# dictionary

word: Spindleworm
definition:
Spindleworm

Spin"dle*worm`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
The larva of a noctuid moth (Achatodes zeae) which feeds inside the stalks of corn (maize), sometimes causing much damage. It is smooth, with a black head and tail and a row of black dots across each segment.


word: Spindling
definition:
Spindling

Spin"dling
(?)
a.
Long and slender, or disproportionately tall and slender; as, a spindling tree; a spindling boy.

Syn. -- spindly.


word: Spindly
definition:
Spindly

Spin"dly
(?)
a.
Long and slender, or disproportionately tall and slender; as, spindly legs..  Used in some cases to suggest weakness.

Syn. -- spindling.


word: spin doctor
definition:
spin doctor

spin doctor
n.
a spokesperson for a political party or candidate who tries to forestall negative publicity.


word: spin dryer
definition:
spin dryer

spin drier

spin drier, spin dryer
n.
a machine that uses centrifugal motion to dry the clothes that are put into it.


word: Spindrift
definition:
Spindrift

Spin"drift
(?)
n.
Same as Spoondrift.
The ocean waves are broken up by wind, ultimately producing the storm wrack and spindrift of the tempest-tossed sea.
J. E. Marr.


word: Spine
definition:
Spine

Spine
(?)
n.
[L. spina thorn, the spine; akin to spica a point: cf. OF. espine, F. épine.  Cf. Spike, Spinet a musical instrument, Spinny.]
1.
(Bot.)
A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
A rigid and sharp projection upon any part of an animal.
(b)
One of the rigid and undivided fin rays of a fish.

3.
(Anat.)
The backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; -- so called from the projecting processes upon the vertebrae.

4.
Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.


word: Spinebill
definition:
Spinebill

Spine"bill`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any species of Australian birds of the genus Acanthorhynchus. They are related to the honey eaters.


word: Spine-finned
definition:
Spine-finned

Spine"-finned`
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having fine supported by spinous fin rays; -- said of certain fishes.


word: Spinelle
definition:
Spinelle

Spinel

{ Spi*nel" (?), Spi*nelle" (?), }
n.
[F. spinelle, or LL. spinellus, perhaps from L. spina a thorn, a prickle, in allusion to its pointed crystals.]
(Min.)
A mineral occuring in octahedrons of great hardness and various colors, as red, green, blue, brown, and black, the red variety being the gem spinel ruby. It consist essentially of alumina and magnesia, but commonly contains iron and sometimes also chromium.

&hand_; The spinel group includes spinel proper, also magnetite, chromite, franklinite, gahnite, etc., all of which may be regarded as composed of a sesquioxide and a protoxide in equal proportions.


word: Spinel
definition:
Spinel

Spin"el
(?)
n.
Bleached yarn in making the linen tape called inkle; unwrought inkle.
Knight.


word: Spineless
definition:
Spineless

Spine"less
(?)
a.
1.
Having no spine, or vertebral column.

2.
Having no thorns or barbs.

3.
lacking in strength of character; cowardly, in a physical or moral sense.


word: Spinescence
definition:
Spinescence

Spi*nes"cence
(?)
n.
The state or quality of being spinescent or spiny; also, a spiny growth or covering, as of certain animals.


word: Spinescent
definition:
Spinescent

Spi*nes"cent
(?)
a.
[L. spinescens, -entis, p. pr. of spinescere to know to grow thorny, fr. spina a thorn: cf. F. spinescent.]
(Bot.)
Becoming hard and thorny; tapering gradually to a rigid, leafless point; armed with spines.
Gray.


word: Spinet
definition:
Spinet

Spin"et
(?)
n.
[OF. espinete, F. épinette (cf. It. spinetta), fr. L. spina a thorn; -- so called because its quills resemble thorns. See Spine.]
(Mus.)
A keyed instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but smaller, with one string of brass or steel wire to each note, sounded by means of leather or quill plectrums or jacks. It was formerly much used.

Dumb spinet. (Mus.) See Manichordon.


word: Spinetail
definition:
Spinetail

Spine"tail`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any one or several species of swifts of the genus Acanthylis, or Chaetura, and allied genera, in which the shafts of the tail feathers terminate in rigid spines.
(b)
Any one of several species of South American and Central American clamatorial birds belonging to Synallaxis and allied genera of the family Dendrocolaptidae. They are allied to the ovenbirds.
(c)
The ruddy duck.
[Local, U.S.]


word: Spine-tailed
definition:
Spine-tailed

Spine"-tailed
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having the tail quills ending in sharp, naked tips.

Spine-tailed swift. (Zool.) See Spinetail (a).


word: Spiniferous
definition:
Spiniferous

Spi*nif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. spinifer; spina thorn + ferre to produce.]
Producing spines; bearing thorns or spines; thorny; spiny.


word: Spinifex
definition:
Spinifex

Spin"i*fex
(?)
n.
[NL.; L. spina spine + facere to make.]
1.
(Bot.)
A genus of chiefly Australian grasses, the seeds of which bear an elastic spine. Spinifex hirsutus (black grass) and Spinifex longifolius are useful as sand binders. Spinifex paradoxusis a valuable perennial fodder plant. Also, a plant of this genus.

2.
Any of several Australian grasses of the genus Tricuspis, which often form dense, almost impassable growth, their leaves being stiff and sharp-pointed.


word: Spinigerous
definition:
Spinigerous

Spi*nig"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. spiniger; spina spine + gerere to bear.]
Bearing a spine or spines; thorn-bearing.


word: Spink
definition:
Spink

Spink
(spĭ&nsmacr_;k)
n.
[Cf. dial. Sw. spink a kind of small bird, Gr. spi`ggos, and E. finch.]
(Zool.)
The chaffinch.


word: Spinnaker
definition:
Spinnaker

Spin"na*ker
(spĭn"nȧ*kẽr)
n.
(Naut.)
A large triangular sail set upon a boom, -- used when running before the wind.


word: Spinner
definition:
Spinner

Spin"ner
(spĭn"nẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, spins one skilled in spinning; a spinning machine.

2.
A spider.
spinners
Shak.

3.
(Zool.)
A goatsucker; -- so called from the peculiar noise it makes when darting through the air.

4.
(Zool.)
A spinneret.

Ring spinner, a machine for spinning, in which the twist, given to the yarn by a revolving bobbin, is regulated by the drag of a small metal loop which slides around a ring encircling the bobbin, instead of by a throstle.


word: Spinneret
definition:
Spinneret

Spin"ner*et
(spĭn"nẽr*ĕt)
n.
(Zool.)
One of the special jointed organs situated on the under side, and near the end, of the abdomen of spiders, by means of which they spin their webs. Most spiders have three pairs of spinnerets, but some have only two pairs. The ordinary silk line of the spider is composed of numerous smaller lines jointed after issuing from the spinnerets.


word: Spinnerule
definition:
Spinnerule

Spin"ner*ule
(spĭn"nẽr*&uuptack_;l)
n.
(Zool.)
One of the numerous small spinning tubes on the spinnerets of spiders.


word: Spinning
definition:
Spinning

Spin"ning
(?)
a. & n. from Spin.

Spinning gland (Zool.), one of the glands which form the material for spinning the silk of silkworms and other larvae. -- Spinning house, formerly a common name for a house of correction in England, the women confined therein being employed in spinning. -- Spinning jenny (Mach.), an engine or machine for spinning wool or cotton, by means of a large number of spindles revolving simultaneously. -- Spinning mite (Zool.), the red spider. -- Spinning wheel, a machine for spinning yarn or thread, in which a wheel drives a single spindle, and is itself driven by the hand, or by the foot acting on a treadle.


word: Spinny
definition:
Spinny

Spin"ny
(?)
n.
pl. Spinnies (#).
[OF. espinaye,espinoye, espinei, espanoi, F. épinaie, from L. spinetum a thicket of thorns, fr. spina a thorn. See Spine.]
A small thicket or grove with undergrowth; a clump of trees.
[Written also spinney, and spinny.]

The downs rise steep, crowned with black fir spinnies.
C. Kingsley.


word: Spinose
definition:
Spinose

Spi*nose"
(?)
a.
[L. spinosus, from spina a thorn.]
Full of spines; armed with thorns; thorny.


word: Spinous
definition:
Spinous

Spi"nous
(?)
a.
1.
Spinose; thorny.

2.
Having the form of a spine or thorn; spinelike.

Spinous process of a vertebra (Anat.), the dorsal process of the neural arch of a vertebra; a neurapophysis.


word: Spinozism
definition:
Spinozism

Spi*no"zism
(?)
n.
The form of Pantheism taught by Benedict Spinoza, that there is but one substance, or infinite essence, in the universe, of which the so-called material and spiritual beings and phenomena are only modes, and that one this one substance is God.
[Written also Spinosism.]


word: Spinster
definition:
Spinster

Spin"ster
(?)
n.
[Spin + -ster.]
1.
A woman who spins, or whose occupation is to spin.

She spake to spinster to spin it out.
Piers Plowman.

The spinsters and the knitters in the sun.
Shak.

2.
A man who spins.
[Obs.]
Shak.

3.
(Law)
An unmarried or single woman; -- used in legal proceedings as a title, or addition to the surname.

If a gentlewoman be termed a spinster, she may abate the writ.
Coke.

4.
A woman of evil life and character; -- so called from being forced to spin in a house of correction.
[Obs.]


word: Spinthariscope
definition:
Spinthariscope

Spin*thar"i*scope
(?)
n.
[Gr. spinqari`s spark + -scope.]
A small instrument containing a minute particle of a radium compound mounted in front of a fluorescent screen and viewed with magnifying lenses. The tiny flashes produced by the continual bombardment of the screen by the α rays are thus rendered visible.
Spin*thar`i*scop"ic (#), a.


word: spin the bottle
definition:
spin the bottle

spin the bottle
n.
a party game in which a player spins a bottle and kisses the person that it points to when it stops spinning; -- usually played by children.


word: spin the platter
definition:
spin the platter

spin the plate

spin the plate, spin the platter
n.
a game in which something round (as a plate) is spun on edge and the name of a player is called; the named player must catch the spinning object before it falls or pay a forfeit.


word: Spinule
definition:
Spinule

Spin"ule
(?)
n.
[L. spinula, dim. of spina a spine: cf. F. spinule.]
A minute spine.
Dana.


word: Spinulous
definition:
Spinulous

Spinulose

{ Spin"u*lose` (?), Spin"u*lous (?), }
a.
[Cf. F. spinuleux.]
Covered with small spines.


word: Spiny
definition:
Spiny

Spin"y
(?)
a.
[From Spine.]
1.
Full of spines; thorny; as, a spiny tree.

2.
Like a spine in shape; slender.
Spiny
Chapman.

3.
Fig.: Abounding with difficulties or annoyances.

The spiny deserts of scholastic philosophy.
Bp. Warburton.

Spiny lobster. (Zool.) Same as Rock lobster, under Rock. See also Lobster.


word: Spiodea
definition:
Spiodea

Spi*o"de*a
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Spio the typical genus.]
(Zool.)
An extensive division of marine Annelida, including those that are without oral tentacles or cirri, and have the gills, when present, mostly arranged along the sides of the body. They generally live in burrows or tubes.


word: Spiracle
definition:
Spiracle

Spir"a*cle
(?)
n.
[L. spiraculum, fr. spirare to breathe: cf. F. spiracule. See Spirit.]
1.
(Anat.)
The nostril, or one of the nostrils, of whales, porpoises, and allied animals.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
One of the external openings communicating with the air tubes or tracheae of insects, myriapods, and arachnids. They are variable in number, and are usually situated on the sides of the thorax and abdomen, a pair to a segment. These openings are usually elliptical, and capable of being closed. See Illust. under Coleoptera.
(a)
A tubular orifice communicating with the gill cavity of certain ganoid and all elasmobranch fishes. It is the modified first gill cleft.

3.
Any small aperture or vent for air or other fluid.


word: Spiraea
definition:
Spiraea

Spi*rae"a
(?)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. _;_;_;, fr. _;_;_; a coil.]
(Bot.)
A genus of shrubs or perennial herbs including the meadowsweet and the hardhack.


word: Spiraeic
definition:
Spiraeic

Spi*rae"ic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or derived from, the meadowsweet (Spiraea); formerly, designating an acid which is now called salicylic acid.


word: Spiral
definition:
Spiral

Spi"ral
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. spiral. See Spire a winding line.]
1.
Winding or circling round a center or pole and gradually receding from it; as, the spiral curve of a watch spring.

2.
Winding round a cylinder or imaginary axis, and at the same time rising or advancing forward; winding like the thread of a screw; helical.

3.
(Geom.)
Of or pertaining to a spiral; like a spiral.

Spiral gear, or Spiral wheel (Mach.), a gear resembling in general a spur gear, but having its teeth cut at an angle with its axis, or so that they form small portions of screws or spirals. -- Spiral gearing, a kind of gearing sometimes used in light machinery, in which spiral gears, instead of bevel gears, are used to transmit motion between shafts that are not parallel. -- Spiral operculum, an operculum whih has spiral lines of growth. -- Spiral shell, any shell in which the whorls form a spiral or helix. -- Spiral spring. See the Note under Spring, n., 4.


word: Spiral₂
definition:
Spiral

Spi"ral
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. spirale. See Spiral, a.]
1.
(Geom.)
A plane curve, not reentrant, described by a point, called the generatrix, moving along a straight line according to a mathematical law, while the line is revolving about a fixed point called the pole.  Cf. Helix.

2.
Anything which has a spiral form, as a spiral shell.

Equiangular spiral,a plane curve which cuts all its generatrices at the same angle. Same as Logarithmic spiral, under Logarithmic. -- Spiral of Archimedes, a spiral the law of which is that the generatrix moves uniformly along the revolving line, which also moves uniformly.


word: Spiralozooid
definition:
Spiralozooid

Spi*ra`lo*zo"oid
(?)
n.
[Spiral + zooid. So called because they often have a spiral form when contracted.]
(Zool.)
One of the special defensive zooids of certain hydroids. They have the form of long, slender tentacles, and bear lasso cells.


word: Spirant
definition:
Spirant

Spi"rant
(?)
n.
[L. spirans, -antis, p. pr. of spirare to breathe. See Spirit.]
(Phon.)
A term used differently by different authorities; -- by some as equivalent to fricative, -- that is, as including all the continuous consonants, except the nasals m, n, ng; with the further exception, by others, of the liquids r, l, and the semivowels w, y; by others limited to f, v, th surd and sonant, and the sound of German ch, -- thus excluding the sibilants, as well as the nasals, liquids, and semivowels. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 197-208.


word: Spiranthy
definition:
Spiranthy

Spi*ran"thy
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_; a coil + _;_;_; flower.]
(Bot.)
The occasional twisted growth of the parts of a flower.


word: Spiration
definition:
Spiration

Spi*ra"tion
(?)
n.
[L. spiratio, fr. spirare to breathe.]
The act of breathing.
[Obs.]
Barrow.


word: Spire₂
definition:
Spire

Spire
n.
[OE. spire, spir, a blade of grass, a young shoot, AS. spīr; akin to G. spier a blade of grass, Dan. spire a sprout, sprig, Sw. spira a spar, Icel. spīra.]
1.
A slender stalk or blade in vegetation; as, a spire grass or of wheat.

An oak cometh up a little spire.
Chaucer.

2.
A tapering body that shoots up or out to a point in a conical or pyramidal form. Specifically (Arch.), the roof of a tower when of a pyramidal form and high in proportion to its width; also, the pyramidal or aspiring termination of a tower which can not be said to have a roof, such as that of Strasburg cathedral; the tapering part of a steeple, or the steeple itself.
spires
Milton.

A spire of land that stand apart,
Cleft from the main.
Tennyson.

Tall spire from which the sound of cheerful bells
Just undulates upon the listening ear.
Cowper.

3.
(Mining)
A tube or fuse for communicating fire to the chargen in blasting.

4.
The top, or uppermost point, of anything; the summit.

The spire and top of praises.
Shak.


word: Spire₃
definition:
Spire

Spire
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Spired (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spiring.]
To shoot forth, or up in, or as if in, a spire.
Emerson.

It is not so apt to spire up as the other sorts, being more inclined to branch into arms.
Mortimer.


word: Spire₄
definition:
Spire

Spire
n.
[L. spira coil, twist; akin to Gr. _;_;_;: cf. F. spire.]
1.
A spiral; a curl; a whorl; a twist.
Dryden.

2.
(Geom.)
The part of a spiral generated in one revolution of the straight line about the pole. See Spiral, n.

Spire bearer. (Paleon.) Same as Spirifer.


word: Spiricle
definition:
Spiricle

Spi"ri*cle
(?)
n.
[Dim., fr. L. spira a coil.]
(Bot.)
One of certain minute coiled threads in the coating of some seeds. When moistened these threads protrude in great numbers.
Gray.


word: Spirifer
definition:
Spirifer

Spi"ri*fer
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. L. spira a coil + ferreto bear.]
(Paleon.)
Any one of numerous species of fossil brachipods of the genus Spirifer, or Delthyris, and allied genera, in which the long calcareous supports of the arms form a large spiral, or helix, on each side.


word: Spirillum
definition:
Spirillum

Spi*ril"lum
(?)
n.
[NL., dim. of L. spira a coil.]
1.
(Biol.)
A genus of common gram-negative motile microorganisms (family Spirillaceae) having the form of spiral-shaped filaments.  They are obligately microaerophilic, and do not ferment carbohydrates.
Stedman.

2.
A species of bacteria (Borrelia recurrentis, also known as Obermeier's spirillum), once believed to belong to the genus Spirillum, which causes relapsing fever.


word: Spirit
definition:
Spirit

Spir"it
(?)
n.
[OF. espirit, esperit, F. esprit, L. spiritus, from spirare to breathe, to blow.  Cf. Conspire, Expire, Esprit, Sprite.]
1.
Air set in motion by breathing; breath; hence, sometimes, life itself.
[Obs.]
spirit
Spenser.

The mild air, with season moderate,
Gently attempered, and disposed eo well,
That still it breathed foorth sweet spirit.
Spenser.

2.
A rough breathing; an aspirate, as the letter h; also, a mark to denote aspiration; a breathing.
[Obs.]

Be it a letter or spirit, we have great use for it.
B. Jonson.

3.
Life, or living substance, considered independently of corporeal existence; an intelligence conceived of apart from any physical organization or embodiment; vital essence, force, or energy, as distinct from matter.

4.
The intelligent, immaterial and immortal part of man; the soul, in distinction from the body in which it resides; the agent or subject of vital and spiritual functions, whether spiritual or material.

There is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
Job xxxii. 8.

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James ii. 26.

Spirit is a substance wherein thinking, knowing, doubting, and a power of moving, do subsist.
Locke.

5.
Specifically, a disembodied soul; the human soul after it has left the body.

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Eccl. xii. 7.

Ye gentle spirits far away,
With whom we shared the cup of grace.
Keble.

6.
Any supernatural being, good or bad; an apparition; a specter; a ghost; also, sometimes, a sprite,; a fairy; an elf.

Whilst young, preserve his tender mind from all impressions of spirits and goblins in the dark.
Locke.

7.
Energy, vivacity, ardor, enthusiasm, courage, etc.

“Write it then, quickly,” replied Bede; and summoning all his spirits together, like the last blaze of a candle going out, he indited it, and expired.
Fuller.

8.
One who is vivacious or lively; one who evinces great activity or peculiar characteristics of mind or temper; as, a ruling spirit; a schismatic spirit.

Such spirits as he desired to please, such would I choose for my judges.
Dryden.

9.
Temper or disposition of mind; mental condition or disposition; intellectual or moral state; -- often in the plural; as, to be cheerful, or in good spirits; to be downhearted, or in bad spirits.

God has . . . made a spirit of building succeed a spirit of pulling down.
South.

A perfect judge will read each work of wit
With the same spirit that its author writ.
Pope.

10.
Intent; real meaning; -- opposed to the letter, or to formal statement; also, characteristic quality, especially such as is derived from the individual genius or the personal character; as, the spirit of an enterprise, of a document, or the like.

11.
Tenuous, volatile, airy, or vapory substance, possessed of active qualities.

All bodies have spirits . . . within them.
Bacon.

12.
Any liquid produced by distillation; especially, alcohol, the spirits, or spirit, of wine (it having been first distilled from wine): -- often in the plural.

13.
pl.
Rum, whisky, brandy, gin, and other distilled liquors having much alcohol, in distinction from wine and malt liquors.

14.
(Med.)
A solution in alcohol of a volatile principle.  Cf. Tincture.
U. S. Disp.

15.
(Alchemy)
Any one of the four substances, sulphur, sal ammoniac, quicksilver, or arsenic (or, according to some, orpiment).

The four spirits and the bodies seven.
Chaucer.

16.
(Dyeing)
Stannic chloride. See under Stannic.

&hand_; Spirit is sometimes joined with other words, forming compounds, generally of obvious signification; as, spirit-moving, spirit-searching, spirit-stirring, etc.

Astral spirits, Familiar spirits, etc. See under Astral, Familiar, etc. -- Animal spirits. (a) (Physiol.) The fluid which at one time was supposed to circulate through the nerves and was regarded as the agent of sensation and motion; -- called also the nervous fluid, or nervous principle. (b) Physical health and energy; frolicsomeness; sportiveness. -- Ardent spirits, strong alcoholic liquors, as brandy, rum, whisky, etc., obtained by distillation. -- Holy Spirit, or The Spirit (Theol.), the Spirit of God, or the third person of the Trinity; the Holy Ghost.  The spirit also signifies the human spirit as influenced or animated by the Divine Spirit. -- Proof spirit. (Chem.) See under Proof. -- Rectified spirit (Chem.), spirit rendered purer or more concentrated by redistillation, so as to increase the percentage of absolute alcohol. -- Spirit butterfly (Zool.), any one of numerous species of delicate butterflies of tropical America belonging to the genus Ithomia. The wings are gauzy and nearly destitute of scales. -- Spirit duck. (Zool.) (a) The buffle-headed duck. (b) The golden-eye. -- Spirit lamp (Art), a lamp in which alcohol or methylated spirit is burned. -- Spirit level. See under Level. -- Spirit of hartshorn. (Old Chem.) See under Hartshorn. -- Spirit of Mindererus (Med.), an aqueous solution of acetate of ammonium; -- named after R. Minderer, physician of Augsburg. -- Spirit of nitrous ether (Med. Chem.), a pale yellow liquid, of a sweetish taste and a pleasant ethereal odor. It is obtained by the distillation of alcohol with nitric and sulphuric acids, and consists essentially of ethyl nitrite with a little acetic aldehyde. It is used as a diaphoretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, etc.  Called also sweet spirit of niter. -- Spirit of salt (Chem.), hydrochloric acid; -- so called because obtained from salt and sulphuric acid. [Obs.] -- Spirit of sense, the utmost refinement of sensation. [Obs.] Shak. -- Spirits of turpentine, or Spirit of turpentine (Chem.), rectified oil of turpentine, a transparent, colorless, volatile, and very inflammable liquid, distilled from the turpentine of the various species of pine; camphine.  It is commonly used to remove paint from surfaces, or to dissole oil-based paint.  See Camphine. -- Spirit of vitriol (Chem.), sulphuric acid; -- so called because formerly obtained by the distillation of green vitriol. [Obs.] -- Spirit of vitriolic ether (Chem.) ethyl ether; -- often but incorrectly called sulphuric ether.  See Ether. [Obs.] -- Spirits of wine, or Spirit of wine (Chem.), alcohol; -- so called because formerly obtained by the distillation of wine. -- Spirit rapper, one who practices spirit rapping; a “medium” so called. -- Spirit rapping, an alleged form of communication with the spirits of the dead by raps. See Spiritualism, 3. -- Sweet spirit of niter. See Spirit of nitrous ether, above.


word: Spirit₂
definition:
Spirit

Spir"it
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spirited; p. pr. & vb. n. Spiriting.]
1.
To animate with vigor; to excite; to encourage; to inspirit; as, civil dissensions often spirit the ambition of private men; -- sometimes followed by up.

Many officers and private men spirit up and assist those obstinate people to continue in their rebellion.
Swift.

2.
To convey rapidly and secretly, or mysteriously, as if by the agency of a spirit; to kidnap; -- often with away, or off.

The ministry had him spirited away, and carried abroad as a dangerous person.
Arbuthnot & Pope.

I felt as if I had been spirited into some castle of antiquity.
Willis.

Spiriting away (Law), causing to leave; the offense of inducing a witness to leave a jurisdiction so as to evade process requiring attendance at trial.


word: Spiritally
definition:
Spiritally

Spir"it*al*ly
(?)
adv.
[L. spiritalis belonging to breathing.]
By means of the breath.
[Obs.]
Holder.


word: Spirited
definition:
Spirited

Spir"it*ed
a.
1.
Animated or possessed by a spirit.
[Obs.]
spirited
Milton.

2.
Animated; full of life or vigor; lively; full of spirit or fire; as, a spirited oration; a spirited answer.

&hand_; Spirited is much used in composition; as in high-spirited, low-spirited, mean-spirited, etc.


word: Spiritful
definition:
Spiritful

Spir"it*ful
(?)
a.
Full of spirit; spirited.
[R.]

The spiritful and orderly life of our own grown men.
Milton.


word: Spiritless
definition:
Spiritless

Spir"it*less
a.
1.
Destitute of spirit; wanting animation; wanting cheerfulness; dejected; depressed.

2.
Destitute of vigor; wanting life, courage, or fire.

A men so faint, so spiritless,
So dull, so dead in lock, so woebegone.
Shak.

3.
Having no breath; extinct; dead.
spiritless
Greenhill.


word: Spiritoso
definition:
Spiritoso

Spi`ri*to"so
(?)
a. & adv.
[It.]
(Mus.)
Spirited; spiritedly; -- a direction to perform a passage in an animated, lively manner.


word: Spiritous
definition:
Spiritous

Spir"it*ous
(?)
a.
[Cf. Spirituous.]
1.
Like spirit; refined; defecated; pure.
[R.]

More refined, more spirituous and pure.
Milton.

2.
Ardent; active.
[R.]


word: Spiritual
definition:
Spiritual

Spir"it*u*al
(?)
a.
[L. spiritualis: cf. F. spirituel. See Spirit.]
1.
Consisting of spirit; not material; incorporeal; as, a spiritual substance or being.

It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
1 Cor. xv. 44.

2.
Of or pertaining to the intellectual and higher endowments of the mind; mental; intellectual.

3.
Of or pertaining to the moral feelings or states of the soul, as distinguished from the external actions; reaching and affecting the spirits.

God's law is spiritual; it is a transcript of the divine nature, and extends its authority to the acts of the soul of man.
Sir T. Browne.

4.
Of or pertaining to the soul or its affections as influenced by the Spirit; controlled and inspired by the divine Spirit; proceeding from the Holy Spirit; pure; holy; divine; heavenly-minded; -- opposed to carnal.

That I may impart unto you some spiritual gift.
Rom. i. ll.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings.
Eph. i. 3.

If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one.
Gal. vi. 1.

5.
Not lay or temporal; relating to sacred things; ecclesiastical; as, the spiritual functions of the clergy; lords spiritual and temporal; a spiritual corporation.

Spiritual coadjuctor. (Eccl.) See the Note under Jesuit. -- Spiritual court (Eccl. Law), an ecclesiastical court, or a court having jurisdiction in ecclesiastical affairs; a court held by a bishop or other ecclesiastic.


word: Spiritual₂
definition:
Spiritual

Spir"it*u*al
n.
A spiritual function, office, or affair. See Spirituality, 2.

He assigns supremacy to the pope in spirituals, and to the emperor in temporals.
Lowell.


word: Spiritualism
definition:
Spiritualism

Spir"it*u*al*ism
(?)
n.
1.
The quality or state of being spiritual.

2.
(Physiol.)
The doctrine, in opposition to the materialists, that all which exists is spirit, or soul -- that what is called the external world is either a succession of notions impressed on the mind by the Deity, as maintained by Berkeley, or else the mere educt of the mind itself, as taught by Fichte.

3.
A belief that departed spirits hold intercourse with mortals by means of physical phenomena, as by rappng, or during abnormal mental states, as in trances, or the like, commonly manifested through a person of special susceptibility, called a medium; spiritism; the doctrines and practices of spiritualists.

What is called spiritualism should, I think, be called a mental species of materialism.
R. H. Hutton.


word: Spiritualist
definition:
Spiritualist

Spir"it*u*al*ist
(?)
n.
1.
One who professes a regard for spiritual things only; one whose employment is of a spiritual character; an ecclesiastic.

2.
One who maintains the doctrine of spiritualism.

3.
One who believes in direct intercourse with departed spirits, through the agency of persons commonly called mediums, by means of physical phenomena; one who attempts to maintain such intercourse; a spiritist.


word: Spirituality
definition:
Spirituality

Spir`it*u*al"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Spiritualities (#).
[L. spiritualitas: cf. F. spiritualité.]
1.
The quality or state of being spiritual; incorporeality; heavenly-mindedness.

A pleasure made for the soul, suitable to its spirituality.
South.

If this light be not spiritual, yet it approacheth nearest to spirituality.
Sir W. Raleigh.

Much of our spirituality and comfort in public worship depends on the state of mind in which we come.
Bickersteth.

2.
(Eccl.)
That which belongs to the church, or to a person as an ecclesiastic, or to religion, as distinct from temporalities.

During the vacancy of a see, the archbishop is guardian of the spiritualities thereof.
Blackstone.

3.
An ecclesiastical body; the whole body of the clergy, as distinct from, or opposed to, the temporality.
[Obs.]

Five entire subsidies were granted to the king by the spirituality.
Fuller.


word: Spiritualization
definition:
Spiritualization

Spir`it*u*al*i*za"tion
(?)
n.
The act of spiritualizing, or the state of being spiritualized.


word: Spiritualize
definition:
Spiritualize

Spir"it*u*al*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spiritualized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spiritualizing (?).]
[Cf. F. spiritualiser.]
1.
To refine intellectiually or morally; to purify from the corrupting influence of the world; to give a spiritual character or tendency to; as, to spiritualize soul.

This seen in the clear air, and the whole spiritualized by endless recollections, fills the eye and the heart more forcibly than I can find words to say.
Carlyle.

2.
To give a spiritual meaning to; to take in a spiritual sense; -- opposed to literalize.

3.
(Old Chem.)
To extract spirit from; also, to convert into, or impregnate with, spirit.


word: Spiritual-minded
definition:
Spiritual-minded

Spir"it*u*al-mind`ed
(?)
a.
Having the mind set on spiritual things, or filled with holy desires and affections.
Spir"it*u*al-mind`ed*ness, n.


word: Spiritualness
definition:
Spiritualness

Spir"it*u*al*ness
n.
The quality or state of being spiritual or spiritual-minded; spirituality.


word: Spiritualty
definition:
Spiritualty

Spir"it*u*al*ty
(?)
n.
[See Spirituality.]
(Eccl.)
An ecclesiastical body; a spirituality.
Shak.


word: Spirituelle
definition:
Spirituelle

Spi`ri`tu`elle"
(?)
a.
[F.]
Of the nature, or having the appearance, of a spirit; pure; refined; ethereal.


word: Spirituosity
definition:
Spirituosity

Spir`it*u*os"i*ty
(?)
n.
The quality or state of being spirituous; spirituousness.
[R.]


word: Spirituous
definition:
Spirituous

Spir"it*u*ous
(?)
a.
[Cf. (for sense 2) F. spiritueux.  Cf. Spiritous.]
1.
Having the quality of spirit; tenuous in substance, and having active powers or properties; ethereal; immaterial; spiritual; pure.

2.
Containing, or of the nature of, alcoholic (esp. distilled) spirit; consisting of refined spirit; alcoholic; ardent; as, spirituous liquors.

3.
Lively; gay; vivid; airy.
[Obs.]
Sir H. Wotton.

The mind of man is of that spirituous, stirring nature, that it is perpetually at work.
South.


word: Spirketing
definition:
Spirketing

Spirk"et*ing
(?)
n.
(Naut.)
The planking from the waterways up to the port sills.
Totten.


word: Spirobacteria
definition:
Spirobacteria

Spi`ro*bac*te"ri*a
(?)
n. pl.
sing. Spirobacterium (_;)
[NL. See 4th Spire, and Bacterium.]
(Biol.)
See the Note under Microbacteria.


word: Spirochaete
definition:
Spirochaete

Spirochaeta

{ &VerbarSpi`ro*chae"ta (?), &VerbarSpi`ro*chae"te (?), }
n.
[L. spira a coil + Gr. _;_;_; hair.]
(Biol.)
A genus of Spirobacteria similar to Spirillum, but distinguished by its motility. One species, the Spirochaete Obermeyeri, is supposed to be the cause of relapsing fever.


word: Spirograph
definition:
Spirograph

Spi"ro*graph
(?)
n.
[L. spirare to breathe + -graph.]
(Physiol.)
An instrument for recording the respiratory movements, as the sphygmograph does those of the pulse.


word: Spirometer
definition:
Spirometer

Spi*rom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[L. spirare to breathe + -meter.]
An instrument for measuring the vital capacity of the lungs, or the volume of air which can be expelled from the chest after the deepest possible inspiration.  Cf. Pneumatometer.


word: Spirometry
definition:
Spirometry

Spi*rom"e*try
(?)
n.
The act or process of measuring the chest capacity by means of a spirometer.


word: Spiroscope
definition:
Spiroscope

Spi"ro*scope
(?)
n.
[L. spirare to breathe + -scope.]
(Physiol.)
A wet meter used to determine the breathing capacity of the lungs.


word: Spiroylous
definition:
Spiroylous

Spiroylic

{ Spi*royl"ic (?), Spi*royl"ous (?), }
a.
[NL. Spir_; meadowsweet (a source of salicylal) + -yl + -ic, -ous.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a substance now called salicylal.
[Obs.]


word: Spirula
definition:
Spirula

Spir"u*la
(?)
n.
[NL., dim. of L. spira a coil.]
(Zool.)
A genus of cephalopods having a multilocular, internal, siphunculated shell in the form of a flat spiral, the coils of which are not in contact.


word: Spirulate
definition:
Spirulate

Spir"u*late
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Having the color spots, or structural parts, arranged spirally.


word: Spiry
definition:
Spiry

Spir"y
(?)
a.
[From Spire a winding line.]
Of a spiral form; wreathed; curled; serpentine.

Hid in the spiry volumes of the snake.
Dryden.


word: Spiry₂
definition:
Spiry

Spir"y
a.
[FR. Spire a steeple.]
Of or pertaining to a spire; like a spire, tall, slender, and tapering; abounding in spires; as, spiry turrets.
Spiry
Thomson.


word: Spiss
definition:
Spiss

Spiss
(?)
a.
[L. spissus.]
Thick; crowded; compact; dense.
[Obs.]

This spiss and . . . copious, yet concise, treatise.
Brerewood.


word: Spissated
definition:
Spissated

Spis"sa*ted
(?)
a.
Rendered dense or compact, as by evaporation; inspissated; thickened.
[R.]

The spissated juice of the poppy.
Bp. Warburton.


word: Spissitude
definition:
Spissitude

Spis"si*tude
(?)
n.
[L. spissitudo.]
The quality or state of being spissated; as, the spissitude of coagulated blood, or of any coagulum.
Arbuthnot.


word: Spit
definition:
Spit

Spit
(?)
n.
[OE. spite, AS. spitu; akin to D. spit, G. spiess, OHG. spiz, Dan. spid. Sw. spett, and to G. spitz pointed. √170.]
1.
A long, slender, pointed rod, usually of iron, for holding meat while roasting.

2.
A small point of land running into the sea, or a long, narrow shoal extending from the shore into the sea; as, a spit of sand.
Cook.

3.
The depth to which a spade goes in digging; a spade; a spadeful.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Spit₂
definition:
Spit

Spit
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spitted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spitting.]
[From Spit, n.; cf. Speet.]
1.
To thrust a spit through; to fix upon a spit; hence, to thrust through or impale; as, to spit a loin of veal.
spitted
Shak.

2.
To spade; to dig.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Spit₃
definition:
Spit

Spit
v. i.
To attend to a spit; to use a spit.
[Obs.]

She's spitting in the kitchen.
Old Play.


word: Spit₄
definition:
Spit

Spit
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spit (Spat, archaic); p. pr. & vb. n. Spitting.]
[AS. spittan; akin to G. spützen, Dan. spytte, Sw. spotta,Icel. sp_;ta, and prob. E. spew. The past tense spat is due to AS. sp_;tte, from sp_;tan to spit.  Cf. Spat, n., Spew, Spawl, Spot, n.]
1.
To eject from the mouth; to throw out, as saliva or other matter, from the mouth.
spit
Chaucer.

2.
To eject; to throw out; to belch.

&hand_; Spitted was sometimes used as the preterit and the past participle. “He . . . shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on.”
Luke xviii. 32.


word: Spit₆
definition:
Spit

Spit
v. i.
1.
To throw out saliva from the mouth.

2.
To rain or snow slightly, or with sprinkles.

It had been spitting with rain.
Dickens.

To spit on or To spit upon, to insult grossly; to treat with contempt. “Spitting upon all antiquity.”  South.


word: Spital
definition:
Spital

Spit"al
(?)
n.
[Abbreviated from hospital.]
[Written also spittle.]
A hospital.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: spit ball
definition:
spit ball

spitball

spit"ball`, spit" ball`
(?)
n.
1.
Paper chewed, and rolled into a ball, to be thrown as a missile; -- a childish prank.

2.
(Baseball)
A pitched ball in throwing which the pitcher grips the ball between two, or three, fingers on one side (which is made slippery, as by saliva) and the thumb on the other side, and delivers it so that it slips off the fingers with the least possible friction; -- also called spitter. When pitched directly overhand a spit ball darts downward, when pitched with the arm extended sidewise it darts down and out.  The use of such a pitch is against the rules of professional baseball.
[Cant]
Spit baller.


word: Spitchcock
definition:
Spitchcock

Spitch"cock`
(?)
v. t.
[1st spit + cock.]
(Cookery)
To split (as an eel) lengthwise, and broil it, or fry it in hot fat.


word: Spitchcocked
definition:
Spitchcocked

Spitch"cocked`
(?)
a.
(Cookery)
Broiled or fried after being split lengthwise; -- said of eels.


word: Spit curl
definition:
Spit curl

Spit" curl`
(?)
A little lock of hair, plastered in a spiral form on the temple or forehead with spittle, or other adhesive substance.
[Colloq.]


word: Spite
definition:
Spite

Spite
(?)
n.
[Abbreviated fr. despite.]
1.
Ill-will or hatred toward another, accompanied with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart; petty malice; grudge; rancor; despite.
Pope.

This is the deadly spite that angers.
Shak.

2.
Vexation; chargrin; mortification.
[R.]
Shak.

In spite of, or Spite of, in opposition to all efforts of; in defiance or contempt of; notwithstanding.  “Continuing, spite of pain, to use a knee after it had been slightly injured.” H. Spenser. “And saved me in spite of the world, the devil, and myself.” South. “In spite of all applications, the patient grew worse every day.” Arbuthnot. See Syn. under Notwithstanding. -- To owe one a spite, to entertain a mean hatred for him.


word: Spite₂
definition:
Spite

Spite
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spited; p. pr. & vb. n. Spiting.]
1.
To be angry at; to hate.
[Obs.]

The Danes, then . . . pagans, spited places of religion.
Fuller.

2.
To treat maliciously; to try to injure or thwart.

3.
To fill with spite; to offend; to vex.
[R.]

Darius, spited at the Magi, endeavored to abolish not only their learning, but their language.
Sir. W. Temple.


word: Spiteful
definition:
Spiteful

Spite"ful
(?)
a.
Filled with, or showing, spite; having a desire to vex, annoy, or injure; malignant; malicious; as, a spiteful person or act.
Shak.
Spite"ful*ly, adv. Spite"ful*ness, n.


word: Spitted
definition:
Spitted

Spit"ted
(?)
a.
[From Spit.]
1.
Put upon a spit; pierced as if by a spit.

2.
Shot out long; -- said of antlers.
Bacon.


word: Spitter₂
definition:
Spitter

Spit"ter
n.
[See Spit an iron prong.]
1.
One who puts meat on a spit.

2.
(Zool.)
A young deer whose antlers begin to shoot or become sharp; a brocket, or pricket.


word: Spittle₄
definition:
Spittle

Spit"tle
n.
[From Spit to eject from the mouth: cf. Spattle, and AS. spātl.]
The thick, moist matter which is secreted by the salivary glands; saliva; spit.

Spittle insect. (Zool.) See Cuckoo spit (b), under Cuckoo.


word: Spitz dog
definition:
Spitz dog

Spitz" dog"
(?)
[G. spitz, spitzhund.]
(Zool.)
A breed of dogs having erect ears and long silky hair, usually white; -- called also Pomeranian dog, and louploup.


word: Spitzenburgh
definition:
Spitzenburgh

Spitz"en*burgh
(?)
n.
A kind of red and yellow apple, of medium size and spicy flavor. It originated at Newtown, on Long Island.


word: Splanchnapophysis
definition:
Splanchnapophysis

Splanch`napoph"y*sis
(?)
n.
pl. Splanchnapophyses (#).
[NL. See Splanchnic, and Apophysis.]
(Anat.)
Any element of the skeleton in relation with the alimentary canal, as the jaws and hyoidean apparatus.
Splanch`nap`o*phys"i*al (#), a.
 Mivart.


word: Splanchnic
definition:
Splanchnic

Splanch"nic
(?)
a.
[Gr. _;_;_; an entrail.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the viscera; visceral.


word: Splanchnology
definition:
Splanchnology

Splanch*nol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; an entrail + -logy.]
That part of anatomy which treats of the viscera; also, a treatise on the viscera.


word: Splanchnopleure
definition:
Splanchnopleure

Splanch"no*pleure
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; an entrail + _;_;_;_; side.]
(Anat.)
The inner, or visceral, one of the two lamellae into which the vertebrate blastoderm divides on either side of the notochord, and from which the walls of the enteric canal and the umbilical vesicle are developed. See Somatopleure.


word: Splanchno-skeleton
definition:
Splanchno-skeleton

Splanch`no-skel"e*ton
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_; an entrail + E. skeleton.]
(Anat.)
That part of the skeleton connected with the sense organs and the viscera.
Owen.


word: Splanchnotomy
definition:
Splanchnotomy

Splanch*not"o*my
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;_;_;_;_; an entrail + _;_;_;_; to cut.]
The dissection, or anatomy, of the viscera.


word: Splash
definition:
Splash

Splash
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Splashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Splashing.]
[Akin to plash.]
1.
To strike and dash about, as water, mud, etc.; to plash.

2.
To spatter water, mud, etc., upon; to wet.


word: Splash₂
definition:
Splash

Splash
v. i.
To strike and dash about water, mud, etc.; to dash in such a way as to spatter.


word: Splash₃
definition:
Splash

Splash
n.
1.
Water, or water and dirt, thrown upon anything, or thrown from a puddle or the like; also, a spot or daub, as of matter which wets or disfigures.

2.
A noise made by striking upon or in a liquid.


word: Splashboard
definition:
Splashboard

Splash"board`
(?)
n.
A guard in the front part of vehicle, to prevent splashing by a mud or water from the horse's heels; -- in the United States commonly called dashboard.


word: Splasher
definition:
Splasher

Splash"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, splashes.

2.
One of the guarde over the wheels, as of a carriage, locomotive, etc.
Weale.

3.
A guard to keep off splashes from anything.


word: Splashy
definition:
Splashy

Splash"y
(?)
a.
Full of dirty water; wet and muddy, so as be easily splashed about; slushy.


word: Splay
definition:
Splay

Splay
(?)
v. t.
[Abbrev. of display.]
1.
To display; to spread.
[Obs.]
splayed
Gascoigne.

2.
To dislocate, as a shoulder bone.

3.
To spay; to castrate.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]

4.
To turn on one side; to render oblique; to slope or slant, as the side of a door, window, etc.
Oxf. Gloss.


word: Splay₂
definition:
Splay

Splay
a.
Displayed; spread out; turned outward; hence, flat; ungainly; as, splay shoulders.

Sonwthing splay, something blunt-edged, unhandy, and infelicitous.
M. Arnold.


word: Splay₃
definition:
Splay

Splay
a.
(Arch.)
A slope or bevel, especially of the sides of a door or window, by which the opening is made larged at one face of the wall than at the other, or larger at each of the faces than it is between them.


word: Splayfoot
definition:
Splayfoot

Splay"foot`
(?)
n.
pl. Splayfeet (_;).
A foot that is abnormally flattened and spread out; flat foot.


word: Splaymouth
definition:
Splaymouth

Splay"mouth`
(?)
n.
pl. Splaymouths (_;).
A wide mouth; a mouth stretched in derision.
Dryden.


word: Spleen
definition:
Spleen

Spleen
(?)
n.
[L. splen, Gr. _;_;_;_; the milt or spleen, affection of the spleen; cf. L. lien, plihan, plīhan.]
1.
(Anat.)
A peculiar glandlike but ductless organ found near the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates and connected with the vascular system; the milt. Its exact function in not known.

2.
Anger; latent spite; ill humor; malice; as, to vent one's spleen.

In noble minds some dregs remain,
Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain.
Pope.

3.
A fit of anger; choler.
Shak.

4.
A sudden motion or action; a fit; a freak; a whim.
[Obs. or R.]

A thousand spleens bear her a thousand ways.
Shak.

5.
Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.

Bodies changed to various forms by spleen.
Pope.

There is a luxury in self-dispraise:
And inward self-disparagement affords
To meditative spleen a grateful feast.
Wordsworth.

6.
A fit of immoderate laughter or merriment.
[Obs.]

Thy silly thought enforces my spleen.
Shak.


word: Spleenful
definition:
Spleenful

Spleen"ful
(?)
a.
Displaying, or affected with, spleen; angry; fretful; melancholy.

Myself have calmed their spleenful mutiny.
Shak.

Then rode Geraint, a little spleenful yet,
Across the bridge that spann'd the dry ravine.
Tennyson.


word: Spleenish
definition:
Spleenish

Spleen"ish
a.
Spleeny; affected with spleen; fretful.
Spleen"ish*ly, adv. -- Spleen"ish*ness, n.


word: Spleenwort
definition:
Spleenwort

Spleen"wort`
(?)
n.
[Spleen + wort; cf. L. splenium, asplenium, Gr. _;_;_;_;, _;_;_;_;, _;_;_;. ]
(Bot.)
Any fern of the genus Asplenium, some species of which were anciently used as remedies for disorders of the spleen.


word: Spleeny
definition:
Spleeny

Spleen"y
(?)
a.
1.
Irritable; peevish; fretful.

Spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to
Our cause.
Shak.

2.
Affected with nervous complaints; melancholy.


word: Spleget
definition:
Spleget

Spleg"et
(?)
n.
[Cf. Pledget.]
(Med.)
A cloth dipped in a liquid for washing a sore.
Crabb.


word: Splenalgia
definition:
Splenalgia

Sple*nal"gi*a
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _;_;_; spleen + _;_;_; pain.]
(Med.)
Pain over the region of the spleen.


word: Splendent
definition:
Splendent

Splen"dent
(?)
a.
[L. splendens, -entis, p. pr. of splendere to shine.]
1.
Shining; glossy; beaming with light; lustrous; as, splendent planets; splendent metals. See the Note under 3d Luster, 4.

2.
Very conspicuous; illustrious.
splendent
Sir H. Wotton.


word: Splendid
definition:
Splendid

Splen"did
(?)
a.
[L. splendidus, fr. splendere shine; cf. Lith. splendëti: cf. F. splendide.]
1.
Possessing or displaying splendor; shining; very bright; as, a splendid sun.

2.
Showy; magnificent; sumptuous; pompous; as, a splendid palace; a splendid procession or pageant.

3.
Illustrious; heroic; brilliant; celebrated; famous; as, a splendid victory or reputation.


word: Splendiferous
definition:
Splendiferous

Splen*dif"er*ous
(?)
a.
Splendor-bearing; splendid.
Bale (1538).
splendiferous
Haliburton.
[Now used humorously.]


word: Splendor
definition:
Splendor

Splen"dor
(?)
n.
[L. fr. splendere to shine: cf. F. splendeur.]
1.
Great brightness; brilliant luster; brilliancy; as, the splendor ot the sun.
B. Jonson.

2.
Magnifience; pomp; parade; as, the splendor of equipage, ceremonies, processions, and the like.
splendor
Shak.

3.
Brilliancy; glory; as, the splendor of a victory.


word: Splenetic
definition:
Splenetic

Splen"e*tic
(?)
a.
[L. spleneticus: cf. F. splénétique. See Spleen.]
Affected with spleen; malicious; spiteful; peevish; fretful.
Splenetic
G. Eliot.

You humor me when I am sick;
Why not when I am splenetic?
Pope.


word: Splenial
definition:
Splenial

Sple"ni*al
(?)
a.
[L. splenium a plaster, a patch, Gr. _;_;_;_; a bandage.]
(Anat.)
(a)
Designating the splenial bone.
(b)
Of or pertaining to the splenial bone or splenius muscle.

Splenial bone (Anat.), a thin splintlike bone on the inner side of the proximal portion of the mandible of many vertebrates.


word: Splenic
definition:
Splenic

Splen"ic
(?)
a.
[L. splenicus, Gr. splhniko`s; cf. F. splénique.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the spleen; lienal; as, the splenic vein.

Splenic apoplexy or Splenic fever. (Med.) See Anthrax, n., 3.


word: Splenitis
definition:
Splenitis

Sple*ni"tis
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. splhni^tis of the spleen.]
(Med.)
Inflammation of the spleen.


word: Splenitive
definition:
Splenitive

Splen"i*tive
(?)
a.
Splenetic.
Shak.

Even and smooth as seemed the temperament of the nonchalant, languid Virginian -- not splenitive or rash.
T. N. Page.


word: Splenium
definition:
Splenium

Sple"ni*um
(?)
n.
[L., a plaster, a patch, from Gr. _;_;_;_; a bandage, compress.]
(Anat.)
The thickened posterior border of the corpus callosum; -- so called in allusion to its shape.


word: Splenization
definition:
Splenization

Splen`i*za"tion
(?)
n.
(Med.)
A morbid state of the lung produced by inflammation, in which its tissue resembles that of the spleen.


word: Splenocele
definition:
Splenocele

Splen"o*cele
(?)
n.
[Gr. splh`n spleen + _;_;_; a tumor.]
(Med.)
Hernia formed by the spleen.


word: Splenology
definition:
Splenology

Sple*nol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[Gr. splh`n spleen + -logy.]
The branch of science which treats of the spleen.


word: Splenotomy
definition:
Splenotomy

Sple*not"o*my
(?)
n.
[Gr. splh`n spleen + te`mnein to cut.]
(a)
(Anat.)
Dissection or anatomy of the spleen.
(b)
(Med.)
An incision into the spleen; removal of the spleen by incision.


word: Splent
definition:
Splent

Splent
(splĕnt)
n.
1.
See Splent.

2.
See Splent coal, below.

Splent coal, an inferior kind of cannel coal from Scotch collieries; -- called also splent, splint, and splint coal.


word: Splice
definition:
Splice

Splice
(splīs)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spliced (splīst); p. pr. & vb. n. Splicing (?).]
[D. splitsen, splitten; akin to G. splissen, Sw. splissa, Dan. splisse, and E. split; -- from the dividing or splitting the ends into separate strands. See Split, v. t.]
1.
To unite, as two ropes, or parts of a rope, by a particular manner of interweaving the strands, -- the union being between two ends, or between an end and the body of a rope.

2.
To unite, as spars, timbers, rails, etc., by lapping the two ends together, or by applying a piece which laps upon the two ends, and then binding, or in any way making fast.

3.
To unite in marriage.
[Slang]

Splice grafting.ee under Grafting. -- To splice the main brace (Naut.), to give out, or drink, an extra allowance of spirits on occasion of special exposure to wet or cold, or to severe fatigue; hence, to take a dram.


word: Spline
definition:
Spline

Spline
(?)
n.
1.
A rectangular piece fitting grooves like key seats in a hub and a shaft, so that while the one may slide endwise on the other, both must revolve together; a feather; also, sometimes, a groove to receive such a rectangular piece.

2.
A long, flexble piece of wood sometimes used as a ruler.


word: Splining
definition:
Splining

Splin"ing
a.
Of or pertaining to a spline.

Splining machine, a machine tool for cutting grooves, key seats, or slots; a slotting machine.


word: Splint
definition:
Splint

Splint
(?)
n.
[Akin to D. splinter,G. splinter, splitter, Dan. splint, Sw. splint a kind of spike, a forelock (in nautical use), Sw. splintato splint, splinter, Dan. splinte, and E. split. See Split, v. t., and cf. Splent.]
1.
A piece split off; a splinter.

2.
(Surg.)
A thin piece of wood, or other substance, used to keep in place, or protect, an injured part, especially a broken bone when set.

3.
(Anat.)
A splint bone.

4.
(Far.)
A disease affecting the splint bones, as a callosity or hard excrescence.

5.
(Anc. Armor.)
One of the small plates of metal used in making splint armor. See Splint armor, below.

The knees and feet were defended by splints, or thin plates of steel.
Sir. W. Scott.

6.
Splint, or splent, coal. See Splent coal, under Splent.

Splint armor,a kind of ancient armor formed of thin plates of metal, usually overlapping each other and allowing the limbs to move freely. -- Splint bone (Anat.), one of the rudimentary, splintlike metacarpal or metatarsal bones on either side of the cannon bone in the limbs of the horse and allied animals. -- Splint coal. See Splent coal, under Splent.


word: Splint₂
definition:
Splint

Splint
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Splinted; p. pr. & vb. n. Splinting.]
To split into splints, or thin, slender pieces; to splinter; to shiver.
[Obs. or R.]
Florio.

2.
To fasten or confine with splints, as a broken limb. See Splint, n., 2.
[R.]
Shak.


word: Splinter
definition:
Splinter

Splin"ter
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Splintered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Splintering.]
[Cf. LG. splittern, splinteren. See Splint, n., Split.]
1.
To split or rend into long, thin pieces; to shiver; as, the lightning splinters a tree.

After splintering their lances, they wheeled about, and . . . abandoned the field to the enemy.
Prescott.

2.
To fasten or confine with splinters, or splints, as a broken limb.
Bp. Wren.


word: Splinter₃
definition:
Splinter

Splin"ter
n.
[See Splinter, v., or Splint, n.]
A thin piece split or rent off lengthwise, as from wood, bone, or other solid substance; a thin piece; a sliver; as, splinters of a ship's mast rent off by a shot.

Splinter bar. (a) A crossbar in a coach, which supports the springs. (b) The bar to which the traces are attached; a roller bolt; a whiffletree.


word: Splinterproof
definition:
Splinterproof

Splin"ter*proof`
(splĭn"tẽr*prōf`)
a.
(Mil.)
Proof against the splinters, or fragments, of bursting shells.


word: Splintery
definition:
Splintery

Splin"ter*y
(splĭn"tẽr*&ybreve_;)
a.
Consisting of splinters; resembling splinters; as, the splintery fracture of a mineral.


word: Split
definition:
Split

Split
(splĭt)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Split (Splitted, R.); p. pr. & vb. n. Splitting.]
[Probably of Scand. or Low German origin; cf. Dan. splitte, LG. splitten, OD. splitten, spletten, D. splijten, G. spleissen, MHG. splīzen.  Cf. Splice, Splint, Splinter.]
1.
To divide lengthwise; to separate from end to end, esp. by force; to divide in the direction of the grain or layers; to rive; to cleave; as, to split a piece of timber or a board; to split a gem; to split a sheepskin.

Cold winter split the rocks in twain.
Dryden.

2.
To burst; to rupture; to rend; to tear asunder.

A huge vessel of exceeding hard marble split asunder by congealed water.
Boyle.

3.
To divide or break up into parts or divisions, as by discord; to separate into parts or parties, as a political party; to disunite.
[Colloq.]
South.

4.
(Chem.)
To divide or separate into components; -- often used with up; as, to split up sugar into alcohol and carbonic acid.

To split hairs, to make distinctions of useless nicety.


word: Split₂
definition:
Split

Split
v. i.
1.
To part asunder; to be rent; to burst; as, vessels split by the freezing of water in them.

2.
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.

The ship splits on the rock.
Shak.

3.
To separate into parties or factions.
[Colloq.]

4.
To burst with laughter.
[Colloq.]

Each had a gravity would make you split.
Pope.

5.
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
[Slang]
Thackeray.

6.
(Blackjack)
To divide one hand of blackjack into two hands; -- a strategy allowed to a player when the first two cards dealt to the player have the same value.

7.
To leave; to depart (from a place or gathering); as, let's split.
[Slang]

To split on a rock, to fail; to to err fatally; to have the hopes and designs frustrated.


word: Split₃
definition:
Split

Split
n.
1.
A crack, rent, or longitudinal fissure.

2.
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
[Colloq.]

3.
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.

4.
Specif:
(Leather Manuf.)
One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.

5.
(Faro)
A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.

6.
(a)
(Basketwork)
Any of the three or four strips into which osiers are commonly cleft for certain kinds of work; -- usually in pl.
(b)
(Weaving)
Any of the dents of a reed.
(c)
Any of the air currents in a mine formed by dividing a larger current.

7.
Short for Split shot or split stroke.

8.
(Gymnastics)
The feat of going down to the floor so that the legs extend in a straight line, either with one on each side or with one in front and the other behind.
[Cant or Slang]

9.
A small bottle (containing about half a pint) of some drink; -- so called as containing half the quantity of the customary smaller commercial size of bottle; also, a drink of half the usual quantity; a half glass.
[Cant or Slang]

10.
(Finance)
The substitution of more than one share of a corporation's stock for one share.  The market price of the stock usually drops in proportion to the increase in outstanding shares of stock.  The split may be in any ratio, as, a two-for-one split; a three-for-two split.

11.
(Blackjack)
The division by a player of one hand of blackjack into two hands, allowed when the first two cards dealt to a player have the same value; the player who chooses to split is obliged to increase the amount wagered by placing a sum equal to the original bet on the new hand thus created.  See split{6}, v.i.


word: Split₄
definition:
Split

Split
a.
1.
Divided; cleft.

2.
(Bot.)
Divided deeply; cleft.

3.
(Exchanges)
(a)
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price; -- said of an order, sale, etc.
(b)
Of quotations, given in sixteenth, quotations in eighths being regular; as, 103/16 is a split quotation.
(c)
(London Stock Exchange)
Designating ordinary stock that has been divided into preferred ordinary and deferred ordinary.

Split pease, hulled pease split for making soup, etc. -- Split pin (Mach.), a pin with one end split so that it may be spread open to secure it in its place. -- Split pulley, a parting pulley. See under Pulley. -- Split ring, a ring with overlapped or interlocked ends which may be sprung apart so that objects, as keys, may be strung upon the ring or removed from it. -- Split ticket, a ballot in which a voter votes for a portion of the candidates nominated by one party, candidates of other parties being substituted for those omitted. [U.S.]


word: Split dynamometer
definition:
Split dynamometer

Split dynamometer
(Elec.)
An electric dynamometer having two coils so arranged that one carries the primary current, and the other the secondary current, of a transformer.


word: Split infinitive
definition:
Split infinitive

Split infinitive
(Gram.)
A simple infinitive with to, having a modifier between the verb and the to; as in, to largely decrease. Called also cleft infinitive.
The use of the split infinitive is commonly considered to be ungrammatical, but by most grammarians it is considered acceptible.


word: split stroke
definition:
split stroke

split shot

{ split shot or split stroke }
In croquet, etc., a shot or stroke in which one drives in different directions one's own and the opponent's ball placed in contact.


word: Split stitch
definition:
Split stitch

Split stitch
A stitch used in stem work to produce a fine line, much used in old church embroidery to work the hands and faces of figures.


word: Split-tail
definition:
Split-tail

Split"-tail`
(-tāl`)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A California market fish (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) belonging to the Carp family.
(b)
The pintail duck.


word: Split-tongued
definition:
Split-tongued

Split"-tongued`
(splĭt"tŭngd`)
a.
(Zool.)
Having a forked tongue, as that of snakes and some lizards.


word: Splurge
definition:
Splurge

Splurge
(splûrj)
n.
A blustering demonstration, or great effort; a great display.
[Slang, U.S.]
Bartlett.


word: Splutter
definition:
Splutter

Splut"ter
(splŭt"tẽr)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Spluttered (-tẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spluttering.]
[Prov. E. splutter, eqivalent to sputter.  Cf. Sputter.]
To speak hastily and confusedly; to sputter.
[Colloq.]
Carleton.


word: Spodomancy
definition:
Spodomancy

Spod"o*man`cy
(sp&obreve_;d"o̝*măn`s&ybreve_;)
n.
[Gr. spodo`s ashes + -mancy.]
Divination by means of ashes.


word: Spodomantic
definition:
Spodomantic

Spod`o*man"tic
(sp&obreve_;d"o̝*măn"tĭk)
a.
Relating to spodomancy, or divination by means of ashes.
C. Kingsley.


word: Spodumene
definition:
Spodumene

Spod"u*mene
(sp&obreve_;d"&uuptack_;*mēn; 135)
n.
[Gr. _;, p. pr. pass. from _; to burn to ashes, from spodo`s ashes; cf. F. spodumène.]
(Min.)
A mineral of a white to yellowish, purplish, or emerald-green color, occurring in prismatic crystals, often of great size.  It is a silicate of alumina and lithia. See Hiddenite.


word: Spoffish
definition:
Spoffish

Spof"fish
(sp&obreve_;f"fĭsh)
a.
[Probably from Prov. E. spoffle to be spoffish.]
Earnest and active in matters of no moment; bustling.
[Colloq. Eng.]
Dickens.


word: Spoil
definition:
Spoil

Spoil
(spoil)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spoiled (spoild) or Spoilt (spoilt); p. pr. & vb. n. Spoiling.]
[F. spolier, OF. espoillier, fr. L. spoliare, fr. spolium spoil.  Cf. Despoil, Spoliation.]
1.
To plunder; to strip by violence; to pillage; to rob; -- with of before the name of the thing taken; as, to spoil one of his goods or possessions.
spoil
Ex. iii. 22.

My sons their old, unhappy sire despise,
Spoiled of his kingdom, and deprived of eyes.
Pope.

2.
To seize by violence; to take by force; to plunder.

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man.
Mark iii. 27.

3.
To cause to decay and perish; to corrupt; to vitiate; to mar.

Spiritual pride spoils many graces.
Jer. Taylor.

4.
To render useless by injury; to injure fatally; to ruin; to destroy; as, to spoil paper; to have the crops spoiled by insects; to spoil the eyes by reading.


word: Spoil₂
definition:
Spoil

Spoil
(spoil)
v. i.
1.
To practice plunder or robbery.

Outlaws, which, lurking in woods, used to break forth to rob and spoil.
Spenser.

2.
To lose the valuable qualities; to be corrupted; to decay; as, fruit will soon spoil in warm weather.


word: Spoil₃
definition:
Spoil

Spoil
n.
[Cf. OF. espoille, L. spolium.]
1.
That which is taken from another by violence; especially, the plunder taken from an enemy; pillage; booty.

Gentle gales,
Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense
Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole
Those balmy spoils.
Milton.

2.
Public offices and their emoluments regarded as the peculiar property of a successful party or faction, to be bestowed for its own advantage; -- commonly in the plural; as, to the victor belong the spoils.

From a principle of gratitude I adhered to the coalition; my vote was counted in the day of battle, but I was overlooked in the division of the spoil.
Gibbon.

3.
That which is gained by strength or effort.

Each science and each art his spoil.
Bentley.

4.
The act or practice of plundering; robbery; waste.

The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treason, stratagems, and spoils.
Shak.

5.
Corruption; cause of corruption.
[Archaic]

Villainous company hath been the spoil of me.
Shak.

6.
The slough, or cast skin, of a serpent or other animal.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

Spoil bank, a bank formed by the earth taken from an excavation, as of a canal. -- The spoils system, the theory or practice of regarding public offices and their emoluments as so much plunder to be distributed among their active partisans by those who are chosen to responsible offices of administration.


word: Spoiler
definition:
Spoiler

Spoil"er
(spoil"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who spoils; a plunderer; a pillager; a robber; a despoiler.

2.
One who corrupts, mars, or renders useless.

3.
(Aeronautics)
A device attached to the wing of an airplane or other airfoil, which breaks the smooth flow of air during flight and decreases the lift of the airfoil; -- used to control the attitude of the airplane during banking or descent.

4.
A device attached to a car to decrease lift and increase traction, usually shaped as a flat surface and attached above the rear of the car, and working on the same principal as the aircraft spoiler{3}.


word: Spoilfive
definition:
Spoilfive

Spoil"five`
(spoil"fīv`)
n.
A certain game at cards in which, if no player wins three of the five tricks possible on any deal, the game is said to be spoiled.


word: Spoilsman
definition:
Spoilsman

Spoils"man
(spoilz"man)
n.
pl. Spoilsmen (spoilz"men).
One who serves a cause or a party for a share of the spoils; in United States politics, one who makes or recognizes a demand for public office on the ground of partisan service; also, one who sanctions such a policy in appointments to the public service.


word: Spoilsmonger
definition:
Spoilsmonger

Spoils"mon`ger
(spoilz"mŭ&nsmacr_;`gẽr)
n.
One who promises or distributes public offices and their emoluments as the price of services to a party or its leaders.


word: Spoke₂
definition:
Spoke

Spoke
n.
[OE. spoke, spake, AS. spāca; akin to D. speek, LG. speke, OHG. speihha, G. speiche. √170.  Cf. Spike a nail.]
1.
The radius or ray of a wheel; one of the small bars which are inserted in the hub, or nave, and which serve to support the rim or felly.

2.
(Naut.)
A projecting handle of a steering wheel.

3.
A rung, or round, of a ladder.

4.
A contrivance for fastening the wheel of a vehicle, to prevent it from turning in going down a hill.

To put a spoke in one's wheel, to thwart or obstruct one in the execution of some design.


word: Spoke₃
definition:
Spoke

Spoke
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spoked (sp&omacrkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Spoking.]
To furnish with spokes, as a wheel.


word: Spoken
definition:
Spoken

Spo"ken
(sp&omacr"k'n)
a.
[p. p. of Speak.]
1.
Uttered in speech; delivered by word of mouth; oral; as, a spoken narrative; the spoken word.

2.
Characterized by a certain manner or style in speaking; -- often in composition; as, a pleasant-spoken man.

Methinks you 're better spoken.
Shak.


word: Spokeshave
definition:
Spokeshave

Spoke"shave`
(sp&omacrk"shāv`)
n.
A kind of drawing knife or planing tool for dressing the spokes of wheels, the shells of blocks, and other curved work.


word: Spokesman
definition:
Spokesman

Spokes"man
(sp&omacrks"man)
n.
pl. Spokesmen (-men).
[Speak, spoke + man.]
One who speaks for another.

He shall be thy spokesman unto the people.
Ex. iv. 16.


word: Spoliate
definition:
Spoliate

Spo"li*ate
(sp&omacr"lĭ*āt)
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Spoliated (-ā`tĕd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spoliating (-ā`tĭng).]
[L. spoliatus, p. p. of spoliare to spoil. See Spoil, v. t.]
To plunder; to pillage; to despoil; to rob.


word: Spoliation
definition:
Spoliation

Spo`li*a"tion
(sp&omacr"lĭ*ā"shŭn)
n.
[L. spoliatio: cf. F. spoliation. See Spoil, v. t.]
1.
The act of plundering; robbery; deprivation; despoliation.

Legal spoliation, which will impoverish one part of the community in order to corrupt the remainder.
Sir G. C. Lewis.

2.
Robbery or plunder in war; especially, the authorized act or practice of plundering neutrals at sea.

3.
(Eccl. Law)
(a)
The act of an incumbent in taking the fruits of his benefice without right, but under a pretended title.
Blackstone.
(b)
A process for possession of a church in a spiritual court.

4.
(Law)
Injury done to a document.


word: Spoliative
definition:
Spoliative

Spo"li*a*tive
(sp&omacr"lĭ*a̝*tĭv)
a.
[Cf. F. spoliatif.]
Serving to take away, diminish, or rob; esp. (Med.), serving to diminish sensibly the amount of blood in the body; as, spoliative bloodletting.


word: Spoliatory
definition:
Spoliatory

Spo"li*a*to*ry
(sp&omacr"lĭ*ȧ*to̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
Tending to spoil; destructive; spoliative.


word: Spondaical
definition:
Spondaical

Spondaic

{ Spon*da"ic (sp&obreve_;n*dā"ĭk), Spon*da"ic*al (-ĭ*kal), }
a.
[L. spondaicus, spondiacus, Gr. _;: cf. F. spondaïque.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a spondee; consisting of spondees.

2.
Containing spondees in excess; marked by spondees; as, a spondaic hexameter, i. e., one which has a spondee instead of a dactyl in the fifth foot.


word: Spondee
definition:
Spondee

Spon"dee
(sp&obreve_;n"dē)
n.
[L. spondeus, Gr. _; (sc. _;), fr. _; a drink offering, libation, fr. _; to pour out, make a libation: cf. F. spondée. So called because at libations slow, solemn melodies were used, chiefly in this meter.]
(Pros.)
A poetic foot of two long syllables, as in the Latin word lēgēs.


word: Spondyle
definition:
Spondyle

Spondyl

{ Spon"dyl, Spon"dyle  }
(sp&obreve_;n"dĭl)
n.
[L. spondylus, Gr. _;, _;: cf. F. spondyle.]
(Anat.)
A joint of the backbone; a vertebra.


word: Spong
definition:
Spong

Spong
(sp&obreve_;ng)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
An irregular, narrow, projecting part of a field.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Sponge
definition:
Sponge

Sponge
(spŭnj)
n.
[OF. esponge, F. éponge, L. spongia, Gr. spoggia`, spo`ggos.  Cf. Fungus, Spunk.]
[Formerly written also spunge.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of Spongiae, or Porifera. See Illust. and Note under Spongiae.

2.
The elastic fibrous skeleton of many species of horny Spongiae (Keratosa), used for many purposes, especially the varieties of the genus Spongia.  The most valuable sponges are found in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and on the coasts of Florida and the West Indies.

3.
Fig.:
One who lives upon others; a pertinacious and indolent dependent; a parasite; a sponger.

4.
Any spongelike substance.
Specifically:
(a)
Dough before it is kneaded and formed into loaves, and after it is converted into a light, spongy mass by the agency of the yeast or leaven.
(b)
Iron from the puddling furnace, in a pasty condition.
(c)
Iron ore, in masses, reduced but not melted or worked.

5.
(Gun.)
A mop for cleaning the bore of a cannon after a discharge. It consists of a cylinder of wood, covered with sheepskin with the wool on, or cloth with a heavy looped nap, and having a handle, or staff.

6.
(Far.)
The extremity, or point, of a horseshoe, answering to the heel.

Bath sponge, any one of several varieties of coarse commercial sponges, especially Spongia equina. -- Cup sponge, a toilet sponge growing in a cup-shaped form. -- Glass sponge. See Glass-sponge, in the Vocabulary. -- Glove sponge, a variety of commercial sponge (Spongia officinalis, variety tubulifera), having very fine fibers, native of Florida, and the West Indies. -- Grass sponge, any one of several varieties of coarse commercial sponges having the surface irregularly tufted, as Spongia graminea, and Spongia equina, variety cerebriformis, of Florida and the West Indies. -- Horse sponge, a coarse commercial sponge, especially Spongia equina. -- Platinum sponge. (Chem.) See under Platinum. -- Pyrotechnical sponge, a substance made of mushrooms or fungi, which are boiled in water, dried, and beaten, then put in a strong lye prepared with saltpeter, and again dried in an oven. This makes the black match, or tinder, brought from Germany. -- Sheep's-wool sponge, a fine and durable commercial sponge (Spongia equina, variety gossypina) found in Florida and the West Indies. The surface is covered with larger and smaller tufts, having the oscula between them. -- Sponge cake, a kind of sweet cake which is light and spongy. -- Sponge lead, or Spongy lead (Chem.), metallic lead brought to a spongy form by reduction of lead salts, or by compressing finely divided lead; -- used in secondary batteries and otherwise. -- Sponge tree (Bot.), a tropical leguminous tree (Acacia Farnesiana), with deliciously fragrant flowers, which are used in perfumery. -- Toilet sponge, a very fine and superior variety of Mediterranean sponge (Spongia officinalis, variety Mediterranea); -- called also Turkish sponge. -- To set a sponge (Cookery), to leaven a small mass of flour, to be used in leavening a larger quantity. -- To throw up the sponge, to give up a contest; to acknowledge defeat; -- from a custom of the prize ring, the person employed to sponge a pugilist between rounds throwing his sponge in the air in token of defeat; -- now, throw in the towel is more common, and has the same origin and meaning. [Cant or Slang] “He was too brave a man to throw up the sponge to fate.” Lowell. -- Vegetable sponge. (Bot.) See Loof. -- Velvet sponge, a fine, soft commercial sponge (Spongia equina, variety meandriniformis) found in Florida and the West Indies. -- Vitreous sponge. See Glass-sponge. -- Yellow sponge, a common and valuable commercial sponge (Spongia agaricina, variety corlosia) found in Florida and the West Indies.


word: Sponge₂
definition:
Sponge

Sponge
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sponged (spŭnjd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sponging (spŭn"jĭng).]
1.
To cleanse or wipe with a sponge; as, to sponge a slate or a cannon; to wet with a sponge; as, to sponge cloth.

2.
To wipe out with a sponge, as letters or writing; to efface; to destroy all trace of.
Hooker.

3.
Fig.: To deprive of something by imposition.
sponged
South.

4.
Fig.: To get by imposition or mean arts without cost; as, to sponge a breakfast.
Swift.


word: Sponge₃
definition:
Sponge

Sponge
v. i.
1.
To suck in, or imbibe, as a sponge.

2.
Fig.: To gain by mean arts, by intrusion, or hanging on; as, an idler sponges on his neighbor.
E. Eggleston.

The fly is an intruder, and a common smell-feast, that sponges upon other people's trenchers.
L'Estrange.

3.
To be converted, as dough, into a light, spongy mass by the agency of yeast, or leaven.


word: Spongeous
definition:
Spongeous

Spon"geous
(spŭn"jŭs)
a.
[See Spongious.]
Resembling sponge; having the nature or qualities of sponge.


word: Sponger
definition:
Sponger

Spon"ger
(-jẽr)
n.
1.
One who sponges, or uses a sponge.

2.
One employed in gathering sponges.

3.
Fig.: A parasitical dependent; a hanger-on.


word: Spongiae
definition:
Spongiae

Spon"gi*ae
(sp&obreve_;n"jĭ*ē)
n. pl.
[See Sponge.]
(Zool.)
The grand division of the animal kingdom which includes the sponges; -- called also Spongida, Spongiaria, Spongiozoa, and Porifera.

&hand_; In the Spongiae, the soft sarcode of the body is usually supported by a skeleton consisting of horny fibers, or of siliceous or calcareous spicules.  The common sponges contain larger and smaller cavities and canals, and numerous small ampullae which are lined with ciliated cells capable of taking in solid food.  The outer surface usually has minute pores through which water enters, and large openings for its exit.  Sponges produce eggs and spermatozoa, and the egg when fertilized undergoes segmentation to form a ciliated embryo.


word: Spongilla
definition:
Spongilla

Spon*gil"la
(sp&obreve_;n*jĭl"lȧ)
n.
[NL., dim. of spongia a sponge.]
(Zool.)
A genus of siliceous sponges found in fresh water.


word: Spongin
definition:
Spongin

Spon"gin
(spŭn"jĭn)
n.
(Physiol. Chem.)
The chemical basis of sponge tissue, a nitrogenous, hornlike substance which on decomposition with sulphuric acid yields leucin and glycocoll.


word: Sponging
definition:
Sponging

Spon"ging
(-jĭng)
a. & n. from Sponge, v.

Sponging house (Eng. Law), a bailiff's or other house in which debtors are put before being taken to jail, or until they compromise with their creditors. At these houses extortionate charges are commonly made for food, lodging, etc.


word: Spongiole
definition:
Spongiole

Spon"gi*ole
(spŭn"jĭ*&omacrl; 277)
n.
[L. spongiola a rose gall, small roots, dim. of spongia: cf. F. spongiole.]
(Bot.)
A supposed spongelike expansion of the tip of a rootlet for absorbing water; -- called also spongelet.


word: Spongiolite
definition:
Spongiolite

Spon"gi*o*lite
(-o̝*līt)
n.
[Gr. spoggia` sponge + -lite.]
(Paleon.)
One of the microscopic siliceous spicules which occur abundantly in the texture of sponges, and are sometimes found fossil, as in flints.


word: Spongiopilin
definition:
Spongiopilin

Spon`gi*o*pi"lin
(-o̝*pī"lĭn)
n.
[Gr. spoggi`on, dim. of spo`ggos a sponge + pi^los felt.]
(Med.)
A kind of cloth interwoven with small pieces of sponge and rendered waterproof on one side by a covering of rubber.  When moistened with hot water it is used as a poultice.


word: Spongious
definition:
Spongious

Spongiose

{ Spon"gi*ose` (spŭn"jĭ*&omacrs`), Spon"gi*ous (spŭn"jĭ*ŭs), }
a.
[L. spongiosus, spongeosus: cf. F. spongieux. See Sponge.]
Somewhat spongy; spongelike; full of small cavities like sponge; as, spongious bones.


word: Spongiozoa
definition:
Spongiozoa

Spon`gi*o*zo"a
(sp&obreve_;n`jĭ*o̝*z&omacr"ȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., Gr. spoggia` sponge + zw^,on an animal.]
(Zool.)
See Spongiae.


word: Spongoblast
definition:
Spongoblast

Spon"go*blast
(sp&obreve_;&nsmacr_;"go̝*blăst)
n.
[Gr. spo`ggos sponge + -blast.]
(Zool.)
One of the cells which, in sponges, secrete the spongin, or the material of the horny fibers.


word: Spongoid
definition:
Spongoid

Spon"goid
(spŭn"goid or sp&obreve_;&nsmacr_;"-; 277)
a.
[Gr. spo`ggos sponge + -oid.]
Resembling sponge; like sponge.


word: Spongy
definition:
Spongy

Spon"gy
(spŭn"j&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Soft, and full of cavities; of an open, loose, pliable texture; as, a spongy excrescence; spongy earth; spongy cake; spongy bones.

2.
Wet; drenched; soaked and soft, like sponge; rainy.
Spongy
Shak.

3.
Having the quality of imbibing fluids, like a sponge.

Spongy lead (Chem.), sponge lead. See under Sponge. -- Spongy platinum. See under Platinum.


word: Sponsal
definition:
Sponsal

Spon"sal
(sp&obreve_;n"sal)
a.
[L. sponsalis, fr. sponsus a betrothal, fr. spondere, sponsum, to betroth. See Spouse, and cf. Espousal, Spousal.]
Relating to marriage, or to a spouse; spousal.


word: Sponsible
definition:
Sponsible

Spon"si*ble
(-sĭ*b'l)
a.
[Abbrev. from responsible.]
Responsible; worthy of credit.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]


word: Sponsion
definition:
Sponsion

Spon"sion
(-shŭn)
n.
[L. sponsio, fr. spondere, sponsum, to promise solemnly.]
1.
The act of becoming surety for another.

2.
(Internat. Law)
An act or engagement on behalf of a state, by an agent not specially authorized for the purpose, or by one who exceeds the limits of authority.


word: Sponsional
definition:
Sponsional

Spon"sion*al
(-al)
a.
Of or pertaining to a pledge or agreement; responsible.
[R.]

He is righteous even in that representative and sponsional person he put on.
Abp. Leighton.


word: Sponson
definition:
Sponson

Spon"son
(-sŭn)
n.
(Shipbuilding)
(a)
One of the triangular platforms in front of, and abaft, the paddle boxes of a steamboat.
(b)
One of the slanting supports under the guards of a steamboat.
(c)
One of the armored projections fitted with gun ports, used on modern war vessels.


word: Sponsor
definition:
Sponsor

Spon"sor
(-sẽr)
n.
[L., from spondere, sponsum, to engage one's self. See Spouse.]
1.
One who binds himself to answer for another, and is responsible for his default; a surety.

2.
One who at the baptism of an infant professes the Christian faith in its name, and guarantees its religious education; a godfather or godmother.

3.
A person who vouches for another as fit for some post or task; as, one needs two sponsors to be considered for membership.

4.
A person or group that assumes financial responsibility for some activity, and may or may not participate in its organization and execution.

5.
A person or organization, usually a commercial organization, which pays the cost of an activity, such as a radio or television broadcast, and in return is given the right to advertise itself or its products as part of the activity; as, now a word from our sponsor.


word: Spontaneity
definition:
Spontaneity

Spon`ta*ne"i*ty
(sp&obreve_;n`tȧ*nē"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Spontaneities (-tĭz).
[Cf. F. spontanéité.]
1.
The quality or state of being spontaneous, or acting from native feeling, proneness, or temperament, without constraint or external force.

Romney Leigh, who lives by diagrams,
And crosses not the spontaneities
Of all his individual, personal life
With formal universals.
Mrs. Browning.

2.
(Biol.)
(a)
The tendency to undergo change, characteristic of both animal and vegetable organisms, and not restrained or checked by the environment.
(b)
The tendency to activity of muscular tissue, including the voluntary muscles, when in a state of healthful vigor and refreshment.


word: Spontaneous
definition:
Spontaneous

Spon*ta"ne*ous
(sp&obreve_;n*tā"ne̝*ŭs)
a.
[L. spontaneus, fr. sponte of free will, voluntarily.]
1.
Proceeding from natural feeling, temperament, or disposition, or from a native internal proneness, readiness, or tendency, without constraint; as, a spontaneous gift or proposition.

2.
Proceeding from, or acting by, internal impulse, energy, or natural law, without external force; as, spontaneous motion; spontaneous growth.

3.
Produced without being planted, or without human labor; as, a spontaneous growth of wood.

Spontaneous combustion, combustion produced in a substance by the evolution of heat through the chemical action of its own elements; as, the spontaneous combustion of waste matter saturated with oil. -- Spontaneous generation. (Biol.) See under Generation.

Syn. -- Voluntary; uncompelled; willing.
Spontaneous, Voluntary. What is voluntary is the result of a volition, or act of choice; it therefore implies some degree of consideration, and may be the result of mere reason without excited feeling. What is spontaneous springs wholly from feeling, or a sudden impulse which admits of no reflection; as, a spontaneous burst of applause. Hence, the term is also applied to things inanimate when they are produced without the determinate purpose or care of man. “Abstinence which is but voluntary fasting, and . . . exercise which is but voluntary labor.” J. Seed.
[1913 Webster]
Spontaneous joys, where nature has its play,
The soul adopts, and owns their firstborn away. Goldsmith.


word: Spontoon
definition:
Spontoon

Spon*toon"
(sp&obreve_;n*tōn")
n.
[F. sponton, esponton, It. spontone, spuntone.]
(Mil.)
A kind of half-pike, or halberd, formerly borne by inferior officers of the British infantry, and used in giving signals to the soldiers.


word: Spook
definition:
Spook

Spook
(spōk)
n.
[D. spook; akin to G. spuk, Sw. spöke, Dan. spögelse a specter, spöge to play, sport, joke, spög a play, joke.]
1.
A spirit; a ghost; an apparition; a hobgoblin.
[Written also spuke.]
Ld. Lytton.

2.
(Zool.)
The chimaera.


word: Spool
definition:
Spool

Spool
(spōl)
n.
[OE. spole, OD. spoele, D. spoel; akin to G. spule, OHG. spuola, Dan. & Sw. spole.]
A piece of cane or reed with a knot at each end, or a hollow cylinder of wood with a ridge at each end, used to wind thread or yarn upon.

Spool stand, an article holding spools of thread, turning on pins, -- used by women at their work.


word: Spool₂
definition:
Spool

Spool
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spooled (spōld); p. pr. & vb. n. Spooling.]
To wind on a spool or spools.


word: Spoom
definition:
Spoom

Spoom
(spōm)
v. i.
[Probably fr. spume foam. See Spume.]
(Naut.)
To be driven steadily and swiftly, as before a strong wind; to be driven before the wind without any sail, or with only a part of the sails spread; to scud under bare poles.
[Written also spoon.]

When virtue spooms before a prosperous gale,
My heaving wishes help to fill the sail.
Dryden.


word: Spoon
definition:
Spoon

Spoon
(spōn)
v. i.
(Naut.)
See Spoom.
[Obs.]

We might have spooned before the wind as well as they.
Pepys.


word: Spoon₂
definition:
Spoon

Spoon
n.
[OE. spon, AS. sp&omacrn, a chip; akin to D. spaan, G. span, Dan. spaan, Sw. spån, Icel. spánn, spónn, a chip, a spoon. √170.  Cf. Span-new.]
1.
An implement consisting of a small bowl (usually a shallow oval) with a handle, used especially in preparing or eating food.

“Therefore behoveth him a full long spoon
That shall eat with a fiend,” thus heard I say.
Chaucer.

He must have a long spoon that must eat with the devil.
Shak.

2.
Anything which resembles a spoon in shape; esp. (Fishing), a spoon bait.

3.
Fig.: A simpleton; a spooney.
[Slang]
Hood.

4.
(Golf)
A wooden club with a lofted face.
Encyc. of Sport.

Spoon bait (Fishing), a lure used in trolling, consisting of a glistening metallic plate shaped like the bowl of a spoon with a fishhook attached. -- Spoon bit, a bit for boring, hollowed or furrowed along one side. -- Spoon net, a net for landing fish. -- Spoon oar. See under Oar.


word: Spoon₃
definition:
Spoon

Spoon
v. t.
1.
To take up in, or as in, a spoon.

2.
(Fishing)
To catch by fishing with a spoon bait.
He had with him all the tackle necessary for spooning pike.
Mrs. Humphry Ward.

3.
In croquet, golf, etc., to push or shove (a ball) with a lifting motion, instead of striking with an audible knock.


word: Spoonbill
definition:
Spoonbill

Spoon"bill`
(-bĭl`)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any one of several species of wading birds of the genera Ajaja and Platalea, and allied genera, in which the long bill is broadly expanded and flattened at the tip.

&hand_; The roseate spoonbill of America (Ajaja ajaja), and the European spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) are the best known. The royal spoonbill (Platalea regia) of Australia is white, with the skin in front of the eyes naked and black. The male in the breeding season has a fine crest.


word: Spoon-billed
definition:
Spoon-billed

Spoon"-billed`
(-bĭld`)
a.
(Zool.)
Having the bill expanded and spatulate at the end.


word: Spoondrift
definition:
Spoondrift

Spoon"drift
(-drĭft)
n.
[Spoom + drift.]
Spray blown from the tops of waves during a gale at sea; also, snow driven in the wind at sea; -- written also spindrift.


word: Spooney
definition:
Spooney

Spoon"ey
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
Weak-minded; demonstratively fond; as, spooney lovers.
[Spelt also spoony.]
[Colloq.]


word: Spooney₂
definition:
Spooney

Spoon"ey
n.
pl. Spooneys (-ĭz).
A weak-minded or silly person; one who is foolishly fond.
[Colloq.]

There is no doubt, whatever, that I was a lackadaisical young spooney.
Dickens.


word: Spoonful
definition:
Spoonful

Spoon"ful
(-f&usdot_;l)
n.
pl. Spoonfuls (-f&usdot_;lz).
1.
The quantity which a spoon contains, or is able to contain; as, a teaspoonful; a tablespoonful.

2.
Hence, a small quantity.
Arbuthnot.


word: Spoon-meat
definition:
Spoon-meat

Spoon"-meat`
(-mēt`)
n.
Food that is, or must be, taken with a spoon; liquid food.
spoon-meats
Harvey.


word: Spoonworm
definition:
Spoonworm

Spoon"worm`
(spōn"wûrm`)
n.
(Zool.)
A gephyrean worm of the genus Thalassema, having a spoonlike proboscis.


word: Spoor
definition:
Spoor

Spoor
(spōr)
n.
[D. spoor; akin to AS. spor, G. spur, and from the root of E. spur. √171. See Spur.]
The track or trail of any wild animal; as, the spoor of an elephant; -- used originally by travelers in South Africa.


word: Sporades
definition:
Sporades

Spor"a*des
(sp&obreve_;r"ȧ*dēz)
n. pl.
[L., fr. Gr. spora`des.  Cf. Sporadic.]
(Astron.)
Stars not included in any constellation; -- called also informed, or unformed, stars.


word: Sporadic
definition:
Sporadic

Spo*rad"ic
(-răd"ĭk)
a.
[Gr. _; scattered, fr. _;, _;, scattered, fr. _; to sow seed, to scatter like seed: cf. F. sporadique. See Spore.]
Occurring singly, or apart from other things of the same kind, or in scattered instances; separate; single; as, a sporadic fireball; a sporadic case of disease; a sporadic example of a flower.

Sporadic disease (Med.), a disease which occurs in single and scattered cases. See the Note under Endemic, a.


word: Sporangiophore
definition:
Sporangiophore

Spo*ran"gi*o*phore
(spo̝*răn"jĭ*o̝*f&omacrr)
n.
[Sporangium + Gr. fe`rein to bear.]
(Bot.)
The axis or receptacle in certain ferns (as Trichomanes), which bears the sporangia.


word: Sporangium
definition:
Sporangium

Spo*ran"gi*um
(spo̝*răn"jĭ*ŭm)
n.
pl. Sporangia (spo̝*răn"jĭ*ȧ).
[NL., fr. Gr. _; a sowing, seed + _; a receptacle.]
(Bot.)
A spore case in the cryptogamous plants, as in ferns, etc.


word: Spore
definition:
Spore

Spore
(sp&omacrr)
n.
[Gr. _; a sowing, seed, from _; to sow.  Cf. Sperm.]
1.
(Bot.)
(a)
One of the minute grains in flowerless plants, which are analogous to seeds, as serving to reproduce the species.

&hand_; Spores are produced differently in the different classes of cryptogamous plants, and as regards their nature are often so unlike that they have only their minuteness in common.  The peculiar spores of diatoms (called auxospores) increase in size, and at length acquire a siliceous coating, thus becoming new diatoms of full size.  Compare Macrospore, Microspore, Oospore, Resting spore, Sphaerospore, Swarmspore, Tetraspore, Zoospore, and Zygospore.

2.
(Biol.)
(a)
A minute grain or germ; a small, round or ovoid body, formed in certain organisms, and by germination giving rise to a new organism; as, the reproductive spores of bacteria, etc.
(b)
One of the parts formed by fission in certain Protozoa. See Spore formation, belw.

Spore formation. (a) (Biol) A mode of reproduction resembling multiple fission, common among Protozoa, in which the organism breaks up into a number of pieces, or spores, each of which eventually develops into an organism like the parent form. Balfour. (b) The formation of reproductive cells or spores, as in the growth of bacilli.


word: Sporidiferous
definition:
Sporidiferous

Spo`ri*dif"er*ous
(sp&omacr`rĭ*dĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[Sporidium + -ferous.]
(Bot.)
Bearing sporidia.


word: Sporidium
definition:
Sporidium

Spo*rid"i*um
(spo̝*rĭd"ĭ*ŭm)
n.
pl. Sporidia (-ȧ).
[NL. See Spore.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A secondary spore, or a filament produced from a spore, in certain kinds of minute fungi.
(b)
A spore.


word: Sporiferous
definition:
Sporiferous

Spo*rif"er*ous
(-rĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[Spore + -ferous.]
(Biol.)
Bearing or producing spores.


word: Sporification
definition:
Sporification

Spo`ri*fi*ca"tion
(sp&omacr`rĭ*fĭ*kā"shŭn)
n.
[Spore + L. -ficare (in comp.) to make. See -fy.]
(Biol.)
Spore formation. See Spore formation (b), under Spore.


word: Sporocarp
definition:
Sporocarp

Spo"ro*carp
(sp&omacr"ro̝*kärp)
n.
[Spore + Gr. _; fruit.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A closed body or conceptacle containing one or more masses of spores or sporangia.
(b)
A sporangium.


word: Sporocyst
definition:
Sporocyst

Spo"ro*cyst
(-sĭst)
n.
[Gr. _; seed + _; bladder.]
1.
(Zool.)
An asexual zooid, usually forming one of a series of larval forms in the agamic reproduction of various trematodes and other parasitic worms. The sporocyst generally develops from an egg, but in its turn produces other larvae by internal budding, or by the subdivision of a part or all of its contents into a number of minute germs. See Redia.

2.
(Zool.)
Any protozoan when it becomes encysted and produces germs by sporulation.


word: Sporogony
definition:
Sporogony

Spo*rog"o*ny
(spo̝*r&obreve_;g"o̝*n&ybreve_;)
n.
[Spore + root of Gr. _; to be born.]
(Zool.)
The growth or development of an animal or a zooid from a nonsexual germ.


word: Sporophore
definition:
Sporophore

Spo"ro*phore
(sp&omacr"ro̝*f&omacrr)
n.
[Spore + Gr. fe`rein to bear.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A placenta.
(b)
That alternately produced form of certain cryptogamous plants, as ferns, mosses, and the like, which is nonsexual, but produces spores in countless numbers. In ferns it is the leafy plant, in mosses the capsule.  Cf. Oophore.


word: Sporophyte
definition:
Sporophyte

Spo"ro*phyte
(sp&omacr"ro̝*fīt)
n.
[Spore + Gr. fyto`n plant.]
(Bot.)
In plants exhibiting alternation of generations, the generation which bears asexual spores; -- opposed to gametophyte. It is not clearly differentiated in the life cycle of the lower plants.
Spo`ro*phyt"ic (#), a.


word: Sporosac
definition:
Sporosac

Spo"ro*sac
(sp&omacr"ro̝*săk)
n.
[Spore + sac.]
(Zool.)
(a)
A hydrozoan reproductive zooid or gonophore which does not become medusoid in form or structure. See Illust. under Athecata.
(b)
An early or simple larval stage of trematode worms and some other invertebrates, which is capable of reproducing other germs by asexual generation; a nurse; a redia.


word: Sporozoa
definition:
Sporozoa

Spo`ro*zo"a
(-z&omacr"ȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. spo`ros a spore + zw^,on an animal.]
(Zool.)
An extensive division of parasitic Protozoa, which increase by sporulation. It includes the Gregarinida.


word: Sporozoite
definition:
Sporozoite

Spo`ro*zo"ite
(sp&omacr`ro̝*z&omacr"īt)
n.
(Zool.)
In certain Sporozoa, a small active, usually elongate, sickle-shaped or somewhat amoeboid spore, esp. one of those produced by division of the passive spores into which the zygote divides. The sporozoites reproduce asexually.


word: Sporran
definition:
Sporran

Spor"ran
(sp&obreve_;r"ran)
n.
[Gael. sporan.]
A large purse or pouch made of skin with the hair or fur on, worn in front of the kilt by Highlanders when in full dress.


word: Sport
definition:
Sport

Sport
(sp&omacrrt)
n.
[Abbreviated from disport.]
1.
That which diverts, and makes mirth; pastime; amusement.

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief.
Prov. x. 23.

Her sports were such as carried riches of knowledge upon the stream of delight.
Sir P. Sidney.

Think it but a minute spent in sport.
Shak.

2.
Mock; mockery; contemptuous mirth; derision.

Then make sport at me; then let me be your jest.
Shak.

3.
That with which one plays, or which is driven about in play; a toy; a plaything; an object of mockery.

Flitting leaves, the sport of every wind.
Dryden.

Never does man appear to greater disadvantage than when he is the sport of his own ungoverned passions.
John Clarke.

4.
Play; idle jingle.

An author who should introduce such a sport of words upon our stage would meet with small applause.
Broome.

5.
Diversion of the field, as fowling, hunting, fishing, racing, games, and the like, esp. when money is staked.

6.
(Bot. & Zool.)
A plant or an animal, or part of a plant or animal, which has some peculiarity not usually seen in the species; an abnormal variety or growth. See Sporting plant, under Sporting.

7.
A sportsman; a gambler.
[Slang]

In sport, in jest; for play or diversion. “So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport?”  Prov. xxvi. 19.


word: Sport₂
definition:
Sport

Sport
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sported; p. pr. & vb. n. Sporting.]
1.
To play; to frolic; to wanton.

[Fish], sporting with quick glance,
Show to the sun their waved coats dropt with gold.
Milton.

2.
To practice the diversions of the field or the turf; to be given to betting, as upon races.

3.
To trifle.
sports
Tillotson.

4.
(Bot. & Zool.)
To assume suddenly a new and different character from the rest of the plant or from the type of the species; -- said of a bud, shoot, plant, or animal. See Sport, n., 6.
Darwin.


word: Sport₃
definition:
Sport

Sport
v. t.
1.
To divert; to amuse; to make merry; -- used with the reciprocal pronoun.

Against whom do ye sport yourselves?
Isa. lvii. 4.

2.
To represent by any kind of play.

Now sporting on thy lyre the loves of youth.
Dryden.

3.
To exhibit, or bring out, in public; to use or wear; as, to sport a new equipage.
[Colloq.]
Grose.

4.
To give utterance to in a sportive manner; to throw out in an easy and copious manner; -- with off; as, to sport off epigrams.
[R.]
Addison.

To sport one's oak. See under Oak, n.


word: Sportal
definition:
Sportal

Sport"al
(sp&omacrrt"al)
a.
Of or pertaining to sports; used in sports.
[R.]
Sportal
Dryden.


word: Sporter
definition:
Sporter

Sport"er
(-ẽr)
n.
One who sports; a sportsman.

As this gentleman and I have been old fellow sporters, I have a friendship for him.
Goldsmith.


word: Sportful
definition:
Sportful

Sport"ful
(-f&usdot_;l)
a.
1.
Full of sport; merry; frolicsome; full of jesting; indulging in mirth or play; playful; wanton; as, a sportful companion.

Down he alights among the sportful herd.
Milton.

2.
Done in jest, or for mere play; sportive.

They are no sportful productions of the soil.
Bentley.


word: Sporting
definition:
Sporting

Sport"ing
a.
Of, pertaining to, or engaging in, sport or sports; exhibiting the character or conduct of one who, or that which, sports.

Sporting book, a book containing a record of bets, gambling operations, and the like. C. Kingsley. -- Sporting house, a house frequented by sportsmen, gamblers, and the like. -- Sporting man, one who practices field sports; also, a horse racer, a pugilist, a gambler, or the like. -- Sporting plant (Bot.), a plant in which a single bud or offset suddenly assumes a new, and sometimes very different, character from that of the rest of the plant. Darwin.


word: Sportingly
definition:
Sportingly

Sport"ing*ly
adv.
In sport; sportively.

The question you there put, you do it, I suppose, but sportingly.
Hammond.


word: Sportive
definition:
Sportive

Sport"ive
(-ĭv)
a.
Tending to, engaged in, or provocative of, sport; gay; frolicsome; playful; merry.

Is it I
That drive thee from the sportive court?
Shak.


word: Sportling
definition:
Sportling

Sport"ling
(-lĭng)
n.
A little person or creature engaged in sports or in play.

When again the lambkins play --
Pretty sportlings, full of May.
Philips.


word: Sportsman
definition:
Sportsman

Sports"man
(sp&omacrrts"man)
n.
pl. Sportsmen (-men).
One who pursues the sports of the field; one who hunts, fishes, etc.


word: Sportula
definition:
Sportula

Spor"tu*la
(spôr"t&uuptack_;*lȧ)
n.
pl. Sportulae (-lē).
[L.]
A gift; a present; a prize; hence, an alms; a largess.

To feed luxuriously, to frequent sports and theaters, to run for the sportula.
South.


word: Sportulary
definition:
Sportulary

Spor"tu*la*ry
(spôr"t&uuptack_;*la̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
Subsisting on alms or charitable contributions.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Sportule
definition:
Sportule

Spor"tule
(-tūl)
n.
[L. sportula a little basket, a gift, dim. of sporta a basket: cf. F. sportule.]
A charitable gift or contribution; a gift; an alms; a dole; a largess; a sportula.
[Obs.]
Ayliffe.


word: Sporulation
definition:
Sporulation

Spor`u*la"tion
(sp&obreve_;r`&uuptack_;*lā"shŭn)
n.
(Biol.)
The act or process of forming spores; spore formation. See Illust. of Bacillus, (b).


word: Sporuliferous
definition:
Sporuliferous

Spor`u*lif"er*ous
(-&uuptack_;*lĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[Sporule + -ferous.]
(Biol.)
Producing sporules.


word: Spot
definition:
Spot

Spot
(sp&obreve_;t)
n.
[Cf. Scot. & D. spat, Dan. spette, Sw. spott spittle, slaver; from the root of E. spit. See Spit to eject from the mouth, and cf. Spatter.]
1.
A mark on a substance or body made by foreign matter; a blot; a place discolored.

Out, damned spot! Out, I say!
Shak.

2.
A stain on character or reputation; something that soils purity; disgrace; reproach; fault; blemish.

Yet Chloe, sure, was formed without a spot.
Pope.

3.
A small part of a different color from the main part, or from the ground upon which it is; as, the spots of a leopard; the spots on a playing card.

4.
A small extent of space; a place; any particular place.
spot
Otway.

That spot to which I point is Paradise.
Milton.

“A jolly place,” said he, “in times of old!
But something ails it now: the spot is cursed.”
Wordsworth.

5.
(Zool.)
A variety of the common domestic pigeon, so called from a spot on its head just above its beak.

6.
(Zool.)
(a)
A sciaenoid food fish (Liostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast of the United States. It has a black spot behind the shoulders and fifteen oblique dark bars on the sides. Called also goody, Lafayette, masooka, and old wife.
(b)
The southern redfish, or red horse, which has a spot on each side at the base of the tail. See Redfish.

7.
pl.
Commodities, as merchandise and cotton, sold for immediate delivery.
[Broker's Cant]

Crescent spot (Zool.), any butterfly of the family Melitaeidae having crescent-shaped white spots along the margins of the red or brown wings. -- Spot lens (Microscopy), a condensing lens in which the light is confined to an annular pencil by means of a small, round diaphragm (the spot), and used in dark-field illumination; -- called also spotted lens. -- Spot rump (Zool.), the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica). -- Spots on the sun. (Astron.) See Sun spot, ander Sun. -- On the spot, or Upon the spot, immediately; before moving; without changing place; as, he made his decision on the spot.

It was determined upon the spot. Swift.


word: Spot₂
definition:
Spot

Spot
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spotted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spotting.]
1.
To make visible marks upon with some foreign matter; to discolor in or with spots; to stain; to cover with spots or figures; as, to spot a garment; to spot paper.

2.
To mark or note so as to insure recognition; to recognize; to detect; as, to spot a criminal.
[Cant]

3.
To stain; to blemish; to taint; to disgrace; to tarnish, as reputation; to asperse.

My virgin life no spotted thoughts shall stain.
Sir P. Sidney.

If ever I shall close these eyes but once,
May I live spotted for my perjury.
Beau. & Fl.

To spot timber, to cut or chip it, in preparation for hewing.


word: Spot₄
definition:
Spot

Spot
(sp&obreve_;t)
a.
Lit., being on the spot, or place;
hence
(Com.)
on hand for immediate delivery after sale; -- said of commodities; as, spot wheat.


word: Spot cash
definition:
Spot cash

Spot cash
(Com.)
Cash paid or ready for payment at once upon delivery of property purchased.


word: Spotless
definition:
Spotless

Spot"less
a.
Without a spot; especially, free from reproach or impurity; pure; untainted; innocent; as, a spotless mind; spotless behavior.

A spotless virgin, and a faultless wife.
Waller.


word: Spotlight
definition:
Spotlight

Spot"light`
(sp&obreve_;t"līt`)
n.
1.
The projected spot or circle of light used to illuminate brilliantly a single person or object or group on the stage, leaving the rest of the stage more or less unilluminated.

2.
hence, conspicuous public notice.
[Cant or Colloq.]

3.
A lighting apparatus designed to throw an intense beam of light onto a small area.


word: Spot stroke
definition:
Spot stroke

Spot stroke
(Eng. Billiards)
The pocketing of the red ball in a top corner pocket from off its own spot so as to leave the cue ball in position for an easy winning hazard in either top corner pocket.


word: Spotted
definition:
Spotted

Spot"ted
a.
Marked with spots; as, a spotted garment or character.
spotted
Spenser.

Spotted fever (Med.), a name applied to various eruptive fevers, esp. to typhus fever and cerebro-spinal meningitis. -- Spotted tree (Bot.), an Australian tree (Flindersia maculosa); -- so called because its bark falls off in spots.


word: Spousage
definition:
Spousage

Spous"age
(spouz"a̝j; 48)
n.
[OF. espousaige, from espouser. See Spouse, v. t.]
Espousal.
[Obs.]
Bale.


word: Spousal
definition:
Spousal

Spous"al
(-al)
a.
[See Espousal, Sponsal, and Spouse.]
Of or pertaining to a spouse or marriage; nuptial; matrimonial; conjugal; connubial; bridal; as, spousal rites; spousal ornaments.
Wordsworth.


word: Spousal₂
definition:
Spousal

Spous"al
n.
[See Espousal, Spouse.]
Marriage; nuptials; espousal; -- generally used in the plural; as, the spousals of Hippolita.
Dryden.

Boweth your head under that blissful yoke . . .
Which that men clepeth spousal or wedlock.
Chaucer.

The spousals of the newborn year.
Emerson.


word: Spouse
definition:
Spouse

Spouse
(spouz)
n.
[OF. espous, espos, fem. espouse, F. époux, épouse, fr. L. sponsus, sponsa, prop. p. p. of spondere, sponsum, to promise solemnly, to engage one's self.  Cf. Despond, Espouse, Respond, Sponsor.]
1.
A man or woman engaged or joined in wedlock; a married person, husband or wife.

At last such grace I found, and means I wrought,
That I that lady to my spouse had won.
Spenser.

2.
A married man, in distinction from a spousess or married woman; a bridegroom or husband.
[Obs.]

At which marriage was [were] no persons present but the spouse, the spousess, the Duchess of Bedford her mother, the priest, two gentlewomen, and a young man.
Fabyan.


word: Spouse₂
definition:
Spouse

Spouse
(spouz)
v. t.
[See Espouse, and Spouse, n.]
To wed; to espouse.
[Obs.]

This markis hath her spoused with a ring.
Chaucer.

Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize.
Spenser.

She was found again, and spoused to Marinell.
Spenser.


word: Spout
definition:
Spout

Spout
(spout)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spouted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spouting.]
[Cf. Sw. sputa, spruta, to spout, D. spuit a spout, spuiten to spout, and E. spurt, sprit, v., sprout, sputter; or perhaps akin to E. spit to eject from the mouth.]
1.
To throw out forcibly and abundantly, as liquids through an orifice or a pipe; to eject in a jet; as, an elephant spouts water from his trunk.

Who kept Jonas in the fish's maw
Till he was spouted up at Ninivee?
Chaucer.

Next on his belly floats the mighty whale . . . 
He spouts the tide.
Creech.

2.
To utter magniloquently; to recite in an oratorical or pompous manner.

Pray, spout some French, son.
Beau. & Fl.

3.
To pawn; to pledge; as, to spout a watch.
[Cant]


word: Spout₂
definition:
Spout

Spout
v. i.
1.
To issue with violence, or in a jet, as a liquid through a narrow orifice, or from a spout; as, water spouts from a hole; blood spouts from an artery.

All the glittering hill
Is bright with spouting rills.
Thomson.

2.
To eject water or liquid in a jet.

3.
To utter a speech, especially in a pompous manner.


word: Spout₃
definition:
Spout

Spout
n.
[Cf. Sw. spruta a squirt, a syringe. See Spout, v. t.]
1.
That through which anything spouts; a discharging lip, pipe, or orifice; a tube, pipe, or conductor of any kind through which a liquid is poured, or by which it is conveyed in a stream from one place to another; as, the spout of a teapot; a spout for conducting water from the roof of a building.
Addison.
spouts
Shak.

In whales . . . an ejection thereof [water] is contrived by a fistula, or spout, at the head.
Sir T. Browne.

From silver spouts the grateful liquors glide.
Pope.

2.
A trough for conducting grain, flour, etc., into a receptacle.

3.
A discharge or jet of water or other liquid, esp. when rising in a column; also, a waterspout.

To put up the spout, To shove up the spout, or To pop up the spout, to pawn or pledge at a pawnbroker's; -- in allusion to the spout up which the pawnbroker sent the ticketed articles. [Cant]


word: Spoutfish
definition:
Spoutfish

Spout"fish`
(-fĭsh`)
n.
(Zool.)
A marine animal that spouts water; -- applied especially to certain bivalve mollusks, like the long clams (Mya), which spout, or squirt out, water when retiring into their holes.


word: Spoutshell
definition:
Spoutshell

Spout"shell`
(-shĕl`)
n.
(Zool.)
Any marine gastropod shell of the genus Apporhais having an elongated siphon. See Illust. under Rostrifera.


word: Sprack
definition:
Sprack

Sprack
(sprăk)
a.
[Cf. Icel. spraekr sprightly, dial. Sw. spräk, spräg, spirited, mettlesome; or Gael. spraic vigor.]
Quick; lively; alert.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]


word: Sprag₃
definition:
Sprag

Sprag
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spragged (sprăgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spragging (-gĭng).]
1.
To check the motion of, as a carriage on a steep grade, by putting a sprag between the spokes of the wheel.
R. S. Poole.

2.
To prop or sustain with a sprag.


word: Sprain
definition:
Sprain

Sprain
(sprān)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sprained (sprānd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spraining.]
[OF. espreindreto press, to force out, F. épreindre, fr. L. exprimere. See Express, v. t., and cf. Spraints.]
To weaken, as a joint, ligament, or muscle, by sudden and excessive exertion, as by wrenching; to overstrain, or stretch injuriously, but without luxation; as, to sprain one's ankle.


word: Sprain₂
definition:
Sprain

Sprain
n.
The act or result of spraining; lameness caused by spraining; as, a bad sprain of the wrist.

Sprain fracture (Med.), the separation of a tendon from its point of insertion, with the detachment of a shell of bone to which the tendon is attached.


word: Spraints
definition:
Spraints

Spraints
(sprānts)
n. pl.
[OF. espraintes, espreintes, F. épreintes, from espreinte a desire to go to stool, from espreindre. See Sprain, v. t.]
The dung of an otter.


word: Sprat
definition:
Sprat

Sprat
(sprăt)
n.
[OE. sprot, sprotte, D. sprot; akin to G. sprotte.]
(Zool.)
(a)
A small European herring (Clupea sprattus) closely allied to the common herring and the pilchard; -- called also garvie. The name is also applied to small herring of different kinds.
(b)
A California surf-fish (Rhacochilus toxotes); -- called also alfione, and perch.

Sprat borer (Zool.), the red-throated diver; -- so called from its fondness for sprats. See Diver. -- Sprat loon. (Zool.) (a) The young of the great northern diver. [Prov. Eng.] (b) The red-throated diver. See Diver. -- Sprat mew (Zool.), the kittiwake gull.


word: Sprawl
definition:
Sprawl

Sprawl
(spr&asuml_;l)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sprawled (spr&asuml_;ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Sprawling.]
[OE. spraulen; cf. Sw. sprattla to sprawl, dial. Sw. spralla, Dan. spraelle, spraelde, D. spartelen, spertelen, to flounder, to struggle.]
1.
To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully.

2.
To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography.

3.
To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scramble in creeping.

The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled.
L'Estrange.


word: sprawl
definition:
sprawl

sprawl
(spr&asuml_;l)
n.
The position or state resulting from sprawling; as, he sat on the couch in a sprawl; uncontrolled urban sprawl.


word: Sprawls
definition:
Sprawls

Sprawls
(spr&asuml_;lz)
n. pl.
Small branches of a tree; twigs; sprays.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Spray
definition:
Spray

Spray
(sprā)
n.
[Cf. Dan. sprag. See Sprig.]
1.
A small shoot or branch; a twig.
Chaucer.

Syn. -- sprig.

The painted birds, companions of the spring,
Hopping from spray to spray, were heard to sing.
Dryden.

2.
A collective body of small branches, or cut flowers with long stems; as, the tree has a beautiful spray; many sprays were sent in condolence to teh funeral home.

And from the trees did lop the needless spray.
Spenser.

3.
(Founding)
(a)
A side channel or branch of the runner of a flask, made to distribute the metal in all parts of the mold.
(b)
A group of castings made in the same mold and connected by sprues formed in the runner and its branches.
Knight.

Spray drain (Agric.), a drain made by laying under earth the sprays or small branches of trees, which keep passages open.


word: Spray₂
definition:
Spray

Spray
n.
[Probably from a Dutch or Low German form akin to E. spread. See Spread, v. t.]
1.
Water flying in small drops or particles, as by the force of wind, or the dashing of waves, or from a waterfall, and the like.

2.
(Med.)
(a)
A jet of fine medicated vapor, used either as an application to a diseased part or to charge the air of a room with a disinfectant or a deodorizer.
(b)
An instrument for applying such a spray; an atomizer.

Spray condenser (Steam Engine), an injection condenser in which the steam is condensed by a spray of water which mingles with it.


word: Spray₃
definition:
Spray

Spray
v. t.
1.
To let fall in the form of spray.
[Poetic]
M. Arnold.

2.
To throw spray upon; to treat with a liquid in the form of spray; as, to spray a wound, or a surgical instrument, with carbolic acid.


word: Sprayboard
definition:
Sprayboard

Spray"board`
(sprā"b&omacrrd`)
n.
1.
(Naut.)
See Dashboard, n., 2 (b).

2.
(Naut.)
A screen raised above any part of the gunwale of a boat to keep out spray.


word: Spray can
definition:
Spray can

Spray" can`
(sprā"kăn`)
n.
a small can containing a liquid under pressure of a gas that forces the liquid out in an aerosol form when the valve is opened.


word: Sprayer
definition:
Sprayer

Spray"er
(sprā"ẽr)
n.
One that sprays; any instrument for vaporizing and spraying liquids.


word: Spray gun
definition:
Spray gun

Spray" gun`
(sprā"gŭn`)
n.
a container for liquid, fitted with a conduit that can be supplied with compressed air, desiged to allowing the contents to be sprayed as an aerosol.  Such devices are used to spray paints and various other liquids.


word: Spray-paint
definition:
Spray-paint

Spray"-paint
(sprā"pānt)
v. t.
To paint (a surface) by means of a spray, using a spray can or spray gun.


word: Spread
definition:
Spread

Spread
(sprĕd)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spread; p. pr. & vb. n. Spreading.]
[OE. spreden, AS. spraedan; akin to D. spreiden, spreijen, LG. spreden, spreen, spreien, G. spreiten, Dan. sprede, Sw. sprida.  Cf. Spray water flying in drops.]
1.
To extend in length and breadth, or in breadth only; to stretch or expand to a broad or broader surface or extent; to open; to unfurl; as, to spread a carpet; to spread a tent or a sail.

He bought a parcel of a field where he had spread his tent.
Gen. xxxiii. 19.

Here the Rhone
Hath spread himself a couch.
Byron.

2.
To extend so as to cover something; to extend to a great or greater extent in every direction; to cause to fill or cover a wide or wider space.

Rose, as in a dance, the stately trees, and spread
Their branches hung with copious fruit.
Milton.

3.
To divulge; to publish, as news or fame; to cause to be more extensively known; to disseminate; to make known fully; as, to spread a report; -- often accompanied by abroad.

They, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Matt. ix. 31.

4.
To propagate; to cause to affect great numbers; as, to spread a disease.

5.
To diffuse, as emanations or effluvia; to emit; as, odoriferous plants spread their fragrance.

6.
To strew; to scatter over a surface; as, to spread manure; to spread lime on the ground.

7.
To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions; as, to spread a table.

Boiled the flesh, and spread the board.
Tennyson.

To spread cloth, to unfurl sail. [Obs.] Evelyn.


word: Spread₂
definition:
Spread

Spread
v. i.
1.
To extend in length and breadth in all directions, or in breadth only; to be extended or stretched; to expand.

Plants, if they spread much, are seldom tall.
Bacon.

Governor Winthrop, and his associates at Charlestown, had for a church a large, spreading tree.
B. Trumbull.

2.
To be extended by drawing or beating; as, some metals spread with difficulty.

3.
To be made known more extensively, as news.

4.
To be propagated from one to another; as, the disease spread into all parts of the city.
Shak.


word: Spread₃
definition:
Spread

Spread
n.
1.
Extent; compass.

I have got a fine spread of improvable land.
Addison.

2.
Expansion of parts.

No flower hath spread like that of the woodbine.
Bacon.

3.
A cloth used as a cover for a table or a bed.

4.
A table, as spread or furnished with a meal; hence, an entertainment of food; a feast.
[Colloq.]

5.
A privilege which one person buys of another, of demanding certain shares of stock at a certain price, or of delivering the same shares of stock at another price, within a time agreed upon.
[Brokers' Cant]

6.
(Geom.)
An unlimited expanse of discontinuous points.

7.
(Finance)
An arbitrage transaction operated by buying and selling simultaneously in two separate markets, as Chicago and New York, when there is an abnormal difference in price between the two markets.  It is called a back spreadwhen the difference in price is less than the normal one.

8.
(Gems)
Surface in proportion to the depth of a cut stone.


word: Spread₄
definition:
Spread

Spread
imp. & p. p. of Spread, v.

Spread eagle. (a) An eagle with outspread wings, the national emblem of the United States. (b) The figure of an eagle, with its wings elevated and its legs extended; often met as a device upon military ornaments, and the like. (c) (Her.) An eagle displayed; an eagle with the wings and legs extended on each side of the body, as in the double-headed eagle of Austria and Russia. See Displayed, 2.


word: spread-eagle
definition:
spread-eagle

spread"-ea`gle
(sprĕd"ē`g'l)
a.
Characterized by a pretentious, boastful, exaggerated style; defiantly or extravagantly bombastic, especially regarding of the greatness of the U. S.; as, a spread-eagle orator; a spread-eagle speech.
[Colloq. & Humorous]
[MW10]


word: spread-eagle₂
definition:
spread-eagle

spread"-ea`gle
v. i.
To assume a spread-eagled position; -- it may be done reclining, for relaxation, or momentarily, as an exhibitionary maneuver in a sport.


word: Spreader
definition:
Spreader

Spread"er
(-ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, spreads, expands, or propagates.

2.
A machine for combining and drawing fibers of flax to form a sliver preparatory to spinning.


word: Sprechery
definition:
Sprechery

Sprech"er*y
(sprĕch"ẽr*&ybreve_;)
n.
[Cf. Gael. spreidh cattle.]
Movables of an inferior description; especially, such as have been collected by depredation.
[Scot.]


word: Spree
definition:
Spree

Spree
(sprē)
n.
[Cf. Ir. spre a spark, animation, spirit, Gael. spraic.  Cf. Sprack.]
A merry frolic; especially, a drinking frolic; a carousal.
[Colloq.]

spending spree an incident in which one spends money freely; -- usually designating indiscreet or reckless spending on unneeded items.


word: Sprenge
definition:
Sprenge

Sprenge
(sprĕnj)
v. t.
[OE. sprengen, p. p. sprent, spreint, from AS. sprengan to sprinkle. See Sprinkle.]
To sprinkle; to scatter.
[Obs.]
Wyclif (1 Pet. i. 2).


word: Sprengel pump
definition:
Sprengel pump

Spreng"el pump`
(sprĕng"el pŭmp`)
(Physics)
A form of air pump in which exhaustion is produced by a stream of mercury running down a narrow tube, in the manner of an aspirator; -- named from the inventor.


word: Sprent
definition:
Sprent

Sprent
(sprĕnt)
obs.
p. p. of Sprenge. Sprinkled.

All the ground with purple blood was sprent.
Spenser.


word: Sprig
definition:
Sprig

Sprig
(sprĭg)
n.
[AS. sprec; akin to Icel. sprek a stick.  Cf. Spray a branch.]
1.
A small shoot or twig of a tree or other plant; a spray; as, a sprig of laurel or of parsley.

2.
A youth; a lad; -- used humorously or in slight disparagement.

A sprig whom I remember, with a whey-face and a satchel, not so many years ago.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
A brad, or nail without a head.

4.
(Naut.)
A small eyebolt ragged or barbed at the point.


word: Sprig₂
definition:
Sprig

Sprig
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sprigged (sprĭgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sprigging (-gĭng).]
To mark or adorn with the representation of small branches; to work with sprigs; as, to sprig muslin.


word: Spright
definition:
Spright

Spright
(sprīt)
n.
[See Sprite.]
1.
Spirit; mind; soul; state of mind; mood.
[Obs.]
spright
Spenser.

Wondrous great grief groweth in my spright.
Spenser.

2.
A supernatural being; a spirit; a shade; an apparition; a ghost.

Syn. -- sprite.

Forth he called, out of deep darkness dread,
Legions of sprights.
Spenser.

To thee, O Father, Son, and Sacred Spright.
Fairfax.

3.
A kind of short arrow.
[Obs.]
Bacon.


word: Sprightful
definition:
Sprightful

Spright"ful
(-f&usdot_;l)
a.
[Spright sprite + full.]
Full of spirit or of life; spirited; earnest; vivacious; lively; brisk; nimble; gay.
[Obs.]
Spright"ful*ly, adv. [Obs.]
Shak.

Spoke like a sprightful noble gentleman.
Shak.

Steeds sprightful as the light.
Cowley.


word: Sprightliness
definition:
Sprightliness

Spright"li*ness
(-lĭ*nĕs)
n.
The quality or state of being sprightly; liveliness; life; briskness; vigor; activity; gayety; vivacity.

In dreams, observe with what a sprightliness and alacrity does she [the soul] exert herself!
Addison.


word: Sprightly
definition:
Sprightly

Spright"ly
(-l&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Sprightlier (-lĭ*ẽr); superl. Sprightliest.]
[See Sprite.]
Sprightlike, or spiritlike; lively; brisk; animated; vigorous; airy; gay; as, a sprightly youth; a sprightly air; a sprightly dance.
Sprightly
Dryden.

The sprightly Sylvia trips along the green.
Pope.


word: Sprigtail
definition:
Sprigtail

Sprig"tail`
(sprĭg"tāl`)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The pintail duck; -- called also sprig, and spreet-tail.
[Local, U.S.]
(b)
The sharp-tailed grouse.
[Local, U.S.]


word: Spring
definition:
Spring

Spring
(sprĭng)
v. i.
[imp. Sprang (sprăng) or Sprung (sprŭng); p. p. Sprung; p. pr. & vb. n. Springing.]
[AS. springan; akin to D. & G. springen, OS. & OHG. springan, Icel. & Sw. springa, Dan. springe; cf. Gr. spe`rchesqai to hasten.  Cf. Springe, Sprinkle.]

1.
To leap; to bound; to jump.

The mountain stag that springs
From height to height, and bounds along the plains.
Philips.

2.
To issue with speed and violence; to move with activity; to dart; to shoot.

And sudden light
Sprung through the vaulted roof.
Dryden.

3.
To start or rise suddenly, as from a covert.

Watchful as fowlers when their game will spring.
Otway.

4.
To fly back; as, a bow, when bent, springs back by its elastic power.

5.
To bend from a straight direction or plane surface; to become warped; as, a piece of timber, or a plank, sometimes springs in seasoning.

6.
To shoot up, out, or forth; to come to the light; to begin to appear; to emerge; as a plant from its seed, as streams from their source, and the like; -- often followed by up, forth, or out.

Till well nigh the day began to spring.
Chaucer.

To satisfy the desolate and waste ground, and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth.
Job xxxviii. 27.

Do not blast my springing hopes.
Rowe.

O, spring to light; auspicious Babe, be born.
Pope.

7.
To issue or proceed, as from a parent or ancestor; to result, as from a cause, motive, reason, or principle.

[They found] new hope to spring
Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet linked.
Milton.

8.
To grow; to thrive; to prosper.

What makes all this, but Jupiter the king,
At whose command we perish, and we spring?
Dryden.

To spring at, to leap toward; to attempt to reach by a leap. -- To spring forth, to leap out; to rush out. -- To spring in, to rush in; to enter with a leap or in haste. -- To spring on or To spring upon, to leap on; to rush on with haste or violence; to assault.


word: Spring₂
definition:
Spring

Spring
(sprĭng)
v. t.
1.
To cause to spring up; to start or rouse, as game; to cause to rise from the earth, or from a covert; as, to spring a pheasant.

2.
To produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly; as, to spring a surprise on someone; to spring a joke.

She starts, and leaves her bed, and springs a light.
Dryden.

The friends to the cause sprang a new project.
Swift.

3.
To cause to explode; as, to spring a mine.

4.
To crack or split; to bend or strain so as to weaken; as, to spring a mast or a yard.

5.
To cause to close suddenly, as the parts of a trap operated by a spring; as, to spring a trap.

6.
To bend by force, as something stiff or strong; to force or put by bending, as a beam into its sockets, and allowing it to straighten when in place; -- often with in, out, etc.; as, to spring in a slat or a bar.

7.
To pass over by leaping; as, to spring a fence.

8.
To release (a person) from confinement, especially from a prison.
[colloquial]

To spring a butt (Naut.), to loosen the end of a plank in a ship's bottom. -- To spring a leak (Naut.), to begin to leak. -- To spring an arch (Arch.), to build an arch; -- a common term among masons; as, to spring an arch over a lintel. -- To spring a rattle, to cause a rattle to sound. See Watchman's rattle, under Watchman. -- To spring the luff (Naut.), to ease the helm, and sail nearer to the wind than before; -- said of a vessel. Mar. Dict. -- To spring a mast or To spring a spar (Naut.), to strain it so that it is unserviceable.


word: Spring₃
definition:
Spring

Spring
n.
[AS. spring a fountain, a leap. See Spring, v. i.]
1.
A leap; a bound; a jump.

The prisoner, with a spring, from prison broke.
Dryden.

2.
A flying back; the resilience of a body recovering its former state by its elasticity; as, the spring of a bow.

3.
Elastic power or force.

Heavens! what a spring was in his arm!
Dryden.

4.
An elastic body of any kind, as steel, India rubber, tough wood, or compressed air, used for various mechanical purposes, as receiving and imparting power, diminishing concussion, regulating motion, measuring weight or other force.

&hand_; The principal varieties of springs used in mechanisms are the spiral spring (Fig. a), the coil spring (Fig. b), the elliptic spring (Fig. c), the half-elliptic spring (Fig. d), the volute spring, the India-rubber spring, the atmospheric spring, etc.

5.
Any source of supply; especially, the source from which a stream proceeds; an issue of water from the earth; a natural fountain.
springs
Ps. lxxxvii. 7.
spring
Bentley.
spring
Sir J. Davies.

6.
Any active power; that by which action, or motion, is produced or propagated; cause; origin; motive.

Our author shuns by vulgar springs to move
The hero's glory, or the virgin's love.
Pope.

7.
That which springs, or is originated, from a source;
as:
(a)
A race; lineage.
[Obs.]
Chapman.
(b)
A youth; a springal.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
(c)
A shoot; a plant; a young tree; also, a grove of trees; woodland.
[Obs.]
Spenser. Milton.

8.
That which causes one to spring; specifically, a lively tune.
[Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.

9.
The season of the year when plants begin to vegetate and grow; the vernal season, usually comprehending the months of March, April, and May, in the middle latitudes north of the equator.
spring
Shak.

&hand_; Spring of the astronomical year begins with the vernal equinox, about March 21st, and ends with the summer solstice, about June 21st.

10.
The time of growth and progress; early portion; first stage; as, the spring of life.
spring
1 Sam. ix. 26.

O how this spring of love resembleth
The uncertain glory of an April day.
Shak.

11.
(Naut.)
(a)
A crack or fissure in a mast or yard, running obliquely or transversely.
(b)
A line led from a vessel's quarter to her cable so that by tightening or slacking it she can be made to lie in any desired position; a line led diagonally from the bow or stern of a vessel to some point upon the wharf to which she is moored.

Air spring, Boiling spring, etc. See under Air, Boiling, etc. -- Spring back (Bookbinding), a back with a curved piece of thin sheet iron or of stiff pasteboard fastened to the inside, the effect of which is to make the leaves of a book thus bound (as a ledger or other account or blank book) spring up and lie flat. -- Spring balance, a contrivance for measuring weight or force by the elasticity of a spiral spring of steel. -- Spring beam, a beam that supports the side of a paddle box. See Paddle beam, under Paddle, n. -- Spring beauty. (a) (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Claytonia, delicate herbs with somewhat fleshy leaves and pretty blossoms, appearing in springtime. (b) (Zool.) A small, elegant American butterfly (Erora laeta) which appears in spring. The hind wings of the male are brown, bordered with deep blue; those of the female are mostly blue. -- Spring bed, a mattress, under bed, or bed bottom, in which springs, as of metal, are employed to give the required elasticity. -- Spring beetle (Zool.), a snapping beetle; an elater. -- Spring box, the box or barrel in a watch, or other piece of mechanism, in which the spring is contained. -- Spring fly (Zool.), a caddice fly; -- so called because it appears in the spring. -- Spring grass (Bot.), vernal grass. See under Vernal. -- Spring gun, a firearm discharged by a spring, when this is trodden upon or is otherwise moved. -- Spring hook (Locomotive Engines), one of the hooks which fix the driving-wheel spring to the frame. -- Spring latch, a latch that fastens with a spring. -- Spring lock, a lock that fastens with a spring. -- Spring mattress, a spring bed. -- Spring of an arch (Arch.) See Springing line of an arch, under Springing. -- Spring of pork, the lower part of a fore quarter, which is divided from the neck, and has the leg and foot without the shoulder. [Obs.] Nares.

Sir, pray hand the spring of pork to me. Gayton.

  -- Spring pin (Locomotive Engines), an iron rod fitted between the springs and the axle boxes, to sustain and regulate the pressure on the axles. -- Spring rye, a kind of rye sown in the spring; -- in distinction from winter rye, sown in autumn. -- Spring stay (Naut.), a preventer stay, to assist the regular one. R. H. Dana, Jr. -- Spring tide, the tide which happens at, or soon after, the new and the full moon, and which rises higher than common tides. See Tide. -- Spring wagon, a wagon in which springs are interposed between the body and the axles to form elastic supports. -- Spring wheat, any kind of wheat sown in the spring; -- in distinction from winter wheat, which is sown in autumn.


word: Springall
definition:
Springall

Springald

Springal

{ Spring"al (sprĭng"al), Spring"ald (sprĭng"ald), Spring"all (sprĭng"al), }
n.
[Scot. springald, springel, fr. Scot. & E. spring.]
An active, springy young man.
[Obs.]
springals
Spenser.

Joseph, when he was sold to Potiphar, that great man, was a fair young springall.
Latimer.


word: Springal
definition:
Springal

Spring"al
n.
[OF. espringale; of Teutonic origin, akin to E. spring.]
An ancient military engine for casting stones and arrows by means of a spring.


word: Springboard
definition:
Springboard

Spring"board`
(-b&omacrrd`)
n.
An elastic board, secured at the ends, or at one end, often by elastic supports, used in performing feats of agility or in exercising.


word: Springbuck
definition:
Springbuck

Springbok

{ &VerbarSpring"bok` (-b&obreve_;k`), Spring"buck` (-bŭk`), }
n.
[D. springbok; springen to spring, leap + bok a he-goat, buck.]
(Zool.)
A South African gazelle (Gazella euchore) noted for its graceful form and swiftness, and for its peculiar habit of springing lightly and suddenly into the air.  It has a white dorsal stripe, expanding into a broad patch of white on the rump and tail.  Called also springer.
[Written also springboc, and springbock.]


word: Springe
definition:
Springe

Springe
(sprĭnj)
n.
[From Spring, v. i.: cf. G. sprenkel, Prov. E. springle.]
A noose fastened to an elastic body, and drawn close with a sudden spring, whereby it catches a bird or other animal; a gin; a snare.

As a woodcock to mine own springe.
Shak.


word: Springe₃
definition:
Springe

Spring"e
(sprĭng"e or sprĭng)
v. t.
[OE. sprengen. See Sprinkle.]
To sprinkle; to scatter.
[Obs.]

He would sowen some difficulty,
Or springen cockle in our cleane corn.
Chaucer.


word: Springer
definition:
Springer

Spring"er
(sprĭng"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, springs; specifically, one who rouses game.

2.
A young plant.
[Obs.]
Evelyn.

3.
(Arch.)
(a)
The impost, or point at which an arch rests upon its support, and from which it seems to spring.
(b)
The bottom stone of an arch, which lies on the impost. The skew back is one form of springer.
(c)
The rib of a groined vault, as being the solid abutment for each section of vaulting.

4.
(Zool.)
The grampus.

5.
(Zool.)
A variety of the field spaniel. See Spaniel.

6.
(Zool.)
A species of antelope; the springbok.


word: Springhalt
definition:
Springhalt

Spring"halt`
(-h&asuml_;lt`)
n.
(Far.)
A kind of lameness in a horse. See Stringhalt.
Shak.


word: Springing
definition:
Springing

Spring"ing
n.
1.
The act or process of one who, or that which, springs.

2.
Growth; increase; also, that which springs up; a shoot; a plant.

Thou blessest the springing thereof.
Ps. lxv. 10.

Springing line of an arch (Arch.), the horizontal line drawn through the junction of the vertical face of the impost with the curve of the intrados; -- called also spring of an arch.


word: Springlet
definition:
Springlet

Spring"let
(sprĭng"lĕt)
n.
A little spring.

But yet from out the little hill
Oozes the slender springlet still.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Spring steel
definition:
Spring steel

Spring steel
A variety of steel, elastic, strong, and tough, rolled for springs, etc.


word: Springtail
definition:
Springtail

Spring"tail`
(-tāl`)
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of small apterous insects belonging to the order Thysanura. They have two elastic caudal stylets which can be bent under the abdomen and then suddenly extended like a spring, thus enabling them to leap to a considerable distance. See Collembola, and Podura.


word: Springy
definition:
Springy

Spring"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Springier (-ĭ*ẽr); superl. Springiest.]
[From Spring.]
1.
Resembling, having the qualities of, or pertaining to, a spring; elastic; as, springy steel; a springy step.

Though her little frame was slight, it was firm and springy.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
Abounding with springs or fountains; wet; spongy; as, springy land.


word: Sprinkle
definition:
Sprinkle

Sprin"kle
(sprĭ&nsmacr_;"k'l)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Sprinkled (-k'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Sprinkling (-klĭng).]
[OE. sprenkelen, freq. of sprengen to sprinkle, to scatter, AS. sprengan, properly, to make to spring, causative of springan to spring; akin to D. sprenkelen to sprinkle, G. sprengen. See Spring, v. i., and cf. Sprent.]
1.
To scatter in small drops or particles, as water, seed, etc.

2.
To scatter on; to disperse something over in small drops or particles; to besprinkle; as, to sprinkle the earth with water; to sprinkle a floor with sand.

3.
To baptize by the application of a few drops, or a small quantity, of water; hence, to cleanse; to purify.

Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Heb. x. 22.


word: Sprinkle₂
definition:
Sprinkle

Sprin"kle
v. i.
1.
To scatter a liquid, or any fine substance, so that it may fall in particles.

And the priest shall . . . sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord.
Lev. xiv. 16.

2.
To rain moderately, or with scattered drops falling now and then; as, it sprinkles.

3.
To fly or be scattered in small drops or particles.


word: Sprinkle₃
definition:
Sprinkle

Sprin"kle
n.
1.
A small quantity scattered, or sparsely distributed; a sprinkling.

2.
A utensil for sprinkling; a sprinkler.
[Obs.]


word: Sprinkler
definition:
Sprinkler

Sprin"kler
(-klẽr)
n.
1.
One who sprinkles.

2.
An instrument or vessel used in sprinkling; specifically, a watering pot.


word: Sprinkling
definition:
Sprinkling

Sprin"kling
(-klĭng)
n.
1.
The act of one who, or that which, sprinkles.

Baptism may well enough be performed by sprinkling or effusion of water.
Ayliffe.

2.
A small quantity falling in distinct drops or particles; as, a sprinkling of rain or snow.

3.
Hence, a moderate number or quantity distributed like separate drops, or as if scattered like drops.
Craik.


word: Sprint
definition:
Sprint

Sprint
(sprĭnt)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sprinted; p. pr. & vb. n. Sprinting.]
[Cf. Sprunt.]
To run very rapidly; to run at full speed.

A runner [in a quarter-mile race] should be able to sprint the whole way.
Encyc. Brit.


word: Sprint₂
definition:
Sprint

Sprint
n.
The act of sprinting; a run of a short distance at full speed.

Sprint race, a foot race at the highest running speed; -- usually limited to distances under a quarter of a mile.


word: Sprinter
definition:
Sprinter

Sprint"er
(-ẽr)
n.
One who sprints; one who runs in sprint races; as, a champion sprinter.


word: Sprit
definition:
Sprit

Sprit
(sprĭt)
v. t.
[Akin to G. spritzen, sprützen. See Sprit, v. i.]
To throw out with force from a narrow orifice; to eject; to spurt out.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Sprit₂
definition:
Sprit

Sprit
v. i.
[AS. spryttan to sprout, bud. See Sprout, v. i., and cf. Spurt, v. t., Sprit a spar.]
To sprout; to bud; to germinate, as barley steeped for malt.


word: Sprit₄
definition:
Sprit

Sprit
n.
[OE. spret, AS. spreót a sprit; spear; akin to D. spriet, and E. sprout, sprit, v.t. & i. See Sprout, v. i.]
(Naut.)
A small boom, pole, or spar, which crosses the sail of a boat diagonally from the mast to the upper aftmost corner, which it is used to extend and elevate.


word: Sprite
definition:
Sprite

Sprite
(sprīt)
n.
[OE. sprit, F. esprit, fr. L. spiritus. See Spirit, and cf. Sprightly.]
1.
A spirit; a soul; a shade; also, an apparition.  See Spright.

Gaping graves received the wandering, guilty sprite.
Dryden.

2.
An elf; a fairy; a goblin.

3.
(Zool.)
The green woodpecker, or yaffle.


word: Spritely
definition:
Spritely

Spriteliness

Spritefully

Spriteful

Sprite"ful (-f&usdot_;l), a., Sprite"ful*ly, adv., Sprite"li*ness (-lĭ*nĕs), n., Sprite"ly, a., etc.
See Sprightful, Sprightfully, Sprightliness, Sprightly, etc.


word: Spritsail
definition:
Spritsail

Sprit"sail
(sprĭt"sāl; among seamen sprĭt"s'l)
n.
(Naut.)
(a)
A sail extended by a sprit.
(b)
A sail formerly hung under the bowsprit, from the spritsail yard.


word: Sprocket
definition:
Sprocket

Sprock"et
(spr&obreve_;k"ĕt)
n.
[Etymology uncertain.]
(Mach.)
(a)
A tooth or projection, as on the periphery of a wheel, shaped so as to engage with a chain.
(b)
A sprocket wheel.


word: Sprocket wheel
definition:
Sprocket wheel

Sprock"et wheel`
(spr&obreve_;k"ĕt hwēl`)
[Etymology of sprocket is uncertain.]
(Mach.)
Same as Chain wheel.


word: Sprod
definition:
Sprod

Sprod
(spr&obreve_;d)
n.
[Cf. Gael. & Ir. bradan a salmon.]
(Zool.)
A salmon in its second year.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Sprout
definition:
Sprout

Sprout
(sprout)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sprouted; p. pr. & vb. n. Sprouting.]
[OE. sprouten, spruten; akin to OFries. sprūta, AS. spreótan, D. spruiten, G. spriessen, Sw. spruta to squirt, to spout.  Cf. Sprit, v. t. & i., Sprit a spar, Spout, v. t., Spurt.]
1.
To shoot, as the seed of a plant; to germinate; to push out new shoots; hence, to grow like shoots of plants.

2.
To shoot into ramifications.
[Obs.]
Bacon.


word: Sprout₂
definition:
Sprout

Sprout
v. t.
1.
To cause to sprout; as, the rain will sprout the seed.

2.
To deprive of sprouts; as, to sprout potatoes.


word: Sprout₃
definition:
Sprout

Sprout
n.
[Cf. AS. sprote a sprout, sprig; akin to Icel. sproti, G. sprosse. See Sprout, v. i.]
1.
The shoot of a plant; a shoot from the seed, from the stump, or from the root or tuber, of a plant or tree; more rarely, a shoot from the stem of a plant, or the end of a branch.

2.
pl.
Young coleworts; Brussels sprouts.
Johnson.

Brussels sprouts (Bot.) See under Brussels.


word: Spruce
definition:
Spruce

Spruce
(spr&usuml_;s)
n.
[OE. Spruce or Pruse, Prussia, Prussian. So named because it was first known as a native of Prussia, or because its sprouts were used for making, spruce beer.  Cf. Spruce beer, below, Spruce, a.]
1.
(Bot.)
Any coniferous tree of the genus Picea, as the Norway spruce (Picea excelsa), and the white and black spruces of America (Picea alba and Picea nigra), besides several others in the far Northwest. See Picea.

2.
The wood or timber of the spruce tree.

3.
Prussia leather; pruce.
[Obs.]

Spruce, a sort of leather corruptly so called for Prussia leather.
E. Phillips.

Douglas spruce (Bot.), a valuable timber tree (Pseudotsuga Douglasii) of Northwestern America. -- Essence of spruce, a thick, dark-colored, bitterish, and acidulous liquid made by evaporating a decoction of the young branches of spruce. -- Hemlock spruce (Bot.), a graceful coniferous tree (Tsuga Canadensis) of North America. Its timber is valuable, and the bark is largely used in tanning leather. -- Spruce beer. [G. sprossenbier; sprosse sprout, shoot (akin to E. sprout, n.) + bier beer.  The word was changed into spruce beer because the beer came from Prussia (OE. Spruce), or because it was made from the sprouts of the spruce.  See Sprout, n., Beer, and cf. Spruce, n.] A kind of beer which is tinctured or flavored with spruce, either by means of the extract or by decoction. -- Spruce grouse. (Zool.) Same as Spruce partridge, below. -- Spruce leather. See Spruce, n., 3. -- Spruce partridge (Zool.), a handsome American grouse (Dendragapus Canadensis) found in Canada and the Northern United States; -- called also Canada grouse.


word: Spruce₂
definition:
Spruce

Spruce
(spr&usuml_;s)
a.
[Compar. Sprucer (spr&usuml_;"sẽr); superl. Sprucest (spr&usuml_;"sĕst).]
[Perhaps fr. spruce a sort of leather from Prussia, which was an article of finery. See Spruce, n.]
1.
Neat, without elegance or dignity; smart; trim; -- formerly applied to things with a serious meaning; now chiefly applied to persons.
spruce
Remedy of Love.

2.
Sprightly; dashing.
[Obs.]
spruce
Shak.

He is so spruce that he can never be genteel.
Tatler.


word: Spruce₃
definition:
Spruce

Spruce
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spruced (spr&usuml_;st); p. pr. & vb. n. Sprucing (spr&usuml_;"sĭng).]
To dress with affected neatness; to trim; to make spruce; -- often used with up; as, to spruce up the house for Company.


word: Sprue
definition:
Sprue

Sprue
(spr&usuml_;)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
1.
(Founding)
(a)
Strictly, the hole through which melted metal is poured into the gate, and thence into the mold.
(b)
The waste piece of metal cast in this hole; hence, dross.

2.
(Med.)
Same as Sprew.


word: Sprug
definition:
Sprug

Sprug
(sprŭg)
v. t.
[Cf. Prov. E. sprug up to dress neatly, sprag to prop, a., lively.]
To make smart.
[Obs.]


word: Sprunt
definition:
Sprunt

Sprunt
(sprŭnt)
v. i.
[Cf. Sprout, v. i.]
To spring up; to germinate; to spring forward or outward.
[Obs.]

To sprunt up, to draw one's self up suddenly, as in anger or defiance; to bristle up. [Local, U.S.]


word: Sprunt₂
definition:
Sprunt

Sprunt
n.
1.
Anything short and stiff.
[Obs.]

2.
A leap; a spring.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]

3.
A steep ascent in a road.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Spry
definition:
Spry

Spry
(sprī)
a.
[Compar. Sprier or Spryer (-ẽr); superl. Spriest or Spryest.]
[Cf. dial. Sw. sprygg lively, skittish, and E. sprag.]
Having great power of leaping or running; nimble; active.
[U.S. & Local Eng.]

She is as spry as a cricket.
S. Judd (Margaret).

If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.
Emerson.


word: Spud
definition:
Spud

Spud
(spŭd)
n.
[Cf. Dan. spyd a spear.]
1.
A sharp, narrow spade, usually with a long handle, used by farmers for digging up large-rooted weeds; a similarly shaped implement used for various purposes.

My spud these nettles from the stone can part.
Swift.

2.
A dagger.
[Obs.]
Holland.

3.
Anything short and thick; specifically, a piece of dough boiled in fat.
[Local, U.S.]

4.
A potato.
[Colloq.]


word: Spuller
definition:
Spuller

Spul"ler
(spŭl"lẽr)
n.
[For spooler.]
[See Spool.]
One employed to inspect yarn, to see that it is well spun, and fit for the loom.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: spulzie
definition:
spulzie

spul"zie
(spŭl"zĭ or spŭl"yĭ)
n.
[Cf. Spoil.]
Plunder, or booty.
[Written also spuilzie, and spulye.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Spume
definition:
Spume

Spume
(spūm)
n.
[L. spuma.  Cf. Pumice, Spoom.]
Frothy matter raised on liquids by boiling, effervescence, or agitation; froth; foam; scum.

Materials dark and crude,
Of spiritous and fiery spume.
Milton.


word: Spume₂
definition:
Spume

Spume
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Spumed (spūmd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spuming.]
[L. spumare.]
To froth; to foam.


word: Spumescence
definition:
Spumescence

Spu*mes"cence
(sp&uuptack_;*mĕs"sens)
n.
[See Spumescent.]
The state of being foamy; frothiness.


word: Spumescent
definition:
Spumescent

Spu*mes"cent
(-sent)
a.
[L. spumescens, p. pr. of spumescere to grow foamy, from spuma foam.]
Resembling froth or foam; foaming.


word: Spumiferous
definition:
Spumiferous

Spu*mif"er*ous
(sp&uuptack_;*mĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[L. spumifier; spuma foam + ferre to bear.]
Producing foam.


word: Spumy
definition:
Spumy

Spumous

{ Spum"ous (spūm"ŭs), Spum"y (spūm"&ybreve_;), }
a.
[L. spumosus, fr. spuma foam: cf. F. spumeux.]
Consisting of, containing, or covered with, froth, scum, or foam; frothy; foamy.

The spumous and florid state of the blood.
Arbuthnot.

The spumy waves proclaim the watery war.
Dryden.


word: Spun
definition:
Spun

Spun
(spŭn)
imp. & p. p. of Spin.

Spun hay, hay twisted into ropes for convenient carriage, as on a military expedition. -- Spun silk, a cheap article produced from floss, or short-fibered, broken, and waste silk, carded and spun, in distinction from the long filaments wound from the cocoon. It is often mixed with cotton. -- Spun yarn (Naut.), a line formed of two or more rope-yarns loosely twisted.


word: Spunk
definition:
Spunk

Spunk
(spŭ&nsmacr_;k)
n.
[Gael. spong, or Ir. sponc, tinder, sponge; cf. AS. sponge a sponge (L. spongia), sp&omacrn a chip.  Cf. Sponge, Punk.]
[Written also sponk.]
1.
Wood that readily takes fire; touchwood; also, a kind of tinder made from a species of fungus; punk; amadou.
Sir T. Browne.

2.
An inflammable temper; spirit; mettle; pluck; as, a man of spunk.
[Colloq.]

A lawless and dangerous set, men of spunk, and spirit, and power, both of mind and body.
Prof. Wilson.


word: Spunky
definition:
Spunky

Spunk"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Spunkier (-ĭ*ẽr); superl. Spunkiest.]
Full of spunk; quick; spirited.
[Colloq.]


word: Spur₂
definition:
Spur

Spur
n.
[OE. spure, spore, AS. spura, spora; akin to D. spoor, G. sporn, OHG. sporo, Icel. spori, Dan. spore, Sw. sporre, and to AS. spor a trace, footstep, spyrian to trace, track, examine, and E. spurn. √171.  Cf. Sparrow, Spere, Spoor, Spurn.]
1.
An implement secured to the heel, or above the heel, of a horseman, to urge the horse by its pressure. Modern spurs have a small wheel, or rowel, with short points. Spurs were the badge of knighthood.

And on her feet a pair of spurs large.
Chaucer.

2.
That which goads to action; an incitement.

Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise
(That last infirmity of noble mind)
To scorn delights and live laborious days.
Milton.

3.
Something that projects; a snag.

4.
One of the large or principal roots of a tree.
Shak.

5.
(Zool.)
Any stiff, sharp spine, as on the wings and legs of certain birds, on the legs of insects, etc.; especially, the spine on a cock's leg.

6.
A mountain that shoots from any other mountain, or range of mountains, and extends to some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles.

7.
A spiked iron worn by seamen upon the bottom of the boot, to enable them to stand upon the carcass of a whale, to strip off the blubber.

8.
(Carp.)
A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, as a rafter or crossbeam; a strut.

9.
(Arch.)
(a)
The short wooden buttress of a post.
(b)
A projection from the round base of a column, occupying the angle of a square plinth upon which the base rests, or bringing the bottom bed of the base to a nearly square form. It is generally carved in leafage.

10.
(Bot.)
(a)
Any projecting appendage of a flower looking like a spur.
Gray.
(b)
Ergotized rye or other grain.
[R.]

11.
(Fort.)
A wall that crosses a part of a rampart and joins to an inner wall.

12.
(Shipbuilding)
(a)
A piece of timber fixed on the bilge ways before launching, having the upper ends bolted to the vessel's side.
(b)
A curved piece of timber serving as a half beam to support the deck where a whole beam can not be placed.

13.
(Mining)
A branch of a vein.

14.
The track of an animal, as an otter; a spoor.

Spur fowl (Zool.), any one of several species of Asiatic gallinaceous birds of the genus Galloperdix, allied to the jungle fowl. The males have two or more spurs on each leg. -- Spur gear (Mach.), a cogwheel having teeth which project radially and stand parallel to the axis; a spur wheel. -- Spur gearing, gearing in which spur gears are used. See under Gearing. -- Spur pepper. (Bot.) See the Note under Capsicum. -- Spur wheel. Same as Spur gear, above.


word: Spur₃
definition:
Spur

Spur
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spurred (spûrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spurring.]
1.
To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; to urge or goad; as, to spur a horse.

2.
To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object; to incite; to stimulate; to instigate; to impel; to drive.

Love will not be spurred to what it loathes.
Shak.

3.
To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot.


word: Spur₄
definition:
Spur

Spur
v. i.
To spur on one's horse; to travel with great expedition; to hasten; hence, to press forward in any pursuit.
spurs
Shak.

The Parthians shall be there,
And, spurring from the fight, confess their fear.
Dryden.

The roads leading to the capital were covered with multitudes of yeomen, spurring hard to Westminster.
Macaulay.

Some bold men, . . . by spurring on, refine themselves.
Grew.


word: Spurge
definition:
Spurge

Spurge
(spûrj)
v. t.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
To emit foam; to froth; -- said of the emission of yeast from beer in course of fermentation.
[Obs.]
W. Cartright.


word: Spurge₂
definition:
Spurge

Spurge
n.
[OF. espurge, F. épurge, from OF. espurgier to purge, L. expurgare. See Expurgate, Purge.]
(Bot.)
Any plant of the genus Euphorbia. See Euphorbia.

Spurge flax, an evergreen shrub (Daphne Gnidium) with crowded narrow leaves. It is a native of Southern Europe. -- Spurge laurel, a European shrub (Daphne Laureola) with oblong evergreen leaves. -- Spurge nettle. See under Nettle. -- Spurge olive, an evergreen shrub (Daphne oleoides) found in the Mediterranean region.


word: Spurious
definition:
Spurious

Spu"ri*ous
(spū"rĭ*ŭs)
a.
[L. spurius.]
1.
Not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; not genuine; counterfeit; false; adulterate.

2.
Not legitimate; bastard; as, spurious issue.
spurious
Milton.

Spurious primary, or Spurious quill (Zool.), the first, or outer, primary quill when rudimentary or much reduced in size, as in certain singing birds. -- Spurious wing (Zool.), the bastard wing, or alula.


word: Spurling-line
definition:
Spurling-line

Spur"ling-line`
(-līn`)
n.
[Cf. Prov. E. spurling the rut of a wheel, a cart rut, AS. spor a track, trace, E. spoor, Scot. spurl to sprawl.]
(Naut.)
The line which forms the communication between the steering wheel and the telltale.


word: Spurn
definition:
Spurn

Spurn
(spûrn)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spurned (spûrnd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spurning.]
[OE. spurnen to kick against, to stumble over, AS. spurnan to kick, offend; akin to spura spur, OS. & OHG. spurnan to kick, Icel. spyrna, L. spernere to despise, Skr. sphur to jerk, to push. √171. See Spur.]
1.
To drive back or away, as with the foot; to kick.

[The bird] with his foot will spurn adown his cup.
Chaucer.

I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Shak.

2.
To reject with disdain; to scorn to receive or accept; to treat with contempt.

What safe and nicely I might well delay
By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn.
Shak.

Domestics will pay a more cheerful service when they find themselves not spurned because fortune has laid them at their master's feet.
Locke.


word: Spurn₂
definition:
Spurn

Spurn
v. i.
1.
To kick or toss up the heels.

The miller spurned at a stone.
Chaucer.

The drunken chairman in the kennel spurns.
Gay.

2.
To manifest disdain in rejecting anything; to make contemptuous opposition or resistance.

Nay, more, to spurn at your most royal image.
Shak.


word: Spurn₃
definition:
Spurn

Spurn
n.
1.
A kick; a blow with the foot.
[R.]

What defense can properly be used in such a despicable encounter as this but either the slap or the spurn?
Milton.

2.
Disdainful rejection; contemptuous treatment.

The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes.
Shak.

3.
(Mining)
A body of coal left to sustain an overhanging mass.


word: Spurn-water
definition:
Spurn-water

Spurn"-wa`ter
(-w&asuml_;`tẽr)
n.
(Naut.)
A channel at the end of a deck to restrain the water.


word: Spurred
definition:
Spurred

Spurred
(spûrd)
a.
1.
Wearing spurs; furnished with a spur or spurs; having shoots like spurs.

2.
Affected with spur, or ergot; as, spurred rye.

Spurred corolla (Bot.), a corolla in which there are one or more petals with a spur.


word: Spurrier
definition:
Spurrier

Spur"ri*er
(spûr"rĭ*ẽr)
n.
One whose occupation is to make spurs.
B. Jonson.
spurriers
Macaulay.


word: Spur-royal
definition:
Spur-royal

Spur"-roy`al
(spûr"roi`al)
n.
A gold coin, first made in the reign of Edward IV., having a star on the reverse resembling the rowel of a spur. In the reigns of Elizabeth and of James I., its value was fifteen shillings.
[Written also spur-rial, and spur-ryal.]


word: Spurry
definition:
Spurry

Spur"ry
(spŭr"r&ybreve_;)
n.
[D. or OF. spurrie; cf. G. spergel, NL. spergula.]
(Bot.)
An annual herb (Spergula arvensis) with whorled filiform leaves, sometimes grown in Europe for fodder.
[Written also spurrey.]

Sand spurry (Bot.), any low herb of the genus Lepigonum, mostly found in sandy places.


word: Spur-shell
definition:
Spur-shell

Spur"-shell`
(spûr"shĕl`)
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of handsome marine gastropod shells of the genus Trochus, or Imperator.  The shell is conical, with the margin toothed somewhat like the rowel of a spur.


word: Spurt
definition:
Spurt

Spurt
(spûrt)
v. i.
[Written also spirt, and originally the same word as sprit; OE. sprutten to sprout, AS. spryttan. See Sprit, v. i., Sprout, v. i.]
To gush or issue suddenly or violently out in a stream, as liquor from a cask; to rush from a confined place in a small stream or jet; to spirt.

Thus the small jet, which hasty hands unlock,
Spurts in the gardener's eyes who turns the cock.
Pope.


word: Spurt₂
definition:
Spurt

Spurt
v. t.
To throw out, as a liquid, in a stream or jet; to drive or force out with violence, as a liquid from a pipe or small orifice; as, to spurt water from the mouth.


word: Spurt₃
definition:
Spurt

Spurt
n.
1.
A sudden or violent ejection or gushing of a liquid, as of water from a tube, orifice, or other confined place, or of blood from a wound; a jet; a spirt.

2.
A shoot; a bud.
[Obs.]
Holland.

3.
Fig.:
A sudden outbreak; as, a spurt of jealousy.

Spurt grass (Bot.), a rush fit for basket work. Dr. Prior.


word: Spurt₄
definition:
Spurt

Spurt
(spûrt)
n.
[Cf. Icel. sprettr a spurt, spring, run, spretta to spirt, spring.]
A sudden and energetic effort, as in an emergency; an increased exertion for a brief space.

The long, steady sweep of the so-called “paddle” tried him almost as much as the breathless strain of the spurt.
T. Hughes.


word: Spurt₅
definition:
Spurt

Spurt
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Spurted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spurting.]
To make a sudden and violent exertion, as in an emergency.


word: Spurtle
definition:
Spurtle

Spur"tle
(spûr"t'l)
v. t.
[Freq. of spurt.]
To spurt or shoot in a scattering manner.
[Obs.]
Drayton.


word: Spurway
definition:
Spurway

Spur"way`
(spûr"wā`)
n.
[Prov. E. spoor a track, trace (AS. spor) + way.]
A bridle path.
[R.]


word: Spur-winged
definition:
Spur-winged

Spur"-winged`
(-wĭngd`)
a.
(Zool.)
Having one or more spurs on the bend of the wings.

Spur-winged goose (Zool.), any one of several species of long-legged African geese of the genus Plectropterus and allied genera, having a strong spur on the bend of the wing, as the Gambo goose (Plectropterus Gambensis) and the Egyptian, or Nile, goose (Alopochen Aegyptiaca). -- Spur-winged plover (Zool.), an Old World plover (Hoplopterus spinosus) having a sharp spur on the bend of the wing.  It inhabits Northern Africa and the adjacent parts of Asia and Europe.


word: Sput
definition:
Sput

Sput
(spŭt)
n.
(Steam Boiler)
An annular reenforce, to strengthen a place where a hole is made.


word: Sputation
definition:
Sputation

Spu*ta"tion
(sp&uuptack_;*tā"shŭn)
n.
[L. sputare to spit, v. intens. fr. spuere to spit: cf. F. sputation.]
The act of spitting; expectoration.
Harvey.


word: Sputter
definition:
Sputter

Sput"ter
(spŭt"tẽr)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Sputtered (-tẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sputtering.]
[From the root of spout or spit to eject from the mouth.  Cf. Splutter.]
1.
To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small, scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.

2.
To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.

They could neither of them speak their rage, and so fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples.
Congreve.

3.
To throw out anything, as little jets of steam, with a noise like that made by one sputtering.

Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the flame.
Dryden.


word: Sputter₂
definition:
Sputter

Sput"ter
v. t.
To spit out hastily by quick, successive efforts, with a spluttering sound; to utter hastily and confusedly, without control over the organs of speech.

In the midst of caresses, and without the least pretended incitement, to sputter out the basest accusations.
Swift.


word: Sputter₃
definition:
Sputter

Sput"ter
n.
Moist matter thrown out in small detached particles; also, confused and hasty speech.


word: Sputum
definition:
Sputum

Spu"tum
(spū"tŭm)
n.
pl. Sputa (-tȧ).
[L., from spuere, sputum, to spit.]
That which is expectorated; a salival discharge; spittle; saliva.


word: Spy
definition:
Spy

Spy
(spī)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Spied (spīd); p. pr. & vb. n. Spying.]
[OE. spien, espien, OF. espier, F. épier, OHG. speh&omacrn, G. spähen; akin to L. specere to see, Skr. spaç. √ 169.  Cf. Espy, v. t., Aspect, Auspice, Circumspect, Conspicuous, Despise, Frontispiece, Inspect, Prospect, Respite, Scope, Specimen, Spectacle, Specter, Speculate, Spice, Spite, Suspicion.]
1.
To gain sight of; to discover at a distance, or in a state of concealment; to espy; to see.

One, in reading, skipped over all sentences where he spied a note of admiration.
Swift.

2.
To discover by close search or examination.

Look about with your eyes; spy what things are to be reformed in the church of England.
Latimer.

3.
To explore; to view, inspect, and examine secretly, as a country; -- usually with out.

Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof.
Num. xxi. 32.


word: Spy₂
definition:
Spy

Spy
v. i.
To search narrowly; to scrutinize.

It is my nature's plague
To spy into abuses.
Shak.


word: Spy₃
definition:
Spy

Spy
n.
pl. Spies (spīz).
[See Spy, v., and cf. Espy, n.]
1.
One who keeps a constant watch of the conduct of others.
spies
Dryden.

2.
(Mil.)
A person sent secretly into an enemy's camp, territory, or fortifications, to inspect his works, ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to communicate such intelligence to the proper officer.

Spy money, money paid to a spy; the reward for private or secret intelligence regarding the enemy. -- Spy Wednesday (Eccl.), the Wednesday immediately preceding the festival of Easter; -- so called in allusion to the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.


word: Spyboat
definition:
Spyboat

Spy"boat`
(-b&omacrt`)
n.
A boat sent to make discoveries and bring intelligence.
Arbuthnot.


word: Squab
definition:
Squab

Squab
(skw&obreve_;b)
a.
[Cf. dial. Sw. sqvabb a soft and fat body, sqvabba a fat woman, Icel. kvap jelly, jellylike things, and E. quab.]
1.
Fat; thick; plump; bulky.

Nor the squab daughter nor the wife were nice.
Betterton.

2.
Unfledged; unfeathered; as, a squab pigeon.
King.


word: Squab₂
definition:
Squab

Squab
n.
1.
(Zool.)
A nestling of a pigeon or other similar bird, esp. when very fat and not fully fledged.

2.
A person of a short, fat figure.

Gorgonious sits abdominous and wan,
Like a fat squab upon a Chinese fan.
Cowper.

3.
A thickly stuffed cushion; especially, one used for the seat of a sofa, couch, or chair; also, a sofa.

Punching the squab of chairs and sofas.
Dickens.

On her large squab you find her spread.
Pope.


word: Squab₃
definition:
Squab

Squab
adv.
[Cf. dial. Sw. sqvapp, a word imitative of a splash, and E. squab fat, unfledged.]
With a heavy fall; plump.
[Vulgar]

The eagle took the tortoise up into the air, and dropped him down, squab, upon a rock.
L'Estrange.


word: Squabash
definition:
Squabash

Squa*bash"
(skwȧ*băsh")
v. t.
To crush; to quash; to squash.
[Colloq. or Slang, Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Squabble
definition:
Squabble

Squab"ble
(skw&obreve_;b"b'l)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squabbled (-b'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Squabbling (-blĭng).]
[Cf. dial. Sw. skvabbel a dispute, skvappa to chide.]
1.
To contend for superiority in an unseemly manner; to scuffle; to struggle; to wrangle; to quarrel.

2.
To debate peevishly; to dispute.

The sense of these propositions is very plain, though logicians might squabble a whole day whether they should rank them under negative or affirmative.
I. Watts.


word: Squabble₂
definition:
Squabble

Squab"ble
v. t.
(Print.)
To disarrange, so that the letters or lines stand awry or are mixed and need careful readjustment; -- said of type that has been set up.


word: Squab-chick
definition:
Squab-chick

Squab"-chick`
(-chĭk`)
n.
(Zool.)
A young chicken before it is fully fledged.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Squacco
definition:
Squacco

Squac"co
(skwăk"ko̝)
n.
pl. Squaccos (-k&omacrz).
(Zool.)
A heron (Ardea comata) found in Asia, Northern Africa, and Southern Europe.


word: Squad
definition:
Squad

Squad
(skw&obreve_;d)
n.
[F. escouade, fr. Sp. escuadra, or It. squadra, (assumed) LL. exquadrare to square; L. ex + quadra a square. See Square.]
1.
(Mil.)
A small party of men assembled for drill, inspection, or other purposes.

2.
Hence, any small party.


word: Squadron
definition:
Squadron

Squad"ron
(skw&obreve_;d"rŭn)
n.
[F. escadron, formerly also esquadron, Sp. escuadron, or It. squadrone. See Squad.]
1.
Primarily, a square; hence, a square body of troops; a body of troops drawn up in a square.
[R.]

Those half-rounding quards
Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined.
Milton.

2.
(Mil.)
A body of cavalry comprising two companies or troops, and averaging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred men.

3.
(Naut.)
A detachment of vessels employed on any particular service or station, under the command of the senior officer; as, the North Atlantic Squadron.
Totten.

Flying squadron, a squadron of observation or practice, that cruises rapidly about from place to place.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.


word: Squail
definition:
Squail

Squail
(skwāl)
v. i.
To throw sticks at cocks; to throw anything about awkwardly or irregularly.
[Prov. Eng.]
Southey.


word: Squali
definition:
Squali

Squa"li
(skwā"lī)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. L. squalus a kind of sea fish.]
(Zool.)
The suborder of elasmobranch fishes which comprises the sharks.


word: Squalid
definition:
Squalid

Squal"id
(skw&obreve_;l"ĭd)
a.
[L. squalidus, fr. squalere to be foul or filthy.]
Dirty through neglect; foul; filthy; extremely dirty.

Uncombed his locks, and squalid his attire.
Dryden.

Those squalid dens, which are the reproach of large capitals.
Macaulay.


word: Squalidity
definition:
Squalidity

Squa*lid"i*ty
(skwȧ*lĭd"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[L. squaliditas.]
The quality or state of being squalid; foulness; filthiness.


word: Squall
definition:
Squall

Squall
(skw&asuml_;l)
n.
[Cf. Sw. sqval an impetuous running of water, sqvalregn a violent shower of rain, sqvala to stream, to gush.]
A sudden and violent gust of wind often attended with rain or snow.

The gray skirts of a lifting squall.
Tennyson.

Black squall, a squall attended with dark, heavy clouds. -- Thick squall, a black squall accompanied by rain, hail, sleet, or snow. Totten. -- White squall, a squall which comes unexpectedly, without being marked in its approach by the clouds. Totten.


word: Squall₂
definition:
Squall

Squall
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squalled (skw&asuml_;ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Squalling.]
[Icel. skvala.  Cf. Squeal.]
To cry out; to scream or cry violently, as a woman frightened, or a child in anger or distress; as, the infant squalled.


word: Squall₃
definition:
Squall

Squall
n.
A loud scream; a harsh cry.

There oft are heard the notes of infant woe, --
The short, thick sob, loud scream, and shriller squall.
Pope.


word: Squally
definition:
Squally

Squall"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Abounding with squalls; disturbed often with sudden and violent gusts of wind; gusty; as, squally weather.

2.
(Agric.)
Interrupted by unproductive spots; -- said of a field of turnips or grain.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

3.
(Weaving)
Not equally good throughout; not uniform; uneven; faulty; -- said of cloth.


word: Squalodon
definition:
Squalodon

Squa"lo*don
(skwā"lo̝*d&obreve_;n)
n.
[NL. Squalus a genus of sharks + Gr. 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, a tooth.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of fossil whales belonging to the Phocodontia; -- so called because their teeth are serrated, like a shark's.


word: Squaloid
definition:
Squaloid

Squa"loid
(skwā"loid)
a.
[NL. Squalus a genus of sharks (fr. L. squalus a kind of sea fish) + -oid.]
(Zool.)
Like or pertaining to a shark or sharks.


word: Squalor
definition:
Squalor

Squa"lor
(skwā"lôr)
n.
[L., fr. squalere to be foul or filthy.]
Squalidness; foulness; filthiness; squalidity.

The heterogeneous indigent multitude, everywhere wearing nearly the same aspect of squalor.
I. Taylor.

To bring this sort of squalor among the upper classes.
Dickens.


word: Squam
definition:
Squam

Squam
(skw&obreve_;m)
n.
[From Squam, shortened fr. Annisquam, name of a village on the coast of Massachusetts.]
An oilskin hat or southwester; -- a fisherman's name.
[U. S.]


word: Squama
definition:
Squama

Squa"ma
(skwā"mȧ)
n.
pl. Squamae (-mē).
[L. a scale.]
(Med.)
A scale cast off from the skin; a thin dry shred consisting of epithelium.


word: Squamata
definition:
Squamata

Squa*ma"ta
(skwȧ*mā"tȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. L. squamatus scaly.]
(Zool.)
A division of edentates having the body covered with large, imbricated horny scales. It includes the pangolins.


word: Squamated
definition:
Squamated

Squamate

{ Squa"mate (skwā"ma̝t), Squa"ma*ted (-ma̝*tĕd), }
a.
[L. squamatus.]
Same as Squamose.


word: Squame
definition:
Squame

Squame
(skwām)
n.
[L. squama scale.]
1.
A scale.
[Obs.]
squames
Chaucer.

2.
(Zool.)
The scale, or exopodite, of an antenna of a crustacean.


word: Squamella
definition:
Squamella

Squa*mel"la
(skwȧ*mĕl"lȧ)
n.
pl. Squamellae (-lē).
[NL., dim. fr. L. squama a scale.]
(Bot.)
A diminutive scale or bractlet, such as those found on the receptacle in many composite plants; a palea.


word: Squamiform
definition:
Squamiform

Squa"mi*form
(skwā"mĭ*fôrm)
a.
[L. squama a scale + -form.]
Having the shape of a scale.


word: Squamigerous
definition:
Squamigerous

Squa*mig"er*ous
(skwȧ*mĭj"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[L. squamiger; squama a scale + gerere to bear.]
(Zool.)
Bearing scales.


word: Squamipen
definition:
Squamipen

Squam"i*pen
(skwăm"ĭ*pĕn or skwā"mĭ-)
n.
pl. Squamipennes (-pĕn"nēz).
[L. squama a scale + penna a fin: cf. F. squamipenne.]
(Zool.)
Any one of a group of fishes having the dorsal and anal fins partially covered with scales.

&hand_; They are compressed and mostly, bright-colored tropical fishes, belonging to Chaetodon and allied genera.  Many of them are called coral fishes, and angel fishes.


word: Squamoid
definition:
Squamoid

Squa"moid
(skwā"moid)
a.
[L. squama scale + -oid.]
Resembling a scale; also, covered with scales; scaly.


word: Squamosal
definition:
Squamosal

Squa*mo"sal
(skwȧ*m&omacr"sal)
a.
(Anat.)
(a)
Scalelike; squamous; as, the squamosal bone.
(b)
Of or pertaining to the squamosal bone.
n. The squamous part of the temporal bone, or a bone corresponding to it, in many of the lower vertebrates. See Temporal bone, under Temporal.


word: Squamous
definition:
Squamous

Squamose

{ Squa*mose" (skwȧ*m&omacrs" or skwā"m&omacrs`), Squa"mous (skwā"mŭs), }
a.
[L. squamosus, fr. squama a scale: cf. F. squameux.]
1.
Covered with, or consisting of, scales; resembling a scale; scaly; as, the squamose cones of the pine; squamous epithelial cells; the squamous portion of the temporal bone, which is so called from a fancied resemblance to a scale.

2.
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the squamosal bone; squamosal.


word: Squamozygomatic
definition:
Squamozygomatic

Squa`mo*zyg`o*mat"ic
(skwā`mo̝*zĭg`o̝*măt"ĭk)
a.
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to both the squamosal and zygomatic bones; -- applied to a bone, or a center of ossification, in some fetal skulls.
n. A squamozygomatic bone.


word: Squamula
definition:
Squamula

Squam"u*la
(skwăm"&uuptack_;*lȧ or skwā"m&uuptack_;*lȧ)
n.
pl. Squamulae (-lē).
[L., dim. of squama a scale.]
(Bot.)
One of the little hypogynous scales found in the flowers of grasses; a lodicule.


word: Squander
definition:
Squander

Squan"der
(skw&obreve_;n"dẽr)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squandered (-dẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Squandering.]
[Cf. Scot. squatter to splash water about, to scatter, to squander, Prov. E. swatter, Dan. sqvatte, Sw. sqvätta to squirt, sqvättra to squander, Icel. skvetta to squirt out, to throw out water.]
1.
To scatter; to disperse.
[Obs.]

Our squandered troops he rallies.
Dryden.

2.
To spend lavishly or profusely; to spend prodigally or wastefully; to use without economy or judgment; to dissipate; as, to squander an estate.

The crime of squandering health is equal to the folly.
Rambler.


word: Squander₂
definition:
Squander

Squan"der
v. i.
1.
To spend lavishly; to be wasteful.

They often squandered, but they never gave.
Savage.

2.
To wander at random; to scatter.
[R.]

The wise man's folly is anatomized
Even by squandering glances of the fool.
Shak.


word: Square
definition:
Square

Square
(skwâr)
n.
[OF. esquarre, esquierre, F. équerre a carpenter's square (cf. It. squadra), fr. (assumed) LL. exquadrare to make square; L. ex + quadrus a square, fr. quattuor four. See Four, and cf. Quadrant, Squad, Squire a square.]
1.
(Geom.)
(a)
The corner, or angle, of a figure.
[Obs.]
(b)
A parallelogram having four equal sides and four right angles.

2.
Hence, anything which is square, or nearly so
(a)
A square piece or fragment.

He bolted his food down his capacious throat in squares of three inches.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
An area of four sides, generally with houses on each side; sometimes, a solid block of houses; also, an open place or area for public use, as at the meeting or intersection of two or more streets.

The statue of Alexander VII. stands in the large square of the town.
Addison.

4.
(Mech. & Joinery)
An instrument having at least one right angle and two or more straight edges, used to lay out or test square work. It is of several forms, as the T square, the carpenter's square, the try-square., etc.

5.
Hence, a pattern or rule.
[Obs.]

6.
(Arith. & Alg.)
The product of a number or quantity multiplied by itself; thus, 64 is the square of 8, for 8 × 8 = 64; the square of a + b is a2 + 2ab + b2.

7.
Exact proportion; justness of workmanship and conduct; regularity; rule.
[Obs.]

They of Galatia [were] much more out of square.
Hooker.

I have not kept my square.
Shak.

8.
(Mil.)
A body of troops formed in a square, esp. one formed to resist a charge of cavalry; a squadron.
squares
Shak.

9.
Fig.: The relation of harmony, or exact agreement; equality; level.

We live not on the square with such as these.
Dryden.

10.
(Astrol.)
The position of planets distant ninety degrees from each other; a quadrate.
[Obs.]

11.
The act of squaring, or quarreling; a quarrel.
[R.]

12.
The front of a woman's dress over the bosom, usually worked or embroidered.
[Obs.]
Shak.

fair and square in a fair, straightforward,  and honest manner; justly; as, he beat me fair and square. -- Geometrical square. See Quadrat, n., 2. -- Hollow square (Mil.), a formation of troops in the shape of a square, each side consisting of four or five ranks, and the colors, officers, horses, etc., occupying the middle. -- Least square, Magic square, etc. See under Least, Magic, etc. -- On the square, or Upon the square, (a) in an open, fair manner; honestly, or upon honor; justly. [Obs or Colloq.] (b) at right angles. -- On the square with, or Upon the square with, upon equality with; even with. Nares. -- To be all squares, to be all settled. [Colloq.] Dickens. -- To be at square, to be in a state of quarreling. [Obs.] Nares. -- To break no squares, to give no offense; to make no difference. [Obs.] -- To break squares, to depart from an accustomed order. [Obs.] -- To see how the squares go, to see how the game proceeds; -- a phrase taken from the game of chess, the chessboard being formed with squares. [Obs.] L'Estrange.


word: Square₂
definition:
Square

Square
(skwâr)
a.
1.
(Geom.)
Having four equal sides and four right angles; as, a square figure.

2.
Forming a right angle; as, a square corner.

3.
Having a shape broad for the height, with rectilineal and angular rather than curving outlines; as, a man of a square frame.

4.
Exactly suitable or correspondent; true; just.

She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to her.
Shak.

5.
Rendering equal justice; exact; fair; honest; as, square dealing.

6.
Even; leaving no balance; as, to make or leave the accounts square.

7.
Leaving nothing; hearty; vigorous.

By Heaven, square eaters.
More meat, I say.
Beau. & Fl.

8.
(Naut.)
At right angles with the mast or the keel, and parallel to the horizon; -- said of the yards of a square-rigged vessel when they are so braced.

&hand_; Square is often used in self-explaining compounds or combinations, as in square-built, square-cornered, square-cut, square-nosed, etc.

Square foot, an area equal to that of a square the sides of which are twelve inches; 144 square inches. -- Square knot, a knot in which the terminal and standing parts are parallel to each other; a reef knot. See Illust. under Knot. -- Square measure, the measure of a superficies or surface which depends on the length and breadth taken conjointly. The units of square measure are squares whose sides are the linear measures; as, square inches, square feet, square meters, etc. -- Square number. See Square, n., 6. -- Square root of a number or Square root of a quantity (Math.), that number or quantity which, multiplied by itself, produces the given number or quantity. -- Square sail (Naut.), a four-sided sail extended upon a yard suspended by the middle; sometimes, the foresail of a schooner set upon a yard; also, a cutter's or sloop's sail boomed out. See Illust. of Sail. -- Square stern (Naut.), a stern having a transom and joining the counter timbers at an angle, as distinguished from a round stern, which has no transom. -- Three-square, Five-square, etc., having three, five, etc., equal sides; as, a three-square file. -- To get square with, to get even with; to pay off. [Colloq.]


word: Square₃
definition:
Square

Square
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squared (skwârd); p. pr. & vb. n. Squaring.]
[Cf. OF. escarrer, esquarrer. See Square, n.]
1.
To form with four equal sides and four right angles.
Spenser.

2.
To form with right angles and straight lines, or flat surfaces; as, to square masons' work.

3.
To compare with, or reduce to, any given measure or standard.
Shak.

4.
To adjust; to regulate; to mold; to shape; to fit; as, to square our actions by the opinions of others.

Square my trial
To my proportioned strength.
Milton.

5.
To make even, so as to leave no remainder or difference; to balance; as, to square accounts.

6.
(Math.)
To multiply by itself; as, to square a number or a quantity.

7.
(Astrol.)
To hold a quartile position respecting.

The icy Goat and Crab that square the Scales.
Creech.

8.
(Naut.)
To place at right angles with the keel; as, to square the yards.

To square one's shoulders, to raise the shoulders so as to give them a square appearance, -- a movement expressing contempt or dislike. Sir W. Scott. -- To square the circle (Math.), to determine the exact contents of a circle in square measure. The solution of this famous problem is now generally admitted to be impossible.


word: Square₄
definition:
Square

Square
v. i.
1.
To accord or agree exactly; to be consistent with; to conform or agree; to suit; to fit.

No works shall find acceptance . . .
That square not truly with the Scripture plan.
Cowper.

2.
To go to opposite sides; to take an attitude of offense or defense, or of defiance; to quarrel.
[Obs.]

Are you such fools
To square for this?
Shak.

3.
To take a boxing attitude; -- often with up, sometimes with off.
[Colloq.]
Dickens.


word: Squareness
definition:
Squareness

Square"ness
n.
The quality of being square; as, an instrument to try the squareness of work.


word: Squarer
definition:
Squarer

Squar"er
(skwâr"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, squares.

2.
One who squares, or quarrels; a hot-headed, contentious fellow.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Square-rigged
definition:
Square-rigged

Square"-rigged`
(skwâr"rĭgd`)
a.
(Naut.)
Having the sails extended upon yards suspended horizontally by the middle, as distinguished from fore-and-aft sails; thus, a ship and a brig are square-rigged vessels.


word: Square-toed
definition:
Square-toed

Square"-toed`
(-t&omacrd`)
a.
Having the toe square.

Obsolete as fardingales, ruffs, and square-toed shoes.
V. Knox.


word: Square-toes
definition:
Square-toes

Square"-toes`
(-t&omacrz`)
n.
A precise person; -- used contemptuously or jocularly.
Thackeray.


word: Squarrose
definition:
Squarrose

Squar*rose"
(skw&obreve_;r*r&obreve_;s" or skw&obreve_;r"r&omacrs`; 277)
a.
[L. squarrosus (perhaps) scurfy, scabby.]
Ragged or full of loose scales or projecting parts; rough; jagged
(a)
(Bot. & Zool.)
Consisting of scales widely divaricating; having scales, small leaves, or other bodies, spreading widely from the axis on which they are crowded; -- said of a calyx or stem.
(b)
(Bot.)
Divided into shreds or jags, raised above the plane of the leaf, and not parallel to it; -- said of a leaf.
(c)
(Zool.)
Having scales spreading every way, or standing upright, or at right angles to the surface; -- said of a shell.

Squarrose-slashed (Bot.), doubly slashed, with the smaller divisions at right angles to the others, as a leaf. Lindley.


word: Squarroso-dentate
definition:
Squarroso-dentate

Squar*ro`so-den"tate
(skw&obreve_;r*r&omacr`so̝-dĕn"ta̝t)
a.
(Bot.)
Having the teeth bent out of the plane of the lamina; -- said of a leaf.


word: Squarrulose
definition:
Squarrulose

Squar"ru*lose`
(-r&usdot_;*l&omacrs`)
a.
[Dim. of squarrose.]
(Bot.)
Somewhat squarrose; slightly squarrose.
Gray.


word: Squash
definition:
Squash

Squash
(skw&obreve_;sh)
n.
[Cf. Musquash.]
(Zool.)
An American animal allied to the weasel.
[Obs.]
Goldsmith.


word: Squash₂
definition:
Squash

Squash
n.
[Massachusetts Indian asq, pl. asquash, raw, green, immature, applied to fruit and vegetables which were used when green, or without cooking; askutasquash vine apple.]
(Bot.)
A plant and its fruit of the genus Cucurbita, or gourd kind.

&hand_; The species are much confused. The long-neck squash is called Cucurbita verrucosa, the Barbary or China squash, Cucurbita moschata, and the great winter squash, Cucurbita maxima, but the distinctions are not clear.

Squash beetle (Zool.), a small American beetle (Diabrotica vittata, syn. Galeruca vittata) which is often abundant and very injurious to the leaves of squash, cucumber, etc.  It is striped with yellow and black.  The name is applied also to other allied species. -- Squash bug (Zool.), a large black American hemipterous insect (Coreus tristis syn. Anasa tristis) injurious to squash vines.


word: Squash₃
definition:
Squash

Squash
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squashed (skw&obreve_;sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Squashing.]
[OE. squachen, OF. escachier, esquachier, to squash, to crush, F. écacher, perhaps from (assumed) LL. excoacticare, fr. L. ex + coactare to constrain, from cogere, coactum, to compel.  Cf. Cogent, Squat, v. i.]
To beat or press into pulp or a flat mass; to crush.


word: Squash₄
definition:
Squash

Squash
n.
1.
Something soft and easily crushed; especially, an unripe pod of pease.

Not yet old enough for a man, nor young enough for a boy; as a squash is before 't is a peascod.
Shak.

2.
Hence, something unripe or soft; -- used in contempt.
squash
Shak.

3.
A sudden fall of a heavy, soft body; also, a shock of soft bodies.
Arbuthnot.

My fall was stopped by a terrible squash.
Swift.

4.
A game much like rackets, played in a walled court with soft rubber balls and bats like tennis rackets; -- called also squash rackets.


word: Squat₂
definition:
Squat

Squat
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squatted; p. pr. & vb. n. Squatting.]
[OE. squatten to crush, OF. esquater, esquatir (cf. It. quatto squat, cowering), perhaps fr. L. ex + coactus, p. p. of cogere to drive or urge together. See Cogent, Squash, v. t.]
1.
To sit down upon the hams or heels; as, the savages squatted near the fire.

2.
To sit close to the ground; to cower; to stoop, or lie close, to escape observation, as a partridge or rabbit.

3.
To settle on another's land without title; also, to settle on common or public lands.


word: Squat₄
definition:
Squat

Squat
a.
1.
Sitting on the hams or heels; sitting close to the ground; cowering; crouching.

Him there they found,
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve.
Milton.

2.
Short and thick, like the figure of an animal squatting.
squat
R. Browning.

The head [of the squill insect] is broad and squat.
Grew.


word: Squat₅
definition:
Squat

Squat
n.
1.
The posture of one that sits on his heels or hams, or close to the ground.

2.
A sudden or crushing fall.
[Obs.]
Herbert.

3.
(Mining)
(a)
A small vein of ore.
(b)
A mineral consisting of tin ore and spar.
Halliwell. Woodward.

Squat snipe (Zool.), the jacksnipe; -- called also squatter. [Local, U.S.]


word: Squatter
definition:
Squatter

Squat"ter
(-tẽr)
n.
1.
One who squats;
specifically,
one who settles unlawfully upon land without a title.  In the United States and Australia the term is sometimes applied also to a person who settles lawfully upon government land under legal permission and restrictions, before acquiring title.

In such a tract, squatters and trespassers were tolerated to an extent now unknown.
Macaulay.

2.
(Zool.)
See Squat snipe, under Squat.

Squatter sovereignty, the right claimed by the squatters, or actual residents, of a Territory of the United States to make their own laws. [Local, U.S.] Bartlett.


word: Squaw
definition:
Squaw

Squaw
(skw&asuml_;)
n.
[Massachusetts Indian squa, eshqua; Narragansett squâws; Delaware ochqueu, and khqueu; used also in compound words (as the names of animals) in the sense of female.]
A female; a woman, especially a married woman; a wife; -- in the language of Indian tribes of the Algonquin family, correlative of sannup.
[Considered offensive by some American indians.]

Old squaw. (Zool.) See under Old.


word: Squawberry
definition:
Squawberry

Squaw"ber`ry
(-bĕr`r&ybreve_;)
n.
(Bot.)
A local name for the partridge berry; also, for the deerberry.
[U. S.]


word: Squawk
definition:
Squawk

Squawk
(skw&asuml_;k)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squawked (skw&asuml_;kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Squawking.]
[See Squeak.]
To utter a shrill, abrupt scream; to squeak harshly.

Squawking thrush (Zool.), the missel turush; -- so called from its note when alarmed. [Prov. Eng.]


word: Squawk₂
definition:
Squawk

Squawk
n.
1.
Act of squawking; a harsh squeak.

2.
(Zool.)
The American night heron. See under Night.

Squawk duck (Zool.), the bimaculate duck (Anas glocitans). It has patches of reddish brown behind, and in front of, each eye. [Prov. Eng.]


word: Squaw man
definition:
Squaw man

Squaw man
A white man who has married an Indian squaw; sometimes, one who has gained tribal rights by such a marriage; -- often a term of contempt.
[Western U. S.]


word: Squawroot
definition:
Squawroot

Squaw"root`
(skw&asuml_;"rōt`)
n.
(Bot.)
A scaly parasitic plant (Conopholis Americana) found in oak woods in the United States; -- called also cancer root.


word: Squeak
definition:
Squeak

Squeak
(skwēk)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squeaked (skwēkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Squeaking.]
[Probably of imitative origin; cf. Sw. sqväka to croak, Icel. skvakka to give a sound as of water shaken in a bottle.]
1.
To utter a sharp, shrill cry, usually of short duration; to cry with an acute tone, as an animal; or, to make a sharp, disagreeable noise, as a pipe or quill, a wagon wheel, a door; to creak.

Who can endure to hear one of the rough old Romans squeaking through the mouth of an eunuch?
Addison.

Zoilus calls the companions of Ulysses the “squeaking pigs” of Homer.
Pope.

2.
To break silence or secrecy for fear of pain or punishment; to speak; to confess.
[Colloq.]

Syn. -- squeal.

If he be obstinate, put a civil question to him upon the rack, and he squeaks, I warrant him.
Dryden.


word: Squeak₂
definition:
Squeak

Squeak
n.
A sharp, shrill, disagreeable sound suddenly uttered, either of the human voice or of any animal or instrument, such as is made by carriage wheels when dry, by the soles of leather shoes, or by a pipe or reed.


word: Squeaker
definition:
Squeaker

Squeak"er
(-ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, squeaks.

2.
(Zool.)
The Australian gray crow shrike (Strepera anaphonesis); -- so called from its note.

3.
(a)
A contest won by a small margin.
(b)
A narrow escape from harm.
[Colloq.]


word: Squeal
definition:
Squeal

Squeal
(skwēl)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squealed (skwēld); p. pr. & vb. n. Squealing.]
[Of Scand. origin; cf. Sw. sqväla, Norw. skvella.  Cf. Squeak, Squall.]
1.
To cry with a sharp, shrill, prolonged sound, as certain animals do, indicating want, displeasure, or pain.

2.
To turn informer; to betray a secret.
[Slang]


word: Squealer
definition:
Squealer

Squeal"er
(-ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, squeals.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
The European swift.
(b)
The harlequin duck.
(c)
The American golden plover.


word: Squeamish
definition:
Squeamish

Squeam"ish
(skwēm"ĭsh)
a.
[OE. squaimous, sweymous, probably from OE. sweem, swem, dizziness, a swimming in the head; cf. Icel. sveimr a bustle, a stir, Norw. sveim a hovering about, a sickness that comes upon one, Icel. svimi a giddiness, AS. swīma.  The word has been perhaps confused with qualmish.  Cf. Swim to be dizzy.]
Having a stomach that is easily turned or nauseated; hence, nice to excess in taste; fastidious; easily disgusted; apt to be offended at trifling improprieties.

Quoth he, that honor's very squeamish
That takes a basting for a blemish.
Hudibras.

His muse is rustic, and perhaps too plain
The men of squeamish taste to entertain.
Southern.

So ye grow squeamish, Gods, and sniff at heaven.
M. Arnold.


word: Squeasy
definition:
Squeasy

Squea"sy
(-z&ybreve_;)
a.
Queasy; nice; squeamish; fastidious; scrupulous.
[Obs.]
Bp. Earle.


word: Squeegee
definition:
Squeegee

Squee"gee
(skwē"je̝)
n.
Formerly, a small swab for drying a vessel's deck; now, a kind of scraper having a blade or edge of rubber or of leather, -- used for removing superfluous, water or other liquids, as from a vessel's deck after washing, from window panes, photographer's plates, etc.
[Written also squilgee, squillagee.]


word: Squeegee₂
definition:
Squeegee

Squee"gee
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squeegeed (skwē"jēd; skwē*jēd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Squeegeeing (skwē"jē*ĭng; skwē*jē"ĭng).]
To smooth, clean, press, or treat with a squeegee; to squilgee.


word: Squeegee roller
definition:
Squeegee roller

Squeegee roller
A small India-rubber roller with a handle, used esp. in printing and photography as a squeegee.


word: Squeeze
definition:
Squeeze

Squeeze
(skwēz)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squeezed (skwēzd); p. pr. & vb. n. Squeezing.]
[OE. queisen, AS. cwēsan, cw&ymacr_;san, cwīsan, of uncertain origin. The s- was probably prefixed through the influence of squash, v.t.]
1.
To press between two bodies; to press together closely; to compress; often, to compress so as to expel juice, moisture, etc.; as, to squeeze an orange with the fingers; to squeeze the hand in friendship.

2.
Fig.: To oppress with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass; to crush.

In a civil war, people must expect to be crushed and squeezed toward the burden.
L'Estrange.

3.
To force, or cause to pass, by compression; often with out, through, etc.; as, to squeeze water through felt.


word: Squeeze₂
definition:
Squeeze

Squeeze
v. i.
To press; to urge one's way, or to pass, by pressing; to crowd; -- often with through, into, etc.; as, to squeeze hard to get through a crowd.


word: Squeeze₃
definition:
Squeeze

Squeeze
n.
1.
The act of one who squeezes; compression between bodies; pressure.

2.
A facsimile impression taken in some soft substance, as pulp, from an inscription on stone.

3.
(Mining)
The gradual closing of workings by the weight of the overlying strata.

4.
Pressure or constraint used to force the making of a gift, concession, or the like; exaction; extortion; as, to put the squeeze on someone.
[Colloq.]
One of the many “squeezes” imposed by the mandarins.
A. R. Colquhoun.


word: Squeezer
definition:
Squeezer

Squeez"er
(skwēz"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, squeezes; as, a lemon squeezer.

2.
(Forging)
(a)
A machine like a large pair of pliers, for shingling, or squeezing, the balls of metal when puddled; -- used only in the plural.
(b)
A machine of several forms for the same purpose; -- used in the singular.


word: Squeezing
definition:
Squeezing

Squeez"ing
n.
1.
The act of pressing; compression; oppression.

2.
pl.
That which is forced out by pressure; dregs.

3.
Same as Squeeze, n., 2.


word: Squelch
definition:
Squelch

Squelch
(skwĕlch)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squelched (skwĕlcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Squelching.]
[Cf. Prov. E. quelch a blow, and quell to crush, to kill.]
To quell; to crush; to silence or put down.
[Colloq.]

Oh 't was your luck and mine to be squelched.
Beau. & Fl.

If you deceive us you will be squelched.
Carlyle.


word: Squelch₂
definition:
Squelch

Squelch
n.
1.
A heavy fall, as of something flat.

2.
Hence:
A crushing reply; as, the perfect squelch for a conceited remark.
[Colloq.]
Hudibras.


word: Squelch₃
definition:
Squelch

Squelch
(skwĕlch)
v. i.
[Perh. imitative. Cf. Squelch.]
To make a sound like that made by the feet of one walking in mud or slush; to make a kind of swashing sound; to squish; also, to move with such a sound.

He turned and strode to the fire, his boots squelching as he walked.
P. L. Ford.

A crazy old collier squelching along under squared yards.
W. C. Russell.


word: squeteague
definition:
squeteague

sque*teague"
(skwe̝*tēg")
n.
[From the North American Indian name.]
(Zool.)
An American sciaenoid fish (Cynoscion regalis), abundant on the Atlantic coast of the United States, and much valued as a food fish.  It is of a bright silvery color, with iridescent reflections.  Called also weakfish, squitee, chickwit, and sea trout.  The spotted squeteague (Cynoscion nebulosus) of the Southern United States is a similar fish, but the back and upper fins are spotted with black.  It is called also spotted weakfish and squit, and, locally, sea trout, and sea salmon.  See also under squitee.


word: Squib
definition:
Squib

Squib
(skwĭb)
n.
[OE. squippen, swippen, to move swiftly, Icel. svipa to swoop, flash, dart, whip; akin to AS. swipian to whip, and E. swift, a. See Swift, a.]
1.
A little pipe, or hollow cylinder of paper, filled with powder or combustible matter, to be thrown into the air while burning, so as to burst there with a crack.

Lampoons, like squibs, may make a present blaze.
Waller.

The making and selling of fireworks, and squibs . . . is punishable.
Blackstone.

2.
(Mining)
A kind of slow match or safety fuse.

3.
A sarcastic speech or publication; a petty lampoon; a brief, witty essay.

Who copied his squibs, and reechoed his jokes.
Goldsmith.

4.
A writer of lampoons.
[Obs.]

The squibs are those who in the common phrase of the world are called libelers, lampooners, and pamphleteers.
Tatler.

5.
A paltry fellow.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Squib₂
definition:
Squib

Squib
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squibbed (skwĭbd); p. pr. & vb. n. Squibbing.]
To throw squibs; to utter sarcastic or severe reflections; to contend in petty dispute; as, to squib a little in debate.
[Colloq.]


word: Squid
definition:
Squid

Squid
(skwĭd)
n.
[Cf. Squirt.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of ten-armed cephalopods having a long, tapered body, and a caudal fin on each side; especially, any species of Loligo, Ommastrephes, and related genera. See Calamary, Decacerata, Dibranchiata.

&hand_; Some of these squids are very abundant on the Atlantic coast of North America, and are used in large quantities for bait, especially in the cod fishery. The most abundant of the American squids are the northern squid (Ommastrephes illecebrosus), ranging from Southern New England to Newfoundland, and the southern squid (Loligo Pealii), ranging from Virginia to Massachusetts.

2.
A fishhook with a piece of bright lead, bone, or other substance, fastened on its shank to imitate a squid.

Flying squid, Giant squid. (Zool.) See under Flying, and Giant. -- Squid hound (Zool.), the striped bass.


word: Squier
definition:
Squier

Squier
(skwīr)
n.
A square. See 1st Squire.
[Obs.]

Not the worst of the three but jumps twelve foot and a half by the squier.
Shak.


word: Squiery
definition:
Squiery

Squierie

{ Squi"er*ie, Squi"er*y }
(skwī"ẽr*ĭ)
n.
[OF. escuierie. See Esquire.]
A company of squires; the whole body of squires.

&hand_; This word is found in Tyrwhitt's Chaucer, but is not in the modern editions.


word: Squiggle
definition:
Squiggle

Squig"gle
(skwĭg"g'l)
v. i.
[Cf. Prov. E. swiggle to drink greedily, to shake liquor in a close vessel, and E. swig.]
To shake and wash a fluid about in the mouth with the lips closed.
[Prov. Eng.]
Forby.


word: Squiggle₂
definition:
Squiggle

Squig"gle
v. i.
[Cf. Squirm, Wiggle.]
To move about like an eel; to squirm.
[Low, U.S.]
Bartlett.


word: Squilgee
definition:
Squilgee

Squil"gee
(skwĭl"je̝)
n.
Formerly, a small swab for drying a vessel's deck; now, a kind of scraper having a blade or edge of rubber or of leather, -- used for removing superfluous water or other liquids, as from a vessel's deck after washing, from window panes, photographer's plates, etc.
[Written also squillgee, squillagee, squeegee.]


word: Squilgee₂
definition:
Squilgee

Squil"gee
(skwĭl"je̝)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squilgeed (skwĭl"jēd); p. pr. & vb. n. Squilgeeing.]
To swab, press, or treat with a squilgee; as, to squilgee a vessel's deck.


word: Squill
definition:
Squill

Squill
(skwĭl)
n.
[F. squille (also scille a squill, in sense 1), L. squilla, scilla, Gr. _;.]
1.
(Bot.)
(a)
A European bulbous liliaceous plant (Urginea maritima, formerly Scilla maritima), of acrid, expectorant, diuretic, and emetic properties, used in medicine.  Called also sea onion.
(b)
Any bulbous plant of the genus Scilla; as, the bluebell squill (Scilla mutans).

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
A squilla.
(b)
A mantis.


word: Squilla
definition:
Squilla

Squil"la
(skwĭl"lȧ)
n.
pl. E. Squillas (-lȧz), L. Squillae (-lē).
[L., a sea onion, also, a prawn or shrimp. See Squill.]
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous stomapod crustaceans of the genus Squilla and allied genera.  They make burrows in mud or beneath stones on the seashore.  Called also mantis shrimp. See Illust. under Stomapoda.


word: Squinancy
definition:
Squinancy

Squinance

{ Squin"ance (skwĭn"ans), Squin"an*cy (-an*s&ybreve_;), }
n.
[F. esquinancie, OF. squinance, esquinance. See Quinsy.]
1.
(Med.)
The quinsy. See Quinsy.
[Obs.]

2.
(Bot.)
A European perennial herb (Asperula cynanchica) with narrowly linear whorled leaves; -- formerly thought to cure the quinsy. Also called quincewort.

Squinancy berries, black currants; -- so called because used to cure the quinsy. Dr. Prior.


word: Squinch
definition:
Squinch

Squinch
(skwĭnch)
n.
[Corrupted fr. sconce.]
(Arch.)
A small arch thrown across the corner of a square room to support a superimposed mass, as where an octagonal spire or drum rests upon a square tower; -- called also sconce, and sconcheon.


word: Squint
definition:
Squint

Squint
(skwĭnt)
a.
[Cf. D. schuinte a slope, schuin, schuinsch, sloping, oblique, schuins slopingly.  Cf. Askant, Askance, Asquint.]
1.
Looking obliquely.
Specifically:
(Med.)
not having the optic axes coincident; -- said of the eyes. See Squint, n., 2.

2.
Fig.:
Looking askance.
Squint
Milton.


word: Squint₂
definition:
Squint

Squint
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squinted; p. pr. & vb. n. Squinting.]
1.
To see or look obliquely, asquint, or awry, or with a furtive glance.

Some can squint when they will.
Bacon.

2.
(Med.)
To have the axes of the eyes not coincident; to be cross-eyed.

3.
To deviate from a true line; to run obliquely.

4.
To have an indirect bearing, reference, or implication; to have an allusion to, or inclination towards, something.
Yet if the following sentence means anything, it is a squinting toward hypnotism.
The Forum.

5.
To look with the eyes partly closed.


word: Squint₃
definition:
Squint

Squint
v. t.
1.
To turn to an oblique position; to direct obliquely; as, to squint an eye.

2.
To cause to look with noncoincident optic axes.

He . . . squints the eye, and makes the harelid.
Shak.


word: Squint₄
definition:
Squint

Squint
n.
1.
The act or habit of squinting.

2.
(Med.)
A want of coincidence of the axes of the eyes; strabismus.

3.
(Arch.)
Same as Hagioscope.


word: Squint-eyed
definition:
Squint-eyed

Squint"-eyed`
(-īd`)
a.
1.
Having eyes that squint; having eyes with axes not coincident; cross-eyed; also called squinty-eyed.

2.
Looking obliquely, or asquint; malignant; as, squint-eyed praise; squint-eyed jealousy.


word: Squir
definition:
Squir

Squir
(skwẽr)
v. t.
To throw with a jerk; to throw edge foremost.
[Obs.]
[Written also squirr.]
Addison.


word: Squiralty
definition:
Squiralty

Squir"al*ty
(skwīr"ăl*t&ybreve_;)
n.
Same as Squirarchy.

That such weight and influence be put thereby into the hands of the squiralty of my kingdom.
Sterne.


word: Squirarch
definition:
Squirarch

Squir"arch
(skwīr"ärk)
n.
[Squire + -arch.]
One who belongs to the squirarchy.
Squir"arch*al (-al), a.


word: Squirarchy
definition:
Squirarchy

Squir"arch*y
(-&ybreve_;)
n.
[Squire + -archy.]
The gentlemen, or gentry, of a country, collectively.
[Written also squirearchy.]


word: Squire
definition:
Squire

Squire
(skwīr)
n.
[OF. esquierre, F. équerre. See Square, n.]
A square; a measure; a rule.
[Obs.]
squire
Spenser.


word: Squire₂
definition:
Squire

Squire
n.
[Aphetic form of esquire.]
1.
A shield-bearer or armor-bearer who attended a knight.

2.
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See Esquire.
[Eng.]
squires
Chaucer.

3.
A male attendant on a great personage; also (Colloq.), a devoted attendant or follower of a lady; a beau.

4.
A title of office and courtesy. See under Esquire.


word: Squire₃
definition:
Squire

Squire
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. squired (skwīrd); p. pr. & vb. n. squiring.]
1.
To attend as a squire.
Chaucer.

2.
To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection; as, to squire a lady.
[Colloq.]
Goldsmith.


word: Squireen
definition:
Squireen

Squir*een"
(skwīr*ēn")
n.
One who is half squire and half farmer; -- used humorously.
[Eng.]
C. Kingsley.


word: Squirm
definition:
Squirm

Squirm
(skwẽrm)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Squirmed (skwẽrmd); p. pr. & vb. n. Squirming.]
[Cf. Swarm to climb a tree.]
To twist about briskly with contortions like an eel or a worm; to wriggle; to writhe.


word: Squirrel
definition:
Squirrel

Squir"rel
(skwẽr"rĕl or skwĭr"-; 277)
n.
[OE. squirel, OF. esquirel, escurel, F. écureuil, LL. squirelus, squirolus, scuriolus, dim. of L. sciurus, Gr. si`oyros; skia` shade + o'yra` tail.  Cf. Shine, v. i.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of small rodents belonging to the genus Sciurus and several allied genera of the family Sciuridae. Squirrels generally have a bushy tail, large erect ears, and strong hind legs. They are commonly arboreal in their habits, but many species live in burrows.

&hand_; Among the common North American squirrels are the gray squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) and its black variety; the fox, or cat, squirrel (Sciurus cinereus, or Sciurus niger) which is a large species, and variable in color, the southern variety being frequently black, while the northern and western varieties are usually gray or rusty brown; the red squirrel (see Chickaree); the striped, or chipping, squirrel (see Chipmunk); and the California gray squirrel (Sciurus fossor).  Several other species inhabit Mexico and Central America.  The common European species (Sciurus vulgaris) has a long tuft of hair on each ear.  The so-called Australian squirrels are marsupials.  See Petaurist, and Phalanger.

2.
One of the small rollers of a carding machine which work with the large cylinder.

Barking squirrel (Zool.), the prairie dog. -- Federation squirrel (Zool.), the striped gopher. See Gopher, 2. -- Flying squirrel (Zool.). See Flying squirrel, in the Vocabulary. -- Java squirrel. (Zool.). See Jelerang. -- Squirrel corn (Bot.), a North American herb (Dicentra Canadensis) bearing little yellow tubers. -- Squirrel cup (Bot.), the blossom of the Hepatica triloba, a low perennial herb with cup-shaped flowers varying from purplish blue to pink or even white. It is one of the earliest flowers of spring. -- Squirrel fish. (Zool.) (a) A sea bass (Serranus fascicularis) of the Southern United States. (b) The sailor's choice (Diplodus rhomboides). (c) The redmouth, or grunt. (d) A market fish of Bermuda (Holocentrum Ascensione). -- Squirrel grass (Bot.), a pestiferous grass (Hordeum murinum) related to barley. In California the stiffly awned spikelets work into the wool of sheep, and into the throat, flesh, and eyes of animals, sometimes even producing death. -- Squirrel hake (Zool.), a common American hake (Phycis tenuis); -- called also white hake. -- Squirrel hawk (Zool.), any rough-legged hawk; especially, the California species Archibuteo ferrugineus. -- Squirrel monkey. (Zool.) (a) Any one of several species of small, soft-haired South American monkeys of the genus Callithrix. They are noted for their graceful form and agility. See Teetee. (b) A marmoset. -- Squirrel petaurus (Zool.), a flying phalanger of Australia. See Phalanger, Petaurist, and Flying phalanger under Flying. -- Squirrel shrew (Zool.), any one of several species of East Indian and Asiatic insectivores of the genus Tupaia. They are allied to the shrews, but have a bushy tail, like that of a squirrel. -- Squirrel-tail grass (Bot.), a grass (Hordeum jubatum) found in salt marshes and along the Great Lakes, having a dense spike beset with long awns.


word: Squirt
definition:
Squirt

Squirt
(skwẽrt)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Squirted; p. pr. & vb. n. Squirting.]
[Cf. LG. swirtjen to squirt, OSw. sqvätta, E. squander.]
To drive or eject in a stream out of a narrow pipe or orifice; as, to squirt water.

The hard-featured miscreant coolly rolled his tobacco in his cheek, and squirted the juice into the fire grate.
Sir W. Scott.

Squirting cucumber. (Bot.) See Ecballium.


word: Squirt₂
definition:
Squirt

Squirt
v. i.
1.
To be thrown out, or ejected, in a rapid stream, from a narrow orifice; -- said of liquids.

2.
Hence, to throw out or utter words rapidly; to prate.
[Low]
L'Estrange.


word: Squirt₃
definition:
Squirt

Squirt
n.
1.
An instrument out of which a liquid is ejected in a small stream with force.
Young.

2.
A small, quick stream; a jet.
Bacon.

3.
(Hydrodynamics)
The whole system of flow in the vicinity of a source.

4.
a youngster.

5.
a short, overly assertive, or impudent person, especially when young; -- used in contempt.


word: Squiry
definition:
Squiry

Squir"y
(skwīr"&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Squiery.]
The body of squires, collectively considered; squirarchy.
[Obs.]

The flower of chivalry and squiry.
Ld. Berners.


word: squish
definition:
squish

squish
(skwĭsh)
v. i.
[Perh. imitative.  Cf. Squelch.]
To make the sound of squirting water, like that made by the feet of one walking in mud or slush; to make a kind of gushing, swashing, or splashing sound; to move with such a sound.


word: squish₂
definition:
squish

squish
(skwĭsh)
n.
A sound like that made by the feet of one walking in mud or slush; a gushing, swashing, or splashing sound; a squishing sound.


word: Squitee
definition:
Squitee

Squi*tee"
(skwĭ*tē")
n.
[From the N. American Indian name.]
(Zool.)
The squeteague; -- called also squit.


word: Stab
definition:
Stab

Stab
(stăb)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stabbed (stăbd); p. pr. & vb. n. Stabbing.]
[Cf. OD. staven to fix, fasten, fr. stave, staff, a staff, rod; akin to G. stab a staff, stick, E. staff; also Gael. stob to stab, as n., a stake, a stub.  Cf. Staff.]
1.
To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person.

2.
Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.


word: Stab₂
definition:
Stab

Stab
v. i.
1.
To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.

None shall dare
With shortened sword to stab in closer war.
Dryden.

2.
To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.

She speaks poniards, and every word stabs.
Shak.

To stab at, to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.


word: Stab₃
definition:
Stab

Stab
n.
1.
The thrust of a pointed weapon.

2.
A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab of an assassin.
Shak.

3.
Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.


word: Stabat Mater
definition:
Stabat Mater

Sta"bat Ma"ter
(stā"băt mā"tẽr)
[L., the mother was standing.]
A celebrated Latin hymn, beginning with these words, commemorating the sorrows of the mother of our Lord at the foot of the cross. It is read in the Mass of the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, and is sung by Catholics when making “the way of the cross” (Via Crucis). See Station, 7 (c).


word: Stabber
definition:
Stabber

Stab"ber
(stăb"bẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, stabs; a privy murderer.

2.
(Naut.)
A small marline spike; a pricker.


word: Stabbingly
definition:
Stabbingly

Stab"bing*ly
(-bĭng*l&ybreve_;)
adv.
By stabbing; with intent to injure covertly.
Bp. Parker.


word: Stab culture
definition:
Stab culture

Stab culture
(Bacteriol.)
A culture made by inoculating a solid medium, as gelatin, with the puncture of a needle or wire; -- called also stab. The growths are usually of characteristic form.


word: Stabiliment
definition:
Stabiliment

Sta*bil"i*ment
(stȧ*bĭl"ĭ*ment)
n.
[L. stabilimentum, fr. stabilire to make firm or stable, fr. stabilis. See Stable, a.]
The act of making firm; firm support; establishment.
[R.]
Jer. Taylor.

They serve for stabiliment, propagation, and shade.
Derham.


word: Stabilitate
definition:
Stabilitate

Sta*bil"i*tate
(-tāt)
v. t.
[LL. stabilitatus, p. p. of stabilitare to make stable.]
To make stable; to establish.
[Obs.]
Dr. H. More.


word: Stability
definition:
Stability

Sta*bil"i*ty
(stȧ*bĭl"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[L. stabilitas; cf. F. stabilité. See Stable, a.]
1.
The state or quality of being stable, or firm; steadiness; stableness; firmness; strength to stand without being moved or overthrown; as, the stability of a structure; the stability of a throne or a constitution.

2.
Steadiness or firmness of character; firmness of resolution or purpose; the quality opposite to fickleness, irresolution, or inconstancy; constancy; steadfastness; as, a man of little stability, or of unusual stability.

3.
Fixedness; -- as opposed to fluidity.

Since fluidness and stability are contrary qualities.
Boyle.


word: Stable
definition:
Stable

Sta"ble
(stā"b'l)
a.
[OF. estable, F. stable, fr. L. stabilis, fr. stare to stand. See Stand, v. i. and cf. Establish.]
1.
Firmly established; not easily moved, shaken, or overthrown; fixed; as, a stable government.

In this region of chance, . . . where nothing is stable.
Rogers.

2.
Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering; as, a man of stable character.

And to her husband ever meek and stable.
Chaucer.

3.
Durable; not subject to overthrow or change; firm; as, a stable foundation; a stable position.

4.
(Physics)
So placed as to resist forces tending to cause motion; of such structure as to resist distortion or molecular or chemical disturbance; -- said of any body or substance.

Stable equilibrium (Mech.), the kind of equilibrium of a body so placed that if disturbed it returns to its former position, as in the case when the center of gravity is below the point or axis of support; -- opposed to unstable equilibrium, in which the body if disturbed does not tend to return to its former position, but to move farther away from it, as in the case of a body supported at a point below the center of gravity.  Cf. Neutral equilibrium, under Neutral.


word: Stable₃
definition:
Stable

Sta"ble
n.
[OF. estable, F. étable, from L. stabulum, fr. stare to stand. See Stand, v. i.]
A house, shed, or building, for beasts to lodge and feed in; esp., a building or apartment with stalls, for horses; as, a horse stable; a cow stable.
Milton.

Stable fly (Zool.), a common dipterous fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) which is abundant about stables and often enters dwellings, especially in autumn; called also biting house fly.  These flies, unlike the common house flies, which they resemble, bite severely, and are troublesome to horses and cattle.  They differ from the larger horse fly.


word: Stable₄
definition:
Stable

Sta"ble
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stabled (-b'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Stabling (-blĭng).]
To put or keep in a stable.


word: Stable₅
definition:
Stable

Sta"ble
v. i.
To dwell or lodge in a stable; to dwell in an inclosed place; to kennel.
Milton.


word: Stableman
definition:
Stableman

Stableboy

{ Sta"ble*boy` (-boi`), Sta"ble*man (-măn), }
n.
A boy or man who attends in a stable; a groom; a hostler.


word: Stableness
definition:
Stableness

Sta"ble*ness
n.
The quality or state of being stable, or firmly established; stability.


word: Stable stand
definition:
Stable stand

Sta"ble stand`
(stănd`)
(O.Eng. Law)
The position of a man who is found at his standing in the forest, with a crossbow or a longbow bent, ready to shoot at a deer, or close by a tree with greyhounds in a leash ready to slip; -- one of the four presumptions that a man intends stealing the king's deer.
Wharton.


word: Stabling
definition:
Stabling

Sta"bling
(-blĭng)
n.
1.
The act or practice of keeping horses and cattle in a stable.

2.
A building, shed, or room for horses and cattle.


word: Stablish
definition:
Stablish

Stab"lish
(stăb"lĭsh)
v. t.
[Aphetic form of establish.]
To settle permanently in a state; to make firm; to establish; to fix.
[Obs.]
2 Sam. vii. 13.


word: Stably
definition:
Stably

Sta"bly
(stā"bl&ybreve_;)
adv.
In a stable manner; firmly; fixedly; steadily; as, a government stably settled.


word: Stabulation
definition:
Stabulation

Stab`u*la"tion
(stăb`&uuptack_;*lā"shŭn)
n.
[L. stabulatio, fr. stabulari to stable cattle, fr. stabulum. See Stable, n.]
1.
The act of stabling or housing beasts.
[Obs.]

2.
A place for lodging beasts; a stable.
[Obs.]


word: Staccato
definition:
Staccato

Stac*ca"to
(stȧk*kä"to̝)
a.
[It., p. p. of staccare, equivalent to distaccare. See Detach.]
1.
(Mus.)
Disconnected; separated; distinct; -- a direction to perform the notes of a passage in a short, distinct, and pointed manner.  It is opposed to legato, and often indicated by heavy accents written over or under the notes, or by dots when the performance is to be less distinct and emphatic.

2.
Expressed in a brief, pointed manner.

Staccato and peremptory [literary criticism].
G. Eliot.


word: Stack
definition:
Stack

Stack
(stăk)
n.
[Icel. stakkr; akin to Sw. stack, Dan. stak.  Cf. Stake.]
1.
A large and to some degree orderly pile of hay, grain, straw, or the like, usually of a nearly conical form, but sometimes rectangular or oblong, contracted at the top to a point or ridge, and sometimes covered with thatch.

But corn was housed, and beans were in the stack.
Cowper.

2.
Hence:
An orderly pile of any type of object, indefinite in quantity; -- used especially of piles of wood.  A stack is usually more orderly than a pile

Against every pillar was a stack of billets above a man's height.
Bacon.

3.
Specifically:
A pile of wood containing 108 cubic feet.
[Eng.]

4.
Hence:
A large quantity; as, a stack of cash.
[Informal]

5.
(Arch.)
(a)
A number of flues embodied in one structure, rising above the roof.
Hence:
(b)
Any single insulated and prominent structure, or upright pipe, which affords a conduit for smoke; as, the brick smokestack of a factory; the smokestack of a steam vessel.

6.
(Computer programming)
(a)
A section of memory in a computer used for temporary storage of data, in which the last datum stored is the first retrieved.
(b)
A data structure within random-access memory used to simulate a hardware stack; as, a push-down stack.

7.
pl.
The section of a library containing shelves which hold books less frequently requested.

Stack of arms (Mil.), a number of muskets or rifles set up together, with the bayonets crossing one another, forming a sort of conical self-supporting pile. -- to blow one's stacks to become very angry and lose one's self-control, and especially to display one's fury by shouting.


word: Stack₂
definition:
Stack

Stack
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stacked (stăkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Stacking.]
[Cf. Sw. stacka, Dan. stakke. See Stack, n.]
1.
To lay in a conical or other pile; to make into a large pile; as, to stack hay, cornstalks, or grain; to stack or place wood.

2.
Specifically:
To place in a vertical arrangement so that each item in a pile is resting on top of another item in the pile, except for the bottom item; as, to stack the papers neatly on the desk; to stack the bricks.

3.
To select or arrange dishonestly so as to achieve an unfair advantage; as, to stack a deck of cards; to stack a jury with persons prejudiced against the defendant.

To stack arms (Mil.), to set up a number of muskets or rifles together, with the bayonets crossing one another, and forming a sort of conical pile.


word: Stackage
definition:
Stackage

Stack"age
(stăk"a̝j)
n.
1.
Hay, grain, or the like, in stacks; things stacked.
[R.]

2.
A tax on things stacked.
[R.]
Holinshed.


word: Stacket
definition:
Stacket

Stack"et
(-ĕt)
n.
[Cf. F. estacade and E. stockade.]
(Mil.)
A stockade.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Stacking
definition:
Stacking

Stack"ing
a. & n. from Stack.

Stacking band, Stacking belt, a band or rope used in binding thatch or straw upon a stack. -- Stacking stage, a stage used in building stacks.


word: Stackstand
definition:
Stackstand

Stack"stand`
(-stănd`)
n.
A staging for supporting a stack of hay or grain; a staddle{2}; a rickstand.


word: Stacte
definition:
Stacte

Stac"te
(stăk"te̝)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. stakth`, strictly fem. of stakto`s oozing out in drops, fr. sta`zein to drop.]
One of the sweet spices used by the ancient Jews in the preparation of incense.  It was perhaps an oil or other form of myrrh or cinnamon, or a kind of storax.
Ex. xxx. 34.


word: Staddle
definition:
Staddle

Stad"dle
(stăd"d'l)
n.
[AS. staðol, staðul, a foundation, firm seat; akin to E. stand.  √163.  See Stand, v. i.]
[Formerly written stadle.]
1.
Anything which serves for support; a staff; a prop; a crutch; a cane.

His weak steps governing
And aged limbs on cypress stadle stout.
Spenser.

2.
The frame of a stack of hay or grain.
[Eng.]

3.
A row of dried or drying hay, etc.
[Eng.]

4.
A small tree of any kind, especially a forest tree.

&hand_; In America, trees are called staddles from the time that they are three or four years old till they are six or eight inches in diameter, or more. This is also the sense in which the word is used by Bacon and Tusser.


word: Staddle₂
definition:
Staddle

Stad"dle
v. t.
1.
To leave the staddles, or saplings, of, as a wood when it is cut.
[R.]
Tusser.

2.
To form into staddles, as hay.
[Eng.]


word: Stadimeter
definition:
Stadimeter

Sta*dim"e*ter
(stȧ*dĭm"e̝*tẽr)
n.
[Stadium + -meter.]
A horizontal graduated bar mounted on a staff, used as a stadium, or telemeter, for measuring distances.


word: Stadia wires
definition:
Stadia wires

Stadia hairs

{ Sta"di*a hairs or Sta"di*a wires  }
(stā"dĭ*ȧ hârz)
(Surv.)
In a theodolite, etc., horizontal cross wires or hairs equidistant from the central horizontal cross wire.


word: Stadium
definition:
Stadium

Sta"di*um
(stā"dĭ*ŭm)
n.
pl. Stadia (stā"dĭ*ȧ).
[L., a stadium (in sense 1), from Gr. sta`dion.]
1.
A Greek measure of length, being the chief one used for itinerary distances, also adopted by the Romans for nautical and astronomical measurements. It was equal to 600 Greek or 625 Roman feet, or 125 Roman paces, or to 606 feet 9 inches English. This was also called the Olympic stadium, as being the exact length of the foot-race course at Olympia.
Dr. W. Smith.

2.
Hence:
A race course; especially, the Olympic course for foot races.

3.
Hence:
A modern structure, with its inclosure, resembling the ancient stadium{2}, used for athletic games which are typically played out-of-doors; such stadiums are usually large structures without roofs, though some modern stadiums may have a protective dome overhead.  It may be contrasted with the arena, the term commonly used for smaller structures at which indoor games are played.

4.
A kind of telemeter for measuring the distance of an object of known dimensions, by observing the angle it subtends; especially (Surveying), a graduated rod used to measure the distance of the place where it stands from an instrument having a telescope, by observing the number of the graduations of the rod that are seen between certain parallel wires (stadia wires) in the field of view of the telescope; -- also called stadia, and stadia rod.


word: Stadtholder
definition:
Stadtholder

Stadt"hold`er
(stăt"h&omacrld`ẽr)
n.
[D. stadhouder; stad a city, a town + houder a holder.]
Formerly, the chief magistrate of the United Provinces of Holland; also, the governor or lieutenant governor of a province.


word: Stadtholdership
definition:
Stadtholdership

Stadtholderate

{ Stadt"hold`er*ate (-a̝t), Stadt"hold`er*ship (-shĭp), }
n.
The office or position of a stadtholder.


word: Staff
definition:
Staff

Staff
(stȧf)
n.
pl. Staves (stāvz or stävz; 277) or Staffs (stȧfs) in senses 1-9, Staffs in senses 10, 11.
[AS. staef a staff; akin to LG. & D. staf, OFries. stef, G. stab, Icel. stafr, Sw. staf, Dan. stav, Goth. stabs element, rudiment, Skr. sthāpay to cause to stand, to place. See Stand, and cf. Stab, Stave, n.]
1.
A long piece of wood; a stick; the long handle of an instrument or weapon; a pole or stick, used for many purposes; as, a surveyor's staff; the staff of a spear or pike.

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar to bear it withal.
Ex. xxxviii. 7.

With forks and staves the felon to pursue.
Dryden.

2.
A stick carried in the hand for support or defense by a person walking; hence, a support; that which props or upholds.
staves
Piers Plowman.

The boy was the very staff of my age.
Shak.

He spoke of it [beer] in “The Earnest Cry,” and likewise in the “Scotch Drink,” as one of the staffs of life which had been struck from the poor man's hand.
Prof. Wilson.

3.
A pole, stick, or wand borne as an ensign of authority; a badge of office; as, a constable's staff.

Methought this staff, mine office badge in court,
Was broke in twain.
Shak.

All his officers brake their staves; but at their return new staves were delivered unto them.
Hayward.

4.
A pole upon which a flag is supported and displayed.

5.
The round of a ladder.
[R.]

I ascended at one [ladder] of six hundred and thirty-nine staves.
Dr. J. Campbell (E. Brown's Travels).

6.
A series of verses so disposed that, when it is concluded, the same order begins again; a stanza; a stave.

Cowley found out that no kind of staff is proper for an heroic poem, as being all too lyrical.
Dryden.

7.
(Mus.)
The five lines and the spaces on which music is written; -- formerly called stave.

8.
(Mech.)
An arbor, as of a wheel or a pinion of a watch.

9.
(Surg.)
The grooved director for the gorget, or knife, used in cutting for stone in the bladder.

10.
[From Staff, 3, a badge of office.]
(Mil.)
An establishment of officers in various departments attached to an army, to a section of an army, or to the commander of an army. The general's staff consists of those officers about his person who are employed in carrying his commands into execution. See État Major.

11.
Hence: A body of assistants serving to carry into effect the plans of a superintendent or manager; sometimes used for the entire group of employees of an enterprise, excluding the top management; as, the staff of a newspaper.

Jacob's staff (Surv.), a single straight rod or staff, pointed and iron-shod at the bottom, for penetrating the ground, and having a socket joint at the top, used, instead of a tripod, for supporting a compass. -- Staff angle (Arch.), a square rod of wood standing flush with the wall on each of its sides, at the external angles of plastering, to prevent their being damaged. -- The staff of life, bread. “Bread is the staff of life.” Swift. -- Staff tree (Bot.), any plant of the genus Celastrus, mostly climbing shrubs of the northern hemisphere.  The American species (Celastrus scandens) is commonly called bittersweet. See 2d Bittersweet, 3 (b). -- To set up one's staff, To put up one's staff, To set down one's staff or To put down one's staff, to take up one's residence; to lodge. [Obs.]


word: Staff₂
definition:
Staff

Staff
(stȧf)
n.
[G. staffiren to fill or fit out, adorn, fr. D. stoffeeren, OF. estoffer, F. étoffer, fr. OF. estoffe stuff, F. étoffe. See Stuff, n.]
(Arch.)
Plaster combined with fibrous and other materials so as to be suitable for sculpture in relief or in the round, or for forming flat plates or boards of considerable size which can be nailed to framework to make the exterior of a larger structure, forming joints which may afterward be repaired and concealed with fresh plaster.


word: Stag
definition:
Stag

Stag
(stăg)
n.
[Icel. steggr the male of several animals; or a doubtful AS. stagga.  Cf. Steg.]
1.
(Zool.)
(a)
The adult male of the red deer (Cervus elaphus), a large European species closely related to the American elk, or wapiti.
(b)
The male of certain other species of large deer.

2.
A colt, or filly; also, a romping girl.
[Prov. Eng.]

3.
A castrated bull; -- called also bull stag, and bull seg. See the Note under Ox.

4.
(Stock Exchange)
(a)
An outside irregular dealer in stocks, who is not a member of the exchange.
[Cant]
(b)
One who applies for the allotment of shares in new projects, with a view to sell immediately at a premium, and not to hold the stock.
[Cant]

5.
(Zool.)
The European wren.
[Prov. Eng.]

Stag beetle (Zool.), any one of numerous species of lamellicorn beetles belonging to Lucanus and allied genera, especially Lucanus cervus of Europe and Lucanus dama of the United States.  The mandibles are large and branched, or forked, whence the name.  The larva feeds on the rotten wood of dead trees.  Called also horned bug, and horse beetle. -- Stag dance, a dance by men only. [Slang, U.S.] -- Stag hog (Zool.), the babiroussa. -- Stag-horn coral (Zool.), any one of several species of large branching corals of the genus Madrepora, which somewhat resemble the antlers of the stag, especially Madrepora cervicornis, and Madrepora palmata, of Florida and the West Indies. -- Stag-horn fern (Bot.), an Australian and West African fern (Platycerium alcicorne) having the large fronds branched like a stag's horns; also, any species of the same genus. -- Stag-horn sumac (Bot.), a common American shrub (Rhus typhina) having densely velvety branchlets. See Sumac. -- Stag party, a party consisting of men only. [Slang, U. S.] -- Stag tick (Zool.), a parasitic dipterous insect of the family Hippoboscidae, which lives upon the stag and is usually wingless.  The same species lives also upon the European grouse, but in that case has wings.


word: Stage
definition:
Stage

Stage
(stāj)
n.
[OF. estage, F. étage, (assumed) LL. staticum, from L. stare to stand.  See Stand, and cf. Static.]
1.
A floor or story of a house.
[Obs.]
Wyclif.

2.
An elevated platform on which an orator may speak, a play be performed, an exhibition be presented, or the like.

3.
A floor elevated for the convenience of mechanical work, or the like; a scaffold; a staging.

4.
A platform, often floating, serving as a kind of wharf.

5.
The floor for scenic performances; hence, the theater; the playhouse; hence, also, the profession of representing dramatic compositions; the drama, as acted or exhibited.

Knights, squires, and steeds, must enter on the stage.
Pope.

Lo! where the stage, the poor, degraded stage,
Holds its warped mirror to a gaping age.
C. Sprague.

6.
A place where anything is publicly exhibited; the scene of any noted action or career; the spot where any remarkable affair occurs; as, politicians must live their lives on the public stage.

When we are born, we cry that we are come
To this great stage of fools.
Shak.

Music and ethereal mirth
Wherewith the stage of air and earth did ring.
Miton.

7.
The platform of a microscope, upon which an object is placed to be viewed. See Illust. of Microscope.

8.
A place of rest on a regularly traveled road; a stage house; a station; a place appointed for a relay of horses.

9.
A degree of advancement in a journey; one of several portions into which a road or course is marked off; the distance between two places of rest on a road; as, a stage of ten miles.

A stage . . . signifies a certain distance on a road.
Jeffrey.

He traveled by gig, with his wife, his favorite horse performing the journey by easy stages.
Smiles.

10.
A degree of advancement in any pursuit, or of progress toward an end or result.

Such a polity is suited only to a particular stage in the progress of society.
Macaulay.

11.
A large vehicle running from station to station for the accommodation of the public; a stagecoach; an omnibus.
stage
Cowper.
[Obsolescent]

I went in the sixpenny stage.
Swift.

12.
(Biol.)
One of several marked phases or periods in the development and growth of many animals and plants; as, the larval stage; pupa stage; zoea stage.

Stage box, a box close to the stage in a theater. -- Stage carriage, a stagecoach. -- Stage door, the actors' and workmen's entrance to a theater. -- Stage lights, the lights by which the stage in a theater is illuminated. -- Stage micrometer, a graduated device applied to the stage of a microscope for measuring the size of an object. -- Stage wagon, a wagon which runs between two places for conveying passengers or goods. -- Stage whisper, a loud whisper, as by an actor in a theater, supposed, for dramatic effect, to be unheard by one or more of his fellow actors, yet audible to the audience; an aside.


word: Stagecoach
definition:
Stagecoach

Stage"coach`
(stāj"k&omacrch`)
n.
A coach that runs regularly from one stage, station, or place to another, for the conveyance of passengers.


word: Stagecoachman
definition:
Stagecoachman

Stage"coach`man
(stāj"k&omacrch`man)
n.
pl. Stagecoachmen (stāj"k&omacrch`men).
One who drives a stagecoach.


word: Stage director
definition:
Stage director

Stage director
(Theat.)
One who prepares a play for production. He arranges the details of the stage settings, the business to be used, all stage effects, and instructs the actors, excepting usually the star, in the general interpretation of their parts.


word: Stagehouse
definition:
Stagehouse

Stage"house`
(-hous`)
n.
A house where a stage regularly stops for passengers or a relay of horses.


word: Stage manager
definition:
Stage manager

Stage manager
(Theat.)
One in control of the stage during the production of a play. He directs the stage hands, property man, etc., has charge of all details behind the curtain, except the acting, and has a general oversight of the actors. Sometimes he is also the stage director.


word: Stageplayer
definition:
Stageplayer

Stage"play`er
(-ẽr)
n.
An actor on the stage; one whose occupation is to represent characters on the stage; as, Garrick was a celebrated stageplayer.


word: Stager
definition:
Stager

Sta"ger
(stā"jẽr)
n.
1.
A player.
[R.]
B. Jonson.

2.
One who has long acted on the stage of life; a practitioner; a person of experience, or of skill derived from long experience.
stagers
Sir W. Scott.

3.
A horse used in drawing a stage.
[Colloq.]


word: Stage-struck
definition:
Stage-struck

Stage"-struck`
(stāj"strŭk`)
a.
Fascinated by the stage; seized by a passionate desire to become an actor.


word: Stagger
definition:
Stagger

Stag"ger
(-gẽr)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Staggered (-gẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Staggering.]
[OE. stakeren, Icel. stakra to push, to stagger, fr. staka to punt, push, stagger; cf. OD. staggeren to stagger.  Cf. Stake, n.]
1.
To move to one side and the other, as if about to fall, in standing or walking; not to stand or walk with steadiness; to sway; to reel or totter.

Deep was the wound; he staggered with the blow.
Dryden.

2.
To cease to stand firm; to begin to give way; to fail.
staggers
Addison.

3.
To begin to doubt and waver in purpose; to become less confident or determined; to hesitate.

He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.
Rom. iv. 20.


word: Stagger₂
definition:
Stagger

Stag"ger
v. t.
1.
To cause to reel or totter.

That hand shall burn in never-quenching fire
That staggers thus my person.
Shak.

2.
To cause to doubt and waver; to make to hesitate; to make less steady or confident; to shock.

Whosoever will read the story of this war will find himself much staggered.
Howell.

Grants to the house of Russell were so enormous, as not only to outrage economy, but even to stagger credibility.
Burke.

3.
To arrange (a series of parts) on each side of a median line alternately, as the spokes of a wheel or the rivets of a boiler seam.


word: Stagger₃
definition:
Stagger

Stag"ger
n.
1.
An unsteady movement of the body in walking or standing, as if one were about to fall; a reeling motion; vertigo; -- often in the plural; as, the stagger of a drunken man.

2.
pl.
(Far.)
A disease of horses and other animals, attended by reeling, unsteady gait or sudden falling; as, parasitic staggers; apopletic or sleepy staggers.

3.
pl.
Bewilderment; perplexity.
[R.]
Shak.

Stomach staggers (Far.), distention of the stomach with food or gas, resulting in indigestion, frequently in death.


word: Staggerbush
definition:
Staggerbush

Stag"ger*bush`
(-b&usdot_;sh`)
n.
(Bot.)
An American shrub (Andromeda Mariana) having clusters of nodding white flowers. It grows in low, sandy places, and is said to poison lambs and calves.
Gray.


word: Stag-horn fern
definition:
Stag-horn fern

Stag-horn coral

{ Stag"-horn` cor"al (stăg"hôrn` k&obreve_;r"al), Stag"-horn` fern` (fẽrn`), etc. }
See under Stag.


word: Stag-horned
definition:
Stag-horned

Stag"-horned`
(-hôrnd`)
a.
(Zool.)
Having the mandibles large and palmate, or branched somewhat like the antlers of a stag; -- said of certain beetles.


word: Staghound
definition:
Staghound

Stag"hound`
(-hound`)
n.
(Zool.)
A large and powerful hound formerly used in hunting the stag, the wolf, and other large animals. The breed is nearly extinct.


word: Staging
definition:
Staging

Sta"ging
(stā"jĭng)
n.
A structure of posts and boards for supporting workmen, etc., as in building.

2.
The business of running stagecoaches; also, the act of journeying in stagecoaches.


word: Stagirite
definition:
Stagirite

Stag"i*rite
(stăj"ĭ*rīt)
n.
A native of, or resident in, Stagira, in ancient Macedonia; especially, Aristotle.
[Written also Stagyrite.]


word: Stagnant
definition:
Stagnant

Stag"nant
(-nant)
a.
[L. stagnans, -antis, p. pr. of stagnare. See Stagnate.]
1.
That stagnates; not flowing; not running in a current or steam; motionless; hence, impure or foul from want of motion; as, a stagnant lake or pond; stagnant blood in the veins.

2.
Not active or brisk; dull; as, business is stagnant.

That gloomy slumber of the stagnant soul.
Johnson.

For him a stagnant life was not worth living.
Palfrey.


word: Stagnate
definition:
Stagnate

Stag"nate
(stăg"nāt)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Stagnated (-na̝*tĕd); p. pr. & vb. n. Stagnating.]
[L. stagnatus, p. p. of stagnare to stagnate, make stagnant, from stagnum a piece of standing water. See Stank a pool, and cf. Stanch, v. t.]
1.
To cease to flow; to be motionless; as, blood stagnates in the veins of an animal; hence, to become impure or foul by want of motion; as, air stagnates in a close room.

2.
To cease to be brisk or active; to become dull or inactive; as, commerce stagnates; business stagnates.

Ready-witted tenderness . . . never stagnates in vain lamentations while there is any room for hope.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Stagnation
definition:
Stagnation

Stag*na"tion
(-nā"shŭn)
n.
[Cf. F. stagnation.]
1.
The condition of being stagnant; cessation of flowing or circulation, as of a fluid; the state of being motionless; as, the stagnation of the blood; the stagnation of water or air; the stagnation of vapors.

2.
The cessation of action, or of brisk action; the state of being dull; as, the stagnation of business.


word: Stagworm
definition:
Stagworm

Stag"worm`
(stăg"wûrm`)
n.
(Zool.)
The larva of any species of botfly which is parasitic upon the stag, such as Oestrus actaeon, or Hypoderma actaeon, which burrows beneath the skin, and Cephalomyia auribarbis, which lives in the nostrils.


word: Stagy
definition:
Stagy

Sta"gy
(stā"j&ybreve_;)
a.
[Written also stagey.]
Having an air or manner characteristic of the stage; theatrical; artificial; as, a stagy tone or bearing; -- chiefly used depreciatively.


word: Stahlian
definition:
Stahlian

Stahl"ian
(stäl"yan)
a.
Pertaining to, or taught by, Stahl, a German physician and chemist of the 17th century; as, the Stahlian theory of phlogiston.


word: Stahlianism
definition:
Stahlianism

Stahlism

{ Stahl"ism (stäl"ĭz'm), Stahl"ian*ism (-yan*ĭz'm), }
n.
The Stahlian theory, that every vital action is a function or operation of the soul.


word: Staid₂
definition:
Staid

Staid
a.
[From Stay to stop.]
Sober; grave; steady; sedate; composed; regular; not wild, volatile, flighty, or fanciful.
staid
Addison.

O'erlaid with black, staid Wisdom's hue.
Milton.


word: Staidness
definition:
Staidness

Staid"ness
n.
The quality or state of being staid; seriousness; steadiness; sedateness; regularity; -- the opposite of wildness, or levity.

If sometimes he appears too gay, yet a secret gracefulness of youth accompanies his writings, though the staidness and sobriety of age be wanting.
Dryden.


word: Stain
definition:
Stain

Stain
(stān)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stained (stānd); p. pr. & vb. n. Staining.]
[Abbrev. fr. distain.]
1.
To discolor by the application of foreign matter; to make foul; to spot; as, to stain the hand with dye; armor stained with blood.

2.
To color, as wood, glass, paper, cloth, or the like, by processes affecting, chemically or otherwise, the material itself; to tinge with a color or colors combining with, or penetrating, the substance; to dye; as, to stain wood with acids, colored washes, paint rubbed in, etc.; to stain glass.

3.
To spot with guilt or infamy; to bring reproach on; to blot; to soil; to tarnish.

Of honor void,
Of innocence, of faith, of purity,
Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained.
Milton.

4.
To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison.

She stains the ripest virgins of her age.
Beau. & Fl.

That did all other beasts in beauty stain.
Spenser.

Stained glass, glass colored or stained by certain metallic pigments fused into its substance, -- often used for making ornamental windows.


word: Stain₃
definition:
Stain

Stain
n.
1.
A discoloration by foreign matter; a spot; as, a stain on a garment or cloth.
Shak.

2.
A natural spot of a color different from the gound.

Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains.
Pope.

3.
Taint of guilt; tarnish; disgrace; reproach.

Nor death itself can wholly wash their stains.
Dryden.

Our opinion . . . is, I trust, without any blemish or stain of heresy.
Hooker.

4.
Cause of reproach; shame.
Sir P. Sidney.

5.
A tincture; a tinge.
[R.]

You have some stain of soldier in you.
Shak.


word: Stainer
definition:
Stainer

Stain"er
(-ẽr)
n.
1.
One who stains or tarnishes.

2.
A workman who stains; as, a stainer of wood.


word: Stainless
definition:
Stainless

Stain"less
a.
Free from stain; immaculate.
Shak.

The very care he took to keep his name
Stainless, with some was evidence of shame.
Crabbe.


word: Stair
definition:
Stair

Stair
(stâr)
n.
[OE. steir, steyer, AS. st&aemacr_;ger, from stīgan to ascend, rise.  √164. See Sty to ascend.]
1.
One step of a series for ascending or descending to a different level; -- commonly applied to those within a building.

2.
A series of steps, as for passing from one story of a house to another; -- commonly used in the plural; but originally used in the singular only.
stair
Chaucer's Dream.

Below stairs, in the basement or lower part of a house, where the servants are. -- Flight of stairs, the stairs which make the whole ascent of a story. -- Pair of stairs, a set or flight of stairs. -- pair, in this phrase, having its old meaning of a set. See Pair, n., 1. -- Run of stairs (Arch.), a single set of stairs, or section of a stairway, from one platform to the next. -- Stair rod, a rod, usually of metal, for holding a stair carpet to its place. -- Up stairs. See Upstairs in the Vocabulary.


word: Staircase
definition:
Staircase

Stair"case`
(stâr"kās`)
n.
A flight of stairs with their supporting framework, casing, balusters, etc.

To make a complete staircase is a curious piece of architecture.
Sir H. Wotton.

Staircase shell. (Zool.) (a) Any scalaria, or wentletrap. (b) Any species of Solarium, or perspective shell.


word: Staith
definition:
Staith

Staith
(stāth)
n.
[AS. staeð a bank, shore, from the root of E. stead.]
A landing place; an elevated staging upon a wharf for discharging coal, etc., as from railway cars, into vessels.
[Eng.]


word: Stake
definition:
Stake

Stake
(stāk)
n.
[AS. staca, from the root of E. stick; akin to OFries. & LG. stake, D. staak, Sw. stake, Dan. stage. See Stick, v. t., and cf. Estacade, Stockade.]
1.
A piece of wood, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a support or stay; as, a stake to support vines, fences, hedges, etc.

A sharpened stake strong Dryas found.
Dryden.

2.
A stick inserted upright in a loop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, a flat car, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.

3.
The piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire.

4.
A small anvil usually furnished with a tang to enter a hole in a bench top, -- used by tinsmiths, blacksmiths, etc., for light work, punching upon, etc.

5.
That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.

6.
(Mormon Ch.)
A territorial division; -- called also stake of Zion.
Every city, or “stake,” including a chief town and surrounding towns, has its president, with two counselors; and this president has a high council of chosen men.
Schaff-Herzog Encyc.

At stake, in danger; hazarded; pledged. “I see my reputation is at stake.” Shak.


word: Stake₂
definition:
Stake

Stake
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Staked (stākd); p. pr. & vb. n. Staking.]
1.
To fasten, support, or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.

2.
To mark the limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road.

3.
To put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a future contingency; to wager; to pledge.

I'll stake yon lamb, that near the fountain plays.
Pope.

4.
To pierce or wound with a stake.
Spectator.


word: Stake-driver
definition:
Stake-driver

Stake"-driv`er
(-drīv`ẽr)
n.
(Zool.)
The common American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus); -- so called because one of its notes resembles the sound made in driving a stake into the mud.  Called also meadow hen, and Indian hen.


word: Stakehead
definition:
Stakehead

Stake"head`
(stāk"hĕd`)
n.
(Rope Making)
A horizontal bar on a stake, used for supporting the yarns which are kept apart by pins in the bar.


word: Stakeholder
definition:
Stakeholder

Stake"hold`er
(-h&omacrld`ẽr)
n.
The holder of a stake; one with whom the bets are deposited when a wager is laid.


word: Staktometer
definition:
Staktometer

Stak*tom"e*ter
(stăk*t&obreve_;m"e̝*tẽr)
n.
[Gr. stakto`s falling by drops + -meter.]
A drop measurer; a glass tube tapering to a small orifice at the point, and having a bulb in the middle, used for finding the number of drops in equal quantities of different liquids. See Pipette.
Sir D. Brewster.


word: Stalactical
definition:
Stalactical

Stalactic

{ Sta*lac"tic (stȧ*lăk"tĭk), Sta*lac"tic*al (-tĭ"kal), }
a.
(Geol.)
Stalactitic.


word: Stalactite
definition:
Stalactite

Sta*lac"tite
(-tīt)
n.
pl. Stalactites (-tīts).
[Gr. stalakto`s oozing out in drops, dropping, fr. stala`zein to drop: cf. F. stalactite.]
(Geol.)
(a)
A pendent cone or cylinder of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle in form and mode of attachment. Stalactites are found depending from the roof or sides of caverns, and are produced by deposition from waters which have percolated through, and partially dissolved, the overlying limestone rocks.
(b)
In an extended sense, any mineral or rock of similar form and origin; as, a stalactite of lava.


word: Stalactitical
definition:
Stalactitical

Stalactitic

{ Stal`ac*tit"ic (-tĭt"ĭk), Stal`ac*tit"ic*al (-ĭ*kal), }
a.
[Cf. F. stalactitique.]
(Geol.)
Of or pertaining to a stalactite; having the form or characters of a stalactite; stalactic.


word: Stalactitiform
definition:
Stalactitiform

Stal`ac*tit"i*form
(stăl`ăk*tĭt"ĭ*fôrm)
a.
Having the form of a stalactite; stalactiform.


word: Stalagmite
definition:
Stalagmite

Sta*lag"mite
(stȧ*lăg"mīt)
n.
[Gr. sta`lagma that which drops, a drop, fr. stala`zein to drop: cf. F. stalagmite.]
(Geol.)
A deposit more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed by calcareous water dropping on the floors of caverns; hence, a similar deposit of other material.


word: Stalagmitical
definition:
Stalagmitical

Stalagmitic

{ Stal`ag*mit"ic (stăl`ăg*mĭt"ĭk), Stal`ag*mit"ic*al (-mĭt"ĭ*kal), }
a.
Having the form or structure of stalagmites.
Stal`ag*mit"ic*al*ly, adv.


word: Stalder
definition:
Stalder

Stal"der
(st&asuml_;l"dẽr)
n.
[From the root of stall.]
A wooden frame to set casks on.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Stale
definition:
Stale

Stale
(stāl)
n.
[OE. stale, stele, AS. stael, stel; akin to LG. & D. steel, G. stiel; cf. L. stilus stake, stalk, stem, Gr. steleo`n a handle, and E. stall, stalk, n.]
The stock or handle of anything; as, the stale of a rake.
[Written also steal, stele, etc.]

But seeing the arrow's stale without, and that the head did go
No further than it might be seen.
Chapman.


word: Stale₂
definition:
Stale

Stale
a.
[Akin to stale urine, and to stall, n.; probably from Low German or Scandinavian.  Cf. Stale, v. i.]
1.
Vapid or tasteless from age; having lost its life, spirit, and flavor, from being long kept; as, stale beer.

2.
Not new; not freshly made; as, stale bread.

3.
Having lost the life or graces of youth; worn out; decayed.
stale
Spectator.

4.
Worn out by use or familiarity; having lost its novelty and power of pleasing; trite; common.
Swift.

Wit itself, if stale is less pleasing.
Grew.

How weary, stale flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
Shak.

Stale affidavit (Law), an affidavit held above a year. Craig. -- Stale demand (Law), a claim or demand which has not been pressed or demanded for a long time.


word: Stale₃
definition:
Stale

Stale
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Staled (stāld); p. pr. & vb. n. Staling.]
To make vapid or tasteless; to destroy the life, beauty, or use of; to wear out.

Age can not wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety.
Shak.


word: Stale₄
definition:
Stale

Stale
v. i.
[Akin to D. & G. stallen, Dan. stalle, Sw. stalla, and E. stall a stable.  √ 163. See Stall, n., and cf. Stale, a.]
To make water; to discharge urine; -- said especially of horses and cattle.
Hudibras.


word: Stale₅
definition:
Stale

Stale
n.
[See Stale, a. & v. i.]
1.
That which is stale or worn out by long keeping, or by use.
[Obs.]

2.
A prostitute.
[Obs.]
Shak.

3.
Urine, esp. that of beasts.
Stale
Shak.


word: Stale₆
definition:
Stale

Stale
n.
[Cf. OF. estal place, position, abode, market, F. étal a butcher's stall, OHG. stal station, place, stable, G. stall (see Stall, n.); or from OE. stale theft, AS. stalu (see Steal, v. t.).]
1.
Something set, or offered to view, as an allurement to draw others to any place or purpose; a decoy; a stool pigeon.
[Obs.]

Still, as he went, he crafty stales did lay.
Spenser.

2.
A stalking-horse.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.

3.
(Chess)
A stalemate.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

4.
A laughingstock; a dupe.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Stalemate
definition:
Stalemate

Stale"mate`
(-māt`)
n.
(Chess)
The position of the king when he can not move without being placed in check and there is no other piece which can be moved.


word: Stalk
definition:
Stalk

Stalk
(st&asuml_;k)
n.
[OE. stalke, fr. AS. stael, stel, a stalk. See Stale a handle, Stall.]
1.
(Bot.)
(a)
The stem or main axis of a plant; as, a stalk of wheat, rye, or oats; the stalks of maize or hemp.
(b)
The petiole, pedicel, or peduncle, of a plant.

2.
That which resembles the stalk of a plant, as the stem of a quill.
Grew.

3.
(Arch.)
An ornament in the Corinthian capital resembling the stalk of a plant, from which the volutes and helices spring.

4.
One of the two upright pieces of a ladder.
[Obs.]

To climb by the rungs and the stalks.
Chaucer.

5.
(Zool.)
(a)
A stem or peduncle, as of certain barnacles and crinoids.
(b)
The narrow basal portion of the abdomen of a hymenopterous insect.
(c)
The peduncle of the eyes of decapod crustaceans.

6.
(Founding)
An iron bar with projections inserted in a core to strengthen it; a core arbor.

Stalk borer (Zool.), the larva of a noctuid moth (Gortyna nitela), which bores in the stalks of the raspberry, strawberry, tomato, asters, and many other garden plants, often doing much injury.


word: Stalk₂
definition:
Stalk

Stalk
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Stalked (st&asuml_;kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Stalking.]
[AS. staelcan, stealcian to go slowly; cf. stealc high, elevated, Dan. stalke to stalk; probably akin to 1st stalk.]
1.
To walk slowly and cautiously; to walk in a stealthy, noiseless manner; -- sometimes used with a reflexive pronoun.
Shak.

Into the chamber he stalked him full still.
Chaucer.

[Bertran] stalks close behind her, like a witch's fiend,
Pressing to be employed.
Dryden.

2.
To walk behind something as a screen, for the purpose of approaching game; to proceed under cover.

The king . . . crept under the shoulder of his led horse; . . . “I must stalk,” said he.
Bacon.

One underneath his horse, to get a shoot doth stalk.
Drayton.

3.
To walk with high and proud steps; -- usually implying the affectation of dignity, and indicating dislike.  The word is used, however, especially by the poets, to express dignity of step.

With manly mien he stalked along the ground.
Dryden.

Then stalking through the deep,
He fords the ocean.
Addison.

I forbear myself from entering the lists in which he has long stalked alone and unchallenged.
Merivale.


word: Stalk₃
definition:
Stalk

Stalk
(st&asuml_;k)
v. t.
1.
To approach under cover of a screen, or by stealth, for the purpose of killing, as game.

As for shooting a man from behind a wall, it is cruelly like to stalking a deer.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
To follow (a person) persistently, with or without attempts to evade detection; as, the paparazzi stalk celebrities to get candid photographs; obsessed fans may stalk their favorite movie stars.


word: Stalk₄
definition:
Stalk

Stalk
n.
1.
A high, proud, stately step or walk.

Thus twice before, . . . 
With martial stalk hath he gone by our watch.
Shak.

The which with monstrous stalk behind him stepped.
Spenser.

2.
The act or process of stalking.
When the stalk was over (the antelope took alarm and ran off before I was within rifle shot) I came back.
T. Roosevelt.


word: Stalked
definition:
Stalked

Stalked
(st&asuml_;kt)
a.
Having a stalk or stem; borne upon a stem.

Stalked barnacle (Zool.), a goose barnacle, or anatifer; -- called also stalk barnacle. -- Stalked crinoid (Zool.), any crinoid having a jointed stem.


word: Stalk-eyed
definition:
Stalk-eyed

Stalk"-eyed`
(st&asuml_;k"īd`)
a.
(Zool.)
Having the eyes raised on a stalk, or peduncle; -- opposed to sessile-eyed. Said especially of podophthalmous crustaceans.

Stalk-eyed crustaceans. (Zool.) See Podophthalmia.


word: Stalking-horse
definition:
Stalking-horse

Stalk"ing-horse`
(st&asuml_;k"ĭng-hôrs`)
n.
1.
A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to kill.

2.
Fig.:
Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask; a pretense.

Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an affectation of simplicity and religion.
L'Estrange.

How much more abominable is it to make of him [Christ] and religion a stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world!
Bunyan.


word: Stalky
definition:
Stalky

Stalk"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
Hard as a stalk; resembling a stalk.

At the top [it] bears a great stalky head.
Mortimer.


word: Stall
definition:
Stall

Stall
(st&asuml_;l)
n.
[OE. stal, AS. steall, stall, a place, seat, or station, a stable; akin to D. & OHG. stal, G. & Sw. stall, Icel. stallr, Dan. stald, originally, a standing place; akin also to G. stelle a place, stellen to place, Gr. ste`llein to set, place, send, and E. stand.  √163. See Stand, and cf. Apostle, Epistle, Forestall, Install, Stale, a. & v. i., 1st Stalk, Stallion, Still.]
1.
A stand; a station; a fixed spot; hence, the stand or place where a horse or an ox is kept and fed; the division of a stable, or the compartment, for one horse, ox, or other animal.
stall
Chaucer.

2.
A stable; a place for cattle.

At last he found a stall where oxen stood.
Dryden.

3.
A small apartment or shed in which merchandise is exposed for sale; as, a butcher's stall; a bookstall.

4.
A bench or table on which small articles of merchandise are exposed for sale.

How peddlers' stalls with glittering toys are laid.
Gay.

5.
A seat in the choir of a church, for one of the officiating clergy.  It is inclosed, either wholly or partially, at the back and sides.  The stalls are frequently very rich, with canopies and elaborate carving.

The dignified clergy, out of humility, have called their thrones by the names of stalls.
Bp. Warburton.

Loud the monks sang in their stalls.
Longfellow.

6.
In the theater, a seat with arms or otherwise partly inclosed, as distinguished from the benches, sofas, etc.

7.
(Mining)
The space left by excavation between pillars. See Post and stall, under Post.

8.
A covering or sheath, as of leather, horn, of iron, for a finger or thumb; a cot; as, a thumb stall; a finger stall.

Stall reader, one who reads books at a stall where they are exposed for sale.

Cries the stall reader, “Bless us! what a word on
A titlepage is this!”
Milton.


word: Stall₂
definition:
Stall

Stall
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stalled (st&asuml_;ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Stalling.]
[Cf. Sw. stalla, Dan. stalde.]
1.
To put into a stall or stable; to keep in a stall or stalls; as, to stall an ox.

Where King Latinus then his oxen stalled.
Dryden.

2.
To fatten; as, to stall cattle.
[Prov. Eng.]

3.
To place in an office with the customary formalities; to install.
[Obs.]
Shak.

4.
To plunge into mire or snow so as not to be able to get on; to set; to fix; as, to stall a cart.
Burton.

His horses had been stalled in the snow.
E. E. Hale.

5.
To forestall; to anticipate.
[Obs.]

This is not to be stall'd by my report.
Massinger.

6.
To keep close; to keep secret.
[Obs.]

Stall this in your bosom.
Shak.


word: Stall₃
definition:
Stall

Stall
v. i.
[AS. steallian to have room. See Stall, n.]
1.
To live in, or as in, a stall; to dwell.
[Obs.]

We could not stall together
In the whole world.
Shak.

2.
To kennel, as dogs.
Johnson.

3.
To be set, as in mire or snow; to stick fast.

4.
To be tired of eating, as cattle.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Stallage
definition:
Stallage

Stall"age
(st&asuml_;l"a̝j ; 48)
n.
[Cf. OF. estallage, of German origin. See Stall, n.]
1.
(Eng. Law)
The right of erecting a stall or stalls in fairs; rent paid for a stall.

2.
Dung of cattle or horses, mixed with straw.
[Obs.]


word: Stalled
definition:
Stalled

Stalled
(st&asuml_;ld or st&asuml_;l"ĕd)
a.
Put or kept in a stall; hence, fatted.
stalled
Prov. xv. 17.


word: Stall-feed
definition:
Stall-feed

Stall"-feed`
(-fēd`)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stall-fed (-fĕd`); p. pr. & vb. n. Stall-feeding.]
To feed and fatten in a stall or on dry fodder; as, to stall-feed an ox.


word: Stallion
definition:
Stallion

Stal"lion
(stăl"yŭn)
n.
[OE. stalon, OF. estalon, F. étalon, fr. OHG. stal a stable. See Stall, n.]
A male horse not castrated; a male horse kept for breeding.


word: Stallman
definition:
Stallman

Stall"man
(st&asuml_;l"man)
n.
pl. Stallmen (-men).
One who keeps a stall for the sale of merchandise, especially books.
Sterne.


word: Stalworth
definition:
Stalworth

Stalwart

{ Stal"wart (st&obreve_;l"wẽrt or st&asuml_;l"-; 277), Stal"worth (-wẽrth), }
a.
[OE. stalworth, AS. staelwyrð serviceable, probably originally, good at stealing, or worth stealing or taking, and afterwards extended to other causes of estimation. See Steal, v. t., Worth, a.]
Brave; bold; strong; redoubted; daring; vehement; violent.
stalwart
Prof. Wilson.

Fair man he was and wise, stalworth and bold.
R. of Brunne.

&hand_; Stalworth is now disused, or but little used, stalwart having taken its place.


word: Stalworthness
definition:
Stalworthness

Stalworthhood

{ Stal"worth*hood (-wẽrth*hŏd), Stal"worth*ness (-wẽrth*nĕs)}
n.
The quality or state of being stalworth; stalwartness; boldness; daring.
[Obs.]


word: Stamen
definition:
Stamen

Sta"men
(stā"mĕn)
n.
pl. E. Stamens (-mĕnz) (used only in the second sense); L. Stamina (stăm"ĭ*nȧ) (in the first sense).
[L. stamen the warp, a thread, fiber, akin to Gr. sth`mwn the warp, fr. 'ista`nai to stand, akin to E. stand.  See Stand, and cf. Stamin, Stamina.]
1.
A thread; especially, a warp thread.

2.
(pl. Stamens, rarely Stamina.)
(Bot.)
The male organ of flowers for secreting and furnishing the pollen or fecundating dust.  It consists of the anther and filament.


word: Stamin
definition:
Stamin

Sta"min
(stā"mĭn)
n.
[OF. estamine, F. étamine, LL. staminea, stamineum, fr. L. stamineus consisting of threads, fr. stamen a thread. See Stamen, and cf. Stamineous, 2d Stammel, Tamine.]
A kind of woolen cloth.
[Written also stamine.]
[Obs.]


word: Stamina₂
definition:
Stamina

Stam"i*na
n. pl.
1.
The fixed, firm part of a body, which supports it or gives it strength and solidity; as, the bones are the stamina of animal bodies; the ligneous parts of trees are the stamina which constitute their strength.

2.
Whatever constitutes the principal strength or support of anything; backbone; vigor; as, the stamina of a constitution or of life; the stamina of a State.

He succeeded to great captains who had sapped the whole stamina and resistance of the contest.
De Quincey.

3.
Hence:
The power of endurance; the ability to withstand fatigue, disease, deprivation, etc., and continue working.


word: Staminal
definition:
Staminal

Stam"i*nal
(-nal)
a.
[Cf. F. staminal.]
Of or pertaining to stamens or stamina; consisting in stamens.


word: Staminate
definition:
Staminate

Stam"i*nate
(-na̝t)
a.
[L. staminatus consisting of threads, fr. stamen thread: cf. F. staminé.]
(Bot.)
(a)
Furnished with stamens; producing stamens.
(b)
Having stamens, but lacking pistils.


word: Stamineous
definition:
Stamineous

Stamineal

{ Sta*min"e*al (stȧ*mĭn"e̝*al), Sta*min"e*ous (-mĭn"e̝*ŭs), }
a.
[L. stamineus, from stamen thread.]
1.
Consisting of stamens or threads.

2.
(Bot.)
Of or pertaining to the stamens; possessing stamens; also, attached to the stamens; as, a stamineous nectary.


word: Staminiferous
definition:
Staminiferous

Stam`i*nif"er*ous
(stăm`ĭ*nĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[Stamen + -ferous.]
Bearing or having stamens.


word: Staminodium
definition:
Staminodium

Stam`i*no"di*um
(-n&omacr"dĭ*ŭm)
n.
pl. Staminodia (-ȧ).
[NL. See Stamen, and -oid.]
(Bot.)
An abortive stamen, or any organ modified from an abortive stamen.


word: Stammel₂
definition:
Stammel

Stam"mel
n.
[OF. estamel; cf. OF. estamet a coarse woolen cloth, LL. stameta a kind of cloth, the same as staminea, and OF. estame a woolen stuff. See Stamin.]
1.
A kind of woolen cloth formerly in use. It seems to have been often of a red color.
[Obs.]

2.
A red dye, used in England in the 15th and 16th centuries.
B. Jonson.


word: Stammer
definition:
Stammer

Stam"mer
(stăm"mẽr)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Stammered (-mẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Stammering.]
[OE. stameren, fr. AS. stamur, stamer, stammering; akin to D. & LG. stameren to stammer, G. stammeln, OHG. stammal&omacrn, stammēn, Dan. stamme, Sw. stamma, Icel. stama, stamma, OHG. & Dan. stam stammering, Icel. stamr, Goth. stamms, and to G. stemmen to bear against, stumm dumb, D. stom.  Cf. Stem to resist, Stumble.]
To make involuntary stops in uttering syllables or words; to hesitate or falter in speaking; to speak with stops and difficulty; to stutter.

I would thou couldst stammer, that thou mightest pour this concealed man out of thy mouth, as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle, either too much at once, or none at all.
Shak.


word: Stammer₂
definition:
Stammer

Stam"mer
(stăm"mẽr)
v. t.
To utter or pronounce with hesitation or imperfectly; -- sometimes with out.


word: Stammering
definition:
Stammering

Stam"mer*ing
a.
Apt to stammer; hesitating in speech; stuttering.
Stam"mer*ing*ly, adv.


word: Stammering₂
definition:
Stammering

Stam"mer*ing
n.
(Physiol.)
A disturbance in the formation of sounds.  It is due essentially to long-continued spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm, by which expiration is prevented, and hence it may be considered as a spasmodic inspiration.


word: Stamp
definition:
Stamp

Stamp
(stămp)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stamped (stămt ; 215); p. pr. & vb. n. Stamping.]
[OE. stampen; akin to LG. & D. stampen, G. stampfen, OHG. stampf&omacrn, Dan. stampe, Sw. stampa, Icel. stappa, G. stampf a pestle and E. step. See Step, v. i., and cf. Stampede.]
1.
To strike beat, or press forcibly with the bottom of the foot, or by thrusting the foot downward.
Shak.

He frets, he fumes, he stares, he stamps the ground.
Dryden.

2.
To bring down (the foot) forcibly on the ground or floor; as, he stamped his foot with rage.

3.
To crush; to pulverize; specifically (Metal.), to crush by the blow of a heavy stamp, as ore in a mill.

I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small.
Deut. ix. 21.

4.
To impress with some mark or figure; as, to stamp a plate with arms or initials.

5.
Fig.: To impress; to imprint; to fix deeply; as, to stamp virtuous principles on the heart.

God . . . has stamped no original characters on our minds wherein we may read his being.
Locke.

6.
To cut out, bend, or indent, as paper, sheet metal, etc., into various forms, by a blow or suddenly applied pressure with a stamp or die, etc.; to mint; to coin.

7.
To put a stamp on, as for postage; as, to stamp a letter; to stamp a legal document.

To stamp out, to put an end to by sudden and energetic action; to extinguish; as, to stamp out a rebellion.


word: Stamp₂
definition:
Stamp

Stamp
v. i.
1.
To strike; to beat; to crush.

These cooks how they stamp and strain and grind.
Chaucer.

2.
To strike the foot forcibly downward.

But starts, exclaims, and stamps, and raves, and dies.
Dennis.


word: Stamp₃
definition:
Stamp

Stamp
n.
1.
The act of stamping, as with the foot.

2.
The which stamps; any instrument for making impressions on other bodies, as a die.

'T is gold so pure
It can not bear the stamp without alloy.
Dryden.

3.
The mark made by stamping; a mark imprinted; an impression.

That sacred name gives ornament and grace,
And, like his stamp, makes basest metals pass.
Dryden.

4.
That which is marked; a thing stamped.

Hanging a golden stamp about their necks.
Shak.

5.
[F. estampe, of German origin. See Stamp, v. t.]
A picture cut in wood or metal, or made by impression; a cut; a plate.
[Obs.]

At Venice they put out very curious stamps of the several edifices which are most famous for their beauty and magnificence.
Addison.

6.
An official mark set upon things chargeable with a duty or tax to government, as evidence that the duty or tax is paid; as, the stamp on a bill of exchange.

7.
Hence:
A stamped or printed device, usually paper, issued by the government at a fixed price, and required by law to be affixed to, or stamped on, certain papers, as evidence that the government dues are paid; as, a postage stamp; a tax  stamp; a receipt stamp, etc.

8.
An instrument for cutting out, or shaping, materials, as paper, leather, etc., by a downward pressure.

9.
A character or reputation, good or bad, fixed on anything as if by an imprinted mark; current value; authority; as, these persons have the stamp of dishonesty; the Scriptures bear the stamp of a divine origin.

Of the same stamp is that which is obtruded on us, that an adamant suspends the attraction of the loadstone.
Sir T. Browne.

10.
Make; cast; form; character; as, a man of the same stamp, or of a different stamp.

A soldier of this season's stamp.
Shak.

11.
A kind of heavy hammer, or pestle, raised by water or steam power, for beating ores to powder; anything like a pestle, used for pounding or beating.

12.
A half-penny.
[Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.

13.
pl.
Money, esp. paper money.
[Slang, U.S.]

Stamp act, an act of the British Parliament [1765] imposing a duty on all paper, vellum, and parchment used in the American colonies, and declaring all writings on unstamped materials to be null and void. -- Stamp collector, (a) an officer who receives or collects stamp duties. (b) one who collects postage or other stamps, as an avocation or for investment; a philatelist. -- Stamp duty, a duty, or tax, imposed on paper and parchment used for certain writings, as deeds, conveyances, etc., the evidence of the payment of the duty or tax being a stamp. [Eng.] -- Stamp hammer, a hammer, worked by power, which rises and falls vertically, like a stamp in a stamp mill. -- Stamp head, a heavy mass of metal, forming the head or lower end of a bar, which is lifted and let fall, in a stamp mill. -- Stamp mill (Mining), a mill in which ore is crushed with stamps; also, a machine for stamping ore. -- Stamp note, a stamped certificate from a customhouse officer, which allows goods to be received by the captain of a ship as freight. [Eng.] -- Stamp office, an office for the issue of stamps and the reception of stamp duties.


word: Stampede
definition:
Stampede

Stam*pede"
(stăm*pēd")
n.
[Sp. estampida (in America) a stampede, estampido a crackling, akin to estampar to stamp, of German origin. See Stamp, v. t.]
1.
A wild, headlong scamper, or running away, of a number of animals; usually caused by fright; hence, any sudden flight or dispersion, as of a crowd or an army in consequence of a panic.

2.
Any sudden unconcerted moving or acting together of a number of persons, as from  some common impulse; as, a stampede to the gold regions; a stampede in a convention; a stampede toward U. S. bonds in the credit markets.

She and her husband would join in the general stampede.
W. Black.


word: Stampede₂
definition:
Stampede

Stam*pede"
(stăm*pēd")
v. i.
To run away in a panic; -- said of droves of cattle, horses, etc., also of armies.


word: Stamping
definition:
Stamping

Stamp"ing
a. & n. from Stamp, v.

Stamping ground, a place frequented, and much trodden, by animals, wild or domesticated; hence (Colloq.), the scene of one's labors or exploits; also, one's favorite resort; in this sense, often called stomping ground. [U.S.] -- Stamping machine, a machine for forming metallic articles or impressions by stamping. -- Stamping mill (Mining), a stamp mill.


word: Stance
definition:
Stance

Stance
(stăns)
n.
[OF. estance. See Stanza.]
1.
A stanza.
[Obs.]
Chapman.

2.
A station; a position; a site.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.

3.
(Golf, Baseball)
The position of a player's feet, relative to each other and to the ball, when he is making a stroke or at bat.

4.
the mental attitude, position, or approach a person adopts in respect to something.


word: Stanch
definition:
Stanch

Stanch
(stȧnch)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stanched (stȧncht); p. pr. & vb. n. Stanching.]
[OF. estanchier, F. étancher to stop a liquid from flowing; akin to Pr., Sp., & Pg. estancar, It. stancare to weary, LL. stancare, stagnare, to stanch, fr. L. stagnare to be or make stagnant. See Stagnate.]
1.
To stop the flowing of, as blood; to check; also, to stop the flowing of blood from; as, to stanch a wound.
[Written also staunch.]

Iron or a stone laid to the neck doth stanch the bleeding of the nose.
Bacon.

2.
To extinguish; to quench, as fire or thirst.
[Obs.]


word: Stanch₂
definition:
Stanch

Stanch
v. i.
To cease, as the flowing of blood.

Immediately her issue of blood stanched.
Luke viii. 44.


word: Stanch₃
definition:
Stanch

Stanch
n.
1.
That which stanches or checks.
[Obs.]

2.
A flood gate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release.
Knight.


word: Stanch₄
definition:
Stanch

Stanch
a.
[Compar. Stancher (-ẽr); superl. Stanchest.]
[From Stanch, v. t., and hence literally signifying, stopped or stayed; cf. Sp. estanco stopped, tight, not leaky, as a ship. See Stanch, v. t.]
[Written also staunch.]
1.
Strong and tight; sound; firm; as, a stanch ship.

One of the closets is parqueted with plain deal, set in diamond, exceeding stanch and pretty.
Evelyn.

2.
Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty; steady; steadfast; as, a stanch churchman; a stanch friend or adherent.
V. Knox.

In politics I hear you 're stanch.
Prior.

3.
Close; secret; private.
[Obs.]

This is to be kept stanch.
Locke.


word: Stanch₅
definition:
Stanch

Stanch
v. t.
To prop; to make stanch, or strong.

His gathered sticks to stanch the wall
Of the snow tower when snow should fall.
Emerson.


word: Stancher
definition:
Stancher

Stanch"er
(stȧnch"ẽr)
n.
One who, or that which, stanches, or stops, the flowing, as of blood.


word: Stanchion
definition:
Stanchion

Stan"chion
(stăn"shŭn ; 277)
n.
[OF. estanson, estançon, F. étançon, from OF. estance a stay, a prop, from L. stans, stantis, standing, p. pr. of stare to stand. See Stand, and cf. Stanza.]
[Written also stanchel.]
1.
(Arch.)
A prop or support; a piece of timber in the form of a stake or post, used for a support or stay.

2.
(Naut.)
Any upright post or beam used as a support, as for the deck, the quarter rails, awnings, etc.

3.
A vertical bar for confining cattle in a stall.


word: Stanchless
definition:
Stanchless

Stanch"less
(stȧnch"lĕs)
a.
1.
Incapable of being stanched, or stopped.

2.
Unquenchable; insatiable.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Stand
definition:
Stand

Stand
(stănd)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Stood (stŏd); p. pr. & vb. n. Standing.]
[OE. standen; AS. standan; akin to OFries. stonda, stān, D. staan, OS. standan, stān, OHG. stantan, stān, G. stehen, Icel. standa, Dan. staae, Sw. stå, Goth. standan, Russ. stoiate, L. stare, Gr. 'ista`nai to cause to stand, sth^nai to stand, Skr. sthā.  √163.  Cf. Assist, Constant, Contrast, Desist, Destine, Ecstasy, Exist, Interstice, Obstacle, Obstinate, Prest, n., Rest remainder, Solstice, Stable, a. & n., Staff, Stage, Stall, n., Stamen, Stanchion, Stanza, State, n., Statute, Stead, Steed, Stool, Stud of horses, Substance, System.]
1.
To be at rest in an erect position; to be fixed in an upright or firm position
(a)
To be supported on the feet, in an erect or nearly erect position; -- opposed to lie, sit, kneel, etc.
stand
Shak.
(b)
To continue upright in a certain locality, as a tree fixed by the roots, or a building resting on its foundation.

It stands as it were to the ground yglued.
Chaucer.

The ruined wall
Stands when its wind-worn battlements are gone.
Byron.

2.
To occupy or hold a place; to have a situation; to be situated or located; as, Paris stands on the Seine.

Wite ye not where there stands a little town?
Chaucer.

3.
To cease from progress; not to proceed; to stop; to pause; to halt; to remain stationary.

I charge thee, stand,
And tell thy name.
Dryden.

The star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Matt. ii. 9.

4.
To remain without ruin or injury; to hold good against tendencies to impair or injure; to be permanent; to endure; to last; hence, to find endurance, strength, or resources.

My mind on its own center stands unmoved.
Dryden.

5.
To maintain one's ground; to be acquitted; not to fail or yield; to be safe.

Readers by whose judgment I would stand or fall.
Spectator.

6.
To maintain an invincible or permanent attitude; to be fixed, steady, or firm; to take a position in resistance or opposition.
standing
South.

The king granted the Jews . . . to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life.
Esther viii. 11.

7.
To adhere to fixed principles; to maintain moral rectitude; to keep from falling into error or vice.

We must labor so as to stand with godliness, according to his appointment.
Latimer.

8.
To have or maintain a position, order, or rank; to be in a particular relation; as, Christian charity, or love, stands first in the rank of gifts.

9.
To be in some particular state; to have essence or being; to be; to consist.
stood
Heb. ix. 10.

Accomplish what your signs foreshow;
I stand resigned, and am prepared to go.
Dryden.

Thou seest how it stands with me, and that I may not tarry.
Sir W. Scott.

10.
To be consistent; to agree; to accord.

Doubt me not; by heaven, I will do nothing
But what may stand with honor.
Massinger.

11.
(Naut.)
To hold a course at sea; as, to stand from the shore; to stand for the harbor.

From the same parts of heaven his navy stands.
Dryden.

12.
To offer one's self, or to be offered, as a candidate.

He stood to be elected one of the proctors of the university.
Walton.

13.
To stagnate; not to flow; to be motionless.

Or the black water of Pomptina stands.
Dryden.

14.
To measure when erect on the feet.

Six feet two, as I think, he stands.
Tennyson.

15.
(Law)
(a)
To be or remain as it is; to continue in force; to have efficacy or validity; to abide.
Bouvier.
(b)
To appear in court.
Burrill.

16.
(Card Playing)
To be, or signify that one is, willing to play with one's hand as dealt.

Stand by (Naut.), a preparatory order, equivalent to Be ready. -- To stand against, to oppose; to resist. -- To stand by. (a) To be near; to be a spectator; to be present. (b) To be aside; to be set aside with disregard. “In the interim [we] let the commands stand by neglected.” Dr. H. More. (c) To maintain; to defend; to support; not to desert; as, to stand by one's principles or party. (d) To rest on for support; to be supported by. Whitgift. (e) To remain as a spectator, and take no part in an action; as, we can't just stand idly by while people are being killed. -- To stand corrected, to be set right, as after an error in a statement of fact; to admit having been in error. Wycherley. -- To stand fast, to be fixed; to be unshaken or immovable. -- To stand firmly on, to be satisfied or convinced of. “Though Page be a secure fool, and stands so firmly on his wife's frailty.” Shak. -- To stand for. (a) To side with; to espouse the cause of; to support; to maintain, or to profess or attempt to maintain; to defend.  “I stand wholly for you.” Shak. (b) To be in the place of; to be the substitute or representative of; to represent; as, a cipher at the left hand of a figure stands for nothing. “I will not trouble myself, whether these names stand for the same thing, or really include one another.” Locke. (c) To tolerate; as, I won't stand for any delay. -- To stand in, to cost. “The same standeth them in much less cost.” Robynson (More's Utopia).

The Punic wars could not have stood the human race in less than three millions of the species. Burke.

  -- To stand in hand, to conduce to one's interest; to be serviceable or advantageous. -- To stand off. (a) To keep at a distance. (b) Not to comply. (c) To keep at a distance in friendship, social intercourse, or acquaintance. (d) To appear prominent; to have relief. “Picture is best when it standeth off, as if it were carved.” Sir H. Wotton. -- To stand off and on (Naut.), to remain near a coast by sailing toward land and then from it. -- To stand on (Naut.), to continue on the same tack or course. -- To stand out. (a) To project; to be prominent. “Their eyes stand out with fatness.” Psalm lxxiii. 7. (b) To persist in opposition or resistance; not to yield or comply; not to give way or recede.

His spirit is come in,
That so stood out against the holy church. Shak.

   -- To stand to. (a) To ply; to urge; to persevere in using. “Stand to your tackles, mates, and stretch your oars.” Dryden. (b) To remain fixed in a purpose or opinion. “I will stand to it, that this is his sense.” Bp. Stillingfleet. (c) To abide by; to adhere to; as to a contract, assertion, promise, etc.; as, to stand to an award; to stand to one's word. (d) Not to yield; not to fly; to maintain, as one's ground. “Their lives and fortunes were put in safety, whether they stood to it or ran away.” Bacon. (e) To be consistent with; to agree with; as, it stands to reason that he could not have done so; same as stand with, below . (f) To support; to uphold. “Stand to me in this cause.” Shak. -- To stand together, to be consistent; to agree. -- To stand to reason to be reasonable; to be expected. -- To stand to sea (Naut.), to direct the course from land. -- To stand under, to undergo; to withstand. Shak. -- To stand up. (a) To rise from sitting; to be on the feet. (b) To arise in order to speak or act. “Against whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed.” Acts xxv. 18. (c) To rise and stand on end, as the hair. (d) To put one's self in opposition; to contend. “Once we stood up about the corn.” Shak. -- To stand up for, to defend; to justify; to support, or attempt to support; as, to stand up for the administration. -- To stand upon. (a) To concern; to interest. (b) To value; to esteem. “We highly esteem and stand much upon our birth.” Ray. (c) To insist on; to attach much importance to; as, to stand upon security; to stand upon ceremony. (d) To attack; to assault. [A Hebraism] “So I stood upon him, and slew him.” 2 Sam. i. 10. -- To stand with, to be consistent with. “It stands with reason that they should be rewarded liberally.” Sir J. Davies.


word: Stand₂
definition:
Stand

Stand
(stănd)
v. t.
1.
To endure; to sustain; to bear; as, I can not stand the cold or the heat.

2.
To resist, without yielding or receding; to withstand.
stood
Dryden.

He stood the furious foe.
Pope.

3.
To abide by; to submit to; to suffer.

Bid him disband his legions, . . . 
And stand the judgment of a Roman senate.
Addison.

4.
To set upright; to cause to stand; as, to stand a book on the shelf; to stand a man on his feet.

5.
To be at the expense of; to pay for; as, to stand a treat.
[Colloq.]
Thackeray.

To stand fire, to receive the fire of arms from an enemy without giving way. -- To stand one's ground, to keep the ground or station one has taken; to maintain one's position. “Peasants and burghers, however brave, are unable to stand their ground against veteran soldiers.” Macaulay. -- To stand trial, to sustain the trial or examination of a cause; not to give up without trial.


word: Stand₃
definition:
Stand

Stand
(stănd)
n.
[AS. stand. See Stand, v. i.]
1.
The act of standing.

I took my stand upon an eminence . . . to look into their several ladings.
Spectator.

2.
A halt or stop for the purpose of defense, resistance, or opposition; as, to come to, or to make, a stand.

Vice is at stand, and at the highest flow.
Dryden.

3.
A place or post where one stands; a place where one may stand while observing or waiting for something.

I have found you out a stand most fit,
Where you may have such vantage on the duke,
He shall not pass you.
Shak.

4.
A station in a city or town where carriages or wagons stand for hire; as, a cab stand.
Dickens.

5.
A raised platform or station where a race or other outdoor spectacle may be viewed; as, the judge's or the grand stand at a race course.

6.
A small table; also, something on or in which anything may be laid, hung, or placed upright; as, a hatstand; an umbrella stand; a music stand.

7.
The place where a witness stands to testify in court.

8.
The situation of a shop, store, hotel, etc.; as, a good, bad, or convenient stand for business.
[U. S.]

9.
Rank; post; station; standing.

Father, since your fortune did attain
So high a stand, I mean not to descend.
Daniel.

10.
A state of perplexity or embarrassment; as, to be at a stand what to do.
L'Estrange.

11.
A young tree, usually reserved when other trees are cut; also, a tree growing or standing upon its own root, in distinction from one produced from a scion set in a stock, either of the same or another kind of tree.

12.
(Com.)
A weight of from two hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds, -- used in weighing pitch.

Microscope stand, the instrument, excepting the eyepiece, objective, and other removable optical parts. -- Stand of ammunition, the projectile, cartridge, and sabot connected together. -- Stand of arms. (Mil.) See under Arms. -- Stand of colors (Mil.), a single color, or flag. Wilhelm (Mil. Dict.) -- To be at a stand, to be stationary or motionless; to be at a standstill; hence, to be perplexed; to be embarrassed. -- To make a stand, to halt for the purpose of offering resistance to a pursuing enemy.


word: Standage
definition:
Standage

Stand"age
(-a̝j ; 48)
n.
(Mining)
A reservoir in which water accumulates at the bottom of a mine.


word: Standard
definition:
Standard

Stand"ard
(-ẽrd)
n.
[OF. estendart, F. étendard, probably fr. L. extendere to spread out, extend, but influenced by E. stand. See Extend.]
1.
A flag; colors; a banner; especially, a national or other ensign.

His armies, in the following day,
On those fair plains their standards proud display.
Fairfax.

2.
That which is established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, extent, value, or quality; esp., the original specimen weight or measure sanctioned by government, as the standard pound, gallon, or yard.

3.
That which is established as a rule or model by authority, custom, or general consent; criterion; test.

The court, which used to be the standard of propriety and correctness of speech.
Swift.

A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.
Burke.

4.
(Coinage)
The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established by authority.

By the present standard of the coinage, sixty-two shillings is coined out of one pound weight of silver.
Arbuthnot.

5.
(Hort.)
A tree of natural size supported by its own stem, and not dwarfed by grafting on the stock of a smaller species nor trained upon a wall or trellis.

In France part of their gardens is laid out for flowers, others for fruits; some standards, some against walls.
Sir W. Temple.

6.
(Bot.)
The upper petal or banner of a papilionaceous corolla.

7.
(Mech. & Carp.)
An upright support, as one of the poles of a scaffold; any upright in framing.

8.
(Shipbuilding)
An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally.

9.
The sheth of a plow.

10.
A large drinking cup.
Greene.

Standard bearer, an officer of an army, company, or troop, who bears a standard; -- commonly called color sergeantor color bearer; hence, the leader of any organization; as, the standard bearer of a political party.


word: Standard₂
definition:
Standard

Stand"ard
a.
1.
Being, affording, or according with, a standard for comparison and judgment; as, standard time; standard weights and measures; a standard authority as to nautical terms; standard gold or silver.

2.
Hence: Having a recognized and permanent value; as, standard works in history; standard authors.

3.
(Hort.)
(a)
Not supported by, or fastened to, a wall; as, standard fruit trees.
(b)
Not of the dwarf kind; as, a standard pear tree.

Standard candle, Standard gauge. See under Candle, and Gauge. -- Standard solution. (Chem.) See Standardized solution, under Solution.


word: Standard-bred
definition:
Standard-bred

Stand"ard-bred`
(-brĕd`)
a.
Bred in conformity to a standard. Specif., applied to a registered trotting horse which comes up to the standard adopted by the National Association of Trotting-horse Breeders.
[U. S.]


word: Standardize
definition:
Standardize

Stand"ard*ize
(-īz)
v. t.
(Chem.)
To reduce to a normal standard; to calculate or adjust the strength of, by means of, and for uses in, analysis.


word: Standard-wing
definition:
Standard-wing

Stand"ard-wing`
(stănd"ẽrd-wĭng`)
n.
(Zool.)
A curious paradise bird (Semioptera Wallacii) which has two long special feathers standing erect on each wing.


word: Stand-by
definition:
Stand-by

Stand"-by`
(stănd"bī`)
n.
One who, or that which, stands by one in need; something upon which one relies for constant use or in an emergency.


word: Standel
definition:
Standel

Stand"el
(-ĕl)
n.
A young tree, especially one reserved when others are cut.
[Obs.]
Fuller.


word: Staenderat
definition:
Staenderat

Staenderat

Standerath

{ &VerbarStän"de*rath`, or Stän"de*rat` (shtĕn"dẽ*rät`), }
n.
[G.]
(Switzerland)
The legislature of Switzerland.  See Legislature, above.


word: Standergrass
definition:
Standergrass

Stand"er*grass`
(-grȧs`)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant (Orchis mascula); -- called also standerwort, and long purple. See Long purple, under Long.


word: Standing
definition:
Standing

Stand"ing
a.
1.
Remaining erect; not cut down; as, standing corn.

2.
Not flowing; stagnant; as, standing water.

3.
Not transitory; not liable to fade or vanish; lasting; as, a standing color.

4.
Established by law, custom, or the like; settled; continually existing; permanent; not temporary; as, a standing army; legislative bodies have standing rules of proceeding and standing committees.

5.
Not movable; fixed; as, a standing bed (distinguished from a trundle-bed).

Standing army. See Standing army, under Army. -- Standing bolt. See Stud bolt, under Stud, a stem. -- Standing committee, in legislative bodies, etc., a committee appointed for the consideration of all subjects of a particular class which shall arise during the session or a stated period. -- Standing cup, a tall goblet, with a foot and a cover. -- Standing finish (Arch.), that part of the interior fittings, esp. of a dwelling house, which is permanent and fixed in its place, as distinguished from doors, sashes, etc. -- Standing order (a) (Eccl.), the denomination (Congregational) established by law; -- a term formerly used in Connecticut. See also under Order. (a) (Com.) an order for goods which are to be delivered periodically, without the need for renewal of the order before each delivery. -- Standing part. (Naut.) (a) That part of a tackle which is made fast to a block, point, or other object. (b) That part of a rope around which turns are taken with the running part in making a knot or the like. -- Standing rigging (Naut.), the cordage or ropes which sustain the masts and remain fixed in their position, as the shrouds and stays, -- distinguished from running rigging.


word: Standing₂
definition:
Standing

Stand"ing
n.
1.
The act of stopping, or coming to a stand; the state of being erect upon the feet; stand.

2.
Maintenance of position; duration; duration or existence in the same place or condition; continuance; as, a custom of long standing; an officer of long standing.

An ancient thing of long standing.
Bunyan.

3.
Place to stand in; station; stand.

I will provide you a good standing to see his entry.
Bacon.

I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing.
Ps. lxix. 2.

4.
Condition in society; relative position; reputation; rank; as, a man of good standing, or of high standing.

Standing off (Naut.), sailing from the land. -- Standing on (Naut.), sailing toward land.


word: Standish
definition:
Standish

Stand"ish
n.
[Stand + dish.]
A stand, or case, for pen and ink.

I bequeath to Dean Swift, Esq., my large silver standish.
Swift.


word: standoff
definition:
standoff

stand"off
n.
1.
A situation in a contest in which the winner is undecided; a draw  or stalemate.

Syn. -- draw; tie; stalemate; deadlock

2.
A successful stand.

Syn. -- repulsion, repelling

3.
Something that serves to keep one object at a distance from another, such as a prop attached to the top of a ladder to keep it from leaning directly against the vertical surface which suports it.


word: standoff₂
definition:
standoff

stand"off
a.
Serving to keep two objects or parts of a machine separated; as, a standoff insulator.


word: stand-offish
definition:
stand-offish

standoffish

stand*off"ish, stand-off"ish
a.
Shy or distant in manner; cold; aloof; reserved; not friendly.

Syn. -- offish.


word: Standpipe
definition:
Standpipe

Stand"pipe`
(-pīp`)
n.
1.
(Engin.)
A vertical pipe, open at the top, between a hydrant and a reservoir, to equalize the flow of water; also, a large vertical pipe, near a pumping engine, into which water is forced up, so as to give it sufficient head to rise to the required level at a distance.

2.
(Steam Boiler)
A supply pipe of sufficient elevation to enable the water to flow into the boiler, notwithstanding the pressure of the steam.
Knight.


word: Standpoint
definition:
Standpoint

Stand"point`
(-point`)
n.
[Cf. G. standpunkt.]
A fixed point or station; a basis or fundamental principle; a position from which objects or principles are viewed, and according to which they are compared and judged.


word: stands
definition:
stands

stands
n.
a structure (often made of wood and sometimes temporary) with seats or benches where people can sit to watch an event (such as a game or parade).

Syn. -- stand


word: Standstill
definition:
Standstill

Stand"still`
(-stĭl`)
n.
A standing without moving forward or backward; a stop; a state of rest.


word: Stang₂
definition:
Stang

Stang
n.
[OE. stange, of Scand. or Dutch origin; cf. Icel. stöng, akin to Dan. stang, Sw. stång, D. stang, G. stange, OHG. stanga, AS. steng; from the root of E. sting.]
1.
A long bar; a pole; a shaft; a stake.

2.
In land measure, a pole, rod, or perch.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Swift.

Stang ball, a projectile consisting of two half balls united by a bar; a bar shot. See Illust. of Bar shot, under Bar. -- To ride the stang, to be carried on a pole on men's shoulders. This method of punishing wife beaters, etc., was once in vogue in some parts of England.


word: Stang₃
definition:
Stang

Stang
v. i.
[Akin to sting; cf. Icel. stanga to prick, to goad.]
To shoot with pain.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Stanhope
definition:
Stanhope

Stan"hope
(stăn"h&omacrp ; colloq. stăn"ŭp)
n.
A light two-wheeled, or sometimes four-wheeled, carriage, without a top; -- so called from Lord Stanhope, for whom it was contrived.


word: Stanielry
definition:
Stanielry

Stan"iel*ry
(-r&ybreve_;)
n.
Hawking with staniels, or stannels, -- a base kind of falconry.
[Obs.]


word: Stank
definition:
Stank

Stank
(stă&nsmacr_;k)
a.
[OF. estanc, or It. stanco. See Stanch, a.]
Weak; worn out.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Stank₄
definition:
Stank

Stank
n.
[OF. estang, F. étang, from L. stagnum a pool.  Cf. Stagnate, Tank a cistern.]
1.
Water retained by an embankment; a pool of water.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
Robert of Brunne.

2.
A dam or mound to stop water.
[Prov. Eng.]

Stank hen (Zool.), the moor hen; -- called also stankie. [Prov. Eng.]


word: Stannary
definition:
Stannary

Stan"na*ry
(stăn"nȧ*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[L. stannum tin, an alloy of silver and lead.]
Of or pertaining to tin mines, or tin works.

The stannary courts of Devonshire and Cornwall, for the administration of justice among the tinners therein, are also courts of record.
Blackstone.


word: Stannel
definition:
Stannel

Stan"nel
(-nĕl)
n.
[AS. stāngella, stangilla; properly, stone yeller, i. e., a bird that yells from the rocks. See Stone, and Yell, and cf. Stonegall.]
(Zool.)
The kestrel; -- called also standgale, standgall, stanchel, stand hawk, stannel hawk, steingale, stonegall.
[Written also staniel, stannyel, and stanyel.]

With what wing the staniel checks at it.
Shak.


word: Stannic
definition:
Stannic

Stan"nic
(-nĭk)
a.
[L. stannum tin: cf. F. stannique.]
(Chem.)
Of or pertaining to tin; derived from or containing tin; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a higher valence as contrasted with stannous compounds.

Stannic acid. (a) A hypothetical substance, Sn(OH)4, analogous to silicic acid, and called also normal stannic acid. (b) Metastannic acid. -- Stannic chloride, a thin, colorless, fuming liquid, SnCl4, used as a mordant in calico printing and dyeing; -- formerly called spirit of tin, or fuming liquor of Libavius. -- Stannic oxide, tin oxide, SnO2, produced artificially as a white amorphous powder, and occurring naturally in the mineral cassiterite. It is used in the manufacture of white enamels, and, under the name of putty powder, for polishing glass, etc.


word: Stanniferous
definition:
Stanniferous

Stan*nif"er*ous
(stăn*nĭf"ẽr*ŭs)
a.
[L. stannum tin + -ferous.]
Containing or affording tin.


word: Stannite
definition:
Stannite

Stannine

{ Stan"nine (-nĭn), Stan"nite (-nīt), }
n.
(Min.)
A mineral of a steel-gray or iron-black color; tin pyrites. It is a sulphide of tin, copper, and iron.


word: Stanno-
definition:
Stanno-

Stan"no-
(-no̝-)
[L. stannum tin.]
(Chem.)
A combining form (also used adjectively) denoting relating to tin, or connected with tin, or indicating containing tin as an ingredient.


word: Stannofluoride
definition:
Stannofluoride

Stan`no*flu"or*ide
(-flū"&obreve_;r*ĭd or -īd)
n.
(Chem.)
Any one of a series of double fluorides of tin (stannum) and some other element.


word: Stannoso-
definition:
Stannoso-

Stan*no"so-
(stăn*n&omacr"so̝-)
a.
(Chem.)
A combining form (also used adjectively) denoting relation to stannous compounds, or connection with stannous compounds.


word: Stannotype
definition:
Stannotype

Stan"no*type
(stăn"no̝*tīp)
n.
[Stanno- + -type.]
(Photog.)
A photograph taken upon a tin plate; a tintype.


word: Stannous
definition:
Stannous

Stan"nous
(-nŭs)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or containing, tin; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a lower valence as contrasted with stannic compounds.

Stannous chloride (Chem.), a white crystalline substance, SnCl2.(H2O)2, obtained by dissolving tin in hydrochloric acid. It is used as a mordant in dyeing.


word: Stannum
definition:
Stannum

Stan"num
(-nŭm)
n.
[L., alloy of silver and lead; later, tin.]
(Chem.)
The technical name of tin. See Tin.


word: Stont
definition:
Stont

Stant

{ Stant (stänt), Stont (st&obreve_;nt), }
obs.
3d pers. sing. pres.
of Stand, for standeth
Stands.
Chaucer.


word: Stanza
definition:
Stanza

Stan"za
(stăn"zȧ)
n.
pl. Stanzas (-zȧz).
[It. stanza a room, habitation, a stanza, i. e., a stop, fr. L. stans, p. pr. of stare to stand. See Stand, and cf. Estancia, Stance, Stanchion.]
1.
A number of lines or verses forming a division of a song or poem, and agreeing in meter, rhyme, number of lines, etc., with other divisions; a part of a poem, ordinarily containing every variation of measure in that poem; a combination or arrangement of lines usually recurring, whether like or unlike, in measure.

Horace confines himself strictly to one sort of verse, or stanza, in every ode.
Dryden.

2.
(Arch.)
An apartment or division in a building; a room or chamber.


word: Stanzaic
definition:
Stanzaic

Stan*za"ic
(stăn*zā"ĭk)
a.
Pertaining to, or consisting of, stanzas; as, a couplet in stanzaic form.


word: Stapedial
definition:
Stapedial

Sta*pe"di*al
(stȧ*pē"dĭ*al)
a.
[LL. stapes stirrup.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the stapes.


word: Stapelia
definition:
Stapelia

Sta*pe"li*a
(-lĭ*ȧ)
n.
[NL. So named after John Bodaeus a Stapel, a physician of Amsterdam.]
(Bot.)
An extensive and curious genus of African plants of the natural order Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed family). They are succulent plants without leaves, frequently covered with dark tubercles giving them a very grotesque appearance. The odor of the blossoms is like that of carrion.


word: Stapes
definition:
Stapes

Sta"pes
(stā"pēz)
n.
[LL., a stirrup.]
(Anat.)
The innermost of the ossicles of the ear; the stirrup, or stirrup bone; -- so called from its form. See Illust. of Ear.


word: Staphyline
definition:
Staphyline

Staph"y*line
(stăf"ĭ*līn)
a.
[Gr. stafy`linos botryoidal, from stafylh` a bunch of grapes.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the uvula or the palate.


word: Staphylinid
definition:
Staphylinid

Staph`y*li"nid
(stăf`ĭ*lī"nĭd)
n.
[Gr. stafyli^nos a kind of insect.]
(Zool.)
Any rove beetle.


word: Staphyloma
definition:
Staphyloma

Staph`y*lo"ma
(-l&omacr"mȧ)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. stafy`lwma, from stafylh` a bunch of grapes.]
(Med.)
A protrusion of any part of the globe of the eye; as, a staphyloma of the cornea.


word: Staphylomatous
definition:
Staphylomatous

Staph`y*lo"ma*tous
(stăf`ĭ*l&omacr"mȧ*tŭs)
a.
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to staphyloma; affected with staphyloma.


word: Staphyloplasty
definition:
Staphyloplasty

Staph"y*lo*plas`ty
(stăf"ĭ*lo̝*plăs`t&ybreve_;)
n.
[Gr. _; a bunch of grapes, also, the uvula when swollen at the lower end + -plasty.]
(Surg.)
The operation for restoring or replacing the soft palate when it has been lost.
Dunglison.
Staph`y*lo*plas"tic (-lo̝*plăs"tĭk), a.


word: Staphylorrhaphy
definition:
Staphylorrhaphy

Staphyloraphy

{ Staph`y*lor"a*phy, Staph`y*lor"rha*phy  }
(-l&obreve_;r"ȧ*f&ybreve_;)
n.
[Gr. stafylh` the uvula when swollen + "ra`ptein to sew: cf. F. staphylorraphie.]
(Surg.)
The operation of uniting a cleft palate, consisting in paring and bringing together the edges of the cleft.
Staph`y*lo*raph"ic (stăf`ĭ*lo̝*răf"ĭk), Staph`y*lor*rhaph"ic (-l&obreve_;r*răf"ĭk), a.


word: Staphylotomy
definition:
Staphylotomy

Staph`y*lot"o*my
(-l&obreve_;t"o̝*m&ybreve_;)
n.
[Gr. _; the uvula when swollen + _; to cut.]
(Surg.)
The operation of removing a staphyloma by cutting.


word: Staple
definition:
Staple

Sta"ple
(stā"p'l)
n.
[AS. stapul, stapol, stapel, a step, a prop, post, table, fr. stapan to step, go, raise; akin to D. stapel a pile, stocks, emporium, G. stapela heap, mart, stake, staffel step of a ladder, Sw. stapel, Dan. stabel, and E. step; cf. OF. estaple a mart, F. étape. See Step.]
1.
A settled mart; an emporium; a city or town to which merchants brought commodities for sale or exportation in bulk; a place for wholesale traffic.

The customs of Alexandria were very great, it having been the staple of the Indian trade.
Arbuthnot.

For the increase of trade and the encouragement of the worthy burgesses of Woodstock, her majesty was minded to erect the town into a staple for wool.
Sir W. Scott.

&hand_; In England, formerly, the king's staple was established in certain ports or towns, and certain goods could not be exported without being first brought to these places to be rated and charged with the duty payable to the king or the public. The principal commodities on which customs were levied were wool, skins, and leather; and these were originally the staple commodities.

2.
Hence: Place of supply; source; fountain head.

Whitehall naturally became the chief staple of news. Whenever there was a rumor that any thing important had happened or was about to happen, people hastened thither to obtain intelligence from the fountain head.
Macaulay.

3.
The principal commodity of traffic in a market; a principal commodity or production of a country or district; as, wheat, maize, and cotton are great staples of the United States.

We should now say, Cotton is the great staple, that is, the established merchandise, of Manchester.
Trench.

4.
The principal constituent in anything; chief item.

5.
Unmanufactured material; raw material.

6.
The fiber of wool, cotton, flax, or the like; as, a coarse staple; a fine staple; a long or short staple.

7.
A loop of metal such as iron, or a bar or wire, bent and formed with two points to be driven into wood, to hold a hook, pin, or the like.

8.
Specifically:
A small loop of metal such as steel, bent into a U-shape with the points sharpened, used to fasten sheets of paper together by driving the staple{8} through the stacked sheets and into a formed receptacle which curls the ends in and backward, thus holding the papers firmly together; also, a similar, slightly larger such fastener which may be driven into wood to fasten objects to a wooden backing.

9.
(Mining)
(a)
A shaft, smaller and shorter than the principal one, joining different levels.
(b)
A small pit.

10.
A district granted to an abbey.
[Obs.]
Camden.


word: Staple₂
definition:
Staple

Sta"ple
a.
1.
Pertaining to, or being a market or staple for, commodities; as, a staple town.
[R.]

2.
Established in commerce; occupying the markets; settled; as, a staple trade.
Dryden.

3.
Fit to be sold; marketable.
[R.]
Swift.

4.
Regularly produced or manufactured in large quantities; belonging to wholesale traffic; principal; chief.

Wool, the great staple commodity of England.
Hallam.


word: staple
definition:
staple

sta"ple
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. stapled (-p'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. stapling.]
1.
To sort according to its staple; as, to staple cotton.

2.
To fasten together with a staple{9} or staples; as, to staple a check to a letter.


word: staple gun
definition:
staple gun

sta"ple gun`
n.
A device used to drive a heavy staple{8} through multiple objects, so as to fasten them together; it has a spring mechanism which stores force as a lever is pulled by the operator's hand, and the force is released all at once to drive the staple fully into the object to be fastened.


word: Stapler
definition:
Stapler

Sta"pler
(-plẽr)
n.
1.
A dealer in staple goods.

2.
One employed to assort wool according to its staple.

3.
A device used to drive a staple{8} into objects so as to fasten them together.


word: Star
definition:
Star

Star
(stär)
n.
[OE. sterre, AS. steorra; akin to OFries. stera, OS. sterro, D. ster, OHG. sterno, sterro, G. stern, Icel. stjarna, Sw. stjerna, Dan. stierne, Goth. staírn&omacr, Armor. & Corn. steren, L. stella, Gr. 'asth`r, 'a`stron, Skr. star; perhaps from a root meaning, to scatter, Skr. st&rsdot_;, L. sternere (cf. Stratum), and originally applied to the stars as being strewn over the sky, or as being scatterers or spreaders of light. √296.  Cf. Aster, Asteroid, Constellation, Disaster, Stellar.]
1.
One of the innumerable luminous bodies seen in the heavens; any heavenly body other than the sun, moon, comets, and nebulae.

His eyen twinkled in his head aright,
As do the stars in the frosty night.
Chaucer.

&hand_; The stars are distinguished as planets, and fixed stars. See Planet, Fixed stars under Fixed, and Magnitude of a star under Magnitude.

2.
The polestar; the north star.
Shak.

3.
(Astrol.)
A planet supposed to influence one's destiny; (usually pl.) a configuration of the planets, supposed to influence fortune.

O malignant and ill-brooding stars.
Shak.

Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.
Addison.

4.
That which resembles the figure of a star, as an ornament worn on the breast to indicate rank or honor.

On whom . . . 
Lavish Honor showered all her stars.
Tennyson.

5.
Specifically, a radiated mark in writing or printing; an asterisk [thus, *]; -- used as a reference to a note, or to fill a blank where something is omitted, etc.

6.
(Pyrotechny)
A composition of combustible matter used in the heading of rockets, in mines, etc., which, exploding in the air, presents a starlike appearance.

7.
A person of brilliant and attractive qualities, especially on public occasions, as a distinguished orator, a leading theatrical performer, etc.

&hand_; Star is used in the formation of compound words generally of obvious signification; as, star-aspiring, star-bespangled, star-bestudded, star-blasting, star-bright, star-crowned, star-directed, star-eyed, star-headed, star-paved, star-roofed, star-sprinkled, star-wreathed.

Blazing star, Double star, Multiple star, Shooting star, etc. See under Blazing, Double, etc. -- Nebulous star (Astron.), a small well-defined circular nebula, having a bright nucleus at its center like a star. -- Star anise (Bot.), any plant of the genus Illicium; -- so called from its star-shaped capsules. -- Star apple (Bot.), a tropical American tree (Chrysophyllum Cainito), having a milky juice and oblong leaves with a silky-golden pubescence beneath. It bears an applelike fruit, the carpels of which present a starlike figure when cut across. The name is extended to the whole genus of about sixty species, and the natural order (Sapotaceae) to which it belongs is called the Star-apple family. -- Star conner, one who cons, or studies, the stars; an astronomer or an astrologer. Gascoigne. -- Star coral (Zool.), any one of numerous species of stony corals belonging to Astraea, Orbicella, and allied genera, in which the calicles are round or polygonal and contain conspicuous radiating septa. -- Star cucumber. (Bot.) See under Cucumber. -- Star flower. (Bot.) (a) A plant of the genus Ornithogalum; star-of-Bethlehem. (b) See Starwort (b). (c) An American plant of the genus Trientalis (Trientalis Americana). Gray. -- Star fort (Fort.), a fort surrounded on the exterior with projecting angles; -- whence the name. -- Star gauge (Ordnance), a long rod, with adjustable points projecting radially at its end, for measuring the size of different parts of the bore of a gun. -- Star grass. (Bot.) (a) A small grasslike plant (Hypoxis erecta) having star-shaped yellow flowers. (b) The colicroot. See Colicroot. -- Star hyacinth (Bot.), a bulbous plant of the genus Scilla (Scilla autumnalis); -- called also star-headed hyacinth. -- Star jelly (Bot.), any one of several gelatinous plants (Nostoc commune, Nostoc edule, etc.). See Nostoc. -- Star lizard. (Zool.) Same as Stellion. -- Star-of-Bethlehem (Bot.), a bulbous liliaceous plant (Ornithogalum umbellatum) having a small white starlike flower. -- Star-of-the-earth (Bot.), a plant of the genus Plantago (Plantago coronopus), growing upon the seashore. -- Star polygon (Geom.), a polygon whose sides cut each other so as to form a star-shaped figure. -- Stars and Stripes, a popular name for the flag of the United States, which consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, alternately red and white, and a union having, in a blue field, white stars to represent the several States, one for each.

With the old flag, the true American flag, the Eagle, and the Stars and Stripes, waving over the chamber in which we sit. D. Webster.

  -- Star showers. See Shooting star, under Shooting. -- Star thistle (Bot.), an annual composite plant (Centaurea solstitialis) having the involucre armed with stout radiating spines. -- Star wheel (Mach.), a star-shaped disk, used as a kind of ratchet wheel, in repeating watches and the feed motions of some machines. -- Star worm (Zool.), a gephyrean. -- Temporary star (Astron.), a star which appears suddenly, shines for a period, and then nearly or quite disappears.  These stars were supposed by some astronomers to be variable stars of long and undetermined periods.  More recently, variations star in start intensity are classified more specifically, and this term is now obsolescent.  See also nova. [Obsolescent] -- Variable star (Astron.), a star whose brilliancy varies periodically, generally with regularity, but sometimes irregularly; -- called periodical star when its changes occur at fixed periods. -- Water star grass (Bot.), an aquatic plant (Schollera graminea) with small yellow starlike blossoms.


word: Star₂
definition:
Star

Star
(stär)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Starred (stärd); p. pr. & vb. n. Starring.]
To set or adorn with stars, or bright, radiating bodies; to bespangle; as, a robe starred with gems.
starred
Young.


word: Star₃
definition:
Star

Star
v. i.
To be bright, or attract attention, as a star; to shine like a star; to be brilliant or prominent; to play a part as a theatrical star.
W. Irving.


word: Starboard
definition:
Starboard

Star"board`
(-b&omacrrd` or -bẽrd)
n.
[OE. sterbord, AS. steórbord, i.e., steer board. See Steer, v. t., Board of a vessel, and cf. Larboard.]
(Naut.)
That side of a vessel which is on the right hand of a person who stands on board facing the bow; -- opposed to larboard, or port.


word: Starboard₂
definition:
Starboard

Star"board`
a.
(Naut.)
Pertaining to the right-hand side of a ship; being or lying on the right side; as, the starboard shrouds; starboard quarter; starboard tack.


word: Starboard₃
definition:
Starboard

Star"board`
v. t.
(Naut.)
To put to the right, or starboard, side of a vessel; as, to starboard the helm.


word: Star-bowlines
definition:
Star-bowlines

Star"-bow`lines
(-b&omacr`lĭnz)
n. pl.
(Naut.)
The men in the starboard watch.
[Obs.]
R. H. Dana, Jr.


word: Starch
definition:
Starch

Starch
(stärch)
a.
[AS. stearc stark, strong, rough. See Stark.]
Stiff; precise; rigid.
[R.]
Killingbeck.


word: Starch₂
definition:
Starch

Starch
n.
[From starch stiff, cf. G. stärke, fr. stark strong.]
1.
(Chem.)
A widely diffused vegetable substance found especially in seeds, bulbs, and tubers, and extracted (as from potatoes, corn, rice, etc.) as a white, glistening, granular or powdery substance, without taste or smell, and giving a very peculiar creaking sound when rubbed between the fingers. It is used as a food, in the production of commercial grape sugar, for stiffening linen in laundries, in making paste, etc.

&hand_; Starch is a carbohydrate, being the typical amylose, C6H10O5, and is detected by the fine blue color given to it by free iodine. It is not fermentable as such, but is changed by diastase into dextrin and maltose, and by heating with dilute acids into dextrose.  Cf. Sugar, Inulin, and Lichenin.

2.
Fig.: A stiff, formal manner; formality.
Addison.

Starch hyacinth (Bot.), the grape hyacinth; -- so called because the flowers have the smell of boiled starch. See under Grape.


word: Starch₃
definition:
Starch

Starch
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Starched (stärcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Starching.]
To stiffen with starch.


word: Star-chamber
definition:
Star-chamber

Star chamber

Star" cham`ber, Star"-cham`ber
(stär"chām`bẽr)
n.
[So called (as conjectured by Blackstone) from being held in a room at the Exchequer where the chests containing certain Jewish contracts and obligations called starrs (from the Heb. shetar, pron. shtar) were kept; or from the stars with which the ceiling is supposed to have been decorated.]
1.
(Eng. Hist.)
An ancient high court exercising jurisdiction in certain cases, mainly criminal, which sat without the intervention of a jury.  It consisted of the king's council, or of the privy council only with the addition of certain judges.  It could proceed on mere rumor or examine witnesses; it could apply torture.  It was abolished by the Long Parliament in 1641.
Encyc. Brit.

2.
Hence:
(Metaphorical)
Any court, committee, or other tribunal which exercises arbitrary and unaccountable power, or uses unfair or illegal methods, in investigation or judgment of persons.


word: Starchedness
definition:
Starchedness

Starch"ed*ness
(stärch"ĕd*nĕs)
n.
The quality or state of being starched or starchy{5}; stiffness in manners; formality.

Syn. -- starchiness, starchness.


word: starchiness
definition:
starchiness

starch"i*ness
(stärch"e̝*nĕs)
n.
The quality or state of being starchy; stiffness in manners; formality.

Syn. -- starchedness, starchness.


word: Starchness
definition:
Starchness

Starch"ness
n.
The quality or state of being starched or starchy{5}; stiffness of manner; preciseness.

Syn. -- starchedness.


word: Starchwort
definition:
Starchwort

Starch"wort`
(-wûrt`)
n.
(Bot.)
The cuckoopint, the tubers of which yield a fine quality of starch.


word: starchy
definition:
starchy

starch"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to starch.

2.
Containing or consisting of starch; -- used especially of foods.

3.
Resembling starch; stiff.

4.
Stiffened by use of starch; starched{1}; -- of clothing.

5.
Formal in manner; precise.

Syn. -- starch.


word: Star-crossed
definition:
Star-crossed

Star"-crossed`
(stär"kr&obreve_;st` ; 115)
a.
Not favored by the stars; ill-fated.
[Poetic]
Shak.

Such is my star-crossed destiny.
Massinger.


word: Star drift
definition:
Star drift

Star drift
(Astron.)
Similar and probably related motion of the stars of an asterism, as distinguished from apparent change of place due to solar motion.-- ##?? = star streaming? --


word: stare
definition:
stare

stare
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. stared (stârd); p. pr. & vb. n. staring.]
[AS. starian; akin to LG. & D. staren, OHG. starēn, G. starren, Icel. stara; cf. Icel. stira, Dan. stirre, Sw. stirra, and G. starr stiff, rigid, fixed, Gr. stereo`s solid (E. stereo-), Skr. sthira firm, strong.  √166.  Cf. Sterile.]
1.
To look with fixed eyes wide open, as through fear, wonder, surprise, impudence, etc.; to fasten an earnest and prolonged gaze on some object.

For ever upon the ground I see thee stare.
Chaucer.

Look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret.
Shak.

2.
To be very conspicuous on account of size, prominence, color, or brilliancy; as, staring windows or colors.

3.
To stand out; to project; to bristle.
[Obs.]

Makest my blood cold, and my hair to stare.
Shak.

Take off all the staring straws and jags in the hive.
Mortimer.


word: Stare₂
definition:
Stare

Stare
(stâr)
v. t.
To look earnestly at; to gaze at.

I will stare him out of his wits.
Shak.

To stare in the face, to be before the eyes, or to be undeniably evident. “The law . . . stares them in the face whilst they are breaking it.” Locke.


word: Starfish
definition:
Starfish

Star"fish`
(-fĭsh`)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of echinoderms belonging to the class Asterioidea, in which the body is star-shaped and usually has five rays, though the number of rays varies from five to forty or more.  The rays are often long, but are sometimes so short as to appear only as angles to the disklike body. Called also sea star, five-finger, and stellerid.

&hand_; The ophiuroids are also sometimes called starfishes. See Brittle star, and Ophiuroidea.

2.
(Zool.)
The dollar fish, or butterfish.


word: Stargazer
definition:
Stargazer

Star"gaz`er
(-gāz`ẽr)
n.
1.
One who gazes at the stars; an astrologer; sometimes, in derision or contempt, an astronomer.

2.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of spiny-rayed marine fishes belonging to Uranoscopus, Astroscopus, and allied genera, of the family Uranoscopidae.  The common species of the Eastern United States are Astroscopus anoplus, and Astroscopus guttatus.  So called from the position of the eyes, which look directly upward.


word: Stargazing
definition:
Stargazing

Star"gaz`ing
n.
1.
The act or practice of observing the stars with attention; contemplation of the stars as connected with astrology or astronomy.
Swift.

2.
Hence, absent-mindedness; abstraction.


word: Stark
definition:
Stark

Stark
(stärk)
a.
[Compar. Starker (-ẽr); superl. Starkest.]
[OE. stark stiff, strong, AS. stearc; akin to OS. starc strong, D. sterk, OHG. starc, starah, G. & Sw. stark, Dan. staerk, Icel. sterkr, Goth. gastaúrknan to become dried up, Lith. strëgti to stiffen, to freeze.  Cf. Starch, a. & n.]
1.
Stiff; rigid.
Chaucer.

Whose senses all were straight benumbed and stark.
Spenser.

His heart gan wax as stark as marble stone.
Spenser.

Many a nobleman lies stark and stiff
Under the hoofs of vaunting enemies.
Shak.

The north is not so stark and cold.
B. Jonson.

2.
Complete; absolute; full; perfect; entire.
[Obs.]

Consider the stark security
The common wealth is in now.
B. Jonson.

3.
Strong; vigorous; powerful.

A stark, moss-trooping Scot.
Sir W. Scott.

Stark beer, boy, stout and strong beer.
Beau. & Fl.

4.
Severe; violent; fierce.
[Obs.]
starke
i. e.
Chaucer.

5.
Mere; sheer; gross; entire; downright.

He pronounces the citation stark nonsense.
Collier.

Rhetoric is very good or stark naught; there's no medium in rhetoric.
Selden.


word: Stark₂
definition:
Stark

Stark
(stärk)
adv.
Wholly; entirely; absolutely; quite; as, stark mad.
Shak.

Held him strangled in his arms till he was stark dead.
Fuller.

Stark naked, wholly naked; quite bare.

Strip your sword stark naked.
Shak.

&hand_; According to Professor Skeat, “stark-naked” is derived from steort-naked, or start-naked, literally tail-naked, and hence wholly naked. If this etymology be true the preferable form is stark-naked.


word: Starkly
definition:
Starkly

Stark"ly
adv.
In a stark manner; stiffly; strongly.

Its onward force too starkly pent
In figure, bone, and lineament.
Emerson.


word: Starless
definition:
Starless

Star"less
(stär"lĕs)
a.
Being without stars; having no stars visible; as, a starless night.
Milton.


word: Starlight
definition:
Starlight

Star"light`
(-līt`)
n.
The light given by the stars.

Nor walk by moon,
Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet.
Milton.


word: Starlight₂
definition:
Starlight

Star"light`
a.
Lighted by the stars, or by the stars only; as, a starlight night.

A starlight evening and a morning fair.
Dryden.


word: Starlike
definition:
Starlike

Star"like`
(-līk`)
a.
1.
Resembling a star; stellated; radiated like a star; as, starlike flowers.

2.
Shining; bright; illustrious.
Dryden.

The having turned many to righteousness shall confer a starlike and immortal brightness.
Boyle.


word: Starling
definition:
Starling

Star"ling
(-lĭng)
n.
[OE. sterlyng, a dim. of OE. stare, AS. staer; akin to AS. stearn, G. star, staar, OHG. stara, Icel. starri, stari, Sw. stare, Dan. staer, L. sturnus.  Cf. Stare a starling.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any passerine bird belonging to Sturnus and allied genera. The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is dark brown or greenish black, with a metallic gloss, and spotted with yellowish white. It is a sociable bird, and builds about houses, old towers, etc. Called also stare, and starred. The pied starling of India is Sternopastor contra.

2.
(Zool.)
A California fish; the rock trout.

3.
A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge for protection and support; -- called also sterling.

Rose-colored starling. (Zool.) See Pastor.


word: Starmonger
definition:
Starmonger

Star"mon`ger
(-mŭ&nsmacr_;`gẽr)
n.
A fortune teller; an astrologer; -- used in contempt.
B. Jonson.


word: Starnose
definition:
Starnose

Star"nose`
(stär"n&omacrz`)
n.
(Zool.)
A curious American mole (Condylura cristata) having the nose expanded at the end into a stellate disk; -- called also star-nosed mole.


word: Star of David
definition:
Star of David

Star" of Dav"id
A symbol consisting of two overlapped equilateral triangles forming a star with six points, used as a symbol of Judaism.  It is also called Magen David, Mogen David, and Shield of David, and is shaped identically to the hexagram and Solomon's seal.  It is used on the flag of the modern state of Israel.


word: Starost
definition:
Starost

Star"ost
(stăr"&obreve_;st)
n.
[Pol. starosta, from stary old.]
A nobleman who possessed a starosty.
[Poland]


word: Starosty
definition:
Starosty

Star"os*ty
(-&obreve_;s*t&ybreve_;)
n.
A castle and domain conferred on a nobleman for life.
[Poland]
Brande & C.


word: Starproof
definition:
Starproof

Star"proof`
(stär"prōf`)
a.
Impervious to the light of the stars; as, a starproof elm.
[Poetic]
Milton.


word: Star-read
definition:
Star-read

Star"-read`
(-rēd`)
n.
Doctrine or knowledge of the stars; star lore; astrology; astronomy.
[Obs.]

Which in star-read were wont have best insight.
Spenser.


word: Starred
definition:
Starred

Starred
(stärd)
a.
[From Star.]
1.
Adorned or studded with stars; bespangled.

2.
Influenced in fortune by the stars.
[Obs.]

My third comfort,
Starred most unluckily.
Shak.


word: Starriness
definition:
Starriness

Star"ri*ness
(stär"rĭ*nĕs)
n.
The quality or state of being starry; as, the starriness of the heavens.


word: Starry
definition:
Starry

Star"ry
(stär"r&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Abounding with stars; adorned with stars.
starry
Pope.

2.
Consisting of, or proceeding from, the stars; stellar; stellary; as, starry light; starry flame.

Do not Christians and Heathens, Jews and Gentiles, poets and philosophers, unite in allowing the starry influence?
Sir W. Scott.

3.
Shining like stars; sparkling; as, starry eyes.

4.
Arranged in rays like those of a star; stellate.

Starry ray (Zool.), a European skate (Raia radiata); -- so called from the stellate bases of the dorsal spines.


word: Starshine
definition:
Starshine

Star"shine`
(-shīn`)
n.
The light of the stars.
[R.]

The starshine lights upon our heads.
R. L. Stevenson.


word: Star-spangled
definition:
Star-spangled

Star"-span`gled
(stär"-spă&nsmacr_;`g'ld)
a.
Spangled or studded with stars.

Star-spangled banner, the popular name for the national ensign of the United States; also the name of a poem, the words of which were composed by Francis Scott Key, which was adopted as the national anthem of the United States. F. S. Key.


word: Star stereogram
definition:
Star stereogram

Star stereogram
A view of the universe of brighter stars as it would appear to an observer transported into space outside or beyond our universe of stars.


word: start
definition:
start

start
(stärt)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. started; p. pr. & vb. n. starting.]
[OE. sterten; akin to D. storten to hurl, rush, fall, G. stürzen, OHG. sturzen to turn over, to fall, Sw. störta to cast down, to fall, Dan. styrte, and probably also to E. start a tail; the original sense being, perhaps, to show the tail, to tumble over suddenly.  √166.  Cf. Start a tail.]
1.
To leap; to jump.
[Obs.]

2.
To move suddenly, as with a spring or leap, from surprise, pain, or other sudden feeling or emotion, or by a voluntary act.

And maketh him out of his sleep to start.
Chaucer.

I start as from some dreadful dream.
Dryden.

Keep your soul to the work when ready to start aside.
I. Watts.

But if he start,
It is the flesh of a corrupted heart.
Shak.

3.
To set out; to commence a course, as a race or journey; to begin; as, to start in business.

At once they start, advancing in a line.
Dryden.

At intervals some bird from out the brakes
Starts into voice a moment, then is still.
Byron.

4.
To become somewhat displaced or loosened; as, a rivet or a seam may start under strain or pressure.

To start after, to set out after; to follow; to pursue. -- To start against, to act as a rival candidate against. -- To start for, to be a candidate for, as an office. -- To start up, to rise suddenly, as from a seat or couch; to come suddenly into notice or importance.


word: Start
definition:
Start

Start
(stärt)
v. t.
1.
To cause to move suddenly; to disturb suddenly; to startle; to alarm; to rouse; to cause to flee or fly; as, the hounds started a fox.

Upon malicious bravery dost thou come
To start my quiet?
Shak.

Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar.
Shak.

2.
To bring into being or into view; to originate; to invent.

Sensual men agree in the pursuit of every pleasure they can start.
Sir W. Temple.

3.
To cause to move or act; to set going, running, or flowing; as, to start a railway train; to start a mill; to start a stream of water; to start a rumor; to start a business.

I was engaged in conversation upon a subject which the people love to start in discourse.
Addison.

4.
To move suddenly from its place or position; to displace or loosen; to dislocate; as, to start a bone; the storm started the bolts in the vessel.

One, by a fall in wrestling, started the end of the clavicle from the sternum.
Wiseman.

5.
[Perh. from D. storten, which has this meaning also.]
(Naut.)
To pour out; to empty; to tap and begin drawing from; as, to start a water cask.


word: Start₂
definition:
Start

Start
n.
1.
The act of starting; a sudden spring, leap, or motion, caused by surprise, fear, pain, or the like; any sudden motion, or beginning of motion.

The fright awakened Arcite with a start.
Dryden.

2.
A convulsive motion, twitch, or spasm; a spasmodic effort.

For she did speak in starts distractedly.
Shak.

Nature does nothing by starts and leaps, or in a hurry.
L'Estrange.

3.
A sudden, unexpected movement; a sudden and capricious impulse; a sally; as, starts of fancy.

To check the starts and sallies of the soul.
Addison.

4.
The beginning, as of a journey or a course of action; first motion from a place; act of setting out; the outset; -- opposed to finish.

The start of first performance is all.
Bacon.

I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start.
Shak.

At a start, at once; in an instant. [Obs.]

At a start he was betwixt them two.
Chaucer.

To get the start, or To have the start, to begin before another; to gain or have the advantage in a similar undertaking; -- usually with of.  “Get the start of the majestic world.” Shak. “She might have forsaken him if he had not got the start of her.” Dryden.


word: Start₃
definition:
Start

Start
n.
[OE. stert a tail, AS. steort; akin to LG. stert, steert, D. staart, G. sterz, Icel. stertr, Dan. stiert, Sw. stjert. √166.  Cf. Stark naked, under Stark, Start, v. i.]
1.
A tail, or anything projecting like a tail.

2.
The handle, or tail, of a plow; also, any long handle.
[Prov. Eng.]

3.
The curved or inclined front and bottom of a water-wheel bucket.

4.
(Mining)
The arm, or lever, of a gin, drawn around by a horse.


word: START
definition:
START

START
(stärt)
n.
[From Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.]
A Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union which provided for stepwise reductions in the number of nuclear weapons possessed by each country.


word: Starter
definition:
Starter

Start"er
(stärt"ẽr)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, starts; as, a starter on a journey; the starter of a race.

2.
A dog that rouses game.


word: Starthroat
definition:
Starthroat

Star"throat`
(stär"thr&omacrt`)
n.
(Zool.)
Any humming bird of the genus Heliomaster.  The feathers of the throat have a brilliant metallic luster.


word: Starting
definition:
Starting

Start"ing
(stärt"ĭng)
a. & n. from Start, v.

Starting bar (Steam Eng.), a hand lever for working the valves in starting an engine. -- Starting hole, a loophole; evasion. [Obs.] -- Starting point, the point from which motion begins, or from which anything starts. -- Starting post, a post, stake, barrier, or place from which competitors in a race start, or begin the race.


word: Startle
definition:
Startle

Star"tle
(stär"t'l)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Startled (stär"t'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Startling (stär"tlĭng).]
[Freq. of start.]
To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start.

Why shrinks the soul
Back on herself, and startles at destruction?
Addison.


word: Startle₂
definition:
Startle

Star"tle
(stär"t'l)
v. t.
1.
To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise.

The supposition, at least, that angels do sometimes assume bodies need not startle us.
Locke.

2.
To deter; to cause to deviate.
[R.]
Clarendon.


word: Startle₃
definition:
Startle

Star"tle
n.
A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger.

After having recovered from my first startle, I was very well pleased with the accident.
Spectator.


word: Startlish
definition:
Startlish

Star"tlish
(-tlĭsh)
a.
Easily startled; apt to start; startish; skittish; -- said especially of a horse.
[Colloq.]


word: Start-up
definition:
Start-up

Start"-up`
(stärt"ŭp`)
n.
1.
One who comes suddenly into notice; an upstart.
[Obs.]
Shak.

2.
A kind of high rustic shoe.
[Obs.]
Drayton.

A startuppe, or clownish shoe.
Spenser.


word: Starvation
definition:
Starvation

Star*va"tion
(stär*vā"shŭn)
n.
The act of starving, or the state of being starved.

&hand_; This word was first used, according to Horace Walpole, by Henry Dundas, the first Lord Melville, in a speech on American affairs in 1775, which obtained for him the nickname of Starvation Dundas.
    “Starvation, we are also told, belongs to the class of 'vile compounds' from being a mongrel; as if English were not full of mongrels, and as if it would not be in distressing straits without them.” Fitzed. Hall.


word: Starve
definition:
Starve

Starve
(stärv)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Starved (stärvd); p. pr. & vb. n. Starving.]
[OE. sterven to die, AS. steorfan; akin to D. sterven, G. sterben, OHG. sterban, Icel. starf labor, toil.]
1.
To die; to perish.
[Obs., except in the sense of perishing with cold or hunger.]
Lydgate.

In hot coals he hath himself raked . . . 
Thus starved this worthy mighty Hercules.
Chaucer.

2.
To perish with hunger; to suffer extreme hunger or want; to be very indigent.

Sometimes virtue starves, while vice is fed.
Pope.

3.
To perish or die with cold.
Spenser.

Have I seen the naked starve for cold?
Sandys.

Starving with cold as well as hunger.
W. Irving.

&hand_; In this sense, still common in England, but rarely used in the United States.


word: Starve₂
definition:
Starve

Starve
v. t.
1.
To destroy with cold.
[Eng.]

From beds of raging fire, to starve in ice
Their soft ethereal warmth.
Milton.

2.
To kill with hunger; as, maliciously to starve a man is, in law, murder.

3.
To distress or subdue by famine; as, to starve a garrison into a surrender.

Attalus endeavored to starve Italy by stopping their convoy of provisions from Africa.
Arbuthnot.

4.
To destroy by want of any kind; as, to starve plants by depriving them of proper light and air.

5.
To deprive of force or vigor; to disable.

The pens of historians, writing thereof, seemed starved for matter in an age so fruitful of memorable actions.
Fuller.

The powers of their minds are starved by disuse.
Locke.


word: Starvedly
definition:
Starvedly

Starv"ed*ly
(stärv"ĕd*l&ybreve_;)
adv.
In the condition of one starved or starving; parsimoniously.

Some boasting housekeeper which keepth open doors for one day, . . . and lives starvedly all the year after.
Bp. Hall.


word: Starveling
definition:
Starveling

Starve"ling
(stärv"lĭng)
n.
[Starve + -ling.]
One who, or that which, pines from lack of food, or nutriment.

Old Sir John hangs with me, and thou knowest he is no starveling.
Shak.


word: Starwort
definition:
Starwort

Star"wort`
(stär"wûrt`)
n.
(Bot.)
(a)
Any plant of the genus Aster. See Aster.
(b)
A small plant of the genus Stellaria, having star-shaped flowers; star flower; chickweed.
Gray.

Water starwort, an aquatic plant (Callitriche verna) having some resemblance to chickweed. -- Yellow starwort, a plant of the genus Inula; elecampane.


word: Stasimon
definition:
Stasimon

Stas"i*mon
(stăs"ĭ*m&obreve_;n)
n.
pl. Stasima (stăs"ĭ*mȧ).
[NL., from Gr. sta`simon, neut. of sta`simos stationary, steadfast.]
In the Greek tragedy, a song of the chorus, continued without the interruption of dialogue or anapaestics.
Liddell & Scott.


word: Stasis
definition:
Stasis

Sta"sis
(stā"sĭs or stăs"ĭs)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. sta`sis a standing still.]
(Physiol.)
A slackening or arrest of the blood current in the vessels, due not to a lessening of the heart's beat, but presumably to some abnormal resistance of the capillary walls.  It is one of the phenomena observed in the capillaries in inflammation.


word: Statable
definition:
Statable

Stat"a*ble
(stāt"ȧ*b'l)
a.
That can be stated; as, a statable grievance; the question at issue is statable.


word: Statal
definition:
Statal

Sta"tal
(stā"tal)
a.
Of, pertaining to, or existing with reference to, a State of the American Union, as distinguished from the general government.
[R.]

I have no knowledge of any other kind of political citizenship, higher or lower, statal or national.
Edward Bates.


word: Statant
definition:
Statant

Sta"tant
(-tant)
a.
[L. stare to stand.]
(Her.)
In a standing position; as, a lion statant.


word: Statary
definition:
Statary

Sta"ta*ry
(stā"tȧ*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[L. statarius standing fast, fr. stare to stand.]
Fixed; settled.
[Obs.]
statary
Sir T. Browne.


word: State
definition:
State

State
(stāt)
n.
[OE. stat, OF. estat, F. état, fr. L. status a standing, position, fr. stare, statum, to stand. See Stand, and cf. Estate, Status.]
1.
The circumstances or condition of a being or thing at any given time.

State is a term nearly synonymous with “mode,” but of a meaning more extensive, and is not exclusively limited to the mutable and contingent.
Sir W. Hamilton.

Declare the past and present state of things.
Dryden.

Keep the state of the question in your eye.
Boyle.

2.
Rank; condition; quality; as, the state of honor.

Thy honor, state, and seat is due to me.
Shak.

3.
Condition of prosperity or grandeur; wealthy or prosperous circumstances; social importance.

She instructed him how he should keep state, and yet with a modest sense of his misfortunes.
Bacon.

Can this imperious lord forget to reign,
Quit all his state, descend, and serve again?
Pope.

4.
Appearance of grandeur or dignity; pomp.

Where least of state there most of love is shown.
Dryden.

5.
A chair with a canopy above it, often standing on a dais; a seat of dignity; also, the canopy itself.
[Obs.]

His high throne, . . . under state
Of richest texture spread.
Milton.

When he went to court, he used to kick away the state, and sit down by his prince cheek by jowl.
Swift.

6.
Estate; possession.
[Obs.]
Daniel.

Your state, my lord, again is yours.
Massinger.

7.
A person of high rank.
[Obs.]
Latimer.

8.
Any body of men united by profession, or constituting a community of a particular character; as, the civil and ecclesiastical states, or the lords spiritual and temporal and the commons, in Great Britain.  Cf. Estate, n., 6.

9.
The principal persons in a government.

The bold design
Pleased highly those infernal states.
Milton.

10.
The bodies that constitute the legislature of a country; as, the States-general of Holland.

11.
A form of government which is not monarchial, as a republic.
[Obs.]

Well monarchies may own religion's name,
But states are atheists in their very fame.
Dryden.

12.
A political body, or body politic; the whole body of people who are united under one government, whatever may be the form of the government; a nation.

Municipal law is a rule of conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state.
Blackstone.

The Puritans in the reign of Mary, driven from their homes, sought an asylum in Geneva, where they found a state without a king, and a church without a bishop.
R. Choate.

13.
In the United States, one of the commonwealths, or bodies politic, the people of which make up the body of the nation, and which, under the national constitution, stand in certain specified relations with the national government, and are invested, as commonwealths, with full power in their several spheres over all matters not expressly inhibited.

&hand_; The term State, in its technical sense, is used in distinction from the federal system, i. e., the government of the United States.

14.
Highest and stationary condition, as that of maturity between growth and decline, or as that of crisis between the increase and the abating of a disease; height; acme.
[Obs.]

&hand_; When state is joined with another word, or used adjectively, it denotes public, or what belongs to the community or body politic, or to the government; also, what belongs to the States severally in the American Union; as, state affairs; state policy; State laws of Iowa.

Nascent state. (Chem.) See under Nascent. -- Secretary of state. See Secretary, n., 3. -- State bargea royal barge, or a barge belonging to a government. -- State bed, an elaborately carved or decorated bed. -- State carriage, a highly decorated carriage for officials going in state, or taking part in public processions. -- State paper, an official paper relating to the interests or government of a state. Jay. -- State prison, a public prison or penitentiary; -- called also State's prison. -- State prisoner, one in confinement, or under arrest, for a political offense. -- State rights, or States' rights, the rights of the several independent States, as distinguished from the rights of the Federal government.  It has been a question as to what rights have been vested in the general government. [U.S.] -- State's evidence. See Probator, 2, and under Evidence. -- State sword, a sword used on state occasions, being borne before a sovereign by an attendant of high rank. -- State trial, a trial of a person for a political offense. -- States of the Church. See under Ecclesiastical.

I do not, brother,
Infer as if I thought my sister's state
Secure without all doubt or controversy.
Milton.

We hoped to enjoy with ease what, in our situation, might be called the luxuries of life.
Cook.

And, O, what man's condition can be worse
Than his whom plenty starves and blessings curse?
Cowley.


word: State₂
definition:
State

State
(stāt)
a.
1.
Stately.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
Belonging to the state, or body politic; public.


word: State₃
definition:
State

State
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stated; p. pr. & vb. n. Stating.]
1.
To set; to settle; to establish.
[R.]

I myself, though meanest stated,
And in court now almost hated.
Wither.

Who calls the council, states the certain day.
Pope.

2.
To express the particulars of; to set down in detail or in gross; to represent fully in words; to narrate; to recite; as, to state the facts of a case, one's opinion, etc.

To state it. To assume state or dignity. [Obs.] “Rarely dressed up, and taught to state it.” Beau. & Fl.


word: Statecraft
definition:
Statecraft

State"craft`
(stāt"krȧft`)
n.
The art of conducting state affairs; state management; statesmanship.


word: Stated
definition:
Stated

Stat"ed
(stāt"ĕd)
a.
1.
Settled; established; fixed.

He is capable of corruption who receives more than what is the stated and unquestionable fee of his office.
Addison.

2.
Recurring at regular times; not occasional; as, stated preaching; stated business hours.


word: Statehood
definition:
Statehood

State"hood
(stāt"hŏd)
n.
The condition of being a State; as, a territory seeking Statehood.


word: Statehouse
definition:
Statehouse

State"house`
(stāt"hous`)
n.
The building in which a State legislature holds its sessions; a State capitol.
[U. S.]


word: Stateliness
definition:
Stateliness

State"li*ness
n.
The quality or state of being stately.

For stateliness and majesty, what is comparable to a horse?
Dr. H. More.


word: Stately
definition:
Stately

State"ly
a.
[Compar. Statelier (stāt"lĭ*ẽr); superl. Stateliest.]
Evincing state or dignity; lofty; majestic; grand; as, stately manners; a stately gait.
stately
Mrs. Hemans.
stately
Prescott.

Here is a silly stately style indeed!
Shak.


word: Statement
definition:
Statement

State"ment
(stāt"ment)
n.
1.
The act of stating, reciting, or presenting, orally or on paper; as, to interrupt a speaker in the statement of his case.

2.
That which is stated; a formal embodiment in language of facts or opinions; a narrative; a recital.
statement
Brougham.


word: Statemonger
definition:
Statemonger

State"mon`ger
(stāt"mŭ&nsmacr_;`gẽr)
n.
One versed in politics, or one who dabbles in state affairs.


word: Stater₂
definition:
Stater

Sta"ter
(stā"tẽr)
n.
[L. stater, Gr. stath`r.]
(Gr. Antiq.)
The principal gold coin of ancient Greece.  It varied much in value, the stater best known at Athens being worth about £1 2s., or about $5.35 (in 1890 value).  The Attic silver tetradrachm was in later times called stater.


word: Stateroom
definition:
Stateroom

State"room`
(stāt"rōm`)
n.
1.
A magnificent room in a palace or great house.

2.
A small apartment for lodging or sleeping in the cabin, or on the deck, of a vessel; also, a somewhat similar apartment in a railway sleeping car.


word: States-general
definition:
States-general

States"-gen"er*al
(stāts"jĕn"ẽr*al)
n.
1.
In France, before the Revolution, the assembly of the three orders of the kingdom, namely, the clergy, the nobility, and the third estate, or commonalty.

2.
In the Netherlands, the legislative body, composed of two chambers.


word: Statesman
definition:
Statesman

States"man
(-man)
n.
pl. Statesmen (-men).
1.
A man versed in public affairs and in the principles and art of government; especially, one eminent for political abilities.

The minds of some of our statesmen, like the pupil of the human eye, contract themselves the more, the stronger light there is shed upon them.
Moore.

2.
One occupied with the affairs of government, and influential in shaping its policy.

3.
A small landholder.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Statesmanlike
definition:
Statesmanlike

States"man*like`
(-līk`)
a.
Having the manner or wisdom of statesmen; becoming a statesman.


word: State socialism
definition:
State socialism

State socialism
A form of socialism, esp. advocated in Germany, which, while retaining the right of private property and the institution of the family and other features of the present form of the state, would intervene by various measures intended to give or maintain equality of opportunity, as compulsory state insurance, old-age pensions, etc., answering closely to socialism of the chair.


word: Stateswoman
definition:
Stateswoman

States"wom`an
(-wŏm`an)
n.
pl. Stateswomen (-wĭm`ĕn).
A woman concerned in public affairs.

A rare stateswoman; I admire her bearing.
B. Jonson.


word: Stathmograph
definition:
Stathmograph

Stath"mo*graph
(stăth"mo̝*grȧf)
n.
[Gr. sta`qmh a measuring line + -graph.]
A contrivance for recording the speed of a railway train.
Knight.


word: Statical
definition:
Statical

Static

{ Stat"ic (stăt"ĭk), Stat"ic*al (-ĭ*kal), }
a.
[Gr. statiko`s causing to stand, skilled in weighing, fr. 'ista`nai to cause to stand: cf. F. statique. See Stand, and cf. Stage.]
1.
Resting; acting by mere weight without motion; as, statical pressure; static objects.

2.
Pertaining to bodies at rest or in equilibrium.

Static electricity, Statical electricity. See the Note under Electricity, 1. -- Statical moment. See under Moment.


word: Statics
definition:
Statics

Stat"ics
(-ĭks)
n.
[Cf. F. statique, Gr. statikh` the art of weighing, fr. statiko`s. See Static.]
That branch of mechanics which treats of the equilibrium of forces, or relates to bodies as held at rest by the forces acting on them; -- distinguished from dynamics.

Social statics, the study of the conditions which concern the existence and permanence of the social state.


word: Stating
definition:
Stating

Stat"ing
(stāt"ĭng)
n.
The act of one who states anything; statement; as, the statingof one's opinions.


word: Station
definition:
Station

Sta"tion
(stā"shŭn)
n.
[F., fr. L. statio, from stare, statum, to stand. See Stand.]
1.
The act of standing; also, attitude or pose in standing; posture.
[R.]

A station like the herald, Mercury.
Shak.

Their manner was to stand at prayer, whereupon their meetings unto that purpose . . . had the names of stations given them.
Hooker.

2.
A state of standing or rest; equilibrium.
[Obs.]

All progression is performed by drawing on or impelling forward some part which was before in station, or at quiet.
Sir T. Browne.

3.
The spot or place where anything stands, especially where a person or thing habitually stands, or is appointed to remain for a time; as, the station of a sentinel.
(a)
A regular stopping place in a stage road or route; a place where railroad trains regularly come to a stand, for the convenience of passengers, taking in fuel, moving freight, etc.
(b)
The headquarters of the police force of any precinct.
(c)
The place at which an instrument is planted, or observations are made, as in surveying.
(d)
(Biol.)
The particular place, or kind of situation, in which a species naturally occurs; a habitat.
(e)
(Naut.)
A place to which ships may resort, and where they may anchor safely.
(f)
A place or region to which a government ship or fleet is assigned for duty.
(g)
(Mil.)
A place calculated for the rendezvous of troops, or for the distribution of them; also, a spot well adapted for offensive or defensive measures.
Wilhelm (Mil. Dict.)
(h)
(Mining)
An enlargement in a shaft or galley, used as a landing, or passing place, or for the accommodation of a pump, tank, etc.

4.
Post assigned; office; the part or department of public duty which a person is appointed to perform; sphere of duty or occupation; employment.

By spending this day [Sunday] in religious exercises, we acquire new strength and resolution to perform God's will in our several stations the week following.
R. Nelson.

5.
Situation; position; location.

The fig and date -- why love they to remain
In middle station, and an even plain?
Prior.

6.
State; rank; condition of life; social status.

The greater part have kept, I see,
Their station.
Milton.

They in France of the best rank and station.
Shak.

7.
(Eccl.)
(a)
The fast of the fourth and sixth days of the week, Wednesday and Friday, in memory of the council which condemned Christ, and of his passion.
(b)
(R. C. Ch.)
A church in which the procession of the clergy halts on stated days to say stated prayers.
Addis & Arnold.
(c)
One of the places at which ecclesiastical processions pause for the performance of an act of devotion; formerly, the tomb of a martyr, or some similarly consecrated spot; now, especially, one of those representations of the successive stages of our Lord's passion which are often placed round the naves of large churches and by the side of the way leading to sacred edifices or shrines, and which are visited in rotation, stated services being performed at each; -- called also Station of the cross.
Fairholt.

8.
In Australia, a sheep run or cattle run, together with the buildings belonging to it; also, the  homestead and buildings belonging to such a run.

Station bill. (Naut.) Same as Quarter bill, under Quarter. -- Station house. (a) The house serving for the headquarters of the police assigned to a certain district, and as a place of temporary confinement. (b) The house used as a shelter at a railway station. -- Station master, one who has charge of a station, esp. of a railway station. -- Station pointer (Surv.), an instrument for locating on a chart the position of a place from which the angles subtended by three distant objects, whose positions are known, have been observed. -- Station staff (Surv.), an instrument for taking angles in surveying. Craig.


word: Station₂
definition:
Station

Sta"tion
(stā"shŭn)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stationed (-shŭnd); p. pr. & vb. n. Stationing.]
To place; to set; to appoint or assign to the occupation of a post, place, or office; as, to station troops on the right of an army; to station a sentinel on a rampart; to station ships on the coast of Africa.

He gained the brow of the hill, where the English phalanx was stationed.
Lyttelton.


word: Stational
definition:
Stational

Sta"tion*al
(-al)
a.
[L. stationalis: cf. F. stationnale (église).]
Of or pertaining to a station.
[R.]


word: Stationariness
definition:
Stationariness

Sta"tion*a*ri*ness
(-a̝*rĭ*nĕs)
n.
The quality or state of being stationary; fixity.


word: Stationary
definition:
Stationary

Sta"tion*a*ry
(-a̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[L. stationarius: cf. F. stationnaire.  Cf. Stationer.]
1.
Not moving; not appearing to move; stable; fixed.

Charles Wesley, who is a more stationary man, does not believe the story.
Southey.

2.
Not improving or getting worse; not growing wiser, greater, better, more excellent, or the contrary.

3.
Appearing to be at rest, because moving in the line of vision; not progressive or retrograde, as a planet.

Stationary air (Physiol.), the air which under ordinary circumstances does not leave the lungs in respiration. -- Stationary engine. (a) A steam engine that is permanently placed, in distinction from a portable engine, locomotive, marine engine, etc. Specifically: (b) A factory engine, in distinction from a blowing, pumping, or other kind of engine which is also permanently placed.


word: Stationary₂
definition:
Stationary

Sta"tion*a*ry
n.
pl. -ries (-rĭz).
One who, or that which, is stationary, as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Holland.


word: Stationer
definition:
Stationer

Sta"tion*er
(-ẽr)
n.
[Cf. Stationary, a.]
1.
A bookseller or publisher; -- formerly so called from his occupying a stand, or station, in the market place or elsewhere.
[Obs.]
Dryden.

2.
One who sells paper, pens, quills, inkstands, pencils, blank books, and other articles used in writing.


word: Stationery
definition:
Stationery

Sta"tion*er*y
(-ĕr*&ybreve_;)
n.
The articles usually sold by stationers, as paper, pens, ink, quills, blank books, etc.


word: Statism
definition:
Statism

Sta"tism
(stā"tĭz'm)
n.
[From State.]
The art of governing a state; statecraft; policy.
[Obs.]

The enemies of God . . . call our religion statism.
South.


word: Statist
definition:
Statist

Sta"tist
(-tĭst)
n.
[From State.]
1.
A statesman; a politician; one skilled in government.
[Obs.]

Statists indeed,
And lovers of their country.
Milton.

2.
A statistician.
Fawcett.


word: Statistical
definition:
Statistical

Statistic

{ Sta*tis"tic (stȧ*tĭs"tĭk), Sta*tis"tic*al (-tĭ*kal), }
a.
[Cf. F. statistique.]
Of or pertaining to statistics; as, statistical knowledge; statistical tabulation.


word: Statistician
definition:
Statistician

Stat`is*ti"cian
(stăt`ĭs*tĭsh"an)
n.
[Cf. F. statisticien.]
One versed in statistics; one who collects and classifies facts for statistics.


word: Statistics
definition:
Statistics

Sta*tis"tics
(stȧ*tĭs"tĭks)
n.
[Cf. F. statistique, G. statistik. See State, n.]
1.
The science which has to do with the collection, classification, and analysis of facts of a numerical nature regarding any topic.
Specifically:
The science dealing with collection, tabulation, and analysis of facts respecting the condition of the people in a state.
[In this sense grammatically singular.]

2.
pl.
Classified facts of a numerical nature regarding any topic.
Specifically:
(a)
Numerical facts respecting the condition of the people in a state, their health, their longevity, domestic economy, arts, property, and political strength, their resources, the state of the country, etc., or respecting any particular class or interest; especially, those facts which can be stated in numbers, or in tables of numbers, or in any tabular and classified arrangement.
(b)
(Sport)
Numerical facts regarding the performance of athletes or athletic teams, such as winning percentages, numbers of games won or lost in a season, batting averages (for baseball players), total yards gained (for football players).  The creation and classification of such numbers is limited only by the imagination of those wishing to describe athletic performance numerically.

Syn. -- stats.

3.
The branch of mathematics which studies methods for the calculation of probabilities.


word: Statistology
definition:
Statistology

Stat`is*tol"o*gy
(stăt`ĭs*t&obreve_;l"o̝*j&ybreve_;)
n.
[Statistics + -logy.]
See Statistics, 2.


word: Stative
definition:
Stative

Sta"tive
(stā"tĭv)
a.
[L. stativus, fr. stare, statum, to stand.]
(Mil.)
Of or pertaining to a fixed camp, or military posts or quarters.
[Obs. or R.]


word: Statoblast
definition:
Statoblast

Stat"o*blast
(stăt"o̝*blăst)
n.
[Gr. stato`s standing (i. e., remaining) + -blast.]
(Zool.)
One of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced in the interior of certain Bryozoa and sponges, especially in the fresh-water species; -- also called winter buds.

&hand_; They are protected by a firm covering, and are usually destined to perpetuate the species during the winter season. They burst open and develop in the spring. In some fresh-water sponges they serve to preserve the species during the dry season. See Illust. under Phylactolaemata.


word: Statocracy
definition:
Statocracy

Sta*toc"ra*cy
(stȧ*t&obreve_;k"rȧ*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[State + -cracy, as in democracy.]
Government by the state, or by political power, in distinction from government by ecclesiastical power.
[R.]
O. A. Brownson.


word: stator
definition:
stator

sta"tor
(stā"tẽr; stăt"ẽr)
n.
(Mach.)
A stationary part in or about which another part (the rotor) revolves, esp. when both are large;
as,
(a)
(Elec.)
The stationary member of an electrical machine, as of an induction motor.
(b)
(Steam Turbine)
The case inclosing a turbine wheel; the body of stationary blades or nozzles.


word: Statua
definition:
Statua

Stat"u*a
(stăt"&uuptack_;*ȧ)
n.
[L.]
A statue.
[Obs.]

They spake not a word;
But, like dumb statuas or breathing stones,
Gazed each on other.
Shak.


word: Statuary
definition:
Statuary

Stat"u*a*ry
(-a̝*r&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Statuaries (-rĭz).
[L. statuarius, n., fr. statuarius, a., of or belonging to statues, fr. statua statue: cf. F. statuaire. See Statue.]
1.
One who practices the art of making statues.

On other occasions the statuaries took their subjects from the poets.
Addison.

2.
[L. statuaria (sc. ars): cf. F. statuaire.]
The art of carving statues or images as representatives of real persons or things; a branch of sculpture.
Sir W. Temple.

3.
A collection of statues; statues, collectively.


word: Statue
definition:
Statue

Stat"ue
(stăch"ō; also, stăt"&uuptack_;; 135)
n.
[F., fr. L. statua (akin to stativus standing still), fr. stare, statum, to stand. See Stand.]
1.
The likeness of a living being sculptured or modeled in some solid substance, as marble, bronze, or wax; an image; as, a statue of Hercules, or of a lion.

I will raise her statue in pure gold.
Shak.

2.
A portrait.
[Obs.]
Massinger.


word: Statue₂
definition:
Statue

Stat"ue
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Statued (-&uuptack_;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Statuing.]
To place, as a statue; to form a statue of; to make into a statue.
statued
Feltham.


word: Statued
definition:
Statued

Stat"ued
(stăt"&uuptack_;d)
a.
Adorned with statues.
statued
Longfellow.
Statued
G. Eliot.


word: Statuesque
definition:
Statuesque

Stat`u*esque"
(stăch`ō*ĕsk" or stăt`&uuptack_;*ĕsk")
a.
Partaking of, or exemplifying, the characteristics of a statue; having the symmetry, or other excellence, of a statue artistically made; as, statuesquelimbs; a statuesque attitude.

Their characters are mostly statuesque even in this respect, that they have no background.
Hare.


word: Statuesquely
definition:
Statuesquely

Stat`u*esque"ly
adv.
In a statuesque manner; in a way suggestive of a statue; like a statue.

A character statuesquely simple in its details.
Lowell.


word: Statuette
definition:
Statuette

Stat`u*ette"
(stăch`ō*ĕt" or stăt`&uuptack_;*ĕt")
n.
[F., cf. It. statuetta.]
A small statue; -- usually applied to a figure much less than life size, especially when of marble or bronze, or of plaster or clay as a preparation for the marble or bronze, as distinguished from a figure in terra cotta or the like.  Cf. Figurine.


word: Statuminate
definition:
Statuminate

Sta*tu"mi*nate
(stȧ*tū"mĭ*nāt)
v. t.
[L. statuminatus, p. p. of statuminare to prop, fr. statumen a prop, fr. statuere to place.]
To prop or support.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.


word: Stature
definition:
Stature

Stat"ure
(stăch"ẽr; also, stăt"&uuptack_;r; 135)
n.
[F. stature, OF. estature, from L. statura, originally, an upright posture; hence, height or size of the body, from stare, statum, to stand. See Stand.]
The natural height of an animal body; -- generally used of the human body.

Foreign men of mighty stature came.
Dryden.


word: Status quo
definition:
Status quo

Status in quo

{ &VerbarSta"tus in` quo" (stā"tŭs ĭn` kw&omacr"), &VerbarSta"tus quo" (stā"tŭs kw&omacr").}
[L., state in which.]
The state in which anything is already.  The phrase is also used retrospectively, as when, on a treaty of peace, matters return to the status quo ante bellum, or are left in statu quo ante bellum, i.e., the state (or, in the state) before the war.  The form status quo is in most common use.


word: Statutable
definition:
Statutable

Stat"u*ta*ble
(stăt"&uuptack_;*tȧ*b'l ; 135)
a.
1.
Made or introduced by statute; proceeding from an act of the legistature; as, a statutable provision or remedy.

2.
Made or being in conformity to statute; standard; as, statutable measures.


word: Statute
definition:
Statute

Stat"ute
(-&uuptack_;t)
n.
[F. statut, LL. statutum, from L. statutus, p. p. of statuere to set, station, ordain, fr. status position, station, fr. stare, statum, to stand. See Stand, and cf. Constitute, Destitute.]
1.
An act of the legislature of a state or country, declaring, commanding, or prohibiting something; a positive law; the written will of the legislature expressed with all the requisite forms of legislation; -- used in distinction from common law. See Common law, under Common, a.
Bouvier.

&hand_; Statute is commonly applied to the acts of a legislative body consisting of representatives.  In monarchies, the laws of the sovereign are called edicts, decrees, ordinances, rescripts, etc.  In works on international law and in the Roman law, the term is used as embracing all laws imposed by competent authority.  Statutes in this sense are divided into statutes real, statutes personal, and statutes mixed; statutes real applying to immovables; statutes personal to movables; and statutes mixed to both classes of property.

2.
An act of a corporation or of its founder, intended as a permanent rule or law; as, the statutes of a university.

3.
An assemblage of farming servants (held possibly by statute) for the purpose of being hired; -- called also statute fair.
[Eng.]
Mop
Halliwell.

Statute book, a record of laws or legislative acts. Blackstone. -- Statute cap, a kind of woolen cap; -- so called because enjoined to be worn by a statute, dated in 1571, in behalf of the trade of cappers. [Obs.] Halliwell. -- Statute fair. See Statute, n., 3, above. -- Statute labor, a definite amount of labor required for the public service in making roads, bridges, etc., as in certain English colonies. -- Statute merchant (Eng. Law), a bond of record pursuant to the stat. 13 Edw. I., acknowledged in form prescribed, on which, if not paid at the day, an execution might be awarded against the body, lands, and goods of the debtor, and the obligee might hold the lands until out of the rents and profits of them the debt was satisfied; -- called also a pocket judgment. It is now fallen into disuse. Tomlins. Bouvier. -- Statute mile. See under Mile. -- Statute of limitations (Law), a statute assigning a certain time, after which rights can not be enforced by action. -- Statute staple, a bond of record acknowledged before the mayor of the staple, by virtue of which the creditor may, on nonpayment, forthwith have execution against the body, lands, and goods of the debtor, as in the statute merchant. It is now disused. Blackstone.


word: Statutory
definition:
Statutory

Stat"u*to*ry
(stăt"&uuptack_;*to̝*r&ybreve_;; 135)
a.
Enacted by statute; depending on statute for its authority; as, a statutory provision.


word: Staunchness
definition:
Staunchness

Staunchly

Staunch

{ Staunch (stänch), Staunch"ly, Staunch"ness, etc. }
See Stanch, Stanchly, etc.


word: Staurolite
definition:
Staurolite

Stau"ro*lite
(st&asuml_;"ro̝*līt)
n.
[Gr. stayro`s a cross + -lite.]
(Min.)
A mineral of a brown to black color occurring in prismatic crystals, often twinned so as to form groups resembling a cross.  It is a silicate of alumina and iron, and is generally found imbedded in mica schist.  Called also granatite, and grenatite.


word: Staurolitic
definition:
Staurolitic

Stau`ro*lit"ic
(-lĭt"ĭk)
a.
(Min.)
Of or pertaining to staurolite; resembling or containing staurolite.


word: Stauroscope
definition:
Stauroscope

Stau"ro*scope
(st&asuml_;"ro̝*sk&omacrp)
n.
[Gr. stayro`s a cross + -scope.]
(Crystallog.)
An optical instrument used in determining the position of the planes of light-vibration in sections of crystals.


word: Staurotide
definition:
Staurotide

Stau"ro*tide
(st&asuml_;"ro̝*tīd)
n.
[F. staurotide, from Gr. stayrwto`s cruciform (from Gr. stayro`s a cross) + e'i^dos form.]
(Min.)
Staurolite.


word: Stave
definition:
Stave

Stave
(stāv)
n.
[From Staff, and corresponding to the pl. staves. See Staff.]
1.
One of a number of narrow strips of wood, or narrow iron plates, placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel or structure; esp., one of the strips which form the sides of a cask, a pail, etc.

2.
One of the cylindrical bars of a lantern wheel; one of the bars or rounds of a rack, a ladder, etc.

3.
A metrical portion; a stanza; a staff.

Let us chant a passing stave
In honor of that hero brave.
Wordsworth.

4.
(Mus.)
The five horizontal and parallel lines on and between which musical notes are written or printed; the staff{7}.
[Obs.]

Stave jointer, a machine for dressing the edges of staves.


word: Stave₂
definition:
Stave

Stave
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Staved (stāvd) or Stove (st&omacrv); p. pr. & vb. n. Staving.]
[From Stave, n., or Staff, n.]
1.
To break in a stave or the staves of; to break a hole in; to burst; -- often with in; as, to stave a cask; to stave in a boat.

2.
To push, as with a staff; -- with off.

The condition of a servant staves him off to a distance.
South.

3.
To delay by force or craft; to drive away; -- usually with off; as, to stave off the execution of a project.

And answered with such craft as women use,
Guilty or guiltless, to stave off a chance
That breaks upon them perilously.
Tennyson.

4.
To suffer, or cause, to be lost by breaking the cask.

All the wine in the city has been staved.
Sandys.

5.
To furnish with staves or rundles.
Knolles.

6.
To render impervious or solid by driving with a calking iron; as, to stave lead, or the joints of pipes into which lead has been run.

To stave and tail, in bear baiting, (to stave) to interpose with the staff, doubtless to stop the bear; (to tail) to hold back the dog by the tail. Nares.


word: Stave₃
definition:
Stave

Stave
v. i.
To burst in pieces by striking against something; to dash into fragments.

Like a vessel of glass she stove and sank.
Longfellow.


word: Staves
definition:
Staves

Staves
(stāvz or stävz ; 277)
n.
pl. of Staff.
staves
R. Browning.
Also (stāvz), pl. of Stave.


word: Stavesacre
definition:
Stavesacre

Staves"a`cre
(stāvz"ā`kẽr)
n.
[Corrupted from NL. staphis agria, Gr. stafi`s dried grape + 'a`grios wild.]
(Bot.)
A kind of larkspur (Delphinium Staphysagria), and its seeds, which are violently purgative and emetic.  They are used as a parasiticide, and in the East for poisoning fish.


word: Stavewood
definition:
Stavewood

Stave"wood`
(stāv"wŏd`)
n.
(Bot.)
A tall tree (Simaruba amara) growing in tropical America. It is one of the trees which yields quassia.


word: Staving
definition:
Staving

Stav"ing
(stāv"ĭng)
n.
A casing or lining of staves; especially, one encircling a water wheel.


word: Staw
definition:
Staw

Staw
(st&asuml_;)
v. i.
[Cf. Dan. staae to stand, Sw. stå. √163.]
To be fixed or set; to stay.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Stay
definition:
Stay

Stay
(stā)
n.
[AS. staeg, akin to D., G., Icel., Sw., & Dan. stag; cf. OF. estai, F. étai, of Teutonic origin.]
(Naut.)
A large, strong rope, employed to support a mast, by being extended from the head of one mast down to some other, or to some part of the vessel. Those which lead forward are called fore-and-aft stays; those which lead to the vessel's side are called backstays. See Illust. of Ship.

In stays, or Hove in stays (Naut.), in the act or situation of staying, or going about from one tack to another. R. H. Dana, Jr. -- Stay holes (Naut.), openings in the edge of a staysail through which the hanks pass which join it to the stay. -- Stay tackle (Naut.), a tackle attached to a stay and used for hoisting or lowering heavy articles over the side. -- To miss stays (Naut.), to fail in the attempt to go about. Totten. -- Triatic stay (Naut.), a rope secured at the ends to the heads of the foremast and mainmast with thimbles spliced to its bight into which the stay tackles hook.


word: Stay₂
definition:
Stay

Stay
(stā)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Stayed (stād) or Staid (stād); p. pr. & vb. n. Staying.]
[OF. estayer, F. étayer to prop, fr. OF. estai, F. étai, a prop, probably fr. OD. stade, staeye, a prop, akin to E. stead; or cf. stay a rope to support a mast.  Cf. Staid, a., Stay, v. i.]
1.
To stop from motion or falling; to prop; to fix firmly; to hold up; to support.

Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side.
Ex. xvii. 12.

Sallows and reeds . . . for vineyards useful found
To stay thy vines.
Dryden.

2.
To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.

He has devoured a whole loaf of bread and butter, and it has not staid his stomach for a minute.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
To bear up under; to endure; to support; to resist successfully.

She will not stay the siege of loving terms,
Nor bide the encounter of assailing eyes.
Shak.

4.
To hold from proceeding; to withhold; to restrain; to stop; to hold.

Him backward overthrew and down him stayed
With their rude hands and grisly grapplement.
Spenser.

All that may stay their minds from thinking that true which they heartily wish were false.
Hooker.

5.
To hinder; to delay; to detain; to keep back.

Your ships are stayed at Venice.
Shak.

This business staid me in London almost a week.
Evelyn.

I was willing to stay my reader on an argument that appeared to me new.
Locke.

6.
To remain for the purpose of; to wait for.
stay
Shak.

7.
To cause to cease; to put an end to.

Stay your strife.
Shak.

For flattering planets seemed to say
This child should ills of ages stay.
Emerson.

8.
(Engin.)
To fasten or secure with stays; as, to stay a flat sheet in a steam boiler.

9.
(Naut.)
To tack, as a vessel, so that the other side of the vessel shall be presented to the wind.

To stay a mast (Naut.), to incline it forward or aft, or to one side, by the stays and backstays.


word: Stay₃
definition:
Stay

Stay
(stā)
v. i.
[√163. See Stay to hold up, prop.]
1.
To remain; to continue in a place; to abide fixed for a space of time; to stop; to stand still.

She would command the hasty sun to stay.
Spenser.

Stay, I command you; stay and hear me first.
Dryden.

I stay a little longer, as one stays
To cover up the embers that still burn.
Longfellow.

2.
To continue in a state.

The flames augment, and stay
At their full height, then languish to decay.
Dryden.

3.
To wait; to attend; to forbear to act.

I 'll tell thee all my whole device
When I am in my coach, which stays for us.
Shak.

The father can not stay any longer for the fortune.
Locke.

4.
To dwell; to tarry; to linger.

I must stay a little on one action.
Dryden.

5.
To rest; to depend; to rely; to stand; to insist.

I stay here on my bond.
Shak.

Ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon.
Isa. xxx. 12.

6.
To come to an end; to cease; as, that day the storm stayed.
[Archaic]

Here my commission stays.
Shak.

7.
To hold out in a race or other contest; as, a horse stays well.
[Colloq.]

8.
(Naut.)
To change tack, as a ship.


word: Stay₄
definition:
Stay

Stay
n.
[Cf. OF. estai, F. étai support, and E. stay a rope to support a mast.]
1.
That which serves as a prop; a support.
stay
Milton.

Trees serve as so many stays for their vines.
Addison.

Lord Liverpool is the single stay of this ministry.
Coleridge.

2.
pl.
A corset stiffened with whalebone or other material, worn by women, and rarely by men.

How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
Gay.

3.
Continuance in a place; abode for a space of time; sojourn; as, you make a short stay in this city.

Make haste, and leave thy business and thy care;
No mortal interest can be worth thy stay.
Dryden.

Embrace the hero and his stay implore.
Waller.

4.
Cessation of motion or progression; stand; stop.

Made of sphere metal, never to decay
Until his revolution was at stay.
Milton.

Affairs of state seemed rather to stand at a stay.
Hayward.

5.
Hindrance; let; check.
[Obs.]

They were able to read good authors without any stay, if the book were not false.
Robynson (More's Utopia).

6.
Restraint of passion; moderation; caution; steadiness; sobriety.
[Obs.]
stays
Herbert.

The wisdom, stay, and moderation of the king.
Bacon.

With prudent stay he long deferred
The rough contention.
Philips.

7.
(Engin.)
Strictly, a part in tension to hold the parts together, or stiffen them.

Stay bolt (Mech.), a bolt or short rod, connecting opposite plates, so as to prevent them from being bulged out when acted upon by a pressure which tends to force them apart, as in the leg of a steam boiler. -- Stay busk, a stiff piece of wood, steel, or whalebone, for the front support of a woman's stays.  Cf. Busk. -- Stay rod, a rod which acts as a stay, particularly in a steam boiler.


word: Stayed
definition:
Stayed

Stayed
(stād)
a.
Staid; fixed; settled; sober; -- now written staid. See Staid.
Bacon. Pope.


word: Stayer
definition:
Stayer

Stay"er
(stā"ẽr)
n.
One who upholds or supports that which props; one who, or that which, stays, stops, or restrains; also, colloquially, a horse, man, etc., that has endurance, as in a race.


word: Stayship
definition:
Stayship

Stay"ship`
(-shĭp`)
n.
(Zool.)
A remora, -- fabled to stop ships by attaching itself to them.


word: Stead
definition:
Stead

Stead
(stĕd)
n.
[OE. stede place, AS. stede; akin to LG. & D. stede, OS. stad, stedi, OHG. stat, G. statt, stätte, Icel. staðr, Dan. sted, Sw. stad, Goth. staþs, and E. stand.  √163. See Stand, and cf. Staith, Stithy.]
1.
Place, or spot, in general.
[Obs., except in composition.]
Chaucer.

Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon.
Spenser.

2.
Place or room which another had, has, or might have.
steads
Piers Plowman.

In stead of bounds, he a pillar set.
Chaucer.

3.
A frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead.
[R.]

The genial bed,
Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead.
Dryden.

4.
A farmhouse and offices.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

&hand_; The word is now commonly used as the last part of a compound; as, farmstead, homestead, roadstead, etc.

In stead of, in place of. See Instead. -- To stand in stead, or To do stead, to be of use or great advantage.

The smallest act . . . shall stand us in great stead.
Atterbury.

Here thy sword can do thee little stead.
Milton.


word: Stead₂
definition:
Stead

Stead
v. t.
1.
To help; to support; to benefit; to assist.

Perhaps my succour or advisement meet,
Mote stead you much your purpose to subdue.
Spenser.

It nothing steads us
To chide him from our eaves.
Shak.

2.
To fill the place of.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Steadfast
definition:
Steadfast

Stead"fast
(-fȧst)
a.
[Stead + fast, that is, fast in place.]
[Written also stedfast.]
1.
Firmly fixed or established; fast fixed; firm.
steadfast
Spenser.

2.
Not fickle or wavering; constant; firm; resolute; unswerving; steady.
Steadfast
Shak.

Abide steadfast unto him [thy neighbor] in the time of his trouble.
Ecclus. xxii. 23.

Whom resist steadfast in the faith.
1 Pet. v. 9.


word: Steadfastly
definition:
Steadfastly

Stead"fast*ly
adv.
In a steadfast manner; firmly.

Steadfastly believe that whatever God has revealed is infallibly true.
Wake.


word: Steadfastness
definition:
Steadfastness

Stead"fast*ness
n.
The quality or state of being steadfast; firmness; fixedness; constancy.
steadfastness
Col. ii. 5.

To prove her wifehood and her steadfastness.
Chaucer.


word: Steadiness
definition:
Steadiness

Stead"i*ness
n.
The quality or state of being steady.

Steadiness is a point of prudence as well as of courage.
L'Estrange.


word: Steading
definition:
Steading

Stead"ing
(stĕd"ĭng)
n.
The barns, stables, cattle-yards, etc., of a farm; -- called also onstead, farmstead, farm offices, or farmery.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]


word: Steady
definition:
Steady

Stead"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Steadier (-ĭ*ẽr); superl. Steadiest.]
[Cf. AS. stedig sterile, barren, staeððig, steady (in gestaeððig), D. stedig, stadig, steeg, G. stätig, stetig. See Stead, n.]
1.
Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm.
steadiest
Keble.

Their feet steady, their hands diligent, their eyes watchful, and their hearts resolute.
Sir P. Sidney.

2.
Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute; as, a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object.

3.
Regular; constant; undeviating; uniform; as, the steady course of the sun; a steady breeze of wind.

Steady rest (Mach), a rest in a turning lathe, to keep a long piece of work from trembling.


word: Steady₂
definition:
Steady

Stead"y
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Steadied (-ĭd); p. pr. & vb. n. Steadying.]
To make steady; to hold or keep from shaking, reeling, or falling; to make or keep firm; to support; to make constant, regular, or resolute.


word: Steady₃
definition:
Steady

Stead"y
v. i.
To become steady; to regain a steady position or state; to move steadily.

Without a breeze, without a tide,
She steadies with upright keel.
Coleridge.


word: Steak
definition:
Steak

Steak
(stāk)
n.
[OE. steike, Icel. steik, akin to Icel. steikja to roast, stikna to be roasted or scorched, and E. stick, the steak being broiled on a spit. See Stick, v. t.]
A slice of beef, broiled, or cut for broiling; -- also extended to the meat of other large animals; as, venison steak; bear steak; pork steak; turtle steak.


word: Steal
definition:
Steal

Steal
(stēl)
n.
[See Stale a handle.]
A handle; a stale, or stele.
[Archaic or Prov. Eng.]

And in his hand a huge poleax did bear.
Whose steale was iron-studded but not long.
Spenser.


word: Steal₂
definition:
Steal

Steal
(stēl)
v. t.
[imp. Stole (st&omacrl); p. p. Stolen (st&omacr"l'n); p. pr. & vb. n. Stealing.]
[OE. stelen, AS. stelan; akin to OFries. stela, D. stelen, OHG. stelan, G. stehlen, Icel. stela, SW. stjäla, Dan. stiaele, Goth. stilan.]
1.
To take, and carry away, feloniously; to take without right or leave, and with intent to keep wrongfully; as, to steal the personal goods of another.

Maugre thy heed, thou must for indigence
Or steal, or beg, or borrow, thy dispense.
Chaucer.

The man who stole a goose and gave away the giblets in alms.
G. Eliot.

2.
To withdraw or convey clandestinely (reflexive); hence, to creep furtively, or to insinuate.

They could insinuate and steal themselves under the same by their humble carriage and submission.
Spenser.

He will steal himself into a man's favor.
Shak.

3.
To gain by insinuating arts or covert means.

So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
2 Sam. xv. 6.

4.
To get into one's power gradually and by imperceptible degrees; to take possession of by a gradual and imperceptible appropriation; -- with away.

Variety of objects has a tendency to steal away the mind from its steady pursuit of any subject.
I. Watts.

5.
To accomplish in a concealed or unobserved manner; to try to carry out secretly; as, to steal a look.

Always, when thou changest thine opinion or course, profess it plainly, . . . and do not think to steal it.
Bacon.

To steal a march, to march in a covert way; to gain an advantage unobserved; -- formerly followed by of, but now by on or upon, and sometimes by over; as, to steal a march upon one's political rivals.

She yesterday wanted to steal a march of poor Liddy.
Smollett.

Fifty thousand men can not easily steal a march over the sea.
Walpole.


word: Steal₃
definition:
Steal

Steal
(stēl)
v. i.
1.
To practice, or be guilty of, theft; to commit larceny or theft.

Thou shalt not steal.
Ex. xx. 15.

2.
To withdraw, or pass privily; to slip in, along, or away, unperceived; to go or come furtively.
Chaucer.

Fixed of mind to avoid further entreaty, and to fly all company, one night she stole away.
Sir P. Sidney.

From whom you now must steal, and take no leave.
Shak.

A soft and solemn breathing sound
Rose like a steam of rich, distilled perfumes,
And stole upon the air.
Milton.


word: Stealer
definition:
Stealer

Steal"er
(-ẽr)
n.
1.
One who steals; a thief.

2.
(Shipbuilding)
The endmost plank of a strake which stops short of the stem or stern.


word: Stealing
definition:
Stealing

Steal"ing
n.
1.
The act of taking feloniously the personal property of another without his consent and knowledge; theft; larceny.

2.
That which is stolen; stolen property; -- chiefly used in the plural.


word: Stealingly
definition:
Stealingly

Steal"ing*ly
adv.
By stealing, or as by stealing, furtively, or by an invisible motion.
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Stealth
definition:
Stealth

Stealth
(stĕlth)
n.
[OE. stalþe. See Steal, v. t.]
1.
The act of stealing; theft.
[Obs.]

The owner proveth the stealth to have been committed upon him by such an outlaw.
Spenser.

2.
The thing stolen; stolen property.
[Obs.]
stealths
Sir W. Raleigh.

3.
The bringing to pass anything in a secret or concealed manner; a secret procedure; a clandestine practice or action; -- in either a good or a bad sense.

Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Pope.

The monarch, blinded with desire of wealth,
With steel invades the brother's life by stealth.
Dryden.

I told him of your stealth unto this wood.
Shak.


word: Stealthful
definition:
Stealthful

Stealth"ful
(-f&usdot_;l)
a.
Given to stealth; stealthy.
[Obs.]
Stealth"ful*ly, adv. [Obs.] -- Stealth"ful*ness, n. [Obs.]


word: Stealthy
definition:
Stealthy

Stealth"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Stealthier (-ĭ*ẽr); superl. Stealthiest.]
Done by stealth; accomplished clandestinely; unperceived; secret; furtive; sly.

[Withered murder] with his stealthy pace, . . . 
Moves like a ghost.
Shak.


word: Steam
definition:
Steam

Steam
(stēm)
n.
[OE. stem, steem, vapor, flame, AS. steám vapor, smoke, odor; akin to D. stoom steam, perhaps originally, a pillar, or something rising like a pillar; cf. Gr. sty`ein to erect, sty^los a pillar, and E. stand.]
1.
The elastic, aeriform fluid into which water is converted when heated to the boiling point; water in the state of vapor; gaseous water.

2.
The mist formed by condensed vapor; visible vapor; -- so called in popular usage.

3.
Any exhalation.
steam
Milton.

Dry steam, steam which does not contain water held in suspension mechanically; -- sometimes applied to superheated steam. -- Exhaust steam. See under Exhaust. -- High steam, or High-pressure steam, steam of which the pressure greatly exceeds that of the atmosphere. -- Low steam, or Low-pressure steam, steam of which the pressure is less than, equal to, or not greatly above, that of the atmosphere. -- Saturated steam, steam at the temperature of the boiling point which corresponds to its pressure; -- sometimes also applied to wet steam. -- Superheated steam, steam heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point corresponding to its pressure. It can not exist in contact with water, nor contain water, and resembles a perfect gas; -- called also surcharged steam, anhydrous steam, and steam gas. -- Wet steam, steam which contains water held in suspension mechanically; -- called also misty steam.

&hand_; Steam is often used adjectively, and in combination, to denote, produced by heat, or operated by power, derived from steam, in distinction from other sources of power; as in steam boiler or steam-boiler, steam dredger or steam-dredger, steam engine or steam-engine, steam heat, steam plow or steam-plow, etc.

Steam blower. (a) A blower for producing a draught consisting of a jet or jets of steam in a chimney or under a fire. (b) A fan blower driven directly by a steam engine. -- Steam boiler, a boiler for producing steam. See Boiler, 3, and Note. In the illustration, the shell a of the boiler is partly in section, showing the tubes, or flues, which the hot gases, from the fire beneath the boiler, enter, after traversing the outside of the shell, and through which the gases are led to the smoke pipe d, which delivers them to the chimney; b is the manhole; c the dome; e the steam pipe; f the feed and blow-off pipe; g the safety valve; hthe water gauge. -- Steam car, a car driven by steam power, or drawn by a locomotive. -- Steam carriage, a carriage upon wheels moved on common roads by steam. -- Steam casing. See Steam jacket, under Jacket. -- Steam chest, the box or chamber from which steam is distributed to the cylinder of a steam engine, steam pump, etc., and which usually contains one or more valves; -- called also valve chest, and valve box.  See Illust. of Slide valve, under Slide. -- Steam chimney, an annular chamber around the chimney of a boiler furnace, for drying steam. -- Steam coil, a coil of pipe, or a collection of connected pipes, for containing steam; -- used for heating, drying, etc. -- Steam colors (Calico Printing), colors in which the chemical reaction fixing the coloring matter in the fiber is produced by steam. -- Steam cylinder, the cylinder of a steam engine, which contains the piston. See Illust. of Slide valve, under Slide. -- Steam dome (Steam Boilers), a chamber upon the top of the boiler, from which steam is conducted to the engine. See Illust. of Steam boiler, above. -- Steam fire engine, a fire engine consisting of a steam boiler and engine, and pump which is driven by the engine, combined and mounted on wheels. It is usually drawn by horses, but is sometimes made self-propelling. -- Steam fitter, a fitter of steam pipes. -- Steam fitting, the act or the occupation of a steam fitter; also, a pipe fitting for steam pipes. -- Steam gas. See Superheated steam, above. -- Steam gauge, an instrument for indicating the pressure of the steam in a boiler. The mercurial steam gauge is a bent tube partially filled with mercury, one end of which is connected with the boiler while the other is open to the air, so that the steam by its pressure raises the mercury in the long limb of the tube to a height proportioned to that pressure.  A more common form, especially for high pressures, consists of a spring pressed upon by the steam, and connected with the pointer of a dial. The spring may be a flattened, bent tube, closed at one end, which the entering steam tends to straighten, or it may be a diaphragm of elastic metal, or a mass of confined air, etc. -- Steam gun, a machine or contrivance from which projectiles may be thrown by the elastic force of steam. -- Steam hammer, a hammer for forging, which is worked directly by steam; especially, a hammer which is guided vertically and operated by a vertical steam cylinder located directly over an anvil. In the variety known as Nasmyth's, the cylinder is fixed, and the hammer is attached to the piston rod. In that known as Condie's, the piston is fixed, and the hammer attached to the lower end of the cylinder. -- Steam heater. (a) A radiator heated by steam. (b) An apparatus consisting of a steam boiler, radiator, piping, and fixures for warming a house by steam. -- Steam jacket. See under Jacket. -- Steam packet, a packet or vessel propelled by steam, and running periodically between certain ports. -- Steam pipe, any pipe for conveying steam; specifically, a pipe through which steam is supplied to an engine. -- Steam plow or Steam plough, a plow, or gang of plows, moved by a steam engine. -- Steam port, an opening for steam to pass through, as from the steam chest into the cylinder. -- Steam power, the force or energy of steam applied to produce results; power derived from a steam engine. -- Steam propeller. See Propeller. -- Steam pump, a small pumping engine operated by steam. It is usually direct-acting. -- Steam room (Steam Boilers), the space in the boiler above the water level, and in the dome, which contains steam. -- Steam table, a table on which are dishes heated by steam for keeping food warm in the carving room of a hotel, restaurant, etc. -- Steam trap, a self-acting device by means of which water that accumulates in a pipe or vessel containing steam will be discharged without permitting steam to escape. -- Steam tug, a steam vessel used in towing or propelling ships. -- Steam vessel, a vessel propelled by steam; a steamboat or steamship; a steamer. -- Steam whistle, an apparatus attached to a steam boiler, as of a locomotive, through which steam is rapidly discharged, producing a loud whistle which serves as a warning or a signal.  The steam issues from a narrow annular orifice around the upper edge of the lower cup or hemisphere, striking the thin edge of the bell above it, and producing sound in the manner of an organ pipe or a common whistle.


word: Steam₂
definition:
Steam

Steam
(stēm)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Steamed (stēmd); p. pr. & vb. n. Steaming.]
1.
To emit steam or vapor.

My brother's ghost hangs hovering there,
O'er his warm blood, that steams into the air.
Dryden.

Let the crude humors dance
In heated brass, steaming with fire intense.
J. Philips.

2.
To rise in vapor; to issue, or pass off, as vapor.

The dissolved amber . . . steamed away into the air.
Boyle.

3.
To move or travel by the agency of steam.

The vessel steamed out of port.
N. P. Willis.

4.
To generate steam; as, the boiler steams well.


word: Steam₃
definition:
Steam

Steam
(stēm)
v. t.
1.
To exhale.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
To expose to the action of steam; to apply steam to for softening, dressing, or preparing; as, to steam wood; to steamcloth; to steam food, etc.


word: Steamboat
definition:
Steamboat

Steam"boat`
(-b&omacrt`)
n.
A boat or vessel propelled by steam power; -- generally used of river or coasting craft, as distinguished from ocean steamers.


word: Steamboating
definition:
Steamboating

Steam"boat`ing
n.
1.
The occupation or business of running a steamboat, or of transporting merchandise, passengers, etc., by steamboats.

2.
(Bookbinding)
The shearing of a pile of books which are as yet uncovered, or out of boards.
Knight.


word: Steam engine
definition:
Steam engine

Steam" en"gine
(ĕn"jĭn)
An engine moved by steam.

&hand_; In its most common forms its essential parts are a piston, a cylinder, and a valve gear. The piston works in the cylinder, to which steam is admitted by the action of the valve gear, and communicates motion to the machinery to be actuated. Steam engines are thus classified: 1. According to the way the steam is used or applied, as condensing, noncondensing, compound, double-acting, single-acting, triple-expansion, etc. 2. According to the motion of the piston, as reciprocating, rotary, etc. 3. According to the motion imparted by the engine, as rotative and nonrotative. 4. According to the arrangement of the engine, as stationary, portable, and semiportable engines, horizontal and vertical engines, beam engine, oscillating engine, direct-acting and back-acting engines, etc. 5. According to their uses, as portable, marine, locomotive, pumping, blowing, winding, and stationary engines, the latter term referring to factory engines, etc., and not technically to pumping or blowing engines. Locomotive and portable engines are usually high-pressure, noncondensing, rotative, and direct-acting.  Marine engines are high or low pressure, rotative, and generally condensing, double-acting, and compound. Paddle engines are generally beam, side-lever, oscillating, or direct-acting.  Screw engines are generally direct-acting, back-acting, or oscillating.  Stationary engines belong to various classes, but are generally rotative. A horizontal or inclined stationary steam engine is called a left-hand or a right-hand engine when the crank shaft and driving pulley are on the left-hand side, or the right-hand side, respectively, of the engine, to a person looking at them from the cylinder, and is said to run forward or backward when the crank traverses the upward half, or lower half, respectively, of its path, while the piston rod makes its stroke outward from the cylinder. A marine engine, or the engine of a locomotive, is said to run forward when its motion is such as would propel the vessel or the locomotive forward. Steam engines are further classified as double-cylinder, disk, semicylinder, trunk engines, etc. Machines, such as cranes, hammers, etc., of which the steam engine forms a part, are called steam cranes, steam hammers, etc. See Illustration in Appendix.

Back-acting steam engine, or Back-action steam engine, a steam engine in which the motion is transmitted backward from the crosshead to a crank which is between the crosshead and the cylinder, or beyond the cylinder. -- Portable steam engine, a steam engine combined with, and attached to, a boiler which is mounted on wheels so as to admit of easy transportation; -- used for driving machinery in the field, as thrashing machines, draining pumps, etc. -- Semiportable steam engine, a steam engine combined with, and attached to, a steam boiler, but not mounted on wheels.


word: Steamer
definition:
Steamer

Steam"er
(-ẽr)
n.
1.
A vessel propelled by steam; a steamship or steamboat.

2.
A steam fire engine. See under Steam.

3.
A road locomotive for use on common roads, as in agricultural operations.

4.
A vessel in which articles are subjected to the action of steam, as in washing, in cookery, and in various processes of manufacture.

5.
(Zool.)
The steamer duck.

Steamer duck (Zool.), a sea duck (Tachyeres cinereus), native of Patagonia and Terra del Fuego, which swims and dives with great agility, but which, when full grown, is incapable of flight, owing to its very small wings.  Called also loggerhead, race horse, and side-wheel duck.


word: Steaminess
definition:
Steaminess

Steam"i*ness
(-ĭ*nĕs)
n.
The quality or condition of being steamy; vaporousness; mistiness.


word: Steamship
definition:
Steamship

Steam"ship`
(-shĭp`)
n.
A ship or seagoing vessel propelled by the power of steam; a steamer.


word: steam up
definition:
steam up

Steam` up"
(stēm` ŭp")
v. t.
To cause to be covered by a translucent layer of condensed water in fine droplets, such as by breathing on a cold window; to fog; as, to steam up one's eyeglasses.


word: Steamy
definition:
Steamy

Steam"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Consisting of, or resembling, steam; vaporous; misty.
Cowper.

2.
Emitting steam; full of steam.

3.
Erotic; consisting of or depicting passionate sexual activity; as, a steamy love affair; the steamy scenes were cut from the film to avoid an X rating.


word: Steapsin
definition:
Steapsin

Ste*ap"sin
(ste̝*ăp"sĭn)
n.
(Physiol. Chem.)
An unorganized ferment or enzyme present in pancreatic juice.  It decomposes neutral fats into glycerin and fatty acids.


word: Stearate
definition:
Stearate

Ste"a*rate
(stē"ȧ*ra̝t)
n.
(Chem.)
A salt of stearic acid; as, ordinary soap consists largely of sodium or potassium stearates.


word: Stearic
definition:
Stearic

Ste*ar"ic
(ste̝*ăr"ĭk)
a.
[Cf. F. stéarique.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
Pertaining to, or obtained from, stearin or tallow; resembling tallow.

Stearic acid (Chem.), a monobasic fatty acid, obtained in the form of white crystalline scales, soluble in alcohol and ether. It melts to an oily liquid at 69°C.


word: Stearin
definition:
Stearin

Ste"a*rin
(stē"ȧ*rĭn)
n.
[Gr. ste`ar tallow, suet: cf. F. stéarine.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
One of the constituents of animal fats and also of some vegetable fats, as the butter of cacao. It is especially characterized by its solidity, so that when present in considerable quantity it materially increases the hardness, or raises the melting point, of the fat, as in mutton tallow. Chemically, it is a compound of glyceryl with three molecules of stearic acid, and hence is technically called tristearin, or glyceryl tristearate.


word: Stearolic
definition:
Stearolic

Ste`a*rol"ic
(-r&obreve_;l"ĭk)
a.
[Stearic + oleic + -ic.]
(Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, an acid of the acetylene series, isologous with stearic acid, and obtained, as a white crystalline substance, from oleic acid.


word: Stearone
definition:
Stearone

Ste"a*rone
(stē"ȧ*r&omacrn)
n.
(Chem.)
The ketone of stearic acid, obtained as a white crystalline substance, (C17H35)2.CO, by the distillation of calcium stearate.


word: Stearoptene
definition:
Stearoptene

Ste`a*rop"tene
(-r&obreve_;p"tēn)
n.
[Stearic + -optene as in elaeoptene.]
(Chem.)
The more solid ingredient of certain volatile oils; -- contrasted with elaeoptene.


word: Stearrhea
definition:
Stearrhea

Ste`ar*rhe"a
(stē`ar*rē"ȧ)
n.
[NL., from Gr. ste`ar tallow + "rei^n to flow.]
(Med.)
Seborrhea.


word: Stearyl
definition:
Stearyl

Ste"a*ryl
(stē"ȧ*rĭl)
n.
[Stearic + -yl.]
(Chem.)
The hypothetical radical characteristic of stearic acid.


word: Steatite
definition:
Steatite

Ste"a*tite
(-tīt)
n.
[Gr. ste`ar, ste`atos, fat, tallow: cf. F. stéatite.]
(Min.)
A massive variety of talc, of a grayish green or brown color. It forms extensive beds, and is quarried for fireplaces and for coarse utensils. Called also potstone, lard stone, and soapstone.


word: Steatitic
definition:
Steatitic

Ste`a*tit"ic
(-tĭt"ĭk)
a.
(Min.)
Pertaining to, or of the nature of, steatite; containing or resembling steatite.


word: Steatoma
definition:
Steatoma

Ste`a*to"ma
(-t&omacr"mȧ)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. stea`twma, fr. steatoy^n to turn into tallow or suet, fr. ste`ar, -atos, fat, suet.]
(Med.)
A cyst containing matter like suet.


word: Steatomatous
definition:
Steatomatous

Ste`a*tom"a*tous
(-t&obreve_;m"ȧ*tŭs or -t&omacr"mȧ- ; 277)
a.
[Cf. F. stéatomateux.]
(Med.)
Of the nature of a steatoma.


word: Steatopyga
definition:
Steatopyga

Ste`a*top"y*ga
(-t&obreve_;p"ĭ*gȧ)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. ste`ar, ste`atos, fat + pygh` the buttocks.]
A remarkable accretion of fat upon the buttocks of Africans of certain tribes, especially of Hottentot (Khoikhoi) women.


word: Steatopygous
definition:
Steatopygous

Ste`a*top"y*gous
(-gŭs)
a.
Having fat buttocks.

Specimens of the steatopygous Abyssinian breed.
Burton.


word: Stedfastly
definition:
Stedfastly

Stedfast

Sted

Sted (stĕd), n., Sted"fast (-fȧst), a., Sted"fast*ly, adv., etc.
See Stead, Steadfast, etc.


word: Stee
definition:
Stee

Stee
(stē)
n.
[Cf. G. stiege. √164. See Stair.]
A ladder.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
[Written also stey.]


word: Steed
definition:
Steed

Steed
(stēd)
n.
[OE. stede, AS. stēda a stud-horse, war horse, fr. st&omacrd a stud of breeding steeds; akin to G. stute a mare, Icel. stedda, st&omacrð, a stud.  √163. See Stud of horses.]
A horse, especially a spirited horse for state or war; -- used chiefly in poetry or stately prose.
steed
Chaucer.

Mounted upon a hot and fiery steed.
Shak.


word: Steik
definition:
Steik

Steek

{ Steek, Steik }
(stēk)
v. t.
[Cf. Stick, v. t.]
To pierce with a sharp instrument; hence, to stitch; to sew; also, to fix; to fasten.
[Scot.]


word: Steel
definition:
Steel

Steel
(stēl)
n.
[AS. stēl, st&ymacr_;l, st&ymacr_;le; akin to D. staal, G. stahl, OHG. stahal, Icel. stāl, Dan. staal, Sw. stål, Old Prussian stakla.]
1.
(Metal)
A variety of iron intermediate in composition and properties between wrought iron and cast iron (containing between one half of one per cent and one and a half per cent of carbon), and consisting of an alloy of iron with an iron carbide. Steel, unlike wrought iron, can be tempered, and retains magnetism. Its malleability decreases, and fusibility increases, with an increase in carbon.

2.
An instrument or implement made of steel

While doubting thus he stood,
Received the steel bathed in his brother's blood.
Dryden.

3.
Fig.: Anything of extreme hardness; that which is characterized by sternness or rigor.
steel
Johnson.
steel
Byron.

4.
(Med.)
A chalybeate medicine.
Dunglison.

&hand_; Steel is often used in the formation of compounds, generally of obvious meaning; as, steel-clad, steel-girt, steel-hearted, steel-plated, steel-pointed, etc.

Bessemer steel (Metal.) See in the Vocabulary. -- Blister steel. (Metal.) See under Blister. -- Cast steel (Metal.), a fine variety of steel, originally made by smelting blister or cementation steel; hence, ordinarily, steel of any process of production when remelted and cast. -- Chrome steel, Chromium steel (Metal.), a hard, tenacious variety containing a little chromium, and somewhat resembling tungsten steel. -- Mild steel (Metal.), a kind of steel having a lower proportion of carbon than ordinary steel, rendering it softer and more malleable. -- Puddled steel (Metal.), a variety of steel produced from cast iron by the puddling process. -- Steel duck (Zool.), the goosander, or merganser. [Prov. Eng.] -- Steel mill. (a) (Firearms) See Wheel lock, under Wheel. (b) A mill which has steel grinding surfaces. (c) A mill where steel is manufactured. -- Steel trap, a trap for catching wild animals. It consists of two iron jaws, which close by means of a powerful steel spring when the animal disturbs the catch, or tongue, by which they are kept open. -- Steel wine, wine, usually sherry, in which steel filings have been placed for a considerable time, -- used as a medicine. -- Tincture of steel (Med.), an alcoholic solution of the chloride of iron. -- Tungsten steel (Metal.), a variety of steel containing a small amount of tungsten, and noted for its tenacity and hardness, as well as for its malleability and tempering qualities. It is also noted for its magnetic properties.


word: Steel₂
definition:
Steel

Steel
(stēl)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Steeled (stēld); p. pr. & vb. n. Steeling.]
[AS. st&ymacr_;lan: cf. Icel. staela. See Steel, n.]
1.
To overlay, point, or edge with steel; as, to steel a razor; to steel an ax.

2.
Fig.:
To make hard or strong; hence, to make insensible or obdurate.

Lies well steeled with weighty arguments.
Shak.

O God of battles! steel my soldiers' hearts.
Shak.

Why will you fight against so sweet a passion,
And steel your heart to such a world of charms?
Addison.

3.
Fig.:
To cause to resemble steel, as in smoothness, polish, or other qualities.

These waters, steeled
By breezeless air to smoothest polish.
Wordsworth.

4.
(Elec.)
To cover, as an electrotype plate, with a thin layer of iron by electrolysis. The iron thus deposited is very hard, like steel.


word: Steelbow goods
definition:
Steelbow goods

Steel"bow` goods"
(stēl"bou` gŏdz")
(Scots Law)
Those goods on a farm, such as corn, cattle, implements of husbandry, etc., which may not be carried off by a removing tenant, as being the property of the landlord.


word: Steelhead
definition:
Steelhead

Steel"head`
(-hĕd`)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
A North Pacific salmon (Salmo Gairdneri) found from Northern California to Siberia; -- called also hardhead, and preestl.

2.
(Zool.)
The ruddy duck.


word: Steeling
definition:
Steeling

Steel"ing
n.
The process of pointing, edging, or overlaying with steel; specifically, acierage. See Steel, v.


word: Steely
definition:
Steely

Steel"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
Made of steel; consisting of steel.
steely
Shak.

Around his shop the steely sparkles flew.
Gay.

2.
Resembling steel; hard; firm; having the color of steel.
steely
The Century.

She would unarm her noble heart of that steely resistance against the sweet blows of love.
Sir P. Sidney.

Steely iron, a compound of iron containing less than one half of one per cent of carbon.


word: Steelyard
definition:
Steelyard

Steel"yard
(stēl"yärd ; colloq. stĭl"yẽrd ; 277)
n.
[So named from a place in London called the Steelyard, which was a yard in which steel was sold.]
A form of balance in which the body to be weighed is suspended from the shorter arm of a lever, which turns on a fulcrum, and a counterpoise is caused to slide upon the longer arm to produce equilibrium, its place upon this arm (which is notched or graduated) indicating the weight; a Roman balance; -- very commonly used also in the plural form, steelyards.


word: Steen
definition:
Steen

Steen
(stēn)
n.
[AS. st&aemacr_;na. See Stone.]
[Written also stean.]
1.
A vessel of clay or stone.
steane
Spenser.

2.
A wall of brick, stone, or cement, used as a lining, as of a well, cistern, etc.; a steening.


word: Steen₂
definition:
Steen

Steen
v. t.
[AS. st&aemacr_;nan to adorn with stones or gems. See Stone.]
To line, as a well, with brick, stone, or other hard material.
[Written also stean, and stein.]


word: Steening
definition:
Steening

Steen"ing
n.
A lining made of brick, stone, or other hard material, as for a well.
[Written also steaning.]


word: Steinkirk
definition:
Steinkirk

Steenkirk

{ Steen"kirk` (stēn"kẽrk`), Stein"kirk` (stīn"-), }
n.
[So called from the battle of Steinkirk, in 1692, on which occasion the French nobles had no time to arrange their lace neckcloths.]
A kind of neckcloth worn in a loose and disorderly fashion.


word: Steep
definition:
Steep

Steep
(stēp)
a.
Bright; glittering; fiery.
[Obs.]

His eyen steep, and rolling in his head.
Chaucer.


word: Steep₂
definition:
Steep

Steep
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Steeped (stēpt); p. pr. & vb. n. Steeping.]
[OE. stepen, probably fr. Icel. steypa to cause to stoop, cast down, pour out, to cast metals, causative of stūpa to stoop; cf. Sw. stöpa to cast, to steep, Dan. stöbe, D. & G. stippen to steep, to dip.  Cf. Stoop, v. i.]
To soak in a liquid; to macerate; to extract the essence of by soaking; as, to soften seed by steeping it in water. Often used figuratively.

Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep.
Shak.

In refreshing dew to steep
The little, trembling flowers.
Wordsworth.

The learned of the nation were steeped in Latin.
Earle.


word: Steep₃
definition:
Steep

Steep
v. i.
To undergo the process of soaking in a liquid; as, the tea is steeping.
[Colloq.]


word: Steep₄
definition:
Steep

Steep
n.
1.
Something steeped, or used in steeping; a fertilizing liquid to hasten the germination of seeds.

2.
A rennet bag.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Steep₅
definition:
Steep

Steep
a.
[Compar. Steeper (-ẽr); superl. Steepest.]
[OE. steep, step, AS. steáp; akin to Icel. steypðr steep, and stūpa to stoop, Sw. stupa to fall, to tilt; cf. OFries. stap high.  Cf. Stoop, v. i., Steep, v. t., Steeple.]
1.
Making a large angle with the plane of the horizon; ascending or descending rapidly with respect to a horizontal line or a level; precipitous; as, a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep declivity; a steep barometric gradient.

2.
Difficult of access; not easily reached; lofty; elevated; high.
[Obs.]
Chapman.

3.
Excessive; as, a steep price.
[Slang]


word: Steep₆
definition:
Steep

Steep
n.
A precipitous place, hill, mountain, rock, or ascent; any elevated object sloping with a large angle to the plane of the horizon; a precipice.
Dryden.

We had on each side naked rocks and mountains broken into a thousand irregular steeps and precipices.
Addison.

Bare steeps, where desolation stalks.
Wordsworth.


word: Steep-down
definition:
Steep-down

Steep"-down`
(stēp"doun`)
a.
Deep and precipitous; having steep descent.
[R.]

Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire.
Shak.


word: Steepen
definition:
Steepen

Steep"en
(stēp"'n)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Steepened (stēp"'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Steepening.]
To become steep or steeper.

As the way steepened . . . I could detect in the hollow of the hill some traces of the old path.
H. Miller.


word: Steeple
definition:
Steeple

Stee"ple
(stē"p'l)
n.
[OE. stepel, AS. stēpel, st&ymacr_;pel; akin to E. steep, a.]
(Arch.)
A spire; also, the tower and spire taken together; the whole of a structure if the roof is of spire form. See Spire.
steeple
Shak.

Rood steeple. See Rood tower, under Rood. -- Steeple bush (Bot.), a low shrub (Spiraea tomentosa) having dense panicles of minute rose-colored flowers; hardhack. -- Steeple chase, a race across country between a number of horsemen, to see which can first reach some distant object, as a church steeple; hence, a race over a prescribed course obstructed by such obstacles as one meets in riding across country, as hedges, walls, etc. -- Steeple chaser, one who rides in a steeple chase; also, a horse trained to run in a steeple chase. -- Steeple engine, a vertical back-acting steam engine having the cylinder beneath the crosshead. -- Steeple house, a church. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.


