# Dictionary

Topic: Chair
Definition:
CHAIR, n.  
1.  A movable seat; a frame with a bottom made of different materials, used for persons to sit in; originally a stool, and anciently a kind of pulpit in churches.
2.  A seat of justice or of authority; as a chair of state.
3.  A seat for a professor, or his office; as the professors chair.
4.  The seat for a speaker or presiding officer of a public council, or assembly, as the speakers chair; and by a metonymy, the speaker himself; as, to address the chair.
5.  A sedan; a vehicle on poles borne by men.
6.  A pulpit.
7.  A two-wheeled carriage, drawn by one horse; a gig.
8.  Supreme office or magistracy.
When Governor Shute came to the chair, several of the old councilors were laid aside.
Curule chair, an ivory seat placed on a car, used by the prime magistrates of Rome.


Topic: Chair-man
Definition:
CHAIR-MAN, n.  
1.  The presiding officer or speaker of an assembly, association or company, particularly of a legislative house; also, the president or senior member of a committee.
2.  One whose business is to carry a chair.


Topic: Chalcedony
Definition:
CHALCEDONY, n.  A subspecies of quartz, a mineral called also white agate, resembling milk diluted with water, and more or less clouded or opake, with veins, circles and spots.  It is used in jewelry.
The varieties of chalcedony are common chalcedony, heliotrope, chrysoprase, plasma, onyx, sard and sardonyx.


Topic: Chalcite
Definition:
CHALCITE, n.  Sulphate of iron of a red color, so far calcined as to have lost a considerable part of its acid.


Topic: Chaldaic
Definition:
CHALDAIC, a.  Pertaining to Chaldea, anciently a country on the Frat or Euphrates, in Asia, called in scripture Shinar.  Of this Babylon was the principal city.
CHALDAIC, n.  The language or dialect of the Chaldeans.


Topic: Chalk
Definition:
CHALK, n.  A well known calcarious earth, of an opake white color, soft and admitting no polish.  It contains a large portion of carbonic acid, and is a subspecies of carbonate of lime.  It is used as an absorbent and anti-acid.
Cleaveland.  Nicholson.  Kirwan.  Aikin.
Black-chalk is a species of earth used by painters for drawing on blue paper.
Red-chalk is an indurated clayey ocher used by painters and artificers.
CHALK, v.t.  
1.  To rub with chalk; to mark with chalk.
2.  To manure with chalk, as land.
3.  From the use of chalk in marking lines, the phrase to chalk out is used to signify, to lay out, draw out or describe; as, to chalk out a plan of proceeding.


Topic: Chalk-stone
Definition:
CHALK-STONE, n.  
1.  In medicine, a calcarious concretion in the hands and feet of men violently affected by the gout.
2.  White with chalk; consisting of chalk; as, chalky cliffs.
3.  Impregnated with chalk; as, chalky water.


Topic: Challenge
Definition:
CHALLENGE, n.  Literally, a calling, or crying out, the primary sense of many words expressing a demand, as claim.  Hence appropriately,
1.  A calling upon one to fight in single combat; an invitation or summons, verbal or written, to decide a controversy by a duel.  Hence the letter containing the summons is also called a challenge.
2.  A claim or demand made of a right or supposed right.
There must be no challenge of superiority.
3.  Among hunters, the opening and crying of hounds at the first finding the scent of their game.
4.  In law, an exception to jurors; the claim of a party that certain jurors shall not sit in trial upon him or his cause; that is, a calling them off.  The right of challenge is given both in civil and criminal trials, for certain causes which are supposed to disqualify a juror to be an impartial judge.  The right of challenge extends either to the whole panel or array, or only to particular jurors, called a challenge to the polls.  A principal challenge is that which the law allows without cause assigned.  A challenge to the favor, is when the party alleges a special cause.  In criminal cases, a prisoner may challenge twenty jurors, without assigning a cause.  This is called a peremptory challenge.
CHALLENGE, VT
1.  To call, invite or summon to answer for an offense by single combat, or duel.
2.  To call to a contest; to invite to a trial; as, I challenge a man to prove what he asserts, implying defiance.
3.  To accuse; to call to answer.
4.  To claim as due; to demand as a right; as, the Supreme Being challenges our reverence and homage.
5.  In law, to call off a juror, or jurors; or to demand that jurors shall not sit in trial upon a cause. [See the noun.]
6.  To call to the performance of conditions.


Topic: Challenger
Definition:
CHALLENGER, n. 
1.  One who challenges; one who invites to a single combat; one who calls on another by way of defiance.
2.  One who claims superiority; one who claims any thing as his right, or makes pretensions to it.
3.  One who calls a juror, or a jury, from the trial of his cause.


Topic: Challenging
Definition:
CHALLENGING, ppr.  Summoning to a duel, or to contest; claiming as a right; defying; calling off from a jury.


Topic: Chalybeate
Definition:
CHALYBEATE, a.  Impregnated with particles of iron; as chalybeate waters.
CHALYBEATE, n.  Any water or other liquor into which iron enters.


Topic: Chamade
Definition:
CHAMADE, n.  In war, the beat of a drum or sound of a trumpet, inviting an enemy to a parley; as for making a proposition for a truce, or for a capitulation.


Topic: Chambrel
Definition:
CHAMBREL, n.  The joint or bending of the upper part of a horses hind leg.  In New England pronounced gambrel, which see.


Topic: Chameleon
Definition:
CHAMELEON, n.  An animal of the genus Lacerta, or lizard, with a naked body, a tail and four feet.  The body is six or seven inches long, and the tail five inches; with this it clings to the branches of trees.  The skin is cold to the touch, and contains small grains or eminences, of a bluish gray color, in the shade, but in the light of the sun, all parts of the body become of a grayish brown, or tawny color.  It is a native of Africa and Asia.


Topic: Chamois
Definition:
CHAMOIS, n.  An animal of the goat kind, whose skin is made into soft leather, called shammy.  It is now arranged with the Antelopes.


Topic: Champ
Definition:
CHAMP, v.t.
1.  To bite with repeated action of the teeth; as, a horse champs the bit.
2.  To bite into small pieces; to chew; to masticate; to devour.
CHAMP, v.i.  To chew; to perform the action of biting by repeated motion of the teeth; as, to champ upon the bit.


Topic: Champerty
Definition:
CHAMPERTY, n.  A species of maintenance, being a bargain with a plaintiff or defendant, to divide the land or other matter in suit, between them, if they prevail; whereupon the champertor is to carry on the partys suit at his own expense.  The purchase of a suit, or of the right of suing.


Topic: Champion
Definition:
CHAMPION, n.  
1.  A man who undertakes a combat in the place or cause of another.
2.  A man who fights in his own cause in a duel.
3.  A hero; a brave warrior.  Hence, one who is bold in contest; as a champion for the truth.
CHAMPION, v.t.  To challenge to a combat.


Topic: Chance
Definition:
CHANCE, n.  
1.  An event that happens, falls out or takes place, without being contrived, intended, expected or foreseen; the effect of an unknown cause, or the unusual or unexpected effect of a known cause; accident; casualty; fortuitous event; as, time and chance happen to all.
By chance a priest came down that way.  Luke 10.
2.  Fortune; what fortune may bing; as, they must take their chance.
3.  An event, good or evil; success or misfortune; luck.
4.  Possibility of an occurrence; opportunity.
You ladyship may have a chance to escape this address.
CHANCE, v.i.  To happen; to fall out; to come or arrive without design, or expectation.
If a birds nest chance to be before thee.  Deut. 22.
Ah Casca, tell us what hath chanced to day.
CHANCE, a.  Happening by chance; casual; as a chance comer.


Topic: Chance-medley
Definition:
CHANCE-MEDLEY, n.  In law, the killing of a person by chance, when the killer is doing a lawful act; for if he is doing an unlawful act, it is felony.  As if a man, when throwing bricks from a house into a street where people are continually passing, after giving warning to passengers to take care, should kill a person, this is chance-medley.  But if he gives no warning, and kills a man, it is manslaughter.


Topic: Chancel
Definition:
CHANCEL, n.  That part of the choir of a church, between the altar or communion table and the balustrade or railing that incloses it, or that part where the altar is placed; formerly inclosed with lattices or cross bars, as now with rails.


Topic: Chancellor
Definition:
CHANCELLOR, n.  Ordinally, a chief notary or scribe, under the Roman Emperors; but in England, in later times, an officer invested with judicial powers, and particularly with the superintendence of all charters, letters and other official writings of the crown, that required to be solemnly authenticated.  Hence this officer became the keeper of the great seal.  From the Roman Empire, this office passed to the church, and hence every bishop has his chancellor.
The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, or Keeper of the Great Seal, is the highest officer of the crown.  He is a privy counselor by his office, and prolocutor of the house of lords by prescription.  To him belongs the appointment of all justices of the peace; he is keeper of the kings conscience, visitor of all hospitals and colleges founded by the king, guardian of all charitable uses, and judge of the high court of chancery.
Chancellor of an Ecclesiastical Court, is the bishops lawyer, versed in the civil and canon law, to direct the bishop in causes of the church, civil and criminal.
Chancellor of a Cathedral, is an officer who hears lessons and lectures in the church, by himself or his vicar, inspects schools, hears causes, applies the seal, writes and dispatches letter of the chapter, keeps the books, &c.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, is an officer who presides in that court, and takes care of the interest of the crown.  He has power, with the lord treasurer, to lease the crown lands, and with others, to compound for forfeitures on penal statutes.  He has a great authority in managing the royal revenues, and in matters relating to the first fruits.
Chancellor of a University, is an officer who seals the diplomas, or letters of degree, &c.  The chancellor of Oxford is usually one of the prime nobility, elected by the students in convocation, and he holds the office for life.  He is the chief magistrate in the government of the university.  The chancellor of Cambridge is also elected from among the prime nobility; he does not hold his office for life, but may be elected every three years.
Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, and other military orders, is an officer who seals the commissions and mandates of the chapter and assembly of the knights, keeps the register of their proceedings, and delivers their acts under the seal of their order.
In France, a secretary is, in some cases, called a chancellor.
In the United States, a chancellor is the judge o a court of chancery or equity, established by statute.
In scripture, a mater of the decrees, or president of the council.  Ezra 4.


Topic: Chancery
Definition:
CHANCERY, n.  
1.  In Great Britain, the highest court of justice, next to the parliament, consisting of two distinct tribunals; one ordinary, being a court of common law; the other extraordinary, or a court of equity.  The ordinary legal court holds pleas of recognizance acknowledged in the chancery, writs of scire facias, for repeal of letters patent, writs of partition, and all personal action by or against any officer of the court.  But if the parties come to issue, in fact, this court cannot try it by a jury; but the record must be delivered to the kings bench.  Rom this court issue all original writs that pass under the great seal, commissions of charitable uses, bankruptcy, idiocy, lunacy, &c.
The extraordinary court, or court of equity, proceeds upon rules of equity and conscience, moderates the rigor of the common law, and gives relief in cases where there is no remedy in the common law courts.
2.  In the United States, a court of equity.


Topic: Chandelier
Definition:
CHANDELIER, n.  
1.  A Frame with branches to hold a number of candles, to illuminate a public or large room.
2.  In fortification, a movable parapet, serving to support fascines to cover pioneers.


Topic: Chandler
Definition:
CHANDLER, n.  An artisan whose trade is to make candles, or one who sells candles.
In America, I believe the word never signifies a seller of candles, unless he is the maker.  A corn-chandler is a seller of corn, but I believe not used in the United States.


Topic: Change
Definition:
CHANGE, v.t.
1.  To cause to turn or pass from one state to another; to alter, or make different; to vary in external form, or in essence; as, to change the color or shape of a thing; to change the countenance; to change the heart or life.
2.  To put one thing in the place of another; to shift; as, to change the clothes
Be clean and change your garments.  Gen. 35.
3.  To quit one thing or state for another; followed by for; as, persons educated in a particular religion do not readily change it for another.
4.  To give and take reciprocally; as, will you change conditions with me?
5.  To barter; to exchange goods; as, to change a coach for a chariot.
6.  To quit, as one place for another; as, to change lodgings.
7.  To give one kind of money for another; to alter the form or kind of money, by receiving the value in a different kind, as to change bank notes for silver; or to give pieces of a larger denomination for an equivalent in pieces of smaller denomination, as to change an eagle for dollars, or a sovereign for sixpences, or to change a dollar into cents; or on the other hand, to change dollars for or into eagles, giving money of smaller denomination for larger.
8.  To become acid or tainted; to turn from a natural state of sweetness and purity; as, the wine is changed; thunder and lightning are said to change milk.
To change a horse, or to change hand, is to turn or bear the horses head from one hand to the other, from the left to the right, or from the right to the left.
CHANGE, v.i.  
1.  To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better, often for the worse.
I am Jehovah; I change not.  Mal. 3.
2.  To pass the sun, as the moon in its orbit; as, the moon will change the 14th of this month.
CHANGE, n.  
1.  Any variation or alteration in form, state, quality, or essence; or a passing from one state or form to another; as a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
2.  A succession of one thing in the place of another; vicissitude; as a change of seasons; a change of objects on a journey; a change of scenes.
3.  A revolution; as a change of government.
4.  A passing by the sun, and the beginning of a new monthly revolution; as a change of the moon.
5.  A different state by removal; novelty; variety.
Our fathers did, for change, to France repair.
6.  Alteration in the order of ringing bells; variety of sounds.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
7.  That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty changes of raiment.  Judges 14.
8.  Small coins of money, which may be given for larger pieces.
9.  The balance of money paid beyond the price of goods purchased.
I give the clerk a bank note for his cloth, and he gave me the change.
10.  The dissolution of the body; death.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.  Job 14.
11.  Change for exchange, a place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
12.  In arithmetic, permutation; variation of numbers.  Thirteen numbers admit of 6,227, 020, 800 changes, or different positions.


Topic: Changeable
Definition:
CHANGEABLE, a.  
1.  That may change; subject to alteration; fickle; inconstant; mutable; variable; as a person of a changeable mind.
2.  Having the quality of suffering alteration of external appearance; as changeable silk.


Topic: Changeableness
Definition:
CHANGEABLENESS, n.  
1.  The quality of being changeable; fickleness; inconstancy; instability; mutability.
2.  Susceptibility of change, or alteration.


Topic: Changeling
Definition:
CHANGELING, n.  
1.  A child left or taken in the place of another.
2.  An idiot; a fool.
3.  One apt to change; a waverer.
4.  Any thing changed and put in the place of another.


Topic: Changer
Definition:
CHANGER, n.  
1.  One who alters the form of any thing.
2.  One that is employed in changing and discounting money; a money-changer.
3.  One given to change.


Topic: Channel
Definition:
CHANNEL, n.
1.  In a general sense, a passage; a place of passing or flowing; particularly, a water course.
2.  The place where a river flows, including the whole breadth of the river.  But more appropriately, the deeper part or hollow in which the principal current flows.
3.  The deeper part of a strait, bay, or harbor, where the principal current flows, either of tide or fresh water, or which is the most convenient for the track of a ship.
4.  That through which any thing passes; means of passing, conveying, or transmitting; as, the news was conveyed to us by different channels.
5.  A gutter or furrow in a column.
6.  An arm of the sea; a straight or narrow sea, between two continents, or between a continent and an isle; as the British or Irish channel.
7.  Channels of a ship. [See Chain-wales.]
CHANNEL, v.t.  To form a channel; to cut channels in; to groove; as, to channel a field or a column.


Topic: Chant
Definition:
CHANT, v.t.
1.  To sing; to utter a melodious voice; that is, to cant or throw the voice in modulations.
The cheerful birds do chant sweet music.
2.  To celebrate in song; as, to chant the praises of Jehovah.
3.  To sing, as in church-service; to repeat words in a kind of canting voice, with modulations.


Topic: Chanter
Definition:
CHANTER, n.
1.  One who chants; a singer or songster.
2.  The chief singer, or priest of the chantry.
3.  The pipe which sounds the tenor or treble in a bagpipe.


Topic: Chanting
Definition:
CHANTING, ppr.  Singing; uttering a melodious voice; repeating words with a singing voice.
CHANTING, n.  The act of singing, or uttering with a song.


Topic: Chantry
Definition:
CHANTRY, n.  A church or chapel endowed with lands, or other revenue, for the maintenance of one or more priests daily to sing or say mass for the souls of the donors, or such as they appoint.


Topic: Chaos
Definition:
CHAOS, n.  
1.  That confusion, or confused mass, in which matter is supposed to have existed, before it was separated into its different kinds and reduced to order, by the creating power of God. Rudis, indigestaque moles.
2.  Any mixed mass, without due form or order; as a chaos of materials.
3.  Confusion; disorder; a state in which the parts are undistinguished.


Topic: Chap
Definition:
CHAP, v.t.  To cleave, split, crack, or open longitudinally, as the surface of the earth, or the skin and flesh of the hand.  Dry weather chaps the earth; cold dry winds chap the hands.
CHAP, v.i.  To crack; to open in long slits; as, the earth chaps; the hands chap.
CHAP, n.  A longitudinal cleft, gap or chink, as in the surface of the earth, or in the hands or feet.
CHAP, n.  The upper and lower part of the mouth; the jaw.  It is applied to beasts, and vulgarly to men; generally in the plural, the chaps or mouth.
CHAP, v.i.  To cheapen.


Topic: Chap-fallen
Definition:
CHAP-FALLEN, a. [chap and fall.] Having the lower chap depressed; hence, dejected; dispirited; silenced.


Topic: Chape
Definition:
CHAPE, n.  
1.  The catch of any thing, as the hook of a scabbard, or the catch of a buckle, by which it is held to the back strap.
2.  A brass or silver tip or case, that strengthens the end of a scabbard.


Topic: Chapel
Definition:
CHAPEL, n.
1.  A house for public worship; primarily, a private oratory, or house of worship belonging to a private person.  In Great Britain there are several sorts of chapels; as parochial chapels, distinct from the mother church; chapels which adjoin to and are a part of the church; such were formerly built by honorable persons for burying places; chapels of ease, built in large parishes for the accommodation of the inhabitants; free chapels, which were founded by the kings of England; chapels in the universities, belonging to particular colleges; domestic chapels, built by noblemen or gentlemen for the use of their families.
2.  A printers workhouse; said to be so called because printing was first carried on in a chapel.
CHAPEL, v.t.  To deposit in a chapel.


Topic: Chapelling
Definition:
CHAPELLING, n.  The act of turning a ship round in a light breeze of wind, when close hauled, so that she will lie the same way as before.


Topic: Chaperon
Definition:
CHAPERON, n.  A hood or cap worn by the knights of the garter in their habits.  It was anciently worn by men, women, nobles and populace; afterwards appropriated to doctors and licentiates in colleges.  The name then passed to certain devices placed on the foreheads of horses which drew the herse in pompous funerals.


Topic: Chapiter
Definition:
CHAPITER, n.
1.  The upper part or capital of a column or pillar; a word used in the scriptures. [See Capital.]
2.  That which is delivered by the mouth of the justice in his charge to the inquest.


Topic: Chaplain
Definition:
CHAPLAIN, n.  
1.  An ecclesiastic who has a chapel, or who performs service in a chapel.  The king of Great Britain has forty-eight chaplains, who attend, four each month, to perform divine service for the royal family.  Princes also, and persons of quality have chaplains, who officiate in their chapels.
2.  A clergyman who belongs to a ship of war, or to a regiment of land forces, for performing divine service.
3.  A clergyman who is retained to perform divine service in a family.
Chaplains of the Pope, are auditors or judges of causes in the sacred palace.


Topic: Chaplainship
Definition:
CHAPLAINSHIP, n.
1.  The office or business of a chaplain.
2.  The possession, or revenue of a chapel.


Topic: Chapless
Definition:
CHAPLESS, n.  
1.  A garland or wreath to be worn on the head; the circle of a crown.
2.  A string of beads used by the Roman Catholics, by which they count the number of their prayers.  They are made sometimes of coral, of wood, of diamonds, &c., and are called parternosters.  The invention is ascribed to Peter the hermit, who probably learnt it in the East, as the Orientals use a kind of chaplet, called a chain, rehearsing one of the perfections of God on each link, or head.  The Great Mogul is said to have eighteen of these chains, all precious tones.  The Turks also use a kind of chaplet in reciting their prayers.
3.  In architecture, a little molding, carved into round beads, pearls, olives or the like.
4.  In horsemanship, a chapelet, which see.
5.  A tuft of feathers on a peacocks head.
6.  A small chapel or shrine.


Topic: Chaplet
Definition:
CHAPLET, n.  A pair of stirrup leathers, with stirrups, joined at the top in a sort of leather buckle, by which they are made fast to the pommel of the saddle, after they have been adjusted to the length and bearing of the rider.


Topic: Chapman
Definition:
CHAPMAN, n.  
1.  A cheapener; one that offers as a purchaser.
Their chapmen they betray.
2.  A seller; a market-man.


Topic: Chapter
Definition:
CHAPTER, n.
1.  A division of a book or treatise; as, Genesis contains fifty chapters.  Hence the phrase, to the end of the chapter, that is, throughout; to the end.
2.  In ecclesiastical polity, a society or community of clergymen, belonging to a cathedral or collegiate church.
3.  A place where delinquents receive discipline and correction.
4.  A decretal epistle.
CHAPTER, v.t.  To tax; to correct.


Topic: Char
Definition:
CHAR, n.  A fish.
CHAR, n.  In England, work done by the day; a single job, or task.  In New England, it is pronounced chore, which see.  I know not the origin of the word.
CHAR, v.t.  To perform a business.
CHAR, v.i.  To work at others houses by the day, without being a hired servant; to do small jobs.


Topic: Char-woman
Definition:
CHAR-WOMAN, n.  A woman hired for odd work, or for single days.
[Char-man and Char-woman are, I believe, not used in America.]


Topic: Characterize
Definition:
CHARACTERIZE, v.t.
1.  To give a character, or an account of the personal qualities of a man; to describe by peculiar qualities.
2.  To distinguish; to mark, or express the character; to exhibit the peculiar qualities of a person or thing; as, humility characterizes the true Christian; the hero is characterized by bravery and magnanimity.
The system of mediation has characterized the entire scheme of divine dispensation.
3.  To engrave or imprint.
4.  To mark with a peculiar stamp, or figure.


Topic: Charade
Definition:
CHARADE, n.  A composition, in which the subject must be a word of two syllables, each forming a distinct word; and these syllables are to be concealed in an enigmatical description, first separately and then together.  Example.  My first, when a Frenchman in learning English, serves him to swear by.  My second is either hay or corn.  My whole is the delight of the age.


Topic: Charcoal
Definition:
CHARCOAL, n.  Coal made by charring wood; the remains of wood burnt under turf, and from which all watery and other volatile matter has been expelled by heat.  It makes a strong heat, and is used in furnaces, forges, private families, &c.  It is black, brittle, light and in odorous, and not being decomposable by water or air, will endure for ages without alteration.


Topic: Chard
Definition:
CHARD n.  The leaves of artichokes tied and wrapped all over, except the top, in straw, during autumn and winter.  This makes them grow white and lose some of their bitterness.
Chards of beet are plants of white beet transplanted, producing great tops, which, in the midst, have a large, white, thick, downy, cotton-like main shoot, which is the true chard.


Topic: Charge
Definition:
CHARGE, v.t.
1.  To rush on; to fall on; to attack, especially with fixed bayonets; as, an army charges the enemy.
2.  To load, as a musket or cannon; to thrust in powder, or powder and ball or shot.
3.  To lead or burden; to throw on or impose that which oppresses; as, to charge the stomach with indigestible food; or to lay on, or to fill, without oppressing; as, to charge the memory with rules and precepts; to charge the mid with facts.
4.  To set or lay on; to impose, as a tax; as, the land is charged with a quit rent; a rent is charge on the land.
5.  To lay on or impose, as a task.
The gospel chargeth us with piety towards God.
6.  To put or lay on; as, to charge a building with ornaments, often implying superfluity.
7.  To lay on, as a duty; followed by with.
The commander charged the officer with the execution of the project.  See Gen. 40:4
8.  To entrust to; as, an officer is charged with dispatches.
9.  To set to, as a dept; to place on the debit side of an account; as, to charge a man with the price of goods sold to him.
10.  To load or lay on in words, something wrong, reproachful or criminal; to impute to; as, to charge a man with theft.
11.  To lay on in words; to impute to; followed by on before the person; as, to charge a crime on the offender; to charge evil consequences on the doctrines of the stoics.
12.  To lay on, give or communicate, as an order, command or earnest request; to enjoin; to exhort.
In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.  Job 1.
13.  To lay on, give or communicate, as an order, command or earnest request; to enjoin; to exhort.Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded.  1 Tim. 4.
In this sense, when the command is given in the name of God, or with an oath, the phrase amounts to an adjuration.
To adjure; to bind by an oath.  1 Sam. 14:28.
14.  To give directions to; to instruct authoritatively; as, the judge charged the grand jury to inquire respecting breaches of the peace.
15.  To communicate electrical matter to, as to a coated vial, or an electrical battery.
CHARGE, v.i.  To make an onset.  Thus Glanville says,  like your heroes of antiquity, he charges in iron; and we say, to charge with fixed bayonets.  But in this application, the object is understood; to charge the enemy.
CHARGE, n.  
1.  That which is laid on or in; in a general sense, any load or burden.  It is the same word radically as cargo.
2.  The quantity of powder, or of powder and ball or shot, used to load a musket, cannon or other like instrument.
3.  An onset; a rushing on an enemy; attack; especially by moving troops with fixed bayonets.  But it is used for an onset of cavalry as well as of infantry.
4.  An order, injunction, mandate, command.
Moses gave Joshua a charge.  Numbers 27.
The king gave charge concerning Absalom.  2 Sam. 18.
5.  That which is enjoined, committed, entrusted or delivered to another, implying care, custody, oversight, or duty to be performed by the person entrusted.
I gave Hanani charge over Jerusalem.  Neh. 7.
Hence the word includes any trust or commission; an office, duty, employment.  It is followed by of or over; more generally by of.  Hence,
6.  The person or thing committed to anothers custody, care or management; a trust.  Thus the people of a parish are called the ministers charge.
The starry guardian drove his charge away to some fresh pasture.
7.  Instructions given by a judge to a jury, or by a bishop to his clergy.  The word may be used as synonymous with command, direction, exhortation or injunction, but always implies solemnity.
8.  Imputation in a bad sense; accusation.
Lay not this sin to their charge.  Acts 7.
9.  That which constitutes debt, in commercial transactions; an entry of money or the price of goods, on the debit side of an account.
10.  Cost; expense; as, the charges of the war are to be borne by the nation.
11.  Imposition on land or estate; rent, tax, or whatever constitutes a burden or duty.
12.  In military affairs, a signal to attack; as, to sound the charge.
13.  The posture of a weapon fitted for an attack or combat.
Their armed slaves in charge.
14.  Among farriers, a preparation of the consistence of a thick decoction, or between an ointment and a plaster, used as a remedy for sprains and inflammations.
15.  In heraldry, that which is borne upon the color; or the figures represented on the escutcheon, by which the bearers are distinguished from one another.
16.  In electrical experiments, a quantity of electrical fluid, communicated to a coated jar, vial or pane of glass.
A charge of lead, is thirty-six pigs, each containing six stone, wanting two pounds.


Topic: Chargeable
Definition:
CHARGEABLE, a.  
1.  That may be charged; that may be set, laid, imposed; as, a duty of forty per cent is chargeable on wine.
2.  Subject to be charged; as, wine is chargeable with a duty of forty per cent.
3.  Expensive; costly; as a chargeable family.
4.  Laying or bringing expense.
Because we would not be chargeable to any of you.  1 Thess. 2.
5.  Imputable; that may be laid or attributed as a crime, fault or debt; as a fault chargeable on a man.
6.  Subject to be charged or accused; as a man chargeable with a fault, or neglect.


Topic: Charged
Definition:
CHARGED, pp.  Loaded; burdened; attacked; laid on; instructed; imputed; accused; placed to the debt; ordered; commanded.


Topic: Charger
Definition:
CHARGER, n.  
1.  In Scots law, one who charges another in a suit.
2.  A large dish.  Num. 7.
3.  A horse used for attack.


Topic: Chariot
Definition:
CHARIOT,n.
1.  A half coach; a carriage with four wheels and one seat behind, used for convenience and pleasure.
2.  A car or vehicle used formerly in war, drawn by two or more horses, and conveying two men each.  These vehicles were sometimes armed with hooks or sythes.
CHARIOT, v.t.  To convey in a chariot.


Topic: Chariot-race
Definition:
CHARIOT-RACE, n.  A race with chariots; a sport in which chariots were driven in contest for a prize.


Topic: Charioteer
Definition:
CHARIOTEER, n.  The person who drives or conducts a chariot.  It is used in speaking of military chariots and those in the ancient games, but not of modern drivers.


Topic: Charitable
Definition:
CHARITABLE, a.
1.  Benevolent and kind; as a charitable disposition.
2.  Liberal in benefactions to the poor, and in relieving them in distress; as a charitable man.
3.  Pertaining to charity; springing from charity, or intended for charity; benevolent; as a charitable institution, or society; a charitable purpose.
4.  Formed on charitable principles; favorable; dictated by kindness; as a charitable construction of words or actions.


Topic: Charitableness
Definition:
CHARITABLENESS, n.  
1.  The disposition to be charitable; or the exercise of charity.
2.  Liberality to the poor.


Topic: Charity
Definition:
CHARITY, n.  
1.  In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good.  In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.
1 Cor. 8. Col. 3. 1 Tim 1.
2.  In a more particular sense, love, kindness, affection, tenderness, springing from natural relations; as the charities of father, son and brother.
3.  Liberality to the poor, consisting in almsgiving or benefactions, or in gratuitous services to relieve them in distress.
4.  Alms; whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the poor for their relief.
5.  Liberality in gifts and services to promote public objects of utility, as to found and support bible societies, missionary societies, and others.
6.  Candor; liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to think and judge favorably, and to put the best construction on words and actions which the case will admit.  The highest exercise of charity, is charity towards the uncharitable.
7.  Any act of kindness, or benevolence; as the charities of life.
8.  A charitable institution.  Charity-school, is a school maintained by voluntary contributions for educating poor children.


Topic: Charlatan
Definition:
CHARLATAN, n.  One who prates much in his own favor, and makes unwarrantable pretensions to skill; a quack; an empiric; a mountebank.


Topic: Charless-wain
Definition:
CHARLESS-WAIN, n.  In astronomy, seven stars in the constellation called Ursa Major, or the Great Bear.


Topic: Charlock
Definition:
CHARLOCK, n.  The English name of the Raphanus raphanistrum and Sinapis arvensis, very pernicious weeds among grain.  One kind has yellow flowers; another, white, with jointed pods.


Topic: Charm
Definition:
CHARM, n.
1.  Words, characters or other things imagined to possess some occult or unintelligible power; hence, a magic power or spell, by which with the supposed assistance of the devil, witches and sorcerers have been supposed to do wonderful things.  Spell; enchantment.  Hence,
2.  That which has power to subdue opposition, and gain the affections; that which can please irresistible; that which delights and attracts the heart; generally in the plural.
The smiles of nature and the charms of art.
Good humor only teaches charms to last.
CHARM, v.t.
1.  To subdue or control by incantation or secret influence.
I will send serpents among you - which will not be charmed.  Jer. 8.
2.  To subdue by secret power, especially by that which pleases and delights the mind; to allay, or appease.
Music the fiercest grief can charm.
3.  To give exquisite pleasure to the mind or senses; to delight.
We were charmed with the conversation.
The aerial songster charms us with her melodious notes.
4.  To fortify with charms against evil.
I have a charmed life, which must not yield.
5.  To make powerful by charms.
6.  To summon by incantation.
7.  To temper agreeably.
CHARM, v.i.  To sound harmonically.


Topic: Charmer
Definition:
CHARMER, n.  
1.  One that charms, or has power to charm; one that uses or has the power of enchantment.  Deut. 18:11.
2.  One who delights and attracts the affections.


Topic: Charming
Definition:
CHARMING, ppr.  
1.  Using charms; enchanting.
2.  a.  Pleasing n the highest degree; delighting.
Music is but an elegant and charming species of elocution.


Topic: Charmingly
Definition:
CHARMINGLY, adv.  Delightfully; in a manner to charm, or to give delight.
She smiled very charmingly.


Topic: Charnel-house
Definition:
CHARNEL-HOUSE, n.  A place under or near churches, where the bones of the dead are reposited.  Anciently, a kind of portico or gallery, in or near a church-yard, over which the bones of the dead were laid, after the flesh was consumed.


Topic: Charon
Definition:
CHARON, n.  In fabulous history, the son of Erebus and Nox, whose office was to ferry the souls of the deceased over the waters of Acheron and Styx, for a piece of money.


Topic: Chart
Definition:
CHART, n.  A hydrographical or marine map; a draught or projection of some part of the earths superficies on paper, with the coasts, isles, rocks, banks, channels or entrances into harbors, rivers, and bays, the points of compass, soundings or depth of water, &c., to regulate the courses of ships in their voyages.  The term chart is applied to a marine map; map is applied to a draught of some portion of land.
A plan chart is a representation of some part of the superficies of the globe, in which the meridians are supposed parallel to each other, the parallels of latitude at equal distances, and of course the degrees of latitude and longitude are every where equal to each other.
Mercators chart, is one on which the meridians are straight lines, parallel and equidistant; the parallels are straight lines and parallel to each other, but the distance between them increases from the equinoctial towards either pole, in the ratio of the secant of the latitude to the radius.
Globular chart, is a meridional projection in which the distance of the eye from the plane of the meridian, on which the projection is made, is supposed to be equal to the sine of the angle of forty-five degrees.
Selenographic charts, represent the spots and appearances of the moon.
Topographic charts, are draughts of particular places, or small parts of the earth.


Topic: Charter
Definition:
CHARTER, n.  
1.  A written instrument, executed with usual forms, given as evidence of a grant, contract, or whatever is done between man and man.  In its more usual sense, it is the instrument of a grant conferring powers, rights and privileges, either from a king or other wovereign power, or from a private person, as a charter of exemption, that no person shall be empannelled on a jury, a charter of pardon, &c.  The charters under which most of the colonies in America were settled, were given by the king of England, and incorporated certain persons, with powers to hold the lands granted, to establish a government, and make laws for their own regulation.  These were called charter-governments.
2.  Any instrument, executed with form and solemnity, bestowing rights or privileges.
3.  Privilege; immunity; exemption.
My mother, Who has a charter to extol her blood, When she does praise me, grieves me.
CHARTER, v.t.  
1.  To hire or to let a ship by charter. [See Charter-party.]
2.  To establish by charter.


Topic: Charter-party
Definition:
CHARTER-PARTY, n.  In commerce, an agreement respecting the hire of a vessel and the freight.  This is to be signed by the proprietor or master of the ship and by the merchant who hires or freights it.  It must contain the name and burden of the vessel, the names of the master and freighter, the price or rate of the freight, the time of loading and unloading, and other stipulated conditions.


Topic: Chartered
Definition:
CHARTERED, pp.
1.  Hired or let, as a ship.
2.  Invested with privileges by charter; privileged.
3.  Granted by charter; as chartered rights; chartered power.


Topic: Chartless
Definition:
CHARTLESS, a.  Without a chart; of which no chart has been made; not delineated on paper; as the charless main.


Topic: Chartulary
Definition:
CHARTULARY, n.  An officer in the ancient Latin church, who had the care of charters and other papers of a public nature.  Blackstone uses this word for a record or register, as of a monastery.


Topic: Chase
Definition:
CHASE, v.t.
1.  Literally to drive, urge, press forward with vehemence; hence, to pursue for the purpose of taking, as game; to hunt.
2.  To purse, or drive, as a defeated or flying enemy.  Lev. 26:7. Deut. 32:30.
3.  To follow or pursue, as an object of desire; to pursue for the purpose of taking; as, to chase a ship.
4.  To drive; to pursue.
Chased by their brothers endless malice.
To chase away, is to compel to depart; to disperse.
To chase metals. [See Enchase.]
CHASE, n.
1.  Vehement pursuit; a running or driving after; as game, in hunting; a flying enemy, in war; a ship a sea, &c.
2.  Pursuit with an ardent desire to obtain, as pleasure, profit, fame, &c.; earnest seeking.
3.  That which may be chased; that which is usually taken by chase; as beasts of chase.
4.  That which is pursued or hunted; as, seek some other chase.  So at sea, a ship chased is called the chase.
5.  In law, a driving of cattle to or from a place.
6.  An open ground, or place of retreat for deer and other wild beasts; differing from a forest, which is not private property and is invested with privileges, and from a park which is inclosed.  A chase is private property, and well stored with wild beasts or game.
7.  An iron frame used by printers to confine types, when set in columns.
8.  Chase of a gun, is the whole length of the bore.
9.  A term in the game of tennis.
Chase guns, in a ship of war, guns used in chasing an enemy or in defending a ship when chased.  These have their ports at the head or stern.  A gun at the head is called a bow-chase; at the stern, a stern-chase.


Topic: Chasm
Definition:
CHASM, n.
1.  A cleft; a fissure; a gap; properly, an opening made by disrupture, as a beach in the earth or a rock.
2.  A void space; a vacuity.
Between the two propositions, that the gospel is true and that it is false, what a fearful chasm!  The unsettled reason hovers over it in dismay.


Topic: Chaste
Definition:
CHASTE, a.  
1.  Pure from all unlawful commerce of sexes.  Applied to persons before marriage, it signifies pure from all sexual commerce, undefiled; applied to married persons, true to the marriage bed.
2.  Free from obscenity.
While they behold your chaste conversation. 1 Peter 3.
3.  In language, pure; genuine; uncorrupt; free from barbarous words and phrases, and from quaint, affected, extravagant expressions.


Topic: Chaste-tree
Definition:
CHASTE-TREE, n.  The agnus castus, or vitex; a tree that grows to the highth of eight or ten feet, producing spikes of flowers at the end of every strong shoot in autumn.


Topic: Chastely
Definition:
CHASTELY, adv.  In a chaste manner; without unlawful commerce of sexes; without obscenity; purely; without barbarisms or unnatural phrases.


Topic: Chasten
Definition:
CHASTEN, v.t.
1.  To correct by punishment; to punish; to inflict pain for the purpose of reclaiming an offender; as, to chasten a son with a rod.
I will chasten him with the rod of men.  2 Sam. 7.
2.  To afflict by other means.
As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.  Rev. 3.
3.  To purify from errors or faults.


Topic: Chastening
Definition:
CHASTENING, ppr.  Correcting; afflicting for correction.
CHASTENING, n.  Correction; punishment for the purpose of reclaiming.
No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous.  Heb. 12.


Topic: Chastise
Definition:
CHASTISE, v.t.
1.  To correct by punishing; to punish; to inflict pain by stripes, or in other manner, for the purpose of punishing an offender and recalling him to his duty.
I will chastise you seven times for your sins.  Lev. 26.
2.  To reduce to order or obedience; to restrain; to awe; to repress.
The gay social sense, By decency chastisd.
3.  To correct; to purify by expunging faults; as, to chastise a poem.


Topic: Chastisement
Definition:
CHASTISEMENT, n.  Correction; punishment; pain inflicted for punishment and correction, either by stripes or otherwise.
Shall I so much dishonour my fair stars, On equal terms to give him chastisement.
I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more.  Job 34.
The chastisement of our peace, in Scripture, was the pain which Christ suffered to purchase our peace and reconciliation to God.  Is. 53.


Topic: Chastity
Definition:
CHASTITY, n.
1.  Purity of the body; freedom from all unlawful commerce of sexes.  Before marriage, purity from all commerce of sexes; after marriage, fidelity to the marriage bed.
2.  Freedom from obscenity, as in language or conversation.
3.  Freedom from bad mixture; purity in words and phrases.
4.  Purity; unadulterated state; as the chastity of the gospel.


Topic: Chat
Definition:
CHAT, v.i.
1.  To talk in a familiar manner; to talk without form or ceremony.
2.  To talk idly; to prate.
CHAT, v.t.  To talk of.
CHAT, n.  Free, familiar talk; idle talk; prate.
CHAT, n.  A twig, or little stick. [See Chit.]


Topic: Chatellany
Definition:
CHATELLANY, n.  The lordship or jurisdiction of a castellan, or governor of a castle. [See Castellany.]


Topic: Chatoyant
Definition:
CHATOYANT, a.  A hard stone, a little transparent, which being cut smooth presents on its surface and in the interior, an undulating or wavy light.  It is of a yellowish gray color or verging to an olive green.  It rarely exceeds the size of a filbert.


Topic: Chattel
Definition:
CHATTEL, n. chatl. [See Cattle.] Primarily, any article of movable goods.  In modern usage, the word chattels comprehends all goods, movable or immovable, except such as have the nature of freehold.  Chattels are real or personal.  Chattels real, are such as concern or savor of the realty, as a term for years of land, ward-ships in chivalry, the next presentation to a church, estates by statute merchant, elegit and the like.  Chattels personal, are things movable, as animals, furniture of a house, jewels, corn, &c.


Topic: Chatter
Definition:
CHATTER, v.i. [See Chat.]
1.  To utter sounds rapidly and indistinctly, as a magpie, or a monkey.
2.  To make a noise by collision of the teeth.  We say, the teeth chatter, when one is chilly and shivering.
3.  To talk idly, carelessly or rapidly; to jabber.
CHATTER, n.  Sounds like those of a pie or monkey; idle talk.


Topic: Chattering
Definition:
CHATTERING, ppr.  Uttering rapid, indistinct sounds, as birds; talking idly; moving rapidly and clashing, as the teeth.
CHATTERING, n.  Rapid, inarticulate sounds, as of birds; idle talk; rapid striking of the teeth, as in chilliness.


Topic: Cheap
Definition:
CHEAP, a.
1.  Bearing a low price, in market; that may be purchased at a low price; that is, at a price as low or lower than the usual price of the article or commodity, or at a price less than the real value.  The sense is always comparative; for a price deemed cheap at one time is considered dear at another.
It is a principle which the progress of political science has clearly established; a principle that illustrates at once the wisdom of the creator and the blindness of human cupidity, that it is cheaper to hire the labor of freemen than to compel the labor of slaves.
2.  Being of small value; common; not respected; as cheap beauty.
Make not yourself cheap in the eyes of the world.
CHEAP, n.  Bargain; purchase; as in the phrases, good cheap, better cheap; the original phrases from which we have cheap.


Topic: Cheapen
Definition:
CHEAPEN, v.t.
1.  To attempt to buy; to ask the price of a commodity; to chaffer.
To shops in crowds the daggled females fly, 
Pretend to cheapen goods, but nothing buy.
2.  To lessen value.


Topic: Cheat
Definition:
CHEAT, v.t.
1.  To deceive and defraud in a bargain; to deceive for the purpose of gain in selling.  Its proper application is to commerce, in which a person uses some arts, or misrepresentations, or withholds some facts, by which he deceives the purchaser.
2.  To deceive by any artifice, trick or device, with a view to gain an advantage contrary to common honesty; as, to cheat a person at cards.
3.  To impose on; to trick.  It is followed by of or out of, and colloquially by into, as to cheat a child into a belief that a medicine is palatable.
CHEAT, n.  
1.  A fraud committed by deception; a trick; imposition; imposture.
2.  A person who cheats; one guilty of fraud by deceitful practices.


Topic: Cheating
Definition:
CHEATING, ppr.  Defrauding by deception; imposing on.
CHEATING, n.  The act of defrauding by deceitful arts.


Topic: Check
Definition:
CHECK, v.t.
1.  To stop; to restrain; to hinder; to curb.  It signifies to put an entire stop to motion, or to restrain its violence, and cause an abatement; to moderate.
2.  To rebuke; to chide or reprove.
3.  To compare any paper with its counterpart or with a cipher, with a view to ascertain its authenticity; to compare corresponding papers; to control by a counter-register.
4.  In seamenship, to ease of a little of a rope, which is too stiffly extended; also, to stopper the cable.
CHECK, v.i.
1.  To stop; to make a stop; with at.
The mid checks at any vigorous undertaking.
2.  To clash or interfere.
I love to check with business.
3.  To strike with repression.
CHECK, n.  
1.  A stop; hindrance; rebuff; sudden restraint, or continued restraint; curb; control; government.
2.  That which stops or restrains, as reproof, reprimand, rebuke, slight or disgust, fear, apprehension, a person; any stop or obstruction.
3.  In falconry, when a hawk forsakes her proper game, to follow rooks, pies, or other fowls, that cross her in her flight.
4.  The correspondent cipher of a bank note; a corresponding indenture; any counter-register.
5.  A term in chess, when one party obliges the other either to move or guard his king.
6.  An order for money, drawn on a banker or on the cashier of a bank, payable to the bearer.
This is a sense derived from that in definition 4.
7.  In popular use, checkered cloth; check, for checkered.
Check or check-roll, a roll or book containing the names of persons who are attendants and in the pay of a king or great personage, as domestic servants.
Clerk of the check, in the British Kings household, has the check and control of the yeomen of the guard, and all the ushers belonging to the royal family, the care of the watch, &c.
Clerk of the check, in the British Royal Dock-Yards, is an officer who keeps a register of all the men employed on board his majestys ships and vessels, and of all the artificers in the service of the navy, at the port where he is settled.


Topic: Check-mate
Definition:
CHECK-MATE, n.
1.  The movement on a chess board or in the game of chess that kills the opposite men, or hinders them from moving, so that the game is finished.
2.  Defeat; overthrow.
CHECK-MATE, v.t.  To finish.


Topic: Checker
Definition:
CHECKER, v.t.
1.  To variegate with cross lines; to form into little squares, like a chess board, by lines or stripes of different colors.  Hence,
2.  To diversify; to variegate with different qualities, scenes, or events.
Our minds are, as it were, checkered with truth and falsehood.
CHECKER, n. 
1.  One who checks or restrains; a rebuker.
2.  A chess-board.


Topic: Checker-work
Definition:
CHECKER-WORK, n.  Work varied alternately as to its colors or materials; work consisting of cross lines.


Topic: Checky
Definition:
CHECKY, n.  In heraldry, a border that has more than two rows of checkers, or when the bordure or shield is checkered, like a chess-board.


Topic: Cheek
Definition:
CHEEK, n.
1.  The side of the face below the eyes on each side.
2.  Among mechanics, cheeks are those pieces of a machine which form corresponding sides, or which are double and alike; as the cheeks of a printing press, which stand perpendicular and support the three sommers, the head, shelves and winter; the cheeks of a turners lathe; the cheeks of a glaziers vise; the cheeks of a mortar, and of a gun-carriage; the cheeks of a mast, which serve to sustain the trestle trees, &c.
Cheek by jowl, closeness, proximity.


Topic: Cheer
Definition:
CHEER, v.t.
1.  To salute with shouts of joy, or cheers.
2.  To dispel gloom, sorrow, silence or apathy; to cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; as, to cheer a lonely desert; the cheering rays of the sun; good news cheers the heart.
3.  To infuse life; spirit, animation; to incite; to encourage; as, to cheer the hounds.
CHEER, v.i.  To grow cheerful; to become gladsome, or joyous.
At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up.
Cheer up, my lads.
CHEER, n.
1.  A shout of joy; as, they gave three cheers.
2.  A state of gladness or joy; a state of animation, above gloom and depression of spirits, but below mirth, gayety and jollity.
Son, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee.  Mat. 9.
Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.  Acts. 27.
3.  Mirth; gayety; jollity; as at a feast.
4.  Invitation to gayety.
5.  Entertainment; that which makes cheerful; provisions for a feast.
The table was loaded with good cheer.
6.  Air of countenance, noting a greater or less degree of cheerfulness.
His words their drooping cheer Enlightened.


Topic: Cheerer
Definition:
CHEERER, n.  One who cheers; he or that which gladdens.
Thou cheerer of our days.
Prime cheerer, light.


Topic: Cheerful
Definition:
CHEERFUL, a.
1.  Lively; animated; having good spirits; moderately joyful.  This is the most usual signification of the word, expressing a degree of animation less than mirth and jollity.
2.  Full of life; gay; animated; mirthful; musical; as the cheerful birds.
3.  Expressive of good spirits or joy; lively; animated.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.  Prov. 15.


Topic: Cheerfully
Definition:
CHEERFULLY, adv.  In a cheerful manner; with alacrity or willingness; readily; with life, animation or good spirits.


Topic: Cheerfulness
Definition:
CHEERFULNESS, n.  Life; animation; good spirits; a state of moderate joy or gayety; alacrity.
He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.  Rom. 12.


Topic: Cheerless
Definition:
CHEERLESS, a.  Without joy, gladness, or comfort; gloomy; destitute of any thing to enliven or animate the spirits.


Topic: Cheese
Definition:
CHEESE, n.
1.  The curd of milk, coagulated by rennet, separated from the serum or whey, and pressed in a vat, hoop or mold.
2.  A mass of pumice or ground apples placed on a press.


Topic: Chegoe
Definition:
CHEGOE, n.  A tropical insect that enters the skin of the feet and multiplies incredibly, causing an itching.


Topic: Cheiropter
Definition:
CHEIROPTER, n.  An animal whose anterior toes are connected by a membrane, and whose feet thus serve for wings, as the bat.


Topic: Chelmsfordite
Definition:
CHELMSFORDITE, n.  A mineral arranged as a subspecies of schaalstein; found in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.


Topic: Chemise
Definition:
CHEMISE, n.  
1.  A shift, or under garment worn by females.
2.  A wall that lines the face of any work of earth.


Topic: Cherish
Definition:
CHERISH, n.  The prince of Mecca; a high priest among the Mohammedans.
CHERISH, v.t.
1.  To treat with tenderness and affection; to give warmth, ease or comfort to.
We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.  1 Thess. 2.
The damsel was fair and cherished the king.  1 Kings 1.
2.  To hold as dear; to embrace with affection; to foster, and encourage; as, to cherish the principles of virtue; to cherish religion in the heart.
3.  To treat in a manner to encourage growth, by protection, aid, attendance, or supplying nourishment; as, to cherish tender plants.
4.  To harbor; to indulge and encourage in the mind; as, to cherish ill will, or any evil passion.


Topic: Cherry
Definition:
CHERRY, n.  The fruit of a tree, a species of Prunus, of which there are many varieties, as the red or garden cherry, the red heart, the white heart, the black cherry, the black heart, and several others.  The fruit is a pulp inclosing a kernel.  It is related that this fruit was brought from Cerasus in Pontus to Italy, after the defeat of Mithridates by Lucullus, A R. 680., and introduced into England by the Romans, about 120 years afterwards, A.D. 55.
Barbadoes cherry, is the genus Malpighia, of several species.  The berries are red, cherry-shaped, acid and eatable.
Bird cherry, is a species of Prunus, the common laurel or lauro-cerasus.
Also, the Prunus padus.
Cornelian cherry, is the fruit of the Cornus, cornel-tree or dogwood.  It is a small, acid, cherry-like, eatable berry.
Dwarf cherry, is the fruit of a species of Lonicera, or honey-suckle.
Hottentot-cherry, is the fruit of a species of Cassine.  The fruit is a trispermous berry of a dark purple color.
Winter-cherry, is a name of the fruit of the Physalis, a genus of many species.  It is a berry of the size of a small cherry, inclosed in an inflated, bladder-like calyx.  This name is also given to a species of Solanum.
CHERRY, a.  Like a red cherry in color; red, ruddy, blooming; as a cherry lip; cherry cheeks.
CHERRY, n.  A cordial composed of cherry juice and spirit, sweetened, and diluted.  The wild cherry is most generally used for this purpose, being steeped for some days in spirit, which extracts the juice of the fruit; the tincture is then sweetened and diluted to the taste.  This cordial is moderately bitter and astringent.  It is sometimes made of the mazzard.


Topic: Cherry-tree
Definition:
CHERRY-TREE, n.  A tree whose fruit is cherries, in the more appropriate sense of the word.  The name is mostly given to the common cultivated trees, and to that which produces the black wild cherry.  The wood of the latter is valued for cabinet work.


Topic: Chersonese
Definition:
CHERSONESE, n.  A peninsula; a tract of land of any indefinite extent, which is nearly surrounded by water, but united to a larger tract by a neck of land or isthmus; as the Cimbric Chersonese or Jutland; the Tauric Chersonese, or Crimea.


Topic: Chert
Definition:
CHERT, n.  In mineralogy, a subspecies of rhomboidal quartz; called also hornstone, petrosilex or rock flint.  It is less hard than common quartz; its fracture usually dull and splintery, sometimes more or less conchoidal.  It is more or less translucent, sometimes at the edges, and sometimes the whole mass, if thin, has the strong translucency of certain horns.  Its colors are numerous and usually dull.  It is usually amorphous, sometimes globular, or in nodules.  It occurs often in veins, especially metallic, in primitive mountains.
Chert is also applied to other minerals besides hornstone.  Aikin calls a variety of flint, flinty chert, and the Derbyshire miners apply the term, black chert, to a fusible mineral, whereas the hornstone above described is infusible.


Topic: Cherub
Definition:
CHERUB, n.  plu. Cherubs, but the Hebrew plural cherubim is also used.
A figure composed of various creatures, as a man, an ox, an eagle or lion.  The first mention of cherubs is in Gen. 3:24, where the figure is not described, but their office was, with a flaming sword, to keep or guard the way of the tree of life.  The two cherubs which Moses was commanded to make at the ends of the Mercy seat, were to be of beaten work of gold; and their wings were to extend over the Mercy seat, their faces towards each other, and between them was the residence of the Deity.  Ex. 15.  The cherubs, in Ezekiels vision, had each four heads or faces, the hands of a man and wings.  The four faces were, the face of a bull, that of a man, that of a lion, and that of an eagle.  They had the likeness of a man.  Ezek. 4, and 10.  In 2 Sam. 22:11, and Psalm 18., Jehovah is represented as riding on a cherub, and flying on the wings of the wind.  In the celestial hierarchy, cherubs are represented as spirits next in order to seraphs.  The hieroglyphical and emblematical figures embroidered on the vails of the tabernacle are called cherubs of curious or skilful work.  Ex. 26.


Topic: Chesapeak
Definition:
CHESAPEAK, n.  A bay of the United States, whose entrance is between Cape Charles and Cape Henry, in Virginia, and which extends northerly into Maryland 270 miles.  It receives the waters of the Susquehannah, Potomack, Rappahannock, York, and James Rivers.


Topic: Chess
Definition:
CHESS, n.  An ingenious game performed by two parties with different pieces, on a checkered board, that is, a board divided into sixty four squares or houses.  The success of the game depends almost entirely on skill.  Each gamester has eight dignified pieces, called a king, a queen, two bishops, two knights, and two rooks or castles; also eight pawns.  The pieces of the parties are of different colors.
CHESS, n.  In New England, that weed which grows among wheat, and is supposed to be wheat degenerated or changed, as it abounds most in fields where the wheat is winter-killed.  It bears some resemblance to oats.  This fact is mentioned by Pliny, Nat. Hist.  Lib. 18. Ca. 17.  Primum omnium frumenti vitium avena est: et hordeum in eam degenerat.  This change of wheat and barley into oats, he ascribes to a moist soil, wet weather, bad seed, &c.  This opinion coincides with observations in America, as wheat is most liable to perish in moist land, and often in such places, almost all the wheat is killed, and instead of it chess often appears.


Topic: Chess-board
Definition:
CHESS-BOARD, n.  The board used in the game of chess, and from the squares of which chess has its name.


Topic: Chess-tree
Definition:
CHESS-TREE, n.  In ships, a piece of wood bolted perpendicularly on the side to confine the clews of the main sail.


Topic: Chest
Definition:
CHEST, n.
1.  A box of wood or other material, in which goods are kept or transported.  It differs from a trunk in not being covered with skin or leather.
2.  The trunk of the body from the neck to the belly; the thorax.  Hence, broad-chested, narrow-chested, having a broad or narrow chest.
3.  In commerce, a certain quantity; as a chest of sugar; a chest of indigo; &c.
Chest of drawers is a case of movable boxes called drawers.
CHEST, v.t.  To reposit in a chest; to hoard.


Topic: Chestnut
Definition:
CHESTNUT, n.  The fruit, seed or nut of a tree belonging to the genus Fagus.  It is inclosed in a prickly pericarp, which contains two or more seeds.
CHESTNUT, a.  Being of the color of a chestnut; of a brown color.  It is perhaps rarely used as a noun.


Topic: Chestnut-tree
Definition:
CHESTNUT-TREE, n.  The tree which produces the chestnut.  This tree grows to a great size, with spreading branches.  It is one of the most valuable timber trees, as the wood is very durable, and forms in America the principal timber for fencing.  The timber is also used in building, and for vessels of various kinds.
Dwarf-chestnut, or chinkapin, is another species of Fagus.
Horse-chestnut, is a tree of the genus Aesculus.  The common tree of this sort is a native of the North of Asia, and admired for the beauty of its flowers.  It is used for shade and ornament, and its nuts are esteemed good food for horses.  The scarlet-flowering horse-chestnut is a native of Carolina, Brazil and the East, and is admired for its beauty.
The Indian Rose-chestnut, of the genus Mesua, bears a nut, roundish, pointed and marked with four elevated longitudinal sutures.


Topic: Chevisance
Definition:
CHEVISANCE, n.  
1.  Achievement; deed; performance; enterprize accomplished.
2.  In law, a making of contracts; a bargain.
3.  An unlawful agreement or contract.  James. 17.
4.  An agreement or composition, as an end or order set down between a creditor and his debtor.


Topic: Chevron
Definition:
CHEVRON, n.  In heraldry, an honorable ordinary, representing two rafters of a house meeting at the top.


Topic: Chew
Definition:
CHEW, v.t.
1.  To bite and grind with the teeth; to masticate, as food, to prepare it for deglutition and digestion.
2.  To ruminate in the thoughts; to meditate; as, to chew revenge.
3.  To champ; to bite, hold or roll about in the mouth; as, to chew tobacco.
4.  To taste, without swallowing.
CHEW, v.i.  To champ upon; to ruminate.
Old politicians chew on wisdom past.
CHEW, n.  That which is chewed; that which is held in the mouth at once; a cud.


Topic: Chian
Definition:
CHIAN, a.  Pertaining to Chios, an isle in the Levant.
Chian earth, a medicinal, dense, compact kind of earth, from Chios, used anciently as an astringent, and a cosmetic.
Chian turpentine, or Cyprus turpentine, is procured from the Pistacia Terebinthus.  It is of the consistence of honey, clear and of a yellowish white.


Topic: Chiastolite
Definition:
CHIASTOLITE, n.  A mineral, called also macle, whose crystals are arranged in a peculiar manner.  The form of the crystals is a four-sided prism, whose bases are rhombs, differing little from squares.  But each crystal, when viewed at its extremities, or on a transverse section, is obviously composed of two very different substances; and its general aspect is that of a black prism, passing longitudinally through the axis of another prism which is whitish.  The term macle, as the name of a distinct species, applies to the whitish prisms only.


Topic: Chicane
Definition:
CHICANE, n.
1.  In law, shift; turn; trick; cavil; an abuse of judiciary proceedings, by artifices, unfair practices, or idle objections, which tend to perplex a cause, puzzle the judge, or impose on a party, and thus to delay or pervert justice.
2.  In disputes, sophistry; distinctions and subtleties, that tend to perplex the question and obscure the truth.
3.  Any artifice or stratagem.
CHICANE, v.i.  To use shafts, cavils or artifices.


Topic: Chicaner
Definition:
CHICANER, n.  One who uses shifts, turns, evasions or undue artifices, in litigation or disputes; a caviller; a sophister; an unfair disputant.


Topic: Chick-pea
Definition:
CHICK-PEA, n.  A plant or pea, constituting the genus Cicer; a native of Spain, where it is used in olios.  It is smaller than the common pea.


Topic: Chick-weed
Definition:
CHICK-WEED, n.  A plant of the genus Alsine, which includes many species.  The common chick-weed, with white blossoms, affords a remarkable instance of the sleep of plants; for, at night, the leaves approach in pairs, and inclose the tender rudiments of the young shoots.  The leaves are cooling and nutritive, and are deemed excellent food for persons of a consumptive habit.  They are deemed useful also for swelled breasts.


Topic: Chicken
Definition:
CHICKEN, n.  
1.  The young of fowls, particularly of the domestic hen, or gallinaceous fowls.
2.  A person of tender years.
3.  A word of tenderness.


Topic: Chickling-vetch
Definition:
CHICKLING-VETCH, n.  A vetch or pea, of the genus Lathyrus, used in Germany for food, but inferior to other kinds.


Topic: Chide
Definition:
CHIDE, v.t.
1.  To scold at; to reprove; to utter words in anger, or by way of disapprobation; to rebuke; as, to chide one for his faults.
2.  To blame; to reproach; as, to chide folly or negligence.
To chide from or chide away, is to drive away by scolding or reproof.
CHIDE, v.i.
1.  To scold; to clamor; to find fault; to contend in words of anger; sometimes followed by with.
The people did chide with Moses.  Ex. 17.
2.  To quarrel.
3.  To make a rough, clamorous, roaring noise; as the chiding flood.
CHIDE, n.  Murmur; gentle noise.


Topic: Chiding
Definition:
CHIDING, ppr.  Scolding; clamoring; rebuking; making a harsh or continued noise.
CHIDING, n.  A scolding or clamoring; rebuke; reproof.


Topic: Chief
Definition:
CHIEF, a.
1.  Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.  Gen 40:9.
Among the chief rulers, many believed on him.  John 12.
2.  Principal or most eminent, in any quality or action; most distinguished; having most influence; commanding most respect; taking the lead; most valuable; most important; a word of extensive use; as a country chief in arms.
The hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.  Ezra 9.
Agriculture is the chief employment of men.
3.  First in affection; most dear and familiar.
A whisperer separateth chief friends.  Prov. 16.
CHIEF, n.
1.  A commander; particularly a military commander; the person who heads an army; equivalent to the modern terms, commander or general in chief, captain general, or generalissimo.  1 Ch. 11.
2.  The principal person of a tribe, family, or congregation, &c.  
Num. 3.  Job 29.  Math. 20.
3.  In chief, in English law, in capite.  To hold land in chief is to hold it directly from the king by honorable personal services.
4.  In heraldry, chief signifies the head or upper part of the escutcheon, from side to side, representing a mans head.  In chief, imports something borne in this part.
5.  In Spenser, it seems to signify something like achievement, a mark of distinction; as, chaplets wrought with a chief.
6.  This word is often used, in the singular number, to express a plurality.
I took the chief of your tribes, wise men and known, and made them heads over you.  Deut. 1:15.
These were the chief of the officers, that were over Solomons work.  1 Kings 9.
In these phrases, chief may have been primarily an adjective, that is, chief men, chief persons.
7.  The principal part; the most or largest part, of one thing or of many.
The people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed.  1 Sam. 15.
He smote the chief of their strength.  Ps. 68.
The chief of the debt remains unpaid.
CHIEF, adv.  Chiefly.


Topic: Chiefly
Definition:
CHIEFLY, adv.
1.  Principally; eminently; in the first place.
It chiefly concerns us to obey the divine precepts.
2.  For the most part.
In the parts of the kingdom where the estates of the dissenters chiefly lay.


Topic: Chieftain
Definition:
CHIEFTAIN, n.  A captain, leader or commander; a chief; the head of a troop, army or clan.  It is most commonly used in the latter sense.  The chieftains of the Highland clans in Scotland, were the principal noblemen and gentlemen.


Topic: Chilblain
Definition:
CHILBLAIN, n.  A blain or sore produced by cold; a tumor affecting the hands and feet, accompanied with inflammation, pain, and sometimes ulceration.


Topic: Child
Definition:
CHILD, n.
1.  A son or a daughter; a male or female descendant, in the first degree; the immediate progeny of parents; applied to the human race, and chiefly to a person when young.  The term is applied to infants from their birth; but the time when they cease ordinarily to be so called, is not defined by custom.  In strictness, a child is the shoot, issue or produce of the parents, and a person of any age, in respect to the parents, is a child.
An infant.
Hagar cast the child under one of the shrubs.  Gen. 21.
It signifies also a person of more advanced years.
Jephthas daughter was his only child.  Judges 11.
The child shall behave himself proudly.  Is. 3.
A curse will be on those who corrupt the morals of their children.
The application of child to a female in opposition to a male, as in Shakspeare, is not legitimate.
2.  One weak in knowledge, experience, judgment or attainments; as, he is a mere child.
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child.  Jer. 1.
3.  One young in grace.  1 John 2.
One who is unfixed in principles.  Eph. 4.
4.  One who is born again, spiritually renewed and adopted; as a child of God.
5.  One who is the product of another; or whose principles and morals are the product of another.
Thou child of the devil.  Acts 13.
That which is the product or effect of something else.
This noble passion, child of integrity.
6.  In the plural, the descendants of a man however remote; as the children of Israel; the children of Edom.
7.  The inhabitants of a country; as the children of Seir.  2 Chron. 25.
To be with child, to be pregnant.  Gen. 16:11, Gen. 29:36.
CHILD, v.i.  To bring children.


Topic: Child-bearing
Definition:
CHILD-BEARING, a. or ppr. [See Bear.] Bearing or producing children.
CHILD-BEARING, n.  The act of producing or bringing forth children; parturition.


Topic: Childhood
Definition:
CHILDHOOD, n.
1.  The state of a child, or the time in which persons are children, including the time from birth to puberty.  But in a more restricted sense, the state or time from infancy to puberty.  Thus we say, infancy, childhood, youth and manhood.
Childhood and youth are vanity.  Eccl. 11.
2.  The properties of a child.


Topic: Childish
Definition:
CHILDISH, a.
1.  Belonging to a child; trifling; puerile.
When I became a man, I put away childish things.  1 Cor. 13.
2.  Pertaining to a child; as childish yeas or age; childish sports.
3.  Pertaining to children; ignorant; silly; weak; as childish fear.


Topic: Childishness
Definition:
CHILDISHNESS, n.  Triflingness, puerility, the state or qualities of a child, in reference to manners.  But in reference to the mind, simplicity, harmlessness, weakness of intellect.


Topic: Childlike
Definition:
CHILDLIKE, a.  Resembling a child or that which belongs to children; becoming a child; meek; submissive; dutiful; as childlike obedience.


Topic: Chili
Definition:
CHILI, a.  
1.  Cool; moderately cold; tending to cause shivering; as the chill vapors of night.
2.  Shivering with cold.
My chill veins freeze with despair.
3.  Cool; distant; formal; dull; not warm, animated or affectionate; as a chill reception.
4.  Depressed; dispirited; dejected; discouraged.


Topic: Chiliad
Definition:
CHILIAD, n.  
1.  A thousand; a collection or sum, containing a thousand individuals or particulars.
2.  The period of a thousand years.


Topic: Chill
Definition:
CHILL, n.  
1.  A shivering with cold; rigors, as in an ague; the cold fit that precedes a fever; sensation of cold in an animal body; chilliness. [See Cold and Heat.]
2.  A moderate degree of cold; chilliness in any body; that which gives the sensation of cold.


Topic: Chilliness
Definition:
CHILLINESS, n.  
1.  A sensation of shivering; rigors.
2.  A moderate degree of coldness; as the chilliness of the air, which tends to cause a shivering.


Topic: Chime
Definition:
CHIME, n.  
1.  The consonant or harmonic sounds of several correspondent instruments.
Instruments that made melodious chime.
2.  Correspondence of sound.
Love - harmonized the chime.
3.  The musical sounds of bells, struck with hammers.
4.  Correspondence of proportion or relation.
5.  A kind of periodical music, or tune of a clock, produced by an apparatus annexed to it.
6.  A set of bells which chime, or ring in harmony.


Topic: Chimera
Definition:
CHIMERA, n.
1.  In fabulous history, a monster with three heads, that of a lion, of a goat, and of a dragon, vomiting flames.  The foreparts of the body wee those of a lion, the middle was that of a goat, and the hinder parts were those of a dragon; supposed to represent a volcanic mountain in Lycia, whose top was the resort of lions, the middle, that of goats, and the foot, that of serpents.  Hence,
2.  In modern usage, a vain or idle fancy; a creature of the imagination, composed of contradictions or absurdities, that can have no existence except in thought.


Topic: Chimerical
Definition:
CHIMERICAL, a.  Merely imaginary; fanciful; fantastic; wildly or vainly conceived; that has, or can have no existence except in thought.


Topic: Chimical
Definition:
CHIMICAL, a. [See Chimistry.]
1.  Pertaining to chimistry; as a chimical operation.
2.  Resulting from the operation of the principles of bodies by decomposition, combination, &c.; as chimical changes.
3.  According to the principles of chimistry; as a chimical combination.


Topic: Chimistry
Definition:
CHIMISTRY, n. Chimistry is a science, the object of which is to discover the nature and properties of all bodies by analysis and synthesis.
Chimistry is that science which explains the intimate mutual action of all natural bodies.
Analysis or decomposition, and synthesis or combination, are the two methods which chimistry uses to accomplish its purposes.
Chimistry may be defined, the science which investigates the composition of material substances, and the permanent changes of constitution which their mutual actions produce.
Chimistry may be defined, that science, the object of which is to discover and explain the changes of composition that occur among the integrant and constituent parts of different bodies.
Chimistry is the science which treats of those events and changes in natural bodies, which are not accompanied by sensible motions.
Chimistry is justly considered as a science, but the practical operations may be denominated an art.


Topic: Chimney
Definition:
CHIMNEY, n.
1.  In architecture, a body of brick or stone, erected in a building, containing a funnel or funnels, to convey smoke, and other volatile matter through the roof, from the hearth or fire-place, where fuel is burnt.  This body of materials is sometimes called a stack of chimneys, especially when it contains two or more funnels, or passages.
2.  A fireplace; the lower part of the body of brick or stone which confines and conveys smoke.


Topic: Chimney-corner
Definition:
CHIMNEY-CORNER, n.
1.  The corner of a fire-place, or the space between the fire and the sides of the fire-place.  In the Northern States of America, fire-places were formerly made six or eight feet wide, or even more, and a stool was placed by the side of the fire, as a seat for children, and this often furnished a comfortable situation for idlers.  As fuel has become scarce, our fire-places are contracted, till, in many or most of our dwellings, we have no chimney-corners.
2.  In a more enlarged sense, the fire-side, or a place near the fire.


Topic: Chimney-sweeper
Definition:
CHIMNEY-SWEEPER, n.  One whose occupation is to sweep and scrape chimneys, to clean them of the soot that adheres to their sides.


Topic: Chimpanzee
Definition:
CHIMPANZEE, n.  An animal of the ape kind, a variety of the ourang-outang.
It is now considered a distinct species.


Topic: Chin-cough
Definition:
CHIN-COUGH, n.  A contagious disease, often epidemic among children.  It increases for some weeks, is attended with a difficulty of breathing, and in its worst stage, with a degree of convulsion.  From a particular noise made in coughing, it is also called hooping cough.


Topic: China
Definition:
CHINA, n.  A species of earthern ware made in China, and so called from the country; called also china ware and porcelain. [See Porcelain.]


Topic: China-root
Definition:
CHINA-ROOT, n.  The root of a species Smilax, brought from the East Indies, of a pale reddish color, with no smell, and very little taste.


Topic: Chinch
Definition:
CHINCH, n.  A genus of insects, resembling the feather-wing moths.  These insects live in the flowers of plants, and wander from flower to flower, but prefer those which are sweetest.


Topic: Chine
Definition:
CHINE, n.
1.  The back-bone, or spine of an animal.
2.  A piece of the back-bone of an animal, with the adjoining parts, cut for cooking.
3.  The chime of a cask, or the ridge formed by the ends of the staves.
CHINE, v.t.  To cut through the back-bone, or into chine-pieces.


Topic: Chinese
Definition:
CHINESE, a.  Pertaining to China.
CHINESE, n.  sing. and plu.  A native of China; also, the language of China.


Topic: Chink
Definition:
CHINK, n.  A small aperture lengthwise; a cleft, rent, or fissure, of greater length than breadth; a gap or crack; as the chinks of a wall.
CHINK, v.i.  To crack; to open.
CHINK, v.t.  To open or part and form a fissure.
CHINK, v.t. [See Jingle.] To cause to sound by shaking coins or small pieces of metal, or by bringing small sonorous bodies in collision; as, to chink a purse of money.
CHINK, v.i.  To make a small sharp sound, as by the collision of little pieces of money, or other sonorous bodies.


Topic: Chinkapin
Definition:
CHINKAPIN, n.  The dwarf chestnut, Fagus pumila, a tree that rises eight or ten feet, with a branching shrubby stem, producing a nut.


Topic: Chinse
Definition:
CHINSE, v.t.  In naval affairs, to thrust oakum into the seams or chinks of a ship with a chisel or point of a knife, as a temporary expedient for calking.


Topic: Chip
Definition:
CHIP, CHEAP, CHIPPING, in the names of places, imply a market; from Sax. Ceapan, cypan, to buy or sell. [See Cheap.]


Topic: Chipping
Definition:
CHIPPING, n.  
1.  A chip; a piece cut off or separated by a cutting or engraving instrument; a fragment.
2.  The flying or breaking off in small pieces, of the edges of potters ware, and porcelain.


Topic: Chirograph
Definition:
CHIROGRAPH, n.
1.  Anciently a deed, which, requiring a counterpart, was engrossed twice on the same piece of parchment, with a space between, in which was written chirograph, through which the parchment was cut, and one part given to each party.  It answered to what is now called a charter-party.
2.  A fine, so called from the manner of engrossing, which is still retained in the chirographers office in England.


Topic: Chirographer
Definition:
CHIROGRAPHER, n. [See Chirograph.] He that exercises or professes the art or business of writing.  In England, the chirographer of fines is an officer in the common pleas, who engrosses fines acknowledged in that court, and delivers the indentures to the parties.


Topic: Chirology
Definition:
CHIROLOGY, n. [See Chirologist.] The art or practice of communicating thoughts by signs made by the hands and fingers; a substitute for language or discourse, much used by the deaf and dumb, and by others who communicate with them.


Topic: Chiromancer
Definition:
CHIROMANCER, n. [See Chiromancy.] One who attempts to foretell future events, or to tell the fortunes and dispositions of persons, by inspecting the hands.


Topic: Chiromancy
Definition:
CHIROMANCY, n. Divination by the hand; the art or practice of attempting to foretell events, or to discover the dispositions of a person, by inspecting the lines and lineaments of his hand.


Topic: Chirp
Definition:
CHIRP, v.i.  Cherp.  To make the noise of certain small birds, or of certain insects; as a chirping lark, or cricket.
CHIRP, v.t.  To make cheerful.
CHIRP, n.  A particular voice of certain birds or insects.


Topic: Chirping
Definition:
CHIRPING, ppr.  Making the noise of certain small birds.
CHIRPING, n.  The noise of certain small birds and insects.


Topic: Chirurgeon
Definition:
CHIRURGEON, n.  A surgeon; one whose profession is to heal diseases by manual operations, instruments or external applications.


Topic: Chirurgery
Definition:
CHIRURGERY, n.  That part of the medical art which consists in healing diseases and wounds by instruments and external applications; now written surgery.


Topic: Chisel
Definition:
CHISEL, n.  An instrument of iron or steel, used in carpentry, joinery, cabinet work, masonry, sculpture, &c., either for paring, hewing or gouging.  Chisels are of different sizes and shapes, fitted for particular uses.
CHISEL, v.t.  To cut, pare, gouge, or engrave with a chisel.


Topic: Chisleu
Definition:
CHISLEU, n.  The ninth month of the Jewish year, answering to a part of November and a part of December, in the modern division of the year.


Topic: Chistianity
Definition:
CHISTIANITY, n. [See Christian, from Christ.] The religion of Christians; or the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ, and recorded by the evangelists and apostles.
Whilst politicians are disputing about monarchies, aristocracies, and republics, Christianity is alike applicable, useful and friendly to them all.


Topic: Chit
Definition:
CHIT, n.
1.  A shoot or sprout; the first shooting or germination of a seed or plant.  Hence,
2.  A child or babe, in familiar language.
3.  A freckle, that is, a push.
CHIT, v.i.  To sprout; to shoot, as a seed or plant.


Topic: Chivalry
Definition:
CHIVALRY, n.  
1.  Knighthood; a military dignity, founded on the service of soldiers on horseback, called knights; a service formerly deemed more honorable than service in infantry.
2.  The qualifications of a knight, as valor and dexterity in arms.
3.  The system of knighthood; the privileges, characteristics or manners of knights; the practice of knight-errantry, or the heroic defense of life and honor.
4.  An adventure or exploit, as of a knight.
5.  The body or order of knights.
6.  In English law, a tenure of lands by knights service; that is, by the condition of performing service on horseback, or of performing some noble or military service to his lord.  This was general or special; general, when the tenant held per servitium militare, without specification of the particular service; special, when the particular service was designated.  When the tenant held only of the king, the tenure was regal; when he held of a common person, it was called common.  This service was also grand sergeantry, as when the tenant was bound to perform service to the king in his own person; and petit sergeantry, when he was bound to yield to the king annually some small thing, as a sword or dagger.  Chivalry that might be held of a common person, was called escuage, scutagium, or shield service.
Court of chivalry, a court formerly held before the Lord High Constable and Earl Marshal of England, having cognizance of contracts and other matters relating to deeds of arms and war.  It had jurisdiction both of civil and criminal causes, but no power to enforce its decisions by fine or imprisonment, not being a court of record.  It is now nearly extinct.


Topic: Chlorin
Definition:
CHLORIN, n.  Chloric gas; a new name given to what has been called oxymuriatic gas.  This substance has hitherto resisted all efforts to decompose it, and as it is not known to contain oxygen, and is apparently a simple substance, it has been denominated from its color, chlorine, or chloric gas.


Topic: Chlorite
Definition:
CHLORITE, n.  A mineral of a grass green color, opake, usually friable or easily pulverized, composed of little spangles, scales, prisms or shining small grains.  It is classed by Kirwan with the muriatic genus.  There are four subspecies, chlorite earth, common chlorite, chlorite slate, and foliated chlorite.


Topic: Chloropal
Definition:
CHLOROPAL, n.  A newly observed mineral, of two varieties, the conchoidal and the earthy; the conchoidal is of a pistachio green color; the other has an earthy fracture, and both varieties are possessed of magnetic properties.


Topic: Chlorophane
Definition:
CHLOROPHANE, n.  A variety of fluor spar, from Siberia.  When placed on a heated iron, it gives a beautiful emerald green light.


Topic: Chlorosis
Definition:
CHLOROSIS, n.  The green sickness; a disease of females, characterized by a pale or greenish hue of the skin, weakness, palpitation, dyspepsy, &c.


Topic: Chlorotic
Definition:
CHLOROTIC, a.
1.  Pertaining to chlorosis; as, chlorotic affections.  Medical Repository.
2.  Affected by chlorosis; as, chlorotic nuns.


Topic: Chock
Definition:
CHOCK, n.  In marine language, a kind of wedge for confining a cask or other body, to prevent it from moving.
Chocks of the rudder, are pieces of timber kept in readiness to stop the motion of the rudder, in case of an accident, &c.
CHOCK, an encounter. [See Shock.]


Topic: Chocolate
Definition:
CHOCOLATE, n.
1.  A paste or cake composed of the kernel of cacao, with other ingredients, usually a little sugar, cinnamon or vanilla.  The nut is first ground fine, mixed with the ingredients, and put in a mold.
2.  The liquor made by dissolving chocolate in boiling water.


Topic: Choice
Definition:
CHOICE, n.
1.  The act of choosing; the voluntary act of selecting or separating from two or more things that which is preferred; or the determination of the mind in preferring one thing to another; election.
Ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my moth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.  Acts 15.
2.  The power of choosing; option.
Where there is force, there can be no choice.
Of these alternatives we have our own choice.
3.  Care in selecting; judgment or skill in distinguishing what is to be preferred, and in giving a preference.
I imagine Cesars apothems were collected with judgment and choice.
4.  The thing chosen; that which is approved and selected in preference to others; selection.
Nor let thy conquests only be her choice.
5.  The best part of any thing; that which is preferable, and properly the object of choice.
In the choice of our sepulchers bury thy dead.  Gen. 23.
6.  The act of electing to office by vote; election.
To make choice of, to choose; to select; to separate and take in preference.
CHOICE, a.
1.  Worthy of being preferred; select; precious; very valuable.
My choicest hours of life are lost.
My revenue is better than choice silver.  Prov. 8.
2.  Holding dear; preserving or using with care, as valuable; frugal; as, to be choice of time or of advantages.
3.  Selecting with care, and due attention to preference; as, to be choice of ones company.


Topic: Choicely
Definition:
CHOICELY, adv.
1.  With care in choosing; with nice regard to preference; with exact choice; as a band of men choicely collected.
2.  Valuably; excellently; preferably; curiously.
3.  With great care; carefully; as a thing choicely preserved.


Topic: Choir
Definition:
CHOIR, n.
1.  A collection of singers, especially in divine service, in a church.
2.  Any collection of singers.
3.  That part of a church appropriated for the singers, separated from the chancel and the nave.  In congregational and some other churches, the singers are placed in certain seats in the galleries.
4.  In nunneries, a large hall adjoining to the body of the church, separated by a grate, where the nuns sing the office.


Topic: Choke
Definition:
CHOKE, v.t.
1.  To stop the passage of the breath, by filling the windpipe or compressing the neck.  The word is used to express a temporary or partial stoppage, as to choke with dirt or smoke; or an entire stoppage that causes death; to suffocate; to strangle.  Mark 5.
2.  To stop by filling; to obstruct; to block up; as, to choke the entrance of a harbor, or any passage.
3.  To hinder by obstruction or impediments; to hinder or check growth, expansion, or progress; as, to choke plants; to choke the spreading of the fruit.
Thorns choke them.  Matt 13.  Luke 8.
4.  To smother or suffocate, as fire.
5.  To suppress or stifle; as, to choke the strong conception.
6.  To offend; to cause to take an exception; as, I was choked at this word.
We observe that this word generally implies crowding, stuffing or covering.  A channel is choked by stones and sand, but not by a boom.
CHOKE, v.i.  
1.  To have the wind-pipe stopped; as, cattle are apt to choke when eating potatoes.
2.  To be offended; to take exceptions.
CHOKE, n.  The filamentous or capillary part of the artichoke.


Topic: Choke-cherry
Definition:
CHOKE-CHERRY, n.  The popular name of a species of wild cherry, remarkable for its astringent qualities.


Topic: Choke-pear
Definition:
CHOKE-PEAR, n.
1.  A kind of pear that has a rough astringent taste, and is swallowed with difficulty, or which contracts the parts of the mouth.
2.  An aspersion or sarcasm by which a person is put to silence.


Topic: Choker
Definition:
CHOKER, n.  One that chokes another; one that puts another to silence; that which cannot be answered.


Topic: Choler
Definition:
CHOLER, n. 
1.  The bile.  By the superabundance of this fluid, anger was formerly supposed to be produced; or perhaps the opinion was that the bile caused the inflamed appearance of the face in anger.  Hence,
2.  Anger; wrath; irritation of the passions.
Cholera Morbus, a sudden evacuation of bile, both upwards and downwards.


Topic: Choleric
Definition:
CHOLERIC, a.
1.  Abounding with choler.
2.  Easily irritated; irascible; inclined to anger; as a choleric man.
3.  Angry; indicating anger; excited by anger; as a choleric speech.


Topic: Cholesterin
Definition:
CHOLESTERIN, n.  A name given by M. Chevreul, to the pearly or crystaline substance of human biliary calculi.


Topic: Chondrodite
Definition:
CHONDRODITE, n.  A mineral, called also Brucite.  It occurs in grains or imperfect crystals, or in four-sided prisms with rhombic bases, truncated on the two acute lateral edges.  It is translucent; and its color varies from reddish or amber yellow to grayish brown.


Topic: Choose
Definition:
CHOOSE, v.t.
1.  To pick out; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more things offered; to make choice of.
The man the Lord doth choose shall be holy.  Num. 16.
2.  To take in preference.
Let us choose to us judgment.  Job 34.
3.  To prefer; to choose for imitation; to follow.
Envy not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.  Prov 3.
4.  To elect for eternal happiness; to predestinate to life.
Many are called but few chosen.  Matt 20.
For his elects sake, whom he hath chosen.  Mark 13.
5.  To elect or designate to office or employment by votes or suffrages.  In the United States, the people choose representatives by votes, usually by ballot.
CHOOSE, v.i.
1.  To prefer; as, I choose to go.
2.  To have the power of choice.  The phrase, he cannot choose but stay, denotes that he has not the power of choice, whether to stay or not.
The verb, in these phrases, is really transitive; the following verb standing as the object, instead of a noun.


Topic: Chop
Definition:
CHOP, v.t.
1.  To cut off or separate, by striking with a sharp instrument, either by a single blow or by repeated blows; as, to chop off a head; to chop wood.
2.  To cut into small pieces; to mince; as, to chop meat; to chop straw.
3.  To grand and mince with the teeth; to devour eagerly; with up; as, to chop up an entertainment.
4.  To break or open into chinks or fissures; to crack; to chap. [See Chap.]
CHOP, v.i.
1.  To buy, or rather to barter, truck, exchange.
2.  To exchange; to put one thing in the place of another; as, to chop and change our friends.
3.  To bandy; to altercate; to return one word or thing for another.
Let not the council chop with the judge.
CHOP, v.i.  To turn, vary, change or shift suddenly; as in the seamans phrase, the wind chops, or chops about. [The various senses of this verb seem to center in that of thrusting, driving, or a sudden motion or exertion of force.]
CHOP, n.
1.  A piece chopped off; a small piece of meat; as a mutton chop.
2.  A crack or cleft.  See Chap, which, with the broad sound of a, is often pronounced chap.
3.  The chap; the jaw; plu. The jaws; the mouth; the sides of a rivers mouth or channel. [See Chap.]


Topic: Chopin
Definition:
CHOPIN, n.  A liquid measure in France, containing nearly a pint Winchester measure.  In Scotland, a quart of wine measure.


Topic: Chopping
Definition:
CHOPPING, ppr.  Cutting; mincing; buying; bartering.
CHOPPING, a.  Stout; lusty; plump.
CHOPPING, n.
1.  A high-heeled shoe, worn by ladies in Italy. [See Chioppine.]
2.  A cutting; a mincing; from chop.


Topic: Choral
Definition:
CHORAL, a.  
1.  Belonging to or composing a choir or concert; as, choral symphonies.
2.  Singing in a choir; as, choral seraphs.


Topic: Chord
Definition:
CHORD, n.
1.  The string of a musical instrument.
2.  In music, the union of two or more sounds uttered at the same time, forming an entire harmony; as a third, fifth and eighth, which are perfect chords, or consonancies.  The fourth and sixth are imperfect chords.
3.  In geometry, a right line drawn or supposed to extend from one end of an arch of a circle to the other.  Hence the chord of an arch is a right line joining the extremities of that arch.
CHORD, v.t.  To string.


Topic: Chordee
Definition:
CHORDEE, n. [See Chord.] In medicine and surgery, an inflammatory or spasmodic contraction of the fraenum, attending gonorrhea and accompanied with pain.


Topic: Chore
Definition:
CHORE, n.  In America, this word denotes small work of a domestic kind, as distinguished from the principal work of the day.  It is generally used in the plural, chores, which includes the daily or occasional business of feeding cattle and other animals, preparing fuel, sweeping the house, cleaning furniture, &c. [See Char.]


Topic: Choreus
Definition:
CHOREUS, n.  In ancient poetry, a foot of two syllables, the first long and the second short; the trochee.


Topic: Choriambus
Definition:
CHORIAMBUS, n.  In ancient poetry, a foot consisting of four syllables, of which the first and last are long, and the others short; that is, a choreus or trochee and an iambus united; as, nobilitas, anxietas.


Topic: Chorister
Definition:
CHORISTER, n.
1.  Literally, a singer; one of a choir; a singer in a concert.
2.  One who leads a choir in church music.  This is the sense in the United States.


Topic: Chorographer
Definition:
CHOROGRAPHER, n. [See Chorography.] A person who describes a particular region or country; or one who forms a map or maps of particular regions or countries.


Topic: Chorographical
Definition:
CHOROGRAPHICAL, a.  Pertaining to chorography; descriptive of particular regions or countries; laying down or marking the bounds of particular countries.


Topic: Chorography
Definition:
CHOROGRAPHY, n.  The art or practice of making a map of a particular region, country, or province; or of marking its limits, bounds or position.  Chorography differs from geography, as the description of a particular country differs from that of the whole earth; and from topography, as the description of a country differs from that of a town, city or district.


Topic: Choroid
Definition:
CHOROID, n.  In anatomy, a term applied to several parts of the body that resemble the chorion; as the inner membrane investing the brain, or the pia mater; the second coat of the eye; the fold of the carotid artery in the brain, in which is the pineal gland.


Topic: Chorus
Definition:
CHORUS, n.
1.  A number of singers; a company of persons singing in concert.
2.  The persons who are supposed to behold what passes in the acts of a tragedy, and sing their sentiments between the acts.
3.  The song between the acts of a tragedy.
4.  Verses of a song in which the company join the singer; or the union of a company with a singer, in repeating certain couplets or verses, at certain periods in a song.
5.  A musical composition of two or more parts.
6.  Among the Greeks, a chorus consisted of a number of singers and dancers.


Topic: Chose
Definition:
CHOSE, n. In law, property in action; a right to possession; or that which may be demanded and recovered by suit or action at law.  Thus, money due on a bond or note is a chose in action; a recompense for damage done is a chose in action; the former proceeding from an express, the latter from an implied contract.  A contract executed is a chose in possession; a contract executory conveys only a chose in action.  A chose local is annexed to a place, as a mill or the like; a chose transitory is a thing which is movable.
CHOSE, s as z, pret. and p. of choose.


Topic: Chosen
Definition:
CHOSEN, pp.
1.  Selected from a number; picked out; taken in preference; elected; predestinated; designated to office.
2.  Select; distinguished by preference; eminent.
His chosen captains are drowned in the sea.  Ex. 15.
Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.  1 Pet. 2.


Topic: Chough
Definition:
CHOUGH, n.  The Cornish chough is a fowl of the genus Corvus, nearly of the size of the crow, and mischievous, like the magpie. It is black, except the bill, legs and feet, which are red.  It is a native of the west of England.
Couch is also applied to the jackdaw.


Topic: Chouse
Definition:
CHOUSE, v.t.  To cheat, trick, defraud; followed by of, in Hudibras; but in America, by out of; as, to chouse one out of his money.  
CHOUSE, n.  One who is easily cheated; a tool; a simpleton.
A trick; sham; imposition.


Topic: Chowder
Definition:
CHOWDER, n.  In New England, a dish of fish boiled with biscuit, &c.  In Spanish, chode is a paste made of mild, eggs, sugar and flour.  In the west of England, chowder-beer is a liquor made by boiling black spruce in water and mixing with it melasses.
CHOWDER, v.t.  To make a chowder.


Topic: Chrism
Definition:
CHRISM, n.  Unguent; unction.  In the Romish and Greek churches, oil consecrated by the bishop, and used in the administration of baptism, confirmation, ordination, and extreme unction.  It is prepared on holy Thursday with much ceremony, and in some cases, mixed with balsam.


Topic: Chrismation
Definition:
CHRISMATION, n.  The act of applying the chrism, or consecrated oil; in baptism, by the priest; in confirmation, by the bishop.  In ordination, it is usually styled unction.


Topic: Chrisom
Definition:
CHRISOM, n. [See Chrism.] a child that dies within a month after its birth; so called from the chrisom-cloth, a linen cloth anointed with holy oil, which was formerly laid over a childs face when it was baptized.  Also, the cloth itself.


Topic: Christ
Definition:
CHRIST, n.  THE ANOINTED; an appellation given to the Savior of the World, and synonymous with the Hebrew Messiah.  It was a custom of antiquity to consecrate persons to the sacerdotal and regal offices by anointing them with oil.


Topic: Christen
Definition:
CHRISTEN, v.t.
1.  To baptize, or rather to baptize and name; to initiate into the visible church of Christ by the application of water; applied to persons.  And as a name is given to the person in the ceremony, hence,
2.  To name; to denominate; applied to things.


Topic: Christendom
Definition:
CHRISTENDOM, n.
1.  The territories, countries or regions inhabited by Christians, or those who profess to believe in the Christian religion.
2.  The whole body of Christians.
3.  Christianity; the Christian religion; as, while Christendom prevailed.


Topic: Christening
Definition:
CHRISTENING, ppr.  The act or ceremony of baptizing and naming; initiation into the Christian religion.


Topic: Christian
Definition:
CHRISTIAN, n.
1.  A believer in the religion of Christ.
2.  A professor of his belief in the religion of Christ.
3.  A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.
4.  In a general sense, the word Christians includes all who are born in a Christian country or of Christian parents.
CHRISTIAN, a. [See the Noun.]
1.  Pertaining to Christ, taught by him, or received from him; as the Christian religion; Christian doctrines.
2.  Professing the religion of Christ; as a Christian friend.
3.  Belonging to the religion of Christ; relating to Christ, or to his doctrines, precepts and example; as christian profession and practice.
4.  Pertaining to the church; ecclesiastical; as courts Christian.
CHRISTIAN, v.t.  To baptize.


Topic: Christianite
Definition:
CHRISTIANITE, n.  A newly discovered Vesuvian mineral; its primitive form is that of an oblique rectangular prism; its colors brown, yellow or reddish.


Topic: Christianly
Definition:
CHRISTIANLY, adv.  In a Christian manner; in a manner becoming the principles of the Christian religion, or the profession of that religion.


Topic: Christmas
Definition:
CHRISTMAS, n.
1.  The festival of the Christian church observed annually on the 25th day of December, in memory of the birth of Christ, and celebrated by a particular church service.  The festival includes twelve days
2.  Christmas-day.


Topic: Christmas-rose
Definition:
CHRISTMAS-ROSE, n.  A plant of the genus Helleborus, producing beautiful white flowers about Christmas.


Topic: Christs-thorn
Definition:
CHRISTS-THORN, n.  The Rhamnus paliurus, a deciduous shrub, a native of Palestine and the South of Europe.  It has two thorns at each joint, and is supposed to have been the sort of which the crown of thorns for our Savior was made.


Topic: Chroastaces
Definition:
CHROASTACES, n.  In natural history, a genus of pellucid gems, comprehending all those of variable colors, as viewed in different lights.


Topic: Chromatic
Definition:
CHROMATIC, a.
1.  Relating to color.
2.  Noting a particular species of music, which proceeds by several semitones in succession.


Topic: Chromatics
Definition:
CHROMATICS, n.  The science of colors; that part of optics which treats of the properties of the colors of light and of natural bodies.


Topic: Chrome
Definition:
CHROME, n.  A metal consisting of a porous mass of agglutinated grains, very hard, brittle, and of a grayish white color.  Its texture is radiated.  In its highest degree of oxydation, it passes into the state of an acid, of a ruby red color.  It takes its name from the various and beautiful colors which its oxyd and acid communicate to minerals into whose composition they enter.  Chrome is employed to give a fine deep green to the enamel of porcelain, to glass, &c.
The oxyd of Chrome is of a bright grass green or pale yellow color.


Topic: Chromic
Definition:
CHROMIC, a.  Pertaining to chrome, or obtained from it; as chromic acid.
Chromic yellow, the artificial chromate of lead, a beautiful pigment.


Topic: Chronicle
Definition:
CHRONICLE, n. [See Chronic.]
1.  A historical account of facts or events disposed in the order of time.  It is nearly synonymous with annals.  In general, this species of writing is more strictly confined to chronological order, and is less diffuse than the form of writing called history.
2.  In a more general sense, a history.
3.  That which contains history.
Europe - her very ruins tell the history of times gone by, and every moldering stone is a chronicle.
4.  Chronicles, plu.  Two books of the Old Testament.
CHRONICLE, v.t.  To record in history, or chronicle; to record; to register.


Topic: Chronogram
Definition:
CHRONOGRAM, n.  An inscription in which a certain date or epoch is expressed by numeral letters; as in the motto of a medal struck by Gustavus Adolphus in 1632.
ChrIstVs DVX; ergo trIVMphVs.


Topic: Chronologically
Definition:
CHRONOLOGICALLY, adv.  In a chronological manner; in a manner according with the order of time, the series of events, or rules of chronology.


Topic: Chronologist
Definition:
CHRONOLOGIST, n. [See Chronology.] 
1.  A person who attempts to discover the true dates of past events and transactions, and to arrange them under their proper years, or divisions of time, in the order in which they happened.
2.  One who studies chronology, or is versed in the science.


Topic: Chronology
Definition:
CHRONOLOGY, n.  The science of time; the method of measuring, or computing time by regular divisions or periods, according to the revolutions of the sun, or moon; of ascertaining the true periods or years when past events or transactions took place; and arranging them in their proper order according to their dates.
If history without chronology is dark and confused; chronology without history is dry and insipid.


Topic: Chronometer
Definition:
CHRONOMETER, n.  Any instrument that measures time or that divides time into equal portions, or that is used for that purpose, as a clock, watch or dial; particularly an instrument that measures time with great exactness.


Topic: Chrysalis
Definition:
CHRYSALIS, n.  The particular form which butterflies, moths, and some other insects assume, before they arrive at their winged or perfect state.  It is called also aurelia, from aurum, gold.  In this form, the animal is in a state of rest or insensibility; having no organs for taking nourishment, nor wings, nor legs.  The external covering is cartilaginous, and usually smooth and glossy; sometimes hairy.  The name is taken from the yellow color of certain species; but they are of different colors, as green, black, &c.


Topic: Chrysoberyl
Definition:
CHRYSOBERYL, n.  A siliceous gem, of a dilute yellowish green color.
Chrysoberyl, the cymophane of Hauy, is a mineral usually found in round pieces, about the size of a pea; but it is also found crystalized in eight-sided prisms.  It is next to the sapphire in hardness, and employed in jewelry.


Topic: Chrysocolla
Definition:
CHRYSOCOLLA, n.  Carbonate of copper, of two subspecies, the blue and the green; formerly called blue and green chrysocolla, also mountain blue and mountain green.  It occurs in crystals, stalactites and other forms.


Topic: Chrysolite
Definition:
CHRYSOLITE, n.  A mineral, called by Hauy and Brongniart, peridote and by Jameson, prismatic chrysolite.  Its prevailing color is some shade of green.  It is harder than glass, but less hard than quartz; often transparent, sometimes only translucent.  It occurs sometimes in crystals, sometimes in small amorphous masses or grains, and sometimes in rolled pieces.


Topic: Chrysoprase
Definition:
CHRYSOPRASE, n.  A mineral, a subspecies of quartz.  Its color is commonly apple green, and often extremely beautiful.  It is translucent, or sometimes semi-transparent; its fracture even and dull, sometimes a little splintery, sometimes smooth and slightly conchoidal; its harness a little inferior to that of flint.


Topic: Chub
Definition:
CHUB, n.  A river fish, called also cheven, of the genus Cyprinus.  The body is oblong, nearly round; the head and back, green; the sides silvery, and the belly white.  It frequents deep holes in rivers shaded by trees; but in warm weather floats near the surface, and furnishes sport for anglers.  It is indifferent food.


Topic: Chuck
Definition:
CHUCK, v.i.  To make the noise of a hen or partridge, when she calls her chickens.
CHUCK, v.t.  To call, as a hen her chickens.
CHUCK, v.i.  To jeer; to laugh. [See Chuckle.]
CHUCK, v.t.
1.  To strike, or give a gentle blow; as, to chuck one under the chin.
2.  To throw, with quick motion, a short distance; to pitch.
CHUCK, n.
1.  The voice or call of a hen.
2.  A sudden small noise.
3.  A word of endearment, corrupted from chick, chicken.


Topic: Chuckle
Definition:
CHUCKLE, v.t.
1.  To call, as a hen her chickens.
2.  To fondle; to cocker.
CHUCKLE, v.i.  To laugh heartily, or convulsively; to shake with laughter, or to burst into fits of laughter.


Topic: Chuckle-head
Definition:
CHUCKLE-HEAD, n.  A vulgar word in America, denoting a person with a large head, a dunce.  Bailey says, a rattling, noisy, empty fellow.


Topic: Chuffy
Definition:
CHUFFY, a.  Blunt; clownish; surly; angry; stomachful.  In New England, this word expresses that displeasure which causes a swelling or surly look and grumbling, rather than heat and violent expressions of anger.


Topic: Chuk
Definition:
CHUK, n.  A word used in calling swine.  It is the original name of that animal, which our ancestors brought with them from Persia, where it is still in use, Pers. Chuk, Zend, chuk, a hog; Sans. Sugara.  Our ancestors, while in England, adopted the Welsh hwc, hog, but chuck is retained in our popular name of woodchuck, that is, wood hog.  This is a remarkable proof of the original seat of the Teutonic nations.  I have taken chuk from Adelung.  The French cochon may be the same word.


Topic: Church
Definition:
CHURCH, n.
1.  A house consecrated to the worship of God, among Christians; the Lords house.  This seems to be the original meaning of the word.  The Greek, to call out or call together, denotes an assembly or collection.  But, Lord, a term applied by the early Christians to Jesus Christ; and the house in which they worshipped was named from the title.  So church goods, bona ecclesiastica; the Lords day, dies dominica.
2.  The collective body of Christians, or of those who profess to believe in Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Savior of mankind.  In this sense, the church is sometimes called the Catholic or Universal Church.
3.  A particular number of christens, united under one form of ecclesiastical government, in one creed, and using the same ritual and ceremonies; as the English church; the Gallican church; the Presbyterian church; the Romish church; the Greek church.
4.  The followers of Christ in a particular city or province; as the church of Ephesus, or of Antioch.
5.  The disciples of Christ assembled for worship in a particular place, as in a private house.  Col. 4.
6.  The worshipers of Jehovah or the true God, before the advent of Christ; as the Jewish church.
7.  The body of clergy, or ecclesiastics, in distinction from the laity.  Hence, ecclesiastical authority.
8.  An assembly of sacred rulers convened in Christs name to execute his laws.
9.  The collective body of Christians, who have made a public profession of the Christian religion, and who are untied under the same pastor; in distinction from those who belong to the same parish, or ecclesiastical society, but have made no profession of their faith.
CHURCH, v.t.  To perform with any one the office of returning thanks in the church, after any signal deliverance, as from the dangers of childbirth.


Topic: Church-music
Definition:
CHURCH-MUSIC, n.  
1.  The service of singing or chanting in a church.
2.  Music suited to church service.


Topic: Church-warden
Definition:
CHURCH-WARDEN, n.  A keeper or guardian of the church, and a representative of the parish.  Church-wardens are appointed by the minister, or elected by the parishioners, to superintend the church, its property and concerns, and the behavior of the parishioners.  For these and many other purposes, they possess corporate powers.


Topic: Churchman
Definition:
CHURCHMAN, n.
1.  An ecclesiastic or clergyman; one who ministers in sacred things.
2.  An episcopalian, as distinguished from a presbyterian or congregationalist, &c.


Topic: Churl
Definition:
CHURL, n.
1.  A rude, surly, ill-bred man.
2.  A rustic; a countryman, or laborer.
3.  A miser; a niggard.  Is. 32.


Topic: Churlish
Definition:
CHURLISH, a.  
1.  Rude; surly; austere; sullen; rough in temper; unfeeling; uncivil.
2.  Selfish; narrow-minded; avaricious.
3. [Of things.] Unpliant; unyielding; cross-grained; harsh; unmanageable; as churlish metal.
4.  Hard; firm; as a churlish knot.
5.  Obstinate; as a churlish war.


Topic: Churlishness
Definition:
CHURLISHNESS, n.  Rudeness of manners or temper, but generally the word refers to the temper or disposition of mind; sullenness; austerity; indisposition to kindness or courtesy.


Topic: Churn
Definition:
CHURN, n. A vessel in which cream or milk is agitated for separating the oily part from the caseous and serous parts, to make butter.
CHURN, v.t.
1.  To stir or agitate cream for making butter.
2.  To shake or agitate with violence or continued motion, as in the operation of making butter.


Topic: Churning
Definition:
CHURNING, ppr.  Agitating to make butter; shaking; stirring.
CHURNING, n.
1.  The operation of making butter from cream by agitation; a shaking or stirring.
2.  As much butter as is made at one operation.


Topic: Chusite
Definition:
CHUSITE, n.  A yellowish mineral found by Saussure in the cavities of porphyries in the environs of Limbourg.


Topic: Chyle
Definition:
CHYLE, n.  In animal bodies, a white or milky fluid separated from aliments by means of digestion.  It is absorbed by the lacteal vessels, by which it is conveyed into the circulation, assimilated into blood, and converted into nutriment.


Topic: Chyme
Definition:
CHYME, n.  That particular modification which food assumes after it has undergone the action of the stomach.
Among the older authors, juice; chyle, or the finest part of the chyle contained in the lacteals and thoracic duct; any humor incrassated by concoction, whether fit or unfit for preserving and nourishing the body.


Topic: Cicatrice
Definition:
CICATRICE, n.  A scar; a little seam or elevation of flesh remaining after a wound or ulcer is healed.


Topic: Cicatricle
Definition:
CICATRICLE, n.  The germinating or fetal point in the embryo of a seed or the yolk of an egg; as, germinating cicatricle.


Topic: Cicatrization
Definition:
CICATRIZATION, n.  The process of healing or forming a cicatrix; or the state of being healed, cicatrized or skinned over.


Topic: Cicatrize
Definition:
CICATRIZE, v.t.  To heal, or induce the formation of a cicatrix, in wounded or ulcerated flesh; or to apply medicines for that purpose.
CICATRIZE, v.i.  To heal or be healed; to skin over; as wounded flesh cicatrizes.


Topic: Ciceronian
Definition:
CICERONIAN, a.  Resembling Cicero, either in style or action; in style, diffuse and flowing; in manner, vehement.


Topic: Cicuta
Definition:
CICUTA, n.  Water-hemlock, a plant whose root is poisonous.  This term was used by the ancients and by medical writers for the Conium maculatum, or common hemlock, the expressed juice of which was used as a common poison.  Socrates and Phocion perished by it.  It is now used medicinally in moderate doses, with good effect.


Topic: Cider
Definition:
CIDER, n.  The juice of apples expressed, a liquor used for drink.  The word was formerly used to signify the juice of other fruits, and other kinds of strong liquor; but it is now appropriated to the juice of apples, before and after fermentation.


Topic: Ciderkin
Definition:
CIDERKIN, n.  The liquor made of the gross matter of apples, after the cider is pressed out, and a quantity of boiled water is added; the whole steeping forty eight hours.


Topic: Cigar
Definition:
CIGAR, n.  A small roll of tobacco, so formed as to be tubular, used for smoking.  Cigars are of Spanish origin.


Topic: Ciliated
Definition:
CILIATED, a.  In botany, furnished or surrounded with parallel filaments, or bristles, resembling the hairs of the eye-lids, as a ciliated leaf, &c.


Topic: Cimbric
Definition:
CIMBRIC, a.  Pertaining to the Cimbri, the inhabitants of the modern Jutland, in Denmark, which was anciently called the Cimbric Chesonese.  Hence the modern names, Cymru, Wales, Cambria; Cymro, a Welshman; Cymreig, Welsh, or the Welsh language; names indicating the Welsh to be a colony of the Cimbri or from the same stock.
CIMBRIC, n.  The language of the Cimbri.


Topic: Cimmerian
Definition:
CIMMERIAN, a.  Pertaining to Cimmerium, a town at the mouth of the Palus Maeotis.  The ancients pretended that this country was involved in darkness; whence the phrase Cimmerian darkness, to denote a deep or continual obscurity.  The country is now called Crimea, or Krim-Tartary.


Topic: Cimolite
Definition:
CIMOLITE, n.  A species of clay, used by the ancients, as a remedy for erysipelas and other inflammations.  It is white, or a loose, soft texture, molders into a fine powder, and effervesces with acids.  It is useful in taking spots from cloth.  Another species, of a purple color, is the steatite or soap-rock.  From another species, found in the isle of Wight, tobacco pipes are made.  


Topic: Cinchona
Definition:
CINCHONA, n.  The Peruvian bark, quinquina, of which there are three varieties, the red, yellow and pale.


Topic: Cincture
Definition:
CINCTURE, n.
1.  A belt, a girdle, or something worn round the body.
2.  That which encompasses, or incloses.
3.  In architecture, a ring or list at the top and bottom of a column, separating the shaft at one end from the base; at the other, from the capital.  It is supposed to be in imitation of the girths or ferrils anciently used to strengthen columns.


Topic: Cinder
Definition:
CINDER, n.
1.  Small coals or particles of fire mixed with ashes; embers.
2.  Small particles of matter, remaining after combustion, in which fire is extinct; as the cinders of a forge.


Topic: Cinnabar
Definition:
CINNABAR, n.  Red sulphuret of mercury.  Native cinnabar is an ore of quicksilver, moderately compact, very heavy, and of an elegant striated red color.  It is called native vermilion, and its chief use is in painting.  The intensity of its color is reduced by bruising and dividing it into small parts.  It is found amorphous, or under some imitative form, or crystalized.  Factitious cinnabar is a mixture of mercury and sulphur sublimed, and thus reduced into a fine red glebe.


Topic: Cinnabarine
Definition:
CINNABARINE, a.  Pertaining to cinnabar; consisting of cinnabar, or containing it; as, cinnabarine sand.


Topic: Cinnamon
Definition:
CINNAMON, n.  The bark of two species of Laurus.  The true cinnamon is the inner bark of the Laurus Cinnamomum, a native of Ceylon.  The base cinnamon is from the Laurus Cassia.  The true cinnamon is a most grateful aromatic, of a fragrant smell, moderately pungent taste, accompanied with some degree of sweetness and astringency.  It is one of the best cordial, carminative and restorative spices.  The essential oil is of great price.
Cinnamon stone, called by Hauy, Essonite, is a rare mineral from Ceylon, of a hyacinth red color, yellowish brown or honey yellow; sometimes used in jewelry.
Cinnamon-water, is made by distilling the bark, first infused in barley water, in spirit of wine, brandy or white wine.
Clove-cinnamon, is the bark of a tree growing in Brazil, which is often substituted for real cloves.
White-cinnamon, or Winters bark, is the bark of a tree, growing in the West Indies, of a sharp biting taste, like pepper.


Topic: Cinque-ports
Definition:
CINQUE-PORTS, n.  Five havens on the eastern shore of England, towards France, viz. Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich.  To these ports, Winchelsea and Rye have been added.  These were anciently deemed of so much importance, in the defense of the kingdom against an invasion from France, that they received royal grants of particular privileges, on condition of providing a certain number of ships in war at their own expense.  Over these is appointed a warden, and each has a right to send two barons to Parliament.


Topic: Cion
Definition:
CION, n. A young shoot, twig or sprout of a tree, or plant, or rather the cutting of a twig, intended for ingrafting on another stock; also, the shoot or slip inserted in a stock for propagation.


Topic: Cipher
Definition:
CIPHER, n.
1.  In arithmetic, an Arabian or Oriental character, of this form 0, which, standing by itself, expresses nothing, but increases or diminishes the value of other figures, according to its position.  In whole numbers, when placed at the right hand of a figure, it increases its value ten fold; but in decimal fractions, placed at the left hand of a figure, it diminishes the value of that figure ten fold.
2.  A character in general.
3.  An intertexture of letters, as the initials of a name, engraved on a seal, box, plate, coach or tomb; a device; an enigmatical character.  Anciently, merchants and tradesmen, not being permitted to bear family arms, bore, in lieu of them, their cyphers, or initials of their names, artfully interwoven about a cross.
4.  A secret or disguised manner of writing; certain characters arbitrarily invented and agreed on by two or more persons, to stand for letters or words, and understood only by the persons who invent, or agree to use them.  This is a mode of communicating information by letters, in time of war, with a view to conceal facts from an enemy, in case the letters should be intercepted.  This art has given rise to another art, that of decyphering; and hence cipher is used for a key to unravel the characters.  To have, or to learn a cipher, is to be able to interpret it.
CIPHER, v.i.  In popular language, to use figures, or to practice arithmetic.
CIPHER, v.t.
1.  To write in occult characters.
2.  To designate; to characterize.


Topic: Cipolin
Definition:
CIPOLIN, n.  A green marble from Rome, containing white zones.  It consists chiefly of carbonate of lime, with quartz, shistus, and a small portion of iron.


Topic: Circean
Definition:
CIRCEAN, a.  Pertaining to Circe, the fabled daughter of Sol and Perseis, who was supposed to possess great knowledge of magic and venomous herbs, by which she was able to charm and fascinate.


Topic: Circensian
Definition:
CIRCENSIAN, a.  Pertaining to the Circus, in Rome, where were practiced games of various kinds, as running, wrestling, combats, &c.  The Circensian games accompanied most of the feasts of the Romans; but the grand games were held five days, commencing on the 15th of September.


Topic: Circinal
Definition:
CIRCINAL, a.  Rolled in spirally downwards, the tip occupying the center; a term in foliation or leafing, as in ferns.


Topic: Circle
Definition:
CIRCLE, n.
1.  In geometry, a plane figure comprehended by a single curve line, called its circumference, every part of which is equally distant from a point called the center.  Of course all lines drawn from the center to the circumference or periphery, are equal to each other.
2.  In popular use, the line that comprehends the figure, the plane or surface comprehended, and the whole body or solid matter of a round substance, are denominated a circle; a ring; an orb; the earth.
3.  Compass; circuit; as the circle of the forest.
4.  An assembly surrounding the principal person.  Hence, any company, or assembly; as a circle of friends, or of beauties.  Hence the word came to signify indefinitely a number of persons of a particular character, whether associated or not; as a political circle; the circle of ones acquaintance; having however reference to a primary association.
5.  A series ending where it begins, and perpetually repeated; a going round.
Thus in a circle runs the peasants pain.
6.  Circumlocution; indirect form of words.
7.  In logic, an inconclusive form of argument, when the same terms are proved in orbem by the same terms, and the parts of the syllogism alternately by each other, directly and indirectly; or when the foregoing proposition is proved by the following, and the following is inferred from the foregoing; as, that heavy bodies descend by gravity, and that gravity is a quality by which a heavy body descends.
8.  Circles of the sphere, are such as cut the mundane sphere, and have their periphery either on its movable surface, as the meridians; or in another immovable, conterminous and equidistant surface, as the ecliptic, equator, and its parallels.
9.  Circles of altitude or almucantars, are circles parallel to the horizon, having their common pole in the zenith, and diminishing as they approach the zenith.
10.  Circles of latitude, are great circles perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic, passing through its poles and through every star and planet.
11.  Circles of longitude, are lesser circles parallel to the ecliptic, diminishing as they recede from it.
12.  Circle of perpetual apparition, one of the lesser circles, parallel to the equator, described by any point of the sphere touching the northern point of the horizon, and carried about with the diurnal motion.  The stars within this circle never set.
13.  Circle of perpetual occultation, another lesser circle at a like distance from the equator, which includes all the stars which never appear in our hemisphere.
14.  Diurnal circles, are immovable circles supposed to be described by the several stars and other points in the heavens, in their diurnal rotation round the earth, or rather in the rotation of the earth round its axis.
15.  Horary circles, in dialing, are the lines which show the hours on dials.
16.  Circles of the empire, the provinces or principalities of the German empire, which have a right to be present at the diets.  Maximilian I. divided the empire into six circles at first, and afterwards into ten; Austria, Burgundy, Lower Rhine, Bavaria, Upper Saxony, Franconia, Swabia, Upper Rhine, Westphalia, and Lower Saxony.
17.  Druidical circles, in British Topography, are certain ancient inclosures formed by rude stones circularly arranged; as Stone-henge near Salisbury.
CIRCLE, v.t.  
1.  To move round; to revolve round.
And other planets circle other suns.
2.  To encircle; to encompass; to surround; to inclose.
3.  To circle in, to confine; to keep together.
CIRCLE, v.i.  To move circularly; as, the bowl circles; the circling years.


Topic: Circled
Definition:
CIRCLED, pp.  Surrounded; encompassed; inclosed.
CIRCLED, a.  Having the form of a circle; round; as the moons circled orb.


Topic: Circuit
Definition:
CIRCUIT, n.
1.  The act of moving or passing round; as the periodical circuit of the earth round the sun, or of the moon round the earth.


Topic: Circular
Definition:
CIRCULAR, a.
1.  In the form of a circle; round; circumscribed by a circle; spherical; as, the sun appears to be circular.
2.  Successive in order; always returning.
3.  Vulgar; mean; circumforaneous; as a circular poet.
4.  Ending in itself; used of a paralogism, where the second proposition at once proves the first, and is proved by it.
5.  Addressed to a circle, or to a number of persons having a common interest; as a circular letter.
6.  Circular lines, such straight lines as are divided from the divisions made in the arch of a circle; as the lines of sines, tangents and secants, on the plain scale and sector.
7.  Circular numbers, are those whose powers terminate in the roots themselves; as 5 and 6, whose squares are 25 and 36. 
8.  Circular sailing, is the method of sailing by the arch of a great circle.
CIRCULAR, n.  A circular letter, or paper.


Topic: Circulate
Definition:
CIRCULATE, v.i.
1.  To move in a circle; to move or pass round; to move round and return to the same point; as, the blood circulates in the body.
2.  To pass from place to place, from person to person, or from hand to hand; to be diffused; as, money circulates in the country; a story circulates in town.
3.  To move round; to run; to flow in veins or channels, or in an inclosed place; as, the sap of plants circulates; water circulates in the earth, or air in a city or house.
CIRCULATE, v.t.  To cause to pass from place to place, or from person to person; to put about; to spread; as, to circulate a report; to circulate bills of credit.


Topic: Circulation
Definition:
CIRCULATION, n.
1.  The act of moving round, or in a circle, or in a course which brings or tends to bring the moving body to the point where its motion began; as the circulation of the blood in the body.
2.  A series in which the same order is preserved and things return to the same state.
3.  The act of going and returning; or of passing from place to place, or from person to person; as the circulation of money.
4.  Currency; circulating coin, or notes or bills current for coin.
5.  In chimistry, circulation is an operation by which the same vapor, raised by fire, falls back to be returned and distilled several times.


Topic: Circulatory
Definition:
CIRCULATORY, a.  
1.  Circular; as a circulatory letter.
2.  Circulating.
CIRCULATORY, n.  A chimical vessel, in which that which rises from the vessel on the fire is collected and cooled in another fixed upon it, and falls down again.


Topic: Circumambient
Definition:
CIRCUMAMBIENT, a.  Surrounding; encompassing; inclosing or being on all sides; used particularly of the air about the earth.


Topic: Circumcellion
Definition:
CIRCUMCELLION, n.  In church history, a set of illiterate peasants that adhered to the Donatists in the fourth century.


Topic: Circumcise
Definition:
CIRCUMCISE, v.t.  To cut off the prepuce or foreskin of males; a ceremony or rite in the Jewish and Mohammedan religions.  The word is applied also to a practice among some nations of performing a like operation upon females.


Topic: Circumduction
Definition:
CIRCUMDUCTION, n.
1.  A leading about.
2.  An annulling; cancellation.
CIRCUMDUCTION, n.  
1.  A leading about.
2.  An annulling; cancellation.


Topic: Circumference
Definition:
CIRCUMFERENCE, n.  
1.  The line that bounds a circle; the exterior line of a circular body; the whole exterior surface of a round body; a periphery.
2.  The space included in a circle.
3.  An orb; a circle; any thing circular or orbicular; as in Milton, speaking of a shield.
The broad circumference hung on his shoulders like the moon.
CIRCUMFERENCE, v.t.  To include in a circular space.


Topic: Circumferentor
Definition:
CIRCUMFERENTOR, n.  An instrument used by surveyors for taking angles.  It consists of a brass index, and circle, all of a piece; on the circle is a chart, divided into 360 degrees.  There are also two sights to screw on and slide up and down the index; also a spangle and socket screwed on the back side of the circle to put the head of the staff in.


Topic: Circumflex
Definition:
CIRCUMFLEX, n.  In grammar, an accent serving to note or distinguish a syllable of an intermediate sound between acute and grave.  It is a kind of undulation in the voice, but not used in English.
CIRCUMFLEX, v.t.  To mark or pronounce with the accent called a circumflex.


Topic: Circumfusion
Definition:
CIRCUMFUSION, n. [See Circumfuse.] The act of pouring or spreading round; the state of being poured round.


Topic: Circumlocution
Definition:
CIRCUMLOCUTION, n.  A circuit or compass of words; a periphrase; the use of a number of words to express an idea, when a suitable term is not at hand, or when a speaker chooses to avoid the use of a single term, either from delicacy or respect, or with a view to soften the force of a direct expression, or for other reason.


Topic: Circumlocutory
Definition:
CIRCUMLOCUTORY, a.  Pertaining to circumlocution; consisting or contained in a compass of words; periphrastic.


Topic: Circumpolar
Definition:
CIRCUMPOLAR, a.  About the pole; an appellation given to stars, which are so near the north pole, as to revolve round it without setting.  The number of these depends on the latitude of the spectator.  We apply it to the north polar region and stars, but the word is applicable to either pole.


Topic: Circumrotation
Definition:
CIRCUMROTATION, n.  The act of rolling or revolving round, as a wheel; circumvolution; the state of being whirled round.


Topic: Circumscribe
Definition:
CIRCUMSCRIBE, v.t.
1.  To inclose within a certain limit; to limit, bound, confine.
You are above the little forms which circumscribe your sex.
2.  To write round.


Topic: Circumscribed
Definition:
CIRCUMSCRIBED, pp.  Drawn round as a line; limited; confined.
In geometry, this word is applied to a figure which is drawn round another figure, so that all its sides or planes touch the inscribed figure.


Topic: Circumscription
Definition:
CIRCUMSCRIPTION, n.  
1.  The line that limits; limitation; bound; confinement.
2.  In natural philosophy, the termination or limits of a body; the exterior line which determines the form or magnitude of a body.
3.  A circular inscription.


Topic: Circumscriptive
Definition:
CIRCUMSCRIPTIVE, a.  Defining the external form; marking or inclosing the limits or superficies of a body.


Topic: Circumspect
Definition:
CIRCUMSPECT, a.  Literally, looking on all sides; looking round.  Hence,
Cautious; prudent; watchful on all sides; examining carefully all the circumstances that may affect a determination, or a measure to be adopted.


Topic: Circumspection
Definition:
CIRCUMSPECTION, n.  Caution; attention to all the facts and circumstances of a case, and to the natural or probable consequences of a measure, with a view to a correct course of conduct, or to avoid danger.


Topic: Circumspectively
Definition:
CIRCUMSPECTIVELY, adv.  Cautiously; vigilantly; heedfully; with watchfulness to guard against danger.


Topic: Circumspectly
Definition:
CIRCUMSPECTLY, adv.  Cautiously; with watchfulness every way; with attention to guard against surprise or danger.


Topic: Circumspectness
Definition:
CIRCUMSPECTNESS, n.  Caution; circumspection; vigilance in guarding against evil from every quarter.


Topic: Circumstance
Definition:
CIRCUMSTANCE, n.
1.  Something attending, appendant, or relative to a fact, or case; a particular thing, which, though not essential to an action, in some way affects it; the same to a moral action, as accident to a natural substance; as, the circumstances of time, place and persons, are to be considered.
2.  The adjuncts of a fact, which make it more or less criminal, or make an accusation more or less probable; accident; something adventitious; incident; event.
3.  Circumstances, in the plural, condition, in regard to worldly estate; state of property; as a man in low circumstances, or in easy circumstances.


Topic: Circumstanced
Definition:
CIRCUMSTANCED, pp. or a.  Placed in a particular manner, with regard to attending facts or incidents; as, circumstanced as we were, we could not escape.


Topic: Circumstantial
Definition:
CIRCUMSTANTIAL, a.
1.  Attending; relating to; but not essential.
2.  Consisting in or pertaining to circumstances, or to particular incidents.
3.  Incidental; casual.
4.  Abounding with circumstances, or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular; as a circumstantial account or recital.
5.  In law, circumstantial evidence is that which is obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL, n. Circumstantials, in the plural, are things incident to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to essentials; as the circumstantials of religion.


Topic: Circumstantiality
Definition:
CIRCUMSTANTIALITY, n.
1.  The appendage of circumstances; the state of any thing as modified by circumstances.
2.  Particularity in exhibiting circumstances; minuteness; as the circumstantiality of a story or description.


Topic: Circumstantially
Definition:
CIRCUMSTANTIALLY, adv.
1.  According to circumstances; not essentially; accidentally.
2.  Minutely; exactly; in every circumstance of particular.


Topic: Circumstantiate
Definition:
CIRCUMSTANTIATE, v.t.
1.  To place in particular circumstances; to invest with particular accidents or adjuncts.
2.  To place in a particular condition with regard to power or wealth.


Topic: Circumvallation
Definition:
CIRCUMVALLATION, n.
1.  In the art of war, a surrounding with a wall or rampart; also, a wall, rampart, or parapet with a trench, surrounding the camp of a besieging army, to prevent desertion, and guard the army against any attempt of an enemy to relieve the place besieged.
2.  The rampart, or fortification surrounding a besieged place.
[Note.  This word, from the Latin, vallo, or vallum, vallus, denotes properly the wall or rampart thrown up; but as the rampart is formed by entrenching, and the trench makes a part of the fortification, the word is applied to both.  See Eng. Wall.]


Topic: Circumvent
Definition:
CIRCUMVENT, v.t.  Literally, to come round; hence,
To gain advantage over another, or to accomplish a purpose, by arts, stratagem, or deception; to deceive; to prevail over another by wiles or fraud; to delude; to impose on.


Topic: Circumvention
Definition:
CIRCUMVENTION, n. 
1.  The act of prevailing over another by arts, address, or fraud; deception; fraud; imposture; delusion.
2.  Prevention; preoccupation.


Topic: Circumvolution
Definition:
CIRCUMVOLUTION, n.  
1.  The act of rolling round; the state of being rolled; also the thing rolled round another.
2.  In architecture, the torus of the spiral line of the Ionic order.


Topic: Circumvolve
Definition:
CIRCUMVOLVE, v.t.  To roll round; to cause to revolve; to put into a circular motion.
CIRCUMVOLVE, v.i.  To roll round; to revolve.


Topic: Circus
Definition:
CIRCUS, n.
1.  In antiquity, a round or oval edifice, used for the exhibition of games and shows to the people.  The Roman circus was encompassed with porticos, and furnished with rows of seats, rising one above another for the accommodation of spectators.  The Circus Maximus was nearly a mile in circumference.
2.  The open area, or space inclosed, in which were exhibited games and shows; as wrestling, fighting with swords, staves or pikes, running or racing, dancing, quoits, &c.
3.  In modern times, a circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship.


Topic: Cisalpine
Definition:
CISALPINE, a.  On this side of the Alps, with regard to Rome; that is, on the south of the Alps; opposed to transalpine.


Topic: Cistern
Definition:
CISTERN, n.
1.  An artificial reservoir or receptacle for holding water, beer or other liquor, as in domestic uses, distilleries, and breweries.
2.  A natural reservoir; a hollow place containing water; as a fountain or lake.


Topic: Cistus
Definition:
CISTUS, n.  The rock-rose, a genus of plants of many species, most of them natives of the southern parts of Europe.  Some of them are beautiful evergreen flowering shrubs, and ornamental in gardens.


Topic: Cit
Definition:
CIT, n. [contracted from citizen.] A citizen, in a low sense; an inhabitant of a city; a pert townsman; a pragmatical trader.


Topic: Citation
Definition:
CITATION, n.
1.  A summons; an official call or notice, given to a person, to appear in a court, and answer to a demand; a call or notice to appear, in various other cases, and the paper containing such notice or call.
2.  Quotation; the act of citing a passage from a book; or from another person, in his own words; also, the passage or words quoted.
3.  Enumeration; mention.


Topic: Cite
Definition:
CITE, v.t.
1.  To call upon officially, or authoritatively; to summon; to give legal or official notice, as to a defendant to appear in court, to answer or defend.
2.  To enjoin; to direct; to summon; to order or urge.
3.  To quote; to name or repeat, as a passage or the words of another, either from a book or from verbal communication; as, to cite a passage from scripture, or to cite the very words a man utters.
4.  To call or name, in support, proof or confirmation; as, to cite an authority to prove a point in law.


Topic: Citer
Definition:
CITER, n.
1.  One who cites or summons into court.
2.  One who quotes a passage or the words of another.


Topic: Citharistic
Definition:
CITHARISTIC, a.  Pertaining to or adapted to the harp; or appropriated to the accompaniment of the harp.


Topic: Cithern
Definition:
CITHERN, n.  A stringed musical instrument, among the ancients, the precise form of which is not known, but it bore some resemblance to the modern guitar, the name of which is evidently from this ancient word.


Topic: Citizen
Definition:
CITIZEN, n.
1.  The native of a city, or an inhabitant who enjoys the freedom and privileges of the city in which he resides; the freeman of a city, as distinguished from a foreigner, or one not entitled to its franchises.
2.  A townsman; a man of trade; not a gentleman.
3.  An inhabitant; a dweller in any city, town or place.
4.  In general sense, a native or permanent resident in a city or country; as the citizens of London or Philadelphia; the citizens of the United States.
5.  In the United States, a person, native or naturalized, who has the privilege of exercising the elective franchise, or the qualifications which enable him to vote for rulers, and to purchase and hold real estate.
If the citizens of the United States should not be free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own.
CITIZEN, a.  Having the qualities of a citizen.


Topic: Citizenize
Definition:
CITIZENIZE, v.t.  To make a citizen; to admit to the rights and privileges of a citizen.
Talleyrand was citizenized in Pennsylvania, when there in the form of an emigrant.


Topic: Citrate
Definition:
CITRATE, n.  In Chimistry, a neutral salt, formed by a union of the citric acid, or acid of lemons, with a base,The onion yields citrate of lime.


Topic: Citrine
Definition:
CITRINE, a.  Like a citron or lemon; of a lemon color; yellow, or greenish yellow.
CITRINE, n.  A species of very fine sprig crystal, of a beautiful yellow color, found in columns, and terminating in a hexangular pyramid.


Topic: Citron-tree
Definition:
CITRON-TREE, n.  The tree which produces the citron, of the genus Citrus.  It has an upright smooth stem, with a branchy head, rising from five to fifteen feet, adorned with large, oval, spear-shaped leaves.  To the same genus belong the lemon-tree, orange-tree, &c.


Topic: City
Definition:
CITY, n.
1.  In a general sense, a large town; a large number of houses and inhabitants, established in one place.
2.  In a more appropriate sense, a corporate town; a town or collective body of inhabitants, incorporated and governed by particular officers, as a mayor and aldermen.  This is the sense of the word in the United States.  In Great Britain, a city is said to be a town corporate that has a bishop and a cathedral church; but this is not always the fact.
3.  The collective body of citizens, or the inhabitants of a city; as when we say, the city voted to establish a market, and the city repealed the vote.
CITY, a.  Pertaining to a city; as city wives; a city feast; city manners.


Topic: Civet
Definition:
CIVET, n.  A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from a bag under the tail of the civet-cat.  It is of a clear, yellowish, or brownish color; of a strong smell, and offensive when undiluted, but agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another substance.  It is used as a perfume.


Topic: Civet-cat
Definition:
CIVET-CAT, n.  The animal that produces civet, a species of Viverra.  This animal bears a resemblance to a cat or to a fox; it is of a cinereous color, tinged with yellow, marked with dusky spots disposed in rows.  It inhabits India, Guinea, Ethiopia, and Madagascar.


Topic: Civic
Definition:
CIVIC, a.  Literally, pertaining to a city or citizen; relating to civil affairs or honors.  The civic crown, in roman affairs, was a crown or garland of oak boughs, bestowed on a soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle.


Topic: Civil
Definition:
CIVIL, a.
1.  Relating to the community, or to the policy and government of the citizens and subjects of a state; as in the phrases, civil rights, civil government, civil privileges, civil war, civil justice.  It is opposed to criminal; as a civil suit, a suit between citizens alone; whereas a criminal process is between the state and a citizen.  It is distinguished from ecclesiastical, which respects the church; and from military, which respects the army and navy.
2.  Relating to any man as a member of a community; as civil power, civil rights, the power or rights which a man enjoys as a citizen.
3.  Reduced to order, rule and government; under a regular administration; implying some refinement of manners; not savage or wild; as civil life; civil society.
4.  Civilized; courteous; complaisant; gentle and obliging; well-bred; affable; kind; having the manners of a city, as opposed to the rough, rude, coarse manners of a savage or clown.
Where civil speech and soft persuasion hung.
5.  Grave; sober; not gay or showy.
Till civil suited morn appear.
6.  Compaisant; polite; a popular colloquial use of the word.
7.  Civil death, in law, is that which cuts off a man from civil society, or its rights and benefits, as banishment, outlawry, excommunication, entering into a monastery, &c., as distinguished from natural death.
8.  Civil law, in a general sense, the law of a state, city or country; but in an appropriate sense, the Roman empire, comprised in the Institutes, Code and Digest of Justinian and the Novel Constitutions.
9.  Civil list, the officers of civil government, who are paid from the public treasury; also, the revenue appropriated to support the civil government.
The army of James II was paid out of his civil list.
10.  Civil state, the whole body of the laity or citizens, not included under the military, maritime, and ecclesiastical states.
11.  Civil war, a war between people of the same state or city; opposed to foreign war.
12.  Civil year, the legal year, or annual account of time which a government appoints to be used in its own dominions, as distinguished from the natural year, which is measured by the revolution of the heavenly bodies.
13.  Civil architecture, the architecture which is employed in constructing buildings for the purposes of civil life, in distinction from military and naval architecture; as private houses, palaces, churches, &c.


Topic: Civilian
Definition:
CIVILIAN, n. [from civil.]
1.  One who is skilled in the Roman law; a professor or doctor of civil law.
2.  In a more extended sense, one who is versed in law and government.
3.  A student of the civil law at the university.


Topic: Civility
Definition:
CIVILITY, n.
1.  The state of being civilized; refinement of manners; applied to nations; as distinguished from the rudeness of barbarous nations.
2.  Good breeding; politeness; complaisance; courtesy; decorum of behavior in the treatment of others, accompanied with kind offices, and attention to their wants and desires.  Civility respects manners or external deportment, and in the plural, civilities denote acts of politeness.


Topic: Civilization
Definition:
CIVILIZATION, n. [See Civilize.]
1.  The act of civilizing, or the state of being civilized; the state of being refined in manners, from the grossness of savage life and improved in arts and learning.
2.  The act of rendering a criminal process civil.


Topic: Civilize
Definition:
CIVILIZE, v.t.  To reclaim from a savage state; to introduce civility of manners among a people, and instruct them in the arts of regular life.


Topic: Civilized
Definition:
CIVILIZED, pp.  Reclaimed from savage life and manners; instructed in arts, learning and civil manners.
Such sale of conscience and duty in open market is not reconcilable with the present state of civilized society.


Topic: Civilizer
Definition:
CIVILIZER, n.  
1.  One who civilizes; he that reclaims others from a wild and savage life, and teaches them the rules and customs of civility.
2.  That which reclaims from savageness.


Topic: Civilly
Definition:
CIVILLY, adv.
1.  In a manner relating to government, or to the rights or character of a member of the community.
2.  In a manner relating to private rights; opposed to criminally; as a process civilly commenced for the private satisfaction of a party injured.
3.  Not naturally, but in law; as a man civilly dead.
4.  Politely; complaisantly; gently; with due decorum; courteously; as, we were civilly treated.
5.  Without gaudy colors, or finery; as chambers furnished civilly.


Topic: Clack
Definition:
CLACK, v.i.
1.  To make a sudden sharp noise, as by striking or cracking; to clink; to click.
2.  To utter words rapidly and continually, or with sharp, abrupt sounds; to let the tongue run.
CLACK, n.
1.  A sharp, abrupt sound continually repeated, such as is made by striking an object, or by bursting or cracking; continually talk; as, we do not wish to hear his clack; a common expression.  Hence the word is used for the tongue, the instrument of clacking.
2.  The instrument that strikes the hopper of a grist-mill, to move or shake it, for discharging the corn.  And according to Johnson, a bell that rings when more corn is required to be put in.
To clack wool, is to cut off the sheeps mark, which makes it weigh less, and yield less duty.


Topic: Clacking
Definition:
CLACKING, ppr.  Making a sharp, abrupt sound, continually repeated; talking continually; tattling; rattling with the tongue.
CLACKING, n.  A prating.


Topic: Clad
Definition:
CLAD, pp. [See Clothe.] Clothed; invested; covered as with a garment.
Jeroboam had clad himself with a new garment.  1 Kings 11.
The fields are clad in cheerful green.


Topic: Claim
Definition:
CLAIM, v.t.
1.  To call for; to ask or seek to obtain, by virtue of authority, right or supposed right; to challenge as a right; to demand as due; as, to claim a debt; to claim obedience, or respect.
2.  To assert, or maintain as a right; as, he claims to be the best poet of the age.
3.  To have a right or title to; as, the heir claims the estate by descent; he claims a promise.
4.  To proclaim.
5.  To call or name.
CLAIM, n.
1.  A demand of a right or supposed right; a calling on another for something due, or supposed to be due; as a claim of wages for services.  A claim implies a right or supposed right in the claimant to something which is in anothers possession or power.  A claim may be made in words, by suit, and by other means.  The word is usually preceded by make or lay; to make claim; to lay claim.
2.  A right to claim or demand; a title to any debt, privilege or other thing in possession of another; as, a prince has a claim to the throne.
Homers claims to the first rank among Epic poets have rarely been disputed.
3.  The thing claimed, or demanded.
4.  A loud call.


Topic: Claimant
Definition:
CLAIMANT, n.
1.  A person who claims; one who demands any thing as his right.
2.  A person who has a right to claim, or demand.


Topic: Claiming
Definition:
CLAIMING, ppr.  Demanding as due; challenging as a right; asserting; maintaining; having a right to demand.


Topic: Clamber
Definition:
CLAMBER, v.i. [from climb, or D. Klampen, to grapple.] To climb with difficulty, or with hands and feet.


Topic: Clamminess
Definition:
CLAMMINESS, n. [See Clammy.] The state of being viscous; viscosity; stickiness; tenacity of a soft substance.


Topic: Clammy
Definition:
CLAMMY, a. [See Clam.] Thick, viscous, adhesive; soft and sticky; glutinous; tenacious; as, bodies clammy and cleaving.
Cold sweat, in clammy drops, his limbs oer-spread.


Topic: Clamor
Definition:
CLAMOR, n.
1.  A great outcry; noise; exclamation; vociferation, made by a loud human voice continued or repeated, or by a multitude of voices.  It often expresses complaint and urgent demand.
2.  Figuratively, loud and continued noise, as of a river or other inanimate things.
CLAMOR, v.t.  To stun with noise.
To clamor bells, is to multiply the strokes.
CLAMOR, v.i.  To utter loud sounds, or outcries; to talk loud; to utter loud voices repeatedly; to vociferate, as an individual; to utter loud voices, as a multitude; to complain; to make importunate demands.
Those who most loudly clamor for liberty do not most liberally grant it.
Glamor your tongues in Shakespeare, if intended to mean, stop from noise, is not English.  Perhaps the word was clam, or intended for a derivative.


Topic: Clamoring
Definition:
CLAMORING, ppr.  Uttering and repeating loud words; making a great and continued noise; particularly in complaint or importunate demands.


Topic: Clamp
Definition:
CLAMP, n.
1.  In general, something that fastens or binds; a piece of timber or of iron, used to fasten work together; or a particular manner of uniting work by letting boards into each other.
2.  In ship-building, a thick plank on the inner part of a ships side, used to sustain the ends of the beams.
3.  A smooth crooked plate of iron forelocked on the trunnions of a cannon to keep it fast to the carriage.  Clamps are also used to strengthen masts, and to fasten the masts and bowsprits of small vessels and of boats.
4.  A pile of bricks laid up for burning, in which the end of one brick is laid over another, and a space is left between the bricks for the fire to ascend.
Clamp-irons, irons used at the ends of fires to keep the fuel from falling.
Clamp-nails, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.
CLAMP, v.t.
1.  To fasten with clamps.
2.  In joinery, to fit a piece of board with the grain, to the end of another piece of board across the grain; as, to clamp a table to prevent its warping.


Topic: Clan
Definition:
CLAN, n.
1.  A race; a family; a tribe.  Hence, an association of persons under a chieftain.
2.  In contempt, a sect, society, or body of persons closely united by some common interest or pursuit.
Note.  In Russ. Kolieno signifies a knee, and a family, race or tribe.  Irish glun, the knee, and a generation.


Topic: Clandestine
Definition:
CLANDESTINE, a.  Secret; private; hidden; withdrawn from public view.  It often bears an ill sense, as implying craft or deception, or evil design.


Topic: Clang
Definition:
CLANG, v.t.  To make a sharp, shrill sound, as by striking metallic substances; or to strike with a sharp sound.
They clanged their sounding arms.
CLANG, n.  A sharp, shrill sound, made by striking together metallic substances, or sonorous bodies, as the clang of arms; or any like sound, as the clang of trumpets.  This word implies a degree of harshness in the sound, or more harshness than clink.


Topic: Clank
Definition:
CLANK, n [See Clang.] The loud, shrill, sharp sound, made by a collision of metallic or other sonorous bodies.
CLANK, v.t.  To make a sharp, shrill sound; to strike with a sharp sound; as, the prisoners clank their chains.


Topic: Clap
Definition:
CLAP, v.t.
1.  To strike with a quick motion, so as to make a noise by the collision; to strike with something broad, or having a flat surface; as, to clap the hands; to clap the wings.
2.  To thrust or drive together; to shut hastily; followed by to; as, to clap to the door or gate.
3.  To thrust or drive together; to put one thing to another by a hasty or sudden motion; followed by to, on or in; as, to clap the hand to the mouth; to clap spurs to a horse; to clap on a saddle.
4.  To thrust; to put, place or send; followed by in, into, under, over, &c.; as, to clap one under the hatches; to clap one into Bedlam; to clap a board over a pit.
5.  To applaud; to manifest approbation or praise by striking the hands together; as, to clap a performance on the stage.
6.  To infect with venereal poison.
To clap up, to make or complete hastily; as, to clap up a peace.
To imprison hastily, or with little delay.
CLAP, v.i.
1.  To move or drive together suddenly with noise.
The doors around me clapt.
2.  To enter on with alacrity and briskness; to drive or thrust on; as we say to reapers or mowers, clap in, or clap to, that is, enter on the work, begin without delay, begin briskly.
3.  To strike the hands together in applause.
Bid them clap.
CLAP, n.
1.  A driving together; a thrust and collision of bodies with noise, usually bodies with broad surfaces.
Give the door a clap.
2.  A sudden act or motion; a thrust.
Pay all debts at one clap.
3.  A burst of sound; a sudden explosion; as a clap of thunder.
4.  An act of applause; a striking of hands to express approbation.
5.  A venereal infection.
6.  With falconers, the nether part of the beak of a hawk.


Topic: Clap-board
Definition:
CLAP-BOARD, n.  A thin narrow board for covering houses.  In England, according to Bailey, a clapboard is also what in America is called a stave for casks.


Topic: Clapped
Definition:
CLAPPED, pp.  Thrust or put on or together; applauded by striking the hands together; infected with the venereal disease.


Topic: Clapper
Definition:
CLAPPER, n.  
1.  A person who claps, or applauds by clapping.
2.  That which strikes, as the tongue of a bell, or the piece of wood that strikes a mill-hopper.


Topic: Clapping
Definition:
CLAPPING, ppr.  Driving or putting on, in, over, or under, by a sudden motion; striking the hands together.


Topic: Clare-obscure
Definition:
CLARE-OBSCURE, n.  Light and shade in painting; or the particular distribution of the lights and shades of a piece, with respect to the ease of the eye and the effect of the whole piece; also, a design of two colors.


Topic: Clarichord
Definition:
CLARICHORD, n.  A musical instrument in form of a spinet, called also manichord.  It has forty nine or fifty stops or keys, and seventy strings; some of the latter being in unison.  There are several little mortises for passing the jacks, armed with brass hooks, which stop and raise the chords, instead of the feather used in virginals and spinets.  The chords are covered with pieces of cloth, which deaden the sound and render it sweeter.  Hence it is particularly used by nuns.


Topic: Clarification
Definition:
CLARIFICATION, n. [See Clarify.] The act of clearing; particularly the clearing or fining of liquid substances from all feculent matter.


Topic: Clarifier
Definition:
CLARIFIER, n.  
1.  That which clarifies or purifies; as, whites of eggs, blood and isinglass are clarifiers of liquors.
2.  A vessel in which liquor is clarified.


Topic: Clarify
Definition:
CLARIFY, v.t.
1.  To make clear; to purify from feculent matter; to defecate; to fine; applied particularly to liquors; as, to clarify wine, or syrup.
2.  To make clear; to brighten or illuminate; applied to the mind or reason.
CLARIFY, v.i.
1.  To clear up; to grow clear or bright.
His understanding clarifies, in discoursing with another.
2.  To grow or become clear or fine; to become pure, as liquors.  Cider clarifies by fermentation.


Topic: Clarion
Definition:
CLARION, n.  A kind of trumpet, whose tube is narrower and its tone more acute and shrill than that of the common trumpet.


Topic: Clary-water
Definition:
CLARY-WATER, n.  A composition of brandy, sugar, clary-glowers, and cinnamon, with a little ambergris dissolved in it.  It is a cardiac and helps digestion.


Topic: Clash
Definition:
CLASH, v.i.
1.  To strike against; to drive against with force.
Note.  The sense of this word is simply to strike against or meet with force; but when two sounding bodies strike together, the effect is a sound.  Hence the word often implies, to strike with a noise, as clashing arms.
2.  To meet in opposition; to be contrary; to act in a contrary direction; to interfere, as opposing persons, minds, views, interests, &c.; as, the opinions of men clash; clashing interests.
Independent jurisdictions--could not fail to clash.
CLASH, v.t.  To strike one thing against another, with sound.
CLASH, n.
1.  A meeting of bodies with violence; a striking together with noise; collision, or noisy collision of bodies; as the clash of arms.
2.  Opposition; contradiction; as between differing or contending interests, views, purposes, &c.


Topic: Clashing
Definition:
CLASHING, ppr.  Striking against with noise; meeting in opposition; opposing; interfering.
CLASHING, n.  A striking against; collision of bodies; opposition.


Topic: Clasp
Definition:
CLASP, n.
1.  A hook for fastening; a catch; a small hook to hold together the covers of a book, or the different parts of a garment, of a belt, &c.
2.  A close embrace; a throwing of the arms round.
CLASP, v.t.
1.  To shut or fasten together with a clasp.
2.  To catch and hold by twining; to surround and cling to; as the clasping ivy.
3.  To inclose and hold in the hand; or simply to inclose or encompass with the fingers.
4.  To embrace closely; to throw the arms round; to catch with the arms.
5.  To inclose, and press.


Topic: Clasper
Definition:
CLASPER, n.  He or that which clasps; usually the tendril of a vine or other plant, which twines round something for support.


Topic: Clasping
Definition:
CLASPING, ppr.
1.  Twining round; catching and holding; embracing; inclosing; shutting or fastening with a clasp.
2.  In botany, surrounding the stem at the base, as a leaf.


Topic: Class
Definition:
CLASS, n.
1.  An order or rank of persons; a number of persons in society, supposed to have some resemblance or equality, in rank, education, property, talents, and the like; as in the phrase, all classes of men in society.
The readers of poetry may be distinguished into three classes, according to their capacity of judging.
2.  A number of students in a college or school, of the same standing, or pursuing the same studies.  In colleges, the students entering or becoming members the same year, and pursuing the same studies.  In academies and schools, the pupils who learn the same lesson, and recite together.  In some cases, students of different standings, pursuing the same studies and reciting together, or attending the same professor, or the same course of lectures.
3.  Scientific division or arrangement; a set of beings or things, having something in common, or ranged under a common denomination.  Hence in zoology, animals are divided into classes; as quadrupeds, fowls, fishes, &c.  So in botany, plants are arranged in classes.  Classes are natural or artificial; natural, when founded on natural relations, or resemblances; artificial, when formed arbitrarily, for want of a complete knowledge of natural relations.
CLASS, v.t.
1.  To arrange in a class or classes; to arrange in sets, or ranks, according to some method founded on natural distinctions; to place together, or in one division, men or things which have or are supposed to have something in common.
2.  To place in ranks or divisions students that are pursuing the same studies; to form into a class or classes.


Topic: Classically
Definition:
CLASSICALLY, adv.
1.  In the manner of classes; according to a regular order of classes, or sets.
It would be impossible to bear all its specific details in the memory, if they were not classically arranged.
2.  In a classical manner; according to the manner of classical authors.


Topic: Classific
Definition:
CLASSIFIC, a.  Constituting a class or classes; noting classification, or the order of distribution into sets.


Topic: Classification
Definition:
CLASSIFICATION, n. [See Classify.] The act of forming into a class or classes; distribution into sets, sorts or ranks.


Topic: Classify
Definition:
CLASSIFY, v.t.  To make a class or classes; to distribute into classes; to arrange in sets according to some common properties or characters.
The diseases and casualties are not scientifically classified.


Topic: Clatter
Definition:
CLATTER, v.i.
1.  To make rattling sounds; to make repeated sharp sounds, as by striking sonorous bodies; as, to clatter on a shield.
2.  To utter continual or repeated sharp sounds, or rattling sounds, by being struck together; as clattering arms.
3.  To talk fast and idly; to run on; to rattle with the tongue.
CLATTER, v.t.
1.  To strike and make a rattling noise.
You clatter still your brazen kettle.
2.  To dispute, jar or clamor.
CLATTER, n.
1.  A rapid succession of abrupt, sharp sounds, made by the collision of metallic or other sonorous bodies; rattling sounds.
2.  Tumultuous and confused noise; a repetition of abrupt, sharp sounds.


Topic: Clattering
Definition:
CLATTERING, ppr.  Making or uttering sharp, abrupt sounds, as by a collision of sonorous bodies; talking fast with noise; rattling.
CLATTERING, n.  A rattling noise.


Topic: Clause
Definition:
CLAUSE, n. s as z.  Literally, a close, or inclosure.  Hence, that which is included, or contained, within certain limits.
1.  In language or grammar, a member of a period or sentence; a subdivision of a sentence, in which the words are inseparably connected with each other in sense, and cannot, with propriety, be separated by a point; as, there is reason to think that he afterwards rose to favor, and obtained several honors civil and military.  In this sentence are two clauses.
2.  An article in a contract or other writing; a distinct part of a contract, will, agreement, charter, commission, or other writing; a distinct stipulation, condition, proviso, grant, covenant, &c.


Topic: Clausure
Definition:
CLAUSURE, n. s as z. [See Clause.] 
1.  The act of shutting up or confining; confinement.
2.  In anatomy, an imperforated canal.


Topic: Clavated
Definition:
CLAVATED, a.
1.  Club-shaped; having the form of a club; growing gradually thicker towards the top, as certain parts of a plant.
2.  Set with knobs.


Topic: Clavichord
Definition:
CLAVICHORD, n. A musical instrument of an oblong figure, of the nature of a spinet.  The strings are muffled with small bits of fine woolen cloth, to soften the sounds; used in nunneries. [See Clarichord.]


Topic: Clavicle
Definition:
CLAVICLE, n.  The collar bone.  There are two clavicles, or channel bones, joined at one end to the scapula or shoulder bone, and at the other, to the sternum or breast bone.


Topic: Claw
Definition:
CLAW, n.
1.  The sharp hooked nail of a beast, bird or other animal.
Every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud--ye shall eat.  Deut. 14.
His nails were grown like birds claws.  Dan. 4.
2.  The whole foot of an animal armed with hooked nails.
3.  The hand, in contempt.
CLAW, v.t.
1.  To pull, tear or scratch with the nails.
2.  To scratch or tear in general; to tickle.
3.  To flatter.
To claw off or away,
1.  To scold or rail at.
2.  In seamanship, to turn to windward and beat, to prevent falling on a lee shore.
3.  In vulgar language, to scratch away; to get off or escape.


Topic: Clay
Definition:
CLAY, n.
1.  The name of certain substances which are mixtures of silex and alumin, sometimes with lime, magnesia, alkali and metallic oxyds.  A species of earths which are firmly coherent, weighty, compact, and hard when dry, but stiff, viscid and ductile when moist, and smooth to the touch; not readily diffusible in water, and when mixed, not readily subsiding in it.  They contract by heat.  Clays absorb water greedily, and become soft, but are so tenacious as to be molded into any shape, and hence they are the materials of bricks and various vessels, domestic and chimical.
2.  In poetry and in scripture, earth in general.
3.  In scripture, clay is used to express frailty, liableness to decay and destruction.
They that dwell in houses of clay.  Job. 4.
CLAY, v.t.  
1.  To cover or manure with clay.
2.  To purify and whiten with clay, as sugar.


Topic: Clay-stone
Definition:
CLAY-STONE, n.  A mineral, the thonstein of Werner, and indurated clay of Kirwan.  It resembles compact limestone or calcarious marl.  Its texture is porous, compact or slaty.  Its color is gray, often tinged with yellow or blue; also rose or pale red, or brownish red, and sometimes greenish.


Topic: Clayes
Definition:
CLAYES, n. plu.  In fortification, wattles or hurdles made with stakes interwoven with osiers, to cover lodgments.


Topic: Clean
Definition:
CLEAN, a.  In a general sense, free from extraneous matter, or whatever is injurious or offensive; hence its signification depends on the nature and qualities of the substances to which it is applied.
1.  Free from dirt, or other foul matter; as clean water; a clean cup; a clean floor.
2.  Free from weeds or stones; as clean land; a clean garden or field.
3.  Free from knots or branches; as clean timber.  In America, clear is generally used.
4.  Free from moral impurity; innocent.
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?  Job 14.  Acts 18.
5.  Free from ceremonial defilement.  Lev. 10; Numb. 19.
6.  Free from guilt; sanctified; holy.  John 13.  Ps 51.
7.  That might be eaten by the Hebrews.  Gen. 7; Gen. 8.
8.  That might be used.  Luke 11.
9.  Free from a foul disease; cured of leprosy.  2 Kings 5.  Math. 8.
10.  Dextrous; adroit; not bungling; free from awkwardness; as a clean feat; a clean boxer.
11.  Free from infection; as a clean ship.  A clean bill of health is a certificate that a ship is clean, or free from infection.
CLEAN, adv.
1.  Quite; perfectly; wholly; entirely; fully; indicating separation or complete removal of every part.  The people passed clean over Jordan.  Josh. 3.  Is his mercy clean gone forever? Ps. 77.  This use of clean is not now elegant, and not used except in vulgar language.
2.  Without miscarriage; dextrously.
Pope came off clean with Homer.
CLEAN, v.t.  To remove all foreign matter from; to separate from any thing whatever is extraneous to it, or whatever is foul, noxious, or offensive, as dirt or filth from the hands, body or clothes, foul matter from a vessel, weeds, shrubs and stones from a meadow; to purify.  Thus, a house is cleaned by sweeping and washing; a field is cleaned by plowing and hoeing.


Topic: Cleanliness
Definition:
CLEANLINESS, n.
1.  Freedom from dirt, filth, or any foul, extraneous matter.
2.  Neatness of person or dress; purity.


Topic: Cleanly
Definition:
CLEANLY, a. clenly. [from clean.]
1.  Free rom dirt, filth, or any foul matter; neat; carefully avoiding filth.
2.  Pure; free from mixture; innocent; as cleanly joys.
3.  Cleansing; making clean; as cleanly powder.
4.  Nice; artful; dextrous; adroit; as a cleanly play; a cleanly evasion.
CLEANLY, adv.  In a clean manner; neatly; without filth.


Topic: Cleanness
Definition:
CLEANNESS, n.
1.  Freedom from dirt, filth, and foreign matter; neatness.
2.  Freedom from infection or a foul disease.
3.  Exactness; purity; justness; correctness; used of language or style; as, cleanness of expression.
4.  Purity; innocence.
In scripture, cleanness of hands denotes innocence.  Cleanness of teeth denotes want of provisions.  Amos 4:6.


Topic: Cleanse
Definition:
CLEANSE, v.t.
1.  To purify; to make clean; to remove filth, or foul matter of any kind, or by any process whateve, as by washing, rubbing, scouring, scraping, purging, ventilation, &c.; as, to cleanse the hands or face to cleanse a garment; to cleanse the bowels; to cleanse a ship; to cleanse an infected house.
2.  To free from a foul or infectious disease; to heal.  Lev. 14:4, 8; Mark 1:42.
3.  To free from ceremonial pollution, and consecrate to a holy use.  Numb. 8:15; Exek. 43:20.
4.  To purify from guilt.  1 John 1:7.
5.  To remove; as, to cleanse a crime.


Topic: Cleansing
Definition:
CLEANSING, pp.  Purifying; making clean; purging; removing foul or noxious matter from; freeing from guilt.
CLEANSING, n.  The act of purifying, or purging.  Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14.


Topic: Clear
Definition:
CLEAR, a.
1.  Open; free from obstruction; as a clear plat of ground; the way is clear.
2.  Free from clouds, or fog; serene; as a clear day.
3.  Free from foreign matter; unmixed; pure; as clear water; clear sand; clear air; clear glass.
4.  Free from any thing that creates doubt or uncertainty; apparent; evident; manifest; not obscure; conspicuous; that is, open to the mind; as, the reason is clear.
5.  Unclouded; luminous; not obscured; as a clear sun; a clear shining after a rain.  2 Sam. 23.
6.  Unobstructed; unobscured; as a clear view.
7.  Perspicacious; sharp; as a clear sight.
8.  Not clouded with care, or ruffled by passion; cheerful; serene; as a clear aspect.
9.  Evident; undeniable; indisputable; as the victory was clear.
10.  Quick to understand; prompt; acute.
Mother of science, now I feel thy power within me clear.
11.  Free from guilt or blame; innocent; unspotted; irreproachable. 2 Cor. 7.
In action faithful, and in honor clear.
12.  Free from bias; unprepossessed; not preoccupied; impartial; as a clear judgment.
13.  Free from debt, or obligation; not liable to prosecution; as, to be clear of debt or responsibility.
14.  Free from deductions, or charges; as clear gain or profit.
15.  Not entangled; unembarrassed; free; as, the cable is clear.  A ship is clear, when she is so remote from shore or other object, as to be out of danger of striking, or to have sea room sufficient.
16.  Open; distinct; not jarring, or harsh; as a clear sound; a clear voice.
17.  Liberated; freed; acquitted of charges; as, a man has been tried and got clear.
18.  Free from spots or any thing that disfigures; as a clear skin.
Clear is followed by from or by of.
Thou shalt be clear from this my oath.  Gen. 24.
The air is clear of damp exhalations.
CLEAR, adv.
1.  Plainly; not obscurely; manifestly.
2.  Clean; quite; entirely; wholly; indicating entire separation; as, to cut a piece clear off; to go clear away; but in this sense its use is not elegant.
Clear or in the clear, among joiners and carpenters, denotes the space within walls, or length and breadth clear or exclusive of the thickness of the wall.
CLEAR, v.t.
1.  To make clear; to fine; to remove any thing foreign; to separate from any foul matter; to purify; to clarify; as, to clear liquors.
2.  To free from obstructions; as, to clear the road.
3.  To free from any thing noxious or injurious; as, to clear the ocean of pirates; to clear the land of enemies.
4.  To remove any incumbrance, or embarrassment; often followed by off or away; as, to clear off debts; to clear away rubbish.
5.  To free; to liberate, or disengage; to exonerate; as, to clear a man from debt, obligation, or duty.
6.  To cleanse; as, to clear the hands from filth; to clear the bowels.
7.  To remove any thing that obscures, as clouds or fog; to make bright; as, to clear the sky; sometimes followed by up.
8.  To free from obscurity, perplexity or ambiguity; as, to clear a question or theory; to clear up a case or point.
9.  To urge from the imputation of guilt; to justify or vindicate.
How shall we clear ourselves?  Gen. 44.
That will by no means clear the guilty.  Ex. 34.
10.  In a legal sense, to acquit on trial, by verdict; as, the prisoner has been tried and cleared.
11.  To make gain or profit, beyond all expenses and charges; as, to clear ten percent by a sale of goods, or by a voyage.
12.  To remove wood from land. To cut down trees, remove or burn them, and prepare land for tillage or pasture; as, to clear land for wheat.
CLEAR, v.i.
1.  To become free from clouds or fog; to become fair; often followed by up, off, or away; as, the sky clears; the weather clears up; it clears away; it clears off.
2.  To be disengaged from incumbrances, distress or entanglements; to become free or disengaged.
He that clears at once will relapse.


Topic: Clear-sighted
Definition:
CLEAR-SIGHTED, a. [clear and sight.] Seeing with clearness; having acuteness of sight; discerning; perspicacious; as clear-sighted reason; a clear-sighted judge.


Topic: Clear-starch
Definition:
CLEAR-STARCH, v.t.  To stiffen and clear with starch, and by clapping with the hands; as, to clear-starch muslin.


Topic: Clear-starching
Definition:
CLEAR-STARCHING, ppr.
1.  Stiffening and clearing with starch.
2.  n.  The act of stiffening and clearing with starch.


Topic: Clearance
Definition:
CLEARANCE, n.  A certificate that a ship or vessel has been cleared at the custom house; permission to sail.


Topic: Cleared
Definition:
CLEARED, pp.  Purified; freed from foreign matter, or from incumbrance; made manifest; made luminous; cleansed; liberated; acquitted.


Topic: Clearing
Definition:
CLEARING, ppr.  Purifying; removing foul matter, incumbrances, or obstructions; making evident, or luminous; cleansing; liberating; disengaging; acquitting; making gain beyond all costs and charges.
CLEARING, n.
1.  A defense; justification; vindication.  2 Cor. 7.
2.  A place or tract of land cleared of wood for cultivation; a common use of the word in America.
3.  The act of making clear.


Topic: Clearly
Definition:
CLEARLY, adv. 
1.  Plainly; evidently; fully; as, the fact is clearly proved.
2.  Without obstruction; luminously; as, to shine clearly.
3.  With clear discernment; as, to understand clearly.
4.  Without entanglement, or confusion.
5.  Plainly; honestly; candidly.
Deal clearly and impartially with yourselves.
6.  Without reserve, evasion or subterfuge.


Topic: Clearness
Definition:
CLEARNESS, n.
1.  Freedom from foul or extraneous matter; purity; as the clearness of water, or other liquor.
2.  Freedom from obstruction or incumbrance; as the clearness of the ground.
3.  Freedom from fogs or clouds; openness; as the clearness of the sky.  It generally expresses less than brightness or splendor.  Ex. 24.
4.  Distinctness; perspicuity; luminousness; as the clearness of reason, of views, of arguments, of explanations.
5.  Plainness, or plain dealing; sincerity; honesty; fairness; candor.
6.  Freedom from imputation of ill.
7.  Freedom from spots, or any thing that disfigures; as the clearness of the skin.


Topic: Cleat
Definition:
CLEAT, n.  A piece of wood used in a ship to fasten ropes upon.  It is formed with one arm or two, or with a hollow to receive a rope, and is made fast to some part of a vessel.  Cleats are belaying-cleats, deck-cleats or thumb-cleats.


Topic: Cleavage
Definition:
CLEAVAGE, n.
1.  The act of cleaving or splitting.
2.  In mineralogy, the manner of cleaving, or of mechanical division.  It is used in relation to the fracture of minerals which have natural joints and possess a regular structure.


Topic: Cleave
Definition:
CLEAVE, v.i.
1.  To stick; to adhere; to hold to.
My bones cleave to my skin.  Ps. 102.
Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth.  Ps. 137.
Cleave to that which is good.  Rom. 12.
2.  To unite aptly; to fit; to sit well on.
3.  To unite or be united closely in interest or affection; to adhere with strong attachment.
A man shall leave father and mother, and cleave to his wife.  Gen. 2.  Math. 19.
Cleave to Jehovah your God.  Josh. 23.
CLEAVE, v.t.
1.  To part or divide by force; to split or rive; to open or serve the cohering parts of a body, by cutting or by the application of force; as, to cleave wood; to cleave a rock; to cleave the flood.  Ps. 74.
2.  To part or open naturally.
Every beast that cleaveth the cleft into two claws.  Deut. 14.
CLEAVE, v.i.  To part; to open; to crack; to separate, as parts of cohering bodies; as, the ground cleaves by frost.
The mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof.  Zech. 14.


Topic: Cleavelandite
Definition:
CLEAVELANDITE, n.  A mineral, generally of a white or grayish white color, sometimes blue or bluish or reddish; called also siliceous felspar, or albite.


Topic: Cleaver
Definition:
CLEAVER, n.  One who cleaves; that which cleaves; a butchers instrument for cutting animal bodies into joints or pieces.


Topic: Cleche
Definition:
CLECHE, n.  In heraldry, a kind of cross, charged with another cross of the same figure, but of the color of the field.


Topic: Clef
Definition:
CLEF, n.  A character in music placed at the beginning of a stave, to determine the degree of elevation occupied by that stave in the general claviary or system, and to point out the names of all the notes which it contains in the line of that clef.


Topic: Cleft
Definition:
CLEFT, pp. of cleave.  Divided; split; parted asunder.
CLEFT, n.
1.  A space or opening made by splitting; a crack; a crevice; as the cleft of a rock.  Is. 2:21.
2.  A disease in horses; a crack on the bought of the pastern.
3.  A piece made by splitting; as a cleft of wood.


Topic: Clemency
Definition:
CLEMENCY, n.  
1.  Mildness; softness; as the clemency of the air.
2.  Mildness of temper; gentleness or lenity of disposition; disposition to treat with favor and kindness.
I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.  Acts 24.
3.  Mercy; disposition to treat with lenity, to forgive or to spare, as offenders; tenderness in punishing; opposed to severity, harshness, or rigor.


Topic: Clement
Definition:
CLEMENT, a.  Mild in temper and disposition; gentle; lenient; merciful; kind; tender; compassionate.


Topic: Clementine
Definition:
CLEMENTINE, a.  Pertaining to St. Clement, or to his compilations; or to the constitutions of Clement the fifth.


Topic: Clepsydra
Definition:
CLEPSYDRA, n.
1.  A time piece used by the Greeks and Romans, which measured time by the discharge of a certain quantity of water.  Also, a fountain in Greece.
2.  A chimical vessel.


Topic: Clergy
Definition:
CLERGY, n.
1.  The body of men set apart, and consecrated, by due ordination, to the service of God, in the christian church; the body of ecclesiastics, in distinction from the laity.
2.  The privilege or benefit of clergy.
If convicted of a clergyable felony, he is entitled equally to his clergy after as before conviction.
Benefit of clergy, in English law, originally the exemption of the persons of clergymen from criminal process before a secular judge; or a privilege by which a clerk or person in orders claimed to be delivered to his ordinary to purge himself of felony.  But this privilege has been abridged and modified by various statutes.  In the United States, no benefit of clergy exists.


Topic: Clergyman
Definition:
CLERGYMAN, n.  A man in holy orders; a man licensed to preach the gospel, according to the forms and rules of any particular denomination of christians.


Topic: Clerical
Definition:
CLERICAL, a.  Relating or pertaining to the clergy as clerical tonsure; clerical robes; clerical duties.


Topic: Clerk
Definition:
CLERK, n.
1.  A clergyman, or ecclesiastic; a man in holy orders.
2.  A man that can read.
Everyone that could read--being accounted a clerk.
3.  A man of letters; a scholar.
The foregoing significations are found in the English laws, and histories of the church; as in the rude ages of the church, learning was chiefly confined to the clergy.  In modern usage.
4.  A writer; one who is employed in the use of the pen, in an office public or private, for keeping records, and accounts; as the clerk of a court.  In some cases clerk is synonymous with secretary; but not always.  A clerk is always an officer subordinate to a higher officer, board, corporation or person; whereas, a secretary may be either a subordinate officer, or the head of an office or department.
5.  A layman who is the reader of responses in church service.


Topic: Clerkship
Definition:
CLERKSHIP, n.
1.  A state of being in holy orders.
2.  Scholarship.
3.  The office or business of a clerk or writer.


Topic: Cleromancy
Definition:
CLEROMANCY, n.  A divination by throwing dice or little bones, and observing the points or marks turned up.


Topic: Cleverness
Definition:
CLEVERNESS, n.
1.  Dexterity; adroitness; skill.
2.  Mildness of agreeableness of disposition; obligingness; good nature.


Topic: Clevis
Definition:
CLEVIS, n.  An iron bent to the form of an ox bow, with the two ends perforated to receive a pin, used on the end of a cartneap to hold the chain of the forward horse or oxen; or a draft iron on a plow.


Topic: Clew-carnets
Definition:
CLEW-CARNETS, n.  In marine language, a sort of tackle, or rope and pulley, fastened to the clews of the main and foresails to truss them up to the yard.


Topic: Clew-lines
Definition:
CLEW-LINES, n.  These are the same tackle, and used for the like purpose as clew-garnets, but are applied to the smaller square sails, as the top-sail, top-gallant and sprit-sails.


Topic: Click
Definition:
CLICK, v.i.  Literally, to strike; hence,
To make a small sharp noise, or rather a succession of small sharp sounds, as by a gentle striking.
The solemn death-watch clicked.
CLICK, n.  In seamens language, a small piece of iron falling into a notched wheel attached to the winches in cutters, &c.
CLICK, n.  The latch of a door.


Topic: Clicker
Definition:
CLICKER, n.  The servant of a salesman, who stands at the door to invite customers; a law ward and not used in the United States.


Topic: Client
Definition:
CLIENT, n.
1.  Among the Romans, a citizen who put himself under the protection of a man of distinction and influence, who, in respect to that relation, was called his patron.  Hence in modern usage,
2.  One who applies to a lawyer or counselor for advice and direction in a question of law, or commits his cause to his management in prosecuting a claim, or defending against a suit, in a court of justice.
3.  A dependent.


Topic: Climacter
Definition:
CLIMACTER, n.
1.  A critical year in human life; but climacteric is more generally used.
2.  A certain space of time.


Topic: Climacteric
Definition:
CLIMACTERIC, a.  Literally, noting a scale, progression, or gradation; appropriately, denoting a critical period of human life, or a certain number of years, at the end of which a great change is supposed to take place in the human constitution. [See the Noun.]
CLIMACTERIC, n.  A critical period in human life, or a period in which some great change is supposed to take place in the human constitution.  The critical periods are supposed by some persons to be the years produced by multiplying 7 into the odd numbers 3, 5, 7 and 9; to which others add the 81st year.  The 63d year is called the grand climacteric.  It has been supposed that these periods are attended with some remarkable change in respect o health, life or fortune.


Topic: Climate
Definition:
CLIMATE, n.
1.  In geography, a part of the surface of the earth, bounded by two circles parallel to the equator, and of such a breadth that the longest day in the parallel nearest the pole is half an hour longer than that nearest to the equator.  The beginning of a climate is a parallel circle in which the longest day is half and hour shorter than that at the end.  The climates begin at the equator, where the day is 12 hours long; and at the end of the first climate the longest day is 12  hours long, and this increase of half an hour constitutes a climate, to the polar circles; from which climates are measured by the increase of a month.
2.  In a popular sense, a tract of land, region or country, differing from another in the temperature of the air; or any region or country with respect to the temperature of the air, the seasons, and their peculiar qualities, without any regard to the length of the days, or to geographical position.  Thus we say, a warm or cold climate; a moist or dry climate; a happy climate; a genial climate; a mountainous climate.
CLIMATE, v.i.  To dwell; to reside in a particular region.


Topic: Climax
Definition:
CLIMAX, n.
1.  Gradation; ascent; a figure of rhetoric, in which a sentence rises as it were, step by step; or in which the expression which ends one member of the period, begins the second, and so on, till the period is finished; as in the following: When we have practiced good actions a while, they become easy; and when they are easy, we begin to take pleasure in them; and when they please us, we do them frequently; and by frequency of acts, they grow into a habit.
2.  A sentence, or series of sentences, in which the successive members or sentences rise in force, importance or dignity, to the close of the sentence or series.


Topic: Climb
Definition:
CLIMB, v.i.
1.  To creep up by little and little, or step by step; to mount or ascend, by means of the hands and feet; to rise on any fixed object, by seizing it with the hands and lifting the body, and by thrusting with the feet; as, to climb a tree or a precipice.
And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree.  Luke 19.
2.  To mount or ascend with labor and difficulty.
3.  To rise or ascend with a slow motion.
Black vapors climb aloft.
CLIMB, v.t.
1.  To ascend by means of the hands and feet, implying labor, difficulty and slow progress; as, to climb a wall, or a steep mountain.
2.  To mount or ascend, with labor or a slow motion; as, to climb the ascents of fame.


Topic: Climbed
Definition:
CLIMBED, pp.
1.  One who climbs, mounts or rises, by the hands and feet; one who rises by labor or effort.
2.  A plant that creeps and rises on some support.


Topic: Climber
Definition:
CLIMBER, n.  
1.  One who climbs, mounts or rises, by the hands and feet; one who rises by labor or effort.
2.  A plant that creeps and rises on some support.
CLIMBER, v.i.  To climb; to mount with effort.


Topic: Climbing
Definition:
CLIMBING, ppr.  Ascending by the use of the hands and feet; ascending with difficulty.
CLIMBING, n.  The act of ascending.


Topic: Clime
Definition:
CLIME, n.  A climate; a tract or region of the earth; a poetical word, but sometimes used in prose. [See Climate.]
Whatever clime the suns bright circle warms.


Topic: Clinch
Definition:
CLINCH, v.t.  
1.  To gripe with the hand; to make fast by bending over, folding, or embracing closely.  Thus, to clinch a nail, is to bend the point and drive it closely.  To clinch the hand or fist, is to contract the fingers closely into the palm of the hand. To clinch an instrument, is to close the fingers and thumb round it, and hold it fast.
2.  To fix or fasten; to make firm; as, to clinch an argument.
CLINCH, n.
1.  A word used in a double meaning; a pun; an ambiguity; a duplicity of meaning, with identity of expression.
Here one poor word a hundred clinches makes.
2.  A witty, ingenious reply.
3.  In seamens language, the part of a cable which is fastened to the ring of an anchor; a kind of knot and seizings, used to fasten a cable to the ring of an anchor, and the britching of a gun to the ring bolts in a ships side.


Topic: Clincher
Definition:
CLINCHER, n.  
1.  That which clinches; a cramp or piece of iron bent down to fasten any thing.
2.  One who makes a smart reply.
3.  That which makes fast.


Topic: Cling
Definition:
CLING, v.i.
1.  To adhere closely; to stick to; to hold fast upon, especially by winding round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support.
Two babes of love close clinging to her waist.
2.  To adhere closely; to stick to; as a viscous substance.
3.  To adhere closely and firmly, in interest or affection; as, men of a party cling to their leader.
CLING, v.t.  To dry up, or wither.
Till famine cling thee.
In Saxon, clingan is rendered to fade or wither, marcesco, as well as to cling.  In this sense is used forclingan, pp. forclungen.  The radical sense then appears to be, to contract or draw together; and drying, withering, is expressed by shrinking.


Topic: Clink
Definition:
CLINK, v.t.  To ring or jingle; to utter or make a small sharp sound, or a succession of such sounds, as by striking small metallic or other sonorous bodies together.
CLINK, n.  A sharp sound, made by the collision of small sonorous bodies.  Spenser, according to Johnson, uses the word for a knocker.


Topic: Clinkstone
Definition:
CLINKSTONE, n.  A mineral which has a slaty structure, and is generally divisible into tabular masses, usually thick, sometimes thin like those of argillite.  The cross fracture is commonly splintery.  Its colors are dark greenish gray, yellowish, bluish, or ash gray; and it is usually translucent at the edges, sometimes opake.  It occurs in extensive masses, often composed of columnar or tabular distinct concretions, more or less regular.  It is usually found among secondary rocks; sometimes resting on basalt, and covered by greenstone.


Topic: Clip
Definition:
CLIP, v.t.
1.  To cut off with shears or scissors; to separate by a sudden stroke; especially to cut off the ends or sides of a thing, to make it shorter or narrower, in distinction from shaving and paring, which are performed by rubbing the instrument close to the thing shaved; as, to clip the hair; to clip wings.
But love had clipped his wings and cut him short.
2.  To diminish coin by paring the edge.
3.  To curtail; to cut short.
4.  To confine, limit, restrain, or hold; to hug.
To clip it, is a vulgar phrase in New England for to run with speed.  So cut issued; cut on, run fast.  This seems to be the meaning in Dryden.
Some falcon stoops at what her eye designed,
And with her eagerness the quarry missed,
Straight flies at check, and clips it down the wind.
This sense would seem to be allied to that of leap.
CLIP, n.
1.  A blow or stroke with the hand; as, he hit him a clip.
2.  An embrace; that is, a throwing the arms round.


Topic: Clipping
Definition:
CLIPPING, ppr.  Cutting off or shortening with shears or scissors; diminishing coin by paring off the edges; curtailing.
CLIPPING, n.  
1.  The act of cutting off, curtailing or diminishing.
2.  That which is clipped off; a piece separated by clipping.


Topic: Clive
Definition:
CLIVE, in the composition of names, denote a place situated on or near a cliff, on the side of a hill, rock or precipice; as Cleveland, Clifton.


Topic: Clivers
Definition:
CLIVERS, n.  A plant, the Galium aparine; called also goose-grass, or hairiff.  It has a square, rough, jointed stem; the joints hairy at the base; with eight or ten narrow leaves at each joint.


Topic: Clock
Definition:
CLOCK, n.
1.  A machine, consisting of wheels moved by weights, so constructed that by a uniform vibration of a pendulum, it measures time, and its divisions, hours, minutes and seconds, with great exactness.  It indicates the hour by the stroke of a small hammer on a bell.
The phrases, what oclock is it?  It is nine oclock, seem to be contracted from what of the clock?  It is nine of the clock.
2.  A figure or figured work in the ankle of a stocking.
CLOCK, v.t.  To call. [See Cluck.]


Topic: Clock-work
Definition:
CLOCK-WORK, n.  
1.  The machinery and movements of a clock; or that part of the movement which strikes the hours on a bell, in distinction from that part which measures and exhibits the time on the face or dial plate, which is called watch-work.
2.  Well adjusted work, with regular movement.


Topic: Clod
Definition:
CLOD, n.
1.  A hard lump of earth, of any kind; a mass of earth cohering.
2.  A lump or mass of metal.
3.  Turf; the ground.
4.  That which is earthy, base and vile, as the body of man compared to his soul.
5.  A dull, gross, stupid fellow; a dolt.
6.  Any thing concreted.
CLOD, v.i.  To collect into concretions, or a thick mass; to coagulate; as clodded gore.
[See Clot, which is more generally used.]
CLOD, v.t.  To pelt with clods.


Topic: Clog
Definition:
CLOG, v.t.
1.  To load or fill with something that retards or hinders motion; as, to clog the channel of a river; to clog a passage.
2.  To put on any thing that encumbers, with a view to hinder or restrain leaping; to shackle; as, to clog a beast.
3.  To load with any thing that encumbers; to burden; to embarrass; as, to clog commerce with impositions or restrictions.
4.  To obstruct natural motion, or render it difficult; to hinder; to impede.
CLOG, v.i. 
1.  To coalesce; to unite and adhere in a cluster or mass.
Move it sometimes with a broom, that the seeds clog not together.
2.  To form an accretion; to be loaded or encumbered with extraneous matter.
The teeth of the saw will begin to clog.
CLOG, n.
1.  Any thing put upon an animal to hinder motion, or leaping, as a piece of wood fastened to his leg.
2.  An encumbrance; that which hinders motion, or renders it difficult; hindrance; impediment.
3.  A wooden shoe; also, a sort of pattern worn by ladies to keep their feet dry in wet weather.


Topic: Cloister
Definition:
CLOISTER, n.
1.  Literally, a close; a close, or inclosed place.  A monastery or nunnery; a house inhabited by monks or nuns.  In a more limited sense, the principal part of a regular monastery, consisting of a square, erected between the church, the chapter-house and the refectory, and over which is the dormitory.  The proper use of the cloister is for the monks to meet in for conversation.  The cloister is square, and has its name from being inclosed on its four sides with buildings.  Hence in architecture, a building is said to be in the form of a cloister, when there are buildings on each of the four sides of the court.
2.  A peristyle; a piazza.
CLOISTER, v.t.  
1.  To confine in a cloister or monastery.
2.  To shut up; to confine closely within walls; to immure; to shut up in retirement from the world.


Topic: Cloistered
Definition:
CLOISTERED, pp.  
1.  Shut up in a cloister; inhabiting a monastery.
2.  a.  Solitary; retired from the world.
3.  Built with peristyles or piazzas; inclosed.


Topic: Cloke
Definition:
CLOKE, n.
1.  A loose outer garment worn over other clothes both by men and women.
He was clad with zeal as a cloke.  Is. 59.
2.  A cover; that which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense.
Not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness.  1 Peter 2.
They have no cloke for their sin.  John 15.
CLOKE, v.t.
1.  To cover with a cloke.
2.  To hide; to conceal; to use a false covering.


Topic: Close
Definition:
CLOSE, v.t.
1.  To shut; to make fast, by pressing together, or by stopping an open place, so as to intercept a passage, in almost any manner; as, to close the eyes; to close a gate, door or window.  In these and other cases, closing is performed by bringing an object before the opening.  To close a book, is to bring the parts together.
The Lord hath closed your eyes.  Is. 29.
He closed the book.  Luke 4.
2.  To end; to finish; to conclude; to complete; to bring to a period; as, to close a bargain, or contract.
One frugal supper did our studies close.
3.  To unite, as the parts of a breach or fracture; to make whole; to consolidate; often followed by up.
The Lord closed up the flesh instead thereof.  Gen. 2.
4.  To cover; to inclose; to encompass; to overwhelm.
The depths closed me round about.  Jonah 2.
5.  To inclose; to confine. [See Inclose.]
6.  To move or bring together; to unite separate bodies or parts; as, to close the ranks of an army.
CLOSE, v.i. s as z.
1.  To unite; to coalesce; to come together; as the parts of a wound or fracture, or parts separated; often followed by on or upon.
The fat closed upon the blade.  Judges 3.
The earth closed upon them.  Num. 16.
2.  To end; to terminate, or come to a period; as, the debate closed at six oclock.
To close on or upon, to come to a mutual agreement; to agree on or join in.
France and Holland might close upon some measures to our disadvantage.
To close with, to accede to; to consent or agree to; as, to close with the terms proposed.  When followed by the person with whom an agreement is made, to make an agreement with; to unite with; as, to close with an enemy.
He took the time when Richard was deposed,
And high and low with happy Harry closed.
In this sense, to close in with is less elegant.
To close with,
To close in with, To unite; to join closely; to grapple, as persons in a contest; applied to wrestlers, when they come to close embrace for scuffling.
CLOSE, a.
1.  Shut fast; tight; made fast, so as to have no opening; as a close box; a close vizard.
2.  Having parts firmly united; compact; dense; applied to solid substances of any king; as the close texture of wood or metal.
3.  Having parts firmly adhering; viscous; tenacious; as oil, or glue.
4.  Confined; stagnant; without ventilation or motion; as close air.
5.  Confined; retired.
While David kept himself close.  1 Chron. 12.
6.  Hid; private; secret; as, to keep a purpose close.  Numb. 5.  Luke 9.
7.  Confined within narrow limits; narrow; as a close alley.
8.  Near; within a small distance; as a close fight or action.
9.  Joined; in contact or nearly so; crowded; as, to sit close.
10.  Compressed, as thoughts or words; hence, brief; concise; opposed to loose or diffuse.
Where the original is close, no version can reach it in the same compass.
11.  Very near, in place or time; adjoining, or nearly so.
I saw him come close to the ram.  Dan. 8.
They sailed close by Crete.  Acts 27.
Some dire misfortune follows close behind.
12.  Having the quality of keeping secrets, thoughts or designs; cautious; as a close minister.  Hence in friendship, trusty; confidential
13.  Having an appearance of concealment; implying art, craft or wariness; as a close aspect.
14.  Intent; fixed; attentive; pressing upon the object; as, to give close attention.
Keep your mind or thoughts close to the business or subject.
15.  Full to the point; home; pressing; as a close argument; bring the argument close to the question.
16.  Pressing; earnest; warm; as a close debate.
17.  Confined; secluded from communication; as a close prisoner.
18.  Covetous; penurious; not liberal; as a close man.
19.  Applied to the weather or air, close, in popular language, denotes warm and damp, cloudy or foggy, or warm and relaxing, occasioning a sense of lassitude and depression.  Perhaps originally, confined air.
20.  Strictly adhering to the original; as a close translation.
21.  In heraldry, drawn in a coat of arms with the wings close, and in a standing posture.
Close communion, with baptists, communion in the Lords supper with their own sect only.
Close election, an election in which the votes for different candidates are nearly equal.
CLOSE, adv.  Closely; nearly; densely; secretly; pressingly.
Behind her death close followed, pace for pace.


Topic: Close-hauled
Definition:
CLOSE-HAULED, a.  In seamanship, having the tacks or lower corners of the sails drawn close to the side to windward, and the sheets hauled close aft, in sailing near the wind.


Topic: Closely
Definition:
CLOSELY, adv.
1.  In a close, compact manner; with the parts united, or pressed together, so as to leave no vent; as a crucible closely luted.
2.  Nearly; with little space intervening; applied to space or time; as, to follow closely at ones heels; one event follows closely upon another.
3.  Intently; attentively; with the mind or thoughts fixed; with near inspection; as, to look or attend closely.
4.  Secretly; slyly.
5.  With near affection, attachment or interest; intimately; as, men closely connected in friendship; nations closely allied by treaty.
6.  Strictly; within close limits; without communication abroad; as a prisoner closely confined.
7.  With strict adherence to the original; as, to translate closely.


Topic: Closeness
Definition:
CLOSENESS, n.
1.  The state of being shut, pressed together, or united.  Hence according to the nature of the thing to which the word is applied.
2.  Compactness; solidity; as the closeness of texture in wood or fossils.
3.  Narrowness; straitness; as of a place.
4.  Tightness in building, or in apartments; firmness of texture in cloth, &c.
5.  Want of ventilation; applied to a close room, or to the air confined in it.
6.  Confinement or retirement of a person; recluseness; solitude.
7.  Reserve in intercourse; secrecy; privacy; caution.
8.  Covetousness; penuriousness.
9.  Connection; near union; intimacy, whether of friendship, or of interest; as the closeness of friendship, or of alliance.
10.  Pressure; urgency; variously applied; as the closeness of an agreement, or of debate; the closeness of a question or inquiry.
11.  Adherence to an original; as the closeness of a version.


Topic: Closet
Definition:
CLOSET, n. s as z.  
1.  A small room or apartment for retirement; any room for privacy.
When thou prayest, inter into thy closet.  Mat. 6.
2.  An apartment for curiosities or valuable things.
3.  A small close apartment or recess in the side of a room for repositing utensils and furniture.
CLOSET, v.t. s as z.  To shut up in a closet; to conceal; to take into a private apartment for consultation.


Topic: Closing
Definition:
CLOSING, ppr.  s as z.  Shutting; coalescing; agreeing; ending.
CLOSING, a.  s as z.  That ends or concludes; as a closing word or letter.
CLOSING, n.  s as z.  End; period; conclusion.


Topic: Colossus
Definition:
COLOSSUS, noun A statue of a gigantic size. The most remarkable colossus of antiquity was one at Rhodes, a statue of Apollo, so high that it is said ships might sail between its legs.


Topic: Closure
Definition:
CLOSURE, n.
1.  The act of shutting; a closing.
2.  That which closes, or shuts; that by which separate parts are fastened or made to adhere.
3.  Inclosure; that which confines.
4.  Conclusion.


Topic: Clot
Definition:
CLOT, n. [See Clod.] A concretion, particularly of soft or fluid matter, which concretes into a mass or lump; as a clot of blood.  Clod and clot appear to be radically the same word; but we usually apply clod to a hard mass of earth, and clot to a mass of softer substances, or fluids concreted.
CLOT, v.i.  
1.  To concrete; to coagulate, as soft or fluid matter into a thick, inspissated mass; as milk or blood clots.
2.  To form into clots or clods; to adhere; as, clotted glebe.


Topic: Cloth
Definition:
CLOTH, n.
1.  A manufacture or stuff of wool or hair, or of cotton, flax, hemp or other vegetable filaments, formed by weaving or intertexture of threads, and used for garments or other covering and for various other purposes; as woolen cloth, linen cloth, cotton cloth, hair cloth.
2.  The covering of a table; usually called a tablecloth.
3.  The canvas on which pictures are drawn.
4.  A texture or covering put to a particular use; as a cloth of state.
5.  Dress; raiment. [See Clothes.]
6.  The covering of a bed.


Topic: Clothe
Definition:
CLOTHE, v.t. pret. and pp. clothed, or clad. [See Cloth.]
1.  To put on garments; to invest the body with raiment; to cover with dress, for concealing nakedness and defending the body from cold or injuries.
The Lord God made coats of skin and clothed them.  Gen. 3.
2.  To cover with something ornamental.
Embroidered purple clothes the golden beds.
But clothe, without the aid of other words, seldom signifies to adorn.  In this example from Pope, it signifies merely to cover.
3.  To furnish with raiment; to provide with clothes; as, a master is to feed and clothe his apprentice.d
4.  To put on; to invest; to cover, as with a garment; as, to clothe thoughts with words.
I will clothe her priests with salvation.  Ps. 132.
Drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.  Prov. 23.
Let them be clothed with shame.  Ps. 35.
5.  To invest; to surround; to encompass.
The Lord is clothed with majesty.  Ps. 93.
Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.  Ps 104.
6.  To invest; to give to by commission; as, to clothe with power or authority.
7.  To cover or spread over; as, the earth is clothed with verdure.
CLOTHE, v.i.  To wear clothes.
Care no more to clothe and eat.


Topic: Clothes
Definition:
CLOTHES, n. plu. Of cloth; pronounced cloze.  
1.  Garments for the human body; dress; vestments; vesture; a general term for whatever covering is worn, or made to be worn, for decency or comfort.
If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.  Mark 5.
2.  The covering of a bed; bed-clothes.


Topic: Clothier
Definition:
CLOTHIER, n.
1.  In English authors, a man who makes cloths; a maker of cloth.  In this sense, I believe it is not used in the United States; certainly not in New England.
2.  In America, a man whose occupation is to full and dress cloth.


Topic: Clothing
Definition:
CLOTHING, ppr.  Covering with or putting on vestments of any kind; providing with garments; investing; covering.
CLOTHING, n.
1.  Garments in general; clothes; dress; raiment; covering. 
As for me--my clothing was sackcloth.  Ps. 35.
2.  The art or practice of making cloth.
The king took measures to instruct the refugees from Flanders in the art of clothing.


Topic: Cloud
Definition:
CLOUD, n. [I have not found this word in any other language.  The sense is obvious--a collection.]
1.  A collection f visible vapor, or watery particles, suspended in the atmosphere, at some altitude.  A like collection of vapors near the earth is usually called fog.
I do set my bow in the cloud.  Gen. 9.
Behold, a white cloud.  Rev. 14.
2.  A state of obscurity or darkness.
3.  A collection of smoke, or a dense collection of dust, rising or floating in the air; as a cloud of dust.
A cloud of incense.  Ezek. 8.
4.  The dark or varied colors, in veins or spots, on stones or other bodies, are called clouds.
5.  A great multitude; a vast collection.
Seeing we are encompassed with so great a cloud of witnesses.  Heb. 12.
CLOUD, v.t.  To overspread with a cloud or clouds; as, the sky is clouded; clouds intercept the rays of the sun.  Hence,
2.  To obscure; to darken; as, to cloud the day, or truth, or reason.
3.  To darken in veins or spots; to variegate with colors; as clouded marble.
4.  To make of a gloomy aspect; to give the appearance of sullenness.
What sullen fury clouds his scornful brow.
5.  To sully; to tarnish.
CLOUD, v.i.  To grow cloudy; to become obscure with clouds; sometimes followed by over; as, the sky clouds over.


Topic: Cloud-capt
Definition:
CLOUD-CAPT, a. [cloud and cap.] Capped with clouds; touching the clouds; lofty.
The cloud-capt towers.


Topic: Clouded
Definition:
CLOUDED, pp.  Overcast; overspread with clouds; obscured; darkened; rendered gloomy or sullen; variegated with colored spots or veins.


Topic: Cloudiness
Definition:
CLOUDINESS, n.
1.  The state of being overcast with clouds; as the cloudiness of the atmosphere.
2.  Obscurity; gloom; want of brightness.
3.  Darkness of appearance; variegation of colors in a fossil or other body.
4.  Appearance of gloom or sullenness; as cloudiness of aspect.


Topic: Cloudy
Definition:
CLOUDY, a.  
1.  Overcast with clouds; obscured with clouds; as a cloudy day; a cloudy sky; a cloudy night.
2.  Consisting of a cloud or clouds; as a cloudy pillar.  Ex. 33:9.
3.  Obscure; dark; not easily understood; as cloudy and confused notions.
4.  Having the appearance of gloom; indicating gloom, anxiety, sullenness, or illnature; not open or cheerful; as cloudy looks.
5.  Indicating gloom or sullenness; as cloudy wrath.
6.  Marked with veins or spots of dark or various hues, as marble.
7.  Not bright; as a cloudy diamond.


Topic: Clough
Definition:
CLOUGH, n. cluf.  A cleft in a hill.  In commerce, an allowance of two pounds in every hundred weight, for the turn of the scale, that the commodity may hold out in retailing.


Topic: Clout
Definition:
CLOUT, n.  
1.  A patch; a piece of cloth or leather, &c., to close a breach.
2.  A piece of cloth for mean purposes.
3.  A piece of white cloth, for archers to shoot at.
4.  An iron plate on an axle tree, to keep it from wearing.
5.  A small nail
6.  In vulgar language, a blow with the hand.
CLOUT, v.t.
1.  To patch; to mend by sewing on a piece or patch; as clouted shoon, in Milton.  This is the sense as understood by Johnson.  Mason understands the word clouted to signify nailed, studded with small nails, from the French clouter, and the following words in Shakespeare, Whose rudeness answered my steps too loud, give some countenance to Masons interpretation.  In this case, the verb clout must signify, to nail, or fasten with nails; to stud.
2.  To cover with a piece of cloth.
3.  To join clumsily; as clouted sentences.
4.  To cover or arm with an iron plate.
5.  To strike; to give a blow.
Clouted cream, in Gay, is evidently a mistake for clotted cream.


Topic: Clove
Definition:
CLOVE, pret. of cleave.  
CLOVE, n. [See Cleave.] A cleft; a fissure; a gap; a ravine.  This word, though properly an appellative, is not often used as such in English; bu it is appropriated to particular places, that are real clefts, or which appear as such; as the Clove of Kaaterskill, in the state of New York, and the Stony Clove.  It is properly a Dutch word.
CLOVE, n.
1.  A very pungent aromatic spice, the flower of the clove-tree, Caryophyllus, a native of the Molucca isles.  The tree grows to the size of the laurel, and its bark resembles that of the olive.  No verdure is seen under it.  At the extremities of its branches are produced vast numbers of flowers, which are at first white, then green, and at last red and hard.  These are called cloves.
2. [from cleave.] The parts into which garlic separates, when the outer skin is removed.
3.  A certain weight; seven pounds of wool; eight pounds of cheese or butter.


Topic: Clove-gilly-glower
Definition:
CLOVE-GILLY-GLOWER, n.  A species of Dianthus, bearing a beautiful flower, cultivated in gardens; called also Carnation pink.
Note: Some writers suppose that gilly-flower should be written July-flower. [See clove.]


Topic: Clown
Definition:
CLOWN, n.  A countryman; a rustic; hence, one who has the manners of a rustic; a churl; a man of coarse manners; an ill-bred man.


Topic: Clownish
Definition:
CLOWNISH, a.
1.  Containing clowns; consisting of rustics; as a clownish neighborhood.
2.  Coarse; hard; rugged; rough; as clownish hands.
3.  Of rough manners; ill-bred; as a clownish fellow.
4.  Clumsy; awkward; as a clownish gait.


Topic: Cloy
Definition:
CLOY, v.t.
1.  Strictly, to fill; to glut.  Hence, to satisfy, as the appetite; to satiate.  And as the appetite when satisfied rejects additional food, hence, to fill to lothing; to surfeit.
Who can cloy the hungry edge of appetite
By bare imagination of a feast?
2.  To spike up a gun; to drive a spike into the vent.
3.  In farriery, to prick a horse in shoeing.
[In the two latter senses, I believe the word is little used, and not at all in America.]


Topic: Club
Definition:
CLUB, n.
1.  Properly, a stick or piece or wood with one end thicker and heavier than the other, and no larger than can be wielded with the hand.
2.  A thick heavy stick, that may be managed with the hand, and used for beating, or defense.  In early ages, a club was a principal instrument of war and death; a fact remarkably perpetuated in the accounts which history relates of the achievements of Hercules with his club.  Plin.  Lib. 7.  Ca. 56.  This use of the club was the origin of the scepter, as a badge of royalty.
3.  The name of one of the suits of cards; so named from its figure.
4.  A collection or assembly of men; usually a select number of friends met for social or literary purposes.  Any small private meeting of persons.
5.  A collection of expenses the expenses of a company, or unequal expenses of individuals, united for the purpose of finding the average or proportion of each individual.  Hence the share of each individual in joint expenditure is called his club, that is, his proportion of a club, or joint charge.
6.  Contribution; joint charge.
CLUB, v.i.
1.  To join, as a number of individuals, to the same end; to contribute separate powers to one end, purpose or effect.
Till grosser atoms, tumbling in the stream
Of fancy, madly met, and clubbed into a dream.
2.  To pay an equal proportion of a common reckoning or charge.


Topic: Club-law
Definition:
CLUB-LAW, n.  Government by clubs, or violence; the use of arms, or force, in place of law; anarchy.


Topic: Clubbed
Definition:
CLUBBED, pp.
1.  Collected into a sum and averaged, as different expenses.
2.  United to one end or effect.
3.  Shaped like a club.
4.  Having the britch turned upwards, as a musket.
5.  Heavy like a club.


Topic: Cluck
Definition:
CLUCK, v.i.  To make the noise, or utter the voice of the domestic hen, when sitting on eggs for hatching, and when conducting her chickens.  This voice, with the change of the vowel, is precisely our word clack and clock, and is probably an onomatopy. [See Clack and Clock.]
CLUCK, v.t.  To call chickens by a particular sound.


Topic: Clump
Definition:
CLUMP, n.
1.  A thick, short piece of wood, or other solid substance; a shapeless mass.  Hence clumper, a clot or clod.
2.  A cluster of trees or shrubs; formerly written plump.  In some parts of England, it is an adjective signifying lazy, unhandy.


Topic: Clumsily
Definition:
CLUMSILY, adv. [from clumsy.] In a clumsy manner; awkwardly; in an unhandy manner; without readiness, dexterity or grace.


Topic: Clumsiness
Definition:
CLUMSINESS, n.  The quality of being short and thick, and moving heavily; awkwardness; unhandiness; ungainliness; want of readiness, nimbleness or dexterity.


Topic: Clumsy
Definition:
CLUMSY, a.  s as z. [from clump, lump.]
1.  Properly, short and thick, like a clump or lump.  Hence,
2.  Moving heavily, slowly or awkwardly; as clumsy fingers.
3.  Awkward; ungainly; unhandy; artless; without readiness, dexterity or grace; as a clumsy man; a clumsy fellow.
4.  Ill-made; badly constructed; as a clumsy garment; clumsy verse.


Topic: Cluster
Definition:
CLUSTER, n.
1.  A bunch; a number of things of the same kind growing or joined together; a knot; as a cluster of raisins.
2.  A number of individuals or things collected or gathered into a close body; as a cluster of bees; a cluster of people.
3.  A number of things situated near each other; as a cluster of governments in Italy.
CLUSTER, v.i.
1.  To grow in clusters; to gather or unite in a bunch, or bunches; as, clustering grapes.
2.  To form into flakes; as, clustering snow.
3.  To collect into flocks or crowds.
CLUSTER, v.t.  To collect into a bunch or close body.


Topic: Clustering
Definition:
CLUSTERING, ppr.  Growing in a cluster or in bunches; uniting in a bunch, or in a flock, crowd, or close body.


Topic: Clutch
Definition:
CLUTCH, v.t.
1.  To double in the fingers and pinch or compress them together; to clinch. [If n is not radical in clinch, this may be from the same root.]
2.  To seize, clasp or gripe with the hand; as, to clutch a dagger; to clutch prey.
3.  To seize, or grasp; as, to clutch the globe at a grasp.
CLUTCH, n.  A griping or pinching with the fingers; seizure; grasp.


Topic: Clutches
Definition:
CLUTCHES, plu.
1.  The paws or talons of a rapacious animal, as of a cat or dog.
2.  The hands, in the sense of rapacity or cruelty, or of power.


Topic: Clutter
Definition:
CLUTTER, n.
1.  A heap or assemblage of things lying in confusion; a word of domestic application.
He saw what a clutter there was with huge pots, pans and spits.
2.  Noise; bustle. [This sense seems allied to clatter, but it is not the sense of the word in N. England.]
CLUTTER, v.t.  To crowd together in disorder; to fill with things in confusion; as, to clutter a room; to clutter the house.
CLUTTER, v.i.  To make a bustle, or fill with confusion.
[The English lexicographers explain this word by noise and bustle; but probably by mistake.]


Topic: Clyster
Definition:
CLYSTER, n.  An injection; a liquid substance injected into the lower intestines, for the purpose of promoting alvine discharges, relieving from costiveness, and cleansing the bowels.  Sometimes it is administered to nourish and support patients who cannot swallow aliment.


Topic: Co-operate
Definition:
CO-OPERATE, v.i. [L., to work.]
1. To act or operate jointly with another or others, to the same end; to work or labor with  mutual efforts to promote the same object.  It has with before the agent, and to before the end.  Russia cooperated with Great Britain, Austria and Prussia, to reduce the power of Buonaparte.
2. To act together; to concur in producing the same effect.  Natural and moral events cooperate in illustrating the wisdom of the Creator.


Topic: Co-operation
Definition:
CO-OPERATION, n. The act of working, or operating together, to one end; joint operation; concurrent effort or labor; as the cooperation of the combined powers; the cooperation of the understanding and the will.


Topic: Co-ordinate
Definition:
CO-ORDINATE, a. [L., to regulate. See Order.] Being of equal order, or of the same rank or degree; not subordinate; as, two courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction.


Topic: Co-ordination
Definition:
CO-ORDINATION, n. The state of holding equal rank, or of standing in the same relation to something higher.
In the high court of Parliament there is a rare coordination of power.


Topic: Co-secant
Definition:
CO-SECANT, n. [See Secant.] In geometry, the secant of an arc which is the complement of another to ninety degrees.


Topic: Co-sine
Definition:
CO-SINE, n. [See Sine.] In geometry, the sine of an arc which is the complement of another to ninety degrees.


Topic: Coacervate
Definition:
COACERVATE, v.t.  To heap up; to pile.
COACERVATE, a.  Heaped; raised into a pile; collected into a crowd.


Topic: Coach
Definition:
COACH, n.  A close vehicle for commodious traveling, borne on four wheels, and drawn by horses or other animals.  It differs from a chariot in having seats in front, as well as behind.  It is a carriage of state, or for pleasure, or for travelling.
Hackney-coach, a coach kept for hire.  In some cities, they are licensed by authority, and numbered, and the rates of fare fixed by law.
Mail-coach, a coach that carries the public mails.
Stage-coach, a coach that regularly conveys passengers from town to town. [See Stage.]


Topic: Coactive
Definition:
COACTIVE, a.
1.  Forcing; compulsory; having the power to impel or restrain.
2.  Acting in concurrence.


Topic: Coadjutor
Definition:
COADJUTOR, n.  
1.  One who aids another; an assistant; a fellow-helper; an associate in operation.
2.  In the canon law, one who is empowered or appointed to perform the duties of another.


Topic: Coadunate
Definition:
COADUNATE, a.  In botany, coadunate leaves are several united at the base.  The word is used also to denote one of the natural orders of plants in Lines system.


Topic: Coagulable
Definition:
COAGULABLE, a. [See Coagulate.] That may be concreted; capable of congealing or changing from a liquid to an inspissated state; as coagulable lymph.


Topic: Coagulate
Definition:
COAGULATE, v.t. To concrete; to curdle; to congeal; to change from a fluid into a fixed substance, or solid mass; as, to coagulate blood; rennet coagulates milk.  This word is generally applied to the change of fluids into substances like curd or butter, of a moderate consistence, but not hard or impenetrable.
COAGULATE, v.i.  To curdle or congeal; to turn from a fluid into a consistent state, or fixed substance; to thicken.


Topic: Coagulation
Definition:
COAGULATION, n.  The act of changing from a fluid to a fixed state; concretion; the state of being coagulated; the body formed by coagulating.


Topic: Coal
Definition:
COAL, n.
1.  A piece of wood, or other combustible substance, ignited, burning, or charred.  When burning or ignited, it is called a live coal, or burning coal, or coal of fire.  When the fire is extinct, it is called charcoal.
2.  In the language of chimists, any substance containing oil, which has been exposed to a fire in a close vessel, so that its volatile matter is expelled, and it can sustain a red heat without further decomposition.
3.  In mineralogy, a solid, opake, inflammable substance, found in the earth, and by way of distinction called fossil coal.  It is divided by recent mineralogists into three species, anthracite or glance coal, black or bituminous coal, and brown coal or lignite; under which are included many varieties, such as cannel coal, bovey coal, jet, &c.
COAL, v.t.
1.  To burn to coal, or charcoal; to char.
2.  To mark or delineate with charcoal.


Topic: Coal-fish
Definition:
COAL-FISH, n.  A species of Gadus or cod, named from the color of its back.  It grows to the length of two feet, or two and a half, and weighs about thirty pounds.  This fish is found in great numbers about the Orkneys, and the northern parts of Britain.


Topic: Coalery
Definition:
COALERY, n.  A coal-mine, coal-pit, or place where coals are dug, with the engines and machinery used in discharging the water and raising the coal.


Topic: Coalesce
Definition:
COALESCE, v.i.
1.  To grow together; to unite, as separate bodies, or separate parts, into one body, as separate bones in an infant, or the fingers or toes.
2.  To unite and adhere in one body or mass, by spontaneous approximation or attraction; as, vapors coalesce.
3.  To unite in society, in a more general sense,
The Jews were incapable of coalescing with other nations.


Topic: Coalescence
Definition:
COALESCENCE, n.  The act of growing together; the act of uniting by natural affinity or attraction; the state of being united; union; concretion.


Topic: Coalescing
Definition:
COALESCING, ppr.  Growing or coming together; uniting in a body or mass; uniting and adhering together.


Topic: Coalition
Definition:
COALITION, n.
1.  Union in a body or mass; a coming together, as of separate bodies or parts, and their union in one body or mass; as, a coalition of atoms or particles.
2.  Union of individual persons, parties or states.


Topic: Coamings
Definition:
COAMINGS, n.  In ships, the raised borders or edges of the hatches, made to prevent water from running into the lower apartments from the deck.


Topic: Coarctation
Definition:
COARCTATION, n.
1.  Confinement; restraint to a narrow space.
2.  Pressure; contraction.
3.  Restraint of liberty.


Topic: Coarse
Definition:
COARSE, a.
1.  Thick; large or gross in bulk; comparatively of large diameter; as coarse thread or yarn; coarse hair; coarse sand.  This seems to be the primary sense of the word; opposed to fine or slender.  Hence,
2.  Thick; rough; or made of coarse thread or yarn; as coarse cloth.
3.  Not refined; not separated from grosser particles, or impurities; as coarse metal; coarse glass.
4.  Rude; rough; unrefined; uncivil; as coarse manners.
5.  Gross; not delicate.
The coarser tie of human law.
6.  Rude; rough; unpolished; inelegant; applied to language.
7.  Not nicely expert; not accomplished by art or education; as a coarse practitioner.
8.  Mean; not nice; not refined or elegant; as a coarse perfume; a coarse diet.


Topic: Coarsely
Definition:
COARSELY, adv.  Roughly; without fineness or refinement; rudely; inelegantly; uncivilly; meanly; without art or polish.


Topic: Coarseness
Definition:
COARSENESS, n.
1.  Largeness of size; thickness; as the coarseness of thread.
2.  The quality of being made of coarse thread or yarn; whence thickness and roughness; as the coarseness of cloth.
3.  Unrefined state; the state of being mixed with gross particles or impurities; as the coarseness of glass.
4.  Roughness; grossness; rudeness; applied to manners; as the coarseness of a clown.
5.  Grossness; want of refinement or delicacy; want of polish; as the coarseness of expression or of language.
6.  Meanness; want of art in preparation; want of nicety; as the coarseness of food or of raiment.


Topic: Coast
Definition:
COAST, n.
1.  The exterior line, limit or border of a country, as in Scripture.  From the river to the uttermost sea shall your coast be.  Deut. 11.  And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim.  Numb. 24.  Hence the word may signify the whole country within certain limits.  Ex. 10:4.
2.  The edge or margin of the land next to the sea; the sea-shore.  This is the more common application of the word; and it seems to be used for sea-coast, the border of the sea.  Hence it is never used for the bank of a river.
3.  A side; applied to objects indefinitely, by Bacon and Newton.  This is a correct use of the word, but now obsolete.
4.  The country near the sea-shore; as, populous towns along the coast.
The coast is clear, is a proverbial phrase signifying, the danger is over; the enemies have marched off, or left the coast.
COAST, v.i.
1.  To sail near a coast; to sail by or near the shore, or in sight of land.
The ancients coasted only in their navigation.
2.  To sail from port to port in the same country.
COAST, v.t.  
1.  To sail by or near to; as, to coast the American shore.
2.  To draw near; to approach; to follow.


Topic: Coaster
Definition:
COASTER, n.
1.  One who sails near the shore.
2.  A vessel that is employed in sailing along a coast, or is licensed to navigate or trade from port to port in the same country.  In the United States, coasting vessels of twenty tuns burthen and upwards must be enrolled at the custom house.


Topic: Coasting-trade
Definition:
COASTING-TRADE, n.  The trade which is carried on between the different ports of the same country, or under the same jurisdiction, as distinguished from foreign trade.


Topic: Coat
Definition:
COAT, n.
1.  An upper garment, of whatever material it may be made.  The word is, in modern times, generally applied to the garment worn by men next over the vest.
God made coats of skin and clothed them.  Gen 3.
Jacob made Joseph a coat of many colors.  Gen. 37.
He shall put on the holy linen coat.  Levit. 16.
Goliath was armed with a coat of mail.  1 Sam. 17.
2.  A petticoat; a garment worn by infants or young children.
3.  The habit or vesture of an order of men, indicating the order or office.
Men of his coat should be minding their prayers.
So we say, men of his cloth.
4.  External covering, as the fur or hair of a beast, the skin of serpents, the wool of sheep, &c.
5.  A tunic of the eye; a membrane that serves as a cover; a tegument.
6.  The division or layer of a bulbous root; as the coats of an onion.
7.  A cover; a layer of any substance covering another; as a coat of tar, pitch or varnish; a coat of canvas round a mast; a coat of tin-foil.
8.  That on which ensigns armorial are portrayed; usually called a coat of arms.  Anciently knights wore a habit over their arms, reaching as low as the navel, open at the sides, with short sleeves, on which were the armories of the knights, embroidered in gold and silver, and enameled with beaten tin of various colors.  This habit was diversified with bands and fillets of several colors, placed alternately, and called devises, as being divided and composed of several pieces sewed together.  The representation of these is still called a coat of arms.
9.  A coat of mail is a piece of armor, in form of a shirt, consisting of a net-work of iron rings.
10.  A card; a coat-card is one on which a king, queen or knave is painted.
COAT, v.t.
1.  To cover or spread over with a layer of any substance; as, to coat a retort; to coat a ceiling; to coat a vial.
2.  To cover with cloth or canvas; as, to coat a mast or a pump.


Topic: Coated
Definition:
COATED, pp. 
1.  Covered with a coat; loricated; covered or overspread with any thing that defends; clothed with a membrane.
2.  Having concentric coats or layers, as a bulbous root.


Topic: Coati
Definition:
COATI, n.  An animal of South America, resembling the raccoon, but with a longer body and neck, shorter fur and smaller eyes; the Viverra nasua of Linne.


Topic: Coating
Definition:
COATING, ppr.  Covering with a coat; overspreading.
COATING, n.
1.  A covering, or the act of covering; lorication; any substance spread over for cover or defense; as the coating of a retort or of a vial.
2.  Cloth for coats; as, merchants advertise an assortment of coatings.


Topic: Cob
Definition:
COB, n.
1.  The top or head; a covetous wretch; a foreign coin.
2.  In America, the receptacle of the maiz, or American corn; a shoot in form of a pin or spike, on which grows the corn in rows.  This receptacle, with the corn, is called the ear.
3.  A sea-fowl, the sea-cob.
4.  A ball or pellet for feeding fowls.
5.  In some parts of England, a spider.  Old Dutch, kop or koppe, a spider, retained in koppespin, spinnekop, a spider.
6.  A horse not castrated; a strong poney.
COB, v.t.  In seamens language, to punish by striking the breech with a flat piece of wood, or with a board.


Topic: Cobalt
Definition:
COBALT, n.  A mineral of a reddish gray or grayish white color, very brittle, of a fine close grain, compact, but easily reducible to powder.  It crystalizes in bundles of needles, arranged one over another.  It is never found in a pure state; but usually as an oxyd, or combined with arsenic or its acid, with sulphur, iron, &c.  Its ores are arranged under the following species, viz. Arsenical cobalt, of a white color, passing to steel gray; its texture is granular, and when heated it exhales the odor of garlic: gray cobalt, a compound of cobalt, arsenic, iron, and sulphur, of a white color, with a tinge of red; its structure is foliated, and its crystals have a cube for their primitive form; sulphuret of cobalt, compact and massive in its structure: oxyd of cobalt, brown or brownish black, generally friable and earthy: sulphate and arseniate of cobalt, both of red color, the former soluble in water.  The impure oxyd of cobalt is called zaffer; but when fused with three parts of siliceous sand and an alkaline flux, it is converted into a blue glass, called smalt.  The great use of cobalt is to give a permanent blue color to glass and enamels upon metals, porcelain and earthern wares.
Cobalt-bloom, acicular arseniate of cobalt.
Cobalt-crust, earthy arseniate of cobalt.


Topic: Cobelligerent
Definition:
COBELLIGERENT, a. [See Belligerent.] Carrying on war in conjunction with another power.
COBELLIGERENT, n.  A nation or state that carries on war in connection with another.


Topic: Cobweb
Definition:
COBWEB, n.
1.  The line, thread or filament which a spider spins from its abdomen; the net-work spread by a spider to catch its prey.  Hence,
2.  Any snare, implying insidiousness and weakness.
In this sense it is used adjectively or in composition, for thin, flimsy; as a cobweb law.
Or slender, feeble; as the cobweb thread of life.


Topic: Coccolite
Definition:
COCCOLITE, n.  A variety of augite or pyroxene; called by Hauy, granuliform pyroxene.  Its color is usually some shade of green.  It is composed of granular distinct concretions, easily separable, some of which present the appearance of crystals whose angles and edges have been obliterated.
Cocculus Indicus, the fruit of the Menispermum cocculus, a poisonous berry, often used in adulterating malt liquors.


Topic: Cochineal
Definition:
COCHINEAL, n.  An insect, the Coccus cacti, of the genus Coccus, a native of the warmer climates of America, particularly of Oaxaca, in Mexico.  It is found on a plant called nopal or Indian fig-tree.  The female, which alone is valued for its color, is ill-shaped, tardy and stupid; the male is small, slender and active.  It is of the size of a tick.  At a suitable time, these insects are gathered and put in a pot, where they are confined for some time, and then killed by the application of heat.  These insects thus killed form a mass or drug, which is the proper cochineal of the shops.  It is used in giving red colors, especially crimson and scarlet, and for making carmine.  It has been used in medicine, as a cardiac, sudorific, alexipharmic and febrifuge; but is now used only to give a color to tinctures, &c.


Topic: Cock
Definition:
COCK, n.
1.  The male of birds, particularly of gallinaceous or domestic fowls, which having no appropriate or distinctive name, are called dunghill fowls or barn-door fowls.
2.  A weather-cock; a vane in shape of a cock. [It is usually called a weather-cock.]
3.  A spout; an instrument to draw out or discharge liquor from a cask, vat or pipe; so named from its projection.
4.  The projecting corner of a hat.
5.  A small conical pile of hay, so shaped for shedding rain; called in England a cop.  When hay is dry and rolled together for carting, the heaps are not generally called cocks, at least not in New England.  A large conical pile is called a stack.
6.  The style or gnomon of a dial.
7.  The needle of a balance.
8.  The piece which covers the balance in a clock or watch.
9.  The notch of an arrow.
10.  The part of a musket or other fire arm, to which a flint is attached, and which, being impelled by a spring, strikes fire, and opens the pan at the same time.
11.  A small boat.  It is now called a cock-boat, which is tautology, as cock itself is a bot.
12.  A leader; a chief man.
Sir Andrew is the cock of the club.
13.  Cock-crowing; the time when cocks crow in the morning.
Cock a hoop, or cock on the hoop, a phrase denoting triumph; triumphant; exulting.
Cock and a bull, a phrase denoting tedious trifling stories.
COCK, v.t.
1.  To set erect; to turn up; as, to cock the nose or ears.
2.  To set the brim of a hat so as to make sharp corners or points; or to set up with an air of pertness.
3.  To make up hay in small conical piles.
4.  To set or draw back the cock of a gun, in order to fire.
COCK, v.i.
1.  To hold up the head; to strut; to look big, pert, or menacing.
2.  To train or use fighting cocks.
3.  To cocker.


Topic: Cock-bill
Definition:
COCK-BILL.  In seamens language, the anchor is a cock-bill, when it is suspended perpendicularly from the cat-head, ready to be let go in a moment.


Topic: Cockade
Definition:
COCKADE, n.  A ribin or knot of ribin, or something similar, worn on the hat, usually by officers of the army or navy, sometimes by others.  It most usually designates the military character; sometimes political parties.


Topic: Cocker
Definition:
COCKER, v.t.  To fondle; to indulge; to treat with tenderness; to pamper.
COCKER, n.
1.  One who follows cock-fighting.
2.  A sort of spatter-dash.


Topic: Cocket
Definition:
COCKET, a.  Brisk; pert.
COCKET, n.  A seal of the custom-house; a royal seal; rather a scroll of parchment, sealed and delivered by the officers of the customhouse, to merchants, as a warrant that their merchandize is entered.  The office of entry.


Topic: Cockle
Definition:
COCKLE, n.  A plant or weed that grows among corn, the cornrose, a species of Agrostemma.  It is also applied to the Lolium or darnel.
COCKLE, n.
1.  A small testaceous shell; or rather a genus of shells, the Cardium.  The general characteristics are; shells nearly equilateral and equivalvular; hinge with two small teeth, one on each side near the beak, and two larger remote lateral teeth, one on each side; prominent ribs running from the hinge to the edge of the valve.
2.  A mineral; a name given by the Cornish miners to shirl or shorl.
3.  A young cock.
COCKLE, v.i. or t.  To contract into wrinkles; to shrink, pucker, or wrinkle, as cloth.


Topic: Cockney
Definition:
COCKNEY, n.
1.  A native of London, by way of contempt.
2.  An effeminate, ignorant, despicable citizen.


Topic: Cockpit
Definition:
COCKPIT, n.  
1.  A pit or area, where game cocks fight.
2.  In ships of war, a room or apartment, in which the wounded men are dressed; situated near the after-hatchway, under the lower gun-deck.  The fore-cockpit is a place leading to the magazine passage and the store room of the boatswain, gunner and carpenter.


Topic: Cockroach
Definition:
COCKROACH, n.  A genus of insects, the Blatta, of several species.  They have four semicrustaceous wings, and resemble the beetle; the head is inflected towards the breast; the feelers are hard like bristles; the elytra and wings are plain and resemble parchment.  These animals are very troublesome, as they enter chests of clothes, meal-tubs, pantries, and infest beds.  They avoid the light, and have a very unsavory smell.


Topic: Cockscomb
Definition:
COCKSCOMB, n.
1.  The caruncle or comb of a cock.
2.  A plant.  This name is given to the Celosia cristata, the Pedicularis or louse-wort, and the Rhinanthus, or yellow rattle.
3.  A fop, or vain silly fellow. [See Coxcomb.]


Topic: Cockswain
Definition:
COCKSWAIN, n. [See Swain.] An officer on board of a ship who has the care of the boat and the boats crew.


Topic: Cocoa
Definition:
COCOA, n.  A tree belonging to the genus Cocos, of the order of Palmae; and the fruit or nut of the tree.  This tree grows in the warm climates of both the Indies.  It rises to the highth of 60 feet, and the stem is like an apothecarys pestle, of equal thickness at the ends, but somewhat smaller in the middle.  The bark is smooth, of a pale brown color, and the tree often leans to one side.  The leaves or branches are 14 or 15 feet long, about 28 in number, winged, of a yellow color, straight and tapering.  The nuts hang in clusters of a dozen each, on the top of the tree.  The husk of this nut consists of strong, tough, stringy filaments, resembling coarse oakum.  This covers a hard shell, which contains a white kernel that is wholesome food, and a liquor which is a cooling beverage.


Topic: Cocoon
Definition:
COCOON, n.  An oblong ball or case in which the silk-worm involves itself, formed by threads which compose silk.


Topic: Coction
Definition:
COCTION, n.  The act of boiling or exposing to heat in liquor.  In medicine, that alteration in the crude matter of a disease, which fits it for a discharge; digestion.


Topic: Code
Definition:
CODE, n.
1.  A collection of the laws and constitutions of the Roman emperors, made by order of Justinian, containing twelve books.  The name is also given to other collections of Roman laws; as the Theodosian code.  Hence in general,
2.  Any collection or digest of laws.


Topic: Coefficient
Definition:
COEFFICIENT, n.
1.  That which unites in action with something else to produce the same effect.
2.  In algebra, a number or known quantity put before letters, or quantities, known or unknown, and into which it is supposed to be multiplied; as in 3x and ax, 3 and a are the coefficients of x.
3.  In fluxions, the coefficient of any generating term is the quantity which arises from the division of that term by the generated quantity.


Topic: Coequal
Definition:
COEQUAL, a.  Equal with another person or thing; of the same rank, dignity or power.
COEQUAL, n.  One who is equal to another.


Topic: Coerce
Definition:
COERCE,
1.  To restrain by force; to keep from acting, or transgressing, particularly by moral force, as by law or authority; to repress.
2.  To compel; to constrain.
These causes--coerced by those which preceded and coercing those which followed.


Topic: Coercive
Definition:
COERCIVE, a.
1.  That has power to restrain, particularly by moral force, as of law or authority.
2.  Compulsory; constraining; forcing.


Topic: Coessential
Definition:
COESSENTIAL, a. Partaking of the same essence.
We bless and magnify that coessential spirit, eternally proceeding from the father and son.


Topic: Coetaneous
Definition:
COETANEOUS, a.  Of the same age with another; beginning to exist at the same time; with to.  Every fault has penal effects, coetaneous to the act.  But with may be preferable to to.  This word is sometimes used as synonymous with cotemporary; but coetaneous seems properly to denote cotemporary in origin, rather than cotemporary in existence at any other period.  It may however be used in both senses.


Topic: Coeval
Definition:
COEVAL, a.  Of the same age; beginning to exist at the same time; of equal age; usually and properly followed by with.
COEVAL, n.  One of the same age; one who begins to exist at the same time.  It is not properly used as synonymous with cotemporary.


Topic: Coextend
Definition:
COEXTEND, v.i.  To extend through the same space or duration with another; to extend equally; as, one line coextends with another; or perhaps in a transitive sense, to coextend a line with another.


Topic: Coffee
Definition:
COFFEE, n.
1.  The berry of a tree belonging to the genus Coffea, growing in Arabia, Persia, and in other warm climates of Asia and America.  It will grow to the highth of 16 or 18 feet, but its growth is generally stinted to five feet, for the convenience of gathering the fruit.  The stem is upright, and covered with a light brown bark; the branches are horizontal and opposite, crossing each other at every joint, and forming a sort of pyramid.  The flowers grow in clusters at the root of the leaves, and close to the branches; they are of a pure white and of an agreeable odor.  The fruit which is a berry, grows in clusters, along the branches, under the axils of the leaves.
2.  A drink made from the berry of the coffee-tree, by decoction.  The berry is first roasted, and then ground in a mill, and boiled.  The use of it is said to have been introduced into France by Thevenot, the traveler, and into England, in 1652, by a Greek servant, called Pasqua.  The best coffee is said to be the Mocha coffee from Arabia Felix.  The coffee of Java, Bourbon and the West Indies constitutes an important article of commerce.


Topic: Coffee-house
Definition:
COFFEE-HOUSE, n.
1.  A house of entertainment, where guests are supplied with coffee and other refreshments, and where men meet for conversation.
2.  A house of entertainment; an inn; which in some cities is also an exchange where merchants meet to transact business.


Topic: Coffee-pot
Definition:
COFFEE-POT, n.  A covered pot in which coffee is boiled, or in which it is brought upon the table for drinking.


Topic: Coffer
Definition:
COFFER, n.
1.  A chest or trunk; and as a chest is customarily used for keeping money, hence,
2.  A chest of money; a treasure.
3.  In architecture, a square depression or sinking in each interval between the modillions of the Corinthian cornice, ordinarily filled with a rose, a pomegranate or other enrichment.
4.  In fortification, a hollow lodgment across a dry moat, from 6 to 7 feet deep and from 16 to 18 broad; the upper part made of pieces of timber, raised two feet above the level of the moat; which little elevation has hurdles laden with earth for its covering, and serves as a parapet with embrasures.  It is raised by the besieged to repulse besiegers when they endeavor to pass the ditch.


Topic: Cofferer
Definition:
COFFERER, n.  The Cofferer of the kings household in Great Britain, a principal officer of the court, next under the Controller.  He was also a white-staff officer, and a member of the privy council.  He had the special charge and oversight of the other officers of the household.  This office is now suppressed, and the business is transacted by the lord steward and paymaster of the household.


Topic: Coffin
Definition:
COFFIN, n.
1.  The chest or box in which a dead human body is buried, or deposited in a vault.
2.  A mold of paste for a pie.
3.  A paper case, in the form of a cone, used by grocers.
4.  In farriery, the hollow part of a horses hoof; or the whole hoof above the coronet, including the coffin-bone, which is a small spungy bone in the midst of the hoof, and possessing the whole form of the hoof.
COFFIN, v.t.  To put in or inclose in a coffin.


Topic: Cog
Definition:
COG, v.t.
1.  To flatter; to wheedle; to seduce or draw from, by adulation or artifice.
2.  To obtrude or thrust in, by falsehood or deception; as, to cog in a word to serve a purpose.
To cog a die, to secure it so as to direct its fall; to falsify; to cheat in playing dice.
COG, v.i.
1.  To deceive; to cheat; to lie.
2.  To wheedle.
COG, n.  The tooth of a wheel, by which it drives another wheel or body.
COG, v.t.  To fix a cog; to furnish with cogs.


Topic: Cogency
Definition:
COGENCY, n.  Force; strength; power of compelling; literally, urgency, or driving.  It is used chiefly of moral subjects, and in relation to force or pressure on the mid; as the cogency of motives or arguments.


Topic: Cogent
Definition:
COGENT, a. [See Cogency.]
1.  Forcible, in a physical sense; as the cogent force of nature.
2.  Urgent; pressing on the mind; forcible; powerful; not easily resisted; as a cogent reason, or argument.
The harmony of the universe furnishes cogent proofs of a deity.


Topic: Cogging
Definition:
COGGING, ppr.  Wheedling; deceiving; cheating; inserting deceitfully; fixing cogs.
COGGING, n.  Cheat; deception; fallacy.


Topic: Cogitation
Definition:
COGITATION, n.
1.  The act of thinking; thought; meditation; contemplation.
2.  Thought directed to an object; purpose.


Topic: Cogitative
Definition:
COGITATIVE, a.  
1.  Thinking; having the power of thinking, or meditating; as a cogitative substance.
2.  Given to thought, or contemplation.


Topic: Cognate
Definition:
COGNATE, a.
1.  Allied by blood; kindred by birth.
2.  Related in origin; proceeding from the same stock; of the same family; as a cognate dialect.
3.  Allied in the manner of formation or utterance; uttered by the same organs; as a cognate letter or round.


Topic: Cognation
Definition:
COGNATION, n.
1.  In the civil law, kindred or natural relation between males and females, both descended from the same father; as agnation is the relation between males only descended from the same stock.
2.  Kindred; relation by descent from the same original.
Pride and hardheartedness are of near cognation to ingratitude.
3.  Relation; participation of the same nature.


Topic: Cognizable
Definition:
COGNIZABLE, a.
1.  That falls or may fall under judicial notice; that may be heard, tried, and determined; as, a cause or action in cognizable before the circuit court.
These wrongs are cognizable by the ecclesiastical courts.
2.  That falls or may fall under notice or observation; that may be known, perceived or apprehended.
The cause of many phenomena is not cognizable by the senses.


Topic: Cognizance
Definition:
COGNIZANCE, n.
1.  Judicial notice or knowledge; the hearing, trying and determining of a cause or action in court.
The court of kings bench takes cognizance of civil and criminal causes.
In the United States, the district courts have cognizance of maritime causes.
2.  Jurisdiction, or right to try and determine causes.
The court of kings bench has original jurisdiction and cognizance of all actions of trespass vi et armis.
3.  In law, an acknowledgment or confession; as in fines, the acknowledgment of the cognizor or deforciant, that the right to the land in question is in the plaintiff or cognizee, by gift or otherwise; in replevin, the acknowledgment of the defendant, that he took the goods, but alledging that he did it legally as the bailiff of another person who had a right to distrain.
4.  A badge on the sleeve of a waterman or servant, by which he is known to belong to this or that nobleman or gentleman.
5.  Knowledge or notice; perception; observation; as the cognizance of the senses.
6.  Knowledge by recollection.


Topic: Cognizee
Definition:
COGNIZEE, n.  In law, one to whom a fine is acknowledged, or the plaintiff in an action for the assurance of land by fine.


Topic: Cognizor
Definition:
COGNIZOR, n.  One who acknowledges the right of the plaintiff or cognizee, in a fine; otherwise called the defendant or deforciant.


Topic: Cognomination
Definition:
COGNOMINATION, n.  A surname; the name of a family; a name given from any accident or quality; as Alexander the Great.


Topic: Cohabit
Definition:
COHABIT, v.i.
1.  To dwell with; to inhabit or reside in company, or in the same place, or country.
2.  To dwell or live together as husband and wife; usually or often applied to persons not legally married.


Topic: Cohabitation
Definition:
COHABITATION, n.
1.  The act or state of dwelling together or in the same place with another.
2.  The state of living together as man and wife, without being legally married.


Topic: Coheir
Definition:
COHEIR, n.  A joint heir; one who succeeds to a share of an inheritance, which is to be divided among two or more.


Topic: Coheiress
Definition:
COHEIRESS, n.  A female who inherits a share of an estate, which is to be divided among two or more heirs or heiresses; a joint heiress.


Topic: Cohere
Definition:
COHERE, v.i.
1.  To stick together; to cleave; to be united; to hold fast, as parts of the same mass, or as two substances that attract each other.  Thus, particles of clay cohere; polished surfaces of bodies cohere.
2.  To be well connected; to follow regularly in the natural order; to be suited in connection; as the parts of a discourse, or as arguments in a train of reasoning.
3.  To suit; to be fitted; to agree.


Topic: Coherent
Definition:
COHERENT, a.
1.  Sticking together; cleaving; as the parts of bodies, solid or fluid.
2.  Connected; united, by some relation in form or order; followed by to, but rather by with.
3.  Suitable or suited; regularly adapted.
4.  Consistent; having a due agreement of parts; as a coherent discourse.  Or observing due agreement; as a coherent thinker or reasoner.


Topic: Cohesibility
Definition:
COHESIBILITY, n. The tendency which one part of matter evinces to unite with another part of matter, so as to form, out of different bodies, one common mass. It is opposed to divisibility.


Topic: Cohesion
Definition:
COHESION, n. s as z.
1.  The act of sticking together; the state of being united by natural attraction, as the constituent particles of bodies which unite in a mass, by a natural tendency; one of the different species of attraction.
2.  Connection; dependence; as the cohesion of ideas.  But in this sense, see Coherence.


Topic: Cohesive
Definition:
COHESIVE, a.  That has the power of sticking or cohering; tending to unite in a mass, and to resist separation.


Topic: Cohesiveness
Definition:
COHESIVENESS, n.  The quality of being cohesive; the quality of adhering together, as particles of matter.


Topic: Cohobate
Definition:
COHOBATE, v.t.  Among chimists, to repeat the distillation of the same liquor or that from the same body, pouring the liquor back upon the matte remaining in the vessel.


Topic: Cohobation
Definition:
COHOBATION, n.  The operation of repeatedly distilling the same liquor, or that from the same substance.


Topic: Cohort
Definition:
COHORT, n.
1.  Among the Romans, a body of about five or six hundred men; each cohort consisted of three maniples, and each maniple, of two centuries; and ten cohorts constituted a legion.
2.  In poetry, a band or body of warriors.


Topic: Coif
Definition:
COIF, n.  A kind of caul, or cap, worn on the head, by sergeants at law, and others.  Its chief use was to cover the clerical tonsure.
COIF, v.t.  To cover or dress with a coif.


Topic: Coil
Definition:
COIL, v.t.  To gather, as a line or cord into a circular form; to wind into a ring, as a serpent, or a rope.
COIL, n.  
1.  A rope gathered into a ring; on shipboard, a single turn or winding is called a fake, and a range of fakes is called a tier.
2.  A noise, tumult, bustle.


Topic: Coin
Definition:
COIN, n.
1.  A corner; a jutting point, as of a wall.
Rustic coins, stones jutting from a wall for new buildings to be joined to.
2.  A wedge for raising or lowering a piece of ordnance.
3.  A wedge or piece of wood to lay between casks on shipboard.
COIN, n.  Primarily, the die employed for stamping money.  Hence,
1.  Money stamped; a piece of metal, as gold, silver, copper, or other metal, converted into money, by impressing on it marks, figures or characters.  To make good money, these impressions must be made under the authority of government.  That which is stamped without authority is called false or counterfeit coin.  Formerly, all coin was made by hammering; but it is now impressed by a machine or mill.
Current coin is coin legally stamped and circulating in trade.
Ancient coins are chiefly those of the Jews, Greeks and Romans, which are kept in cabinets as curiosities.
2.  In architecture, a kind of die cut diagonally, after the manner of a flight of a stair case, serving at bottom to support columns in a level, and at top to correct the inclination of an entablature supporting a vault.
3.  That which serves for payment.
The loss of present advantage to flesh and blood is repaid in a nobler coin.
COIN, v.t.
1.  To stamp a metal, and convert it into money; to mint.
2.  To make; as, to coin words.
3.  To make; to forge; to fabricate; in an ill sense; as, to coin a lie; to coin a fable.


Topic: Coincidence
Definition:
COINCIDENCE, n.
1.  The falling or meeting of two or more lines, surfaces, or bodies in the same point.
2.  Concurrence; consistency; agreement; as the coincidence of two or more opinions; coincidence of evidences.
3.  A meeting of events in time; concurrence; a happening at the same time; as coincidence of events.


Topic: Coincident
Definition:
COINCIDENT, a.  
1.  Falling on the same point; meeting as lines, surfaces or bodies; followed by with.
2.  Concurrent; consistent; agreeable to; followed by with.
Christianity teaches nothing but what is perfectly coincident with the ruling principles of a virtuous man.


Topic: Coindication
Definition:
COINDICATION, n.  In medicine, a sign or symptom, which, with other signs, assists to show the nature of the disease, and the proper remedy; a concurrent sign or symptom.


Topic: Coiner
Definition:
COINER, n. 
1.  One who stamps coin; a minter; a maker of money.
2.  A counterfeiter of the legal coin; a maker of base money.
3.  An inventor or maker, as of words.


Topic: Coining
Definition:
COINING, n.  
1.  The act, art or practice of stamping money.
2.  Coin; money coined; stamped and legitimated metal for a circulating medium.
3.  Coins of a particular stamp; as the coinage of George III.
4.  The charges or expense of coining money.
5.  A making; new production; formation; as the coinage of words.
6.  Invention; forgery; fabrication.
This is the very coinage of your brain.


Topic: Coke
Definition:
COKE, n.  Fossil coal charred, or deprived of its bitumen, sulphur or other extraneous or volatile matter by fire, and thus prepared for exciting intense heat.


Topic: Colander
Definition:
COLANDER, n.  A vessel with a bottom perforated with little holes for straining liquors.  In America, this name is given, I believe, exclusively to a vessel of tin, or other metal.  In Great Britain, the name is given to vessels, like sieves, made with hair, osiers or twigs.


Topic: Colcothar
Definition:
COLCOTHAR, n.  The brown red oxyd of iron which remains after the distillation of the acid from sulphate of iron; used for polishing glass and other substances.  It is called by artists crocus, or crocus martis.
The sulphate of iron is called colcothar or chalcite, when the calcination has been carried so far as to drive off a considerable part of the acid.


Topic: Cold
Definition:
COLD, a.
1.  Not warm or hot; gelid, frigid; a relative term.  A substance is cold to the touch, when it is less warm then the body, and when in contact, the heat of the body passes from the body to the substance; as cold air; a cold stone; cold water.  It denotes a greater degree of the quality than cool.
2.  Having the sensation of cold; chill; shivering, or inclined to shiver; as, I am cold.
3.  Having cold qualities; as a cold plant.
4.  Frigid; wanting passion, zeal ro ardor; indifferent; unconcerned; not animated, or easily excited into action; as a cold spectator; a cold Christian; a cold lover, or friend; a cold temper.
Thou art neither cold nor hot.  Rev. 3.
5.  Not moving; unaffecting; not animated; not able to excite feeling; spiritless; as a cold discourse; a cold jest.
6.  Reserved; coy; not affectionate, cordial or friendly; indicating indifference; as a cold look; a cold return of civilities; a cold reception.
7.  Not heated by sensual desire.
8.  Not hasty; not violent.
9.  Not affecting the scent strongly.
10.  Not having the scent strongly affected.
COLD, n.  
1.  The sensation produced in animal bodies by the escape of heat, and the consequent contraction of the fine vessels.  Also, the cause of that sensation.  Heat expands the vessels, and cold contracts them; and the transition from an expanded to a contracted state is accompanied with a sensation to which, as well as to the cause of it, we give the denomination of cold.  Hence cold is a privation of heat, or the cause of it.
2.  A shivering; the effect of the contraction of the fine vessels of the body; chilliness, or chillness.
3.  A disease; indisposition occasioned by cold; catarrh.


Topic: Cold-finch
Definition:
COLD-FINCH, n.  A species of Motacilla, a bird frequenting the west of England, with the head and back of a brownish gray, the belly white, and the quill feathers and tail black.


Topic: Coldly
Definition:
COLDLY, adv.  In a cold manner; without warmth; without concern; without ardor or animation; without apparent passion, emotion or feeling; with indifference or negligence; as, to answer one coldly; a proposition is coldly received.


Topic: Coldness
Definition:
COLDNESS, n.
1.  Want of heat; as the coldness or water or air.  When the heat or temperature of any substance is less than that of the animal body exposed to it, that state or temperature is called coldness.
2.  Unconcern; indifference; a frigid state of temper; want of ardor, zeal, emotion, animation, or spirit; negligence; as, to receive an answer with coldness; to listen with coldness.
3.  Want of apparent affection, or kindness; as, to receive a friend with coldness.
4.  Coyness; reserve; indifference; as, to receive addresses with coldness.
5.  Want of sensual desire; frigidity; chastity.


Topic: Cole
Definition:
COLE, n.  The general name of all sorts of cabbage or brassica; but we generally use it in its compounds, cole-wort, cauliflower, &c.


Topic: Cole-seed
Definition:
COLE-SEED, n. 
1.  The seed of the navew, napus sativa, or long-rooted, narrow-leafed rapa; reckoned a species of brassica or cabbage.
2.  Cabbage seed.


Topic: Coleopter
Definition:
COLEOPTER,TERA, n.  The coleopters, in Linnes system of entomology, are an order of insects, having crustaceous elytra or shells, which shut and form a longitudinal suture along the back, as the beetle.


Topic: Colic
Definition:
COLIC, n.  In general, a severe pain in the bowels, of which there are several varieties; as bilious colic, hysteric colic, nervous colic and many others.


Topic: Collapse
Definition:
COLLAPSE, v.i.  To fall together, as the two sides of a vessel; to close by falling together; as, the fine canals or vessels of the body collapse in old age.


Topic: Collar
Definition:
COLLAR, n.
1.  Something worn round the neck, as a ring of metal, or a chain.  The knights of several orders wear a chain of gold, enameled, and sometimes set with ciphers or other devices, to which the badge of the order is appended.
2.  The part of a garment which surrounds the neck.  Job 30:18.
3.  A part of a harness for the neck of a horse or other beast, used in draught.
4.  Among seamen, the upper part of a stay; also, a rope in form of a wreath to which a stay is confined.
To slip the collar, is to escape or get free; to disentangle ones self from difficulty, labor, or engagement.
A collar of brawn, is the quantity bound up in one parcel.
COLLAR, v.t.
1.  To seize by the collar.
2.  To put a collar on.
To collar beef or other meat, is to roll it up and bind it close with a string.


Topic: Collate
Definition:
COLLATE, v.t.  Literally, to bring or lay together.  Hence,
1.  To lay together and compare, by examining the points in which two or more things of a similar kind agree or disagree; applied particularly to manuscripts and books; as, to collate copies of the Hebrew Scriptures.
2.  To confer or bestow a benefice on a clergyman, by a bishop who has it in his own gift or patronage; or more strictly, to present and institute a clergyman in a benefice, when the same person is both the ordinary and the patron; followed by to.
If the patron neglects to present, the bishop may collate his clerk to the church.
3.  To bestow or confer; but now seldom used, except as in the second definition.


Topic: Collated
Definition:
COLLATED, pp.  Laid together and compared; examined by comparing; presented and instituted, as a clergyman, to a benefice.


Topic: Collateral
Definition:
COLLATERAL, a.
1.  Being by the side, side by side, on the side, or side to side.
In his bright radiance and collateral light
Must I be comforted, not in his sphere.
Collateral pressure is pressure on the side.  So we say, collateral circumstances, circumstances which accompany a principal event.
2.  In genealogy, descending from the same stock or ancestor, but not one from the other; as distinguished from lineal.  Lineal descendants proceed one from another in a direct line; collateral relations spring from a common ancestor, but from different branches of that common stirps or stock.  Thus the children of brothers are collateral relations, having different fathers, but a common grandfather.
3.  Collateral security, is security for the performance of covenants or the payment of money, besides the principal security.
4.  Running parallel.
5.  Diffused on either side; springing from relations; as, collateral love.
6.  Not direct, or immediate.
If by direct or collateral hand.
7.  Concurrent; as, collateral strength.
COLLATERAL, n.  A collateral relation or kinsman.


Topic: Collaterally
Definition:
COLLATERALLY, adv.  
1.  Side by side; or by the side.
2.  Indirectly.
3.  In collateral relation; not in a direct line; not lineally.


Topic: Collation
Definition:
COLLATION, n.
1.  The act of bringing or laying together, and comparing; a comparison of one copy or thing of a like kind with another.
2.  The act of conferring or bestowing; a gift.
3.  In the canon law, the presentation of a clergyman to a benefice by a bishop, who has it in his own gift or patronage.  Collation includes both presentation and institution.  When the patron of a church is not a bishop, he presents his clerk for admission, and the bishop institutes him; but if a bishop is the patron, his presentation and institution are one act and are called collation.
4.  In common law, the presentation of a copy to its original, and a comparison made by examination, to ascertain its conformity; also, the report of the act made by the proper officers.
5.  In Scots law, the right which an heir has of throwing the whole heritable and movable estates of the deceased into one mass, and sharing it equally with others who are of the same degree of kindred.
6.  A repast between full meals; as a cold collation.
Collation of seals, denotes one seal set on the same label, on the reverse of another.


Topic: Collative
Definition:
COLLATIVE, a.  Advowsons are presentative, collative or donative.  An advowson collative is where the bishop and patron are one and the same person; in which case the bishop cannot present to himself, but he does, by one act of collation or conferring the benefice, the whole that is done, in common cases, by both presentation and institution.


Topic: Collator
Definition:
COLLATOR, n.  
1.  One who collates or compares manuscripts or copies of books.
2.  One who collates to a benefice, as when the ordinary and patron are the same person.


Topic: Colleague
Definition:
COLLEAGUE, n.  A partner or associate in the same office, employment or commission, civil or ecclesiastical.
It is never used of partners in trade or manufactures.
COLLEAGUE, v.t.  To unite with in the same office.


Topic: Collect
Definition:
COLLECT, v.t.
1.  To gather, as separate persons or things, into one body or place; to assemble or bring together; as, to collect men into an army; to collect ideas; to collect particulars into one sum.
2.  To gain by observation or information.
From all that can be collected, the public peace will not soon be interrupted.
3.  To gather from premises; to infer as a consequence.
Which consequence, I conceive, is very ill collected.
4.  To gather money or revenue from debtors; to demand and receive; as, to collect taxes; to collect the customs; to collect accounts, or debts.
5.  To gather, as crops; to reap, mow or pick, and secure in proper repositories; as, to collect hay, corn or fruits.
6.  To draw together; to bring into united action; as, to collect all the strength, or all the powers of the mind.
7.  To obtain from contribution.
To collect ones self, is to recover from surprise, or a disconcerted state; to gain command over the thoughts, when dispersed; over the passions, when tumultuous; or the mind, when dismayed.
COLLECT, v.i.  To run together; to accumulate; as, pus collects in an abscess; sand or snow collects in banks.
COLLECT, n.  
1.  A short comprehensive prayer; a prayer adapted to a particular day or occasion.
2.  A collection or gathering of money.


Topic: Collected
Definition:
COLLECTED, pp.
1.  Gathered; assembled; congregated; drawn together.
2.  Recovered from surprise or dismay; not disconcerted; cool; firm; prepared.


Topic: Collectible
Definition:
COLLECTIBLE, a.  
1.  That may be collected or gathered; that may be inferred.
2.  That may be gathered or recovered; as, the debts or taxes are or are not collectible.


Topic: Collection
Definition:
COLLECTION, n.
1.  The act of gathering, or assembling.
2.  The body formed by gathering; an assemblage, or assembly; a crowd; as a collection of men.
3.  A contribution; a sum collected for a charitable purpose.
Now concerning the collection for the saints.  1 Cor. 16.
4.  A gathering, as of matter in an abscess.
5.  The act of deducing consequences; reasoning; inference.
6.  A corollary; a consectary; a deduction from premises; consequence.
7.  A book compiled from other books, by the putting together of parts; a compilation; as a collection of essays or sermons.


Topic: Collective
Definition:
COLLECTIVE, a.
1.  Formed by gathering; gathered into a mass, sum, or body; congregated, or aggregated.
2.  Deducing consequences; reasoning; inferring.
3.  In grammar, expressing an number or multitude united; as a collective noun or name, which, though in the singular number itself, denotes more than one; as, company, army, troop, assembly.


Topic: Collectively
Definition:
COLLECTIVELY, adv.  In a mass, or body; in a collected state; in the aggregate; unitedly; in a state of combination; as the citizens of a state collectively considered.


Topic: Collector
Definition:
COLLECTOR, n.
1.  One who collects or gathers things which are scattered or separate.
2.  A compiler; one who gathers and puts together parts of books, or scattered pieces, in one book.
3.  In botany, one who gathers plants, without studying botany as a science.
4.  An officer appointed and commissioned to collect and receive customs, duties, taxes or toll.
5.  A bachelor of arts in Oxford, who is appointed to superintend some scholastic proceedings in Lent.


Topic: Collectorship
Definition:
COLLECTORSHIP, n.
1.  The office of a collector of customs or taxes.
2.  The jurisdiction of a collector.


Topic: Collegatary
Definition:
COLLEGATARY, n.  In the civil law, a person who has a legacy left to him in common with one or more other persons.


Topic: College
Definition:
COLLEGE, n.  In its primary sense, a collection, or assembly.  Hence,
1.  In a general sense, a collection, assemblage or society of men, invested with certain powers and rights, performing certain duties, or engaged in some common employment, or pursuit.
2.In a particular sense, an assembly for a political or ecclesiastical purpose as the college of Electors or their deputies at the diet in Ratisbon.  So also, the college of princes, or their deputies; the college of cities, or deputies of the Imperial cities; the college of Cardinals, or sacred college.  In Russia, the denomination, college, is given to councils of state, courts or assemblies of men intrusted with the administration of the government, and called Imperial college; the college of foreign affairs; the college of war; the admiralty college; the college of justice; the college of commerce; the medical college.
In Great Britain and the United States of America, a society of physicians is called a college.  So also there are colleges of surgeons; and in Britain, a college of philosophy, a college of heralds, a college of justice, &c.  Colleges of these kinds are usually incorporated or established by the supreme power of the state.
3.  An edifice appropriated to the use of students, who are acquiring the languages and sciences.
4.  The society of persons engaged in the pursuits of literature, including the officers and students.  Societies of this kind are incorporated and endowed with revenues.
5.  In foreign universities, a public lecture.


Topic: Collegiate
Definition:
COLLEGIATE, a.
1.  Pertaining to a college; as collegiate studies.
2.  Containing a college; instituted after the manner of a college; as a collegiate society.
3.  A collegiate church is one that has no bishops see; but has the ancient retinue of a bishop, canons and prebends.  Of these some are of royal, others of ecclesiastical foundation; and each is regulated, in matters of divine service, as a cathedral.  Some of these were anciently abbeys which have been secularized.
COLLEGIATE, n.  The member of a college.


Topic: Collet
Definition:
COLLET, n.
1.  Among jewelers, the horizontal face or plane at the bottom of brilliants; or the part of a ring in which the stone is set.
2.  In glass-making, that part of glass vessels which sticks to the iron instrument used in taking the substance from the melting-pot.
3.  Anciently, a band or collar.
4.  A term used by turners.


Topic: Collier
Definition:
COLLIER, n.
1.  A digger of coal; one who works in a coal-mine.
2.  A coal-merchant or dealer in coal.
3.  A coasting vessel employed in the coal trade, or in transporting coal from the ports where it is received from the mines, to the ports where it is purchased for consumption.


Topic: Collimation
Definition:
COLLIMATION, n.  The act of aiming at a mark; aim; the act of leveling, or of directing the sight to a fixed object.


Topic: Colliquament
Definition:
COLLIQUAMENT, n.  
1.  The substance formed by melting; that which is melted.
2.  Technically, the fetal part of an egg; the transparent fluid in an egg, containing the first rudiments of the chick.
3.  The first rudiments of an embryo in generation.


Topic: Colliquate
Definition:
COLLIQUATE, v.i.  To melt; to dissolve; to change from solid to fluid; to become liquid.
COLLIQUATE, v.t.  To melt or dissolve.


Topic: Colliquation
Definition:
COLLIQUATION, n.  
1.  The act of melting.
2.  A dissolving, flowing or wasting; applied to the blood, when it does not readily coagulate, and to the solid parts, when they waste away by excessive secretion, occasioning fluxes and profuse, clammy sweats.


Topic: Colliquative
Definition:
COLLIQUATIVE, a.  Melting; dissolving; appropriately indicating a morbid discharge of the animal fluids; as a colliquative fever, which is accompanied with diarrhoea, or profuse sweats; a colliquative sweat is a profuse clammy sweat.


Topic: Collision
Definition:
COLLISION, n. s as z.
1.  The act of striking together; a striking together of two hard bodies.
2.  The state of being struck together; a clashing.  Hence,
3.  Opposition; interference; as a collision of interests or of parties.
4.  A running against each other, as ships at sea.


Topic: Collocation
Definition:
COLLOCATION, n.
1.  A setting; the act of placing; disposition in place.
2.  The state of being placed, or placed with something else.


Topic: Collop
Definition:
COLLOP, n.
1.  A small slice of meat; a piece of flesh.
2.  In burlesque, a child.
In Job 15:27 it seems to have the sense of a thick piece or fleshy lump.  He maketh collops of fat on his flanks.  This is the sense of the word in N. England.


Topic: Colloquial
Definition:
COLLOQUIAL, a. [See Colloquy.] Pertaining to common conversation, or to mutual discourse; as colloquial language; a colloquial phrase.


Topic: Collusion
Definition:
COLLUSION, n. s as z. 
1.  In law, a deceitful agreement or compact between two or more persons, for the one party to bring an action against the other, for some evil purpose, as to defraud a third person of his right.
A secret understanding between two parties, who plead or proceed fraudulently against each other, to the prejudice of a third person.
2.  In general, a secret agreement for a fraudulent purpose.


Topic: Colocynth
Definition:
COLOCYNTH, n.  The coloquintida, or bitter apple of the shops, a kind of gourd, from Aleppo and from Crete.  It contains a bitter pulp, which is a drastic purge.


Topic: Cologne-earth
Definition:
COLOGNE-EARTH, n.  A kind of light bastard ocher, of a deep brown color, not a pure native fossil, but containing more vegetable than mineral matter; supposed to be the remains of wood long buried in the earth.
It is an earthy variety of lignite or brown coal.


Topic: Colombo
Definition:
COLOMBO, n.  A root from colombo in Ceylon.  Its smell is aromatic, and its taste pungent and bitter.  It is much esteemed as a tonic in dyspeptic and bilious diseases.


Topic: Colon
Definition:
COLON, n.
1.  In anatomy, the largest of the intestines, or rather the largest division of the intestinal canal;  beginning at the ceecum, and ascending by the right kidney, it passes under the hollow part of the liver, and the bottom of the stomach, to the spleen; thence descending by the left kidney, it passes, in the form of an S, to the upper part of the os sacrum, where, from its straight course, the canal takes the name of rectum.
2.  In grammar, a point or character formed thus [:], used to mark a pause, greater than that of a semicolon, but less than that of a period; or rather it is used when the sense of the division of a period is complete, so as to admit a full point; but something is added by way of illustration, or the description is continued by an additional remark, without a necessary dependence on the foregoing members of the sentence.  Thus,
A brute arrives at a point of perfection he can never pass: in a few years he has all the endowments he is capable of.
The colon is often used before an address, quotation or example. Mr. Gray was followed by Mr. Erskine, who spoke thus: I rise to second the motion of my honorable friend. But the propriety of this depends on the pause, and this depends on the form of introducing the quotation; for after say, said, or a like word, the colon is not used, and seems to be improper.  Thus in our version of the scriptures, such members are almost invariably followed by a comma.  But Jesus said to them, Ye know not what ye ask.
The use of the colon is not uniform; nor is it easily defined and reduced to rules.  Indeed the use of it might be dispensed with without much inconvenience.


Topic: Colonel
Definition:
COLONEL, n.  The chief commander of a regiment of troops, whether infantry or cavalry.  He ranks next below a brigadier-general.  In England, colonel-lieutenant is the commander of a regiment of guards, of which the king, prince or other person of eminence is colonel.  Lieutenant-colonel is the second officer in a regiment, and commands it in the absence of the colonel.


Topic: Colonize
Definition:
COLONIZE, v.t.
1.  To plant or establish a colony in; to plant or settle a number of the subjects of a kingdom or state in a remote country, for the purpose of cultivation, commerce or defense, and for permanent residence.
The Greeks colonized the South of Italy and of France.
2.  To migrate and settle in, as inhabitants.  English Puritans colonized New England.


Topic: Colonizing
Definition:
COLONIZING, ppr.  Planting with a colony.
COLONIZING, n.  The act of establishing a colony.
This state paper has been adopted as the basis of all her later colonizings.


Topic: Colonnade
Definition:
COLONNADE, n.  
1.  In architecture, a peristyle of a circular figure, or a series of columns, disposed in a circle, and insulated within side.
2.  Any series of range of columns.
A polystyle colonnade is a range of columns too great to be taken in by the eye at a single view; as that of the palace of St. Peter at Rome, consisting of 284 columns of the Doric order.


Topic: Colony
Definition:
COLONY, n.
1.  A company or body of people transplanted from their mother country to a remote province or country to cultivate and inhabit it, and remaining subject to the jurisdiction of the parent state; as the British colonies in America or the Indies; the Spanish colonies in South America.  When such settlements cease to be subject to the parent state, they are no longer denominated colonies.
The first settles of New England were the best of Englishmen, well educated, devout Christians, and zealous lovers of liberty.  There was never a colony formed of better materials.
2.  The country planted or colonized; a plantation; also, the body of inhabitants in a territory colonized, including the descendants of the first planters.  The people, though born in the territory, retain the name of colonists, till they cease to be subjects of the parent state.
3.  A collection of animals; as colonies of shell-fish.


Topic: Colophon
Definition:
COLOPHON, n.  The conclusion of a book, formerly containing the place or year, or both, of its publication.


Topic: Colophonite
Definition:
COLOPHONITE, n.  A variety of garnet, of a reddish yellow or brown color, occurring in small amorphous granular masses.


Topic: Colophony
Definition:
COLOPHONY, n.  In pharmacy, black resin or turpentine boiled in water and dried; or the residuum, after distillation of the etherial oil of turpentine, being further urged by a more intense and long continued fire.  It is so named from Colophon in Ionia, whence the best was formerly brought.


Topic: Coloquintida
Definition:
COLOQUINTIDA, n.  The colocynth or bitter apple, the fruit of a plant of the genus Cucumis, a native of Syria and of Crete.  It is of the size of a large orange, containing a pulp which is violently purgative, but sometimes useful as a medicine.


Topic: Color
Definition:
COLOR, n.
1.  In physics, a property inherent in light, which, by a difference in the rays and the laws of refraction, or some other cause, gives to bodies particular appearances to the eye.  The principal colors are red, orange, yellow, green blue, indigo and violet.  White is not properly a color; as a white body reflects the rays of light without separating them.  Black bodies, on the contrary, absorb all the rays, or nearly all, and therefore black is no distinct color.  But in common discourse, white and black are denominated colors; and all the colors admit of many shades of difference.
2.  Appearance of a body to the eye, or a quality of sensation, caused by the rays of light; hue; dye; as the color of gold, or of indigo.
3.  A red color; the freshness or appearance of blood in the face.
My cheeks no longer did their color boast.
4.  Appearance to the mind; as, prejudice puts a false color upon objects.
5.  Superficial cover; palliation; that which serves to give an appearance of right; as, their sin admitted no color or excuse.
6.  External appearance; false show; pretense; guise.
Under the color of commending him,
I have access my own love to prefer.
7.  Kind; species; character; complexion.
Boys and women are, for the most part, cattle of this color.
8.  That which is used for coloring; paint; as red lead, ocher, orpiment, cinnabar, or vermilion, &c.
9.  Colors, with a plural termination, in the military art, a flag, ensign or standard, borne in an army or fleet. [See Flag.]
10.  In law, color in pleading is when the defendant in assize or trespass, gives to the plaintiff a color or appearance of title, by stating his title specially; thus removing the cause from the jury to the court.
Water-colors are such as are used in painting with gum-water or size, without being mixed with oil.
COLOR, v.t.  
1.  To change or alter the external appearance of a body or substance; to dye; to tinge; to paint; to stain; as, to color cloth.  Generally, to color is to change from white to some other color.
2.  To give a specious appearance; to set in a fair light; to palliate; to excuse.
He colors the falsehood of Aeneas by an express command of Jupiter to forsake the queen.
3.  To make plausible; to exaggerate in representation.
To color a strangers good, is when a freeman allows a foreigner to enter goods at the custom house in his name, to avoid the aliens duty.
COLOR, v.i.  To blush.


Topic: Colored
Definition:
COLORED, pp.  
1.  Having the external appearance changed; dyed; tinged; painted stained.
2.  Streaked; striped; having a diversity of hues.
3.  Having a specious appearance.
Colored people, black people, Africans or their descendants, mixed or unmixed.


Topic: Coloring
Definition:
COLORING, ppr.
1.  Dying; staining; tinging.
2.  Giving a fair external appearance; palliating; excusing.
COLORING, n.
1.  The act or art of dyeing; the state of being colored; color.
2.  A specious appearance; fair artificial representation; as, the story has a coloring of truth.
3.  Among painters, the manner of applying colors; or the mixture of light and shade, formed by the various colors employed.


Topic: Colorless
Definition:
COLORLESS, a.  Destitute of color; not distinguished by any hue; transparent; as colorless water, glass or gas.


Topic: Colt
Definition:
COLT, n.
1.  The young of the equine genus of animals or horse kind.  In America, colt is equally applied to the male or female, and this is unquestionable correct.  The male is called a house-colt, and the female is called a filly.
2.  A young foolish fellow; a person without experience or stability.
COLT, v.i.  To frisk, riot or frolic, like a colt; to be licentious.
COLT, v.t.  To befool.


Topic: Colts-tooth
Definition:
COLTS-TOOTH, n.
1.  A imperfect or superfluous tooth in young horses.
2.  A love of youthful pleasure.
Well said, Lord Sands;
Your colts-tooth is not yet cast?  Shak.


Topic: Coluber
Definition:
COLUBER, n.  In zoology, a genus of serpents, distinguished by scuta or hard crusts on the belly, and scales on the tail.  Under this genus are ranked many species, as the viper, black snake, &c.


Topic: Columbine
Definition:
COLUMBINE, a.  Like or pertaining to a pigeon or dove; of a dove-color, or like the neck of a dove.
COLUMBINE, n.  Aquilegia, a genus of plants of several species.  The Thalictrum or meadow-rue is also called feathered columbine.


Topic: Columbium
Definition:
COLUMBIUM, n.  A metal first discovered in an ore or oxyd, found in Connecticut, at New-London, near the house of Gov. Winthrop, and by him transmitted to Sir Hans Sloane, by whom it was deposited in the British museum.  The same metal was afterwards discovered in Sweden, and called tantalum, and its ore tantalite.


Topic: Columel
Definition:
COLUMEL, n.  In botany, the central column in a capsule, taking its rise from the receptacle, and having the seeds fixed to it all round.


Topic: Column
Definition:
COLUMN, n.
1.  In architecture, a long round body of wood or stone, used to support or adorn a building, composed of a base, a shaft and a capital.  The shaft tapers from the base, in imitation of the stem of a tree.  There are five kinds or orders of columns.  1.  The Tuscan, rude, simple and massy; the highth of which is fourteen semidiameters or modules, and the diminution at the top from one sixth to one eighth of the inferior diameter.  2.  The Doric, which is next in strength to the Tuscan, has a robust, masculine aspect; its highth is sixteen modules.  3.  The Ionic is more slender than the Tuscan and Doric; its highth is eighteen modules.  4.  The Corinthian is more delicate in its form and proportions, and enriched with ornaments; its highth should be twenty modules.  5.  The Composite is a species of the Corinthian, and of the same highth.
In strictness, the shaft of a column consists of one entire piece; but it is often composed of different pieces, so united, as to have the appearance of one entire piece.  It differs in this respect from a pillar, which primarily signifies a pile, composed of small pieces.  But the two things are unfortunately confounded; and a column consisting of a single piece of timber is absurdly called a pillar or pile.
2.  An erect or elevated structure resembling a column in architecture; as the astronomical column at Paris, a kind of hollow tower with a spiral ascent to the top; gnomonic column, a cylinder on which the hour of the day is indicated by the shadow of a style; military column, among the Romans; triumphal column; &c.
3.  Any body pressing perpendicularly on its base, and of the same diameter as its base; as a column of water, air or mercury.
4.  In the military art, a large body of troops drawn up in order; as a solid column.
5.  Among printers, a division of a page; a perpendicular set of lines separated from another set by a line or blank space.  In manuscript books and papers, any separate perpendicular line or row of words or figures.  A page may contain two or more columns; and in arithmetic, many columns of figures may be added.


Topic: Columnar
Definition:
COLUMNAR, a.  Formed in columns; having the form of columns; like the shaft of a column; as columnar spar.


Topic: Colure
Definition:
COLURE, n.  In astronomy and geography, the colures are two great circles supposed to intersect each other at right angles, in the poles of the world, one of them passing through the solstitial and the other through the equinoctial points of the ecliptic, viz.  Cancer and Capricorn, Aries and Libra, dividing the ecliptic into four equal parts.  The points where these lines intersect the ecliptic are called cardinal points.


Topic: Coma
Definition:
COMA, n.  Lethargy; dozing; a preternatural propensity to sleep; a kind of stupor of diseased persons.
COMA, n.
1.  In botany, a species of bracte, terminating the stem of a plant, in a tuft or bush; as in crown-imperial.
2.  In astronomy, hairiness; the hairy appearance that surrounds a comet, when the earth or the spectator is between the comet and the sun.


Topic: Comb
Definition:
COMB, n.  A valley between hills or mountains.
COMB, n.  b silent.
1.  An instrument, with teeth, for separating, cleansing and adjusting hair, wool, or flax.  Also, an instrument of horn or shell, for keeping the hair in its place when dressed.
2.  The crest, caruncle or red fleshy tuft, growing on a cocks head; so called from its indentures which resemble the teeth of a comb.
3.  The substance in which bees lodge their honey, in small hexagonal cells.
4.  A dry measure of four bushels.
COMB, v.t.  To separate, disentangle, cleanse, and adjust with a comb, as to comb hair; or to separate, cleanse and lay smooth and straight, as to comb wool.
COMB, v.i.  In the language of seamen, to roll over, as the top of a wave; or to break with a white foam.


Topic: Combat
Definition:
COMBAT, v.i.
1.  To fight; to struggle or contend with an opposing force.
Pardon me; I will not combat in my shirt.
This word is particularly used to denote private contest, or the fighting of two persons in a duel; but it is used in a general sense for the contention of bodies of men, nations, armies, or any species of animals.
After the fall of the republic, the Romans comabated only for the choice of maters.
2.  To act in opposition.
It is followed by with before the person, and for before the thing sought.
A combats with B for his right.
COMBAT, v.t.
1.  To fight with; to oppose by force; as, to combat an antagonist.
2.  To contend against; to oppose; to resist; as, to combat arguments or opinions.
COMBAT, n.
1.  A fighting; a struggling to resist, overthrow or conquer; contest by force; engagement; battle; as the combat of armies.
2.  A duel; a fighting between two men; formerly, a formal trail of a doubtful cause, or decision of a controversy between two persons, by swords or batons.


Topic: Combatant
Definition:
COMBATANT, a.  Contending; disposed to contend.
COMBATANT, n.  
1.  A person who combats; any person who fights with another, or in an army, or fleet.
2.  A duellist; one who fights or contends in battle, for the decision of a private quarrel or difference; a champion.
3.  A person who contends with another in argument, or controversy.


Topic: Comber
Definition:
COMBER, n.  One who combs; one whose occupation is to comb wool, &c.
COMBER, n.  Incumbrance.
COMBER, n.  A long slender fish with a red back, found in Cornwall, England.


Topic: Combination
Definition:
COMBINATION, n.
1.  Intimate union, or association of two or more persons or things, by set purpose or agreement, for effecting some object, by joint operation; in a good sense, when the object is laudable; in an ill sense, when it is illegal or iniquitous.  It is sometimes equivalent to league, or to conspiracy.  We say, a combination of men to overthrow government, or a combination to resist oppression.
2.  An assemblage; union of particulars; as a combination of circumstances.
3.  Commixture; union of bodies or qualities in a mass or compound; as, to make new compounds by new combinations.
4.  Chimical union; union by affinity.
Mix dry acid of tartar with dry carbonate of potash; no combination will ensue, till water is added.
5.  In mathematics, the union of numbers or quantities in every possible manner; or the variation or alteration of any number of quantities, letters, sounds, or the like, in all the different manners possible.  The number of possible changes or combinations is found by multiplying the terms 1.2.3.4.5 continually into each other.  Thus 1x2=2: 2x3=6: 6x4=24: 24x5=120. &c.  So the permutations of five quantities amount to 120.  The changes that may be rung on twelve bells amount to 479,001,600.  And the twenty four letters of the alphabet admit of 62,044,840,173,323,943,936,000 changes or combinations.


Topic: Combine
Definition:
COMBINE, v.t.
1.  To unite or join two or more things; to link closely together.
Friendship combines the hearts of men.
2.  To agree; to accord; to settle by compact.
3.  To join words or ideas together; opposed to analyze.
4.  To cause to unite; to bring into union or confederacy. 
The violence of revolutionary France combined the posers of Europe in opposition.
COMBINE, v.i.  To unite, agree or coalesce.
Honor and policy combine to justify the measure.
2.  To unite in friendship or design; to league together.
You with your foes combine.
3.  To unite by affinity, or natural attraction
Two substances which will not combine of themselves, may be made to combine, by the intervention of a third.
4.  To confederate; to unite as nations.
The powers of Europe combined against France.


Topic: Combing
Definition:
COMBING, ppr.  Separating and adjusting hair, wool, &c.
COMBING, n.  Borrowed hair combed over a bald part of the head.


Topic: Combust
Definition:
COMBUST, a.  When a planet is in conjunction with the sun or apparently very near it, it is said to be combust or in combustion.  The distance within which this epithet is applicable to a planet, is said by some writers to be 8 degrees; others say, within the distance of half the suns disk.


Topic: Combustibility
Definition:
COMBUSTIBILITY, n.  The quality of taking fire and burning; the quality of a substance which admits the action of fire upon it; capacity of being burnt, or combined with oxygen.
The quality of throwing out heat and light, in the rapid combination of its substance with another body.


Topic: Combustible
Definition:
COMBUSTIBLE, a.  That will take fire and burn; capable of catching fire; thus, wood and coal are combustible bodies.
COMBUSTIBLE, n.  A substance that will take fire and burn; a body which, in its rapid union with others, disengages heat and light.


Topic: Come
Definition:
COME, v.i. 
1.  To move towards; to advance near, in any manner, and from any distance.  We say, the men come this way, whether riding or on foot; the wind comes from the west; the ship comes with a fine breeze; light comes from the sun.  It is applicable perhaps to every thing susceptible of motion, and is opposed to go.
2.  To draw nigh; to approach; to arrive; to be present
Come thou and all thy house into the ark.  Gen. 7.
All my time will I wait, till my change come.  Job 14.
When shall I come and appear before God?  Ps. 42.
Then shall the end come.  Matt. 24.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done.  Matt. 6.
The time has come.
3.  To advance and arrive at some state or condition; as, the ships came to action; the players came to blows; is it come to this?
His sons come to honor and he knoweth it not.  Job 14.
I wonder how he came to know what had been done; how did he come by his knowledge?  the heir comes into possession of his estate; the man will come in time to abhor the vices of his youth, or he will come to be poor and despicable, or to poverty.
In these and similar phrases, we observe the process or advance is applied to the body or to the mind, indifferently; and to persons or events.
4.  To happen or fall out; as, how comes that?  Let come what will.  Hence when followed  by an object or person, with to or on, to befall; to light on.
After all that has come on us for our evil deeds.  Ezra 9.
All things come alike to all.  Eccles. 9.
5.  To advance or move into view; to appear; as, blood or color comes and goes in the face.
6.  To sprout, as plants; to spring.  The corn comes or comes up.  In the coming or sprouting of malt, as it must not come too little, so it must not come too much.  So Bacon uses the word; and this use of it coincides nearly with the sense of 2 Kings 19:26 and in the same chapter inserted in Isaiah 34:27.  It is the G. Kiemen, Icelandic kiema, to bud, or germinate.
7.  To become.
So came I a widow.
8.  To appear or be formed, as butter; to advance or change from cream to butter; a common use of the word; as, the butter comes.
9.  Come, in the imperative, is used to excite attention, or to invite to motion or joint action; come, let us go.
This is the heir; come, let us kill him.
When repeated, it sometimes expresses haste; come, come.  Sometimes if expresses or introduces rebuke.
As the sense of come is to move, in almost any manner, in its various applications, that sense is modified indefinitely by other words used in connection with it.  Thus with words expressing approach, it denotes advancing nearer; with words expressing departure, as from, of, out of, &c., it denotes motion from, &c.
To come about, to happen; to fall out; to come to pass; to arrive.  How did these tings come about?  So the French venir a bout, to come to the end, that is, to arrive.
To come about, to turn; to change; to come round.  The wind will come about from west to east.  The ship comes about.  It is applied to a change of sentiments.
On better thoughts, and my urged reasons,
They are come about, and won to the true side.
To come again, to return.  Gen. 28., Lev. 14.
To come after, to follow.  Matt. 24.  Also to come to obtain; as, to come after a book.
To come at, to reach; to arrive within reach of; to gain; to come so near as to be able to take or possess.  We prize those most who are hardest to come at.  To come at a true knowledge of ourselves.
Also, to come towards, as in attacking. 
To come away, to depart from; to leave; to issue from.
To come back, to return.
To come by, to pass near; a popular phrase.  Also, to obtain, gain, acquire; that is, to come near, at or close.  Examine how you came by all your state.
This is not an irregular or improper use of this word.  It is precisely equivalent to possess, to sit by. [See Possess.]
To come down, to descend.
The Lord will come down on mount Sinai.  Ex 19.
Also, to be humbled or abased.
Your principalities shall come down.  Jer. 13.
Come down from thy glory.  Jer. 48.
To come for, to come to get or obtain; to come after.
To come forth, to issue or proceed from.  Gen. 15., Is. 11., Micah 5.
Also, to depart from; to leave.  Mark 9.
Also, to come abroad.  Jer. 4.
To come from, to depart from to leave.  In popular language, this phrase is equivalent to, where is his native place or former place of residence; where did this man, this animal or this plant originate.
To come home, that is, to come to home, or the house; to arrive at the dwelling.  Hence, to come close; to press closely; to touch the feelings, interest, or reason.
 Come is an intransitive verb, but the participle come is much used with the substantive verb, in the passive form.  The end of all flesh is come.  I am come, thou art come, he is come, we are come, &c.  This use of the substantive verb, for have, is perhaps too well established to be rejected; but have or has should be used in such phrases.  In the phrase, come Friday, come Candlemas, there is an ellipsis of certain words, as when Friday shall come.  
Come, come, the repetition of come, expresses haste, or exhortation to hasten.  Sometimes it introduces a threat.
COME, n.  A sprout.


Topic: Comedian
Definition:
COMEDIAN, n. [See Comedy.]
1.  An actor or player in comedy; or a player in general, male or female.
2.  A write of comedy.


Topic: Comedy
Definition:
COMEDY, n.  A dramatic composition intended to represent human characters, which are to be imitated in language, dress and manner, by actors on a stage, for the amusement of spectators.  The object of comedy is said to be to recommend virtue and make vice ridiculous; but the real effect is amusement.


Topic: Comeliness
Definition:
COMELINESS, n.  That which is becoming, fit or suitable, in form or manner.  Comeliness of person implies symmetry or due proportion of parts; comeliness of manner implies decorum and propriety.  It signifies something less forcible than beauty, less elegant than grace, and less light than prettiness.
A careless comeliness with comely care.
He hath no form nor comeliness.  Is. 53:2.


Topic: Comely
Definition:
COMELY, a. 
1.  Properly, becoming; suitable: whence, handsome; graceful.  Applied to person or form, it denotes symmetry or due proportion, but it expresses less than beautiful or elegant.
I have seen a son of Jesse--comely person.  1 Sam. 16.
I will not conceal his comely proportion.  Job 41.
2.  Decent; suitable; proper; becoming; suited to time, place, circumstances or persons.
Praise is comely for the upright.  Ps. 33.
It is comely that a woman pray to God uncovered?  1 Cor. 11.
O what a world is this, when what is comely envenoms him that bears it.
COMELY, adv.  Handsomely; gracefully.


Topic: Comet
Definition:
COMET, n.  An opake, spherical, solid body, like a planet, but accompanied with a train of light, performing revolutions about the sun, in an elliptical orbit, having the sun in one of its foci.  In its approach to its perihelion, it becomes visible, and after passing its perihelion, it departs into remote regions and disappears.  In popular language, comets are tailed, bearded or hairy, but these terms are taken from the appearance of the light which attends the, which, in different positions with respect to the sun, exhibits the form of a t ail or train, a beard, or a border of hair.  When the comet is westward of the sun and rises or sets before it, the light appears in the morning like a train beginning at the body of the comet and extending westward and diverging in proportion to its extent.  Thus the comet of 1769, [which I saw,] when it rose in the morning, presented a luminous train that extended nearly from the horizon to the meridian.  When the comet and the sun are opposite, the earth being between them, the comet is, to the view, immersed in its train and the light appears around its body  like a fringe or border of hair.  From the train of a comet, this body has obtained the popular name of a blazing star.
Herschel observed several comets, which appeared to have no nucleus, but to be merely collections of vapor condensed about a center.
COMET, n.  A game at cards.


Topic: Comfort
Definition:
COMFORT, v.t.
1.  To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven.
Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men.
Comfort ye your hearts.  Gen. 18.
2.  To strengthen the mind when depressed or enfeebled; to console; to give new vigor to the spirits; to cheer, or relieve from depression, or trouble.
His friends came to mourn with him and to comfort him.  Job. 2.
3.  In law, to relieve, assist or encourage, as the accessory to a crime after the fact.
COMFORT, n.
1.  Relief from pain; ease; rest or moderate pleasure after pain, cold or distress or uneasiness of body.  The word signifies properly new strength, or animation; and relief from pain is often the effect of strength.  In a popular sense, the word signifies rather negatively the absence of pain and the consequent quiet, than positive animation.
2.  Relief from distress of mind; the ease and quiet which is experienced when pain, trouble, agitation or affliction ceases.  It implies also some degree of positive animation of the spirits; or some pleasurable sensations derived from hope, and agreeable prospects; consolation.
Let me alone, that I may take comfort a little.  Job 10.
Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.  Matt. 9.
3.  Support; consolation under calamity, distress or danger.
Let thy merciful kindness be for my comfort.  Ps. 119.
4.  That which gives strength or support in distress, difficulty, danger, or infirmity.
Pious children are the comfort of their aged parents.
5.  In law, support; assistance; countenance; encouragement; as, an accessory affords aid or comfort to a felon.
6.  That which gives security from want and furnishes moderate enjoyment; as the comforts of life.


Topic: Comfortable
Definition:
COMFORTABLE, a.
1.  Being in a state of ease, or moderate enjoyment; as a person after sickness or pain.  This is the most common use of the word in the U. States.
2.  Admitting comfort; that may afford comfort.
Who can promise him a comfortable appearance before his dreadful judge?
3.  Giving comfort; affording consolation.
The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable.  2 Sam. 14.
4.  Placing above want and affording moderate enjoyment; as a comfortable provision for old age.


Topic: Comfortabley
Definition:
COMFORTABLEY, adv. 
1.  In a manner to give comfort or consolation.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem.  Is. 40:2.
2.  With comfort, or cheerfulness; without despair.
Hope comfortably and cheerfully for Gods performance.


Topic: Comforter
Definition:
COMFORTER, n.
1.  One who administers comfort or consolation; one who strengthens and supports the mind in distress or danger.
I looked for comforters, but found none.  Ps. 69.
Miserable comforters are ye all.  Job. 16.
2.  The title of the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name--he shall teach you all things.  John 14.


Topic: Comfortless
Definition:
COMFORTLESS, a.  Without comfort; without any thing to alleviate misfortune, or distress.
I will not leave you comfortless.  John 14.


Topic: Comic
Definition:
COMIC, a.
1.  Relating to comedy, as distinct from tragedy.
2.  Raising mirth; fitted to excite merriment.


Topic: Comical
Definition:
COMICAL, a.  
1.  Relating to comedy; comic.
2.  Exciting mirth; diverting; sportive; droll.
We say, a buffoon is a comical fellow, or his story or his manners are comica.


Topic: Comically
Definition:
COMICALLY, adv.
1.  In a manner befitting comedy.
2.  In a comical manner; in a manner to raise mirth.


Topic: Coming
Definition:
COMING, ppr.
1.  Drawing nearer or nigh; approaching; moving towards; advancing.
2.  Future; yet to come; as, in coming ages.
3.  Forward; ready to come.
How coming to the poet every muse.
COMING, n.
1.  The act of coming; approach.
2.  The state of being come; arrival.
The Lord hath blessed thee since my coming.  Gen. 30.
COMING, n. 
1.  Entrance.
I know thy going-out and thy coming-in.  2 Kings 19.
2.  Beginning; commencement; as the coming-in of the year.  2 Kings 13.
3.  Income; revenue.
4.  Compliance; submission.


Topic: Comitial
Definition:
COMITIAL, a.
1.  Relating to the comitia or popular assemblies of the Romans, for electing officers and passing laws.
2.  Relating to an order of presbyterian assemblies.


Topic: Comity
Definition:
COMITY, n.  Mildness and suavity of manners; courtesy; civility; good breeding.  Wellbred people are characterized by comity of manners.


Topic: Comma
Definition:
COMMA, n.
1.  In writing and printing, this point [,] denoting the shortest pause in reading, and separating a sentence into divisions or members, according to the construction.  Thus, There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.  Virtue, wit, knowledge, are excellent accomplishments.  Live soberly, righteously, and piously, in the present world.
2.  In music, an enharmonic interval, being the eighth part of a tone, or the difference between a major and a minor semitone; a term used in theoretic music to show the exact proportions between concords.
3.  Distinction.


Topic: Command
Definition:
COMMAND, v.t.
1.  To bid; to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience.
We will sacrifice to the Lord our God, as he shall command us.  Ex. 8.
I know that he [Abraham] will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.  Gen. 18.
2.  To govern, lead or direct; to have or to exercise supreme authority over.
Lord Wellington commanded an army in Spain; he commanded the army at the battle of Waterloo.
3.  To have in power; to be able to exercise power or authority over; as, a military post commands the surrounding country; a fort commands the harbor.
4.  To overlook, or have in the power of the eye, without obstruction.
One side commands a view of the finest garden in the world.
5.  To direct; to send.
The Lord shall command the blessing on thee.  Deut.  28.
The Lord will command his loving kindness.  Ps. 43.
6.  To have or to exercise a controlling influence over.
A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.
COMMAND, v.i.  To have or to exercise supreme authority; to possess the chief power; to govern; as, the general commands with dignity and humanity.  What general commands in Canada?
COMMAND, n.
1.  The right or power of governing with chief or exclusive authority; supreme power; control; as, an officer has a brigade under his command; he takes command of the army in France; an appropriate military term.
2.  The power of controlling; governing influence; sway.
He assumed an absolute command over his readers.
3.  Cogent or absolute authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion.
4.  The act of commanding; the mandate uttered; order given.
The captain gives command.
5.  The power of overlooking, or surveying, without obstruction.
The steepy strand, Which overlooks the vale with wide command.
6.  The power of governing or controlling by force, or of defending and protecting.
The fortress has complete command of the port.
7.  That which is commanded control; as a body of troop under command.


Topic: Commander
Definition:
COMMANDER, n.  
1.  A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it.  The term may also be applied to the admiral of a fleet, or of a squadron, or to any supreme officer; as the commander of the land or of the naval force; the commander of a ship.
2.  One on whom is bestowed a benefice or commandry.
3.  A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, &c.  
4.  An instrument of surgery.


Topic: Commandment
Definition:
COMMANDMENT, n.
1.  A command; a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept.
Why do ye transgress the commandment of God.  Matt. 15.
This is the first and great commandment.  Matt.  22.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.  John 13.
2.  By way of eminence, a precept of the decalogue, or moral law, written on tables of stone, at Mount Sinai; one of the ten commandments.  Ex. 34.
3.  Authority; coercive power.


Topic: Commandning
Definition:
COMMANDNING, pr.
1.  Bidding; ordering; directing with authority; governing; bearing rule; exercising supreme authority; having in power; overlooking without obstruction.
2.  a.  Controlling by influence, authority, or dignity; as a man of commanding manners; a commanding eloquence.


Topic: Commandry
Definition:
COMMANDRY, n.  A kind of benefice or fixed revenue, belonging to a military order, conferred on knights of merit.  There are strict and regular commandries, obtained by merit, or in order; and others are of grace and favor, bestowed by the Grand Master.  There are also commandries for the religious, in the orders of St. Bernard and St. Anthony.


Topic: Commeasurable
Definition:
COMMEASURABLE, a. [See Measure.] Reducible to the same measure.  But commensurable is generally used.


Topic: Commeline
Definition:
COMMELINE, n.  A genus of herbaceous plants, Commelina, natives of warm climates.  This name was given to this genus by Linne, in honor of the Commelins, distinguished botanists of Holland.  These plants have flowers with three petals, two large and one small; the large petals representing John and Gaspard Commelin, who published catalogues of plants; the smaller petal representing another of the name who published nothing.


Topic: Commemorate
Definition:
COMMEMORATE, v.t.  To call to remembrance by a solemn act; to celebrate with honor and solemnity; to honor, as a person or event, by some act of respect or affection, intended to preserve the remembrance of that person or event.
The Lords supper is designed to commemorate the sufferings and dying love of our Savior.


Topic: Commemoration
Definition:
COMMEMORATION, n.  The act of calling to remembrance, by some solemnity; the act of honoring the memory of some person or event, by solemn celebration.  The feast of shells at Plymouth in Massachusetts is an annual commemoration of the first landing of our ancestors in 1620.


Topic: Commence
Definition:
COMMENCE, v.i.
1.  To begin; to take rise or origin; to have first existence; as, a state of glory to commence after this life; this empire commenced at a late period.
2.  To begin to be, as in a change of character.
Let not learning too commence its foe.
3.  To take a degree or the first degree in a university or college.
COMMENCE, v.t.
1.  To begin; to enter upon; to perform the first act; as, to commence operations.
2.  To begin; to originate; to bring; as, to commence a suit, action or process in law.


Topic: Commencement
Definition:
COMMENCEMENT, n.
1.  Beginning; rise; origin; first existence; as the commencement of New Style in 1752; the commencement of hostilities in 1775.
2.  The time when students in colleges commence bachelors; a day in which degrees are publicly conferred on students who have finished a collegiate education.  In Cambridge, Eng., the day when masters of arts and doctors complete their degrees.


Topic: Commend
Definition:
COMMEND, v.t.
1.  To represent as worthy of notice, regard, or kindness; to speak in favor of; to recommend.
I commend to you Phebe our sister.  Rom. 16.
2.  To commit; to entrust or give in charge.
Father, into hy hands I commend my spirit.  Luke 23.
3.  To praise; to mention with approbation.
The princes commended Sarai before Pharaoh.  The Lord commended the unjust steward.
4.  To make acceptable or more acceptable.
But meat commendeth us not to God.  1 Cor. 8.
5.  To produce or present to favorable notice.
The chorus had an occasion of commending their voices to the king.
6.  To send or bear to.
These draw the chariot which Latinus sends,
And the rich present to the prince commends.


Topic: Commendable
Definition:
COMMENDABLE, a.  That may be commended or praised; worthy of approbation or praise; laudable.
Order and decent ceremonies in the church are commendable.


Topic: Commendam
Definition:
COMMENDAM, n.  In ecclesiastical law, in England, a benefice or living commended, by the king or head of the church, to the care of a clerk, to hold till a proper pastor is provided.  This may be temporary or perpetual.
The trust or administration of the revenues of a benefice given to a layman, to hold as a deposit for six months in order to repairs, &c., or to an ecclesiastic, to perform the pastoral duties, till the benefice is provided with a regular incumbent.


Topic: Commendation
Definition:
COMMENDATION, n.
1.  The act of commending; praise; favorable representation in words; declaration of esteem.
Need we, as some other, letters of commendation.  2 Cor. 31.
2.  Ground of esteem, approbation or praise; that which presents a person or thing to another in a favorable light, and renders worthy of regard, or acceptance.
Good-nature is the most godlike commendation of a man.
3.  Service; respects; message of love.


Topic: Commendatory
Definition:
COMMENDATORY, a.
1.  Which serves to commend; presenting to favorable notice or reception; containing praise; as a commendatory letter.
2.  Holding a benefice in commendam; as a commendatory bishop.
COMMENDATORY, n.  A commendation; eulogy.


Topic: Commending
Definition:
COMMENDING, ppr.  Praising; representing favorably; committing, or delivering in charge.
Note: In imitation of the French, we are accustomed to use recommendation, &c., for commendation.  But in most instances, it is better to use the word without the prefix re.  A letter of commendation, is the preferable phrase.


Topic: Commensurableness
Definition:
COMMENSURABLENESS, n.  The capacity of being compared with another in measure, or of being measured by another, or of having a common measure.


Topic: Commensurate
Definition:
COMMENSURATE, a.
1.  Reducible to one and the same common measure.
2.  Equal; proportional; having equal measure or extent.
We fine nothing in this life commensurate to our desires.
COMMENSURATE, v.t.  To reduce to a common measure.


Topic: Commensurately
Definition:
COMMENSURATELY, adv.  
1.  With the capacity of measuring or being measured by some other thing.
2.  With equal measure or extent.


Topic: Commensuration
Definition:
COMMENSURATION, n.  Proportion, or proportion in measure; a state of having a common measure.
All fitness lies in a particular commensuration, or proportion, of one thing to another.


Topic: Comment
Definition:
COMMENT, v.i.
1.  To write notes on the works of an author, with a view to illustrate his meaning, or to explain particular passages; to explain; to expound; to annotate; followed by on.  We say, to comment on an author or on his writings.
2.  To make verbal remarks, or observations, either on a book, or writing, or on actions, events or opinions.
COMMENT, v.t.
1.  To explain
2.  To feign; to devise.
COMMENT, n. 
1.  A note, intended to illustrate a writing, or a difficult passage in an author; annotation; explanation; exposition; as the comments of Scott on the Scriptures.
2.  That which explains or illustrates; as, a mans conduct is the best comment on his declarations.  Poverty and disgrace are very significant comments on lewdness, gambling and dissipation.
3.  Remark; observation.
In such a time as this, it is not meet
That every nice offense should bear its comment.


Topic: Commentary
Definition:
COMMENTARY, n.
1.  A comment; exposition; explanation; illustration of difficult and obscure passages in an author.
2.  A book of comments or annotations.
3.  A historical narrative; a memoir or particular transactions, as the commentaries of Cesar.
COMMENTARY, v.t.  To write notes upon.


Topic: Commentator
Definition:
COMMENTATOR, n.  One who comments; one who writes annotations; an expositor; an annotator. [The accent on the first syllable and that on the third are nearly equal.]


Topic: Commerce
Definition:
COMMERCE, n.
1.  In a general sense, an interchange or mutual change of goods, wares, productions, or property of any kind, between nations or individuals, either by barter, or by purchase and sale; trade; traffick.  Commerce is foreign or inland.  Foreign commerce is the trade which one nation carries on with another; inland commerce, or inland trade, is the trade in the exchange of commodities between citizens of the same nation or state.  Active commerce.
2.  Intercourse between individuals; interchange of work, business, civilities or amusements; mutual dealings in common life.
3.  Familiar intercourse between the sexes.
4.  Interchange; reciprocal communications; as, there is a vast commerce of ideas.
COMMERCE, v.i.
1.  To traffick; to carry on trade.
2.  To hold intercourse with.
And looks commercing with the skies.


Topic: Commercial
Definition:
COMMERCIAL, a.
1.  Pertaining to commerce or trade; as commercial concerns; commercial relations.
2.  Carrying on commerce; as a commercial nation.
3.  Proceeding from trade; as commercial benefits or profits.


Topic: Commigrate
Definition:
COMMIGRATE, v.i.  To migrate together; to move in a body from one country or place to another for permanent residence.


Topic: Commigration
Definition:
COMMIGRATION, n.  The moving of a body of people from one country or place to another with a view to permanent residence.


Topic: Commination
Definition:
COMMINATION, n.
1.  A threat or threatening; a denunciation of punishment or vengeance.
2.  The recital of Gods threatenings on stated days; an office in the Liturgy of the Church of England, appointed to be read on Ash Wednesday or on the first day of Lent.


Topic: Commingle
Definition:
COMMINGLE, v.t.  To mix together; to mingle in one mass, or intimately; to blend. [See Mingle.]
COMMINGLE, v.i.  To mix or unite together, as different substances.


Topic: Comminute
Definition:
COMMINUTE, v.t.  To make small or fine; to reduce to minute particles, or to a fine powder, by breaking, pounding, rasping, or grinding; to pulverize; to triturate; to levigate.  It is chiefly or wholly applied to substances, not liquid.


Topic: Comminution
Definition:
COMMINUTION, n.
1.  The act of reducing to a fine powder or to small particles; pulverization.
2.  Attenuation; as comminution of spirits.


Topic: Commiserable
Definition:
COMMISERABLE, a. [See Commiserate.] Deserving of commiseration or pity; pitiable; that may excite sympathy or sorrow.
This commiserable person, Edward.


Topic: Commiserate
Definition:
COMMISERATE, v.t.
1.  To pity; to compassionate; to feel sorrow, pain or regret for another in distress; applied to persons.
We should commiserate those who groan beneath the weight of age, disease or want.
2.  To regret; to pity; to be sorry for; as, to commiserate our mutual ignorance.


Topic: Commiseration
Definition:
COMMISERATION, n.  Pity; compassion; a sympathetic suffering of pain or sorrow for the wants, afflictions or distresses of another.
I cannot think of these poor deluded creatures, but with commiseration.


Topic: Commissarial
Definition:
COMMISSARIAL, a. [See Commissary.] Pertaining to a commissary.
Smollett uses commissorial; but this is not regular nor authorized.


Topic: Commissariate
Definition:
COMMISSARIATE, n.  The office or employment of a commissary; or the whole body of officers in the commissarys department.


Topic: Commissary
Definition:
COMMISSARY, n.
1.  In general sense, a commissioner; one to whom is committed some charge, duty or office, by a superior power; one who is sent or delegated to execute some office or duty, in the place, or as the representative, of his superior.
2.  In ecclesiastical law, an officer of the bishop, who exercises spiritual jurisdiction in places of the diocese, so far distant from the episcopal see, that the chancellor cannot call the people to the bishops principal consistory court, without putting them to inconvenience.
3.  In a military sense, an officer who has the charge of furnishing provisions, clothing, &c., for an army.  Commissaries are distinguished by different names, according to their duties; as commissary-general, who is at the head of the department of supplies, and has under him deputy commissaries, and issuing commissaries; the latter to issue or distribute the supplies.
4.  An officer who musters the army, receives and inspects the muster-rolls, and keeps an account of the strength of the army.  He is called, the commissary-general of musters.  The commissary of horses has the inspection of the artillery horses; and the commissary of stores has charge of all the stores of the artillery.


Topic: Commission
Definition:
COMMISSION, n.
1.  The act of committing, doing, performing, or perpetrating; as the commission of a crime.
2.  The act of committing or sending to; the act of entrusting, as a charge or duty.  Hence,
3.  The thing committed, entrusted or delivered; letters patent, or any writing from proper authority, given to a person as his warrant for exercising certain powers, or the performance of any duty, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military.  Hence,
4.  Charge; order; mandate; authority given.
He bore his great commission in his look.
5.  By a metonymy, a number of persons joined in an office or trust.
6.  The state of that which is entrusted, as the great seal was put into commission; or the state of being authorized to act or perform service, as a ship is put into commission.
7.  In commerce, the state of acting under authority in the purchase and sale of goods for another.  To trade or do business on commission, is to buy or sell for another by this authority.  Hence,
8.  The allowance made to a factor or commission-merchant for transacting business, which is a certain rate per cent. of the value of the goods bought or sold.
Commission of bankruptcy, is a commission issuing from the Chancellor in Great Britain, and in other countries, from some proper authority, appointing and empowering certain persons to examine into the facts relative to an alleged bankruptcy, and to secure the bankrupts lands and effects for the creditors.
Commission of lunacy, is a commission issuing from the court of chancery, to authorize an inquiry whether a person is a lunatic or not.
Commission-officer, in the army or navy, is an officer who has a commission, in distinction from subaltern officers.


Topic: Commission-merchant
Definition:
COMMISSION-MERCHANT, noun A merchant who transacts business as the agent of other men, in buying and selling, and receives a rate per cent. as his commission or reward.

COMMISSION, verb transitive

1. To give a commission to; to empower or authorize by commission. The president and senate appoint, by the president commissions.

2. To send with a mandate or authority.

He fist commissions to the Latian land.

3. To authorize or empower.

Note: Commissionate, in a like sense, has been use, but rarely.


Topic: Commissioner
Definition:
COMMISSIONER, n.  A person who has a commission or warrant from proper authority, to perform some office, or execute some business, for the person or government which employs him, and gives him authority; as commissoners for settling the bounds of a state, or for adjusting claims.


Topic: Commissioning
Definition:
COMMISSIONING, ppr.  Giving a commission to; furnishing with a warrant; empowering by letters patent or other writing; authorizing.


Topic: Commissure
Definition:
COMMISSURE, n.
1.  A joint, seam or closure; the place where two bodies or parts of a body meet and unite; an interstice or cleft between particles or parts, as between plates or lamellae.
2.  In architecture, the joint of two stones, or application of the surface of one to that of another.
3.  In anatomy, a suture of the cranium or skull; articulation; the corners of the lips.  Also, certain parts in the ventricles of the brain, uniting the two hemispheres.


Topic: Commit
Definition:
COMMIT, v.t.  Literally, to send to or upon; to throw, put or lay upon.  Hence,
1.  To give in trust; to put into the hands or power of another; to entrust; with to.
Commit thy way to the Lord.  Ps. 37.
The things thou hast heard of me, commit to faithful men.  2 Tim. 2.
2.  To put into any place for preservation; to deposit; as, to commit a passage in a book to memory; to commit the body to the grave.
3.  To put or sent to, for confinement; as, to commit an offender to prison.  Hence for the sake of brevity, commit is used for imprison.  The sheriff has committed the offender.
These two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty.
4.  To do; to effect or perpetrate; as, to commit murder, treason, felony, or trespass.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.  Ex. 20.
5.  To join or put together, for a contest; to match; followed by with; a latinism.
How does Philopolis commit the opponent with the respondent.
6.  To place in a state of hostility or incongruity.  Committing short and long words.  But this seems to be the same signification as the foregoing.
7.  To expose or endanger by a preliminary step or decision which cannot be recalled; as, to commit the peace of a country by espousing the cause of a belligerent.
You might have satisfied every duty of political friendship without committing the honor of your sovereign.
8.  To engage; to pledge; or to pledge by implication.
The general--addressed letters to Gen. Gates and to Gen. Heath, cautioning them against any sudden assent to the proposal, which might possibly be considered as committing the faith of the United States.
And with the reciprocal pronoun, to commit ones self, is to do some act, or make some declaration, which may bind the person in honor, good faith, or consistency, to pursue a certain course of conduct, or to adhere to the tenor of that declaration.
9.  To refer or entrust to a committee, or select number of persons, for their consideration and report; a term of legislation; as, the petition or the bill is committed.  Is it the pleasure of the house to commit the bill?


Topic: Commitment
Definition:
COMMITMENT, n.
1.  The act of committing; a sending to prison; a putting into prison; imprisonment.  It is equivalent to sending or putting in simply; as a commitment to the tower, or to Newgate; or for the sake of brevity, omitting the name of the place, it is equivalent to putting into prison; as, the offender is secured by commitment.
2.  An order for confining in prison.  But more generally we use mittimus.
3.  The act of referring or entrusting to a committee for consideration; a term in legislation; as the commitment of a petition or a bill to a select number of persons for consideration and report.
4.  The act of delivering in charge or entrusting.
5.  A doing, or perpetration, as of sin or a crime; commission.
6.  The act of pledging or engaging; or the act of exposing or endangering. 


Topic: Committed
Definition:
COMMITTED, pp.  Delivered in trust; given in charge; deposited; imprisoned; done; perpetrated; engaged; exposed; referred to a committee.


Topic: Committee
Definition:
COMMITTEE, n.  One or more persons, elected or appointed, to whom any matter or business is referred, either by a legislative body or either branch of it, or by a court, or by an corporation, or by any society, or collective body of men acting together.  In legislative bodies, a house or branch of that body may resolve or form itself into a committee, called a committee of the whole hose, when the speaker leaves the chair, and one of the members acts as chairman.  Standing committees are such as continue during the existence of the legislature, and to these are committed all matters that fall within the purposes of their appointment; as the committee of elections, or of privileges, &c.  Special committees are appointed to consider and report on particular subjects.


Topic: Committing
Definition:
COMMITTING, ppr.  Giving in trust; depositing; imprisoning; perpetrating; engaging; referring to a committee; exposing.


Topic: Commix
Definition:
COMMIX, v.t.  To mix or mingle; to blend; to mix, as different substances.
COMMIX, v.i.  To mix; to mingle.


Topic: Commixtion
Definition:
COMMIXTION, n.  Mixture; a blending of different ingredients in one mass or compound.
Mixion is used by Shakspeare, but is hardly legitimate.


Topic: Commixture
Definition:
COMMIXTURE, n.
1.  The act of mixing; the state of being mingled; the blending of ingredients in one mass or compound.
2.  The mass formed by mingling different things; composition; compound.
3.  In Scots law, a method of acquiring property, by blending different substances belonging to different proprietors.


Topic: Commodious
Definition:
COMMODIOUS, a.  Convenient; suitable; fit; proper; adapted to its use or purpose, or to wants and necessities; as a commodious house or room.
The haven was not commodious to winter in.  Acts 27:12.
It is followed by for before a noun; as a place commodious for a camp.


Topic: Commodiously
Definition:
COMMODIOUSLY, adv.  Conveniently; in a commodious manner; suitable; in a manner to afford ease, or to prevent uneasiness; as a house commodiously situated; we may pass life commodiously without the restraints of ceremony.


Topic: Commodiousness
Definition:
COMMODIOUSNESS, n.  Convenience fitness; suitableness for its purpose; as the commodiousness of a house or an apartment; the commodiousness of a situation for trade.


Topic: Commodity
Definition:
COMMODITY, n.
1.  Primarily, convenience; profit; advantage; interest.  Men seek their own commodity.  In this sense it was used by Hooker, Sidney, &c; but this is nearly or wholly obsolete.
2.  That which affords ease, convenience or advantage; any thing that is useful, but particularly in commerce, including every thing movable that is bought and sold, goods, wares, merchandize, produce of land and manufactures.  Unless perhaps animals may be excepted, the word includes all the movables which are objects of commerce.
Commodities are movables, valuable by money, the common measure.
The principal use of money is to save the commutation of more bulky commodities.
Staple commodities are those which are the produce or manufacture of a country, and constitute the principal articles of exportation.  Thus flour is the staple commodity of New-York and Pennsylvania; flour and tobacco, of Maryland and Virginia; cotton and rice, of S. Carolina and Georgia; cotton and sugar, of Louisiana.


Topic: Commodore
Definition:
COMMODORE, n.  
1.  The officer who commands a squadron or detachment of ships, destined on a particular enterprise.  In the British marine, he bears the rank of a brigadier-general in the army, and his ship is distinguished by a broad red pendant, tapering to the outer end, and sometimes forked.
2.  A title given by courtesy to the senior captain, when three or more ships of war are cruising in company.
3.  The convoy or leading ship in a fleet of merchantmen, which carries a light in her top to conduct the other ships.


Topic: Common
Definition:
COMMON, a.
1.  Belonging equally to more than one, or to many indefinitely; as, life and sense are common to man and beast; the common privileges of citizens; the common wants of men.
2.  Belonging to the public; having no separate owner.  The right to a highway is common.
3.  General; serving for the use of all; as the common prayer.
4.  Universal; belonging to all; as, the earth is said to be the common mother of mankind.
5.  Public; general; frequent; as common report.
6.  Usual; ordinary; as the common operations of nature; the common forms of conveyance; the common rules of civility.
7.  Of no rank or superior excellence; ordinary.  Applied to men, it signifies, not noble, not distinguished by noble descent, or not distinguished by office, character or talents; as a common man; a common soldier.  Applied to things, it signifies, not distinguished by excellence or superiority; as a common essay; a common exertion.  It however is not generally equivalent to mean, which expresses something lower in rank or estimation.
8.  Prostitute; lewd; as a common woman.
9.  In grammar, such verbs as signify both action and passion, are called common; as aspernor, I despise or am despised; also, such nouns as are both masculine and feminine, as parens.
10.  A common bud, in botany, is one that contains both leaves and flowers; a common peduncle, one that bears several flowers; a common perianth, one that incloses several distinct fructification; a common receptacle, one that connects several distinct fructification.
Common divisor, in mathematics, is a number or quantity that divides two or more numbers or quantities without a remainder.
Common Law, in Great Britain and the United States, the unwritten law, the law that receives its binding force from immemorial usage and universal reception, in distinction from the written or statute law.  That body of rules, principles and customs which have been received from our ancestors, and by which courts have been governed in their judicial decisions.  The evidence of this law is to be found in the reports of those decisions, and the records of the courts.  Some of these rules may have originated in edicts or statutes which are now lost, or in the terms and conditions of particular grants or charters; but it is most probable that many of them originated in judicial decisions founded on natural justice and equity, or on local customs.
Common pleas, in Great Britain, one of the kings courts, now held in Westminster-Hall.  It consists of a chief justice and three other justices, and has cognizance of all civil causes, real, personal or mixed, as well by original writ, as by removal from the inferior courts.  A writ of error, in the nature of an appeal, lies from this court to the court of kings bench.
In some of the American states, a court of common pleas is an inferior court, whose jurisdiction is limited to a county, and it is sometimes called a county court.  This court is variously constituted in different states, and its powers are defined by statutes.  It has jurisdiction of civil causes, and of minor offenses; but its final jurisdiction is very limited; all causes of magnitude being removable to a higher Court by appeal or by writ of error.prayer, the liturgy of the Church of England, which all the clergy of the Church are enjoined to use, under a penalty.
Common recovery, a legal process for recovering an estate or barring entails.
Common time, in music, duple or double time, when the semibreve is equal to two minims.
In common, equally with another, or with others; to be equally used or participated by two or more; as tenants in common; to provide for children in common; to assign lands to two persons in common, or to twenty in common; we enjoy the bounties of providence in common.
COMMON, n.
1.  A tract of ground, the use of which is not appropriated to an individual, but belongs to the public or to a number.  Thus we apply the word to an open ground or space in a highway, reserved for public use.
2.  In law, an open ground, or that soil the use of which belongs equally to the inhabitants of a town or of a lordship, or to a certain number of proprietors; or the profit which a man has in the land of another; or a right which a person has to pasture has cattle on land of another, or to dig turf, or catch fish, or cut wood, or the like; called common of pasture, of turbary, of piscary, and of estovers.
Common, or right of common, is appendant, appurtenant, because of vicinage, or in gross.
Common appendant is a right belonging to the owners or occupiers of arable land to put commonable beasts upon the lords waste, and upon the lands of other persons within the same manor.  This is a matter of most universal right.
Common appurtenant may be annexed to lands in other lordships, or extend to other beasts, besides those which are generally commonable; this is not of common right, but can be claimed only b immemorial usage and prescription.
Common because of vicinage or neighborhood, is where the inhabitants of two townships, lying contiguous to each other, have usually intercommoned with one another, the beasts of the one straying into the others fields; this is a permissive right.
Common in gross or at large, is annexed to a mans person, being granted to him and his heirs by deed; or it may be claimed by prescriptive right, as by a parson of a church or other corporation sole.
COMMON, v.i.
1.  To have a joint right with others in common ground.
2.  To board together; to eat at a table in common.


Topic: Common-council
Definition:
COMMON-COUNCIL, n.  The council of a city or corporate town, empowered to make by-laws for the government of the citizens.  The common council of London consists of two houses; the upper house, composed of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen; and the lower house, of the common-council-men, elected by the several wards.  In most of the American cities, the Mayor, Aldermen and common-council-men constituted one body, called a Court of Common-Council


Topic: Commonable
Definition:
COMMONABLE, a.
1.  Held in common.
2.  That may be pastured on common land.
Commonable beasts are either beasts of the plow, or such as manure the ground.


Topic: Commonage
Definition:
COMMONAGE, n.  The right of pasturing on a common; the joint right of using any thing in common with others.


Topic: Commonalty
Definition:
COMMONALTY, n. 
1.  The common people.  In Great Britain, all classes and conditions of people, who are below the rank of nobility.
The commonalty, like the nobility, are divided into several degrees.
In the United States, commonalty has no very definite signification.  It is however used to denote that part of the people who live by labor, and are not liberally educated, nor elevated by office or professional pursuits.
2.  The bulk of mankind.


Topic: Commoner
Definition:
COMMONER, n.
1.  One of the lower rank, or common people; one under the degree of nobility.
2.  A member of the house of commons.
3.  One who has a joint right in common ground.
4.  A student of the second rank in the universities in England; one who eats at a common table.
5.  A prostitute.
6.  A partaker.


Topic: Commonly
Definition:
COMMONLY, adv.  Usually; generally; ordinarily; frequently; for the most part; as, confirmed habits commonly continue through life.


Topic: Commonness
Definition:
COMMONNESS, n.
1.  Frequent occurrence; a state of being common or usual.
2.  Equal participation by two or more.


Topic: Commonplace
Definition:
COMMONPLACE, n.  A memorandum; a common topic.
COMMONPLACE, v.t.  To enter in a commonplace-book, or to reduce to general heads.
Commonplace-book, a book in which are registered such facts, opinions or observations as are deemed worthy of notice or remembrance, so disposed that any one may be easily found.  Hence common-place as used as an epithet to denote what is common or often repeated, or trite; as a commonplace observation.


Topic: Commons
Definition:
COMMONS, n. plu.
1.  The common people, who inherit or possess no honors or titles; the vulgar.
2.  In England, the lower house of Parliament, consisting of the representatives of cities, boroughs and counties, chosen by men possessed of the property or qualifications required by law.  This body is called the House of Commons.  The House of Representatives in North Carolina bears the same name.
3.  Common grounds; land possessed or used by two or more persons in common.
4.  Food provided at a common table, as in colleges, where many persons eat at the same table or in the same hall.
Their commons, though but coarse, were nothing scant.
Doctors Commons, in London, a college founded by Dr. Harvey, for the professors of the civil law, where the civilians common together.  The house was consumed in the great fire in 1666, but rebuilt in 1672.  To this college belong thirty four proctors.


Topic: Commonty
Definition:
COMMONTY, n.  In Scots law, land belonging to two or more common proprietors; or a heath or muir, of which there has been a promiscuous possession by pasturage.


Topic: Commorance
Definition:
COMMORANCE,MORANCY, n.  A dwelling or ordinary residence in a place; abode; habitation.
Commorancy consists in usually lying there.


Topic: Commorant
Definition:
COMMORANT, a.  Dwelling; ordinarily residing; inhabiting.
All freeholders within the precinct--and all persons commorant therein--are obliged to attend the court-leet.


Topic: Commotion
Definition:
COMMOTION, n.
1.  Agitation; as the commotion of the sea.
2.  Tumult of people; disturbance; disorder, which may amount at times to sedition or insurrection; as the commotions of a state.
When ye hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified.  Luke 21.
3.  Agitation; perturbation; disorder of mind; heat; excitement.
He could not debate without commotion.


Topic: Commune
Definition:
COMMUNE, v.i.
1.  To converse; to talk together familiarly; to impart sentiments mutually, in private or familiar discourse; followed by with before the person.
And there will I meet and commune with thee.  Ex. 25.
2.  To have intercourse in contemplation or meditation.
Commune with your own heart or your bed.  Ps. 4.
3.  To partake of the sacrament or Lords supper; to receive the communion; a common use of the word in America, as it is in the Welsh.
COMMUNE, n.  A small territorial district in France--one of the subordinate divisions of the country introduced in the late revolution.
Communibus annis, one year with another; on an average.
Communibus locis, one place with another; on a medium.


Topic: Communicability
Definition:
COMMUNICABILITY, n. [See Communicate.] The quality of being communicable; capability of being imparted from one to another.


Topic: Communicable
Definition:
COMMUNICABLE, a.
1.  That may be communicated; capable of being imparted from one to another; as, knowledge is communicable by words.
Lost bliss, to thee no more communicable.
Eternal life is communicable to all.
2.  That may be recounted.
3.  Communicative; ready to impart.


Topic: Communicant
Definition:
COMMUNICANT, n.  One who communes at the Lords table; one who is entitled to partake of the sacrament, at the celebration of the Lords supper.


Topic: Communicate
Definition:
COMMUNICATE, v.t.
1.  To impart; to give to another, as a partaker; to confer for joint possession; to bestow, as that which the receiver is to hold, retain, use or enjoy; with to.
Where God is worshiped, there he communicates his blessings and holy influences.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things.  Gal. 6.
2.  To impart reciprocally, or mutually; to have or enjoy a share of; followed by with.
Common benefits are to be communicated with all, but peculiar benefits with choice.
But Diamede desires my company,
And still communicates his praise with me.
3.  To impart, as knowledge; to reveal; to give, as information, either by words, signs or signals; as, to communicate intelligence, news, opinions, or facts.
Formerly this verb had with before the person receiving; as, he communicated those thoughts only with the Lord Digby.  Clarendon.  But now it has to only.
4.  To deliver, as to communicate a message; to give, as to communicate motion.
COMMUNICATE, v.i.
1.  To partake of the Lords supper.  Instead of this, in America, at least in New England, commune is generally or always used.
2.  To have a communication or passage from one to another; to have the means of passing from one to another; as, two houses communicate with each other; a fortress communicates with the country; the canals of the body communicate with each other.
3.  To have intercourse; applied to persons.
4.  To have, enjoy or suffer reciprocally; to have a share with another.
Ye have done well that ye did communicate with my affliction.  Phil. 4.


Topic: Communicating
Definition:
COMMUNICATING, ppr.
1.  Imparting; giving or bestowing; delivering.
2.  Partaking of the sacrament of the Lords supper.
3.  Leading or conducting from place to place, as a passage; connected by a passage or channel, as two lakes communicating with each other.
4.  Having intercourse by words, letters or messages; corresponding.


Topic: Communication
Definition:
COMMUNICATION, n.
1.  The act of imparting, conferring, or delivering, from one to another; as the communication of knowledge, opinions or facts.
2.  Intercourse by words, letters or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means.
Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you.  2 Sam. 3.
Let your communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay.  Mat. 5.
In 1 Cor. 15:33, Evil communications corrupt good manners, the word may signify conversation, colloquial discourses, or customary association and familiarity.
3.  Intercourse; interchange of knowledge; correspondence; good understanding between men.
Secrets may be carried so far as to stop the communication necessary among all who have the management of affairs.
4.  Connecting passage; means of passing from place to place; as a strait or channel between seas or lakes, a road between cities or countries, a gallery between apartments in a house, an avenue between streets, &c.
Keep open a communication with the besieged place.
5.  That which is communicated or imparted.
The house received a communication from the Governor, respecting the hospital.
6.  In rhetoric, a trope by which a speaker or writer takes his hearer or speaker as a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.


Topic: Communicative
Definition:
COMMUNICATIVE, a.
1.  Inclined to communicate; ready to impart to others.  In the sense of liberal of benefits, though legitimate, it is little used.
2.  Disposed to impart or disclose, as knowledge, opinions, or facts; free to communicate; not reserved.
We have paid for our want of prudence, and determine for the future to be less communicative.


Topic: Communicativeness
Definition:
COMMUNICATIVENESS, n.  The quality of being communicative; readiness to impart to others; freedom from reserve.


Topic: Communing
Definition:
COMMUNING, ppr.  Conversing familiarly; having familiar intercourse.
COMMUNING, n.  Familiar converse; private intercourse.


Topic: Communion
Definition:
COMMUNION, n.
1.  Fellowship; intercourse between two persons or more; interchange of transactions, or offices; a state of giving and receiving; agreement; concord.
We are naturally led to seek communion and fellowship with other.
What communion hath light with darkness?  2 Cor. 6.
2.  Mutual intercourse or union in religious worship, or in doctrine and discipline.
The Protestant churches have no communion with the Romish church.
3.  The body of Christians who have one common faith and discipline.  The three grand communions into which the Christian church is divided, are those of the Greek, the Romish and the Protestant churches.
4.  The act of communicating the sacrament of the Eucharist; the celebration of the Lords supper; the participation of the blessed sacrament.  The fourth council of Lateran decrees that every believer shall receive the communion at least at Easter.
5.  Union of professing Christians in a particular church; as, members in full communion.
Communion-service, in the liturgy of the Episcopal church, is the office for the administration of the holy sacrament.


Topic: Community
Definition:
COMMUNITY, n.
1.  Properly, common possession or enjoyment; as a community of goods.
It is a confirmation of the original community of all things.
2.  A society of people, having common rights and privileges, or common interests, civil, political or ecclesiastical; or living under the same laws and regulations.  This word may signify a commonwealth or state, a body politic, or a particular society or order of men within a state, as a community of monks; and it is often used for the public or people in general, without very definite limits.
3.  Commonness; frequency.


Topic: Commutability
Definition:
COMMUTABILITY, n.  The quality of being capable of being exchanged, or put, one in the place of the other.


Topic: Commutable
Definition:
COMMUTABLE, a.  That may be exchanged, or mutually changed; that may be given for another.  In philology, that may pass from one into another; as, the letter b is commutable with v; or in Celtic, b and mh are commutable.


Topic: Commutation
Definition:
COMMUTATION, n.
1.  Change; alteration; a passing from one state to another.
2.  Exchange; the act of giving one thing for another; barter.
The use of money is to save the commutation of more bulky commodities.
3.  In law, the change of a penalty or punishment from a greater to a less; as banishment instead of death.
Suits are allowable in the spiritual courts for money agreed to be given as a commutation for penance.


Topic: Commutative
Definition:
COMMUTATIVE, a.  Relative to exchange; interchangeable; mutually passing from one to another; as commutative justice, justice which is mutually done and received, between men in society.
To cultivate an habitual regard to commutative justice.


Topic: Commute
Definition:
COMMUTE, v.t.
1.  To exchange; to put one thing in the place of another; to give or receive one thing for another; as, to commute our labors; to commute pain for pleasure.
2.  In law, to exchange one penalty or punishment for another of less severity; as, to commute death for transportation.
COMMUTE, v.i.  To atone; to compensate; to stand in the place of; as, one penalty commutes for another.


Topic: Commutual
Definition:
COMMUTUAL, a.  Mutual; reciprocal; used in poetry.
There, with commutual zeal, we both had strove
In acts of dear benevolence and love.


Topic: Compact
Definition:
COMPACT, a.
1.  Closely and firmly united, as the particles of solid bodies; firm; close; solid; dense.  Stone, iron and wood are compact bodies.  A compact leaf, in botany, is one having the pulp of a close firm texture.
2.  Composed; consisting.
A wandering fire,
Compact of unctuous vapor.
3.  Joined; held together.
A pipe of seven reeds, compact with wax together.
4.  Brief; close; pithy; not diffuse; not verbose; as a compact discourse.
COMPACT, n.  An agreement; a contract between parties; a word that may be applied, in a general sense, to any covenant or contract between individuals; but it is more generally applied to agreements between nations and states, as treaties and confederacies.  So the constitution of the United States is a political contract between the States; a national compact.  Or the word is applied to the agreement of the individuals of a community.
The law of nations depends on mutual compacts, treaties, leagues, &c.
In the beginnings of speech there was an implicit compact, founded on common consent.
COMPACT, v.t.
1.  To thrust, drive or press closely together; to join firmly; to consolidate; to make close; as the parts which compose a body.
Now the bright sun compacts the precious stone.
2.  To unite or connect firmly, as in a system.
The whole body fitly joined together and compacted.  Eph. 4.
3.  To league with.
Thou pernicious woman,
Compact with her thats gone.
4.  To compose or make out of.
If he, compact of jars, grow musical.
In the two last examples, compact is used for compacted.


Topic: Compactedness
Definition:
COMPACTEDNESS, n.  A state of being compact; firmness; closeness of parts; density, whence results hardness.


Topic: Companion
Definition:
COMPANION, n.  
1.  One who keeps company with another; one with whom a person frequently associates, and converses.  It differs from friend, says Johnson, as acquaintance from confidence.  The word does not necessarily imply friendship; but a companion is often or generally a friend.
A companion of fools shall be destroyed.  Prov. 13.
2.  One who accompanies another; as two persons meeting casually and traveling together are called companions.  So soldiers are called companions in arms.
3.  A partner; an associate.
Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier.  Phil. 2.
4.  A fellow; a mate.
5.  A sort of wooden porch placed over the entrance or stair case of the cabin in merchant ships.  Hence the ladder by which officers ascend to and descend from the quarter deck is called the companion ladder.


Topic: Companionable
Definition:
COMPANIONABLE, a.  Fit for good fellowship; qualified to be agreeable in company; sociable; agreeable as a companion.


Topic: Company
Definition:
COMPANY, n.  
1.  In military affairs, the soldiers united under the command of a captain; a subdivision of a regiment, consisting usually of a number from 60 to 100 men.  But the number is indefinite.
2.  Any assemblage of persons; a collection of men, or other animals, in a very indefinite sense.  It may be applied to a small number, or any multitude whatever; as in scripture we read of a company of priests, a company of prophets, and an innumerable company of angels; also, a company of horses.
3.  An assemblage of persons for entertainment or festivity; a party collected by invitation or otherwise.
4.  Persons that associate with others for conversation or pleasure; society; as, let your children keep good company.
5.  The state of being a companion; the act of accompanying; fellowship; society.
I will keep thee company.
We cannot enjoy the company of licentious men.
6.  A number of persons untied for the same purpose, or in a joint concern; as a company of merchants or mechanics; a company of players.  The word is applicable to private partnerships or to incorporated bodies of men.  Hence it may signify a firm, house or partnership; or a corporation, as the East India Company, a banking or insurance company.
7.  The crew of a ship, including the officers; also, a fleet.
To bear company, to accompany; to attend; to go with; denoting a temporary association.
His faithful dog shall bear him company.
To keep company, to accompany; to attend; also, to associate with frequently or habitually; hence, to frequent public houses.  Prov. 29.
COMPANY, v.t.  To accompany; to attend; to go with; to be companion to.
COMPANY, v.i.
1.  To associate with; to frequent the company of.
I wrote you not to company with fornicators.  1 Cor. 5.
2.  To be a gay companion.
3.  To have commerce with the other sex.


Topic: Comparable
Definition:
COMPARABLE, a.  That may be compared; worthy of comparison; being of equal regard; that may be estimated as equal.
There is no blessing of life comparable to the enjoyment of a discreet and virtuous friend.
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold.  Lam. 4.


Topic: Comparative
Definition:
COMPARATIVE, a.
1.  Estimated by comparison; not positive or absolute.  The comparative weight of a body, is that which is estimated by comparing it with the weight of another body. A body may be called heavy, when compared with a feather, which would be called light, when compared with iron.  So of comparative good, or evil.
2.  Having the power of comparing different things; as a comparative faculty.
3.  In grammar, expressing more or less.  The comparative degree of an adjective expresses a greater or less degree of a quantity, or quality, than the positive; as brighter, or more bright; smaller; finer; stronger; weaker.
Comparative anatomy, that branch of anatomy which treats of the anatomy of other animals than man, with a view to compare their structure with that of human beings, and thus to illustrate the animal functions, and particularly with reference to a more perfect knowledge of the functions of several parts of the human body.
COMPARATIVE, n.  One who is equal or pretends to be an equal.


Topic: Comparatively
Definition:
COMPARATIVELY, adv.  In a state of comparison; by comparison; according to estimate made by comparison; not positively, absolutely or in itself.  A thing is comparatively heavy, when it is compared with something less heavy.  Paper is comparatively light or heavy; light, when compared with lead; and heavy, when compared with air.
How few, comparatively, are the instances of a wise application of time and talents!


Topic: Compare
Definition:
COMPARE, v.t.
1.  To set or bring things together in fact or in contemplation, and to examine the relations they bear to each other, with a view to ascertain their agreement or disagreement; as, to compare two pieces of cloth, two tables, or coins; to compare reasons and arguments; to compare pleasure with pain.
in comparing movable things, it is customary to bring them together, for examination.  In comparing thins immovable or remote, and abstract ideas, we bring them together in the mind, as far as we are able, and consider them in connection.  Comparison therefore is really collation, or it includes it.
2.  To liken; to represent as similar, for the purpose of illustration.
Solon compared the people to the sea, and orators and counselors to the winds; for  that the sea would be calm and quiet, it the winds did not trouble it.
In this sense compare is followed by to.
3.  To examine the relations of thins to each other, with a view to discover their relative proportions, quantities or qualities; as, to compare two kingdoms, or two mountains with each other; to compare the number ten with fifteen; to compare ice with crystal; to compare a clown with a dancing master or a dandy.
In this sense compare is followed by with.
4.  In grammar, to form an adjective in the degrees of comparison; as blackish, black, blacker, blackest.
5.  To get; to procure; to obtain; as in Latin.
COMPARE, v.i.  
1.  To hold comparison; to be like or equal.
2.  Simile; similitude; illustration by comparison.
[This noun is in use, but cannot be considered as elegant.]


Topic: Compared
Definition:
COMPARED, pp.  Set together and examined with respect to likeness or unlikeness, agreement or disagreement; likened; represented as similar.


Topic: Comparison
Definition:
COMPARISON, n.
1.  The act of comparing; the act of considering the relation between persons or things, with a view to discover their agreement or resemblance, or their disagreement or difference.
We learn to form a correct estimate of men and their actions by comparison.
2.  The state of being compared.
If we rightly estimate what we call good and evil, we shall find it lies much in comparison.
3.  Comparative estimate; proportion.
Who is left among you that saw this house in its first glory?  And how do you see it now?  Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?  Hag. 2.
4.  In grammar, the formation of an adjective in its several degrees of signification; as strong, stronger, strongest; greenish, green, greener, greenest; glorious, more glorious, most glorious.  In English, there are strictly four degrees of comparison.
5.  A simile, similitude, or illustration by similitude.
Whereto shall we liken the kingdom of God?  Or with what comparison shall we compare it?  Mark 4.
6.  In rhetoric, a figure by which two things are considered with regard to a third, which is common to them both; as, a hero is like a lion in courage.  Here courage is common to hero and lion, and constitutes the point of resemblance.
The distinction between similitude and comparison is, that the former has reference to the quality; the latter, to the quantity.  Comparison is between more and less; similitude is between good and gad.  Hannibal--hung like a tempest on the declivities of the Alps--is a likeness by similitude.  The sublimity of the scriptural prophets exceeds that of Homer, as much as thunder is louder than a whisper--is a likeness by comparison.
But comparison has reference to quality as well as quantity.


Topic: Compartition
Definition:
COMPARTITION, n.
1.  The act of dividing into parts.  In architecture, the division or disposition of the whole ground-plot of an edifice, into its various apartments.
2.  Division; part divided; a separate part; as, amphitheaters needed no compartitions.


Topic: Compartment
Definition:
COMPARTMENT, n.
1.  A division or separate part of a general design, as of a picture, or of a ground-plot.
2.  A design composed of several different figures, disposed with symmetry, for ornament; as a compartment of tiles or bricks, duly arranged, of various colors and varnished, to decorate a building.  In gardening, compartments are assemblages of beds, plots, borders, walks, &c.  In heraldry, a compartment is called also a partition.


Topic: Compass
Definition:
COMPASS, n.
1.  Stretch; reach; extent; the limit or boundary of a space, and the space included; applied to time, space, sound, &c.  Our knowledge lies within a very narrow compass.  The universe extends beyond the compass of our thoughts.  So we say, the compass of a year, the compass of an empire, the compass of reason, the compass of the voice.
And in that compass all the world contains.
2.  A passing round; a circular course; a circuit.
Time is come round;
and where I did begin, thee shall I end:
My life has run its compass.
They fetched a compass of seven days journey.  2 Kings 3.  2 Sam. 5.  Acts 28.
3.  Moderate bounds; limits of truth; moderation; due limits.
In two hundred years, (I speak within compass,) no such commission had been executed.
This sense is the same as the first, and the peculiar force of the phrase lies in the word within.
4.  The extent or limit of the voice or of sound.
5.  An instrument for directing or ascertaining the course of ships at sea, consisting of a circular box, containing a paper card marked with the thirty two points of direction, fixed on a magnetic needle, that always points to the north, the variation excepted.  The needle with the card turns on a pin in the center of the box.  In the center of the needle is fixed a brass conical socket or cap, by which the card hanging on the pin turns freely round the center.  The box is covered with glass, to prevent the motion of the card from being disturbed by the wind.
6.  Compass or compasses, [or a pair of compasses, so named from its legs, but pair is superfluous or improper, and the singular number compass is the preferable name,] an instrument for describing circles, measuring figures, &c., consisting of two pointed legs or branches, made of iron, steel or brass, joined at the top by a rivet, on which they move.  There are also compasses of three legs or triangular compasses, cylindrical and spherical compasses with four branches, and various other kinds.
7.  An instrument used in surveying land, constructed in the main like the mariners compass; but with this difference, that the needle is not fitted into the card, moving with it, but plays alone; the card being drawn on the bottom of the box, and a circle divided into 360 degrees on the limb.  This instrument is used in surveying land, and in directing travelers in a desert or forest, miners, &c.
Compass-saw, a saw with a brad edge and thin back, to cut in a circular form.
COMPASS, v.t.
1.  To stretch round; to extend so as to embrace the whole; hence, to inclose, encircle, grasp or seize; as, to compass with the arms.
2.  To surround; to environ; to inclose on all sides; sometimes followed by around, round or about.
Now all the blessings of a glad father compass thee about.
With favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.  Ps. 5.
The willows of the brook compass him about.  Job 40.
3.  To go or walk round.
Ye shall compass the city--and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times.  Josh. 6.
For ye compass sea and land.  Math. 23.
4.  To besiege; to beleaguer; to block up.  This is not a different sense, but a particular application.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side.  Luke 19.
5.  To obtain; to attain to; to procure; to bring within ones power; to accomplish.
If I can check my erring love, I will;
If not, to compass her Ill use my skill.
How can you hope to compass your designs?
6.  To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot; to contrive; as we say, to go about to perform, but in mind only; as, to compass the death of the king.
Compassing and imaging the death of the king are synonymous terms; compass signifying the purpose or design of the mind or will, and not, as in common speech, the carrying such design to effect.


Topic: Compassing
Definition:
COMPASSING, ppr.
1.  Embracing; going round; inclosing; obtaining; accomplishing; imagining; intending.
2.  In ship-building, incurvated; arched.


Topic: Compassion
Definition:
COMPASSION, n.
1.  A suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.  Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is excited by it.  Extreme distress of an enemy even changes enmity into at least temporary affection.
He being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity.  Ps. 78.
His father had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  Luke 15.
COMPASSION, v.t.  To pity.


Topic: Compassionate
Definition:
COMPASSIONATE, a.  Having a temper or disposition to pity; inclined to show mercy; merciful; having a heart that is tender, and easily moved by the distresses, sufferings, wants and infirmities of others.
There never was a heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.
COMPASSIONATE, v.t.  To pity; to commiserate; to have compassion for.
Compassionates my pains and pities me.


Topic: Compaternity
Definition:
COMPATERNITY, n. [con and paternity.] The relation of a godfather to the person for whom he answers.


Topic: Compatibility
Definition:
COMPATIBILITY, n. [See Compatible.] Consistency; the quality or power of coexisting with something else; suitableness; as a compatibility of tempers.


Topic: Compatible
Definition:
COMPATIBLE, a.
1.  Consistent; that may exist with; suitable; not incongruous; agreeable; followed by with; sometimes by to, but less properly.
The poets have joined qualities which by nature are the most compatible.
The office of a legislator and of a judge are deemed not compatible.
To pardon offenders is not always compatible with public safety.


Topic: Compatibleness
Definition:
COMPATIBLENESS, n.  Consistency; fitness; agreement; the same as compatibility, which is generally used.


Topic: Compeer
Definition:
COMPEER, n.  An equal; a companion; an associate; a mate.
COMPEER, v.t.  To equal; to match; to be equal with.


Topic: Compel
Definition:
COMPEL, v.t.
1.  To drive or urge with force, or irresistibly; to constrain; to oblige; to necessitate, either by physical or moral force.
Thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bound servant.  Levit. 25.
And they compel one Simon--to bear his cross.  Mark 15.
Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.  Luke 14.
Circumstances compel us to practice economy.
2.  To force; to take by force, or violence; to seize.
The subjects grief comes through commissions, which compel from each a sixth part of his substance.
3.  To drive together; to gather; to unite in a crowd or company.  A Latinism, compellere gregem.
In one troop compelled.
4.  To seize; to overpower; to hold.
And easy sleep their weary limbs compelled.
5.  To call forth, L. compeller.


Topic: Compellation
Definition:
COMPELLATION, n.  Style or manner of address; the word of salutation.
The compellation of the Kings of France is by sire.


Topic: Compendious
Definition:
COMPENDIOUS, a.
1.  Short; summary; abridged; comprehensive; containing the substance or general principles of a subject or work in a narrow compas; as a compendious system of chimistry; a compendious grammar.
2.  Short; direct; near; not circuitous; as a compendious way to acquire science.


Topic: Compendiously
Definition:
COMPENDIOUSLY, adv.  In a short or brief; in epitome.
The substance of christian belief is compendiously expressed in a few articles.


Topic: Compendium
Definition:
COMPENDIUM, n.  In literature, an abridgment; a summary; an epitome; a brief compilation or composition, containing the principal heads, or general principles, of a larger work or system.


Topic: Compensate
Definition:
COMPENSATE, v.t.
1.  To give equal value to; to recompense; to give an equivalent for services, or an amount lost or bestowed; to return or bestow that which makes good a loss, or is estimated a sufficient remuneration; as, to compensate a laborer for his work, or a merchant for his losses.
2.  To be equivalent in value or effect to; to counterbalance; to make amends for.
The length of the night and the dews do compensate the heat of the day.
The pleasures of sin never compensate the sinner for the miseries he suffers, even in this life.
COMPENSATE, v.i.  To make amends; to supply an equivalent; followed by for.
Nothing can compensate for the loss of reputation.
This word is generally accented on the second syllable, most unfortunately, as any ear will determine by the feebleness of the last syllables n the participles, compensated, compensating.
Each seeming want compensated of course.
With the primary accent on the first syllable and the secondary accent on the third, this defect and the difficulty of uttering distinctly the last syllables are remedied.


Topic: Compensation
Definition:
COMPENSATION, n.
1.  That which is given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, want, loss, or suffering; amends; remuneration; recompense.
All other debts may compensation find.
The pleasures of life are no compensation for the loss of divine favor and protection.
2.  In law, a set-off; the payment of a debt by a credit of equal amount.


Topic: Compete
Definition:
COMPETE, v.i.
1.  To seek, or strive for the same thing as another; to carry on competition or rivalry.
Our manufacturers compete with the English in making cotton cloths.
2.  To strive or claim to be equal.
The sages of antiquity will not dare to compete with the inspired authors.


Topic: Competence
Definition:
COMPETENCE,PETENCY, n.
1.  Sufficiency; such a quantity as is sufficient; property or means of subsistence sufficient to furnish the necessaries and conveniences of life, without superfluity.
Reasons whole pleasure, all the joys of sense,
Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence.
2.  Sufficiency, applied to other things than property; but this application is less common.
3.  Legal capacity or qualifications; fitness; as the competence of a witness, which consists in his having the qualifications required by law, as age, soundness of mind, impartiality, &c.
4.  Right or authority; legal power or capacity to take cognizance of a cause; as the competence of a judge or court to examine and decide.
5.  Fitness; adequacy; suitableness; legal sufficiency; as the competency of evidence.


Topic: Competent
Definition:
COMPETENT, a.
1.  Suitable; fit; convenient; hence, sufficient, that is, fit for the purpose; adequate; followed by to; as, competent supplies of food and clothing; a competent force; an army conpetent to the preservation of the kingdom or state; a competent knowledge of the world.  This word usually implies a moderate supply, a sufficiency without superfluity.
2.  Qualified; fit; having legal capacity or power; as a competent judge or court; a competent witness.  In a judge or court, it implies right or authority to hear and determine; in a witness, it implies  a legal right or capacity to testify.
3.  Incident; belonging; having adequate power or right.
That is the privilege of the infinite author of things, who never slumbers nor sleeps, but is not competent to any finite being.
It is not competent to the defendant to alledge fraud in the plaintiff.


Topic: Competently
Definition:
COMPETENTLY, adv.  Sufficiently; adequately; suitably; reasonably; as, the fact has been competently proved; a church is competently endowed.


Topic: Competition
Definition:
COMPETITION, n.
1.  The act of seeking, or endeavoring to gain, what another is endeavoring to gain, at the same time; rivalry; mutual strife for the same object; also, strife for superiority; as the competition of two candidates for an office, or of two poets for superior reputation.
2.  A state of rivalship; a state of having equal claims.
A portrait, with which one of Titians could not come in competition.
3.  Double claim; claim of more than one to the same thing; formerly with to, now with for.
Competition to the crown there is none nor can be.
There is no competition but for the second place.


Topic: Competitor
Definition:
COMPETITOR, n.
1.  One who seeks and endeavors to obtain what another seeks; or one who claims what another claims; a rival.
They cannot brook competitors in love.
2.  An opponent.


Topic: Compile
Definition:
COMPILE, v.t.
1.  To collect parts or passages of books or writings into a book or pamphlet; to select and put together parts of an author, or to collect parts of different authors; or to collect and arrange separate papers, laws, or customs, in a book, code or system.
2.  To write; to compose.
In poetry, thy compile the praises o virtuous men and actions.
3.  To contain; to comprise.
4.  To make up; to compose.
5.  To put together; to build.


Topic: Compiler
Definition:
COMPILER, n.  A collector of parts of authors, or of separate papers or accounts; one who forms a book or composition from various authors or separate papers.


Topic: Compiling
Definition:
COMPILING, ppr.  Collecting and arranging parts of books, or separate papers, in a body or composition.


Topic: Complain
Definition:
COMPLAIN, v.i.
1.  To utter expressions of grief; to lament.
I will complain in the bitterness of my spirit.  Job 7.
I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.  Ps. 77.
2.  To utter expressions of censure or resentment; to murmur; to find fault.
And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord.  Num. 11.
3.  To utter expressions of uneasiness, or pain.  He complains of thirst.  He complains of a head-ache.
4.  To charge; to accuse of an offense; to present an accusation against a person to a proper officer.
To A B, one of the justices of the peace for the county of S, complains C D.
This verb is regularly followed by of, before the cause of grief or censure; as, to complain of thirst, of ignorance, of vice, of an offender.
5.  To represent injuries, particularly in a writ of Audita Querela.
COMPLAIN, v.t.  To lament; to bewail.
They might the grievance inwardly complain.
This use of complain is uncommon, and hardly legitimate.  The phrase is properly elliptical.


Topic: Complainant
Definition:
COMPLAINANT, n.
1.  A prosecutor; one who prosecutes by complaint, or commences a legal process against an offender for the recovery of a right or penalty.
He shall forfeit one moiety to the use of the town; and the other moiety to the use of the complainant.
2.  The plaintiff in a writ of Audita Querela.


Topic: Complainer
Definition:
COMPLAINER, n.  One who complains, or expresses grief; one who laments; one who finds fault; a murmurer.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts.  Jude 16.


Topic: Complaining
Definition:
COMPLAINING, ppr.  Expressing grief, sorrow, or censure; finding fault; murmuring; lamenting; accusing of an offense.
COMPLAINING, n.  The expression of regret, sorrow, or injury.


Topic: Complaint
Definition:
COMPLAINT, n.  
1.  Expression of grief, regret, pain, censure, or resentment; lamentation; murmuring; a finding fault.
Even to day is my complaint bitter.  Job 23.
2.  The cause or subject of complaint, or murmuring.
The poverty of the clergy hath been the complaint of all who wish well to the church.
3.  The cause of complaint, or of pain and uneasiness in the body; a malady; a disease; usually applied to disorders not violent; as a complaint in the bowels or breast.
4.  Accusation; a charge against an offender, made by a private person or informer to a justice of the peace or other proper officer, alleging that the offender has violated the law, and claiming the penalty due to the prosecutor.  It differs from an information, which is the prosecution of an offender by the Attorney or Solicitor General; and from a presentment and indictment, which are the accusation of a Grand Jury.
5.  Representation of injuries, in a general sense; and appropriately, in a writ of Audita Querela.


Topic: Complaisance
Definition:
COMPLAISANCE, n.
1.  A pleasing deportment; courtesy; that manner of address and behavior in social intercourse which gives pleasure; civility; obliging condescension; kind and affable reception and treatment of guests; exterior acts of civility; as, the gentleman received us with complaisance.
2.  Condescension; obliging compliance with the wishes or humors of others.
In complaisance poor Cupid mourned.
3.  Desire of pleasing; disposition to oblige; the principle for the act.
Your complaisance will not permit your guests to be incommoded.


Topic: Complaisant
Definition:
COMPLAISANT, a.  complazant.  Pleasing in manners; courteous; obliging; desirous to please; as a complaisant gentleman.
2.  Civil; courteous; polite; as complaisant deportment or treatment.


Topic: Complaisantly
Definition:
COMPLAISANTLY, adv.  complazantly.  In a pleasing manner; with civility; with an obliging, affable address or deportment.


Topic: Complement
Definition:
COMPLEMENT, n.
1.  Fulness; completion; whence, perfection.
They as they feasted had their fill,
For a full complement of all their ill.
2.  Full quantity or number; the quantity or number limited; as, a company has its complement of men; a ship has its complement of stores.
3.  That which is added, not as necessary, but as ornamental; something adventitious to the main thing; ceremony. [See Compliment.]
garnished and decked in modest complement.
4.  In geometry, what remains of the quadrant of a circle, or of ninety degrees, after any arch has been taken from it.  Thus if the arch taken is thirty degrees, its complement is sixty.
5.  In astronomy, the distance of a star from the zenith.
6.  Arithmetical complement of a logarithm, is what the logarithm wants of 10,000,000.
7.  In fortification, the complement of the curtain is that part in the interior side which makes the demigorge.


Topic: Complete
Definition:
COMPLETE, a.
1.  Having no deficiency; perfect.
And ye are complete in him who is the head of all principality and power.  Col. 2.
2.  Finished; ended; concluded; as, the edifice is complete.
This course of vanity almost complete.
In strict propriety, this word admits of no comparison; for that which is complete, cannot be more or less so.  But as the word, like many others, is used with some indefiniteness of signification, it is customary to qualify it with more, most, less and least.  More complete, most complete, less complete, are common expressions.
3.  In botany, a complete flower is one furnished with a calyx and corolla.  Vaillant.  Or having all the parts of a flower.
COMPLETE, v.t.  
1.  To finish; to end; to perfect; as, to complete a bridge, or an edifice; to complete an education.
2.  To fill to accomplish; as, to complete hopes or desires.
3.  To fulfil; to accomplish; to perform; as, the prophecy of Daniel is completed.


Topic: Completion
Definition:
COMPLETION, n.
1.  Fulfilment; accomplishment.
There was a full entire harmony and consent in the divine predictions, receiving their completion in Christ.
2.  Act of completing; state of being complete; utmost extent; perfect state; as, the gentleman went to the university for the completion of his education or studies.
The completion of a bad character is to hate a good man.


Topic: Completory
Definition:
COMPLETORY, a.  Fulfilling; accomplishing.
COMPLETORY, n.  The evening service; the complin of the Romish church.


Topic: Complexedness
Definition:
COMPLEXEDNESS, n.  Complication; involution of parts in one integral; compound state; as the complexedness moral ideas.


Topic: Complexion
Definition:
COMPLEXION, n.
1.  Involution; a complex state.
2.  The color of the skin, particularly of the face; the color of the external parts of a body or thing; as a fair complexion; a dark complexion; the complexion of the sky.
3.  The temperament, habitude, or natural disposition of the body; the peculiar cast of the constitution, which gives it a particular physical character; a medical term, but used to denote character, or description; as, men of this or that complexion.
Tis ill, Though different your complexions are,
The family of heaven for men should war.


Topic: Complexional
Definition:
COMPLEXIONAL, a.  Depending on or pertaining to complexion; as complexional efflorescencies; complexional prejudices.


Topic: Complexity
Definition:
COMPLEXITY, n.  The state of being complex; complexness.
COMPLEXITY, adv.  In a complex manner; not simply.


Topic: Compliance
Definition:
COMPLIANCE, n. [See comply.] 
1.  The act of complying; a yielding, as to a request, wish, desire, demand or proposal; concession; submission.
Let the king meet compliance in your looks,
A free and ready yielding to his wishes.
2.  A disposition to yield to others.
He was man of few words and great compliance.
3.  Obedience; followed by with; as compliance with a command, or precept.
4.  Performance; execution; as a compliance with the conditions of a contract.


Topic: Compliant
Definition:
COMPLIANT, a.
1.  Yielding, bending; as the compliant boughs. [See Pliant, which is generally used.]
2.  Yielding to request or desire; civil; obliging.


Topic: Complicate
Definition:
COMPLICATE, v.t.
1.  Literally, to interweave; to fold and twist together.  Hence, to make complex; to involve; to entangle; to unite or connect mutually or intimately, as different things or parts; followed by with.
Our offense against God hath been complicated with injury to men.
So we say, a complicated disease; a complicated affair.
Commotion in the parts may complicate and dispose them after the manner requisite to make them stick.
2.  To make intricate.
COMPLICATE, a.
1.  Complex; composed of two or more parts united.
Through the particular actions of war are complicate in fact, yet they are separate and distinct in right.
2.  In botany, folded together, as the valves of the glume or chaff in some grasses.


Topic: Complicated
Definition:
COMPLICATED, pp.  Interwoven; entangled; involved; intricate; composed of two or more things or parts united.


Topic: Complication
Definition:
COMPLICATION, n.
1.  The act of interweaving, or involving two or more things or parts; the state of being interwoven, involved or intimately blended.
The notions of a confused knowledge are always full of perplexity and complications.
2.  The integral consisting of many things involved or interwoven, or mutually united.
By admitting a complication of ideas--the mind is bewildered.


Topic: Complice
Definition:
COMPLICE, n.  One who is united with another in the commission of a crime, or in an ill design; an associate or confederate in some unlawful act or design; an accomplice.  The latter is now used.  [See Accomplice.]


Topic: Complier
Definition:
COMPLIER, n.  One who complies, yields or obeys; a person of ready compliance; a man of an easy, yielding temper.


Topic: Compliment
Definition:
COMPLIMENT, n.
1.  An expression of civility, respect or regard; as, to send, or make ones compliments to an absent friend.  In this application, the plural is always used.
He observed few compliments in matter of arms.
2.  A present or favor bestowed.  My friend made me a compliment of Homers Iliad.
COMPLIMENT, v.t.
1.  To praise; to flatter by expressions of approbation, esteem or respect.
Monarchs--
Should compliment their foes, and shun their friends.
She compliments Menelaus very handsomely.
2.  To congratulate; as, to compliment a prince on the birth of a son.
3.  To bestow a present; to manifest kindness or regard for, by a present or other favor.
He complimented us with tickets for the exhibition.
COMPLIMENT, v.i.  To pass compliments; to use ceremony, or ceremonious language.
I make the interlocutors upon occasion compliment with each other.


Topic: Complimental
Definition:
COMPLIMENTAL, a.  Expressive of civility or respect; implying compliments.
Languages--grow rich and abundant in complimental phrases, and such froth.


Topic: Complin
Definition:
COMPLIN, n.  The last division of the Romish breviary; the last prayer at night, to be recited after sun-set; so called because it closes the service of the day.


Topic: Complot
Definition:
COMPLOT, n.  A plotting together; a joint plot; a plot; a confederacy in some evil design; a conspiracy.
I know their complot is to have my life.
COMPLOT, v.t.  To plot together; to conspire; to form a plot; to join in a secret design, generally criminal.
We find them complotting together, and contriving a new scene of miseries to the Trojans.


Topic: Comply
Definition:
COMPLY , v.i.
1.  To comply with, to fulfil; to perfect or carry into effect; to complete; to perform or execute; as, to comply with a promise, with an award, with a command, with an order.  So to comply with ones expectations or wishes, is to fulfil them, or complete them.
2.  To yield to; to be obsequious; to accord; to suit; followed by with; as, to comply with a mans humor.
The truth of things will not comply with or conceits.


Topic: Component
Definition:
COMPONENT, a.  Literally, setting or placing together; hence, composing; constituting; forming a compound; as the component parts of a plant or fossil substance; the component parts of a society.


Topic: Comport
Definition:
COMPORT, v.i.  To comport with, literally, to bear to or with; to carry together.  Hence, to agree with; to suit; to accord; as, to consider how far our charity may comport with our prudence.  His behavior does not comport with his station.
COMPORT, v.t. 
1.  With the reciprocal pronoun, to behave; to conduct.
It is curious to observe how lord Somers--comported himself on that occasion.
2.  To bear; to endure; as in French, Spanish and Italian.
COMPORT, n.  Behavior; conduct; manner of acting.
I knew them well, and marked their rude comport.
This word is rarely or never used, but may be admissible in poetry.  We now use deportment.  The accent, since Shakespeares time, has been transferred to the first syllable.


Topic: Compose
Definition:
COMPOSE, v.t.  s as z.  Literally, to place or set together.  Hence,
1.  To form a compound, or one entire body or thing, by uniting two or more things, parts, or individuals; as, to compose an army of raw soldiers; the parliament of G. Britain is composed of two houses, lords and commons; the senate of the United States is composed of two senators from each state.
Zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of all pious affections.
2.  To invent and put together words and sentences; to make, as a discourse or writing; to write, as an author; as, to compose a sermon, or a book.
3.  To constitute, or form, as parts of a whole; as, letters compose syllables, syllables compose words, words compose sentences.
A few useful things, confounded with many trifles, fill their memories, and compose their intellectual possessions.
4.  To calm; to quiet; to appease; to tranquilize; that is, to set or lay; as, to compose passions, fears, disorders, or whatever is agitated or excited.
5.  To settle; to adjust; as, to compose differences.
6.  To place in proper form, or in a quiet state.
In a peaceful grave my corpse compose.
7.  To settle into a quiet state.
The sea composes itself to a level surface.  It requires about two days to compose it after a gale.
8.  To dispose; to put in a proper state for any purpose.
The army seemed will composed to obtain that by their swords which they could not by their pen.
9.  In printing, to set types or characters in a composing stick, from a copy, arranging the letters in the proper order.
10.  In music, to form a tune or piece of music with notes, arranging them on the stave in such a manner as when sung to produce harmony.


Topic: Composed
Definition:
COMPOSED, pp.  
1.  Set together, or in due order; formed; constituted; calmed; quieted; settled; adjusted.
2.  a.  Calm; sedate; quiet; tranquil; free from agitation.
The Mantuan there is sober triumph sat,
Composed his posture, and his look sedate.


Topic: Composer
Definition:
COMPOSER, n.
1.  One who composes; one who writes an original work, as distinguished from a compiler; an author; also, one who forms tunes, whether he adapts them to particular words or not.
2.  One who quiets or calms; one who adjusts a difference.


Topic: Composing
Definition:
COMPOSING, ppr.  Placing together; forming; constituting; writing an original work; quieting; settling; adjusting; setting types.


Topic: Composing-stick
Definition:
COMPOSING-STICK, n.  Among printers, an instrument on which types are set from the cases, adjusted to the length of the lines.


Topic: Composite
Definition:
COMPOSITE, a.  In architecture, the Composite order is the last of the five orders of columns; so called because its capital is composed out of those of the other orders or columns, borrowing a quarter-round from the Tuscan and Doric, a row of leaves from the Corinthian, and volutes from the Ionic.  Its cornice has simple modillions or dentils.  It is called also the Roman or the Italic order.
Composite numbers are such as can be measured exactly by a number exceeding unity, as 6 by 2 or e; so that r is the lowest composite number.  Composite numbers between themselves, are those which have a common measure besides unity; as 12 and 15, both which are measured by e.


Topic: Composition
Definition:
COMPOSITION, n.  s as z.
1.  In a general sense, the act of composing, or that which is composed; the act of forming a whole or integral, by placing together and uniting different things, parts or ingredients; or the whole body, mass or compound, thus formed.  Thus we speak of the composition of medicines, by mixing divers ingredients, and call the whole mixture a composition.  A composition of sand and clay is used for luting chimical vessels.
Vast pillars of stone, cased over with a composition that looks like marble.
Heat and vivacity, in age, is an excellent composition for business.
2.  In literature, the act of inventing or combining ideas, clothing them with words, arranging them in order, and in general, committing them to paper, or otherwise writing them.  Hence,
3.  A written or printed work; a writing, pamphlet or book.
4.  In music, the act or art of forming tunes; or a tune, song, anthem, air, or other musical piece.
5.  The state of being placed together; union; conjunction; combination.
Contemplate things first in their simple natures, and then view them in composition.
6.  The disposition or arrangement of figures connected in a picture.
By composition is meant the distribution and orderly placing of things, both in general and particular.
7.  Adjustment; orderly disposition.  Ben Jonson speaks of the composition of gesture, look, pronunciation and motion, in a preacher.
8.  Mutual agreement to terms or conditions for the settlement of a difference or controversy.
Thus we are agreed;
I crave our composition may be written.
9.  Mutual agreement for the discharge of a debt, on terms or by means different from those required by the original contract, or by law, as by the payment of a different sum, or by making other compensation.  Hence, the sum so paid, or compensation given, in lieu of that stipulated or required.
A read composition is when an agreement is made between the owner of lands and the parson or vicar, with the consent of the ordinary and the patron, that such lands shall for the future be discharged rom the payment of tithes, by reason of some land or other real recompense given to the parson, in lieu and satisfaction thereof.
A bankrupt is cleared by a commission of bankruptcy, or by composition with his creditors.
10.  Consistency; congruity.
11.  The act of uniting simple ideas in a complex idea or conception; opposed to analysis.
12.  The joining of two words in a compound, as in book-case; or the act of forming a word with a prefix or affix, which varies its signification; as return, from turn; preconcert, from concert; endless from end.
13.  The synthetical method of reasoning; synthesis; a method of reasoning from known or admitted truths or principles, as from axioms, postulates or propositions previously demonstrated, and from these deducing a clear knowledge of the thing to be proved; or the act of collecting scattered parts of knowledge, and combining them into a system, so that the understanding is enabled distinctly to follow truth through its different stages of gradation.  This method of reasoning is opposed to analysis or resolution.  It begins with first principles, and by a train of reasoning from them, deduces the propositions or truths sought.  Composition or synthesis proceeds by collecting or combining; analysis or resolution, by separating or unfolding.
14.  In printing, the act of setting types or characters in the composing-stick, to form lines, and of arranging the lines in a galley, to make a column or page, and from this to make a form.
15.  In chimistry, the combination of different substances, or substances of different natures, by affinity; from which results a compound substance, differing in properties from either of the component parts.  Thus water is a composition of hydrogen and oxygen, which are invisible gases.


Topic: Compositor
Definition:
COMPOSITOR, n. a as z. 
1.  In printing, one who sets types, and makes up the pages and forms.
2.  One who sets in order.


Topic: Compost
Definition:
COMPOST, n.  In agriculture, a mixture or composition of various manuring substances for fertilizing land.  Compost may be made by almost every animal and vegetable substance in nature, with lime or other earthy matter.
COMPOST, v.t.  To manure with compost.


Topic: Composure
Definition:
COMPOSURE, n.
1.  The act of composing, or that which is composed; a composition; as a form of prayer of public composure; a hasty composure.
In the composures of men, remember you are a man.
In this use, this word has given way to composition.
2.  Composition; combination; arrangement; order.
When such a composure of letters, such a word, is intended to signify a certain thing.
3.  The form, adjustment, or disposition of the various parts.
In composure of his face,
Lived a fair but manly grace.
 The outward form and composure of the body.
4.  Frame; make; temperament.
His composure must be rare indeed,
Whom these things cannot blemish.
5.  A settled state of the mind; sedateness; calmness; tranquility.
When the passions are silent, the mind enjoys its most perfect composure.
6.  Agreement; settlement of differences; composition.
The treaty at Uxbridge gave the fairest hopes of a happy composure.


Topic: Compound
Definition:
COMPOUND, v.t.
1.  To mix or unite two or more ingredients in one mass or body; as, to compound drugs.
Whoever compoundeth any like it--shall be cut off from his people.  Ex. 30.
2.  To unite or combine.
We have the power of altering and compounding images into all the varieties of picture.
3.  To compose; to constitute.
4.  In grammar, to unite two or more words; to form one word of two or more.
5.  To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement; as a difference or controversy.
6.  To pay by agreement; to discharge, as a debt, by paying a part, or giving an equivalent different from that stipulated or required; as, to compound debts.
But we now use, more generally, to compound with.
To compound felony, is for a person robbed to take the goods again, or other compensation, upon an agreement not to prosecute the thief or robber.  This offense is, by the laws of England, punishable by fine and imprisonment.


Topic: Compounder
Definition:
COMPOUNDER, n.
1.  One who compounds or mixes different things.
2.  One who attempts to bring parties to terms of agreement.


