Historical source · 1908

Chambers’s Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language · page 80

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Page 80 of 179

Landamman

Landamman, lan′dam-man, n. the president of the Swiss Diet: the head official in some Swiss cantons.

English · e-38538-6980 · brief source record

Landau

Landau, lan′daw, n. a coach or carriage with a top which may be opened and thrown back. [Ger. landauer, from Landau.]

English · e-38538-6981 · brief source record

Lande

Lande, land, n. an uncultivated healthy plain, esp. a sandy track along the sea-shore in south-western France. [Fr.]

English · e-38538-6982 · brief source record

Landgrave

Landgrave, land′grāv, n. a German graf, count, or earl:—fem. Landgravine (land′gra-vēn).—n. Landgrā′viāte, the territory of a landgrave. [Dut. landgraaf—land, land, graaf, count.]

English · e-38538-6983

Landscape

Landscape, land′-skāp, n. the appearance of that portion of land which the eye can at once view; the aspect of a country, or a picture representing it.—ns. Land′scape-gar′dening, the art of laying out grounds and so disp

English · e-38538-6985

Landsthing

Landsthing, läns′ting, n. the upper house of the Danish Rigsdag or parliament. [Dan., land, land, thing, parliament.]

English · e-38538-6986 · brief source record

Landsturm

Landsturm, lant′stōōrm, n. in Germany and Switzerland, a general levy in time of national emergency—in the former including all males between seventeen and forty-five: the force so called out. [Ger., land, land, sturm, a

English · e-38538-6987

Landtag

Landtag, lant′tahh, n. the legislative assembly of one of the states forming the modern German empire, as Saxony, Bavaria, &c.: the provincial assembly of Bohemia or Moravia. [Ger., land, country, tag, diet, day.]

English · e-38538-6988

Landwehr

Landwehr, länt′vār, n. a military force in Germany and Austria forming an army reserve. [Ger., land, land, wehr, defence.]

English · e-38538-6989

Lane

Lane, lān, n. an open space between corn-fields, hedges, &c.: a narrow passage or road: a narrow street: a fixed route kept by a line of vessels across the ocean.—A blind lane, a cul-de-sac. [A.S. lane; Scot, loan, lonni

English · e-38538-6990

Lane

Lane, lān, a Scotch form of lone, alone,

English · e-38538-6991 · brief source record

Lang

Lang, a Scotch form of long.—n. Lang′syne, time long past.—Think lang, to weary.

English · e-38538-6992 · brief source record

Langaha

Langaha, lan-gä′hä, n. a Madagascar wood-snake, with a flexible scaly extension on the snout.

English · e-38538-6993 · brief source record

Langet

Langet, lang′get, n. a strong lace used in women's dress in Holland.

English · e-38538-6994 · brief source record

Langshan

Langshan, lang′shan, n. a small black Chinese hen.

English · e-38538-6995 · brief source record

Langspiel

Langspiel, lang′spēl, n. a Shetland form of harp.

English · e-38538-6996 · brief source record

Language

Language, lang′gwāj, n. that which is spoken by the tongue: human speech: speech peculiar to a nation: style or expression peculiar to an individual: diction: any manner of expressing thought.—v.t. to express in language

English · e-38538-6997

Langue d'oc

Langue d'oc, long dok, n. collective name for the Romance dialects spoken in the Middle Ages from the Alps to the Pyrenees—the tongue of the troubadours, often used as synonymous with Provençal, one of its chief branches

English · e-38538-6998

Languette

Languette, lang′get, n. a 16th-century hood worn by women: the tongue of a reed of a harmonium or reed-organ: a key of a wind-instrument. [Fr.]

English · e-38538-6999

Languid

Languid, lang′gwid, adj. slack or feeble: flagging: exhausted: sluggish: spiritless.—adj. Languesc′ent, growing languid.—adv. Lang′uidly.—n. Lang′uidness. [Fr.,—L. languidus—languēre, to be weak.]

English · e-38538-7000

Languish

Languish, lang′gwish, v.i. to become languid or enfeebled: to lose strength and animation: to pine: to become dull, as of trade.—n. (Shak.) languishment.—adjs. Lang′uished, sunken in languor; Lang′uishing, expressive of

English · e-38538-7001

Languor

Languor, lang′gwur, n. state of being languid or faint: dullness: listlessness: softness.—adj. Lang′uorous, full of languor: tedious: melancholy.—v.t. Lang′ure (Spens.), to languish.

English · e-38538-7002

Laniard

Laniard. Same as Lanyard.

English · e-38538-7003 · brief source record

Laniary

Laniary, lā′ni-a-ri, n. a place of slaughter: shambles.—adj. fitted for lacerating or tearing. [L. laniarium—lanius, a butcher.]

English · e-38538-7004

Laniferous

Laniferous, lan-if′ėr-us, adj. wool-bearing.—Also Lanig′erous. [L. lanifer, laniger—lana, wool, ferre, gerĕre, to bear.]

English · e-38538-7005

Lank

Lank, langk, adj. languid or drooping: soft or loose: thin: shrunken: straight and flat.—v.i. (Shak.) to become lank.—adv. Lank′ly.—n. Lank′ness.—adj. Lank′y, lank and tall. [A.S. hlanc; Dut. slank, Ger. schlank, slender

English · e-38538-7006

Lanner

Lanner, lan′ėr, n. a kind of falcon.—n. Lann′aret, the male bird. [Fr. lanier—L. laniarius.]

English · e-38538-7007 · brief source record

Lanolin

Lanolin, lan′ō-lin, n. an unctuous substance, a mixture of the ethers of cholesterin with fatty acids, used as a basis for ointments, extracted from wool. [L. lana, wool, oleum, oil.]

English · e-38538-7008

Lansquenet

Lansquenet, lans′ke-net, n. a 16th-17th cent. mercenary pikeman: a game at cards. [Fr.,—Ger. landsknecht—land, country, knecht, a soldier.]

English · e-38538-7009

Lant

Lant, lant, n. stale urine, used in wool-scouring.

English · e-38538-7010 · brief source record

Lanterloo

Lanterloo, lant′ėr-lōō, n. a game at cards, commonly Loo. [Dut. lanterlu.]

English · e-38538-7011 · brief source record

Lantern

Lantern, lant′ėrn, n. a case for holding or carrying a light, the light chamber of a lighthouse: an ornamental structure surmounting a dome to give light and to crown the fabric: the upper square cage which illuminates a

English · e-38538-7012

Lanthanum

Lanthanum, lan′tha-num, n. a metal discovered in 1839 in cerite, a hydrated silicate of cerium.—Also Lan′thānium. [Gr. lanthanein, to conceal.]

English · e-38538-7013

Lanuginous

Lanuginous, la-nū′jin-us, adj. downy: covered with fine soft hair.—n. Lanū′go. [Fr.,—L. lanuginosus—lanugo, down, lana, wool.]

English · e-38538-7014

Lanx

Lanx, lanks, n. a platter or dish for serving meat at a Roman table:—pl. Lan′ces. [L.]

English · e-38538-7015 · brief source record

Lanyard

Lanyard, Laniard, lan′yard, n. a short rope used on board ship for fastening or stretching, or for convenience in handling articles. [Fr. lanière, perh. from L. lanarius, made of wool—lana, wool.]

English · e-38538-7016

Laocoön

Laocoön, lā-ok′-o-on, n. a famous antique group in marble in the Vatican, representing the Trojan priest Laocoön and his two sons being crushed in the folds of two enormous serpents.

English · e-38538-7017

Laodicean

Laodicean, lā-od-i-sē′an, adj. lukewarm in religion, like the Christians of Laodicea (Rev. iii. 14-16).—n. Laodicē′anism, lukewarmness in religion.

English · e-38538-7018

Lap

Lap, lap, v.t. to lick up with the tongue: to wash or flow against.—v.i. to drink by licking up a liquid: to make a sound of such a kind:—pr.p. lap′ping; pa.t. and pa.p. lapped.—n. a motion or sound like lapping. [A.S. l

English · e-38538-7019

Lap

Lap, lap, n. the loose or overhanging flap of anything: the part of a substance extending over or partly over the rear of another, or the extent of such extension: the part of the clothes lying on the knees when a person

English · e-38538-7020

Lap

Lap, lap, v.t. to wrap, fold, involve.—ns. Lap′per, one who wraps or folds: in cotton manufacturing, a machine which compacts the scutched cotton into a fleece upon the surface of a roller called a lap-roller; Lap′ping,

English · e-38538-7021

Lapel

Lapel, Lappel, Lapelle, la-pel′, n. the part of the breast of a coat which laps over and is folded back.—adj. Lapelled′. [Dim. of lap.]

English · e-38538-7022

Lapidary

Lapidary, lap′i-dar-i, adj. pertaining to stones and the cutting of stones: pertaining to inscriptions and monuments.—n. a cutter of stones, esp. precious stones: a dealer in precious stones—also Lapidā′rian, Lap′idarist

English · e-38538-7023

Lapp

Lapp, lap, n. a Laplander.—n. Lap′lander, a native or inhabitant of Lapland.—adjs. Lap′landish; Lapp′ish.—n. the language of the Lapps.

English · e-38538-7024

Lapper-milk

Lapper-milk, lap′ėr-milk, n. (Scot.) loppered or curdled milk. [Same word as lopper (obs.)—M. E. loper, curdled, prob. conn. with A.S. hléapan, to leap, run. Cf. rennet, runnet, from run.]

English · e-38538-7025

Lappet

Lappet, lap′et, n. a little lap or flap.—adj. Lapp′eted.—n. Lapp′et-head, a head-dress made with lappets for lace pendants. [Dim. of lap.]

English · e-38538-7026

Lapse

Lapse, laps, v.i. to slip or glide: to pass by degrees: to fall from the faith or from virtue: to fail in duty: to pass to another proprietor, &c., by the negligence of a patron, to become void: to lose certain privilege

English · e-38538-7027

Laputan

Laputan, la-pū′tan, adj. pertaining to Laputa, a flying island described in Swift's Gulliver's Travels as inhabited by all sorts of ridiculous projectors: absurd: chimerical.

English · e-38538-7028

Lapwing

Lapwing, lap′wing, n. the name of a bird of the plover family, also called peewit, from its peculiar cry. [M. E. lappewinke—A.S. hleápewince—hleápan, to leap or run, and root of wink, to turn.]

English · e-38538-7029

Lar

Lar, lär, n. one of a class of local deities, originally Etruscan, but in Roman usage usually regarded as the tutelary deities of a house:—pl. Lares (lā′rēz). [L.]

English · e-38538-7030

Lar

Lar, lär, n. an Etruscan title, really peculiar to the eldest son, but often mistaken for an integral part of the name.—Also Lars. [L.,—Etruscan larth, lord.]

English · e-38538-7031

Larboard

Larboard, lär′bōrd (by sailors, lab′erd), n. an obsolete naval term for the left side of a ship looking from the stern, now, by command of the Admiralty, replaced by the term port, to prevent the mistakes caused by its r

English · e-38538-7032

Larceny

Larceny, lär′sen-i, n. the legal term in England and Ireland for stealing: theft.—n. Lar′cenist, one who commits larceny: a thief.—adj. Lar′cenous.—adv. Lar′cenously.—Grand larceny, in England, larceny of property of the

English · e-38538-7033

Larch

Larch, lärch, n. a genus (Larix) of coniferous trees, distinct from firs (Abies), with perfectly erect and regularly tapering stem, small branches, numerous small leaves deciduous and clustered, growing rapidly, and yiel

English · e-38538-7034

Lard

Lard, lärd, n. the melted fat of the hog.—v.t. to smear with lard: to stuff with bacon or pork: to fatten: to mix with anything.—adj. Lardā′ceous.—ns. Lard′-oil, a lubricating and illuminating oil expressed from lard; La

English · e-38538-7035

Larder

Larder, lärd′ėr, n. a room or place where meat, &c., is kept: stock of provisions.—n. Lard′erer, one who has charge of a larder. [O. Fr. lardier, a bacon-tub—L. lardum.]

English · e-38538-7036

Lare

Lare, lār, n. obsolete form of lore, and of lair.

English · e-38538-7037 · brief source record

Large

Large, larj, adj. great in size: extensive: bulky: wide: long: abundant: liberal: diffuse: (Shak., of language) free, licentious.—adv. (naut.) before the wind.—adjs. Large′-ā′cred, possessing much land; Large′-hand′ed, h

English · e-38538-7038

Largess

Largess, Largesse, lärj′es, n. a present or donation: (arch.) liberality.—n. Largit′ion, giving of largess. [Fr.,—L. largitio—largīri, to give freely—largus.]

English · e-38538-7039

Largo

Largo, lär′gō, adj. (mus.) slow in time.—n. a movement to be performed in such style.—adj. Larghet′to, somewhat slow: not so slow as largo.—n. a movement in somewhat slow time.—adj. Larghis′simo, extremely slow. [It.,—L.

English · e-38538-7040

Lariat

Lariat, lär′i-at, n. a rope for picketing horses while grazing: a lasso. [Sp. la reata—la, the, reata, a rope for tying animals together.]

English · e-38538-7041

Lark

Lark, lärk, n. a well-known singing-bird.—v.i. to catch larks.—ns. Lark's′-heel, the Indian cress; Lark′spur, a plant with showy flowers, so called from the spur-shaped formation of calyx and petals. [M. E. laverock—A.S.

English · e-38538-7042

Lark

Lark, lärk, n. a game, frolic.—v.i. to frolic, make sport.—adj. Lar′ky (coll.), frolicsome, sportive. [A.S. lác, play—lácan, to swing, wave, play.]

English · e-38538-7043

Larmier

Larmier, lar′mi-ėr, n. (archit.) another name for the corona (q.v.): a horizontal string-course for preventing rain from trickling down the wall: (zool.) a tear-bag. [Fr. larme, a tear—L. lacrima, a tear.]

English · e-38538-7044

Larrikin

Larrikin, lar′i-kin, adj. (Australian) rowdy, disorderly.—n. a rough or rowdy.—n. Larr′ikinism.

English · e-38538-7045 · brief source record

Larrup

Larrup, lar′up, v.t. (coll.) to flog, thrash. [Prob. from Dut. larpen, thresh with flails.]

English · e-38538-7046 · brief source record

Larry

Larry, lar′i, n. Same as Lorry.

English · e-38538-7047 · brief source record

Larum

Larum, lar′um, n. alarm: a noise giving notice of danger.—v.t. (obs.) to alarm. [Alarm.]

English · e-38538-7048 · brief source record

Larus

Larus, lā′rus, n. a genus of Laridæ, the gulls proper.

English · e-38538-7049 · brief source record

Larva

Larva, lär′va, n. an insect in its first stage after issuing from the egg—i.e. in the caterpillar state: a ghost, spectre:—pl. Larvæ (lär′vē).—adjs. Lar′val; Lar′vate, -d, clothed as with a mask; Lar′viform; Larvip′arous

English · e-38538-7050

Larynx

Larynx, lār′ingks, n. the upper part of the windpipe: the throat:—pl. Lar′ynges, Lar′ynxes (rare).—adjs. Laryn′geal, Laryn′gean.—n. Laryngis′mus, spasm of the glottis.—adj. Laryngit′ic.—n. Laryngī′tis, inflammation of th

English · e-38538-7051

Lascar

Lascar, las′kar, n. a native East Indian sailor or camp-follower. [Hind.,—Pers. lashkari, a soldier.]

English · e-38538-7052 · brief source record

Lascivious

Lascivious, las-siv′i-us, adj. lustful: tending to produce lustful emotions.—adv. Lasciv′iously.—n. Lasciv′iousness. [L. lascivus; perh. from the same root as laxus, loose.]

English · e-38538-7053

Laser

Laser, lā′ser, n. a gum-resin from North Africa, esteemed by the ancients as a deobstruent and diuretic. [L. laser, juice of laserpitium.]

English · e-38538-7054

Laserpitium

Laserpitium, las-er-pish′i-um, n. a genus of perennial herbs of the parsley family—Las′erwort or herb frankincense.—Also Silphium. [L. laserpicium, a plant yielding laser.]

English · e-38538-7055

Lash

Lash, lash, n. a thong or cord: the flexible part of a whip: a stroke with a whip or anything pliant: a stroke of satire, a sharp retort: a beating or dashing: an eyelash.—v.t. to strike with a lash: to dash against: to

English · e-38538-7056

Lash

Lash, lash, adj. (obs.) slow, slack: soft: insipid.—n. Lash′er, the slack water collected above a weir in a river. [M. E. lasche, slack—O. Fr. lasche (Fr. lâche, cowardly)—L. laxus, lax.]

English · e-38538-7057

Lasket

Lasket, las′ket, n. a loop of line at the foot of a sail, to which to fasten an extra sail.

English · e-38538-7058 · brief source record

Lass

Lass, las, n. (fem. of Lad) a girl, esp. a country girl: a sweetheart: (Scot.) a maid-servant.—(Diminutives) Lass′ie, Lass′ock.—adj. Lass′lorn (Shak.), forsaken by one's mistress. [Prob. a contr. of laddess, formed from

English · e-38538-7059

Lassitude

Lassitude, las′i-tūd, n. faintness: weakness: weariness: languor. [Fr.,—L. lassitudo—lassus, faint.]

English · e-38538-7060 · brief source record

Lasso

Lasso, las′ō, n. a long rope with a running noose for catching wild horses, &c.:—pl. Lass′os, Lass′oes.—v.t. to catch with the lasso:—pr.p. lass′ōing; pa.p. lass′ōed. [Port. laço, Sp. lazo—L. laqueus, a noose.]

English · e-38538-7061

Last

Last, last, n. a wooden mould of the foot on which boots and shoes are made.—v.t. to fit with a last.—n. Last′er, one who fits the parts of shoes to lasts: a tool for doing so. [A.S. lást, a trace.]

English · e-38538-7062

Last

Last, last, v.i. to continue, endure: to escape failure: remain fresh, unimpaired.—adj. Last′ing, permanent, durable.—n. endurance.—adv. Last′ingly.—n. Last′ingness. [A.S. lǽstan, to keep a track. See foregoing word.]

English · e-38538-7063

Last

Last, last, n. a load, cargo, a weight generally estimated at 4000 lb., but varying in different articles.—n. Last′age, the lading of a ship: room for stowing goods in a ship: a duty formerly paid for the right of carryi

English · e-38538-7064

Last

Last, last, adj. latest: coming after all the others: final: next before the present: utmost: meanest: most improbable or unlikely—also adv.—n. Last′-court, a court held by the jurats in the marshes of Kent to fix rates

English · e-38538-7065

Lastery

Lastery, last′ėr-i, n. (Spens.) a red colour.

English · e-38538-7066 · brief source record

Lat

Lat, lät, n. in Indian architecture, an isolated pillar.

English · e-38538-7067 · brief source record

Latakia

Latakia, lat-a-kē′a, n. a fine kind of tobacco produced at Latakia (Laodicea ad Mare) in Syria.

English · e-38538-7068 · brief source record

Latch

Latch, lach, v.t. (Shak.) to moisten. [Leach.]

English · e-38538-7069 · brief source record

Latch

Latch, lach, n. a small piece of wood or iron to fasten a door.—v.t. to fasten with a latch: to hold, retain: (obs.) to seize.—ns. Latch′et, a strap or buckle for fastening a shoe; Latch′key, a key to raise the latch of

English · e-38538-7070

Late

Late, lāt, adj. (comp. Lat′er; superl. Lat′est) slow, tardy; behindhand: coming after the expected time: long delayed: far advanced towards the close: last in any place or character: deceased: departed: out of office: no

English · e-38538-7071

Latebra

Latebra, lat′eb-ra, n. the cavity in the food-yolk of a meroblastic ovum.—adj. Lat′ebrous. [L.—latēre.]

English · e-38538-7072 · brief source record

Lateen

Lateen, la-tēn′, adj. applied to a triangular sail, common in the Mediterranean, the Lake of Geneva, &c. [Fr.,—L. Latinus, Latin.]

English · e-38538-7073

Latent

Latent, lā′tent, adj. hid: concealed: not visible or apparent: dormant, undeveloped.—ns. Lā′tence, Lā′tency.—adv. Lā′tently.—Latent heat (see Heat); Latent life, a phrase describing the physiological condition of organis

English · e-38538-7074

Lateral

Lateral, lat′ėr-al, adj. belonging to the side: proceeding from or in the direction of the side: (anat. and zool.) situated on one of the sides of the median vertical longitudinal plane of the body: (physics) at right an

English · e-38538-7075

Lateran

Lateran, lat′ėr-an, adj. pertaining to the Church of St John Lateran at Rome, the Pope's cathedral church, on the site of the splendid palace or basilica of Plautius Lateranus (executed 66 A.D.).—Lateran Councils, five g

English · e-38538-7076

Latericeous

Latericeous, lat-ėr-ish′us, adj. of brick, or brick-coloured.—Also Laterit′ious. [L. latericius—later, lateris, a brick.]

English · e-38538-7077

Laterite

Laterite, lat′ėr-īt, n. an argillaceous sandstone of a reddish or brick colour found in India, esp. in Ceylon. [L. later, lateris, a brick.]

English · e-38538-7078

Latescent

Latescent, lā-tes′ent, adj. becoming hidden.—n. Latesc′ence. [L. latescĕre—latēre, to lie hid.]

English · e-38538-7079 · brief source record

Latest

Latest, lāt′est, adj. superl. of late.

English · e-38538-7080 · brief source record

Latex

Latex, lā′teks, n. (bot.) the sap of plants after it has been elaborated in the leaves.—adj. Laticif′erous, containing or conveying latex. [L.]

English · e-38538-7081

Lath

Lath, läth, n. a thin cleft slip of wood used in slating, plastering, &c.:—pl. Laths (läthz).—v.t. to cover with laths.—adj. Lath′en.—ns. Lath′ing, the act or process of covering with laths: a covering of laths; Lath′-sp

English · e-38538-7082

Lathe

Lathe, lāth, n. a machine for turning and shaping articles of wood, metal, &c.: the movable swing-frame of a loom carrying the reed for separating the warp threads and beating up the weft. [Ice. löð.]

English · e-38538-7083

Lathe

Lathe, läth, n. a part or division of a county, now existing only in Kent, and consisting of four or five hundreds. [A.S. lǽth, a district.]

English · e-38538-7084

Lather

Lather, lath′ėr, n. a foam or froth made with water and soap: froth from sweat.—v.t. to spread over with lather.—v.i. to form a lather: to become frothy. [A.S. leáðor, lather; Ice. lauðr, foam.]

English · e-38538-7085

Latibulum

Latibulum, lā-tib′ū-lum, n. a hiding-place, burrow:—pl. Latib′ula.—v.i. Latib′ulise, to hibernate. [L.]

English · e-38538-7086 · brief source record

Laticlave

Laticlave, lat′i-klāv, n. a broad vertical purple stripe running down the front of a Roman senator's tunic. [L. latus, broad, clavus, a stripe.]

English · e-38538-7087

Laticostate

Laticostate, lat-i-kos′tāt, adj. broad-ribbed.

English · e-38538-7088 · brief source record

Latidentate

Latidentate, lat-i-den′tāt, adj. broad-toothed.

English · e-38538-7089 · brief source record

Latifoliate

Latifoliate, lat-i-fō′li-āt, adj. broad-leafed.—Also Latifō′lious.

English · e-38538-7090 · brief source record

Latin

Latin, lat′in, adj. pertaining to ancient Latium (esp. Rome) or its inhabitants, also to all races claiming affinity with the Latins by language, race, or civilisation: written or spoken in Latin.—n. an inhabitant of anc

English · e-38538-7091

Latipennate

Latipennate, lat-i-pen′āt, adj. broad-winged.

English · e-38538-7092 · brief source record

Latirostral

Latirostral, lat-i-ros′tral, adj. broad-billed.—Also Latiros′trate.

English · e-38538-7093 · brief source record

Latissimus

Latissimus, lā-tis′i-mus, n. the broadest muscle which lies upon the back.

English · e-38538-7094 · brief source record

Latitude

Latitude, lat′i-tūd, n. the distance of a place north or south from the equator, measured in degrees of the meridian: a place as indicated by latitude: the angular distance of a celestial body above the plane of the ecli

English · e-38538-7095

Latria

Latria, lā-trī′a, n. the kind of supreme worship lawfully offered to God alone—opposed to Dulia, that given to saints and angels, and to Hyperdulia, that given to the Virgin. [Gr. latreuein, to serve.]

English · e-38538-7096

Latrine

Latrine, lat′rin, n. a privy or water-closet in barracks, factories, hospitals, &c. [Fr.,—L. lavatrina, latrina—lavāre, to wash.]

English · e-38538-7097

Latrobe

Latrobe, la-trōb′, n. a form of stove set into a fireplace, heating the room by radiation, and the rooms above by hot air—from I. Latrobe of Baltimore.

English · e-38538-7098

Latrocinium

Latrocinium, lat-rō-sin′i-um, n. the Robber-Council, that held at Ephesus in 449, in which the doctrines of the heretic Eutyches were upheld by means of intimidation—its acts revoked at the œcumenical council of Chalcedo

English · e-38538-7099

Latten

Latten, lat′en, n. brass or bronze used for crosses: sheet tin, tinned iron-plate. [O. Fr. laton (Fr. laiton)—Ger. latte, a lath, thin plate.]

English · e-38538-7100

Latter

Latter, lat′ėr, adj. later: coming or existing after: mentioned the last of two: modern: recent: (Shak.) last.—adjs. Latt′er-born (Shak.), younger; Latt′er-day, belonging to recent times.—adv. Latt′erly, in latter time:

English · e-38538-7101

Lattice

Lattice, lat′is, n. a network of crossed laths or bars, called also Latt′ice-work: anything of lattice-work, as a window: (her.) a bearing of vertical and horizontal bars crossing each other.—v.t. to form into open work:

English · e-38538-7102

Laud

Laud, lawd, v.t. to praise in words or with singing: to celebrate.—n. commendation: praise in divine worship: (pl.) in the R.C. Church, the prayers immediately following matins, constituting with the latter the first of

English · e-38538-7103

Laudanum

Laudanum, lawd′a-num, n. a preparation of opium: tincture of opium. [Same word as ladanum, transferred to a different drug.]

English · e-38538-7104

Laugh

Laugh, läf, v.i. to express mirth or joy by an explosive inarticulate sound of the voice and peculiar facial distortion: to be gay or lively: make merry (with at), to flout.—v.t. to express with a laugh: to affect in som

English · e-38538-7105

Launce

Launce, läns, n. Same as Lance.

English · e-38538-7106 · brief source record

Launce

Launce, läns, n. (Spens.) a balance. [L. lanx, lancis, a plate, a scale of a balance.]

English · e-38538-7107 · brief source record

Launch

Launch, Lanch, länsh, v.t. to throw as a lance or spear: (Shak.) to pierce or cut with a lance: to send forth: to cause to slide into the water.—v.i. to go forth, as a ship into the water: to come into new relations, mak

English · e-38538-7108

Laund

Laund, lawnd, n. (Shak.) a park. [O. Fr. lande; prob. Celt. See Lawn.]

English · e-38538-7109 · brief source record

Laundress

Laundress, lawn′dres, n. a woman who washes and irons clothes.—n. Laun′der, a washerwoman or washerman: a trough for conveying water.—v.t. to wash and iron, as clothes: (Shak.) to wet, wash.—ns. Laun′dry, a place where c

English · e-38538-7110

Laura

Laura, law′ra, n. an early kind of monastic community, its cells separate structures, the inmates living in solitude, meeting only for common services in the chapel—found only in Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. [Most prob.

English · e-38538-7111

Laureate

Laureate, law′re-āt, adj. crowned with laurel.—n. one crowned with laurel: a poet-laureate.—v.t. to crown with laurel, in token of literary merit: to confer a degree upon.—ns. Lau′reateship, office of a laureate; Laureā′

English · e-38538-7112

Laurel

Laurel, law′rel, n. the bay-tree, used by the ancients for making honorary wreaths: a crown of laurel, honours gained (freq. in pl.): any species of the genus Laurus.—adjs. Lau′rel; Lau′relled, crowned with laurel.—n. La

English · e-38538-7113

Laurentian

Laurentian, law-ren′shi-an, adj. pertaining to Lorenzo or Laurentius dei Medici, or to the Laurentian library founded by him at Florence: of or pertaining to the river St Lawrence: applied to a series of rocks covering a

English · e-38538-7114

Lauwine

Lauwine, law′vin, n. (Byron) an avalanche. [Ger., from Low L. lavina, prob. L. labi, to fall.]

English · e-38538-7115 · brief source record

Lav

Lav, lav, n. word—in lavengro, word-master. [Gypsy.]

English · e-38538-7116 · brief source record

Lava

Lava, lä′va, n. the melted matter discharged from a burning mountain, that flows down its sides. [It. lava, a stream—L. lavāre, to wash.]

English · e-38538-7117

Lave

Lave, lāv, v.t. and v.i. to wash: to bathe.—ns. Lā′vabo, the ritual act of washing the celebrant's fingers after the offertory, before proceeding with the eucharistic service—from Lavabo manus meas in innocentia (Ps. xxv

English · e-38538-7118

Lave

Lave, lāv, n. (Scot.) what is left, the remainder. [A.S. láf; Ice. leif. See Leave.]

English · e-38538-7119 · brief source record

Lave

Lave, lāv, v.t. to lade or throw out (as water from a boat). [A.S. lafian, pour out water; Ger. laben, refresh. Conn. with L. lavāre, to wash, dub.]

English · e-38538-7120

Lavender

Lavender, lav′en-dėr, n. an odoriferous plant, probably so called from its being laid with newly washed clothes: a pale-lilac colour, the colour of lavender blossoms.—v.t. to sprinkle with lavender.—n. Lav′ender-wa′ter,

English · e-38538-7121

Laver

Laver. See Lave (1).

English · e-38538-7122 · brief source record

Laver

Laver, lāv′ėr, n. the fronds of certain marine plants, sometimes used as food. [L. laver.]

English · e-38538-7123 · brief source record

Laverock

Laverock, lav′ėr-ock, n. (prov.) a lark. [Cf. Lark.]

English · e-38538-7124 · brief source record

Lavish

Lavish, lav′ish, v.t. to expend profusely: to waste.—adj. bestowing profusely: prodigal: extravagant: unrestrained.—adv. Lav′ishly.—ns. Lav′ishment, Lav′ishness. [From Lave (3).]

English · e-38538-7125

Lavolt

Lavolt, la-volt′, Lavolta, la-vol′ta, n. (Shak.) an old dance in which there were much turning and high leaping. [It. la volta, the turn.]

English · e-38538-7126

Law

Law, law, n. a rule of action established by authority: statute: the rules of a community or state: a rule or principle of science or art: the whole jurisprudence or the science of law: established usage: that which is l

English · e-38538-7127

Lawk

Lawk, lawk, interj. implying surprise. [For Lord!]

English · e-38538-7128 · brief source record

Lawn

Lawn, lawn, n. a sort of fine linen or cambric.—adj. made of lawn.—adj. Lawn′y.—Lawn sleeves, wide sleeves of lawn worn by Anglican bishops. [Prob. from Fr. Laon, a town near Rheims.]

English · e-38538-7129

Lawn

Lawn, lawn, n. an open space between woods: a space of ground covered with grass, generally in front of or around a house or mansion.—ns. Lawn′-mow′er, a machine for cutting the grass on a lawn; Lawn′-sprink′ler, a machi

English · e-38538-7130

Lax

Lax, laks, adj. slack: loose: soft, flabby: not strict in discipline or morals: loose in the bowels.—adj. Lax′ative, having the power of loosening the bowels.—n. a purgative or aperient medicine.—ns. Lax′ativeness, Lax′i

English · e-38538-7131

Lay

Lay, pa.t. of lie, to lay one's self down.

English · e-38538-7132 · brief source record

Lay

Lay, lā, v.t. to cause to lie down: to place or set down: to beat down: to spread on a surface: to conjoin: to spread the proper thing on: to calm: to appease: to wager: to bring forth: to impose: to charge: to present.—

English · e-38538-7133

Lay

Lay, lā, n. a song: a lyric or narrative poem. [O. Fr. lai, from Celt.; cf. Gael. laoidh, a hymn.]

English · e-38538-7134 · brief source record

Lay

Lay, lā, Laic, -al, lā′ik, -al, adjs. pertaining to the people: not clerical: unprofessional: (cards) not trumps.—v.t. Lā′icise, to deprive of a clerical character.—ns. Lā′ity, the people as distinguished from any partic

English · e-38538-7135

Lay-day

Lay-day, lā′-dā, n. one of a number of days allowed a charter-party for shipping or unshipping cargo.

English · e-38538-7136 · brief source record

Lay-figure

Lay-figure, lā′-fig′ūr, n. a jointed figure used by painters in imitation of the human body, as a model for drapery: a living person or a fictitious character wanting in individuality.—Also Lay′-man.

English · e-38538-7139

Layer

Layer, lā′ėr, n. a stratum—better Lair (q.v.). See Lay.

English · e-38538-7137 · brief source record

Layette

Layette, lā-yet′, n. a baby's complete outfit: a tray for carrying powder in powder-mills. [Fr.]

English · e-38538-7138 · brief source record

Lazar

Lazar, lā′zar, n. one afflicted with a loathsome and pestilential disease like Lazarus, the beggar.—ns. Lā′zar-house, a lazaretto; Laz′arist, a member of a R.C. order, the Congregation of the Priests of the Mission, foun

English · e-38538-7140

Lazaretto

Lazaretto, laz-a-ret′ō, n. a public hospital for diseased persons, esp. for such as have infectious disorders: a prison hospital: a place where persons are kept during quarantine.—Also Laz′aret. [It. lazzeretto.]

English · e-38538-7141

Lazaroni

Lazaroni, laz-a-rō′ni, n. Same as Lazzaroni.

English · e-38538-7142 · brief source record

Lazuli

Lazuli, laz′ū-lī. See Lapis-lazuli, under Lapidary.

English · e-38538-7143 · brief source record

Lazulite

Lazulite, laz′ū-līt, n. a mineral of a light, indigo-blue colour, occurring in quartz and in clay-slate.

English · e-38538-7144 · brief source record

Lazy

Lazy, lā′zi, adj. disinclined to exertion: averse to labour: sluggish: tedious.—v.i. Laze, to be lazy.—adv. Lā′zily.—ns. Lā′ziness, state or quality of being lazy; Lā′zy-bed, a bed for growing potatoes, the seed being la

English · e-38538-7145

Lazzaroni

Lazzaroni, laz-a-rō′ni, n. name given to the lowest classes in Naples, idle beggars, with no fixed habitation or regular occupation:—sing. Lazzarone. [It.]

English · e-38538-7146

Lea

Lea, lē, n. a meadow: grass-land, pasturage.—Older forms, Lay, Lee, Ley. [A.S. leáh; cf. prov. Ger. lohe, loh, found also in place-names, as Waterloo.]

English · e-38538-7147

Leach

Leach, lēch, v.t. to wash or drain away by percolation of water, esp. to make lye by leaching ashes—also Letch.—ns. Leach′-trough, -tub, a trough or tub in which ashes are leached.—adj. Leach′y, liable to be leached, let

English · e-38538-7148

Leach

Leach, lēch, n. Same as Leech.

English · e-38538-7149 · brief source record

Lead

Lead, lēd, v.t. to show the way by going first: to guide by the hand: to direct: to precede: to transport or carry: to allure.—v.i. to go before and show the way: to have a tendency: to exercise dominion:—pr.p. lead′ing;

English · e-38538-7150

Lead

Lead, led, n. a well-known metal of a bluish-white colour: the plummet for sounding at sea: a thin plate of lead separating lines of type: (pl.) sheets of lead for covering roofs, a flat roof so covered.—v.t. to cover or

English · e-38538-7151

Leaf

Leaf, lēf, n. one of the lateral organs developed from the stem or axis of the plant below its growing-point: anything beaten thin like a leaf: two pages of a book: one side of a window-shutter, &c.:—pl. Leaves (lēvz).—v

English · e-38538-7152

League

League, lēg, n. a nautical measure, 1⁄20th of a degree, 3 geographical miles, 3.456 statute miles: an old measure of length, varying from the Roman league, 1.376 mod. Eng. miles, to the French, 2.764 miles, and the Spani

English · e-38538-7153

League

League, lēg, n. a bond or alliance: union for mutual advantage.—v.i. to form a league: to unite for mutual interest:—pr.p. leag′uing; pa.t. and pa.p. leagued.—n. Leag′uer, one connected with a league. [Fr. ligue—Low L. l

English · e-38538-7154

Leaguer

Leaguer, lēg′ėr, n. a camp, esp. of a besieging army: siege or besiegement. [Dut. leger, a lair.]

English · e-38538-7155 · brief source record

Leak

Leak, lēk, n. a crack or hole in a vessel through which liquid may pass: the oozing of any fluid through an opening.—v.i. to let any fluid into or out of a vessel through a leak.—ns. Leak′age, a leaking: that which enter

English · e-38538-7156

Leal

Leal, lēl, adj. true-hearted, faithful.—Land o' the Leal, the home of the blessed after death—Paradise, not Scotland. [Norm. Fr. leal, same as loyal.]

English · e-38538-7157

Leam

Leam, lēm, n. (obs.) a gleam of light, a glow.—v.i. to shine. [A.S. leóma.]

English · e-38538-7158 · brief source record

Lean

Lean, lēn, v.i. to incline or bend: to turn from a straight line: to rest against: to incline towards:—pr.p. lean′ing; pa.t. and pa.p. leaned or leant (lent).—n. Lean′-to, a shed or penthouse whose supports lean upon ano

English · e-38538-7159

Lean

Lean, lēn, adj. thin, wanting flesh: not fat: unprofitable, taking extra time—a printer's phrase.—n. flesh without fat.—adj. Lean′-faced, having a thin face: (print.) slender and narrow, as letters.—adv. Lean′ly.—n. Lean

English · e-38538-7160

Leap

Leap, lēp, v.i. to move with bounds: to spring upward or forward: to jump: to rush with vehemence.—v.t. to bound over: to cause to take a leap: to cover or copulate (of some beasts):—pr.p. leap′ing; pa.t. leaped or leapt

English · e-38538-7161

Leap

Leap, lēp, n. a basket: a wicker net. [A.S. leáp.]

English · e-38538-7162 · brief source record

Lear

Lear, lēr, v.t. (Spens.) to learn.—n. that which is learned, a lesson: (Scot.) learning.

English · e-38538-7163 · brief source record

Learn

Learn, lėrn, v.t. to acquire knowledge of, to get to know: to gain power of performing: (prov.) to teach.—v.i. to gain knowledge: to improve by example.—adjs. Learn′able, that may be learned; Learn′ed, having learning: v

English · e-38538-7164

Lease

Lease, lēs, n. a contract letting a house, farm, &c. for a term of years: the duration or term of tenure: any tenure.—v.t. to let for a term of years:—pr.p. leas′ing; pa.t. and pa.p. leased.—adjs. Leas′able; Lease′hold,

English · e-38538-7165

Lease

Lease, lēz, v.i. (prov.) to glean.—n. Leas′ing, gleaning. [A.S. lesan, to gather.]

English · e-38538-7166 · brief source record

Lease

Lease, lēs, n. in weaving, the plane in which the warp-threads cross: this system of crossing.

English · e-38538-7167 · brief source record

Leash

Leash, lēsh, n. a lash or line by which a hawk or hound is held: a brace and a half, three.—v.t. to hold by a leash: to bind. [O. Fr. lesse (Fr. laisse), a thong to hold a dog by—L. laxus, loose.]

English · e-38538-7168

Leasing

Leasing, lēz′ing, n. falsehood, lies: lying. [A.S. lásung—leás, false, loose; Goth. laus, Ice. los.]

English · e-38538-7169 · brief source record

Leasowe

Leasowe, lē′sō, n. a pasture.—v.t. to feed or pasture. [A.S. lǽs, a meadow.]

English · e-38538-7170 · brief source record

Least

Least, lēst, adj. (serves as superl. of Little) little beyond all others: smallest.—adv. in the smallest or lowest degree.—advs. Least′ways, Least′wise, at least: however.—At least, or At the least, at the lowest estimat

English · e-38538-7171

Least

Least, lēst, conj. (Spens.). Same as Lest.

English · e-38538-7172 · brief source record

Leat

Leat, Leet, lēt, n. (prov.) a trench for bringing water to a mill-wheel.

English · e-38538-7173 · brief source record

Leather

Leather, leth′ėr, n. the prepared skin of an animal, tanned, tawed, or otherwise dressed.—adj. consisting of leather.—ns. Leath′er-cloth, a textile fabric coated on one face with certain mixtures of a flexible nature whe

English · e-38538-7174

Leave

Leave, lēv, n. permission: liberty granted: formal parting of friends: farewell. [A.S. leáf, permission, cog. with leóf, dear. See Lief.]

English · e-38538-7175

Leave

Leave, lēv, v.t. to allow to remain: to abandon, resign: to quit or depart from: to have remaining at death: to bequeath: to refer for decision.—v.i. to desist: to cease: to depart:—pr.p. leav′ing; pa.t. and pa.p. left.—

English · e-38538-7176

Leave

Leave, lēv, v.t. (Spens.) to levy, to raise.

English · e-38538-7177 · brief source record

Leave

Leave, lēv, v.i. to put out leaves.—adj. Leaved, furnished with leaves: made with folds.

English · e-38538-7178 · brief source record

Leaven

Leaven, lev′n, n. the ferment which makes dough rise in a spongy form: anything that makes a general change, whether good or bad.—v.t. to raise with leaven: to taint.—n. Leav′ening.—adj. Leav′enous, containing leaven. [F

English · e-38538-7179

Leaves

Leaves, lēvz, pl. of leaf.

English · e-38538-7180 · brief source record

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