Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Thomas Davidson
Chapter 1
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Title: Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)
Editor: Thomas Davidson
Release date: October 9, 2011 [eBook #37683]
Most recently updated: January 8, 2021
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37683
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHAMBERS'S TWENTIETH CENTURY DICTIONARY (PART 1 OF 4: A-D) ***
Produced by Keith Edkins, Colin Bell and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Transcriber's note: A few typographical errors have been corrected: they
are listed at the end of the text.
* * * * *
In this version [=e] signifies "e macron"; [)e] "e breve"; [.e] "e with dot
above"; [:a] "a with diaeresis"; ['e] "e with acute"; [`e] "with grave";
[^e] "with circumflex"; and so forth.
CHAMBERS'S
TWENTIETH CENTURY DICTIONARY
OF THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PRONOUNCING, EXPLANATORY, ETYMOLOGICAL, WITH COMPOUND PHRASES,
TECHNICAL TERMS IN USE IN THE ARTS AND SCIENCES,
COLLOQUIALISMS, FULL APPENDICES, AND
COPIOUSLY ILLUSTRATED
EDITED BY
REV. THOMAS DAVIDSON
ASSISTANT-EDITOR OF 'CHAMBERS'S ENCYCLOPAEDIA'
EDITOR OF 'CHAMBERS'S ENGLISH DICTIONARY'
LONDON: 47 Paternoster Row
W. & R. CHAMBERS, LIMITED
EDINBURGH: 339 High Street
1908
* * * * *
CHAMBERS'S
NEW LARGE TYPE
ENGLISH DICTIONARY
EDITED BY
REV. THOMAS DAVIDSON
_Pronouncing_, _Explanatory_, _Etymological_
1264 pp. Imp. 8vo, cloth, 12/6; hf.-mor., 18/-
------
"The best one volume dictionary in existence."
W. & R. CHAMBERS, LIMITED, LONDON AND EDINBURGH.
* * * * *
PREFACE.
This is the third English Dictionary which the present Editor has prepared,
and he may therefore lay claim to an unusually prolonged apprenticeship to
his trade. It is surely unnecessary for him to say that he believes this to
be the best book of the three, and he can afford to rest content if the
Courteous Reader receive it with the indulgence extended to his Library
Dictionary, published in the spring of 1898. It is based upon that work,
but will be found to possess many serviceable qualities of its own. It is
not much less in content, and its greater relative portability is due to
smaller type, to thinner paper, and still more to a rigorous compression
and condensation in the definitions, by means of which room has been found
for many additional words.
The aim has been to include all the common words in literary and
conversational English, together with words obsolete save in the pages of
Spenser, Shakespeare, Milton, and the Authorised Version of the Bible. An
attempt has been made also to include the common terms of the sciences and
the arts of life, the vocabulary of sport, those Scotch and provincial
words which assert themselves in Burns, Scott, the Brontes, and George
Eliot, and even the coinages of word-masters like Carlyle, Browning, and
Meredith. Numberless compound idiomatic phrases have also been given a
place, in each case under the head of the significant word.
Correctness in technical matters has been ensured by consulting such books
as Smyth's _Sailor's Word-Book_, Voyle's _Military Dictionary_, Wilson's
_Stock-Exchange Glossary_, Lee's _Glossary of Liturgical and Ecclesiastical
Terms_, &c. Besides books of this class, the Editor has made constant use
of special books such as Schmidt's _Shakespeare-Lexicon_, Calderwood's
edition of Fleming's _Vocabulary of Philosophy_, Jamieson's _Scottish
Dictionary_, the _Stanford Dictionary of Anglicised Words and Phrases_,
Yule and Burnell's _Anglo-Indian Glossary_, Addis and Arnold's _Catholic
Dictionary_, and the Dictionaries of the Bible of Sir William Smith and Dr
Hastings.
In Latin, his authority is Lewis and Short; in Greek, Liddell and Scott; in
Romance Philology, Diez and Scheler; in French, Littr['e]; in Spanish,
Velazquez; in German, Weigand and Fl[:u]gel; in Gaelic, Macleod and Dewar,
and M'Bain; in Hebrew, Gesenius.
In English etymology the Editor has consulted Professor Skeat's
_Dictionary_ and his _Principles of English Etymology_--First and Second
Series; the magistral _New English Dictionary_ of Dr James A. H. Murray and
Mr Henry Bradley, so far as completed; and the only less valuable _English
Dialect Dictionary_ of Professor Wright (begun 1896).
Two complete American _English Dictionaries_ still hold the first place as
works of reference, Professor Whitney's _Century Dictionary_ and Funk and
Wagnall's _Standard Dictionary_.
The Editor has great pleasure in acknowledging his personal obligations to
his brothers, the Rev. Robert P. Davidson, B.A., of Trinity College,
Oxford, and David G. Davidson, M.D., Edinburgh; and to his equally capable
and courteous colleagues, Mr J. R. Pairman and David Patrick, LL.D., Editor
of _Chambers's Encyclopaedia_.
T. D.
* * * * *
CONTENTS.
PAGE
PREFACE iii
EXPLANATIONS TO THE STUDENT v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS DICTIONARY vii
THE DICTIONARY 1-1150
PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES 1151
ETYMOLOGY OF NAMES OF PLACES, ETC. 1158
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, TOGETHER WITH SIGNS AND SYMBOLS USED IN
MEDICINE AND MUSIC 1161
CORRECT CEREMONIOUS FORMS OF ADDRESS 1174
PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY OF SCRIPTURE PROPER NAMES 1176
THE MORE COMMON ENGLISH CHRISTIAN NAMES, WITH THEIR ORIGIN
AND MEANING 1178
WORDS AND PHRASES IN MORE OR LESS CURRENT USE FROM LATIN,
GREEK, AND MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 1184
ADDENDA 1208
* * * * *
EXPLANATIONS TO THE STUDENT.
THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE WORDS.--Every word is given in its _alphabetical_
order, except in cases where, to save space, derivatives are given after
and under the words from which they are derived. Each uncompounded verb has
its participles, when irregular, placed after it. Exceptional plurals are
also given. When a word stands after another, with no meaning given, its
meanings can be at once formed from those of the latter, by adding the
signification of the affix: thus the meanings of _Darkness_ are obtained by
prefixing the meaning of _ness_, _state of being_, to those of _Dark_.
Many words from French and other tongues, current in English usage, but not
yet fairly Anglicised, are inserted in the list of Foreign Phrases, &c., at
the end, rather than in the body of the Dictionary.
THE PRONUNCIATION.--The Pronunciation is given immediately after each word,
by the word being spelled anew. In this new spelling, every consonant used
has its ordinary unvarying sound, _no consonant being employed that has
more than one sound_. The same sounds are always represented by the same
letters, no matter how varied their actual spelling in the language. No
consonant used has any mark attached to it, with the one exception of _th_,
which is printed in common letters when sounded as in _thick_, but in
italics when sounded as in _th_en. _Unmarked vowels_ have always their
short sounds, as in _lad_, _led_, _lid_, _lot_, _but_, _book_. The _marked
vowels_ are shown in the following line, which is printed at the top of
each page:--
f[=a]te, f[:a]r; m[=e], h[.e]r; m[=i]ne; m[=o]te; m[=u]te; m[=oo]n; _th_en.
The vowel _u_ when marked thus, _[:u]_, has the sound heard in Scotch
_bluid_, _gude_, the French _du_, almost that of the German _[:u]_ in
_M[:u]ller_. Where more than one pronunciation of a word is given, that
which is placed first is more accepted.
THE SPELLING.--When more than one form of a word is given, that which is
placed first is the spelling in current English use. Unfortunately our
modern spelling does not represent the English we actually speak, but
rather the language of the 16th century, up to which period, generally
speaking, English spelling was mainly phonetic, like the present German.
The fundamental principle of all rational spelling is no doubt the
representation of every sound by an invariable symbol, but in modern
English the usage of pronunciation has drifted far from the conventional
forms established by a traditional orthography, with the result that the
present spelling of our written speech is to a large extent a mere exercise
of memory, full of confusing anomalies and imperfections, and involving an
enormous and unnecessary strain on the faculties of learners. Spelling
reform is indeed an imperative necessity, but it must proceed with a wise
moderation, for, in the words of Mr Sweet, 'nothing can be done without
unanimity, and until the majority of the community are convinced of the
superiority of some one system unanimity is impossible.' The true path of
progress should follow such wisely moderate counsels as those of Dr J. A.
H. Murray:--the dropping of the final or inflexional silent _e_; the
restoration of the historical _-t_ after breath consonants; uniformity in
the employment of double consonants, as in _traveler_, &c.; the discarding
of _ue_ in words like _demagogue_ and _catalogue_; the uniform levelling of
the agent _-our_ into _-or_; the making of _ea = [)e]_ short into _e_ and
the long _ie_ into _ee_; the restoration of _some_, _come_, _tongue_, to
their old English forms, _sum_, _cum_, _tung_; a more extended use of _z_
in the body of words, as _chozen_, _praize_, _raize_; and the correction of
the worst individual monstrosities, as _foreign_, _scent_, _scythe_,
_ache_, _debt_, _people_, _parliament_, _court_, _would_, _sceptic_,
_phthisis_, _queue_, _schedule_, _twopence-halfpenny_, _yeoman_, _sieve_,
_gauge_, _barque_, _buoy_, _yacht_, &c.
Already in America a moderate degree of spelling reform may be said to be
established in good usage, by the adoption of _-or_ for _-our_, as _color_,
_labor_, &c.; of _-er_ for _-re_, as _center_, _meter_, &c.; _-ize_ for
_-ise_, as _civilize_, &c.; the use of a uniform single consonant after an
unaccented vowel, as _traveler_ for _traveller_; the adoption of _e_ for
_oe_ or _ae_ in _hemorrhage_, _diarrhea_, &c.
THE MEANINGS.--The current and most important meaning of a word is usually
given first. But in cases like _Clerk_, _Livery_, _Marshal_, where the
force of the word can be made much clearer by tracing its history, the
original meaning is also given, and the successive variations of its usage
defined.
THE ETYMOLOGY.--The Etymology of each word is given after the meanings,
within brackets. Where further information regarding a word is given
elsewhere, it is so indicated by a reference. It must be noted under the
etymology that whenever a word is printed thus, BAN, BASE, the student is
referred to it; also that here the sign--is always to be read as meaning
'derived from.' Examples are generally given of words that are cognate or
correspond to the English words; but it must be remembered that they are
inserted merely for illustration. Such words are usually separated from the
rest by a semicolon. For instance, when an English word is traced to its
Anglo-Saxon form, and then a German word is given, no one should suppose
that our English word is derived from the German. German and Anglo-Saxon
are alike branches from a common Teutonic stem, and have seldom borrowed
from each other. Under each word the force of the prefix is usually given,
though not the affix. For fuller explanation in such cases the student is
referred to the list of Prefixes and Suffixes in the Appendix.
* * * * *
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS DICTIONARY.
_aor._ aorist.
_abbrev._ abbreviation.
_abl._ ablative.
_acc._ according.
_accus._ accusative.
_adj._ adjective.
_adv._ adverb.
_agri._ agriculture.
_alg._ algebra.
_anat._ anatomy.
_app._ apparently.
_arch._ archaic.
_archit._ architecture.
_arith._ arithmetic.
_astrol._ astrology.
_astron._ astronomy.
_attrib._ attributive.
_augm._ augmentative.
_B._ Bible.
_biol._ biology.
_book-k._ book-keeping.
_bot._ botany.
_c._ (_circa_) about.
_c._, _cent._ century.
_carp._ carpentry.
_cf._ compare.
_chem._ chemistry.
_cog._ cognate.
_coll._, _colloq._ colloquially.
_comp._ comparative.
_conch._ conchology.
_conj._ conjunction.
_conn._ connected.
_contr._ contracted.
_cook._ cookery.
_corr._ corruption.
_crystal._ crystallography.
_dat._ dative.
_demons._ demonstrative.
_der._ derivation.
_dial._ dialect, dialectal.
_Dict._ Dictionary.
_dim._ diminutive.
_dub._ doubtful.
_eccles._ ecclesiastical history.
_e.g._ for example.
_elect._ electricity.
_entom._ entomology.
_esp._ especially.
_ety._ etymology.
_fem._ feminine.
_fig._ figuratively.
_fol._ followed; following.
_fort._ fortification.
_freq._ frequentative.
_fut._ future.
_gen._ genitive.
_gener._ generally.
_geog._ geography.
_geol._ geology.
_geom._ geometry.
_ger._ gerundive.
_gram._ grammar.
_gun._ gunnery.
_her._ heraldry.
_hist._ history.
_hort._ horticulture.
_hum._ humorous.
_i.e._ that is.
_imit._ imitative.
_imper._ imperative.
_impers._ impersonal.
_indic._ indicative.
_infin._ infinitive.
_inten._ intensive.
_interj._ interjection.
_interrog._ interrogative.
_jew._ jewellery.
_lit._ literally.
_mach._ machinery.
_masc._ masculine.
_math._ mathematics.
_mech._ mechanics.
_med._ medicine.
_metaph._ metaphysics.
_mil._ military.
_Milt._ Milton.
_min._ mineralogy.
_mod._ modern.
_Mt._ Mount.
_mus._ music.
_myth._ mythology.
_n._, _ns._ noun, nouns.
_nat. hist._ natural history.
_naut._ nautical.
_neg._ negative.
_neut._ neuter.
_n.pl._ noun plural.
_n.sing._ noun singular.
_N.T._ New Testament.
_obs._ obsolete.
_opp._ opposed.
_opt._ optics.
_orig._ originally.
_ornith._ ornithology.
_O.S._ old style.
_O.T._ Old Testament.
_p._, _part._ participle.
_p.adj._ participial adjective.
_paint._ painting.
_paleog._ paleography.
_paleon._ paleontology.
_palm._ palmistry.
_pa.p._ past participle.
_pass._ passive.
_pa.t._ past tense.
_path._ pathology.
_perf._ perfect.
_perh._ perhaps.
_pers._ person.
_pfx._ prefix.
_phil._, _philos._ philosophy.
_philol._ philology.
_phon._ phonetics.
_phot._ photography.
_phrenol._ phrenology.
_phys._ physics.
_physiol._ physiology.
_pl._ plural.
_poet._ poetical.
_pol. econ._ political economy.
_poss._ possessive.
_Pr.Bk._ Book of Common
Prayer.
_pr.p._ present participle.
_prep._ preposition.
_pres._ present.
_print._ printing.
_priv._ privative.
_prob._ probably.
_Prof._ Professor.
_pron._ pronoun;
pronounced;
pronunciation.
_prop._ properly.
_pros._ prosody.
_prov._ provincial.
_q.v._ which see.
_R.C._ Roman Catholic.
_recip._ reciprocal.
_redup._ reduplication.
_refl._ reflexive.
_rel._ related; relative.
_rhet._ rhetoric.
_sculp._ sculpture.
_Shak._ Shakespeare.
_sig._ signifying.
_sing._ singular.
_spec._ specifically.
_Spens_. Spenser.
_subj._ subjunctive.
_suff._ suffix.
_superl._ superlative.
_surg._ surgery.
_term._ termination.
_teleg._ telegraphy.
_Tenn._ Tennyson.
_Test._ Testament.
_theat._ theatre; theatricals.
_theol._ theology.
_trig._ trigonometry.
_ult._ ultimately.
_v.i._ verb intransitive.
_voc._ vocative.
_v.t._ verb transitive.
_vul._ vulgar.
_zool._ zoology.
* * * * *
Amer. American.
Ar. Arabic.
A.S. Anglo-Saxon.
Austr. Australian.
Bav. Bavarian.
Beng. Bengali.
Bohem. Bohemian.
Braz. Brazilian.
Bret. Breton.
Carib. Caribbean.
Celt. Celtic.
Chal. Chaldean.
Chin. Chinese.
Corn. Cornish.
Dan. Danish.
Dut. Dutch.
Egypt. Egyptian.
Eng. English.
Finn. Finnish.
Flem. Flemish.
Fr. French.
Fris. Frisian.
Gael. Gaelic.
Ger. German.
Goth. Gothic.
Gr. Greek.
Heb. Hebrew.
Hind. Hindustani.
Hung. Hungarian.
Ice. Icelandic.
Ind. Indian.
Ion. Ionic.
Ir. Irish.
It. Italian.
Jap. Japanese.
Jav. Javanese.
L. Latin.
Lith. Lithuanian.
L. L. Low or Late Latin.
M. E. Middle English.
Mex. Mexican.
Norm. Norman.
Norw. Norwegian.
O. Fr. Old French.
Pers. Persian.
Peruv. Peruvian.
Pol. Polish.
Port. Portuguese.
Prov. Provencal.
Rom. Romance.
Russ. Russian
Sans. Sanskrit.
Scand. Scandinavian.
Scot. Scottish.
Singh. Singhalese.
Slav. Slavonic.
Sp. Spanish.
Sw. Swedish.
Teut. Teutonic.
Turk. Turkish.
U.S. United States.
W. Welsh.
* * * * *
CHAMBERS'S
TWENTIETH CENTURY
DICTIONARY.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
the first letter in our alphabet, its corresponding symbol standing first
also in many other alphabets derived from the Phoenician. It originated in
the hieroglyphic picture of an eagle (Old Egyptian _ahom_), the cursive
hieratic form of which was the original of the Phoenician _aleph_, an ox,
from a fancied resemblance to its head and horns.--A, as a note in music,
is the major sixth of the scale of C; A1, the symbol by which first-class
vessels are classed in Lloyd's Register of British and Foreign Shipping,
hence first-rate.
A, the indefinite article, a broken-down form of An, and used before words
beginning with the sound of a consonant. [_An_ was a new development, after
the Conquest, of the A.S. numeral _['a]n_, one.]
A, [:a] or [=a], a _prep._, derived from the old prep. _on_, and still
used, as a prefix, in _a_foot, _a_field, _a_part, _a_sleep, now_a_days,
twice-_a_-day; also with verbal nouns, as _a_-building, to be _a_-doing, to
set _a_-going. It is now admitted only colloquially. [Short for A.S. _an_,
a dialectic form of _on_, on, in, at. See PREFIXES.]
A, [:a], a dialectic corruption of _he_ or _she_, as in quoth_a_, (_Shak._)
'_A_ babbled of green fields.'--A, usually written _a'_, Scotch for _all_;
A, a form of the L. prep. _ab_, from, of, used before consonants, as in
Thomas _[`a]_ Kempis, Thomas _[`a]_ Becket, &c.
AARDVARK, ard'vark, _n._ the ground-hog of South Africa. [Dut. _aarde_,
earth; _vark_, found only in dim. _varken_, a pig.]
AARDWOLF, ard'w[=oo]lf, _n._ the earth-wolf of South Africa, a carnivore
belonging to a sub-family of the Hyaenidae. [Dut. _aarde_, earth, _wolf_,
wolf.]
AARONIC, -AL, [=a]-ron'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to AARON, the Jewish
high-priest, or to his priesthood.--_n._ AA'RON'S-ROD (_archit._), a rod
having one serpent twined round it.--AARON'S BEARD, a popular name for a
number of cultivated plants--among the best known, a species of Saxifrage
(_S. sarmentosa_), usually grown in hanging pots, from which hang long
stems, bearing clumps of roundish, hairy leaves.
AB, ab, _n._ the eleventh month of the Jewish civil year, and the fifth of
the ecclesiastical year, answering to parts of July and August. [Syriac.]
ABA, ab'a, _n._ a Syrian woollen stuff, of goat's or camel's hair, usually
striped; an outer garment made of this. [Ar.]
ABACA, ab'a-ka, _n._ the native name of the so-called Manilla hemp of
commerce--really a plantain, much grown in the Philippine Islands.
ABACK, a-bak', _adv._ (_naut._) said of sails pressed backward against the
mast by the wind--hence (_fig._) TAKEN ABACK, taken by surprise, [A.S. _on
baec._ See ON and BACK.]
ABACOT. See BYCOCKET.
ABACTINAL, ab-ak'ti-nal, _adj._ (_zool._) remote from the actinal area,
without rays.--_adv._ ABAC'TINALLY.
ABACTION, ab-ak'shun, _n._ (_law_) the stealing of a number of cattle at
once.--_n._ ABAC'TOR, one who does this. [L. _abig[)e]re_, _abactum_, to
drive off.]
[Illustration]
ABACUS, ab'a-kus, _n._ a counting-frame or table: (_archit._) a level
tablet on the capital of a column, supporting the entablature:--_pl._
AB'AC[=I].--_ns._ ABACIS'CUS, ABAC'ULUS, dims. of ABACUS; AB'ACIST, one who
counts with the abacus. [L.--Gr. _abax_, _abakos_, a board for reckoning
on.]
ABADDON, a-bad'don, _n._ the destroyer, or angel of the bottomless pit:
(_Milton_) the bottomless pit, or abyss of hell itself. [Heb., from
_[=a]bad_, to be lost.]
ABAFT, a-baft', _adv._ and _prep._ on the aft, hind, or stern part of a
ship: behind. [Pfx. _a-_, for A.S. _on_, on, and _baeftan_, after, behind;
itself made up of pfx. _be-_, and _aeftan_. See AFT.]
ABALIENATE, ab-[=a]l'yen-[=a]t, _v.t._ Same as ALIENATE.
ABANDON, a-ban'dun, _v.t._ to give up: to desert: to yield (one's self)
without restraint (with _to_).--_v.t._ ABAND' (_Spens._), to abandon.--_n._
ABAN'DON (_n_ to be nasalised), freedom from conventional restraints:
careless freedom of manners.--_adj._ ABAN'DONED, given up, as to a vice:
profligate: completely deserted: very wicked.--_adv._ ABAN'DONEDLY.--_n._
ABAN'DONMENT, act of abandoning: state of being given up: enthusiastic
surrender of self to a cause: (_law_) the renunciation of a claim. [O. Fr.
_bandon_, from the Teut. root _ban_, proclamation, came to mean decree,
authorisation, permission; hence _[`a] bandon_--at will or discretion,
_abandonner_, to give up to the will or disposal of some one. See BAN,
BANNS.]
ABASE, a-b[=a]s', _v.t._ to cast down: to humble: to degrade.--_adjs._
AB[=A]'SED, ABAISS['E] (_her._), depressed.--_n._ ABASE'MENT, state of
humiliation. [O. Fr. _abaissier_, to bring low--L. _ad_, to, and root of
BASE, adj.]
ABASH, a-bash', _v.t._ to confuse with shame or guilt.--_pa.p._ ABASHED'
(with _at_, of an occasion; _by_, of a cause).--_n._ ABASH'MENT, confusion
from shame. [O. Fr. _esbhir_ (Fr. _s'['e]bahir_), pr.p. _esbahiss-ant_, to
be amazed--L. _ex_, out, and interj. _bah_, expressive of astonishment.]
ABATE, a-b[=a]t', _v.t._ to lessen: to deduct (with _of_): to mitigate:
(_law_) to put an end to, do away with, as of an action or a nuisance, to
render null, as a writ.--_v.i._ to grow less.--_adjs._ AB[=A]T'ABLE,
capable of being abated; AB[=A]T'ED, beaten down or cut away, as the
background of an ornamental pattern in relief.--_n._ ABATE'MENT, the act of
abating: the sum or quantity abated: (_law_) the act of intruding on a
freehold and taking possession before the heir, the abandonment of an
action, or the reduction of a legacy: (_her._) a supposed mark of dishonour
on a coat of arms--apparently never actually used.--ABATED ARMS, those
whose edges have been blunted for the tournament. [O. Fr. _abatre_, to beat
down--L. _ab_, from, and _bat[)e]re_, popular form of _batu[)e]re_, to
beat: conn. with BEAT.]
ABATIS, ABATTIS, a'bat-is, _n.sing._ and _pl._ (_fort._) a rampart of trees
felled and laid side by side, with the branches towards the enemy. [Fr. See
ABATE.]
ABATTOIR, a-bat-w[:a]r', _n._ a public slaughter-house. [Fr. See ety. of
ABATE.]
ABATURE, ab'a-t[=u]r, _n._ the trail of a beast of the chase. [Fr.]
ABB, ab, _n._ properly woof- or weft-yarn, but sometimes warp-yarn. [Pfx.
_a-_, and WEB.]
ABBA, ab'a, _n._ father, a term retained in the Gr. text of the New
Testament, together with its translation 'father,' hence _Abba father_,
applied to God the Father: also a bishop in the Syriac and Coptic Churches.
[L.--Gr.--Syriac and Chaldee, _abb[=a]_--Heb. _ab_, father.]
ABBACY, ab'a-si, _n._ the office or dignity of an abbot: the establishment
under an abbot: an abbey.--_adj._ ABB[=A]'TIAL. [The earlier form was
_abbatie_--said by Dr Murray to have been originally a Scotch form.]
ABBATE, ab-b[:a]'te, _n._ a title loosely applied to ecclesiastics in
Italy.--Also ABATE. [It.]
ABBAYE, an _arch._ form of ABBEY.
ABB['E], ab'[=a], _n._ originally the French name for an abbot, but often
used in the general sense of a priest or clergyman. Before the Revolution,
abb['e]s were often merely holders of benefices, enjoying a portion of the
revenues, although in minor orders, or even laymen. They were often tutors
in noble families, or men of letters, and were marked by a short
violet-coloured robe.
ABBESS, ab'es, _n._ the female superior of a religious community of women.
[Earlier ABBATESS, fem. of ABBOT.]
ABBEY, ab'e, _n._ a monastery of persons of either sex presided over by an
abbot or abbess: the church now or formerly attached to it: in Newstead
_Abbey_, &c., the name has been retained after the abbatial building had
become a private house:--_pl._ ABB'EYS. [O. Fr. _abaie_ (Fr. _abbaye_)--L.
_abbatia_, See ABBA.]
ABBOT, ab'ut, _n._ the father or head of an abbey:--_fem._ ABB'ESS.--_n._
AB'BOTSHIP. [L. _abbas_, _abbatis_--ABBA.]
ABBREVIATE, ab-br[=e]'vi-[=a]t, _v.t._ to make brief or short: to
abridge.--_ns._ ABBREVI[=A]'TION, ABBR[=E]'VIATURE, a shortening, a part of
a word put for the whole; ABBR[=E]'VIATOR, one who abbreviates.--_adj._
ABBR[=E]'VIATORY. [L. _abbrevi[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_ab_, intensive, and
_brevis_, short. See BRIEF.]
ABC, ABCEE, [=a]-b[=e]-s[=e]', _n._ the alphabet from its first letters: a
first reading-book (_obs._), hence _fig._ the first rudiments of
anything.--ABC BOOK (_Shak._), a book to teach the _a_, _b_, _c_, or
alphabet.
ABDICATE, ab'di-k[=a]t, _v.t._ and _v.i._ formally to renounce or give up
office or dignity.--_adj._ AB'DICANT.--_n._ ABDIC[=A]'TION. [L. _ab_, from
or off, _dic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to proclaim.]
ABDOMEN, ab-d[=o]'men, _n._ the belly: the lower part of the trunk.--_adj._
ABDOM'INAL.--_adv._ ABDOM'INALLY.--_adj._ ABDOM'INOUS, pot-bellied. [L.]
ABDUCE, ab-d[=u]s', _v.t._ an earlier form of ABDUCT.--_adj._ ABDUC'ENT,
drawing back: separating. [L. _abduc[)e]re_--_ab_, from _duc[)e]re_,
_ductum_, to draw.]
ABDUCT, ab-dukt', _v.t._ to take away by fraud or violence.--_ns._
ABDUC'TION, the carrying away, esp. of a person by fraud or force;
ABDUC'TOR, one guilty of abduction: a muscle that draws away. [L.
_abduc[)e]re_. See ABDUCE.]
ABEAM, a-b[=e]m', _adv._ (_naut._) on the beam, or in a line at right
angles to a vessel's length. [Pfx. _a-_ (A.S. _on_), on, and BEAM.]
ABEAR, a-b[=a]r', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to bear, to behave: (_prov._) to endure
or tolerate.--_n._ ABEAR'ANCE, (_obs._) behaviour. [A.S. pfx. _a-_, and
BEAR.]
ABECEDARIAN, [=a]-be-se-d[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ pertaining to the a, b, c:
rudimentary.--ABECEDARIAN PSALMS (as the 119th) or HYMNS are such as are
divided into successive portions according to the letters of the alphabet.
ABED, a-bed', _adv._ in bed. [Pfx. _a-_, on, and BED.]
ABELE, a-b[=e]l', _n._ the white poplar-tree. [Dut. _abeel_; O. Fr. _abel_,
_aubel_--Late L. _albellus_, _albus_, white.]
ABERDEVINE, ab-[.e]r-de-v[=i]n', _n._ a bird-fancier's name for the siskin.
[Ety. uncertain; prob. a fanciful coinage.]
ABERRATE, ab'[.e]r-r[=a]t, _v.i._ to wander or deviate from the right
way:--_pr.p._ ab'err[=a]ting; _pa.p._ ab'err[=a]ted.--_ns._ ABER'RANCE,
ABER'RANCY (_rare forms_).--_adj._ ABER'RANT (_zool._ and _bot._),
wandering, deviating in some particulars from its group.--_n._
ABERR[=A]'TION, a wandering from the right path: deviation from truth or
rectitude: in science, deviation from the type: abnormal structure or
development.--ABERRATION OF LIGHT, an apparent alteration in the place of a
star, arising from the motion of the earth in its orbit, combined with the
progressive passage of light. [L. _aberr[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_ab_, from,
_err[=a]re_, to wander.]
ABET, a-bet', _v.t._ to incite by encouragement or aid (used chiefly in a
bad sense):--_pr.p._ abet'ting; _pa.p._ abet'ted.--_ns._ ABET'MENT;
ABET'TER, ABET'TOR, one who abets. [O. Fr. _abeter_--_[`a]_ (--L. _ad_,
to), and _beter_, to bait, from root of BAIT.]
ABEYANCE, a-b[=a]'ans, _n._ a state of suspension or expectation: temporary
inactivity--also ABEY'ANCY.--The _v._ to ABEY is rare. [Fr.--_[`a]_ (--L.
_ad_, to), and _bayer_, to gape in expectation, from imitative root _ba_,
to gape.]
ABHOMINABLE, an earlier spelling of ABOMINABLE.
ABHOR, ab-hor', _v.t._ to shrink from with horror: to detest: to
loathe:--_pr.p._ abhor'ring; _pa.p._ abhorred'.--_ns._ ABHOR'RENCE, extreme
hatred; (_obs._) ABHOR'RENCY.--_adj._ ABHOR'RENT, detesting; repugnant
(with _of_).--_ns._ ABHOR'RER, one who abhors; ABHOR'RING (_B._ and
_Shak._), object of abhorrence. [L. _abhorr[=e]re_, from _ab_, from, and
_horr[=e]re_. See HORROR.]
ABIB, [=a]'bib, _n._ the first month of the Jewish ecclesiastical, the
seventh of the civil year, later called Nisan, answering to parts of March
and April. [Heb., 'an ear of corn'--_[=a]bab_, to produce early fruit.]
ABIDE, a-b[=i]d', _v.t._ to bide or wait for: to endure: to
tolerate.--_v.i._ to remain in a place, dwell or stay:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._
ab[=o]de'.--_n._ ABID'ANCE.--_adj._ ABID'ING, continual.--_n._ an
enduring.--_adv._ ABID'INGLY. [A.S. _['a]b['i]dan_--pfx. _['a]-_ (= Goth.
_us_ = Ger. _er_), and _b['i]dan_, to wait.]
ABIDE, a-b[=i]d', _v.t._ (_Shak._ and _Milton_) to redeem, pay the penalty
for, suffer. [M. E. _abyen_, confounded with ABIDE. See ABY.]
ABIES, ab'i-ez, _n._ the silver-fir.--_adj._ ABIET'IC, pertaining to trees
of the genus Abies. [L.]
ABIGAIL, ab'i-g[=a]l, _n._ a lady's-maid. [From _Abigail_, 1 Sam. xxv.]
ABILITY, a-bil'i-ti, _n._ quality of being able: power: strength:
skill.--_n.pl._ ABIL'ITIES, the powers of the mind. [O. Fr. _ablet['e]_
(Fr. _habilet['e]_)--L. _habilitas_--_habilis_, easily handled, from
_hab[=e]re_, to have, hold. See ABLE.]
ABINTESTATE, ab-in-tes't[=a]t, _adj._ inheriting the estate of one who died
without having made a will. [L. _ab_, from, and INTESTATE.]
ABIOGENESIS, ab-i-o-jen'es-is, _n._ the origination of living by not-living
matter, spontaneous generation.--_adj._ ABIOGENET'IC--_n._ ABIO'GENIST, one
who believes in such. [Coined by Huxley in 1870; Gr. _a_, neg., _bios_,
life, _genesis_, birth.]
ABJECT, ab-jekt', _v.t._ (_obs._) to throw or cast down or away. [L.
_abjic[)e]re_, _-jectum_--_ab_, away, _jac[)e]re_, to throw.]
ABJECT, ab'jekt, _adj._ cast away: mean: worthless: cowering: base.--_n._
an outcast.--_ns._ ABJEC'TION, AB'JECTNESS, a mean or low state: baseness:
degradation.--_adv._ AB'JECTLY. [L. _abjectus_, cast away--_ab_, away,
_jac[)e]re_, to throw.]
ABJUDGE, ab-juj', _v.t._ (_rare_) to take away by judicial sentence. [L.
_ab_, from, and JUDGE.]
ABJUDICATE, ab-j[=oo]'di-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to give by judgment from one to
another. [L. _ab_, from, and JUDICATE.]
ABJURE, ab-j[=oo]r', _v.t._ to renounce on oath or solemnly: to recant: to
repudiate.--_n._ ABJUR[=A]'TION, official renunciation on oath of any
principle or pretension.--_adj._ ABJUR'ATORY.--_n._ ABJUR'ER. [L. _ab_,
from, _jur[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to swear.]
ABKARI, ab-k[:a]'ri, _n._ the manufacture or sale of spirituous liquors:
the excise duty levied on such.--Also ABKA'RY. [Pers.]
ABLACTATION, ab-lak-t[=a]'shun, _n._ a weaning. [L. _ab_, from,
_lact[=a]re_, to suckle--_lac_, _lactis_, milk.]
ABLATION, ab-l[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of carrying away: (_geol._) the
wearing away of rock by the action of water.--_adj._ ABLATI'TIOUS. [L.
_ab_, from, _latum_, supine of _ferre_, to bear.]
ABLATIVE, ab'lat-iv, _adj._ used as a noun. The name applied to one of the
cases in the declension of nouns and pronouns in the Indo-European
languages, retained as in Latin and Sanskrit, or merged in another case, as
in the genitive in Greek. Its meaning was to express _direction from_ or
_time when_.--_adj._ ABLAT[=I]'VAL. [L. _ablativus_--_ab_, from, _ferre_,
_latum_, to take; as if it indicated taking away, or privation.]
ABLAUT, ab'lowt, _n._ (_philol._) vowel permutation, a substitution of one
root vowel for another in derivation, as in s_i_ng, s_a_ng, s_o_ng, s_u_ng,
distinct from the phonetic influence of a succeeding vowel, as in the
Umlaut. It is especially the change of a vowel to indicate tense-change in
strong verbs. [Ger., from _ab_, off, and _laut_, sound.]
ABLAZE, a-bl[=a]z', _adj._ in a blaze, on fire: gleaming brightly. [Prep.
_a_, and BLAZE.]
ABLE, [=a]'bl, _adj._ (comp. A'BLER; superl. A'BLEST) having sufficient
strength, power, or means to do a thing: skilful.--_adj._ A'BLE-BOD'IED, of
a strong body: free from disability, of a sailor, labourer, &c.:
robust.--_adv._ A'BLY. [See ABILITY.]
ABLEGATE, ab'le-g[=a]t, _n._ a papal envoy who carries the insignia of
office to a newly-appointed cardinal.
ABLOOM, a-bl[=oo]m', _adv._ in a blooming state. [Prep. _a_, on, and
BLOOM.]
ABLUENT, ab'l[=oo]-ent, _adj._ washing or cleaning by a liquid.--_n._ a
medicine which carries off impurities from the system. [L. _abluens_,
_-entis_, pr.p. of _ablu[)e]re_, to wash away--_ab_, from, away, and
_lu[)e]re_ = _lav[=a]re_, to wash. See LAVE.]
ABLUTION, ab-l[=oo]'shun, _n._ act of washing, esp. the body, preparatory
to religious rites: any ceremonial washing, symbolic of moral purification:
the wine and water used to rinse the chalice, drunk by the officiating
priest.--_adj._ ABLU'TIONARY. [L. _ablutio_--_ab_, away, _lu[)e]re_ =
_lav[=a]re_, to wash.]
ABNEGATE, ab'ne-g[=a]t, _v.t._ to deny.--_ns._ ABNEG[=A]'TION,
renunciation; AB'NEGATOR, one who abnegates or renounces. [L. _ab_, away,
and _neg[=a]re_, to deny.]
ABNORMAL, ab-nor'mal, _adj._ not normal or according to rule:
irregular--also ABNOR'MOUS.--_ns._ ABNORMAL'ITY, ABNOR'MITY.--_adv._
ABNOR'MALLY. [L. _ab_, away from, and NORMAL.]
ABOARD, a-b[=o]rd', _adv._ or _prep._ on board: in a ship, or in a train
(_Amer._). [Prep. _a_, on, and BOARD.]
ABOCOCKE. See BYCOCKET.
ABODE, a-b[=o]d', _n._ a dwelling-place: stay. [See ABIDE.]
ABODE, a-b[=o]d', _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of ABIDE.
ABODEMENT, a-b[=o]d'ment, _n._ (_obs._) a foreboding: an omen. [From ABODE,
with suff. _-ment_. See BODE, FOREBODE.]
ABOLISH, ab-ol'ish, _v.t._ to put an end to: to annul.--_adj._
ABOL'ISHABLE, capable of being abolished.--_ns._ ABOL'ISHMENT (_rare_);
ABOLI'TION, the act of abolishing; ABOLI'TIONISM, advocacy of abolitionist
principles; ABOLI'TIONIST, one who seeks to abolish anything, esp. slavery.
[Fr. _abolir_, _aboliss_--from L. _abol[=e]re_, _-itum_--_ab_, from,
_ol[=e]re_, to grow. The prep. _ab_ here reverses the meaning of the simple
verb.]
ABOMASUS, ab-[=o]-m[=a]'sus, _n._ the fourth stomach of ruminants, lying
close to the omasum or third stomach.--Also ABOM[=A]'SUM. [L. _ab_, and
_omasum_, paunch.]
ABOMINATE, ab-om'in-[=a]t, _v.t._ to abhor: to detest extremely.--_adj._
ABOM'INABLE, hateful: detestable, an old spelling is ABHOM'INABLE, to agree
with a fancied etymology in Lat. _ab homine_.--_n._
ABOM'INABLENESS.--_adv._ ABOM'INABLY.--_n._ ABOMIN[=A]'TION, extreme
aversion: anything disgusting or detestable. [L. _abomin[=a]ri_,
_-[=a]tus_, to turn from as of bad omen. See OMEN.]
ABORD, a-b[=o]rd', _v.t._ (_arch._) to accost: (_Spens._) astray, at a
loss.--_n._ (_Spens._) harbour: act of approaching: manner of approach.
[Fr. _aborder_, _[`a] bord_. See ABOARD and BORDER.]
ABORIGINAL, ab-o-rij'in-al, _adj._ first, primitive, indigenous.--_adv._
ABORIG'INALLY.
ABORIGINES, ab-o-rij'in-[=e]z, _n.pl._ the original inhabitants of a
country. [L. See ORIGIN.]
ABORT, ab-ort', _v.i._ to miscarry in birth: to remain in a rudimentary
state.--_n._ ABOR'TION, premature delivery, or the procuring of such:
anything that does not reach maturity: a mis-shapen being or
monster.--_adj._ ABORT'IVE, born untimely: unsuccessful: producing nothing:
brought forth in an imperfect condition: rudimentary.--_adv._
ABORT'IVELY.--_n._ ABORT'IVENESS. [L. _abor[=i]ri_, _abortus_--_ab_, from,
away, _or[=i]ri_, to rise.]
ABOUND, ab-ownd', _v.i._ to overflow, be in great plenty: to possess in
plenty (with _in_): to be filled with (used with _with_). [O. Fr.
_abunder_--L. _abund[=a]re_, to overflow, _ab_, from, _unda_, a wave.]
ABOUT, a-bowt', _prep._ round on the outside: around: here and there in:
near to: concerning: engaged in.--_adv._ around: nearly: here and
there.--BRING ABOUT, to cause to take place; COME ABOUT, to take place; GO
ABOUT, to prepare to do; PUT ABOUT, disturbed; TO BE ABOUT, to be astir;
TURN ABOUT, alternately. [A.S. _on b['u]tan_; _on_, in, _b['u]tan_,
without, itself compounded of _be_, by, and _['u]tan_, locative of _['u]t_,
out.]
ABOVE, a-buv', _prep._ on the upside: higher than: more than.--_adv._
overhead: in a higher position, order, or power.--_adjs._ ABOVE'-BOARD,
open, honourable; ABOVE'-GROUND, alive: not buried. [A.S.
_['a]b['u]fan_--_['a]_, on, _bufan_, above, itself compounded of _be_, by,
_ufan_, high, upwards, prop. the locative of _uf_, up.]
ABRACADABRA, ab-ra-ka-dab'ra, _n._ a cabbalistic word, written in
successive lines, each shorter by a letter than the one above it, till the
last letter A formed the apex of a triangle. It was worn as a charm for the
cure of diseases. Now used generally for a spell or conjuring word: mere
gibberish. [First found in 2d-cent. poem (_Praecepta de Medicina_) by Q.
Serenus Sammonicus; further origin unknown.]
ABRADE, ab-r[=a]d', _v.t._ to scrape or rub off: to wear down by friction.
[L. _ab_, off, _rad[)e]re_, _rasum_, to scrape.]
ABRAHAM-MAN, [=a]'bra-ham-man, _n._ originally a lunatic beggar from
Bethlehem Hospital in London, marked by a special badge. Many sturdy
beggars assumed this, hence the phrase TO SHAM ABRAHAM, to feign sickness,
still used among sailors. [The wards in the old Bedlam are said to have
been distinguished by the names of saints and patriarchs, as _Abraham_.
Some find the origin of the name in an allusion to the parable of the
beggar Lazarus, who found his rest in _Abraham's_ bosom (Luke xvi.).]
ABRANCHIATE, a-brang'ki-[=a]t, _adj._ having no gills.--Also ABRAN'CHIAL.
[Gr. _a_, priv., and _brangchia_, gills.]
ABRASION, ab-r[=a]'zhun, _n._ the act of rubbing off.--_adj._ and _n._
ABR[=A]'SIVE. [See ABRADE.]
[Illustration]
ABRAXAS, a-braks'as, _n._ a mystic word, or an amulet, consisting of a gem
engraved therewith on some part of it, often bearing a mystical figure of
combined human and animal form, used as a charm. [Said to be coined by the
Egyptian Gnostic Basilides in 2d century to express 365 in Greek letters;
thus [Greek: abraxas] used as numerals = 1 + 2 + 100 + 1 + 60 + 1 + 200.
But Mr C. W. King finds its origin in Heb. _ha-b'r[=a]k[=a]h_, 'the
blessing,' or 'sacred name,' used as the title of a Gnostic deity
representing the 365 emanations of the Divine Pl[=e]r[=o]ma or fullness.]
ABRAY, a-br[=a]', ABRAYD, a-br[=a]d', _v.i._ (_Spens._) to start out of
sleep: to awake.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ to arouse, startle.--The more correct
form is _abraid_. [Made up of pfx. _a-_, and _abr['e]dan_. A.S. _breydan_,
to twist. See BRAID.]
ABREAST, a-brest', _adv._ with fronts in a line: side by side: (_naut._)
opposite to. [Prep. _a_, on, and BREAST.]
ABRICOCK. See APRICOT.
ABRIDGE, a-brij', _v.t._ to make brief or short: to shorten: to epitomise:
to curtail, as privileges or authority.--_ns._ ABRIDG'MENT, ABRIDGE'MENT,
contraction: shortening of time, labour or privileges: a compendium of a
larger work: an epitome or synopsis: (_law_) the leaving out of certain
portions Of a plaintiff's demand, the writ still holding good for the
remainder. [O. Fr. _abregier_ (Fr. _abr['e]ger_)--L. _abbrevi[=a]re_. See
ABBREVIATE.]
ABROACH, a-br[=o]ch', _adv._ broached: in a condition to let the liquor run
out: in a state to be diffused, afloat: astir. [Prep. _a_, and BROACH.]
ABROAD, a-brawd', _adv._ on the broad or open space: out of doors: public:
in another country. [Prep. _a_, and BROAD.]
ABROGATE, ab'ro-g[=a]t, _v.t._ to repeal (a law): to set aside.--_n._
ABROG[=A]'TION, act of repealing or setting aside.--_adj._ AB'ROGATIVE. [L.
_ab_, away, _rog[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to ask or propose a law.]
ABROOK, a-brook', _v.t._ (_Shak._) to brook, bear, or endure. [Pfx. _a-_,
and BROOK, _v._]
ABRUPT, ab-rupt', _adj._ the opposite of gradual, as if broken off: sudden:
unexpected: precipitous: (_of style_) passing from one thought to another
without transitions: (_of manners_) short, rude.--_n._ an abrupt
place.--_n._ ABRUP'TION, a sudden breaking off: violent separation:
(_Shak._) interruption, pause.--_adv._ ABRUPT'LY.--_n._ ABRUPT'NESS. [L.
_abruptus_--_ab_, off, _rump[)e]re_, _ruptum_, to break.]
ABSCESS, ab'ses, _n._ a collection of purulent matter within some tissue of
the body. [L. _abscessus_--_abs_, away, _ced[)e]re_, _cessum_, to go, to
retreat.]
ABSCIND, ab-sind', _v.t._ to cut off.--_n._ ABSCIS'SION, act of cutting
off, or state of being cut off: (_rhet._) a figure of speech in which the
words demanded by the sense are left unsaid, the speaker stopping short
suddenly. [L. _abscindo_; _ab_, off, _scindo_, to cut.]
ABSCISS, ab'sis, ABSCISSA, ab-sis'sa, _n._ the straight line cut off or
intercepted between the vertex of a curve and an ordinate, measured along
the principal axis:--_pl._ ABSCISS'ES, ABSCISS'AE, ABSCISS'AS. [L.
_abscissus_, cut off, _pa.p._ of _abscind[)e]re_--_ab_, from,
_scind[)e]re_, to cut.]
ABSCOND, abs-kond', _v.i._ to hide, or quit the country, in order to escape
a legal process. [L. _abscond[)e]re_, _abs_, from or away, _cond[)e]re_, to
hide.]
ABSENT, abs'ent, _adj._ being away: not present: inattentive--_v.t._
(abs-ent') to keep one's self away.--_ns._ ABS'ENCE, the state of being
away or not present: want: inattention; ABSENTEE', one who is absent on any
occasion: one who makes a habit of living away from his estate or his
office; ABSENTEE'ISM, the practice of absenting one's self from duty or
station, esp. of a landowner living away from his estate.--_adv._
AB'SENTLY. [L. _absent-_, pr.p. of _absum_--_ab_, away from, _sum_, _esse_,
to be.]
ABSINTH, ABSINTHE, ab'sinth, _n._ spirit combined with extract of
wormwood.--_adjs._ ABSINTH'IAN, ABSINTH'IATED, impregnated with absinth.
[Fr.--L. _absinthium_, wormwood--Gr.]
ABSOLUTE, ab'sol-[=u]t, _adj._ free from limits or conditions: complete:
unlimited: free from mixture: considered without reference to other things:
unconditioned, unalterable: unrestricted by constitutional checks (said of
a government): (_gram._) not immediately dependent: (_phil._) existing in
and by itself without necessary relation to any other being: capable of
being conceived of as unconditioned. In the sense of being finished,
perfect, it may be considered as opposed to the Infinite; but, in the sense
of being freed from restriction or condition, it is evident the Infinite
itself must be absolute. Opposite schools differ on the question whether
the Absolute can be known under conditions of consciousness.--_adv._
AB'SOLUTELY, separately: unconditionally: positively: completely.--_ns._
AB'SOLUTENESS; ABSOL[=U]'TION, release from punishment: acquittal:
remission of sins declared officially by a priest, or the formula by which
such is expressed; AB'SOLUTISM, government where the ruler is without
restriction; AB'SOLUTIST, a supporter of absolute government.--_adjs._
ABSOL'UTORY, ABSOLV'ATORY.--THE ABSOLUTE, that which is absolute,
self-existent, uncaused. [L. _absolutus_, pa.p. of _absolv[)e]re_. See
ABSOLVE.]
ABSOLVE, ab-zolv', _v.t._ to loose or set free: to pardon: to acquit: to
discharge (with _from_).--_ns._ ABSOLV'ER, one who gives absolution or
acquits; ABSOLV'ITOR, a decision favourable to a defender.--_v.t._
ASSOIL'ZIE, in Scots law, to absolve the accused on the grounds that the
evidence disproves or does not establish the charge. [L. _ab_, from,
_solv[)e]re_, _solutum_, to loose. See SOLVE.]
ABSONANT, ab'so-nant, _adj._ discordant: absurd: unnatural (with _to_ or
_from_)--opp. to _Consonant_. [L. _ab_, from, _sonant-_, pr.p. of
_son[=a]re_, to sound.]
ABSORB, ab-sorb', _v.t._ to suck in: to swallow up: to engage wholly.--_n._
ABSORBABIL'ITY.--_adj._ ABSORB'ABLE, that may be absorbed.--_p.adj._
ABSORBED', swallowed up: entirely occupied.--_advs._ ABSORB'EDLY,
ABSORB'INGLY.--_adj._ ABSORB'ENT, imbibing: swallowing.--_n._ that which
absorbs.--_n._ ABSORP'TION, the act of absorbing: entire occupation of
mind.--_adj._ ABSORP'TIVE, having power to absorb.--_n._ ABSORPTIV'ITY.
[Fr.--L. _ab_, from, _sorb[=e]re_, _-sorptum_, to suck in.]
ABSTAIN, abs-t[=a]n', _v.i._ to hold or refrain from.--_ns._ ABSTAIN'ER,
specially one who does not take alcoholic drinks; ABSTEN'TION, a
refraining. [Fr. _abstenir_--L. _abs_, from, _ten[=e]re_, to hold. See
TENABLE.]
ABSTEMIOUS, abs-t[=e]m'i-us, _adj._ temperate: sparing in food, drink, or
enjoyments.--_adv._ ABSTEM'IOUSLY.--_n._ ABSTEM'IOUSNESS. [L.
_abstemius_--_abs_, from, _temetum_, strong wine.]
ABSTERSION, abs-ter'shun, _n._ act of cleansing or washing away
impurities.--_v.t._ ABSTERGE', to cleanse, purge.--_adjs._ ABSTER'GENT,
serving to cleanse; ABSTER'SIVE, having the quality of cleansing:
purgative. [L. _absterg[=e]re_, _-tersum_, to wipe away.]
ABSTINENT, abs'tin-ent, _adj._ abstaining from: temperate.--_n._
ABS'TINENCE, an abstaining or refraining, especially from some indulgence
(with _from_)--also ABS'TINENCY.--_adv._ ABS'TINENTLY. [See ABSTAIN.]
ABSTRACT, abs-trakt', _v.t._ to draw away: to separate: to purloin.--_adj._
ABSTRACT'ED, drawn off (with _from_): removed: absent in mind.--_adv._
ABSTRACT'EDLY.--_ns._ ABSTRACT'EDNESS; ABSTRAC'TION, act of abstracting:
state of being abstracted: absence of mind: the operation of the mind by
which certain qualities or attributes of an object are considered apart
from the rest: a purloining.--_adj._ ABSTRACT'IVE, having the power of
abstracting.--_n._ anything abstractive: an abstract.--_adv._
ABS'TRACTLY.--_n._ ABS'TRACTNESS. [L. _abs_, away from, _trah[)e]re_,
_tractum_, to draw. See TRACE.]
ABSTRACT, abs'trakt, _adj._ general, as opposed to particular or individual
(the opposite of _abstract_ is _concrete_--a red colour is an abstract
notion, a red rose is a concrete notion; an abstract noun is the name of a
quality apart from the thing, as redness).--_n._ summary: abridgment:
essence. [L. _abstractus_, as if a quality common to a number of things
were drawn away from the things and considered by itself.]
ABSTRUSE, abs-tr[=oo]s', _adj._ hidden: remote from apprehension: difficult
to be understood.--_adv._ ABSTRUSE'LY.--_ns._ ABSTRUSE'NESS; ABSTRUS'ITY
(_Sir T. Browne_). [L. _abstrusus_, thrust away (from
observation)--_trud[)e]re_, _trusum_, to thrust.]
ABSURD, ab-surd', _adj._ obviously unreasonable or false:
ridiculous.--_ns._ ABSURD'ITY, ABSURD'NESS, the quality of being absurd:
anything absurd.--_adv._ ABSURD'LY. [L. _absurdus_--_ab_, from, _surdus_,
harsh-sounding, deaf.]
ABUNDANCE, ab-und'ans, _n._ ample sufficiency: great plenty.--_adj._
ABUND'ANT, plentiful.--_adv._ ABUND'ANTLY. [See ABOUND.]
ABUSE, ab-[=u]z', _v.t._ to use wrongly: to pervert: to revile: to
violate.--_ns._ ABUSE (ab-[=u]s'), ill use: misapplication: reproach:
vituperation; AB[=U]'SION (_Spens._), abuse: deception: reproach.--_adj._
ABUS'IVE, containing or practising abuse: full of abuses:
vituperative.--_adv._ ABUS'IVELY.--_n._ ABUS'IVENESS. [L. _ab_, away (from
what is right), _uti_, _usus_, to use.]
ABUT, a-but', _v.i._ to end: to border (on):--_pr.p._ abut'ting; _pa.p._
abut'ted.--_ns._ ABUT'MENT, that which abuts: (_archit._) what a limb of an
arch ends or rests on; ABUT'TAL, an abutment: (_pl._) the
boundaries.--_p.adj._ ABUT'TING, facing each other: front to front. [Fr.
_abouter_, lit. to join end to end (_[`a]_, to, _bout_, end). See BUTT, the
end.]
ABY, ABYE, a-b[=i], _v.t._ or _v.i._ (_arch._) to pay the penalty: to
suffer for: to give satisfaction.--ABY occurs in Spens. with sense of
'abide.' [Pfx. _a-_, and A.S. _bycgan_. See BUY.]
ABYSM, a-bizm', _n._ a form of ABYSS.--_adj._ ABYS'MAL, bottomless:
unending.--_adv._ ABYSM'ALLY. [O. Fr. _abisme_, from Lat. _abyssimus_,
superl. of _abyssus_, bottomless.]
ABYSS, a-bis', _n._ a bottomless gulf: a deep mass of water.--_adj._
ABYSS'AL. [Gr. _abyssos_, bottomless--_a_, without, _byssos_, bottom.]
ACACIA, a-k[=a]'shi-a, _n._ a genus of thorny leguminous plants with
pinnate leaves. [L.--Gr. _akakia_--_ak[=e]_, a sharp point.]
ACADEME, ak-a-d[=e]m', _n._ (_obs._) an academy.
ACADEMIC, ak-ad-em'ik, _n._ a Platonic philosopher: a student in a college.
[See ACADEMY.]
ACADEMY, ak-ad'em-i, _n._ (_orig._) the school of Plato: a higher school: a
society for the promotion of science or art.--_adjs._ ACADEM'IC, -AL, of an
academy: theoretical as opposed to practical.--_adv._
ACADEM'ICALLY.--_n.pl._ ACADEM'ICALS, the articles of dress worn by members
of an academy or college.--_ns._ ACADEMIC'IAN, ACAD'EMIST, a member of an
academy, or, specially, of the French Academy, or the Royal Academy in
London. [Gr. _Akad[=e]mia_, the name of the garden near Athens where Plato
taught.]
ACADIAN, a-k[=a]'di-an, _adj._ of or native to Nova Scotia, Acadia being
the name given to the country by the first French settlers in 1604.
ACAJOU, ak'a-j[=oo], _n._ the gum or resin of a kind of red mahogany.
[Origin doubtful. See CASHEW.]
ACALEPHA, ak-a-l[=e]'fa, _n._ a class of Radiate marine animals, consisting
of soft gelatinous substance. The name was first applied to the Jelly-fish
tribe, but later was made to include the true _Medusae_ or jelly-fishes,
and others.--Other forms are ACALEPH and ACALEPHAN. [Gr. _akal[=e]ph[=e]_,
a nettle.]
ACANTHOPTERYGIAN, ak-an-thop-t[.e]r-ij'i-an, _adj._ having spiny fins. [Gr.
_akantha_, thorn, _pteryx_, _pterygos_, a wing, a fin.]
[Illustration]
ACANTHUS, a-kan'thus, _n._ a prickly plant, called bear's breech or
brank-ursine: (_archit._) an ornament resembling its leaves used in the
capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders, &c.--also
ACAN'THA.--_adjs._ ACAN'THINE, ACANTH[=A]'CEOUS. [L.--Gr.
_akanthos_--_ak[=e]_, a point, _anthos_, a flower.]
ACARPOUS, a-kar'pus, _adj._ (_bot._) without, or not producing, fruit. [Gr.
_a_, neg., and _karpos_, fruit.]
ACARUS, ak'ar-us, _n._ a genus of minute insects, of the class Arachnides,
embracing the mites and ticks:--_pl._ AC'AR[=I]. [L.; Gr. _akares_, minute,
too small to cut--_a_, neg., _keirein_, to cut short.]
ACATALECTIC, a-kat-a-lek'tik, _adj._ having the complete number of
syllables as a verse: without defect.--_n._ an acatalectic verse. [L.--Gr.
_a_, not, and CATALECTIC.]
ACATALEPSY, a-kat-a-lep'si, _n._ incomprehensibility, a term of the sceptic
school of Carneades, who thought nothing could be known to certainty by
man.--_adj._ ACATALEP'TIC. [Gr. _akatal[=e]psia_--_a_, neg., _kata_,
thoroughly, _l[=e]psis_, a seizing--_lambanein_, to take hold.]
ACATER, a-k[=a]t'[.e]r, _n._ (_obs._) a caterer.--_n.pl._ ACATES',
provisions: food. [O. Fr. _acateor_, _achatour_ (Fr. _acheteur_)--Low L.
_accapt[=a]t[=o]r-em_, _accaptare_, to acquire--L. _ad-_, to, and
_capt[=a]re_, to seize. See CATES.]
ACAULESCENT, a-kaw-les'ent, _adj._ without a stalk: (_bot._) having no stem
above ground, or only a very short one.--Also ACAU'LOUS. [_a_, neg., L.
_caulis_, a stalk, formed on pattern of ARBORESCENT.]
ACCABLE, ak-k[=a]'bl, _v.t._ (_obs._) to crush, to encumber. [Fr.
_accabler_, to crush.]
ACCADIAN, a-k[=a]'di-an, _adj._ of or belonging to Accad, an ancient city
mentioned in Gen. x. 10: the language preserved in the earliest form of
cuneiform writing.
ACCEDE, ak-s[=e]d', _v.i._ to come to, or arrive at, a place or condition:
to join one's self, hence to agree or assent (with _to_).--_ns._ ACCED'ER;
ACCED'ING. [L. _acced[)e]re_, _accessum_, to go near to--_ad_, to,
_ced[)e]re_, to go. See CEDE.]
ACCELERATE, ak-sel'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to increase the speed of: to hasten
the progress of.--_n._ ACCELER[=A]'TION, the act of hastening: increase of
speed.--_adj._ ACCEL'ERATIVE, quickening.--_n._ ACCEL'ERATOR, one who or
that which accelerates: a light van to take mails between a post-office and
a railway station.--_adj._ ACCEL'ERATORY. [L. _acceler[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_--_ad_, to, _celer_, swift. See CELERITY.]
ACCEND, ak-send', _v.i._ (_obs._) to kindle.--_ns._ ACCENDIBIL'ITY,
ACCEN'SION.--_adjs._ ACCEND'IBLE, ACCEND'ING.
ACCENT, ak'sent, _n._ modulation of the voice: stress on a syllable or
word: a mark used to direct this stress: any mode of utterance peculiar to
a country, a province, or an individual: (_poet._) a significant word, or
words generally: (_pl._) speech, language.--_v.t._ ACCENT', to express or
note the accent.--_adj._ ACCENT'UAL, relating to accent.--_n._
ACCENTUAL'ITY.--_adv._ ACCENT'UALLY.--_v.t._ ACCENT'UATE, to mark or
pronounce with accent: to make prominent.--_n._ ACCENTU[=A]'TION, the act
of marking or of pronouncing accents. [Fr.--L. _accentus_, a tone or
note--_ad_, to, _can[)e]re_, to sing.]
ACCENTOR, ak-sent'or, _n._ the so-called 'hedge-sparrow' (q.v.).
ACCEPT, ak-sept', _v.t._ to receive: to agree to: to promise to pay: (_B._)
to receive with favour.--_adj._ ACCEPTABLE (ak-sept'a-bl, or ak'sept-a-bl),
to be accepted: pleasing: agreeable.--_ns._ ACCEPT'ABLENESS,
ACCEPTABIL'ITY, quality of being acceptable.--_adv._ ACCEPT'ABLY.--_ns._
ACCEPT'ANCE, a favourable reception: an agreeing to terms: an accepted
bill; ACCEPT'ANCY, willingness to receive; ACCEPT'ANT, one who
accepts--also _adj._; ACCEPT[=A]'TION, a kind reception: the received
meaning of a word; ACCEPT'ER, ACCEPT'OR, one who accepts. [L.
_accept[=a]re_--_accip[)e]re_, _acceptum_--_ad_, to, _cap[)e]re_, to take.]
ACCEPTILATION, ak-sept-il-[=a]'shun, _n._ (_Roman_ and _Scots law_) the
remission of a debt through an acquittance by the creditor testifying to
the receipt of money which never has been paid--a kind of legal fiction for
a free remission: (_theol._) the doctrine that the satisfaction rendered by
Christ was not in itself really a true or full equivalent, but was merely
accepted by God, through his gracious good-will, as sufficient--laid down
by Duns Scotus, and maintained by the Arminians. [L. _acceptilatio_.]
ACCESS, ak'ses, or ak-ses', _n._ liberty to come to, approach:
increase.--_n._ ACCESSIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ ACCESS'IBLE, that may be
approached.--_adv._ ACCESS'IBLY. [See ACCEDE.]
ACCESSARY, ak-ses'ar-i, or ak'ses-ar-i. Same as ACCESSORY. _Accessary_ is
now the usual spelling of both the adjective and the noun in their legal
sense.
ACCESSION, ak-sesh'un, _n._ a coming to: increase.--A DEED OF ACCESSION
(_Scots law_), a deed by which the creditors of a bankrupt approve of a
trust settlement executed by the debtor for the general behoof, and consent
to the arrangement proposed.
ACCESSORY, ak'ses-sor-i, _adj._ additional: contributing to: aiding:
(_law_) participating in a crime, as in reset of theft, and the like.--_n._
anything additional: one who aids or gives countenance to a crime.--_adj._
ACCESS[=O]R'IAL, relating to an accessory.--_adv._ AC'CESSORILY, in the
manner of an accessory: by subordinate means.
ACCIDENCE, ak'sid-ens, _n._ the part of grammar treating of the inflections
of words (because these changes are 'accidentals' of words and not
'essentials').
ACCIDENT, ak'sid-ent, _n._ that which happens: an unforeseen or unexpected
event: chance: an unessential quality or property.--_adj._ ACCIDENT'AL,
happening by chance: not essential.--_n._ anything not essential.--_ns._
ACCIDENT'ALISM, ACCIDENTAL'ITY.--_adv._ ACCIDENT'ALLY.--THE CHAPTER OF
ACCIDENTS, the unforeseen course of events. [L. _accid[)e]re_, to
happen--_ad_, to, _cad[)e]re_, to fall.]
ACCITE, ak-s[=i]t', _v.t._ (_Shak._) to cite or call, to summon:--_pr.p._
acc[=i]t'ing; _pa.p._ acc[=i]t'ed. [L. _acc[=i]re_, _-citum_--_ad_, to,
_ci[=e]re_, _citum_, to call.]
ACCLAMATION, ak-klam-[=a]'shun, _n._ a shout of applause--(_poet._)
ACCLAIM'.--_v.t._ ACCLAIM', to declare by acclamation.--_adj._
ACCLAM'ATORY, expressing acclamation. [L. _acclam[=a]re_--_ad_, to,
_clam[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to shout. See CLAIM.]
ACCLIMATISE, ak-kl[=i]m'at-[=i]z, _v.t._ to inure to a foreign
climate--also ACCLIM'ATE.--_n._ ACCLIMATIS[=A]'TION, the act of
acclimatising: the state of being acclimatised--also ACCLIM[=A]'TION,
ACCLIMAT[=A]'TION, the former anomalous, the second used in French. [Fr.
_acclimater_, from _[`a]_ and _climat_. See CLIMATE.]
ACCLIMATURE, ak-kl[=i]'ma-t[=u]r, _n._ Same as ACCLIMATISATION.
ACCLIVITY, ak-kliv'i-ti, _n._ a slope upwards--opp. to _Declivity_, a slope
downwards.--_adj._ ACCL[=I]'VOUS, rising as an acclivity--also
ACCLIV'ITOUS. [L. _ad_, to, _clivus_, a slope.]
ACCLOY, ak-kloi', _v.t._ (_obs._) to cloy or choke: to fill to satiety: to
encumber. [See CLOY.]
ACCOAST, ak-k[=o]st', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to fly near the earth. [See
ACCOST.]
ACCOIL, ak-koil', _v.i._ (_Spens._) to gather together. [Through Fr.--L.
_ad_, to, _collig[)e]ere_, to collect. See COIL.]
ACCOLADE, ak-ol-[=a]d', _n._ a ceremony used in conferring knighthood,
formerly an embrace, a kiss, now a slap on the shoulders with the flat of a
sword. [Fr.--L. _ad_, to, _collum_, neck.]
ACCOMMODATE, ak-kom'mod-[=a]t, _v.t._ to adapt: to make suitable: to
adjust: to harmonise or force into consistency (_to_): to furnish or supply
(_with_): to provide entertainment for.--_p.adj._ ACCOM'MODATING, affording
accommodation: obliging: pliable: easily corrupted.--_n._
ACCOMMOD[=A]'TION, convenience: fitness: adjustment: obligingness: an
arrangement or compromise: (_theol._) an adaptation or method of
interpretation which explains the special form in which the revelation is
presented as unessential to its contents, or rather as often adopted by way
of compromise with human ignorance or weakness: a loan of money.--_adj._
ACCOM'MODATIVE, furnishing accommodation: obliging.--_ns._
ACCOM'MODATIVENESS; ACCOM'MODATOR.--ACCOMMODATION BILL, a bill drawn,
accepted, or endorsed by one or more persons as security for a sum advanced
to another by a third party, as a banker; ACCOMMODATION LADDER, a stairway
at the outside of a ship's gangway to facilitate access to boats. [L. _ad_,
to, _commodus_, fitting. See COMMODIOUS.]
ACCOMPANABLE, ak-kum'pan-a-bl, _adj._ (_obs._) sociable. [From ACCOMPANY.]
ACCOMPANY, ak-kum'pan-i, _v.t._ to keep company with: to attend: to support
a singer by singing or playing on any instrument an additional part
(_with_, of music; _on_, of the instrument).--_ns._ ACCOM'PANIER;
ACCOM'PANIMENT, that which accompanies: (_mus._) the assisting of a solo
part by other parts, which may consist of a whole orchestra, or a single
instrument, or even subservient vocal parts; ACCOM'PANIST, one who
accompanies a singer on an instrument to sustain his voice. [Fr.
_accompagner_. See COMPANY.]
ACCOMPLICE, ak-kom'plis, _n._ an associate, esp. in crime, in modern use
(with _of_ and _with_ before a person, and _in_ or _of_ before the crime).
[L. _ad_, to, _complex_, _-icis_, joined.]
ACCOMPLISH, ak-kom'plish, _v.t._ to complete: to bring about: to effect: to
fulfil: to equip.--_adjs._ ACCOM'PLISHABLE, that may be accomplished;
ACCOM'PLISHED, complete in acquirements, especially graceful acquirements:
polished.--_n._ ACCOM'PLISHMENT, completion: ornamental acquirement. [Fr.
_acomplir_--L. _ad_, to, _compl[=e]re_, to fill up. See COMPLETE.]
ACCOMPT, ak-komt', _n._ an almost obsolete form of ACCOUNT; ACCOMPT'ABLE,
of ACCOUNTABLE; ACCOMPT'ANT, of ACCOUNTANT.
ACCORAGE. Same as ACCOURAGE.
ACCORD, ak-kord', _v.i._ to agree: to be in correspondence
(_with_).--_v.t._ to cause to agree: to reconcile: to grant (_to_, of a
person).--_n._ agreement: harmony.--_n._ ACCORD'ANCE, agreement:
conformity--also ACCORD'ANCY.--_adj._ ACCORD'ANT, agreeing:
corresponding.--_adv._ ACCORD'ANTLY.--_p.adj._ ACCORD'ING, in accordance:
agreeing: harmonious.--_adv._ ACCORD'INGLY, agreeably: suitably: in
agreement (with what precedes).--ACCORDING AS, in proportion as, or
agreeably as; ACCORDING TO, in accordance with, or agreeably to.--OF ONE'S
OWN ACCORD, of one's own spontaneous motion. [O. Fr. _acorder_--L. _ad_,
to, _cor_, _cordis_, the heart.]
ACCORDION, ak-kor'di-on, _n._ a portable musical instrument consisting of a
hand-bellows, with keyboard on one side, the keys resting on free metal
reeds so arranged that each sounds two notes, one in expanding, the other
in contracting the bellows. [From ACCORD.]
ACCOST, ak-kost', _v.t._ to speak first to: to address.--_ns._ ACCOST',
ACCOST'ING (_obs._), address: greeting.--_adj._ ACCOST'ABLE, easy of
access. [O. Fr. _acoster_--Low L. _accost[=a]re_, to be side by side--L.
_ad_, to, _costa_, a side.]
ACCOUCHEMENT, ak-k[=oo]sh'mong, _n._ delivery in childbed. [Fr.
_accoucher_. See COUCH.]
ACCOUCHEUR, ak-k[=oo]-sh[.e]r', _n._ a man who assists women in
child-birth: a medical practitioner with this speciality:--_fem._
ACCOUCHEUSE (ak-k[=oo]-sh[.e]z'). [Fr.]
ACCOUNT, ak-kownt', _v.t._ to reckon: to judge, value.--_v.i._ (with _for_)
to give a reason: to give an account of money held in trust.--_n._ a
counting: statement: value: sake: a reckoning as to money, as in phrases
like, 'to render an account,' 'to settle an account,' 'to square accounts'
with any one, &c.--_adj._ ACCOUNT'ABLE, liable to account, responsible
(_for_, of the thing; _to_, of the person).--_ns._ ACCOUNT'ABLENESS,
ACCOUNTABIL'ITY, liability to give account, responsibility to fulfil
obligations.--_adv._ ACCOUNT'ABLY.--_ns._ ACCOUNT'ANCY, the office or work
of an accountant; ACCOUNT'ANT, one who keeps, or is skilled in, accounts;
ACCOUNT'ANTSHIP, the employment of an accountant; ACCOUNT'-BOOK, a book in
which accounts are kept.--ACCOUNT CURRENT, or open account, a course of
business dealings still going on between two persons, or a person and a
bank.--FOR ACCOUNT OF, on behalf of; FOR THE ACCOUNT, for settlement on the
regular fortnightly or monthly settling-day, instead of for cash (of sales
on the Stock Exchange).--IN ACCOUNT WITH, in business relations requiring
the keeping of an account with some one.--ON or TO ACCOUNT, an instalment
or interim payment.--TO MAKE ACCOUNT OF, to set value upon; TO TAKE INTO
ACCOUNT, to take into consideration; TO TAKE NO ACCOUNT OF, to overlook.
[O. Fr. _acconter_--L. _ad_, to, _comput[=a]re_, to reckon. See COMPUTE,
COUNT.]
ACCOUPLE, ak-kup'l, _v.t._ (_obs._) to couple or link together. [O. Fr.
_acopler_--_[`a]_, to, _cople_. See COUPLE.]
ACCOURAGE, ak-kur'[=a]j, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to encourage. [O. Fr.
_acorager_--_[`a]_ (L. _ad_), and _corage_ (Fr. _courage_). See COURAGE.]
ACCOURT, ak-k[=o]rt', _v.t._ (_Spens._). Same as COURT.
ACCOUTRE, ak-k[=oo]'t[.e]r, _v.t._ to dress or equip (esp. a
warrior):--_pr.p._ accou'tring; _pa.p._ accou'tred.--_n.pl._
ACCOU'TREMENTS, dress: military equipments--(_Spens._) ACCOU'STREMENTS.
[Fr. _accoutrer_, earlier _accoustrer_--of doubtful origin, prob. conn.
with O. Fr. _coustre_, _coutre_, a sacristan who had charge of sacred
vestments--Low L. _custor_--L. _custos_, a keeper.]
ACCOY, ak-koi', _v.t._ (_obs._) to still or quieten: to soothe: to subdue.
[O. Fr. _acoyer_--_[`a]_, to, and _coi_, quiet--L. _quiet-um_. See COY.]
ACCREDIT, ak-kred'it, _v.t._ to give credit, countenance, authority, or
honour to: to furnish with credentials (with _to_, _at_): to vouch for
anything belonging to some one--to ascribe or attribute it to him
(_with_).--_v.t._ ACCRED'ITATE (_obs._).--_n._ ACCREDIT[=A]'TION, fact of
being accredited.--The _pa.p._ ACCRED'ITED, as _adj._, recognised. [Fr.
_accr['e]diter_--_[`a]_, to, _cr['e]dit_, credit. See CREDIT.]
ACCRESCENT, ak-kres'ent, _adj._ growing: ever-increasing.--_ns._
ACCRES'CENCE, gradual growth or increase; ACCR[=E]'TION, the process of
growing continuously: the growing together of parts externally, or
continuous coherence: that which has grown in such a way, any extraneous
addition.--_adj._ ACCR[=E]'TIVE. [L. _ad_, in addition, _cresc[)e]re_, to
grow.]
ACCREW, ak-kr[=oo]' (_Spens._). Same as ACCRUE.
ACCRUE, ak-kr[=oo]', _v.i._ to spring or grow as a natural result (with
_from_): to fall to any one by way of advantage (with _unto_, _to_). [O.
Fr. _acrewe_, what grows up in a wood to the profit of the owner;
_acreistre_--L. _accresc[)e]re_.]
ACCUBATION, ak-ku-b[=a]'shun, _n._ a lying or reclining on a couch. [L.
_ad_, to, and _cubare_, to lie down.]
ACCUMBENT, ak-kumb'ent, _adj._ lying down or reclining on a couch. [L.
_ad_, to, _cumb[)e]re_, to lie.]
ACCUMULATE, ak-k[=u]m'[=u]l-[=a]t, _v.t._ to heap or pile up: to amass: to
take degrees by accumulation, to take a higher degree at the same time with
a lower, or at a shorter interval than usual.--_v.i._ to increase greatly:
to go on increasing.--_n._ ACCUMUL[=A]'TION, a heaping up: a heap, mass, or
pile.--_adj._ ACCUM'ULATIVE, heaping up.--_n._ ACCUM'ULATOR, a thing or
person that accumulates, esp. an apparatus for storing electricity.
[L.--_ad_, to, _cumulus_, a heap.]
ACCURATE, ak'k[=u]r-[=a]t, _adj._ done with care: exact.--_n._ AC'CURACY,
correctness: exactness.--_adv._ AC'CURATELY.--_n._ AC'CURATENESS. [L.
_accuratus_, performed with care (of things)--_ad_, to, _cura_, care.]
ACCURSE, ak-kurs', _v.t._ to curse: to devote to misery or
destruction.--_adj._ ACCURS'ED, subjected to a curse: doomed: worthy of a
curse: extremely wicked. [Pfx. _[`a]-_, and A.S. _cursian_, to curse.]
ACCUSATIVE, ak-k[=u]z'a-tiv, _adj._ accusing.--_n._ (_gram._) the case
which expresses the direct object of transitive verbs (in English, the
objective)--primarily expressing destination or the goal of motion.--_adj._
ACCUS'ATIVAL. [Fr. _accusatif_--L. _accusativus_, 'of the nature of
accusation,' a translation of the Gr. _(pt[=o]sis) aitiatik[=e]_, (the
case) 'of accusing,' but also 'of or pertaining to what is caused or
effected' (_aitiaton_, effect, _aitia_, cause); hence, properly, the case
of the effect.]
ACCUSE, ak-k[=u]z', _v.t._ to bring a charge against: to blame (with _of_
before the thing charged, sometimes _for_).--_adj._ ACCUS'ABLE, that may be
accused.--_ns._ ACCUS'AL, accusation; ACCUS[=A]'TION, the act of accusing:
the charge brought against any one.--_adjs._ ACCUSAT[=O]'RIAL, of an
accuser; ACCUS'ATORY, containing accusation.--_n._ ACCUSE (_Shak._),
accusation.--_p.adj._ ACCUSED', charged with a crime: usually as a _n._,
the person accused.--_ns._ ACCUSE'MENT (_Spens._), a charge; ACCUS'ER, one
who accuses or brings a charge against another. [O. Fr. _acuser_--L.
_accus[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _causa_, cause.]
ACCUSTOM, ak-kus'tum, _v.t._ to make familiar by custom: to habituate (with
_to_).--_adj._ ACCUS'TOMARY.--_p.adj._ ACCUS'TOMED, usual: frequent:
habituated.--_n._ ACCUS'TOMEDNESS. [O. Fr. _acostumer_ (Fr.
_accoutumer_)--_[`a]_, to, _costume_, _coustume_--L. _consuetudinem_. See
CUSTOM.]
ACE, [=a]s, _n._ the one at dice, also at cards, dominoes, &c.: a single
point, an atom. [Fr.--L. _as_, unity--_as_, Tarentine Doric form of Gr.
_heis_, one.]
ACELDAMA, a-sel'da-ma, _n._ a field of blood--the name given to the field
outside Jerusalem bought with the blood-money of Jesus. [Gr.--Aramaic.]
ACEPHALAN, a-sef'a-lan, _n._ (_zool._) one of the Acephala, a class of
molluscs, which present no traces of a head.--_adj._ ACEPH'ALOUS, without a
head. [Gr. _a_, neg., _kephal[=e]_, the head.]
ACERBITY, as-[.e]r'bi-ti, _n._ bitterness: sourness: harshness:
severity.--_adj._ ACERB'. [Fr.,--L. _acerbitat-em_--L. _acerbus_, harsh to
the taste--_acer_, sharp.]
ACERIC, a-ser'ik, _adj._ obtained from the maple. [From L. _acer_, a
maple-tree.]
ACETABULUM, as-[=e]-tab'[=u]-lum, _n._ (_anat._) the cavity which receives
the head of the thigh-bone: also a glandular substance found in the
placenta of some animals:--_pl._ ACETAB'ULA. [L., a cup-shaped vessel.]
ACETIC, as-et'ik, _adj._ of the nature of vinegar: sour--also AC[=E]'TOUS,
ACETOSE'.--_n._ ACES'CENCE, a tendency to sourness.--_adj._
ACES'CENT.--_n._ AC'ETATE, salt of acetic acid which is the sour principle
in vinegar. [L. _acetum_, vinegar--_ac-[=e]re_, to be sour.]
ACETIFY, as-et'i-f[=i], _v.t._ or _v.i._ to turn into vinegar.--_n._
ACETIFIC[=A]'TION. [L. _acetum_, vinegar, and _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
ACETOPATHY, as-et-op'a-thi, _n._ the treating of ailments by the external
application of dilute acetic acid. [L. _ac[=e]tum_, acid, and Gr. _pathos_,
feeling.]
ACETYLENE, a-set'i-l[=e]n, _n._ a powerful illuminant gas (C_2H_2) produced
commercially from carbide of calcium by means of water.
ACHAEAN. See ACHEAN.
ACHARNEMENT, [:a]-sh[:a]rn'ment (sometimes nasalised as in French), _n._
thirst for blood, ferocity. [Fr. _acharner_, refl. _sacharner_, to thirst
for blood.]
ACHATES, a-k[=a]ts', _n.pl._ (_Spens._). Same as CATES.
ACHATES, [:a]-k[=a]'tes, _n._ trusty comrade, from the 'fidus Achates' of
Virgil's _Aeneid_--the constant companion of Aeneas in his wanderings after
the fall of Troy.
ACHE, [=a]k, _n._ a continued pain.--_v.i._ to be in continued
pain:--_pr.p._ [=a]ch'ing; _pa.p._ [=a]ched.--_n._ ACH'ING, continued pain
or distress. [The verb is properly _ake_, the noun _ache_, as in _speak_
and _speech_. The A.S. noun _aece_ is from the verb _ac-an_, to ache.]
ACHENIUM, a-k[=e]'ni-um, _n._ (_bot._) a small hard one-seeded fruit, which
does not open when ripe, as in the buttercup.--Also ACHENE'. [From Gr. _a_,
neg., and _chainein_, to gape.]
ACHERON, ak'k[.e]r-on, _n._ death, hell--from the name of that river in the
infernal regions of classical mythology.--_adj._ ACHERON'TIC, deadly.
ACHIEVE, a-ch[=e]v', _v.t._ to bring to a head or end: to perform: to
accomplish: to carry out successfully: to gain, win.--_adj._ ACHIEV'ABLE,
that may be achieved.--_n._ ACHIEVE'MENT, a performance: an exploit: an
escutcheon or armorial shield granted in memory of some achievement,
applied especially to the escutcheon over the tomb of a dead person,
generally called a _hatchment_. [Fr. _achever_, from _[`a] chief
(venir)_--Low L. _ad caput venire_, to come to a head. See CHIEF.]
ACHILLEAN, ak-il-l[=e]'an, _adj._ like Achilles, the great Greek hero in
the Trojan war, brave, swift of foot, unrelenting in wrath.--ACHILLES
TENDON, the attachment of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles of the calf
of the leg to the heel-bone, so named from the infant Achilles's mother,
Thetis, having held him by the heel when she dipped him into the Styx to
make him invulnerable.
ACHITOPHEL, [:a]-hit'[=o]-fel, _n._ an able but unprincipled counsellor,
from the name of David's sage counsellor who treacherously abetted the
rebellion of Absalom. Dryden in his famous satire applied the name to
Shaftesbury.--Also AHITH'OPHEL.
ACHROMATIC, a-kr[=o]m-at'ik, _adj._ transmitting light without colour, of a
lens or telescope.--_adv._ ACHROMAT'ICALLY.--_n._ ACHROM'ATISM, the state
of being achromatic.--_v.t._ ACHROM'ATIZE, to render achromatic. [Gr. _a_,
neg., and _chr[=o]ma_, _chromatos_, colour.]
ACICULAR, as-ik'[=u]-lar, _adj._ needle-shaped; slender and
sharp-pointed.--Also ACIC'ULATE, ACIC'ULATED. [L. _acicula_, dim. of
_acus_, a needle.]
ACID, as'id, _adj._ sharp: sour.--_n._ a sour substance: (_chem._) one of a
class of substances, usually sour, which turn vegetable blues to red, and
combine with alkalies, metallic oxides, &c. to form salts.--_adj._
ACID'IFIABLE, capable of being converted into an acid.--_ns._
ACIDIFIC[=A]'TION; ACID'ITY, the quality of being acid or sour--also
AC'IDNESS.--_v.t._ ACID'ULATE, to make slightly acid. [L. _ac-[=e]re_, to
be sour--root _ak_, sharp.]
ACIDIFY, as-id'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to make acid: to convert into an
acid:--_pr.p._ acid'ifying; _pa.p._ acid'ified. [L. _acidus_, sour, and
_fac[)e]re_, to make.]
ACIDIMETER, as-id-im'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring the
strength of acids.--_n._ ACIDIM'ETRY, the act of such measurement. [ACID
and METER.]
ACIDULOUS, as-id'[=u]-lus, _adj._ slightly sour: subacid: containing
carbonic acid, as mineral waters: (_fig._) caustic, sharp. [L. _acidulus_,
dim. of _acidus_, sour. See ACID.]
ACIERAGE, [=a]'s[=e]-[.e]r-[=a]j, _n._ the covering of an engraved
copper-plate with a film of iron to ensure durability. [Fr. _acier_,
steel--L. _acies_, a sharp point, and _-age_.]
ACIFORM, as'i-form, _adj._ needle-shaped. [L. _acus_, a needle, and FORM,
from _forma_, shape.]
ACINIFORM, a-sin'i-form, _adj._ in clusters like grapes, or having the form
of grapes. [L. _acinus_, a grape.]
ACKNOW, ak-n[=o]', _v.t._ (_obs._) to know, to recognise.--_adj._ ACKNOWN
(_Shak._), known or acquainted. [A.S. _on_, in, on, _cn[^a]wan_, to KNOW.]
ACKNOWLEDGE, ak-nol'ej, _v.t._ to own a knowledge of: to own as true: to
confess: to admit or give intimation of the receipt of.--_adj._
ACKNOW'LEDGEABLE.--_adv._ ACKNOW'LEDGEABLY.--_n._ ACKNOWLEDGMENT,
recognition: admission: confession: thanks: a receipt. [From the _v._
ACKNOW, with suffix _-ledge_.]
ACLINIC, ak-lin'ik, _adj._ without inclination, applied to the magnetic
equator, which cuts the terrestrial equator, inasmuch as on that line the
magnetic needle has no dip, but lies horizontal. [Gr. _aklin[=e]s_--_a_,
neg., _klin-ein_, to bend.]
ACME, ak'm[=e], _n._ the top or highest point: the culmination or
perfection in the career of anything: crisis, as of a disease.--ACME
SKATES, the name given to a kind of skates, formed of steel, fixed to the
boot by a mechanical device, permitting them to be quickly fixed on or
taken off. [Gr. _akm[=e]_--_ak[=e]_, a point.]
ACNE, ak'n[=e], _n._ a common skin disease, an inflammation of the
sebaceous follicles of the skin, often occurring on the nose. [A corr. of
Gr. _akm[=e]_, a point.]
ACOCK, a-kok', _adv._ in a cocked manner: defiantly.--A COCK-BILL
(_naut._), having the ends pointing upward, as of an anchor hanging by its
ring at the cat-head, in a position for dropping; or of the yards when
topped up by one lift to an angle with the deck--the symbol of mourning.
[Prep. _a_, and COCK.]
ACOEMETI, a-sem'[=e]-t[=i], _n.pl._ a congregation of monks founded in 460
near Constantinople, who by alternating choirs kept divine service going on
day and night without intermission in their monastery. [Gr. _akoimetoi_,
sleepless, _a_, neg., and _koimaein_, to put to sleep.]
ACOLD, a-k[=o]ld', _adj._ (_arch._) cold. [A.S. _ac['o]led_, pa.p. of
_ac['o]lian_; pfx. _a-_, intens., and _c['o]lian_, to COOL.]
ACOLYTE, ak'o-l[=i]t, ACOLYTH, ak'o-lith, _n._ an inferior church officer:
an attendant or assistant: (_R. C. Church_) one ordained to the fourth of
the minor orders, next to the sub-deacon. [Gr. _akolouthos_, an attendant.]
ACONITE, ak'o-n[=i]t, _n._ the plant wolf's-bane or monk's-hood:
poison.--_adj._ ACONIT'IC.--_n._ ACON'ITINE, the essential principle of
aconite. [L. _aconitum_--Gr. _akoniton_.]
ACOP, a-kop', _adv._ (_obs._) on the top or head: on high. [Prep. _a_, and
A.S. _cop_, _copp_, summit.]
ACORN, [=a]'korn, _n._ the seed or fruit of the oak.--_adj._
A'CORNED.--_n._ A'CORN-SHELL, a name for the Bal[)a]nus (L., acorn), a
genus of Cirripedes in the class Crustacea. [A.S. _aecern_, prob. from
_aecer_, field, hence meaning 'the fruit of the unenclosed land.' The
modern form is due to confusion with _oak_ (A.S. _['a]c_) and _corn_.]
ACOSMISM, a-koz'mizm, _n._ refusal to believe in the existence of an
eternal world. [Gr., _a_, neg., and _kosmos_, the world.]
ACOTYLEDON, a-kot-i-l[=e]'dun, _n._ a plant without distinct cotyledons or
seed-lobes.--_adj._ ACOTYL[=E]'DONOUS. [Gr. _a_, neg., and
_kotyl[=e]d[=o]n_. See COTYLEDON.]
ACOUSTIC, a-kowst'ik, _adj._ pertaining to the sense of hearing or to the
theory of sounds: used in hearing, auditory.--_n._ ACOUST'ICS, the science
of sound. [Fr.--Gr. _akoustikos_--_akouein_, to hear.]
ACOY. Same as ACCOY.
ACQUAINT, ak-kw[=a]nt', _v.t._ to make or let one to know: to inform a
person of a thing (_with_): to inform (with personal object only).--_ns._
ACQUAINT'ANCE, familiar knowledge: a person whom we know;
ACQUAINT'ANCESHIP, familiar knowledge.--_p.adj._ ACQUAINT'ED (_with_),
personally known: having personal knowledge of. [O. Fr. _acointer_--Low L.
_accognit[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to, _cognitus_, known.]
ACQUEST, ak-kwest', _n._ an acquisition or thing acquired. [O. Fr.--L.
_acquisitus_, _acquir[)e]re_. See ACQUIRE.]
ACQUIESCE, ak-kwi-es', _v.i._ to rest satisfied or without making
opposition: to assent (with _in_).--_n._ ACQUIES'CENCE, quiet assent or
submission.--_adj._ ACQUIES'CENT, resting satisfied: easy:
submissive.--_advs._ ACQUIES'CENTLY, ACQUIES'CINGLY. [L.
_acquiesc[)e]re_--_ad_, and _quies_, rest.]
ACQUIRE, ak-kw[=i]r', _v.t._ to gain: to attain to.--_n._
ACQUIRABIL'ITY.--_adj._ ACQUIR'ABLE, that may be acquired.--_ns._
ACQUIRE'MENT, something learned or got by effort, rather than a gift of
nature; ACQUISI'TION, the act of acquiring: that which is acquired.--_adj._
ACQUIS'ITIVE, desirous to acquire.--_n._ ACQUIS'ITIVENESS, propensity to
acquire--one of the phrenologists' so-called faculties, with its special
organ. [O. Fr. _aquerre_--L. _acquir[)e]re_, _-quisitum_--_ad_, to, and
_quaer[)e]re_, to seek.]
ACQUIST, ak-kwist', _n._ (_Milton_) a form of ACQUEST.
ACQUIT, ak-kwit', _v.t._ to free: to release: to settle, as a debt: to
behave or conduct (one's self): to declare innocent (with _of_ before the
thing of which acquitted):--_pr.p._ acquit'ting; _pa.p._ acquit'ted.--_ns._
ACQUIT'TAL, a judicial discharge from an accusation; ACQUIT'TANCE, a
discharge from an obligation or debt: a receipt in evidence of such a
discharge.--_v.t._ (_Shak._), to acquit, clear. [O. Fr. _acquiter_--L.
_ad_, to, _quiet[=a]re_, to give rest. See QUIT.]
ACRE, [=a]'k[.e]r, _n._ a measure of land containing 4840 sq. yards. The
Scotch acre contains 6150.4 sq. yards (48 Scotch--61 imperial acres): the
Irish, 7840 sq. yards (50 Irish--81 imperial acres): (_pl._) for lands,
estates generally: (_fig._) large quantities of anything.--_n._ A'CREAGE,
the number of acres in a piece of land.--_adj._ A'CRED, possessing acres or
land. [A.S. _aecer_; Ger. _acker_, L. _ager_, Gr. _agros_, Sans. _ajras_, a
plain.]
ACRID, ak'rid, _adj._ biting to the taste: pungent: bitter.--_ns._
ACRID'ITY, AC'RIDNESS, quality of being acrid: a sharp, bitter taste. [L.
_acer_, _acris_, sharp--root _ak_, sharp.]
ACRIMONY, ak'ri-mun-i, _n._ bitterness of feeling or language.--_adj._
ACRIM[=O]'NIOUS, sharp, bitter.--_n._ ACRIM[=O]'NIOUSNESS, the state or
quality of being acrimonious: severity. [L. _acrimonia_--_acer_, sharp.]
ACRITOCHROMACY, a-krit-o-kr[=o]'ma-si, _n._ inability to distinguish
between colours: colour-blindness. [From Gr. _akritos_, undistinguishable
(--_a_, neg., and _krinein_, to separate), and _chr[=o]ma_, _-atos_,
colour.]
ACRITUDE, ak'ri-t[=u]d, _n._ the quality of being acrid: a sharp bitter
taste: bitterness of temper or language. [L. _acritudo_--_acer_, sharp.]
ACROAMATIC, -AL, ak-ro-a-mat'ik, -al, _adj._ oral, esoteric,
secret--applied to the lectures of Aristotle delivered to a select circle
of students as opposed to his more popular lectures. [Gr.
_akroamatikos_--_akroasthai_, to hear.]
ACROBAT, ak'ro-bat, _n._ a rope-dancer: a tumbler: a vaulter.--_adj._
ACROBAT'IC.--_n._ ACROBAT'ISM, the art of the acrobat. [Gr. _akrobatos_,
walking on tiptoe; _akros_, point, _batos_--_bainein_, to go.]
ACROGEN, ak'ro-jen, _n._ a plant that grows at the top chiefly, as a
tree-fern.--_adj._ ACROG'ENOUS. [Gr. _akros_, top, _gen[=e]s_, born.]
ACROLITH, ak'ro-lith, _n._ a statue of the earlier Greek artists having the
trunk made of wood and the extremities of stone. [Gr.
_akrolithos_--_akros_, extreme, and _lithos_, stone.]
ACRONYCAL, a-kron'ik-al, _adj._ midnight, applied to stars that rise at
sunset and set at sunrise, or opposite to the sun.--_adv._ ACRON'YCALLY.
[Gr. _akros_, summit, middle (of time), and _nyx_, _nyktos_, night.]
ACROPOLIS, a-kro'pol-is, _n._ a citadel, esp. that of Athens. [Gr.
_akropolis_--_akros_, the highest, _polis_, a city.]
ACROSPIRE, ak'ro-sp[=i]r, _n._ (_bot._) the first leaf that appears when
corn sprouts. [Gr. _akros_, summit, end, _speira_, anything twisted round.]
ACROSS, a-kros', _prep._ or _adv._ crosswise: from side to side. [Prep.
_a_, and CROSS.]
ACROSTIC, a-kr[=o]'stik, _n._ a poem of which, if the first or the last
letter of each line be taken in succession, they will spell a name or a
sentence.--_adj._ ACR[=O]'STICAL.--_adv._ ACR[=O]'STICALLY.--_n._
ACR[=O]'STICISM, method of acrostics. [Gr. _akros_, extreme, and _stichos_,
a line.]
ACT, akt, _v.i._ to exert force or influence: to produce an effect: to
behave one's self: to feign.--_v.t._ to perform: to imitate or play the
part of.--_n._ something done or doing: an exploit: the very process of
doing something: a law or decision of a prince or legislative body: an
instrument in writing for verification: (_theol._) something done once for
all, in opposition to a work: a distinct section of a play: in
universities, a public disputation or lecture maintained by a candidate for
a degree.--_n._ ACT'ING, action: act of performing an assumed or a dramatic
part: feigning.--_adj._ performing some duty temporarily, or for
another.--_n._ ACT'OR, one who acts: a stage-player:--_fem._ ACT'RESS.--ACT
OF GOD, a result of natural forces, unexpected and not preventable by human
foresight.--IN ACT TO, on the very point of doing something.--TO ACT ON, to
act in accordance with; TO ACT UP TO, to come up in practice to some
expected standard: to fulfil. [L. _ag[)e]re_, _actum_; Gr. _agein_, to put
in motion; Sans. _aj_, to drive.]
ACTA, ak'ta, _n.pl._ proceedings in a court civil or ecclesiastical, or the
minutes of such.--ACTA MARTYRUM, the early accounts of the martyrs; ACTA
SANCTORUM, a general name for collections of accounts of saints and
martyrs, especially of the great collection of the Bollandists, begun in
1643, interrupted in 1794 at the fifty-third vol. (Oct. 6), but resumed in
1845.
ACTINIA, ak-tin'i-a, _n._ a genus of marine animals of the class Polypi,
growing on rocks or shells, with numerous tentacles or rays like the petals
of a flower, from which they are often called animal flowers or
sea-anemones. [From Gr. _aktis_, _aktinos_, a ray.]
ACTINIFORM, ak-tin'i-form, _adj._ having a radiated form. [Gr. _aktis_,
_aktinos_, ray, and FORM.]
ACTINISM, ak'tin-izm, _n._ the chemical force of the sun's rays, as
distinct from light and heat.--_adj._ AC'TINIC. [Gr. _aktis_, _aktinos_, a
ray.]
ACTINOLITE, ak-tin'[=o]-l[=i]t, _n._ a green variety of hornblende. [Gr.
_aktis_, _akt[=i]nos_, a ray, _lithos_, a stone.]
ACTINOMETER, ak-tin-om'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring the
heat-intensity of the sun's rays or the actinic effect of light-rays. [Gr.
_aktis_, _aktinos_, ray, and METER.]
ACTINOMYCES, ak-ti-no-m[=i]'sez, _n._ the tiny ray-fungus.--_n._
ACTINOMYC[=O]'SIS, an inflammatory disease in cattle, swine, and sometimes
man, caused by that fungus. [Gr. _aktis_, _aktinos_, ray, and _myces_,
mushroom.]
ACTINOZOA, ak'tin-[=o]-z[=o]'a, _n.pl._ one of the three classes of
Coelenterata, including sea-anemones, dead-men's fingers, corals, &c. [Gr.
_aktis_, _-inos_, a ray; _z[=o]a_, animals.]
ACTION, ak'shun, _n._ a state of acting: activity in the abstract: a deed:
operation: gesture: a battle: a lawsuit, or proceedings in a court: the
movement of events in a drama, novel, &c.--_adj._ AC'TIONABLE, liable to a
lawsuit.--_n._ AC'TION-TAK'ING (_Shak._), resenting an injury by a lawsuit
instead of fighting it out like a man of honour.
ACTIVATE, ak'ti-v[=a]t, _v.t._ (_Bacon_) to make active:--_pr.p._
ac'tiv[=a]ting; _pa.p._ ac'tiv[=a]ted.
ACTIVE, akt'iv, _adj._ that acts: busy: nimble: practical, as opposed to
speculative: effective: (_gram._) transitive.--_adv._ ACT'IVELY.--_ns._
ACTIV'ITY, ACT'IVENESS.
ACTON, ak'tun, _n._ a stuffed leather jacket which used to be worn under a
coat of mail. [O. Fr. _auqueton_, through Sp. from Ar. _al-q[=u]tun_.]
ACTUAL, akt'[=u]-al, _adj._ real: existing in fact and now, as opp. to an
imaginary or past state of things.--_v.t._ ACT'UALISE, to make actual: to
realise in action.--_n._ ACTUAL'ITY.--_adv._ ACT'UALLY.
ACTUARY, akt'[=u]-ar-i, _n._ a registrar or clerk: one who makes the
calculations connected with an insurance office.--_adj._ ACTUA'RIAL. [L.
_actuarius (scriba)_, an amanuensis, a clerk.]
ACTUATE, akt'[=u]-[=a]t, _v.t._ to put into or incite to action: to
influence.--_n._ ACTU[=A]'TION. [L. _actus_, action. See ACT.]
ACULEATED, ak-[=u]l-e-[=a]t'ed, _p.adj._ pointed: (_fig._) pungent,
incisive. [L. _aculeatus_, _aculeus_, dim. of _acus_, needle.]
ACUMEN, ak-[=u]'men, _n._ sharpness: quickness of perception: penetration.
[L. See ACUTE.]
ACUMINATE, a-k[=u]'min-[=a]t, _adj._ (_bot._) having a long tapering
point--also AC[=U]'MINATED.--_v.t._ AC[=U]'MINATE, to sharpen: (_fig._)
give point to.--_n._ ACCUMIN[=A]'TION. [L. _acuminatum_, pa.p. of
_acumin[=a]re_, to make pointed--_acumen_, a point. See ACUMEN.]
ACUPRESSURE, ak-[=u]-presh'[=u]r, _n._ a mode of arresting hemorrhage from
cut arteries, by inserting a needle into the flesh so as to press across
the mouth of the artery. [L. _acus_, a needle, and PRESSURE.]
ACUPUNCTURE, ak-[=u]-pungkt'[=u]r, _n._ an operation for relieving pain by
puncturing the flesh with needles. [L. _acus_, a needle, and PUNCTURE.]
ACUTE, ak-[=u]t', _adj._ sharp-pointed: keen: opp. of dull: shrewd: shrill:
critical.--_adv._ ACUTE'LY.--_n._ ACUTE'NESS.--ACUTE ANGLE, an angle less
than a right angle (see ANGLE); ACUTE DISEASE, one coming to a violent
crisis, as opp. to _Chronic_. [L. _acutus_, pa.p. of _acu[)e]re_, to
sharpen, from root _ak_, sharp.]
ADAGE, ad'[=a]j, _n._ an old saying: a proverb. [Fr.--L. _adagium_, from
_ad_, to, and root of _aio_, I say.]
ADAGIO, a-d[=a]'g[=i]-o, _adv._ (_mus._) slowly.--_n._ a slow movement: a
piece in adagio time. [It. _ad agio_, at ease.]
ADAM, ad'am, _n._ the first man: unregenerate human nature: a gaoler.--_n._
AD'AMITE, one descended from Adam: one of a 2d-century heretical sect in
Northern Africa, and in the 15th in Germany, whose members, claiming the
primitive innocence of Eden, went about naked.--_adjs._ ADAMIT'IC,
-AL.--_n._ AD'AMITISM.
ADAMANT, ad'a-mant, _n._ a very hard stone: the diamond.--_adjs._
ADAMANT[=E]'AN (_Milton_), hard as adamant; ADAMAN'TINE, made of or like
adamant: that cannot be broken or penetrated. [L. and Gr. _adamas_,
_-antos_--_a_, neg., and _damaein_, to break, to tame. See TAME.]
ADAMIC, a-dam'ik, _adj._ relating to Adam.
ADAM'S-APPLE, ad'amz-ap'pl, _n._ the angular projection of the thyroid
cartilage of the larynx in front of the throat, so called from an idea that
part of the forbidden fruit stuck in Adam's throat.--ADAM'S ALE or WINE,
water.
ADANSONIA, ad-an-s[=o]'ni-a, _n._ the baobab, monkey-bread, or
calabash-tree of West Africa. [So called from _Adanson_, a French botanist
(1727-1806).]
ADAPT, ad-apt', _v.t._ to make apt or fit: to accommodate (with _to_ or
_for_).--_ns._ ADAPTABIL'ITY, ADAPT'ABLENESS.--_adj._ ADAPT'ABLE, that may
be adapted.--_n._ ADAPT[=A]'TION, the act of making suitable: fitness:
(_biol._) the process of advantageous variation and progressive
modification by which organisms are adjusted to the conditions of their
life--the perfected result of adaptation being a life in harmony with the
environment. [Fr.--L. _adapt[=a]re_--_ad_, to, and _apt[=a]re_, to fit.]
ADAR, [=a]'dar, _n._ the twelfth month of the Jewish ecclesiastical, the
sixth of the civil, year, corresponding to the later part of February and
the first part of March. [Heb. _ad[=a]r_.]
ADAYS, a-d[=a]z', _adv._ nowadays: at the present time. [Prep. _a_, and
gen. sing. of DAY, A.S. _ondaeye_.]
ADD, ad, _v.t._ to put (one thing) to (another): to sum up (with _to_): to
increase.--_adjs._ ADD'ABLE, ADD'IBLE.--_ns._ ADDIBIL'ITY; ADDIT'AMENT
(_Charles Lamb_), an addition; ADDI'TION, the act of adding: the thing
added: the rule in arithmetic for adding numbers together: title,
honour.--_adj._ ADDI'TIONAL, that is added. [L.--_addere_--_ad_, to,
_d[a]re_, to put.]
ADDAX, ad'aks, _n._ a species of large antelope found in Africa, with long
twisted horns. [African word.]
ADDEEM, ad-d[=e]m', _v.t._ to deem: to adjudge: to award. [Pfx. _ad-_, and
DEEM.]
ADDENDUM, ad-den'dum, _n._ a thing to be added: an appendix:--_pl._
ADDEN'DA. [L. See ADD.]
ADDER, ad'[.e]r, _n._ the popular English name of the viper.--_ns._
AD'DER'S-TONGUE, a genus of ferns the seeds of which grow on a spike
resembling a serpent's tongue; AD'DER'S-WORT, a wort or plant, so called
from its being supposed to cure the bite of serpents--also called
_Snakeweed_. [A.S. _naedre_; cf. Ger. _atter_ for _natter_. _An adder_ came
by mistake into use for _a nadder_; the reverse mistake is _a newt_ for _an
ewt_ or _eft_.]
ADDICT, ad-dikt', _v.t._ to give (one's self) up to (generally in a bad
sense): (_B._) to devote or dedicate one's self to.--_adjs._ ADDICT',
ADDICT'ED, given up to (with _to_).--_ns._ ADDICT'EDNESS, ADDIC'TION. [L.
_addic[)e]re_, _addictum_--_ad_, to, _dic[)e]re_, to declare.]
ADDLE, ad'dl, ADDLED, ad'dld, _adj._ diseased: putrid: barren,
empty.--_adjs._ AD'DLE-HEAD'ED, AD'DLE-PAT'ED, having a head or pate with
addled brains.--_n._ AD'DLEMENT. [M.E. _adele_--A.S. _adela_, mud; cf.
Scot, _eddle_, liquid manure.]
ADDOOM, ad-d[=oo]m', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to doom, to adjudge, to award. [Pfx.
_a-_, and DOOM.]
ADDORSED, ad-dorst', _p.adj._ (_her._) turned back to back.
ADDRESS, ad-dres', _v.t._ to direct (with _to_): to speak or write to: to
court: to direct in writing: to arrange properly: (_arch._) to don:
(_refl._) to turn one's skill or energies towards.--_n._ a formal
communication in writing: a speech: manners: dexterity: direction of a
letter:--_pl._ ADDRESS'ES, attentions of a lover.--TO ADDRESS ONE'S SELF TO
A TASK, to set about it. [Fr. _adresser_--Low L. _addirecti[=a]re_--L.
_ad_, to, _directum_, straight. See DRESS, DIRECT.]
ADDUCE, ad-d[=u]s', _v.t._ to bring forward: to cite or quote.--_adj._
ADD[=U]C'ENT, drawing forward or together, as of the adductor
muscles.--_n._ ADD[=U]C'ER.--_adj._ ADD[=U]C'IBLE.--_n._ ADDUC'TION, the
act of adducing or bringing forward: the movement by which a part of the
body is drawn forward by muscles.--_adj._ ADDUC'TIVE, tending to bring
forward. [L. _adduc[)e]re_--_ad_, to, and _ducUere_, to bring.]
ADDUCTOR, ad-dukt'ur, _n._ a muscle which draws one part towards another.
[See ABDUCTOR.]
ADDULCE, ad-duls', _v.t._ (_obs._) to make sweet. [O. Fr. _adoulcir_--L.
_ad_, to, _dulcis_, sweet.]
ADELPHOUS, a-del'fus, _adj._ (_bot._) united in brotherhoods or bundles, as
stamens. [Gr. _adelphos_, brother.]
ADENITIS, ad-en-[=i]'tis, _n._ inflammation of the lymphatic glands. [Gr.
_ad[=e]n_, a gland, _-itis_, denoting inflammation.]
ADENOID, -AL, ad'en-oid, -al, _adj._ of a gland-like shape: glandular. [Gr.
_ad[=e]n_, a gland, _eidos_, form.]
ADENOTOMY, ad-en-ot'o-mi, _n._ a cutting or incision of a gland. [Gr.
_ad[=e]n_, a gland, _tom[=e]_, a cutting.]
ADEPT, ad-ept', or ad'ept, _adj._ completely skilled (_in_).--_n._ a
proficient.--_n._ ADEP'TION (_Bacon_), attainment. [L. _adeptus_ (_artem_),
having attained (an art), _pa.p._ of _adipisci_, to attain--_ad_, to, and
_apisci._]
ADEQUATE, ad'e-kw[=a]t, _adj._ equal to: proportionate: sufficient.--_adv._
AD'EQUATELY.--_ns._ AD'EQUATENESS, AD'EQUACY, state of being adequate:
sufficiency. [L. _adaequatus_, made equal--_ad_, to, and _aequus_, equal.]
ADES, _n._ an obsolete variant of HADES.
ADHERE, ad-h[=e]r', _v.i._ to stick to: to remain fixed or attached (with
_to_): (_Shak._) to be consistent: (_Scots law_) to affirm a
judgment.--_n._ ADHER'ENCE, state of adhering: steady attachment.--_adj._
ADHER'ENT, sticking to.--_n._ one who adheres: a follower: a partisan (with
_of_)--a less common form is ADHER'ER. [L. _ad_, to, _haer[=e]re_,
_haesum_, to stick.]
ADHESION, ad-h[=e]'zhun, _n._ the act of adhering or sticking to: steady
attachment: (_path._) a vital union between two surfaces of a living body
which have been either naturally or artificially separated.--_adj._
ADHES'IVE, sticky: apt to adhere.--_adv._ ADHES'IVELY.--_n._ ADHES'IVENESS.
[See ADHERE.]
ADHIBIT, ad-hib'it, _v.t._ to apply to: to use: to attach: to admit: to
devote to: to administer.--_n._ ADHIBI'TION, application: use. [L.
_adhib[=e]re_, _-itum_--_ad_, to, and _hab[=e]re_, to hold.]
ADIANTUM, ad-i-an'tum, _n._ maidenhair, a large genus of ferns. [Gr.
_adiantos_, _a_, neg., and _diantos_, capable of being wetted.]
ADIAPHORON, a-di-af'or-on, _n.pl._ in theology and ethics, things
indifferent--any tenet or usage which is considered as non-essential--also
ADIAPH'ORA.--_n._ ADIAPH'ORISM, tolerance in regard to non-essential points
in theology.--_adj._ ADIAPH'OROUS. [Gr., from _a_, neg., and _diaphoros_,
differing--_dia_, apart, _pherein_, to carry.]
ADIATHERMIC, [=a]-d[=i]-a-th[.e]r'mik, _adj._ impervious to radiant heat.
[Gr. _a_, neg., _dia_, through, _thermos_, heat.]
ADIEU, a-d[=u]', _adv._ (I commend you) to God: farewell.--_n._ a
farewell:--_pl._ ADIEUS or ADIEUX (a-d[=u]z'). [Fr. _[`a] Dieu_, to God.]
ADIPOCERE, ad'i-p[=o]-s[=e]r, _n._ a fatty, waxy substance resulting from
the decomposition of animal bodies in moist places or under water, but not
exposed to air. [Through Fr. from L. _adeps_, _adipis_, soft fat, and
_cera_, wax.]
ADIPOSE, ad'i-p[=o]z, _adj._ fatty.--ADIPOSE TISSUE, the vesicular
structure in the animal body which contains the fat. [L. _adeps_, _adipis_,
soft fat.]
ADIT, ad'it, _n._ an opening or passage, esp. into a mine. [L.
_aditus--ad_, to, _[=i]re_, _itum_, to go.]
ADJACENT, ad-j[=a]s'ent, _adj._ lying near to: contiguous.--_n._
ADJAC'ENCY, the state of being near: that which is adjacent.--_adv._
ADJAC'ENTLY. [L. _ad_, to, _jac[=e]re_, to lie.]
ADJECTIVE, ad'jek-tiv, _n._ a word added to a noun to qualify it, or limit
it by reference to quality, number, or position.--_adj._
ADJECT[=I]V'AL.--_adv._ AD'JECTIVELY. [L. _adjectivum (nomen)_, an added
(noun)--_adjic[)e]re_, _-jectum_, to throw to, to add--_ad_, to,
_jac[)e]re_, to throw.]
ADJOIN, ad-join', _v.i._ to lie next to.--_adj._ ADJOIN'ING, joining to:
near: adjacent.--_n._ AD'JOINT, a civil officer who assists a French maire:
an assistant professor in a French college. [Through Fr. from L.
_adjung[)e]re_. See JOIN.]
ADJOURN, ad-jurn', _v.t._ to put off to another day: to postpone: to
discontinue a meeting in order to reconstitute it at another time or
place.--_v.i._ to suspend proceedings and disperse for any time specified,
or _sine die_, without such time being specified.--_n._ ADJOURN'MENT, the
act of adjourning: the interval it causes.--(_obs._) ADJOURN'AL. [O. Fr.
_ajorner_--Low L. _adiurn[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to, Low L. _jurnus_, L.
_diurnus_, daily. See JOURNAL.]
ADJUDGE, ad-juj', _v.t._ to decide: to assign.--_n._ ADJUDG'MENT, the act
of adjudging: sentence. [O. Fr. _ajuger_--L. _adjudic[=a]re_. See JUDGE.]
ADJUDICATE, ad-j[=oo]'di-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to determine judicially: to
pronounce.--_v.i._ to pronounce judgment.--_ns._ ADJUDIC[=A]'TION (_Eng.
law_), an order of the Bankruptcy Court, adjudging the debtor to be a
bankrupt, and transferring his property to a trustee; ADJ[=U]'DICATOR. [L.
_adjudic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_.]
ADJUNCT, ad'junkt, _adj._ joined or added to.--_n._ the thing joined or
added, as a qualifying addition to a name expressing any personal quality,
or the like: a person joined to another in some office or service:
(_gram._) any word or clause enlarging the subject or predicate: (_logic_)
any accompanying quality or non-essential attribute.--_n._ ADJUNC'TION, the
act of joining: the thing joined.--_adj._ ADJUNCT'IVE, joining.--_advs._
ADJUNCT'IVELY, ADJUNCT'LY, in connection with. [L. See JOIN.]
ADJURATION, ad-j[=oo]r-[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of adjuring: the charge or
oath used in adjuring.--_adj._ ADJUR'ATORY, containing an
adjuration.--_p.adj._ ADJUR'ING, acting as an adjuration. [Fr.--L.
_adjuration-em_.]
ADJURE, ad-j[=oo]r', _v.t._ to charge on oath or solemnly: to cause to
swear (_B._ and _Milton_). [L.--_ad_, to, _jur[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to
swear.]
ADJUST, ad-just', _v.t._ to arrange properly (with _to_): to regulate: to
settle.--_adj._ ADJUST'ABLE.--_n._ ADJUST'MENT, arrangement. [O. Fr.
_ajouster_--Low L. _adjuxt[=a]re_, to put side by side--L. _juxta_, near].
ADJUTAGE, ad'joo-t[=a]j, _n._ Same as _Ajutage_.
ADJUTANT, ad'joot-ant, _n._ a regimental staff officer not above the rank
of major, specially appointed to assist the commanding officer of a
garrison or regiment--there are also adjutants of auxiliary forces, of
dep[^o]ts, of brigade, &c.: a large species of stork or crane found in
India.--_ns._ AD'JUTANCY, the office of an adjutant: assistance;
AD'JUTANT-GEN'ERAL, the head of his department on the general staff of the
army, the executive officer of the commander-in-chief. [L. _adjut[=a]re_ =
_adjuv[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _juv[=a]re_, to assist.]
ADMEASURE, ad-mezh'[=u]r, _v.t._ to measure: to apportion:--_pr.p._
admeas'[=u]ring; _pa.p._ admeas'[=u]red.--_n._ ADMEAS'UREMENT (see
MEASUREMENT). [Fr.--Late L. _admensur[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to, _mensura_,
MEASURE.]
ADMINICLE, ad-min'i-kl, _n._ anything that aids or supports: an auxiliary:
(_law_) any corroboratory evidence.--_adj._ ADMINIC'ULAR.--_v.t._ and
_v.i._ ADMINIC'ULATE. [L. _adminiculum_, a support--_ad_, to, _manus_,
hand.]
ADMINISTER, ad-min'is-t[.e]r, _v.t._ to manage as a steward, substitute, or
executor: to supply: to conduct or execute, as offices of religion: to
apply: to impose.--_v.i._ to bring aid (with to).--_adjs._ ADMIN'ISTRABLE,
that may be administered; ADMIN'ISTRANT.--_n._ ADMINISTR[=A]'TION, the act
of administering: management: dispensation of sacraments: the power or
party that administers the government of the country.--_adj._
ADMIN'ISTRATIVE, that administers.--_n._ ADMINISTR[=A]'TOR, one who manages
or directs: the person to whom is committed, under a commission entitled
LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION, the administration or distribution of the
personal estate of any one dying intestate or leaving a will in which no
executor is named:--_fem._ ADMINISTR[=A]'TRIX.--_n._ ADMINISTR[=A]'TORSHIP.
[Through Fr. from L. _administr[=a]re_--ad, to, and _ministr[=a]re_, to
minister.]
ADMIRAL, ad'mir-al, _n._ the chief commander of a navy--the ancient English
title of Lord High Admiral is now in abeyance, his functions falling to the
five Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, and the High Court of Admiralty:
a naval officer of the highest rank. In the British navy, admirals are
distinguished into three classes--AD'MIRALS, VICE'-AD'MIRALS, and
REAR'-AD'MIRALS; the admiral carrying his colour at the main, the
vice-admiral at the fore, and the rear-admiral at the mizzen mast-head. In
former times each grade was subdivided into three sections, known as
admirals (or vice- or rear-admirals) of the Red, of the White, and of the
Blue, respectively: admiral-ship (Milton's _ammiral_) or flag-ship: the
chief ship in a fleet of merchantmen.--_ns._ AD'MIRALSHIP, the office of an
admiral; AD'MIRALTY, the board of commissioners for the administration of
naval affairs: the building where these transact business. [Through Fr.
from Ar. _am[=i]r_, a lord, a chief.]
ADMIRE, ad-m[=i]r', _v.t._ to have a high opinion of: to love.--_v.i._
(_arch._) to be affected with wonder at.--_adj._ AD'MIRABLE, worthy of
being admired.--_n._ AD'MIRABLENESS.--_adv._ AD'MIRABLY.--_ns._ ADMIR'ANCE
(_Spens._), admiration; ADMIR[=A]'TION, the act of admiring: wonder,
together with esteem, love, or veneration: (_B._, _Shak._, and _Milton_)
astonishment.--_adj._ AD'MIRATIVE.--_n._ ADM[=I]R'ER, one who admires: a
lover.--_adv._ ADM[=I]R'INGLY. [Fr. _admirer_--L. _ad_, at, _mir[=a]ri_, to
wonder.]
ADMIT, ad-mit', _v.t._ to allow to enter: to let in: to concede: to
acknowledge: to be capable of:--_pr.p._ admit'ting; _pa.p._
admit'ted.--_n._ ADMISSIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ ADMIS'SIBLE, that may be admitted
or allowed (generally, or specially as legal proof).--_ns._ ADMIS'SION,
ADMIT'TANCE, the act of admitting: anything admitted or conceded: leave to
enter.--_adj._ ADMIT'TABLE, that may be admitted.--_adv._ ADMIT'TEDLY.
[Through Fr. from L. _admitt[)e]re_, _-missum_--_ad_, to, _mitt[)e]re_, to
send.]
ADMIX, ad-miks', _v.t._ to mix with something else.--_n._ ADMIX'TURE, what
is added to the chief ingredient of a mixture. [L. _ad_, to, and MIX.]
ADMONISH, ad-mon'ish, _v.t._ to warn: to reprove mildly.--_n._
ADMON'ISHMENT, admonition. [O. Fr. _admonester_--Late L.
_admonest[=a]re_--_admonere_--_ad_, to, _monere_, to warn.]
ADMONITION, ad-mon-ish'un, _n._ kind reproof: counsel: advice:
ecclesiastical censure.--_adjs._ ADMON'ITIVE, ADMON'ITORY, containing
admonition.--_n._ ADMON'ITOR. [L. _admonition-em_. See ADMONISH.]
ADNASCENT, ad-nas'ent, _adj._ growing to or upon. [L. _adnascens_,
_-entis_, pr.p. of _adnasci_--_ad_, to, _nasci_, _natus_, to grow.]
ADNATE, ad-n[=a]t', _adj._ (_bot._) growing close to the stem. [L.
_adnatus_, usually _agnatus_--_ad_, to, _(g)natus_, born.]
ADO, a-d[=oo]', _n._ a to do: bustle: trouble: difficulty: stir or fuss.
[Contr. of _at do_ = _to do_, a form of the infin. borrowed from the
Scandinavian.]
ADOBE, a-d[=o]'b[=a], _n._ and _adj._ a sun-dried brick, or made of such.
[Sp. _adobar_, to plaster.]
ADOLESCENT, ad-o-les'ent, _adj._ growing to manhood.--_n._ ADOLES'CENCE,
the period of youth, in man, from 14 to 25; in woman, from 12 to 21.
[Through Fr. from L. _adolescent-em_, _adolesc[)e]re_, to grow,
_adol[=e]re_, to magnify.]
ADONIS, a-d[=o]'nis, _n._ a beautiful youth, beloved by Aphrodite (Venus):
a beau or dandy.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ AD'ONISE, to make beautiful.
ADOORS, a-d[=o]rz', _adv._ (_obs._) at doors: at the door. [Prep, _a_, at,
and DOOR.]
ADOPT, ad-opt', _v.t._ to choose: to take up or embrace: to take into any
relationship: to take as one's own what is another's, as a child,
&c.--_ns._ ADOP'TIANISM, an 8th-century heresy akin to Nestorianism, that
Christ, in respect of his divine nature, was doubtless the Son of God; but
that, as to his human nature, he was only declared and adopted to be the
first-born Son of God; ADOP'TION, the act of adopting: the state of being
adopted: assumption: the taking into one language of words from another:
formal acceptance: choice: (_theol._) an act of divine grace by which the
redeemed in Christ are admitted to the privileges of the sons of
God.--_adjs._ ADOP'TIOUS (_Shak._), adopted; ADOPT'IVE, that adopts or is
adopted. [L. _adopt[=a]re_--_ad_, to, and, _opt[=a]re_, to choose.]
ADORE, ad-[=o]r', _v.t._ to worship: to love intensely.--_adj._ ADOR'ABLE,
worthy of being adored.--_n._ ADOR'ABLENESS.--_adv._ ADOR'ABLY.--_ns._
ADOR[=A]'TION, divine worship, homage: profound regard; ADOR'ER, one who
adores: a lover.--_adv._ ADOR'INGLY. [L. _ad_, to, _or[=a]re_, to pray. See
ORACLE.]
ADORN, ad-orn', _v.t._ to deck or dress: to embellish.--_n._ (_Spens._)
adornment.--_adj._ (_Milton_) adorned, ornate.--_n._ ADORN'MENT, ornament:
decoration. [O. Fr. _a[:o]rner_, _adorner_--L. _adorn[=a]re_--_ad_, to,
_orn[=a]re_, to furnish.]
ADOWN, a-down', _adv._ and _prep._ down. [A.S. _of-d['u]ne_--_of_, from,
_dun_, a hill. See DOWN, a bank.]
ADRAD, a-drad', ADREAD, a-dred', _adj._ (_obs._) in a state of fear. [Prob.
from A.S. _of-drad_, _of-drede_, to terrify. See DREAD.]
ADRIFT, a-drift', _adj._ or _adv._ floating as driven (by the wind): moving
at random. [Prep. _a_, and DRIFT.]
ADROIT, a-droit', _adj._ dexterous: skilful.--_adv._ ADROIT'LY.--_n._
ADROIT'NESS. [Fr. _[`a] droit_, according to right--L. _directus_,
straight. See DIRECT.]
ADRY, a-dr[=i]', _adv._ thirsty. [Pfx. _a-_, and DRY.]
ADSCITITIOUS, ad-sit-ish'us, _adj._ added or assumed: additional. [L.
_adscisc[)e]re_, _-sc[=i]tum_, to take or assume--_ad_, to, _scisc[)e]re_,
to inquire--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]
ADSCRIPT, ad'skript, _adj._ written after: attached to the soil, of feudal
serfs--in this sense also used as a noun. [L. _adscriptus_--_ad_, to,
_scrib[)e]re_, to write.]
ADULATE, ad'[=u]-l[=a]t, _v.t._ to fawn upon, to flatter:--_pr.p._
ad'[=u]l[=a]ting; _pa.p._ ad'[=u]l[=a]ted.--_n._ AD'ULATOR, a servile
flatterer.--_adj._ ADULATORY (ad'[=u]-l[=a]-tor-i). [L. _adul[=a]ri_,
_adulatus_, to fawn upon.]
ADULATION, ad-[=u]-l[=a]'shun, _n._ fawning: flattery. [L. _adul[=a]ri_,
_adulatus_, to fawn upon.]
ADULLAMITE, ad-ul'am-[=i]t, _adj._ an inhabitant of Adullam, where was a
cave to which flocked from all sides to David in exile men in debt,
distress, or discontent (1 Sam. xxii. 1, 2). The name was applied by John
Bright in 1866 to a Whig secession from the Liberal party.
ADULT, ad-ult', _adj._ grown: mature.--_n._ a grown-up person.--_n._
ADULT'NESS. [L. _adultus_--_adolesc[)e]re_, to grow. See ADOLESCENT.]
ADULTERATE, ad-ult'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to corrupt: to make impure (by
mixing).--_v.i._ (_obs._) to commit adultery.--_adj._ defiled by adultery:
spurious: corrupted by base elements.--_ns._ ADULT'ERANT, the person or
substance that adulterates; ADULTER[=A]'TION, the act of adulterating: the
state of being adulterated. [See ADULTERY.]
ADULTERY, ad-ult'[.e]r-i, _n._ violation of the marriage-bed, whether one's
own or another's: in Scripture applied loosely to unchastity
generally.--_n._ ADULT'ERER, a man guilty of adultery:--_fem._
ADULT'ERESS.--_adj._ ADULT'ERINE, resulting from adultery: spurious.--_n._
the offspring of adultery.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ ADULT'ERISE
(_arch._).--_adj._ ADULT'EROUS, guilty of adultery. [O. Fr. _avoutrie_,
_avoutre_, an adulterer--L. _adulterum_, prob. from _ad_, to, and _alter_,
another. The modern form of the word is due to a later approximation to the
Latin form.]
ADUMBRATE, ad-um'br[=a]t, or ad'-, _v.t._ to give a faint shadow of: to
exhibit imperfectly.--_adjs._ ADUM'BRANT, ADUM'BRATIVE, adumbrating or
giving a faint shadow.--_n._ ADUMBR[=A]'TION. [L. _adumbratus_,
_adumbr[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _umbra_, a shadow.]
ADUST, a-dust', _adj._ burnt up or scorched; browned with the sun. [L.
_adustus_, pa.p. of _adur[)e]re_, to burn up.]
ADVANCE, ad-vans', _v.t._ to put forward: to promote to a higher office: to
encourage the progress of: to propose: to supply beforehand: to pay before
the money is legally due, to pay on security.--_v.i._ to move or go
forward: to make progress: to rise in rank or in value.--_n._ progress:
improvement: a rise in price or value: a giving beforehand, also the sum so
given: a loan.--_n._ ADVANCE'MENT, promotion: improvement: payment of money
in advance.--IN ADVANCE, beforehand. [O. Fr. _avancer_--Late L. _abante_
(Fr. _avant_)--L. _ab ante_, from before.]
ADVANTAGE, ad-vant'[=a]j, _n._ superiority over another: gain or benefit:
at tennis, the point gained by either side after _deuce_, when both sides
stand at an equal score (more commonly VANT'AGE).--_v.t._ to benefit or
profit.--_adjs._ ADVAN'TAGEABLE, profitable: convenient (_rare_);
ADVANT[=A]'GEOUS, of advantage: useful (with _to_ and _for_).--_adv._
ADVANT[=A]'GEOUSLY.--_n._ ADVANT[=A]'GEOUSNESS.--TO HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF
ANY ONE, to be known by a person without one's self knowing him; TO TAKE AT
ADVANTAGE, to avail one's self of any opportunity, often implying an unfair
sense. [Fr. _avantage_ (It. _vantaggio_)--Fr. _avant_, before. See
ADVANCE.]
ADVENE, ad-v[=e]n', _v.i._ to accede: to be superadded to. [Through Fr.
from L. _adven[=i]re_, to come to.]
ADVENT, ad'vent, _n._ a coming or arrival: the first or the second coming
of Christ: the period immediately before the festival of the Nativity,
including four Sundays--from the first after St Andrew's Day (November 30)
to Christmas eve.--_n._ AD'VENTIST, one who believes in the second coming
of Christ to set up a kingdom on the earth: a millenarian--_adj._
ADVENT'UAL (_obs._), relating to Advent. [Through Fr. from L.
_adventus_--_ad_, to, _ven[=i]re_, to come.]
ADVENTITIOUS, ad-vent-ish'us, _adj._ accidental: additional: foreign:
appearing casually.--_adv._ ADVENTI'TIOUSLY.--_adj._ ADVENT'IVE (_Bacon_),
adventitious.--_n._ a thing or person coming from without. [See ADVENT.]
ADVENTURE, ad-vent'[=u]r, _n._ a risk or chance: a remarkable incident: an
enterprise: trial of the issue: risk: a commercial speculation: the spirit
of enterprise.--_v.i._ to attempt or dare.--_v.t._ to risk or hazard:
(_refl._) to venture.--_v.i._ to risk one's self (with _on_, _into_,
_upon_): to dare, go so far as to.--_n._ ADVENT'URER, one who engages in
hazardous enterprises: a soldier of fortune, or speculator: one who pushes
his fortune by equivocal means, as false pretences, &c.:--_fem._
ADVENT'URESS.--_adjs._ ADVENT'UROUS, ADVENT'URESOME, enterprising: ready to
incur risk.--_adv._ ADVENT'UROUSLY.--_n._ ADVENT'UROUSNESS. [O. Fr.--L.
_adventurus_, about to happen, fut. perf. of _adven[=i]re_. See ADVENT.]
ADVERB, ad'v[.e]rb, _n._ a word added to a verb, adjective, or other adverb
to express some modification of the meaning or an accompanying
circumstance.--_adj._ ADVERB'IAL, pertaining to an adverb--used also as a
_n._--_adv._ ADVERB'IALLY. [L. _ad verbium_--_ad_, to, _verbum_, a word. It
is so called, not because it is added to a verb, but because it is a word
(_verbum_) joined to, or supplemental of, other words.]
ADVERSARIA, ad-v[.e]rs-[=a]r'i-a, _n.pl._ collections of miscellaneous
things in a commonplace-book: consecutive notes on any book. [L., lit.
things written on the opposite sides of the paper, from _adversus_,
against.]
ADVERSARY, ad'v[.e]rs-ar-i, _n._ an opponent: an enemy: Satan, as the
general adversary of mankind. [O. Fr. _aversier_--L. _adversarius_. See
ADVERSE.]
ADVERSATIVE, ad-v[.e]rs'a-tiv, _adj._ denoting opposition, contrariety, or
variety. [See ADVERSE.]
ADVERSE, ad'v[.e]rs, _adj._ acting in a contrary direction (with _to_):
opposed to: unfortunate: injurious.--_adv._ AD'VERSELY.--_ns._
AD'VERSENESS, ADVERS'ITY, adverse circumstances: affliction: misfortune.
[Through Fr. from L. _adversus_--_ad_, to, and _vert[)e]re_, _versum_, to
turn.]
ADVERT, ad-v[.e]rt', _v.i._ to turn the mind to (with _to_): to refer to:
(_obs._) to regard or observe.--_ns._ ADVERT'ENCE, ADVERT'ENCY, attention
to: heedfulness: regard.--_adj._ ADVERT'ENT, attentive: heedful.--_adv._
ADVERT'ENTLY. [O. Fr. _avertir_, _avertiss-ant_--L. _advert[)e]re_--_ad_,
to, and _vert[)e]re_, to turn.]
ADVERTISE, ad-v[.e]rt-[=i]z', or ad'-, _v.t._ to turn one's attention to:
to inform: to give public information or announcement of: (_obs._) to
instruct.--_ns._ ADVERT'ISEMENT, the act of advertising or making known: a
public notice in a newspaper or periodical: notoriety: (_obs._) news;
ADVERT[=I]S'ER, one who advertises: a paper in which advertisements are
published.--_p.adj._ ADVERT[=I]S'ING (_Shak._), attentive. [Fr., from L.
See ADVERT.]
ADVICE, ad-v[=i]s', _n._ counsel: intelligence (usually in _pl._): formal
official intelligence about anything: specially skilled opinion, as of a
physician or lawyer.--_n._ ADVICE'-BOAT, a swift vessel employed in
conveying despatches.--_adjs._ ADVICE'FUL, AVIZE'FULL (_Spens._).--The form
ADVISO, advice, counsel (_Sir T. Browne_), and in CARAVAL OF ADVISO = an
advice-boat (_Fuller_), is obsolete--modern form AVISO. [O. Fr. _advis_
(Fr. _avis_)--L. _ad visum_, according to what is seen or seems best.]
ADVIEW. Same as AVIEW.
ADVISE, ad-v[=i]z', _v.t._ to give advice or counsel to: to recommend: to
inform (usually with _of_).--_v.i._ to consult (_with_): (_obs._) to
deliberate:--_pr.p._ adv[=i]s'ing; _pa.p._ adv[=i]sed'.--_ns._
ADVISABIL'ITY, ADVIS'ABLENESS.--_adj._ ADVIS'ABLE, that may be advised or
recommended: prudent: expedient: open to advice.--_adv._
ADVIS'ABLY.--_adjs._ ADVIS'ATORY (_rare_); ADVISED', cautious: deliberate,
as in _well-advised_ and _ill-advised_.--_adv._ ADVIS'EDLY,
intentionally.--_ns._ ADVIS'EDNESS, deliberate consideration: prudent
procedure; ADVISE'MENT (_obs._ or _arch._), counsel, deliberation;
ADVIS'ER, one who advises or gives advice; ADVIS'ING (_Shak._), counsel,
advice. [O. Fr. _aviser_, from _advis_ or _avis_. See ADVICE.]
ADVOCACY, ad'vo-ka-si, _n._ the function of an advocate: a pleading for:
defence. [See ADVOCATE.]
ADVOCATE, ad'vo-k[=a]t, _n._ an intercessor or defender: one who pleads the
cause of another, esp. in a court of law in Scotland and France.--_v.t._ to
plead in favour of: to recommend.--_ns._ ADVOC[=A]'TION; AD'VOCATOR.--LORD
ADVOCATE, the first law-officer of the crown and public prosecutor of
crimes for Scotland. [O. Fr. _avocat_--L. _advocatus_--_advoc[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_--_ad_, to, _voc[=a]re_, to call: to call in (another to help, as
in a lawsuit or in sickness).]
ADVOUTRER, ad-vow'tr[.e]r, _n._ (_obs._) an adulterer:--_fem._ ADVOU'TRESS.
[See ADVOUTRY.]
ADVOUTRY, ad-vow'tri, _n._ (_obs._) adultery. [O. Fr. _avoutrie_--L.
_adulterium_.]
ADVOWSON, ad-vow'zun, _n._ the right of patronage or presentation to a
church benefice.--_n._ ADVOWEE', one who has the right of advowson. [O. Fr.
_avoeson_--L. _advocation-em_, right of the patron--L. _advocatus_, a
patron.]
ADYNAMIC, [=a]-di-nam'ik, _adj._ without strength: (_phys._) characterised
by the absence of force. [Gr. _a_, neg., and _dynamis_, strength.]
ADYTUM, ad'i-tum, _n._ the most sacred part of a heathen temple: the
chancel of a church:--_pl._ AD'YTA. [L.--Gr. _adyton_--_a_, neg., and
_dyein_, to enter.]
ADZE, ADZ, adz, _n._ a carpenter's tool consisting of a thin arched blade
with its edge at right angles to the handle. [A.S. _adesa_; ultimate origin
unknown.]
AE, [=a], or y[=a], modern Scotch form of A.S. _['a]n_, one, used as an
adjective.
AEDILE, EDILE, [=e]'d[=i]l, _n._ a magistrate in ancient Rome who had the
charge of public buildings, games, markets, police, &c.--_n._ AE'DILESHIP.
[L. _aed[=i]lis_, _aedes_, _-is_, a building.]
AEGIS, [=e]'jis, _n._ (_orig._) a shield given by Jupiter to Minerva:
anything that protects. [L.--Gr. _a['i]gis_.]
AEGLOGUE, an archaic form of ECLOGUE.
AEGROTAT, [=e]'gr[=o]-t[:a]t, _n._ in the English universities, a medical
certificate of inability from illness to attend lectures or
examinations.--_n._ AEGER ([=e]'j[.e]r), sick, the word used at Oxford and
Cambridge in excusing absence on account of illness, hence a note
certifying a student to be _aeger_ or sick. [L., 'he is sick,' 3d pers.
sing. pres. indic. of _aegrot[=a]re_, to be sick; _aeger_, sick.]
AENEID, [=e]'n[=e]-id, _n._ an epic poem written by Virgil, the hero of
which is Aeneas. [L. _Aeneis_, _-idos_.]
AEOLIAN, [=e]-[=o]'li-an, _adj._ pertaining to or acted on by the wind:
aerial: of Aeolis or Aeolia, a district of Asia Minor colonised by the
Greeks.--Also AE'[=O]LIC. [_Aeolus_, the god of the winds.]
AEOLIPILE, [=e]-ol'i-p[=i]l, _n._ an instrument consisting of a hollow ball
of metal partly filled with water, and having a small orifice through which
steam escapes on the application of heat, thus turning the ball. It is the
first instrument on record for showing the power of steam. [From L.
_Aeolus_, and _pila_, ball.]
AEON, EON, [=e]'on, _n._ a period of time, an age or one of a series of
ages, eternity: the personification of an age, a power emanating from the
supreme Deity, with its share in the creation and government of the
universe.--_adj._ AE[=O]'NIAN, eternal. [Gr. _ai[=o]n_.]
AERATE, [=a]'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to put air into: to supply, or cause to
mix, with carbonic acid or other gas, as AERATED WATERS.--_ns._ A'ERATOR,
an apparatus for such purpose; AER[=A]'TION, exposure to the action of air:
the mixing or saturating with a gas: the oxygenation of the blood by
respiration. [L. _aer_, air.]
AERIAL, [=a]-[=e]r'i-al, _adj._ belonging to the air: inhabiting or
existing in the air: elevated, lofty, ethereal.--_ns._ AERIAL'ITY,
AER'IALNESS.--_adv._ AER'IALLY.
AERIE, [=a]'ri, or [=e]'ri, _n._ the nest of any bird of prey, esp. an
eagle: a house perched on some high or steep place: (_Shak._) the brood in
the nest, or a stock of children.--Also AERY, EYRIE, EYRY. [O. Fr. _aire_;
Low L. _aeria_, _aerea_--L. _area_, a spot of level ground. The form EYRY
seems to have been originally due to a confusion with M. E. _ey_, an egg.]
AERIFEROUS, [=a]-[.e]r-if'[.e]r-us, _adj._ carrying or containing air. [L.
_aer_, air, and _ferre_, to carry.]
AERIFORM, [=a]'[.e]r-i-form, _adj._ having the form or nature of air or
gas: unsubstantial, unreal. [L. _aer_, air, and _forma_, form.]
AERIFY, [=a]'[.e]r-i-f[=i], _v.t._ to change from a solid or liquid state
into air or gas: to fill or combine with air.--_n._ AERIFIC[=A]'TION, act
of being aerified or changed from a solid or liquid state into air or gas:
act of combining air with anything: state of being filled with air. [L.
_aer_, air, and _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
AEROBIA, [=a]-[.e]r-[=o]'bi-a, _n.pl._ (_biol._) bacteria that require free
oxygen for the maintenance of their vitality.--_adj._ AER[=O]'BIC.
AERODYNAMICS, [=a]-[.e]r-o-di-nam'iks, _n._ the science of the motion of
the air and other gases, and of their mechanical effects when in motion.
[Gr. _a[=e]r_, _aeros_, air, and _dynamis_, power.]
AEROLITE, [=a]'[.e]r-o-l[=i]t, _n._ a meteoric stone or meteorite--also
A'EROLITH.--_n._ AEROLITHOL'OGY, that branch of science which treats of
aerolites.--_adj._ AEROLIT'IC. [Gr. _a[=e]r_, air, _lithos_, a stone.]
AEROLOGY, [=a]-[.e]r-ol'o-ji, _n._ the branch of science which treats of
the atmosphere.--_adj._ AEROLOG'ICAL.--_n._ AEROL'OGIST. [Gr. _a[=e]r_,
_aeros_, air, _logos_, discourse.]
AEROMANCY, [=a]-[.e]r-om'an-si, _n._ divination by means of atmospheric
phenomena: weather forecasting. [Fr.--L.--Gr. _a[=e]r_, air, _manteia_,
divination.]
AEROMETER, [=a]-[.e]r-om'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring the
weight or density of air and gases. [Gr. _a[=e]r_, and METER.]
AEROMETRY, [=a]-[.e]r-om'e-tri, _n._ the measuring of the air, now called
pneumatics.--_adj._ AEROMET'RIC. [Gr. _a[=e]r_, _aeros_, air, _metron_, a
measure.]
AERONAUT, [=a]'[.e]r-o-nawt, _n._ one who makes ascents in a
balloon.--_adjs._ AERONAUT'IC, AERONAUT'ICAL.--_n._ AERONAUT'ICS, the
science or art of aerial navigation. [Gr. _a[=e]r_, air, _naut[=e]s_,
sailor.]
AEROPHYTE, [=a]'[.e]r-o-f[=i]t, _n._ a plant nourished by the air, as
epiphytal orchids and many lichens. [Gr. _a[=e]r_, air, _phyton_, a plant.]
AEROSTAT, [=a]'[.e]r-o-stat, _n._ a machine formed to sustain weights in
the air: a flying machine--sometimes applied in the newspapers to the
aeronaut himself.--_adj._ AEROSTAT'IC--_n._ AEROST[=A]'TION, the art of
raising and guiding balloons. [Gr. _a[=e]r_, _aeros_, air, and _statos_,
standing--_hist[=e]mi_, I cause to stand.]
AEROSTATICS, [=a]-[.e]r-o-stat'iks, _n._ the science of the equilibrium of
air or of elastic fluids: the science of raising and guiding balloons. [Gr.
_a[=e]r_, air, _statikos_, relating to equilibrium. See STATICS.]
AERUGINOUS, [=e]-roo'ji-nus, _adj._ pertaining to or like copper-rust or
verdigris. [L. _aeruginosus_--_aerugo_, _aeruginis_, rust of copper--_aes_,
_aeris_, brass, copper.]
AERY, [=a]'[.e]r-i, _adj._ aerial, incorporeal, spiritual,
visionary.--_adj._ AE'RYLIGHT (_Milton_), light as air.--As a noun, AERY is
a variant spelling of AERIE.
AESTHETICS, [=e]s-thet'iks, _n._ the feeling of beauty in objects, the
principles of taste and of art: the philosophy of the fine arts.--_n._
AES'THETE, a professed disciple of aestheticism, one who affects an
extravagant love of art.--_adjs._ AESTHET'IC, AESTHET'ICAL, pertaining to
aesthetics.--_adv._ AESTHET'ICALLY.--_ns._ AESTHETI'CIAN, AESTHET'ICIST,
one devoted to aesthetics; AESTHET'ICISM, the principles of aesthetics: the
cult of the beautiful, applied esp. to an art movement in London in the
last quarter of the 19th century, which aimed at carrying art into every
home and every relation of life, but made itself ridiculous by its
fantastic and superficial dogmatism, and its puerility.--_v.t._
AESTHET'ICIZE, to render aesthetic, to refine. [Gr. _aisth[=e]tikos_,
perceptive--_aisthanesthai_, to feel or perceive.]
AESTIVAL, es-t[=i]'val, _adj._ pertaining to the summer. [L.
_aestivalis_--_aestas_, summer.]
AESTIVATION, es-ti-v[=a]'shun, _n._ (_bot._) the manner of folding of the
petals in the flower-bud: (_zool._) the act of remaining dormant during the
dry season--opposed to _Hibernation_: (_Bacon_) the passing of the summer:
a summer retreat. [L. _aestivus_, relating to summer--_aestas_, summer.]
AETHRIOSCOPE, [=e]'thri-o-sk[=o]p, _n._ an instrument for measuring the
minute variations of temperature due to the condition of the sky. [Gr.
_aithria_, the open sky, _skopos_, an observer.]
AETIOLOGY, [=e]-ti-ol'o-ji, _n._ the science or philosophy of causation,
esp. an inquiry into the origin and causes of a disease.--_adj._
AETIOLOG'ICAL. [L.--Gr. _aitiologia_--_aitia_, cause, _logos_, discourse.]
AFAR, a-f[:a]r', _adv._ from a far distance (usually preceded by _from_):
to a distance (usually followed by _off_). [A.S. _feor_, with prep. _of_ or
_on_. See FAR.]
AFEAR, AFFEAR, a-f[=e]r', _v.t._ (_obs._) to terrify.--_adj._ AFEARD'
(_Shak._), affected with fear, afraid. [Pfx. _a-_, and A.S. _faeran_, to
frighten.]
AFFABLE, af'fa-bl, _adj._ condescending: easy to be spoken to (used with
_to_).--_ns._ AFFABIL'ITY, AF'FABLENESS.--_adv._ AF'FABLY. [Fr.--L.
_affabilis_--_aff[=a]ri_, to speak to--_ad_, to, and _f[=a]ri_, to speak.]
AFFAIR, af-f[=a]r', _n._ that which is to be done: business: any small
matter: a battle of minor importance: a matter of intimate personal
concern, as a duel--a so-called affair of honour, or an intrigue: (_pl._)
transactions in general: public concerns. [O. Fr. _afaire_ (Fr.
_affaire_)--_[`a]_ and _faire_--L. _ad_, and _fac[)e]re_, to do. Cf. ADO.]
AFFAMISH, af-fam'ish, _v.t._ and _v.i._ (_obs._) to cause to perish from
hunger. [Fr. _affamer_--L. _ad_, to, _fames_, hunger.]
AFFECT, af-fekt', _v.t._ to act upon: to produce a change upon: to move the
feelings: to assign, apply (only in _pass_.).--_adj._ AFFECT'ED, touched
with a feeling either for or against (with _by_): full of affectation:
feigned.--_adv._ AFFECT'EDLY.--_n._ AFFECT'EDNESS.--_adj._ AFFECT'ING,
having power to move the passions: pathetic.--_adv._ AFFECT'INGLY. [L.
_affic[)e]re_, _affectum_--_ad_, to, _fac[)e]re_, to do.]
AFFECT, af-fekt', _v.t._ to make a show or pretence of, to assume, to
counterfeit or pretend to, to take upon one's self to: (_obs._) to aim at,
seek to obtain: (_arch._) have a liking for, to love: to practise, wear, or
frequent: to haunt or inhabit by preference.--_n._ AFFECT[=A]'TION, a
striving after, or an attempt to assume, what is not natural or real:
pretence. [L. _affect[=a]re_, freq. of _affic[)e]re_. See AFFECT above.]
AFFECTION, af-fek'shun, _n._ kindness or love: attachment: (_Shak._)
affectation: an attribute or property: a disposition of mind: a disease or
abnormal state of body or mind.--_adjs._ AFFEC'TIONAL; AFFEC'TIONATE, full
of affection: loving: (_obs._) eager, passionate, well inclined to;
AFFEC'TIONATED (_obs._).--_adv._ AFFEC'TIONATELY.--_n._
AFFEC'TIONATENESS.--_adj._ AFFEC'TIONED (_B._), affected, disposed:
(_Shak._) full of affectation. [L. See AFFECT.]
AFFEER, af-f[=e]r', _v.t._ to fix the market value of: to reduce to a
certain fixed sum.--_adj._ AFFEERED' (_Shak._), confirmed.--_n._
AFFEER'MENT. [O. Fr. _affeurer_--Low L. _affor[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to,
_forum_, a market.]
AFFERENT, af'f[.e]r-ent, _adj._ (_anat._) bringing to, applied to the
nerves that convey sensations to the nerve centres. [L. _afferens_--_ad_,
to, and _ferre_, to carry.]
AFFETTUOSO, af-fet-t[=oo]-[=o]'so, _adj._ and _adv._ (_mus._) tender,
tenderly, with feeling--used as a noun by Burke.
AFFIANCE, af-f[=i]'ans, _n._ faith pledged to: marriage contract: trust:
affinity (_in_, _on_).--_v.t._ to pledge faith: to betroth.--_adj._ and
_n._ AFF[=I]'ANCED, betrothed. [O. Fr. _afiance_, _afier_--L. _ad_, to,
_fides_, faith.]
AFFIDAVIT, af-fi-d[=a]'vit, _n._ a written declaration on oath.
[_Affidavit_, 3d pers. sing. perf. of a Low L. _affid[=a]re_, to pledge
one's faith.]
AFFIED (_arch._), _pa.p._ of AFFY.
AFFILIATE, af-fil'i-[=a]t, _v.t._ to receive into a family as a son, or
into a society as a member: to attach to, or connect with, as minor
colleges with a university: to impute paternity to, to attribute to, to
father on or upon.--_n._ AFFILI[=A]'TION, the act of receiving into a
family or society as a member: (_law_) the assignment of an illegitimate
child to its father, the assignment of anything to its origin. [L.
_affili[=a]re_, to adopt--_ad_, to, _filius_, a son.]
AFFINE, af-f[=i]n', _n._ (_obs._) a relation, connection.--_adjs._ AFFINE',
AFFINED', related, bound by some tie. [O. Fr.--L. _affinis_,
neighbouring--_ad_, to, at, _finis_, a boundary.]
AFFINITY, af-fin'i-ti, _n._ nearness of kin, agreement, or resemblance:
causal relationship: structural resemblance between languages of ultimately
common origin: structural resemblance between plants, animals, or minerals
pointing to identity of stock: relationship by marriage, opposed to
consanguinity or relationship by blood: (_B._) social relationship: the
spiritual relationship between sponsors and their godchild: a mysterious
attraction supposed to exist between two persons: (_chem._) the peculiar
attraction between the atoms of two simple substances that makes them
combine to form a compound.--_adj._ AFFIN'ITIVE. [Fr.--L.
_affinitas_--_affinis_, neighbouring--_ad_, at, _finis_, boundary.]
AFFIRM, af-f[.e]rm', _v.t._ to assert confidently or positively: to ratify
a judgment: to confirm or maintain a statement of one's own or another's:
(_log._) to make a statement in the affirmative: (_law_) to make a formal
declaration or affirmation, without an oath.--_adj._ AFFIRM'ABLE, that may
be affirmed (with _of_).--_n._ AFFIRM'ANCE, affirmation, assertion,
confirmation.--_adj._ AFFIRM'ANT--also _n._, one who affirms.--_n._
AFFIRM[=A]'TION, act of asserting: that which is affirmed: (_law_) the
solemn declaration made by Quakers and others incapable of taking an
oath.--_adj._ and _n._ AFFIRM'ATIVE, that affirms or asserts: positive, not
negative: dogmatic.--_adv._ AFFIRM'ATIVELY.--_adj._ AFFIRM'ATORY. [O. Fr.
_afermer_--L. _affirm[=a]re_--_ad_, _firmus_, firm. See FIRM.]
AFFIX, af-fiks', _v.t._ to fix to: to add: to attach (_to_, _on_,
_upon_).--_n._ AF'FIX, an addition to a root, stem, or word, to modify its
meaning or use, whether _prefix_ or _suffix_: any appendage or addition.
[L. _affig[)e]re_, _-fixum_--_ad_, to, _fig[)e]re_, to fix. See FIX.]
AFFLATION, af-fl[=a]'shun, _n._ a breathing upon.--_p.adj._ AFFLAT'ED,
inspired. [From L. _affl[=a]re_, _fl[=a]tum_--_ad_, to, and _fl[=a]re_, to
breathe.]
AFFLATUS, af-fl[=a]'tus, _n._ inspiration, as of the poet or orator: esp.
religious inspiration, the divine afflatus = L. _afflatus divinus_. [See
INFLATION.]
AFFLICT, af-flikt', _v.t._ to give continued pain, distress, or grief: to
harass, or vex.--_pa.p._ AFFLICT'ED, harassed by disease of body or mind:
suffering.--_adj._ AFFLICT'ING, distressing.--_n._ AFFLIC'TION, state or
cause of pain or distress: misery: loss of friends, sickness, persecution.
&c.--_adj._ AFFLICT'IVE, causing distress. [L. _afflig[)e]re_,
_flictum_--_ad_, to, _flig[)e]re_, to dash to the ground.]
AFFLUENT, af'fl[=oo]-ent, _adj._ abounding: wealthy (with _in_).--_n._ a
stream flowing into a river or lake.--_ns._ AF'FLUENCE, abundance: wealth;
AF'FLUENCY (_obs._).--_adv._ AF'FLUENTLY.--_n._ AF'FLUENTNESS. [L.
_afflu[)e]re_, _affluent-em_--_ad_, to, _flu[)e]re_, to flow.]
AFFLUX, af'fluks, AFFLUXION, af-flux'shun, _n._ a flowing to: an accession.
[L. _afflu[)e]re_, _affluxum_. See AFFLUENT.]
AFFORCE, af-f[=o]rs', _v.t._ (_law_) to reinforce a jury or other
deliberative body by specially skilled persons.--_n._ AFFORCE'MENT. [O. Fr.
_aforcer_--Low L. _exforti[=a]re_--L. _fortis_, strong.]
AFFORD, af-f[=o]rd', _v.t._ to yield or produce: to be able to sell, to
expend, or to bear the expense of. [M. E. _aforthen_, from A.S.
_geforthian_ or _forthian_, to further or cause to come forth.]
AFFOREST, af-for'est, _v.t._ to turn land into forest.--_n._
AFFOREST[=A]'TION. [Low L. _afforest[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to, and _foresta_.
See FOREST.]
AFFRANCHISE, af-fran'chiz, _v.t._ to free from slavery, or from some
obligation. [O. Fr. _afranchir_, _afranchiss-_, from _[`a]_, to,
_franchir_, to free, _franc_, free. See FRANK.]
AFFRAP, af-frap', _v.t._ or _v.i._ (_Spens._) to strike or strike down.
[It. _affrappare_--_af_ (_ad_), to, and _frapp[=a]re_ (Fr. _frapper_), to
strike.]
AFFRAY, af-fr[=a]', _n._ a fight causing alarm: a brawl or fray: terror
(_Spens._).--_v.t._ to startle: to frighten: esp. in _pa.p._ AFFRAYED' =
afraid. [O. Fr. _afrayer_, _esfreer_ (Fr. _effrayer_)--Low L.
_exfredi[=a]re_, to break the king's peace--L. _ex_, and Old High Ger.
_fridu_ (Ger. _friede_), peace.]
AFFRET, af-fret', _n._ (_Spens._) a furious onset. [Prob. from It.
_affrettare_, to hasten.]
AFFRIENDED, af-frend'ed, _adj._ (_Spens._) made friends: reconciled.
AFFRIGHT, af-fr[=i]t', _v.t._ to frighten--also AFFRIGHT'EN.--_n._
AFFRIGHT', sudden terror.--_pa.p._ AFFRIGHT'ED, frightened.--_adv._
AFFRIGHT'EDLY.--_adj._ AFFRIGHT'FUL (_arch._).--_n._ AFFRIGHT'MENT, sudden
fear. [A.S. _afyrhtan_. See FRIGHT.]
AFFRONT, af-frunt', _v.t._ to meet face to face: to insult openly:
(_Shak._) to throw one's self in the way of.--_n._ contemptuous treatment:
an open insult: disgrace.--_adj._ AFFRONT['E], _fem._ AFFRONT['E]E, facing
each other: (_her._) of animals represented front to front, or
expectant--opp. to _Addorsed_; also looking frontwise, or toward the
beholder.--_p.adj._ AFFRONT'ED, insulted, offended.--_adj._
AFFRONT'IVE.--TO PUT AN AFFRONT UPON, TO OFFER AN AFFRONT TO = to openly
insult a person. [O. Fr. _afronter_--Low L. _affront[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to,
_front-_, the forehead.]
AFFUSION, af-f[=u]'zhun, _n._ the act of pouring upon or
sprinkling.--Baptism by affusion is effected by the pouring of water on the
subject, as distinct from baptism by dipping, or baptism by sprinkling. [L.
_affusion-em_, _affund[)e]re_--_ad_, to, _fund[)e]re_, _fusum_, to pour.]
AFFY, af-f[=i]', _v.t._ (_obs._) to pledge one's faith to, to
betroth.--_v.i._ to trust or confide:--_pr.p._ affy'ing; _pa.p._
aff[=i]ed'. [O. Fr. _afier_--Low L. _aff[=i]d[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _fides_,
faith. See AFFIANCE.]
AFIELD, a-f[=e]ld', _adv._ to, in, or on the field.
AFIRE, a-f[=i]r', _adv._ on fire: in a state of inflammation.
AFLAME, a-fl[=a]m', _adj._ and _adv._ flaming: glowing. [Pfx. _a-_, and
FLAME.]
AFLOAT, a-fl[=o]t', _adv._ or _adj._ floating: at sea: unfixed: in
circulation.
AFOOT, a-foot', _adv._ on foot: astir.
AFORE, a-f[=o]r', _prep._ (_B._ and _Shak._) beforehand, previously.
AFOREHAND, a-f[=o]r'hand, _adv._ before the regular time of accomplishment:
in advance.
AFORESAID, a-f[=o]r'sed, _adj._ said or named before.
AFORETHOUGHT, a-f[=o]r'thawt, _adj._ thought of or meditated before:
premeditated.
AFORETIME, a-f[=o]r't[=i]m, _adv._ in former or past times.
AFOUL, a-fowl', _adj._ or _adv._ entangled: in collision (with _of_).
AFRAID, a-fr[=a]d', _adj._ struck with fear: timid. [See AFFRAY.]
AFRESH, a-fresh', _adv._ anew.
AFRICAN, af'rik-an, _adj._ pertaining to Africa--also AF'RIC.--_ns._
AF'RICAN, a native of Africa; AFRICAND'ER, one born of white parents in
Cape Colony or other parts of South Africa. [L. _Africus_,
_Africanus_--_Afer_, African.]
AFRIT, a-frit', _n._ an evil demon in Arabian mythology.--Also AFREET'.
[Ar. _`ifr[=i]t_, a demon.]
AFRONT, a-frunt', _adv._ (_obs._) in front.
AFT, aft, _adj._ or _adv._ behind: near or towards the stern of a vessel.
[A.S. _aeft-an_.]
AFTER, aft'[.e]r, _prep._ and _adv._ behind in place: later in time:
following in search of: in imitation of: in proportion to, or in agreement
with: concerning: subsequent to, or subsequently: afterward: after the
manner of, or in imitation of.--_adj._ behind in place: later in time: more
toward the stern of a vessel. [A.S. _aefter_, comp. of _af_, or _of_, the
primary meaning being 'more off,' 'farther away;' _-ter_ as a comparative
affix is seen in L. _al-ter_, Eng. _o-ther_. See OF.]
AFTERBIRTH, aft'[.e]r-b[.e]rth, _n._ the placenta and membranes which are
expelled from the uterus of the mother after the birth.
AFTERCLAP, aft'[.e]r-klap, _n._ an unexpected event happening after an
affair is supposed to be at an end.
AFTERCROP, aft'[.e]r-krop, _n._ a second crop in the same year.
AFTER-DAMP, aft'[.e]r-damp, _n._ choke-damp, arising in coal-mines after an
explosion of fire-damp.
AFTEREYE, aft-[.e]r-[=i]', _v.t._ (_Shak._) to look after.
AFTERGAME, aft'[.e]r-g[=a]m, _n._ a second game played to reverse the issue
of the first, hence the means employed after the first turn of affairs.
AFTERGLOW, aft'[.e]r-gl[=o], _n._ the glow often seen in the sky after
sunset.
AFTERGUARD, aft'[.e]r-g[:a]rd, _n._ the men on the quarter-deck and poop
who work the after sails, not needing to go aloft: a drudge or person in a
mean capacity.
AFTER-HANDS, af'ter-handz, _n.pl._ (_Tenn._) future labourers.
AFTER-IMAGE, aft'[.e]r-im'[=a]j, _n._ the image that remains for a brief
period after the eye has been withdrawn from the object.
AFTERINGS, aft'[.e]r-ingz, _n._ the last milk drawn in milking.
AFTERMATH, aft'[.e]r-math, _n._ a second mowing of grass in the same
season. [See MOW, MEADOW.]
AFTERMOST, aft'[.e]r-m[=o]st, _adj._ hindmost. [A.S. _aeftemest_; Goth.
_af-tuma_, _-tuma_, being equiv. to L. _-tumus_ in _op-tumus_, best. Goth.
has also _af-tum-ists_ = A.S. _aef-tem-est_, which is thus a double
superlative.--Thus in aftermost, _r_ is intrusive and _-most_ is not the
adv. _most_.]
AFTERNOON, aft'[.e]r-n[=oo]n, _n._ the time between noon and evening.--_n._
AFT'ER-MORN (_Tenn._), the morrow.
AFTERPAINS, aft'[.e]r-p[=a]nz, _n._ the pains which succeed childbirth and
the expulsion of the afterbirth.
AFTERPIECE, aft'[.e]r-p[=e]s, _n._ a farce or other minor piece performed
after a play.
AFTERSUPPER, aft'[.e]r-sup-p[.e]r, _n._ the time between supper and
bedtime.
AFTERTHOUGHT, aft'[.e]r-thawt, _n._ thought or reflection after an action:
a later thought.
AFTERWARD, aft'[.e]r-ward, AFTERWARDS, aft'[.e]r-wardz, _adv._ in
after-time: later: subsequently. [A.S. _aeftenweard_.]
AGA, AGHA, [=a]'ga, _n._ a Turkish commander or chief officer. [Turk.
_agh[=a]_, Pers. _ak_, _aka_, a lord.]
AGAIN, a-gen', _adv._ once more: in return: back. [A.S. _on-ge['a]n_,
again, opposite; Ger. _ent-gegen_.]
AGAINST, a-genst', also a-g[=a]nst', _prep._ opposite to: in opposition to:
in contact or collision with: in provision for: in exchange for, instead
of: (_B._ and _Shak._) by the time that, elliptically for 'against (the
time) at which' or 'that I come.' [Formed from _again_, with genitive
ending _-es_, as _whilst_ from _while_--the _-t_ being a later addition, as
in _amongs-t_, _amids-t_, &c.]
AGAMI, ag'a-mi, _n._ the golden-breasted trumpeter, a grallatorial bird of
South America. [Native name.]
AGAMOGENESIS, a-gam-o-jen'e-sis, _n._ reproduction without sex, found among
lower animals and in plants. [Gr. _a_, priv., _gamos_, marriage, _genesis_,
reproduction.]
AGAMOUS, ag'a-mus, _adj._ (_bot._) having no visible flowers or organs of
fructification. [Gr. _agamos_--_a_, neg., and _gamos_, marriage.]
AGAPE, ag'a-p[=e], _n._ a love-feast, held by the early Christians at
communion time, when contributions were made for the poor:--_pl._
AG'APAE.--_n._ AGAPEM'ON[=E] (Gr., 'love abode'), a community of religious
visionaries with unedifying ideas about the sexual relations, founded in
1859 at Charlinch, near Bridgwater, by one H. J. Prince, formerly an
Anglican clergyman. [Gr. _agap[=e]_, love.]
AGAPE, a-g[=a]p', _adj._ or _adv._ gaping from wonder, expectation, or
attention. [Lit., 'on gape.']
AGARIC, ag'ar-ik, _n._ a family of fungi, including the mushroom. [Gr.
_agarikon_.]
AGASTRIC, a-gas'trik, _adj._ having no stomach. [Gr. _a_, neg., and
_gast[=e]r_, stomach.]
AGATE, ag'[=a]t, _n._ a precious stone composed of layers of quartz, of
different tints.--_adj._ AGATIF'EROUS. [Gr. _achat[=e]s_, said to be so
called because first found near the river _Achates_ in Sicily.]
AGATE, a-g[=a]t', _adv._ agoing, on the way. [Prep. _a_, and GATE; a
northern word.]
AGAVE, a-g[=a]'ve, _n._ a genus of herbaceous plants, natives of the warmer
parts of America, which in Mexico usually flower about the seventh or
eighth year, the stem rising to a height of forty feet. It is called also
the American Aloe and Century Plant, receiving the latter name from the
number of years (40-60, popularly a hundred) it takes to flower in our
hot-houses.
AGAZED, a-g[=a]zd', _adj._ (_Shak._) struck with amazement. [Prob. a
variant of AGHAST.]
AGE, [=a]j, _n._ the ordinary length of human life: the time during which a
person or thing has lived or existed: mature years: legal maturity (at 21
years), or time of life with regard to crime, contracts, marriage, &c.: a
period of time: any great period of human history, as the Golden Age, the
Bronze Age, the Middle Ages, or of individual history, as the age of
infancy, the five--or seven--so-called ages of man: a generation of men: a
century.--_v.i._ to grow old:--_pr.p._ [=a]g'ing; _pa.p._ [=a]g'ed.--_adj._
AGED ([=a]j'ed), advanced in age: having a certain age.--_n.pl._ old
people.--_n._ AGEDNESS ([=a]j'ed-nes), condition of being aged or
old.--_adjs._ AGE'LESS; AGE'LONG. [O. Fr. _edage_ (Fr. _[^a]ge_)--L.
_aetas_ = _aevitas_--L. _aevum_, age; cog. with EVER.]
AGEN, a-gen', _adv._ Same as AGAIN.
AGENDA, aj-end'a, _n._ things to be done: a memorandum-book: (_obs._) a
ritual. [L. _agendus_, fut. perf. pass. of _ag[)e]re_, to do.]
AGENT, [=a]j'ent, _n._ a person or thing that acts or exerts power: any
natural force acting on matter: one authorised or delegated to transact
business for another.--_n._ AG'ENCY, the office or business, operation or
action, of an agent; instrumentality.--LAW AGENT, a general term in
Scotland, including Writers to the Signet, Solicitors to the Supreme Court,
and Procurators in the sheriff courts--the requirements are an indentured
apprenticeship of five years to a law agent, the passing of examinations in
general knowledge and in law, and formal admission by the Court of Session.
[L. _ag[)e]re_, to do. See ACT.]
AGGLOMERATE, ag-glom'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to make into a ball: to collect
into a mass.--_v.i._ to grow into a mass.--_adjs._ AGGLOM'ERATE,
AGGLOM'ERATED, collected into a heap or mass.--_n._ AGGLOMER[=A]'TION, a
growing or heaping together: a mass: a cluster.--_adj._ AGGLOM'ERATIVE.
[_Agglomer[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_ad_, to, L. _glomus_, _glomeris_, a ball.
See CLEW, GLOBE.]
AGGLUTINATE, ag-gl[=oo]t'in-[=a]t, _v.t._ to cause to adhere by glue or
cement.--_adj._ AGGLUT'INANT, uniting or causing to stick together.--_ns._
AGGLUT'INATE, AGGLUT'INATIVE, a classification formerly much used in
contrast to _inflectional_, to describe such languages as Turkish, which
show, in the words of Whitney, an inferior degree of integration in the
elements of their words, or of unification of words, the suffixes and
prefixes retaining a certain independence of one another and of the root or
stem to which they are added; AGGLUTIN[=A]'TION, the act of uniting, as by
glue: adhesion of parts.--_adj._ AGGLUT'INATIVE, tending to or having power
to cause adhesion. [L. _agglutin[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _gluten_, glue. See
GLUE.]
AGGRACE, ag-gr[=a]s', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to grace, to favour.--_n._
kindness: favour. [Low L. _aggrati[=a]re_--L. _ad_, to, _gratia_, grace.]
AGGRANDISE, ag'grand-[=i]z, _v.t._ to make great or larger: to make greater
in power, rank, or honour.--_ns._ AGGRANDIS[=A]'TION; AGGRANDISEMENT
(ag'grand-[=i]z-ment, or ag-grand'iz-ment), act of aggrandising: state of
being aggrandised. [Fr., from L. _ad_, to, and _grandis_, large.]
AGGRATE, ag-gr[=a]t', _v.t._ (_obs._) to gratify or please. [It.
_aggratare_--L. _ad_, to, _gratus_, pleasing. See GRACE.]
AGGRAVATE, ag'grav-[=a]t, _v.t._ to make worse: to provoke.--_adj._
AG'GRAVATING.--_adv._ AG'GRAVATINGLY.--_n._ AGGRAV[=A]'TION, a making
worse: any quality or circumstance which makes a thing worse: an
exaggeration. [L. _aggrav[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _gravis_, heavy. See GRAVE.]
AGGREGATE, ag'greg-[=a]t, _v.t._ to collect into a mass: to
accumulate.--_v.i._ (_rare_) to add as a member to a society: to combine
with.--_adj._ formed of parts taken together.--_n._ the sum total.--_adv._
AG'GREGATELY.--_n._ AGGREG[=A]'TION, act of aggregating: state of being
collected together: an aggregate.--_adj._ AG'GREGATIVE. [L. _aggreg[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_, to bring together, as a flock--_ad_, to, _grex_, _gregis_, a
flock.]
AGGRESS, ag-gres', _v.i._ to make a first attack: to begin a quarrel: to
intrude.--_adj._ AGGRESS'IVE, making the first attack, or prone to do so:
offensive as opposed to defensive.--_ns._ AGGRESS'IVENESS; AGGRESS'OR, one
who attacks first. [L. _aggredi_, _-gressus_--_ad_, to, _gradi_, to step.]
AGGRESSION, ag-gresh'un, _n._ first act of hostility or injury: a breach of
the peace: an attack on public privileges. [L. _aggredi_, _-gressus_--_ad_,
to, _gradi_, to step.]
AGGRIEVE, ag-gr[=e]v', _v.t._ to press heavily upon: to pain or injure. [O.
Fr. _agrever_ (Sp. _agraviar_)--L. _ad_, to, and _gravis_, heavy. See
GRIEF, GRIEVE.]
AGHAST, a-gast', _adj._ stupefied with horror. [Properly _agast_; M. E.
_agasten_, to terrify; A.S. intens. pfx. _['a]-_, and _gaestan_, to
terrify. The primary notion of the root _gaes-_ (Goth. _gais-_) is to fix,
stick; to root to the spot with terror. See GAZE.]
AGILE, aj'il, _adj._ active: nimble.--_n._ AGIL'ITY, quickness of motion:
nimbleness--also AG'ILENESS. [Fr.--L. _agilis_--_ag[)e]re_, to do or act.]
AGIO, [=a]'ji-o, _n._ the difference between the real and nominal value of
money, or between metallic and paper money: the variations from fixed pars
or rates of exchange: discount. [It. _agio_, _aggio_, ease, convenience.]
AGIOTAGE, aj'i-o-t[=a]j, _n._ exchange business, hence the manoeuvres of
speculators to raise or depress the funds: stock-jobbing.
AGIST, a-jist', _v.t._ to take in the cattle of others to graze for a
certain sum: to charge lands or the like with any public burden.--_ns._
AGIST'MENT, the action of agisting: the price paid for cattle pasturing on
the land: a burden or tax; AGIST'OR, AGIST'ER, an officer who takes charge
of cattle agisted. [O. Fr. _agister_--L. _jacit[=a]re_, _jac[=e]re_, to
lie.]
AGITATE, aj'i-t[=a]t, _v.t._ to keep moving: to stir violently: to disturb:
to discuss, or keep up the discussion of a question.--_n._ AGIT[=A]'TION,
commotion: perturbation of mind: discussion: public excitement.--_adj._
AG'ITATIVE.--_n._ AG'ITATOR, one who excites or keeps up a public
agitation. [L. _agit[=a]re_, freq. of _ag[)e]re_, to put in motion. See
ACT.]
AGLET, AIGLET, [=a]'glet, _n._ the tag or point of the lace or string by
which different parts of dress were fastened together, orig. to facilitate
passing through the eyelet-holes, afterwards themselves ornamental, like
Shakespeare's _aglet-baby_, and still surviving in the so-called
_aiguillettes_ or tagged points of braid hanging from the shoulder in some
military and naval uniforms: a technical name for white stay-laces. [Fr.
_aiguillette_, dim. of _aiguille_, a needle--from L. _acucula_ = _acicula_,
dim. of _acus_, a needle.]
AGLEY, AGLEE, a-gl[=e]', _adv._ (_Scot._) off the right line: wrong. [Pfx.
_a-_, and Scot. _gley_, _gleg_, squint.]
AGLIMMER, a-glim'[.e]r, _adv._ in a glimmering state.
AGLOW, a-gl[=o]', _adj._ and _adv._ very warm: red-hot.
AGNAIL, ag'n[=a]l, _n._ an inflammation round the toe- or finger-nail: a
whitlow: a hangnail. [A.S. _angnaegl_--_ang_, tight, and _naegl_, a nail;
confounded in meaning by the dictionary-makers with Fr. _angonailles_,
blotches, sores--Low L. _anguinalia_, carbuncles.]
AGNAME, ag'n[=a]m, _n._ a name over and above the name and surname.--_adj._
AG'NAMED, styled by such a name. [L. _ag_ = _ad_, and NAME; formed after L.
_agnomen_.]
AGNATE, ag'n[=a]t, _adj._ related on the father's side: allied.--_n._ a
relation by the father's side.--_adjs._ AGNAT'IC, AGNAT'ICAL.--_adv._
AGNAT'ICALLY.--_n._ AGN[=A]'TION. [L. _agnat-us_--_ad_, to, _nasci_, to be
born. See COGNATE.]
AGNISE, ag-n[=i]z', _v.t._ (_arch._) to acknowledge, to confess. [L.
_agnosc[)e]re_--_ad_, to, _gnosc[)e]re_, _nosc[)e]re_, to know.]
AGNOMEN, ag-n[=o]'men, _n._ a surname added to the family name, generally
on account of some great exploit, as _Africanus_ to P. Cornelius Scipio.
[L.--_ad_, to, and _gnomen_, _nomen_, a name.]
AGNOSTIC, ag-nos'tik, _n._ one who holds that we know nothing of things
beyond material phenomena--that a First Cause and an unseen world are
things unknown and apparently unknowable.--_n._ AGNOS'TICISM. [Coined by
Prof. Huxley in 1869 from the word in Acts, xvii. 23; _a_, privative, and
Gr. _gn[=o]stikos_, good at knowing. See GNOSTIC.]
AGNUS DEI, ag'nus-d[=e]'[=i], a part of the Mass beginning with the words
_Agnus Dei_, also the music set to it: a figure of a lamb emblematic of
Christ, bearing with its right foot the banner of the cross, and having the
nimbus inscribed with the cross around its head: a round cake of wax
stamped with such a figure, and blessed by the Pope. [L., lit. 'lamb of
God.']
AGO, a-g[=o]', AGONE, a-gon', _adv._ gone: past: since. [Pa.p. of A.S.
_[=a]g[=a]n_, to pass away--inten. pfx. _[=a]-_, and _g[=a]n_, to go.]
AGOG, a-gog', _adj._ or _adv._ eager: astir. [Perh. connected with O. Fr.
_en gogues_; _estre en ses gogues_, to be frolicsome, or Fr. _vivre [`a]
gogo_, to live in abundance. The ultimate origin is unknown.]
AGOING, a-g[=o]'ing, _adv._ going on: current.
AGONE. See AGO.
AGONIC, ag'on-ik, _adj._ having or making no angle.--AGONIC LINE, the line
of no magnetic variation--an irregular line passing through the magnetic
poles of the earth, along which the magnetic needle points directly north
or south. [Gr. _ag[=o]nos_; _a_, neg., _g[=o]nia_, angle.]
AGONIST, ag'o-nist, _n._ one who contends for a prize in public
games.--_adjs._ AGONIST'IC, -AL, relating to athletic contests:
combative.--_adv._ AGONIST'ICALLY.--_n._ AGONIST'ICS, the art and theory of
games and prize-fighting. [See AGONY.]
AGONY, ag'o-ni, _n._ a violent struggle: extreme suffering: the death
struggle in particular: Christ's anguish in Gethsemane.--_v.t._ AG'ONISE,
to struggle, suffer agony: to subject to agony.--_adj._ AG'ONISING, causing
agony.--_adv._ AG'ONISINGLY.--AGONY COLUMN, the part of a newspaper
containing special advertisements, as for missing friends and the like.
[Gr.--_ag[=o]n_, contest.]
AGOOD, a-good', _adv._ (_obs._) in good earnest, heartily. [A.S. pfx. _a-_,
and GOOD.]
AGORA, ag'o-ra, _n._ an assembly, hence a place of assembly, the
market-place. [Gr.]
AGOUTA, a-g[=oo]'ta, _n._ a rat-like animal of Hayti.
AGOUTI, a-g[=oo]'ti, _n._ a small South American rodent allied to the
guinea-pig. [Native word.]
AGRAFFE, a-graf', _n._ a kind of clasp or hook. [Fr. _agrafe_, a clasp--Low
L. _grappa_, Old High Ger. _chrapfo_ (Ger. _krappen_), a hook.]
AGRARIAN, ag-r[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ relating to land, or its management, as in
'agrarian crime,' &c., applied esp. to Roman laws for the equal
distribution of the public lands: rural.--_n._ AGR[=A]'RIANISM, an equal
division of lands: a political movement in favour of interference with the
ordinary conditions of private property in land. [L. _agrarius_--_ager_, a
field. See ACRE.]
AGREE, a-gr[=e]', _v.i._ to be of one mind: to concur: to assent to: to be
consistent, to harmonise: to determine, to settle: to resemble, to suit:
(_gram._) to be in concord with--taking the same gender, number, case, or
person: to do well with climate, &c. (followed by _with_ before the person
or thing agreeing: by _upon_, _on_, _for_, _to_, _in_ before the condition
of the agreement):--_pa.p._ agreed'.--_adj._ AGREE'ABLE, suitable:
pleasant: favourable to, consenting to.--_n._ AGREE'ABLENESS, suitableness:
conformity: quality of pleasing--also AGREEABIL'ITY.--_adv._
AGREE'ABLY.--_n._ AGREE'MENT, concord: conformity: harmony: a bargain or
contract. [O. Fr. _agr['e]er_, to accept kindly--L. _ad_, to, and _gratus_,
pleasing.]
AGRESTIC, a-gres'tik, _adj._ pertaining to the fields: rural: unpolished.
[L. _agrestis_--_ager_, a field.]
AGRICULTURE, ag'ri-kult-[=u]r, _n._ the art or practice of cultivating the
land.--_adj._ AGRICULT'URAL, relating to agriculture.--_n._ AGRICULT'URIST,
one skilled in agriculture: a farmer--also AGRICULT'URALIST. [L.
_agricultura_--_ager_, a field, _cultura_, cultivation. See CULTURE.]
AGRIMONY, ag'ri-mun-i, _n._ a genus of plants of the rose-group, with small
yellow flowers and bitter taste. [L. _agrimonia_, for _argemonia_, Gr.
_argem[=o]n[=e]_.]
AGRIN, a-grin', _adv._ on the grin.
AGRISE, a-gr[=i]z', _v.t._ (_obs._) to terrify, to make frightful. [A.S.
_[=a]gr[=i]san_, to dread.]
AGRONOMIAL, ag-r[=o]-n[=o]'mi-al, _adj._ relating to the management of
farms--also AGRONOM'IC.--_n._ AGRON'OMY, agricultural pursuits. [Gr.
_agronomos_; _agros_, a field, _nemein_, to deal out.]
AGROUND, a-grownd', _adv._ stranded.
AGUARDIENTE, a-gw[:a]r-di-[.e]n't[.e], _n._ a kind of grape-brandy made in
Spain and Portugal: any spirituous liquor, applied even to Mexican pulque.
[Sp., from _agua ardiente_, burning water; _agua_--L. _aqua_; _ardiente_,
_arder_--L. _ard[=e]re_, to burn.]
AGUE, [=a]'g[=u], _n._ a fever coming in periodical fits, accompanied with
shivering: chilliness: quaking.--_adj._ A'GUED, struck with ague:
shivering: cold; A'GUISH. [O. Fr. _aigue_ (Fr. _aigu_, sharp)--L. _acutus_.
See ACUTE.]
AGUERRIED, a-ger'id, _adj._ inured to war, or instructed in it. [Fr.
_aguerrir_, to make warlike; _[`a]_--Lat. _ad_, to, and _guerre_, war.]
AGUISE, a-g[=i]z', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to dress, to adorn. [Pfx. _a-_, and
GUISE.]
AH, [:a], _interj._ an exclamation of surprise, joy, pity, complaint, &c.
AHA, [:a]-h[:a]', _interj._ an exclamation of exultation, pleasure,
surprise, or contempt.
AHEAD, a-hed', _adv._ farther on: in advance: headlong, as in the phrase
'to go _ahead_.'
AHEAP, a-h[=e]p', _adv._ in a heap: in a state of collapse through terror
or astonishment.
AHEIGHT, a-h[=i]t', _adv._ (_arch._) on high, aloft.
AHEM, a-hem', _interj._ a lengthened form of HEM.
AHITHOPHEL. See ACHITOPHEL.
AHIGH, a-h[=i]', _adv._ an obsolete form of ON HIGH.
AHOLD, a-h[=o]ld', _adv._ (_Shak._) near the wind, so as to keep clear of
the land.
AHORSEBACK, a-hors'bak, _adv._ on horseback.
AHOY, a-hoi', _interj._ a nautical term used in hailing. [Form of interj.
HOY.]
AHULL, a-hul', _adv._ (_naut._) with sails furled, and helm lashed to the
lee-side, driving before the wind, stern foremost.
AHUNGERED, a-hung'g[.e]rd, _adj._ oppressed with hunger. [Erroneously
written AN HUNGERED, as in Bible.]
AIBLINS, [=a]b'linz, _adv._ (_Scot._) perhaps, possibly. [See ABLE.]
AID, [=a]d, _v.t._ to help, assist.--_n._ help: assistance, as in defending
an action: an auxiliary: subsidy or money grant to the king.--_n._
AID'ANCE, aid, help, support.--_adj._ AID'ANT, (_arch._) aiding,
helping.--_n._ AID'ER, one who brings aid: a helper.--_adjs._ AID'FUL;
AID'LESS.--COURT OF AIDS, the court that supervised the customs duties. [O.
Fr. _aider_--L. _adjut[=a]re_--_ad_, and _juv[=a]re_, _jutum_, to help.]
AIDE-DE-CAMP, [=a]d'-de-kong, _n._ an officer who carries the orders of a
general on the field, and brings him intelligence:--_pl._ AIDES'-DE-CAMP.
[Fr., assistant on the field.]
AIERY, a variant of AERIE.
AIGRETTE, [=a]'gret, _n._ (_zool._) a small white heron: (_bot._) the down
attached to vegetable seeds, as in the thistle: a plume composed of
feathers, or of precious stones, like a heron's crest. [Fr. _aigrette_.]
AIGUILLE, [=a]-gw[=e]l', _n._ a sharp, needle-like peak of rock, applied
esp. to many of the peaks near Mont Blanc: a slender boring-drill for
blasting. [Fr. See AGLET.]
AIGUILLETTE. See AGLET.
AIL, [=a]l, _v.i._ to feel pain: to be in trouble.--_v.t._ to trouble,
afflict--_obs._ except in impers. phrase 'What ails you?'--_n._ trouble:
indisposition.--_n._ AIL'MENT, pain: indisposition: disease. [A.S. _eglan_,
to pain. See AWE.]
AILANTO, [=e]l-an'to, _n._ a lofty and beautiful tree, native to
South-eastern Asia, but grown to shade public walks in France and Italy.
Its leaves give food to a species of silkworm--it is sometimes called the
Vernis du Japon, or Japan Varnish, apparently by confusion with certain
species of Rhus.--Also AILAN'TUS. [Native Amboyna name, meaning 'tree of
the gods.']
AILETTE, [=a]l-let', _n._ an iron plate once worn by men-at-arms for
defence on the shoulder. [Fr., dim. of _aille_--L. _ala_, a wing.]
AIM, [=a]m, _v.i._ to point at with a weapon: to direct the intention or
endeavour (_at_): (_obs._) to conjecture.--_v.t._ to point, as a weapon or
firearm.--_n._ the pointing of a weapon: the thing pointed at: design:
intention.--_adj._ AIM'LESS, without aim.--_adv._ AIM'LESSLY.--_n._
AIM'WORTHINESS, good aim.--TO CRY AIM, in old writers, to encourage archers
when shooting by crying 'aim,' hence to applaud or encourage. [O. Fr.
_esmer_, to reckon--L. _aestim[=a]re_, to estimate. See ESTIMATE.]
AIN'T, [=a]nt, a colloquial contracted form of _are not_--also AN'T =
_aren't_, _are not_.--AN'T (_Shak._) occurs as a variant of _on't_ = _on
it_, _of it_.
AIR, [=a]r, _n._ the fluid we breathe: the atmosphere: any special
condition of atmosphere, as in 'the night-_air_,' 'to take the air:' a
light breeze: publicity: the bearing of a person: outward appearance,
manner, look: an assumed or affected manner: (_mus._) a rhythmical melody:
a song, also specially a sprightly song: the soprano part in a harmonised
composition, being that which gives it its character: (_pl._)
affectation.--_v.t._ to expose to the air: to dry: to expose to warm air:
(_obs._) to take an airing.--_ns._ AIR'-BATH, an arrangement for drying
substances in air of any desired temperature; AIR'-BED, a bed for the sick,
inflated with air; AIR'-BLAD'DER, in some fishes, an organ containing air,
by which they maintain their equilibrium in the water; AIR'-BRAKE, a
railway brake worked by compressed air.--_adj._ AIR'-BUILT, built in air:
having no solid foundation.--_ns._ AIR'-CELL, a cavity containing air;
AIR'-CUSH'ION, an air-tight cushion, which can be inflated; AIR'-DRAIN, an
ample space at the foot of foundation walls, for the sake of
dryness.--_adj._ AIR'DRAWN, drawn in air: visionary: (_Shak._)
imaginary.--_ns._ AIR'-EN'GINE, an engine put in motion by air expanded by
heat; AIR'-GAS, illuminating gas made by charging atmospheric air with
vapour of petroleum or other hydrocarbon; AIR'-GUN, a gun which discharges
bullets by means of compressed air.--_adv._ AIR'ILY, gaily.--_ns._
AIR'INESS, state of being airy; openness: liveliness; AIR'ING, exposure to
the air or fire: a short excursion in the open air; AIR'-JACK'ET, a jacket
with air-tight cavities, which being inflated renders a person buoyant in
water.--_adj._ AIR'LESS, void of air: not having free communication with
the open air.--_ns._ AIR'-LOCK, a small chamber for the entrance and exit
of men and materials, at the top of the caisson or hollow cylinder used for
founding the piers of bridges under water; AIR'-PUMP, an instrument for
pumping the air out of a vessel; AIR'-SAC, an air-cell or air-space, esp.
in the bones of birds; AIR'-SHAFT, a passage for air into a mine;
AIR'-SHIP, a navigable balloon; AIR'-SPACE, the cubic content of a room,
hospital-ward, or the like, with reference to the respirable air contained
in it.--_adj._ AIR'-TIGHT, so tight as not to admit air.--_n._
AIR'-VES'SEL, a vessel or tube containing air.--_adv._ AIR'WARDS, up in the
air.--_adj._ AIR'Y, consisting of or relating to air: open to the air: like
air: unsubstantial: light of heart: sprightly.--TO TAKE AIR, to get wind,
to become publicly known. [Fr.--L. _aer_--Gr.]
AIRLING, [=a]r'ling, _n._ (_obs._) a thoughtless, gay person.
AIRT, [=a]rt, _n._ (_Scot._) direction, quarter. [Gael. _aird_, _[`a]rd_;
Ir. _ard_.]
AISLE, [=i]l, _n._ any lateral division of any part of a church, whether of
nave, choir, or transept. The word is often erroneously applied to the
passage in a church between the pews or seats.--_adj._ AISLED, ([=i]ld),
having aisles. [O. Fr. _ele_, _aisle_ (Fr. _aile_)--L. _axilla_, _ala_, a
wing.]
AIT, [=a]t, _n._ a small island in a river or lake. [A.S. forms, _['i]get_,
_['i]geoth_, supply the key to the word, but its history is obscure.]
AITCHBONE, [=a]ch'b[=o]n, _n._ the bone of the rump: the cut of beef over
this bone. [Orig. _nache-_ or _nage_bone; O. Fr. _nache_, _nage_--L.
_nates_, buttock; _a nache_ became _aitch_, and erroneously _edge_-bone.]
AJAR, a-j[:a]r', _adv._ partly open. [A.S. _on_, on, _cyrr_, a turn.]
AJEE, AGEE, a-j[=e]', _adv._ (_Scot._ and _prov._) aside, off the straight,
ajar. [Prep. _a_, and _gee_, to move to one side; _jee_, a call to a horse
to move to one side.]
AJUTAGE, ADJUTAGE, ad'joo-t[=a]j, _n._ a tube adjusted to an orifice
through which water is discharged. [Fr.--Fr. _ajouter_. See ADJUST.]
AKE, [=a]k, old form of ACHE.
AKEE, a-k[=e]', _n._ the fruit of a small African sapindaceous tree, now
common in the West Indies.
AKIMBO, a-kim'bo, _adj._ with hand on hip and elbow bent outward. [Ety.
uncertain; Skeat suggests the Ice. _kengboginn_, bent into a crook, from
_kengr_, a crook, twist, kink, and _boginn_, bowed. Others connect the
_-kim_ with KEEN.]
AKIN, a-kin', _adj._ of kin: related by blood: having the same properties.
[OF and KIN.]
ALABASTER, al'a-bas-t[.e]r, _n._ a semi-transparent kind of gypsum or
sulphate of lime: the fine limestone deposited as stalagmites and
stalactites.--_adj._ made of alabaster.--_adj._ ALABAS'TRIAN. [Gr.
_alabastros_, said to be derived from _Alabastron_, a town in Egypt.]
ALACK, a-lak', _interj._ an exclamation denoting sorrow.
ALACK-A-DAY, a-lak'-a-d[=a], _interj._ (_rare_) an exclamation of sadness.
[Interj. _ah_, _lak_ (LACK), and DAY.]
ALACRITY, a-lak'ri-ti, _n._ briskness: cheerful readiness: promptitude. [L.
_alacris_, brisk.]
ALALIA, a-l[=a]'li-a, _n._ loss of speech. [Gr. _a_, priv., and _lalein_,
to talk.]
ALAMEDA, a-la-m[=e]'da, _n._ a public walk or promenade between two rows of
trees. [Sp.]
ALAMODE, a-la-m[=o]d', _adv._ and _adj._ according to the mode or
fashion.--_n._ a light kind of glossy silk for scarfs, hat-bands, &c.--_n._
ALAMODAL'ITY (_rare_).--ALAMODE BEEF, beef larded and stewed with
vegetables. [Fr. _[`a] la mode_.]
ALAMORT, a-la-mort', _adj._ half-dead: in a depressed condition: dejected.
Sometimes erroneously ALL AMORT. [Fr. _[`a] la mort_, to death. See
MORTAL.]
ALAND, a-land', _adv._ on or to land: landed.
ALAR, [=a]'lar, _adj._ of, or having, wings.--Also A'LARY. [L. _ala_, a
wing.]
ALARM, a-l[:a]rm', _n._ notice of danger: sudden surprise with fear: a
mechanical contrivance to arouse from sleep: a call to arms.--_v.t._ to
call to arms: to give notice of danger: to fill with dread.--_adv._
ALARM'INGLY.--_n._ ALARM'IST, one who excites alarm: one given to prophesy
danger.--_adj._ alarming. [Fr. _alarme_--It. _all' arme_, to arms--L. _ad_,
to, _arma_, arms.]
ALARUM, al-[:a]r'um, _n._ and _v.t._ same as ALARM--now used, except
poetically, only of an _alarum-clock_.
ALAS, a-las', _interj._ expressive of grief.--ALAS THE DAY, ALAS THE WHILE
(in old writers), ah! unhappy day, or time. [O. Fr. _ha las_, _a las_ (mod.
Fr. _h['e]las_); _ha!_ and _las_, _lasse_, wretched, weary--L. _lassus_,
wearied.]
ALATE, a-l[=a]t', _adv._ (_arch._) lately. [A.S. pfx. _a-_, on, and LATE.]
ALATE, al'[=a]t, _adj._ winged: (_bot._) bordered by a leafy
expansion.--Also AL'ATED. [L. _alatus_--_ala_, a wing.]
ALB, alb, _n._ in R.C. churches, a white linen vestment with tight sleeves,
reaching to the feet, worn by the officiating priest at the celebration of
the eucharist, under the chasuble, cope, or dalmatic. [A.S. _albe_--Low L.
_alba_, L. _albus_, white.]
ALBACORE, al'ba-k[=o]r, _n._ a large species of the tunny fish, found in
West Indian waters. [Port.--Ar. _al_, the, _bukr_, pl. _bak[=a]rat_, a
young camel.]
ALBATA, al-b[=a]'ta, _n._ a white silvery alloy of nickel, zinc, and
copper--also _British plate_ and _German Silver_. [L., _alb[=a]re_, to
whiten, _albus_, white.]
ALBATROSS, al'ba-tros, _n._ a large, long-winged, web-footed sea-bird of
remarkable powers of flight, found abundantly in the Southern Ocean,
particularly near the Cape of Good Hope. [Corr. from ALCATRAS (q.v.), perh.
with reference to _albus_, white, from its colour.]
ALBE, ALE-BE, awl-b[=e]', _obs._ forms of ALBEIT.
ALBEIT, awl-b[=e]'it, _adv._ although it be: notwithstanding: even if,
although. [All be it (that) = all though it be that]
ALBERT, al'bert, _n._ a short kind of watch-chain. [Named from Prince
_Albert_, husband of Queen Victoria.]
ALBESCENT, al-bes'ent, _adj._ becoming white: whitish.--_n._ ALBES'CENCE.
[L. _albescens_, -_entis_, pr.p. of _albesc[)e]re_, to grow white--_albus_,
white.]
ALBESPYNE, ALBESPINE, al'be-sp[=i]n, _n._ whitethorn, hawthorn. [O. Fr.
_albespine_, _aubespine_ (Fr. _aub['e]pine_)--L. _alba spina_, white
thorn.]
ALBIGENSES, al-bi-jen's[=e]z, _n.pl._ a name applied to antisacerdotal
sects in the south of France during the 12th and 13th centuries, infected
with Manichaean heresy, and extirpated with the most horrible cruelties.
[The town _Albi_.]
ALBINO, al-b[=i]'no, _n._ a human being or animal whose skin and hair are
abnormally white, and the pupil of the eye of pink colour:--_fem._
ALB[=I]'NESS:--_pl._ ALB[=I]'NOS.--_n._ AL'BINISM, state or condition of
being an albino. [Sp. _albino_, whitish--L. _albus_, white.]
ALBITE, al'b[=i]t, _n._ a species of mineral of the felspar family, of a
white colour, and forming a constituent of many kinds of rocks. [From L.
_albus_, white.]
ALBUGINEOUS, al-b[=u]-jin'e-us, _adj._ like the white of an egg or of the
eye. [L. _albugo_, _albuginis_, whiteness, from _albus_, white.]
ALBUM, al'bum, _n._ among the Romans, a white tablet or register on which
the praetor's edicts and such public notices were recorded: a blank book
for the insertion of portraits, autographs, poetical extracts, memorial
verses, postage-stamps, or the like.--_adj._ AL'BUM[=E]'AN, and _n._
AL'BUMESS, whimsical coinages of Charles Lamb. [L. _albus_, white.]
ALBUMEN, al-b[=u]'men, _n._ the white of eggs: a like substance found in
animal and vegetable bodies.--_ns._ ALB[=U]'MIN, one of the classes of
albuminoids, such as are soluble in water, or in dilute acids or alkalis;
ALB[=U]'MINATE, one of a class of bodies in which albumin appears in weak
combination with a base.--_v.t._ ALBUMINISE' (_phot._), to cover or
impregnate with albumen: to coat paper with an albuminous solution.--_adj._
ALB[=U]'MINOUS, like or containing albumen: insipid. [L.--_albus_, white.]
ALBUMINOID, al-b[=u]'min-oid, _adj._ like albumen.--_n._ one of a class of
nitrogenous compounds derived from animal tissues. [ALBUMEN, and Gr.
_eidos_, form.]
ALBURNUM, al-burn'um, _n._ in trees, the white and soft parts of wood
between the inner bark and the heart-wood.--_adj._ ALBURN'OUS.
[L.--_albus_, white.]
ALCAHEST. See ALKAHEST.
ALCAIC, al-k[=a]'ik, _adj._ of or pertaining to the Greek lyrical poet,
Alcaeus (_c._ 600 B.C.), or to the kind of verse invented by him. The most
common form consists of an anacrusis, a trochee, a spondee, and two
dactyls; a second, of a catalectic iambic pentameter, the third foot always
being a spondee; a third, of two dactyls followed by two trochees. The most
common arrangement was two lines of (1), followed by one of (2) and one of
(3). Cf. Tennyson's 'O mighty-mouth'd inventor of harmonies.'
ALCAID, ALCAYDE, al-k[=a]d', _n._ a governor: a chief magistrate: a gaoler.
[Sp. and Port.--Ar. _alk[=a][=i]d_--_al_, the, _q[=a][=i]d_, a leader,
_q[=a]da_, to lead.]
ALCALDE, al-kal'd[=a], _n._ a judge. [Sp.--Ar. _al-q[=a]d[=i]_.]
ALCATRAS, al'ka-tras, _n._ a name applied loosely to several large ocean
birds, as the pelican, gannet, frigate-bird, and even the albatross. [Sp.
_alcatraz_, a white pelican.]
ALCHEMY, ALCHYMY, al'ki-mi, _n._ the infant stage of chemistry, as
astrology was of astronomy.--A chief pursuit of the alchemists was to
transmute the other metals into gold, and to discover the elixir of
life.--_adj._ ALCHEM'IC--_n._ AL'CHEMIST, one skilled in alchemy. [Ar.
_Al-k[=i]m[=i][=a]_--_al_, the, and _k[=i]m[=i][=a]_--late Gr.
_ch[=e]meia_, 'transmution,' prob. as specially an Egyptian art, from
_Khem_, the native name of Egypt; confused with Gr. _ch[=u]meia_, pouring,
from _chein_, to pour, hence the old spellings _alchymy_, _chymistry_.]
ALCOHOL, al'k[=o]-hol, _n._ pure spirit, a liquid generated by the
fermentation of sugar and other saccharine matter, and forming the
intoxicating element of fermented liquors.--_adj._ ALCOHOL'IC, of or like
alcohol.--_n._ ALCOHOLIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ AL'COHOLISE, to convert into
alcohol, or saturate with it: to rectify.--_n._ AL'COHOLISM, a term
employed to denote the symptoms of disease produced by alcoholic
poisoning.--ABSOLUTE ALCOHOL, alcohol entirely free from water. [Ar.
_al-koh'l_--_al_, the, _koh'l_, fine powder of antimony used in the East to
stain the eyelids.]
ALCOHOLOMETER, al-k[=o]-hol-om'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for
ascertaining the strength of spirits.--_n._ ALCOHOLOM'ETRY, the process of
such measurement. [ALCOHOL and METER.]
ALCORAN, al'k[=o]-ran, _n._ the Koran. [_Al_, the Arabic article.]
ALCOVE, al'k[=o]v, or al-k[=o]v', _n._ a recess in a room: any recess: a
shady retreat. [Sp. _alcoba_, a place in a room railed off to hold a
bed--Ar. _al_, the, _qobbah_, a vault.]
ALDEHYDE, al'd[=e]-h[=i]d, _n._ a volatile fluid with a suffocating smell,
obtained by the oxidation of alcohol: a large class of compounds
intermediate between alcohols and acids. [From _Al. dehyd._, a contr. for
_Alcohol dehydrogenatum_.]
ALDER, awl'd[.e]r, _n._ a tree related to the birch, usually growing in
moist ground. [A.S. _alor_; Ger. _erle_; L. _alnus_.]
ALDER-LIEFEST, awl-d[.e]r-l[=e]f'est, _adj._ (_Shak._) most beloved of all.
[The M. E. gen. pl. forms _alra_, _alre_, _aller_, _alder_, survived till
about 1600; for _liefest_, see LIEF.]
ALDERMAN, awl'd[.e]r-man, _n._ in English and Irish boroughs, a civic
dignitary next in rank to the mayor.--They are usually chosen for three
years; those of London are chosen for life.--The name was assumed
incongruously enough for superior members of the county councils set up in
England in 1888: in Anglo-Saxon times, the governor of a shire until by
Canute displaced by the earl; thenceforward, any head man of a
guild.--_adjs._ ALDERMAN'IC, AL'DERMANLIKE, AL'DERMANLY, pompous and
portly. [A.S. _ealdor_ (from _eald_, old), senior, chief; _ealdorman_,
ruler, king, chief magistrate.]
ALDERN, awl'd[.e]rn, _adj._ made of alder.
ALDINE, al'd[=i]n, _adj._ applied to books printed by Aldus Manutius of
Venice, in 16th century.
ALE, [=a]l, _n._ a beverage made from an infusion of malt by fermentation:
a festival, so called from the liquor drunk.--_ns._ ALE'BERRY, a beverage
made from ale; ALE'CONNER, an ale-taster, a civic officer appointed to test
the quality of the ale brewed--A.S. _cunnere_, a trier; ALE'-HOUSE, a house
in which ale is sold. [A.S. _alu_; Ice. _[:o]l_.]
ALEATORY, [=a]'l[=e]-a-t[=o]-ri, _adj._ depending on the throw of the dice:
dependent on certain contingencies. [L. _[=a]le[=a]t[=o]rius_, _[=a]lea_, a
die.]
ALEE, a-l[=e]', _adv._ on the lee-side. [See LEE.]
ALEFT, a-left', _adv._ on or to the left hand.
ALEGAR, al'e-gar, _n._ sour ale. [ALE, and Fr. _aigre_--L. _acer_, sour.]
ALEGER, al'e-j[.e]r, _adj._ (_Bacon_) lively, cheerful. [O. Fr.
_al[`e]gre_--L. _al[=a]cr-em_.]
ALEGGE, an obsolete form of ALLEGE.
ALEMBIC, al-em'bik, _n._ a vessel used by the old chemists in distillation.
[Ar. _al_, the, _anb[=i]q_--Gr. _ambiks_, a cup.]
ALENGTH, a-length', _adv._ at full length. [A.S. pfx. _a-_, on, and
LENGTH.]
ALERCE, a-lers', _n._ the wood of the sandarac-tree: the Chilian _Arbor
vitae_--both of the pine family. [Sp.--Ar. _al arza_, cedar.]
ALERT, al-[.e]rt', _adj._ watchful: brisk.--_n._ a sudden attack or
surprise.--_adv._ ALERT'LY.--_n._ ALERT'NESS.--UPON THE ALERT, upon the
watch. [Fr.--It. _all' erta_, on the erect--_erto_, L. _erectus_, erect.]
ALEW, a-l[=u]' (_Spens._) an obsolete form of HALLOO.
ALEWIFE, [=a]l'w[=i]f, _n._ a fish of the same genus as the shad, about a
foot in length, common on the east coast of North America. [Said to be a
corr. of _aloofe_, the Indian name of a fish.]
ALEXANDRIAN, al-egz-an'dri-an, _adj._ relating to Alexandria in Egypt, or
its school of philosophy: relating to Alexander.
ALEXANDRINE, al-egz-an'drin, _n._ a rhyming verse of twelve syllables, six
iambic feet, so-called from its use in old French poems on _Alexander_ the
Great. It is the ordinary verse of French tragedy. French Alexandrines are
arranged in couplets, alternately acatalectic with masculine rhymes, and
hypercatalectic with feminine rhymes.
ALFA, al'fa, _n._ an African name for esparto grass--also spelt HALFA.
ALFALFA, al-fal'fa, _n._ a Spanish name for a variety of lucerne--used also
in some parts of the United States. [Sp. _alfalfa_, three-leaved grass; Ar.
_alfacfacah_.]
ALFRESCO, al-fresk'o, _adv._ on the fresh, as to paint _al fresco_ = on the
fresh plaster: in the fresh or cool air. [It.]
ALGAE, al'j[=e], _n._ (_bot._) a division of plants, embracing seaweeds.
[L., pl. of _alga_, seaweed.]
ALGATES, al'g[=a]ts, _adv._ (_obs._) always, altogether, at all events,
nevertheless.--Also AL'GATE. [Lit. _alle gate_, every way. See GATE.]
ALGEBRA, al'je-bra, _n._ a method of calculating by symbols--by means of
letters employed to represent the numbers, and signs to represent their
relations, thus forming a kind of universal arithmetic.--_adjs._
ALGEBR[=A]'IC, -AL, pertaining to algebra.--_n._ ALGEBR[=A]'IST, one
skilled in algebra. [It. and Sp., from Ar. _al-jebr_, the resetting of
anything broken, hence combination; _jabara_, to reunite.]
ALGERINE, al'je-r[=e]n, _adj._ of or belonging to Algeria in Northern
Africa.--_n._ a native of Algeria: a pirate.
ALGORISM, al'go-rizm, _n._ the Arabic system of numeration:
arithmetic.--Also AL'GORITHM [Through O. Fr. and Late L. from Ar.
_al-khow[=a]razm[=i]_, the native of Khw[=a]razm, the mathematician Abu
Ja'far Mohammed Ben Musa (9th century).]
ALGOUS, al'gus, _adj._ relating to or like the algae or seaweeds.
ALGUAZIL, al-gwaz'il, _n._ in Spain, a warrant officer or sergeant.
[Sp.--Ar. _al-waz[=i]r_. See VIZIER.]
ALGUM, al'gum. Same as ALMUG.
ALHAMBRESQUE, al-ham'bresk, _adj._ after the style of the rich
ornamentation of the Alhambra, a palace of the Moorish kings of Granada in
Spain.
ALIAS, [=a]'li-as, _adv._ otherwise.--_n._ an assumed name:--_pl._
A'LIASES. [L. _alias_, at another time, otherwise--_alius_, Gr. _allos_,
other.]
ALIBI, al'i-b[=i], _n._ the plea that a person charged with a crime was
elsewhere when it was committed. [L.--_alius_, other, _ibi_, there.]
ALICANT, al'i-kant, _n._ a Spanish wine formerly much esteemed, said to
have been made near Alicante in Spain.
ALIEN, [=a]l'yen, _adj._ foreign: different in nature: adverse to.--_n._
one belonging to another country: one not entitled to the rights of
citizenship.--_n._ AL'IENAGE, state of being an alien. [L.
_alienus_--_alius_, other.]
ALIENATE, [=a]l'yen-[=a]t, _v.t._ to transfer a right or title to another:
to withdraw the affections: to misapply.--_adj._ withdrawn:
estranged.--_n._ ALIENABIL'ITY.--_adj._ AL'IENABLE, capable of being
transferred to another.--_ns._ ALIEN[=A]'TION; ALIEN[=A]'TOR.--_adj._
AL'IENED, made alien, estranged.--_n._ AL'IENISM, the position of being a
foreigner. [L. See ALIEN.]
ALIENIST, [=a]l'yen-ist, _n._ one who specially treats mental diseases.
[Fr.]
ALIFE, a-l[=i]f', _adv._ (_obs._) on my life, as one's life, excessively.
ALIGHT, a-l[=i]t', _v.i._ to come down, as from a horse (_from_): to
descend: to land anywhere (_upon_): to fall upon. [A.S. _al['i]htan_, to
come down. See LIGHT, _v._]
ALIGHT, a-l[=i]t', _adj._ on fire: lighted up. [_a_, on, and LIGHT. See
LIGHT, _n._]
ALIGN, a-l[=i]n', _v.t._ to regulate by a line: to arrange in line, as
troops.--_n._ ALIGN'MENT, a laying out by a line: arrangement of soldiers
in a line or lines: the ground-plan of a railway or road. [Fr.
_aligner_--L. _ad_, and _linea_, a line.]
ALIKE, a-l[=i]k', _adj._ like one another: having resemblance.--_adv._ in
the same manner or form: equally: similarly. [A.S. _gel['i]c_, _anl['i]c_,
_onl['i]c_. See LIKE.]
ALIMENT, al'i-ment, _n._ nourishment: food: provision for maintenance,
alimony: support.--_v.t._ to support, sustain: make provision for the
maintenance of.--_adjs._ ALIMENT'AL, supplying food; ALIMENT'ARY,
pertaining to aliment: nutritive.--_ns._ ALIMENT[=A]'TION, the act or state
of nourishing or of being nourished; ALIMENT'IVENESS (_phrenol._), desire
for food or drink; AL'IMONY, an allowance for support made to a wife when
legally separated from her husband, or temporarily while the process is
pending.--ALIMENTARY CANAL, the principal part of the digestive apparatus
of animals, in man extending, with convolutions, about 30 feet from the
mouth to the anus--including pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small and large
intestine, &c. [L. _alimentum--al[)e]re_, to nourish.]
ALINEATION. See ALLINEATION.
ALIPED, al'i-ped, _adj._ wing-footed.--_n._ an animal whose toes are
connected by a membrane serving as a wing, as the bat. [L. _alipes_--_ala_,
a wing, and _pes_, _pedis_, a foot.]
ALIQUANT, al'i-kwant, _adj._ an aliquant part of a number is one that will
not divide it without a remainder, thus 5 is an aliquant part of 12. [L.
_aliquantum_, somewhat, _alius_, another, and _quantus_, how great.]
ALIQUOT, al'i-kwot, _adj._ such a part of a number as will divide it
without a remainder. [L. _aliquot_, some, several--_alius_, other, _quot_,
how many.]
ALISMA, al-iz'ma, _n._ a small genus of aquatic plants, the chief being the
common water-plantain. [Gr.]
ALIVE, a-l[=i]v', _adj._ in life: susceptible. [Prep. _a = on_, and A.S.
_l['i]fe_, dat. of _l['i]f_, life.]
ALIZARIN, a-liz'a-r[=e]n, _n._ a colouring matter used in the dyeing of
Turkey red, formerly extracted from madder, the commercial name of which in
the Levant is _alizari_. [Fr.; Ar. _al_, the, and _'ac[=a]rah_, juice
pressed out.]
ALKAHEST, ALCAHEST, al'ka-hest, _n._ the universal solvent of the
alchemists. [A coinage of Paracelsus--on Arabic analogies.]
ALKALI, al'ka-li, or -l[=i], _n._ (_chem._) a substance which combines with
an acid and neutralises it, forming a salt. Potash, soda, and lime are
alkalies; they have an acrid taste (that of soap), and turn vegetable blues
to green:--_pl._ AL'KALIES.--_n._ ALKALES'CENCY, tendency to become
alkaline.--_adj._ ALKALES'CENT, tending to become alkaline: slightly
alkaline.--_n._ ALKALIM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the strength of
alkalies.--_adj._ ALKALINE (al'ka-l[=i]n, or -lin), having the properties
of an alkali.--_n._ ALKALIN'ITY.--_v.t._ AL'KALISE, to render
alkaline:--_pr.p._ al'kal[=i]sing; _pa.p._ al'kal[=i]sed. See ACID. [Ar.
_al_-_qal[=i]y_, ashes.]
ALKALIFY, al'ka-li-f[=i], _v.t._ to convert into an alkali.--_v.i._ to
become alkaline:--_pr.p._ al'kalifying; _pa.p._ al'kalif[=i]ed.--_adj._
ALKALIF[=I]'ABLE, capable of being converted into an alkali. [ALKALI, and
L. _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
ALKALOID, al'ka-loid, _n._ a vegetable principle possessing in some degree
alkaline properties.--_adj._ pertaining to or resembling alkali. [ALKALI,
and Gr. _eidos_, form or resemblance.]
ALKANET, al'ka-net, _n._ a plant, native of the Levant and Southern Europe,
cultivated for its root, which yields a red colouring matter: the dye
itself. [Sp. _alcaneta_.]
ALKORAN, _n._ Same as ALCORAN.
ALL, awl, _adj._ the whole of: every one of: any whatever.--_adv._ wholly:
completely: entirely: (_Shak._) only, alone.--_n._ the whole: everything:
the totality of things--the universe.--_n._ ALL'-FATH'ER, God.--ALL
(_obs._), entirely, altogether, as in 'all to-brake' (Judges, ix. 53). The
prefix _to-_ originally belonged to the verb (_t['o] brecan_), but as verbs
with this prefix were rarely used without _all_, the fact was forgotten,
and the _to_ was erroneously regarded as belonging to the _all_. Hence came
into use _all_-_to_ = wholly, utterly; ALL BUT, everything short of,
almost; ALL IN ALL, all things in all respects, all or everything
together--(_adverbially_) altogether; ALL OVER, thoroughly, entirely; ALL
OVER WITH, finished, done with (also _coll._, ALL UP with); ALL RIGHT, a
colloquial phrase expressing assent or approbation; ALL'S ONE, it is just
the same; ALL TO ONE (_obs._), altogether.--AFTER ALL, when everything has
been considered, nevertheless; AND ALL, and everything else; AND ALL THAT,
and all the rest of it, _et cetera_; AT ALL, in the least degree or to the
least extent.--FOR ALL, notwithstanding; FOR GOOD AND ALL, finally.--ONCE
FOR ALL, once only. [A.S. _all_, _eal_; Ger. _all_, Gael. _uile_, W.
_oll._]
ALLAH, al'la, _n._ the Arabic name of the one God. [Ar. _al-il[^a]h_, 'the
worthy to be adored.']
ALLANTOIS, a-lan't[=o]-is, _n._ a membranous sac-like appendage for
effecting oxygenation in the embryos of mammals, birds, and
reptiles.--_adjs._ ALLANT[=O]'IC, ALLAN'TOID. [Gr. _allas_, a sausage.]
ALLAY, al-l[=a]', _v.t._ to lighten, relieve: to make quiet or calm.--_n._
ALLAY'MENT (_obs._), state of being allayed: state of rest: that which
allays. [M. E. forms, _aleggen_, _aleyen_ (A.S. _a-lecgan_; lecgan, causal
of _licgan_, to lie); identical in form, and accordingly confounded in
meaning with M. E. words of Latin origin; _alegge_ (later _allege_, now
obs.)--L. _allevi[=a]re_; _alaye_ (modern _allay_, _alloy_)--L.
_allig[=a]re_; _aleye_ (obs.)--L. _alleg[=a]re_; _alegge_ (modern
_allege_)--Low L. _ex-litig[=a]re_.]
ALLAY, an obsolete form of ALLOY.
ALLEDGE. Old spelling of ALLEGE.
ALLEGE, al-lej', _v.t._ to produce as an argument or plea: to assert:
(_B_.) to give proofs--_n._ ALLEG[=A]'TION, an assertion.--_p.adj._
ALLEGED', cited, quoted. [Through O. Fr. forms from Low L.
_ex-litig[=a]re_, to clear at law. See ALLAY above.]
ALLEGIANCE, al-l[=e]j'i-ans, _n._ the duty of a subject to his liege or
sovereign.--_adj._ ALL[=E]'GIANT. [L. _ad_, to, and LIEGE.]
ALLEGORY, al'le-gor-i, _n._ a description of one thing under the image of
another.--_adjs._ ALLEGOR'IC, -al, in the form of an allegory:
figurative.--_adv._ ALLEGOR'ICALLY.--_v.t._ AL'LEGORISE, to put in form of
an allegory.--_v.i._ to use allegory.--_ns._ AL'LEGORIST, one who uses
allegory; ALLEGORIZ[=A]'TION. [Gr. _all[=e]goria_; _allos_, other, and
_agoreuein_, to speak.]
ALLEGRO, al-l[=e]'gr[=o], _adv._ and _adj._ (_mus._) a word denoting a
brisk movement.--_adv._ and _adj._ ALLEGRET'TO, somewhat brisk. [It.--L.
_alacer_, brisk.]
ALLELUIA, ALLELUIAH, al-le-l[=oo]'ya. Same as HALLELUIAH.
ALLEMANDE, al'le-mand, _n._ a name given to various Germain dances:
(_mus._) the first movement after the prelude in a suite. [Fr. _Allemande_,
German.]
ALLENARLY, al-len'ar-li, _adv._ solely, only--obsolete save only in Scotch
conveyancing. [All, and _anerly_, formed from _ane_, one.]
ALLEVIATE, al-l[=e]v'i-[=a]t, _v.t._ to make light: to mitigate.--_ns._
ALLEVI[=A]'TION; ALLEV'I[=A]TOR. [L. _ad_, _levis_, light.]
ALLEY, al'li, _n._ a walk in a garden or shrubbery: a passage in a city
narrower than a street: a long narrow enclosure for playing at bowls or
skittles:--_pl._ ALL'EYS. [O. Fr. _alee_ (Fr. _all['e]e_), a passage, from
_aller_, to go, O. Fr. _aner_, most prob. from L. _adn[=a]re_, to go to by
water, or _adit[=a]re_, _ad[=i]re_.]
ALLEY, ALLY, al'li, _n._ a name given by boys to a choice taw or large
marble. [Contraction of _alabaster_, of which it was originally made.]
ALL-FIRED, awl-f[=i]rd', _adj._ (_slang_) infernal.--_adv._ excessively. [A
softening of _hell-fired_, U.S.]
ALL-FOOLS'-DAY, awl-f[=oo]lz'-d[=a], _n._ April first. [From the sportive
deceptions practised on that day.]
ALL-FOURS, awl-f[=o]rz', _n.pl._ (preceded by _on_) on four legs, or on two
hands and two feet: a game at cards played by two, so called from the four
particulars by which the reckoning is made--_high_, _low_, _Jack_, and _the
game_: also a game at dominoes.
ALL-HAIL, awl-h[=a]l', _interj._ all health! a phrase of salutation. [See
HAIL, interj.]
ALL-HALLOW, awl-hal'l[=o], ALL-HALLOWS, awl-hal'l[=o]z, _n._ the day of all
the holy ones. See ALL-SAINTS. [ALL and HALLOW.]
ALL-HALLOW-MASS. See HALLOW-MASS.
ALL-HALLOWN, awl-hal'l[=o]n, _n._ (_Shak._) fine summer weather late in the
season--near All-hallows-day.
ALL-HALLOW-TIDE, awl-hal'l[=o]-t[=i]d, _n._ the time near All-hallows-day.
[See HALLOW and TIDE.]
ALLHEAL, awl-h[=e]l', _n._ (_obs._) a balsam for all wounds, a
panacea--applied to various plants, as the mistletoe, the great valerian,
&c.
ALLIACEOUS, al-li-[=a]'shus, _adj._ pertaining to, or having the properties
of allium or garlic. [L. _allium_, garlic.]
ALLIANCE, al-l[=i]'ans, _n._ state of being allied: union by marriage or
treaty. [See ALLY.]
ALLIGATION, al-li-g[=a]'shun, _n._ (_arith._) a rule for finding the price
of a compound of ingredients of different values. [L. _alligatio_, a
binding together--_ad_, to, and _lig[=a]re_, to bind.]
ALLIGATOR, al'li-g[=a]-tur, _n._ an animal of the crocodile genus, found in
America. [Sp. _el lagarto_--L. _lacerta_, a lizard.]
ALLINEATION, ALINEATION, al-lin-e-[=a]'shun, _n._ the position of two or
more bodies in a straight line with a given point.
ALLISION, al-lizh'un, _n._ a striking against. [L. _allisio_, from
_allid[)e]re_--_ad_, and _laed[)e]re_, to hurt.]
ALLITERATION, al-lit-[.e]r-[=a]'shun, _n._ the recurrence of the same
letter at the beginning of two or more words following close to each other,
as in Churchill's '_a_pt _a_lliteration's _a_rtful _a_id:' the recurrence
of the same initial sound in the first accented syllables of words: initial
rhyme--the characteristic structure of versification of Old English and
Teutonic languages generally. Every alliterative couplet had two accented
syllables, containing the same initial consonants, one in each of the two
sections.--_v.i._ ALLIT'ERATE, to begin with the same letter: to constitute
alliteration.--_adj._ ALLIT'ERATIVE. [Fr.--L. _ad_, to, and _litera_, a
letter.]
ALLOCATE, al'lo-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to place: to assign to each his share.--_n._
ALLOC[=A]'TION, act of allocating: allotment: an allowance made upon an
account. [L. _alloc[=a]re_, _ad_, to, and _loc[=a]re_, _locus_, a place.]
ALLOCUTION, al-lo-k[=u]'shun, _n._ a formal address, esp. of the Pope to
his clergy. [L. _allocutionem_--_ad_, to, and _loqui_, _locutus_, to
speak.]
ALLODIAL, al-l[=o]'di-al, _adj._ held independent of a superior:
freehold--opp. to _Feudal_.
ALLODIUM, al-l[=o]'di-um, _n._ freehold estate: land held in the possession
of the owner without being subject to a feudal superior.--Also ALLOD, ALOD.
[Low L. _all[=o]dium_--Ger. _al[^o]d_, _all[^o]d_.]
ALLOGRAPH, al'l[=o]-graf, _n._ a writing made by one person on behalf of
another. [Gr. _allos_, other, _graph[=e]_, writing.]
ALLOPATHY, al-lop'a-thi, _n._ a name given by homeopathists to the current
or orthodox medical practice, to distinguish it from their own
Homeopathy.--_adj._ ALLOPATH'IC--_ns._ ALLOP'ATHIST, ALLOPATH. [Coined by
Hahnemann (1755-1843), Ger. _allopathie_--Gr. _allos_, other, _patheia_,
_pathos_, suffering.]
ALLOPHYLIAN, al-l[=o]-f[=i]l'i-an, _adj._ of another race, alien--applied
by Prichard (1786-1848) to the Turanian or non-Aryan and non-Semitic
languages of Europe and Asia.--_n._ ALLOPHYLE'. [L.--Gr. _alloph[=y]los_,
of another tribe; _allos_, other, _ph[=y]l[=e]_, a tribe.]
ALLOT, al-lot', _v.t._ to divide as by lot: to distribute in portions: to
parcel out:--_pr.p._ allot'ting; _pa.p._ allot'ted.--_n._ ALLOT'MENT, the
act of allotting: part or share allotted: a portion of a field assigned to
a cottager to labour for himself. [O. Fr. _aloter_; _lot_ is Teut., seen in
Goth. _hlauts_, A.S. _hlot_.]
ALLOTROPY, al-lot'ro-pi, _n._ the property in some elements, as carbon, of
existing in more than one form.--_adj._ ALLOT'ROPIC. [Gr.; _allos_,
another, and _tropos_, form.]
ALLOVERISHNESS, awl-[=o]'v[.e]r-ish-nes, _n._ a general sense of
indisposition over the whole body, a feeling of discomfort,
malaise.--_adj._ ALL[=O]'VERISH.
ALLOW, al-low', _v.t._ to grant: to permit: to acknowledge: to abate: make
allowance for: (_obs._) invest, entrust: assert, say (_coll._ in
U.S.).--_adj._ ALLOW'ABLE, that may be allowed: not forbidden:
lawful.--_n._ ALLOW'ABLENESS.--_adv._ ALLOW'ABLY.--_n._ ALLOW'ANCE, that
which is allowed: a limited portion of anything: a stated quantity--of
money, &c., to meet expenses: abatement: approbation: permission.--_v.t._
to put any one upon an allowance: to supply anything in limited
quantities.--TO MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR, to take excusing circumstances into
account. [O. Fr. _alouer_, to grant--L. _ad_, to, and _loc[=a]re_, to
place.--ALLOW, in the sense of _approve_ or _sanction_, as used in _B._ and
by old writers, has its root in L. _allaud[=a]re_--_ad-_, and _laud[=a]re_,
to praise.]
ALLOY, al-loi', _v.t._ to mix one metal with another: to reduce the purity
of a metal by mixing a baser one with it: (_fig._) to debase: to temper or
qualify.--_n._ a mixture of two or more metals (when mercury is one of the
ingredients, it is an _amalgam_): a baser metal mixed with a finer:
anything that deteriorates.--_n._ ALLOY'AGE, the act of alloying or mixing
metals: a mixture of different metals. [O. Fr. _alei_ (Fr. _aloi_),
_aleier_--L. _allig[=a]re_. The modern Fr. words _aloi_ and _aloyer_ were
confounded with Fr. _[`a] loi_, to law, and the same confusion was
transferred into English.]
ALL-SAINTS'-DAY, awl-s[=a]nts'-d[=a], _n._ November 1, a feast of the
Church in honour of all the saints collectively. [See ALL-HALLOWS.]
ALL-SOULS'-DAY, awl-s[=o]lz'-d[=a], _n._ November 2, a feast of the Roman
Catholic Church kept in commemoration of all the faithful departed, for the
eternal repose of their souls.
ALLSPICE, awl'sp[=i]s, _n._ a name given to a kind of spice called Pimenta
or Jamaica pepper, from its being supposed to combine the flavour of
cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. [ALL and SPICE.]
ALLUDE, al-l[=u]d', _v.i._ to mention slightly, or convey an indirect
reference to, in passing: to refer to.--_n._ ALL[=U]'SION, an indirect
reference.--_adj._ ALLUS'IVE, alluding to: hinting at: referring to
indirectly.--_adv._ ALLUS'IVELY.--ALLUSIVE ARMS (_her._), also _canting_ or
_punning_ arms, and _armes parlantes_, those in which the charges convey
reference to the bearer's name or title, as the column of the Colonna
family, the Vele calf (O. Fr. _veel_, a calf), the Arundel martlets (O. Fr.
_arondel_, a young swallow). [L. _allud[)e]re_--_ad_, at, _lud[)e]re_,
_lusum_, to play.]
ALLUMETTE, al-[=u]-m[.e]t', _n._ a match for lighting. [Fr.]
ALLURE, al-l[=u]r', _v.t._ to draw on as by a lure or bait: to
entice.--_n._ ALLURE'MENT.--_adj._ ALLUR'ING, enticing: seductive:
charming.--_adv._ ALLUR'INGLY. [O. Fr. _alurer_--_[`a]_, to, _lurer_, to
LURE.]
ALLUVION, al-l[=u]'vi-un, _n._ land gained from the sea by the washing up
of sand and earth. [L. _alluvio_--_allu[)e]re_. See ALLUVIUM.]
ALLUVIUM, al-l[=u]'vi-um, _n._ the mass of water-borne matter deposited by
rivers on lower lands:--_pl._ ALL[=U]'VIA.--_adj._ ALL[=U]'VIAL.
[L.--_allu[)e]re_, to wash to or on--_ad_, and _lu[)e]re_ = _lav[=a]re_, to
wash.]
ALLY, al-l[=i]', _v.t._ to form a relation by marriage, friendship, treaty,
or resemblance.--_pa.p._ and _adj._ ALLIED'.--_n._ ALLY (al-l[=i]', or
al'l[=i]), a confederate: a prince or state united by treaty or
league:--_pl._ ALL[=I]ES', or AL'L[=I]ES. [O. Fr. _alier_--L.
_allig[=a]re_--_ad_, to, _lig[=a]re_, to bind.]
ALMA, ALMAH, al'ma, _n._ an Egyptian dancing-girl.--Also ALME, ALMEH. [Ar.
_`almah_, learned, _`alamah_, to know.]
ALMACANTAR, al-mak-an'tar, _n._ a name for circles of altitude parallel to
the horizon, and hence for an astronomical instrument for determining time
and latitude. [Ar. _almuqantar[=a]t_, _qantarah_, an arch.]
ALMAGEST, al'ma-jest, _n._ a collection of problems in geometry and
astronomy, drawn up by the Egyptian astronomer Ptolemy (about 140 A.D.), so
named by the Arabs as the greatest and largest on the subject. [Ar. _al_,
the, and Gr. _megistos_, greatest.]
ALMAIN, al'm[=a]n, _n._ (_obs._) an inhabitant of Germany: a kind of dance
music in slow time. [Fr. _Allemand_--_Allemanni_, an ancient German tribe.]
ALMANAC, al'ma-nak, _n._ a register of the days, weeks, and months of the
year, &c.--_n._ ALMANOG'RAPHER, an almanac-maker. [Most prob. the original
of the word as in Fr., It., and Sp. was a Spanish-Arabic _al-man[=a]kh_.
Eusebius has _almenichiaka_, an Egyptian word, prob. sig. 'daily
observation of things,' but the history of the word has not been traced,
and it is hazardous without evidence to connect this with the Arabic word.]
ALMANDINE, al'man-d[=i]n, _n._ a red transparent variety of the
garnet.--Also AL'MANDIN. [Earlier ALABANDINE--Low L.
_alabandina_--_Alabanda_, a town in Caria, a province of Asia Minor, where
it was found.]
ALMIGHTY, awl-m[=i]t'i, _adj._ possessing all might or power: omnipotent:
very powerful generally: (_slang_) mighty, great.--Older form
ALMIGHT'.--_adv._ ALMIGHT'ILY.--_ns._ ALMIGHT'INESS, ALMIGHT'YSHIP.--THE
ALMIGHTY, God; THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR, a phrase of Washington Irving's,
expressive of the greatness of the power of money. [A.S. _aelmeahtig_. See
ALL and MIGHTY.]
ALMNER, an old spelling of ALMONER.
ALMOND, [:a]'mund, _n._ the fruit of the almond-tree.--_n.pl._ ALMONDS
([:a]'mundz), the tonsils or glands of the throat, so called from their
resemblance to the fruit of the almond-tree. [O. Fr. _almande_ (Fr.
_amande_)--L. _amygdalum_--Gr. _amygdal[=e]_.]
ALMONER, al'mun-[.e]r, _n._ a distributer of alms.--_n._ AL'MONRY, the
place where alms are distributed. [O. Fr. _aumoner_, _aumonier_ (Fr.
_aum[^o]nier_)--Low L. _eleemosynarius_ (adj.). See ALMS.]
ALMOST, awl'm[=o]st, _adv._ nearly, all but, very nearly. [ALL and MOST.]
ALMRY, [:a]m'ri, _n._ Same as ALMONRY.
ALMS, [:a]mz, _n._ relief given out of pity to the poor.--_ns._ ALMS'-DEED,
a charitable deed; ALMS'-DRINK (_Shak._), leavings of drink; ALMS'-FEE, an
annual tax of one penny on every hearth, formerly sent from England to
Rome, Peter's pence; ALMS'HOUSE, a house endowed for the support and
lodging of the poor; ALMS'-MAN, a man who lives by alms. [A.S. _aelmysse_,
through Late L., from Gr. _ele[=e]mosyn[=e]_--_eleos_, compassion. Dr
Murray notes the Scot. and North Country _almous_, _awmous_, as an
independent adoption of the cognate Norse _almusa_; and the legal ALMOIGN,
ALMOIN, perpetual tenure by free gift of charity, from O. Fr., perhaps due
to a confusion with _alimonium_.]
ALMUCE, an early form of AMICE.
ALMUG, al'mug, _n._ the wood of a tree described in the Bible as brought
from Ophir in the time of Solomon, for the house and temple at Jerusalem,
and for musical instruments--probably the red sandalwood of India. [Heb.
_algumm[^i]m_, _almugg[^i]m_. The better form is ALGUM.]
ALOE, al'[=o], _n._ a genus of plants of considerable medicinal importance,
of the 200 species of which as many as 170 are indigenous to the Cape
Colony.--The so-called American Aloe is a totally different plant (see
AGAVE).--_adj._ AL'OED, planted or shaded with aloes.--The ALOES WOOD of
the Bible was the heart-wood of _Aquilaria ovata_ and _Aquilaria
Agallochum_, large spreading trees. The wood contains a dark-coloured,
fragrant, resinous substance, much prized for the odour it diffuses in
burning. [The word was used erroneously in the Septuagint and New Testament
as a translation of the Heb. _ah[=a]l[=i]m_, _ah[=a]l[=o]th_ (Gr.
_agallochon_), an aromatic resin or wood--called later in Gr. _xylalo[=e]_,
from which descend _lignum aloes_, _lign-aloes_, _wood-aloes_, and
_aloes-wood_.--A.S. _aluwan_--L. _alo[=e]_--Gr. _alo[=e]_.]
ALOES, al'[=o]z, a purgative bitter drug, the inspissated juice of the
leaves of several almost tree-like species of aloe. Used both as a _sing.
n._, and as a _pl._ of ALOE.--_n._ and _adj._ ALOET'IC, a medicine
containing a large proportion of aloes.
ALOFT, a-loft', _adv._ on high: overhead: at a great height: (_naut._)
above the deck, at the masthead: sometimes used as equivalent to _aloof_
(_Mad. D'Arblay_). [Scand.; Icel. _['a] lopt_ (pron. _loft_), expressing
motion; _['a] lopti_, expressing positio_n._ Pfx. _a-_ = Icel. _['a]_ =
A.S. _on_, in. See LOFT.]
ALONE, al-[=o]n', _adj._ single: solitary: alone of its kind: of itself, or
by themselves.--_adv._ singly, by one's self only.--_n._ ALONE'NESS [ALL
and ONE.]
ALONG, a-long', _adv._ by or through the length of: lengthwise: throughout:
onward: (fol. by _with_) in company of.--_prep._ by the side of:
near.--_n.pl._ ALONG'SHORE-MEN, labourers employed about the docks or
wharves in the Thames and other rivers.--_prep._ ALONG'SIDE, by the side,
beside.--ALONG OF, (_arch._ or _dial._) owing to. [A.S. _andlang_--pfx.
_and-_, against, and _lang_, LONG.]
ALONGST, a-longst', _prep._ (_obs._ except _dial._) along: by the length.
[M. E. _alongest_, from _along_, with adv. gen. _-es_.]
ALOOF, a-l[=oo]f', _adv._ at a distance: apart.--_n._ ALOOF'NESS,
withdrawal from common action or sympathy. [Pfx. _a-_ (--A.S. _on_), on,
and LOOF, prob. Dut. _loef._ See LUFF.]
ALOPECIA, al-o-p[=e]'si-a, _n._ baldness: a skin-disease producing this.
[Gr. _alopekia_, fox-mange.]
ALOUD, a-lowd', _adv._ with a loud voice: loudly. [Prep. _a_ (--A.S. _on_),
and _hl['u]d_, noise; Ger. _laut_.]
ALOW, a-l[=o]', _adv._ in a low place--opp. to _Aloft_.
ALOW, al-low', _adv._ (_Scot._) ablaze. [Prep. _a_, and LOW, a flame.]
ALP, alp, _n._ a high mountain:--_pl._ ALPS, specially applied to the lofty
ranges of Switzerland.--_adjs._ ALP'EN; ALPINE (alp'in, or alp'[=i]n),
pertaining to the Alps, or to any lofty mountains: very high.--_ns._
AL'PINIST, ALPES'TRIAN, one devoted to Alpine climbing. [L.; of Celtic
origin; cf. Gael. _alp_, a mountain; allied to L. _albus_, white (with
snow).]
ALPACA, al-pak'a, _n._ the Peruvian sheep, akin to the llama, having long
silken wool: cloth made of its wool. [Sp. _alpaca_ or _al-paco_, from _al_,
Arab. article, and _paco_, most prob. a Peruvian word.]
ALPENHORN, al'pen-horn, _n._ a long powerful horn, wide and curved at the
mouth, used chiefly by Alpine cowherds.--Also ALP'HORN. [Gr. _Alpen_, of
the Alps, _horn_, horn.]
ALPENSTOCK, alp'n-stok, _n._ a long stick or staff used by travellers in
climbing the Alps. [Ger. _Alpen_, of the Alps; _stock_, stick.]
ALPHA, al'fa, _n._ the first letter of the Greek alphabet: the first or
beginning. [Gr. _alpha_--Heb. _aleph_, an ox, the name of the first letter
of the Phoenician and Hebrew alphabet. See A.]
ALPHABET, al'fa-bet, _n._ the letters of a language arranged in the usual
order.--_n._ ALPHABET[=A]'RIAN, one learning his alphabet, a beginner: a
student of alphabets.--_adjs._ ALPHABET'IC, -AL, relating to or in the
order of an alphabet.--_adv._ ALPHABET'ICALLY.--_v.t._ AL'PHABETISE, to
arrange alphabetically:--_pr.p._ al'phabet[=i]sing; _pa.p._
al'phabet[=i]sed. [Gr. _alpha_, _beta_, the first two Greek letters.]
ALPHONSINE, al'fons-[=i]n, _adj._ of Alphonso (X.) the Wise, king of
Castile, pertaining to his planetary tables, completed in 1252.
ALREADY, awl-red'i, _adv._ previously, or before the time
specified.--Sometimes used adjectively = present. [ALL and READY.]
ALS, an old form of ALSO.
ALSATIAN, al-s[=a]'shi-an, _adj._ of or pertaining to Alsatia (Ger.
_Elsass_), a province between France and Germany.--_n._ a rogue or
debauchee, such as haunted Alsatia--a cant name for Whitefriars, a district
in London between the Thames and Fleet Street, which enjoyed privileges of
sanctuary down to 1697, and was consequently infested with lawless
characters. See Scott's _Fortunes of Nigel_.
ALSO, awl'so, _adv._ in like manner: further. [Compounded of _all_ and
_so_; A.S. _al_ and _sw['a]_.]
ALT, alt, _n._ high tone, in voice or instrument.--IN ALT, in the octave
above the treble stave beginning with G; (_fig._) in an exalted and
high-flown mood.
ALTALTISSIMO, alt-al-tis'si-mo, _n._ the very highest summit. [It.
reduplicated comp. of _alto_, high, and _altissimo_, highest.]
ALTAR, awlt'ar, _n._ an elevated place or structure, block or stone, or the
like, on which sacrifices were anciently offered: in Christian churches,
the table on which the officiating priest consecrates the eucharist: the
communion table: (_fig._) a place of worship.--_ns._ ALT'ARAGE, offerings
made upon the altar during the offertory, provided for the maintenance of
the priest; ALT'AR-CLOTH, the covering of the altar, placed over and around
it, of silk, velvet, satin, or cloth, often used as including the frontal
(_antependium_), and the super-frontal; ALT'ARPIECE, a decorative screen,
retable, or reredos, placed behind an altar--a work of art, whether a
sacred painting or sculpture.--_n.pl._ ALT'AR-RAILS, rails separating the
sacrarium from the rest of the chancel.--_ns._ ALT'AR-STONE, the slab
forming the top or chief part of an altar; ALT'AR-TOMB, a monumental
memorial, in form like an altar, often with a canopy. These were often
placed over the vaults or burying-place, and frequently on the north and
south walls of choirs, aisles, and chantry chapels.--_adj._ ALT'ARWISE,
placed like an altar--north and south, at the upper end of the
chancel.--FAMILY ALTAR, the practice or the place of private devotional
worship in the family; HIGH ALTAR, the principal altar in a cathedral or
other church having more than one altar; PORTABLE ALTAR, a small tablet of
marble, jasper, or precious stone, used by special license for Mass when
said away from the parish altar, in oratories or other similar places. It
was termed _super-altare_, because commonly placed upon some other altar,
or some fitting construction of wood or stone. [L. _alt[=a]re_--_altus_,
high.]
ALTAZIMUTH, alt-az'i-muth, _n._ an instrument devised by Sir G. B. Airy for
determining the apparent places of the heavenly bodies on the celestial
sphere. [A contr. for '_altitude_ and _azimuth_ instrument.']
ALTER, awl't[.e]r, _v.t._ to make different: to change: (_U.S._) to
castrate.--_v.i._ to become different: to vary.--_ns._ ALTERABIL'ITY,
AL'TERABLENESS.--_adj._ AL'TERABLE, that may be altered.--_adv._
AL'TERABLY.--_adj._ AL'TERANT, altering: having the power of producing
changes.--_n._ ALTER[=A]'TION, change.--_adj._ AL'TERATIVE, having power to
alter.--_n._ a medicine that makes a change in the vital functions.--_n._
ALTER'ITY (_Coleridge_), the state of being other or different. [L.
_alter_, another--_al_ (root of _alius_, other), and the old comp. suffix
_-ter_ = Eng. _-ther_.]
ALTERCATE, al't[.e]r-k[=a]t, _v.i._ to dispute or wrangle.--_n._
ALTERC[=A]'TION, contention: controversy.--_adj._ ALTERC[=A]'TIVE. [L.
_alterc[=a]ri_, _-catus_, to bandy words from one to the other (_alter_).]
ALTER EGO, al't[.e]r [=e]'go, _n._ second self, counterpart, double. [L.
_alter_, other; _ego_, I.]
ALTERNATE, al't[.e]r-n[=a]t, or al-t[.e]r'n[=a]t, _v.t._ to cause to follow
by turns or one after the other.--_v.i._ to happen by turns: to follow
every other or second time--also AL'TERNISE.--_adjs._ AL'TERN (_Milton_),
alternate, acting by turns; ALTER'NANT (_geol._), in alternate layers;
ALTER'NATE, one after the other: by turns.--_adv._ ALTER'NATELY.--_ns._
ALTER'NATENESS, ALTER'NACY (_rare_); ALTERN[=A]'TION, the act of
alternating: interchange: reading or singing antiphonally.--_adj._
ALTER'NATIVE, offering a choice of two things.--_n._ a choice between two
things.--_adv._ ALTER'NATIVELY. [L. _alter_, other.]
ALTHAEA, al-th[=e]'a, _n._ a genus of plants including the marsh mallow and
the hollyhock. [Gr.]
ALTHOUGH, awl-_th_[=o]', _conj._ admitting all that: notwithstanding that.
[See THOUGH.]
ALTIMETER, al-tim'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring
heights.--_adj._ ALTIMET'RICAL.--_n._ ALTIM'ETRY. [L. _altus_, high, and
METER.]
ALTISSIMO, al-tis'si-mo, _adj._ (_mus._) in phrase 'in altissimo,' in the
second octave above the treble stave beginning with G. [It. _altissimo_,
superl. of _alto_, high.]
ALTITUDE, alt'i-tude, _n._ height: a point or position at a height above
the sea: high rank or eminence.--_n.pl._ ALT'ITUDES, passion,
excitement.--_adj._ ALTIT[=U]'DINAL.--_n._ ALTITUDIN[=A]'RIAN, one given to
flightiness in doctrine or belief. [L. _altitudo_--_altus_, high.]
ALTO, alt'o, _n._ (_mus._) properly the same as counter-tenor, the male
voice of the highest pitch (now principally _falsetto_), and not the lowest
female voice, which is properly _contralto_, though in printed music the
second part in a quartet is always called _alto_. [It.--L. _altus_, high.]
ALTOGETHER, awl-too-ge_th_'[.e]r, _adv._ all together: wholly: completely:
without exception.
ALTO-RELIEVO, ALTO-RILIEVO, alt'o-re-l[=e]'vo, _n._ high relief: figures
projected by at least half their thickness from the background on which
they are sculptured. [It. _alto_, high. See RELIEF.]
ALTRUISM, al'tr[=oo]-ism, _n._ the principle of living and acting for the
interest of others.--_adj._ ALTRUIST'IC.--_adv._ ALTRUIST'ICALLY. [Fr.
_altruisme_, formed by Comte from It. _altrui_--L. _alter_, another.]
ALUM, al'um, _n._ a mineral salt, the double sulphate of alumina and
potash, used as a mordant in dyeing and for many purposes.--_adj._
AL'UMISH, having the character or taste of alum.--_ns._ AL'UM-SHALE, or
-SLATE, a slate consisting mainly of clay, iron pyrites, and coaly matter,
from which alum is obtained. [L. _alumen_.]
ALUMINA, al-[=u]'min-a, ALUMINE, al'[=u]-min, _n._ one of the earths, the
characteristic ingredient of common clay--the oxide of aluminium.--_adj._
AL[=U]'MINOUS, containing alum or alumina. [L. _alumen_, alum.]
ALUMINIUM, al-[=u]-min'i-um, _n._ the metallic base of alumina; a metal
somewhat resembling silver, and remarkable for its lightness, now made from
Bauxite.--ALUMINIUM BRONZE, an alloy lighter than gold, but like it in
colour. [First called _Aluminum_ by the discoverer, Sir H. Davy
(1778-1829).]
ALUMNUS, al-um'nus, _n._ one educated at a college is called an _alumnus_
of it:--_pl._ ALUM'NI.--_n._ ALUM'NIATE, the period of pupilage.
[L.,--_al[)e]re_, to nourish.]
ALUNITE, al'un-[=i]t, _n._ a mineral consisting of common alum together
with normal hydrate of aluminium.--Also ALUM-STONE, ALUMIN'ILITE.
ALURE, al-l[=u]r', _n._ (_obs._) a place to walk in, a gallery, a covered
passage. [O. Fr. _aleure_, _aller_, to go.]
ALVEARY, al've-ar-i, _n._ a beehive: (_anat._) the hollow of the external
ear.--_adj._ AL'VEOLATE, pitted like a honeycomb. [L. _alvearium_,
beehive--_alveus_, a hollow vessel.]
ALVEOLAR, al've-o-lar, _adj._ (_anat._) of or belonging to the sockets of
the teeth, as the alveolar arch, the part of the upper jaw in which the
teeth are placed--also AL'VEOLARY.--_n._ AL'VEOLE, the hollow or socket of
a tooth--more common ALV[=E]'OLUS.
ALVINE, al'vin, _adj._ of or from the belly. [From L. _alvus_, belly.]
ALWAYS, awl'w[=a]z, ALWAY, awl'w[=a], _adv._ through all ways: continually:
for ever. [Gen. case of ALWAY.]
AM, am, the 1st pers. sing, of the verb To be. [A.S. _eom_; Gr. _ei-mi_;
Lat. _s-u-m_ (_as_-(_u_)-_mi_); Goth. _-im_; Sans. _as-mi_.]
AMADOU, am'a-d[=oo], _n._ a soft spongy substance, growing as a fungus on
forest trees, used as a styptic and as tinder. [Fr. _amadouer_, to allure
(as in the phrase 'to _coax_ a fire'); prob. of Scand. origin; cf. Norse
_mata_, to feed.]
AMAIN, a-m[=a]n', _adv._ with main force or strength: violently: at full
speed: exceedingly. [Pfx. _a-_ = _on_, and MAIN.]
AMALGAM, a-mal'gam, _n._ a compound of mercury with another metal: any soft
mixture: a combination of various elements: one of the ingredients in an
alloy.--_v.t._ AMAL'GAMATE, to mix mercury with another metal: to
compound.--_v.i._ to unite in an amalgam: to blend.--_n._ AMALGAM[=A]'TION,
the blending of different things: a homogeneous union of diverse
elements.--_adj._ AMALGAM[=A]'TIVE. [L. and Gr. _malagma_, an
emollient--Gr. _malassein_, to soften.]
AMANDINE, am'an-din, _n._ a kind of cold cream prepared from sweet almonds.
[Fr.--_amande_, almond.]
AMANUENSIS, a-man-[=u]-en'sis, _n._ one who writes to dictation: a copyist:
a secretary:--_pl._ AMANUEN'S[=E]S. [L.--_ab_, from, and _manus_, the
hand.]
AMARACUS, a-mar'a-kus, _n._ (_Tennyson_) marjoram. [L.--Gr.]
AMARANTH, -US, am'ar-anth, -us, _n._ a genus of plants with richly-coloured
flowers, that last long without withering, as Love-lies-bleeding, early
employed as an emblem of immortality.--_adj._ AMARANTH'INE, pertaining to
amaranth: unfading. [Through Fr. and L. from Gr. _amarantos_,
unfading--_a_, neg., and root _mar_, to waste away; allied to L. _mori_, to
die.]
AMARYLLIS, am-a-ril'is, _n._ a genus of bulbous-rooted plants, including
the narcissus, jonquil, &c. [_Amaryllis_, the name of a country girl in
Theocritus and Virgil.]
AMASS, a-mas', _v.t._ to gather in large quantity: to accumulate.--_adjs._
AMASS'ABLE.--_pa.p._ AMASSED'.--_n._ AMASS'MENT. [Fr. _amasser_--L. _ad_,
to, and _massa_, a mass.]
AMASTHENIC, am-as-then'ik, _adj._ uniting all the chemical rays of light
into one focus, applied to a lens perfect for photographic purposes. [Gr.
_hama_, together, _sthenos_, force.]
AMATE, a-m[=a]t', _v.t._ to accompany: (_Spens._) to match. [Pfx. _a-_, and
MATE.]
AMATE, a-m[=a]t', _v.t._ (_arch._) to subdue, to daunt, to stupefy. [O. Fr.
_amatir_, to subdue.]
AMATEUR, am'at-[=u]r, or am-at-[=a]r', _n._ one who cultivates a particular
study or art for the love of it, and not professionally: in general terms,
one who plays a game for pleasure, as distinguished from a professional who
plays for money--nearly every game has its special definition to meet its
own requirements.--_adjs._ AMATEUR; AMATEUR'ISH, imperfect and defective,
as the work of an amateur rather than a professional hand.--_adv._
AMATEUR'ISHLY.--_ns._ AMATEUR'ISHNESS; AMATEUR'ISM, AMATEUR'SHIP. [Fr.--L.
_amator_, a lover, _am[=a]re_, to love.]
AMATIVE, am'at-iv, _adj._ relating to love: amorous.--_n._ AM'ATIVENESS,
propensity to love or to sexuality. [From L. _am[=a]re_, -_[=a]tum_, to
love.]
AMATORY, am'at-or-i, _adj._ relating to or causing love:
affectionate.--_adjs._ AM'ATORY, AMAT[=O]'RIAL, AMAT[=O]'RIAN
(_obs._).--_adv._ AMAT[=O]'RIALLY.
AMAUROSIS, am-aw-r[=o]'sis, _n._ total blindness when no change can be seen
in the eye sufficient to account for it; _Amblyopia_ being partial loss of
sight under similar circumstances. The old name was _Gutta serena_--the
'drop serene' of _Paradise Lost_, iii. 25.--_adj._ AMAUR[=O]'TIC. [Gr.
_amaur[=o]sis_, _amauros_, dark.]
AMAZE, a-m[=a]z', _v.t._ to confound with surprise or wonder.--_n._
astonishment: perplexity (much less common than AMAZE'MENT).--_adv._
AMAZ'EDLY, with amazement or wonder.--_n._ AMAZE'MENT, AMAZ'EDNESS
(_rare_), surprise mingled with wonder: astonishment.--_p.adj._ AMAZE'ING,
causing amazement, astonishment: astonishing.--_adv._ AMAZ'INGLY. [Pfx.
_a-_, and MAZE.]
AMAZON, am'az-on, _n._ one of a fabled nation of female warriors: a
masculine woman: a virago.--_adj._ AMAZ[=O]'NIAN, of or like an Amazon: of
masculine manners: warlike. [Popular Gr. ety. from _a_, neg., _mazos_, a
breast--they being fabled to cut off the right breast that they might draw
the bow to its head (of course all this is idle); some have suggested an
original in the Circassian _maza_, the moon.]
AMBAGE, am'b[=a]j, _n._ roundabout phrases: circuitous paths, windings:
dark and mysterious courses:--_pl._ AM'BAGES.--_adj._ AMB[=A]'GIOUS,
circumlocutory: circuitous.--_adv._ AMB[=A]'GIOUSLY.--_n._
AMB[=A]'GIOUSNESS--_adj._ AMB[=A]'GITORY (_rare_).
AMBASSADOR, am-bas'a-dur, _n._ a diplomatic minister of the highest order
sent by one sovereign power to another:--_fem._ AMBASS'ADRESS.--_adj._
AMBASSAD[=O]'RIAL.--_n._ AMBASS'ADORSHIP.--_n._ AMBASS'AGE--now usually
EMBASSAGE, the position, or the business, of an ambassador: a number of men
despatched on an embassy or mission.--AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY, an
ambassador sent on a special occasion, as distinguished from the ordinary
or resident ambassador. [It. _ambasciadore_--L. _ambactus_, derived by
Grimm from Goth. _andbahts_, a servant, whence Ger. _amt_, office; by Zeuss
and others traced to a Celtic source, and identified with W. _amaeth_, a
husbandman.]
AMBE, am'b[=e], _n._ an old mechanical contrivance, ascribed to
Hippocrates, for reducing dislocations of the shoulder. [Gr. _amb[=e]_,
Ionic for _amb[=o]n_, a ridge.]
AMBER, am'b[.e]r, _n._ a yellowish fossil resin, used in making
ornaments.--_adjs._ AM'BERED (_obs._), flavoured with amber or ambergris;
AMB'ERY. [Fr.--Ar. _`anbar_, ambergris.]
AMBERGRIS, am'b[.e]r-gr[=e]s, _n._ a fragrant substance of an ash-gray
colour, found floating on the sea or on the seacoast of warm countries, and
in the intestines of the spermaceti whale. [Fr. _ambre gris_, gray amber.]
AMBERITE, am'be-r[=i]t, _n._ a smokeless powder.
AMBIDEXTER, am-bi-deks't[.e]r, _adj._ and _n._ able to use both hands with
equal facility: double-dealing, or a double-dealer.--_n._ AMBI'DEXTER'ITY,
superior cleverness or adaptability.--_adj._ AMBIDEX'TROUS. [L. _ambo_,
both, _dexter_, right hand.]
AMBIENT, am'bi-ent, _adj._ going round: surrounding: investing.--_n._ an
encompassing sphere: the air or sky. [L. _ambi_, about, _iens_, _ientis_,
pr.p. of _eo_, _[=i]re_, to go.]
AMBIGUOUS, am-big'[=u]-us, _adj._ of doubtful signification: indistinct:
wavering or uncertain: equivocal.--_n._ AMBIG[=U]'ITY, uncertainty or
dubiousness of meaning--also AMBIG'UOUSNESS.--_adv._ AMBIG'UOUSLY. [L.
_ambiguus_--_ambig[)e]re_, to go about--_ambi_, about, _ag[)e]re_, to
drive.]
AMBIT, am'bit, _n._ a circuit: a space surrounding a house or town: extent
of meaning of words, &c.
AMBITION, am-bish'un, _n._ the desire of power, honour, fame,
excellence.--_n._ AMBI'TIONIST (_Carlyle_), an ambitious man.--_adj._
AMBI'TIOUS, full of ambition (with _of_, formerly _for_): strongly desirous
of anything--esp. power: aspiring: indicating ambition: showy or
pretentious.--_adv._ AMBI'TIOUSLY.--_n._ AMBI'TIOUSNESS. [Fr.--L.
_ambition_-_em_, the going about--that is, the canvassing for votes
practised by candidates for office in Rome--_ambi_, about, and _[=i]re_,
_itum_, to go.]
AMBLE, am'bl, _v.i._ to move as a horse by lifting together both legs on
one side alternately with those on the other side: to move at an easy pace
affectedly.--_n._ a pace of a horse between a trot and a walk.--_n._
AM'BLER, a horse that ambles: one who ambles in walking or dancing.--_n._
and _adj._ AM'BLING. [Fr. _ambler_--L. _ambul[=a]-re_, to walk about.]
AMBLYGON, am'bli-gon, _adj._ obtuse-angled. [Gr. _amblus_, obtuse, _gonia_,
angle.]
AMBLYOPIA, am-bli-[=o]'pi-a, _n._ dullness of sight (see AMAUROSIS).--_n._
AMBLYOP'SIS, the bony fish found in the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, the
rudimentariness of whose eyes is due to darkness and consequent disuse.
[Gr.--_amblys_, dull, _[=o]ps_, eye.]
AMBLYSTOMA, am-blis't[=o]-ma, _n._ a genus of tailed amphibians in the
gill-less or salamandroid sub-order--the adult form of axolotl. [Gr.
_amblys_, blunt, _stoma_, mouth.]
AMBO, am'b[=o], _n._ a kind of reading-desk or pulpit, which in early
Christian churches was placed in the choir. The ambo had two ascents--one
from the east, and the other from the west. [Gr. _amb[=o]n_, a rising.]
AMBROSIA, am-br[=o]'zhi-a, _n._ the fabled food of the gods, which gave
immortal youth and beauty to those who ate it: the anointing oil of the
gods: any finely-flavoured beverage: something delightfully sweet and
pleasing.--_adj._ AMBR[=O]'SIAL, fragrant: delicious: immortal:
heavenly.--_adv._ AMBR[=O]'SIALLY.--_adj._ AMBR[=O]'SIAN, relating to
ambrosia: relating to St Ambrose, bishop of Milan in the 4th century.
[L.--Gr. _ambrosios_ = _ambrotos_, immortal--_a_, neg., and _brotos_,
mortal, for _mrotos_, Sans. _mrita_, dead--_mri_ (L. _mori_), to die.]
[Illustration]
AMBRY, am'bri, _n._ a niche in churches in which the sacred utensils were
kept: a cupboard for victuals. [O. Fr. _armarie_, a repository for arms
(Fr. _armoire_, a cupboard)--L. _armarium_, a chest for arms--_arma_,
arms.]
AMBS-ACE, [=a]mz'-[=a]s, _n._ double ace: the lowest possible throw at
dice: ill-luck: worthlessness. [O. Fr. _ambes as_--L. _ambas as_. See ACE.]
AMBULACRUM, am-b[=u]-l[=a]'krum, _n._ a row of pores in the shell of an
echinoderm, as a sea-urchin, through which the tube-feet protrude.--_adj._
AMBUL[=A]'CRAL. [L., a walk--_ambul[=a]re_, to walk.]
AMBULANCE, am'b[=u]l-ans, _n._ a carriage which follows an army and serves
as a movable hospital for the wounded--also used as an _adj._, as in
ambulance wagon.--_n._ AMBULAN'CIER, a man attached to an
ambulance.--_adj._ AM'BULANT, walking: moving from place to place: (_rare_)
unfixed.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ AM'BULATE (_rare_), to walk.--_p.adj._
AM'BULATING.--_n._ AMBUL[=A]'TION.--_adj._ AM'BULATORY, having the power or
faculty of walking: moving from place to place, not stationary:
mutable.--_n._ any part of a building intended for walking in, as the
aisles of a church, or the cloisters of a monastery: any kind of corridor.
[Fr.--L. _ambulans_, _-antis_, pr.p. of _ambul[=a]re_, to walk about.]
AMBUSCADE, am'busk-[=a]d, _n._ a hiding to attack by surprise: a body of
troops in concealment: the hidden place of ambush--used also as a
_verb_.--_n._ AMBUSC[=A]'DO, a now archaic form of AMBUSCADE (common in
17th century):--_pl._ AMBUSC[=A]'DOES. [Fr. _embuscade_. See AMBUSH.]
AMBUSH, am'boosh, _n._ and _v._ same meanings as AMBUSCADE.--_n._
AM'BUSHMENT (_B._), ambush. [O. Fr. _embusche_ (mod. _emb[^u]che_),
_embuscher_, Low L. _embosc[=a]re_--_in_-, in, and _boscus_, a bush.]
AMEER, or AMERE, a-m[=e]r', _n._ a title of honour, also of an independent
ruler in Mohammedan countries. [Ar. _am[=i]r_. See ADMIRAL.]
AMELIORATE, a-m[=e]l'yor-[=a]t, _v.t._ to make better: to improve.--_v.i._
to grow better.--_n._ AMELIOR[=A]'TION, the condition of being made better:
improvement or the means of such.--_adj._ AMEL'IORATIVE. [L. _ad_, to, and
_melior_, better.]
AMEN, [=a]'men', or [:a]'men', _interj._ so let it be!--_v.t._ to say amen
to anything, to ratify solemnly. [Gr.--Heb. _[=a]m[=e]n_, firm, true.]
AMENABLE, a-m[=e]n'a-bl, _adj._ easy to be led or governed: liable or
subject to.--_ns._ AMENABIL'ITY, AMEN'ABLENESS.--_adv._ AMEN'ABLY. [Fr.
_amener_, to lead--_a_ = L. _ad_, and _mener_, to lead--Low L. _min[=a]re_,
to lead, to drive (as cattle)--L. _min[=a]ri_, to threaten.]
AMENAGE, am'e-n[=a]j, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to manage. [O. Fr. _amenager_. See
MANAGE.]
AMENANCE, am'e-nans, _n._ (_Spens._) conduct, behaviour. [O. Fr.
_amenance_, from root of AMENABLE.]
AMEND, a-mend', _v.t._ to correct: to improve: to alter in detail, as a
bill before parliament, often so fundamentally as to overthrow entirely the
thing originally proposed.--_v.i._ to grow or become better.--_adjs._
AMEND'ABLE, AMEND'ATORY, corrective.--_n._ AMEND'MENT, correction:
improvement: an alteration proposed on a bill under consideration: a
counter-proposal put before a public meeting: a counter-motion.--_n.pl._
AMENDS', supply of a loss: compensation: reparation. [Fr. _amender_ for
_emender_--L. _emend[=a]re_, to remove a fault--_e_, _ex_, out of, and
_menda_, a fault.]
AMENDE, [:a]-mend', _n._ a fine, penalty.--AMENDE HONORABLE, a public
confession and apology made for any offence. [Fr. See AMEND.]
AMENITY, am-en'i-ti, _n._ pleasantness, as regards situation, climate,
manners, or disposition. [Fr. _am['e]nit['e]_--L. _amoenitas_--_amoenus_,
pleasant, from root of _am_-_[=a]re_, to love.]
AMENORRHOEA, AMENORRHEA, a-men-[=o]-r[=e]'a, _n._ absence of menstruation.
[From Gr. _a_, priv., _m[=e]n_, month, _roia_, a flowing.]
AMENTUM, a-men'tum, AMENT, am'ent, _n._ a scaly sort of spike, as of the
willow: a catkin:--_pl._ AMEN'TA.--_adjs._ AMENT[=A]'CEOUS, AMEN'TAL. [L.
_amentum_, thong.]
AMERCE, a-m[.e]rs', _v.t._ to punish by a fine: to deprive of anything, or
inflict loss upon.--_n._ AMERCE'MENT, a penalty inflicted--also
AMERC'IAMENT. [O. Fr. _amercier_, to impose a fine--L. _merces_, wages,
fine.]
AMERICAN, a-mer'ik-an, _adj._ pertaining to America, esp. to the United
States.--_n._ a native of America.--_v.t._ AMER'ICANISE, to render
American.--_n._ AMER'ICANISM, a custom, characteristic, word, phrase, or
idiom peculiar to Americans: condition of being an American citizen:
devotion to American institutions. [From _America_, so called unfairly from
_Amerigo_ Vespucci, a navigator who explored a small part of South America
seven years after the first voyage of Columbus.]
AMETHYST, a'meth-ist, _n._ a bluish-violet variety of quartz of which
drinking cups used to be made, which the ancients supposed prevented
drunkenness.--_adj._ AMETHYST'INE, [Gr. _amethystos_--_a_, neg.,
_methy-ein_, to be drunken--_meth[=u]_, wine, cog. with Eng. _mead_, Sans.
_madhu_, sweet.]
AMIABLE, [=a]m'i-a-bl, _adj._ lovable: worthy of love: of sweet
disposition.--_ns._ AMIABIL'ITY, AM'IABLENESS, quality of being amiable, or
of exciting love.--_adv._ AM'IABLY. [O. Fr. _amiable_, friendly--L.
_amicabilis_, from _amicus_, a friend; there is a confusion in meaning with
O. Fr. _amable_ (mod. Fr. _aimable_), lovable--L. _amabilis_--_am-[=a]re_,
to love.]
AMIANTUS, a-mi-ant'us, _n._ the finest fibrous variety of asbestos--it can
be made into cloth which when stained is readily cleansed by fire.--Also
AMIANTH'US. [Gr. _amiantos_, unpollutable--_a_, neg.,and _miain-ein_, to
soil.]
AMICABLE, am'ik-a-bl, _adj._ friendly.--_ns._ AMICABIL'ITY,
AM'ICABLENESS.--_adv._ AM'ICABLY. [L. _amicabilis_--_amicus_, a friend,
_am-[=a]re_, to love.]
AMICE, am'is, _n._ a flowing cloak formerly worn by priests and pilgrims: a
strip of fine linen, with a piece of embroidered cloth sewn upon it, worn
formerly on the head, now upon the shoulders, by Roman Catholic priests in
the service of the Mass. [O. Fr. _amit_--L. _amictus_, _amic-[)e]re_, to
wrap about--_amb_, about, and _jac-[)e]re_, to throw.]
AMICE, am'is, _n._ a furred hood with long ends hanging down in front,
originally a cap or covering for the head, afterwards a hood, or cape with
a hood, later a mere college hood. [O. Fr. _aumuce_, of doubtful origin;
but at any rate cog. with Ger. _mutse_, _m[:u]tze_, Scot. _mutch_.]
AMID, a-mid', AMIDST, a-midst', _prep._ in the middle or midst:
among.--_adv._ AMID'MOST (_W. Morris_), in the very middle of.--_adv._ and
_n._ AMID'SHIPS, half-way between the stem and stern of a ship, [_a_, on,
and MID.]
AMIDE, am'[=i]d, _n._ one of the compound ammonias derived from one or more
molecules of common ammonia, by exchanging one or more of the three
hydrogen atoms for acid radicals of equivalent acidity.
AMINE, am'[=i]n, _n._ one of the compound ammonias, in which one or more of
the three hydrogen atoms in ammonia are exchanged for alcohol or other
positive radicals, or for a metal.
AMILDAR, am'il-dar, _n._ a factor or manager in India: a collector of
revenue amongst the Mahrattas. [Hind. _`amald[=a]r_--Ar. _`amal_, work.]
AMIR, a-m[=e]r'. Same as AMEER.
AMISS, a-mis', _adj._ in error: wrong.--_adv._ in a faulty manner.--_n._
AMISS'IBILITY.--_adjs._ AMISS'IBLE; AMISS'ING, wanting, lost. [_a_, on, and
MISS, failure.]
AMITY, am'i-ti, _n._ friendship: good-will. [Fr. _amiti['e]_--_ami_--L.
_amicitia_, friendship, _amicus_, a friend. See AMICABLE.]
AMMIRAL, an old spelling of ADMIRAL.
AMMONIA, am-m[=o]n'i-a, _n._ a pungent gas yielded by smelling-salts,
burning feathers, &c.: a solution of ammonia in water (properly _liquid
ammonia_): a name of a large series of compounds, analogous to ammonia,
including _amines_, _amides_, and _alkalamides_.--_adjs._ AMMON'IAC,
AMMON[=I]'ACAL, pertaining to, or having the properties of, ammonia.--_ns._
AMMON'IAC, AMMON[=I]'ACUM, a whitish gum resin of bitter taste and heavy
smell, the inspissated juice of a Persian umbelliferous plant--used in
medicine for its stimulant and expectorant qualities; AMMON'IAPHONE, an
instrument invented about 1880, said to improve the quality of the singing
and speaking voice, being an apparatus for inhaling peroxide of hydrogen
and free ammonia.--_adj._ AMM[=O]N'IATED, containing ammonia.--_n._
AMMON'IUM, the hypothetical base of ammonia. [From _sal-ammoniac_, or
smelling-salts, first obtained by heating camel's dung in Libya, near the
temple of Jupiter Ammon.]
AMMONITE, am'mon-[=i]t, _n._ the fossil shell of an extinct genus of
molluscs, so called because they resemble the horns on the statue of
Jupiter Ammon, worshipped as a ram.
AMMUNITION, am-m[=u]n-ish'un, _n._ anything used for munition or defence:
military stores, formerly of all kinds (as still in the word used
adjectively, as in ammunition wagon, &c.), now esp. powder, balls, bombs,
&c.--_v.t._ to supply with ammunition. [O. Fr. _amunition_. See MUNITION.]
AMNESIA, am-n[=e]'si-a, _n._ loss of memory. [Gr. _amnesia_]
AMNESTY, am'nest-i, _n._ a general pardon of political offenders: an act of
oblivion.--_v.t._ to give amnesty to. [Gr. _a-mnestos_, not remembered.]
AMNION, am'ni-on, _n._ the innermost membrane enveloping the embryo of
reptiles, birds, and mammals. [Gr.--_amnos_, a lamb.]
AMOEBA, a-m[=e]b'a, _n._ a name given to a number of the simplest animals
or Protozoa, which consist of unit masses of living matter. They flow out
in all directions in blunt processes (_pseudopodia_, 'false feet'), and
have thus an endlessly varying form, hence the name:--_pl._
AMOEB'AE.--_adjs._ AMOEB'IFORM, AMOEB'OID. [Gr. _amoib[=e]_, change.]
AMOEBAEAN, am-e-b[=e]'an, _adj._ answering alternately, responsive, as in
some of Virgil's eclogues. [L.--Gr. _amoibaios_, _amoib[=e]_, change,
alternation.]
AMOMUM, a-m[=o]'mum, _n._ a genus of herbaceous tropical plants (nat. ord.
_Scitamineae_), allied to the ginger-plant, several species yielding the
cardamoms and grains of paradise of commerce. [Gr. _am[=o]mon_.]
AMONG, a-mung', AMONGST, a-mungst', _prep._ of the number of: amidst. [A.S.
_on-gemang_--_mengan_, to mingle.]
AMONTILLADO, a-mon-til-y[:a]'do, _n._ a dry or little sweet kind of sherry
of a light colour and body. [Sp.]
AMORET, am'or-et, _n._ (_obs._) a sweetheart. [O. Fr. _amorette_--L.
_amor-em_.]
AMORETTO, am-or-et'to, _n._ a lover: a cupid:--_pl._ AMORET'TI. [It.]
AMORNINGS, a-morn'ingz, _adv._ (_obs._) of mornings. [OF and MORNING.]
AMOROSO, am-or-ro'so, _adj._ (_mus._) tender: descriptive of love.--_n._
one in love, a gallant:--_pl._ AMOR[=O]'SI.--_n._ AMOR[=O]'SITY (_rare_),
fondness.
AMOROUS, am'or-us, _adj._ easily inspired with love: fondly in love (with
_of_): relating to love.--_n._ AM'ORIST, a lover: a gallant.--_adv._
AM'OROUSLY.--_n._ AM'OROUSNESS. [O. Fr. _amorous_ (Fr. _amoureux_)--L.
_amoros-um_, _amor_, love.]
AMORPHA, a-mor'fa, _n._ a genus of North American shrubs of the bean
family, the false indigoes or lead-plants--also _bastard_ or _wild indigo_.
AMORPHISM, a-mor'fizm, _n._ a state of being amorphous or without
crystallisation even in the minutest particles.--_adj._ AMOR'PHOUS, without
regular shape, shapeless, uncrystallised. [Gr. _a_, neg., _morph[=e]_,
form.]
AMORT, a-mort', _adj._ (_obs._ or _arch._ merely) spiritless,
dejected.--_n._ AMORTIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ AMORT'[=I]SE, to alienate in
mortmain: to convey to a corporation:--_pr.p._ amort'[=i]sing; _pa.p._
amort'[=i]sed. [Fr. _[`a]_, to, _mort_, death. See MORTAL.]
AMOUNT, a-mownt', _v.i._ to mount or rise to: to result in: to come in
meaning or substance to (with _to_).--_n._ the whole sum: the effect or
result. [O. Fr. _amonter_, to ascend--L. _ad_, to, _mont_, _mons_, a
mountain.]
AMOUR, am-[=oo]r', _n._ a love intrigue, or illicit affection: a love
affair (humorously only, for the old innocent sense is now obsolete).--_n._
AMOURETTE', a petty love affair: the love-grass, or quaking-grass: a
cupid.--AMOUR PROPRE, self-esteem ready to take offence at slights.
[Fr.--L. _amor_, love.]
AMOVE, a-m[=oo]v', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to stir up: to affect:--_pr.p._
amov'ing; _pa.p._ amoved'. [L. _admov[=e]re_--_ad_, to, and _mov-[=e]re_,
to move.]
AMOVE, a-m[=oo]v', _v.t._ to remove, esp. from a place (obsolete except in
law). [O. Fr. _amover_--L. _amov[=e]re_, _ab_, from, _mov-[=e]re_, to
move.]
AMP[`E]RE, am-pehr', _n._ in electricity, unit of current. [From
_Amp[`e]re_, a French electrician who died in 1836.]
AMPERSAND, am'p[.e]rs-and, _n._ a name formerly in use for the character
_&_ (also called _short and_), commonly placed at the end of the alphabet
in primers.--Also AM'PERZAND, AM'PUSSY-AND, and simply AM'PASSY. [A corr.
of _and per se and_--that is, _&_ standing by itself means _and_.]
AMPHIBALUS, am-fib'a-lus, _n._ an ecclesiastical vestment like the
chasuble. [L.--Gr., from _amphi_, around, _ball-ein_, to cast.]
AMPHIBIA, am-fib'i-a, AMPHIBIALS, AMPHIBIANS, _n.pl._ animals capable of
living both under water and on land.--_n._ AMPHIB'IAN.--_adj._ AMPHIB'IOUS.
[L.--Gr., from _amphi_, both, _bios_, life.]
AMPHIBOLE, am-fib'ol-[=e], _n._ the name of a group of minerals which are
essentially silicates of lime and magnesia, but these bases are often
partly replaced by alumina, and oxides of iron and manganese--tremolite,
nephrite (jade), and hornblende. [Gr.]
AMPHIBOLOGY, am-fib-ol'o-ji, _n._ the use of ambiguous phrases or such as
can be construed in two senses. A good example is Shakespeare's 'The duke
yet lives that Henry shall depose' (2 _Henry VI._, I. iv. 33)--also
AMPHIB'OLY.--_adjs._ AMPHIB'OLOUS, AMPHIBOL'IC. [Gr., from _amphi_, on both
sides, _ball-ein_, to throw.]
AMPHIBRACH, am'fi-brak, _n._ in prosody, a foot of three syllables--a
short, a long, and a short, as _[)a]m[=a]r[)e]_. The name is sometimes
applied in English to such a word as _amusement_, where an accented
syllable falls between two unaccented. [L.--Gr., made up of Gr. _amphi_, on
each side, _brachys_, short.]
AMPHICTYONIC, am-fik-ti-on'ik, _adj._ The Amphictyonic Council was an old
Greek assembly composed of deputies (Amphictyons) from twelve of the
leading states.--_n._ AMPHIC'TYONY, an association of such states. [Gr.
_amphiktyones_, 'those dwelling around.']
AMPHIMACER, am-fim'a-s[.e]r, _n._ in prosody, a foot of three syllables,
the middle one short, and the first and last long, as _c[=a]r[)i]t[=a]s_.
Sometimes applied to such Eng. words as _runaway_. [Gr., 'long at both
ends;' _amphi_, on both sides, _makros_, long.]
AMPHIOXUS, am-f[=i]-oks'us, _n._ the lancelet, one of the lowest backboned
animals, found on the sandy coasts of warm and temperate seas. The body is
about two inches long and pointed at both ends. [Gr. _amphi_, on both
sides, and _oxys_, sharp.]
AMPHIPODS, am'fi-pods, _n._ an order of small sessile-eyed crustaceans--a
familiar example is the sand-hopper. [Gr. _amphi_, both ways, _pous_,
_podos_, a foot.]
AMPHISBAENA, am-fis-b[=e]'na, _n._ a family of lizard-snakes, chiefly found
in tropical America, which have their tails so rounded as to give them the
appearance of having a head at both ends.--_adj._ AMPHISB[=E]'NIC. [Gr.
_amphisbaina_--_amphi_, _amphis_, both ways, and _bain-ein_, to go.]
AMPHISCIANS, am-fish'i-anz, _n.pl._ the inhabitants of the torrid zone,
whose shadows are thrown both ways--that is, to the north one part of the
year, and to the south the other part, according as the sun is north or
south of the equator. [Gr. _amphiskios_--_amphi_, both ways, _skia_, a
shadow.]
AMPHISTOMOUS, am-fis't[=o]-mus, _adj._ having a mouth-like orifice at
either end, as some parasitic worms. [Gr., _amphistomos_, double mouthed.]
AMPHITHEATRE, am-fi-th[=e]'a-t[.e]r, _n._ an oval or circular edifice
having rows of seats one above another, around an open space, called the
arena, in which public spectacles are exhibited: anything like an
amphitheatre in form.--_adjs._ AMPHITHEAT'RICAL, AMPHITHEAT'RAL.--_adv._
AMPHITHEAT'RICALLY. [Gr. _amphi_, round about, _theatron_, a place for
seeing--_theaomai_, to see.]
AMPHITRYON, am-fit'ri-on, _n._ a host or entertainer. [From _Amphitryon_ in
Moli[`e]re's comedy, who gives a great dinner. Amphitryon in Gr. mythology
was husband of Alcmene, who was deceived by Zeus in her husband's
semblance, and so became the mother of Hercules.]
[Illustration]
AMPHORA, am'f[=o]-ra, _n._ a two-handled vessel or jar used by the Greeks
and Romans for holding liquids.--_adj._ AM'PHORIC (_med._), like the sound
produced by speaking into an amphora or any large vessel with a small
mouth. [Gr. _amphoreus_, _amphiphoreus_--_amphi_, on both sides,
_pher-ein_, to bear.]
AMPLE, am'pl, _adj._ spacious: large enough: abundant: liberal: copious, or
of great length.--_ns._ AM'PLENESS; AMPLI[=A]'TION, enlarging, an
enlargement.--_adj._ AMPLI[=A]'TIVE (_rare_).--_adv._ AM'PLY. [Fr.--L.
_amplus_, large.]
AMPLEXICAUL, am-pleks'i-kawl, _adj._ (_bot._) nearly surrounding the
stem--said of sessile leaves. [Modern L. _amplexicaulis_--L. _amplexus_,
embrace, and _caulis_, stem.]
AMPLIFY, am'pli-f[=i], _v.t._ to make more copious in expression: to add
to.--_n._ AMPLIFIC[=A]'TION, enlargement.--_adj._ AMPLIFIC[=A]'TORY.--_n._
AM'PLIFIER, one who amplifies: a lens which enlarges the field of vision.
[L. _amplus_, large, and _fac-[)e]re_, to make.]
AMPLITUDE, am'pli-t[=u]d, _n._ largeness: abundance: width: splendour: wide
range of mind: the distance from the east point of a horizon at which a
heavenly body rises, or from the west point at which it sets. [Fr.--L.
_amplitudo_.]
AMPUL, am'pul, _n._ a small earthenware or glass vessel of an oblong
globular form, used for containing consecrated oil or wine and water for
the eucharistic service--now more commonly AMPUL'LA. [O. Fr. _ampole_--L.
_ampulla_.]
[Illustration]
AMPULLA, am-pul'la, _n._ a small two-handled flask or bottle for holding
liquids or unguents: a vessel for holding consecrated oil or chrism, esp.
at the coronation of kings: a kind of cruet of transparent glass for
holding the wine and water used at the altar: (_biol._) the dilated end of
any canal or duct in an animal body, also the spongiole of a root in
plants.--_adjs._ AMPULL[=A]'CEOUS, AM'PULLAR, AM'PULLARY, AM'PULLATE.--_n._
AMPULLOS'ITY, turgidity of language, bombast. [L.; made up of _amb_, on
both sides, and _olla_, a jar; or an irregular dim. of _amphora_, a
flagon.]
AMPUTATE, am'p[=u]t-[=a]t, _v.t._ to cut off, as a limb of an animal.--_n._
AMPUT[=A]'TION. [L. _amb_, round about, _put[=a]re_, to cut.]
AMRITA, am-r[=e]'ta, _n._ the drink of the gods in Hindu mythology. [Sans.]
AMUCK, a-muk', _adv._ madly: in murderous frenzy--hardly ever used save in
the phrase 'to run _amuck_.' [Malay, _amoq_, intoxicated or excited to
madness.]
AMULET, am'[=u]-let, _n._ a gem, scroll, or other object carried about the
person, as a charm against sickness, harm, or witchcraft. [Fr.--L.
_amul[=e]tum_, a word of unknown origin; curiously like the mod. Ar.
_himalat_, lit. 'a carrier,' applied to a shoulder-belt, by which a small
Koran is hung on the breast.]
AMUSE, a-m[=u]z', _v.t._ to occupy pleasantly: to divert: to beguile with
expectation: (_obs._) occupy the attention with: (_arch._) to
beguile.--_adj._ AMUS'ABLE, capable of being amused.--_n._ AMUSE'MENT, that
which amuses: pastime.--_adj._ AMUS'ING, affording amusement:
entertaining.--_adv._ AMUS'INGLY.--_n._ AMUS'INGNESS.--_adj._ AMUS'IVE
(_rare_), having the power to amuse or entertain.--_n._ AMUS'IVENESS. [Fr.
_amuser_.]
AMUSETTE, am-[=u]-z[.e]t', _n._ a light field-gun invented by Marshal Saxe.
[Fr.]
AMUTTER, a-mut'[.e]r, _adv._ in a muttering state.
AMYGDALATE, a-mig'da-l[=a]t, _adj._ pertaining to, like, or made of
almonds.--_adj._ AMYGDAL[=A]'CEOUS, akin to the almond. [L. _amygdala_--Gr.
_amygdal[=e]_, an almond.]
AMYGDALIN, AMYGDALINE, a-mig'da-lin, _n._ a crystalline principle existing
in the kernel of bitter almonds.
AMYGDALOID, a-mig'da-loid, _n._ a variety of basaltic rock containing
almond-shaped nodules of other minerals, as quartz, felspar.--_adj._
AMYGDALOI'DAL. [Gr. _amygdal[=e]_, and _eidos_, form.]
AMYL, am'il, _n._ the fifth in the series of the alcohol radicals, a
natural product of the distillation of coal. As thus found, two molecules
are united together, usually called _diamyl_, being a colourless liquid
with an agreeable smell and burning taste.--_n._ AM'YLENE. [Gr. _amylon_,
starchy, fine meal.]
AMYLACEOUS, am-i-l[=a]'shus, _adj._ pertaining to or resembling starch. [L.
_amylum_, starch--Gr. _amylon_.]
AMYLOID, am'i-loid, _n._ a half-gelatinous substance like starch, found in
some seeds.--_adj._ AMYLOID'AL. [Gr. _amylon_, the finest flour, starch;
lit. 'unground'--_a_, neg., _myl[=e]_, a mill, and _eidos_, form.]
AN, an, _adj._ one: the indefinite article, used before words beginning
with the sound of a vowel. [A.S. _[=a]n_. See ONE.]
AN, an, _conj._ if. [A form of AND.]
ANA, [=a]'na, a suffix to names of persons or places, denoting a collection
of memorable sayings, items of gossip, or miscellaneous facts, as
_Johnsoniana_, _Tunbrigiana_, &c.: applied also to the literature of some
special subject, as _Boxiana_, _Burnsiana_, _Shakespeariana_.--_n.pl._
specially a collection of the table-talk of some one. [The neut. pl.
termination of L. adjectives in _-anus_ = pertaining to.]
ANABAPTIST, an-a-bapt'ist, _n._ one who holds that baptism ought to be
administered only to adults (by immersion), and therefore that those
baptised in infancy ought to be baptised again.--The name is disclaimed by
recent opponents of infant baptism both in England and the
Continent.--_v.i._ ANABAP'TISE.--_n._ ANABAPT'ISM.--_adj._ ANABAPTIST'IC.
[Gr. _ana_, again, _baptiz-ein_, to dip in water, to baptise.]
ANABASIS, an-ab'a-sis, _n._ a military advance into the interior of a
country--specially the title of the famous story of the unfortunate
expedition of Cyrus the Younger against his brother Artaxerxes, and of the
retreat of his 10,000 Greek allies under the conduct of Xenophon. [Gr.;
made up of _ana_, up, and _bain-ein_, to go.]
ANABLEPS, an'a-bleps, _n._ a genus of bony fishes with open air-bladders,
and projecting eyes divided into an upper and lower portion, so that each
eye has two pupils. [Gr. _anablepsis_, 'a looking up.']
ANABOLISM, an-ab'ol-izm, _n._ the constructive processes within the
protoplasm, by which food or other material, at a relatively low level,
passes through an ascending series of ever more complex and unstable
combinations, till it is finally worked up into living matter. [Gr.
_anabol[=e]_, 'rising up.']
ANACANTHOUS, an-a-kan'thus, _adj._ without spine. [Gr. _an-_, without,
_akantha_, spine.]
ANACARD, an'a-kard, _n._ the cashew-nut, the fruit of the _Anacardium
occidentale_. [Gr., made up of _ana_, according to, and _kardia_, heart,
from the shape of the fruit.]
ANACATHARSIS, an-a-kath-ar'sis, _n._ vomiting or expectoration.--_n._
ANACATHAR'TIC, a medicine with this effect--expectorants, emetics,
sternutatorics, &c. [Gr.; made up of _ana_, up, and _kathair-ein_, to
cleanse.]
ANACHARIS, an-ak'ar-is, _n._ a North American weed found in ponds and slow
streams, which was first found in Britain in 1842, and is now very
troublesome in the Trent, Derwent, and other rivers. [Made up of Gr. _ana_,
up, and _charis_, grace.]
ANACHORISM, a-nak'[=o]-rizm, _n._ (_rare_) something incongruous with the
spirit of the country. [Coined on the analogy of _anachronism_, from Gr.
_ana_, back, and _ch[=o]rion_, country, with suff. _ism_.]
ANACHRONISM, an-a'kron-izm, _n._ an error in regard to time, whereby a
thing is assigned to an earlier or to a later age than it belongs to:
anything out of keeping with the time.--_v.t._ ANA'CHRONISE.--_n._
ANA'CHRONIST.--_adjs._ ANACHRONIST'IC, ANA'CHRONOUS.--_adv._
ANA'CHRONOUSLY. [Gr. _ana_, backwards, _chronos_, time.]
ANACLASTIC, an-a-klas'tik, _adj._ pertaining to refraction: bending back.
[Gr. _ana_, back, _klaein_, break off.]
ANACOLUTHON, an-a-ko-l[=u]'thon, _n._ want of sequence in the construction
of a sentence, when the latter part does not grammatically correspond with
the former: a sentence exhibiting an ANACOLUTHIA, or the passing from one
construction to another before the former is completed. [Gr.
_anakolouthos_--_a_, _an_, neg., and _akolouthos_, following.]
ANACONDA, an-a-kon'da, _n._ a large South American water-snake of the
Python family, closely related to the boa-constrictor. [Singhalese (?).]
ANACREONTIC, an-a-kre-ont'ik, _adj._ after the manner of the Greek poet
Anacreon: free, convivial, erotic.--_n._ a poem in this vein.--_adv._
ANACREONT'ICALLY.
ANACRUSIS, an-a-kr[=oo]'sis, _n._ (_pros._) an upward beat at the beginning
of a verse, consisting of one or two unaccented syllables introductory to
the just rhythm. [Gr. from _ana_, up, _krou-ein_, to strike.]
ANADEM, an'a-dem, _n._ a band or fillet bound round the head: a wreath or
chaplet of flowers. [Gr. _anad[=e]ma_--_ana_, up, and _de-ein_, to bind.]
ANADROMOUS, an-ad'r[=o]-mus, _adj._ ascending rivers to spawn. [Gr. _ana_,
up, _dromos_, running.]
ANAEMIA, an-[=e]m'i-a, _n._ a term employed to denote those conditions in
which there is a deficiency of blood or of its red corpuscles: lack or
poverty of blood marked by paleness and languor.--_adj._ ANAEM'IC. [Gr.;
made up of _an_, neg., _haima_, blood.]
ANAEROBIA, an-[=a]-[.e]r-[=o]'bi-a, _n.pl._ (_biol._) bacteria which
flourish without free oxygen.--_adj._ ANAER[=O]'BIC.
ANAESTHETIC, an-[=e]s-thet'ik, _adj._ producing insensibility to external
impressions.--_n._ a substance, as chloroform or cocaine, that produces
insensibility, whether general or local.--_ns._ ANAESTH[=E]'SIA,
ANAESTH[=E]'SIS, loss of feeling, insensibility.--_adv._
ANAESTHET'ICALLY.--_v.t._ ANAES'THETISE. [Gr. _a_, _an_, neg.,
_aisth[=e]sis_, sensation--_aisthanomai_, to feel.]
ANAGLYPH, an'a-glif, _n._ an ornament carved in low relief.--_adj._
ANAGLYPT'IC. [Gr.; _ana_, up, _glyph-ein_, to carve.]
ANAGLYPTOGRAPHY, an-a-glip-tog'ra-fi, _n._ the art of engraving so as to
give the subject the appearance of being raised from the surface of the
paper as if embossed--used in representing coins, &c. [Gr. _anaglyptos_,
embossed, and _graphia_, writing.]
ANAGOGY, an'a-goj-i, _n._ the mystical interpretation or hidden sense of
words.--_adjs._ ANAGOG'IC, ANAGOG'ICAL.--_adv._ ANAGOG'ICALLY. [Gr.
_anag[=o]g[=e]_, elevation, _an-ag-ein_, to lift up.]
ANAGRAM, an'a-gram, _n._ a word or sentence formed by rewriting (in a
different order) the letters of another word or sentence: as, 'live' =
'evil,' 'Quid est veritas? = 'Est vir qui adest,' and 'Florence
Nightingale' = 'Flit on, cheering angel.'--Many pseudonyms are merely
anagrams, as 'Voltaire' = 'Arouet l. i.'--that is, 'Arouet le jeune (the
younger).'--_adjs._ ANAGRAMMAT'IC, ANAGRAMMAT'ICAL.--_adv._
ANAGRAMMAT'ICALLY.--_v.t._ ANAGRAM'MAT[=I]SE, to transpose, so as to form
an anagram.--_ns._ ANAGRAM'MATISM, the practice of making anagrams;
ANAGRAM'MATIST, a maker of anagrams. [Gr. _ana_, again, _graph-ein_, to
write.]
ANAGRAPH, an'a-graf, _n._ a catalogue or inventory: a description. [Gr.
_anagraph[=e]_--_ana_, up, out, _graph-ein_, to write.]
ANAL, [=a]n'al, _adj._ pertaining to or near the anus.
ANALECTS, an'a-lekts, _n.pl._ collections of literary fragments--also
ANALEC'TA.--_adj._ ANALEC'TIC. [Gr. _analektos_--_analegein_, to
collect--_ana_, up, _legein_, to gather.]
ANALEPTIC, an-a-lep'tik, _adj._ restorative: comforting. [Gr.
_anal[=e]ptikos_, restorative--_anal[=e]psis_, recovery--_ana_, up, and
_lamban[=o]_, _l[=e]psomai_, to take.]
ANALGESIA, an-al-j[=e]'zi-a, _n._ painlessness, insensibility to pain. [Gr.
_an-_, priv., and _algein_, to feel pain.]
ANALOGY, an-al'o-ji, _n._ an agreement or correspondence in certain
respects between things otherwise different--a resemblance of relations, as
in the phrase, 'Knowledge is to the mind what light is to the eye:'
relation in general: likeness: (_geom._) proportion or the equality of
ratios: (_gram._) the correspondence of a word or phrase with the genius of
a language, as learned from the manner in which its words and phrases are
ordinarily formed: similarity of derivative or inflectional
processes.--_adjs._ ANALOG'ICAL, ANAL'OGIC.--_adv._ ANALOG'ICALLY.--_v.t._
ANAL'OGISE, to explain or consider by analogy:--_pr.p._ anal'og[=i]sing;
_pa.p._ anal'og[=i]sed.--_ns._ ANAL'OGISM (_obs._), investigation by
analogy: argument from cause to effect; ANAL'OGIST, one who adheres to
analogy; ANAL'OGON = analogue.--_adj._ ANAL'OGOUS, having analogy: bearing
some correspondence with or resemblance to: similar in certain
circumstances or relations (with _to_).--_adv._ ANAL'OGOUSLY.--_ns._
ANAL'OGOUSNESS; AN'ALOGUE, a word or body bearing analogy to, or
resembling, another: (_biol._) a term used to denote physiological,
independent of morphological resemblance.--Organs are _analogous_ to one
another, or are _analogues_, when they perform the same function, though
they may be altogether different in structure; as the wings of a bird and
the wings of an insect. Again, organs are _homologous_, or _homologues_,
when they are constructed on the same plan, undergo a similar development,
and bear the same relative position, and this independent of either form or
function. Thus the arms of a man and the wings of a bird are homologues of
one another, while the wing of a bird and the wing of a bat are both
analogous and homologous. [Gr. _ana_, according to, and _logos_, ratio.]
ANALPHABETE, an-al'fa-b[=e]t, _n._ and _adj._ one who does not know his
alphabet, an illiterate.--_adj._ ANALPHABET'IC. [Gr. _an_, neg., and
ALPHABET.]
ANALYSIS, an-al'is-is, _n._ a resolving or separating a thing into its
elements or component parts--the tracing of things to their source, and so
discovering the general principles underlying individual phenomena. Its
converse is _synthesis_, the explanation of certain phenomena by means of
principles which are for this purpose assumed as established. Analysis as
the resolution of our experience into its original elements, is an
artificial separation; while synthesis is an artificial reconstruction:
(_gram._) the arrangement into its logical and grammatical elements of a
sentence or part of a sentence:--_pl._ ANAL'YSES.--_adj._
ANALYS'ABLE.--_n._ ANALYS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ AN'ALYSE, to resolve a whole
into its elements: to separate into component parts.--_n._ AN'ALYST, one
skilled in analysis, esp. chemical analysis.--_adjs._ ANALYT'IC, -AL,
pertaining to analysis: resolving into first principles.--_adv._
ANALYT'ICALLY.--_n.pl._ ANALYT'ICS, the name given by Aristotle to his
treatises on logic.--ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY, geometry treated by means of
ordinary algebra, with a reference, direct or indirect, to a system of
co-ordinates; ANALYTIC METHOD (_logic_) proceeds regressively or
inductively to the recognition of general principles, as opposed to the
_Synthetic_ method, which advances from principles to particulars. [Gr.
_analysis_, _analy-ein_, to unloose, _ana_, up, _ly-ein_, to loose.]
ANAMNESIS, an-am-n[=e]s'is, _n._ the recalling of things past to memory:
the recollection of the Platonic pre-existence: the history of his illness
given by the patient to his physician. [Gr.]
ANAMORPHOSIS, an-a-mor'fo-sis, _n._ a figure, appearing from one view-point
irregular or deformed, but from another regular and in proportion: (_bot._)
a gradual transformation, or an abnormal development of any part.--_adj._
ANAMOR'PHOUS. [Gr.; _ana_, back, _morph[=o]sis_, a shaping--_morph[=e]_,
shape.]
ANANAS, an-an'as, _n._ the pine-apple: the West Indian penguin.--Also
ANAN'A. [Peruvian.]
ANANDROUS, an-an'drus, _adj._ without stamens, or male organs, applied to
female flowers. [Gr. _an_, neg., and _an[=e]r_, _andros_, a man.]
ANANTHEROUS, an-an'th[.e]r-us, _adj._ without anthers. [Gr. _an_, neg., and
ANTHER.]
ANANTHOUS, an-an'thus, _adj._ without flowers. [Gr. _an_, neg., and
_anthos_, a flower.]
ANAPAEST, ANAPEST, an'a-pest, _n._ (in verse) a foot consisting of three
syllables, two short and the third long, or (in Eng.) two unaccented and
the third accented, as _colonnad['e]_--a familiar example of a poem in this
metre is Byron's _Destruction of Sennacherib_.--_adjs._ ANAPAES'TIC, -AL.
[Gr. _anapaistos_, reversed, because it is the dactyl reversed.]
ANAPHORA, an'af-or-a, _n._ (_rhet._) the repetition of the same word or
phrase in several successive clauses, as in 1 Cor. i. 20. [Gr.; _ana_,
back, _pher-ein_, to bear.]
ANAPHRODISIAC, an-af-r[=o]-diz'i-ak, _adj._ and _n._ tending to diminish
sexual desire, or a drug supposed to have that effect. [Fr. _an_, neg., and
adj. from APHRODITE.]
ANAPLASTY, an'a-plas-ti, _n._ the reparation of superficial lesions by the
use of adjacent healthy tissue, as by transplanting a portion of
skin.--_adj._ AN'APLASTIC. [Gr.; that may be formed anew, _ana_, again,
_plass-ein_, to form.]
ANAPLEROSIS, an'a-pl[=e]-r[=o]'sis, _n._ the filling up of a deficiency,
esp. in medicine: the filling up of parts that have been destroyed, as in
wounds, cicatrices, &c.--_adj._ ANAPLEROT'IC. [Gr.; from _ana_, up, and
_pl[=e]ro-ein_, to fill up.]
ANAPTOTIC, an-ap-tot'ik, _adj._ (_philol._) again uninflected--a term
sometimes applied to languages which have lost most of their inflections
through phonetic decay. [Gr. _ana_, again, _apt[=o]tos_, without case,
indeclinable, _apt[=o]s_, _-[=o]tos_, not falling, _pipt-ein_, to fall.]
ANARCHY, an'ark-i, _n._ the want of government in a state: political
confusion: conflict of opinion.--_adjs._ ANARCH'AL (_rare_); ANARCH'IC,
ANARCH'ICAL.--_v.t._ ANARCH'ISE.--_ns._ AN'ARCHISM, anarchy: the negation
of government--the name adopted by a phase of revolutionary socialism
associated with the names of Proudhon and Bakunin. Their ideal of society
was of one without government of any kind, when every man should be a law
unto himself; AN'ARCHIST, AN'ARCH, one who promotes anarchy. [Gr. _a_,
_an_, neg., _arch[=e]_, government.]
ANARTHROUS, an-[:a]r'thrus, _adj._ without the article, of Greek nouns:
(_entom._) having neither wings nor legs.--_adv._ ANAR'THROUSLY. [Gr. _an_,
neg., _arthron_, a joint, the article.]
ANASTATIC, an-a-stat'ik, _adj._ furnished with characters standing up, or
raised in relief--esp. of the anastatic printing process, in which copies
of drawings are printed from fac-similes produced in relief on zinc plates.
[Gr. _anastatikos_--_ana_, up, _statikos_, causing to stand--_hist[=e]mi_,
to make to stand.]
ANASTOMOSIS, an-as-to-m[=o]'sis, _n._ the union or intercommunication of
vessels with each other, as seen in the junction of the branches of the
arteries.--_v.i._ ANAS'TOMOSE, to communicate in such a way.--_adj._
ANASTOMOT'IC.
ANASTROPHE, an-as'tro-fi, _n._ an inversion of the natural order of words,
as 'Loud roared the thunder,' for 'The thunder roared,' &c. [Gr.; _ana_,
back, and _streph-ein_, to turn.]
ANATHEMA, an-ath'em-a, _n._ a solemn ecclesiastical curse or denunciation
involving excommunication: any person or thing anathematised: generally,
any imprecation or expression of execration.--_n._
ANATHEMATIS[=A]'TION--_v.t._ ANATH'EMATISE, to pronounce
accursed.--ANATHEMA MARAN[=A]THA, as in 1 Cor. xvi. 22; _maranatha_ (Syr.
_m[=a]ran eth[=a]_, 'our Lord hath come') is properly a mere solemn formula
of confirmation, like _Amen_, having no other connection with the
antecedent _anathema_--it is so printed in the Revised Version.--It seems
to have been used by the early Christians as a kind of watchword of mutual
encouragement and hope. So the words in 1 Cor. xvi. 22 are nearly
equivalent to the similar expressions in Phil. iv. 5; Rev. xxii. 20. [The
classical Gr. _anath[=e]ma_ meant a votive offering set up in a temple,
_ana_, up, _tithenai_, to place; the _anath[)e]ma_ of the Septuagint and
New Testament meant something specially devoted to evil, as in Rom. ix. 3.]
ANATOMY, an-a'tom-i, _n._ the art of dissecting any organised body: science
of the structure of the body learned by dissection: a skeleton, a
shrivelled and shrunken body, a mummy: (_fig._) the lifeless form or shadow
of anything: humorously for the body generally: the detailed analysis of
anything, as in Burton's famous treatise, _The Anatomy of
Melancholy_.--_adjs._ ANATOM'IC, -AL, relating to anatomy.--_adv._
ANATOM'ICALLY.--_v.t._ ANAT'OMISE, to dissect a body: (_fig._) to lay open
minutely.--_n._ ANAT'OMIST, one skilled in anatomy. [Gr. _ana_, up,
asunder, _temnein_, to cut.]
ANATOPISM, an-at'op-izm, _n._ (_rare_--_Coleridge_) a faulty arrangement.
[Gr. _ana_, up, _topos_, a place.]
ANATTA, an-at'ta, _n._ the reddish pulp surrounding the seeds of the _Bixa
orellana_, a medium-sized tree growing in Guiana and elsewhere. It yields a
dye which gives a bright orange tint to cloth, and is much used to add
colour to butter and cheese.--Also ANAT'TO, ANNAT'TO, ARNOT'TO. [Supposed
to be a native Amer. word.]
ANBURY, an'b[.e]r-i, _n._ a disease in turnips, produced by one of the
slime-fungi, and usually the result of improper cultivation. It is often
confounded with _Finger-and-toe_ (_dactylorhiza_), which is rather a
degeneration of the plant than a disease, the bulb branching out into a
number of taproots, while the skin remains unbroken. Anbury causes a
scabbed and broken skin, and tubercular growths on the roots and at the
base of the bulb. [Often explained as a disguised form of A.S. _ampre_, a
crooked swelling vein; more probably, a variant of _anbury_ = _angberry_,
A.S. _ang-_, pain, as in _ang-nail_.]
ANCESTOR, an'ses-tur, _n._ one from whom a person has descended: a
forefather:--_fem._ AN'CESTRESS.--_adj._ ANCES'TRAL.--_ns._
AN'CESTOR-WOR'SHIP, the chief element in the religion of China and other
countries--erroneously supposed by Herbert Spencer to be the foundation of
all religion; AN'CESTRY, a line of ancestors: lineage. [O. Fr.
_ancestre_--L. _antecessor_--_ante_, before, _ced[)e]re_, _cessum_, to go.]
[Illustration]
ANCHOR, ang'kor, _n._ an implement for retaining a ship in a particular
spot by temporarily chaining it to the bed of a sea or river. The most
common form has two flukes, one or other of which enters the ground, and so
gives hold; but many modifications are used, some with movable arms, some
self-canting.--Anchors are distinguished as the _starboard_ and _port
bowers_, _sheet_, _spare_, _stream_, _kedge_, and _grapnel_, or _boat
anchors_: (_fig._) anything that gives stability or security.--_v.t._ to
fix by an anchor: to fasten.--_v.i._ to cast anchor: to stop, or rest
on.--_ns._ ANCH'ORAGE, the act of anchoring: the place where a ship anchors
or can anchor: (_Shak._) the anchor and all the necessary tackle for
anchoring: a position affording support: (_fig._) anything that gives a
resting-place or support to the mind: duty imposed on ships for anchoring;
ANCH'OR-HOLD, the hold of an anchor upon the ground: (_fig._)
security.--_adj._ ANCH'ORLESS, without such: unstable.--_n._
MUSHROOM-ANCHOR, an anchor with a saucer-shaped head on a central shank,
used for mooring.--AT ANCHOR, anchored.--TO CAST ANCHOR, to let down the
anchor, to take up a position; TO WEIGH ANCHOR, to take up the anchor so as
to be able to sail away. [A.S. _ancor_--L. _ancora_--Gr. _angkyra_,
_angkos_, a bend. Conn. with ANGLE.]
ANCHORET, ang'kor-et, ANCHORITE, ang'kor-[=i]t, _n._ one who has withdrawn
from the world, especially for religious reasons: a hermit.--The form
ANACH'ORET occurs in many books on church history for the recluses of the
East in the early history of the church.--_ns._ ANCH'OR (_Shak._), an
anchorite--earlier still also an anchoress, as in the book-title _Ancren
Riwle_, the 'Rule of Nuns;' ANCH'ORAGE, the retreat of a hermit;
ANCH'ORESS, a female anchorite: a nun--also ANC'RESS, ANK'RESS,
ANCH'ORITESS.--_adjs._ ANCH'ORETIC, -AL. [Gr.
_anach[=o]r[=e]t[=e]s_--_ana_, apart, _ch[=o]rein_, to go.]
ANCHOVY, an-ch[=o]'vi, _n._ a small fish of the herring family, much fished
in the Mediterranean for pickling, and for a sauce made from it,
anchovy-paste, &c.--_n._ ANCH[=O]'VY-PEAR, the fruit of a myrtaceous
Jamaica tree, pickled and eaten like the East Indian mango, which it much
resembles in taste. [Sp. and Port. _anchova_; Fr. _anchois_. Of doubtful
etymology. The Basque _anchoa_, _anchua_, has been connected with _antzua_,
dry.]
ANCHYLOSIS, ANKYLOSIS, ang-k[=i]-l[=o]'sis, _n._ the coalescence of two
bones, or the union of the different parts of a bone: stiffness in a joint
through destruction of the articular cartilages, or a thickening and
shortening of the natural fibrous tissues around the joint. [Gr.;
_angkylos_, crooked.]
ANCIENT, [=a]n'shent, _adj._ old: belonging to former times, specifically,
of times prior to the downfall of the western Roman empire (476 A.D.): of
great age or duration: of past times in a general sense: venerable:
antique, old-fashioned.--_n._ an aged man, a patriarch: a superior in age
or dignity.--_adv._ AN'CIENTLY.--_ns._ AN'CIENTNESS; AN'CIENTRY,
ancientness, seniority: ancestry: dignity of birth: (_Shak._) old
people.--_n.pl._ AN'CIENTS, those who lived in remote times, esp. the
Greeks and Romans of classical times: (_B._) elders.--THE ANCIENT OF DAYS,
a title in the Holy Scriptures for the Almighty, applied by Byron to
Athens. [Fr. _ancien_--Low L. _antianus_, old--L. _ante_, before. See
ANTIQUE.]
ANCIENT, [=a]n'shent, _n._ (_obs._) a flag or its bearer: an ensign. [Corr.
of Fr. _enseigne_. See ENSIGN.]
ANCILLARY, an'sil-ar-i, _adj._ subservient, subordinate (with _to_). [L.
_ancilla_, a maid-servant.]
ANCIPITAL, an-sip'i-tal, _adj._ two-headed: double: doubtful: (_bot._)
two-edged and flattened.--Also ANCIP'ITOUS. [L. _anceps_, _ancipit-is_,
double--_an_ for _amb_, on both sides, and _caput_, the head.]
ANCOME, ang'kum, _n._ (_prov._--Scot. _income_) a small inflammatory
swelling, coming on suddenly. [Same as INCOME.]
AND, and, _conj._ signifies addition, or repetition, and is used to connect
words and sentences, to introduce a consequence, &c.--in M. E. (but not
A.S.) it was used for _if_, and often also with added _if_, as in Luke xii.
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