# Dictionary

Topic: Potential
Definition:
POTEN'TIAL, a. [L. potentialis.]  Having power to impress on us the ideas of certain qualities, though the qualities are not inherent in the thing; as potential heat or cold.
1.  Existing in possibility, not in act.
 This potential and imaginary materia prima, cannot exist without form.
2.  Efficacious; powerful.  [Not in use.]
Potential cautery, in medicine, is the consuming or reducing to an eschar, any part of the body by a caustic alkaline or metallic salt, &c. instead of a red hot iron, the use of which is called actual cautery.
Potential mode, in grammar, is that form of the verb which is used to express the power, possibility, liberty or necessity of an action or of being; as, I may go; he can write.  This, in English, is not strictly a distinct mode, but the indicative or declarative mode, affirming the power to act, instead of the act itself.  I may go or can go, are equivalent to, I have power to go.
POTEN'TIAL, n.  Any thing that may be possible.


Topic: Potentially
Definition:
POTEN'TIALLY, adv.  In possibility; not in act; not positively.
 This duration of human souls is only potentially infinite.
1. In efficacy, not in actuality; as potentially cold.


Topic: Pother
Definition:
POTH'ER, n. [This word is vulgarly pronounced bother.  Its origin and affinities are not ascertained.]
1.  Bustle; confusion; tumult; flutter.  [Low.]
2.  A suffocating cloud.
POTH'ER, v.i.  To make a blustering ineffectual effort; to make a stir.
POTH'ER, v.t.  To harass and perplex; to puzzle.


Topic: Potstone
Definition:
POT'STONE, n.  Potstone appears to be indurated black talck, passing into serpentine.  It has a curved and undulatingly lamellar structure, passing into slaty.
Potstone is of a greenish gray color.  It occurs massive, or in granular concretions.
Potstone is a variety of steatite.


Topic: Pottern-ore
Definition:
POT'TERN-ORE, n.  A species of ore, which, from its aptness to vitrify like the glazing of potter's ware,the miners call by this name.


Topic: Pottery
Definition:
POT'TERY, n.  The vessels or ware made by potters; earthen ware, glazed and baked.
1.  The place where earthen vessels are manufactured.


Topic: Potting
Definition:
POT'TING, n. [form pot.]  Drinking; tippling.
1.  In the W. Indies,the process of putting sugar in casks for draining.
POT'TING, ppr.  Preserving in a pot; draining, as above; drinking.


Topic: Pouch
Definition:
POUCH, n.
1.  A small bag; usually, a leathern bag to be carried in the pocket.
2.  A protuberant belly.
3.  The bag or sack of a fowl, as that of the pelican.
POUCH, v.t.  To pocket; to save.
1.  To swallow; used of fowls, whose crop is called in French, poche.
2.  To pout.  [Not used.]


Topic: Poulterer
Definition:
POULTERER,n.  
1.  One who makes it his business to sell fowls for the table.
2.  Formerly, in England, an officer of the king's household, who had the charge of the poultry.


Topic: Poultice
Definition:
POULTICE, n. [L. puls, pultis.]  A cataplasm; a soft composition of meal, bran, or the like substance, to be applied to sores, inflamed parts of the body, &c.
POULTICE, v.t.  To apply a cataplasm to.


Topic: Poultry
Definition:
POULTRY, n. [L. pullus, a chicken, or other young animal; allied to Eng. foal; L. pullulo.]  Domestic fowls which are propagated and fed for the table,such as cocks and hens, capons, turkeys, ducks and geese.


Topic: Pounce
Definition:
POUNCE, n. pouns.
1.  Gum-sandarach pulverized, a fine powder used to prevent ink from spreading on paper.
2.  Charcoal dust inclosed in some open stuff, as muslin, &c. to be passed over holes pricked in the work, to mark the lines or designs on a paper underneath.  This kind of pounce is used by embroiderers to transfer their patterns upon their stuffs; also by lace-makers,and sometimes by engravers.  It is also used in varnishing.
3.  Cloth worked in eyelet-holes.
POUNCE, v.t.  To sprinkle or rub with pounce.
POUNCE,n. [L. pungo.]  The claw or talon of a bird of prey.
POUNCE, v.i.  To fall on suddenly; to fall on and seize with the claws; as, a rapacious fowl pounces on a chicken.


Topic: Pound
Definition:
POUND, n. [L. pondo, pondus, weight, a pound; pendo, to weigh, to bend.]
1.  A standard weight consisting of twelve ounces troy or sixteen ounces avoirdupois.
2.  A money of account consisting of twenty shillings, the value of which is different in different countries.  The pound sterling is equivalent to $4.44.44 cts. money of the United States. In New England and Virginia, the pound is equal to $3 1/3; in New York to $2 1/2.
POUND, n.  An inclosure erected by authority, in which cattle or other beasts are confined when taken in trespassing, or going at large in violation of law; a pin-fold.
POUND, v.t.  To confine in a public pound.
POUND, v.t.
1.  To beat; to strike with some heavy instrument, and with repeated blows, so as to make an impression.
 With cruel blows she pounds her blubber'd cheeks.
2.  To comminute and pulverize by beating; to bruise or break into fine parts by a heavy instrument; as, to pound spice or salt.
 Loud strokes with pounding spice the fabric rend.


Topic: Poundage
Definition:
POUND'AGE, n. [from pound.]  A sum deducted from a pound, or a certain sum paid for each pound.
1.  In England, a subsidy of 12d. in the pound, granted to the crown on all goods exported or imported, and if by aliens, more.


Topic: Pounded
Definition:
POUND'ED, pp.  Beaten or bruised with a heavy instrument; pulverized or broken by pounding.
1.  Confined in a pound; impounded.


Topic: Pounder
Definition:
POUND'ER, n.  A postle; the instrument of pounding.
1.  A person or thing denominated from a certain number of pounds; as a cannon is called a twelve-pounder; a person of ten pounds annual income is called a ten-pounder; a note or bill is called a ten-pounder.
2.  A large pear.
Pound foolish.  The phrase, penny wise and pound foolish, signified negligent in the care of large sums, but careful to save small sums.


Topic: Pour
Definition:
POUR, v.t.
1.  To throw, as a fluid in a stream, either out of a vessel, or into it; as, to pour water from a pail, or out of a pail; to pour wine into a decanter.  Pour is appropriately but not exclusively applied to fluids, and signifies merely to cast or throw, and this sense is modified by out, from, in, into, against, on, upon, under, &c.  It is applied not only to liquors, but to other fluids, and to substances consisting of fine particles; as, to pour a stream of gas or air upon a fire; to pour out sand.  It expresses particularly the bestowing or sending forth in copious abundance.
 I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. Joel 2. 
 To pour out dust.  Lex.14.
2.  To emit; to send forth in a stream or continued succession.
 London doth pout out her citizens.
3.  To send forth; as, to pour out words, prayers or sighs; to pour out the heart or soul. Ps.62.42.
4.  To throw in profusion or with overwhelming force.
 I will shortly pour out my fury on thee. Ezek.7.
POUR, v.i.  To flow; to issue forth in a stream, or continued succession of parts; to move or rush, as a current. The torrent pours down from the mountain, or along the steep descent.
1.  To rush in a crowd or continued procession.
 A ghastly band of giants,
 All pouring down the mountain, crowd the shore.


Topic: Pout
Definition:
POUT, n.  A fish of the genus Gadus, about an inch in length; the whiting pout.
1.  A bird.
2.  A fit of sullenness.  [Colloquial.]
POUT, v.i.
1.  To thrust out the lips, as in sullenness, contempt or displeasure; hence, to look sullen.
2.  To shoot out; to be prominent; as pouting lips.


Topic: Poverty
Definition:
POV'ERTY, n. [L. paupertas.  See Poor.]
1.  Destitution of property; indigence; want of convenient means of subsistence.  The consequence of poverty is dependence.
 The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty.  Prov.23.
2.  Barrenness of sentiment or ornament; defect; as the poverty of a composition.
3.  Want; defect of words; as the poverty of language.


Topic: Powder
Definition:
POW'DER, n. [L. pulvis.]
1.  Any dry substance composed of minute particles, whether natural or artificial; more generally, a substance comminuted or triturated to fine particles.  Thus dust is the powder of earth; flour is the powder of grain.  But the word is particularly applied to substances reduced to fine particles for medicinal purposes.
2.  A composition of saltpeter, sulphur and charcoal, mixed and granulated; gun-powder.
3.  Hair powder; pulverized starch.  
POW'DER, v.t.  To reduce to fine particles; to comminute; to pulverize; to triturate; to pound, grind or rub into fine particles.
1.  To sprinkle with powder; as, to powder the hair.
2.  To sprinkle with salt; to corn; as meat.
POW'DER, v.i.  To come violently.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Powder-chest
Definition:
POW'DER-CHEST, n.  A small box or case charged with powder, old nails, &c. fastened to the side of a ship, to be discharged at an enemy attempting to board.


Topic: Powdering-tub
Definition:
POW'DERING-TUB, n.  A tub or vessel in which meat is corned or salted.
1.  The place where an infected lecher is cured.


Topic: Powdery
Definition:
POW'DERY, a.  Friable; easily crumbling to pieces.
1.  Dusty; sprinkled with powder.
2.  Resembling powder.


Topic: Power
Definition:
POW'ER, n. [The Latin has posse, possum, potes, potentia. The primary sense of the verb is to strain, to exert force.]
1.  In a philosophical sense, the faculty of doing or performing any thing; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. A man raises his hand by his own power, or by power moves another body.  The exertion of power proceeds from the will, and in strictness, no being destitute of will or intelligence, can exert power.  Power in man is active or speculative.  Active power is that which moves the body; speculative power is that by which we see, judge, remember, or in general, by which we think.
Power may exist without exertion.  We have power to speak when we are silent.
Power has been distinguished also into active and passive,the power of doing or moving, and the power of receiving impressions or of suffering.  In strictness, passive power is an absurdity in terms.  To say that gold has a power to be melted,is improper language,yet for want of a more appropriate word, power is often used in a passive sense, and is considered as two-fold; viz.as able to make or able to receive any change.
2.  Force; animal strength; as the power of the arm, exerted in lifting, throwing or holding.
3.  Force; strength; energy; as the power of the mind, of the imagination, of the fancy.  He has not powers of genius adequate to the work.
4.  Faculty of the mind, as manifested by a particular mode of operation; as the power of thinking, comparing and judging; the reasoning powers.
5.  Ability, natural or moral.  We say, a man has the power of doing good; his property gives him the power of relieving the distressed; or he has the power to persuade others to do good; or it is not in his power to pay his debts.  The moral power of man is also his power of judging or discerning in moral subjects.
6.  In mechanics, that which produces motion or force, or which may be applied to produce it.  Thus the inclined plane is called a mechanical power, as it produces motion, although this in reality depends on gravity.  The wheel and axle, and the lever, are mechanical powers, as they may be applied to produce force.  These powers are also called forces, and they are of two kinds, moving power, and sustaining power.
7.  Force.  The great power of the screw is of extensive use in compression.  The power of steam is immense.
8.  That quality in any natural body which produces a change or makes an impression on another body; as the power of medicine; the power of heat; the power of sound.
9.  Force; strength; momentum; as the power of the wind, which propels a ship or overturns a building.
    10. Influence; that which may move the mind; as the power of arguments or of persuasion.
    11. Command; the right of governing, or actual government; dominion; rule, sway; authority. A large portion of Asia is under the power of the Russian emperor. The power of the British monarch is limited by law. The powers of government are legislative, executive, judicial, and ministerial.
 Power is no blessing in itself, but when it is employed to protect the innocent.
Under this sense may be comprehended civil, political, ecclesiastical, and military power.
    12. A sovereign, whether emperor, king or governing prince or the legislature of a state; as the powers of Europe; the great powers; the smaller powers. In this sense, the state or nation governed seems to be included in the word power. Great Britain is a great naval power.
    13. One invested with authority; a ruler; a civil magistrate. Rom.13.
    14. Divinity; a celestial or invisible being or agent supposed to have dominion over some part of creation; as celestial powers; the powers of darkness.
    15. That which has physical power; an army; a navy; a host; a military force.
 Never such a power--
 Was levied in the body of a land.
    16. Legal authority; warrant; as a power of attorney; an agent invested with ample power. The envoy has full powers to negotiate a treaty.
    17. In arithmetic and algebra, the product arising from the multiplication of a number or quantity into itself; as, a cube is the third power; the biquadrate is the fourth power.
    18. In Scripture, right; privilege. John 1. 1 Cor.9.
    19. Angels, good or bad. Col 1. Eph. 6.
    20. Violence, force; compulsion. Ezek. 4.
    21. Christ is called the power of God, as through him and his gospel, God displays his power and authority in ransoming and saving sinners. 1 Cor.1.
    22. The powers of heaven may denote the celestial luminaries. Matt.24.
    23. Satan is said to have the power of death, as he introduced sin, the cause of death, temporal and eternal, and torments men with the feat of death and future misery.
    24. In vulgar language, a large quantity; a great number; as a power of good things. [This is, I believe, obsolete, even among our common people.]
Power of attorney, authority given to a person to act for another.


Topic: Powerful
Definition:
POW'ERFUL, a. Having great physical or mechanical power; strong; forcible; mighty; as a powerful army or navy; a powerful engine.
1.  Having great moral power; forcible to persuade or convince the mind; as a powerful reason or argument.
2.  Possessing great political and military power; strong in extent of dominion or national resources; potent; as a powerful monarch or prince; a powerful nation.
3.  Efficacious; possessing or exerting great force or producing great effects; as a powerful medicine.
4.  In general, able to produce great effects; exerting great force or energy; as a powerful eloquence.
 The word of God is quick and powerful.  Heb.4.
5.  Strong; intense; as a powerful heat or light.


Topic: Powerfully
Definition:
POW'ERFULLY, adv.  With great force or energy; potently; mightily; with great effect; forcibly; either in a physical or moral sense.  Certain medicines operate powerfully on the stomach; the practice of virtue is powerfully recommended by its utility.


Topic: Powerless
Definition:
POW'ERLESS, a.  Destitute of power, force or energy; weak; impotent; not able to produce any effect.


Topic: Practic
Definition:
PRAC'TIC, for practical, is not in use.  It was formerly used for practical, and Spenser uses it in the sense of artful.


Topic: Practicably
Definition:
PRAC'TICABLY, adv.  In such a manner as may be performed.  'A rule practicably applied before his eyes,' is not correct language.  It is probably a mistake for practically.


Topic: Practical
Definition:
PRAC'TICAL, a. [L. practicus.]  Pertaining to practice or action.
1.  Capable of practice or active use; opposed to speculative; as a practical understanding.
2.  That may be used in practice; that may be applied to use; as practical knowledge.
3.  That reduces his knowledge or theories to actual use; as a practical man.
4.  Derived from practice or experience; as practical skill or knowledge.


Topic: Practically
Definition:
PRAC'TICALLY, adv.  In relation to practice.
1.  By means of practice or use; by experiment; as practically wise or skillful.
2.  In practice or use; as a medicine practically safe; theoretically wrong, but practically right.


Topic: Practice
Definition:
PRAC'TICE, n. [Gr. to act, to do, to make; Eng. to brook, and broker;  L. fruor, for frugor or frucor, whence fructus, contracted into fruit; frequens.]
1.  Frequent or customary actions; a succession of acts of a similar kind or in a like employment; as the practice of rising early or of dining late; the practice of reading a portion of Scripture morning and evening; the practice of making regular entries of accounts; the practice of virtue or vice.  Habit is the effect of practice.
2.  Use; customary use.
 Obsolete words may be revived when the are more sounding or significant than those in practice.
3.  Dexterity acquired by use.  [Unusual.]
4.  Actual performance; distinguished from theory.
 There are two functions of the soul, contemplation and practice, according to the general division of objects, some of which only entertain our speculations, others employ our actions.
5.  Application of remedies; medical treatment of diseases. Tow physicians may differ widely in their practice.
6.  Exercise of any profession; as the practice of law or of medicine; the practice of arms.
7.  Frequent use; exercise for instruction or discipline.  The troops are daily called out for practice.
8.  Skillful or artful management; dexterity in contrivance or the use of means; art; stratagem; artifice; usually in a bad sense.
 He sought to have that by practice which he could not by prayer.
[This use of the word is genuine; from L. experior. It is not a mistake as Johnson supposes. See the Verb.]
9.  A rule in arithmetic, by which the operations of the general rules are abridged in use.
PRAC'TICE, v.t.  [From the noun.  The orthography of the verb ought to be the same as of the noun; as in notice and to notice.]
1.  To do or perform frequently, customarily or habitually; to perform by a succession of acts; as, to practice gaming; to practice fraud or deception; to practice the virtues of charity and beneficence; to practice hypocrisy.  Is.32.
 Many praise virtue who do not practice it.
2.  To use or exercise any profession or art; as, to practice law or medicine; to practice gunnery or surveying.
3.  To use or exercise for instruction, discipline or dexterity.  [In this sense, the verb is usually intransitive.]
4.  To commit; to perpetrate; as the horrors practiced at Wyoming.
5.  To use; as a practiced road.  [Unusual.]
PRAC'TICE, v.i.  To perform certain acts frequently or customarily, either for instruction, profit, or amusement; as, to practice with the broad sword; to practice with the rifle.
1.  To form a habit of acting in any manner.
 They shall practice how to live secure.
2.  To transact or negotiate secretly.
 I have practic'd with him,
 And found means to let the victor know
 That Syphax and Sempronius are his friends.
3.  To try artifices.
 Others, by guilty artifice and arts
 Of promis'd kindness, practic'd on our hearts.
4.  To use evil arts or stratagems.
 If you there
 Did practice on my state--
5.  To use medical methods or experiments.  
 I am little inclined to practice on others,and as little that others should practice on me.
6.  To exercise any employment or profession.  A physician has practiced many years with success.


Topic: Practicer
Definition:
PRAC'TICER, n.  One that practices; one that customarily performs certain acts.
1.  One who exercises a profession.  In this sense, practitioner is generally used.


Topic: Practitioner
Definition:
PRACTI'TIONER, n.  One who is engaged in the actual use or exercise of any art or profession, particularly in law or medicine.
1.  One who does any thing customarily or habitually.
2.  One that practices sly or dangerous arts.


Topic: Praecognita
Definition:
PRAECOG'NITA, n. plu. [L. before known.]  Things previously known in order to understand something else.  Thus a knowledge of the structure of the human body is one of the praeacognita of medical science and skill.


Topic: Praemunire
Definition:
PRAEMUNI'RE, n. [a corruption of the L. praemonere, to pre-admonish.]
1.  A writ, or the offense for which it is granted.  The offense consists in introducing a foreign authority or power into England, that is, introducing and maintaining the papal power, creating imperium in imperio, and yielding that obedience to the mandates of the pope, which constitutionally belongs to the king. Both the offense and the writ are so denominated from the words used in the writ, praemunine facias, cause A B to be forewarned to appear before us to answer the contempt wherewith he stands charged.
2.  The penalty incurred by infringing a statute.


Topic: Prairy
Definition:
PRAIRY, n. An extensive tract of land, mostly level, destitute of trees, and covered with tall coarse grass. These prairies are numerous in the United States, west of the Alleghany mountains, especially between the Ohio, Mississippi and the great lakes.


Topic: Praise
Definition:
PRAISE, n.  s as z. [L. pretium.]
1.  Commendation bestowed on a person for his personal virtues or worthy actions, on meritorious actions themselves, or on any thing valuable; approbation expressed in words or song.  Praise may be expressed by an individual, and in this circumstance differs from fame, renown, and celebrity, which are the expression of the approbation of numbers, or public commendation.  When praise is applied to the expression of public approbation, it may be synonymous with renown, or nearly so.  A man may deserve the praise of an individual, or of a nation.
 There are men who always confound the praise of goodness with the practice.
2.  The expression of gratitude for personal favors conferred; a glorifying or extolling.
 He hath put a new song into my mouth, even praise to our God. Ps.40.
3.  The object, ground or reason of praise.
 He is thy praise,and he is thy God. Deut.10.  
PRAISE, v.t. [L. tollo, extollo; pretium.]
1.  To commend; to applaud; to express approbation of personal worth or actions.
 We praise not Hector, though his name we know
 Is great in arms; 'tis hard to praise a foe.
2.  To extol in words or song; to magnify; to glorify on account of perfections or excellent works.
 Praise him, all his angels, praise ye him, all his hosts. Ps.148.
3.  To express gratitude for personal favors.  Ps.138.
4.  To do honor to; to display the excellence of.
 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord. Ps.145.


Topic: Prance
Definition:
PR`ANCE, v.i. prans.
1.  To spring or bound, as a horse in high mettle.
 Now rule thy prancing steed.
2.  To ride with bounding movements; to ride ostentatiously.
 Th' insulting tyrant prancing o'er the field.
3.  To walk or strut about in a showy manner or with warlike parade.


Topic: Prancing
Definition:
PR`ANCING, ppr.  Springing; bounding; riding with gallant show.
PR`ANCING, n.  A springing or bounding, as of a high spirited horse. Judg.5.


Topic: Prank
Definition:
PRANK, v.t.  To adorn in a showy manner; to dress or adjust to ostentation.
 In sumptuous tire she joyed herself to prank.
It is often followed by up.
 --And me, poor lowly maid,
 Most goddess-like prankt up.
PRANK, n.  Properly, a sudden start or sally.  [See Prance.]  Hence, a wild flight; a capering; a gambol.
1.  A capricious action; a ludicrous or merry trick, or a mischievous act, rather for sport than injury.  Children often play their pranks on each other.
 --In came the harpies and played their accustomed pranks.
PRANK, a.  Frolicksome; full of gambols or tricks.


Topic: Prate
Definition:
PRATE, v.i.  To talk much and without weight, or to little purpose; to be loquacious; as the vulgar express it, to run on.
 To prate and talk for life and honor,
 And make a fool presume to prate of love.
PRATE, v.t.  To utter foolishly.
 What nonsense would the fool, thy master, prate,
 When thou, his knave, canst talk at such a rate?
PRATE, n.  Continued talk to little purpose; trifling talk; unmeaning loquacity.


Topic: Pratique
Definition:
PRATIQUE, n.  In commerce, primarily, converse; intercourse; the communication between a ship and the port in which she arrives.  Hence, a license or permission to hold intercourse and trade with the inhabitants of a place, after having performed quarantine, or upon a certificate that the ship did not come from an infected place; a term used particularly in the south of Europe, where vessels coming from countries infected with contagious diseases, are subjected to quarantine.


Topic: Prattle
Definition:
PRAT'TLE, v.i. [dim. of prate.]  To talk much and idly; to be loquacious on trifling subjects.
This word is particularly applied to the talk of children.
PRAT'TLE, n.  Trifling talk; loquacity on trivial subjects.
 Mere prattle without practice,
 Is all his soldiership.


Topic: Pravity
Definition:
PRAV'ITY, n. [L. pravitas, from pravus, crooked, evil.]
Deviation from right; moral perversion; want of rectitude; corrupt state; as the pravity of human nature; the pravity of the will.


Topic: Praxis
Definition:
PRAX'IS, n. [L. from the Gr. See Practice.]  Use; practice.
1.  An example or form to teach practice.


Topic: Pray
Definition:
PRAY, v.i. [L. precor; proco; this word belongs to the same family as preach and reproach; Heb. to bless, to reproach; rendered in Job 2.9, to curse; properly, to reproach, to rail at or upbraid.  In Latin the word precor signifies to supplicate good or evil, and precis signifies a prayer and a curse.  See Imprecate.]
1.  To ask with earnestness or zeal, as for a favor, or for something desirable; to entreat; to supplicate.
 Pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.  Matt.5.
2.  To petition; to ask, as for a favor; as in application to a legislative body.
3.  In worship, to address the Supreme Being with solemnity and reverence, with adoration, confession of sins, supplication for mercy, and thanksgiving for blessings received.
 When thou prayest, enter into thy closet,and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.  Matt.6.
4.  I pray, that is, I pray you tell me, or let me know, is a common mode of introducing a question.
PRAY, v.t.  To supplicate; to entreat; to urge.
 We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor.5.
1.  In worship, to supplicate; to implore; to ask with reverence and humility.
 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee.  
Acts 8.
2.  To petition.  The plaintiff prays judgment of the court.
 He that will have the benefit of this act, must pray a prohibition before a sentence in the ecclesiastical court.
3.  To ask or intreat in ceremony or form.
 Pray my colleague Antonius I may speak with him.
[In most instances, this verb is transitive only by ellipsis.  To pray God, is used for to pray to God; to pray a prohibition, is to pray for a prohibition, &c.]
To pray in aid, in law, is to call in for help one who has interest in the cause.


Topic: Prayer
Definition:
PRA'YER, n.  In a general sense, the act of asking for a favor, and particularly with earnestness.
1.  In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits.  A prayer however may consist of a single petition, and it may be extemporaneous, written or printed.
2.  A formula of church service, or of worship, public or private.
3.  Practice of supplication.
 As he is famed for mildness, peace and prayer.
4.  That part of a memorial or petition to a public body, which specifies the request or thing desired to be done or granted, as distinct from the recital of facts or reasons for the grant.  We say, the prayer of the petition is that the petitioner may be discharged from arrest.


Topic: Prayerless
Definition:
PRA'YERLESS, a.  Not using prayer; habitually neglecting the duty of prayer to God; as a prayerless family.


Topic: Pre-eminence
Definition:
PRE-EM'INENCE, n.
1.  Superiority in excellence; distinction in something commendable; as pre-eminence in honor or virtue; pre-eminence in eloquence, in legal attainments or in medical skill.
 The preeminence of christianity to any other religious scheme--
2.  Precedence; priority of place; superiority in rank or dignity.
 That in all things he might have the preeminence.  Col.1.
 Painful preeminence! yourself to view
 Above life's weakness and its comforts too.
3.  Superiority of power or influence.
4.  Sometimes in a bad sense; as pre-eminence in guilt or crime.


Topic: Pre-eminent
Definition:
PRE-EM'INENT, a. [L. proe, before, and eminens, emineo.  See Menace.]
1.  Superior in excellence; distinguished for something commendable or honorable.
 In goodness and in power preeminent.
2.  Surpassing others in evil or bad qualities; as pre-eminent in crime or guilt.


Topic: Pre-eminently
Definition:
PRE-EM'INENTLY, adv.  In a preeminent degree; with superiority or distinction above others; as pre-eminently wise or good.
1.  In a bad sense; as pr-eminently guilty.


Topic: Pre-emption
Definition:
PRE-EMP'TION, n. [L. proe, before, and emptio, a buying; emo, to buy.]   The act of purchasing before others.
1.  The right of purchasing before others.  Prior discovery of unoccupied land gives the discoverer the prior right of occupancy.  Prior discovery of land inhabited by savages is held to give the discoverer the pre-emption, or right of purchase before others.
2.  Formerly, in England, the privilege or prerogative enjoyed by the king, of buying provisions for his household in preference to others, abolished by statute 19. Charles II.


Topic: Pre-engage
Definition:
PRE-ENGA'GE, v.t. [pre and engage.]  To engage by previous contract.
 To Cipseus by his friends his suit he mov'd,
 But he was pre-engag'd by former ties.
1.  To engage or attach by previous influence.
 The world has the unhappy advantage of pre-engaging our passions.
2.  To engage beforehand.


Topic: Pre-engagement
Definition:
PRE-ENGA'GEMENT, n.  Prior engagement; as by stipulation or promise.  A would accept my invitation, but for his pre-engagement to B.
1.  Any previous attachment binding the will or affections.
 My pre-engagements to other themes were not unknown to those for whom I was to write.


Topic: Pre-exist
Definition:
PRE-EXIST', v.i. [pre and exist.]  To exist beforehand or before something else.  It has been believed by many philosophers that the souls of men pre-exist, that is, exist before the formation of the body.


Topic: Pre-existence
Definition:
PRE-EXIST'ENCE, n.  Existence previous to something else.
 Wisdom declares her antiquity and pre-existence
to all the works of this earth.
1.  Existence of the soul before its union with the body, or before the body is formed; a tenet of eastern sages.


Topic: Pre-existent
Definition:
PRE-EXIST'ENT, a.  Existing beforehand; preceding in existence.
 What mortal knows his pre-existent state?


Topic: Preach
Definition:
PREACH, v.i. [L. proeco, a crier; precor.]
1.  To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a subject, or from a text of Scripture.  The word is usually applied to such discourses as are formed from a text of Scripture.  This is the modern sense of preach.
2.  To discourse on the gospel way of salvation and exhort to repentance; to discourse on evangelical truths and exhort to a belief of them and acceptance of the terms of salvation.  This was the extemporaneous manner of preaching pursued by Christ and his apostles.  Matt.4. 10.  Acts 10. 14.
PREACH, v.t.  To proclaim; to publish in religious discourses.
 What ye hear in the ear, that preach ye on the house-tops.  Matt.10.
 The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek.  Is.61.
1.  To inculcate in public discourses.
 I have preached righteousness in the great congregations. Ps.40.
 He oft to them preach'd
 Conversion and repentance.
To preach Christ or Christ crucified, to announce Christ as the only Savior, and his atonement as the only ground of acceptance with God.  1 Cor.1.
To preach up, to discourse in favor of.
 Can they preach up equality of birth?
PREACH, n.  A religious discourse.  [Not used.]


Topic: Preacher
Definition:
PRE'ACHER, n.  One who discourses publicly on religious subjects.
1.  One that inculcates any thing with earnestness.
 No preacher is listened to but time.


Topic: Preaching
Definition:
PRE'ACHING, ppr.  Proclaiming; publishing in discourse; inculcating.
PRE'ACHING, n.  The act of preaching; a public religious discourse.


Topic: Preamble
Definition:
PRE'AMBLE, n. [L. proe, before, and ambulo, to go.]
1.  Something previous; introduction to a discourse or writing.
2.  The introductory part of a statute, which states the reasons and intent of the law.
PRE'AMBLE, v.t.  To preface; to introduce with previous remarks.


Topic: Preaudience
Definition:
PREAU'DIENCE, n.  [See Audience.]  Precedence or rank at the bar among lawyers; right of previous audience.


Topic: Prebend
Definition:
PREB'END, n. [L. proebeo, to afford, to allow.]
1.  The stipend or maintenance granted out of the estate of a cathedral or collegiate church.  Prebends are simple or dignitary; simple, when they are restricted to the revenue only, and dignitary, when they have jurisdiction annexed to them.
2.  A prebendary.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Prebendary
Definition:
PREB'ENDARY, n.  An ecclesiastic who enjoys a prebend; the stipendiary of a cathedral church.
 A prebendary differs from a canon in this; the prebendary receives his prebend in consideration of his officiating in the church; the canon merely in consequence of his being received into the cathedral or college.


Topic: Precarious
Definition:
PRECA'RIOUS, a. [L. precarius, from precor, to pray or entreat; primarily, depending on request, or on the will of another.
1.  Depending on the will or pleasure of another; held by courtesy liable to be changed or lost at the pleasure of another.  A privilege depending on another's will is precarious, or held by a precarious tenure.
2.  Uncertain; held by a doubtful tenure; depending on unknown or unforeseen causes or events.  Temporal prosperity is precarious; personal advantages, health, strength and beauty are all precarious, depending on a thousand accidents.
We say also,the weather is precarious; a phrase in which we depart not more from the primary sense of the word, than we do in a large part of all the words in the language.


Topic: Precariously
Definition:
PRECA'RIOUSLY, adv.  At the will or pleasure of others; dependently; by an uncertain tenure; as, he subsists precariously.


Topic: Precariousness
Definition:
PRECA'RIOUSNESS, n.  Uncertainty; dependence on the will or pleasure of others, or on unknown events; as the precariousness of life or health.


Topic: Precaution
Definition:
PRECAU'TION,n. [L. precautus, proecaveo; proe, before,and caveo, to take care.]  Previous caution or care; caution previously employed to prevent mischief or secure good in possession.
PRECAU'TION, v.t.  To warn or advise beforehand for preventing mischief or securing good.


Topic: Precautionary
Definition:
PRECAU'TIONARY, a.  Containing previous caution; as precautionary advice or admonition.
1.  Proceeding from previous caution; adapted to prevent mischief or secure good; as precautionary measures.


Topic: Precede
Definition:
PRECE'DE, v.t. [L. proecedo; proe, before, and cedo, to more.]
1.  To go before in the order of time.  The corruption of morals precedes the ruin of a state.
2.  To go before in rank or importance.
3.  To cause something to be before; to make to take place in prior time.
 It is usual to precede hostilities by a public declaration.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Precedent
Definition:
PRECE'DENT, a.  Going before in time; anterior; antecedent; as precedent services; a precedent fault of the will.
 The world, or any part thereof, could not be precedent to the creation of man.
A precedent condition, in law, is a condition which must happen or be performed before an estate or some right can vest, and on failure of which the estate or right is defeated.


Topic: Precentor
Definition:
PRECEN'TOR, n. [Low L. proecentor; L. proe, before, and canto, to sing.]  The leader of the choir in a cathedral; called also the chanter or master of the choir.


Topic: Precept
Definition:
PRE'CEPT, n. [L. proeceptum, from proecipio, to command; proe, before, and capio, to take.]
1.  In a general sense, any commandment or order intended as an authoritative rule of action; but applied particularly to commands respecting moral conduct.  The ten commandments are so many precepts for the regulation of our moral conduct.
 No arts are without their precepts.
2.  In law, a command or mandate in writing.


Topic: Preceptive
Definition:
PRECEP'TIVE, a. [L. proeceptivus.]  Giving precepts or commands for the regulation of moral conduct; containing precepts; as the preceptive parts of the Scriptures.
1.  Directing in moral conduct; giving rules or directions; didactic.
 The lesson given us here is preceptive to us.
 Preceptive poetry.


Topic: Preceptor
Definition:
PRECEP'TOR, n. [L. proeceptor.  See Precept.]
1.  In a general sense, a teacher; an instructor.
2.  In a restricted sense, the teacher of a school; sometimes, the principal teacher of an academy or other seminary.


Topic: Preceptory
Definition:
PRECEP'TORY, a.  Giving precepts.
PRECEP'TORY,n.  A subordinate religious house where instruction was given.


Topic: Precession
Definition:
PRECES'SION, n. [L. proecessus, proecedo, to go before.]
1.  Literally, the act of going before, but in this sense rarely or never used.
2. In astronomy, the precession of the equinox, is an annual motion of the equinox, or point when the ecliptic intersects the equator, to the westward, amounting to 50 l/2'.  This precession was discovered by Hipparchus, a century and a half before the christian era,though it is alleged that the astronomers of India had discovered it long before.  At that time, the point of the autumnal equinox was about six degrees to the eastward of the star called spica virginis.  In 1750, that is, about nineteen hundred years after, this point was observed to be about 20 deg. 21' westward of that star.  Hence it appears that the equinoctial points will make an entire revolution in about 25,745 years.


Topic: Precinct
Definition:
PRE'CINCT, n. [L. proecinctus, proecingo, to cencompass; proe and cingo, to surround or gird.]
1.  The limit, bound or exterior line encompassing a place; as the precincts of light.
2.  Bounds of jurisdiction, or the whole territory comprehended within the limits of authority.
 Take the body of A B, if to be found within your precincts.
3.  A territorial district or division.
 It is to be observed that this word is generally used in the plural, except in the third sense.
 In case of non-acceptance [of the collector] the parish or precinct shall proceed to a new choice.


Topic: Precious
Definition:
PRE'CIOUS, a. [L. pretiosus, from pretium, price.  See Praise.]
1.  Of great price; costly; as a precious stone.
2.  Of great value or worth; very valuable.
 She is more precious than rubies. Prov.3.
3.  Highly valued; much esteemed.
 The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 1 Sam.3.
4.  Worthless; in irony and contempt.
Precious metals, gold and silver, so called on account of their value.


Topic: Precipe
Definition:
PRECIPE, n. pres'ipy. [L. proecipio.  See Precept.]
In law, a writ commanding the defendant to do a certain thing, or to show cause to the contrary; giving him his choice to redress the injury or to stand the suit.


Topic: Precipice
Definition:
PREC'IPICE, n. [L. proecipitium, from proeceps,headlong; proe, forward,and ceps, for caput, head.  See Chief.]
1.  Strictly, a falling headlong; hence, a steep descent of land; a fall or descent of land, perpendicular or nearly so.
 Where wealth, like fruit, on precipices grew.
2.  A steep descent, in general.
 In the breaking of the waves there is ever a precipice.
 Swift down the precipice of time it goes.


Topic: Precipitable
Definition:
PRECIP'ITABLE, a. [from L. proecipito, from proeceps, headlong.]
That may be precipitated or cast to the bottom, as a substance in solution.


Topic: Precipitate
Definition:
PRECIP'ITATE, v.t. [L. proecipito, from proeceps, headlong.  See Precipice.]
1.  To throw headlong; as, he precipitated himself from a rock.
2.  To urge or press with eagerness or violence; as, to precipitate a flight.
3.  To hasten.
 Short intermittent and swift recurrent pains do precipitate patients into consumptions.
4.  To hurry blindly or rashly.
 If they be daring, it may precipitate their designs and prove dangerous.
5.  To throw to the bottom of a vessel; as a substance in solution.
 All metals may be precipitated by alkaline salts.
PRECIP'ITATE, v.i.  To fall headlong.
1.  To fall to the bottom of a vessel, as sediment, or any substance in solution.
2.  To hasten without preparation.
PRECIP'ITATE, a.  Falling, flowing or rushing with steep descent.
 Precipitate the furious torrent flows.
1.  Headlong; over hasty; rashly hasty; as, the king was too precipitate in declaring war.
2.  Adopted with haste or without due deliberation; hasty; as a precipitate measure.
3.  Hasty; violent; terminating speedily in death; as a precipitate case of disease.
PRECIP'ITATE, n.  A substance which, having been dissolved, is again separated from its solvent and thrown to the bottom of the vessel by pouring another liquor upon it.
Precipitate per se,
Red precipitate, the red oxyd or peroxyd of mercury.


Topic: Precipitately
Definition:
PRECIP'ITATELY, adv.  Headlong; with steep descent.
1.  Hastily; with rash haste; without due caution.  Neither praise nor censure precipitately.


Topic: Precipitation
Definition:
PRECIPITA'TION, n. [L. proecipitatio.]
1.  The act of throwing headlong.
2.  A falling, flowing or rushing down with violence and rapidity.
 The hurry, precipitation and rapid motion of the water.
3.  Great hurry; rash, tumultuous haste; rapid movement.
 The precipitation of inexperience is often restrained by shame.
4.  The act or operation of throwing to the bottom of a vessel any substance held in solution by its menstruum.  Precipitation is often effected by a double elective attraction.


Topic: Precipitous
Definition:
PRECIP'ITOUS, a. [L. proeceps.]  Very steep; as a precipitous cliff or mountain.
1.  Headlong; directly or rapidly descending; as a precipitous fall.
2.  Hasty; rash; heady.
 Advice unsafe, precipitous and bold.


Topic: Preciptancy
Definition:
PRECIP'TANCY, n. [from precipitant.]  Headlong hurry; rash haste; haste in resolving, forming an opinion or executing a purpose without due deliberation.
 Hurried on by the precipitance of youth.
 
 Rashness and precipitance of judgment.
1.  Hurry; great haste in going.


Topic: Precise
Definition:
PRECI'SE, a. [L. proecisus, from proecido, to cut off; proe and coedo; literally, cut or pared away, that is, pared to smoothness or exactness.]
1.  Exact; nice; definite; having determinate limitations; not loose, vague, uncertain or equivocal; as precise rules of morality; precise directions for life and conduct.
 The law in this point is precise.
 For the hour precise
 Exacts our parting.
2.  Formal; superstitiously exact; excessively nice; punctilious in conduct or ceremony.


Topic: Precisely
Definition:
PRECI'SELY, adv.  Exactly; nicely; accurately; in exact conformity to truth or to a model.  The ideas are precisely expressed.  The time of an eclipse may be precisely determined by calculation.
 When more of these orders than one are to be set in several stories, there must be an exquisite care to place the columns precisely one over another.
1.  With excess of formality; with scrupulous exactness or punctiliousness in behavior or ceremony.


Topic: Preciseness
Definition:
PRECI'SENESS, n.  Exactness; rigid nicety; as the preciseness of words or expressions.
 I will distinguish the cases; though give me leave, in handling them, not to sever them with too much preciseness.
1.  Excessive regard to forms or rules; rigid formality.


Topic: Precisian
Definition:
PRECI'SIAN, n.  s as z. One that limits or restrains.
1.  One who is rigidly or ceremoniously exact in the observance of rules.


Topic: Precisianism
Definition:
PRECI'SIANISM, n.  Excessive exactness; superstitious rigor.
[These two words are, I believe, little used, or not at all.]


Topic: Precision
Definition:
PRECI'SION, n.  s as z. [L. proecisio.]  Exact limitation; exactness; accuracy.  Precision in the use of words is a prime excellence in discourse; it is indispensable in controversy, in legal instruments and in mathematical calculations.  Neither perspicuity nor precision should be sacrificed to ornament.


Topic: Precisive
Definition:
PRECI'SIVE, a.  Exactly limiting by separating what is not relative to the purpose; as precisive abstraction.


Topic: Preclude
Definition:
PRECLU'DE, v.t. [L. proecludo; proe, before, and cludo, claudo, to shut.]
1.  To prevent from entering by previously shutting the passage, or by any previous measures; hence, to hinder from access, possession or enjoyment.  Sin, by its very nature, precludes the sinner from heaven; it precludes the enjoyment of God's favor; or it precludes the favor of God.
 The valves preclude the blood from entering the veins.
2. To prevent from happening or taking place.


Topic: Precluded
Definition:
PRECLU'DED, pp.  Hindered from entering or enjoyment; debarred from something by previous obstacles.


Topic: Preclusion
Definition:
PRECLU'SION, n.  s as z.  The act of shutting out or preventing from access or possession; the state of being prevented from entering, possession or enjoyment.


Topic: Precocious
Definition:
PRECO'CIOUS, a. [L. proecox; proe, before, and coquo, to cook or prepare.]
1.  Ripe before the proper or natural time; as precocious trees.
2.  Premature.


Topic: Precogitate
Definition:
PRECOG'ITATE, v.t. [L. proecogito; proe and cogito.]
To consider or contrive beforehand.  [Little used.]


Topic: Precognition
Definition:
PRECOGNI'TION, n. [L. proe, before, and cognitio, knowledge.]
1.  Previous knowledge; antecedent examination.
2.  In Scots law, an examination of witnesses to a criminal act, before a judge, justice of the peace or sheriff, before the prosecution of the offender, in order to know whether there is ground of trial, and to enable the prosecutor to set forth the facts in the libel.


Topic: Preconceive
Definition:
PRECONCE'IVE, v.t. [L. proe, before, and concipio, to conceive.]
To form a conception or opinion beforehand; to form a previous notion or idea.
 In a dead plain, the way seems the longer, because the eye has preconceived it shorter than the truth.


Topic: Preconceived
Definition:
PRECONCE'IVED, pp.  Conceived beforehand; previously formed; as preconceived opinions; preconceived ends or purposes.


Topic: Preconization
Definition:
PRECONIZA'TION, n. [L. proeconium, from proeco, a crier.
A publishing by proclamation, or a proclamation.  [Not used.]


Topic: Precontracted
Definition:
PRECONTRACT'ED, pp.  Previously contracted or stipulated; previously engaged by contract; as a woman precontracted to another man.


Topic: Precurse
Definition:
PRECURSE, n. precurs'. [L. proecursus, proecurro; proe and curro, to run.]    A forerunning. [Not used.]


Topic: Precursor
Definition:
PRECURS'OR, n. [L. proecursor, supra.]  A forerunner; a harbinger; he or that which precedes an event and indicates its approach; as Jove's lightnings, the precursors of thunder.
A cloud in the southwest, in winter, is often the precursor of a snow storm.  A hazy atmosphere in the west, at sunset, is often the precursor of a cloudy or of a rainy day.
Evil thoughts are the invisible, airy precursors of all the storms and tempests of the soul.


Topic: Precursory
Definition:
PRECURS'ORY, a.  Preceding as the harbinger; indicating something to follow; as precursory symptoms of a fever.
PRECURS'ORY, n.  An introduction.  [Not used.]


Topic: Predatory
Definition:
PRED'ATORY, a. [L. proedatorius, from proeda, prey.]
1.  Plundering; pillaging; characterized by plundering; practicing rapine; as a predatory war; a predatory excursion; a predatory party.
2.  Hungry; ravenous; as predatory spirits or appetite. [Hardly allowable.]


Topic: Predecessor
Definition:
PREDECES'SOR, n. [L. proe and decedo, to depart.]  A person who has preceded another in the same office.  The king, the president, the judge, or the magistrate, follows the steps of his predecessor, or he does not imitate the example of his predecessors. It is distinguished from ancestor, who is of the same blood; but it may perhaps be sometimes used for it.


Topic: Predestinate
Definition:
PREDES'TINATE, a.  Predestinated; foreordained.
PREDES'TINATE, v.t. [L. proedestino; proe and destino, to appoint.
To predetermine or foreordain; to appoint or ordain beforehand by an unchangeable purpose.
 Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.  Rom.8.
 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself. Eph.1.


Topic: Predestinating
Definition:
PREDES'TINATING, ppr.  Foreordaining; decreeing; appointing beforehand by an unchangeable purpose.
1.  Holding predestination.
 And pricks up his predestinating ears.


Topic: Predestination
Definition:
PREDESTINA'TION, n.  The act of decreeing or foreordaining events; the decree of God by which he hath, from eternity, unchangeably appointed or determined whatever comes to pass.  It is used particularly in theology to denote the preordination of men to everlasting happiness or misery.
Predestination is a part of the unchangeable plan of the divine government; or in other words, the unchangeable purpose of an unchangeable God.


Topic: Predetermination
Definition:
PREDETERMINA'TION, n.  [See Predetermine.]
1.  Previous determination; purpose formed beforehand; as the predetermination of God's will.
2.  Premotion; that concurrence of God which determines men in their actions.


Topic: Predetermine
Definition:
PREDETERM'INE, v.t. [pre and determine.]
1.  To determine beforehand; to settle in purpose or counsel.
 If God foresees events,he must have predetermined them.
2.  To doom by previous decree.


Topic: Predial
Definition:
PRE'DIAL, a. [L. proedium, a farm or estate.]
1.  Consisting of land or farms; real estate.
2.  Attached to land or farms; as predial slaves.
3.  Growing or issuing from land; as predial tithes.


Topic: Predicability
Definition:
PREDICABIL'ITY, n. [from predicable.]  The quality of being predicable, or capable of being affirmed of something, or attributed to something.


Topic: Predicable
Definition:
PRED'ICABLE, a. [L. proedicabilis, from proedico, to affirm; proe and dico, to say.]  That may be affirmed of something; that may be attributed to.  Animal is predicable of man.  Intelligence is not predicable of plants.  More or less is not predicable of a circle or of a square.  Whiteness is not predicable of time.
PRED'ICABLE, n.  One of the five things which can be affirmed of any thing.  Genus, species, difference, property, and accident are the five predicables.


Topic: Predicament
Definition:
PREDIC'AMENT, n. [L. proedicamentum, from proedico, to affirm.]
1.  In logic, a category; a series or order of all the predicates or attributes contained under any genus.  The school philosophers distribute all the objects of our thoughts and ideas into genera or classes, which the Greeks call categories, and the Latins predicaments.  Aristotle made ten categories, viz. substance, quantity, quality, relation, action, passion, time, place, situation and habit.
2.  Class or kind described by any definite marks; hence, condition; particular situation or state.
 We say, the country is in a singular predicament.


Topic: Predicate
Definition:
PRED'ICATE, v.t. [L. proedico; proe and dico, to say.]
To affirm one thing of another; as, to predicate whiteness of snow.  Reason may be predicated of man.
PRED'ICATE, v.i.  To affirm; to comprise an affirmation.
PRED'ICATE, n.  In logic, that which, in a proposition, is affirmed or denied of the subject.  In these propositions, 'paper is white.' 'ink is not white,' whiteness is the predicate affirmed of paper, and denied of ink.


Topic: Predication
Definition:
PREDICA'TION, n. [L. proedicatio.]  Affirmation of something, or the act of affirming one thing of another.


Topic: Predict
Definition:
PREDICT', v.t. [L. proedictus, proedico; proe, before, and dico, to tell.]   To foretell; to tell beforehand something that is to happen. Moses predicted the dispersion of the Israelites. Christ predicted the destruction of Jerusalem.


Topic: Prediction
Definition:
PREDIC'TION, n. [L. proedictio.]  A foretelling; a previous declaration of a future event; prophecy. The fulfillment of the predictions of the prophets is considered to be a strong argument in favor of the divine origin of the Scriptures.


Topic: Predigestion
Definition:
PREDIGES'TION, n. [pre and digestion.]  Too hasty digestion.
 Predigestion fills the body with crudities.


Topic: Predilection
Definition:
PREDILEC'TION, n. [L.proe, before, and dilectus, dilito, to love.]
A previous liking; a prepossession of mind in favor of something.


Topic: Predispose
Definition:
PREDISPO'SE, v.t.  s as z.  [pre and dispose.]
1.  To incline beforehand; to give a previous disposition to; as, to predispose the mind or temper to friendship.
2.  To fit or adapt previously; as, debility predisposes the body to disease.


Topic: Predisposing
Definition:
PREDISPO'SING, ppr.  Inclining or adapting beforehand.
1.  a. Tending or able to give predisposition or liableness; as the predisposing causes of disease.


Topic: Predisposition
Definition:
PREDISPOSI'TION, n.  Previous inclination or propensity to any thing; applied to the mind.
1.  Previous fitness or adaptation to any change, impression or purpose; applied to matter; as the predisposition of the body to disease; the predisposition of the seasons to generate diseases.


Topic: Predominant
Definition:
PREDOM'INANT, a. [L. proe and dominans, dominor, to rule.]
Prevalent over others; superior in strength, influence or authority; ascendant; ruling; controlling; as a predominant color; predominant beauty or excellence; a predominant passion.
 Those helps--were predominant in the king's mind.
 Foul subornation is predominant.


Topic: Predominate
Definition:
PREDOM'INATE, v.i. [L. proe, before, and dominor, to rule, from dominus, lord.]    To prevail; to surpass in strength, influence or authority; to be superior; to have controlling influence. In some persons, the love of money predominates over all other passions; in others, ambition or the love of fame predominates; in most men, self-interest predominates over patriotism and philanthropy.
 So much did love t'her executed lord
 Predominate in this fair lady's heart.

 The rays reflected least obliquely may predominate over the rest.
PREDOM'INATE, v.t. To rule over.


Topic: Preen
Definition:
PREEN, n.  A forked instrument used by clothiers in dressing cloth.
PREEN, v.t.  To clean, compose and dress the feathers, as fowls, to enable them to glide more easily through the air or water.  For this purpose they are furnished with two glands on their rump, which secrete an oily substance into a bag, from which they draw it with the bill and spread it over their feathers.


Topic: Preface
Definition:
PREF'ACE, n. [L. proefatio; proe, before, and for, fari, fatus, to speak.]   Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay, intended to inform the hearer or reader of the main design, or in general, of whatever is necessary to the understanding of the discourse, book or essay; a poem; an introduction or series of preliminary remarks.
PREF'ACE, v.t.  To introduce by preliminary remarks; as, to preface a book or discourse.  The advocate prefaced his argument with a history of the case.
1.  To face; to cover; a ludicrous sense.
 Not prefacing old rags with plush.
PREF'ACE, v.i.  To say something introductory.


Topic: Prefect
Definition:
PRE'FECT, n. [L. proefectus; proe, before,and factus, made; but directly from proeficior, proefectus.]
1.  In ancient Rome, a chief magistrate who governed a city or province in the absence of the king, consuls or emperor.
2. A governor, commander, chief magistrate or superintendent.


Topic: Prefer
Definition:
PREFER', v.t. [L. proefero; proe, before, and fero, to bear or carry.]
1.  Literally, to bear or carry in advance, in the mind, affections or choice; hence, to regard more than another; to honor or esteem above another.
It is sometimes followed by above, before, or to.
 If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Ps.137.
 He that cometh after me, is preferred before me. John 1.
2.  To advance, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; as, to prefer one to a bishopric; to prefer an officer to the rank of general.
3.  To offer; to present; to exhibit; usually with solemnity, or to a public body.  It is our privilege to enjoy the right of preferring petitions to rulers for redress of wrongs.
 My vows and prayers to thee preferred.
 Prefer a bill against all kings and parliaments since the conquest.
4.  To offer or present ceremoniously, or in ordinary familiar language.
 He spake, and to her hand preferr'd the bowl.
[This is allowable, at least in poetry, though not usual.]


Topic: Preferable
Definition:
PREF'ERABLE, a.  Worthy to be preferred or chosen before something else; more eligible; more desirable. Virtue is far preferable to vice, even for its pleasures in this life.
1.  More excellent; of better quality; as, Madeira wine is preferable to claret.


Topic: Preferably
Definition:
PREF'ERABLY, adv.  In preference; in such a manner as to prefer one thing to another.
 How comes he to choose Plautus preferably to Terance?


Topic: Preference
Definition:
PREF'ERENCE, n.  The act of preferring one thing before another; estimation of one thing above another; choice of one thing rather than another.
 Leave the critics on either side to contend about the preference due to this or that sort of poetry.
It has to, above, before, or over, before the thing postponed.  All men give the preference to Homer as an epic poet. The human body has the preference above or before those of brutes.
 The knowledge of things alone gives a value to our reasonings,and preference of one man's knowledge over another's.


Topic: Preferment
Definition:
PREFER'MENT, n.  Advancement to a higher office, dignity or station.  Change of manners and even of character often follows preferment.  A profligate life should be considered a disqualification for preferment, no less than want of ability.
1.  Superior place or office.  All preferments should be given to competent men.
2.  Preference.  [Not used.


Topic: Prefiguration
Definition:
PREFIGURA'TION, n.  Antecedent representation by similitude.
 A variety of prophecies and prefigurations had their punctual accomplishment in the author of this institution.


Topic: Prefigurative
Definition:
PREFIG'URATIVE, a. Showing by previous figures, types of similitude.  The sacrifice of the paschal lamb was prefigurative of the death of Christ.


Topic: Prefigure
Definition:
PREFIG'URE, v.t. [L. proe, before, and figuro, to fashion.]
To exhibit by antecedent representation, or by types and similitude.
 In the Old Testament, things are prefigured, which are performed in the New.


Topic: Prefine
Definition:
PREFI'NE, v.t. [L. proefinio; proe, before, and finio, to limit; finis, limit.]   To limit beforehand. [Little used.]


Topic: Prefix
Definition:
PREFIX', v.t.  [L. proefigo; proe, before, and figo, to fix.]
1.  To put or fix before, or at the beginning of another thing; as, to prefix a syllable to a word; to prefix an advertisement to a book.
2.  To set or appoint beforehand; as, to prefix the hour of meeting.
 A time prefix, and think of me at last.
3.  To settle; to establish.
 I would prefix some certain boundary between the old statutes and the new.


Topic: Prefulgency
Definition:
PREFUL'GENCY, n. [l. proefulgens; proe, before, and fulgeo, to shine.]    Superior brightness or effulgency.


Topic: Pregnancy
Definition:
PREG'NANCY, n.  [See Pregnant.]  The state of a female who has conceived, or is with child.
1.  Fertility; fruitfulness; inventive power; as the pregnancy of wit or invention.
Pregnance, in a like sense, is not used.


Topic: Pregnant
Definition:
PREG'NANT, a. [L. proegnans; supposed to be compounded of proe, before, and geno; Gr. to beget.]
1.  Being with young, as a female; breeding; teeming.
2.  Fruitful; fertile; impregnating; as pregnant streams.
3.  Full of consequence; as a pregnant instance of infatuation.
 An egregious and pregnant instance how far virtue surpasses ingenuity.
4.  East to admit or receive.
5.  Free; kind; ready; witty; apt.  [Not proper.]
6.  Plain; clear; evident; full.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Prehensile
Definition:
PREHEN'SILE, a. [L. prehendo, to take or seize; prehensus.]
Seizing; grasping; adapted to seize or grasp.  The tails of some monkeys  are prehensile.


Topic: Prehnite
Definition:
PREHN'ITE, n.  A mineral of the silicious kind, of an apple green or greenish gray color.  It has been called shorl, emerald, chrysoprase, felspath, chrysolite, and zeolite.  It has some resemblance to zeolite, but differs from it in several particulars, and is therefore considered to be a particular species.
Prehnite is near to stilbite, and is classed by the French with the family of zeolites.
It is massive or crystallized, but the form of its crystals cannot be determined in consequence of their aggregation.


Topic: Prejudge
Definition:
PREJUDGE, v.t. prejudg'.  [L. proe and judico, to judge.]
1.  To judge in a cause before it is heard, or before the arguments and facts in the case are fully known.
 The committee of council hath prejudged the whole case, by calling the united sense of both houses of parliament an universal clamor.
2.  To judge and determine before the cause is heard; hence sometimes, to condemn beforehand or unheard.


Topic: Prejudicate
Definition:
PREJU'DICATE, v.t. [L. proe, before, and judico, to judge.]
To prejudge; to determine beforehand to disadvantage.
 Our dearest friend
 Prejudicates the business.
PREJU'DICATE, v.i.  To form a judgment without due examination of the facts and arguments in this case.
PREJU'DICATE, a.  Formed before due examination.
1.  Prejudiced; biased by opinions formed prematurely; as a prejudicate reader.  [Little used.]


Topic: Prejudication
Definition:
PREJUDICA'TION, n.  The act of judging without due examination of facts and evidence.
1.  In Roman oratory, prejudications were of three kinds; first, precedents or adjudged cases, involving the same points of law; second, previous decisions on the same question between other parties; third, decisions of the same cause and between the same parties, before tribunals of inferior jurisdiction.


Topic: Prejudice
Definition:
PREJ'UDICE, n. [L. prejudicium; proe and judico.]
1.  Prejudgment; an opinion or decision of mind, formed without due examination of the facts or arguments which are necessary to a just and impartial determination.  It is used in a good or bad sense.  Innumerable are the prejudices of education; we are accustomed to believe what we are taught, and to receive opinions from others without examining the grounds by which they can be supported.  A man has strong prejudices in favor of his country or his party, or the church in which he has been educated; and often our prejudices are unreasonable. A judge should disabuse himself of prejudice in favor of either party in a suit.
 My comfort is that their manifest prejudice to my cause will render their judgment of less authority.
2.  A previous bent or bias of mind for or against any person or thing; prepossession.
 There is an unaccountable prejudice to projectors of all kinds.
3.  Mischief; hurt; damage; injury.  Violent factions are a prejudice to the authority of the sovereign.
 How plain this abuse is, and what prejudice it does to the understanding of the sacred Scriptures.
[This is a sense of the word too well established to be condemned.]
PREJ'UDICE, v.t.  To prepossess with unexamined opinions, or opinions formed without due knowledge of the facts and circumstances attending the question; to bias the mind by hasty and incorrect notions, and give it an unreasonable bent to one side or other of a cause.
 Suffer not any beloved study to prejudice your mind so far as to despise all other learning.
1.  To obstruct or injure by prejudices, or an undue previous bias of the mind; or to hurt; to damage; to diminish; to impair; in a very general sense.  The advocate who attempts to prove too much, may prejudice his cause.
 I am not to prejudice the cause of my fellow poets, though I abandon my own defense.


Topic: Prejudicial
Definition:
PREJUDI'CIAL, a.  Biased or blinded by prejudices; as a prejudicial eye.  [Not in use.]
1.  Hurtful; mischievous; injurious; disadvantageous; detrimental; tending to obstruct or impair.  A high rate of interest is prejudicial to trade and manufactures. Intemperance is prejudicial to health.
 His going away the next morning with all his troops, was most prejudicial to the king's affairs.
 One of the young ladies reads while the others are at work; so that the learning of the family is not at all prejudicial to its manufactures.


Topic: Prelacy
Definition:
PRE'LACY, n. [from prelate.]  The office or dignity of a prelate.
 Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices.
1.  Episcopacy; the order of bishops.
 How many are there that call themselves protestants, who put prelacy and popery together as terms convertible?
2.  Bishops, collectively.
 Divers of the reverend prelacy.


Topic: Prelate
Definition:
PRE'LATE, n. [L. proelatus, proefero.]  An ecclesiastic of the higher order, as an archbishop, bishop or patriarch; a dignitary of the church.


Topic: Prelation
Definition:
PRELA'TION, n. [L. proelatio, proefero.]  Preference; the setting of one above another.  [Little used.]


Topic: Prelatist
Definition:
PRE'LATIST, n. [form prelate.]  An advocate for prelacy or the government of the church by bishops; a high churchman.
 I am an episcopalian, but not a prelatist.


Topic: Prelect
Definition:
PRELECT', v.t. [L. proelectus, proelego; proe, before, and lego, to read.]   To read a lecture or public discourse.


Topic: Prelibation
Definition:
PRELIBA'TION, n. [from L. proelibo; proe, before, and libo, to taste.]
1.  Foretaste; a tasting beforehand or by anticipation.
 The joy that proceeds from a belief of pardon is a prelibation of heavenly bliss.
2.  An effusion previous to tasting.


Topic: Preliminary
Definition:
PRELIM'INARY, a. [L. proe, before, and limen, threshhold or limit.]
Introductory; previous; proemial; that precedes the main discourse or business; as preliminary observations to a discourse or book; preliminary articles to a treaty; preliminary measures.
PRELIM'INARY, n.  That which precedes the main discourse, work, design or business; something previous or preparatory; as the preliminaries to a negotiation or treaty; the preliminaries to a combat.  The parties met to settle the preliminaries.


Topic: Prelude
Definition:
PRE'LUDE, n. [Low L. proeludium, from proeludo; proe, before, and ludo, to play.]
1.  A short flight of music, or irregular air played by a musician before he begins the piece to be played, or before a full concert.
2.  Something introductory or that shows what is to follow; something preceding which bears some relation or resemblance to that which is to follow.
 The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aeneis.
3.  A forerunner; something which indicates a future event.


Topic: Prelusive
Definition:
PRELU'SIVE, a.  Previous; introductory; indicating that something of a like kind is to follow; as prelusive drops.


Topic: Premature
Definition:
PREMATU'RE, a. [L. proematurus; proe, before, and maturus, ripe.]
1.  Ripe before the natural or proper time; as the premature fruits of a hot bed.
2.  Happening, arriving, performed or adopted before the proper time; as a premature fall of snow in autumn; a premature birth; a premature opinion; a premature measure.
3.  Arriving or received without due authentication or evidence; as premature report, news or intelligence.


Topic: Prematurely
Definition:
PREMATU'RELY, adv. Too soon; too early; before the proper time; as fruits prematurely ripened; opinions prematurely formed; measures prematurely taken.
1.  Without due evidence or authentication; as intelligence prematurely received.


Topic: Premeditate
Definition:
PREMED'ITATE, v.t. [L. proemeditor; proe, before, and meditor, to mediate.]  To think on and revolve in the mind beforehand; to contrive and design previously; as, to premeditate theft or robbery.
 With words premeditated thus he said.
PREMED'ITATE, v.i.  To think, consider or revolve in the mind beforehand; to deliberate; to have formed in the mind by previous thought or meditation.
PREMED'ITATE, a.  Contrived by previous meditation.


Topic: Premeditated
Definition:
PREMED'ITATED, pp.  Previously considered or meditated.
1.  Previously contrived, designed or intended; deliberate; willful; as premeditated murder.


Topic: Premeditation
Definition:
PREMEDITA'TION, n. [L. proemeditatio.]
1.  The act of meditating beforehand; previous deliberation.
 A sudden thought may be higher than nature can raise without premeditation.
2.  Previous contrivance or design formed; as the premeditation of a crime.


Topic: Premier
Definition:
PRE'MIER, a. [L. primus, first.]  First; chief; principal; as the premier place; premier minister.
PRE'MIER, n.  The first minister of state; the prime minister.


Topic: Premise
Definition:
PREMI'SE, v.t.  s as z.  [L. proemissus, proemitto, to send before.]
1.  To speak or write before, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows.
 I premise these particulars that the reader may know that I enter upon it as a very ungrateful task.
2.  To send before the time.  [Not in use.]
3.  To lay down premises or first propositions, on which rest the subsequent reasonings.
4.  To use or apply previously.
 If venesection and a cathartic be premised.
PREMI'SE, v.i.  To state antecedent propositions.


Topic: Premises
Definition:
PREM'ISES, n. [L. proemissa.]
1.  In logic, the two first propositions of a syllogism, from which the inference or conclusion is drawn; as, 
 All sinners deserve punishment;
 A B is a sinner.
These propositions, which are the premises, being true or admitted, the conclusion follows, that A B deserves punishment.
2.  Propositions antecedently supposed or proved.
 While the premises stand firm, it is impossible to shake the conclusion.
3.  In law, land or other things mentioned in the preceding part of a deed.


Topic: Premium
Definition:
PRE'MIUM, n. [L.]  Properly, a reward or recompense; a prize to be won by competition; the reward or prize to be adjudged to the best performance or production.
1.  The recompense or prize offered for a specific discovery or for success in an enterprise; as for the discovery of the longitude, or of a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
2.  A bounty; something offered or given for the loan of money, usually a sum beyond the interest.
3.  The recompense to underwriters for insurance, or for undertaking to indemnify for losses of any kind.
4.  It is sometimes synonymous with interest, but generally in obtaining loans, it is a sum per cent. distinct from the interest.
The bank lends money to government at a premium of 2 per cent.
5.  A bounty.
 The law that obliges parishes to support the poor, offers a premium for the encouragement of idleness.


Topic: Premonition
Definition:
PREMONI'TION, n.  Previous warning,notice or information.  Christ gave to his disciples premonitions of their sufferings.


Topic: Premonstrants
Definition:
PREMON'STRANTS, n. [L. proemonstrans.]  A religious order of regular canons or monks of Premontre, in the isle of France; instituted by Norbert, in 1120.  They are called also white canons.  These monks were poor at first, but within 30 years they had more than 100 abbeys in France and Germany, and in time they were established in all parts of christendom.


Topic: Premonstrate
Definition:
PREMON'STRATE, v.t. [L. proemonstro; proe, before, and monstro,to show.]   To show beforehand. [Little used.]


Topic: Premorse
Definition:
PREMORSE, a. premors'. [L. proemordeo, proemorsus; proe and mordeo, to gnaw.]    Bitten off.
Premorse roots, in botany, are such as are not tapering, but blunt at the end, as if bitten off short.
leaves, are such as end very obtusely with unequal notches.


Topic: Premunire
Definition:
PREMUNI'RE, n.  [See Proemunire. ]
1.  In law, the offense of introducing foreign authority into England, and the writ which is grounded on the offense.
2.  The penalty incurred by the offense above described.
 Woolsey incurred a premunire, and forfeited his honor, estate and life.


Topic: Prenomen
Definition:
PRENO'MEN, n. [L. proenomen.]  Among the Romans, a name prefixed to the family name, answering to our christian name; as Caius, Lucius, Marcus, &c.


Topic: Prenotion
Definition:
PRENO'TION, n. [L. proenotio; proe and nosco, to know.]
A notice or notion which precedes something else in time; previous notion or thought; foreknowledge.


Topic: Prensation
Definition:
PRENSA'TION, n. [L. prensatio, from prenso, to seize.]
The act of seizing with violence.  [Little used.]


Topic: Prenunciation
Definition:
PRENUNCIA'TION, n.  [L. proenuncio; proe and nuncio, to tell.]
The act of telling before.  [Not used.]


Topic: Preoccupancy
Definition:
PREOC'CUPANCY, n. [L. proeoccupans.]
1.  The act of taking possession before another.  The property of unoccupied land is vested by preoccupancy.
2.  The right of taking possession before others.  The first discoverer of unoccupied land has the preoccupancy of it, by the law of nature and nations.


Topic: Preoccupate
Definition:
PREOC'CUPATE, v.t. [L. proeoccupo; proe and occupo, to seize.]
1.  To anticipate; to take before.
2.  To prepossess; to fill with prejudices.
[Instead of this, preoccupy is used.]


Topic: Preoccupation
Definition:
PREOCCUPA'TION, n.  A taking possession before another; prior occupation.
1.  Anticipation.
2.  Prepossession.
3.  Anticipation of objections.


Topic: Preoccupy
Definition:
PREOC'CUPY, v.t.  [L. proeoccupo; proe, before, and occupo, to seize.]
1.  To take possession before another; as, to preoccupy a country or land not before occupied.
2.  To prepossess; to occupy by anticipation or prejudices.
 I think it more respectful to the reader to leave something to reflections, than to preoccupy his judgment.


Topic: Preominate
Definition:
PREOM'INATE, v.t. [L. proe and ominor, to prognosticate.]
To prognosticate; to gather from omens any future event.


Topic: Preordain
Definition:
PREORDA'IN, v.t. [pre and ordain.]   To ordain or appoint beforehand; to predetermine. All things are supposed to be preordained by God.


Topic: Preparation
Definition:
PREPARA'TION, n. [L. proeparatio.  See Prepare.]
1.  The act or operation of preparing or fitting for a particular purpose,use, service or condition; as the preparation of land for a crop of wheat; the preparation of troops for a campaign; the preparation of a nation for war; the preparation of men for future happiness.  Preparation is intended to prevent evil or secure good.
2.  Previous measures of adaptation.
 I will show what preparations there were in nature for this dissolution.
3.  Ceremonious introduction.  [Unusual.]
4.  That which is prepared, made or compounded for a particular purpose.
 I wish the chimists had been more sparing, who magnify their preparations.
5.  The state of being prepared or in readiness; as a nation in good preparation for attack or defense.
6.  Accomplishment; qualification.  [Not in use.]
7.  In pharmacy, any medicinal substance fitted for the use of the patient.
8.  In anatomy, the parts of animal bodies prepared and preserved for anatomical uses.
Preparation of dissonances, in music, is their disposition in harmony in such a manner that by something congenial in what precedes, they may be rendered less harsh to the ear than they would be without such preparation.
Preparation of medicines, the process of fitting any substance for use in the art of healing.


Topic: Preparative
Definition:
PREPAR'ATIVE,a.  Tending to prepare or make ready; having the power of preparing, qualifying or fitting for any thing; preparatory.
 He spent much time in quest of knowledge preparative to this work.
PREPAR'ATIVE, n.  That which has the power of preparing or previously fitting for a purpose; that which prepares.
 Resolvedness in sin can with no reason be imagined a preparative to remission.
1.  That which is done to prevent an evil or secure some good.
 The miseries we suffer may be preparative of future blessings.
2.  Preparation; as, to make the necessary preparatives for a voyage.


Topic: Preparatory
Definition:
PREPAR'ATORY, a.
1.  Previously necessary; useful or qualifying; preparing the way for any thing by previous measures of adaptation.  The practice of virtue and piety is preparatory to the happiness of heaven.
2.  Introductory; previous; antecedent and adapted to what follows.


Topic: Prepare
Definition:
PREPA'RE, v.t. [L. paro.]
1.  In a general sense, to fit, adapt or qualify for a particular purpose, end, use, service or state, by any means whatever.  We prepare ground for seed by tillage; we prepare cloth for use by dressing; we prepare medicines by pulverization, mixture, &c.; we prepare young men for college by previous instruction; men are prepared for professions by suitable study; holiness of heart is necessary to prepare men for the enjoyment of happiness with holy beings.
2.  To make ready; as, to prepare the table for entertaining company.
3.  To provide; to procure as suitable; as, to prepare arms, ammunition and provisions for troops; to prepare ships for defense.
 Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Sam.15.
4.  To set; to establish.
 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens. Ps.103.
5.  To appoint.
 It shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.  Matt.20.
6.  To guide, direct or establish.  1 Chron. 29.
PREPA'RE, v.i.  To make all things ready; to put things in suitable order; as, prepare for dinner.
1.  To take the necessary previous measures.
 Dido preparing to kill herself.
2.  To make one's self ready.
 Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.  Amos.4.
PREPA'RE, n.  Preparation.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Preparer
Definition:
PREPA'RER, n.  One that prepares, fits or makes ready.
1.  One that provides.
2.  That which fits or makes suitable; as, certain manures are preparers of land for particular crops.


Topic: Prepense
Definition:
PREPENSE, a.  prepens'.  [L. proepensus, proependeo; proe and pendeo, to incline to hand down.]  
Preconceived; premeditated; aforethought.
 Malice prepense is necessary to constitute murder.
PREPENSE, v.t. prepens'.  [supra.]
To weigh or consider beforehand.  [Not used.]
PREPENSE, v.i. prepens'.  To deliberate beforehand.  [Not used.]


Topic: Preponderate
Definition:
PREPOND'ERATE, v.t. [L. proepondero; proe, before, and pondero, to weigh.]
1.  To outweigh; to overpower by weight.
 An inconsiderable weight, by distance from the center of the balance, will preponderate greater magnitudes.
2.  To overpower by stronger influence or moral power.
PREPOND'ERATE, v.i.  To exceed in weight; hence, to incline or descend, as the scale of a balance.
 That is no just balance in which the heaviest side will not preponderate.
1.  To exceed in influence or power; hence, to incline to one side.
 By putting every argument on one side and the other, into the balance, we must form a judgment which side preponderates.


Topic: Preposition
Definition:
PREPOSI'TION, n. s as z. [L. proepositio, proepono, proepositus; proe and pono, to put.]   In grammar, a word usually put before another to express some relation or quality, action or motion to or from the thing specified; as medicines salutary to health; music agreeable to the ear; virtue is valued for its excellence; a man is riding to Oxford from London. Prepositions govern cases of nouns, and in English are sometimes placed after the word governed; as, which person do you speak to?  for, to which person do you speak?  This separation of the preposition from the governed word is sometimes allowable in colloquial use, but is generally inelegant.


Topic: Prepositive
Definition:
PREPOS'ITIVE, a.  Put before; as a prepositive particle.
PREPOS'ITIVE, n. [supra.]  A word or particle put before another word.


Topic: Prepossess
Definition:
PREPOSSESS', v.t. [pre and possess.]  To preoccupy, as ground or land; to take previous possession of.
1.  To preoccupy the mind or heart so as to preclude other things; hence, to bias or prejudice.  A mind prepossessed with opinions favorable to a person or cause, will not readily admit unfavorable opinions to take possession, nor yield to reasons that  disturb the possessors. When a lady has prepossessed the heart or affections of a man, he does not readily listen to suggestions that tend to remove the prepossession.  Prepossess is more frequently used in a good sense than prejudice.


Topic: Prepossessing
Definition:
PREPOSSESS'ING, ppr.  Taking previous possession.
1.  a. Tending to invite favor; having power to secure the possession of favor, esteem or love. The countenance, address and manners of a person are sometimes prepossessing on a first acquaintance.


Topic: Prepossession
Definition:
PREPOSSES'SION, n.  Preoccupation; prior possession.
1.  Preconceived opinion; the effect of previous impressions on the mind or heart, in favor or against any person or thing.  It is often used in a good sense; sometimes it is equivalent to prejudice, and sometimes a softer name for it.  In general, it conveys an idea less odious than prejudice; as the prepossessions of education.


Topic: Preposterous
Definition:
PREPOS'TEROUS, a. [L. proeposterus; proe, before,and posterus, latter.]
1.  Literally, having that first which ought to be last; inverted in order.
 The method I take may be censured as preposterous, because I treat last of the antediluvian earth, which was first in the order of nature.
2.  Perverted; wrong; absurd; contrary to nature or reason; not adapted to the end; as, a republican government in the hands of females, is preposterous.  To draw general conclusions from particular facts, is preposterous reasoning.
3.  Foolish; absurd; applied to persons.


Topic: Prepotency
Definition:
PREPO'TENCY, n. [L. proepotentia; proe and potentia, power.]
Superior power; predominance.  [Little used.]


Topic: Prepuce
Definition:
PRE'PUCE, n. [L. proeputium.]  The foreskin; a prolongation of the cutis of the penis, covering the glans.


Topic: Preremote
Definition:
PREREMO'TE, a. [pre and remote.]  More remote in previous time or prior order.
 In some cases, two more links of causation may be introduced; one of them may be termed the preremote cause, the other the postremote effect.


Topic: Prerequisite
Definition:
PREREQ'UISITE, a.  s as z. [pre and requisite.]  Previously required or necessary to something subsequent; as, certain attainments are prerequisite to an admission or orders.
PREREQ'UISITE, n.  Something that is previously required or necessary to the end proposed.  An acquaintance with Latin and Greek is a prerequisite to the admission of a young man into a college.


Topic: Prerogative
Definition:
PREROG'ATIVE, [L. proerogativa, precedence in voting; proe, before, and rogo, to ask or demand.]  An exclusive or peculiar privilege. A royal prerogative, is that special pre-eminence which a king has over all other persons, and out of the course of the common law, in right of his regal dignity.  It consists in the possession of certain rights which the king may exercise to the exclusion of all participation of his subjects; for when a right or privilege is held in common with the subject, it ceases to be a prerogative.  Thus the right of appointing embassadors,and of making peace and war, are, in Great Britain, royal prerogatives.  The right of governing created beings is the prerogative of the Creator.
It is the prerogative of the house of peers in Great Britain to decide legal questions in the last resort.  It is the prerogative of the house of commons to determine the validity of all elections of their own members.  It is the prerogative of a father to govern his children.  It is the prerogative of the understanding to judge and compare.
In the United States, it is the prerogative of the president, with the advice of the senate, to ratify treaties.


Topic: Prerogative-court
Definition:
PREROG'ATIVE-COURT, n.  In Great Britain, a court for the trial of all testamentary causes, where the deceased has left bona notabilia, or effects of the value of five pounds, in two different dioceses.  In this case, the probate of the will belongs to the metropolitan or archbishop of the province, and the court where such will is proved is called the prerogative-court, as it is held by virtue of the special prerogative of the metropolitan, who appoints the judge.


Topic: Prerogative-office
Definition:
PREROG'ATIVE-OFFICE, n.  The office in which the wills proved in the prerogative court, are registered.


Topic: Presage
Definition:
PRE'SAGE, n. [L. proesagium; proe, before, and sagio, to perceive or foretell.]    Something which foreshows a future event; a prognostic; a present fact indicating something to come.
 Joy and shout, presage of victory.


Topic: Presbyter
Definition:
PRES'BYTER, n. [Gr. old, elder.]
1.  In the primitive christian church, an elder; a person somewhat advanced in age, who had authority in the church, and whose duty was to feed the flock over which the Holy Spirit had made him overseer.
2.  A priest; a person who has the pastoral charge of a particular church and congregation; called in the Saxon laws, mass-priest.
3.  A presbyterian.


Topic: Presbytery
Definition:
PRES'BYTERY, n.  A body of elders in the christian church.
 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.  1 Tim.4.
1.  In ecclesiastical government, a judicatory consisting of all the pastors of churches within a certain district, and one ruling elder, a layman, from each parish, commissioned to represent the parish in conjunction with the minister. This body receives appeals from the kirk-session, and appeals from the presbytery may be carried to the provincial synod.
The presbytery of the churches in the United States is composed in a manner nearly similar.
2.  The presbyterian religion.


Topic: Prescience
Definition:
PRESCIENCE, n. presi'ence or pre'shens.  [Low L. proescientia; proe, before, and scientia, knowledge.]  Foreknowledge; knowledge of events before they take place.  Absolute prescience belongs to God only.
 Of things of the most accidental and mutable nature, God's prescience is certain.


Topic: Prescient
Definition:
PRESCIENT, a. presi'ent or pre'shent.  Foreknowing; having knowledge of events before they take place.
 Who taught the nations of the field and wood,
 Prescient, the tides or tempests to withstand?


Topic: Prescious
Definition:
PRE'SCIOUS, a. [L. proescius; proe and scio, to know.]
Foreknowing; having foreknowledge; as prescious of ills.


Topic: Prescribe
Definition:
PRESCRI'BE, v.t. [L. proescribo, to write before.]
1.  In medicine, to direct, as a remedy to be used or applied to a diseased patient.  Be not offended with the physician who prescribes harsh remedies.
2.  To set or lay down authoritatively for direction; to give as a rule of conduct; as, to prescribe laws or rules.
 There's joy, when to wild will you laws prescribe.
3.  To direct.
 Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.
PRESCRI'BE, v.i.  To write or give medical directions; to direct what remedies are to be used; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.
1.  To give law; to influence arbitrarily.
 A forwardness to prescribe to the opinions of others.
2.  In law, to claim by prescription; to claim a title to a thing by immemorial use and enjoyment; with for.  A man may be allowed to prescribe for a right of way, a common or the like; a man cannot prescribe for a castle; he can prescribe only for incorporeal hereditaments.
3.  To influence by long use.


Topic: Prescript
Definition:
PRE'SCRIPT, a. [L. proescriptus.]  Directed; prescribed.
PRE'SCRIPT, n. [L. proescriptum.]  A direction; a medical order for the use of medicines.  [But prescription is chiefly used.]
1.  Direction; precept; model prescribed.


Topic: Prescription
Definition:
PRESCRIP'TION, n. [L. proescriptio.  See Prescribe.]
1.  The act of prescribing or directing by rules; or that which is prescribed; particularly, a medical direction of remedies for a disease and the manner of using them; a recipe.
2.  In law, prescribing for title; the claim of title to a thing by virtue of immemorial use and enjoyment; or the right to a thing derived from such use.  Prescription differs from custom, which is a local usage.  Prescription is a personal usage,usage annexed to the person. Nothing but incorporeal hereditaments can be claimed by prescription.
The use and enjoyment of navigation and fishery in the sea, for any length of time, does not create a title by prescription.  The common right of nations to the use and enjoyment of the sea is imprescriptible; it cannot be lost by a particular nation for want of use.
3.  In Scots law, the title to lands acquired by uninterrupted possession for the time which the law declares to be sufficient, or 40 years.  This is positive prescription.  Negative prescription is the loss or omission or a right by neglecting to use it during the time limited by law.  This term is also used for limitation, in the recovery of money due by bond, &c.  Obligations are lost by prescription, or neglect of prosecution for the time designated by law.


Topic: Prescriptive
Definition:
PRESCRIP'TIVE, a.  Consisting in or acquired by immemorial use and enjoyment; as a prescriptive right or title.
 The right to be drowsy in protracted toil, has become prescriptive.
1.  Pleading the continuance and authority of custom.


Topic: Presence
Definition:
PRES'ENCE, n.  s as z. [L. proesentia; proe, before, and esse, to be.]  The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence.  This event happened during the king's presence at the theater.  In examining the patient, the presence of fever was not observed.  The presence of God is not limited to any place.
1.  A being in company near or before the face of another.  We were gratified with the presence of a person so much respected.
2.  Approach face to face or nearness of a great personage.
 Men that very presence fear,
 Which once they knew authority did bear.
3.  State of being in view; sight.  An accident happened in the presence of the court.
4.  By way of distinction, state of being in view of a superior.
 I know not by what pow'r I am made bold,
 In such a presence here to plead my thoughts.
5.  A number assembled before a great person.
 Odmar, of all this presence does contain,
 Give her your wreath whom you esteem most fair.
6.  Port; mien; air; personal appearance; demeanor.
 Virtue is best in a body that is comely, and that has rather dignity of presence, than beauty of aspect.
 A graceful presence bespeaks acceptance.
7.  The apartment in which a prince shows himself to his court.
 An't please your grace, the two great cardinals.
 Wait in the presence.
8.  The person of a superior.
Presence of mind, a calm, collected state of the mind with its faculties at command; undisturbed state of the thoughts, which enables a person to speak or act without disorder or embarrassment in unexpected difficulties.
 Errors, not to be recalled, do find
 Their best redress from presence of the mind.


Topic: Presension
Definition:
PRESEN'SION, n. [L. proesensio proesentio; proe and sentio, to perceive.]   Previous perception. [Little used.]


Topic: Present
Definition:
PRES'ENT, a. s as z. [L. proesens; proe and sum, esse, to be.]
1.  Being in a certain place; opposed to absent.
2.  Being before the face or near; being in company.  Inquire of some of the gentlemen present.
 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  John 14.
3.  Being now in view or under consideration. In the present instance, facts will not warrant the conclusion.  The present question must be decided on different principles.
4.  Now existing, or being at this time; not past or future; as the present session of congress.  The court is in session at the present time.  We say, a present good,the present year or age.
5.  Ready at hand; quick in emergency; as present wit.
 'Tis a high point of philosophy and virtue for a man to be present to himself.
6.  Favorably attentive; not heedless; propitious.
 Nor could I hope in any place but there
 To find a god so present to my prayer.
7.  Not absent of mind; not abstracted; attentive.
The present, an elliptical expression for the present time.
At present, elliptically for, at the present time.
Present tense, in grammar, the tense or form of a verb which expresses action or being in the present time, as I am writing; or something that exists at all times, as virtue is always to be preferred to vice; or it expresses habits or general truths, as plants spring from the earth; fishes swim; reptiles creep; birds fly; some animals subsist on herbage, others are carnivorous.
PRES'ENT, n.  That which is presented or given; a gift; a donative; something given or offered to another gratuitously; a word of general application.  Gen.32.
Presents' in the plural, is used in law for a deed of conveyance, a lease, letter of attorney or other writing; as in the phrase, 'Know all men by these presents,' that is, by the writing itself, per presentes.  In this sense, it is rarely used in the singular.


Topic: Presentable
Definition:
PRESENT'ABLE, a.  That may be presented; that may be exhibited or represented.
1.  That may be offered to a church living; as a presentable clerk.
2.  That admits of the presentation of a clerk; as a church presentable.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Presentation
Definition:
PRESENTA'TION, n.  The act of presenting.
 Prayers are sometimes a presentation of mere desires.
1.  Exhibition; representation; display; as the presentation of fighting on the stage.
2.  In ecclesiastical law, the act of offering a clerk to the bishop or ordinary for institution in a benefice.  An advowson is he right of presentation.
 If the bishop admits the patron's presentation, the clerk so admitted is next to be instituted by him.
3.  The right of presenting a clerk.  The patron has the presentation of the benefice.


Topic: Presentative
Definition:
PRESENT'ATIVE, a.  In ecclesiastical affairs, that has the right of presentation, or offering a clerk to the bishop for institution. Advowsons are presentative, collative or donative.
 An advowson presentative is where the patron hath a right of presentation to the bishop or ordinary.
1.  That admits the presentation of a clerk; as a presentative parsonage.


Topic: Presentiment
Definition:
PRESENT'IMENT, n. [pre and sentiment.]  Previous conception, sentiment or opinion; previous apprehension of something future.


Topic: Presently
Definition:
PRES'ENTLY, adv. s as z.  At present; at this time.
 The towns and forts you presently have.
1.  In a short time after; soon after.
 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.  Phil.2.
 And presently the fig-tree withered away.  Matt.21.


Topic: Presentment
Definition:
PRESENT'MENT, n.  s as z. The act of presenting.
1.  Appearance to the view; representation.
2.  In law, a presentment, properly speaking, is the notice taken by a grand jury of any offense from their own knowledge or observation, without any bill of indictment laid before them at the suit of the king; as the presentment of a nuisance, a libel or the like, on which the officer of the court must afterwards frame an indictment, before the party presented can be put to answer it.
3.  In a more general sense, presentment comprehends inquisitions of office and indictments.
In the United States, a presentment is an official accusation presented to a tribunal by the grand jury in an indictment; or it is the act of offering an indictment.  It is also used for the indictment itself. The grand jury are charged to inquire and due presentment make of all crimes, &c.  The use of the word is limited to accusations by grand jurors.
4.  The official notice in court which the jury or homage gives of the surrender of a copyhold estate.


Topic: Preservation
Definition:
PRESERVA'TION, n.  The act of preserving or keeping safe; the act of keeping from injury, destruction or decay; as the preservation of life or health; the preservation of buildings from fire or decay; the preservation of grain from insects; the preservation of fruit or plants.  When a thing is kept entirely from decay, or nearly in its original state, we say it is in a high state of preservation.


Topic: Preservative
Definition:
PRESERV'ATIVE, a.  Having the power or quality of keeping safe from injury, destruction or decay; tending to preserve.
PRESERV'ATIVE, n.  That which preserves or has the power of preserving; something that tends to secure a person or thing in a sound state, or prevent if from injury, destruction, decay or corruption; a preventive of injury or decay.  Persons formerly wore tablets of arsenic, as preservatives against the plague.  Clothing is a preservative against cold. Temperance and exercise are the best preservatives of health.  Habitual reverence of the Supreme Being is an excellent preservative against sin and the influence of evil examples.


Topic: Preservatory
Definition:
PRESERV'ATORY, a.  That tends to preserve.
PRESERV'ATORY, n.  That which has the power of preserving; a preservative.


Topic: Preserve
Definition:
PRESERVE, v.t. prezerv'.  [Low L. proeservo; proe and servo, to keep.]
1.  To keep or save from injury or destruction; to defend from evil.
 God did send me before you to preserve life. Gen.45.
 O Lord, preserve me from the violent man.  Ps. 140.
2.  To uphold; to sustain.
 O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.  Ps.36.
3.  To save from decay; to keep in a sound state; as, to preserve fruit in winter.  Salt is used to preserve meat.
4.  To season with sugar or other substances for preservation; as, to preserve plums, quinces or other fruit.
5.  To keep or defend from corruption; as, to preserve youth from vice.
PRESERVE, n.  preserv'.  Fruit or a vegetable seasoned and kept in sugar or sirup.


Topic: Preserved
Definition:
PRESERV'ED, pp.  Saved from injury, destruction or decay; kept or defended from evil; seasoned with sugar for preservation.


Topic: Preserver
Definition:
PRESERV'ER, n. The person or thing that preserves; one that saves or defends from destruction or evil.
 What shall I do to thee, O thou preserver of men? Job.7.
1.  One that makes preserves of fruits.


Topic: Preside
Definition:
PRESI'DE, v.i.  s as z. [L. proesideo; proe, before, and sedeo, to sit.]
1.  To be set over for the exercise of authority; to direct, control and govern, as the chief officer.  A man may preside over a nation or province; or he may preside over a senate, or a meeting of citizens.  The word is used chiefly in the latter sense.  We say, a man presides over the senate with dignity.  Hence it usually denotes temporary superintendence and government.
2.  To exercise superintendence; to watch over as inspector.
 Some o'er the public magazines preside.


Topic: Presidency
Definition:
PRES'IDENCY, n.  Superintendence; inspection and care.
1.  The office of president.  Washington was elected to the presidency of the United States by a unanimous vote of the electors.
2.  The term during which a president holds his office.  President J. Adams died during the presidency of his son.
3.  The jurisdiction of a president; as in the British dominions in the East Indies.
4.  The family or suit of a president.
 A worthy clergyman belonging to the presidency of Fort St. George.


Topic: President
Definition:
PRES'IDENT, n. [L. proesidens.]
1. An officer elected or appointed to preside over a corporation, company or assembly of men, to keep order, manage their concerns or govern their proceedings; as the president of a banking company; the president of a senate, &c.
2.  An officer appointed or elected to govern a province or territory, or to administer the government of a nation.  The president of the United States is the chief executive magistrate.
3.  The chief officer of a college or university.
4.  A tutelar power.
 Just Apollo, president of verse.
Vice-president, one who is second in authority to the president. The vice-president of the United States is president of the senate ex officio, and performs the duties of president when the latter is removed or disabled.


Topic: Presidentship
Definition:
PRES'IDENTSHIP, n.  The office and place of president.
1.  The term for which a president holds his office.


Topic: Press
Definition:
PRESS, v.t. [L.pressus.]
1.  To urge with force or weight; a word of extensive use, denoting the application of any power, physical or moral, to something that is to be moved or affected.  We press the ground with the feet when we walk; we press the couch on which we repose; we press substances with the hands, fingers or arms; the smith presses iron with his vise; we are pressed with the weight of arguments or of cares, troubles and business.
2.  To squeeze; to crush; as, to press grapes.  Gen.40.
3.  To drive with violence; to hurry; as, to press a horse in motion, or in a race.
4.  To urge; to enforce; to inculcate with earnestness; as, to press divine truth on an audience.
5.  To embrace closely; to hug.
 Leucothoe shook
 And press'd Palemon closer in her arms.
6.  To force into service, particularly into naval service; to impress.
7.  To straiten; to distress; as, to be pressed with want or with difficulties.
8.  To constrain; to compel; to urge by authority or necessity.
 The posts that rode on mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment.  Esth.8.
9.  To urge; to impose by importunity.
 He pressed a letter upon me, within this hour, to deliver to you.
    10. To urge or solicit with earnestness or importunity. He pressed me to accept of his offer.
    11. To urge; to constrain.
 Paul was pressed in spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.  Acts.18.
 Wickedness pressed with conscience, forecasteth grievous things.
    12. To squeeze for making smooth; as cloth or paper.
Press differs from drive and strike, in usually denoting a slow or continued application of force; whereas drive and strike denote a sudden impulse of force.
PRESS, v.i.  To urge or strain in motion; to urge forward with force.
 I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil.3.
 Th' insulting victor presses on the more.
1.  To bear on with force; to encroach.
 On superior powers
 Were we to press, inferior might on ours.
2.  To bear on with force; to crowd; to throng.
 Thronging crowds press on you as you pass.
3.  To approach unseasonably or importunately.
 Nor press too near the throne.
4.  To urge with vehemence and importunity.
 He pressed upon them greatly, and they turned in to him.  Gen.19.
5.  To urge by influence or moral force.
 When arguments press equally in matters indifferent, the safest method is to give up ourselves to neither.
6.  To push with force; as, to press against the door.
PRESS, n.
1.  An instrument or machine by which any body is squeezed, crushed or forced into a more compact form; as a wine-press, cider-press or cheese-press.
2.  A machine for printing; a printing-press.  Great improvements have been lately made in the construction of presses.
3.  The art or business of printing and publishing.  A free press is a great blessing to a free people; a licentious press is a curse to society.
4.  A crowd; a throng; a multitude of individuals crowded together.
 And when they could not come nigh to him for the press--Mark 2.
5.  The act of urging or pushing forward.
 Which in their throng and press to the last hold,
 Confound themselves.
6.  A wine-vat or cistern.  Hag.2.
7.  A case of closet for the safe keeping of garments.
8.  Urgency; urgent demands of affairs; as a press of business.
9.  A commission to force men into public service, particularly into the navy; for impress.
Press of sail, in navigation, is as much sail as the state of the wind will permit.
Liberty of the press, in civil policy, is the free right of publishing books, pamphlets or papers without previous restraint; or the unrestrained right which every citizen enjoys of publishing his thoughts and opinions, subject only to punishment for publishing what is pernicious to morals or to the peace of the state.


Topic: Press-gang
Definition:
PRESS'-GANG, n. [press and gang.]  A detachment of seamen under the command of an officer, empowered to impress men into the naval service.


Topic: Pressed
Definition:
PRESS'ED, pp.  Urged by force or weight; constrained; distressed; crowded; embraced; made smooth and glossy by pressure, as cloth.


Topic: Pressing
Definition:
PRESS'ING, ppr.  Urging with force or weight; squeezing; constraining; crowding; embracing; distressing; forcing into service; rolling in a press.
1.  a. Urgent; distressing.
PRESS'ING, n.  The act or operation of applying force to bodies.  The pressing of cloth is performed by means of the screw, or by a calendar.


Topic: Pression
Definition:
PRES'SION, n.  The act of pressing.  But pressure is more generally used.
1.  In the Cartesian philosophy, an endeavor to move.


Topic: Pressman
Definition:
PRESS'MAN, n.  In printing, the man who manages the press and impresses the sheets.
1.  One of a press-gang, who aids in forcing men into the naval service.


Topic: Pressure
Definition:
PRESS'URE, n. [L. pressura.]  The act of pressing or urging with force.
1.  The act of squeezing or crushing.  Wine is obtained by the pressure of grapes.
2.  The state of being squeezed or crushed.
3.  The force of one body acting on another by weight or the continued application of power.  Pressure is occasioned by weight or gravity, by the motion of bodies, by the expansion of fluids, by elasticity, &c.  Mutual pressure may be caused by the meeting of moving bodies, or by the motion of one body against another at rest, and the resistance or elastic force of the latter.  The degree of pressure is in proportion to the weight of the pressing body, or to the power applied, or to the elastic force of resisting bodies.  The screw is a most powerful instrument of pressure.  The pressure of wind on the sails of a ship is in proportion to its velocity.
4.  A constraining force or impulse; that which urges or compels the intellectual or moral faculties; as the pressure of motives on the mind, or of fear on the conscience.
5.  That which afflicts the body or depresses the spirits; any severe affliction, distress, calamity or grievance; straits, difficulties, embarrassments, or the distress they occasion.  We speak of the pressure of poverty or want, the pressure of debts, the pressure of taxes, the pressure of afflictions or sorrow.
 My own and my people's pressures are grievous.
 To this consideration he retreats with comfort in all his pressures.
We observe that pressure is used both for trouble or calamity, and for the distress it produces.
6.  Urgency; as the pressure of business.
7.  Impression; stamp; character impressed.
 All laws of books, all forms, all pressures past.


Topic: Prest
Definition:
PREST, sometimes used for pressed.  [See Press.]
PREST, a. [L. proesto, to stand before or forward; proe and sto.]
1.  Ready; prompt.
2.  Neat; tight.
PREST, n.  A loan.
1.  Formerly, a duty in money, to be paid by the sheriff on his account in the exchequer, or for money left or remaining in his hands.


Topic: Prestation-money
Definition:
PRESTA'TION-MONEY, n.  A sum of money paid yearly by archdeacons and other dignitaries to their bishop, pro exteriore jurisdictione.


Topic: Prester
Definition:
PRES'TER, n. [Gr. to kindle or inflame.]
1.  A meteor thrown from the clouds with such violence, that by collision it is set on fire.
2.  The external part of the neck, which swells when a person is angry.


Topic: Prestimony
Definition:
PRES'TIMONY, n. [L. proesto, to supply; proe and sto.]  In canon law, a fund for the support of a priest, appropriated by the founder, but not erected into any title of benefice, and not subject to the pope or the ordinary, but of which the patron is the collator.
But in a Spanish dictionary_webster1828 thus defined, 'a prebend for the maintenance of poor clergymen, on condition of their saying prayers at certain stated times.


Topic: Presto
Definition:
PRES'TO, adv.  [L. proesto.]
1.  In music, a direction for a quick lively movement or performance.
2.  Quickly; immediately; in haste.


Topic: Presumable
Definition:
PRESU'MABLE, a.  s as z. [from presume.]  That may be presumed; that may be supposed to be true or entitled to belief, without examination or direct evidence, or on probable evidence.


Topic: Presume
Definition:
PRESU'ME, v.t.  s as z. [L. proesumo; proe, before,and sumo, to take.]  To take or suppose to be true or entitled to belief, without examination or positive proof, or on the strength of probability.  We presume that a man is honest, who has not been known to cheat or deceive;  but in this we are sometimes mistaken.  In many cases, the law presumes full payment where positive evidence of it cannot be produced.
 We not only presume it may be so, but we actually find it so.
 In cases of implied contracts, the law presumes that a man has covenanted or contracted to do what reason and justice dictate.
PRESU'ME, v.i.  To venture without positive permission; as, we may presume too far.
1.  To form confident or arrogant opinions; with on or upon, before the cause of confidence.
 This man presumes upon his parts.
 I will not presume so far upon myself.
2.  To make confident or arrogant attempts.
 In that we presume to see what is meet and convenient, better than God himself.
3.  It has on or upon sometimes before the thing supposed.
 Luther presumes upon the gift of continency.
It is sometimes followed by of, but improperly.


Topic: Presuming
Definition:
PRESU'MING, ppr.  Taking as true, or supposing to be entitled to belief, on probable evidence.
1.  a. Venturing without positive permission; too confident; arrogant; unreasonably bold.


Topic: Presumption
Definition:
PRESUMP'TION, n. [L. proesumption.]
1.  Supposition of the truth or real existence of something without direct or positive proof of the fact, but grounded on circumstantial or probable evidence which entitles it to belief.  Presumption in law is of three sorts, violent or strong, probable, and light.
 Next to positive proof, circumstantial evidence or the doctrine of presumptions must take place; for when the fact cannot be demonstratively evinced, that which comes nearest to the proof of the fact is the proof of such circumstances as either necessarily or usually attend such facts.  These are called presumptions.  Violent presumption is many times equal to full proof.
2.  Strong probability; as in the common phrase, the presumption is that an event has taken place, or will take place.
3.  Blind or headstrong confidence; unreasonable adventurousness; a venturing to undertake something without reasonable prospect of success, or against the usual probabilities of safety; presumptuousness.
 Let my presumption not provoke thy wrath.
 I had the presumption to dedicate to you a very unfinished price.
4.  Arrogance. He had the presumption to attempt to dictate to the council.
5.  Unreasonable confidence in divine favor.
 The awe of his majesty will keep us from presumption.


Topic: Presumptive
Definition:
PRESUMP'TIVE, a.  Taken by previous supposition; grounded on probable evidence.
1.  Unreasonably confident; adventuring without reasonable ground to expect success; presumptuous; arrogant.
Presumptive evidence, in law, is that which is derived from circumstances which necessarily or usually attend a fact, as distinct from direct evidence or positive proof.
Presumptive evidence of felony should be cautiously admitted.
Presumptive heir, one who would inherit an estate if the ancestor should die with things in their present state, but whose right of inheritance may be defeated by the birth of a nearer heir before the death of the ancestor.  Thus the presumptive succession of a brother or nephew may be destroyed by the birth of a child.  Presumptive heir is distinguished from heir apparent, whose right of inheritance is indefeasible, provided he outlives the ancestor.


Topic: Presumptuous
Definition:
PRESUMP'TUOUS, a.
1.  Bold and confident to excess; adventuring without reasonable ground of success; hazarding safety on too slight grounds; rash; applied to persons; as a presumptuous commander.
 There is a class of presumptuous men whom age has not made cautious, nor adversity wise.
2.  Founded on presumption; proceeding from excess of confidence; applied to things; as presumptuous hope.
3.  Arrogant; insolent; as a presumptuous priest.
 Presumptuous pride.
4.  Unduly confident; irreverent with respect to sacred things.
5.  Willful; done with bold design, rash confidence or in violation of known duty; as a presumptuous sin.


Topic: Presumptuously
Definition:
PRESUMP'TUOUSLY, adv.  With rash confidence.
1.  Arrogantly; insolently.
2.  Willfully; in bold defiance of conscience or violation of known duty; as, to sin presumptuously. Num.15.
3.  With groundless and vain confidence in the divine favor.


Topic: Presumptuousness
Definition:
PRESUMP'TUOUSNESS, n.  The quality of being presumptuous or rashly confident; groundless confidence; arrogance; irreverent boldness or forwardness.


Topic: Presuppose
Definition:
PRESUPPO'SE, v.t. presuppo'ze.  [Eng. pre and suppose.]  To suppose as previous; to imply as antecedent.  The existence of created things presupposes the existence of a Creator.
 Each kind of knowledge presupposes many necessary things learned in other sciences and known beforehand.


Topic: Pretend
Definition:
PRETEND', v.t. [L. proetendo; proe, before, and tendo, to tend, to reach or stretch.]
1.  Literally, to reach or stretch forward; used by Dryden, but this use is not well authorized.
2.  To hold out, as a false appearance; to offer something feigned instead of that which is real; to simulate, in words or actions.
 This let him know,
 Lest willfully transgressing, he pretend
 Surprisal.
3.  To show hypocritically; as, to pretend great zeal when the heart is not engaged; to pretend patriotism for the sake of gaining popular applause or obtaining an office.
4.  To exhibit as a cover for something hidden.
 Lest that too heavenly form, pretended
 To hellish falsehood, snare them.  [Not in use.]
5.  To claim.
 Chiefs shall be grudg'd the part which they pretend.
[In this we generally use pretend to.]
6.  To intend; to design.  [Not used.]
PRETEND', v.t.  To put in a claim, truly or falsely; to hold out the appearance of being, possessing or performing.  A man may pretend to be a physician, and pretend to perform great cures.  Bad men often pretend to be patriots.


Topic: Pretended
Definition:
PRETEND'ED, pp.  Held out, as a false appearance; feigned; simulated.
1.  a. Ostensible; hypocritical; as a pretended reason or motive; pretended zeal.


Topic: Pretender
Definition:
PRETEND'ER, n.  One who makes a show of something not real; one who lays claim to any thing.
1.  In English history, the heir of the royal family of Stuart, who lays claim to the crown of Great Britain, but is excluded by law.


Topic: Pretending
Definition:
PRETEND'ING, ppr.  Holding out a false appearance; laying claim to, or attempting to make others believe one is what in truth he is not, or that he has or does something which he has or does not; making hypocritical professions.


Topic: Pretense
Definition:
PRETENSE, n. pretens'. [L. proetensus, proetendo.]
1.  A holding out or offering to others something false or feigned; a presenting to others, either in words or actions, a false or hypocritical appearance, usually with a view to conceal what is real, and thus to deceive.  Under pretense of giving liberty to nations, the prince conquered and enslaved them.  Under pretense of patriotism, ambitious men serve their own selfish purposes.
 Let not Trojans, with a feigned pretense
 Of proffer'd peace, delude the Latian prince.
It is sometimes preceded by on; as on pretense of revenging Caesar's death.
2.  Assumption; claim to notice.
 Never was any thing of this pretense more ingeniously imparted.
3.  Claim, true or false.
 Primogeniture cannot have any pretense to a right of solely inheriting property or power.
4.  Something held out to terrify or for other purpose; as a pretense of danger.


Topic: Pretension
Definition:
PRETEN'SION, n.
1.  Claim, true or false; a holding out the appearance of right or possession of a thing, with a view to make others believe what is not real, or what, if true, is not yet known or admitted.  A man may make pretensions to rights which he cannot maintain; he may make pretensions to skill which he does not possess; and he may make pretensions to skill or acquirements which he really possesses, but which he is not known to possess.  Hence we speak of ill founded pretensions, and well founded pretensions.
2.  Claim to something to be obtained, or a desire to obtain something, manifested by words or actions. Any citizen may have pretensions to the honor of representing the state in the senate or house of representatives.
 The commons demand that the consulship should lie in common to the pretensions of any Roman.
 Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions.
3.  Fictitious appearance; a Latin phrase, not now used.
 This was but an invention and pretension given out by the Spaniards.


Topic: Pretentative
Definition:
PRETENT'ATIVE, a. [L. proe and tento, to try.]
That may be previously tried or attempted.  [Little used.]


Topic: Preter
Definition:
PRETER, a Latin preposition, [proeter,] is used in some English words as a prefix.  Its proper signification is beyond, hence beside, more.


Topic: Preterimperfect
Definition:
PRETERIMPER'FECT, a. [beyond or beside unfinished.]  In grammar, designating the tense which expresses action or being not perfectly past; an awkward epithet, very ill applied.


Topic: Preterit
Definition:
PRE'TERIT, a. [L. proeteritus, proetereo; proeter, beyond, and eo, to go.]   Past; applied to the tense in grammar which expresses an action or being perfectly past or finished, often that which is just past or completed, but without a specification of time. It is called also the perfect tense; as, scripsi, I have written. We say, 'I have written a letter to my correspondent;' in which sentence, the time is supposed to be not distant and not specified. But when the time is mentioned,we use the imperfect tense so called; as, 'I wrote to my correspondent yesterday.'  In this use of the preterit or perfect tense, the English differs from the French, in which j'ai ecrit heir, is correct; but I have written yesterday, would be very bad English.


Topic: Preterition
Definition:
PRETERI'TION, n. [L. proeterio, to pass by.]
1.  The act of going past; the state of being past.
2.  In rhetoric, a figure by which, in pretending to pass over any thing, we make a summary mention of it; as, 'I will not say, he is valiant, he is learned, he is just,' &c.  The most artful praises are those bestowed by way of preterition.


Topic: Preterlapsed
Definition:
PRETERLAPS'ED, a. [L. proeterlapsus, proeterlabor; proeter and labor, to glide.]   Past; gone by; as preterlapsed ages.


Topic: Pretermission
Definition:
PRETERMIS'SION. n. [L. proetermissio, from proetermitto.]
A passing by; omission.
1.  In rhetoric, the same as preterition.


Topic: Preternatural
Definition:
PRETERNAT'URAL, a. [L. proeter and natural.]   Beyond what is natural, or different from what is natural; irregular. We call those events in the physical world preternatural, which are extraordinary, which are deemed to be beyond or without the ordinary course of things, and yet are not deemed miraculous; in distinction from events which are supernatural, which cannot be produced by physical laws or powers,and must therefore be produced by a direct exertion of omnipotence. We also apply the epithet to things uncommon or irregular; as a preternatural swelling; a preternatural pulse; a preternatural excitement or temper.


Topic: Preternaturally
Definition:
PRETERNAT'URALLY, adv.  In a manner beyond or aside from the common order of nature; as vessels of the body preternaturally distended.


Topic: Preterperfect
Definition:
PRETERPER'FECT, a. [L. proeter and perfectus.]   Literally, more than complete or finished; an epithet equivalent to preterit, applied to the tense of verbs which expresses action or being absolutely past. [Grammar.]


Topic: Preterpluperfect
Definition:
PRETERPLUPER'FECT, a. [L. proeter, beyond, plus, more, and perfectus, perfect.]   Literally, beyond more than perfect; an epithet designating the tense of verbs which expresses action or being past prior to another past event or time; better denominated the prior past tense, that is, past prior to another event.


Topic: Pretext
Definition:
PRETEXT', n. [L. proetextus.]   Pretense; false appearance; ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive. He gave plausible reasons for this conduct, but these were only a pretext to conceal his real motives.
 He made pretext that I should only go
 And help convey his freight; but thought not so.
 They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a pretext of service and kindness.


Topic: Pretor
Definition:
PRE'TOR, n. [L. proetor, from the root of proe, before.]   
Among the ancient Romans, a judge; an officer answering to the modern chief justice or chancellor, or to both.  In later times, subordinate judges appointed to distribute justice in the provinces, were created and called pretors or provincial pretors.  These assisted the consuls in the government of the provinces.
In modern times, the word is sometimes used for a mayor or magistrate.


Topic: Pretorian
Definition:
PRETO'RIAN, a.  Belonging to a pretor or judge; judicial; exercised by the pretor; as pretorian power or authority.
Pretorian bands or guards, in Roman history, were the emperor's guards.  Their number was ultimately increased to ten thousand men.


Topic: Prettily
Definition:
PRETTILY, adv. prit'tily. [from pretty.]   In a pretty manner; with neatness and taste; pleasingly; without magnificence or splendor; as a woman prettily dressed; a parterre prettily ornamented with flowers.
1.  With decency, good manners and decorum without dignity.
 Children kept out of ill company, take a price to behave themselves prettily.


Topic: Prettiness
Definition:
PRETTINESS, n. prit'tiness.  [from pretty.]
1.  Diminutive beauty; a pleasing form without stateliness or dignity; as the prettiness of the face; the prettiness of a bird or other small animal; the prettiness of dress.
2.  Neatness and taste displayed on small objects; as the prettiness of a flower bed.
3.  Decency of manners; pleasing propriety without dignity or elevation; as the prettiness of a child'd behavior.


Topic: Pretty
Definition:
PRETTY, a. prit'ty.
1.  Having diminutive beauty; of a pleasing form with the strong lines of beauty, or without gratefulness and dignity; as a pretty face; a pretty person; a pretty flower.
 The pretty gentleman is the most complaisant creature in the world.
 That which is little can be but pretty, and by claiming dignity becomes ridiculous.
2.  Neat and appropriate without magnificence or splendor; as a pretty dress.
3.  Handsome; neatly arranged or ornamented; as a pretty flower bed.
4.  Neat; elegant without elevation or grandeur; as a pretty tale or story; a pretty song or composition.
5.  Sly; crafty; as, he has played his friend a pretty trick.  This seems to be the sense of the word in this phrase, according with the Saxon proetig.  And hence perhaps the phrase, a pretty fellow.
6.  Small; diminutive; in contempt.  He will make a pretty figure in a triumph.
7.  Not very small; moderately large; as a pretty way off.
 Cut off the stalks of cucumbers immediately after their bearing,close by the earth, and then cast a pretty quantity of earth upon the plant, and they will bear next year before the ordinary time.  [Not in use.]
PRETTY, adv. prit'ty.  In some degree; tolerably; moderately; as a farm pretty well stocked; the colors became pretty vivid; I am pretty sure of the fact; the wind is pretty fair.  The English farthing is pretty near the value of the American cent.  In these and similar phrases, pretty expresses less than very.
 The writer pretty plainly professes himself a sincere christian.


Topic: Prevail
Definition:
PREVA'IL, v.i. [L. proevaleo; proe, before, and valeo, to be strong or well.  Valeo seems to be from the same root as the Eng. well.  The primary sense is to stretch or strain forward, to advance.]
1.  To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage.
 When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  Ex.17.
 With over or against.
 David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone.  1 Sam.17.
 This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England.
2.  To be in force; to have effect; power or influence.
 This custom makes the short-sighted bigots and the warier skeptics, as far as ir prevails.
3.  To be predominant; to extend over with force or effect.  The fever prevailed in a great part of the city.
4.  To gain or have predominant influence; to operate with effect.  These reasons, arguments or motives ought to prevail with all candid men.  In this sense, it is followed by with.
5.  To persuade or induce; with on or upon.  They prevailed on the president to ratify the treaty.  It is also followed by with.  They could not prevail with the king to pardon the offender.  But on is more common in modern practice.
6.  To succeed.  The general attempted to take the fort by assault, but did not prevail.  The most powerful arguments were employed,but they did not prevail.


Topic: Prevailing
Definition:
PREVA'ILING, ppr.  Gaining advantage, superiority or victory; having effect; persuading; succeeding.
1.  a. Predominant; having more influence; prevalent; superior in power.  The love of money and the love of power are the prevailing passions of men.
2.  Efficacious.
 Saints shall assist thee with prevailing prayers.
3.  Predominant; most general; as the prevailing disease of a climate; a prevailing opinion. Intemperance is the prevailing vice of many countries.


Topic: Prevalent
Definition:
PREV'ALENT, a.  Gaining advantage or superiority; victorious.
 Brennus told the Roman embassadors,that prevalent arms were as good as any title.
1.  Powerful; efficacious; successful; as prevalent supplications.
2.  Predominant; most generally received or current; as a prevalent opinion.
3.  Predominant; most general; extensively existing; as a prevalent disease.


Topic: Prevalently
Definition:
PREV'ALENTLY, adv.  With predominance or superiority; powerfully.
 The evening star so falls into the main
 To rise at morn more prevalently bright.


Topic: Prevaricate
Definition:
PREVAR'ICATE, v.i. [L. proevaricor; proe and varico, varicor, to straddle.]
1.  To shuffle; to quibble; to shift or turn from one side to the other, from the direct course or from truth; to play foul play.
 I would think better of himself, than that he would wilfully prevaricate.
2.  In the civil law, to collude; as where an informer colludes with the defendant, and makes a sham prosecution.
3.  In English law, to undertake a thing falsely and deceitfully, with the purpose of defeating or destroying it.
PREVAR'ICATE, v.t.  To pervert; to corrupt; to evade by a quibble.  [But in a transitive sense,this word is seldom or never used.]


Topic: Prevarication
Definition:
PREVARICA'TION, n.  A shuffling or quibbling to evade the truth or the disclosure of truth; the practice of some trick for evading what is just or honorable; a deviation from the plain path of truth and fair dealing.
1.  In the civil law, the collusion of an informer with the defendant, for the purpose of making a sham prosecution.
2.  In common law, a seeming to undertake a thing falsely or deceitfully, for the purpose of defeating or destroying it.
3.  A secret abuse in the exercise of a public office or commission.


Topic: Prevaricator
Definition:
PREVAR'ICATOR, n.  One that prevaricates; a shuffler; a quibbler.
1.  A sham dealer; one who colludes with a defendant in a sham prosecution.
2.  One who abuses his trust.


Topic: Prevene
Definition:
PREVE'NE, v.t. [L. proevenio; proe, before, and venio, to come.]
Literally, to come before; hence, to hinder.  [Not used.]


Topic: Prevent
Definition:
PREVENT', v.t. [L. proevenio, supra.]
1.  To go before; to precede.
 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried.  Ps.119.
2.  To precede, as something unexpected or unsought.
 The days of my affliction prevented me.  Job.30.  
2 Sam.22.
3.  To go before; to precede; to favor by anticipation or by hindering distress or evil.
 The God of my mercy shall prevent me. Ps.59.
 Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor.
4.  To anticipate.
 Their ready guilt preventing thy commands.
5.  To preoccupy; to pre-engage; to attempt first.
 Thou hast prevented us with overtures of love.
[In all the preceding senses, the word is obsolete.]
6.  To hinder; to obstruct; to intercept the approach or access of.  This is now the only sense.  No foresight or care will prevent every misfortune.  Religion supplies consolation under afflictions which cannot be prevented.  It is easier to prevent an evil than to remedy it.
 Too great confidence in success, is the likeliest to prevent it.
PREVENT', v.i.  To come before the usual time.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Preventer
Definition:
PREVENT'ER, n.  One that goes before.  [Not in use.]
1.  One that hinders; a hinderer; that which hinders; as a preventer of evils or of disease.


Topic: Prevention
Definition:
PREVEN'TION, n.  The act of going before.
1.  Preoccupation; anticipation.  [Little used.]
2.  The act of hindering;  hinderance; obstruction of access or approach.
 Prevention of sin is one of the greatest mercies God can vouchsafe.
3.  Prejudice; prepossession; a French sense, but not in use in English.


Topic: Preventive
Definition:
PREVENT'IVE, a.  Tending to hinder; hindering the access of; as a medicine preventive of disease.
PREVENT'IVE, n.  That which prevents; that which intercepts the access or approach of.  Temperance and exercise are excellent preventives of debility and languor.
1.  An antidote previously taken.  A medicine may be taken as a preventive of disease.


Topic: Previous
Definition:
PRE'VIOUS, a. [L. proevius; proe, before, and via, way, that is, a going.]   Going before in time; being or happening before something else; antecedent; prior; as a previous intimation of a design; a previous notion; a previous event.
 Sound from the mountain, previous to the storm,
 Rolls o'er the muttering earth.


Topic: Prevision
Definition:
PREVI'SION, n. s as z. [L. proevisus, proevideo; proe,before, and video, to see.]   Foresight; foreknowledge; prescience.


Topic: Prey
Definition:
PREY, n. [L. proeda.]
1.  Spoil; booty; plunder; goods taken by force from an enemy in war.
 And they brought the captives and the prey and the spoil to Moses and Eleazar the priest. Num.31.
In this passage,the captives are distinguished from prey.  But sometimes persons are included.
 They [Judah] shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies.  2 Kings 21.
2.  That which is seized or may be seized by violence to be devoured; ravine.  The eagle and the hawk dart upon their prey.
 She sees herself the monster's prey.
 The old lion perisheth for lack of prey. Job.4.
3.  Ravage; depredation.
 Hog in sloth, fox in stealth, lion in prey.
Animal or beast of prey, is a carnivorous animal; one that feeds on the flesh of other animals.  The word is applied to the larger animals, as lions, tigers, hawks, vultures, &c. rather than to insects; yet an insect feeding on other insects may be called an animal of prey.
PREY, v.i.  To prey on or upon, is to rob; to plunder; to pillage.
1.  To feed by violence, or to seize and devour.  The wolf preys on sheep; the hawk preys on chickens.
2.  To corrode; to waste gradually; to cause to pine away.  Grief preys on the body and spirits; envy and jealousy prey on the health.
 Language is too faint to show
 His rage of love; it preys upon his life;
 He pines, he sickens, he despairs, he dies.


Topic: Price
Definition:
PRICE, n. [L. pretium.  See Praise.]
1.  The sum or amount of money at which a thing is valued, or the value which a seller sets on his goods in market. A man often sets a price on goods which he cannot obtain, and often takes less than the price set.
2.  The sum or equivalent given for an article sold; as the price paid for a house, an ox or a watch.
3.  The current value or rate paid for any species of goods; as the market price of wheat.
4.  Value; estimation; excellence; worth.
 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  Prov.31.
5.  Reward; recompense.
 That vice may merit; 'tis the price of toil;
 The knave deserves it when he tills the soil.
The price of redemption, is the atonement of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.6.
A price in the hands of a fool, the valuable offers of salvation, which he neglects.  Prov.17.
PRICE, v.t.  To pay for.  [Not in use.]
1.  To set a price on.  [See Prize.]


Topic: Priceless
Definition:
PRI'CELESS, a.  Invaluable; too valuable to admit of a price.
1.  Without value; worthless or unsalable. 


Topic: Prick
Definition:
PRICK, v.t.
1.  To pierce with a sharp pointed instrument or substance; as, to prick one with a pin, a needle, a thorn or the like.
2.  To erect a pointed thing, or with an acuminated point; applied chiefly to the ears, and primarily to the pointed ears of an animal.  The horse pricks his ears, or pricks up his ears.
3.  To fix by the point; as, to prick a knife into a board.
4.  To hang on a point.
 The cooks prick a slice on a prong of iron.
5.  To designate by a puncture or mark.
 Some who are pricked for sheriffs, and are fit, set out of the bill.
6.  To spur; to goad; to incite; sometimes with on or off.
 My duty pricks me on to utter that
 Which no worldly good should draw from me.
 But how if honor prick me off.
7.  To affect with sharp pain; to sting with remorse.
 When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts.  Acts 2. Ps.73.
8.  To make acid or pungent to the taste; as, wine is pricked.
9.  To write a musical composition with the proper notes on a scale.
    10. In seamen's language, to run a middle seam through the cloth of a sail.
To prick a chart, is to trace a ship's course on a chart.
PRICK, v.i.  To become acid; as, cider pricks in the rays of the sun.
1.  To dress one's self for show.
2.  To come upon the spur; to shoot along.
 Before each van
 Prick forth the airy knights.
3.  To aim at a point, mark or place.
PRICK, n.
1.  A slender pointed instrument or substance, which is hard enough to pierce the skin; a goad; a spur.
 It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  Acts 9.
2.  Sharp stinging pain; remorse.
3.  A spot or mark at which archers aim.
4.  A point; a fixed place.
5.  A puncture or place entered by a point.
6.  The print of a hare on the ground.
7.  In seamen's language, a small roll; as a prick of spun yarn; a prick of tobacco.


Topic: Pricked
Definition:
PRICK'ED, pp.  Pierced with a sharp point; spurred; goaded; stung with pain; rendered acid or pungent; marked; designated.


Topic: Pricker
Definition:
PRICK'ER, n.  A sharp pointed instrument.
1.  In colloquial use, a prickle.
2.  A light horseman.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Pricking
Definition:
PRICK'ING, ppr.  Piercing with a sharp point; goading; affecting with pungent pain; making or becoming acid.
PRICK'ING, n.  A sensation of sharp pain, or of being pricked.


Topic: Prickle
Definition:
PRICK'LE, n.  In botany, a small pointed shoot or sharp process, growing from the bark only, and thus distinguished from the thorn, which grows from the wood of a plant.  Thus the rose, the bramble, the gooseberry and the barberry are armed with prickles.
1.  A sharp pointed process of an animal.


Topic: Pride
Definition:
PRIDE, n.
1.  Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.
 Martial pride looks down on industry.
 Pride goeth before destruction. Prov.16.
 Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt.
 All pride is abject and mean.
 Those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Dan.4.
2.  Insolence; rude treatment of others; insolent exultation.
 That hardly we escap'd the pride of France.
3.  Generous elation of heart; a noble self-esteem springing from a consciousness of worth.
 The honest pride of conscious virtue.
4.  Elevation; loftiness.
 A falcon tow'ring in her pride of place.
5.  Decoration; ornament; beauty displayed.
 Whose lofty trees, clad with summer's pride.
 Be his this sword
 Whose ivory sheath, inwrought with curious pride,
 Adds graceful terror to the wearer's side.
6.  Splendid show; ostentation.
 Is this array, the war of either side
 Through Athens pass'd with military pride.
7.  That of which men are proud; that which excites boasting.
 I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. Zech.9. Zeph.3.
8.  Excitement of the sexual appetite in a female beast.
9.  Proud persons. Ps.36.
PRIDE, v.t.  With the reciprocal pronoun, to pride one's self, to indulge pride; to take pride; to value one's self; to gratify self-esteem.  They pride themselves in their wealth, dress or equipage.  He prides himself in his achievements.


Topic: Priest
Definition:
PRIEST, n. [L. proestes, a chief, one that presides; proe, before,and sto, to stand, or sisto.]
1.  A man who officiates in sacred offices. Among pagans, priests were persons whose appropriate business was to offer sacrifices and perform other sacred rites of religion.  In primitive ages, the fathers of families, princes and kings were priests.  Thus Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Melchizedek,Job, Isaac and Jacob offered their own sacrifices.  In the days of Moses, the office of priest was restricted to the tribe of Levi, and the priesthood consisted of three orders, the high priest, the priests, and the Levites, and the office was made hereditary in the family of Aaron.
Every priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.  Heb.5.
2.  In the modern church, a person who is set apart or consecrated to the ministry of the gospel; a man in orders or licensed to preach the gospel; a presbyter.  In its most general sense, the word includes archbishops, bishops, patriarchs, and all subordinate orders of the clergy, duly approved and licensed according to the forms and rules of each respective denomination of christians; as all these orders 'are ordained for men in things pertaining to God.'  But in Great Britain, the word is understood to denote the subordinate orders of the clergy, above a deacon and below a bishop.  In the United States, the word denotes any licensed minister of the gospel.


Topic: Priestcraft
Definition:
PRIE'STCRAFT, n. [priest and craft.]  The stratagems and frauds of priests; fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management of selfish and ambitious priests to gain wealth and power, or to impose on the credulity of others.


Topic: Priesthood
Definition:
PRIE'STHOOD, n.  The office or character of a priest.
1.  The order of men set apart for sacred offices; the order composed of priests.


Topic: Priestly
Definition:
PRIE'STLY, a.  Pertaining to a priest or to priests; sacerdotal; as the priestly office.
1.  Becoming a priest; as priestly sobriety and purity of life.


Topic: Prig
Definition:
PRIG, n.
1.  A pert, conceited, saucy, pragmatical fellow.
2.  A thief.
PRIG, v.i.  To haggle about the price of a commodity.
PRIG, v.t.  To filch or steal.


Topic: Prim
Definition:
PRIM, a.  Properly, straight; erect; hence, formal; precise; affectedly nice.
PRIM, v.t.  To deck with great nicety; to form with affected preciseness.


Topic: Primacy
Definition:
PRI'MACY, n. [L. primatus, from primus, first.  See Prime.]
1.  The chief ecclesiastical station or dignity; the office or dignity of an archbishop.
2.  Excellency; supremacy.


Topic: Primarily
Definition:
PRI'MARILY, adv.  [from primary.]  In the first place; originally; in the first intention.  The word emperor primarily signifies a general or military commander in chief.  In diseases,the physician is to attend to the part primarily affected.


Topic: Primary
Definition:
PRI'MARY, a. [L. primarius.  See Prime.]
1.  First in order of time; original; as the church of Christ in its primary institution.
 These I call original or primary qualities of body.
2.  First in dignity or importance; chief; principal.  Our ancestors considered the education of youth or primary importance.
3. Elemental; intended to teach youth the first rudiments; as primary schools.
4.  Radical; original; as the primary sense of a word.
Primary planets, are those which revolve about the sun, in distinction form the secondary planets, which revolve about the primary.
Primary qualities of bodies, are such as are original and inseparable from them.


Topic: Prime
Definition:
PRIME, a. [L. primus.]
1.  First in order of time; original; as prime fathers; prime creation.
In this sense, the use of the word is nearly superseded by primitive, except in the phrase, prime cost.
2.  First in rank, degree or dignity; as prime minister.
3.  First in excellence; as prime wheat; cloth of a prime quality.  Humility and resignation are prime virtues.
4.  Early; blooming.
 His starry helm unbuckl'd, showed him prime
 In manhood, where youth ended.
5.  First in value or importance.
Prime number, in arithmetic, a number which is divisible only by unity, as 5.7.ll.
Prime figure, in geometry, a figure which cannot be divided into any other figure more simple than itself, as a triangle, a pyramid, &c.
PRIME, n.  The first opening of day; the dawn; the morning.
 Early and late it rung, at evening and at prime.
 The sweet hour of prime.
1.  The beginning; the early days.
 In the very prime of the world.
2.  The spring of the year.
 Hope waits upon the flower prime.
3.  The spring of life; youth; hence, full health, strength or beauty.
 That crop the golden prime of this sweet prince.
 The prime of youth.
4.  The best part.
 Give him always of the prime.
5.  The utmost perfection.
 The plants--would have been all in prime.
6.  In the Romish church,the first canonical hour, succeeding to lauds.
7.  In fencing, the first of the chief guards.
8.  In chimistry, primes are numbers employed, in conformity with the doctrine of definite proportions, to express the ratios in which bodies enter into combination.  Primes duly arranged in a table, constitute a scale of chimical equivalents.  They also express the ratios of the weights of atoms, according to the atomic theory.
Prime of the moon, the new moon, when it first appears after the change.
vertical, the vertical circle which passes through the poles of the meridian, or the east and west points of the horizon.  Dials projected on the plane of this circle, are called prime vertical or north and south dials.
PRIME, v.t.  To put powder in the pan of a musket or other fire-arm; or to lay a train of powder for communicating fire to a charge.
1.  To lay on the first color in painting.
PRIME, v.i.  To serve for the charge of a gun.


Topic: Primer-seizin
Definition:
PRIMER-SE'IZIN, n. [prime and seizin.]  In feudal law, the right of the king, when a tenant in capite died seized of a knight's fee, to receive of the heir, if of full age, one year's profits of the land if in possession, and half a year's profits if the land was in reversions expectant on an estate for life; abolished by 12 Car.2.


Topic: Primeval
Definition:
PRIME'VAL, a. [L. primus, first, and oevum, age, primoevus.]
Original; primitive; as the primeval innocence of man; primeval day.


Topic: Primigenial
Definition:
PRIMIGE'NIAL, a. [L. primigenius; primus, first, and genus, kind, or gignor, to beget.]   First born; original; primary.


Topic: Priming
Definition:
PRI'MING, ppr.  Putting powder in the pan of a fire-arm.
1.  Laying on the first color.
PRI'MING, n.  The powder in the pan of a gun, or laid along the channel of a cannon for conveying fire to the charge.
1.  Among painters, the first color laid on canvas or on a building, &c.


Topic: Priming-wire
Definition:
PRI'MING-WIRE, n.  A pointed wire, used to penetrate the vent of a piece, for examining the powder of the charge or for piercing the cartridge.


Topic: Primipilar
Definition:
PRIMIP'ILAR, a. [L. primipilus, the centurion of the first cohort of a Roman legion.]   Pertaining to the captain of the vanguard.


Topic: Primitive
Definition:
PRIM'ITIVE, a. [L. primitivus; from primus, first.]
1.  Pertaining to the beginning or origin; original; first; as the primitive state of Adam; primitive innocence; primitive ages; the primitive church; the primitive christian church or institutions; the primitive fathers.
2.  Formal; affectedly solemn; imitating the supposed gravity of old times.
3.  Original; primary; radical; not derived; as a primitive verb in grammar.
Primitive rocks, in geology, rocks supposed to be first formed, being irregularly crystallized, and aggregated without a cement,
and containing no organic remains; as granite, gneiss, &c.
PRIM'ITIVE, n.  An original word; a word not derived from another.


Topic: Primitively
Definition:
PRIM'ITIVELY, adv.  Originally; at first.
1.  Primarily; not derivatively.
2.  According to the original rule or ancient practice.


Topic: Primogenial
Definition:
PRIMOGE'NIAL, a. [L. primigenius.  See Primigenial.]
First born, made or generated; original; primary; constituent; elemental; as primogenial light; primogenial bodies.


Topic: Primogeniture
Definition:
PRIMOGEN'ITURE, n. [L. primus, first, and genitus, begotten.
1.  The state of being born first of the same parents; seniority by birth among children.
2.  In law, the right which belongs to the eldest son or daughter. Thus in Great Britain, the right of inheriting the estate of the father belongs to the eldest son, and in the royal family, the eldest son of the king is entitled to the throne by primogeniture.  Among the females, the crown descends by right of primogeniture to the eldest daughter only and her issue.
Before the revolution, primogeniture, in some of the American colonies, entitled the eldest son to a double portion of his father's estate, but this right has been abolished.


Topic: Primordial
Definition:
PRIMOR'DIAL, a. [L. primordialis, primordium; primus, first, and ordo, order.]   First in order; original; existing from the beginning.
PRIMOR'DIAL, n.  Origin; first principle or element.


Topic: Primrose
Definition:
PRIM'ROSE, n.  s as z. [L. primula veris; primus, first, and rose; literally, the first or an early rose in spring.]
A plant of the genus Primula, of several varieties, as the white, the red, the yellow flowered, the cowslip, &c.  Shakespeare uses the word for gay or flowery; as the primrose way.


Topic: Prince
Definition:
PRINCE, n. prins.  [L. princeps.]
1.  In a general sense, a sovereign; the chief and independent ruler of a nation or state. Thus when we speak of the princes of Europe, we include emperors and kings.  Hence, a chief in general; as a prince of the celestial host.
2.  A sovereign in a certain territory; one who has the government of a particular state or territory, but holds of a superior to whom he owes certain services; as the princes of the German states.
3.  The son of a king or emperor, or the issue of a royal family; as princes of the blood.  In England, the eldest son of the king is created prince of Wales.
4.  The chief of any body of men.
5.  A chief or ruler of either sex.  Queen Elizabeth is called by Camden prince, but this application is unusual and harsh.
Prince of the senate, in ancient Rome, was the person first called in the roll of senators.  He was always of consular and censorian
dignity.
In Scripture, this name prince is given to God, Dan.8; to Christ, who is called the prince of peace, Is.9, and the prince of life, Acts 3.; to the chief of the priests, the prince of the sanctuary, Is.43.; to the Roman emperor, Dan.9.; to men of superior worth and excellence, Eccles. 10.; to nobles, counselors and officers of a kingdom, Is.10.; to the chief men of families or tribes, Num. 17.; to Satan, who is called the prince of this world, John 12.., and prince of the power of the air, Eph.2.
PRINCE, v.i.  To play the prince; to take state.


Topic: Princedom
Definition:
PRINCEDOM, n. prins'dom.  The jurisdiction, sovereignty, rank or estate of a prince.
 Under thee, as head supreme,
 Thrones, princedoms, powers, dominions, I reduce.


Topic: Princely
Definition:
PRINCELY, a.  prins'ly.  Resembling a prince; having the appearance of one high born; stately; dignified; as a princely gentleman; a princely youth.
1.  Having the rank of princes; as a man of princely birth; a princely dame.
2.  Becoming a prince; royal; grand; august; as a princely gift; princely virtues.
3.  Very large; as a princely fortune.
4.  Magnificent; rich; as a princely entertainment.
PRINCELY, adv.  prins'ly.  In a princelike manner.


Topic: Princess
Definition:
PRIN'CESS, n.  A female sovereign, as an empress or queen.
1.  A sovereign lady of rank next to that of a queen.
2.  The daughter of a king.
3.  The consort of a prince; as the princess of Wales.


Topic: Principal
Definition:
PRIN'CIPAL, a. [L. principalis, from princeps.]
1.  Chief; highest in rank, character or respectability; as the principal officers of a government; the principal men of a city, town, or state.  Acts 25. 1 Chron.24.
2.  Chief; most important or considerable; as the principal topics of debate; the principal arguments in a case; the principal points of law; the principal beams of a building; the principal productions of a country.
 Wisdom is the principal thing. Prov.4.
3.  In law, a principal challenge, is where the cause assigned carries with it prima facie evidence of partiality, favor or malice.
4.  In music, fundamental.
PRIN'CIPAL, n.  A chief or head; one who takes the lead; as the principal of a faction, an insurrection or mutiny.
1.  The president, governor, or chief in authority.  We apply the word to the chief instructor of an academy or seminary of learning.
2.  In law, the actor or absolute perpetrator of a crime, or an abettor.  A principal in the first degree, is the absolute perpetrator of the crime; a principal in the second degree, is one who is present, aiding and abetting the fact to be done; distinguished from an accessory. In treason, all persons concerned are principals.
3.  In commerce, a capital sum lent on interest, due as a debt or used as a fund; so called in distinction from interest or profits.
 Taxes must be continued, because we have no other means for paying off the principal.
4.  One primarily engaged; a chief party; in distinction from an auxiliary.
 We were not principals, but auxiliaries in the war.


Topic: Principality
Definition:
PRINCIPAL'ITY, n.  
1.  Sovereignty; supreme power.
2.  A prince; one invested with sovereignty.  Tit.3.
3.  The territory of a prince; or the country which gives title to a prince; as the principality of Wales.
4.  Superiority; predominance.  [Little used.]
5.  In Scripture, royal state or attire. Jer.13.


Topic: Principally
Definition:
PRIN'CIPALLY, adv.  Chiefly; above all.
 They mistake the nature of criticism, who think its business is principally to find fault.


Topic: Principiation
Definition:
PRINCIPIA'TION, n. [from L. principium.]  Analysis into constituent or elemental parts.  [Not used.]


Topic: Principle
Definition:
PRIN'CIPLE, n. [L. principium, beginning.]
1. In a general sense, the cause, source or origin of any thing; that from which a thing proceeds; as the principle of motion; the principles of action.
2. Element; constituent part; primordial substance.
 Modern philosophers suppose matter to be one simple principle, or solid extension diversified by its various shapes.
3.  Being that produces any thing; operative cause.
 The soul of man is an active principle.
4.  In science, a truth admitted either without proof, or considered as having been before proved.  In the former sense, it is synonymous with axiom; in the latter, with the phrase, established principle.
5.  Ground; foundation; that which supports an assertion, an action, or a series of actions or of reasoning.  On what principle can this be affirmed or denied?  He justifies his proceedings on the principle of expedience or necessity.  He reasons on sound principles.
6.  A general truth; a law comprehending many subordinate truths; as the principles of morality, of law, of government, &c.
7.  Tenet; that which is believed, whether truth or not, but which serves as a rule of action or the basis of a system; as the principles of the Stoics, or of the Epicureans.
8.  A principle of human nature, is a law of action in human beings; a constitutional propensity common to the human species.  Thus it is a principle of human nature to resent injuries and repel insults.
PRIN'CIPLE, v.t.  To establish or fix in tenets; to impress with any tenet, good or ill; chiefly used in the participle.
 Men have been principled with an opinion, that they must not consult reason in things of religion.
1.  To establish firmly in the mind.


Topic: Print
Definition:
PRINT, v.t. [L. imprimo; in and premo, to press; promptus, pressed or pressing forward.]
1.  In general, to take or form letters, characters or figures on paper, cloth or other material by impression.  Thus letters are taken on paper by impressing it on types blackened with ink. Figures are printed on cloth by means of blocks or a cylinder.  The rolling press is employed to take prints on impressions from copper- plates.  Thus we say, to print books, to print calico, to print tunes, music, likenesses, &c.
2.  To mark by pressing one thing on another.
 On his fiery steed betimes he rode,
 That scarcely prints the turf on which he trod.
3.  To impress any thing so as to leave its form.
 Perhaps some footsteps printed in the clay--
4.  To form by impression.
 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh.
PRINT, v.i.  To use or practice the art of typography, or of taking impressions of letters, figures and the like.
1.  To publish a book.  [Elliptical.]
 From the moment he prints,he must expect to hear no more of truth.
PRINT, n.  A mark made by impression; any line,character, figure or indentation of any form, made by the pressure of one body or thing on another; as the print of the tooth or of the nails in flesh; the print of the foot in sand or snow; the print of a wheel;  the print of types on paper.  Hence,
1.  The impression of types in general, as to form, size, &c.; as a small print; a large print; a fair print.
2.  That which impresses its form on any thing; as a butter print; a wooden print.
3.  The representation or figure of any thing made by impression; as the print of the face; the print of a temple; prints of antiquities.
4.  The state of being printed and published.  Diffidence sometimes prevents a man from suffering his works to appear; in print.
 I love a ballad in print.
5.  A single sheet printed for sale; a newspaper.
 The prints, about three days after, were filled with the same terms.
6.  Formal method.  [Not in use.]
Out of print, a phrase which signifies that, of a printed and published work, there are no copies for sale, or none for sale by the publisher.


Topic: Printer
Definition:
PRINT'ER, n.  One that prints books, pamphlets or papers.
1.  One that stains or prints cloth with figures, as calico.
2.  One that impresses letters or figures with copper-plates.


Topic: Printing
Definition:
PRINT'ING, ppr.  Impressing letters,characters or figures on any thing; making marks or indentations.
PRINT'ING, n.  The art or practice of impressing letters, characters or figures on paper, cloth or other material; the business of a printer; typography.


Topic: Printing-paper
Definition:
PRINT'ING-PAPER, n.  Paper to be used in the printing of books, pamphlets, &c.; as distinguished from writing-paper, press-paper, wrapping-paper, &c.


Topic: Prior
Definition:
PRI'OR, a. [L. comp. Probably the first syllable is contracted from pris, prid, or some other word, for the Latin has prisce, pristinus.]   
Preceding in the order of time; former; antecedent; anterior; as a prior discovery; prior obligation.  The discovery of the continent of American by Cabot was six or seven weeks prior to the discovery of it by Columbus.  The discovery of the Labrador coast by Cabot was on the 11th of June, 1499; that of the continent by Columbus, was on the first of August of the same year.
PRI'OR, n. [L. prior.]
1.  The superior of a convent of monks, or one next in dignity to an abbot.  Priors are claustral or conventical.  The conventical are the same as abbots.  A claustral prior is one that governs the religious of an abbey or priory in commendam, having his jurisdiction wholly from the abbot.
2.  In some churches, one who presides over others in the same churches.


Topic: Priority
Definition:
PRIOR'ITY, n.  The state of being antecedent in time, or of preceding something else; as priority of birth.  The priority of Homer or Hesiod has been a subject of dispute.
1.  Precedence in place or rank.
Priority of debts, is a superior claim to payment, or to payment before others.


Topic: Priory
Definition:
PRI'ORY, n.  A convent of which a prior is the superior; in dignity below an abbey.
1.  Priories are the churches given to priors in titulum, or by way of title.


Topic: Prisage
Definition:
PRI'SAGE, n.  A right belonging to the crown of England, of taking two tons of wine from every ship importing twenty tons or more; one before and one behind the mast.  This by charter of Edward I. was exchanged into a duty of two shillings for every tun imported by merchant strangers, and called butlerage, because paid to the king's butler.


Topic: Priscillianist
Definition:
PRISCIL'LIANIST, n.  In church history, one of a sect so denominated from Priscillian, a Spaniard, bishop of Avila, who practiced magic, maintained the errors of the Manichees, and held it to be lawful to make false oaths in the support of one's cause and interest.


Topic: Prism
Definition:
PRISM, n. [Low L. prisma; Gr. to cut with a saw, to press or strain.]   A solid whose bases or ends are any similar, equal and parallel plane figures, and whose sides are parallelograms.
A prism of glass is one bounded by two equal and parallel triangular ends and three plain and well polished sides which meet in three parallel lines, running from the three angles of one end to the three angles of the other end.


Topic: Prison
Definition:
PRISON, n. priz'n. [L. prendo.]
1.  In a general sense, any place of confinement or involuntary restraint; but appropriately, a public building for the confinement or safe custody of debtors and criminals committed by process of law; a jail.  Originally, a prison, as Lord Coke observes, was only a place of safe custody; but it is now employed as a place of punishment.  We have state-prisons, for the confinement of criminals by way of punishment.
2.  Any place of confinement or restraint.
 The tyrant Aeolus,
 With power imperial curbs the struggling winds,
 And sounding tempests in dark prisons binds.
3. In Scripture, a low, obscure, afflicted condition. Eccles.4.
4.  The cave where David was confined.  Ps.142.
5.  A state of spiritual bondage.  Is.42.


Topic: Prisoner
Definition:
PRIS'ONER, n.  One who is confined in a prison by legal arrest or warrant.
1.  A person under arrest or in custody of the sheriff, whether in prison or not; as a prisoner at the bar of a court.
2.  A captive; one taken by an enemy in war.
3.  One whose liberty is restrained, as a bird in a cage.


Topic: Pristine
Definition:
PRIS'TINE, a. [L. pristinus.  See Prior and Proe.]original; primitive; as the pristine state of innocence; the pristine manners of a people; the pristine constitution of things.


Topic: Prithee
Definition:
PRITH'EE, a corruption of pray thee, as I prithee; but it is generally used without the pronoun, prithee.


Topic: Privacy
Definition:
PRI'VACY, n. [form private.]  A state of being in retirement from the company or observation of others; secrecy.
1.  A place of seclusion from company or observation; retreat; solitude; retirement.
 Her sacred privacies all open lie.
2.  Privity.  [Not used.]  [See Privity.]
3.  Taciturnity.  [Not used.]
4.  Secrecy; concealment of what is said or done.


Topic: Private
Definition:
PRI'VATE, a. [L. privatus, from privo, to bereave, properly to strip or separate; privus, singular, several, peculiar to one's self, that is, separate; rapio, diripio, eripio; privo for perivo or berivo.]
1.  Properly, separate; unconnected with others; hence, peculiar to one's self; belonging to or concerning an individual only; as a man's private opinion, business or concerns; private property; the king's private purse; a man's private expenses.  Charge the money to my private account in the company's books.
2.  Peculiar to a number in a joint concern, to a company or body politic; as the private interest of a family, of a company or of a state; opposed to public, or to the general interest of nations.
3.  Sequestered from company or observation; secret; secluded; as a private cell; a private room or apartment; private prayer.
4.  Not publicly known; not open; as a private negotiation.
5.  Not invested with public office or employment; as a private man or citizen; private lift.
 A private person may arrest a felon.
6.  Individual; personal; in contradistinction from public or national; as private interest.
Private way, in law, is a way or passage in which a man has an interest and right, though the ground may belong to another person.  In common language, a private way may be a secret way, one not known or public.
A private act or statute, is one which operates on an individual or company only; opposed to a general law, which operates on the whole community.
A private nuance or wrong, is one which affects an individual.
In private, secretly; not openly or publicly.
PRI'VATE, n.  A secret message; particular business.  [Unusual.]
1.  A common soldier.


Topic: Privateer
Definition:
PRIVATEE'R, n. [from private.]  A ship or vessel of war owned and equipped by a private man or by individuals, at their own expense, to seize or plunder the ships of an enemy in war.  Such a ship must be licensed or commissioned by government, or it is a pirate.
PRIVATEE'R, v.i.  To cruise in a commissioned private ship against an enemy, for seizing their ships or annoying their commerce.


Topic: Privately
Definition:
PRI'VATELY, adv. In a secret manner; not openly or publicly.
1.  In a manner affecting an individual or company.  He is not privately benefited.


Topic: Privateness
Definition:
PRI'VATENESS, n.  Secrecy; privacy.
1.  Retirement; seclusion from company or society.
2.  The state of an individual in the rank of common citizens, or not invested with office.


Topic: Privation
Definition:
PRIVA'TION, n.  [L. privatio, from privo.  See Private.]
1.  The state of being deprived; particularly, deprivation or absence of what is necessary for comfort.  He endures his privations with wonderful fortitude.
2.  The act of removing something possessed; the removal or destruction of any thing or quality.  The garrison was compelled by privation to surrender.
 For what is this contagious sin of kind
 But a privation of that grace within?
3.  Absence, in general.  Darkness is a privation of light.
4.  The act of the mind in separating a thing from something appendant.
5.  The act of degrading from rank or office.
[But in this sense, deprivation is now used.  See Deprivation.]


Topic: Privative
Definition:
PRIV'ATIVE, a.  Causing privation.
1. Consisting in the absence of something; not positive.  Privative is in things, what negative is in propositions; as privative blessings, safeguard, liberty and integrity.
PRIV'ATIVE, n.  That of which the essence is the absence of something.  Blackness and darkness are privatives.
1. In grammar, a prefix to a word which changes its signification and gives it a contrary sense, as a, in Greek; unjust; un and in in English, as unwise, inhuman.  The word may also be applied to suffixes, as less, in harmless.


Topic: Privatively
Definition:
PRIV'ATIVELY, adv. By the absence of something.
1. Negatively.
 The duty of the new covenant is set down first privatively.  [Unusual.]


Topic: Privet
Definition:
PRIV'ET, n.  A plant of the genus Ligustrum.  The evergreen privet is of the genus Rhamnus. Mock privet is of the genus Phillyrea.


Topic: Privilege
Definition:
PRIV'ILEGE, n. [L. privilegium; privus, separate, private, and lex, law; originally a private law, some public act that regarded an individual.]
1.  A particular and peculiar benefit or advantage enjoyed by a person, company or society, beyond the common advantages of other citizens.  A privilege may be a particular right granted by law or held by custom, or it may be an exemption from some burden to which others are subject.  The nobles of Great Britain have the privilege of being triable by their peers only.  Members of parliament and of our legislatures have the privilege of exemption from arrests in certain cases.  The powers of a banking company are privileges granted by the legislature.
 He pleads the legal privilege of a Roman.
 The privilege of birthright was a double portion.
2.  Any peculiar benefit or advantage, right or immunity, not common to others of the human race.  Thus we speak of national privileges, and civil and political privileges, which we enjoy above other nations.  We have  ecclesiastical and religious privileges secured to us by our constitutions of government.  Personal privileges are attached to the person; as those of embassadors, peers, members of legislatures, &c.  Real privileges are attached to place; as the privileges of the king's palace in England.
3.  Advantage; favor; benefit.
 A nation despicable by its weakness, forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.
Writ of privilege, is a writ to deliver a privileged person from custody when arrested in a civil suit.
PRIV'ILEGE, v.t.  To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; as, to privilege representatives from arrest; to privilege the officers and students of a college from military duty.
1.  To exempt from ensure or danger.
 This place doth privilege me.


Topic: Privileged
Definition:
PRIV'ILEGED, pp.  Invested with a privilege; enjoying a peculiar right or immunity. The clergy in Great Britain were formerly a privileged body of men.  No person is privileged from arrest for indictable crimes.


Topic: Privily
Definition:
PRIV'ILY, adv. [from privy.]  Privately; secretly.
 --False teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable heresies.  2 Pet.2.


Topic: Privity
Definition:
PRIV'ITY, n.  Privacy; secrecy; confidence.
 I will to you, in privity, discover the drift of my purpose.  [Little used.]
1.  Private knowledge; joint knowledge with another of a private concern, which is often supposed to imply consent or concurrence.
 All the doors were laid open for his departure, not without the privity of the prince of Orange.
But it is usual to say, 'a thing is done with his privity and consent;' in which phrase, privity signifies merely private knowledge.
2.  Privities, in the plural, secret parts; the parts which modesty requires to be concealed.


Topic: Privy
Definition:
PRIV'Y, a. [L. privus.  See Private.]
1.  Private; pertaining to some person exclusively; assigned to private uses; not public; as the privy purse; the privy confer of a king.
2.  Secret; clandestine; not open or public; as a privy attempt to kill one.
3.  Private; appropriated to retirement; not shown; not open for the admission of company; as a privy chamber.  Ezek.21.
4.  Privately knowing; admitted to the participation of knowledge with another of a secret transaction.
 He would rather lose half of his kingdom than be privy to such a secret.
 Myself am one made privy to the plot.
 His wife also being privy to it.  Acts.5.
5.  Admitted to secrets of state. The privy council of a king consists of a number of distinguished persons selected by him to advice him in the administration of the government.
A privy verdict, is one given to the judge out of court, which is of no force unless afterward affirmed by a public verdict in court.
PRIV'Y, n.  In law, a partaker; a person having an interest in any action or thing; as a privy in blood. Privies are of four kinds; privies in blood, as the heir to his father; privies in representation, as executors and administrators to the deceased; privies in estate, as he in reversion and he in remainder; donor and donee; lessor and lessee; privy in tenure, as the lord in escheat.
1.  A necessary house.
Privy chamber, in Great Britain, the private apartment in a royal residence or mansion.  Gentlemen of the privy chamber are servants of the king who are to wait and attend on him and the queen at court, in their diversions, &c.  They are forty eight in number, under the lord chamberlain.


Topic: Privy-counselor
Definition:
PRIVY-COUN'SELOR, n.  A member of the privy council.
 Privy-counselors are made by the king's nomination without patent or grant.


Topic: Prize
Definition:
PRIZE, n.
1.  That which is taken from an enemy in war; any species of goods or property seized by force as spoil or plunder; or that which is taken in combat, particularly a ship.  A privateer takes an enemy's ship as a prize.  They make prize of all the property of the enemy.
2.  That which is taken from another; that which is deemed a valuable acquisition.
 Then prostrate falls, and begs with ardent eyes,
 Soon to obtain and long possess the prize.
3.  That which is obtained or offered as the reward of contest.
 --I will never wrestle for prize.
 I fought and conquer'd, yet have lost the prize.
4.  The reward gained by any performance.
5.  In colloquial language, any valuable thing gained.
6.  The money drawn by a lottery ticket; opposed to blank.
PRIZE, v.t. [L. pretium.]
1.  To set or estimate the value of; to rate; as, to prize the goods specified in an invoice.
 Life I prize not a straw.
2.  To value highly; to estimate to be of great worth; to esteem.
 I prize your person, but your crown disdain.
3. To raise with a lever. [See Pry.]


Topic: Pro
Definition:
PRO, a Latin and Greek preposition, signifying for, before, forth, is probably contracted from prod, coinciding with It. proda, a prow, prode, brave; having the primary sense of moving forward.  See Prodigal.  In the phrase, pro and con, that is, pro and contra, it answers to the English for; for and against.
In composition, pro denotes fore, forth, forward.


Topic: Proa
Definition:
PRO'A, n.  Flying proa, a vessel used in the south seas, with the head and stern exactly alike,but with the sides differently formed.  That which is intended for the lee side is flat, the other rounding. To prevent oversetting, the vessel is furnished with a frame extended from the windward side, called an out-rigger.


Topic: Probability
Definition:
PROBABIL'ITY, n. [L. probabilitas.  See Probable.]
1.  Likelihood; appearance of truth; that state of a case or question of fact which results from superior evidence or preponderation of argument on one side, inclining the mind to receive it as the truth, but leaving some room for doubt.  It therefore falls short of moral certainty, but produces what is called opinion.
Probability is the appearance of the agreement or disagreement of two ideas, by the intervention of proofs whose connection is not constant, but appears for the most part to be so.
Demonstration produces science or certain knowledge; proof produces belief, and probability opinion.
1.  Any thing that has the appearance of reality or truth.  In this sense, the word admits of the plural number.
 The whole like of man is a perpetual comparison of evidence and balancing of probabilities.


Topic: Probable
Definition:
PROB'ABLE, a. [L. probabilis, from probo, to prove.  See Prove.]
1.  Likely; having more evidence than the contrary, or evidence which inclines the mind to belief, but leaves some room for doubt.
That is accounted probable, which has better arguments producible for it than can be brought against it.
I do not say that the principles of religion are merely probable; I have before asserted them to be morally certain.
2.  That renders something probable; as probable evidence, or probable presumption.
3.  That may be proved.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Probably
Definition:
PROB'ABLY, adv. Likely; in likelihood; with the appearance of truth or reality; as, the story is probably true; the account is probably correct.
Distinguish between what may possibly, and what will probably be done.


Topic: Probang
Definition:
PRO'BANG, n. [See Probe.]  In surgery, an instrument of whalebone and spunge, for removing obstructions in the throat or esophagus.
A flexible piece of whalebone, with spunge fixed to the end.


Topic: Probate
Definition:
PRO'BATE, n. [L. probatus, probo, to prove.]
1.  The probate of a will or testament is the proving of its genuineness and validity, or the exhibition of the will to the proper officer, with the witnesses if necessary, and the process of determining its validity, and the registry of it, and such other proceedings as the laws prescribe, as preliminary to the execution of it by the executor.
2.  The right or jurisdiction of proving wills.  In England, the spiritual court has the probate of wills.  In the United States, the probate of wills belongs to a court of civil jurisdiction established by law, usually to a single judge, called a judge of probate, or a surrogate.
3.  Proof.  [Not used.]


Topic: Probation
Definition:
PROBA'TION, n. [L. probatio.]  The act of proving; proof.
1.  Trial; examination; any proceeding designed to ascertain truth; in universities, the examination of a student, as to his qualifications for a degree.
2.  In a monastic sense, trial or the year of novitiate,which a person must pass in a convent, to prove his virtue and his ability to bear the severities of the rule.
3.  Moral trial; the state of man in the present life, in which he has the opportunity of proving his character and being qualified for a happier state.
 Probation will end with the present life.
4.  In America, the trial of a clergyman's qualifications as a minister of the gospel, preparatory to his settlement.  We say, a man is preaching on probation.
5.  In general, trial for proof, or satisfactory evidence, or the time of trial.


Topic: Probationary
Definition:
PROBA'TIONARY, a.  Serving for trial.
 All the probationary work of man is ended when death arrives.


Topic: Probationer
Definition:
PROBA'TIONER, n.  One who is on trial, or in a state to give proof of certain qualifications for a place or state.
 While yet a young probationer,
 And candidate for heaven.
1.  A novice.
2.  In Scotland, a student in divinity, who, producing a certificate of a professor in an university of his good morals and qualifications, is admitted to several trials, and on acquitting himself well, is licensed to preach.


Topic: Probatory
Definition:
PRO'BATORY, a.  Serving for trial.
1.  Serving for proof.
2.  Relating to proof.
Probatum est, [L. it is proved.] an expression subjoined to a receipt for the cure of a disease, denoting that it has been tried or proved.


Topic: Probe
Definition:
PROBE, n.  [L. probo.] A surgeon's instrument for examining the depth or other circumstances of a wound, ulcer or cavity, or the direction of a sinus, or for searching for stones in the bladder and the like.
PROBE, v.t.  To examine a wound,ulcer or some cavity of the body, by the use of an instrument thrust into the part.
1.  To search to the bottom; to scrutinize; to examine thoroughly into causes and circumstances.


Topic: Probe-scissors
Definition:
PRO'BE-SCISSORS, n.  Scissors used to open wounds,the blade of which, to be thrust into the orifice, has a button at the end.


Topic: Probity
Definition:
PROB'ITY, n. [L. probitas, from probo, to prove.]
Primarily, tried virtue or integrity, or approved actions; but in general, strict honesty; sincerity; veracity; integrity in principle, or strict conformity of actions to the laws of justice.  Probity of mind or principle is best evinced by probity of conduct in social dealings, particularly in adhering to strict integrity in the observance and performance of rights called imperfect, which public laws to not reach and cannot enforce.


Topic: Problem
Definition:
PROB'LEM, n. [L. problema; Gr. to throw forward, and to throw; L. pello.]   A question proposed.
1.  In logic, a preposition that appears neither absolutely true nor false, and consequently may be asserted either in the affirmative or negative.
2.  In geometry, a proposition in which some operation or construction is required, as to divide a line or an angle, to let fall a perpendicular, &c.
3. In general, any question involving doubt or uncertainty, and requiring some operation, experiment or further evidence for its solution.
 The problem is, whether a strong and constant belief that a thing will be, helps any thing to the effecting of the thing.


Topic: Problematical
Definition:
PROBLEMAT'ICAL, a.  Questionable; uncertain; unsettled; disputable; doubtful.
 Diligent inquiries into problematical guilt, leave a gate wide open to informers.


Topic: Proboscis
Definition:
PROBOS'CIS, n. [L. from Gr. before, and to feed or graze.]
The snout or trunk of an elephant and of other animals, particularly of insects.  The proboscis of an elephant is a flexible muscular pipe or canal of about 8 feet in length, and is properly the extension of the nose.  This is the instrument with which he takes food and carries it to his mouth.  The proboscis of insects is used to suck blood from animals, or juice from plants.


Topic: Procatarctic
Definition:
PROCATARC'TIC, a. [Gr. to begin.]  In medicine, pre-existing or predisposing; remote; as procatarctic causes of a disease,in distinction from immediate or exciting causes.  Thus heat may be the procatarctic, and extreme fatigue the immediate or exciting cause of a fever.


Topic: Procede
Definition:
PROCE'DE, v.i. [L. procedo; pro, forward, and cedo, to move.  the more correct orthography is procede, in analogy with precede, concede, recede, procedure.]
1.  To move, pass or go forward from one place to another; applied to persons or things.  A man proceeds on his journey; a ship proceeds on her voyage.
This word thus used implies that the motion, journey or voyage had been previously commenced, and to proceed is then to renew or continue the motion or progress.
2.  To pass from one point, stage or topic to another.  The preacher proceeds from one division of his subject, and the advocate from one argument, to another.
3.  To issue or come as from a course or fountain.  Light proceeds from the sun; vice proceeds from a depraved heart; virtuous affections proceed from God.
4.  To come from a person or place.  Christ says, 'I proceeded forth and came from God.'  John 8.
5.  To prosecute any design.
 He that proceeds on other principles in his inquiry into any sciences, posts himself in a party.
6.  To be transacted or carried on.
 He will, after his sour fashion, tell you,
 What hath proceeded worthy note to-day.
[Not now in use.]
7.  To make progress; to advance.
8.  To begin and carry on a series of actions or measures.  The attorney was at a loss in what manner to proceed against the offender.  In this sense, the word is often followed by against.
9.  To transact; to act; to carry on methodically.
 From them I will not hide
 My judgments, how with mankind I proceed.
   10. To have a course.
 This rule only proceeds and takes place, when a person cannot of common law condemn another by his sentence.
    11. To issue; to be produced or propagated.
 From my loins thou shalt proceed.
    12. To be produced by an effectual cause. All created things proceed from God.


Topic: Procedure
Definition:
PROCE'DURE, n.  The act of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; series of actions; as the procedure of the soul in certain actions.  But it is more generally applied to persons; as, this is a strange procedure in a public body.  The motions of physical causes are more generally denominated operations.
1.  Manner of proceeding; management; conduct.
2.  That which proceeds from something; produce.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Proceeding
Definition:
PROCEE'DING, ppr. Moving forward; passing on; issuing; transacting; carrying on.
PROCEE'DING, n.  Process or movement from one thing to another; a measure or step taken in business; transaction; in the plural, a course of measures or conduct; course of dealing with others.  We speak of a legal or an illegal proceeding, a cautious proceeding, a violent proceeding. In the plural, the proceedings of the legislature have been wise and salutary.  It is our duty to acquiesce cheerfully in all God's proceedings towards.
1.  In law, the course of steps or measures in the prosecution of an action is denominated proceedings.  [See Process.]


Topic: Proceeds
Definition:
PROCEE'DS, n. plu.  Issue; rent; produce; as the proceeds of an estate.
1.  In commerce, the sum, amount or value of goods sold or converted into money.  The consignee was directed to sell the cargo and vest the proceeds in coffee.  The proceeds of the goods sold amounted to little more than the prime cost and charges.


Topic: Proceleusmatic
Definition:
PROCELEUSMAT'IC, a. [Gr. mandate, incitement.]
Inciting; animating; encouraging.  This epithet is given to a metrical foot in poetry, consisting of four short syllables.


Topic: Process
Definition:
PROC'ESS, n. [L. processus, from procedo.  See Proceed.]
1.  A proceeding or moving forward; progressive course; tendency; as the process of man's desire.
2.  Proceedings; gradual progress; course; as the process of a war.
3.  Operations; experiment; series of actions or experiments; as a chimical process.
4.  Series of motions or changes in growth, decay, &c. in physical bodies; as the process of vegetation or of mineralization; the process of decomposition.
5.  Course; continual flux or passage; as the process of time.
6.  Methodical management; series of measures or proceedings.
 The process of the great day--is described by our Savior.
7.  In law, the whole course of proceedings, in a cause, real or personal, civil or criminal, from the original writ to the end of the suit.  Original process is the means taken to compel the defendant to appear in court. Mesne process is that which issues, pending the suit, upon some collateral or interlocutory matter.  Final process is the process of execution.
8.  In anatomy, any protuberance, eminence or projecting part of a bone.


Topic: Procession
Definition:
PROCES'SION, n. [L. processio.  See Proceed.]
1.  The act of proceeding or issuing.
2.  A train of persons walking, or riding on horseback or in vehicles, in a formal march, or moving with ceremonious solemnity; as a procession of clergy and people in the Romish church; a triumphal procession; a funeral procession.
 Him all his train
 Follow'd in bright procession.


Topic: Processional
Definition:
PROCES'SIONAL, a.  Pertaining to a procession; consisting in a procession.
PROCES'SIONAL, n.  A book relating to processions of the Romish church.


Topic: Prochein
Definition:
PROCHEIN, a. pro'shen. [L. proximus.]  Next; nearest; used in the law phrase, prochein amy, the next friend, any person who undertakes to assist an infant or minor in prosecuting his rights.


Topic: Prochronism
Definition:
PRO'CHRONISM, n. [Gr. to precede in time, before, and time.]
An antedating; the dating of an event before the time it happened; hence, an error in chronology.


Topic: Procidence
Definition:
PRO'CIDENCE, n. [L. procidentia; procido, to fall down.]
A falling down; a prolapsus; as of the intestinum rectum.


Topic: Procinct
Definition:
PROCINCT', n. [L. procinctus; procingo, to prepare, that is, to gird.]   Complete preparation for action. [Little used.]


Topic: Proclaim
Definition:
PROCLA'IM, v.t. [L. proclamo; pro and clamo, to cry out.  See Claim.]
1.  To promulgate; to announce; to publish; as, to proclaim a fast; to proclaim a feast.  Lev.23.  1 Kings 21.
 He hath sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives. Is.61.
2.  To denounce; to give official notice of.  Heralds were formerly employed to proclaim war.
3.  To declare with honor; as, to proclaim the name of the Lord, that is, to declare his perfections. Ex.33.
4.  To utter openly; to make public.  Some profligate wretches openly proclaim their atheism.
 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.  Prov.20.
5.  To outlaw by public denunciation.
 I heard myself proclaimed.


Topic: Proclamation
Definition:
PROCLAMA'TION, n. [L. proclamatio, from proclamo.]
1.  Publication by authority; official notice given to the public.
 King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah.  
1 Kings 15.
2.  In England, a declaration of the king's will, openly published.
 Proclamations are a branch of the king's prerogative, and are binding on the subject.
3.  The declaration of any supreme magistrate publicly made known; as the proclamation of the governor appointing a day of thanksgiving.
4.  The paper containing an official notice to a people.  The sheriff receives and distributes the governor's proclamations.


Topic: Proclivity
Definition:
PROCLIV'ITY, n. [L. proclivitas, proclivis; pro and clivus, a cliff.]
1.  Inclination; propensity; proneness; tendency.
 The sensitive appetite may engender a proclivity to steal, but not a necessity to steal.
2.  Readiness; facility of learning.
 He had such a dexterous proclivity, that his teachers were fain to restrain his forwardness.


Topic: Proconsul
Definition:
PROCON'SUL, n. [L. pro, for, and consul.]
A Roman magistrate sent to govern a province with consular authority.  The proconsuls were appointed from the body of the senate, and their authority expired at the end of a year from their appointment.


Topic: Proconsular
Definition:
PROCON'SULAR, a.  Pertaining to a proconsul; as proconsular powers.
1.  Under the government of a proconsul; as a proconsular province.


Topic: Procrastinate
Definition:
PROCRAS'TINATE, v.t. [L. procrastinor; pro and crastinus; cras, to-morrow.]   To put off from day to day; to delay; to defer to a future time; as, to procrastinate repentance.
PROCRAS'TINATE, v.i.  To delay; to be dilatory.
 I procrastinate more than I did twenty years ago.


Topic: Procreate
Definition:
PRO'CREATE, v.t. [L. procreo; pro and creo, to create.]
1.  To beget; to generate and produce; to engender; used properly of animals.
2.  To produce; used of plants, but hardly allowable.


Topic: Proctor
Definition:
PROC'TOR, n. [contracted from L. procurator, from procuro; pro and curo.]
1.  In a general sense, one who is employed to manage the affairs of another.
2.  Appropriately, a person employed to manage another's cause in a court of civil or ecclesiastical law, as in the court of admiralty, or in a spiritual court.
3.  The magistrate of a university.
PROC'TOR, v.i.  To manage; a cant word.


Topic: Procumbent
Definition:
PROCUM'BENT, a. [L. procumbens, procumbo; pro and cubo, to lie down.]   Lying down or on the face; prone.
1.  In botany, trailing; prostrate; unable to support itself, and therefore lying on the ground, but without putting forth roots; as a procumbent stem.


Topic: Procuration
Definition:
PRO'CURA'TION, n. [L. procuratio.  See Procure.]
1.  The act of procuring.  [Procurement is generally used.]
2.  The management of another's affairs.
3.  The instrument by which a person is empowered to transact the affairs of another.
4.  A sum of money paid to the bishop or archdeacon by incumbents, on account of visitations; called also proxy.


Topic: Procure
Definition:
PROCU'RE, v.t. [L. procuro; pro and curo, to take care.]
1.  To get; to gain; to obtain; as by request, loan, effort, labor or purchase.  We procure favors by request; we procure money by borrowing; we procure food by cultivating the earth; offices are procured by solicitation or favor; we procure titles to estate by purchase.  It is used of things of temporary possession more generally than acquire.  We do not say, we acquired favor, we acquired money by borrowing but we procured.
2.  To persuade; to prevail on.
 What unaccustom'd cause procures her hither?  [Unusual.]
3.  To cause; to bring about; to effect; to contrive and effect.
 Proceed, Salinus, to procure my fall.
4.  To cause to come on; to bring on.
 We no other pains endure
 Than those that we ourselves procure.
5.  To draw to; to attract; to gain. Modesty procures love and respect.
PROCU'RE, v.i.  To pimp.


Topic: Procurement
Definition:
PROCU'REMENT, n.  The act of procuring or obtaining; obtainment.
1.  A causing to be effected.
 They think it done
 By her procurement.


Topic: Procurer
Definition:
PROCU'RER, n.  One that procures or obtains; that which brings on or causes to be done.
1.  A pimp; a pander.


Topic: Procuring
Definition:
PROCU'RING, ppr.  Getting; gaining; obtaining.
1.  Causing to come or to be done.
2.  a.  That causes to come; bringing on.  
Sin is the procuring cause of all our woes.


Topic: Prodigal
Definition:
PROD'IGAL, a. [L. produgus, from prodigo, to drive forth, to lavish.]
1.  Given to extravagant expenditures; expending money or other things without necessity; profuse, lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as a prodigal man; the prodigal son.  A man may be prodigal of his strength, of his health, of his life or blood, as well as of his money.
2.  Profuse, lavish; expended to excess or without necessity; as prodigal expenses.
3.  Very liberal; profuse.  Nature is prodigal of her bounties.
PROD'IGAL, n.  One that expends money extravagantly or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish; a waster; a spendthrift.


Topic: Prodigality
Definition:
PRODIGAL'ITY, n. 
1.  Extravagance in the expenditure of what one possesses, particularly of money; profusion; waste; excessive liberality.  It is opposed to frugality, economy, and parsimony.
 By the Roman law a man of notorious prodigality was treated as non compos.
 The most severe censor cannot but be pleased with the prodigality of his wit.
2.  Profuse liberality.


Topic: Prodigally
Definition:
PROD'IGALLY, adv.  With profusion of expenses; extravagantly; lavishly; wastefully; as an estate prodigally dissipated.
1.  With liberal abundance; profusely.
 Nature not bounteous now, but lavish grows,
 Out paths with flow'rs she prodigally strows.


Topic: Prodigious
Definition:
PRODIG'IOUS, a. [L. prodigiosus.  See Prodigy.]
1.  Very great; huge; enormous in size, quantity, extent, &c.; as a mountain of prodigious size or altitude; a prodigious mass or quantity of water; an ocean or plain of prodigious extent. Hence,
2. Wonderful; astonishing; such as may seem a prodigy;monstrous; portentous.
 It is prodigious to have thunder in a clear sky.
 Prodigious to relate.


Topic: Prodigiously
Definition:
PRODIG'IOUSLY, adv.  Enormously; wonderfully; astonishingly; as a number prodigiously great.
1.  Very much; extremely; in familiar language.  He was prodigiously pleased.


Topic: Prodigiousness
Definition:
PRODIG'IOUSNESS, n.  Enormousness of size; the state of having qualities that excite wonder or astonishment.


Topic: Prodigy
Definition:
PROD'IGY, n. [L. prodigium, from prodigo, to shoot out, drive out, properly to spread to a great extent.
1.  Any thing out of the ordinary process of nature, as so extraordinary as to excite wonder or astonishment; as a prodigy of learning.
2.  Something extraordinary from which omens are drawn; portent.  Thus eclipses and meteors were anciently deemed prodigies.
3.  A monster; an animal or other production out of the ordinary course of nature.


Topic: Prodition
Definition:
PRODI'TION, n. [L. proditio, form prodo, to betray; supposed to be compounded of pro and do, to give.]  Treachery; treason.


Topic: Proditorious
Definition:
PRODITO'RIOUS, a.  Treacherous; perfidious; traitorous.  [Not in use.]
1.  Apt to make discoveries or disclosures.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Produce
Definition:
PRODU'CE, v.t.[L. produco; pro and duco, to lead or draw.]
1.  To bring forward; to bring or offer to view or notice; as, to produce a witness or evidence in court.
 Produce your cause. Is.41.
2.  To exhibit to the public.
 Your parents did not produce you 
much into the world.
3.  To bring forth; to bear; as plants or the soil.  Trees produce fruit; the earth produces trees and grass; wheat produces an abundance of food.
4.  To bear; to generate and bring forth; as young.  The seas produce fish in abundance.
 They--
 Produce prodigious births of body or mind.
5.  To cause; to effect; to bring into existence.  Small causes sometimes produce great effects.  The clouds produce rain.  The painter produces a picture or a landscape.  The sculptor produces a statue. Vice produces misery.
6.  To raise; to bring into being.  The farmer produces grain enough for his family.
7.  To make; to bring into being or form.  The manufacturer produces excellent wares.
8.  To yield or furnish.  Money produces interest; capital produces profit.  The commerce of the country produces a revenue to government.
9.  In general, to bring into existence or into view.
    10. To draw out in length; to extend; as a line produced from A to B.


Topic: Producible
Definition:
PRODU'CIBLE, a.
1.  That may be brought into being; that may be generated or made; as producible salts.
2.  That may be brought into view or notice; that may be exhibited.


Topic: Product
Definition:
PROD'UCT, n. [L. productus, from produco.]
1.  That which is produced by nature, as fruits, grain, metals; as the product of land; the products of the season.
2.  That which is formed or produced by labor or by mental application; as the products of manufacturers, of commerce or of art; the products of great and wise men.  In the latter sense, production is now generally used.
In general, products comprehends whatever is produced or made; as when we speak of the products of a country exported.
 The product of the impost and excise.
3.  Effect; result; something consequential.
 These are the product
 Of those ill mated marriages.
4.  In arithmetic, the amount of two or more numbers multiplied. Thus 5x7=35, the product.  Product results from multiplication, as sum does from addition.
5.  In geometry, the factum of two or more lines.


Topic: Production
Definition:
PRODUC'TION, n. [L. productio.]
1.  The act or process of producing, bringing forth or exhibiting to view.
2.  That which is produced or made; as the productions of the earth, comprehending all vegetables and fruits; the productions of art, as manufactures of every kind, paintings, sculpture, &c.; the productions of intellect or genius,as poems and prose compositions.


Topic: Productive
Definition:
PRODUC'TIVE, a.
1. Having the power of producing; as, productive labor is that which increases the number or amount of products; opposed to unproductive labor. The labor of the farmer and mechanic is productive; the labor of officers and professional men is unproductive to the state. A tree which bears fruit, and the land which bears grass or grain, is productive.
2.  Fertile; producing good crops.  We often denote by this word that land or plants yield large products.
3.  Producing; bringing into being; causing to exist; efficient; as an age productive of great men; a spirit productive of heroic achievements.
 This is turning nobility into a principle of virtue,and making it productive of merit.
 And kindle with thy own productive fire.


Topic: Proem
Definition:
PRO'EM, n. [L. proemium; Gr. before, and way.]  Preface; introduction; preliminary observations to a book or writing.
PRO'EM, v.t.  To preface.  [Not used.]


Topic: Proemptosis
Definition:
PROEMP'TOSIS, n. [Gr. to fall before.]  In chronology, the lunar equation or addition of a day, necessary to prevent the new moon from happening a day too soon.


Topic: Profanation
Definition:
PROFANA'TION, n. [L. profano.  See Profane.]
1.  The act of violating sacred things, or of treating them with contempt or irreverence; as the profanation of the sabbath by sports, amusements or unnecessary labor; the profanation of a sanctuary; the profanation of the name of God by swearing, jesting, &c.
2.  The act of treating with abuse or disrespect.
 'Twere profanation of our joys
 To tell the laity our love.


Topic: Profane
Definition:
PROFA'NE, a. [L. profanus; pro and fanum, a temple.]
1.  Irreverent to any thing sacred; applied to persons.  A man is profane when he takes the name of God in vain, or treats sacred things with abuse and irreverence.
2.  Irreverent; proceeding from a contempt of sacred things, or implying it; as profane words or language; profane swearing.
3.  Not sacred; secular; relating to secular things; as profane history.
4.  Polluted; not pure.
 Nothing is profane that serveth to holy things.
5.  Not purified or holy; allowed for common use; as a profane place. Ezek.42. and 48.
6.  Obscene; heathenish; tending to bring reproach on religion; as profane fables.  1 Tim.4.
Profane is used chiefly in Scripture in opposition to holy, or qualified ceremonially for sacred services.
PROFA'NE, v.t.  To violate any thing sacred, or treat it with abuse,irreverence, obloquy or contempt; as, to profane the name of God; to profane the sabbath; to profane the Scriptures or the ordinances of God.
1.  To pollute; to defile; to apply to temporal uses; to use as base or common.  Ezek.24.
2.  To violate. Mal.2.
3.  To pollute; to debase.Lev.21.
4.  To put to a wrong use.


Topic: Profanely
Definition:
PROFA'NELY, adv.  With irreverence to sacred things or names.
 The character of God profanely impeached.
1.  With abuse or contempt for any thing venerable.
 That proud scholar--speaks of Homer too profanely.


Topic: Profaneness
Definition:
PROFA'NENESS, n.  Irreverence of sacred things; particularly, the use of language which implies irreverence towards God; the taking of God's name in vain.
Profaneness in men is vulgar and odious; in females, is shocking and detestable.


Topic: Profaner
Definition:
PROFA'NER, n.  One who by words or actions, treats sacred things with irreverence; one who uses profane language.
1.  A polluter; a defiler; as a profaner of the temple.


Topic: Profanity
Definition:
PROFAN'ITY, n.  Profaneness, which see.
In a revel of debauchery, amid the brisk interchange of profanity and folly, religion might appear a dumb, unsocial intruder.


Topic: Profess
Definition:
PROFESS', v.t.  [L. professus, profiteor; pro and fateor.]
1.  To make open declaration of; to avow or acknowledge.
 Let no man who professes himself a christian, keep so heathenish a family as not to see God by daily worshipped in it.
 They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him. Tit.1.
2.  To declare in strong terms.
 Then will I profess to them, I never knew you. Matt.7.
3.  To make a show of any sentiments by loud declaration.
 To your professing bosoms I commit him.
4.  To declare publicly one's skill in any art or science, for inviting employment; as, to profess one's self a physician; he professes surgery.
PROFESS', v.i.  To declare friendship. [Not in use.]


Topic: Profession
Definition:
PROFES'SION, n. [L. professio.]
1.  Open declaration; public avowal or acknowledgment of one's sentiments or belief; as professions of friendship or sincerity; a profession of faith or religion.
 The professions of princes,when a crown is the bait, are a slender security.
 The Indians quickly perceive the coincidence or the contradiction between professions and conduct, and their confidence or distrust follows of course.
2.  The business which one professes to understand and to follow for subsistence; calling; vocation; employment; as the learned professions.  We speak of the profession of a clergyman, of a lawyer, and of a physician or surgeon; the profession of lecturer on chimistry or mineralogy.  But the word is not applied to an occupation merely mechanical.
3.  The collective body of persons engaged in a calling.  We speak of practices honorable or disgraceful to a profession.
4.  Among the Romanists,the entering into a religious order, by which a person offers himself to God by a vow of inviolable obedience, chastity and poverty.


Topic: Professional
Definition:
PROFES'SIONAL, a.  Pertaining to a profession or to a calling; as professional studies, pursuits, duties,engagements; professional character or skill.


Topic: Professionally
Definition:
PROFES'SIONALLY, adv. By profession or declaration.  He is professionally a friend to religion.
1.  By calling; as one employed professionally.


Topic: Professor
Definition:
PROFESS'OR, n. [L.]  One who makes open declaration of his sentiments or opinions; particularly, one who makes a public avowal of his belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church.
1.  One that publicly teaches any science or branch of learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college or other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct students in a particular branch of learning; as a professor of theology or mathematics.


Topic: Profest
Definition:
PROFEST',  pp.  Openly declared, avowed or acknowledged; as a professed foe; a professed tyrant; a professed christian; a professed atheist.


Topic: Proffer
Definition:
PROF'FER, v.t. [L. profero; pro and fero, to bear.]
1.  To offer for acceptance; as, to proffer a gift; to proffer services; to proffer friendship.
2.  To essay or attempt of one's own accord.
 None
 So hardy as to proffer or accept
 Alone the dreadful voyage.
PROF'FER, n.  An offer made; something proposed for acceptance by another; as proffers of peace or friendship.
 He made a proffer to lay down his commission of command in the army.
1.  Essay; attempt.


Topic: Proficient
Definition:
PROFI'CIENT, n. One who has made considerable advances in any business, art, science or branch of learning; as a proficient in a trade or occupation; a proficient in mathematics, in anatomy, in music, &c.


Topic: Profile
Definition:
PROFILE, n. pro'fil. [L. filum, a thread or line.]
1.  Primarily, an outline of contour; hence, in sculpture and painting, a head or portrait represented sidewise or in a side view; the side face or half face; as, to draw or appear in profile; the profile of Pope or Addison.
2.  In architecture, the contour or outline of a figure, building or member; also, the draught of a building, representing it as if cut down perpendicularly from the roof to the foundation.


Topic: Profit
Definition:
PROF'IT, n. [L. profectus, proficio, to profit, literally to proceed forward, to advance; pro and facio.  The primary sense of facio is to urge or drive.
1.  In commerce, the advance in the price of goods sold beyond the cost of purchase.  Net profit is the gain made by selling goods at an advanced price or a price beyond what they had cost the seller, and beyond all costs and charges.  The profit of the farmer and the manufacturer is the gain made by the sale of produce or manufactures, after deducting the value of the labor, materials, rents and all expenses, together with the interest of the capital employed, whether land, machinery, buildings, instruments or money.
 Let no man anticipate uncertain profits.
2.  Any gain or pecuniary advantage; as an office of profit or honor.
3.  Any advantage; any accession of good from labor or exertion; an extensive signification, comprehending the acquisition of any thing valuable, corporeal or intellectual, temporal or spiritual. A person may derive profit from exercise, amusements, reading, study, meditation, social intercourse, religious instruction, &c.  Every improvement or advance in knowledge is profit to a wise man.
PROF'IT, v.t.
1.  To benefit; to advantage; applied to one's self, to derive some pecuniary interest or some accession of good from any thing; as, to profit one's self by a commercial undertaking, or by reading or instruction.  In this sense, the verb is generally used intransitively.  Applied to others, to communicate good to; to advance the interest of.
 Brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues,what shall I profit you?  1 Cor.14.
 Whereto might the strength of their hands profit me?  Job.30.
2.  To improve; to advance.
 It is a great means of profiting yourself, to copy diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs.
PROF'IT, v.i.  To gain advantage in percuniary interest; as, to profit by trade or manufactures.
1.  To make improvement; to improve; to grow wiser or better; to advance in any thing useful; as, to profit by reading or by experience.
 She has profited by your counsel.
2.  To be of use or advantage; to bring good to.
 Riches profit not in the day of wrath. Prov.11.


Topic: Profitable
Definition:
PROF'ITABLE, a.  Yielding or bringing profit or gain; gainful; lucrative; as a profitable trade; profitable business; a profitable study or profession.
1.  Useful; advantageous.
 What was so profitable to the empire, became fatal to the emperor.


Topic: Profitably
Definition:
PROF'ITABLY, adv.  With gain; gainfully. Our ships are profitably employed.
1.  Usefully; advantageously; with improvement. Our time may be profitably occupied in reading.


Topic: Profited
Definition:
PROF'ITED, pp.  Benefited; advanced in interest or happiness; improved.
 What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Matt.16.


Topic: Profiting
Definition:
PROF'ITING, ppr.  Gaining interest or advantage; improving.
PROF'ITING, n.  Gain; advantage; improvement.
 That thy profiting may appear to all.  1 Tim.4.


Topic: Profligacy
Definition:
PROF'LIGACY, n.  [See Profligate.]  A profligate or very vicious course of life; a state of being abandoned in moral principle and in vice.


Topic: Profligate
Definition:
PROF'LIGATE, a. [L. profligatus, profligo, to rout, to ruin; pro and fligo, to drive or dash.  The word then signifies dashed, broken or ruined in morals.  See Flog and Afflict.]
Abandoned to vice; lost to principle,virtue or decency; extremely vicious; shameless in wickedness; as a profligate man or wretch.
 Next age will see
 A race more profligate than we.
 Made prostitute and profligate the muse,
 Debas'd to each obscene and impious use.
PROF'LIGATE, n.  An abandoned man; a wretch who has lost all regard to good principles,virtue or decency.
 How could such a profligate as Antony, or a boy of eighteen like Octavius,ever dare to dream of giving law to such an empire?
PROF'LIGATE, v.t.  To drive away; a Latin signification.  [Not used.]
1.  To overcome.  [Not used.]


Topic: Profligately
Definition:
PROF'LIGATELY, adv.  Without principle or shame.
1.  In a course of extreme viciousness; as, to spend life profligately.


Topic: Profligateness
Definition:
PROF'LIGATENESS, n.  The quality or state of being lost to virtue and decency.
1.  An abandoned course of life; extreme viciousness; profligacy.


Topic: Profound
Definition:
PROFOUND', a. [L.profundus; pro and fundus, bottom.  See Found.]
1.  Deep; descending or being far below the surface, or far below the adjacent places; as a gulf profound.
2.  Intellectually deep; that enters deeply into subjects; not superficial or obvious to the mind; as a profound investigation; profound reasoning; a profound treatise.
3.  Humble; very lowly; submissive; as a profound reverence for the Supreme Being.
4.  Penetrating deeply into science or any branch of learning; as a profound scholar; a profound mathematician; a profound historian.
5.  Deep in skill or contrivance.
 The revolters are profound to make slaughter. Hos.5.
6.  Having hidden qualities.
 Upon the corner of the moon
 There hangs a vap'rous drop profound.
PROFOUND', n.  The deep; the sea; the ocean; as the vast profound.
1.  The abyss.
 I travel this profound.
PROFOUND', v.i.  To dive; to penetrate.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Profoundly
Definition:
PROFOUND'LY, adv.  Deeply; with deep concern.
 Why sigh you so profoundly?
1.  With deep penetration into science or learning; with deep knowledge or insight; as profoundly wise; profoundly skilled in music or painting.


Topic: Profuse
Definition:
PROFU'SE, a. [L.profusus, profundo, to pour out; pro and fundo.]
1.  Lavish; liberal to excess; prodigal; as a profuse government; a profuse administration.  Henry the eighth, a profuse king, dissipated the treasures which the parsimony of his father had amassed.  A man's friends are generally too profuse of praise, and his enemies too sparing.
2.  Extravagant; lavish; as profuse expenditures.
3.  Overabounding; exuberant.
 On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers--
 O liberty!  thou goddess heavenly bright,
 Profuse of bliss--
 Profuse ornament in painting, architecture or gardening, as well as in dress or in language, shows a mean or corrupted taste.
PROFU'SE, v.t. s as z.  To pour out.  [Little used.]
1.  To squander.  [Little used.]


Topic: Profusely
Definition:
PROFU'SELY, adv.  Lavishly; prodigally; as an income profusely expended.
1.  With exuberance; with rich abundance.  The earth is profusely adorned with flowers; ornaments may be too profusely scattered over a building.


Topic: Profuseness
Definition:
PROFU'SENESS, n.  Lavishness; prodigality; extravagant expenditures.
 Hospitality sometimes degenerates into profuseness.
1.  Great abundance; profusion; as profuseness of ornaments.


Topic: Profusion
Definition:
PROFU'SION, s.  s as z. [L. profusio.]
1.  Lavishness; prodigality; extravagance of expenditures; as, to waste an estate by profusion.
 What meant thy pompous progress through the empire,
 Thy vast profusion to the factious nobles?
2.  Lavish effusion.
 He was desirous to avoid not only profusion, but the least effusion of christian blood.
3.  Rich abundance; exuberant plenty.  The table contained a profusion of dainties.  Our country has a profusion of food for man and beast.
 The raptur'd eye
 The fair profusion,yellow autumn, spies.


Topic: Prog
Definition:
PROG, v.i. [L. proco, procor.]
1.  To shift meanly for provisions; to wander about and seek provisions where they are to be found; to live by beggarly tricks.  [A low word.]
 You are the lion; I have been endeavoring to prog for you.
PROG, n.  Victuals or provisions sought by begging or found by wandering about.
1.  Victuals of any kind. [A low word.]
PROG, n.  One that seeks his victuals by wandering and begging.


Topic: Progenitor
Definition:
PROGEN'ITOR, n. [L. from progigno; pro and gigno, to beget.]
An ancestor in the direct line; a forefather.
 Adam was the progenitor of the human race.


Topic: Progeny
Definition:
PROG'ENY, n. [L.progenies, from progignor.]  Offspring; race; children; descendants of the human kind, or offspring of other animals; as the progeny of a king; the progeny of Adam; the progeny of beasts or fowls; a word of general application.


Topic: Prognosis
Definition:
PROGNO'SIS, n. [Gr. to know before.]  In medicine, the art of foretelling the event of a disease; the judgment of the event of a disease by particular symptoms.


Topic: Prognostic
Definition:
PROGNOS'TIC, a.  Foreshowing; indicating something future by signs or symptoms; as the prognostic symptoms of a disease; prognostic signs.
PROGNOS'TIC, n.  In medicine, the judgment formed concerning the event of a disease by means of the symptoms.
1.  Something which foreshows; a sign by which a future event may be known or foretold.
 In medicine, a sign or symptom indicating the event of a disease.  The appearance of the tongue--is of considerable importance as a prognostic.
1.  A foretelling; prediction.


Topic: Prognosticate
Definition:
PROGNOS'TICATE, v.t. [from prognostic.]
1.  To foreshow; to indicate a future event by present signs.  A clear sky at sunset prognosticates a fair day.
2.  To foretell by means of present signs; to predict.
 I neither will nor can prognosticate
 To the young gaping heir his father's fate.


Topic: Prognostication
Definition:
PROGNOSTICA'TION, n.  The act of foreshowing a future event by present signs.
1.  The act of foretelling an event by present signs.
2.  A foretoken; previous sign.


Topic: Programma
Definition:
PROGRAM'MA, n. [Gr. to write previously; to write.]
1.  Anciently, a letter sealed with the king's seal.
2.  In a university, a billet or advertisement to invite persons to an oration.
3.  A proclamation or edict posted in a public place.
4.  That which is written before something else; a preface.


Topic: Progress
Definition:
PROG'RESS, n. [L. progressus, progedior; pro and gradior, to step or go. See Grade and Degree.]
1.  A moving or going forward; a proceeding onward.  A man makes a slow progress or a rapid progress on a journey; a ship makes slow progress against the tide.  He watched the progress of the army on its march, or the progress of a star or comet.
2.  A moving forward in growth; increase; as the progress of a plant or animal.
3.  Advance in business of any kind; as the progress of a negotiation; the progress of arts.
4.  Advance in knowledge; intellectual or moral improvement; proficiency.  The student is commended for this progress in learning; the christian for his progress in virtue and piety.
5.  Removal; passage from place to place.
 From Egypt arts their progress made to Greece.
6.  A journey of state; a circuit.


Topic: Progression
Definition:
PROGRES'SION, n. [L. progressio, progredior.]
1.  The act of moving forward; a proceeding in a course; motion onwards.
2.  Intellectual advance; as the progression of thought.
3.  Course; passage.
4.  In mathematics, regular or proportional advance in increase or decrease of numbers; continued proportion,  arithmetical or geometrical. Continued arithmetical proportion, is when the terms increase or decrease by equal differences.  Thus,
2.  4.  6.  8.  10.
. 8. 6. 4. 2. by the difference 2.
Geometrical proportion or progression, is when the terms increase or decrease by equal ratios.  Thus,
2.  4.  8.  16.  32.  64.
64. 32. 16. 8. 4. 2. by a continual multiplication or division by 2.


Topic: Progressive
Definition:
PROGRESS'IVE, a. Moving forward; proceeding onward; advancing; as progressive motion or course; opposed to retrograde.
1.  Improving.  The arts are in a progressive state.


Topic: Progressiveness
Definition:
PROGRESS'IVENESS, n.  The state of moving forward; an advancing; state of improvement; as the progressiveness of science, arts or taste.


Topic: Prohibit
Definition:
PROHIB'IT, v.t. [L. prohibeo; pro and habeo, to hold.]
1.  To forbid; to interdict by authority; applicable to persons or things, but implying authority or right.  God prohibited Adam to eat of the fruit of a certain tree. The moral law prohibits what is wrong and commands what is right.  We prohibit a person to do a thing, and we prohibit the thing to be done.
2.  To hinder; to debar; to prevent; to preclude.
 Gates of burning adamant,
 Barr'd over us, prohibit all egress.


Topic: Prohibition
Definition:
PROHIBI'TION, n. [L. prohibitio.]
1.  The act of forbidding or interdicting; a declaration to hinder some action; interdict.
 The law of God in the ten commandments consists mostly of prohibitions; 'thou shalt not do such a thing.'
2.  In law, a writ of prohibition, is a writ issuing from a superior tribunal, directed to the judges of an inferior court, commanding them to cease from the prosecution of a suit.  By ellipsis, prohibition is used for the writ itself.


Topic: Project
Definition:
PROJECT', v.t. [L. projicio; pro, forward,and jacio, to throw.]
1.  To throw out; to cast or shoot forward.
 Th' ascending villas
 Project long shadows o'er the crystal tide.
2.  To cast forward in the mind; to scheme; to contrive; to devise something to be done; as, to project a plan for paying off the national debt; to project an expedition to South America; to project peace or war.
3.  To draw or exhibit, as the form of any thing; to delineate.
PROJECT', v.i.  To shoot forward; to extend beyond something else; to jut; to be prominent; as, the cornice projects.


Topic: Projectile
Definition:
PROJECT'ILE, a. Impelling forward; as a projectile force.
1.  Given by impulse; impelled forward; as projectile motion.
PROJECT'ILE, n.  A body projected, or impelled forward by force, particularly through the air.
1.  Projectiles, in mechanical philosophy, is that part which treats of the motion of bodies thrown or driven by an impelling force from the surface of the earth, and affected by gravity and the resistance of the air.


Topic: Projection
Definition:
PROJEC'TION, n. [L. projectio.]  The act of throwing or shooting forward.
1.  A jutting out; extension beyond something else.
2.  The act of scheming; plan; scheme; design of something to be executed.
3.  Plan; delineation; the representation of something; as the projection of the sphere, is a representation of the circles on the surface of the sphere.  There are three principal points of projection; the stereographic, in which the eye is supposed to be placed on the surface of the sphere; the orthographic, in which the eye is supposed to be at an infinite distance; and the gnomonic, in which the eye is placed in the center of the sphere.
In perspective, projection denotes the appearance or representation of an object on the perspective plane.
4.  In alchimy, the casting of a certain powder, called powder of projection, into a crucible or other vessel full of some prepared metal or other matter, which is to be thereby transmuted into gold.


Topic: Prolapse
Definition:
PROLAPSE, n. prolaps'.  [L.prolapsus, prolabor.]
A falling down or falling out of some part of the body, as of the uterus or intestines.
PROLAPSE, v.i. prolaps'.  To fall down or out; to project too much.


Topic: Prolation
Definition:
PROLA'TION, n. [L. prolatio, from profero.]
Utterance;pronunciation.  [Little used.]
1.  Delay; act of deferring.  [Not used.]
2.  A method in music of determining the power of semibreves and minims.


Topic: Prolegomena
Definition:
PROLEGOM'ENA, n. plu. [Gr. to speak.]  Preliminary observations; introductory remarks or discourses prefixed to a book or treatise.


Topic: Proliferous
Definition:
PROLIF'EROUS, a. [infra.]  In botany, prolific; as a proliferous flower.
A proliferous stem is one which puts forth branches only from the center of the top, or which shoots out new branches from the summits of the former ones, as the pine and fir.
A proliferous umbel is a compound umbel which has the umbellicle subdivided.


Topic: Prolifical
Definition:
PROLIF'ICAL, a. [L.proles, offspring, and facio, to make.]
1.  Producing young or fruit; fruitful; generative; productive; applied to animals and plants; as a prolific female; a prolific tree.
2.  Productive; having the quality of generating; as a controversy prolific of evil consequences; a prolific brain.
3. A prolific flower, [prolifer,] in botany is one which produces a second flower from its own substance, or which has smaller flowers growing out of the principal one.  But proliferous is commonly used.


Topic: Prolification
Definition:
PROLIFICA'TION, n. [See Prolific.]  The generation of young or of plants.
1.  In botany, the production of a second flower from the substance of the first.  This is either from the center of a simple flower, or from the side of an aggregate flower.


Topic: Prolix
Definition:
PROLIX, a. [L. prolixus; pro and laxus, literally drawn out.]
1.  Long; extended to a great length; minute in narration or argument; applied only to discourses, speeches and writings; as a prolix oration; a prolix poem; a prolix sermon.
2.  Of long duration.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Prolixness
Definition:
PROLIX'NESS, n.  Great length; minute detail; applied only to discourses and writings.  Prolixity is not always tedious.


Topic: Prologue
Definition:
PROLOGUE, n. pro'log. [L. prologue; Gr. discourse.]
The preface or introduction to a discourse, or performance, chiefly the discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance or play begins.
PROLOGUE, v.t. pro'log.  To introduce with a formal preface.


Topic: Prolong
Definition:
PROLONG', v.t. [L.pro and longus.  See Long.]
1.  To lengthen in time; to extend the duration of. Temperate habits tend to prolong life.
2.  To lengthen; to draw out in time by delay;  to continue.
 Th' unhappy queen with talk prolong'd the night.
3.  To put off to a distant time.
 For I myself am not so well provided
 As else I would be, were the day prolong'd.
4.  To extend in space or length.


Topic: Prolongate
Definition:
PROLON'GATE, v.t.  To extend or lengthen in space; as, to prolongate a line.
1.  To extend in time.  [Little used.]


Topic: Prolongation
Definition:
PROLONGA'TION, n.  The act of lengthening in time or space; as the prolongation of life.
 The prolongation of a line.
1.  Extension of time by delay or postponement; as the prolongation of days for payment.


Topic: Prolusion
Definition:
PROLU'SION, n.  s as z. [L. prolusio, proludo; pro and ludo, to play.]  A prelude; entertainment; diverting performance.  [Little used.]


Topic: Promerit
Definition:
PROMER'IT, v.t. [L. promereo, promeritum; pro and mereo, to merit.]
1.  To oblige; to confer a favor on.
2.  To deserve; to procure by merit.  
 [This word is little used or not at all.]


Topic: Prominent
Definition:
PROM'INENT, a. [L. prominens.]  Standing out beyond the line or surface of something; jutting; protuberant; in high relief; as a prominent figure on a vase.
1.  Full; large; as a prominent eye.
2.  Eminent; distinguished above others; as a prominent character.
3.  Principal; most visible or striking to the eye; conspicuous. The figure of a man or of a building holds a prominent place in a picture.


Topic: Prominently
Definition:
PROM'INENTLY, adv.  In a prominent manner; so as to stand out beyond the other parts; eminently; in a striking manner; conspicuously.


Topic: Promiscuous
Definition:
PROMIS'CUOUS, a. [L.promiscuus; pro and misceo, to mix.]
1. Mingled; consisting of individuals united in a body or mass without order; confused; undistinguished; as a promiscuous crowd or mass.
 A wild where weeds and flow'rs promiscuous shoot.
2.  Common; indiscriminate; not restricted to an individual; as promiscuous love or intercourse.


Topic: Promiscuously
Definition:
PROMIS'CUOUSLY, adv.  In a crowd or mass without order; with confused mixture; indiscriminately; as men of all classes promiscuously assembled; particles of different earths promiscuously united.
1.  Without distinction of kinds.
 Like beasts and birds promiscuously they join.


Topic: Promise
Definition:
PROM'ISE, n. [L. promissum, from promitto, to send before or forward; pro and mitto, to send.]
1.  In a general sense, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it, either in honor, conscience or law, to do or forbear a certain act specified; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made, a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of the act.  The promise of a visit to my neighbor, gives him a right to expect it, and I am bound in honor and civility to perform the promise.  Of such a promise human laws have no cognizance; but the fulfillment of it is one of the minor moralities, which civility, kindness and strict integrity require to be observed.
2.  In law, a declaration, verbal or written, made by one person to another for a good or valuable consideration, in the nature of a covenant, by which the promiser binds himself, and as the case may be, his legal representatives, to do or forbear some act; and gives to the promisee a legal right to demand and enforce a fulfillment.
3.  A binding declaration of something to be done or given for another's benefit; as the promise of a grant of land.  A promise may be absolute or conditional; lawful or unlawful; express or implied. An absolute promise must be fulfilled at all events.  The obligation to fulfill a conditional promise depends on the performance of the condition. An unlawful promise is not binding, because it is void; for it is incompatible with a prior paramount obligation of obedience to the laws.  An express promise, is one expressed in words or writing.  An implied promise, is one which reason and justice dictate.  If I hire a man to perform a day's labor, without any declaration that I will pay him, the law presumes a promise on my part that I will give him a reasonable reward, and will enforce much implied promise.
4.  Hopes; expectation, or that which affords expectation of future distinction; as a youth of great promise.
 My native country was full of youthful promise.
5.  That which is promised; fulfillment or grant of what is promised.
 He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Acts.1.
6.  In Scripture,the promise of God is the declaration or assurance which God has given in his word of bestowing blessings on his people.  Such assurance resting on the perfect justice,power, benevolence and immutable veracity of God, cannot fail of performance.
 The Lord is not slack concerning his promises. 2 Pet.3.
PROM'ISE, v.t.  To make a declaration to another, which binds the promiser in honor, conscience or law, to do or forbear some act; as, to promise a visit to a friend; to promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money.
1.  To afford reason to expect; as, the year promises a good harvest.
2.  To make declaration or give assurance of some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow.
 The proprietors promised large tracts of land.
PROM'ISE, v.i.  To assure one by a promise or binding declaration.  The man promises fair; let us forgive him.
1.  To afford hopes or expectations; to give ground to expect good. The youth promises to be an eminent man; the wheat promises to be a good crop; the weather promises to be pleasant.
2.  In popular use, this verb sometimes threatens or assures of evil.  The rogue shall be punished, I promise you.
 Will not the ladies be afraid of the lion?
 --I fear it, I promise you.
In the latter example, promise is equivalent to declare; 'I declare to you.'
3.  To promise one's self, to be assured or to have strong confidence.
 I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced.


Topic: Promiser
Definition:
PROM'ISER, n.  One who promises; one who engages, assures, stipulates or covenants.  Fear, says Dryden, is a great promiser.  We may say that hope is a very liberal promiser.
The import of a promise, when disputed, is not to be determined by the sense of the promiser, nor by the expectations of the promisee.
[Note.  In law language, promisor is used, but without necessity or advantage.]


Topic: Promising
Definition:
PROM'ISING, ppr.  Engaging by words or writing; stipulating; assuring.
1.  Affording just expectations of good or reasonable ground of hope; as a promising youth; a promising prospect. [In this sense, the word may be a participle or an adjective.]


Topic: Promissory
Definition:
PROM'ISSORY, a.  Containing a promise or binding declaration of something to be done or forborne.
1.  In law, a promissory note is a writing which contains a promise of the payment of money or the delivery of property to another, at or before a time specified, in consideration of value received by the promiser.  In England, promissory notes and bills of exchange, being negotiable for the payment of a less sum than twenty shillings, are declared to be void by Stat 15. Geo.III.


Topic: Promontory
Definition:
PROM'ONTORY, n. [L. promontorium; pro, forward, and mons, a mountain.]   In geography, a high point of land or rock, projecting into the sea beyond the line of the coast; a head land. It differs from a cape in denoting high land; a cape may be a similar projection of land high or low.
 Like one that stands upon promontory.
 If you drink tea on a promontory that overhangs the sea, it is preferable to an assembly.


Topic: Promote
Definition:
PROMO'TE, v.t.  [L. promotus, promoveo, to move forward; pro and moveo, to move.]
1.  To forward; to advance; to contribute to the growth, enlargement or excellence of any thing valuable, or to the increase of any thing evil; as, to promote learning, knowledge, virtue or religion; to promote the interest of commerce or agriculture; to promote the arts; to promote civilization or refinement; to promote the propagation of the gospel; to promote vice and disorder.
2.  To excite; as, to promote mutiny.
3.  To exalt; to elevate; to raise; to prefer in rank or honor.
 I will promote thee to very great honors. Num.22.
 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee. Prov.4.


Topic: Promoter
Definition:
PROMO'TER, n.  He or that which forwards, advances or promotes; an encourager; as a promoter of charity.
1.  One that excites; as a promoter of sedition.
2.  An informer; a make-bate.


Topic: Promotion
Definition:
PROMO'TION, n.
1.  The act of promoting; advancement; encouragement; as the promotion of virtue or morals; the promotion of peace or of discord.
2.  Exaltation in rank or honor; preferment.
 My promotion will be thy destruction.
 Promotion cometh neither from the east nor from the west, nor from the south.  Ps.75.


Topic: Prompt
Definition:
PROMPT, a. [L. promptus, from promo.]
1.  Ready and quick to act as occasion demands.
 Very discerning and prompt in giving orders.
2.  Of a ready disposition; acting with cheerful alacrity; as prompt in obedience or compliance.
 Tell him
 I'm prompt to lay my crown at's feet.
3.  Quick; ready; not dilatory; applied to things; as, he manifested a prompt obedience; he yielded prompt assistance.
 When Washington heard the voice of his country in distress, his obedience was prompt.
4.  Quick; hasty; indicating boldness or forwardness.
 And you perhaps too prompt in your replies.
5.  Ready; present; told down; as prompt payment.
6.  Easy; unobstructed.
PROMPT, v.t.  To incite; to move or excite to action or exertion; to instigate. Insults prompt anger or revenge; love prompts desire; benevolence prompts men to devote their time and services to spread the gospel. Ambition prompted Alexander to wish for more worlds to conquer.
1.  To assist a speaker when at a loss, by pronouncing the words forgotten or next in order, as to prompt an actor; or to assist a learner, by suggesting something forgotten or not understood.
2.  To dictate; to suggest to the mind.
 And whisp'ring angels prompt her golden dreams.
3.  To remind.  [Not used.]


Topic: Prompter
Definition:
PROMPT'ER, n.  One that prompts; one that admonishes or incites to action.
1.  One that is placed behind the scenes in a play-house, whose business is to assist the speakers when at a loss, by uttering the first words of a sentence or words forgotten; or any person who aids a public speaker when at a loss, by suggesting the next words of his piece.


Topic: Prompting
Definition:
PROMPT'ING, ppr.  Inciting; moving to action; aiding a speaker when at a loss for the words of his piece.


Topic: Promptitude
Definition:
PROMPT'ITUDE, n. [L. promptus.]
1.  Readiness; quickness of decision and action when occasion demands.  In the sudden vicissitudes of a battle, promptitude in a commander is one of the most essential qualifications.
2.  Readiness of will; cheerful alacrity; as promptitude in obedience or compliance.


Topic: Promptness
Definition:
PROMPT'NESS, n.  Readiness; quickness of decision or action.  The young man answered questions with great promptness.
1.  Cheerful willingness; alacrity.
2.  Activity; briskness; as the promptness of animal actions.


Topic: Promptuary
Definition:
PROMPT'UARY, n. [L. promptuarium.]  That form which supplies are drawn; a storehouse; a magazine; a repository.


Topic: Promulgate
Definition:
PROMUL'GATE, v.t. [L. promulgo.]  To publish; to make known by open declaration; as, to promulgate the secrets of a council.  It is particularly applied to the publication of laws and the gospel.  The moral law was promulgated at mount Sinai. The apostles promulgated the gospel.  Edicts, laws and orders are promulgated by circular letters, or through the medium of the public prints.


Topic: Promulgation
Definition:
PROMUL'GATION, n.  The act of promulgating; publication; open declaration; as the promulgation of the law or of the gospel.


Topic: Pronation
Definition:
PRONA'TION, n. [from L. pronus, having the face downwards.]
1.  Among anatomists,  that motion of the radius whereby the palm of the hand is turned downwards; the act of turning the palm downwards; opposed to supination.
2.  That position of the hand, when the thumb is turned towards the body, and the palm downwards.


Topic: Pronator
Definition:
PRONA'TOR, n.  A muscle of the fore arm which serves to turn the palm of the hand downward; opposed to supinator.


Topic: Prone
Definition:
PRONE, a. [L. pronus.]  Bending forward; inclined; not erect.
1.  Lying with the face downward; contrary to supine.
2.  Headlong; precipitous; inclining in descent.
 Down thither prone in flight.
3.  Sloping; declivous; inclined.
 Since the floods demand
 For their descent, a prone and sinking land.
4.  Inclined; propense; disposed; applied to the mind or affections, usually in an ill sense; as men prone to evil, prone to strife, prone to intemperance, prone to deny the truth,prone to change.


Topic: Proneness
Definition:
PRO'NENESS, n.  The state of bending downwards; opposed to the erectness of man.
1.  The state of lying with the face downwards; contrary to supineness.
2.  Descent; declivity; as the proneness of a hill.
3.  Inclination of mind, heart or temper; propension; disposition; as the proneness of the Israelites to idolatry; proneness to self-gratification or to self-justification; proneness to comply with temptation; sometimes in a good sense; as ;the proneness of good men to commiserate want.


Topic: Prong
Definition:
PRONG, n.
1.  A sharp pointed instrument.
 Prick it on a prong of iron.
2.  The tine of a fork or of a similar instrument; as a fork of two or three prongs.  [This is the sense in which it is used in America.]


Topic: Pronoun
Definition:
PRO'NOUN, n. [L. pronomen; pro, for, and nomen,name.] 
In grammar, a word used instead of a noun or name, to prevent the repetition of it. The personal pronouns in English, are I, thou or you,he, she, we, ye and they.  The last is used for the name of things, as well as for that of persons.  Other words are used for the names of persons, things, sentences, phrases and for adjectives; and when they stand for sentences, phrases and adjectives, they are not strictly pronouns, but relatives, substitutes or representatives of such sentences. Thus we say, 'the jury found the prisoner guilty, and the court pronounced sentence on him.  This or that gave great joy to the spectators.'  In these sentences, this or that represents the whole preceding sentence, which is the proper antecedent.  We also say, 'the jury pronounced the man guilty, this or that or which he could not be, for he proved an alibi.'  In which sentence, this or that or which refers immediately to guilty, as its antecedent.


Topic: Pronounce
Definition:
PRONOUNCE, v.t. pronouns'. [L. pronuncio; pro and nuncio.]
1.  To speak; to utter articulately. The child is not able to pronounce words composed of difficult combinations of letters.  Adults rarely learn to pronounce correctly a foreign language.
2. To utter formally, officially or solemnly.  The court pronounced sentence of death on the criminal.

 Then Baruch answered them, he pronounced all these words to me with his mouth. Jer.36.
 Sternly he pronounc'd
 The rigid interdiction.
3.  To speak or utter rhetorically; to deliver; as, to pronounce an oration.
4.  To speak; to utter, in almost any manner.
5.  To declare or affirm.  He pronounced the book to be a libel; he pronounced the act to be a fraud.
PRONOUNCE, v.i. pronouns'.  To speak; to make declaration; to utter an opinion.
 How confidently so ever men pronounce of themselves--


Topic: Pronunciation
Definition:
PRONUNCIA'TION, n. [L. pronunciatio.]
1.  The act of uttering with articulation; utterance; as the pronunciation of syllables or words; distinct or indistinct pronunciation.
2.  The mode of uttering words or sentences; particularly, the art or manner of uttering a discourse publicly with propriety and gracefulness; now called delivery.


Topic: Proof
Definition:
PROOF,n.
1.  Trial; essay; experiment; any effort, process or operation that ascertains truth or fact.  Thus the quality of spirit is ascertained by proof; the strength of gun-powder, of fire arms and of cannon is determined by proof; the correctness of operations in arithmetic is ascertained by proof.
2.  In law and logic, that degree of evidence which convinces the mind of the certainty of truth of fact, and produces belief.  Proof is derived from personal knowledge, or from the testimony of others, or from conclusive reasoning.  Proof differs from demonstration, which is applicable only to those truths of which the contrary is inconceivable.
 This has neither evidence of truth, nor proof sufficient to give it warrant.
3.  Firmness or hardness that resists impression, or yields not to force; impenetrability of physical bodies; as a wall that is of proof against shot.
 See arms of proof.
4.  Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken; as a mind or virtue that is proof against the arts of seduction and the assaults of temptation.
5.  The proof of spirits consists in little bubbles which appear on the top of the liquor after agitation, called the bead, and by the French, chapelet.  Hence,
6.  The degree of strength in spirit; as high proof; first proof; second, third or fourth proof.
7.  In printing and engraving, a rough impression of a sheet, taken for correction; plu.proofs, not proves.
8.  Armor sufficiently firm to resist impression.  [Not used.]
Proof is used elliptically for of proof.
  I have found thee
  Proof against all temptation.
It is sometimes followed by to, more generally by against.


Topic: Prop
Definition:
PROP, v.t.  
1.  To support or prevent from falling by placing something under or against; as, to prop a fence or an old building.
2.  To support by standing under or against.
 Till the bright mountains prop th' incumbent sky.
3.  To support; to sustain; in a general sense; as, to prop a declining state.
 I prop myself upon the few supports that are left me.
PROP, n.  That which sustains an incumbent weight; that on which any thing rests for support; a support; a stay; as a prop for vines; a prop for an old building.  An affectionate child is the prop of declining age.


Topic: Propagable
Definition:
PROP'AGABLE, a. [See Propagate.]  That may be continued or multiplied by natural generation or production; applied to animals and vegetables.
1.  That may be spread or extended by any means, as tenets, doctrines or principles.


Topic: Propagandist
Definition:
PROPAGAND'IST, n.  A person who devotes himself to the spread of any system of principles.
 Bonaparte selected a body to compose his Sanhedrim of political propagandists.


Topic: Propagate
Definition:
PROP'AGATE, v.t. [L. propago.  See Prop.  The Latin noun propago, is the English prop, and the termination ago, as in cartilago, &c.  The sense of the noun is that which is set or thrust in.]
1.  To continue or multiply the kind by generation or successive production; applied to animals and plants; as, to propagate a breed of horses or sheep; to propagate any species of fruit tree.
2.  To spread; to extend; to impel or continue forward in space; as, to propagate sound or light.
3.  To spread from person to person; to extend; to give birth to, or originate and spread; as, to propagate a story or report.
4.  To carry from place to place; to extend by planting and establishing in places before destitute; as, to propagate the christian religion.
5.  To extend; to increase.
 Griefs of my own lie heavy in my breast,
 Which thou wilt propagate.
6.  To generate; to produce.
 Superstitious notions, propagated in fancy, are hardly ever totally eradicated.
PROP'AGATE, v.i.  To have young or issue; to be produced or multiplied by generation, or by new shoots or plants.  Wild horses propagate in the forests of S. America.


Topic: Propagated
Definition:
PROP'AGATED, pp.  Continued or multiplied by generation or production of the same kind; spread; extended.


Topic: Propagating
Definition:
PROP'AGATING, ppr.  Continuing or multiplying the kind by generation or production; spreading and establishing.


Topic: Propagation
Definition:
PROPAGA'TION, n. [L.propagatio.]
1.  The act of propagating; the continuance or multiplication of the kind by generation or successive production; as the propagation of animals or plants.
 There is not in nature any spontaneous generation, but all come by propagation.
2.  The spreading or extension of any thing; as the propagation of sound or of reports.
3.  The spreading of any thing by planting and establishing in places before destitute; as the propagation of the gospel among pagans.
4.  A forward or promotion.


Topic: Propagator
Definition:
PROP'AGATOR, n.  One that continues or multiplies his own species by generation.
1.  One that continues or multiplies any species of animals or plants.
2.  One that spreads or causes to circulate, as a report.
3.  One that plants and establishes in a country destitute; as a propagator of the gospel.
4.  One that plants, originates or extends; one that promotes.


Topic: Propel
Definition:
PROPEL', v.t. [L. propello; pro, forward,and pello, to drive.]
To drive forward; to urge or press onward by force. The wind or steam propels ships; balls are propelled by the force of gun-powder; mill wheels are propelled by water or steam; the blood is propelled through the arteries and veins by the action of the heart.  [This word is commonly applied to material bodies.]


Topic: Propend
Definition:
PROPEND', v.i. [L. propendeo; pro, forward,and pendeo, to hang.]
To lean towards; to incline; to be disposed in favor of any thing.  [Little used.]


Topic: Propendency
Definition:
PROPEND'ENCY, n. [L. propendens.]  A leaning towards; inclination; tendency of desire to any thing.
1.  Preconsideration; attentive deliberation.  [Little used.]


Topic: Propense
Definition:
PROPENSE, a. propens'.  [L. propensus.]  Leaning towards, in a moral sense; inclined; disposed, either to good or evil; as women propense to holiness.


Topic: Proper
Definition:
PROP'ER, a. [L. proprius, supposed to be allied to prope, near.]
1.  Peculiar; naturally or essentially belonging to a person or thing; not common. That is not proper, which is common to many.  Every animal has his proper instincts and inclinations, appetites and habits. Every muscle and vessel of the body has its proper office.  Every art has it proper rules.  Creation is the proper work of an Almighty Being.
2.  Particularly suited to.  Every animal lives in his proper element.
3. One's own.  It may be joined with any possessive pronoun; as our proper son.
 Our proper conceptions.
 Now learn the difference at your proper cost.
[Note.  Own is often used in such phrases; 'at your own proper cost.'  This is really tautological, but sanctioned by usage, and expressive of emphasis.]
4.  Noting an individual; pertaining to one of a species, but not common to the whole; as a proper name.  Dublin is the proper name of a city.
5.  Fit; suitable; adapted; accommodated. A thin dress is not proper for clothing in a cold climate.  Stimulants are proper remedies for debility.  Gravity of manners is very proper for persons of advanced age.
 In Athens, all was pleasure,mirth and play 
 All proper to the spring and sprightly May.
6.  Correct; just; as a proper word; a proper expression.
7.  Not figurative.
8.  Well formed; handsome.
 Moses was a proper child.  Heb.11.
9.  Tall; lusty; handsome with bulk.  [Low and not used.]
    10. In vulgar language, very; as proper good; proper sweet. [This is very improper, as well as vulgar.]
Proper receptacle, in botany, that which supports only a single flower or fructification; proper perianth or involucre, that which incloses only a single flower; proper flower or corol, one of the single florets or corollets in an aggregate or compound flower; proper nectary, separate form the petals and other parts of the flower.


Topic: Properly
Definition:
PROP'ERLY, adv.  Fitly; suitably; in a proper manner; as a word properly applied; a dress properly adjusted.
1.  In a strict sense.
 The miseries of life are not properly owing to the unequal distribution of things.


Topic: Properness
Definition:
PROP'ERNESS, n.  The quality of being proper.  [Little used.]
1.  Tallness.  [Not in use.]
2.  Perfect form; handsomeness.


Topic: Property
Definition:
PROP'ERTY, n. [This seems to be formed directly from proper.  The Latin is proprietas.]
1.  A peculiar quality of any thing; that which is inherent in a subject, or naturally essential to it; called by logicians an essential mode. Thus color is a property of light; extension and figure are properties of bodies.
2.  An acquired or artificial quality; that which is given by art or bestowed by man.  The poem has the properties which constitute excellence.
3.  Quality; disposition.
 It is the property of an old sinner to find delight in reviewing his own villainies in others.
4.  The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying and disposing of a thing; ownership.  In the beginning of the world, the Creator gave to man dominion over the earth, over the fish of the sea and the fowls of the air, and over every living thing.  This is the foundation of man's property in the earth and in all its productions.  Prior occupancy of land and of wild animals gives to the possessor the property of them.  The labor of inventing, making or producing any thing constitutes one of the highest and most indefeasible titles to property.  Property is also acquired by inheritance, by gift or by purchase.  Property is sometimes held in common, yet each man's right to his share in common land or stock is exclusively his own.  One man may have the property of the soil,and another the right of use, by prescription or by purchase.
5.  Possession held on one's own right.
6.  The thing owned; that to which a person has the legal title, whether in his possession or not.  It is one of the greatest blessings of civil society that the property of citizens is well secured.
7.  An estate, whether in lands, goods or money; as a man of large property or small property.
8.  An estate; a farm; a plantation.  In this sense, which is common in the United States and in the West Indies, the word has a plural.
 The still-houses on the sugar plantations, vary in size, according to the fancy of the proprietor or the magnitude of the property.
 I shall confine myself to such properties as fall within the reach of daily observation.
9.  Nearness or right.
 Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
 Propinquity and property of blood.
    10. Something useful; an appendage; a theatrical term.
 I will draw a bill of properties.
  High pomp and state are useful properties.
    11. Propriety. [Not in use.]
Literary property, the exclusive right of printing, publishing and making profit by one's own writings. No right or title to a thing can be so perfect as that which is created by a man's own labor and invention.  The exclusive right of a man to his literary productions, and to the use of them for his own profit, is entire and perfect, as the faculties employed and labor bestowed are entirely and perfectly his own.  On what principle then can a legislature or a court determine that an author can enjoy only a temporary property in his own productions?  If a man's right to his own productions in writing is as perfect as to the productions of his farm or his shop, how can the former by abridged or limited, while the latter is held without limitation?  Why do the productions of manual labor rank higher in the scale of rights or property, than the productions of the intellect?
PROP'ERTY, v.t.  To invest with qualities, or to take as one's own; to appropriate.  [An awkward word and not used.]


Topic: Prophecy
Definition:
PROPH'ECY, n. [Gr. to foretell, before and to tell.  This ought to be written prophesy.]
1.  A foretelling; prediction; a declaration of something to come.  As God only knows future events with certainty, no being but God or some person informed by him, can utter a real prophecy.  The prophecies recorded in Scripture, when fulfilled, afford most convincing evidence of the divine original of the Scriptures, as those who uttered the prophecies could not have foreknown the events predicted without supernatural instruction. 2 Pet.1.
2.  In Scripture, a book of prophecies; a history; as the prophecy of Ahijah.  2 Chron. 9.
3.  Preaching; public interpretation of Scripture; exhortation or instruction.  Prov.31.


Topic: Prophesy
Definition:
PROPH'ESY, v.t.  To foretell future events; to predict.
 I hate him, for he doth not prophesy good concerning
me, but evil. 1 Kings.22.
1.  To foreshow.  [Little used.]
PROPH'ESY, v.i.  To utter predictions; to make declaration of events to come. Jer.11.
1.  In Scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects; to exhort. 1 Cor.13.  Ezek.37.


Topic: Prophet
Definition:
PROPH'ET, n. [L. propheta.]
1.  One that foretells future events; a predicter; a foreteller.
2.  In Scripture, a person illuminated, inspired or instructed by God to announce future events; as Moses, Elijah, David, Isaiah, &c.
3.  An interpreter; one that explains or communicates sentiments.  Ex.7.
4.  One who pretends to foretell; an imposter; as a false prophet.  Acts 13.
of the prophets, among the Israelites, a school or college in which young men were educated and qualified for public teachers. These students were called sons of the prophets.


Topic: Prophetess
Definition:
PROPH'ETESS, n.  A female prophet; a woman who foretells future events, as Miriam, Huldah, Anna, &c.  Ex.15.  Judg.4. Luke 2.


Topic: Propination
Definition:
PROPINA'TION, n. [L. propinatio, propino; Gr. to drink.]
The act of pledging, or drinking first and then offering the cup to another.


Topic: Propine
Definition:
PROPI'NE, v.t. [L.propino, supra.]  To pledge; to drink first and then offer the cup to another.  [Not used.]
1.  To expose.  [Not used.]


Topic: Propinquity
Definition:
PROPIN'QUITY, n. [L.propinquitas, from propinquus, near.]
1.  Nearness in place; neighborhood.
2.  Nearness in time.
3.  Nearness of blood; kindred.


Topic: Propitiate
Definition:
PROPI'TIATE, v.t. [L. propitio; pio.  Eng. pity.]
To conciliate; to appease one offended and render him favorable; to make propitious.
 Let fierce Achilles, dreadful in his rage,
 The god propitiate and the pest assuage.


Topic: Propitiation
Definition:
PROPITIATION, n. propisia'shon.
1.  The act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious.
2.  In theology, the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners.  Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men.  Rom.3. 1 John 2.


Topic: Propitiatory
Definition:
PROPI'TIATORY, a.  Having the power to make propitious; as a propitiatory sacrifice.
PROPI'TIATORY, n.  Among the Jews,the mercy-seat; the lid or cover of the ark of the covenant, lined within and without with plates of gold.  This was a type of Christ.


Topic: Propitious
Definition:
PROPI'TIOUS, a. [L.propitius.]  Favorable; kind; applied to men.
1.  Disposed to be gracious or merciful; ready to forgive sins and bestow blessings; applied to God.
2.  Favorable; as a propitious season.


Topic: Propitiousness
Definition:
PROPI'TIOUSNESS, n.  Kindness; disposition to treat another kindly; disposition to forgive.
1.  Favorableness; as the propitiousness of the season or climate.


Topic: Propolis
Definition:
PRO'POLIS, n. [Gr. before the city, or the front of the city.]
A thick odorous substance having some resemblance to wax and smelling like storax; used by bees to stop the holes and crevices in their hives to prevent the entrance of cold air, &c.  Pliny represents it as the third coat; the first he calls commosis; the second pissoceros; the third, more solid than the others, he calls propolis.
This account of the propolis may not be perfectly correct, as authors do not agree in their descriptions of it.


Topic: Proponent
Definition:
PROPO'NENT, n. [L. proponens; pro and pono, to place.]
One that makes a proposal, or lays down a proposition.


Topic: Proportion
Definition:
PROPORTION, n. [L.proportio; pro and portio, part or share.  See Portion.]
1.  The comparative relation of any one thing to another.  Let a man's exertions be in proportion to his strength.
2.  The identity or similitude of two ratios.  Proportion differs from ratio.  Ratio is the relation which determines the quantity of one thing from the quantity of another, without the intervention of a third.  Thus the ratio of 5 and 10 is 2; the ratio of 8 and 16 is 2.  Proportion is the sameness or likeness of two such relations. Thus 5 is to 10, as 8 to 16, or A is to B, as C is to D; that is, 5 bears the same relation to 10, as 8 does to 16.  Hence we say, such numbers are in proportion.
Proportion, in mathematics, an equality or ratios.
The term proportion is sometimes improperly used for ratio.  The ratio between two quantities, is expressed by the quotient of one divided by the other; thus, the ratio of 10 to 5 is 2, and the ratio of 16 to 8 is 2.  These two equal ratios constitute a proportion, which is expressed by saying, 10 is to 5 as 16 is to 8; or more concisely, 10: 5:: 16: 8.  [See Ratio.]
3.  In arithmetic, a rule by which, when three numbers are given, a fourth number is found, which bears the same relation to the third as the second does to the first; or a fourth number is found, bearing the same relation to the second as the first does to the third.  The former is called direct, and the latter, inverse proportion.
4.  Symmetry; suitable adaptation of one part or thing to another; as the proportion of one limb to another in the human body; the proportion of the length and breadth of a room to its highth.
 Harmony, with every grace,
 Place in the fair proportions of her face.
5.  Equal or just share; as, to ascertain the proportion of profit to which each partner in a company is entitled.
6.  Form; size.  [Little used.]
7.  The relation between unequal things of the same kind, by which their several parts correspond to each other with an equal augmentation and diminution, as in reducing and enlarging figures.
[This more properly belongs to ratio.]
Harmonical or musical proportion, is when, of three numbers,the first is to the third as the difference of the first and second to the difference of the second and third. Thus 2.3.6. are in harmonical proportion; for 2 is to 6 as 1 to 3.  So also four numbers are harmonical, when the first is to the fourth, as the difference of the first and second is to the difference of the third and fourth. Thus, 24.16.12.9. are harmonical, for 24 : 9 :: 8 : 3.
Arithmetical and geometrical proportion.  [See Progression, No.4.]
Reciprocal proportion, an equality between a direct and a reciprocal ratio. Thus, 4 : 2 :: 1/3 : 1/6.  [See Reciprocals, and Reciprocal ratio.]
PROPORTION, v.t.  To adjust the comparative relation of one thing or one part to another; as, to proportion the size of a building to its highth, or the thickness of a thing to its length; to proportion our expenditures to our income.
 In the loss of an object, we do not proportion our grief to its real value, but to the value our fancies set upon it.
1.  To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.


Topic: Proportionable
Definition:
PROPORTIONABLE, a.  That may be proportioned or made proportional.  This is the true sense of the word; but it is erroneously used in the sense of proportional, being in proportion; having a due comparative relation; as infantry with a proportionable number of horse.


Topic: Proportionably
Definition:
PROPORTIONABLY, adv.  According to proportion or comparative relation; as a large body, with limbs proportionably large.


Topic: Proportional
Definition:
PROPORTIONAL, a.  Having a due comparative relation; being in suitable proportion or degree; as, the parts of an edifice are proportional.  In pharmacy, medicines are compounded of certain proportional quantities of ingredients.  The velocity of a moving body is proportional to the impelling force, when the quantity of matter is given; its momentum is proportional to the quantity of matter it contains,when its velocity is given.
Proportional, in chimistry, a term employed in the theory of definite proportions, to denote the same as the weight of an atom or a prime. [See Prime.]
Proportionals, in geometry, are quantities, either linear or numeral, which bear the same ratio or relation to each other.


Topic: Proportionally
Definition:
PROPORTIONALLY, adv.  In proportion; in due degree; with suitable comparative relation; as all parts of a building being proportionally large.


Topic: Proportionate
Definition:
PROPORTIONATE, a.  Adjusted to something else according to a certain rate or comparative relation; proportional.
 The connection between the end and means is proportionate.
 Punishment should be proportionate to the transgression.
PROPORTIONATE, v.t.  To proportion; to make proportional; to adjust according to a settled rate or to due comparative relation; as, to proportionate punishments to crimes. [This verb is less used than proportion.]


Topic: Proportionateness
Definition:
PROPORTIONATENESS, n.  The state of being adjusted by due or settled proportion or comparative relation; suitableness of proportions.


Topic: Proposal
Definition:
PROPO'SAL, n.  s as z. [from propose.]
1.  That which is offered or propounded for consideration or acceptance; a scheme or design, terms or conditions proposed; as, to make proposals for a treaty of peace; to offer proposals for erecting a building; to make proposals of marriage; proposals for subscription to a loan or to a literary work.
2.  Offer to the mind; as the proposal of an agreeable object.


Topic: Propose
Definition:
PROPO'SE, v.t.  s as z. [L. propono, proposui;]
1.  To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance or adoption; as, to propose a bill or resolve to a legislative body; to propose terms of peach; to propose a question or subject for discussion; to propose an alliance by treaty or marriage; to propose alterations or amendments in a law.
2.  To offer or present for consideration.
 In learning any thing, as little as possible should be proposed to the mind at first.
To propose to one's self, to intend; to design; to form a design in the mind.
PROPO'SE, v.i.  To lay schemes.  [Not in use.]
[Propose is often used for purpose; as I propose to ride to New York to-morrow.  Purpose and propose are different forms of the same word.]


Topic: Proposition
Definition:
PROPOSI'TION, n.  s as z. [L. propositio, from propositus, propono.]
1.  That which is proposed; that which is offered for consideration, acceptance or adoption; a proposal; offer of terms.  The enemy made propositions of peace; the propositions were not accepted.
2.  In logic, one of the three parts of a regular argument; the part of an argument in which some quality, negative or positive, is attributed to a subject; as, 'snow is white;' 'water is fluid;' 'vice is not commendable.'
3.  In mathematics, a statement in terms of either a truth to be demonstrated, or an operation to be performed.  It is called a theorem, when it is something to be proved; and a problem, when it is something to be done.
4.  In oratory, that which is offered or affirmed as the subject of the discourse; any thing stated or affirmed for discussion or illustration.
5.  In poetry, the first part of a poem, in which the author states the subject or matter of it.  Horace recommends modesty and simplicity in the proposition of a poem.


Topic: Propositional
Definition:
PROPOSI'TIONAL, a.  Pertaining to a proposition; considered as a proposition; as a propositional sense.


Topic: Propound
Definition:
PROPOUND', v.t. [L. propono; pro and pono, to set, put or place.]
1.  To propose; to offer for consideration; as, to propound a rule of action.
 The existence of the church hath been propounded as an object of faith.
2.  To offer; to exhibit; to propose; as, to propound a question.
3.  In congregational churches, to propose or name as a candidate for admission to communion with a church.  Persons intending to make public profession of their faith, and thus unite with the church, are propounded before the church and congregation; that is, their intention is notified some days previous, for the purpose of giving opportunity to members of the church to object to their admission to such communion, if they see cause.


Topic: Proprefect
Definition:
PROPRE'FECT, n.  Among the Romans, a prefect's lieutenant commissioned to do a part of the duty of the perfect.


Topic: Propretor
Definition:
PROPRE'TOR, n. [L.proproetor.]  Among the Romans, a magistrate who, having discharged the office of pretor at home, was sent into a province to command there with his former pretorial authority; also, an officer sent extraordinarily into the provinces to administer justice with the authority of pretor.


Topic: Proprietary
Definition:
PROPRI'ETARY, n.
1.  A proprietor or owner; one who has the exclusive title to a thing; one who possesses or holds the title to a thing in his own right. The grantees of Pennsylvania and Maryland and their heirs were called the proprietaries of those provinces.
2.  In monasteries, such monks were called proprietaries, as had reserved goods and effects to themselves, notwithstanding their renunciation of all at the time of their profession.
PROPRI'ETARY, a.  Belonging to a proprietor or owner, or to a proprietary.  The governments of Pennsylvania and Maryland were formerly proprietary.


Topic: Proprietor
Definition:
PROPRI'ETOR, n. [from L. proprietas, proprius.]  An owner; the person who has the legal right or exclusive title to any thing whether in possession or not; as the proprietor of a farm or of a mill.  By the gift of God, man is constituted the proprietor of the earth.


Topic: Propriety
Definition:
PROPRI'ETY, n. [L. proprietas, from proprius.]
1.  Property; peculiar or exclusive right of possession; ownership.  [This primary sense of the word, as used by Locke, Milton, Dryden, &c. seems not to be nearly or wholly obsolete.  See Property.]
2.  Fitness; suitableness; appropriateness; consonance with established principles, rules or customs; justness; accuracy.  Propriety of conduct, in a moral sense, consists in its conformity to the moral law; propriety of behavior, consists in conformity to the established rules of decorum; propriety in language, is correctness in the use of words and phrases, according to established usage, which constitutes the rule of speaking and writing.
3.  Proper state.


Topic: Propugn
Definition:
PROPUGN, v.t. propu'ne.  [L. propugno; pro and pugno, to fight.]
To contend for; to defend; to vindicate.  [Little used.]


Topic: Propulsation
Definition:
PROPULSA'TION, n. [L. propulsatio,propulso.  See Propel.]
The act of driving away or repelling; the keeping at a distance.


Topic: Propulse
Definition:
PROPULSE, v.t. propuls'. [L. propulso; pro and pulso, to strike. See Propel.]   To repel; to drive off. [Little used.]


Topic: Propulsion
Definition:
PROPUL'SION, n. [L.propulsus, propello.  See Propel.]
The act of driving forward.
Pro rata, [L.]  in proportion.


Topic: Prore
Definition:
PRORE, n. [L. prora.]  The prow or fore part of a ship.  [Not in use, except in poetry.]
Pro re nata, [L.]  according to exigencies or circumstances.


Topic: Prorogation
Definition:
PROROGA'TION, n. [L. prorogatio.  See Prorogue.]
1.  Continuance in time or duration; a lengthening or prolongation of time; as the prorogation of something already possessed.  [This use is uncommon.]
2.  In England, the continuance of parliament from one session to another, as an adjournment is a continuance of the session from day to day.  This is the established language with respect to the parliament of Great Britain.  In the United States, the word is, I believe, rarely or never used; adjournment being used not only in its etymological sense, but for prorogation also.


Topic: Prorogue
Definition:
PROROGUE, v.t. prorog.  [L. prorogo; pro and rogo.  The latter word signifies to ask, or to propose; but the primary sense is to reach, to stretch forward; and this is its import in the derivative prorogo.]
1.  To protract; to prolong.
 He prorogued his government.
2. To defer; to delay; as, to prorogue death.
[In the foregoing senses, the word is now rarely used.]
3.  To continue the parliament from one session to another.  Parliament is prorogued by the king's authority, either by the lord chancellor in his majesty's presence, or by commission, or by proclamation.


Topic: Proruption
Definition:
PRORUP'TION, n. [L. proruptus, prorumpo; pro and rumpo, to burst.]
The act of bursting forth; a bursting out.


Topic: Prosaic
Definition:
PROSA'IC, a.  s as z. [L. prosaicus, from prosa,prose.]
Pertaining to prose; resembling prose; not restricted by numbers; applied to writings; as a prosaic composition.


Topic: Proscribe
Definition:
PROSCRI'BE, v.t. [L. proscribo; pro and scribo, to write.  The sense of this word originated in the Roman practice of writing the names of persons doomed to death, and posting the list in public.]
1.  To doom to destruction; to put one out of the protection of law,and promise a reward for his head.  Sylla and Marius proscribed each other's adherents.
2.  To put out of the protection of the law.
 Robert Vere, earl of Oxford, was banished the realm and proscribed.
3.  To denounce and condemn as dangerous and not worthy of reception; to reject utterly.
 In the year 325, the Arian doctrines were proscribed and anathematized by the council of Nice.
4.  To censure and condemn as utterly unworthy of reception.
5.  To interdict; as, to proscribe the use of ardent spirits.


Topic: Proscribed
Definition:
PROSCRI'BED, pp.  Doomed to destruction; denounced as dangerous, or as unworthy of reception; condemned; banished.


Topic: Proscriber
Definition:
PROSCRI'BER, n.  One that dooms to destruction; one that denounces as dangerous, or as utterly unworthy of reception.


Topic: Proscribing
Definition:
PROSCRI'BING, ppr.  Dooming to destruction; denouncing as unworthy of protection or reception; condemning; banishing.


Topic: Proscription
Definition:
PROSCRIP'TION, n. [L.proscriptio.]  The act of proscribing or dooming to death; among the Romans,the public offer of a reward for the head of a political enemy.  Such were the proscriptions of Sylla and Marius.  Under the triumvirate, many of the best Roman citizens fell by proscription.
1.  A putting out of the protection of law; condemning to exile.
2. Censure and condemnation; utter rejection.


Topic: Prose
Definition:
PROSE, n.  s as z. [L. prosa.]
1.  The natural language of man; language loose and unconfined to poetical measure, as opposed to verse or metrical composition.
 Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
2.  A prayer used in the Romish church on particular days.
PROSE, v.t.  To write in prose.
1.  To make a tedious relation.


Topic: Prosecute
Definition:
PROS'ECUTE, v.t. [L. prosecutus, prosequor; pro and sequor, to follow; Eng. to seed.  See Essay.]
1.  To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute or accomplish; to continue endeavors to obtain or complete; to continue efforts already begun; as, to prosecute a scheme; to prosecute an undertaking.  The great canal in the State of New York has been prosecuted with success.
 That which is morally good is to be desired and prosecuted.
This word signifies either to begin and carry on, or simply to continue what has been begun.  When I say, 'I have devised a plan which I have not the courage or means to prosecute,' the word signifies to begin to execute.  When we say, 'the nation began a war which it had not means to prosecute.' it signifies to continue to carry on.  The latter is the genuine sense of the word, but both are well authorized.  We prosecute any work of the hands or of the head.  We prosecute a purpose, an enterprise, a work, studies, inquiries, &c.
2.  To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right in a court of law.
3.  To accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; as, to prosecute a man for trespass or for a riot.  It is applied to civil suits for damages, as well as to criminal suits, but not to suits for debt.  We never say, man prosecutes another on a bond or note, or in assumpsit; but he prosecutes his right or claim in an action of debt, detinue, trover or assumpsit.  So we say, a man prosecutes another for assault and battery, for a libel or for slander, or for breaking his close.  In these cases, prosecute signifies to begin and to continue a suit. The attorney general prosecutes offenders in the name of the king or of the state, by information or indictment.
Prosecute differs from persecute, as in law it is applied to legal proceedings only, whereas persecute implies cruelty, injustice or oppression.


Topic: Prosecuted
Definition:
PROS'ECUTED, pp.  Pursued, or begun and carried on for execution or accomplishment, as a scheme; pursued for redress or punishment in a court of law, as a person; demanded in law, as a right or claim.


Topic: Prosecuting
Definition:
PROS'ECUTING, ppr.  Pursuing, or beginning and carrying on for accomplishment; pursuing for redress or punishment; suing for, as a right or claim.


Topic: Prosecution
Definition:
PROSECU'TION, n.  The act or process of endeavoring to gain or accomplish something; pursuit by efforts of body or mind; as the prosecution of a scheme, plan, design or undertaking; the prosecution of war or of commerce; the prosecution of a work, study, argument or inquiry.
1.  The institution and carrying on of a suit in a court of law or equity. to obtain some right, or to redress and punish some wrong.  The prosecution of a claim in chancery is very expensive.  Malicious prosecutions subject the offender to punishment.
2.  The institution or commencement and continuance of a criminal suit; the process of exhibiting formal charges against an offender before a legal tribunal, and pursuing them to final judgment; as prosecutions of the crown or of the state by the attorney or solicitor general. Prosecutions may be by presentment, information or indictment.


Topic: Prosecutor
Definition:
PROS'ECUTOR, n. One who pursues or carries on any purpose, plan or business.
1.  The person who institutes and carries on a criminal suit in a legal tribunal, or one who exhibits criminal charges against an offender. The attorney general is the prosecutor for the king or state.


Topic: Proselyte
Definition:
PROS'ELYTE, n. [Gr. to come.]  A new convert to some religion or religious sect, or to some particular opinion, system or party. Thus a Gentile converted to Judaism is a proselyte; a pagan converted to christianity is a proselyte; and we speak familiarly of proselytes to the theories of Brown, of Black, or of Lavoisier.  The word primarily refers to converts to some religious creed.
PROS'ELYTE, v.t.  To make a convert to some religion, or to some opinion or system.


Topic: Proselytism
Definition:
PROS'ELYTISM, n.  The making of converts to a religion or religious sect, or to any opinion, system or party.
 They were possessed with a spirit of proselytism in the most fanatical degree.
1.  Conversion to a system or creed.


Topic: Proselytize
Definition:
PROS'ELYTIZE, to make converts, or to convert, is not well authorized, or not in common use, and is wholly unnecessary.


Topic: Prosenneahedral
Definition:
PROSENNEAHE'DRAL, a. [Gr.]  In crystalography, having nine faces on two adjacent parts of the crystal.


Topic: Proser
Definition:
PRO'SER, n. s as z. [from prose.]   A writer of prose.
1.  In cant language, one who makes a tedious narration of uninteresting matters.


Topic: Prosodical
Definition:
PROSOD'ICAL, a. [from prosody.]  Pertaining to prosody or the quantity and accents of syllables; according to the rules of prosody.


Topic: Prosody
Definition:
PROS'ODY, n.[L.prosodia; Gr. an ode.]  That part of grammar which treats of the quantity of syllables, of accent, and of the laws of versification.  It includes also the art of adjusting the accent and metrical arrangement of syllables in compositions for the lyre.


Topic: Prosopolepsy
Definition:
PROSOPOLEP'SY, n. [Gr.]  Respect of persons; more particularly, a premature opinion or prejudice against a person, formed by a view of his external appearance.


Topic: Prospect
Definition:
PROS'PECT, n. [L. prospectus, prospicio, to look forward; pro and specio, to see.]
1.  View of things within the reach of the eye.
 Eden and all the coast in prospect lay.
2.  View of things to come; intellectual sight; expectation.  The good man enjoys the prospect of future felicity.
3.  That which is presented to the eye; the place and the objects seen.  There is a noble prospect from the dome of the state house in Boston, a prospect diversified with land and water, and every thing that can please the eye.
4.  Object of view.
 Man to himself
 Is a large prospect.
5.  View delineated or painted; picturesque representation of a landscape.
6.  Place which affords an extended view.
7.  Position of the front of a building; as a prospect towards the south or north. Ezek.40.
8.  Expectation, or ground of expectation.  There is a prospect of a good harvest.  A man has a prospect of preferment; or he has little prospect of success.
9.  A looking forward; a regard to something future.
 Is he a prudent man as to his temporal estate, who lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to or provision for the remaining part of life?  [Little used.]


Topic: Prospective
Definition:
PROSPECT'IVE, a.  Looking forward in time; regarding the future; opposed to retrospective.
 The supporting of Bible societies is one of the points on which the promises, at the time of ordination, had no prospective bearing.
1. Acting with foresight.
 The French king and king of Sweden, are circumspect, industrious and prospective in this affair.
2.  Pertaining to a prospect; viewing at a distance.
3.  Furnishing an extensive prospect.


Topic: Prospectus
Definition:
PROSPECT'US, n. [L.]  The plan of a literary work, containing the general subject or design, with the manner and terms of publication, and sometimes a specimen of it.


Topic: Prosper
Definition:
PROS'PER, v.t. [L.prospero, from prosperus, from the Gr. to carry to or toward; to bear.]   To favor; to render successful.  All things concur to prosper our design.
PROS'PER, v.i.  To be successful; to succeed.
 The Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. Gen.39.
 He that covereth his sins, shall not prosper. Prov.28.
1.  To grow or increase; to thrive; to make gain; as, to prosper in business.  Our agriculture, commerce and manufactures now prosper.


Topic: Prosperity
Definition:
PROSPER'ITY, n. [L. prosperitas.]  Advance or gain in any thing good or desirable; successful progress in any business or enterprise; success; attainment of the object desired; as the prosperity of arts; agricultural or commercial prosperity; national prosperity.  Our disposition to abuse the blessings of providence renders prosperity dangerous.
 The prosperity of fools shall destroy them. Prov.1.


Topic: Prosperous
Definition:
PROS'PEROUS, a. [L.prosperus.]  Advancing in the pursuit of any thing desirable; making gain or increase; thriving; successful; as a prosperous trade; a prosperous voyage; a prosperous expedition or undertaking; a prosperous man, family or nation; a prosperous war.
 The seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit. Zech.8.
1.  Favorable; favoring success; as a prosperous wind.


Topic: Prostate
Definition:
PROS'TATE, a. [From Gr. to set before.]  In anatomy, the prostate gland is a gland situated just before the neck of the bladder in males, and surrounding the beginning of the urethra.  It is situated on the under and posterior part of the neck of the bladder, so as to surround the lower side of the urethra.


Topic: Prosternation
Definition:
PROSTERNA'TION, n. [L. prosterno, to prostrate; pro and sterno.]
A state of being cast down; dejection; depression. [Little used.]


Topic: Prostitute
Definition:
PROS'TITUTE, v.t. [L.prostituo; pro and statuo, to set.]
1.  To offer freely to a lewd use, or to indiscriminate lewdness.
 Do not prostitute thy daughter. Lev.19.
2.  To give up to any vile or infamous purpose; to devote to any thing base; to sell to wickedness; as, to prostitute talents to the propagation of infidel principles, to prostitute the press to the publication of blasphemy.
3.  To offer or expose upon vile terms or to unworthy persons.
PROS'TITUTE, a.  Openly devoted to lewdness; sold to wickedness or to infamous purposes.
 Made bold by want and prostitute for bread.
PROS'TITUTE, n.  A female given to indiscriminate lewdness; a strumpet.
1.  A base hireling; a mercenary; one who offers himself to infamous employments for hire.
 No hireling she, no prostitute to praise.


Topic: Prostitution
Definition:
PROSTITU'TION, n. [L. prostituo.]
1.  The act or practice of offering the body to an indiscriminate intercourse with men; common lewdness of a female.
2.  The act of setting one's self to sale, or offering one's self to infamous employments; as the prostitution of talents or abilities.


Topic: Prostrate
Definition:
PROS'TRATE, a. [L. prostratus, from prosterno, to lay flat; pro and sterno.]
1.  Lying at length, or with the body extended on the ground or other surface.
 Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire.
2.  Lying at mercy, as a supplicant.
3.  Lying in the posture of humility of adoration.
PROS'TRATE, v.t.  To lay flat; to throw down; as, to prostrate the body; to prostrate trees or plants.
1.  To throw down; to overthrow; to demolish; to ruin; as, to prostrate a village; to prostrate a government; to prostrate law or justice; to prostrate the honor of a nation.
2.  To prostrate one's self, to throw one's self down or to fall in humility or adoration.
3.  To bow in humble reverence.
4.  To sink totally; to reduce; as, to prostrate strength.


Topic: Prostration
Definition:
PROSTRA'TION, n.  The act of throwing down or laying flat; as the prostration of the body, of trees or of corn.
1. The act of falling down, or the act of bowing in humility or adoration; primarily, the act of falling on the face, but it is now used for kneeling or bowing in reverence and worship.
2.  Great depression; dejection; as a prostration of spirits.
3.  Great loss of natural strength and vigor; that state of the body in disease in which the system is passive and requires powerful stimulants to excite it into action.


Topic: Prosyllogism
Definition:
PROSYL'LOGISM, n. [pro and syllogism.]  A prosyllogism is when two or more syllogisms are so connected that the conclusion of the former is the major or minor of the following.


Topic: Protasis
Definition:
PRO'TASIS, n. [Gr. to present.]
1.  A proposition; a maxim.
2.  In the ancient drama, the first part of a comic or tragic piece, in which the several persons are shown, their characters intimated, and the subject proposed and entered on.  The protasis might extend to two acts, where it ended, and the epitasis commenced.


Topic: Protect
Definition:
PROTECT', v.t. [L.protectus, protego; pro and tego; to cover; Gr. with a prefix; Eng. deck. See Deck.]    To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety; a word of general import both in a literal and figurative sense. Walls protect a city or garrison; clothing is designed to protect the body from cold; arms may protect one from an assault; our houses protect us from the inclemencies of the weather; the law protects our persons and property; the father protects his children, and the guardian his ward; a shade protects us from extreme heat; a navy protects our commerce and our shores; embassadors are protected from arrest.


Topic: Protection
Definition:
PROTEC'TION, n.  The act of protecting; defense; shelter from evil; preservation from loss, injury or annoyance.  We find protection under good laws and an upright administration.  How little are men disposed to acknowledge divine protection!
1.  That which protects or preserves from injury.
 Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. Deut.32.
2.  A writing that protects; a passport or other writing which secures from  molestation.
3.  Exemption.  Embassadors at foreign courts are entitled to protection from arrest. Members of parliament, representatives and senators, are entitled to protection from arrest during their attendance on the legislature, as are suitors and witnesses attending a court.
Writ of protection, a writ by which the king or Great Britain exempts a person from arrest.


Topic: Protector
Definition:
PROTECT'OR, n.  One that defends or shields from injury, evil or oppression; a defender; a guardian.  The king or sovereign is, or ought to be, the protector of the nation; the husband is the protector of his wife, and the father of his children.
1.  In England, one who formerly had the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent.  Cromwell assumed the title of lord Protector.
2.  In catholic countries, every nation and every religious order has a protector residing at Rome.  He is a cardinal, and called cardinal protector.


Topic: Protend
Definition:
PROTEND', v.t. [L.protendo; pro and tendo, to stretch.]
To hold out; to stretch forth.
 With his protended lance he makes defense.


Topic: Protervity
Definition:
PROTERV'ITY, n. [L.protervitas, from protervus; pro and torvus, crabbed.]   Peevishness; petulance. [Little used.]


Topic: Protest
Definition:
PROTEST', v.i.  [L. protestor; pro and testor, to affirm it.]
1.  To affirm with solemnity; to make a solemn declaration of a fact or opinion; as, I protest to you, I have no knowledge of the transaction.
2.  To make a solemn declaration expressive of opposition; with against; as, he protests against your votes.
 The conscience has power to protest against the exorbitancies of the passions.
3.  To make a formal declaration in writing against a public law or measure.  It is the privilege of any lord in parliament to protest against a law or resolution.
PROTEST', v.t.  To call as a witness in affirming or denying, or to prove an affirmation.
 Fiercely they oppos'd
 My journey strange, with clamorous uproar
 Protesting fate supreme.
1.  To prove; to show; to give evidence of.  [Not in use.]
2.  In commerce, to protest a bill of exchange, is for a notary public, at the request of the payee, to make a formal declaration under hand and seal, against the drawer of the bill, on account of non-acceptance or non-payment, for exchange, cost,commissions, damages and interest; of which act the indorser must be notified within such time as the law or custom prescribes. In like manner, notes of hand given to a banking corporation are protested for non-payment.


Topic: Protestant
Definition:
PROT'ESTANT, a.  Pertaining to those who, at the reformation of religion,protested against a decree of Charles V. and the diet of Spires; pertaining to the adherents of Luther, or others of the reformed churches; as the protestant religion.
PROT'ESTANT, n.  One of the party who adhered to Luther at the reformation in 1529, and protested, or made a solemn declaration of dissent from a decree of the emperor Charles V. and the diet of Spires, and appealed to a general council.  This name was afterwards extended to the followers of Calvin, and Protestants is the denomination now given to all who belong to the reformed churches.  The king of Prussia has, however, interdicted the use of this name in his dominions.


Topic: Protestation
Definition:
PROTESTA'TION, n.
1.  A solemn declaration of a fact, opinion or resolution.
2.  A solemn declaration of dissent; a protest; as the protestation of certain noblemen against an order of council.
3.  In law, a declaration in pleading, by which the party interposes an oblique allegation or denial of some fact,protesting that it does or does not exist.  The lord may allege the villenage of the plaintiff by way of protestation, and thus deny the demand.


Topic: Protester
Definition:
PROTEST'ER, n.  One who protests; one who utters a solemn declaration.
1. One who protests a bill of exchange.


Topic: Protesting
Definition:
PROTEST'ING, ppr. Solemnly declaring or affirming; declaring against for non-acceptance or non-payment.


Topic: Proteus
Definition:
PRO'TEUS, n. [L.]  In mythology, a marine deity,the son of Oceanus and Tethys, whose distinguishing characteristic was the faculty of assuming different shapes. Hence we denominate one who easily changes his form or principles, a Proteus.


Topic: Prothesis
Definition:
PROTH'ESIS, n. [Gr.]  In surgery, the addition of an artificial part to supply a defect of the body; as a wooden leg, &c.


Topic: Prothonotary
Definition:
PROTHON'OTARY, n. [Low L.protonotarius; Gr. first, and L. notarius, a scribe.]  
1.  Originally, the chief notary; and anciently, the title of the principal notaries of the emperors of Constantinople. Hence,
2.  In England, an officer in the court of king's bench and common pleas.  The prothonotary of the king's bench records all civil actions.  In the common pleas, the prothonotaries, of which there are three, enter and enroll all declarations, pleadings, judgments, &c., make out judicial writs and exemplifications of records, enter recognizances, &c.
3.  In the United States, a register or clerk of a court.  The word however is not applied to any officer, except in particular states.
Apostolical prothonotaries, in the court of Rome, are twelve persons constituting a college, who receive the last wills of cardinals, make informations and proceedings necessary for the canonization of saints, &c.


Topic: Protocol
Definition:
PRO'TOCOL, n. [Low L. protocollum; Gr. first, and glue; so called perhaps from the gluing together of pieces of paper, or from the spreading of it on tablets.  It was formerly the upper part of a leaf of a book on which the title or name was written.]
1.  The original copy of any writing.  [Not now used.]
2.  A record or registry.


Topic: Protomartyr
Definition:
PRO'TOM`ARTYR, n. [Gr. first, and martyr.]
1.  The first martyr; a term applied to Stephen, the first christian martyr.
2.  The first who suffers or is sacrificed in any cause.


Topic: Protoplast
Definition:
PRO'TOPLAST, n. [Gr. first and formed.]  The original; the thing first formed, as a copy to be imitated.  Thus Adam has been called our protoplast.


Topic: Protopope
Definition:
PRO'TOPOPE, n. [Gr. first, and pope.]  Chief pope or imperial confessor, an officer of the holy directing synod,the supreme spiritual court of the Greek church in Russia.


Topic: Prototype
Definition:
PRO'TOTYPE, n. [Gr. first, and type, form, model.]
An original or model after which any thing is formed; the pattern of any thing to be engraved, cast, &c,; exemplar; archetype.


Topic: Protoxyd
Definition:
PROTOX'YD, n. [Gr. first, and acid.]  A substance combined with oxygen in the first degree, or any oxyd formed by the first degree of oxydizement.  


Topic: Protract
Definition:
PROTRACT', v.t. [L. protractus, from pro and traho, to draw.]
1.  To draw out or lengthen in time; to continue; to prolong; as, to protract an argument; to protract a discussion; to protract a war or a negotiation.
2.  To delay; to defer; to put off to a distant time; as, to protract the decision of a question; to protract the final issue.
PROTRACT', n.  Tedious continuance.  [Not used.]


Topic: Protraction
Definition:
PROTRAC'TION, n.  The act of drawing out or continuing in time; the act of delaying the termination of a thing; as the protraction of a debate.


Topic: Protractive
Definition:
PROTRACT'IVE, a.  Drawing out or lengthening in time; prolonging; continuing; delaying.
 He suffered their protractive arts.


Topic: Protractor
Definition:
PROTRACT'OR, n.  An instrument for laying down and measuring angles on paper with accuracy and dispatch, and by which the use of the line of chords is superseded.  It is of various forms, semicircular, rectangular or circular.


Topic: Protreptical
Definition:
PROTREP'TICAL, a. [Gr. to exhort; and to turn.]  Hortatory; suasory; intended or adapted to persuade.  [Little used.]


Topic: Protrude
Definition:
PROTRU'DE, v.t. [L. protrudo; pro and trudo, to thrust. See Thrust.]
1.  To thrust forward; to drive or force along; as food protruded from the stomach into the intestine.
2.  To thrust out, as from confinement.  The contents of the abdomen are protruded in hernia.
PROTRU'DE, v.i.  To shoot forward; to be thrust forward.
 The parts protrude beyond the skin.


Topic: Protrusion
Definition:
PROTRU'SION, n.  s as z.  The act of thrusting forward or beyond the usual limit; a thrusting or driving; a push.


Topic: Protuberance
Definition:
PROTU'BERANCE, n. [L. protuberans, protubero; pro and tuber, a puff, bunch or knob.]  A swelling or tumor on the body; a prominence; a bunch or knob; any thing swelled or pushed beyond the surrounding or adjacent surface; on the surface on the earth, a hill, knoll or other elevation.
Protuberance differs from projection, being applied to parts that rise from the surface with a gradual ascent or small angle; whereas a projection may be at a right angle with the surface.


Topic: Protuberant
Definition:
PROTU'BERANT, a.  Swelling; prominent beyond the surrounding surface; as a protuberant joint; a protuberant eye.


Topic: Protuberate
Definition:
PROTU'BERATE, v.i. [L. protubero, supra.  To swell or be prominent beyond the adjacent surface; to bulge out.
 If the navel protuberates, make a small puncture with a lancet through the skin.


Topic: Proud
Definition:
PROUD, a.
1.  Having inordinate self-esteem; possessing a high or unreasonable conceit of one's own excellence, either of body or mind.  A man may be proud of his person, of his talents,of his accomplishments or of his achievements.  He may be proud of any thing to which he bears some relation.  He may be proud of his country, his government, his equipage, or of whatever may, by association, gratify his esteem of himself.  He may even be proud of his religion or of his church.  He conceives that any thing excellent or valuable, in which he has a share, or to which he stands related, contributes to his own importance, and this conception exalts his opinion of himself.  Proud is followed by of, before the object, supra.
2.  Arrogant; haughty; supercilious.
 A foe so proud will not the weaker seek.
3.  Daring; presumptuous.
 By his understanding he smiteth through the proud. Job.26.
4. Lofty of mien; grand of person; as a proud steed.
5.  Grand, lofty; splendid; magnificent.
 Storms of stones from the proud temple's height.
6.  Ostentatious; grand; as proud titles.
7.  Splendid; exhibiting grandeur and distinction; exciting pride; as a proud day for Rome.
8.  Excited by the animal appetite; applied particularly to the female of the canine species.
9.  Fungous; as proud flesh.


Topic: Proudly
Definition:
PROUD'LY, adv.  With an inordinate self-esteem; in a proud manner; haughtily; ostentatiously; with lofty airs or mien.
 Proudly he marches on and void of fear.


Topic: Prove
Definition:
PROVE, v.t. prov. [L. probo.]
1.  To try; to ascertain some unknown quality or truth by an experiment, or by a test or standard. Thus we prove the strength of gunpowder by experiment; we prove the strength or solidity of cannon by experiment. We prove the contents of a vessel by comparing it with a standard measure.
2.  To evince, establish or ascertain as truth, reality or fact, by testimony or other evidence. The plaintiff in a suit, must prove the truth of his declaration; the prosecutor must prove his charges against the accused.
3.  To evince truth by argument, induction or reasoning; to deduce certain conclusions from propositions that are true or admitted.  If it is admitted that every immoral act is dishonorable to a rational being, and that dueling is an immoral act; then it is proved by necessary inference, that dueling is dishonorable to a rational being.
4. To ascertain the genuineness or validity of; to verify; as, to prove a will.
5.  To experience; to try by suffering or encountering; to gain certain knowledge by the operation of something on ourselves, or by some act of our own.
 Let him in arms the power of Turnus prove.
6.  In arithmetic, to show, evince or ascertain the correctness of any operation or result.  Thus in subtraction, if the difference between two numbers, added to the lesser number, makes a sum equal to the greater, the correctness of the subtraction is proved.  In other words, if the sum of the remainder and of the subtrahend, is equal to the minuend, the operation of subtraction is proved to be correct.
7.  To try; to examine.
 Prove your own selves.  2 Cor. 13.
8.  Men prove God, when by their provocations they put his patience to trial, Ps.95.; or when by obedience they make trial how much he will countenance such conduct, Mal.3.
PROVE, v.i.  To make trial; to essay.
 The sons prepare--
 To prove by arms whose fate it was to reign.
1.  To be found or to have its qualities ascertained by experience or trial; as, a plant or medicine proves salutary.
2.  To be ascertained by the event or something subsequent; as the report proves to be true, or proves to be false.
3.  To be found true or correct by the result.
4.  To make certain; to show; to evince.
This argument proves how erroneous is the common opinion.
5.  To succeed.
 If the experiment proved not--
  [Not in use.]


Topic: Provender
Definition:
PROV'ENDER, n. [L. vivo, to live, and from vivanda; Eng.viand.]
1.  Dry food for beasts, usually meal, or a mixture of meal and cut straw or hay. In a more general sense, it may signify dry food of any kind.
2.  Provisions; meat; food.
 [Not used of food for man in New England.]


Topic: Proverb
Definition:
PROV'ERB, n. [L. proverbium; pro and verbum, a word.]
1.  A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom.
 The proverb is true, that light gains make heavy purses, for light gains come often, great gains now and then.
2.  A by-word; a name often repeated; and hence frequently, a reproach or object of contempt. Jer.24.
3.  In Scripture, it sometimes signifies a moral sentence or maxim that is enigmatical; a dark saying of the wise that requires interpretation. Prov.1.
4.  Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims, rich in practical truths and excellent rules for the conduct of all classes of men.
PROV'ERB, v.t.  To mention in a proverb.  [Not in use.]
1.  To provide with a proverb.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Proverbial
Definition:
PROVERB'IAL,a.  Mentioned in a proverb; as a proverbial cure or remedy.
 In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst in the world.
1. Comprised in a proverb; used or current as a proverb; as a proverbial saying or speech.
2.  Pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb; suitable to a proverb; as a proverbial obscurity.


Topic: Provide
Definition:
PROVI'DE, v.t. [L. provideo,literally to see before; pro and video, to see.]
1.  To procure beforehand; to get, collect or make ready for future use; to prepare.
 Abraham said, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering.  Gen.22.
 Provide neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses. Matt.10.
 Provide things honest in the sight of all men.  Rom.12.
2.  To furnish; to supply; followed by with.
 Rome, by the care of the magistrates, was well provided with corn.
Provided of is now obsolete.
3.  To stipulate previously. The agreement provides that the party shall incur no loss.
4.  To make a previous conditional stipulation.  [See Provided.]
5.  To foresee; a Latinism.  [Not in use.]
6.  Provide, in a transitive sense, is followed by against or for. We provide warm clothing against the inclemencies of the weather; we provide necessaries against a time of need; or we provide warm clothing for winter, &c.
PROVI'DE, v.i.  To procure supplies or means of defense; or to take measures for counteracting or escaping an evil.  The sagacity of brutes in providing against the inclemencies of the weather is wonderful.
 Government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants.


Topic: Provided
Definition:
PROVI'DED, pp.  Procured beforehand; made ready for future use; supplied; furnished; stipulated.
1.  Stipulated as a condition, which condition is expressed in the following sentence or words; as, 'provided that nothing in this act shall prejudice the rights of any person whatever.'  This sentence is in the nature of the case absolute, the clause or sentence independent; 'this or that being provided, which follows;' 'this condition being provided.'  The word being is understood, and the participle provided agrees with the whole sentence absolute.  'This condition being previously stipulated or established.'  This and that here refer to the whole member of the sentence.


Topic: Providence
Definition:
PROV'IDENCE, n. [L. providentia.]
1. The act of providing or preparing for future use or application.
 Providence for war is the best prevention of it.  [Now little used.]
2.  Foresight; timely care; particularly, active foresight, or foresight accompanied with the procurement of what is necessary for future use, or with suitable preparation.  How many of the troubles and perplexities of life proceed from want of providence!
3.  In theology, the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures.  He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence, involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence. Some persons admit a general providence,but deny a particular providence, not considering that a general providence consists of particulars.  A belief in divine providence, is a source of great consolation to good men.  By divine providence is often understood God himself.
4.  Prudence in the management of one's concerns or in private economy.


Topic: Provident
Definition:
PROV'IDENT, a. Foreseeing wants and making provision to supply them; forecasting; cautious; prudent in preparing for future exigences; as a provident man; a provident animal.
 The parsimonious emmet, provident
 Of future.
 Orange is what Augustus was,
 Brave, wary, provident and bold.


Topic: Providential
Definition:
PROVIDEN'TIAL, a. Effected by the providence of God; referable to divine providence; proceeding from divine direction or superintendence; as the providential contrivance of things; a providential escape from danger.  How much are we indebted to God's unceasing providential care!


Topic: Providentially
Definition:
PROVIDEN'TIALLY, adv. By means of God's providence.
 Every animal is providentially directed to the use of its proper weapons.


Topic: Province
Definition:
PROV'INCE, n. [L. provincia; usually supposed to be formed from pro and vinco, to conquer.  This is very doubtful, as provinco was not used by the Romans.]
1.  Among the Romans, a country of considerable extent, which being reduced under their dominion, was new-modeled, subjected to the command of an annual governor sent from Rome, and to such taxes and contributions as the Romans saw fit to impose. That part of France next to the Alps, was a Roman province, and still bears the name Provence.
2.  Among the moderns, a country belonging to a kingdom or state, either by conquest or colonization, usually situated at a distance from the kingdom or state, but more or less dependent on it or subject to it.  Thus formerly, the English colonies in North America were provinces of Great Britain, as Nova Scotia and Canada still are.  The provinces of the Netherlands formerly belonged to the house of Austria and to Spain.
3.  A division of a kingdom or state, of considerable extent.  In England, a division of the ecclesiastical state under the jurisdiction of an archbishop, of which there are two, the province of Canterbury and that of York.
4.  A region of country; in a general sense; a tract; a large extent.
 Over many a tract
 Of heaven they march'd, and many a province wide.
 They never look abroad into the provinces of the intellectual world.
5.  The proper office or business of a person.  It is the province of the judge to decide causes between individuals.
 The woman's province is to be careful in her economy, and chaste in her affection.


Topic: Provincial
Definition:
PROVIN'CIAL, a.  Pertaining to a province or relating to it; as a provincial government; a provincial dialect.
1.  Appendant to the principal kingdom or state; as provincial dominion; provincial territory.
2.  Not polished; rude; as provincial accent or manners.
3.  Pertaining to an ecclesiastical province, or to the jurisdiction of an archbishop; not ecumenical; as a provincial synod.
PROVIN'CIAL, n.  A spiritual governor. In catholic countries, one who has the direction of the several convents of a province.
1.  A person belonging to a province.


Topic: Provincialism
Definition:
PROVIN'CIALISM, n.  A peculiar word or manner of speaking in a province or district of country remote from the principal country or from the metropolis.


Topic: Provision
Definition:
PROVI'SION, n.  s as z. [L. provisio, provideo.  See Provide.]
1.  The act of providing or making previous preparation.
2.  Things provided; preparation; measures taken beforehand, either for security, defense or attack, or for the supply of wants.  We make provision to defend ourselves form enemies; we make provision for war; we make provision for a voyage or for erecting a building; we make provision for the support of the poor. Government makes provision for its friends.
3.  Stores provided; stock; as provision of victuals; provision of materials.
4.  Victuals; food; provender; all manner of eatables for man and beast; as provisions for the table or for the family; provisions for an army.
5.  Previous stipulation; terms or agreement made, or measures taken for a future exigency.
 In the law, no provision was made to abolish the barbarous customs of the Irish.
Papal provision, a previous nomination by the pope to a benefice before it became vacant, by which practice the rightful patron was deprived of his presentation.
PROVI'SION, v.t.  To supply with victuals or food.  The ship was provisioned for a voyage of six months.  The garrison was well provisioned.


Topic: Provisional
Definition:
PROVI'SIONAL, a.  Provided for present need or for the occasion; temporarily established; temporary; as a provisional government or regulation; a provisional treaty.


Topic: Proviso
Definition:
PROVI'SO, n. s as z. [L. provisus, ablative proviso, it being provided.]   An article or clause in any statute, agreement, contract, grant or other writing, by which a condition is introduced; a conditional stipulation that affects an agreement, contract, law, grant, &c. The charter of the bank contains a proviso that the legislature may repeal it at their pleasure.


Topic: Provisor
Definition:
PROVI'SOR, n.  In church affairs, a person appointed by the pope to a benefice before the death of the incumbent, and to the prejudice of the rightful patron.  Formerly the pope usurped the right of presenting to church livings, and it was his practice to nominate persons to benefices by anticipation, or before they became vacant; the person thus nominated was called a provisor. In England, this practice was restrained by statues of Richard II. and Henry IV.
 More sharp and penal laws were devised against provisors; it being enacted that whoever disturbs any patron in the presentation to a living by virtue of any papal provision, such provisor shall pay fine and ransom to the king at his will, and be imprisoned till he renounces such provision.
1.  The purveyor, steward or treasurer of a religious house.


Topic: Provisory
Definition:
PROVI'SORY, a. Making temporary provision; temporary.
1.  Containing a proviso or condition; conditional.


Topic: Provocation
Definition:
PROVOCA'TION, n. [L.provacatio. See Provoke.]
1. Any thing that excites anger; the cause of resentment. 
1 Kings 21.
2.  The act of exciting anger.
3.  An appeal to a court or judge.  [A Latinism, not now used.]
4.  Incitement. [Not used.]


Topic: Provocative
Definition:
PROVO'CATIVE, a.  Exciting; stimulating; tending to awaken or incite appetite or passion.
PROVO'CATIVE, n.  Any thing that tends to excite appetite or passion; a stimulant; as a provocative of hunger or of lust.


Topic: Provoke
Definition:
PROVO'KE, v.t. [L.provoco, to call forth; pro and voco, to call.]
1.  To call into action; to arouse; to excite; as, to provoke anger or wrath by offensive words or by injury; to provoke war.
2.  To make angry; to offend; to incense; to enrage.
 Ye fathers,provoke not your children to wrath. Eph.6.
 Often provoked by the insolence of some of the bishops--
3.  To excite; to cause; as, to provoke perspiration; to provoke a smile.
4.  To excite; to stimulate; to increase.
 The taste of pleasure provokes the appetite, and every successive indulgence of vice which is to form a habit, is easier than the last.
5.  To challenge.
 He now provokes the sea-gods from the shore.
6.  To move; to incite; to stir up; to induce by motives.  Rom.10.
 Let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works. Heb.10.
7.  To incite; to rouse; as, to provoke one to anger. Deut.32.
PROVO'KE, v.i.  To appeal.  [A Latinism,not used.]


Topic: Provoker
Definition:
PROVO'KER, n.  One that excites anger or other passion; one that excites war or sedition.
1.  That which excites, causes or promotes.


Topic: Provoking
Definition:
PROVO'KING, ppr. Exciting into action; inciting; inducing by motives; making angry.
1.  a. Having the power or quality of exciting resentment; tending to awaken passion; as provoking words; provoking treatment.


Topic: Provost
Definition:
PRO'VOST, n. [L. proepositus, placed before, from proepono; proe and pono, to set or place.]  In a general sense, a person who is appointed to superintend or preside over something; the chief magistrate of a city or town; as the provost of Edinburgh or of Glasgow, answering to the mayor of other cities; the provost of a college, answering to president.  In France, formerly, a provost was an inferior judge who had cognizance of civil causes.
The grand provost of France, or of the household, had jurisdiction in the king's house and over its officer.
The provost marshal of an army, is an officer appointed to arrest and secure deserters and other criminals, to hinder the soldiers from pillaging, to indict offenders and see sentence passed on them and executed.  He also regulates weights and measures.  He has under him a lieutenant and a clerk, an executioner, &c.
The provost marshal in the navy, has charge of prisoner, &c.
The provost of the mint, is a particular judge appointed to apprehend and prosecute false coiners.
Provost of the king's stables, is an officer who attends at court and holds the king's stirrup when he mounts his horse.


Topic: Prow
Definition:
PROW,n. [L. prora.]
1.  The forepart of a ship.
2.  In seamen's language, the beak or pointed cutwater of a xebec or galley.  The upper part is usually furnished with a grating platform.
3.  The name of a particular kind of vessel used in the East Indian seas.
PROW, a.  Valiant.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Prowess
Definition:
PROW'ESS, n.  Bravery; valor; particularly, military bravery; gallantry; intrepidity in war; fearlessness of danger.
 Men of such prowess as not to know fear in themselves.


Topic: Prowl
Definition:
PROWL, v.t. [I know not the origin of this word, nor from what source it is derived. It may be derived from the root of stroll, troll, with a different prefix.]   To rove over.
 He prowls each place, still in new colors deck'd.
PROWL, v.i.  To rove or wander, particularly for prey, as a wild 
beast; as a prowling wolf.
1.  To rove and plunder; to prey; to plunder.
PROWL, n.  A roving for prey; colloquially, something to be seized and devoured.


Topic: Proximate
Definition:
PROX'IMATE, a. [L. superl.proximus.]  Nearest; next.  A proximate cause is that which immediately precedes and produces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate or predisposing cause.


Topic: Proximity
Definition:
PROXIM'ITY, n.  [L. proximitas.]  The state of being next; immediate nearness either in place, blood or alliance.  The succession to the throne and to estates is usually regulated by proximity of blood.


Topic: Proxy
Definition:
PROX'Y, n. [contracted from procuracy, or some word from the root of procure, proctor.]
1.  The agency of another who acts as a substitute for his principal; agency of a substitute; appearance of a representative.  None can be familiar by proxy. None can be virtuous or wise by proxy.
2.  The person who is substituted or deputed to act for another. A wise man will not commit important business to a proxy, when he can transact it in person.  In England, any peer may make another lord of parliament his proxy to vote for him in his absence.
3.  In popular use, an election or day of voting for officers of government.


Topic: Prude
Definition:
PRUDE, n. [Gr. prudence.]  A woman of great reserve, coyness, affected stiffness of manners and scrupulous nicety.
 Less modest than the speech of prudes.


Topic: Prudence
Definition:
PRU'DENCE, n. [L. prudentia.]  Wisdom applied to practice.
Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them.  Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.
 Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.


Topic: Prudent
Definition:
PRU'DENT, a.  Cautious; circumspect; practically wise; careful of the consequences of enterprises, measures or actions; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility, or probably impracticable.
 The prudent man looketh well to his going.  Prov.14.
 A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself. Prov.22.
1.  Dictated or directed by prudence; as prudent behavior.
2.  Foreseeing by instinct; as the prudent crane.
3.  Frugal; economical; as a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money.
4.  Wise; intelligent.


Topic: Prudential
Definition:
PRUDEN'TIAL, a.  Proceeding from prudence; dictated or prescribed by prudence; as prudential motives; prudential rules.
1.  Superintending the discretionary concerns of a society; as a prudential committee.


Topic: Prudentiality
Definition:
PRUDENTIAL'ITY, n.  The quality of being prudential; eligibility on principles of prudence.  [Not used.]


Topic: Prudentials
Definition:
PRUDEN'TIALS, n. plu.  Maxims of prudence or practical wisdom.
 Many stanzas in poetic measures contain rules relating to common prudentials, as well as to religion.
1.  The subordinate discretionary concerns and economy of a company, society or corporation. The board of trustees appoint annually a committee to manage the prudentials of the corporation.


Topic: Prudently
Definition:
PRU'DENTLY, adv.  With prudence; with due caution or circumspection; discretely; wisely; as domestic affairs prudently managed; laws prudently framed or executed.
1.  With frugality; economically; as income prudently expended.


Topic: Prudery
Definition:
PRU'DERY, n. [from prude.]  Affected scrupulousness; excessive nicety in conduct; stiffness; affected reserve or gravity; coyness.


Topic: Prudish
Definition:
PRU'DISH, a. [from prude.]  Affectedly grave; very formal, precise or reserved; as a prudish woman; prudish manners.
 A formal lecture, spoke with prudish face.


Topic: Prune
Definition:
PRU'NE, v.t. 
1.  To lop or cut off the superfluous branches of trees, to make them bear better fruit or grow higher, or to give them a more handsome and regular appearance.
2.  To clear from any thing superfluous; to dress; to trim.
 His royal bird
 Prunes the immortal wing, and cloys his beak.


Topic: Pruned
Definition:
PRU'NED, pp.  Divested of superfluous branches; trimmed.
1.  Cleared of what is unsuitable or superfluous.


Topic: Pruning
Definition:
PRU'NING, ppr.  Lopping off superfluous branches; trimming; clearing of what is superfluous.
PRU'NING, n.  In gardening and agriculture, the lopping off the superfluous branches of trees,either for improving the trees or their fruit.


Topic: Pruriginous
Definition:
PRURIG'INOUS, a. [L. pruriginosus, from prurigo, an itching, from prurio, to itch.]   Tending to an itch.


Topic: Prussian
Definition:
PRUSSIAN, a. [from Prussia.]  Pertaining to Prussia.
blue, a combination of iron with ferrocyanic acid.  This is used as a pigment of a beautiful blue color.


Topic: Prussiate
Definition:
PRUSSIATE, n.  A salt formed by the union of the prussic acid, or coloring matter of prussian blue, with a salifiable base; as the prussiate of alumin.


Topic: Prussic
Definition:
PRUSSIC, a.  The prussic acid is a compound of kyanogen or cyanogen, prussic gas and hydrogen, and hence called hydrocyanic acid.  It is one of the strongest poisons known.


Topic: Pry
Definition:
PRY, v.i. [a contracted word, the origin of which is not obvious.]
To peep narrowly; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something with scrutinizing curiosity, whether impertinently or not; as, to pry into the mysteries of nature, or into the secrets of state.
 Nor need we with a prying eye survey
 The distant skies to find the milky way.
PRY, n.  Narrow inspection; impertinent peeping.
PRY, v.t.  To raise or attempt to raise with a lever. This is the common popular pronunciation of prize, in America.  The lever used is also called a pry.


Topic: Psalm
Definition:
PSALM, n. s`am.  [L. psalmus; Gr. to touch or beat, to sing.]
A sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God.  The most remarkable psalms are those composed by David and other Jewish saints, a collection of one hundred and fifty of which constitutes a canonical book of the Old Testament, called Psalms, or the book of Psalms.  The word is also applied to sacred songs composed by modern poets, being versifications of the scriptural psalms, or of these with other parts of Scripture, composed for the use of churches; as the Psalms of Tate and Brady, of Watts, &c.


Topic: Psalmist
Definition:
PS`ALMIST, n.  A writer or composer of sacred songs; a title particularly applied to David and the other authors of the scriptural psalms.
1. In the church of Rome, a clerk, precentor, singer or leader of music in the church.


Topic: Psalmography
Definition:
PSALMOG'RAPHY, noun [Gr. psalm, and to write.]
The act or practice of writing psalms or sacred songs and hymns.


Topic: Psalmody
Definition:
PS`ALMODY, n.  The act, practice or art of singing sacred songs.  Psalmody has always been considered an important part of public worship.


Topic: Psalter
Definition:
PSAL'TER, n. [L. psalterium.]  
1.  The book of Psalms; often applied to a book containing the Psalms separately printed.
2.  In Romish countries, a large chaplet or rosary, consisting of a hundred and fifty beads, according to the number of the psalms.


Topic: Psaltery
Definition:
PSAL'TERY, n. [Gr.]  An instrument of music used by the Hebrews,the form of which is not now known.  That which is now used is a flat instrument in form of a trapezium or triangle truncated at the top, strung with thirteen chords of wire, mounted on two bridges at the sides, and struck with a plectrum or crooked stick.
 Praise the Lord with harp; sing to him with the psaltery, and an instrument of ten strings.  Ps.33.


Topic: Pseudo-metallic
Definition:
PSEUDO-METAL'LIC, a.  Pseudo-metallic luster is that which is perceptible only when held towards the light; as in minerals.


Topic: Pseudo-tinea
Definition:
PSEUDO-TINEA, n.  In natural history, the name of a remarkable species of insect or larva, resembling a moth.  It feeds on wax, and is a terrible enemy to bees, as it enters the hive and sometimes compels the bees to abandon it, being covered with a coat that is impervious to their stings.


Topic: Pseudo-volcano
Definition:
PSEUDO-VOLCA'NO, n.  A volcano that emits smoke and sometimes flame, but no lava; also, a burning mine of coal.


Topic: Pseudomorphous
Definition:
PSEUDOMORPH'OUS, a. [pseudo and Gr. form.]  Not having the true form.  A pseudomorphous mineral is one which has received its form from some extraneous cause, not from natural crystallization.


Topic: Psychology
Definition:
PSYCHOL'OGY, n. [Gr. soul, and discourse.]  A discourse or treatise on the human soul; or the doctrine of the nature and properties of the soul.


Topic: Ptarmigan
Definition:
PT`ARMIGAN, n.  A fowl of the genus Tetrao,the lagopus or white game.  The color of the plumage is a pale brown or ash, elegantly crossed or mottled with dusky spots and minute bars; the belly and wings are white. This fowl is seen on the summits of mountains in the north of England and of Scotland.


Topic: Ptolemaic
Definition:
PTOLEMA'IC, a. [from Ptolemy, the geographer and astrologer.]
Pertaining to Ptolemy.  The Ptolemaic system,in astronomy, is that maintained by Ptolemy, who supposed the earth to be fixed in the center of the universe, and that the sun and stars revolve around it.  This theory was received for ages, but has been rejected for the Copernican system.


Topic: Ptyalism
Definition:
PTY'ALISM, n. [Gr. a spitting, to spit often.]
In medicine, salivation; an unnatural or copious flow of saliva.


Topic: Puberty
Definition:
PU'BERTY, n. [L.pubertas, from pubes.]  The age at which persons are capable of procreating and bearing children.  This age is different in different climates, but is with us considered to be at fourteen years in males, and twelve in females.


Topic: Pubes
Definition:
PU'BES, n. [L.]  In botany, the hairiness of plants; a downy or villous substance which grows on plants; pubescence.


Topic: Pubescence
Definition:
PUBES'CENCE, n. [L. pubescens, pubesco, to shoot, to grow mossy or hairy.]
1.  The state of a youth who has arrived at puberty; or the state of puberty.
2.  In botany, hairiness; shagginess; the hairy or downy substance on plants.


Topic: Pubescent
Definition:
PUBES'CENT, a.  Arriving at puberty.
1.  In botany, covered with pubescence, such as hair, bristles, beard, down, &c.; as the leaves of plants.


Topic: Public
Definition:
PUB'LIC, a. [L.publicus, from the root of populus, people; that is, people-like.]
1.  Pertaining to a nation, state or community; extending to a whole people; as a public law, which binds the people of a nation or state, as opposed to a private statute or resolve, which respects an individual or a corporation only.  Thus we say, public welfare, public good, public calamity, public service, public property.
2.  Common to many; current or circulated among people of all classes; general; as public report; public scandal.
3.  Open; notorious; exposed to all persons without restriction.
 Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.  Matt.1.
4.  Regarding the community; directed to the interest of a nation, state or community; as public spirit; public mindedness; opposed to private or selfish.
5.  Open for general entertainment; as a public house.
6.  Open to common use; as a public road.
7.  In general, public expresses something common to mankind at large, to a nation, state, city or town, and is opposed to private, which denotes what belongs to an individual, to a family, to a company or corporation.
Public law, is often synonymous with the law of nations.
PUB'LIC, n.  The general body of mankind or of a nation, state or community; the people, indefinitely.
 The public is more disposed to censure than to praise.
In this passage, public is followed by a verb in the singular number; but being a noun of multitude, it is more generally followed by a plural verb; the public are.
In public, in open view; before the people at large; not in private or secrecy.
 In private grieve, but with a careless scorn,
 In public seem to triumph, not to mourn.


Topic: Public-spirited
Definition:
PUBLIC-SPIR'ITED, a.  Having or exercising a disposition to advance the interest of the community; disposed to make private sacrifices for the public good; as public-spirited men.
1.  Dictated by a regard to public good; as a public-spirited project or measure.


Topic: Public-spiritedness
Definition:
PUBLIC-SPIR'ITEDNESS, noun A disposition to advance the public good, or a willingness to make sacrifices of private interest to promote the common weal.


Topic: Publican
Definition:
PUB'LICAN, n. [L.publicanus, from publicus.]
1.  A collector of toll or tribute.  Among the Romans, a publican was a farmer of the taxes and public revenues,and the inferior officers of this class were deemed oppressive.
 As Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.  Matt.9.
2.  The keeper of a public house; an innkeeper.


Topic: Publication
Definition:
PUBLICA'TION, n. [L. publicatio, from publico, from publicus.]
1.  The act of publishing or offering to public notice, notification to a people at large, either by words, writing or printing; proclamation; divulgation; promulgation; as the publication of the law at mount Sinai; the publication of the gospel; the publication of statutes or edicts.
2.  The act of offering a book or writing to the public by sale or by gratuitous distribution.  The author consented to the publication of his manuscripts.
3.  A work printed and published; any pamphlet or book offered for sale or to public notice; as a new publication; a monthly publication.


Topic: Publicist
Definition:
PUB'LICIST, n.  A writer on the laws of nature and nations; one who treats of the rights of nations.


Topic: Publicly
Definition:
PUB'LICLY, adv.  Openly; with exposure to popular view or notice; without concealment; as property publicly offered for sale; an opinion publicly avowed; a declaration publicly made.
1.  In the name of the community.  A reward is publicly offered for the discovery of the longitude, or for finding a northwestern passage to Asia.


Topic: Publicness
Definition:
PUB'LICNESS, n.  The state of being public, or open to the view or notice of people at large; as the publicness of a sale.
1.  State of belonging to the community; as the publicness of property.


Topic: Publish
Definition:
PUB'LISH, v.t. [L.publico.  See Public.]
1.  To discover or make known to mankind or to people in general what before was private or unknown; to divulge, as a private transaction; to promulgate or proclaim, as a law or edict. We publish a secret, by telling it to people without reserve.  Laws are published by printing or by proclamation.  Christ and his apostles published the glad tidings of salvation.
 Th' unwearied sun, from day to day,
 Does his Creator's power display;
 And publishes to every land
 The work of an Almighty hand.
2.  To send a book into the world; or to sell or offer for sale a book, map or print.
3.  To utter; to put off or into circulation; as, to publish a forged or counterfeit paper.
4.  To make known by posting, or by reading in a church; as, to publish banns of matrimony.  We say also, the persons intending marriage are published; that is, their intention of marriage is published.


Topic: Publisher
Definition:
PUB'LISHER, n.  One who makes known what was before private or unknown; one that divulges, promulgates or proclaims.
1.  One who sends a book or writing into the world for common use; one that offers a book, pamphlet, &c., for sale.
2.  One who utters, passes or puts into circulation a counterfeit paper.


Topic: Publishing
Definition:
PUB'LISHING, ppr. Making known; divulging; promulgating; proclaiming; selling or offering publicly for sale; uttering.


Topic: Puceron
Definition:
PU'CERON, n.  The name of a tribe of small insects which are found in great numbers on the bark and leaves of plants, and live by sucking the sap; the Aphid, vine fretter, or plant louse.


Topic: Pucker
Definition:
PUCK'ER, v.t. [L. pectus; Gr. signifies closely, densely, to cover.]  To gather into small folds or wrinkles; to contract into ridges and furrows; to corrugate.
 His face pale and withered, and his skin puckered in wrinkles.
It is usually followed by up; as, to pucker up cloth; but up is superfluous.  It is a popular word, but not elegant.
PUCK'ER, n.  A fold or wrinkle, or a collection of folds.


Topic: Puddening
Definition:
PUD'DENING, n.  In seamen's language, a thick wreath or circle of cordage, tapering from the middle towards the ends, and fastened about the mast below the trusses, to prevent the yards from falling down when the ropes sustaining them are shot away.


Topic: Pudder
Definition:
PUD'DER, n. [This is supposed to be the same as pother.]
A tumult; a confused noise;  bustle.  [Vulgar.]
PUD'DER, v.i.  To make a tumult or bustle.
PUD'DER, v.t. To perplex; to embarrass; to confuse; vulgarly to bother.


Topic: Pudding
Definition:
PUD'DING, n.
1.  A species of food of a soft or moderately hard consistence, variously made, but usually a compound of flour, or meal of maiz, with milk and eggs, sometimes enriched with raisins and called plum-pudding.
2.  An intestine.
3.  An intestine stuffed with meat,; &c.  now called a sausage.
4.  Proverbially, food or victuals.
 Eat your pudding, slave, and hold your tongue.
PUD'DING


Topic: Pudding-stone
Definition:
PUD'DING-STONE, n.  Conglomerate; a coarse sandstone composed of silicious pebbles, flint, &c.united by a cement.


Topic: Pudding-time
Definition:
PUD'DING-TIME, n.  The time of dinner; pudding being formerly the first dish set on the table, or rather first eaten; a practice not yet obsolete among the common people of New England.
1.  The nick of time; critical time.


Topic: Puddle
Definition:
PUD'DLE, n.  A small stand of dirty water; a muddy splash.
PUD'DLE, v.t.  To make foul or muddy; to pollute with dirt; to mix dirt and water.
1.  To make thick or close.


Topic: Puerility
Definition:
PUERIL'ITY, n. [L. puerilitas, from puer, a boy.]
1.  Childishness; boyishness; the manners or actions of a boy; that which is trifling.
2.  In discourse, a thought or expression which is flat, insipid or childish.


Topic: Puerperal
Definition:
PUER'PERAL, a. [L. puerpera, a lying-in-woman; puer, a boy, and pario, to bear.]   Pertaining to childbirth; as a puerperal fever.


Topic: Puff
Definition:
PUFF, n.
1.  A sudden and single emission of breath from the mouth; a quick forcible blast; a whiff.
2.  A sudden and short blast of wind.
3.  A fungous ball filled with dust.
4.  Any thing light and porous, or something swelled and light; as puff-paste.
5.  A substance of loose texture, used to sprinkle powder on the hair.
6.  A tumid or exaggerated statement or commendation.
PUFF, v.i.
1.  To drive air from the mouth in a single and quick blast.
2.  To swell the cheeks with air.
3.  To blow as an expression of scorn or contempt.
 It is really to defy heaven, to puff at damnation.
4.  To breathe with vehemence, as after violent exertion.
 The ass comes back again, puffing and blowing from the chase.
5.  To do or move with hurry, agitation and a tumid, bustling appearance.
 Then came brave glory puffing by.
6.  To swell with air; to dilate or inflate.
PUFF, v.t.  To drive with a blast of wind or air; as, the north wind puffs away the clouds.
1.  To swell; to inflate; to dilate with air; as a bladder puffed with air.
 The sea puffed up with winds.
2.  To swell; to inflate; to blow up; as puffed up with pride, vanity or conceit; to puff up with praise or flattery.
3.  To drive with a blast in scorn or contempt.
 I puff the prostitute away.
4.  To praise with exaggeration; as to puff a pamphlet.


Topic: Puffed
Definition:
PUFF'ED, pp.  Driven out suddenly, as air or breath; blown up; swelled with air; inflated with vanity or pride; praised.


Topic: Puffin
Definition:
PUFF'IN, n.  A water fowl of the genus Alca or auk.
1.  A  kind of fish.
2.  A  kind of fungus with dust; a fuzzball.


Topic: Puffing
Definition:
PUFF'ING, ppr. Driving out the breath with a single, sudden blast; blowing up; inflating; praising pompously.


Topic: Puffy
Definition:
PUFF'Y, a.  Swelled with air or any soft matter; tumid with a soft substance; as a puffy tumor.
1.  Tumid; turgid; bombastic; as a puffy style.


Topic: Pugil
Definition:
PU'GIL, n. [L. pugillum, from the root of pugnus, the fist; probably coinciding with the Greek, to make thick, that is, to close or press.]   
As much as is taken up between the thumb and two first fingers.


Topic: Pugilism
Definition:
PU'GILISM, n. [L. pugil, a champion or prize-fighter, from the Gr. id.; the fist; with the fist; to close or make fast; allied probably to pack, L.pango.]
The practice of boxing or fighting with the fist.


Topic: Pugnacious
Definition:
PUGNA'CIOUS, a. [L. pugnax, from pugna, a fight; from pugnus, the fist.  See Pugil.]
Disposed to fight; inclined to fighting; quarrelsome; fighting.


Topic: Puisne
Definition:
PUISNE, a. pu'ny.
1.  In law, younger or inferior in rank; as a chief justice and three puisne justices of the court of common please; the puisne barons of the court of exchequer.
2.  Later in date.  [Not used.]


Topic: Puke
Definition:
PUKE, v.i. [Heb. to evacuate, to empty; L. vacuo; to burst forth; L. spuo, for spuco,with a prefix. The radical sense is to throw or drive.]   To vomit; to eject from the stomach.
PUKE, n.  A vomit; a medicine which excites vomiting.
PUKE, a.  Of a color between black and russet.


Topic: Pulchritude
Definition:
PUL'CHRITUDE, n. [L.pulchritudo, from pulcher, beautiful.]
1.  Beauty; handsomeness; grace; comeliness; that quality of form which pleases the eye.
2. Moral beauty; those qualities of the mind which good men love and approve.


Topic: Pule
Definition:
PULE, v.i. [L. pello.]
1.  To cry like a chicken.
2.  To whine; to cry as a complaining child; to whimper.
 To speak puling like a beggar at halimass.


Topic: Pull
Definition:
PULL, v.t. [L. vello.]
1.  To draw; to draw towards one or to make an effort to draw.  Pull differs from draw; we use draw when motion follows the effort, and pull is used in the same sense; but we may also pull forever without drawing or moving the thing. This distinction may not be universal.  Pull is opposed to push.
 Then he put forth his hand and took her and pulled her in to him into the ark.  Gen.8.
2.  To pluck; to gather by drawing or forcing off or out; as, to pull fruit; to pull flax.
3.  To tear; to rend; but in this sense followed by some qualifying word or phrase; as, to pull in pieces; to pull asunder or apart.  To pull in two, is to separate or tear by violence into two parts.
To pull down, to demolish or to take in pieces by separating the parts; as, to pull down a house.
1.  To demolish; to subvert; to destroy.
 In political affairs, as well as mechanical, it is easier to pull down than to build up.
2.  To bring down; to degrade; to humble.
 To raise the wretched and pull down the proud.
pull off, to separate by pulling; to pluck; also, to take off without force; as, to pull off a coat or hat.
To pull out, to draw out; to extract.
To pull up, to pluck up; to tear up by the roots; hence, to extirpate; to eradicate; to destroy.
PULL, n.  The act of pulling or drawing with force; an effort to move by drawing towards one.
1.  A contest; a struggle.
2.  Pluck; violence suffered.


Topic: Pullet
Definition:
PULL'ET, n. [L. pullus; Gr. coinciding with Eng.foal.]
A young hen or female of the gallinaceous kind of fowls.


Topic: Pulley
Definition:
PULL'EY, n. plu. pulleys. [L. polus; Gr. to turn.]
A small wheel turning on a pin in a block, with a furrow or groove in which runs the rope that turns it.
The pulley is one of the mechanical powers. The word is used also in the general sense of tackle, to denote all parts of the machine for raising weights, of which the pulley forms a part.


Topic: Pulmonary
Definition:
PUL'MONARY, a. [L. pulmonarius, from pulmo,the lungs, from pello, pulsus, pulso, to drive or beat.]  Pertaining to the lungs; affecting the lungs; as a pulmonary disease or consumption; the pulmonary artery.
PUL'MONARY, n. [L. pulmonaria.]  A plant, lungwort.


Topic: Pulmonic
Definition:
PULMON'IC, a. [L. pulmo,the lungs.]  Pertaining to the lungs; affecting the lungs; as a pulmonic disease; pulmonic consumption.
PULMON'IC, n.  A medicine for diseases of the lungs.
1.  One affected by a disease of the lungs.


Topic: Pulp
Definition:
PULP, n. [L.pulpa.  This is probably allied to L. puls, pulmentum; Gr. from softness.]
1.  A soft mass; in general.
2.  The soft substance within a bone; marrow.
3.  The soft,succulent part of fruit; as the pulp of an orange.
4.  The aril or exterior covering of a coffee-berry.
PULP, v.t.  To deprive of the pulp or integument, as the coffee-berry.
 The other mode is to pulp the coffee immediately as it comes from the tree.  By a simple machine, a man will pulp a bushel in a minute.


Topic: Pulpit
Definition:
PUL'PIT, n. [L. pulpitum, a state, scaffold, or higher part of a stage.]
1.  An elevated place or inclosed stage in a church, in which the preacher stands.  It is called also a desk.
2.  In the Roman theater, the pulpitum was the place where the players performed their parts, lower than the scene and higher than the orchestra.
3.  A movable desk, from which disputants pronounced their dissertations, and authors recited their works.


Topic: Pulpit-oratory
Definition:
PULPIT-OR'ATORY, n.  Eloquence or oratory in delivering sermons.
Pulpitically in Chesterfield, is not an authorized word.


Topic: Pulpy
Definition:
PULP'Y, a. Like pulp; soft; fleshy; succulent; as the pulpy covering of a nut; the pulpy substance of a peach or cherry.


Topic: Pulsate
Definition:
PULS'ATE, v.i. [L. pulsatus,pulso, to beat, from the root of pello, to drive.]  To beat or throb.
 The heart of a viper or frog will continue to pulsate long after it is taken from the body.


Topic: Pulsatile
Definition:
PULS'ATILE, a.  [L.pulsatilis, from pulso,to beat.]
That is or may be struck or beaten; played by beating; as a pulsatile instrument of music.


Topic: Pulsation
Definition:
PULSA'TION, n. [L. pulsatio,supra.]  The beating or throbbing of the heart or of an artery, in the process of carrying on the circulation of the blood. The blood being propelled by the contraction of the heart, causes the arteries to dilate, so as to render each dilation perceptible to the touch in certain parts of the body, as in the radial artery, &c.
1.  In law, any touching of another's body willfully or in anger.  This constitutes battery.
 By the Cornelian law, pulsation as well as verberation is prohibited.


Topic: Pulse
Definition:
PULSE, n. puls. [L. pulsus, from pello, to drive.]
1.  In animals, the beating or throbbing of the heart and arteries;more particularly, the sudden dilatation of an artery, caused by the projectile force of the blood, which is perceptible to the touch.  Hence we say, to feel the pulse.  The pulse is frequent or rare, quick or slow, equal or unequal, regular or intermitting, hard or soft, strong or weak, &c.  The pulses of an adult in health, are little more than one pulse to a second; in certain fevers, the number is increased to 90, 100, or even to 140 in a minute.
2.  The stroke with which a medium is affected by the motion of light, sound, &c.; oscillation; vibration.
 Sir Isaac Newton demonstrates that the velocities of the pulses of an elastic fluid medium are in a ratio compounded of half the ratio of the elastic force directly, and half the ratio of the density inversely.
To feel one's pulse, metaphorically, to sound one's opinion; to try or to know one's mind.
PULSE, v.i.  To beat, as the arteries. [Little used.]
PULSE, v.t. [L. pulso.]  To drive, as the pulse.  [Little used.]
PULSE, n. [L. pulsus, beaten out, as seeds; Heb. a bean, to separate.]  Leguminous plants or their seeds; the plants whose pericarp is a legume or pod, as beans, peas, &c.


Topic: Pulsion
Definition:
PUL'SION, n. [from L. pulsus.]  The act of driving forward; in opposition to suction or traction.  [Little used.]


Topic: Pulverable
Definition:
PUL'VERABLE, a. [from L. pulvis, dust, probably from pello, pulso, or its root, that which is beaten fine, or that which is driven. See Powder.]   That may be reduced to fine powder; capable of being pulverized.


Topic: Pulverize
Definition:
PUL'VERIZE, v.t.  To reduce to fine powder, as by beating, grinding, &c.  Friable substances may be pulverized by grinding or beating; but to pulverize malleable bodies, other methods must be pursued.


Topic: Pulverulent
Definition:
PULVER'ULENT, a.  Dusty; consisting of fine powder; powdery.
1.  Addicted to lying and rolling in the dust, as fowls.


Topic: Pulvil
Definition:
PUL'VIL, n. A sweet scented powder.  [Little used.]
PUL'VIL, v.t.  To sprinkle with a perfumed powder.  [Not used.]


Topic: Pumice
Definition:
PUM'ICE, n. [L. pumex, supposed to be from the root of spuma,foam.]
A substance frequently ejected from volcanoes, of various colors, gray, white, reddish brown or black; hard, rough and porous; specifically lighter than water, and resembling the slag produced in an iron furnace.  It consists of parallel fibers, and is supposed to be asbestos decomposed by the action of fire.
Pumice is of three kinds, glassy, common, and porphyritic.


Topic: Pump
Definition:
PUMP, n.  [The L. bombus is of the same family, as is the Eng.bombast.]
1.  A hydraulic engine for raising water, by exhausting the incumbent air of a tube or pipe, in consequence of which the water rises in the tube by means of the pressure of the air on the surrounding water.  There is however a forcing pump in which the water is raised in the tube by a force applied to a lateral tube, near the bottom of the pump.
2.  A shoe with a thin sole.
PUMP, v.i.  To work a pump; to raise water with a pump.
PUMP, v.t.  To raise with a pump; as, to pump water.
1.  To draw out by artful interrogatories; as, to pump put secrets.
2.  To examine by artful questions for the purpose of drawing out secrets.
 But pump not me for politics.
Chain-pump, is a chain equipped with a sufficient number of valves at proper distances, which working on two wheels, passes down through one tube and returns through another.


Topic: Pump-spear
Definition:
PUMP'-SPEAR, n.  The bar to which the upper box of a pump is fastened, and which is attached to the brake or handle.


Topic: Pun
Definition:
PUN, n.  An expression in which a word has at once different meanings; an expression in which two different applications of a word present an odd or ludicrous idea; a kind of quibble or equivocation; a low species of wit.  Thus a man who had a tall wife named Experience, observed that he had, by long experience, proved the blessings of a married life.
 A pun can be no more engraven,than it can be translated.
PUN, v.i.  To quibble; to use the same word at once in different senses.
PUN, v.t.  To persuade by a pun.


Topic: Punch
Definition:
PUNCH, n. [L. punctum, pungo.]  An instrument of iron or steel, used in several arts for perforating holes in plates of metal, and so contrived as to cut out a piece.
PUNCH, n.  A drink composed of water sweetened with sugar, with a mixture of lemon juice and spirit.
PUNCH, n.  The buffoon or harlequin of a puppet show.  [See Punchinello.]
PUNCH, n.  A well set horse with a short back, thin shoulders, broad neck, and well covered with flesh.
1.  A short fat fellow.
PUNCH, v.t. [L. pungo.]
1.  To perforate with an iron instrument, either pointed or not; as, to punch a hole in a plate of metal.
2.  In popular usage,to thrust against with something obtuse; as, to punch one with the elbow.


Topic: Puncheon
Definition:
PUNCH'EON, n.
1.  A small piece of steel, on the end of which is engraved a figure or letter, in creux or relievo, with which impressions are stamped on metal or other substance; used in coinage, in forming the matrices of types, and in various arts.
2.  In carpentry, a piece of timber placed upright between two posts, whose bearing is too great; also, a piece of timber set upright under the ridge of a building, wherein the legs of a couple, &c. are jointed.
3.  A measure of liquids, or a cask containing usually 120 gallons.  Rum or spirits is imported from the West Indies in puncheons, but there are often called also hogsheads.


Topic: Punctilio
Definition:
PUN'CTIL'IO, n.  A nice point of exactness in conduct, ceremony or proceeding; particularity or exactness in forms; as the punctilios of a public ceremony.


Topic: Punctilious
Definition:
PUNCTIL'IOUS, a.  Very nice or exact in the forms of behavior, ceremony or mutual intercourse; very exact in the observance of rules prescribed by law or custom; sometimes, exact to excess.


Topic: Punctiliousness
Definition:
PUNCTIL'IOUSNESS, n.  Exactness in the observance of forms or rules; attentive to nice points of behavior or ceremony.


Topic: Puncto
Definition:
PUNC'TO, n. [L. punctum, from pungo, to prick.]
1.  Nice point of form or ceremony.
2.  The point in fencing.


Topic: Punctual
Definition:
PUNC'TUAL, a.  [L. punctum, a point.]
1.  Consisting in a point; as this punctual spot.  [Little used.]
2.  Exact; observant of nice points; punctilious, particularly in observing time, appointments or promises.  It is honorable in a man to be punctual to appointments, or to appointed hours; it is just to be punctual in paying debts.
3.  Exact; as a punctual correspondence between a prediction and an event.
4.  Done at the exact time; as punctual payment.


Topic: Punctuality
Definition:
PUNCTUAL'ITY, n.  Nicety; scrupulous exactness.  He served his prince with punctuality.
1.  It is now used chiefly in regard to time.  He pays his debts with punctuality.  He is remarkable for the punctuality of his attendance.


Topic: Punctually
Definition:
PUNC'TUALLY, adv. Nicely; exactly; with scrupulous regard to time, appointments, promises or rules; as, to attend a meeting punctually; to pay debts or rent punctually; to observe punctually one's engagements.


Topic: Punctuate
Definition:
PUNC'TUATE, v.t. [L. punctum, a point.]  To mark with points; to designate sentences, clauses or other divisions of a writing by points, which mark the proper pauses.


Topic: Punctuation
Definition:
PUNCTUA'TION, n.  In grammar, the act or art of pointing a writing or discourse, or the act or art of marking with points the divisions of a discourse into sentences and clauses or members of a sentence. Punctuation is performed by four points, the period (.); the colon (:); the semicolon ( ;); and the comma (,).  The ancients were unacquainted with punctuation; they wrote without any distinction of members, period or words.


Topic: Puncture
Definition:
PUNC'TURE, n. [L. punctura.]  The act of perforating with a pointed instrument; or a small hole made by it; as the puncture of a nail,needle or pin.
 A lion may perish by the puncture of an asp.
PUNC'TURE,v.t.  To prick; to pierce with a small pointed instrument; as, to puncture the skin.


Topic: Pundit
Definition:
PUN'DIT, n.  In Hindoostan, a learned Bramin; one versed in the Sanscrit language, and in the science, laws and religion of that country.


Topic: Pungency
Definition:
PUN'GENCY, n. [L. pungens, pungo, to prick.]
1.  The power of pricking or piercing; as the pungency of a substance.
2.  That quality of a substance which produces the sensation of pricking, or affecting the taste like minute sharp points; sharpness; acridness.
3.  Power to pierce the mind or excite keen reflections or remorse; as the pungency of a discourse.
4.  Acrimoniousness; keenness; as the pungency of wit or of expressions.


Topic: Pungent
Definition:
PUN'GENT, a. [L. pungens,pungo.]  Pricking; stimulating; as pungent snuff.
 The pungent grains of titillating dust.
1.  Acrid; affecting the tongue like small sharp points; as the sharp and pungent taste of acids.
2.  Piercing; sharp; as pungent pains; pungent grief.
3.  Acrimonious; biting.


Topic: Punic
Definition:
PU'NIC, a. [L. punicus, pertaining to Carthage or its inhabitants, from Poeni, the Carthaginians.]  Pertaining to the Carthaginians; faithless; treacherous; deceitful; as punic faith.
PU'NIC, n.  The ancient language of the Carthaginians, of which Plautus has left a specimen.


Topic: Punish
Definition:
PUN'ISH, v.t. [L. punio, from the root of poena,pain.  The primary sense is to press or strain.]
1.  To pain; to afflict with pain, loss or calamity for a crime or fault; primarily, to afflict with bodily pain, as to punish a thief with pillory or stripes; but the word is applied also to affliction by loss of property, by transportation, banishment, seclusion from society, &c.  The laws require murderers to be punished with death.  Other offenders are to be punished with fines, imprisonment, hard labor,&c.  God punishes men for their sins with calamities personal and national.
2.  To chastise; as, a father punishes his child for disobedience.
3.  To regard with pain or suffering inflicted on the offender; applied to the crime; as, to punish murder or theft.


Topic: Punishable
Definition:
PUN'ISHABLE, a.  Worthy of punishment.
1.  Liable to punishment; capable of being punished by law or right; applied to persons or offenses; as, a man is punishable for robbery or for trespass; a crime is punishable by law.


Topic: Punishing
Definition:
PUN'ISHING, ppr.  Afflicting with pain, penalty or suffering of any kind, as the retribution of a crime or offense.


Topic: Punishment
Definition:
PUN'ISHMENT, n.  Any pain or suffering inflicted on a person for a crime or offense, by the authority to which the offender is subject, either by the constitution of God or of civil society.  The punishment of the faults and offenses of children by the parent, is by virtue of the right of government with which the parent is invested by God himself.  This species of punishment is chastisement or correction.  The punishment of crimes against the laws is inflicted by the supreme power of the state in virtue of the right of government, vested in the prince or legislature.  The right of punishment belongs only to persons clothed with authority.  Pain, loss or evil willfully inflicted on another for his crimes or offenses by a private unauthorized person, is revenge rather than punishment.
Some punishments consist in exile or transportation, others in loss of liberty by imprisonment; some extend to confiscation by forfeiture of lands and goods, others induce a disability of holding offices, of being heirs and the like.
Divine punishments are doubtless designed to secure obedience to divine laws, and uphold the moral order of created intelligent beings.
 The rewards and punishments of another life, which the almighty has established as the enforcements of his law, are of weight enough to determine the choice against whatever pleasure or pain this life can show.


Topic: Punning
Definition:
PUN'NING, ppr.  [from pun.]  Using a word at once in different senses.
PUN'NING, n.  The art or practice of using puns; a playing on words.


Topic: Punt
Definition:
PUNT, v.i.  To play at basset and omber.
PUNT, n. [L. pons, a bridge.]  A flat-bottomed boat used in caulking and repairing ships.


Topic: Puny
Definition:
PU'NY, a.
1.  Properly, young or younger; but in this sense not used.
2.  Inferior; petty; of an under rate; small and feeble.  This word generally includes the signification of both smallness and feebleness; as a puny animal; a puny subject; a puny power; a puny mind.
PU'NY, n.  A young inexperienced person; a novice.


Topic: Pup
Definition:
PUP, v.i. [This word appears to be radically the same as the L. pupa, Eng. babe.]  To bring forth whelps or young, as the female of the canine species.
PUP, n.  A puppy.


Topic: Pupa
Definition:
PU'PA, n. [L. supra.]  In natural history, an insect in that state in which it resembles an infant in swaddling clothes.  As some insects in this state have a bright exterior,as if gilded, it has been called chrysalis or aurelia, from the Gr. and L. aurum, gold; but as this gilded appearance belongs to few insects, the term pupa is now more generally used.


Topic: Pupil
Definition:
PU'PIL, n. [L. pupilla, dim. of pupa,pupus.  See Pup.]
The apple of the eye; a little aperture in the middle of the iris and uvea of the eye, through which the rays of light pass to the crystalline humor, to be painted on the retina.
PU'PIL, n. [L. pupillus, dim. of pupa, pupus. See Pup.]
1.  A youth or scholar of either sex under the care of an instructor or tutor.
2.  A ward; a youth or person under the care of a guardian.
3.  In the civil law, a boy or girl under the age of puberty, that is, under 14 if a male, and under 12 if a female.


Topic: Pupilage
Definition:
PU'PILAGE, n.  The state of being a scholar, or under the care of an instructor for education and discipline.
1.  Wardship; minority.
 In this latter sense, the Scots use pupilarity.


Topic: Puppet
Definition:
PUP'PET, n. [L. pupus.  See Pup.]
1.  A small image in the human form, moved by a wire in a mock drama; a wooden tragedian.
2.  A doll.
3.  A word of contempt.


Topic: Puppy
Definition:
PUP'PY, n. [See Pup.]  A whelp; the young progeny of a bitch or female of the canine species.
1.  Applied to persons, a name expressing extreme contempt.
PUP'PY, v.t.  To bring forth whelps.


Topic: Pur
Definition:
PUR, v.i.  To utter a low murmuring continued sound, as a cat.
PUR, v.t.  to signify by purring.
PUR, n.  The low murmuring continued sound of a cat.


Topic: Purblind
Definition:
PUR'BLIND, a. [said to be from pore and blind.]
Near sighted or dim sighted or; seeing obscurely; as a purblind eye; a purblind mole.


Topic: Purchase
Definition:
PUR'CHASE, v.t. [This word seems to be considered by Blackstone as formed from the L. perquisitio.  This is an error. The word is from the root of chase; purchaser is to pursue to the end or object, and hence to obtain. In Law Latin, purchase, the noun, was written purchacium.  The legal use of the word in obtaining writs, shows best its true origin; to purchase a writ, is to sue out a writ, that is, to seek it out; for sue, seek, and L. sequor, are all of one origin, and synonymous with chase.]
1.  In its primary and legal sense, to gain, obtain or acquire by any means, except by descent or hereditary right.
2.  In common usage, to buy; to obtain property by paying an equivalent in money.  It differs from barter only in the circumstance, that in purchasing, the price or equivalent given or secured is money; in bartering,the equivalent is given in goods.  We purchase lands or goods for ready money or on credit.
3.  To obtain by an expense of labor, danger or other sacrifice; as, to purchase favor with flattery.
 A world who would not purchase with a bruise?
4.  To expiate or recompense by a fine or forfeit; as, to purchase out abuses with tears and prayer.
5.  To sue out or procure, as a writ.
PUR'CHASE, v.i.  In seaman's language, to draw in ; as, the capstern purchases apace, that is, it draws in the cable apace, it gains it.
PUR'CHASE, n.
1.  In law, the act of obtaining or acquiring the title to lands and tenements by money, deed, gift or any means, except by descent; the acquisition of lands and tenements by a man's own act or agreement.
2.  In law, the suing out and obtaining a writ.
3.  In common usage, the acquisition of the title or property of any thing by rendering an equivalent in money.
 It is foolish to lay out money in the purchase of repentance.
4.  That which is purchased; any thing of which the property is obtained by giving an equivalent price in money.
 The scrip was complete evidence of his right in the purchase.
5.  That which is obtained by labor, danger, art, &c.
 A beauty waning and distressed widow
 Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye--
6.  Formerly, robbery, and the thing stolen.
7.  Any mechanical power or force applied to the raising or removing of heavy bodies.


Topic: Purchased
Definition:
PUR'CHASED, pp.  Obtained or acquired by one's own act or agreement.
1.  Obtained by paying an equivalent in money.
2.  Obtained by labor, danger, art, &c.


Topic: Purchaser
Definition:
PUR'CHASER, n.  In law, one who acquires or obtains by conquest or by deed or gift, or in any manner other than by descent or inheritance.  In this sense, the word is by some authors written purchasor.
1.  One who obtains or acquires the property of any thing by paying an equivalent in money.


Topic: Pure
Definition:
PURE, a. [L. purus.]
1.  Separate from all heterogeneous or extraneous matter; clear; free from mixture; as pure water; pure clay; pure sand; pure air; pure silver of gold.  Pure wine is very scare.
2.  Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy.
 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil. Hab.1. Prov.20.
3.  Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion. James 1.
4.  Unmixed; separate from any other subject or from every thing foreign; as pure mathematics.
5.  Free from guilt; guiltless; innocent.
 No hand of strife is pure, but that which wins.
6.  Not vitiated with improper or corrupt words or phrases; as a pure style of discourse or composition.
7.  Disinterested; as pure benevolence.
8.  Chaste; as a pure virgin.
9.  Free from vice or moral turpitude. Tit.1.
   10. Ceremonially clean; unpolluted. Ezra 6.
    11. Free from any thing improper; as, his motives are pure.
    12. Mere; absolute; that and that only; unconnected with any thing else; as a pure villain. He did that from pure compassion, or pure good nature.
PURE, v.t.  To purify; to cleanse.  [Not in use.]


Topic: Purely
Definition:
PU'RELY, adv.  In a pure manner; with an entire separation of heterogeneous or foul matter. Is.1.
1.  Without any mixture of improper or vicious words or phrases.
2.  Innocently; without guilt.
3.  Merely; absolutely; without connection with any thing else; completely; totally.  The meeting was purely accidental.


Topic: Pureness
Definition:
PU'RENESS, n.  Clearness; an unmixed state; separation or freedom from any heterogeneous or foreign matter; as the pureness of water or other liquor; the pureness of a metal; the pureness of marl or clay; the pureness of air.
1.  Freedom from moral turpitude or guilt.
 May we evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living.
2.  Simplicity; freedom from mixture or composition.
 An essence eternal and spiritual, of absolute pureness and simplicity.
3.  Freedom from vicious or improper words, phrases or modes of speech; as pureness of style.
Pure villenage, in the feudal law, is a tenure of lands by uncertain services at the will of the lord; opposed to privileged villenage.


Topic: Purfile
Definition:
PUR'FILE, n.  A sort of ancient trimming for women's gowns, made of tinsel and thread,called also bobbin work.
[The thing and the name are obsolete.]


Topic: Purfle
Definition:
PUR'FLE, v.t.  To decorate with a wrought or flowered border; to embroider; as, to purfle with blue and white, or with gold and pearl.
PUR'FLE


Topic: Purflew
Definition:
PUR'FLEW, n.  A border of embroidered work.
1.  In heraldry, ermins, peans or furs which compose a bordure.


Topic: Purgation
Definition:
PURGA'TION, n. [L. purgatio.  See Purge.]
1.  The act or operation of cleansing or purifying by separating and carrying off impurities or whatever is superfluous; applied to the body; as,the bowels are cleansed by purgation. So also in pharmacy and in chimistry, medicines, metals and minerals are purified by purgation.
2.  In law, the act of cleansing from a crime, accusation or suspicion of guilt.  This was canonical or vulgar.  Canonical purgation, prescribed by the canon law, was performed before the bishop or his deputy, and by a jury of twelve clerks.  The party accused first made oath to his own innocence,and then the twelve clerks or compurgators swore that they believed he spoke the truth; after which, other witnesses were examined upon oath, on behalf of the prisoner only.  Vulgar purgation was performed by the ordeal of fire or water, or by combat.  [See Ordeal.]


Topic: Purgative
Definition:
PURG'ATIVE, a.  Having the power of cleansing; usually,having the power of evacuating the bowels; cathartic.
PURG'ATIVE, n.  A medicine that evacuates the bowels; a cathartic.


Topic: Purgatory
Definition:
PURG'ATORY, a. [L. purgatorius, from purgo, to purge.]
Tending to cleanse; cleansing; expiatory.
PURG'ATORY, n.  Among catholics, a supposed place or state after death, in which the souls of persons are purified, or in which they expiate such offenses committed in this life, as do not merit eternal damnation.  After this purgation from the impurities of sin, the souls are supposed to be received into heaven.


Topic: Purge
Definition:
PURGE, v.t. purj. [L. purgo.]
1.  To cleanse or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure, heterogeneous,foreign or superfluous; as, to purge the body by evacuation; to purge the Augean stable.  It is followed by away, of, or off.  We say, to purge away or to purge off filth, and to purge a liquor of its scum.
2.  To clear from guilt or moral defilement; as,to purge one of guilt or crime; to purge away sin.
 Purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Ps.79.
 Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean. Ps.51.
3.  To clear from accusation or the charge of a crime, as in ordeal.
4.  To remove what is offensive; to sweep away impurities.  Ezek.20.
5.  To clarify; to defecate; as liquors.
PURGE, v.i.  To become pure by clarification.
1.  To have frequent or preternatural evacuations by stool.
PURGE, n.  A medicine that evacuates the body by stool; a cathartic.


Topic: Purging
Definition:
PURG'ING, ppr.  Cleansing; purifying; carrying off impurities or superfluous matter.
PURG'ING, n.  A diarrhea or dysentery; preternatural evacuation by stool; looseness of bowels.


Topic: Purification
Definition:
PURIFICA'TION, n. [L.purificatio.  See Purify.]
1.  The act of purifying; the act or operation of separating and removing from any thing that which is heterogeneous or foreign to it; as the purification of liquors or of metals.
2.  In religion, the act or operation of cleansing ceremonially, by removing any pollution or defilement.  Purification by washing or by other means, was common to the Hebrews and to pagans.  The Mohammedans use purification as a preparation for devotion. 2 Chron.30.  Esth.2.  Luke 2.
3.  A cleansing from guilt or the pollution of sin; the extinction of sinful desires, appetites and inclinations.


Topic: Purifier
Definition:
PU'RIFIER, n. [from purify.]  That which purifies or cleanses; a cleanser; a refiner.  Fire was held by the ancients to be an excellent purifier.


Topic: Purify
Definition:
PU'RIFY, v.t. [L. purifico; purus, pure, and facio, to make.]
1.  To make pure or clear; to free from extraneous admixture; as, to purify liquors or metals; to purify the blood; to purify the air.
2.  To free from pollution ceremonially; to remove whatever renders unclean and unfit for sacred services.
 Purify yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day purify all your raiment.  Num.31.
3.  To free from guilt or the defilement of sin; as, to purify the heart.
 Who gave  himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  Tit.2.
4.  To clear form improprieties or barbarisms; as, to purify a language.
PU'RIFY, v.i.  To grow or become pure or clear. Liquors will gradually purify.


Topic: Purifying
Definition:
PU'RIFYING, pp. Removing foreign or heterogeneous matter; cleansing from pollution; fining; making clear.
PU'RIFYING, n.  The act or operation of making pure or of cleansing from extraneous matter or from pollution.


Topic: Purim
Definition:
PU'RIM, n.  Among the Jews,the feast of lots, instituted to commemorate their deliverance from the machinations of Haman. Esth.9.


Topic: Puritan
Definition:
PU'RITAN, n. [from pure.]  A dissenter from the church of England.  The puritans were so called in derision, on account of their professing to follow the pure word of God, in opposition to all traditions and human constitutions.
Hume gives this name to three parties; the political puritans, who maintained the highest principles of civil liberty; the puritans in discipline, who were averse to the ceremonies and government of the episcopal church; and the doctrinal puritans, who rigidly defended the speculative system of the first reformers.
PU'RITAN, a.  Pertaining to the puritans, or dissenters from the church of England.


Topic: Purity
Definition:
PU'RITY, n. [L. puritas, form purus.]
1.  Freedom from foreign admixture or heterogeneous matter; as the purity of water, of wine, of spirit; the purity of drugs; the purity of metals.
2.  Cleanness; freedom from foulness or dirt; as the purity of a garment.
 The purity of a linen vesture.
3.  Freedom from guilt or the defilement of sin; innocence; as purity of heart or life.
4.  Chastity; freedom from contamination by illicit sexual connection.
5.  Freedom from any sinister or improper views; as the purity of motives or designs.
6.  Freedom from foreign idioms, from barbarous or improper words or phrases; as purity of style or language.


Topic: Purl
Definition:
PURL, n. [supposed to be contracted from purfle.]
1.  An embroidered and puckered border.
2.  A kind of edging for bone-lace.
PURL, n.  A species of malt liquor; ale or beer medicated with wormwood or aromatic herbs.
PURL, n.  Two rounds in knitting.
PURL, v.i.  
1.  To murmur, as a small stream flowing among stones or other obstructions, which occasion a continued series of broken sounds.  It is applied only to small streams.  Large streams running in like manner, are said to roar.  In descriptions of rural scenery, the poets seldom omit a purling brook or stream.
 My flowery theme,
 A painted mistress or a purling stream.
2.  To flow or run with a murmuring sound.
 Around th' adjoining brook that purls along
 The vocal grove, now fretting o'er a rock.
PURL, v.t.  To decorate with fringe or embroidery.
PURL, n.  A gentle continued murmur of a small stream of rippling water.


Topic: Purlieu
Definition:
PURLIEU, n. pur'lu.  A border; a limit; a certain limited extent or district; originally, the ground near a royal forest, which being severed from it, was made purlieu,that is, pure or free from the forest laws.


Topic: Purlin
Definition:
PUR'LIN, n. In architecture, a piece of timber extending from end to end of a building or roof, across and under the rafters, to support them in the middle.


Topic: Purling
Definition:
PURL'ING, ppr. [from purl.]  Murmuring or gurgling, as a brook.
PURL'ING, n.  The continued gentle murmur of a small stream.


Topic: Purloin
Definition:
PURLOIN', v.t.
1.  Literally, to take or carry away for one's self; hence, to steal; to take by theft.
 Your butler purloins your liquor.
2.  To take by plagiarism; to steal from books or manuscripts.


Topic: Purparty
Definition:
PUR'PARTY, n.  In law, a share, part or portion of an estate, which is allotted to a co-parcener by partition.


Topic: Purple
Definition:
PUR'PLE, a. [L. purpureus; purpura, a shell from which the color was obtained.]
1.  Designating a color composed of red and blue blended, much admired, and formerly the roman emperors wore robes of this color.
2.  In poetry, red or livid; dyed with blood.
 I view a field of blood,
 And Tyber rolling with a purple flood.
PUR'PLE, n.  A purple color or dress; hence, imperial government in the Roman empire, as a purple robe was the distinguishing dress of the emperors.
1.  A cardinalate.
PUR'PLE, v.t. [L. purpuro.]  To make purple, or to dye of a red color; as hands purpled with blood.
 When morn
 Purples the east.
 Reclining soft in blissful bowers,
 Purpled sweet with springing flowers.


Topic: Purples
Definition:
PUR'PLES,n. plu. Spots of a livid red on the body; livid eruptions which appear in certain malignant diseases; a purple fever.


Topic: Purport
Definition:
PUR'PORT, n.
1.  Design or tendency; as the purport of Plato's dialogue.
2.  Meaning; import; as the purport of a word or phrase.
PUR'PORT, v.t.  To intend; to intend to show.
1.  To mean; to signify.


Topic: Purpose
Definition:
PUR'POSE, n. [L. propositum, propono; pro, before,and pono, to set or place.]
1.  That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure or exertion.  We believe the Supreme Being created intelligent beings for some benevolent and glorious purpose, and if so, how glorious and benevolent must be his purpose in the plan of redemption!  The ambition of men is generally directed to one of two purposes, or to both;  the acquisition of wealth or of power. We build houses for the purpose of shelter; we labor for the purpose of subsistence.
2.  Intention; design. This sense, however, is hardly to be distinguished from the former; as purpose always includes the end in view.
 Every purpose is established by counsel.  Prov.20.
 Being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Eph.1.
3.  End; effect; consequence, good or bad.  What good purpose will this answer?  We sometimes labor to no purpose.  Men often employ their time, talents and money for very evil purposes.
 To what purpose is this waste?  Matt.26.
4.  Instance; example.  [Not in use.]
5.  Conversation.  [Not in use.]
Of purpose, on purpose, with previous design; with the mind directed to that object.  On purpose is more generally used, but the true phrase is of purpose.
PUR'POSE,v.t.  To intend; to design; to resolve; to determine on some end or object to be accomplished.
 I have purposed it,I will also do it. Is.46.  Eph.3.
 Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem.  Acts. 19.


Topic: Purposed
Definition:
PUR'POSED, pp.  Intended; designed; applied to things.
1.  Resolved; having formed a design or resolution; applied to persons.
 I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Ps.17.


Topic: Purposely
Definition:
PUR'POSELY, adv.  By design; intentionally; with predetermination.
 In composing this discourse, I purposely declined all offensive and displeasing truths.
 So much they scorn the crown, I purposely declined all offensive and displeasing truths.
 So much they scorn the crown, that if the throng
 By chance go right, they purposely go wrong.


Topic: Purpresture
Definition:
PUR'PRESTURE, n.  In law, a nuisance, consisting in an inclosure of or encroachment on something that belongs to the public; as a house erected or inclosure made on the king's demesnes, or of a highway, &c.


Topic: Purse
Definition:
PURSE, n. purs. [L. byrsa, an ox hide; Gr. id.]
1.  A small bag in which money is contained or carried in the pocket.  It was formerly made of leather, and is still made of this material by common people.  It is usually of silk net-work.
2.  A sum of money offered as the prize of winning in a horse race.
3.  In turkey, a sum of money, about f50 sterling, or $222.
4.  The public coffers; the treasury; as, to exhaust a nation's purse, or the public purse.
Long purse, or heavy purse, wealth; riches.
Light purse, or empty purse, poverty, or want of resources.
Sword and purse, the military power and wealth of a nation.
PURSE, v.t.  To put in a purse.
1.  To contract into folds or wrinkles.
 Thou didst contract and purse thy blow.


Topic: Purser
Definition:
PURS'ER, n.  In the navy, an officer who has charge of the provisions of a ship of war, and attends to their preservation and distribution among the officers and crew.


Topic: Purslain
Definition:
PURS'LAIN, n.  [The Latin is portulaca.  See Leek.]
A plant of the genus Portulaca.  The sea purslain is of the genus Atriplex.  The tree sea purslain is the Atriplex halimus.  (See Purslain tree.)  The water purslain is of the genus Peplis.


Topic: Pursuance
Definition:
PURSU'ANCE, a. [from pursue.]  A following; prosecution,process or continued exertion to reach or accomplish something; as in pursuance of the main design.
1.  Consequence; as in pursuance of an order from the commander in chief.


Topic: Pursuant
Definition:
PURSU'ANT, a. [from pursue]  Done in consequence or prosecution of any thing; hence, agreeable; conformable.  Pursuant to a former resolution the house proceeded to appoint the standing committees.  This measure was adopted pursuant to a former order.


Topic: Pursue
Definition:
PURSUE, v.t. [L. sequor; prosequor, or persequor.  See Seek.]
1.  To follow; to go or proceed after or in a like direction.  The captain pursued the same course as former navigators have taken.  A subsequent legislature pursued the course of their predecessors.
2.  To take and proceed in, without following another.  Captain Cook pursued a new and unexplored course.  New circumstances often compel us to pursue new expedients and untried course. What course shall we pursue?
3.  To follow with a view to overtake; to follow with haste; to chase; as, to pursue a hare; to pursue an enemy.
4.  To seek; to use measures to obtain; as, to pursue a remedy at law.
5.  To prosecute; to continue.  A stream proceeds from a lake and pursues a southerly course to the ocean.
 He that pursueth evil, pursueth it to his own death. Prov.11.
6.  To follow as an example; to imitate.
 The fame of ancient matrons you pursue.
7.  To endeavor to attain to; to strive to reach or gain.
 We happiness pursue; we fly from pain.
8.  To follow with enmity; to persecute.
This verb is frequently followed by after.  Gen.35.
PURSUE, v.i.  To go on; to proceed; to continue; a Gallicism.
 I have, pursues Carneades, wondered chimists should not consider--


Topic: Pursuing
Definition:
PURSU'ING, ppr.  Following; chasing; hastening after to overtake; prosecuting; proceeding in; continuing.


Topic: Pursuit
Definition:
PURSUIT, n.  The act of following with a view to overtake; a following with haste, either for sport or in hostility; as the pursuit of game; the pursuit of an enemy.
1.  A following with a view to reach, accomplish or obtain; endeavor to attain to or gain; as the pursuit of knowledge; the pursuit of happiness or pleasure; the pursuit of power, of honor, of distinction, of a phantom.
2.  Proceeding; course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to some end; as mercantile pursuits; literary pursuits.
3.  Prosecution; continuance of endeavor.


Topic: Purtenance
Definition:
PUR'TENANCE, n. [from the L.pertinens, pertineo. See Appurtenance.]   Appurtenance; but applied to the pluck of an animal, Ex.12.


Topic: Purvey
Definition:
PURVEY, v.t. [L. provideo.]
1.  To provide; to provide with conveniences.
2.  To procure.
PURVEY, v.i.  To purchase provisions; to provide.


Topic: Purveyance
Definition:
PURVEYANCE, n.  Procurement of provisions or victuals.
1.  Provision; victuals provided.
2.  In English laws, the royal prerogative or right of pre-emption, by which the king was authorized to buy provision and necessaries for the use of his household at an apprized value, in preference to all his subjects, and even without the consent of the owner; also, the right of impressing horses and carriages, &c.; a right abolished by Stat.12. Charles II.24.


Topic: Purveyor
Definition:
PURVEYOR, n.  One who provides victuals, or whose business is to make provision for the table; a victualer.
1.  An officer who formerly provided or exacted provision for the king's household.
2.  One who provides the means of gratifying lust; a procurer; a pimp; a bawd.


Topic: Purview
Definition:
PUR'VIEW, n.
1.  Primarily, a condition or proviso; but in this sense not used.
2.  The body of a statute, or that part which begins with 'Be it enacted,' as distinguished form the preamble.
3.  In modern usage, the limit or scope of a statute; the whole extend of its intention or provisions.
4.  Superintendence.
 The federal power--is confined to objects of a general nature, more within the purview of the United States, than of any particular one.  [Unusual.]
5.  Limit or sphere intended; scope; extent.
 In determining the extent of information required in the exercise of a particular authority, recourse must be had to the objects within the purview of that authority.


Topic: Pus
Definition:
PUS, n. [L.]  The white or yellowish matter generated in ulcers and wounds in the process of healing.


Topic: Push
Definition:
PUSH, v.t.
1.  To press against with force; to drive or impel by pressure; or to endeavor to drive by steady pressure, without striking; opposed to draw.  We push a thing forward by force applied behind it; we draw by applying force before it.  We may push without moving the object.
2.  To butt; to strike with the end of the horns; to thrust the points of horns against.
 If the ox shall push a man-servant or maid-servant--he shall be stones. Ex.21.
3.  To press or urge forward; as,to push an objection too far.
 He forewarns his care
 With rules to push his fortune or to bear.
4.  To urge; to drive.
 Ambition pushes the soul to such actions as are apt to procure honor to the actor.
5.  To enforce; to press; to drive to a conclusion.
 We are pushed for an answer.
6.  To importune; to press with solicitation; to tease.
To push down, to overthrow by pushing or impulse.
PUSH, v.i. To make a thrust; as, to push with the horns or with a sword.
1.  To make an effort.
 At length
 Both sides resolv'd to push, we tried our strength.
2.  To make an attack.
 The king of the south shall push at him. Dan.11.
3.  To burst out.
To push on, to drive or urge forward; to hasten.  Push on, brave men.
PUSH, n.  A thrust with a pointed instrument, or with the end of a thing.
1.  Any pressure, impulse or force applied; as, to give the ball the first push.
2.  An assault or attack.
3.  A forcible onset; a vigorous effort.
4.  Exigence; trial; extremity.
 When it comes to the push, it is no more than talk.
5.  A sudden emergence.
6.  A little swelling or pustule; a wheal; a pimple; an eruption.


Topic: Pushing
Definition:
PUSHING, ppr.  Pressing; driving; urging forward.
1.  a. Pressing forward in business; enterprising; driving; vigorous.


Topic: Pusillanimity
Definition:
PUSILLANIM'ITY, n. [L. pusillanimitas; pusillus,small, weak, and animus,courage.]   Want of that firmness and strength of mind which constitutes courage or fortitude; weakness of spirit; cowardliness; that feebleness of mind which shrinks from trifling or imaginary dangers.
 It is obvious to distinguish between an act of pusillanimity and an act of great modesty or humility.


Topic: Pusillanimous
Definition:
PUSILLAN'IMOUS, a.
1.  Destitute of that strength and firmness of mind which constitute courage, bravery and fortitude; being of weak courage; mean spirited; cowardly; applied to persons; as a pusillanimous prince.
2.  Proceeding from weakness of mind or want of courage; feeble; as pusillanimous counsels.


Topic: Pussiness
Definition:
PUS'SINESS, n. [from pussy.]  A state of being swelled or bloated; inflation; hence, shortness of breath.


Topic: Pussy
Definition:
PUS'SY, a.  Properly, inflated, swelled; hence, fat, short and thick; and as persons of this make labor in respiration, the word is used for short breathed.


Topic: Pustule
Definition:
PUSTULE, n. pus'l or pus'tul; the former is the usual pronunciation in America. [L. pustula; from the root of push.]
A  pimple or wheal; a small push or eruption on the skin.


Topic: Put
Definition:
PUT, v.t. pret. and pp. put. [Gr.a germ, shoot or twig.  We find the same word in the L. puto, to prune, that is, to thrust off, also to think or consider, that is, to set in the mind, as we use suppose, L. supono.  But we see the English sense more distinctly in the compounds, imputo, to impute, that is, to put to or on; computo, to compute, to put together.  The L. posui, from pono, is probably a dialectical orthography of the same root.
1.  To set, lay or place; in a general sense. Thus we say, to put the hand to the face; to put a book on the shelf; to put a horse in the stable; to put fire to the fuel; to put clothes on the body. God planted a garden and there he put Adam.
2.  Put is applicable to state or condition, as well as to place.  Put him in a condition to help himself.  Put the fortress in a state of defense.  The apostles were put in trust with the gospel. We are often put in jeopardy by our own ignorance or rashness.  We do not always put the best men in office.
3.  To repose.
 How wilt thou--put thy trust on Egypt for chariots? 
2 Kings 18.
4.  To push into action.
 Thank him who puts me, loth, to this revenge.
5.  To apply; to set to employment.
 No man having put his hand to the plow,and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9.
6.  To throw or introduce suddenly.  He had no time to put in a word.
7.  To consign to letters.
 He made a proclamation--and put it also in writing.
2 Chron 36.
8.  To oblige; to require.
 We are put to prove things which can hardly be made plainer.
9.  To incite; to instigate; to urge by influence.  The appearance of a formidable enemy put the king on making vigorous preparations for defense.
 This put me upon observing the thickness of the glass.
 These wretches put us upon all mischief, to feed their lusts and extravagances.
    10. To propose; as, to put a question to the witness; to put a case in point.
    11. To reach to another. Hab.2.
    12. To bring into a state of mind or temper.
 Solyman, to put the Rhodians out of all suspicion of invasion--
    13. To offer; to advance.
 I am ashamed to put a loose indigested play upon the public--
    14. To cause.
 The natural constitutions of men put a wide difference between them.
To put about, to turn, to change the course; to gibe ship.
To put by, to turn away; to divert.
 The design of the evil one is to put thee by from thy spiritual employment.
 A fright hath put by an ague fit.
1.  To thrust aside.
 Jonathan had died for being so,
 Had not just God put by th' unnatural blow.
To put down, to baffle; to repress; to crush; as, to put down a party.
1.  To degrade; to deprive of authority, power or place.
2.  To bring into disuse.
 Sugar hath put down the use of honey.
3.  To confute; to silence.
 Mark now how a plain tale shall put you down.
To put forth, to propose; to offer to notice.
 Sampson said, I will now put forth a riddle to you.  Judges 14.
1.  To extend; to reach; as, to put forth the hand.
2.  To shoot out; to send out, as a sprout; as, to put forth leaves.
3.  To exert; to bring into action; as, to put forth strength.
4.  To publish, as a book.
To put in, to introduce among others; as, to put in a word while others are discoursing.
1.  To insert; as, to put in a passage or clause; to put in a cion.
2.  To conduct into a harbor.
To put in fear, to affright; to make fearful.
To put in mind, to remind; to call to remembrance.
To put in practice, to use; to exercise; as, to put in practice the maxims of the wise man.
To put into another's hands, to trust; to commit to the care of.
To put off, to divest; to lay aside; as, to put off a robe; to put off mortality or the mortal body; to put off haughty airs.
1.  To turn aside from a purpose or demand; to defeat or delay by artifice.
 I hoped for a demonstration, but Themistices hopes to put me off with a harangue.
 This is n unreasonable demand, and we might put him off with this answer.
2.  To delay; to defer; to postpone.  How generally do men put off the care of their salvation to future opportunities!
3.  To pass fallaciously; to cause to be circulated or received; as, to put off upon the world some plausible reports or ingenious theory.
4.  To discard.
 The clothiers all put off
 The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers--
5.  To recommend; to vend; to obtrude.
6.  To vend; to sell.
7.  To pass into other hands; as, to put off a counterfeit coin or note.
8.  To push from land; as, to put off the boat.
To put on or upon, to impute; to charge; as, to put one's own crime or blame on another.
1.  To invest with, as clothes or covering; as, to put on a cloke.
2.  To assume; as, to put on a grave countenance; to put on a counterfeit appearance.
 Mercury--put on the shape of a man.
3.  To forward; to promote.
 This came handsomely to put on the peace.
4.  To impose; to inflict.
 That which thou puttest on me, I will bear.  2 Kings 18.
To be put upon, to be imposed on; to be deceived; used chiefly in the passive form.put over, to refer; to send.
 For the certain knowledge of that truth,
 I put you o'er to heaven and to my mother.
1.  To defer; to postpone.  The court put over the cause to the next term.
To put out, to place at interest; to lend at use. Money put out at compound interest, nearly doubles in eleven years.
1.  To extinguish; as, to put out a candle, lamp or fire; to put out the remains of affection.
2.  To send; to emit; to shoot; as a bud or sprout; as, to put out leaves.
3.  To extend; to reach out; to protrude; as, to put out the hand.
4.  To drive out; to expel; to dismiss.
 When I am put out of the stewardship.  Luke 16.
5.  To publish; to make public; as, to put out a pamphlet.  [Not vulgar.]
6.  To confuse; to disconcert; to interrupt; as, to put one out in reading or speaking.
To put out the eyes, to destroy the power of sight; to render blind.
To put to, to add; to unite; as, to put one sum to another.
1.  To refer to; to expose; as, to put the fate of the army or nation to a battle; to put the safety of the state to hazard.
2.  To punish by; to distress by; as, to put a man to the rack or torture.
To put to it, to distress; to press hard; to perplex; to give difficulty to.
 O gentle lady, do not put me to 't.
To be put to it, in the passive form, to have difficulty.
 I shall be hard put to it to bring myself off.
To put the hand to, to apply; to take hold; to begin; to undertake; as, to put the hand to the plow. See Deut.12.7.
1.  To take by theft or wrong; to embezzle.
 Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand to his neighbor's goods. Ex.22.
To put to the sword, to kill; to slay.
To put to death, to kill.
To put to a stand, to stop; to arrest by obstacles or difficulties.
To put to trial, or on trial, to bring before a court and jury for examination and decision.
1.  To bring to a test; to try.
To put together, to unite in a sum, mass or compound; to add; as, to put two sums together; put together the ingredients.
1.  To unite; to connect.  Put the two chains together.
2.  To place in company or in one society.
To put trust in, to confide in; to repose confidence in.
To put up, to pass unavenged; to overlook; not to punish or resent; as, to put up injuries; to put up indignities.
 Such national injuries are not to be put up, but when the offender is below resentment.
[I have never heard this phrase used in America.  We always say, to put up with; we cannot put up with such injuries.]
1.  To send forth or shoot up, as plants; as, to put up mushrooms.
2.  To expose; to offer publicly; as, to put up goods to sale or auction.
3.  To start from a cover.
4.  To hoard.
 Himself never put up any of the rent.
5.  To reposit for preservation; as, to put up apples for winter.
6.  To pack; to reposit in casks with salt for preservation; as, to put up pork, beef or fish.
7.  To  hide or lay aside.  Put up that letter.
8.  To put in a trunk or box; to pack; as, to put up clothing for a journey.
PUT, v.i.  To go or move; as, when the air first puts up.
1.  To steer.
 His fury thus appeas'd, he puts to land.
2.  To shoot; to germinate.
 The sap puts downward.
To put forth, to shoot; to bud; to germinate.
 Take earth from under walls where nettles put forth.
1.  To leave a port or haven.
To put in, to enter a harbor; to sail into port.
1.  To offer a claim.  A puts in for a share of profits.
To put in for, to offer one's self; to stand as a candidate for.
To put off, to leave land.
To put on, to urge motion; to drive vehemently.
To put over, to sail over or across.
To put to sea, to set sail; to begin a voyage; to advance into the ocean.
To put up, to take lodgings; to lodge.  We put up at the Golden Ball.
1.  To offer one's self as a candidate.
To put up to, to advance to.  [Little used.]
To put up with, to overlook or suffer without recompense, punishment or resentment; as, to put up with an injury or affront.
1.  To take without opposition or dissatisfaction; as, to put up with bad fare.
This verb, in all its uses, retains its primary sense, to set, throw, thrust, send, &c.; but its signification is modified in a great variety of ways, by other words standing in connection with it.
PUT, n.  An action of distress; as a forced put.
1.  A game at cards.
PUT, n.  A rustic; a clown.
PUT, n.  A strumpet; a prostitute.
Put case, for put the case, suppose the case to be so; a vulgar or at least inelegant phrase.


Topic: Putative
Definition:
PU'TATIVE, a. [L. puto, to suppose.]  Supposed; reputed; commonly thought or deemed; as the putative father of a child.


Topic: Putredinous
Definition:
PUTRED'INOUS, a. [from L. putredo, from putreo, putris.]
Proceeding from putrefaction, or partaking of the putrefactive process; having an offensive smell.


Topic: Putrefaction
Definition:
PUTREFAC'TION, n. [L. putrefactio; putris; putrid, and facio,to make.]  A natural process by which animal and vegetable bodies are disorganized and dissolved, or reduced to their original separate elements.  Putrefaction is greatly accelerated by heat and moisture.


Topic: Putrefactive
Definition:
PUTREFAC'TIVE, a.  Pertaining to putrefaction; as the putrefactive smell or process.
1.  Tending to promote putrefaction; causing putrefaction.


Topic: Putrefy
Definition:
PU'TREFY, v.t. [L. putrefacio; putris,putrid, and facio, to make.]
1.  To cause to dissolve; to disorganize and reduce to the simple constituent elements, as animal or vegetable bodies; to cause to rot.  Heat and moisture soon putrefy dead flesh or vegetables.
2.  To corrupt; to make foul; as, to putrefy the air.  [Little used.]
3.  To make morbid, carious or gangrenous; as, to putrefy an ulcer or wound.
PU'TREFY, v.i.  To dissolve and return to the original distinct elements, as animal and vegetable substances deprived of the living principle; to rot.


Topic: Putrescence
Definition:
PUTRES'CENCE, n. [from L. putrescens, putresco.]
The state of dissolving, as an animal or vegetable substance; a putrid state.


Topic: Putrescent
Definition:
PUTRES'CENT, a.  Becoming putrid; passing from an organized state into the constituent elements.
1.  Pertaining to the process of putrefaction; as a putrescent smell.


Topic: Putrid
Definition:
PU'TRID, a. [L.putridus, from putris, putreo.]
1.  In a state of dissolution or disorganization, as animal and vegetable bodies; corrupt; rotten; as putrid flesh.  Indicating a state of dissolution; tending to disorganize the substances composing the body; malignant; as a putrid fever.
2.  Proceeding from putrefaction or pertaining to it; as a putrid scent.


Topic: Putty
Definition:
PUT'TY, n.  A  kind of paste or cement compounded of whiting and linseed oil, beaten or kneaded to the consistence of dough; used in fastening glass in sashes and in stopping crevices.
1.  A powder of calcined tin, used in polishing glass and steel.


Topic: Puzzle
Definition:
PUZ'ZLE, v.t.  [from the root of pose, which see.]
1.  To perplex; to embarrass; to put to a stand; to gravel.
 A shrewd disputant in those points, is dexterous in puzzling others.
 He is perpetually puzzled and perplexed amidst his own blunders.
2.  To make intricate; to entangle.
 The ways of heaven are dark and intricate,
 Puzzl'd in mazes and perplex'd with error.
PUZ'ZLE, v.i.  To be bewildered; to be awkward.
PUZ'ZLE, n.  Perplexity; embarrassment.


Topic: Pycnite
Definition:
PYC'NITE, n. [Gr. compact.]  A mineral, the shorlite of Kirwan, or shorlous topaz of Jameson. It usually appears in long irregular prisms or cylinders,longitudinally striated, and united in bundles.


Topic: Pycnostyle
Definition:
PYC'NOSTYLE, n. [Gr. thick, and column.]  In ancient architecture, a building where the columns stand very close to each other; only one diameter and a half of the column being allowed to each intercolumniation.


Topic: Pye
Definition:
PYE, n. [probably a contracted word, and the same as pie, a mass.]
A confused mass; the state of printing types when the sorts are mixed.
PYE, n.  A bird.  [See Pie.]


Topic: Pygmy
Definition:
PYG'MY, n. [L. pygmoeus; Gr. the fist; as big as the fist.]
A dwarf; a person not exceeding a cubit in highth. This appellation was given by the ancients to a fabulous race of beings inhabiting Thrace, who waged war with the cranes and were destroyed.


Topic: Pylagore
Definition:
PYL'AGORE, n. [Gr.]  In ancient Greece, a delegate or representative of a city, sent to the Amphictyonic council.


Topic: Pyrallolite
Definition:
PYRAL'LOLITE, n. [Gr. fire, and alluding to its changes of color before the blowpipe.]  A new mineral found in Finland, massive and in crystals, friable and yielding to the knife.  Its color is greenish.


Topic: Pyramid
Definition:
PYR'AMID, n. [L. pyramis. The origin and composition of this word are not ascertained. It is supposed that the Gr. fire, forms one of its component parts.]   A solid body standing on a triangular, square or polygonal base, and terminating in a point at the top; or in geometry, a solid figure consisting of several triangles,whose bases are all in the same plane,and which have one common vertex.
The pyramids of Egypt may have been erected to the sun, during the prevalence of Sabianism.
A pyramid is formed by the meeting of three or more planes at a point termed the apex.


Topic: Pyramidical
Definition:
PYRAMID'ICAL, a.  Having the form of a pyramid.
 The particles of earth being cubical, those of fire, pyramidical.
 A pyramidical rock.


Topic: Pyramoid
Definition:
PYR'AMOID, n. [pyramid and Gr. form.]  A solid figure, formed by the rotation of a semi-parabola about its base or greatest ordinate.


Topic: Pyrenite
Definition:
PYR'ENITE, n.  A mineral of a grayish black color, found in the Pyrenees, and considered as a variety of garnet.  It occurs in minute rhombic dodecahedrons.


Topic: Pyretology
Definition:
PYRETOL'OGY, n. [Gr. fever, from fire, and discourse.]
A discourse or treatise on fevers, or the doctrine of fevers.


Topic: Pyrite
Definition:
PYRITE, n. plu. pyrites. [Gr., fire.] Fire-stone; a genus of inflammable substances composed of sulphur and iron or other metal; a sulphuret of iron or other metal.
Hence sable coal his massy couch extends, and stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends.
[I have anglicized this word, according to Darwin and the French mineralogists; making pyrites a regular plural.]


Topic: Pyroligneous
Definition:
PYROLIGNEOUS, PYROLIGNIC, PYROLIGNOUS, a. [Gr., fire; L., wood.] Generated or procured by the distillation of wood; a term applied to the acid obtained by the distillation of wood.


Topic: Pyrolignite
Definition:
PYROLIGNITE, n. [supra.] A salt formed by the combination of pyrolignous acid with another substance.


Topic: Pyrolithic
Definition:
PYROLITHIC, a. [Gr., fire; stone.] The pyrolithic acid is an acid of recent discovery. It is obtained from the silvery white plates which sublime from uric acid concretions, when distilled in a retort.


Topic: Pyrology
Definition:
PYROLOGY, n. [Gr., fire; discourse.] A treatise on heat; or the natural history of heat, latent and sensible.


Topic: Pyromalic
Definition:
PYROMALIC, a. [Gr., fire; L., an apple.] The pyromalic acid is a substance obtained by the distillation from the malic acid.


Topic: Pyrometer
Definition:
PYROMETER, n. [Gr., fire; measure.]
1. An instrument for measuring the expansion of bodies by heat.
2. An instrument for measuring degrees of heat above those indicated by the mercurial thermometer; as the pyrometer of Wedgewood.


Topic: Pyromucous
Definition:
PYROMUCOUS, a. [Gr., fire; L.] The pyromucous acid is obtained by the distillation of sugar or other saccharine substance.


Topic: Pyrope
Definition:
PYROPE, n. [Gr., fire; face.] A mineral regarded as a variety of garnet, occurring in small masses or grains, never in crystals. Its color is a poppy or blood red, frequently with a tinge of orange.


Topic: Pyrophane
Definition:
PYROPHANE, n. [Gr., fire; clear.] A mineral which in its natural state is opake, but rendered transparent by heat.


Topic: Pyrophorus
Definition:
PYROPHORUS, n. [Gr., fire; bearing.] A substance which takes fire on exposure to air, or which maintains or retains light.


Topic: Pyrorthite
Definition:
PYRORTHITE, n. A mineral little known, resembling orthite, but very different from it, for it burns in the flame of the blowpipe like charcoal; whereas orthite melts.  Pyrorthite is in black plates, thin and almost parallel.


Topic: Pyroscope
Definition:
PYROSCOPE, n. [Gr., fire; to view.] An instrument for measuring the pulsatory motion of the air, or the intensity of heat radiating from a fire.


Topic: Pyrosmalite
Definition:
PYROSMALITE, n. A mineral of a liver brown color, or pistachio green, occurring in six sided prisms, of a lamellar structure, found in Sweden.


Topic: Pyrotartaric
Definition:
PYROTARTARIC, PYROTARTAROUS, a. [Gr., fire and tartar.] Denoting an acid obtained by distilling pure tartrite of potash.


Topic: Pyrotechnic
Definition:
PYROTECHNIC, PYROTECHNICAL, a. [Gr., fire, art.] Pertaining to fire works or the art of forming them.


Topic: Pyrotechnics
Definition:
PYROTECHNICS, PYROTECHNY, n. [supra.] The art of making fire words; or the science which teaches the management and application of fire in its various operations, in gunnery, rockets, &c.


Topic: Pyroxene
Definition:
PYROXENE, n. [Gr., fire; a stranger; a guest in fire, unaltered.] Augite. A species of minerals of the class of stones, which has been named volcanic shorl; but it is a family which comprehends many substances of different appearances. It is almost always crystalized, but in complicated forms.


Topic: Pyrrhic
Definition:
PYRRHIC, n. [L., Gr., a nimble dance.]
1. In poetry, a foot consisting of two short syllables.
2. An ancient military dance.


Topic: Pythian
Definition:
PYTHIAN, a. [from Pythia, the priestess of Apollo.] Pertaining to the priestess of Apollo, who delivered oracles.


Topic: Pythoness
Definition:
PYTHONESS, n. [L., Gr., a dragon or serpent.] A sort of witch; also, the female or priestess who gave oracular answers at Delphi, in Greece.


Topic: Q
Definition:
Q is the seventeenth letter of the English Alphabet; an articulation borrowed from the oriental koph or qoph, Hebrew.  It is supposed to be an articulation more deeply guttural than that of K; indeed it might have been pronounced as we pronounce qu; for we observe that in the Latin language, from which the moderns have borrowed the letter, it is always followed by u, as it is in English.  This letter is not in the Greek alphabet.  This letter is superfluous; for ku or koo, in English, have precisely the same sounds as qu.  It is alleged that in expressing q, the cheeks are contracted, and the lips put into a canular form, for the passage of the breath; circumstances which distinguish it from k.  This appears to be a mistake.  This position of the organs is entirely owing to the following letter u; and kuestion and question are pronounced precisely alike, and with the same configuration of the organs.  It appears then that q is precisely k, with this difference in use, that q is always followed by u in English, and k is not.  Q never ends an English word.
As a numeral, Q stands for 500, and with a dash above the Q, for 500,000.
Used as an abbreviation, Q stands for quantity, or quantum; as among physicians, q. pl. quantum placet, as much as you please; q s quantum sufficit, as much as is required, or as is sufficient.
Among mathematicians, Q.E.D. stands for quod erat demonstrandum, which was to be demonstrated; Q.E.F. quod erat faciendum, which was to be done.
In English, Q is an abbreviation for question.


Topic: Quachilto
Definition:
QUACHIL'TO, n.  A Brazilian fowl of the moor-hen kind, of a fine black color variegated with white.  It voice resembles the crowing of a cock.


Topic: Quack
Definition:
QUACK, v.i.
1.  To cry like a duck or goose.
2.  To boast; to bounce; to talk noisily and ostentatiously; as, pretenders to medical skill quack of their cures.
QUACK, n.  [from the verb.]
1.  A boaster; one who pretends to skill or knowledge which he does not possess.
2.  A boastful pretender to medical skill which he does not possess; an empiric; an ignorant practitioner.


