Historical source · 1908
Thomas Davidson (editor). Read this edition’s full extracted entries and its original proposals. Publication here preserves a source; it does not endorse every claim.
Coverage: the complete A–Z main-entry clusters and dictionary Addenda. Derivative words remain within their original entry clusters. Non-dictionary appendices and standalone illustrations are excluded.
United States Publisher marks these historical texts public domain in the USA. Transformed book text excludes Gutenberg branding; source attribution is a bibliographic acknowledgment. No non-US public-domain determination is made. Rights statement ↗
Chorography, kō-rog′ra-fi, n. the description of the geographical features of a particular region.—adjs. Chorograph′ic, -al; Chorolog′ical.—ns. Chorol′ogist; Chorol′ogy, the science of the geographical distribution of pl
English · e-37683-4982Chorus, kō′rus, n. a band of singers and dancers, esp. in the Greek plays: a company of singers: that which is sung by a chorus: the combination of several voices in one simultaneous utterance: the part of a song in whic
English · e-37683-4983Chose, Chosen. See Choose.
English · e-37683-4984 · brief source recordChough, chuf, n. a kind of jackdaw which frequents rocky places on the seacoast. [A.S. céo; from the cry of the bird. See Caw.]
English · e-37683-4985Choultry. See Choltry.
English · e-37683-4986 · brief source recordChouse, chows, n. (obs.) a cheat: one easily cheated: a trick.—v.t. to cheat, swindle. [Prob. from Turk. chaush, a messenger or envoy.]
English · e-37683-4987Chout, chowt, n. one-fourth part of the revenue extorted by the Mahrattas as blackmail: blackmail, extortion. [Hind. chauth, the fourth part.]
English · e-37683-4988Chow-chow, chow′-chow, n. a mixture of food such as the Chinese use, e.g. preserved pickles.—adj. miscellaneous, mixed. [Pigeon-English.]
English · e-37683-4989Chowder, chow′dėr, n. a dish made of a mixture of fish and biscuits. [Fr. chaudière, a pot.]
English · e-37683-4990 · brief source recordChowry, chow′ri, n. an instrument used for driving away flies. [Hindi, chaunri.]
English · e-37683-4991 · brief source recordChoy-root. See Shaya-root.
English · e-37683-4993 · brief source recordChrematistic, krē-ma-tis′tik, adj. pertaining to finance.—n. Chrematis′tics, the science of wealth. [Gr.,—chrēma, a thing.]
English · e-37683-4992Chrestomathy, kres-tom′a-thi, n. a book of selections from foreign languages, usually for beginners.—adjs. Chrestomath′ic, -al. [Gr. chrēstos, useful, mathein, to know.]
English · e-37683-4994Chrism, krizm, n. consecrated or holy oil: unction: confirmation: chrisom. (q.v.).—adj. Chris′mal, pertaining to chrism.—n. a case for containing chrism: a pyx: a veil used in christening.—ns. Chris′matory, a vessel for
English · e-37683-4995Christ, krīst, n. the Anointed, the Messiah.—ns. Christ-cross-row (kris′-kros-rō), the alphabet, from the use in horn-books of having a cross at the beginning; Chrīst's-thorn, a kind of prickly shrub common in Palestine
English · e-37683-4996Christadelphian, kris-ta-del′fi-an, n. a member of a small religious body holding conditional immortality, denying a personal devil, &c.—sometimes called Thomasites from Dr John Thomas of Brooklyn (1805-71). [Lit. 'Breth
English · e-37683-4997Christmas, kris′mas, n. an annual festival, originally a mass, in memory of the birth of Christ, held on the 25th of December.—ns. Christ′mas-box, a box containing Christmas presents: a Christmas gift; Christ′mas-card, a
English · e-37683-4998Christology, kris-tol′o-ji, n. that branch of theology which treats of the nature and person of Christ.—adj. Christolog′ical.—n. Christol′ogist. [Gr. Christos, and logia, a discourse.]
English · e-37683-4999Christom, kris′um, n. (Shak.). Same as Chrisom, under Chrism (q.v.).
English · e-37683-5000 · brief source recordChristophany, kris-tof′a-ni, n. an appearance of Christ to men. [Gr. Christos, and phainein, to appear.]
English · e-37683-5001 · brief source recordChromatic, krō-mat′ik, adj. relating to colours: coloured: (mus.) relating to notes in a melodic progression, which are raised or lowered by accidentals, without changing the key of the passage, and also to chords in whi
English · e-37683-5002Chronic, -al, kron′ik, -al, adj. lasting a long time: of a disease, deep seated or long continued, as opposed to acute.—n. Chron′ic, chronic invalid. [Gr. chronikos—chronos, time.]
English · e-37683-5003Chronicle, kron′i-kl, n. a bare record of events in order of time: a history: (pl.) name of two of the Old Testament books: a story, account.—v.t. to record.—n. Chron′icler, a historian. [O. Fr. chronique—L.—Gr. chronika
English · e-37683-5004Chronogram, kron′o-gram, n. an inscription in which the time or date of an event is given by certain of the letters printed larger than the rest. [Gr. chronos, time, gramma, a letter—graphein, to write.]
English · e-37683-5005Chronograph, kron′o-graf, n. a chronogram: an instrument for taking exact measurements of time, or for recording graphically the moment or duration of an event.—ns. Chronog′rapher, a chronicler; Chronog′raphy, chronology
English · e-37683-5006Chronology, kron-ol′o-ji, n. the science of time.—ns. Chronol′oger, Chronol′ogist.—adjs. Chronolog′ic, -al.—adv. Chronolog′ically. [Gr. chronos, time, logia, a discourse.]
English · e-37683-5007Chronometer, kron-om′e-tėr, n. an instrument for measuring time: a watch.—adjs. Chronomet′ric, -al.—n. Chronom′etry, the art of measuring time by means of instruments: measurement of time. [Gr. chronos, and metron, a mea
English · e-37683-5008Chronoscope, kron′ō-skōp, n. an instrument for measuring very short intervals of time, esp. with projectiles.
English · e-37683-5009 · brief source recordChrysalis, kris′a-lis, Chrysalid, kris′a-lid, n. a term originally applied to the golden-coloured resting stages in the life-history of many butterflies, but sometimes extended to all forms of pupæ or nymphs: the shell w
English · e-37683-5010Chrysanthemum, kris-an′the-mum, n. a genus of composite plants to which belong the corn marigold and ox-eye daisy. [Gr. chrysos, gold, anthemon, flower.]
English · e-37683-5011Chryselephantine, kris-el-e-fan′tin, adj. noting the art of making statues jointly of gold and ivory. [Gr. chrysos, gold, elephantinos, made of ivory—elephas, -antos, ivory.]
English · e-37683-5012Chrysoberyl, kris′o-ber-il, n. a mineral of various shades of greenish-yellow or gold colour. [Gr. chrysos, gold, and Beryl.]
English · e-37683-5013Chrysocolla, kris-ō-kol′a, n. a silicate of protoxide of copper, bluish-green. [Gr. chrysos, gold, kolla, glue.]
English · e-37683-5014 · brief source recordChrysocracy, kri-sok′ra-si, n. the rule of wealth. [Gr. chrysos, gold, kratein, to rule.]
English · e-37683-5015 · brief source recordChrysolite, kris′ō-līt, n. a yellow or green precious stone. [Gr. chrysos, and lithos, a stone.]
English · e-37683-5016 · brief source recordChrysophan, kris′ō-fan, n. an orange-coloured bitter substance found in rhubarb.—adj. Chrysophan′ic. [Gr. chrysos, gold, phanēs, appearing.]
English · e-37683-5017Chrysophilite, kri-sof′i-līt, n. a lover of gold.
English · e-37683-5018 · brief source recordChrysophyll, kris′ō-fil, n. the yellow colouring matter in the green chlorophyl pigment of plants.—Also Xanthophyl. [Gr. chrysos, gold, phyllon, a leaf.]
English · e-37683-5019Chrysoprase, kris′o-prāz, n. a variety of chalcedony: (B.) a yellowish-green stone, nature unknown. [Gr. chrysos, and prason, a leek.]
English · e-37683-5020Chrysotype, kris′o-tīp, n. a process of taking pictures by photography, on paper impregnated with a neutral solution of chloride of gold. [Gr. chrysos, gold, typos, impression.]
English · e-37683-5021Chthonian, thō′ni-an, adj. pertaining to the under world, subterranean.—Also Chthon′ic. [Gr. chthōn, the ground.]
English · e-37683-5022 · brief source recordChub, chub, n. a small fat river-fish.—adjs. Chubbed, Chub′by, short and thick, plump; Chub′-faced, plump-faced.—n. Chub′biness.
English · e-37683-5023Chubb, chub, n. a patent lock invented by Chubb, a locksmith in London—much used for safes, &c.—Also Chubb′-lock.
English · e-37683-5024 · brief source recordChuck, chuk, n. the call of a hen: a chicken (dim. Chuck′ie): a word of endearment.—v.i. to call, as a hen. [A variety of Cluck.]
English · e-37683-5025Chuck, chuk, n. a gentle blow, as under the chin: (coll.) a toss or throw; any game of pitch and toss.—v.t. to pat gently, as under the chin: to toss: to pitch.—n. Chuck′-far′thing, a game in which a farthing is chucked
English · e-37683-5026Chuck, chuk, n. a pebble or small stone: a game with such stones, often called Chuck′ies: an instrument for holding an object so that it can be rotated, as upon the mandrel of a lathe. [Der. uncertain; cf. It. cioco, a b
English · e-37683-5027Chuck-full. Same as Chock-full (q.v. under Chock).
English · e-37683-5028 · brief source recordChuckle, chuk′l, n. a kind of laugh: the cry of a hen.—v.t. to call, as a hen does her chickens: to caress.—v.i. to laugh in a quiet, suppressed manner, indicating derision or enjoyment.—n. Chuck′ling. [Akin to Chuck, to
English · e-37683-5029Chuckle, chuk′l, adj. clumsy.—n. Chuck′le-head, a loutish fellow. [Prob. Chock, a log.]
English · e-37683-5030 · brief source recordChuff, chuf, n. a clown: a surly fellow.—n. Chuf′finess, boorishness.—adj. Chuf′fy, coarse and surly. [M. E. chuffe, choffe, a boor (origin unknown), conn. with Scotch coof, akin to Ice. kueif.]
English · e-37683-5031Chum, chum, n. a chamber-fellow: friend or associate, chiefly among schoolboys and students.—v.i. and v.t. to occupy, or to put one into, the same room with another.—n. Chum′mage, the quartering of two or more persons in
English · e-37683-5032Chump, chump, an end lump of wood: a blockhead: the head.—Off his chump—out of his mind.
English · e-37683-5033 · brief source recordChunk, chungk, n. a thick piece of anything, as wood, bread, &c. [Perh. related to Chuck.]
English · e-37683-5034 · brief source recordChurch, church, n. a house set apart for Christian worship: the whole body of Christians: the clergy: any particular sect or denomination of Christians: any body professing a common creed, not necessarily Christian.—v.t.
English · e-37683-5035Churl, churl, n. a rustic, labourer: an ill-bred, surly fellow.—adj. Churl′ish, rude: surly: ill-bred.—adv. Churl′ishly.—n. Churl′ishness. [A.S. ceorl, a countryman; Ice. karl, Ger. kerl, a man; Scot. carl.]
English · e-37683-5036Churn, churn, n. a machine used for the production of butter from cream or from whole milk.—v.t. to agitate cream so as to obtain butter.—v.i. to perform the act of churning.—ns. Churn′-drill, a drill worked by hand, not
English · e-37683-5037Churr, chėr, n. a low sound made by certain birds.—v.i. to make this sound. [Prob. imit.]
English · e-37683-5038 · brief source recordChurrus, chur′us, n. the resinous exudation of Cannabis indica, which, in its milder preparations, known as bhang, &c., is used as a narcotic and intoxicant. [Hind. charas.]
English · e-37683-5039Chuse, chōōz, v.t. a form of Choose.
English · e-37683-5040 · brief source recordChut, chut, interj. an expression of impatience.
English · e-37683-5041 · brief source recordChute, shōōt, n. a waterfall, rapid: a channel down which to pass water, logs, rubbish, &c. [Fr. chute, a fall.]
English · e-37683-5042 · brief source recordChutnee, Chutny, chut′ne, n. an East Indian condiment, a compound of mangoes, chillies, or capsicum, and lime-juice, &c. [Hind. chatni.]
English · e-37683-5043Chyle, kīl, n. a white fluid drawn from the food while in the intestines.—adjs. Chylā′ceous, Chylif′ic, Chyl′ous; Chylifac′tive, having the power to make chyle.—n. Chylificā′tion.—v.t. and v.i. Chyl′ify, to convert, or b
English · e-37683-5044Chyme, kīm, n. the pulp to which the food is reduced in the stomach.—n. Chymificā′tion, the act of being formed into chyme.—v.t. Chym′ify, to form into chyme.—adj. Chym′ous. [Gr. chymos, from cheein.]
English · e-37683-5045Chymical, Chymistry, obsolete forms of Chemical, Chemistry.
English · e-37683-5046 · brief source recordChynd, chīnd, p.adj. (Spens.) cut into chines.
English · e-37683-5047 · brief source recordCi-devant, sē-de-vong′, adj. former. [Fr.]
English · e-37683-5059 · brief source recordCibol, sib′ol, n. a variety of onion. [Fr. ciboule (Sp. cebolla)—Low L. cepola, dim. of L. cepa, an onion.]
English · e-37683-5048 · brief source recordCiborium, si-bō′ri-um, n. (R.C. Church) a vessel nearly resembling a chalice, with an arched cover, in which the Host is deposited: a canopy supported on four pillars over the high altar:—pl. Cibō′ria. [L., a drinking-cu
English · e-37683-5049Cicada, si-kā′da, Cicala, si-kā′la, n. an insect remarkable for its chirping sound. [L. cicada.]
English · e-37683-5050 · brief source recordCicatrix, sik-ā′triks, or sik′a-triks, n. the scar over a wound after it is healed—also Cic′atrice: scar in the bark of a tree: (Shak.) mark, impression.—ns. Cicatric′ula, the germinating point in the yolk of an egg; Cic
English · e-37683-5051Cicely, sis′e-li, n. a genus of umbelliferous plants nearly allied to chervil. [L. and Gr. seseli.]
English · e-37683-5052 · brief source recordCicerone, chich-er-ō′ni, or sis-e-rō′ne, n. one who shows strangers the curiosities of a place: a guide.—v.i. to act as cicerone.—adjs. Cicerō′nian, Ciceron′ic.—ns. Cicerō′nianism, the character of Cicero's Latin style;
English · e-37683-5053Cicisbeo, chē-chēs-bā′o, n. a married woman's gallant or cavaliere servente in Italy:—pl. Cicisbe′i.—n. Cicisbē′ism. [It.]
English · e-37683-5054Ciclatoun. See Checklaton.
English · e-37683-5055 · brief source recordCicuta, si-kū′ta, n. a genus of umbelliferous plants with poisonous roots—water-hemlock or cowbane. [L., hemlock.]
English · e-37683-5056 · brief source recordCid, sid, n. a chief, captain, a hero, from the famous 11th-cent. Castilian warrior against the Moors, styled el Cid Campeador, whose real name was Rodrigo, or Ruy, Diaz (i.e. 'son of Diego'). The name Cid is the Ar. sei
English · e-37683-5057Cider, sī′dėr, n. a drink made from apples.—ns. Cī′der-and, a mixture of cider and other spirits; Cī′der-cup, a drink of sweetened cider, with other ingredients; Cī′derkin, an inferior cider. [Fr. cidre—L.,—Gr. sikera, s
English · e-37683-5058Ciel. See Ceil.
English · e-37683-5060 · brief source recordCierge. See Cerge.
English · e-37683-5061 · brief source recordCigar, si-gär′, n. a roll of tobacco-leaves for smoking.—n. Cigarette′, a little cigar made of finely-cut tobacco rolled in thin paper. [Sp. cigarro.]
English · e-37683-5062Cilia, sil′i-a, n.pl. hair-like lashes borne by cells.—adjs. Cil′iary, Cil′iāte, Cil′iāted, Cilif′erous, having cilia; Cil′iīform, very thin and slender like cilia. [L. cilium, pl. cilia, eyelids, eyelashes.]
English · e-37683-5063Cilice, sil′is, n. hair-cloth: a penitential garment made of hair-cloth.—adj. Cilic′ious. [L.,—Gr. kilikion, a cloth made of Cilician goat's hair.]
English · e-37683-5064Cimar. Same as Simar.
English · e-37683-5065 · brief source recordCimbric, sim′brik, adj. pertaining to the ancient Cimbri, a people from central and northern Europe, crushed by Marius, 101 B.C.—Also Cim′brian. [Sometimes made Celtic by a desperate analogy with the name Cymry.]
English · e-37683-5066Cimex, si-meks′, n. a bug.—adjs. Cimic′ic, Cimic′ious.—n. Cimicif′uga, the genus of bugworts or bugbanes, natural order Ranunculaceæ. [L. cimex.]
English · e-37683-5067Cimier, sē-myā′, n. the crest of a helmet. [Fr.]
English · e-37683-5068 · brief source recordCimmerian, sim-ē′ri-an, adj. relating to the Cimmerii, a tribe fabled to have lived in perpetual darkness: extremely dark.
English · e-37683-5069Cimolite, sim′ō-līt, n. a species of clay, or hydrous silicate of aluminium, used as fuller's earth. [Gr. kimōlia, prob. from Kimōlos, an island of the Cyclades.]
English · e-37683-5070Cinch, sinch, n. a saddle-girth.—v.i. to tighten the cinch. [Sp. cincha—L. cingula.]
English · e-37683-5071 · brief source recordCinchona, sin-kō′na, n. a genus of trees, yielding the bark so much valued in medicine, from which the most important alkaloids, quinine and its congeners, are obtained—also called Peruvian bark.—adjs. Cinchonā′ceous, Ci
English · e-37683-5072Cincture, singk′tūr, n. a girdle or belt: a moulding round a column.—v.t. to gird, encompass.—adjs. Cinct, surrounded; Cinc′tured, having a cincture. [L. cinctura—cingĕre, cinctum, to gird.]
English · e-37683-5073Cinder, sin′dėr, n. the refuse of burned coals: anything charred by fire: (slang) some strong stimulant put in tea, soda-water, &c.—ns. Cinderel′la, a scullery-maid; Cinderel′la-dance, an early dancing-party ending at mi
English · e-37683-5074Cinematograph. See Kinematograph.
English · e-37683-5075 · brief source recordCinenchyma, si-neng′ki-ma, n. laticiferous tissue, consisting of irregularly branching and anastomosing vessels.—adj. Cinenchym′atous. [Gr. kinein, to move, engchyma, infusion.]
English · e-37683-5076Cineraria, sin-e-rā′ri-a, n. a genus of plants, with flowers of various colours, chiefly belonging to South Africa, but also grown in greenhouses in Britain and elsewhere. [L. cinerarius—cinis, cineris, ashes.]
English · e-37683-5077Cinerary, sin′e-ra-ri, adj. pertaining to ashes.—ns. Cinerā′tion; Cinerāt′or; Cinē′rea, gray or cellular, as distinguished from white or fibrous, nerve tissue.—adjs. Cinē′real; Cinē′reous, ashy-gray; Cineres′cent, becomi
English · e-37683-5078Cingalese, sing′ga-lēz, n. a native of Ceylon.—adj. belonging to Ceylon.
English · e-37683-5079 · brief source recordCingulum, sing′gū-lum, n. the girdle of an alb. [L.—cingĕre, to gird.]
English · e-37683-5080 · brief source recordCinnabar, sin′a-bar, n. sulphuret of mercury, called vermilion when used as a pigment.—adj. vermilion-coloured.—adjs. Cinnabar′ic, Cinn′abarine. [L.,—Gr. kinnabari, a dye, from Persian.]
English · e-37683-5081Cinnamon, sin′a-mon, n. the spicy bark of a laurel in Ceylon: the tree.—adj. cinnamon-coloured.—adjs. Cinnam′ic, Cinnamon′ic, obtained from, or consisting of, cinnamon.—n. Cinn′amon-stone, a kind of stone found in Ceylon
English · e-37683-5082Cinque, singk, n. the number five as on dice.—ns. Cinque′-cen′to (It., 'five hundred'), a phrase sometimes applied, in treating of architecture and art, to the Renaissance period, which began about 1500; Cinque′-foil (he
English · e-37683-5083Cipher, sī′fėr, n. (arith.) the character 0: any of the nine figures: anything of little value, whether persons or things: a nonentity: an interweaving of the initials of a name: a secret kind of writing.—v.i. to work at
English · e-37683-5084Cipolin, sip′ō-lin, n. a granular limestone containing mica.—Also Cipollino (chē-pol-lē′nō). [It.,—cipolla, an onion.]
English · e-37683-5085 · brief source recordCippus, sip′us, n. the stocks: a monumental pillar. [L. cippus, a post.]
English · e-37683-5086 · brief source recordCirca, sir′ka, prep. and adv. about, around. [L.]
English · e-37683-5087 · brief source recordCircassian, sėr-kash′yan, adj. belonging to Circassia, a district of Russia, on the north of Mount Caucasus: a kind of light cashmere of silk and mohair—generally Circassienne′ (Fr. fem.).
English · e-37683-5088Circean, sėr-sē′an, adj. relating to the beautiful sorceress Circe, who transformed the companions of Ulysses into swine by a magic beverage: infatuating and degrading.—Also Circæ′an.
English · e-37683-5089Circensian, sir-sen′shi-an, adj. relating to the Circus Maximus in Rome, where the games and contests were held.—Also Circen′sial (obs.). [L. circensis—circus.]
English · e-37683-5090Circle, sėr′kl, n. a plane figure bounded by one line every point of which is equally distant from a certain point called the centre: the line which bounds the figure: a ring: a planet's orbit: a series ending where it b
English · e-37683-5091Circuit, sėr′kit, n. the act of moving round: area, extent: a round made in the exercise of a calling, esp. the round made by the judges for holding the courts of law: the judges making the round: (Shak.) diadem.—v.t. to
English · e-37683-5092Circular, sėr′kū-lar, adj. round: ending in itself: addressed to a circle of persons.—n. a note sent round to a circle or number of persons.—n. Circular′ity.—adv. Cir′cularly.—Circular notes, bank-notes issued for the co
English · e-37683-5093Circulate, sėr′kū-lāt, v.t. to make to go round as in a circle: to spread: to repeat (of decimals).—v.i. to move round: to be spread about.—adj. Cir′culable, capable of being circulated.—ns. Cir′culant; Circulā′tion, the
English · e-37683-5094Circumambages, sėr-kum-am′baj-ez, n.pl. roundabout ways of speech.—adj. Circumambā′gious, roundabout in speech.—ns. Circumam′bience, Circumam′biency.—adj. Circumam′bient, going round about.—n. Circumben′dibus, a roundabo
English · e-37683-5095Circumambulate, sėr-kum-am′bū-lāt, v.i. to walk round about.—n. Circumambulā′tion. [L. ambulāre, -ātum, to walk.]
English · e-37683-5096 · brief source recordCircumcise, sėr′kum-sīz, v.t. to cut off the foreskin according to the Jewish law: (fig.) to purify.—p.adj. Cir′cumcised, that has undergone circumcision: purified, chastened.—ns. Cir′cumciser, one who circumcises; Circu
English · e-37683-5097Circumdenudation, sėr-kum-de-nūd-ā′shun, n. (geol.) denudation or erosion round an elevated tract left isolated.
English · e-37683-5098 · brief source recordCircumduct, sėr′kum-dukt, v.t. to lead around or about, to revolve round an imaginary axis so as to describe a cone: (Scots law) to close a case to further proof.—n. Circumduc′tion.—adj. Circumduct′ory. [L. circum, about
English · e-37683-5099Circumference, sėr-kum′fėr-ens, n. the boundary-line of any round body, esp. of a circle: the line surrounding anything: area: compass: distance round.—adj. Circumferen′tial—n. Circumferent′or, an instrument used by surv
English · e-37683-5100Circumflect, sėr′kum-flekt, v.t. to mark with a circumflex.—ns. Cir′cumflex, an accent (^) denoting a rising and falling of the voice on a vowel or syllable; Circumflex′ion, a bending round. [L. flectĕre, flexum, to bend
English · e-37683-5101Circumfluence, sėr-kum′flōō-ens, n. a flowing round.—adj. Circum′fluent, flowing round. [L. fluĕre, to flow.]
English · e-37683-5102 · brief source recordCircumforaneous, sėr-kum-fō-rā′ne-us, adj. wandering about as from market to market, vagrant.—Also Circumfora′nean. [L., circum, about, forum, the forum, market-place.]
English · e-37683-5103Circumfuse, sėr-kum-fūz′, v.t. to pour around.—p.adj. Circumfused′.—adj. Circumfus′ile, molten.—n. Circumfū′sion. [L. fundĕre, fusum, to pour.]
English · e-37683-5104Circumgyrate, sėr-kum-jī′rāt, v.i. to go round and round.—n. Circumgyrā′tion.—adj. Circumgy′ratory. [L. gyrāre, -ātum, to turn.]
English · e-37683-5105Circumjacent, sėr-kum-jā′sent, adj. lying round: bordering on every side.—n. Circumja′cency. [L. jacens, lying—jacēre, to lie.]
English · e-37683-5106Circumlittoral, sėr-kum-lit′ō-ral, adj. adjacent to the shore-line. [L. circum, about, litus, litoris, the shore.]
English · e-37683-5107 · brief source recordCircumlocution, sėr-kum-lō-kū′shun, n. roundabout speaking: a manner of expression in which many unnecessary words are used.—v.i. Cir′cumlocute, to use circumlocution.—n. Circumlocū′tionist, one who practises circumlocut
English · e-37683-5108Circummure, sėr-kum-mūr′, v.t. (Shak.) to wall round. [L. murus, a wall.]
English · e-37683-5109 · brief source recordCircumnavigate, sėr-kum-nav′i-gāt, v.t. to sail round.—adj. Circumnav′igable, capable of being circumnavigated.—ns. Circumnavigā′tion; Circumnav′igator, one who sails round. [See Navigate.]
English · e-37683-5110Circumnutation, sėr-kum-nū-tā′shun, n. a nodding or turning successively towards all points of the compass, as in the tendrils of plants.—v.i. Circumnū′tate.—adj. Circumnū′tatory. [L. circum, about, nutāre, -ātum, to nod
English · e-37683-5111Circumpolar, sėr-kum-pō′lar, adj. situated round the pole. [See Polar.]
English · e-37683-5112 · brief source recordCircumpose, sėr′kum-pōz, v.t. to place round.—n. Circumposi′tion, the act of placing round. [See Position.]
English · e-37683-5113 · brief source recordCircumscribe, sėr-kum-skrīb′, v.t. to draw a line round: to enclose within certain limits, to curtail, abridge.—adj. Circumscrib′able, able to be circumscribed.—ns. Circumscrib′er, one who circumscribes; Circumscrip′tion
English · e-37683-5114Circumspect, sėr′kum-spekt, adj. looking round on all sides watchfully: cautious: prudent.—n. Circumspec′tion, watchfulness: caution: examining.—adj. Circumspec′tive, looking around: wary.—adv. Cir′cumspectly.—n. Cir′cum
English · e-37683-5115Circumstance, sėr′kum-stans, n. the logical surroundings of an action: an accident or event: ceremony: detail: (pl.) the state of one's affairs.—v.t. to place in particular circumstances:—pa.p. cir′cumstanced.—adj. Circu
English · e-37683-5116Circumvallate, sėr-kum′val-āt, v.t. to surround with a rampart.—n. Circumvallā′tion, a surrounding with a wall: a wall or fortification surrounding a town or fort. [L. vallum, rampart.]
English · e-37683-5117Circumvent, sėr-kum-vent′, v.t. to come round or outwit a person: to deceive or cheat.—n. Circumven′tion.—adj. Circumvent′ive, deceiving by artifices. [L. venīre, to come.]
English · e-37683-5118Circumvolve, sėr-kum-volv′, v.t. to roll round.—v.i. to revolve:—pr.p. circumvolv′ing; pa.p. circumvolved′.—n. Circumvolū′tion, a turning or rolling round: anything winding or sinuous. [L. volvĕre, volutum, to roll.]
English · e-37683-5119Circus, sėr′kus, n. a circular building for the exhibition of games: a place for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship: a group of houses arranged in the form of a circle: applied to nature, as, e.g., high hills surrou
English · e-37683-5120Cirrhopod, Cirrhopoda, older forms of Cirriped, Cirripeda.
English · e-37683-5121 · brief source recordCirrhosis, si-rō′sis, n. a wasting of the proper tissue of an organ, accompanied by abnormal growth of connective tissue. [Gr. kirrhos, tawny.]
English · e-38700-10031Cirripeda, sir-rip′e-da, Cirripedia, sir-rip-ē′di-a, n. a degenerate sub-class of Crustacea, including the numerous forms of Barnacles and Acorn-shells.—n. Cir′riped, one of the Cirripeda. [L. cirrus, a tuft of hair, and
English · e-37683-5122Cirrus, sir′us, n. the highest form of clouds consisting of curling fibres: (bot.) a tendril: (zool.) any curled filament:—pl. Cirri (sir′ī).—adjs. Cirr′ate, Cirr′iform, like a cirrus; Cirr′igrade, moving by cirri.—n. Ci
English · e-37683-5123Cisalpine, sis-alp′in, adj. on this side—i.e. on the Roman side—of the Alps.—So Cisatlan′tic; Cisleith′an, on this side the Leitha, which separates the archduchy of Austria and Hungary; Cismon′tane, on this side the moun
English · e-37683-5124Ciselure, sēz′lūr, n. the art or operation of chasing, the chasing upon a piece of metal-work.—n. Cis′eleur, a chaser. [Fr.]
English · e-37683-5125Cissoid, sis′soid, n. a plane curve consisting of two infinite branches symmetrically placed with reference to the diameter of a circle, so that at one of its extremities they form a Cusp (q.v.), while the tangent to the
English · e-37683-5126Cist, sist, n. a tomb consisting of a stone chest covered with stone slabs.—adjs. Cist′ed, containing cists; Cist′ic, like a cist. [See Chest.]
English · e-37683-5127Cistella, sis-tel′a, n. the capsular shield of some lichens. [L., dim. of cista, a box.]
English · e-37683-5128 · brief source recordCistercian, sis-ter′shan, n. one of the order of monks established in 1098 in the forest of Citeaux (Cistercium), in France—an offshoot of the Benedictines.
English · e-37683-5129Cistern, sis′tėrn, n. any receptacle for holding water or other liquid: a reservoir: in a steam-engine, the vessel surrounding the condenser. [L. cisterna, from cista, a chest.]
English · e-37683-5130Cistus, sis′tus, n. Rock-rose, a genus of exogenous shrubby plants, cultivated for the beauty of their flowers:—pl. Cis′tuses (-ēz) and Cis′ti (′tī). [Low L., from Gr. kistos, the rock-rose.]
English · e-37683-5131Cistvaen. See Kistvaen.
English · e-37683-5132 · brief source recordCit, sit, n. shortened from citizen, and used as a term of contempt:—fem. Cit′ess (Dryden). [See Citizen.]
English · e-37683-5133 · brief source recordCitadel, sit′a-del, n. a fortress in or near a city: the place where the guns are kept in an ironclad man-of-war. [It. cittadella, dim. of città, a city. See City.]
English · e-37683-5134Cite, sīt, v.t. to call or summon: to summon to answer in court: to quote: to name: to adduce as proof.—adj. Cit′able, that can be cited.—ns. Cit′al, summons to appear: (Shak.) accusation, reproof; Citā′tion, an official
English · e-37683-5135Cithara, sith′a-ra, n. an ancient musical instrument closely resembling the guitar.—n. Cith′arist, a player on it.—adj. Citharist′ic.—ns. Cith′er, Cith′ern, Cit′tern, a metal-stringed musical instrument, played with a pl
English · e-37683-5136Citigrade, sit′i-grād, adj. moving quickly: applied to a tribe of spiders of remarkably quick motions. [L. citus, quick, gradus, a step.]
English · e-37683-5137Citizen, sit′i-zen, n. an inhabitant of a city: a member of a state: a townsman: a freeman:—fem. Cit′izeness.—adj. (Shak.) like a citizen.—v.t. Cit′izenise, to make a citizen of.—ns. Cit′izenry, the general body of citiz
English · e-37683-5138Citole, sit′ōl, n. a small dulcimer used in medieval times. [O. Fr.,—L. cithara.]
English · e-37683-5139 · brief source recordCitron, sit′run, n. the fruit of the citron-tree, resembling a lemon.—n. Cit′rate, a salt of citric acid.—adjs. Cit′reous, citrine; Cit′ric, derived from the citron; Cit′rine, dark and greenish yellow, like a citron or l
English · e-37683-5140Cittern. Same as Cither (q.v. under Cithara).
English · e-37683-5141 · brief source recordCity, sit′i, n. a large town: a town with a corporation.—n.pl. Cit′y-commis′sioners, officials who attend to the drainage, &c.—n. Cit′y-mis′sion, a mission for evangelising the poor classes in the large cities.—adj. Civ′
English · e-37683-5142Cive, sīv, n. See Chive.
English · e-37683-5143 · brief source recordCivet, siv′et, n. a perfume obtained from the civet or Civ′et-cat, a small carnivorous animal of Africa, India, &c. [Fr. civette—Ar. zabad.]
English · e-37683-5144Civic. See City.
English · e-37683-5145 · brief source recordCivil, siv′il, adj. pertaining to the community: having the refinement of city-bred people: polite: commercial, not military: lay, secular, or temporal, not ecclesiastical: pertaining to the individual citizen: (law) rel
English · e-37683-5146Civilise, siv′il-īz, v.t. to reclaim from barbarism: to instruct in arts and refinements.—adj. Civ′ilisable.—n. Civilisā′tion, state of being civilised—p.adj. Civ′ilised.—n. Civ′iliser.
English · e-37683-5147Clabber, klab′ėr, n. (Scot.). [Gael. clabar, mud.]
English · e-37683-5148 · brief source recordClachan, kla′han, n. (Scot.) a small village. [Gael. clachan—clach, stone.]
English · e-37683-5149 · brief source recordClack, klak, v.i. to make a sudden sharp noise as by striking: to chatter: to cackle.—n. a sharp, sudden sound; sound of voices: an instrument making this kind of noise: (coll.) the tongue.—ns. Clack′-box, the box contai
English · e-37683-5150Clad, klad, pa.t. and pa.p. of Clothe.
English · e-37683-5151 · brief source recordClaes, klāz, n.pl. Scotch for Clothes.
English · e-37683-5152 · brief source recordClag, klag, v.i. (prov.) to stick.—adj. Clag′gy, sticky. [Prob. Scand.; Dan. klag, mud.]
English · e-37683-5153 · brief source recordClaim, klām, v.t. to call for: to demand as a right.—n. a demand for something supposed due: right or ground for demanding: the thing claimed.—adj. Claim′able, that can be claimed.—n. Claim′ant, one who makes a claim.—La
English · e-37683-5154Clair-obscure, Clare-obscure, klār-ob-skūr′. Same as Chiaroscuro (q.v.). [Fr. clair—L. clarus, clear, and Fr. obscur—L. obscurus, obscure.]
English · e-37683-5156Clairaudience, klār-awd′i-ens, n. the alleged power of hearing things not present to the senses.—n. Clairaud′ient. [Fr. clair—L. clarus, clear, and Audience.]
English · e-37683-5155Clairschach, klār′shäh, n. the old Celtic harp strung with wire.
English · e-37683-5157 · brief source recordClairvoyance, klār-voi′ans, n. the alleged power of seeing things not present to the senses.—n. Clairvoy′ant, one who is said to have this power. [Fr., clair—L. clarus, clear, and Fr. voir—L. vidēre, to see.]
English · e-37683-5158Clam, klam, n. a species of bivalve shellfish: an instrument for holding. [A.S. clam, fetter; cf. Ger. klamm; Dan. klamme.]
English · e-37683-5159Clam, klam, v.t. to clog: to smear; pr.p. clam′ming; pa.p. clammed.—n. dampness.—adv. Clam′mily.—n. Clam′miness.—adj. Clam′my, sticky: moist and adhesive. [A.S. clæman, to anoint; cf. Dut., Dan. klam, damp.]
English · e-37683-5160Clam, klam, n. noise produced in ringing a chime of bells at once.—v.t. or v.i. to produce a clam. [Prob. onomatopœic.]
English · e-37683-5161 · brief source recordClamant, klam′ant, adj. calling aloud or earnestly.—n. Clam′ancy, urgency. [L. clamāre, to cry out.]
English · e-37683-5162 · brief source recordClamber, klam′bėr, v.i. to climb with difficulty, grasping with the hands and feet.—n. the act of clambering. [From root of Clump; cf. Ger. klammern—klemmen, to squeeze or hold tightly.]
English · e-37683-5163Clamjamphrie, klam-jam′fri, n. (Scot.) rubbish: nonsense: rabble. [Der. uncertain.]
English · e-37683-5164 · brief source recordClamour, klam′or, n. a loud continuous outcry: uproar; any loud noise.—v.i. to cry aloud in demand: to make a loud continuous outcry.—adj. Clam′orous, noisy, boisterous.—adv. Clam′orously.—ns. Clam′-orousness; Clam′ourer
English · e-37683-5165Clamp, klamp, n. a piece of timber, iron, &c., used to fasten things together or to strengthen any framework: any instrument for holding.—v.t. to bind with clamps. [From a root seen in A.S. clam, fetter; Dut. klamp, a cl
English · e-37683-5166Clamp, klamp, n. a heavy tread.—v.i. to tread heavily. [Prob. from the sound.]
English · e-37683-5167 · brief source recordClamper, klam′pėr, v.t. to botch up. [Der. unknown; prob. conn. with Clamp, a piece of timber, &c.]
English · e-37683-5168 · brief source recordClan, klan, n. a tribe or collection of families subject to a single chieftain, bearing the same surname, and supposed to have a common ancestor: a clique, sect: a collective name for a number of persons or things.—adj.
English · e-37683-5169Clandestine, klan-des′tin, adj. concealed or hidden: private: sly.—adv. Clandes′tinely. [L. clandestinus—clam, secretly.]
English · e-37683-5170Clang, klang, v.i. to produce a sharp, ringing sound.—v.t. to cause to clang.—n. a sharp, ringing sound, like that made by metallic substances struck together: (fig.) sound, the cry of some birds.—n. Clang′ing, the sound
English · e-37683-5171Clank, klangk, n. a sharp sound, less prolonged than a clang, such as is made by a chain.—v.t. or v.i. to make or cause a clank.—n. Clank′ing, the action of the verb clank.—adj. Clank′less, without clank. [Prob. formed u
English · e-37683-5172Clap, klap, n. the noise made by the sudden striking together of two things, as the hands: a burst of sound: a slap.—v.t. to strike together so as to make a noise: to thrust or drive together suddenly: to fasten promptly
English · e-37683-5173Clap, klap, n. gonorrhea. [Cf. Dut. klapoor.]
English · e-37683-5174 · brief source recordClaque, klak, n. an institution for securing the success of a public performance, by bestowing upon it preconcerted applause.—n. Claq′ueur, a member of the claque. [Fr. claquer, to clap.]
English · e-37683-5175Clarabella, klar-a-bel′a, n. an organ-stop of a sweet fluty tone.
English · e-37683-5176 · brief source recordClare-obscure. Same as Chiaroscuro.
English · e-37683-5180 · brief source recordClarence, klar′ens, n. a four-wheeled carriage, seated inside for two or more persons. [Named after William IV. when Duke of Clarence.]
English · e-37683-5177Clarenceux, Clarencieux, klar′en-sū, n. (her.) the second king-of-arms in England, so named from the Duke of Clarence, son of Edward III.
English · e-37683-5178Clarendon, klar′en-don, n. (print.) a form of type having a heavy face.
English · e-37683-5179 · brief source recordA historical dictionary can preserve useful evidence and superseded analyses at the same time. These records retain their source identity; no parent edge, sound law, first-use date or confidence score is generated from a sentence’s position.
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