# dictionary

word: break-in
definition:
break-in

break-in
n.
an act of trespassing into a closed structure such as a house or place of busineess for an unlawful purpose, usually as part of a burglary.

Syn. -- housebreaking, breaking and entering.


word: breaking
definition:
breaking

breaking
adj.
1.
p. pr. & vb. n. of break, v. i.

2.
(Journalism)
Still happening or becoming known at the present time; -- used of news reports; as, breaking news; a breaking story.


word: Breakneck
definition:
Breakneck

Break"neck`
(_;)
n.
1.
A fall that breaks the neck.

2.
A steep place endangering the neck.


word: breakstone
definition:
breakstone

break"stone`
n.
1.
Any of various plants of the genus Saxifraga.

Syn. -- saxifrage, rockfoil.


word: breakthrough
definition:
breakthrough

break"through`
n.
1.
a productive insight.

Syn. -- discovery, find.

2.
a sudden change of situation, such as making an important discovery, that permits further rapid advances toward a goal.

3.
(Mil.)
a penetration of an enemy's defense in depth and strength.


word: Break-up
definition:
Break-up

Breakup

Break"up`, Break"-up`
(_;)
n.
Disruption; coming apart; a separation and dispersion of the parts or members; as, a break-up of a meeting, assembly, or dinner party; the break-up of a spacecraft on re-entry into the atmosphere.

Syn. -- separation, detachment.

2.
the termination of a relationship; a break-up of the government; the break-up of a marriage; the break-up of a business partnership; the break-up of a comedy team.

Syn. -- dissolution.


word: Breakwater
definition:
Breakwater

Break"wa`ter
(_;)
n.
Any structure or contrivance, as a mole, or a wall at the mouth of a harbor, to break the force of waves, and afford protection from their violence.


word: Bream
definition:
Bream

Bream
(_;)
n.
[OE. breme, brem, F. brême, OF. bresme, of German origin; cf. OHG. brahsema, brahsina, OLG. bressemo, G. brassen. Cf. Brasse.]

1.
(Zool.)
A European fresh-water cyprinoid fish of the genus Abramis, little valued as food. Several species are known.

2.
(Zool.)
An American fresh-water fish, of various species of Pomotis and allied genera, which are also called sunfishes and pondfishes. See Pondfish.

3.
(Zool.)
A marine sparoid fish of the genus Pagellus, and allied genera. See Sea Bream.


word: Bream₂
definition:
Bream

Bream
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Breamed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Breaming.]
[Cf. Broom, and G. ein schiff brennen.]
(Naut.)
To clean, as a ship's bottom of adherent shells, seaweed, etc., by the application of fire and scraping.


word: Breast
definition:
Breast

Breast
(brĕst)
n.
[OE. brest, breost, As. breóst; akin to Icel. brj&omacrst, Sw. bröst, Dan. bryst, Goth. brusts, OS. briost, D. borst, G. brust.]
1.
The fore part of the body, between the neck and the belly; the chest; as, the breast of a man or of a horse.

2.
Either one of the protuberant glands, situated on the front of the chest or thorax in the female of man and of some other mammalia, in which milk is secreted for the nourishment of the young; a mamma; a teat.

My brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother.
Cant. viii. 1.

3.
Anything resembling the human breast, or bosom; the front or forward part of anything; as, a chimney breast; a plow breast; the breast of a hill.

Mountains on whose barren breast
The laboring clouds do often rest.
Milton.

4.
(Mining)
(a)
The face of a coal working.
(b)
The front of a furnace.

5.
The seat of consciousness; the repository of thought and self-consciousness, or of secrets; the seat of the affections and passions; the heart.

He has a loyal breast.
Shak.

6.
The power of singing; a musical voice; -- so called, probably, from the connection of the voice with the lungs, which lie within the breast.
[Obs.]

By my troth, the fool has an excellent breast.
Shak.

Breast drill, a portable drilling machine, provided with a breastplate, for forcing the drill against the work. -- Breast pang. See Angina pectoris, under Angina. -- To make a clean breast, to disclose the secrets which weigh upon one; to make full confession.


word: Breast₂
definition:
Breast

Breast
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Breasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Breasting.]
To meet, with the breast; to struggle with or oppose manfully; as, to breast the storm or waves.

The court breasted the popular current by sustaining the demurrer.
Wirt.

To breast up a hedge, to cut the face of it on one side so as to lay bare the principal upright stems of the plants.


word: Breastband
definition:
Breastband

Breast"band`
(-bănd`)
n.
A band for the breast. Specifically: (Naut.) A band of canvas, or a rope, fastened at both ends to the rigging, to support the man who heaves the lead in sounding.


word: Breast-deep
definition:
Breast-deep

Breast"-deep`
(brĕst"dēp`)
a.
Deep as from the breast to the feet; as high as the breast.

Set him breast-deep in earth, and famish him.
Shak.


word: Breasted
definition:
Breasted

Breast"ed
a.
Having a breast; -- used in composition with qualifying words, in either a literal or a metaphorical sense; as, a single-breasted coat.

The close minister is buttoned up, and the brave officer open-breasted, on these occasions.
Spectator.


word: Breastfast
definition:
Breastfast

Breast"fast`
(_;)
n.
(Naut.)
A large rope to fasten the midship part of a ship to a wharf, or to another vessel.


word: Breastheight
definition:
Breastheight

Breast"height`
(_;)
n.
The interior slope of a fortification, against which the garrison lean in firing.


word: Breasthook
definition:
Breasthook

Breast"hook`
(_;)
n.
(Naut.)
A thick piece of timber in the form of a knee, placed across the stem of a ship to strengthen the fore part and unite the bows on each side.
Totten.


word: Breasting
definition:
Breasting

Breast"ing
n.
(Mach.)
The curved channel in which a breast wheel turns. It is closely adapted to the curve of the wheel through about a quarter of its circumference, and prevents the escape of the water until it has spent its force upon the wheel. See Breast wheel.


word: Breastpin
definition:
Breastpin

Breast"pin`
(brĕst"pĭn`)
n.
A pin worn on the breast for a fastening, or for ornament; a brooch.


word: Breastplate
definition:
Breastplate

Breast"plate`
(_;)
n.
1.
A plate of metal covering the breast as defensive armor.

Before his old rusty breastplate could be scoured, and his cracked headpiece mended.
Swift.

2.
A piece against which the workman presses his breast in operating a breast drill, or other similar tool.

3.
A strap that runs across a horse's breast.
Ash.

4.
(Jewish Antiq.)
A part of the vestment of the high priest, worn upon the front of the ephod. It was a double piece of richly embroidered stuff, a span square, set with twelve precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. See Ephod.


word: Breastplough
definition:
Breastplough

Breastplow

{ Breast"plow`, Breast"plough`  }
(_;)
n.
A kind of plow, driven by the breast of the workman; -- used to cut or pare turf.


word: Breastrail
definition:
Breastrail

Breast"rail`
(-rāl`)
n.
The upper rail of any parapet of ordinary height, as of a balcony; the railing of a quarter-deck, etc.


word: Breastsummer
definition:
Breastsummer

Breast"sum`mer
(_;)
n.
(Arch.)
A summer or girder extending across a building flush with, and supporting, the upper part of a front or external wall; a long lintel; a girder; -- used principally above shop windows.
[Written also brestsummer and bressummer.]


word: Breastwheel
definition:
Breastwheel

Breast"wheel`
(brĕst" hwēl`)
n.
A water wheel, on which the stream of water strikes neither so high as in the overshot wheel, nor so low as in the undershot, but generally at about half the height of the wheel, being kept in contact with it by the breasting. The water acts on the float boards partly by impulse, partly by its weight.


word: Breastwork
definition:
Breastwork

Breast"work`
(brĕst"wûrk`)
n.
1.
(Fort.)
A defensive work of moderate height, hastily thrown up, of earth or other material.

2.
(Naut.)
A railing on the quarter-deck and forecastle.


word: Breath
definition:
Breath

Breath
(brĕth)
n.
[OE. breth, breeth, AS. br&aemacr_;ð odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG. brādam steam, vapor, breath, G. brodem, and possibly E. Brawn, and Breed.]
1.
The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.

Melted as breath into the wind.
Shak.

2.
The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.

3.
The power of respiration, and hence, life.
Hood.

Thou takest away their breath, they die.
Ps. civ. 29.

4.
Time to breathe; respite; pause.

Give me some breath, some little pause.
Shak.

5.
A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.

He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
Dryden.

6.
Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.

The earthquake voice of victory,
To thee the breath of life.
Byron.

7.
A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.

A breath can make them, as a breath has made.
Goldsmith.

8.
A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion.

Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea,
when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.
Addison.

9.
Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
Tennison.

The breath of flowers.
Bacon.

10.
Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.

An after dinner's breath.
Shak.

Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty. -- Under one's breath, in low tones.


word: breathalyze
definition:
breathalyze

breathalyze
v.
to test the alcohol content of someone's blood by means of a breathalyzer.

Syn. -- breathalyse.


word: breathalyzer
definition:
breathalyzer

breathalyzer
n.
[a Trademark.]
a device that measures alcohol content of a person's breath.

Syn. -- breathalyser, breath analyzer.


word: Breathe
definition:
Breathe

Breathe
(brē&thlig_;)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Breathed (brē&thlig_;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Breathing.]
[From Breath.]

1.
To respire; to inhale and exhale air; hence;, to live.
breathe
Shak.

Breathes there a man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!
Sir W. Scott [The Lay of the Last Minstrel].

2.
To take breath; to rest from action.

Well! breathe awhile, and then to it again!
Shak.

3.
To pass like breath; noiselessly or gently; to exhale; to emanate; to blow gently.

The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
Shak.

There breathes a living fragrance from the shore.
Byron.


word: Breathe₂
definition:
Breathe

Breathe
v. t.
1.
To inhale and exhale in the process of respiration; to respire.

To view the light of heaven, and breathe the vital air.
Dryden.

2.
To inject by breathing; to infuse; -- with into.

Able to breathe life into a stone.
Shak.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
Gen. ii. 7.

3.
To emit or utter by the breath; to utter softly; to whisper; as, to breathe a vow.

He softly breathed thy name.
Dryden.

Or let the church, our mother, breathe her curse,
A mother's curse, on her revolting son.
Shak.

4.
To exhale; to emit, as breath; as, the flowers breathe odors or perfumes.

5.
To express; to manifest; to give forth.

Others articles breathe the same severe spirit.
Milner.

6.
To act upon by the breath; to cause to sound by breathing.
breathe
Prior.

7.
To promote free respiration in; to exercise.

And every man should beat thee. I think thou wast created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.
Shak.

8.
To suffer to take breath, or recover the natural breathing; to rest; as, to breathe a horse.

A moment breathed his panting steed.
Sir W. Scott.

9.
To put out of breath; to exhaust.

Mr. Tulkinghorn arrives in his turret room, a little breathed by the journey up.
Dickens.

10.
(Phonetics)
To utter without vocality, as the nonvocal consonants.

The same sound may be pronounces either breathed, voiced, or whispered.
H. Sweet.

Breathed elements, being already voiceless, remain unchanged [in whispering].
H. Sweet.

To breathe again, to take breath; to feel a sense of relief, as from danger, responsibility, or press of business. -- To breathe one's last, to die; to expire. -- To breathe a vein, to open a vein; to let blood. Dryden.


word: breathed
definition:
breathed

breathed
(brĕtht)
adj.
having breath or breath as specified; usually used in combination; as, sweet-breathed.


word: Breather
definition:
Breather

Breath"er
(_;)
n.
1.
One who breathes.
Hence:
(a)
One who lives.
(b)
One who utters.
(c)
One who animates or inspires.

2.
That which puts one out of breath, as violent exercise.
[Colloq.]

3.
a pause to catch one's breath, or for some other form of rest or refreshment; -- often used in the phrase to take a breather, i.e. to pause for refreshment.
[Colloq.]

4.
a vent in a container to allow equalization of internal and external pressure.

5.
an air intake pipe to provide air to machinery or people submerged or otherwise sealed off from the outside.


word: Breathing
definition:
Breathing

Breath"ing
(_;)
n.
1.
Respiration; the act of inhaling and exhaling air.

Subject to a difficulty of breathing.
Melmoth.

2.
Air in gentle motion.

3.
Any gentle influence or operation; inspiration; as, the breathings of the Spirit.

4.
Aspiration; secret prayer.
breathings
Tillotson.

5.
Exercising; promotion of respiration.

Here is a lady that wants breathing too;
And I have heard, you knights of Tyre
Are excellent in making ladies trip.
Shak.

6.
Utterance; communication or publicity by words.

I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose.
Shak.

7.
Breathing place; vent.
Dryden.

8.
Stop; pause; delay.

You shake the head at so long a breathing.
Shak.

9.
Also, in a wider sense, the sound caused by the friction of the outgoing breath in the throat, mouth, etc., when the glottis is wide open; aspiration; the sound expressed by the letter h.

10.
(Gr. Gram.)
A mark to indicate aspiration or its absence. See Rough breathing, Smooth breathing, below.

Breathing place. (a) A pause. “That cæsura, or breathing place, in the midst of the verse.” Sir P. Sidney. (b) A vent. -- Breathing time, pause; relaxation. Bp. Hall. -- Breathing while, time sufficient for drawing breath; a short time. Shak. -- Rough breathing (spiritus asper) (&asper_;). See 2d Asper, n. -- Smooth breathing (spiritus lenis), a mark (') indicating the absence of the sound of h, as in 'ie`nai (ienai).


word: Breathless
definition:
Breathless

Breath"less
(brĕth"lĕs)
a.
1.
Spent with labor or violent action; out of breath.

2.
Not breathing; holding the breath, on account of fear, expectation, or intense interest; attended with a holding of the breath; as, breathless attention.

But breathless, as we grow when feeling most.
Byron.

3.
Dead; as, a breathless body.


word: Breccia
definition:
Breccia

Brec"cia
(_;)
n.
[It., breach, pebble, fragments of stone, fr. F. brèche; of German origin. See Breach.]
(Geol.)
A rock composed of angular fragments either of the same mineral or of different minerals, etc., united by a cement, and commonly presenting a variety of colors.

Bone breccia, a breccia containing bones, usually fragmentary. -- Coin breccia, a breccia containing coins.


word: Brecciated
definition:
Brecciated

Brec"ci*a`ted
(_;)
a.
Consisting of angular fragments cemented together; resembling breccia in appearance.

The brecciated appearance of many specimens [of meteorites].
H. A. Newton.


word: Bred
definition:
Bred

Bred
(_;)
imp. & p. p. of Breed.

Bred out, degenerated.  “The strain of man's bred out into baboon and monkey.” Shak. -- Bred to arms. See under Arms. -- Well bred. (a) Of a good family; having a good pedigree. “A gentleman well bred and of good name.” Shak. [Obs., except as applied to domestic animals.] (b) Well brought up, as shown in having good manners; cultivated; refined; polite.


word: Brede
definition:
Brede

Brede
(_;)
n.
[See Braid woven cord.]
A braid.
[R.]

Half lapped in glowing gauze and golden brede.
Tennyson.


word: Breech
definition:
Breech

Breech
(brēch or brĭch; 277)
n.
[See Breeches.]
1.
The lower part of the body behind; the buttocks.

2.
Breeches.
[Obs.]
Shak.

3.
The hinder part of anything; esp., the part of a cannon, or other firearm, behind the chamber.

4.
(Naut.)
The external angle of knee timber, the inside of which is called the throat.


word: Breech₂
definition:
Breech

Breech
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Breeched (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Breeching (_;).]
1.
To put into, or clothe with, breeches.

A great man . . . anxious to know whether the blacksmith's youngest boy was breeched.
Macaulay.

2.
To cover as with breeches.
[Poetic]

Their daggers unmannerly breeched with gore.
Shak.

3.
To fit or furnish with a breech; as, to breech a gun.

4.
To whip on the breech.
[Obs.]

Had not a courteous serving man conveyed me away, whilst he went to fetch whips, I think, in my conscience, he would have breeched me.
Old Play.

5.
To fasten with breeching.


word: Breech action
definition:
Breech action

Breech action
The breech mechanism in breech-loading small arms and certain special guns, as automatic and machine guns; -- used frequently in referring to the method by which the movable barrels of breech-loading shotguns are locked, unlocked, or rotated to loading position.


word: Breechblock
definition:
Breechblock

Breech"block
(_;)
n.
The movable piece which closes the breech of a breech-loading firearm, and resists the backward force of the discharge. It is withdrawn for the insertion of a cartridge, and closed again before the gun is fired.


word: Breechcloth
definition:
Breechcloth

Breech"cloth`
(brēch"kl&obreve_;th` or brĭch"kl&obreve_;th`; 115)
n.
A cloth worn around the breech.


word: Breeches
definition:
Breeches

Breech"es
(brĭch"ĕz)
n. pl.
[OE. brech, brek, AS. brēk, pl. of br&omacrc breech, breeches; akin to Icel. br&omacrk breeches, ODan. brog, D. broek, G. bruch; cf. L. bracae, braccae, which is of Celtic origin. Cf. Brail.]
1.
A garment worn by men, covering the hips and thighs; smallclothes.

His jacket was red, and his breeches were blue.
Coleridge.

2.
Trousers; pantaloons.
[Colloq.]

Breeches buoy, in the life-saving service, a pair of canvas breeches depending from an annular or beltlike life buoy which is usually of cork. This contrivance, inclosing the person to be rescued, is hung by short ropes from a block which runs upon the hawser stretched from the ship to the shore, and is drawn to land by hauling lines. -- Breeches pipe, a forked pipe forming two branches united at one end. -- Knee breeches, breeches coming to the knee, and buckled or fastened there; smallclothes. -- To wear the breeches, to usurp the authority of the husband; -- said of a wife. [Colloq.]


word: Breeching
definition:
Breeching

Breech"ing
(_;)
n.
1.
A whipping on the breech, or the act of whipping on the breech.

I view the prince with Aristarchus' eyes,
Whose looks were as a breeching to a boy.
Marlowe.

2.
That part of a harness which passes round the breech of a horse, enabling him to hold back a vehicle.

3.
(Naut.)
A strong rope rove through the cascabel of a cannon and secured to ringbolts in the ship's side, to limit the recoil of the gun when it is discharged.

4.
The sheet iron casing at the end of boilers to convey the smoke from the flues to the smokestack.


word: Breechloader
definition:
Breechloader

Breech"load`er
(_;)
n.
A firearm which receives its load at the breech.

For cavalry, the revolver and breechloader will supersede the saber.
Rep. Sec. War (1860).


word: Breech screw
definition:
Breech screw

Breech pin

{ Breech" pin` (_;), Breech" screw`  }
(_;)
A strong iron or steel plug screwed into the breech of a musket or other firearm, to close the bottom of the bore.


word: Breech sight
definition:
Breech sight

Breech" sight`
(_;)
A device attached to the breech of a firearm, to guide the eye, in conjunction with the front sight, in taking aim.


word: Breed
definition:
Breed

Breed
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bred (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Breeding.]
[OE. breden, AS. brēdan to nourish, cherish, keep warm, from br&omacrd brood; akin to D. broeden to brood, OHG. bruoten, G. brüten. See Brood.]
1.
To produce as offspring; to bring forth; to bear; to procreate; to generate; to beget; to hatch.

Yet every mother breeds not sons alike.
Shak.

If the sun breed maggots in a dead dog.
Shak.

2.
To take care of in infancy, and through the age of youth; to bring up; to nurse and foster.

To bring thee forth with pain, with care to breed.
Dryden.

Born and bred on the verge of the wilderness.
Everett.

3.
To educate; to instruct; to form by education; to train; -- sometimes followed by up.

But no care was taken to breed him a Protestant.
Bp. Burnet.

His farm may not remove his children too far from him, or the trade he breeds them up in.
Locke.

4.
To engender; to cause; to occasion; to originate; to produce; as, to breed a storm; to breed disease.

Lest the place
And my quaint habits breed astonishment.
Milton.

5.
To give birth to; to be the native place of; as, a pond breeds fish; a northern country breeds stout men.

6.
To raise, as any kind of stock.

7.
To produce or obtain by any natural process.
[Obs.]

Children would breed their teeth with less danger.
Locke.


word: Breed₂
definition:
Breed

Breed
v. i.
1.
To bear and nourish young; to reproduce or multiply itself; to be pregnant.

That they breed abundantly in the earth.
Gen. viii. 17.

The mother had never bred before.
Carpenter.

Ant. Is your gold and silver ewes and rams?
Shy. I can not tell. I make it breed as fast.
Shak.

2.
To be formed in the parent or dam; to be generated, or to grow, as young before birth.

3.
To have birth; to be produced or multiplied.

Heavens rain grace
On that which breeds between them.
Shak.

4.
To raise a breed; to get progeny.

The kind of animal which you wish to breed from.
Gardner.

To breed in and in, to breed from animals of the same stock that are closely related.


word: Breed₃
definition:
Breed

Breed
n.
1.
A race or variety of men or other animals (or of plants), perpetuating its special or distinctive characteristics by inheritance.

Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England's breed.
Shak.

Greyhounds of the best breed.
Carpenter.

2.
Class; sort; kind; -- of men, things, or qualities.

Are these the breed of wits so wondered at?
Shak.

This courtesy is not of the right breed.
Shak.

3.
A number produced at once; a brood.
[Obs.]

&hand_; Breed is usually applied to domestic animals; species or variety to wild animals and to plants; and race to men.


word: Breeder
definition:
Breeder

Breed"er
(_;)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, breeds, produces, brings up, etc.

She was a great breeder.
Dr. A. Carlyle.

Italy and Rome have been the best breeders of worthy men.
Ascham.

2.
A cause.
breeder
Shak.


word: Breeding
definition:
Breeding

Breed"ing
(_;)
n.
1.
The act or process of generating or bearing.

2.
The raising or improving of any kind of domestic animals; as, farmers should pay attention to breeding.

3.
Nurture; education; formation of manners.

She had her breeding at my father's charge.
Shak.

4.
Deportment or behavior in the external offices and decorums of social life; manners; knowledge of, or training in, the ceremonies, or polite observances of society.

Delicacy of breeding, or that polite deference and respect which civility obliges us either to express or counterfeit towards the persons with whom we converse.
Hume.

5.
Descent; pedigree; extraction.
[Obs.]

Honest gentlemen, I know not your breeding.
Shak.

Close breeding, In and in breeding, breeding from a male and female from the same parentage. -- Cross breeding, breeding from a male and female of different lineage. -- Good breeding, politeness; genteel deportment.


word: Breeze fly
definition:
Breeze fly

Breeze

Breeze (_;), Breeze" fly` (_;)
n.
[OE. brese, AS. briósa; perh. akin to OHG. brimissa, G. breme, bremse, D. brems, which are akin to G. brummen to growl, buzz, grumble, L. fremere to murmur; cf. G. brausen, Sw. brusa, Dan. bruse, to roar, rush.]
(Zool.)
A fly of various species, of the family Tabanidæ, noted for buzzing about animals, and tormenting them by sucking their blood; -- called also horsefly, and gadfly. They are among the largest of two-winged or dipterous insects. The name is also given to different species of botflies.
[Written also breese and brize.]


word: Breeze
definition:
Breeze

Breeze
n.
[F. brise; akin to It. brezza breeze, Sp. briza, brisa, a breeze from northeast, Pg. briza northeast wind; of uncertain origin; cf. F. bise, Pr. bisa, OHG. bisa, north wind, Arm. biz northeast wind.]
1.
A light, gentle wind; a fresh, soft-blowing wind.

Into a gradual calm the breezes sink.
Wordsworth.

2.
An excited or ruffed state of feeling; a flurry of excitement; a disturbance; a quarrel; as, the discovery produced a breeze.
[Colloq.]

Land breeze, a wind blowing from the land, generally at night. -- Sea breeze, a breeze or wind blowing, generally in the daytime, from the sea.


word: Breeze₂
definition:
Breeze

Breeze
(_;)
n.
[F. braise cinders, live coals. See Brasier.]
1.
Refuse left in the process of making coke or burning charcoal.

2.
(Brickmaking)
Refuse coal, coal ashes, and cinders, used in the burning of bricks.


word: Breeze₃
definition:
Breeze

Breeze
v. i.
To blow gently.
[R.]
J. Barlow.

To breeze up (Naut.), to blow with increasing freshness.


word: Breezeless
definition:
Breezeless

Breeze"less
a.
Motionless; destitute of breezes.

A stagnant, breezeless air becalms my soul.
Shenstone.


word: Breezy
definition:
Breezy

Breez"y
(_;)
a.
1.
Characterized by, or having, breezes; airy.
breezy
Coleridge.

'Mid lawns and shades by breezy rivulets fanned.
Wordsworth.

2.
Fresh; brisk; full of life.
[Colloq.]


word: Bregma
definition:
Bregma

Breg"ma
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; the front part of the head: cf. F. bregma.]
(Anat.)
The point of junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures of the skull.


word: Brehon
definition:
Brehon

Bre"hon
(_;)
n.
[Ir. breitheamh judge.]
An ancient Irish or Scotch judge.

Brehon laws, the ancient Irish laws, -- unwritten, like the common law of England. They were abolished by statute of Edward III.


word: Brelan
definition:
Brelan

Bre*lan"
(?)
n.
[F.]
(Card Playing)
(a)
A French gambling game somewhat like poker.
(b)
In French games, a pair royal, or triplet.


word: Brelan carre
definition:
Brelan carre

Bre*lan" car`re"
(?)
[F. carré square.]
(Card Playing)
In French games, a double pair royal.


word: Brelan favori
definition:
Brelan favori

Bre*lan" fa`vo`ri"
(?)
[F. favori favorite.]
(Card Playing)
In French games, a pair royal composed of 2 cards in the hand and the card turned.


word: Breme
definition:
Breme

Breme
(brēm)
a.
[OE. breme, brime, fierce, impetuous, glorious, AS. brēme, br&ymacr_;me, famous. Cf. Brim, a.]
1.
Fierce; sharp; severe; cruel.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

From the septentrion cold, in the breme freezing air.
Drayton.

2.
Famous; renowned; well known.
Wright.


word: Brenne
definition:
Brenne

Bren

{ Bren (_;), Bren"ne (_;), }
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Brent (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brenning.]
[See Burn.]
To burn.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

Consuming fire brent his shearing house or stall.
W. Browne.


word: Brennage
definition:
Brennage

Bren"nage
(_;)
n.
[OF. brenage; cf. LL. brennagium, brenagium. See Bran.]
(Old Eng. Law)
A tribute which tenants paid to their lord, in lieu of bran, which they were obliged to furnish for his hounds.


word: brenschluss
definition:
brenschluss

bren"schluss
n.
[German: end of burning.]
(Rocketry)
the time at which the engines of a rocket stop firing; the termination of the firing of the rocket engines, whether due to intentional shutdown of the engines or exhaustion of the fuel.  This term was used mostly in the early days of rocketry when only one firing sequence occurred for rockets, which were used as ballistic missiles or for experiments in rocketry or atmospheric science.


word: Brant₃
definition:
Brant

Brent

{ Brent (_;), Brant  }
(_;)
a.
[AS. brant; akin to Dan. brat, Icel. brattr, steep.]
1.
Steep; high.
[Obs.]

Grapes grow on the brant rocks so wonderfully that ye will marvel how any man dare climb up to them.
Ascham.

2.
Smooth; unwrinkled.
[Scot.]

Your bonnie brow was brent.
Burns.


word: Breste
definition:
Breste

Bres"te
(_;)
v. t. & i.
[imp. Brast; p. p. Brusten, Borsten, Bursten.]
To burst.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Bretful
definition:
Bretful

Bret"ful
(_;)
a.
[OE. also brerdful, fr. brerd top, brim, AS. brerd.]
Brimful.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Brethren
definition:
Brethren

Breth"ren
(_;)
n.
pl. of Brother.

&hand_; This form of the plural is used, for the most part, in solemn address, and in speaking of religious sects or fraternities, or their members.


word: Breton
definition:
Breton

Bret"on
(_;)
a.
[F. breton.]
Of or relating to Brittany, or Bretagne, in France.
n. A native or inhabitant of Brittany, or Bretagne, in France; also, the ancient language of Brittany; Armorican.


word: Brettice
definition:
Brettice

Bret"tice
(_;)
n.
pl. Brettices (_;).
[OE. bretasce, bretage, parapet, OF. bretesche wooden tower, F. bretèche, LL. breteschia, bertresca, prob. fr. OHG. bret, G. brett board; akin to E. board. See Board, n., and cf. Bartizan.]
The wooden boarding used in supporting the roofs and walls of coal mines. See Brattice.


word: Bretwalda
definition:
Bretwalda

Bret"wal*da
(_;)
n.
[AS. Bretwalda, br_;ten walda, a powerful ruler.]
(Eng. Hist.)
The official title applied to that one of the Anglo-Saxon chieftains who was chosen by the other chiefs to lead them in their warfare against the British tribes.
Brande & C.


word: Breve
definition:
Breve

Breve
(brēv)
n.
[It. & (in sense 2) LL. breve, fr. L. brevis short. See Brief.]
1.
(Mus.)
A note or character of time, equivalent to two semibreves or four minims. When dotted, it is equal to three semibreves. It was formerly of a square figure (as thus: _; ), but is now made oval, with a line perpendicular to the staff on each of its sides; -- formerly much used for choir service.
Moore.

2.
(Law)
Any writ or precept under seal, issued out of any court.

3.
(Print.)
A curved mark [&breve] used commonly to indicate the short quantity of a vowel.

4.
(Zool.)
The great ant thrush of Sumatra (Pitta gigas), which has a very short tail.


word: Brevet
definition:
Brevet

Bre*vet"
(bre̝*vĕt"; 277)
n.
[F. brevet, LL. brevetum, fr. L. brevis short. See Brief.]
1.
A warrant from the government, granting a privilege, title, or dignity. [French usage].

2.
(Mil.)
A commission giving an officer higher rank than that for which he receives pay; an honorary promotion of an officer.

&hand_; In the United States army, rank by brevet is conferred, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for “gallant actions or meritorious services.” A brevet rank gives no right of command in the particular corps to which the officer brevetted belongs, and can be exercised only by special assignment of the President, or on court martial, and detachments composed of different corps, with pay of the brevet rank when on such duty.


word: Brevet₂
definition:
Brevet

Bre*vet"
(bre̝*vĕt")
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brevetted (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brevetting.]
(Mil.)
To confer rank upon by brevet.


word: Brevet₃
definition:
Brevet

Bre*vet"
a.
(Mil.)
Taking or conferring rank by brevet; as, a brevet colonel; a brevet commission.


word: Brevetcy
definition:
Brevetcy

Bre*vet"cy
(bre̝*vĕt"s&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Brevetcies (-sĭz).
(Mil.)
The rank or condition of a brevet officer.


word: Breviary
definition:
Breviary

Bre"vi*a*ry
(_;)
n.
pl. Breviaries (_;).
[F. bréviarie, L. breviarium summary, abridgment, neut. noun fr. breviarius abridged, fr. brevis short. See Brief, and cf. Brevier.]
1.
An abridgment; a compend; an epitome; a brief account or summary.

A book entitled the abridgment or breviary of those roots that are to be cut up or gathered.
Holland.

2.
A book containing the daily public or canonical prayers of the Roman Catholic or of the Greek Church for the seven canonical hours, namely, matins and lauds, the first, third, sixth, and ninth hours, vespers, and compline; -- distinguished from the missal.


word: Breviate
definition:
Breviate

Bre"vi*ate
(_;)
n.
[L. breviatus, p. p. of breviare to shorten, brevis short.]
1.
A short compend; a summary; a brief statement.

I omit in this breviate to rehearse.
Hakluyt.

The same little breviates of infidelity have . . . been published and dispersed with great activity.
Bp. Porteus.

2.
A lawyer's brief.
[R.]
Hudibras.


word: Brevier
definition:
Brevier

Bre*vier"
(bre̝*vēr")
n.
[Prob. from being originally used in printing a breviary. See Breviary.]
(Print.)
A size of type between bourgeois and minion.

&hand_; This line is printed in brevier type.


word: Breviloquence
definition:
Breviloquence

Bre*vil"o*quence
(_;)
n.
[L. breviloquentia.]
A brief and pertinent mode of speaking.
[R.]


word: Breviped
definition:
Breviped

Brev"i*ped
(_;)
a.
[L. brevis short + pes, pedis, foot: cf. F. brévipède.]
(Zool.)
Having short legs.
n. A breviped bird.


word: Brevipen
definition:
Brevipen

Brev"i*pen
(_;)
n.
[L. brevis short + penna wing: cf. F. brévipenne.]
(Zool.)
A brevipennate bird.


word: Brevipennate
definition:
Brevipennate

Brev`i*pen"nate
(_;)
a.
[L. brevis short + E. pennate.]
(Zool.)
Short-winged; -- applied to birds which can not fly, owing to their short wings, as the ostrich, cassowary, and emu.


word: Brevirostrate
definition:
Brevirostrate

Brevirostral

{ Brev`i*ros"tral (_;), Brev`i*ros"trate (_;), }
a.
[L. brevis short + E. rostral, rostrate.]
(Zool.)
Short-billed; having a short beak.


word: Brevity
definition:
Brevity

Brev"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Brevities (_;).
[L. brevitas, fr. brevis short: cf. F. brièvité. See Brief.]
1.
Shortness of duration; briefness of time; as, the brevity of human life.

2.
Contraction into few words; conciseness.

Brevity is the soul of wit.
Shak.

This argument is stated by St. John with his usual elegant brevity and simplicity.
Bp. Porteus.


word: Brew
definition:
Brew

Brew
(br&usuml_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brewed (br&usuml_;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Brewing.]
[OE. brewen, AS. breówan; akin to D. brouwen, OHG. priuwan, MHG. briuwen, brūwen, G. brauen, Icel. brugga, Sw. brygga, Dan. brygge, and perh. to L. defrutum must boiled down, Gr. bry^ton (for fry^ton?) a kind of beer. The original meaning seems to have been to prepare by heat. √93.  Cf. Broth, Bread.]
1.
To boil or seethe; to cook.
[Obs.]

2.
To prepare, as beer or other liquor, from malt and hops, or from other materials, by steeping, boiling, and fermentation.
brews
Shak.

3.
To prepare by steeping and mingling; to concoct.

Go, brew me a pottle of sack finely.
Shak.

4.
To foment or prepare, as by brewing; to contrive; to plot; to concoct; to hatch; as, to brew mischief.

Hence with thy brewed enchantments, foul deceiver!
Milton.


word: Brew₂
definition:
Brew

Brew
(_;)
v. i.
1.
To attend to the business, or go through the processes, of brewing or making beer.

I wash, wring, brew, bake, scour.
Shak.

2.
To be in a state of preparation; to be mixing, forming, or gathering; as, a storm brews in the west.

There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest.
Shak.


word: Brewage
definition:
Brewage

Brew"age
(_;)
n.
Malt liquor; drink brewed.
brewage
Milton.

A rich brewage, made of the best Spanish wine.
Macaulay.


word: Brewing
definition:
Brewing

Brew"ing
(_;)
n.
1.
The act or process of preparing liquors which are brewed, as beer and ale.

2.
The quantity brewed at once.

A brewing of new beer, set by old beer.
Bacon.

3.
A mixing together.

I am not able to avouch anything for certainty, such a brewing and sophistication of them they make.
Holland.

4.
(Naut.)
A gathering or forming of a storm or squall, indicated by thick, dark clouds.


word: Brewis
definition:
Brewis

Brew"is
(_;)
n.
[OE. brewis, brouwys, browesse, brewet, OF. brouet, -s being the OF. ending of the nom. sing. and acc. pl.; dim. of OHG. brod. √93. See Broth, and cf. Brose.]
1.
Broth or pottage.
[Obs.]

Let them of their Bonner's “beef” and “broth” make what brewis they please for their credulous guests.
Bp. Hall.

2.
Bread soaked in broth, drippings of roast meat, milk, or water and butter.


word: Brewsterite
definition:
Brewsterite

Brews"ter*ite
(_;)
n.
[Named after Sir David Brewster.]
A rare zeolitic mineral occurring in white monoclinic crystals with pearly luster. It is a hydrous silicate of aluminia, baryta, and strontia.


word: briard
definition:
briard

briard
(brē*är"; brē*ärd")
n.
an old French breed of large strong usually black dogs having a long tail and long wavy and slightly stiff coat.


word: Briarean
definition:
Briarean

Bri*a"re*an
(_;)
a.
[L. Briareius, fr. Briareus a mythological hundred-handed giant, Gr. _;, fr. _; strong.]
Pertaining to, or resembling, Briareus, a giant fabled to have a hundred hands; hence, hundred-handed or many-handed.


word: briarwood
definition:
briarwood

briarwood
n.
wood from the hard woody root of the briar Erica arborea; used to make tobacco pipes.

Syn. -- brierwood.


word: briary
definition:
briary

briary
adj.
1.
having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns etc.; -- of plants or animals.

Syn. -- barbed, barbellate, briery, bristly, burred, burry, prickly, spiny, thorny.


word: Bribable
definition:
Bribable

Brib"a*ble
(_;)
a.
Capable of being bribed.

A more bribable class of electors.
S. Edwards.


word: Bribe
definition:
Bribe

Bribe
(brīb)
n.
[F. bribe a lump of bread, scraps, leavings of meals (that are generally given to a beggar), LL. briba scrap of bread; cf. OF. briber, brifer, to eat gluttonously, to beg, and OHG. bilibi food.]
1.
A gift begged; a present.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
A price, reward, gift, or favor bestowed or promised with a view to prevent the judgment or corrupt the conduct of a judge, witness, voter, or other person in a position of trust.

Undue reward for anything against justice is a bribe.
Hobart.

3.
That which seduces; seduction; allurement.

Not the bribes of sordid wealth can seduce to leave these ever_;blooming sweets.
Akenside.


word: Bribe₂
definition:
Bribe

Bribe
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bribed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bribing.]
1.
To rob or steal.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To give or promise a reward or consideration to (a judge, juror, legislator, voter, or other person in a position of trust) with a view to prevent the judgment or corrupt the conduct; to induce or influence by a bribe; to give a bribe to.

Neither is he worthy who bribes a man to vote against his conscience.
F. W. Robertson.

3.
To gain by a bribe; of induce as by a bribe.


word: Bribe₃
definition:
Bribe

Bribe
v. i.
1.
To commit robbery or theft.
[Obs.]

2.
To give a bribe to a person; to pervert the judgment or corrupt the action of a person in a position of trust, by some gift or promise.

An attempt to bribe, though unsuccessful, has been holden to be criminal, and the offender may be indicted.
Bouvier.

The bard may supplicate, but cannot bribe.
Goldsmith.


word: Bribeless
definition:
Bribeless

Bribe"less
a.
Incapable of being bribed; free from bribes.

From thence to heaven's bribeless hall.
Sir W. Raleigh.


word: Briber
definition:
Briber

Brib"er
(_;)
n.
1.
A thief.
[Obs.]
Lydgate.

2.
One who bribes, or pays for corrupt practices.

3.
That which bribes; a bribe.

His service . . . were a sufficient briber for his life.
Shak.


word: Bribery
definition:
Bribery

Brib"er*y
(_;)
n.
pl. Briberies (_;).
[OE. brybery rascality, OF. briberie. See Bribe, n.]
1.
Robbery; extortion.
[Obs.]

2.
The act or practice of giving or taking bribes; the act of influencing the official or political action of another by corrupt inducements.

Bribery oath, an oath taken by a person that he has not been bribed as to voting. [Eng.]


word: Bric-a brac
definition:
Bric-a brac

Bric"-a brac`
(_;)
n.
[F.]
Miscellaneous curiosities and works of decorative art, considered collectively.

A piece of bric-a-brac, any curious or antique article of virtu, as a piece of antiquated furniture or metal work, or an odd knickknack.


word: Brick
definition:
Brick

Brick
(brĭk)
n.
[OE. brik, F. brique; of Ger. origin; cf. AS. brice a breaking, fragment, Prov. E. brique piece, brique de pain, equiv. to AS. hlāfes brice, fr. the root of E. break. See Break.]
1.
A block or clay tempered with water, sand, etc., molded into a regular form, usually rectangular, and sun-dried, or burnt in a kiln, or in a heap or stack called a clamp.

The Assyrians appear to have made much less use of bricks baked in the furnace than the Babylonians.
Layard.

2.
Bricks, collectively, as designating that kind of material; as, a load of brick; a thousand of brick.

Some of Palladio's finest examples are of brick.
Weale.

3.
Any oblong rectangular mass; as, a brick of maple sugar; a penny brick (of bread).

4.
A good fellow; a merry person; as, you 're a brick.
[Slang]
brick
Thackeray.

To have a brick in one's hat, to be drunk. [Slang]

&hand_; Brick is used adjectively or in combination; as, brick wall; brick clay; brick color; brick red.

Brick clay, clay suitable for, or used in making, bricks. -- Brick dust, dust of pounded or broken bricks. -- Brick earth, clay or earth suitable for, or used in making, bricks. -- Brick loaf, a loaf of bread somewhat resembling a brick in shape. -- Brick nogging (Arch.), rough brickwork used to fill in the spaces between the uprights of a wooden partition; brick filling. -- Brick tea, tea leaves and young shoots, or refuse tea, steamed or mixed with fat, etc., and pressed into the form of bricks. It is used in Northern and Central Asia. S. W. Williams. -- Brick trimmer (Arch.), a brick arch under a hearth, usually within the thickness of a wooden floor, to guard against accidents by fire. -- Brick trowel. See Trowel. -- Brick works, a place where bricks are made. -- Bath brick. See under Bath, a city. -- Pressed brick, bricks which, before burning, have been subjected to pressure, to free them from the imperfections of shape and texture which are common in molded bricks.


word: Brick₂
definition:
Brick

Brick
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bricked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bricking.]
1.
To lay or pave with bricks; to surround, line, or construct with bricks.

2.
To imitate or counterfeit a brick wall on, as by smearing plaster with red ocher, making the joints with an edge tool, and pointing them.

To brick up, to fill up, inclose, or line, with brick.


word: Brickellia
definition:
Brickellia

Brickellia
n.
genus of herbs of SW America having usually creamy florets followed by one-seeded fruits in a prominent bristly sheath.

Syn. -- genus Brickelia.


word: Brickfielder
definition:
Brickfielder

Brick"field`er
(?)
n.
[Australia]
1.
Orig., at Sydney, a cold and violent south or southwest wind, rising suddenly, and regularly preceded by a hot wind from the north; -- now usually called southerly buster. It blew across the Brickfields, formerly so called, a district of Sydney, and carried clouds of dust into the city.

2.
By confusion, a midsummer hot wind from the north.


word: Brickkiln
definition:
Brickkiln

Brick"kiln`
(_;)
n.
A kiln, or furnace, in which bricks are baked or burnt; or a pile of green bricks, laid loose, with arches underneath to receive the wood or fuel for burning them.


word: Bricklayer
definition:
Bricklayer

Brick"lay`er
(_;)
n.
[Brick + lay.]
One whose occupation is to build with bricks.

Bricklayer's itch. See under Itch.


word: Bricklaying
definition:
Bricklaying

Brick"lay`ing
n.
The art of building with bricks, or of uniting them by cement or mortar into various forms; the act or occupation of laying bricks.


word: Brickle
definition:
Brickle

Bric"kle
(_;)
a.
[OE. brekil, brokel, bruchel, fr. AS. brecan, E. break. Cf. Brittle.]
Brittle; easily broken.
[Obs. or Prov.]
Spenser.

As stubborn steel excels the brickle glass.
Turbervile.


word: Brickwork
definition:
Brickwork

Brick"work`
(_;)
n.
1.
Anything made of bricks.

Niches in brickwork form the most difficult part of the bricklayer's art.
Tomlinson.

2.
The act of building with or laying bricks.


word: Bricky
definition:
Bricky

Brick"y
(_;)
a.
Full of bricks; formed of bricks; resembling bricks or brick dust.
[R.]
Spenser.


word: Bricole
definition:
Bricole

Bri*cole"
(_;)
n.
[F.]
(Mil.)
A kind of traces with hooks and rings, with which men drag and maneuver guns where horses can not be used.

2.
An ancient kind of military catapult.

3.
In court tennis, the rebound of a ball from a wall of the court; also, the side stroke or play by which the ball is driven against the wall; hence, fig., indirect action or stroke.

4.
(Billiards)
A shot in which the cue ball is driven first against the cushion.


word: Bridal
definition:
Bridal

Brid"al
(_;)
a.
[From Bride. Cf. Bridal, n.]
Of or pertaining to a bride, or to wedding; nuptial; as, bridal ornaments; a bridal outfit; a bridal chamber.


word: Bridal₂
definition:
Bridal

Brid"al
n.
[OE. bridale, brudale, AS. br&ymacr_;dealo brideale, bridal feast. See Bride, and Ale, 2.]
A nuptial festival or ceremony; a marriage.

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky.
Herbert.


word: bridalwreath
definition:
bridalwreath

bridalwreath
n.
a shrub (Spiraea prunifolia) having copious small white flowers in spring.

Syn. -- bridal wreath, Saint Peter's wreath, St. Peter's wreath.


word: Bride
definition:
Bride

Bride
(brīd)
n.
[OE. bride, brid, brude, brud, burd, AS. br&ymacr_;d; akin to OFries. breid, OSax. brūd, D. bruid, OHG. prūt, brūt, G. braut, Icel. brūðr, Sw. & Dan. brud, Goth. brūþs; cf. Armor. pried spouse, W. priawd a married person.]
1.
A woman newly married, or about to be married.

Has by his own experience tried
How much the wife is dearer than the bride.
Lyttleton.

I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Rev. xxi. 9.

2.
Fig.: An object ardently loved.

Bride of the sea, the city of Venice.


word: Bride-ale
definition:
Bride-ale

Bride"-ale`
(_;)
n.
[See Bridal.]
A rustic wedding feast; a bridal. See Ale.

The man that 's bid to bride-ale, if he ha' cake,
And drink enough, he need not fear his stake.
B. Jonson.


word: Bridecake
definition:
Bridecake

Bride"cake`
(_;)
n.
Rich or highly ornamented cake, to be distributed to the guests at a wedding, or sent to friends after the wedding.


word: Bridegroom
definition:
Bridegroom

Bride"groom`
(-grōm`)
n.
[OE. bridegome, brudgume, AS. br&ymacr_;dguma (akin to OS. brūdigumo, D. bruidegom, bruigom, OHG. prūtigomo, MHG. briutegome, G. bräutigam); AS. br&ymacr_;d bride + guma man, akin to Goth. guma, Icel. gumi, OHG. gomo, L. homo; the insertion of r being caused by confusion with groom. See Bride, and cf. Groom, Homage.]
A man newly married, or just about to be married.


word: Brideknot
definition:
Brideknot

Bride"knot`
(_;)
n.
A knot of ribbons worn by a guest at a wedding; a wedding favor.
[Obs.]


word: Bridesman
definition:
Bridesman

Brides"man
(_;)
n.
pl. Bridesmen (_;).
A male friend who attends upon a bridegroom and bride at their marriage; the “best man.”
Sir W. Scott.


word: Bridestake
definition:
Bridestake

Bride"stake`
(_;)
n.
A stake or post set in the ground, for guests at a wedding to dance round.

Divide the broad bridecake
Round about the bridestake.
B. Jonson.


word: Bridewell
definition:
Bridewell

Bride"well
(_;)
n.
A house of correction for the confinement of disorderly persons; -- so called from a hospital built in 1553 near St. Bride's (or Bridget's) well, in London, which was subsequently a penal workhouse.


word: Bridge
definition:
Bridge

Bridge
(brĭj)
n.
[OE. brig, brigge, brug, brugge, AS. brycg, bricg; akin to Fries. bregge, D. brug, OHG. brucca, G. brücke, Icel. bryggja pier, bridge, Sw. brygga, Dan. brygge, and prob. Icel. brū bridge, Sw. & Dan. bro bridge, pavement, and possibly to E. brow.]
1.
A structure, usually of wood, stone, brick, or iron, erected over a river or other water course, or over a chasm, railroad, etc., to make a passageway from one bank to the other.

2.
Anything supported at the ends, which serves to keep some other thing from resting upon the object spanned, as in engraving, watchmaking, etc., or which forms a platform or staging over which something passes or is conveyed.

3.
(Mus.)
The small arch or bar at right angles to the strings of a violin, guitar, etc., serving of raise them and transmit their vibrations to the body of the instrument.

4.
(Elec.)
A device to measure the resistance of a wire or other conductor forming part of an electric circuit.

5.
A low wall or vertical partition in the fire chamber of a furnace, for deflecting flame, etc.; -- usually called a bridge wall.

Aqueduct bridge. See Aqueduct. -- Asses' bridge, Bascule bridge, Bateau bridge. See under Ass, Bascule, Bateau. -- Bridge of a steamer (Naut.), a narrow platform across the deck, above the rail, for the convenience of the officer in charge of the ship; in paddlewheel vessels it connects the paddle boxes. -- Bridge of the nose, the upper, bony part of the nose. -- Cantalever bridge. See under Cantalever. -- Draw bridge. See Drawbridge. -- Flying bridge, a temporary bridge suspended or floating, as for the passage of armies; also, a floating structure connected by a cable with an anchor or pier up stream, and made to pass from bank to bank by the action of the current or other means. -- Girder bridge or Truss bridge, a bridge formed by girders, or by trusses resting upon abutments or piers. -- Lattice bridge, a bridge formed by lattice girders. -- Pontoon bridge, Ponton bridge. See under Pontoon. -- Skew bridge, a bridge built obliquely from bank to bank, as sometimes required in railway engineering. -- Suspension bridge. See under Suspension. -- Trestle bridge, a bridge formed of a series of short, simple girders resting on trestles. -- Tubular bridge, a bridge in the form of a hollow trunk or rectangular tube, with cellular walls made of iron plates riveted together, as the Britannia bridge over the Menai Strait, and the Victoria bridge at Montreal. -- Wheatstone's bridge (Elec.), a device for the measurement of resistances, so called because the balance between the resistances to be measured is indicated by the absence of a current in a certain wire forming a bridge or connection between two points of the apparatus; -- invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone.


word: Bridge₂
definition:
Bridge

Bridge
(brĭj)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bridged (brĭjd); p. pr. & vb. n. Bridging.]
1.
To build a bridge or bridges on or over; as, to bridge a river.

Their simple engineering bridged with felled trees the streams which could not be forded.
Palfrey.

2.
To open or make a passage, as by a bridge.

Xerxes . . . over Hellespont
Bridging his way, Europe with Asia joined.
Milton.

3.
To find a way of getting over, as a difficulty; -- generally with over.


word: Bridge₃
definition:
Bridge

Bridge
n.
A card game resembling whist.
The trump, if any, is determined by the dealer or his partner, the value of each trick taken over six being: for “no trumps” 12, hearts 8, diamonds 6, clubs 4, spades 2. The opponents of the dealer can, after the trump is declared, double the value of the tricks, in which case the dealer or his partner can redouble, and so on. The dealer plays his partner's hand as a dummy. The side which first reaches or exceeds 30 points scored for tricks wins a game; the side which first wins two games wins a rubber. The total score for any side is the sum of the points scored for tricks, for rubbers (each of which counts 100), for honors (which follow a special schedule of value), and for slam, little slam, and chicane.

&hand_;  For contract bridge, the scoring system has adopted different values, with 100 points required for a game.  The penalties for failing to make a contract also vary with the score thus far achieved by the playing team, and with the degree, if any, of doubling during the auction.


word: bridgeable
definition:
bridgeable

bridgeable
adj.
capable of being connected by a bridge or as if by a bridge.
unbridgeable


word: Bridgeboard
definition:
Bridgeboard

Bridge"board`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Arch.)
A notched board to which the treads and risers of the steps of wooden stairs are fastened.

2.
A board or plank used as a bridge.


word: bridged-T
definition:
bridged-T

bridged-T
n.
(Electronics)
a circuit consisting of a T-network with an additional arm bridging the two series arms.


word: Bridgehead
definition:
Bridgehead

Bridge"head`
(_;)
n.
A fortification commanding the extremity of a bridge nearest the enemy, to insure the preservation and usefulness of the bridge, and prevent the enemy from crossing; a tête-de-pont.


word: Bridgepot
definition:
Bridgepot

Bridge"pot`
(_;)
n.
(Mining)
The adjustable socket, or step, of a millstone spindle.
Knight.


word: Bridgetown
definition:
Bridgetown

Bridgetown
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Barbados.  Population (2000) = 6,700.


word: Bridgetree
definition:
Bridgetree

Bridge"tree`
(_;)
n.
[Bridge + tree a beam.]
(Mining)
The beam which supports the spindle socket of the runner in a grinding mill.
Knight.


word: Bridge-ward
definition:
Bridge-ward

Bridge"-ward`
(_;)
n.
1.
A bridge keeper; a warden or a guard for a bridge.
[Obs.]
Sir W. Scott.

2.
The principal ward of a key.
Knight.


word: Bridgeing
definition:
Bridgeing

Bridge"ing
(_;)
n.
(Arch.)
The system of bracing used between floor or other timbers to distribute the weight.

Bridging joist. Same as Binding joist.


word: Bridle
definition:
Bridle

Bri"dle
(_;)
n.
[OE. bridel, AS. bridel; akin to OHG. britil, brittil, D. breidel, and possibly to E. braid. Cf. Bridoon.]
1.
The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.

2.
A restraint; a curb; a check.
I. Watts.

3.
(Gun.)
The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.

4.
(Naut.)
(a)
A span of rope, line, or chain made fast as both ends, so that another rope, line, or chain may be attached to its middle.
(b)
A mooring hawser.

Bowline bridle. See under Bowline. -- Branches of a bridle. See under Branch. -- Bridle cable (Naut.), a cable which is bent to a bridle. See 4, above. -- Bridle hand, the hand which holds the bridle in riding; the left hand. -- Bridle path, Bridle way, a path or way for saddle horses and pack horses, as distinguished from a road for vehicles. -- Bridle port (Naut.), a porthole or opening in the bow through which hawsers, mooring or bridle cables, etc., are passed. -- Bridle rein, a rein attached to the bit. -- Bridle road. (a) Same as Bridle path. Lowell. (b) A road in a pleasure park reserved for horseback exercise. -- Bridle track, a bridle path. -- Scolding bridle. See Branks, 2.


word: Bridle₂
definition:
Bridle

Bri"dle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bridled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bridling (_;).]
1.
To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.

He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.
Drake.

2.
To restrain, guide, or govern, with, or as with, a bridle; to check, curb, or control; as, to bridle the passions; to bridle a muse.
Addison.

Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.
Burke.


word: Bridle₃
definition:
Bridle

Bri"dle
v. i.
To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; -- usually with up.
bridling
Wordsworth.

By her bridling up I perceived she expected to be treated hereafter not as Jenny Distaff, but Mrs. Tranquillus.
Tatler.


word: Bridle iron
definition:
Bridle iron

Bri"dle i`ron
(_;)
(Arch.)
A strong flat bar of iron, so bent as to support, as in a stirrup, one end of a floor timber, etc., where no sufficient bearing can be had; -- called also stirrup and hanger.


word: Bridler
definition:
Bridler

Bri"dler
(_;)
n.
One who bridles; one who restrains and governs, as with a bridle.
Milton.


word: Bridoon
definition:
Bridoon

Bri*doon"
(_;)
n.
[F. bridon, from bride; of German origin. See Bridle, n.]
(Mil.)
The snaffle and rein of a military bridle, which acts independently of the bit, at the pleasure of the rider. It is used in connection with a curb bit, which has its own rein.
Campbell.


word: Brie cheese
definition:
Brie cheese

Brie" cheese`
(brē" chēz`)
A kind of soft French cream cheese; -- so called from the district in France where it is made; it is milder than Camembert; -- called also fromage de Brie, Brie and brie (uncapitalized).


word: Brief
definition:
Brief

Brief
(brēf)
a.
[OE. bref, F. brief, bref, fr. L. brevis; akin to Gr. brachy`s short, and perh. to Skr. barh to tear. Cf. Breve.]
1.
Short in duration.

How brief the life of man.
Shak.

2.
Concise; terse; succinct.

The brief style is that which expresseth much in little.
B. Jonson.

3.
Rife; common; prevalent.
[Prov. Eng.]

In brief. See under Brief, n.


word: Brief₂
definition:
Brief

Brief
adv.
1.
Briefly.
[Obs. or Poetic]

Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief.
Milton.

2.
Soon; quickly.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Brief₃
definition:
Brief

Brief
(brēf)
n.
[See Brief, a., and cf. Breve.]
1.
A short concise writing or letter; a statement in few words.

Bear this sealed brief,
With winged hastle, to the lord marshal.
Shak.

And she told me
In a sweet, verbal brief.
Shak.

2.
An epitome.

Each woman is a brief of womankind.
Overbury.

3.
(Law)
An abridgment or concise statement of a client's case, made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law. This word is applied also to a statement of the heads or points of a law argument.

It was not without some reference to it that I perused many a brief.
Sir J. Stephen.

&hand_; In England, the brief is prepared by the attorney; in the United States, counsel generally make up their own briefs.

4.
(Law)
A writ; a breve. See Breve, n., 2.

5.
(Scots Law)
A writ issuing from the chancery, directed to any judge ordinary, commanding and authorizing that judge to call a jury to inquire into the case, and upon their verdict to pronounce sentence.

6.
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
[Eng.]

7.
pl.
a type of men's underpants without legs, fitting tightly and held by an elastic waistband; also called Jockey shorts.

Apostolical brief, a letter of the pope written on fine parchment in modern characters, subscribed by the secretary of briefs, dated “a die Nativitatis,” i. e., “from the day of the Nativity,” and sealed with the ring of the fisherman. It differs from a bull, in its parchment, written character, date, and seal. See Bull. -- Brief of title, an abstract or abridgment of all the deeds and other papers constituting the chain of title to any real estate. -- In brief, in a few words; in short; briefly. “Open the matter in brief.”  Shak.


word: briefcase
definition:
briefcase

brief"case
n.
a small suitcase with a handle; it is used for carrying papers or files or books.


word: briefing
definition:
briefing

briefing
n.
1.
giving detailed instructions, as for a military operation.

2.
a detailed set of instructions before an operation, given to those who are to execute it.

3.
a summary report of an operation or event after it has occurred, by a participant or observer.


word: Briefness
definition:
Briefness

Brief"ness
(brēf"nĕs)
n.
The quality of being brief; brevity; conciseness in discourse or writing.


word: Briar₂
definition:
Briar

Brier

{ Bri"er, Bri"ar  }
(brī"ẽr)
n.
[OE. brere, brer, AS. brēr, brær; cf. Ir. briar prickle, thorn, brier, pin, Gael. preas bush, brier, W. prys, prysg.]
1.
A plant with a slender woody stem bearing stout prickles; especially, species of Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax.

2.
Fig.: Anything sharp or unpleasant to the feelings.

The thorns and briers of reproof.
Cowper.

Brier root, the root of the southern Smilax laurifolia and Smilax Walteri; -- used for tobacco pipes. See also 2nd brier. -- Cat brier, Green brier, several species of Smilax (Smilax rotundifolia, etc.) -- Sweet brier (Rosa rubiginosa). See Sweetbrier. -- Yellow brier, the Rosa Eglantina.


word: Brier
definition:
Brier

Bri"er
(_;)
n.
1.
the white heath Erica arborea.
RHUD.

2.
a smoking pipe made of the root of the brier{1}.
Brierroot seems to have been used formerly as a term meaning root of the Smilax laurifolia and is now defined as root of the Erica arborea.  Not clear when this changed. -- PJC.


word: brierwood
definition:
brierwood

bri"er*wood`
n.
1.
wood from the hard woody root of the briar Erica arborea; it is used to make tobacco pipes.  See also 2nd brier and brier root.

Syn. -- briarwood.


word: Brig₂
definition:
Brig

Brig
n.
[Shortened from Brigantine.]
(Naut.)
A two-masted, square-rigged vessel.

Hermaphrodite brig, a two-masted vessel square-rigged forward and schooner-rigged aft. See Illustration in Appendix.


word: Brig₃
definition:
Brig

Brig
(?)
n.
[Origin unknown.]
(Nav.)
On a United States man-of-war, the prison or place of confinement for offenders.


word: Brigade
definition:
Brigade

Bri*gade"
(_;)
n.
[F. brigade, fr. It. brigata troop, crew, brigade, originally, a contending troop, fr. briga trouble, quarrel. See Brigand.]
1.
(Mil.)
A body of troops, whether cavalry, artillery, infantry, or mixed, consisting of two or more regiments, under the command of a brigadier general.

&hand_; Two or more brigades constitute a division, commanded by a major general; two or more divisions constitute an army corps, or corps d'armée. [U.S.]

2.
Any body of persons organized for acting or marching together under authority; as, a fire brigade.

Brigade inspector, an officer whose duty is to inspect troops in companies before they are mustered into service. -- Brigade major, an officer who may be attached to a brigade to assist the brigadier in his duties.


word: Brigade₂
definition:
Brigade

Bri*gade"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brigaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Brigading.]
(Mil.)
To form into a brigade, or into brigades.


word: Brigadier general
definition:
Brigadier general

Brig`a*dier" gen"er*al
(_;)
[F. brigadier, fr. brigade.]
(Mil.)
An officer in rank next above a colonel, and below a major general. He commands a brigade, and is sometimes called, by a shortening of his title, simple a brigadier.


word: Brigand
definition:
Brigand

Brig"and
(brĭg"and)
n.
[F. brigand, OF. brigant light-armed soldier, fr. LL. brigans light-armed soldier (cf. It. brigante.) fr. brigare to strive, contend, fr. briga quarrel; prob. of German origin, and akin to E. break; cf. Goth. brikan to break, brakja strife. Cf. Brigue.]
1.
A light-armed, irregular foot soldier.
[Obs.]

2.
A lawless fellow who lives by plunder; one of a band of robbers; especially, one of a gang living in mountain retreats; a highwayman; a freebooter.

Giving them not a little the air of brigands or banditti.
Jeffery.


word: Brigandage
definition:
Brigandage

Brig"and*age
(-a̝j)
n.
[F. brigandage.]
Life and practice of brigands; highway robbery; plunder.


word: Brigandine
definition:
Brigandine

Brig"an*dine
(_;)
n.
[F. brigandine (cf. It. brigantina), fr. OF. brigant. See Brigand.]
A coast of armor for the body, consisting of scales or plates, sometimes overlapping each other, generally of metal, and sewed to linen or other material. It was worn in the Middle Ages.
[Written also brigantine.]
Jer. xlvi. 4.

Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet,
And brigandine of brass.
Milton.


word: Brigantine
definition:
Brigantine

Brig"an*tine
(_;)
n.
[F. brigantin, fr. It. brigantino, originally, a practical vessel. See Brigand, and cf. Brig]
1.
A practical vessel.
[Obs.]

2.
A two-masted, square-rigged vessel, differing from a brig in that she does not carry a square mainsail.

3.
See Brigandine.


word: Bright₂
definition:
Bright

Bright
(_;)
a.
[OE. briht, AS. beorht, briht; akin to OS. berht, OHG. beraht, Icel. bjartr, Goth. baírhts. √94.]
1.
Radiating or reflecting light; shedding or having much light; shining; luminous; not dark.

The sun was bright o'erhead.
Longfellow.

The earth was dark, but the heavens were bright.
Drake.

The public places were as bright as at noonday.
Macaulay.

2.
Transmitting light; clear; transparent.

From the brightest wines
He 'd turn abhorrent.
Thomson.

3.
Having qualities that render conspicuous or attractive, or that affect the mind as light does the eye; resplendent with charms; as, bright beauty.

Bright as an angel new-dropped from the sky.
Parnell.

4.
Having a clear, quick intellect; intelligent.

5.
Sparkling with wit; lively; vivacious; shedding cheerfulness and joy around; cheerful; cheery.

Be bright and jovial among your guests.
Shak.

6.
Illustrious; glorious.

In the brightest annals of a female reign.
Cotton.

7.
Manifest to the mind, as light is to the eyes; clear; evident; plain.

That he may with more ease, with brighter evidence, and with surer success, draw the bearner on.
I. Watts.

8.
Of brilliant color; of lively hue or appearance.

Here the bright crocus and blue violet grew.
Pope.

&hand_; Bright is used in composition in the sense of brilliant, clear, sunny, etc.; as, bright-eyed, bright-haired, bright-hued.

bright side the positive or favorable aspects of a situation. -- to look on the bright side to focus the attention on favorable aspects of a situation; to minimize attention to possible negative or unfavorable factors in a situation.


word: Bright₃
definition:
Bright

Bright
n.
Splendor; brightness.
[Poetic]

Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appear.
Milton.


word: Brighten
definition:
Brighten

Bright"en
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brightened (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening.]
[From Bright, a.]
1.
To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.

2.
To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to.

The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people.
Swift.

3.
To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects.

An ecstasy, which mothers only feel,
Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow.
Philips.

4.
To make acute or witty; to enliven.
Johnson.


word: Brighten₂
definition:
Brighten

Bright"en
v. i.
[AS. beorhtan.]
To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.

And night shall brighten into day.
N. Cotton.

And, all his prospects brightening to the last,
His heaven commences ere world be past.
Goldsmith.


word: Brightly
definition:
Brightly

Bright"ly
adv.
1.
Brilliantly; splendidly; with luster; as, brightly shining armor.

2.
With lively intelligence; intelligently.

Looking brightly into the mother's face.
Hawthorne.


word: Brightness
definition:
Brightness

Bright"ness
n.
[AS. beorhines. See Bright.]
1.
The quality or state of being bright; splendor; luster; brilliancy; clearness.

A sudden brightness in his face appear.
Crabbe.

2.
Acuteness (of the faculties); sharpness 9wit.

The brightness of his parts . . . distinguished him.
Prior.


word: Bright's disease
definition:
Bright's disease

Bright's" dis*ease"
(_;)
[From Dr. Bright of London, who first described it.]
(Med.)
An affection of the kidneys, usually inflammatory in character, and distinguished by the occurrence of albumin and renal casts in the urine. Several varieties of Bright's disease are now recognized, differing in the part of the kidney involved, and in the intensity and course of the morbid process.


word: Brigose
definition:
Brigose

Bri*gose"
(_;)
a.
[LL. brigosus, It. brigoso. See Brigue, n.]
Contentious; quarrelsome.
[Obs.]
Puller.


word: Brigue
definition:
Brigue

Brigue
(_;)
n.
[F. brigue, fr. LL. briga quarrel. See Brigand.]
A cabal, intrigue, faction, contention, strife, or quarrel.
[Obs.]
Chesterfield.


word: Brigue₂
definition:
Brigue

Brigue
v. i.
[F. briguer. See Brigue, n.]
To contend for; to canvass; to solicit.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hurd.


word: Brill
definition:
Brill

Brill
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Corn. brilli mackerel, fr. brith streaked, speckled.]
(Zool.)
A fish allied to the turbot (Rhombus levis), much esteemed in England for food; -- called also bret, pearl, prill. See Bret.


word: Brillante
definition:
Brillante

Bril*lan"te
(_;)
adv.
[It. See Brilliant, a.]
(Mus.)
In a gay, showy, and sparkling style.


word: Brillancy
definition:
Brillancy

Bril"lan*cy
(_;)
n.
[See Brilliant.]
The quality of being brilliant; splendor; glitter; great brightness, whether in a literal or figurative sense.

With many readers brilliancy of style passes for affluence of thought.
Longfellow.


word: Brilliant
definition:
Brilliant

Bril"liant
(brĭl"yant)
a.
[F. brillant, p. pr. of briller to shine or sparkle (cf. Pr. & Sp. brillar, It. brillare), fr. L. beryllus a precious stone of sea-green color, Prov. It. brill. See Beryl.]
1.
Sparkling with luster; glittering; very bright; as, a brilliant star.

2.
Distinguished by qualities which excite admiration; splendid; shining; as, brilliant talents.

Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes than to perform brilliant exploits.
Fisher Ames.

3.
Exceedingly intelligent, or of distinguished accomplishment in a field; -- as, a brilliant chemist.


word: Brilliant₂
definition:
Brilliant

Bril"liant
n.
[F. brillant. See Brilliant, a.]
1.
A diamond or other gem of the finest cut, formed into faces and facets, so as to reflect and refract the light, by which it is rendered more brilliant. It has at the middle, or top, a principal face, called the table, which is surrounded by a number of sloping facets forming a bizet; below, it has a small face or collet, parallel to the table, connected with the girdle by a pavilion of elongated facets. It is thus distinguished from the rose diamond, which is entirely covered with facets on the surface, and is flat below.

This snuffbox -- on the hinge see brilliants shine.
Pope.

2.
(Print.)
The smallest size of type used in England printing.

&hand_; This line is printed in the type called Brilliant.

3.
A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.


word: Brilliantine
definition:
Brilliantine

Bril"lian*tine
(?)
n.
[F. brillantine. See lst Brilliant.]
1.
An oily composition used to make the hair manageable and glossy.

2.
A dress fabric having a glossy finish on both sides, resembling alpaca but of superior quality.


word: Brills
definition:
Brills

Brills
(_;)
n. pl.
[CF. G. brille spectacles, D. bril, fr. L. berillus. See Brilliant.]
The hair on the eyelids of a horse.
Bailey.


word: Brim
definition:
Brim

Brim
(_;)
n.
[OE. brim, brimme, AS. brymme edge, border; akin to Icel. barmr, Sw. bräm, Dan. bræmme, G. brame, bräme. Possibly the same word as AS. brim surge, sea, and properly meaning, the line of surf at the border of the sea, and akin to L. fremere to roar, murmur. Cf. Breeze a fly.]
1.
The rim, border, or upper edge of a cup, dish, or any hollow vessel used for holding anything.

Saw I that insect on this goblet's brim
I would remove it with an anxious pity.
Coleridge.

2.
The edge or margin, as of a fountain, or of the water contained in it; the brink; border.

The feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water.
Josh. iii. 15.

3.
The rim of a hat.
Wordsworth.


word: Brim₂
definition:
Brim

Brim
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Brimmed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brimming.]
To be full to the brim.
brimming
Milton.

To brim over (literally or figuratively), to be so full that some of the contents flows over the brim; as, a cup brimming over with wine; a man brimming over with fun.


word: Brim₃
definition:
Brim

Brim
v. t.
To fill to the brim, upper edge, or top.

Arrange the board and brim the glass.
Tennyson.


word: Brimmed
definition:
Brimmed

Brimmed
(_;)
a.
1.
Having a brim; -- usually in composition.
brimmed
Spectator.

2.
Full to, or level with, the brim.
Milton.


word: Brimstone
definition:
Brimstone

Brim"stone
(_;)
n.
[OE. brimston, bremston, bernston, brenston; cf. Icel. brennistein. See Burn, v. t., and Stone.]
Sulphur; See Sulphur.


word: Brimstone₂
definition:
Brimstone

Brim"stone
a.
Made of, or pertaining to, brimstone; as, brimstone matches.

From his brimstone bed at break of day
A-walking the devil has gone.
Coleridge.


word: Brin
definition:
Brin

Brin
(_;)
n.
[F.]
One of the radiating sticks of a fan. The outermost are larger and longer, and are called panaches.
Knight.


word: Brinded
definition:
Brinded

Brin"ded
(_;)
a.
[Cf. Icel. brönd&omacrttr brindled, fr. brandr brand; and OE. bernen, brinnen, to burn. See Brand, Burn.]
Of a gray or tawny color with streaks of darker hue; streaked; brindled.
brinded
Dryden.
brinded
Shak.


word: Brindle
definition:
Brindle

Brin"dle
(_;)
n.
[See Brindled.]
1.
The state of being brindled.

2.
A brindled color; also, that which is brindled.


word: Brindled
definition:
Brindled

Brin"dled
(_;)
a.
[A dim. form of brinded.]
Having dark streaks or spots on a gray or tawny ground; brinded.
brindled
Churchill.


word: Brine
definition:
Brine

Brine
(_;)
n.
[AS. bryne a burning, salt liquor, brine, fr. brinnan, brynnan, to burn. See Burn.]
1.
Water saturated or strongly impregnated with salt; pickle; hence, any strong saline solution; also, the saline residue or strong mother liquor resulting from the evaporation of natural or artificial waters.

2.
The ocean; the water of an ocean, sea, or salt lake.

Not long beneath the whelming brine . . . he lay.
Cowper.

3.
Tears; -- so called from their saltness.

What a deal of brine
Hath washed thy sallow cheecks for
Rosaline!
Shak.

Brine fly (Zool.), a fly of the genus Ephydra, the larvæ of which live in artificial brines and in salt lakes. -- Brine gauge, an instrument for measuring the saltness of a liquid. -- Brine pan, a pit or pan of salt water, where salt is formed by cristallization. -- Brine pit, a salt spring or well, from which water is taken to be boiled or evaporated for making salt. -- Brine pump (Marine Engin.), a pump for changing the water in the boilers, so as to clear them of the brine which collects at the bottom. -- Brine shrimp, Brine worm (Zool.), a phyllopod crustacean of the genus Artemia, inhabiting the strong brines of salt works and natural salt lakes. See Artemia. -- Brine spring, a spring of salt water. -- Leach brine (Saltmaking), brine which drops from granulated salt in drying, and is preserved to be boiled again.


word: Brine₂
definition:
Brine

Brine
(_;)
v. t.
1.
To steep or saturate in brine.

2.
To sprinkle with salt or brine; as, to brine hay.


word: Bring
definition:
Bring

Bring
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brought (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bringing.]
[OE. bringen, AS. bringan; akin to OS. brengian, D. brengen, Fries. brenga, OHG. bringan, G. bringen, Goth. briggan.]
1.
To convey to the place where the speaker is or is to be; to bear from a more distant to a nearer place; to fetch.

And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread.
1 Kings xvii. 11.

To France shall we convey you safe,
And bring you back.
Shak.

2.
To cause the accession or obtaining of; to procure; to make to come; to produce; to draw to.

There is nothing will bring you more honor . . . than to do what right in justice you may.
Bacon.

3.
To convey; to move; to carry or conduct.

In distillation, the water . . . brings over with it some part of the oil of vitriol.
Sir I. Newton.

4.
To persuade; to induce; to draw; to lead; to guide.

It seems so preposterous a thing . . . that they do not easily bring themselves to it.
Locke.

The nature of the things . . . would not suffer him to think otherwise, how, or whensoever, he is brought to reflect on them.
Locke.

5.
To produce in exchange; to sell for; to fetch; as, what does coal bring per ton?

To bring about, to bring to pass; to effect; to accomplish. -- To bring back. (a) To recall. (b) To restore, as something borrowed, to its owner. -- To bring by the lee (Naut.), to incline so rapidly to leeward of the course, when a ship sails large, as to bring the lee side suddenly to the windward, any by laying the sails aback, expose her to danger of upsetting. -- To bring down. (a) To cause to come down. (b) To humble or abase; as, to bring down high looks. -- To bring down the house, to cause tremendous applause. [Colloq.] -- To bring forth. (a) To produce, as young fruit. (b) To bring to light; to make manifest. -- To bring forward (a) To exhibit; to introduce; to produce to view. (b) To hasten; to promote; to forward. (c) To propose; to adduce; as, to bring forward arguments. -- To bring home. (a) To bring to one's house. (b) To prove conclusively; as, to bring home a charge of treason. (c) To cause one to feel or appreciate by personal experience. (d) (Naut.) To lift of its place, as an anchor. -- To bring in. (a) To fetch from without; to import. (b) To introduce, as a bill in a deliberative assembly. (c) To return or repot to, or lay before, a court or other body; to render; as, to bring in a verdict or a report. (d) To take to an appointed place of deposit or collection; as, to bring in provisions or money for a specified object. (e) To produce, as income. (f) To induce to join. -- To bring off, to bear or convey away; to clear from condemnation; to cause to escape. -- To bring on. (a) To cause to begin. (b) To originate or cause to exist; as, to bring on a disease. -- To bring one on one's way, to accompany, guide, or attend one. -- To bring out, to expose; to detect; to bring to light from concealment. -- To bring over. (a) To fetch or bear across. (b) To convert by persuasion or other means; to cause to change sides or an opinion. -- To bring to. (a) To resuscitate; to bring back to consciousness or life, as a fainting person. (b) (Naut.) To check the course of, as of a ship, by dropping the anchor, or by counterbracing the sails so as to keep her nearly stationary (she is then said to lie to). (c) To cause (a vessel) to lie to, as by firing across her course. (d) To apply a rope to the capstan. -- To bring to light, to disclose; to discover; to make clear; to reveal. -- To bring a sail to (Naut.), to bend it to the yard. -- To bring to pass, to accomplish to effect. “Trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Ps. xxxvii. 5. -- To bring under, to subdue; to restrain; to reduce to obedience. -- To bring up. (a) To carry upward; to nurse; to rear; to educate. (b) To cause to stop suddenly. (c) [v. i. by dropping the reflexive pronoun] To stop suddenly; to come to a standstill. [Colloq.] -- To bring up (any one) with a round turn, to cause (any one) to stop abruptly. [Colloq.] -- To be brought to bed. See under Bed.


word: Bringer
definition:
Bringer

Bring"er
(_;)
n.
One who brings.

Yet the first bringer of unwelcome news
Hath but a losing office.
Shak.

Bringer in, one who, or that which, introduces.


word: Brinjaree
definition:
Brinjaree

Brin"ja*ree`
(_;)
n.
[Native name.]
(Zool.)
A rough-haired East Indian variety of the greyhound.


word: Brink
definition:
Brink

Brink
(brĭ&nsmacr_;k)
n.
[Dan. brink edge, verge; akin to Sw. brink declivity, hill, Icel. brekka; cf. LG. brink a grassy hill, W. bryn hill, bryncyn hillock.]
The edge, margin, or border of a steep place, as of a precipice; a bank or edge, as of a river or pit; a verge; a border; as, the brink of a chasm. Also Fig.
brink
Bp. Porteus.
brink
Burke.

The plashy brink of weedy lake.
Bryant.


word: brinksmanship
definition:
brinksmanship

brinkmanship

brink"man*ship, brinks"man*ship
n.
[brink + -manship. (1956).]
the policy or practise of pushing a dangerous situation to the brink of disaster (to the limits of safety), in order to achieve the most advantageous outcome; -- used especially of diplomatic maneuvers in crisis situations, and originally applied to the policies of John Foster Dulles under President Eisenhower.


word: Briny
definition:
Briny

Brin"y
(_;)
a.
[From Brine.]
Of or pertaining to brine, or to the sea; partaking of the nature of brine; salt; as, a briny taste; the briny flood.


word: Brioche
definition:
Brioche

Bri`oche"
(?)
n.
[F.]
1.
A light sweet pastry (cake, bun or roll) made with flour, butter, yeast, and eggs.

2.
A knitted foot cushion.


word: Briolette
definition:
Briolette

Bri`o*lette"
(?)
n.
[F.]
An oval or pearshaped diamond having its entire surface cut in triangular facets.


word: Briquette
definition:
Briquette

briquet

bri*quet", Bri*quette"
(?)
n.
[Also briquet.]
[F., dim. of brique brick.]
1.
A block of compacted charcoal, coal dust, or peat, etc., used as a fuel.  Charcoal briquettes are a common fuel used for the outdoor barbecue grill.

2.
A block of artificial stone in the form of a brick, used for paving; also, a molded sample of solidified cement or mortar for use as a test piece for showing the strength of the material.


word: brisance
definition:
brisance

bri"sance
n.
the shattering or crushing effect of a sudden release of energy as in an explosion; -- used especially as a measure of such a shattering power, applied to high explosives.


word: brisant
definition:
brisant

bri"sant
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to brisance.

2.
having the ability to shatter, as contrasted with merely fracturing; -- of explosives.
the more brisant explosives, such as dynamite, will shatter rock into smaller fragments than the less brisant, such as gunpowder.


word: Brisk
definition:
Brisk

Brisk
(brĭsk)
a.
[Cf. W. brysg, fr. brys haste, Gael. briosg quick, lively, Ir. broisg a start, leap, jerk.]
1.
Full of liveliness and activity; characterized by quickness of motion or action; lively; spirited; quick.

Cheerily, boys; be brick awhile.
Shak.

Brisk toil alternating with ready ease.
Wordworth.

2.
Full of spirit of life; effervesc_;ng, as liquors; sparkling; as, brick cider.


word: Brisk₂
definition:
Brisk

Brisk
(_;)
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Bricked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bricking.]
To make or become lively; to enliven; to animate; to take, or cause to take, an erect or bold attitude; -- usually with up.


word: Brisket
definition:
Brisket

Bris"ket
(_;)
n.
[OE. bruskette, OF. bruschet, F. bréchet, brichet; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. brysced the breast of a slain animal, brisket, Corn. vrys breast, Armor. brusk, bruched, the front of the chest, Gael. brisgein the cartilaginous part of a bone.]
That part of the breast of an animal which extends from the fore legs back beneath the ribs; also applied to the fore part of a horse, from the shoulders to the bottom of the chest.
[See Illust. of Beef.]


word: brisling
definition:
brisling

brisling
n.
1.
a small fatty European fish; usually smoked or canned.

Syn. -- sprat.

2.
a small herring (Clupea sprattus) processed like a sardine.

Syn. -- sprat.


word: Bristle
definition:
Bristle

Bris"tle
(brĭs"s'l)
n.
[OE. bristel, brustel, AS. bristl, byrst; akin to D. borstel, OHG. burst, G. borste, Icel. burst, Sw. borst, and to Skr. bh&rsdot_;shti edge, point, and prob, L. fastigium extremity, Gr. 'a`flaston stern of a ship, and E. brush, burr, perh. to brad. √96.]
1.
A short, stiff, coarse hair, as on the back of swine.

2.
(Bot.)
A stiff, sharp, roundish hair.
Gray.


word: Bristle₂
definition:
Bristle

Bris"tle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bristled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bristling (_;).]
1.
To erect the bristles of; to cause to stand up, as the bristles of an angry hog; -- sometimes with up.

Now for the bare-picked bone of majesty
Doth dogged war bristle his angry crest.
Shak.

Boy, bristle thy courage up.
Shak.

2.
To fix a bristle to; as, to bristle a thread.


word: Bristle₃
definition:
Bristle

Bris"tle
v. i.
1.
To rise or stand erect, like bristles.

His hair did bristle upon his head.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
To appear as if covered with bristles; to have standing, thick and erect, like bristles.

The hill of La Haye Sainte bristling with ten thousand bayonets.
Thackeray.

Ports bristling with thousands of masts.
Macaulay.

3.
To show defiance or indignation.

To bristle up, to show anger or defiance.


word: bristlegrass
definition:
bristlegrass

bristlegrass
n.
grasses of grasslands and woodlands having large gracefully arching spikes with long bristles beneath each spikelet.

Syn. -- bristle grass.


word: Bristle-pointed
definition:
Bristle-pointed

Bris"tle-point`ed
(_;)
a.
(Bot.)
Terminating in a very fine, sharp point, as some leaves.


word: Bristletail
definition:
Bristletail

Bris"tle*tail`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
An insect of the genera Lepisma, Campodea, etc., belonging to the Thysanura.


word: Bristly
definition:
Bristly

Bris"tly
(_;)
a.
Thick set with bristles, or with hairs resembling bristles; rough.

The leaves of the black mulberry are somewhat bristly.
Bacon.


word: Bristol
definition:
Bristol

Bris"tol
(_;)
n.
A seaport city in the west of England.

Bristol board, a kind of fine pasteboard, made with a smooth but usually unglazed surface. -- Bristol brick, a brick of siliceous matter used for polishing cultery; -- originally manufactured at Bristol. -- Bristol stone, rock crystal, or brilliant crystals of quartz, found in the mountain limestone near Bristol, and used in making ornaments, vases, etc. When polished, it is called Bristol diamond.


word: Brisure
definition:
Brisure

Bri*sure"
(_;)
n.
[F.]
1.
(Fort.)
Any part of a rampart or parapet which deviates from the general direction.

2.
(Her.)
A mark of cadency or difference.


word: Britt
definition:
Britt

Brit

{ Brit, Britt  }
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The young of the common herring; also, a small species of herring; the sprat.
(b)
The minute marine animals (chiefly Entomostraca) upon which the right whales feed.


word: Britannia
definition:
Britannia

Bri*tan"ni*a
(_;)
n.
[From L. Britannia Great Britain.]
A white-metal alloy of tin, antimony, bismuth, copper, etc. It somewhat resembles silver, and is used for table ware. Called also Britannia metal.


word: Britannic
definition:
Britannic

Bri*tan"nic
(_;)
a.
[L. Britannicus, fr. Britannia Great Britain.]
Of or pertaining to Great Britain; British; as, her Britannic Majesty.


word: Bright₅
definition:
Bright

Brite

{ Brite, Bright  }
(_;)
v. t.
To be or become overripe, as wheat, barley, or hops.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Briticism
definition:
Briticism

Brit"i*cism
(_;)
n.
A word, phrase, or idiom peculiar to Great Britain; any manner of using a word or words that is peculiar to Great Britain.


word: British
definition:
British

Brit"ish
(brĭt"ĭsh)
a.
[AS. Brittisc, Bryttisc.]
Of or pertaining to Great Britain or to its inhabitants; -- sometimes restricted to the original inhabitants.

British gum, a brownish substance, very soluble in cold water, formed by heating dry starch at a temperature of about 600° Fahr. It corresponds, in its properties, to dextrin, and is used, in solution, as a substitute for gum in stiffering goods. -- British lion, the national emblem of Great Britain. -- British seas, the four seas which surround Great Britain.


word: Britisher
definition:
Britisher

Brit"ish*er
n.
An Englishman; a subject or inhabitant of Great Britain, esp. one in the British military or naval service.
[Now used jocosely]


word: Britishism
definition:
Britishism

Britishism
n.
1.
an expression that is limited to English as spoken by Englishmen (especially as contrasted with American English).

Syn. -- Anglicism, Briticism.

2.
a custom that is peculiar to England or its citizens.

Syn. -- Anglicism.


word: Briton
definition:
Briton

Brit"on
(_;)
a.
[AS. bryten Britain.]
British.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
n. A native of Great Britain.


word: Brits
definition:
Brits

Brits
n.
the people of Great Britain.
[informal]

Syn. -- British, British people, the British.


word: britt
definition:
britt

britt
n.
1.
the young of a herring or sprat or similar fish.

Syn. -- brit.

2.
minute crustaceans, forming food for right whales.

Syn. -- brit.


word: Brittle
definition:
Brittle

Brit"tle
(_;)
a.
[OE. britel, brutel, AS. bryttian to dispense, fr. breótan to break; akin to Icel. brytja, Sw. bryta, Dan. bryde. Cf. Brickle.]
Easily broken; apt to break; fragile; not tough or tenacious.

Farewell, thou pretty, brittle piece
Of fine-cut crystal.
Cotton.

Brittle silver ore, the mineral stephanite.


word: brittlebush
definition:
brittlebush

brittlebush
n.
1.
fragrant rounded shrub of SW US and adjacent Mexico having brittle stems and small crowded blue-green leaves and yellow flowers; produces a resin used in incense and varnish and in folk medicine.

Syn. -- brittle bush, incienso, Encelia farinosa.


word: Brittle star
definition:
Brittle star

Brit"tle star`
(brĭt"t'l stär`)
(Zool.)
Any species of ophiuran starfishes. See Ophiuroidea.


word: Britzska
definition:
Britzska

Britz"ska
(brĭts"kȧ)
n.
[Russ. britshka; cf. Pol. bryczka, dim. of bryka freight wagon.]
A long carriage, with a calash top, so constructed as to give space for reclining at night, when used on a journey.


word: Broach
definition:
Broach

Broach
(_;)
n.
[OE. broche, F. broche, fr. LL. brocca; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. proc thrust, stab, Gael. brog awl. Cf. Brooch.]
1.
A spit.
[Obs.]

He turned a broach that had worn a crown.
Bacon.

2.
An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
[Prov. Eng.]
Forby.

3.
(Mech.)
(a)
A tool of steel, generally tapering, and of a polygonal form, with from four to eight cutting edges, for smoothing or enlarging holes in metal; sometimes made smooth or without edges, as for burnishing pivot holes in watches; a reamer. The broach for gun barrels is commonly square and without taper.
(b)
A straight tool with file teeth, made of steel, to be pressed through irregular holes in metal that cannot be dressed by revolving tools; a drift.

4.
(Masonry)
A broad chisel for stonecutting.

5.
(Arch.)
A spire rising from a tower.
[Local, Eng.]

6.
A clasp for fastening a garment. See Brooch.

7.
A spitlike start, on the head of a young stag.

8.
The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
Knight.

9.
The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.


word: Broach₂
definition:
Broach

Broach
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Broached (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Broaching.]
[F. brocher, fr. broche. See Broach, n.]
1.
To spit; to pierce as with a spit.

I'll broach the tadpole on my rapier's point.
Shak.

2.
To tap; to pierce, as a cask, in order to draw the liquor. Hence: To let out; to shed, as blood.

Whereat with blade, with bloody blameful blade,
He bravely broached his boiling bloody breast.
Shak.

3.
To open for the first time, as stores.

You shall want neither weapons, victuals, nor aid; I will open the old armories, I will broach my store, and will bring forth my stores.
Knolles.

4.
To make public; to utter; to publish first; to put forth; to introduce as a topic of conversation.

Those very opinions themselves had broached.
Swift.

5.
To cause to begin or break out.
[Obs.]
Shak.

6.
(Masonry)
To shape roughly, as a block of stone, by chiseling with a coarse tool.
[Scot. & North of Eng.]

7.
To enlarge or dress (a hole), by using a broach.

To broach to (Naut.), to incline suddenly to windward, so as to lay the sails aback, and expose the vessel to the danger of oversetting.


word: Broacher
definition:
Broacher

Broach"er
(_;)
n.
1.
A spit; a broach.

On five sharp broachers ranked, the roast they turned.
Dryden.

2.
One who broaches, opens, or utters; a first publisher or promoter.

Some such broacher of heresy.
Atterbury.


word: Broad
definition:
Broad

Broad
(br&asuml_;d)
a.
[Compar. Broader (br&asuml_;d"ẽr); superl. Broadest.]
[OE. brod, brad, AS. brād; akin to OS. brēd, D. breed, G. breit, Icel. breiðr, Sw. & Dan. bred, Goth. braids. Cf. Breadth.]
1.
Wide; extend in breadth, or from side to side; -- opposed to narrow; as, a broad street, a broad table; an inch broad.

2.
Extending far and wide; extensive; vast; as, the broad expanse of ocean.

3.
Extended, in the sense of diffused; open; clear; full.
Broad
Bp. Porteus.

4.
Fig.: Having a large measure of any thing or quality; not limited; not restrained; -- applied to any subject, and retaining the literal idea more or less clearly, the precise meaning depending largely on the substantive.

A broad mixture of falsehood.
Locke.

Hence: -

5.
Comprehensive; liberal; enlarged.

The words in the Constitution are broad enough to include the case.
D. Daggett.

In a broad, statesmanlike, and masterly way.
E. Everett.

6.
Plain; evident; as, a broad hint.

7.
Free; unrestrained; unconfined.

As broad and general as the casing air.
Shak.

8.
(Fine Arts)
Characterized by breadth. See Breadth.

9.
Cross; coarse; indelicate; as, a broad compliment; a broad joke; broad humor.

10.
Strongly marked; as, a broad Scotch accent.

&hand_; Broad is often used in compounds to signify wide, large, etc.; as, broad-chested, broad-shouldered, broad-spreading, broad-winged.

Broad acres. See under Acre. -- Broad arrow, originally a pheon. See Pheon, and Broad arrow under Arrow. -- As broad as long, having the length equal to the breadth; hence, the same one way as another; coming to the same result by different ways or processes.

It is as broad as long, whether they rise to others, or bring others down to them.
L'Estrange.

Broad pennant. See under Pennant.


word: Broad₂
definition:
Broad

Broad
n.
1.
The broad part of anything; as, the broad of an oar.

2.
The spread of a river into a sheet of water; a flooded fen.
[Local, Eng.]
Southey.

3.
A lathe tool for turning down the insides and bottoms of cylinders.
Knight.

4.
A woman, especially one who is sexually promiscuous; -- usually considered offensive.
[slang]


word: broad-ax
definition:
broad-ax

broad-axe

Broadaxe

Broadax

{ Broad"ax`, Broad"axe`, broad-axe, broad-ax }
(_;)
n.
1.
An ancient military weapon; a battle-ax.

2.
An ax with a broad edge, for hewing timber.


word: broadbean
definition:
broadbean

broadbean
n.
an Old World upright plant grown esp. for its large flat edible seeds but also as fodder.

Syn. -- broad bean, broad-bean plant, English bean, European bean, field bean, Vicia faba.


word: Broadbill
definition:
Broadbill

Broad"bill`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
A wild duck (Aythya marila, or Fuligula marila), which appears in large numbers on the eastern coast of the United States, in autumn; -- called also bluebill, blackhead, raft duck, and scaup duck. See Scaup duck.

2.
(Zool.)
The shoveler. See Shoveler.


word: Broadbrim
definition:
Broadbrim

Broad"brim`
(_;)
n.
1.
A hat with a very broad brim, like those worn by men of the society of Friends.

2.
A member of the society of Friends; a Quaker.
[Sportive]


word: Broad-brimmed
definition:
Broad-brimmed

Broad"-brimmed`
(_;)
a.
Having a broad brim.

A broad-brimmed flat silver plate.
Tatler.


word: Broadcast
definition:
Broadcast

Broad"cast`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Agric.)
A casting or throwing seed in all directions, as from the hand in sowing.

2.
an act of broadcasting; specifically, a program in which sounds or images are transmitted in all directions from a radio or television station; -- usually referring to a scheduled program on a commercial or public service radio or television station, using the normal radio frequencies for those media, in contrast to a radiotelephone conversation, which may also be transmitted in all directions, but is intended for receipt by a base station in the telephone network.


word: Broadcast₂
definition:
Broadcast

Broad"cast`
a.
1.
Cast or dispersed in all directions, as seed from the hand in sowing; widely diffused.

2.
Scattering in all directions (as a method of sowing); -- opposed to planting in hills, or rows.


word: Broadcast₃
definition:
Broadcast

Broad"cast`
adv.
So as to scatter or be scattered in all directions; so as to spread widely, as seed from the hand in sowing, or news from the press.


word: Broadcast₄
definition:
Broadcast

Broad"cast`
v.
1.
to cast or disperse in all directions, as seed from the hand in sowing; to diffuse widely.

2.
to transmit (sounds, images, or other signals) in all directions from a radio or television station.

3.
to disseminate (information, a speech, an advertisement, etc.) from a radio or television station.

4.
to spread (information, news, gossip) widely by any means.


word: broadcaster
definition:
broadcaster

broadcaster
n.
1.
someone who broadcasts on radio or television.

2.
a mechanical device for scattering something (seed, fertilizer, sand, salt, etc.) in all directions.

Syn. -- spreader.


word: broadcasting
definition:
broadcasting

broad"cast`ing
n.
the medium that disseminates via telecommunications; radio and television.

Syn. -- broadcast media.

2.
taking part in a radio or tv program.


word: Broad Church
definition:
Broad Church

Broad" Church`
(_;)
(Eccl.)
A portion of the Church of England, consisting of persons who claim to hold a position, in respect to doctrine and fellowship, intermediate between the High Church party and the Low Church, or evangelical, party. The term has been applied to other bodies of men holding liberal or comprehensive views of Christian doctrine and fellowship.

Side by side with these various shades of High and Low Church, another party of a different character has always existed in the Church of England. It is called by different names: Moderate, Catholic, or Broad Church, by its friends; Latitudinarian or Indifferent, by its enemies. Its distinctive character is the desire of comprehension. Its watch words are charity and toleration.
Conybeare.


word: Broadcloth
definition:
Broadcloth

Broad"cloth
(_;)
n.
A fine smooth-faced woolen cloth for men's garments, usually of double width (i.e., a yard and a half); -- so called in distinction from woolens three quarters of a yard wide.


word: Broaden
definition:
Broaden

Broad"en
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Broadened (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Broadening (_;).]
[From Broad, a.]
To grow broad; to become broader or wider.

The broadening sun appears.
Wordsworth.


word: Broad gauge
definition:
Broad gauge

Broad" gauge`
(_;)
(Railroad)
A wider distance between the rails than the “standard” gauge of four feet eight inches and a half. See Gauge.


word: broad-headed
definition:
broad-headed

broad-headed
adj.
having a broad head.
brachycephalic (vs. dolichocephalic), brachycranal, brachycranic

Syn. -- roundheaded, short-headed.


word: Broadleaf
definition:
Broadleaf

Broad"leaf`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A tree (Terminalia latifolia) of Jamaica, the wood of which is used for boards, scantling, shingles, etc; -- sometimes called the almond tree, from the shape of its fruit.


word: Broad-leafed
definition:
Broad-leafed

Broad-leaved

{ Broad"-leaved` (_;), Broad"-leafed`  }
(_;)
a.
Having broad, or relatively broad, leaves, in contrast to needlelike or scalelike leaves.
Keats.
deciduous (vs. evergreen)


word: broad-minded
definition:
broad-minded

broad-minded
adj.
1.
incapable of being shocked.  Opposite of shockable.

Syn. -- unshockable.

2.
inclined to respect views and beliefs that differ from one's own.  Opposite of narrow-minded.
free-thinking, latitudinarian, undogmatic, undogmatical

Syn. -- broadminded, broad, liberal, tolerant, open-minded, open.


word: Broadmouth
definition:
Broadmouth

Broad"mouth`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
One of the Eurylaimidæ, a family of East Indian passerine birds.


word: Broadness
definition:
Broadness

Broad"ness
n.
[AS. brādnes.]
The condition or quality of being broad; breadth; coarseness; grossness.


word: Broadpiece
definition:
Broadpiece

Broad"piece`
(_;)
n.
An old English gold coin, broader than a guinea, as a Carolus or Jacobus.


word: Broadseal
definition:
Broadseal

Broad"seal`
v. t.
To stamp with the broad seal; to make sure; to guarantee or warrant.
[Obs.]

Thy presence broadseals our delights for pure.
B. Jonson.


word: broad-shouldered
definition:
broad-shouldered

broad-shouldered
adj.
same as big-shouldered.

Syn. -- big-shouldered, square-shouldered.


word: Broadside
definition:
Broadside

Broad"side`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Naut.)
The side of a ship above the water line, from the bow to the quarter.

2.
A discharge of or from all the guns on one side of a ship, at the same time.

3.
A volley of abuse or denunciation.
[Colloq.]

4.
(Print.)
A sheet of paper containing one large page, or printed on one side only; -- called also broadsheet.


word: broad-side
definition:
broad-side

broad-side
v. t.
to collide with the broad side of.
her car broad-sided mine

Syn. -- broadside.


word: Broadsword
definition:
Broadsword

Broad"sword`
(_;)
n.
A sword with a broad blade and a cutting edge; a claymore.

I heard the broadsword's deadly clang.
Sir W. Scott.


word: broadtail
definition:
broadtail

broadtail
n.
1.
the fur of a very young karakul lamb.

2.
a hardy coarse-haired sheep of central Asia; the lambs are valued for their soft curly black fur.

Syn. -- caracul, karakul.


word: Broadway
definition:
Broadway

Broadway
n.
1.
a street in Manhattan famous for its restaurants and its theaters in the Times Square area.  At its intersection with Seventh Avenue, it forms Times Square, an area with impressive displays of bright lights, particularly advertising; it is considered by some to be the cultural center of New York City.

2.
the theater district of Manhattan, located near Times Square.


word: Brob
definition:
Brob

Brob
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Gael. brog, E. brog, n.]
(Carp.)
A peculiar brad-shaped spike, to be driven alongside the end of an abutting timber to prevent its slipping.


word: Brobdingnagian
definition:
Brobdingnagian

Brob`ding*nag"i*an
(_;)
a.
[From Brobdingnag, a country of giants in “Gulliver's Travels.”]
Colossal; of extraordinary height; gigantic.
n. A giant.
[Spelt often Brobdignagian.]


word: Brocade
definition:
Brocade

Bro*cade"
(_;)
n.
[Sp. brocado (cf. It. broccato, F. brocart), fr. LL. brocare *prick, to figure (textile fabrics), to emboss (linen), to stitch. See Broach.]
Silk stuff, woven with gold and silver threads, or ornamented with raised flowers, foliage, etc.; -- also applied to other stuffs thus wrought and enriched.

A gala suit of faded brocade.
W. Irving.


word: Brocaded
definition:
Brocaded

Bro*cad"ed
(_;)
a.
1.
Woven or worked, as brocade, with gold and silver, or with raised flowers, etc.

Brocaded flowers o'er the gay mantua shine.
Gay.

2.
Dressed in brocade.


word: Brocard
definition:
Brocard

Broc"ard
(_;)
n.
[Perh. fr. Brocardica, Brocardicorum opus, a collection of ecclesiastical canons by Burkhard, Bishop of Worms, called, by the Italians and French, Brocard.]
An elementary principle or maximum; a short, proverbial rule, in law, ethics, or metaphysics.

The legal brocard, “Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus,” is a rule not more applicable to other witness than to consciousness.
Sir W. Hamilton.


word: Brocatel
definition:
Brocatel

Bro"ca*tel
(_;)
n.
[F. brocatelle, fr. It. brocatello: cf. Sp. brocatel. See Brocade.]
1.
A kind of coarse brocade, or figured fabric, used chiefly for tapestry, linings for carriages, etc.

2.
A marble, clouded and veined with white, gray, yellow, and red, in which the yellow usually prevails. It is also called Siena marble, from its locality.


word: Broccoli
definition:
Broccoli

Broc"co*li
(_;)
n.
[It. broccoli, pl. of broccolo sprout, cabbage sprout, dim. of brocco splinter. See Broach, n.]
(Bot.)
A plant of the Cabbage species (Brassica oleracea) of many varieties, resembling the cauliflower. The “curd,” or flowering head, is the part used for food.


word: Brochantite
definition:
Brochantite

Broch"an*tite
(_;)
n.
[From Brochant de Villiers, a French mineralogist.]
(Min.)
A basic sulphate of copper, occurring in emerald-green crystals.


word: Broche
definition:
Broche

Bro`ché"
(bro̝`shā")
a.
[F.]
1.
Woven with a figure; as, broché goods.

2.
Stitched; -- said of a book with no cover or only a paper one.


word: Brochette
definition:
Brochette

Bro`chette"
(bro̝`shĕt")
n.
[F., dim. of broche. See Broach, n.]
(Cookery)
A small spit or skewer.

En bro`chette" (än) [F.], on a brochette; skewered.


word: Brochure
definition:
Brochure

Bro*chure"
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. brocher to stitch. See Broach, v. t.]
A printed and stitched book containing only a few leaves; a pamphlet; a single sheet folded to make four pages.


word: Brock
definition:
Brock

Brock
(_;)
n.
[AS. broc, fr. W. broch; akin to Ir. & Gael. broc, Corn. & Armor. broch; cf. Ir. & Gael. breac speckled.]
(Zool.)
A badger.

Or with pretense of chasing thence the brock.
B. Jonson.


word: Brocken spectre
definition:
Brocken spectre

Brocken specter

{ Brock"en spec"ter or Brock"en spec"tre (?) }
[Trans. of G. Brockengespenst.]
A mountain specter (which see), esp. that observed on the Brocken, in the Harz Mountains.


word: Brocket
definition:
Brocket

Brock"et
(br&obreve_;k"ĕt)
n.
[OE. broket, F. broquart fallow deer a year old, fr. the same root as E. broach, meaning point (hence tine of a horn).]
1.
(Zool.)
A male red deer two years old; -- sometimes called brock.

2.
(Zool.)
A small South American deer, of several species (Coassus superciliaris, Coassus rufus, and Coassus auritus).


word: Brodekin
definition:
Brodekin

Brode"kin
(br&omacrd"kĭn)
n.
[F. brodequin, OE. brossequin, fr. OD. broseken, brosekin, dim. of broos buskin, prob. fr. LL. byrsa leather, Gr. by`rsa skin, hide. Cf. Buskin.]
A buskin or half-boot.
[Written also brodequin.]
[Obs.]


word: Brog
definition:
Brog

Brog
(br&obreve_;g)
n.
[Gael. Cf. Brob.]
A pointed instrument, as a joiner's awl, a brad awl, a needle, or a small sharp stick.


word: Brog₂
definition:
Brog

Brog
v. t.
To prod with a pointed instrument, as a lance; also, to broggle.
[Scot. & Prov.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Broggle
definition:
Broggle

Brog"gle
(_;)
v. i.
[Dim. of Prov. E. brog to broggle. Cf. Brog, n.]
To sniggle, or fish with a brog.
[Prov. Eng.]
Wright.


word: Brogue
definition:
Brogue

Brogue
(_;)
n.
[Ir. & Gael. brog shoe, hoof.]
1.
A stout, coarse shoe; a brogan.

&hand_; In the Highlands of Scotland, the ancient brogue was made of horsehide or deerskin, untanned or tenned with the hair on, gathered round the ankle with a thong. The name was afterward given to any shoe worn as a part of the Highland costume.

Clouted brogues, patched brogues; also, brogues studded with nails. See under Clout, v. t.

2.
A dialectic pronunciation; esp. the Irish manner of pronouncing English.

Or take, Hibernis, thy still ranker brogue.
Lloyd.


word: Broider
definition:
Broider

Broid"er
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Broidered (_;).]
[OE. broiden, brouden, F. broder, confused with E. braid; F. broder is either the same word as border to border (see Border), or perh. of Celtic origin; cf. W. brathu to sting, stab, Ir. & Gael. brod goad, prickle, OE. brod a goad; and also Icel. broddr a spike, a sting, AS. brord a point.]
To embroider.
[Archaic]

They shall make a broidered coat.
Ex. xxviii. 4.


word: Broidery
definition:
Broidery

Broid"er*y
(_;)
n.
Embroidery.
[Archaic]

The golden broidery tender Milkah wove.
Tickell.


word: Broil
definition:
Broil

Broil
(_;)
n.
[F. brouiller to disorder, from LL. brogilus, broilus, brolium, thicket, wood, park; of uncertain origin; cf. W. brog a swelling out, OHG. pr&omacril marsh, G. brühl, MHG. brogen to rise. The meaning tumult, confusion, comes apparently from tangled undergrowth, thicket, and this possibly from the meaning to grow, rise, sprout.]
A tumult; a noisy quarrel; a disturbance; a brawl; contention; discord, either between individuals or in the state.

I will own that there is a haughtiness and fierceness in human nature which will which will cause innumerable broils, place men in what situation you please.
Burke.


word: Broil₂
definition:
Broil

Broil
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Broiled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Broiling.]
[OE. broilen, OF. bruillir, fr. bruir to broil, burn; of Ger. origin; cf. MHG. brüejen, G. brühen, to scald, akin to E. brood.]
1.
To cook by direct exposure to heat over a fire, esp. upon a gridiron over coals.

2.
To subject to great (commonly direct) heat.


word: Broil₃
definition:
Broil

Broil
v. i.
To be subjected to the action of heat, as meat over the fire; to be greatly heated, or to be made uncomfortable with heat.

The planets and comets had been broiling in the sun.
Cheyne.


word: broiled
definition:
broiled

broiled
adj.
cooked by direct exposure to radiant heat.
baked
fried
bolied

Syn. -- grilled.


word: Broiler
definition:
Broiler

Broil"er
(_;)
n.
One who excites broils; one who engages in or promotes noisy quarrels.

What doth he but turn broiler, . . . make new libels against the church?
Hammond.


word: Broiler₂
definition:
Broiler

Broil"er
n.
1.
One who broils, or cooks by broiling.

2.
A gridiron or other utensil used in broiling, or the compartment in a stove where such a utensil is located.

3.
A chicken or other bird fit for broiling.
[Colloq.]


word: Broiling
definition:
Broiling

Broil"ing
a.
Excessively hot; as, a broiling sun.
n. The act of causing anything to broil.


word: Broke
definition:
Broke

Broke
(_;)
v. i.
[See Broker, and cf. Brook.]
1.
To transact business for another.
[R.]
Brome.

2.
To act as procurer in love matters; to pimp.
[Obs.]

We do want a certain necessary woman to broke between them, Cupid said.
Fanshawe.

And brokes with all that can in such a suit
Corrupt the tender honor of a maid.
Shak.


word: Broken
definition:
Broken

Bro"ken
(br&omacr"k'n)
a.
[From Break, v. t.]
1.
Separated into parts or pieces by violence; divided into fragments; as, a broken chain or rope; a broken dish.

2.
Disconnected; not continuous; also, rough; uneven; as, a broken surface.

3.
Fractured; cracked; disunited; sundered; strained; apart; as, a broken reed; broken friendship.

4.
Made infirm or weak, by disease, age, or hardships.

The one being who remembered him as he been before his mind was broken.
G. Eliot.

The broken soldier, kindly bade to stay,
Sat by his fire, and talked the night away.
Goldsmith.

5.
Subdued; humbled; contrite.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
Ps. li. 17.

6.
Subjugated; trained for use, as a horse.

7.
Crushed and ruined as by something that destroys hope; blighted.
broken
G. Eliot.

8.
Not carried into effect; not adhered to; violated; as, a broken promise, vow, or contract; a broken law.

9.
Ruined financially; incapable of redeeming promises made, or of paying debts incurred; as, a broken bank; a broken tradesman.

10.
Imperfectly spoken, as by a foreigner; as, broken English; imperfectly spoken on account of emotion; as, to say a few broken words at parting.

Amidst the broken words and loud weeping of those grave senators.
Macaulay.

Broken ground. (a) (Mil.) Rough or uneven ground; as, the troops were retarded in their advance by broken ground. (b) Ground recently opened with the plow. -- Broken line (Geom.), the straight lines which join a number of given points taken in some specified order. -- Broken meat, fragments of meat or other food. -- Broken number, a fraction. -- Broken weather, unsettled weather.


word: Broken-backed
definition:
Broken-backed

Bro"ken-backed`
(_;)
a.
1.
Having a broken back; as, a broken-backed chair.

2.
(Naut.)
Hogged; so weakened in the frame as to droop at each end; -- said of a ship.
Totten.


word: Broken-hearted
definition:
Broken-hearted

Bro"ken-heart`ed
(_;)
a.
Having the spirits depressed or crushed by grief or despair.

She left her husband almost broken-hearted.
Macaulay.


word: Brokenly
definition:
Brokenly

Bro"ken*ly
adv.
In a broken, interrupted manner; in a broken state; in broken language.

The pagans worship God . . . as it were brokenly and by piecemeal.
Cudworth.


word: Brokenness
definition:
Brokenness

Bro"ken*ness
n.
1.
The state or quality of being broken; unevenness.
Macaulay.

2.
Contrition; as, brokenness of heart.


word: Broken-winded
definition:
Broken-winded

Bro"ken-wind`ed
a.
(Far.)
Having short breath or disordered respiration, as a horse.


word: Broker
definition:
Broker

Bro"ker
(br&omacr"kẽr)
n.
[OE. brocour, from a word akin to broken, bruken, to use, enjoy, possess, digest, fr. AS. brūcan to use, enjoy; cf. Fries. broker, F. brocanteur. See Brook, v. t.]
1.
One who transacts business for another; an agent.

2.
(Law)
An agent employed to effect bargains and contracts, as a middleman or negotiator, between other persons, for a compensation commonly called brokerage. He takes no possession, as broker, of the subject matter of the negotiation. He generally contracts in the names of those who employ him, and not in his own.
Story.

3.
A dealer in money, notes, bills of exchange, etc.

4.
A dealer in secondhand goods.
[Eng.]

5.
A pimp or procurer.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Bill broker, one who buys and sells notes and bills of exchange. -- Curbstone broker or Street broker, an operator in stocks (not a member of the Stock Exchange) who executes orders by running from office to office, or by transactions on the street. [U.S.] -- Exchange broker, one who buys and sells uncurrent money, and deals in exchanges relating to money. -- Insurance broker, one who is agent in procuring insurance on vessels, or against fire. -- Pawn broker. See Pawnbroker. -- Real estate broker, one who buys and sells lands, and negotiates loans, etc., upon mortgage. -- Ship broker, one who acts as agent in buying and selling ships, procuring freight, etc. -- Stock broker. See Stockbroker.


word: Brokerage
definition:
Brokerage

Bro"ker*age
(_;)
n.
1.
The business or employment of a broker.
Burke.

2.
The fee, reward, or commission, given or changed for transacting business as a broker.


word: broker-dealer
definition:
broker-dealer

broker-dealer
n.
a financial specialist who trades for his own account and so acts both as a broker and principal.


word: Brokery
definition:
Brokery

Bro"ker*y
(_;)
n.
The business of a broker.
[Obs.]

And with extorting, cozening, forfeiting,
And tricks belonging unto brokery.
Marlowe.


word: Broking
definition:
Broking

Bro"king
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to a broker or brokers, or to brokerage.
[Obs.]

Redeem from broking pawn the blemished crown.
Shak.


word: Broma
definition:
Broma

Bro"ma
(br&omacr"mȧ)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. brw^ma food, bibrw`skein to eat.]
1.
(Med.)
Aliment; food.
Dunglison.

2.
A light form of prepared cocoa (or cacao), or the drink made from it.


word: Bromal
definition:
Bromal

Bro"mal
(br&omacr"mal)
n.
[Bromine + aldehyde.]
(Chem.)
An oily, colorless fluid, CBr3.COH, related to bromoform, as chloral is to chloroform, and obtained by the action of bromine on alcohol.


word: Bromalin
definition:
Bromalin

Bro"ma*lin
(?)
n.
[From Bromine.]
(Pharm.)
A colorless or white crystalline compound, (CH2)6N4C2H5Br, used as a sedative in epilepsy.


word: Bromanil
definition:
Bromanil

Brom`an"il
(?)
n.
[Bromine + aniline.]
(Chem.)
A substance analogous to chloranil but containing bromine in place of chlorine.


word: Bromatology
definition:
Bromatology

Bro`ma*tol"o*gy
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _;, _;, food + -logy.]
The science of aliments.
Dunglison.


word: Brome grass
definition:
Brome grass

Brome" grass`
(_;)
[L. bromos a kind of oats, Gr. _;.]
(Bot.)
A genus (Bromus) of grasses, one species of which is the chess or cheat.


word: Bromeliaceous
definition:
Bromeliaceous

Bro*me`li*a"ceous
(_;)
a.
[Named after Olaf Bromel, a Swedish botanist.]
(Bot.)
Pertaining to, or resembling, a family of endogenous and mostly epiphytic or saxicolous plants of which the genera Tillandsia and Billbergia are examples. The pineapple, though terrestrial, is also of this family.


word: Bromic
definition:
Bromic

Bro"mic
(_;)
a.
(Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or containing, bromine; -- said of those compounds of bromine in which this element has a valence of five, or the next to its highest; as, bromic acid.


word: Bromide
definition:
Bromide

Bro"mide
(_;)
n.
1.
(Chem.)
A compound of bromine with a positive radical.

2.
A person who is conventional and commonplace in his habits of thought and conversation.
[Slang]

The bromide conforms to everything sanctioned by the majority, and may be depended upon to be trite, banal, and arbitrary.
Gelett Burgess.

3.
a conventional or trite saying; -- often used in the phrase “old bromide”.


word: Bromid paper
definition:
Bromid paper

Bromide paper

{ Bromide paper or Bromid paper}
(Photog.)
A sensitized paper coated with gelatin impregnated with bromide of silver, used in contact printing and in enlarging.


word: Bromidic
definition:
Bromidic

Bro*mid"ic
(#)
a.
1.
of or pertaining to bromide (definition 2).

2.
conventional or trite; repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse -- of sayings, assertions, or discourses; as, bromidic sermons.

Syn. -- commonplace, hackneyed, shopworn, threadbare, timeworn, tired, trite, well-worn.


word: Bromidiom
definition:
Bromidiom

Bro*mid"i*om
(?)
n.
[Bromide + idiom.]
A conventional comment or saying, such as those characteristic of bromides{2}; a bromide{3}.
[Slang]


word: Bromine
definition:
Bromine

Bro"mine
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; bad smell, stink. Cf. Brome.]
(Chem.)
One of the halogen elements, related in its chemical qualities to chlorine and iodine. Atomic weight 79.8.  Symbol Br.  It is a deep reddish brown liquid of a very disagreeable odor, emitting a brownish vapor at the ordinary temperature. In combination it is found in minute quantities in sea water, and in many saline springs. It occurs also in the mineral bromyrite.


word: Bromism
definition:
Bromism

Bro"mism
(_;)
n.
(Med.)
A diseased condition produced by the excessive use of bromine or one of its compounds. It is characterized by mental dullness and muscular weakness.


word: Bromize
definition:
Bromize

Bro"mize
(_;)
v. t.
(Photog.)
To prepare or treat with bromine; as, to bromize a silvered plate.


word: Bromlife
definition:
Bromlife

Brom"life
(_;)
n.
[From Bromley Hill, near Alston, Cumberland, England.]
(Min.)
A carbonate of baryta and lime, intermediate between witherite and strontianite; -- called also alstonite.


word: Bromoform
definition:
Bromoform

Bro"mo*form
(_;)
n.
[Bromine + formyl.]
(Chem.)
A colorless liquid, CHBr3, having an agreeable odor and sweetish taste. It is produced by the simultaneous action of bromine and caustic potash upon wood spirit, alcohol, or acetone, as also by certain other reactions. In composition it is the same as chloroform, with the substitution of bromine for chlorine. It is somewhat similar to chloroform in its effects.
Watts.


word: Bromogelatin
definition:
Bromogelatin

Bro`mo*gel"a*tin
(?)
a.
[Bromine + gelatin.]
(Photog.)
Designating or pertaining to, a process of preparing dry plates with an emulsion of bromides and silver nitrate in gelatin.


word: Bromoiodism
definition:
Bromoiodism

Bro`mo*i"o*dism
(?)
n.
[Bromine + iodine + -ism.]
(Med.)
Poisoning induced by large doses of bromine and iodine or of their compounds.


word: Bromol
definition:
Bromol

Bro"mol
(?)
n.
[Abbr. fr. tribromophenol.]
(Pharm.)
A crystalline substance (chemically, tribromophenol, C6H2Br3OH), used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.


word: Brompicrin
definition:
Brompicrin

Brom*pi"crin
(_;)
n.
[G. brompikrin; brom bromine + pikrinsäure picric acid.]
(Chem.)
A pungent colorless explosive liquid, CNO2Br3, analogous to and resembling chlorpicrin.
[Spelt also brompikrin.]


word: Brompton cocktail
definition:
Brompton cocktail

Brompton's cocktail

Brompton mixture

Brompton's mixture

Bromp"ton's mixture, Bromp"ton mixture, Bromp"ton's cocktail, Bromp"ton cocktail
(_;)
n.
[from Brompton Hospital, London.]
(Pharmacy)
A mixture containing morphine and cocaine, and sometimes other narcotic substances, such as heroin, in an alcoholic solution, administered mostly to terminally ill patients, especially cancer patients, to relieve severe pain.  Its use is not universally accepted as good medical practice.


word: Bromyrite
definition:
Bromyrite

Brom"y*rite
(_;)
n.
[Bromine + Gr. _; silver.]
(Min.)
Silver bromide, a rare mineral; -- called also bromargyrite.


word: Bronchia
definition:
Bronchia

Bron"chi*a
(_;)
n. pl.
[L. , pl. Cf. Bronchus.]
(Anat.)
The bronchial tubes which arise from the branching of the trachea, esp. the subdivision of the bronchi.
Dunglison.


word: Bronchial
definition:
Bronchial

Bron"chi*al
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. bronchial. See Bronchia.]
(Anat.)
Belonging to the bronchi and their ramifications in the lungs.

Bronchial arteries, branches of the descending aorta, accompanying the bronchia in all their ramifications. -- Bronchial cells, the air cells terminating the bronchia. -- Bronchial glands, glands whose functions are unknown, seated along the bronchia. -- Bronchial membrane, the mucous membrane lining the bronchia. -- Bronchial tube, the bronchi, or the bronchia.


word: bronchiolar
definition:
bronchiolar

bron*chi*o"lar
(br&obreve_;&nsmacr_;*kē*&omacr"lär)
adj.
of or pertaining to a bronchiole.


word: Bronchitis
definition:
Bronchitis

Bron*chi"tis
(_;)
n.
[Bronchus + -itis.]
(Med.)
Inflammation, acute or chronic, of the bronchial tubes or any part of them.


word: Broncho
definition:
Broncho

Bron"cho
(_;)
n.
[Sp. bronco rough, wild.]
A native or a Mexican horse of small size.
[Western U.S.]


word: Bronchophony
definition:
Bronchophony

Bron*choph"o*ny
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; windpipe + _; sound.]
A modification of the voice sounds, by which they are intensified and heightened in pitch; -- observed in auscultation of the chest in certain cases of intro-thoracic disease.


word: Broncho-pneumonia
definition:
Broncho-pneumonia

Bron`cho-pneu*mo"ni*a
(_;)
n.
[Bronchus + pneumonia.]
(Med.)
Inflammation of the bronchi and lungs; catarrhal pneumonia.


word: Bronchotome
definition:
Bronchotome

Bron"cho*tome
(_;)
n.
[Gr. _; windpipe + _; to cut.]
(Surg.)
An instrument for cutting into the bronchial tubes.


word: Bronchotomy
definition:
Bronchotomy

Bron*chot"o*my
(_;)
n.
(Surg.)
An incision into the windpipe or larynx, including the operations of tracheotomy and laryngotomy.


word: Bronchus
definition:
Bronchus

Bron"chus
(_;)
n.
pl. Bronchi (_;).
[NL., fr. Gr. _; windpipe. Cf. Bronchia.]
(Anat.)
One of the subdivisions of the trachea or windpipe; esp. one of the two primary divisions.


word: Brontograph
definition:
Brontograph

Bron"to*graph
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; thunder + -graph.]
(Meteor.)
(a)
A tracing or chart showing the phenomena attendant on thunderstorms.
(b)
An instrument for making such tracings, as a recording brontometer.


word: Brontolith
definition:
Brontolith

Brontolite

{ Bron"to*lite (_;), Bron"to*lith (_;), }
n.
[Gr. _; + -lite, -lith.]
An aërolite.
[R.]


word: Brontometer
definition:
Brontometer

Bron*tom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; thunder + -meter.]
(Meteor.)
An instrument for noting or recording phenomena attendant on thunderstorms.


word: brontosaur
definition:
brontosaur

bron`to*saur"
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. bronth` thunder + say^ros lizard.]
(Paleon.)
a dinosaur of the genus Brontosaurus; an individual may also be called a brontosaurus or an apatosaurus.


word: Brontosaurus
definition:
Brontosaurus

Bron`to*sau"rus
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. bronth` thunder + say^ros lizard.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of large sauropod American dinosaurs of the jurassic era, or an individual of that genus. A length of sixty feet is believed to have been attained by these reptiles.  The genus is also called Apatosaurus, and individuals of the genus are also called brontosaurs.


word: Brontotherium
definition:
Brontotherium

Bron`to*the"ri*um
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; thunder + _; beast.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of large extinct mammals from the miocene strata of western North America. They were allied to the rhinoceros, but the skull bears a pair of powerful horn cores in front of the orbits, and the fore feet were four-toed. See Illustration in Appendix.


word: Brontozoum
definition:
Brontozoum

Bron`to*zo"um
(_;)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; thunder + _; animal.]
(Paleon.)
An extinct animal of large size, known from its three-toed footprints in Mesozoic sandstone.

&hand_; The tracks made by these reptiles are found eighteen inches in length, and were formerly referred to gigantic birds; but the discovery of large bipedal three-toed dinosaurs has suggested that they were made by those reptiles.


word: Bronze
definition:
Bronze

Bronze
(_;)
n.
[F. bronze, fr. It. bronzo brown, fr. OHG. br_;n, G. braun. See Brown, a.]
1.
An alloy of copper and tin, to which small proportions of other metals, especially zinc, are sometimes added. It is hard and sonorous, and is used for statues, bells, cannon, etc., the proportions of the ingredients being varied to suit the particular purposes. The varieties containing the higher proportions of tin are brittle, as in bell metal and speculum metal.

2.
A statue, bust, etc., cast in bronze.

A print, a bronze, a flower, a root.
Prior.

3.
A yellowish or reddish brown, the color of bronze; also, a pigment or powder for imitating bronze.

4.
Boldness; impudence; “brass.”

Imbrowned with native bronze, lo! Henley stands.
Pope.

Aluminium bronze. See under Aluminium. -- Bronze age, an age of the world which followed the stone age, and was characterized by the use of implements and ornaments of copper or bronze. -- Bronze powder, a metallic powder, used with size or in combination with painting, to give the appearance of bronze, gold, or other metal, to any surface. -- Phosphor bronze and Silicious bronze or Silicium bronze are made by adding phosphorus and silicon respectively to ordinary bronze, and are characterized by great tenacity.


word: Bronze₂
definition:
Bronze

Bronze
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bronzed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bronzing.]
[Cf. F. bronzer. See Bronze, n.]
1.
To give an appearance of bronze to, by a coating of bronze powder, or by other means; to make of the color of bronze; as, to bronze plaster casts; to bronze coins or medals.

The tall bronzed black-eyed stranger.
W. Black.

2.
To make hard or unfeeling; to brazen.

The lawer who bronzes his bosom instead of his forehead.
Sir W. Scott.

Bronzed skin disease. (Pathol.) See Addison's disease.


word: Bronze steel
definition:
Bronze steel

Bronze steel
A hard tough alloy of tin, copper, and iron, which can be used for guns.


word: Bronzewing
definition:
Bronzewing

Bronze"wing`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
An Australian pigeon of the genus Phaps, of several species; -- so called from its bronze plumage.


word: Bronzine
definition:
Bronzine

Bronz"ine
(_;)
n.
A metal so prepared as to have the appearance of bronze.
a. Made of bronzine; resembling bronze; bronzelike.


word: Bronzing
definition:
Bronzing

Bronz"ing
n.
1.
The act or art of communicating to articles in metal, wood, clay, plaster, etc., the appearance of bronze by means of bronze powders, or imitative painting, or by chemical processes.
Tomlinson.

2.
A material for bronzing.


word: Bronzite
definition:
Bronzite

Bronz"ite
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. bronzite.]
(Min.)
A variety of enstatite, often having a bronzelike luster. It is a silicate of magnesia and iron, of the pyroxene family.


word: Brooch
definition:
Brooch

Brooch
(br&omacrch; 277)
n.
[See Broach, n.]
1.
An ornament, in various forms, with a tongue, pin, or loop for attaching it to a garment; now worn at the breast by women; a breastpin. Formerly worn by men on the hat.

Honor 's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat.
B. Jonson.

2.
(Paint.)
A painting all of one color, as a sepia painting, or an India painting.


word: Brood
definition:
Brood

Brood
(brōd)
n.
[OE. brod, AS. br&omacrd; akin to D. broed, OHG. bruot, G. brut, and also to G. brühe broth, MHG. brüeje, and perh. to E. brawn, breath. Cf. Breed, v. t.]
1.
The young birds hatched at one time; a hatch; as, a brood of chickens.

As a hen doth gather her brood under her wings.
Luke xiii. 34.

A hen followed by a brood of ducks.
Spectator.

2.
The young from the same dam, whether produced at the same time or not; young children of the same mother, especially if nearly of the same age; offspring; progeny; as, a woman with a brood of children.

The lion roars and gluts his tawny brood.
Wordsworth.

3.
That which is bred or produced; breed; species.

Flocks of the airy brood,
(Cranes, geese or long-necked swans).
Chapman.

4.
(Mining)
Heavy waste in tin and copper ores.

To sit on brood, to ponder. [Poetic] Shak.


word: Brood₂
definition:
Brood

Brood
a.
1.
Sitting or inclined to sit on eggs.

2.
Kept for breeding from; as, a brood mare; brood stock; having young; as, a brood sow.


word: Brood₃
definition:
Brood

Brood
(br&omacrch)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Brooded; p. pr. & vb. n. Brooding.]
1.
To sit on and cover eggs, as a fowl, for the purpose of warming them and hatching the young; or to sit over and cover young, as a hen her chickens, in order to warm and protect them; hence, to sit quietly, as if brooding.

Birds of calm sir brooding on the charmed wave.
Milton.

2.
To have the mind dwell continuously or moodily on a subject; to think long and anxiously; to be in a state of gloomy, serious thought; -- usually followed by over or on; as, to brood over misfortunes.

Brooding on unprofitable gold.
Dryden.

Brooding over all these matters, the mother felt like one who has evoked a spirit.
Hawthorne.

When with downcast eyes we muse and brood.
Tennyson.


word: Brood₄
definition:
Brood

Brood
(brōd)
v. t.
1.
To sit over, cover, and cherish; as, a hen broods her chickens.

2.
To cherish with care.
[R.]

3.
To think anxiously or moodily upon.

You'll sit and brood your sorrows on a throne.
Dryden.


word: brooder
definition:
brooder

brood"er
n.
a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants.

Syn. -- incubator.


word: brooding
definition:
brooding

brood"ing
(_;)
a.
1.
worried and thinking long and intensely, especially about a particular problem.

Syn. -- broody, contemplative, meditative, musing, pensive, pondering, reflective, ruminative, gloomy, morose.


word: brooding₂
definition:
brooding

brood"ing
(_;)
a.
good at incubating eggs, especially of a fowl kept for that purpose; as, a brooding hen.

Syn. -- brood, hatching.


word: brooding₃
definition:
brooding

brooding
n.
the process of sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body; -- mostly used of birds.

Syn. -- incubation.


word: Brook
definition:
Brook

Brook
(_;)
n.
[OE. brok, broke, brook, AS. br&omacrc; akin to D. broek, LG. br&omacrk, marshy ground, OHG. pruoh, G. bruch marsh; prob. fr. the root of E. break, so as that it signifies water breaking through the earth, a spring or brook, as well as a marsh. See Break, v. t.]
A natural stream of water smaller than a river or creek.

The Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water.
Deut. viii. 7.

Empires itself, as doth an inland brook
Into the main of waters.
Shak.


word: Brook₂
definition:
Brook

Brook
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brooked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brooking.]
[OE. broken, bruken, to use, enjoy, digest, AS. br_;can; akin to D. gebruiken to use, OHG. pr_;hhan, G. brauchen, gebrauchen, Icel. br_;ka, Goth. br_;kjan, and L. frui, to enjoy. Cf. Fruit, Broker.]
1.
To use; to enjoy.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To bear; to endure; to put up with; to tolerate; as, young men can not brook restraint.
Spenser.

Shall we, who could not brook one lord,
Crouch to the wicked ten?
Macaulay.

3.
To deserve; to earn.
[Obs.]
Sir J. Hawkins.


word: Brookite
definition:
Brookite

Brook"ite
(_;)
n.
[Named from the English mineralogist, H. J. Brooke.]
(Min.)
A mineral consisting of titanic oxide, and hence identical with rutile and octahedrite in composition, but crystallizing in the orthorhombic system.


word: Brooklime
definition:
Brooklime

Brook"lime`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant (Veronica Beccabunga), with flowers, usually blue, in axillary racemes. The American species is Veronica Americana.
[Formerly written broklempe or broklympe.]


word: Brookweed
definition:
Brookweed

Brook"weed`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A small white-flowered herb (Samolus Valerandi) found usually in wet places; water pimpernel.


word: Broom
definition:
Broom

Broom
(brōm)
n.
[OE. brom, brome, AS. br&omacrm; akin to LG. bram, D. brem, OHG. brāmo broom, thorn_;bush, G. brombeere blackberry. Cf. Bramble, n.]
1.
(Bot.)
A plant having twigs suitable for making brooms to sweep with when bound together; esp., the Cytisus scoparius of Western Europe, which is a low shrub with long, straight, green, angular branches, minute leaves, and large yellow flowers.

No gypsy cowered o'er fires of furze and broom.
Wordsworth.

2.
An implement for sweeping floors, etc., commonly made of the panicles or tops of broom corn, bound together or attached to a long wooden handle; -- so called because originally made of the twigs of the broom.

Butcher's broom, a plant (Ruscus aculeatus) of the Smilax family, used by butchers for brooms to sweep their blocks; -- called also knee holly. See Cladophyll. -- Dyer's broom, a species of mignonette (Reseda luteola), used for dyeing yellow; dyer's weed; dyer's rocket. -- Spanish broom. See under Spanish.


word: broom corn
definition:
broom corn

broomcorn

broom"corn, broom" corn`
(_;)
(Bot.)
A tall variety of grass (Sorghum vulgare technicum), having a joined stem, like maize, rising to the height of eight or ten feet, and bearing its seeds on a panicle with long stiff branches, of which brooms are made.


word: Broom rape
definition:
Broom rape

Broom" rape`
(_;)
(Bot.)
A genus (Orobanche) of parasitic plants of Europe and Asia. They are destitute of chlorophyll, have scales instead of leaves, and spiked flowers, and grow attached to the roots of other plants, as furze, clover, flax, wild carrot, etc. The name is sometimes applied to other plants related to this genus, as Aphyllon uniflorumand Aphyllon Ludovicianum.


word: Broomy
definition:
Broomy

Broom"y
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to broom; overgrowing with broom; resembling broom or a broom.

If land grow mossy or broomy.
Mortimer.


word: Brose
definition:
Brose

Brose
(_;)
n.
[CF. Gael. brothas. Cf. Brewis, Broth.]
Pottage made by pouring some boiling liquid on meal (esp. oatmeal), and stirring it. It is called beef brose, water brose, etc., according to the name of the liquid (beef broth, hot water, etc.) used.
[Scot.]


word: Broth
definition:
Broth

Broth
(_;)
n.
[AS. broð; akin to OHG. brod, brot; cf. Ir. broth, Gael. brot. √93. Cf. Brewis, Brew.]
Liquid in which flesh (and sometimes other substances, as barley or rice) has been boiled; thin or simple soup.

I am sure by your unprejudiced discourses that you love broth better than soup.
Addison.


word: Brothel
definition:
Brothel

Broth"el
(_;)
n.
[OE. brothel, brodel, brethel, a prostitute, a worthless fellow, fr. AS. beróðan to ruin, destroy; cf. AS. breótan to break, and E. brittle. The term brothel house was confused with bordel brothel. CF. Bordel.]
A house of lewdness or ill fame; a house frequented by prostitutes; a bawdyhouse.


word: Brother
definition:
Brother

Broth"er
(brŭ&thlig_;"ẽr)
n.
pl. Brothers (brŭ&thlig_;"ẽrz) or Brethren (brĕ&thlig_;"rĕn). See Brethren.
[OE. brother, AS. br&omacrðor; akin to OS. brothar, D. broeder, OHG. pruodar, G. bruder, Icel. br&omacrðir, Sw. & Dan. broder, Goth. br&omacrþar, Ir. brathair, W. brawd, pl. brodyr, Lith. brolis, Lett. brahlis, Russ. brat', Pol. & Serv. brat, OSlav. bratrŭ, L. frater, Skr. bhrāt&rsdot_;, Zend bratar brother, Gr. fra`thr, fra`twr, a clansman. The common plural is Brothers; in the solemn style, Brethren, OE. pl. brether, bretheren, AS. dative sing. brēðer, nom. pl. br&omacrðor, br&omacrðru. √258. Cf. Friar, Fraternal.]
1.
A male person who has the same father and mother with another person, or who has one of them only. In the latter case he is more definitely called a half brother, or brother of the half blood.
A brother having the same mother but different fathers is called a uterine brother, and one having the same father but a different mother is called an agnate brother, or in (Law)  a consanguine brother.  A brother having the same father and mother is called a brother-german or full brother.  The same modifying terms are applied to sister or sibling.

Two of us in the churchyard lie,
My sister and my brother.
Wordsworth.

2.
One related or closely united to another by some common tie or interest, as of rank, profession, membership in a society, toil, suffering, etc.; -- used among judges, clergymen, monks, physicians, lawyers, professors of religion, etc.
brother
Shak.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother.
Shak.

3.
One who, or that which, resembles another in distinctive qualities or traits of character.

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Prov. xviii. 9.

That April morn
Of this the very brother.
Wordsworth.

&hand_; In Scripture, the term brother is applied to a kinsman by blood more remote than a son of the same parents, as in the case of Abraham and Lot, Jacob and Laban. In a more general sense, brother or brethren is used for fellow-man or fellow-men.

For of whom such massacre
Make they but of their brethren, men of men?
Milton.

Brother Jonathan, a humorous designation for the people of the United States collectively.  The phrase is said to have originated from Washington's referring to the patriotic Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, as “Brother Jonathan.” -- Blood brother. See under Blood.


word: Brother₂
definition:
Brother

Broth"er
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brothered (_;).]
To make a brother of; to call or treat as a brother; to admit to a brotherhood.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Brother german
definition:
Brother german

Broth"er ger"man
(_;)
(Law)
A brother by both the father's and mother's side, in contradistinction to a uterine brother, one by the mother only.
Bouvier.


word: Brotherhood
definition:
Brotherhood

Broth"er*hood
(_;)
n.
[Brother + -hood.]
1.
The state of being brothers or a brother.

2.
An association for any purpose, as a society of monks; a fraternity.

3.
The whole body of persons engaged in the same business, -- especially those of the same profession; as, the legal or medical brotherhood.

4.
Persons, and, poetically, things, of a like kind.

A brotherhood of venerable trees.
Wordsworth.


word: Brother-in-law
definition:
Brother-in-law

Broth"er-in-law`
(_;)
n.
pl. Brothers-in-law (_;).
The brother of one's husband or wife; also, the husband of one's sister; sometimes, the husband of one's wife's sister.


word: Brotherly
definition:
Brotherly

Broth"er*ly
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to brothers; such as is natural for brothers; becoming to brothers; kind; affectionate; as, brotherly love.


word: Brotulidae
definition:
Brotulidae

Brotulidae
n.
a natural family of chiefly deep-sea fishes related to the Ophidiidae.

Syn. -- family Brotulidae.


word: Brouded
definition:
Brouded

Broud"ed
(_;)
p. a.
Braided; broidered.
[Obs.]

Alle his clothes brouded up and down.
Chaucer.


word: Brougham
definition:
Brougham

Brough"am
(_;)
n.
A light, enclosed carriage, with seats inside for two or four, and the fore wheels so arranged as to turn short.


word: brouhaha
definition:
brouhaha

brouhaha
n.
1.
the confused noise of many voices.

Syn. -- hubbub, uproar.

2.
a confused disturbance far greater than its cause merits.


word: Broussonetia
definition:
Broussonetia

Broussonetia
n.
a genus of shade trees including the paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) of East Asia.

Syn. -- genus Broussonetia.


word: Brow
definition:
Brow

Brow
(brou)
n.
[OE. browe, bruwe, AS. brū; akin to AS. br&aemacr_;w, breáw, eyelid, OFries. brē, D. braauw, Icel. brā, brūn, OHG. prāwa, G. braue, OSlav. brŭvĭ, Russ. brove, Ir. brai, Ir. & Gael. abhra, Armor. abrant, Gr. 'ofry`s, Skr. bhrū. Cf. Bray a bank, Bridge.]
1.
The prominent ridge over the eye, with the hair that covers it, forming an arch above the orbit.

And his arched brow, pulled o'er his eyes,
With solemn proof proclaims him wise.
Churchill.

2.
The hair that covers the brow (ridge over the eyes); the eyebrow.

'T is not your inky brows, your brack silk hair.
Shak.

3.
The forehead; as, a feverish brow.

Beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow.
Shak.

4.
The general air of the countenance.

To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow.
Milton.

He told them with a masterly brow.
Milton.

5.
The edge or projecting upper part of a steep place; as, the brow of a precipice; the brow of a hill.

To bend the brow, To knit the brows, to frown; to scowl.


word: Brow₂
definition:
Brow

Brow
v. t.
To bound to limit; to be at, or form, the edge of.
[R.]

Tending my flocks hard by i' the hilly crofts
That brow this bottom glade.
Milton.


word: browallia
definition:
browallia

browallia
n.
any of several herbs of the genus Browallia cultivated for their blue or violet or white flowers.

Syn. -- bush violet.


word: Browbeat
definition:
Browbeat

Brow"beat`
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. Browbeat; p. p. Browbeaten (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Browbeating.]
To depress or bear down with haughty, stern looks, or with arrogant speech and dogmatic assertions; to abash or disconcert by impudent or abusive words or looks; to bully; as, to browbeat witnesses.

My grandfather was not a man to be browbeaten.
W. Irving.


word: Browbeating
definition:
Browbeating

Brow"beat`ing
n.
The act of bearing down, abashing, or disconcerting, with stern looks, supercilious manners, or confident assertions.

The imperious browbeatings and scorn of great men.
L'Estrange.


word: Browdyng
definition:
Browdyng

Browd"yng
(broud"ĭng/)
n.
Embroidery.
[Obs.]

Of goldsmithrye, of browdyng, and of steel.
Chaucer.


word: Browed
definition:
Browed

Browed
(_;)
a.
Having (such) a brow; -- used in composition; as, dark-browed, stern-browed.


word: Brown
definition:
Brown

Brown
(broun)
a.
[Compar. Browner (_;); superl. Brownest.]
[OE. brun, broun, AS. br_;n; akin to D. bruin, OHG. br_;n, Icel. br_;nn, Sw. brun, Dan. bruun, G. braun, Lith. brunas, Skr. babhru. √93, 253.  Cf. Bruin, Beaver, Burnish, Brunette.]
Of a dark color, of various shades between black and red or yellow.

Cheeks brown as the oak leaves.
Longfellow.

Brown Bess, the old regulation flintlock smoothbore musket, with bronzed barrel, formerly used in the British army. -- Brown bread (a) Dark colored bread; esp. a kind made of unbolted wheat flour, sometimes called in the United States Graham bread. “He would mouth with a beggar though she smelt brown bread and garlic.” Shak. (b) Dark colored bread made of rye meal and Indian meal, or of wheat and rye or Indian; rye and Indian bread. [U.S.] -- Brown coal, wood coal. See Lignite. -- Brown hematite or Brown iron ore (Min.), the hydrous iron oxide, limonite, which has a brown streak. See Limonite. -- Brown holland. See under Holland. -- Brown paper, dark colored paper, esp. coarse wrapping paper, made of unbleached materials. -- Brown spar (Min.), a ferruginous variety of dolomite, in part identical with ankerite. -- Brown stone. See Brownstone. -- Brown stout, a strong kind of porter or malt liquor. -- Brown study, a state of mental abstraction or serious reverie. W. Irving.


word: Brown₂
definition:
Brown

Brown
n.
A dark color inclining to red or yellow, resulting from the mixture of red and black, or of red, black, and yellow; a tawny, dusky hue.


word: Brown₃
definition:
Brown

Brown
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Browned (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Browning.]
1.
To make brown or dusky.

A trembling twilight o'er welkin moves,
Browns the dim void and darkens deep the groves.
Barlow.

2.
To make brown by scorching slightly; as, to brown meat or flour.

3.
To give a bright brown color to, as to gun barrels, by forming a thin coat of oxide on their surface.
Ure.


word: Brown bill
definition:
Brown bill

Brown" bill`
(_;)
[Brown + bill cutting tool.]
A bill or halberd of the 16th and 17th centuries. See 4th Bill.

Many time, but for a sallet, my brainpan had been cleft with a brown bill.
Shak.

&hand_; The black, or as it is sometimes called, the brown bill, was a kind of halberd, the cutting part hooked like a woodman's bill, from the back of which projected a spike, and another from the head.
Grose.


word: browned
definition:
browned

browned
adj.
having a tan color from exposure to the sun; -- of skin color.

Syn. -- suntanned, tanned.


word: Brownian
definition:
Brownian

Brown"i*an
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to Dr. Robert Brown, who first demonstrated (about 1827) the commonness of the motion described below.

Brownian motion, Brownian movement, the peculiar, rapid, vibratory movement exhibited by the microscopic particles of substances when suspended in water or other fluids.


word: Brownie
definition:
Brownie

Brown"ie
(_;)
n.
[So called from its supposed tawny or swarthy color.]
An imaginary good-natured spirit, who was supposed often to perform important services around the house by night, such as thrashing, churning, sweeping.
[Scot.]


word: Browning
definition:
Browning

Brown"ing
n.
1.
The act or operation of giving a brown color, as to gun barrels, etc.

2.
(Masonry)
A smooth coat of brown mortar, usually the second coat, and the preparation for the finishing coat of plaster.


word: Brownism
definition:
Brownism

Brown"ism
(_;)
n.
(Eccl. Hist.)
The views or teachings of Robert Brown of the Brownists.
Milton.


word: Brownist
definition:
Brownist

Brown"ist
n.
(Eccl. Hist.)
A follower of Robert Brown, of England, in the 16th century, who taught that every church is complete and independent in itself when organized, and consists of members meeting in one place, having full power to elect and depose its officers.


word: brownout
definition:
brownout

brown"out
n.
1.
darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft).

Syn. -- blackout, dimout.

2.
a partial reduction in the amount of electric power available to customers in a region, such as by reduction of voltage or selective cutoff of certain customers; -- it occurs for example in summer when the demand for electricity for air-conditioning exceeds the supply, or when power to certain customers is cut off by a severe storm.  It is contrasted with blackout, which is the total loss of electrical power in a region.


word: Brownness
definition:
Brownness

Brown"ness
n.
The quality or state of being brown.

Now like I brown (O lovely brown thy hair);
Only in brownness beauty dwelleth there.
Drayton.


word: Brownstone
definition:
Brownstone

Brown"stone`
(_;)
n.
1.
A dark variety of sandstone, much used for building purposes.

2.
a building, especially a dwelling, faced with brownstone{1}.


word: Brown thrush
definition:
Brown thrush

Brown" thrush"
(_;)
(Zool.)
A common American singing bird (Harporhynchus rufus), allied to the mocking bird; -- also called brown thrasher.


word: Brownwort
definition:
Brownwort

Brown"wort`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A species of figwort or Scrophularia (Scrophularia vernalis), and other species of the same genus, mostly perennials with inconspicuous coarse flowers.


word: Browse
definition:
Browse

Browse
(brouz)
n.
[OF. brost, broust, sprout, shoot, F. brout browse, browsewood, prob. fr. OHG. burst, G. borste, bristle; cf. also Armor. brousta to browse. See Bristle, n., Brush, n.]
The tender branches or twigs of trees and shrubs, fit for the food of cattle and other animals; green food.
Spenser.

Sheep, goats, and oxen, and the nobler steed,
On browse, and corn, and flowery meadows feed.
Dryden.


word: Browse₂
definition:
Browse

Browse
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Browsed (brouzd); p. pr. & vb. n. Browsing.]
[For broust, OF. brouster, bruster, F. brouter. See Browse, n., and cf. Brut.]
1.
To eat or nibble off, as the tender branches of trees, shrubs, etc.; -- said of cattle, sheep, deer, and some other animals.

Yes, like the stag, when snow the plasture sheets,
The barks of trees thou browsedst.
Shak.

2.
To feed on, as pasture; to pasture on; to graze.

Fields . . . browsed by deep-uddered kine.
Tennyson.

3.
To look casually through (a book, books, or a set of documents), reading those parts which arouse one's interest.  Contrasted with scan, in which one typically is searching for something specific.

3.
(Computers)
To look at a series of electronic documents on a computer screen by means of a browser{2}.


word: Browse₃
definition:
Browse

Browse
(brouz)
v. i.
1.
To feed on the tender branches or shoots of shrubs or trees, as do cattle, sheep, and deer.

2.
To pasture; to feed; to nibble; to graze.
Shak.

3.
To look casually through a book, books, or a set of documents, reading those parts which arouse one's interest.

4.
To search through a group of items to find something, not previously specified, which may be of interest.


word: Browser
definition:
Browser

Brows"er
(brouz"ẽr)
n.
1.
An animal that browses.

2.
(Computers)
a computer program that permits the user to view multiple electronic documents in a flexible sequence by the process of activating hypertext “buttons” within one document, which serves as a reference to the location of related document.  The term is currently (late 1990's) used mostly for programs which allow traversing hypertext paths in documents on the internet.  A typical browser will permit the user to easily reverse direction, and view again documents previously accessed.


word: Browsing
definition:
Browsing

Brows"ing
n.
Browse; also, a place abounding with shrubs where animals may browse.

Browsings for the deer.
Howell.


word: Browspot
definition:
Browspot

Brow"spot`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
A rounded organ between the eyes of the frog; the interocular gland.


word: Brucine
definition:
Brucine

Bru"cine
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. brucine, fr. James Bruce, a Scottish traveler.]
(Chem.)
A powerful vegetable alkaloid, found, associated with strychnine, in the seeds of different species of Strychnos, especially in the Nux vomica. It is less powerful than strychnine. Called also brucia and brucina.


word: Brucite
definition:
Brucite

Bru"cite
(_;)
n.
[Named after Dr. A. Bruce of New York.]
(Min.)
(a)
A white, pearly mineral, occurring thin and foliated, like talc, and also fibrous; a native magnesium hydrate.
(b)
The mineral chondrodite.
[R.]


word: Brugmansia
definition:
Brugmansia

Brugmansia
n.
a genus of plants of the nightshade family, including some plants often placed in the genus Datura, such as the angel's trumpets.

Syn. -- genus Brugmansia.


word: bruin
definition:
bruin

bru"in
(_;)
n.
[D. bruin brown. In the epic poem of “Reynard the Fox” the bear is so called from his color. See Brown, a.]
A bear; -- so called in popular tales and fables.


word: Bruise
definition:
Bruise

Bruise
(br&usuml_;z)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bruised (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bruising.]
[OE. brusen, brisen, brosen, bresen, AS. br_;san or fr. OF. bruiser, bruisier, bruser, to break, shiver, perh. from OHG. brochis&omacrn. Cf. Break, v. t.]
1.
To injure, as by a blow or collision, without laceration; to contuse; as, to bruise one's finger with a hammer; to bruise the bark of a tree with a stone; to bruise an apple by letting it fall.

2.
To break; as in a mortar; to bray, as minerals, roots, etc.; to crush.

Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs.
Shak.


word: Bruise₂
definition:
Bruise

Bruise
v. i.
To fight with the fists; to box.

Bruising was considered a fine, manly, old English custom.
Thackeray.


word: Bruise₃
definition:
Bruise

Bruise
n.
An injury to the flesh of animals, or to plants, fruit, etc., with a blunt or heavy instrument, or by collision with some other body; a contusion; as, a bruise on the head; bruises on fruit.

From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises.
Isa. i. 6.


word: bruised
definition:
bruised

bruised
adj.
suffering from emotional injury; as, a bruised ego.

Syn. -- hurt, wounded.

2.
injured without breaking the skin; as, a cut forehead and bruised cheek.

Syn. -- contused, contusioned.


word: Bruiser
definition:
Bruiser

Bruis"er
(_;)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, bruises.

2.
A boxer; a pugilist; hence, a strong, tough person; -- often used in the phrase big bruiser.
R. Browning.

Like a new bruiser on Broughtonic sand,
Amid the lists our hero takes his stand.
T. Warton.

3.
A concave tool used in grinding lenses or the speculums of telescopes.
Knight.


word: Bruisewort
definition:
Bruisewort

Bruise"wort`
(_;)
n.
A plant supposed to heal bruises, as the true daisy, the soapwort, and the comfrey.


word: Bruit
definition:
Bruit

Bruit
(_;)
n.
[OE. bruit, brut, noise, bruit, F. bruit, fr. LL. brugitus; cf. L. rugire to roar; perh. influenced by the source of E. bray to make a harsh noise, Armor. brud bruit.]
1.
Report; rumor; fame.

The bruit thereof will bring you many friends.
Shak.

2.
[French pron. _;.]
(Med.)
An abnormal sound of several kinds, heard on auscultation.


word: Bruit₂
definition:
Bruit

Bruit
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bruited; p. pr. & vb. n. Bruiting.]
To report; to noise abroad.

I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited.
Shak.


word: Brumaire
definition:
Brumaire

Bru`maire"
(_;)
n.
[F., fr. L. bruma winter.]
The second month of the calendar adopted by the first French republic. It began thirty days after the autumnal equinox. See Vendemiaire.


word: Brumal
definition:
Brumal

Bru"mal
(_;)
a.
[L. brumalis, fr. bruma winter: cf. F. brumal.]
Of or pertaining to winter.
brumal
Sir T. Browne.


word: Brume
definition:
Brume

Brume
(_;)
n.
[F. brume winter season, mist, L. bruma winter.]
Mist; fog; vapors.
brume
Longfellow.


word: Brummagem
definition:
Brummagem

Brum"ma*gem
(_;)
a.
[Birmingham (formerly Bromwycham), Eng., “the great mart and manufactory of gilt toys, cheap jewelry,” etc.]
Counterfeit; gaudy but worthless; sham.
[Slang]
Brummagem
Lady D. Hardy.


word: Bruneian
definition:
Bruneian

Bruneian
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to Brunei; as, Bruneian oil production.

2.
a native or inhabitant of Brunei.


word: Brunette
definition:
Brunette

brunet

bru*net", Bru*nette"
(_;)
adj.
1.
being or having dark-colored skin and hair; contrasted with blond.
adust, sunburned  burned brown by the sun
black, brown
black-haired, dark-haired
browned, suntanned, tanned
grizzled, roan
nutbrown


word: Brunette₂
definition:
Brunette

brunet

bru*net", Bru*nette"
(_;)
n.
[F. brunet, brunette, brownish, dim. of brun, brune, brown, fr. OHG. br_;n. See Brown, a.]
A girl or woman with a somewhat brown or dark complexion.
a. Having a dark tint.


word: Brunion
definition:
Brunion

Brun"ion
(_;)
n.
[F. brugnon (cf. It. brugna, prugna), fr. L. prunum. See Prune, n.]
A nectarine.


word: Brunonian
definition:
Brunonian

Bru*no"ni*an
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to, or invented by, Brown; -- a term applied to a system of medicine promulgated in the 18th century by John Brown, of Scotland, the fundamental doctrine of which was, that life is a state of excitation produced by the normal action of external agents upon the body, and that disease consists in excess or deficiency of excitation.


word: Brunswick green
definition:
Brunswick green

Bruns"wick green`
(_;)
[G. Braunschweiger grün, first made at Brunswick, in Germany.]
An oxychloride of copper, used as a green pigment; also, a carbonate of copper similarly employed.


word: Brunt
definition:
Brunt

Brunt
(brŭnt)
n.
[OE. brunt, bront, fr. Icel. bruna to rush; cf. Icel. brenna to burn. Cf. Burn, v. t.]
1.
The heat, or utmost violence, of an onset; the strength or greatest fury of any contention; as, the brunt of a battle.

2.
The force of a blow; shock; collision.
brunt
Hudibras.

It is instantly and irrecoverably scattered by our first brunt with some real affair of common life.
I. Taylor.


word: Brush
definition:
Brush

Brush
(brŭsh)
n.
[OE. brusche, OF. broche, broce, brosse, brushwood, F. brosse brush, LL. brustia, bruscia, fr. OHG. brusta, brust, bristle, G. borste bristle, bürste brush. See Bristle, n., and cf. Browse.]
1.
An instrument composed of bristles, or other like material, set in a suitable back or handle, as of wood, bone, or ivory, and used for various purposes, as in removing dust from clothes, laying on colors, etc. Brushes have different shapes and names according to their use; as, clothes brush, paint brush, tooth brush, etc.

2.
The bushy tail of a fox.

3.
(Zool.)
A tuft of hair on the mandibles.

4.
Branches of trees lopped off; brushwood.

5.
A thicket of shrubs or small trees; the shrubs and small trees in a wood; underbrush.

6.
land covered with brush{5}; in Australia, a dense growth of vegetation in good soil, including shrubs and trees, mostly small.

7.
(Elec.)
A bundle of flexible wires or thin plates of metal, used to conduct an electrical current to or from the commutator of a dynamo, electric motor, or similar apparatus.

8.
The act of brushing; as, to give one's clothes a brush; a rubbing or grazing with a quick motion; a light touch; as, we got a brush from the wheel as it passed.

[As leaves] have with one winter's brush
Fell from their boughts.
Shak.

9.
A skirmish; a slight encounter; a shock or collision; as, to have a brush with an enemy; a brush with the law.

Let grow thy sinews till their knots be strong,
And tempt not yet the brushes of the war.
Shak.

10.
A short contest, or trial, of speed.

Let us enjoy a brush across the country.
Cornhill Mag.

Electrical brush, a form of the electric discharge characterized by a brushlike appearance of luminous rays diverging from an electrified body.


word: Brush₂
definition:
Brush

Brush
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brushed (brŭsht); p. pr. & vb. n. Brushing.]
[OE. bruschen; cf. F. brosser. See Brush, n.]
1.
To apply a brush to, according to its particular use; to rub, smooth, clean, paint, etc., with a brush.
brushes
Shak.

2.
To touch in passing, or to pass lightly over, as with a brush.

Some spread their sailes, some with strong oars sweep
The waters smooth, and brush the buxom wave.
Fairfax.

Brushed with the kiss of rustling wings.
Milton.

3.
To remove or gather by brushing, or by an act like that of brushing, or by passing lightly over, as wind; -- commonly with off.

As wicked dew as e'er my mother brushed
With raven's feather from unwholesome fen.
Shak.

And from the boughts brush off the evil dew.
Milton.

To brush aside, to remove from one's way, as with a brush. -- To brush away, to remove, as with a brush or brushing motion. -- To brush up, to paint, or make clean or bright with a brush; to cleanse or improve; to renew.

You have commissioned me to paint your shop, and I have done my best to brush you up like your neighbors.
Pope.


word: Brush₃
definition:
Brush

Brush
v. i.
To move nimbly in haste; to move so lightly as scarcely to be perceived; as, to brush by.

Snatching his hat, he brushed off like the wind.
Goldsmith.


word: brushed
definition:
brushed

brushed
adj.
1.
p. p. of brush.

2.
having a soft nap produced by brushing; as, a dress of brushed cotton.


word: Brushiness
definition:
Brushiness

Brush"i*ness
(_;)
n.
The quality of resembling a brush; brushlike condition; shagginess.
Dr. H. More.


word: Brushing
definition:
Brushing

Brush"ing
a.
1.
Constructed or used to brush with; as a brushing machine.

2.
Brisk; light; as, a brushing gallop.


word: Brushite
definition:
Brushite

Brush"ite
(_;)
n.
[From George J. Brush, an American mineralogist.]
(Min.)
A white or gray crystalline mineral consisting of the acid phosphate of calcium.


word: Brush turkey
definition:
Brush turkey

Brush" tur`key
(_;)
(Zool.)
A large, edible, gregarious bird of Australia (Talegalla Lathami) of the family Megapodidæ. Also applied to several allied species of New Guinea.

&hand_; The brush turkeys live in the “brush,” and construct a common nest by collecting a large heap of decaying vegetable matter, which generates heat sufficient to hatch the numerous eggs (sometimes half a bushel) deposited in it by the females of the flock.


word: Brush wheel
definition:
Brush wheel

Brush" wheel`
(_;)
1.
A wheel without teeth, used to turn a similar one by the friction of bristles or something brushlike or soft attached to the circumference.

2.
A circular revolving brush used by turners, lapidaries, silversmiths, etc., for polishing.


word: Brushwood
definition:
Brushwood

Brush"wood
(_;)
n.
1.
Brush; a thicket or coppice of small trees and shrubs.

2.
Small branches of trees cut off.


word: Brusque
definition:
Brusque

Brusque
(_;)
a.
[F. brusque, from It. brusco brusque, tart, sour, perh. fr. L. (vitis) labrusca wild (vine); or cf. OHG. bruttisc grim, fr. brutti terror.]
Rough and prompt in manner; blunt; abrupt; bluff; as, a brusque man; a brusque style.


word: Brusqueness
definition:
Brusqueness

Brusque"ness
n.
Quality of being brusque; roughness joined with promptness; bluntness.
Brit. Quar.


word: Brussels
definition:
Brussels

Brussels
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Belgium.  Population (2000) = 949,070 (metro).  It has given its name to a kind of carpet, a kind of lace, etc.

Brussels carpet, a kind of carpet made of worsted yarn fixed in a foundation web of strong linen thread. The worsted, which alone shows on the upper surface in drawn up in loops to form the pattern. -- Brussels ground, a name given to the handmade ground of real Brussels lace. It is very costly because of the extreme fineness of the threads. -- Brussels lace, an expensive kind of lace of several varieties, originally made in Brussels; as, Brussels point, Brussels ground, Brussels wire ground. -- Brussels net, an imitation of Brussels ground, made by machinery. -- Brussels point. See Point lace. -- Brussels sprouts (Bot.), a plant of the Cabbage family, which produces, in the axils of the upright stem, numerous small green heads, or “sprouts,” each a cabbage in miniature, of one or two inches in diameter; the thousand-headed cabbage. -- Brussels wire ground, a ground for lace, made of silk, with meshes partly straight and partly arched.


word: Brustle
definition:
Brustle

Brus"tle
(_;)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Brustled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brustling (_;).]
[OE. brustlien and brastlien, AS. brastlian, fr. berstan to burst, akin to G. prasseln to crackle. See Burst, v. i.]
1.
To crackle; to rustle, as a silk garment.
[Obs.]
Gower.

2.
To make a show of fierceness or defiance; to bristle.
[Obs.]

To brustle up, to bristle up. [Obs.] Otway.


word: Brutal
definition:
Brutal

Bru"tal
(_;)
a.
[Cf. F. brutal. See Brute, a.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a brute; as, brutal nature.
brutal
Milton.

2.
Like a brute; savage; cruel; inhuman; brutish; unfeeling; merciless; gross; as, brutal manners.
Brutal
Macaulay.


word: brutalise
definition:
brutalise

brutalise
v. t.
1.
to treat brutally.

Syn. -- brutalize.

2.
to cause to become like a brute; as, life in the concentration camp had brutalised him.

Syn. -- brutalize.


word: Brutality
definition:
Brutality

Bru*tal"i*ty
(_;)
n.
pl. Brutalities (_;).
[Cf. F. brutalité.]
1.
The quality of being brutal; inhumanity; savageness; pitilessness.

2.
An inhuman act.

The . . . brutalities exercised in war.
Brougham.


word: Brutalization
definition:
Brutalization

Bru`tal*i*za"tion
(_;)
n.
The act or process of making brutal; state of being brutalized.


word: Brutalize
definition:
Brutalize

Bru"tal*ize
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brutalized (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brutalizing.]
[Cf. F. brutaliser.]
To make brutal; beasty; unfeeling; or inhuman.


word: Brutalize₂
definition:
Brutalize

Bru"tal*ize
v. i.
To become brutal, inhuman, barbarous, or coarse and beasty.
[R.]

He mixed . . . with his countrymen, brutalized with them in their habits and manners.
Addison.


word: Brute
definition:
Brute

Brute
(_;)
a.
[F. brut, nasc., brute, fem., raw, rough, rude, brutish, L. brutus stupid, irrational: cf. It. & Sp. bruto.]
1.
Not having sensation; senseless; inanimate; unconscious; without intelligence or volition; as, the brute earth; the brute powers of nature.

2.
Not possessing reason, irrational; unthinking; as, a brute beast; the brute creation.

A creature . . . not prone
And brute as other creatures, but endued
With sanctity of reason.
Milton.

3.
Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of, a brute beast. Hence: Brutal; cruel; fierce; ferocious; savage; pitiless; as, brute violence.
Macaulay.

The influence of capital and mere brute labor.
Playfair.

4.
Having the physical powers predominating over the mental; coarse; unpolished; unintelligent.

A great brute farmer from Liddesdale.
Sir W. Scott.

5.
Rough; uncivilized; unfeeling.
[R.]

brute force, The application of predominantly physical effort to achieve a goal that could be accomplished with less effort if more carefully considered.  Figuratively, repetitive or strenuous application of an obvious or simple tactic, as contrasted with a more clever stratagem achieving the same goal with less effort; -- as, the first prime numbers were discovered by the brute force repetition of the Sieve of Eratosthenes.


word: Brute₂
definition:
Brute

Brute
n.
1.
An animal destitute of human reason; any animal not human; esp. a quadruped; a beast.

Brutes may be considered as either aërial, terrestrial, aquatic, or amphibious.
Locke.

2.
A brutal person; a savage in heart or manners; as unfeeling or coarse person.

An ill-natured brute of a husband.
Franklin.


word: Brutify
definition:
Brutify

Bru"ti*fy
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Brutified (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brutifying.]
[Brute + -fy: cf. F. brutifier.]
To make like a brute; to make senseless, stupid, or unfeeling; to brutalize.

Any man not quite brutified and void of sense.
Barrow.


word: Brutish
definition:
Brutish

Bru"tish
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to, or resembling, a brute or brutes; of a cruel, gross, and stupid nature; coarse; unfeeling; unintelligent.

O, let all provocation
Take every brutish shape it can devise.
Leigh Hunt.

Man may . . . render himself brutish, but it is in vain that he would seek to take the rank and density of the brute.
I. Taylor.


word: Brutism
definition:
Brutism

Bru"tism
(_;)
n.
The nature or characteristic qualities or actions of a brute; extreme stupidity, or beastly vulgarity.


word: Bryonin
definition:
Bryonin

Bry"o*nin
(_;)
n.
(Chem.)
A bitter principle obtained from the root of the bryony (Bryonia alba and Bryonia dioica).  It is a white, or slightly colored, substance, and is emetic and cathartic.


word: Bryony
definition:
Bryony

Bry"o*ny
(brī"o̝*n&ybreve_;)
n.
[L. bryonia, Gr. brywni`a, fr. bry`ein to swell, esp. of plants.]
(Bot.)
The common name of several cucurbitaceous plants of the genus Bryonia.  The root of Bryonia alba (rough bryony or white bryony) and of Bryonia dioica is a strong, irritating cathartic.

Black bryony, a plant (Tamus communis) so named from its dark glossy leaves and black root; black bindweed.


word: bryophyte
definition:
bryophyte

bryophyte
n.
any of numerous plants of the division Bryophyta.

Syn. -- nonvascular plant.


word: Bryopsida
definition:
Bryopsida

Bryopsida
n.
the class of plants comprising the true mosses, having leafy rather than thalloid gametophytes; it comprises the orders Andreaeales; Bryales; Dicranales; Eubryales; and Sphagnales.

Syn. -- class Bryopsida, Musci, class Musci.


word: Bryozoa
definition:
Bryozoa

Bry`o*zo"a
(_;)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; moss + _; animal.]
(Zool.)
A class of Molluscoidea, including minute animals which by budding form compound colonies; -- called also Polyzoa.

&hand_; They are often coralike in form and appearance, each small cell containing an individual zooid. Other species grow in delicate, flexible, branched forms, resembling moss, whence the name. Some are found in fresh water, but most are marine. The three principal divisions are Ectoprocta, Entoprocta, and Pterobranchia. See Cyclostoma, Chilostoma, and Phylactolema.


word: Bryozoum
definition:
Bryozoum

Bry`o*zo"um
(_;)
n.
[NL. See Bryozoa.]
(Zool.)
An individual zooid of a bryozoan coralline, of which there may be two or more kinds in a single colony. The zoœcia usually have a wreath of tentacles around the mouth, and a well developed stomach and intestinal canal; but these parts are lacking in the other zooids (Avicularia, Oœcia, etc.).


word: Buansuah
definition:
Buansuah

Bu`an*su"ah
(_;)
n.
[Native name.]
(Zool.)
The wild dog of northern India (Cuon primævus), supposed by some to be an ancestral species of the domestic dog.


word: Bub₂
definition:
Bub

Bub
n.
[Cf. 2d Bubby.]
A young brother; a little boy; -- a familiar term of address of a small boy.


word: Bubale
definition:
Bubale

Bu"ba*le
(_;)
n.
[Cf. F. bubale. See Buffalo, n.]
(Zool.)
A large antelope (Alcelaphus bubalis) of Egypt and the Desert of Sahara, supposed by some to be the fallow deer of the Bible.


word: Bubalus
definition:
Bubalus

Bubalus
n.
a genus of ruminants which in some classification systems is included in the genus Bos; the water buffaloes.

Syn. -- genus Bubalus, tribe Bubalus.


word: Bubble
definition:
Bubble

Bub"ble
(_;)
n.
[Cf. D. bobbel, Dan. boble, Sw. bubbla. Cf. Blob, n.]
1.
A thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas; as, a soap bubble; bubbles on the surface of a river.

Beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow,
Like bubbles in a late disturbed stream.
Shak.

2.
A small quantity of air or gas within a liquid body; as, bubbles rising in champagne or aërated waters.

3.
A globule of air, or globular vacuum, in a transparent solid; as, bubbles in window glass, or in a lens.

4.
A small, hollow, floating bead or globe, formerly used for testing the strength of spirits.

5.
The globule of air in the spirit tube of a level.

6.
Anything that wants firmness or solidity; that which is more specious than real; a false show; a cheat or fraud; a delusive scheme; an empty project; a dishonest speculation; as, the South Sea bubble.

Then a soldier . . . 
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth.
Shak.

7.
A person deceived by an empty project; a gull.
[Obs.]
bubble
Prior.


word: Bubble₂
definition:
Bubble

Bub"ble
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bubbled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bubbling (_;).]
[Cf. D. bobbelen, Dan. boble. See Bubble, n.]
1.
To rise in bubbles, as liquids when boiling or agitated; to contain bubbles.

The milk that bubbled in the pail.
Tennyson.

2.
To run with a gurgling noise, as if forming bubbles; as, a bubbling stream.
Pope.

3.
To sing with a gurgling or warbling sound.

At mine ear
Bubbled the nightingale and heeded not.
Tennyson.


word: Bubbler
definition:
Bubbler

Bub"bler
v. t.
To cheat; to deceive.

She has bubbled him out of his youth.
Addison.

The great Locke, who was seldom outwitted by false sounds, was nevertheless bubbled here.
Sterne.


word: Bubbler₂
definition:
Bubbler

Bub"bler
(_;)
n.
1.
One who cheats.

All the Jews, jobbers, bubblers, subscribers, projectors, etc.
Pope.

2.
(Zool.)
A fish of the Ohio river; -- so called from the noise it makes.


word: Bubble shell
definition:
Bubble shell

Bub"ble shell`
(_;)
(Zool.)
A marine univalve shell of the genus Bulla and allied genera, belonging to the Tectibranchiata.


word: bubbling
definition:
bubbling

bubbling
adj.
1.
giving off bubbles; -- of a liquid.
foaming, frothing
effervescent
boiling

2.
stimulatingly lively, witty, and entertaining; -- of people.

Syn. -- effervescent, scintillating, sparkling, sparkly, vivacious.


word: Bubbling Jock
definition:
Bubbling Jock

Bub"bling Jock`
(_;)
(Zool.)
The male wild turkey, the gobbler; -- so called in allusion to its notes.


word: Bubby
definition:
Bubby

Bub"by
(bŭb"b&ybreve_;)
n.
[Cf. Prov. G. bübbi, or It. poppa, Pr. popa, OF. poupe, a woman's breast.]
A woman's breast.
[Low]


word: Bubby₂
definition:
Bubby

Bub"by
n.
[A corruption of brother.]
Bub; -- a term of familiar or affectionate address to a small boy.


word: Bubo
definition:
Bubo

Bu"bo
(bū"bo̝)
n.
pl. Buboes (-bo̝z).
[LL. bubo the groin, a swelling in the groin, Gr. boubw`n.]
(Med.)
An inflammation, with enlargement, of a lymphatic gland, esp. in the groin, as in syphilis.


word: Bubonic
definition:
Bubonic

Bu*bon"ic
(b&uuptack_;*b&obreve_;n"ĭk)
a.
Of or pertaining to a bubo or buboes; characterized by buboes.


word: Bubonic plague
definition:
Bubonic plague

Bubonic plague
(Med.)
a severe and often fatal disease caused by infection with the bacterium Yersinia pestis (formerly Pasteurella pestis), transmitted to man by the bite of fleas, themselves usually infected by biting infected rodents.  It is characterized by the formation of buboes, most notably on the groin and armpits, and accompanied by weakness and high fever.  The disease was known as the black death, and was responsible for several devastating plagues throughout the middle ages.  When lungs became infected, the disease was called the pneumonic plague.  It is still found occasionally in poor areas of undeveloped countries but is rare in developed countries.


word: Bubonocele
definition:
Bubonocele

Bu*bon"o*cele
(b&uuptack_;*b&obreve_;n"o̝*sēl)
n.
[Gr. boubw`n groin + _; tumor: cf. F. bubonocèle.]
(Med.)
An inguinal hernia; esp. that incomplete variety in which the hernial pouch descends only as far as the groin, forming a swelling there like a bubo.


word: Buccal
definition:
Buccal

Buc"cal
(_;)
a.
[L. bucca cheek: cf. F. buccal.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the mouth or cheeks.


word: Buccan
definition:
Buccan

Buc"can
(?)
n.
[F. boucan. See Buccaneer.]
1.
A wooden frame or grid for roasting, smoking, or drying meat over fire.

2.
A place where meat is smoked.

3.
Buccaned meat.


word: Buccan₂
definition:
Buccan

Buc"can
v. t.
[F. boucaner. See Buccaneer.]
To expose (meat) in strips to fire and smoke upon a buccan.


word: Buccaneer
definition:
Buccaneer

Buc`ca*neer"
(_;)
n.
[F. boucanier, fr. boucaner to smoke or broil meat and fish, to hunt wild beasts for their skins, boucan a smoking place for meat or fish, gridiron for smoking: a word of American origin.]
A robber upon the sea; a pirate; -- a term applied especially to the piratical adventurers who made depredations on the Spaniards in America in the 17th and 18th centuries.
[Written also bucanier.]

&hand_; Primarily, one who dries and smokes flesh or fish after the manner of the Indians. The name was first given to the French settlers in Haiti or Hispaniola, whose business was to hunt wild cattle and swine.


word: Buccaneer₂
definition:
Buccaneer

Buc`ca*neer"
v. i.
To act the part of a buccaneer; to live as a piratical adventurer or sea robber.


word: Buccinal
definition:
Buccinal

Buc"ci*nal
(_;)
a.
[L. bucina a crooked horn or trumpet.]
Shaped or sounding like a trumpet; trumpetlike.


word: Buccinator
definition:
Buccinator

Buc`ci*na"tor
(_;)
n.
[L., a trumpeter, fr. bucinare to sound the trumpet.]
(Anat.)
A muscle of the cheek; -- so called from its use in blowing wind instruments.


word: Buccinoid
definition:
Buccinoid

Buc"ci*noid
(_;)
a.
[Buccinum + -oid.]
(Zool.)
Resembling the genus Buccinum, or pertaining to the Buccinidæ, a family of marine univalve shells. See Whelk, and Prosobranchiata.


word: Buccinum
definition:
Buccinum

Buc"ci*num
(_;)
prop. n.
[L., a trumpet, a trumpet shell.]
(Zool.)
A genus of large univalve mollusks abundant in the arctic seas.  It includes the common whelk (Buccinum undatum).


word: Bucentaur
definition:
Bucentaur

Bu*cen"taur
(_;)
n.
[Gr. boy^s ox + ke`ntayros centaur.]
1.
A fabulous monster, half ox, half man.

2.
[It. bucentoro.]
The state barge of Venice, used by the doge in the ceremony of espousing the Adriatic.


word: Bucephalus
definition:
Bucephalus

Bu*ceph"a*lus
(?)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. _;, lit., ox-headed; _; ox + _; head.]
1.
The celebrated war horse of Alexander the Great.

2.
Hence, any riding horse.
[Jocose]
Sir W. Scott


word: Buceros
definition:
Buceros

Bu"ce*ros
(_;)
n.
[Gr. boy`kerws horned like an ox; boy^s ox + ke`ras horn.]
(Zool.)
A genus of large perching birds; the hornbills.


word: Bucharest
definition:
Bucharest

Bucharest
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Romania.  Population (2000) = 2,351,000.


word: Bucholzite
definition:
Bucholzite

Buch"ol*zite
(_;)
n.
[So called from Bucholz, a German chemist.]
(Min.)
Same as Fibrolite.


word: Buchu
definition:
Buchu

Bu"chu
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A South African shrub (Barosma) with small leaves that are dotted with oil glands; also, the leaves themselves, which are used in medicine for diseases of the urinary organs, etc. Several species furnish the leaves.


word: Buck
definition:
Buck

Buck
(bŭk)
n.
[Akin to LG. büke, Dan. byg, Sw. byk, G. bauche: cf. It. bucato, Prov. Sp. bugada, F. buée.]
1.
Lye or suds in which cloth is soaked in the operation of bleaching, or in which clothes are washed.

2.
The cloth or clothes soaked or washed.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Buck₂
definition:
Buck

Buck
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bucked (bŭkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Bucking.]
[OE. bouken; akin to LG. büken, Dan. byge, Sw. byka, G. bauchen, beuchen; cf. OF. buer. Cf. the preceding noun.]
1.
To soak, steep, or boil, in lye or suds; -- a process in bleaching.

2.
To wash (clothes) in lye or suds, or, in later usage, by beating them on stones in running water.

3.
(Mining)
To break up or pulverize, as ores.


word: Buck₃
definition:
Buck

Buck
(bŭk)
n.
[OE. buk, bucke, AS. bucca, bua, he-goat; akin to D. bok, OHG. pocch, G. bock, Ir. boc, W. bwch, Corn. byk; cf. Zend būza, Skr. bukka. √256. Cf. Butcher, n.]
1.
The male of deer, especially fallow deer and antelopes, or of goats, sheep, hares, and rabbits.

&hand_; A male fallow deer is called a fawn in his first year; a pricket in his second; a sorel in his third; a sore in his fourth; a buck of the first head in his fifth; and a great buck in his sixth. The female of the fallow deer is termed a doe. The male of the red deer is termed a stag or hart and not a buck, and the female is called a hind.
Brande & C.

2.
A gay, dashing young fellow; a fop; a dandy.

The leading bucks of the day.
Thackeray.

3.
A male Indian or negro.
[Colloq. U.S.]

&hand_; The word buck is much used in composition for the names of antelopes; as, bush buck, spring buck.

Blue buck. See under Blue. -- Water buck, a South African variety of antelope (Kobus ellipsiprymnus). See Illust. of Antelope.


word: Buck₄
definition:
Buck

Buck
(bŭk)
v. i.
1.
To copulate, as bucks and does.

2.
To spring with quick plunging leaps, descending with the fore legs rigid and the head held as low down as possible; -- said of a vicious horse or mule.


word: Buck₅
definition:
Buck

Buck
v. t.
1.
(Mil.)
To subject to a mode of punishment which consists in tying the wrists together, passing the arms over the bent knees, and putting a stick across the arms and in the angle formed by the knees.

2.
To throw by bucking. See Buck, v. i., 2.

The brute that he was riding had nearly bucked him out of the saddle.
W. E. Norris.


word: Buck₆
definition:
Buck

Buck
n.
A frame on which firewood is sawed; a sawhorse; a sawbuck.

Buck saw, a saw set in a frame and used for sawing wood on a sawhorse.


word: Buck₇
definition:
Buck

Buck
n.
[See Beech, n.]
The beech tree.
[Scot.]

Buck mast, the mast or fruit of the beech tree. Johnson.


word: buckaroo
definition:
buckaroo

buckaroo
n.
1.
[fr. Sp. vaquero.]
a cowboy, especially used of one who breaks broncos; --  used especially in California.

Syn. -- vaquero.

2.
a fellow; a guy.
[slang]


word: Buck-basket
definition:
Buck-basket

Buck"-bas`ket
(_;)
n.
[See 1st Buck.]
A basket in which clothes are carried to the wash.
Shak.


word: Buck bean
definition:
Buck bean

buckbean

buckbean, Buck" bean`
(bēn`)
(Bot.)
A perennial plant (Menyanthes trifoliata)  of Europe and America which grows in moist and boggy places, having racemes of white, reddish,  or purplish flowers and intensely bitter trifoliate leaves, sometimes used in medicine; marsh trefoil; -- called also bog bean.  It often roots at the water margin and spreads across the surface.

Syn. -- water shamrock, bogbean, bog myrtle, marsh trefoil, Menyanthes trifoliata.


word: Buckboard
definition:
Buckboard

Buck"board`
(_;)
n.
A four-wheeled vehicle, having a long elastic board or frame resting on the bolsters or axletrees, and a seat or seats placed transversely upon it; -- called also buck wagon.


word: Bucker
definition:
Bucker

Buck"er
(_;)
n.
(Mining)
1.
One who bucks ore.

2.
A broad-headed hammer used in bucking ore.


word: Bucket
definition:
Bucket

Buck"et
(_;)
n.
[OE. boket; cf. AS. buc pitcher, or Corn. buket tub.]
1.
A vessel for drawing up water from a well, or for catching, holding, or carrying water, sap, or other liquids.

The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,
The moss-covered bucket, which hung in the well.
Wordsworth.

2.
A vessel (as a tub or scoop) for hoisting and conveying coal, ore, grain, etc.

3.
(Mach.)
One of the receptacles on the rim of a water wheel into which the water rushes, causing the wheel to revolve; also, a float of a paddle wheel.

4.
The valved piston of a lifting pump.

5.
(Mach.)
one of vanes on the rotor of a turbine.

6.
(Mach.)
a bucketfull.

Fire bucket, a bucket for carrying water to put out fires. -- To kick the bucket, to die. [Low]


word: Bucket₂
definition:
Bucket

Buck"et
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bucketed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Bucketing.]
1.
To draw or lift in, or as if in, buckets; as, to bucket water.

2.
To pour over from a bucket; to drench.

3.
To ride (a horse) hard or mercilessly.

4.
(Rowing)
To make, or cause to make (the recovery), with a certain hurried or unskillful forward swing of the body.
[Eng.]


word: Bucket shop
definition:
Bucket shop

Buck"et shop`
(_;)
An office or a place where facilities are given for betting small sums on current prices of stocks, petroleum, etc.
[Slang, U.S.]


word: Bucketfull
definition:
Bucketfull

bucketful

buck"et*ful`, Buck"et*full`
(_;)
a bucket filled with a substance, or the quantity which would fill a bucket.

Syn. -- bucket.


word: Buckety
definition:
Buckety

Buck"et*y
(_;)
n.
[A corruption of buckwheat.]
Paste used by weavers to dress their webs.
Buchanan.


word: Buckeye
definition:
Buckeye

Buck"eye`
(bŭk"ī`)
n.
1.
(Bot.)
A name given to several American trees and shrubs of the same genus (Æsculus) as the horse chestnut.

The Ohio buckeye, or Fetid buckeye, is Aesculus glabra. -- Red buckeye is Aesculus Pavia. -- Small buckeye is Aesculus paviflora. -- Sweet buckeye, or Yellow buckeye, is Aesculus flava.

2.
A cant name for a native or resident of Ohio.
[U.S.]

Buckeye State, Ohio; -- so called because buckeye trees abound there.


word: Buck fever
definition:
Buck fever

Buck fever
Intense excitement at the sight of deer or other game, such as often unnerves a novice in hunting.
[Colloq.]


word: Buckhound
definition:
Buckhound

Buck"hound`
(_;)
n.
A hound for hunting deer.

Master of the buckhounds, an officer in the royal household. [Eng.]


word: Buckie
definition:
Buckie

Buck"ie
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
A large spiral marine shell, esp. the common whelk. See Buccinum.
[Scot.]

Deil's buckie, a perverse, refractory youngster. [Slang]


word: Bucking
definition:
Bucking

Buck"ing
n.
1.
The act or process of soaking or boiling cloth in an alkaline liquid in the operation of bleaching; also, the liquid used.
Tomlinson.

2.
A washing.

3.
The process of breaking up or pulverizing ores.

Bucking iron (Mining), a broad-faced hammer, used in bucking or breaking up ores. -- Bucking kier (Manuf.), a large circular boiler, or kier, used in bleaching. -- Bucking stool, a washing block.


word: Buckle
definition:
Buckle

Buc"kle
(_;)
n.
[OE. bocle buckle, boss of a shield, OF. bocle, F. boucle, boss of a shield, ring, fr. L. buccula a little cheek or mouth, dim. of bucca cheek; this boss or knob resembling a cheek.]
1.
A device, usually of metal, consisting of a frame with one more movable tongues or catches, used for fastening things together, as parts of dress or harness, by means of a strap passing through the frame and pierced by the tongue.

2.
A distortion bulge, bend, or kink, as in a saw blade or a plate of sheet metal.
Knight.

3.
A curl of hair, esp. a kind of crisp curl formerly worn; also, the state of being curled.

Earlocks in tight buckles on each side of a lantern face.
W. Irving.

Lets his wig lie in buckle for a whole half year.
Addison.

4.
A contorted expression, as of the face.
[R.]

'Gainst nature armed by gravity,
His features too in buckle see.
Churchill.


word: Buckle₂
definition:
Buckle

Buc"kle
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buckled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Buckling.]
[OE. boclen, F. boucler. See Buckle, n.]
1.
To fasten or confine with a buckle or buckles; as, to buckle a harness.

2.
To bend; to cause to kink, or to become distorted.

3.
To prepare for action; to apply with vigor and earnestness; -- formerly, generally used reflexively, but by mid 20th century, usually used with down; -- as, the programmers buckled down and worked late hours to finish the project in time for the promised delivery date.

Cartwright buckled himself to the employment.
Fuller.

4.
To join in marriage.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Buckle₃
definition:
Buckle

Buc"kle
(bŭk"k'l)
v. i.
1.
To bend permanently; to become distorted; to bow; to curl; to kink.

Buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment.
Pepys.

2.
To bend out of a true vertical plane, as a wall.

3.
To yield; to give way; to cease opposing.
[Obs.]

The Dutch, as high as they seem, do begin to buckle.
Pepys.

4.
To enter upon some labor or contest; to join in close fight; to struggle; to contend.

The bishop was as able and ready to buckle with the Lord Protector as he was with him.
Latimer.

In single combat thou shalt buckle with me.
Shak.

To buckle to, to bend to; to engage with zeal.

To make our sturdy humor buckle thereto.
Barrow.

Before buckling to my winter's work.
J. D. Forbes.


word: Buckler
definition:
Buckler

Buc"kler
(_;)
n.
[OE. bocler, OF. bocler, F. bouclier, a shield with a boss, from OF. bocle, boucle, boss. See Buckle, n.]
1.
A kind of shield, of various shapes and sizes, worn on one of the arms (usually the left) for protecting the front of the body.

&hand_; In the sword and buckler play of the Middle Ages in England, the buckler was a small shield, used, not to cover the body, but to stop or parry blows.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
One of the large, bony, external plates found on many ganoid fishes.
(b)
The anterior segment of the shell of trilobites.

3.
(Naut.)
A block of wood or plate of iron made to fit a hawse hole, or the circular opening in a half-port, to prevent water from entering when the vessel pitches.

Blind buckler (Naut.), a solid buckler. -- Buckler mustard (Bot.), a genus of plants (Biscutella) with small bright yellow flowers. The seed vessel on bursting resembles two bucklers or shields. -- Buckler thorn, a plant with seed vessels shaped like a buckler. See Christ's thorn. -- Riding buckler (Naut.), a buckler with a hole for the passage of a cable.


word: Buckler₂
definition:
Buckler

Buc"kler
v. t.
To shield; to defend.
[Obs.]

Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,
Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?
Shak.


word: Buckra
definition:
Buckra

Buck"ra
(_;)
n.
[In the language of the Calabar coast, buckra means “demon, a powerful and superior being.” J. L. Wilson.]
A white man; -- a term used by negroes of the African coast, West Indies, etc.


word: Buckram
definition:
Buckram

Buck"ram
(_;)
n.
[OE. bokeram, bougeren, OF. boqueran, F. bougran, MHG. buckeram, LL. buchiranus, boquerannus, fr. MHG. boc, G. bock, goat (as being made of goat's hair), or fr. F. bouracan, by transposing the letter r. See Buck, Barracan.]
1.
A coarse cloth of linen or hemp, stiffened with size or glue, used in garments to keep them in the form intended, and for wrappers to cover merchandise.

&hand_; Buckram was formerly a very different material from that now known by the name. It was used for wearing apparel, etc.
Beck (Draper's Dict. ).

2.
(Bot.)
A plant. See Ramson.
Dr. Prior.


word: Buck's-horn
definition:
Buck's-horn

Buck's"-horn`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant with leaves branched somewhat like a buck's horn (Plantago Coronopus); also, Lobelia coronopifolia.


word: Buckshot
definition:
Buckshot

Buck"shot`
(_;)
n.
A coarse leaden shot, larger than swan shot, used in hunting deer and large game.


word: Buckskin
definition:
Buckskin

Buck"skin`
(_;)
n.
1.
The skin of a buck.

2.
A soft strong leather, usually yellowish or grayish in color, made of deerskin.

3.
A person clothed in buckskin, particularly an American soldier of the Revolutionary war.

Cornwallis fought as lang's he dought,
An' did the buckskins claw, man.
Burns.

4.
pl.
Breeches made of buckskin.

I have alluded to his buckskin.
Thackeray.


word: Buckthorn
definition:
Buckthorn

Buck"thorn`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A genus (Rhamnus) of shrubs or trees. The shorter branches of some species terminate in long spines or thorns. See Rhamnus.

Sea buckthorn, a plant of the genus Hippophaë.


word: Bucktooth
definition:
Bucktooth

Buck"tooth`
(_;)
n.
Any tooth that juts out.

When he laughed, two white buckteeth protruded.
Thackeray.


word: Buckwheat
definition:
Buckwheat

Buck"wheat`
(_;)
n.
[Buck a beech tree + wheat; akin to D. boekweit, G. buchweizen.]
1.
(Bot.)
A plant (Fagopyrum esculentum) of the Polygonum family, the seed of which is used for food.

2.
The triangular seed used, when ground, for griddle cakes, etc.


word: Bucolic
definition:
Bucolic

Bu*col"ic
(_;)
a.
[L. bucolicus, Gr. _;, fr. _; cowherd, herdsman; _; ox + (perh.) _; race horse; cf. Skr. kal to drive: cf. F. bucolique. See Cow the animal.]
Of or pertaining to the life and occupation of a shepherd; pastoral; rustic.


word: Bucolic₂
definition:
Bucolic

Bu*col"ic
n.
[L. Bucolicôn poëma.]
A pastoral poem, representing rural affairs, and the life, manners, and occupation of shepherds; as, the Bucolics of Theocritus and Virgil.
Dryden.


word: Bucranium
definition:
Bucranium

Bu*cra"ni*um
(_;)
n.
pl. L. Bucrania (_;).
[L., fr. Gr. _; ox head.]
A sculptured ornament, representing an ox skull adorned with wreaths, etc.


word: Bud
definition:
Bud

Bud
(bŭd)
n.
[OE. budde; cf. D. bot, G. butze, butz, the core of a fruit, bud, LG. butte in hagebutte, hainbutte, a hip of the dog-rose, or OF. boton, F. bouton, bud, button, OF. boter to bud, push; all akin to E. beat. See Button.]
1.
(Bot.)
A small protuberance on the stem or branches of a plant, containing the rudiments of future leaves, flowers, or stems; an undeveloped branch or flower.

2.
(Biol.)
A small protuberance on certain low forms of animals and vegetables which develops into a new organism, either free or attached. See Hydra.

Bud moth (Zool.), a lepidopterous insect of several species, which destroys the buds of fruit trees; esp. Tmetocera ocellana and Eccopsis malana on the apple tree.


word: Bud₂
definition:
Bud

Bud
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Budded; p. pr. & vb. n. Budding.]
1.
To put forth or produce buds, as a plant; to grow, as a bud does, into a flower or shoot.

2.
To begin to grow, or to issue from a stock in the manner of a bud, as a horn.

3.
To be like a bud in respect to youth and freshness, or growth and promise; as, a budding virgin.
Shak.


word: Bud₃
definition:
Bud

Bud
v. t.
To graft, as a plant with another or into another, by inserting a bud from the one into an opening in the bark of the other, in order to raise, upon the budded stock, fruit different from that which it would naturally bear.

The apricot and the nectarine may be, and usually are, budded upon the peach; the plum and the peach are budded on each other.
Farm. Dict.


word: Budapest
definition:
Budapest

Budapest
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Hungary.  Population (2000) = 2,008,546.


word: Buddha
definition:
Buddha

Bud"dha
(_;)
n.
[Skr. buddha wise, sage, 'the enlightened' fr. budh to know.]
1.
The title of an incarnation of self-abnegation, virtue, and wisdom.

2.
The title of Siddhartha or Gautama, a deified religious teacher of the Buddhists and the founder of Buddhism; called also Gautama Siddartha or Sakya Sinha (or Muni). From three newly discovered inscriptions of the emperor Asoka it follows that the 37th year of his reign was reckoned as the 257th from the death of Buddha. Hence it is inferred that Buddha died between 482 and 472 B. C.  It being agreed that he lived to be eighty, he was born between 562 and 552 B. C.  The Buddhist narratives of his life are overgrown with legend and myth. Senart seeks to trace in them the history of the sun-hero. Oldenberg finds in the most ancient traditions -- those of Ceylon -- at least definite historical outlines. Siddhartha, as Buddha was called before entering upon his great mission, was born in the country and tribe of the Sakhyas, at the foot of the Nepalese Himalayas.  His father, Suddhodana, was rather a great and wealthy landowner than a king.  He passed his youth in opulence at Kapila-vastu, the Sakhya capital. He was married and had a son Rahula, who became a member of his order. At the age of twenty-nine he left parents, wife, and only son for the spiritual struggle of a recluse. After seven years he believed himself possessed of perfect truth, and assumed the title of Buddha, 'the enlightened.'  He is represented as having received a sudden illumination as he sat under the Bo-tree, or ' tree of knowledge,' at Bodhgaya or Buddha-Gaya. For twenty-eight or, as later narratives give it, forty-nine days he was variously tempted by Mara.  One of his doubts was whether to keep for himself the knowledge won, or to share it.  Love triumphed, and he began to preach, at first at Benares. For forty-four years he preached in the region of Benares and Behar. Primitive Buddhism is only to be gathered by inference from the literature of a later time.  Buddha did not array himself against the old religion.  The doctrines were rather the outgrowth of those of certain Brahmanical schools. His especial concern was salvation from sorrow, and so from existence. There are "four noble truths": (1) existence is suffering; (2) the cause of pain is desire, (3) cessation of pain is possible through the suppression of desire; (4) the way to this is the knowledge and observance of the "good law " of Buddha.  The end is Nirvana, the cessation of existence.  Buddhism was preached in the vulgar tongue, and had a popular literature and an elaborately organized monastic and missionary system. It made its way into Afghanistan, Bactriana., Tibet, and China. It passed away in India not from Brahman persecution, but rather from internal causes, such as its too abstract nature, too morbid view of life, relaxed discipline, and overgrowth of monasticism, and also because Shivaism and Vishnuism employed many of its own weapons more effectively.  The system has been variously modified in dogma and rites in the many countries to which it has spread. It is supposed to number about 850,000,000 of adherents, who are principally in Ceylon, Tibet, China, and Japan.


word: Buddhism
definition:
Buddhism

Bud"dhism
(_;)
n.
The religion based upon the doctrine originally taught by the Hindu sage Gautama Siddartha, surnamed Buddha, “the awakened or enlightened,” in the sixth century b. c., and adopted as a religion by the greater part of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Asia and the Indian Islands. Buddha's teaching is believed to have been atheistic; yet it was characterized by elevated humanity and morality. It presents release from existence (a beatific enfranchisement, Nirvâna) as the greatest good. Buddhists believe in transmigration of souls through all phases and forms of life. Their number was estimated in 1881 at 470,000,000.


word: Budding
definition:
Budding

Bud"ding
(_;)
n.
1.
The act or process of producing buds.

2.
(Biol.)
A process of asexual reproduction, in which a new organism or cell is formed by a protrusion of a portion of the animal or vegetable organism, the bud thus formed sometimes remaining attached to the parent stalk or cell, at other times becoming free; gemmation. See Hydroidea.

3.
The act or process of ingrafting one kind of plant upon another stock by inserting a bud under the bark.


word: Buddle
definition:
Buddle

Bud"dle
(_;)
n.
[Prov. E., to cleanse ore, also a vessel for this purpose; cf. G. butteln to shake.]
(Mining)
An apparatus, especially an inclined trough or vat, in which stamped ore is concentrated by subjecting it to the action of running water so as to wash out the lighter and less valuable portions.


word: Bude burner
definition:
Bude burner

Bude" burn`er
(_;)
[See Bude light.]
A burner consisting of two or more concentric Argand burners (the inner rising above the outer) and a central tube by which oxygen gas or common air is supplied.


word: Bude light
definition:
Bude light

Bude" light`
(_;)
[From Bude, in Cornwall, the residence of Sir G. Gurney, the inventor.]
A light in which high illuminating power is obtained by introducing a jet of oxygen gas or of common air into the center of a flame fed with coal gas or with oil.


word: Budge
definition:
Budge

Budge
(bŭj)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Budged (bŭjd); p. pr. & vb. n. Budging.]
[F. bouger to stir, move (akin to Pr. bojar, bolegar, to stir, move, It. bulicare to boil, bubble), fr. L. bullire. See Boil, v. i.]
To move off; to stir; to walk away.

I'll not budge an inch, boy.
Shak.

The mouse ne'er shunned the cat as they did budge
From rascals worse than they.
Shak.


word: Budge₃
definition:
Budge

Budge
n.
[OE. bouge bag, OF. boge, bouge, fr. L. bulga a leathern bag or knapsack; a Gallic word; cf. OIr. bolc, Gael. bolg. Cf. Budge, n.]
A kind of fur prepared from lambskin dressed with the wool on; -- used formerly as an edging and ornament, esp. of scholastic habits.


word: Budge₄
definition:
Budge

Budge
a.
1.
Lined with budge; hence, scholastic.
Budge
Milton.

2.
Austere or stiff, like scholastics.

Those budge doctors of the stoic fur.
Milton.

Budge bachelor, one of a company of men clothed in long gowns lined with budge, who formerly accompanied the lord mayor of London in his inaugural procession. -- Budge barrel (Mil.), a small copper-hooped barrel with only one head, the other end being closed by a piece of leather, which is drawn together with strings like a purse. It is used for carrying powder from the magazine to the battery, in siege or seacoast service.


word: Budgeness
definition:
Budgeness

Budge"ness
(_;)
n.
Sternness; severity.
[Obs.]

A Sara for goodness, a great Bellona for budgeness.
Stanyhurst.


word: budgerygah
definition:
budgerygah

budgereegah

budgerigar

budg"er*i*gar, budgereegah, budgerygah
n.
small Australian parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred in many colors.

Syn. -- budgie, grass parakeet, lovebird, shell parakeet.


word: budgerow
definition:
budgerow

budg"e*row
(_;)
n.
[Hindi bajrā.]
A large and commodious, but generally cumbrous and sluggish boat, used for journeys on the Ganges.


word: Budget
definition:
Budget

Budg"et
(_;)
n.
[OE. bogett, bouget, F. bougette bag, wallet, dim. of OF. boge, bouge, leather bag. See Budge, n., and cf. Bouget.]
1.
A bag or sack with its contents; hence, a stock or store; an accumulation; as, a budget of inventions.

2.
The annual financial statement which the British chancellor of the exchequer makes in the House of Commons. It comprehends a general view of the finances of the country, with the proposed plan of taxation for the ensuing year. The term is sometimes applied to a similar statement in other countries.

To open the budget, to lay before a legislative body the financial estimates and plans of the executive government.


word: budgie
definition:
budgie

budg"ie
n.
small Australian parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred in many colors.

Syn. -- budgerigar, budgereegah, budgerygah, grass parakeet, lovebird, shell parakeet.


word: Budlet
definition:
Budlet

Bud"let
(_;)
n.
[Bud + -let.]
A little bud springing from a parent bud.

We have a criterion to distinguish one bud from another, or the parent bud from the numerous budlets which are its offspring.
E. Darwin.


word: Buenos Aires
definition:
Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Argentina.  Population (2000) = 3,000,000.


word: Buff
definition:
Buff

Buff
(bŭf)
n.
[OE. buff, buffe, buff, buffalo, F. buffle buffalo. See Buffalo.]
1.
A sort of leather, prepared from the skin of the buffalo, dressed with oil, like chamois; also, the skins of oxen, elks, and other animals, dressed in like manner.
buff
Shak.

2.
The color of buff; a light yellow, shading toward pink, gray, or brown.

A visage rough,
Deformed, unfeatured, and a skin of buff.
Dryden.

3.
A military coat, made of buff leather.
Shak.

4.
(Med.)
The grayish viscid substance constituting the buffy coat. See Buffy coat, under Buffy, a.

5.
(Mech.)
A wheel covered with buff leather, and used in polishing cutlery, spoons, etc.

6.
The bare skin; as, to strip to the buff.
[Colloq.]

To be in buff is equivalent to being naked.
Wright.


word: Buff₂
definition:
Buff

Buff
a.
1.
Made of buff leather.
Goldsmith.

2.
Of the color of buff.

Buff coat, a close, military outer garment, with short sleeves, and laced tightly over the chest, made of buffalo skin, or other thick and elastic material, worn by soldiers in the 17th century as a defensive covering. -- Buff jerkin, originally, a leather waistcoat; afterward, one of cloth of a buff color. [Obs.] Nares. -- Buff stick (Mech.), a strip of wood covered with buff leather, used in polishing.


word: Buff₃
definition:
Buff

Buff
v. t.
to polish with a soft cloth, especially one similar to a buff{5}. See Buff, n., 5.


word: Buff₅
definition:
Buff

Buff
n.
[See Buffet.]
A buffet; a blow; -- obsolete except in the phrase “Blindman's buff.”  See blindman's buff.

Nathless so sore a buff to him it lent
That made him reel.
Spenser.


word: Buff₆
definition:
Buff

Buff
a.
[Of uncertain etymol.]
Firm; sturdy.

And for the good old cause stood buff,
'Gainst many a bitter kick and cuff.
Hudibras.


word: Buffa
definition:
Buffa

Buf"fa
(_;)
n. fem.
(Mus.)
[It. See Buffoon.]
The comic actress in an opera.
a. Comic, farcical.

Aria buffa, a droll or comic air. -- Opera buffa, a comic opera. See Opera bouffe.


word: Buffalo
definition:
Buffalo

Buf"fa*lo
(_;)
n.
pl. Buffaloes (_;).
[Sp. bufalo (cf. It. bufalo, F. buffle), fr. L. bubalus, bufalus, a kind of African stag or gazelle; also, the buffalo or wild ox, fr. Gr. _; buffalo, prob. fr. _; ox. See Cow the animal, and cf. Buff the color, and Bubale.]
1.
(Zool.)
A species of the genus Bos or Bubalus (Bubalus bubalus), originally from India, but now found in most of the warmer countries of the eastern continent.  It is larger and less docile than the common ox, and is fond of marshy places and rivers.

2.
(Zool.)
A very large and savage species of the same genus (Syncerus Caffer syn. Bubalus Caffer) found in South Africa; -- called also Cape buffalo.

3.
(Zool.)
Any species of wild ox.

4.
(Zool.)
The bison of North America.

5.
A buffalo robe. See Buffalo robe, below.

6.
(Zool.)
The buffalo fish. See Buffalofish, below.

Buffalo berry (Bot.), a shrub of the Upper Missouri (Sherherdia argentea) with acid edible red berries. -- Buffalo bird (Zool.), an African bird of the genus Buphaga, of two species. These birds perch upon buffaloes and cattle, in search of parasites. -- Buffalo bug, the carpet beetle. See under Carpet. -- Buffalo chips, dry dung of the buffalo, or bison, used for fuel. [U.S.] -- Buffalo clover (Bot.), a kind of clover (Trifolium reflexum and Trifoliumsoloniferum) found in the ancient grazing grounds of the American bison. -- Buffalo cod (Zool.), a large, edible, marine fish (Ophiodon elongatus) of the northern Pacific coast; -- called also blue cod, and cultus cod. --  Buffalo fly, or Buffalo gnat (Zool.), a small dipterous insect of the genus Simulium, allied to the black fly of the North. It is often extremely abundant in the lower part of the Mississippi valley and does great injury to domestic animals, often killing large numbers of cattle and horses. In Europe the Columbatz fly is a species with similar habits. -- Buffalo grass (Bot.), a species of short, sweet grass (Buchloë dactyloides), from two to four inches high, covering the prairies on which the buffaloes, or bisons, feed. [U.S.] -- Buffalo nut (Bot.), the oily and drupelike fruit of an American shrub (Pyrularia oleifera); also, the shrub itself; oilnut. -- Buffalo robe, the skin of the bison of North America, prepared with the hair on; -- much used as a lap robe in sleighs.


word: buffalo fish
definition:
buffalo fish

buffalofish

buffalofish, buffalo fish
n.
(Zool.)
1.
any of several large carplike North American fish.

2.
(Zool.)
Any of several large fresh-water fishes of the family Catostomidæ (also called  suckers see Sucker family), of the Mississippi valley.  The red-mouthed or brown (Ictiobus bubalus), the big-mouthed buffalofish (Ictiobus cyrinellus, formerly called Bubalichthys urus), the black buffalofish (Ictiobus niger), and the small-mouthed buffalofish (Ictiobus bubalus, formerly called Bubalichthys altus), are among the more important species used as food.


word: buffalo nickel
definition:
buffalo nickel

buffalo nickel
A United States five-cent coin minted from 1913 to 1937 having an image of an American bison (“buffalo”) on its reverse, and an American Indian on the obverse.


word: buffalo soldier
definition:
buffalo soldier

buffalo soldier
A black soldier of the United States army who served in the American west in the late 1800's, often as an indian fighter, and usually as part of an all-black troop; -- the name was given by the indians due to their their kinky hair, and the name was believed also to be a compliment on their courage.


word: Buffel duck
definition:
Buffel duck

Buf"fel duck
(bŭf"fĕl dŭk`)
[See Buffalo.]
(Zool.)
A small duck (Charitonetta albeola); the spirit duck, or butterball.  The head of the male is covered with numerous elongated feathers, and thus appears large.  Called also bufflehead.


word: Buffer
definition:
Buffer

Buff"er
(bŭf"ẽr)
n.
[Prop a striker. See Buffet a blow.]
1.
(Mech.)
(a)
An elastic apparatus or fender, for deadening the jar caused by the collision of bodies; as, a buffer at the end of a railroad car.
(b)
A pad or cushion forming the end of a fender, which receives the blow; -- sometimes called buffing apparatus.

2.
One who polishes with a buff.

3.
A wheel for buffing; a buff.

4.
A good-humored, slow-witted fellow; -- usually said of an elderly man.
[Colloq.]
Dickens.

5.
(Chem.)
a substance or mixture of substances which can absorb or neutralize a certain quantity of acid or base and thus keep the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution (as measured by pH) relatively stable.  Sometimes the term is used in a medical context to mean antacid.

6.
(Computers)
a data storage device or portion of memory used to temporarily store input or output data until the receiving device is ready to process it.

7.
any object or person that shields another object or person from harm, shock, or annoyance; as, the President's staff is his buffer from constant interruptions of his work.


word: buffer
definition:
buffer

buff"er
(bŭf"ẽr)
v. t.
(Chem.)
to add a buffer{5} to (a solution), so as to reduce unwanted fluctuation of acidity.


word: buffered
definition:
buffered

buff"ered
(bŭf"ẽrd)
a.
(Chem.)
containing a buffer{5}; -- of solutions, usually aqueous solutions.


word: Bufferhead
definition:
Bufferhead

Buff"er*head`
(_;)
n.
The head of a buffer, which recieves the concussion, in railroad carriages.


word: Bufferin
definition:
Bufferin

Bufferin
n.
[trademark.]
a brand of aspirin tablets coated with a substance capable of neutralizing acid (a “buffer”); -- sometimes applied generically to any buffered aspirin preparation.

Syn. -- buffered aspirin.


word: Buffet
definition:
Buffet

Buf*fet"
(bŏf*fā")
n.
[F. buffet, LL. bufetum; of uncertain origin; perh. fr. the same source as E. buffet a blow, the root meaning to puff, hence (cf. puffed up) the idea of ostentation or display.]
1.
A cupboard or set of shelves, either movable or fixed at one side of a room, for the display of plate, china, etc., a sideboard.

Not when a gilt buffet's reflected pride
Turns you from sound philosophy aside.
Pope.

2.
A counter for food or refreshments.

3.
Hence:
A restaurant containing such a counter, as at a railroad station, or place of public gathering.

4.
A meal set out on a buffet[2], arranged so that guests may serve themselves and choose those items that they desire; as, a buffet dinner.  Diners usually take a plate provided and move in a line past the items on the buffet[2], placing those items they desire on the plate, to be eaten at some convenient place.


word: Buffet₂
definition:
Buffet

Buf"fet
(bŭf"fĕt)
n.
[OE. buffet, boffet, OF. buffet a slap in the face, a pair of bellows, fr. buffe blow, cf. F. bouffer to blow, puff; prob. akin to E. puff. For the meaning slap, blow, cf. F. soufflet a slap, souffler to blow. See Puff, v. i., and cf. Buffet sidebroad, Buffoon]
1.
A blow with the hand; a slap on the face; a cuff.

When on his cheek a buffet fell.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
A blow from any source, or that which affects like a blow, as the violence of winds or waves; a stroke; an adverse action; an affliction; a trial; adversity.

Those planks of tough and hardy oak that used for yeas to brave the buffets of the Bay of Biscay.
Burke.

Fortune's buffets and rewards.
Shak.

3.
A small stool; a stool for a buffet or counter.

Go fetch us a light buffet.
Townely Myst.


word: Buffet₃
definition:
Buffet

Buf"fet
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buffeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Buffeting.]
[OE. buffeten, OF. buffeter. See the preceding noun.]
1.
To strike with the hand or fist; to box; to beat; to cuff; to slap.

They spit in his face and buffeted him.
Matt. xxvi. 67.

2.
To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against; as, to buffet the billows.

The sudden hurricane in thunder roars,
Buffets the bark, and whirls it from the shores.
Broome.

You are lucky fellows who can live in a dreamland of your own, instead of being buffeted about the world.
W. Black.

3.
[Cf. Buffer.]
To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper.


word: Buffet₄
definition:
Buffet

Buf"fet
v. i.
1.
To exercise or play at boxing; to strike; to smite; to strive; to contend.

If I might buffet for my love, or bound my horse for her favors, I could lay on like a butcher.
Shak.

2.
To make one's way by blows or struggling.

Strove to buffet to land in vain.
Tennyson.


word: buffeted
definition:
buffeted

buffeted
adj.
struck repeatedly; -- used especially of impact from winds, and sometimes metaphorically; as, buffeted by criticism.


word: Buffeting
definition:
Buffeting

Buf"fet*ing
n.
1.
A striking with the hand.

2.
A succession of blows; continued violence, as of winds or waves; afflictions; adversity.

He seems to have been a plant of slow growth, but . . . fitted to endure the buffeting on the rudest storm.
Wirt.


word: Buffin
definition:
Buffin

Buf"fin
(_;)
n.
[So called from resembling buff _;eather.]
A sort of coarse stuff; as, buffin gowns.
[Obs.]


word: Bufflehead
definition:
Bufflehead

Buf"fle*head`
(_;)
n.
[Buffle + head.]
1.
One who has a large head; a heavy, stupid fellow.
[Obs.]

What makes you stare so, bufflehead?
Plautus (trans. 1694).

2.
(Zool.)
The buffel duck. See Buffel duck.


word: Buffle-headed
definition:
Buffle-headed

Buf"fle-head`ed
a.
Having a large head, like a buffalo; dull; stupid; blundering.
[Obs.]

So fell this buffle-headed giant.
Gayton.


word: buffoon
definition:
buffoon

buf*foon"
(_;)
n.
[F. bouffon (cf. It. buffone, buffo, buffa, puff of wind, vanity, nonsense, trick), fr. bouffer to puff out, because the buffoons puffed out their cheeks for the amusement of the spectators. See Buffet a blow.]
A man who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures, etc.; a droll; a mimic; a harlequin; a clown; a merry-andrew.


word: buffoon₂
definition:
buffoon

buf*foon"
(_;)
a.
Characteristic of, or like, a buffoon.
Buffoon
Macaulay.

To divert the audience with buffoon postures and antic dances.
Melmoth.


word: Buffoonery
definition:
Buffoonery

Buf*foon"er*y
(_;)
n.
pl. Buffooneries (_;).
[F. bouffonnerie.]
The arts and practices of a buffoon, as low jests, ridiculous pranks, vulgar tricks and postures.

Nor that it will ever constitute a wit to conclude a tart piece of buffoonery with a “What makes you blush?”
Spectator.


word: Buffy
definition:
Buffy

Buff"y
(_;)
a.
(Med.)
Resembling, or characterized by, buff.

Buffy coat, the coagulated plasma of blood when the red corpuscles have so settled out that the coagulum appears nearly colorless. This is common in diseased conditions where the corpuscles run together more rapidly and in denser masses than usual. Huxley.


word: Bufo
definition:
Bufo

Bu"fo
(_;)
n.
[L. bufo a toad.]
(Zool.)
A genus of Amphibia including various species of toads.


word: Bufonite
definition:
Bufonite

Bu"fon*ite
(_;)
n.
[L. bufo toad: cf. F. bufonite.]
(Paleon.)
An old name for a fossil consisting of the petrified teeth and palatal bones of fishes belonging to the family of Pycnodonts (thick teeth), whose remains occur in the oölite and chalk formations; toadstone; -- so named from a notion that it was originally formed in the head of a toad.


word: Bug
definition:
Bug

Bug
(bŭg)
n.
[OE. bugge, fr. W. bwg, bwgan, hobgoblin, scarecrow, bugbear. Cf. Bogey, Boggle.]
1.
A bugbear; anything which terrifies.
[Obs.]

Sir, spare your threats:
The bug which you would fright me with I seek.
Shak.

2.
(Zool.)
A general name applied to various insects belonging to the Hemiptera; as, the squash bug; the chinch bug, etc.

3.
(Zool.)
An insect of the genus Cimex, especially the bedbug (Cimex lectularius). See Bedbug.

4.
(Zool.)
One of various species of Coleoptera; as, the ladybug; potato bug, etc.; loosely, any beetle.

5.
(Zool.)
One of certain kinds of Crustacea; as, the sow bug; pill bug; bait bug; salve bug, etc.

&hand_; According to popular usage in England and among housekeepers in America around 1900, bug, when not joined with some qualifying word, was used specifically for bedbug.  As a general term it is now used very loosely in America as a colloquial term to mean any small crawling thing, such as an insect or arachnid, and was formerly used still more loosely in England.  “God's rare workmanship in the ant, the poorest bug that creeps.” Rogers (Naaman). “This bug with gilded wings.” Pope.

6.
(Computers)
An error in the coding of a computer program, especially one causing the program to malfunction or fail.  See, for example, year 2000 bug.
bug

7.
Any unexpected defect or flaw, such as in a machine or a plan.

8.
A hidden electronic listening device, used to hear or record conversations surreptitiously.

9.
An infectious microorganism; a germ{4}.
[Colloq.]

10.
An undiagnosed illness, usually mild, believed to be caused by an infectious organism.
[Colloq.]
In some communities in the 1990's, the incidence of AIDS is high and AIDS is referred to colloquially as “the bug”.

11.
An enthusiast; -- used mostly in combination, as a camera bug.
[Colloq.]

Bait bug. See under Bait. -- Bug word, swaggering or threatening language. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.


word: Bugbear
definition:
Bugbear

Bugaboo

{ Bug`a*boo" (_;), Bug"bear`  }
(_;)
n.
[See Bug.]
Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, or an imaginary monster, used to frighten children, etc.
Bugaboos
Lloyd.

But, to the world no bugbear is so great
As want of figure and a small estate.
Pope.

The bugaboo of the liberals is the church pray.
S. B. Griffin.

The great bugaboo of the birds is the owl.
J. Burroughs.

2.
a source of concern; as, the old bugaboo of inflation still bothers them.


word: Bugbane
definition:
Bugbane

Bug"bane`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A perennial white-flowered herb of the order Ranunculaceæ and genus Cimiciguga; bugwort. There are several species.


word: Bugger
definition:
Bugger

Bug"ger
(_;)
n.
[F. bougre, fr. LL. Bulgarus, a Bulgarian, and also a heretic; because the inhabitants of Bulgaria were infected with heresy. Those guilty of the crime of buggery were called heretics, because in the eyes of their adversaries there was nothing more heinous than heresy, and it was therefore thought that the origin of such a vice could only be owing to heretics.]
1.
One guilty of buggery or unnatural vice; a sodomite.

2.
A wretch; -- sometimes used humorously or in playful disparagement.
[Low]


word: Buggery
definition:
Buggery

Bug"ger*y
(_;)
n.
[OF. bougrerie, bogrerie, heresy. See Bugger.]
Unnatural sexual intercourse; sodomy.


word: Buggy₂
definition:
Buggy

Bug"gy
n.
pl. Buggies.
1.
A light one horse two-wheeled vehicle.
[Eng.]

Villebeck prevailed upon Flora to drive with him to the race in a buggy.
Beaconsfield.

2.
A light, four-wheeled vehicle, usually with one seat, and with or without a calash top.
[U.S.]

Buggy cultivator, a cultivator with a seat for the driver. -- Buggy plow, a plow, or set of plows, having a seat for the driver; -- called also sulky plow.


word: Bugle
definition:
Bugle

Bu"gle
(_;)
n.
[OE. bugle buffalo, buffalo's horn, OF. bugle, fr. L. buculus a young bullock, steer, dim. of bos ox. See Cow the animal.]
A sort of wild ox; a buffalo.
E. Phillips.


word: Bugle₂
definition:
Bugle

Bu"gle
n.
[See Bugle a wild ox.]
1.
A horn used by hunters.

2.
(Mus.)
A copper instrument of the horn quality of tone, shorter and more conical that the trumpet, sometimes keyed; formerly much used in military bands, very rarely in the orchestra; now superseded by the cornet; -- called also the Kent bugle.


word: Bugle₃
definition:
Bugle

Bu"gle
n.
[LL. bugulus a woman's ornament: cf. G. bügel a bent piece of metal or wood, fr. the same root as G. biegen to bend, E. bow to bend.]
An elongated glass bead, of various colors, though commonly black.


word: Bugle₅
definition:
Bugle

Bu"gle
n.
[F. bugle; cf. It. bugola, L. bugillo.]
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Ajuga of the Mint family, a native of the Old World.

Yellow bugle, the Ajuga chamæpitys.


word: Bugle horn
definition:
Bugle horn

Bu"gle horn`
(_;)
1.
A bugle.

One blast upon his bugle horn
Were worth a thousand men.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
A drinking vessel made of horn.
[Obs.]

And drinketh of his bugle horn the wine.
Chaucer.


word: Bugleweed
definition:
Bugleweed

Bu"gle*weed`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant of the Mint family and genus Lycopus; esp. Lycopus Virginicus, which has mild narcotic and astringent properties, and is sometimes used as a remedy for hemorrhage.


word: Bugloss
definition:
Bugloss

Bu"gloss
(_;)
n.
pl. Buglosses (_;).
[F. buglosse, L. buglossa, buglossus, fr. Gr. _; oxtongue _; ox + _; tongue.]
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Anchusa, and especially the Anchusa officinalis, sometimes called alkanet; oxtongue.

Small wild bugloss, the Asperugo procumbens and the Lycopsis arvensis. -- Viper's bugloss, a species of Echium.


word: Buhlwork
definition:
Buhlwork

Buhl

{ Buhl (_;), Buhl"work  }
(_;)
n.
[From A. Ch. Boule, a French carver in wood.]
Decorative woodwork in which tortoise shell, yellow metal, white metal, etc., are inlaid, forming scrolls, cartouches, etc.
[Written also boule, boulework.]


word: Buhrstone
definition:
Buhrstone

Buhr"stone`
(_;)
n.
[OE. bur a whetstone for scythes.]
(Min.)
A cellular, flinty rock, used for mill stones.
[Written also burrstone.]


word: Build
definition:
Build

Build
(bĭld)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Built (bĭlt); p. pr. & vb. n. Building. The regular imp. & p. p. Builded is antiquated.]
[OE. bulden, bilden, AS. byldan to build, fr. bold house; cf. Icel. b&omacrl farm, abode, Dan. bol small farm, OSw. bol, böle, house, dwelling, fr. root of Icel. būa to dwell; akin to E. be, bower, boor. √97.]
1.
To erect or construct, as an edifice or fabric of any kind; to form by uniting materials into a regular structure; to fabricate; to make; to raise.

Nor aught availed him now
To have built in heaven high towers.
Milton.

2.
To raise or place on a foundation; to form, establish, or produce by using appropriate means.

Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks.
Shak.

3.
To increase and strengthen; to increase the power and stability of; to settle, or establish, and preserve; -- frequently with up; as, to build up one's constitution.

I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.
Acts xx. 32.


word: Build₂
definition:
Build

Build
(bĭld)
v. i.
1.
To exercise the art, or practice the business, of building.

2.
To rest or depend, as on a foundation; to ground one's self or one's hopes or opinions upon something deemed reliable; to rely; as, to build on the opinions or advice of others.


word: Build₃
definition:
Build

Build
n.
Form or mode of construction; general figure; make; as, the build of a ship; a great build on a man.


word: Builder
definition:
Builder

Build"er
(_;)
n.
One who builds; one whose occupation is to build, as a carpenter, a shipwright, or a mason.

In the practice of civil architecture, the builder comes between the architect who designs the work and the artisans who execute it.
Eng. Cyc.


word: Building
definition:
Building

Build"ing
n.
1.
The act of constructing, erecting, or establishing.

Hence it is that the building of our Sion rises no faster.
Bp. Hall.

2.
The art of constructing edifices, or the practice of civil architecture.

The execution of works of architecture necessarily includes building; but building is frequently employed when the result is not architectural.
Hosking.

3.
That which is built; a fabric or edifice constructed, as a house, a church, etc.

Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attire
Have cost a mass of public treasury.
Shak.


word: build-up
definition:
build-up

buildup

build"up, build-up
n.
1.
the act of building up an accumulation.

Syn. -- build-up.

2.
the events, such as advertising or publicity,  causing increased interest in some coming event.
The buildup to Superbowl XXIV was the most intense of the series.


word: Built₂
definition:
Built

Built
a.
Formed; shaped; constructed; made; -- often used in composition and preceded by the word denoting the form; as, frigate-built, clipper-built, etc.

Like the generality of Genoese countrywomen, strongly built.
Landor.


word: buirdly
definition:
buirdly

buirdly
adj.
strong and heavily built; -- of people.
[Scottish]

Syn. -- beefy, burly, husky, strapping, strong, vigorous.


word: Bujumbura
definition:
Bujumbura

Bujumbura
prop. n.
(Geography)
The capital city of Burundi.  Population (2000) = 300,000.


word: Bulau
definition:
Bulau

Bu"lau
(_;)
n.
[Native name.]
(Zool.)
An East Indian insectivorous mammal (Gymnura Rafflesii), somewhat like a rat in appearance, but allied to the hedgehog.


word: Bulb
definition:
Bulb

Bulb
(bŭlb)
n.
[L. bulbus, Gr. bolbo`s: cf. F. bulbe.]
1.
(Bot.)
A spheroidal body growing from a plant either above or below the ground (usually below), which is strictly a bud, consisting of a cluster of partially developed leaves, and producing, as it grows, a stem above, and roots below, as in the onion, tulip, etc. It differs from a corm in not being solid.

2.
(Anat.)
A name given to some parts that resemble in shape certain bulbous roots; as, the bulb of the aorta.

Bulb of the eye, the eyeball. -- Bulb of a hair, the “root,” or part whence the hair originates. -- Bulb of the spinal cord, the medulla oblongata, often called simply bulb. -- Bulb of a tooth, the vascular and nervous papilla contained in the cavity of the tooth.

3.
An expansion or protuberance on a stem or tube, as the bulb of a thermometer, which may be of any form, as spherical, cylindrical, curved, etc.
Tomlinson.

3.
a light bulb.


word: Bulbar
definition:
Bulbar

Bulb"ar
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to bulb; especially, in medicine, pertaining to the bulb of the spinal cord, or medulla oblongata; as, bulbar paralysis.


word: Bulbel
definition:
Bulbel

Bulb"el
(_;)
n.
[Dim., fr. bulb, n.]
(Bot.)
A separable bulb formed on some flowering plants.


word: Bulbil
definition:
Bulbil

Bulb"il
(?)
n.
[Dim. fr. bulb.]
1.
(Bot.)
A small or secondary bulb; hence, now almost exclusively: An aërial bulb or deciduous bud, produced in the leaf axils, as in the tiger lily, or relpacing the flowers, as in some onions, and capable, when separated, of propagating the plant; -- called also bulblet and brood bud.

2.
(Anat.)
A small hollow bulb, such as an enlargement in a small vessel or tube.


word: Bulblet
definition:
Bulblet

Bulb"let
(_;)
n.
[Bulb,n.+ -let.]
(Bot.)
A small bulb, either produced on a larger bulb, or on some aërial part of a plant, as in the axils of leaves in the tiger lily, or replacing the flowers in some kinds of onion.


word: Bulbous
definition:
Bulbous

Bulb"ous
(_;)
a.
[L. bulbosus: cf. F. bulbeux. See Bulb, n.]
Having or containing bulbs, or a bulb; growing from bulbs; bulblike in shape or structure.


word: Bulbul
definition:
Bulbul

Bul"bul
(_;)
n.
[Per.]
(Zool.)
The Persian nightingale (Pycnonotus jocosus). The name is also applied to several other Asiatic singing birds, of the family Timaliidæ. The green bulbuls belong to the Chloropsis and allied genera.
[Written also buhlbuhl.]


word: Bulge
definition:
Bulge

Bulge
(bŭlj)
n.
[OE. bulge a swelling; cf. AS. belgan to swell, OSw. bulgja, Icel. b&omacrlginn swollen, OHG. belgan to swell, G. bulge leathern sack, Skr. b&rsdot_;h to be large, strong; the root meaning to swell. Cf. Bilge, Belly, Billow, Bouge, n.]
1.
The bilge or protuberant part of a cask.

2.
A swelling, protuberant part; a bending outward, esp. when caused by pressure; as, a bulge in a wall.

3.
(Naut.)
The bilge of a vessel. See Bilge, 2.

Bulge ways. (Naut.) See Bilge ways.


word: Bulge₂
definition:
Bulge

Bulge
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bulged (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bulging.]
1.
To swell or jut out; to bend outward, as a wall when it yields to pressure; to be protuberant; as, the wall bulges.

2.
To bilge, as a ship; to founder.

And scattered navies bulge on distant shores.
Broome.


word: bulging
definition:
bulging

bulging
adj.
1.
curving or bulging outward.  Opposite of concave.
biconvex, convexo-convex, lenticular, lentiform
broken-backed, hogged
convexo-concave
gibbous, gibbose
planoconvex
Also See: protrusive.

Syn. -- convex.

2.
curving outward.

Syn. -- bellied, bellying, bulbous, bulgy, protuberant.


word: Bulimy
definition:
Bulimy

Bulimia

{ &VerbarBu*lim"i*a (bŭ*lĭm"ĭ*ȧ), Bu"li*my (_;), }
n.
[NL. bulimia, fr. Gr. boylimi`a, lit., ox-hunger; boy^s ox + limo`s hunger: cf. F. boulimie.]
1.
(Med.)
A disease in which there is a perpetual and insatiable appetite for food; a diseased and voracious appetite.

2.
a disordered eating habit characterized by occasional episodes of excessive eating, followed by self-induced vomiting or abuse of laxatives, to avoid gaining weight; it is often accompanied by feelings of guilt; -- called also bulimia nervosa and binge-purge syndrome.  It is observed mainly in young women of normal weight.


word: Bulimus
definition:
Bulimus

Bu*li"mus
(b&uuptack_;*lī"mŭs)
n.
[L. bulimus hunger. See Bulimy.]
(Zool.)
A genus of land snails having an elongated spiral shell, often of large size. The species are numerous and abundant in tropical America.


word: Bulk
definition:
Bulk

Bulk
(bŭlk)
n.
[OE. bulke, bolke, heap; cf. Dan. bulk lump, clod, OSw. bolk crowd, mass, Icel. b_;lkast to be bulky. Cf. Boll, n., Bile a boil, Bulge, n.]
1.
Magnitude of material substance; dimensions; mass; size; as, an ox or ship of great bulk.

Against these forces there were prepared near one hundred ships; not so great of bulk indeed, but of a more nimble motion, and more serviceable.
Bacon.

2.
The main mass or body; the largest or principal portion; the majority; as, the bulk of a debt.

The bulk of the people must labor, Burke told them, “to obtain what by labor can be obtained.”
J. Morley.

3.
(Naut.)
The cargo of a vessel when stowed.

4.
The body.
[Obs.]
Shak.

My liver leaped within my bulk.
Turbervile.

Barrel bulk. See under Barrel. -- To break bulk (Naut.), to begin to unload or more the cargo. -- In bulk, in a mass; loose; not inclosed in separate packages or divided into separate parts; in such shape that any desired quantity may be taken or sold. -- Laden in bulk, Stowed in bulk, having the cargo loose in the hold or not inclosed in boxes, bales, or casks. -- Sale by bulk, a sale of goods as they are, without weight or measure.


word: Bulk₂
definition:
Bulk

Bulk
(_;)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bulked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bulking.]
To appear or seem to be, as to bulk or extent; to swell.

The fame of Warburton possibly bulked larger for the moment.
Leslie Stephen.


word: Bulk₃
definition:
Bulk

Bulk
n.
[Icel. bālkr a beam, partition. Cf. Balk, n. & v.]
A projecting part of a building.
[Obs.]

Here, stand behind this bulk.
Shak.


word: Bulker
definition:
Bulker

Bulk"er
(_;)
n.
(Naut.)
A person employed to ascertain the bulk or size of goods, in order to fix the amount of freight or dues payable on them.


word: Bulkhead
definition:
Bulkhead

Bulk"head`
(_;)
n.
[See Bulk part of a building.]
1.
(Naut.)
A partition in a vessel, to separate apartments on the same deck.

2.
A structure of wood or stone, to resist the pressure of earth or water; a partition wall or structure, as in a mine; the limiting wall along a water front.

Bulked line, a line beyond which a wharf must not project; -- usually, the harbor line.


word: Bulky
definition:
Bulky

Bulk"y
(_;)
a.
Of great bulk or dimensions; of great size; large; thick; massive; as, bulky volumes.

A bulky digest of the revenue laws.
Hawthorne.


word: Bull
definition:
Bull

Bull
(_;)
n.
[OE. bule, bul, bole; akin to D. bul, G. bulle, Icel. boli, Lith. bullus, Lett. bollis, Russ. vol'; prob. fr. the root of AS. bellan, E. bellow.]
1.
(Zool.)
The male of any species of cattle (Bovidæ); hence, the male of any large quadruped, as the elephant; also, the male of the whale.

&hand_; The wild bull of the Old Testament is thought to be the oryx, a large species of antelope.

2.
One who, or that which, resembles a bull in character or action.
Ps. xxii. 12.

3.
(Astron.)
(a)
Taurus, the second of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
(b)
A constellation of the zodiac between Aries and Gemini. It contains the Pleiades.

At last from Aries rolls the bounteous sun,
And the bright Bull receives him.
Thomson.

4.
(Stock Exchange)
One who operates in expectation of a rise in the price of stocks, or in order to effect such a rise. See 4th Bear, n., 5.

5.
a ludicrously false statement; nonsense.  Also used as an expletive.
[vulgar]

Syn. -- bullshit, Irish bull, horseshit, shit, crap, crapola, bunk, bunkum, buncombe, guff, nonsense, rot, tommyrot, balderdash, hogwash, dogshit.

Bull baiting, the practice of baiting bulls, or rendering them furious, as by setting dogs to attack them. -- John Bull, a humorous name for the English, collectively; also, an Englishman.  “Good-looking young John Bull.” W. D.Howells. -- To take the bull by the horns, to grapple with a difficulty instead of avoiding it.


word: Bull₂
definition:
Bull

Bull
a.
Of or pertaining to a bull; resembling a bull; male; large; fierce.

Bull bat (Zool.), the night hawk; -- so called from the loud noise it makes while feeding on the wing, in the evening. -- Bull calf. (a) A stupid fellow. -- Bull mackerel (Zool.), the chub mackerel. -- Bull pump (Mining), a direct single-acting pumping engine, in which the steam cylinder is placed above the pump. -- Bull snake (Zool.), the pine snake of the United States. -- Bull stag, a castrated bull. See Stag. -- Bull wheel, a wheel, or drum, on which a rope is wound for lifting heavy articles, as logs, the tools in well boring, etc.


word: Bull₄
definition:
Bull

Bull
v. t.
(Stock Exchange)
To endeavor to raise the market price of; as, to bull railroad bonds; to bull stocks; to bull Lake Shore; to endeavor to raise prices in; as, to bull the market. See 1st Bull, n., 4.


word: Bull₅
definition:
Bull

Bull
n.
[OE. bulle, fr. L. bulla bubble, stud, knob, LL., a seal or stamp: cf. F. bulle. Cf. Bull a writing, Bowl a ball, Boil, v. i.]
1.
A seal. See Bulla.

2.
A letter, edict, or respect, of the pope, written in Gothic characters on rough parchment, sealed with a bulla, and dated “a die Incarnationis,” i. e., “from the day of the Incarnation.”  See Apostolical brief, under Brief.

A fresh bull of Leo's had declared how inflexible the court of Rome was in the point of abuses.
Atterbury.

3.
A grotesque blunder in language; an apparent congruity, but real incongruity, of ideas, contained in a form of expression; so called, perhaps, from the apparent incongruity between the dictatorial nature of the pope's bulls and his professions of humility.

And whereas the papist boasts himself to be a Roman Catholic, it is a mere contradiction, one of the pope's bulls, as if he should say universal particular; a Catholic schimatic.
Milton.

The Golden Bull, an edict or imperial constitution made by the emperor Charles IV. (1356), containing what became the fundamental law of the German empire; -- so called from its golden seal.


word: Bulla
definition:
Bulla

Bul"la
(_;)
n.
pl. Bullæ (_;).
[L. bulla bubble. See Bull an edict.]
1.
(Med.)
A bleb; a vesicle, or an elevation of the cuticle, containing a transparent watery fluid.

2.
(Anat.)
The ovoid prominence below the opening of the ear in the skulls of many animals; as, the tympanic or auditory bulla.

3.
A leaden seal for a document; esp. the round leaden seal attached to the papal bulls, which has on one side a representation of St. Peter and St. Paul, and on the other the name of the pope who uses it.

4.
(Zool.)
A genus of marine shells. See Bubble shell.


word: Bullace
definition:
Bullace

Bul"lace
(_;)
n.
[OE. bolas, bolace, OF. beloce; of Celtic origin; cf. Arm. bolos, polos, Gael. bulaistear.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A small European plum (Prunus communis, var. insitita). See Plum.
(b)
The bully tree.


word: Bullantic
definition:
Bullantic

Bul*lan"tic
(_;)
a.
[See Bull an edict.]
Pertaining to, or used in, papal bulls.
Fry.

Bullantic letters, Gothic letters used in papal bulls.


word: Bullary
definition:
Bullary

Bul"la*ry
(_;)
n.
[LL. bullarium: cf. F. bullairie. See Bull an edict.]
A collection of papal bulls.


word: Bullary₂
definition:
Bullary

Bul"la*ry
n.
pl. Bullaries (-rĭz).
[Cf. Boilary.]
A place for boiling or preparing salt; a boilery.
Crabb.

And certain salt fats or bullaries.
Bills in Chancery.


word: Bullate
definition:
Bullate

Bul"late
(bŭl"la̝t/)
a.
[L. bullatus, fr. bulla bubble.]
(Biol.)
Appearing as if blistered; inflated; puckered.

Bullate leaf (Bot.), a leaf, the membranous part of which rises between the veins puckered elevations convex on one side and concave on the other.


word: Bullbeggar
definition:
Bullbeggar

Bull"beg`gar
(_;)
n.
Something used or suggested to produce terror, as in children or persons of weak mind; a bugbear.

And being an ill-looked fellow, he has a pension from the church wardens for being bullbeggar to all the forward children in the parish.
Mountfort (1691).


word: Bull brier
definition:
Bull brier

Bull" bri`er
(_;)
(Bot.)
A species of Smilax (Smilax Pseudo-China) growing from New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico, which has very large tuberous and farinaceous rootstocks, formerly used by the Indians for a sort of bread, and by the negroes as an ingredient in making beer; -- called also bamboo brier and China brier.


word: Bulldog
definition:
Bulldog

Bull"dog`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
A variety of dog, of remarkable ferocity, courage, and tenacity of grip; -- so named, probably, from being formerly employed in baiting bulls.

2.
(Metal.)
A refractory material used as a furnace lining, obtained by calcining the cinder or slag from the puddling furnace of a rolling mill.


word: Bulldog₂
definition:
Bulldog

Bull"dog`
a.
Characteristic of, or like, a bulldog; stubborn; as, bulldog courage; bulldog tenacity.

Bulldog bat (Zo'94l.), a bat of the genus Nyctinomus; -- so called from the shape of its face.


word: Bulldoze
definition:
Bulldoze

Bull"doze`
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bulldozed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bulldozing.]
To intimidate; to restrain or coerce by intimidation or violence; -- used originally of the intimidation of negro voters, in Louisiana.
[Slang, U.S.]


word: Bullen-bullen
definition:
Bullen-bullen

Bul"len-bul"len
(_;)
n.
[Native Australian name, from its cry.]
(Zool.)
The lyre bird.


word: Bullen-nail
definition:
Bullen-nail

Bul"len-nail`
(_;)
n.
[Bull large, having a large head + nail.]
A nail with a round head and short shank, tinned and lacquered.


word: Bullet
definition:
Bullet

Bul"let
(_;)
n.
[F. boulet, dim. of boule ball. See Bull an edict, and cf. Boulet.]
1.
A small ball.

2.
A missile, usually of lead, and round or elongated in form, to be discharged from a rifle, musket, pistol, or other small firearm.

3.
A cannon ball.
[Obs.]

A ship before Greenwich . . . shot off her ordnance, one piece being charged with a bullet of stone.
Stow.

4.
The fetlock of a horse.
[See Illust. under Horse.]

Bullet tree. See Bully tree. -- Bullet wood, the wood of the bullet tree.


word: Bulletin
definition:
Bulletin

Bul"le*tin
(_;)
n.
[F. bulletin, fr. It. bullettino, dim. of bulletta, dim. of bulla, bolla, an edict of the pope, from L. bulla bubble. See Bull an edict.]
1.
A brief statement of facts respecting some passing event, as military operations or the health of some distinguished personage, issued by authority for the information of the public.

2.
Any public notice or announcement, especially of news recently received.

3.
A periodical publication, especially one containing the proceeding of a society.

bulletin board, a board on which announcements are put, particularly at newsrooms, newspaper offices, etc.


word: bulletproof
definition:
bulletproof

bullet-proof

bul"let-proof`, bul"let*proof`
(_;)
a.
1.
Capable of resisting the force of a bullet; resistant to penetration by a bullet; armored; as, a bulletproof vest; a bulletproof window.

2.
designed so as to be resistant to abuse or misuse and incapable of malfunction under normal use; as, a bulletproof computer program.

3.
so well thought out as to be resistant to criticism or certain to succeed; as, a bulletproof plan.


word: Bullfighting
definition:
Bullfighting

Bullfight

{ Bull"fight` (_;), Bull"fight`ing  }
n.
a sport of great antiquity, in which men torment, and fight with, a bull or bulls in an arena, for public amusement, -- still popular in Spain, Portugal and Latin American.  In the Spanish version a matador kills the bull with a sword after the bull has been weakened by wounds from small barbed rods, and after he has displayed courage and artistic skill in causing the bull to charge many times while he stands still or nearly still.  In some versions the bull is not killed.  Occasionally the matador is wounded or killed by the bull.
Bull"fight`er (_;), n.

Syn. -- corrida.


word: Bullfinch
definition:
Bullfinch

Bull"finch`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
A bird of the genus Pyrrhula and other related genera, especially the Pyrrhula vulgaris or Pyrrhula rubicilla, a bird of Europe allied to the grosbeak, having the breast, cheeks, and neck, red.

&hand_; As a cage bird it is highly valued for its remarkable power of learning to whistle correctly various musical airs.

Crimson-fronted bullfinch. (Zool.) See Burion. -- Pine bullfinch, the pine finch.


word: Bullfice
definition:
Bullfice

Bullfist

{ Bull"fist (_;), Bull"fice  }
(_;)
n.
[Cf. G. bofist, AS. wulfes fist puffball, E. fizz, foist.]
(Bot.)
A kind of fungus. See Puffball.


word: Bullfly
definition:
Bullfly

Bull fly

{ Bull" fly` or Bull"fly`  }
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
Any large fly troublesome to cattle, as the gadflies and breeze flies.


word: Bullfrog
definition:
Bullfrog

Bull"frog`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
A very large species of frog (Rana Catesbiana), found in North America; -- so named from its loud bellowing in spring.


word: Bullhead
definition:
Bullhead

Bull"head`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
(a)
A fresh-water fish of many species, of the genus Uranidea, esp. Uranidea gobio of Europe, and Uranidea Richardsoni of the United States; -- called also miller's thumb.
(b)
In America, several species of Amiurus; -- called also catfish, horned pout, and bullpout.
(c)
A marine fish of the genus Cottus; the sculpin.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
The black-bellied plover (Squatarola helvetica); -- called also beetlehead.
(b)
The golden plover.

3.
A stupid fellow; a lubber.
[Colloq.]
Jonson.

4.
(Zool.)
A small black water insect.
E. Phillips.

Bullhead whiting (Zool.), the kingfish of Florida (Menticirrus alburnus).


word: Bullheaded
definition:
Bullheaded

Bull"head`ed
(b&usdot_;l"hĕd`ĕd)
a.
Having a head like that of a bull. Fig.: Headstrong; obstinate; dogged.


word: bullheadedness
definition:
bullheadedness

bullheadedness
n.
resolute adherence to one's own ideas or desires.

Syn. -- stubbornness, obstinacy, obstinance, pigheadedness, self-will.


word: bullhorn
definition:
bullhorn

bullhorn
n.
a portable loudspeaker with built-in microphone and amplifier.

Syn. -- loud-hailer.


word: bullied
definition:
bullied

bullied
adj.
frightened into submission or compliance.

Syn. -- browbeaten, cowed, hangdog, intimidated.


word: Bullion
definition:
Bullion

Bul"lion
(b&usdot_;l"yŭn)
n.
[Cf. OE. bullyon a hook used for fastening the dress, a button, stud, an embossed ornament of various kinds, e. g., on the cover of a book, on bridles or poitrels, for purses, for breeches and doublets, LL. bullio the swelling of boiling water, a mass of gold or silver, fr. L. bulla boss, stud, bubble (see Bull an edict), or perh. corrupted fr. F. billon base coin, LL. billio bullion. Cf. Billon, Billet a stick.]
1.
Uncoined gold or silver in the mass.

&hand_; Properly, the precious metals are called bullion, when smelted and not perfectly refined, or when refined, but in bars, ingots or in any form uncoined, as in plate. The word is often often used to denote gold and silver, both coined and uncoined, when reckoned by weight and in mass, including especially foreign, or uncurrent, coin.

2.
Base or uncurrent coin.
[Obs.]

And those which eld's strict doom did disallow,
And damm for bullion, go for current now.
Sylvester.

3.
Showy metallic ornament, as of gold, silver, or copper, on bridles, saddles, etc.
[Obs.]

The clasps and bullions were worth a thousand pound.
Skelton.

4.
Heavy twisted fringe, made of fine gold or silver wire and used for epaulets; also, any heavy twisted fringe whose cords are prominent.


word: Bullionist
definition:
Bullionist

Bul"lion*ist
n.
An advocate for a metallic currency, or a paper currency always convertible into gold.


word: Bullirag
definition:
Bullirag

Bul"li*rag
(_;)
v. t.
[Cf. bully,n. & v., and rag to scold, rail. Cf. Ballarag.]
To intimidate by bullying; to rally contemptuously; to badger.
[Low]


word: Bullish
definition:
Bullish

Bull"ish
(_;)
a.
Partaking of the nature of a bull, or a blunder.

Let me inform you, a toothless satire is as improper as a toothed sleek stone, and as bullish.
Milton.


word: Bullist
definition:
Bullist

Bull"ist
n.
[F. bulliste. See Bull an edict.]
A writer or drawer up of papal bulls.
[R.]
Harmar.


word: Bullition
definition:
Bullition

Bul*li"tion
(_;)
n.
[L. bullire, bullitum, to boil. See Boil, v. i.]
The action of boiling; boiling. [Obs.] See Ebullition.
Bacon.


word: Bull Moose
definition:
Bull Moose

Bull Moose
U. S. Politics
(a)
A follower of Theodore Roosevelt in the presidential campaign of 1912; -- a sense said to have originated from a remark made by  Roosevelt on a certain occasion that he felt “like a bull moose.”
[Cant]
(b)
The figure of a bull moose used as the party symbol of the Progressive party in the presidential campaign of 1912.
Bull Mooser. [Cant]


word: bull-necked
definition:
bull-necked

bull"-necked`
(_;)
a.
Having a short, thick and muscular neck like that of a bull.
Sir W. Scott.
mesomorphic


word: Bullock
definition:
Bullock

Bul"lock
(_;)
n.
[AS. bulluc a young bull. See Bull.]
1.
A young bull, or any male of the ox kind.

Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old.
Judges vi. 25.

2.
An ox, steer, or stag.


word: bullpen
definition:
bullpen

bull"pen`
(b&usdot_;l"pĕn`)
n.
(Baseball)
1.
an open area in a baseball stadium, off the playing field, where pitchers may warm up by throwing a number of trial pitches before playing.

2.
[collective]
the relief pitchers on a baseball team.  Contrasted with starters.


word: Bull-roarer
definition:
Bull-roarer

Bull"-roar`er
(?)
n.
A contrivance consisting of a slat of wood tied to the end of a thong or string, with which the slat is whirled so as to cause an intermittent roaring noise. It is used as a toy, and among some races in certain religious rites.


word: Bull's-eye
definition:
Bull's-eye

Bull's"-eye`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Naut.)
A small circular or oval wooden block without sheaves, having a groove around it and a hole through it, used for connecting rigging.

2.
A small round cloud, with a ruddy center, supposed by sailors to portend a storm.

3.
A small thick disk of glass inserted in a deck, roof, floor, ship's side, etc., to let in light.

4.
A circular or oval opening for air or light.

5.
A lantern, with a thick glass lens on one side for concentrating the light on any object; also, the lens itself.
Dickens.

6.
(Astron.)
Aldebaran, a bright star in the eye of Taurus or the Bull.

7.
(Archery & Gun.)
The center of a target.

8.
A thick knob or protuberance left on glass by the end of the pipe through which it was blown.

9.
A small and thick old-fashioned watch.
[Colloq.]

10.
something that exactly succeeds in achieving its goal; as, to score a bull's eye.

Syn. -- bell ringer, mark.


word: bullshit
definition:
bullshit

bullshit
n.
a ludicrously false statement.
[vulgar]

Syn. -- bull, Irish bull, horseshit, shit, crap, crapola, bunk, bunkum, buncombe, guff, rot, tommyrot, balderdash, hogwash, dogshit.


word: bull snake
definition:
bull snake

bullsnake

bull"snake`, bull" snake`
(bŏl"snāk`)
n.
any of several large harmless rodent-eating North American burrowing snakes of the genus Pituophis.  They include the gopher snake and pine snake.

Syn. -- .


word: Bull's-nose
definition:
Bull's-nose

Bull's"-nose`
(_;)
n.
(Arch.)
An external angle when obtuse or rounded.

n.
1.
 by crossing the bulldog with terriers.

Syn. -- bull terrier.


word: bullterrier
definition:
bullterrier

Bull terrier

Bull" ter`ri*er, bull"ter`rier
(b&usdot_;l" tĕr`rĭ*ẽr)
(Zool.)
A breed of short-haired terrier dogs originated in England by crossing the bulldog and the terrier.


word: Bull trout
definition:
Bull trout

Bull" trout`
(_;)
(Zool.)
(a)
In England, a large salmon trout of several species, as Salmo trutta and Salmo Cambricus, which ascend rivers; -- called also sea trout.
(b)
Salvelinus malma of California and Oregon; -- called also Dolly Varden trout and red-spotted trout.
(c)
The huso or salmon of the Danube.


word: Bully
definition:
Bully

Bul"ly
(b&usdot_;l"l&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Bullies (bŭl"lĭz).
[Cf. LG. bullerjaan, bullerbäk, bullerbrook, a blusterer, D. bulderaar a bluster, bulderen to bluster; prob. of imitative origin; or cf. MHG. buole lover, G. buhle.]
1.
A noisy, blustering fellow, more insolent than courageous, who threatens, intimidates, or badgers people who are smaller or weaker than he is; an insolent, tyrannical fellow.

Bullies seldom execute the threats they deal in.
Palmerston.

2.
A brisk, dashing fellow.
[Slang Obs.]
Shak.


word: Bully beef
definition:
Bully beef

Bully

{ Bul"ly (b&usdot_;l"l&ybreve_;), n., Bul"ly beef` (b&usdot_;l"l&ybreve_; bēf`) }
[F. bouilli boiled meat, fr. bouillir to boil. See Boil, v.  The word bouilli was formerly commonly used on the labels of canned beef.]
Pickled or canned beef.


word: Bully₂
definition:
Bully

Bul"ly
(b&usdot_;l"l&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Jovial and blustering; dashing.
[Slang]
bully
Shak.

2.
Fine; excellent; as, a bully horse.
[Slang, U.S.]


word: Bully₃
definition:
Bully

Bul"ly
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bullied (b&usdot_;l"lēd); p. pr. & vb. n. Bullying.]
To intimidate or badger with threats and by an overbearing, swaggering demeanor; to act the part of a bully{1} toward.

For the last fortnight there have been prodigious shoals of volunteers gone over to bully the French, upon hearing the peace was just signing.
Tatler.


word: bully pulpit
definition:
bully pulpit

bul"ly pul"pit
(_;)
n.
An exceptionally advantageous position from which to extol one's ideas; -- applied especially to the presidency of the United States, which was described thus by President Theodore Rossevelt.


word: Bully tree
definition:
Bully tree

Bul"ly tree`
(b&usdot_;l"l&ybreve_; trē`)
(Bot.)
The name of several West Indian trees of the order Sapotaceæ, as Dipholis nigra and species of Sapota and Mimusops. Most of them yield a substance closely resembling gutta-percha.


word: Bulrush
definition:
Bulrush

Bul"rush`
(b&usdot_;l"rŭsh`)
n.
[OE. bulrysche, bolroysche; of uncertain origin, perh. fr. bole stem + rush.]
(Bot.)
A kind of large rush, growing in wet land or in water.

&hand_; The name bulrush is applied in England especially to the cat-tail (Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia) and to the lake club-rush (Scirpus lacustris); in America, to the Juncus effusus, and also to species of Scirpus or club-rush.


word: Bultel
definition:
Bultel

Bul"tel
(_;)
n.
[LL. bultellus. See Bolt to sift.]
A bolter or bolting cloth; also, bran.
[Obs.]


word: Bulwark
definition:
Bulwark

Bul"wark
(_;)
n.
[Akin to D. bolwerk, G. bollwerk, Sw. bolwerk, Dan. bolvärk, bulvärk, rampart; akin to G. bohle plank, and werk work, defense. See Bole stem, and Work, n., and cf. Boulevard.]
1.
(Fort.)
A rampart; a fortification; a bastion or outwork.

2.
That which secures against an enemy, or defends from attack; any means of defense or protection.

The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense, . . . the floating bulwark of our island.
Blackstone.

3.
pl.
(Naut.)
The sides of a ship above the upper deck, usually a fencelike structure around the deck.


word: Bulwark₂
definition:
Bulwark

Bul"wark
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bulwarked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bulwarking.]
To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect.

Of some proud city, bulwarked round and armed
With rising towers.
Glover.


word: bum
definition:
bum

bum
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. bummed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. bumming (_;).]
[See Boom, v. i., to roar.]
To make murmuring or humming sound.
Jamieson.

to bum around to wander about idly or aimlessly.


word: bum₂
definition:
bum

bum
(bŭm)
v. t.
To borrow without intention of returning; to cadge; as, to bum a cigarette; to bum a cup of coffee; -- usually with inexpensive items as the object.
[informal]


word: Bumbailiff
definition:
Bumbailiff

Bum"bail"iff
(_;)
n.
[A corruption of bound bailiff.]
[Low, Eng.]
See Bound bailiff, under Bound, a.


word: Bumbelo
definition:
Bumbelo

Bum"be*lo
(_;)
n.
pl. Bumbeloes (_;).
[It. bombola.]
A glass used in subliming camphor.
[Spelled also bombolo and bumbolo.]


word: Bumble₂
definition:
Bumble

Bum"ble
v. i.
To make a hollow or humming noise, like that of a bumblebee; to buzz; to cry as a bittern.

As a bittern bumbleth in the mire.
Chaucer.


word: Bumble₃
definition:
Bumble

Bum"ble
v. i.
to act ineptly or without clear understanding of what one is doing; to blunder; to stumble about; -- sometimes used with around.


word: Bumblebee
definition:
Bumblebee

Bum"ble*bee`
(_;)
n.
[OE. bumblen to make a humming noise (dim. of bum, v. i.) + bee. Cf. Humblebee.]
(Zool.)
A large bee of the genus Bombus, sometimes called humblebee; -- so named from its sound.

&hand_; There are many species. All gather honey, and store it in the empty cocoons after the young have come out.


word: Bumblepuppy
definition:
Bumblepuppy

Bum"ble*pup`py
(?)
n.
[Origin unknown; cf. Bumble, n.]
1.
The old game of nineholes.

2.
(Card Playing)
Whist played in an unscientific way.


word: bumbling
definition:
bumbling

bumbling
adj.
not skillful in physical movement especially with the hands; as, a bumbling mechanic.

Syn. -- bungling, butterfingered, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed, left-handed.


word: Bumboat
definition:
Bumboat

Bum"boat`
(_;)
n.
[From bum the buttocks, on account of its clumsy form; or fr. D. bun a box for holding fish in a boat.]
(Naut.)
A clumsy boat, used for conveying provisions, fruit, etc., for sale, to vessels lying in port or off shore.


word: Bumkin
definition:
Bumkin

Bum"kin
(_;)
n.
[Boom a beam + -kin. See Bumpkin.]
(Naut.)
A projecting beam or boom; as: (a) One projecting from each bow of a vessel, to haul the fore tack to, called a tack bumpkin. (b) One from each quarter, for the main-brace blocks, and called brace bumpkin. (c) A small outrigger over the stern of a boat, to extend the mizzen.
[Written also boomkin.]


word: Bummalo
definition:
Bummalo

Bum"ma*lo
(_;)
n.
[Native name.]
(Zool.)
A small marine Asiatic fish (Saurus ophidon) used in India as a relish; -- called also Bombay duck.


word: bummer
definition:
bummer

bum"mer
(bŭm"ẽr)
n.
1.
An idle, worthless fellow, who is without any visible means of support; a loafer; a dissipated sponger; one who bums.
[Slang, U.S.]

2.
an unpleasant event, experience, or situation; as, getting caught in a cloudburst while wearing my best suit was a bummer.
[Slang, U.S.]


word: Bummery
definition:
Bummery

Bum"me*ry
(_;)
n.
See Bottomery.
[Obs.]

There was a scivener of Wapping brought to hearing for relief against a bummery bond.
R. North.


word: Bump
definition:
Bump

Bump
(bŭmp; 215)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bumped (bŭmpt); p. pr. & vb. n. Bumping.]
[Cf. W. pwmp round mass, pwmpiaw to thump, bang, and E. bum, v. i., boom to roar.]
To strike, as with or against anything large or solid; to thump; as, to bump the head against a wall.


word: Bump₃
definition:
Bump

Bump
(_;)
n.
[From Bump to strike, to thump.]
1.
A thump; a heavy blow.

2.
A swelling or prominence, resulting from a bump or blow; a protuberance.

It had upon its brow
A bump as big as a young cockerel's stone.
Shak.

3.
(Phren.)
One of the protuberances on the cranium which are associated with distinct faculties or affections of the mind; as, the bump of “veneration;”  the bump of  “acquisitiveness.”
[Colloq.]

4.
The act of striking the stern of the boat in advance with the prow of the boat following.
[Eng.]


word: Bump₄
definition:
Bump

Bump
v. i.
[See Boom to roar.]
To make a loud, heavy, or hollow noise, as the bittern; to boom.

As a bittern bumps within a reed.
Dryden.


word: Bumper
definition:
Bumper

Bum"per
(_;)
n.
[A corruption of bumbard, bombard, a large drinking vessel.]
1.
A cup or glass filled to the brim, or till the liquor runs over, particularly in drinking a health or toast.

He frothed his bumpers to the brim.
Tennyson.

2.
A covered house at a theater, etc., in honor of some favorite performer.
[Cant]


word: Bumper₂
definition:
Bumper

Bump"er
(_;)
n.
1.
That which bumps or causes a bump.

2.
Anything which resists or deadens a bump or shock, such as a metal or rubber rim extending from an object; a buffer.

3.
Specifically:
(Motor vehicles)
A protective guard device, usually of metal or rubber, attached horizontally to the front or rear of the frame of a vehicle, designed to  resist or deaden a bump or shock, and to prevent damage to the main frame of the vehicle in low-velocity collisions.


word: bumper-to-bumper
definition:
bumper-to-bumper

bumper-to-bumper
adj.
moving slowly with little space between; -- used of road traffic.
bumper-to-bumper traffic

Syn. -- crawling.


word: Bumpkin
definition:
Bumpkin

Bump"kin
(_;)
n.
[The same word as bumkin, which Cotgrave defines thus: “Bumkin, Fr. chicambault, the luffe-block, a long and thick piece of wood, whereunto the fore-sayle and sprit-sayle are fastened, when a ship goes by the winde.” Hence, a clumsy man may easily have been compared to such a block of wood; cf. OD. boomken a little tree. See Boom a pole.]
An awkward, heavy country fellow; a clown; a country lout.
bumpkins
W. Irving.


word: bumpkinly
definition:
bumpkinly

bump"kin*ly
adj.
unsophisticated in a manner resembling a lifelong resident of rural areas; as, bumpkinly country boys.

Syn. -- hick, rustic, unsophisticated.


word: bump off
definition:
bump off

bump` off"
(_;)
v. t.
To kill (a person); to murder; -- used commonly of planned assassination by criminals; as, the mob bumped off all the witnesses.
[Colloq.]


word: Bunn
definition:
Bunn

Bun

{ Bun, Bunn  }
(_;)
n.
[Scot. bun, bunn, OE. bunne, bonne; fr. Celtic; cf. Ir. bunna, Gael. bonnach, or OF. bugne tumor, Prov. F. bugne a kind of pancake; akin to OHG. bungo bulb, MHG. bunge, Prov. E. bung heap, cluster, bunny a small swelling.]
1.
any of a variety of slightly sweetened or plain raised cakes or bisquits, often having a glazing of sugar and milk on the top crust; as, a hot cross bun.

2.
a type of coiffure in which the hair is gathered into a coil or knot at the top of the head.

3.
pl.
the buttocks.
[slang]


word: BUN
definition:
BUN

BUN
n.
[acronym]
(Med.)
same as blood urea nitrogen; the concentration of nitrogen in blood present in the form of urea; -- used as a measure of kidney function.
Blood usually contains 10 to 15 mg of nitrogen per 100 ml in the form of urea.  Stedman.


word: Buna
definition:
Buna

Buna
n.
[trademark.]
a synthetic rubber made by copolymerizing butadiene with another substance such as acrylonitrile or styrene.

Syn. -- buna-S.


word: Bunch
definition:
Bunch

Bunch
(bŭnch; 224)
n.
[Akin to OSw. & Dan. bunke heap, Icel. bunki heap, pile, bunga tumor, protuberance; cf. W. pwng cluster. Cf. Bunk.]
1.
A protuberance; a hunch; a knob or lump; a hump.

They will carry . . . their treasures upon the bunches of camels.
Isa. xxx. 6.

2.
A collection, cluster, or tuft, properly of things of the same kind, growing or fastened together; as, a bunch of grapes; a bunch of keys.

3.
(Mining)
A small isolated mass of ore, as distinguished from a continuous vein.
Page.


word: Bunch₂
definition:
Bunch

Bunch
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bunched (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bunching.]
To swell out into a bunch or protuberance; to be protuberant or round.

Bunching out into a large round knob at one end.
Woodward.


word: Bunchberry
definition:
Bunchberry

Bunch"ber`ry
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
The dwarf cornel (Cornus Canadensis), which bears a dense cluster of bright red, edible berries.


word: Bunch grass
definition:
Bunch grass

Bunch" grass`
(_;)
(Bot.)
A grass growing in bunches and affording pasture. In California, Atropis tenuifolia, Festuca scabrella, and several kinds of Stipa are favorite bunch grasses. In Utah, Eriocoma cuspidata is a good bunch grass.


word: Bunchy
definition:
Bunchy

Bunch"y
(_;)
a.
1.
Swelling out in bunches.

An unshapen, bunchy spear, with bark unpiled.
Phaer.

2.
Growing in bunches, or resembling a bunch; having tufts; as, the bird's bunchy tail.

3.
(Mining)
Yielding irregularly; sometimes rich, sometimes poor; as, a bunchy mine.
Page.


word: Bunkum
definition:
Bunkum

Buncombe

{ Bun"combe, Bun"kum  }
(_;)
n.
[Buncombe a county of North Carolina.]
Speech-making for the gratification of constituents, or to gain public applause; flattering talk for a selfish purpose; anything said for mere show.
[Cant or Slang, U.S.]

All that flourish about right of search was bunkum -- all that brag about hanging your Canada sheriff was bunkum . . . slavery speeches are all bunkum.
Haliburton.

To speak for Buncombe, to speak for mere show, or popularly.

&hand_; “The phrase originated near the close of the debate on the famous ‘Missouri Question,' in the 16th Congress.  It was then used by Felix Walker -- a naïve old mountaineer, who resided at Waynesville, in Haywood, the most western country of North Carolina, near the border of the adjacent county of Buncombe, which formed part of his district.  The old man rose to speak, while the house was impatiently calling for the ‘Question,' and several members gathered round him, begging him to desist.  He persevered, however, for a while, declaring that the people of his district expected it, and that he was bound to ‘make a speech for Buncombe.'”  W. Darlington.


word: Bunder
definition:
Bunder

Bun"der
(bŭn"dẽr)
n.
[Pers. bandar a landing place, pier.]
A boat or raft used in the East Indies in the landing of passengers and goods.


word: Bundesrath
definition:
Bundesrath

Bun"des*rath`
(bŏn"dĕs*rät`)
n.
[G., from bund (akin to E. bond) confederacy + rath council, prob. akin to E. read.]
Lit., a federal council, esp. of the German Empire.  In the German Empire the legislative functions are vested in the Bundesrath and the Reichstag. The federal council of Switzerland is also so called.

&hand_; The Bundesrath of the German empire is presided over by a chancellor, and is composed of sixty-two members, who represent the different states of the empire, being appointed for each session by their respective governments.

By this united congress, the highest tribunal of Switzerland, -- the Bundesrath -- is chosen, and the head of this is a president.
J. P. Peters (Trans. Müller's Pol. Hist.).


word: Bundes-Versammlung
definition:
Bundes-Versammlung

Bun"des-Ver*samm"lung
(?)
n.
[G.; bund confederacy + versammlung assembly.]
See Legislature, Switzerland.


word: Bundle
definition:
Bundle

Bun"dle
(bŭn"d'l)
n.
[OE. bundel, AS. byndel; akin to D. bondel, bundel, G. bündel, dim. of bund bundle, fr. the root of E. bind. See Bind.]
A number of things bound together, as by a cord or envelope, into a mass or package convenient for handling or conveyance; a loose package; a roll; as, a bundle of straw or of paper; a bundle of old clothes.

The fable of the rods, which, when united in a bundle, no strength could bend.
Goldsmith.

Bundle pillar (Arch.), a column or pier, with others of small dimensions attached to it. Weale.


word: Bundle₂
definition:
Bundle

Bun"dle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bundled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bundling (_;).]
1.
To tie or bind in a bundle or roll.

2.
To send off abruptly or without ceremony.

They unmercifully bundled me and my gallant second into our own hackney coach.
T. Hook.

3.
to sell together as a single item at one inclusive price; -- usually done for related products which work or are used together.

To bundle off, to send off in a hurry, or without ceremony; as, the working mothers bundle their children off to school and then try to get themselves to work on time. -- To bundle one's self up, to wrap one's self up warmly or cumbrously.


word: Bundle₃
definition:
Bundle

Bun"dle
v. i.
1.
To prepare for departure; to set off in a hurry or without ceremony.

2.
To sleep on the same bed without undressing; -- applied to the custom of a man and woman, especially lovers, thus sleeping.
Bartlett.

Van Corlear stopped occasionally in the villages to eat pumpkin pies, dance at country frolics, and bundle with the Yankee lasses.
W. Irving.

To bundle up, to dress warmly, snugly,  or cumbrously.


word: bundled
definition:
bundled

bun"dled
a.
sold together as a single item; -- usually done for related products which work or are used together.


word: bundling
definition:
bundling

bundling
n.
1.
a former custom, especially in New England, in which unmarried couples occupied the same bed without undressing, especially during courtship.  See bundle{2}, v. i.

2.
the act of binding something into a bundle.

3.
the act of shoving hastily; as, she complained about bundling the children off to school.


word: Bundobust
definition:
Bundobust

Bun"do*bust
(?)
n.
[Hind. & Per. bando-bast tying and binding.]
System; discipline.
[India]

He has more bundobust than most men.
Kipling.


word: Bung
definition:
Bung

Bung
(bŭng)
n.
[Cf. W. bwng orfice, bunghole, Ir. buinne tap, spout, OGael. buine.]
1.
The large stopper of the orifice in the bilge of a cask.

2.
The orifice in the bilge of a cask through which it is filled; bunghole.

3.
A sharper or pickpocket.
[Obs. & Low]

You filthy bung, away.
Shak.


word: Bung₂
definition:
Bung

Bung
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bunged (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bunging (_;).]
To stop, as the orifice in the bilge of a cask, with a bung; to close; -- with up.

To bung up, to use up, as by bruising or over exertion; to exhaust or incapacitate for action. [Low]

He had bunged up his mouth that he should not have spoken these three years.
Shelton (Trans. Don Quixote).


word: bungaloid
definition:
bungaloid

bungaloid
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to a bungalow; similar to a bungalow.

2.
having many bungalows.
the bungaloid suburbs


word: Bungalow
definition:
Bungalow

Bun"ga*low
(_;)
n.
[Bengalee bānglā]
A thatched or tiled house or cottage, of a single story, usually surrounded by a veranda.
[India]


word: Bungarum
definition:
Bungarum

Bun"ga*rum
(_;)
n.
[Bungar, the native name.]
(Zool.)
A venomous snake of India, of the genus Bungarus, allied to the cobras, but without a hood.


word: Bungee
definition:
Bungee

Bun"gee
(_;)
n.
1.
(Aeronautics)
a spring or other elastic device, especially one attached to a control to facilitate its manipulation.

2.
same as bungee cord.


word: Bungee cord
definition:
Bungee cord

Bun"gee cord
(_;)
n.
a strong elastic cord, usually with a hook at each end, used as a shock-absorbing device or to bind packages together, as on a dolly or handcart.


word: Bungee jumping
definition:
Bungee jumping

Bungee jump

Bun"gee jump`, Bun"gee jump`ing
(_;)
n.
an act of derring-do in which a person jumps from a high platform, such as a bridge, attached (usually by the legs) to a bungee cord, which is set to a length that will halt the drop before the person reaches the surface of the earth or the water.


word: Bungle
definition:
Bungle

Bun"gle
(_;)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bungled (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bungling (_;).]
[Prob. a diminutive from, akin to bang; cf. Prov. G. bungen to beat, bang, OSw. bunga. See Bang.]
To act or work in a clumsy, awkward manner.


word: Bungle₂
definition:
Bungle

Bun"gle
v. t.
To make or mend clumsily; to manage awkwardly; to botch; -- sometimes with up.

I always had an idea that it would be bungled.
Byron.


word: Bungle₃
definition:
Bungle

Bun"gle
(_;)
n.
A clumsy or awkward performance; a botch; a gross blunder.

Those errors and bungles which are committed.
Cudworth.


word: bungled
definition:
bungled

bungled
adj.
performed poorly or inadequately; as, a bungled job; the Watergate scandal started with a bungled burglary.

Syn. -- botched, goofed up.


word: Bungler
definition:
Bungler

Bun"gler
(_;)
n.
A clumsy, awkward workman; one who bungles.

If to be a dunce or a bungler in any profession be shameful, how much more ignominious and infamous to a scholar to be such!
Barrow.


word: bunglesome
definition:
bunglesome

bunglesome
adj.
awkward to move or use especially because of shape; as, a load of bunglesome paraphernalia.

Syn. -- awkward, clumsy, ungainly.


word: Bungling
definition:
Bungling

Bun"gling
(_;)
a.
Unskillful; awkward; clumsy; as, a bungling workman.
Swift.

They make but bungling work.
Dryden.


word: Bungo
definition:
Bungo

Bun"go
(_;)
n.
(Naut.)
A kind of canoe used in Central and South America; also, a kind of boat used in the Southern United States.
Bartlett.


word: bunji-bunji
definition:
bunji-bunji

bunji-bunji
n.
an Australian timber tree (Flindersia schottiana) whose bark yields a poison.


word: Bunk
definition:
Bunk

Bunk
(bŭ&nsmacr_;k)
n.
[Cf. OSw. bunke heap, also boaring, flooring. Cf. Bunch.]
1.
A wooden case or box, which serves for a seat in the daytime and for a bed at night.
[U.S.]

2.
One of a series of berths or bed places in tiers; as, to sleep in the top bunk.

3.
A piece of wood placed on a lumberman's sled to sustain the end of heavy timbers.
[Local, U.S.]

4.
a bed.
[informal]


word: Bunk₂
definition:
Bunk

Bunk
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bunked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bunking.]
To go to bed in a bunk; -- sometimes with in.
[Colloq. U.S.]
Bartlett.


word: Bunkbed
definition:
Bunkbed

Bunk"bed
(bŭ&nsmacr_;k"bĕd)
n.
A type of multiple bed in which the individual beds are arranged one above the other.  It is used to save space in crowded quarters.


word: Bunker
definition:
Bunker

Bun"ker
(_;)
n.
[Scot. bunker, bunkart, a bench, or low chest, serving for a seat. Cf. Bunk, Bank, Bench.]

1.
A sort of chest or box, as in a window, the lid of which serves for a seat.
[Scot.]
Jamieson.

2.
A large bin or similar receptacle; as, a coal bunker.

3.
A small sand hole or pit, as on a golf course.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.

4.
(Golf)
Hence, any rough hazardous ground on the links; also, an artificial hazard with built-up faces.

5.
(Mil.)
A fortified position dug into the ground, especially one which is closed on top and has protective walls and roof, e. g. of reinforced concrete.  For defending positions it usually has windows to view the surrounding terrain, but as a safe location for planning operations or storage, a bunker may be completely underground with no direct access to the surface.


word: Bunko
definition:
Bunko

Bun"ko
(_;)
n.
[Sf. Sp. banco bank, banca a sort of game at cards. Cf. Bank (in the commercial sense).]
A kind of swindling game or scheme, originally by means of cards or by a sham lottery, but now used for any swindling tactic.
[Written also bunco.]


word: Bunko₂
definition:
Bunko

Bun"ko
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bunkoed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Bunkoing.]
To swindle by a bunko game or scheme; to cheat or victimize in any similar way, as by a confidence game, passing a bad check, etc.

Bunko steerer, a person employed as a decoy in bunko. [Slang, U.S.]


word: Bunny
definition:
Bunny

Bun"ny
(_;)
n.
(Mining)
A great collection of ore without any vein coming into it or going out from it.


word: Bunodonts
definition:
Bunodonts

Bunodonta

{ &VerbarBu`no*don"ta (_;), Bu"no*donts (_;), }
n. pl.
[NL. bunodonta, fr. Gr. _; hill, heap + _;, _;, a tooth.]
(Zool.)
A division of the herbivorous mammals including the hogs and hippopotami; -- so called because the teeth are tuberculated.


word: buns
definition:
buns

buns
n. pl.
the buttocks.
[Slang]

Syn. -- buttocks, arse, butt, backside, bum, can, fundament, hindquarters, hind end, keister, posterior, prat, rear, rear end, rump, stern, seat, tail, tail end, tooshie, tush, bottom, behind, derriere, fanny, ass.


word: bunsen
definition:
bunsen

bunsen
n.
1.
same as bunsen burner; a gas burner used in laboratories; has an air valve to regulate the mixture of gas and air.

Syn. -- bunsen burner, etna.


word: Bunsen's burner
definition:
Bunsen's burner

Bunsen burner

Bun"sen burn"er, Bun"sen's burn"er
(Chem.)
a kind of burner, invented by Professor Bunsen of Heidelberg, consisting of a straight tube, four or five inches in length, having small holes for the entrance of air at the bottom.  Illuminating gas being also admitted at the bottom, a mixture of gas and air is formed which burns at the top with a feebly luminous but intensely hot flame.


word: Bunsen cell
definition:
Bunsen cell

Bun"sen cell
(?)
(Elec.)
A zinc-carbon cell in which the zinc (amalgamated) is surrounded by dilute sulphuric acid, and the carbon by nitric acid or a chromic acid mixture, the two plates being separated by a porous cup.


word: Bunt
definition:
Bunt

Bunt
(bŭnt)
n.
(Bot.)
A fungus (Ustilago fœtida) which affects the ear of cereals, filling the grains with a fetid dust; -- also called pepperbrand.


word: Bunt₂
definition:
Bunt

Bunt
n.
[Cf. Sw. bunt bundle, Dan. bundt, G. bund, E. bundle.]
(Naut.)
The middle part, cavity, or belly of a sail; the part of a furled sail which is at the center of the yard.
Totten.


word: Bunt₅
definition:
Bunt

Bunt
v. t. & i.
1.
To strike or push with the horns or head; to butt; as, the ram bunted the boy.

2.
(Baseball)
To bat or tap (the ball) slowly within the infield by meeting it with the bat without swinging at it.


word: buntal
definition:
buntal

buntal
n.
a fine white Philippine fiber from the stalks of unopened leaves of talipot palms; used in making hats.


word: Bunter
definition:
Bunter

Bun"ter
(_;)
n.
1.
A woman who picks up rags in the streets; hence, a low, vulgar woman.
[Cant]

Her . . . daughters, like bunters in stuff gowns.
Goldsmith.

2.
(Baseball)
a batter who bunts{2}.


word: Bunting
definition:
Bunting

Bun"ting
(_;)
n.
[Scot. buntlin, corn-buntlin, OE. bunting, buntyle; of unknown origin.]
(Zool.)
A bird of the genus Emberiza, or of an allied genus, related to the finches and sparrows (family Fringillidæ).

&hand_; Among European species are the common or corn bunting (Emberiza miliaria); the ortolan (Emberiza hortulana); the cirl (Emberiza cirlus); and the black-headed (Granitivora melanocephala). American species are the bay-winged or grass (Poöcætes gramineus or Poœcetes gramineus); the black-throated (Spiza Americana); the towhee bunting or chewink (Pipilo); the snow bunting (Plectrophanax nivalis); the rice bunting or bobolink, and others. See Ortolan, Chewick, Snow bunting, Lark bunting.


word: Buntine
definition:
Buntine

Bunting

{ Bun"ting, Bun"tine  }
(_;)
n.
[Prov. E. bunting sifting flour, OE. bonten to sift, hence prob. the material used for that purpose.]
A thin woolen stuff, used chiefly for flags, colors, and ships' signals.


word: Buntline
definition:
Buntline

Bunt"line
(_;)
n.
[2d bunt + line.]
(Naut.)
One of the ropes toggled to the footrope of a sail, used to haul up to the yard the body of the sail when taking it in.
Totten.


word: Bunion₂
definition:
Bunion

Bunyon

{ Bun"yon, Bun"ion  }
(_;)
n.
[Cf. Prov. E. bunny a small swelling, fr. OF. bugne, It. bugna, bugnone. See Bun.]
(Med.)
An enlargement and inflammation of a small membranous sac (one of the bursæ muscosæ), usually occurring on the first joint of the great toe.


word: Buoy
definition:
Buoy

Buoy
(bwoi or boi; 277)
n.
[D. boei buoy, fetter, fr. OF. boie, buie, chain, fetter, F. bouée a buoy, from L. boia. “Boiae genus vinculorum tam ferreae quam ligneae.” Festus. So called because chained to its place.]
(Naut.)
A float; esp. a floating object moored to the bottom, to mark a channel or to point out the position of something beneath the water, as an anchor, shoal, rock, etc.

Anchor buoy, a buoy attached to, or marking the position of, an anchor. -- Bell buoy, a large buoy on which a bell is mounted, to be rung by the motion of the waves. -- Breeches buoy. See under Breeches. -- Cable buoy, an empty cask employed to buoy up the cable in rocky anchorage. -- Can buoy, a hollow buoy made of sheet or boiler iron, usually conical or pear-shaped. -- Life buoy, a float intended to support persons who have fallen into the water, until a boat can be dispatched to save them. -- Nut buoy or Nun buoy, a buoy large in the middle, and tapering nearly to a point at each end. -- To stream the buoy, to let the anchor buoy fall by the ship's side into the water, before letting go the anchor. -- Whistling buoy, a buoy fitted with a whistle that is blown by the action of the waves.


word: Buoy₂
definition:
Buoy

Buoy
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buoyed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Buoying.]
1.
To keep from sinking in a fluid, as in water or air; to keep afloat; -- with up.

2.
To support or sustain; to preserve from sinking into ruin or despondency.

Those old prejudices, which buoy up the ponderous mass of his nobility, wealth, and title.
Burke.

3.
To fix buoys to; to mark by a buoy or by buoys; as, to buoy an anchor; to buoy or buoy off a channel.

Not one rock near the surface was discovered which was not buoyed by this floating weed.
Darwin.


word: Buoyage
definition:
Buoyage

Buoy"age
(_;)
n.
Buoys, taken collectively; a series of buoys, as for the guidance of vessels into or out of port; the providing of buoys.


word: Buoyancy
definition:
Buoyancy

Buoy"an*cy
(_;)
n.
pl. Buoyancies (_;).
1.
The property of floating on the surface of a liquid, or in a fluid, as in the atmosphere; specific lightness, which is inversely as the weight compared with that of an equal volume of water.

2.
(Physics)
The upward pressure exerted upon a floating body by a fluid, which is equal to the weight of the body; hence, also, the weight of a floating body, as measured by the volume of fluid displaced.

Such are buoyancies or displacements of the different classes of her majesty's ships.
Eng. Cyc.

3.
Cheerfulness; vivacity; liveliness; sprightliness; -- the opposite of heaviness; as, buoyancy of spirits.


word: Buoyant
definition:
Buoyant

Buoy"ant
(_;)
a.
[From Buoy, v. t. & i.]
1.
Having the quality of rising or floating in a fluid; tending to rise or float; as, iron is buoyant in mercury.
Buoyant
Pope.

2.
Bearing up, as a fluid; sustaining another body by being specifically heavier.

The water under me was buoyant.
Dryden.

3.
Light-hearted; vivacious; cheerful; as, a buoyant disposition; buoyant spirits.
Buoy"ant*ly, adv.


word: Buprestidan
definition:
Buprestidan

Bu*pres"ti*dan
(_;)
n.
[L. buprestis, Gr. _;, a poisonous beetle, which, being eaten by cattle in the grass, caused them to swell up and and die; _; ox, cow + _; to blow up, swell out.]
(Zool.)
One of a tribe of beetles, of the genus Buprestis and allied genera, usually with brilliant metallic colors. The larvæ are usually borers in timber, or beneath bark, and are often very destructive to trees.


word: Burr
definition:
Burr

Bur

{ Bur, Burr  }
(bûr)
n.
[OE. burre burdock; cf. Dan. borre, OSw. borra, burdock, thistle; perh. akin to E. bristle (burr- for burz-), or perh. to F. bourre hair, wool, stuff; also, according to Cotgrave, “the downe, or hairie coat, wherewith divers herbes, fruits, and flowers, are covered,” fr. L. burrae trifles, LL. reburrus rough.]
1.
(Bot.)
Any rough or prickly envelope of the seeds of plants, whether a pericarp, a persistent calyx, or an involucre, as of the chestnut and burdock; a seed vessel having hooks or prickles.  Also, any weed which bears burs.

Amongst rude burs and thistles.
Milton.

Bur and brake and brier.
Tennyson.

2.
The thin ridge left by a tool in cutting or shaping metal. See Burr, n., 2.

3.
A ring of iron on a lance or spear. See Burr, n., 4.

4.
The lobe of the ear. See Burr, n., 5.

5.
The sweetbread.

6.
A clinker; a partially vitrified brick.

7.
(Mech.)
(a)
A small circular saw.
(b)
A triangular chisel.
(c)
A drill with a serrated head larger than the shank; -- especially a small drill bit used by dentists.

8.
[Cf. Gael. borr, borra, a knob, bunch.]
(Zool.)
The round knob of an antler next to a deer's head.
[Commonly written burr.]

Bur oak (Bot.), a useful and ornamental species of oak (Quercus macrocarpa) with ovoid acorns inclosed in deep cups imbricated with pointed scales. It grows in the Middle and Western United States, and its wood is tough, close-grained, and durable. -- Bur reed (Bot.), a plant of the genus Sparganium, having long ribbonlike leaves.


word: burble
definition:
burble

burble
v.
to to make a burbling sound; -- used of water, especially brooks.

Syn. -- ripple, babble, guggle, bubble, gurgle.


word: burbly
definition:
burbly

burbling

burbling burbly
adj.
1.
uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm; as, a novel told in burbly panting tones.

Syn. -- effusive, gushing.

2.
bubbling; -- of sounds, especially of water.


word: Burbot
definition:
Burbot

Bur"bot
(_;)
n.
[F. barbote, fr. barbe beard. See 1st Barb.]
(Zool.)
A fresh-water fish of the genus Lota, having on the nose two very small barbels, and a larger one on the chin.
[Written also burbolt.]

&hand_; The fish is also called an eelpout or ling, and is allied to the codfish. The Lota vulgaris is a common European species.  An American species (Lota maculosa) is found in New England, the Great Lakes, and farther north.


word: Burdelais
definition:
Burdelais

Bur`de*lais"
(_;)
n.
[F. bourdelais, prob. fr. bordelais. See Bordelais.]
A sort of grape.
Jonson.


word: Burden
definition:
Burden

Bur"den
(bû"d'n)
n.
[Written also burthen.]
[OE. burden, burthen, birthen, birden, AS. byrðen; akin to Icel. byrði, Dan. byrde, Sw. börda, G. bürde, OHG. burdi, Goth. baúrþei, fr. the root of E. bear, AS. beran, Goth. bairan. √92. See 1st Bear.]
1.
That which is borne or carried; a load.

Plants with goodly burden bowing.
Shak.

2.
That which is borne with labor or difficulty; that which is grievous, wearisome, or oppressive.

Deaf, giddy, helpless, left alone,
To all my friends a burden grown.
Swift.

3.
The capacity of a vessel, or the weight of cargo that she will carry; as, a ship of a hundred tons burden.

4.
(Mining)
The tops or heads of stream-work which lie over the stream of tin.

5.
(Metal.)
The proportion of ore and flux to fuel, in the charge of a blast furnace.
Raymond.

6.
A fixed quantity of certain commodities; as, a burden of gad steel, 120 pounds.

7.
A birth.
[Obs. & R.]
Shak.

Beast of burden, an animal employed in carrying burdens. -- Burden of proof [L. onus probandi] (Law), the duty of proving a particular position in a court of law, a failure in the performance of which duty calls for judgment against the party on whom the duty is imposed.


word: Burden₂
definition:
Burden

Bur"den
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burdened (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burdening (_;).]
1.
To encumber with weight (literal or figurative); to lay a heavy load upon; to load.

I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened.
2 Cor. viii. 13.

2.
To oppress with anything grievous or trying; to overload; as, to burden a nation with taxes.

My burdened heart would break.
Shak.

3.
To impose, as a load or burden; to lay or place as a burden (something heavy or objectionable).
[R.]

It is absurd to burden this act on Cromwell.
Coleridge.


word: Burden₃
definition:
Burden

Bur"den
(bûr"d'n)
n.
[OE. burdoun the bass in music, F. bourdon; cf. LL. burdo drone, a long organ pipe, a staff, a mule. Prob. of imitative origin. Cf. Bourdon.]
1.
The verse repeated in a song, or the return of the theme at the end of each stanza; the chorus; refrain. Hence: That which is often repeated or which is dwelt upon; the main topic; as, the burden of a prayer.

I would sing my song without a burden.
Shak.

2.
The drone of a bagpipe.
Ruddiman.


word: burdened
definition:
burdened

bur"dened
adj.
bearing a heavy load; as, a hiker burdened with a heavy backpack.

Syn. -- heavy-laden, laden, weighed down.


word: Burdensome
definition:
Burdensome

Bur"den*some
(_;)
a.
Grievous to be borne; causing uneasiness or fatigue; oppressive.

The debt immense of endless gratitude
So burdensome.
Milton.


word: Burdock
definition:
Burdock

Bur"dock
(_;)
n.
[Bur + dock the plant.]
(Bot.)
A genus of coarse biennial herbs (Lappa), bearing small burs which adhere tenaciously to clothes, or to the fur or wool of animals.

&hand_; The common burdock is the Lappa officinalis.


word: Bureau
definition:
Bureau

Bu"reau
(_;)
n.
pl. E. Bureaus (_;), F. Bureaux (_;).
[F. bureau a writing table, desk, office, OF., drugget, with which a writing table was often covered, equiv. to F. bure, and fr. OF. buire dark brown, the stuff being named from its color, fr. L. burrus red, fr. Gr. _; flame-colored, prob. fr. _; fire. See Fire, n., and cf. Borel, n.]
1.
Originally, a desk or writing table with drawers for papers.
Swift.

2.
The place where such a bureau is used; an office where business requiring writing is transacted.

3.
Hence: A department of public business requiring a force of clerks; the body of officials in a department who labor under the direction of a chief.

&hand_; On the continent of Europe, the highest departments, in most countries, have the name of bureaux; as, the Bureau of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In England and America, the term is confined to inferior and subordinate departments; as, the “Pension Bureau,” a subdepartment of the Department of the Interior. [Obs.] In Spanish, bureo denotes a court of justice for the trial of persons belonging to the king's household.

4.
A chest of drawers for clothes, especially when made as an ornamental piece of furniture.
[U.S.]

Bureau system. See Bureaucracy. -- Bureau Veritas, an institution, in the interest of maritime underwriters, for the survey and rating of vessels all over the world. It was founded in Belgium in 1828, removed to Paris in 1830, and reëstablished in Brussels in 1870.


word: Bureaucracy
definition:
Bureaucracy

Bu*reau"cra*cy
(_;)
n.
[Bureau + Gr. _; to be strong, to govern, _; strength: cf. F. bureaucratie.]
1.
A system of carrying on the business of government by means of departments or bureaus, each under the control of a chief, in contradiction to a system in which the officers of government have an associated authority and responsibility; also, government conducted on this system.

2.
Government officials, collectively; -- used especially of nonelected government officials.


word: Bureaucrat
definition:
Bureaucrat

Bu*reau"crat
(_;)
n.
An official of a bureau; esp. an official confirmed in a narrow and arbitrary routine.
C. Kingsley.


word: bureaucratese
definition:
bureaucratese

bureaucratese
n.
the formal and often obscure style of writing characteristic of some government officials; officialese; -- it is characterized by euphemisms, circumlocutions, vague abstractions, and circumlocutions.


word: Bureaucratical
definition:
Bureaucratical

Bureaucratic

{ Bu`reau*crat"ic (_;), Bu`reau*crat"ic*al (_;), }
a.
[Cf. F. bureaucratique.]
Of, relating to, or resembling, a bureaucracy.


word: Burette
definition:
Burette

Bu*rette"
(_;)
n.
[F., can, cruet, dim. of buire flagon.]
(Chem.)
An apparatus for delivering measured quantities of liquid or for measuring the quantity of liquid or gas received or discharged. It consists essentially of a graduated glass tube, usually furnished with a small aperture and stopcock.


word: Bur fish
definition:
Bur fish

Bur" fish`
(_;)
(Zool.)
A spinose, plectognath fish of the Allantic coast of the United States (esp. Chilo mycterus geometricus) having the power of distending its body with water or air, so as to resemble a chestnut bur; -- called also ball fish, balloon fish, and swellfish.


word: Burg
definition:
Burg

Burg
(_;)
n.
[AS. burh, burg, cf. LL. burgus. See 1st Borough.]
1.
A fortified town.
[Obs.]

2.
A borough.
[Eng.]
Borough


word: Burgage
definition:
Burgage

Burg"age
(_;)
n.
[From Burg: cf. F. bourgage, LL. burgagium.]
(Eng. Law)
A tenure by which houses or lands are held of the king or other lord of a borough or city; at a certain yearly rent, or by services relating to trade or handicraft.
Burrill.


word: Burgee
definition:
Burgee

Bur"gee
(_;)
n.
1.
A kind of small coat.

2.
(Naut.)
A swallow-tailed flag; a distinguishing pennant, used by cutters, yachts, and merchant vessels.


word: Burgess
definition:
Burgess

Bur"gess
(_;)
n.
[OE. burgeis, OF. burgeis, fr. burcfortified town, town, F. bourg village, fr. LL. burgus fort, city; from the German; cf. MHG. burc, G. burg. See 1st Borough, and cf. 2d Bourgeois.]
1.
An inhabitant of a borough or walled town, or one who possesses a tenement therein; a citizen or freeman of a borough.
Blackstone.

&hand_; “A burgess of a borough corresponds with a citizen of a city.”
Burrill.

2.
One who represents a borough in Parliament.

3.
A magistrate of a borough.

4.
An inhabitant of a Scotch burgh qualified to vote for municipal officers.

&hand_; Before the Revolution, the representatives in the popular branch of the legislature of Virginia were called burgesses; they are now called delegates.

Burgess oath. See Burgher, 2.


word: Burggrave
definition:
Burggrave

Burg"grave
(_;)
n.
[G. burggraf; burg fortress + graf count: cf. D. burggraaf, F. burgrave. See Margrave.]
(Germany)
Originally, one appointed to the command of a burg (fortress or castle); but the title afterward became hereditary, with a domain attached.


word: Burgh
definition:
Burgh

Burgh
(_;)
n.
[OE. See Burg.]
A borough or incorporated town, especially, one in Scotland. See Borough.


word: Burghbote
definition:
Burghbote

Burgh"bote`
(_;)
n.
[Burgh + bote.]
(Old Law)
A contribution toward the building or repairing of castles or walls for the defense of a city or town.


word: Burghbrech
definition:
Burghbrech

Burgh"brech`
(_;)
n.
[Burgh + F. brèche, equiv. to E. breach.]
(AS. Law)
The offense of violating the pledge given by every inhabitant of a tithing to keep the peace; breach of the peace.
Burrill.


word: Burgher
definition:
Burgher

Burgh"er
(_;)
n.
[From burgh; akin to D. burger, G. bürger, Dan. borger, Sw. borgare. See Burgh.]
1.
A freeman of a burgh or borough, entitled to enjoy the privileges of the place; any inhabitant of a borough.

2.
(Eccl. Hist.)
A member of that party, among the Scotch seceders, which asserted the lawfulness of the burgess oath (in which burgesses profess “the true religion professed within the realm”), the opposite party being called antiburghers.

&hand_; These parties arose among the Presbyterians of Scotland, in 1747, and in 1820 reunited under the name of the “United Associate Synod of the Secession Church.”


word: Burghmaster
definition:
Burghmaster

Burgh"mas`ter
(_;)
n.
1.
A burgomaster.

2.
(Mining)
An officer who directs and lays out the meres or boundaries for the workmen; -- called also bailiff, and barmaster.
[Eng.]


word: Burghmote
definition:
Burghmote

Burgh"mote`
(_;)
n.
(AS. Law)
[Burgh + mote meeting.]
A court or meeting of a burgh or borough; a borough court held three times yearly.


word: Burglar
definition:
Burglar

Bur"glar
(_;)
n.
[OE. burg town, F. bourg, fr. LL. burgus (of German origin) + OF. lere thief, fr. L. latro. See Borough, and Larceny.]
(Law)
One guilty of the crime of burglary.

Burglar alarm, a device for giving alarm if a door or window is opened from without.


word: Burglarious
definition:
Burglarious

Bur*gla"ri*ous
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to burglary; constituting the crime of burglary.

To come down a chimney is held a burglarious entry.
Blackstone.


word: Burglariously
definition:
Burglariously

Bur*gla"ri*ous*ly
adv.
With an intent to commit burglary; in the manner of a burglar.
Blackstone.


word: Burglary
definition:
Burglary

Bur"gla*ry
(_;)
n.
pl. Burglaries (_;).
[Fr. Burglar; cf. LL. burglaria.]
(Law)
Breaking and entering the dwelling house of another, in the nighttime, with intent to commit a felony therein, whether the felonious purpose be accomplished or not.
Wharton. Burrill.

&hand_; By statute law in some of the United States, burglary includes the breaking with felonious intent into a house by day as well as by night, and into other buildings than dwelling houses. Various degrees of the crime are established.


word: burgle
definition:
burgle

burgle
v.
[by back-formation from burglar.]
to commit a burglary; to enter and rob a dwelling.

Syn. -- burglarize, heist.


word: Burgomaster
definition:
Burgomaster

Bur"go*mas`ter
(_;)
n.
[D. burgemeester; burg borough + meester master; akin to G. burgemeister, bürgermeister. See 1st Borough, and Master.]
1.
A chief magistrate of a municipal town in Holland, Flanders, and Germany, corresponding to mayor in England and the United States; a burghmaster.

2.
(Zool.)
An aquatic bird, the glaucous gull (Larus glaucus), common in arctic regions.


word: Burgonet
definition:
Burgonet

Bur"go*net
(_;)
n.
[F. bouruignotte, because the Burgundians, F. Bouruignons, first used it.]
A kind of helmet.
[Written also burganet.]
Shak.


word: Burgoo
definition:
Burgoo

Bur"goo
(_;)
n.
[Prov. E. burgood yeast, perh. fr. W. burym yeast + cawl cabbage, gruel.]
A kind of oatmeal pudding, or thick gruel, used by seamen.
[Written also burgout.]


word: Burgrass
definition:
Burgrass

Bur"grass`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
Grass of the genus Cenchrus, growing in sand, and having burs for fruit.


word: Burgundy
definition:
Burgundy

Bur"gun*dy
(_;)
n.
1.
An old province of France (in the eastern central part).

2.
A richly flavored wine, mostly red, made in Burgundy, France.

Burgundy pitch, a resinous substance prepared from the exudation of the Norway spruce (Abies excelsa) by melting in hot water and straining through cloth. The genuine Burgundy pitch, supposed to have been first prepared in Burgundy, is rare, but there are many imitations. It has a yellowish brown color, is translucent and hard, but viscous. It is used in medicinal plasters.


word: Burrhel
definition:
Burrhel

Burhel

{ Bur"hel, Burr"hel  }
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
The wild Himalayan, or blue, sheep (Ovis burrhel).


word: Burhinidae
definition:
Burhinidae

Burhinidae
n.
a natural family of large wading birds resembling the plovers; the stone curlews.

Syn. -- family Burhinidae.


word: Burhinus
definition:
Burhinus

Burhinus
n.
type genus of the Burhinidae, comprising the stone curlews.

Syn. -- genus Burhinus.


word: Burial
definition:
Burial

Bur"i*al
(_;)
n.
[OE. buriel, buriels, grave, tomb, AS. byrgels, fr. byrgan to bury, and akin to OS. burgisli sepulcher.]
1.
A grave; a tomb; a place of sepulture.
[Obs.]

The erthe schook, and stoones weren cloven, and biriels weren opened.
Wycliff [Matt. xxvii. 51, 52].

2.
The act of burying; depositing a dead body in the earth, in a tomb or vault, or in the water, usually with attendant ceremonies; sepulture; interment.
burial
Shak.

Now to glorious burial slowly borne.
Tennyson.

Burial case, a form of coffin, usually of iron, made to close air-tight, for the preservation of a dead body. -- Burial ground, a piece of ground selected and set apart for a place of burials, and consecrated to such use by religious ceremonies. -- Burial place, any place where burials are made. -- Burial service. (a) The religious service performed at the interment of the dead; a funeral service. (b) That portion of a liturgy which is read at an interment; as, the English burial service.


word: buried
definition:
buried

buried
adj.
1.
covered from view; as, her face buried (or hidden) in her hands; buried in the smoke of many rifles.

Syn. -- hidden.

2.
placed in a grave; as, the hastily buried corpses.  Opposite of unburied.

Syn. -- inhumed, interred.


word: Burier
definition:
Burier

Bur"i*er
(_;)
n.
One who, or that which, buries.

Till the buriers have buried it.
Ezek. xxxix. 15.

And darkness be the burier of the dead.
Shak.


word: Burin
definition:
Burin

Bu"rin
(_;)
n.
[F. burin, cf. It. burino, bulino; prob. from OHG. bora borer, bor&omacrn to bore, G. bohren. See 1st Bore.]
1.
The cutting tool of an engraver on metal, used in line engraving. It is made of tempered steel, one end being ground off obliquely so as to produce a sharp point, and the other end inserted in a handle; a graver; also, the similarly shaped tool used by workers in marble.

2.
The manner or style of execution of an engraver; as, a soft burin; a brilliant burin.


word: Burion
definition:
Burion

Bu"ri*on
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
The red-breasted house sparrow of California (Carpodacus frontalis); -- called also crimson-fronted bullfinch.
[Written also burrion.]


word: Burke
definition:
Burke

Burke
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burked (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burking.]
[From one Burke of Edinburgh, who committed the crime in 1829.]
1.
To murder by suffocation, or so as to produce few marks of violence, for the purpose of obtaining a body to be sold for dissection.

2.
To dispose of quietly or indirectly; to suppress; to smother; to shelve; as, to burke a parliamentary question.

The court could not burke an inquiry, supported by such a mass of a affidavits.
C. Reade.


word: Burkism
definition:
Burkism

Burk"ism
(_;)
n.
The practice of killing persons for the purpose of selling their bodies for dissection.


word: Burl
definition:
Burl

Burl
(bûrl)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burled (bûrld); p. pr. & vb. n. Burling.]
[OE. burle stuffing, or a knot in cloth; cf. F. bourlet, bourrelet, OF. bourel, a wreath or a roll of cloth, linen, or leather, stuffed with flocks, etc., dim. of bourre. √92. See Bur.]
To dress or finish up (cloth); to pick knots, burs, loose threads, etc., from, as in finishing cloth.

Burling iron, a peculiar kind of nippers or tweezers used in burling woolen cloth.


word: Burl₂
definition:
Burl

Burl
n.
1.
A knot or lump in thread or cloth.

2.
An overgrown knot, or an excrescence, on a tree; also, veneer made from such excrescences.


word: Burlap
definition:
Burlap

Bur"lap
(_;)
n.
A coarse fabric, made of jute or hemp, used for bagging; also, a finer variety of similar material, used for curtains, etc.
[Written also burlaps.]


word: burled
definition:
burled

burled
(bûrld)
adj.
having an irregular pattern from the grain of a tree burl{2}, or one resembling such a pattern, in contrast to the regular wood grain consisting of parallel or concentric lines; -- of wood.


word: Burlesque
definition:
Burlesque

Bur*lesque"
(_;)
a.
[F. burlesque, fr. It. burlesco, fr. burla jest, mockery, perh. for burrula, dim. of L. burrae trifles. See Bur.]
Tending to excite laughter or contempt by extravagant images, or by a contrast between the subject and the manner of treating it, as when a trifling subject is treated with mock gravity; jocular; ironical.

It is a dispute among the critics, whether burlesque poetry runs best in heroic verse, like that of the Dispensary, or in doggerel, like that of Hudibras.
Addison.


word: Burlesque₂
definition:
Burlesque

Bur*lesque"
(_;)
n.
1.
Ludicrous representation; exaggerated parody; grotesque satire.

Burlesque is therefore of two kinds; the first represents mean persons in the accouterments of heroes, the other describes great persons acting and speaking like the basest among the people.
Addison.

2.
An ironical or satirical composition intended to excite laughter, or to ridicule anything.

The dull burlesque appeared with impudence,
And pleased by novelty in spite of sense.
Dryden.

3.
A ludicrous imitation; a caricature; a travesty; a gross perversion.

Who is it that admires, and from the heart is attached to, national representative assemblies, but must turn with horror and disgust from such a profane burlesque and abominable perversion of that sacred institute?
Burke.


word: Burlesque₃
definition:
Burlesque

Bur*lesque"
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burlesqued (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burlesquing (_;).]
To ridicule, or to make ludicrous by grotesque representation in action or in language.

They burlesqued the prophet Jeremiah's words, and turned the expression he used into ridicule.
Stillingfleet.


word: Burletta
definition:
Burletta

Bur*let"ta
(bûr*lĕt"tȧ)
n.
[It., dim. of burla mockery. See Burlesque, a.]
(Mus.)
A comic operetta; a music farce.
Byron.


word: Burly
definition:
Burly

Bur"ly
(bûr"l&ybreve_;)
a.
[OE. burlich strong, excellent; perh. orig. fit for a lady's bower, hence handsome, manly, stout. Cf. Bower.]
1.
Having a large, strong, or gross body; stout; lusty; -- now used chiefly of human beings, but formerly of animals, in the sense of stately or beautiful, and of inanimate things that were huge and bulky.
Burly
Drayton.

In his latter days, with overliberal diet, [he was] somewhat corpulent and burly.
Sir T. More.

Burly and big, and studious of his ease.
Cowper.

2.
Coarse and rough; boisterous.

It was the orator's own burly way of nonsense.
Cowley.


word: Burman
definition:
Burman

Bur"man
(_;)
n.
pl. Burmans (_;).
[“The softened modern M'yan-ma, M'yan-ma [native name] is the source of the European corruption Burma.” Balfour.]
(Ethnol.)
A member of the Burman family, one of the four great families Burma; also, sometimes, any inhabitant of Burma; a Burmese.
a. Of or pertaining to the Burmans or to Burmah.
Burma is now (1998) named Myanmar.


word: Burmannia
definition:
Burmannia

Burmannia
n.
the type genus of the Burmanniaceae; slender herbs of warm regions with leaves resembling scales and flowers with a 3-angled or 3-winged perianth.

Syn. -- genus Burmannia.


word: Burmanniaceae
definition:
Burmanniaceae

Burmanniaceae
n.
a natural family of chiefly tropical herbs with basal or bractlike leaves and small flowers.

Syn. -- family Burmanniaceae.


word: Burmese
definition:
Burmese

Bur`mese"
(_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to Burmah, or its inhabitants.
n. sing. & pl. A native or the natives of Burma (Myanmar). Also (sing.), the language of the Burmans.


word: Burn
definition:
Burn

Burn
(bûrn)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burned (bûrnd) or Burnt (bûrnt); p. pr. & vb. n. Burning.]
[OE. bernen, brennen, v. t., early confused with beornen, birnen, v. i., AS. bærnan, bernan, v. t., birnan, v. i.; akin to OS. brinnan, OFries. barna, berna, OHG. brinnan, brennan, G. brennen, OD. bernen, D. branden, Dan. brænde, Sw. bränna, brinna, Icel. brenna, Goth. brinnan, brannjan (in comp.), and possibly to E. fervent.]
1.
To consume with fire; to reduce to ashes by the action of heat or fire; -- frequently intensified by up: as, to burn up wood.
burn
Shak.

2.
To injure by fire or heat; to change destructively some property or properties of, by undue exposure to fire or heat; to scorch; to scald; to blister; to singe; to char; to sear; as, to burn steel in forging; to burn one's face in the sun; the sun burns the grass.

3.
To perfect or improve by fire or heat; to submit to the action of fire or heat for some economic purpose; to destroy or change some property or properties of, by exposure to fire or heat in due degree for obtaining a desired residuum, product, or effect; to bake; as, to burn clay in making bricks or pottery; to burn wood so as to produce charcoal; to burn limestone for the lime.

4.
To make or produce, as an effect or result, by the application of fire or heat; as, to burn a hole; to burn charcoal; to burn letters into a block.

5.
To consume, injure, or change the condition of, as if by action of fire or heat; to affect as fire or heat does; as, to burn the mouth with pepper.

This tyrant fever burns me up.
Shak.

This dry sorrow burns up all my tears.
Dryden.

When the cold north wind bloweth, . . . it devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and consumeth the _;_;ass as fire.
Ecclus. xliii. 20, 21.

6.
(Surg.)
To apply a cautery to; to cauterize.

7.
(Chem.)
To cause to combine with oxygen or other active agent, with evolution of heat; to consume; to oxidize; as, a man burns a certain amount of carbon at each respiration; to burn iron in oxygen.

To burn, To burn together, as two surfaces of metal (Engin.), to fuse and unite them by pouring over them a quantity of the same metal in a liquid state. -- To burn a bowl (Game of Bowls), to displace it accidentally, the bowl so displaced being said to be burned. -- To burn daylight, to light candles before it is dark; to waste time; to perform superfluous actions. Shak. -- To burn one's fingers, to get one's self into unexpected trouble, as by interfering the concerns of others, speculation, etc. -- To burn out, (a) to destroy or obliterate by burning.  “Must you with hot irons burn out mine eyes?” Shak. (b) to force (people) to flee by burning their homes or places of business; as, the rioters burned out the Chinese businessmen. -- To be burned out, to suffer loss by fire, as the burning of one's house, store, or shop, with the contents. -- To burn up, To burn down, to burn entirely.


word: Burn₂
definition:
Burn

Burn
v. i.
1.
To be of fire; to flame.
burned
Deut. ix. 15.

2.
To suffer from, or be scorched by, an excess of heat.

Your meat doth burn, quoth I.
Shak.

3.
To have a condition, quality, appearance, sensation, or emotion, as if on fire or excessively heated; to act or rage with destructive violence; to be in a state of lively emotion or strong desire; as, the face burns; to burn with fever.

Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?
Luke xxiv. 32.

The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne,
Burned on the water.
Shak.

Burning with high hope.
Byron.

The groan still deepens, and the combat burns.
Pope.

The parching air
Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire.
Milton.

4.
(Chem.)
To combine energetically, with evolution of heat; as, copper burns in chlorine.

5.
In certain games, to approach near to a concealed object which is sought.
[Colloq.]

To burn up, To burn down, to be entirely consumed.


word: Burn₃
definition:
Burn

Burn
n.
1.
A hurt, injury, or effect caused by fire or excessive or intense heat.

2.
The operation or result of burning or baking, as in brickmaking; as, they have a good burn.

3.
A disease in vegetables. See Brand, n., 6.


word: burnt-out
definition:
burnt-out

burned-out

burned-out burnt-out
adj. prenom.
1.
drained of energy or effectiveness; driven to apathy by overwork or prolonged stress; -- of people.

Syn. -- burned out(predicate), burnt out(predicate), fagged, exhausted, fatigued, played-out(prenominal), played out(predicate), spent, washed-out(prenominal), washed out(predicate), worn-out(prenominal), worn out(predicate).

2.
damaged or destroyed by or as if by fire; as, barricaded the street with burned-out cars.

Syn. -- burned out(predicate), burnt out(predicate).


word: Burner
definition:
Burner

Burn"er
(_;)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, burns or sets fire to anything.

2.
The part of a lamp, gas fixture, etc., where the flame is produced.

Bunsen's burner (Chem.), see Bunsen burner. -- Argand burner, Rose burner, etc. See under Argand, Rose, etc.


word: Burnet
definition:
Burnet

Bur"net
(_;)
n.
[OE. burnet burnet; also, brownish (the plant perh. being named from its color), fr. F. brunet, dim. of brun brown; cf. OF. brunete a sort of flower. See Brunette.]
(Bot.)
A genus of perennial herbs (Poterium); especially, Poterium Sanguisorba, the common, or garden, burnet.

Burnet moth (Zool.), in England, a handsome moth (Zygæna filipendula), with crimson spots on the wings. -- Burnet saxifrage. (Bot.) See Saxifrage. -- Canadian burnet, a marsh plant (Poterium Canadensis). -- Great burnet, Wild burnet, Poterium oficinalis (or Sanguisorba oficinalis).


word: Burnettize
definition:
Burnettize

Bur"nett*ize
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burnettized (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burnettizing.]
(Manuf.)
To subject (wood, fabrics, etc.) to a process of saturation in a solution of chloride of zinc, to prevent decay; -- a process invented by Sir William Burnett.


word: Burning
definition:
Burning

Burn"ing
a.
1.
That burns; being on fire; excessively hot; fiery.

2.
Consuming; intense; inflaming; exciting; vehement; powerful; as, burning zeal.

Like a young hound upon a burning scent.
Dryden.

Burning bush (Bot.), an ornamental shrub (Euonymus atropurpureus), bearing a crimson berry.


word: Burning₂
definition:
Burning

Burn"ing
n.
The act of consuming by fire or heat, or of subjecting to the effect of fire or heat; the state of being on fire or excessively heated.

Burning fluid, any volatile illuminating oil, as the lighter petroleums (naphtha, benzine), or oil of turpentine (camphine), but esp. a mixture of the latter with alcohol. -- Burning glass, a convex lens of considerable size, used for producing an intense heat by converging the sun's rays to a focus. -- Burning house (Metal.), the furnace in which tin ores are calcined, to sublime the sulphur and arsenic from the pyrites. Weale. -- Burning mirror, a concave mirror, or a combination of plane mirrors, used for the same purpose as a burning glass.


word: Burnish
definition:
Burnish

Bur"nish
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Burnished (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burnishing.]
[OE. burnischen, burnissen, burnen, OF. burnir, brunir, to make brown, polish, F. brunir, fr. F. brun brown, fr. OHG. br_;n; cf. MHG. briunen to make brown, polish. See Brown, a.]
To cause to shine; to make smooth and bright; to polish; specifically, to polish by rubbing with something hard and smooth; as, to burnish brass or paper.

The frame of burnished steel, that east a glare
From far, and seemed to thaw the freezing air.
Dryden.

Now the village windows blaze,
Burnished by the setting sun.
Cunningham.

Burnishing machine, a machine for smoothing and polishing by compression, as in making paper collars.


word: Burnish₂
definition:
Burnish

Bur"nish
v. i.
To shine forth; to brighten; to become smooth and glossy, as from swelling or filling out; hence, to grow large.

A slender poet must have time to grow,
And spread and burnish as his brothers do.
Dryden.

My thoughts began to burnish, sprout, and swell.
Herbert.


word: Burnisher
definition:
Burnisher

Bur"nish*er
(_;)
n.
1.
One who burnishes.

2.
A tool with a hard, smooth, rounded end or surface, as of steel, ivory, or agate, used in smoothing or polishing by rubbing. It has a variety of forms adapted to special uses.


word: Burnous
definition:
Burnous

Burnoose

{ Bur"noose, Bur"nous  }
(_;)
n.
[Ar. burnus a kind of high-crowned cap: cf. F. bournous, burnous, Sp. al-bornoz, a sort of upper garment, with a hood attached.]
1.
A cloaklike garment and hood woven in one piece, worn by Arabs.

2.
A combination cloak and hood worn by women.
[Variously written bournous, bernouse, bornous, etc.]


word: burn out
definition:
burn out

burn out
v. i.
1.
To burn till the fuel is exhausted; as, when the candle burned out the room was totally dark; the firefighters couldn't control the oil tank fire and had to let it burn out by itself.

2.
To stop functioning due to failure of some component caused by the heat of the electrical current used in its operation; -- of electrical devices.

3.
To become apathetic or depressed, and cease to function effectively, due to the fatigue and frustration of prolonged stress and overwork; -- of people; as, the stress in the bond market is so great that many traders burn out after only ten years on the job.


word: Burnt
definition:
Burnt

Burnt
(_;)
p. p. & a.
Consumed with, or as with, fire; scorched or dried, as with fire or heat; baked or hardened in the fire or the sun.

Burnt ear, a black, powdery fungus which destroys grain. See Smut. -- Burnt offering, something offered and burnt on an altar, as an atonement for sin; a sacrifice. The offerings of the Jews were a clean animal, as an ox, a calf, a goat, or a sheep; or some vegetable substance, as bread, or ears of wheat or barley. Called also burnt sacrifice. [2 Sam. xxiv. 22.]


word: burp
definition:
burp

burp
v. i.
to same as belch; as, In China it is polite to burp at the table.

Syn. -- bubble, belch, eruct, expel gas.


word: burp₂
definition:
burp

burp
v. t.
to cause to belch; -- used especially of actions parents take to relieve stomach gas in infants; as, mother fed and burped the baby, and put her to bed.


word: burping
definition:
burping

burp

burp, burping
n.
a reflex that expels wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth.

Syn. -- belch, belching, burping, eructation.


word: Burr₂
definition:
Burr

Burr
(bûr)
n.
[See Bur.]
(Bot.)
1.
A prickly seed vessel. See Bur, 1.

2.
The thin edge or ridge left by a tool in cutting or shaping metal, as in turning, engraving, pressing, etc.; also, the rough neck left on a bullet in casting.

The graver, in plowing furrows in the surface of the copper, raises corresponding ridges or burrs.
Tomlinson.

3.
A thin flat piece of metal, formed from a sheet by punching; a small washer put on the end of a rivet before it is swaged down.

4.
A broad iron ring on a tilting lance just below the gripe, to prevent the hand from slipping.

5.
The lobe or lap of the ear.

6.
[Probably of imitative origin.]
A guttural pronounciation of the letter r, produced by trilling the extremity of the soft palate against the back part of the tongue; rotacism; -- often called the Newcastle burr, Northumberland burr, or Tweedside burr.

7.
The knot at the bottom of an antler. See Bur, n., 8.


word: Burr₃
definition:
Burr

Burr
(_;)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Burred (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burring.]
To speak with burr; to make a hoarse or guttural murmur.
Mrs. Browning.


word: Burrel
definition:
Burrel

Bur"rel
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OF. burel reddish (cf. Borel, n.), or F. beurré butter pear, fr. beurre butter. Cf. Butter.]
A sort of pear, called also the red butter pear, from its smooth, delicious, soft pulp.


word: Burrel fly
definition:
Burrel fly

Bur"rel fly`
(_;)
[From its reddish color. See 1st Burrel.]
(Zool.)
The botfly or gadfly of cattle (Hypoderma bovis). See Gadfly.


word: Burrel shot
definition:
Burrel shot

Bur"rel shot`
(_;)
[Either from annoying the enemy like a burrel fly, or, less probably, fr. F. bourreler to sting, torture.]
(Gun.)
A mixture of shot, nails, stones, pieces of old iron, etc., fired from a cannon at short range, in an emergency.
[R.]


word: Burring machine
definition:
Burring machine

Burr"ing ma*chine"
(_;)
A machine for cleansing wool of burs, seeds, and other substances.


word: Burrock
definition:
Burrock

Bur"rock
(_;)
n.
[Perh. from AS. burg, burh, hill + -ock.]
A small weir or dam in a river to direct the stream to gaps where fish traps are placed.
Knight.


word: Burrow
definition:
Burrow

Bur"row
(_;)
n.
[See 1st Borough.]
1.
An incorporated town. See 1st Borough.

2.
A shelter; esp. a hole in the ground made by certain animals, as rabbits, for shelter and habitation.

3.
(Mining)
A heap or heaps of rubbish or refuse.

4.
A mound. See 3d Barrow, and Camp, n., 5.


word: Burrow₂
definition:
Burrow

Bur"row
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Burrowed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burrowing.]
1.
To excavate a hole to lodge in, as in the earth; to lodge in a hole excavated in the earth, as conies or rabbits.

2.
To lodge, or take refuge, in any deep or concealed place; to hide.

Sir, this vermin of court reporters, when they are forced into day upon one point, are sure to burrow in another.
Burke.

Burrowing owl (Zool.), a small owl of the western part of North America (Speotyto cunicularia), which lives in holes, often in company with the prairie dog.


word: Burrower
definition:
Burrower

Bur"row*er
(_;)
n.
One who, or that which, burrows; an animal that makes a hole under ground and lives in it.


word: Bursa
definition:
Bursa

Bur"sa
(_;)
n.
pl. Bursæ (_;).
[L. See Burse.]
(Anat.)
Any sac or saclike cavity; especially, one of the synovial sacs, or small spaces, often lined with synovial membrane, interposed between tendons and bony prominences.


word: Bursar
definition:
Bursar

Bur"sar
(_;)
n.
[LL. bursarius, fr. bursa purse. See Burse, and cf. Purser.]
1.
A treasurer, or cash keeper; a purser; as, the bursar of a college, or of a monastery.

2.
A student to whom a stipend or bursary is paid for his complete or partial support.


word: Bursary
definition:
Bursary

Bur"sa*ry
(_;)
n.
pl. -ries (_;).
[LL. bursaria. See Bursar.]
1.
The treasury of a college or monastery.

2.
A scholarship or charitable foundation in a university, as in Scotland; a sum given to enable a student to pursue his studies.
bursary
Southey.


word: Bursch
definition:
Bursch

Bursch
(_;)
n.
pl. Burschen (_;).
[G., ultimately fr. LL. bursa. See Burse.]
A youth; especially, a student in a german university.


word: Burschenschaft
definition:
Burschenschaft

Bur"schen*schaft`
(?)
n.
pl. -schaften (#)
[G.]
In Germany, any of various associations of university students formed (the original one at Jena in 1815) to support liberal ideas, or the organization formed by the affiliation of the local bodies. The organization was suppressed by the government in 1819, but was secretly revived, and is now openly maintained as a social organization, the restrictive laws having been repealed prior to 1849.
Bur"schen*schaft`ler (#), Bur"schen*schaf`ter (#), n.


word: Burse
definition:
Burse

Burse
(_;)
n.
[LL. bursa, or F. bourse. See Bourse, and cf. Bursch, Purse.]
1.
A purse; also, a vesicle; a pod; a hull.
[Obs.]
Holland.

2.
A fund or foundation for the maintenance of needy scholars in their studies; also, the sum given to the beneficiaries.
[Scot.]

3.
(Eccl.)
An ornamental case of hold the corporal when not in use.
Shipley.

4.
An exchange, for merchants and bankers, in the cities of continental Europe. Same as Bourse.

5.
A kind of bazaar.
[Obs.]

She says she went to the burse for patterns.
Old Play.


word: Burseraceae
definition:
Burseraceae

Burseraceae
n.
a natural family of resinous or aromatic chiefly tropical shrubs or trees.

Syn. -- family Burseraceae, torchwood family.


word: Burst
definition:
Burst

Burst
(_;)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Burst; p. pr. & vb. n. Bursting. The past participle bursten is obsolete.]
[OE. bersten, bresten, AS. berstan (pers. sing. berste, imp. sing. bærst, imp. pl. burston, p. p. borsten); akin to D. bersten, G. bersten, OHG. brestan, OS. brestan, Icel. bresta, Sw. brista, Dan. briste. Cf. Brast, Break.]
1.
To fly apart or in pieces; of break open; to yield to force or pressure, especially to a sudden and violent exertion of force, or to pressure from within; to explode; as, the boiler had burst; the buds will burst in spring.

From the egg that soon
Bursting with kindly rupture, forth disclosed
Their callow young.
Milton.

Often used figuratively, as of the heart, in reference to a surcharge of passion, grief, desire, etc.

No, no, my heart will burst, an if I speak:
And I will speak, that so my heart may burst.
Shak.

2.
To exert force or pressure by which something is made suddenly to give way; to break through obstacles or limitations; hence, to appear suddenly and unexpectedly or unaccountably, or to depart in such manner; -- usually with some qualifying adverb or preposition, as forth, out, away, into, upon, through, etc.

Tears, such as angels weep, burst forth.
Milton.

And now you burst (ah cruel!) from my arms.
Pope.

A resolved villain
Whose bowels suddenly burst out.
Shak.

We were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.
Coleridge.

To burst upon him like an earthquake.
Goldsmith.


word: Burst₂
definition:
Burst

Burst
(bûrst)
v. t.
1.
To break or rend by violence, as by an overcharge or by strain or pressure, esp. from within; to force open suddenly; as, to burst a cannon; to burst a blood vessel; to burst open the doors.

My breast I'll burst with straining of my courage.
Shak.

2.
To break.
[Obs.]

You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?
Shak.

He burst his lance against the sand below.
Fairfax (Tasso).

3.
To produce as an effect of bursting; as, to burst a hole through the wall.

Bursting charge. See under Charge.


word: Burst₃
definition:
Burst

Burst
n.
1.
A sudden breaking forth; a violent rending; an explosion; as, a burst of thunder; a burst of applause; a burst of passion; a burst of inspiration.

Bursts of fox-hunting melody.
W. Irving.

2.
Any brief, violent exertion or effort; a spurt; as, a burst of speed.

3.
A sudden opening, as of landscape; a stretch; an expanse.
[R.]
burst
Jane Austen.

4.
A rupture or hernia; a breach.


word: Burstwort
definition:
Burstwort

Burst"wort`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant (Herniaria glabra) supposed to be valuable for the cure of hernia or rupture.


word: Burton
definition:
Burton

Bur"ton
(_;)
n.
[Cf. OE. & Prov. E. bort to press or indent anything.]
(Naut.)
A peculiar tackle, formed of two or more blocks, or pulleys, the weight being suspended to a hook block in the bight of the running part.


word: Burundian
definition:
Burundian

Burundi

Burundi Burundian
adj.
1.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Burundi; as, the Burundi capital.

2.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Burundian people; as, the Burundian population.


word: burunduki
definition:
burunduki

burunduki
n.
a terrestrial Siberian squirrel (Eutamius asiaticus or Eutamius sibiricus).

Syn. -- baronduki, baranduki, barunduki.


word: Bury
definition:
Bury

Bur"y
(bĕr"r&ybreve_;)
n.
[See 1st Borough.]
1.
A borough; a manor; as, the Bury of St. Edmond's
used as a termination of names of places; as, Canterbury, Shrewsbury.

2.
A manor house; a castle.
[Prov. Eng.]

To this very day, the chief house of a manor, or the lord's seat, is called bury, in some parts of England.
Miege.


word: Bury₂
definition:
Bury

Bur"y
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buried (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burying (_;).]
[OE. burien, birien, berien, AS. byrgan; akin to beorgan to protect, OHG. bergan, G. bergen, Icel. bjarga, Sw. berga, Dan. bierge, Goth. baírgan. √95. Cf. Burrow.]
1.
To cover out of sight, either by heaping something over, or by placing within something, as earth, etc.; to conceal by covering; to hide; as, to bury coals in ashes; to bury the face in the hands.

And all their confidence
Under the weight of mountains buried deep.
Milton.

2.
Specifically: To cover out of sight, as the body of a deceased person, in a grave, a tomb, or the ocean; to deposit (a corpse) in its resting place, with funeral ceremonies; to inter; to inhume.

Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Matt. viii. 21.

I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave.
Shak.

3.
To hide in oblivion; to put away finally; to abandon; as, to bury strife.

Give me a bowl of wine
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.
Shak.

Burying beetle (Zool.), the general name of many species of beetles, of the tribe Necrophaga; the sexton beetle; -- so called from their habit of burying small dead animals by digging away the earth beneath them. The larvæ feed upon decaying flesh, and are useful scavengers. -- To bury the hatchet, to lay aside the instruments of war, and make peace; -- a phrase used in allusion to the custom observed by the North American Indians, of burying a tomahawk when they conclude a peace.


word: Burying place
definition:
Burying place

Burying ground

{ Bur"y*ing ground`, Bur"y*ing place  }
The ground or place for burying the dead; burial place.


word: bus-bar
definition:
bus-bar

busbar

busbar, bus-bar
n.
an electrical conductor that makes a common connection between several circuits.

Syn. -- busbar, bus.


word: Busby
definition:
Busby

Bus"by
(bŭz"b&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Busbies (bĭz).
(Mil.)
A military headdress or cap, used in the British army. It is of fur, with a bag, of the same color as the facings of the regiment, hanging from the top over the right shoulder.


word: Buscon
definition:
Buscon

Bus"con
(_;)
n.
[Sp., a searcher, fr. buscar to search.]
One who searches for ores; a prospector.
[U.S.]


word: Bush
definition:
Bush

Bush
(b&usdot_;sh)
n.
[OE. bosch, busch, buysch, bosk, busk; akin to D. bosch, OHG. busc, G. busch, Icel. būskr, būski, Dan. busk, Sw. buske, and also to LL. boscus, buscus, Pr. bosc, It. bosco, Sp. & Pg. bosque, F. bois, OF. bos. Whether the LL. or G. form is the original is uncertain; if the LL., it is perh. from the same source as E. box a case. Cf. Ambush, Boscage, Bouquet, Box a case.]
1.
A thicket, or place abounding in trees or shrubs; a wild forest.

&hand_; This was the original sense of the word, as in the Dutch bosch, a wood, and was so used by Chaucer. In this sense it is extensively used in the British colonies, especially at the Cape of Good Hope, and also in Australia and Canada; as, to live or settle in the bush.

2.
A shrub; esp., a shrub with branches rising from or near the root; a thick shrub or a cluster of shrubs.

To bind a bush of thorns among sweet-smelling flowers.
Gascoigne.

3.
A shrub cut off, or a shrublike branch of a tree; as, bushes to support pea vines.

4.
A shrub or branch, properly, a branch of ivy (as sacred to Bacchus), hung out at vintners' doors, or as a tavern sign; hence, a tavern sign, and symbolically, the tavern itself.

If it be true that good wine needs no bush, 't is true that a good play needs no epilogue.
Shak.

5.
(Hunting)
The tail, or brush, of a fox.

To beat about the bush, to approach anything in a round-about manner, instead of coming directly to it; -- a metaphor taken from hunting. -- Bush bean (Bot.), a variety of bean which is low and requires no support (Phaseolus vulgaris, variety nanus). See Bean, 1. -- Bush buck, or Bush goat (Zool.), a beautiful South African antelope (Tragelaphus sylvaticus); -- so called because found mainly in wooden localities. The name is also applied to other species. -- Bush cat (Zool.), the serval. See Serval. -- Bush chat (Zool.), a bird of the genus Pratincola, of the Thrush family. -- Bush dog. (Zool.) See Potto. -- Bush hammer. See Bushhammer in the Vocabulary. -- Bush harrow (Agric.) See under Harrow. -- Bush hog (Zool.), a South African wild hog (Potamochœrus Africanus); -- called also bush pig, and water hog. -- Bush master (Zool.), a venomous snake (Lachesis mutus) of Guinea; -- called also surucucu. -- Bush pea (Bot.), a variety of pea that needs to be bushed. -- Bush shrike (Zool.), a bird of the genus Thamnophilus, and allied genera; -- called also batarg. Many species inhabit tropical America. -- Bush tit (Zool.), a small bird of the genus Psaltriparus, allied to the titmouse. Psaltriparus minimus inhabits California.


word: Bush₃
definition:
Bush

Bush
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bushed (b&usdot_;sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Bushing.]
1.
To set bushes for; to support with bushes; as, to bush peas.

2.
To use a bush harrow on (land), for covering seeds sown; to harrow with a bush; as, to bush a piece of land; to bush seeds into the ground.


word: Bush₄
definition:
Bush

Bush
n.
[D. bus a box, akin to E. box; or F. boucher to plug.]
1.
(Mech.)
A lining for a hole to make it smaller; a thimble or ring of metal or wood inserted in a plate or other part of machinery to receive the wear of a pivot or arbor.
Knight.

&hand_; In the larger machines, such a piece is called a box, particularly in the United States.

2.
(Gun.)
A piece of copper, screwed into a gun, through which the venthole is bored.
Farrow.


word: bushbaby
definition:
bushbaby

bush baby

bush baby, bush"ba*by
(b&usdot_;sh"bā*b&ybreve_;)
n.
1.
any of several agile long-tailed nocturnal African lemurlike primates of the genus Galago with dense woolly fur and large eyes and ears; -- called also galago.


word: bushbuck
definition:
bushbuck

bush"buck`
n.
1.
antelope with white harnesslike markings and twisted horns.

Syn. -- guib, Tragelaphus scriptus.


word: bushed
definition:
bushed

bushed
(b&usdot_;sht)
pred. adj.
very tired from exertion.

Syn. -- all in(predicate), beat(predicate), dead(predicate), dead tired(predicate), knocked out(predicate).


word: Bushel
definition:
Bushel

Bush"el
(b&usdot_;sh"ĕl)
n.
[OE. buschel, boischel, OF. boissel, bussel, boistel, F. boisseau, LL. bustellus; dim. of bustia, buxida (OF. boiste), fr. pyxida, acc. of L. pyxis box, Gr. pyxi`s. Cf. Box.]
1.
A dry measure, containing four pecks, eight gallons, or thirty-two quarts.

&hand_; The Winchester bushel, formerly used in England, contained 2150.42 cubic inches, being the volume of a cylinder 181/2 inches in internal diameter and eight inches in depth. The standard bushel measures, prepared by the United States Government and distributed to the States, hold each 77.6274 pounds of distilled water, at 39.8° Fahr. and 30 inches atmospheric pressure, being the equivalent of the Winchester bushel. The imperial bushel now in use in England is larger than the Winchester bushel, containing 2218.2 cubic inches, or 80 pounds of water at 62° Fahr.

2.
A vessel of the capacity of a bushel, used in measuring; a bushel measure.

Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not to be set on a candlestick?
Mark iv. 21.

3.
A quantity that fills a bushel measure; as, a heap containing ten bushels of apples.

&hand_; In the United States a large number of articles, bought and sold by the bushel, are measured by weighing, the number of pounds that make a bushel being determined by State law or by local custom. For some articles, as apples, potatoes, etc., heaped measure is required in measuring a bushel.

4.
A large indefinite quantity.
[Colloq.]

The worthies of antiquity bought the rarest pictures with bushels of gold, without counting the weight or the number of the pieces.
Dryden.

5.
The iron lining in the nave of a wheel. [Eng.] In the United States it is called a box. See 4th Bush.


word: Bushel₂
definition:
Bushel

Bush"el
(?)
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Busheled (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Busheling.]
[Cf. G. bosseln.]
(Tailoring)
To mend or repair, as men's garments; to repair garments.
[U. S.]


word: Bushelman
definition:
Bushelman

Bush"el*man
(_;)
n.
A tailor's assistant for repairing garments; -- called also busheler.
[Local, U.S.]


word: Bushfighting
definition:
Bushfighting

Bush"fight`ing
(_;)
n.
Fighting in the bush, or from behind bushes, trees, or thickets.


word: Bushhammer
definition:
Bushhammer

Bush"ham`mer
(_;)
n.
A hammer with a head formed of a bundle of square bars, with pyramidal points, arranged in rows, or a solid head with a face cut into a number of rows of such points; -- used for dressing stone.


word: Bushido
definition:
Bushido

Bu"shi`do`
(bō"shē`d&omacr`)
n.
[Jap. bu military + shi knight + d&omacr way, doctrine, principle.]
The unwritten code of moral principles regulating the actions of the Japanese knighthood, or Samurai; the chivalry of Japan.

Unformulated, Bushido was and still is the animating spirit, the motor force of our country.
Inazo Nitobé.


word: Bushing
definition:
Bushing

Bush"ing
n.
[See 4th Bush.]
1.
The operation of fitting bushes, or linings, into holes or places where wear is to be received, or friction diminished, as pivot holes, etc.

2.
(Mech.)
A bush or lining; -- sometimes called a thimble. See 4th Bush.


word: Bushless
definition:
Bushless

Bush"less
(_;)
a.
Free from bushes; bare.

O'er the long backs of the bushless downs.
Tennyson.


word: Bushman
definition:
Bushman

Bush"man
(_;)
n.
pl. Bushmen (_;).
[Cf. D. boschman, boschjesman. See 1st Bush.]
1.
A woodsman; a settler in the bush.

2.
(Ethnol.)
One of a race of South African nomads, living principally in the deserts, and not classified as allied in race or language to any other people.


word: Bushment
definition:
Bushment

Bush"ment
(_;)
n.
[OE. busshement ambush, fr. bush.]
1.
A thicket; a cluster of bushes.
[Obs.]
Raleigh.

2.
An ambuscade.
[Obs.]
Sir T. More.


word: Bushranger
definition:
Bushranger

Bush"ran`ger
(_;)
n.
One who roams, or hides, among the bushes; especially, in Australia, an escaped criminal living in the bush.


word: bushwhack
definition:
bushwhack

bush"whack`
v. t.
to lie in ambush for, lie in wait for.

Syn. -- ambush, scupper, lie for, waylay, lurk, ambuscade.


word: bushwhack₂
definition:
bushwhack

bush"whack`
v. i.
1.
to live in the bush as a fugitive or as a guerilla.

2.
to cut one's way through the woods or bush.


word: Bushwhacker
definition:
Bushwhacker

Bush"whack`er
(_;)
n.
1.
One accustomed to beat about, or travel through, bushes.
[U.S.]

They were gallant bushwhackers, and hunters of raccoons by moonlight.
W. Irving.

2.
A guerrilla; a marauding assassin; one who pretends to be a peaceful citizen, but secretly harasses a hostile force or its sympathizers.
[U.S.]
Farrow.


word: Bushwhacking
definition:
Bushwhacking

Bush"whack`ing
n.
1.
Traveling, or working a way, through bushes; pulling by the bushes, as in hauling a boat along the bushy margin of a stream.
[U.S.]
T. Flint.

2.
The crimes or warfare of bushwhackers.
[U.S.]


word: Bushy
definition:
Bushy

Bush"y
(_;)
a.
[From 1st Bush.]
1.
Thick and spreading, like a bush.
Bushy
Irving.

2.
Full of bushes; overgrowing with shrubs.

Dingle, or bushy dell, of this wild wood.
Milton.


word: Business
definition:
Business

Busi"ness
(bĭz"nĕs)
n.
pl. Businesses (bĭz"nĕs*ĕz).
[From Busy.]
1.
That which busies one, or that which engages the time, attention, or labor of any one, as his principal concern or interest, whether for a longer or shorter time; constant employment; regular occupation; as, the business of life; business before pleasure.

Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
Luke ii. 49.

2.
Any particular occupation or employment engaged in for livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, art, or a profession.
business
Prescott.

3.
Financial dealings; buying and selling; traffic in general; mercantile transactions.

It seldom happens that men of a studious turn acquire any degree of reputation for their knowledge of business.
Bp. Popteus.

4.
That which one has to do or should do; special service, duty, or mission.

The daughter of the King of France,
On serious business, craving quick despatch,
Importunes personal conference.
Shak.

What business has the tortoise among the clouds?
L'Estrange.

5.
Affair; concern; matter; -- used in an indefinite sense, and modified by the connected words.

It was a gentle business, and becoming
The action of good women.
Shak.

Bestow
Your needful counsel to our business.
Shak.

6.
(Drama)
The position, distribution, and order of persons and properties on the stage of a theater, as determined by the stage manager in rehearsal.

7.
Care; anxiety; diligence.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

To do one's business, to ruin one. [Colloq.] Wycherley. -- To make (a thing) one's business, to occupy one's self with a thing as a special charge or duty. [Colloq.] -- To mean business, to be earnest. [Colloq.]


word: Businesslike
definition:
Businesslike

Busi"ness*like`
(bĭz"nĕs*līk`)
a.
In the manner of one transacting business wisely and by right methods; practical and efficient.

2.
serious and purposeful.


word: Businessman
definition:
Businessman

Busi"ness*man`
(bĭz"nĕs*măn`)
a.
a person employed in a business at a managerial level, especially an executive or proprietor.
This term is seldom applied to technical specialists, unless they are part of upper management.


word: Busk
definition:
Busk

Busk
(bŭsk)
n.
[F. busc, perh. fr. the hypothetical older form of E. bois wood, because the first busks were made of wood. See Bush, and cf. OF. busche, F. bûche, a piece or log of wood, fr. the same root.]
A thin, elastic strip of metal, whalebone, wood, or other material, worn in the front of a corset.

Her long slit sleeves, stiff busk, puff verdingall,
Is all that makes her thus angelical.
Marston.


word: Busk₂
definition:
Busk

Busk
(bŭsk)
n.
Among the Creek Indians, a feast of first fruits celebrated when the corn is ripe enough to be eaten. The feast usually continues four days. On the first day the new fire is lighted, by friction of wood, and distributed to the various households, an offering of green corn, including an ear brought from each of the four quarters or directions, is consumed, and medicine is brewed from snakeroot. On the second and third days the men physic with the medicine, the women bathe, the two sexes are taboo to one another, and all fast. On the fourth day there are feasting, dancing, and games.


word: Busk₃
definition:
Busk

Busk
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Busked (bŭskt).]
1.
To entertain people for money in a public place, by dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, or reciting.
[Chiefly Brit.]

2.
To make a noisy or showy appeal.


word: Busk₄
definition:
Busk

Busk
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Busked (bŭskt).]
[OE. busken, fr. Icel. būask to make one's self ready, rexlexive of būa to prepare, dwell. Cf. 8th Bound.]
1.
To prepare; to make ready; to array; to dress.
[Scot. & Old Eng.]

Busk you, busk you, my bonny, bonny bride.
Hamilton.

2.
To go; to direct one's course.
[Obs.]

Ye might have busked you to Huntly banks.
Skelton.


word: busker
definition:
busker

busk"er
n.
a person who entertains people for money in public places (as by singing or dancing).
[Chiefly British]


word: Busket
definition:
Busket

Bus"ket
(_;)
n.
[See Bosket, Bouquet.]
1.
A small bush; also, a sprig or bouquet.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
A part of a garden devoted to shrubs.
[R.]


word: Buskin
definition:
Buskin

Bus"kin
(_;)
n.
[Prob. from OF. brossequin, or D. broosken. See Brodekin.]
1.
A strong, protecting covering for the foot, coming some distance up the leg.

The hunted red deer's undressed hide
Their hairy buskins well supplied.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
A similar covering for the foot and leg, made with very thick soles, to give an appearance of elevation to the stature; -- worn by tragic actors in ancient Greece and Rome. Used as a symbol of tragedy, or the tragic drama, as distinguished from comedy.

Great Fletcher never treads in buskins here,
No greater Jonson dares in socks appear.
Dryden.


word: Buskined
definition:
Buskined

Bus"kined
(_;)
a.
1.
Wearing buskins.

Her buskined virgins traced the dewy lawn.
Pope.

2.
Trodden by buskins; pertaining to tragedy.
buskined
Milton.


word: Buss
definition:
Buss

Buss
(_;)
n.
[OE. basse, fr. L. basium; cf. G. bus (Luther), Prov. G. busserl, dim. of bus kiss, bussen to kiss, Sw. puss kiss, pussa to kiss, W. & Gael. bus lip, mouth.]
A kiss; a rude or playful kiss; a smack.
Shak.


word: Buss₂
definition:
Buss

Buss
(bŭs)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bussed (bŭst); p. pr. & vb. n. Bussing.]
To kiss; esp. to kiss with a smack, or rudely.
bussed
Tennyson.

Kissing and bussing differ both in this,
We buss our wantons, but our wives we kiss.
Herrick.


word: Buss₃
definition:
Buss

Buss
n.
[Cf. OF. busse, Pr. bus, LL. bussa, busa, G. büse, D. buis.]
(Naut.)
A small strong vessel with two masts and two cabins; -- used in the herring fishery.

The Dutch whalers and herring busses.
Macaulay.


word: bust
definition:
bust

bust
(bŭst)
n.
[F. buste, fr. It. busto; cf. LL. busta, bustula, box, of the same origin as E. box a case; cf., for the change of meaning, E. chest. See Bushel.]
1.
A piece of sculpture representing the upper part of the human figure, including the head, shoulders, and breast.

Ambition sighed: she found it vain to trust
The faithless column, and the crumbling bust.
Pope.

2.
The portion of the human figure included between the head and waist, whether in statuary or in the person; the chest or thorax; the upper part of the trunk of the body.

3.
Especially:
A woman's bosom{2}.


word: bust₂
definition:
bust

bust
(bŭst)
v. t.
To arrest, for committing a crime; -- often used in the passive; as, the whole gang got busted.
[informal]


word: bust₃
definition:
bust

bust
(bŭst)
v. i.
1.
To break or burst.
[informal]

2.
(Card Playing)
In blackjack, to draw a card that causes one's total to exceed twenty-one.

3.
To go bankrupt.

to go bust to go bankrupt. or bust or collapse from the effort; -- used in phrases expressing determination to do something; as, Oregon or bust, meaning “We will get to Oregon or die trying.”


word: bustard
definition:
bustard

bus"tard
(bŭs"tẽrd)
n.
[OF. & Prov. F. bistarde, F. outarde, from L. avis tarda, lit., slow bird. Plin. 10, 22; “proximæ iis sunt, quas Hispania aves tardas appellat, Græcia 'wti`das.”]
(Zool.)
A bird of the genus Otis.

&hand_; The great or bearded bustard (Otis tarda) is the largest game bird in Europe.  It inhabits the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, and was formerly common in Great Britain.  The little bustard (Otis tetrax) inhabits eastern Europe and Morocco.  Many other species are known in Asia and Africa.


word: busted
definition:
busted

busted
adj.
1.
Inoperable due to damage; broken; -- of a machine; as, the coke machine is busted.
[informal]

2.
Arrested for committing a crime; -- of a person; as, the rock star was busted for coke possession..
[informal]

3.
[predicate]
same as demoted; -- said especially of military rank, and often folowed by to; as, he was busted to corporal for being AWOL.

4.
[predicate]
same as exhausted; -- of people.


word: Buster
definition:
Buster

Bus"ter
(bŭs"tẽr)
n.
Something huge; a roistering blade; also, a spree.
[Slang, U.S.]
Bartlett.


word: Bustle
definition:
Bustle

Bus"tle
(bŭs"s'l)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Bustled (-s'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Bustling (-slĭng).]
[Cf. OE. buskle, perh. fr. AS. bysig busy, bysg-ian to busy + the verbal termination -le; or Icel. bustla to splash, bustle.]
To move noisily; to be rudely active; to move in a way to cause agitation or disturbance; as, to bustle through a crowd.

And leave the world for me to bustle in.
Shak.


word: Bustle₂
definition:
Bustle

Bus"tle
n.
Great stir; agitation; tumult from stirring or excitement.

A strange bustle and disturbance in the world.
South.


word: Bustle₃
definition:
Bustle

Bus"tle
n.
A kind of pad or cushion worn on the back below the waist, by women, to give fullness to the skirts; -- called also bishop, and tournure.


word: Bustling
definition:
Bustling

Bus"tling
(bŭs"slĭng)
a.
Agitated; noisy; tumultuous; characterized by confused activity; as, a bustling crowd.
bustling
Hawthorne.


word: bust-up
definition:
bust-up

bust-up
n.
a serious quarrel (especially one that ends a friendship).

With some antick bustoes in the niches.
Ashmole.


word: Busy
definition:
Busy

Bus"y
(bĭz"z&ybreve_;)
a.
[OE. busi, bisi, AS. bysig; akin to D. bezig, LG. besig; cf. Skr. bhūsh to be active, busy.]
1.
Engaged in some business; hard at work (either habitually or only for the time being); occupied with serious affairs; not idle nor at leisure; as, a busy merchant.

Sir, my mistress sends you word
That she is busy, and she can not come.
Shak.

2.
Constantly at work; diligent; active.

Busy hammers closing rivets up.
Shak.

Religious motives . . . are so busy in the heart.
Addison.

3.
Crowded with business or activities; -- said of places and times; as, a busy street.

To-morrow is a busy day.
Shak.

4.
Officious; meddling; foolish active.

On meddling monkey, or on busy ape.
Shak.

5.
Careful; anxious.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Busy₂
definition:
Busy

Bus"y
(bĭz"z&ybreve_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Busied (bĭz"zĭd); p. pr. & vb. n. Busying.]
[AS. bysgian.]
To make or keep busy; to employ; to engage or keep engaged; to occupy; as, to busy one's self with books.

Be it thy course to busy giddy minds
With foreign quarrels.
Shak.


word: busybodied
definition:
busybodied

busybodied
adj.
intruding unasked into the affairs of others.

Syn. -- interfering, meddlesome, meddling, officious, busy.


word: Busybody
definition:
Busybody

Bus"y*bod`y
(-b&obreve_;d`&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Busybodies (-b&obreve_;d`ĭz).
One who officiously concerns himself with the affairs of others; a meddling person.

And not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
1 Tim. v. 13.


word: busyness
definition:
busyness

busyness
n.
the state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity; as, they manifested all the busyness of a pack of beavers.


word: busywork
definition:
busywork

busywork
n.
active work of little value, performed merely to occupy time, avoid boredom, or to look busy; as, while he was waiting he filled the days with busywork.

Syn. -- make-work.


word: But
definition:
But

But
(bŭt)
prep.
adv. & conj.
[OE. bute, buten, AS. būtan, without, on the outside, except, besides; pref. be- + ūtan outward, without, fr. ūt out. Primarily, būtan, as well as ūt, is an adverb. √198. See By, Out; cf. About.]
1.
Except with; unless with; without.
[Obs.]

So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Fuller.

Touch not the cat but a glove.
Motto of the Mackintoshes.

2.
Except; besides; save.

Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?
E. Smith.

&hand_; In this sense, but is often used with other particles; as, but for, without, had it not been for. “Uncreated but for love divine.”  Young.

3.
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; -- elliptical, for but that.

And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
Shak.

4.
Otherwise than that; that not; -- commonly, after a negative, with that.

It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
Hooker.

There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
Addison.

5.
Only; solely; merely.

Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
Milton.

If they kill us, we shall but die.
2 Kings vii. 4.

A formidable man but to his friends.
Dryden.

6.
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; -- as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.

Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 Cor. xiii. 13.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
Prov. xi. 2.

All but. See under All. -- But and if, but if; an attempt on the part of King James's translators of the Bible to express the conjunctive and adversative force of the Greek _;.

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
Luke xii. 45, 46.

But if, unless. [Obs.] Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
But this I read, that but if remedy
Thou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see. Spenser.

&hand_; “The chief error with but is to use it where and is enough; an error springing from the tendency to use strong words without sufficient occasion.”
Bain.


word: But₂
definition:
But

But
(_;)
n.
[Cf. But, prep., adv. & conj.]
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; -- opposed to ben, the inner room.
[Scot.]


word: But₃
definition:
But

But
n.
[See 1st But.]
1.
A limit; a boundary.

2.
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end.  Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}.  See 1st Butt.

But end, the larger or thicker end; as, the but end of a log; the but end of a musket. See Butt, n.


word: butacaine
definition:
butacaine

butacaine
n.
a white crystalline ester (C18H30N2O2) that is applied to mucous membranes as a topical anesthetic.  Chemically it is 3-(di-n-butylamino)-1-propanol 4-aminobenzoate (H2N.C6H4.CO.O.(CH2)3N(C4H9)2).  It is usually used as the sulfate salt.

Syn. -- butacaine sulfate.


word: butadiene
definition:
butadiene

butadiene
n.
a gaseous hydrocarbon C4H6; -- it is used as a monomer unit in making synthetic rubbers.


word: Butane
definition:
Butane

Bu"tane
(bū"tān)
n.
[L. butyrum butter. See Butter.]
(Chem.)
An inflammable gaseous saturated hydrocarbon, C4H10, of the marsh gas, or paraffin, series.


word: butanol
definition:
butanol

butanol
(būt"ăn*&asuml_;l)
n.
a flammable alcohol (C4H9.OH) derived from butane and used as a solvent.

Syn. -- butyl alcohol.


word: butch
definition:
butch

butch
(b&usdot_;ch)
adj.
1.
markedly masculine in appearance or manner; -- used of men.

Syn. -- macho.

2.
same as lesbian.
[pejorative]


word: Butcher
definition:
Butcher

Butch"er
(b&usdot_;ch"ẽr)
n.
[OE. bochere, bochier, OF. bochier, F. boucher, orig., slaughterer of buck goats, fr. OF. boc, F. bouc, a buck goat; of German or Celtic origin. See Buck the animal.]
1.
One who slaughters animals, or dresses their flesh for market; one whose occupation it is to kill animals for food.

2.
A slaughterer; one who kills in large numbers, or with unusual cruelty; one who causes needless loss of life, as in battle.
Butcher
Shak.

Butcher's meat, such flesh of animals slaughtered for food as is sold for that purpose by butchers, as beef, mutton, lamb, and pork.


word: Butcher₂
definition:
Butcher

Butch"er
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Butchered (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Butchering.]
1.
To kill or slaughter (animals) for food, or for market; as, to butcher hogs.

2.
To murder, or kill, especially in an unusually bloody or barbarous manner.
Macaulay.

[Ithocles] was murdered, rather butchered.
Ford.

3.
to bungle badly; to botch; -- used also when an object is damaged (literally or figuratively) in an activity; as, the new choir butchered the hymn.

Syn. -- mangle.


word: butcherbird
definition:
butcherbird

butcher-bird

butcher bird

butcher bird, butcher-bird, butcherbird
n.
1.
(Zool.)
any species of shrike of the genus Lanius, so called because they impale their prey on thorns.

2.
(Zool.)
large carnivorous Australian bird with the shrikelike habit of impaling prey on thorns.

&hand_; The Lanius excubitor is the common butcher bird of Europe. In England, the bearded tit is sometimes called the lesser butcher bird. The American species are Lanius borealis, or northern butcher bird, and Lanius Ludovicianus or loggerhead shrike. The name butcher bird is derived from its habit of suspending its prey impaled upon thorns, after killing it.


word: Butchering
definition:
Butchering

Butch"er*ing
n.
1.
The business of a butcher.

2.
The act of slaughtering; the act of killing cruelly and needlessly.

That dreadful butchering of one another.
Addison.


word: Butcherly
definition:
Butcherly

Butch"er*ly
a.
Like a butcher; without compunction; savage; bloody; inhuman; fell.
butcherly
D. Webster.

What stratagems, how fell, how butcherly,
This deadly quarrel daily doth beget!
Shak.


word: Butcher's broom
definition:
Butcher's broom

Butch"er's broom`
(_;)
(Bot.)
A genus of plants (Ruscus); esp. Ruscus aculeatus, which has large red berries and leaflike branches. See Cladophyll.


word: Butchery
definition:
Butchery

Butch"er*y
(_;)
n.
[OE. bocherie shambles, fr. F. boucherie. See Butcher, n.]
1.
The business of a butcher.
[Obs.]

2.
Murder or manslaughter, esp. when committed with unusual barbarity; great or cruel slaughter.
Shak.

The perpetration of human butchery.
Prescott.

3.
A slaughterhouse; the shambles; a place where blood is shed.
[Obs.]

Like as an ox is hanged in the butchery.
Fabyan.


word: butene
definition:
butene

butene
n.
any of three isomeric singly unsaturated hydrocarbons C4H8; all are used in making synthetic rubbers; -- called also butylene.


word: Butler
definition:
Butler

But"ler
(bŭt"lẽr)
n.
[OE. boteler, F. bouteillier a bottle-bearer, a cupbearer, fr. LL. buticularius, fr. buticula bottle. See Bottle a hollow vessel.]
An officer in a king's or a nobleman's household, whose principal business it is to take charge of the liquors, plate, etc.; the head servant in a large house.

The butler and the baker of the king of Egypt.
Gen. xl. 5.

Your wine locked up, your butler strolled abroad.
Pope.


word: Butlerage
definition:
Butlerage

But"ler*age
(_;)
n.
(O. Eng. Law)
A duty of two shillings on every tun of wine imported into England by merchant strangers; -- so called because paid to the king's butler for the king.
Blackstone.


word: Butment
definition:
Butment

But"ment
(_;)
n.
[Abbreviation of Abutment.]
1.
(Arch.)
A buttress of an arch; the supporter, or that part which joins it to the upright pier.

2.
(Masonry)
The mass of stone or solid work at the end of a bridge, by which the extreme arches are sustained, or by which the end of a bridge without arches is supported.

Butment cheek (Carp.), the part of a mortised timber surrounding the mortise, and against which the shoulders of the tenon bear. Knight.


word: But₅
definition:
But

Butt

{ Butt, But  }
(_;)
n.
[F. but butt, aim (cf. butte knoll), or bout, OF. bot, end, extremity, fr. boter, buter, to push, butt, strike, F. bouter; of German origin; cf. OHG. b&omacrzan, akin to E. beat. See Beat, v. t.]
1.
A limit; a bound; a goal; the extreme bound; the end.

Here is my journey's end, here my butt
And very sea mark of my utmost sail.
Shak.

&hand_; As applied to land, the word is nearly synonymous with mete, and signifies properly the end line or boundary; the abuttal.

2.
The larger or thicker end of anything; the blunt end, in distinction from the sharp end; as, the butt of a rifle.  Formerly also spelled but.  See 2nd but, n. sense 2.

3.
A mark to be shot at; a target.
Sir W. Scott.

The groom his fellow groom at butts defies,
And bends his bow, and levels with his eyes.
Dryden.

4.
A person at whom ridicule, jest, or contempt is directed; as, the butt of the company.

I played a sentence or two at my butt, which I thought very smart.
Addison.

5.
A push, thrust, or sudden blow, given by the head of an animal; as, the butt of a ram.

6.
A thrust in fencing.

To prove who gave the fairer butt,
John shows the chalk on Robert's coat.
Prior.

7.
A piece of land left unplowed at the end of a field.

The hay was growing upon headlands and butts in cornfields.
Burrill.

8.
(Mech.)
(a)
A joint where the ends of two objects come squarely together without scarfing or chamfering; -- also called butt joint.
(b)
The end of a connecting rod or other like piece, to which the boxing is attached by the strap, cotter, and gib.
(c)
The portion of a half-coupling fastened to the end of a hose.

9.
(Shipbuilding)
The joint where two planks in a strake meet.

10.
(Carp.)
A kind of hinge used in hanging doors, etc.; -- so named because fastened on the edge of the door, which butts against the casing, instead of on its face, like the strap hinge; also called butt hinge.

11.
(Leather Trade)
The thickest and stoutest part of tanned oxhides, used for soles of boots, harness, trunks.

12.
The hut or shelter of the person who attends to the targets in rifle practice.

13.
The buttocks; as, get up off your butt and get to work; -- used as a euphemism, less objectionable than ass.
[slang]

Syn. -- ass, rear end, derriere, behind, rump, heinie.

Butt chain (Saddlery), a short chain attached to the end of a tug. -- Butt end. The thicker end of anything. See But end, under 2d But.

Amen; and make me die a good old man!
That's the butt end of a mother's blessing.
Shak.

A butt's length, the ordinary distance from the place of shooting to the butt, or mark. -- Butts and bounds (Conveyancing), abuttals and boundaries. In lands of the ordinary rectangular shape, butts are the lines at the ends (F. bouts), and bounds are those on the sides, or sidings, as they were formerly termed. Burrill. -- Bead and butt. See under Bead. -- Butt and butt, joining end to end without overlapping, as planks. -- Butt weld (Mech.), a butt joint, made by welding together the flat ends, or edges, of a piece of iron or steel, or of separate pieces, without having them overlap. See Weld. -- Full butt, headfirst with full force. [Colloq.] “The corporal . . . ran full butt at the lieutenant.” Marryat.


word: Butt
definition:
Butt

Butt
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Butted; p. pr. & vb. n. Butting.]
[OE. butten, OF. boter to push, F. bouter. See Butt an end, and cf. Boutade.]
1.
To join at the butt, end, or outward extremity; to terminate; to be bounded; to abut.
[Written also but.]

And Barnsdale there doth butt on Don's well-watered ground.
Drayton.

2.
To thrust the head forward; to strike by thrusting the head forward, as an ox or a ram. [See Butt, n.]

A snow-white steer before thine altar led,
Butts with his threatening brows.
Dryden.


word: Butt₂
definition:
Butt

Butt
v. t.
To strike by thrusting the head against; to strike with the head.

Two harmless lambs are butting one the other.
Sir H. Wotton.


word: Butt₃
definition:
Butt

Butt
n.
[F. botte, boute, LL. butta. Cf. Bottle a hollow vessel.]
A large cask or vessel for wine or beer. It contains two hogsheads.

&hand_; A wine butt contains 126 wine gallons (= 105 imperial gallons, nearly); a beer butt 108 ale gallons (= about 110 imperial gallons).


word: Butte
definition:
Butte

Butte
(_;)
n.
[F. See Butt a bound.]
A detached low mountain, or high rising abruptly from the general level of the surrounding plain; -- applied to peculiar elevations in the Rocky Mountain region.

The creek . . . passes by two remarkable buttes of red conglomerate.
Ruxton.


word: Butter
definition:
Butter

But"ter
(bŭt"tẽr)
n.
[OE. botere, butter, AS. butere, fr. L. butyrum, Gr. boy`turon; either fr. boy`s ox, cow + turo`s cheese; or, perhaps, of Scythian origin. Cf. Cow.]
1.
An oily, unctuous substance obtained from cream or milk by churning.

2.
Any substance resembling butter in degree of consistence, or other qualities, especially, in old chemistry, the chlorides, as butter of antimony, sesquichloride of antimony; also, certain concrete fat oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures, as butter of cacao, vegetable butter, shea butter.

Butter boat, a small vessel for holding melted butter at table. -- Butter flower, the buttercup, a yellow flower. -- Butter print, a piece of carved wood used to mark pats of butter; -- called also butter stamp. Locke. -- Butter tooth, either of the two middle incisors of the upper jaw. -- Butter tree (Bot.), a tree of the genus Bassia, the seeds of which yield a substance closely resembling butter. The butter tree of India is the Bassia butyracea; that of Africa is the Shea tree (Bassia Parkii). See Shea tree. -- Butter trier, a tool used in sampling butter. -- Butter wife, a woman who makes or sells butter; -- called also butter woman. [Obs. or Archaic]


word: Butter₂
definition:
Butter

But"ter
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buttered (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Buttering.]
1.
To cover or spread with butter.

I know what's what. I know on which side
My bread is buttered.
Ford.

2.
To increase, as stakes, at every throw or every game.
[Cant]
Johnson.


word: butter-and-eggs
definition:
butter-and-eggs

Butter and eggs

Butter and eggs, butter-and-eggs
n.
(Bot.)
a name given to several perennial plants having showy flowers of two shades of yellow, or of yellow and orange, such as Narcissus incomparabilis in Europe, and the toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) in the United States; the latter is a naturalized weed in North America.

Syn. -- toadflax, wild snapdragon, devil's flax, Linaria vulgaris.


word: Butterball
definition:
Butterball

But"ter*ball`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
1.
The buffel duck.

2.
a fat person or animal.
[informal]

3.
a lump of butter rounded into a ball.

4.
[Trademark]
a plump chicken or turkey prepared for cooking.


word: Butterbird
definition:
Butterbird

But"ter*bird`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
The rice bunting or bobolink; -- so called in the island of Jamaica.


word: Butterbump
definition:
Butterbump

But"ter*bump`
(_;)
n.
[OE. buttur the bittern + 5th bump.]
(Zool.)
The European bittern.
Johnson.


word: Butterbur
definition:
Butterbur

But"ter*bur`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A broad-leaved plant (Petasites vulgaris) of the Composite family, said to have been used in England for wrapping up pats of butter.


word: Buttercup
definition:
Buttercup

But"ter*cup`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Ranunculus, or crowfoot, particularly Ranunculus bulbosus, with bright yellow flowers; -- called also butterflower, golden cup, and kingcup.  It is the cuckoobud of Shakespeare.


word: Butter-fingered
definition:
Butter-fingered

butterfingered

but"ter*fin`gered, But"ter-fin`gered
(_;)
a.
Apt to let things fall, or to let them slip away; not skillful in using the hands; slippery; careless.

Syn. -- bumbling, bungling, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed, left-handed.


word: butterfingers
definition:
butterfingers

butterfingers
n.
someone who drops things (especially one who cannot catch a ball); a person who is butter-fingered.


word: Butterfish
definition:
Butterfish

But"ter*fish`
(_;)
n.
(Zool.)
A name given to several different fishes, in allusion to their slippery coating of mucus, as the Stromateus triacanthus of the Atlantic coast, the Epinephelus punctatus of the southern coast, the rock eel, and the kelpfish of New Zealand.


word: butterflower
definition:
butterflower

butterflower
n.
any of various plants of the genus Ranunculus.

Syn. -- buttercup, crowfoot, goldcup, kingcup.


word: Butterfly
definition:
Butterfly

But"ter*fly`
(_;)
n.
pl. Butterflies (_;).
[Perh. from the color of a yellow species. AS. buter-flēge, buttor-fleóge; cf. G. butterfliege, D. botervlieg. See Butter, and Fly.]
(Zool.)
A general name for the numerous species of diurnal Lepidoptera.
[See Illust. under Aphrodite.]

Asclepias butterfly. See under Asclepias. -- Butterfly fish (Zool.), the ocellated blenny (Blennius ocellaris) of Europe. See Blenny. The term is also applied to the flying gurnard. -- Butterfly shell (Zool.), a shell of the genus Voluta. -- Butterfly valve (Mech.), a kind of double clack valve, consisting of two semicircular clappers or wings hinged to a cross rib in the pump bucket. When open it somewhat resembles a butterfly in shape.


word: butterflyfish
definition:
butterflyfish

butterflyfish
n.
tropical gurnardlike fish with huge fanlike pectoral fins for underwater gliding; unrelated to searobins.

Syn. -- flying gurnard, flying robin.


word: Butterine
definition:
Butterine

But"ter*ine
(_;)
n.
A substance prepared from animal fat with some other ingredients intermixed, as an imitation of butter.

The manufacturers ship large quantities of oleomargarine to England, Holland, and other countries, to be manufactured into butter, which is sold as butterine or suine.
Johnson's Cyc.


word: Butteris
definition:
Butteris

But"ter*is
(_;)
n.
[The same word as buttress, noun, in a different application, F. bouter to push.]
(Far.)
A steel cutting instrument, with a long bent shank set in a handle which rests against the shoulder of the operator. It is operated by a thrust movement, and used in paring the hoofs of horses.


word: Buttermilk
definition:
Buttermilk

But"ter*milk`
(_;)
n.
The milk that remains after the butter is separated from the cream.


word: Butternut
definition:
Butternut

But"ter*nut`
(_;)
n.
1.
(Bot.)
An American tree (Juglans cinerea) of the Walnut family, and its edible fruit; -- so called from the oil contained in the latter. Sometimes called oil nut and white walnut.

2.
(Bot.)
The nut of the Caryocar butyrosum and Caryocar nuciferum, of S. America; -- called also Souari nut.


word: butter-print
definition:
butter-print

butter-print
n.
tall annual herb or subshrub of tropical Asia having velvety leaves and yellow flowers and yielding a strong fiber; naturalized in SE Europe and US.

Syn. -- velvetleaf, velvetweed, Indian mallow, China jute, Abutilon theophrasti.


word: Butter-scotch
definition:
Butter-scotch

But"ter-scotch`
(_;)
n.
A kind of candy, mainly composed of sugar and butter.
[Colloq.]
Dickens.


word: Butterweed
definition:
Butterweed

But"ter*weed`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
An annual composite plant of the Mississippi valley (Senecio lobatus).


word: Butterweight
definition:
Butterweight

But"ter*weight`
(_;)
n.
Over weight.
Swift.

&hand_; Formerly it was a custom to give 18 ounces of butter for a pound.


word: Butterwort
definition:
Butterwort

But"ter*wort`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A genus of low herbs (Pinguicula) having simple leaves which secrete from their glandular upper surface a viscid fluid, to which insects adhere, after which the margin infolds and the insects are digested by the plant. The species are found mostly in the North Temperate zone.


word: Buttery₂
definition:
Buttery

But"ter*y
n.
pl. Butteries (_;).
[OE. botery, botry; cf. LL. botaria wine vessel; also OE. botelerie, fr. F. bouteillerie, fr. boutellie bottle. Not derived from butter. See Bottle a hollow vessel, Butt a cask.]
1.
An apartment in a house where butter, milk and other provisions are kept.

All that need a cool and fresh temper, as cellars, pantries, and butteries, to the north.
Sir H. Wotton.

2.
A room in some English colleges where liquors, fruit, and refreshments are kept for sale to the students.

And the major Oxford kept the buttery bar.
E. Hall.

3.
A cellar in which butts of wine are kept.
Weale.

Buttery hatch, a half door between the buttery or kitchen and the hall, in old mansions, over which provisions were passed. Wright.


word: Butting
definition:
Butting

But"ting
(_;)
n.
An abuttal; a boundary.

Without buttings or boundings on any side.
Bp. Beveridge.


word: Butting joint
definition:
Butting joint

But"ting joint`
A joint between two pieces of timber or wood, at the end of one or both, and either at right angles or oblique to the grain, as the joints which the struts and braces form with the truss posts; -- sometimes called abutting joint.


word: Butt joint
definition:
Butt joint

Butt" joint`
(_;)
A joint in which the edges or ends of the pieces united come squarely together instead of overlapping. See 1st Butt, 8.


word: Buttock
definition:
Buttock

But"tock
(_;)
n.
[From Butt an end.]
1.
The part at the back of the hip, which, in man, forms one of the rounded protuberances on which he sits; the rump.  Often used in the plural -- see buttocks.

Syn. -- cheek.

2.
(Naut.)
The convexity of a ship behind, under the stern.
Mar. Dict.


word: buttocks
definition:
buttocks

but"tocks
n. pl.
the fleshy part of the human body  at the back of the hip,  on which a person sits.

Syn. -- arse, butt, backside, bum, buns, can, fundament, hindquarters, hind end, keister, posterior, prat, rear, rear end, rump, stern, seat, tail, tail end, tooshie, tush, bottom, behind, derriere, fanny, ass.


word: Button
definition:
Button

But"ton
(_;)
n.
[OE. boton, botoun, F. bouton button, bud, prop. something pushing out, fr. bouter to push. See Butt an end.]
1.
A knob; a small ball; a small, roundish mass.

2.
A catch, of various forms and materials, used to fasten together the different parts of dress, by being attached to one part, and passing through a slit, called a buttonhole, in the other; -- used also for ornament.

3.
A bud; a germ of a plant.
Shak.

4.
A piece of wood or metal, usually flat and elongated, turning on a nail or screw, to fasten something, as a door.

5.
A globule of metal remaining on an assay cupel or in a crucible, after fusion.

Button hook, a hook for catching a button and drawing it through a buttonhole, as in buttoning boots and gloves. -- Button shell (Zool.), a small, univalve marine shell of the genus Rotella. -- Button snakeroot. (Bot.) (a) The American composite genus Liatris, having rounded buttonlike heads of flowers. (b) An American umbelliferous plant with rigid, narrow leaves, and flowers in dense heads. -- Button tree (Bot.), a genus of trees (Conocarpus), furnishing durable timber, mostly natives of the West Indies. -- To hold by the button, to detain in conversation to weariness; to bore; to buttonhole.


word: Button₂
definition:
Button

But"ton
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buttoned (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Buttoning (_;).]
[OE. botonen, OF. botoner, F. boutonner. See Button, n.]
1.
To fasten with a button or buttons; to inclose or make secure with buttons; -- often followed by up.

He was a tall, fat, long-bodied man, buttoned up to the throat in a tight green coat.
Dickens.

2.
To dress or clothe.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Buttonbush
definition:
Buttonbush

But"ton*bush`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A shrub (Cephalanthus occidentalis) growing by the waterside; -- so called from its globular head of flowers. See Capitulum.


word: buttoned
definition:
buttoned

buttoned
adj.
furnished with buttons or something buttonlike.  Opposite of unbuttoned.
botonee, botonnee
button-down
closed


word: buttoned-down
definition:
buttoned-down

buttoned-down
adj.
conservatively formal and businesslike in dress and manner.

Syn. -- button-down, conservative.

a colorful character in the buttoned-down, dull-gray world of business.
Newsweek


word: buttoned-up
definition:
buttoned-up

buttoned-up
adj.
1.
taciturn.  Opposite of voluble.
[British colloquial]

2.
conservative in professional manner; as, employers are looking for buttoned-up types.


word: Buttonhole₂
definition:
Buttonhole

But"ton*hole`
v. t.
To hold at the button or buttonhole; to detain in conversation to weariness; to bore; as, he buttonholed me a quarter of an hour.


word: Buttonmold
definition:
Buttonmold

But"ton*mold`
(_;)
n.
A disk of bone, wood, or other material, which is made into a button by covering it with cloth.
[Written also buttonmould.]

Fossil buttonmolds, joints of encrinites. See Encrinite.


word: Buttons
definition:
Buttons

But"tons
(_;)
n.
A boy servant, or page, -- in allusion to the buttons on his livery.
[Colloq.]
Dickens.


word: Buttonweed
definition:
Buttonweed

But"ton*weed`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
The name of several plants of the genera Spermacoce and Diodia, of the Madder family.


word: Buttonwood
definition:
Buttonwood

But"ton*wood`
(_;)
n.
(Bot.)
The Platanus occidentalis, or American plane tree, a large tree, producing rough balls, from which it is named; -- called also buttonball tree, and, in some parts of the United States, sycamore. The California buttonwood is Platanus racemosa.


word: Buttony
definition:
Buttony

But"ton*y
(_;)
a.
Ornamented with a large number of buttons.
buttony
Thackeray.
buttony
W. S. Gilbert.


word: Buttress
definition:
Buttress

But"tress
(_;)
n.
[OE. butrasse, boterace, fr. F. bouter to push; cf. OF. bouteret (nom. sing. and acc. pl. bouterez) buttress. See Butt an end, and cf. Butteris.]
1.
(Arch.)
A projecting mass of masonry, used for resisting the thrust of an arch, or for ornament and symmetry.

&hand_; When an external projection is used merely to stiffen a wall, it is a pier.

2.
Anything which supports or strengthens.
buttress
South.

Flying buttress. See Flying buttress.


word: Buttress₂
definition:
Buttress

But"tress
(_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Buttressed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Buttressing.]
To support with a buttress; to prop; to brace firmly.

To set it upright again, and to prop and buttress it up for duration.
Burke.


word: Butt shaft
definition:
Butt shaft

Butt" shaft`
(_;)
An arrow without a barb, for shooting at butts; an arrow.
[Also but shaft.]
Shak.


word: Butyl
definition:
Butyl

Bu"tyl
(_;)
n.
[L. butyrum butter + -yl. See Butter.]
(Chem.)
A compound radical, regarded as butane, less one atom of hydrogen.


word: Butylamine
definition:
Butylamine

Bu`tyl*am"ine
(?)
n.
[Butyric + -yl + amine.]
(Org. Chem.)
A colorless liquid base, C4H9.NH2, of which there are four isomeric varieties.


word: Butylene
definition:
Butylene

Bu"ty*lene
(_;)
n.
[From Butyl.]
1.
(Chem.)
Any one of three metameric hydrocarbons, C4H8, of the ethylene series. They are gaseous or easily liquefiable; -- called also butene.

2.
the hypothetical divalent radical -(CH2)4-; -- used in combining forms; as, butylene diamine.


word: butyl mercaptan
definition:
butyl mercaptan

bu"tyl mer*cap"tan
(_;)
n.
(Chem.)
A volatile liquid, C4H9.SH, having a strong odor like that of a skunk; also called butanethiol.  All three isomers, normal, sec-, and tert-butanethiol possess the skunk odor.


word: Butyraceous
definition:
Butyraceous

Bu`ty*ra"ceous
(_;)
a.
[L. butyrum butter. See Butter.]
Having the qualities of butter; resembling butter.


word: Butyric
definition:
Butyric

Bu*tyr"ic
(_;)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, butter.

Butyric acid, C3H7.CO2H, an acid found in butter; an oily, limpid fluid, having the smell of rancid butter, and an acrid taste, with a sweetish aftertaste, like that of ether. There are two metameric butyric acids, called in distinction the normal- and iso-butyric acid. The normal butyric acid is the one common in rancid butter.


word: Butyrin
definition:
Butyrin

Bu"ty*rin
(_;)
n.
(Physiol. Chem.)
A butyrate of glycerin; a fat contained in small quantity in milk, which helps to give to butter its peculiar flavor.


word: Butyrometer
definition:
Butyrometer

Bu`ty*rom"e*ter
(_;)
n.
[L. butyrum butter + -meter.]
An instrument for determining the amount of fatty matter or butter contained in a sample of milk.


word: Butyrone
definition:
Butyrone

Bu"ty*rone
(_;)
n.
[Butyric + -one.]
(Chem.)
A liquid ketone obtained by heating calcium butyrate.


word: Buxine
definition:
Buxine

Bux"ine
(_;)
n.
(Chem.)
An alkaloid obtained from the Buxus sempervirens, or common box tree. It is identical with bebeerine; -- called also buxina.


word: Buxom
definition:
Buxom

Bux"om
(_;)
a.
[OE. buxum, boxom, buhsum, pliable, obedient, AS. b&omacrcsum, būhsum (akin to D. buigzaam blexible, G. biegsam); būgan to bow, bend + -sum, E. -some. See Bow to bend, and -some.]
1.
Yielding; pliable or compliant; ready to obey; obedient; tractable; docile; meek; humble.
[Obs.]

So wild a beast, so tame ytaught to be,
And buxom to his bands, is joy to see.
Spenser.

I submit myself unto this holy church of Christ, to be ever buxom and obedient to the ordinance of it.
Foxe.

2.
Having the characteristics of health, vigor, and comeliness, combined with a gay, lively manner; stout and rosy; jolly; frolicsome.

A daughter fair,
So buxom, blithe, and debonair.
Milton.

A parcel of buxom bonny dames, that were laughing, singing, dancing, and as merry as the day was long.
Tatler.

3.
having a pronounced womanly shape.
[chiefly dialect]

Syn. -- bosomy, curvaceous, full-bosomed, sonsie, sonsy, voluptuous.


word: Buy
definition:
Buy

Buy
(bī)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Bought (b&asuml_;t); p. pr. & vb. n. Buying (bī"ĭng).]
[OE. buggen, buggen, bien, AS. bycgan, akin to OS. buggean, Goth. bugjan.]
1.
To acquire the ownership of (property) by giving an accepted price or consideration therefor, or by agreeing to do so; to acquire by the payment of a price or value; to purchase; -- opposed to sell.

Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou wilt sell thy necessaries.
B. Franklin.

2.
To acquire or procure by something given or done in exchange, literally or figuratively; to get, at a cost or sacrifice; to buy pleasure with pain.

Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Prov. xxiii. 23.

To buy again. See Againbuy. [Obs.] Chaucer. -- To buy off. (a) To influence to compliance; to cause to bend or yield by some consideration; as, to buy off conscience. (b) To detach by a consideration given; as, to buy off one from a party. -- To buy out (a) To buy off, or detach from. Shak. (b) To purchase the share or shares of in a stock, fund, or partnership, by which the seller is separated from the company, and the purchaser takes his place; as, A buys out B. (c) To purchase the entire stock in trade and the good will of a business. -- To buy in, to purchase stock in any fund or partnership. -- To buy on credit, to purchase, on a promise, in fact or in law, to make payment at a future day. -- To buy the refusal (of anything), to give a consideration for the right of purchasing, at a fixed price, at a future time.


word: buying
definition:
buying

buying
n.
the act of buying; as, buying equipment for the trip took several hours.

Syn. -- purchasing.


word: buyout
definition:
buyout

buy"out
n.
(Business, Finance)
the acquisition of ownership of a company by purchasing a controlling percentage of its stock.

Syn. -- takeover.


word: buy-out
definition:
buy-out

buy out

buy out, buy-out
v.
to take over ownership of; -- of corporations and companies.

Syn. -- take over, buy up.


word: Buzz
definition:
Buzz

Buzz
(bŭz)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Buzzed (bŭzd); p. pr. & vb. n. Buzzing.]
[An onomatopœia.]
To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings. Hence: To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.

Like a wasp is buzzed, and stung him.
Longfellow.

However these disturbers of our peace
Buzz in the people's ears.
Shak.


word: Buzz₂
definition:
Buzz

Buzz
v. t.
1.
To sound forth by buzzing.
Shak.

2.
To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an under tone; to spread, as report, by whispers, or secretly.

I will buzz abroad such prophecies
That Edward shall be fearful of his life.
Shak.

3.
To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.
[Colloq.]

4.
(Phonetics)
To sound with a “buzz”.
H. Sweet.


word: Buzz₃
definition:
Buzz

Buzz
n.
1.
A continuous, humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones, or of a general expression of surprise or approbation.
buzz
Macaulay.

I found the whole room in a buzz of politics.
Addison.

There is a buzz all around regarding the sermon.
Thackeray.

2.
A whisper; a report spread secretly or cautiously.

There's a certain buzz
Of a stolen marriage.
Massinger.

3.
(Phonetics)
The audible friction of voice consonants.
H. Sweet.


word: Buzzard
definition:
Buzzard

Buz"zard
(bŭz"zẽrd)
n.
[O.E. busard, bosard, F. busard, fr. buse, L. buteo, a kind of falcon or hawk.]

1.
(Zool.)
A bird of prey of the Hawk family, belonging to the genus Buteo and related genera.

2.
(Zool.)
In the United States, a term used for the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and sometimes indiscriminately to any vulture.

&hand_; The Buteo vulgaris is the common buzzard of Europe. The American species (of which the most common are Buteo borealis, Buteo Pennsylvanicus, and Buteo lineatus) are usually called hen hawks. -- The rough-legged buzzard, or bee hawk, of Europe (Pernis apivorus) feeds on bees and their larvæ, with other insects, and reptiles. -- The moor buzzard of Europe is Circus æruginosus. See Turkey buzzard, and Carrion buzzard.

Bald buzzard, the fishhawk or osprey. See Fishhawk.

2.
A blockhead; a dunce.

It is common, to a proverb, to call one who can not be taught, or who continues obstinately ignorant, a buzzard.
Goldsmith.


word: Buzzardet
definition:
Buzzardet

Buz"zard*et`
(-ĕt`)
n.
(Zool.)
A hawk resembling the buzzard, but with legs relatively longer.


word: Buzzer
definition:
Buzzer

Buzz"er
(bŭz"ẽr)
n.
One who, or that which, buzzes; a whisperer; a talebearer.

And wants not buzzers to infect his ear
With pestilent speeches of his father's death.
Shak.


word: Buzzsaw
definition:
Buzzsaw

Buzz"saw`
(_;)
A circular saw; -- so called from the buzzing it makes when running at full speed.


word: BW
definition:
BW

BW
n.
biological warfare; the use of bacteria or viruses or toxins to destroy men and animals or food.

Syn. -- biological warfare.


word: BWR
definition:
BWR

BWR
n.
a boiling water reactor; a type of nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; -- the steam produced can drive a steam turbine and produce electrical power.

Syn. -- boiling water reactor.


word: By
definition:
By

By
(bī)
prep.
[OE. bi, AS. bī, big, near to, by, of, from, after, according to; akin to OS. & OFries. bi, be, D. bij, OHG. bī, G. bei, Goth. bi, and perh. Gr. 'amfi`. E. prefix be- is orig. the same word. √203.  See pref. Be-.]
1.
In the neighborhood of; near or next to; not far from; close to; along with; as, come and sit by me.

By foundation or by shady rivulet
He sought them both.
Milton.

2.
On; along; in traversing. Compare 5.

Long labors both by sea and land he bore.
Dryden.

By land, by water, they renew the charge.
Pope.

3.
Near to, while passing; hence, from one to the other side of; past; as, to go by a church.

4.
Used in specifying adjacent dimensions; as, a cabin twenty feet by forty.

5.
Against.
[Obs.]
Tyndale [1. Cor. iv. 4].

6.
With, as means, way, process, etc.; through means of; with aid of; through; through the act or agency of; as, a city is destroyed by fire; profit is made by commerce; to take by force.

To the meaning of by, as denoting means or agency, belong, more or less closely, most of the following uses of the word: (a) It points out the author and producer; as, “Waverley”, a novel by Sir W.Scott; a statue by Canova; a sonata by Beethoven. (b) In an oath or adjuration, it indicates the being or thing appealed to as sanction; as, I affirm to you by all that is sacred; he swears by his faith as a Christian; no, by Heaven. (c) According to; by direction, authority, or example of; after; -- in such phrases as, it appears by his account; ten o'clock by my watch; to live by rule; a model to build by. (d) At the rate of; according to the ratio or proportion of; in the measure or quantity of; as, to sell cloth by the yard, milk by the quart, eggs by the dozen, meat by the pound; to board by the year. (e) In comparison, it denotes the measure of excess or deficiency; when anything is increased or diminished, it indicates the measure of increase or diminution; as, larger by a half; older by five years; to lessen by a third. (f) It expresses continuance or duration; during the course of; within the period of; as, by day, by night. (g) As soon as; not later than; near or at; -- used in expressions of time; as, by this time the sun had risen; he will be here by two o'clock.

In boxing the compass, by indicates a pint nearer to, or towards, the next cardinal point; as, north by east, i.e., a point towards the east from the north; northeast by east, i.e., on point nearer the east than northeast is.

&hand_; With is used instead of by before the instrument with which anything is done; as, to beat one with a stick; the board was fastened by the carpenter with nails. But there are many words which may be regarded as means or processes, or, figuratively, as instruments; and whether with or by shall be used with them is a matter of arbitrary, and often, of unsettled usage; as, to a reduce a town by famine; to consume stubble with fire; he gained his purpose by flattery; he entertained them with a story; he distressed us with or by a recital of his sufferings. see With.

By all means, most assuredly; without fail; certainly. -- By and by. (a) Close together (of place). [Obs.] “Two yonge knightes liggyng [lying] by and by.” Chaucer. (b) Immediately; at once. [Obs.] “When . . . persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Matt. xiii. 21. (c) Presently; pretty soon; before long. In this phrase, by seems to be used in the sense of nearness in time, and to be repeated for the sake of emphasis, and thus to be equivalent to “soon, and soon,” that is instantly; hence, -- less emphatically, -- pretty soon, presently. -- By one's self, with only one's self near; alone; solitary.- By the bye. See under Bye. -- By the head (Naut.), having the bows lower than the stern; -- said of a vessel when her head is lower in the water than her stern. If her stern is lower, she is by the stern. -- By the lee, the situation of a vessel, going free, when she has fallen off so much as to bring the wind round her stern, and to take her sails aback on the other side. -- By the run, to let go by the run, to let go altogether, instead of slacking off. -- By the way, by the bye; -- used to introduce an incidental or secondary remark or subject. -Day by day, One by one, Piece by piece, etc., each day, each one, each piece, etc., by itself singly or separately; each severally. -- To come by, to get possession of; to obtain. -- To do by, to treat, to behave toward. -- To set by, to value, to esteem. -- To stand by, to aid, to support.

&hand_; The common phrase good-by is equivalent to farewell, and would be better written good-bye, as it is a corruption of God be with you (b'w'ye).


word: By₂
definition:
By

By
(bī)
adv.
1.
Near; in the neighborhood; present; as, there was no person by at the time.

2.
Passing near; going past; past; beyond; as, the procession has gone by; a bird flew by.

3.
Aside; as, to lay by; to put by.


word: By₃
definition:
By

By
(bī)
a.
Out of the common path; aside; -- used in composition, giving the meaning of something aside, secondary, or incidental, or collateral matter, a thing private or avoiding notice; as, by-line, by-place, by-play, by-street. It was formerly more freely used in composition than it is now; as, by-business, by-concernment, by-design, by-interest, etc.


word: Byard
definition:
Byard

By"ard
(_;)
n.
A piece of leather crossing the breast, used by the men who drag sledges in coal mines.


word: By-bidder
definition:
By-bidder

By"-bid`der
(_;)
n.
One who bids at an auction in behalf of the auctioneer or owner, for the purpose of running up the price of articles.
[U.S.]


word: By-blow
definition:
By-blow

By"-blow`
(_;)
n.
1.
A side or incidental blow; an accidental blow.

With their by-blows they did split the very stones in pieces.
Bunyan.

2.
An illegitimate child; a bastard.

The Aga speedily . . . brought her [his disgraced slave] to court, together with her pretty by-blow, the present Padre Ottomano.
Evelyn.


word: By-corner
definition:
By-corner

By"-cor`ner
(_;)
n.
A private corner.

Britain being a by-corner, out of the road of the world.
Fuller.


word: By-dependence
definition:
By-dependence

By"-de*pend`ence
(_;)
n.
An appendage; that which depends on something else, or is distinct from the main dependence; an accessory.
Shak.


word: Bye
definition:
Bye

Bye
(bī)
n.
1.
A thing not directly aimed at; something which is a secondary object of regard; an object by the way, etc.; as in on or upon the bye, i. e., in passing; indirectly; by implication.
[Obs. except in the phrase by the bye.]

The Synod of Dort condemneth upon the bye even the discipline of the Church of England.
Fuller.

2.
(Cricket)
A run made upon a missed ball; as, to steal a bye.
T. Hughes.

3.
In various sports in which the contestants are drawn in pairs, the position or turn of one left with no opponent in consequence of an odd number being engaged; as, to draw a bye in a round of a tennis tournament.

4.
(Golf)
The hole or holes of a stipulated course remaining unplayed at the end of a match.

By the bye, in passing; by way of digression; apropos to the matter in hand. [Written also by the by.]


word: Bye₂
definition:
Bye

Bye
(bī)
n.
[AS. b&ymacr_;; cf. Icel. bygð dwelling, byggja, būa, to dwell √97.]
1.
A dwelling.
Gibson.

2.
In certain games, a station or place of an individual player.
Emerson.


word: By-election
definition:
By-election

By"-e*lec"tion
(_;)
n.
An election held by itself, not at the time of a general election.


word: Byelorussia
definition:
Byelorussia

Byelorussia
n.
a European country east of Poland, formerly a part of the Soviet Union.  After the breakup of the Soviet Union the name was changed to Belarus.

Syn. -- Belarus, Belorussia, White Russia.


word: Byelorussian
definition:
Byelorussian

Byelorussian
n.
1.
a native or inhabitant of Byelorussia.

Syn. -- Belorussian, White Russian.

2.
the language spoken in Belarus.

Syn. -- Belarusian.


word: By-end
definition:
By-end

By"-end`
(_;)
n.
Private end or interest; secret purpose; selfish advantage.
[Written also bye-end.]

“Profit or some other by-end.”
L'Estrange.


word: Bygone₂
definition:
Bygone

By"gone`
(_;)
n.
Something gone by or past; a past event.
bygones
Tennyson.

Let bygones be bygones, let the past be forgotten.


word: By-law
definition:
By-law

By"-law`
(bī"-l&asuml_;`)
n.
[Cf. Sw. bylag, D. bylov, Icel. b&ymacr_;arlög, fr. Sw. & Dan. by town, Icel. bær, byr (fr. bûa to dwell) + the word for law; hence, a law for one town, a special law.  Cf. Birlaw and see Law.]
1.
A local or subordinate law; a private law or regulation made by a corporation for its own government.

There was likewise a law to restrain the by-laws, or ordinances of corporations.
Bacon.

The law or institution; to which are added two by-laws, as a comment upon the general law.
Addison.

2.
A law that is less important than a general law or constitutional provision, and subsidiary to it; a rule relating to a matter of detail; as, civic societies often adopt a constitution and by-laws for the government of their members. In this sense the word has probably been influenced by by, meaning secondary or aside.


word: By-pass
definition:
By-pass

By"-pass
(_;)
n.
(Mech.)
A by-passage, for a pipe, or other channel, to divert circulation from the usual course.


word: Bypath
definition:
Bypath

By"path`
(_;)
n.
pl. Bypaths (_;).
A private path; an obscure way; indirect means.

God known, my son,
By what bypaths, and indirect crooked ways,
I met this crown.
Shak.


word: Byplay
definition:
Byplay

By"play
(_;)
n.
Action carried on aside, and commonly in dumb show, while the main action proceeds.


word: By-product
definition:
By-product

By"-prod`uct
(_;)
n.
A secondary or additional product; something produced, as in the course of a manufacture, in addition to the principal product.


word: Byre
definition:
Byre

Byre
(_;)
n.
[Cf, Icel. bür pantry, Sw. bur cage, Dan. buur, E. bower.]
A cow house.
[N. of Eng. & Scot.]


word: Byronic
definition:
Byronic

By"ron`ic
(_;)
a.
Pertaining to, or in the style of, Lord Byron.

With despair and Byronic misanthropy.
Thackeray


word: Bysmottered
definition:
Bysmottered

By*smot"ter*ed
(bi̝*sm&obreve_;t"tẽr*ĕd)
p.a.
[See Besmut.]
Bespotted with mud or dirt.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: By-speech
definition:
By-speech

By"-speech`
(_;)
n.
An incidental or casual speech, not directly relating to the point.
by-speeches
Hooker.


word: Byssaceous
definition:
Byssaceous

Bys*sa"ceous
(_;)
a.
[From Byssus.]
(Bot.)
Byssuslike; consisting of fine fibers or threads, as some very delicate filamentous algæ.


word: Byssine
definition:
Byssine

Bys"sine
(_;)
a.
[L. byssinus made of byssus, Gr. by`ssinos See Byssus.]
Made of silk; having a silky or flaxlike appearance.
Coles.


word: Byssolite
definition:
Byssolite

Bys"so*lite
(_;)
n.
[Gr._; See flax + -lite.]
(Min.)
An olive-green fibrous variety of hornblende.


word: Byssus
definition:
Byssus

Bys"sus
(_;)
n.
pl. E. Byssuses (_;); L. Byssi.
(_;)
[L. byssus fine flax, fine linen or cotton, Gr. by`ssos .]

1.
A cloth of exceedingly fine texture, used by the ancients. It is disputed whether it was of cotton, linen, or silk.
[Written also byss and byssin.]

2.
(Zool.)
A tuft of long, tough filaments which are formed in a groove of the foot, and issue from between the valves of certain bivalve mollusks, as the Pinna and Mytilus, by which they attach themselves to rocks, etc.

3.
(Bot.)
An obsolete name for certain fungi composed of slender threads.

4.
Asbestus.


word: Bystander
definition:
Bystander

By"stand`er
(_;)
n.
[By + stander, equiv. to stander-by; cf. AS. big-standan to stand by or near.]
One who stands near; a spectator; one who has no concern with the business transacting.

He addressed the bystanders and scattered pamphlets among them.
Palfrey.


word: By-street
definition:
By-street

By"-street`
(_;)
n.
A separate, private, or obscure street; an out of the way or cross street.

He seeks by-streets, and saves the expensive coach.
Gay.


word: By-view
definition:
By-view

By"-view`
(_;)
n.
A private or selfish view; self-interested aim or purpose.

No by-views of his own shall mislead him.
Atterbury.


word: By-wash
definition:
By-wash

By"-wash`
(_;)
n.
The outlet from a dam or reservoir; also, a cut to divert the flow of water.


word: Byway
definition:
Byway

By"way`
(_;)
n.
A secluded, private, or obscure way; a path or road aside from the main one.
byways.
Herbert.


word: Byword
definition:
Byword

By"word`
(_;)
n.
[AS. bïword; bï, E. by + word.]
1.
A common saying; a proverb; a saying that has a general currency.

I knew a wise man that had it for a byword.
Bacon.

2.
The object of a contemptuous saying.

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen.
Ps. xliv. 14


word: Byzantine
definition:
Byzantine

Byzant

{ Byz"ant (_;), Byz"an*tine (-ăn"tīn) n. }
[OE. besant, besaunt, F. besant, fr. LL. Byzantius, Byzantinus, fr. Byzantium.]
(Numis.)
A gold coin, so called from being coined at Byzantium. See Bezant.


word: Byzantine₂
definition:
Byzantine

By*zan"tine
(bĭ*zăn"tĭn)
a.
Of or pertaining to Byzantium.
n. A native or inhabitant of Byzantium, now Constantinople; sometimes, applied to an inhabitant of the modern city of Constantinople.
[Written also Bizantine.]

Byzantine church, the Eastern or Greek church, as distinguished from the Western or Roman or Latin church. See under Greek. -- Byzantine empire, the Eastern Roman or Greek empire from a. d. 364 or a. d. 395 to the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, a. d. 1453. -- Byzantine historians, historians and writers (Zonaras, Procopius, etc.) who lived in the Byzantine empire. P. Cyc. -- Byzantine style (Arch.), a style of architecture developed in the Byzantine empire. Its leading forms are the round arch, the dome, the pillar, the circle, and the cross. The capitals of the pillars are of endless variety, and full of invention. The mosque of St. Sophia, Constantinople, and the church of St. Mark, Venice, are prominent examples of Byzantine architecture.


word: Byzantinism
definition:
Byzantinism

Byzantinism
n.
The doctrine that the state is supreme over the church in ecclesiastical matters.

Syn. -- Erastianism, Caesaropapism.


word: Byzantium
definition:
Byzantium

Byzantium
prop. n.
An ancient city on the Bosphorus founded by the Greeks.  It was later renamed Constaninople in honor of the emperor Constantine, and renamed Istanbul by the Turks, which name it still retains.


word: C
definition:
C

C
(sē)
1.
C is the third letter of the English alphabet. It is from the Latin letter C, which in old Latin represented the sounds of k, and g (in go); its original value being the latter. In Anglo-Saxon words, or Old English before the Norman Conquest, it always has the sound of k. The Latin C was the same letter as the Greek Γ, γ, and came from the Greek alphabet. The Greeks got it from the Phœnicians. The English name of C is from the Latin name ce, and was derived, probably, through the French. Etymologically C is related to g, h, k, q, s (and other sibilant sounds). Examples of these relations are in L. acutus, E. acute, ague; E. acrid, eager, vinegar; L. cornu, E. horn; E. cat, kitten; E. coy, quiet; L. circare, OF. cerchier, E. search.

See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 221-228.

2.
(Mus.)
(a)
The keynote of the normal or “natural” scale, which has neither flats nor sharps in its signature; also, the third note of the relative minor scale of the same.
(b)
C after the clef is the mark of common time, in which each measure is a semibreve (four fourths or crotchets); for alla breve time it is written _;.
(c)
The “C clef,” a modification of the letter C, placed on any line of the staff, shows that line to be middle C.

3.
As a numeral, C stands for Latin centum or 100, CC for 200, etc.

C spring, a spring in the form of the letter C.


word: Ca
definition:
Ca

Ca
n.
the chemical symbol for calcium, the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust, having an atomic number of 20.

Syn. -- calcium.


word: Caaba
definition:
Caaba

Ca*a"ba
(kȧ*ā"bȧ)
n.
[Ar. ka'bah, lit., a square building, fr. ka'b cube.]
The small and nearly cubical stone building, toward which all Muslims must pray.
[Written also kaaba.]

&hand_; The Caaba is situated in Mecca, a city of Arabia, and contains a famous black stone said to have been brought from heaven. Before the time of Mohammed, the Caaba was an idolatrous temple, but it has since been the chief sanctuary and object of pilgrimage of the Muslim world.


word: Caatinga
definition:
Caatinga

Caa*tin"ga
(?)
n.
[Tupi caa-tinga white forest.]
(Phytogeography)
A forest composed of stunted trees and thorny bushes, found in areas of small rainfall in Brazil.


word: Cab
definition:
Cab

Cab
(kăb)
n.
[Abbrev. fr. cabriolet.]
1.
A kind of close carriage with two or four wheels, usually a public vehicle.
cab
Thackeray.

&hand_; A cab may have two seats at right angles to the driver's seat, and a door behind; or one seat parallel to the driver's, with the entrance from the side or front.

Hansom cab. See Hansom.

2.
The covered part of a locomotive, in which the engineer has his station.
Knight.


word: Cab₂
definition:
Cab

Cab
(kăb)
n.
[Heb. qab, fr. qābab to hollow.]
A Hebrew dry measure, containing a little over two (2.37) pints.
W. H. Ward. 2 Kings vi. 25.


word: Cabal
definition:
Cabal

Ca*bal"
(kȧ*băl")
n.
[F. cabale cabal, cabala, LL. cabala cabala, fr. Heb. qabbālēh reception, tradition, mysterious doctrine, fr. qābal to take or receive, in Piël qibbel to adopt (a doctrine).]
1.
Tradition; occult doctrine. See Cabala.
[Obs.]
Hakewill.

2.
A secret.
[Obs.]
cabal
B. Jonson.

3.
A number of persons united in some close design, usually to promote their private views and interests in church or state by intrigue; a secret association composed of a few designing persons; a junto.

It so happend, by a whimsical coincidence, that in 1671 the cabinet consisted of five persons, the initial letters of whose names made up the word cabal; Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale.  Macaulay.

4.
The secret artifices or machinations of a few persons united in a close design; intrigue.

By cursed cabals of women.
Dryden.


word: Cabal₂
definition:
Cabal

Ca*bal"
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Caballed (-băld"); p. pr. & vb. n. Caballing]
[Cf. F. cabaler.]
To unite in a small party to promote private views and interests by intrigue; to intrigue; to plot.

Caballing still against it with the great.
Dryden.


word: Cabala
definition:
Cabala

Cab"a*la
(kăb"ȧ*lȧ)
n.
[LL. See Cabal, n.]
1.
A kind of occult theosophy or traditional interpretation of the Scriptures among Jewish rabbis and certain mediæval Christians, which treats of the nature of god and the mystery of human existence.  It assumes that every letter, word, number, and accent of Scripture contains a hidden sense; and it teaches the methods of interpretation for ascertaining these occult meanings.  The cabalists pretend even to foretell events by this means.

2.
Secret science in general; mystic art; mystery.


word: Cabalism
definition:
Cabalism

Cab"a*lism
(kăb"ȧ*lĭz'm)
n.
[Cf. F. cabalisme.]

1.
The secret science of the cabalists.

2.
A superstitious devotion to the mysteries of the religion which one professes.
[R]
Emerson.


word: Cabalist
definition:
Cabalist

Cab"a*list
(-lĭst)
n.
[Cf. F. cabaliste.]
One versed in the cabala, or the mysteries of Jewish traditions.
Swift.


word: Cabalistical
definition:
Cabalistical

Cabalistic

{ Cab`a*lis"tic (kăb`ȧ*lĭs"tĭk), Cab`a*lis"tic*al (-tĭ*kal) }
a.
Of or pertaining to the cabala; containing or conveying an occult meaning; mystic.

The Heptarchus is a cabalistic exposition of the first chapter of Genesis
Hallam.


word: Caballer
definition:
Caballer

Ca*bal"ler
(kȧ*băl"lẽr)
n.
One who cabals.

A close caballer and tongue-valiant lord.
Dryden.


word: Caballeria
definition:
Caballeria

Ca`bal*le*ri"a
(?)
n.
[Sp. See Caballero.]
An ancient Spanish land tenure similar to the English knight's fee; hence, in Spain and countries settled by the Spanish, a land measure of varying size.  In Cuba it is about 33 acres; in Puerto Rico, about 194 acres; in the Southwestern United States, about 108 acres.


word: caballine
definition:
caballine

cab"al*line
(kăb"al*līn)
a.
[L.caballinus, fr. caballus a nag. Cf.  Cavalier.]
Of or pertaining to a horse.
n. Caballine aloes.

caballine aloes, an inferior and impure kind of aloes formerly used in veterinary practice; -- called also horse aloes. -- Caballine spring, the fountain of Hippocrene, on Mount Helicon; -- fabled to have been formed by a stroke from the foot of the winged horse Pegasus.


word: Caballo
definition:
Caballo

Ca*bal"lo
(kȧ*väl"yo̝; 220)
n.
[Written also cavallo.]
[Sp., fr. L. caballus a nag. See Cavalcade.]
A horse.
[Sp. Amer.]


word: Cabaret
definition:
Cabaret

Cab"a*ret
(kăb"ȧ*rĕt; 277)
n.
[F.]
1.
A tavern; a house where liquors are retailed.
[Obs. as an English word.]

2.
A type of restaurant where liquor and dinner is served, and entertainment is provided, as by musicians, dancers, or comedians, and usually providing space for dancing by the patrons; -- similar to a nightclub.  In some cases, the performers dance or sing on the floor between the tables, after the practice of a certain class of French taverns.  The term cabaret is often used in the names of such an establishment.

3.
The type of entertainment provided in a cabaret{2}.


word: Cabas
definition:
Cabas

Ca*bas"
(kȧ*bä")
n.
[F.]
A flat basket or frail for figs, etc.; hence, a lady's flat workbasket, reticule, or hand bag; -- often written caba.
C. Bronté.


word: Cabassou
definition:
Cabassou

Ca*bas"sou
(kȧ*băs"sō)
n.
(Zoöl.)
A species of armadillo of the genus Xenurus (Xenurus unicinctus and Xenurus hispidus); the tatouay.
[Written also kabassou.]


word: Cabbage
definition:
Cabbage

Cab"bage
(kăb"ba̝j)
n.
[OE. cabage, fr. F. cabus headed (of cabbages), chou cabus headed cabbage, cabbage head; cf. It. capuccio a little head, cappuccio cowl, hood, cabbage, fr. capo head, L. caput, or fr. It. cappa cape. See Chief, Cape.]
(Bot.)
1.
An esculent vegetable of many varieties, derived from the wild Brassica oleracea of Europe.  The common cabbage has a compact head of leaves.  The cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc., are sometimes classed as cabbages.

2.
The terminal bud of certain palm trees, used, like, cabbage, for food. See Cabbage tree, below.

3.
The cabbage palmetto. See below.

Cabbage aphis (Zoöl.), a green plant-louse (Aphis brassicæ) which lives upon the leaves of the cabbage. -- Cabbage beetle (Zoöl.), a small, striped flea-beetle (Phyllotreta vittata) which lives, in the larval state, on the roots, and when adult, on the leaves, of cabbage and other cruciferous plants. -- Cabbage fly (Zoöl.), a small two-winged fly (Anthomyia brassicæ), which feeds, in the larval or maggot state, on the roots of the cabbage, often doing much damage to the crop. -- Cabbage head, the compact head formed by the leaves of a cabbage; -- contemptuously or humorously, and colloquially, a very stupid and silly person; a numskull. -- Cabbage palmetto, a species of palm tree (Sabal Palmetto) found along the coast from North Carolina to Florida. -- Cabbage rose (Bot.), a species of rose (Rosa centifolia) having large and heavy blossoms. -- Cabbage tree, Cabbage palm, a name given to palms having a terminal bud called a cabbage, as the Sabal Palmetto of the United States, and the Euterpe oleracea and Oreodoxa oleracea of the West Indies.  -- Sea cabbage.(Bot.) (a) Sea kale (b). The original Plant (Brassica oleracea), from which the cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc., have been derived by cultivation. -- Thousand-headed cabbage. See Brussels sprouts.


