# dictionary

word: Lackey₂
definition:
Lackey

Lack"ey
v. t.
To attend as a lackey; to wait upon.

A thousand liveried angels lackey her.
Milton.


word: Lackey₃
definition:
Lackey

Lack"ey
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lackeyed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lackeying.]
To act or serve as lackey; to pay servile attendance.


word: Lacklustre₂
definition:
Lacklustre

Lackluster

{ Lack"lus`ter, Lack"lus`tre  }
a.
1.
Wanting luster or brightness.
Lackluster
Shak.

2.
Lacking spirit, liveliness, or enthusiasm; dull.

3.
Mediocre; as, a lackluster performance.


word: Laconian
definition:
Laconian

La*co"ni*an
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Laconia, a division of ancient Greece; Spartan.
n. An inhabitant of Laconia; esp., a Spartan.


word: Laconic
definition:
Laconic

Laconical

{ La*con"ic (?), La*con"ic*al (?), }
a.
[L. Laconicus Laconian, Gr. _;_;, fr. _;_; a Laconian, Lacedæmonian, or Spartan: cf. F. laconique.]
1.
Expressing much in few words, after the manner of the Laconians or Spartans; brief and pithy; concise; brusque; epigrammatic. In this sense laconic is the usual form.

I grow laconic even beyond laconicism; for sometimes I return only yes, or no, to questionary or petitionary epistles of half a yard long.
Pope.

His sense was strong and his style laconic.
Welwood.

2.
Laconian; characteristic of, or like, the Spartans; hence, stern or severe; cruel; unflinching.

His head had now felt the razor, his back the rod; all that laconical discipline pleased him well.
Bp. Hall.


word: Laconism
definition:
Laconism

Lac"o*nism
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;, fr. _; to imitate Lacedaemonian manners, to speak laconically: cf. F. laconisme.]
1.
A vigorous, brief manner of expression; laconic style.

2.
An instance of laconic style or expression.


word: Laconize
definition:
Laconize

Lac"o*nize
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Laconized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laconizing (?).]
[Gr. _;. See Laconic.]
To imitate the manner of the Laconians, especially in brief, pithy speech, or in frugality and austerity.


word: Lacquer
definition:
Lacquer

Lac"quer
(?)
n.
[F. lacre a sort of sealing wax, Pg. lacte, fr.  laca lac. See Lac the resin.]
[Written also lacker.]
A varnish, consisting of a solution of shellac in alcohol, often colored with gamboge, saffron, or the like; -- used for varnishing metals, papier-maché, and wood.  The name is also given to varnishes made of other ingredients, esp. the tough, solid varnish of the Japanese, with which ornamental objects are made.


word: Lacquer₂
definition:
Lacquer

Lac"quer
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lacquered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lacquering.]
To cover with lacquer.
Lacquer'd
Pope.


word: Lacquering
definition:
Lacquering

Lac"quer*ing
n.
The act or business of putting on lacquer; also, the coat of lacquer put on.


word: lacrimation
definition:
lacrimation

lacrimation
n.
shedding tears; same as lachrymation.

Syn. -- lachrymation, tearing, watering.


word: lacrimator
definition:
lacrimator

lacrimator
n.
a chemical substance that causes tears to flow; same as lachrymator.

Syn. -- lachrymator.


word: lacrimatory
definition:
lacrimatory

lacrimatory
adj.
relating to or inducing tears; -- especially of chemical substances; same as lachrymatory.

Syn. -- lachrymatory.


word: Lacrimoso
definition:
Lacrimoso

La`cri*mo"so
(?)
a.
[It. See Lachrymose.]
(Mus.)
Plaintive; -- a term applied to a mournful or pathetic movement or style.
Moore.


word: Lacrosse
definition:
Lacrosse

La*crosse"
(?)
n.
[F. la crosse, lit., the crosier, hooked stick.  Cf. Crosier.]
A game of ball, originating among the North American Indians, now the popular field sport of Canada, and played also in England and the United States.  Each player carries a long-handled racket, called a “crosse”.  The ball is not handled but caught with the crosse and carried on it, or tossed from it, the object being to carry it or throw it through one of the goals placed at opposite ends of the field.


word: Lacrymose
definition:
Lacrymose

Lacrytory

Lacrymary

{ Lac"ry*ma*ry, Lac"ry*to*ry, Lac"ry*mose. }
See Lachrymary, Lachrymatory, Lachrymose.


word: Lactage
definition:
Lactage

Lac"tage
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. laitage. See Lacteal.]
The produce of animals yielding milk; milk and that which is made from it.


word: Lactam
definition:
Lactam

Lac"tam
(?)
n.
[Lactone + amido.]
(Chem.)
One of a series of anhydrides of an amido type, analogous to the lactones, as oxindol; a cyclic amide.

beta-lactam or β-lactam, (a) a lactam in which the amide bond is contained within a four-membered ring, which includes the amide nitrogen and the carbonyl carbon. (b) an antibiotic containing a beta-lactam, such as a penicillin, cephalosporin, or carbapenem; also called a beta-lactam antibiotic. [informal, laboratory slang]


word: Lactamic
definition:
Lactamic

Lac*tam"ic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an amido acid related to lactic acid, and called also amido-propionic acid.


word: Lactamide
definition:
Lactamide

Lac*tam"ide
(?)
n.
[Lactic + amide.]
(Chem.)
An acid amide derived from lactic acid, and obtained as a white crystalline substance having a neutral reaction. It is metameric with alanine.


word: Lactant
definition:
Lactant

Lac"tant
(?)
a.
[L. lactans, p. pr. of lactare to suck, fr. lac, lactis, milk.]
Suckling; giving suck.


word: Lactarene
definition:
Lactarene

Lac"ta*rene
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk.]
A preparation of casein from milk, used in printing calico.


word: Lactary
definition:
Lactary

Lac"ta*ry
(?)
a.
[L. lactarius, fr. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactaire.]
Milky; full of white juice like milk.
[Obs.]
Lactary
Sir T. Browne.


word: Lactation
definition:
Lactation

Lac*ta"tion
(?)
n.
The secretion and yielding of milk by the mammary gland; giving suck.


word: Lacteal
definition:
Lacteal

Lac"te*al
(?)
a.
[L. lacteus milky, fr. lac, lactis, milk.  Cf. Galaxy, Lettuce.]
1.
Pertaining to, or resembling, milk; milky; as, the lacteal fluid.

2.
(Anat. & Physiol.)
Pertaining to, or containing, chyle; as, the lacteal vessels.


word: Lacteal₂
definition:
Lacteal

Lac"te*al
n.
(Anat.)
One of the lymphatic vessels which convey chyle from the small intestine through the mesenteric glands to the thoracic duct; a chyliferous vessel.


word: Lactean
definition:
Lactean

Lac"te*an
(?)
a.
[See Lacteal.]
1.
Milky; consisting of, or resembling, milk.
lactean
Moxon.

2.
(Anat. & Physiol.)
Lacteal; conveying chyle.


word: Lacteous
definition:
Lacteous

Lac"te*ous
(?)
a.
[See Lacteal.]
1.
Milky; resembling milk.
lacteous
Sir T. Browne.

2.
Lacteal; conveying chyle; as, lacteous vessels.


word: Lactescence
definition:
Lactescence

Lac*tes"cence
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. lactescence.]
1.
The state or quality of producing milk, or milklike juice; resemblance to milk; a milky color.

This lactescence does commonly ensue when . . . fair water is suddenly poured upon the solution.
Boyle.

2.
(Bot.)
The latex of certain plants. See Latex.


word: Lactescent
definition:
Lactescent

Lac*tes"cent
(?)
a.
[L. lactescens, p. pr. of lactescere to turn to milk, incho. fr. lactere to be milky, fr. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactescent.]
1.
Having a milky look; becoming milky.
[Obs.]

2.
(Bot.)
Producing milk or a milklike juice or fluid, as the milkweed. See Latex.


word: Lactic
definition:
Lactic

Lac"tic
(?)
a.
[L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactique. See Lacteal, and cf. Galactic.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
Of or pertaining to milk; procured from sour milk or whey; as, lactic acid; lactic fermentation, etc.

Lactic acid (Physiol. Chem.), a sirupy, colorless fluid, soluble in water, with an intensely sour taste and strong acid reaction. There is one center of optical activity, and this results in the observation of three isomeric modifications all having the formula C3H6O3; one is dextrorotatory (L-lactic acid), the other levorotatory (D-lactic acid), and the third an optically inactive mixture of the first two (DL-lactic acid); chemically it is 2-hydroxypropanoic acid.  Sarcolactic acid or paralactic acid occurs chiefly in dead muscle tissue, while ordinary lactic acid (DL-lactic acid) results from fermentation, such as the fermentation of milk by lactic acid bacteria. The two acids are alike in having the same constitution (expressed by the name ethylidene lactic acid), but the latter is optically inactive, while sarcolactic acid rotates the plane of polarization to the right.  The third acid, ethylene lactic acid, accompanies sarcolactic acid in the juice of flesh, and is optically inactive. -- Lactic ferment, an organized ferment (Bacterium lacticum or Bacterium lactis), which produces lactic fermentation, decomposing the sugar of milk into carbonic and lactic acids, the latter, of which renders the milk sour, and precipitates the casein, thus giving rise to the so-called spontaneous coagulation of milk. -- Lactic fermentation. See under Fermentation.


word: Lactide
definition:
Lactide

Lac"tide
(?)
n.
[Lactic + anhydride.]
(Chem.)
A white, crystalline substance, obtained from lactic acid by distillation, and regarded as an anhydride; also, by extension, any similar substance.


word: Lactiferous
definition:
Lactiferous

Lac*tif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[l. lac, lactis, milk + -ferous: cf. F. lactifère.]
Bearing or containing milk or a milky fluid; as, the lactiferous vessels, cells, or tissue of various vascular plants.


word: Lactifical
definition:
Lactifical

Lactific

{ Lac*tif"ic (?), Lac*tif"ic*al (?), }
a.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + facere to make.]
Producing or yielding milk.


word: Lactifuge
definition:
Lactifuge

Lac"ti*fuge
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + fugare to expel.]
(Med.)
A medicine to check the secretion of milk, or to dispel a supposed accumulation of milk in any part of the body.


word: Lactim
definition:
Lactim

Lac"tim
(?)
n.
[Lactic + imido.]
(Chem.)
One of a series of anhydrides resembling the lactams, but of an imido type; as, isatine is a lactim.  Cf. Lactam.


word: Lactimide
definition:
Lactimide

Lac*tim"ide
(?)
n.
[Lactic + imide.]
(Chem.)
A white, crystalline substance obtained as an anhydride of alanine, and regarded as an imido derivative of lactic acid.


word: Lactin
definition:
Lactin

Lac"tin
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactine.  Cf. Galactin.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
See Lactose.


word: Lactoabumin
definition:
Lactoabumin

Lac`to*a*bu"min
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + E. albumin.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
The albumin present in milk, apparently identical with ordinary serum albumin. It is distinct from the casein of milk.


word: Lactobutyrometer
definition:
Lactobutyrometer

Lac`to*bu`ty*rom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + E. butyrometer.]
An instrument for determining the amount of butter fat contained in a given sample of milk.


word: Lactodensimeter
definition:
Lactodensimeter

Lac`to*den*sim"e*ter
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + E. densimeter.]
A form of hydrometer, specially graduated, for finding the density of milk, and thus discovering whether it has been mixed with water or some of the cream has been removed.


word: Lactometer
definition:
Lactometer

Lac*tom"e*ter
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + meter: cf. F. lactomètre.  Cf. Galactometer.]
An instrument for estimating the purity or richness of milk, as a measuring glass, a specific gravity bulb, or other apparatus.


word: Lactone
definition:
Lactone

Lac"tone
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
One of a series of organic compounds, being cyclic esters which may be regarded as anhydrides of certain hydroxy acids.  In general, they are colorless liquids, having a weak aromatic odor. They are so called because the typical lactone is derived from lactic acid.


word: Lactonic₂
definition:
Lactonic

Lac*ton"ic
a.
[From Lactose.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained by the oxidation of milk sugar (lactose).


word: Lactoprotein
definition:
Lactoprotein

Lac`to*pro"te*in
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis, milk + E. protein.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A peculiar albuminous body considered a normal constituent of milk.


word: Lactoscope
definition:
Lactoscope

Lac"to*scope
(?)
n.
[L. lac, lactis + scope.]
An instrument for estimating the amount of cream contained in milk by ascertaining its relative opacity.


word: lactose
definition:
lactose

lac"tose`
(lăk"t&omacrs`)
n.
1.
(Physiol. Chem.)
The main sugar present in milk, called also sugar of milk or milk sugar.  When isolated pure it is obtained crystalline; it is separable from the whey by evaporation and crystallization.  It is a disaccharide with the formula C12H22O11, being chemically 4-(β-D-galactosido)-D-glucose. It has a slightly sweet taste, is dextrorotary, and is much less soluble in water than either cane sugar or glucose. Formerly called lactin.  When hydrolyzed it yields glucose and galactose.  In cells it may be hydrolyzed by the enzyme β-galactosidase.

2.
(Chem.)
See Galactose.


word: lactose intolerance
definition:
lactose intolerance

lac"tose` in*tol"er*ance
(lăk"t&omacrs` ĭn*t&obreve_;l"ẽr*ans)
n.
A physiological condition in which lactose cannot be hydrolyzed in the intestine, leading to uncomfortable gaseousness, cramps, or diarrhea after eating a lactose-containing food such as milk or ice cream.  The symptoms may be prevented by ingesting a preparation of beta-galactosidase before or together with dairy products.


word: Lactuca
definition:
Lactuca

Lac*tu"ca
(?)
n.
[L., lettuce. See Lettuce.]
(Bot.)
A genus of composite herbs, several of which are cultivated for salad; lettuce.


word: Lactucarium
definition:
Lactucarium

Lac`tu*ca"ri*um
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. L. lactuca lettuce.]
The inspissated juice of the common lettuce, sometimes used as a substitute for opium.


word: Lactucic
definition:
Lactucic

Lac*tu"cic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, the juice of the Lactuca virosa; -- said of certain acids.


word: Lactucin
definition:
Lactucin

Lac*tu"cin
(?)
n.
[From Lactuca: cf. F. lactucine.]
(Chem.)
A white, crystalline substance, having a bitter taste and a neutral reaction, and forming one of the essential ingredients of lactucarium.


word: Lactucone
definition:
Lactucone

Lac*tu"cone
(?)
n.
[From Lactuca.]
(Chem.)
A white, crystalline, tasteless substance, found in the milky sap of species of Lactuca, and constituting an essential ingredient of lactucarium.


word: Lacturamic
definition:
Lacturamic

Lac`tu*ram"ic
(_;)
a.
[Lactic + urea + amic.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an organic amido acid, which is regarded as a derivative of lactic acid and urea.


word: Lactyl
definition:
Lactyl

Lac"tyl
(?)
n.
[Lactic + -yl.]
(Chem.)
An organic residue or radical (CH3.CHOH.CO-) derived from lactic acid.


word: Lacuna
definition:
Lacuna

Lacunae

La*cu"na
(lȧ*kū"nȧ)
n.
pl. L. Lacunæ (lȧ*kū"næ); E. Lacunas (lȧ*kū"nȧz).
[L., ditch, pit, lake, orig., anything hollow. See Lagoon.]
1.
A small opening; a small pit or depression; a small blank space; a gap or vacancy; a hiatus.

2.
(Biol.)
A small opening; a small depression or cavity; a space, as a vacant space between the cells of plants, or one of the spaces left among the tissues of the lower animals, which serve in place of vessels for the circulation of the body fluids, or the cavity or sac, usually of very small size, in a mucous membrane.


word: Lacunar
definition:
Lacunar

Lacunal

{ La*cu"nal (lȧ*kū"nal), La*cu"nar (lȧ*kū"nẽr), }
a.
Pertaining to, or having, lacunæ; as, a lacunar circulation.


word: Lacunar₂
definition:
Lacunar

La*cu"nar
n.
pl. E. Lacunars (lȧ*kū"nẽrz), L. Lacunaria (lăk`&uuptack_;*nā"rĭ*ȧ).
[L.]
(Arch.)
(a)
The ceiling or under surface of any part, especially when it consists of compartments, sunk or hollowed without spaces or bands between the panels.
Gwilt
(b)
One of the sunken panels in such a ceiling.


word: Lacunous
definition:
Lacunous

Lacunose

{ Lac"u*nose` (?), La*cu"nous (?), }
a.
[L. lacunosus full of holes or hollows; cf. F. lacuneux. See Lacuna.]
(Biol.)
Furrowed or pitted; having shallow cavities or lacunæ; as, a lacunose leaf.


word: Lacustrine
definition:
Lacustrine

Lacustral

{ La*cus"tral (?), La*cus"trine (?), }
a.
[L. lacus lake: cf. F. lacustral, lacustre.]
Found in, or pertaining to, lakes or ponds, or growing in them; as, lacustrine flowers.

Lacustrine deposits (Geol.), the deposits which have been accumulated in fresh-water areas. -- Lacustrine dwellings. See Lake dwellings, under Lake.


word: Lacwork
definition:
Lacwork

Lac"work`
(?)
n.
Ornamentation by means of lacquer painted or carved, or simply colored, sprinkled with gold or the like; -- said especially of Oriental work of this kind.


word: Lad₂
definition:
Lad

Lad
(lăd)
n.
[OE. ladde, of Celtic origin; cf. W. llawd, Ir. lath. √123.  Cf. Lass.]
1.
A boy; a youth; a stripling.
lad
Shak.

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves and two small fishes.
John vi. 9.

2.
A companion; a comrade; a mate.

Lad's love. (Bot.) See Boy's love, under Boy.


word: Ladanum
definition:
Ladanum

Lad"a*num
(?)
n.
[L. ladanum, ledanum, Gr. la`danon, lh`danon, fr. lh^don name of a shrub, mastic; cf. Per. lādan, lāden.  Cf. Laudanum.]
A gum resin gathered from certain Oriental species of Cistus. It has a pungent odor and is chiefly used in making plasters, and for fumigation.
[Written also labdanum.]


word: Ladder
definition:
Ladder

Lad"der
(lăd"dẽr)
n.
[OE. laddre, AS. hl&aemacr_;der, hl&aemacr_;dder; akin to OFries. hladder, OHG. leitara, G. leiter, and from the root of E. lean, v.  √40.  See Lean, v. i., and cf. Climax.]
1.
A frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps.

Some the engines play,
And some, more bold, mount ladders to the fire.
Dryden.

2.
That which resembles a ladder in form or use;
hence,
that by means of which one attains to eminence; as, to climb the corporate ladder.

Lowliness is young ambition's ladder.
Shak.

Fish ladder. See under Fish. -- Ladder beetle (Zool.), an American leaf beetle (Chrysomela scalaris). The elytra are silvery white, striped and spotted with green; the under wings are rose-colored. It feeds upon the linden tree. -- Ladder handle, an iron rail at the side of a vertical fixed ladder, to grasp with the hand in climbing. -- Ladder shell (Zool.), a spiral marine shell of the genus Scalaria. See Scalaria.


word: ladder-back
definition:
ladder-back

ladder-back
n.
a chair with a ladder-back{2}.

Syn. -- ladder-back chair.

2.
a chair backrest consisting of 2 uprights with several connecting slats.


word: ladder-backed
definition:
ladder-backed

ladder-backed
n.
Having horizontal stripes on the back, reminiscent of a ladder; -- used of birds; as, a ladder-backed woodpecker.


word: ladder truck
definition:
ladder truck

ladder company

ladder company, ladder truck
n.
Same as hook-and-ladder company, hook-and-ladder truck.


word: ladder-proof
definition:
ladder-proof

ladder-proof
adj.
resistant to runs or (in Britain) ladders; -- of hosiery.

Syn. -- runproof, run-resistant.


word: Lade
definition:
Lade

Lade
(lād)
v. t.
[imp. Laded; p. p. Laded, Laden (lād'n); p. pr. & vb. n. Lading.]
[AS. hladan to heap, load, draw (water); akin to D. & G. laden to load, OHG. hladan, ladan, Icel. hlaða, Sw. ladda, Dan. lade, Goth. afhlaþan.  Cf. Load, Ladle, Lathe for turning, Last a load.]
1.
To load; to put a burden or freight on or in; -- generally followed by that which receives the load, as the direct object.

And they laded their asses with the corn.
Gen. xlii. 26.

2.
To throw in or out, with a ladle or dipper; to dip; as, to lade water out of a tub, or into a cistern.

And chides the sea that sunders him from thence,
Saying, he'll lade it dry to have his way.
Shak.

3.
(Plate Glass Manuf.)
To transfer (the molten glass) from the pot to the forming table.


word: Lade₂
definition:
Lade

Lade
v. i.
[See Lade, v. t.]
1.
To draw water.
[Obs.]

2.
(Naut.)
To admit water by leakage, as a ship, etc.


word: Lade₃
definition:
Lade

Lade
n.
[Prov. E., a ditch or drain.  Cf. Lode, Lead to conduct.]
1.
The mouth of a river.
[Obs.]
Bp. Gibson.

2.
A passage for water; a ditch or drain.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Laden
definition:
Laden

Lad"en
(?)
p. & a.
Loaded; freighted; burdened; as, a laden vessel; a laden heart.

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity.
Is. i. 4.

A ship laden with gold.
Shak.


word: Ladies' eardrops
definition:
Ladies' eardrops

La"dies' ear`drops`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The small-flowered Fuchsia (Fuchsia coccinea), and other closely related species.


word: Ladin
definition:
Ladin

La*din"
(?)
n.
[From L. Latinus Latin. See Latin]
1.
A Romansch dialect spoken in some parts of Switzerland and the Tyrol.

2.
A person speaking Ladin as a mother tongue.


word: Lading
definition:
Lading

Lad"ing
(?)
n.
1.
The act of loading.

2.
That which lades or constitutes a load or cargo; freight; burden; as, the lading of a ship.

Bill of lading. See under Bill.


word: Ladino
definition:
Ladino

La*di"no
(?)
n.
pl. Ladinos (#).
[Sp.]
One of the half-breed descendants of whites and Indians; a mestizo; -- so called throughout Central America. They are usually of a yellowish orange tinge.
Am. Cyc.


word: Ladino₂
definition:
Ladino

La*di"no
(?)
n.
pl. -nos (_;)
1.
The mixed Spanish and Hebrew language spoken by Sephardim.

2.
A cunningly vicious horse.
[Southeastern U. S.]

3.
A ladin.


word: Ladle
definition:
Ladle

La"dle
(?)
n.
[AS. hlædel, fr. hladan to load, drain. See Lade, v. t.]
1.
A cuplike spoon, often of large size, with a long handle, used in lading or dipping.

When the materials of glass have been kept long in fusion, the mixture casts up the superfluous salt, which the workmen take off with ladles.
Boyle.

2.
(Founding)
A vessel to carry liquid metal from the furnace to the mold.

3.
The float of a mill wheel; -- called also ladle board.

4.
(Gun.)
(a)
An instrument for drawing the charge of a cannon.
(b)
A ring, with a handle or handles fitted to it, for carrying shot.

Ladle wood (Bot.), the wood of a South African tree (Cassine Colpoon), used for carving.


word: Ladle₂
definition:
Ladle

La"dle
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Ladled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ladling (?).]
To take up and convey in a ladle; to dip with, or as with, a ladle; as, to ladle out soup; to ladle oatmeal into a kettle.


word: Ladrone
definition:
Ladrone

La*drone"
(?)
n.
[Sp. ladron, L. latro servant, robber, Gr. (_;) a servant.]
A robber; a pirate; hence, loosely, a rogue or rascal.


word: Lady
definition:
Lady

La"dy
(lā"d&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Ladies (lā"dĭz).
[OE. ladi, læfdi, AS. hl&aemacr_;fdige, hl&aemacr_;fdie; AS. hlāf loaf + a root of uncertain origin, possibly akin to E. dairy. See Loaf, and cf. Lord.]

1.
A woman who looks after the domestic affairs of a family; a mistress; the female head of a household.

Agar, the handmaiden of Sara, whence comest thou, and whither goest thou? The which answered, Fro the face of Sara my lady.
Wyclif (Gen. xvi. 8.).

2.
A woman having proprietary rights or authority; mistress; -- a feminine correlative of lord.
lady
Lowell.

Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, . . . 
We make thee lady.
Shak.

3.
A woman to whom the particular homage of a knight was paid; a woman to whom one is devoted or bound; a sweetheart.

The soldier here his wasted store supplies,
And takes new valor from his lady's eyes.
Waller.

4.
A woman of social distinction or position. In England, a title prefixed to the name of any woman whose husband is not of lower rank than a baron, or whose father was a nobleman not lower than an earl. The wife of a baronet or knight has the title of Lady by courtesy, but not by right.

5.
A woman of refined or gentle manners; a well-bred woman; -- the feminine correlative of gentleman.

6.
A wife; -- not now in approved usage.
Goldsmith.

7.
Hence:
Any woman; as, a lounge for ladies; a cleaning lady; also used in combination; as, saleslady.

8.
(Zool.)
The triturating apparatus in the stomach of a lobster; -- so called from a fancied resemblance to a seated female figure. It consists of calcareous plates.

Ladies' man, a man who affects the society of ladies. -- Lady altar, an altar in a lady chapel. Shipley. -- Lady chapel, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. -- Lady court, the court of a lady of the manor. -- Lady crab (Zool.), a handsomely spotted swimming crab (Platyonichus ocellatus) very common on the sandy shores of the Atlantic coast of the United States. -- Lady fern. (Bot.) See Female fern, under Female, and Illust. of Fern. -- Lady in waiting, a lady of the queen's household, appointed to wait upon or attend the queen. -- Lady Mass, a Mass said in honor of the Virgin Mary. Shipley. Lady of the manor, a lady having jurisdiction of a manor; also, the wife of a manor lord. Lady's maid, a maidservant who dresses and waits upon a lady. Thackeray. -- Our Lady, the Virgin Mary.


word: ladybeetle
definition:
ladybeetle

ladybeetle
n.
Same as ladybird.

Syn. -- ladybug, lady beetle, ladybird, ladybird beetle.


word: Ladybird
definition:
Ladybird

La"dy*bird`
(?)
n.
[Equiv. to, bird of Our Lady.]
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of small beetles of the genus Coccinella and allied genera (family Coccinellidæ); -- called also ladybug, ladyclock, lady cow, lady fly, ladybeetle, and lady beetle.  Coccinella seplempunctata in one of the common European species. See Coccinella.

&hand_; The ladybirds are usually more or less hemispherical in form, with a smooth, polished surface, and often colored red, brown, or black, with small spots of brighter colors. Both the larvae and the adult beetles of most species feed on aphids, and for this reason they are very beneficial to agriculture and horticulture.


word: Lady Day
definition:
Lady Day

La"dy` Day`
(dā)
n.
The day of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary, March 25. See Annunciation.


word: Ladyfish
definition:
Ladyfish

La"dy*fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A large, handsome oceanic fish (Albula vulpes), found both in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; -- called also bonefish, grubber, French mullet, and macabé.
(b)
A labroid fish (Harpe rufa) of Florida and the West Indies.


word: Lady-killer
definition:
Lady-killer

La"dy-kill`er
(?)
n.
A gallant who captivates the hearts of women.
lady-killer
Blackw. Mag.


word: Lady-killing
definition:
Lady-killing

La"dy-kill`ing
n.
The art or practice of captivating the hearts of women.

Better for the sake of womankind that this dangerous dog should leave off lady-killing.
Thackeray.


word: Ladykin
definition:
Ladykin

La"dy*kin
(?)
n.
[Lady + -kin.]
A little lady; -- applied by the writers of Queen Elizabeth's time, in the abbreviated form Lakin, to the Virgin Mary.

&hand_; The diminutive does not refer to size, but is equivalent to “dear.”
Brewer.


word: Ladylike
definition:
Ladylike

La"dy*like`
(?)
a.
1.
Like a lady in appearance or manners; well-bred.

She was ladylike, too, after the manner of the feminine gentility of those days.
Hawthorne.

2.
Becoming or suitable to a lady; as, ladylike manners.
ladylike
Warner.

3.
Delicate; tender; feeble; effeminate.

Too ladylike a long fatigue to bear.
Dryden.


word: lady-of-the-night
definition:
lady-of-the-night

lady-of-the-night
n.
(Bot.)
A West Indian shrub (Brunfelsia americana) with fragrant showy yellowish-white flowers.

Syn. -- lady of the night, Brunfelsia americana.


word: Lady's bedstraw
definition:
Lady's bedstraw

La"dy's bed"straw`
(?)
(Bot.)
The common bedstraw (Galium verum); also, a slender-leaved East Indian shrub (Pharnaceum Mollugo), with white flowers in umbels.


word: Lady's bower
definition:
Lady's bower

La"dy's bow"er
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A climbing plant with fragrant blossoms (Clematis vitalba).

&hand_; This term is sometimes applied to other plants of the same genus.


word: Lady's cloth
definition:
Lady's cloth

La"dy's cloth`
(?)
A kind of broadcloth of light weight, used for women's dresses, cloaks, etc.


word: Lady's comb
definition:
Lady's comb

La"dy's comb"
(?)
(Bot.)
An umbelliferous plant (Scandix Pecten-Veneris), its clusters of long slender fruits remotely resembling a comb.


word: Lady's cushion
definition:
Lady's cushion

La"dy's cush"ion
(?)
(Bot.)
An herb growing in dense tufts; the thrift (Armeria vulgaris).


word: lady's-eardrop
definition:
lady's-eardrop

lady's-eardrop
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
An erect or climbing shrub (Fuchsia coccinea) of Brazil with deep pink to red flowers.

Syn. -- ladies'-eardrop, lady's-eardrops, ladies'-eardrops, Fuchsia coccinea.


word: Lady's finger
definition:
Lady's finger

La"dy's fin"ger
(?)
1.
pl.
(Bot.)
The kidney vetch, Anthyllis vulneraria; called also lady's fingers.

2.
(Cookery)
A variety of small cake of about the dimensions of a finger.

3.
A long, slender variety of the potato.

4.
(Zool.)
One of the branchiae of the lobster.

5.
(Bot.)
A tall coarse annual (Abelmoschus esculentus) of Old World tropics widely cultivated in southern U. S. and West Indies for its long mucilaginous green pods used as basis for soups and stews; it is sometimes placed in the genus Hibiscus.
[wns=1]
different from lady's fingers

Syn. -- okra, gumbo, okra plant, Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus esculentus.


word: Lady's hair
definition:
Lady's hair

La"dy's hair"
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Briza (Briza media); a variety of quaking grass.


word: Ladyship
definition:
Ladyship

La"dy*ship
(?)
n.
The rank or position of a lady; -- given as a title (preceded by her or your).

Your ladyship shall observe their gravity.
B. Jonson.


word: lady-slipper
definition:
lady-slipper

lady-slipper
n.
(lā"d&ybreve_; slĭp"pẽr)
(Bot.)
Same as lady's slipper.

Syn. -- lady's slipper, lady's-slipper, slipper orchid.


word: Lady's looking-glass
definition:
Lady's looking-glass

La"dy's look"ing-glass`
(lā"dĭz lŏk"ĭng glȧs`)
n.
(Bot.)
See Venus's looking-glass, under Venus.


word: Lady's mantle
definition:
Lady's mantle

La"dy's man"tle
(lā"dĭz măn"t'l)
(Bot.)
A genus of rosaceous herbs (Alchemilla), esp. the European Alchemilla vulgaris, which has leaves with rounded and finely serrated lobes.


word: Lady's seal
definition:
Lady's seal

La"dy's seal"
(lā"dĭz sēl")
(Bot.)
(a)
The European Solomon's seal (Polygonatum verticillatum).
(b)
The black bryony (Tamus communis).


word: Lady's slipper
definition:
Lady's slipper

La"dy's slip"per
(lā"dĭz slĭp"pẽr)
n.
(Bot.)
Any orchidaceous plant of the genus Cypripedium, the labellum of which resembles a slipper.  Less commonly, in the United States, the garden balsam (Impatiens Balsamina).


word: Lady's smock
definition:
Lady's smock

La"dy's smock"
(lā"dĭz sm&obreve_;k")
n.
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Cardamine (Cardamine pratensis); cuckoo flower.


word: Lady's thumb
definition:
Lady's thumb

La"dy's thumb"
(lā"dĭz thŭm")
n.
(Bot.)
An annual weed (Polygonum Persicaria), having a lanceolate leaf with a dark spot in the middle.


word: Ladies' tresses
definition:
Ladies' tresses

Lady's traces

{ La"dy's tra"ces (lā"dĭz trā"sĕz), La"dies' tress"es (lā"dĭz trĕs"sĕz). }
n.
(Bot.)
A name given to several species of the orchidaceous genus Spiranthes, in which the white flowers are set in spirals about a slender axis and remotely resemble braided hair.


word: Laelaps
definition:
Laelaps

Læ"laps
(lē"lăps)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. lai^laps a dark, furious storm.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of huge, carnivorous, dinosaurian reptiles from the Cretaceous formation of the United States.  They had very large hind legs and tail, and are supposed to have been bipedal.  Some of the species were about eighteen feet high.


word: Laemodipoda
definition:
Laemodipoda

Læ`mo*dip"o*da
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. lai`mos throat + di`s twice + poy`s, podo`s, foot.]
(Zool.)
A division of amphipod Crustacea, in which the abdomen is small or rudimentary and the legs are often reduced to five pairs.  The whale louse, or Cyamus, and Caprella are examples.


word: Laetere Sunday
definition:
Laetere Sunday

Læ*te"re Sun"day
(?)
n.
The fourth Sunday of Lent; -- so named from the Latin word Lætare (rejoice), the first word in the antiphone of the introit sung that day in the Roman Catholic service.


word: Lafayette
definition:
Lafayette

La`fa`yette"
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The dollar fish.
(b)
A market fish, the goody, or spot (Liostomus xanthurus), of the southern coast of the United States.


word: Lag
definition:
Lag

Lag
(?)
a.
[Of Celtic origin: cf. Gael. & Ir. lagweak, feeble, faint, W. llag, llac, slack, loose, remiss, sluggish; prob. akin to E. lax, languid.]
1.
Coming tardily after or behind; slow; tardy.
[Obs.]

Came too lag to see him buried.
Shak.

2.
Last; long-delayed; -- obsolete, except in the phrase lag end.
lag end
Shak.

3.
Last made; hence, made of refuse; inferior.
[Obs.]
Lag
Dryden.


word: Lag₂
definition:
Lag

Lag
(?)
n.
1.
One who lags; that which comes in last.
[Obs.]
lag
Pope.

2.
The fag-end; the rump; hence, the lowest class.

The common lag of people.
Shak.

3.
The amount of retardation of anything, as of a valve in a steam engine, in opening or closing.

4.
A stave of a cask, drum, etc.;
especially
(Mach.)
one of the narrow boards or staves forming the covering of a cylindrical object, as a boiler, or the cylinder of a carding machine or a steam engine.

5.
(Zool.)
See Graylag.

6.
The failing behind or retardation of one phenomenon with respect to another to which it is closely related; as, the lag of magnetization compared with the magnetizing force (hysteresis); the lag of the current in an alternating circuit behind the impressed electro-motive force which produced it.

Lag of the tide, the interval by which the time of high water falls behind the mean time, in the first and third quarters of the moon; -- opposed to priming of the tide, or the acceleration of the time of high water, in the second and fourth quarters; depending on the relative positions of the sun and moon. -- Lag screw, an iron bolt with a square head, a sharp-edged thread, and a sharp point, adapted for screwing into wood; a screw for fastening lags.


word: Lag₃
definition:
Lag

Lag
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lagged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lagging (?).]
To walk or more slowly; to stay or fall behind; to linger or loiter.
lag
Milton.


word: Lag₄
definition:
Lag

Lag
v. t.
1.
To cause to lag; to slacken.
[Obs.]
lag
Heywood.

2.
(Mach.)
To cover, as the cylinder of a steam engine, with lags. See Lag, n., 4.


word: Lagena
definition:
Lagena

Lagenae

La*ge"na
(?)
n.
pl. L. Lagenæ (#), E. Lagenas (#).
[L., a flask; cf. Gr. _;, _;.]
(Anat.)
The terminal part of the cochlea in birds and most reptiles; an appendage of the sacculus, corresponding to the cochlea, in fishes and amphibians.


word: Lagenian
definition:
Lagenian

La*ge"ni*an
(?)
a.
[See Lagena.]
(Zool.)
Like, or pertaining to, Lagena, a genus of Foraminifera having a straight, chambered shell.


word: Lageniform
definition:
Lageniform

La*ge"ni*form
(?)
a.
[See Lagena, and -form.]
(Bot.)
Shaped like a bottle or flask; flag-shaped.


word: Lagenophera
definition:
Lagenophera

Lagenophera
prop. n.
A small genus of herbs of Australia and South America having small solidary white or purple flowers similar to true daisies of genus Bellis.

Syn. -- genus Lagenophera.


word: Lager beer
definition:
Lager beer

La"ger beer`
(?)
n.
[G. lager bed, storehouse + bier beer. See Lair, and Beer.]
Originally a German beer, but now also made in immense quantities in the United States; -- so called from its being laid up or stored for some months before use.


word: Lagging
definition:
Lagging

Lag"ging
(?)
n.
1.
(Mach.)
The clothing (esp., an outer, wooden covering), as of a steam cylinder, applied to prevent the radiation of heat; a covering of lags; -- called also deading and cleading.

2.
Lags, collectively; narrow planks extending from one rib to another in the centering of arches.


word: Lagnappe
definition:
Lagnappe

Lagniappe

{ La*gniappe (?), La*gnappe" (?) }
n.
[Also spelled lagnappe.]
[Etym. uncertain.]
1.
In Louisiana, a trifling present given to customers by tradesmen; a gratuity.

Lagniappe . . .is something thrown in, gratis, for good measure.
Mark Twain.

2.
A tip or gratuity.

3.
Hence:
Anything obtained gratuitously or unexpectedly.


word: Lagomorpha
definition:
Lagomorpha

Lag`o*mor"pha
(lăg`o̝*môr"fȧ)
prop. n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lagw`s a hare + morfh` form.]
(Zool.)
an order of rodent-like mammals, comprising the hares, rabbits, and pikas. They have four incisors in the upper jaw. Called also Duplicidentata.  They were formerly classified together with the rodents, but the Rodentia and Lagomorpha are now classed as separate orders.


word: lagoon
definition:
lagoon

la*goon"
(lȧ*gōn")
n.
[It. or Sp. laguna, L. lacuna ditch, pool, pond, lacus lake. See Lake, and cf. Lacuna.]
[Written also lagune.]
1.
A shallow sound, channel, pond, or lake, especially one into which the sea flows; as, the lagoons of Venice.

2.
A lake in a coral island, often occupying a large portion of its area, and usually communicating with the sea. See Atoll.

Lagoon island, a coral island consisting of a narrow reef encircling a lagoon.


word: Lagophthalmos
definition:
Lagophthalmos

Lagophthalmia

{ &VerbarLag`oph*thal"mi*a (?),   &VerbarLag`oph*thal"mos (?), }
n.
[NL. lagophtalmia, fr. Gr. lagw`s hare + 'ofqalmo`s eye; -- so called from the notion that a hare sleeps with his eyes open.]
(Med.)
A morbid condition in which the eye stands wide open, giving a peculiar staring appearance.


word: Lagopous
definition:
Lagopous

La*go"pous
(?)
a.
[Gr. lagw`s a hare + poy`s, podo`s, foot.]
(Bot.)
Having a dense covering of long hair, like the foot of a hare.


word: Lagorchestes
definition:
Lagorchestes

Lagorchestes
prop. n.
A mammal genus comprising the hare wallabies.

Syn. -- genus Lagorchestes.


word: Lagostomus
definition:
Lagostomus

Lagostomus
prop. n.
A mammal genus comprising the viscachas.

Syn. -- genus Lagostomus.


word: Lagothrix
definition:
Lagothrix

Lagothrix
prop. n.
A mammal genus comprising the woolly monkeys.

Syn. -- genus Lagothrix.


word: Lagthing
definition:
Lagthing

Lag"thing
(?)
n.
[Norw. lagting, lagthing; lag company, society (akin to E. law, lay) + ting, thing, parliament. See Thing.]
See Legislatature, below.


word: Laical
definition:
Laical

Laic

{ La"ic (?), La"ic*al (?), }
a.
[L. laicus: cf. F. laïque. See Lay laic.]
Of or pertaining to a layman or the laity.
Laical
Lowell.

An unprincipled, unedified, and laic rabble.
Milton.


word: Laicality
definition:
Laicality

La"ic*al"i*ty
(?)
n.
The state or quality of being laic; the state or condition of a layman.


word: Laically
definition:
Laically

La"ic*al*ly
(?)
adv.
As a layman; after the manner of a layman; as, to treat a matter laically.


word: Laid
definition:
Laid

Laid
(?)
imp. & p. p.
of Lay.

Laid paper, paper marked with parallel lines or water marks, as if ribbed, from parallel wires in the mold. It is called blue laid, cream laid, etc., according to its color.


word: Laidly
definition:
Laidly

Laid"ly
a.
Ugly; loathsome.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

This laidly and loathsome worm.
W. Howitt.


word: Lair
definition:
Lair

Lair
(lâr)
n.
[OE. leir, AS. leger; akin to D. leger, G. lager couch, lair, OHG. legar, Goth. ligrs, and to E. lie. See Lie to be prostrate, and cf. Layer, Leaguer.]

1.
A place in which to lie or rest; especially, the bed or couch of a wild beast.

2.
A burying place.
[Scot.]
Jamieson.

3.
A pasture; sometimes, food.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Laird
definition:
Laird

Laird
(lârd)
n.
[See Lord.]
A lord; a landholder, esp. one who holds land directly of the crown.
[Scot.]


word: Laissez faire
definition:
Laissez faire

Lais`sez" faire"
(?)
n.
[F., let alone.]
Noninterference; -- an axiom of some political economists, deprecating interference of government by attempts to foster or regulate commerce, manufactures, etc., by bounty or by restriction; as, the doctrine of laissez faire; the laissez faire system of government.


word: Laity
definition:
Laity

La"i*ty
(lā"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Lay, a.]
1.
The people, as distinguished from the clergy; the body of the people not in orders.

A rising up of the laity against the sacerdotal caste.
Macaulay.

2.
The state of a layman.
[Obs.]
Ayliffe.

3.
Those who are not of a certain profession, as law or medicine, in distinction from those belonging to it.


word: Lake
definition:
Lake

Lake
(lāk)
n.
[F. laque, fr. Per. See Lac.]
A pigment formed by combining some coloring matter, usually by precipitation, with a metallic oxide or earth, esp. with aluminium hydrate; as, madder lake; Florentine lake; yellow lake, etc.


word: Lake₃
definition:
Lake

Lake
(lāk)
v. i.
[AS. lācan, læcan, to spring, jump, lāc play, sport, or fr. Icel. leika to play, sport; both akin to Goth. laikan to dance. √120.  Cf. Knowledge.]
To play; to sport.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Lake₄
definition:
Lake

Lake
n.
[AS. lac, L. lacus; akin to AS. lagu lake, sea, Icel. lögr; OIr. loch; cf. Gr. la`kkos pond, tank.  Cf. Loch, Lough.]
A large body of water contained in a depression of the earth's surface, and supplied from the drainage of a more or less extended area.

&hand_; Lakes are for the most part of fresh water; the salt lakes, like the Great Salt Lake of Utah, have usually no outlet to the ocean.

Lake dwellers (Ethnol.), people of a prehistoric race, or races, which inhabited different parts of Europe. Their dwellings were built on piles in lakes, a short distance from the shore. Their relics are common in the lakes of Switzerland. -- Lake dwellings (Archaeol.), dwellings built over a lake, sometimes on piles, and sometimes on rude foundations kept in place by piles; specifically, such dwellings of prehistoric times. Lake dwellings are still used by many savage tribes. Called also lacustrine dwellings. See Crannog. -- Lake fly (Zool.), any one of numerous species of dipterous flies of the genus Chironomus. In form they resemble mosquitoes, but they do not bite. The larvae live in lakes. -- Lake herring (Zool.), the cisco (Coregonus Artedii). -- Lake poets, Lake school, a collective name originally applied in contempt, but now in honor, to Southey, Coleridge, and Wordsworth, who lived in the lake country of Cumberland, England, Lamb and a few others were classed with these by hostile critics. Called also lakers and lakists. -- Lake sturgeon (Zool.), a sturgeon (Acipenser rubicundus), of moderate size, found in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. It is used as food. -- Lake trout (Zool.), any one of several species of trout and salmon; in Europe, esp. Salmo fario; in the United States, esp. Salvelinus namaycush of the Great Lakes, and of various lakes in New York, Eastern Maine, and Canada. A large variety of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), inhabiting many lakes in New England, is also called lake trout. See Namaycush. -- Lake whitefish. (Zool.) See Whitefish. -- Lake whiting (Zool.), an American whitefish (Coregonus Labradoricus), found in many lakes in the Northern United States and Canada. It is more slender than the common whitefish.


word: Laker
definition:
Laker

Lak"er
(?)
n.
One that is connected with a lake or lakes, as in habitation, toil, etc.:
(a)
One of the poets of the Lake school. See Lake poets, under Lake, n.
(b)
(Zool.)
A fish living in, or taken from, a lake, esp. the namaycush.
(c)
A lake steamer or canal boat.

The bridge tender . . . thought the Cowies “a little mite” longer than that laker.
The Century.


word: Lakeweed
definition:
Lakeweed

Lake"weed`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The water pepper (Polygonum Hydropiper), an aquatic plant of Europe and North America.


word: Laky₂
definition:
Laky

Lak"y
a.
[From Lake the pigment.]
Transparent; -- said of blood rendered transparent by the action of some solvent agent on the red blood corpuscles.


word: Lallation
definition:
Lallation

Lal*la"tion
(?)
n.
[L. lallare to sing lalla, or lullaby: cf. F. lallation.]
An imperfect enunciation of the letter r, in which it sounds like l.


word: Lalo
definition:
Lalo

La"lo
(?)
n.
The powdered leaves of the baobab tree, used by the Africans to mix in their soup, as the southern negroes use powdered sassafras.  Cf. Couscous.


word: Lam
definition:
Lam

Lam
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lammed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lamming.]
[Icel. lemja to beat, or lama to bruise, both fr. lami, lama, lame. See Lame.]
To beat soundly; to thrash.
[Obs. or Low]
Beau. & Fl.


word: Lama₂
definition:
Lama

La"ma
n.
[Tibet. blama (pronounced lä"ma) a chief, a high priest.]
In Tibet, Mongolia, etc., a priest or monk of the belief called Lamaism.

The Grand Lama, or Dalai Lama [lit., Ocean Lama], the supreme pontiff in the lamaistic hierarchy.  Until the Chinese occupied Tibet he resided in Lhasa, but now (1998) is in exile.  See Lamaism.


word: Lamaism
definition:
Lamaism

La"ma*ism
(?)
n.
A modified form of Buddhism which prevails in Tibet, Mongolia, and some adjacent parts of Asia; -- so called from the name of its priests. See 2d Lama.


word: Lamantin
definition:
Lamantin

La*man"tin
(?)
n.
[F. lamantin, lamentin, prob. from the name of the animal in the Antilles.  Cf. Manater.]
(Zool.)
The manatee.
[Written also lamentin, and lamantine.]


word: Lamarckism
definition:
Lamarckism

La"marck"ism
(?)
n.
[From Lamarck, a distinguished French naturalist.]
(Biol.)
The theory that structural variations, characteristic of species and genera, are produced in animals and plants by the direct influence of physical environments, and esp., in the case of animals, by effort, or by use or disuse of certain organs.  It is a discredited theory, not believed by modern biologists.


word: Lamasery
definition:
Lamasery

La"ma*ser*y
(?)
n.
[See 2d Lama.]
A monastery or convent of lamas, in Tibet, Mongolia, etc.


word: Lamb
definition:
Lamb

Lamb
(?)
n.
[AS. lamb; akin to D. & Dan. lam, G. & Sw. lamm, OS., Goth., & Icel. lamb.]
1.
(Zool.)
The young of the sheep.

2.
Any person who is as innocent or gentle as a lamb.

3.
A simple, unsophisticated person; in the cant of the Stock Exchange, one who ignorantly speculates and is victimized.

Lamb of God, The Lamb (Script.), the Jesus Christ, in allusion to the paschal lamb.
[1913 Webster]
The twelve apostles of the Lamb. Rev. xxi. 14.
[1913 Webster]
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John i. 29.
-- Lamb's lettuce (Bot.), an annual plant with small obovate leaves (Valerianella olitoria), often used as a salad; corn salad. [Written also lamb lettuce.] -- Lamb's tongue, a carpenter's plane with a deep narrow bit, for making curved grooves. Knight. -- Lamb's wool. (a) The wool of a lamb. (b) Ale mixed with the pulp of roasted apples; -- probably from the resemblance of the pulp of roasted apples to lamb's wool. [Obs.] Goldsmith.


word: Lamb₂
definition:
Lamb

Lamb
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lambed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lambing.]
To bring forth a lamb or lambs, as sheep.


word: Lambaste
definition:
Lambaste

Lam*baste"
(?)
v. t.
[Lam + baste to beat.]
To beat severely;
specifically,
to beat with a cane.
[Low]
Nares.

Syn. -- cane, flog, lambaste.

2.
to scold, reprimand, or berate harshly.

Syn. -- rebuke, rag, reproof, reprimand, jaw, dress down, scold, chide, berate, bawl out, jaw at, remonstrate with, chew out, chew up, have words with, lambast.


word: Lambative
definition:
Lambative

Lam"ba*tive
(?)
a.
[L. lambere to lick. See Lambent.]
Taken by licking with the tongue.
lambative
Sir T. Browne.


word: Lambda
definition:
Lambda

Lamb"da
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. la`mbda.]
1.
The name of the Greek letter Λ, λ, corresponding with the English letter L, l.

2.
(Anat.)
The point of junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures of the skull.

3.
(Phys.)
A subatomic particle carrying no charge, having a mass equal to 2183 times that of an electron; it decays rapidly, typically forming a nucleon and a pion.
MW10

Lambda moth (Zool.), a moth so called from a mark on its wings, resembling the Greek letter lambda (Λ).


word: Lambdacism
definition:
Lambdacism

Lamb"da*cism
(?)
n.
[L. lambdacismus, Gr. _;, fr. la`mbda the letter lambda (Λ).]
1.
A fault in speaking or in composition, which consists in too frequent use of the letter l, or in doubling it erroneously.

2.
A defect in pronunciation of the letter l when doubled, which consists in giving it a sound as if followed by y, similar to that of the letters lli in billion.

3.
The use of the sound of l for that of r in pronunciation; lallation; as, Amelican for American.


word: Lambdoid
definition:
Lambdoid

Lamb"doid
(?)
a.
[Gr. _;, la`mbda the letter lambda (Λ) + e"i^dos shape.]
Shaped like the Greek letter lambda (Λ); as, the lambdoid suture between the occipital and parietal bones of the skull.


word: Lambent
definition:
Lambent

Lam"bent
(?)
a.
[L.  lambens, -enlis, p. pr. of lambere to lick; akin to lap. See Lap to drink by licking.]
1.
Playing on the surface; touching lightly; gliding over.
lambent
Dryden.
lambent
Beaconsfield.

2.
Twinkling or gleaming; fickering.
lambent
W. Irving.


word: Lambert pine
definition:
Lambert pine

Lam"bert pine`
(?)
n.
[So called from Lambert, an English botanist.]
(Bot.)
The gigantic sugar pine of California and Oregon (Pinus Lambertiana). It has the leaves in fives, and cones a foot long. The timber is soft, and like that of the white pine of the Eastern States.


word: Lambis
definition:
Lambis

Lambis
n.
A genus of scorpion shells of shallow tropical waters of eastern hemisphere.

Syn. -- genus Lambis.


word: Lambkill
definition:
Lambkill

Lamb"kill`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A small American ericaceous shrub (Kalmia angustifolia), resembling mountain laurel but having narrower leaves and small red flowers; -- called also calfkill, sheepkill, sheep laurel, etc. It is supposed to poison young sheep and other animals that eat it at times when the snow is deep and they cannot find other food.

Syn. -- sheep laurel, pig laurel, Kalmia angustifolia.


word: Lambrequin
definition:
Lambrequin

Lam"bre*quin
(?)
n.
[F.  Cf. Lamboys, Label.]
1.
A kind of pendent scarf or covering attached to the helmet, to protect it from wet or heat.

2.
A leather flap hanging from a cuirass.
Wilhelm.

3.
A piece of ornament drapery or short decorative hanging, pendent from a shelf or from the casing above a window, hiding the curtain fixtures, or the like.


word: Lambskin
definition:
Lambskin

Lamb"skin`
(?)
n.
1.
The skin of a lamb; especially, a skin dressed with the wool on, and used as a mat. Also used adjectively.

2.
A kind of woolen.


word: Lamb's-quarters
definition:
Lamb's-quarters

Lamb's-quar"ters
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A name given to several common weedy European plants of the Goosefoot family, introduced into N. America, and sometimes used as pot herbs, as Chenopodium album and Atriplex patulsa.
It is sometimes collected from the wild and eaten as a vegetable

Syn. -- lamb's quarters, pigweed, wild spinach, Chenopodium album.


word: Lame
definition:
Lame

Lame
(lām)
a.
[Compar. Lamer (lām"ẽr); superl. Lamest.]
[OE. lame, AS. lama; akin to D. lam, G. lahm, OHG., Dan., & Sw. lam, Icel. lami, Russ. lomate to break, lomota rheumatism.]
1.
(a)
Moving with pain or difficulty on account of injury, defect, or temporary obstruction of a function; as, a lame leg, arm, or muscle.
(b)
To some degree disabled by reason of the imperfect action of a limb; crippled; as, a lame man.
Lame
Arbuthnot.
Lame
2 Sam. ix. 13.
lame
2 Sam. iv. 4.

2.
Hence, hobbling; limping; inefficient; imperfect; as, a lame answer.
lame
Barrow.

O, most lame and impotent conclusion!
Shak.

Lame duck (a) (Stock Exchange), a person who can not fulfill his contracts. [Cant] (b) An elected politician who is completing a term after having been defeated at an election; also, an office holder who cannot or chooses not to run again for the same office; -- So called from the presumed lack of political power of one who is soon to be out of office. (b) Any office holder who is serving out a term after a replacement has been selected.


word: Lame₂
definition:
Lame

Lame
(lām)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lamed (lāmd); p. pr. & vb. n. Laming.]
To make lame.

If you happen to let child fall and lame it.
Swift.


word: Lamella
definition:
Lamella

Lamellae

La*mel"la
(?)
n.
pl. L. Lamellæ (#), E. Lamellas (#).
[L. lamella, dim. of lamina plate, leaf, layer: cf. F. lamelle.  Cf. Lamina, Omelet.]
A thin plate or scale of anything, as a thin scale growing from the petals of certain flowers; or one of the thin plates or scales of which certain shells are composed.


word: Lamellarly
definition:
Lamellarly

Lamellar

Lam"el*lar
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. lamellaire.]
Flat and thin; lamelliform; composed of lamellAE.
Lam"el*lar*ly, adv. In thin plates or scales.


word: Lamellated
definition:
Lamellated

Lamellate

{ Lam"el*late (?), Lam"el*la`ted (?), }
a.
[See Lamella.]
Composed of, or furnished with, thin plates or scales. See Illust. of Antennæ.


word: Lamellibranch
definition:
Lamellibranch

La*mel"li*branch
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
One of the Lamellibranchia (also called Pelecypoda). Also used adjectively.


word: Lamellibranchiata
definition:
Lamellibranchiata

Lamellibranchia

{ &VerbarLa*mel`li*bran"chi*a (?), &VerbarLa*mel`li*bran`chi*a"ta (?), }
n. pl.
[NL. See lamella, and Branchia, Branchiate.]
(Zool.)
An earlier name for the class of Mollusca including all those that have bivalve shells, as the clams, oysters, mussels, etc., now called Pelecypoda or Bivalvia.

&hand_; They usually have two (rarely but one) flat, lamelliform gills on each side of the body. They have an imperfectly developed head, concealed within the shell, whence they are called Acephala. Called also Conchifera, and Pelecypoda.  See Bivalve.


word: Lamellibranchiate
definition:
Lamellibranchiate

Lam`el*li*bran"chi*ate
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having lamellar gills; belonging to the Lamellibranchia (also called Pelecypoda).
n. One of the Lamellibranchia (also called Pelecypoda).


word: Lamellicorn
definition:
Lamellicorn

La*mel"li*corn
(?)
a.
[Lamella + L. cornu a horn: cf. F. lamellicorne. See Lamella.]
(Zool.)
(a)
Having antennae terminating in a group of flat lamellae; -- said of certain coleopterous insects.
(b)
Terminating in a group of flat lamellae; -- said of antennae.
n. A lamellicorn insect.


word: Lamellicornia
definition:
Lamellicornia

La*mel`li*cor"ni*a
(?)
n. pl.
[NL. See Lamellicorn.]
(Zool.)
A group of lamellicorn, plant-eating beetles; -- called also Lamellicornes.


word: Lamelliferous
definition:
Lamelliferous

Lam`el*lif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[Lamella + -ferous:  cf. F. lamellifère.]
Bearing, or composed of, lamellae, or thin layers, plates, or scales; foliated.


word: Lamelliform
definition:
Lamelliform

La*mel"li*form
(?)
a.
[Lamella + -form : cf. F. lamelliforme.]
Thin and flat; scalelike; lamellar.


word: Lamellirostral
definition:
Lamellirostral

Lam`el*li*ros"tral
(?)
a.
[Lamella + rostral : cf. F. lamellirostre.]
(Zool.)
Having a lamellate bill, as ducks and geese.


word: Lamellirostres
definition:
Lamellirostres

La*mel`li*ros"tres
(?)
n. pl.
[NL. See Lamella, and Rostrum.]
(Zool.)
A group of birds embracing the Anseres and flamingoes, in which the bill is lamellate.


word: Lamely
definition:
Lamely

Lame"ly
(?)
adv.
[See Lame.]
In a lame, crippled, disabled, or imperfect manner; as, to walk lamely; a figure lamely drawn.


word: Lameness
definition:
Lameness

Lame"ness
n.
The condition or quality of being lame; as, the lameness of an excuse or an argument.


word: Lament
definition:
Lament

La*ment"
(?)
v. i.
[F. lamenter, L. lamentari, fr. lamentum a lament.]
To express or feel sorrow; to weep or wail; to mourn.

Jeremiah lamented for Josiah.
2 Chron. xxxv. 25.

Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice.
John xvi. 20.


word: Lament₂
definition:
Lament

La*ment"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lamented; p. pr. & vb. n. Lamenting.]
To mourn for; to bemoan; to bewail.

One laughed at follies, one lamented crimes.
Dryden.


word: Lament₃
definition:
Lament

La*ment"
n.
[L. lamentum.  Cf. Lament, v.]
1.
Grief or sorrow expressed in complaints or cries; lamentation; a wailing; a moaning; a weeping.

Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage.
Milton.

2.
An elegy or mournful ballad, or the like.


word: Lamentable
definition:
Lamentable

Lam"en*ta*ble
(?)
a.
[L. lamentabilis: cf. F. lamentable.]
1.
Mourning; sorrowful; expressing grief; as, a lamentable countenance.
[Archaic]
Lamentable
Spenser.

2.
Fitted to awaken lament; to be lamented; sorrowful; pitiable; regrettable; unfortunate; as, a lamentable misfortune, or error.
Lamentable
Burke.

3.
Miserable; pitiful; paltry; -- in a contemptuous or ridiculous sense.
Bp. Stillingfleet.


word: Lamentation
definition:
Lamentation

Lam`en*ta"tion
(?)
n.
[F. lamentation, L. lamentatio.]
1.
The act of bewailing; audible expression of sorrow; wailing; moaning.

In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping.
Matt. ii. 18.

2.
pl.
(Script.)
A book of the Old Testament attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and taking its name from the nature of its contents.


word: Lamented
definition:
Lamented

La*ment"ed
(?)
a.
Mourned for; bewailed.

This humble praise, lamented shade ! receive.
Pope.


word: Lames
definition:
Lames

Lames
(lȧmz)
n. pl.
[F. lame a thin plate, L. lamina.]
(Armor)
Small steel plates combined together so as to slide one upon the other and form a piece of armor.


word: Lametta
definition:
Lametta

La*met"ta
(?)
n.
[Cf. It. lametta, dim. of lama a thin plate.]
Foil or wire made of gold, silver, or brass.
De Colange.


word: Lamia
definition:
Lamia

La"mi*a
(?)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. _;.]
(Class. Myth.)
A monster capable of assuming a woman's form, who was said to devour human beings or suck their blood; a vampire; a sorceress; a witch.


word: Lamina
definition:
Lamina

Laminaa

Lam"i*na
(lăm"ĭ*nȧ)
n.
pl. L. Laminæ (-nē) E. Laminas (-nȧz).
[L. cf. Lamella.]
1.
A thin plate or scale; a layer or coat lying over another; -- said of thin plates or platelike substances, as of bone or minerals.

2.
(Bot.)
The blade of a leaf; the broad, expanded portion of a petal or sepal of a flower.
Gray.

3.
(Zool.)
A thin plate or scale; specif., one of the thin, flat processes composing the vane of a feather.


word: Laminable
definition:
Laminable

Lam"i*na*ble
(?)
a.
Capable of being split into laminæ or thin plates, as mica; capable of being extended under pressure into a thin plate or strip.

When a body can be readily extended in all directions under the hammer, it is said to be malleable; and when into fillets under the rolling press, it is said to be laminable.
Ure.


word: Laminal
definition:
Laminal

Laminar

{ Lam"i*nar (?), Lam"i*nal (?), }
a.
[Cf. F. laminaire. See Lamina]
In, or consisting of, thin plates or layers; having the form of a thin plate or lamina.


word: Laminaria
definition:
Laminaria

Lam`i*na"ri*a
(?)
n.
[NL. See Lamina.]
(Bot.)
A genus of great seaweeds with long and broad fronds; kelp, or devil's apron. The fronds commonly grow in clusters, and are sometimes from thirty to fifty feet in length. See Illust. of Kelp.


word: Laminarian
definition:
Laminarian

Lam`i*na"ri*an
(?)
a.
Pertaining to seaweeds of the genus Laminaria, or to that zone of the sea (from two to ten fathoms in depth) where the seaweeds of this genus grow.


word: Laminate
definition:
Laminate

Lam"i*nate
(?)
a.
[See Lamina.]
Consisting of, or covered with, laminae, or thin plates, scales, or layers, one over another; laminated.


word: Laminate₂
definition:
Laminate

Lam"i*nate
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Laminated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laminating (?).]
[See Lamina.]
1.
To cause to separate into thin plates or layers; to divide into thin plates.

2.
To form, as metal, into a thin plate, as by rolling.

3.
To form by uniting two or more layers (in sheet form) of a material, so that the layers are bonded tightly; as, plywood has at least three laminated layers.

4.
To unite (layers in sheet form) by bonding, so as to create a single object with multiple layers; -- used with the material in sheet form as the object; as, to laminate plywood.


word: laminated
definition:
laminated

lam"i*na`ted
(?)
a.
1.
Consisting of, or covered with, laminae, or thin plates, sheets, scales, or layers, one over another; laminate.

2.
Hence:
Constructed of thin sheets of material, bonded together to form a composite structure having multiple layers.

Laminated arch (Arch.), a timber arch made of layers of bent planks secured by treenails.


word: Laminiferous
definition:
Laminiferous

Lam`i*nif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[Lamina + -ferous.]
Having a structure consisting of laminæ, or thin layers.


word: Laminiplantar
definition:
Laminiplantar

Lam`i*ni*plan"tar
(?)
a.
[Lamina + L. planta sole of the foot.]
(Zool.)
Having the tarsus covered behind with a horny sheath continuous on both sides, as in most singing birds, except the larks.


word: Laminitis
definition:
Laminitis

Lam`i*ni"tis
(?)
n.
[NL. See Lamina, and -itis.]
(Far.)
Inflammation of the laminæ or fleshy plates along the coffin bone of a horse; founder.
Youatt.


word: Lammas
definition:
Lammas

Lam"mas
(?)
n.
[AS. hlāmmesse, hlāfmæsse, loaf mass, bread feast, or feast of first fruits; hlāf loaf + mæsse mass. See Loaf, and Mass religious service.]
The first day of August; -- called also Lammas day, and Lammastide.


word: lammergeyer
definition:
lammergeyer

Lammergeier

Lammergeir

{ Lam"mer*geir (lăm"mẽr*gīr), Lam"mer*gei`er, lam"mer*gey`er (lăm"mẽr*gī`ẽr), }
n.
[G. lämmergeier; lamm, pl. lämmer, lamb + geier vulture.]
(Zool.)
A very large vulture (Gypaëtus barbatus), which inhabits the mountains of Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.  When full-grown it is nine or ten feet in extent of wings.  It is brownish black above, with the under parts and neck rusty yellow; the forehead and crown white; the sides of the head and beard black.  It feeds partly on carrion and partly on small animals, which it kills.  It has the habit of carrying tortoises and marrow bones to a great height, and dropping them on stones to obtain the contents, and is therefore called bonebreaker and ossifrage.  It is supposed to be the ossifrage of the Bible. Called also bearded vulture and bearded eagle.


word: Lamnunguia
definition:
Lamnunguia

Lam*nun"gui*a
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. L. lamina a scale + unguis a nail.]
(Zool.)
Same as Hyracoidea.


word: Lamp
definition:
Lamp

Lamp
(lămp)
n.
[OE. (with excrescent p), fr. F. lame, L. lamina. See Lamina.]
A thin plate or lamina.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Lamp₂
definition:
Lamp

Lamp
(lămp)
n.
[F. lampe, L. lampas, -adis, fr. Gr. _; , _;, torch, fr. _; to give light, to shine.  Cf. Lampad, Lantern.]
1.
A light-producing vessel, device, instrument or apparatus;
formerly referring especially to
a vessel with a wick used for the combustion of oil or other inflammable liquid, for the purpose of producing artificial light; also, a similar device using a gas as the combustible fuel;
now referring mainly to
an electric lamp.  See sense {3}.

2.
Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the uses of a lamp.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Ps. cxix. 105.

Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared.
Cowper.

3.
(Elec.)
A device or mechanism for producing light by electricity, usually having a glass bulb or tube containing the light-emitting element.  Most lamps belong to one of two categories, the Incandescent lamp (See under Incandescent) or the fluorescent lamp.  However, see also arc lamp, below.

4.
A device that emits radiant energy in the form of heat, infrared, or ultraviolet rays; as, a heat lamp.

Aeolipile lamp, a hollow ball of copper containing alcohol which is converted into vapor by a lamp beneath, so as to make a powerful blowpipe flame when the vapor is ignited. Weale. -- Arc lamp (Elec.), a form of lamp in which the voltaic arc is used as the source of light. -- Dëbereiner's lamp, an apparatus for the instantaneous production of a flame by the spontaneous ignition of a jet of hydrogen on being led over platinum sponge; -- named after the German chemist Döbereiner, who invented it. Called also philosopher's lamp. -- Flameless lamp, an aphlogistic lamp. -- Lamp burner, the part of a lamp where the wick is exposed and ignited. Knight. -- Lamp fount, a reservoir for oil, in a lamp. -- Lamp jack. See 2d Jack, n., 4 (l) & (n). -- Lamp shade, a screen, as of paper, glass, or tin, for softening or obstructing the light of a lamp. -- Lamp shell (Zool.), any brachiopod shell of the genus Terebratula and allied genera. The name refers to the shape, which is like that of an antique lamp. See Terebratula. -- Safety lamp, a miner's lamp in which the flame is surrounded by fine wire gauze, preventing the kindling of dangerous explosive gases; -- called also, from Sir Humphry Davy the inventor, Davy lamp. -- To smell of the lamp, to bear marks of great study and labor, as a literary composition.


word: Lampad
definition:
Lampad

Lam"pad
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; , _;. See Lamp.]
A lamp or candlestick.
[R.]

By him who 'mid the golden lampads went.
Trench.


word: Lampadist
definition:
Lampadist

Lam"pa*dist
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;, fr. _;, _;, torch. See Lamp.]
(Gr. Antiq.)
One who gained the prize in the lampadrome.


word: Lampadrome
definition:
Lampadrome

Lam"pa*drome
(?)
n.
[Gr. _;; _;, _;, torch + _; course, race, fr. _; to run.]
(Gr. Antiq.)
A race run by young men with lighted torches in their hands.  He who reached the goal first, with his torch unextinguished, gained the prize.


word: Lampas
definition:
Lampas

Lam"pas
(?)
n.
[F. lampas.]
An inflammation and swelling of the soft parts of the roof of the mouth immediately behind the fore teeth in the horse; -- called also lampers.


word: Lampblack
definition:
Lampblack

Lamp"black`
(?)
n.
[Lamp + black.]
The fine impalpable soot obtained from the smoke of carbonaceous substances which have been only partly burnt, as in the flame of a smoking lamp. It consists of finely divided carbon, with sometimes a very small proportion of various impurities. It is used as an ingredient of printers' ink, and various black pigments and cements.


word: Lampern
definition:
Lampern

Lam"pern
(?)
n.
[See Lamprey.]
(Zool.)
The river lamprey (Ammocœtes  fluviatilis syn. Lampetra fluviatilis).

&hand_; The name is also applied to other river lampreys.


word: Lampic
definition:
Lampic

Lam"pic
(?)
a.
[F. lampique, fr. lampe lamp. See Lamp.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or produced by, a lamp; -- formerly said of a supposed acid.


word: Lampless
definition:
Lampless

Lamp"less
a.
Being without a lamp, or without light; hence, being without appreciation; dull.

Your ladies' eyes are lampless to that virtue.
Beau. & Fl.


word: Lamplight
definition:
Lamplight

Lamp"light`
(?)
n.
Light from a lamp.

This world's artificial lamplights.
Owen Meredith.


word: Lamplighter
definition:
Lamplighter

Lamp"light`er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, lights a lamp;
esp.,
a person who in former times lighted street lamps which were illuminated by a combustible gas; -- such lamps are now little used, and primarily as nostalgic ornaments.

He made the night a little brighter
Wherever he did go,
The old lamplighter
Of long, long ago.
Song lyrics. (?)

2.
(Zool.)
The calico bass.

3.
A device used to light lamps.


word: Lampoon
definition:
Lampoon

Lam*poon"
(?)
n.
[F. lampon a drinking song, fr. lampons let us drink, -- the burden of such a song, fr.  lamper to guzzle, to drink much and greedily; of German origin, and akin to E. lap to drink. Prob. so called because drinking songs often contain personal slander or satire.]
1.
A personal satire in writing; usually, malicious and abusive censure written only to reproach and distress.

Like her who missed her name in a lampoon,
And grieved to find herself decayed so soon.
Dryden.

2.
Hence:
Any satire ridiculing or mocking a person, activity, or institution by representing its character or behavior in an exaggerated or grotesque form; the representation may be written, filmed, or performed as a live skit, and may be intended as a severe reproach, or as good-natured humor.


word: Lampoon₂
definition:
Lampoon

Lam*poon"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lampooned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lampooning.]
To subject to abusive ridicule expressed in a work of art; to make (a person, behavior, or institution) the subject of a lampoon.

Ribald poets had lampooned him.
Macaulay.


word: Lamp-post
definition:
Lamp-post

Lamp"-post`
(?)
n.
A post (generally a pillar of iron) supporting a lamp or lantern for lighting a street, park, etc.


word: Lamprey
definition:
Lamprey

Lam"prey
(lăm"pr&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Lampreys (lăm"prĭz).
[OE. lampreie, F. lamproie, LL. lampreda, lampetra, from L. lambere to lick + petra rock, stone. The lampreys are so called because they attach themselves with their circular mouths to rocks and stones, whence they are also called rocksuckers. See Lap to drink, Petrify.]
(Zool.)
An eel-like marsipobranch of the genus Petromyzon, and allied genera; called also lamprey eel and lamper eel.  The lampreys have a round, sucking mouth, without jaws, but set with numerous minute teeth, and one to three larger teeth on the palate (see Illust. of Cyclostomi). There are seven small branchial openings on each side.
[Written also lamprel, and lampron.]

&hand_; The common or sea lamprey of America and Europe (Petromyzon marinus), which in spring ascends rivers to spawn, is considered excellent food by many, and is sold as a market fish in some localities.  The smaller river lampreys mostly belong to the genus Ammocœles, or Lampetra, as Ammocœles fluviatilis, of Europe, and Ammocœles æpypterus of America.  All lampreys attach themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by means of the suckerlike mouth.


word: lamp shade
definition:
lamp shade

lampshade

lampshade, lamp shade
n.
a protective ornamental covering used to screen the light bulb in a lamp from direct view.


word: lamp shell
definition:
lamp shell

lampshell

lampshell, lamp shell
n.
A mollusklike marine animal with bivalve shell having a pair of arms bearing tentacles for capturing food, found worldwide.

Syn. -- brachiopod.


word: Lampyridae
definition:
Lampyridae

Lampyridae
prop. n.
A natural family of insects comprising the fireflies.

Syn. -- family Lampyridae.


word: Lampyrine
definition:
Lampyrine

Lam*py"rine
(?)
n.
[See Lampyris.]
(Zool.)
An insect of the genus Lampyris, or family Lampyridæ. See Lampyris.


word: Lampyris
definition:
Lampyris

Lam*py"ris
(?)
n.
[L., glowworm, Gr. (_;).]
(Zool.)
A genus of coleopterous insects, including the glowworms.


word: LAN
definition:
LAN

LAN
n.
[Local Area Network.]
A local area network; a network{3} connecting computers and word processors and other electronic office equipment within a small area, to create an inter-office system, typically within one building or one site of a corporation.  Contrasted to WAN, a wide-area network.

Syn. -- local area network.


word: Lanai
definition:
Lanai

Lanai
n.
1.
(upper case)
an island in the Hawaiian chain.

2.
(lower case)
a veranda or roofed patio often furnished and used as a living room.
[Hawaii]


word: Lanarkite
definition:
Lanarkite

Lan"ark*ite
(?)
n.
[From Lanarkshire, a county in Scotland.]
(Min.)
A mineral consisting of sulphate of lead, occurring either massive or in long slender prisms, of a greenish white or gray color.


word: Lanary
definition:
Lanary

La"na*ry
(?)
n.
[L. lanaria, fr. lanarius belonging to wool, lana wool.]
A place for storing wool.


word: Lanated
definition:
Lanated

Lanate

{ La"nate (?), La"na*ted (?), }
[L. lanatus, fr. lana wool, down.]
1.
Wooly; covered with fine long hair, or hairlike filaments.

2.
Hence:
(Biol.)
covered with dense often matted or curly hairs.

Syn. -- wooly, woolly.


word: Lancashire boiler
definition:
Lancashire boiler

Lan"ca*shire boil"er
(?)
n.
A steam boiler having two flues which contain the furnaces and extend through the boiler from end to end.


word: Lancaster
definition:
Lancaster

Lancaster
prop. n.
1.
A city in Northwest England on the river Lune.
[wns=1]

2.
The English royal house that reigned from 1399 to 1461; its symbol was a red rose; called also the House of Lancaster.
[wns=2]

Syn. -- Lancastrian line.


word: Lancasterian
definition:
Lancasterian

Lan`cas*te"ri*an
(?)
prop. a.
Of or pertaining to the monitorial system of instruction followed by Joseph Lancaster, of England, in which advanced pupils in a school teach pupils below them.


word: Lancastrian
definition:
Lancastrian

Lancastrian
prop. a.
1.
Of or pertaining to Lancaster{2}; as, Lancastrian royalty.

2.
Of or pertaining to the city of Lancaster{1}; as, Lancastrian city center.

3.
Of or pertaining to the members of the house of Lancaster; as, Lancastrian members.

4.
Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of Lancaster; as, the Lancastrian population.


word: Lancastrian₂
definition:
Lancastrian

Lancastrian
prop. n.
1.
A member (or supporter) of the house of Lancaster.

2.
A resident of Lancaster{1}.


word: Lance
definition:
Lance

Lance
(lăns)
n.
[OE. lance, F. lance, fr. L. lancea; cf. Gr. lo`gchh.  Cf. Launch.]
1.
A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.

A braver soldier never couched lance.
Shak.

2.
A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.

3.
(Founding)
A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.

4.
(Mil.)
An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.

5.
(Pyrotech.)
One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.

6.
(Med.)
A lancet.

Free lance, in the Middle Ages, and subsequently, a knight or roving soldier, who was free to engage for any state or commander that purchased his services; hence, a person who assails institutions or opinions on his own responsibility without regard to party lines or deference to authority.  See also freelance, n. and a., and freelancer. -- Lance bucket (Cavalry), a socket attached to a saddle or stirrup strap, in which to rest the but of a lance. -- Lance corporal, same as Lancepesade. -- Lance knight, a lansquenet. B. Jonson. -- Lance snake (Zool.), the fer-de-lance. -- Stink-fire lance (Mil.), a kind of fuse filled with a composition which burns with a suffocating odor; -- used in the counter operations of miners. -- To break a lance, to engage in a tilt or contest.


word: Lance₂
definition:
Lance

Lance
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lanced (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Lancing (?).]
1.
To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.

Seized the due victim, and with fury lanced
Her back.
Dryden.

2.
To open with a lancet; to pierce; as, to lance a vein or an abscess.

3.
To throw in the manner of a lance. See Lanch.


word: lance corporal
definition:
lance corporal

lance" cor`por*al
(?)
n.
1.
A lancepesade.

2.
An enlisted member of the United States Marine Corps ranking between a private first class and a corporal.

3.
The lowest rank of corporal; -- a term used in the British military.
RHUD


word: Lance fish
definition:
Lance fish

Lance" fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A slender marine fish of the genus Ammodytes, especially Ammodytes tobianus of the English coast; -- called also sand lance.


word: Lancegaye
definition:
Lancegaye

Lancegay

{ Lance"gay`, Lance"gaye`  }
(?)
n.
[OF. lancegaie, corrupted from the same source as E. assagai, under the influence of F. lance lance. See Assagai.]
A kind of spear anciently used. Its use was prohibited by a statute of Richard II.
Nares.

In his hand a launcegay,
A long sword by his side.
Chaucer.


word: Lancelet
definition:
Lancelet

Lance"let
(?)
n.
[Lance + -let.]
(Zool.)
A small fishlike animal (Amphioxus lanceolatus), remarkable for the rudimentary condition of its organs. It is the type of the class Leptocardia. See Amphioxus, Leptocardia.


word: Lanceolar
definition:
Lanceolar

Lan"ce*o*lar
(?)
a.
[L. lanceola a little lance, dim. of lancea lance: cf. F. lancéolaire.]
(Bot.)
Lanceolate.


word: Lanceolated
definition:
Lanceolated

Lanceolate

{ Lan"ce*o*late (?), Lan"ce*o*la`ted (?) }
a.
[L. lanceolatus: cf. F. lancéolé. See Lanceolar.]
(Bot. & Zool.)
Rather narrow, tapering to a point at the apex, and sometimes at the base also; as, a lanceolate leaf.


word: Lancepesade
definition:
Lancepesade

Lance`pe*sade"
(?)
n.
[F. lancepessade, lanspessade, anspessade, It. lancia spezzata a broken lance or demilance, a demilance roan, a light horseman, bodyguard.]
An assistant to a corporal; a private performing the duties of a corporal; -- called also lance corporal.
[Obsolete]


word: Lancer
definition:
Lancer

Lan"cer
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. lancier.]
1.
One who lances; one who carries a lance; especially, a member of a mounted body of men armed with lances, attached to the cavalry service of some nations.
Wilhelm.

2.
A lancet.
[Obs.]

3.
pl.
(Dancing)
A set of quadrilles of a certain arrangement.
[Written also lanciers.]


word: lancers
definition:
lancers

lancers
n.
1.
A set of quadrilles for 8 or 16 couples.
[wns=1]
[Written also lanciers.]

2.
Music appropriate for a set of lancers{1}.


word: Lancet
definition:
Lancet

Lan"cet
(?)
n.
[F. lancette, dim. of lance lance. See Lance.]
1.
A surgical knife-like instrument of various forms, commonly sharp-pointed and two-edged, used in venesection, and in opening abscesses, etc.

2.
(Metal.)
An iron bar used for tapping a melting furnace.
Knight.

Lancet arch (Arch.), a pointed arch, of which the width, or span, is narrow compared with the height. -- Lancet architecture, a name given to a style of architecture, in which lancet arches are common; -- peculiar to England and 13th century.


word: lancet fish
definition:
lancet fish

lancetfish

lan"cet*fish`, lan"cet fish`
n.
(Zool.)
A large, elongated, scaleless, voracious, deep-sea fish (Alepidosaurus ferox), having long, sharp, lancetlike teeth and a long saillike dorsal fin.
[wns=1]

Syn. -- lancet fish, wolffish.

2.
The doctor, or surgeon fish.


word: Lancewood
definition:
Lancewood

Lance"wood`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A tough, elastic wood, often used for the shafts of gigs, archery bows, fishing rods, and the like.  Also, the tree which produces this wood, Duguetia Quitarensis (a native of Guiana and Cuba), and several other trees of the same family (Anonaseæ).

Australian lancewood, a myrtaceous tree (Backhousia Australis).


word: Lanch
definition:
Lanch

Lanch
(lȧnch)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lanched (lȧncht); p. pr. & vb. n. Lanching. See Launch, Lance.]
To throw, as a lance; to let fly; to launch.

See Whose arm can lanch the surer bolt.
Dryden & Lee.


word: Lancinate
definition:
Lancinate

Lan"ci*nate
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lancinated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lancinating (?).]
[L. lancinatus, p. p. of lancinare to fear.]
To tear; to lacerate; to pierce or stab.
De Quincey.


word: Lancinating
definition:
Lancinating

Lan"ci*na`ting
a.
Piercing; seeming to pierce or stab; as, lancinating pains (i.e., severe, darting pains).


word: Land₂
definition:
Land

Land
n.
[AS. land, lond; akin to D., G., Icel., Sw., Dan., and Goth. land. ]
1.
The solid part of the surface of the earth; -- opposed to water as constituting a part of such surface, especially to oceans and seas; as, to sight land after a long voyage.

They turn their heads to sea, their sterns to land.
Dryden.

2.
Any portion, large or small, of the surface of the earth, considered by itself, or as belonging to an individual or a people, as a country, estate, farm, or tract.

Go view the land, even Jericho.
Josh. ii. 1.

Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
Where wealth accumulates and men decay.
Goldsmith.

&hand_; In the expressions “to be, or dwell, upon land,” “to go, or fare, on land,” as used by Chaucer, land denotes the country as distinguished from the town.

A poor parson dwelling upon land [i.e., in the country].
Chaucer.

3.
Ground, in respect to its nature or quality; soil; as, wet land; good or bad land.

4.
The inhabitants of a nation or people.

These answers, in the silent night received,
The king himself divulged, the land believed.
Dryden.

5.
The mainland, in distinction from islands.

6.
The ground or floor.
[Obs.]

Herself upon the land she did prostrate.
Spenser.

7.
(Agric.)
The ground left unplowed between furrows; any one of several portions into which a field is divided for convenience in plowing.

8.
(Law)
Any ground, soil, or earth whatsoever, as meadows, pastures, woods, etc., and everything annexed to it, whether by nature, as trees, water, etc., or by the hand of man, as buildings, fences, etc.; real estate.
Kent. Bouvier. Burrill.

9.
(Naut.)
The lap of the strakes in a clinker-built boat; the lap of plates in an iron vessel; -- called also landing.
Knight.

10.
In any surface prepared with indentations, perforations, or grooves, that part of the surface which is not so treated, as the level part of a millstone between the furrows, or the surface of the bore of a rifled gun between the grooves.

Land agent, a person employed to sell or let land, to collect rents, and to attend to other money matters connected with land. -- Land boat, a vehicle on wheels propelled by sails. -- Land blink, a peculiar atmospheric brightness seen from sea over distant snow-covered land in arctic regions. See Ice blink. -- Land breeze. See under Breeze. -- Land chain. See Gunter's chain. -- Land crab (Zool.), any one of various species of crabs which live much on the land, and resort to the water chiefly for the purpose of breeding. They are abundant in the West Indies and South America. Some of them grow to a large size. -- Land fish a fish on land; a person quite out of place. Shak. -- Land force, a military force serving on land, as distinguished from a naval force. -- Land, ho! (Naut.), a sailor's cry in announcing sight of land. -- Land ice, a field of ice adhering to the coast, in distinction from a floe. -- Land leech (Zool.), any one of several species of blood-sucking leeches, which, in moist, tropical regions, live on land, and are often troublesome to man and beast. -- Land measure, the system of measurement used in determining the area of land; also, a table of areas used in such measurement. -- Land of bondage or House of bondage, in Bible history, Egypt; by extension, a place or condition of special oppression. -- Land o' cakes, Scotland. -- Land of Nod, sleep. -- Land of promise, in Bible history, Canaan: by extension, a better country or condition of which one has expectation. -- Land of steady habits, a nickname sometimes given to the State of Connecticut. -- Land office, a government office in which the entries upon, and sales of, public land are registered, and other business respecting the public lands is transacted. [U.S.] -- Land pike. (Zool.) (a) The gray pike, or sauger. (b) The Menobranchus. -- Land service, military service as distinguished from naval service. -- Land rail. (Zool) (a) The crake or corncrake of Europe. See Crake. (b) An Australian rail (Hypotænidia Phillipensis); -- called also pectoral rail. -- Land scrip, a certificate that the purchase money for a certain portion of the public land has been paid to the officer entitled to receive it. [U.S.] -- Land shark, a swindler of sailors on shore. [Sailors' Cant] -- Land side (a) That side of anything in or on the sea, as of an island or ship, which is turned toward the land. (b) The side of a plow which is opposite to the moldboard and which presses against the unplowed land. -- Land snail (Zool.), any snail which lives on land, as distinguished from the aquatic snails are Pulmonifera, and belong to the Geophila; but the operculated land snails of warm countries are Diœcia, and belong to the Tænioglossa. See Geophila, and Helix. -- Land spout, a descent of cloud and water in a conical form during the occurrence of a tornado and heavy rainfall on land. -- Land steward, a person who acts for another in the management of land, collection of rents, etc. -- Land tortoise, Land turtle (Zool.), any tortoise that habitually lives on dry land, as the box tortoise. See Tortoise. -- Land warrant, a certificate from the Land Office, authorizing a person to assume ownership of a public land. [U.S.] -- Land wind. Same as Land breeze (above). -- To make land (Naut.), to sight land. To set the land, to see by the compass how the land bears from the ship. -- To shut in the land, to hide the land, as when fog, or an intervening island, obstructs the view.


word: Land₃
definition:
Land

Land
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Landed; p. pr. & vb. n. Landing.]
1.
To set or put on shore from a ship or other water craft; to disembark; to debark.

I 'll undertake to land them on our coast.
Shak.

2.
To catch and bring to shore; to capture; as, to land a fish.

3.
To set down after conveying; to cause to fall, alight, or reach; to bring to the end of a course; as, he landed the quoit near the stake; to be thrown from a horse and landed in the mud; to land one in difficulties or mistakes.

4.
Specifically:
(Aeronautics)
To pilot (an airplane) from the air onto the land; as, to land the plane on a highway.


word: Land₄
definition:
Land

Land
v. i.
1.
To come to the end of a course; to arrive at a destination, literally or figuratively; as, he landed in trouble; after hithchiking for a week, he landed in Los Angeles.

2.
Specifically:
To go on shore from a ship or boat; to disembark.

3.
Specifically:
To reach and come to rest on land after having been in the air; as, the arrow landed in a flower bed; the golf ball landed in a sand trap; our airplane landed in Washington.


word: Landamman
definition:
Landamman

Lan"dam*man
(?)
n.
[G. Landamman; land land, country + amimann bailiff. See Land, and Ambassador.]
1.
A chief magistrate in some of the Swiss cantons.

2.
The president of the diet of the Helvetic republic.


word: Landau
definition:
Landau

Lan"dau
(?)
n.
[From the town Ladau in Germany; cf. F. landau. See Land, Island.]
A four-wheeled covered vehicle, the top of which is divided into two sections which can be let down, or thrown back, in such a manner as to make an open carriage.
[Written also landaw.]


word: Landtrost
definition:
Landtrost

Landdrost

&VerbarLand"drost` (?), n.; pl. -drosten (#). Sometimes incorrectly Landtrost
[D., fr. land land + drost a kind of official; akin to G. truchsess.]
(In South Africa)
(a)
A chief magistrate in rural districts. He was replaced in 1827 by “resident magistrates.”
(b)
The president of the Heemraad.


word: Landed
definition:
Landed

Land"ed
(?)
a.
1.
Having an estate in land.

The House of Commons must consist, for the most part, of landed men.
Addison.

2.
Consisting in real estate or land; as, landed property; landed security.


word: Lander
definition:
Lander

Land"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who lands, or makes a landing.
lander
Tennyson.

2.
(Mining)
A person who waits at the mouth of the shaft to receive the kibble of ore.


word: Landfall
definition:
Landfall

Land"fall
(?)
n.
1.
A sudden transference of property in land by the death of its owner.

2.
(Naut.)
Sighting or making land when at sea.

A good landfall (Naut.), the sighting of land in conformity with the navigator's reckoning and expectation.


word: Landflood
definition:
Landflood

Land"flood`
(?)
n.
An overflowing of land by river; an inundation; a freshet.
Clarendon.


word: Landgrave
definition:
Landgrave

Land"grave`
(?)
n.
[G. landgraf; land land + graf earl, count; cf. D. landgraaf, F. landgrave.]
A German nobleman of a rank corresponding to that of an earl in England and of a count in France.

&hand_; The title was first adopted by some German counts in the twelfth century, to distinguish themselves from the inferior counts under their jurisdiction. Three of them were princes of the empire.


word: Landgraviate
definition:
Landgraviate

Land*gra"vi*ate
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. landgraviat.]
1.
The territory held by a landgrave.

2.
The office, jurisdiction, or authority of a landgrave.


word: landholding
definition:
landholding

landholding
n.
1.
ownership of land; the state or fact of owning land.

2.
A holding in the form of land; the land owned by a person.


word: Landing
definition:
Landing

Land"ing
a.
Of, pertaining to, or used for, setting, bringing, or going, on shore.

Landing charges, charges or fees paid on goods unloaded from a vessel. -- Landing net, a small, bag-shaped net, used in fishing to take the fish from the water after being hooked. -- Landing stage, a floating platform attached at one end to a wharf in such a manner as to rise and fall with the tide, and thus facilitate passage between the wharf and a vessel lying beside the stage. -- Landing waiter, a customhouse officer who oversees the landing of goods, etc., from vessels; a landwaiter.


word: Landing₂
definition:
Landing

Land"ing
n.
1.
A going or bringing on shore.

2.
A place for landing, as from a ship, a carriage. etc.

3.
(Arch.)
The level part of a staircase, at the top of a flight of stairs, or connecting one flight with another.

4.
(Aeronautics)
The act or process of bringing an aircraft to land after having been in the air; as, the pilot made a perfect three-point landing.  Contrasted with take-off.

Landing place. me as Landing, n., 2 and 3.


word: landing gear
definition:
landing gear

land"ing gear`
n.
The wheels and attached structures under an airplane that support it and allow it to move when on the ground; also, the floats or pontoons of an amphibious airplane together with their supporting structures.  Landing gear may be fixed rigidly in place, or retractable when in flight.


word: landing strip
definition:
landing strip

land"ing strip`
n.
(Aeronautics)
A runway at an airport, at which airplanes land{3}; the long smooth surface used for takeoff or landing{4}.


word: landlady
definition:
landlady

land"la`dy
(?)
n.
pl. landladies (#).
[Cf. landlord.]
1.
A woman having real estate which she leases to a tenant or tenants.

2.
The mistress of an inn or lodging house.


word: Land League
definition:
Land League

Land League
n.
In Ireland, a combination of tenant farmers and other, organized, with Charles Stewart Parnell as president, in 1879 with a view to the reduction of farm rents and a reconstruction of the land laws.
Land"*lea`guer (#), n. -- Land"*lea`guism (#), n.
The Land League, of which Michael Davitt was the founder, originated in Mayo in August, and at a Dublin in October the organization was extended to all Ireland, with Parnell as president.
Encyc. Brit.


word: Landlocked
definition:
Landlocked

Land"locked`
(?)
a.
1.
Inclosed, or nearly inclosed, by land; having no border on the sea; as, a landlocked country.

2.
(Zool.)
Confined to a fresh-water lake by reason of waterfalls or dams; -- said of fishes that would naturally seek the sea, after spawning; as, the landlocked salmon.


word: Landlord
definition:
Landlord

Land"lord`
(?)
n.
[See Land, and Lord.]
1.
The lord of a manor, or of land; the owner of land or houses which he leases to a tenant or tenants.

2.
The master of an inn or of any form of lodging house; as, the landlord collects the rents on the first of the month.

Upon our arrival at the inn, my companion fetched out the jolly landlord.
Addison.


word: Landlordism
definition:
Landlordism

Land"lord`ism
(?)
n.
The state of being a landlord; the characteristics of a landlord; specifically, in Great Britain, the relation of landlords to tenants, especially as regards leased agricultural lands.
J. S. Mill.


word: Landlouper
definition:
Landlouper

Land"loup`er
(?)
n.
[D. landlooper, lit., landrunner; land land + loopen to run. See Land, and Leap.]
A vagabond; a vagrant.
[Written also landleaper and landloper.]
landloupers
Moltey.


word: Landlubber
definition:
Landlubber

Land"lub`ber
(?)
n.
[Prop. fr. land + lubber, or possibly corrupted fr. laudlouper.]
(Naut.)
One who passes his life on land; -- so called among seamen in contempt or ridicule.


word: Landman
definition:
Landman

Land"man
(?)
n.
pl. Landmen (_;).
1.
A man who lives or serves on land; -- opposed to seaman.

2.
(Eng.)
An occupier of land.
Cowell.


word: Landmark
definition:
Landmark

Land"mark`
(?)
n.
[AS. landmearc. See Land, and Mark a sign.]
1.
A mark to designate the boundary of land; any mark or fixed object (as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones) by which the limits of a farm, a town, or other portion of territory may be known and preserved.

2.
Any conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide; some prominent object, as a hill or steeple.

3.
A structure that has special significance, such as a building with historical associations;
especially,
a building that is protected from destruction or alteration by special laws intended to preserve structures of historical significance; as, a landmark preservation law.

4.
An event or accomplishment of great significance; as, Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark of the civil rights movement.  Also used attributively, as a landmark court decision.

Landmarks of history, important events by which eras or conditions are determined.


word: Land of Steady Habits
definition:
Land of Steady Habits

Land of Steady Habits
prop. n.
Connecticut; -- a nickname alluding to the moral character of its inhabitants, implied by the rigid laws (see Blue laws) of the early period.


word: Landowning
definition:
Landowning

Land"own`ing
n.
The owning of land.
a. Having property in land; of or pertaining to landowners.


word: Land-poor
definition:
Land-poor

Land"-poor`
(?)
a.
Pecuniarily embarrassed through owning much unprofitable land.
[Colloq.]


word: Landreeve
definition:
Landreeve

Land"reeve`
(?)
n.
[Land + reeve an officer.]
A subordinate officer on an extensive estate, who acts as an assistant to the steward.


word: Landscape
definition:
Landscape

Land"scape
(?)
n.
[Formerly written also landskip.]
[D. landschap; land land + -schap, equiv. to E. -schip; akin to G. landschaft, Sw. landskap, Dan. landskab. See Land, and -schip.]
1.
A portion of land or territory which the eye can comprehend in a single view, including all the objects it contains.

2.
A picture representing a scene by land or sea, actual or fancied, the chief subject being the general aspect of nature, as fields, hills, forests, water. etc.  Compare seascape.

3.
The pictorial aspect of a country.

The landscape of his native country had taken hold on his heart.
Macaulay.

Landscape gardening, The art of laying out grounds and arranging trees, shrubbery, etc., in such a manner as to produce a picturesque effect.


word: Landskip
definition:
Landskip

Land"skip
(?)
n.
[See Landscape.]
A landscape.
[Obs. except in poetry.]

Straight my eye hath caught new pleasures,
Whilst the landskip round it measures.
Milton.


word: Landslip
definition:
Landslip

Landslide

{ Land"slide` (?), Land"slip` (?), }
n.
1.
The slipping down of a mass of land from a mountain, hill, etc.

2.
The land which slips down.

3.
An election victory in which the winning candidate receives a substantial majority of the votes, usually meaning at least ten per cent more than any opposing candidate.

4.
Any overwhelming victory.


word: Landsman
definition:
Landsman

Lands"man
(?)
n.
pl. Landsmen (#).
1.
One who lives on the land; -- opposed to seaman.

2.
(Naut.)
A sailor on his first voyage.


word: Landsthing
definition:
Landsthing

Lands"thing`
(?)
n.
[Dan. landsthing, landsting, fr. land land + thing, ting, parliament. See Land; Thing.]
(Denmark.)
See Legislature, below.


word: Landsturm
definition:
Landsturm

Land"sturm`
(?)
n.
[G. See Land; Storm.]
[In Germany and other European nations, and Japan:]
(a)
A general levy in time of war.
(b)
The forces called out on such levy, composed of all men liable to service who are not in the army, navy, or Landwehr; the last line of defense, supposed to be called out only in case of invasion or other grave emergency. See Army organization, above.


word: Landtag
definition:
Landtag

Land"tag`
(?)
n.
[G. See Land; Day.]
(Prussia.)
The diet or legislative body; as, the Landtag of Prussia.  See Legislature, below.


word: Landwehr
definition:
Landwehr

Land"wehr`
(?)
n.
[G., fr. land land, country + wehr defense.]
That part of the army, in Germany and Austria, which has completed the usual military service and is exempt from duty in time of peace, except that it is called out occasionally for drill.


word: Lane₂
definition:
Lane

Lane
(lān)
n.
[OE. lane, lone, AS. lone, lone; akin to D. laan, OFries. lana, lona.]
A passageway between fences or hedges which is not traveled as a highroad; an alley between buildings; a narrow way among trees, rocks, and other natural obstructions; hence, in a general sense, a narrow passageway; as, a lane between lines of men, or through a field of ice.

It is become a turn-again lane unto them which they can not go through.
Tyndale.


word: Langaha
definition:
Langaha

Lan"ga*ha
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A curious colubriform snake of the genus Xyphorhynchus, from Madagascar. It is brownish red, and its nose is prolonged in the form of a sharp blade.


word: Langarey
definition:
Langarey

Lan`ga*rey"
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
One of numerous species of long-winged, shrikelike birds of Australia and the East Indies, of the genus Artamus, and allied genera; called also wood swallow.


word: Langrel
definition:
Langrel

Langrage

{ Lan"grage (?), Lan"grel (?), }
n.
A kind of shot formerly used at sea for tearing sails and rigging. It consisted of bolts, nails, and other pieces of iron fastened together or inclosed in a canister.


word: Language
definition:
Language

Lan"guage
(?)
n.
[OE. langage, F. langage, fr. L. lingua the tongue, hence speech, language; akin to E. tongue. See Tongue, cf. Lingual.]

1.
Any means of conveying or communicating ideas;
specifically,
human speech; the expression of ideas by the voice; sounds, expressive of thought, articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth.

&hand_; Language consists in the oral utterance of sounds which usage has made the representatives of ideas.  When two or more persons customarily annex the same sounds to the same ideas, the expression of these sounds by one person communicates his ideas to another.  This is the primary sense of language, the use of which is to communicate the thoughts of one person to another through the organs of hearing.  Articulate sounds are represented to the eye by letters, marks, or characters, which form words.

2.
The expression of ideas by writing, or any other instrumentality.

3.
The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas, peculiar to a particular nation.

4.
The characteristic mode of arranging words, peculiar to an individual speaker or writer; manner of expression; style.

Others for language all their care express.
Pope.

5.
The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man express their feelings or their wants.

6.
The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers.

There was . . . language in their very gesture.
Shak.

7.
The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or department of knowledge; as, medical language; the language of chemistry or theology.

8.
A race, as distinguished by its speech.
[R.]

All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image.
Dan. iii. 7.

9.
Any system of symbols created for the purpose of communicating ideas, emotions, commands, etc., between sentient agents.

10.
Specifically:
(computers)
Any set of symbols and the rules for combining them which are used to specify to a computer the actions that it is to take; also referred to as a computer lanugage or programming language; as, JAVA is a new and flexible high-level language which has achieved popularity very rapidly.

&hand_;  Computer languages are classed a low-level if each instruction specifies only one operation of the computer, or high-level if each instruction may specify a complex combination of operations.  Machine language and assembly language are low-level computer languages.  FORTRAN, COBOL and C are high-level computer languages.  Other computer languages, such as JAVA, allow even more complex combinations of low-level operations to be performed with a single command.  Many programs, such as databases, are supplied with special languages adapted to manipulate the objects of concern for that specific program.  These are also high-level languages.

Language master, a teacher of languages. [Obs.]


word: Language₂
definition:
Language

Lan"guage
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Languaged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Languaging (?).]
To communicate by language; to express in language.

Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that they have a double sense.
Fuller.


word: Languaged
definition:
Languaged

Lan"guaged
(?)
a.
Having a language; skilled in language; -- chiefly used in composition.
languaged
Pope.


word: Langued
definition:
Langued

Langued
(?)
a.
[F. langue tongue. See Language.]
(Her.)
Tongued; having the tongue visible.

Lions . . . represented as armed and langued gules.
Cussans.


word: Langue d'oc
definition:
Langue d'oc

Langue` d'oc"
(?)
n.
[F., language of oc yes.]
The dialect, closely akin to French, formerly spoken south of the Loire (in which the word for “yes” was oc); Provençal.


word: Langue d'oil
definition:
Langue d'oil

Langue` d'oïl"
(?)
[F., language of oïl yes.]
The dialect formerly spoken north of the Loire (in which the word for “yes” was oil, F. oui).


word: Languente
definition:
Languente

Lan*guen"te
(?)
adv.
[It., p. pr. of languire. See Languish.]
(Mus.)
In a languishing manner; pathetically.


word: Languet
definition:
Languet

Lan"guet
n.
[F. languette, dim. of langue tongue, L. lingua.]
1.
Anything resembling the tongue in form or office; specif., the slip of metal in an organ pipe which turns the current of air toward its mouth.

2.
That part of the hilt, in certain kinds of swords, which overlaps the scabbard.


word: Languid
definition:
Languid

Lan"guid
(?)
a.
[L. languidus, fr. languere to be faint or languid: cf. F. languide. See Languish.]

1.
Drooping or flagging from exhaustion; indisposed to exertion; without animation; weak; weary; heavy; dull.
Languid
Armstrong.

Fire their languid souls with Cato's virtue.
Addison.

2.
Slow in progress; tardy.
languid
Bentley.

3.
Promoting or indicating weakness or heaviness; as, a languid day.

Feebly she laugheth in the languid moon.
Keats.

Their idleness, aimless flirtations and languid airs.
W. Black.


word: Languish
definition:
Languish

Lan"guish
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Languished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Languishing.]
[OE. languishen, languissen, F. languir, L. languere; cf. Gr. _; to slacken, _; slack, Icel. lakra to lag behind; prob. akin to E. lag, lax, and perh. to E. slack.  See -ish.]
1.
To become languid or weak; to lose strength or animation; to be or become dull, feeble or spiritless; to pine away; to linger in a weak or deteriorating condition; to wither or fade.

We . . . do languish of such diseases.
2 Esdras viii. 31.

Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife,
And let me languish into life.
Pope.

For the fields of Heshbon languish.
Is. xvi. 8. 

2.
To assume an expression of weariness or tender grief, appealing for sympathy.
Tennyson.
3.
To be neglected and unattended to; as, the proposal languished on the director's desk for months.


word: Languish₃
definition:
Languish

Lan"guish
n.
See Languishment.
[Obs. or Poetic]

What, of death, too,
That rids our dogs of languish?
Shak.

And the blue languish of soft Allia's eye.
Pope.


word: Languishing
definition:
Languishing

Lan"guish*ing
a.
1.
Becoming languid and weak; pining; losing health and strength.

2.
Amorously pensive; indicating melancholy; as, languishing eyes, or look.

3.
Suffering neglect; neglected.

4.
Continuing in a weak or deteriorating state; lingering.


word: Languishment
definition:
Languishment

Lan"guish*ment
(?)
n.
1.
The state of languishing.
languishment
Shak.

2.
Tenderness of look or mien; amorous pensiveness.


word: Languor
definition:
Languor

Lan"guor
(?)
n.
[OE. langour, OF. langour, F. langueur, L. languor. See Languish.]
1.
A state of the body or mind which is caused by exhaustion of strength and characterized by a languid feeling; feebleness; lassitude; laxity.

2.
Any enfeebling disease.
[Obs.]

Sick men with divers languors.
Wyclif (Luke iv. 40).

3.
Listless indolence; dreaminess.
Pope.
languors
The Century.


word: Languorous
definition:
Languorous

Lan"guor*ous
(?)
a.
[From Languor: cf. F. langoureux.]
Producing, or tending to produce, languor; characterized by languor.
[Obs. or Poetic]

Whom late I left in languorous constraint.
Spenser.

To wile the length from languorous hours, and draw
The sting from pain.
Tennyson.


word: Langya
definition:
Langya

Lan"gya
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
[Native name Anglicized.]
One of several species of East Indian and Asiatic fresh-water fishes of the genus Ophiocephalus, remarkable for their power of living out of water, and for their tenacity of life; -- called also walking fishes.


word: Laniariform
definition:
Laniariform

La`ni*ar"i*form
(?)
a.
[Laniary + -form.]
(Anat.)
Shaped like a laniary, or canine, tooth.
Owen.


word: Laniary
definition:
Laniary

La"ni*a*ry
(?)
a.
[L. laniarius, fr. lanius butcher, laniare to tear in pieces: cf. F. laniaire.]
(Anat.)
Lacerating or tearing; as, the laniary canine teeth.


word: Laniary₂
definition:
Laniary

La"ni*a*ry
n.
[L. Laniary, a.]

1.
The shambles; a place of slaughter.
[R.]

2.
(Anat.)
A laniary, or canine, tooth.


word: Lanier
definition:
Lanier

Lan"ier
(?)
n.
[F. lanière. See Lanyard.]
[Written also lanner, lanyer.]
1.
A thong of leather; a whip lash.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

2.
A strap used to fasten together parts of armor, to hold the shield by, and the like.
Fairholt.


word: Laniferous
definition:
Laniferous

La*nif"er*ous
(?)
n.
[L. lanifer; lana wool + ferre to bear: cf. F. lanifère.]
Bearing or producing wool.


word: Lanifice
definition:
Lanifice

Lan"i*fice
(?)
n.
[L. lanificium: cf. OF. lanifice.]
Anything made of wool.
[Obs.]
Bacon.


word: Lanigerous
definition:
Lanigerous

La*nig"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. laniger; lano wool + gerere to hear.]
Bearing or producing wool.


word: Lanioid
definition:
Lanioid

La"ni*oid
(?)
a.
[NL. Lanius (fr. L. lanius a butcher), the typical genus + -oid.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the shrikes (family Laniidæ).


word: Lank
definition:
Lank

Lank
(lă&nsmacr_;k)
a.
[Compar. Lanker (?); superl. Lankest.]
[AS. hlanc; cf. G. lenken to turn, gelenk joint, OHG. hlanca hip, side, flank, and E. link of a chain.]
1.
Slender and thin; not well filled out; not plump; shrunken; lean.

Meager and lank with fasting grown.
Swift.

Who would not choose . . . to have rather a lank purse than an empty brain?
Barrow.

2.
Languid; drooping.
[Obs.]

Who, piteous of her woes, reared her lank head.
Milton.

Lank hair, long, thin hair. Macaulay.


word: Lanky
definition:
Lanky

Lank"y
a.
Somewhat lank; tall, thin, bony and ungraceful.
Thackeray.

The lanky Dinka, nearly seven feet in height.
The Century.


word: Lanneret
definition:
Lanneret

Lanner

{ Lan"ner (?), n. f. Lan"ner*et (?), n. m.}
[F. lanier, OF. also, lasnier.  Cf. Lanyard.]
(Zool.)
A long-tailed falcon (Falco lanarius), of Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, resembling the American prairie falcon.


word: Lanolin
definition:
Lanolin

Lan"o*lin
(lăn"o̝*lĭn)
n.
[L. lana wool + oleum oil.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A peculiar fatlike body, made up of cholesterin and certain fatty acids, found in feathers, hair, wool, and keratin tissues generally.

&hand_; Under the same name, it is prepared from wool for commercial purposes, and forms an admirable basis for ointments, being readily absorbed by the skin.


word: Lanseh
definition:
Lanseh

Lan"seh
(lȧn"sa̝)
n.
The small, yellow to whitish brown berrylike fruit of an East Indian tree (Lansium domesticum).  It has a fleshy pulp, with an agreeable tart subacid taste.
Balfour.

Syn. -- lansah, lansa, lansat, lanset.


word: Lansquenet
definition:
Lansquenet

Lans"que*net
(?)
n.
[F., fr. G. landsknecht a foot soldier, also a game of cards introduced by these foot soldiers; land country + knecht boy, servant. See Land, and Knight.]
1.
A German foot soldier in foreign service in the 15th and 16th centuries; a soldier of fortune; -- a term used in France and Western Europe.

2.
A game at cards, vulgarly called lambskinnet.

[They play] their little game of lansquenet.
Longfellow.


word: Lant₂
definition:
Lant

Lant
n.
[Cf. Lance.]
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of small, slender, marine fishes of the genus Ammedytes. The common European species (Ammedytes tobianus) and the American species (Ammedytes Americanus) live on sandy shores, buried in the sand, and are caught in large quantities for bait. Called also launce, and sand eel.


word: Lantanuric
definition:
Lantanuric

Lan`ta*nu"ric
(?)
a.
[Formed by transposition of the letters of allantoin and -uric.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a nitrogenous organic acid of the uric acid group, obtained by the decomposition of allantoin, and usually called allanturic acid.


word: Lantern
definition:
Lantern

Lan"tern
(lăn"tẽrn)
n.
[F. lanterne, L. lanterna, laterna, from Gr. lampth`r light, torch. See Lamp.]
1.
Something inclosing a light, and protecting it from wind, rain, etc.; -- sometimes portable, as a closed vessel or case of horn, perforated tin, glass, oiled paper, or other material, having a lamp or candle within; sometimes fixed, as the glazed inclosure of a street light, or of a lighthouse light.

2.
(Arch.)
(a)
An open structure of light material set upon a roof, to give light and air to the interior.
(b)
A cage or open chamber of rich architecture, open below into the building or tower which it crowns.
(c)
A smaller and secondary cupola crowning a larger one, for ornament, or to admit light; such as the lantern of the cupola of the Capitol at Washington, or that of the Florence cathedral.

3.
(Mach.)
A lantern pinion or trundle wheel. See Lantern pinion (below).

4.
(Steam Engine)
A kind of cage inserted in a stuffing box and surrounding a piston rod, to separate the packing into two parts and form a chamber between for the reception of steam, etc.; -- called also lantern brass.

5.
(Founding)
A perforated barrel to form a core upon.

6.
(Zool.)
See Aristotle's lantern.

&hand_; Fig. 1 represents a hand lantern; fig. 2, an arm lantern; fig. 3, a breast lantern; -- so named from the positions in which they are carried.

Dark lantern, a lantern with a single opening, which may be closed so as to conceal the light; -- called also bull's-eye. -- Lantern jaws, long, thin jaws; hence, a thin visage. -- Lantern pinion, Lantern wheel (Mach.), a kind of pinion or wheel having cylindrical bars or trundles, instead of teeth, inserted at their ends in two parallel disks or plates; -- so called as resembling a lantern in shape; -- called also wallower, or trundle. -- Lantern shell (Zool.), any translucent, marine, bivalve shell of the genus Anatina, and allied genera. -- Magic lantern, an optical instrument consisting of a case inclosing a light, and having suitable lenses in a lateral tube, for throwing upon a screen, in a darkened room or the like, greatly magnified pictures from slides placed in the focus of the outer lens.


word: Lantern₂
definition:
Lantern

Lan"tern
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lanterned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lanterning.]
[Cf. F. lanterner to hang at the lamp post, fr. lanterne. See Lantern.]
To furnish with a lantern; as, to lantern a lighthouse.


word: lanternfish
definition:
lanternfish

lanternfish
n.
A small fish having rows of luminous organs along each side; some surface at night.


word: lantern fly
definition:
lantern fly

lanternfly

lanternfly, lantern fly
n.
(Zool.)
any one of several species of large, handsome, brightly marked, tropical hemipterous insects of the genera Laternaria, Fulgora, and allies, of the family Fulgoridæ. The largest species is Laternaria phosphorea of Brazil. The head has a snoutlike process in some species which was formerly thought to emit a phosphorescent light.


word: Lantern-jawed
definition:
Lantern-jawed

Lan"tern-jawed`
(?)
a.
Having lantern jaws or long, thin jaws; as, a lantern-jawed person.


word: lanthanide
definition:
lanthanide

lanthanide
n.
Any rare earth element of the lanthanide series (atomic numbers 57 through 71).

Syn. -- rare earth, rare-earth element, lanthanon.


word: Lanthanite
definition:
Lanthanite

Lan"tha*nite
(lăn"thȧ*nīt)
n.
(Min.)
Hydrous carbonate of lanthanum, found in tabular white crystals.


word: Lanthanotidae
definition:
Lanthanotidae

Lanthanotidae
n.
A natural family of stout-bodied lizards.

Syn. -- family Lanthanotidae.


word: Lanthanum
definition:
Lanthanum

Lan"tha*num
(lăn"thȧ*nŭm)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. lanqa`nein to lie hid, to be concealed.]
(Chem.)
A rare element of the rare earth group of the metals, of atomic number 57, allied to aluminum.  It occurs in certain rare minerals, as cerite, gadolinite, orthite, etc., and was so named from the difficulty of separating it from cerium, didymium, and other rare earth elements with which it is usually associated. Atomic weight 138.9. Symbol La.
[Formerly written also lanthanium.]


word: Lanthopine
definition:
Lanthopine

Lan"tho*pine
(?)
n.
[Gr. lanqa`nein to lie hid + E. opium.]
(Chem.)
An alkaloid found in opium in small quantities, and extracted as a white crystalline substance.


word: Lanuginous
definition:
Lanuginous

Lanuginose

{ La*nu"gi*nose` (?), La*nu"gi*nous (?), }
a.
[L. lanuginosus, fr. lanugo, -ginis, woolly substance, down, fr. lana wool: cf. F. lanugineux.]
Covered with down, or fine soft hair; downy.


word: Lanugo
definition:
Lanugo

La*nu"go
(?)
n.
[See Lanuginose.]
(Anat.)
The soft woolly hair which covers most parts of the mammal fetus, and in man is shed before or soon after birth.


word: Lanyard
definition:
Lanyard

Lan"yard
(?)
n.
[F. lanière thong, strap, OF. lasniere, fr. lasne strap, thong, L. lacinia lappet. flap, edge of a garment.  Cf. Lanier.]
[Written also laniard.]
1.
(Naut.)
A short piece of rope or line for fastening something in ships; as, the lanyards of the gun ports, of the buoy, and the like; esp., pieces passing through the dead-eyes, and used to extend shrouds, stays, etc.

2.
(Mil.)
A strong cord, about twelve feet long, with an iron hook at one end a handle at the other, used in firing cannon with a friction tube.


word: Laocoon
definition:
Laocoon

La*oc"o*ön
(?)
prop. n.
[L., fr. Gr. _; ]
1.
(Class. Myth.)
A priest of Apollo, during the Trojan war. (See 2.)

2.
(Sculp.)
A marble group in the Vatican at Rome, representing the priest Laocoön, with his sons, infolded in the coils of two serpents, as described by Virgil.


word: Laodicean
definition:
Laodicean

La*od`i*ce"an
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Laodicea, a city in Phrygia Major; like the Christians of Laodicea; lukewarm in religion.
Rev. iii. 14-16.


word: Laotian₂
definition:
Laotian

Laotian
prop. a.
1.
of or pertaining to Laos; as, the Laotian Prime Minister.

2.
of or pertaining to the inhabitants of Laos; as, Laotian refugees.


word: Laozi
definition:
Laozi

Lao-tse

Lao-tse, Laozi
prop. n.
A Chinese philosopher who founded Taoism in the 6th-century b.c.

Syn. -- Lao-Tzu, Lao-Tse.


word: Lap
definition:
Lap

Lap
(lăp)
n.
[OE. lappe, AS. læppa; akin to D. lap patch, piece, G. lappen, OHG. lappa, Dan. lap, Sw. lapp.]
1.
The loose part of a coat; the lower part of a garment that plays loosely; a skirt; an apron.
Chaucer.

2.
An edge; a border; a hem, as of cloth.
Chaucer.

If he cuts off but a lap of truth's garment, his heart smites him.
Fuller.

3.
The part of the clothing that lies on the knees or thighs when one sits down; that part of the person thus covered; figuratively, a place of rearing and fostering; as, to be reared in the lap of luxury.

Men expect that happiness should drop into their laps.
Tillotson.

4.
That part of any substance or fixture which extends over, or lies upon, or by the side of, a part of another; as, the lap of a board; also, the measure of such extension over or upon another thing.

&hand_; The lap of shingles or slates in roofing is the distance one course extends over the second course below, the distance over the course immediately below being called the cover.

5.
(Steam Engine)
The amount by which a slide valve at its half stroke overlaps a port in the seat, being equal to the distance the valve must move from its mid stroke position in order to begin to open the port. Used alone, lap refers to outside lap. See Outside lap (below).

6.
The state or condition of being in part extended over or by the side of something else; or the extent of the overlapping; as, the second boat got a lap of half its length on the leader.

7.
One circuit around a race track, esp. when the distance is a small fraction of a mile; as, to run twenty laps; to win by three laps. See Lap, to fold, 2.

8.
In card playing and other games, the points won in excess of the number necessary to complete a game; -- so called when they are counted in the score of the following game.

9.
(Cotton Manuf.)
A sheet, layer, or bat, of cotton fiber prepared for the carding machine.

10.
(Mach.)
A piece of brass, lead, or other soft metal, used to hold a cutting or polishing powder in cutting glass, gems, and the like, or in polishing cutlery, etc. It is usually in the form of wheel or disk, which revolves on a vertical axis.

Lap joint, a joint made by one layer, part, or piece, overlapping another, as in the scarfing of timbers. -- Lap weld, a lap joint made by welding together overlapping edges or ends. -- Inside lap (Steam Engine), lap of the valve with respect to the exhaust port. -- Outside lap, lap with respect to the admission, or steam, port.


word: Lap₂
definition:
Lap

Lap
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lapped (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Lapping.]
1.
To rest or recline in a lap, or as in a lap.

To lap his head on lady's breast.
Praed.

2.
To cut or polish with a lap, as glass, gems, cutlery, etc. See 1st Lap, 10.


word: Lap₃
definition:
Lap

Lap
v. t.
[OE. lappen to fold (see Lap, n.); cf. also OE. wlappen, perh. another form of wrappen, E, wrap.]
1.
To fold; to bend and lay over or on something; as, to lap a piece of cloth.

2.
To wrap or wind around something.

About the paper . . . I lapped several times a slender thread of very black silk.
Sir I. Newton.

3.
To infold; to hold as in one's lap; to cherish.

Her garment spreads, and laps him in the folds.
Dryden.

4.
To lay or place over anything so as to partly or wholly cover it; as, to lap one shingle over another; to lay together one partly over another; as, to lap weather-boards; also, to be partly over, or by the side of (something); as, the hinder boat lapped the foremost one.

5.
(Carding & Spinning)
To lay together one over another, as fleeces or slivers for further working.

To lap boards, shingles, etc., to lay one partly over another. -- To lap timbers, to unite them in such a way as to preserve the same breadth and depth throughout, as by scarfing. Weale.


word: Lap₄
definition:
Lap

Lap
v. i.
To be turned or folded; to lie partly upon or by the side of something, or of one another; as, the cloth laps back; the boats lap; the edges lap.

The upper wings are opacous; at their hinder ends, where they lap over, transparent, like the wing of a flay.
Grew.


word: Lap₅
definition:
Lap

Lap
(?)
v. i.
[OE. lappen, lapen, AS. lapian; akin to LG. lappen, OHG. laffan, Icel. lepja, Dan. lade, Sw. läppja, L. lambere; cf. Gr. _;, W. llepio.  Cf. Lambent.]
1.
To take up drink or food with the tongue; to drink or feed by licking up something.

The dogs by the River Nilus's side, being thirsty, lap hastily as they run along the shore.
Sir K. Digby.

2.
To make a sound like that produced by taking up drink with the tongue.

I heard the ripple washing in the reeds,
And the wild water lapping on the crag.
Tennyson.


word: Lap₆
definition:
Lap

Lap
v. t.
To take into the mouth with the tongue; to lick up with a quick motion of the tongue.

They 'II take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
Shak.


word: Lap₇
definition:
Lap

Lap
n.
1.
The act of lapping with, or as with, the tongue; as, to take anything into the mouth with a lap.

2.
The sound of lapping.


word: Laparocele
definition:
Laparocele

Lap"a*ro*cele`
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; loins + _; tumor.]
(Med.)
A rupture or hernia in the lumbar regions.


word: laparoscope
definition:
laparoscope

laparoscope
n.
(Med.)
A slender endoscope, containing fiber-optic viewing capability and miniature surgical devices, which can be inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall, allowing a surgeon to perform minor surgery with minimal damage to the abdominal muscles.


word: Laparotomy
definition:
Laparotomy

Lap`a*rot"o*my
(?)
n.
[Gr. _; loins + te`mnein to cut.]
(Surg.)
A cutting through the walls of the abdomen, as in the Caesarean section.


word: Lapdog
definition:
Lapdog

Lap"dog`
(?)
n.
1.
A small dog which is or can be fondled in the lap.

2.
One who does the bidding of another; a servile follower.
[informal]


word: Lapel
definition:
Lapel

La*pel"
(?)
n.
[Dim. of lap a fold.]
That part of a garment which is turned back; specifically, the lap, or fold, of the front of a coat in continuation of collar.
[Written also lappel and lapelle.]


word: Lapidarian
definition:
Lapidarian

Lap`i*da"ri*an
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to stone; inscribed on stone; as, a lapidarian record.


word: Lapidarious
definition:
Lapidarious

Lap`i*da"ri*ous
(?)
a.
[L. lapidarius, fr. lapis, -idis, stone.]
Consisting of stones.


word: Lapidary
definition:
Lapidary

Lap"i*da*ry
(?)
n.
pl. Lapidaries (#).
[L. lapidarius, fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.]
1.
An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.

2.
A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a connoisseur of lapidary work.

Lapidary's lathe, Lapidary's mill, Lapidary's wheel, a machine consisting essentially of a revolving lap on a vertical spindle, used by a lapidary for grinding and polishing.


word: Lapidary₂
definition:
Lapidary

Lap"i*da*ry
a.
[L. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the art of cutting stones, or engraving on stones, either gems or monuments; as, lapidary ornamentation.

2.
Of or pertaining to monumental inscriptions; as, lapidary adulation.

Lapidary style, that style which is proper for monumental and other inscriptions; terse; sententious.


word: Lapidate
definition:
Lapidate

Lap"i*date
(?)
v. t.
[L. lapidatus, p. p. of lapidare, fr. lapis stone.]
To stone.
[Obs.]


word: Lapidation
definition:
Lapidation

Lap`i*da"tion
(?)
n.
[L. lapidatio: cf. F. lapidation.]
The act of stoning.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Lapidescence
definition:
Lapidescence

Lap`i*des"cence
(?)
n.
1.
The state or quality of being lapidescent.

2.
A hardening into a stone substance.

3.
A stony concretion.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Lapidescent
definition:
Lapidescent

Lap`i*des"cent
(?)
a.
[L. lapidescens, p. pr. of lapidescere to become stone, fr. lapis, -idis, stone: cf. F. lapidescent.]
Undergoing the process of becoming stone; having the capacity of being converted into stone; having the quality of petrifying bodies.


word: Lapidescent₂
definition:
Lapidescent

Lap"i*des"cent
n.
Any substance which has the quality of petrifying other bodies, or of converting or being converted into stone.


word: Lapidifical
definition:
Lapidifical

Lapidific

{ Lap`i*dif"ic (?), Lap`i*dif"ic*al (?), }
a.
[L. lapis, -idis, stone + facere to make: cf. F. lapidifique.]
Forming or converting into stone.


word: Lapidification
definition:
Lapidification

La*pid`i*fi*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. lapidification.]
The act or process of lapidifying; fossilization; petrifaction.


word: Lapidify
definition:
Lapidify

La*pid"i*fy
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lapidified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lapidifying (?).]
[Cf. f. lapidifier. See Lapidific, and -fy.]
To convert into stone or stony material; to petrify.


word: Lapilli
definition:
Lapilli

La*pil"li
(?)
n. pl.
[L. lapillus a little stone, dim. of lapis stone.]
(Min.)
Volcanic ashes, consisting of small, angular, stony fragments or particles.


word: Lapis
definition:
Lapis

La"pis
(?)
n.
pl. Lapides (#).
[L.]
A stone.

Lapis calaminaris (_;) n. [NL.] (Min.) Calamine. -- Lapis infernalis (_;) n. [L.] Fused nitrate of silver; lunar caustic.


word: Lapis lazuli
definition:
Lapis lazuli

La"pis laz"u*li
(?)
n.
(Min.)
An albuminous mineral of a rich blue color; also called lapis. Same as Lazuli, which see.


word: Lap-jointed
definition:
Lap-jointed

Lap"-joint`ed
(?)
a.
Having a lap joint, or lap joints, as many kinds of woodwork and metal work.


word: Lapling
definition:
Lapling

Lap"ling
(?)
n.
[Lap of a garment + ling.]
One who has been fondled to excess; one fond of ease and sensual delights; -- a term of contempt.


word: Lappaceous
definition:
Lappaceous

Lap*pa"ceous
(lăp*pā"shŭs)
a.
[L. lappaceus burlike, fr. lappa a bur.]
(Bot.)
Resembling the capitulum of burdock; covered with forked points.


word: Lappet
definition:
Lappet

Lap"pet
(?)
n.
[Dim. of lap a fold.]
A small decorative fold or flap, esp. of lace or muslin, in a garment or headdress.
Swift.

Lappet moth (Zool.), one of several species of bombycid moths, which have stout, hairy caterpillars, flat beneath.  Two common American species (Gastropacha Americana, and Tolype velleda) feed upon the apple tree.


word: Lappet₂
definition:
Lappet

Lap"pet
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lappeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Lappeting.]
To decorate with, or as with, a lappet.
[R.]
Landor.


word: Lappic
definition:
Lappic

Lap"pic
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Lapland, or the Lapps.
n. The language of the Lapps. See Lappish.


word: Lapping
definition:
Lapping

Lap"ping
(?)
n.
A kind of machine blanket or wrapping material used by calico printers.
Ure.

Lapping engine, Lapping machine (Textile Manuf.), A machine for forming fiber info a lap. See its Lap, 9.


word: Lappish
definition:
Lappish

Lap"pish
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the Lapps; Laplandish.
n. The language spoken by the Lapps in Lapland. It is related to the Finnish and Hungarian, and is not an Aryan language.


word: Lapps
definition:
Lapps

Lapps
(?)
n. pl.
sing.  Lapp (_;)
(Ethnol.)
A branch of the Mongolian race, now living in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and the adjacent parts of Russia.


word: Lapse
definition:
Lapse

Lapse
(lăps)
n.
[L. lapsus, fr. labi, p. p. lapsus, to slide, to fall: cf. F. laps. See Sleep.]
1.
A gliding, slipping, or gradual falling; an unobserved or imperceptible progress or passing away,; -- restricted usually to immaterial things, or to figurative uses.

The lapse to indolence is soft and imperceptible.
Rambler.

Bacon was content to wait the lapse of long centuries for his expected revenue of fame.
I. Taylor.

2.
A slip; an error; a fault; a failing in duty; a slight deviation from truth or rectitude.

To guard against those lapses and failings to which our infirmities daily expose us.
Rogers.

3.
(Law)
The termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within the limited time, or through failure of some contingency; hence, the devolution of a right or privilege.

4.
(Theol.)
A fall or apostasy.


word: Lapse₂
definition:
Lapse

Lapse
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lapsed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Lapsing.]
1.
To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away; to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; -- mostly restricted to figurative uses.

A tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those northern nations from whom we are descended.
Swift.

Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites, has lapsed into the burlesque character.
Addison.

2.
To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to fall from virtue; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault by inadvertence or mistake.

To lapse in fullness
Is sorer than to lie for need.
Shak.

3.
(Law)
(a)
To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, or from the original destination, by the omission, negligence, or failure of some one, as a patron, a legatee, etc.
(b)
To become ineffectual or void; to fall.

If the archbishop shall not fill it up within six months ensuing, it lapses to the king.
Ayliffe.


word: Lapse₃
definition:
Lapse

Lapse
v. t.
1.
To let slip; to permit to devolve on another; to allow to pass.

An appeal may be deserted by the appellant's lapsing the term of law.
Ayliffe.

2.
To surprise in a fault or error; hence, to surprise or catch, as an offender.
[Obs.]

For which, if be lapsed in this place,
I shall pay dear.
Shak.


word: Lapsed
definition:
Lapsed

Lapsed
(?)
a.
1.
Having slipped downward, backward, or away; having lost position, privilege, etc., by neglect; -- restricted to figurative uses.

Once more I will renew
His lapsed powers, though forfeit.
Milton.

2.
Ineffectual, void, or forfeited; as, a lapsed policy of insurance; a lapsed legacy.

Lapsed devise, Lapsed legacy (Law), a devise, or legacy, which fails to take effect in consequence of the death of the devisee, or legatee, before that of the testator, or for other cause. Wharton (Law Dict.).


word: lap-straked
definition:
lap-straked

lap-streaked

Lapstrake

Lapstreak

{ Lap"streak` (?), Lap"strake` (?), lap-streaked, lap-straked }
a.
Made with boards whose edges lap one over another; clinker-built; -- said of boats.  Contrasted with carvel-built.

Syn. -- lap-jointed, overlapping.


word: lap up
definition:
lap up

lap up
(?)
v. t.
[See lap, v. i.]
1.
To take up (drink or food) with the tongue; to drink by licking up.

2.
(fig.)
To accept or enjoy enthusiatically and uncritically; as, to lap up praise.


word: Laputan
definition:
Laputan

La*pu"tan
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Laputa, an imaginary flying island described in Gulliver's Travels as the home of chimerical philosophers.
Hence,
fanciful; preposterous; absurd in science or philosophy.
Laputan
G. Eliot.


word: Lapwing
definition:
Lapwing

Lap"wing`
(?)
n.
[OE. lapwynke, leepwynke, AS. hleápewince; hleápan to leap, jump + (prob.) a word akin to AS. wincian to wink, E. wink, AS. wancol wavering; cf. G. wanken to stagger, waver. See Leap, and Wink.]
(Zool.)
A small European bird of the Plover family (Vanellus cristatus, or Vanellus vanellus). It has long and broad wings, and is noted for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards, downwards, and in circles.  Its back is coppery or greenish bronze. Its eggs are the “plover's eggs” of the London market, esteemed a delicacy.  It is called also peewit, dastard plover, and wype.  The gray lapwing is the Squatarola cinerea.


word: Laqueary
definition:
Laqueary

Laq"ue*a*ry
(?)
a.
[L. laqueus a noose.]
Using a noose, as a gladiator.
[Obs. or R.]

Retiary and laqueary combatants.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Lar
definition:
Lar

Lar
(lär)
n.
pl. Lares (#), sometimes Lars (#).
[L.]
(Rom. Myth.)
A tutelary deity; a deceased ancestor regarded as a protector of the family. The domestic Lares were the tutelar deities of a house; household gods.
Hence,
(Fig.)
Hearth or dwelling house.

Nor will she her dear Lar forget,
Victorious by his benefit.
Lovelace.

The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint.
Milton.

Looking backward in vain toward their Lares and lands.
Longfellow.


word: Lar₂
definition:
Lar

Lar
(lär)
n.
(Zool.)
A species of gibbon (Hylobates lar), found in Burmah. Called also white-handed gibbon.


word: Laramie group
definition:
Laramie group

Lar"a*mie group`
(?)
n.
(Geol.)
An extensive series of strata, principally developed in the Rocky Mountain region, as in the Laramie Mountains, and formerly supposed to be of the Tertiary age, but now generally regarded as Cretaceous, or of intermediate and transitional character. It contains beds of lignite, often valuable for coal, and is hence also called the lignitic group. See Chart of Geology.


word: Larboard
definition:
Larboard

Lar"board`
(?)
n.
[Lar- is of uncertain origin, possibly the same as lower, i. e., humbler in rank, because the starboard side is considered by mariners as higher in rank; cf. D. laag low, akin to E. low. See Board, n., 8.]
(Naut.)
The left-hand side of a ship to one on board facing toward the bow; port; -- opposed to starboard.

&hand_; Larboard is a nearly obsolete term, having been superseded by port to avoid liability of confusion with starboard, owing to similarity of sound.


word: Larboard₂
definition:
Larboard

Lar"board`
a.
On or pertaining to the left-hand side of a vessel; port; as, the larboard quarter.


word: Larcenous
definition:
Larcenous

Lar"ce*nous
(?)
a.
[Cf. OE. larrecinos. See Larceny.]
Having the character of larceny; as, a larcenous act; committing larceny.
larcenous
Sydney Smith.
Lar"ce*nous*ly, adv.


word: Larceny
definition:
Larceny

Lar"ce*ny
(?)
n.
pl. Larcenies (#).
[F. larcin, OE. larrecin, L. latrocinium, fr. latro robber, mercenary, hired servant; cf. Gr. (_;) hired servant.  Cf. Latrociny.]
(Law)
The unlawful taking and carrying away of things personal with intent to deprive the right owner of the same; theft.  Cf. Embezzlement.

Grand larceny and Petit larceny are distinctions having reference to the nature or value of the property stolen. They are abolished in England. -- Mixed larceny, or Compound larceny, that which, under statute, includes in it the aggravation of a taking from a building or the person. -- Simple larceny, that which is not accompanied with any aggravating circumstances.


word: Larch
definition:
Larch

Larch
(lärch)
n.
[Cf. OE. larege (Cotgrave), It. larice, Sp. larice, alerce, G. lärche; all fr. L. larix, -icis, Gr. la`rix.]
(Bot.)
A genus of coniferous trees, having deciduous leaves, in fascicles (see Illust. of Fascicle).
The European larch is Larix Europæa. The American or black larch is Larix Americana, the hackmatack or tamarack. The trees are generally of a drooping, graceful appearance.


word: Lard
definition:
Lard

Lard
(lärd)
n.
[F., bacon, pig's fat, L. lardum, laridum; cf. Gr. (_;) fattened, fat.]
1.
Bacon; the flesh of swine.
[Obs.]
Dryden.

2.
The fat of swine, esp. the internal fat of the abdomen; also, this fat melted and strained.

Lard oil, an illuminating and lubricating oil expressed from lard. -- Leaf lard, the internal fat of the hog, separated in leaves or masses from the kidneys, etc.; also, the same melted.


word: Lard₂
definition:
Lard

Lard
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Larded; p. pr. & vb. n. Larding.]
[F. larder. See Lard, n.]
1.
To stuff with bacon; to dress or enrich with lard; esp., to insert lardons of bacon or pork in the surface of, before roasting; as, to lard poultry.

And larded thighs on loaded altars laid.
Dryden.

2.
To fatten; to enrich.

[The oak] with his nuts larded many a swine.
Spenser.

Falstaff sweats to death.
And lards the lean earth as he walks along.
Shak.

3.
To smear with lard or fat.

In his buff doublet larded o'er with fat
Of slaughtered brutes.
Somerville.

4.
To mix or garnish with something, as by way of improvement; to interlard.
Shak.

Let no alien Sedley interpose
To lard with wit thy hungry Epsom prose.
Dryden.


word: Lardacein
definition:
Lardacein

Lar`da*ce"in
(?)
n.
[See Lardaceous.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A peculiar amyloid substance, colored blue by iodine and sulphuric acid, occurring mainly as an abnormal infiltration into the spleen, liver, etc.


word: Lardaceous
definition:
Lardaceous

Lar*da"ceous
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. lardacé.]
Consisting of, or resembling, lard.

Lardaceous degeneration (Med.), amyloid degeneration.


word: Larder
definition:
Larder

Lard"er
(lärd"ẽr)
n.
[OF. lardier. See Lard, n.]
A room or place where meat and other articles of food are kept before they are cooked.
Shak.


word: Lardoon
definition:
Lardoon

Lardon

{ Lar"don (?), Lar*doon" (?), }
n.
[F. lardon, fr. lard lard.]
A bit of fat pork or bacon used in larding.


word: Lardy
definition:
Lardy

Lard"y
(lärd"&ybreve_;)
a.
Containing, or resembling, lard; of the character or consistency of lard.


word: Large
definition:
Large

Large
(lärj)
a.
[Compar. Larger (lär"jẽr); superl. Largest.]
[F., fr. L. largus.  Cf. Largo.]
1.
Exceeding most other things of like kind in bulk, capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of constituent units; big; great; capacious; extensive; -- opposed to small; as, a large horse; a large house or room; a large lake or pool; a large jug or spoon; a large vineyard; a large army; a large city.

&hand_; For linear dimensions, and mere extent, great, and not large, is used as a qualifying word; as, great length, breadth, depth; a great distance; a great height.

2.
Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions.

We have yet large day.
Milton.

3.
Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse.

I might be very large upon the importance and advantages of education.
Felton.

4.
Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said of the mind and heart.

5.
Free; unembarrassed.
[Obs.]

Of burdens all he set the Paynims large.
Fairfax.

6.
Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language.
[Obs.]
large
Shak.

7.
Prodigal in expending; lavish.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

8.
(Naut.)
Crossing the line of a ship's course in a favorable direction; -- said of the wind when it is abeam, or between the beam and the quarter.

At large. (a) Without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large; to be left at large. (b) Diffusely; fully; in the full extent; as, to discourse on a subject at large. -- Common at large. See under Common, n. -- Electors at large, Representative at large, electors, or a representative, as in Congress, chosen to represent the whole of a State, in distinction from those chosen to represent particular districts in a State. [U. S.] -- To give large, To go large, To run large, or To sail large (Naut.), to have the wind crossing the direction of a vessel's course in such a way that the sails feel its full force, and the vessel gains its highest speed. See Large, a., 8.


word: Large₃
definition:
Large

Large
n.
(Mus.)
A musical note, formerly in use, equal to two longs, four breves, or eight semibreves.


word: Large-handed
definition:
Large-handed

Large"-hand`ed
(?)
a.
Having large hands.
(Fig.)
Taking, or giving, in large quantities; rapacious or bountiful.


word: Large-hearted
definition:
Large-hearted

Large"-heart`ed
(?)
a.
Having a large or generous heart or disposition; noble; liberal.
Large"-heart`ed*ness, n.


word: large-scale
definition:
large-scale

large-scale
adj.
1.
large in area, scope or degree; as, a large-scale attack on AIDS is needed.

Syn. -- extensive, wide-ranging.

2.
constructed or drawn to a big scale{4}; as, large-scale maps.  See 3rd scale, n., sense 4.

3.
widespread; applying to all or most members of a category or group.

Syn. -- mass.


word: Largesse
definition:
Largesse

Largess

{ Lar"gess, Lar"gesse (lär*jĕs" or  lär"jĕs), }
n.
[F. largesse, fr. large. See Large, a.]
1.
Liberality; generosity; bounty.
[Obs.]

Fulfilled of largesse and of all grace.
Chaucer.

2.
A present; a gift; a bounty bestowed.

The heralds finished their proclamation with their usual cry of “Largesse, largesse, gallant knights!” and gold and silver pieces were showered on them from the galleries.
Sir W. Scott.


word: largest
definition:
largest

largest
adj.
1.
greatest in size of those under consideration.

Syn. -- biggest, greatest.

2.
maximal.

Syn. -- outside.


word: Larget
definition:
Larget

Lar"get
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. larget.]
A short piece of bar iron for rolling into a sheet; a small billet.


word: Larghetto
definition:
Larghetto

Lar*ghet"to
(?)
a. & adv.
[It., dim. of largo largo.]
(Mus.)
Somewhat slow or slowly, but not so slowly as largo, and rather more so than andante.


word: Largifical
definition:
Largifical

Lar*gif"i*cal
(?)
a.
[L. largificus; largus large + facere.]
Generous; ample; liberal.
[Obs.]


word: Largifluous
definition:
Largifluous

Lar*gif"lu*ous
(?)
a.
[L. largifluus; large abundantly + fluere to flow.]
Flowing copiously.
[Obs.]


word: Largition
definition:
Largition

Lar*gi"tion
(?)
[L. largitio, fr. largiri, p. p. largitus, to give bountifully.]
The bestowment of a largess or gift.
[Obs.]


word: Largo
definition:
Largo

Lar"go
(?)
a. & adv.
[It., large, L. largus, See Large.]
(Mus.)
Slow or slowly; -- more so than adagio; next in slowness to grave, which is also weighty and solemn.
n. A movement or piece in largo time.


word: Lari
definition:
Lari

Lari
prop. n.
A suborder of birds including the gulls; terns; jaegers; and skimmers.

Syn. -- suborder Lari.


word: Lariat
definition:
Lariat

Lar"i*at
(lăr"ĭ*ăt)
n.
[Sp. la reata the rope; la the + reata rope.  Cf. Reata.]
A long, slender rope made of hemp or strips of hide, esp. one with a noose; -- used as a lasso for catching cattle, horses, etc., and for picketing a horse so that he can graze without wandering.
[Mexico & Western U.S.]


word: Lariat₂
definition:
Lariat

Lar"i*at
(lăr"ĭ*ăt)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lariated; p. pr. & vb. n. Lariating.]
To secure with a lariat fastened to a stake, as a horse or mule for grazing; also, to lasso or catch with a lariat.
[Western U.S.]


word: Laridae
definition:
Laridae

Laridae
prop. n.
The natural family of birds including the gulls and terns; the gull family.

Syn. -- family Laridae.


word: Lark
definition:
Lark

Lark
(lärk)
n.
[Perh fr. AS. lāc play, sport.  Cf. Lake, v. i.]
A frolic; a jolly time.
[Colloq.]
Dickens.


word: Lark₂
definition:
Lark

Lark
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Larked (lärkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Larking.]
To sport; to frolic.
[Colloq.]


word: Lark₃
definition:
Lark

Lark
n.
[OE. larke, laverock, AS. lāwerce; akin to D. leeuwerik, LG. lewerke, OHG. lērahha, G. lerche, Sw. lärka, Dan. lerke, Icel. lævirki.]
(Zool.)
Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus Alauda and allied genera (family Alaudidæ). They mostly belong to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.  In America they are represented by the shore larks, or horned larks, of the genus Otocoris. The true larks have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws, and, usually, dull, sandy brown colors.

&hand_; The European skylark, or lark of the poets (Alauda arvensis), is of a brown mottled color, and is noted for its clear and sweet song, uttered as it rises and descends almost perpendicularly in the air. It is considered a table delicacy, and immense numbers are killed for the markets. Other well-known European species are the crested, or tufted, lark (Alauda cristata), and the wood lark (Alauda arborea).  The pipits, or titlarks, of the genus Anthus (family Motacillidæ) are often called larks. See Pipit. The American meadow larks, of the genus Sturnella, are allied to the starlings. See Meadow Lark. The Australian bush lark is Mirafra Horsfieldii. See Shore lark.

Lark bunting (Zool.), a fringilline bird (Calamospiza melanocorys) found on the plains of the Western United States. -- Lark sparrow (Zool.), a sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), found in the Mississippi Valley and the Western United States.


word: Larker
definition:
Larker

Lark"er
(?)
n.
[See 3d Lark, for sense 1, and 1st Lark, for sense 2.]
1.
A catcher of larks.

2.
One who indulges in a lark or frolic.
[Colloq.]


word: Larkspur
definition:
Larkspur

Lark"spur
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A genus of ranunculaceous plants (Delphinium), having showy flowers, and a spurred calyx.  They are natives of the North Temperate zone.  The commonest larkspur of the gardens is Delphinium Consolida.  The flower of the bee larkspur (Delphinium elatum) has two petals bearded with yellow hairs, and looks not unlike a bee.


word: Larmier
definition:
Larmier

Lar"mi*er
(?)
n.
[F., fr. larme tear, drop, L. lacrima. See Lachrymose.]
(Anat.)
See Tearpit.


word: Larrikin
definition:
Larrikin

Lar"ri*kin
(?)
n.
[Cf. E. dial. larrikin  a mischievous or frolicsome youth, larrick lively, careless, larack to frolic, to romp.]
A rowdy street loafer; a rowdyish or noisy ill-bred fellow; a hoodlum; -- variously applied, as to a street blackguard, a street Arab, a youth given to horse-play, etc.
[Australia & Eng.]
a. Rowdy; rough; disorderly. [Australia & Eng.]
Mobs of unruly larrikins.
Sydney Daily Telegraph.
&hand_; Larrikin is often popularly explained by the following anecdote (which is without foundation): An Irish policeman at Melbourne, on bringing a notorious rough into court, was asked by the magistrate what the prisoner had been doing, and replied, “He was a-larrikin' [i. e., a-larking] about the streets.”


word: Larrup
definition:
Larrup

Lar"rup
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Larruped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Larruping.]
[Perh, a corrupt. of lee rope, used by sailors in beating the boys; but cf. D. larpen to thresh, larp a whip, blow.]
To beat or flog soundly.
[Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.]
Forby.


word: Larva
definition:
Larva

Larvae

Lar"va
(lär"vȧ)
n.
pl. L. Larvæ (lär"væ), E. Larvas (lär"vȧz).
[L. larva ghost, specter, mask.]
1.
(Zool.)
Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or color each time.  The larvæ of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage.  In other groups of insects the larvæ are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc.

2.
(Zool.)
The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape.


word: larval
definition:
larval

lar"val
(lär"val)
a.
[L. larvalis ghostly. See Larva.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to a larva.


word: Larvalia
definition:
Larvalia

Lar*va"li*a
(?)
prop. n. pl.
[NL. See Larval.]
(Zool.)
An order of Tunicata, including Appendicularia, and allied genera; -- so called because certain larval features are retained by them through life. Called also Copelata. See Appendicularia.


word: Larvate
definition:
Larvate

Lar"vate
(?)
a.
[L. larva mask.]
Masked; hence, concealed; obscure; -- applied in medicine to doubtful cases of some diseases; as, larvate pneumonis; larvate epilepsy.


word: Larviparous
definition:
Larviparous

Lar*vip"a*rous
(?)
a.
[Larva + L. parete to bring forth.]
(Zool.)
Depositing living larvæ, instead of eggs; -- said of certain insects.


word: Lary
definition:
Lary

La"ry
(lā"r&ybreve_;)
n.
[Cf. F. lare sea gull, L. larus a sort of sea bird, Gr. la`ros.]
A guillemot; -- called also lavy.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Laryngeal
definition:
Laryngeal

Lar`yn*ge"al
(?)
a.
[From Larynx.]
Of or pertaining to the larynx; adapted to operations on the larynx; as, laryngeal forceps.


word: Laryngectomy
definition:
Laryngectomy

Lar`yn*gec"to*my
(?)
n.
[Larynx + Gr. _; to cut out.]
(Surg.)
Excision of the larynx.


word: Laryngismus
definition:
Laryngismus

Lar`yn*gis"mus
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. laryggismo`s a croaking. See Larynx.]
(Med.)
A spasmodic state of the glottis, giving rise to contraction or closure of the opening.


word: Laryngograph
definition:
Laryngograph

La*ryn"go*graph
(?)
n.
[larynx + -graph.]
An instrument for recording the larynx movements in speech.


word: Laryngology
definition:
Laryngology

Lar`yn*gol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[Larynx + -logy.]
Systematized knowledge of the action and functions of the larynx; in pathology, the department which treats of the diseases of the larynx.


word: Laryngophony
definition:
Laryngophony

Lar`yn*goph"o*ny
(?)
n.
[Larynx + Gr. (_;) voice.]
The sound of the voice as heard through a stethoscope when the latter is placed upon the larynx.


word: Laryngoscope
definition:
Laryngoscope

La*ryn"go*scope
(?)
n.
[Larynx + -scope.]
1.
(Surg.)
An instrument, consisting of an arrangement of two mirrors, for reflecting light upon the larynx, and for examining its image.
[Archaic]

2.
(Med.)
A type of endoscope having a light source and lenses, permitting theviewing of a magnified image of the larynx.  It may be flexible or rigid.


word: Laryngoscopic
definition:
Laryngoscopic

La*ryn`go*scop"ic
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the inspection of the larynx; of or pertaining to the laryngoscope or laryngoscopy.


word: Laryngoscopy
definition:
Laryngoscopy

Lar`yn*gos"co*py
(?)
n.
The art of using the laryngoscope; investigations made with the laryngoscope.


word: Laryngotomy
definition:
Laryngotomy

Lar`yn*got"o*my
(?)
n.
[Gr. (_;); (_;), (_;), the larynx + te`mnein to cut: cf. F. laryngotomie.]
(Surg.)
The operation of cutting into the larynx, from the outside of the neck, for assisting respiration when obstructed, or for removing foreign bodies.


word: Laryngotracheal
definition:
Laryngotracheal

La*ryn`go*tra"che*al
(?)
a.
[Larynx + tracheal.]
(Anat.)
Pertaining to both larynx and trachea; as, the laryngotracheal cartilage in the frog.


word: laryngotracheotomy
definition:
laryngotracheotomy

la*ryn`go*tra`che*ot"o*my
(?)
n.
[Larynx + tracheotomy.]
(Surg.)
The operation of cutting into the larynx and the upper part of the trachea, -- a frequent operation for obstruction to breathing.


word: larynx
definition:
larynx

lar"ynx
(lăr"ĭ&nsmacr_;ks; 277)
n.
[NL. from Gr. la`rygx, la`ryggos.]
(Anat.)
The expanded upper end of the windpipe or trachea, connected with the hyoid bone or cartilage. It contains the vocal cords, which produce the voice by their vibrations, when they are stretched and a current of air passes between them.  The larynx is connected with the pharynx by an opening, the glottis, which, in mammals, is protected by a lidlike epiglottis.

&hand_; In the framework of the human larynx, the thyroid cartilage, attached to the hyoid bone, makes the protuberance on the front of the neck known as Adam's apple, and is articulated below to the ringlike cricoid cartilage. This is narrow in front and high behind, where, within the thyroid, it is surmounted by the two arytenoid cartilages, from which the vocal cords pass forward to be attached together to the front of the thyroid. See Syrinx.


word: lasagne
definition:
lasagne

lasagna

lasagna, lasagne
(lȧ*zȧn"yŭ)
n.
1.
A baked dish of layers of lasagna{2} pasta with sauce and cheese and meat or vegetables; -- a popular dish of Italian cuisine.

2.
large flat rectangular strips of pasta.


word: Lascar
definition:
Lascar

Las"car
(?)
n.
[Per. & Hind. lashkar an army, an inferior artillery man, a cooly, a native sailor.]
A native sailor, employed in European vessels; also, a menial employed about arsenals, camps, camps, etc.; a camp follower.
[East Indies]


word: lasciviency
definition:
lasciviency

las*civ"i*en*cy
(lăs*sĭv"ĭ*en*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Lascivient.]
Lasciviousness; wantonness.
[Obs.]


word: Lascivient
definition:
Lascivient

Las*civ"i*ent
(lăs*sĭv"ĭ*ent)
a.
[L. lasciviens, pr. of lascivire to be wanton, fr. lascivus. See Lascivious.]
Lascivious.
[Obs.]
Dr. H. More.


word: Lascivious
definition:
Lascivious

Las*civ"i*ous
(lăs*sĭv"ĭ*ŭs)
a.
[L. lascivia wantonness, fr. lascivus wanton; cf. Gr. la`stauros lecherous, lh^n to wish, Skr. lash to desire.]
1.
Wanton; lewd; lustful; as, lascivious men; lascivious desires.
Milton.

2.
Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions.

He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber
To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.
Shak.


word: lasciviousness
definition:
lasciviousness

las*civ"i*ous*ness
n.
The state or habitual condition of feeling an excessive or morbid sexual desire.

Syn. -- prurience, pruriency, carnality.


word: lase
definition:
lase

lase
(lāz)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. lased (lāzd); p. pr. & vb. n. lasing.]
[by back-formation from laser.  See laser.]
To give off a beam of coherent light; -- of a laser.


word: laser
definition:
laser

laser
n.
[acronym from Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation: ca. 1955.]
A device which produces an intense, usually narrow, monochromatic beam of coherent light; called also optical maser.  It has various forms, and is used in various applications in science and technology.  The beam is produced by boosting the majority of the electrons in specific radiation-absorbing atoms in a medium into a higher energy level, from which they are stimulated by their own emitted radiation to drop back synchronously to their lower energy level, and emit light which is in phase (coherent).

Syn. -- optical maser.


word: laser disk
definition:
laser disk

laser disk
n.
A digital data storage medium consisting of a thin disk onto which the data is impressed by a laser, in the form of a linear sequence of dots; same as optical disk.  The data is subsequently read back by the use of a laser beam.  See also compact disk.
The original disk may be created by use of a laser, but copies of the original disk may be created by a replicating process which does not itself require a laser.


word: laser printer
definition:
laser printer

laser printer
n.
A printer controlled by a computer, using a laser beam to produce images in a fine dot-matrix pattern of charge on an electrostatic drum, to which fine particles of ink are subsequently caused to adhere, and the image of which is subsequently transferred to paper or another type of material in sheet form.  It is capable of high-speed production of images with a higher resolution than those from dot-matrix impact printers.


word: Laserwort
definition:
Laserwort

La"ser*wort`
(lā"sẽr*wûrt`)
n.
[L. laser the juice of the laserwort.]
(Bot.)
Any plant of the umbelliferous genus Laserpitium, of several species (as Laserpitium glabrum, and Laserpitium siler), the root of which yields a resinous substance of a bitter taste. The genus is mostly European.


word: Lash
definition:
Lash

Lash
(lăsh)
n.
[OE. lasche; cf. D. lasch piece set in, joint, seam, G. lashe latchet, a bit of leather, gusset, stripe, laschen to furnish with flaps, to lash or slap, Icel. laski gusset, flap, laska to break.]
1.
The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow is given.

I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it.
Addison.

2.
A leash in which an animal is caught or held; hence, a snare.
[Obs.]

3.
A stroke with a whip, or anything pliant and tough; as, the culprit received thirty-nine lashes.

4.
A stroke of satire or sarcasm; an expression or retort that cuts or gives pain; a cut.

The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that to ourselves which succeeds well.
L'Estrange.

5.
A hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash.

6.
In carpet weaving, a group of strings for lifting simultaneously certain yarns, to form the figure.


word: Lash₂
definition:
Lash

Lash
(lăsh)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lashng.]
1.
To strike with a lash; to whip or scourge with a lash, or with something like one.

We lash the pupil, and defraud the ward.
Dryden.

2.
To strike forcibly and quickly, as with a lash; to beat, or beat upon, with a motion like that of a lash; as, a whale lashes the sea with his tail.

And big waves lash the frighted shores.
Dryden.

3.
To throw out with a jerk or quickly.

He falls, and lashing up his heels, his rider throws.
Dryden.

4.
To scold; to berate; to satirize; to censure with severity; as, to lash vice.


word: Lash₃
definition:
Lash

Lash
v. i.
To ply the whip; to strike; to utter censure or sarcastic language.

To laugh at follies, or to lash at vice.
Dryden.

To lash out, to strike out wildly or furiously; also used figuratively.


word: Lash₄
definition:
Lash

Lash
v. t.
[Cf. D. lasschen to fasten together, lasch piece, joint, Sw. laska to stitch, Dan. laske stitch. See Lash, n. ]
To bind with a rope, cord, thong, or chain, so as to fasten; as, to lash something to a spar; to lash a pack on a horse's back.


word: Lasher₂
definition:
Lasher

Lash"er
n.
1.
A piece of rope for binding or making fast one thing to another; -- called also lashing.

2.
A weir in a river.
[Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Lashing
definition:
Lashing

Lash"ing
n.
The act of one who, or that which, lashes; castigation; chastisement.
South.

Lashing out, a striking out; also, extravagance.


word: lasiocampid
definition:
lasiocampid

lasiocampid
n.
A member of the Lasiocampidae, a family of medium-sized stout-bodied neutral-colored moth with comblike antennae.

Syn. -- lasiocampid moth.


word: Lasiocampidae
definition:
Lasiocampidae

Lasiocampidae
n.
A natural family of moths whose larvae include the tent caterpillars; the eggars; the lappet moths.

Syn. -- family Lasiocampidae.


word: Lass
definition:
Lass

Lass
(lȧs)
n.
[OE. lasse; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. llodes girl, fem. of llawd lad.  √123.  See Lad a youth.]
A young woman; a girl; a sweetheart.


word: Lassitude
definition:
Lassitude

Las"si*tude
(lăs"sĭ*tūd)
n.
[L. lassitudo, fr. lassus faint, weary; akin to E. late: cf. F. lassitude. See Late.]
A condition of the body, or mind, when its voluntary functions are performed with difficulty, and only by a strong exertion of the will; languor; debility; weariness.

The corporeal instruments of action being strained to a high pitch . . . will soon feel a lassitude.
Barrow.


word: Lasso
definition:
Lasso

Lass"o
(lăs"so̝)
n.
pl. Lassos (-s&omacrz).
[Sp. lazo, L. laqueus. See Lace.]
A rope or long thong of leather with a running noose, used for catching horses, cattle, etc.

Lasso cell (Zool.), one of a peculiar kind of defensive and offensive stinging cells, found in great numbers in all cœlenterates, and in a few animals of other groups.  They are most highly developed in the tentacles of jellyfishes, hydroids, and Actiniæ.  Each of these cells is filled with, fluid, and contains a long, slender, often barbed, hollow thread coiled up within it. When the cell contracts the thread is quickly ejected, being at the same time turned inside out.  The thread is able to penetrate the flesh of various small, soft-bodied animals, and carries a subtle poison by which they are speedily paralyzed and killed.  The threads, at the same time, hold the prey in position, attached to the tentacles.  Some of the jellyfishes, as the Portuguese man-of-war, and Cyanea, are able to penetrate the human skin, and inflict painful stings in the same way.  Called also nettling cell, cnida, cnidocell.


word: Lasso₂
definition:
Lasso

Las"so
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lassoed (lăs"so̝d); p. pr. & vb. n. Lassoing.]
To catch with a lasso.


word: Last
definition:
Last

Last
(lȧst)
3d pers. sing. pres.
of Last, to endure, contracted from lasteth.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Last₂
definition:
Last

Last
(lȧst)
a.
[OE. last, latst, contr. of latest, superl. of late; akin to OS. lezt, lazt, last, D. laatst, G. letzt. See Late, and cf. Latest.]
1.
Being after all the others, similarly classed or considered, in time, place, or order of succession; following all the rest; final; hindmost; farthest; as, the last year of a century; the last man in a line of soldiers; the last page in a book; his last chance.

Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God.
Neh. viii. 18.

Fairest of stars, last in the train of night.
Milton.

2.
Next before the present; as, I saw him last week.

3.
Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.

Contending for principles of the last importance.
R. Hall.

4.
Lowest in rank or degree; as, the a last place finish.
Pope.

5.
Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely; having least fitness; as, he is the last person to be accused of theft.

At last, at the end of a certain period; after delay. “The duke of Savoy felt that the time had at last arrived.” Motley. -- At the last. [Prob. fr. AS. on lāste behind, following behind, fr. lāst race, track, footstep. See Last mold of the foot.] At the end; in the conclusion. [Obs.] “Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the last.” Gen. xlix. 19. -- Last heir, the person to whom lands escheat for lack of an heir. [Eng.] Abbott. -- On one's last legs, at, or near, the end of one's resources; hence, on the verge of failure or ruin, especially in a financial sense. [Colloq.] -- To breathe one's last, to die. -- To the last, to the end; till the conclusion.

And blunder on in business to the last.
Pope.


word: Last₃
definition:
Last

Last
(lȧst)
adv.
[See Last, a.]
1.
At a time or on an occasion which is the latest of all those spoken of or which have occurred; the last time; as, I saw him last in New York.

2.
In conclusion; finally; lastly.

Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires,
Adores; and, last, the thing adored desires.
Dryden.

3.
At a time next preceding the present time.

How long is't now since last yourself and I
Were in a mask ?
Shak.


word: Last₄
definition:
Last

Last
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Lasting.]
[OE. lasten, As. læstan to perform, execute, follow, last, continue, fr. lāst, l&aemacr_;st, trace, footstep, course; akin to G. leisten to perform, Goth. laistjan to follow. See Last mold of the foot.]
1.
To continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence.

[I] proffered me to be slave in all that she me would ordain while my life lasted.
Testament of Love.

2.
To endure use, or continue in existence, without impairment or exhaustion; as, this cloth lasts better than that; the fuel will last through the winter.


word: Last₅
definition:
Last

Last
n.
[AS. lāst trace, track, footstep; akin to D. leest a last, G. leisten, Sw. läst, Dan. læst, Icel. leistr the foot below the ankle, Goth. laists track, way; from a root signifying, to go.  Cf. Last, v. i., Learn, Delirium.]
A wooden block shaped like the human foot, on which boots and shoes are formed.

The cobbler is not to go beyond his last.
L'Estrange.

Darning last, a smooth, hard body, often egg-shaped, put into a stocking to preserve its shape in darning.


word: Last₆
definition:
Last

Last
v. t.
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last; as, to last a boot.


word: Last₇
definition:
Last

Last
n.
[As. hlæst, fr. hladan to lade; akin to OHG. hlast, G., D., Dan., & Sw. last: cf. F. laste, last, a last, of German or Dutch origin. See Lade.]
1.
A load; a heavy burden; hence, a certain weight or measure, generally estimated at 4,000 lbs., but varying for different articles and in different countries. In England, a last of codfish, white herrings, meal, or ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn, ten quarters, or eighty bushels, in some parts of England, twenty-one quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each containing 100 lbs; of red herrings, twenty cades, or 20,000; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool, twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1,700 lbs.

2.
The burden of a ship; a cargo.


word: Lastage
definition:
Lastage

Last"age
(?)
n.
[E. lestage ballasting, fr. lest ballast, or LL. lastagium, lestagium. See Last a load.]
1.
A duty exacted, in some fairs or markets, for the right to carry things where one will.
[Obs.]

2.
A tax on wares sold by the last.
[Obs.]
Cowell.

3.
The lading of a ship; also, ballast.
Spelman.

4.
Room for stowing goods, as in a ship.


word: Laster
definition:
Laster

Last"er
n.
A workman whose business it is to shape boots or shoes, or place leather smoothly, on lasts; a tool for stretching leather on a last.


word: Lasthenia
definition:
Lasthenia

Lasthenia
prop. n.
A small genus of herbs of the Pacific coast of North and South America.

Syn. -- genus Lasthenia.


word: Lasting
definition:
Lasting

Last"ing
a.
Existing or continuing a long while; enduring; as, a lasting good or evil; a lasting color.


word: Lasting₂
definition:
Lasting

Last"ing
n.
1.
Continuance; endurance.
Locke.

2.
A species of very durable woolen stuff, used for women's shoes; everlasting.

3.
The act or process of shaping on a last.


word: lastingness
definition:
lastingness

lastingness
n.
permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force.

Syn. -- durability, enduringness, strength.


word: Lastreopsis
definition:
Lastreopsis

Lastreopsis
prop. n.
A genus of tropical terrestrial shield ferns.

Syn. -- genus Lastreopsis.


word: Latah
definition:
Latah

Lata

{ La"ta, La"tah  }
(?)
n.
[Malay.]
A convulsive tic or hysteric neurosis prevalent among Malays, similar to or identical with miryachit and jumping disease, the person affected performing various involuntary actions and making rapid inarticulate ejaculations in imitation of the actions and words of another person.


word: Latakia
definition:
Latakia

Lat`a*ki"a
(?)
n.
[Turk.]
A superior quality of Turkish smoking tobacco, so called from the place where produced, the ancient Laodicea.


word: Latch
definition:
Latch

Latch
(lăch)
v. t.
[Cf. F. lécher to lick (of German origin).  Cf. Lick.]
To smear; to anoint.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Latch₂
definition:
Latch

Latch
n.
[OE. lacche, fr. lacchen to seize, As. læccan.]
1.
That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare.
[Obs.]
Rom. of R.

2.
A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted.

3.
(Naut.)
A latching.

4.
A crossbow.
[Obs.]
Wright.


word: Latch₃
definition:
Latch

Latch
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Latched (lăcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Latching.]
[OE. lacchen. See Latch. n.]
1.
To catch so as to hold.
[Obs.]

Those that remained threw darts at our men, and latching our darts, sent them again at us.
Golding.

2.
To catch or fasten by means of a latch.

The door was only latched.
Locke.


word: Latchet
definition:
Latchet

Latch"et
(?)
n.
[OE. lachet, from an OF. dialect form of F. lacet plaited string, lace dim. of lacs. See Lace.]
The string that fastens a shoe; a shoestring.


word: Latching
definition:
Latching

Latch"ing
n.
(Naut.)
A loop or eye formed on the head rope of a bonnet, by which it is attached to the foot of a sail; -- called also latch and lasket.
[Usually in pl.]


word: Latchkey
definition:
Latchkey

Latch"key`
(?)
n.
A key used to raise, or throw back, the latch of a door, esp. a night latch.


word: latchkey child
definition:
latchkey child

latch"key` child
(?)
n.
A child who frequently spends part of the day at home without adult supervision, especially a school child who returns home before the parent(s) return from work.  Called also door-key child.


word: Latchstring
definition:
Latchstring

Latch"string`
(?)
n.
A string for raising the latch of a door by a person outside. It is fastened to the latch and passed through a hole above it in the door.

To find the latchstring out, to meet with hospitality; to be welcome. (Intrusion is prevented by drawing in the latchstring.) [Colloq. U.S.]


word: Late
definition:
Late

Late
(lāt)
a.
[Compar. Later (lāt"ẽr), or latter (lăt"tẽr); superl. Latest (lāt"ĕst) or Last (lȧst).]
[OE. lat slow, slack, AS. læt; akin to OS. lat, D. laat late, G. lass weary, lazy, slack, Icel. latr, Sw. lat, Dan. lad, Goth. lats, and to E. let, v. See Let to permit, and cf. Alas, Lassitude.]
1.
Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.

2.
Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life.

3.
Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; recently deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration.

4.
Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence.

5.
Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher.


word: Late₂
definition:
Late

Late
adv.
[AS. late. See Late, a.]
1.
After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to early.

2.
Not long ago; lately.

3.
Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night.

Of late, in time not long past, or near the present; lately; as, the practice is of late uncommon. -- Too late, after the proper or available time; when the time or opportunity is past.


word: lateen
definition:
lateen

la*teen"
(?)
a.
1.
(Naut.)
Of or pertaining to a peculiar rig used in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, esp. on the northern coast of Africa; pertaining to a lateen sail. See below.

2.
rigged with a triangular (lateen sail).

Syn. -- lateen-rigged.


word: lateen sail
definition:
lateen sail

lateen sail
n.
[F. voile latine a sail in the shape of a right-angled triangle; cf. It. & Sp. vela latina; properly Latin sail. See Latin.]
(Naut.)
A triangular sail, extended by a long yard, which is slung at about one fourth of its length from the lower end, to a low mast, this end being brought down at the tack, while the other end is elevated at an angle or about forty-five degrees; -- used in small boats, feluccas, xebecs, etc., especially in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters. Some lateen sails have also a boom on the lower side.


word: Latency
definition:
Latency

La"ten*cy
(?)
n.
[See Latent.]
1.
The state or quality of being latent.

To simplify the discussion, I shall distinguish three degrees of this latency.
Sir W. Hamilton.

2.
The time between a stimulus the appearance of the response; the time between any causal action and the first appearance of the effect.  Called also latent period.

3.
Hence:
(Med.)
The time between exposure to a carcinogen or other disease-causing agent and the appearance of the consequent disease.


word: Lateness
definition:
Lateness

Late"ness
(?)
n.
The state, condition, or quality, of being late; as, the lateness of his arrival; the lateness of the hour; the lateness of the season.


word: Latent
definition:
Latent

La"tent
(lā"tent)
a.
[L. latens, -entis, p. pr. of latere to lie hid or concealed; cf. Gr. lanqa`nein, E. lethargy: cf. F. latent.]
1.
Not visible or apparent; hidden; concealed; secret; dormant; as, latent springs of action.

The evils latent in the most promising contrivances are provided for as they arise.
Burke.

2.
(Med.)
Existing but not presenting symptoms; dormant or developing; -- of disease, especially infectious diseases; as, the latent phase of an infection.

Latent buds (Bot.), buds which remain undeveloped or dormant for a long time, but may eventually grow. Latent heat (Physics), that quantity of heat which disappears or becomes concealed in a body while producing some change in it other than rise of temperature, as fusion, evaporation, or expansion, the quantity being constant for each particular body and for each species of change; the amount of heat required to produce a change of phase. -- Latent period. (a) (Med.) The regular time in which a disease is supposed to be existing without manifesting itself. (b) (Physiol.) One of the phases in a simple muscular contraction, in which invisible preparatory changes are taking place in the nerve and muscle. (c) (Biol.) One of those periods or resting stages in the development of the ovum, in which development is arrested prior to renewed activity.


word: Laterad
definition:
Laterad

Lat"er*ad
(?)
adv.
[L. latus, lateris, side + ad to.]
(Anat.)
Toward the side; away from the mesial plane; -- opposed to mesiad.


word: Lateral
definition:
Lateral

Lat"er*al
(?)
a.
[L. lateralis, fr. latus, lateris, side: cf. F. latéral.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the sides; as, the lateral walls of a house; the lateral branches of a tree.

2.
(Anat.)
Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from the mesial plane; external; -- opposed to mesial.

3.
Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing.

Lateral cleavage (Crystallog.), cleavage parallel to the lateral planes. -- Lateral equation (Math.), an equation of the first degree. [Obs.] -- Lateral line (Anat.), in fishes, a line of sensory organs along either side of the body, often marked by a distinct line of color. -- Lateral pressure or stress (Mech.), a pressure or stress at right angles to the length, as of a beam or bridge; -- distinguished from longitudinal pressure or stress. -- Lateral strength (Mech.), strength which resists a tendency to fracture arising from lateral pressure. -- Lateral system (Bridge Building), the system of horizontal braces (as between two vertical trusses) by which lateral stiffness is secured.


word: lateral pass
definition:
lateral pass

lateral

lat"er*al, lat"er*al pass`
(?)
n.
(Football)
1.
A short pass to a receiver who is upfield from the passer, i.e. is behind the passer relative to the direction of the passer's goal.

2.
A part or extension of something that points sideways, as a drift in a mine that goes to the side from the main one.


word: lateral
definition:
lateral

lat"er*al
(?)
v. t. & i.
(Football)
To pass the footbal to a receiver who is behind the passer; to make a lateral pass; as, the ball was lateraled to the fullback, who ran it for a touchdown.


word: Lateran
definition:
Lateran

Lat"er*an
(?)
n.
The church and palace of St. John Lateran, the church being the cathedral church of Rome, and the highest in rank of all churches in the Catholic world.

&hand_; The name is said to have been derived from that of the Laterani family, who possessed a palace on or near the spot where the church now stands. In this church several ecclesiastical councils, hence called Lateran councils, have been held.


word: Laterifolious
definition:
Laterifolious

Lat`er*i*fo"li*ous
(?)
a.
[L. latus, lateris, side + folium leaf: cf. F. latérifolié.]
(Bot.)
Growing from the stem by the side of a leaf; as, a laterifolious flower.


word: Laterite
definition:
Laterite

Lat"er*ite
(?)
n.
[L. later brick, tile: cf. F. latérite.]
(Geol.)
An argillaceous sandstone, of a red color, and much seamed; -- found in India.


word: Lateritic
definition:
Lateritic

Lat`er*it"ic
(?)
a.
Consisting of, containing, or characterized by, laterite; as, lateritic formations.


word: Lateritious
definition:
Lateritious

Lat"er*i"tious
(?)
a.
[L. lateritius, fr. later a brick.]
Like bricks; of the color of red bricks.

Lateritious sediment (Med.), a sediment in urine resembling brick dust, observed after the crises of fevers, and at the termination of gouty paroxysms. It usually consists of uric acid or urates with some coloring matter.


word: Lates
definition:
Lates

La"tes
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; a fish of the Nile.]
(Zool.)
A genus of large percoid fishes, of which one species (Lates Niloticus) inhabits the Nile, and another (Lates calcarifer) is found in the Ganges and other Indian rivers. They are valued as food fishes.


word: Latescent
definition:
Latescent

La*tes"cent
(?)
a.
[L. latescens, -entis, p. pr. of latescere to be concealed, fr. latere to be hid.]
Slightly withdrawn from view or knowledge; as, a latescent meaning.
Sir W. Hamilton.


word: Latex
definition:
Latex

La"tex
(?)
n.
[L.]
1.
(Bot.)
A milky or colored juice in certain plants in cavities (called latex cells or latex tubes). It contains the peculiar principles of the plants, whether aromatic, bitter, or acid, and in many instances yields caoutchouc upon coagulation.  The lattex of the India rubber plant produces the rubber of commerce on coagulation.

2.
(Chem.)
Any aqueous emulsion of finely divided rubber or plastic particles, especially such an emulsion used as a base for paint; as, a latex paint.


word: Lath
definition:
Lath

Lath
(?)
n.
pl. Laths (#).
[OE. laththe, latthe, latte, AS. lætta; akin to D. lat, G. latte, OHG. latta; cf. W. llath a rod, staff, yard.  Cf. Lattice, Latten.]
A thin, narrow strip of wood, nailed to the rafters, studs, or floor beams of a building, for the purpose of supporting the tiles, plastering, etc. A corrugated metallic strip or plate is sometimes used.

Lath brick, a long, slender brick, used in making the floor on which malt is placed in the drying kiln. Lath nail a slender nail for fastening laths.


word: Lath₂
definition:
Lath

Lath
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lathed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lathing.]
To cover or line with laths.


word: Lathe
definition:
Lathe

Lathe
(lä&thlig_;)
n.
[AS. l&aemacr_;ð. Of uncertain origin.]
Formerly, a part or division of a county among the Anglo-Saxons. At present it consists of four or five hundreds, and is confined to the county of Kent.
[Written also lath.]
Brande & C.


word: Lathe₂
definition:
Lathe

Lathe
(lā&thlig_;)
n.
[OE. lathe a granary; akin to G. lade a chest, Icel. hlaða a storehouse, barn; but cf. also Icel. löð a smith's lathe. Senses 2 and 3 are perh. of the same origin as lathe a granary, the original meaning being, a frame to hold something. If so, the word is from an older form of E. lade to load. See Lade to load.]
1.
A granary; a barn.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
(Mach.)
A machine for turning, that is, for shaping articles of wood, metal, or other material, by causing them to revolve while acted upon by a cutting tool.

3.
The movable swing frame of a loom, carrying the reed for separating the warp threads and beating up the weft; -- called also lay and batten.

Blanchard lathe, a lathe for turning irregular forms after a given pattern, as lasts, gunstocks, and the like. -- Drill lathe, or Speed lathe, a small lathe which, from its high speed, is adapted for drilling; a hand lathe. -- Engine lathe, a turning lathe in which the cutting tool has an automatic feed; -- used chiefly for turning and boring metals, cutting screws, etc. -- Foot lathe, a lathe which is driven by a treadle worked by the foot. -- Geometric lathe. See under Geometric -- Hand lathe, a lathe operated by hand; a power turning lathe without an automatic feed for the tool. -- Slide lathe, an engine lathe. -- Throw lathe, a small lathe worked by one hand, while the cutting tool is held in the other.


word: lathee
definition:
lathee

lathee
n.
a heavy stick (often bamboo) bound with iron; used by police in India.

Syn. -- lathi.


word: Lather
definition:
Lather

Lath"er
(lă&thlig_;"ẽr)
n.
[AS. leáðor niter, in leáðorwyrt soapwort; cf. Icel. lauðr; perh. akin to E. lye.]
1.
Foam or froth made by soap moistened with water.

2.
Foam from profuse sweating, as of a horse.


word: Lather₂
definition:
Lather

Lath"er
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lathered (lă&thlig_;"ẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lathering.]
[AS. lēðrian to lather, anoint. See Lather, n. ]
To spread over with lather; as, to lather the face.


word: Lather₃
definition:
Lather

Lath"er
v. i.
To form lather, or a froth like lather; to accumulate foam from profuse sweating, as a horse.


word: Lather₄
definition:
Lather

Lath"er
v. t.
[Cf. Leather.]
To beat severely with a thong, strap, or the like; to flog.
[Low]


word: Lathreeve
definition:
Lathreeve

Lathereeve

{ Lathe"reeve` (?), Lath"reeve` (?), }
n.
Formerly, the head officer of a lathe. See 1st Lathe.


word: Lathing
definition:
Lathing

Lath"ing
(?)
n.
1.
The act or process of covering with laths.

2.
Laths, collectively; a covering of laths.


word: Lath-shaped
definition:
Lath-shaped

Lath"-shaped`
(?)
a.
Having a slender elongated form, like a lath; -- said of the feldspar of certain igneous rocks, as diabase, as seen in microscopic sections.


word: Lathy
definition:
Lathy

Lath"y
(?)
a.
Like a lath; long and slender.

A lathy horse, all legs and length.
R. Browning.


word: Latibulize
definition:
Latibulize

La*tib"u*lize
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Latibulized (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Latibulizing (?).]
[L. latibulum hiding place, fr. latere to lie hid.]
To retire into a den, or hole, and lie dormant in winter; to retreat and lie hid.
[R.]
G. Shaw.


word: Latibulum
definition:
Latibulum

La*tib"u*lum
(?)
n.
pl. Latibula (#).
[L.]
A concealed hiding place; a burrow; a lair; a hole.


word: Laticiferous
definition:
Laticiferous

Lat`i*cif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. latex, laticis, a liquid + -ferous.]
(Bot.)
Containing the latex; -- applied to the tissue or tubular vessels in which the latex of the plant is found.


word: Laticlave
definition:
Laticlave

Lat"i*clave
(?)
n.
[L. laticlavus, laticlavium; latus broad + clavus nail, a purple stripe on the tunica: cf. F. laticlave.]
(Rom. Antiq.)
A broad stripe of purple on the fore part of the tunic, worn by senators in ancient Rome as an emblem of office.


word: Latifolious
definition:
Latifolious

Latifoliate

{ Lat`i*fo"li*ate (?), Lat`i*fo"li*ous (?), }
a.
[L. latifolius; latus broad + folium leaf: cf. F. latifolié.]
(Bot.)
Having broad leaves.


word: Latigo
definition:
Latigo

La"ti*go
(?)
n.
[Sp. látigo.]
A strap for tightening a saddle girth.
[Western U. S. & Sp. Amer.]


word: Latimer
definition:
Latimer

Lat"i*mer
(?)
n.
[OF. latinier, latimier, prop., one knowing Latin.]
An interpreter.
[Obs.]
Coke


word: Latimeria
definition:
Latimeria

Latimeria
prop. n.
The type genus of the Latimeridae, including the coelacanth.

Syn. -- genus Latimeria.


word: Latimeridae
definition:
Latimeridae

Latimeridae
prop. n.
A natural family of fish extinct except for the coelacanth.

Syn. -- family Latimeridae.


word: Latin
definition:
Latin

Lat"in
(?)
a.
[F., fr. L. Latinus belonging to Latium, Latin, fr. Latium a country of Italy, in which Rome was situated.  Cf. Ladin, Lateen sail, under Lateen.]
1.
Of or pertaining to Latium, or to the Latins, a people of Latium; Roman; as, the Latin language.

2.
Of, pertaining to, or composed in, the language used by the Romans or Latins; as, a Latin grammar; a Latin composition or idiom.

Latin Church (Eccl. Hist.), the Western or Roman Catholic Church, as distinct from the Greek or Eastern Church. -- Latin cross. See Illust. 1 of Cross. -- Latin races, a designation sometimes loosely given to certain nations, esp. the French, Spanish, and Italians, who speak languages principally derived from Latin. Latin Union, an association of states, originally comprising France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy, which, in 1865, entered into a monetary agreement, providing for an identity in the weight and fineness of the gold and silver coins of those countries, and for the amounts of each kind of coinage by each. Greece, Servia, Roumania, and Spain subsequently joined the Union.


word: Latin₂
definition:
Latin

Lat"in
n.
1.
A native or inhabitant of Latium; a Roman.

2.
The language of the ancient Romans.

3.
An exercise in schools, consisting in turning English into Latin.
[Obs.]
Ascham.

4.
(Eccl.)
A member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Dog Latin, barbarous Latin; a jargon in imitation of Latin; as, the log Latin of schoolboys. -- Late Latin, Low Latin, terms used indifferently to designate the latest stages of the Latin language; low Latin (and, perhaps, late Latin also), including the barbarous coinages from the French, German, and other languages into a Latin form made after the Latin had become a dead language for the people. -- Law Latin, that kind of late, or low, Latin, used in statutes and legal instruments; -- often barbarous.


word: Latin America
definition:
Latin America

Lat"in A*me"ri*ca
prop. n.
That part of the American continents that speak Spanish, Portuguese, or French; the part of the American continents south of the United States.


word: Latinism
definition:
Latinism

Lat"in*ism
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. latinisme.]
A Latin idiom; a mode of speech peculiar to Latin; also, a mode of speech in another language, as English, formed on a Latin model.

&hand_; The term is also sometimes used by Biblical scholars to designate a Latin word in Greek letters, or the Latin sense of a Greek word in the Greek Testament.


word: Latinist
definition:
Latinist

Lat"in*ist
n.
[Cf. F. latiniste.]
One skilled in Latin; a Latin scholar.
Cowper.

He left school a good Latinist.
Macaulay.


word: Latinistic
definition:
Latinistic

Lat`in*is"tic
(?)
a.
Of, pertaining to, or derived from, Latin; in the Latin style or idiom.
Latinistic
Fitzed. Hall.


word: Latinitaster
definition:
Latinitaster

La*tin"i*tas`ter
(?)
n.
[Cf. Poetaster.]
One who has but a smattering of Latin.
Walker.


word: Latinity
definition:
Latinity

La*tin"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. latinitas: cf. F. latinité.]
The Latin tongue, style, or idiom, or the use thereof; specifically, purity of Latin style or idiom.
Latinity
Motley.


word: Latinization
definition:
Latinization

Lat`in*i*za"tion
(?)
n.
The act or process of Latinizing, as a word, language, or country.

The Germanization of Britain went far deeper than the Latinization of France.
M. Arnold.


word: Latinize
definition:
Latinize

Lat"in*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Latinized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Latinizing (?).]
[L. latinizare: cf. F. latiniser.]
1.
To give Latin terminations or forms to, as to foreign words, in writing Latin.

2.
To bring under the power or influence of the Romans or Latins; to affect with the usages of the Latins, especially in speech.
Latinized
Lowell.

3.
To make like the Roman Catholic Church or diffuse its ideas in; as, to Latinize the Church of England.

4.
to write in the latin alphabet.

Syn. -- Romanize.


word: Latinize₂
definition:
Latinize

Lat"in*ize
v. i.
To use words or phrases borrowed from the Latin.
Dryden.

2.
To come under the influence of the Romans, or of the Roman Catholic Church.


word: Lation
definition:
Lation

La"tion
(?)
n.
[L. latio, fr. latus borne. See Tolerate.]
Transportation; conveyance.
[Obs.]


word: Latirostrous
definition:
Latirostrous

Latirostral

{ Lat`i*ros"tral (?), Lat`i*ros"trous (?), }
a.
[Cf. F. latirostre. See Latirostres.]
(Zool.)
Having a broad beak.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Latirostres
definition:
Latirostres

Lat`i*ros"tres
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. L. latus broad + rostrum beak.]
(Zool.)
The broad-billed singing birds, such as the swallows, and their allies.


word: Latisternal
definition:
Latisternal

Lat`i*ster"nal
(?)
a.
[L. latus broad + E. sternal.]
(Zool.)
Having a broad breastbone, or sternum; -- said of anthropoid apes.


word: Latitancy
definition:
Latitancy

Lat"i*tan*cy
(?)
n.
[See Latitant.]
Act or state of lying hid, or lurking.
[R.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Latitant
definition:
Latitant

Lat"i*tant
(?)
a.
[L. latitans, pr. of latitare to lie hid, to lurk, v. intens. fr. latere to be hid: cf. F. latitant.]
Lying hid; concealed; latent.
[R.]


word: Latitat
definition:
Latitat

Lat"i*tat
(?)
n.
[L., he lies hid.]
(O. Eng. Law)
A writ based upon the presumption that the person summoned was hiding.
Blackstone.


word: Latitude
definition:
Latitude

Lat"i*tude
(?)
n.
[F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.]
1.
Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width.

Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part.
Sir H. Wotton.

2.
Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence.

In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged.
Jer. Taylor.

3.
Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc.

No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations.
Fuller.

4.
Extent; size; amplitude; scope.

I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude.
Locke.

5.
(Geog.)
Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian.

6.
(Astron.)
The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic.

Ascending latitude, Circle of latitude, Geographical latitude, etc. See under Ascending. Circle, etc. -- High latitude, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle. -- Low latitude, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator.


word: Latitudinarian
definition:
Latitudinarian

Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. latitudinaire.]
1.
Not restrained; not confined by precise limits.

2.
Indifferent to a strict application of any standard of belief or opinion; hence, deviating more or less widely from such standard; lax in doctrine; as, latitudinarian divines; latitudinarian theology.

Latitudinarian sentiments upon religious subjects.
Allibone.

3.
Lax in moral or religious principles.


word: Latitudinarian₂
definition:
Latitudinarian

Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an
n.
1.
One who is moderate in his notions, or not restrained by precise settled limits in opinion; one who indulges freedom in thinking.

2.
(Eng. Eccl. Hist.)
A member of the Church of England, in the time of Charles II., who adopted more liberal notions in respect to the authority, government, and doctrines of the church than generally prevailed.

They were called “men of latitude;” and upon this, men of narrow thoughts fastened upon them the name of latitudinarians.
Bp. Burnet.

3.
(Theol.)
One who departs in opinion from the strict principles of orthodoxy.


word: Latitudinarianism
definition:
Latitudinarianism

Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an*ism
(?)
n.
A latitudinarian system or condition; freedom of opinion in matters pertaining to religious belief.

Fierce sectarianism bred fierce latitudinarianism.
De Quincey.

He [Ammonius Saccas] plunged into the wildest latitudinarianism of opinion.
J. S. Harford.


word: Latreutical
definition:
Latreutical

La*treu"tic*al
(lȧ*tr&usuml_;"tĭ*kal)
a.
[Gr. latreytiko`s, fr. latrey`ein to serve, to worship.]
1.
Acting as a hired servant; serving; ministering; assisting.
[Obs.]

2.
Of or pertaining to latria.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Latria
definition:
Latria

La*tri"a
(lȧ*trī"ȧ; 277)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. latrei`a, fr. latrey`ein to serve, fr. la`tris servant.]
The highest kind of worship, or that paid to God; -- distinguished by the Roman Catholics from dulia, or the inferior worship paid to saints.


word: Latrine
definition:
Latrine

La*trine"
(lȧ*trēn")
n.
[L. latrina: cf. F. latrines.]
A privy, or water-closet, esp. in a camp, hospital, etc.


word: latte
definition:
latte

lat"te
(lȧ*tā")
n.
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.


word: Latten
definition:
Latten

Lat"ten
(?)
n.
[OE. latoun, laton, OF. laton, F. laiton, prob. fr. OF. late lath, F. latte; -- because made in thin plates; cf. It. latta a sheet of tinned iron, tin plate. F. latte is of German origin. See Lath a thin board.]

1.
A kind of brass hammered into thin sheets, formerly much used for making church utensils, as candlesticks, crosses, etc.; -- called also latten brass.

He had a cross of latoun full of stones.
Chaucer.

2.
Sheet tin; iron plate, covered with tin; also, any metal in thin sheets; as, gold latten.

Black latten, brass in milled sheets, composed of copper and zinc, used by braziers, and for drawing into wire. -- Roll latten, latten polished on both sides ready for use. -- Shaven latten, a thinner kind than black latten. -- White latten, a mixture of brass and tin.


word: Latter
definition:
Latter

Lat"ter
(?)
a.
[OE. later, lætter, compar. of lat late. See Late, and cf. Later.]
1.
Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; -- opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.

2.
Of two things, the one mentioned second.

The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior.
I. Watts.

3.
Recent; modern.

Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania?
Locke.

4.
Last; latest; final.
[R.]
latter
Shak.

Latter harvest, the last part of the harvest. -- Latter spring, the last part of the spring of the year. Shak.


word: Latter-day saint
definition:
Latter-day saint

Lat"ter-day` saint"
(?)
n.
A Mormon; -- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being the name assumed by the whole body of Mormons.


word: Latterly
definition:
Latterly

Lat"ter*ly
adv.
Lately; of late; recently; at a later, as distinguished from a former, period.

Latterly Milton was short and thick.
Richardson.


word: Lattice
definition:
Lattice

Lat"tice
(?)
n.
[OE. latis, F. lattis lathwork, fr. latte lath. See Latten, 1st Lath.]
1.
Any work of wood, metal, plastic, or other solid material, made by crossing a series of parallel laths, or thin strips, with another series at a diagonal angle, and forming a network with openings between the strips; as, the lattice of a window; -- called also latticework.

The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice.
Judg. v. 28. 

2.
(Her.)
The representation of a piece of latticework used as a bearing, the bands being vertical and horizontal.

3.
(Crystallography)
The arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystal, represented as a repeating arrangement of points in space, each point representing the location of an atom or molecule; called also crystal lattice and space lattice.

Lattice bridge, a bridge supported by lattice girders, or latticework trusses. -- Lattice girder (Arch.), a girder of which the wed consists of diagonal pieces crossing each other in the manner of latticework. -- Lattice plant (Bot.), an aquatic plant of Madagascar (Ouvirandra fenestralis), whose leaves have interstices between their ribs and cross veins, so as to resemble latticework. A second species is Ouvirandra Berneriana. The genus is merged in Aponogeton by recent authors.


word: Lattice₂
definition:
Lattice

Lat"tice
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Latticed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Latticing (?).]
1.
To make a lattice of; as, to lattice timbers.

2.
To close, as an opening, with latticework; to furnish with a lattice; as, to lattice a window.

To lattice up, to cover or inclose with a lattice.

Therein it seemeth he [Alexander] hath latticed up Caesar.
Sir T. North.


word: Latticing
definition:
Latticing

Lat"ti*cing
(?)
n.
1.
The act or process of making a lattice of, or of fitting a lattice to.

2.
(Bridge Building)
A system of bars crossing in the middle to form braces between principal longitudinal members, as of a strut.


word: Latus rectum
definition:
Latus rectum

La"tus rec"tum
(?)
n.
[L., the right side.]
(Conic Sections)
The line drawn through a focus of a conic section parallel to the directrix and terminated both ways by the curve. It is the parameter of the principal axis. See Focus, and Parameter.


word: Laud
definition:
Laud

Laud
(?)
n.
[L. laus, laudis. See Laud, v. i.]

1.
High commendation; praise; honor; exaltation; glory.
Laud
Shak.

So do well and thou shalt have laud of the same.
Tyndals.

2.
A part of divine worship, consisting chiefly of praise; -- usually in the pl.

&hand_; In the Roman Catholic Church, the prayers used at daybreak, between those of matins and prime, are called lauds.

3.
Music or singing in honor of any one.


word: Laud₂
definition:
Laud

Laud
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lauded; p. pr. & vb. n. Lauding.]
[L. laudare, fr. laus, laudis, praise.  Cf. Allow.]
To praise in words alone, or with words and singing; to celebrate; to extol.

With all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name.
Book of Common Prayer.


word: Laudable
definition:
Laudable

Laud"a*ble
(?)
a.
[L. laudabilis: cf. OE. laudable. See Laud, v. i.]
1.
Worthy of being lauded; praiseworthy; commendable; as, laudable motives; laudable actions; laudable ambition.

2.
(Med.)
Healthy; salubrious; normal; having a disposition to promote healing; not noxious; as, laudable juices of the body; laudable pus.
Arbuthnot.


word: Laudableness
definition:
Laudableness

Laud"a*ble*ness
(l&asuml_;d"ȧ*b'l*nĕs)
n.
The quality of being laudable; praiseworthiness; commendableness.


word: Laudanine
definition:
Laudanine

Lau"da*nine
(?)
n.
[From Laudanum.]
(Chem.)
A white organic base, resembling morphine, and obtained from certain varieties of opium.


word: Laudanum
definition:
Laudanum

Lau"da*num
(?)
n.
[Orig. the same wort as ladanum, ladbdanum: cf. F. laudanum, It. laudano, ladano. See Ladanum.]
Tincture of opium, used for various medical purposes.

&hand_; A fluid ounce of American laudanum should contain the soluble matter of one tenth of an ounce avoirdupois of powdered opium with equal parts of alcohol and water. English laudanum should have ten grains less of opium in the fluid ounce. U. S. Disp.

Dutchman's laudanum (Bot.) See under Dutchman.


word: Laudation
definition:
Laudation

Lau*da"tion
(?)
n.
[L. laudatio: cf. OE. taudation. See Land, v. t.]
The act of lauding; praise; high commendation.


word: Laudatory
definition:
Laudatory

Laud"a*to*ry
(?)
a.
[L. laudatorius: cf. OF. laudatoire.]
Of or pertaining praise, or to the expression of praise; as, laudatory verses; the laudatory powers of Dryden.
Sir J. Stephen.


word: Laugh
definition:
Laugh

Laugh
(läf)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Laughed (läft); p. pr. & vb. n. Laughing.]
[OE. laughen, laghen, lauhen, AS. hlehhan, hlihhan, hlyhhan, hliehhan; akin to OS. hlahan, D. & G. lachen, OHG. hlahhan, lahhan, lahhēn, Icel. hlæja,W Dan. lee, Sw. le, Goth. hlahjan; perh. of imitative origin.]
1.
To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter.

Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er.
Shak.

He laugheth that winneth.
Heywood's Prov.

2.
Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.

Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets crowned.
Dryden.

In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy.
Pope.

To laugh at, to make an object of laughter or ridicule; to make fun of; to deride.
[1913 Webster]
No wit to flatter left of all his store,
No fool to laugh at, which he valued more. Pope.
-- To laugh in the sleeve, To laugh up one's sleeve, to laugh secretly, or so as not to be observed, especially while apparently preserving a grave or serious demeanor toward the person or persons laughed at. -- To laugh out, to laugh in spite of some restraining influence; to laugh aloud. -- To laugh out of the other corner of the mouth or To laugh out of the other side of the mouth, to weep or cry; to feel regret, vexation, or disappointment after hilarity or exaltation. [Slang]


word: Laugh₂
definition:
Laugh

Laugh
v. t.
1.
To affect or influence by means of laughter or ridicule.

Will you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy?
Shak.

I shall laugh myself to death.
Shak.

2.
To express by, or utter with, laughter; -- with out.

From his deep chest laughs out a loud applause.
Shak.

To laugh away. (a) To drive away by laughter; as, to laugh away regret. (b) To waste in hilarity. “Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune.” Shak. -- To laugh down. (a) To cause to cease or desist by laughter; as, to laugh down a speaker. (b) To cause to be given up on account of ridicule; as, to laugh down a reform. -- To laugh one out of, to cause one by laughter or ridicule to abandon or give up; as, to laugh one out of a plan or purpose. -- To laugh to scorn, to deride; to treat with mockery, contempt, and scorn; to despise.


word: Laugh₃
definition:
Laugh

Laugh
(?)
n.
An expression of mirth peculiar to the human species; the sound heard in laughing; laughter. See Laugh, v. i.

And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
Goldsmith.

That man is a bad man who has not within him the power of a hearty laugh.
F. W. Robertson.


word: Laugher
definition:
Laugher

Laugh"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who laughs.

2.
A variety of the domestic pigeon.

3.
A contest in which one side wins easily; a lopsided victory.
[Informal]

4.
A blatantly false statement, especially a self-serving one.
[Slang]


word: Laughing
definition:
Laughing

Laugh"ing
(?)
a. & n.
from Laugh, v. i.

Laughing falcon (Zool.), a South American hawk (Herpetotheres cachinnans); -- so called from its notes, which resemble a shrill laugh. -- Laughing gas (Chem.), nitrous oxide, also called hyponitrous oxide, or protoxide of nitrogen; -- so called from the exhilaration and laughing which it sometimes produces when inhaled.  It has been much used as an anaesthetic agent, though now its use is primarily in dentistry -- Laughing goose (Zool.), the European white-fronted goose. -- Laughing gull. (Zool.) (a) A common European gull (Xema ridibundus); -- called also pewit, black cap, red-legged gull, and sea crow. (b) An American gull (Larus atricilla). In summer the head is nearly black, the back slate color, and the five outer primaries black. -- Laughing hyena (Zool.), the spotted hyena. See Hyena. -- Laughing jackass (Zool.), the great brown kingfisher (Dacelo gigas), of Australia; -- called also giant kingfisher, and gogobera. -- Laughing owl (Zool.), a peculiar owl (Sceloglaux albifacies) of New Zealand, said to be on the verge of extinction. The name alludes to its notes.


word: Laughingstock
definition:
Laughingstock

Laugh"ing*stock`
(?)
n.
An object of ridicule; a butt of sport.
Shak.

When he talked, he talked nonsense, and made himself the laughingstock of his hearers.
Macaulay.


word: Laughter
definition:
Laughter

Laugh"ter
(?)
n.
[AS. hleahtor; akin to OHG. hlahtar, G. gelächter, Icel. hlātr, Dan. latter. See Laugh, v. i. ]
A movement (usually involuntary) of the muscles of the face, particularly of the lips, with a peculiar expression of the eyes, indicating merriment, satisfaction, or derision, and usually attended by a sonorous and interrupted expulsion of air from the lungs. See Laugh, v. i.

The act of laughter, which is a sweet contraction of the muscles of the face, and a pleasant agitation of the vocal organs, is not merely, or totally within the jurisdiction of ourselves.
Sir T. Browne.

Archly the maiden smiled, and with eyes overrunning with laughter.
Longfellow.


word: Laumontite
definition:
Laumontite

Lau"mont*ite
(?)
n.
[From Dr. Laumont, the discoverer.]
(Min.)
A mineral, of a white color and vitreous luster. It is a hydrous silicate of alumina and lime. Exposed to the air, it loses water, becomes opaque, and crumbles.
[Written also laumonite.]


word: Launce₂
definition:
Launce

Launce
n.
[It. lance, L. lanx, lancis, plate, scale of a balance.  Cf. Balance.]
A balance.
[Obs.]

Fortune all in equal launce doth sway.
Spenser.


word: Launch
definition:
Launch

Launch
(l&asuml_;nch or länch)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Launched (l&asuml_;ncht or läncht); p. pr. & vb. n. Launching.]
[OE. launchen to throw as a lance, OF. lanchier, another form of lancier, F. lancer, fr. lance lance. See Lance.]
[Written also lanch.]
1.
To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.

2.
To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce.
[Obs.]

Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
Spenser.

3.
To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to set afloat; as, to launch a ship.

With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship,
And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep.
Pope.

4.
To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or enterprise.

All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch presbytery in England.
Eikon Basilike.


word: Launch₂
definition:
Launch

Launch
v. i.
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures; -- often with out.

Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Luke v. 4.

He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths.
Prior.


word: Launch₃
definition:
Launch

Launch
n.
1.
The act of launching.

2.
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built.

3.
[Cf. Sp. lancha.]
(Naut.)
The boat of the largest size belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like.

Launching ways. (Naut.) See Way, n. (Naut.).


word: launcher
definition:
launcher

launcher
n.
1.
a device capable of launching a rocket.

Syn. -- rocket launcher.

2.
A device which launches aircraft from an aircraft carrier; -- it provides additional velocity to the airplane, to supplement that from the airplane's engines, so that the airplane rapidly achieves a velocity sufficient to sustain it in flight when taking off.

Syn. -- catapult.


word: launching
definition:
launching

launching
n.
1.
the act of moving a newly-built vessel into the water for the first time.

2.
the act of beginning something new.

Syn. -- debut, first appearance, unveiling, introduction, entry.

3.
the act of propelling with force.

Syn. -- launch.


word: launchpad
definition:
launchpad

launchpad
n.
(Rocketry)
a platform from which rockets or space craft are launched.

Syn. -- launching pad, launch pad, launch area, pad.


word: Laund
definition:
Laund

Laund
(l&asuml_;nd)
n.
[See Lawn of grass.]
A plain sprinkled with trees or underbrush; a glade.
[Obs.]

In a laund upon an hill of flowers.
Chaucer.

Through this laund anon the deer will come.
Shak.


word: Launder
definition:
Launder

Laun"der
(l&asuml_;n"dẽr or län"dẽr)
n.
[Contracted fr. OE. lavender, F. lavandière, LL. lavandena, from L. lavare to wash. See Lave.]
1.
A washerwoman.
[Obs.]

2.
(Mining)
A trough used by miners to receive the powdered ore from the box where it is beaten, or for carrying water to the stamps, or other apparatus, for comminuting, or sorting, the ore.


word: Launder₂
definition:
Launder

Laun"der
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Laundered (l&asuml_;n"dẽrd or län"dẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Laundering.]
1.
To wash, as clothes; to wash, and to smooth with a flatiron or mangle; to wash and iron; as, to launder shirts.

2.
To lave; to wet.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Laundry
definition:
Laundry

Laun"dry
(?)
n.
pl. Laundries (#).
[OE. lavendrie, OF. lavanderie. See Launder.]
1.
A laundering; a washing.

2.
A place or room where laundering is done; a laundry room.

3.
A business establishment where clothing is laundered for a fee.

4.
A collection of items such as articles of clothing or bed linens that need to be laundered, or have just been laundered; as, put the dirty laundry in the basket and take it downstairs; hang the laundry out to dry.

coin laundry A business establishment with washing and drying machines operated by coins, where items such as articles of clothing may be laundered and dried by the customer.


word: Laura
definition:
Laura

Lau"ra
(?)
n.
[LL., fr. Gr. (_;) lane, defile, also, a kind of monastery.]
(R. C. Ch.)
A number of hermitages or cells in the same neighborhood occupied by anchorites who were under the same superior.
C. Kingsley.


word: Lauraceous
definition:
Lauraceous

Lau*ra"ceous
(?)
a.
[From Laurus.]
(Bot.)
Belonging to, or resembling, a natural order (Lauraceæ) of trees and shrubs having aromatic bark and foliage, and including the laurel, sassafras, cinnamon tree, true camphor tree, etc.


word: Laureate
definition:
Laureate

Lau"re*ate
(?)
a.
[L. laureatus, fr. laurea laurel tree, fr. laureus of laurel, fr. laurus laurel: cf. F. lauréat.  Cf. Laurel.]
Crowned, or decked, with laurel.
Chaucer.

To strew the laureate hearse where Lycid lies.
Milton.

Soft on her lap her laureate son reclines.
Pope.

Poet laureate. (b) One who received an honorable degree in grammar, including poetry and rhetoric, at the English universities; -- so called as being presented with a wreath of laurel. [Obs.] (b) Formerly, an officer of the king's household, whose business was to compose an ode annually for the king's birthday, and other suitable occasions; now, a poet officially distinguished by such honorary title, the office being a sinecure. It is said this title was first given in the time of Edward IV. [Eng.] (c) A poet who has been publicly recognized as the most pre-eminent poet of a country or region; as, the poet laureate of the United States.


word: Laureate₂
definition:
Laureate

Lau"re*ate
n.
1.
One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate.
laureate
Cleveland.

2.
A person who has been presented with an award for some distinguished achievement; as, a Nobel laureate; the Pris de Rome laureate; the Music Director Laureate; the conductor laureate.


word: Laureate₃
definition:
Laureate

Lau"re*ate
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Laureated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laureating (?).]
To honor with a wreath of laurel, as formerly was done in bestowing a degree at the English universities.


word: Laureation
definition:
Laureation

Lau`re*a"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. lauréation.]
The act of crowning with laurel; the act of conferring an academic degree, or honorary title.


word: Laurel
definition:
Laurel

Lau"rel
(?)
n.
[OE. lorel, laurer, lorer, OF. lorier, laurier, F. laurier, (assumed) LL. Laurarius, fr. L. laurus.]
1.
(Bot.)
An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus (Laurus nobilis), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils; -- called also sweet bay.
The fruit is a purple berry. It is found about the Mediterranean, and was early used by the ancient Greeks to crown the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of laurel, with the fruit. The leaves and tree yield an aromatic oil, used to flavor the bay water of commerce.

&hand_; The name is extended to other plants which in some respect resemble the true laurel. See Phrases, below.

2.
A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; -- especially in the plural; as, to win laurels.

3.
An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because the king's head on it was crowned with laurel.

Laurel water, water distilled from the fresh leaves of the cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other products carried over in the process.

American laurel, or Mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia; called also calico bush. See under Mountain. -- California laurel, Umbellularia Californica. -- Cherry laurel (in England called laurel). See under Cherry. -- Great laurel, the rosebay (Rhododendron maximum). -- Ground laurel, trailing arbutus. -- New Zealand laurel, the Laurelia Novæ Zelandiæ. -- Portugal laurel, the Prunus Lusitanica. -- Rose laurel, the oleander. See Oleander. -- Sheep laurel, a poisonous shrub, Kalmia angustifolia, smaller than the mountain laurel, and with smaller and redder flowers. -- Spurge laurel, Daphne Laureola. -- West Indian laurel, Prunus occidentalis.


word: Laureled
definition:
Laureled

Lau"reled
(?)
a.
Crowned with laurel, or with a laurel wreath; laureate.
[Written also laurelled.]


word: laurels
definition:
laurels

lau"rels
(?)
n. pl.
An honor or honors conferred for some notable achievement.

to rest on one's laurels [fig.] to be content with one's past achievements and not strive to continue to excel; as, he didn't rest on his laurels after receiving the Nobel Prize, but went on to made even more significant discoveries.


word: laurel-tree
definition:
laurel-tree

laurel-tree
n.
A small tree (Persea borbonia) of the Southern U. S. having dark red heartwood.

Syn. -- red bay, Persea borbonia.


word: Laurentian
definition:
Laurentian

Lau*ren"tian
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or near, the St. Lawrence River; as, the Laurentian hills.

Laurentian period (Geol.), the lower of the two divisions of the Archæan age; -- called also the Laurentian.


word: Laurestine
definition:
Laurestine

Lau"res*tine
(?)
n.
[NL. lautus tinus, fr. L. laurus the laurel + tinus laurestine. See Laurel.]
(Bot.)
The Viburnum Tinus, an evergreen shrub or tree of the south of Europe, which flowers during the winter months.
[Written also laurustine and laurestina.]


word: Lauric
definition:
Lauric

Lau"ric
(?)
a.
1.
Pertaining to, or derived from, the European bay or laurel (Laurus nobilis).

2.
pertaining to or combined with lauric acid, the 12-carbon member of the fatty acid series; combined with the acyl group of lauric acid.


word: Lauric acid
definition:
Lauric acid

Lauric acid
(Chem.)
a white, crystalline substance, CH3.(CH2)10.COOH, resembling palmitic acid, and obtained from the fruit of the bay tree, and various other vegetable sources. The sodium salt (sodium lauryl sulfate) is used as a detergent.
Syn. -- dodecanoic acid, laurostearic acid, dodecoic acid.


word: Lauriferous
definition:
Lauriferous

Lau*rif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. laurifer; laurus + ferre to bear.]
Producing, or bringing, laurel.


word: Laurin
definition:
Laurin

Lau"rin
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. laurine.]
(Chem.)
A white crystalline substance extracted from the fruit of the bay (Laurus nobilis), and consisting of a complex mixture of glycerin ethers of several organic acids.


word: Laurinol
definition:
Laurinol

Lau"ri*nol
(?)
n.
[Laurin + -ol.]
(Chem.)
Ordinary camphor; -- so called in allusion to the family name (Lauraceæ) of the camphor trees. See Camphor.


word: Laurite
definition:
Laurite

Lau"rite
(?)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
(Min.)
A rare sulphide of osmium and ruthenium found with platinum in Borneo and Oregon.


word: Laurus
definition:
Laurus

Lau"rus
(?)
n.
[L., laurel.]
(Bot.)
A genus of trees including, according to modern authors, only the true laurel (Laurus nobilis), and the larger Laurus Canariensis of Madeira and the Canary Islands. Formerly the sassafras, the camphor tree, the cinnamon tree, and several other aromatic trees and shrubs, were also referred to the genus Laurus.


word: Lautverschiebung
definition:
Lautverschiebung

Laut"ver*schie`bung
(lout"fĕr*shē`bŏng)
n.
pl. Lautverschiebungen (lout"fĕr*shē`bŏng*en)
[G.; laut sound + verschiebung shifting.]
(Philol.)
(a)
The regular changes which the primitive Indo-European stops, or mute consonants, underwent in the Teutonic languages, probably as early as the 3d century b. c. , often called the first Lautverschiebung, sound shifting, or consonant shifting.
(b)
A somewhat similar set of changes taking place in the High German dialects (less fully in modern literary German) from the 6th to the 8th century, known as the second Lautverschiebung, the results of which form the striking differences between High German and The Low German Languages. The statement of these changes is commonly regarded as forming part of Grimm's law, because included in it as originally framed.


word: lav
definition:
lav

lav
n.
[by truncation of lavatory.]
Same as lavatory{5}; -- a shortened form of the word.
[informal]

Syn. -- toilet, lavatory, can, facility, john, privy, bathroom.


word: Lava
definition:
Lava

La"va
(lä"vȧ; 277)
n.
[It. lava lava, orig. in Naples, a torrent of rain overflowing the streets, fr. It. & L. lavare to wash. See Lave.]
The melted rock ejected by a volcano from its top or fissured sides. It flows out in streams sometimes miles in length. It also issues from fissures in the earth's surface, and forms beds covering many square miles, as in the Northwestern United States.

&hand_; Lavas are classed, according to their structure, as scoriaceous or cellular, glassy, stony, etc., and according to the material of which they consist, as doleritic, trachytic, etc.

Lava millstone, a hard and coarse basaltic millstone from the neighborhood of the Rhine. -- Lava ware, a kind of cheap pottery made of iron slag cast into tiles, urns, table tops, etc., resembling lava in appearance.


word: lavalava
definition:
lavalava

la`va*la"va
(lä`vȧ*lä"vȧ)
n.
A printed cloth garment resembling a skirt or kilt, worn as the principle garment by both men and women in Polynesia, especialy in  Samoa; called also pareu.


word: La valliere
definition:
La valliere

lavallier

lavaliere

{ la`va`liere", la`val`lier", or  La val`liere" }
(?)
n.
[after the Duchesse de La Valliere, a mistress of Louis XI. RHUD.]
A neck ornament consisting of a chain and single jewelled pendant, or drop; also, the pendant itself.


word: lavaliere microphone
definition:
lavaliere microphone

la`va`liere" mic"ro*phone
n.
A small microphone worn around the neck on a supporting string or chain.


word: Lavandula
definition:
Lavandula

Lavandula
n.
A genus of plants of the mint family including the lavender{1}.

Syn. -- genus Lavandula.


word: Lavaret
definition:
Lavaret

Lav"a*ret
(?)
n.
[F.]
(Zool.)
A European whitefish (Coregonus laveretus), found in the mountain lakes of Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland.


word: Lavatera
definition:
Lavatera

Lavatera
n.
A widespread genus of herbs or soft-wooded arborescent shrubs cultivated for their showy flowers.

Syn. -- genus Lavatera.


word: Lavatory₂
definition:
Lavatory

Lav"a*to*ry
n.
pl. Lavatories (#).
[L. lavatorium: cf. lavatoire. See Lave to wash, and cf. Laver.]
1.
A place for washing.

2.
A basin or other vessel for washing in.

3.
A wash or lotion for a diseased part.

4.
A place where gold is obtained by washing.

5.
A room containing one or more sinks for washing, as well as one or more toilet fixtures; also called bathroom, toilet, and sometimes commode.  Commode and toilet may refer to a room with only a toilet fixture, but without a sink.

Syn. -- toilet, lavatory, can, facility, john, privy, bathroom.


word: Lave
definition:
Lave

Lave
(lāv)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Laved (lāvd); p. pr. & vb. n. Laving.]
[F. laver, L. lavare, akin to luere to wash, Gr. _;.  Cf. Ablution, Deluge, Lavender, Lava, Lotion.]
To wash; to bathe; as, to lave a bruise.

His feet the foremost breakers lave.
Byron.


word: Lave₄
definition:
Lave

Lave
n.
[AS. lāf the remainder, what is left. √119.  See Leave.]
The remainder; others.
[Scot.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Lave-eared
definition:
Lave-eared

Lave"-eared`
(?)
a.
[Cf. W. llaf that extends round, llipa flaccid, flapping, G. lapp flabby, lappohr flap ear.]
Having large, pendent ears.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Lavender
definition:
Lavender

Lav"en*der
(?)
n.
[OE. lavendre, F. lavande, It. lavanda lavender, a washing, fr. L. lavare to wash; cf. It. lsavendola, LL. lavendula.  So called because it was used in bathing and washing. See Lave. to wash, and cf. Lavender.]
1.
(Bot.)
An aromatic plant of the genus Lavandula (Lavandula vera), common in the south of Europe. It yields and oil used in medicine and perfumery. The Spike lavender (Lavandula Spica) yields a coarser oil (oil of spike), used in the arts.

2.
The pale, purplish color of lavender flowers, paler and more delicate than lilac.

Lavender cotton (Bot.), a low, twiggy, aromatic shrub (Santolina Chamæcyparissus) of the Mediterranean region, formerly used as a vermifuge, etc., and still used to keep moths from wardrobes. Also called ground cypress. -- Lavender water, a perfume, toilet water, or shaving lotion containing the essential oil of lavender, and sometimes the essential oil of bergamot, and essence of ambergris. -- Sea lavender. (Bot.) See Marsh rosemary. -- To lay in lavender. (a) To lay away, as clothing, with sprigs of lavender. (b) To pawn. [Obs.]


word: Laver
definition:
Laver

Lav"er
(lā"vẽr)
n.
[OE. lavour, F. lavoir, L. lavatorium a washing place. See Lavatory.]
1.
A vessel for washing; a large basin.

2.
(Script. Hist.)
(a)
A large brazen vessel placed in the court of the Jewish tabernacle where the officiating priests washed their hands and feet.
(b)
One of several vessels in Solomon's Temple in which the offerings for burnt sacrifices were washed.

3.
That which washes or cleanses.
J. H. Newman.


word: Laver₃
definition:
Laver

La"ver
(lā"vẽr)
n.
The fronds of certain marine algæ used as food, and for making a sauce called laver sauce.  Green laver is the Ulva latissima; purple laver, Porphyra laciniata and Porphyra vulgaris. It is prepared by stewing, either alone or with other vegetables, and with various condiments; -- called also sloke, or sloakan.

Mountain laver (Bot.), a reddish gelatinous alga of the genus Palmella, found on the sides of mountains


word: Laverock
definition:
Laverock

La"ver*ock
(lā"vẽr*&obreve_;k)
n.
[See Lark the bird.]
The lark.
[Old Eng. & Scot.]
[Written also lavrock.]
Gower.


word: Lavish
definition:
Lavish

Lav"ish
(lăv"ĭsh)
a.
[Akin to E. lave to lade out; cf. AS. gelafian to refresh, G. laben.]
1.
Expending or bestowing profusely; profuse; prodigal; as, lavish of money; lavish of praise.

2.
Superabundant; excessive; as, lavish spirits.

Let her have needful, but not lavish, means.
Shak.


word: Lavish₂
definition:
Lavish

Lav"ish
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lavished (-ĭsht); p. pr. & vb. n. Lavishing.]
To expend or bestow with profusion; to use with prodigality; to squander; as, to lavish money or praise.


word: Lavoesium
definition:
Lavoesium

La*vœ"si*um
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Lavoisier, the celebrated French chemist.]
(Chem.)
A supposed new metallic element, which was said to have been discovered in pyrites, and some other minerals, and to be of a silver-white color, and malleable.  It is not currently (1998) a recognized element.


word: Lavolta
definition:
Lavolta

Lavolt

{ La*volt" (?), La*vol"ta (?), }
n.
[It. la volta the turn, turning, whirl.  Cf. Volt of a horse, Volta.]
An old dance, for two persons, being a kind of waltz, in which the woman made a high spring or bound.
Shak.


word: Law
definition:
Law

Law
(l&asuml_;)
n.
[OE. lawe, laghe, AS. lagu, from the root of E. lie: akin to OS. lag, Icel. lög, Sw. lag, Dan. lov; cf. L. lex, E. legal. A law is that which is laid, set, or fixed; like statute, fr. L. statuere to make to stand. See Lie to be prostrate.]
1.
In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by an authority able to enforce its will; a controlling regulation; the mode or order according to which an agent or a power acts.

&hand_; A law may be universal or particular, written or unwritten, published or secret. From the nature of the highest laws a degree of permanency or stability is always implied; but the power which makes a law, or a superior power, may annul or change it.

These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the Lord made.
Lev. xxvi. 46.

The law of thy God, and the law of the King.
Ezra vii. 26.

As if they would confine the Interminable . . . 
Who made our laws to bind us, not himself.
Milton.

His mind his kingdom, and his will his law.
Cowper.

2.
In morals: The will of God as the rule for the disposition and conduct of all responsible beings toward him and toward each other; a rule of living, conformable to righteousness; the rule of action as obligatory on the conscience or moral nature.

3.
The Jewish or Mosaic code, and that part of Scripture where it is written, in distinction from the gospel; hence, also, the Old Testament.
Specifically:
the first five books of the bible, called also Torah, Pentatech, or Law of Moses.

What things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law . . . But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.
Rom. iii. 19, 21. 

4.
(a)
An organic rule, as a constitution or charter, establishing and defining the conditions of the existence of a state or other organized community.
(b)
Any edict, decree, order, ordinance, statute, resolution, judicial, decision, usage, etc., or recognized, and enforced, by the controlling authority.

5.
In philosophy and physics: A rule of being, operation, or change, so certain and constant that it is conceived of as imposed by the will of God or by some controlling authority; as, the law of gravitation; the laws of motion; the law heredity; the laws of thought; the laws of cause and effect; law of self-preservation.

6.
In mathematics: The rule according to which anything, as the change of value of a variable, or the value of the terms of a series, proceeds; mode or order of sequence.

7.
In arts, works, games, etc.: The rules of construction, or of procedure, conforming to the conditions of success; a principle, maxim; or usage; as, the laws of poetry, of architecture, of courtesy, or of whist.

8.
Collectively, the whole body of rules relating to one subject, or emanating from one source; -- including usually the writings pertaining to them, and judicial proceedings under them; as, divine law; English law; Roman law; the law of real property; insurance law.

9.
Legal science; jurisprudence; the principles of equity; applied justice.

Reason is the life of the law; nay, the common law itself is nothing else but reason.
Coke.

Law is beneficence acting by rule.
Burke.

And sovereign Law, that state's collected will
O'er thrones and globes elate,
Sits empress, crowning good, repressing ill.
Sir W. Jones.

10.
Trial by the laws of the land; judicial remedy; litigation; as, to go law.

When every case in law is right.
Shak.

He found law dear and left it cheap.
Brougham.

11.
An oath, as in the presence of a court.
[Obs.]
See Wager of law, under Wager.

Avogadro's law (Chem.), a fundamental conception, according to which, under similar conditions of temperature and pressure, all gases and vapors contain in the same volume the same number of ultimate molecules; -- so named after Avogadro, an Italian scientist. Sometimes called Ampère's law. -- Bode's law (Astron.), an approximative empirical expression of the distances of the planets from the sun, as follows: -- 

Mer. Ven. Earth. Mars.  Aste.  Jup.  Sat.  Uran.   Nep.
 4    4     4     4      4      4     4      4      4
 0    3     6    12     24     48    96     192   384
 --   --   --    --     --     --    --     ---   ---
 4    7    10    16     28     52   100     196   388
 5.9  7.3  10    15.2   27.4   52    95.4   192   300

where each distance (line third) is the sum of 4 and a multiple of 3 by the series 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, etc., the true distances being given in the lower line. -- Boyle's law (Physics), an expression of the fact, that when an elastic fluid is subjected to compression, and kept at a constant temperature, the product of the pressure and volume is a constant quantity, i. e., the volume is inversely proportioned to the pressure; -- known also as Mariotte's law, and the law of Boyle and Mariotte. -- Brehon laws. See under Brehon. -- Canon law, the body of ecclesiastical law adopted in the Christian Church, certain portions of which (for example, the law of marriage as existing before the Council of Tent) were brought to America by the English colonists as part of the common law of the land. Wharton. -- Civil law, a term used by writers to designate Roman law, with modifications thereof which have been made in the different countries into which that law has been introduced. The civil law, instead of the common law, prevails in the State of Louisiana. Wharton. -- Commercial law. See Law merchant (below). -- Common law. See under Common. -- Criminal law, that branch of jurisprudence which relates to crimes. -- Ecclesiastical law. See under Ecclesiastical. -- Grimm's law (Philol.), a statement (propounded by the German philologist Jacob Grimm) of certain regular changes which the primitive Indo-European mute consonants, so-called (most plainly seen in Sanskrit and, with some changes, in Greek and Latin), have undergone in the Teutonic languages. Examples: Skr. bhāt&rsdot_;, L. frater, E. brother, G. bruder; L. tres, E. three, G. drei, Skr. go, E. cow, G. kuh; Skr. dhā to put, Gr. ti-qe`-nai, E. do, OHG, tuon, G. thun.  See also lautverschiebung. -- Kepler's laws (Astron.), three important laws or expressions of the order of the planetary motions, discovered by John Kepler. They are these: (1) The orbit of a planet with respect to the sun is an ellipse, the sun being in one of the foci. (2) The areas swept over by a vector drawn from the sun to a planet are proportioned to the times of describing them. (3) The squares of the times of revolution of two planets are in the ratio of the cubes of their mean distances. -- Law binding, a plain style of leather binding, used for law books; -- called also law calf. -- Law book, a book containing, or treating of, laws. -- Law calf. See Law binding (above). -- Law day. (a) Formerly, a day of holding court, esp. a court-leet. (b) The day named in a mortgage for the payment of the money to secure which it was given. [U. S.] -- Law French, the dialect of Norman, which was used in judicial proceedings and law books in England from the days of William the Conqueror to the thirty-sixth year of Edward III. -- Law language, the language used in legal writings and forms. -- Law Latin. See under Latin. -- Law lords, peers in the British Parliament who have held high judicial office, or have been noted in the legal profession. -- Law merchant, or Commercial law, a system of rules by which trade and commerce are regulated; -- deduced from the custom of merchants, and regulated by judicial decisions, as also by enactments of legislatures. -- Law of Charles (Physics), the law that the volume of a given mass of gas increases or decreases, by a definite fraction of its value for a given rise or fall of temperature; -- sometimes less correctly styled Gay Lussac's law, or Dalton's law. -- Law of nations. See International law, under International. -- Law of nature. (a) A broad generalization expressive of the constant action, or effect, of natural conditions; as, death is a law of nature; self-defense is a law of nature. See Law, 4. (b) A term denoting the standard, or system, of morality deducible from a study of the nature and natural relations of human beings independent of supernatural revelation or of municipal and social usages. -- Law of the land, due process of law; the general law of the land. -- Laws of honor. See under Honor. -- Laws of motion (Physics), three laws defined by Sir Isaac Newton: (1) Every body perseveres in its state of rest or of moving uniformly in a straight line, except so far as it is made to change that state by external force. (2) Change of motion is proportional to the impressed force, and takes place in the direction in which the force is impressed. (3) Reaction is always equal and opposite to action, that is to say, the actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal and in opposite directions. -- Marine law, or Maritime law, the law of the sea; a branch of the law merchant relating to the affairs of the sea, such as seamen, ships, shipping, navigation, and the like. Bouvier. -- Mariotte's law. See Boyle's law (above). -- Martial law.See under Martial. -- Military law, a branch of the general municipal law, consisting of rules ordained for the government of the military force of a state in peace and war, and administered in courts martial. Kent. Warren's Blackstone. -- Moral law, the law of duty as regards what is right and wrong in the sight of God; specifically, the ten commandments given by Moses. See Law, 2. -- Mosaic law, or Ceremonial law. (Script.) See Law, 3. -- Municipal law, or Positive law, a rule prescribed by the supreme power of a state, declaring some right, enforcing some duty, or prohibiting some act; -- distinguished from international law and constitutional law. See Law, 1. -- Periodic law. (Chem.) See under Periodic. -- Roman law, the system of principles and laws found in the codes and treatises of the lawmakers and jurists of ancient Rome, and incorporated more or less into the laws of the several European countries and colonies founded by them. See Civil law (above). -- Statute law, the law as stated in statutes or positive enactments of the legislative body. -- Sumptuary law. See under Sumptuary. -- To go to law, to seek a settlement of any matter by bringing it before the courts of law; to sue or prosecute some one. -- To take the law of, or To have the law of, to bring the law to bear upon; as, to take the law of one's neighbor. Addison. -- Wager of law. See under Wager.


word: Law-abiding
definition:
Law-abiding

Law"-a*bid`ing
(?)
a.
Abiding the law; waiting for the operation of law for the enforcement of rights; also, abiding by the law; obedient to the law; as, law-abiding people.


word: law-breaking
definition:
law-breaking

law-breaking
n.
1.
an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act.

Syn. -- crime.


word: law-breaker
definition:
law-breaker

lawbreaker

law"break`er, law"-break`er
(?)
n.
One who disobeys the law; someone who violates the law; a criminal.

Syn. -- violator, lawbreaker, law breaker, perpetrator.


word: Lawe
definition:
Lawe

Lawe
(?)
v. t.
[See 2d Lawing.]
To cut off the claws and balls of, as of a dog's fore feet.
Wright.


word: Lawful
definition:
Lawful

Law"ful
(?)
a.
1.
Conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent.

2.
Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful owner of lands.

Lawful age, the age when the law recognizes one's right of independent action; majority; -- generally the age of twenty-one years.  Also called legal age or age of majority.

&hand_; In some of the States, and for some purposes, a woman attains lawful age at eighteen. Abbott.


word: lawfully-begotten
definition:
lawfully-begotten

lawfully-begotten
adj.
born in wedlock; legitimate; enjoying full filial rights; not illegitimate; -- of people.


word: Lawing₂
definition:
Lawing

Law"ing
n.
[So called because done in compliance with an English forest law.]
Expeditation.
Blackstone.


word: Lawless
definition:
Lawless

Law"less
a.
1.
Contrary to, or unauthorized by, law; illegal; as, a lawless claim.

He needs no indirect nor lawless course.
Shak.

2.
Not subject to, or restrained by, the law of morality or of society; as, lawless men or behavior.

3.
Not subject to the laws of nature; uncontrolled.

Or, meteorlike, flame lawless through the void.
Pope.


word: law-makers
definition:
law-makers

law-makers
n. pl.
Those persons who make or amend or repeal laws, collectively.

Syn. -- legislature, legislative assembly, general assembly.


word: Lawmaking
definition:
Lawmaking

Law"mak`ing
(l&asuml_;"mā`kĭng)
a.
Enacting laws; legislative.
n. The enacting of laws; legislation.


word: Lawmonger
definition:
Lawmonger

Law"mon`ger
(?)
n.
A trader in law; one who practices law as if it were a trade.
Milton.


word: Lawn
definition:
Lawn

Lawn
(l&asuml_;n)
n.
[OE. laund, launde, F. lande heath, moor; of Celtic origin; cf. W. llan an open, clear place, llawnt a smooth rising hill, lawn, Armor. lann or lan territory, country, lann a prickly plant, pl. lannou heath, moor.]
1.
An open space between woods.
Milton.

“Orchard lawns and bowery hollows.”
Tennyson.

2.
Ground (generally in front of or around a house) covered with grass kept closely mown.

Lawn mower, a machine for clipping the short grass of lawns. -- Lawn tennis, a variety of the game of tennis, played in the open air, sometimes upon a lawn, instead of in a tennis court. See Tennis.


word: Lawn₂
definition:
Lawn

Lawn
n.
[Earlier laune lynen, i. e., lawn linen; prob. from the town Laon in France.]
A very fine linen (or sometimes cotton) fabric with a rather open texture. Lawn is used for the sleeves of a bishop's official dress in the English Church, and, figuratively, stands for the office itself.

A saint in crape is twice a saint in lawn.
Pope.


word: Lawny
definition:
Lawny

Lawn"y
(l&asuml_;n"&ybreve_;)
a.
Having a lawn; characterized by a lawn or by lawns; like a lawn.

Musing through the lawny park.
T. Warton.


word: lawrencium
definition:
lawrencium

lawrencium
n.
[from Ernest O. Lawrence, inventer of the cyclotron.]
A transuranic element of atomic number 103.  It was discovered in 1961 by bombardment of californium in a cyclotron with boron nuclei.  Other isotopes were prepared in 1965 at Dubna.  The atomic weight of the most stable isotope is 256, having a half-life of 35 seconds.  Symbol Lr.
HCP61

Syn. -- Lr.


word: Laws
definition:
Laws

Laws
n.
the first five books of the Old Testament, also called The Law and Torah.

Syn. -- Pentateuch, Law of Moses, Torah.


word: Lawsonia
definition:
Lawsonia

Law*so"ni*a
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
An Asiatic and North African shrub (Lawsonia inermis), with smooth oval leaves, and fragrant white flowers. Henna is prepared from the leaves and twigs. In England the shrub is called Egyptian privet, and in the West Indies, Jamaica mignonette.


word: Lawsuit
definition:
Lawsuit

Law"suit`
(?)
n.
An action at law; a suit in equity or admiralty; any legal proceeding before a court for the enforcement of a claim.


word: Lawyer
definition:
Lawyer

Law"yer
(?)
n.
[From Law, like bowyer, fr. bow.]
1.
One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
The black-necked stilt. See Stilt.
(b)
The bowfin (Amia calva).
(c)
The burbot (Lota maculosa).

Philadelphia lawyer, A lawyer knowledgeable about the most detailed and minute points of law, especially one with an exceptional propensity and ability to exploit fine technical points of law for the client's advantage.


word: lawyerbush
definition:
lawyerbush

lawyerbush
n.
A stout-stemmed trailing shrub (Rubus cissoides) of New Zealand that scrambles over other growth.

Syn. -- lawyer bush, bush lawyer, Rubus cissoides, Rubus australis.


word: Lawyerly
definition:
Lawyerly

Lawyerlike

{ Law"yer*like` (?), Law"yer*ly (?), }
a.
Like, or becoming, a lawyer; as, lawyerlike sagacity.
Lawyerly
Milton.


word: Lax
definition:
Lax

Lax
(lăks)
a.
[Compar. Laxer (lăks"ẽr); superl. Laxest.]
[L. laxus Cf. Laches, Languish, Lease, v. t., Leash.]
1.
Not tense, firm, or rigid; loose; slack; as, a lax bandage; lax fiber.

The flesh of that sort of fish being lax and spongy.
Ray.

2.
Not strict or stringent; not exact; loose; weak; vague; equivocal.

The discipline was lax.
Macaulay.

Society at that epoch was lenient, if not lax, in matters of the passions.
J. A. Symonds.

The word “æternus” itself is sometimes of a lax signification.
Jortin.

3.
Having a looseness of the bowels; diarrheal.


word: Laxation
definition:
Laxation

Lax*a"tion
(?)
n.
[L. laxatio, fr. laxare to loosen, fr. laxus loose, slack.]
The act of loosening or slackening, or the state of being loosened or slackened.


word: Laxative
definition:
Laxative

Lax"a*tive
(?)
a.
[L. laxativus mitigating, assuaging: cf. F. laxatif. See Lax, a.]
1.
Having a tendency to loosen or relax.
Milton.

2.
(Med.)
Having the effect of loosening or opening the intestines, and relieving from constipation; -- opposed to astringent.
n. (Med.) A laxative medicine. See the Note under Cathartic.


word: Laxator
definition:
Laxator

Lax*a"tor
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. L. laxare, laxatum, to loosen.]
(Anat.)
That which loosens; -- esp., a muscle which by its contraction loosens some part.


word: Laxity
definition:
Laxity

Lax"i*ty
(lăks"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[L. laxitas, fr. laxus loose, slack: cf. F. laxité, See Lax, a.]
The state or quality of being lax; lack of tenseness, strictness, or exactness.


word: Lay₂
definition:
Lay

Lay
a.
[F. lai, L. laicus, Gr. _; of or from the people, lay, from _;, _;, people.  Cf. Laic.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the laity, as distinct from the clergy; as, a lay person; a lay preacher; a lay brother.

2.
Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.
[Obs.]

3.
Not belonging to, or emanating from, a particular profession; unprofessional; as, a lay opinion regarding the nature of a disease.

Lay baptism (Eccl.), baptism administered by a lay person. F. G. Lee. -- Lay brother (R. C. Ch.), one received into a convent of monks under the three vows, but not in holy orders. -- Lay clerk (Eccl.), a layman who leads the responses of the congregation, etc., in the church service. Hook. -- Lay days (Com.), time allowed in a charter party for taking in and discharging cargo. McElrath. -- Lay elder. See 2d Elder, 3, note.


word: Lay₃
definition:
Lay

Lay
(?)
n.
The laity; the common people.
[Obs.]

The learned have no more privilege than the lay.
B. Jonson.


word: Lay₅
definition:
Lay

Lay
n.
[OF. lei faith, law, F. loi law. See Legal.]
1.
Faith; creed; religious profession.
[Obs.]

Of the sect to which that he was born
He kept his lay, to which that he was sworn.
Chaucer.

2.
A law.
[Obs.]
lays
Spenser.

3.
An obligation; a vow.
[Obs.]

They bound themselves by a sacred lay and oath.
Holland.


word: Lay₆
definition:
Lay

Lay
(?)
a.
[OF. lai, lais, prob. of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. laoi, laoidh, song, poem, OIr. laoidh poem, verse; but cf. also AS. lāc play, sport, G. leich a sort of poem (cf. Lake to sport). _;.]
1.
A song; a simple lyrical poem; a ballad.
Spenser. Sir W. Scott.

2.
A melody; any musical utterance.

The throstle cock made eke his lay.
Chaucer.


word: Lay₇
definition:
Lay

Lay
(lā)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Laid (lād); p. pr. & vb. n. Laying.]
[OE. leggen, AS. lecgan, causative, fr. licgan to lie; akin to D. leggen, G. legen, Icel. leggja, Goth. lagjan. See Lie to be prostrate.]
1.
To cause to lie down, to be prostrate, or to lie against something; to put or set down; to deposit; as, to lay a book on the table; to lay a body in the grave; a shower lays the dust.

A stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den.
Dan. vi. 17.

Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid.
Milton.

2.
To place in position; to establish firmly; to arrange with regularity; to dispose in ranks or tiers; as, to lay a corner stone; to lay bricks in a wall; to lay the covers on a table.

3.
To prepare; to make ready; to contrive; to provide; as, to lay a snare, an ambush, or a plan.

4.
To spread on a surface; as, to lay plaster or paint.

5.
To cause to be still; to calm; to allay; to suppress; to exorcise, as an evil spirit.

After a tempest when the winds are laid.
Waller.

6.
To cause to lie dead or dying.

Brave Cæneus laid Ortygius on the plain,
The victor Cæneus was by Turnus slain.
Dryden.

7.
To deposit, as a wager; to stake; to risk.

I dare lay mine honor
He will remain so.
Shak.

8.
To bring forth and deposit; as, to lay eggs.

9.
To apply; to put.

She layeth her hands to the spindle.
Prov. xxxi. 19.

10.
To impose, as a burden, suffering, or punishment; to assess, as a tax; as, to lay a tax on land.

The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Is. liii. 6.

11.
To impute; to charge; to allege.

God layeth not folly to them.
Job xxiv. 12.

Lay the fault on us.
Shak.

12.
To impose, as a command or a duty; as, to lay commands on one.

13.
To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a particular county; to lay a scheme before one.

14.
(Law)
To state; to allege; as, to lay the venue.
Bouvier.

15.
(Mil.)
To point; to aim; as, to lay a gun.

16.
(Rope Making)
To put the strands of (a rope, a cable, etc.) in their proper places and twist or unite them; as, to lay a cable or rope.

17.
(Print.)
(a)
To place and arrange (pages) for a form upon the imposing stone.
(b)
To place (new type) properly in the cases.

To lay asleep, to put sleep; to make unobservant or careless. Bacon. -- To lay bare, to make bare; to strip.
[1913 Webster]
And laid those proud roofs bare to summer's rain. Byron.
-- To lay before, to present to; to submit for consideration; as, the papers are laid before Congress. -- To lay by. (a) To save. (b) To discard.
[1913 Webster]
Let brave spirits . . . not be laid by. Bacon.
-- To lay by the heels, to put in the stocks. Shak. -- To lay down. (a) To stake as a wager. (b) To yield; to relinquish; to surrender; as, to lay down one's life; to lay down one's arms. (c) To assert or advance, as a proposition or principle. -- To lay forth. (a) To extend at length; (reflexively) to exert one's self; to expatiate. [Obs.] (b) To lay out (as a corpse). [Obs.] Shak. -- To lay hands on, to seize. -- To lay hands on one's self, or To lay violent hands on one's self, to injure one's self; specif., to commit suicide. -- To lay heads together, to consult. -- To lay hold of, or To lay hold on, to seize; to catch. -- To lay in, to store; to provide. -- To lay it on, to apply without stint. Shak. -- To lay it on thick, to flatter excessively. -- To lay on, to apply with force; to inflict; as, to lay on blows. -- To lay on load, to lay on blows; to strike violently. [Obs. or Archaic] -- To lay one's self out, to strive earnestly.
[1913 Webster]
No selfish man will be concerned to lay out himself for the good of his country. Smalridge.
[1913 Webster]
-- To lay one's self open to, to expose one's self to, as to an accusation. -- To lay open, to open; to uncover; to expose; to reveal. -- To lay over, to spread over; to cover. -- To lay out. (a) To expend. Macaulay. (b) To display; to discover. (c) To plan in detail; to arrange; as, to lay out a garden. (d) To prepare for burial; as, to lay out a corpse. (e) To exert; as, to lay out all one's strength. -- To lay siege to. (a) To besiege; to encompass with an army. (b) To beset pertinaciously. -- To lay the course (Naut.), to sail toward the port intended without jibing. -- To lay the land (Naut.), to cause it to disappear below the horizon, by sailing away from it. -- To lay to (a) To charge upon; to impute. (b) To apply with vigor. (c) To attack or harass. [Obs.] Knolles. (d) (Naut.) To check the motion of (a vessel) and cause it to be stationary. -- To lay to heart, to feel deeply; to consider earnestly. -- To lay under, to subject to; as, to lay under obligation or restraint. -- To lay unto. (a) Same as To lay to (above). (b) To put before. Hos. xi. 4. -- To lay up. (a) To store; to reposit for future use. (b) To confine; to disable. (c) To dismantle, and retire from active service, as a ship. -- To lay wait for, to lie in ambush for. -- To lay waste, to destroy; to make desolate; as, to lay waste the land.


word: Lay₈
definition:
Lay

Lay
v. i.
1.
To produce and deposit eggs.

2.
(Naut.)
To take a position; to come or go; as, to lay forward; to lay aloft.

3.
To lay a wager; to bet.

To lay about, or To lay about one, to strike vigorously in all directions. J. H. Newman. -- To lay at, to strike or strike at. Spenser. -- To lay for, to prepare to capture or assault; to lay wait for. [Colloq.] Bp Hall. -- To lay in for, to make overtures for; to engage or secure the possession of. [Obs.] “I have laid in for these.” Dryden. -- To lay on, to strike; to beat; to attack. Shak. -- To lay out, to purpose; to plan; as, he lays out to make a journey.


word: Lay₉
definition:
Lay

Lay
(?)
n.
1.
That which lies or is laid or is conceived of as having been laid or placed in its position; a row; a stratum; a layer; as, a lay of stone or wood.
Addison.

A viol should have a lay of wire strings below.
Bacon.

&hand_; The lay of a rope is right-handed or left-handed according to the hemp or strands are laid up. See Lay, v. t., 16. The lay of land is its topographical situation, esp. its slope and its surface features.

2.
A wager.
lay

3.
(a)
A job, price, or profit.
[Prov. Eng.]
Wright.
(b)
 A share of the proceeds or profits of an enterprise; as, when a man ships for a whaling voyage, he agrees for a certain lay.
[U. S.]

4.
(Textile Manuf.)
(a)
A measure of yarn; a lea. See 1st Lea (a).
(b)
The lathe of a loom. See Lathe, 3.

5.
A plan; a scheme.
[Slang]
Dickens.

Lay figure. (a) A jointed model of the human body that may be put in any attitude; -- used for showing the disposition of drapery, etc. (b) A mere puppet; one who serves the will of others without independent volition. -- Lay race, that part of a lay on which the shuttle travels in weaving; -- called also shuttle race. -- the lay of the land, the general situation or state of affairs. -- to get the lay of the land, to learn the general situation or state of affairs, especially in preparation for action.


word: layby
definition:
layby

layby
n.
A paved area beside a main road where cars can stop temporarily.
[Chiefly Brit.]

Syn. -- pull-off, turnout.


word: Layer
definition:
Layer

Lay"er
(?)
n.
[See Lay to cause to lie flat.]
1.
One who, or that which, lays.

2.
[Prob. a corruption of lair.]
That which is laid; a stratum; a bed; one thickness, course, or fold laid over another; as, a layer of clay or of sand in the earth; a layer of bricks, or of plaster; the layers of an onion.

3.
A shoot or twig of a plant, not detached from the stock, laid under ground for growth or propagation.

4.
An artificial oyster bed.


word: Layette
definition:
Layette

Lay*ette"
(?)
n.
[F.]
(Med.)
The outfit of clothing, blankets, etc., prepared for a newborn infant, and placed ready for use.


word: Layia
definition:
Layia

Layia
n.
A genus of Western U. S. annuals with showy yellow or white flowers.

Syn. -- genus Layia.


word: Laying
definition:
Laying

Lay"ing
(?)
n.

1.
The act of one who, or that which, lays.

2.
The act or period of laying eggs; the eggs laid for one incubation; a clutch.

3.
The first coat on laths of plasterer's two-coat work.


word: Layland
definition:
Layland

Lay"land`
(?)
n.
[Lay a meadow + land.]
Land lying untilled; fallow ground.
[Obs.]
Blount.


word: Layman
definition:
Layman

Lay"man
(?)
n.
pl. Laymen (_;).
[Lay, adj. + man.]
1.
One of the people, in distinction from the clergy; one of the laity; sometimes, a man not belonging to some particular profession, in distinction from those who do.

Being a layman, I ought not to have concerned myself with speculations which belong to the profession.
Dryden.

2.
A lay figure. See under Lay, n. (above).
Dryden


word: layperson
definition:
layperson

layperson
n.
someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person; a layman.

Syn. -- layman.


word: Lay reader
definition:
Lay reader

Lay" read"er
(Eccl.)
A layman authorized to read parts of the public service of the church.


word: Layshaft
definition:
Layshaft

Lay shaft

{ Lay shaft, or Lay"shaft`  }
(?)
n.
(Mach.)
A secondary shaft, as in a sliding change gear for an automobile; a cam shaft operated by a two-to-one gear in an internal-combustion engine. It is generally a shaft moving more or less independently of the other parts of a machine, as, in some marine engines, a shaft, driven by a small auxiliary engine, for independently operating the valves of the main engine to insure uniform motion.


word: Laystall
definition:
Laystall

Lay"stall`
(?)
n.
1.
A place where rubbish, dung, etc., are laid or deposited.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.

Smithfield was a laystall of all ordure and filth.
Bacon.

2.
A place where milch cows are kept, or cattle on the way to market are lodged.
[Obs.]


word: Lazar
definition:
Lazar

La"zar
(?)
n.
[OF. lazare, fr. Lazarus the beggar. Luke xvi. 20.]
A person infected with a filthy or pestilential disease; a leper.
Chaucer.

Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
Spenser.

Lazar house a lazaretto; also, a hospital for quarantine.


word: Lazaretto
definition:
Lazaretto

Lazaret

{ Laz`a*ret" (lăz`ȧ*rĕt"), Laz`a*ret"to (lăz`ȧ*rĕt"to̝), }
n.
[F. lazaret, or It. lazzeretto, fr. Lazarus. See Lazar.]
1.
A public building, hospital, or pesthouse for the reception of diseased persons, particularly those affected with contagious diseases.

2.
(Naut.)
(Pronounced by seamen lăz`ȧ*rēt")
A low space under the after part of the main deck, used as a storeroom.


word: Lazarite
definition:
Lazarite

Lazarist

{ Laz"a*rist (?), Laz"a*rite (?), }
n.
(R. C. Ch.)
One of the Congregation of the Priests of the Mission, a religious institute founded by Vincent de Paul in 1624, and popularly called Lazarists or Lazarites from the College of St. Lazare in Paris, which was occupied by them until 1792.


word: Lazarly
definition:
Lazarly

Lazarlike

{ La"zar*like` (?), La"zar*ly (?), }
a.
Full of sores; leprous.
Shak. Bp. Hall.


word: Laze
definition:
Laze

Laze
(lāz)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lazed (lāzd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lazing.]
[See Lazy.]
To be lazy or idle.
[Colloq.]
Middleton.


word: Laze₂
definition:
Laze

Laze
v. t.
To waste in sloth; to spend, as time, in idleness; as, to laze away whole days.
[Colloq.]


word: Laziness
definition:
Laziness

La"zi*ness
n.
The state or quality of being lazy.

Laziness travels so slowly, that Poverty soon overtakes him.
Franklin.


word: Lazuli
definition:
Lazuli

Laz"u*li
(?)
n.
[F. & NL. lapis lazuli, LL. lazulus, lazurius, lazur from the same Oriental source as E. azure. See Azure.]
(Min.)
A mineral of a fine azure-blue color, usually in small rounded masses. It is essentially a silicate of alumina, lime, and soda, with some sodium sulphide, is often marked by yellow spots or veins of sulphide of iron, and is much valued for ornamental work.  Called also lapis lazuli, and Armenian stone.


word: Lazulite
definition:
Lazulite

Laz"u*lite
(?)
n.
[From lazuli : cf. F. lazulite, G. lazulith.]
(Min.)
A mineral of a light indigo-blue color, occurring in small masses, or in monoclinic crystals; blue spar. It is a hydrous phosphate of alumina and magnesia.


word: Lazy
definition:
Lazy

La"zy
(?)
a.
[Compar. Lazier (?); superl. Laziest.]
[OE. lasie, laesic, of uncertain origin; cf. F. las tired, L. lassus, akin to E. late; or cf. LG. losig, lesig.]
1.
Disinclined to action or exertion; averse to labor; idle; shirking work.
Bacon.

2.
Inactive; slothful; slow; sluggish; as, a lazy stream.
lazy
Shak.

3.
Wicked; vicious.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
B. Jonson.

Lazy tongs, a system of jointed bars capable of great extension, originally made for picking up something at a distance, now variously applied in machinery.


word: Lazyback
definition:
Lazyback

La"zy*back`
(lā"z&ybreve_;*băk`)
n.
A support for the back, attached to the seat of a carriage.
[Colloq.]


word: Lazzaroni
definition:
Lazzaroni

Laz`za*ro"ni
(lăz`zȧ*r&omacr"nĭ; It. lät`sȧ*r&omacr"ne̝)
n. pl.
[It. lazzarone, pl. lazzaroni.]
The homeless idlers of Naples who live by chance work or begging; -- so called from the Hospital of St. Lazarus, which serves as their refuge.
[Written also, but improperly, lazaroni.]


word: lcm
definition:
lcm

lcm
n.
Abbreviation for the least common multiple, the smallest multiple that is exactly divisible by every member of a set of numbers; as, the least common multiple of 12 and 18 is 36.
[abbr.]

Syn. -- lowest common multiple, least common multiple.


word: Ld.
definition:
Ld.

Ld.
n.
The abbreviation for limited, term appended to the name of a company that is organized to give its owners limited liability; also abbreviated Ltd.  It corresponds to Inc. in the United States.
[Chiefly British]
[abbr.]

Syn. -- limited company, Ltd.


word: LDL
definition:
LDL

LDL
(ĕl`dē*ĕl/")
n.
[acronym from Low-Density Lipoprotein.]
(Med., Biochem.)
Low-density lipoprotein, a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; high levels are thought to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis; sometimes called informally bad cholesterol.

Syn. -- low-density lipoprotein.


word: Lea
definition:
Lea

Lea
n.
[Cf. Lay, n. (that which is laid), 4.]
(Textile Manuf.)
(a)
A measure of yarn; for linen, 300 yards; for cotton, 120 yards; a lay.
(b)
A set of warp threads carried by a loop of the heddle.


word: Lea₂
definition:
Lea

Lea
n.
[OE. ley, lay, As. leáh, leá; akin to Prov. G. lon bog, morass, grove, and perh. to L. lucus grove, E. light, n.]
A meadow or sward land; a grassy field.
leas
Shak.

The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea.
Gray.


word: Leach₂
definition:
Leach

Leach
n.
[Written also letch.]
[Cf. As. leáh lye, G. lauge. See Lye.]
1.
A quantity of wood ashes, through which water passes, and thus imbibes the alkali.

2.
A tub or vat for leaching ashes, bark, etc.

Leach tub, a wooden tub in which ashes are leached.


word: Leach₃
definition:
Leach

Leach
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leached (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaching.]
[Written also leech and letch.]
1.
To remove the soluble constituents from by subjecting to the action of percolating water or other liquid; as, to leach ashes or coffee.

2.
To dissolve out; -- often used with out; as, to leach out alkali from ashes.


word: Leachy
definition:
Leachy

Leach"y
(?)
a.
Permitting liquids to pass by percolation; not capable of retaining water; porous; pervious; -- said of gravelly or sandy soils, and the like.


word: Lead
definition:
Lead

Lead
(lĕd)
n.
[OE. led, leed, lead, AS. leád; akin to D. lood, MHG. l&omacrt, G. loth plummet, sounding lead, small weight, Sw. & Dan. lod. √123.]
1.
(Chem.)
One of the elements, a heavy, pliable, inelastic metal, having a bright, bluish color, but easily tarnished.  It is both malleable and ductile, though with little tenacity, and is used for tubes, sheets, bullets, etc. Its specific gravity is 11.37. It is easily fusible (melting point 327.5° C), forms alloys with other metals, and is an ingredient of solder and type metal. Atomic number 82.  Atomic weight, 207.2. Symbol Pb (L. Plumbum). It is chiefly obtained from the mineral galena, lead sulphide.

2.
An article made of lead or an alloy of lead
(a)
A plummet or mass of lead, used in sounding at sea.
(b)
(Print.)
A thin strip of type metal, used to separate lines of type in printing.
(c)
Sheets or plates of lead used as a covering for roofs; hence, pl., a roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates.

I would have the tower two stories, and goodly leads upon the top.
Bacon

3.
A small cylinder of black lead or graphite, used in pencils.

Black lead, graphite or plumbago; -- so called from its leadlike appearance and streak. [Colloq.] -- Coasting lead, a sounding lead intermediate in weight between a hand lead and deep-sea lead. -- Deep-sea lead, the heaviest of sounding leads, used in water exceeding a hundred fathoms in depth. Ham. Nav. Encyc. -- Hand lead, a small lead use for sounding in shallow water. -- Krems lead, Kremnitz lead [so called from Krems or Kremnitz, in Austria], a pure variety of white lead, formed into tablets, and called also Krems white, or Kremnitz white, and Vienna white. -- Lead arming, tallow put in the hollow of a sounding lead. See To arm the lead (below). -- Lead colic. See under Colic. -- Lead color, a deep bluish gray color, like tarnished lead. -- Lead glance. (Min.) Same as Galena. -- Lead line (a) (Med.) A dark line along the gums produced by a deposit of metallic lead, due to lead poisoning. (b) (Naut.) A sounding line. -- Lead mill, a leaden polishing wheel, used by lapidaries. -- Lead ocher (Min.), a massive sulphur-yellow oxide of lead. Same as Massicot. -- Lead pencil, a pencil of which the marking material is graphite (black lead). -- Lead plant (Bot.), a low leguminous plant, genus Amorpha (Amorpha canescens), found in the Northwestern United States, where its presence is supposed to indicate lead ore. Gray. -- Lead tree. (a) (Bot.) A West Indian name for the tropical, leguminous tree, Leucæna glauca; -- probably so called from the glaucous color of the foliage. (b) (Chem.) Lead crystallized in arborescent forms from a solution of some lead salt, as by suspending a strip of zinc in lead acetate. -- Mock lead, a miner's term for blende. -- Red lead, a scarlet, crystalline, granular powder, consisting of minium when pure, but commonly containing several of the oxides of lead. It is used as a paint or cement and also as an ingredient of flint glass. -- Red lead ore (Min.), crocoite. -- Sugar of lead, acetate of lead. -- To arm the lead, to fill the hollow in the bottom of a sounding lead with tallow in order to discover the nature of the bottom by the substances adhering. Ham. Nav. Encyc. -- To cast the lead, or To heave the lead, to cast the sounding lead for ascertaining the depth of water. -- White lead, hydrated carbonate of lead, obtained as a white, amorphous powder, and much used as an ingredient of white paint.


word: Lead₂
definition:
Lead

Lead
(lĕd)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Leading.]
1.
To cover, fill, or affect with lead; as, continuous firing leads the grooves of a rifle.

2.
(Print.)
To place leads between the lines of; as, to lead a page; leaded matter.


word: Lead₃
definition:
Lead

Lead
(lēd)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Led (lĕd); p. pr. & vb. n. Leading.]
[OE. leden, AS. l&aemacr_;dan (akin to OS. lēdian, D. leiden, G. leiten, Icel. leīða, Sw. leda, Dan. lede), properly a causative fr. AS. liðan to go; akin to OHG. līdan, Icel. līða, Goth. leiþan (in comp.).  Cf. Lode, Loath.]
1.
To guide or conduct with the hand, or by means of some physical contact or connection; as, a father leads a child; a jockey leads a horse with a halter; a dog leads a blind man.

If a blind man lead a blind man, both fall down in the ditch.
Wyclif (Matt. xv. 14.)

They thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill.
Luke iv. 29.

In thy right hand lead with thee
The mountain nymph, sweet Liberty.
Milton.

2.
To guide or conduct in a certain course, or to a certain place or end, by making the way known; to show the way, esp. by going with or going in advance of.
Hence,
figuratively
To direct; to counsel; to instruct; as, to lead a traveler; to lead a pupil.

The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way.
Ex. xiii. 21.

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Ps. xxiii. 2.

This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask.
Content, though blind, had I no better guide.
Milton.

3.
To conduct or direct with authority; to have direction or charge of; as, to lead an army, an exploring party, or a search; to lead a political party.

Christ took not upon him flesh and blood that he might conquer and rule nations, lead armies, or possess places.
South.

4.
To go or to be in advance of; to precede; hence, to be foremost or chief among; as, the big sloop led the fleet of yachts; the Guards led the attack; Demosthenes leads the orators of all ages.

As Hesperus, that leads the sun his way.
Fairfax.

And lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
Leigh Hunt.

5.
To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to prevail on; to induce; to entice; to allure; as, to lead one to espouse a righteous cause.

He was driven by the necessities of the times, more than led by his own disposition, to any rigor of actions.
Eikon Basilike.

Silly women, laden with sins, led away by divers lusts.
2 Tim. iii. 6 (Rev. Ver.).

6.
To guide or conduct one's self in, through, or along (a certain course); hence, to proceed in the way of; to follow the path or course of; to pass; to spend. Also, to cause (one) to proceed or follow in (a certain course).

That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.
1 Tim. ii. 2.

Nor thou with shadowed hint confuse
A life that leads melodious days.
Tennyson.

You remember . . . the life he used to lead his wife and daughter.
Dickens.

7.
(Cards & Dominoes)
To begin a game, round, or trick, with; as, to lead trumps; the double five was led.

To lead astray, to guide in a wrong way, or into error; to seduce from truth or rectitude. -- To lead captive, to carry or bring into captivity. -- To lead the way, to show the way by going in front; to act as guide. Goldsmith.


word: Lead₄
definition:
Lead

Lead
(?)
v. i.
1.
To guide or conduct, as by accompanying, going before, showing, influencing, directing with authority, etc.; to have precedence or preëminence; to be first or chief; -- used in most of the senses of lead, v. t.

2.
To tend or reach in a certain direction, or to a certain place; as, the path leads to the mill; gambling leads to other vices.

The mountain foot that leads towards Mantua.
Shak.

To lead off or To lead out, to go first; to begin; as, Mickey Mantle led off in the fifth inning of the game.


word: Lead₅
definition:
Lead

Lead
n.
1.
The act of leading or conducting; guidance; direction; as, to take the lead; to be under the lead of another.

At the time I speak of, and having a momentary lead, . . . I am sure I did my country important service.
Burke.

2.
Precedence; advance position; also, the measure of precedence; as, the white horse had the lead; a lead of a boat's length, or of half a second.

3.
(Cards & Dominoes)
The act or right of playing first in a game or round; the card suit, or piece, so played; as, your partner has the lead.

4.
An open way in an ice field.
Kane.

5.
(Mining)
A lode.

6.
(Naut.)
The course of a rope from end to end.

7.
(Steam Engine)
The width of port opening which is uncovered by the valve, for the admission or release of steam, at the instant when the piston is at end of its stroke.

&hand_; When used alone it means outside lead, or lead for the admission of steam. Inside lead refers to the release or exhaust.

8.
(Civil Engineering)
the distance of haul, as from a cutting to an embankment.

9.
(Horology)
The action of a tooth, as a tooth of a wheel, in impelling another tooth or a pallet.
Saunier.

10.
(Music.)
(a)
The announcement by one voice part of a theme to be repeated by the other parts.
(b)
A mark or a short passage in one voice part, as of a canon, serving as a cue for the entrance of others.

11.
In an internal-combustion engine, the distance, measured in actual length of piston stroke or the corresponding angular displacement of the crank, of the piston from the end of the compression stroke when ignition takes place; -- called in full lead of the ignition. When ignition takes place during the working stroke the corresponding distance from the commencement of the stroke is called negative lead.

12.
(Mach.)
The excess above a right angle in the angle between two consecutive cranks, as of a compound engine, on the same shaft.

13.
(Mach.)
In spiral screw threads, worm wheels, or the like, the amount of advance of any point in the spiral for a complete turn.

14.
(Elec.)
(a)
The angle between the line joining the brushes of a continuous-current dynamo and the diameter symmetrical between the poles.
(b)
The advance of the current phase in an alternating circuit beyond that of the electromotive force producing it.

15.
(Theat.)
A role for a leading man or leading woman; also, one who plays such a role.

16.
The first story in a newspaper or broadcast news program.

17.
an electrical conductor, typically as an insulated wire or cable, connecting an electrical device to another device or to a power source, such as a conductor conveying electricity from a dynamo.

18.
(Baseball)
the distance a runner on base advances from one base toward the next before the pitch; as, the long lead he usually takes tends to distract the pitchers.

Lead angle (Steam Engine), the angle which the crank maker with the line of centers, in approaching it, at the instant when the valve opens to admit steam. -- Lead screw (Mach.), the main longitudinal screw of a lathe, which gives the feed motion to the carriage.


word: Leaded
definition:
Leaded

Lead"ed
(?)
a.
1.
Fitted with lead; set in lead; as, leaded windows.

2.
(Print.)
Separated by leads, as the lines of a page.


word: Leaden
definition:
Leaden

Lead"en
(?)
a.
1.
Made of lead; of the nature of lead; as, a leaden ball.

2.
Like lead in color, etc.; as, a leaden sky.

3.
Heavy; dull; sluggish.
Leaden
Shak.


word: Leader
definition:
Leader

Lead"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, leads or conducts; a guide; a conductor.
Especially:
(a)
One who goes first.
(b)
One having authority to direct; a chief; a commander.
(c)
(Mus.)
A performer who leads a band or choir in music; also, in an orchestra, the principal violinist; the one who plays at the head of the first violins.
(d)
(Naut.)
A block of hard wood pierced with suitable holes for leading ropes in their proper places.
(e)
(Mach.)
The principal wheel in any kind of machinery.
[Obs. or R.]
G. Francis.
(f)
A horse placed in advance of others; one of the forward pair of horses.

He forgot to pull in his leaders, and they gallop away with him at times.
Hare.
2.
The first, or the principal, editorial article in a newspaper; a leading or main editorial article.

3.
(Print.)
(a)
A type having a dot or short row of dots upon its face.
(b)
pl.
a row of dots, periods, or hyphens, used in tables of contents, etc., to lead the eye across a space to the right word or number.


word: leaders
definition:
leaders

leaders
n.
the body of people who lead a group; the leadership{3}; as, they hung the leaders of the insurrection.

Syn. -- leadership.


word: Leadership
definition:
Leadership

Lead"er*ship
(?)
n.
1.
The office, position or function of a leader; as, Gingrich held the House leadership for six years.

2.
The quality of character and personality giving a person the ability to gain the confidence of and lead others; as, Washington's leadership was indispensible to success of the American Revolution.

3.
The people who serve as leaders of a group; as, the party leadership was in disarray after the election.


word: lead-free
definition:
lead-free

lead-free
adj.
1.
not containing the element lead.

2.
specifically:
Not containing a lead additive such as tetraethyllead or tetramethyllead; -- of gasoline; as, Most modern cars run on lead-free gasoline.  Oposite of leaded.

Syn. -- nonleaded, unleaded.

3.
specifically:
Not containing a pigment having lead as a component; -- of paints; as, lead-free paint should be used wherever children are exposed to the painted surface.


word: Leadhillite
definition:
Leadhillite

Lead"hill*ite
(?)
n.
(Min.)
A mineral of a yellowish or greenish white color, consisting of the sulphate and carbonate of lead; -- so called from having been first found at Leadhills, Scotland.


word: lead-in
definition:
lead-in

lead-in
n.
1.
(Elec.)
a wire connecting an antenna to a receiver or a transmitter to a transmission line.

2.
(Radio and Television Broadcasting)
The short segment of a program or program script introducing and immediately preceding another part of the program or a commercial.


word: Leading
definition:
Leading

Lead"ing
(?)
a.
Guiding; directing; controlling; foremost; as, a leading motive; a leading man; a leading example.
Lead"ing*ly, adv.

Leading case (Law), a reported decision which has come to be regarded as settling the law of the question involved. Abbott. -- Leading motive [a translation of G. leitmotif] (Mus.), a guiding theme; in the musical drama of Wagner, a marked melodic phrase or short passage which always accompanies the reappearance of a certain person, situation, abstract idea, or allusion in the course of the play; a sort of musical label.  Also called leitmotif or leitmotiv. -- Leading note (Mus.), the seventh note or tone in the ascending major scale; the sensible note. -- Leading question, a question so framed as to guide the person questioned in making his reply. -- Leading strings, strings by which children are supported when beginning to walk. -- To be in leading strings, to be in a state of infancy or dependence, or under the guidance of others. -- Leading wheel, a wheel situated before the driving wheels of a locomotive engine.


word: Leading₂
definition:
Leading

Lead"ing
n.
1.
The act of guiding, directing, governing, or enticing; guidance.
Shak.

2.
Suggestion; hint; example.
[Archaic]
Bacon.


word: Leading edge
definition:
Leading edge

Lead"ing edge
(?)
n.
1.
(Aeronautics)
the front edge of an airfoil; same as Advancing edge, above.

2.
the front edge of anything that moves; also used metaphorically, as the leading edge in art.  See also cutting edge.


word: leadplant
definition:
leadplant

leadplant
n.
A shrub (Amorpha canescens) of sandy woodlands and streambanks of the Western U. S. having hoary pinnate flowers and dull-colored racemose flowers; it is thought to indicate the presence of lead ore.

Syn. -- lead plant, Amorpha canescens.


word: lead to
definition:
lead to

lead to
v. t.
1.
Same as cause; as, the roaring stock market led to an increase in the purchase of big-ticket items during the 1996 Christmas season.

Syn. -- result in, lead to.

2.
to be a contributory cause of; as, IBM's inattention to the needs of individual users led to the demise of OS/2 as a viable alternative to Windows 95.

Syn. -- be conducive to, contribute to, lead to, conduce to.


word: Leadwort
definition:
Leadwort

Lead"wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A genus of maritime herbs (Plumbago).  Plumbago Europæa has lead-colored spots on the leaves, and nearly lead-colored flowers.


word: Leaf
definition:
Leaf

Leaf
(lēf)
n.
pl. Leaves (lēvz).
[OE. leef, lef, leaf, AS. leáf; akin to S. l&omacrf, OFries. laf, D. loof foliage, G. laub, OHG. loub leaf, foliage, Icel. lauf, Sw. löf, Dan. löv, Goth. laufs; cf. Lith. lapas.  Cf. Lodge.]
1.
(Bot.)
A colored, usually green, expansion growing from the side of a stem or rootstock, in which the sap for the use of the plant is elaborated under the influence of light; one of the parts of a plant which collectively constitute its foliage.

&hand_; Such leaves usually consist of a blade, or lamina , supported upon a leafstalk or petiole, which, continued through the blade as the midrib, gives off woody ribs and veins that support the cellular texture.  The petiole has usually some sort of an appendage on each side of its base, which is called the stipule. The green parenchyma of the leaf is covered with a thin epiderm pierced with closable microscopic openings, known as stomata.

2.
(Bot.)
A special organ of vegetation in the form of a lateral outgrowth from the stem, whether appearing as a part of the foliage, or as a cotyledon, a scale, a bract, a spine, or a tendril.

&hand_; In this view every part of a plant, except the root and the stem, is either a leaf, or is composed of leaves more or less modified and transformed.

3.
Something which is like a leaf in being wide and thin and having a flat surface, or in being attached to a larger body by one edge or end;
as
(a)
A part of a book or folded sheet containing two pages upon its opposite sides.
(b)
A side, division, or part, that slides or is hinged, as of window shutters, folding doors, etc.
(c)
The movable side of a table.
(d)
A very thin plate; as, gold leaf.
(e)
A portion of fat lying in a separate fold or layer.
(f)
One of the teeth of a pinion, especially when small.

Leaf beetle (Zool.), any beetle which feeds upon leaves; esp., any species of the family Chrysomelidæ, as the potato beetle and helmet beetle. -- Leaf bridge, a draw-bridge having a platform or leaf which swings vertically on hinges. -- Leaf bud (Bot.), a bud which develops into leaves or a leafy branch. -- Leaf butterfly (Zool.), any butterfly which, in the form and colors of its wings, resembles the leaves of plants upon which it rests; esp., butterflies of the genus Kallima, found in Southern Asia and the East Indies. -- Leaf crumpler (Zool.), a small moth (Phycis indigenella), the larva of which feeds upon leaves of the apple tree, and forms its nest by crumpling and fastening leaves together in clusters. -- Leaf fat, the fat which lies in leaves or layers within the body of an animal. -- Leaf flea (Zool.), a jumping plant louse of the family Psyllidæ. -- Leaf frog (Zool.), any tree frog of the genus Phyllomedusa. -- Leaf green.(Bot.) See Chlorophyll. -- Leaf hopper (Zool.), any small jumping hemipterous insect of the genus Tettigonia, and allied genera. They live upon the leaves and twigs of plants. See Live hopper. -- Leaf insect (Zool.), any one of several genera and species of orthopterous insects, esp. of the genus Phyllium, in which the wings, and sometimes the legs, resemble leaves in color and form. They are common in Southern Asia and the East Indies. -- Leaf lard, lard from leaf fat. See under Lard. -- Leaf louse (Zool.), an aphid. -- Leaf metal, metal in thin leaves, as gold, silver, or tin. -- Leaf miner (Zool.), any one of various small lepidopterous and dipterous insects, which, in the larval stages, burrow in and eat the parenchyma of leaves; as, the pear-tree leaf miner (Lithocolletis geminatella). -- Leaf notcher (Zool.), a pale bluish green beetle (Artipus Floridanus), which, in Florida, eats the edges of the leaves of orange trees. -- Leaf roller (Zool.), See leaf roller in the vocabulary.  -- Leaf scar (Bot.), the cicatrix on a stem whence a leaf has fallen. -- Leaf sewer (Zool.), a tortricid moth, whose caterpillar makes a nest by rolling up a leaf and fastening the edges together with silk, as if sewn; esp., Phoxopteris nubeculana, which feeds upon the apple tree. -- Leaf sight, a hinged sight on a firearm, which can be raised or folded down. -- Leaf trace (Bot.), one or more fibrovascular bundles, which may be traced down an endogenous stem from the base of a leaf. -- Leaf tier (Zool.), a tortricid moth whose larva makes a nest by fastening the edges of a leaf together with silk; esp., Teras cinderella, found on the apple tree. -- Leaf valve, a valve which moves on a hinge. -- Leaf wasp (Zool.), a sawfly. -- To turn over a new leaf, to make a radical change for the better in one's way of living or doing. [Colloq.]

 They were both determined to turn over a new leaf.
Richardson.


word: Leaf out
definition:
Leaf out

Leaf

Leaf, Leaf out
(lēf)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leafed (lēft); p. pr. & vb. n. Leafing.]
To shoot out leaves; to produce leaves; to leave; as, the trees leaf in May.
Sir T. Browne.


word: leaf-cutter
definition:
leaf-cutter

leaf cutter

leaf cutter, leaf-cutter
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of various species of wild bees of the genus Megachile, which cut rounded pieces from the edges of leaves, or the petals of flowers, to be used in the construction of their nests, which are made in holes and crevices, or in a leaf rolled up for the purpose. Among the common American species are Megachile brevis and Megachile centuncularis. Called also rose-cutting bee.

Syn. -- leaf-cutting bee, leaf-cutter bee.


word: Leafed
definition:
Leafed

Leafed
(?)
a.
Having (such) a leaf or (so many) leaves; -- used in composition; as, broad-leafed; four-leafed.


word: Leaf-footed
definition:
Leaf-footed

Leaf"-foot`ed
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having leaflike expansions on the legs; -- said of certain insects; as, the leaf-footed bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus).


word: leaf-hopper
definition:
leaf-hopper

leaf-hopper
n.
A small leaping insect that sucks the juices of plants.

Syn. -- leafhopper.


word: Leafless
definition:
Leafless

Leaf"less
a.
Having no leaves or foliage; bearing no foliage.
Leafless
Cowper.
Leaf"less*ness, n.

Leafless plants, plants having no foliage, though leaves may be present in the form of scales and bracts. See Leaf, n., 1 and 2.


word: Leaflet
definition:
Leaflet

Leaf"let
(?)
n.
1.
A little leaf.

2.
(Bot.)
One of the divisions of a compound leaf; a foliole.

3.
(Zool.)
A leaflike organ or part; as, a leaflet of the gills of fishes.

4.
A printed sheet of paper, of one page, or one sheet folded over, containing an advertisement, tract, or other notice, and usually distributed for free or included in the package with a purchased item.


word: Leaf-nosed
definition:
Leaf-nosed

Leaf"-nosed`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Having a leaflike membrane on the nose; -- said of certain bats, esp. of the genera Phyllostoma and Rhinonycteris. See Vampire.


word: leaf roller
definition:
leaf roller

leafroller

leafroller, leaf roller
n.
(Zool.)
The larva of any tortricid moth which makes a nest by rolling up the leaves of plants and tying the leaves with spun silk; aalso, the moth itself.  See Tortrix.


word: Leafy
definition:
Leafy

Leaf"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Leafier (?); superl. Leafiest.]
1.
Full of leaves; abounding in leaves; as, the leafy forest.
leafy
Coleridge.

2.
Consisting of leaves.
leafy
Byron.


word: League
definition:
League

League
(lēg)
n.
[Cf. OE. legue, lieue, a measure of length, F. lieue, Pr. lega, legua, It. & LL. lega, Sp. legua, Pg. legoa, legua; all fr. LL. leuca, of Celtic origin: cf. Arm. leo, lev (perh. from French), Ir. leige (perh. from English); also Ir. & Gael. leac a flag, a broad, flat stone, W. llech, -- such stones having perh. served as a sort of milestone (cf. Cromlech).]
1.
A measure of length or distance, varying in different countries from about 2.4 to 4.6 English statute miles of 5,280 feet each, and used (as a land measure) chiefly on the continent of Europe, and in the Spanish parts of America. The marine league of England and the United States is equal to three marine, or geographical, miles of 6080 feet each.

&hand_; The English land league is equal to three English statute miles. The Spanish and French leagues vary in each country according to usage and the kind of measurement to which they are applied. The Dutch and German leagues contain about four geographical miles, or about 4.6 English statute miles.

2.
A stone erected near a public road to mark the distance of a league.
[Obs.]


word: League₂
definition:
League

League
(lēg)
n.
[F. ligue, LL. liga, fr. L. ligare to bind; cf. Sp. liga.  Cf. Ally a confederate, Ligature.]
1.
An alliance or combination of two or more nations, parties, organizations, or persons, for the accomplishment of a purpose which requires a continued course of action, as for mutual defense, or for furtherance of commercial, religious, or political interests, etc.

And let there be
'Twixt us and them no league, nor amity.
Denham.

2.
Specifically:
(Sports)
An association of sports teams that establishes rules of play, decides questions of membership in the league, and organizes matches between the member teams.  In some cases a sports league is called a conference, as in the National Football Conference.

&hand_; A league may be offensive or defensive, or both; offensive, when the parties agree to unite in attacking a common enemy; defensive, when they agree to a mutual defense of each other against an enemy.

The Holy League, an alliance of Roman Catholics formed in 1576 by influence of the Duke of Guise for the exclusion of Protestants from the throne of France. -- Solemn League and Covenant. See Covenant,2. -- The land league, an association, organized in Dublin in 1879, to promote the interests of the Irish tenantry, its avowed objects being to secure fixity of tenure, fair rent, and free sale of the tenants' interest.  It was declared illegal by Parliament, but vigorous prosecutions have failed to suppress it.


word: League₃
definition:
League

League
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leagued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaguing (?).]
[Cf. F. se liguer. See 2d League.]
To unite in a league or confederacy; to combine for mutual support; to confederate.
South.


word: League₄
definition:
League

League
v. t.
To join in a league; to cause to combine for a joint purpose; to combine; to unite; as, common interests will league heterogeneous elements.


word: Leaguer
definition:
Leaguer

Lea"guer
n.
[D. leger camp, bed, couch, lair. See Lair, and cf.Beleaguer.]
1.
The camp of a besieging army; a camp in general.
b. Jonson.

2.
A siege or beleaguering.
[R.]
Sir W. Scott.


word: Leak
definition:
Leak

Leak
(lēk)
n.
[Akin to D. lek leaky, a leak, G. leck, Icel. lekr leaky, Dan. læk leaky, a leak, Sw. läck; cf. AS. hlec full of cracks or leaky.  Cf. Leak, v.]
1.
A crack, crevice, fissure, or hole which admits water or other fluid, or lets it escape; as, a leak in a roof; a leak in a boat; a leak in a gas pipe.
leak
Bunyan.

2.
The entrance or escape of a fluid through a crack, fissure, or other aperture; as, the leak gained on the ship's pumps.

3.
(Elec.)
A loss of electricity through imperfect insulation; also, the point at which such loss occurs.

4.
an act of urinating; -- used mostly in the phrase take a leak, i. e. to urinate.
[vulgar]

5.
The disclosure of information that is expected to be kept confidential; as, leaks by the White House staff infuriated Nixon; leaks by the Special Prosecutor were criticized as illegal.

To spring a leak, to open or crack so as to let in water; to begin to let in water; as, the ship sprung a leak.


word: Leak₃
definition:
Leak

Leak
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leaked (lēkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaking.]
[Akin to D. lekken, G. lecken, lechen, Icel. leka, Dan. lække, Sw. läcka, AS. leccan to wet, moisten. See Leak, n.]
1.
To let water or other fluid in or out through a hole, crevice, etc.; as, the cask leaks; the roof leaks; the boat leaks.

2.
To enter or escape, as a fluid, through a hole, crevice, etc.; to pass gradually into, or out of, something; -- usually with in or out.

To leak out, to be divulged gradually or clandestinely; to become public; as, the facts leaked out.


word: Leakage
definition:
Leakage

Leak"age
(_;)
n.
[Cf. D. lekkage, for sense 1.]
1.
A leaking; also, the quantity that enters or issues by leaking.

2.
(Com.)
An allowance of a certain rate per cent for the leaking of casks, or waste of liquors by leaking.

3.
(Elec.)
A leak{3}; also; the quantity of electricity thus wasted.


word: Leaky
definition:
Leaky

Leak"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Leakier (?); superl. Leakiest.]
1.
Permitting water or other fluid to leak in or out; as, a leaky roof or cask; a leaky faucet.

2.
Apt to disclose secrets; tattling; not close.
[Colloq.]

3.
(Genetics)
Retaining some function; not completely inactivating the gene; as, substitution mutations are sometimes leaky; -- of mutations.


word: Leal
definition:
Leal

Leal
(?)
a.
[OE. leial, another form of loial, F. loyal. See Loyal.]
Faithful; loyal; true.

All men true and leal, all women pure.
Tennyson.

Land of the leal, the place of the faithful; heaven.


word: Leamer
definition:
Leamer

Leam"er
(?)
n.
[F. limier, OF. liemier, fr. L. ligamen band, bandage. See Lien.]
A dog held by a leam.


word: Lean
definition:
Lean

Lean
(lēn)
v. t.
[Icel. leyna; akin to G. läugnen to deny, AS. l&ymacr_;gnian, also E. lie to speak falsely.]
To conceal.
[Obs.]
Ray.


word: Lean₂
definition:
Lean

Lean
(lēn)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leaned (lēnd), sometimes Leant (lĕnt); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaning.]
[OE. lenen, AS. hlinian, hleonian, v. i.; akin to OS. hlin&omacrn, D. leunen, OHG. hlinēn, linēn, G. lehnen, L. inclinare, Gr. kli`nein, L. clivus hill, slope. √40.  Cf. Declivity, Climax, Incline, Ladder.]
1.
To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column.
leant
Dickens.

2.
To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; -- with to, toward, etc.

They delight rather to lean to their old customs.
Spenser.

3.
To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; -- with on, upon, or against.

He leaned not on his fathers but himself.
Tennyson.


word: Lean₃
definition:
Lean

Lean
v. t.
[From Lean, v. i.; AS. hl&aemacr_;nan, v. t., fr. hleonian, hlinian, v. i.]
To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest.
Mrs. Browning.

His fainting limbs against an oak he leant.
Dryden.


word: Lean₄
definition:
Lean

Lean
(lēn)
a.
[Compar. Leaner (lēn"ẽr); superl. Leanest.]
[OE. lene, AS. hl&aemacr_;ne; prob. akin to E. lean to incline. See Lean, v. i. ]
1.
Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; slim; not plump; slender; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle.

2.
Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender; scant; barren; bare; mean; -- used literally and figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean discourse; lean wages.
lean
Shak.

Their lean and flashy songs.
Milton.

What the land is, whether it be fat or lean.
Num. xiii. 20.

Out of my lean and low ability
I'll lend you something.
Shak.

3.
(Typog.)
Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; -- opposed to fat; as, lean copy, matter, or type.


word: Lean₅
definition:
Lean

Lean
(?)
n.
1.
That part of flesh which consists principally of muscle without the fat.

The fat was so white and the lean was so ruddy.
Goldsmith.

2.
(Typog.)
Unremunerative copy or work.


word: Lean-faced
definition:
Lean-faced

Lean"-faced`
(?)
a.
1.
Having a thin face.

2.
(Typog.)
slender or narrow; -- said of type the letters of which have thin lines, or are unusually narrow in proportion to their height.
W. Savage.


word: Leaning
definition:
Leaning

Lean"ing
n.
The act, or state, of inclining; inclination; tendency; as, a leaning towards Calvinism.


word: Lean-to₂
definition:
Lean-to

Lean"-to`
(?)
n.
1.
(Arch.)
A shed or slight building placed against the wall of a larger structure and having a single-pitched roof; -- called also penthouse, and to-fall.

The outer circuit was covered as a lean-to, all round this inner apartment.
De Foe.

2.
A crude, usually temporary shelter comprising a lean-to roof braced against any convenient support, as a wall, a tree or a pole. The roof may extend all the way to the ground.


word: Leap
definition:
Leap

Leap
(?)
n.
[AS. leáp.]
1.
A basket.
[Obs.]
Wyclif.

2.
A weel or wicker trap for fish.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Leap₂
definition:
Leap

Leap
(lēp)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leaped (lēpt; 277), rarely Leapt (lēpt or lĕpt); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaping.]
[OE. lepen, leapen, AS. hleápan to leap, jump, run; akin to OS. āhl&omacrpan, OFries. hlapa, D. loopen, G. laufen, OHG. louffan, hlauffan, Icel. hlaupa, Sw. löpa, Dan. löbe, Goth. ushlaupan.  Cf. Elope, Lope, Lapwing, Loaf to loiter.]
1.
To spring clear of the ground, with the feet; to jump; to vault; as, a man leaps over a fence, or leaps upon a horse.
Bacon.

 Leap in with me into this angry flood.
Shak.

2.
To spring or move suddenly, as by a jump or by jumps; to bound; to move swiftly. Also Fig.

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky.
Wordsworth.


word: Leap₃
definition:
Leap

Leap
v. t.
1.
To pass over by a leap or jump; as, to leap a wall, or a ditch.

2.
To copulate with (a female beast); to cover.

3.
To cause to leap; as, to leap a horse across a ditch.


word: Leap₄
definition:
Leap

Leap
n.
1.
The act of leaping, or the space passed by leaping; a jump; a spring; a bound.

Wickedness comes on by degrees, . . . and sudden leaps from one extreme to another are unnatural.
L'Estrange.

Changes of tone may proceed either by leaps or glides.
H. Sweet.

2.
Copulation with, or coverture of, a female beast.

3.
(Mining)
A fault.

4.
(Mus.)
A passing from one note to another by an interval, especially by a long one, or by one including several other and intermediate intervals.


word: Leapfrog
definition:
Leapfrog

Leap"frog`
(?)
n.
A play among boys, in which one stoops down and another leaps over him by placing his hands on the shoulders of the former.


word: Leaping
definition:
Leaping

Leap"ing
a. & n.
from Leap, to jump.

Leaping house, a brothel. [Obs.] Shak. -- Leaping pole, a pole used in some games of leaping. -- Leaping spider (Zool.), a jumping spider; one of the Saltigradæ.


word: Leap year
definition:
Leap year

Leap" year`
(?)
n.
Bissextile; a year containing 366 days; every fourth year which leaps over a day more than a common year, giving to February twenty-nine days. See Bissextile.

&hand_; Every year whose number is divisible by four without a remainder is a leap year, excepting the full centuries, which, to be leap years, must be divisible by 400 without a remainder. If not so divisible they are common years. 1900, therefore, is not a leap year, but 2000 is.


word: Learn
definition:
Learn

Learn
(lẽrn)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Learned (lẽrnd), or Learnt (lẽrnt); p. pr. & vb. n. Learning.]
[OE. lernen, leornen, AS. leornian; akin to OS. lin&omacrn, for lirn&omacrn, OHG. lirnēn, lernēn, G. lernen, fr. the root of AS. l&aemacr_;ran to teach, OS. lērian, OHG. lēran, G. lehren, Goth. laisjan, also Goth lais I know, leis acquainted (in comp.); all prob. from a root meaning, to go, go over, and hence, to learn; cf. AS. leoran to go.  Cf. Last a mold of the foot, lore.]
1.
To gain knowledge or information of; to ascertain by inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction concerning; to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding of, or skill; as, to learn the way; to learn a lesson; to learn dancing; to learn to skate; to learn the violin; to learn the truth about something.
Learn
Is. i. 17.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree.
Matt. xxiv. 32.

2.
To communicate knowledge to; to teach.
[Obs.]

Hast thou not learned me how
To make perfumes ?
Shak.

&hand_; Learn formerly had also the sense of teach, in accordance with the analogy of the French and other languages, and hence we find it with this sense in Shakespeare, Spenser, and other old writers.  This usage has now passed away.  To learn is to receive instruction, and to teach is to give instruction.  He who is taught learns, not he who teaches.


word: Learn₂
definition:
Learn

Learn
v. i.
To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress in acquiring knowledge or skill; to receive information or instruction; as, this child learns quickly.

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.
Matt. xi. 29.

To learn by heart. See By heart, under Heart. -- To learn by rote, to memorize by repetition without exercise of the understanding.


word: Learned
definition:
Learned

Learn"ed
(lẽrn"ĕd)
a.
Of or pertaining to learning; possessing, or characterized by, learning, esp. scholastic learning; erudite; well-informed; as, a learned scholar, writer, or lawyer; a learned book; a learned theory.

The learnedlover lost no time.
Spenser.

Men of much reading are greatly learned, but may be little knowing.
Locke.

Words of learned length and thundering sound.
Goldsmith.

The learned, learned men; men of erudition; scholars.
Every coxcomb swears as learnedly as they.
Swift.


word: learnedness
definition:
learnedness

learn"ed*ness
n.
profound knowledge.

Syn. -- eruditeness, erudition, learning, scholarship.


word: Learning
definition:
Learning

Learn"ing
n.
[AS. leornung.]
1.
The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy.

2.
The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning.

Book learning. See under Book.


word: Lease
definition:
Lease

Lease
(lēz)
v. i.
[AS. lesan to gather; akin to D. lezen to gather, read, G. lesen, Goth. lisan to gather; cf. Lith lesti to peck.]
To gather what harvesters have left behind; to glean.
[Obs.]
Dryden.


word: Lease₂
definition:
Lease

Lease
(lēs)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leased (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leasing.]
[F. laisser, OF. laissier, lessier, to leave, transmit, L. laxare to loose, slacken, from laxus loose, wide. See Lax, and cf. Lesser.]
1.
To grant to another by lease the possession of, as of lands, tenements, and hereditaments; to let; to demise; as, a landowner leases a farm to a tenant; -- sometimes with out.

There were some [houses] that were leased out for three lives.
Addison.

2.
To hold under a lease; to take lease of; as, a tenant leases his land from the owner.


word: Lease₃
definition:
Lease

Lease
(lēs)
n.
[Cf. OF. lais. See Lease, v. t.]
1.
The temporary transfer of a possession to another person in return for a fee or other valuable consideration paid for the transfer;
especially,
A demise or letting of lands, tenements, or hereditaments to another for life, for a term of years, or at will, or for any less interest than that which the lessor has in the property, usually for a specified rent or compensation.

2.
The contract for such letting.

3.
Any tenure by grant or permission; the time for which such a tenure holds good; allotted time.

Our high-placed Macbeth
Shall live the lease of nature.
Shak.

Lease and release a mode of conveyance of freehold estates, formerly common in England and in New York. its place is now supplied by a simple deed of grant. Burrill. Warren's Blackstone.


word: Leasehold₂
definition:
Leasehold

Lease"hold`
n.
A tenure by lease; specifically, land held as personalty under a lease for years.


word: Leash
definition:
Leash

Leash
(lēsh)
n.
[OE. lese, lees, leece, OF. lesse, F. laisse, LL. laxa, fr. L. laxus loose. See Lax.]
1.
A thong of leather, or a long cord, by which a person may hold or restrain an animal, such as a falconer holding his hawk, or a courser his dog.  For dogs and cats, the leash is commonly attached to a collar around the neck of the animal.

Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash.
Shak.

2.
(Sporting)
A brace and a half; a tierce; three; three creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes, bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general.

[I] kept my chamber a leash of days.
B. Jonson.

Then were I wealthier than a leash of kings.
Tennyson.

3.
(Weaving)
A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp threads, in a loom.

To keep (a person) on a short leash to maintain close control over the activities of (a person).


word: Leash₂
definition:
Leash

Leash
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leashing.]
To tie together, or hold, with a leash.


word: Leasing
definition:
Leasing

Leas"ing
(?)
n.
[AS. leásung, fr. leás loose, false, deceitful. See -less, Loose, a.]
The act of lying; falsehood; a lie or lies.
[Archaic]
Spenser.

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing.
Ps. v. 6.

Blessed be the lips that such a leasing told.
Fairfax.

Leasing making (Scots Law), the uttering of lies or libels upon the personal character of the sovereign, his court, or his family. Bp. Burnet.


word: Least
definition:
Least

Least
(lēst)
a.
[OE. last, lest, AS. l&aemacr_;sast, l&aemacr_;sest, superl. of l&aemacr_;ssa less. See Less, a.]
[Used as the superlative of little.]
Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space.

&hand_; Least is often used with the, as if a noun.

I am the least of the apostles.
1 Cor. xv. 9.

At least, or At the least, at the least estimate, consideration, chance, etc.; being no less than; hence, at any rate; at all events; even. See However.

He who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses
The tempted with dishonor.
Milton.

Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he were a man, who sat as on horseback.
Sir P. Sidney.
In least, or In the least
in the least degree, manner, etc.
in the least
Luke xvi. 10.

Least squares
(Math.)
a method of deducing from a number of carefully made yet slightly discordant observations of a phenomenon the most probable values of the unknown quantities.
It takes as its fundamental principle that the most probable values are those which make the sum of the squares of the residual errors of the observation a minimum.


word: Least₂
definition:
Least

Least
adv.
In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it.


word: Leastwise
definition:
Leastwise

Leastways

{ Least"ways` (?), Least"wise` (?), }
adv.
At least; at all events.
[Colloq.]

At leastways, or At leastwise, at least. [Obs.] Fuller.


word: Leasy
definition:
Leasy

Lea"sy
(?)
a.
[AS. leás void, loose, false.  Cf. Leasing.]
Flimsy; vague; deceptive.
[Obs.]
Ascham.


word: Leat
definition:
Leat

Leat
(?)
n.
[Cf. Lead to conduct.]
An artificial water trench, esp. one to or from a mill.
C. Kingsley.


word: Leather
definition:
Leather

Leath"er
(lĕ&thlig_;"ẽr)
n.
[OE. lether, AS. leðer; akin to D. leder, leêr, G. leder, OHG. ledar, Icel. leðr, Sw. läder, Dan. læder.]
1.
The skin of an animal, or some part of such skin, with the hair removed, and tanned, tawed, or otherwise dressed for use; also, dressed hides, collectively.

2.
The skin.
[Ironical or Sportive]

&hand_; Leather is much used adjectively in the sense of made of, relating to, or like, leather.

Leather board, an imitation of sole leather, made of leather scraps, rags, paper, etc. -- Leather carp (Zool.) , a variety of carp in which the scales are all, or nearly all, absent. See Illust. under Carp. -- Leather jacket. (Zool.) (a) A California carangoid fish (Oligoplites saurus). (b) A trigger fish (Balistes Carolinensis). -- Leather flower (Bot.), a climbing plant (Clematis Viorna) of the Middle and Southern States having thick, leathery sepals of a purplish color. -- Leather leaf (Bot.), a low shrub (Cassandra calyculata), growing in Northern swamps, and having evergreen, coriaceous, scurfy leaves. -- Leather plant (Bot.), one or more New Zealand plants of the composite genus Celmisia, which have white or buff tomentose leaves. -- Leather turtle. (Zool.) See Leatherback. -- Vegetable leather. (a) An imitation of leather made of cotton waste. (b) Linen cloth coated with India rubber. Ure.


word: Leather₂
definition:
Leather

Leath"er
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leathered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leathering.]
To beat, as with a thong of leather.
[Obs. or Colloq.]
G. Eliot.


word: leather
definition:
leather

leath"er
(?)
a.
Of, pertaining to or made of leather; consisting of leather; as, a black leather jacket.


word: Leatherback
definition:
Leatherback

Leath"er*back`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A large sea turtle (Sphargis coriacea), having no bony shell on its back. It is common in the warm and temperate parts of the Atlantic, and sometimes weighs over a thousand pounds; -- called also leather turtle, leathery turtle, leather-backed tortoise, etc.


word: Leatherette
definition:
Leatherette

Leatheret

{ Leath"er*et (?), Leath`er*ette" (?) }
n.
[Leather + et, F. -ette.]
A material made in imitation of leather, made of paper and cloth.


word: leatherfish
definition:
leatherfish

leatherfish
n.
any of several brightly colored tropical filefishes.

Syn. -- leatherjacket.


word: leatherjack
definition:
leatherjack

leatherjack
n.
any of several New World tropical fishes having tiny embedded scales; the leatherjacket{2}.

Syn. -- leatherjacket.


word: leatherjacket
definition:
leatherjacket

leatherjacket
n.
1.
any of several brightly colored tropical filefishes.

Syn. -- leatherfish.

2.
any of several New World tropical fishes having tiny embedded scales.

Syn. -- leatherjack.

3.
The tough-skinned larva of certain crane flies.


word: leatherleaf
definition:
leatherleaf

leatherleaf
n.
1.
A stiff leathery-leaved fern (Polypodium scouleri) of Western North America having ovate fronds parted to the midrib.

Syn. -- leathery polypody, coast polypody, Polypodium scouleri.

2.
A northern temperate bog shrub (Chamaedaphne calyculata) with evergreen leathery leaves and small white cylindrical flowers.

Syn. -- Chamaedaphne calyculata.


word: leatherlike
definition:
leatherlike

leatherlike
adj.
resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable; leathery.

Syn. -- coriaceous, leathered, leathery.


word: Leathern
definition:
Leathern

Leath"ern
(?)
a.
Made of leather; consisting of leather; as, a leathern purse.
leathern
Matt. iii. 4.


word: leatherneck
definition:
leatherneck

leath"er*neck`
(?)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
The sordid friar bird of Australia (Tropidorhynchus sordidus).

2.
[from the leather collar that was once part of their uniform.]
A member of the United States Marine Corps; a United States Marine.
[slang]


word: Leatherwood
definition:
Leatherwood

Leath"er*wood`
n.
(Bot.)
A small branching shrub (Dirca palustris), with a white, soft wood, and a tough, leathery bark, common in damp woods in the Northern United States; -- called also moosewood, and wicopy.
Gray.


word: Leathery
definition:
Leathery

Leath"er*y
(?)
a.
Resembling leather in appearance or consistency; tough; as, nothing but a leathery steak left to eat.
leathery
Grew.


word: Leave
definition:
Leave

Leave
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leaved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaving]
To send out leaves; to leaf; -- often with out.
G. Fletcher.


word: Leave₃
definition:
Leave

Leave
n.
[OE. leve, leave, AS. leáf; akin to leóf pleasing, dear, E. lief, D. oorlof leave, G. arlaub, and erlauben to permit, Icel. leyfi.  √124.  See Lief.]
1.
Liberty granted by which restraint or illegality is removed; permission; allowance; license.

David earnestly asked leave of me.
1 Sam. xx. 6.

No friend has leave to bear away the dead.
Dryden.

2.
The act of leaving or departing; a formal parting; a leaving; farewell; adieu; -- used chiefly in the phrase, to take leave, i. e., literally, to take permission to go.

A double blessing is a'double grace;
Occasion smiles upon a second leave.
Shak.

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren.
Acts xviii. 18.

French leave. See under French.


word: Leave₄
definition:
Leave

Leave
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Left (lĕft); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaving.]
[OE. leven, AS. l_;fan, fr. lāf remnant, heritage; akin to lifian, libban, to live, orig., to remain; cf. belīfan to remain, G. bleiben, Goth. bileiban. √119.  See Live, v.]
1.
To withdraw one's self from; to go away from; to depart from; as, to leave the house.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.
Gen. ii. 24.

2.
To let remain unremoved or undone; to let stay or continue, in distinction from what is removed or changed.

If grape gatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes ?
Jer. xlix. 9. 

These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Matt. xxiii. 23. 

Besides it leaveth a suspicion, as if more might be said than is expressed.
Bacon.

3.
To cease from; to desist from; to abstain from.

Now leave complaining and begin your tea.
Pope.

4.
To desert; to abandon; to forsake; hence, to give up; to relinquish.

Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
Mark x. 28.

The heresies that men do leave.
Shak.

5.
To let be or do without interference; as, I left him to his reflections; I leave my hearers to judge.

I will leave you now to your gossiplike humor.
Shak.

6.
To put; to place; to deposit; to deliver; to commit; to submit -- with a sense of withdrawing one's self from; as, leave your hat in the hall; we left our cards; to leave the matter to arbitrators.

Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way.
Matt. v. 24.

The foot
That leaves the print of blood where'er it walks.
Shak.

7.
To have remaining at death; hence, to bequeath; as, he left a large estate; he left a good name; he left a legacy to his niece.

8.
to cause to be; -- followed by an adjective or adverb describing a state or condition; as, the losses due to fire leave me penniless; The cost of defending himself left Bill Clinton with a mountain of lawyers' bills.

To leave alone. (a) To leave in solitude. (b) To desist or refrain from having to do with; as, to leave dangerous chemicals alone. -- To leave off. (a) To desist from; to forbear; to stop; as, to leave off work at six o'clock. (b) To cease wearing or using; to omit to put in the usual position; as, to leave off a garment; to leave off the tablecloth. (c) To forsake; as, to leave off a bad habit. -- To leave out, to omit; as, to leave out a word or name in writing. -- To leave to one's self, to let (one) be alone; to cease caring for (one).


word: Leave₅
definition:
Leave

Leave
(?)
v. i.
1.
To depart; to set out.
[Colloq.]

By the time I left for Scotland.
Carlyle.

2.
To cease; to desist; to leave off.
left
Gen. xliv. 12.

To leave off, to cease; to desist; to stop.

Leave off, and for another summons wait.
Roscommon.


word: Leaved
definition:
Leaved

Leaved
(?)
a.
[From Leaf.]
Bearing, or having, a leaf or leaves; having folds; -- used in combination; as, a four-leaved clover; a two-leaved gate; long-leaved.


word: Leaven
definition:
Leaven

Leav"en
(?)
n.
[OE. levain, levein, F. levain, L. levamen alleviation, mitigation; but taken in the sense of, a raising, that which raises, fr. levare to raise. See Lever, n.]
1.
Any substance that produces, or is designed to produce, fermentation, as in dough or liquids; esp., a portion of fermenting dough, which, mixed with a larger quantity of dough, produces a general change in the mass, and renders it light; yeast; barm.

2.
Anything which makes a general assimilating (especially a corrupting) change in the mass.

Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke xii. 1.


word: Leaven₂
definition:
Leaven

Leav"en
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leavened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leavening (?).]
1.
To make light by the action of leaven; to cause to ferment.

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
1 Cor. v. 6.

2.
To imbue; to infect; to vitiate.

With these and the like deceivable doctrines, he leavens also his prayer.
Milton.


word: leavened
definition:
leavened

leavened
adj.
made light by aerating, as with yeast or baking powder.  Opposite of unleavened.
sourdough(prenominal) 


word: Leavening
definition:
Leavening

Leav"en*ing
(?)
n.
1.
The act of making light, or causing to ferment, by means of leaven.

2.
That which leavens or makes light.
Bacon.


word: Leave-taking
definition:
Leave-taking

Leave"-tak`ing
(?)
n.
Taking of leave; the act of departing politely; the giving of parting compliments.
Shak.

Syn. -- farewell, leave, parting.


word: Lebban
definition:
Lebban

Leban

{ Leb"an, Leb"ban  }
(?)
n.
Coagulated sour milk diluted with water; -- a common beverage among the Arabs.  Also, a fermented liquor made of the same.


word: Lecanomancy
definition:
Lecanomancy

Le*can"o*man`cy
(?)
n.
[Gr. leka`nh bowl or basin + -mancy.]
Divination practiced with water in a basin, by throwing three stones into it, and invoking the demon whose aid was sought.


word: Lecanoric
definition:
Lecanoric

Lec`a*no"ric
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an organic acid which is obtained from several varieties of lichen (Lecanora, Roccella, etc.), as a white, crystalline substance, and is called also orsellic acid, diorsellinic acid, lecanorin, etc.


word: Lechanorales
definition:
Lechanorales

Lechanorales
n.
(Biol.)
A category used in some classification systems for all lichens that produce apothecia.

Syn. -- order Lechanorales.


word: lechatelierite
definition:
lechatelierite

lechatelierite
n.
A naturally occurring colorless glass made of almost pure silica, and found in fulgurites, which are produced by lightning striking sand.

Syn. -- quartz glass, vitreous silica, crystal.


word: Lecher
definition:
Lecher

Lech"er
(?)
n.
[OE. lechur, lechour, OF. lecheor, lecheur, gormand, glutton, libertine, parasite, fr. lechier to lick, F. lécher; of Teutonic origin. See Lick.]
A man given to lewdness; one addicted, in an excessive degree, to the indulgence of sexual desire, or to illicit sexual relations with women; also called letch and lech.


word: Lecher₂
definition:
Lecher

Lech"er
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Lechered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lechering.]
To practice lewdness.


word: Lecherous
definition:
Lecherous

Lech"er*ous
(?)
a.
Like a lecher; addicted to lewdness; excessively lustful; -- used mostly of men;
also,
lust-provoking.
lecherous
Chaucer.
Lech"er*ous*ly, adv. -- Lech"er*ous*ness, n.


word: lecherousness
definition:
lecherousness

lech"er*ous*ness
n.
an inclination to excessive indulgence in sexual activity; habitually developing a strong sexual arousal.

Syn. -- lust, lustfulness, itch.


word: Lechery
definition:
Lechery

Lech"er*y
(?)
n.
[OE. lecherie, OF. lecherie. See Lecher.]
1.
Free indulgence of lust; excessive indulgence in sexual relations; -- used mostly of men.

2.
Selfish pleasure; delight.
[Obs.]
Massinger.


word: Lecithin
definition:
Lecithin

Lec"i*thin
(?)
n.
[Gr. le`kiqos the yolk of an egg.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A complex, nitrogenous phosphorized substance widely distributed through the animal body, and especially conspicuous in the brain and nerve tissue, in yolk of eggs, and in the white blood corpuscles.


word: Lectern
definition:
Lectern

Lec"tern
(lĕk"tŭrn)
n.
[Written also lecturn and lettern.]
[LL. lectrinum, fr. lectrum; cf. L. legere, lectum, to read.]
1.
A choir desk, or reading desk, in some churches, from which the lections, or Scripture lessons, are chanted or read.
Fairholt.

2.
Hence:
A reading desk, usually in the form of a stand with a slanted top that holds books or lecture notes at a height convenient for reading by a speaker who is standing.   A modern lectern may be of adjustable height, and be fitted with a light to illuminate the material on the desk, and sometimes a microphone or other electrical equipment for use of a speaker.


word: Lection
definition:
Lection

Lec"tion
(?)
n.
[L. lectio, fr. legere, lectum, to read. See lesson, Legend.]
1.
(Eccl.)
A lesson or selection, especially of Scripture, read in divine service.

2.
A reading; a variation in the text.

We ourselves are offended by the obtrusion of the new lections into the text.
De Quincey.


word: Lectionary
definition:
Lectionary

Lec"tion*a*ry
(?)
n.
pl. -ries (#).
[LL. lectionarium, lectionarius : cf. F. lectionnaire.]
(Eccl.)
A book, or a list, of lections, for reading in divine service.


word: Lector
definition:
Lector

Lec"tor
(lĕk"t&obreve_;r)
n.
[L. See Lection.]
(Eccl.)
A reader of lections; formerly, a person designated to read lessons to the illiterate.


word: Lectual
definition:
Lectual

Lec"tu*al
(-t&uuptack_;*al)
a.
[LL. lectualis, fr. L. lectus bed.]
(Med.)
Confining to the bed; as, a lectual disease.


word: Lecture
definition:
Lecture

Lec"ture
(-t&uuptack_;r; 135)
n.
[F. lecture, LL. lectura, fr. L. legere, lectum, to read. See Legend.]
1.
The act of reading; as, the lecture of Holy Scripture.
[Obs.]

2.
A discourse on any subject; especially, a formal or methodical discourse, intended for instruction; sometimes, a familiar discourse, in contrast with a sermon.

3.
A reprimand or formal reproof from one having authority.

4.
(Eng. Universities)
A rehearsal of a lesson.


word: Lecture₂
definition:
Lecture

Lec"ture
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lectured (-t&uuptack_;rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lecturing.]
1.
To read or deliver a lecture to.

2.
To reprove formally and with authority.


word: Lecturn
definition:
Lecturn

Lec"turn
(lĕk"tŭrn)
n.
[LL. lectrinum, fr. lectrum; cf. L. legere, lectum, to read.]
Same as lectern.
[Written also lectern and lettern.]
Fairholt.


word: Lecythis
definition:
Lecythis

Lec"y*this
(lĕs"ĭ*thĭs)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. 3 an oil flask.]
(Bot.)
A genus of gigantic trees, chiefly Brazilian, of the order Myrtaceæ, having woody capsules opening by an apical lid. Lecythis Zabucajo yields the delicious sapucaia nuts. Lecythis Ollaria produces the monkey-pots, its capsules. Its bark separates into thin sheets, like paper, used by the natives for cigarette wrappers.


word: Led
definition:
Led

Led
(lĕd)
imp. & p. p.
of Lead.

Led captain. An obsequious follower or attendant. [Obs.] Swift. -- Led horse, a sumpter horse, or a spare horse, that is led along.


word: Ledden
definition:
Ledden

Leden

{ Led"en (lĕd"'n), Led"den (-d'n) }
n.
[AS. lēden, l&ymacr_;den, language, speech. Cf. Leod.]
Language; speech; voice; cry.
[Obs.]
Chaucer. Spenser.


word: Ledge
definition:
Ledge

Ledge
(lĕj)
n.
[Akin to AS. licgan to lie, Icel. liggja; cf. Icel. lögg the ledge or rim at the bottom of a cask. See Lie to be prostrate.]
[Formerly written lidge.]
1.
A shelf on which articles may be laid; also, that which resembles such a shelf in form or use, as a projecting ridge or part, or a molding or edge in joinery.

2.
A shelf, ridge, or reef, of rocks.

3.
A layer or stratum.

The lowest ledge or row should be of stone.
Sir H. Wotton.

4.
(Mining)
A lode; a limited mass of rock bearing valuable mineral.

5.
(Shipbuilding)
A piece of timber to support the deck, placed athwartship between beams.


word: Ledger
definition:
Ledger

Ledg"er
(lĕj"ẽr)
n.
[Akin to D. legger layer, daybook (fr. leggen to lay, liggen to lie), E. ledge, lie. See Lie to be prostrate.]
1.
A book in which a summary of accounts is laid up or preserved; the final book of record in business transactions, in which all debits and credits from the journal, etc., are placed under appropriate heads.
[Written also leger.]

2.
(Arch.)
(a)
A large flat stone, esp. one laid over a tomb.
Oxf. Gloss.
(b)
A horizontal piece of timber secured to the uprights and supporting floor timbers, a staircase, scaffolding, or the like. It differs from an intertie in being intended to carry weight.
[Written also ligger.]

Ledger bait, fishing bait attached to a floating line fastened to the bank of a stream, pond, etc. Walton. J. H. Walsh. -- Ledger blade,a stationary shearing blade in a machine for shearing the nap of cloth. -- Ledger line. See Leger line, under 3d Leger, a. -- Ledger wall (Mining), the wall under a vein; the foot wall. Raymond.


word: Ledgment
definition:
Ledgment

Ledg"ment
(-ment)
n.
(Arch.)
(a)
A string-course or horizontal suit of moldings, such as the base moldings of a building.
Oxf. Gloss.
(b)
 The development of the surface of a body on a plane, so that the dimensions of the different sides may be easily ascertained.
Gwilt.
[Written also ledgement, legement, and ligement.]


word: Ledgy
definition:
Ledgy

Ledg"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
Abounding in ledges; consisting of a ledge or reef; as, a ledgy island.


word: Ledum
definition:
Ledum

Ledum
prop. n.
A genus of evergreen shrubs of the north temperate regions.

Syn. -- genus Ledum.


word: Lee₂
definition:
Lee

Lee
n.
pl. Lees (lēz).
[F. lie, perh. fr. L. levare to lift up, raise. Cf. Lever.]
That which settles at the bottom, as of a cask of liquor (esp. wine); sediment; dregs; -- used now only in the plural.
[Lees occurs also as a form of the singular.]
lees
Holland.

A thousand demons lurk within the lee.
Young.

The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees
Is left this vault to brag of.
Shak.


word: Lee₃
definition:
Lee

Lee
n.
[OE. lee shelter, Icel. hlē, akin to AS. hleó, hleów, shelter, protection, OS. hlèo, D. lij lee, Sw. lä, Dan. læ.]
1.
A sheltered place; esp., a place protected from the wind by some object; the side sheltered from the wind; shelter; protection; as, the lee of a mountain, an island, or a ship.

We lurked under lee.
Morte d'Arthure.

Desiring me to take shelter in his lee.
Tyndall.

2.
(Naut.)
That part of the hemisphere, as one stands on shipboard, toward which the wind blows. See Lee, a.

By the lee, To bring by the lee. See under By, and Bring. -- Under the lee of, on that side which is sheltered from the wind; as, to be under the lee of a ship.


word: Lee₄
definition:
Lee

Lee
a.
(Naut.)
Of or pertaining to the part or side opposite to that against which the wind blows; -- opposed to weather; as, the lee side or lee rail of a vessel.

Lee gauge. See Gauge, n. (Naut.) -- Lee shore, the shore on the lee side of a vessel. -- Lee tide, a tide running in the same direction that the wind blows. -- On the lee beam, directly to the leeward; in a line at right angles to the length of the vessel and to the leeward.


word: Liangle
definition:
Liangle

Leeangle

{ Lee"an`gle, Li"an`gle  }
(?)
n.
[From native name.]
A heavy weapon of the Australian aborigines with a sharp-pointed end, about nine inches in length, projecting at right angles from the main part.


word: Leeboard
definition:
Leeboard

Lee"board`
(lē"b&omacrrd`)
n.
A board, or frame of planks, lowered over the side of a vessel to lessen her leeway when closehauled, by giving her greater draught.


word: Leech₃
definition:
Leech

Leech
n.
[Cf. LG. leik, Icel. līk, Sw. lik boltrope, stående liken the leeches.]
(Naut.)
The border or edge at the side of a sail.
[Written also leach.]

Leech line, a line attached to the leech ropes of sails, passing up through blocks on the yards, to haul the leeches by. Totten. -- Leech rope, that part of the boltrope to which the side of a sail is sewed.


word: Leech₄
definition:
Leech

Leech
n.
[OE. leche, læche, physician, AS. l&aemacr_;ce; akin to Fries. lētza, OHG. lāhhī, Icel. læknari, Sw. läkare, Dan. læge, Goth. lēkeis, AS. lācnian to heal, Sw. läka, Dan. læge, Icel. lækna, Goth. lēkin&omacrn.]
1.
A physician or surgeon; a professor of the art of healing.
[Written also leach.]
[Archaic]
Spenser.

Leech, heal thyself.
Wyclif (Luke iv. 23).
2.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous genera and species of annulose worms, belonging to the order Hirudinea, or Bdelloidea, esp. those species  used in medicine, as Hirudo medicinalis of Europe, and allied species.

&hand_; In the mouth of bloodsucking leeches are three convergent, serrated jaws, moved by strong muscles. By the motion of these jaws a stellate incision is made in the skin, through which the leech sucks blood till it is gorged, and then drops off. The stomach has large pouches on each side to hold the blood. The common large bloodsucking leech of America (Macrobdella decora) is dark olive above, and red below, with black spots. Many kinds of leeches are parasitic on fishes; others feed upon worms and mollusks, and have no jaws for drawing blood. See Bdelloidea. Hirudinea, and Clepsine.

3.
(Surg.)
A glass tube of peculiar construction, adapted for drawing blood from a scarified part by means of a vacuum.

Horse leech, a less powerful European leech (Hæmopis vorax), commonly attacking the membrane that lines the inside of the mouth and nostrils of animals that drink at pools where it lives.


word: Leech₅
definition:
Leech

Leech
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Leeched (lēcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Leeching.]
1.
To treat as a surgeon; to doctor; as, to leech wounds.
[Archaic]

2.
To bleed by the use of leeches.


word: Leechcraft
definition:
Leechcraft

Leech"craft`
(-krȧft`)
n.
The art of healing; skill of a physician.
[Archaic]
Chaucer.


word: Leede
definition:
Leede

Leed

{ Leed, Leede (lēd) }
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
A caldron; a copper kettle.
[Obs.]
leed
Chaucer.


word: Leek
definition:
Leek

Leek
(lēk)
n.
[AS. leác; akin to D. look, G. lauch, OHG. louh, Icel. laukr, Sw. lök, Dan lög. Cf. Garlic.]
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus Allium (Allium Porrum), having broadly linear succulent leaves rising from a loose oblong cylindrical bulb. The flavor is stronger than that of the common onion.

Wild leek , in America, a plant (Allium tricoccum) with a cluster of ovoid bulbs and large oblong elliptical leaves.


word: Leer₂
definition:
Leer

Leer
a.
[OE. lere; akin to G. leer, OHG. & OS. lāri.]
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Empty; destitute; wanting
(a)
Empty of contents.
leer
Gifford.
(b)
Destitute of a rider; and hence, led, not ridden; as, a leer horse.
B. Jonson.
(c)
Wanting sense or seriousness; trifling; trivolous; as, leer words.


word: Leer₄
definition:
Leer

Leer
n.
[OE. lere cheek, face, look, AS. hleór cheek, face; akin to OS. hlear, hlior, OD. lier, Icel. hl&ymacr_;r.]
1.
The cheek.
[Obs.]
Holinshed.

2.
Complexion; aspect; appearance.
[Obs.]

A Rosalind of a better leer than you.
Shak.

3.
A distorted expression of the face, or an indirect glance of the eye, conveying a sinister or immodest suggestion.

With jealous leer malign
Eyed them askance.
Milton.

She gives the leer of invitation.
Shak.

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer.
Pope.


word: Leer₅
definition:
Leer

Leer
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Leered (lērd); p. pr. & vb. n. Leering.]
To look with a leer; to look askance with a suggestive expression, as of hatred, contempt, lust, etc.; to cast a sidelong lustful or malign look.

I will leerupon him as a' comes by.
Shak.

The priest, above his book,
Leering at his neighbor's wife.
Tennyson.


word: Leere
definition:
Leere

Leere
(lēr)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
Tape or braid; an ornament.
Halliwell.

Leere side, the left side, as that on which a leere or ornament was worn. B. Jonson.


word: Leese
definition:
Leese

Leese
(lēz)
v. t.
[See Lose.]
To lose.
[Obs.]

They would rather leese their friend than their jest.
Lord Burleigh.


word: Leet₂
definition:
Leet

Leet
n.
[Cf. AS. hlēt share, lot.]
A portion; a list, esp. a list of candidates for an office.
[Scot.]


word: Leet₃
definition:
Leet

Leet
n.
[LL. leta. Cf. F. lit de justice a solemn sitting of the king in Parliament, L. lis, litis, a lawsuit, It., Sp., & Pg. lite.]
(Eng. Hist.)
A court-leet; the district within the jurisdiction of a court-leet; the day on which a court-leet is held.
Shak.

&hand_; The original intent of the court-leet was to view the frankpledges or freemen within the liberty; hence called the view of frankpledge. Latterly it has fallen into almost entire disuse.
Burrill. Warren's Blackstone.

Leet ale, a feast or merrymaking in time of leet. [Obs.]


word: Leeward
definition:
Leeward

Lee"ward
(lē"wẽrd or lū"ẽrd)
a.
(Naut.)
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the part or side toward which the wind blows; -- opposed to windward; as, a leeward berth; a leeward ship.
n. The lee side; the lee.
adv. Toward the lee.


word: Leeway
definition:
Leeway

Lee"way`
(lē"wā`)
n.
(Naut.)
The lateral movement of a ship to the leeward of her course; drift.


word: Left₂
definition:
Left

Left
a.
[OE. left, lift, luft; akin to Fries. leeft, OD. lucht, luft; cf. AS. left (equiv. to L. inanis), lyftādl palsy; or cf. AS. lēf weak.]
1.
Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action of the limbs is usually weaker than on the other side; -- opposed to right, when used in reference to a part of the body; as, the left hand, or arm; the left ear. Also said of the corresponding side of the lower animals.

2.
Situated so that the left side of the body is toward it; as, the left side of a deliberative meeting is that to the left of the presiding officer; the left wing of an army is that to the left of the center to one facing an enemy.

Left bank of a river, that which is on the left hand of a person whose face is turned downstream. -- Left bower. See under 2d Bower. -- Left center, the members whose sympathies are, in the main, with the members of the Left, but who do not favor extreme courses, and on occasions vote with the government. They sit between the Center and the extreme Left. -- Over the left shoulder, or Over the left, an old but still current colloquialism, or slang expression, used as an aside to indicate insincerity, negation, or disbelief; as, he said it, and it is true, -- over the left.


word: Left₃
definition:
Left

Left
n.
1.
That part of surrounding space toward which the left side of one's body is turned; as, the house is on the left when you face North.

Put that rose a little more to the left.
Ld. Lytton.

2.
Those members of a legislative assembly (as in France) who are in the opposition; the advanced republicans and extreme radicals. They have their seats at the left-hand side of the presiding officer. See Center, and Right.


word: left brain
definition:
left brain

left" brain`
n.
The left cerebral hemisphere of the brain; in humans, it controls motor activity on the right side of the body, and in most people is the primary location for control of language, logic, and mathematical thought.


word: left-brained
definition:
left-brained

left"-brained`
a.
Exhibiting intellectual or personality characteristics suggesting dominance of linguistic or logical modes of thought, which are usually controlled by the left cerebral hemisphere; as, left-brained pedants unable to appreciate music; also referred to as linear.  See linear{3}.  Contrasted with right-brained.


word: leftfield
definition:
leftfield

left field

left` field", left`field"
n.
(Baseball)
the part of the outfield on the catcher's or batter's left.

Syn. -- left.


word: Left-hand
definition:
Left-hand

Left"-hand`
(lĕft"hănd`)
a.
Situated on the left; nearer the left hand than the right; as, the left-hand side; the left-hand road.

Left-hand rope, rope laid up and twisted over from right to left, or against the sun; -- called also water-laid rope.


word: Left-handed
definition:
Left-handed

Left"-hand`ed
a.
1.
Having the left hand or arm stronger and more dexterous than the right; using the left hand and arm with more dexterity than the right.

2.
Clumsy; awkward; unlucky; insincere; sinister; malicious; as, a left-handed compliment.

The commendations of this people are not always left-handed and detractive.
Landor.

3.
Having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a watch when seen in front; -- said of a twist, a rotary motion, etc., looked at from a given direction.

Left-handed marriage, a morganatic marriage. See Morganatic. -- Left-handed screw, a screw constructed to advance away from the observer, when turned, as in a nut, with a left-handed rotation. An ordinary wood screw is right-handed.


word: Left-handiness
definition:
Left-handiness

Left-handedness

{ Left"-hand`ed*ness, Left"-hand`i*ness (-ĭ*nĕs), }
n.
The state or quality of being left-handed; awkwardness.

An awkward address, ungraceful attitudes and actions, and a certain left-handiness (if I may use the expression) proclaim low education.
Chesterfield.


word: left-hander
definition:
left-hander

lefthander

left`hand"er, left`-hand"er
n.
a person who uses the left hand with greater skill than the right; a left-handed{1} person.

Syn. -- lefty, southpaw.


word: leftist₂
definition:
leftist

leftist
n.
a person who belongs to the political left.

Syn. -- socialist, collectivist, left-winger.


word: leftover
definition:
leftover

leftover
adj.
1.
not used up; remaining after use of part; as, unusable leftover auto parts.

Syn. -- left over(predicate), left(predicate), odd, remaining, unexpended.

2.
Specifically:
remaining from a previous meal; -- of food; as, leftover food served at a later meal.

Syn. -- cooked-over, warmed-over, reheated.


word: leftover₂
definition:
leftover

leftover
n.
An unused part or portion; -- used especially of food remaining uneaten from a previous meal; as, to have leftovers for dinner.

Syn. -- remnant.


word: left-slanting
definition:
left-slanting

left-slanting
adj.
slanting toward the left; -- of handwriting.
Such handwriting is usually found in left-handed writers


word: Leftward
definition:
Leftward

Left"ward
(-wẽrd)
adv.
Toward or on the left side.

Rightward and leftward rise the rocks.
Southey.


word: left-wing
definition:
left-wing

left-wing
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to the political left or its ideology.

2.
Believing in or supporting tenets of the political left.

Syn. -- leftist, left-of-center.


word: left wing
definition:
left wing

left wing
n.
Those trying to reform the established order, particularly in political matters, to enhance the condition of the common people; -- sometimes applied to those advocating overthrow of an existing government by radical means.

Syn. -- left, left wing, leftists, political left.


word: left-winger
definition:
left-winger

left-winger
n.
1.
a person who belongs to the political left.

Syn. -- socialist, collectivist, leftist.


word: lefty
definition:
lefty

lefty
n.
1.
a person who uses the left hand with greater skill than the right; a left-handed person.

Syn. -- lefthander, southpaw.

2.
a baseball pitcher who throws the ball with the left hand.

Syn. -- left-handed pitcher, left-hander, southpaw.


word: Leg
definition:
Leg

Leg
(lĕg)
n.
[Icel. leggr; akin to Dan. læg calf of the leg, Sw. lägg.]
1.
A limb or member of an animal used for supporting the body, and in running, climbing, and swimming; esp., that part of the limb between the knee and foot.

2.
That which resembles a leg in form or use; especially, any long and slender support on which any object rests; as, the leg of a table; the leg of a pair of compasses or dividers.

3.
The part of any article of clothing which covers the leg; as, the leg of a stocking or of a pair of trousers.

4.
A bow, esp. in the phrase to make a leg; probably from drawing the leg backward in bowing.
[Obs.]

He that will give a cap and make a leg in thanks for a favor he never received.
Fuller.

5.
A disreputable sporting character; a blackleg.
[Slang, Eng.]

6.
(Naut.)
The course and distance made by a vessel on one tack or between tacks.

7.
(Steam Boiler)
An extension of the boiler downward, in the form of a narrow space between vertical plates, sometimes nearly surrounding the furnace and ash pit, and serving to support the boiler; -- called also water leg.

8.
(Grain Elevator)
The case containing the lower part of the belt which carries the buckets.

9.
(Cricket)
A fielder whose position is on the outside, a little in rear of the batter.

10.
(Math.)
Either side of a triangle distinguished from the base or, in a right triangle, from the hypotenuse; also, an indefinitely extending branch of a curve, as of a hyperbola.

11.
(Telephony)
A branch or lateral circuit connecting an instrument with the main line.

12.
(Elec.)
A branch circuit; one phase of a polyphase system.

A good leg (Naut.), a course sailed on a tack which is near the desired course. -- Leg bail, escape from custody by flight. [Slang] -- Legs of an hyperbola (or other curve) (Geom.), the branches of the curve which extend outward indefinitely. -- Legs of a triangle, the sides of a triangle; -- a name seldom used unless one of the sides is first distinguished by some appropriate term; as, the hypotenuse and two legs of a right-angled triangle. On one's legs, standing to speak. -- On one's last legs. See under Last. -- To have legs (Naut.), to have speed. -- To stand on one's own legs, to support one's self; to be independent.


word: Legacy
definition:
Legacy

Leg"a*cy
(lĕg"ȧ*s&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Legacies (-sĭz).
[L. (assumed) legatia, for legatum, from legare to appoint by last will, to bequeath as a legacy, to depute: cf. OF. legat legacy. See Legate.]
1.
A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor or disease.

2.
A business with which one is intrusted by another; a commission; -- obsolete, except in the phrases last legacy, dying legacy, and the like.

My legacy and message wherefore I am sent into the world.
Tyndale.

He came and told his legacy.
Chapman.

Legacy duty, a tax paid to government on legacies. Wharton. -- Legacy hunter, one who flatters and courts any one for the sake of a legacy.


word: Legal
definition:
Legal

Le"gal
(lē"gal)
a.
[L. legalis, fr. lex, legis, law; prob. orig., that which lies or is fixed (cf. L. lectus bed), and if so akin to E. lie, law: cf. F. légal. Cf. Lie to be prostrate, Loyal, Leal.]
1.
Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating to, law; as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test; a legal procedure; a legal claim; a legal trade; anything is legal which the laws do not forbid.

2.
(Theol.)
(a)
According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace; or resting on works for salvation.
(b)
According to the old or Mosaic dispensation; in accordance with the law of Moses.

3.
(Law)
Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from the rules of equity; as, legal estate; legal assets.
Bouvier. Burrill.

Legal cap. See under Cap. -- Legal tender. (a) The act of tendering in the performance of a contract or satisfaction of a claim that which the law prescribes or permits, and at such time and place as the law prescribes or permits. (b) That currency, or money, which the law authorizes a debtor to tender and requires a creditor to receive. It differs in different countries.


word: legalese
definition:
legalese

legalese
n.
A style of writing or speaking heavily emphasizing the abstruse technical vocabulary of the law, to the point where a speech or document may be incomprehensible to non-specialists.


word: legalisation
definition:
legalisation

legalisation
n.
1.
the act of legalizing; same as legalization.

Syn. -- legalization.


word: Legalism
definition:
Legalism

Le"gal*ism
(lē"gal*ĭz'm)
n.
Strictness, or the doctrine of strictness, in conforming to law.


word: Legalist
definition:
Legalist

Le"gal*ist
n.
One who practices or advocates strict conformity to law; in theology, one who holds to the law of works. See Legal, 2 (a).


word: Legality
definition:
Legality

Le*gal"i*ty
(le̝*găl"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[Cf. LL. legalitas, F. légalité. Cf. Loyalty.]
1.
The state or quality of being legal; conformity to law.

2.
(Theol.)
A conformity to, and resting upon, the letter of the law.


word: Legalize
definition:
Legalize

Le"gal*ize
(lē"gal*īz)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Legalized (-īzd); p. pr. & vb. n. Legalizing (-ī`zĭng).]
[Cf. F. légaliser.]
1.
To make legal.

2.
(Theol.)
To interpret or apply in a legal spirit.


word: Legatary
definition:
Legatary

Leg"a*ta*ry
(lĕg"ȧ*ta̝*r&ybreve_;)
n.
[L. legatarius, fr. legaturius enjoined by a last will: cf. F. légataire. See Legacy.]
A legatee.
[R.]
Ayliffe.


word: Legate
definition:
Legate

Leg"ate
(lĕg"a̝t)
n.
[OE. legat, L. legatus, fr. legare to send with a commission or charge, to depute, fr. lex, legis, law: cf. F. légat, It. legato. See Legal.]
1.
An ambassador or envoy.

2.
An ecclesiastic representing the pope and invested with the authority of the Holy See.

&hand_; Legates are of three kinds: (a) Legates a latere, now always cardinals. They are called ordinary or extraordinary legates, the former governing provinces, and the latter class being sent to foreign countries on extraordinary occasions. (b) Legati missi, who correspond to the ambassadors of temporal governments. (c) Legati nati, or legates by virtue of their office, as the archbishops of Salzburg and Prague.

3.
(Rom. Hist.)
(a)
An official assistant given to a general or to the governor of a province.
(b)
Under the emperors, a governor sent to a province.


word: Legatine
definition:
Legatine

Leg"a*tine
(-ȧ*tīn)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to a legate; as, legatine power.
Holinshed.

2.
Made by, proceeding from, or under the sanction of, a legate; as, a legatine constitution.
Ayliffe.


word: Legation
definition:
Legation

Le*ga"tion
(le̝*gā"shŭn)
n.
[L. legatio: cf. F. légation, It. legazione. See Legate.]
1.
The sending forth or commissioning one person to act for another.
legation
Bp. Warburton.

2.
A legate, or envoy, and the persons associated with him in his mission; an embassy; or, in stricter usage, a diplomatic minister and his suite; a deputation.

3.
The place of business or official residence of a diplomatic minister at a foreign court or seat of government.

4.
A district under the jurisdiction of a legate.


word: Legato
definition:
Legato

Le*ga"to
(la̝*gä"to̝)
a.
[It., tied, joined, fr. legare to tie, bind, L. ligare.]
(Mus.)
Connected; tied; -- a term used when successive tones are to be produced in a closely connected, smoothly gliding manner. It is often indicated by a tie, thus _;, _;, or _;, _;, written over or under the notes to be so performed; -- opposed to staccato.


word: Legator
definition:
Legator

Leg`a*tor"
(lĕg`ȧ*tôr")
n.
[L., fr. legare: cf. OF. legateur. See Legacy.]
(Law)
A testator; one who bequeaths a legacy.
Dryden.


word: Legatura
definition:
Legatura

Le`ga*tu"ra
(la̝`gȧ*tō"rȧ)
n.
[It. See Ligature.]
(Mus.)
A tie or brace; a syncopation.


word: Leg bridge
definition:
Leg bridge

Leg bridge
A type of bridge for small spans in which  the floor girders are rigidly secured at their extremities to supporting steel legs, driven into the ground as piling, or resting on mudsills.


word: Legend
definition:
Legend

Leg"end
(lĕj"ĕnd or lē"jĕnd; 277)
n.
[OE. legende, OF. legende, F. légende, LL. legenda, fr. L. legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr. le`gein to gather, speak. Cf. Collect, Dialogue, Lesson, Logic.]

1.
That which is appointed to be read; especially, a chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses.

2.
A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature.
Addison.

3.
Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.

And in this legend all that glorious deed
Read, whilst you arm you.
Fairfax.

4.
An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.

Golden legend. See under Golden.


word: Legendary
definition:
Legendary

Leg"end*a*ry
(lĕj"ĕn*da̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
Of or pertaining to a legend or to legends; consisting of legends; like a legend; fabulous.
Legendary
Bp. Lloyd.

Legendary stories of nurses and old women.
Bourne.


word: Legendary₂
definition:
Legendary

Leg"end*a*ry
n.
[Cf. OF. legendaire, LL. legendarius.]
1.
A book of legends; a tale or narrative.

Read the Countess of Pembroke's “Arcadia,” a gallant legendary full of pleasurable accidents.
James I.

2.
One who relates legends.
Bp. Lavington.


word: Leger
definition:
Leger

Leg"er
(lĕj"ẽr)
n.
[See Ledger.]
1.
Anything that lies in a place; that which, or one who, remains in a place.
[Obs.]

2.
A minister or ambassador resident at a court or seat of government.
[Written also lieger, leiger.]
[Obs.]

Sir Edward Carne, the queen's leger at Rome.
Fuller.

3.
A ledger.


word: Leger₃
definition:
Leger

Leg"er
a.
[F. léger, fr. LL. (assumed) leviarius, fr. L. levis light in weight. See Levity.]
Light; slender; slim; trivial.
[Obs. except in special phrases.]
Bacon.

Leger line (Mus.), a line added above or below the staff to extend its compass; -- called also added line.


word: Legerdemain
definition:
Legerdemain

Leg`er*de*main"
(lĕj`ẽr*de̝*mān")
n.
[F. léger light, nimble + de of + main hand, L. manus. See 3d Leger, and Manual.]
Sleight of hand; a trick of sleight of hand; hence, any artful deception or trick.

He of legierdemayne the mysteries did know.
Spenser.

The tricks and legerdemain by which men impose upon their own souls.
South.


word: Legerity
definition:
Legerity

Le*ger"i*ty
(le̝*jĕr"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[F. légèreté. See 3d Leger.]
Lightness; nimbleness.
[Archaic]
Shak.


word: Legged
definition:
Legged

Legged
(lĕgd or lĕg"gĕd)
a.
[From Leg.]
Having (such or so many) legs; -- used in composition; as, a long-legged man; a two-legged animal.


word: Leggiero
definition:
Leggiero

Leggiadro

{ &VerbarLeg`gi*a"dro (la̝d`je̝*ä"dro̝), &VerbarLeg`gi*e"ro (la̝d`je̝*a̝"ro̝), }
a. & adv.
[It.]
(Mus.)
Light or graceful; in a light, delicate, and brisk style.


word: Leggin
definition:
Leggin

Legging

{ Leg"ging (lĕg"gĭng), Leg"gin (lĕg"gĭn), }
n.
[From Leg.]
A cover for the leg, like a long gaiter.


word: Leggy
definition:
Leggy

Leg"gy
(lĕg"g&ybreve_;)
a.
1.
having tall spindly stems; -- of plants.
[wns=1]

Syn. -- tall-growing.

2.
Having long legs.
[wns=2]
Thackeray.

Syn. -- long-legged, long-shanked.


word: Leghorn
definition:
Leghorn

Leg"horn
(lĕg"hôrn)
n.
A straw plaiting used for bonnets and hats, made from the straw of a particular kind of wheat, grown for the purpose in Tuscany, Italy; -- so called from Leghorn, the place of exportation.


word: Legibility
definition:
Legibility

Leg`i*bil"i*ty
(lĕj`ĭ*bĭl"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
The quality of being legible; legibleness.
Sir. D. Brewster.


word: Legible
definition:
Legible

Leg"i*ble
(lĕj"ĭ*b'l)
a.
[L. legibilis, fr. legere to read: cf. OF. legible. See Legend.]
1.
Capable of being read or deciphered; distinct to the eye; plain; -- used of writing or printing; as, a fair, legible manuscript.

The stone with moss and lichens so overspread,
Nothing is legible but the name alone.
Longfellow.

2.
Capable of being discovered or understood by apparent marks or indications; as, the thoughts of men are often legible in their countenances.


word: Legific
definition:
Legific

Le*gif"ic
(le̝*jĭf"ĭk)
a.
[L. lex, legis, law + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See -fy.]
Of or pertaining to making laws.

Practically, in many cases, authority or legific competence has begun in bare power.
J. Grote.


word: Legion
definition:
Legion

Le"gion
(lē"jŭn)
n.
[OE. legioun, OF. legion, F. légion, fr. L. legio, fr. legere to gather, collect. See Legend.]
1.
(Rom. Antiq.)
A body of foot soldiers and cavalry consisting of different numbers at different periods, -- from about four thousand to about six thousand men, -- the cavalry being about one tenth.

2.
A military force; an army; military bands.

3.
A great number; a multitude.

Where one sin has entered, legions will force their way through the same breach.
Rogers.

4.
(Taxonomy)
A group of orders inferior to a class.

Legion of honor, an order instituted by the French government in 1802, when Bonaparte was First Consul, as a reward for merit, both civil and military.


word: Legionary
definition:
Legionary

Le"gion*a*ry
(-a̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[L. legionarius: cf. F. légionnaire.]
Belonging to a legion; consisting of a legion or legions, or of an indefinitely great number; as, legionary soldiers; a legionary force.
legionary
Sir T. Browne.


word: Legionary₂
definition:
Legionary

Le"gion*a*ry
(lē"jŭn*a̝*r&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Legionaries (-rĭz).
A member of a legion.
Milton.


word: Legislate
definition:
Legislate

Leg"is*late
(lĕj"ĭs*lāt)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Legislated (-lā`tĕd); p. pr. & vb. n. Legislating (-lā`tĭng).]
[See Legislator.]
To make or enact a law or laws.

Solon, in legislating for the Athenians, had an idea of a more perfect constitution than he gave them.
Bp. Watson (1805).


word: legislating
definition:
legislating

legislating
n.
the act of making or enacting laws; legislation{1}.

Syn. -- legislation, lawmaking.


word: Legislation
definition:
Legislation

Leg`is*la"tion
(-lā"shŭn)
n.
[Cf. F. législation, L. legis latio. See Legislator.]
The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws; the laws enacted.

Pythagoras joined legislation to his philosophy.
Lyttelton.


word: Legislative
definition:
Legislative

Leg"is*la*tive
(lĕj"ĭs*la̝*tĭv)
a.
[Cf. F. législatif.]

1.
Making, or having the power to make, a law or laws; lawmaking; -- distinguished from executive; as, a legislative act; a legislative body.

The supreme legislative power of England was lodged in the king and great council, or what was afterwards called the Parliament.
Hume.

2.
Of or pertaining to the making of laws; suitable to legislation; as, the transaction of legislative business; the legislative style.


word: Legislator
definition:
Legislator

Leg"is*la`tor
(lĕj"ĭs*lā`tẽr)
n.
[L. legis lator, prop., a proposer of a law; lex, legis, law + lator a proposer, bearer, fr. latus, used as p. p. of ferre to bear: cf. F. législateur. See Legal, and Tolerate.]
A lawgiver; one who makes laws for a state or community; a member of a legislative body.

The legislators in ancient and heroical times.
Bacon.

Many of the legislators themselves had taken an oath of abjuration of his Majesty's person and family.
E. Phillips.


word: Legislatorial
definition:
Legislatorial

Leg`is*la*to"ri*al
(-lȧ*t&omacr"rĭ*al)
a.
Of or pertaining to a legislator or legislature.


word: Legislatrix
definition:
Legislatrix

Legislatress

{ Leg"is*la`tress (-trĕs), Leg"is*la`trix (-trĭks), }
n.
A woman who makes laws.
Shaftesbury.


word: Legislature
definition:
Legislature

Leg"is*la`ture
(lĕj"ĭs*lā`t&uuptack_;r; 135)
n.
[Cf. F. législature.]
The body of persons in a state or kingdom invested with power to make and repeal laws; a legislative body.

Without the concurrent consent of all three parts of the legislature, no law is, or can be, made.
Sir M. Hale.

&hand_; The legislature of Great Britain consists of the Lords and Commons, with the king or queen, whose sanction is necessary to every bill before it becomes a law. The legislatures of most of the United States consist of two houses or branches; but the sanction or consent of the governor is required to give their acts the force of law, or a concurrence of two thirds of the two houses after he has refused his sanction and assigned his objections.

The legislatures of some of the more important states having constitutional government are as follows, the general name (or a translation of it) of the  legislative body collectively being given under the heading legislature, or parliament:


StateLegislature, or parliamentUpper HouseNameNumber of members -- how chosen or composed -- term of officeLower HouseNameNumber of members -- suffrage -- term of office
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ArgentinaNational CongressSenate30 -- 2 from each provincew and 2 from capital -- 9 yearsHouse of Deputies120  (1 to 33,000) -- Manhood -- 4 years
AustriaReichsrath
BelgiumThe Chambers
BrazilNational Congress
ChileNational Congress
DenmarkRigsdag
FranceNational Assembly
German EmpireImperial legislature
*Great BritainParliamentHouse of LordsAbout 600House of CommonsAbout 670 -- 7 years, or until dissolution
Greece
HungaryOrzág-gyülés
ItalyParliament
JapanImperial Diet
MexicoCongress
NetherlandsStates-General
#NorwayStorthing
PortugalCortes Geraes (general Assembly)
PrussiaLandtagHerrenhausNo limit -- very various classes -- For different termsAbgeordnetenhaus433 -- Indirect election, general suffrage§ -- 5 years, or until dissolution
SpainCortes
SwedenDiet
SwitzerlandBundesversammlung
United StatesCongressSenate92(1908) -- 6 yearsHouse of Representatives391 (1908) -- 2 years.

----------------------------------------------------------------
*In the self-governing colonies of Great Britain the legislative body usually consists of two chambers, the names of the legislature and the chambers varying.  Thus in Australia the Federal Parliament is composed of the Senate and the House of Commons, in New Zealand the General Assembly is composed of the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives, etc.
#Members of the Storthing are chosen for three years by direct election by manhood suffrage, forty-one being elected from the towns and eighty-two from the rural districts.  The Storthing on assembling divides into the Lagthing including one fourth and the Odelsthing including three fourths of the total membership of the Storthing.  All new laws are laid first before the Odelsthing.  If the two houses do not agree they vote in joint session, a majority of two thirds of those voting being necessary to a decision.
§ While theoretically general, the suffrage is so classified as often practically to disfranchise those who are not property holders.


word: Legist
definition:
Legist

Le"gist
(lē"jĭst)
n.
[F. légiste, LL. legista, fr. L. lex, legis, law. See Legal.]
One skilled in the laws; a writer on law.
Milman. J. Morley.


word: Legitim
definition:
Legitim

Le*git"im
(le̝*jĭ"ĭm)
n.
[See Legitimate, a.]
(Scots Law)
The portion of movable estate to which the children are entitled upon the death of the father.


word: Legitimacy
definition:
Legitimacy

Le*git"i*ma*cy
(-ĭ*mȧ*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Legitimate, a.]
The state, or quality, of being legitimate, or in conformity with law; hence, the condition of having been lawfully begotten, or born in wedlock.

The doctrine of Divine Right, which has now come back to us, like a thief from transportation, under the alias of Legitimacy.
Macaulay.


word: Legitimate
definition:
Legitimate

Le*git"i*mate
(-ma̝t)
a.
[LL. legitimatus, p. p. of legitimare to legitimate, fr. L. legitimus legitimate. See Legal.]
1.
Accordant with law or with established legal forms and requirements; lawful; as, legitimate government; legitimate rights; the legitimate succession to the throne; a legitimate proceeding of an officer; a legitimate heir.

2.
Lawfully begotten; born in wedlock.

3.
Authorized; real; genuine; not false, counterfe`t, or spurious; as,$legitimate poems of Chaucer; legitimate inscriptions.

4.
Conforming to known principles, or accepted rules; as, legitimate reasoning; a legitimate standard, or method; a legitimate combination of colors.

Tillotson still keeps his place as a legitimate English classic.
Macaulay.

5.
Following by logical sequence; reasonable; as, a legitimate result; a legitimate inference.


word: Legitimate₂
definition:
Legitimate

Le*git"i*mate
(-māt)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Legitimated (-mā`tĕd); p. pr. & vb. n. Legitimating (-mā`tĭng).]
To make legitimate, lawful, or valid; esp., to put in the position or state of a legitimate person before the law, by legal means; as, to legitimate a bastard child.

To enact a statute of that which he dares not seem to approve, even to legitimate vice.
Milton.


word: Legitimately
definition:
Legitimately

Le*git"i*mate*ly
(-ma̝t*l&ybreve_;)
adv.
In a legitimate manner; lawfully; genuinely.


word: Legitimateness
definition:
Legitimateness

Le*git"i*mate*ness
n.
The state or quality of being legitimate; lawfulness; genuineness.


word: Legitimation
definition:
Legitimation

Le*git`i*ma"tion
(-mā"shŭn)
n.
[Cf. F. légitimation.]

1.
The act of making legitimate.

The coining or legitimation of money.
East.

2.
Lawful birth.
[R.]
Shak.


word: Legitimist
definition:
Legitimist

Le*git"i*mist
(-mĭst)
n.
[Cf. F. légitimiste.]
1.
One who supports legitimate authority; esp., one who believes in hereditary monarchy, as a divine right.

2.
Specifically, a supporter of the claims of the elder branch of the Bourbon dynasty to the crown of France.


word: Legitimize
definition:
Legitimize

Le*git"i*mize
(le̝*jĭt"ĭ*mīz)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Legitimized (-mīzd); p. pr. & vb. n. Legitimizing.]
To legitimate.


word: Leg-of-mutton
definition:
Leg-of-mutton

Leg"-of-mut"ton
(?)
a.
Having the general shape or outline of a leg of mutton; as, a leg-of-mutton, or shoulder-of-mutton, sail.


word: Lego-literary
definition:
Lego-literary

Le"go-lit"er*a*ry
(lē"go̝-lĭt"ẽr*a̝*r&ybreve_;)
a.
[See Legal, and Literary.]
Pertaining to the literature of law.


word: leg-pull
definition:
leg-pull

leg-pull
n.
An attempt to make somebody believe something that is not true, done as a joke.

Syn. -- leg-pulling.


word: leg-pulling
definition:
leg-pulling

leg-pulling
n.
The act of attempting to make somebody believe something that is not true, done as a joke.

Syn. -- leg-pull.


word: Leguleian
definition:
Leguleian

Le`gu*le"ian
(lē`g&uuptack_;*lē"yan)
a.
[L. leguleius pettifogger, fr. lex, legis, law.]
Lawyerlike; legal.
[R.]
Leguleian
De Quincey.
n. A lawyer.


word: Legume
definition:
Legume

Leg"ume
(lĕg"&uuptack_;m or le̝*gūm")
n.
[F. légume, L. legumen, fr. legere to gather. So called because they may be gathered without cutting. See Legend.]
1.
(Bot.)
A pod dehiscent into two pieces or valves, and having the seed attached at one suture, as that of the pea.

&hand_; In the latter circumstance, it differs from a siliqua, in which the seeds are attached to both sutures. In popular use, a legume is called a pod, or cod; as, pea pod, or peas cod.

2.
pl.
The fruit of leguminous plants, as peas, beans, lupines; pulse.


word: Legumen
definition:
Legumen

Le*gu"men
(le̝*gū"mĕn)
n.
pl. L. Legumina (-mĭ*nȧ), E. Legumens (-mĕnz).
[L.]
Same as Legume.


word: Legumin
definition:
Legumin

Le*gu"min
(-mĭn)
n.
[Cf. F. légumine.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
An albuminous substance resembling casein, found as a characteristic ingredient of the seeds of leguminous and grain-bearing plants.


word: Leguminous
definition:
Leguminous

Le*gu"mi*nous
(-mĭ*nŭs)
a.
[Cf. F. légumineux.]
1.
Pertaining to pulse; consisting of pulse.

2.
(Bot.)
Belonging to, or resembling, a very large natural order of plants (Leguminosæ), which bear legumes, including peas, beans, clover, locust trees, acacias, and mimosas.


word: Leiopelma
definition:
Leiopelma

Leiopelma
n.
The type and sole genus of the family Leiopelmatidae.
[Also spelled Liopelma.]

Syn. -- genus Leiopelma, Liopelma, genus Liopelma.


word: Leiopelmatidae
definition:
Leiopelmatidae

Leiopelmatidae
n.
A natural family of primitive New Zealand frogs.
[Also spelled Liopelmidae.]

Syn. -- family Leiopelmatidae, Liopelmidae, family Liopelmidae.


word: Leiophyllum
definition:
Leiophyllum

Leiophyllum
n.
A genus having only one species, the sand myrtle.

Syn. -- genus Leiophyllum.


word: Leiotrichan
definition:
Leiotrichan

Lei*ot"ri*chan
(li̝*&obreve_;t"rĭ*kan)
a.
Of or pertaining to the Leiotrichi.
n. One of the Leiotrichi.


word: Leiotrichi
definition:
Leiotrichi

Lei*ot"ri*chi
(-kī)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lei^os smooth + qri`x, tricho`s, hair.]
(Anthropol.)
The division of mankind which embraces the smooth-haired races.


word: Leiotrichous
definition:
Leiotrichous

Lei*ot"ri*chous
(-kŭs)
a.
[See Leiotrichi.]
(Anthropol.)
Having smooth, or nearly smooth, hair.


word: Leipoa
definition:
Leipoa

Lei*po"a
(li̝*p&omacr"ȧ)
n.
[NL.]
(Zool.)
A genus of Australian gallinaceous birds including but a single species (Leipoa ocellata), about the size of a turkey. Its color is variegated, brown, black, white, and gray. Called also native pheasant.

&hand_; It makes large mounds of sand and vegetable material, in which its eggs are laid to be hatched by the heat of the decomposing mass.


word: Lister
definition:
Lister

Leister

{ Leis"ter, Lis"ter }
(lĭs"tẽr)
n.
A spear armed with three or more prongs, for striking fish.
[Scotland]


word: Leisurable
definition:
Leisurable

Lei"sur*a*ble
(lē"zh&uuptack_;r*ȧ*b'l; 135)
a.
[See Leisure.]

1.
Leisurely.
[Obs.]
Hooker.

2.
Vacant of employment; not occupied; idle; leisure; as leisurable hours.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Leisure
definition:
Leisure

Lei"sure
(lē"zh&uuptack_;r; 135)
n.
[OE. leisere, leiser, OF. leisir, F. loisir, orig., permission, fr. L. licere to be permitted. See License.]
1.
Freedom from occupation or business; vacant time; time free from employment.

The desire of leisure is much more natural than of business and care.
Sir W. Temple.

2.
Time at one's command, free from engagement; convenient opportunity; hence, convenience; ease.

He sighed, and had no leisure more to say.
Dryden.

At leisure. (a) Free from occupation; not busy. (b) In a leisurely manner; at a convenient time.


word: Leisurely
definition:
Leisurely

Lei"sure*ly
(lē"zh&uuptack_;r*l&ybreve_;)
a.
Characterized by leisure; taking abundant time; not hurried; as, a leisurely manner; a leisurely walk.


word: Leitmotiv
definition:
Leitmotiv

Leitmotif

Leit"mo*tif", &VerbarLeit"mo*tiv"
(līt"mo̝*te̝f")
n.
[G., leading motive.]
1.
(Mus.)
a guiding theme; in Wagnerian opera, a marked melodic phrase or short musical passage which always accompanies the reappearance of a certain person, situation, abstract idea, or allusion in the course of the play; a sort of musical label.  Also called Leading motive.

2.
a recurring theme in the activities of a person or group.


word: Leitneria
definition:
Leitneria

Leitneria
prop. n.
A genus of trees or shrubs coextensive with the family Leitneriaceae, and including the corkwood (Leitneria floridana).

Syn. -- family Leitneriaceae, corkwood family.


word: Leitneriaceae
definition:
Leitneriaceae

Leitneriaceae
prop. n.
A natural family of trees coextensive with the genus Leitneria; commonly isolated in a distinct order.

Syn. -- family Leitneriaceae, corkwood family.


word: L.E.M.
definition:
L.E.M.

LEM

LEM, L.E.M.
n.
[acronym from Lunar Excursion Module.]
(Astronautics)
A lunar excursion module, a spacecraft designed to transport people from a command module in orbit around the moon to the surface of the moon and back again.

Syn. -- lunar excursion module, lunar module.


word: Lemaireocereus
definition:
Lemaireocereus

Lemaireocereus
n.
A genus of tropical American cacti, usually tall and branching with stout spines and funnel-shaped flowers and globular or ovoid often edible fruit.

Syn. -- genus Lemaireocereus.


word: Leman
definition:
Leman

Le"man
(lē"man or lĕm"an; 277)
n.
[OE. lemman, lefman; AS. leóf dear + mann man. See Lief, and Man.]
A sweetheart, of either sex; a gallant, or a mistress; -- usually in a bad sense.
[Archaic]
Chaucer. Spenser. Shak.


word: lemanderin
definition:
lemanderin

lemanderin
n.
A fruit tree (Citrus limonia) which is a hybrid between the mandarin orange and the lemon, having a very acid fruit with an orange peel; also, the fruit of this tree, the rangpur.

Syn. -- rangpur, rangpur lime, Citrus limonia.


word: Leme
definition:
Leme

Leme
(lēm)
n.
[OE. leem, leme, leam, AS. leóma light, brightness; akin to E. light, n. √122.]
A ray or glimmer of light; a gleam.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Lemma
definition:
Lemma

Lem"ma
(lĕm"mȧ)
n.
pl. L. Lemmata (-mȧ*tȧ), E. Lemmas (-mȧz).
[L. lemma, Gr. lh^mma anything received, an assumption or premise taken for granted, fr. lamba`nein to take, assume. Cf. Syllable.]
1.
(Math., Logic)
A preliminary or auxiliary proposition demonstrated or accepted for immediate use in the demonstration of some other proposition, as in mathematics or logic.

2.
A word that is included in a glossary or list of headwords; a headword.


word: lemmatization
definition:
lemmatization

lem`ma*tiz*a"tion
(lĕm`mȧ*tĭz*ā"shŭn)
v. t.
The act or process of lemmatizing; conversion into a lemma{2}.

&hand_;  Lemmatization of search words in a computerized Information Retrieval System may allow more effective retrieval of documents of interest to the searcher.


word: lemmatize
definition:
lemmatize

lem"ma*tize
(lĕm"mȧ*tīz`)
v. t.
To convert into a lemma{2}; to normalize the form of (a word) to that form used as the headword in a dictionary, glossary, or index; as, “ride” is the lemmatized form for “riding” and “ridden”.


word: Lemming
definition:
Lemming

Lem"ming
(lĕm"mĭng)
n.
[Nor. lemming, lemende; cf. Sw. lemel, Lapp. lummik.]
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of small arctic rodents of the genera Myodes and Cuniculus, resembling the meadow mice in form. They are found in both hemispheres.

&hand_; The common Northern European lemming (Myodes lemmus) is remarkable for making occasional devastating migrations in enormous numbers from the mountains into the lowlands.


word: Lemna
definition:
Lemna

Lemna
n.
A genus of minute acquatic herbs floating on or below the water surface of still water consisting of a leaflike frond or plant body and single root.

Syn. -- genus Lemna.


word: Lemnaceae
definition:
Lemnaceae

Lemnaceae
n.
A natural family of small free-floating thalloid plants.

Syn. -- family Lemnaceae, duckweed family.


word: Lemnian
definition:
Lemnian

Lem"ni*an
(lĕm"nĭ*an)
a.
[L. Lemnius, fr. Lemnus, Gr. Lh^mnos.]
Of or pertaining to the isle of Lemnos.

Lemnian bole, Lemnian earth, an aluminous earth of a grayish yellow color; sphragide; -- formerly sold as medicine, having astringent properties. -- Lemnian reddle, a reddle of firm consistence and deep red color; -- used by artificers in coloring.


word: Lemniscate
definition:
Lemniscate

Lemniscata

{ Lem`nis*ca"ta (lĕm`nĭs*kā"tȧ), Lem*nis"cate (lĕm*nĭs"ka̝t), }
n.
[L. lemniscatus adorned with ribbons, fr. lemniscus a ribbon hanging down, Gr. lhmni`skos.]
(Geom.)
A curve in the form of the figure 8, with both parts symmetrical, generated by the point in which a tangent to an equilateral hyperbola meets the perpendicular on it drawn from the center.


word: Lemniscus
definition:
Lemniscus

Lem*nis"cus
(lĕm*nĭs"kŭs)
n.
pl.
Lemnisci
(-sī)
n.
[L. See Lemniscata.]
(Zool.)
One of two oval bodies hanging from the interior walls of the body in the Acanthocephala.


word: Lemon
definition:
Lemon

Lem"on
(lĕm"ŭn)
n.
[F. limon, Per. līmūn; cf. Ar. laimūn, Sp. limon, It. limone. Cf. Lime a fruit.]

1.
(Bot.)
An oval or roundish fruit resembling the orange, and containing a pulp usually intensely acid. It is produced by a tropical tree of the genus Citrus, the common fruit known in commerce being that of the species Citrus Limonum or Citrus Medica (var. Limonum). There are many varieties of the fruit, some of which are sweet.

2.
The tree which bears lemons; the lemon tree.

Lemon grass (Bot.), a fragrant East Indian grass (Andropogon Shœnanthus, and perhaps other allied species), which yields the grass oil used in perfumery. -- Lemon sole (Zool.), a yellow European sole (Solea aurantiaca). -- Salts of lemon (Chem.), a white crystalline substance, inappropriately named, as it consists of an acid potassium oxalate and contains no citric acid, which is the characteristic acid of lemon; -- called also salts of sorrel. It is used in removing ink stains. See Oxalic acid, under Oxalic. [Colloq.]


word: Lemonade
definition:
Lemonade

Lem`on*ade"
(lĕm`ŭn*ād")
n.
[F. limonade; cf. Sp. limonada, It. limonata. See Lemon.]
A beverage consisting of lemon juice mixed with water and sweetened.
lemonade


word: lemonwood
definition:
lemonwood

lemonwood
n.
1.
hard tough elastic wood of the lemonwood tree; used for making bows and fishing rods.

2.
A South African evergreen having hard tough wood.

Syn. -- lemonwood tree, Psychotria capensis .


word: Lemur
definition:
Lemur

Le"mur
(lē"mŭr)
n.
[L., a ghost, specter. So called on account of its habit of going abroad by night.]
(Zool.)
One of a family (Lemuridæ) of nocturnal mammals allied to the monkeys, but of small size, and having a sharp and foxlike muzzle, and large eyes. They feed upon birds, insects, and fruit, and are mostly natives of Madagascar and the neighboring islands, one genus (Galago) occurring in Africa.  The slow lemur or kukang of the East Indies is Nycticebus tardigradus. See Galago, Indris, and Colugo.


word: Lemures
definition:
Lemures

Lem"u*res
(lĕm"&uuptack_;*rēz; E. lē"mūrz)
n. pl.
[L. See Lemur.]
Spirits or ghosts of the departed; specters.

The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint.
Milton.


word: Lemuria
definition:
Lemuria

Le*mu"ri*a
(le̝*mū"rĭ*ȧ)
n.
[So named from the supposition that it was the original home of the lemurs.]
A hypothetical land, or continent, supposed by some to have existed formerly in the Indian Ocean, of which Madagascar is a remnant.
Herschel.


word: Lemurine
definition:
Lemurine

Lemuridous

{ Le*mu"ri*dous (le̝*mū"rĭ*dŭs), Lem"u*rine (lĕm"&uuptack_;*rĭn or -rīn), }
a.
(Zool.)
Lemuroid.


word: Lemuroid
definition:
Lemuroid

Lem"u*roid
(lĕm"&uuptack_;*roid)
a.
[Lemur + -oid.]
(Zool.)
Like or pertaining to the lemurs or the Lemuroidea.
n. One of the Lemuroidea.


word: Lemuroidea
definition:
Lemuroidea

Lem`u*roi"de*a
(lĕm`&uuptack_;*roi"de̝*ȧ)
n. pl.
[NL. See Lemur, and -oid.]
(Zool.)
A suborder of primates, including the lemurs, the aye-aye, and allied species.
[Written also Lemuroida.]


word: Lenard rays
definition:
Lenard rays

Le*nard" rays
(?)
n.
(Physics.)
Rays emanating from the outer surface of a plate composed of any material permeable by cathode rays, as aluminium, which forms a portion of a wall of a vacuum tube, or which is mounted within the tube and exposed to radiation from the cathode. Lenard rays are similar in all their known properties to cathode rays. So called from the German physicist Philipp Lenard (b. 1862), who first described them.


word: Lend
definition:
Lend

Lend
(lĕnd)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lent (lĕnt); p. pr. & vb. n. Lending.]
[OE. lenen, AS. l&aemacr_;nan, fr. l&aemacr_;n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See Loan.]
1.
To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to lend a book; -- opposed to borrow.

Give me that ring.
I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power
To give it from me.
Shak.

2.
To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some article of food.

Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.
Levit. xxv. 37.

3.
To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend assistance; to lend one's name or influence.

Cato, lend me for a while thy patience.
Addison.

Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and largeness to his compositions.
J. A. Symonds.

4.
To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or gig.

&hand_; This use of the word is rare in the United States, except with reference to money.

To lend a hand, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.] -- To lend one's ears or To lend an ear, to give attention.


word: lend-lease
definition:
lend-lease

lend-lease
n.
the temporary transfer of goods and services to an ally to aid in a common cause; as, lend-lease during World War II was extremely generous.

Syn. -- lease-lend.


word: Lends
definition:
Lends

Lends
(lĕndz)
n. pl.
[AS. lend, lenden; akin to D. & G. lende, OHG. lenti, Icel. lend, and perh to E. loin.]
Loins.
[Obs.]
Wyclif.


word: Lene₂
definition:
Lene

Le"ne
(lē"ne̝)
a.
[L. lenis smooth.]
(Phonetics)
(a)
Smooth; as, the lene breathing.
(b)
Applied to certain mute consonants, as p, k, and t (or Gr. π, κ, τ).
W. E. Jelf.


word: Lene₃
definition:
Lene

Le"ne
n.
(Phonetics)
(a)
The smooth breathing (spiritus lenis).
(b)
Any one of the lene consonants, as p, k, or t (or Gr. π, κ, τ).
W. E. Jelf.


word: Lengest
definition:
Lengest

Lenger

{ Leng"er (lĕng"ẽr), Leng"est }
a.
Longer; longest; -- obsolete compar. and superl. of long.
Chaucer.


word: Length
definition:
Length

Length
(lĕngth)
n.
[OE. lengthe, AS. lengð, fr. lang, long, long; akin to D. lengte, Dan. længde, Sw. längd, Icel. lengd. See Long, a. ]
1.
The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a rope or line.

2.
A portion of space or of time considered as measured by its length; -- often in the plural.

Large lengths of seas and shores.
Shak.

The future but a length behind the past.
Dryden.

3.
The quality or state of being long, in space or time; extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for the length of their wings; he was tired by the length of the sermon, and the length of his walk.

4.
A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence.

5.
Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to pursue a subject to a great length.

May Heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss
With length of days, and every day like this.
Dryden.

6.
Distance.
[Obs.]

He had marched to the length of Exeter.
Clarendon.

At length. (a) At or in the full extent; without abbreviation; as, let the name be inserted at length. (b) At the end or conclusion; after a long period. See Syn. of At last, under Last. -- At arm's length. See under Arm.


word: Lengthen
definition:
Lengthen

Length"en
(-'n)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Lengthened (-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lengthening (-'n*ĭng).]
To extent in length; to make longer in extent or duration; as, to lengthen a line or a road; to lengthen life; -- sometimes followed by out.

What if I please to lengthen out his date.
Dryden.


word: Lengthwise
definition:
Lengthwise

Lengthways

{ Length"ways` (-wāz`), Length"wise` (-wīz`), }
adv.
In the direction of the length; running or extending in the direction of the length of a thing; in a longitudinal direction.  Contrasted with crosswise.


word: Lengthy
definition:
Lengthy

Length"y
(-&ybreve_;)
a.
[Compar. Lengthier (-ĭ*ẽr); superl. Lengthiest.]
Having length; rather long or too long; prolix; not brief; -- said chiefly of discourses, writings, and the like.
Lengthy
Washington.
lengthy
Byron.
lengthy
Jefferson.
lengthy
Trench.


word: Leniency
definition:
Leniency

Lenience

{ Le"ni*ence (lē"nĭ*ens or lēn"yens; 106), Le"ni*en*cy (lē"nĭ*en*s&ybreve_; or lēn"yen*s&ybreve_;), }
n.
The quality or state of being lenient; lenity; clemency.


word: Lenient
definition:
Lenient

Le"ni*ent
(lē"nĭ*ent or lēn"yent)
a.
[L. leniens, -entis, p. pr. of lenire to soften, fr. lenis soft, mild. Cf. Lithe.]

1.
Relaxing; emollient; softening; assuasive; -- sometimes followed by of.
Lenient
Milton.

O_;_; relax the fibers, are lenient, balsamic.
Arbuthnot.

Time, that on all things lays his lenient hand.
Pope.

2.
Mild; clement; merciful; not rigorous or severe; as, a lenient disposition; a lenient judge or sentence.


word: Lenify
definition:
Lenify

Len"i*fy
(lĕn"ĭ*fī)
v. t.
[L. lenis soft, mild + -fy: cf. F. lénifier.]
To assuage; to soften; to mitigate; to alleviate.
Bacon. Dryden.


word: Leniment
definition:
Leniment

Len"i*ment
(-ment)
n.
[L. lenimentum: cf. OF. leniment. See Lenient.]
An assuasive.
[Obs.]


word: Leningrad
definition:
Leningrad

Leningrad
prop. n.
A city in the European part of Soviet Russia; the former capital of Russia.  The name was formerly St. Petersburg and Petrograd, and was changed back to Saint Petersburg (Sankt Peterburg in Russian) in 1992.

Syn. -- St. Petersburg, Peterburg, Petrograd, Saint Petersburg.


word: Leninism
definition:
Leninism

Leninism
prop. n.
a form of communism based on the writings of Marx and Lenin; called also Marxism-Leninism.

Syn. -- bolshevism, collectivism, Marxism-Leninism, Marxism, Sovietism, sovietism.


word: Lenitive
definition:
Lenitive

Len"i*tive
(-tĭv)
a.
[Cf. F. lénitif. See Lenient.]
Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.


word: Lenitive₂
definition:
Lenitive

Len"i*tive
n.
[Cf. F. lénitif.]
1.
(Med.)
(a)
A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain or protecting from the action of irritants.
(b)
A mild purgative; a laxative.

2.
That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative.

There is one sweet lenitive at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep.
Sterne.


word: Lenitude
definition:
Lenitude

Len"i*tude
(-tūd)
n.
[L. lenitudo.]
The quality or habit of being lenient; lenity.
[Obs.]
Blount.


word: Lenity
definition:
Lenity

Len"i*ty
(-t&ybreve_;)
n.
[L. lenitas, fr. lenis soft, mild: cf. OF. lenité. See Lenient.]
The state or quality of being lenient; mildness of temper or disposition; gentleness of treatment; softness; tenderness; clemency; -- opposed to severity and rigor.

His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too severe.
Macaulay.


word: Lenni-Lenape
definition:
Lenni-Lenape

Len`ni-Len*a"pe
(lĕn`nĭ-lĕn*ä"pa̝)
n. pl.
(Ethnol.)
A general name for a group of Algonquin tribes which formerly occupied the coast region of North America from Connecticut to Virginia. They included the Mohicans, Delawares, Shawnees, and several other tribes.


word: Leno
definition:
Leno

Le"no
(lē"no̝)
n.
[Cf. It. leno weak, flexible.]
A light open cotton fabric used for window curtains.


word: Lenocinant
definition:
Lenocinant

Le*noc"i*nant
(le̝*n&obreve_;s"ĭ*nant)
a.
[L. lenocinans, p. pr. of lenocinari to pander, cajole; akin to leno pimp.]
Given to lewdness.
[Obs.]


word: Lens
definition:
Lens

Lens
(lĕnz)
n.
pl. Lenses (-ĕz).
[L. lens a lentil. So named from the resemblance in shape of a double convex lens to the seed of a lentil. Cf. Lentil.]
(Opt.)
A piece of glass, or other transparent substance, ground with two opposite regular surfaces, either both curved, or one curved and the other plane, and commonly used, either singly or combined, in optical instruments, for changing the direction of rays of light, and thus magnifying objects, or otherwise modifying vision. In practice, the curved surfaces are usually spherical, though rarely cylindrical, or of some other figure.

&hand_; Of spherical lenses, there are six varieties, as shown in section in the figures herewith given: viz., a plano-concave; b double-concave; c plano-convex; d double-convex; e converging concavo-convex, or converging meniscus; f diverging concavo-convex, or diverging meniscus.

Crossed lens (Opt.), a double-convex lens with one radius equal to six times the other. -- Crystalline lens. (Anat.) See Eye. -- Fresnel lens (Opt.), a compound lens formed by placing around a central convex lens rings of glass so curved as to have the same focus; used, especially in lighthouses, for concentrating light in a particular direction; -- so called from the inventor. -- Multiplying lens or Multiplying glass (Opt.), a lens one side of which is plane and the other convex, but made up of a number of plane faces inclined to one another, each of which presents a separate image of the object viewed through it, so that the object is, as it were, multiplied. -- Polyzonal lens. See Polyzonal.


word: Lent₂
definition:
Lent

Lent
n.
[OE. lente, lenten, leynte, AS. lengten, lencten, spring, lent, akin to D. lente, OHG. lenzin, langiz, G. lenz, and perh. fr. AS. lang long, E. long, because at this season of the year the days lengthen.]
(Eccl.)
A fast of forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing till Easter, observed by some Christian churches as commemorative of the fast of our Savior.

Lent lily (Bot.), the daffodil; -- so named from its blossoming in spring.


word: Lent₃
definition:
Lent

Lent
a.
[L. lentus; akin to lenis soft, mild: cf. F. lent. See Lenient.]
1.
Slow; mild; gentle; as, lenter heats.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.

2.
(Mus.)
See Lento.


word: Lentamente
definition:
Lentamente

Len`ta*men"te
(la̝n`tȧ*ma̝n"ta̝; E. lĕn`tȧ*mĕn"te̝)
adv.
[It.]
(Mus.)
Slowly; in slow time.


word: Lentando
definition:
Lentando

Len*tan"do
(la̝n*tän"do̝; E. lĕn*tăn"do̝)
a.
[It., p. pr. of lentare to make slow. See Lent, a.]
(Mus.)
Slackening; retarding. Same as Rallentando.


word: Lenten₂
definition:
Lenten

Lent"en
a.
[From OE. lenten lent. See Lent, n. ]
1.
Of or pertaining to the fast called Lent; used in, or suitable to, Lent; as, the Lenten season.

She quenched her fury at the flood,
And with a Lenten salad cooled her blood.
Dryden.

2.
Spare; meager; plain; somber; unostentatious; not abundant or showy.
Lenten
Lenten
Shak.
Lenten
Beau. & Fl.

Lenten color, black or violet. F. G. Lee.


word: Lenticel
definition:
Lenticel

Len"ti*cel
(lĕn"tĭ*sĕl)
n.
[F. lenticelle, dim. fr. L. lens, lentis, a lentil. Cf. Lentil.]
(Bot.)
(a)
One of the small, oval, rounded spots upon the stem or branch of a plant, from which the underlying tissues may protrude or roots may issue, either in the air, or more commonly when the stem or branch is covered with water or earth.
(b)
A small, lens-shaped gland on the under side of some leaves.


word: Lenticellate
definition:
Lenticellate

Len`ti*cel"late
(lĕn`tĭ*sĕl"la̝t)
a.
(Bot.)
Producing lenticels; dotted with lenticels.


word: Lenticula
definition:
Lenticula

Len*tic"u*la
(lĕn*tĭk"&uuptack_;*lȧ)
n.
pl. E. Lenticulas (-lȧz), L. Lenticulæ (-lē).
[L. See Lenticel.]
1.
(Med.)
A kind of eruption upon the skin; lentigo; freckle.

2.
(Opt.)
A lens of small size.

3.
(Bot.)
A lenticel.


word: Lenticular
definition:
Lenticular

Len*tic"u*lar
(-lẽr)
a.
[L. lenticularis: cf. F. lenticulaire. See Lenticel.]
Resembling a lentil in size or form; having the form of a double-convex lens.


word: Lentiform
definition:
Lentiform

Len"ti*form
(lĕn"tĭ*fôrm)
a.
[L. lens, lentis, lentil + -form: cf. F. lentiforme.]
Lenticular.


word: Lentiginose
definition:
Lentiginose

Len*tig"i*nose`
(lĕn*tĭj"ĭ*n&omacrs`)
a.
[See Lentiginous.]
(Bot.)
Bearing numerous dots resembling freckles.


word: Lentiginous
definition:
Lentiginous

Len*tig"i*nous
(-nŭs)
a.
[L. lentiginosus. See Lentigo.]
Of or pertaining to lentigo; freckly; scurfy; furfuraceous.


word: Lentigo
definition:
Lentigo

Len*ti"go
(lĕn*tī"go̝)
n.
[L., fr. lens, lentis, lentil.]
(Med.)
A freckly eruption on the skin; freckles.


word: Lentil
definition:
Lentil

Len"til
(lĕn"tĭl)
n.
[F. lentille, fr. L. lenticula, dim. of lens, lentis, lentil. Cf. Lens.]
(Bot.)
A leguminous plant of the genus Ervum (Ervum Lens), of small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed, which is used for food on the continent.

&hand_; The lentil of the Scriptures probably included several other vetchlike plants.

Lentil shell (Zool.), a small bivalve shell of the genus Ervillia, family Tellinidæ.


word: Lentinus
definition:
Lentinus

Lentinus
n.
The most important genus of mushrooms in the Far East.

Syn. -- genus Lentinus.


word: Lentisk
definition:
Lentisk

Lentiscus

{ Len*tis"cus (lĕn*tĭs"kŭs), Len"tisk (lĕn"tĭsk), }
n.
[L. lentiscus, lentiscum: cf. F. lentisque.]
(Bot.)
A tree; the mastic. See Mastic.


word: Lentitude
definition:
Lentitude

Len"ti*tude
(lĕn"tĭ*tūd)
n.
[L. lentitudo, fr. lentus slow: cf. OF. lentitude. See Lent, a.]
Slowness; sluggishness.
[Obs.]


word: Lento
definition:
Lento

Len"to
(la̝n"to̝; E. lĕn"to̝)
a. & adv.
[It.]
(Mus.)
Slow; in slow time; slowly; -- rarely written lente.


word: Lentor
definition:
Lentor

Len"tor
(-t&obreve_;r)
n.
[L., fr. lentus pliant, tough, slow. See Lent, a.]
1.
Tenacity; viscidity, as of fluids.

2.
Slowness; delay; sluggishness.
Arbuthnot.


word: Lentous
definition:
Lentous

Len"tous
(-tŭs)
a.
[L. lentus. See Lentor.]
Viscid; viscous; tenacious.

Spawn of a lentous and transparent body.
Sir T. Browne.


word: L'envoy
definition:
L'envoy

L'envoi

&VerbarL'en`voi", or L'en`voy" (län`vwä")
n.
[F. le the + envoi a sending. See Envoy.]
1.
One or more detached verses at the end of a literary composition, serving to convey the moral, or to address the poem to a particular person; -- orig. employed in old French poetry.
Shak.

2.
A conclusion; a result.
Massinger.


word: Leo
definition:
Leo

Le"o
(lē"&omacr)
n.
[L. See Lion.]
(Astron.)
1.
The Lion, the fifth sign of the zodiac, marked thus [&leo_;] in almanacs.

2.
A northern constellation east of Cancer, containing the bright star Regulus at the end of the handle of the Sickle.

Leo Minor, a small constellation between Leo and the Great Bear.


word: Leod
definition:
Leod

Le"od
(lē"&obreve_;d)
n.
[AS. leód people, nation, man, chief; akin to OS. liud, OHG. liut, pl. liuti, G. leute, pl., fr. AS. leódan to grow, akin to Goth. liudan, OS. liodan, OHG. liotan to grow; cf. Skr. ruh. √123.]
People; a nation; a man.
[Obs.]
Piers Plowman. Bp. Gibson.


word: Leonese
definition:
Leonese

Le`o*nese"
(lē`o̝*nēz" or -nēs")
a.
Of or pertaining to Leon, in Spain.
n. sing. & pl. A native or natives of Leon.


word: Leonid
definition:
Leonid

Le"o*nid
(lē"o̝*nĭd)
n.
[From Leo: cf. F. léonides, pl.]
(Astron.)
One of the shooting stars which constitute the star shower that recurs near the fourteenth of November at intervals of about thirty-three years; -- so called because these shooting stars appear on the heavens to move in lines directed from the constellation Leo.


word: Leonine
definition:
Leonine

Le"o*nine
(lē"o̝*nīn)
a.
[L. leoninus, fr. leo, leonis, lion: cf. F. léonin. See Lion.]
Pertaining to, or characteristic of, the lion; as, a leonine look; leonine rapacity.
Le"o*nine*ly, adv.

Leonine verse, a kind of verse, in which the end of the line rhymes with the middle; -- so named from Leo, or Leoninus, a Benedictine and canon of Paris in the twelfth century, who wrote largely in this measure, though he was not the inventor. The following line is an example:

Gloria factorum temere conceditur horum.


word: Leonotis
definition:
Leonotis

Leonotis
n.
A small genus of tropical herbs and subshrubs of S Africa.

Syn. -- genus Leonotis.


word: Leontocebus
definition:
Leontocebus

Leontocebus
prop. n.
A genus of marmosets including some of the tamarins.  Called also Leontopithecus and Leontideus.

Syn. -- genus Leontocebus, genus Leontideus, genus Leontopithecus.


word: Leontopodium
definition:
Leontopodium

Leontopodium
n.
A genus of plants including the edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum).

Syn. -- genus Leontopodium.


word: Leontodon
definition:
Leontodon

Le*on"to*don
(le̝*&obreve_;n"to̝*d&obreve_;n)
n.
[Gr. le`wn, le`ontos, lion + 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, tooth. Cf. Lion's-tooth, Dandelion.]
(Bot.)
A genus of liguliflorous composite plants, including the fall dandelion (Leontodon autumnale), and formerly the true dandelion; -- called also lion's tooth.


word: Leonurus
definition:
Leonurus

Leonurus
n.
A genus of stout Old World herbs having cut-lobed leaves and flowers in whorls.

Syn. -- genus Leonurus.


word: Leopard
definition:
Leopard

Leop"ard
(lĕp"ẽrd)
n.
[OE. leopart, leparde, lebarde, libbard, OF. leopard, liepart, F. léopard, L. leopardus, fr. Gr. leo`pardos; le`wn lion + pa`rdos pard. See Lion, and Pard.]
(Zool.)
A large, savage, carnivorous mammal (Felis leopardus). It is of a yellow or fawn color, with rings or roselike clusters of black spots along the back and sides. It is found in Southern Asia and Africa. By some the panther (Felis pardus) is regarded as a variety of leopard.

Hunting leopard. See Cheetah. --Leopard cat (Zool.) any one of several species or varieties of small, spotted cats found in Africa, Southern Asia, and the East Indies; esp., Felis Bengalensis. -- Leopard marmot. See Gopher, 2.


word: leopardbane
definition:
leopardbane

leop"ard*bane
(lĕp"ẽrd*bān`)
n.
Any of several herbs of the genus Doronicum (as Doronicum acaule syn. Arnica acaulis) having alternate often clasping stem leaves cultivated for their long stalks of yellow flower heads.  See leopard's bane.

Syn. -- leopard's-bane, leopard's bane.

false" leop`ard*bane (f&asuml_;ls" lĕp`ẽrd*bān`), n. Any of several herbs of the genus Doronicum, such as the great false leopardbane (Doronicum pardalianches) of North America and the oriental false leopardbane (Doronicum orientale syn. Doronicum caucasicum).


word: leopard's bane
definition:
leopard's bane

leop"ard's bane`
(lĕp"ẽrdz bān`)
n.
(Bot.)
A name of several harmless plants, as Arnica montana (Arnica acaulis syn. Doronicum acaule), Senecio Doronicum, and Paris quadrifolia.

Syn. -- leopardbane, leopard's-bane.


word: Lepadidae
definition:
Lepadidae

Lepadidae
prop. n.
A natural family of crustaceans including the goose barnacles.

Syn. -- family Lepadidae.


word: Lepadite
definition:
Lepadite

Lep"a*dite
(lĕp"ȧ*dīt)
n.
[L. lepas, lepadis, limpet, Gr. lepa`s, lepa`dos.]
(Zool.)
Same as Lepadoid.


word: Lepadoid
definition:
Lepadoid

Lep"a*doid
(lĕp"ȧ*doid)
n.
[Lepas + -oid.]
(Zool.)
A stalked barnacle of the genus Lepas, or family Lepadidæ; a goose barnacle. Also used adjectively.


word: Lepal
definition:
Lepal

Lep"al
(lĕp"al)
n.
[Gr. lepi`s a scale: cf. F. lépale.]
(Bot.)
A sterile transformed stamen.


word: Lepanto
definition:
Lepanto

Lepanto
n.
The name of a battle in which Turkish seapower was destroyed by the Christian League in 1571.

Syn. -- battle of Lepanto.


word: Lepas
definition:
Lepas

Le"pas
(lē"păs)
n.
[L., a limpet, fr. Gr. lepa`s.]
(Zool.)
Any one of various species of Lepas, a genus of pedunculated barnacles found attached to floating timber, bottoms of ships, Gulf weed, etc.; -- called also goose barnacle. See Barnacle.


word: Leper
definition:
Leper

Lep"er
(lĕp"ẽr)
n.
[OE. lepre leprosy, F. lèpre, L. leprae, lepra, fr. Gr. le`pra, fr. lepro`s scaly, fr. le`pos scale, le`pein to peel.]
A person affected with leprosy.


word: Lepid
definition:
Lepid

Lep"id
(-ĭd)
a.
[L. lepidus.]
Pleasant; jocose.
[R.]

The joyous and lepid consul.
Sydney Smith.


word: Lepidine
definition:
Lepidine

Lep"i*dine
(lĕp"ĭ*dĭn or *dēn)
n.
(Chem.)
An organic base, C9H6.N.CH3, metameric with quinaldine, and obtained by the distillation of cinchonine.


word: Lepidodendrales
definition:
Lepidodendrales

Lepidodendrales
n.
An order of fossil arborescent plants arising during the Lower Devonian and conspicuous throughout the Carboniferous.

Syn. -- order Lepidodendrales.


word: Lepidodendrid
definition:
Lepidodendrid

Lep`i*do*den"drid
(lĕp`ĭ*do̝*dĕn"drĭd)
n.
(Paleon.)
One of an extinct family of trees allied to the modern club mosses, and including Lepidodendron and its allies.


word: Lepidodendroid
definition:
Lepidodendroid

Lep`i*do*den"droid
(-droid)
a.
(Paleon.)
Allied to, or resembling, Lepidodendron.
n. A lepidodendrid.


word: Lepidodendron
definition:
Lepidodendron

Lep`i*do*den"dron
(-dr&obreve_;n)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + de`ndron tree.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of fossil trees of the Devonian and Carboniferous ages, having the exterior marked with scars, mostly in quincunx order, produced by the separation of the leafstalks.


word: Lepidoganoid
definition:
Lepidoganoid

Lep`i*do*ga"noid
(lĕp`ĭ*do̝*gā"noid or -găn"oid)
n.
[Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + E. ganoid.]
(Zool.)
Any one of a division (Lepidoganoidei) of ganoid fishes, including those that have scales forming a coat of mail. Also used adjectively.


word: Lepidolite
definition:
Lepidolite

Le*pid"o*lite
(le̝*pĭd"o̝*līt; 277)
n.
[Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + -lite: cf. F. lépidolithe.]
(Min.)
A species of mica, of a lilac or rose-violet color, containing lithia. It usually occurs in masses consisting of small scales. See Mica.


word: Lepidomelane
definition:
Lepidomelane

Lep`i*dom"e*lane
(lĕp`ĭ*d&obreve_;m"e̝*lān)
n.
[Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + me`las, me`laina, black.]
(Min.)
An iron-potash mica, of a raven-black color, usually found in granitic rocks in small six-sided tables, or as an aggregation of minute opaque scales. See Mica.


word: Lepidopter
definition:
Lepidopter

Lep`i*dop"ter
(lĕp`ĭ*d&obreve_;p"tẽr)
n.
[Cf. F. lépidoptère.]
(Zool.)
One of the Lepidoptera.


word: Lepidoptera
definition:
Lepidoptera

Lep`i*dop"te*ra
(-d&obreve_;p"te̝*rȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + ptero`n a feather, wing.]
(Zool.)
An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping scales, usually brightly colored.

&hand_; They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by the two slender maxillæ. The labial palpi are usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are rudimentary. The larvæ, called caterpillars, are often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of flowers.


word: Lepidopterous
definition:
Lepidopterous

Lepidopteral

{ Lep`i*dop"ter*al (-tẽr*al), Lep`i*dop"ter*ous (-ŭs), }
a.
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Lepidoptera.


word: lepidopteran₂
definition:
lepidopteran

lepidopteran
n.
An insect that in the adult state has four wings more or less covered with tiny scales; a lepidopterous insect.

Syn. -- lepidopterous insect, lepidopteron.


word: lepidopteron
definition:
lepidopteron

lepidopteron
n.
An insect that in the adult state has four wings more or less covered with tiny scales.

Syn. -- lepidopterous insect, lepidopteran.


word: Lepidosauria
definition:
Lepidosauria

Lep`i*do*sau"ri*a
(-do̝*s&asuml_;"rĭ*ȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + say^ros a lizard.]
(Zool.)
A division of reptiles, including the serpents and lizards; the Plagiotremata.


word: Lepidosiren
definition:
Lepidosiren

Lep`i*do*si"ren
(-sī"rĕn)
n.
[Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + seirh`n a siren.]
(Zool.)
An eel-shaped ganoid fish of the order Dipnoi, having both gills and lungs. It inhabits the rivers of South America. The name is also applied to a related African species (Protopterus annectens). The lepidosirens grow to a length of from four to six feet. Called also doko.


word: Lepidoted
definition:
Lepidoted

Lepidote

{ Lep"i*dote (lĕp"ĭ*d&omacrt), Lep"i*do`ted (-d&omacr`tĕd), }
a.
[Gr. lepidwto`s covered with scales, fr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale.]
(Bot.)
Having a coat of scurfy scales, as the leaves of the oleaster.


word: Lepisma
definition:
Lepisma

Le*pis"ma
(le̝*pĭz"mȧ)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. le`pisma peel, fr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale.]
(Zool.)
A genus of wingless thysanurous insects having an elongated flattened body, covered with shining scales and terminated by seven unequal bristles. A common species (Lepisma saccharina) is found in houses, and often injures books and furniture; it feeds on starch and eats sized paper and starched clothes. Called also shiner, silverfish, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.


word: Lepomis
definition:
Lepomis

Lepomis
n.
A genus of freshwater sunfishes, inclding some of the breams.

Syn. -- genus Lepomis.


word: leporid
definition:
leporid

leporid
n.
A mammal of the family Leporidae, including the rabbits and hares.

Syn. -- leporid mammal.


word: Leporidae
definition:
Leporidae

Leporidae
n.
A natural family of mammals comprising the hares and rabbits.

Syn. -- family Leporidae.


word: leporide
definition:
leporide

leporide
n.
1.
red breed of domestic rabbits, also called Belgian hare.

Syn. -- Belgian hare.


word: Leporine
definition:
Leporine

Lep"o*rine
(lĕp"o̝*rīn or -rĭn)
a.
[L. leporinus, fr. lepus, leporis, hare. See Leveret.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to a hare; like or characteristic of, a hare.


word: leppy
definition:
leppy

leppy
n.
A motherless calf in a range herd of cattle.
[Western U. S.]

Syn. -- dogie, dogy, dogey.


word: Lepra
definition:
Lepra

Le"pra
(lē"prȧ)
n.
[L. See Leper.]
(Med.)
Leprosy.

&hand_; The term lepra was formerly given to various skin diseases, the leprosy of modern authors being Lepra Arabum. See Leprosy.


word: leprechaun
definition:
leprechaun

leprechaun
n.
(Irish folklore)
A small mischevous elf or spirit in Irish folklore; it is often depicted in literature as a dwarfish bearded old man; -- legend tells that if a leprechaun is captured, he will reveal the location of his hidden pot of gold.


word: Leprose
definition:
Leprose

Lep"rose`
(lĕp"r&omacrs`)
a.
[See Leprous.]
(Nat. Hist.)
Covered with thin, scurfy scales.


word: Leprosity
definition:
Leprosity

Le*pros"i*ty
(le̝*pr&obreve_;s"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
The state or quality of being leprous or scaly; also, a scale.
Bacon.


word: Leprosy
definition:
Leprosy

Lep"ro*sy
(lĕp"ro̝*s&ybreve_;)
n.
[See Leprous.]
(Med.)
A cutaneous disease which first appears as blebs or as reddish, shining, slightly prominent spots, with spreading edges. These are often followed by an eruption of dark or yellowish prominent nodules, frequently producing great deformity. In one variety of the disease, anæsthesia of the skin is a prominent symptom. In addition there may be wasting of the muscles, falling out of the hair and nails, and distortion of the hands and feet with destruction of the bones and joints. It is incurable, and is probably contagious.

&hand_; The disease now called leprosy, also designated as Lepra or Lepra Arabum, and Elephantiasis Græcorum, is not the same as the leprosy of the ancients. The latter was, indeed, a generic name for many varieties of skin disease (including our modern leprosy, psoriasis, etc.), some of which, among the Hebrews, rendered a person ceremonially unclean. A variety of leprosy of the Hebrews (probably identical with modern leprosy) was characterized by the presence of smooth, shining, depressed white patches or scales, the hair on which participated in the whiteness, while the skin and adjacent flesh became insensible. It was an incurable disease.


word: Leprous
definition:
Leprous

Lep"rous
(-rūs)
a.
[OF. leprous, lepros, F. lépreux, fr. L. leprosus, fr. lepra, leprae, leprosy. See Leper.]

1.
Infected with leprosy; pertaining to or resembling leprosy.
leprous
Ex. iv. 6.

2.
(Nat. Hist.)
Leprose.


word: Leptiform
definition:
Leptiform

Lep"ti*form
(-tĭ*fôrm)
a.
[Leptus + -form.]
(Zool.)
Having a form somewhat like leptus; -- said of active insect larvae having three pairs of legs. See Larva.


word: Leptocardia
definition:
Leptocardia

Lep`to*car"di*a
(lĕp`to̝*kär"dĭ*ȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepto`s small + kardi`a the heart.]
(Zool.)
The lowest class of Vertebrata, including only the Amphioxus. The heart is represented only by a simple pulsating vessel. The blood is colorless; the brain, renal organs, and limbs are wanting, and the backbone is represented only by a simple, unsegmented notochord. See Amphioxus.
[Written also Leptocardii.]


word: Leptocardian
definition:
Leptocardian

Lep`to*car"di*an
(lĕp`to̝*kär"dĭ*an)
a.
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the Leptocardia.
n. One of the Leptocardia.


word: Leptocercous
definition:
Leptocercous

Leptocercal

Lep`to*cer"cal,  (lĕp`to̝*sẽr"kal), Lep`to*cerc"ous (lĕp`to̝*sẽrk"ŭs),
a.
(Zool.)
Having a long slender tail.


word: Leptodactyl
definition:
Leptodactyl

Lep`to*dac"tyl
(lĕp`to̝*dăk"tĭl)
n.
[Gr. lepto`s small, thin + da`ktylos finger, toe.]
(Zool.)
A bird or other animal having slender toes.
[Written also lepodactyle.]


word: Leptodactylidae
definition:
Leptodactylidae

Leptodactylidae
n.
[See leptodactyl.]
A natural family of New World frogs; in some classifications it is essentially coextensive with the family Bufonidae.

Syn. -- family Leptodactylidae.


word: Leptodactylus
definition:
Leptodactylus

Leptodactylus
n.
The type genus of the Leptodactylidae; in some classifications it is placed in the family Bufonidae.

Syn. -- genus Leptodactylus.


word: Leptology
definition:
Leptology

Lep*tol"o*gy
(lĕp*t&obreve_;l"o̝*j&ybreve_;)
n.
[Gr. leptologi`a; lepto`s small, subtile + lo`gos discourse.]
A minute and tedious discourse on trifling things.


word: Leptomeningitis
definition:
Leptomeningitis

Lep`to*men`in*gi"tis
(lĕp`to̝*mĕn`ĭn*jī"tĭs)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepto`s small + meningitis.]
(Med.)
Inflammation of the pia mater or of the arachnoid membrane.


word: lepton
definition:
lepton

lepton
n.
(Physics)
an elementary particle that participates in weak interactions but does not participate in the strong interaction; it has a baryon number of 0.  Some known leptons are the electron, the negative muon, the tau-minus particle, and the neutrinos associated with each of these particles.


word: Leptopteris
definition:
Leptopteris

Leptopteris
n.
A genus including some ferns sometimes placed in genus Todea.

Syn. -- genus Leptopteris.


word: Leptoptilus
definition:
Leptoptilus

Leptoptilus
n.
A genus of birds including the adjutant bird (Leptoptilus dubius, also called adjutant stork) and marabous.

Syn. -- genus Leptoptilus.


word: Leptorhine
definition:
Leptorhine

Lep"to*rhine
(lĕp"to̝*rīn or *rĭn)
a.
[Gr. lepto`s small + "ri`s, "rino`s, the nose.]
(Anat.)
Having the nose narrow; -- said especially of the skull.  Opposed to platyrhine.


word: Leptostraca
definition:
Leptostraca

Lep*tos"tra*ca
(lĕp*t&obreve_;s"trȧ*kȧ)
n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepto`s thin, slender + 'o`strakon shell of a testacean.]
(Zool.)
An order of Crustacea, including Nebalia and allied forms.


word: Leptothrix
definition:
Leptothrix

Lep"to*thrix
(lĕp"to̝*thrĭks)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepto`s small + qri`x hair.]
(Biol.)
A genus of bacteria, characterized by having their filaments very long, slender, and indistinctly articulated.


word: Leptothrix₂
definition:
Leptothrix

Lep"to*thrix
a.
[See Leptothrix, n. ]
(Biol.)
Having the form of a little chain; -- applied to bacteria when, as in multiplication by fission, they form a chain of filiform individuals.


word: Leptus
definition:
Leptus

Lep"tus
(lĕp"tŭs)
n.
[NL., from Gr. lepto`s thin, small.]
(Zool.)
The six-legged young, or larva, of certain mites; -- sometimes used as a generic name. See Harvest mite, under Harvest.


word: Ler
definition:
Ler

Ler
n.
(Irish mythology)
the sea personified; father of Manannan; corresponds to the Welsh Llyr.

Syn. -- Lir.


word: Lere₂
definition:
Lere

Lere
v. t. & i.
[OE. leeren, leren, AS. l&aemacr_;ran. See Lore, Learn.]
To learn; to teach.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Lernaea
definition:
Lernaea

Ler*næ"a
(lẽr*nē"ȧ)
n.
[NL., fr. L. Lernaeus Lernæan, fr. Lerna, Gr. Le`rnh, a forest and marsh near Argos, the mythological abode of the hydra.]
(Zool.)
A Linnæan genus of parasitic Entomostraca, -- the same as the family Lernæidæ.

&hand_; The genus is restricted by modern Zoologists to a limited number of species similar to Lernæa branchialis found on the gills of the cod.


word: Lernaeacea
definition:
Lernaeacea

Ler`næ*a"ce*a
(lẽr`ne̝*ā"she̝*ȧ)
n. pl.
[NL. See Lernæa.]
(Zool.)
A suborder of copepod Crustacea, including a large number of remarkable forms, mostly parasitic on fishes. The young, however, are active and swim freely. See Illustration in Appendix.


word: Lernean
definition:
Lernean

Ler*ne"an
(lẽr*nē"an)
n.
[See Lernæa.]
(Zool.)
One of a family (Lernæidæ) of parasitic Crustacea found attached to fishes and other marine animals. Some species penetrate the skin and flesh with the elongated head, and feed on the viscera. See Illust. in Appendix.


word: Lerot
definition:
Lerot

lerot

lerot, &VerbarLé`rot"
(la̝`ro̝")
n.
[F.]
(Zool.)
A small rodent (Eliomys nitela) of Europe and Northern Africa, allied to the dormouse.


word: Lesbian
definition:
Lesbian

Les"bi*an
(lĕz"bĭ*an)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to the island anciently called Lesbos, now Mitylene, in the Grecian Archipelago.

2.
Amatory; erotic; -- in allusion to the reputed sensuality of the Lesbian people and literature; as, Lesbian novels.
[archaic]

3.
Homosexual; -- applied to female homosexuals.


word: Lesion
definition:
Lesion

Le"sion
(lē"zhŭn)
n.
[F. lésion, L. laesio, fr. laedere, laesum, to hurt, injure.]
A hurt; an injury.
(a)
(Civil Law)
Loss sustained from failure to fulfill a bargain or contract.
Burrill.
(b)
(Med.)
Any morbid change in the exercise of functions or the texture of organs.
Dunglison.


word: lespedeza
definition:
lespedeza

lespedeza
n.
Any shrubby or herbaceous plant of the genus Lespedeza, widely used for forage, soil improvement, and especially hay in the Southern U.S.

Syn. -- bush clover.


word: Lesquerella
definition:
Lesquerella

Lesquerella
prop. n.
A genus of low-growing hairy herbs, comprising some of the bladderpods.

Syn. -- genus Lesquerella.


word: -less
definition:
-less

-less
(-lĕs)
suff.
[AS. leás loose, false; akin to OS. l&omacrs loose, false, D. los loose, loos false, sly, G. los loose, Icel. lauss loose, vacant, Goth. laus empty, vain, and also to E. loose, lose. √127. See Lose, and cf. Loose, Leasing.]
A privative adjective suffix, denoting without, destitute of, not having; as witless, childless, fatherless.


word: Less₂
definition:
Less

Less
a.
[OE. lesse, AS. l&aemacr_;ssa; akin to OFries. lēssa; a compar. from a lost positive form. Cf. Lesser, Lest, Least. Less has the sense of the comparative degree of little.]
Smaller; not so large or great; not so much; shorter; inferior; as, a less quantity or number; a horse of less size or value; in less time than before.

&hand_; The substantive which less qualifies is often omitted; as, the purse contained less (money) than ten dollars. See Less, n.

Thus in less [time] than a hundred years from the coming of Augustine, all England became Christian.
E. A. Freeman.


