpositio.]
1. A being, placing or coming between; intervention; as the interposition of the Baltic sea between Germany and Sweden.  The interposition of the moon between the earth and the sun occasions a solar eclipse.
2.  Intervenient agency; as the interposition of the magistrate in quieting sedition. How many evidences have we of divine interposition in favor of good men!
3.  Mediation; agency between parties.  By the interposition of a common friend, the parties have been reconciled.
4.  Any thing interposed.


Topic: Interpret
Definition:
INTER'PRET, v.t. [L. interpretor, from interpres.]
1.  To explain the meaning or words to a person who does not understand them; to expound; to translate unintelligible words into intelligible ones; as, to interpret the Hebrew language to an Englishman.
 --Immanuel, which being interpreted, signified, God with us. Matt.1.
2.  To explain or unfold the meaning of predictions, vision, dreams or enigmas; to expound and lay open what is concealed from the understanding; as, Joseph interpreted the dream of Pharaoh.
3.  To decipher.
4.  To explain something not understood; as, to interpret looks or signs.
5.  To define; to explain words by other words in the same language.


Topic: Interpretation
Definition:
INTERPRETA'TION, n. [L. interpretatio.]
1. The act of interpreting; explanation of unintelligible words in language that is intelligible. Interpretation is the design of translation.
2.  The act of expounding or unfolding what is not understood or not obvious; as the interpretation of dreams and prophecy.
 Look how we can, or sad or merrily,
 Interpretation will misquote our looks.
3.  The sense given by an interpreter; exposition.  We sometimes find various interpretations of the same passage of Scripture and other ancient writings.
4.  The power of explaining.


Topic: Interpretative
Definition:
INTER'PRETATIVE, a.  Collected or known by interpretation.
 An interpretative siding with heretics.
1.  Containing explanation.


Topic: Interpreter
Definition:
INTER'PRETER, n. One that explains or expounds; an expositor; as an interpreter of the Scriptures.
1.  A translator; one who renders the words of one language in words of corresponding signification in another.


Topic: Interpunction
Definition:
INTERPUNC'TION, n. [L. interpunctio, interpungo; inter and pungo, to point.]  The making of points between sentences or parts of a sentence.  But punctuation is generally used.


Topic: Interregnum
Definition:
INTERREG'NUM, n. [L. inter and regnum, rule or reign.]  The time in which a throne is vacant, between the death or abdication of a king and the accession of his successor.  An interregnum, in strictness, can happen only in governments where the king is elective; for in hereditary kingdoms, the reign of the successor commences at the moment of his predecessor;s death or demise.  The word however is used with more latitude.


Topic: Interrogate
Definition:
INTER'ROGATE, v.t. [L. interrogo; inter and rogo, to ask.]
To question; to examine by asking questions; as, to interrogate a witness.
INTER'ROGATE, v.i. To ask questions.


Topic: Interrogation
Definition:
INTERROGA'TION, n.  The act of questioning; examination by questions.
1.  A question put; inquiry.
2.  A note that marks a question; as, does Job serve God for naught?


Topic: Interrogative
Definition:
INTERROG'ATIVE, a.  Denoting a question; expressed in the form of a question; as an interrogative phrase or sentence.
INTERROG'ATIVE, n.  A word used in asking questions; as who? what? which? why?


Topic: Interrogatory
Definition:
INTERROG'ATORY, n.  A question or inquiry.  In law, a particular question to a witness, who is to answer it under the solemnities of an oath. This may be in open court or before commissioners.
INTERROG'ATORY, a.  Containing a question; expressing a question; as an interrogatory sentence.


Topic: Interrupt
Definition:
INTERRUPT', v.t. [L. interrumpo, interruptus; inter and rumpo, to break.]
1.  To stop or hinder by breaking in upon the course or progress of any thing; to break the current or motion of; as a fall of rain interrupted our journey.  There was not a tree nor a bush to interrupt the charge of the enemy.  The speaker was interrupted by shouts of acclamation.  We apply the word both to the agent and to his progress.  We say, an alarm interrupted the speaker, or his arguments or discourse.
2.  To divide; to separate; to break continuity or a continued series.  The road was on a plain, not interrupted by a single hill, or interrupted here and there by a hill.
INTERRUPT', a.  Broken; containing a chasm.


Topic: Interruption
Definition:
INTERRUP'TION, n. [L. interruptio.]
1.  The act of interrupting, or breaking in upon progression.
2.  Breach of any thing extended; interposition; as an isle separated from the continent by the interruption of the sea.
3. Intervention; interposition.
 Lest the interruption of time caused
4.  Stop; hinderance; obstruction caused by breaking in upon any course,current,progress or motion. An interruption may be temporary or durable.  The work of the Erie canal has suffered few interruptions from storms and floods.  The lava met with no interruption till it descended to the foot of the mountain.  The author has met with many interruptions in the execution of his work.  The speaker or the argument proceeds without interruption.
5.  Stop; cessation; intermission.


Topic: Intersecant
Definition:
INTERSE'CANT, a. [L. intersecans, interseco; inter and seco, to cut.]  Dividing into parts; crossing.


Topic: Intersect
Definition:
INTERSECT', v.t. [L. interseco; inter, between, and seco, to cut.]
To cut or cross mutually; to divide into parts.  Thus two lines or two planes may intersect each other.  The ecliptic intersects the equator.
INTERSECT', v.i.  To meet and cross each other; as, the point where two lines intersect.  [This is elliptical.]


Topic: Intersection
Definition:
INTERSEC'TION, n. [L. intersectio.]  The act or state of intersecting.
1.  The point or line in which two lines or two planes cut each other.


Topic: Interseminate
Definition:
INTERSEM'INATE, v.t. [L. interseminatus; inter, between, and semino, to sow.]   To sow between or among. [Little used.]


Topic: Intersert
Definition:
INTERSERT', v.t. [L. intersero; inter, between, and sero, to throw.]
To set or put in between other things.


Topic: Intersperse
Definition:
INTERSPERSE, v.t. interspers'. [L. interspersus; inter, between, and spargo, to scatter.]  To scatter or set here and there among  other things; as an able argument interspersed with flowers of rhetoric.  Intersperse shrubs among trees.


Topic: Interstice
Definition:
IN'TERSTICE, n. [L. interstitium; inter and sto, to stand.]
1.  A space between things; but chiefly, a narrow or small space between things closely set, or the parts which compose a body. We speak of the interstices between the teeth, or between the parts of wood or stone.
2.  Time between one act and another; interval.


Topic: Intertexture
Definition:
INTERTEX'TURE, n. [L. intertextus; inter and texo, to weave.]act of interweaving, or the state of things interwoven.


Topic: Interval
Definition:
IN'TERVAL, n. [L. intervallum; inter and vallum, a wall, or vallus, a stake.
1.  A space between things; a void space intervening between any two objects; as an interval between two columns, between two pickets or palisades, between two houses or walls, or between two mountains or hills.
2.  Space of time between any two points or events; as the interval between the death of Charles I. of England and the accession of Charles II.' the interval between two wars.  Hence we say, an interval of peace.
3.  The space of time between two paroxysms of disease, pain or delirium; remission; as an interval of ease, of peace, of reason.
4.  The distance between two given sounds in music, or the difference in point of gravity or acuteness.
5.  A tract of low or plain ground between hills, or along the banks of rivers,usually alluvial land enriched by the overflowings of rivers, or by fertilizing deposits of earth from the adjacent hills.  [De. Belknap writes this intervale; I think improperly.]


Topic: Interveined
Definition:
INTERVEINED, a. [inter and vein.]  Intersected as with veins.
 Fair champaign with less rivers interveined.


Topic: Intervene
Definition:
INTERVE'NE, v.i. [L. intervenio; inter and venio, to come.]
1.  To come or be between persons or things; to be situated between.  Thus the Atlantic intervenes between Europe and America; the Mediterranean intervenes between Europe and Africa.
2.  To come between points or time or events; as the period that intervened between the treaty of Ryswick and the treaty of Utrecht.
3.  To happen in a way to disturb, cross or interrupt.  Events may intervene to frustrate our purposes or wishes.
4.  To interpose or undertake voluntarily for another.  A third party may intervene and accept a bill of exchange for another.
INTERVE'NE, n.  A coming between. [Not used.]


Topic: Intervening
Definition:
INTERVE'NING, ppr. or a.  Coming or being between persons or things, or between points of time; as intervening space or time; intervening events or misfortunes; intervening peace.


Topic: Intervention
Definition:
INTERVEN'TION, n. [L. interventio.]
1.  A state of coming or being between; interposition.  Light is not interrupted by the intervention of a transparent body.
2.  Agency of persons between persons; interposition; mediation; any interference that may affect the interests of others.
 Let us decide our quarrels at home without the intervention of a foreign power.
3.  Agency of means or instruments; as, effects are produced by the intervention of natural causes.
4.  Interposition in favor of another; a voluntary undertaking of one party for another. A bill of exchange may be accepted by the intervention of a third person in behalf of the drawer or of one of the indorsers.


Topic: Intervert
Definition:
INTERVERT', v.t. [L. interverto; inter and verto, to turn.]
To turn to another course or to another use.  [Little used.]


Topic: Interview
Definition:
IN'TERVIEW, n. [inter and view.]  A mutual sight or view; a meeting; usually a formal meeting for some conference on an important subject; hence the word implies a conference or mutual communication of thoughts.  The envoy had an interview with the king or with the secretary of foreign affairs.  The parties had an interview and adjusted their differences.


Topic: Intervolve
Definition:
INTERVOLVE, v.t. intervolv'.  [L. intervolvo; inter and volvo, to roll.]  To involve one within another.


Topic: Interweave
Definition:
INTERWE'AVE, v.t. pret. interwove; pp. interwoven. [inter and weave.]
1.  To weave together; to intermix or unite in texture or construction; as threads of silk and cotton interwoven.
2. To intermix; to set among or together; as a covert of interwoven trees.
3.  To intermingle; to insert together; as,to interweave truth with falsehood.


Topic: Intestable
Definition:
INTEST'ABLE, a. [L. intestabilis; in and testabilis; testis, a witness; testor, to testify.]
Not capable of making a will; legally unqualified or disqualified to make a testament; as, a person unqualified for want of discretion, or disqualified by loss of reason, is intestable.


Topic: Intestacy
Definition:
INTEST'ACY, n. [from intestate.]  The state of dying without making a will or disposing of one's effects.


Topic: Intestate
Definition:
INTEST'ATE, a. [L. intestatus; in and testatus,testor, to make a will.]
1.  Dying without having made a will.  When a man dies intestate, his estate is committed for settlement to administrators.
2.  Not devised; not disposed of by will; as an intestate estate.
INTEST'ATE, n.  A person who dies without making a will.


Topic: Intestinal
Definition:
INTEST'INAL, a. [from intestine.]  Pertaining to the intestines of an animal body; as the intestinal tube or canal.


Topic: Intestine
Definition:
INTEST'INE, a. [L. intestinus, from intus, within.]
1.  Internal; inward; opposed to external; applied to the human or other animal body; as an intestine disease.
2.  Internal with regard to a state or country; domestic, not foreign; as intestine feuds; intestine war; intestine enemies.  It is to be remarked that this word is usually or always applied to evils. We never say, intestine happiness or prosperity; intestine trade,manufactures or bills; but intestine broils, trouble, disorders, calamities, war, &c.  We say, internal peace, welfare, prosperity, or internal broils,war, trade, &c.  This restricted use of intestine seems to be entirely arbitrary.
INTEST'INE, n.  Usually in the plural, intestines.  The bowels; the canal or tube that extends, with convolutions, from the right orifice of the stomach to the anus.


Topic: Inthrall
Definition:
INTHRALL', v.t. [in and thrall.]  To enslave; to reduce to bondage or servitude; to shackle.  The Greeks have been inthralled by the Turks.
 She soothes, but never can inthrall my mind.


Topic: Inthrone
Definition:
INTHRO'NE, v.t. [in and throne.]  To seat on a throne; to raise to royalty or supreme dominion.  [See Enthrone, which is the more common orthography.]


Topic: Intimate
Definition:
IN'TIMATE,a. [L. intimus, superl. of intus, or interus, within.]
1.  Inmost; inward; internal; as intimate impulse.
2.  Near; close.
 He was honored with an intimate and immediate admission.
3.  Close in friendship or acquaintance; familiar; as an intimate friend; intimate acquaintance.
IN'TIMATE, n.  A familiar friend or associate; one to whom the thoughts of another are entrusted without reserve.
IN'TIMATE, v.i.  To share together.  [Not in use.]
IN'TIMATE, v.t. [Low L. intimo, to intimate, to register, to love entirely, to make one intimate, to enter, from intimus.]
To hint; to suggest obscurely, indirectly or not very plainly; to give slight notice of.  He intimated his intention of resigning his office.
 'Tis heaven itself that points out an hereafter,
 And intimates eternity to man.


Topic: Intimately
Definition:
IN'TIMATELY, adv. Closely; with close intermixture and union of parts; as two fluids intimately mixed.
1.  Closely; with nearness of friendship or alliance; as two friends intimately united; two families intimately connected.
2.  Familiarly; particularly; as, to be intimately acquainted with facts or with a subject.


Topic: Intimation
Definition:
INTIMA'TION, n.  Hint; an obscure or indirect suggestion or notice; a declaration or remark communicating imperfect information.  Our friend left us without giving any previous intimation of his design.


Topic: Intimidate
Definition:
INTIM'IDATE, v.t. [L. timidus, fearful; timeo, to fear.]
To make fearful; to inspire with fear; to dishearten; to abash.
 Now guilt once harbor'd in the conscious breast,
 Intimidates the brave, degrades the great.


Topic: Intinctivity
Definition:
INTINCTIV'ITY, n. [L. in and tinctus, dipped,stained.]
The want of the quality of coloring or tinging other bodies.  Fuller's earth is distinguished from colorific earths by its intinctivity.


Topic: Into
Definition:
IN'TO, prep. [in and to.]  Noting entrance or a passing from the outside of a thing to its interior parts.  It follows verbs expressing motion. Come into the house; go into the church; one stream falls or runs into another.  Water enters into the fine vessels of plants.
1.  Noting penetration beyond the outside or surface, or access to it.  Look into a letter or book; look into an apartment.
2.  Noting insertion.  Infuse more spirit or animation into the composition.
3.  Noting mixture.  Put other ingredients into the compound.
4.  Noting inclusion.  Put these ideas into other words.
5.  Noting the passing of a thing from one form or state to another. Compound substances may be resolved into others which are more simple; ice is convertible into water, and water into vapor.  Men are more easily drawn than forced into compliance.  We reduce many distinct substances into one mass.  We are led by evidence into belief of truth. Men are often enticed into the commission of crimes.  Children are sometimes frightened into fits, and we are all liable to be seduced into error and folly.


Topic: Intolerable
Definition:
INTOL'ERABLE, a. [L. intolerabilis; in and tolerabilis, tolero, to bear.]
1.  Not to be borne; that cannot be endured; as intolerable pain; intolerable heat or cold; an intolerable burden.
2.  Insufferable; as intolerable laziness.


Topic: Intolerance
Definition:
INTOL'ERANCE, n. [from intolerant.]  Want of toleration; the not enduring at all or not suffering to exist without persecution; as the intolerance of a prince or a church towards a religious sect.


Topic: Intolerant
Definition:
INTOL'ERANT, a. [L. in and tolero, to endure.]
1.  Not enduring; not able to endure.
 The powers of the human body being limited and intolerant of excesses.
2.  Not enduring difference of opinion or worship; refusing to tolerate others in the enjoyment of their opinions, rights and worship.
INTOL'ERANT, n.  One who does not favor toleration.


Topic: Intonate
Definition:
IN'TONATE, v.i. [L. intono, intonatus; in and tono, to sound or thunder.]
1.  To sound; to sound the notes of the musical scale.
2.  To thunder.


Topic: Intonation
Definition:
INTONA'TION, n.  In music, the action of sounding the notes of the scale with the voice, or any other given order of musical tones.
1.  The manner of sounding or tuning the notes of a musical scale.
2.  In speaking, the modulation of the voice in expression.


Topic: Intone
Definition:
INTO'NE, v.i. [L. intono, supra.]  To utter a sound, or a deep protracted sound.
 Ass intones to ass.


Topic: Intorsion
Definition:
INTOR'SION, n. [L. intorqueo, intorsum, to twist.]
A winding, bending or twisting.  In botany, the bending or twining of any part of a plant towards one side or the other, or in any direction from the vertical.


Topic: Intoxicate
Definition:
INTOX'ICATE, v.t. [in and L. toxicum, which, Pliny informs us, is from taxa, a species of tree.]
1.  To inebriate; to make drunk; as with spirituous liquor.
 As with new wine intoxicated both,
 They swim in mirth--
2.  To excite the spirits to a kind of delirium; to elate to enthusiasm, frenzy or madness.  Success may sometimes intoxicate a man of sobriety.  An enthusiast may be intoxicated and zeal.
INTOX'ICATE, a.  Inebriated.


Topic: Intoxicating
Definition:
INTOX'ICATING, ppr.  Inebriating; elating to excess or frenzy.
1.  Having qualities that produce inebriation; as intoxicating liquors.


Topic: Intractable
Definition:
INTRACT'ABLE, a. [L. intractabilis; in and tractabilis, tracto, to handle, manage, govern.]
1.  Not to be governed or managed; violent; stubborn; obstinate; refractory; as an intractable temper.
2.  Not to be taught; indocile.


Topic: Intrafoliaceous
Definition:
INTRAFOLIA'CEOUS, a. [L. intra and folium, a leaf.]
In botany, growing on the inside of a leaf; as intrafoliaceous stipules.


Topic: Intransitive
Definition:
INTRANS'ITIVE, a. [L. intransitivus; in and transeo, to pass over.]
In grammar, an intransitive verb is one which expresses an action or state that is limited to the agent, or in other words, an action that does not pass over to, or operate upon an object; as, I walk; I run; I sleep.


Topic: Intransmutable
Definition:
INTRANSMU'TABLE, a. [in and transmutable.]
That cannot be transmuted or changed into another substance.


Topic: Intrench
Definition:
INTRENCH', v.t.
1. To dig or cut a trench around a place, as in fortification; to fortify with a ditch and parapet.  The army intrenched their camp, or they were intrenched.
2.  To furrow; to make hollows in.
 His face
 Deep scars of thunder had intrenched.
To intrench on, literally, to cut into; hence, to invade; to encroach; to enter on and take possession of that which belongs to another.  In the contest for power, the king was charged with intrenching on the rights of the nobles, and the nobles were accused of intrenching on the prerogatives of the crown.


Topic: Intrenchment
Definition:
INTRENCH'MENT, n.  Properly, a trench or ditch only; but as the earth thrown out of a trench forms a part,and often the most necessary and useful part of a fortification, hence intrenchment is generally understood to signify a ditch and parapet,and sometimes it signifies fascines covered with earth, gabions, bags filled with earth, or other materials collected to cover men from an enemy's fire.
 On our side we have thrown up intrenchments on Winter and Prospect hills.


Topic: Intrepid
Definition:
INTREP'ID, a. [L. intrepidus; in and trepidus, trepido, to tremble.]    Literally, not trembling or shaking with fear; hence, fearless; bold; brave; undaunted; as an intrepid soldier.


Topic: Intrepidity
Definition:
INTREPID'ITY, n.  Fearlessness; fearless bravery in danger; undaunted courage or boldness.  The troops engaged with intrepidity.


Topic: Intricacy
Definition:
IN'TRICACY, n. [from intricate.]   The state of being entangled; perplexity; involution; complication; as the intricacy of a knot,and figuratively, the intricacy of accounts,the intricacy of a cause in controversy, the intricacy of a plot.


Topic: Intricate
Definition:
IN'TRICATE, a. [L. intricatus, from intrico, to fold; in and tricor.]    Entangled, involved; perplexed; complicated; obscure. We passed through intricate windings. We found the accounts intricate. The case on trial is intricate. The plot of a tragedy may be too intricate to please.
IN'TRICATE, v.t.  To perplex; to make obscure.  [Little used.]


Topic: Intrigue
Definition:
INTRIGUE, n. intree'g. [Low L. intrico, intricor,to enwrap; tricor, to trifle, to show tricks; Gr. hair or a lock of hair, as we should say, a plexus.]
1.  A plot or scheme of a complicated nature, intended to effect some purpose by secret artifices.  An intrigue may be formed and prosecuted by an individual,and we often hear of the intrigues of a minister or a courtier, but often several projectors are concerned in an intrigue.  The word is usually applied to affairs of love or of government.
2.  The plot of a play or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions and events, intended to awaken interest in an audience or reader, and make them wait with eager curiosity for the solution or development.
3.  Intricacy; complication.  [Not in use.]
INTRIGUE, v.i. intree'g.  To form a plot or scheme,usually complicated, and intended to effect some purpose by secret artifices.  The courtier intrigues with the minister, and the lover with his mistress.
INTRIGUE, v.t. intree'g. 
To perplex or render intricate.  [Not used.]


Topic: Intriguer
Definition:
INTRIGUER, n. intree'ger.  One who intrigues; one who forms plots, or pursues an object by secret artifices.


Topic: Intriguing
Definition:
INTRIGUING, ppr. intree'ging.  Forming secret plots or schemes.
1.  Addicted to intrigue; given to secret machinations.


Topic: Intrinsically
Definition:
INTRIN'SICALLY, adv. Internally; in its nature; really; truly.
 A lie is a thing absolutely and intrinsically evil.


Topic: Introduce
Definition:
INTRODU'CE, v.t.  [L. introduco; intro, within, and duco, to lead.]
1.  To lead or bring in; to conduct or usher into a place; as, to introduce a person into a drawing room.
2.  To conduct and make known; to bring to be acquainted; as, to introduce a stranger to a person; to introduce a foreign minister to a prince.
3.  To bring something new into notice or practice; as, to introduce a new fashion, or a new remedy for a disease; to introduce an improved mode of tillage.
4.  To bring in; to import; as, to introduce foreign goods.
5.  To produce; to cause to exist; as, to introduce habits into children.
6.  To begin; to open to notice,  He introduced the subject with a long preface.
7.  To bring before the public by writing or discourse; as, to introduce one's self to notice or to the public.


Topic: Introducer
Definition:
INTRODU'CER, n.  One who introduces; one who conducts another to a place or person; one who makes strangers known to each other; one who brings any thing into notice or practice.


Topic: Introducing
Definition:
INTRODU'CING, ppr.  Conducting or bringing in; making known, as one stranger to another; bringing any thing into notice or practice.


Topic: Introduction
Definition:
INTRODUC'TION, n. [L. introductio.]
1.  The action of conducting or ushering into a place; used of persons. We speak of the introduction of one stranger to another; the introduction of a foreign minister to a prince or court,and the introduction of company to  a levee.
2.  The act of bringing into a country; as the introduction of gold or bullion, or of merchandise.
3.  The act of bringing something into notice, practice or use; as the introduction of new modes of dress or of tillage.
4.  The part of a book which precedes the main work; a preface or preliminary discourse.
5.  The first part of an oration or discourse, in which the speaker gives some general account of his design and subject,and prepares the minds of his audience for a favorable reception of his remarks or arguments.


Topic: Introductory
Definition:
INTRODUC'TORY, a.  Serving to introduce something else; previous; prefatory; preliminary; as introductory remarks; an introductory discourse.


Topic: Intromission
Definition:
INTROMIS'SION, n. [L. intromissus, intromitto; intro and mitto, to send.]
1.  The action of sending in.
2. In Scot's law, an intermeddling with the effects of another.


Topic: Intromit
Definition:
INTROMIT', v.t. [L. intromitto, supra.]  
To send in; to let in; to admit.
1.  To allow to enter; to be the medium by which a thing enters. Glass in the window intromits light without cold into a room.
INTROMIT', v.i.  To intermeddle with the effects of another.


Topic: Introspect
Definition:
INTROSPECT', v.t. [L. introspicio; intro and specio, to look.]
To look into or within; to view the inside.


Topic: Introspection
Definition:
INTROSPEC'TION, n.  A view of the inside or interior.
 I was forced to make an introspection into my own mind.


Topic: Intrude
Definition:
INTRU'DE, v.i. [L. intrudo; in and trudo, to thrust.  See Thrust.]
1.  To thrust one's self in; to come or go in without invitation or welcome; to enter, as into company, against the will of the company or the host; as, to intrude on families at unseasonable hours. Never intrude where your company is not desired.
2.  To encroach; to enter or force one's self in without permission; as, to intrude on the lands of another.
3.  To enter uncalled or uninvited, or without just right. Col.2.
INTRU'DE, v.t. To thrust one's self in, or to enter into some place without right or welcome.
1.  To force or cast in.


Topic: Intruder
Definition:
INTRU'DER, n.  One who intrudes; one who thrusts himself in, or enters where he has no right or is not welcome.
 They were but intruders on the possession, during the minority of the heir.
 They were all strangers and intruders.


Topic: Intrusion
Definition:
INTRU'SION,n. s as z. [L. intrusio, from intrudo.]
1.  The action of thrusting in, or of entering into a place or state without invitation, right or welcome.  The company may be disturbed by the intrusion of an unwelcome guest.
 --Many excellent strains which have been jostled off by the intrusions of poetical fictions.
 Why this intrusion?
 Were not my orders that I should be private?
2.  Encroachment; entrance without right on the property or possessions of another.
3.  Voluntary entrance on an undertaking unsuitable for the person.


Topic: Intrust
Definition:
INTRUST', v.t. [in and trust.]  To deliver in trust; to confide to the care of; to commit to another with confidence in his fidelity; as, to intrust a servant with one's money or goods, or to intrust money or goods to a servant.  We intrust an agent or factor with commercial business, or we intrust commercial concerns to an agent.
We intrust our friends with secrets, or intrust secrets to them.


Topic: Intrusted
Definition:
INTRUST'ED, pp.  Delivered in trust; committed to the hands or care of another, in confidence that he will be faithful in discharging his duty.


Topic: Intuition
Definition:
INTUI'TION, n. [L. intuitus, intueor; in and tueor.]
A looking on; a sight or view; but restricted to mental view or perception.  Particularly and appropriately,the act by which the mind perceives the agreement or disagreement of two ideas, or the truth of things, immediately, or the moment they are presented, without the intervention of other ideas, or without reasoning and deduction.
 We know by intuition, that a part is less than the whole.


Topic: Intuitive
Definition:
INTU'ITIVE, a.
1.  Perceived by the mind immediately, without the intervention of argument or testimony; exhibiting truth to the mind on bare inspection; as intuitive evidence.
2.  Received or obtained by intuition or simple inspection; as intuitive judgment or knowledge.
3. Seeing clearly; as an intuitive view; intuitive vision.
4.  Having the power of discovering truth without reasoning; as the intuitive powers of celestial beings.


Topic: Intumesce
Definition:
INTUMESCE, v.i. intumes'.  [L. intumesco; in and tumeo, to swell.]
To swell; to enlarge or expand with heat.
 In a higher heat it intumesces and melts into a yellowish black mass.


Topic: Intumescence
Definition:
INTUMES'CENCE, n. [supra.]  The action of swelling.
1.  A swell; a swelling with bubbles; a rising and enlarging; a tumid state.


Topic: Inturgescence
Definition:
INTURGES'CENCE, n. [L. in and turgesco,to swell.]
A swelling; the action of swelling or state of being swelled.


Topic: Intussusception
Definition:
INTUSSUSCEPTION, n.  The falling of one part of an intestine into another, or the passing of one part within another, causing a duplicature of the intestine.


Topic: Intwine
Definition:
INTWI'NE, v.t. [in and twine.]  To twine or twist together; to wreath; as a wreath of flowers intwined.


Topic: Inunctuosity
Definition:
INUNCTUOS'ITY, n. [L. in and unctus, or Eng. unctuous.]
The want of unctuosity; destitution of greasiness or oiliness which is perceptible to the touch; as the inunctuosity of porcelain clay.


Topic: Inundate
Definition:
INUN'DATE, v.t. [L. inundo, inundatus; in and unda, a wave, or its root.]
1.  To overflow; to deluge; to spread over with a fluid. The low lands along the Mississippi are inundated almost every spring.
2. To fill with an overflowing abundance or superfluity; as, the country was once inundated with bills of credit.  The presses inundate the country with papers.


Topic: Inundation
Definition:
INUNDA'TION, n. [L. inundatio.]  An overflow of water or other fluid; a flood; a rising and spreading of water over low grounds. Holland has frequently suffered immensely by inundations of the sea.  The Delta in Egypt is annually enriched by the inundation of the Nile.
1.  An overspreading of any kind; an overflowing or superfluous abundance.


Topic: Inurbanity
Definition:
INURBAN'ITY, n. [in and urbanity.]  Incivility; rude; unpolished manners or deportment; want of courteousness.


Topic: Inure
Definition:
INU'RE, v.t. [in and ure.  Ure signifies use, practice, in old English.]
1.  To habituate; to accustom; to apply or expose in use or practice till use gives little or no pain or inconvenience, or makes little impression.  Thus a man inures his body to labor and toil,till he sustains that which would destroy a body unaccustomed to it. So we inure ourselves to cold or heat.  Warriors are inured to blood,and seamen are inured to hardships and deprivations.
INU'RE, v.i.  To pass in use; to take or have effect; to be applied; to serve to the use or benefit of; as a gift of lands inures to the heirs of the grantee, or it inures to their benefit.


Topic: Inurn
Definition:
INURN', v.t. [in and urn.]  To bury; to inter; to intomb.
 --The sepulcher
 Wherein we saw thee quietly inurned.
1.  To put in an urn.


Topic: Inustion
Definition:
INUS'TION, n. [L. inustio, inuro; in and uro, to burn.]
The action of burning.
1.  A branding; the action of marking by burning.


Topic: Inutility
Definition:
INUTIL'ITY, n. [L. inutilitas; in and utilitas.  See Utility.]
Uselessness; the quality of being unprofitable; unprofitableness; as the inutility of vain speculations and visionary projects.


Topic: Invade
Definition:
INVA'DE, v.t. [L. invado; in and vado, to go.]
1.  To enter a country, as an army with hostile intentions; to enter as an enemy, with a view to conquest or plunder; to attack.  The French armies invaded Holland in 1795.  They invaded Russia and perished.
2.  To attack; to assail; to assault.
 There shall be seditions among men and invading one another. 2 Esdras.
3.  To attack; to infringe; to encroach on; to violate.  The king invaded the rights and privileges of the people, and the people invaded the prerogatives of the king.
4.  To go into; a Latinism.  [Not used.]
5.  To fall on; to attack; to seize; as a disease.


Topic: Invader
Definition:
INVA'DER, n.  One who enters the territory of another with a view to war, conquest or plunder.
1.  An assailant.
2.  An encroacher; an intruder; one who infringes the rights of another.


Topic: Invading
Definition:
INVA'DING, ppr.  Entering on the possessions of another with a view to war, conquest or plunder; assaulting; infringing; attacking.


Topic: Invalid
Definition:
INVAL'ID, a. [L. invalidus; in and validus, strong, from valeo, to be strong, to avail.]
1.  Weak, of no force, weight or cogency.
2.  In law, having no force, effect or efficacy; void; null; as an invalid contract or agreement.


Topic: Invalidate
Definition:
INVAL'IDATE, v.t. [from invalid.]
1.  To weaken or lessen the force of; more generally, to destroy the strength or validity of; to render of no force or effect; as, to invalidate an agreement or a contract.
2.  To overthrow; to prove to be of no force; as, to invalidate an argument.


Topic: Invalidity
Definition:
INVALID'ITY, n. Weakness; want of cogency; want of legal force or efficacy; as the invalidity of an agreement or of a will.


Topic: Invaluable
Definition:
INVAL'UABLE, a. [in and valuable.]  Precious above estimation; so valuable that its worth cannot be estimated; inestimable.  The privileges of christians are invaluable.


Topic: Invariable
Definition:
INVA'RIABLE, a.  Constant in the same state; immutable; unalterable; unchangeable; that does not vary; always uniform.  The character and the laws of the Supreme Being must necessarily be invariable.


Topic: Invariably
Definition:
INVA'RIABLY, adv.  Constantly; uniformly; without alteration or change.  We are bound to pursue invariably the path of duty.


Topic: Invasion
Definition:
INVA'SION, n. s as z. [L. invasio, from invado.  See Invade.]
1.  A hostile entrance into the possessions of another; particularly, the entrance of a hostile army into a country for the purpose of conquest or plunder, or the attack of a military force.  The north of England and south of Scotland were for centuries subject to invasion, each from the other.  The invasion of England by William the Norman, was in 1066.
2.  An attack on the rights of another; infringement or violation.
3.  Attack of a disease; as the invasion of the plague, in Egypt.


Topic: Invective
Definition:
INVEC'TIVE, n. [L. inveho.  See Inveigh.]  A railing speech or expression; something uttered or written, intended to cast opprobrium, censure or reproach on another; a harsh or reproachful accusation.  It differs from reproof, as the latter may come from a friend and be intended to the good of the person reproved; but invective proceeds from an enemy, and is intended to give pain or to injure.
INVEC'TIVE, a.  Satirical; abusive; railing.


Topic: Inveigh
Definition:
INVEIGH, v.i. inva'y.  [L. inveho, to bear, throw or bring on or against; in and veho, to carry.]  To exclaim or rail against; to utter censorious and bitter language against any one; to reproach; with against.  The author inveighed sharply against the vices of the clergy in his age.  Men inveigh against the follies of fashion.


Topic: Inveigle
Definition:
INVE'IGLE, v.t.  To entice; to seduce; to wheedle; to persuade to something evil by deceptive arts or flattery.
 Yet have they many baits and guileful spells
 To inveigle and invite th' unwary sense--


Topic: Invent
Definition:
INVENT', v.t. [L. invenio, inventum; in and venio, to come; literally, to come to, to fall on, to meet, Eng. to find.]
1.  To find out something new; to devise something not before known; to contrive and produce something that did not before exist; as, to invent a new instrument of music; to invent a machine for spinning; to invent gunpowder.  [See Invention.]
2.  To forge; to fabricate; to contrive falsely; as, to invent falsehoods.
3.  To feign; to frame by the imagination; as, to invent the machinery of a poem.
4.  To light on; to meet with.  [This is the literal sense, but not now used.]


Topic: Inventing
Definition:
INVENT'ING, ppr.  Finding out what was before unknown; devising or contriving something new; fabricating.


Topic: Invention
Definition:
INVEN'TION, n. [L. inventio.]
1.  The action or operation of finding out something new; the contrivance of that which did not before exist; as the invention of logarithms; the invention of the art of printing; the invention of the orrery. Invention differs from discovery.  Invention is applied to the contrivance and production of something that did not before exist.  Discovery brings to light that which existed before, but which was not know.  We are indebted to invention for the thermometer and barometer.  We are indebted to discovery for the knowledge of the isles in the Pacific ocean, and for the knowledge of galvanism, and many species of earth not formerly known.  This distinction is important, though not always observed.
2.  That which is invented. The cotton gin is the invention of Whitney; the steam boat is the invention of Fulton.  The Doric,Ionic and Corinthian orders are said to be inventions of the Greeks; the Tuscan and Composite are inventions of the Latins.
3.  Forgery; fiction.  Fables are the inventions of ingenious men.
4.  In painting, the finding or choice of the objects which are to enter into the composition of the piece.
5.  In poetry, it is applied to whatever the poet adds to the history of the subject.
6.  In rhetoric, the finding and selecting of arguments to prove and illustrate the point in view.
7.  The power of inventing; that skill or ingenuity which is or may be employed in contriving any thing new.  Thus we say, a man of invention.
8.  Discovery; the finding of things hidden or before unknown. [Less proper.]


Topic: Inventive
Definition:
INVENT'IVE, a.  Able to invent; quick at contrivance; ready at expedients; as an inventive head or genius.


Topic: Inventor
Definition:
INVENT'OR, n. One who finds out something new; one who contrives and produces any thing not before existing; a contriver.  The inventors of many of the most useful arts are not known.


Topic: Inventory
Definition:
IN'VENTORY, n.
1.  An account, catalogue or schedule of all the goods and chattels of a deceased person.  In some of the United States,the inventory must include an account of the real as well as the personal estate of the deceased.
2.  A catalogue of movables.
3.  A catalogue of account of particular things. [An indefinite use of the word.]
IN'VENTORY, v.t.  To make an inventory of; to make a list, catalogue or schedule of; as, to inventory the goods and estate of the deceased.
1.  To insert or register in an account of goods.


Topic: Inverse
Definition:
INVERSE, a. invers'. [L. inversus.  See Invert.]
Inverted; reciprocal. Inverse proportion or ratio, is when the effect or result of any operation is less in proportion as the cause is greater, or is greater in proportion as the cause is less.  Thus the time in which a quantity of work may be performed, will be less in proportion as the number of workmen is greater, and greater in proportion as the number of workmen is less.  If ten men can perform a certain quantity of work in six days,then twenty men will perform the same work in three days.  Inverse proportion is opposed to direct.


Topic: Inversely
Definition:
INVERSELY, adv. invers'ly.  In an inverted order or manner; when more produces less, and less produces more; or when one thing is greater or less, in proportion as another is less or greater.


Topic: Inversion
Definition:
INVER'SION, n. [L. inversio.  See Invert.]
1.  Change of order, so that the last becomes first and the first last; a turning or change of the natural order of things.
 It is just the inversion of an act of parliament; your Lordship first signed it, and then it was passed among the lords and commons.
2.  Change of places, so that each takes the place of the other.
3.  A turning backwards; a contrary rule of operation. Problems in geometry and arithmetic are often proved by inversion, as division by multiplication, and multiplication by division.
4.  In grammar, a change of the natural order of words; as, 'of all vices, impurity is one of the most detestable.' instead of 'impurity is one of the most detestable of all vices.'
5.  In music, the change of position either of a subject or of a chord.


Topic: Invert
Definition:
INVERT', v.t. [L.inverto; in and verto, to turn.]
1.  To turn into a contrary direction; to turn upside down; as, to invert a cone; to invert a hollow vessel.
2.  To place in a contrary order or method; as, to invert the rules of justice; to invert the order of words.
 And winter storms invert the year.
3.  In music, to change the order of the notes which form a chord, or the parts which compose harmony.
4.  To divert; to turn into another channel; to embezzle.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Invertent
Definition:
INVERT'ENT, n.  A medicine intended to invert the natural order of the successive irritative motions in the system.


Topic: Invest
Definition:
INVEST', v.t.  [L. investio; in and vestio, to clothe.  See Vest.]
1.  To clothe; to dress; to put garments on; to array; usually and most correctly followed by with, before the thing put on; as, to invest one with a mantle or robe. In this sense, it is used chiefly in poetry and elevated prose, not in colloquial discourse.
2.  To clothe with office or authority; to place in possession of an office, rank or dignity; as, to invest a person with a civil office, or with an ecclesiastical dignity.
3.  To adorn; to grace; as, to invest with honor.
4.  To clothe; to surround; as, to be invested with light, splendor or glory.
5.  To confer; to give.  [Little used.]
6.  To inclose; to surround; to block up, so as to intercept succors of men and provisions and prevent escape; to lay siege to; as, to invest a town.
7.  To clothe money in something permanent or less fleeting; as, to invest money in funded or bank stock; to invest it in lands or goods.  In this application, it is always followed by in.


Topic: Investigable
Definition:
INVEST'IGABLE, a. [from investigate.]  That may be investigated or searched out; discoverable by rational search or disquisition. The causes or reasons of things are sometimes investigable.


Topic: Investigate
Definition:
INVEST'IGATE, v.t. [L. investigo; in and vestigo, to follow a track, to search; vestigium, a track or footstep.]
To search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful disquisition; as, to investigate the powers and forces of nature; to investigate the causes of natural phenomena; to investigate the principles of moral duty; to investigate the conduct of an agent or the motives of a prince.


Topic: Investigation
Definition:
INVESTIGA'TION, n. [L. investigatio.]  The action or process of searching minutely for truth, facts or principles; a careful inquiry to find out what is unknown, either in the physical or moral world, and either by observation and experiment, or by argument and discussion. Thus we speak of the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist and the divine.


Topic: Investiture
Definition:
INVEST'ITURE, n.  The action of giving possession, or livery of seizin.
 The grant of land or a feud was perfected by the ceremony of corporal investiture, or open delivery of possession.
 It was customary for princes to make investiture of ecclesiastical benefices.
1.  The right of giving possession of any manor, office or benefice.
 He had refused to yield to the pope the investiture of bishops.


Topic: Investment
Definition:
INVEST'MENT, n.  The action of investing.
1.  Clothes; dress; garment; habit. [We now use vestment.]
2.  The act of surrounding, blocking up or besieging by an armed force.
 The capitulation was signed by the commander of the fort, within six days after its investment.
3.  The laying out of money in the purchase of some species
of property; literally, the clothing of money with something.
 Before the investment could be made, a change of the market might render it ineligible.


Topic: Inveteracy
Definition:
INVET'ERACY, n. [L. inveteratio.  See Inveterate.]
Long continuance, or the firmness or deep rooted obstinacy of any quality or state acquired by time; as the inveteracy of custom and habit; usually or always applied in a bad sense; as the inveteracy of prejudice, of error, or of any evil habit.


Topic: Inveterate
Definition:
INVET'ERATE, a. [L. inveteratus, invetero; in and vetero, from vetus, old.]
1.  Old; long established.
 It is an inveterate and received opinion--
2.  Deep rooted; firmly established by long continuance; obstinate; used of evils; as an inveterate disease; an inveterate abuse; an inveterate course of sin.
3.  Having fixed habits by long continuance; used of persons; as an inveterate sinner.
4.  Violent; deep rooted; obstinate; as inveterate enmity or malice.
INVET'ERATE, v.t. [L. invetero, to grow old.]
To fix and settle by long continuance.  [Obsolete or little used.]


Topic: Invidious
Definition:
INVID'IOUS, a. [L. invidiosus, from invideo, to envy; in and video, to see. Invideo signified properly, to look against.]
1.  Envious; malignant.
2.  Likely to incur ill will or hatred, or to provoke envy; hateful.  [This is the usual sense.]
 Agamemnon found it an invidious affair to give the preference to any one of the Grecian heroes.


Topic: Invigorate
Definition:
INVIG'ORATE, v.t.  To give vigor to; to strengthen; to animate; to give life and energy to.  Exercise invigorates the body; cheerfulness invigorates the mind.
 Christian graces and virtues they cannot be, unless fed, invigorated and animated by universal charity.


Topic: Invincible
Definition:
INVIN'CIBLE, a. [L. in and vinco, to conquer.]
1.  Not to be conquered or subdued; that cannot be overcome; unconquerable; as an invincible army.
2.  Not to be overcome; insuperable; as, an invincible obstacle, error, habit or objection.


Topic: Inviolability
Definition:
INVIOLABIL'ITY, n.  [from inviolable.]  The quality or state of being inviolable; as the inviolability of crowned heads.
1.  The quality of not being subject to be broken.


Topic: Inviolable
Definition:
INVI'OLABLE, a. [L. inviolabilis; in and violabilis, violo, to violate.]
1.  Not to be profaned; that ought not to be injured, polluted or treated with irreverence; as, a sacred place and sacred things should be considered inviolable.
2.  Not to be broken; as an inviolable league, covenant, agreement, contract, vow or promise.
3.  Not to be injured or tarnished; as inviolable chastity or honor.
4.  Not susceptible of hurt or wound; as inviolable saints.


Topic: Inviolate
Definition:
INVI'OLATE, a. [L. inviolatus.]  Unhurt; uninjured; unprofaned; unpolluted; unbroken.
 But let inviolate truth be always dear
 To thee.


Topic: Inviscate
Definition:
INVISC'ATE, v.t. [L. in and viscus, glue, birdlime.]
1.  To lime; to daub with glue.
2.  To catch with glue or birdlime; to entangle with glutinous matter.  [Little used.]


Topic: Invitation
Definition:
INVITA'TION, n.  [L. invitatio.  See Invite.]  The act of inviting; solicitation; the calling or requesting of a person's company to visit, to dine, or to accompany him to any place.


Topic: Invitatory
Definition:
INVI'TATORY, a.  Using or containing invitations.
INVI'TATORY, n.  A part of the service in the catholic church; a psalm or anthem sung in the morning.
 --Antiphonary, a service-book, which contained all the invitatories, responsories and collects.


Topic: Invite
Definition:
INVI'TE, v.t.  [L. invito.]
1.  To ask to do some act or to go to some place; to request the company of a person; as, to invite one to dine or sup; to invite friends to a wedding; to invite company to an entertainment; to invite one to an excursion into the country.
2.  To allure; to draw to; to tempt to come; to induce by pleasure or hope.
 --Shady groves, that easy sleep invite.
3.  To present should be in a situation not to invite hostilities.


Topic: Inviting
Definition:
INVI'TING, ppr.  Soliciting the company of; asking to attend.
1.  Alluring; tempting; drawing to; as an inviting amusement or prospect.
 Nothing is so easy and inviting as the retort of abuse and sarcasm.
INVI'TING, n.  Invitation.


Topic: Invitrifiable
Definition:
INVIT'RIFIABLE, a. [in and vitrifiable, from vitrify.]
That cannot be vitrified or converted into glass.


Topic: Invocate
Definition:
IN'VOCATE, v.t. [L. invoco; in and voco, to call.]   To invoke; to call on in supplication; to implore; to address in prayer.
 If Dagon by thy god,
 Go to his temple, invocate his aid--
[Instead of this word,invoke is generally used.


Topic: Invocation
Definition:
INVOCA'TION, n. [L. invocatio.]
1.  The act of addressing in prayer.
2.  The form or act of calling for the assistance or presence of any being, particularly of some divinity; as the invocation of the muses.
 The whole poem is a prayer to Fortune, and the invocation is divided between the two deities.
3.  A judicial call, demand or order; as the invocation of papers or evidence into a court.


Topic: Invoice
Definition:
IN'VOICE, n.
1.  In commerce, a written account of the particulars of merchandise, shipped or sent to a purchases, consignee, factor, &c. with the value or prices and charges annexed.
2.  A written account of ratable estate.
IN'VOICE, v.t.  To make a written account of goods or property with their prices.
 Goods, wares and merchandise imported from Norway, and invoiced in the current dollar of Norway--
 It is usual to invoice goods in the currency of the country in which the seller resides.


Topic: Invoicing
Definition:
IN'VOICING, ppr. Making an account in writing of goods,with their prices or values annexed; inserting in an invoice.


Topic: Invoke
Definition:
INVO'KE, v.t. [L. invoco; in and voco, to call; vox, a word.]
1.  To address in prayer; to call on for assistance and protection; as, to invoke the Supreme Being. Poets invoke the muses for assistance.
2.  To order; to call judicially; as, to invoke depositions or evidence into a court.


Topic: Involucre
Definition:
INVOLU'CRE, n. [L. from involvo.]  In botany, a calyx remote from the flower, particularly in the umbel, but applied also to the whorl and other kinds of inflorescence.


Topic: Involuntary
Definition:
INVOL'UNTARY, a. [L. in and voluntarius.  See Voluntary.]
1.  Not having will or choice; unwilling.
2.  Independent of will or choice.  The motion of the heart and arteries is involuntary, but not against the will.
3.  Not proceeding from choice; not done willingly; opposed to the will.  A slave and a conquered nation yield an involuntary submission to a master.


Topic: Involute
Definition:
IN'VOLUTE, n. [L. involutus.]  A curve traced by the end of a string folded upon a figure, or unwound from it.
IN'VOLUTE


Topic: Involuted
Definition:
IN'VOLUTED, a. [L. involutus, involvo.  See Involve.]
In botany, rolled spirally inwards.  Involuted foliation or venation, is when the leaves within the bud have their edges rolled spirally inwards on both sides towards the upper surface.


Topic: Involution
Definition:
INVOLU'TION, n. [L. involutio.  See Involve.]
1.  The action of involving or infolding.
2.  The state of being entangled or involved; complication.
 All things are mixed and causes blended by mutual involutions.
3.  In grammar, the insertion of one or more clauses or members of a sentence between the agent or subject and the verb; a third intervening member within a second, &c; as, habitual falsehood, if we may judge from experience, infers absolute depravity.
4. In algebra, the raising of a quantity from its root to any power assigned.  Thus 2x2x2=8.  Here 8, the third power of 2, is found in involution, or multiplying the number into itself, and the product by the same number.


Topic: Involve
Definition:
INVOLVE, v.t. involv'.  [L. involvo; in and volvo, to roll, Eng. to wallow.]
1.  To envelop; to cover with surrounding matter; as, to involve one in smoke or dust.
2.  To envelop in any thing which exists on all sides; as, to involve in darkness or obscurity.
3.  To imply; to comprise. To be and not to be at the same time, involves a contradiction.
4.  To entwist; to join; to connect.
 He knows his end with mine involved.
5.  To take in; to catch; to conjoin.
 The gathering number, as it moves along,
 Involves a vast involuntary throng.
6.  To entangle.  Let not our enemy involve the nation in war, nor our imprudence involve us in difficulty.
7.  To plunge; to overwhelm.  Extravagance often involves men in debt and distress.
8.  To inwrap; to infold; to complicate or make intricate.
 Some involved their snaky folds.
 Florid, witty, involved discourses.
9.  To blend; to mingle confusedly.
    10. In algebra, to raise a quantity from the root to any assigned power; as a quantity involved to the third or fourth power.


Topic: Invulnerableness
Definition:
INVUL'NERABLENESS, n. [from invulnerable.]  The quality or state of being invulnerable, or secure from wounds or injury.


Topic: Inward
Definition:
IN'WARD, a.
1.  Internal; interior; placed or being within; as the inward structure of the body.
2.  Intimate; domestic; familiar.
3.  Seated in the mind or soul.
IN'WARD


Topic: Inwardly
Definition:
IN'WARDLY, adv. In the inner parts; internally.
 Let Benedict, like covered fire,
 Consume away in sighs, waste inwardly.
1.  In the heart; privately; secretly.  He inwardly repines. It is not easy to treat with respect a person whom we inwardly despise.
2.  Towards the center.


Topic: Inwards
Definition:
IN'WARDS, adv.  Toward the inside. Turn the attention inward.
1.  Toward the center or interior; as, to bend a thing inward.
2.  Into the mind or thoughts.
 Celestial light shine inward.


Topic: Inweave
Definition:
INWE'AVE, v.t. pret. inwove; pp. inwoven, inwove. [in and weave.]
To weave together; to intermix or intertwine by weaving.
 Down they cast
 Their crowns inwove with amaranth and gold.


Topic: Inworking
Definition:
INWORK'ING, ppr. or a. [in and work.]  
Working or operating within.
INWORK'ING, n. Internal operation; energy within.


Topic: Inwrap
Definition:
INWRAP, v.t. inrap'. [in and wrap.]  To involve; to infold; to cover by wrapping; as, to be inwrapped in smoke or in a cloud; to inwrap in a cloke.
1.  To involve in difficulty or perplexity; to perplex.
2.  To ravish or transport.


Topic: Inwreathe
Definition:
INWREATHE, v.t. inre'the. [in and wreathe.]   
To surround or encompass as with a wreath, or with something in the form of a wreath.
 Resplendent locks inwreathed with beams.


Topic: Inwrought
Definition:
INWROUGHT, pp. or a. inraut'.  [in and wrought, from work.]
Wrought or worked in or among other things, adorned with figures.


Topic: Iodous
Definition:
I'ODOUS, a.  Iodous acid is a compound of iodin and oxygen, containing less of the latter than iodic acid.


Topic: Iolite
Definition:
I'OLITE, n. [Gr. a violet, and stone.]  A mineral of a violet blue color, with a shade of purple or black, called also dichroit and cordierite.  It occurs in regular six-sided prisms.  Its varieties are peliom and steinheilite.
[Note.  By the regular principles of pronouncing the Greek iota and the Shemitic jod, this word ought to be pronounced yolite.]


Topic: Ionic
Definition:
ION'IC, a. [from Ionia.]  The Ionic order, in architecture, is that species of column named from Ionia, in Greece.  It is more slender than the Doric and Tuscan, but less slender and less ornamented than the Corinthian and Composite. It is simple, but majestic; its highth is 18 modules, and that of the entablature four and a half.
1.  The Ionic dialect of the Greek language, is the dialect used in Ionia.
2.  The Ionic sect of philosophers, was that founded by Thales of Miletus, in Ionia.  Their distinguishing tenet was, that water is the principle of all natural things.
3.  Denoting an airy kind of music. The Ionic or Ionian mode was, reckoning from grave to acute, the second of the five middle modes.


Topic: Ipecacuanha
Definition:
IPECACUAN'HA, n.  A root produced in South America.  Four sorts are mentioned, gray, brown, white, and yellow. The gray, or genuine kind, is referred by Mutis to the Psychotria emetica, but more recently by Brotero to the Callicocca Ipecacuanha, a plant growing in Brazil.  These plants have been considered by some as the same, or as species of the same genus. This root is used as an emetic.  Ipecacuanha is a little wrinkled root about the thickness of a moderate quill, much used as an emetic, and against diarrheas and dysenteries.


Topic: Irascibleness
Definition:
IRAS'CIBLENESS, n. [from irascible.]  The quality of being irascible, or easily inflamed by anger; irritability of temper.


Topic: Ire
Definition:
IRE, n. [L. ira, wrath. See Eng. Wrath.]   Anger; wrath; keen resentment; a word chiefly used in poetry.
 Thus will persist, relentless in his ire.


Topic: Irenarch
Definition:
I'RENARCH, n. [Gr.]  An officer formerly employed in the Greek empire, to preserve the public tranquillity.


Topic: Iridium
Definition:
IRID'IUM, n. [from iris.]  A metal of a whitish color, not malleable, found in the ore of platinum, and in a native allow with osmium.  Its specific gravity is above 18. It takes its name from the variety of colors which it exhibits while dissolving in muriatic acid.  The native allow with osmium, or native iridium, is of a steel gray color and shining metallic luster.  It usually occurs in small irregular flat grains, in alluvial soil, in S. America.


Topic: Iris
Definition:
I'RIS, n. plu. irises. [L. iris, iridis, the rainbow.]
1.  The rainbow.
2.  An appearance resembling the rainbow.
3.  The colored circle which surrounds the pupil of the eye, by means of which that opening is enlarged and diminished.
4.  The changeable colors which sometimes appear in the glasses of telescopes, microscopes, &c.
5.  A colored spectrum which a triangular glass prism casts on a wall, when placed at a due angle in the sun-beams.
6.  The flower-de-lis, or flag-=flower, a genus of many species.


Topic: Irish
Definition:
I'RISH, a.  Pertaining to Ireland.
I'RISH, n.  A native of Ireland.
1.  The language of the Irish; the Hiberno-Celtic.


Topic: Irk
Definition:
IRK, v.t. urk.  To weary; to give pain to; used only impersonally; as, it irketh me, it gives me uneasiness.  It is nearly obsolete.


Topic: Irksome
Definition:
IRK'SOME, a.  Wearisome; tedious; tiresome; giving uneasiness; used of something troublesome by long continuance or repetition; as irksome hours; irksome toil or task.


Topic: Iron
Definition:
IRON, n. i'urn, or i'rn. [L. ferrum, for herrum.  The radical elements of this word are not easily ascertained.]
1.  A metal, the hardest, most common and most useful of all the metals; of a livid whitish color inclined to gray, internally composed, to appearance, of small facets, and susceptible of a fine polish. It is so hard and elastic as to be capable of destroying the aggregation of any other metal. Next to tin, it is the lightest of all metallic substances, and next to gold, the most tenacious. It may be hammered into plates,but not into leaves.  Its ductility is more considerable.  It has the property of magnetism; it is attracted by the lodestone, and will acquire its properties.  It is found rarely in native masses, but in ores, mineralized by different substances, it abounds in every part of the earth.  Its medicinal qualities are valuable.
2. An instrument or utensil made of iron; as a flat-iron, a smoothing-iron.
 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? Job.41.
3.  Figuratively, strength; power; as a rod of iron. Dan.2.
4.  Irons, plu. fetters; chains; manacles; handcuffs. Ps.105.


Topic: Iron-clay
Definition:
I'RON-CLAY, n.  A substance intermediate between basalt and wacky, of a reddish brown color, and occurring massive or vesicular.


Topic: Ironflint
Definition:
I'RONFLINT, n.  Ferruginous quartz; a subspecies of quartz, opake or translucent at the edges, with a fracture more or less conchoidal, shining and nearly vitreous. It is sometimes in very minute and perfect six-sided prisms, terminated at both extremities by six-sides pyramids.  It occurs also in masses, and in small grains.  Its varieties are red, yellow,and greenish.


Topic: Ironical
Definition:
IRON'ICAL, a. Expressing one thing and meaning another.  An ironical expression is often accompanied with a manner of utterance which indicates that the speaker intends to be understood in a sense directly contrary to that which the words convey.


Topic: Ironsick
Definition:
I'RONSICK, a. In seamen's language, a ship is said to be ironsick, when her bolts and nails are so much corroded or eaten with rust that she has become leaky.


Topic: Ironwood
Definition:
I'RONWOOD, n.  The popular name of a genus of trees called Sideroxylon, of several species; so called from their hardness.


Topic: Ironwork
Definition:
I'RONWORK, n.  A general name of the parts or pieces of a building which consist of iron; any thing made of iron.


Topic: Irony
Definition:
I'RONY, a. [from iron.]  Made or consisting of iron; partaking of iron; as irony chains; irony particles.
1.  Resembling iron; hard.
I'RONY, [L. ironia; Gr. a dissembler in speech.]
A mode of speech expressing a sense contrary to that which the speaker intends to convey; as, Nero was a very virtuous prince; Pope Hildebrand was remarkable for his meekness and humility. when irony is uttered,the dissimulation is generally apparent from the manner of speaking, as by a smile or an arch look, or perhaps by an affected gravity of countenance.  Irony in writing may also be detected by the manner of expression.


Topic: Irradiate
Definition:
IRRA'DIATE, v.t. [L.irradio; in and radio, to shine.  See Ray.]
1.  To illuminate; to brighten; to make splendid; to adorn with luster.
2.  To enlighten intellectually; to illuminate; as, to irradiate the mind.
3.  To animate by heat or light.
4.  To decorate with shining ornaments.
IRRA'DIATE, v.i.  To emit rays; to shine.
IRRA'DIATE, a.  Adorned with shining ornaments.


Topic: Irradiated
Definition:
IRRA'DIATED, pp.  Illuminated; enlightened; made luminous or bright; decorated with rays of light or with something shining.


Topic: Irradiation
Definition:
IRRADIA'TION, n.  The act of emitting beams of light.
1.  Illumination; brightness.
2.  Intellectual light.
3.  The act of emitting minute particles or effluvia from some substance.


Topic: Irrational
Definition:
IRRA'TIONAL, a. [L. irrationalis; in and rationalis, from ratio.]
1.  Not rational; void of reason or understanding. Brutes are irrational animals.
2.  Not according to the dictates of reason; contrary to reason; absurd.  To pursue a course of life which destroys happiness, is irrational.


Topic: Irreclaimable
Definition:
IRRECLA'IMABLE, a.  [in and reclaimable.]
1.  Not to be reclaimed; that cannot be recalled from error or vice; that cannot be brought to reform.
2.  That cannot be tamed.


Topic: Irreconcilable
Definition:
IRRECONCI'LABLE, a. [in and reconcilable.]
1.  Not to be recalled to amity, or a state of friendship and kindness; retaining enmity that cannot be appeased or subdued; as an irreconcilable enemy or faction.
2.  That cannot be appeased or subdued; as irreconcilable enmity or hatred.
3.  That cannot be made to agree or be consistent; incongruous; incompatible; as irreconcilable absurdities.  It is followed by with or to.  A man's conduct may be irreconcilable to or with his avowed principles.


Topic: Irreconcilably
Definition:
IRRECONCI'LABLY, adv.  In a manner that precludes reconciliation.  Men may be irreconcilably opposed to each other.


Topic: Irrecoverable
Definition:
IRRECOV'ERABLE, a. [in and recoverable.]
1.  Not to be recovered or repaired; as an irrecoverable loss.
2.  That cannot be regained. Time past is irrecoverable.
3.  That cannot be obtained by demand or suit; as a debt.
4.  Not be remedied; as irrecoverable misery.


Topic: Irrecoverably
Definition:
IRRECOV'ERABLY, adv.  Beyond recovery; beyond the possibility of being regained, repaired or remedied.  Happiness may be irrecoverably lost.
1.  Beyond the possibility of being reclaimed.  A profligate may be irrecoverably abandoned to vice.
 A profligate may be irrecoverably abandoned to vice.


Topic: Irredeemable
Definition:
IRREDEE'MABLE, a. [in and redeemable.]
1.  That cannot be redeemed.
2.  Not subject to be paid at the pleasure of government; as irredeemable debts; irredeemable certificates or stock.


Topic: Irrefragable
Definition:
IRREFRA'GABLE, a. [in and refragable, L. refragor; re and the root of frango, to break.]
That cannot be refuted or overthrown; incontestable; undeniable; as an irrefragable argument; irrefragable reason or evidence.


Topic: Irregular
Definition:
IRREG'ULAR, a. [L. irregularis; in and regularis, regula. See Regular.]
1. Not regular; not according to common form or rules; as an irregular building or fortification.
2. Not according to established principles or customs; deviating from usage; as the irregular proceedings of a legislative body.
3.  Not conformable to nature or the usual operation of natural laws; as an irregular action of the heart and arteries.
4.  Not according to the rules of art; immethodical; as irregular verse; an irregular discourse.
5.  Not in conformity to laws,human or divine; deviating from the rules of moral rectitude; vicious; as irregular conduct or propensities.
6.  Not straight; as an irregular line or course.
7.  Not uniform; as irregular motion.
8.  In grammar, an irregular noun or verb is one which deviates from the common rules in its inflections.
IRREG'ULAR, n.  A soldier not in regular service.


Topic: Irregularity
Definition:
IRREGULAR'ITY, n.
1.  Deviation from a straight line or from any common or established rule; deviation from method or order; as the irregularity of proceedings.
2.  Deviation from law, human, or divine, or from moral rectitude; inordinate practice; vice.  It is a favorable symptom when a profligate man becomes ashamed of his irregularities.


Topic: Irrelative
Definition:
IRREL'ATIVE, a. [in and relative.]   Not relative; unconnected.
Irrelative chords, in music,have no common sound.


Topic: Irrelevancy
Definition:
IRREL'EVANCY, n.  [from irrelevant.]  Inapplicability; the quality of not being applicable, or of not serving to aid and support; as the irrelevancy of an argument or of testimony to a case in question.


Topic: Irrelevant
Definition:
IRREL'EVANT, a. [L. elevo, levo, to raise.]  Not relevant; not applicable or pertinent; not serving to support.  We call evidence, testimony and arguments irrelevant to a cause, when they are inapplicable to it, or do not serve so support it.


Topic: Irreligious
Definition:
IRRELIG'IOUS, a.  Destitute of religious principles; condemning religion; impious; ungodly.
 Shame and reproach are generally the portion of the impious and irreligious.
1. Contrary to religion; profane; impious; wicked; as an irreligious speech; irreligious conduct.


Topic: Irremeable
Definition:
IRRE'MEABLE, a. [L. irremeabilis; in and remeo, to return; re and meo, to pass.]    Admitting no return; as an irremeable way.


Topic: Irremediable
Definition:
IRREME'DIABLE, a.
1.  Not to be remedied; that cannot be cured; as an irremediable disease or evil.
2.  Not to be corrected or redressed; as irremediable error or mischief.


Topic: Irremissible
Definition:
IRREMIS'SIBLE, a. [L. remitto.  See Remit.]
Not to be pardoned; that cannot be forgiven or remitted.


Topic: Irremovability
Definition:
IRREMOVABIL'ITY, n.  [See Irremovable.]  The quality or state of being irremovable, or not removable from office.


Topic: Irremovable
Definition:
IRREMOV'ABLE, a. [in and removable.]  
1.  That cannot be moved or changed.
2.  That cannot be legally or constitutionally removed from office.


Topic: Irreparability
Definition:
IRREPARABIL'ITY, n. [See Irreparable.]  The quality or state of being irreparable, or beyond repair or recovery.


Topic: Irreparable
Definition:
IRREP'ARABLE, a. [L. irreparabilis.  See Repair.]
1.  That cannot be repaired or mended; as an irreparable breach.
2.  That cannot be recovered or regained; as an irreparable loss.


Topic: Irreprehensible
Definition:
IRREPREHENS'IBLE, a. [in and reprehensible.]
Not reprehensible; not to be blamed or censured; free from fault.


Topic: Irrepresentable
Definition:
IRREPRESENT'ABLE, a. [in and represent.]  Not to be represented; that cannot be figured or represented by any image.


Topic: Irreproachable
Definition:
IRREPROACHABLE, a. [in and reproachable.]  That cannot be justly reproached; free from blame; upright; innocent.  An irreproachable life is the highest honor of a rational being.


Topic: Irreproachably
Definition:
IRREPROACHABLY, adv.  In a manner not to deserve reproach; blamelessly; as deportment irreproachably upright.


Topic: Irresistance
Definition:
IRRESIST'ANCE, n. s as z. [in and resistance.]
Forbearance to resist; non-resistance; passive submission.


Topic: Irresistibleness
Definition:
IRRESIST'IBLENESS, n. [from irresistible.]   The quality of being irresistible; power or force beyond resistance or opposition.


Topic: Irresolute
Definition:
IRRES'OLUTE, a. s as z. [in and resolute.]  Not firm or constant in purpose; not decided; not determined; wavering; given to doubt.  Irresolute men either resolve not at all, or resolve and re-resolve.


Topic: Irresolution
Definition:
IRRESOLU'TION, n.  Want of resolution; want of decision in purpose; a fluctuation of mind, as in doubt, or between hope and fear.


Topic: Irrespective
Definition:
IRRESPECT'IVE, a. [in and respective.]  
Not regarding circumstances.
 According to this doctrine, it must be resolved wholly into the absolute, irrespective will of God.


Topic: Irrespirable
Definition:
IRRES'PIRABLE, a. [in and respirable.]  Unfit for respiration; not having the qualities which support animal life; as irrespirable air.


Topic: Irresponsible
Definition:
IRRESPONS'IBLE, a. [in and responsible.]  Not responsible; not liable or able to answer for consequences; not answerable.


Topic: Irretrievable
Definition:
IRRETRIE'VABLE, a. [in and retrievable, from retrieve.]
Not to be recovered or repaired; irrecoverable; irreparable; as an irretrievable loss.


Topic: Irreverence
Definition:
IRREV'ERENCE, n. [L. irreverentia; in and reverentia. See Reverence.]
1.  Want of reverence, or want of veneration; want of due regard to the authority and character of the Supreme Being.  Irreverence toward God is analogous to disrespect toward man.
2.  The state of being disregarded; applied to men.  But this word is appropriately applicable to the Supreme Being and to his laws and institutions.


Topic: Irreverent
Definition:
IRREV'ERENT, a.
1.  Wanting in reverence and veneration; not entertaining or manifesting due regard to the Supreme Being.
2.  Proceeding from irreverence; expressive of a want of veneration; as an irreverent thought, word or phrase.
3.  Wanting in respect to superiors.


Topic: Irreverently
Definition:
IRREV'ERENTLY, adv.  Without due regard to the authority and character of the Supreme being; in an irreverent manner.
1.  Without due respect to superiors.


Topic: Irreversible
Definition:
IRREVERS'IBLE, a. [in and reversible.]  That cannot be reversed; that cannot be recalled, repealed or annulled; as an irreversible decree or sentence.


Topic: Irrigate
Definition:
IR'RIGATE, v.t. [L. irrigo; in and rigo, to water.]
1.  To water; to wet; to moisten; to bedew.
2.  To water, as land, by causing a stream to flow upon it and spread over it.


Topic: Irrigation
Definition:
IRRIGA'TION, n.  The act of watering or moistening.
1.  In agriculture, the operation of causing water to flow over lands for nourishing plants.


Topic: Irriguous
Definition:
IRRIG'UOUS, a. [L. irriguus.  See Irrigate.]
1.  Watered; watery; moist.
 The flowery lap
 Of some irriguous valley spreads her store.
2.  Dewy; moist.


Topic: Irrision
Definition:
IRRIS'ION, n. s as z. [L. irrisio, irrideo; in and ridio, to laugh.]  The act of laughing at another.


Topic: Irritability
Definition:
IRRITABIL'ITY, n. [from irritable.]  Susceptibility of excitement; the quality of being easily irritated or exasperated; as irritability of temper.
1. In physiology, one of the four faculties of the sensorium, by which fibrous contractions are caused in consequence of the irritations excited by external bodies.
 Irritability differs from sensibility; the most irritable parts of the body not being at all sensible, and vice versa.  The heart is endued with the greatest irritability.


Topic: Irritable
Definition:
IR'RITABLE, a. [from irritate.]  Susceptible of excitement, or of heat and action, as animal bodies.
1.  Very susceptible of anger or passion; easily inflamed or exasperated; as an irritable temper.
2.  In physiology, susceptible of contraction, in consequence of the appulse of an external body.
 In general, there is nothing irritable in the animal body, but the muscular fibers.


Topic: Irritate
Definition:
IR'RITATE, v.t. [L. irrito; in and ira, wrath.]
1.  To excite heat and redness in the skin or flesh of living animal bodies, as by friction; to inflame; to fret; as, to irritate a wounded part by a coarse bandage.
2.  To excite anger; to provoke; to tease; to exasperate.  Never irritate a child for trifling faults.  The insolence of a tyrant irritates his subjects.
3.  To increase action or violence; to highten excitement in.
 Air, if very cold, irritateth the flame.
4.  To cause fibrous contractions in an extreme part of the sensorium, as by the appulse of an external body.


Topic: Irritation
Definition:
IRRITA'TION, n. The operation of exciting heat, action, and redness in the skin or flesh of living animals, by friction or other means.
1.  The excitement of action in the animal system by the application of food, medicines and the like.
2.  Excitement of anger or passion; provocation; exasperation; anger.
3.  In physiology, an exertion or change of some extreme part of the sensorium residing in the muscles or organs of sense, in consequence of the appulses of external bodies.
 Irritation is the effect of a stimulus applied to an irritable part.


Topic: Irritative
Definition:
IR'RITATIVE, a.  Serving to excite or irritate.
1.  Accompanied with or produced by increased action or irritation; as an irritative fever.


Topic: Irruption
Definition:
IRRUP'TION, n. [L. irruption; in and  rumpo, to break or burst.]
1.  A bursting in; a breaking or sudden violent rushing into a place.  Holland has been often inundated by irruptions of the sea.
2.  A sudden invasion or incursion; a sudden, violent inroad, or entrance of invaders into a place or country; as the irruption of the northern nations into France and Italy.


Topic: Is
Definition:
IS, v.i.  iz. [L. est.]  The third person singular of the substantive verb, which is composed of three or four distinct roots, which appear in the words am, be, are, and is.  Is and was coincide with the Latin esse, and Goth.wesan.  In the indicative, present tense, it is thus varied; I am, thou art, he, she, or it, is;  we, ye or you, they, are.  In writing and speaking, the vowel is often dropped; as, he's gone; there's none left.


Topic: Ischiadic
Definition:
ISCHIAD'IC, a. [L. ischiadicus, from ischias, the sciatica, from ischium, the hip.]  Pertaining to the hip.  The ischiadic passion or disease is ranked by Cullen with rheumatism.  It is a rheumatic affection of the hip joint.  It is called also sciatica.  It is sometimes seated in the tendinous expansion which covers the muscles of the thigh, but its most common seat is in the muscles, or in the capsular ligament, and it is then either rheumatic or gouty.


Topic: Ischuretic
Definition:
ISCHURET'IC, a. [See Ischury.]  
Having the quality of relieving ischury.
ISCHURET'IC, n.  A medicine adapted to relieve ischury.


Topic: Ish
Definition:
ISH, a termination of English words,is, in Sax. isc. Dan.isk, G. isch; and not improbably, it is the termination esque, in French, as in grotesque, It.esco, in grotesco, and the Latin termination of the inceptive verb, as in fervesco.  Annexed to English adjectives, ish denotes diminutive, or a small degree of the quality; as whitish, from white; yellowish, from yellow.
ISH annexed to names forms a possessive adjective; as in Swedish, Danish, English.
ISH annexed to common nouns forms an adjective denoting a participation of the qualities expressed by the noun; as foolish, from fool; roguish, from rogue; brutish, from brute.  This is the more common use of this termination.


Topic: Isinglass
Definition:
I'SINGLASS, n. i'zinglass. [that is, ise or ice-glass.]
A substance consisting chiefly of gelatin, of a firm texture and whitish color, prepared from the sounds or air-bladders of certain fresh water fishes, particularly of the huso, a fish of the sturgeon kind, found in the rivers of Russia.  It is used as an agglutinant and in fining wines.


Topic: Island
Definition:
ISLAND, n. i'land. [This is an absurd compound of isle and land, that is, land-in-water land, or ieland-land. There is no such legitimate word in English, and it is found only in books. The genuine word always used in discourse is our native word, Sax.ealong, D.G. eiland.]
1.  A tract of land surrounded by water.
2.  A large mass of floating ice, is called an island of ice.


Topic: Isomorphism
Definition:
ISOMORPH'ISM, n. [Gr. like, and form.]  The quality of a substance by which it is capable of replacing another in a compound, without an alteration of its primitive form.


Topic: Isoperimetrical
Definition:
ISOPERIMET'RICAL, a.  [See Isoperimetry.]
Having equal boundaries; as isoperimetrical figures or bodies.


Topic: Isoperimetry
Definition:
ISOPERIM'ETRY, n. [Gr. equal, around, and measure.]
In geometry, the science of figures having equal perimeters or boundaries.


Topic: Isosceles
Definition:
ISOS'CELES, a. [Gr. equal, and leg.]  Having two legs only that are equal; as an isosceles triangle.


Topic: Isothermal
Definition:
ISOTHERM'AL, a. [Gr. equal, proper, and heat.] Having an equal degree of heat, or a like temperature.


Topic: Isotonic
Definition:
ISOTON'IC, a. [Gr. equal, and tone.]  Having equal tones. The isotonic system, in music, consists of intervals, in which each concord is alike tempered,and in which there are twelve equal semitones.


Topic: Issuable
Definition:
IS'SUABLE, a. [from issue.]  That may be issued.  In law, an issuable term, is one in which issues are made up.


Topic: Issue
Definition:
ISSUE, n. ish'u.
1.  The act of passing or flowing out; a moving out of any inclosed place; egress; applied to water or other fluid, to smoke, to a body of men, &c.  We say, an issue of water from a pipe, from a spring, or from a river; an issue of blood from a wound, of air from a bellows; an issue of people from a door or house.
2.  A sending out; as the issue of an order from a commanding officer or from a court; the issue of money from a treasury.
3.  Event; consequence; end or ultimate result.  Our present condition will be best for us in the issue.
4.  Passage out; outlet.
 To God the Lord belong the issues from death. Ps.68.
5.  Progeny; a child or children; offspring; as, he had issue,a son; and we speak of issue of the whole blood or half blood.  A man dies without issue.
6.  Produce of the earth, or profits of land, tenements or other property.  A conveyed to B all his right to a term for years, with all the issues, rents and profits.
7.  In surgery, a fontanel; a little ulcer made in some part of an animal body, to promote discharges.
8.  Evacuation; discharge; a flux or running. Lev.12. Matt.9.
9.  In law, the close or result of pleadings; the point of matter depending in suit, on which the parties join, and put the case to trial by a jury.
    10. A giving out from a repository; delivery; as an issue of rations or provisions from a store, or of powder from a magazine.


Topic: Issuing
Definition:
IS'SUING, ppr.  Flowing or passing out; proceeding from, sending out.
IS'SUING, n.  A flowing or passing out.
1.  Emission; a sending out, as of bills or notes.


Topic: Isthmus
Definition:
ISTHMUS, n. ist'mus. [L.]  A neck or narrow slip of land by which two continents are connected, or by which a peninsula is united to the mainland.  Such is the Neck, so called,which connects Boston with the main land at Roxbury.  But the word is applied to land of considerable extent, between seas; as the isthmus of Darien, which connects North and South America,and the isthmus between the Euxine and Caspian seas.


Topic: It
Definition:
IT, pron. [L. id.]
1.  A substitute or pronoun of the neuter gender, sometimes called demonstrative, and standing for any thing except males and females, 'Keep thy heart with all diligence,for out of it are the issues of life.'  Prov. 9.  Here it is the substitute for heart.
2.  It is much used as the nominative case or word to verbs called impersonal; as it rains; it snows.  In this case,there is no determinate thing to which it can be referred.
 In other cases, it may be referred to matter, affair, or some other word.  Is it come to this?
3.  Very often, it is used to introduce a sentence, preceding a verb as a nominative, but referring to a clause or distinct member of the sentence.  'It is well ascertained, that the figure of the earth is an oblate spheroid.'  What is well ascertained?
The answer will show: the figure of the earth is an oblate spheroid; it [that] is well ascertained. Here it represents the clause of the sentence,'the figure of the earth,' &c.  If the order of the sentence is inverted, the use of it is superseded.  The figure of the earth is an oblate spheroid; that is well ascertained.
 It, like that, is often a substitute for a sentence or clause of a sentence.
4.  It often begins a sentence, when a personal pronoun, or the name of a person, or a masculine noun follows.  It is I: be not afraid.  It was Judas who betrayed Christ. When a question is asked, it follows the verb; as, who was it that betrayed Christ?
5.  It is used also for the state of a person or affair.
 How is it with our general?
6.  It is used after intransitive verbs very indefinitely and sometimes ludicrously, but rarely in an elevated style.
 If Abraham brought all with him, it is not probable he meant to walk it back for his pleasure.
 The Lacedemonians, at the straits of Thermopylae, when their arms failed them, fought it out with nails and teeth.
 Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it.


Topic: Italian
Definition:
ITAL'IAN, a.  Pertaining to Italy.
ITAL'IAN, n.  A native of Italy.
1.  The language used in Italy, or by the Italians.


Topic: Italics
Definition:
ITAL'ICS, n. plu.  Italic letters or characters; characters first used in Italy,and which stand inclining; the letters in which this clause is printed. They are used to distinguish words for emphasis, importance, antithesis, &c.


Topic: Itch
Definition:
ITCH, n.
1.  A cutaneous disease of the human race, appearing in small watery pustules on the skin, accompanied with an uneasiness or irritation that inclines the patient to use friction.  This disease is supposed by some authors to be occasioned by a small insect, a species of Acarus, as the microscope detects these insects in the vesicles. Others suppose the pustules only form a nidus for the insects.  This disease is taken only by contact or contagion.
2.  The sensation in the skin occasioned by the disease.
3.  A constant teasing desire; as an itch for praise; an itch for scribbling.
ITCH, v.i. 
1.  To feel a particular uneasiness in the skin, which inclines the person to scratch the part.
2.  To have a constant desire or teasing inclination; as itching ears. 2 Tim.4.


Topic: Item
Definition:
I'TEM, adv. [L. item, also.]  Also; a word used when something is to be added.
I'TEM, n. An article; a separate particular in an account. The account consists of many items.
1.  A hint; an innuendo.
I'TEM, v.t.  To make a note or memorandum of.


Topic: Iterate
Definition:
IT'ERATE, v.t.  [L. itero, to repeat, from iter, a going.]
To repeat; to utter or do a second time; as, to iterate advice or admonition; to iterate a trepass.


Topic: Itinerant
Definition:
ITIN'ERANT, a. [L. iter, a way or journey.]  Passing or traveling about a country; wandering; not settled; as an itinerant preacher.
ITIN'ERANT, n.  One who travels from place to place, particularly a preacher; one who is unsettled.


Topic: Itinerary
Definition:
ITIN'ERARY, n. [Low L. itinerarium, from iter, a going.]
An account of travels or of the distances of places; as the itinerary of Antoninus.
ITIN'ERARY, a.  Traveling; passing from place to place, or done on a journey.


Topic: Itinerate
Definition:
ITIN'ERATE, v.i. [L. iter, a going; Low L. itinero.]
To travel from place to place, particularly for the purpose of preaching; to wander without a settled habitation.


Topic: Itself
Definition:
ITSELF', pron. [it and self.]  The neutral reciprocal pronoun, or substitute applied to things.  The thing is good in itself; it stands by itself.
 Borrowing of foreigners, in itself, makes not the kingdom rich or poor.


Topic: Ittrium
Definition:
IT'TRIUM, n.  The undecomposable base of yttria; but better written yttrium, unless yttria should be written ittria.


Topic: Ivory
Definition:
I'VORY, n. [L. ebur.]  The tusk of an elephant, a hard, solid substance, of a fine white color.  This tooth is sometimes six or seven feet in length, hollow from the base to a certain highth, and filled with a compact medullary substance, seeming to contain a great number of glands.  The ivory of Ceylon and Achem does not become yellow in wearing, and hence is preferred to that of Guinea. 
I'VORY, a.  Consisting of ivory; as an ivory comb.


Topic: Ivy
Definition:
I'VY, n.  A parasitic plant of the genus Hedera, which creeps along the ground, or if it finds support, rises on trees or buildings, climbing to a great highth.


Topic: J
Definition:
J.  This letter has been added to the English Alphabet in modern days;  the letter I being written formerly in words where J is now used.  It seems to have had the sound of y, in many words, as it still has in the German.  The English sound of this letter may be expressed by dzh, or edzh, a compound sound coinciding exactly with that of g, in genius; the French j, with the articulation d preceding it.  It is the tenth letter of the English Alphabet.


Topic: Jabber
Definition:
JAB'BER, v.i.  To talk rapidly or indistinctly; to chatter; to prate.
JAB'BER, n.  Rapid talk with indistinct utterance of words.


Topic: Jabiru
Definition:
JAB'IRU, n.  An aquatic fowl of the crane kind.
The Jabiru is the Mycteria Americana.  It resembles the stork.


Topic: Jacamar
Definition:
JAC'AMAR, n.  A kind of fowls arranged by Linne under the genus Alcedo; but their toes are differently placed, and their food consists of insects.  They are about the size of a lark.  Numerous species are described.
The Jacamars are arranged in a separate genus, Galbula, and along with the woodpeckers in the order of climbers.


Topic: Jacinth
Definition:
JA'CINTH, n. [a different orthography of Hyacinth.]
1.  A genus of plants. [See Hyacinth.]
2.  A species of pellucid gems. [See Hyacinth.]  Rev.21.


Topic: Jack
Definition:
JACK, n.
1.  A nickname or diminutive of John, used as a general term of contempt for any saucy of paltry fellow.
2.  The name of an instrument that supplies the place of a boy; an instrument to pull off boots.
3.  An engine to turn a spit; as a kitchen jack; a smoke jack.
4.  A young pike.
5.  A coat of mail.
6.  A pitcher of waxed leather.
7.  A small bowl thrown out for a mark to the bowlers.
8.  Part of a musical instrument called a virginal.
9.  The male of certain animals, as of the ass.
    10. A horse or wooden frame on which wood or timer is sawed.
    11. In sea-language, a flag, ensign or colors, displayed from a staff on the end of a bow-sprit.
    12. In Yorkshire, half a pint. A quarter of a pint.
Jack of all trades, a person who can turn his hand to any king of business.
Jack by the hedge, a plant of the genus Erysimum, that grown under hedges.
Jack in a box, a plant of the genus Hernandia.
1.  A large wooden male screw, turning in a female one.
Jack with a lantern, an ignis fatuus, a meteor that appears in low moist lands.
Jack of the clock-house, a little man that strikes the quarters in a clock.


Topic: Jackal
Definition:
JACK'AL, n.  An animal of the genus Canis, resembling a dog and a fox; a native of Asia and Africa.  It preys on poultry and other small animals.  It is the Canis aureus of Linne.


Topic: Jackanapes
Definition:
JACK'ANAPES, n. [jack and ape.]  A monkey, an ape.
1.  A coxcomb; an impertinent fellow.
 A young upstart jackanapes.


Topic: Jacobin
Definition:
JAC'OBIN, n.  [So named from the place of meeting, which was the monastery of the monks called Jacobines.]
The Jacobins, in France, during the late revolution, were a society of violent revolutionists, who held secret meetings in which measures were concerted to direct the proceedings of the National Assembly.  Hence, a Jacobin is the member of a club, or other person, who opposes government in a secret and unlawful manner or by violent means; a turbulent demagogue.


Topic: Jacobinism
Definition:
JAC'OBINISM, n.  Jacobinic principles; unreasonable or violent opposition to legitimate government; an attempt to overthrow or change government by secret cabals or irregular means; popular turbulence.


Topic: Jacobite
Definition:
JAC'OBITE, n. [from Jacobus, James.]  A partizan or adherent of James II, king of England, after he abdicated the throne, and of his descendants; of course, an opposer of the revolution in 1688, in favor of William and Mary.
1.  One of a sect of christians in Syria and Mesopotamia, who hold that Jesus Christ had but one nature.
JAC'OBITE, a.  Pertaining to the partizans of James II.


Topic: Jacobs-staff
Definition:
JACOB'S-ST`AFF, n.  A pilgrim's staff.
1.  A staff concealing a dagger.
2.  A cross staff; a kind of astrolabe.


Topic: Jacobus
Definition:
JAC'OBUS, n. [Jacobus, James.]  A gold coin, value twenty-five shillings sterling, struck in the reign of James I.


Topic: Jactitation
Definition:
JAC'TITATION, n.  [L. jactito,jacto.  It ought rather to be jactation, L. jactatio.]
1.  A tossing of the body; restlessness.
2.  A term in the canon law for a false pretension to marriage; vain boasting.


Topic: Jaculatory
Definition:
JAC'ULATORY, a.  Darting or throwing out suddenly, or suddenly thrown out; uttered in short sentences. [See Ejaculatory.]


Topic: Jade
Definition:
JADE, n. 
1.  A mean or poor horse; a tired horse; a worthless nag.
 Tired as a jade in overloaden cart.
2.  A mean woman; a word of contempt, noting sometimes age, but generally vice.
 She shines the first of battered jades.
3.  A young woman; in irony or slight contempt.
JADE, n.  A mineral called also nephrite or nephritic stone,remarkable for its hardness and tenacity, of a color more or less green, and of a resinous or oily aspect when polished.  It is fusible into a glass or enamel.  Cleveland divides jade into three subspecies, nephrite, saussurite, and axestone.  It is found in detached masses or inhering in rocks.
JADE, v.t.  To tire; to fatigue; to weary with hard service; as, to jade a horse.
1.  To weary with attention or study; to tire.
 The mind once jaded by an attempt above its power, is very hardly brought to exert its force again.
2.  To harass; to crush.
3.  To tire or wear out in mean offices; as a jaded groom.
4.  To ride; to rule with tyranny.
 I do not now fool myself, to let imagination jade me.
JADE, v.i.  To become weary; to lose spirit; to sink.
 They are promising in the beginning,but they fail and jade and tire in the prosecution.


Topic: Jagged
Definition:
JAG'GED, pp.  Notched; uneven.
1.  Having notches or teeth; cleft; divided; laciniate; as jagged leaves.


Topic: Jail
Definition:
JAIL, n.  A prison; a building or place for the confinement of persons arrested for debt or for crime, and held in the custody of the sheriff.


Topic: Jailfever
Definition:
JA'ILFEVER, n.  A contagious and fatal fever generated in jails and other places crowded with people.


Topic: Jalap
Definition:
JAL'AP, n. The root of a plant, a species of Convolvulus.  It is brought in thin transverse slices, and also whole, of an oval shape, hard, solid and heavy.  It has little or no taste or smell, but is much used in powder as a cathartic.


Topic: Jam
Definition:
JAM, n.  A conserve of fruits boiled with sugar and water.
1.  A kind of frock for children.
JAM, v.t.
1.  To press; to crowd; to wedge in.
2.  In England, to tread hard or make firm by treading, as land by cattle.
JAM


Topic: Jamb
Definition:
JAMB, n.  Among the lead miners of Mendip, a thick bed of stone which hinders them when pursuing the veins of ore.
JAMB, n. jam. In architecture, a supporter; the side-piece or post of a door; the side-piece of a fireplace.


Topic: Jangle
Definition:
JAN'GLE, v.i.  To quarrel in words; to altercate; to bicker; to wrangle.
JAN'GLE, v.t.  To cause to sound untunably or discordantly.
 --E'er monkish rhymes
 Had jangl'd their fantastic chimes.


Topic: Jangling
Definition:
JAN'GLING, ppr.  Wrangling; quarreling; sounding discordantly.
JAN'GLING, n.  A noisy dispute; a wrangling.


Topic: Janizary
Definition:
JAN'IZARY, n.  A soldier of the Turkish foot guards.  The Janizaries were a body of infantry, and reputed the grand Seignor's guards.  They became turbulent, and rising in arms against the Sultan, were attacked, defeated and destroyed in Constantinople, in June 1826.


Topic: Jant
Definition:
J`ANT, v.i.  To ramble here and there; to make an excursion.
J`ANT, n.  An excursion; a ramble; a short journey.


Topic: January
Definition:
JAN'UARY. n.  [L. januarius; L. geno, to beget, Eng. to begin.]
The first month of the year, according to the present computation.  At the foundation of Rome, March was considered the first month.  January and February were introduced by Numa Pompilius.


Topic: Japan
Definition:
JAPAN', n.  [from the country in Asia, so called.]
This name is given to work varnished and figured in the manner practiced by the natives of Japan.


Topic: Japan-earth
Definition:
JAPAN-EARTH, n.  Catechu, a combination of gummy and resinous matter, obtained from the juice of a species of palm tree.
Japan-earth or catechu, is obtained by decoction and evaporation from a species of Mimosa.  It consists chiefly of tannin combined with a peculiar species of extractive.


Topic: Japanese
Definition:
JAPANE'SE, a.  Pertaining to Japan or its inhabitants.
JAPANE'SE, n.  A native of Japan; or the language of the inhabitants.


Topic: Japanner
Definition:
JAPAN'NER, n.  One who varnishes in the manner of the Japanese, or one skilled in the art.
1.  A shoe-blacker.


Topic: Japanning
Definition:
JAPAN'NING, ppr.  Varnishing in the manner of the Japanese; giving a glossy black surface.
JAPAN'NING, n.  The art of varnishing and drawing figures on wood or other material, in the manner practiced by the Japanese.


Topic: Japhetic
Definition:
JAPHET'IC, a.  Pertaining to Japheth, the eldest son of Noah; as the Japhetic nations, which people the North of Asia and all Europe; Japhetic languages.


Topic: Jar
Definition:
J`AR, v.i.  To strike together with a short rattle or tremulous sound; to strike untunably or harshly; to strike discordantly; as a jarring sound.
 A string may jar in the best master's hand.
1.  To clash; to interfere; to act in opposition; to be inconsistent.
 For orders and degrees
 Jar not with liberty, but well consist.
2.  To quarrel; to dispute; to clash in words.
3.  To vibrate regularly; to repeat the same sound.
J`AR, v.t.  To shake; to cause to tremble; to cause a short tremulous motion in a thing.
J`AR, n.  A rattling vibration of sound; a shake; as a trembling jar.
1.  A harsh sound; discord.
2.  Clash of interest or opinions; collision; discord; debate.
 And yet his peace is but continual jar.
3.  The state of a door half open, or ready to move and strike the post.
4.  Repetition of the noise made by the pendulum of a clock.
J`AR, n.  A vessel with a large belly and broad mouth, made of earth or glass; as a jar of honey.
 We say, an electrical battery of nine jars.
1.  A certain measure; as a jar of oil.


Topic: Jararaca
Definition:
JARARACA, n.  A species of serpent in America, seldom exceeding 18 inches in length,having prominent veins on its head, and of a dusky brownish color, variegated with red and black spots.  It is very poisonous.


Topic: Jargon
Definition:
J`ARGON, n.
1.  Confused, unintelligible talk or language; gabble; gibberish; cant.
 All jargon of the schools.
2.  A mineral, usually of a gray or greenish white color, in small irregular grains, or crystallized in quadrangular prisms surmounted with pyramids, or in octahedrons consisting of double quadrangular prisms.  [See Zircon.]


Topic: Jarring
Definition:
J`ARRING, ppr.  Shaking; making a harsh sound; discordant.
J`ARRING, n.  A shaking; discord; dispute; collision.


Topic: Jasper
Definition:
J`ASPER, n. [L. iaspis.]  A mineral of the siliceous kind, and of several varieties.  It is less hard than flint or even than common quartz, but gives fire with steel.  It is entirely opake, or sometimes feebly translucent at the edges, and it presents almost every variety of color.  Its varieties are common jasper, striped jasper, Egyptian jasper, &c.  It admits of an elegant polish, and is used for vases, seals, snuff-boxes, &c.
Jasper is a subspecies of rhomboidal quartz, of five kinds, Egyptian, striped, porcelain, common, and agate jasper.


Topic: Jasponyx
Definition:
J`ASPONYX, n.  The purest horn-colored onyx, with beautiful green zones, composed of genuine matter of the finest jaspers.


Topic: Jaundice
Definition:
JAUNDICE, n. j`andis.  A disease which is characterized by a suffusion of bile over the coats of the eye and the whole surface of the body, by which they are tinged with a yellow color.  Hence its name.


Topic: Jaundiced
Definition:
JAUNDICED, a. j`andised.  Affected with the jaundice; suffused with a yellow color; as a jaundiced eye.
1.  Prejudiced; seeing with discolored organs.


Topic: Javelin
Definition:
JAV'ELIN, , n.  A sort of spear about five feet and a half long, the shaft of which was of wood, but pointed with steel; used by horse or foot.  Every Roman soldier carried seven javelins.


Topic: Jaw
Definition:
JAW, n.
1.  The bones of the mouth in which the teeth are fixed.  They resemble a horse shoe.  In most animals, the under jaw only is movable.
2.  The mouth.
3.  In vulgar language, scolding, wrangling, abusive clamor.
JAW, v.i.  To scold; to clamor. [Vulgar.]
JAW, v.t.  To abuse by scolding.  [Vulgar.]


Topic: Jealous
Definition:
JEALOUS, a. jel'us.
1.  Suspicious; apprehensive of rivalship; uneasy through fear that another has withdrawn or may withdraw from one the affections of a person he loves, or enjoy some good which he desires to obtain; followed by of, and applied both to the object of love and to the rival.  We say, a young man is jealous of the woman he loves, or jealous of his rival.  A man is jealous of his wife,and the wife of her husband.
2.  Suspicious that we do not enjoy the affection or respect of others, or that another is more loved and respected than ourselves.
3.  Emulous; full of competition.
4.  Solicitous to defend the honor of; concerned for the character of.
 I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts. 
1 Kings 19.
5.  Suspiciously vigilant; anxiously careful and concerned for.
 I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy.  2 Cor.11.
6.  Suspiciously fearful.
 'Tis doing wrong creates such doubts as these,
 Renders us jealous and destroys our peace.


Topic: Jealously
Definition:
JEALOUSLY, adv. jel'usly.  With jealousy or suspicion; emulously; with suspicious fear, vigilance or caution.


Topic: Jealousy
Definition:
JEALOUSY, n. jel'usy.
1.  That passion of peculiar uneasiness which arises from the fear that a rival may rob us of the affection of one whom we love, or the suspicion that he has already done it; or it is the uneasiness which arises from the fear that another does or will enjoy some advantage which we desire for ourselves.  A man's jealousy is excited by the attentions of a rival to his favorite lady.  A woman's jealousy is roused by her husband's attentions to another woman.  The candidate for office manifests a jealousy of others who seek the same office.  The jealousy of a student is awakened by the apprehension that his fellow will bear away the palm of praise.  In short,jealousy is awakened by whatever may exalt others, or give them pleasures and advantages which we desire for ourselves.  Jealousy is nearly allied to envy, for jealousy, before a good is lost by ourselves, is converted into envy, after it is obtained by others.
 Jealousy is the apprehension of superiority.
 Whoever had qualities to alarm our jealousy, had excellence to deserve our fondness.
2.  Suspicious fear or apprehension.
3.  Suspicious caution or vigilance, an earnest concern or solicitude for the welfare or honor of others.  Such was Paul's godly jealousy for the Corinthians.
4.  Indignation.  God's jealousy signifies his concern for his own character and government, with a holy indignation against those who violate his laws, and offend against his majesty. Ps.79.


Topic: Jears
Definition:
JEARS, n.  In sea-language, an assemblage of tackles by which the lower yards of a ship are hoisted or lowered.  Hoisting is called swaying, and lowering is called striking.  This word is sometimes written geers or gears.  [See Gear.]


Topic: Jee
Definition:
JEE.  A word used by teamsters, directing their teams to pass further to the right, or from the driver, when on the near side; opposed to hoi or haw.


Topic: Jeer
Definition:
JEER, v.i.  To utter severe, sarcastic reflections; to scoff; to deride; to flout; to make a mock of; as, to jeer at one in sport.
JEER, v.t.  To treat with scoffs or derision.
JEER, n.  Railing language; scoff; taunt; biting jest; flout; jibe; mockery; derision; ridicule with scorn.
 Midas exposed to all their jeers,
 Had lost his art, and kept his ears.


Topic: Jeffersonite
Definition:
JEF'FERSONITE, n.  A mineral occurring in crystalline masses, of a dark olive green color passing into brown, found imbedded in Franklinite and garnet, in New Jersey.


Topic: Jehovah
Definition:
JEHO'VAH, n.  The Scripture name of the Supreme Being.  If, as is supposed, this name is from the Hebrew substantive verb, the word denotes the Permanent Being, as the primary sense of the substantive verb in all languages, is to be fixed, to stand, to remain or abide.  This is a name peculiarly appropriate to the eternal Spirit, the unchangeable God, who describes himself thus, I am that I am. Ex.3.


Topic: Jehovist
Definition:
JEHO'VIST, n.  Among critics, one who maintains that the vowel-points annexed to the word Jehovah in Hebrew, are the proper vowels of the word and express the true pronunciation.  The Jehovists are opposed to the Adonists, who hold that the points annexed to the word Jehovah, are the vowels of the word Adonai.


Topic: Jejune
Definition:
JEJU'NE, a. [L. jejunus, empty, dry.]
1.  Wanting; empty; vacant.
2.  Hungry; not saturated.
3.  Dry; barren; wanting interesting matter; as a jejune narrative.


Topic: Jejuneness
Definition:
JEJU'NENESS, n.  Poverty, barrenness; particularly, want of interesting matter; a deficiency of matter that can engage the attention and gratify the mind; as the jejuneness of style or narrative.  [Jejunity is not used.]


Topic: Jelly
Definition:
JEL'LY, n. [L. gelo, to congeal.  See Gelly.]
1.  The inspissated juice of fruit, boiled with sugar.
2.  Something viscous or glutinous; something of the consistency of jelly; a transparent sizy substance, obtained from animal substances by decoction; portable soup.


Topic: Jenneting
Definition:
JEN'NETING, n. [said to be corrupted from juneting, an apple ripe in June, or at St. Jean.]   A species of early apple.


Topic: Jeofail
Definition:
JEOFAIL, n. jef'fail.  An oversight in pleading or other proceeding at law; or the acknowledgment of a mistake.


Topic: Jeopard
Definition:
JEOPARD, v.t. jep'ard.  [See Jeopardy.]  To hazard; to put in danger; to expose to loss or injury.
 Zebulon and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives to the death in the high places of the field.  Judges.5.


Topic: Jeopardize
Definition:
JEOPARDIZE, v.t. jep'ardize.  To expose to loss or injury; to jeopard. [This is a modern word, used by respectable writers in America, but synonymous with jeopard and therefore useless.]


Topic: Jeopardy
Definition:
JEOPARDY, n. jep'ardy.  Exposure to death, loss or injury; hazard; danger; peril.
 They were filled with water and were in jeopardy. 
Luke 8.


Topic: Jerk
Definition:
JERK, v.t. [This is probably the Ch.Heb. to reach, to spit, that is, to throw out with a sudden effort.]
1.  To thrust out; to thrust with a sudden effort; to give a sudden pull, twitch, thrust or push, as, to jerk one under the ribs; to jerk one with the elbow.
2.  To throw with a quick, smart motion; as, to jerk a stone.  We apply this word to express the mode of throwing to a little distance by drawing the arm back of the body, and thrusting it forward against the side or hip, which stops the arm suddenly.
JERK, v.t.  To accost eagerly.  [Not in use.]
JERK, n.  A short sudden thrust, push or twitch; a striking against something with a short quick motion; as a jerk of the elbow.
 His jade gave him a jerk,
1.  A sudden spring.
 Lobsters swim by jerks.


Topic: Jersey
Definition:
JER'SEY, n. [from the island so called.]
1.  Fine yarn of wool.
2.  The finest of wool separated from the rest; combed wool.


Topic: Jess
Definition:
JESS, n.  Short straps of leather tied round the legs of a hawk, by which she is held on the fist.
1.  A ribbon that hangs down from a garland or crown in falconry.


Topic: Jesse
Definition:
JES'SE, n.  A large brass candlestick branched into many sconces, hanging down in the middle of a church or choir.


Topic: Jest
Definition:
JEST, n. [L. gestio.]
1.  A joke; something ludicrous uttered and meant only to excite laughter.  Religion should never be the subject of jest.
2.  The object of laughter or sport; a laughing stock.
 Then let me be your jest, I deserve it.
 In jest, for mere sport or diversion; not in truth and reality; not in earnest.
 --And given in earnest what I begged in jest.
3.  A mask.
4.  A deed; an action.


Topic: Jester
Definition:
JEST'ER, n.  A person given to jesting, sportive talk and merry pranks.
 --He rambled up and down
 With shallow jesters.
1. One given to sarcasm.
 Now, as a jester, I accost you.
2.  A buffoon; a merry-andrew, a person formerly retained by princes to make sport for them.


Topic: Jesting
Definition:
JEST'ING, ppr.  Joking; talking for diversion or merriment.
JEST'ING, n.  A joking; concise wit; wit that consists in a trope or verbal figure, in a metaphorical sense of words, or in a double sense of the same word, or in similitude of sound in different words.


Topic: Jesuit
Definition:
JES'UIT, n. s as z.  One of the society of Jesus, so called, founded by Ignatius Loyola; a society remarkable for their cunning in propagating their principles.


Topic: Jesuitism
Definition:
JES'UITISM, n.  The arts, principles and practices of the Jesuits.
1.  Cunning, deceit; hypocrisy; prevarication; deceptive practices to effect a purpose.


Topic: Jet
Definition:
JET, n. [L. gagates.]  A solid, dry, black,inflammable fossil substance, harder than asphalt, susceptible of a good polish, and glossy in its fracture, which is conchoidal or undulating.  It is found not in strata or continued masses, but in unconnected heaps.  It is wrought into toys, buttons, mourning jewels, &c.
Jet is regarded as a variety of lignite, or coal originating in wood.
JET, n. [L. jactus.]
1.  A spout, spouting or shooting of water; a jet d'eau.
2.  A yard.  Tusser.  Drift; scope. [Not in use or local.]
JET, v.i.  [See the Noun.]  To shoot forward; to shoot out; to project; to jut; to intrude.
1.  To strut; to throw or toss the body in haughtiness.
2.  To jerk; to jolt; to be shaken.
[This orthography is rarely used.  See Jut.]


Topic: Jettison
Definition:
JET'TISON, n.  In law and commerce, properly, the throwing of goods overboard in order to lighten a ship in a tempest for her preservation.  The word may however be used for the goods thus thrown away, or adverbially.
Jetsam is where goods are cast into the sea, and there sink and remain under water; flotsam, is where they continue swimming; ligan is where they are sunk in the sea, but tied to a cork or buoy.


Topic: Jetty
Definition:
JET'TY, v.i.  To jut.
JET'TY, n.  A small pier or projection into a river for narrowing it and raising the water above that place.
JET'TY, a.  Made of jet, or black as jet.


Topic: Jettyhead
Definition:
JET'TYHEAD, n.  The projecting part of a wharf; the front of a wharf whose side forms one of the cheeks of a dock.


Topic: Jewel
Definition:
JEW'EL, n. [Low L. jocale.]
1.  An ornament worn by ladies,usually consisting of a precious stone, or set with one or more; a pendant worn in the ear.
2.  A precious stone.
3.  A name expressive of fondness.  A mother calls her child, her jewel.
JEW'EL, v.t.  To dress or adorn with jewels.


Topic: Jews-ear
Definition:
JEWS-EAR, n.  The name of a species of Fungus, the Peziza auricula, bearing some resemblance to the human ear.


Topic: Jews-harp
Definition:
JEWS-HARP, n. [Jew and harp.]  An instrument of music shaped like a harp, which, placed between the teeth and by means of a spring struck by the finger, gives a sound which is modulated by the breath into soft melody.  It is called also Jews-trump.


Topic: Jews-stone
Definition:
JEWS-STONE, n.  The clavated spine of a very large egg-shaped sea urchin petrified.  It is a regular figure, oblong and rounded, about three quarters of an inch in length, and half an inch in diameter.  Its color is a pale dusky gray, with a tinge of dusky red.


Topic: Jib
Definition:
JIB, n.  The foremost sail of a ship, being a large stay-sail extended from the outer end of the jib-boom towards the fore-top-mast-head.  In sloops, it is on the bow-sprit, and extends towards the lower mast-head.


Topic: Jib-boom
Definition:
JIB-BOOM, n.  A spar which is run out from the extremity of the bowsprit, and which serves as a continuation of it.  Beyond this is sometimes extended the flying-jib-boom.


Topic: Jigger
Definition:
JIG'GER, n.  In sea-language, a machine consisting of a rope about five feet long, with a block at one end and a sheave at the other, used to hold on the cable when it is heaved into the ship, by the revolution of the windlass.


Topic: Jilt
Definition:
JILT, n. [of uncertain etymology.]  A woman who gives her lover hopes and capriciously disappoints him; a woman who trifles with her lover.
1.  A name of contempt for a woman.
JILT, v.t.  To encourage a lover and then frustrate his hopes; to trick in love; to give hopes to a lover and then reject him.
JILT, v.i.  To play the jilt; to practice deception in love and discard lovers.


Topic: Jingle
Definition:
JIN'GLE, v.i.
1.  To make a sharp clattering sound; to ring as a little bell, or as small pieces of sonorous metal; as gingling halfpence.
2.  To utter affected or chiming sounds in periods or cadence.


Topic: Job
Definition:
JOB, n. [of unknown origin, but perhaps allied to chop, primarily to strike or drive.]
1.  A piece of work; any thing to be done, whether of more or less importance.  The carpenter or mason undertakes to build a house by the job.  The erection of Westminster bridge was a heavy job; and it was a great job to erect Central wharf, in Boston.  The mechanic has many small jobs on hand.
2.  A lucrative business; an undertaking with a view to profit.
 No cheek is known to blush nor heart to throb,
 Save when they lose a question or a job.
3.  A sudden stab with a pointed instrument.  [This seems to be nearly the original sense.]
 To do the job for one, to kill him.
JOB, v.t.  To strike or stab with a sharp instrument.
1.  To drive in a sharp pointed instrument.
JOB, v.i.  To deal in the public stocks; to buy and sell as a broker.
 The judge shall job, the bishop bite the town,
 and mighty dukes pack cards for half a crown.


Topic: Jobber
Definition:
JOB'BER, n.  One who does small jobs.
1.  A dealer in the public stocks or funds; usually called a stock-jobber.
2.  One who engages in a low, lucrative affair.


Topic: Jockey
Definition:
JOCK'EY, n. [said to be from Jackey, a diminutive of Jack, John; primarily, a boy that rides horses.]
1.  A man that rides horses in a race.
2.  A dealer in horses; one who makes it his business to buy and sell horses for gain.  Hence,
3.  A cheat; one who deceives or takes undue advantage in trade.
JOCK'EY, v.t.  To cheat; to trick; to deceive in trade.
1.  To jostle by riding against one.


Topic: Jocose
Definition:
JOCO'SE, a. [L. jocosus, from jocus, a joke.]
1.  Given to jokes and jesting; merry; waggish; used of persons.
2.  Containing a joke; sportive; merry; as jocose or comical airs.


Topic: Jocular
Definition:
JOC'ULAR, a. [L. jocularis, from jocus, a joke.]
1.  Jocose; waggish; merry; given to jesting; used of persons.
2.  Containing jokes; sportive; not serious; as a jocular expression or style.


Topic: Jocund
Definition:
JOC'UND, a. [L. jocundus, from jocus, a joke.]
Merry; gay; airy; lively; sportive.
 Rural sports and jocund strains.


Topic: Jog
Definition:
JOG, v.t. [Eng. shock, shake.]  To push or shake with the elbow or hand; to give notice or excite attention by a slight push.
 Sudden I jogged Ulysses.
JOG, v.i.  To move by jogs or small shocks, like those of a slow trot.
 So hung his destiny, never to rot,
 While he might still jog on, and keep his trot.
1.  To walk or travel idly, heavily or slowly.
 Thus they jog on, still tricking, never thriving.
JOG, n.  A push; a slight shake; a shake or push intended to give notice or awaken attention.  When your friend falls asleep at church, give him a jog.
1.  A rub; a small stop; obstruction.


Topic: Johannes
Definition:
JOHAN'NES, n. [John, latinized.]  A Portuguese gold coin of the value of eight dollars; contracted often into joe; as a joe, or half-joe.  It is named from the figure of king John, which it bears.


Topic: Join
Definition:
JOIN, v.t. [L. jungo, jungere; jungo for jugo, jugum; Eng. yoke;
Gr. a yoke, and a pair, to join.]
1.  To set or bring one thing in contiguity with another.
 Woe to them that join house to house, that lay field to field. Is.5.
2.  To couple; to connect; to combine; as, to join ideas.
3.  To unite in league or marriage.
 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. 2 Ch.18.
 What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Matt.19.
4.  To associate.
 Go near and join thyself to this chariot. Acts.8.
5.  To unite in any act.
 Thy tuneful voice with numbers join.
6.  To unite in concord.
 But that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. 1 Cor.1.
The phrase, to join battle, is probably elliptical, for join in battle; or it is borrowed from the Latin, committere proelium, to send together the battle.
In general, join signifies to unite two entire things without breach or intermixture, by contact or contiguity, either temporary or permanent.  It differs from connect, which signifies properly, to unite by an intermediate substance.  But join, unite, and connect are often used synonymously.
JOIN, v.i.  To grow to; to adhere.  The place where two bones of the body join, is called a joint or articulation.
1.  To be contiguous, close or in contact; as when two houses join.
2.  To unite with in marriage, league, confederacy, partnership or society.  Russia and Austria joined in opposition to Buonaparte's ambitious views.  Men join in great undertakings, and in companies for trade or manufacture.  They join in entertainments and amusements.  They join in benevolent associations.  It is often followed by with.
 Any other may join with him that is injured, and assist him in recovering satisfaction.
 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Ezra 9.


Topic: Joiner
Definition:
JOIN'ER, n.  One whose occupation is to construct things by joining pieces of wood; but appropriately and usually, a mechanic who does the wood-work in the covering and finishing of buildings.  This is the true and original sense of the word in Great Britain and in New England.  This person is called in New York, a carpenter.  [See Carpenter.


Topic: Joinery
Definition:
JOIN'ERY, n.  The art of fitting and joining pieces of timber in the construction of utensils or parts of a building, so as to form one entire piece.


Topic: Joinhand
Definition:
JOIN'HAND, n.  Writing in which letters are joined in words; as distinguished from writing in single letters.


Topic: Joint
Definition:
JOINT, n. [L. junctura.  See Join.]
1.  The joining of two or more things.
2.  In anatomy, the joining of two or more bones; an articulation; as the elbow, the knee, or the knuckle.
3.  A knot; the union of two parts of a plant; or the space between two joints; an internode; as the joint of a cane, or of a stalk of maiz.
4.  A hinge; a juncture of parts which admits of motion.
5.  The place where two pieces of timber are united.
6.  In joinery, straight lines are called a joint, when two pieces of wood are planed.
7.  One of the limbs of an animal cut up by the butcher.
Out of joint, luxated; dislocated; as when the head of a bone is displaced from its socket.  Hence figuratively, confused; disordered; misplaced.
JOINT, a.  Shared by two or more; as joint property.
1.  United in the same profession; having an interest in the same thing; as a joint-heir or heiress.
2.  United; combined; acting in concert; as a joint force; joint efforts; joint vigor.
Joint stock, the capital or fund of a company or partnership in business.
JOINT, v.t.  To form with joints or articulations; used mostly in the participle; as the fingers are jointed; a cane has a jointed stalk.
1.  To form many parts into one; as jointed wood.
2.  To cut or divide into joints or quarters.


Topic: Joint-tenancy
Definition:
JOINT-TEN'ANCY, n. [joint and tenant.]  A tenure of estate by unity of interest, title, time and possession.


Topic: Jointed
Definition:
JOINT'ED, pp.  Formed with articulations, as the stem of a plant.
1.  Separated into joints or quarters.


Topic: Jointly
Definition:
JOINT'LY, adv.  Together; unitedly; in concert; with cooperation.
1.  With union of interest; as, to be jointly concerned in a voyage.


Topic: Jointure
Definition:
JOINT'URE, n.  An estate in lands or tenements, settled on a woman in consideration of marriage, and which she is to enjoy after her husband's decease.
JOINT'URE, v.t.  To settle a jointure upon.


Topic: Joist
Definition:
JOIST, n.  A small piece of timber, such as is framed into the girders and summers of a building to support a floor.


Topic: Joke
Definition:
JOKE, n. [L. jocus.]
1.  A jest; something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or sportive; raillery.  A jealous person will rarely bear a joke.
2.  An illusion; something not real, or to no purpose.
 Inclose whole downs in walls,'tis all a joke!
In joke, in jest; for the sake of raising a laugh; not in earnest.
JOKE, v.i. [L. jocor.]  To jest; to be merry in words or actions.
JOKE, v.t.  To rally; to cast jokes at; to make merry with.


Topic: Jole
Definition:
JOLE, n. [sometimes written jowl.]
1.  The cheek; used in the phrase, cheek by jole, that is, with the cheeks together, close, tete a tete.
2.  The head of a fish.
JOLE, v.t.  To strike the head against any thing; to clash with violence.  [Not used.]


Topic: Jolly
Definition:
JOL'LY, a.
1.  Merry; gay; lively; full of life and mirth; jovial.  It expresses more life and noise than cheerful; as a jolly troop of huntsmen.
[It is seldom applied in colloquial usage to respectable company.  We rarely say of respectable persons, they are jolly.  It is applied to the young and the vulgar.]
2.  Expressing mirth or inspiring it.
 And with his jolly pipe delights the groves.
 The coachman is swelled into jolly dimensions by frequent potations of malt liquors.
3.  Exciting mirth and gayety; as jolly May.
4.  Like one in high health; pretty.


Topic: Jolt
Definition:
JOLT, v.i.  To shake with short abrupt risings and fallings; as a carriage moving on rough ground.  The carriage jolts.
JOLT, v.t.  To shake with sudden jerks, as in a carriage on rough ground, or on a high trotting horse; as the horse or carriage jolts the rider.
JOLT, n.  A shock or shake by a sudden jerk, as in a carriage.


Topic: Jonquil
Definition:
JON'QUIL, n. [L. juncus, a rush.]  A plant of the genus Narcissus or daffodil, bearing beautiful flowers, of various colors,yellow and white.


Topic: Jot
Definition:
JOT, n.  [ Heb. yod.]  An iota; a point; a tittle; the least quantity assignable.
 Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law till all shall be fulfilled. Matt.5.
 A man may read much, and acquire not a jot of knowledge, or be a jot the wiser.
JOT, v.t.  To set down; to make a memorandum of.


Topic: Journal
Definition:
JOURNAL, n. jur'nal. [L. diurnum.  This was originally an adjective, signifying daily, as in Spenser and Shakespeare; but the  adjective is obsolete.]
1.  A diary; an account of daily transactions and events; or the book containing such account.
2.  Among merchants, a book in which every particular article or charge is fairly entered from the waste book or blotter.
3.  In navigation, a daily register of the ship's course and distance, the winds, weather, and other occurrences.
4.  A paper published daily, or other newspaper; also, the title of a book or pamphlet published at stated times, containing an account of inventions, discoveries and improvements in arts and sciences; as the Journal de Savans; the Journal of Science.


Topic: Journey
Definition:
JOURNEY, n. jur'ny. [L. diurnus, dies.]
1.  The travel of a day.
2.  Travel by land to any distance and for any time, indefinitely; as a journey from London to Paris, or to Rome; a journey to visit a brother; a week's journey; we made two journeys to Philadelphia.
3.  Passage form one place to another; as a long journey from the upper regions.
4.  It may sometimes include a passing by water.
JOURNEY, v.i. jur'ny.  To travel form place to place; to pass from home to a distance.
 Abram journeyed, going on still towards the south. Gen.12.


Topic: Journey-work
Definition:
JOUR'NEY-WORK, n.  Work done for hire by a mechanic in his proper occupation. [This word is never applied to farming.]


Topic: Journeying
Definition:
JOUR'NEYING, ppr.  Traveling; passing from place to place.
JOUR'NEYING, n. A traveling or passing from one place to another; as the journeyings of the children of Israel.


Topic: Journeyman
Definition:
JOUR'NEYMAN, n. [jounrey and man.]  Strictly, a man hired to work by the day,but in fact, any mechanic who is hired to work for another in his employment, whether by the month,year or other term.  It is applied only to mechanics in their own occupations.


Topic: Jove
Definition:
JOVE, n. [L. Jovis.]
1.  The name of the Supreme Deity among the Romans.
2.  The planet jupiter.
 Or ask of yonder argent fields above.
 Why Jove's satellites are less than Jove.
3.  The air or atmosphere, or the god of the air.
 And Jove descends in showers of kindly rain.


Topic: Jovial
Definition:
JO'VIAL, a. [from Jove, supra.]  Under the influence of Jupiter, the planet.
 --The fixed stars astrologically differenced by the planets, and esteemed Martial or Jovial according to the colors whereby they answer these planets.
JO'VIAL, a.
1.  Gay; merry; airy; joyous; jolly; as a jovial youth; a jovial throng.
2.  Expressive of mirth and hilarity.
 His odes are some of them panegyrical, others moral, the rest are jovial or bacchanalian.


Topic: Joy
Definition:
JOY, n.
1.  The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune,the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits.
 Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good.
 Bring heavenly balm to heal my country's wounds,
 Joy to my soul and transport to my lay.
2.  Gayety; mirth; festivity.
 The roofs with joy resound.
3.  Happiness; felicity.
 Her heavenly form beheld, all wished her joy.
4.  A glorious and triumphant state.
 --Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross. Heb.12.
5.  The cause of joy or happiness.
 For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thess 2.
6. A term of fondness; the cause of you.
JOY, v.i.  To rejoice; to be glad; to exult.
 I will joy in the God of my salvation. Hab.3.
JOY, v.t.  To give joy to; to congratulate; to entertain kindly.
1.  To gladden; to exhilarate.
 My soul was joyed in vain.
2.  To enjoy; to have or possess with pleasure, or to have pleasure in the possession of. [Little used.  See Enjoy.]


Topic: Joyful
Definition:
JOY'FUL, a.  Full of joy; very glad; exulting.
 My soul shall be joyful in my God. Is.61.
Rarely, it has of before the cause of joy.
 Sad for their loss, but joyful of our life.


Topic: Joyless
Definition:
JOY'LESS, a.  Destitute of joy; wanting joy.
 With downcast eyes the joyless victor sat.
Rarely followed by of; as joyless of the grove.
1.  Giving no joy or pleasure.
 A joyless, dismal, black and sorrowful issue.


Topic: Joyous
Definition:
JOY'OUS, a.  Glad; gay; merry; joyful.
 Joyous the birds; fresh gales and gentle airs
 Whispered it.
1.  Giving joy.
 They, all as glad as birds of joyous prime--
It has of, before the cause of joy.
 And joyous of our conquest early won.


Topic: Jubilant
Definition:
JU'BILANT, a. [L. jubilans. See Jubilee.]  Uttering songs of 
triumph; rejoicing; shouting with joy.
 While the bright pomp ascended jubilant.


Topic: Jubilee
Definition:
JU'BILEE, n. [L. jubilum, from jubilo, to shout for joy; Heb. the blast of a trumpet, coinciding with Eng. bawl, peal, L. pello.]
1.  Among the Jews, every fiftieth year, being the year following the revolution of seven weeks of years, at which time all the slaves were liberated,and all lands which had been alienated during the whole period,reverted to their former owners.  This 
was a time of great rejoicing.  Hence,
2.  A season of great public joy and festivity.
3.  A church solemnity or ceremony celebrated at Rome, in which the pope grants plenary indulgence to sinners, or to as many as visit the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul at Rome.


Topic: Jucundity
Definition:
JUCUND'ITY, n. [L. jucunditas, from jucundus, sweet, pleasant.
Pleasantness; agreeableness. [Little used.]


Topic: Judaism
Definition:
JU'DAISM, n.
1.  The religious doctrines and rites of the Jews, as enjoined
in the laws of Moses.  Judaism was a temporary dispensation.
2.  Conformity to the Jewish rites and ceremonies.


Topic: Judaize
Definition:
JU'DAIZE, v.i.  To conform to the religious doctrines and rites of the Jews.
 They--prevailed on the Galatians to judaize so far as to observe the rites of Moses in various instances.


Topic: Judge
Definition:
JUDGE, n. [L. judex, supposed to be compounded of jus, law or right, and dico, to pronounce.]
1.  A civil officer who is invested with authority to hear and determine causes, civil or criminal, between parties, according to his commission; as the judges of the king's bench, or of the common pleas; judges of the supreme court, of district courts, or of a county court.  The judge of a court of equity is called a chancellor.
2.  The Supreme Being.
 Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? Gen.18.
3.  One who presides in a court of judicature.
4.  One who has skill to decide on the merits of a question, or on the value of any thing; one who can discern truth and propriety.
 A man who is no judge of law, may be a good judge of poetry or eloquence, or of the merits of a painting.
5.  In the history of Israel, a chief magistrate, with civil and military powers.  The Israelites were governed by judges more than three hundred years, and the history of their transactions is called the book of Judges.
6.  A juryman or juror.  In criminal suits, the jurors are judges of the law as well as of the fact.
JUDGE, v.i. [L. judico.]
1.  To compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood.
 Judge not according to the appearance John 7.
2.  To form an opinion; to bring to issue the reasoning or deliberations of the mind.
 If I did not know the originals, I should not be able to judge, by the copies, which was Virgil and which Ovid.
3.  To hear and determine, as in causes on trial; to pass sentence.  He was present on the bench, but could not judge in the case.
 The Lord judge between thee and me. Gen.16.
4.  To discern; to distinguish; to consider accurately for the purpose of forming an opinion or conclusion.
 Judge in yourselves; is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 1 Cor.11.
JUDGE, v.t.  To hear and determine a case; to examine and decide.
 Chaos shall judge the strife.
1.  To try; to examine and pass sentence on.
 Take ye him and judge him according to your law. 
John 18.
 God shall judge the righteous and the wicked.  Eccles.3.
2.  Rightly to understand and discern.
 He that is spiritual, judgeth all things. 1 Cor.2.
3.  To censure rashly; to pass severe sentence.
 Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matt.7.
4.  To esteem; to think; to reckon.
 If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord--
Acts.16.
5.  To rule or govern.
 The Lord shall judge his people. Heb.10.
6.  To doom to punishment; to punish.
 I will judge thee according to thy ways. Ezek. 7.


Topic: Judgment
Definition:
JUDG'MENT, n.  The act of judging; the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find their agreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth; or the process of examining facts and arguments, to ascertain propriety and justice; or the process of examining the relations between one proposition and another.
1.  The faculty of the mind by which man is enabled to compare ideas and ascertain the relations of terms and propositions; as a man of clear judgment or sound judgment.  The judgment may be biased by prejudice.  Judgment supplies the want of certain knowledge.
2.  The determination of the mind, formed from comparing the relations of ideas, or the comparison of facts and arguments.  In the formation of our judgments, we should be careful to weigh and compare all the facts connected with the subject.
3.  In law, the sentence of doom pronounced in any cause, civil or criminal, by the judge or court by which it is tried.  Judgment may be rendered on demurrer, on a verdict, on a confession or default, or on a non-suit.  Judgment, though pronounced by the judge or court, is properly the determination or sentence of the law.  A pardon may be pleaded in arrest of judgment.
4.  The right or power of passing sentence.
5.  Determination; decision.
 Let reason govern us in the formation of our judgment of things proposed to our inquiry.
6.  Opinion; notion.
 She, in my judgment, was as fair as you.
7.  In Scripture, the spirit of wisdom and prudence, enabling a person to discern right and wrong, good and evil.
 Give the king thy judgments, O God. Ps.72.
8.  A remarkable punishment; an extraordinary calamity inflicted by God on sinners.
 Judgments are prepared for scorners. Prov.19.  Is.26.
9.  The spiritual government of the world.
 The Father hath committed all judgment to the Son. 
John 5.
    10. The righteous statutes and commandments of God are called his judgments. Ps.119.
    11. The doctrines of the gospel, or God's word. Matt.12.
    12. Justice and equity. Luke 11. Is.1.
    13. The decrees and purposes of God concerning nations.     Rom.11.
   14. A court or tribunal. Matt.5.
    15. Controversies, or decisions of controversies. 1 Cor.6.
    16. The gospel, or kingdom of grace. Matt.12.
    17. The final trial of the human race,when God will decide the fate of every individual, and award sentence according to justice.
 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccles.12.
Judgment of God.  Formerly this term was applied to extraordinary trials of secret crimes, as by arms and single combat, by ordeal, or hot plowshares, &c.; it being imagined that God would work miracles to vindicate innocence.


Topic: Judgment-day
Definition:
JUDG'MENT-DAY, n.  The last day, or day when final judgment will be pronounced on the subjects of God's moral government.


Topic: Judgment-seat
Definition:
JUDG'MENT-SEAT, n.  The seat or bench on which judges sit in court.
1.  A court; a tribunal.
 We shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Rom.14.


Topic: Judicatory
Definition:
JU'DICATORY, a.  Dispensing justice.
JU'DICATORY, n.  [L. judicatorium.]  A court of justice; a tribunal.
1.  Distribution of justice.


Topic: Judicature
Definition:
JU'DICATURE, n.  The power of distributing justice by legal trial and determination.  A court of judicature is a court invested with powers to administer justice between man and man.
1.  A court of justice; a judicatory.


Topic: Judicially
Definition:
JUDI'CIALLY, adv.  In the forms of legal justice; as a sentence judicially declared.
1.  By way of penalty or judgment; as, to be judicially punished.


Topic: Judiciary
Definition:
JUDI'CIARY n. [L. judiciarius.]
1.  Passing judgment or sentence.
2.  Pertaining to the courts of judicature or legal tribunals.
JUDI'CIARY, n. That branch of government which is concerned in the trial and determination of controversies between parties,and of criminal prosecutions; the system of courts of justice in a government.  An independent judiciary is the firmest bulwark of freedom.


Topic: Judicious
Definition:
JUDI'CIOUS, a.
1.  According to sound judgment; wise; prudent; rational; adapted to obtain a good end by the best means; used of things.  Nothing is more important to success in the world than a judicious application of time, unless it may be a judicious expenditure of money.
2.  Acting according to sound judgment; possessing sound judgment; wise; directed by reason and wisdom; used of persons; as a judicious magistrate; a judicious historian.


Topic: Judiciously
Definition:
JUDI'CIOUSLY, adv.  With good judgment; with discretion or wisdom; skillfully.
 Longinus has judiciously preferred the sublime genius that sometimes errs,to the middling or indifferent one, which makes few faults, but seldom rises to excellence.


Topic: Jug
Definition:
JUG, n. [Low L. caucus.]  A vessel,usually earthen, with a swelling belly and narrow mouth, used for holding and conveying liquors.


Topic: Juggle
Definition:
JUG'GLE, v.i. [L. joculor, to jest, from jocus, a joke; jocor, to joke;]
1.  To play tricks by slight of hand; to amuse and make sport by tricks, which make a false show of extraordinary powers.
2.  To practice artifice or imposture.
 Be these juggling fiends no more believed.
JUG'GLE, v.t.  To deceive by trick or artifice.
 Is't possible that spells of France should juggle
 Men into such strange mockeries?
JUG'GLE, n.  A trick by legerdemain.
1.  An imposture; a deception.


Topic: Juggler
Definition:
JUG'GLER, n.
1.  One who practices or exhibits tricks by slight of hand; one who makes sport by tricks of extraordinary dexterity, by which the spectator is deceived.  Jugglers are punishable by law.
2.  A cheat; a deceiver; a trickish fellow.


Topic: Juggling
Definition:
JUG'GLING, ppr.  Playing tricks by slight of hand; deceiving.
JUG'GLING, n.  The act or practice of exhibiting tricks of legerdemain.


Topic: Jugular
Definition:
JU'GULAR, a. [L. jugulum, the neck, either from jugum, a yoke, or from its radical sense, to extend, to join.  See Join.]
Pertaining to the neck or throat; as the jugular vein.
JU'GULAR, n.  A large vein of the neck.


Topic: Julep
Definition:
JU'LEP, n.  In pharmacy, a medicine composed of some proper liquor and a sirup of sugar, of extemporaneous preparation, serving as a vehicle to other forms of medicine.


Topic: Julian
Definition:
JU'LIAN, a.  Noting the old account of the year, as regulated by Julius Caesar, which continued to be used till 1752, when the Gregorian year, or new style, was adopted.
Julian Alps, called also Carnian, between Venetia and Noricum.


Topic: Julus
Definition:
JU'LUS, n. [Gr. a handful or bundle.]
1.  In botany, a catkin or ament, a species of calyx or inflorescence, consisting of chaffy scales arranged along a stalk, as in hazel, birch, willow, &c.
2.  A genus of multiped insects, of the order of Apters, of a semi-cylindrical form, with moniliform antennae, and two articulated palpi.


Topic: July
Definition:
JULY', n.  The seventh month of the year, during which the sun enters the sign Leo.  It is so called from Julius, the surname of Caius Caesar, who was born in this month.  Before that time, this month was called Quintilis, or the fifth month, according to the old Roman calendar, in which March was the first month of the year.


Topic: July-flower
Definition:
JULY-FLOWER, n.  The name of certain species of plants.  The clove July-flower is of the genus Dianthus; the queen's July-flower of the genus Hesperis; and the stock July-flower of the genus Cheiranthus.  [See Gilly-flower.]


Topic: Jumble
Definition:
JUM'BLE, v.t.  To mix in a confused mass; to put or throw together without order.  It is often followed by together.
 One may observe how apt that is to jumble together passages of Scripture.
JUM'BLE, v.i.  To meet, mix or unite in a confused manner.
JUM'BLE, n.  Confused mixture, mass or collection without order.


Topic: Jump
Definition:
JUMP, v.i.
1.  To leap; to skip; to spring.  Applied to men, it signifies to spring upwards or forwards with both feet, in distinction from hop, which signifies to spring with one foot.  A man jumps over a ditch; a beast jumps over a fence.  A man jumps upon a horse; a goat jumps from rock to rock.
2.  To spring over any thing; to pass to at a leap.
 Here, upon this bank and shelve of time,
 We'd jump the life to come.
 We see a little, presume a great deal, and so jump to the conclusion.
3.  To bound; to pass from object to object; to jolt.
 The noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the prancing horses, and of the jumping chariots. Nahum 3.
4.  To agree; to tally; to coincide.
 In some sort it jumps with my humor.
[This use of the word is now vulgar, and in America, I think, is confined to the single phrase, to jump in judgment.
JUMP, v.t.  To pass by a leap; to pass over eagerly or hastily; as, to jump a stream. [But over is understood.]
JUMP, n.  The act of jumping; a leap; a spring; a bound.
1.  A lucky chance.
JUMP, n.  A  kind of loose or limber stays or waistcoat, worn by females.
JUMP, adv.  Exactly; nicely.


Topic: Juncate
Definition:
JUNC'ATE, n.  [L. juncus, a rush.]
1.  A cheese-cake; a kind of sweetmeat of curds and sugar.
2.  Any kind of delicate food.
3.  A furtive or private entertainment.  [It is now written junket.]


Topic: Junction
Definition:
JUNC'TION, n. [L. junctio, from jungo, to join.]
1.  The act or operation of joining; as the junction of two armies or detachments.
2.  Union; coalition; combination.
3.  The place or point of union.


Topic: Juncture
Definition:
JUNC'TURE, n. [L. junctura; jungo, to join.]
1.  A  joining; union; amity; as the juncture of hearts. [Little used.]
2.  A union of two bodies; a seam; particularly, a joint or articulation.
3.  The line or point at which two bodies are joined.
4.  A point of time; particularly, a point rendered critical or important by a concurrence of circumstances.


Topic: Junior
Definition:
JU'NIOR, a. [L. from juvenis, young; quasi, juvenior.]
Younger; not as old as another; as a junior partner in a company.  It is applied to distinguish the younger of two persons bearing the same name in one family or town, and opposed to elder; as John Doe junior.
JU'NIOR, n.  A person younger than another.
 The fools, my juniors by a year--


Topic: Juniper
Definition:
JU'NIPER, n. [L. juniperus.]  A tree or shrub bearing berries of a bluish color, of a warm, pungent, sweet taste, yielding when fresh, by expression, a rich, sweet, aromatic juice.  They are useful carminatives and stomachics.  The wood of the tree is of a reddish color, hard and durable, and is used in cabinet work and veneering.  The oil of juniper mixed with that of nuts makes an excellent varnish; and the resin powdered is used under the name of pounce.


Topic: Junk
Definition:
JUNK, n. [L. juncus.]
1.  Pieces of old cable or old cordage, used for making points, gaskets, mats, &c., and when untwisted and picked to pieces, it forms oakum for filling the seams of ships.
2.  A small ship used in China; a Chinese vessel.  [An eastern word.]


Topic: Junket
Definition:
JUNK'ET, n.  [See Juncate.]  A sweetmeat.
1.  A stolen entertainment.
JUNK'ET, v.i.  To feast in secret; to make an entertainment by stealth.
1.  To feast.
 Job's children junketed and feasted together often.


Topic: Junto
Definition:
JUN'TO, n. [L. junctus, joined.]
1.  Primarily, a select council or assembly, which deliberates in secret on any affair of government.  In a good sense, it is not used in English; but hence,
2.  A cabal; a meeting or collection of men combined for secret deliberation and intrigue for party purposes; a faction; as a junto of ministers.


Topic: Jupiter
Definition:
JU'PITER, n. [L. the air or heavens; Jovis pater.]
1.  The supreme deity among the Greeks and Romans.
2.  One of the superior planets, remarkable for its brightness.  Its diameter is about eighty-nine thousand miles; its distance from the sun, four hundred and ninety millions of miles, and its revolution round the sun a little less than twelve years.


Topic: Jurat
Definition:
JU'RAT, n. [L. juratus, sworn, from juro, to swear.]
In England, a magistrate in some corporations; an alderman, or an assistant to a bailiff.


Topic: Juridical
Definition:
JURID'ICAL, a. [L. juridicus; jus, juris, law, and dico, to pronounce.]
1.  Acting in the distribution of justice; pertaining to a judge.
2.  Used in courts of law or tribunals of justice.


Topic: Juridically
Definition:
JURID'ICALLY, adv.  According to forms of law, or proceedings in tribunals of justice; with legal authority.


Topic: Jurisconsult
Definition:
JURISCON'SULT, n. [L. juris consultus; jus and consultus, consulo, to consult.]  Among the Romans, a man learned in the law; a counselor at law; a master of Roman jurisprudence, who was consulted on the interpretation of the laws.


Topic: Jurisdiction
Definition:
JURISDIC'TION, n. [L. jurisdictio; jus, juris, law, and dictio, from dico, to pronounce.]
1.  The legal power of authority of doing justice in cases of complaint; the power of executing the laws and distributing justice.  Thus we speak of certain suits or actions, or the cognizance of certain crimes being within the jurisdiction of a court, that is, within the limits of their authority or commission.  Inferior courts have jurisdiction of debt and trespass, or of smaller offenses; the supreme courts have jurisdiction of treason, murder, and other high crimes.  Jurisdiction is secular or ecclesiastical.
2.  Power of governing or legislating.  The legislature of one state can exercise no jurisdiction in another.
3.  The power or right of exercising authority.  Nations claim exclusive jurisdiction on the sea, to the extent of a marine league from the main land or shore.
4.  The limit within which power may be exercised.
Jurisdiction, in its most general sense, is the power to make, declare or apply the law; when confined to the judiciary department, it is what we denominate the judicial power,the right of administering justice through the laws, by the means which the laws have provided for that purpose.  Jurisdiction, is limited to place or territory, to persons, or to particular subjects.


Topic: Jurisprudence
Definition:
JURISPRU'DENCE, n. [L. jurisprudentia; jus, law, and prudentia, science.]  The science of law; the knowledge of the laws, customs and rights of men in a state or community, necessary for the due administration of justice.  The study of jurisprudence, next to that of theology, is the most important and useful to men.


Topic: Jurist
Definition:
JU'RIST, n. [L. jus, juris, law.]
1.  A man who professes the science of law; one versed in the law, or more particularly, in the civil law; a civilian.
2.  One versed in the law of nations, or who writes on the subject.


Topic: Juror
Definition:
JU'ROR, n. [L. jurator; or rather juro, to swear.]
One that serves on a jury; one sworn to deliver the truth on the evidence given him concerning any matter in question or on trial.


Topic: Jury
Definition:
JU'RY, n. [L. juro, to swear.]  A number of freeholders, selected in the manner prescribed by law, empaneled and sworn to inquire into and try any matter of fact, and to declare the truth on the evidence given them in the case.  Grand juries consist usually of twenty four freeholders at least, and are summoned to try matters alleged in indictments.  Petty juries, consisting usually of twelve men, attend courts to try matters of fact in civil causes, and to decide both the law and the fact in criminal prosecutions.  The decision of a petty jury is called a verdict.


Topic: Jurymast
Definition:
JU'RYM`AST, n.  A mast erected in a ship to supply the place of one carried away in a tempest or an engagement, &c.  The most probable origin of the word jury, in this compound, is that proposed by Thomson, vix. from the Fr. jour, day, quasi, joure, temporary, or from L. juvare, to assist.


Topic: Just
Definition:
JUST, a. [L. justus.  The primary sense is probably straight or close, from the sense of setting, erecting, or extending.]
1.  Regular; orderly; due; suitable.
 When all
 The war shall stand ranged in its just array.
2.  Exactly proportioned; proper.
 Pleaseth your lordship
 To meet his grace,just distance 'tween our armies?
3.  Full; complete to the common standard.
 He was a comely personage, a little above just stature.
4.  Full; true; a sense allied to the preceding, or the same.
 --So that once the skirmish was like to have come to a just battle.
5.  In a moral sense, upright; honest; having principles of rectitude; or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice; as a just judge.
6. In an evangelical sense, righteous; religious; influenced by a regard to the laws of God; or living in exact conformity to the divine will.
 There is not a just man on earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Eccles.7.
7.  Conformed to rules of justice; doing equal justice.
 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah and a just him shall ye have. Lev.19.
8.  Conformed to truth; exact; proper; accurate; as just thoughts; just expressions; just images or representations; a just description; a just inference.
9.  True; founded in truth and fact; as a just charge or accusation.
    10. Innocent; blameless; without guilt.
 How should man be just with God? Job.9.
    11. Equitable; due; merited; as a just recompense or reward.
 --Whose damnation is just. Rom.3.
    12. True to promises; faithful; as just to one's word or engagements.
    13. Impartial; allowing what is due; giving fair representation of character, merit or demerit.


Topic: Justice
Definition:
JUST'ICE, n. [L. justitia, from justus, just.]
1.  The virtue which consists in giving to every one what is his due; practical conformity to the laws and to principles of rectitude in the dealings of men with each other; honesty; integrity in commerce or mutual intercourse.  Justice is distributive or commutative.  Distributive justice belongs to magistrates or rulers, and consists in distributing to every man that right or equity which the laws and the principles of equity require; or in deciding controversies according to the laws and to principles of equity.  Commutative justice consists in fair dealing in trade and mutual intercourse between man and man.
2.  Impartiality; equal distribution of right in expressing opinions; fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit. In criticisms, narrations, history or discourse, it is a duty to do justice to every man, whether friend or foe.
3.  Equity; agreeableness to right; as, he proved the justice of his claim.  This should, in strictness, be justness.
4.  Vindictive retribution; merited punishment.  Sooner or later, justice overtakes the criminal.
5.  Right; application of equity.  His arm will do him justice.
6.  [Low L. justiciarius.]  A person commissioned to hold courts, or to try and decide controversies and administer justice to individuals; as the Chief Justice of the king's bench, or of the common pleas, in England; the Chief Justice of the supreme court in the United States, &c. and justices of the peace.
JUST'ICE, v.t.  To administer justice.  [Little used.]


Topic: Justiciar
Definition:
JUSTI'CIAR, n.  [L. justiciarius.]  An administrator of justice.
1.  A chief justice.
2.  One that boasts of the justice of his own act. [Not used.]


Topic: Justifiableness
Definition:
JUST'IFIABLENESS, n.  The quality of being justifiable; rectitude; possibility of being defended or vindicated.


Topic: Justification
Definition:
JUSTIFICA'TION, n.
1.  The act of justifying; a showing to be just or conformable to law, rectitude or propriety; vindication; defense.  The court listened to the evidence and arguments in justification of the prisoner's conduct.  Our disobedience to God's commands admits no justification.
2.  Absolution.
 I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as an essay of my virtue.
3.  In law, the showing of a sufficient reason in court why a defendant did what he is called to answer.  Pleas in justification must set forth some special matter.
4.  In theology, remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; or an act of free grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of the atonement of Christ.


Topic: Justifier
Definition:
JUST'IFIER, n.  One who justifies; one who vindicates,supports or defends.
1.  He who pardons and absolves from guilt and punishment.
 That he might be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. Rom.3.


Topic: Justify
Definition:
JUST'IFY, v.t. [L. justus, just,and facio, to make.]
1.  To prove or show to be just, or conformable to law, right, justice, propriety or duty; to defend or maintain; to vindicate as right.  We cannot justify disobedience or ingratitude to our Maker.  We cannot justify insult or incivility to our fellow men.  Intemperance, lewdness, profaneness and dueling are in no case to be justified.
2.  In theology, to pardon and clear form guilt; to absolve or acquit from guilt and merited punishment, and to accept as righteous on account of the merits of the Savior, or by the application of Christ's atonement to the offender.
3.  To cause another to appear comparatively righteous, or less guilty than one's self.  Ezek. 16.
4.  To judge rightly of.
 Wisdom is justified by her children.  Matt.11.
5.  To accept as just and treat with favor.  James 2.
JUST'IFY, v.i.  In printing, to agree; to suit; to conform exactly; to form an even surface or true line with something else.  Types of different sizes will not justify with each other.


Topic: Justle
Definition:
JUS'TLE, v.i. jus'l.  [See Jostle and Just.]  To run against; to encounter; to strike against; to clash.
 The chariots shall rage in the streets; they shall justle one against another in the broad ways. Nah.2.
JUS'TLE, v.t. jus'l.  To push; to drive; to force by rushing against; commonly followed by off or out; as, to justle a thing off the table, or out of its place.


Topic: Justly
Definition:
JUST'LY, adv. [from just.]  In conformity to law, justice or propriety; by right.  The offender is justly condemned.  The hero is justly rewarded, applauded or honored.
1.  According to truth and facts.  His character is justly described.
2.  Honestly; fairly; with integrity; as, to do justly. Mic.6.
3.  Properly; accurately; exactly.
 Their feet assist their hands, and justly beat the ground.


Topic: Justness
Definition:
JUST'NESS, n.  Accuracy; exactness; as the justness of proportions.
1.  Conformity to truth; as the justness of a description or representation.
2.  Justice; reasonableness; equity; as the justness of a cause or of a demand. [Justness is properly applied to things, and justice to persons; but the distinction is not always observed.]


Topic: Jut
Definition:
JUT, v.i. [a different spelling of jet.]  To shoot forward; to project beyond the main body; as the jutting part of a building.  A point of land juts into the sea.
JUT, n.  A shooting forward; a projection.


Topic: Juvenile
Definition:
JU'VENILE, a. [L. juvenilis, from juvenis, young.]
1.  Young; youthful; as juvenile years or age.
2.  Pertaining or suited to youth; as juvenile sports.


Topic: Juvenility
Definition:
JUVENIL'ITY, n.  Youthfulness; youthful age.
1.  Light and careless manner; the manners or customs of youth.


Topic: Juxtaposition
Definition:
JUXTAPOSI'TION, n. [L. juxta,near, and position.]
A placing or being placed in nearness or contiguity; as the parts of a substance or of a composition.  The connection of words is sometimes to be ascertained by juxtaposition.


Topic: K
Definition:
K, the eleventh letter of the English Alphabet,is borrowed from the Greeks, being the same character as the Greek kappa, answering to the oriental kaph.  It represents a close articulation, formed by pressing the root of the tongue against the upper part of the mouth, with a depression of the lower jaw and opening of the teeth.  It is usually denominated a guttural, but is more properly a palatal.  Before all the vowels,it has one invariable sound, corresponding with that of c, before a, o, and u, as in keel,ken. In monosyllables, it is used after c, as in crack, check, deck, being necessary to exhibit a correct pronunciation in the derivatives, cracked, checked, decked, cracking, for without it, c, before the vowels e and i, would be sounded like s.
Formerly, k was added to c, in certain words of Latin origin, as in musick, publick, republick.  But in modern practice, k is very properly omitted, being entirely superfluous, and the more properly, as it is never written in the derivatives, musical, publication, republican.  It is retained in traffick, as in monosyllables, on account of the pronunciation of the derivatives, trafficked, trafficking.
K is silent before n, as in know, knife, knee.  As a numeral, K stands for 250; and with a stroke over it, for 250,000.  This character was not used by the ancient Romans, and rarely in the later ages of their empire.  In the place of k, they used c, as in clino, for Greek.  In the Teutonic dialects, this Greek letter is sometimes represented by h.  [See H.]


Topic: Kali
Definition:
KA'LI, n.  A plant, a species of Salsola, or glass-wort, the ashes of which are used in making glass.  Hence alkali, which see.


Topic: Kalmia
Definition:
KAL'MIA, n.  The name of a genus of evergreen shrubs, natives of N. America, called laurel, ivy-bush, calico-bush, &c.


Topic: Kaolin
Definition:
KA'OLIN, n.  A species of earth or variety of clay, used as one of the two ingredients in the oriental porcelain.  The other ingredient is called in China petunse.  Its color is white, with a shade of gray, yellow or red.


Topic: Karpholite
Definition:
KARPH'OLITE, n. [Gr. straw, and a stone.]
A mineral recently discovered. It has a fibrous structure and a yellow color.


Topic: Kayle
Definition:
KAYLE, n.
1.  A nine-pin, a kettle-pin; sometimes written keel.
2.  A kind of play in Scotland, in which nine holes ranged in threes, are made in the ground, and an iron ball rolled in among them.


Topic: Keck
Definition:
KECK, v.i.  To heave the stomach; to reach, as in an effort to vomit. [Little used.]
KECK, n.  A reaching or heaving of the stomach.


Topic: Keckle
Definition:
KECK'LE, v.t.  To wind old rope round a cable to preserve its surface from being fretted, or to wind iron chains round a cable to defend it from the friction of a rocky bottom, or from the ice.


Topic: Kedge
Definition:
KEDGE, n. [allied probably to cag and keg.]  A small anchor, used to keep a ship steady when riding in a harbor or river, and particularly at the turn of the tide, to keep her clear of her bower anchor, also to remove her from one part of a harbor to another, being carried out in a boat and let go, as in warping or kedging. [Sometimes written kedger.]
KEDGE, v.t.  To warp, as a ship; to move by means of a kedge, as in a river.


Topic: Keel
Definition:
KEEL, n.
1.  The principal timber in a ship, extending from stem to stern at the bottom, and supporting the whole frame.
2.  A low flat-bottomed vessel, used in the river Tyne, to convey coals from Newcastle for loading the colliers.
3.  In botany, the lower petal of a papilionaceous corol, inclosing the stamens and pistil.
False keel, a strong thick piece of timber, bolted to the bottom of the keel, to preserve it from injury.
On an even keel, in a level or horizontal position.
KEEL, v.t.  To cool.
KEEL, v.t.  To plow with a keel; to navigate.
1.  To turn up the keel; to show the bottom.
To keel the pot, in Ireland, to scum it.


Topic: Keeled
Definition:
KEE'LED, a.  In botany, carinated; having a longitudinal prominence on the back; as a keeled leaf, calyx or nectary.


Topic: Keelhaul
Definition:
KEE'LHAUL, v.t.  To haul under the keel of a ship.  Keelhauling is a punishment inflicted in the Dutch navy for certain offenses.  The offender is suspended by a rope from one yard arm, with weights on his legs,and a rope fastened to him, leading under the ship's bottom to the opposite yard arm, and being let fall into the water, he is drawn under the ship's bottom and raised on the other side.


Topic: Keelson
Definition:
KEELSON, n. kel'son.  A piece of timber in a ship, laid on the middle of the floor timbers over the keel, fastened with long bolts and clinched, and thus binding the floor timbers to the keel.


Topic: Keen
Definition:
KEEN, a.
1.  Eager; vehement; as hungry curs too keen at the sport.
 The sheep were so keen on the acorns--
2.  Eager; sharp; as a keen appetite.
3.  Sharp; having a very fine edge; as a keen razor, or a razor with a keen edge.  We say a keen edge, but a sharp point.
4.  Piercing; penetrating; severe; applied to cold or to wind; as a keen wind; the cold is very keen.
5.  Bitter; piercing; acrimonious; as keen satire or sarcasm.
 Good father cardinal, cry thou amen,
 To my keen curses.
KEEN, v.t.  To sharpen.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Keenness
Definition:
KEE'NNESS, n.  Eagerness; vehemence; as the keenness of hunger.
1.  Sharpness; fineness of edge; as the keenness of a razor.
2.  The quality of piercing; rigor; sharpness; as the keenness of the air or of cold.
3.  Asperity; acrimony; bitterness; as the keenness of satire, invective or sarcasm.
4.  Acuteness; sharpness; as the keenness of wit.


Topic: Keep
Definition:
KEEP, v.t. pret. and pp. kept. [L. habeo, and capio.]
1.  To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep any thing in the memory, mind or heart.
2.  To have in custody for security or preservation.
 The crown of Stephanus, first king of Hungary,was always kept in the castle of Vicegrade.
3.  To preserve; to retain.
 The Lord God, merciful and gracious, keeping mercy for thousands--Ex.34.
4.  To preserve from falling or from danger; to protect; to guard or sustain.
 And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee. Gen.28. Luke 4.
5.  To hold or restrain from departure; to detain.
 --That I may know what keeps me here with you.
6.  To tend; to have the care of.
 And the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it. Gen.2.
7.  To tend; to feed; to pasture; as, to keep a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle in a yard or in a field.  He keeps his horses on oats or on hay.
8.  To preserve in any tenor or state.  Keep a stiff rein.
 Keep the constitution sound.
9.  To regard; to attend to.
 While the stars and course of heaven I keep--
    10. To hold in any state; as, to keep in order.
   11. To continue any state, course or action; as, to keep silence; to keep the same road or the same pace; to keep reading or talking; to keep a given distance.
    12. To practice; to do or perform; to obey; to observe in practice; not to neglect or violate; as, to keep the laws, statutes or commandments of God.
    13. To fulfill; to perform; as, to keep one's word,promise or covenant.
    14. To practice; to use habitually; as, to keep bad hours.
    15. To copy carefully.
 Her servant's eyes were fix'd upon her face,
 And as she moved or turned,her motions viewed,
 Her measures kept, and step by step pursued.
    16. To observe or solemnize.
    17. To board; to maintain; to supply with necessaries of life. The men are kept at a moderate price per week.
    18. To have in the house; to entertain; as, to keep lodgers.
    19. To maintain; not to intermit; as, to keep watch or guard.
    20. To hold in one's own bosom; to confine to one's own knowledge; not to disclose or communicate to others; not to betray; as, to keep a secret; to keep one's own counsel.
    21. To have in pay; as, to keep a servant.
To keep back, to reserve; to withhold; not to disclose or communicate.
 I will keep nothing back from you.  Jer.42.
1.  To restrain;; to prevent from advancing.
 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins. Ps.19.
2.  To reserve; to withhold; not to deliver.  Acts.5.
To keep company with, to frequent the society of; to associate with.  Let youth keep company with the wise and good.
To accompany; to go with; as, to keep company with one on a journey or voyage.
To keep down, to prevent from rising; not to lift or suffer to be raised.
To keep in, to prevent from escape; to hold in confinement.
1.  To conceal; not to tell or disclose.
2.  To restrain; to curb.
To keep off, to hinder from approach or attack; as, to keep off an enemy or an evil.
To keep under, to restrain; to hold in subjection; as, to keep under an antagonist or a conquered country; to keep under the appetites and passions.
To keep up, to maintain; to prevent from falling or diminution; as, to keep up the price of goods; to keep up one's credit.
1.  To maintain; to continue; to hinder from ceasing.
 In joy, that which keeps up the action is the desire to continue it.keep out, to hinder from entering or taking possession.
To keep bed, to remain in bed without rising; to be confined to one's bed.
To keep house, to maintain a family state.
 His income enables him to keep house.
1.  To remain in the house; to be confined.
 His feeble health obliges him to keep house.
To keep from, to restrain; to prevent approach.
To keep a school, to maintain or support it; as, the town or its inhabitants keep ten schools; more properly, to govern and instruct or teach a school, as a preceptor.
KEEP, v.i.  To remain in any state; as, to keep at a distance; to keep aloft; to keep near; to keep in the house; to keep before or behind; to keep in favor; to keep out of company, or out of reach.
1.  To last; to endure; not to perish or be impaired.  Seek for winter's use apples that will keep.
 If the malt is not thoroughly dried,the ale it makes will not keep.
2. To lodge; to dwell; to reside for a time.
 Knock at the study, where, they say, he keeps.
To keep to, to adhere strictly; not to neglect or deviate from; as, to keep to old customs; to keep to a rule; to keep to one's word or promise.
To keep on, to go forward; to proceed; to continue to advance.
To keep up, to remain unsubdued; or not to be confined to one's bed.
In popular language, this word signifies to continue; to repeat continually; not to cease.
KEEP, n.  Custody; guard. [Little used.]
1.  Colloquially, case; condition; as in good keep.
2.  Guardianship; restraint. [Little used.]
3.  A place of confinement; in old castles,the dungeon.


Topic: Keeper
Definition:
KEE'PER, n.  One who keeps; one that holds or has possession of any thing.
1.  One who retains in custody; one who has the care of a prison and the custody of prisoners.
2.  One who has the care of a park or other inclosure,or the custody of beasts; as the keeper of a park, a pound, or of sheep.
3.  One who has the care, custody or superintendence of any thing.
In Great Britain, the keeper of the great seal, is a lord by his office,and one of the privy council.  All royal grants, commissions and charters pass through his hands.  He is constituted lord-keeper by the delivery of the great seal.  The keeper of the privy seal is also a lord by his office,and a member of the privy council.


Topic: Keeping
Definition:
KEE'PING, ppr.  Holding; restraining; preserving; guarding; protecting; performing.
KEE'PING, n.  A holding; restraint; custody; guard; preservation.
1.  Feed; fodder.  The cattle have good keeping.
2.  In painting, a representation of objects in the manner they appear to the eye at different distance from it.


Topic: Keepsake
Definition:
KEE'PSAKE, n.  Any thing kept, or given to be kept for the sake of the giver; a token of friendship.


Topic: Keffekil
Definition:
KEF'FEKIL, n. A stone, white or yellow, which hardens in the fire, and of which Turkey pipes are made.


Topic: Kell
Definition:
KELL, n.  A sort of pottage. [Not used in America.]
KELL, n.  The caul or omentum.  [See Caul, the usual orthography of the word.]
1.  The chrysalis of the caterpillar.


Topic: Kelp
Definition:
KELP, n.  The calcined ashes of sea weed, used in the manufacture of glass.  This is a dark color alkaline substance, which, in a furnace, vitrifies and becomes transparent.


Topic: Kelter
Definition:
KELT'ER, n.  The phrase,he is not in kelter, signifies, he is not in a proper dress or equipage, or not in readiness.


Topic: Ken
Definition:
KEN, v.t. [L. canus, white, caneo, to be white, and this with L. cano, to sing, canto, Eng. to cant, to chant; L. gigno.]
1.  To see at a distance; to descry.
 We ken them from afar.
2.  To know; to understand. [This verb is used chiefly in poetry.]
KEN, v.i.  To look round.
KEN, n.  View; reach of sight.
 Coasting they kept the land within their ken. 


Topic: Kennel
Definition:
KEN'NEL, n. [L. canis, a dog.]
1.  A house or cot for dogs, or for a pack of hounds.
2.  A pack of hounds or their cry.
3.  The hole of a fox or other beast; a haunt.
KEN'NEL, n. [Eng.channel.]
1.  The water-course of a street; a little canal or channel.
2.  A puddle.
KEN'NEL, v.i.  To lodge; to lie; to dwell; as a dog or a fox.
 The dog kenneled in a hollow tree.
KEN'NEL, v.t.  To keep or confine in a kennel.


Topic: Kentle
Definition:
KEN'TLE, n. [L. centum.]  In commerce, a hundred pounds in weight; as a kentle of fish.  [It is written and pronounced also quintal.]


Topic: Kerchief
Definition:
KER'CHIEF, n. [contracted from coverchief.]
1.  A head dress; a cloth to cover the head.
2.  A cloth used in dress.
The word is now seldom used, except in its compound, handkerchief, and sometimes neckerchief.


Topic: Kerf
Definition:
KERF, n. [Eng. to carve.]  The cut of an ax, a saw, or other instrument; the notch or slit made in wood by cutting.


Topic: Kermes
Definition:
KERM'ES, n.  In zoology, an insect produced in the excrescences of a species of small oak, or the body of an insect transformed into a grain, berry, or husk.  This body is full of reddish juice, which
is used in dyeing red.  Hence the word crimson.


Topic: Kermes-mineral
Definition:
KERM'ES-MINERAL, n.  A mineral substance, so called from its color.  It is a precipitate of antimony, obtained by fusion with a fixed alkali and subsequent solution in boiling water, or by simple ebullition.


Topic: Kern
Definition:
KERN, n.  An Irish footman or foot-soldier.
1.  In English laws, an idle person or vagabond.
KERN, n.  A hand-mill consisting of two stones, one of which is turned by the hand; usually written quern, which see.
1.  A churn.
KERN, v.i.
1.  To harden, as corn in ripening.
2.  To take the form of corns; to granulate.


Topic: Kernel
Definition:
KERN'EL, n.
1.  The edible substance contained in the shell of a nut.
2.  Any thing included in a shell, husk or integument; a grain or corn; as a kernel of wheat or oats.
3.  The seed of pulpy fruit; as the kernel of an apple.
4.  The central part of any thing; a small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus.
5.  A hard concretion in the flesh.
KERN'EL, v.i. To harden or ripen into kernels; as the seeds of plants.


Topic: Kersey
Definition:
KER'SEY, n.  A species of coarse woolen cloth; a coarse stuff made chiefly in Kent and Devonshire in England.


Topic: Kestrel
Definition:
KES'TREL, n.  A fowl of the genus Falco, or hawk kind; called also stannel and windhover.  It builds in hollow oaks, and feeds on quails and other small birds.


Topic: Ketch
Definition:
KETCH, n.  A vessel with two masts, a main and mizen-mast,usually from 100 to 250 tones burden.  Ketches are generally used as yachts or as bomb-vessels.  The latter are called bomb-ketches.


Topic: Kettle
Definition:
KET'TLE, n.  A vessel of iron or other metal, with a wide mouth, usually without a cover, used for heating and boiling water or other liquor.  
Among the Tartars, a kettle represents a family, or as many as feed from one kettle.
Among the Dutch, a battery of mortars sunk in the earth, is called a kettle.


Topic: Kettle-drum
Definition:
KET'TLE-DRUM, n.  An instrument of martial music, composed of two basins of copper or brass, rounded at the bottom and covered with vellum or goat-skin.


Topic: Kevel
Definition:
KEV'EL, n. In ships, a piece of timber serving to belay the sheets or great ropes by which the bottoms of the fore-sail and main-sail are extended.


Topic: Key
Definition:
KEY, n. ke.  In a general sense, a fastener; that which fastens; as a piece of wood in the frame of a building, or in a chain, &c.
1.  An instrument for shutting or opening a lock, by pushing the bolt one way or the other.  Keys are of various forms, and fitted to the wards of the locks to which they belong.
2.  An instrument by which something is screwed or turned; as the key of a watch or other chronometer.
3.  The stone which binds an arch.  [See Key-stone.]
4.  In an organ or harpsichord, the key, or finger key is a little lever or piece in the fore part by which the instrument is played on by the fingers.
5.  In music, the key, or key note, is the fundamental note or tone, to which the whole piece is accommodated, and with which it usually begins and always ends.  There are two keys, one of the major, and one of the minor mode.  Key sometimes signifies a scale or system of intervals.
6.  An index, or that which serves to explain a cypher.  Hence,
7.  That which serves to explain any thing difficult to be understood.
8.  In the Romish church, ecclesiastical jurisdiction, or the power of the pope, or the power of excommunicating or absolving.
9.  A ledge or lay of ricks near the surface of the water.
    10. The husk containing the seed of an ash.
KEY, n.  A bank or wharf built on the side of a river or harbor, for the convenience of loading and unloading ships, and securing them in their stations. Hence keys are furnished with posts, rings, cranes, capstans, &c.  It is sometimes written quay.


Topic: Keystone
Definition:
KE'YSTONE, n.  The stone on the top or middle of an arch or vault, which being wider at the top than at the bottom, enters like a wedge and binds the work; properly, the fastening-stone.


Topic: Khan
Definition:
KHAN, n.  In Persia, an officer answering to a governor in Europe or America.  Among the Tartars, a chief or prince.  [See Khan.]


Topic: Kibe
Definition:
KIBE, n. [This word has the elements of chap, gap, gape.]
A chap or crack in the flesh occasioned by cold; an ulcerated chilblain; as in the heels.


Topic: Kick
Definition:
KICK, v.t.  To strike with the foot; as, a horse kicks a servant; a man kicks a dog.
KICK, v.i.  To practice striking with the foot or feet; as a horse accustomed to kick.
1.  To thrust out the foot or feet with violence, either in wantonness, resistance, anger or contempt; to manifest opposition.
 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice? 1 Sam.2.
 Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked. Deut.32.
 It is hard for thee to kick against the goads. Acts.9.
KICK, n.  A blow with the foot or feet; a striking or thrust of the foot.


Topic: Kicking
Definition:
KICK'ING, ppr.  Striking with the foot; thrusting out the foot with violence.
KICK'ING, n.  The act of striking with the foot, or of yerking the foot with violence.  What cannot be effected by kicking, may sometimes be done by coaxing.


Topic: Kickshaw
Definition:
KICK'SHAW, n.
1.  Something fantastical or uncommon, or something that has no particular name.
2.  A dish so changed by cooking, that it can scarcely be known.


Topic: Kid
Definition:
KID, n. [L. hoedus; vulgar.]
1.  A young goat.
2.  A faggot; a bundle of heath and furze.
KID, v.t. or i.  To bring forth a young goat.
1.  To make into a bundle, as faggots.
KID, v.t.  To show, discover or make known.


Topic: Kidder
Definition:
KID'DER, n.  An engrosser of corn, or one who carries corn, provisions and merchandize about the country for sale.


Topic: Kidnap
Definition:
KID'NAP, v.t.  To steal a human being, man, woman or child; or to seize and forcibly carry away any person whatever from his own country or state into another.


Topic: Kidnapping
Definition:
KID'NAPPING, ppr.  Stealing or forcibly carrying away human beings.
KID'NAPPING, n.  The act of stealing, or forcible abduction of a human being from his own country or state.  This crime was capital by the Jewish law, and in modern times is highly penal.


Topic: Kidney
Definition:
KID'NEY, n.  [I have not found this word in any other language.]
1.  The kidneys are two oblong flattened bodies, extending from the eleventh and twelfth ribs to the fourth lumbar vertebra, behind the intestines.  Their use is to separate the urine from the blood.
2.  Sort; kind.  [A ludicrous use of the word.]
3.  A cant term for a waiting servant.


Topic: Kidney-bean
Definition:
KID'NEY-BEAN, n.  A sort of bean so named from its resemblance to the kidney.  It is of the genus Phaseolus.


Topic: Kill
Definition:
KILL, v.t.
1.  To deprive of life, animal or vegetable, in any manner or by any means.  To kill an animal or a plant, is to put an end to the vital functions, either by destroying or essentially injuring the organs necessary to life, or by causing them to cease from action.  An animal may be killed by the sword or by poison, by disease or by suffocation.  A strong solution of salt will kill plants.
2.  To butcher; to slaughter for food; as, to kill an ox.
3.  To quell; to appease; to calm; to still; as, in seamen's language, a shower of rain kills the wind.


Topic: Killas
Definition:
KIL'LAS, n.  An argillaceous stone of a pale gray or greenish gray, of a lamellar or coarsely granular texture, found in Cornwall, England.


Topic: Kiln
Definition:
KILN, n. kil.
1.  A large stove or oven; a fabric of brick or stone which may be heated for the purpose of hardening, burning or drying any thing; as a kiln for baking or hardening earthen vessels; a kiln for drying grain or meal.
2.  A pile of brick constructed for burning or hardening; called also a brick-kiln.


Topic: Kilogram
Definition:
KIL'OGRAM, n.  In the new system of French weights and measures, a thousand grams.  According to Lunier, the kilogram is equal in weight to a cubic decimeter of water, or two pounds, five drams and a half.


Topic: Kiloliter
Definition:
KIL'OLITER, n. [Gr. a thousand, and a Greek measure.  See Liter.]
In the new French measures, a thousand liters; or 264 gallons and 44,231 cubic inches.  According to Lunier, it is nearly equal to a ton of wine of Bourdeaux.


Topic: Kilometer
Definition:
KILOM'ETER, n. [Gr. a thousand, and a meter.]  In the French system of measures, a thousand meters; the meter being the unit of linear measure.  The kilometer is nearly equal to a quarter of a French league.


Topic: Kind
Definition:
KIND, n.
1.  Race; genus; generic class; as in mankind or humankind.  In technical language, kind answers to genus.
2.  Sort, in a sense more loose than genus; as, there are several kinds of eloquence and of style, many kinds of music, many kinds of government, various kinds of architecture or of painting, various kinds of soil, &c.
3.  Particular nature; as laws most perfect in their kind.
4.  Natural state; produce or commodity, as distinguished from money; as taxes paid in kind.
5.  Nature; natural propensity or determination.
 Some of you, on pure instinct of nature,
 Are led by kind t' admire your fellow creature.
6.  Manner; way.  [Little used.]
7.  Sort.  He spoke with a kind of scorn or contempt.
KIND, a.  
1.  Disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent; benignant.
 God is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil. Luke 6.
 Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted. Eph.4.
2.  Proceeding from tenderness or goodness of heart; benevolent; as a kind act; a kind return of favors.


Topic: Kindle
Definition:
KIN'DLE, v.t. [L. accendo; from the root of candeo, caneo, to be light or white, to shine.]
1.  To set on fire; to cause to burn with flame; to light; as, to kindle a fire.
2.  To inflame, as the passions; to exasperate; to rouse; to provoke; to excite to action; to heat; to fire; to animate; as, to kindle anger or wrath; to kindle resentment; to kindle the flame of love, or love into a flame.
 So is a contentious woman to kindle strife. Prov.26.
3.  To bring forth.
KIN'DLE, v.i.  To take fire; to begin to burn with flame.  Fuel and fire well laid, will kindle without a bellows.
1.  To begin to rage, or be violently excited; to be roused or exasperated.
 It shall kindle in the thickets of the forest. Is.9.


Topic: Kindly
Definition:
KINDLY, a.  [See Kind, the noun.]  Homogeneal; congenial; kindred; of the same nature. This Johnson supposes to be the original sense; but it is also used as a derivative of the adjective, in the sense of
1.  Mild; bland; softening; as kindly showers.
KINDLY, adv.  With good will; with a disposition to make others happy or to oblige; benevolently; favorably. Let the poor be treated kindly.
 Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love--Rom.12.
 And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Gen.1.


Topic: Kindness
Definition:
KINDNESS, n. [from kind, the adjective.]
1.  Good will; benevolence; that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses; benignity of nature.  Kindness ever accompanies love.
 There is no man whose kindness we may not sometime want, or by whose malice we may not sometime suffer.
2.  Act of good will; beneficence; any act of benevolence which promotes the happiness or welfare of others.  Charity, hospitality, attentions to the wants of others, &c., are deemed acts of kindness, or kindnesses.  Acts.28.


Topic: Kindred
Definition:
KIN'DRED, n. [from kin, kind.]
1.  Relation by birth; consanguinity.
 Like her, of equal kindred to the throne.
2.  Relation by marriage; affinity.
3.  Relatives by blood or marriage, more properly the former.
 Thou shalt go unto my country and to my kindred. Gen.26.
4.  Relation; suit; connection in kind.
KIN'DRED, a.  Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as kindred souls; kindred skies.


Topic: King
Definition:
KING, n.
1.  The chief or sovereign of a nation; a man invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country; a monarch.  Kings are absolute monarchs, when they possess the powers of government without control, or the entire sovereignty over a nation; they are limited monarchs, when their power is restrained by fixed laws; and they are absolute, when they possess the whole legislative, judicial, and executive power, or when the legislative or judicial powers, or both, are vested in other bodies of men.  Kings are hereditary sovereigns, when they hold the powers of government by right of birth or inheritance, and elective, when raised to the throne by choice.
 Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle.
2.  A sovereign; a prince; a ruler. Christ is called the king of his church. Ps.2
3.  A card having the picture of a king; as the king of diamonds.
4.  The chief piece in the game of chess.
King at arms, an officer in England of great antiquity, and formerly of great authority, whose business is to direct the heralds, preside at their chapters, and have the jurisdiction of armory.  There are three kings at arms, vix.garter, clarencieux, and norroy. The latter [northroy] officiates north of the Trent.
KING, v.t.  In ludicrous language, to supply with a king, or to make royal; to raise to royalty.


Topic: Kingbird
Definition:
KING'BIRD, n.  A fowl of the genus Paradisea; also, a species of the genus Muscicapa, so called from its courage in attacking larger fowls.


Topic: Kingdom
Definition:
KING'DOM, n. [king and dom, jurisdiction.]
1.  The territory or country subject to a king; an undivided territory under the dominion of a king or monarch.  The foreign possessions of a king are not usually included in the term kingdom.  Thus we speak of the kingdom of England, of France or of Spain, without including the East or West Indies.
2.  The inhabitants or population subject to a king.  The whole kingdom was alarmed.
3.  In natural history, a division; as the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms.
4.  A region; a tract; the place where any thing prevails and holds sway; as the watery kingdom.
5.  In Scripture, the government or universal dominion of God. 1 Chron.29. Ps.145.
6.  The power of supreme administration. 1 Sam.18.
7.  A princely nation or state.
 Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests. Ex.19.
8.  Heaven. Matt.26.
9.  State of glory in heaven. Matt.5.
    10. The reign of the Messiah. Matt.3.
    11. Government; rule; supreme administration.


Topic: Kingly
Definition:
KING'LY, a.  Belonging to a king; suitable to a king; as a kingly couch.
1.  Royal; sovereign; monarchical; as a kingly government.
2.  Noble; august; splendid; becoming a king; as kingly magnificence.
KING'LY, adv.  With an air of royalty; with a superior dignity.
 Low bow'd the rest; he, kingly, did but nod.


Topic: Kink
Definition:
KINK, n. [L. cingo.]  The twist of a rope or thread, occasioned by a spontaneous winding of the rope or thread when doubled, that is, by an effort of hard twisted ropes or threads to untwist, they wind about each other.


Topic: Kino
Definition:
KI'NO, n.  An astringent resin obtained from an African tree.
Kino consists of tannin and extractive.


Topic: Kipper
Definition:
KIP'PER, n. A term applied to a salmon, when unfit to be taken, and to the time when they are so considered.


Topic: Kirk
Definition:
KIRK, n. kurk.  In Scotland, a church.  This is the same word as church, differently written and pronounced.  [See Church.]


Topic: Kirtle
Definition:
KIR'TLE, n. ker'tl.
1.  An upper garment; a gown; a petticoat; a short jacket; a mantle.
2.  A quantity of flax, about a hundred pounds.
[I know not that this word is used in America.]


Topic: Kiss
Definition:
KISS, v.t.
1.  To salute with the lips.
2.  To treat with fondness; to caress.
 The hearts of princes kiss obedience.
3.  To touch gently.
 When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees.
KISS, n.  A salute given with the lips; a common token of affection.


Topic: Kit
Definition:
KIT, n.  A large bottle.
1.  A small fiddle.
2.  A kind of fish-tub, and a milk-pail.
[I know not that this word is used in America.]


Topic: Kitchen
Definition:
KITCH'EN, n. [L. coquina; from the root of L. coquo, to cook.]
1.  A cook-room; the room of a house appropriated to cookery.
 A fat kitchen makes a lean will.
2.  In ships, the galley or caboose.
3.  A utensil for roasting meat; as a tin kitchen.


Topic: Kitchen-garden
Definition:
KITCH'EN-G`ARDEN, n.  A garden or piece of ground appropriated to the raising of vegetables for the table.


Topic: Kitchen-maid
Definition:
KITCH'EN-MAID, n. A female servant whose business is to clean the kitchen and utensils of cookery, or in general, to do the work of a kitchen.


Topic: Kite
Definition:
KITE, n.  A rapacious fowl of the genus Falco or hawk, remarkable for gliding through the air without frequently moving its wings; hence called glide.
1.  A name of reproach, denoting rapacity.
2.  A light frame of wood and paper constructed for flying in the air for the amusement of boys.
KITE, n.  In the north of England, the belly.


Topic: Kitten
Definition:
KIT'TEN, n. kit'n.  A young cat, or the young of the cat.
KIT'TEN, v.i. kit'n.  To bring forth young, as a cat.


Topic: Klick
Definition:
KLICK, v.i. [a different orthography or diminutive of clack.]
1.  To make a small, sharp sound by striking two things together.
2.  In Scotland, to pilfer, by taking with a snatch.
KLICK, n.  A stroke or blow. [A word in vulgar use.]


Topic: Knab
Definition:
KNAB, v.t. nab.  To bite; to gnaw; to nibble.  [This word may belong to the root of nibble, and it properly signifies to catch or seize suddenly with the teeth.]


Topic: Knack
Definition:
KNACK, n. nak.  A little machine; a petty contrivance; a toy.
 A knack, a toy, a trick, a baby's cap.
1.  A readiness; habitual facility of performance; dexterity; adroitness.
 My author has a great knack at remarks.
 The Dean was famous in his time,
 And had a kind of knack at rhyme.
2.  A nice trick.
 For how should equal colors do the knack?
 Cameleons who can paint in white and black?
KNACK, v.i. nak.  To crack; to make a sharp abrupt noise. [Little used.]


Topic: Knacker
Definition:
KNACK'ER, n. nak'er.  A maker of knacks, toys or small work.
1.  A rope-maker, or collar-maker. [Not in use.]


Topic: Knag
Definition:
KNAG, n. nag.
1.  A knot in wood, or a protuberant knot; a wart.
2.  A peg for hanging things on.
3.  The shoot of a deer's horns.


Topic: Knap
Definition:
KNAP, n. nap.  A protuberance; a swelling. [Little used. See Knob.]
KNAP, v.t. nap. [See Knab.]
1.  To bite; to bite off; to break short. [Little used.]
2.  To strike with a sharp noise. [Little used.]
KNAP, v.i. nap.  To make a short, sharp sound.


Topic: Knapsack
Definition:
KNAP'SACK, n. nap'sack.  A soldier's bag, carried on his back, and containing necessaries of food and clothing.  It may be of leather or coarse cloth.


Topic: Knave
Definition:
KNAVE, n. nave.
1.  A boy; a man-child.
2.  A servant.
3.  A false deceitful fellow; a dishonest man or boy.
 In defiance of demonstration, knaves will continue to proselyte fools.
4.  A card with a soldier painted on it.


Topic: Knavery
Definition:
KNA'VERY, n. na'very.  Dishonesty; deception in traffick; trick; petty villainy; fraud.
1. Mischievous tricks or practices.


Topic: Knavish
Definition:
KNA'VISH, a. na'vish.  Dishonest; fraudulent; as a knavish fellow, or a knavish trick or transaction.
1.  Waggish; mischievous.
 Cupid is a knavish lad,
 Thus to make poor females mad.


Topic: Knead
Definition:
KNEAD, v.t. nead.  To work and press ingredients into a mass, usually with the hands; particularly, to work into a well mixed mass the materials of bread, cake or paste; as, to knead dough.
 The cake she kneaded was the savory meat.


Topic: Knebelite
Definition:
KNEB'ELITE, n. neb'elite. [from Von Knebel.]  A mineral of a gray color, spotted with dirty white, brownish green, or green.


Topic: Knee
Definition:
KNEE, n. nee. [L. genu.]
1.  In anatomy, the articulation of the thigh and leg bones.
2.  In ship-building, a piece of timber somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent, having two branches or arms, and used to connect the beams of a ship with her sides or timbers.
KNEE, v.t. nee.  To supplicate by kneeling. [Not used.]


Topic: Kneed
Definition:
KNEED, a. need.  Having knees; as in-kneed, out-kneed.
1.  In botany, geniculated; forming an obtuse angle at the joints, like the knee when a little bent; as kneed-grass.


Topic: Kneel
Definition:
KNEEL, v.i. neel.  To bend the knee; to fall on the knees; sometimes with down.
 As soon as you are dressed,kneel down and say the Lord's prayer.


Topic: Knell
Definition:
KNELL, n. nell.  Properly, the stroke of a bell; hence,the sound caused by striking a bell; appropriately and perhaps exclusively, the sound of a bell rung at a funeral; a tolling.


Topic: Knife
Definition:
KNIFE,n. nife; plu. knives; nives.
1.  A cutting instrument with a sharp edge.  Knives are of various shapes and sizes, adapted to their respective uses; as table knives; carving knives or carvers; penknives, &c.
2.  A sword or dagger.


Topic: Knight
Definition:
KNIGHT, n. nite.
1.  Originally, a knight was a youth, and young men being employed as servants, hence it came to signify a servant.  But among our warlike ancestors, the word was particularly applied to a young man after he was admitted to the privilege of bearing arms.  The admission to this privilege was a ceremony of great importance, and was the origin of the institution of knighthood.  Hence, in feudal times, a knight was a man admitted to military rank by a certain ceremony.  This privilege was conferred on youths of family and fortune, and hence sprung the honorable title of knight, in modern usage.  A knight has the title of Sir.
2.  A pupil or follower.
3.  A champion.
Knight of the post, a knight dubbed at the whipping post or pillory; a hireling witness.
Knight of the shire, in England, one of the representatives of a county in parliament, originally a knight, but now any gentleman having an estate in land of six hundred pounds a year is qualified.
KNIGHT, v.t. nite.  To dub or create a knight, which is done by the king who gives the person kneeling a blow with a sword, and says, rise, Sir.


Topic: Knight-errant
Definition:
KNIGHT-ER'RANT, n. [knight and L. errans, erro, to wander.]
A wandering knight; a knight who traveled in search of adventures, for the purpose of exhibiting military skill, prowess and generosity.


Topic: Knight-errantry
Definition:
KNIGHT-ER'RANTRY, n.  The practice of wandering in quest of adventures; the manners of wandering knights.


Topic: Knight-heads
Definition:
KNIGHT-HEADS, n.  In ships, bollard timbers, two pieces of timber rising just within the stem, one on each side of the bowsprit to secure its inner end; also, two strong frames of timber which inclose and support the ends of the windlass.


Topic: Knight-marshal
Definition:
KNIGHT-M`ARSHAL, n.  An officer in the household of the British king, who has cognizance of transgressions within the king's household and verge,and of contracts made there.


Topic: Knight-service
Definition:
KNIGHT-SERVICE, n.  In English feudal law, a tenure of lands held by knights on condition of performing military service, every possessor of a knight's fee, or estate originally of twenty pounds annual value, being obliged to attend the king in his wars.


Topic: Knighthood
Definition:
KNIGHTHOOD, n.  The character or dignity of a knight.
1.  A military order, honor, or degree of ancient nobility, conferred as a reward of valor or merit.  It is of four kinds, military, regular, honorary, and social.


Topic: Knit
Definition:
KNIT, v.t. nit. pret. and pp. knit or knitted. [L. nodo,whence nodus, Eng. knot.]
1.  To unite, as threads by needles; to connect in a kind of net-work; as, to knit a stocking.
2.  To unite closely; as, let our hearts be knit together in love.
3.  To join or cause to grow together.
 Nature cannot knit the bones, while the parts are under a discharge.
4.  To tie; to fasten.
 And he saw heaven opened,and a certain vessel descending to him, as it were a great sheet knit at the four corners. Acts.10.
5.  To draw together; to contract; as, to knit the brows.
KNIT, v.i.  nit. To unite or interweave by needles.
1.  To unite closely; to grow together.  Broken bones will in time knit and become sound.
KNIT, n. nit.  Union by knitting; texture. [Little used.]


Topic: Knitting
Definition:
KNIT'TING, ppr. nit'ting.  Uniting by needles; forming texture; uniting in growth.
KNIT'TING, n.  Junction.


Topic: Knitting-needle
Definition:
KNIT'TING-NEEDLE, n. nit'ting-needle.  A long needle usually made of wire, used for knitting threads into stockings, garters, &c.


Topic: Knittle
Definition:
KNIT'TLE, n. nit'l. [from knit.]  A string that gathers or draws together a purse.
1.  A small line used in ships to sling hammocks.


Topic: Knob
Definition:
KNOB, n. nob.  A hard protuberance; a hard swelling or rising; a bunch; as a knob in the flesh or on a bone.


Topic: Knobbiness
Definition:
KNOB'BINESS, n. nob'biness. [from knobby.]  The quality of having knobs, or of being full of protuberances.


Topic: Knock
Definition:
KNOCK, v.i. nok.
1.  To strike or beat with something thick or heavy; as, to knock with a club or with the fist; to knock at the door.  We never use this word to express beating with a small stick or whip.
2.  To drive or be driven against; to strike against; to clash; as when one heavy body knocks against another.
To knock under, to yield; to submit; to acknowledge to be conquered; an expression borrowed from the practice of knocking under the table, when conquered.
KNOCK, v.t. nok.  To strike; to drive against; as, to knock the head against a post.
1.  To strike a door for admittance; to rap.
To knock down, to strike down; to fell; to prostrate by a blow or by blows; as, to knock down an ox.
To knock out, to force out by a blow or by blows; as, to knock out the brains.
To knock up, to arouse by knocking.  In popular use, to beat out; to fatigue till unable to do more.
To knock off, to force off by beating.  At auctions, to assign to a bidder by a blow on the counter.
To knock on the head, to kill by a blow or by blows.
KNOCK, n. nok.  A blow; a stroke with something thick or heavy.
1.  A stroke on a door, intended as a request for admittance; a rap.


Topic: Knocker
Definition:
KNOCK'ER, n. nok'er.  One that knocks.
1.  An instrument or kind of hammer, fastened to a door to be used in seeking for admittance.


Topic: Knoll
Definition:
KNOLL, v.t. noll.  [See Knell.]  To ring a bell, usually for a funeral.
KNOLL, v.i. noll.  To sound, as a bell.
[This word, I believe, is not used in America.]
KNOLL, n. noll.  The top or crown of a hill; but more generally, a little round hill or mount; a small elevation of earth.


Topic: Knop
Definition:
KNOP, n. nop. [a different spelling of knap or nob.]
A  knob; a tufted top; a bud; a bunch; a button.


Topic: Knot
Definition:
KNOT, n. not. [L.nodus; probably connected with knit, but perhaps from swelling or gathering.]
1.  The complication of threads made by knitting; a tie; union of cords by interweaving; as a knot difficult to be untied.
2.  Any figure, the lines of which frequently intersect each other; as a knot in gardening.
 In beds and curious knots.
3.  A bond of association or union; as the nuptial knot.
4.  The part of a tree where a branch shoots.
5.  The protuberant joint of a plant.
6.  A cluster; a collection; a group; as a knot of ladies; a knot of figures in painting.
7.  Difficulty; intricacy; something not easily solved.
8.  Any intrigue or difficult perplexity of affairs.
9.  A bird of the genus Tringa.
    10. An epaulet.
    11. In seamen's language, a division of the logline, which answers to half a minute, as a mile does to an hour, or it is the hundred and twentieth part of a mile. Hence, when a ship goes eight miles an hour, she is said to go eight knots.
KNOT, v.t. not.  To complicate or tie in a knot or knots; to form a knot.
1.  To entangle; to perplex.
2.  To unite closely.
KNOT, v.i. not.  To form knots or joints, as in plants.


Topic: Knotgrass
Definition:
KNOT'GRASS, n. not'grass.  The name of several species of plants, so denominated from the joints of the stem. The common knotgrass is the Polygonum aviculare.


Topic: Knotted
Definition:
KNOT'TED, a. not'ted.  Full of knots; having knots; as the knotted oak.
1.  Having intersecting figures.


Topic: Knottiness
Definition:
KNOT'TINESS, n. not'tiness. [from knotty.]
1.  Fullness of knots; the quality of having many knots or swellings.
2.  Difficulty of solution; intricacy.


Topic: Knotty
Definition:
KNOT'TY, a. not'ty.  Full of knots; having many knots; as knotty timber.
1.  Hard; rugged; as a knotty head.
2.  Difficult; intricate; perplexed; as a knotty question or point.


Topic: Know
Definition:
KNOW, v.t. no. pret. knew; pp. known. [L. nosco, cognosco, Gr. although much varied in orthography. Nosco makes novi, which, with g or c prefixed, gnovi or cnovi, would coincide with know, knew.  So L. cresco, crevi, coincides with grow, grew.  The radical sense of knowing is generally to take, receive, or hold.]
1.  To perceive with certainty; to understand clearly; to have a clear and certain perception of truth, fact, or any thing that actually exists.  To know a thing pre
includes all doubt or uncertainty of its existence.  We know what we see with our eyes, or perceive by other senses.  We know that fire and water are different substances.  We know that truth and falsehood express ideas incompatible with each other.  We know that a circle is not a square.  We do not know the truth of reports, nor can we always know what to believe.
2.  To be informed of; to be taught.  It is not unusual for us to say we know things from information, when we rely on the veracity of the informer.
3.  To distinguish; as, to know one man from another.  We know a fixed star from a planet by its twinkling.
4.  To recognize by recollection, remembrance, representation or description.  We do not always know a person after a long absence.  We sometimes know a man by having seen his portrait, or having heard him described.
5.  To be no stranger to; to be familiar.  This man is well known to us.
6.  In scripture, to have sexual commerce with.  Gen 4.
7.  To approve.
The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous.  Ps. 1.
8.  To learn.  Prov. 1.
9.  To acknowledge with due respect.  1Thess. 5.
10.  To choose; to favor or take an interest in.  Amos 3.
11.  To commit; to have.
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.  2Cor.
12.  To have full assurance of; to have satisfactory evidence of any thing, though short of certainty.


Topic: Knowing
Definition:
KNOWING, ppr. no'ing.  
1.  Having clear and certain perception of.
2.  a.  Skillful; well informed; well instructed; as a knowing man.
The knowing and intelligent part of the world.
3.  Conscious; intelligent.
A knowing prudent cause.
KNOWING, n. no'ing.  Knowledge.


Topic: Knowledge
Definition:
KNOWL'EDGE, n. nol'lej.
1.  A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement and repugnancy of our ideas.
We can have no knowledge of that which does not exist.  God has a perfect knowledge of all his works.  Human knowledge is very limited, and is mostly gained by observation and experience.
2.  Learning; illumination of mind.
Ignorance is the curse of God, knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.
3.  Skill; as a knowledge of seamanship.
4.  Acquaintance with any fact or person.  I have no knowledge of the man or thing.
5.  Cognizance; notice.  Ruth 2.
6.  Information; power of knowing.
7.  Sexual intercourse.  But it is usual to prefix carnal; as carnal knowledge.


Topic: Knuckle
Definition:
KNUCK'LE, n. nuk'l.
1.  The joint of a finger, particularly when protuberant by the closing of the fingers.
2.  The knee join of a calf; as a knuckle of veal.
3.  The joint of a plant.  [Not used.]
KNUCK'LE, v.i. nuk'l.  To yield; to submit in contest to an antagonist.


Topic: Kollyrite
Definition:
KOL'LYRITE, n.  [Gr.]  A variety of clay whose color is pure white, or with a shade of gray, red or yellow.


Topic: Konilite
Definition:
KON'ILITE, n.  [Gr. dust, and a stone.]
A mineral in the form of a loose powder, consisting chiefly of silex, and remarkably fusible.


Topic: Koupholite
Definition:
KOUPH'OLITE, n.  [Gr. light, and stone.]
A mineral, regarded as a variety of prehnite.  It occurs in minute rhomboidal plates, of a greenish or yellowish white, translucid, glistening and pearly.  It is found in the Pyrenees.


Topic: Kufic
Definition:
KU'FIC, a.  The Kufic letters were the ancient letters of the Arabic, so called from Kufa, or the Euphrates.


Topic: Kumiss
Definition:
KU'MISS, n.  A liquor or drink made from mare's milk fermented and distilled; milkspirit, used by the Tartars.


Topic: Kurilian
Definition:
KURIL'IAN, a.  The Kurilian isles are a chain in the Pacific, extending from the southern extremity of Kamschatka to Jesso.


Topic: Kyanite
Definition:
KY'ANITE, n.  [Gr. sky colored.  It is written also cyanite, but most improperly, if pronounced kyanite.  Kyanite is doubtless the preferable orthography.]
A mineral found both massive and in regular crystals.  It is frequently in broad or compressed six-sided prisms, with bases a little inclined; or this crystal may be viewed as a four sided prism, truncated on two of its lateral edges, diagonally opposite.  Its prevailed color is blue, whence its name, but varying from a fine Prussian blue to sky-blue, or bluish white.  It occurs also of various shades of green, and even gray, or white and reddish.  It is infusible by the common blowpipe.  This mineral is called by Hauy and Brongniart, disthene, and by Saussure, sappare.


Topic: Kyanogen
Definition:
KYAN'OGEN, n.  [Gr. blue and to beget.]
Carbureted azote; the compound base of prussic acid, called also prussine.


Topic: L
Definition:
L, the twelfth letter of the English alphabet, is usually denominated a semi-vowel, or a liquid.  It represents an imperfect articulation, formed by placing the tip of the tongue against the gum that incloses the roots of the upper teeth; but the sides of the tongue not being in close contact with the roof of the mouth, the breath of course not being entirely intercepted, this articulation is attended with an imperfect sound.  The shape of the letter is evidently borrowed from that of the oriental lamed, or lomad, nearly coinciding with the Samaritan 2.
L has only one sound in English, as in like, canal.  At the end of monosyllables, it is often doubled, as in fall, full, tell,  bell; but not after diphthongs and digraphs; foul, fool, prowl, growel, foal, &c. being written with a single l.
With some nations, l and r are commutable; as in Greek, L. lilium.
In some words, l is mute, as in half, calf, walk, talk, chalk.
In English words, the terminating syllable le is unaccented, the e is silent, and l has a feeble sound; as in able, eagle, pronounced abl, eagl.
As a number L denotes 50, and with a dash above the L, 50,000.  As an abbreviation, in Latin, it stands for Lucius; and L.L.S. for a sesterce, or two librae and a half.


Topic: La
Definition:
LA, exclam. [perhaps corrupted from look, but this is doubtful.]  Look; see; behold.
LA, in music, the syllable by which Guido denotes the last sound of each hexachord.


Topic: Labadist
Definition:
LAB'ADIST, n.  the Labadists were followers of Jean de Labadie, who lived in the 17th century.  They held that God can and does deceive men, that the observance of the sabbath is a matter of indifference, and other peculiar or heretical opinions.


Topic: Labefaction
Definition:
LABEFAC'TION, n.  [L. labefactio, from labefacio, labo, to totter, and facio, to make.]
A weakening or loosening; a failing; decay; downfall; ruin.


Topic: Label
Definition:
LA'BEL, n.
1.  A narrow slip of silk, paper or parchment, containing a name or title, and affixed to any thing, denoting its contents.  Such are the labels affixed to the vessels of an apothecary.  Labels also are affixed to deeds or writings to hold the appended seal.
2.  Any paper annexed to a will by way of addition; as a codicil.
3.  In heraldry, a fillet usually placed in the middle, along the chief of the coat, without touching its extremities.  It is adorned with pendants, and used on the arms of the eldest son, to distinguish him from the younger sons, while the father is living.
4.  A long thin brass rule, with a small sight at one end, and a center-hole at the other, commonly used with a tangent line on the edge of a circumferentor, to take altitudes, &c.
LA'BEL, v.t.  To affix a label to.


Topic: Labial
Definition:
LA'BIAL, a.  [L. labium, a lip.  See Lip.]
Pertaining to the lips; formed by the lips; as a labial articulation.  Thus b, p, and m are labial articulations.
LA'BIAL, n.  A letter or character representing an articulation of the lips; as b, f, m, p, v.


Topic: Labiodental
Definition:
LABIODENT'AL, a.  [labium, a lip, and dens, a tooth.]
Formed or pronounced by the cooperation of the lips and teeth; as f and v.


Topic: Labor
Definition:
LA'BOR, n.  [L. labor, from labo, to fail.]  
1.  Exertion of muscular strength, or bodily exertion which occasions weariness; particularly, the exertion of the limbs in occupations by which subsistence is obtained, as in agriculture and manufactures, in distinction from exertions of strength in play or amusements, which are denominated exercise, rather than labor.  Toilsome work; pains; travail; any bodily exertion which is attended with fatigue.  After the labors of the day, the farmer retires, and rest is sweet.  Moderate labor contributes to health.
What is obtained by labor will of right be the property of him by whose labor it is gained.
2.  Intellectual exertion; application of the mind which occasions weariness; as the labor of compiling and writing a history.
3.  Exertion of mental powers, united with bodily employment; as the labors of the apostles in propagating christianity.
4.  Work done, or to be done; that which requires wearisome exertion.
Being a labor of so great difficulty, the exact performance thereof we may rather wish than look for.
5.  Heroic achievement; as the labors of Hercules.
6.  Travail; the pangs and efforts of childbirth.
7.  The evils of life; trials; persecution, &c.
They rest from their labors - Rev. 14.
LA'BOR, v.i.  [L. laboro.]
1.  To exert muscular strength; to act or move with painful effort, particularly in servile occupations; to work; to toil.
Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work - Ex. 20.
2.  To exert one's powers of body or mind, or both, in the prosecution of any design; to strive; to take pains.
Labor not for the meat which perisheth.  John 6.
3.  To toil; to be burdened.
Come unto me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matt. 11.
4.  To move with difficulty.
The stone that labors up the hill.
5.  To move irregularly with little progress; to pitch and roll heavily; as a ship in a turbulent sea.
6.  To be in distress; to be pressed.
- As sounding cymbals aid the laboring moon.
7.  To be in travail; to suffer the pangs of childbirth.
8.  To journey or march.
Make not all the people to labor thither.  Josh. 7.
9.  To perform the duties of the pastoral office.  1Tim. 5.
10.  To perform christian offices.
To labor under, to be afflicted with; to be burdened or distressed with; as, to labor under a disease or an affliction.
LA'BOR, v.t.  
1.  To work at; to till; to cultivate.
The most excellent lands are lying fallow, or only labored by children.
2.  To prosecute with effort; to urge; as, to labor a point or argument.
3.  To form or fabricate with exertion; as, to labor arms for Troy.
4.  To beat; to belabor.  [The latter word is generally used.]
5.  To form with toil and care; as a labored composition.


Topic: Laboratory
Definition:
LAB'ORATORY, n.
1.  A house or place where operations and experiments in chimistry, pharmacy, pyrotechny, &c., are performed.
2.  A place where arms are manufactured or repaired, or fire-works prepared; as the laboratory in Springfield, in Massachusetts.
3.  A place where work is performed, or any thing is prepared for use.  Hence the stomach is called the grand laboratory of the human body; the liver, the laboratory of the bile.


Topic: Laborer
Definition:
LA'BORER, n.  One who labors in a toilsome occupation; a man who does work that requires little skill, as distinguished from an artisan.


Topic: Laboring
Definition:
LA'BORING, ppr.
1.  Exerting muscular strength or intellectual power; toiling; moving with pain or with difficulty; cultivating.
2.  A laboring man, or laborer, is often used for a man who performs work that requires no apprenticeship or professional skill, in distinction from  an artisan; but this restricted sense is not always observed.  A hard laboring man, is one accustomed to hard labor.


Topic: Laborious
Definition:
LABO'RIOUS, a.  [L. laboriosus.]
1.  Using exertion; employing labor; diligent in work or service; assiduous; used of persons; as a laborious husbandman or mechanic; a laborious minister or pastor.
2.  Requiring labor; toilsome; tiresome; not easy; as laborious duties or services.
3.  Requiring labor, exertion, perseverance or sacrifices.
Dost thou love watchings, abstinence or toil, laborious virtues all?  Learn these from Cato.


Topic: Laboriousness
Definition:
LABO'RIOUSNESS, n.
1.  The quality of being laborious, or attended with toil; toilsomeness; difficulty.
2.  Diligence; assiduity.


Topic: Labyrinth
Definition:
LAB'YRINTH, n.  [L. labyrinthus; Gr.]
1.  Among the ancients, an edifice or place full of intricacies, or formed with winding passages, which rendered it difficult to find the way from the interior to the entrance.  The most remarkable of these edifices mentioned, are the Egyptian and the Cretan labyrinths.
2.  A maze; an inexplicable difficulty.
3.  Formerly, an ornamental maze or wilderness in gardens.
4.  A cavity in the ear.


Topic: Lac
Definition:
LAC, n.  
Gum-lac, so called, but improperly, not being a gum, but a resin.  It is deposited on different species of trees in the East Indies, by an insect called Chermes lacca.  Stick lac is the substance in its natural state, encrusting small twigs.  When broken off and boiled in water, it loses its red color, and is called seed lac.  When melted and reduced to a thin crust, it is call shell lac.  United with ivory black or vermilion, it forms black and red sealing wax.  A solution with borax, colored by lampblack, constitutes Indian ink.  Lac dissolved in alcohol or other menstrua, by different methods of preparation, constitutes various kinds of varnishes and lackers.


Topic: Lace
Definition:
LACE, n.  [L. laqueus.]
1.  A work composed of threads interwoven into a net, and worked on a pillow with spindles or pins.  Fine laces are manufactured in France, Italy and England.
2.  A string; a cord.
3.  A snare; a gin.
4.  A plaited string with which females fasten their clothes.
Doll ne'er was called to cut her lace.

LACE, v.t.
1.  To fasten with a string through eyelet holes.
When Jenny's stays are newly laced -
2.  To adorn with lace; as cloth laced with silver.
3.  To embellish with variegations or stripes.
Look, love, what envious streaks.
Do lace the severing clouds in yonder east.
4.  To beat; to lash; [probably to make stripes on.]
I'll lace your coat for ye.


Topic: Lace-bark
Definition:
LA'CE-BARK, n.  A shrub in the West Indies, the Daphue lagetto, so called from the texture of its inner bark.


Topic: Laced
Definition:
LA'CED, pp.  Fastened with lace or a string; also, tricked off with lace.
Laced coffee, coffee with spirits in it.


Topic: Lacerate
Definition:
LAC'ERATE, v.t.  [L. lacero, to tear.]  To tear; to rend; to separate a substance by violence or tearing; as, to lacerate the flesh.  It is applied chiefly to the flesh, or figuratively to the heart.  But sometimes it is applied to the political or civil divisions in a state.
LAC'ERATE,


Topic: Lacerated
Definition:
LAC'ERATED, pp. or a. 
1.  Rent; torn.
2.  In botany, having the edge variously cut into irregular segments; as a lacerated leaf.


Topic: Lachrymal
Definition:
LACH'RYMAL, a.  [L. lachryma, a tear.]
1.  Generating or secreting tears; as the lachrymal gland.
2.  Pertaining to tears; conveying tears.


Topic: Lachrymatory
Definition:
LACH'RYMATORY, n.  A vessel found in sepulchers of the ancients, in which it has been supposed the tears of a deceased person's friends were collected and preserved with the ashes and urn.  It was a small glass or bottle like a phial.


Topic: Lack
Definition:
LACK, v.t.  [L. deliquium, which seems to be connected with linquo, to leave, to faint, and with liquo, to melt, liquid, &c.]
1.  To want; to be destitute of; not to have or possess.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God - James 1.
2.  To blame.  [Not in use.]
LACK, v.i.  
1.  To be in want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger.  Ps. 34.
2.  To be wanting.
Perhaps there shall lack five of the fifty righteous.  
Gen. 18.
LACK, n.  Want; destitution; need; failure.
He that gathered little, had no lack.  Ex. 14.
Lack of rupees is one hundred thousand rupees, which at 55 cents each, amount to fifty five thousand dollars, or at 2s. 6d. sterling, to 12,500 pounds.


Topic: Lackey
Definition:
LACK'EY, n.  [L. lego, to send.]
An attending servant; a footboy or footman.
LACK'EY, v.t.  To attend servilely.
LACK'EY, v.i.  To act as footboy; to pay servile attendance.
Oft have I servants seen on horses ride, the free and noble lackey by their side.


Topic: Lacmus
Definition:
LAC'MUS, n.  A blue pigment, formed from archil, a species of lichen.  [See Archil.]  It is prepared by bruising the archil, and adding quick lime and putrefied urine, or spirit of urine distilled from lime.  The mixture, after cooling and the evaporation of the fluid, becomes a mass of the consistence of paste, which is laid on a board to dry in square lumps.


Topic: Laconicism
Definition:
LACON'ICISM, n.  [L. lacomismus.]
1.  A concise style.
2.  A brief sententious phrase or expression.


Topic: Lactant
Definition:
LAC'TANT, a.  [L. lactans, from lacto, to give suck; lac, milk.]  Suckling; giving suck.  [Little used.]


Topic: Lactary
Definition:
LAC'TARY, a.  [L. lactarius, from lacto; lac, milk.]
Milky; full of white juice like milk.  [Little used.]
LAC'TARY, n.  [L. lactarius.]  A dairyhouse.


Topic: Lacteal
Definition:
LAC'TEAL, a.  
1.  Pertaining to milk.
2.  Conveying chyle; as a lacteal vessel.
LAC'TEAL, n.  A vessel or slender tube of animal bodies, for conveying chyle from the intestines to the common reservatory.


Topic: Lacteous
Definition:
LAC'TEOUS, a.  [L. lacteus, from lac, milk.
1.  Milky; resembling milk.
2.  Lacteal; conveying chyle; as a lacteous vessel.


Topic: Lactescence
Definition:
LACTES'CENCE, n.  [L. lactescens, lactescp, from lacto; lac, milk.]
1.  Tendency to milk; milkiness or milky color.
2.  In botany, milkiness; the liquor which flows abundantly from a plant, when wounded; commonly white, but sometimes yellow or red.


Topic: Lactiferous
Definition:
LACTIF'EROUS, a.  [L. lac, milk, and fero, to bear.]
1.  Bearing or conveying milk or white juice; as a lactiferous duct.
2.  Producing a thick colored juice; as a plant.


Topic: Lacunose
Definition:
LACUNO'SE, a.  [L. lacunosus, from lacuna, a ditch or hollow.]
Furrowed or pitted.  A lacunose leaf has the disk depressed between the veins.


Topic: Ladanum
Definition:
LAD'ANUM, n.  The resinous juice which exsudes from the leaves of the Cistus ladanifera, a shrub which grows in Arabia, Candia, and other parts of the Archipelago.  It is collected with a kind of rake, with leather thongs attached to it, with which the shrubs are brushed.  The best sort is in dark-colored black masses, of the consistence of a soft plaster.  The other sort is in long rolls coiled up, harder than the former, and of a paler color.  It is chiefly used in external applications.


Topic: Ladder
Definition:
LAD'DER, n.
1.  A frame of wood, consisting of two side pieces, connected by rounds inserted in them at suitable distances, and thus forming steps, by which persons may ascend a building, &c.
2.  That by which a person ascends or rises; means of ascending; as a ladder made of cords.
Lowliness is young ambition's ladder.
3.  Gradual rise; elevation.
Mounting fast towards the top of the ladder ecclesiastical.


Topic: Lade
Definition:
LADE, v.t.  pret. laded; pp. laded, laden.
1.  To load; to put on or in, as a burden or freight.  We lade a ship with cotton.  We lade a horse or other beast with corn.
And they laded their asses with the corn and departed thence.  Gen. 42.
2.  To dip; to throw in or out, as a fluid, with a ladle or dipper; as, to lade water out of a tub or into a cistern.
3.  To draw water.  [Not in use.]
LADE, n.  The mouth of a river.  Obs.


Topic: Lading
Definition:
LA'DING, ppr.  Loading; charging with a burden or freight; throwing or dipping out.
LA'DING, n.  That which constitutes a load or cargo; freight; burden; as the lading of a ship.  Acts. 27.


Topic: Ladle
Definition:
LA'DLE, n.  
1.  A utensil somewhat like a dish, with a long handle, used for throwing or dipping out liquor from a vessel.
2.  The receptacle of a mill wheel, which receives the water which moves it.
3.  In gunnery, an instrument for drawing the charge of a cannon.


Topic: Lady
Definition:
LA'DY, n.
1.  A woman of distinction.  Originally, the title of lady was given to the daughters of earls and others in high rank, but by custom, the title belongs to any woman of genteel education.
2.  A word of complaisance; used of women.
3.  Mistress; the female who presides or has authority over a manor or a family.


Topic: Lady-fly
Definition:
LA'DY-FLY, n.  A small red vaginopennous or sheath-winged insect.
A coleopterous insect of the genus Coccinella.


Topic: Lag
Definition:
LAG, a.  [This word belongs to the root of slack, slow, sluggish, languish, long; Gr.  See the Verb.]
1.  Coming after or behind; slow; sluggish; tardy.
2.  Last; long delayed; as the lag end.  
[This adjective is not now in use.]
LAG, n.  
1.  The lowest class; the rump; the fag end.
2.  He that comes behind.  [Not in use.]
LAG, v.i.  [Eng. to flag, and flacceo, langueo, to languish, &c.  The sense is to extend or draw out, or to become lax or loose.]
To walk or move slowly; to loiter; to stay behind.
I shall not lag behind.


Topic: Lagging
Definition:
LAG'GING, ppr.  Loitering; moving slowly and falling behind.
The nurse went lagging after with the child.


Topic: Lair
Definition:
LAIR, n.  [L. locus.]
1.  A place of rest; the bed or couch of a boar or wild beast.
2.  Pasture; the ground.


Topic: Laity
Definition:
LA'ITY, n.  [Gr. people.  See Laic.]
1.  The people, as distinguished from the clergy; the body of the people not in orders.
2.  The state of a layman, or of not being in orders.  [Not used.]


Topic: Lake
Definition:
LAKE, v.i.  
To play; to sport.  North of England.  This is play, without a prefix.
LAKE, n.  [L. lacus.  A lake is a stand of water, from the root of lay.  Hence L. lagena, Eng. flagon.]
1.  A large and extensive collection of water contained in a cavity or hollow of the earth.  It differs from a pond in size, the latter being a collection of small extent; but sometimes a collection of water is called a pond or a lake indifferently.  North America contains some of the largest lakes on the globe, particularly the lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior.
2.  A middle color between ultramarine and vermilion, made of cochineal.


Topic: Lama
Definition:
LAMA, n.
1.  The sovereign pontiff, or rather the god of the Asiatic Tartars.
2.  A small species of camel, the Camelus lama of South America.


Topic: Lambative
Definition:
LAM'BATIVE, a.  [L. lambo, to lick.]
Taken by licking.  [Little used.]
LAM'BATIVE, n.  A medicine taken by licking with the tongue.


Topic: Lambent
Definition:
LAM'BENT, a.  [L. lambens, lambo, to lick.]  Playing about; touching lightly; gliding over; as a lambent flame.


Topic: Lamdoidal
Definition:
LAMDOID'AL, a.  [Gr. the name of the letter A, form.]
In the form of the Greek A, the English L; as the lamdoidal suture.


Topic: Lame
Definition:
LAME, a.  
1.  Crippled or disabled in a limb, or otherwise injured so as to be unsound and impaired in strength; as a lame arm or leg, or a person lame in one leg.
2.  Imperfect; not satisfactory; as a lame excuse.
3.  Hobbling; not smooth; as numbers in verse.
LAME, v.t.  To make lame; to cripple or disable; to render imperfect and unsound; as, to lame an arm or a leg.


Topic: Lamelliferous
Definition:
LAMELLIF'EROUS, a.  [L. lamella and fero, to produce.
Producing plates; an epithet of polypiers presenting lamellar stars, or waved furrows a garnished with plates.


Topic: Lamely
Definition:
LA'MELY, adv.  [See Lame.]
1.  Like a cripple; with impaired strength; in a halting manner; as, to walk lamely.
2.  Imperfectly; without a complete exhibition of parts; as a figure lamely drawn; a scene lamely described.
3.  Weakly; poorly; unsteadily; feebly.


Topic: Lameness
Definition:
LA'MENESS, n.  
1.  An impaired state of the body or limbs; loss of natural soundness and strength by a wound or by disease; particularly applied to the limbs, and implying a total or partial inability; as the lameness of the leg or arm.
2.  Imperfection; weakness; as the lameness of an argument or of a description.


Topic: Lament
Definition:
LAMENT', v.i.  [L. lamentor.]  
1.  To mourn; to grieve; to weep or wail; to express sorrow.
Jeremiah lamented for Josiah.  2Chron. 35.
2.  To regret deeply; to feel sorrow.
LAMENT', v.t.  To bewail; to mourn for; to bemoan; to deplore.
One laughed at follies, one lamented crimes.
LAMENT', n.  [L. lamentum.]  Grief or sorrow expressed in complaints or cries; lamentation; a weeping.
Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage.
[This noun is used chiefly or solely in poetry.]


Topic: Lamentable
Definition:
LAM'ENTABLE, a.  [L. lamentabilis.]
1.  To be lamented; deserving sorrow; as a lamentable declension of morals.
2.  Mournful; adapted to awaken grief; as a lamentable tune.
3.  Expressing sorrow; as lamentable cries.
4.  Miserable; pitiful; low; poor; in a sense rather ludicrous.  [Little used.]


Topic: Lamentably
Definition:
LAM'ENTABLY, adv.
1.  Mournfully; with expressions or tokens of sorrow.
2.  So as to cause sorrow.
3.  Pitifully; despicably.


Topic: Lamentation
Definition:
LAMENTA'TION, n.  [L. lamentatio.]
1.  Expression of sorrow; cries of grief; the act of bewailing.
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping.  Matt. 2.
2.  In the plural, a book of Scripture, containing the lamentations of Jeremiah.


Topic: Lamp
Definition:
LAMP, n.  [L. lampas; Gr. to shine; Heb.]
1.  A vessel for containing oil to be burned by means of a wick; or a light, a burning wick inserted in a vessel of oil.  Hence,
2.  Figuratively, a light of any kind.  The moon is called the lamp of heaven.
Thy gentle eyes send forth a quickening spirit, to feed the dying lamp of life within me.
Lamp of safety, or safety lamp, a lamp for lighting coal mines, without exposing workmen to the explosion of inflammable air.


Topic: Lampas
Definition:
LAM'PAS, n.  A lump of flesh of the size of a nut, in the roof of a horse's mouth, and rising above the teeth.


Topic: Lampblack
Definition:
LAMP'BLACK, n.  [lamp and black; being originally made by means of a lamp or torch.]
A fine soot formed by the condensation of the smoke of burning pitch or resinous substances, in a chimney terminating in a cone of cloth.


Topic: Lampoon
Definition:
LAMPOON', n.  A personal satire in writing; abuse; censure written to reproach and vex rather than to reform.
LAMPOON', v.t.  To abuse with personal censure; to reproach in written satire.


Topic: Lampooner
Definition:
LAMPOON'ER, n.  One who abuses with personal satire; the writer of a lampoon.
The squibs are those who are called libelers, lampooners, and pamphleteers.


Topic: Lamprey
Definition:
LAM'PREY, n.  [L. labor, to slip, and most probably the animal is name from slipping.  If, however, the sense is taken from licking the rocks, as Camden supposes, it accords with the sense of the technical name of the genus petromyzon, the rock-sucker.]
A genus of anguilliform fishes, resembling the eel, and moving in water by winding, like the serpent on land.  This fish has seven spiracles on each side of the neck, and a fistula or aperture on the top of the head, but no pectoral or ventral fins.  The marine or sea lamprey is sometimes found so large as to weigh four or five pounds.
Lamprel and lampron.  [See lamprey.]


Topic: Lance
Definition:
LANCE, n. l'ans.  [L. lancea; Gr.]
A spear, an offensive weapon in form of a half pike, used by the ancients and thrown by the hand.  It consisted of the shaft or handle, the wings and the dart.
LANCE, v.t.
1.  To pierce with a lance or with a sharp pointed instrument.
- Seized the due victim, and with fury lanc'd her back.
2.  To pierce or cut; to open with a lancet; as, to lance a vein or an abscess.


Topic: Lancet
Definition:
L'ANCET, n.  
1.  A surgical instrument, sharp-pointed and two-edged; used in venesection, and in opening tumors, abscesses, &c.
2.  A pointed window.


Topic: Lanch
Definition:
L'ANCH, v.t.  [from lance.]  
1.  To throw, as a lance; to dart; to let fly.
See whose arm can lanch the surer bolt.
2.  To move, or cause to slide from the land into the water; as, to lanch a ship.
L'ANCH, v.i.  To dart or fly off; to push off; as, to lanch into the wide world; to lanch into a wide field of discussion.
L'ANCH, n.
1.  The sliding or movement of a ship from the land into the water, on ways prepared for the purpose.
2.  A kind of boat, longer, lower, and more flat-bottomed than a long boat.


Topic: Land
Definition:
LAND, n.
1.  Earth, or the solid matter which constitutes the fixed part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the sea or other waters, which constitute the fluid or movable part.  Hence we say, the globe is terraqueous, consisting of land and water.  The seaman in a long voyage longs to see land.
2.  Any portion of the solid, superficial part of the globe, whether a kingdom or country, or a particular region.  The United States is denominated the land of freedom.
Go, view the land, even Jericho.  Josh. 2.
3.  Any small portion of the superficial part of the earth or ground.  We speak of the quantity of land in a manor.  Five hundred acres of land is a large farm.
4.  Ground; soil, or the superficial part of the earth in respect to its nature or quality; as good land; poor land; moist or dry land.
5.  Real Estate.  A traitor forfeits all his lands and tenements.
6.  The inhabitants of a country or region; a nation or people.
These answers in the silent night received, the king himself divulged, the land believed.
7.  The ground left unplowed between furrows, is by some of our farmers called a land.
To make the land,
To make land,  In seaman's language, is to discover land from sea, as the ship approaches it.
To shut in the land, to lose sight of the land left, by the intervention of a point or promontory.
To set the land, to see by the compass how it bears from the ship.
LAND, n.  Urine; whence the old expression, land dam, to kill.  Obs.
LAND, v.t.  to set on shore; to disembark; to debark; as, to land troops from a ship or boat; to land goods.
LAND, v.i.  To go on shore from a ship or boat; to disembark.


Topic: Landau
Definition:
LAN'DAU, n.  A kind of coach or carriage whose top may be opened and thrown back; so called from a town in Germany.


Topic: Landed
Definition:
LAND'ED, pp.
1.  Disembarked; set on shore from a ship or boat.
2.  a.  Having an estate in land; as a landed gentleman.
The house of commons must consist, for the most part, of landed men.
3.  Consisting in real estate or land; as landed security; landed property.  The landed interest of a nation is the interest consisting in land; but the word is used also for the owners of that interest, the proprietors of land.


Topic: Landfall
Definition:
LAND'FALL, n.  [land and fall.]
1.  A sudden translation of property in land by the death of a rich man.
2.  In seamen's language, the first land discovered after a voyage.


Topic: Landflood
Definition:
LAND'FLOOD, n.  [land and flood.]  An overflowing of land by water; an inundation.  Properly, a flood from the land from the swelling of rivers; but I am not sure that it is always used in this sense.


Topic: Landgrave
Definition:
LAND'GRAVE, n.  
In Germany, a count or earl; or an officer nearly corresponding to the earl of England, and the count of France.  It is now a title of certain princes who possess estates or territories called landgraviates.


Topic: Landing-place
Definition:
LAND'ING-PLACE, n.  A place on the shore of the sea or of a lake, or on the bank of a river; where persons land or come on shore, or where goods are set on shore.


Topic: Landjobber
Definition:
LAND'JOBBER, n.  A man who makes a business of buying land on speculation, or of buying and selling for the profit of bargains, or who buys and sells for others.


Topic: Landlady
Definition:
LAND'LADY, n.  [See Landlord.]
1.  A woman who has tenants holding from her.
2.  The mistress of an inn.


Topic: Landloper
Definition:
LAND'LOPER, n.  [See Leap and Interloper.]
A landman; literally, a land runner; a term of reproach among seamen to designate a man who passes his life on land.


Topic: Landlord
Definition:
LAND'LORD, n.
1.  The lord of a manor or of land; the owner of land who has tenants under him.
2.  The master of an inn or tavern.


Topic: Landmark
Definition:
LAND'MARK, n.  [land and mark.]  
1.  A mark to designate the boundary of land; any mark or fixed object; as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones, by which the limits of a farm, a town or other portion of territory may be known and preserved.
Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor's landmark.  Deut. 19.
2.  In navigation, any elevated object on land that serves as a guide to seamen.


Topic: Landscape
Definition:
LAND'SCAPE, n.
1.  A portion of land or territory which the eye can comprehend in a single view, including mountains, rivers, lakes, and whatever the land contains.
- Whilst the landscape round it measures, russet lawns and fallows gray, where the nibbling flocks do stray.
2.  A picture, exhibiting the form of a district of country, as far as the eye can reach, or a particular extent of land and the objects it contains, or its various scenery.
3.  The view or prospect of a district of country.


Topic: Landslip
Definition:
LAND'SLIP, n.  A portion of a hill or mountain, which slips or slides down; or the sliding down of a considerable tract of land from a mountain.  landslips are not unfrequent in Swisserland.


Topic: Lane
Definition:
LANE, n.
1.  A narrow way or passage, or a private passage, as distinguished from a public road or highway.  A lane may be open to all passengers, or it may be inclosed and appropriated to a man's private use.  In the United States, the word is used chiefly in the country, and answers in a degree, to an alley in a city.  It has sometimes been used for alley.  In London, the word lane is added to the names of streets; as chancery lane.
2.  A passage between lines of men, or people standing on each side.


Topic: Language
Definition:
LAN'GUAGE, n.  [L. lingua, the tongue, and speech.]
1.  Human speech; the expression of ideas by words or significant articulate sounds, for the communication of thoughts.  Language consists in the oral utterance of sounds, which usage has made the representatives of ideas.  When two or more persons customarily annex the same sounds to the same ideas, the expression of these sounds by one person communicates his ideas to another.  This is the primary sense of language, the use of which is to communicate the thoughts of one person to another through the organs of hearing.  Articulate sounds are represented by letters, marks or characters which form words.  Hence language consists also in
2.  Words duly arranged in sentences, written, printed or engraved, and exhibited to the eye.
3.  The speech or expression of ideas peculiar to a particular nation.  Men had originally one and the same language, but the tribes or families of men, since their dispersion, have distinct languages.
4.  Style; manner of expression.
Others for language all their care express.
5.  The inarticulate sounds by which irrational animals express their feelings and wants.  Each species of animals has peculiar sounds, which are uttered instinctively, and are understood by its own species, and its own species only.
6.  Any manner of expressing thoughts.  Thus we speak of the language of the eye, a language very expressive and intelligible.
7.  A nation, as distinguished by their speech.  Dan. 3.


Topic: Languid
Definition:
LAN'GUID, a.  [L. languidus, from langueo, to droop or flag.  See Languish.]
1.  Flagging; drooping; hence, feeble; weak; heavy; dull; indisposed to exertion.  The body is languid after excessive action, which exhausts its powers.
2.  Slow; as languid motion.
3.  Dull; heartless; without animation.
And fire their languid soul with Cato's virtue.


Topic: Languidness
Definition:
LAN'GUIDNESS, n.  
1.  Weakness from exhaustion of strength; feebleness; dullness; languor.
2.  Slowness.


Topic: Languish
Definition:
LAN'GUISH, v.i.  [L. langueo, lachinisso; Gr. to flag, to lag.  L. laxo, laxus, flacceo.]
1.  To lose strength or animation; to be or become dull, feeble or spiritless; to pine; to be or to grow heavy.  We languish under disease or after excessive exertion.
She that hath borne seven languisheth.  Jer. 15.
2.  To wither; to fade; to lose the vegetating power.
For the fields of Heshbon languisheth.  Jer. 15.
3.  To grow dull; to be no longer active and vigorous.  The war languished for want of supplies.  Commerce, agriculture, manufactures languish, not for want of money, but for want of good markets.
4.  To pine or sink under sorrow or any continued passion; as, a woman languishes for the loss of her lover.
Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish.  Hosea 4.
5.  To look with softness or tenderness, as with the head reclined and a peculiar cast of the eye.
LAN'GUISH, v.t.  To cause to droop or pine.  [Little used.]
LAN'GUISH, n.  Act of pining; also, a soft and tender look or appearance.
And the blue languish of soft Allia's eye.


Topic: Languishing
Definition:
LAN'GUISHING, ppr.
1.  Becoming or being feeble; losing strength; pining; withering; fading.
2.  a.  Having a languid appearance; as a languishing eye.


Topic: Languor
Definition:
LAN'GUOR, n.  [L. languor.]
1.  Feebleness; dullness; heaviness; lassitude of body; that state of the body which is induced by exhaustion of strength, as by disease, by extraordinary exertion, by the relaxing effect of heat, or by weakness from any cause.
2.  Dullness of the intellectual faculty; listlessness.
3.  Softness; laxity.
To isles of fragrance, lily-silvered vales, diffusing languor in the parting gales.


Topic: Laniard
Definition:
LANIARD, n.  lan'yard.
A short piece of rope or line, used for fastening something in ships, as the laniards of the gun-ports, of the buoy, of the cathook, &c., but especially used to extend the shrouds and stays of the masts, by their communication with the dead eyes, &c.


Topic: Lanifice
Definition:
LAN'IFICE, n.  [L. lanificium; lana, wool, and facio, to make.]
Manufacture of wool.  [Little used.]


Topic: Lank
Definition:
LANK, a.  [Gr. probably allied to flank.]
1.  Loose or lax and easily yielding to pressure; not distended; not stiff or firm by distension; not plump; as a lank bladder or purse.
The clergy's bags are lank and lean with thy extortions.
2.  Thin; slender; meager; not full and firm; as a lank body.
3.  Languid; drooping.  [See Languish.]


Topic: Lansquenet
Definition:
LANS'QUENET, n.  [lance and knecht, a boy, a knight.]
1.  A common foot soldier.
2.  A game at cards.


Topic: Lantern
Definition:
LAN'TERN, n.  [L. laterna.]
1.  A case or vessel made of tin perforated with many holes, or of some transparent substance, as glass, horn, or oiled paper; used for carrying a candle or other light in the open air, or into stables, &c.
A dark lantern is one with a single opening, which may be closed so as to conceal the light.
2.  A light-house or light to direct the course of ships.
3.  In architecture, a little dome raised over the roof of a building to give light, and to serve as a crowning to the fabric.
4.  A square cage of carpentry placed over the ridge of a corridor or gallery, between two rows of shops, to illuminate them.
Magic lantern, an optical machine by which painted images are represented so much magnified as to appear like the effect of magic.


Topic: Lanuginous
Definition:
LANU'GINOUS, a.  [L. lanuginosus, from lanugo, down, from lana, wool.]
Downy; covered with down, or fine soft hair.


Topic: Lap
Definition:
LAP, n.
1.  The loose part of a coat; the lower part of a garment that plays loosely.
2.  The part of clothes that lies on the knees when a person sits down; hence, the knees in this position.
Men expect that happiness should drop into their laps.
LAP, v.t.
1.  To fold; to bend and lay over or on; as, to lap a piece of cloth.
To lap boards, is to lay one partly over another.
2.  To wrap or twist round.
I lapped a slender thread about the paper.
3.  To infold; to involve.
 Her garment spreads, and laps him in the folds.
LAP, v.i.  To be spread or laid; to be turned over.
The upper wings are opacous; at their hinder ends where they lap over, transparent like the wing of a fly.
LAP, v.i.  [Gr. If m is casual in L. lambo, as it probably is, this is the same word.]
To take up liquor or food with the tongue; to feed or drink by licking.
The dogs by the river Nilus' side being thirsty, lap hastily as they run along the shore.
And the number of them that lapped were three hundred men.  Judges 7.
LAP, v.t.  To take into the mouth with the tongue; to lick up; as, a cat laps milk.


Topic: Lapidary
Definition:
LAP'IDARY, n.  [L. lapidarius, lapis, a stone.]
1.  An artificer who cuts precious stones.
2.  A dealer in precious stones.
3.  A virtuoso skilled in the nature and kinds of gems or precious stones.
LAP'IDARY, a.  Pertaining to the art of cutting stones.  The lapidary style denotes that which is proper for monumental and other inscriptions.


Topic: Lapidescence
Definition:
LAPIDES'CENCE, n.  [L. lapidesco, from lapis, a stone.]
1.  The process of becoming stone; a hardening into a stony substance.
2.  A stony concretion.


Topic: Lapidescent
Definition:
LAPIDES'CENT, a.  Growing or turning to stone; that has the quality of petrifying bodies.
LAPIDES'CENT, n.  Any substance which has the quality of petrifying a body, or converting it to stone.


Topic: Lapidification
Definition:
LAPIDIFICA'TION, n.  The operation of forming or converting into a stony substance, by means of a liquid charged with earthy particles in solution, which crystallize in the interstices, and end in forming free stone, pudding stone, &c.


Topic: Lapidify
Definition:
LAPID'IFY, v.t.  [L. lapis, a stone, and facio, to form.]  To form into stone.
LAPID'IFY, v.i.  To turn into stone; to become stone.


Topic: Lapis
Definition:
LAPIS, in Latin, a stone.  Hence,
Lapis Bononiensis, the Bolognian stone.
Lapis Hepaticus, liver stone.
Lapis Lazuli, azure stone, an aluminous mineral, of a rich blue color, resembling the blue carbonate of copper.  [See Lazuli.]
Lapis Lydius, touch-stone; basanite; a variety of siliceous slate.


Topic: Lapping
Definition:
LAP'PING, ppr.
1.  Wrapping; folding; laying on.
2.  Licking; taking into the mouth with the tongue.


Topic: Lapse
Definition:
LAPSE, n.  laps.  [L. lapsus, from labor, to slide, to fall.]
1.  A sliding, gliding or flowing; a smooth course; as the lapse of a stream; the lapse of time.
2.  A falling or passing.
The lapse to indolence is soft and imperceptible, but the return to diligence is difficult.
3.  A slip an error; a fault; a failing in duty; a slight deviation from truth or rectitude.
This Scripture may be usefully applied as a caution to guard against those lapses and fallings to which our infirmities daily expose us.
So we say, a lapse in style or propriety.
4.  In ecclesiastical law, the slip or omission of a patron to present a clerk to a benefice, within six months after it becomes void.  In this case, the benefice is said to be lapsed, or in lapse.
5.  In theology, the fall or apostasy of Adam.
LAPSE, v.i.  laps. 
1.  To glide; to pass slowly, silently or by degrees.
This disposition to shorten our words by retrenching the vowels, is nothing else but a tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those northern nations from which we descended.
2.  To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault.
To lapse in fullness is sorer than to lie for need.
3.  To slip or commit a fault by inadvertency or mistake.
Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites, has lapsed into the burlesque character.
4.  To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, by the omission or negligence of the patron.
If the archbishop shall not fill it up within six months ensuing, it lapses to the king.
5.  To fall from a state of innocence, or from truth, faith or perfection.
Once more I will renew his lapsed powers.


Topic: Lapsed
Definition:
LAPS'ED, pp.  Fallen; passed from one proprietor to another by the negligence of the patron; as a lapsed benefice.  A lapsed legacy is one which falls to the heirs through the failure of the legatee, as when the legatee dies before the testator.


Topic: Larboard
Definition:
L'ARBOARD, n.  [Board, bord, is a side; but I know the meaning of lar.  The Dutch use bakboard, and the Germans backbord.]
The left hand side of a ship, when a person stands with his face to the head; opposed to starboard.
L'ARBOARD, a.  Pertaining to the left hand side of a ship; as the larboard quarter.


Topic: Larceny
Definition:
L'ARCENY, n.  [L. latrocinium.]
Theft; the act of taking and carrying away the goods or property of another feloniously.  Larceny is of two kinds; simple larceny, or theft, not accompanied with any atrocious circumstance; and mixed or compound larceny, which includes in it the aggravation of taking from one's house or person, as in burglary or robbery.  The stealing of any thing below the value of twelve pence, is called petty larceny; above that value, it is called grand larceny.


Topic: Larch
Definition:
L'ARCH, n.  [L. larix.]
The common name of a division of the genus Pinus, species of which are natives of America, as well as of Europe.


Topic: Lard
Definition:
L'ARD, n.  [L. lardum, laridum.]
1.  The fat of swine, after being melted and separated from the flesh.
2.  Bacon; the flesh of swine.
L'ARD, v.t.
1.  To stuff with bacon or pork.
The larded thighs on loaded altars laid.
2.  To fatten; to enrich.
Now Falstaff sweats to death, and lards the lean earth.
3.  To mix with something by way of improvement.
- Let no alien interpose, to lard with wit thy hungry Epsom prose.
L'ARD, v.i.  To grow fat.


Topic: Large
Definition:
L'ARGE, a larj.  [L. largus; Gr. wide, copious, and perhaps with floor.]
1.  Big; of great size; bulky; as a large body; a large horse or ox; a large mountain; a large tree; a large ship.
2.  Wide; extensive; as a large field or plain; a large extent of territory.
3.  Extensive or populous; containing many inhabitants; as a large city or town.
4.  Abundant; plentiful; ample; as a large supply of provisions.
5.  Copious; diffusive.
I might be very large on the importance and advantages of education.
6.  In seamen's language, the wind is large when it crosses the line of a ship's course in a favorable direction, particularly on the beam or quarter.
7.  Wide; consisting of much water; as a large river.
8.  Liberal; of a great amount; as a large donation.
1.  At large, without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large; to be left at large.
2.  Diffusely; fully; in the full extent; as, to discourse on a subject at large.
L'ARGE, n.  Formerly, a musical note equal to four breves.


Topic: Largely
Definition:
L'ARGELY, adv.
1.  Widely; extensively.
2.  Copiously; diffusely; amply.  The subject was largely discussed.
3.  Liberally; bountifully.
- How he lives and eats; how largely gives.
4.  Abundantly.
They their fill of love and love's disport took largely.


Topic: Largeness
Definition:
L'ARGENESS, n.
1.  Bigness; bulk; magnitude; as the largeness of an animal.
2.  Greatness; comprehension; as the largeness of mind or of capacity.
3.  Extent; extensiveness; as largeness of views.
4.  Extension; amplitude; liberality; as the largeness of an offer; largeness of heart.
5.  Wideness; extent; as the largeness of a river.


Topic: Larghetto
Definition:
LARGHET'TO,  Musical terms, directing to slow movement.  Large is one degree quicker than grave, and two degrees quicker than adagio.


Topic: Larmier
Definition:
L'ARMIER, n.  
The flat jutting part of a cornice; literally, the dropper; the eave or drip of a house.


Topic: Larve
Definition:
L'ARVE, n.  [L. larva, a mask.]
An insect in the caterpillar state; eruca; the state of an insect when the animal is masked, and before it has attained its winged or perfect state; the first stage in the metamorphoses of insects, preceding the chrysalis and perfect insect.


Topic: Laryngotomy
Definition:
LARYNGOT'OMY, n.  [larynx and Gr. to cut.]
The operation of cutting the larynx or windpipe; the making of an incision into the larynx for assisting respiration when obstructed, or removing foreign bodies; bronchotomy; tracheotomy.


Topic: Larynx
Definition:
LAR'YNX, n.  [Gr.]  In anatomy, the upper part of the windpipe or trachea, a cartilaginous cavity, which modulates the voice in speaking and singing.


Topic: Lascivious
Definition:
LASCIV'IOUS, a.  [L. lascivus, from laxus, laxo, to relax, to loosen.]
1.  Loose; wanton; lewd; lustful; as lascivious men; lascivious desires; lascivious eyes.
2.  Soft; wanton; luxurious.
He capers numbly in a lady's chamber, to the lascivious pleasing of a lute.


Topic: Lasciviousness
Definition:
LASCIV'IOUSNESS, n.
1.  Looseness; irregular indulgence of animal desires; wantonness; lustfulness.
Who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lasciviousness.  Eph. 4.
2.  Tendency to excite lust, and promote irregular indulgences.
The reason pretended by Augustus was, the lasciviousness of his Elegies and his Art of Love.


Topic: Laserwort
Definition:
LA'SERWORT, n.  Laserpitium, a genus of plants of several species, natives of Germany, Italy, France, &c.


Topic: Lash
Definition:
LASH, n.  
1.  The thong or braided cord of a whip.
I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it.
2.  A leash or string.
3.  A stroke with a whip, or any thing pliant and tough.  The culprit was whipped thirty nine lashes.
4.  A stroke of satire; a sarcasm; an expression or retort that cuts or gives pain.
The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that to ourselves which succeeds well.
LASH, v.t.  
1.  To strike with a lash or any thing pliant; to whip or scourge.
We lash the pupil and defraud the ward.
2.  To throw up with a sudden jerk.
He falls; and lashing up his heels, his rider throws.
3.  To beat, as with something loose; to dash against.
And big waves lash the frighted shores - 
4.  To tie or bind with a rope or cord; to secure or fasten by a string; as, to lash any thing to a mast or to a yard; to lash a trunk on a coach.
5.  To satirize; to censure with severity; as, to lash vice.
LASH, v.i.  To ply the whip; to strike at.
To laugh at follies, or to lash at vice.
To lash out, is to be extravagant or unruly.


Topic: Lashed
Definition:
LASH'ED, pp.
1.  Struck with a lash; whipped; tied; made fast by a rope.
2.  In botany, ciliate; fringed.


Topic: Lashing
Definition:
LASH'ING, n.  A piece of rope for binding or making fast one thing to another.
LASH'ING, n.  Extravagance; unruliness.


Topic: Lassitude
Definition:
LAS'SITUDE, n.  [L. lassitudo, from lassus, and this from laxus, laxo, to relax.]
1.  Weakness; dullness; heaviness; weariness; languor of body or mind, proceeding from exhaustion of strength by excessive labor or action, or other means.
2.  Among physicians, lassitude is a morbid sensation or languor which often precedes disease, in which case it proceeds from an impaired or diseased action of the organs.


Topic: Last
Definition:
L'AST, a.  [See Late and Let.]
1.  That comes after all the others; the latest; applied to time; as the last hour of the day; the last day of the year.
2.  That follows all the others; that is behind all the others in place; hindmost; as, this was the last man that entered the church.
3.  Beyond which there is no more.
Here, last of Britons, let your names be read.
4.  Next before the present; as the last week; the last year.
5.  Utmost.
Their last endeavors bend, T' outshine each other.
It is an object of the last importance.
6.  Lowest; meanest.
Antilochus takes the lst prize.
At last, at the last, at the end; in the conclusion.
Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the last.  Gen. 49.
To the last, to the end; till the conclusion.
And blunder on in business to the last.
In the phrases, 'you are the last man I should consult'  'this is the last place in which I should expect to find you,'  the word last implies improbability; this is the most improbable place, and therefore I should resort to it last.
L'AST, adv.
1.  The last time; the time before the present.  I saw him last at New York.
2.  In conclusion; finally.
Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires, adores; and last, the thing adored desires.
L'AST, v.i.  [See Let.]
1.  To continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence.  Our government cannot last long unless administered by honest men.
2.  To continue unimpaired; not to decay or perish.  Select for winter the best apples to last.  This color will last.
3.  To hold out; to continue unconsumed.  The captain knew he had not water on board to last a week.
L'AST, n.  [See Load.]
A load; hence, a certain weight or measure.  A last of codfish, white herrings, meal, and ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn is ten quarters or eighty bushels; of gun powder, twenty four barrels; of red herrings, twenty cades; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool, twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1700 pounds.
L'AST, n.
A mold or form of the human foot, made of wood, on which shoes are formed.
The cobbler is not to go beyond his last.


Topic: Lastage
Definition:
L'ASTAGE, n.  [See Last, a load.]
1.  A duty paid for freight or transportation.
[Not used in the United States.]
2.  Ballast.  [Not used.]
3.  The lading of a ship.  [Not used.]


Topic: Lasting
Definition:
L'ASTING, ppr.
1.  Continuing in time; enduring; remaining.
2.  a. Durable; of long continuance; that may continue or endure; as a lasting good or evil; a lasting color.


Topic: Latch
Definition:
LATCH, n.  [L. ligula, from ligo, to tie, and with English lock.  L. laqueus, from which we have lace, may belong to the same root.  The primary sense of the root is to catch, to close, stop or make fast.]
1.  A small piece of iron or wood used to fasten a door.
2.  A small line like a loop, used to lace the bonnets to the courses, or the drabblers to the bonnets.
LATCH, v.t.
1.  To fasten with a latch; to fasten.
2.  To smear.  [Not used.]


Topic: Late
Definition:
LATE, a.  [This word is from the root of let, the sense of which is to draw out, extend or prolong, hence to be slow or late.  See Let.  This adjective has regular terminations of the comparative and superlative degrees, later, latest, but it has also latter, and latest is often contracted into last.]
1.  Coming after the usual time; slow; tardy; long delayed; as a late spring; a late summer.  The crops or harvest will be late.
2.  Far advanced towards the end or close; as a late hour of the day.  He began at a late period of his life.
3.  Last, or recently in any place, office or character; as the late ministry; the late administration.
4.  Existing not long ago, but now decayed or departed; as the late bishop of London.
5.  Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as the late rains.  We have received late intelligence.
LATE, adv.
1.  After the usual time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late.
2.  After the proper or usual season.  This year the fruits ripen late.
3.  Not long ago; lately.
And round them throng with leaps and bounds the late imprison'd young.
4.  Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie a-bed late; to sit up late at night.
Of late, lately, in time not long past, or near the present.  The practice is of late uncommon.
Too late, after the proper time; not in due time.  We arrived too late to see the procession.


Topic: Lateen
Definition:
LAT'EEN, a.  A lateen sail is a triangular sail, extended by a lateen yard, which is slung about one quarter the distance from the lower end, which is brought down at the tack while the other end is elevated at an angle of about 45 degrees; used in xebecs, polacres and settees, in the Mediterranean.


Topic: Lateness
Definition:
LA'TENESS, n.
1.  The state of being tardy, or of coming after the usual time; as the lateness of spring or of harvest.
2.  Time far advanced in any particular period; as lateness of the day or night; lateness in the season; lateness in life.
3.  The state of being out of time, or after the appointed time; as the lateness of one's arrival.


Topic: Latent
Definition:
LA'TENT, a.  [L. latens, lateo; Gr; Heb. to cover.]
Hid; concealed; secret; not seen; not visible or apparent.  We speak of latent motives; latent reasons; latent springs of action.
Latent heat, is heat in combination, in distinction from sensible heat; the portion of heat which disappears, when a body changes its form from the solid to the fluid, or from the fluid to the aeriform state.


Topic: Lateral
Definition:
LAT'ERAL, a.  [L. lateralis, from latus, a side, and broad, Gr., Eng. flat.  The primary sense of these words is to extend, as in late, let.]
1.  Pertaining to the side; as the lateral view of an object.
2.  Proceeding from the side; as the lateral branches of a tree; lateral shoots. 


Topic: Lateran
Definition:
LAT'ERAN, n.  One of the churches at Rome.  The name is said to have been derived from that of a man.
A latere, [L.]  A legate a latere, is a pope's legate or envoy, so called because sent from his side, from among his favorites and counselors.


Topic: Laterifolious
Definition:
LATERIFO'LIOUS, a.  [L. latus, side, and folium, leaf.]
In botany, growing on the side of a leaf at the base; as a laterifolious flower.


Topic: Lateritious
Definition:
LATERI'TIOUS, a.  [L. lateritius, from later, a brick.]  Like bricks; of the color of bricks.
Lateritious sediment, a sediment in urine resembling brick dust, observed after the crises of fevers, and at the termination of gouty paroxysms.


Topic: Lath
Definition:
L'ATH, n.
1.  A thin, narrow board or slip of wood nailed to the rafters of a building to support the tiles or covering.
2.  A thin narrow slip of wood nailed to the studs, to support the plastering.
L'ATH, v.t.  To cover or line with laths.
L'ATH, n.  [See Wapenktae.]
In some parts of England, a part or division of a county.  Spenser, Spelman and Blackstone do not agree in their accounts of the lath; but according to the laws of Edward the Confessor, the lath, in some counties, answered to the trithing or third part of a county in others.


Topic: Lathe
Definition:
LATHE, n.  
An engine by which instruments of wood, ivory, metals and other materials, are turned and cut into a smooth round form.


Topic: Lather
Definition:
LATH'ER, v.i.
To form a foam with water and soap; to become froth, or frothy matter.
LATH'ER, v.t.  To spread over with the foam of soap.
LATH'ER, n.
1.  Foam or froth made by soap moistened with water.
2.  Foam or froth from profuse sweat, as of a horse.


Topic: Latibulize
Definition:
LATIB'ULIZE, v.i.  [L. latibulum, a hiding place.]
To retire into a den, burrow or cavity, and lie dormant in winter; to retreat and lie hid.
The tortoise latibulizes in October.


Topic: Laticlave
Definition:
LAT'ICLAVE, n.  [L. laticlavium; latus, broad, and clavus, a stud.]
An ornament of dress worn by Roman senators.  It is supposed to have been a broad stripe of purple on the fore part of the tunic, set with knobs or studs.


Topic: Latin
Definition:
LAT'IN, a.  Pertaining to the Latins, a people of Latium, in Italy; Roman; as the Latin language.
Latin church, the western church; the christian church in Italy, France, Spain and other countries where the Latin language was introduced, as distinct from the Greek or eastern church.
LAT'IN, n.
1.  The language of the ancient Romans.
2.  An exercise in schools, consisting in turning English into Latin.


Topic: Latinize
Definition:
LAT'INIZE, v.t.  To give to foreign words Latin terminations and make them Latin.
LAT'INIZE, v.i.  To use words or phrases borrowed from the Latin.


Topic: Latitancy
Definition:
LAT'ITANCY, n.  [L. latitans, latito, to lie hid, from lateo.  See Latent.]
The state of lying concealed; the state of lurking.


Topic: Latitat
Definition:
LAT'ITAT, n.  [L. he lurks.]  A writ by which a person is summoned into the king's bench to answer, as supposing he lies concealed.


Topic: Latitude
Definition:
LAT'ITUDE, n.  [L. latitudo, breadth; latus, broad.]
1.  Breadth; width; extent from side to side.
2.  Room; space.
[In the foregoing senses, little used.]
3.  In astronomy, the distance of a star north or south of the ecliptic.
4.  In geography, the distance of any place on the globe, north or south of the equator.  Boston is situated in the forty third degree of north latitude.
5.  Extent of meaning or construction; indefinite acceptation.  The words will not bear this latitude of construction.
6.  Extent of deviation from a settled point; freedom from rules or limits; laxity.
In human actions, there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged.
7.  Extent.
I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude.


Topic: Latitudinarian
Definition:
LATITUDINA'RIAN, a.  Not restrained; not confined by precise limits; free; thinking or acting at large; as latitudinarian opinions or doctrines.
LATITUDINA'RIAN, n.  
1.  One who is moderate in his notions, or not restrained by precise settled limits in opinion; one who indulges freedom in thinking.
2.  In theology, one who departs in opinion from the strict principles of orthodoxy; or one who indulges a latitude of thinking and interpretation; a moderate man.


Topic: Latitudinarianism
Definition:
LATITUDINA'RIANISM, n.
1.  Freedom or liberality of opinion, particularly in theology.
2.  Indifference to religion.


Topic: Latria
Definition:
LA'TRIA, n.  [L. from Gr.]  The highest kind of worship, or that paid to God; distinguished by the Catholics from dulia, or the inferior worship paid to saints.


Topic: Latrobite
Definition:
LATRO'BITE, n.  [from Latrobe.]  A newly described mineral of a pale pink red color, massive or crystallized, from an isle near the Labrador coast.


Topic: Latten-brass
Definition:
LAT'TEN-BRASS, n.  Plates of milled brass reduced to different thicknesses, according to the uses they are intended for.


Topic: Latter
Definition:
LAT'TER, a.  [an irregular comparative of late.]
1.  Coming or happening after something else; opposed to former; as the former and latter rain; former or latter harvest.
2.  Mentioned the last of two.
The difference between reason and revelation - and in what sense the latter is superior.
3.  Modern; lately done or past; as in these latter ages.


Topic: Lattice
Definition:
LAT'TICE, n.  
Any work of wood or iron, made by crossing laths, rods or bars, and forming open squares like net-work; as the lattice of a window.
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice.  Judges 5.
LAT'TICE, a.
1.  Consisting of cross pieces; as lattice work.
2.  Furnished with lattice work; as a lattice window.
LAT'TICE, v.t.
1.  To form with cross bars, and open work.
2.  To furnish with a lattice.


Topic: Laud
Definition:
LAUD, n.  [L. laus, laudis; Gr. ; Eng. loud.  See Loud.]
1.  Praise; commendation; an extolling in words; honorable mention.  [Little used.]
2.  That part of divine worship which consists in praise.
3.  Music or singing in honor of any one.
LAUD, v.t.  [L. laudo.]  To praise in words alone, or with words and singing; to celebrate.


Topic: Laudable
Definition:
LAUD'ABLE, a.  [L. laudabilis.]
1.  Praiseworthy; commendable; as laudable motives; laudable actions.
2.  Healthy; salubrious; as laudable juices of the body.
3.  Healthy; well digested; as laudable pus.


Topic: Laudableness
Definition:
LAUD'ABLENESS, n.  The quality of deserving praise; praiseworthiness; as the laudableness of designs, purposes, motives or actions.  [Laudability, in a like sense, has been used, but rarely.]


Topic: Laugh
Definition:
LAUGH, v.i. l'aff.  [Heb.]
1.  To make the noise and exhibit the features which are characteristic of mirth in the human species.  Violent laughter is accompanied with a shaking of the sides, and all laughter expels breath from the lungs.
2.  In poetry, to be gay; to appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, lively or brilliant.
Then laughs the childish year with flow'rets crown'd.
And o'er the foaming bowl, the laughing wine.
To laugh at, to ridicule; to treat with some degree of contempt.
No fool to laugh at, which he valued more.
To laugh to scorn, to deride; to treat with mockery, contempt and scorn.  Neh. 2.
LAUGH, n. l'aff.  An expression of mirth peculiar to the human species.
But feigns a laugh, to see me search around, and by that laugh the willing fair is found.


Topic: Laughter
Definition:
LAUGHTER, n. l'affter.  Convulsive merriment; an expression of mirth peculiar to man, consisting in a peculiar noise and configuration of features, with a shaking of the sides and expulsion of breath.
I said of laughter, it is mad.  Eccles. 2.


Topic: Laumonite
Definition:
LAU'MONITE, n.  Efflorescent zeolite; so called from Laumont, its discoverer.  It is found in laminated masses, in groups of prismatic crystals or prismatic distinct concretions.  Exposed to the air, it disintegrates.


Topic: Launder
Definition:
LAUNDER, n. l'ander.  [from L. lavo, to wash.]
A washer-woman; also, a long and hollow trough, used by miners to receive the powdered ore from the box where it is beaten.
LAUNDER, v.t.  l'ander.  To wash; to wet.


Topic: Laundress
Definition:
LAUNDRESS, n.  l'andress.  [L. lavo.]
A washer-woman; a female whose employment is to wash clothes.
LAUNDRESS, v.i.  l'andress.  [supra.]  To practice washing.


Topic: Laureate
Definition:
LAU'REATE, a.  [L. laureatus, from laurea, a laurel.]
Decked or invested with laurel; as laureate hearse.
Soft on her lap her laureate son reclines.
Poet laureate, in Great Britain, an officer of the king's household, whose business is to compose an ode annually for the king's birthday, and for the new year.  It is said this title was first given him in the time of Edward IV.
LAU'REATE, v.t.  To honor with a degree in the university, and a present of a wreath of laurel.


Topic: Laureation
Definition:
LAUREA'TION, n.  The act of conferring a degree in the university, together with a wreath of laurel; an honor bestowed on those who excelled in writing verse.  This was an ancient practice at Oxford, from which probably originated the denomination of poet laureate.


Topic: Laurustin
Definition:
LAU'RUSTIN, n.  [L. laurustinus.]  A plant of the genus Viburnum, an evergreen shrub or tree, whose flowers are said to continue through the winter.


Topic: Lautu
Definition:
LAU'TU, n.  A band of cotton, twisted and worn on the head of the Inca of Peru, as a badge of royalty.


Topic: Lava
Definition:
L'AVA, n.  [probably from flowing, and from the root of L. fluo, or lavo.]
1.  A mass or stream of melted minerals or stony matter which bursts or is thrown from the mouth or sides of a volcano, and is sometimes ejected in such quantities as to overwhelm cities.  Catana, at the foot of Etna, has often been destroyed by it, and in 1783, a vast tract of land in Iceland was overspread by an eruption of lava from mount Hecla.
2.  The same matter when cool and hardened.


Topic: Lavatory
Definition:
LAV'ATORY, n.  [See lave.]  
1.  A place for washing.
2.  A wash or lotion for a diseased part.
3.  A place where gold is obtained by washing.


Topic: Lave
Definition:
LAVE, v.t. [L. lavo; Gr.]
To wash; to bathe; a word used chiefly in poetry or rhetoric.
LAVE, v.i.
1.  To bathe; to wash one's self.
2.  To throw up or out; to lade out.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Laveer
Definition:
LAVEE'R, v.t.  In seamen's language, to tack; to sail back and forth.  [I believe this word is not in common use.]


Topic: Laver
Definition:
LA'VER, n.  A vessel for washing; a large basin; in scripture history, a basin placed in the court of the Jewish tabernacle, where the officiating priests washed their hands and feet and the entrails of victims.


Topic: Lavish
Definition:
LAV'ISH, a.  [I know not from what source we have received this word.  It coincides in elements with L. liber, free, liberal, and lavo, to wash.]
1.  Prodigal; expending or bestowing with profusion; profuse.  He was lavish of expense; lavish of praise; lavish of encomiums; lavish of censure; lavish of blood and treasure.
2.  Wasteful; expending without necessity; liberal to a fault.
3.  Wild; unrestrained.
Curbing his lavish spirit.
LAV'ISH, v.t.
1.  To expend or bestow with profusion; as, to lavish praise or encomiums.
2.  To waste; to expend without necessity or use; to squander; as, to lavish money on vices and amusements.


Topic: Law
Definition:
LAW, n.  [L. lex; from the root of lay.  See lay.  A law is that which is laid, set or fixed, like statute, constitution, from L. statuo.]
1.  A rule, particularly an established or permanent rule, prescribed by the supreme power of a state to its subjects, for regulating their actions, particularly their social actions.  Laws are imperative or mandatory, commanding what shall be done; prohibitory, restraining from what is to be forborn; or permissive, declaring what may be done without incurring a penalty.  The laws which enjoin the duties of piety and morality, are prescribed by God and found in the Scriptures.
Law is beneficence acting by rule.
2.  Municipal law, is a rule of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme power of a state, commanding what its subjects are to do, and prohibiting what they are to forbear; a statute.
Municipal or civil laws are established by the decrees, edicts or ordinances of absolute princes, as emperors and kings, or by the formal acts of the legislatures of free states.  Law therefore is sometimes equivalent to decree, edict, or ordinance.
3.  Law of nature, is a rule of conduct arising out of the natural relations of human beings established by the Creator, and existing prior to any positive precept.  Thus it is a law of nature, that one man should not injure another, and murder and fraud would be crimes, independent of any prohibition from a supreme power.
4.  Laws of animal nature, the inherent principles by which the economy and functions of animal bodies are performed, such as respiration, the circulation of the blood, digestion, nutrition, various secretions, &c.
5.  Laws of vegetation, the principles by which plats are produced, and their growth carried on till they arrive to perfection.
6.  Physical laws, or laws of nature.  The invariable tendency or determination of any species of matter to a particular form with definite properties, and the determination of a body to certain motions, changes, and relations, which uniformly take place in the same circumstances, is called a physical law.  These tendencies or determinations, whether called laws or affections of matter, have been established by the Creator, and are, with a peculiar felicity of expression, denominated in Scripture, ordinances of heaven.
7.  Laws of nations, the rules that regulate the mutual intercourse of nations or states.  These rules depend on natural law, or the principles of justice which spring from the social state; or they are founded on customs, compacts, treaties, leagues and agreements between independent communities.
By the law of nations, we are to understand that code of public instruction, which defines the rights and prescribes the duties of nations, in their intercourse with each other.
8.  Moral law, a law which prescribes to men their religious and social duties, in other words, their duties to God and to each other.  The moral law is summarily contained in the decalogue or ten commandments, written by the finger of God on two tables of stone, and delivered to Moses on mount Sinai.  
Ex. 20.
9.  Ecclesiastical law, a rule of action prescribed for the government of a church; otherwise called canon law.
10.  Written law, a law or rule of action prescribed or enacted by a sovereign, and promulgated and recorded in writing; a written statute, ordinance, edict or decree.
11.  Unwritten or common law, a rule of action which derives its authority from long usage, or established custom, which has been immemorially received and recognized by judicial tribunals.  As this law can be traced to no positive statutes, its rules or principles are to be found only in the records of courts, and in the reports of judicial decisions.
12.  By-law, a law of a city, town or private corporation.  [See By.]
13.  Mosaic law, the institutions of Moses, or the code of laws prescribed to the Jews, as distinguished from the gospel.
14.  Ceremonial law, the Mosaic institutions which prescribe the external rites and ceremonies to be observed by the Jews, as distinct from the moral precepts, which are of perpetual obligation.
15.  A rule of direction; a directory; as reason and natural conscience.
These, having not the law, as a law to themselves.  Rom. 2.
16.  That which governs or has a tendency to rule; that which has the power of controlling.
But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  Romans 7.
17.  The word of God; the doctrines and precepts of God, or his revealed will.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  Ps. 1.
18.  The Old Testament.
Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? John 10.
19.  The institutions of Moses, as distinct from the other parts of the Old Testament; as the law and the prophets.
20.  A rule or axiom of science or art; settled principle; as the laws of versification or poetry.
21.  Law martial, or martial law, the rules ordained for the government of an army or military force.
22.  Marine laws, rules for the regulation of navigation, and the commercial intercourse of nations.
23.  Commercial law, law-merchant, the system of rules by which trade and commercial intercourse are regulated between merchants.
24.  Judicial process; prosecution of right in courts of law.
Tom Touchy is a fellow famous for taking the law of every body.
Hence the phrase, to go to law, to prosecute; to seek redress in a legal tribunal.
25.  Jurisprudence; as in the title, Doctor of Laws.
26.  In general, law is a rule of action prescribed for the government of rational beings or moral agents, to which rule they are bound to yield obedience, in default of which they are exposed to punishment; or law is a settled mode or course of action or operation in irrational beings and in inanimate bodies.
Civil law, criminal law.  [See Civil and Criminal.]
Laws of honor.  [See Honor.]
Law language, the language used in legal writings and forms, particularly the Norman dialect or Old French, which was used in judicial proceedings from the days of William the conqueror to the 36th year of Edward III.
Wager of law, a species of trial formerly used in England, in which the defendant gave security that he would, on a certain day, make his law, that is, he would make oath that he owed nothing to the plaintiff, and would produce eleven of his neighbors as compurgators, who should swear that they believed in their consciences that he had sworn the truth.


Topic: Lawful
Definition:
LAW'FUL, a.  
1.  Agreeable to law; conformable to law; allowed by law; legal; legitimate.  That is deemed lawful which no law forbids, but many things are lawful which are not expedient.
2.  Constituted by law; rightful; as the lawful owner of lands.


Topic: Lawfully
Definition:
LAW'FULLY, adv.  Legally; in accordance with law; without violating law.  We may lawfully do what the laws do not forbid.


Topic: Lawfulness
Definition:
LAW'FULNESS, n.  The quality of being conformable to law; legality.  The lawfulness of an action does not always prove its propriety or expedience.


Topic: Lawing
Definition:
LAW'ING, n.  Expeditation; the act of cutting off the claws and balls of the fore feet of mastiffs to prevent them from running after deer.


Topic: Lawless
Definition:
LAW'LESS, a.
1.  Not subject to law; unrestrained by law; as a lawless tyrant; lawless men.
2.  Contrary to law; illegal; unauthorized; as a lawless claim.
He needs no indirect nor lawless course.
3.  Not subject to the ordinary laws of nature; uncontrolled.
He, meteor-like, flames lawless through the void.


Topic: Lawn
Definition:
LAWN, n.  
An open space between woods, or a plain in a park or adjoining a noble seat.
Betwixt them lawns or level downs, and flocks grazing the tender herbs, were interspers'd.
LAWN, n.  [L. linum.]
A sort of fine linen.  Its use in the sleeves of bishops, explains the following line.
A saint in crape is twice a saint in lawn.
LAWN, a.  Made of lawn.


