# dictionary

word: Whit
definition:
Whit

Whit
(?)
n.
[OE. wight, wiht, AS. wiht a creature, a thing.  See Wight, and cf. Aught, Naught.]
The smallest part or particle imaginable; a bit; a jot; an iota; -- generally used in an adverbial phrase in a negative sentence.
whit
1 Sam. iii. 18.
whit
South.

So shall I no whit be behind in duty.
Shak.

It does not me a whit displease.
Cowley.


word: White
definition:
White

White
(hwīt)
a.
[Compar. Whiter (hwīt"ẽr); superl. Whitest.]
[OE. whit, AS. hwīt; akin to OFries. and OS. hwīt, D. wit, G. weiss, OHG. wīz, hwīz, Icel. hvītr, Sw. hvit, Dan. hvid, Goth. hweits, Lith. szveisti, to make bright, Russ. sviet' light, Skr. çvēta white, çvit to be bright. √42.  Cf. Wheat, Whitsunday.]

1.
Reflecting to the eye all the rays of the spectrum combined; not tinted with any of the proper colors or their mixtures; having the color of pure snow; snowy; -- the opposite of black or dark; as, white paper; a white skin.
white
Chaucer.

White as the whitest lily on a stream.
Longfellow.

2.
Destitute of color, as in the cheeks, or of the tinge of blood color; pale; pallid; as, white with fear.

Or whispering with white lips, “The foe!
They come! they come!”
Byron.

3.
Having the color of purity; free from spot or blemish, or from guilt or pollution; innocent; pure.

 White as thy fame, and as thy honor clear.
Dryden.

No whiter page than Addison's remains.
Pope.

4.
Gray, as from age; having silvery hair; hoary.

Your high engendered battles 'gainst a head
So old and white as this.
Shak.

5.
Characterized by freedom from that which disturbs, and the like; fortunate; happy; favorable.

On the whole, however, the dominie reckoned this as one of the white days of his life.
Sir W. Scott.

6.
Regarded with especial favor; favorite; darling.

Come forth, my white spouse.
Chaucer.

I am his white boy, and will not be gullet.
Ford.

&hand_; White is used in many self-explaining compounds, as white-backed, white-bearded, white-footed.

White alder. (Bot.) See Sweet pepper bush, under Pepper. -- White ant (Zool.), any one of numerous species of social pseudoneuropterous insects of the genus Termes. These insects are very abundant in tropical countries, and form large and complex communities consisting of numerous asexual workers of one or more kinds, of large-headed asexual individuals called soldiers, of one or more queens (or fertile females) often having the body enormously distended by the eggs, and, at certain seasons of numerous winged males, together with the larvae and pupae of each kind in various stages of development. Many of the species construct large and complicated nests, sometimes in the form of domelike structures rising several feet above the ground and connected with extensive subterranean galleries and chambers. In their social habits they closely resemble the true ants. They feed upon animal and vegetable substances of various kinds, including timber, and are often very destructive to buildings and furniture. -- White arsenic (Chem.), arsenious oxide, As2O3, a substance of a white color, and vitreous adamantine luster, having an astringent, sweetish taste. It is a deadly poison. -- White bass (Zool.), a fresh-water North American bass (Roccus chrysops) found in the Great Likes. -- White bear (Zool.), the polar bear.  See under Polar. -- White blood cell. (Physiol.) See Leucocyte. -- White brand (Zool.), the snow goose. -- White brass, a white alloy of copper; white copper. -- White campion. (Bot.) (a) A kind of catchfly (Silene stellata) with white flowers. (b) A white-flowered Lychnis (Lychnis vespertina). -- White canon (R. C. Ch.), a Premonstratensian. -- White caps, the members of a secret organization in various of the United States, who attempt to drive away or reform obnoxious persons by lynch-law methods. They appear masked in white.  Their actions resembled those of the Ku Klux Klan in some ways but they were not formally affiliated with the Klan, and their victims were often not black. -- White cedar (Bot.), an evergreen tree of North America (Thuja occidentalis), also the related Cupressus thyoides, or Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea, a slender evergreen conifer which grows in the so-called cedar swamps of the Northern and Atlantic States.  Both are much valued for their durable timber.  In California the name is given to the Libocedrus decurrens, the timber of which is also useful, though often subject to dry rot. Goodale. The white cedar of Demerara, Guiana, etc., is a lofty tree (Icica altissima syn. Bursera altissima) whose fragrant wood is used for canoes and cabinetwork, as it is not attacked by insect. -- White cell. (Physiol.) See Leucocyte. -- White cell-blood (Med.), leucocythaemia. -- White clover (Bot.), a species of small perennial clover bearing white flowers. It furnishes excellent food for cattle and horses, as well as for the honeybee.  See also under Clover. -- White copper, a whitish alloy of copper.  See German silver, under German. -- White copperas (Min.), a native hydrous sulphate of iron; coquimbite. -- White coral (Zool.), an ornamental branched coral (Amphihelia oculata) native of the Mediterranean. -- White corpuscle. (Physiol.) See Leucocyte. -- White cricket (Zool.), the tree cricket. -- White crop, a crop of grain which loses its green color, or becomes white, in ripening, as wheat, rye, barley, and oats, as distinguished from a green crop, or a root crop. -- White currant (Bot.), a variety of the common red currant, having white berries. -- White daisy (Bot.), the oxeye daisy.  See under Daisy. -- White damp, a kind of poisonous gas encountered in coal mines. Raymond. -- White elephant (Zool.), (a) a whitish, or albino, variety of the Asiatic elephant. (b) see white elephant in the vocabulary. -- White elm (Bot.), a majestic tree of North America (Ulmus Americana), the timber of which is much used for hubs of wheels, and for other purposes. -- White ensign. See Saint George's ensign, under Saint. -- White feather, a mark or symbol of cowardice.  See To show the white feather, under Feather, n. -- White fir (Bot.), a name given to several coniferous trees of the Pacific States, as Abies grandis, and Abies concolor. -- White flesher (Zool.), the ruffed grouse.  See under Ruffed. [Canada] -- White frost. See Hoarfrost. -- White game (Zool.), the white ptarmigan. -- White garnet (Min.), leucite. -- White grass (Bot.), an American grass (Leersia Virginica) with greenish-white paleae. -- White grouse. (Zool.) (a) The white ptarmigan. (b) The prairie chicken. [Local, U. S.] -- White grub (Zool.), the larva of the June bug and other allied species. These grubs eat the roots of grasses and other plants, and often do much damage. -- White hake (Zool.), the squirrel hake.  See under Squirrel. -- White hawk, or White kite (Zool.), the hen harrier. -- White heat, the temperature at which bodies become incandescent, and appear white from the bright light which they emit. -- White hellebore (Bot.), a plant of the genus Veratrum (Veratrum album) See Hellebore, 2. -- White herring, a fresh, or unsmoked, herring, as distinguished from a red, or cured, herring. [R.] Shak. -- White hoolet (Zool.), the barn owl. [Prov. Eng.] -- White horses (Naut.), white-topped waves; whitecaps. -- The White House. See under House. -- White ibis (Zool.), an American ibis (Guara alba) having the plumage pure white, except the tips of the wings, which are black. It inhabits tropical America and the Southern United States. Called also Spanish curlew. -- White iron. (a) Thin sheets of iron coated with tin; tinned iron. (b) A hard, silvery-white cast iron containing a large proportion of combined carbon. -- White iron pyrites (Min.), marcasite. -- White land, a tough clayey soil, of a whitish hue when dry, but blackish after rain. [Eng.] -- White lark (Zool.), the snow bunting. -- White lead. (a) A carbonate of lead much used in painting, and for other purposes; ceruse. (b) (Min.) Native lead carbonate; cerusite. -- White leather, buff leather; leather tanned with alum and salt. -- White leg (Med.), milk leg.  See under Milk. -- White lettuce (Bot.), rattlesnake root.  See under Rattlesnake. -- White lie. See under Lie. -- White light. (a) (Physics) Light having the different colors in the same proportion as in the light coming directly from the sun, without having been decomposed, as by passing through a prism.  See the Note under Color, n., 1. (b) A kind of firework which gives a brilliant white illumination for signals, etc. -- White lime, a solution or preparation of lime for whitewashing; whitewash. -- White line (Print.), a void space of the breadth of a line, on a printed page; a blank line. -- White meat. (a) Any light-colored flesh, especially of poultry. (b) Food made from milk or eggs, as butter, cheese, etc.
[1913 Webster]
Driving their cattle continually with them, and feeding only upon their milk and white meats. Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
-- White merganser (Zool.), the smew. -- White metal. (a) Any one of several white alloys, as pewter, britannia, etc. (b) (Metal.) A fine grade of copper sulphide obtained at a certain stage in copper smelting. -- White miller. (Zool.) (a) The common clothes moth. (b) A common American bombycid moth (Spilosoma Virginica) which is pure white with a few small black spots; -- called also ermine moth, and virgin moth.  See Woolly bear, under Woolly. -- White money, silver money. -- White mouse (Zool.), the albino variety of the common mouse. -- White mullet (Zool.), a silvery mullet (Mugil curema) ranging from the coast of the United States to Brazil; -- called also blue-back mullet, and liza. -- White nun (Zool.), the smew; -- so called from the white crest and the band of black feathers on the back of its head, which give the appearance of a hood. -- White oak. (Bot.) See under Oak. -- White owl. (Zool.) (a) The snowy owl. (b) The barn owl. -- White partridge (Zool.), the white ptarmigan. -- White perch. (Zool.) (a) A North American fresh-water bass (Morone Americana) valued as a food fish. (b) The croaker, or fresh-water drum. (c) Any California surf fish. -- White pine. (Bot.) See the Note under Pine. -- White poplar (Bot.), a European tree (Populus alba) often cultivated as a shade tree in America; abele. -- White poppy (Bot.), the opium-yielding poppy.  See Poppy. -- White powder, a kind of gunpowder formerly believed to exist, and to have the power of exploding without noise. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
A pistol charged with white powder. Beau. & Fl.
[1913 Webster]
-- White precipitate. (Old Chem.) See under Precipitate. -- White rabbit. (Zool.) (a) The American northern hare in its winter pelage. (b) An albino rabbit. -- White rent, (a) (Eng. Law) Formerly, rent payable in silver; -- opposed to black rent.  See Blackmail, n., 3. (b) A rent, or duty, of eight pence, payable yearly by every tinner in Devon and Cornwall to the Duke of Cornwall, as lord of the soil. [Prov. Eng.] -- White rhinoceros. (Zool.) (a) The one-horned, or Indian, rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Indicus).  See Rhinoceros. (b) The umhofo. -- White ribbon, the distinctive badge of certain organizations for the promotion of temperance or of moral purity; as, the White-ribbon Army. -- White rope (Naut.), untarred hemp rope. -- White rot. (Bot.) (a) Either of several plants, as marsh pennywort and butterwort, which were thought to produce the disease called rot in sheep. (b) A disease of grapes.  See White rot, under Rot. -- White sage (Bot.), a white, woolly undershrub (Eurotia lanata) of Western North America; -- called also winter fat. -- White salmon (Zool.), the silver salmon. -- White salt, salt dried and calcined; decrepitated salt. -- White scale (Zool.), a scale insect (Aspidiotus Nerii) injurious to the orange tree.  See Orange scale, under Orange. -- White shark (Zool.), a species of man-eating shark. See under Shark. -- White softening. (Med.) See Softening of the brain, under Softening. -- White spruce. (Bot.) See Spruce, n., 1. -- White squall (Naut.), a sudden gust of wind, or furious blow, which comes up without being marked in its approach otherwise than by whitecaps, or white, broken water, on the surface of the sea. -- White staff, the badge of the lord high treasurer of England. Macaulay. -- White stork (Zool.), the common European stork. -- White sturgeon. (Zool.) See Shovelnose (d). -- White sucker. (Zool.) (a) The common sucker. (b) The common red horse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum). -- White swelling (Med.), a chronic swelling of the knee, produced by a strumous inflammation of the synovial membranes of the kneejoint and of the cancellar texture of the end of the bone forming the kneejoint; -- applied also to a lingering chronic swelling of almost any kind. -- White tombac. See Tombac. -- White trout (Zool.), the white weakfish, or silver squeteague (Cynoscion nothus), of the Southern United States. -- White vitriol (Chem.), hydrous sulphate of zinc.  See White vitriol, under Vitriol. -- White wagtail (Zool.), the common, or pied, wagtail. -- White wax, beeswax rendered white by bleaching. -- White whale (Zool.), the beluga. -- White widgeon (Zool.), the smew. -- White wine. any wine of a clear, transparent color, bordering on white, as Madeira, sherry, Lisbon, etc.; -- distinguished from wines of a deep red color, as port and Burgundy.  “White wine of Lepe.” Chaucer. -- White witch, a witch or wizard whose supernatural powers are supposed to be exercised for good and beneficent purposes. Addison. Cotton Mather. -- White wolf. (Zool.) (a) A light-colored wolf (Canis laniger) native of Thibet; -- called also chanco, golden wolf, and Thibetan wolf. (b) The albino variety of the gray wolf. -- White wren (Zool.), the willow warbler; -- so called from the color of the under parts.


word: White₂
definition:
White

White
(?)
n.

1.
The color of pure snow; one of the natural colors of bodies, yet not strictly a color, but a composition of all colors; the opposite of black; whiteness.  See the Note under Color, n., 1.

Finely attired in a of white.
Shak.

2.
Something having the color of snow; something white, or nearly so; as, the white of the eye.

3.
Specifically, the central part of the butt in archery, which was formerly painted white; the center of a mark at which a missile is shot.

'T was I won the wager, though you hit the white.
Shak.

4.
A person with a white skin; a member of the white, or Caucasian, races of men.

5.
A white pigment; as, Venice white.

6.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of butterflies belonging to Pieris, and allied genera in which the color is usually white.  See Cabbage butterfly, under Cabbage.

Black and white. See under Black. -- Flake white, Paris white, etc. See under Flack, Paris, etc. -- White of a seed (Bot.), the albumen.  See Albumen, 2. -- White of egg, the viscous pellucid fluid which surrounds the yolk in an egg, particularly in the egg of a fowl. In a hen's egg it is alkaline, and contains about 86 per cent of water and 14 per cent of solid matter, the greater portion of which is egg albumin. It likewise contains a small amount of globulin, and traces of fats and sugar, with some inorganic matter.  Heated above 60° C. it coagulates to a solid mass, owing to the albumin which it contains. Parr. -- White of the eye (Anat.), the white part of the ball of the eye surrounding the transparent cornea.


word: White₃
definition:
White

White
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Whited; p. pr. & vb. n. Whiting.]
[AS. hwītan.]
To make white; to whiten; to whitewash; to bleach.

Whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of . . . uncleanness.
Matt. xxiii. 27.

So as no fuller on earth can white them.
Mark. ix. 3.


word: Whitebait
definition:
Whitebait

White"bait`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The young of several species of herrings, especially of the common herring, esteemed a great delicacy by epicures in England.
(b)
A small translucent fish (Salanx Chinensis) abundant at certain seasons on the coasts of China and Japan, and used in the same manner as the European whitebait.


word: Whitebeam
definition:
Whitebeam

White"beam`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The common beam tree of England (Pyrus Aria); -- so called from the white, woolly under surface of the leaves.


word: Whitebelly
definition:
Whitebelly

White"bel`ly
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The American widgeon, or baldpate.
(b)
The prairie chicken.


word: Whiteboy
definition:
Whiteboy

White"boy`
(?)
n.
1.
A favorite.
[Obs.]
See White, a., 6.
whiteboys
Bunyan.

2.
One of an association of poor Roman catholics which arose in Ireland about 1760, ostensibly to resist the collection of tithes, the members of which were so called from the white shirts they wore in their nocturnal raids.


word: Whitecap
definition:
Whitecap

White"cap`
(?)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
(a)
The European redstart; -- so called from its white forehead.
(b)
The whitethroat; -- so called from its gray head.
(c)
The European tree sparrow.

2.
A wave whose crest breaks into white foam, as when the wind is freshening.

3.
A member of a self-appointed vigilance committee attempting by lynch-law methods to drive away or coerce persons obnoxious to it. Some early ones wore white hoods or masks.
[U. S.]
White"cap`, v. -- White"cap`per (#), n.


word: White elephant
definition:
White elephant

White elephant
Something requiring much care and expense to maintain and yielding little profit, and often difficult to sell; any burdensome possession.
[Slang]


word: White-eye
definition:
White-eye

White"-eye`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of small Old World singing of the genus Zosterops, as Zosterops palpebrosus of India, and Zosterops cœrulescens of Australia. The eyes are encircled by a ring of white feathers, whence the name. Called also bush creeper, and white-eyed tit.


word: White-face
definition:
White-face

White"-face`
(?)
n.
A white mark in the forehead of a horse, descending almost to the nose; -- called also white-blaze.


word: Whitefish
definition:
Whitefish

White"fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any one of several species of Coregonus, a genus of excellent food fishes allied to the salmons. They inhabit the lakes of the colder parts of North America, Asia, and Europe. The largest and most important American species (Coregonus clupeiformis) is abundant in the Great Lakes, and in other lakes farther north. Called also lake whitefish, and Oswego bass.
(b)
The menhaden.
(c)
The beluga, or white whale.

&hand_; Various other fishes are locally called whitefish, as the silver salmon, the whiting (a), the yellowtail, and the young of the bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).


word: White fly
definition:
White fly

White fly
Any one of numerous small injurious hemipterous insects of the genus Aleyrodes, allied to scale insects. They are usually covered with a white or gray powder.


word: White-foot
definition:
White-foot

White"-foot`
(?)
n.
(Far.)
A white mark on the foot of a horse, between the fetlock and the coffin.


word: White friar
definition:
White friar

White" fri`ar
(?)
(Eccl.)
A mendicant monk of the Carmelite order, so called from the white cloaks worn by the order.  See Carmelite.


word: White-fronted
definition:
White-fronted

White`-front"ed
(?)
a.
Having a white front; as, the white-fronted lemur.

White-fronted goose (Zool.), the white brant, or snow goose.  See Snow goose, under Snow.


word: Whitehead₂
definition:
Whitehead

Whitehead torpedo

{ White"head` tor*pe"do (?), or White"head` }
n.
A form of self-propelling torpedo.


word: White horse
definition:
White horse

White horse
A large mass of tough sinewy substance in the head of sperm whales, just above the upper jaw and extending in streaks into the junk above it. It resembles blubber, but contains no oil. Also, the part of the head in which it occurs.


word: White list
definition:
White list

White list
(a)
A list of business concerns regarded as worthy of patronage by reason of compliance with certain conditions, as in regard to treatment of employees; as, the white list of the Consumers' League.
[Cant]
(b)
(New York Stock Exchange)
The official list of all transactions, published daily on white paper, divided into sales from 10 to 12, 12 to 2, and 2 to 3.


word: White-livered
definition:
White-livered

White"-liv`ered
(?)
a.
Having a pale look; feeble; hence, cowardly; pusillanimous; dastardly.

Syn. -- lily-livered.
They must not be milksops, nor white-livered knights.
Latimer.


word: White mustard
definition:
White mustard

White mustard
A kind of mustard (Sinapis alba) with rough-hairy foliage, a long-beaked hispid pod, and pale seeds, which yield mustard and mustard oil. The plant is also grown for forage.


word: Whiten
definition:
Whiten

Whit"en
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Whitened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whitening.]
[OE. whitenen; cf. Icel. hvītna.]
To grow white; to turn or become white or whiter; as, the hair whitens with age; the sea whitens with foam; the trees in spring whiten with blossoms.


word: Whiten₂
definition:
Whiten

Whit"en
v. t.
To make white; to bleach; to blanch; to whitewash; as, to whiten a wall; to whiten cloth.

The broad stream of the Foyle then whitened by vast flocks of wild swans.
Macaulay.


word: Whitener
definition:
Whitener

Whit"en*er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, whitens; a bleaching agent; a bleach; a bleacher; a blancher; a whitewasher.

2.
A chemical used as an adjunct to laundering white cloth, which makes white cloth appear whiter.  A bluing agent.


word: Whiteness
definition:
Whiteness

White"ness
(?)
n.
[AS. hwītness.]
1.
The quality or state of being white; white color, or freedom from darkness or obscurity on the surface.
Chaucer.

2.
Want of a sanguineous tinge; paleness; as from terror, grief, etc.
whiteness
Shak.

3.
Freedom from stain or blemish; purity; cleanness.

He had kept
The whiteness of his soul, and thus men o'er him wept.
Byron.

4.
Nakedness.
[Obs.]
Chapman.

5.
(Zool.)
A flock of swans.


word: Whitening
definition:
Whitening

Whit"en*ing
(?)
n.
1.
The act or process of making or becoming white.

2.
That which is used to render white; whiting.
[R.]

Whitening stone, a sharpening and polishing stone used by cutlers; also, a finishing grindstone of fine texture.


word: White person
definition:
White person

White person
A person of the Caucasian race (6 Fed. Rep. 256).
In the time of slavery in the United States white person was generally construed as a person without admixture of colored blood. In various statutes and decisions in different States since 1865 white person is construed as in effect (as of 1913): one not having any negro blood (Ark., Okla.); one having less than one eighth of negro blood (Ala., Fla., Ga., Ind., Ky., Md., Minn., Miss., Mo., N.C., S.C., Tenn., Tex.); one having less than one fourth (Mich., Neb., Ore., Va.); one having less than one half (Ohio).  Since the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960's and 1970's, the term has little legal significance -- for some purposes, as in filling out questionnaires, a person's race is whatever the person claims it to be.


word: White noise
definition:
White noise

White noise
(?)
n.
a mixture or random noise sounds extending over the entire audible frequency spectrum with approximately equal intensity at all frequencies.  It is used in certain experiments, as in psychology, to prevent subjects from hearing meaningful sounds.


word: White-pot
definition:
White-pot

White"-pot`
(?)
n.
A kind of food made of milk or cream, eggs, sugar, bread, etc., baked in a pot.
King.


word: Whites
definition:
Whites

Whites
(?)
n. pl.

1.
(Med.)
Leucorrh_;a.

2.
The finest flour made from white wheat.

3.
Cloth or garments of a plain white color.


word: White slave
definition:
White slave

White slave
A woman held in involuntary confinement for purposes of prostitution; loosely, any woman forced into unwilling prostitution.


word: White slaver
definition:
White slaver

White slaver
A person engaged in procuring or holding a woman or women for unwilling prostitution.


word: White slaving
definition:
White slaving

White slaving
The action of one who procures or holds a woman or women for unwilling prostitution.


word: Whitesmith
definition:
Whitesmith

White"smith`
(?)
n.
1.
One who works in tinned or galvanized iron, or white iron; a tinsmith.

2.
A worker in iron who finishes or polishes the work, in distinction from one who forges it.


word: Whitester
definition:
Whitester

White"ster
(?)
n.
[White + -ster.]
A bleacher of linen; a whitener; a whitster.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Whitethroat
definition:
Whitethroat

White"throat`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of Old World warblers, esp. the common European species (Sylvia cinerea), called also strawsmear, nettlebird, muff, and whitecap, the garden whitethroat, or golden warbler (Sylvia hortensis), and the lesser whitethroat (Sylvia curruca).


word: White-tie
definition:
White-tie

White-tie
(?)
a.
requiring formal evening clothes, usually interpreted as a white bow tie and a tailcoat for men, and a formal evening dress for women; -- as, a white-tie reception at the embassy.  Contrasting with black-tie and informal.


word: Whitewall
definition:
Whitewall

White"wall`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
The spotted flycatcher; -- so called from the white color of the under parts.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Whitewash
definition:
Whitewash

White"wash`
(_;)
n.

1.
Any wash or liquid composition for whitening something, as a wash for making the skin fair.
Addison.

2.
A composition of line and water, or of whiting size, and water, or the like, used for whitening walls, ceilings, etc.; milk of lime.

3.
a glossing over or cover up (of crimes or misfeasance).


word: Whitewash₂
definition:
Whitewash

White"wash`
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Whitewashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whitewashing.]

1.
To apply a white liquid composition to; to whiten with whitewash.

2.
To make white; to give a fair external appearance to; to clear from imputations or disgrace; hence, to clear (a bankrupt) from obligation to pay debts.

3.
In various games, to defeat (an opponent) so that he fails to score, or to reach a certain point in the game; to skunk.
[Colloq., U. S.]

4.
to gloss over or cover up (crimes or misfeasance).


word: Whiteweed
definition:
Whiteweed

White"weed`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A perennial composite herb (Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum) with conspicuous white rays and a yellow disk, a common weed in grass lands and pastures; -- called also oxeye daisy.


word: Whitewing
definition:
Whitewing

White"wing`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
The chaffinch; -- so called from the white bands on the wing.
(b)
The velvet duck.


word: Whitewood
definition:
Whitewood

White"wood`
(?)
n.
The soft and easily-worked wood of the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).  It is much used in cabinetwork, carriage building, etc.

&hand_; Several other kinds of light-colored wood are called whitewood in various countries, as the wood of Bignonia leucoxylon in the West Indies, of Pittosporum bicolor in Tasmania, etc.

Whitewood bark. See the Note under Canella.


word: Whitewort
definition:
Whitewort

White"wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
(a)
Wild camomile.
(b)
A kind of Solomon's seal (Polygonum officinale).


word: Whither
definition:
Whither

Whith"er
(?)
adv.
[OE. whider. AS. hwider; akin to E. where, who; cf. Goth. hvadrē whither.  See Who, and cf. Hither, Thither.]

1.
To what place; -- used interrogatively; as, whither goest thou?
Whider
Chaucer.

Sir Valentine, whither away so fast?
Shak.

2.
To what or which place; -- used relatively.

That no man should know . . . whither that he went.
Chaucer.

We came unto the land whither thou sentest us.
Num. xiii. 27.

3.
To what point, degree, end, conclusion, or design; whereunto; whereto; -- used in a sense not physical.

Nor have I . . . whither to appeal.
Milton.

Any whither, to any place; anywhere. [Obs.] “Any whither, in hope of life eternal.” Jer. Taylor. -- No whither, to no place; nowhere. [Obs.] 2 Kings v. 25.


word: Whithersoever
definition:
Whithersoever

Whith`er*so*ev"er
(?)
adv.
[Whither + soever.]
To whatever place; to what place soever; wheresoever; as, I will go whithersoever you lead.


word: Whitherward
definition:
Whitherward

Whith"er*ward
(?)
adv.
In what direction; toward what or which place.
R. of Brunne.

Whitherward to turn for a good course of life was by no means too apparent.
Carlyle.


word: Whitile
definition:
Whitile

Whit"ile
(?)
n.
[Perhaps properly, the cutter (see Whittle, v.), or cf. whitewall, witwal.]
(Zool.)
The yaffle.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Whiting
definition:
Whiting

Whit"ing
(?)
n.
[From White.]

1.
(Zool.)
(a)
A common European food fish (Melangus vulgaris) of the Codfish family; -- called also fittin.
(b)
A North American fish (Merlucius vulgaris) allied to the preceding; -- called also silver hake.
(c)
Any one of several species of North American marine sciaenoid food fishes belonging to genus Menticirrhus, especially Menticirrhus Americanus, found from Maryland to Brazil, and Menticirrhus littoralis, common from Virginia to Texas; -- called also silver whiting, and surf whiting.

&hand_; Various other fishes are locally called whiting, as the kingfish (a), the sailor's choice (b), the Pacific tomcod, and certain species of lake whitefishes.

2.
Chalk prepared in an impalpable powder by pulverizing and repeated washing, used as a pigment, as an ingredient in putty, for cleaning silver, etc.

Whiting pollack. (Zool.) Same as Pollack. -- Whiting pout (Zool.), the bib, 2.


word: Whiting-mop
definition:
Whiting-mop

Whit"ing-mop`
(?)
n.
[Obs.]

1.
(Zool.)
A young whiting.
[Prov. Eng.]

2.
A fair lass.
whiting-mop
Massinger.


word: Whitish
definition:
Whitish

Whit"ish
a.
[From White.]

1.
Somewhat white; approaching white; white in a moderate degree.

2.
(Bot.)
Covered with an opaque white powder.


word: Whitleather
definition:
Whitleather

Whit"leath`er
(?)
n.
[White + leather.]

1.
Leather dressed or tawed with alum, salt, etc., remarkable for its pliability and toughness; white leather.

2.
(Anat.)
The paxwax.  See Paxwax.


word: Whitling
definition:
Whitling

Whit"ling
(?)
n.
[White + -ling.]
(Zool.)
A young full trout during its second season.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Whitlow
definition:
Whitlow

Whit"low
(?)
n.
[Prov. E. whickflaw, for quickflaw, i. e., a flaw or sore at the quick; cf. Icel. kvika the quick under the nail or under a horse's hoof.  See Quick, a., and Flaw.]

1.
(Med.)
An inflammation of the fingers or toes, generally of the last phalanx, terminating usually in suppuration. The inflammation may occupy any seat between the skin and the bone, but is usually applied to a felon or inflammation of the periosteal structures of the bone.

2.
(Far.)
An inflammatory disease of the feet. It occurs round the hoof, where an acrid matter is collected.

Whitlow grass (Bot.), name given to several inconspicuous herbs, which were thought to be a cure for the whitlow, as Saxifraga tridactylites, Draba verna, and several species of Paronychia.


word: Whitmonday
definition:
Whitmonday

Whit"mon`day
(?)
n.
(Eccl.)
The day following Whitsunday; -- called also Whitsun Monday.


word: Whitneyite
definition:
Whitneyite

Whit"ney*ite
(?)
n.
[So called after J.D. Whitney, an American geologist.]
(Min.)
an arsenide of copper from Lake Superior.


word: Whitster
definition:
Whitster

Whit"ster
(?)
n.
[Contracted fr. whitester.]
A whitener; a bleacher; a whitester.
[Obs.]

The whitsters in Datchet mead.
Shak.


word: Whitsun
definition:
Whitsun

Whit"sun
(?)
a.
Of, pertaining to, or observed at, Whitsuntide; as, Whitsun week; Whitsun Tuesday; Whitsun pastorals.


word: Whitsunday
definition:
Whitsunday

Whit"sun*day
(?)
n.
[White + Sunday.]
1.
(Eccl.)
The seventh Sunday, and the fiftieth day, after Easter; a festival of the church in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost; Pentecost; -- so called, it is said, because, in the primitive church, those who had been newly baptized appeared at church between Easter and Pentecost in white garments.

2.
(Scots Law)
See the Note under Term, n., 12.


word: Whitsuntide
definition:
Whitsuntide

Whit"sun*tide`
(?)
n.
[Whitsunday + tide.]
The week commencing with Whitsunday, esp. the first three days -- Whitsunday, Whitsun Monday, and Whitsun Tuesday; the time of Pentecost.
R. of Gloucester.


word: Whitten tree
definition:
Whitten tree

Whit"ten tree`
(?)
[Probably from white; cf. AS. hwitingtreów.]
(Bot.)
Either of two shrubs (Viburnum Lantana, and Viburnum Opulus), so called on account of their whitish branches.


word: Whittle
definition:
Whittle

Whit"tle
(?)
n.
[AS. hwītel, from hwit white; akin to Icel. hvītill a white bed cover.  See White.]
(a)
A grayish, coarse double blanket worn by countrywomen, in the west of England, over the shoulders, like a cloak or shawl.
C. Kingsley.
(b)
Same as Whittle shawl, below.

Whittle shawl, a kind of fine woolen shawl, originally and especially a white one.


word: Whittle₂
definition:
Whittle

Whit"tle
(?)
n.
[OE. thwitel, fr. AS. pwītan to cut.  Cf. Thwittle, Thwaite a piece of ground.]
A knife; esp., a pocket, sheath, or clasp knife.
whittle
Dryden.
whittles
 Macaulay.

He wore a Sheffield whittle in his hose.
Betterton.


word: Whittle₃
definition:
Whittle

Whit"tle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Whittled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whittling (?).]

1.
To pare or cut off the surface of with a small knife; to cut or shape, as a piece of wood held in the hand, with a clasp knife or pocketknife.

2.
To edge; to sharpen; to render eager or excited; esp., to excite with liquor; to inebriate.
[Obs.]

“In vino veritas.”  When men are well whittled, their tongues run at random.
Withals.


word: Whittle₄
definition:
Whittle

Whit"tle
v. i.
To cut or shape a piece of wood with am small knife; to cut up a piece of wood with a knife.

Dexterity with a pocketknife is a part of a Nantucket education; but I am inclined to think the propensity is national. Americans must and will whittle.
Willis.


word: Whittlings
definition:
Whittlings

Whit"tlings
(?)
n. pl.
Chips made by one who whittles; shavings cut from a stick with a knife.


word: Whittuesday
definition:
Whittuesday

Whit"tues`day
(?)
n.
(Eccl.)
The day following Whitmonday; -- called also Whitsun Tuesday.


word: Whitworth gun
definition:
Whitworth gun

Whit"worth gun`
(?)
(Gun.)
A form of rifled cannon and small arms invented by Sir Joseph Whitworth, of Manchester, England.

&hand_; In Mr. Whitworth's system, the bore of the gun has a polygonal section, and the twist is rapid. The ball, which is pointed in front, is made to fit the bore accurately, and is very much elongated, its length being about three and one half times as great as its diameter.
H. L. Scott.


word: Whiz
definition:
Whiz

Whiz
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Whizzed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whizzing.]
[Of imitative origin. _;_;_;.  Cf. Whistle, and Hiss.]
To make a humming or hissing sound, like an arrow or ball flying through the air; to fly or move swiftly with a sharp hissing or whistling sound.
[Written also whizz.]

It flew, and whizzing, cut the liquid way.
Dryden.


word: Who
definition:
Who

Who
(?)
pron.
[Possess. whose (?); object. Whom (?).]
[OE. who, wha, AS. hwā, interrogative pron., neut. hwæt; akin to OFries. hwa, neut. hwet, OS. hwē, neut. hwat, D. wie, neut. wat, G. wer, neut. was, OHG. wer, hwer, neut. waz, hwaz, Icel. hvat, neut., Dan. hvo, neut. hvad, Sw. ho, hvem, neut. hvad, Goth. hwas, fem. hw&omacr, neut. hwa, Lith. kas, Ir. & Gael. co, W. pwy, L. quod, neuter of qui, Gr. po`teros whether, Skr. kas. √182.   Cf. How, Quantity, Quorum, Quote, Ubiquity, What, When, Where, Whether, Which, Whither, Whom, Why.]

1.
Originally, an interrogative pronoun, later, a relative pronoun also; -- used always substantively, and either as singular or plural.  See the Note under What, pron., 1.  As interrogative pronouns, who and whom ask the question: What or which person or persons? Who and whom, as relative pronouns (in the sense of that), are properly used of persons (corresponding to which, as applied to things), but are sometimes, less properly and now rarely, used of animals, plants, etc.  Who and whom, as compound relatives, are also used especially of persons, meaning the person that; the persons that; the one that; whosoever.
who
Macaulay.

[He] should not tell whose children they were.
Chaucer.

There thou tell'st of kings, and who aspire;
Who fall, who rise, who triumph, who do moan.
Daniel.

Adders who with cloven tongues
Do hiss into madness.
Shak.

Whom I could pity thus forlorn.
Milton.

How hard is our fate, who serve in the state.
Addison.

Who cheapens life, abates the fear of death.
Young.

The brace of large greyhounds, who were the companions of his sports.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
One; any; one.
[Obs., except in the archaic phrase, as who should say.]

As who should say, it were a very dangerous matter if a man in any point should be found wiser than his forefathers were.
Robynson (More's Utopia).


word: Whoever
definition:
Whoever

Who*ev"er
(?)
pron.
Whatever person; any person who; be or she who; any one who; as, he shall be punished, whoever he may be.
Whoever
Milton.
Whoever
Shak.


word: Whole
definition:
Whole

Whole
(?)
a.
[OE. hole, hol, hal, hool, AS. hāl well, sound, healthy; akin to OFries. & OS. h_;l, D. heel, G. heil, Icel. heill, Sw. hel whole, Dan. heel, Goth. hails well, sound, OIr. c_;l augury.  Cf. Hale, Hail to greet, Heal to cure, Health, Holy.]

1.
Containing the total amount, number, etc.; comprising all the parts; free from deficiency; all; total; entire; as, the whole earth; the whole solar system; the whole army; the whole nation.
whole
Milton.

The whole race of mankind.
Shak.

2.
Complete; entire; not defective or imperfect; not broken or fractured; unimpaired; uninjured; integral; as, a whole orange; the egg is whole; the vessel is whole.

My life is yet whole in me.
2 Sam. i. 9.

3.
Possessing, or being in a state of, heath and soundness; healthy; sound; well.

[She] findeth there her friends hole and sound.
Chaucer.

They that be whole need not a physician.
Matt. ix. 12.

When Sir Lancelot's deadly hurt was whole.
Tennyson.

Whole blood. (Law of Descent) See under Blood, n., 2. -- Whole note (Mus.), the note which represents a note of longest duration in common use; a semibreve. -- Whole number (Math.), a number which is not a fraction or mixed number; an integer. -- Whole snipe (Zool.), the common snipe, as distinguished from the smaller jacksnipe. [Prov. Eng.]

All the whole army stood agazed on him.
Shak.

One entire and perfect chrysolite.
Shak.

Lest total darkness should by night regain
Her old possession, and extinguish life.
Milton.

So absolute she seems,
And in herself complete.
Milton.


word: Whole₂
definition:
Whole

Whole
(?)
n.
1.
The entire thing; the entire assemblage of parts; totality; all of a thing, without defect or exception; a thing complete in itself.

This not the whole of life to live,
Nor all of death to die.
J. Montgomery.

2.
A regular combination of parts; a system.

Parts answering parts shall slide into a whole.
Pope.

Committee of the whole. See under Committee. -- Upon the whole, considering all things; taking everything into account; in view of all the circumstances or conditions.


word: Whole-length
definition:
Whole-length

Whole"-length`
(?)
a.
Representing the whole figure; -- said of a picture or statue.
n. A portrait or statue representing the whole figure.


word: Wholeness
definition:
Wholeness

Whole"ness
n.
The quality or state of being whole, entire, or sound; entireness; totality; completeness.


word: Wholesale
definition:
Wholesale

Whole"sale`
(?)
n.
Sale of goods by the piece or large quantity, as distinguished from retail.

By wholesale, in the mass; in large quantities; without distinction or discrimination.

Some, from vanity or envy, despise a valuable book, and throw contempt upon it by wholesale.
I. Watts.


word: Wholesale₂
definition:
Wholesale

Whole"sale`
a.
1.
Pertaining to, or engaged in, trade by the piece or large quantity; selling to retailers or jobbers rather than to consumers; as, a wholesale merchant; the wholesale price.

2.
Extensive and indiscriminate; as, wholesale slaughter.
wholesale
Mrs. Humphry Ward.


word: Wholesome
definition:
Wholesome

Whole"some
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wholesomer (?); superl. Wholesomest.]
[Whole + some; cf. Icel. heilsamr, G. heilsam, D. heilzaam.]

1.
Tending to promote health; favoring health; salubrious; salutary.

Wholesome thirst and appetite.
Milton.

From which the industrious poor derive an agreeable and wholesome variety of food.
A Smith.

2.
Contributing to the health of the mind; favorable to morals, religion, or prosperity; conducive to good; salutary; sound; as, wholesome advice; wholesome doctrines; wholesome truths; wholesome laws.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life.
Prov. xv. 4.

I can not . . . make you a wholesome answer; my wit's diseased.
Shak.

A wholesome suspicion began to be entertained.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
Sound; healthy.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Wholly
definition:
Wholly

Whol"ly
(?)
adv.
1.
In a whole or complete manner; entirely; completely; perfectly.

Nor wholly overcome, nor wholly yield.
Dryden.

2.
To the exclusion of other things; totally; fully.

They employed themselves wholly in domestic life.
Addison.


word: Whom
definition:
Whom

Whom
(?)
pron.
[OE. wham, AS. dative hwām, hw_;m.  See Who.]
The objective case of who.  See Who.

&hand_; In Old English, whom was also commonly used as a dative.  Cf. Him.

And every grass that groweth upon root
She shall eke know, and whom it will do boot.
Chaucer.


word: Whomsoever
definition:
Whomsoever

Whom`so*ev"er
(?)
pron.
The objective of whosoever.  See Whosoever.

The Most High ruleth in the kingdow of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Dan. iv. 17.


word: Whoop₂
definition:
Whoop

Whoop
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Whooped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whooping.]
[OE. houpen.  See Hoop, v. i.]

1.
To utter a whoop, or loud cry, as eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment; to cry out; to shout; to halloo; to utter a war whoop; to hoot, as an owl.

Each whooping with a merry shout.
Wordsworth.

When naught was heard but now and then the howl
Of some vile cur, or whooping of the owl.
W. Browne.

2.
To cough or breathe with a sonorous inspiration, as in whooping cough.


word: Whoop₃
definition:
Whoop

Whoop
v. t.
To insult with shouts; to chase with derision.

And suffered me by the voice of slaves to be
Whooped out of Rome.
Shak.


word: Whoop₄
definition:
Whoop

Whoop
(?)
n.
1.
A shout of pursuit or of war; a very of eagerness, enthusiasm, enjoyment, vengeance, terror, or the like; an halloo; a hoot, or cry, as of an owl.

A fox, crossing the road, drew off a considerable detachment, who clapped spurs to their horses, and pursued him with whoops and halloos.
Addison.

The whoop of the crane.
Longfellow.

2.
A loud, shrill, prolonged sound or sonorous inspiration, as in whooping cough.


word: Whooper
definition:
Whooper

Whoop"er
(?)
n.
One who, or that which, whooops.

Woopher swan. (Zool.) See the Note under Swan.


word: Whooping
definition:
Whooping

Whoop"ing
a. & n. from Whoop, v. t.

Whooping cough (Med.), a violent, convulsive cough, returning at longer or shorter intervals, and consisting of several expirations, followed by a sonorous inspiration, or whoop; chin cough; hooping cough. Dunglison. -- Whooping crane (Zool.), a North American crane (Crus Americana) noted for the loud, whooplike note which it utters. -- Whooping swan (Zool.), the whooper swan.  See the Note under Swan.


word: Whopper₂
definition:
Whopper

Whop"per
(?)
n.
[Cf. Whapper.]
1.
One who, or that which, whops.

2.
something very large, especially a big lie. Same as Whapper, but the more common spelling.


word: Whore
definition:
Whore

Whore
(h&omacrr)
n.
[OE. hore, AS. h&omacrre; akin to D. hoer, hoere, G. hure, OHG. huora, huorra, Icel. h&omacrra, Dan. hore, Sw. hora, Goth. h&omacrrs an adulterer, AS. h&omacrr adultery, OHG. huor, and probably to L. carus dear.  Cf. Charity.]
A woman who practices unlawful sexual commerce with men, especially one who prostitutes her body for hire; a prostitute; a harlot.
Wyclif.


word: Whore₂
definition:
Whore

Whore
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Whored (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whoring.]
[Cf. Icel. h_;ra.  See Whore, n.]

1.
To have unlawful sexual intercourse; to practice lewdness.

2.
(Script.)
To worship false and impure gods.


word: Whoredom
definition:
Whoredom

Whore"dom
(?)
n.
[OE. hordom; cf. Icel. h_;rd_;mr.]

1.
The practice of unlawful intercourse with the other sex; fornication; lewdness.

2.
(Script.)
The sin of worshiping idols; idolatry.

O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, and Israel is defiled; they will not . . . turn unto their God.
Hos. v. 3, 4.


word: Whoremaster
definition:
Whoremaster

Whore"mas`ter
(?)
n.
1.
A man who practices lewdness; a lecher; a whoremonger.

2.
One keeps or procures whores for others; a pimp; a procurer.


word: Whoremonger
definition:
Whoremonger

Whore"mon`ger
(?)
n.
A whoremaster; a lecher; a man who frequents the society of whores.


word: Whoreson
definition:
Whoreson

Whore"son
(?)
n.
A bastard; colloquially, a low, scurvy fellow; -- used generally in contempt, or in coarse humor. Also used adjectively.
[Archaic]
Shak.


word: Whorish
definition:
Whorish

Whor"ish
(?)
a.
Resembling a whore in character or conduct; addicted to unlawful pleasures; incontinent; lewd; unchaste.


word: Whorl
definition:
Whorl

Whorl
(?)
n.
[OE. whorvil the whirl of a spindle; akin to AS. hweorfa the whirl of a spindle, hweorfan to turn; cf. OD. worvel the whirl of a spindle.  See Whirl, n. & v.]

1.
(Bot.)
A circle of two or more leaves, flowers, or other organs, about the same part or joint of a stem.

2.
(Zool.)
A volution, or turn, of the spire of a univalve shell.

3.
(Spinning)
The fly of a spindle.


word: Whorled
definition:
Whorled

Whorled
(?)
a.
Furnished with whorls; arranged in the form of a whorl or whorls; verticillate; as, whorled leaves.


word: Whort
definition:
Whort

Whort
(?)
n.
[See Whortleberry.]
(Bot.)
The whortleberry, or bilberry.  See Whortleberry (a).


word: Whortle
definition:
Whortle

Whor"tle
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The whortleberry, or bilberry.

[He] looked ahead of him from behind a tump of whortles.
R. D. Blackmore.


word: Whortleberry
definition:
Whortleberry

Whor"tle*ber`ry
(?)
n.
[AS. wyrtil a small shrub (dim. of wyrt wort) + E. berry.  See Wort, and cf. Huckleberry, Hurtleberry.]
(Bot.)
(a)
In England, the fruit of Vaccinium Myrtillus; also, the plant itself.  See Bilberry, 1.
(b)
The fruit of several shrubby plants of the genus Gaylussacia; also, any one of these plants.  See Huckleberry.


word: Whose
definition:
Whose

Whose
(hōz)
pron.
[OE. whos, whas, AS. hwæs, gen. of hwā.  See Who.]
The possessive case of who or which.  See Who, and Which.

Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee.
Gen. xxiv. 23.

The question whose solution I require.
Dryden.


word: Whoso
definition:
Whoso

Who"so
(?)
pron.
Whosoever.
 Piers Plowman.

Whoso shrinks or falters now, . . . 
Brand the craven on his brow!
Whittier.


word: Whosoever
definition:
Whosoever

Who`so*ev"er
(hō`so̝*ĕv"ẽr)
pron.
Whatsoever person; any person whatever that; whoever.

Whosoever will, let him take . . . freely.
Rev. xxii. 17.


word: Whur
definition:
Whur

Whur
(?)
v. i.
[Probably of imitative origin.  Cf. Hurr, Hurry, Whir.]

1.
To make a rough, humming sound, like one who pronounces the letter r with too much force; to whir; to birr.

2.
To snarl or growl, as a dog.
Halliwell.


word: Whur₂
definition:
Whur

Whur
(?)
n.
A humming or whirring sound, like that of a body moving through the air with velocity; a whir.


word: Whurry
definition:
Whurry

Whur"ry
(?)
v. t.
[See Hurry.]
To whisk along quickly; to hurry.
[R.]

Whurrying the chariot with them to the shore.
Vicars.


word: Why
definition:
Why

Why
(?)
adv.
[OE. whi, why, AS. hwī, hw_;, instrumental case of hwā, hwæt; akin to Icel. hvī why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw_;. _;.  See Who.]

1.
For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively.  See the Note under What, pron., 1.

Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Ezek. xxxiii. 11.

2.
For which; on account of which; -- used relatively.

No ground of enmity between us known
Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm.
Milton.

Turn the discourse; I have a reason why
I would not have you speak so tenderly.
Dryden.

3.
The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; -- used as a compound relative.

&hand_; Why is sometimes used as an interjection or an expletive in expression of surprise or content at a turn of affairs; used also in calling. “Why, Jessica!”  Shak.
[1913 Webster]
If her chill heart I can not move,
Why, I'll enjoy the very love. Cowley.
[1913 Webster]
Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun.
[1913 Webster]
The how and the why and the where. Goldsmith.

For why, because; why.  See Forwhy. [Obs. or Colloq.]


word: Why-not
definition:
Why-not

Why"-not`
(?)
n.
A violent and peremptory procedure without any assigned reason; a sudden conclusive happening.
[Obs.]

When the church
Was taken with a why-not in the lurch.
Hudibras.

This game . . . was like to have been lost with a why-not.
Nugae Antiq.


word: Wicca
definition:
Wicca

Wic"ca
(wĭk"kȧ)
prop. n.
[OE. wicche wizard, AS. wicce, fem., wicca, masc.;  see also witch and wicked.]
1.
A religion derived from pre-Christian times, also called Witchcraft{4}, which practices a benevolent reverence for nature, and recognizes two deities, variously viewed as Mother & Father, Goddess & God, Female & Male, etc.; its practitioners are called Wiccans, Wiccas, or witches.  Since there is no central authority to propagate dogma, the beliefs and practices of Wiccans vary significantly.

Encouraged by court rulings recognizing witchcraft as a legal religion, an increasing number of books related to the subject, and the continuing cultural concern for the environment, Wicca -- as contemporary witchcraft is often called -- has been growing in the United States and abroad.  It is a major element in the expanding “neo-pagan” movement whose members regard nature itself as charged with divinity.
Gustav Niebuhr (N. Y. Times, Oct. 31, 1999, p. 1)

“I don't worship Satan, who I don't think exists, but I do pray to the Goddess of Creation.” said Margot S. Adler, a New York correspondent for National Public Radio and a Wiccan practitioner.  “Wicca is not anti-Christian or pro-Christian, it's pre-Christian.”
Anthony Ramirez (N. Y. Times Aug. 22, 1999, p. wk 2)

 Wicca is a ditheistic religion, also called Witchcraft, founded on the beliefs and doctrines of pre-Roman Celts, including the reverence for nature and the belief in a universal balance.  Though frequently practiced in covens, solitary practitioners do exist.  The modern form of the religion was popularized in 1954 by Gerald Gardener's Witchcraft Today.  It is viewed as a form of neo-paganism.
    Wicca recognizes two deities, visualized as Mother & Father, Goddess & God, Female & Male, etc.  These dieties are nameless, but many Wiccans adopt a name with which they refer to the two: Diana is a popular name for the Goddess to take, among others such as Artemis, Isis, Morrigan, etc.  Some of her symbols are: the moon; the ocean; a cauldron; and the labrys (two-headed axe), among others.  The God is of equal power to the Goddess, and takes on names such as Apollo, Odin, Lugh, etc.  A small number of his symbols are: the sun; the sky; a horn (or two horns); and others.
    Witchcraft is not a Christian denomination; there is no devil in its mythos, thus the devil cannot be worshiped, and the medieval view of Witches as Satan-worshipers is erroneous.  Satanists are not Witches and Witches are not Satanists.  Both have a tendency to be offended when the two are confused.
   In the Wiccan religion male Witches are not “Warlocks”.  The term  Warlock comes from Scottish, meaning 'oathbreaker', 'traitor', or 'devil'.  Its application to male witches is of uncertain origin.
   The Wiccan Rede, “An it harm none, do what thou wilt” comes in many variations.  All of them say the same thing, “Do as you wish, just don't do anything to harm anyone.”  It is implied that 'anyone' includes one's self.
   Witches practice in groups called Covens or as solitary practitioners, and some practice “magic”, which is to say, they pray.  Since the one rule that Witches have requires that they can not do harm, harmful magic does not exist in Wicca.  In Wicca, “magic” is simply subtly altering small things, to gain a desired effect.
   Wicca, sometimes called Neo-Witchcraft, was revived in the 1950s, when the last laws against Witchcraft were repealed.  Gerald Gardner founded Gardnerian Wicca sometime after his book, Witchcraft Today, was published in 1954.  Raymond Buckland, in America, did much the same that Gardner did in Europe -- stood up to the misconceptions about Witchcraft.

   Two other books describing the modern practice of Wicca are:

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn Publications, 1988.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, by Raymond Buckland, Llewellyn Publications, 1975.

 A Web site devoted to elucidation of modern witchcraft is:
Witchvox
Cody Scott

2.
A practitioner of Wicca, also commonly called a Wiccan, Wicca, or witch .

For at least one person who has seen “The Blair Witch Project”, the surprise hit movie of the summer did not so much terrify as infuriate.  One long slur against witches, said Selena Fox, a witch, or Wicca, as male and female American witches prefer to call themselves.
Anthony Ramirez (N. Y. Times, Aug. 22, 1999, p. wk 2)


word: Wiccan
definition:
Wiccan

Wic"can
(wĭk"kĭn)
prop. a.
Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of, Wicca or its adherents.


word: Wichitas
definition:
Wichitas

Wich"i*tas
(wĭch"ĭ*t&asuml_;z)
prop. n. pl.
sing. Wichita (wĭch"ĭ*t&asuml_;)
(Ethnol.)
A tribe of Indians native of the region between the Arkansas and Red rivers. They are related to the Pawnees.  See Pawnees.


word: Wich
definition:
Wich

wick

{wick (wĭk), or Wich (wĭch) }
n.
[AS. wīc village, fr. L. vicus. In some names of places, perhaps fr. Icel. vīk an inlet, creek, bay.  See Vicinity, and cf. Villa.]

1.
A street; a village; a castle; a dwelling; a place of work, or exercise of authority; -- now obsolete except in composition; as, bailiwick, Warwick, Greenwick.
Stow.

2.
(Curling)
A narrow port or passage in the rink or course, flanked by the stones of previous players.


word: wick
definition:
wick

wick
(wĭk)
n.
[OE. wicke, weyke, weke, AS. weoca or wecca; cf. D. wiek a roll of lint, Prov. G. wicke, and wieche, OHG. wiohha, Sw. veke, Dan. væge; of uncertain origin.]
A bundle of fibers, or a loosely twisted or braided cord, tape, or tube, usually made of soft spun cotton threads, which by capillary attraction draws up a steady supply of the oil in lamps, the melted tallow or wax in candles, or other material used for illumination, in small successive portions, to be burned.

But true it is, that when the oil is spent
The light goes out, and wick is thrown away.
Spenser.


word: Wicked₂
definition:
Wicked

Wick"ed
(wĭk"ĕd)
a.
[OE. wicked, fr. wicke wicked; probably originally the same word as wicche wizard, witch.  See Witch.]

1.
Evil in principle or practice; deviating from morality; contrary to the moral or divine law; addicted to vice or sin; sinful; immoral; profligate; -- said of persons and things; as, a wicked king; a wicked woman; a wicked deed; wicked designs.

Hence, then, and evil go with thee along,
Thy offspring, to the place of evil, hell,
Thou and thy wicked crew!
Milton.

Never, never, wicked man was wise.
Pope.

2.
Cursed; baneful; hurtful; bad; pernicious; dangerous.
[Obs.]
Wicked
Shak.

This were a wicked way, but whoso had a guide.
P. Plowman.

3.
Ludicrously or sportively mischievous; disposed to mischief; roguish.
[Colloq.]

Pen looked uncommonly wicked.
Thackeray.


word: Wickedly
definition:
Wickedly

Wick"ed*ly
adv.
In a wicked manner; in a manner, or with motives and designs, contrary to the divine law or the law of morality; viciously; corruptly; immorally.

I have sinned, and I have done wickedly.
2 Sam. xxiv. 17.


word: Wickedness
definition:
Wickedness

Wick"ed*ness
n.
1.
The quality or state of being wicked; departure from the rules of the divine or the moral law; evil disposition or practices; immorality; depravity; sinfulness.

God saw that the wickedness of man was great.
Gen. vi. 5.

Their inward part is very wickedness.
Ps. v. 9.

2.
A wicked thing or act; crime; sin; iniquity.

I'll never care what wickedness I do,
If this man comes to good.
Shak.


word: Wicker
definition:
Wicker

Wick"er
(?)
n.
[OE. wiker, wikir, osier, probably akin to AS. wīcan to give way.  Cf. Weak.]

1.
A small pliant twig or osier; a rod for making basketwork and the like; a withe.

2.
Wickerwork; a piece of wickerwork, esp. a basket.

Then quick did dress
His half milk up for cheese, and in a press
Of wicker pressed it.
Chapman.

3.
Same as 1st Wike.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Wicker₂
definition:
Wicker

Wick"er
(?)
a.
Made of, or covered with, twigs or osiers, or wickerwork.

Each one a little wicker basket had,
Made of fine twigs, entrailéd curiously.
Spenser.


word: Wickered
definition:
Wickered

Wick"ered
(?)
a.
Made of, secured by, or covered with, wickers or wickerwork.

Ships of light timber, wickered with osier between, and covered over with leather.
Milton.


word: Wickerwork
definition:
Wickerwork

Wick"er*work`
(?)
n.
A texture of osiers, twigs, or rods; articles made of such a texture.


word: Wicket
definition:
Wicket

Wick"et
(?)
n.
[OE. wiket, OF. wiket, guichet, F. quichet; probably of Scand. origin; cf. Icel. v_;k a small creek, inlet, bay, vik a corner.]

1.
A small gate or door, especially one forming part of, or placed near, a larger door or gate; a narrow opening or entrance cut in or beside a door or gate, or the door which is used to close such entrance or aperture. Piers Plowman.
wicket
Milton.

And so went to the high street, . . . and came to the great tower, but the gate and wicket was fast closed.
Ld. Berners.

The wicket, often opened, knew the key.
Dryden.

2.
A small gate by which the chamber of canal locks is emptied, or by which the amount of water passing to a water wheel is regulated.

3.
(Cricket)
(a)
A small framework at which the ball is bowled. It consists of three rods, or stumps, set vertically in the ground, with one or two short rods, called bails, lying horizontally across the top.
(b)
The ground on which the wickets are set.

4.
A place of shelter made of the boughs of trees, -- used by lumbermen, etc.
[Local, U. S.]
Bartlett.

5.
(Mining)
The space between the pillars, in postand-stall working.
Raymond.

Wicket door, Wicket gate, a small door or gate; a wicket.  See def. 1, above. Bunyan. -- Wicket keeper (Cricket), the player who stands behind the wicket to catch the balls and endeavor to put the batsman out.


word: Wicking
definition:
Wicking

Wick"ing
n.
the material of which wicks are made; esp., a loosely braided or twisted cord or tape of cotton.


word: Widal reaction
definition:
Widal reaction

Widal test

Widal's test

{ Wi*dal's" test, or Wi*dal" test or Wi*dal" reaction  }
(?)
[After Fernand Widal (b. 1862), French physician.]
(Med.)
A test for typhoid fever based on the fact that blood serum of one affected, in a bouillon culture of typhoid bacilli, causes the bacilli to agglutinate and lose their motility.


word: Widdy
definition:
Widdy

Wid"dy
(?)
n.
[Cf. Withy.]
A rope or halter made of flexible twigs, or withes, as of birch.
[Scot.]


word: Wide
definition:
Wide

Wide
(wīd)
a.
[Compar. Wider (-ẽr); superl. Widest.]
[OE. wid, wyde, AS. wīd; akin to OFries. & OS. wīd, D. wijd, G. weit, OHG. wīt, Icel. vīðr, Sw. & Dan. vid; of uncertain origin.]
1.
Having considerable distance or extent between the sides; spacious across; much extended in a direction at right angles to that of length; not narrow; broad; as, wide cloth; a wide table; a wide highway; a wide bed; a wide hall or entry.

The chambers and the stables weren wyde.
Chaucer.

Wide is the gate . . . that leadeth to destruction.
Matt. vii. 18.

2.
Having a great extent every way; extended; spacious; broad; vast; extensive; as, a wide plain; the wide ocean; a wide difference.
wyde
Chaucer.

For sceptered cynics earth were far too wide a den.
Byron.

When the wide bloom, on earth that lies,
Seems of a brighter world than ours.
Bryant.

3.
Of large scope; comprehensive; liberal; broad; as, wide views; a wide understanding.

Men of strongest head and widest culture.
M. Arnold.

4.
Of a certain measure between the sides; measuring in a direction at right angles to that of length; as, a table three feet wide.

5.
Remote; distant; far.

The contrary being so wide from the truth of Scripture and the attributes of God.
Hammond.

6.
Far from truth, from propriety, from necessity, or the like.
wide
Milton.

It is far wide that the people have such judgments.
Latimer.

How wide is all this long pretense !
Herbert.

7.
On one side or the other of the mark; too far side-wise from the mark, the wicket, the batsman, etc.

Surely he shoots wide on the bow hand.
Spenser.

I was but two bows wide.
Massinger.

8.
(Phon.)
Made, as a vowel, with a less tense, and more open and relaxed, condition of the mouth organs; -- opposed to primary as used by Mr. Bell, and to narrow as used by Mr. Sweet. The effect, as explained by Mr. Bell, is due to the relaxation or tension of the pharynx; as explained by Mr. Sweet and others, it is due to the action of the tongue. The wide of ē (ēve) is ĭ (ĭll); of ā (āte) is ĕ (ĕnd), etc.  See Guide to Pronunciation, § 13-15.

9.
(Stock Exchanges)
Having or showing a wide difference between the highest and lowest price, amount of supply, etc.; as, a wide opening; wide prices, where the prices bid and asked differ by several points.

&hand_; Wide is often prefixed to words, esp. to participles and participial adjectives, to form self-explaining compounds; as, wide-beaming, wide-branched, wide-chopped, wide-echoing, wide-extended, wide-mouthed, wide-spread, wide-spreading, and the like.

Far and wide. See under Far. -- Wide gauge. See the Note under Cauge, 6.


word: Wide₂
definition:
Wide

Wide
adv.
[As. wīde.]
1.
To a distance; far; widely; to a great distance or extent; as, his fame was spread wide.

[I] went wyde in this world, wonders to hear.
Piers Plowman.

2.
So as to leave or have a great space between the sides; so as to form a large opening.
Shak.

3.
So as to be or strike far from, or on one side of, an object or purpose; aside; astray.


word: Wide₃
definition:
Wide

Wide
n.
1.
That which is wide; wide space; width; extent.
wide
Tennyson.

2.
That which goes wide, or to one side of the mark.


word: Wide-angle
definition:
Wide-angle

Wide"-an`gle
a.
(Photog. & Optics)
Having or covering an angle wider than the ordinary; -- applied to certain lenses of relatively short focus. Lenses for ordinary purposes have an angle of 50° or less. Wide-angle lenses may cover as much as 100° and are useful for photographing at short range, but the pictures appear distorted.


word: Wide-awake
definition:
Wide-awake

Wide`-a*wake"
(wīd`ȧ*wāk")
a.
Fully awake; not drowsy or dull; hence, knowing; keen; alert.
Dickens.


word: Widely
definition:
Widely

Wide"ly
adv.
1.
In a wide manner; to a wide degree or extent; far; extensively; as, the gospel was widely disseminated by the apostles.

2.
Very much; to a great degree or extent; as, to differ widely in opinion.


word: Widen
definition:
Widen

Wid"en
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Widened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Widening.]
To make wide or wider; to extend in breadth; to increase the width of; as, to widen a field; to widen a breach; to widen a stocking.


word: Widen₂
definition:
Widen

Wid"en
v. i.
To grow wide or wider; to enlarge; to spread; to extend.

Arches widen, and long aisles extend.
Pope.


word: Wideness
definition:
Wideness

Wide"ness
(?)
n.
1.
The quality or state of being wide; breadth; width; great extent from side to side; as, the wideness of a room.
wideness
Swift.

2.
Large extent in all directions; broadness; greatness; as, the wideness of the sea or ocean.


word: Widespread
definition:
Widespread

Wide"spread`
(?)
a.
Spread to a great distance; widely extended; extending far and wide; as, widespread wings; a widespread movement.


word: Widgeon
definition:
Widgeon

Widg"eon
(?)
n.
[Probably from an old French form of F. vigeon, vingeon, gingeon; of uncertain origin; cf. L. vipio, -onis, a kind of small crane.]
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of fresh-water ducks, especially those belonging to the subgenus Mareca, of the genus Anas. The common European widgeon (Anas penelope) and the American widgeon (Anas Americana) are the most important species. The latter is called also baldhead, baldpate, baldface, baldcrown, smoking duck, wheat, duck, and whitebelly.

Bald-faced widgeon, or Green-headed widgeon, the American widgeon. -- Black widgeon, the European tufted duck. -- Gray widgeon. (a) The gadwall. (b) The pintail duck. -- Great headed widgeon, the poachard. -- Pied widgeon. (a) The poachard. (b) The goosander. -- Saw-billed widgeon, the merganser. -- Sea widgeon. See in the Vocabulary. -- Spear widgeon, the goosander. [Prov. Eng.] -- Spoonbilled widgeon, the shoveler. -- White widgeon, the smew. -- Wood widgeon, the wood duck.


word: Widmanstatten figures
definition:
Widmanstatten figures

Wid"man*stät`ten fig"ures
(?)
(Min.)
Certain figures appearing on etched meteoric iron; -- so called after A. B. Widmanstätten, of Vienna, who first described them in 1808.  See the Note and Illust. under Meteorite.


word: Widow
definition:
Widow

Wid"ow
(wĭd"o̝)
n.
[OE. widewe, widwe, AS. weoduwe, widuwe, wuduwe; akin to OFries. widwe, OS. widowa, D. weduwe, G. wittwe, witwe, OHG. wituwa, witawa, Goth. widuw&omacr, Russ. udova, OIr. fedb, W. gweddw, L. vidua, Skr. vidhavā; and probably to Skr. vidh to be empty, to lack; cf. Gr. "hi`qeos a bachelor. √248.  Cf. Vidual.]
A woman who has lost her husband by death, and has not married again; one living bereaved of a husband.
widow
Chaucer.

2.
(Card Playing)
In various games (such as “hearts”), any extra hand or part of a hand, as one dealt to the table.  It may be taken by one of the players under certain circumstances.

Grass widow. See under Grass. -- Widow bewitched, a woman separated from her husband; a grass widow. [Colloq.] -- Widow-in-mourning (Zool.), the macavahu. -- Widow monkey (Zool.), a small South American monkey (Callithrix lugens); -- so called on account of its color, which is black except the dull whitish arms, neck, and face, and a ring of pure white around the face. -- Widow's chamber (Eng. Law), in London, the apparel and furniture of the bedchamber of the widow of a freeman, to which she was formerly entitled.


word: Widow₃
definition:
Widow

Wid"ow
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Widowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Widowing.]

1.
To reduce to the condition of a widow; to bereave of a husband; -- rarely used except in the past participle.

Though in thus city he
Hath widowed and unchilded many a one,
Which to this hour bewail the injury.
Shak.

2.
To deprive of one who is loved; to strip of anything beloved or highly esteemed; to make desolate or bare; to bereave.

The widowed isle, in mourning,
Dries up her tears.
Dryden.

Tress of their shriveled fruits
Are widowed, dreary storms o'er all prevail.
J. Philips.

Mourn, widowed queen; forgotten Sion, mourn.
Heber.

3.
To endow with a widow's right.
[R.]
Shak.

4.
To become, or survive as, the widow of.
[Obs.]

Let me be married to three kings in a forenoon, and widow
them all.
Shak.


word: Widowhood
definition:
Widowhood

Wid"ow*hood
(?)
n.
1.
The state of being a widow; the time during which a woman is widow; also, rarely, the state of being a widower.

Johnson clung to her memory during a widowhood of more than thirty years.
Leslie Stephen.

2.
Estate settled on a widow.
[Obs.]
widowhood
Shak.


word: Widow-hunter
definition:
Widow-hunter

Wid"ow-hunt`er
(?)
n.
One who courts widows, seeking to marry one with a fortune.
Addison.


word: Widow-wail
definition:
Widow-wail

Wid"ow-wail`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A low, narrowleaved evergreen shrub (Cneorum tricoccon) found in Southern Europe.


word: Width
definition:
Width

Width
(?)
n.
[From Wide.]
The quality of being wide; extent from side to side; breadth; wideness; as, the width of cloth; the width of a door.


word: Wield
definition:
Wield

Wield
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wielded; p. pr. & vb. n. Wielding.]
[OE. welden to govern, to have power over, to possess, AS. geweldan, gewyldan, from wealdan; akin to OS. waldan, OFries. walda, G. walten, OHG. waltan, Icel. valda, Sw. vålla to occasion, to cause, Dan. volde, Goth. waldan to govern, rule, L. valere to be strong.   Cf. Herald, Valiant.]

1.
To govern; to rule; to keep, or have in charge; also, to possess.
[Obs.]

When a strong armed man keepeth his house, all things that he wieldeth ben in peace.
Wyclif (Luke xi. 21).

Wile [ne will] ye wield gold neither silver ne money in your girdles.
Wyclif (Matt. x. 9.)

2.
To direct or regulate by influence or authority; to manage; to control; to sway.

The famous orators . . . whose resistless eloquence
Wielded at will that fierce democraty.
Milton.

Her newborn power was wielded from the first by unprincipled and ambitions men.
De Quincey.

3.
To use with full command or power, as a thing not too heavy for the holder; to manage; to handle; hence, to use or employ; as, to wield a sword; to wield the scepter.

Base Hungarian wight! wilt thou the spigot wield!
Shak.

Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed.
Milton.

Nothing but the influence of a civilized power could induce a savage to wield a spade.
S. S. Smith.

To wield the scepter, to govern with supreme command.


word: Wielder
definition:
Wielder

Wield"er
(?)
n.
One who wields or employs; a manager; a controller.

A wielder of the great arm of the war.
Milton.


word: Wielding
definition:
Wielding

Wield"ing
n.
Power; authority; rule.
[Obs.]

To have them in your might and in your wielding.
Chaucer.


word: Wieldy
definition:
Wieldy

Wield"y
(?)
a.
Capable of being wielded; manageable; wieldable; -- opposed to unwieldy.
[R.]
Johnson.


word: Wiener Schnitzel
definition:
Wiener Schnitzel

Wie"ner Schnit"zel
(?)
[G., Vienna cutlet.]
A veal cutlet variously seasoned garnished, often with lemon, sardines, and capers.


word: Wife
definition:
Wife

Wife
(?)
n.
pl. Wives (#).
[OE. wif, AS. wif; akin to OFries. & OS. wif, D. wijf, G. weib, OHG. wīb, Icel. vīf, Dan. viv; and perhaps to Skr. vip excited, agitated, inspired, vip to tremble, L. vibrare to vibrate, E. vibrate.  Cf. Tacitus, [“ Germania” 8]: Inesse quin etiam sanctum aliquid et providum putant, nec aut consilia earum aspernantur aut responsa neglegunt.   Cf. Hussy a jade, Woman.]

1.
A woman; an adult female; -- now used in literature only in certain compounds and phrases, as alewife, fishwife, goodwife, and the like.
wives
Piers Plowman.

On the green he saw sitting a wife.
Chaucer.

2.
The lawful consort of a man; a woman who is united to a man in wedlock; a woman who has a husband; a married woman; -- correlative of husband.
wife
1 Tin. iii. 2.

Let every one you . . . so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Eph. v. 33.

To give to wife, To take to wife, to give or take (a woman) in marriage. -- Wife's equity (Law), the equitable right or claim of a married woman to a reasonable and adequate provision, by way of settlement or otherwise, out of her choses in action, or out of any property of hers which is under the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery, for the support of herself and her children. Burrill.


word: Wifehood
definition:
Wifehood

Wife"hood
(?)
n.
[AS. wifhād.]

1.
Womanhood.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
The state of being a wife; the character of a wife.


word: Wifely
definition:
Wifely

Wife"ly
a.
[AS. wīflic.]
Becoming or life; of or pertaining to a wife.
Wifely
Chaucer.

With all the tenderness of wifely love.
Dryden.


word: Wig
definition:
Wig

Wig
(?)
n.
[Abbreviation from periwig.]

1.
A covering for the head, consisting of hair interwoven or united by a kind of network, either in imitation of the natural growth, or in abundant and flowing curls, worn to supply a deficiency of natural hair, or for ornament, or according to traditional usage, as a part of an official or professional dress, the latter especially in England by judges and barristers.

2.
An old seal; -- so called by fishermen.

Wig tree. (Bot.) See Smoke tree, under Smoke.


word: Wig₂
definition:
Wig

Wig
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wigged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wigging (?).]
To censure or rebuke; to hold up to reprobation; to scold.
[Slang]


word: Wigan
definition:
Wigan

Wig"an
(?)
n.
A kind of canvaslike cotton fabric, used to stiffen and protect the lower part of trousers and of the skirts of women's dresses, etc.; -- so called from Wigan, the name of a town in Lancashire, England.


word: Wig₃
definition:
Wig

Wigg

{ Wigg (?), Wig  }
n.
[Cf. D. wegge a sort of bread, G. weck, orig., a wedge-shaped loaf or cake.  See Wedge.]
A kind of raised seedcake.
Wiggs
Pepys.


word: Wiggery
definition:
Wiggery

Wig"ger*y
(?)
n.
1.
A wig or wigs; false hair.
[R.]
A. Trollope.

2.
Any cover or screen, as red-tapism.
[R.]

Fire peels the wiggeries away from them [facts.]
Carlyle.


word: Wiggle
definition:
Wiggle

Wig"gle
(?)
v. t. & i.
[Cf. Wag, v. t., Waggle.]
To move to and fro with a quick, jerking motion; to bend rapidly, or with a wavering motion, from side to side; to wag; to squirm; to wriggle; as, the dog wiggles his tail; the tadpole wiggles in the water.
[Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U. S.]


word: Wiggler
definition:
Wiggler

Wig"gler
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
The young, either larva or pupa, of the mosquito; -- called also wiggletail.


word: Wight₂
definition:
Wight

Wight
n.
[OE. wight, wiht, a wight, a whit, AS. wiht, wuht, a creature, a thing; skin to D. wicht a child, OS. & OHG. wiht a creature, thing, G. wicht a creature, Icel. vætt_; a wight, vætt_; a whit, Goth. waíhts, waíht, thing; cf. Russ. veshche a thing. _;.   Cf. Whit.]

1.
A whit; a bit; a jot.
[Obs.]

She was fallen asleep a little wight.
Chaucer.

2.
A supernatural being.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

3.
A human being; a person, either male or female; -- now used chiefly in irony or burlesque, or in humorous language.
wightes
Chaucer.

Every wight that hath discretion.
Chaucer.

Oh, say me true if thou wert mortal wight.
Milton.


word: Wight₃
definition:
Wight

Wight
a.
[OE. wight, wiht, probably of Scand. origin; cf. Icel. vīgr in fighting condition, neut. vīgh _;_;_; vīg war, akin to AS. wīg See Vanquish.]
Swift; nimble; agile; strong and active.
[Obs. or Poetic]

'T is full wight, God wot, as is a roe.
Chaucer.

He was so wimble and so wight.
Spenser.

They were Night and Day, and Day and Night,
Pilgrims wight with steps forthright.
Emerson.


word: Wigwag
definition:
Wigwag

Wig"wag`
(?)
v. i.
[See Wag, v. t.]
(Naut.)
To signal by means of a flag waved from side to side according to a code adopted for the purpose.
[Colloq.]


word: Wigwag₂
definition:
Wigwag

Wig"wag`
(?)
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Wigwagged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wigwagging (?).]
To move to and fro, to wag.


word: Wigwag₃
definition:
Wigwag

Wig"wag`
n.
[See Wigwag, v. t. & i.]
Act or art of wigwagging; a message wigwagged; -- chiefly attributive; as, the wigwag code.
Wig"wag`er (#), n.


word: Wigwam
definition:
Wigwam

Wig"wam
(?)
n.
[From the Algonquin or Massachusetts Indian word wēk, “his house,” or “dwelling place;” with possessive and locative affixes, wē-kou-om-ut, “in his (or their) house,” contracted by the English to weekwam, and wigwam.]
An Indian cabin or hut, usually of a conical form, and made of a framework of poles covered with hides, bark, or mats; -- called also tepee.
[Sometimes written also weekwam.]

Very spacious was the wigwam,
Made of deerskin dressed and whitened,
With the gods of the Dacotahs
Drawn and painted on its curtains.
Longfellow.

&hand_; “The wigwam, or Indian house, of a circular or oval shape, was made of bark or mats laid over a framework of branches of trees stuck in the ground in such a manner as to converge at the top, where was a central aperture for the escape of smoke from the fire beneath. The better sort had also a lining of mats. For entrance and egress, two low openings were left on opposite sides, one or the other of which was closed with bark or mats, according to the direction of the wind.”  Palfrey.


word: Wike
definition:
Wike

Wike
(?)
n.
A temporary mark or boundary, as a bough of a tree set up in marking out or dividing anything, as tithes, swaths to be mowed in common ground, etc.; -- called also wicker.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Wikiup
definition:
Wikiup

Wik"i*up`
(?)
n.
[Of North American Indian origin; cf. Dakota wakeya, wokeya.]
The hut used by the nomadic Indian tribes of the arid regions of the west and southwest United States, typically elliptical in form, with a rough frame covered with reed mats or grass or brushwood.


word: Wild
definition:
Wild

Wild
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wilder (?); superl. Wildest.]
[OE. wilde, AS. wilde; akin to OFries. wilde, D. wild, OS. & OHG. wildi, G. wild, Sw. & Dan. vild, Icel. villr wild, bewildered, astray, Goth. wilpeis wild, and G. & OHG. wild game, deer; of uncertain origin.]

1.
Living in a state of nature; inhabiting natural haunts, as the forest or open field; not familiar with, or not easily approached by, man; not tamed or domesticated; as, a wild boar; a wild ox; a wild cat.

Winter's not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way.
Shak.

2.
Growing or produced without culture; growing or prepared without the aid and care of man; native; not cultivated; brought forth by unassisted nature or by animals not domesticated; as, wild parsnip, wild camomile, wild strawberry, wild honey.

The woods and desert caves,
With wild thyme and gadding vine o'ergrown.
Milton.

3.
Desert; not inhabited or cultivated; as, wild land.
wild
Shak.

4.
Savage; uncivilized; not refined by culture; ferocious; rude; as, wild natives of Africa or America.

5.
Not submitted to restraint, training, or regulation; turbulent; tempestuous; violent; ungoverned; licentious; inordinate; disorderly; irregular; fanciful; imaginary; visionary; crazy.
wild
Prior.
wild
Swift.

What are these
So withered and so wild in their attire ?
Shak.

With mountains, as with weapons, armed; which makes
Wild work in heaven.
Milton.

The wild winds howl.
Addison.

Search then the ruling passion, there, alone
The wild are constant, and the cunning known.
Pope.

6.
Exposed to the wind and sea; unsheltered; as, a wild roadstead.

7.
Indicating strong emotion, intense excitement, or _;ewilderment; as, a wild look.

8.
(Naut.)
Hard to steer; -- said of a vessel.

&hand_; Many plants are named by prefixing wild to the names of other better known or cultivated plants to which they a bear a real or fancied resemblance; as, wild allspice, wild pink, etc.  See the Phrases below.

To run wild, to go unrestrained or untamed; to live or untamed; to live or grow without culture or training. -- To sow one's wild oats. See under Oat.

Wild allspice. (Bot.), spicewood. -- Wild balsam apple (Bot.), an American climbing cucurbitaceous plant (Echinocystis lobata). -- Wild basil (Bot.), a fragrant labiate herb (Calamintha Clinopodium) common in Europe and America. -- Wild bean (Bot.), a name of several leguminous plants, mostly species of Phaseolus and Apios. -- Wild bee (Zool.), any one of numerous species of undomesticated social bees, especially the domestic bee when it has escaped from domestication and built its nest in a hollow tree or among rocks. -- Wild bergamot. (Bot.) See under Bergamot. -- Wild boar (Zool.), the European wild hog (Sus scrofa), from which the common domesticated swine is descended. -- Wild brier (Bot.), any uncultivated species of brier.  See Brier. -- Wild bugloss (Bot.), an annual rough-leaved plant (Lycopsis arvensis) with small blue flowers. -- Wild camomile (Bot.), one or more plants of the composite genus Matricaria, much resembling camomile. -- Wild cat. (Zool.) (a) A European carnivore (Felis catus) somewhat resembling the domestic cat, but larger stronger, and having a short tail.  It is destructive to the smaller domestic animals, such as lambs, kids, poultry, and the like. (b) The common American lynx, or bay lynx. (c) (Naut.) A wheel which can be adjusted so as to revolve either with, or on, the shaft of a capstan. Luce. -- Wild celery. (Bot.) See Tape grass, under Tape. -- Wild cherry. (Bot.) (a) Any uncultivated tree which bears cherries. The wild red cherry is Prunus Pennsylvanica.  The wild black cherry is Prunus serotina, the wood of which is much used for cabinetwork, being of a light red color and a compact texture. (b) The fruit of various species of Prunus. -- Wild cinnamon. See the Note under Canella. -- Wild comfrey (Bot.), an American plant (Cynoglossum Virginicum) of the Borage family. It has large bristly leaves and small blue flowers. -- Wild cumin (Bot.), an annual umbelliferous plant (Lagœcia cuminoides) native in the countries about the Mediterranean. -- Wild drake (Zool.) the mallard. -- Wild elder (Bot.), an American plant (Aralia hispida) of the Ginseng family. -- Wild fowl (Zool.) any wild bird, especially any of those considered as game birds. -- Wild goose (Zool.), any one of several species of undomesticated geese, especially the Canada goose (Branta Canadensis), the European bean goose, and the graylag.  See Graylag, and Bean goose, under Bean. -- Wild goose chase, the pursuit of something unattainable, or of something as unlikely to be caught as the wild goose. Shak. -- Wild honey, honey made by wild bees, and deposited in trees, rocks, the like. -- Wild hyacinth. (Bot.) See Hyacinth, 1 (b). -- Wild Irishman (Bot.), a thorny bush (Discaria Toumatou) of the Buckthorn family, found in New Zealand, where the natives use the spines in tattooing. -- Wild land. (a) Land not cultivated, or in a state that renders it unfit for cultivation. (b) Land which is not settled and cultivated. -- Wild licorice. (Bot.) See under Licorice. -- Wild mammee (Bot.), the oblong, yellowish, acid fruit of a tropical American tree (Rheedia lateriflora); -- so called in the West Indies. -- Wild marjoram (Bot.), a labiate plant (Origanum vulgare) much like the sweet marjoram, but less aromatic. -- Wild oat. (Bot.) (a) A tall, oatlike kind of soft grass (Arrhenatherum avenaceum). (b) See Wild oats, under Oat. -- Wild pieplant (Bot.), a species of dock (Rumex hymenosepalus) found from Texas to California. Its acid, juicy stems are used as a substitute for the garden rhubarb. -- Wild pigeon. (Zool.) (a) The rock dove. (b) The passenger pigeon. -- Wild pink (Bot.), an American plant (Silene Pennsylvanica) with pale, pinkish flowers; a kind of catchfly. -- Wild plantain (Bot.), an arborescent endogenous herb (Heliconia Bihai), much resembling the banana. Its leaves and leaf sheaths are much used in the West Indies as coverings for packages of merchandise. -- Wild plum. (Bot.) (a) Any kind of plum growing without cultivation. (b) The South African prune.  See under Prune. -- Wild rice. (Bot.) See Indian rice, under Rice. -- Wild rosemary (Bot.), the evergreen shrub Andromeda polifolia.  See Marsh rosemary, under Rosemary. -- Wild sage. (Bot.) See Sagebrush. -- Wild sarsaparilla (Bot.), a species of ginseng (Aralia nudicaulis) bearing a single long-stalked leaf. -- Wild sensitive plant (Bot.), either one of two annual leguminous herbs (Cassia Chamaecrista, and Cassia nictitans), in both of which the leaflets close quickly when the plant is disturbed. -- Wild service.(Bot.) See Sorb. -- Wild Spaniard (Bot.), any one of several umbelliferous plants of the genus Aciphylla, natives of New Zealand. The leaves bear numerous bayonetlike spines, and the plants form an impenetrable thicket. -- Wild turkey. (Zool.) See 2d Turkey.


word: Wild₂
definition:
Wild

Wild
(?)
n.
An uninhabited and uncultivated tract or region; a forest or desert; a wilderness; a waste; as, the wilds of America; the wilds of Africa.

then Libya first, of all her moisture drained,
Became a barren waste, a wild of sand.
Addison.


word: Wild-cat
definition:
Wild-cat

Wild"-cat`
(?)
a.
1.
Unsound; worthless; irresponsible; unsafe; -- said to have been originally applied to the notes of an insolvent bank in Michigan upon which there was the figure of a panther.

2.
(Railroad)
Running without control; running along the line without a train; as, a wild-cat locomotive.


word: Wilder
definition:
Wilder

Wil"der
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wildered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wildering.]
[Akin to E. wild, Dan. forvilde to bewilder, Icel. villr bewildered, villa to bewilder; cf. AS. wildor a wild animal.  See Wild, a., and cf. Wilderness.]
To bewilder; to perplex.

Long lost and wildered in the maze of fate.
Pope.

Again the wildered fancy dreams
Of spouting fountains, frozen as they rose.
Bryant.


word: Wildering
definition:
Wildering

Wild"er*ing
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant growing in a state of nature; especially, one which has run wild, or escaped from cultivation.


word: Wilderment
definition:
Wilderment

Wil"der*ment
(?)
n.
The state of being bewildered; confusion; bewilderment.

And snatched her breathless from beneath
This wilderment of wreck and death.
Moore.


word: Wilderness
definition:
Wilderness

Wil"der*ness
(?)
n.
[OE. wildernesse, wilderne,probably from AS. wildor a wild beast; cf. D. wildernis wilderness.  See Wilder, v. t.]

1.
A tract of land, or a region, uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings, whether a forest or a wide, barren plain; a wild; a waste; a desert; a pathless waste of any kind.

The wat'ry wilderness yields no supply.
Waller.

2.
A disorderly or neglected place.
Cowper.

3.
Quality or state of being wild; wildness.
[Obs.]

These paths and bowers doubt not but our joint hands.
Will keep from wilderness with ease.
Milton.


word: Wildfire
definition:
Wildfire

Wild"fire
(?)
n.
1.
A composition of inflammable materials, which, kindled, is very hard to quench; Greek fire.

Brimstone, pitch, wildfire . . . burn cruelly, and hard to quench.
Bacon.

2.
(Med.)
(a)
An old name for erysipelas.
(b)
A disease of sheep, attended with inflammation of the skin.

3.
A sort of lightning unaccompanied by thunder.
[R.]


word: Wildgrave
definition:
Wildgrave

Wild"grave`
(?)
n.
[G. wildgraf or D. wildgraaf.  See Wild, and cf. Margrave.]
A waldgrave, or head forest keeper.  See Waldgrave.

The wildgrave winds his bugle horn.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Wilding
definition:
Wilding

Wild"ing
n.
(Bot.)
A wild or uncultivated plant; especially, a wild apple tree or crab apple; also, the fruit of such a plant.
Spenser.

Ten ruddy wildings in the wood I found.
Dryden.

The fruit of the tree . . . is small, of little juice, and bad quality. I presume it to be a wilding.
Landor.


word: Wilding₂
definition:
Wilding

Wild"ing
a.
Not tame, domesticated, or cultivated; wild.
[Poetic]
Wilding
Tennyson.

The ground squirrel gayly chirps by his den,
And the wilding bee hums merrily by.
Bryant.


word: Wildly
definition:
Wildly

Wild"ly
adv.
In a wild manner; without cultivation; with disorder; rudely; distractedly; extravagantly.


word: Wildness
definition:
Wildness

Wild"ness
n.
The quality or state of being wild; an uncultivated or untamed state; disposition to rove or go unrestrained; rudeness; savageness; irregularity; distraction.


word: Wildwood
definition:
Wildwood

Wild"wood
(?)
n.
A wild or unfrequented wood. Also used adjectively; as, wildwood flowers; wildwood echoes.
Burns.


word: Wile
definition:
Wile

Wile
(?)
n.
[OE. wile, AS. wīl; cf. Icel. v_;l, væl.  Cf. Guile.]
A trick or stratagem practiced for insnaring or deception; a sly, insidious; artifice; a beguilement; an allurement.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph. vi. 11.

Not more almighty to resist our might,
Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles.
Milton.


word: Wile₂
definition:
Wile

Wile
v. t.
1.
To practice artifice upon; to deceive; to beguile; to allure.
[R.]
Spenser.

2.
To draw or turn away, as by diversion; to while or while away; to cause to pass pleasantly.
Tennyson.


word: Wilfley table
definition:
Wilfley table

Wil"fley ta`ble
(?)
(Ore Dressing)
An inclined percussion table, usually with longitudinal grooves in its surface, agitated by side blows at right angles to the flow of the pulp; -- so called after the inventor.


word: Wilfulness
definition:
Wilfulness

Wilfully

Wilful

Wil"ful (?), a., Wil"ful*ly, adv., Wil"ful*ness, n.
See Willful, Willfully, and Willfulness.


word: Will
definition:
Will

Will
(?)
n.
[OE. wille, AS. willa; akin to OFries. willa, OS. willeo, willio, D.  wil, G. wille, Icel. vili, Dan. villie, Sw. vilja, Goth wilja.  See Will, v.]

1.
The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty of preferring or selecting one of two or more objects.

It is necessary to form a distinct notion of what is meant by the word “volition” in order to understand the import of the word will, for this last word expresses the power of mind of which “volition” is the act.
Stewart.

Will is an ambiguous word, being sometimes put for the faculty of willing; sometimes for the act of that faculty, besides [having] other meanings. But “volition” always signifies the act of willing, and nothing else.
Reid.

Appetite is the will's solicitor, and the will is appetite's controller; what we covet according to the one, by the other we often reject.
Hooker.

The will is plainly that by which the mind chooses anything.
J. Edwards.

2.
The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.

The word “will,” however, is not always used in this its proper acceptation, but is frequently substituted for “volition”, as when I say that my hand mover in obedience to my will.
Stewart.

3.
The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.

Thy will be done.
Matt. vi. 10.

Our prayers should be according to the will of God.
Law.

4.
Strong wish or inclination; desire; purpose.

&hand_; “Inclination is another word with which will is frequently confounded. Thus, when the apothecary says, in Romeo and Juliet, --
[1913 Webster]
My poverty, but not my will, consents; . . . 
Put this in any liquid thing you will,
And drink it off.
[1913 Webster]
the word will is plainly used as, synonymous with inclination; not in the strict logical sense, as the immediate antecedent of action. It is with the same latitude that the word is used in common conversation, when we speak of doing a thing which duty prescribes, against one's own will; or when we speak of doing a thing willingly or unwillingly.”  Stewart.


5.
That which is strongly wished or desired.

What's your will, good friar?
Shak.

The mariner hath his will.
Coleridge.

6.
Arbitrary disposal; power to control, dispose, or determine.

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies.
Ps. xxvii. 12.

7.
(Law)
The legal declaration of a person's mind as to the manner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death; the written instrument, legally executed, by which a man makes disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death; testament; devise.  See the Note under Testament, 1.

&hand_; Wills are written or nuncupative, that is, oral.  See Nuncupative will, under Nuncupative.

At will (Law), at pleasure. To hold an estate at the will of another, is to enjoy the possession at his pleasure, and be liable to be ousted at any time by the lessor or proprietor. An estate at will is at the will of both parties. -- Good will. See under Good. -- Ill will, enmity; unfriendliness; malevolence. -- To have one's will, to obtain what is desired; to do what one pleases. -- Will worship, worship according to the dictates of the will or fancy; formal worship. [Obs.] -- Will worshiper, one who offers will worship. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor. -- With a will, with willingness and zeal; with all one's heart or strength; earnestly; heartily.


word: Will₂
definition:
Will

Will
(?)
v. t. & auxiliary.
[imp. Would (?). Indic. present, I will (Obs. I wol), thou wilt, he will (Obs. he wol); we, ye, they will.]
[OE. willen, imp. wolde; akin to OS. willan, OFries. willa, D. willen, G. wollen, OHG. wollan, wellan, Icel. & Sw. vilja, Dan. ville, Goth. wiljan, OSlav. voliti, L. velle to wish, volo I wish; cf. Skr. v&rsdot_; to choose, to prefer.  Cf. Voluntary, Welcome, Well, adv.]

1.
To wish; to desire; to incline to have.

A wife as of herself no thing ne sholde [should]
Wille in effect, but as her husband wolde [would].
Chaucer.

Caleb said unto her, What will thou ?
Judg. i. 14.

They would none of my counsel.
Prov. i. 30.

2.
As an auxiliary, will is used to denote futurity dependent on the verb. Thus, in first person, “I will” denotes willingness, consent, promise; and when “will” is emphasized, it denotes determination or fixed purpose; as, I will go if you wish; I will go at all hazards. In the second and third persons, the idea of distinct volition, wish, or purpose is evanescent, and simple certainty is appropriately expressed; as, “You will go,” or “He will go,” describes a future event as a fact only. To emphasize will denotes (according to the tone or context) certain futurity or fixed determination.

&hand_; Will, auxiliary, may be used elliptically for will go. “I'll to her lodgings.”  Marlowe.


&hand_; As in shall (which see), the second and third persons may be virtually converted into the first, either by question or indirect statement, so as to receive the meaning which belongs to will in that person; thus, “Will you go?” (answer, “I will go”) asks assent, requests, etc.; while “Will he go?” simply inquires concerning futurity; thus, also,“He says or thinks he will go,” “You say or think you will go,” both signify willingness or consent.

&hand_; Would, as the preterit of will, is chiefly employed in conditional, subjunctive, or optative senses; as, he would go if he could; he could go if he would; he said that he would go; I would fain go, but can not; I would that I were young again; and other like phrases. In the last use, the first personal pronoun is often omitted; as, would that he were here; would to Heaven that it were so; and, omitting the to in such an adjuration. “Would God I had died for thee.” Would is used for both present and future time, in conditional propositions, and would have for past time; as, he would go now if he were ready; if it should rain, he would not go; he would have gone, had he been able. Would not, as also will not, signifies refusal. “He was angry, and would not go in.” Luke xv. 28. Would is never a past participle.

&hand_; In Ireland, Scotland, and the United States, especially in the southern and western portions of the United States, shall and will, should and would, are often misused, as in the following examples: --
[1913 Webster]
I am able to devote as much time and attention to other subjects as I will [shall] be under the necessity of doing next winter. Chalmers.
[1913 Webster]
A countryman, telling us what he had seen, remarked that if the conflagration went on, as it was doing, we would [should] have, as our next season's employment, the Old Town of Edinburgh to rebuild. H. Miller.
[1913 Webster]
I feel assured that I will [shall] not have the misfortune to find conflicting views held by one so enlightened as your excellency. J. Y. Mason.


word: Will₃
definition:
Will

Will
(?)
v. i.
To be willing; to be inclined or disposed; to be pleased; to wish; to desire.

And behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus . . . touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.
Matt. viii. 2, 3.

&hand_; This word has been confused with will, v. i., to choose, which, unlike this, is of the weak conjugation.

Will I, nill I, or Will ye, hill ye, or Will he, nill he, whether I, you, or he will it or not; hence, without choice; compulsorily; -- commonly abbreviated to willy nilly. “If I must take service willy nilly.” J. H. Newman. “Land for all who would till it, and reading and writing will ye, nill ye.”  Lowell.


word: Will₄
definition:
Will

Will
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Willed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Willing. Indic. present I will, thou willeth, he wills; we, ye, they will.]
[Cf. AS. willian.  See Will, n.]

1.
To form a distinct volition of; to determine by an act of choice; to ordain; to decree.
will
Milton.

By all law and reason, that which the Parliament will not, is no more established in this kingdom.
Milton.

Two things he [God] willeth, that we should be good, and that we should be happy.
Barrow.

2.
To enjoin or command, as that which is determined by an act of volition; to direct; to order.
[Obs. or R.]

They willed me say so, madam.
Shak.

Send for music,
And will the cooks to use their best of cunning
To please the palate.
Beau. & Fl.

As you go, will the lord mayor . . . 
To attend our further pleasure presently.
J. Webster.

3.
To give or direct the disposal of by testament; to bequeath; to devise; as, to will one's estate to a child; also, to order or direct by testament; as, he willed that his nephew should have his watch.


word: Will₅
definition:
Will

Will
v. i.
To exercise an act of volition; to choose; to decide; to determine; to decree.

At Winchester he lies, so himself willed.
Robert of Brunne.

He that shall turn his thoughts inward upon what passes in his own mind when he wills.
Locke.

I contend for liberty as it signifies a power in man to do as he wills or pleases.
Collins.


word: Willemite
definition:
Willemite

Wil"lem*ite
(?)
n.
[From Willem I., king of the Netherlands.]
(Min.)
A silicate of zinc, usually occurring massive and of a greenish yellow color, also in reddish crystals (troostite) containing manganese.


word: Willet
definition:
Willet

Wil"let
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A large North American snipe (Symphemia semipalmata); -- called also pill-willet, will-willet, semipalmated tattler, or snipe, duck snipe, and stone curlew.

Carolina willet, the Hudsonian godwit.


word: Willful
definition:
Willful

Will"ful
(?)
a.
[Will + full.]
[Written also wilful.]

1.
Of set purpose; self-determined; voluntary; as, willful murder.
Foxe.

In willful poverty chose to lead his life.
Chaucer.

Thou to me
Art all things under heaven, all places thou,
Who, for my willful crime, art banished hence.
Milton.

2.
Governed by the will without yielding to reason; obstinate; perverse; inflexible; stubborn; refractory; as, a willful man or horse.


word: Willing
definition:
Willing

Will"ing
(?)
a.
[From Will, v. t.]

1.
Free to do or to grant; having the mind inclined; not opposed in mind; not choosing to refuse; disposed; not averse; desirous; consenting; complying; ready.

Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts xxiv. 27.

With wearied wings and willing feet.
Milton.

[Fruit] shaken in August from the willing boughs.
Bryant.

2.
Received of choice, or without reluctance; submitted to voluntarily; chosen; desired.

[They] are held, with his melodious harmony,
In willing chains and sweet captivity.
Milton.

3.
Spontaneous; self-moved.
[R.]

No spouts of blood run willing from a tree.
Dryden.


word: Willingly
definition:
Willingly

Will"ing*ly
adv.
In a willing manner; with free will; without reluctance; cheerfully.
Chaucer.

The condition of that people is not so much to be envied as some would willingly represent it.
Addison.


word: Willingness
definition:
Willingness

Will"ing*ness
n.
The quality or state of being willing; free choice or consent of the will; freedom from reluctance; readiness of the mind to do or forbear.

Sweet is the love which comes with willingness.
Dryden.


word: Willywaw
definition:
Willywaw

Williwaw

{ Wil"li*waw, Wil"ly*waw  }
(?)
n.
(Naut.)
A whirlwind, or whirlwind squall, encountered in the Straits of Magellan.
W. C. Russell.


word: Willow
definition:
Willow

Wil"low
(?)
n.
[OE. wilowe, wilwe, AS. wilig, welig; akin to OD. wilge, D. wilg, LG. wilge.  Cf. Willy.]

1.
(Bot.)
Any tree or shrub of the genus Salix, including many species, most of which are characterized often used as an emblem of sorrow, desolation, or desertion. “A wreath of willow to show my forsaken plight.” Sir W. Scott. Hence, a lover forsaken by, or having lost, the person beloved, is said to wear the willow.

And I must wear the willow garland
For him that's dead or false to me.
Campbell.

2.
(Textile Manuf.)
A machine in which cotton or wool is opened and cleansed by the action of long spikes projecting from a drum which revolves within a box studded with similar spikes; -- probably so called from having been originally a cylindrical cage made of willow rods, though some derive the term from winnow, as denoting the winnowing, or cleansing, action of the machine. Called also willy, twilly, twilly devil, and devil.

Almond willow, Pussy willow, Weeping willow. (Bot.) See under Almond, Pussy, and Weeping. -- Willow biter (Zool.) the blue tit. [Prov. Eng.] -- Willow fly (Zool.), a greenish European stone fly (Chloroperla viridis); -- called also yellow Sally. -- Willow gall (Zool.), a conical, scaly gall produced on willows by the larva of a small dipterous fly (Cecidomyia strobiloides). -- Willow grouse (Zool.), the white ptarmigan.  See ptarmigan. -- Willow lark (Zool.), the sedge warbler. [Prov. Eng.] -- Willow ptarmigan (Zool.) (a) The European reed bunting, or black-headed bunting.  See under Reed. (b) A sparrow (Passer salicicolus) native of Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe. -- Willow tea, the prepared leaves of a species of willow largely grown in the neighborhood of Shanghai, extensively used by the poorer classes of Chinese as a substitute for tea. McElrath. -- Willow thrush (Zool.), a variety of the veery, or Wilson's thrush.  See Veery. -- Willow warbler (Zool.), a very small European warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus); -- called also bee bird, haybird, golden wren, pettychaps, sweet William, Tom Thumb, and willow wren.


word: Willow₂
definition:
Willow

Wil"low
(?)
v. t.
To open and cleanse, as cotton, flax, or wool, by means of a willow.  See Willow, n., 2.


word: Willowed
definition:
Willowed

Wil"lowed
(?)
a.
Abounding with willows; containing willows; covered or overgrown with willows.
Willowed
Collins.


word: Willow-herb
definition:
Willow-herb

Wil"low-herb`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A perennial herb (Epilobium spicatum) with narrow willowlike leaves and showy rose-purple flowers. The name is sometimes made to include other species of the same genus.

Spiked willow-herb, a perennial herb (Lythrum Salicaria) with willowy leaves and spiked purplish flowers.


word: Willow-thorn
definition:
Willow-thorn

Wil"low-thorn`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A thorny European shrub (Hippophae rhamnoides) resembling a willow.


word: Willow-weed
definition:
Willow-weed

Wil"low-weed`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
(a)
A European species of loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris).
(b)
Any kind of Polygonum with willowlike foliage.


word: Willow-wort
definition:
Willow-wort

Wil"low-wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
(a)
Same as Willow-weed.
(b)
Any plant of the order Salicaceae, or the Willow family.


word: Willowy
definition:
Willowy

Wil"low*y
(?)
a.
1.
Abounding with willows.

Where willowy Camus lingers with delight.
Gray.

2.
Resembling a willow; pliant; flexible; pendent; drooping; graceful.


word: Willsome
definition:
Willsome

Will"some
(?)
a.
[Written also wilsome.]
1.
Willful; obstinate.
[Obs.]

2.
Fat; indolent.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

3.
Doubtful; uncertain.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Willy
definition:
Willy

Wil"ly
(?)
n.
[Cf. Willow.]

1.
A large wicker basket.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.

2.
(Textile Manuf.)
Same as 1st Willow, 2.


word: Willying
definition:
Willying

Wil"ly*ing
n.
The process of cleansing wool, cotton, or the like, with a willy, or willow.

Willying machine. Same as 1st Willow, 2.


word: Willy nilly
definition:
Willy nilly

Wil"ly nil"ly
(?)
Whether I (he, she, they) want to or not.  See Will I, nill I, etc., under 3d Will.


word: Wilt₂
definition:
Wilt

Wilt
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wilting.]
[Written also welt, a modification of welk.]
To begin to wither; to lose freshness and become flaccid, as a plant when exposed when exposed to drought, or to great heat in a dry day, or when separated from its root; to droop;. to wither.
[Prov. Eng. & U. S.]


word: Wilt₃
definition:
Wilt

Wilt
v. t.
1.
To cause to begin to wither; to make flaccid, as a green plant.
[Prov. Eng. U. S.]

2.
Hence, to cause to languish; to depress or destroy the vigor and energy of.
[Prov. Eng. & U. S.]

Despots have wilted the human race into sloth and imbecility.
Dr. T. Dwight.


word: Wilton carpet
definition:
Wilton carpet

Wil"ton car`pet
(?)
A kind of carpet woven with loops like the Brussels, but differing from it in having the loops cut so as to form an elastic velvet pile; -- so called because made originally at Wilton, England.


word: Wily
definition:
Wily

Wil"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wilier (?); superl. Wiliest.]
[From Wile.]
Full of wiles, tricks, or stratagems; using craft or stratagem to accomplish a purpose; mischievously artful; subtle.
Wily
Chaucer.
wily
Milton.

This false, wily, doubling disposition of mind.
South.


word: Wimble
definition:
Wimble

Wim"ble
(?)
n.
[OE. wimbil; akin to Dan. vimmel, OD. wemelen to bore.  Cf. Gimlet.]
An instrument for boring holes, turned by a handle.
(a)
A gimlet.
wimble
Selden.
(b)
A stonecutter's brace for boring holes in stone.
(c)
An auger used for boring in earth.


word: Wimble₂
definition:
Wimble

Wim"ble
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wimbled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wimbling (?).]
To bore or pierce, as with a wimble.
wimbled
Wood.


word: Wimble₃
definition:
Wimble

Wim"ble
(?)
a.
[Cf. Sw. vimmelkantig giddy, whimsical, dial. Sw. vimmla to be giddy or skittish, and E. whim.]
Active; nimble.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Wimple
definition:
Wimple

Wim"ple
(?)
n.
[OE. wimpel, AS. winpel; akin to D. & G. wimpel a pennant, streamer, OHG. wimpal a veil, Icel. vimpill, Dan. & Sw. vimpel a pennant, streamer; of uncertain origin.  Cf. Gimp.]

1.
A covering of silk, linen, or other material, for the neck and chin, formerly worn by women as an outdoor protection, and still retained in the dress of nuns.

Full seemly her wympel ipinched is.
Chaucer.

For she had laid her mournful stole aside,
And widowlike sad wimple thrown away.
Spenser.

Then Vivian rose,
And from her brown-locked head the wimple throws.
M. Arnold.

2.
A flag or streamer.
Weale.


word: Wimple₂
definition:
Wimple

Wim"ple
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wimpled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wimpling (?).]

1.
To clothe with a wimple; to cover, as with a veil; hence, to hoodwink.
ywympled
Chaucer.

This wimpled, whining, purblind, wayward boy.
Shak.

2.
To draw down, as a veil; to lay in folds or plaits, as a veil.

3.
To cause to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to cause to ripple or undulate; as, the wind wimples the surface of water.


word: Wimple₃
definition:
Wimple

Wim"ple
v. i.
To lie in folds; also, to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to ripple; to undulate.
Wimpling
Longfellow.

For with a veil, that wimpled everywhere,
Her head and face was hid.
Spenser.

With me through . . . meadows stray,
Where wimpling waters make their way.
Ramsay.


word: Win
definition:
Win

Win
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Won (?), Obs. Wan (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Winning.]
[OE. winnen, AS. winnan to strive, labor, fight, endure; akin to OFries. winna, OS. winnan, D. winnen to win, gain, G. gewinnen, OHG. winnan to strive, struggle, Icel. vinna to labor, suffer, win, Dan. vinde to win, Sw.  vinna, Goth. winnan to suffer, Skr. van to wish, get, gain, conquer. √138.  Cf. Venerate, Winsome, Wish, Wont, a.]

1.
To gain by superiority in competition or contest; to obtain by victory over competitors or rivals; as, to win the prize in a gate; to win money; to win a battle, or to win a country.
win
Chaucer.
win
Milton.

Thy well-breathed horse
Impels the flying car, and wins the course.
Dryden.

2.
To allure to kindness; to bring to compliance; to gain or obtain, as by solicitation or courtship.

Thy virtue wan me; with virtue preserve me.
Sir P. Sidney.

She is a woman; therefore to be won.
Shak.

3.
To gain over to one's side or party; to obtain the favor, friendship, or support of; to render friendly or approving; as, to win an enemy; to win a jury.

4.
To come to by toil or effort; to reach; to overtake.
[Archaic]

Even in the porch he him did win.
Spenser.

And when the stony path began,
By which the naked peak they wan,
Up flew the snowy ptarmigan.
Sir W. Scott.

5.
(Mining)
To extract, as ore or coal.
Raymond.


word: Win₂
definition:
Win

Win
v. i.
To gain the victory; to be successful; to triumph; to prevail.

Nor is it aught but just
That he, who in debate of truth hath won,
should win in arms.
Milton.

To win of, to be conqueror over. [Obs.] Shak. -- To win on or To win upon. (a) To gain favor or influence with. “You have a softness and beneficence winning on the hearts of others.” Dryden. (b) To gain ground on. “The rabble . . . will in time win upon power.” Shak.


word: Wince
definition:
Wince

Wince
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Winced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wincing (?).]
[OE. wincen, winchen, OF. quencir, guenchir, guenchier, giencier, guinchier, and (assumed) winchier, winchir, to give way, to turn aside, fr. OHG. wankjan, wenken, to give way, to waver, fr.  winchan to turn aside, to nod, akin to E. wink.  See Wink.]

1.
To shrink, as from a blow, or from pain; to flinch; to start back.

I will not stir, nor wince, nor speak a word.
Shak.

2.
To kick or flounce when unsteady, or impatient at a rider; as, a horse winces.


word: Wince₃
definition:
Wince

Wince
n.
[See Winch.]
(Dyeing & Calico Printing)
A reel used in dyeing, steeping, or washing cloth; a winch. It is placed over the division wall between two wince pits so as to allow the cloth to descend into either compartment. at will.

Wince pit, Wince pot, a tank or a pit where cloth in the process of dyeing or manufacture is washed, dipped in a mordant, or the like.


word: Winch₃
definition:
Winch

Winch
n.
[OE. winche, AS. wince a winch, a reel to wind thread upon.  Cf. Wink.]

1.
A crank with a handle, for giving motion to a machine, a grindstone, etc.

2.
An instrument with which to turn or strain something forcibly.

3.
An axle or drum turned by a crank with a handle, or by power, for raising weights, as from the hold of a ship, from mines, etc.; a windlass.

4.
A wince.


word: Wincing
definition:
Wincing

Win"cing
(?)
n.
The act of washing cloth, dipping it in dye, etc., with a wince.

Wincing machine. (a) A wince. Ure. (b) A succession of winces.  See Wince. Knight.


word: Wincopipe
definition:
Wincopipe

Win"co*pipe
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A little red flower, no doubt the pimpernel, which, when it opens in the morning, is supposed to bode a fair day.  See Pimpernel.

There is small red flower in the stubble fields, which country people call the wincopipe; which if it opens in the morning, you may be sure a fair day will follow.
Bacon.


word: Wind
definition:
Wind

Wind
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wound (wound) (rarely Winded); p. pr. & vb. n. Winding.]
[OE. winden, AS. windan; akin to OS. windan, D. & G. winden, OHG. wintan, Icel. & Sw. vinda, Dan. vinde, Goth. windan (in comp.).  Cf. Wander, Wend.]

1.
To turn completely, or with repeated turns; especially, to turn about something fixed; to cause to form convolutions about anything; to coil; to twine; to twist; to wreathe; as, to wind thread on a spool or into a ball.

Whether to wind
The woodbine round this arbor.
Milton.

2.
To entwist; to infold; to encircle.

Sleep, and I will wind thee in arms.
Shak.

3.
To have complete control over; to turn and bend at one's pleasure; to vary or alter or will; to regulate; to govern.
wind
Shak.

In his terms so he would him wind.
Chaucer.

Gifts blind the wise, and bribes do please
And wind all other witnesses.
Herrick.

Were our legislature vested in the prince, he might wind and turn our constitution at his pleasure.
Addison.

4.
To introduce by insinuation; to insinuate.

You have contrived . . . to wind
Yourself into a power tyrannical.
Shak.

Little arts and dexterities they have to wind in such things into discourse.
Gov. of Tongue.

5.
To cover or surround with something coiled about; as, to wind a rope with twine.

To wind off, to unwind; to uncoil. -- To wind out, to extricate. [Obs.] Clarendon. -- To wind up. (a) To coil into a ball or small compass, as a skein of thread; to coil completely. (b) To bring to a conclusion or settlement; as, to wind up one's affairs; to wind up an argument. (c) To put in a state of renewed or continued motion, as a clock, a watch, etc., by winding the spring, or that which carries the weight; hence, to prepare for continued movement or action; to put in order anew.  “Fate seemed to wind him up for fourscore years.” Dryden. “Thus they wound up his temper to a pitch.” Atterbury. (d) To tighten (the strings) of a musical instrument, so as to tune it. “Wind up the slackened strings of thy lute.” Waller.


word: Wind₂
definition:
Wind

Wind
(?)
v. i.
1.
To turn completely or repeatedly; to become coiled about anything; to assume a convolved or spiral form; as, vines wind round a pole.

So swift your judgments turn and wind.
Dryden.

2.
To have a circular course or direction; to crook; to bend; to meander; as, to wind in and out among trees.

And where the valley winded out below,
The murmuring main was heard, and scarcely heard, to flow.
Thomson.

He therefore turned him to the steep and rocky path which . . . winded through the thickets of wild boxwood and other low aromatic shrubs.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
To go to the one side or the other; to move this way and that; to double on one's course; as, a hare pursued turns and winds.

The lowing herd wind _;lowly o'er the lea.
Gray.

To wind out, to extricate one's self; to escape.
Long struggling underneath are they could wind
Out of such prison.
Milton.


word: Wind₄
definition:
Wind

Wind
(wĭnd, in poetry and singing often wīnd; 277)
n.
[AS. wind; akin to OS., OFries., D., & G. wind, OHG. wint, Dan. & Sw. vind, Icel. vindr, Goth winds, W. gwynt, L. ventus, Skr. vāta (cf. Gr. 'ah`ths a blast, gale, 'ah^nai to breathe hard, to blow, as the wind); originally a p. pr. from the verb seen in Skr. vā to blow, akin to AS. wāwan, D. waaijen, G. wehen, OHG. wāen, wājen, Goth. waian. √131.  Cf. Air, Ventail, Ventilate, Window, Winnow.]

1.
Air naturally in motion with any degree of velocity; a current of air.

Except wind stands as never it stood,
It is an ill wind that turns none to good.
Tusser.

Winds were soft, and woods were green.
Longfellow.

2.
Air artificially put in motion by any force or action; as, the wind of a cannon ball; the wind of a bellows.

3.
Breath modulated by the respiratory and vocal organs, or by an instrument.

Their instruments were various in their kind,
Some for the bow, and some for breathing wind.
Dryden.

4.
Power of respiration; breath.

If my wind were but long enough to say my prayers, I would repent.
Shak.

5.
Air or gas generated in the stomach or bowels; flatulence; as, to be troubled with wind.

6.
Air impregnated with an odor or scent.

A pack of dogfish had him in the wind.
Swift.

7.
A direction from which the wind may blow; a point of the compass; especially, one of the cardinal points, which are often called the four winds.

Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain.
Ezek. xxxvii. 9.

&hand_; This sense seems to have had its origin in the East. The Hebrews gave to each of the four cardinal points the name of wind.

8.
(Far.)
A disease of sheep, in which the intestines are distended with air, or rather affected with a violent inflammation. It occurs immediately after shearing.

9.
Mere breath or talk; empty effort; idle words.

Nor think thou with wind
Of airy threats to awe.
Milton.

10.
(Zool.)
The dotterel.
[Prov. Eng.]

11.
(Boxing)
The region of the pit of the stomach, where a blow may paralyze the diaphragm and cause temporary loss of breath or other injury; the mark.
[Slang or Cant]

&hand_; Wind is often used adjectively, or as the first part of compound words.

All in the wind. (Naut.) See under All, n. -- Before the wind. (Naut.) See under Before. -- Between wind and water (Naut.), in that part of a ship's side or bottom which is frequently brought above water by the rolling of the ship, or fluctuation of the water's surface. Hence, colloquially, (as an injury to that part of a vessel, in an engagement, is particularly dangerous) the vulnerable part or point of anything. -- Cardinal winds. See under Cardinal, a. -- Down the wind. (a) In the direction of, and moving with, the wind; as, birds fly swiftly down the wind. (b) Decaying; declining; in a state of decay. [Obs.]  “He went down the wind still.” L'Estrange. -- In the wind's eye (Naut.), directly toward the point from which the wind blows. -- Three sheets in the wind, unsteady from drink. [Sailors' Slang] -- To be in the wind, to be suggested or expected; to be a matter of suspicion or surmise. [Colloq.] -- To carry the wind (Man.), to toss the nose as high as the ears, as a horse. -- To raise the wind, to procure money. [Colloq.] -- To take the wind or To have the wind, to gain or have the advantage. Bacon. -- To take the wind out of one's sails, to cause one to stop, or lose way, as when a vessel intercepts the wind of another; to cause one to lose enthusiasm, or momentum in an activity. [Colloq.] -- To take wind, or To get wind, to be divulged; to become public; as, the story got wind, or took wind. -- Wind band (Mus.), a band of wind instruments; a military band; the wind instruments of an orchestra. -- Wind chest (Mus.), a chest or reservoir of wind in an organ. -- Wind dropsy. (Med.) (a) Tympanites. (b) Emphysema of the subcutaneous areolar tissue. -- Wind egg, an imperfect, unimpregnated, or addled egg. -- Wind furnace. See the Note under Furnace. -- Wind gauge. See under Gauge. -- Wind gun. Same as Air gun. -- Wind hatch (Mining), the opening or place where the ore is taken out of the earth. -- Wind instrument (Mus.), an instrument of music sounded by means of wind, especially by means of the breath, as a flute, a clarinet, etc. -- Wind pump, a pump moved by a windmill. -- Wind rose, a table of the points of the compass, giving the states of the barometer, etc., connected with winds from the different directions. -- Wind sail. (a) (Naut.) A wide tube or funnel of canvas, used to convey a stream of air for ventilation into the lower compartments of a vessel. (b) The sail or vane of a windmill. -- Wind shake, a crack or incoherence in timber produced by violent winds while the timber was growing. -- Wind shock, a wind shake. -- Wind side, the side next the wind; the windward side. [R.] Mrs. Browning. -- Wind rush (Zool.), the redwing. [Prov. Eng.] -- Wind wheel, a motor consisting of a wheel moved by wind. -- Wood wind (Mus.), the flutes and reed instruments of an orchestra, collectively.


word: Wind₅
definition:
Wind

Wind
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Winded; p. pr. & vb. n. Winding.]

1.
To expose to the wind; to winnow; to ventilate.

2.
To perceive or follow by the scent; to scent; to nose; as, the hounds winded the game.

3.
(a)
To drive hard, or force to violent exertion, as a horse, so as to render scant of wind; to put out of breath.
(b)
To rest, as a horse, in order to allow the breath to be recovered; to breathe.

To wind a ship (Naut.), to turn it end for end, so that the wind strikes it on the opposite side.


word: Wind₆
definition:
Wind

Wind
(?)
v. t.
[From Wind, moving air, but confused in sense and in conjugation with wind to turn.]
[imp. & p. p. Wound (wound), R. Winded; p. pr. & vb. n. Winding.]
To blow; to sound by blowing; esp., to sound with prolonged and mutually involved notes.
wound
Pennant.

Ye vigorous swains, while youth ferments your blood, . . . 
Wind the shrill horn.
Pope.

That blast was winded by the king.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Windage
definition:
Windage

Wind"age
(?)
n.
[From Wind air in motion.]

1.
(Gun.)
The difference between the diameter of the bore of a gun and that of the shot fired from it.

2.
The sudden compression of the air caused by a projectile in passing close to another body.


word: Windbound
definition:
Windbound

Wind"bound`
(?)
a.
(Naut.)
prevented from sailing, by a contrary wind.  See Weatherbound.


word: Wind-break
definition:
Wind-break

Wind"-break`
(?)
v. t.
To break the wind of; to cause to lose breath; to exhaust.
[R.]

'T would wind-break a mule to vie burdens with her.
Ford.


word: Wind-break₂
definition:
Wind-break

Wind"-break`
n.
A clump of trees serving for a protection against the force of wind.
[Local, U. S.]


word: Wind-broken
definition:
Wind-broken

Wind"-bro`ken
(?)
a.
Having the power of breathing impaired by the rupture, dilatation, or running together of air cells of the lungs, so that while the inspiration is by one effort, the expiration is by two; affected with pulmonary emphysema or with heaves; -- said of a horse.
Youatt.


word: Winder
definition:
Winder

Wind"er
(?)
n.
[From Wind to turn.]

1.
One who, or that which, winds; hence, a creeping or winding plant.

2.
An apparatus used for winding silk, cotton, etc., on spools, bobbins, reels, or the like.

3.
(Arch.)
One in a flight of steps which are curved in plan, so that each tread is broader at one end than at the other; -- distinguished from flyer.


word: Winder₂
definition:
Winder

Wind"er
(?)
v. t. & i.
[Prov. E. winder a fan, and to winnow. _;.  Cf. Winnow.]
To fan; to clean grain with a fan.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Windfall
definition:
Windfall

Wind"fall`
(?)
n.
1.
Anything blown down or off by the wind, as fruit from a tree, or the tree itself, or a portion of a forest prostrated by a violent wind, etc.
windfall
Bacon.

2.
An unexpected legacy, or other gain.

He had a mighty windfall out of doubt.
B. Jonson.


word: Wind-fertilized
definition:
Wind-fertilized

Wind"-fer`ti*lized
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Anemophilous; fertilized by pollen borne by the wind.


word: Windflower
definition:
Windflower

Wind"flow`er
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The anemone; -- so called because formerly supposed to open only when the wind was blowing.  See Anemone.


word: Windgall
definition:
Windgall

Wind"gall`
(?)
n.
(Far.)
A soft tumor or synovial swelling on the fetlock joint of a horse; -- so called from having formerly been supposed to contain air.


word: Windhover
definition:
Windhover

Wind"hov`er
(?)
n.
[From its habit of hovering over one spot.]
(Zool.)
The kestrel; -- called also windbibber, windcuffer, windfanner.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Windiness
definition:
Windiness

Wind"i*ness
(?)
n.
1.
The quality or state of being windy or tempestuous; as, the windiness of the weather or the season.

2.
Fullness of wind; flatulence.

3.
Tendency to generate wind or gas; tendency to produce flatulence; as, the windiness of vegetables.

4.
Tumor; puffiness.

The swelling windiness of much knowledge.
Brerewood.


word: Winding₂
definition:
Winding

Wind"ing
a.
[From Wind to twist.]
Twisting from a direct line or an even surface; circuitous.
Keble.


word: Winding₃
definition:
Winding

Wind"ing
n.
1.
A turn or turning; a bend; a curve; flexure; meander; as, the windings of a road or stream.

To nurse the saplings tall, and curl the grove
With ringlets quaint, and wanton windings wove.
Milton.

2.
The material, as wire or rope, wound or coiled about anything, or a single round or turn of the material;
(Elec.)
a series winding, or one in which the armature coil, the field-magnet coil, and the external circuit form a continuous conductor; a shunt winding, or one of such a character that the armature current is divided, a portion of the current being led around the field-magnet coils.

Winding engine, an engine employed in mining to draw up buckets from a deep pit; a hoisting engine. -- Winding sheet, a sheet in which a corpse is wound or wrapped. -- Winding tackle (Naut.), a tackle consisting of a fixed triple block, and a double or triple movable block, used for hoisting heavy articles in or out of a vessel. Totten.


word: Windjammer
definition:
Windjammer

Wind"jam`mer
(?)
n.
1.
(Naut.)
A sailing vessel or one of its crew; -- orig. so called contemptuously by sailors on steam vessels.
[Colloq.]

2.
An army bugler or trumpeter; any performer on a wind instrument.
[Slang]


word: Windlace
definition:
Windlace

Wind"lace
(?)
n. & v.
See Windlass.
[Obs.]

Two arblasts, . . . with windlaces and quarrels.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Windlass
definition:
Windlass

Wind"lass
(?)
n.
[Perhaps from wind to turn + lace.]
A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.


word: Windlass₂
definition:
Windlass

Wind"lass
v. i.
To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.
[Obs.]
Hammond.


word: Windlass₃
definition:
Windlass

Wind"lass
n.
[OE. windelas, windas, Icel. vindilāss, vindās, fr. vinda to wind + āss a pole; cf. Goth. ans a beam.  See Wind to turn.]

1.
A machine for raising weights, consisting of a horizontal cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a crank, lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or chain attached to the weight. In vessels the windlass is often used instead of the capstan for raising the anchor. It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by hand or steam.

2.
An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Chinese windlass. See Differential windlass, under Differential.


word: Windlass₄
definition:
Windlass

Wind"lass
v. t. & i.
To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
The Century.


word: Windle
definition:
Windle

Win"dle
(?)
n.
[From Wind to turn.]

1.
A spindle; a kind of reel; a winch.

2.
(Zool.)
The redwing.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Windlestraw
definition:
Windlestraw

Windlestrae

{ Win"dle*strae` (?), Win"dle*straw` (?) }
n.
(Bot.)
A grass used for making ropes or for plaiting, esp. Agrostis Spica-ventis.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
Shelley.


word: Windmill
definition:
Windmill

Wind"mill`
(?)
n.
A mill operated by the power of the wind, usually by the action of the wind upon oblique vanes or sails which radiate from a horizontal shaft.
Chaucer.


word: Windore
definition:
Windore

Win"dore
(?)
n.
[A corrupt. of window; or perh. coined on the wrong assumption that window is from wind + door.]
A window.
[Obs.]
Hudibras.


word: Window
definition:
Window

Win"dow
(?)
n.
[OE. windowe, windoge, Icel. vindauga window, properly, wind eye; akin to Dan. vindue. _;_;_;_;.  See Wind, n., and Eye.]

1.
An opening in the wall of a building for the admission of light and air, usually closed by casements or sashes containing some transparent material, as glass, and capable of being opened and shut at pleasure.

I leaped from the window of the citadel.
Shak.

 Then to come, in spite of sorrow,
And at my window bid good morrow.
Milton.

2.
(Arch.)
The shutter, casement, sash with its fittings, or other framework, which closes a window opening.

3.
A figure formed of lines crossing each other.
[R.]

Till he has windows on his bread and butter.
King.

4.
a period of time in which some activity may be uniquely possible, more easily accomplished, or more likely to succeed; as, a launch window for a mission to Mars.

5.
(Computers)
a region on a computer display screen which represents a separate computational process, controlled more or less independently from the remaining part of the screen, and having widely varying functions, from simply displaying information to comprising a separate conceptual screen in which output can be visualized, input can be controlled, program dialogs may be accomplished, and a program may be controlled independently of any other processes occurring in the computer. The window may have a fixed location and size, or (as in modern Graphical User Interfaces) may have its size and location on the screen under the control of the operator.

French window (Arch.), a casement window in two folds, usually reaching to the floor; -- called also French casement. -- Window back (Arch.), the inside face of the low, and usually thin, piece of wall between the window sill and the floor below. -- Window blind, a blind or shade for a window. -- Window bole, part of a window closed by a shutter which can be opened at will. [Scot.] -- Window box, one of the hollows in the sides of a window frame for the weights which counterbalance a lifting sash.  -- Window frame, the frame of a window which receives and holds the sashes or casement. -- Window glass, panes of glass for windows; the kind of glass used in windows. -- Window martin (Zool.), the common European martin. [Prov. Eng.] -- Window oyster (Zool.), a marine bivalve shell (Placuna placenta) native of the East Indies and China. Its valves are very broad, thin, and translucent, and are said to have been used formerly in place of glass. -- Window pane. (a) (Arch.) See Pane, n., 3 (b). (b) (Zool.) See Windowpane, in the Vocabulary. -- Window sash, the sash, or light frame, in which panes of glass are set for windows. -- Window seat, a seat arranged in the recess of a window.  See Window stool, under Stool. -- Window shade, a shade or blind for a window; usually, one that is hung on a roller. -- Window shell (Zool.), the window oyster. -- Window shutter, a shutter or blind used to close or darken windows. -- Window sill (Arch.), the flat piece of wood, stone, or the like, at the bottom of a window frame. -- Window swallow (Zool.), the common European martin. [Prov. Eng.] -- Window tax, a tax or duty formerly levied on all windows, or openings for light, above the number of eight in houses standing in cities or towns. [Eng.]


word: Window₂
definition:
Window

Win"dow
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Windowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Windowing.]

1.
To furnish with windows.

2.
To place at or in a window.
[R.]

Wouldst thou be windowed in great Rome and see
Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down
His corrigible neck?
Shak.


word: Windowpane
definition:
Windowpane

Win"dow*pane`
(?)
n.
1.
(Arch.)
See Pane, n., (3) b.
[In this sense, written also window pane.]

2.
(Zool.)
A thin, spotted American turbot (Pleuronectes maculatus) remarkable for its translucency. It is not valued as a food fish. Called also spotted turbot, daylight, spotted sand flounder, and water flounder.


word: Windowy
definition:
Windowy

Win"dow*y
(?)
a.
Having little crossings or openings like the sashes of a window.
[R.]
Donne.


word: Windpipe
definition:
Windpipe

Wind"pipe`
(?)
n.
(Anat.)
The passage for the breath from the larynx to the lungs; the trachea; the weasand.  See Illust. under Lung.


word: Wind-rode
definition:
Wind-rode

Wind"-rode`
(?)
a.
(Naut.)
Caused to ride or drive by the wind in opposition to the course of the tide; -- said of a vessel lying at anchor, with wind and tide opposed to each other.
Totten.


word: Windrow
definition:
Windrow

Wind"row`
(?)
n.
[Wind + row.]

1.
A row or line of hay raked together for the purpose of being rolled into cocks or heaps.

2.
Sheaves of grain set up in a row, one against another, that the wind may blow between them.
[Eng.]

3.
The green border of a field, dug up in order to carry the earth on other land to mend it.
[Eng.]


word: Windrow₂
definition:
Windrow

Wind"row
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Windrowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Windrowing.]
To arrange in lines or windrows, as hay when newly made.
Forby.


word: Wind-shaken
definition:
Wind-shaken

Wind"-shak`en
(?)
a.
Shaken by the wind;
specif.
(Forestry)
affected by wind shake, or anemosis (which see, above).


word: Wind signal
definition:
Wind signal

Wind signal
In general, any signal announcing information concerning winds, and esp. the expected approach of winds whose direction and force are dangerous to shipping, etc. The wind-signal system of the United States Weather Bureau consists of storm, information, hurricane, hot wind, and inland storm signals.


word: Windsor
definition:
Windsor

Wind"sor
(?)
n.
A town in Berkshire, England.

Windsor bean. (Bot.) See under Bean. -- Windsor chair, a kind of strong, plain, polished, wooden chair. Simmonds. -- Windsor soap, a scented soap well known for its excellence.


word: Wind-sucker
definition:
Wind-sucker

Wind"-suck`er
(?)
n.
1.
(Far.)
A horse given to wind-sucking
Law.

2.
(Zool.)
The kestrel.
B. Jonson.


word: Wind-sucking
definition:
Wind-sucking

Wind"-suck`ing
n.
(Far.)
A vicious habit of a horse, consisting in the swallowing of air; -- usually associated with crib-biting, or cribbing.  See Cribbing, 4.


word: Windward
definition:
Windward

Wind"ward
(?)
n.
The point or side from which the wind blows; as, to ply to the windward; -- opposed to leeward.

To lay an anchor to the windward, a figurative expression, signifying to adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for success or security.


word: Windward₂
definition:
Windward

Wind"ward
a.
Situated toward the point from which the wind blows; as, the Windward Islands.


word: Windy
definition:
Windy

Wind"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Windier (?); superl. Windiest.]
[AS. windig.]

1.
Consisting of wind; accompanied or characterized by wind; exposed to wind.
windy
M. Arnold.

Blown with the windy tempest of my heart.
Shak.

2.
Next the wind; windward.

It keeps on the windy side of care.
Shak.

3.
Tempestuous; boisterous; as, windy weather.

4.
Serving to occasion wind or gas in the intestines; flatulent; as, windy food.

5.
Attended or caused by wind, or gas, in the intestines.
windy
Arbuthnot.

6.
Fig.: Empty; airy.
Windy
Milton.

Here's that windy applause, that poor, transitory pleasure, for which I was dishonored.
South.


word: Wine
definition:
Wine

Wine
(?)
n.
[OE. win, AS. win, fr. L. vinum (cf. Icel. vīn; all from the Latin); akin to Gr. o'i^nos, _;, and E. withy.  Cf. Vine, Vineyard, Vinous, Withy.]

1.
The expressed juice of grapes, esp. when fermented; a beverage or liquor prepared from grapes by squeezing out their juice, and (usually) allowing it to ferment.
wine
Piers Plowman.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Prov. xx. 1.

Bacchus, that first from out the purple grape
Crushed the sweet poison of misused wine.
Milton.

&hand_; Wine is essentially a dilute solution of ethyl alcohol, containing also certain small quantities of ethers and ethereal salts which give character and bouquet. According to their color, strength, taste, etc., wines are called red, white, spirituous, dry, light, still, etc.

2.
A liquor or beverage prepared from the juice of any fruit or plant by a process similar to that for grape wine; as, currant wine; gooseberry wine; palm wine.

3.
The effect of drinking wine in excess; intoxication.

Noah awoke from his wine.
Gen. ix. 24.

Birch wine, Cape wine, etc. See under Birch, Cape, etc. -- Spirit of wine. See under Spirit. -- To have drunk wine of ape or To have drunk wine ape, to be so drunk as to be foolish. [Obs.] Chaucer. -- Wine acid. (Chem.) See Tartaric acid, under Tartaric. [Colloq.] -- Wine apple (Bot.), a large red apple, with firm flesh and a rich, vinous flavor. -- Wine bag, a wine skin. -- Wine biscuit, a kind of sweet biscuit served with wine. -- Wine cask, a cask for holding wine, or which holds, or has held, wine. -- Wine cellar, a cellar adapted or used for storing wine. -- Wine cooler, a vessel of porous earthenware used to cool wine by the evaporation of water; also, a stand for wine bottles, containing ice. -- Wine fly (Zool.), small two-winged fly of the genus Piophila, whose larva lives in wine, cider, and other fermented liquors. -- Wine grower, one who cultivates a vineyard and makes wine. -- Wine measure, the measure by which wines and other spirits are sold, smaller than beer measure. -- Wine merchant, a merchant who deals in wines. -- Wine of opium (Pharm.), a solution of opium in aromatized sherry wine, having the same strength as ordinary laudanum; -- also Sydenham's laudanum. -- Wine press, a machine or apparatus in which grapes are pressed to extract their juice. -- Wine skin, a bottle or bag of skin, used, in various countries, for carrying wine. -- Wine stone, a kind of crust deposited in wine casks.  See 1st Tartar, 1. -- Wine vault. (a) A vault where wine is stored. (b) A place where wine is served at the bar, or at tables; a dramshop. Dickens. -- Wine vinegar, vinegar made from wine. -- Wine whey, whey made from milk coagulated by the use of wine.


word: Wineberry
definition:
Wineberry

Wine"ber`ry
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
(a)
The red currant.
(b)
The bilberry.
(c)
A peculiar New Zealand shrub (Coriaria ruscifolia), in which the petals ripen and afford an abundant purple juice from which a kind of wine is made. The plant also grows in Chili.


word: Wineglassful
definition:
Wineglassful

Wine"glass`ful
(?)
n. pl. Wineglassfuls (_;).
As much as a wineglass will hold; enough to fill a wineglass. It is usually reckoned at two fluid ounces, or four tablespoonfuls.


word: Winesap
definition:
Winesap

Wine"sap`
(?)
n.
[Wine + sap for sop.]
A variety of winter apple of medium size, deep red color, and yellowish flesh of a rich, rather subacid flavor.


word: Wing
definition:
Wing

Wing
(?)
n.
[OE. winge, wenge; probably of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. vinge, Icel. vængr.]

1.
One of the two anterior limbs of a bird, pterodactyl, or bat.  They correspond to the arms of man, and are usually modified for flight, but in the case of a few species of birds, as the ostrich, auk, etc., the wings are used only as an assistance in running or swimming.

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings.
Deut. xxxii. 11.

&hand_; In the wing of a bird the long quill feathers are in series. The primaries are those attached to the ulnar side of the hand; the secondaries, or wing coverts, those of the forearm: the scapulars, those that lie over the humerus; and the bastard feathers, those of the short outer digit.  See Illust. of Bird, and Plumage.

2.
Any similar member or instrument used for the purpose of flying.
Specifically:
(Zool.)
(a)
One of the two pairs of upper thoracic appendages of most hexapod insects.  They are broad, fanlike organs formed of a double membrane and strengthened by chitinous veins or nervures.
(b)
One of the large pectoral fins of the flying fishes.

3.
Passage by flying; flight; as, to take wing.

Light thickens; and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood.
Shak.

4.
Motive or instrument of flight; means of flight or of rapid motion.

Fiery expedition be my wing.
Shak.

5.
Anything which agitates the air as a wing does, or which is put in winglike motion by the action of the air, as a fan or vane for winnowing grain, the vane or sail of a windmill, etc.

6.
An ornament worn on the shoulder; a small epaulet or shoulder knot.

7.
Any appendage resembling the wing of a bird or insect in shape or appearance.
(a)
(Zool.)
One of the broad, thin, anterior lobes of the foot of a pteropod, used as an organ in swimming.
(b)
(Bot.)
Any membranaceous expansion, as that along the sides of certain stems, or of a fruit of the kind called samara.
(c)
(Bot.)
Either of the two side petals of a papilionaceous flower.

8.
One of two corresponding appendages attached; a sidepiece.
(a)
(Arch.)
A side building, less than the main edifice; as, one of the wings of a palace.
(b)
(Fort.)
The longer side of crownworks, etc., connecting them with the main work.
(c)
(Hort.)
A side shoot of a tree or plant; a branch growing up by the side of another.
[Obs.]
(d)
(Mil.)
The right or left division of an army, regiment, etc.
(e)
(Naut.)
That part of the hold or orlop of a vessel which is nearest the sides.  In a fleet, one of the extremities when the ships are drawn up in line, or when forming the two sides of a triangle.
Totten.
(f)
One of the sides of the stags in a theater.

9.
(Aeronautics)
Any surface used primarily for supporting a flying machine in flight, especially the flat or slightly curved planes on a heavier-than-air aircraft which provide most of the lift.  In fixed-wing aircraft there are usually two main wings fixed on opposite sides of the fuselage.  Smaller wings are typically placed near the tail primarily for stabilization, but may be absent in certain kinds of aircraft.  Helicopters usually have no fixed wings, the lift being supplied by the rotating blade.

10.
One of two factions within an organization, as a political party, which are opposed to each other; as, right wing or left wing.

11.
An administrative division of the air force or of a naval air group, consisting of a certain number of airplanes and the personnel associated with them.

On the wing. (a) Supported by, or flying with, the wings another. -- On the wings of the wind, with the utmost velocity. -- Under the wing of, or Under the wings of, under the care or protection of. -- Wing and wing (Naut.), with sails hauled out on either side; -- said of a schooner, or her sails, when going before the wind with the foresail on one side and the mainsail on the other; also said of a square-rigged vessel which has her studding sails set.   Cf. Goosewinged. -- Wing case (Zool.), one of the anterior wings of beetles, and of some other insects, when thickened and used to protect the hind wings; an elytron; -- called also wing cover. -- Wing covert (Zool.), one of the small feathers covering the bases of the wing quills.  See Covert, n., 2. -- Wing gudgeon (Mach.), an iron gudgeon for the end of a wooden axle, having thin, broad projections to prevent it from turning in the wood.  See Illust. of Gudgeon. -- Wing shell (Zool.), wing case of an insect. -- Wing stroke, the stroke or sweep of a wing. -- Wing transom (Naut.), the uppermost transom of the stern; -- called also main transom. J. Knowles.


word: Wing₂
definition:
Wing

Wing
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Winged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Winging.]
1.
To furnish with wings; to enable to fly, or to move with celerity.

Who heaves old ocean, and whowings the storms.
Pope.

Living, to wing with mirth the weary hours.
Longfellow.

2.
To supply with wings or sidepieces.

The main battle, whose puissance on either side
Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse.
Shak.

3.
To transport by flight; to cause to fly.

I, an old turtle,
Will wing me to some withered bough.
Shak.

4.
To move through in flight; to fly through.

There's not an arrow wings the sky
But fancy turns its point to him.
Moore.

5.
To cut off the wings of or to wound in the wing; to disable a wing of; as, to wing a bird; also, [fig.] to wound the arm of a person.

To wing a flight, to exert the power of flying; to fly.


word: Winged
definition:
Winged

Winged
(?)
a.
1.
Furnished with wings; transported by flying; having winglike expansions.

2.
Soaring with wings, or as if with wings; hence, elevated; lofty; sublime.
[R.]

How winged the sentiment that virtue is to be followed for its own sake.
J. S. Harford.

3.
Swift; rapid.
winged
Shak.

4.
Wounded or hurt in the wing.

5.
(Bot.)
Furnished with a leaflike appendage, as the fruit of the elm and the ash, or the stem in certain plants; alate.

6.
(Her.)
Represented with wings, or having wings, of a different tincture from the body.

7.
Fanned with wings; swarming with birds.
winged
Milton.


word: Winger
definition:
Winger

Wing"er
(?)
n.
(Naut.)
One of the casks stowed in the wings of a vessel's hold, being smaller than such as are stowed more amidships.
Totten.


word: Wingfish
definition:
Wingfish

Wing"fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A sea robin having large, winglike pectoral fins.  See Sea robin, under Robin.


word: Wing-footed
definition:
Wing-footed

Wing"-foot`ed
(?)
a.
1.
Having wings attached to the feet; as, wing-footed Mercury; hence, swift; moving with rapidity; fleet.
Drayton.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
Having part or all of the feet adapted for flying.
(b)
Having the anterior lobes of the foot so modified as to form a pair of winglike swimming organs; -- said of the pteropod mollusks.


word: Wing-handed
definition:
Wing-handed

Wing"-hand`ed
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having the anterior limbs or hands adapted for flight, as the bats and pterodactyls.


word: Wing it
definition:
Wing it

Wing it
v. i.
To perform an act, such as to give a speech, without the usual preparation.  To improvise or ad-lib.


word: Wingless
definition:
Wingless

Wing"less
a.
Having no wings; not able to ascend or fly.

Wingless bird (Zool.), the apteryx.


word: Winglet
definition:
Winglet

Wing"let
(?)
n.
1.
A little wing; a very small wing.

2.
(Zool.)
A bastard wing, or alula.


word: Wingmanship
definition:
Wingmanship

Wing"man*ship
(?)
n.
[From Wing, in imitation of horsemanship.]
Power or skill in flying.
[R.]
Duke of Argyll.


word: Wing-shell
definition:
Wing-shell

Wing"-shell`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any one of various species of marine bivalve shells belonging to the genus Avicula, in which the hinge border projects like a wing.
(b)
Any marine gastropod shell of the genus Strombus.  See Strombus.
(c)
Any pteropod shell.


word: Wingy
definition:
Wingy

Wing"y
a.
1.
Having wings; rapid.

With wingy speed outstrip the eastern wind.
Addison.

2.
Soaring with wings, or as if with wings; volatile airy.
[Obs. or R.]

Those wingy mysteries in divinity.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Wink
definition:
Wink

Wink
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Winked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Winking.]
[OE. winken, AS. wincian; akin to D. wenken, G. winken to wink, nod, beckon, OHG. winchan, Sw. vinka, Dan. vinke, AS. wancol wavering, OHG. wanchal wavering, wanch_;n to waver, G. wanken, and perhaps to E. weak; cf. AS. wincel a corner.  Cf. Wench, Wince, v. i.]

1.
To nod; to sleep; to nap.
[Obs.]
wink
Chaucer.

2.
To shut the eyes quickly; to close the eyelids with a quick motion.

He must wink, so loud he would cry.
Chaucer.

And I will wink, so shall the day seem night.
Shak.

They are not blind, but they wink.
Tillotson.

3.
To close and open the eyelids quickly; to nictitate; to blink.

A baby of some three months old, who winked, and turned aside its little face from the too vivid light of day.
Hawthorne.

4.
To give a hint by a motion of the eyelids, often those of one eye only.

Wink at the footman to leave him without a plate.
Swift.

5.
To avoid taking notice, as if by shutting the eyes; to connive at anything; to be tolerant; -- generally with at.

The times of this ignorance God winked at.
Acts xvii. 30.

And yet, as though he knew it not,
His knowledge winks, and lets his humors reign.
Herbert.

Obstinacy can not be winked at, but must be subdued.
Locke.

6.
To be dim and flicker; as, the light winks.

Winking monkey (Zool.), the white-nosed monkey (Cersopithecus nictitans).


word: Wink₃
definition:
Wink

Wink
n.
1.
The act of closing, or closing and opening, the eyelids quickly; hence, the time necessary for such an act; a moment.

I have not slept one wink.
Shak.

I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink.
Donne.

2.
A hint given by shutting the eye with a significant cast.
Sir. P. Sidney.

The stockjobber thus from Change Alley goes down,
And tips you, the freeman, a wink.
Swift.


word: Winkle
definition:
Winkle

Win"kle
(?)
n.
[AS. wincle.]
(Zool.)
(a)
Any periwinkle.
Holland.
(b)
Any one of various marine spiral gastropods, esp., in the United States, either of two species of Fulgar (Fulgar canaliculata, and Fulgar carica).

&hand_; These are large mollusks which often destroy large numbers of oysters by drilling their shells and sucking their blood.

Sting winkle, a European spinose marine shell (Murex erinaceus).  See Illust. of Murex.


word: Winkle-hawk
definition:
Winkle-hawk

Win"kle-hawk`
(?)
n.
[D. winkel-haak a carpenter's square.]
A rectangular rent made in cloth; -- called also winkle-hole.
[Local, U. S.]
Bartlett.


word: Winnebagoes
definition:
Winnebagoes

Win`ne*ba"goes
(?)
n.
sing. Winnebago (_;)
(Ethnol.)
A tribe of North American Indians who originally occupied the region about Green Bay, Lake Michigan, but were driven back from the lake and nearly exterminated in 1640 by the IIlinnois.


word: Winning
definition:
Winning

Win"ning
(?)
a.
Attracting; adapted to gain favor; charming; as, a winning address.
winning
Keble.


word: Winning₂
definition:
Winning

Win"ning
n.
1.
The act of obtaining something, as in a contest or by competition.

2.
The money, etc., gained by success in competition or contest, esp, in gambling; -- usually in the plural.

Ye seek land and sea for your winnings.
Chaucer.

3.
(Mining)
(a)
A new opening.
(b)
The portion of a coal field out for working.

Winning headway (Mining), an excavation for exploration, in post-and-stall working. -- Winning post, the post, or goal, at the end of a race.


word: Winnow
definition:
Winnow

Win"now
(wĭn"no̝)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Winnowed (wĭn"no̝d); p. pr. & vb. n. Winnowing.]
[OE. windewen, winewen, AS. windwian; akin to Goth. winpjan (in comp.), winpi-skauro a fan, L. ventilare to fan, to winnow; cf. L. wannus a fan for winnowing, G. wanne, OHG. wanna. √131.  See Wind moving air, and cf. Fan., n., Ventilate.]

1.
To separate, and drive off, the chaff from by means of wind; to fan; as, to winnow grain.

Ho winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing floor.
Ruth. iii. 2.

2.
To sift, as for the purpose of separating falsehood from truth; to separate, as bad from good.

Winnow well this thought, and you shall find
This light as chaff that flies before the wind.
Dryden.

3.
To beat with wings, or as with wings.
[Poetic]

Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan
Winnows the buxom air.
Milton.


word: Winsome
definition:
Winsome

Win"some
(?)
a.
[Compar. Winsomer (?); superl. Winsomest.]
[AS. wynsum, fr. wynn joy; akin to OS. wunnia, OHG. wunna, wunni, G. wonne, Goth. wunan to rejoice (in unwunands sad), AS. wunian to dwell. _;_;_;_;.  See Win, v. t., Wont, a.]

1.
Cheerful; merry; gay; light-hearted.

Misled by ill example, and a winsome nature.
Jeffrey.

2.
Causing joy or pleasure; gladsome; pleasant.

Still plotting how their hungry ear
That winsome voice again might hear.
Emerson.


word: Winsomeness
definition:
Winsomeness

Win"some*ness
n.
The characteristic of being winsome; attractiveness of manner.
J. R. Green.


word: Winter
definition:
Winter

Win"ter
(?)
n.
[AS. winter; akin to OFries. & D. winter, OS. & OHG. wintar, G. winter, D. & Sw. vinter, Icel. vetr, Goth. wintrus; of uncertain origin; cf. Old Gallic vindo- white (in comp.), OIr. find white. _;_;_;_;.]

1.
The season of the year in which the sun shines most obliquely upon any region; the coldest season of the year.
winter
Chaucer.

And after summer evermore succeeds
Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold.
Shak.

Winter lingering chills the lap of May.
Goldsmith.

&hand_; North of the equator, winter is popularly taken to include the months of December, January, and February (see Season).  Astronomically, it may be considered to begin with the winter solstice, about December 21st, and to end with the vernal equinox, about March 21st.

2.
The period of decay, old age, death, or the like.

Life's autumn past, I stand on winter's verge.
Wordsworth.

Winter apple, an apple that keeps well in winter, or that does not ripen until winter. -- Winter barley, a kind of barley that is sown in autumn. -- Winter berry (Bot.),  the name of several American shrubs (Ilex verticillata, Ilex laevigata, etc.) of the Holly family, having bright red berries conspicuous in winter. -- Winter bloom. (Bot.) (a) A plant of the genus Azalea. (b) A plant of the genus Hamamelis (Hamamelis Viginica); witch-hazel; -- so called from its flowers appearing late in autumn, while the leaves are falling. -- Winter bud (Zool.), a statoblast. -- Winter cherry (Bot.), a plant (Physalis Alkekengi) of the Nightshade family, which has, a red berry inclosed in the inflated and persistent calyx.  See Alkekengi. -- Winter cough (Med.), a form of chronic bronchitis marked by a cough recurring each winter. -- Winter cress (Bot.), a yellow-flowered cruciferous plant (Barbarea vulgaris). -- Winter crop, a crop which will bear the winter, or which may be converted into fodder during the winter. -- Winter duck. (Zool.) (a) The pintail. (b) The old squaw. -- Winter egg (Zool.), an egg produced in the autumn by many invertebrates, and destined to survive the winter. Such eggs usually differ from the summer eggs in having a thicker shell, and often in being enveloped in a protective case. They sometimes develop in a manner different from that of the summer eggs. -- Winter fallow, ground that is fallowed in winter. -- Winter fat. (Bot.) Same as White sage, under White. -- Winter fever (Med.), pneumonia. [Colloq.] -- Winter flounder. (Zool.) See the Note under Flounder. -- Winter gull (Zool.), the common European gull; -- called also winter mew. [Prov. Eng.] -- Winter itch. (Med.) See Prarie itch, under Prairie. -- Winter lodge, or Winter lodgment. (Bot.) Same as Hibernaculum. -- Winter mew. (Zool.) Same as Winter gull, above. [Prov. Eng.] -- Winter moth (Zool.), any one of several species of geometrid moths which come forth in winter, as the European species (Cheimatobia brumata). These moths have rudimentary mouth organs, and eat no food in the imago state. The female of some of the species is wingless. -- Winter oil, oil prepared so as not to solidify in moderately cold weather. -- Winter pear, a kind of pear that keeps well in winter, or that does not ripen until winter. -- Winter quarters, the quarters of troops during the winter; a winter residence or station. -- Winter rye, a kind of rye that is sown in autumn. -- Winter shad (Zool.), the gizzard shad. -- Winter sheldrake (Zool.), the goosander. [Local, U. S.] -- Winter sleep (Zool.), hibernation. -- Winter snipe (Zool.), the dunlin. -- Winter solstice. (Astron.) See Solstice, 2. -- Winter teal (Zool.), the green-winged teal. -- Winter wagtail (Zool.), the gray wagtail (Motacilla melanope). [Prov. Eng.] -- Winter wheat, wheat sown in autumn, which lives during the winter, and ripens in the following summer. -- Winter wren (Zool.), a small American wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) closely resembling the common wren.


word: Winter₂
definition:
Winter

Win"ter
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wintered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wintering.]
To pass the winter; to hibernate; as, to winter in Florida.

Because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence.
Acts xxvii. 12.


word: Winter₃
definition:
Winter

Win"ter
v. i.
To keep, feed or manage, during the winter; as, to winter young cattle on straw.


word: Wintergreen
definition:
Wintergreen

Win"ter*green`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A plant which keeps its leaves green through the winter.

&hand_; In England, the name wintergreen is applied to the species of Pyrola which in America are called English wintergreen, and shin leaf  (see Shin leaf, under Shin.)  In America, the name wintergreen is given to Gaultheria procumbens, a low evergreen aromatic plant with oval leaves clustered at the top of a short stem, and bearing small white flowers followed by red berries; -- called also checkerberry, and sometimes, though improperly, partridge berry.

Chickweed wintergreen, a low perennial primulaceous herb (Trientalis Americana); -- also called star flower. -- Flowering wintergreen, a low plant (Polygala paucifolia) with leaves somewhat like those of the wintergreen (Gaultheria), and bearing a few showy, rose-purple blossoms. -- oil of wintergreen, An aromatic oil, consisting almost entirely of methyl salicylate (CH3CO.O.C6H4.OH), obtained by distillation of an extract of the wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens); it can also be obtained from some other plants.  It is used as a flavoring agent for tooth powders and pastes, sometimes combined with menthol or eucalyptus.  It is called also oil of teaberry, oil of partridgeberry, and oil of gaultheria. -- Spotted wintergreen, a low evergreen plant (Chimaphila maculata) with ovate, white-spotted leaves.


word: Winter-ground
definition:
Winter-ground

Win"ter-ground`
(?)
v. t.
To coved over in the season of winter, as for protection or shelter; as, to winter-ground the roods of a plant.

The ruddock would . . . bring thee all this,
Yea, and furred moss besides, when flowers are none
To winter-ground thy corse.
Shak.


word: Winterkill
definition:
Winterkill

Win"ter*kill`
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Winterkilled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Winterkilling.]
To kill by the cold, or exposure to the inclemency of winter; as, the wheat was winterkilled.
[U. S.]


word: Winterkill₂
definition:
Winterkill

Win"ter*kill`
v. i.
To die as the result of exposure to the cold of winter; as, the tree winterkills easily.


word: Winterly
definition:
Winterly

Win"ter*ly
a.
Like winter; wintry; cold; hence, disagreeable, cheerless; as, winterly news.
[R.]
Shak.

The sir growing more winterly in the month of April.
Camden.


word: Winter-proud
definition:
Winter-proud

Win"ter-proud`
(?)
a.
Having too rank or forward a growth for winter.

When either corn is winter-proud, or other plants put forth and bud too early.
Holland.


word: Winter-rig
definition:
Winter-rig

Win"ter-rig`
(?)
v. t.
[See Winter and Ridge.]
To fallow or till in winter.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Winter's bark
definition:
Winter's bark

Win"ter's bark`
(?)
(Bot.)
The aromatic bark of tree (Drimys Winteri syn.  Drymis Winteri) of the Magnolia family, which is found in Southern Chile.  It was first used as a cure for scurvy by its discoverer, Captain John Winter, vice admiral to sir Francis Drake, in 1577.


word: Winterweed
definition:
Winterweed

Win"ter*weed`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A kind of speedwell (Veronica hederifolia) which spreads chiefly in winter.
Dr. Prior.


word: Wintry
definition:
Wintry

Win"try
(?)
a.
[AS. wintrig.]
Suitable to winter; resembling winter, or what belongs to winter; brumal; hyemal; cold; stormy; wintery.

Touch our chilled hearts with vernal smile,
Our wintry course do thou beguile.
Keble.


word: Winy
definition:
Winy

Win"y
(?)
a.
Having the taste or qualities of wine; vinous; as, grapes of a winy taste.
Dampier.


word: Winze
definition:
Winze

Winze
(?)
n.
(Mining.)
A small shaft sunk from one level to another, as for the purpose of ventilation.


word: Wipe₂
definition:
Wipe

Wipe
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wiped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wiping.]
[OE. vipen, AS. wīpian; cf. LG. wiep a wisp of straw, Sw. vepa to wrap up, to cuddle one's self up, vepa a blanket; perhaps akin to E. whip.]

1.
To rub with something soft for cleaning; to clean or dry by rubbing; as, to wipe the hands or face with a towel.

Let me wipe thy face.
Shak.

I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.
2 Kings xxi. 13.

2.
To remove by rubbing; to rub off; to obliterate; -- usually followed by away, off or out. Also used figuratively.
wipe
Shak.

Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon.
Milton.

3.
To cheat; to defraud; to trick; -- usually followed by out.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

If they by coveyne [covin] or gile be wiped beside their goods.
Robynson (More's Utopia)

To wipe a joint (Plumbing), to make a joint, as between pieces of lead pipe, by surrounding the junction with a mass of solder, applied in a plastic condition by means of a rag with which the solder is shaped by rubbing. -- To wipe the nose of, to cheat. [Old Slang]


word: Wipe₃
definition:
Wipe

Wipe
n.
1.
Act of rubbing, esp. in order to clean.

2.
A blow; a stroke; a hit; a swipe.
[Low]

3.
A gibe; a jeer; a severe sarcasm.
Swift.

4.
A handkerchief.
[Thieves' Cant or Slang]

5.
Stain; brand.
[Obs.]
wipe
Shak.


word: Wiper
definition:
Wiper

Wip"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, wipes.

2.
Something used for wiping, as a towel or rag.

3.
(Mach.)
A piece generally projecting from a rotating or swinging piece, as an axle or rock shaft, for the purpose of raising stampers, lifting rods, or the like, and leaving them to fall by their own weight; a kind of cam.

4.
(Firearms)
A rod, or an attachment for a rod, for holding a rag with which to wipe out the bore of the barrel.


word: Wirble
definition:
Wirble

Wir"ble
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wirbled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wirbling (?).]
[Cf. Warble, Whirl.]
To whirl; to eddy.
[R.]

The waters went wirbling above and around.
Owen. Meredith.


word: Wire
definition:
Wire

Wire
(wīr)
n.
[OE. wir, AS. wir; akin to Icel. vīrr, Dan. vire, LG. wir, wire; cf. OHG. wiara fine gold; perhaps akin to E. withy. √141.]

1.
A thread or slender rod of metal; a metallic substance formed to an even thread by being passed between grooved rollers, or drawn through holes in a plate of steel.

&hand_; Wire is made of any desired form, as round, square, triangular, etc., by giving this shape to the hole in the drawplate, or between the rollers.

2.
A telegraph wire or cable; hence, an electric telegraph; as, to send a message by wire.
[Colloq.]

3.
pl.
The system of wires used to operate the puppets in a puppet show;
hence
(Chiefly Political Slang)
the network of hidden influences controlling the action of a person or organization; as, to pull the wires for office; -- in this sense, synonymous with strings.

4.
One who picks women's pockets.
[Thieves' Slang]

5.
A knitting needle.
[Scot.]

6.
A wire stretching across over a race track at the judges' stand, to mark the line at which the races end.
[Racing Cant]

Wire bed, Wire mattress, an elastic bed bottom or mattress made of wires interwoven or looped together in various ways. -- Wire bridge, a bridge suspended from wires, or cables made of wire. -- Wire cartridge, a shot cartridge having the shot inclosed in a wire cage. -- Wire cloth, a coarse cloth made of woven metallic wire, -- used for strainers, and for various other purposes. -- Wire edge, the thin, wirelike thread of metal sometimes formed on the edge of a tool by the stone in sharpening it. -- Wire fence, a fence consisting of posts with strained horizontal wires, wire netting, or other wirework, between. -- Wire gauge or Wire gage. (a) A gauge for measuring the diameter of wire, thickness of sheet metal, etc., often consisting of a metal plate with a series of notches of various widths in its edge. (b) A standard series of sizes arbitrarily indicated, as by numbers, to which the diameter of wire or the thickness of sheet metal in usually made, and which is used in describing the size or thickness. There are many different standards for wire gauges, as in different countries, or for different kinds of metal, the Birmingham wire gauges and the American wire gauge being often used and designated by the abbreviations B. W. G. and A. W. G. respectively. -- Wire gauze, a texture of finely interwoven wire, resembling gauze. -- Wire grass (Bot.), either of the two common grasses Eleusine Indica, valuable for hay and pasture, and Poa compressa, or blue grass.  See Blue grass. -- Wire grub (Zool.), a wireworm. -- Wire iron, wire rods of iron. -- Wire lathing, wire cloth or wire netting applied in the place of wooden lathing for holding plastering. -- Wire mattress. See Wire bed, above. -- Wire micrometer, a micrometer having spider lines, or fine wires, across the field of the instrument. -- Wire nail, a nail formed of a piece of wire which is headed and pointed. -- Wire netting, a texture of woven wire coarser than ordinary wire gauze. -- Wire rod, a metal rod from which wire is formed by drawing. -- Wire rope, a rope formed wholly, or in great part, of wires. -- down to the wire, up to the last moment, as in a race or competition; as, the two front runners were neck-and-neck down to the wire.  From wire{6}. -- under the wire, just in time; shortly before the deadline; as, to file an application just under the wire.


word: Wire₂
definition:
Wire

Wire
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wired (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wiring.]
1.
To bind with wire; to attach with wires; to apply wire to; as, to wire corks in bottling liquors.

2.
To put upon a wire; as, to wire beads.

3.
To snare by means of a wire or wires.

4.
To send (a message) by telegraph.
[Colloq.]

5.
(Croquet)
To place (a ball) so that the wire of a wicket prevents a successful shot.

6.
to equip with a system of wiring, especially for supply of electrical power or communication; as, to wire an office for networking the computers; to wire a building with 220-Volt current.

7.
to equip with an electronic system for eavesdropping; to bug; as, to wire the office of a mob boss; to wire an informant so as to record his conversations.


word: Wire₃
definition:
Wire

Wire
v. i.
1.
To pass like a wire; to flow in a wirelike form, or in a tenuous stream.
[R.]
P. Fletcher.

2.
To send a telegraphic message.
[Colloq.]


word: Wiredraw
definition:
Wiredraw

Wire"draw`
(?)
v. t.
[imp. Wiredrew (?); p. p. Wiredrawn (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wiredrawing.]

1.
To form (a piece of metal) into wire, by drawing it through a hole in a plate of steel.

2.
Hence, to draw by art or violence.

My sense has been wiredrawn into blasphemy.
Dryden.

3.
Hence, also, to draw or spin out to great length and tenuity; as, to wiredraw an argument.

Such twisting, such wiredrawing, was never seen in a court of justice.
Macaulay.

4.
(Steam Engine)
To pass, or to draw off, (as steam) through narrow ports, or the like, thus reducing its pressure or force by friction.


word: Wireless
definition:
Wireless

Wire"less
a.
Having no wire;
specif.
(Elec.)
designating, or pertaining to, a method of telegraphy, telephony, or other information transmisssion, in which the messages, data, etc., are transmitted through space by electric waves; as, a wireless message;  a wireless network; a wireless keyboard.

-- Wireless telegraphy or Wireless telegraph (Elec.), any system of telegraphy employing no connecting wire or wires between the transmitting and receiving stations. Although more or less successful researchers were made on the subject by Joseph Henry, Hertz, Oliver Lodge, and others, the first commercially successful system was that of Guglielmo Marconi, patented in March, 1897. Marconi employed electric waves of high frequency set up by an induction coil in an oscillator, these waves being launched into space through a lofty antenna. The receiving apparatus consisted of another antenna in circuit with a coherer and  small battery for operating through a relay the ordinary telegraphic receiver. This apparatus contains the essential features of all the systems now in use. -- Wireless telephone, an apparatus or contrivance for wireless telephony. -- Wireless telephony, telephony without wires, usually employing electric waves of high frequency emitted from an oscillator or generator, as in wireless telegraphy. A telephone transmitter causes fluctuations in these waves, it being the fluctuations only which affect the receiver.


word: Wireless₂
definition:
Wireless

Wire"less
n.
Short for Wireless telegraphy, Wireless telephony, etc.; as, to send a message by wireless.


word: Wire-puller
definition:
Wire-puller

wirepuller

wirepuller, Wire"-pull`er
(?)
n.
One who pulls the wires, as of a puppet; hence, one who uses secret influence (i.e. pulls wires or strings) for his own ends; an intriguer.

Political wire-pullers and convention packers.
Lowell.


word: Wire-pulling
definition:
Wire-pulling

Wire"-pull`ing
n.
The act of pulling the wires, as of a puppet; hence, secret influence or management, especially in politics; intrigue.


word: Wire-tailed
definition:
Wire-tailed

Wire"-tailed`
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having some or all of the tail quills terminated in a long, slender, pointed shaft, without a web or barbules.


word: wiretap
definition:
wiretap

wiretap
n.
the act or event of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information surreptitiously.


word: wiretap₂
definition:
wiretap

wiretap
v. t.
to tap{5} (a telephone or telegraph line) to get information surreptitiously; also, to obtain or record (information) by use of a wiretap.


word: Wire tapper
definition:
Wire tapper

Wire tapper
One that taps, or cuts in on, telegraph wires and intercepts messages;
hence
(Slang)
a swindler who pretends to tap wires or otherwise intercept advance telegraphic news for betting.
Wire tapping.


word: Wireworm
definition:
Wireworm

Wire"worm`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
One of the larvae of various species of snapping beetles, or elaters; -- so called from their slenderness and the uncommon hardness of the integument.  Wireworms are sometimes very destructive to the roots of plants.  Called also wire grub.
(b)
A galleyworm.


word: Wire-wound gun
definition:
Wire-wound gun

Wire"-wound` gun
(Ordnance)
A gun in the construction of which an inner tube (either entire or in segments) is wound with wire under tension to insure greater soundness and uniformity of resistance. In modern construction hoops and jackets are shrunk on over the wire.


word: Wiring
definition:
Wiring

Wir"ing
(?)
n.
1.
The act of one that wires anything.

2.
The wires or conductors employed in any system in which electric voltages or current are transmitted between components.


word: Wiry
definition:
Wiry

Wir"y
(?)
a.
[Written also wiery.]

1.
Made of wire; like wire; drawn out like wire.

2.
Capable of endurance; tough; sinewy; as, a wiry frame or constitution.
wiry
Dickens.

He bore his age well, and seemed to retain a wiry vigor and alertness.
Hawthorne.


word: Wis
definition:
Wis

Wis
(?)
adv.
[Aphetic form of iwis, ywis; or fr. Icel. viss certain.  See Ywis.]
Certainly; really; indeed.
[Obs.]
wis
Chaucer.


word: Wis₂
definition:
Wis

Wis
v. t.
[Due to mistaking OE. iwis certain, AS. gewiss, for I wis.  See Ywis.]
To think; to suppose; to imagine; -- used chiefly in the first person sing. present tense, I wis.  See the Note under Ywis.
[Obs. or Poetic]
wis
R. Browning.

Nor do I know how long it is
(For I have lain entranced, I wis).
Coleridge.


word: Wisdom
definition:
Wisdom

Wis"dom
(-dŭm)
n.
[AS. wīsd&omacrm.  See Wise, a., and -dom.]

1.
The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity.

We speak also not in wise words of man's wisdom, but in the doctrine of the spirit.
Wyclif (1 Cor. ii. 13).

 Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Job xxviii. 28.

It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom that they will yield everything to reason, and refuse everything to force.
Ames.

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Coleridge.

2.
The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition.

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Acts vii. 22.

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one,
Have ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells
In heads replete with thoughts of other men;
Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own.
Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass,
The mere materials with which wisdom builds,
Till smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place,
Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich.
Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much;
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
Cowper.

Wisdom tooth, the last, or back, tooth of the full set on each half of each jaw in man; -- familiarly so called, because appearing comparatively late, after the person may be supposed to have arrived at the age of wisdom.  See the Note under Tooth, 1.


word: Wisdom literature
definition:
Wisdom literature

Wis"dom lit"er*a*ture
The class of ancient Hebrew writings which deal reflectively with general ethical and religious topics, as distinguished from the prophetic and liturgical literature, and from the law. It is comprised chiefly in the books of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiasticus, Ecclesiastes, and Wisdom of Solomon. The “wisdom” (Hokhmah) of these writings consists in detached sage utterances on concrete issues of life, without the effort at philosophical system that appeared in the later Hellenistic reflective writing beginning with Philo Judaeus.


word: Wise
definition:
Wise

Wise
(wīz)
a.
[Compar. Wiser (wīz"ẽr); superl. Wisest.]
[OE. wis, AS. wīs; akin to OS. & OFries. wīs, D. wijs, G. weise, OHG. wīs, wīsi, Icel. vīss, Sw. vis, Dan. viis, Goth. weis; akin to wit, v. i.  See Wit, v., and cf. Righteous, Wisdom.]

1.
Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.

They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Jer. iv. 22.

2.
Hence, especially, making due use of knowledge; discerning and judging soundly concerning what is true or false, proper or improper; choosing the best ends and the best means for accomplishing them; sagacious.

When clouds appear, wise men put their cloaks.
Shak.

From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.
2 Tim. iii. 15.

3.
Versed in art or science; skillful; dexterous; specifically, skilled in divination.

Fal.  There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone.
Sim.  Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brentford?
Shak.

4.
Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty.
[R.]
wise
Chaucer.

Nor, on the other side,
Will I be penuriously wise
As to make money, that's my slave, my idol.
Beau. & Fl.

Lords do not care for me:
I am too wise to die yet.
Ford.

5.
Dictated or guided by wisdom; containing or exhibiting wisdom; well adapted to produce good effects; judicious; discreet; as, a wise saying; a wise scheme or plan; wise conduct or management; a wise determination.
wise
Milton.

To make it wise, to make it a matter of deliberation. [Obs.]  “We thought it was not worth to make it wise.” Chaucer. -- Wise in years, old enough to be wise; wise from age and experience; hence, aged; old. [Obs.]

A very grave, state bachelor, my dainty one;
He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth.
Ford.

You are too wise in years, too full of counsel,
For my green experience.
Ford.


word: wise
definition:
wise

wise
a.
[OE. wise, AS. wīse; akin to OS. wīsa, OFries. wīs, D. wijs, wijze, OHG. wīsa, G. weise, Sw. vis, Dan. viis, Icel. öðruvīs otherwise; from the root of E. wit; hence, originally, knowledge, skill.  See Wit, v., and cf. Guise.]
Way of being or acting; manner; mode; fashion.
wise
Spenser.

To love her in my beste wyse.
Chaucer.

This song she sings in most commanding wise.
Sir P. Sidney.

Let not these blessings then, sent from above,
Abused be, or spilt in profane wise.
Fairfax.

&hand_; This word is nearly obsolete, except in such phrases as in any wise, in no wise, on this wise, etc. “ Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” Ps. xxxvii. 8. “He shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matt. x. 42. “ On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel.” Num. vi. 23.

&hand_; Wise is often used as a suffix in composition, as in likewise, nowise, lengthwise, etc., in which words -ways is often substituted with the same sense; as, noways, lengthways, etc.


word: Wiseacre
definition:
Wiseacre

Wise"a*cre
(?)
n.
[OD. wijssegger or G. weissager a foreteller, prophet, from weissagen to foretell, to prophesy, OHG. wīssag_;n, corrupted (as if compounded of the words for wise and say) fr. wīzzag_;n, fr. wīzzag_; a prophet, akin to AS. wītiga, wītga, from the root of E. wit.  See Wit, v.]

1.
A learned or wise man.
[Obs.]

Pythagoras learned much . . . becoming a mighty wiseacre.
Leland.

2.
One who makes undue pretensions to wisdom; a would-be-wise person; hence, in contempt, a simpleton; a dunce.


word: Wise-hearted
definition:
Wise-hearted

Wise"-heart`ed
(?)
a.
Wise; knowing; skillful; sapient; erudite; prudent.
Ex. xxviii. 3.


word: Wise-like
definition:
Wise-like

Wise"-like`
(?)
a.
Resembling that which is wise or sensible; judicious.

The only wise-like thing I heard anybody say.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Wisely
definition:
Wisely

Wise"ly
adv.
In a wise manner; prudently; judiciously; discreetly; with wisdom.

And wisely learn to curb thy sorrows wild.
Milton.


word: Wish
definition:
Wish

Wish
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wishing.]
[OE. wischen, weschen, wuschen, AS. w_;scan; akin to D. wenschen, G. wünschen, Icel. æeskja, Dan. önske, Sw. önska; from AS. w_;sc a wish; akin to OD. & G. wunsch, OHG. wunsc, Icel. _;sk, Skr. vā_;chā a wish, vā_;ch to wish; also to Skr. van to like, to wish. _;.  See Winsome, Win, v. t., and cf. Wistful.]

1.
To have a desire or yearning; to long; to hanker.

They cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Acts xxvii. 29.

This is as good an argument as an antiquary could wish for.
Arbuthnot.


word: Wish₂
definition:
Wish

Wish
(?)
v. t.
1.
To desire; to long for; to hanker after; to have a mind or disposition toward.

I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you.
Shak.

I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper.
3. John 2.

2.
To frame or express desires concerning; to invoke in favor of, or against, any one; to attribute, or cal down, in desire; to invoke; to imprecate.

I would not wish them to a fairer death.
Shak.

I wish it may not prove some ominous foretoken of misfortune to have met with such a miser as I am.
Sir P. Sidney.

Let them be driven backward, and put to shame, that wish me evil.
Ps. xl. 14.

3.
To recommend; to seek confidence or favor in behalf of.
[Obs.]
Shak.

I would be glad to thrive, sir,
And I was wished to your worship by a gentleman.
B. Jonson.


word: Wish₃
definition:
Wish

Wish
n.
1.
Desire; eager desire; longing.

Behold, I am according to thy wish in God a stead.
Job xxxiii. 6.

2.
Expression of desire; request; petition; hence, invocation or imprecation.

Blistered be thy tongue for such a wish.
Shak.

3.
A thing desired; an object of desire.

Will he, wise, let loose at once his ire . . . 
To give his enemies their wish!
Milton.


word: Wishbone
definition:
Wishbone

Wish"bone`
(?)
n.
The forked bone in front of the breastbone in birds; -- called also merrythought, and wishing bone.  See Merrythought, and Furculum.


word: Wishful
definition:
Wishful

Wish"ful
(?)
a.
[Cf. Wistful.]
1.
Having desire, or ardent desire; longing.

2.
Showing desire; as, wishful eyes.

From Scotland am I stolen, even of pure love
To greet mine own land with my wishful sight.
Shak.

3.
Desirable; exciting wishes.
[R.]
Chapman.


word: Wishing
definition:
Wishing

Wish"ing
a. & n. from Wish, v. t.

Wishing bone. See Wishbone. -- Wishing cap, a cap fabled to give one whatever he wishes for when wearing it.


word: Wishy-washy
definition:
Wishy-washy

Wish"y-wash`y
(?)
a.
[See Wash.]
Thin and pale; weak; without strength or substance; -- originally said of liquids. Fig., weak-minded; spiritless.

A weak wishy-washy man who had hardly any mind of his own.
A. Trollope.


word: Wisp
definition:
Wisp

Wisp
(?)
n.
[OE. wisp, wips; probably akin to D. & G. wisch, Icel. visk, and perhaps to L. virga a twig, rod.  Cf. Verge a rod, Whisk, n.]

1.
A small bundle, as of straw or other like substance.

In a small basket, on a wisp of hay.
Dryden.

2.
A whisk, or small broom.

3.
A Will-o'-the-wisp; an ignis fatuus.

The wisp that flickers where no foot can tread.
Tennyson.


word: Wisp₂
definition:
Wisp

Wisp
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wisped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wisping.]

1.
To brush or dress, an with a wisp.

2.
To rumple.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Wisse
definition:
Wisse

Wis"se
(?)
v. t.
[AS. wīsian.  See Wise, a.]
To show; to teach; to inform; to guide; to direct.
[Obs.]

Ere we depart I shall thee so well wisse
That of mine house ne shalt thou never misse.
Chaucer.


word: Wistaria
definition:
Wistaria

Wis*ta"ri*a
(?)
n.
[NL.]
[So named after Caspar Wistar, an American anatomist.]
(Bot.)
A genus of climbing leguminous plants bearing long, pendulous clusters of pale bluish flowers.  Now commonly spelled Wisteria.

&hand_; The species commonest in cultivation is the Wistaria Sinensis from Eastern Asia. Wistaria fruticosa grows wild in the southern parts of the United States.


word: Wistful
definition:
Wistful

Wist"ful
(?)
a.
[For wishful; perhaps influenced by wistly, which is probably corrupted from OE. wisly certainly (from Icel. viss certain, akin to E. wit).  See Wish.]

1.
Longing; wishful; desirous.

Lifting up one of my sashes, I cast many a wistful, melancholy look towards the sea.
Swift.

2.
Full of thought; eagerly attentive; meditative; musing; pensive; contemplative.

That he who there at such an hour hath been,
Will wistful linger on that hallowed spot.
Byron.


word: Wistit
definition:
Wistit

Wis"tit
n.
[Prob. from native name: cf. F. ouistiti.]
(Zool.)
A small South American monkey; a marmoset.
[Written also wistiti, and ouistiti.]


word: Wit
definition:
Wit

Wit
(wĭt)
v. t. & i.
[inf. (To) Wit; pres. sing. Wot; pl. Wite; imp. Wist(e); p. p. Wist; p. pr. & vb. n. Wit(t)ing.  See the Note below.]
[OE. witen, pres. ich wot, wat, I know (wot), imp. wiste, AS. witan, pres. wāt, imp. wiste, wisse; akin to OFries. wita, OS. witan, D. weten, G. wissen, OHG. wizzan, Icel. vita, Sw. veta, Dan. vide, Goth. witan to observe, wait I know, Russ. vidiete to see, L. videre, Gr. _;, Skr. vid to know, learn; cf. Skr. vid to find. _;_;_;_;.  Cf. History, Idea, Idol, -oid, Twit, Veda, Vision, Wise, a. & n., Wot.]
To know; to learn.
wot
wist
Chaucer.

&hand_; The present tense was inflected as follows; sing. 1st pers. wot; 2d pers. wost, or wot(t)est; 3d pers. wot, or wot(t)eth; pl. witen, or wite. The following variant forms also occur; pres. sing. 1st & 3d pers. wat, woot; pres. pl. wyten, or wyte, weete, wote, wot; imp. wuste (Southern dialect); p. pr. wotting. Later, other variant or corrupt forms are found, as, in Shakespeare, 3d pers. sing. pres. wots.

Brethren, we do you to wit [make you to know] of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.
2 Cor. viii. 1.

Thou wost full little what thou meanest.
Chaucer.

We witen not what thing we prayen here.
Chaucer.

When that the sooth in wist.
Chaucer.

&hand_; This verb is now used only in the infinitive, to wit, which is employed, especially in legal language, to call attention to a particular thing, or to a more particular specification of what has preceded, and is equivalent to namely, that is to say.


word: Wit₂
definition:
Wit

Wit
(?)
n.
[AS. witt, wit; akin to OFries. wit, G. witz, OHG. wizzī, Icel. vit, Dan. vid, Sw. vett. √133.  See Wit, v.]

1.
Mind; intellect; understanding; sense.

Who knew the wit of the Lord? or who was his counselor?
Wyclif (Rom. xi. 34).

A prince most prudent, of an excellent
And unmatched wit and judgment.
Shak.

Will puts in practice what wit deviseth.
Sir J. Davies.

He wants not wit the dander to decline.
Dryden.

2.
A mental faculty, or power of the mind; -- used in this sense chiefly in the plural, and in certain phrases; as, to lose one's wits; at one's wits' end, and the like.
wittes
Chaucer.

I will stare him out of his wits.
Shak.

3.
Felicitous association of objects not usually connected, so as to produce a pleasant surprise; also. the power of readily combining objects in such a manner.

The definition of wit is only this, that it is a propriety of thoughts and words; or, in other terms, thoughts and words elegantly adapted to the subject.
Dryden.

Wit which discovers partial likeness hidden in general diversity.
Coleridge.

Wit lying most in the assemblage of ideas, and putting those together with quickness and variety wherein can be found any resemblance or congruity, thereby to make up pleasant pictures in the fancy.
Locke.

4.
A person of eminent sense or knowledge; a man of genius, fancy, or humor; one distinguished for bright or amusing sayings, for repartee, and the like.

In Athens, where books and wits were ever busier than in any other part of Greece, I find but only two sorts of writings which the magistrate cared to take notice of; those either blasphemous and atheistical, or libelous.
Milton.

Intemperate wits will spare neither friend nor foe.
L'Estrange.

A wit herself, Amelia weds a wit.
Young.

The five wits, the five senses; also, sometimes, the five qualities or faculties, common wit, imagination, fantasy, estimation, and memory. Chaucer. Nares.

But my five wits nor my five senses can
Dissuade one foolish heart from serving thee.
Shak.


word: Witan
definition:
Witan

Wit"an
(?)
n. pl.
[AS., pl. of wita sage, councilor.]
Lit., wise men;
specif.
(A.-S. Hist.)
The members of the national, or king's, council which sat to assist the king in administrative and judicial matters; also, the council.


word: Witch
definition:
Witch

Witch
(?)
n.
[Cf. Wick of a lamp.]
A cone of paper which is placed in a vessel of lard or other fat, and used as a taper.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Witch₂
definition:
Witch

Witch
n.
[OE. wicche, AS. wicce, fem., wicca, masc.; perhaps the same word as AS. wītiga, wītga, a soothsayer (cf. Wiseacre); cf. Fries. wikke, a witch, LG. wikken to predict, Icel. vitki a wizard, vitka to bewitch.]

1.
One who practices the black art, or magic; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with an evil spirit, esp. with the Devil; a sorcerer or sorceress; -- now applied chiefly or only to women, but formerly used of men as well.

There was a man in that city whose name was Simon, a witch.
Wyclif (Acts viii. 9).

He can not abide the old woman of Brentford; he swears she's a witch.
Shak.

2.
An ugly old woman; a hag.
Shak.

3.
One who exercises more than common power of attraction; a charming or bewitching person; also, one given to mischief; -- said especially of a woman or child.
[Colloq.]

4.
(Geom.)
A certain curve of the third order, described by Maria Agnesi under the name versiera.

5.
(Zool.)
The stormy petrel.

6.
A Wiccan; an adherent or practitioner of Wicca, a religion which in different forms may be paganistic and nature-oriented, or ditheistic.  The term witch applies to both male and female adherents in this sense.

Witch balls, a name applied to the interwoven rolling masses of the stems of herbs, which are driven by the winds over the steppes of Tartary.  Cf. Tumbleweed. Maunder (Treas. of Bot.) -- Witches' besoms (Bot.), tufted and distorted branches of the silver fir, caused by the attack of some fungus. Maunder (Treas. of Bot.) -- Witches' butter (Bot.), a name of several gelatinous cryptogamous plants, as Nostoc commune, and Exidia glandulosa.  See Nostoc. -- Witch grass (Bot.), a kind of grass (Panicum capillare) with minute spikelets on long, slender pedicels forming a light, open panicle. -- Witch meal (Bot.), vegetable sulphur.  See under Vegetable.


word: witch
definition:
witch

witch
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. witched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. witching.]
[AS. wiccian.]
To bewitch; to fascinate; to enchant.

[I 'll] witch sweet ladies with my words and looks.
Shak.

Whether within us or without
The spell of this illusion be
That witches us to hear and see.
Lowell.


word: witchcraft
definition:
witchcraft

witch"craft`
(wĭch"krăft)
n.
[AS. wiccecræft.]

1.
The practices or art of witches.

2.
Hence:
Sorcery; enchantments; intercourse with evil spirits.

3.
Power more than natural; irresistible influence.

He hath a witchcraft
Over the king in 's tongue.
Shak.

4.
Adherence to or the practice of Wicca.  In this sense the term does not necessarily include attempts at practice of magic, other than by prayers to the deities.


word: Witchery
definition:
Witchery

Witch"er*y
(?)
n.
pl. Witcheries (_;).
1.
Sorcery; enchantment; witchcraft.

Great Comus,
Deep skilled in all his mother's witcheries.
Milton.

A woman infamous . . . for witcheries.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
Fascination; irresistible influence; enchantment.

He never felt
The witchery of the soft blue sky.
Wordsworth.

The dear, dear witchery of song.
Bryant.


word: Witch-hazel
definition:
Witch-hazel

Witch"-ha`zel
(?)
n.
[See Wych-elm, and Hazel.]
(Bot.)
The wych-elm.
(b)
An American shrub or small tree (Hamamelis Virginica), which blossoms late in autumn.


word: witching
definition:
witching

witch"ing
a.
That witches or enchants; suited to enchantment or witchcraft; bewitching.
witching
Shak.
Witch"ing*ly, adv.


word: Witcraft
definition:
Witcraft

Wit"craft`
(?)
n.
1.
Art or skill of the mind; contrivance; invention; wit.
[Obs.]
Camden.

2.
The art of reasoning; logic.
[R.]


word: Wite
definition:
Wite

Wite
(?)
v. t.
[AS. wītan; akin to D. wijten, G. verweisen, Icel. vīta to mulct, and E. wit; cf. AS. wītan to see, L. animadvertere to observe, to punish. _;_;_;_;.  See Wit, v.]
To reproach; to blame; to censure; also, to impute as blame.
[Obs. or Scot.]
Spenser.

Though that I be jealous, wite me not.
Chaucer.

There if that I misspeak or say,
Wite it the ale of Southwark, I you pray.
Chaucer.


word: Wite₂
definition:
Wite

Wite
n.
[AS. wīte punishment. _;_;_;_;.  See Wite, v.]
Blame; reproach.
[Obs. or Scot.]
Chaucer.


word: Witenagemote
definition:
Witenagemote

Wit"e*na*ge*mote`
(?; 277)
n.
[AS. witena gem&omacrt an assembly of the wise; wita a wise man + gem&omacrt assembly.]
(AS. Hist.)
A meeting of wise men; the national council, or legislature, of England in the days of the Anglo-Saxons, before the Norman Conquest.


word: With₂
definition:
With

With
(?)
prep.
[OE. with, AS. wi_; with, against; akin to AS. wi_;er against, OFries. with, OS. wi_;, wi_;ar, D. weder, weêr (in comp.), G. wider against, wieder gain, OHG. widar again, against, Icel. vi_; against, with, by, at, Sw. vid at, by, Dan. ved, Goth. wipra against, Skr. vi asunder.  Cf. Withdraw, Withers, Withstand.]
With denotes or expresses some situation or relation of nearness, proximity, association, connection, or the like.

1.
To denote a close or direct relation of opposition or hostility; -- equivalent to against.

Thy servant will . . . fight with this Philistine.
1 Sam. xvii. 32.

&hand_; In this sense, common in Old English, it is now obsolete except in a few compounds; as, withhold; withstand; and after the verbs fight, contend, struggle, and the like.

2.
To denote association in respect of situation or environment; hence, among; in the company of.

I will buy with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.
Shak.

Pity your own, or pity our estate,
Nor twist our fortunes with your sinking fate.
Dryden.

See where on earth the flowery glories lie;
With her they flourished, and with her they die.
Pope.

There is no living with thee nor without thee.
Tatler.

Such arguments had invincible force with those pagan philosophers.
Addison.

3.
To denote a connection of friendship, support, alliance, assistance, countenance, etc.; hence, on the side of.

Fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee.
Gen. xxvi. 24.

4.
To denote the accomplishment of cause, means, instrument, etc; -- sometimes equivalent to by.

That with these fowls I be all to-rent.
Chaucer.

Thou wilt be like a lover presently,
And tire the hearer with a book of words.
Shak.

[He] entertained a coffeehouse with the following narrative.
Addison.

With receiving your friends within and amusing them without, you lead a good, pleasant, bustling life of it.
Goldsmith.

5.
To denote association in thought, as for comparison or contrast.

Can blazing carbuncles with her compare.
Sandys.

6.
To denote simultaneous happening, or immediate succession or consequence.

With that she told me . . . that she would hide no truth from me.
Sir P. Sidney.

With her they flourished, and with her they die.
Pope.

With this he pointed to his face.
Dryden.

7.
To denote having as a possession or an appendage; as, the firmament with its stars; a bride with a large fortune.
with
Shak.

&hand_; With and by are closely allied in many of their uses, and it is not easy to lay down a rule by which to distinguish their uses.  See the Note under By.


word: Withal
definition:
Withal

With*al"
(?)
adv.
[With + all.]

1.
With this; with that.
[Obs.]

He will scarce be pleased withal.
Shak.

2.
Together with this; likewise; at the same time; in addition; also.
[Archaic]

Fy on possession
But if a man be virtuous withal.
Chaucer.

If you choose that, then I am yours withal.
Shak.

How modest in exception, and withal
How terrible in constant resolution.
Shak.


word: Withal₂
definition:
Withal

With*al"
prep.
With; -- put after its object, at the end of sentence or clause in which it stands.
[Obs.]

This diamond he greets your wife withal.
Shak.

Whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal.
Lev. v. 3.


word: Withamite
definition:
Withamite

With"am*ite
(wĭ&thlig_;"am*īt)
n.
[From its discoverer, H. Witham.]
(Min.)
A variety of epidote, of a reddish color, found in Scotland.


word: Withdraw
definition:
Withdraw

With*draw"
(wĭ&thlig_;*dr&asuml_;")
v. t.
[imp. Withdrew (-dr&usuml_;"); p. p. Withdrawn (-dr&asuml_;n"); p. pr. & vb. n. Withdrawing.]
[With against + draw.]
1.
To take back or away, as what has been bestowed or enjoyed; to draw back; to cause to move away or retire; as, to withdraw aid, favor, capital, or the like.

Impossible it is that God should withdraw his presence from anything.
Hooker.

2.
To take back; to recall or retract; as, to withdraw false charges.


word: Withdraw₂
definition:
Withdraw

With*draw"
v. i.
To retire; to retreat; to quit a company or place; to go away; as, he withdrew from the company.
withdrew
King Horn.


word: Withdrawal
definition:
Withdrawal

With*draw"al
(?)
n.
The act of withdrawing; withdrawment; retreat; retraction.
Fielding.


word: Withdrawing-room
definition:
Withdrawing-room

With*draw"ing-room`
(?)
n.
[See Withdraw, and cf. Drawing-room.]
A room for retirement from another room, as from a dining room; a drawing-room.

A door in the middle leading to a parlor and withdrawing-room.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Withe
definition:
Withe

Withe
(?; 277)
n.
[OE. withe. _;_;_;_;.  See Withy, n.]
[Written also with.]

1.
A flexible, slender twig or branch used as a band; a willow or osier twig; a withy.

2.
A band consisting of a twig twisted.

3.
(Naut.)
An iron attachment on one end of a mast or boom, with a ring, through which another mast or boom is rigged out and secured; a wythe.
R. H. Dana, Jr.

4.
(Arch.)
A partition between flues in a chimney.


word: Withe₂
definition:
Withe

Withe
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Withed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Withing.]
To bind or fasten with withes.

You shall see him withed, and haltered, and staked, and baited to death.
Bp. Hall.


word: Wither
definition:
Wither

With"er
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Withered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Withering.]
[OE. wideren; probably the same word as wederen to weather (see Weather, v. & n.); or cf. G. verwittern to decay, to be weather-beaten, Lith. vysti to wither.]

1.
To fade; to lose freshness; to become sapless; to become sapless; to dry or shrivel up.

Shall he hot pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither?
Ezek. xvii. 9.

2.
To lose or want animal moisture; to waste; to pin_; away, as animal bodies.

This is man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered.
Shak.

There was a man which had his hand withered.
Matt. xii. 10.

Now warm in love, now with'ring in the grave.
Dryden.

3.
To lose vigor or power; to languish; to pass away.
wither
Byron.

States thrive or wither as moons wax and wane.
Cowper.


word: Wither₂
definition:
Wither

With"er
v. t.
1.
To cause to fade, and become dry.

The sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth.
James i. 11.

2.
To cause to shrink, wrinkle, or decay, for want of animal moisture.
wither
Shak.

Shot forth pernicious fire
Among the accursed, that withered all their strength.
Milton.

3.
To cause to languish, perish, or pass away; to blight; as, a reputation withered by calumny.

The passions and the cares that wither life.
Bryant.


word: Witherband
definition:
Witherband

With"er*band`
(?)
n.
[Withers + band.]
(Far.)
A piece of iron in a saddle near a horse's withers, to strengthen the bow.


word: Withered
definition:
Withered

With"ered
(?)
a.
Faded; dried up; shriveled; wilted; wasted; wasted away.
With"ered*ness, n.
Bp. Hall.


word: Witherite
definition:
Witherite

With"er*ite
(?)
n.
[So called after Dr. W. Withering.]
(Min.)
Barium carbonate occurring in white or gray six-sided twin crystals, and also in columnar or granular masses.


word: Witherling
definition:
Witherling

With"er*ling
(?)
n.
[Wither + -ling.]
A withered person; one who is decrepit.
[Obs.]
Chapman.


word: Withernam
definition:
Withernam

With"er*nam
(?)
n.
[AS. wiðernām; wiðer against + nām a seizure, fr. niman to take.]
(Law)
A second or reciprocal distress of other goods in lieu of goods which were taken by a first distress and have been eloigned; a taking by way of reprisal; -- chiefly used in the expression capias in withernam, which is the name of a writ used in connection with the action of replevin (sometimes called a writ of reprisal), which issues to a defendant in replevin when he has obtained judgment for a return of the chattels replevied, and fails to obtain them on the writ of return.
Blackstone.


word: Withe-rod
definition:
Withe-rod

Withe"-rod`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A North American shrub (Viburnum nudum) whose tough osierlike shoots are sometimes used for binding sheaves.


word: Withers
definition:
Withers

With"ers
(?)
n. pl.
[Properly, the parts which resist the pull or strain in drawing a load; fr. OE. wither resistance, AS. wiðre, fr. wiðer against; akin to G. widerrist withers.  See With, prep.]
The ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse, at the base of the neck.  See Illust. of Horse.

Let the galled jade wince; our withers are unwrung.
Shak.


word: Withhold
definition:
Withhold

With*hold"
(?)
v. t.
[imp. Withheld (?); p. p. Withheld, Obs. or Archaic Withholden (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Withholding.]
[With again, against, back + hold.]

1.
To hold back; to restrain; to keep from action.

Withhold, O sovereign prince, your hasty hand
From knitting league with him.
Spenser.

2.
To retain; to keep back; not to grant; as, to withhold assent to a proposition.

Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold
Longer thy offered good.
Milton.

3.
To keep; to maintain; to retain.
[Obs.]

To withhold it the more easily in heart.
Chaucer.


word: Within
definition:
Within

With*in"
(?)
prep.
[OE. withinne, withinnen, AS. wiðinnan; wið with, against, toward + innan in, inwardly, within, from in in.  See With, prep., In, prep.]

1.
In the inner or interior part of; inside of; not without; as, within doors.

O, unhappy youth!
Come not within these doors; within this roof
The enemy of all your graces lives.
Shak.

Till this be cured by religion, it is as impossible for a man to be happy -- that is, pleased and contented within himself -- as it is for a sick man to be at ease.
Tillotson.

2.
In the limits or compass of; not further in length than; as, within five miles; not longer in time than; as, within an hour; not exceeding in quantity; as, expenses kept within one's income.
within
Chaucer.

Within these five hours lived Lord Hastings,
Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Shak.

3.
Hence, inside the limits, reach, or influence of; not going outside of; not beyond, overstepping, exceeding, or the like.

Both he and she are still within my power.
Dryden.

Within himself
The danger lies, yet lies within his power.
Milton.

Were every action concluded within itself, and drew no consequence after it, we should, undoubtedly, never err in our choice of good.
Locke.


word: Within₂
definition:
Within

With*in"
adv.
1.
In the inner part; inwardly; internally.
within
Carew.

Ills from within thy reason must prevent.
Dryden.

2.
In the house; in doors; as, the master is within.


word: Withinforth
definition:
Withinforth

With*in"forth`
(?)
adv.
Within; inside; inwardly.
[Obs.]
Wyclif.

[It is much greater] labor for to withinforth call into mind, without sight of the eye withoutforth upon images, what he before knew and thought upon.
Bp. Peacock.


word: Without
definition:
Without

With*out"
(?)
prep.
[OE. withoute, withouten, AS. wið_;tan; wið with, against, toward + _;tan outside, fr. _;t out.  See With, prep., Out.]

1.
On or at the outside of; out of; not within; as, without doors.

Without the gate
Some drive the cars, and some the coursers rein.
Dryden.

2.
Out of the limits of; out of reach of; beyond.

Eternity, before the world and after, is without our reach.
T. Burnet.

3.
Not with; otherwise than with; in absence of, separation from, or destitution of; not with use or employment of; independently of; exclusively of; with omission; as, without labor; without damage.

I wolde it do withouten negligence.
Chaucer.

Wise men will do it without a law.
Bacon.

Without the separation of the two monarchies, the most advantageous terms . . . must end in our destruction.
Addison.

There is no living with thee nor without thee.
Tatler.

To do without. See under Do. -- Without day [a translation of L. sine die], without the appointment of a day to appear or assemble again; finally; as, the Fortieth Congress then adjourned without day. -- Without recourse. See under Recourse.


word: Without₂
definition:
Without

With*out"
conj.
Unless; except; -- introducing a clause.

You will never live to my age without you keep yourselves in breath with exercise, and in heart with joyfulness.
Sir P. Sidney.

&hand_; Now rarely used by good writers or speakers.


word: Without₃
definition:
Without

With*out"
adv.
1.
On or art the outside; not on the inside; not within; outwardly; externally.

Without were fightings, within were fears.
2 Cor. vii. 5.

2.
Outside of the house; out of doors.

The people came unto the house without.
Chaucer.


word: Withoutforth
definition:
Withoutforth

With*out"forth`
(?)
adv.
Without; outside' outwardly.  Cf. Withinforth.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Withsay
definition:
Withsay

With*say"
(?)
v. t.
To contradict; to gainsay; to deny; to renounce.
[Obs.]
Gower.

If that he his Christendom withsay.
Chaucer.


word: Withstand
definition:
Withstand

With*stand"
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Withstood (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Withstanding.]
[AS. wiðstandan.  See With, prep., and Stand.]
To stand against; to oppose; to resist, either with physical or moral force; as, to withstand an attack of troops; to withstand eloquence or arguments.
Piers Plowman.

I withstood him to the face.
Gal. ii. 11.

Some village Hampden, that, with dauntless breast.
The little tyrant of his fields withstood.
Gray.


word: Withwind
definition:
Withwind

With"wind`
(?)
n.
[AS. wiðowinde.]
(Bot.)
A kind of bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis).

He bare a burden ybound with a broad list,
In a withewyndes wise ybounden about.
Piers Plowman.


word: Withy
definition:
Withy

With"y
(?)
n.
pl. Withies (#).
[OE. withe, wipi, AS. wī_;ig a willow, willow twig; akin to G. weide willow, OHG. wīda, Icel. vī_;ja, a withy, Sw. vide a willow twig, Dan. vidie a willow, osier, Gr. _;, and probably to L. vitis a vine, viere to plait, Russ. vite. √141.  Cf. Wine, Withe.]

1.
(Bot.)
The osier willow (Salix viminalis).  See Osier, n. (a).

2.
A withe.  See Withe, 1.


word: Withy₂
definition:
Withy

With"y
a.
Made of withes; like a withe; flexible and tough; also, abounding in withes.

The stream is brimful now, and lies high in this little withy plantation.
G. Eliot.


word: Witless
definition:
Witless

Wit"less
(?)
a.
Destitute of wit or understanding; wanting thought; hence, indiscreet; not under the guidance of judgment.
Witless
Shak.

A witty mother! witless else her son.
Shak.

Witless pity breedeth fruitless love.
Fairfax.


word: Witling
definition:
Witling

Wit"ling
(?)
n.
[Wit + -ling; cf. G. witzling.]
A person who has little wit or understanding; a pretender to wit or smartness.

A beau and witing perished in the forming.
Pope.

Ye newspaper witlings! ye pert scribbling folks!
Goldsmith.


word: Witness
definition:
Witness

Wit"ness
(?)
n.
[AS. witness, gewitnes, from witan to know. √133.  See Wit, v. i.]

1.
Attestation of a fact or an event; testimony.

May we with . . . the witness of a good conscience, pursue him with any further revenge?
Shak.

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
John v. 31.

2.
That which furnishes evidence or proof.

Laban said to Jacob, . . . This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness.
Gen. xxxi. 51, 52.

3.
One who is cognizant; a person who beholds, or otherwise has personal knowledge of, anything; as, an eyewitness; an earwitness.
witness
Shak.

Upon my looking round, I was witness to appearances which filled me with melancholy and regret.
R. Hall.

4.
(Law)
(a)
One who testifies in a cause, or gives evidence before a judicial tribunal; as, the witness in court agreed in all essential facts.
(b)
One who sees the execution of an instrument, and subscribes it for the purpose of confirming its authenticity by his testimony; one who witnesses a will, a deed, a marriage, or the like.

Privileged witnesses. (Law) See under Privileged. -- With a witness, effectually; to a great degree; with great force, so as to leave some mark as a testimony. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
This, I confess, is haste with a witness. South.


word: Witness₂
definition:
Witness

Wit"ness
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Witnessed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Witnessing.]

1.
To see or know by personal presence; to have direct cognizance of.

This is but a faint sketch of the incalculable calamities and horrors we must expect, should we ever witness the triumphs of modern infidelity.
R. Hall.

General Washington did not live to witness the restoration of peace.
Marshall.

2.
To give testimony to; to testify to; to attest.

Behold how many things they witness against thee.
Mark xv. 4.

3.
(Law)
To see the execution of, as an instrument, and subscribe it for the purpose of establishing its authenticity; as, to witness a bond or a deed.


word: Witness₃
definition:
Witness

Wit"ness
v. i.
To bear testimony; to give evidence; to testify.
Chaucer.

The men of Belial witnessed against him.
1 Kings xxi. 13.

The witnessing of the truth was then so generally attended with this event [martyrdom] that martyrdom now signifies not only to witness, but to witness to death.
South.


word: Witticism
definition:
Witticism

Wit"ti*cism
(?)
n.
[From Witty.]
A witty saying; a sentence or phrase which is affectedly witty; an attempt at wit; a conceit.
Milton.

He is full of conceptions, points of epigram, and witticisms; all which are below the dignity of heroic verse.
Addison.


word: Wittily
definition:
Wittily

Wit"ti*ly
adv.
In a witty manner; wisely; ingeniously; artfully; with wit; with a delicate turn or phrase, or with an ingenious association of ideas.

Who his own harm so wittily contrives.
Dryden.


word: Wittol
definition:
Wittol

Wit"tol
(?)
n.
[Said to be for white tail, and so called in allusion to its white tail; but cf. witwal.]

1.
(Zool.)
The wheatear.
[Prov. Eng.]

2.
A man who knows his wife's infidelity and submits to it; a tame cuckold; -- so called because the cuckoo lays its eggs in the wittol's nest.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Witty
definition:
Witty

Wit"ty
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wittier (?); superl. Wittiest.]
[AS. witig, wittig.  See Wit, n.]

1.
Possessed of wit; knowing; wise; skillful; judicious; clever; cunning.
[Obs.]
witty
Shak.

2.
Especially, possessing wit or humor; good at repartee; droll; facetious; sometimes, sarcastic; as, a witty remark, poem, and the like.
witty
Addison.


word: Witwall
definition:
Witwall

Witwal

{ Wit"wal`, Wit"wall`  }
(?)
n.
[Akin to G. wittewal, wiedewall, MHG. witewal, D. wiedewaal, wielewaal, OD. weduwael, and perhaps the same word as OE. wodewale.  Cf. Wood, n., Wittol.]
(Zool.)
(a)
The golden oriole.
(b)
The greater spotted woodpecker.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Wive
definition:
Wive

Wive
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wived (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wiving.]
[AS. wīfian, gewīfian.  See Wite.]
To marry, as a man; to take a wife.

Wherefore we pray you hastily to wive.
Chaucer.


word: Wive₂
definition:
Wive

Wive
v. t.
1.
To match to a wife; to provide with a wife.
wived
Shak.

2.
To take for a wife; to marry.

I have wived his sister.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Wivern
definition:
Wivern

Wiver

{ Wiv"er (?), Wiv"ern (?), }
n.
[OE. wivere a serpent, OF. wivre, guivre, F. givre, guivre, wiver, from L. vipera; probably influenced by OHG. wipera, from the Latin.  See Viper, and cf. Weever.]

1.
(Her.)
A fabulous two-legged, winged creature, like a cockatrice, but having the head of a dragon, and without spurs.
[Written also wyvern.]

The jargon of heraldry, its griffins, its mold warps, its wiverns, and its dragons.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
(Zool.)
The weever.


word: Wizard
definition:
Wizard

Wiz"ard
(?)
n.
[Probably from wise + -ard.]
1.
A wise man; a sage.
[Obs.]

See how from far upon the eastern road
The star-led wizards [Magi] haste with odors sweet!
Milton.

2.
One devoted to the black art; a magician; a conjurer; a sorcerer; an enchanter.

The wily wizard must be caught.
Dryden.


word: Wizard₂
definition:
Wizard

Wiz"ard
a.
1.
Enchanting; charming.
Collins.

2.
Haunted by wizards.

Where Deva spreads her wizard stream.
Milton.


word: Wizardry
definition:
Wizardry

Wiz"ard*ry
(?)
n.
The character or practices o_; wizards; sorcery; magic.
wizardry
J. A. Symonds.


word: Wizen
definition:
Wizen

Wiz"en
(?)
v. i.
[OE. wisenen, AS. wisnian akin to weornian to decay, OHG. wesan_;n to grow dry, G. verwesen to rot, Icel. visna to wither, Sw. vissna, Dan. visne, and probably to L. virus an offensive odor, poison.  Cf. Virus.]
To wither; to dry.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]


word: Wizen₂
definition:
Wizen

Wiz"en
a.
Wizened; thin; weazen; withered.

A little lonely, wizen, strangely clad boy.
Dickens.


word: Wlatsome
definition:
Wlatsome

Wlat"some
(?)
a.
[AS. wlatian to disgust, irk, wl_;tta loathing.]
Loathsome; disgusting; hateful.
[Obs.]

Murder is . . . wlatsom and abhominable to God.
Chaucer.


word: Woad
definition:
Woad

Woad
(?)
n.
[OE. wod, AS. wād; akin to D. weede, G. waid, OHG. weit, Dan. vaid, veid, Sw. veide, L. vitrum.]
[Written also wad, and wade.]

1.
(Bot.)
An herbaceous cruciferous plant (Isatis tinctoria) of the family Cruciferae (syn. Brassicaceae). It was formerly cultivated for the blue coloring matter derived from its leaves.  See isatin.

2.
A blue dyestuff, or coloring matter, consisting of the powdered and fermented leaves of the Isatis tinctoria. It is now superseded by indigo, but is somewhat used with indigo as a ferment in dyeing.

Their bodies . . . painted with woad in sundry figures.
Milton.

Wild woad (Bot.), the weld (Reseda luteola).  See Weld. -- Woad mill, a mill grinding and preparing woad.


word: Woad-waxen
definition:
Woad-waxen

Woad"-wax`en
(?)
n.
[Cf. Wood-wax.]
(Bot.)
A leguminous plant (Genista tinctoria) of Europe and Russian Asia, and adventitious in America; -- called also greenwood, greenweed, dyer's greenweed, and whin, wood-wash, wood-wax, and wood-waxen.


word: Wodegeld
definition:
Wodegeld

Wode"geld`
(?)
n.
[See Wood, and Geld.]
(O. Eng. Law)
A geld, or payment, for wood.
Burrill.


word: Woden
definition:
Woden

Wo"den
(?)
n.
[AS. W&omacrden; akin to OS. W&omacrdan, OHG. Wuotan, Icel. Oðinn, and probably to E. wood, a.  Cf. Wednesday.]
(Northern Myth.)
A deity corresponding to Odin, the supreme deity of the Scandinavians.  Wednesday is named for him.  See Odin.


word: Woe
definition:
Woe

Woe
(?)
n.
[OE. wo, wa, woo, AS. wā, interj.; akin to D. wee, OS. & OHG. wē, G. weh, Icel. vei, Dan. vee, Sw. ve, Goth. wai; cf. L. vae, Gr. _;. √128.  Cf. Wail.]
[Formerly written also wo.]

1.
Grief; sorrow; misery; heavy calamity.

Thus saying, from her side the fatal key,
Sad instrument of all our woe, she took.
Milton.

[They] weep each other's woe.
Pope.

2.
A curse; a malediction.

Can there be a woe or curse in all the stores of vengeance equal to the malignity of such a practice?
South.

&hand_; Woe is used in denunciation, and in exclamations of sorrow. “ Woe is me! for I am undone.”
Isa. vi. 5.

O! woe were us alive [i.e., in life].
Chaucer.

Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker!
Isa. xlv. 9.

Woe worth, Woe be to.  See Worth, v. i.

Woe worth the chase, woe worth the day,
That costs thy life, my gallant gray!
Sir W. Scott.


word: Woe₂
definition:
Woe

Woe
a.
Woeful; sorrowful.
[Obs.]

His clerk was woe to do that deed.
Robert of Brunne.

Woe was this knight and sorrowfully he sighed.
Chaucer.

And looking up he waxed wondrous woe.
Spenser.


word: Woe-begone
definition:
Woe-begone

Woe"-be*gone`
(?)
a.
[OE. wo begon.  See Woe, and Begone, p. p.]
Beset or overwhelmed with woe; immersed in grief or sorrow; woeful.
Chaucer.

So woe-begone was he with pains of love.
Fairfax.


word: Woful
definition:
Woful

Woeful

{ Woe"ful, Wo"ful  }
(?)
a.
1.
Full of woe; sorrowful; distressed with grief or calamity; afflicted; wretched; unhappy; sad.

How many woeful widows left to bow
To sad disgrace!
Daniel.

2.
Bringing calamity, distress, or affliction; as, a woeful event; woeful want.

O woeful day! O day of woe!
Philips.

3.
Wretched; paltry; miserable; poor.

What woeful stuff this madrigal would be!
Pope.


word: Wofully
definition:
Wofully

Woefully

{ Woe"ful*ly, Wo"ful*ly, }
adv.
In a woeful manner; sorrowfully; mournfully; miserably; dolefully.


word: Wofulness
definition:
Wofulness

Woefulness

{ Woe"ful*ness, Wo"ful*ness, }
n.
The quality or state of being woeful; misery; wretchedness.


word: Wold
definition:
Wold

Wold
(?)
n.
[OE. wold, wald, AS. weald, wald, a wood, forest; akin to OFries. & OS. wald, D. woud, G. wald, Icel. völlr, a field, and probably to Gr. _; a grove, Skr. vā_;a a garden, inclosure.  Cf. Weald.]

1.
A wood; a forest.

2.
A plain, or low hill; a country without wood, whether hilly or not.

And from his further bank Aetolia's wolds espied.
Byron.

The wind that beats the mountain, blows
More softly round the open wold.
Tennyson.


word: Wolf
definition:
Wolf

Wolf
(?)
n.
pl. Wolves (#).
[OE. wolf, wulf, AS. wulf; akin to OS. wulf, D. & G. wolf, Icel. ūlfr, Sw. ulf, Dan. ulv, Goth. wulfs, Lith. vilkas, Russ. volk', L. lupus, Gr. ly`kos, Skr. v&rsdot_;ka; also to Gr. "e`lkein to draw, drag, tear in pieces. √286.   Cf. Lupine, a., Lyceum.]

1.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of carnivorous mammal belonging to the genus Canis (family Canidae) and closely allied to the common dog.  The best-known and most destructive species are the European wolf (Canis lupus), the American gray, or timber, wolf (Canis occidentalis), and the prairie wolf, more commonly called coyote.  Wolves often hunt in packs, and may thus attack large animals and, rarely, even man.

2.
(Zool.)
One of the destructive, and usually hairy, larvae of several species of beetles and grain moths; as, the bee wolf.

3.
Fig.: Any very ravenous, rapacious, or destructive person or thing; especially, want; starvation; as, they toiled hard to keep the wolf from the door.

4.
A white worm, or maggot, which infests granaries.

5.
An eating ulcer or sore.  Cf. Lupus.
[Obs.]

If God should send a cancer upon thy face, or a wolf into thy side.
Jer. Taylor.

6.
(Mus.)
(a)
The harsh, howling sound of some of the chords on an organ or piano tuned by unequal temperament.
(b)
In bowed instruments, a harshness due to defective vibration in certain notes of the scale.

7.
(Textile Manuf.)
A willying machine.
Knight.

Black wolf. (Zool.) (a) A black variety of the European wolf which is common in the Pyrenees. (b) A black variety of the American gray wolf. -- Golden wolf (Zool.), the Thibetan wolf (Canis laniger); -- called also chanco. -- Indian wolf (Zool.), an Asiatic wolf (Canis pallipes) which somewhat resembles a jackal. Called also landgak. -- Prairie wolf (Zool.), the coyote. -- Sea wolf. (Zool.) See in the Vocabulary. -- Strand wolf (Zool.) the striped hyena. -- Tasmanian wolf (Zool.), the zebra wolf. -- Tiger wolf (Zool.), the spotted hyena. -- To keep the wolf from the door, to keep away poverty; to prevent starvation.  See Wolf, 3, above. Tennyson. -- Wolf dog. (Zool.) (a) The mastiff, or shepherd dog, of the Pyrenees, supposed by some authors to be one of the ancestors of the St. Bernard dog. (b) The Irish greyhound, supposed to have been used formerly by the Danes for chasing wolves. (c) A dog bred between a dog and a wolf, as the Eskimo dog. -- Wolf eel (Zool.), a wolf fish. -- Wolf fish (Zool.), any one of several species of large, voracious marine fishes of the genus Anarrhichas, especially the common species (Anarrhichas lupus) of Europe and North America. These fishes have large teeth and powerful jaws. Called also catfish, sea cat, sea wolf, stone biter, and swinefish. -- Wolf net, a kind of net used in fishing, which takes great numbers of fish. -- Wolf's peach (Bot.), the tomato, or love apple (Lycopersicum esculentum). -- Wolf spider (Zool.), any one of numerous species of running ground spiders belonging to the genus Lycosa, or family Lycosidae. These spiders run about rapidly in search of their prey. Most of them are plain brown or blackish in color.  See Illust. in App. -- Zebra wolf (Zool.), a savage carnivorous marsupial (Thylacinus cynocephalus) native of Tasmania; -- called also Tasmanian wolf.


word: Wolfberry
definition:
Wolfberry

Wolf"ber`ry
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
An American shrub (Symphoricarpus occidentalis) which bears soft white berries.


word: Wolffian
definition:
Wolffian

Wolff"i*an
(?)
a.
(Anat.)
Discovered, or first described, by Caspar Friedrich Wolff (1733-1794), the founder of modern embryology.

Wolffian body, the mesonephros. -- Wolffian duct, the duct from the Wolffian body.


word: Wolfhound
definition:
Wolfhound

Wolf"hound`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Originally, a large hound used in hunting wolves; now, any one of certain breeds of large dogs, some of which are nearly identical with the great Danes.


word: Wolfish
definition:
Wolfish

Wolf"ish
(?)
a.
Like a wolf; having the qualities or form of a wolf; as, a wolfish visage; wolfish designs.


word: Wolframite
definition:
Wolframite

Wol"fram*ite
(?)
n.
[G., wolframit, wolfram; wolf wolf + rahm cream, soot; cf. G. wolfsruss wolfram, lit., wolf's soot.]
(Min.)
Tungstate of iron and manganese, generally of a brownish or grayish black color, submetallic luster, and high specific gravity. It occurs in cleavable masses, and also crystallized. Called also wolfram.


word: Wolframium
definition:
Wolframium

Wol*fra"mi*um
(?)
n.
[NL.  See Wolfram.]
(Chem.)
The technical name of the element tungsten.  See Tungsten.


word: Wolfsbane
definition:
Wolfsbane

Wolfs"bane`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A poisonous plant (Aconitum Lycoctonum), a kind of monkshood; also, by extension, any plant or species of the genus Aconitum.  See Aconite.


word: Wolf's-milk
definition:
Wolf's-milk

Wolf's"-milk`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
Any kind of spurge (Euphorbia); -- so called from its acrid milky juice.


word: Wollastonite
definition:
Wollastonite

Wol"las*ton*ite
(?)
n.
[After Dr. W. H. Wollaston, an English chemist, who died in 1828.]
(Min.)
A silicate of lime of a white to gray, red, or yellow color, occurring generally in cleavable masses, rarely in tabular crystals; tabular spar.


word: Wollaston's doublet
definition:
Wollaston's doublet

Wol"las*ton's dou"blet
(?)
[After W. H. Wollaston, English physicist.]
(Optics)
A magnifying glass consisting of two plano-convex lenses. It is designed to correct spherical aberration and chromatic dispersion.
Under "wollastonite" the eponymous inventor is described as a chemist.


word: Wolverine
definition:
Wolverine

Wolverene

{ Wol`ver*ene", Wol`ver*ine"  }
(?)
n.
[From Wolf, with a dim suffix; prob. so called from its supposed wolfish qualities.]
1.
(Zool.)
A carnivorous mammal (Gulo gulo formerly Gulo luscus), of the weasel family Mustelidae, about the size of a large badger; called also glutton and carcajou. It is a native of the northern parts of America, Europe, and Asia.

2.
A nickname for an inhabitant of Michigan.
[U. S.]


word: Woman
definition:
Woman

Wom"an
(?)
n.
pl. Women (#).
[OE. woman, womman, wumman, wimman, wifmon, AS. wīfmann, wīmmann; wīf woman, wife + mann a man.  See Wife, and Man.]

1.
An adult female person; a grown-up female person, as distinguished from a man or a child; sometimes, any female person.

Women are soft, mild pitiful, and flexible.
Shak.

And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman.
Gen. ii. 22.

I have observed among all nations that the women ornament themselves more than the men; that, wherever found, they are the same kind, civil, obliging, humane, tender beings, inclined to be gay and cheerful, timorous and modest.
J. Ledyard.

2.
The female part of the human race; womankind.

Man is destined to be a prey to woman.
Thackeray.

3.
A female attendant or servant.
woman
Shak.

Woman hater, one who hates women; one who has an aversion to the female sex; a misogynist. Swift.


word: Woman₂
definition:
Woman

Wom"an
v. t.
1.
To act the part of a woman in; -- with indefinite it.
Daniel.

2.
To make effeminate or womanish.
[R.]
Shak.

3.
To furnish with, or unite to, a woman.
[R.]
woman'd
Shak.


word: Womanhood
definition:
Womanhood

Wom"an*hood
(?)
n.
1.
The state of being a woman; the distinguishing character or qualities of a woman, or of womankind.

Unspotted faith, and comely womanhood.
Spenser.

Perhaps the smile and the tender tone
Came out of her pitying womanhood.
Tennyson.

2.
Women, collectively; womankind.


word: Womanish
definition:
Womanish

Wom"an*ish
(?)
a.
Suitable to a woman, having the qualities of a woman; effeminate; not becoming a man; -- usually in a reproachful sense.  See the Note under Effeminate.
womanish
Shak.
Womanish
Macaulay.

A voice not soft, weak, piping, and womanish, but audible, strong, and manlike.
Ascham.


word: womanize
definition:
womanize

wom"an*ize
(?)
v. i.
To seek the company of women with unusual frequency, especially for purposes of sexual intimacy.

Syn. -- womanise.


word: Womankind
definition:
Womankind

Wom"an*kind`
(?)
n.
The females of the human race; women, collectively.

A sanctuary into which womankind, with her tools of magic, the broom and mop, has very infrequent access.
Hawthorne.


word: Womanlike
definition:
Womanlike

Wom"an*like
(?)
a.
Like a woman; womanly.

Womanlike, taking revenge too deep.
Tennyson.


word: Womanliness
definition:
Womanliness

Wom"an*li*ness
(?)
n.
The quality or state of being womanly.

There is nothing wherein their womanliness is more honestly garnished than with silence.
Udall.


word: Womanly
definition:
Womanly

Wom"an*ly
a.
Becoming a woman; feminine; as, womanly behavior.
Arbuthnot.

A blushing, womanly discovering grace.
Donne.


word: Womanly₂
definition:
Womanly

Wom"an*ly
adv.
In the manner of a woman; with the grace, tenderness, or affection of a woman.
Gascoigne.


word: Woman's Christian Temperance Union
definition:
Woman's Christian Temperance Union

Woman's Christian Temperance Union
An association of women formed in the United States in 1874, for the advancement of temperance by organizing preventive, educational, evangelistic, social, and legal work.  It is also known as the Women's Christian Temperance Union and by its acronym WCTU or W.C.T.U..  It was one of the political forces leading to passage of the constitutional amendment, later repealed, which prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages.


word: Womb
definition:
Womb

Womb
(wōm)
n.
[OE. wombe, wambe, AS. wamb, womb; akin to D. wam belly, OS. & OHG. wamba, G. wamme, wampe, Icel. vömb, Sw. våmb, Dan. vom, Goth. wamba.]
1.
The belly; the abdomen.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

And he coveted to fill his woman of the cods that the hogs eat, and no man gave him.
Wyclif (Luke xv. 16).

An I had but a belly of any indifferency, I were simply the most active fellow in Europe. My womb, my womb, my womb undoes me.
Shak.

2.
(Anat.)
The uterus.  See Uterus.

3.
The place where anything is generated or produced.

The womb of earth the genial seed receives.
Dryden.

4.
Any cavity containing and enveloping anything.

The center spike of gold
Which burns deep in the bluebell's womb.
R. Browning.


word: Wombat
definition:
Wombat

Wom"bat
(?)
n.
[From the native name, womback, wombach, in Australia.]
(Zool.)
Any one of three species of Australian burrowing marsupials of the genus Phascolomys, especially the common species (Phascolomys ursinus).  They are nocturnal in their habits, and feed mostly on roots.


word: Won₂
definition:
Won

Won
v. i.
[See 1st Wone.]
To dwell or abide.
[Obs. or Scot.]
wans
Milton.

This land where I have woned thus long.
Spenser.


word: Wonder
definition:
Wonder

Won"der
(?)
n.
[OE. wonder, wunder, AS. wundor; akin to D. wonder, OS. wundar, OHG. wuntar, G. wunder, Icel. undr, Sw. & Dan. under, and perhaps to Gr. _; to gaze at.]

1.
That emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; surprise; astonishment; admiration; amazement.

They were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Acts iii. 10.

Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance.
Johnson.

&hand_; Wonder expresses less than astonishment, and much less than amazement. It differs from admiration, as now used, in not being necessarily accompanied with love, esteem, or approbation.

2.
A cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy; a miracle.
wonder
Milton.

To try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders.
Bacon.

I am as a wonder unto many.
Ps. lxxi. 7.

Seven wonders of the world. See in the Dictionary of Noted Names in Fiction.


word: Wonder₂
definition:
Wonder

Won"der
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wondered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wondering.]
[AS. wundrian.]

1.
To be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel.

I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of these diminutive mortals.
Swift.

We cease to wonder at what we understand.
Johnson.

2.
To feel doubt and curiosity; to wait with uncertain expectation; to query in the mind; as, he wondered why they came.

I wonder, in my soul,
What you would ask me, that I should deny.
Shak.


word: Wondered
definition:
Wondered

Won"dered
(?)
a.
Having performed wonders; able to perform wonderful things.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Wonderful
definition:
Wonderful

Won"der*ful
(?)
a.
Adapted to excite wonder or admiration; surprising; strange; astonishing.


word: Wonderment
definition:
Wonderment

Won"der*ment
(?)
n.
Surprise; astonishment; a wonderful appearance; a wonder.
Bacon.

All the common sights they view,
Their wonderment engage.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Wonderwork
definition:
Wonderwork

Won"der*work`
(?)
n.
[AS. wundorweorc.]
A wonderful work or act; a prodigy; a miracle.

Such as in strange land
He found in wonderworks of God and Nature's hand.
Byron.


word: Wondrous
definition:
Wondrous

Won"drous
(?)
adv.
[OE. wonders, adv. (later also adj.).  See Wonder, n., and cf. -wards.]
In a wonderful or surprising manner or degree; wonderfully.

For sylphs, yet mindful of their ancient race,
Are, as when women, wondrous fond of place.
Pope.

And now there came both mist and snow,
And it grew wondrous cold.
Coleridge.


word: Wondrous₂
definition:
Wondrous

Won"drous
a.
Wonderful; astonishing; admirable; marvelous; such as excite surprise and astonishment; strange.

That I may . . . tell of all thy wondrous works.
Ps. xxvi. 7.

Chloe complains, and wondrously's aggrieved.
Granville.


word: Wone
definition:
Wone

Wone
(?)
v. i.
[OE. wonen, wunen, wonien, wunien, AS. wunian. _;_;_;_;.  See Wont, a.]
To dwell; to abide.
[Obs.]
Piers Plowman.

Their habitation in which they woned.
Chaucer.


word: Wone₂
definition:
Wone

Wone
n.
[OE.  See Wone, v. i., Wont, a.]

1.
Dwelling; habitation; abode.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
Custom; habit; wont; use; usage.
[Obs.]

To liven in delight was all his wone.
Chaucer.


word: Won't
definition:
Won't

Won't
(?)
A colloquial contraction of woll not. Will not.  See Will.

&hand_; Often pronounced wŭnt in New England.


word: Wont
definition:
Wont

Wont
(?)
a.
[For woned, p. p. of won, wone, to dwell, AS. wunian; akin to D. wonen, OS. wun_;n, OHG, won_;n, G. wohnen, and AS. wund, gewuna, custom, habit; orig. probably, to take pleasure; cf. Icel. una to dwell, to enjoy, Goth. wunan to rejoice (in unwunands sad); and akin to Skr. van to like, to wish. _;_;_;_;.  Cf. Wean, Win.]
Using or doing customarily; accustomed; habituated; used.
wont
Chaucer.

If the ox were wont to push with his horn.
Ex. xxi. 29.


word: Wont₂
definition:
Wont

Wont
n.
Custom; habit; use; usage.

They are . . . to be called out to their military motions, under sky or covert, according to the season, as was the Roman wont.
Milton.

From childly wont and ancient use.
Cowper.


word: Wont₃
definition:
Wont

Wont
v. i.
[imp. Wont, p. p. Wont, or Wonted; p. pr. & vb. n. Wonting.]
To be accustomed or habituated; to be used.

A yearly solemn feast she wont to make.
Spenser.


word: Wonted
definition:
Wonted

Wont"ed
a.
Accustomed; customary; usual.

Again his wonted weapon proved.
Spenser.

Like an old piece of furniture left alone in its wonted corner.
Sir W. Scott.

She was wonted to the place, and would not remove.
L'Estrange.


word: Woo
definition:
Woo

Woo
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wooed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wooing.]
[OE. wowen, wo_;en, AS. w_;gian, fr. w_;h bent, crooked, bad; akin to OS. wāh evil, Goth. unwahs blameless, Skr. va_;c to waver, and perhaps to E. vaccilate.]

1.
To solicit in love; to court.

Each, like the Grecian artist, wooes
The image he himself has wrought.
Prior.

2.
To court solicitously; to invite with importunity.

Thee, chantress, oft the woods among
I woo, to hear thy even song.
Milton.

I woo the wind
That still delays his coming.
Bryant.


word: Wood
definition:
Wood

Wood
(wŏd)
a.
[OE. wod, AS. w&omacrd; akin to OHG. wuot, Icel. &omacrðr, Goth. w&omacrds, D. woede madness, G. wuth, wut, also to AS. w&omacrð song, Icel. &omacrðr, L. vates a seer, a poet.  Cf. Wednesday.]
Mad; insane; possessed; rabid; furious; frantic.
[Obs.]
[Written also wode.]

Our hoste gan to swear as [if] he were wood.
Chaucer.


word: Wood₃
definition:
Wood

Wood
n.
[OE. wode, wude, AS. wudu, wiodu; akin to OHG. witu, Icel. vi_;r, Dan. & Sw. ved wood, and probably to Ir. & Gael. fiodh, W. gwydd trees, shrubs.]

1.
A large and thick collection of trees; a forest or grove; -- frequently used in the plural.

Light thickens, and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood.
Shak.

2.
The substance of trees and the like; the hard fibrous substance which composes the body of a tree and its branches, and which is covered by the bark; timber.
wood
Milton.

3.
(Bot.)
The fibrous material which makes up the greater part of the stems and branches of trees and shrubby plants, and is found to a less extent in herbaceous stems. It consists of elongated tubular or needle-shaped cells of various kinds, usually interwoven with the shinning bands called silver grain.

&hand_; Wood consists chiefly of the carbohydrates cellulose and lignin, which are isomeric with starch.

4.
Trees cut or sawed for the fire or other uses.

Wood acid, Wood vinegar (Chem.), a complex acid liquid obtained in the dry distillation of wood, and containing large quantities of acetic acid; hence, specifically, acetic acid. Formerly called pyroligneous acid. -- Wood anemone (Bot.), a delicate flower (Anemone nemorosa) of early spring; -- also called windflower.  See Illust. of Anemone. -- Wood ant (Zool.), a large ant (Formica rufa) which lives in woods and forests, and constructs large nests. -- Wood apple (Bot.). See Elephant apple, under Elephant. -- Wood baboon (Zool.), the drill. -- Wood betony. (Bot.) (a) Same as Betony. (b) The common American lousewort (Pedicularis Canadensis), a low perennial herb with yellowish or purplish flowers. -- Wood borer. (Zool.) (a) The larva of any one of numerous species of boring beetles, esp. elaters, longicorn beetles, buprestidans, and certain weevils.  See Apple borer, under Apple, and Pine weevil, under Pine. (b) The larva of any one of various species of lepidopterous insects, especially of the clearwing moths, as the peach-tree borer (see under Peach), and of the goat moths. (c) The larva of various species of hymenopterous of the tribe Urocerata.  See Tremex. (d) Any one of several bivalve shells which bore in wood, as the teredos, and species of Xylophaga. (e) Any one of several species of small Crustacea, as the Limnoria, and the boring amphipod (Chelura terebrans). -- Wood carpet, a kind of floor covering made of thin pieces of wood secured to a flexible backing, as of cloth. Knight. -- Wood cell (Bot.), a slender cylindrical or prismatic cell usually tapering to a point at both ends. It is the principal constituent of woody fiber. -- Wood choir, the choir, or chorus, of birds in the woods. [Poetic] Coleridge. -- Wood coal, charcoal; also, lignite, or brown coal. -- Wood cricket (Zool.), a small European cricket (Nemobius sylvestris). -- Wood culver (Zool.), the wood pigeon. -- Wood cut, an engraving on wood; also, a print from such an engraving. -- Wood dove (Zool.), the stockdove. -- Wood drink, a decoction or infusion of medicinal woods. -- Wood duck (Zool.) (a) A very beautiful American duck (Aix sponsa). The male has a large crest, and its plumage is varied with green, purple, black, white, and red. It builds its nest in trees, whence the name.  Called also bridal duck, summer duck, and wood widgeon. (b) The hooded merganser. (c) The Australian maned goose (Chlamydochen jubata). -- Wood echo, an echo from the wood. -- Wood engraver. (a) An engraver on wood. (b) (Zool.) Any of several species of small beetles whose larvae bore beneath the bark of trees, and excavate furrows in the wood often more or less resembling coarse engravings; especially, Xyleborus xylographus. -- Wood engraving. (a) The act or art engraving on wood; xylography. (b) An engraving on wood; a wood cut; also, a print from such an engraving. -- Wood fern. (Bot.) See Shield fern, under Shield. -- Wood fiber. (a) (Bot.) Fibrovascular tissue. (b) Wood comminuted, and reduced to a powdery or dusty mass. -- Wood fretter (Zool.), any one of numerous species of beetles whose larvae bore in the wood, or beneath the bark, of trees. -- Wood frog (Zool.), a common North American frog (Rana sylvatica) which lives chiefly in the woods, except during the breeding season. It is drab or yellowish brown, with a black stripe on each side of the head. -- Wood germander. (Bot.) See under Germander. -- Wood god, a fabled sylvan deity. -- Wood grass. (Bot.) See under Grass. -- Wood grouse. (Zool.) (a) The capercailzie. (b) The spruce partridge.  See under Spruce. -- Wood guest (Zool.), the ringdove. [Prov. Eng.] -- Wood hen. (Zool.) (a) Any one of several species of Old World short-winged rails of the genus Ocydromus, including the weka and allied species. (b) The American woodcock. -- Wood hoopoe (Zool.), any one of several species of Old World arboreal birds belonging to Irrisor and allied genera. They are closely allied to the common hoopoe, but have a curved beak, and a longer tail. -- Wood ibis (Zool.), any one of several species of large, long-legged, wading birds belonging to the genus Tantalus. The head and neck are naked or scantily covered with feathers. The American wood ibis (Tantalus loculator) is common in Florida. -- Wood lark (Zool.), a small European lark (Alauda arborea), which, like, the skylark, utters its notes while on the wing. So called from its habit of perching on trees. -- Wood laurel (Bot.), a European evergreen shrub (Daphne Laureola). -- Wood leopard (Zool.), a European spotted moth (Zeuzera aesculi) allied to the goat moth. Its large fleshy larva bores in the wood of the apple, pear, and other fruit trees. -- Wood lily (Bot.), the lily of the valley. -- Wood lock (Naut.), a piece of wood close fitted and sheathed with copper, in the throating or score of the pintle, to keep the rudder from rising. -- Wood louse (Zool.) (a) Any one of numerous species of terrestrial isopod Crustacea belonging to Oniscus, Armadillo, and related genera.  See Sow bug, under Sow, and Pill bug, under Pill. (b) Any one of several species of small, wingless, pseudoneuropterous insects of the family Psocidae, which live in the crevices of walls and among old books and papers.  Some of the species are called also book lice, and deathticks, or deathwatches. -- Wood mite (Zool.), any one of numerous small mites of the family Oribatidae. They are found chiefly in woods, on tree trunks and stones. -- Wood mote. (Eng. Law) (a) Formerly, the forest court. (b) The court of attachment. -- Wood nettle. (Bot.) See under Nettle. -- Wood nightshade (Bot.), woody nightshade. -- Wood nut (Bot.), the filbert. -- Wood nymph. (a) A nymph inhabiting the woods; a fabled goddess of the woods; a dryad.  “The wood nymphs, decked with daisies trim.” Milton. (b) (Zool.) Any one of several species of handsomely colored moths belonging to the genus Eudryas. The larvae are bright-colored, and some of the species, as Eudryas grata, and Eudryas unio, feed on the leaves of the grapevine. (c) (Zool.) Any one of several species of handsomely colored South American humming birds belonging to the genus Thalurania. The males are bright blue, or green and blue. -- Wood offering, wood burnt on the altar.
[1913 Webster]
We cast the lots . . . for the wood offering. Neh. x. 34.
[1913 Webster]
-- Wood oil (Bot.), a resinous oil obtained from several East Indian trees of the genus Dipterocarpus, having properties similar to those of copaiba, and sometimes substituted for it. It is also used for mixing paint.  See Gurjun. -- Wood opal (Min.), a striped variety of coarse opal, having some resemblance to wood. -- Wood paper, paper made of wood pulp.  See Wood pulp, below. -- Wood pewee (Zool.), a North American tyrant flycatcher (Contopus virens). It closely resembles the pewee, but is smaller. -- Wood pie (Zool.), any black and white woodpecker, especially the European great spotted woodpecker. -- Wood pigeon. (Zool.) (a) Any one of numerous species of Old World pigeons belonging to Palumbus and allied genera of the family Columbidae. (b) The ringdove. -- Wood puceron (Zool.), a plant louse. -- Wood pulp (Technol.), vegetable fiber obtained from the poplar and other white woods, and so softened by digestion with a hot solution of alkali that it can be formed into sheet paper, etc. It is now produced on an immense scale. -- Wood quail (Zool.), any one of several species of East Indian crested quails belonging to Rollulus and allied genera, as the red-crested wood quail (Rollulus roulroul), the male of which is bright green, with a long crest of red hairlike feathers. -- Wood rabbit (Zool.), the cottontail. -- Wood rat (Zool.), any one of several species of American wild rats of the genus Neotoma found in the Southern United States; -- called also bush rat. The Florida wood rat (Neotoma Floridana) is the best-known species. -- Wood reed grass (Bot.), a tall grass (Cinna arundinacea) growing in moist woods. -- Wood reeve, the steward or overseer of a wood. [Eng.] -- Wood rush (Bot.), any plant of the genus Luzula, differing from the true rushes of the genus Juncus chiefly in having very few seeds in each capsule. -- Wood sage (Bot.), a name given to several labiate plants of the genus Teucrium.  See Germander. -- Wood screw, a metal screw formed with a sharp thread, and usually with a slotted head, for insertion in wood. -- Wood sheldrake (Zool.), the hooded merganser. -- Wood shock (Zool.), the fisher.  See Fisher, 2. -- Wood shrike (Zool.), any one of numerous species of Old World singing birds belonging to Grallina, Collyricincla, Prionops, and allied genera, common in India and Australia. They are allied to the true shrikes, but feed upon both insects and berries. -- Wood snipe. (Zool.) (a) The American woodcock. (b) An Asiatic snipe (Gallinago nemoricola). -- Wood soot, soot from burnt wood. -- Wood sore. (Zool.) See Cuckoo spit, under Cuckoo. -- Wood sorrel (Bot.), a plant of the genus Oxalis (Oxalis Acetosella), having an acid taste.  See Illust. (a) of Shamrock. -- Wood spirit. (Chem.) See Methyl alcohol, under Methyl. -- Wood stamp, a carved or engraved block or stamp of wood, for impressing figures or colors on fabrics. -- Wood star (Zool.), any one of several species of small South American humming birds belonging to the genus Calothorax. The male has a brilliant gorget of blue, purple, and other colors. -- Wood sucker (Zool.), the yaffle. -- Wood swallow (Zool.), any one of numerous species of Old World passerine birds belonging to the genus Artamus and allied genera of the family Artamidae. They are common in the East Indies, Asia, and Australia. In form and habits they resemble swallows, but in structure they resemble shrikes. They are usually black above and white beneath. -- Wood tapper (Zool.), any woodpecker. -- Wood tar. See under Tar. -- Wood thrush, (Zool.) (a) An American thrush (Turdus mustelinus) noted for the sweetness of its song.  See under Thrush. (b) The missel thrush. -- Wood tick. See in Vocabulary. -- Wood tin. (Min.). See Cassiterite. -- Wood titmouse (Zool.), the goldcgest. -- Wood tortoise (Zool.), the sculptured tortoise.  See under Sculptured. -- Wood vine (Bot.), the white bryony. -- Wood vinegar. See Wood acid, above. -- Wood warbler. (Zool.) (a) Any one of numerous species of American warblers of the genus Dendroica.  See Warbler. (b) A European warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix); -- called also green wren, wood wren, and yellow wren. -- Wood worm (Zool.), a larva that bores in wood; a wood borer. -- Wood wren. (Zool.) (a) The wood warbler. (b) The willow warbler.


word: Wood₄
definition:
Wood

Wood
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wooded; p. pr. & vb. n. Wooding.]
To supply with wood, or get supplies of wood for; as, to wood a steamboat or a locomotive.


word: Woodbind
definition:
Woodbind

Wood"bind`
(?)
n.
Woodbine.
Dryden.

A garland . . . of woodbind or hawthorn leaves.
Chaucer.


word: Woodbine
definition:
Woodbine

Wood"bine`
(?)
n.
[AS. wudubind black ivy; -- so named as binding about trees.  See Wood, and Bind, v. t.]
(Bot.)
(a)
A climbing plant having flowers of great fragrance (Lonicera Periclymenum); the honeysuckle.
(b)
The Virginia creeper.  See Virginia creeper, under Virginia.
[Local, U. S.]

Beatrice, who even now
Is couched in the woodbine coverture.
Shak.


word: Woodbury-type
definition:
Woodbury-type

Wood"bur*y-type`
(?)
n.
[After the name of the inventor, W. Woodbury.]

1.
A process in photographic printing, in which a relief pattern in gelatin, which has been hardened after certain operations, is pressed upon a plate of lead or other soft metal. An intaglio impression in thus produced, from which pictures may be directly printed, but by a slower process than in common printing.

2.
A print from such a plate.


word: Woodchat
definition:
Woodchat

Wood"chat`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any one of several species of Asiatic singing birds belonging to the genera Ianthia and Larvivora. They are closely allied to the European robin. The males are usually bright blue above, and more or less red or rufous beneath.
(b)
A European shrike (Enneoctonus rufus). In the male the head and nape are rufous red; the back, wings, and tail are black, varied with white.


word: Woodchuck
definition:
Woodchuck

Wood"chuck`
(?)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
A common large North American marmot (Arctomys monax). It is usually reddish brown, more or less grizzled with gray. It makes extensive burrows, and is often injurious to growing crops. Called also ground hog.

2.
(Zool.)
The yaffle, or green woodpecker.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Woodcock
definition:
Woodcock

Wood"cock`
(?)
n.
[AS. wuducoc.]

1.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of long-billed limicoline birds belonging to the genera Scolopax and Philohela. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits, and are highly esteemed as game birds.

&hand_; The most important species are the European (Scolopax rusticola) and the American woodcock (Philohela minor), which agree very closely in appearance and habits.

2.
Fig.: A simpleton.
[Obs.]

If I loved you not, I would laugh at you, and see you
Run your neck into the noose, and cry, “A woodcock!”
Beau. & Fl.

Little woodcock. (a) The common American snipe. (b) The European snipe. -- Sea woodcock fish, the bellows fish. -- Woodcock owl, the short-eared owl (Asio brachyotus). -- Woodcock shell, the shell of certain mollusks of the genus Murex, having a very long canal, with or without spines. -- Woodcock snipe. See under Snipe.


word: Woodcraft
definition:
Woodcraft

Wood"craft`
(?)
n.
Skill and practice in anything pertaining to the woods, especially in shooting, and other sports in the woods.

Men of the glade and forest! leave
Your woodcraft for the field of fight.
Bryant.


word: Woodcut
definition:
Woodcut

Wood"cut`
(?)
n.
An engraving on wood; also, a print from it. Same as Wood cut, under Wood.


word: Woodcutting
definition:
Woodcutting

Wood"cut`ting
n.
1.
The act or employment of cutting wood or timber.

2.
The act or art of engraving on wood.
[R.]


word: Wooded
definition:
Wooded

Wood"ed
a.
Supplied or covered with wood, or trees; as, land wooded and watered.

The brook escaped from the eye down a deep and wooded dell.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Wooden
definition:
Wooden

Wood"en
(?)
a.
1.
Made or consisting of wood; pertaining to, or resembling, wood; as, a wooden box; a wooden leg; a wooden wedding.

2.
Clumsy; awkward; ungainly; stiff; spiritless.

When a bold man is out of countenance, he makes a very wooden figure on it.
Collier.

His singing was, I confess, a little wooden.
G. MacDonald.

Wooden spoon. (a) (Cambridge University, Eng.) The last junior optime who takes a university degree, -- denoting one who is only fit to stay at home and stir porridge.  “We submit that a wooden spoon of our day would not be justified in calling Galileo and Napier blockheads because they never heard of the differential calculus.” Macaulay. (b) In some American colleges, the lowest appointee of the junior year; sometimes, one especially popular in his class, without reference to scholarship.  Formerly, it was a custom for classmates to present to this person a wooden spoon with formal ceremonies. -- Wooden ware, a general name for buckets, bowls, and other articles of domestic use, made of wood. -- Wooden wedding. See under Wedding.


word: Woodenness
definition:
Woodenness

Wood"en*ness
n.
Quality of being wooden; clumsiness; stupidity; blockishness.

We set our faces against the woodenness which then characterized German philology.
Sweet.


word: Wood hyacinth
definition:
Wood hyacinth

Wood hyacinth
A European squill (Scilla nonscripta) having a scape bearing a raceme of drooping blue, purple, white, or sometimes pink, bell-shaped flowers.


word: Woodhouse
definition:
Woodhouse

Wood"house`
(?)
n.
A house or shed in which wood is stored, and sheltered from the weather.


word: Woodland
definition:
Woodland

Wood"land
(?)
n.
Land covered with wood or trees; forest; land on which trees are allowed to grow, either for fuel or timber.

Here hills and vales, the woodland and the plain,
Here earth and water seem to strive again.
Pope.

Woodlands and cultivated fields are harmoniously blended.
Bancroft.


word: Woodland₂
definition:
Woodland

Wood"land
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to woods or woodland; living in the forest; sylvan.

She had a rustic, woodland air.
Wordsworth.

Like summer breeze by woodland stream.
Keble.

Woodland caribou. (Zool.) See under Caribou.


word: Wood-layer
definition:
Wood-layer

Wood"-lay`er
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
A young oak, or other timber plant, laid down in a hedge among the whitethorn or other plants used in hedges.


word: Woodman
definition:
Woodman

Wood"man
(?)
n.
pl. Woodmen (_;).
[Written also woodsman.]

1.
A forest officer appointed to take care of the king's woods; a forester.
[Eng.]

2.
A sportsman; a hunter.

[The duke] is a better woodman than thou takest him for.
Shak.

3.
One who cuts down trees; a woodcutter.

Woodman, spare that tree.
G. P. Morris.

4.
One who dwells in the woods or forest; a bushman.


word: Woodness
definition:
Woodness

Wood"ness
n.
[From Wood mad.]
Anger; madness; insanity; rage.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

Woodness laughing in his rage.
Chaucer.


word: Wood-note
definition:
Wood-note

Wood"-note`
(?)
n.
[Wood, n. + note.]
A wild or natural note, as of a forest bird.
[R.]

Or sweetest Shakespeare, fancy's child,
Warble his native wood-notes wild.
Milton.


word: Wood partridge
definition:
Wood partridge

Wood partridge
(a)
Any of several small partridges of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and neighboring regions belonging to the genera Caloperdix, Rollulus, and Melanoperdix.
(b)
The Canada grouse.
[Local, U. S.]


word: Woodpecker
definition:
Woodpecker

Wood"peck`er
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of scansorial birds belonging to Picus and many allied genera of the family Picidae.

&hand_; These birds have the tail feathers pointed and rigid at the tip to aid in climbing, and a strong chisellike bill with which they are able to drill holes in the bark and wood of trees in search of insect larvae upon which most of the species feed. A few species feed partly upon the sap of trees (see Sap sucker, under Sap), others spend a portion of their time on the ground in search of ants and other insects.
[1913 Webster]
   The most common European species are the greater spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus major), the lesser spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus minor), and the green woodpecker, or yaffle (see Yaffle).
[1913 Webster]
   The best-known American species are the pileated woodpecker (see under Pileated), the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), which is one of the largest known species, the red-headed woodpecker, or red-head (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), the red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes Carolinus) (see Chab), the superciliary woodpecker (Melanerpes superciliaris), the hairy woodpecker (Dryobates villosus), the downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), the three-toed, woodpecker (Picoides Americanus), the golden-winged woodpecker (see Flicker), and the sap suckers.  See also Carpintero.

Woodpecker hornbill (Zool.), a black and white Asiatic hornbill (Buceros pica) which resembles a woodpecker in color.


word: Woodroof
definition:
Woodroof

Woodruff

{ Wood"ruff` (?), Wood"roof` (?), }
n.
[AS. wudurofe.  See Wood, n., and cf. Ruff a plaited collar.]
(Bot.)
A little European herb (Asperula odorata) having a pleasant taste. It is sometimes used for flavoring wine.  See Illust. of Whorl.


word: Wood-sare
definition:
Wood-sare

Wood"-sare`
(?)
n.
[Wood + Prov. E. sare for sore.]
(Bot.)
A kind of froth seen on herbs.
[Obs.]


word: Wood-sere
definition:
Wood-sere

Wood"-sere`
(?)
n.
The time when there no sap in the trees; the winter season.
[Written also wood-seer.]
[Obs.]
Tusser.


word: Wood's metal
definition:
Wood's metal

Wood's" met"al
(?)
A fusible alloy consisting of one or two parts of cadmium, two parts of tin, four of lead, with seven or eight part of bismuth. It melts at from 66° to 71° C.  See Fusible metal, under Fusible.


word: Woodstone
definition:
Woodstone

Wood"stone`
(?)
n.
(Min.)
A striped variety of hornstone, resembling wood in appearance.


word: Woodsy
definition:
Woodsy

Woods"y
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to the woods or forest.
[Colloq. U. S.]

It [sugar making] is woodsy, and savors of trees.
J. Burroughs.


word: Wood tick
definition:
Wood tick

Wood" tick`
(?)
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of ticks of the genus Ixodes whose young cling to bushes, but quickly fasten themselves upon the bodies of any animal with which they come in contact. When they attach themselves to the human body they often produce troublesome sores. The common species of the Northern United States is Ixodes unipunctata.


word: Woodward
definition:
Woodward

Wood"ward`
(?)
n.
(Eng. Forest Law)
An officer of the forest, whose duty it was to guard the woods.


word: Woodwardia
definition:
Woodwardia

Wood*war"di*a
(?)
n.
[NL. After Thomas J. Woodward, an English botanist.]
(Bot.)
A genus of ferns, one species of which (Woodwardia radicans) is a showy plant in California, the Azores, etc.


word: Wood-waxen
definition:
Wood-waxen

Wood-wax

Wood-wash

{ Wood"-wash` (?), Wood"-wax` (?), Wood"-wax`en (?), }
n.
[AS. wuduweaxe.]
(Bot.)
Same as Woadwaxen.


word: Woodwork
definition:
Woodwork

Wood"work`
(?)
n.
Work made of wood; that part of any structure which is wrought of wood.


word: Woody
definition:
Woody

Wood"y
(?)
a.
1.
Abounding with wood or woods; as, woody land.
woody
Bryant.

Secret shades
Of woody Ida's inmost grove.
Milton.

2.
Consisting of, or containing, wood or woody fiber; ligneous; as, the woody parts of plants.

3.
Of or pertaining to woods; sylvan.
[R.]
Woody
Spenser.

Woody fiber. (Bot.) (a) Fiber or tissue consisting of slender, membranous tubes tapering at each end. (b) A single wood cell.  See under Wood. Goodale. -- Woody nightshade. (Bot.). See Bittersweet, 3 (a). -- Woody pear (Bot.), the inedible, woody, pear-shaped fruit of several Australian proteaceous trees of the genus Xylomelum; -- called also wooden pear.


word: Wooer
definition:
Wooer

Woo"er
(?)
n.
[AS. w&omacrgere.  See Woo, v. t.]
One who wooes; one who courts or solicits in love; a suitor.
wooer
Gibber.


word: Woof
definition:
Woof

Woof
(wōf)
n.
[OE. oof, AS. &omacrwef, &omacrweb, āweb; on, an, on + wef, web, fr. wefan to weave. The initial w is due to the influence of E. weave.  See On, Weave, and cf. Abb.]

1.
The threads that cross the warp in a woven fabric; the weft; the filling; the thread usually carried by the shuttle in weaving.

2.
Texture; cloth; as, a pall of softest woof.
Pope.


word: Wool
definition:
Wool

Wool
(wŏl)
n.
[OE. wolle, wulle, AS. wull; akin to D. wol, OHG. wolla, G. wolle, Icel. & Sw. ull, Dan. uld, Goth, wulla, Lith. vilna, Russ. volna, L. vellus, Skr. ūr&nsdot_;ā wool, v&rsdot_; to cover. √146, 287.  Cf. Flannel, Velvet.]

1.
The soft and curled, or crisped, species of hair which grows on sheep and some other animals, and which in fineness sometimes approaches to fur; -- chiefly applied to the fleecy coat of the sheep, which constitutes a most essential material of clothing in all cold and temperate climates.

&hand_; Wool consists essentially of keratin.

2.
Short, thick hair, especially when crisped or curled.

Wool of bat and tongue of dog.
Shak.

3.
(Bot.)
A sort of pubescence, or a clothing of dense, curling hairs on the surface of certain plants.

Dead pulled wool, wool pulled from a carcass. -- Mineral wool. See under Mineral. -- Philosopher's wool. (Chem.) See Zinc oxide, under Zinc. -- Pulled wool, wool pulled from a pelt, or undressed hide. -- Slag wool. Same as Mineral wool, under Mineral. -- Wool ball, a ball or mass of wool. -- Wool burler, one who removes little burs, knots, or extraneous matter, from wool, or the surface of woolen cloth. -- Wool comber. (a) One whose occupation is to comb wool. (b) A machine for combing wool. -- Wool grass (Bot.), a kind of bulrush (Scirpus Eriophorum) with numerous clustered woolly spikes. -- Wool scribbler. See Woolen scribbler, under Woolen, a. -- Wool sorter's disease (Med.), a disease, resembling malignant pustule, occurring among those who handle the wool of goats and sheep. -- Wool staple, a city or town where wool used to be brought to the king's staple for sale. [Eng.] -- Wool stapler. (a) One who deals in wool. (b) One who sorts wool according to its staple, or its adaptation to different manufacturing purposes. -- Wool winder, a person employed to wind, or make up, wool into bundles to be packed for sale.


word: Woold
definition:
Woold

Woold
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Woolded; p. pr. & vb. n. Woolding.]
[D. woelen, bewoelen; akin to G. wuhlen, bewuhlen. √146.]
(Naut.)
To wind, or wrap; especially, to wind a rope round, as a mast or yard made of two or more pieces, at the place where it has been fished or scarfed, in order to strengthen it.


word: Woolder
definition:
Woolder

Woold"er
(?)
n.
1.
(Naut.)
A stick used to tighten the rope in woolding.

2.
(Rope Making)
One of the handles of the top, formed by a wooden pin passing through it.  See 1st Top, 2.


word: Woolding
definition:
Woolding

Woold"ing
n.
(Naut.)
(a)
The act of winding or wrapping anything with a rope, as a mast.
(b)
A rope used for binding masts and spars.


word: Wool-dyed
definition:
Wool-dyed

Wool"-dyed`
(?)
a.
Dyed before being made into cloth, in distinction from piece-dyed; ingrain.


word: Woolen
definition:
Woolen

Wool"en
(?)
a.
[OE. wollen; cf. AS. wyllen.  See Wool.]
[Written also woollen.]

1.
Made of wool; consisting of wool; as, woolen goods.

2.
Of or pertaining to wool or woolen cloths; as, woolen manufactures; a woolen mill; a woolen draper.

Woolen scribbler, a machine for combing or preparing wool in thin, downy, translucent layers.


word: Woolenet
definition:
Woolenet

Wool`en*et"
(?)
n.
A thin, light fabric of wool.
[Written also woollenet, woolenette, and woollenette.]


word: Woolfell
definition:
Woolfell

Wool"fell`
(?)
n.
[Wool + fell a skin.]
A skin with the wool; a skin from which the wool has not been sheared or pulled.
[Written also woolfel.]


word: Woolgathering
definition:
Woolgathering

Wool"gath`er*ing
(?)
a.
Indulging in a vagrant or idle exercise of the imagination; roaming upon a fruitless quest; idly fanciful.


word: Woolgathering₂
definition:
Woolgathering

Wool"gath`er*ing
n.
Indulgence in idle imagination; a foolish or useless pursuit or design.

His wits were a woolgathering, as they say.
Burton.


word: Woolly
definition:
Woolly

Wool"ly
a.
1.
Consisting of wool; as, a woolly covering; a woolly fleece.

2.
Resembling wool; of the nature of wool.
woolly
Shak.

3.
Clothed with wool.
Woolly
Shak.

4.
(Bot.)
Clothed with a fine, curly pubescence resembling wool.

Woolly bear (Zool.), the hairy larva of several species of bombycid moths. The most common species in the United States are the salt-marsh caterpillar (see under Salt), the black and red woolly bear, or larva of the Isabella moth (see Illust., under Isabella Moth), and the yellow woolly bear, or larva of the American ermine moth (Spilosoma Virginica). -- Woolly butt (Bot.), an Australian tree (Eucalyptus longifolia), so named because of its fibrous bark. -- Woolly louse (Zool.), a plant louse (Schizoneura lanigera syn Erisoma lanigera) which is often very injurious to the apple tree.  It is covered with a dense coat of white filaments somewhat resembling fine wool or cotton.  In exists in two forms, one of which infests the roots, the other the branches.  See Illust. under Blight. -- Woolly macaco (Zool.), the mongoose lemur. -- Woolly maki (Zool.), a long-tailed lemur (Indris laniger) native of Madagascar, having fur somewhat like wool; -- called also avahi, and woolly lemur. -- Woolly monkey (Zool.), any South American monkey of the genus Lagothrix, as the caparro. -- Woolly rhinoceros (Paleon.), an extinct rhinoceros (Rhinoceros tichorhinus) which inhabited the arctic regions, and was covered with a dense coat of woolly hair. It has been found frozen in the ice of Siberia, with the flesh and hair well preserved.


word: Woolsack
definition:
Woolsack

Wool"sack`
(?)
n.
A sack or bag of wool; specifically, the seat of the lord chancellor of England in the House of Lords, being a large, square sack of wool resembling a divan in form.


word: Woolward-going
definition:
Woolward-going

Wool"ward-go`ing
(?)
n.
A wearing of woolen clothes next the skin as a matter of penance.
[Obs.]

Their . . . woolward-going, and rising at midnight.
Tyndale.


word: Wootz
definition:
Wootz

Wootz
(wōts)
n.
[Perhaps a corruption of Canarese ukku steel.]
A species of steel imported from the East Indies, valued for making edge tools; Indian steel. It has in combination a minute portion of alumina and silica.


word: Word
definition:
Word

Word
(?)
n.
[AS. word; akin to OFries. & OS. word, D. woord, G. wort, Icel. orð, Sw. & Dan. ord, Goth. waúrd, OPruss. wirds, Lith. vardas a name, L. verbum a word; or perhaps to Gr. "rh`twr an orator.  Cf. Verb.]

1.
The spoken sign of a conception or an idea; an articulate or vocal sound, or a combination of articulate and vocal sounds, uttered by the human voice, and by custom expressing an idea or ideas; a single component part of human speech or language; a constituent part of a sentence; a term; a vocable.
words
Piers Plowman.

You cram these words into mine ears, against
The stomach of my sense.
Shak.

Amongst men who confound their ideas with words, there must be endless disputes.
Locke.

2.
Hence, the written or printed character, or combination of characters, expressing such a term; as, the words on a page.

3.
pl.
Talk; discourse; speech; language.

Why should calamity be full of words?
Shak.

Be thy words severe;
Sharp as he merits, but the sword forbear.
Dryden.

4.
Account; tidings; message; communication; information; -- used only in the singular.

I pray you . . . bring me word thither
How the world goes.
Shak.

5.
Signal; order; command; direction.

Give the word through.
Shak.

6.
Language considered as implying the faith or authority of the person who utters it; statement; affirmation; declaration; promise.

Obey thy parents; keep thy word justly.
Shak.

I know you brave, and take you at your word.
Dryden.

I desire not the reader should take my word.
Dryden.

7.
pl.
Verbal contention; dispute.

Some words there grew 'twixt Somerset and me.
Shak.

8.
A brief remark or observation; an expression; a phrase, clause, or short sentence.

All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Gal. v. 14.

She said; but at the happy word “he lives,”
My father stooped, re-fathered, o'er my wound.
Tennyson.

There is only one other point on which I offer a word of remark.
Dickens.

By word of mouth, orally; by actual speaking. Boyle. -- Compound word. See under Compound, a. -- Good word, commendation; favorable account. “And gave the harmless fellow a good word.” Pope. -- In a word, briefly; to sum up. -- In word, in declaration; in profession.  “Let us not love in word, . . . but in deed and in truth.” 1 John iii. 8. -- Nuns of the Word Incarnate (R. C. Ch.), an order of nuns founded in France in 1625, and approved in 1638. The order, which also exists in the United States, was instituted for the purpose of doing honor to the “Mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.”  -- The word, or The Word. (Theol.) (a) The gospel message; esp., the Scriptures, as a revelation of God.  “Bold to speak the word without fear.” Phil. i. 14. (b) The second person in the Trinity before his manifestation in time by the incarnation; among those who reject a Trinity of persons, some one or all of the divine attributes personified. John i. 1. -- To eat one's words, to retract what has been said. -- To have the words for, to speak for; to act as spokesman. [Obs.] “Our host hadde the wordes for us all.” Chaucer. -- Word blindness (Physiol.), inability to understand printed or written words or symbols, although the person affected may be able to see quite well, speak fluently, and write correctly. Landois & Stirling. -- Word deafness (Physiol.), inability to understand spoken words, though the person affected may hear them and other sounds, and hence is not deaf. -- Word dumbness (Physiol.), inability to express ideas in verbal language, though the power of speech is unimpaired. -- Word for word, in the exact words; verbatim; literally; exactly; as, to repeat anything word for word. -- Word painting, the act of describing an object fully and vividly by words only, so as to present it clearly to the mind, as if in a picture. -- Word picture, an accurate and vivid description, which presents an object clearly to the mind, as if in a picture. -- Word square, a series of words so arranged that they can be read vertically and horizontally with like results.


H E A R T
E M B E R
A B U S E
R E S I N
T R E N T

(A word square)


word: Word₃
definition:
Word

Word
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Worded; p. pr. & vb. n. Wording.]

1.
To express in words; to phrase.

The apology for the king is the same, but worded with greater deference to that great prince.
Addison.

2.
To ply with words; also, to cause to be by the use of a word or words.
[Obs.]
Howell.

3.
To flatter with words; to cajole.
[Obs.]
Shak.

To word it, to bandy words; to dispute. [Obs.] “To word it with a shrew.”  L'Estrange.


word: Wordbook
definition:
Wordbook

Word"book`
(?)
n.
[Cf. D. woordenboek, G. wörterbuch.]
A collection of words; a vocabulary; a dictionary; a lexicon.


word: Wordiness
definition:
Wordiness

Word"i*ness
n.
The quality or state of being wordy, or abounding with words; verboseness.
Jeffrey.


word: Wording
definition:
Wording

Word"ing
n.
The act or manner of expressing in words; style of expression; phrasing.

It is believed this wording was above his known style.
Milton.


word: Wordish
definition:
Wordish

Word"ish
a.
Respecting words; full of words; wordy.
[R.]
Sir P. Sidney.
Word"ish*ness, n.

The truth they hide by their dark woordishness.
Sir K. Digby.


word: Wordle
definition:
Wordle

Wor"dle
(?)
n.
One of several pivoted pieces forming the throat of an adjustable die used in drawing wire, lead pipe, etc.
Knight.


word: Word method
definition:
Word method

Word method
(Education)
A method of teaching reading in which words are first taken as single ideograms and later analyzed into their phonetic and alphabetic elements; -- contrasted with alphabet method and sentence method.


word: Wordsman
definition:
Wordsman

Words"man
(?)
n.
One who deals in words, or in mere words; a verbalist.
[R.]
wordsman
H. Bushnell.


word: Wordy
definition:
Wordy

Word"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wordier (?); superl. Wordiest.]

1.
Of or pertaining to words; consisting of words; verbal; as, a wordy war.
Cowper.

2.
Using many words; verbose; as, a wordy speaker.

3.
Containing many words; full of words.

We need not lavish hours in wordy periods.
Philips.


word: Work
definition:
Work

Work
(wûrk)
n.
[OE. work, werk, weorc, AS. weorc, worc; akin to OFries. werk, wirk, OS., D., & G. werk, OHG. werc, werah, Icel. & Sw. verk, Dan. værk, Goth. gawaúrki, Gr. 'e`rgon, &digamma_;e`rgon, work, "re`zein to do, 'o`rganon  an instrument, 'o`rgia secret rites, Zend verez to work. √145.  Cf. Bulwark, Energy, Erg, Georgic, Liturgy, Metallurgy, Organ, Orgy, Surgeon, Wright.]

1.
Exertion of strength or faculties; physical or intellectual effort directed to an end; industrial activity; toil; employment; sometimes, specifically, physical labor.

Man hath his daily work of body or mind
Appointed.
Milton.

2.
The matter on which one is at work; that upon which one spends labor; material for working upon; subject of exertion; the thing occupying one; business; duty; as, to take up one's work; to drop one's work.

Come on, Nerissa; I have work in hand
That you yet know not of.
Shak.

In every work that he began . . . he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
2 Chron. xxxi. 21.

3.
That which is produced as the result of labor; anything accomplished by exertion or toil; product; performance; fabric; manufacture; in a more general sense, act, deed, service, effect, result, achievement, feat.

To leave no rubs or blotches in the work.
Shak.

The work some praise,
And some the architect.
Milton.

Fancy . . . 
Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams.
Milton.

The composition or dissolution of mixed bodies . . . is the chief work of elements.
Sir K. Digby.

4.
Specifically: (a) That which is produced by mental labor; a composition; a book; as, a work, or the works, of Addison. (b) Flowers, figures, or the like, wrought with the needle; embroidery.

I am glad I have found this napkin; . . . 
I'll have the work ta'en out,
And give 't Iago.
Shak.

5.
Manner of working; management; treatment; as, unskillful work spoiled the effect.
Bp. Stillingfleet.

6.
(Mech.)
The causing of motion against a resisting force. The amount of work is proportioned to, and is measured by, the product of the force into the amount of motion along the direction of the force.  See Conservation of energy, under Conservation, Unit of work, under Unit, also Foot pound, Horse power, Poundal, and Erg.

Energy is the capacity of doing work . . . Work is the transference of energy from one system to another.
Clerk Maxwell.

7.
(Mining)
Ore before it is dressed.
Raymond.

8.
pl.
(Script.)
Performance of moral duties; righteous conduct.

He shall reward every man according to his works.
Matt. xvi. 27.

Faith, if it hath not works, is dead.
James ii. 17.

9.
(Cricket)
Break; twist.
[Cant]

10.
(Mech.)
The causing of motion against a resisting force, measured by the product of the force into the component of the motion resolved along the direction of the force.
Energy is the capacity of doing work. . . . Work is the transference of energy from one system to another.
Clerk Maxwell.

11.
(Mining)
Ore before it is dressed.

Muscular work (Physiol.), the work done by a muscle through the power of contraction. -- To go to work, to begin laboring; to commence operations; to contrive; to manage.  “I 'll go another way to work with him.” Shak. -- To set on work, to cause to begin laboring; to set to work. [Obs.] Hooker. -- To set to work, to employ; to cause to engage in any business or labor.


word: Work₂
definition:
Work

Work
(wûrk)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Worked (wûrkt), or Wrought (r&asuml_;t); p. pr. & vb. n. Working.]
[AS. wyrcean (imp. worthe, wrohte, p. p. geworht, gewroht); akin to OFries. werka, wirka, OS. wirkian, D. werken, G. wirken, Icel. verka, yrkja, orka, Goth. waúrkjan. √145.  See Work, n.]

1.
To exert one's self for a purpose; to put forth effort for the attainment of an object; to labor; to be engaged in the performance of a task, a duty, or the like.

O thou good Kent, how shall I live and work,
To match thy goodness?
Shak.

Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you.
Ex. v. 18.

Whether we work or play, or sleep or wake,
Our life doth pass.
Sir J. Davies.

2.
Hence, in a general sense, to operate; to act; to perform; as, a machine works well.

We bend to that the working of the heart.
Shak.

3.
Hence, figuratively, to be effective; to have effect or influence; to conduce.

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.
Rom. viii. 28.

This so wrought upon the child, that afterwards he desired to be taught.
Locke.

She marveled how she could ever have been wrought upon to marry him.
Hawthorne.

4.
To carry on business; to be engaged or employed customarily; to perform the part of a laborer; to labor; to toil.

They that work in fine flax . . . shall be confounded.
Isa. xix. 9.

5.
To be in a state of severe exertion, or as if in such a state; to be tossed or agitated; to move heavily; to strain; to labor; as, a ship works in a heavy sea.

Confused with working sands and rolling waves.
Addison.

6.
To make one's way slowly and with difficulty; to move or penetrate laboriously; to proceed with effort; -- with a following preposition, as down, out, into, up, through, and the like; as, scheme works out by degrees; to work into the earth.

Till body up to spirit work, in bounds
Proportioned to each kind.
Milton.

7.
To ferment, as a liquid.

The working of beer when the barm is put in.
Bacon.

8.
To act or operate on the stomach and bowels, as a cathartic.

Purges . . . work best, that is, cause the blood so to do, . . . in warm weather or in a warm room.
Grew.

To work at, to be engaged in or upon; to be employed in. -- To work to windward (Naut.), to sail or ply against the wind; to tack to windward. Mar. Dict.


word: Work₃
definition:
Work

Work
(wûrk)
v. t.
1.
To labor or operate upon; to give exertion and effort to; to prepare for use, or to utilize, by labor.

He could have told them of two or three gold mines, and a silver mine, and given the reason why they forbare to work them at that time.
Sir W. Raleigh.

2.
To produce or form by labor; to bring forth by exertion or toil; to accomplish; to originate; to effect; as, to work wood or iron into a form desired, or into a utensil; to work cotton or wool into cloth.

Each herb he knew, that works or good or ill.
Harte.

3.
To produce by slow degrees, or as if laboriously; to bring gradually into any state by action or motion.
works
Milton.

So the pure, limpid stream, when foul with stains
Of rushing torrents and descending rains,
Works itself clear, and as it runs, refines,
Till by degrees the floating mirror shines.
Addison.

4.
To influence by acting upon; to prevail upon; to manage; to lead.
Work
Philips.

5.
To form with a needle and thread or yarn; especially, to embroider; as, to work muslin.

6.
To set in motion or action; to direct the action of; to keep at work; to govern; to manage; as, to work a machine.

Knowledge in building and working ships.
Arbuthnot.

Now, Marcus, thy virtue's the proof;
Put forth thy utmost strength, work every nerve.
Addison.

The mariners all 'gan work the ropes,
Where they were wont to do.
Coleridge.

7.
To cause to ferment, as liquor.

To work a passage (Naut.), to pay for a passage by doing work. -- To work double tides (Naut.), to perform the labor of three days in two; -- a phrase which alludes to a practice of working by the night tide as well as by the day. -- To work in, to insert, introduce, mingle, or interweave by labor or skill. -- To work into, to force, urge, or insinuate into; as, to work one's self into favor or confidence. -- To work off, to remove gradually, as by labor, or a gradual process; as, beer works off impurities in fermenting. -- To work out. (a) To effect by labor and exertion. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Phil. ii. 12. (b) To erase; to efface. [R.]
[1913 Webster]
Tears of joy for your returning spilt,
Work out and expiate our former guilt. Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
(c) To solve, as a problem. (d) To exhaust, as a mine, by working. -- To work up. (a) To raise; to excite; to stir up; as, to work up the passions to rage.
[1913 Webster]
The sun, that rolls his chariot o'er their heads,
Works up more fire and color in their cheeks. Addison.
[1913 Webster]
(b) To expend in any work, as materials; as, they have worked up all the stock. (c) (Naut.) To make over or into something else, as yarns drawn from old rigging, made into spun yarn, foxes, sennit, and the like; also, to keep constantly at work upon needless matters, as a crew in order to punish them. R. H. Dana, Jr.


word: Workable
definition:
Workable

Work"a*ble
(?)
a.
Capable of being worked, or worth working; as, a workable mine; workable clay.


word: Workbag
definition:
Workbag

Work"bag`
(?)
n.
A bag for holding implements or materials for work; especially, a reticule, or bag for holding needlework, and the like.


word: Workday
definition:
Workday

Work"day`
(?)
n. & a.
[AS. weorcdæg.]
A day on which work is performed, as distinguished from Sunday, festivals, etc., a working day.


word: Worker
definition:
Worker

Work"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, works; a laborer; a performer; as, a worker in brass.

Professors of holiness, but workers of iniquity.
Shak.

2.
(Zool.)
One of the neuter, or sterile, individuals of the social ants, bees, and white ants. The workers are generally females having the sexual organs imperfectly developed.  See Ant, and White ant, under White.


word: Workhouse
definition:
Workhouse

Work"house`
(?)
n.
pl. Workhouses (#).
[AS. weorchūs.]

1.
A house where any manufacture is carried on; a workshop.

2.
A house in which idle and vicious persons are confined to labor.

3.
A house where the town poor are maintained at public expense, and provided with labor; a poorhouse.


word: Working
definition:
Working

Work"ing
a & n. from Work.

The word must cousin be to the working.
Chaucer.

Working beam. See Beam, n. 10. -- Working class, the class of people who are engaged in manual labor, or are dependent upon it for support; laborers; operatives; -- chiefly used in the plural. -- Working day. See under Day, n. -- Working drawing, a drawing, as of the whole or part of a structure, machine, etc., made to a scale, and intended to be followed by the workmen. Working drawings are either general or detail drawings. -- Working house, a house where work is performed; a workhouse. -- Working point (Mach.), that part of a machine at which the effect required; the point where the useful work is done.


word: Working-day
definition:
Working-day

Work"ing-day
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or characteristic of, working days, or workdays; everyday; hence, plodding; hard-working.

O, how full of briers in this working-day world.
Shak.


word: Workingman
definition:
Workingman

Work"ing*man
(?)
n.
pl. Workingmen (_;).
A laboring man; a man who earns his daily support by manual labor.


word: Workless
definition:
Workless

Work"less
a.
1.
Without work; not laboring; as, many people were still workless.

2.
Not carried out in practice; not exemplified in fact; as, workless faith.
[Obs.]
Sir T. More.


word: Workman
definition:
Workman

Work"man
(?)
n.
pl. Workmen (#).
[AS. weorcmann.]

1.
A man employed in labor, whether in tillage or manufactures; a worker.

2.
Hence, especially, a skillful artificer or laborer.


word: Workmanlike
definition:
Workmanlike

Work"man*like`
(?)
a.
Becoming a workman, especially a skillful one; skillful; well performed.


word: Workmanship
definition:
Workmanship

Work"man*ship
n.
1.
The art or skill of a workman; the execution or manner of making anything.

Due reward
For her praiseworthy workmanship to yield.
Spenser.

Beauty is nature's brag, and must be shown . . . 
Where most may wonder at the workmanship.
Milton.

2.
That which is effected, made, or produced; manufacture, something made by manual labor.

Not any skilled in workmanship embossed.
Spenser.

By how much Adam exceeded all men in perfection, by being the immediate workmanship of God.
Sir W. Raleigh.


word: Workmen's compensation act
definition:
Workmen's compensation act

Workmen's compensation act
(Law)
A statute fixing the compensation that a workman may recover from an employer in case of accident, esp. the British act of 6 Edw. VII. c. 58 (1906) giving to a workman, except in certain cases of “serious and willful misconduct,” a right against his employer to a certain compensation on the mere occurrence of an accident where the common law gives the right only for negligence of the employer.


word: Worktable
definition:
Worktable

Work"ta`ble
(?)
n.
A table for holding working materials and implements; esp., a small table with drawers and other conveniences for needlework, etc.


word: Workwise
definition:
Workwise

Workways

{ Work"ways` (?), Work"wise` (?) }
adv.
In a working position or manner; as, a T rail placed workwise, i.e., resting on its base.


word: Workwoman
definition:
Workwoman

Work"wom`an
(?)
n.
pl. Workwomen (_;), n.
A woman who performs any work; especially, a woman skilled in needlework.


word: Workyday
definition:
Workyday

Work"y*day`
(?)
n.
[See Workday, Workingday.]
A week day or working day, as distinguished from Sunday or a holiday. Also used adjectively.
[Written also workiday, and workaday.]
[Obs. or Colloq.]

Prithee, tell her but a workyday fortune.
Shak.


word: World
definition:
World

World
(?)
n.
[OE. world, werld, weorld, weoreld, AS. weorold, worold; akin to OS. werold, D. wereld, OHG. weralt, worolt, werolt, werlt, G. welt, Icel. veröld, Sw. verld, Dan. verden; properly, the age of man, lifetime, humanity; AS. wer a man + a word akin to E. old; cf. AS. yld lifetime, age, ylde men, humanity.  Cf. Werewolf, Old.]

1.
The earth and the surrounding heavens; the creation; the system of created things; existent creation; the universe.

The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen.
Rom. 1. 20.

With desire to know,
What nearer might concern him, how this world
Of heaven and earth conspicuous first began.
Milton.

2.
Any planet or heavenly body, especially when considered as inhabited, and as the scene of interests analogous with human interests; as, a plurality of worlds.
worlds
I. Watts.

Amongst innumerable stars, that shone
Star distant, but high-hand seemed other worlds.
Milton.

There may be other worlds, where the inhabitants have never violated their allegiance to their almighty Sovereign.
W. B. Sprague.

3.
The earth and its inhabitants, with their concerns; the sum of human affairs and interests.

That forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought death into the world, and all our woe.
Milton.

4.
In a more restricted sense, that part of the earth and its concerns which is known to any one, or contemplated by any one; a division of the globe, or of its inhabitants; human affairs as seen from a certain position, or from a given point of view; also, state of existence; scene of life and action; as, the Old World; the New World; the religious world; the Catholic world; the upper world; the future world; the heathen world.

One of the greatest in the Christian world
Shall be my surety.
Shak.

Murmuring that now they must be put to make war beyond the world's end -- for so they counted Britain.
Milton.

5.
The customs, practices, and interests of men; general affairs of life; human society; public affairs and occupations; as, a knowledge of the world.

Happy is she that from the world retires.
Waller.

If knowledge of the world makes man perfidious,
May Juba ever live in ignorance.
Addison.

6.
Individual experience of, or concern with, life; course of life; sum of the affairs which affect the individual; as, to begin the world with no property; to lose all, and begin the world anew.

7.
The inhabitants of the earth; the human race; people in general; the public; mankind.

Since I do purpose to marry, I will think nothing to any purpose that the world can say against it.
Shak.

Tell me, wench, how will the world repute me
For undertaking so unstaid a journey?
Shak.

8.
The earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven; concerns of this life as distinguished from those of the life to come; the present existence and its interests; hence, secular affairs; engrossment or absorption in the affairs of this life; worldly corruption; the ungodly or wicked part of mankind.

I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
John xvii. 9.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John ii. 15, 16.

9.
As an emblem of immensity, a great multitude or quantity; a large number.
world
Chapman.
world
Bryant.

Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company.
Shak.

A world of woes dispatched in little space.
Dryden.

All . . . in the world, all that exists; all that is possible; as, all the precaution in the world would not save him. -- A world to see, a wonder to see; something admirable or surprising to see. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
O, you are novices; 't is a world to see
How tame, when men and women are alone,
A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
-- For all the world. (a) Precisely; exactly. (b) For any consideration. -- Seven wonders of the world. See in the Dictionary of Noted Names in Fiction. -- To go to the world, to be married. [Obs.] “Thus goes every one to the world but I . . . ; I may sit in a corner and cry heighho for a husband!” Shak. -- World's end, the end, or most distant part, of the world; the remotest regions. -- World without end, eternally; forever; everlastingly; as if in a state of existence having no end.
[1913 Webster]
Throughout all ages, world without end. Eph. iii. 21.


word: Worldliness
definition:
Worldliness

World"li*ness
(?)
n.
The quality of being worldly; a predominant passion for obtaining the good things of this life; covetousness; addictedness to gain and temporal enjoyments; worldly-mindedness.


word: Worldling
definition:
Worldling

World"ling
(?)
[World + -ling.]
A person whose soul is set upon gaining temporal possessions; one devoted to this world and its enjoyments.

A foutre for the world and worldlings base.
Shak.

If we consider the expectations of futurity, the worldling gives up the argument.
Rogers.

And worldlings blot the temple's gold.
Keble.


word: Worldly
definition:
Worldly

World"ly
a.
[AS. woroldlic.]

1.
Relating to the world; human; common; as, worldly maxims; worldly actions.
worldly
Shak.

Many years it hath continued, standing by no other worldly mean but that one only hand which erected it.
Hooker.

2.
Pertaining to this world or life, in contradistinction from the life to come; secular; temporal; devoted to this life and its enjoyments; bent on gain; as, worldly pleasures, affections, honor, lusts, men.

With his soul fled all my worldly solace.
Shak.

3.
Lay, as opposed to clerical.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Worldly₂
definition:
Worldly

World"ly
adv.
With relation to this life; in a worldly manner.

Subverting worldly strong and worldly wise
By simply meek.
Milton.


word: Worldly-minded
definition:
Worldly-minded

World"ly-mind`ed
(?)
a.
Devoted to worldly interests; mindful of the affairs of the present life, and forgetful of those of the future; loving and pursuing this world's goods, to the exclusion of piety and attention to spiritual concerns.
World"ly*mind`ed*ness, n.


word: world-wide web
definition:
world-wide web

world"-wide` web"
(?)
n.
The collective total of all computer installations that are connected to the internet and provide access to other computers connected to the internet, using hypertext transfer protocol, to computer files called web pages, which may have text, graphics, audio or animated video data, as well as pages which may provide data or information in all those forms.

Syn. -- Web, the web, WWW.


word: Worm
definition:
Worm

Worm
(wûrm)
n.
[OE. worm, wurm, AS. wyrm; akin to D. worm, OS. & G. wurm, Icel. ormr, Sw. & Dan. orm, Goth. waúrms, L. vermis, Gr. _; a wood worm.  Cf. Vermicelli, Vermilion, Vermin.]

1.
A creeping or a crawling animal of any kind or size, as a serpent, caterpillar, snail, or the like.
[Archaic]

There came a viper out of the heat, and leapt on his hand. When the men of the country saw the worm hang on his hand, they said, This man must needs be a murderer.
Tyndale (Acts xxviii. 3, 4).

'T is slander,
Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose tongue
Outvenoms all the worms of Nile.
Shak.

When Cerberus perceived us, the great worm,
His mouth he opened and displayed his tusks.
Longfellow.

2.
Any small creeping animal or reptile, either entirely without feet, or with very short ones, including a great variety of animals; as, an earthworm; the blindworm.
(Zool.)
(a)
Any helminth; an entozoon.
(b)
Any annelid.
(c)
An insect larva.
(d)
pl.
Same as Vermes.

3.
An internal tormentor; something that gnaws or afflicts one's mind with remorse.

The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul!
Shak.

4.
A being debased and despised.

I am a worm, and no man.
Ps. xxii. 6.

5.
Anything spiral, vermiculated, or resembling a worm
(a)
The thread of a screw.

The threads of screws, when bigger than can be made in screw plates, are called worms.
Moxon.

Worm abscess (Med.), an abscess produced by the irritation resulting from the lodgment of a worm in some part of the body. -- Worm fence. See under Fence. -- Worm gear. (Mach.) (a) A worm wheel. (b) Worm gearing. -- Worm gearing, gearing consisting of a worm and worm wheel working together. -- Worm grass. (Bot.) (a) See Pinkroot, 2 (a). (b) The white stonecrop (Sedum album) reputed to have qualities as a vermifuge. Dr. Prior. -- Worm oil (Med.), an anthelmintic consisting of oil obtained from the seeds of Chenopodium anthelminticum. -- Worm powder (Med.), an anthelmintic powder. -- Worm snake. (Zool.) See Thunder snake (b), under Thunder. -- Worm tea (Med.), an anthelmintic tea or tisane. -- Worm tincture (Med.), a tincture prepared from dried earthworms, oil of tartar, spirit of wine, etc. [Obs.] -- Worm wheel, a cogwheel having teeth formed to fit into the spiral spaces of a screw called a worm, so that the wheel may be turned by, or may turn, the worm; -- called also worm gear, and sometimes tangent wheel.  See Illust. of Worm gearing, above.


word: Worm₂
definition:
Worm

Worm
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wormed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Worming.]
To work slowly, gradually, and secretly.

When debates and fretting jealousy
Did worm and work within you more and more,
Your color faded.
Herbert.


word: Worm₃
definition:
Worm

Worm
v. t.
1.
To effect, remove, drive, draw, or the like, by slow and secret means; -- often followed by out.

They find themselves wormed out of all power.
Swift.

They . . . wormed things out of me that I had no desire to tell.
Dickens.

2.
To clean by means of a worm; to draw a wad or cartridge from, as a firearm.  See Worm, n. 5 (b).

3.
To cut the worm, or lytta, from under the tongue of, as a dog, for the purpose of checking a disposition to gnaw. The operation was formerly supposed to guard against canine madness.

The men assisted the laird in his sporting parties, wormed his dogs, and cut the ears of his terrier puppies.
Sir W. Scott.

4.
(Naut.)
To wind rope, yarn, or other material, spirally round, between the strands of, as a cable; to wind with spun yarn, as a small rope.

Ropes . . . are generally wormed before they are served.
Totten.

To worm one's self into, to enter into gradually by arts and insinuations; as, to worm one's self into favor.


word: Worm-eaten
definition:
Worm-eaten

Worm"-eat`en
(?)
a.
1.
Eaten, or eaten into, by a worm or by worms; as, worm-eaten timber.

Concave as a covered goblet, or a worm-eaten nut.
Shak.

2.
Worn-out; old; worthless.
[R.]
Sir W. Raleigh.


word: Wormian
definition:
Wormian

Wor"mi*an
(?)
a.
(Anat.)
Discovered or described by Olanus Wormius, a Danish anatomist.

Wormian bones, small irregular plates of bone often interposed in the sutures between the large cranial bones.


word: Wormil
definition:
Wormil

Wor"mil
(?)
n.
[Cf. 1st Warble.]

1.
(Zool.)
Any botfly larva which burrows in or beneath the skin of domestic and wild animals, thus producing sores. They belong to various species of Hypoderma and allied genera. Domestic cattle are often infested by a large species.  See Gadfly. Called also warble, and worble.
[Written also wormal, wormul, and wornil.]

2.
(Far.)
See 1st Warble, 1 (b).


word: Wormling
definition:
Wormling

Worm"ling
(?)
n.
A little worm.

O dusty wormling! dost thou strive and stand
With heaven's high monarch?
Sylvester.


word: Wormseed
definition:
Wormseed

Worm"seed`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
Any one of several plants, as Artemisia santonica, and Chenopodium anthelminticum, whose seeds have the property of expelling worms from the stomach and intestines.

Wormseed mustard, a slender, cruciferous plant (Erysinum cheiranthoides) having small lanceolate leaves.


word: Worm-shaped
definition:
Worm-shaped

Worm"-shaped`
(?)
a.
Shaped like a worm; _;hick and almost cylindrical, but variously curved or bent; as, a worm-shaped root.


word: Wormwood
definition:
Wormwood

Worm"wood
(?)
n.
[AS. werm_;d, akin to OHG. wermuota, wormuota, G. wermuth, wermut; of uncertain origin.]

1.
(Bot.)
A composite plant (Artemisia Absinthium), having a bitter and slightly aromatic taste, formerly used as a tonic and a vermifuge, and to protect woolen garments from moths. It gives the peculiar flavor to the cordial called absinthe. The volatile oil is a narcotic poison. The term is often extended to other species of the same genus.

2.
Anything very bitter or grievous; bitterness.

Lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood.
Deut. xxix. 18.

Roman wormwood (Bot.), an American weed (Ambrosia artemisiaefolia); hogweed. -- Tree wormwood (Bot.), a species of Artemisia (probably Artemisia variabilis) with woody stems. -- Wormwood hare (Zool.), a variety of the common hare (Lepus timidus); -- so named from its color.


word: Wormy
definition:
Wormy

Worm"y
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wormier (?); superl. Wormiest.]

1.
Containing a worm; abounding with worms.
Wormy
Shak.

2.
Like or pertaining to a worm; earthy; groveling.


word: Worn
definition:
Worn

Worn
(?)
p. p. of Wear.

Worn land, land that has become exhausted by tillage, or which for any reason has lost its fertility.


word: Worrel
definition:
Worrel

Worral

{ Wor"ral (?), Wor"rel (?), }
n.
(Zool.)
An Egyptian fork-tongued lizard, about four feet long when full grown.


word: Worry
definition:
Worry

Wor"ry
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Worried (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Worrying.]
[OE. worowen, wirien, to strangle, AS. wyrgan in āwyrgan; akin to D. worgen, wurgen, to strangle, OHG. wurgen, G. würgen, Lith. verszti, and perhaps to E. wring.]

1.
To harass by pursuit and barking; to attack repeatedly; also, to tear or mangle with the teeth.

A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death;
That dog that had his teeth before his eyes,
To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood.
Shak.

2.
To harass or beset with importunity, or with care an anxiety; to vex; to annoy; to torment; to tease; to fret; to trouble; to plague.
worried
South.

Let them rail,
And worry one another at their pleasure.
Rowe.

Worry him out till he gives consent.
Swift.

3.
To harass with labor; to fatigue.
[Colloq.]


word: Worry₂
definition:
Worry

Wor"ry
(?)
v. i.
To feel or express undue care and anxiety; to manifest disquietude or pain; to be fretful; to chafe; as, the child worries; the horse worries.


word: Worry₃
definition:
Worry

Wor"ry
n.
pl. Worries (_;).
A state of undue solicitude; a state of disturbance from care and anxiety; vexation; anxiety; fret; as, to be in a worry.
worry
Sir T. Browne.


word: Worse
definition:
Worse

Worse
(?)
a.
compar.
Bad
[OE. werse, worse, wurse, AS. wiersa, wyrsa, a comparative with no corresponding positive; akin to OS. wirsa, OFries. wirra, OHG. wirsiro, Icel. verri, Sw. värre, Dan. värre, Goth. waírsiza, and probably to OHG. werran to bring into confusion, E. war, and L. verrere to sweep, sweep along. As bad has no comparative and superlative, worse and worst are used in lieu of them, although etymologically they have no relation to bad.]
Bad, ill, evil, or corrupt, in a greater degree; more bad or evil; less good; specifically, in poorer health; more sick; -- used both in a physical and moral sense.

Or worse, if men worse can devise.
Chaucer.

[She] was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.
Mark v. 26.

Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.
2 Tim. iii. 13.

There are men who seem to believe they are not bad while another can be found worse.
Rambler.

“But I love him.” “Love him? Worse and worse.”
Gay.


word: Worse₂
definition:
Worse

Worse
n.
1.
Loss; disadvantage; defeat.
worse
Kings xiv. 12.

2.
That which is worse; something less good; as, think not the worse of him for his enterprise.


word: Worse₃
definition:
Worse

Worse
adv.
[AS. wiers, wyrs; akin to OS. & OHG. wirs, Icel. verr, Goth, waírs; a comparative adverb with no corresponding positive.  See Worse, a.]
In a worse degree; in a manner more evil or bad.

Now will we deal worse with thee than with them.
Gen. xix. 9.


word: Worse₄
definition:
Worse

Worse
v. t.
[OE. wursien, AS. wyrsian to become worse.]
To make worse; to put disadvantage; to discomfit; to worst.  See Worst, v.

Weapons more violent, when next we meet,
May serve to better us and worse our foes.
Milton.


word: Worsen
definition:
Worsen

Wors"en
(?)
v. t.
1.
To make worse; to deteriorate; to impair.

It is apparent that, in the particular point of which we have been conversing, their condition is greatly worsened.
Southey.

2.
To get the better of; to worst.
[R.]


word: Worsen₂
definition:
Worsen

Wors"en
v. i.
To grow or become worse.
De Quincey.

Indifferent health, which seemed rather to worsen than improve.
Carlyle.


word: Worser
definition:
Worser

Wors"er
(?)
a.
Worse.
[R.]

Thou dost deserve a worser end.
Beau. & Fl.

From worser thoughts which make me do amiss.
Bunyan.

A dreadful quiet felt, and, worser far
Than arms, a sullen interval of war.
Dryden.

&hand_; This old and redundant form of the comparative occurs occasionally in the best authors, although commonly accounted a vulgarism. It has, at least, the analogy of lesser to sanction its issue.  See Lesser. “The experience of man's worser nature, which intercourse with ill-chosen associates, by choice or circumstance, peculiarly teaches.”
Hallam.


word: Worship
definition:
Worship

Wor"ship
(?)
n.
[OE. worshipe, wurðscipe, AS. weorðscipe; weorð worth + -scipe -ship.  See Worth, a., and -ship.]

1.
Excellence of character; dignity; worth; worthiness.
[Obs.]
Shak.

A man of worship and honour.
Chaucer.

Elfin, born of noble state,
And muckle worship in his native land.
Spenser.

2.
Honor; respect; civil deference.
[Obs.]

Of which great worth and worship may be won.
Spenser.

Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
Luke xiv. 10.

3.
Hence, a title of honor, used in addresses to certain magistrates and others of rank or station.

My father desires your worships' company.
Shak.

4.
The act of paying divine honors to the Supreme Being; religious reverence and homage; adoration, or acts of reverence, paid to God, or a being viewed as God.
worship
Milton.

The worship of God is an eminent part of religion, and prayer is a chief part of religious worship.
Tillotson.

5.
Obsequious or submissive respect; extravagant admiration; adoration.

'T is your inky brows, your black silk hair,
Your bugle eyeballs, nor your cheek of cream,
That can my spirits to your worship.
Shak.

6.
An object of worship.

In attitude and aspect formed to be
At once the artist's worship and despair.
Longfellow.

Devil worship, Fire worship, Hero worship, etc.  See under Devil, Fire, Hero, etc.


word: Worship₂
definition:
Worship

Wor"ship
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Worshiped (?) Worshipped; p. pr. & vb. n. Worshiping or Worshipping.]

1.
To respect; to honor; to treat with civil reverence.
[Obsoles.]
Chaucer.

Our grave . . . shall have a tongueless mouth,
Not worshiped with a waxen epitaph.
Shak.

This holy image that is man God worshipeth.
Foxe.

2.
To pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect and veneration; to perform religious exercises in honor of; to adore; to venerate.

But God is to be worshiped.
Shak.

When all our fathers worshiped stocks and stones.
Milton.

3.
To honor with extravagant love and extreme submission, as a lover; to adore; to idolize.

With bended knees I daily worship her.
Carew.


word: Worship₃
definition:
Worship

Wor"ship
(?)
v. i.
To perform acts of homage or adoration; esp., to perform religious service.

Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
John iv. 20.

Was it for this I have loved . . . and worshiped in silence?
Longfellow.


word: Worshipability
definition:
Worshipability

Wor`ship*a*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
The quality of being worthy to be worshiped.
[R.]
Coleridge.


word: Worshiper
definition:
Worshiper

Wor"ship*er
(?)
n.
One who worships; one who pays divine honors to any being or thing; one who adores.
[Written also worshipper.]


word: Worshipful
definition:
Worshipful

Wor"ship*ful
(?)
a.
Entitled to worship, reverence, or high respect; claiming respect; worthy of honor; -- often used as a term of respect, sometimes ironically.
worshipful
Shak.

[She is] so dear and worshipful.
Chaucer.


word: Worst
definition:
Worst

Worst
(?)
a.
superl.
Bad
[OE. werst, worste, wurste, AS. wyrst, wierst, wierrest.  See Worse, a.]
Bad, evil, or pernicious, in the highest degree, whether in a physical or moral sense.  See Worse.
worst
Milton.

 I have a wife, the worst that may be.
Chaucer.

If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
Shak.


word: Worst₂
definition:
Worst

Worst
n.
That which is most bad or evil; the most severe, pernicious, calamitous, or wicked state or degree.

The worst is not
So long as we can say, This is the worst.
Shak.

He is always sure of finding diversion when the worst comes to the worst.
Addison.


word: Worst₃
definition:
Worst

Worst
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Worsted; p. pr. & vb. n. Worsting.]
[See Worse, v. t. & a.]
To gain advantage over, in contest or competition; to get the better of; to defeat; to overthrow; to discomfit.

The . . . Philistines were worsted by the captivated ark.
South.


word: Worsted
definition:
Worsted

Worst"ed
(?; 277)
n.
[From Worsted, now spelled Worstead, a town in Norfolk, England; for Worthstead.  See Worth, n., and Stead.]

1.
Well-twisted yarn spun of long-staple wool which has been combed to lay the fibers parallel, used for carpets, cloth, hosiery, gloves, and the like.

2.
Fine and soft woolen yarn, untwisted or lightly twisted, used in knitting and embroidery.


word: Wort
definition:
Wort

Wort
(?)
n.
[OE. wort, wurt, AS. wyrt herb, root; akin to OS. wurt, G. wurz, Icel. jurt, urt, Dan. urt, Sw. ört, Goth. waúrts a root, L. radix, Gr. _; a root, _; a branch, young shoot, _; a branch, and E. root, n.  Cf. Licorice, Orchard, Radish, Root, n., Whortleberry, Wort an infusion of malt.]

1.
(Bot.)
A plant of any kind.

&hand_; This word is now chiefly used in combination, as in colewort, figwort, St. John's-wort, woundwort, etc.

2.
pl.
Cabbages.


word: Wort₂
definition:
Wort

Wort
(?)
n.
[OE. worte, wurte, AS. wyrte; akin to OD. wort, G. würze, bierwürze, Icel. virtr, Sw. vört.  See Wort an herb.]
An infusion of malt which is unfermented, or is in the act of fermentation; the sweet infusion of malt, which ferments and forms beer; hence, any similar liquid in a state of incipient fermentation.

&hand_; Wort consists essentially of a dilute solution of sugar, which by fermentation produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.


word: Worth
definition:
Worth

Worth
(?)
v. i.
[OE. worthen, wurþen, to become, AS. weorðan; akin to OS. werðan, D. worden, G. werden, OHG. werdan, Icel. verða, Sw. varda, Goth. waírpan, L. vertere to turn, Skr. v&rsdot_;t, v. i., to turn, to roll, to become. √143.  Cf. Verse, -ward, Weird.]
To be; to become; to betide; -- now used only in the phrases, woe worth the day, woe worth the man, etc., in which the verb is in the imperative, and the nouns day, man, etc., are in the dative. Woe be to the day, woe be to the man, etc., are equivalent phrases.

I counsel . . . to let the cat worthe.
Piers Plowman.

He worth upon [got upon] his steed gray.
Chaucer.


word: Worth₂
definition:
Worth

Worth
a.
[OE. worth, wurþ, AS. weorð, wurE; akin to OFries. werth, OS. werð, D. waard, OHG. werd, G. wert, werth, Icel. verðr, Sw. värd, Dan. værd, Goth. waírps, and perhaps to E. wary.  Cf. Stalwart, Ware an article of merchandise, Worship.]

1.
Valuable; of worthy; estimable; also, worth while.
[Obs.]

It was not worth to make it wise.
Chaucer.

2.
Equal in value to; furnishing an equivalent for; proper to be exchanged for.

A ring he hath of mine worth forty ducats.
Shak.

All our doings without charity are nothing worth.
Bk. of Com. Prayer.

If your arguments produce no conviction, they are worth nothing to me.
Beattie.

3.
Deserving of; -- in a good or bad sense, but chiefly in a good sense.

To reign is worth ambition, though in hell.
Milton.

This is life indeed, life worth preserving.
Addison.

4.
Having possessions equal to; having wealth or estate to the value of.

At Geneva are merchants reckoned worth twenty hundred crowns.
Addison.

Worth while, or Worth the while. See under While, n.


word: Worth₃
definition:
Worth

Worth
n.
[OE. worth, wurþ, AS. weorð, wurð; weorð, wurð, adj.  See Worth, a.]

1.
That quality of a thing which renders it valuable or useful; sum of valuable qualities which render anything useful and sought; value; hence, often, value as expressed in a standard, as money; equivalent in exchange; price.

What 's worth in anything
But so much money as 't will bring?
Hudibras.

2.
Value in respect of moral or personal qualities; excellence; virtue; eminence; desert; merit; usefulness; as, a man or magistrate of great worth.

To be of worth, and worthy estimation.
Shak.

As none but she, who in that court did dwell,
Could know such worth, or worth describe so well.
Waller.

To think how modest worth neglected lies.
Shenstone.


word: Worthily
definition:
Worthily

Wor"thi*ly
(?)
adv.
In a worthy manner; excellently; deservedly; according to merit; justly; suitably; becomingly.

You worthily succeed not only to the honors of your ancestors, but also to their virtues.
Dryden.

Some may very worthily deserve to be hated.
South.


word: Worthiness
definition:
Worthiness

Wor"thi*ness
n.
The quality or state of being worthy; desert; merit; excellence; dignity; virtue; worth.

Who is sure he hath a soul, unless
It see, and judge, and follow worthiness?
Donne.

She is not worthy to be loved that hath not some feeling of her own worthiness.
Sir P. Sidney.

The prayers which our Savior made were for his own worthiness accepted.
Hooker.


word: Worthless
definition:
Worthless

Worth"less
(?)
a.
[AS. weorðleás.]
Destitute of worth; having no value, virtue, excellence, dignity, or the like; undeserving; valueless; useless; vile; mean; as, a worthless garment; a worthless ship; a worthless man or woman; a worthless magistrate.

'T is a worthless world to win or lose.
Byron.


word: Worthy
definition:
Worthy

Wor"thy
(?)
a.
[Compar. Worthier (_;); superl. Worthiest.]
[OE. worthi, wurþi, from worth, wurþ, n.; cf. Icel. verðugr, D. waardig, G. würdig, OHG. wirdīg.  See Worth, n.]

1.
Having worth or excellence; possessing merit; valuable; deserving; estimable; excellent; virtuous.

Full worthy was he in his lordes war.
Chaucer.

These banished men that I have kept withal
Are men endued with worthy qualities.
Shak.

Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be.
Milton.

This worthy mind should worthy things embrace.
Sir J. Davies.

2.
Having suitable, adapted, or equivalent qualities or value; -- usually with of before the thing compared or the object; more rarely, with a following infinitive instead of of, or with that; as, worthy of, equal in excellence, value, or dignity to; entitled to; meriting; -- usually in a good sense, but sometimes in a bad one.

No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway.
Shak.

The merciless Macdonwald,
Worthy to be a rebel.
Shak.

Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear.
Matt. iii. 11.

And thou art worthy that thou shouldst not know
More happiness.
Milton.

The lodging is well worthy of the guest.
Dryden.

3.
Of high station; of high social position.
[Obs.]

Worthy women of the town.
Chaucer.

Worthiest of blood (Eng. Law of Descent), most worthy of those of the same blood to succeed or inherit; -- applied to males, and expressive of the preference given them over females. Burrill.


word: Worthy₂
definition:
Worthy

Wor"thy
n.
pl. Worthies (_;).
A man of eminent worth or value; one distinguished for useful and estimable qualities; a person of conspicuous desert; -- much used in the plural; as, the worthies of the church; political worthies; military worthies.

The blood of ancient worthies in his veins.
Cowper.


word: Wot
definition:
Wot

Wot
(?)
1st & 3d pers. sing. pres. of Wit, to know.  See the Note under Wit, v.
[Obs.]

Brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it.
Acts iii. 17.


word: Wotteth
definition:
Wotteth

Woteth

{ Wot"eth (?), Wot"teth, }
3d pers. sing. pres. of Wit, to know.
[Obs.]
wotteth
Tyndale.


word: Would
definition:
Would

Would
(?)
imp.
Will
[OE. & AS. wolde.  See Will, v. t.]
Commonly used as an auxiliary verb, either in the past tense or in the conditional or optative present.  See 2d & 3d Will.

&hand_; Would was formerly used also as the past participle of Will.

Right as our Lord hath would.
Chaucer.


word: Would-be
definition:
Would-be

Would"-be`
(_;)
a.
Desiring or professing to be; vainly pretending to be; as, a would-be poet.


word: Woulfe bottle
definition:
Woulfe bottle

Woulfe" bot`tle
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A kind of wash bottle with two or three necks; -- so called after the inventor, Peter Woulfe, an English chemist.


word: Wound₂
definition:
Wound

Wound
(?; 277)
n.
[OE. wounde, wunde, AS. wund; akin to OFries. wunde, OS. wunda, D. wonde, OHG. wunta, G. wunde, Icel. und, and to AS., OS., & G. wund sore, wounded, OHG. wunt, Goth. wunds, and perhaps also to Goth. winnan to suffer, E. win. √140.  Cf. Zounds.]

1.
A hurt or injury caused by violence; specifically, a breach of the skin and flesh of an animal, or in the substance of any creature or living thing; a cut, stab, rent, or the like.
Chaucer.

Showers of blood
Rained from the wounds of slaughtered Englishmen.
Shak.

2.
Fig.: An injury, hurt, damage, detriment, or the like, to feeling, faculty, reputation, etc.

3.
(Criminal Law)
An injury to the person by which the skin is divided, or its continuity broken; a lesion of the body, involving some solution of continuity.

&hand_; Walker condemns the pronunciation woond as a “capricious novelty.” It is certainly opposed to an important principle of our language, namely, that the Old English long sound written ou, and pronounced like French ou or modern English oo, has regularly changed, when accented, into the diphthongal sound usually written with the same letters ou in modern English, as in ground, hound, round, sound. The use of ou in Old English to represent the sound of modern English oo was borrowed from the French, and replaced the older and Anglo-Saxon spelling with u. It makes no difference whether the word was taken from the French or not, provided it is old enough in English to have suffered this change to what is now the common sound of ou; but words taken from the French at a later time, or influenced by French, may have the French sound.

Wound gall (Zool.), an elongated swollen or tuberous gall on the branches of the grapevine, caused by a small reddish brown weevil (Ampeloglypter sesostris) whose larvae inhabit the galls.


word: Wound₃
definition:
Wound

Wound
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Wounding.]
[AS. wundian. √140.  See Wound, n.]

1.
To hurt by violence; to produce a breach, or separation of parts, in, as by a cut, stab, blow, or the like.

The archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
1 Sam. xxxi. 3.

2.
To hurt the feelings of; to pain by disrespect, ingratitude, or the like; to cause injury to.

When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
1 Cor. viii. 12.


word: Woundless
definition:
Woundless

Wound"less
(?)
a.
Free from wound or hurt; exempt from being wounded; invulnerable.
woundless
Spenser.

[Slander] may miss our name,
And hit the woundless air.
Shak.


word: Woundwort
definition:
Woundwort

Wound"wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
Any one of certain plants whose soft, downy leaves have been used for dressing wounds, as the kidney vetch, and several species of the labiate genus Stachys.


word: Woundy
definition:
Woundy

Wound"y
(?)
a.
Excessive.
[Obs.]

Such a world of holidays, that 't a woundy hindrance to a poor man that lives by his labor.
L'Estrange.


word: Wou-wou
definition:
Wou-wou

Wou"-wou`
(?)
n.
[So called from its cry.]
(Zool.)
The agile, or silvery, gibbon; -- called also camper.  See Gibbon.
[Written also wow-wow.]


word: Woven
definition:
Woven

Wov"en
(?)
p. p. of Weave.

Woven paper, or Wove paper, writing paper having an even, uniform surface, without watermarks.


word: Wrack₃
definition:
Wrack

Wrack
n.
[OE. wrak wreck.  See Wreck.]

1.
Wreck; ruin; destruction.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
wrack
Milton.

2.
Any marine vegetation cast up on the shore, especially plants of the genera Fucus, Laminaria, and Zostera, which are most abundant on northern shores.

3.
(Bot.)
Coarse seaweed of any kind.

Wrack grass, or Grass wrack (Bot.), eelgrass.


word: Wraith
definition:
Wraith

Wraith
(?)
n.
[Scot. wraith, warth; probably originally, a guardian angel, from Icel. vörðr a warden, guardian, akin to E. ward.  See Ward a guard.]

1.
An apparition of a person in his exact likeness, seen before death, or a little after; hence, an apparition; a specter; a vision; an unreal image.
[Scot.]

She was uncertain if it were the gypsy or her wraith.
Sir W. Scott.

O, hollow wraith of dying fame.
Tennyson.

2.
Sometimes, improperly, a spirit thought to preside over the waters; -- called also water wraith.
M. G. Lewis.


word: Wrangle
definition:
Wrangle

Wran"gle
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wrangled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wrangling (?).]
[OE. wranglen to wrestle.  See Wrong, Wring.]

1.
To argue; to debate; to dispute.
[Obs.]

2.
To dispute angrily; to quarrel peevishly and noisily; to brawl; to altercate.
wranglings
Macaulay.

For a score of kingdoms you should wrangle.
Shak.

He did not know what it was to wrangle on indifferent points.
Addison.


word: Wrangler
definition:
Wrangler

Wran"gler
(?)
n.
1.
An angry disputant; one who disputes with heat or peevishness.
wranglers
I. Watts.

2.
One of those who stand in the first rank of honors in the University of Cambridge, England. They are called, according to their rank, senior wrangler, second wrangler, third wrangler, etc.  Cf. Optime.


word: Wranglership
definition:
Wranglership

Wran"gler*ship
n.
The honor or position of being a wrangler at the University of Cambridge, England.


word: Wrap
definition:
Wrap

Wrap
(?)
v. t.
[A corrupt spelling of rap.]
To snatch up; transport; -- chiefly used in the p. p. wrapt.

Lo! where the stripling, wrapt in wonder, roves.
Beattie.


word: Wrap₂
definition:
Wrap

Wrap
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wrapped (?) or Wrapt; p. pr. & vb. n. Wrapping.]
[OE. wrappen, probably akin to E. warp. √144.  Cf. Warp.]

1.
To wind or fold together; to arrange in folds.

Then cometh Simon Peter, . . . and seeth . . . the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
John xx. 6, 7.

Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
Bryant.

2.
To cover by winding or folding; to envelop completely; to involve; to infold; -- often with up.

I . . . wrapt in mist
Of midnight vapor, glide obscure.
Milton.

3.
To conceal by enveloping or infolding; to hide; hence, to involve, as an effect or consequence; to be followed by.

Wise poets that wrap truth in tales.
Carew.

To be wrapped up in, to be wholly engrossed in; to be entirely dependent on; to be covered with.

Leontine's young wife, in whom all his happiness was wrapped up, died in a few days after the death of her daughter.
Addison.

Things reflected on in gross and transiently . . . are thought to be wrapped up in impenetrable obscurity.
Locke.


word: Wrap₃
definition:
Wrap

Wrap
n.
A wrapper; -- often used in the plural for blankets, furs, shawls, etc., used in riding or traveling.


word: Wrapper
definition:
Wrapper

Wrap"per
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, wraps.

2.
That in which anything is wrapped, or inclosed; envelope; covering.

3.
Specifically, a loose outer garment; an article of dress intended to be wrapped round the person; as, a morning wrapper; a gentleman's wrapper.


word: Wrasse
definition:
Wrasse

Wrasse
(?)
n.
[W. gwrachen.]
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous edible, marine, spiny-finned fishes of the genus Labrus, of which several species are found in the Mediterranean and on the Atlantic coast of Europe. Many of the species are bright-colored.

&hand_; Among the European species are the ballan wrasse (Labrus maculatus), the streaked wrasse (Labrus lineatus), the red wrasse (Labrus mixtus), the comber wrasse (Labrus comber), the blue-striped, or cook, wrasse (see Peacock fish, under Peacock), the rainbow wrasse (Labrus vulgaris), and the seawife.


word: Wrastle
definition:
Wrastle

Wras"tle
(?)
v. i.
[OE. wrastlen.  See Wrestle.]
To wrestle.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U. S.]

Who wrastleth best naked, with oil enoint.
Chaucer.


word: Wrath
definition:
Wrath

Wrath
(?; 277)
n.
[OE. wrathe, wraþþe, wrethe, wræððe, AS. wr&aemacr_;ððo, fr. wrāð wroth; akin to Icel. reiði wrath.  See Wroth, a.]

1.
Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation; rage; fury; ire.

Wrath is a fire, and jealousy a weed.
Spenser.

When the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased.
Esther ii. 1.

Now smoking and frothing
Its tumult and wrath in.
Southey.

2.
The effects of anger or indignation; the just punishment of an offense or a crime.
wrath
Rom. xiii. 4.


word: Wrath₃
definition:
Wrath

Wrath
v. t.
To anger; to enrage; -- also used impersonally.
[Obs.]
wrathen
Chaucer.

If him wratheth, be ywar and his way shun.
Piers Plowman.


word: Wrathful
definition:
Wrathful

Wrath"ful
(?)
a.
1.
Full of wrath; very angry; greatly incensed; ireful; passionate; as, a wrathful man.

2.
Springing from, or expressing, wrath; as, a wrathful countenance.
Wrathful
Sprat.


word: Wraw
definition:
Wraw

Wraw
(?)
a.
[Cf. dial. Sw. vrå willful, disobedient.]
Angry; vexed; wrathful.
[Obs.]

With this speech the cock wex wroth and wraw.
Chaucer.


word: Wrawl
definition:
Wrawl

Wrawl
(r&asuml_;l)
v. i.
[Cf. Dan. vraale, Sw. vråla to brawl, to roar, Dan. vraal a bawling, roaring, vræle to cry, weep, whine.]
To cry, as a cat; to waul.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Wray
definition:
Wray

Wray
(rā)
v. t.
[AS. wr_;gan to accuse.  See Bewray.]
To reveal; to disclose.
[Obs.]

To no wight thou shalt this counsel wray.
Chaucer.


word: Wreak₂
definition:
Wreak

Wreak
(rēk)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wreaked (rēkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Wreaking.]
[OE. wreken to revenge, punish, drive out, AS. wrecan; akin to OFries. wreka, OS. wrekan to punish, D. wreken to avenge, G. rächen, OHG. rehhan, Icel. reka to drive, to take vengeance, Goth. wrikan to persecute, Lith. vargas distress, vargti to suffer distress, L. urgere to drive, urge, Gr. e'i`rgein to shut, Skr. v&rsdot_;j to turn away.  Cf. Urge, Wreck, Wretch.]

1.
To revenge; to avenge.
[Archaic]

He should wreake him on his foes.
Chaucer.

Another's wrongs to wreak upon thyself.
Spenser.

Come wreak his loss, whom bootless ye complain.
Fairfax.

2.
To inflict or execute, especially in vengeance or passion; to hurl or drive; as, to wreak vengeance on an enemy; to wreak havoc.

The word wrought is sometimes assumed to be the past tense of wreak, as the phrases wreak havoc and wrought havoc are both commonly used.  In fact, wrought havoc is not as common as wreaked havoc.  Whether wrought is considered as the past tense of wreak or of work, wrought havoc has essentially the same meaning.  Etymologically, however, wrought is only the past tense of work.

On me let Death wreak all his rage.
Milton.

Now was the time to be avenged on his old enemy, to wreak a grudge of seventeen years.
Macaulay.

But gather all thy powers,
And wreak them on the verse that thou dost weave.
Bryant.


word: Wreak₃
definition:
Wreak

Wreak
n.
[Cf. AS. wræc exile, persecution, misery.  See Wreak, v. t.]
Revenge; vengeance; furious passion; resentment.
[Obs.]
Shak. Spenser.


word: Wreaker
definition:
Wreaker

Wreak"er
(?)
n.
[See Wreak.]
Avenger.
[Obs.]

The stork, the wrekere of avouterye [adultery].
Chaucer.


word: Wreath
definition:
Wreath

Wreath
(?; 277)
n.
pl. Wreaths (#).
[OE. wrethe, AS. wr&aemacr_;ð a twisted band, fr. wrīðan to twist.  See Writhe.]

1.
Something twisted, intertwined, or curled; as, a wreath of smoke; a wreath of flowers.
wrethe
Chaucer.

[He] of his tortuous train
Curled many a wanton wreath.
Milton.

2.
A garland; a chaplet, esp. one given to a victor.

Conquest doth grant
He dear wreath to the Grecian combatant.
Chapman.

Far back in the ages,
The plow with wreaths was crowned.
Bryant.

3.
(Her.)
An appendage to the shield, placed above it, and supporting the crest (see Illust. of Crest). It generally represents a twist of two cords of silk, one tinctured like the principal metal, the other like the principal color in the arms.


word: Wreathe
definition:
Wreathe

Wreathe
(?)
v. t.
[imp. Wreathed (?); p. p. Wreathed; Archaic Wreathen (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wreathing.]
[See Wreath, n.]
[Written also wreath.]

1.
To cause to revolve or writhe; to twist about; to turn.
[Obs.]

And from so heavy sight his head did wreathe.
Spenser.

2.
To twist; to convolve; to wind one about another; to entwine.

The nods and smiles of recognition into which this singular physiognomy was wreathed.
Sir W. Scott.

From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve
Down dropped.
Milton.

3.
To surround with anything twisted or convolved; to encircle; to infold.

Each wreathed in the other's arms.
Shak.

Dusk faces with withe silken turbants wreathed.
Milton.

And with thy winding ivy wreathes her lance.
Dryden.

4.
To twine or twist about; to surround; to encircle.

In the flowers that wreathe the sparkling bowl,
Fell adders hiss.
Prior.


word: Wreathe₂
definition:
Wreathe

Wreathe
v. i.
To be intewoven or entwined; to twine together; as, a bower of wreathing trees.
Dryden.


word: Wreathy
definition:
Wreathy

Wreath"y
(?)
a.
Wreathed; twisted; curled; spiral; also, full of wreaths.
Wreathy
Sir T. Browne.


word: Wreck₂
definition:
Wreck

Wreck
n.
[OE. wrak, AS. wræc exile, persecution, misery, from wrecan to drive out, punish; akin to D. wrak, adj., damaged, brittle, n., a wreck, wraken to reject, throw off, Icel. rek a thing drifted ashore, Sw. vrak refuse, a wreck, Dan. vrag.  See Wreak, v. t., and cf. Wrack a marine plant.]
[Written also wrack.]

1.
The destruction or injury of a vessel by being cast on shore, or on rocks, or by being disabled or sunk by the force of winds or waves; shipwreck.

Hard and obstinate
As is a rock amidst the raging floods,
'Gainst which a ship, of succor desolate,
Doth suffer wreck, both of herself and goods.
Spenser.

2.
Destruction or injury of anything, especially by violence; ruin; as, the wreck of a railroad train.

The wreck of matter and the crush of worlds.
Addison.

Its intellectual life was thus able to go on amidst the wreck of its political life.
J. R. Green.

3.
The ruins of a ship stranded; a ship dashed against rocks or land, and broken, or otherwise rendered useless, by violence and fracture; as, they burned the wreck.

4.
The remain of anything ruined or fatally injured.

To the fair haven of my native home,
The wreck of what I was, fatigued I come.
Cowper.

5.
(Law)
Goods, etc., which, after a shipwreck, are cast upon the land by the sea.
Bouvier.


word: Wreck₃
definition:
Wreck

Wreck
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wrecked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wrecking.]

1.
To destroy, disable, or seriously damage, as a vessel, by driving it against the shore or on rocks, by causing it to become unseaworthy, to founder, or the like; to shipwreck.

Supposing that they saw the king's ship wrecked.
Shak.

2.
To bring wreck or ruin upon by any kind of violence; to destroy, as a railroad train.

3.
To involve in a wreck; hence, to cause to suffer ruin; to balk of success, and bring disaster on.

Weak and envied, if they should conspire,
They wreck themselves.
Daniel.


word: Wreck₄
definition:
Wreck

Wreck
v. i.
1.
To suffer wreck or ruin.
Milton.

2.
To work upon a wreck, as in saving property or lives, or in plundering.


word: Wreckage
definition:
Wreckage

Wreck"age
(?; 48)
n.
1.
The act of wrecking, or state of being wrecked.

2.
That which has been wrecked; remains of a wreck.


word: Wrecker
definition:
Wrecker

Wreck"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who causes a wreck, as by false lights, and the like.

2.
One who searches fro, or works upon, the wrecks of vessels, etc. Specifically: (a) One who visits a wreck for the purpose of plunder. (b) One who is employed in saving property or lives from a wrecked vessel, or in saving the vessel; as, the wreckers of Key West.

3.
A vessel employed by wreckers.


word: Wreckfish
definition:
Wreckfish

Wreck"fish`
(?)
n.
[So called because it often comes in with wreckage.]
(Zool.)
A stone bass.


word: Wrecking
definition:
Wrecking

Wreck"ing
a. & n. from Wreck, v.

Wrecking car (Railway), a car fitted up with apparatus and implements for removing the wreck occasioned by an accident, as by a collision. -- Wrecking pump, a pump especially adapted for pumping water from the hull of a wrecked vessel.


word: Wreck-master
definition:
Wreck-master

Wreck"-mas`ter
(?)
n.
A person appointed by law to take charge of goods, etc., thrown on shore after a shipwreck.


word: Wren
definition:
Wren

Wren
(rĕn)
n.
[OE. wrenne, AS. wrenna, wrænna, perhaps akin to wr&aemacr_;ne lascivious.]

1.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of small singing birds belonging to Troglodytes and numerous allied of the family Troglodytidae.

&hand_; Among the species best known are the house wren (Troglodytes aedon) common in both Europe and America, and the American winter wren (Troglodytes hiemalis).  See also Cactus wren, Marsh wren, and Rock wren, under Cactus, Marsh, and Rock.

2.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of small singing birds more or less resembling the true wrens in size and habits.

&hand_; Among these are several species of European warblers; as, the reed wren (see Reed warbler (a), under Reed), the sedge wren (see Sedge warbler, under Sedge), the willow wren (see Willow warbler, under Willow), the golden-crested wren, and the ruby-crowned wren (see Kinglet).

Ant wren, any one of numerous South American birds of the family Formicaridae, allied to the ant thrushes. -- Blue wren, a small Australian singing bird (Malurus cyaneus), the male of which in the breeding season is bright blue. Called also superb warbler. -- Emu wren. See in the Vocabulary. -- Wren babbler, any one of numerous species of small timaline birds belonging to Alcippe, Stachyris, Timalia, and several allied genera. These birds are common in Southern Asia and the East Indies. -- Wren tit. See Ground wren, under Ground. -- Wren warbler, any one of several species of small Asiatic and African singing birds belonging to Prinia and allied genera. These birds are closely allied to the tailor birds, and build their nests in a similar manner.  See also Pincpinc.


word: Wrench
definition:
Wrench

Wrench
(rĕnch)
n.
[OE. wrench deceit, AS. wrenc deceit, a twisting; akin to G. rank intrigue, crookedness, renken to bend, twist, and E. wring. √144.  See Wring, and cf. Ranch, v. t.]

1.
Trick; deceit; fraud; stratagem.
[Obs.]

His wily wrenches thou ne mayst not flee.
Chaucer.

2.
A violent twist, or a pull with twisting.

He wringeth them such a wrench.
Skelton.

The injurious effect upon biographic literature of all such wrenches to the truth, is diffused everywhere.
De Quincey.

3.
A sprain; an injury by twisting, as in a joint.

4.
Means; contrivance.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

5.
An instrument, often a simple bar or lever with jaws or an angular orifice either at the end or between the ends, for exerting a twisting strain, as in turning bolts, nuts, screw taps, etc.; a screw key. Many wrenches have adjustable jaws for grasping nuts, etc., of different sizes.

6.
(Mech.)
The system made up of a force and a couple of forces in a plane perpendicular to that force. Any number of forces acting at any points upon a rigid body may be compounded so as to be equivalent to a wrench.

Carriage wrench, a wrench adapted for removing or tightening the nuts that confine the wheels on the axles, or for turning the other nuts or bolts of a carriage or wagon. -- Monkey wrench. See under Monkey. -- Wrench hammer, a wrench with the end shaped so as to admit of being used as a hammer.


word: Wrench₂
definition:
Wrench

Wrench
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wrenched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wrenching.]
[OE. wrenchen, AS. wrencan to deceive, properly, to twist, from wrenc guile, deceit, a twisting. _;_;_;_;.  See Wrench, n.]

1.
To pull with a twist; to wrest, twist, or force by violence.

Wrench his sword from him.
Shak.

Forthwith this frame of mine was wrenched
With a woeful agony.
Coleridge.

2.
To strain; to sprain; hence, to distort; to pervert.

You wrenched your foot against a stone.
Swift.


word: Wrest
definition:
Wrest

Wrest
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wrested; p. pr. & vb. n. Wresting.]
[OE. wresten, AS. wr_;stan; akin to wr_;_; a twisted band, and wrī_;n to twist.  See Writhe.]

1.
To turn; to twist; esp., to twist or extort by violence; to pull of force away by, or as if by, violent wringing or twisting.
wrested
Milton.

Our country's cause,
That drew our swords, now secret wrests them from our hand.
Addison.

They instantly wrested the government out of the hands of Hastings.
Macaulay.

2.
To turn from truth; to twist from its natural or proper use or meaning by violence; to pervert; to distort.

Wrest once the law to your authority.
Shak.

Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor.
Ex. xxiii. 6.

Their arts of wresting, corrupting, and false interpreting the holy text.
South.

3.
To tune with a wrest, or key.
[Obs.]


word: Wrest₂
definition:
Wrest

Wrest
n.
1.
The act of wresting; a wrench; a violent twist; hence, distortion; perversion.
Hooker.

2.
Active or moving power.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

3.
A key to tune a stringed instrument of music.

The minstrel . . . wore round his neck a silver chain, by which hung the wrest, or key, with which he tuned his harp.
Sir W. Scott.

4.
A partition in a water wheel, by which the form of the buckets is determined.

Wrest pin (Piano Manuf.), one of the pins around which the ends of the wires are wound in a piano. Knight. -- Wrest plank (Piano Manuf.), the part in which the wrest pins are inserted.


word: Wrestle
definition:
Wrestle

Wres"tle
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wrestled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wrestling (?).]
[OE. wrestlen, wrastlen, AS. wr_;stlian, freq. of wr_;stan to wrest; akin to OD. wrastelen to wrestle.  See Wrest, v. t.]

1.
To contend, by grappling with, and striving to trip or throw down, an opponent; as, they wrestled skillfully.

To-morrow, sir, I wrestle for my credit, and he that escapes me without some broken limb shall acquit him well.
Shak.

Another, by a fall in wrestling, started the end of the clavicle from the sternum.
Wiseman.

2.
Hence, to struggle; to strive earnestly; to contend.

Come, wrestle with thy affections.
Shak.

We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
Eph. vi. 12.

Difficulties with which he had himself wrestled.
M. Arnold.


word: Wrestle₃
definition:
Wrestle

Wres"tle
n.
A struggle between two persons to see which will throw the other down; a bout at wrestling; a wrestling match; a struggle.

Whom in a wrestle the giant catching aloft, with a terrible hug broke three of his ribs.
Milton.


word: Wrestler
definition:
Wrestler

Wres"tler
(?)
n.
[AS. wr&aemacr_;stlere.]
One who wrestles; one who is skillful in wrestling.


word: Wrestling
definition:
Wrestling

Wres"tling
(?)
n.
Act of one who wrestles; specif., the sport consisting of the hand-to-hand combat between two unarmed contestants who seek to throw each other.
The various styles of wrestling differ in their definition of a fall and in the governing rules. In Greco-Roman wrestling, tripping and taking hold of the legs are forbidden, and a fall is gained (that is, the bout is won), by the contestant who pins both his opponent's shoulders to the ground. In catch-as-catch-can wrestling, all holds are permitted except such as may be barred by mutual consent, and a fall is defined as in Greco-Roman style. Lancashire style wrestling is essentially the same as catch-as-catch-can. In Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling the contestants stand chest to chest, grasping each other around the body. The one first losing his hold, or touching the ground with any part of his body except his feet, loses the bout. If both fall to the ground at the same time, it is a dogfall, and must be wrestled over. In the Cornwall and Devon wrestling, the wrestlers complete in strong loose linen jackets, catching hold of the jacket, or anywhere above the waist. Two shoulders and one hip, or two hips and one shoulder, must touch the ground to constitute a fall, and if a man is thrown otherwise than on his back the contestants get upon their feet and the bout recommences.


word: Wretch
definition:
Wretch

Wretch
(?)
n.
[OE. wrecche, AS. wrecca, wræcca, an exile, a wretch, fr. wrecan to drive out, punish; properly, an exile, one driven out, akin to AS. wræc an exile, OS. wrekkio a stranger, OHG. reccheo an exile.  See Wreak, v. t.]

1.
A miserable person; one profoundly unhappy.
wretch
Shak.

Hovered thy spirit o'er thy sorrowing son,
Wretch even then, life's journey just begun?
Cowper.

2.
One sunk in vice or degradation; a base, despicable person; a vile knave; as, a profligate wretch.

&hand_; Wretch is sometimes used by way of slight or ironical pity or contempt, and sometimes to express tenderness; as we say, poor thing. “Poor wretch was never frighted so.”
Drayton.


word: Wretched
definition:
Wretched

Wretch"ed
a.
1.
Very miserable; sunk in, or accompanied by, deep affliction or distress, as from want, anxiety, or grief; calamitous; woeful; very afflicting.
wretched
Milton.

O cruel! Death! to those you are more kind
Than to the wretched mortals left behind.
Waller.

2.
Worthless; paltry; very poor or mean; miserable; as, a wretched poem; a wretched cabin.

3.
Hatefully contemptible; despicable; wicked.
[Obs.]
Wretched
Sir P. Sidney.

Nero reigned after this Claudius, of all men wretchedest, ready to all manner [of] vices.
Capgrave.


word: Wretchedness
definition:
Wretchedness

Wretch"ed*ness
n.
1.
The quality or state of being wretched; utter misery.
Sir W. Raleigh.

2.
A wretched object; anything despicably.
[Obs.]

Eat worms and such wretchedness.
Chaucer.


word: Wretchless
definition:
Wretchless

Wretch"less
a.
[See Reckless.]
Reckless; hence, disregarded.
[Obs.]
Wretch"less*ly, adv. [Obs.] -- Wretch"less*ness, n. [Obs.]
Bk. of Com. Prayer.

Your deaf ears should listen
Unto the wretchless clamors of the poor.
J. Webster.


word: Wriggle
definition:
Wriggle

Wrig"gle
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Wriggled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wriggling (?).]
[Freq. of wrig, probably from OE. wrikken to move to and fro; cf. LG. wriggeln, D. wrikken, Sw. vricka, Dan. vrikke.]
To move the body to and fro with short, writhing motions, like a worm; to squirm; to twist uneasily or quickly about.

Both he and successors would often wriggle in their seats,
 as long as the cushion lasted.
Swift.


word: Wriggle₂
definition:
Wriggle

Wrig"gle
v. t.
To move with short, quick contortions; to move by twisting and squirming; like a worm.

Covetousness will wriggle itself out at a small hole.
Fuller.

Wriggling his body to recover
His seat, and cast his right leg over.
Hudibras.


word: Wright
definition:
Wright

Wright
(?)
n.
[OE. wrighte, writhe, AS. wyrtha, fr. wyrcean to work. √145.  See Work.]
One who is engaged in a mechanical or manufacturing business; an artificer; a workman; a manufacturer; a mechanic; esp., a worker in wood; -- now chiefly used in compounds, as in millwright, wheelwright, etc.

He was a well good wright, a carpenter.
Chaucer.


word: Wrightine
definition:
Wrightine

Wright"ine
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A rare alkaloid found in the bark of an East Indian apocynaceous tree (Wrightia antidysenterica), and extracted as a bitter white crystalline substance. It was formerly used as a remedy for diarrhœa. Called also conessine, and neriine.


word: Wring
definition:
Wring

Wring
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wrung (?), Obs. Wringed (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Wringing.]
[OE. wringen, AS. wringan; akin to LG. & D. wringen, OHG. ringan to struggle, G. ringen, Sw. vränga to distort, Dan. vringle to twist.  Cf. Wrangle, Wrench, Wrong.]

1.
To twist and compress; to turn and strain with violence; to writhe; to squeeze hard; to pinch; as, to wring clothes in washing.
wringing
Sir W. Scott.
Wring
Shak.

[His steed] so sweat that men might him wring.
Chaucer.

The king began to find where his shoe did wring him.
Bacon.

The priest shall bring it [a dove] unto the altar, and wring off his head.
Lev. i. 15.

2.
Hence, to pain; to distress; to torment; to torture.

Too much grieved and wrung by an uneasy and strait fortune.
Clarendon.

Didst thou taste but half the griefs
That wring my soul, thou couldst not talk thus coldly.
Addison.

3.
To distort; to pervert; to wrest.

How dare men thus wring the Scriptures?
Whitgift.

4.
To extract or obtain by twisting and compressing; to squeeze or press (out); hence, to extort; to draw forth by violence, or against resistance or repugnance; -- usually with out or form.

Your overkindness doth wring tears from me.
Shak.

He rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece.
Judg. vi. 38.

5.
To subject to extortion; to afflict, or oppress, in order to enforce compliance.

To wring the widow from her 'customed right.
Shak.

The merchant adventures have been often wronged and wringed to the quick.
Hayward.

6.
(Naut.)
To bend or strain out of its position; as, to wring a mast.


word: Wring₂
definition:
Wring

Wring
v. i.
To writhe; to twist, as with anguish.

'T is all men's office to speak patience
To those that wring under the load of sorrow.
Shak.

Look where the sister of the king of France
Sits wringing of her hands, and beats her breast.
Marlowe.


word: Wringbolt
definition:
Wringbolt

Wring"bolt`
n.
(Shipbuilding)
A bolt used by shipwrights, to bend and secure the planks against the timbers till they are fastened by bolts, spikes, or treenails; -- not to be confounded with ringbolt.


word: Wringer
definition:
Wringer

Wring"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, wrings; hence, an extortioner.

2.
A machine for pressing water out of anything, particularly from clothes after they have been washed.


word: Wringstaff
definition:
Wringstaff

Wring"staff`
(?)
n.
pl. Wringstaves (_;).
(Shipbuilding)
A strong piece of plank used in applying wringbolts.


word: Wrinkle₂
definition:
Wrinkle

Wrin"kle
n.
[OE. wrinkil, AS. wrincle; akin to OD. wrinckel, and prob. to Dan. rynke, Sw. rynka, Icel. hrukka, OHG. runza, G. runzel, L. ruga. _;_;_;_;.]

1.
A small ridge, prominence, or furrow formed by the shrinking or contraction of any smooth substance; a corrugation; a crease; a slight fold; as, wrinkle in the skin; a wrinkle in cloth.
wrinkles
Shak.

Within I do not find wrinkles and used heart, but unspent youth.
Emerson.

2.
hence, any roughness; unevenness.

Not the least wrinkle to deform the sky.
Dryden.

3.
[Perhaps a different word, and a dim. AS. wrenc a twisting, deceit.  Cf. Wrench, n.]
A notion or fancy; a whim; as, to have a new wrinkle.
[Colloq.]


word: Wrinkle₃
definition:
Wrinkle

Wrin"kle
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wrinkled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wrinkling (?).]

1.
To contract into furrows and prominences; to make a wrinkle or wrinkles in; to corrugate; as, wrinkle the skin or the brow.
wrinkled
Milton.

Her wrinkled form in black and white arrayed.
Pope.

2.
Hence, to make rough or uneven in any way.

A keen north wind that, blowing dry,
Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decayed.
Milton.

Then danced we on the wrinkled sand.
Bryant.

To wrinkle at, to sneer at. [Obs.] Marston.


word: Wrinkly
definition:
Wrinkly

Wrin"kly
(?)
a.
Full of wrinkles; having a tendency to be wrinkled; corrugated; puckered.
G. Eliot.

His old wrinkly face grew quite blown out at last.
Carlyle.


word: Wrist
definition:
Wrist

Wrist
(?)
n.
[OE. wriste, wrist, AS. wrist; akin to OFries. wriust, LG. wrist, G. rist wrist, instep, Icel. rist instep, Dan. & Sw. vrist, and perhaps to E. writhe.]

1.
(Anat.)
The joint, or the region of the joint, between the hand and the arm; the carpus.  See Carpus.

He took me by the wrist, and held me hard.
Shak.

2.
(Mach.)
A stud or pin which forms a journal; -- also called wrist pin.

Bridle wrist, the wrist of the left hand, in which a horseman holds the bridle. -- Wrist clonus. [NL. clonus, fr. Gr. _;.  See Clonic.] (Med.) A series of quickly alternating movements of flexion and extension of the wrist, produced in some cases of nervous disease by suddenly bending the hand back upon the forearm. -- Wrist drop (Med.), paralysis of the extensor muscles of the hand, affecting the hand so that when an attempt is made to hold it out in line with the forearm with the palm down, the hand drops. It is chiefly due to plumbism. Called also hand drop. -- Wrist plate (Steam Engine), a swinging plate bearing two or more wrists, for operating the valves.


word: Wristband
definition:
Wristband

Wrist"band
(?)
n.
The band of the sleeve of a shirt, or other garment, which covers the wrist.


word: Wristlet
definition:
Wristlet

Wrist"let
(?)
n.
An elastic band worn around the wrist, as for the purpose of securing the upper part of a glove.


word: Writ₃
definition:
Writ

Writ
n.
[AS. writ, gewrit.  See Write.]

1.
That which is written; writing; scripture; -- applied especially to the Scriptures, or the books of the Old and New testaments; as, sacred writ.
Writ
Milton.

Then to his hands that writ he did betake,
Which he disclosing read, thus as the paper spake.
Spenser.

Babylon, so much spoken of in Holy Writ.
Knolles.

2.
(Law)
An instrument in writing, under seal, in an epistolary form, issued from the proper authority, commanding the performance or nonperformance of some act by the person to whom it is directed; as, a writ of entry, of error, of execution, of injunction, of mandamus, of return, of summons, and the like.

&hand_; Writs are usually witnessed, or tested, in the name of the chief justice or principal judge of the court out of which they are issued; and those directed to a sheriff, or other ministerial officer, require him to return them on a day specified. In former English law and practice, writs in civil cases were either original or judicial; the former were issued out of the Court of Chancery, under the great seal, for the summoning of a defendant to appear, and were granted before the suit began and in order to begin the same; the latter were issued out of the court where the original was returned, after the suit was begun and during the pendency of it. Tomlins. Brande. Encyc. Brit. The term writ is supposed by Mr. Reeves to have been derived from the fact of these formulae having always been expressed in writing, being, in this respect, distinguished from the other proceedings in the ancient action, which were conducted orally.

Writ of account, Writ of capias, etc.  See under Account, Capias, etc. -- Service of a writ. See under Service.


word: Write
definition:
Write

Write
(?)
v. t.
[imp. Wrote (?); p. p. Written (?); Archaic imp. & p. p. Writ (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Writing.]
[OE. writen, AS. wrītan; originally, to scratch, to score; akin to OS. wrītan to write, to tear, to wound, D. rijten to tear, to rend, G. reissen, OHG. rīzan, Icel. rīta to write, Goth. writs a stroke, dash, letter.  Cf. Race tribe, lineage.]

1.
To set down, as legible characters; to form the conveyance of meaning; to inscribe on any material by a suitable instrument; as, to write the characters called letters; to write figures.

2.
To set down for reading; to express in legible or intelligible characters; to inscribe; as, to write a deed; to write a bill of divorcement; hence, specifically, to set down in an epistle; to communicate by letter.

Last night she enjoined me to write some lines to one she loves.
Shak.

I chose to write the thing I durst not speak
To her I loved.
Prior.

3.
Hence, to compose or produce, as an author.

I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time within the memory of men still living.
Macaulay.

4.
To impress durably; to imprint; to engrave; as, truth written on the heart.

5.
To make known by writing; to record; to prove by one's own written testimony; -- often used reflexively.

He who writes himself by his own inscription is like an ill painter, who, by writing on a shapeless picture which he hath drawn, is fain to tell passengers what shape it is, which else no man could imagine.
Milton.

To write to, to communicate by a written document to. -- Written laws, laws deriving their force from express legislative enactment, as contradistinguished from unwritten, or common, law.  See the Note under Law, and Common law, under Common, a.


word: Write₂
definition:
Write

Write
v. i.
1.
To form characters, letters, or figures, as representative of sounds or ideas; to express words and sentences by written signs.
Chaucer.

So it stead you, I will write,
Please you command.
Shak.

2.
To be regularly employed or occupied in writing, copying, or accounting; to act as clerk or amanuensis; as, he writes in one of the public offices.

3.
To frame or combine ideas, and express them in written words; to play the author; to recite or relate in books; to compose.

They can write up to the dignity and character of the authors.
Felton.

4.
To compose or send letters.

He wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm up into Jewry concerning their freedom.
1 Esdras iv. 49.


word: Writer
definition:
Writer

Writ"er
(?)
n.
[AS. wrītere.]

1.
One who writes, or has written; a scribe; a clerk.

They [came] that handle the pen of the writer.
Judg. v. 14.

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Ps. xlv. 1.

2.
One who is engaged in literary composition as a profession; an author; as, a writer of novels.

This pitch, as ancient writers do report, doth defile.
Shak.

3.
A clerk of a certain rank in the service of the late East India Company, who, after serving a certain number of years, became a factor.

Writer of the tallies (Eng. Law), an officer of the exchequer of England, who acted as clerk to the auditor of the receipt, and wrote the accounts upon the tallies from the tellers' bills. The use of tallies in the exchequer has been abolished. Wharton (Law. Dict.) -- Writer's cramp, Writer's palsy or Writer's spasm (Med.), a painful spasmodic affection of the muscles of the fingers, brought on by excessive use, as in writing, violin playing, telegraphing, etc.  Called also scrivener's palsy. -- Writer to the signet. See under Signet.


word: Writhe
definition:
Writhe

Writhe
(?)
v. t.
[imp. Writhed (?); p. p. Writhed, Obs. or Poetic Writhen (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Writhing.]
[OE. writhen, AS. wrī_;an to twist; akin to OHG. rīdan, Icel. rī_;a, Sw. vrida, Dan. vride.  Cf. Wreathe, Wrest, Wroth.]

1.
To twist; to turn; now, usually, to twist or turn so as to distort; to wring.
writhing
Chaucer.

Then Satan first knew pain,
And writhed him to and fro.
Milton.

Her mouth she writhed, her forehead taught to frown.
Dryden.

His battle-writhen arms, and mighty hands.
Tennyson.

2.
To wrest; to distort; to pervert.

The reason which he yieldeth showeth the least part of his meaning to be that whereunto his words are writhed.
Hooker.

3.
To extort; to wring; to wrest.
[R.]

The nobility hesitated not to follow the example of their sovereign in writhing money from them by every species of oppression.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Writhe₂
definition:
Writhe

Writhe
v. i.
To twist or contort the body; to be distorted; as, to writhe with agony. Also used figuratively.

After every attempt, he felt that he had failed, and writhed with shame and vexation.
Macaulay.


word: Writhen
definition:
Writhen

Writh"en
(?)
a.
Having a twisted distorted from.

A writhen staff his step unstable guides.
Fairfax.


word: Writing
definition:
Writing

Writ"ing
(?)
n.
1.
The act or art of forming letters and characters on paper, wood, stone, or other material, for the purpose of recording the ideas which characters and words express, or of communicating them to others by visible signs.

2.
Anything written or printed; anything expressed in characters or letters
(a)
Any legal instrument, as a deed, a receipt, a bond, an agreement, or the like.
(b)
Any written composition; a pamphlet; a work; a literary production; a book; as, the writings of Addison.
(c)
An inscription.

And Pilate wrote a title . . . And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.
John xix. 19.

3.
Handwriting; chirography.

Writing book, a book for practice in penmanship. -- Writing desk, a desk with a sloping top for writing upon; also, a case containing writing materials, and used in a similar manner. -- Writing lark (Zool.), the European yellow-hammer; -- so called from the curious irregular lines on its eggs. [Prov. Eng.] -- Writing machine. Same as Typewriter. -- Writing master, one who teaches the art of penmanship. -- Writing obligatory (Law), a bond. -- Writing paper, paper intended for writing upon with ink, usually finished with a smooth surface, and sized. -- Writing school, a school for instruction in penmanship. -- Writing table, a table fitted or used for writing upon.


word: Wrong₂
definition:
Wrong

Wrong
(?; 115)
a.
[OE. wrong, wrang, a. & n., AS. wrang, n.; originally, awry, wrung, fr. wringan to wring; akin to D. wrang bitter, Dan. vrang wrong, Sw. vrång, Icel. rangr awry, wrong.  See Wring.]

1.
Twisted; wry; as, a wrong nose.
[Obs.]
Wyclif (Lev. xxi. 19).

2.
Not according to the laws of good morals, whether divine or human; not suitable to the highest and best end; not morally right; deviating from rectitude or duty; not just or equitable; not true; not legal; as, a wrong practice; wrong ideas; wrong inclinations and desires.

3.
Not fit or suitable to an end or object; not appropriate for an intended use; not according to rule; unsuitable; improper; incorrect; as, to hold a book with the wrong end uppermost; to take the wrong way.

I have deceived you both; I have directed you to wrong places.
Shak.

4.
Not according to truth; not conforming to fact or intent; not right; mistaken; erroneous; as, a wrong statement.

5.
Designed to be worn or placed inward; as, the wrong side of a garment or of a piece of cloth.


word: Wrong₃
definition:
Wrong

Wrong
adv.
In a wrong manner; not rightly; amiss; morally ill; erroneously; wrongly.

Ten censure wrong for one that writes amiss.
Pope.


word: Wrong₄
definition:
Wrong

Wrong
n.
[AS. wrang.  See Wrong, a.]
That which is not right.
(a)
Nonconformity or disobedience to lawful authority, divine or human; deviation from duty; -- the opposite of moral right.

When I had wrong and she the right.
Chaucer.

One spake much of right and wrong.
Milton.

Friend, I do thee no wrong.
Matt. xx. 18.

As the king of England can do no wrong, so neither can he do right but in his courts and by his courts.
Milton.

The obligation to redress a wrong is at least as binding as that of paying a debt.
E. Evereth.

&hand_; Wrongs, legally, are private or public.  Private wrongs are civil injuries, immediately affecting individuals; public wrongs are crimes and misdemeanors which affect the community.  Blackstone.


word: Wrong₅
definition:
Wrong

Wrong
(?; 115)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wronged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Wronging.]

1.
To treat with injustice; to deprive of some right, or to withhold some act of justice from; to do undeserved harm to; to deal unjustly with; to injure.

He that sinneth . . . wrongeth his own soul.
Prov. viii. 36.

2.
To impute evil to unjustly; as, if you suppose me capable of a base act, you wrong me.

I rather choose
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
Shak.


word: Wrongdoer
definition:
Wrongdoer

Wrong"do`er
(?)
n.
1.
One who injures another, or who does wrong.

2.
(Law)
One who commits a tort or trespass; a trespasser; a tort feasor.
Ayliffe.


word: Wrongful
definition:
Wrongful

Wrong"ful
(?)
a.
Full of wrong; injurious; unjust; unfair; as, a wrongful taking of property; wrongful dealing.
Wrong"ful*ly, adv. -- Wrong"ful*ness, n.


word: Wrongheaded
definition:
Wrongheaded

Wrong"head`ed
a.
Wrong in opinion or principle; having a perverse understanding; perverse.
Wrong"head`ed*ly, adv. -- Wrong"head`ed*ness, n.
Macaulay.


word: Wrongless
definition:
Wrongless

Wrong"less
a.
Not wrong; void or free from wrong.
[Obs.]
Wrong"less*ly, adv. [Obs.]
Sir P. Sidney.


word: Wrongly
definition:
Wrongly

Wrong"ly
adv.
In a wrong manner; unjustly; erroneously; wrong; amiss; as, he judges wrongly of my motives.
wrongly
Shak.


word: Wrongness
definition:
Wrongness

Wrong"ness
n.
The quality or state of being wrong; wrongfulness; error; fault.

The best great wrongnesses within themselves.
Bp. Butler.

The rightness or wrongness of this view.
Latham.


word: Wrongous
definition:
Wrongous

Wron"gous
(?)
a.
[Cf. OE. wrongwis.  See Wrong, and cf. Righteous.]

1.
Constituting, or of the nature of, a wrong; unjust; wrongful.
[R.]

2.
(Scots Law)
Not right; illegal; as, wrongous imprisonment.
Craig.


word: Wrote
definition:
Wrote

Wrote
(?)
v. i.
[OE. wroten.  See 1st Root.]
To root with the snout.  See 1st Root.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Wroth
definition:
Wroth

Wroth
(?)
a.
[OE. wroth, wrap, AS. wrāð wroth, crooked, bad; akin to wrīðan to writhe, and to OS. wrēðangry, D. wreed cruel, OHG. reid twisted, Icel. reiðr angry, Dan. & Sw. vred.  See Writhe, and cf. Wrath.]
Full of wrath; angry; incensed; much exasperated; wrathful.
Wroth
Milton.

Revel and truth as in a low degree,
They be full wroth [i. e., at enmity] all day.
Chaucer.

Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen. iv. 5.


word: Wrought
definition:
Wrought

Wrought
(?)
imp. & p. p. of Work; as, What hath God wrought?.

In 1837,  Samuel F. B. Morse, an American artist, devised a working electric telegraph, based on a rough knowledge of electrical circuits, electromagnetic induction coils, and a scheme to encode alphabetic letters.  He  and his collaborators and backers campaigned for years before persuading the federal government to fund a demonstration.  Finally, on May 24, 1844, they sent the first official long-distance telegraphic message in Morse code, "What hath God wrought," through a copper wire strung between Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Maryland.   The phrase was taken from the Bible, Numbers 23:23.  It  had been suggested to Morse by Annie Ellworth, the young daughter of a friend.
Library of Congress, American Memories series (http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may24.html).

Alas that I was wrought [created]!
Chaucer.

The word wrought is sometimes assumed to be the past tense of wreak, as the phrases wreak havoc and wrought havoc are both commonly used.  In fact, wrought havoc is not as common as wreaked havoc.  Whether wrought is considered as the past tense of wreak or of work, wrought havoc has essentially the same meaning, encouraging the confusion.  Etymologically, however, wrought is only the past tense of work.

Wrought and wreaked havoc

    Recently, we mentioned that something had wreaked havoc with our PC. We were fairly quickly corrected by someone who said, "Shouldn't that be wrought havoc?" The answer is no, because either wreaked or wrought is fine here.  A misconception often arises because wrought is wrongly assumed to be the past participle of wreak.  In fact wrought is the past participle of an early version of the word work!
    Wreak comes from Old English wrecan "drive out, punish, avenge", which derives ultimately from the Indo-European root *wreg- "push, shove, drive, track down".  Latin urgere "to urge" comes from the same source, giving English urge.  Interestingly, wreak is also related to wrack and wreck.  The phrase wreak havoc was first used by Agatha Christie in 1923.
    Wrought, on the other hand, arose in the 13th century as the past participle of wirchen, Old English for "work". In the 15th century worked came into use as the past participle of work, but wrought survived in such phrases as finely-wrought, hand-wrought, and, of course, wrought havoc . . . .
    Havoc, by the way, comes from Anglo-French havok, which derived from the phrase crier havot "to cry havoc".  This meant "to give the army the order to begin seizing spoil, or to pillage".  It is thought that this exclamation was Germanic in origin, but that's all that anyone will say about it! The destruction associated with pillaging came to be applied metaphorically to havoc, giving the word its current meaning.

The Institute for Etymological Research and Education (http://www.takeourword.com/Issue048.html)


word: Wrought₂
definition:
Wrought

Wrought
a.
1.
Worked; elaborated; not rough or crude.

2.
Shaped by beating with a hammer; as, wrought iron.

Wrought iron. See under Iron.


word: Wry₂
definition:
Wry

Wry
(?)
a.
[Compar. Wrier (?); superl. Wriest.]
[Akin to OE. wrien to twist, to bend, AS. wrigian to tend towards, to drive.]

1.
Turned to one side; twisted; distorted; as, a wry mouth.

2.
Hence, deviating from the right direction; misdirected; out of place; as, wry words.

Not according to the wry rigor of our neighbors, who never take up an old idea without some extravagance in its application.
Landor.

3.
Wrested; perverted.

He . . . puts a wry sense upon Protestant writers.
Atterbury.

Wry face, a distortion of the countenance indicating impatience, disgust, or discomfort; a grimace.


word: Wry₃
definition:
Wry

Wry
v. i.
1.
To twist; to writhe; to bend or wind.

2.
To deviate from the right way; to go away or astray; to turn side; to swerve.

This Phebus gan awayward for to wryen.
Chaucer.

How many
Must murder wives much better than themselves
For wrying but a little!
Shak.


word: Wry₄
definition:
Wry

Wry
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Wried; p. pr. & vb. n. Wrying.]
[OE. wrien.  See Wry, a.]
To twist; to distort; to writhe; to wrest; to vex.
Sir P. Sidney.

Guests by hundreds, not one caring
If the dear host's neck were wried.
R. Browning.


word: Wrymouth
definition:
Wrymouth

Wry"mouth`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of large, elongated, marine fishes of the genus Cryptacanthodes, especially Cryptacanthodes maculatus of the American coast. A whitish variety is called ghostfish.


word: Wryneck
definition:
Wryneck

Wry"neck
(?)
n.
(Med.)

1.
A twisted or distorted neck; a deformity in which the neck is drawn to one side by a rigid contraction of one of the muscles of the neck; torticollis.

2.
a person suffering from torticollis.

3.
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of Old World birds of the genus Jynx or subfamily Jynginae, allied to the woodpeckers; especially, the common European species (Jynx torguilla); -- so called from its habit of turning the neck around in different directions. Called also cuckoo's mate, snakebird, summer bird, tonguebird, and writheneck.


word: Wulfenite
definition:
Wulfenite

Wul"fen*ite
(?)
n.
[So named after F. X. Wulfen, an Australian mineralogist.]
(Min.)
Native lead molybdate occurring in tetragonal crystals, usually tabular, and of a bright orange-yellow to red, gray, or brown color; -- also called yellow lead ore.


word: Wung-out
definition:
Wung-out

Wung"-out`
(?)
a.
Having the sails set in the manner called wing-and-wing.
[Sailors' slang]


word: Wurbagool
definition:
Wurbagool

Wur"ba*gool
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A fruit bat (Pteropus medius) native of India. It is similar to the flying fox, but smaller.


word: Wurraluh
definition:
Wurraluh

Wur"ra*luh
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
The Australian white-quilled honey eater (Entomyza albipennis).


word: Wyandots
definition:
Wyandots

Wy`an*dots"
(?)
n. pl.
sing. Wyandot (_;)
(Ethnol.)
Same as Hurons.
[Written also Wyandottes, and Yendots.]


word: Wych-elm
definition:
Wych-elm

Wych"-elm`
(?)
n.
[OE. wiche a kind of elm, AS. wice a kind of tree.  Cf. Wicker.]
(Bot.)
A species of elm (Ulmus montana) found in Northern and Western Europe; Scotch elm.

&hand_; By confusion this word is often written witch-elm.


word: Wych-hazel
definition:
Wych-hazel

Wych"-ha`zel
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The wych-elm; -- so called because its leaves are like those of the hazel.


word: Wycliffite
definition:
Wycliffite

Wyclifite

{ Wyc"lif*ite, Wyc"liff*ite  }
(?)
n.
A follower of Wyclif, the English reformer; a Lollard.


word: Wyla
definition:
Wyla

Wy"la
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A helmeted Australian cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus); -- called also funeral cockatoo.


word: Wen₂
definition:
Wen

Wyn

Wynn

{ Wyn, Wynn (?), n. Also Wen (?) }
[AS. wēn.]
One of the runes (_;) adopted into the Anglo-Saxon, or Old English, alphabet. It had the value of modern English w, and was replaced from about a. d. 1280 at first by uu, later by w.


word: Wynd
definition:
Wynd

Wynd
(?)
n.
[See Wind to turn.]
A narrow lane or alley.
[Scot.]
Jamieson.

The narrow wynds, or alleys, on each side of the street.
Bryant.


word: X
definition:
X

X
(ĕks)
X, the twenty-fourth letter of the English alphabet, has three sounds; a compound nonvocal sound (that of ks), as in wax; a compound vocal sound (that of gz), as in example; and, at the beginning of a word, a simple vocal sound (that of z), as in xanthic.  See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 217, 270, 271.

 The form and value of X are from the Latin X, which is from the Greek Χ, which in some Greek alphabets had the value of ks, though in the one now in common use it represents an aspirated sound of k.


word: Xanthamide
definition:
Xanthamide

Xanth*am"ide
(?)
n.
[Xanthic + amide.]
(Chem.)
An amido derivative of xanthic acid obtained as a white crystalline substance, C2H5O.CS.NH2; -- called also xanthogen amide.


word: Xanthelasma
definition:
Xanthelasma

Xan`the*las"ma
(?)
n.
[NL.; Gr. xanqo`s yellow + 'e`lasma a metal plate.]
(Med.)
See Xanthoma.


word: Xanthian
definition:
Xanthian

Xan"thi*an
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Xanthus, an ancient town on Asia Minor; -- applied especially to certain marbles found near that place, and now in the British Museum.


word: Xanthic
definition:
Xanthic

Xan"thic
(?)
a.
[Gr. xanqo`s yellow: cf. F. xanthique.]

1.
Tending toward a yellow color, or to one of those colors, green being excepted, in which yellow is a constituent, as scarlet, orange, etc.

2.
(Chem.)
(a)
Possessing, imparting, or producing a yellow color; as, xanthic acid.
(b)
Of or pertaining to xanthic acid, or its compounds; xanthogenic.
(c)
Of or pertaining to xanthin.

Xanthic acid (Chem.), a heavy, astringent, colorless oil, C2H5O.CS.SH, having a pungent odor. It is produced by leading carbon disulphide into a hot alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide. So called from the yellow color of many of its salts. Called also xanthogenic acid. -- Xanthic colors (Bot.), those colors (of flowers) having some tinge of yellow; -- opposed to cyanic colors.  See under Cyanic.


word: Xanthidium
definition:
Xanthidium

Xan*thid"i*um
(?)
n.
pl. Xanthidia (?).
[NL., fr. Gr. xanqo`s yellow.]
(Bot.)
A genus of minute unicellular algae of the desmids. These algae have a rounded shape and are armed with glochidiate or branched aculei. Several species occur in ditches, and others are found fossil in flint or hornstone.


word: Xanthin
definition:
Xanthin

Xan"thin
(?)
n.
[Gr. xanqo`s yellow.]
1.
same as xanthine.

2.
(Chem.)
A yellow insoluble coloring matter extracted from yellow flowers; specifically, the coloring matter of madder.
[Formerly written also xanthein.]

3.
(Chem.)
One of the gaseous or volatile decomposition products of the xanthates, and probably identical with carbon disulphide.
[Obs.]


word: Xanthin₂
definition:
Xanthin

Xanthine

{ Xan"thine (?), n. Also Xan"thin  }
[Gr. xanqo`s yellow.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A type of purine obtainable as a white microcrystalline powder, C5H4O2N4, present in muscle tissue, in the liver, spleen, pancreas, and other organs, and also in urine (in small quantities) and some urinary calculi, and in the juices of certain plants; -- so called because it leaves a yellow residue when evaporated to dryness with nitric acid. It is also present in guano.  Xanthine is closely related to uric acid.


word: Xanthinine
definition:
Xanthinine

Xan"thi*nine
(?)
n.
[Gr. xanqo`s yellow + quinine.]
(Chem.)
A complex nitrogenous substance related to urea and uric acid, produced as a white powder; -- so called because it forms yellow salts, and because its solution forms a blue fluorescence like quinine.


word: Xanthium
definition:
Xanthium

Xan"thi*um
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xa`nqion a plant used for dyeing the hair yellow, said to be the Xanthium strumarium, from xanqo`s yellow.]
(Bot.)
A genus of composite plants in which the scales of the involucre are united so as to form a kind of bur; cocklebur; clotbur.


word: Xantho-
definition:
Xantho-

Xan"tho-
(?)
A combining form from Gr. xanqo`s yellow; as in xanthocobaltic salts. Used also adjectively in chemistry.


word: Xanthochroi
definition:
Xanthochroi

Xan*thoch"ro*i
(?)
n. pl.
[NL.  See Xanthochroic.]
(Ethnol.)
A division of the Caucasian races, comprising the lighter-colored members.

The Xanthochroi, or fair whites, . . . are the prevalent inhabitants of Northern Europe, and the type may be traced into North Africa, and eastward as far as Hindostan.
Tylor.


word: Xanthochroic
definition:
Xanthochroic

Xan`tho*chro"ic
(?)
a.
[Xantho- + Gr. chro`a color.]
(Ethnol.)
Having a yellowish or fair complexion; of or pertaining to the Xanthochroi.


word: Xanthochroid
definition:
Xanthochroid

Xan"tho*chroid
(?)
a.
[See under Xanthrochroic, -oid.]
(Ethnol.)
Having a yellowish or fair complexion.
n. A person having xanthochroid traits.


word: Xanthochroism
definition:
Xanthochroism

Xan*thoch"ro*ism
(?)
n.
Abnormal coloration of feathers in which yellow replaces the normal color, as in certain parrots. It is commonly due to lack of the dark pigment which with yellow forms green.


word: Xanthodontous
definition:
Xanthodontous

Xan`tho*don"tous
(?)
a.
[Xantho- + Gr. 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, tooth.]
Having yellow teeth.


word: Xanthogen
definition:
Xanthogen

Xan"tho*gen
(?)
n.
[Xantho- + -gen.]
(Chem.)
(a)
The hypothetical radical supposed to be characteristic of xanthic acid.
[Archaic]
(b)
Persulphocyanogen.
[R.]


word: Xanthogenic
definition:
Xanthogenic

Xan`tho*gen"ic
(?)
a.
[See Xantho-, and -gen.]
(Chem.)
Producing a yellow color or compound; xanthic.  See Xanthic acid, under Xanthic.


word: Xanthoma
definition:
Xanthoma

Xan*tho"ma
(?)
n.
[NL.  See Xantho-, and -oma.]
(Med.)
A skin disease marked by the development or irregular yellowish patches upon the skin, especially upon the eyelids; -- called also xanthelasma.


word: Xanthomelanous
definition:
Xanthomelanous

Xan`tho*mel"a*nous
(?)
a.
[Pref. xantho- + Gr. _;, _;, black.]
(Ethnol.)
Of or pertaining to the lighter division of the Melanochroi, or those races having an olive or yellow complexion and black hair.


word: Xanthophane
definition:
Xanthophane

Xan"tho*phane
(?)
n.
[Xantho- + Gr. fai`nein to show.]
(Physiol.)
The yellow pigment present in the inner segments of the retina in animals.  See Chromophane.


word: Xanthophyll
definition:
Xanthophyll

Xan"tho*phyll
(?)
n.
[Xantho- + Gr. fy`llon leaf.]
(Bot.)
A yellow coloring matter found in yellow autumn leaves, and also produced artificially from chlorophyll; -- formerly called also phylloxanthin.


word: Xanthopous
definition:
Xanthopous

Xan"tho*pous
(?)
a.
[Xantho- + Gr. poy`s, podo`s, foot.]
(Bot.)
Having a yellow stipe, or stem.


word: Xanthoproteic
definition:
Xanthoproteic

Xan`tho*pro*te"ic
(?)
a.
(Physiol. Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, xanthoprotein; showing the characters of xanthoprotein; as, xanthoproteic acid; the xanthoproteic reaction for albumin.


word: Xanthoprotein
definition:
Xanthoprotein

Xan`tho*pro"te*in
(?)
n.
[Xantho- + protein.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A yellow acid substance formed by the action of hot nitric acid on albuminous or proteid matter. It is changed to a deep orange-yellow color by the addition of ammonia.


word: Xanthopuccine
definition:
Xanthopuccine

Xan`tho*puc"cine
(?)
n.
[Xantho- + puccoon + -ine.]
(Chem.)
One of three alkaloids found in the root of the yellow puccoon (Hydrastis Canadensis). It is a yellow crystalline substance, and resembles berberine.


word: Xanthorhamnin
definition:
Xanthorhamnin

Xan`tho*rham"nin
(?)
n.
[Xantho- + NL. Rhamnus, the generic name of the plant bearing Persian berries.]
(Chem.)
A glucoside extracted from Persian berries as a yellow crystalline powder, used as a dyestuff.


word: Xanthorhiza
definition:
Xanthorhiza

Xan`tho*rhi"za
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xanqo`s yellow + "ri`za root.]
(Bot.)
A genus of shrubby ranunculaceous plants of North America, including only the species Xanthorhiza apiifolia, which has roots of a deep yellow color; yellowroot. The bark is intensely bitter, and is sometimes used as a tonic.


word: Xanthorhoea
definition:
Xanthorhoea

Xan`tho*rhoe"a
(?)
n.
[NL., from Gr. xanqo`s yellow + "rei^n to flow.]
(Bot.)
A genus of endogenous plants, native to Australia, having a thick, sometimes arborescent, stem, and long grasslike leaves.  See Grass tree.


word: Xanthose
definition:
Xanthose

Xan"those
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
An orange-yellow substance found in pigment spots of certain crabs.


word: Xanthosis
definition:
Xanthosis

Xan*tho"sis
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xanqo`s yellow.]
(Med.)
The yellow discoloration often observed in cancerous tumors.


word: Xanthospermous
definition:
Xanthospermous

Xan`tho*sper"mous
(?)
a.
[Xantho- + Gr. spe`rma sperm.]
(Bot.)
Having yellow seeds.


word: Xanthous
definition:
Xanthous

Xan"thous
(?)
a.
[Gr. xanqo`s yellow.]
Yellow; specifically (Ethnol.), of or pertaining to those races of man which have yellowish, red, auburn, or brown hair.


word: Xanthoxylene
definition:
Xanthoxylene

Xan*thox"y*lene
(?)
n.
[See Xanthoxylum.]
(Chem.)
A liquid hydrocarbon of the terpene series extracted from the seeds of a Japanese prickly ash (Xanthoxylum pipertium) as an aromatic oil.


word: Xanthoxylum
definition:
Xanthoxylum

Xan*thox"y*lum
(?)
n.
[NL., from Gr. xanqo`s yellow + xy`lon wood.]
(Bot.)
A genus of prickly shrubs or small trees, the bark and rots of which are of a deep yellow color; prickly ash.

&hand_; The commonest species in the Northern United States is Xanthoxylum Americanum.  See Prickly ash, under Prickly.


word: Xe
definition:
Xe

Xe
(?)
n.
The chemical symbol for the chemical element xenon, having atomic number 54; it is one of the six noble gases.

Syn. -- xenon.


word: Xebec
definition:
Xebec

Xe"bec
(zē"bĕk)
n.
[Sp. jabegue, formerly spelt xabeque, or Pg. xabeco; both from Turk. sumbeki a kind of Asiatic ship; cf. Per. sumbuk, Ar. sumbūk a small ship.]
(Naut.)
A small three-masted vessel, with projecting bow and stern and convex decks, used in the Mediterranean for transporting merchandise, etc.  It carries large square sails, or lateen sails, or both.  Xebecs were formerly armed and used by corsairs.


word: Xenarthra
definition:
Xenarthra

Xen*ar"thra
prop. n.
The suborder of mammals including the armadillos, American anteaters, and sloths.

Syn. -- suborder Xenarthra.


word: Xenelasia
definition:
Xenelasia

Xen`e*la"si*a
(?)
n.
[NL., from Gr. xenhlasi`a expulsion of strangers.]
(Gr. Antiq.)
A Spartan institution which prohibited strangers from residing in Sparta without permission, its object probably being to preserve the national simplicity of manners.


word: Xenicidae
definition:
Xenicidae

Xe*ni"ci*dae
(?)
pr. n.
A natural family of birds comprising the New Zealand wrens, synonymous with Acanthisittidae.

Syn. -- family Xenicidae, Acanthisittidae, family Acanthisittidae.


word: Xenicus
definition:
Xenicus

Xe"ni*cus
(?)
pr. n.
The type genus for the bird family Xenicidae.

Syn. -- genus Xenicus.


word: Xenium
definition:
Xenium

Xe"ni*um
(zē"nĭ*ŭm)
n.
pl. Xenia (zē"nĭ*ȧ).
[L., from Gr. xe`nion gift to a guest, fr. xe`nos guest.]
(Class. Antiq.)
A present given to a guest or stranger, or to a foreign ambassador.


word: Xenodochium
definition:
Xenodochium

Xen`o*do*chi"um
(zĕn`o̝*do̝*kī"ŭm)
n.
[LL., fr. L. xenodochium a building for the reception of strangers, Gr. xenodochei^on .]
(a)
(Class. Antiq.)
A house for the reception of strangers.
(b)
In the Middle Ages, a room in a monastery for the reception and entertainment of strangers and pilgrims, and for the relief of paupers. [Called also Xenodocheion.]


word: Xenon
definition:
Xenon

Xen"on
(zĕn"&obreve_;n; zē"n&obreve_;n)
n.
[Gr. xe`non, neut. of xe`nos strange.]
(Chem.)
A very heavy, inert gaseous element of the noble gas group, occurring in the atmosphere in the proportion of one volume is about 20 millions.  It was discovered by Ramsay and Travers in 1898.  It can be condensed to a liquid boiling at -107° C., and to a solid which melts at -111.9° C.  Symbol Xe (formerly also X); atomic number 54; atomic weight 131.3.


word: Xenogamy
definition:
Xenogamy

Xe*nog"a*my
(?)
n.
[Gr. xe`nos strange, foreign + ga`mos marriage.]
(Bot.)
Cross fertilization.


word: Xenogenesis
definition:
Xenogenesis

Xen`o*gen"e*sis
(?)
n.
[Gr. xe`nos a stranger + E. genesis.]
(Biol.)
(a)
Same as Heterogenesis.
(b)
The fancied production of an organism of one kind by an organism of another.
Huxley.


word: Xenogenetic
definition:
Xenogenetic

Xen`o*ge*net"ic
(?)
a.
(Biol.)
Of or pertaining to xenogenesis; as, the xenogenetic origin of microzymes.
Huxley.


word: Xenomania
definition:
Xenomania

Xen`o*ma"ni*a
(?)
n.
[Gr. xe`nos strange + E. mania.]
A mania for, or an inordinate attachment to, foreign customs, institutions, manners, fashions, etc.
[R.]
Saintsbury.


word: Xenomi
definition:
Xenomi

Xen"o*mi
(?)
prop. n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. xe`nos strange.]
(Zool.)
A suborder of soft-rayed fresh-water fishes of which the blackfish of Alaska (Dallia pectoralis) is the type.


word: Xenopterygii
definition:
Xenopterygii

Xe*nop`te*ryg"i*i
(?)
prop. n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. xe`nos strange + _;, dim. of _; a wing.]
(Zool.)
A suborder of fishes including Gobiesox and allied genera. These fishes have soft-rayed fins, and a ventral sucker supported in front by the pectoral fins. They are destitute of scales.


word: Xenotime
definition:
Xenotime

Xen"o*time
(?)
n.
[Gr. xeno`timos honoring guests or strangers; xe`nos guest, stranger + timh` honor: cf. G. xenotim.]
(Min.)
A native phosphate of yttrium occurring in yellowish-brown tetragonal crystals.


word: Xenyl
definition:
Xenyl

Xen"yl
(?)
n.
[Gr. xe`nos strange + -yl.]
(Chem.)
The radical characteristic of xenylic compounds.


word: Xenylic
definition:
Xenylic

Xe*nyl"ic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, derived from, designating, certain amido compounds obtained by reducing certain nitro derivatives of diphenyl.


word: Xeraphim
definition:
Xeraphim

Xer"a*phim
(?)
n.
[Pg. xarafin, xerafin, fr. Ar. ashrafī noble, the name of a gold coin.]
An old money of account in Bombay, equal to three fifths of a rupee.


word: Xeriff
definition:
Xeriff

Xer"iff
(zĕr"ĭf)
n.
[See Shereef.]
A gold coin formerly current in Egypt and Turkey, of the value of about  9s. 6d., or about $2.30 (ca. 1900); -- also, in Morocco, a ducat.


word: Xeroderma
definition:
Xeroderma

Xe`ro*der"ma
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xhro`s dry + de`rma skin.]
(Med.)
(a)
Ichthyosis.
(b)
A skin disease characterized by the presence of numerous small pigmented spots resembling freckles, with which are subsequently mingled spots of atrophied skin.


word: Xeronic
definition:
Xeronic

Xe*ron"ic
(?)
a.
[Gr. xhro`s dry + citraconic.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an acid, C8H12O4, related to fumaric acid, and obtained from citraconic acid as an oily substance having a bittersweet taste; -- so called from its tendency to form its anhydride.


word: Xerophagy
definition:
Xerophagy

Xe*roph"a*gy
(?)
n.
[L. xerophagia, Gr. _;; xhro`s dry + _; to eat.]
Among the primitive Christians, the living on a diet of dry food in Lent and on other fasts.


word: Xerophilous
definition:
Xerophilous

Xe*roph"i*lous
(?)
a.
[Gr. xhro`s dry + _; to love.]
(Bot.)
Drought-loving; able withstand the absence or lack of moisture.

Plants which are peculiarly adapted to dry climates are termed by De Candolle xerophilous.
Goodale.


word: Xerophthalmia
definition:
Xerophthalmia

Xe`roph*thal"mi*a
(?)
n.
[L., fr. Gr. _;; xhro`s dry + _; the eye.  See Ophthalmia.]
(Med.)
An abnormal dryness of the eyeball produced usually by long-continued inflammation and subsequent atrophy of the conjunctiva.


word: Xerophyllum
definition:
Xerophyllum

Xe*ro"phyl*lum
(?)
pr. n.
A small genus of North American herbs having grasslike basal leaves: squaw grass; sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae.

Syn. -- genus Xerophyllum.


word: xerophyte
definition:
xerophyte

xe"ro*phyte
(?)
n.
A plant adapted for life with a limited supply of water; compare hydrophyte and mesophyte.

Syn. -- desert plant, xerophytic plant, xerophile, xerophilous plant.


word: xerophytic
definition:
xerophytic

xe`ro*phy"tic
(?)
adj.
1.
(Botany)
[Gr. xhro`s dry + fyto`n a plant.]
Adapted to a xeric (or dry) environment; as, cacti are xerophytic plants; xerophytic adaptations.


word: Xerox
definition:
Xerox

Xe"rox
(?)
n.
[From a brand name of the Xerox corporation.]
A copying machine which copies graphic matter by the action of light on an electrically charged photoconductive insulating surface in which the latent image is developed with a resinous powder.

Syn. -- xerox, xerographic copier, xerox machine.

2.
A copy made by the xerox process.

Syn. -- xerox copy.


word: xi
definition:
xi

xi
(?)
adj.
The Roman number symbolizing the value eleven.  Used after a noun it may symbolize the ordinal number; as, Superbowl XI.

Syn. -- eleven, 11.


word: xii
definition:
xii

xii
(?)
adj.
The Roman number symbolizing the value twelve; denoting a quantity consisting of 12 items or units.   Used after a noun it may symbolize the ordinal number; as, Superbowl XII.

Syn. -- twelve, 12, dozen.


word: xiii
definition:
xiii

xiii
(?)
adj.
1.
the Roman number symbolizing the value thirteen.  Used after a noun it may symbolize the ordinal number; as, Superbowl XIII.

Syn. -- thirteen, 13.


word: Xiphias
definition:
Xiphias

Xiph"i*as
(?)
prop. n.
[L., a swordfish, a sword-shaped comet, fr. Gr. xifi`as, fr. xi`fos a sword.]
1.
(Zool.)
A genus of fishes comprising the common swordfish.

2.
(Anat.)
(a)
The constellation Dorado.
(b)
A comet shaped like a sword


word: Xiphidium
definition:
Xiphidium

Xi*phid"i*um
(?)
prop. n.
[NL., from Gr. _;, dim. of xi`fos sword.]
(Bot.)
A genus of plants of the order Haemodraceae, having two-ranked, sword-shaped leaves.


word: Xiphioid
definition:
Xiphioid

Xiph"i*oid
(?)
a.
[Xiphius + -oid.]
(Zool.)
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, a cetacean of the genus Xiphius or family Xiphiidae.


word: Xiphiplastron
definition:
Xiphiplastron

Xiph"i*plas"tron
(?)
n.
pl. Xiphiplastra (?).
[NL., fr. Gr. xi`fos a sword + plastron.]
(Anat.)
The posterior, or fourth, lateral plate in the plastron of turtles; -- called also xiphisternum.


word: Xiphisternum
definition:
Xiphisternum

Xiph"i*ster"num
(?)
n.
pl. Xiphisterna (?).
[NL., fr. Gr. xi`fos a sword + sternum.]
(Anat.)
(a)
The posterior segment, or extremity, of the sternum; -- sometimes called metasternum, ensiform cartilage, ensiform process, or xiphoid process.
(b)
The xiphiplastron.
Xiph"i*ster"nal (?) a.


word: Xiphius
definition:
Xiphius

Xiph"i*us
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xi`fos a sword.]
(Zool.)
A genus of cetaceans having a long, pointed, bony beak, usually two tusklike teeth in the lower jaw, but no teeth in the upper jaw.


word: Xiphodon
definition:
Xiphodon

Xiph"o*don
(?)
n.
[Gr. xi`fos a sword + 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, a tooth.]
(Paleon.)
An extinct genus of artiodactylous mammals found in the European Tertiary formations. It had slender legs, didactylous feet, and small canine teeth.


word: Xiphoid
definition:
Xiphoid

Xiph"oid
(?; 277)
a.
[Gr. xifoeidh`s sword-shaped; xi`fos a sword + e`i^dos form, shape: cf. F. xiphoide.]
(Anat.)
(a)
Like a sword; ensiform.
(b)
Of or pertaining to the xiphoid process; xiphoidian.


word: Xiphophyllous
definition:
Xiphophyllous

Xi*phoph"yl*lous
(?)
a.
[Gr. xi`fos sword + fy`llon leaf.]
(Bot.)
Having sword-shaped leaves.


word: Xiphura
definition:
Xiphura

Xi*phu"ra
(?)
n. pl.
[NL., from Gr. xi`fos sword + o'yra` tail.]
(Zool.)
Same as Limuloidea. Called also Xiphosura.


word: Xmas
definition:
Xmas

X"mas
(?)
n.
Christmas; -- an abbreviation for the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland.

Syn. -- Christmas, Christmas Day, Dec 25.


word: XP
definition:
XP

XP
(?)
[Belongs here in appearance only.]
The first two letters of the Greek word CHRISTOS, Christ; -- an abbreviation used with the letters separate or, oftener, in a monogram, often inclosed in a circle, as a symbol or emblem of Christ. It use as an emblem was introduced by Constantine the Great, whence it is known as the Constantinian symbol, or monogram. See Labarum.


word: x-rated
definition:
x-rated

x"-rat`ed
(ĕks"rāt`ĕd)
a.
[from a system of ratings for movies based on objectionableness of the content or suitability for children.]
having a rating of X; not suitable for children; broadly, obscene or sexually explicit.


word: X-ray
definition:
X-ray

X ray

X ray, X-ray
(ĕks"rā`)
n.
[so called by its discoverer because of its enigmatical character, x being an algebraic symbol for an unknown quantity.]
(Physics)
Originally, any of the rays produced when cathode rays strike upon surface of a solid (as a copper target or the wall of the vacuum tube); now defined as electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 0.1 to 10 nanometers. X-rays are noted for their penetration of many opaque substances, as wood and flesh, their action on photographic plates, and their fluorescent effects. They were called X rays by their discoverer, W. K. Röntgen, but were also referred to for some time as Roentgen rays. The term X-ray has become the most common designation.  They also ionize gases, but cannot be reflected, or polarized, or deflected by a magnetic field.  They are used in examining objects opaque to visible light, as for imaging bones or other structures inside the human body, and for detecting flaws in metal objects, such as in welds.


word: X-ray₂
definition:
X-ray

X ray

X ray, X-ray
(ĕks"rā`)
v. t.
To examine by means of X-rays; to irradiate with X-rays.


word: X-ray astronomy
definition:
X-ray astronomy

X"-ray` astronomy
The branch of astronomy dealing with the study of astronomical objects which emit X-rays, and the methods used to detect such objects.


word: XT
definition:
XT

XT
(?)
n.
(Electronics)
An abbreviation for crosstalk, the presence of an unwanted signal via an accidental coupling.
[abbrev.]

Syn. -- crosstalk.


word: xx
definition:
xx

xx
(?)
adj.
The Roman number representing twenty; denoting a quantity consisting of 20 items or units.

Syn. -- twenty, 20, score.


word: xxx
definition:
xxx

xxx
(?)
adj.
The Roman number representing thirty; -- in the postposition, designating the thirtieth in a series.

Syn. -- thirty, 30.


word: xxx₂
definition:
xxx

xxx
(?)
adj.
[by reduplication of the "X" used in some movie-rating systems.]
Very obscene or pornographic.

Syn. -- X-rated, obscene, pornographic.


word: Xylamide
definition:
Xylamide

Xy*lam"ide
(?)
n.
[Xylic + amide.]
(Chem.)
An acid amide derivative of xylic acid, obtained as a white crystalline substance.


word: Xylan
definition:
Xylan

Xy"lan
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A gummy substance of the pentosan class, present in woody tissue, and yielding xylose on hydrolysis; wood gum.


word: Xylanthrax
definition:
Xylanthrax

Xy*lan"thrax
(?)
n.
[Gr. xy`lon wood + 'a`nqrax coal.]
Wood coal, or charcoal; -- so called in distinction from mineral coal.


word: Xylaria
definition:
Xylaria

Xy*la"ria
(?)
pr. n.
The type genus of the natural family Xylariaceae; fungi with perithecia in the upper part of erect black woody stromata.

Syn. -- genus Xylaria.


word: Xylariaceae
definition:
Xylariaceae

Xy*la'ri*a"ce*ae
pr. n.
A natural family of fungi characterized by dark brown to back spores.

Syn. -- family Xylariaceae.


word: Xylem
definition:
Xylem

Xy"lem
(?)
n.
[Gr. xy`lon wood.]
(Bot.)
That portion of a fibrovascular bundle which has developed, or will develop, into wood cells; -- distinguished from phloem.


word: Xylene
definition:
Xylene

Xy"lene
(?)
n.
[Gr. xy`lon wood.]
(Chem.)
Any of a group of three metameric hydrocarbons of the aromatic series, found in coal and wood tar, and so named because found in crude wood spirit. They are colorless, oily, inflammable liquids, C6H4.(CH3)2, being dimethyl benzenes, and are called respectively orthoxylene, metaxylene, and paraxylene. Called also xylol.

&hand_; Each of these xylenes is the nucleus and prototype of a distinct series of compounds.


word: Xylenol
definition:
Xylenol

Xy"le*nol
(?)
n.
[Xylene + -ol.]
(Chem.)
Any one of six metameric phenol derivatives of xylene, obtained as crystalline substances, (CH3)2.C6H3.OH.


word: Xyletic
definition:
Xyletic

Xy*let"ic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a complex acid related to mesitylenic acid, obtained as a white crystalline substance by the action of sodium and carbon dioxide on crude xylenol.


word: Xylic
definition:
Xylic

Xy"lic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, derived from, or related to, xylene; specifically, designating any one of several metameric acids produced by the partial oxidation of mesitylene and pseudo-cumene.


word: Xylidic
definition:
Xylidic

Xy*lid"ic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, either one of two distinct acids which are derived from xylic acid and related compounds, and are metameric with uvitic acid.


word: Xylidine
definition:
Xylidine

Xy"li*dine
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
Any one of six metameric hydrocarbons, (CH3)2.C6H3.NH2, resembling aniline, and related to xylene. They are liquids, or easily fusible crystalline substances, of which three are derived from metaxylene, two from orthoxylene, and one from paraxylene. They are called the amido xylenes.

&hand_; The xylidine of commerce, used in making certain dyes, consists chiefly of the derivatives of paraxylene and metaxylene.


word: Xylindein
definition:
Xylindein

Xy*lin"de*in
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A green or blue pigment produced by Peziza in certain kinds of decayed wood, as the beech, oak, birch, etc., and extracted as an amorphous powder resembling indigo.


word: Xylite
definition:
Xylite

Xy"lite
(?)
n.
[Gr. xy`lon wood.]
(Chem.)
A liquid hydrocarbon found in crude wood spirits.


word: Xylitone
definition:
Xylitone

Xy"li*tone
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
A yellow oil having a geraniumlike odor, produced as a side product in making phorone; -- called also xylite oil.


word: Xylobalsamum
definition:
Xylobalsamum

Xy`lo*bal"sa*mum
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xy`lon wood + ba`lsamon the balsam tree, balsam; cf. L. xylobalsamum balsam wood, Gr. xyloba`lsamon.]
(Med.)
The dried twigs of a Syrian tree (Balsamodendron Gileadense).
U. S. Disp.


word: Xylocarpous
definition:
Xylocarpous

Xy`lo*car"pous
(?)
a.
[Xylo- + Gr. karpo`s fruit.]
(Bot.)
Bearing fruit which becomes hard or woody.


word: Xylocopa
definition:
Xylocopa

Xy*loc"o*pa
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. _; cutting wood; xy`lon wood + _; to cut.]
(Zool.)
A genus of hymenopterous insects including the carpenter.  See Carpenter bee, under Carpenter.
Xy*loc"o*pine (?), a.


word: Xylogen
definition:
Xylogen

Xy"lo*gen
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + -gen.]
(a)
(Bot.)
Nascent wood; wood cells in a forming state.
(b)
Lignin.


word: Xylograph
definition:
Xylograph

Xy"lo*graph
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + -graph.]
An engraving on wood, or the impression from such an engraving; a print by xylography.


word: Xylographical
definition:
Xylographical

Xylographic

{ Xy`lo*graph"ic (?), Xy`lo*graph"ic*al (?), }
a.
[Cf. F. xylographique.]
Of or pertaining to xylography, or wood engraving.


word: Xylography
definition:
Xylography

Xy*log"ra*phy
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + -graphy: cf. F. xylographie.]

1.
The art of engraving on wood.

2.
The art of making prints from the natural grain of wood.
Knight.

3.
A method pf printing in colors upon wood for purposes of house decoration.
Ure.


word: Xyloidin
definition:
Xyloidin

Xy*loid"in
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + -oid.]
(Chem.)
A substance resembling pyroxylin, obtained by the action of nitric acid on starch; -- called also nitramidin.


word: Xylology
definition:
Xylology

Xy*lol"o*gy
(?)
n.
[Pref. xylo- + -logy.]
The branch of dendrology treating of the gross and minute structure of wood.


word: Xylophaga
definition:
Xylophaga

Xy*loph"a*ga
(?)
prop. n.
[NL.  See Xylophagous.]
(Zool.)
A genus of marine bivalves which bore holes in wood.  They are allied to Pholas.


word: Xylophagan
definition:
Xylophagan

Xy*loph"a*gan
(?)
n.
[See Xylophagous.]
(Zool.)
(a)
One of a tribe of beetles whose larvae bore or live in wood.
(b)
Any species of Xylophaga.
(c)
Any one of the Xylophagides.


word: Xylophagides
definition:
Xylophagides

Xy`lo*phag"i*des
(?)
prop. n. pl.
[See Xylophagous.]
(Zool.)
A tribe or family of dipterous flies whose larvae live in decayed wood. Some of the tropical species are very large.


word: Xylophagous
definition:
Xylophagous

Xy*loph"a*gous
(?)
a.
[Gr. xylofa`gos eating wood; xy`lon wood + fagei^n to eat.]
(Zool.)
(a)
Eating, boring in, or destroying, wood; -- said especially of certain insect larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks.
(b)
Of or pertaining to the genus Xylophaga.


word: Xylophilan
definition:
Xylophilan

Xy*loph"i*lan
(?)
n.
[See Xylophilous.]
(Zool.)
One of a tribe of beetles (Xylophili) whose larvae live on decayed wood.


word: Xylophilous
definition:
Xylophilous

Xy*loph"i*lous
(?)
a.
[Xylo- + Gr. filei^n to love.]
(Zool.)
Of or pertaining to the xylophilans.


word: Xylophone
definition:
Xylophone

Xy"lo*phone
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + Gr. fwnh` sound.]

1.
(Mus.)
Originally, an instrument common among the Russians, Poles, and Tartars, consisting of a series of strips of wood or glass graduated in length to the musical scale, resting on belts of straw, and struck with two small hammers; now any similar musical instrument composed of a series of bars of graduated length.  Called in Germany strohfiedel, or straw fiddle.

2.
An instrument to determine the vibrative properties of different kinds of wood.
Knight.


word: Xyloplastic
definition:
Xyloplastic

Xy`lo*plas"tic
(?)
a.
[Xylo- + -plastic.]
(Technol.)
Formed of wood pulp by molds; relating to casts made of wood pulp in molds.


word: Xylopyrography
definition:
Xylopyrography

Xy`lo*py*rog"ra*phy
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + Gr. _;, _;, fire + -graphy.]
The art or practice of burning pictures on wood with a hot iron; -- called also wood burning and poker painting.  See Poker picture, under Poker.


word: Xyloquinone
definition:
Xyloquinone

Xy`lo*qui"none
(?)
n.
[Xylene + quinone.]
(Chem.)
Any one of a group of quinone compounds obtained respectively by the oxidation of certain xylidine compounds. In general they are yellow crystalline substances.


word: Xylorcin
definition:
Xylorcin

Xy*lor"cin
(?)
n.
[Xylene + orcin.]
(Chem.)
A derivative of xylene obtained as a white crystalline substance which on exposure in the air becomes red; -- called also betaorcin.


word: Xylose
definition:
Xylose

Xy"lose
(?)
n.
[Pref. xylo- + -ose.]
(Chem.)
An unfermentable sugar of the pentose class, C5H10O5, formed by the hydrolysis of xylan; wood sugar.


word: Xylostein
definition:
Xylostein

Xy*los"te*in
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + Gr. 'oste`on bone.]
(Chem.)
A glucoside found in the poisonous berries of a species of honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum), and extracted as a bitter, white, crystalline substance.


word: Xylotomous
definition:
Xylotomous

Xy*lot"o*mous
(?)
a.
[Pref. xylo- + root of Gr. te`mnein to cut.]
(Zool.)
Capable of boring or cutting wood; -- said of many insects.


word: Xylotomy
definition:
Xylotomy

Xy*lot"o*my
(?)
n.
[Pref. xylo- + -tomy.]
Art of preparing sections (transverse, tangential, or radial) of wood, esp. by means of a microtome, for microscopic examination.


word: Xylotrya
definition:
Xylotrya

Xy*lo"try*a
(?)
n.
[NL., fr. Gr. xy`lon wood + _; to rub, wear out.]
(Zool.)
A genus of marine bivalves closely allied to Teredo, and equally destructive to timber. One species (Xylotrya fimbriata) is very common on the Atlantic coast of the United States.


word: Xylyl
definition:
Xylyl

Xy"lyl
(?)
n.
[Xylo- + -yl.]
(Chem.)
Any one of three metameric radicals which are characteristic respectively of the three xylenes.


word: Xylylene
definition:
Xylylene

Xy"lyl*ene
(?)
n.
(Chem.)
Any one of three metameric radicals, CH2.C6H4.CH2, derived respectively from the three xylenes. Often used adjectively; as, xylylene alcohol.


word: Xyridaceous
definition:
Xyridaceous

Xyr`i*da"ceous
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Of or pertaining to a natural order (Xyrideae) of endogenous plants, of which Xyris is the type.


word: Xyris
definition:
Xyris

Xy"ris
(?)
n.
[L., a kind of Iris, Gr. _;, fr. _; a razor.]
(Bot.)
A genus of endogenous herbs with grassy leaves and small yellow flowers in short, scaly-bracted spikes; yellow-eyed grass. There are about seventeen species in the Atlantic United States.


word: Xystus
definition:
Xystus

Xyst

{ Xyst (?), &VerbarXys"tus (?), }
n.
[L. xystus, Gr. _;, from _; to scrape, polish; -- so called from its smooth and polished floor.]
(Anc. Arch.)
A long and open portico, for athletic exercises, as wrestling, running, etc., for use in winter or in stormy weather.


word: Xystarch
definition:
Xystarch

Xyst"arch
(?)
n.
[L. xystarches, Gr. _;, _; a xyst + _; to rule.]
(Gr. Antiq.)
An officer having the superintendence of the xyst.
Dr. W. Smith.


word: Y
definition:
Y

Y
(wī)
Y, the twenty-fifth letter of the English alphabet, at the beginning of a word or syllable, except when a prefix (see Y-), is usually a fricative vocal consonant; as a prefix, and usually in the middle or at the end of a syllable, it is a vowel.  See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 145, 178-9, 272.

 It derives its form from the Latin Y, which is from the Greek Υ, originally the same letter as V. Etymologically, it is most nearly related to u, i, o, and j. g; as in full, fill, AS. fyllan; E. crypt, grotto; young, juvenile; day, AS. dæg.  See U, I, and J, G.

&hand_; Y has been called the Pythagorean letter, because the Greek letter Υ was taken to represent the sacred triad, formed by the duad proceeding from the monad; and also because it represents the dividing of the paths of vice and virtue in the development of human life.


word: Y₂
definition:
Y

Y
(wī)
n.
pl. Y's (wīz) or Ys.
Something shaped like the letter Y; a forked piece resembling in form the letter Y.
Specifically:
(a)
One of the forked holders for supporting the telescope of a leveling instrument, or the axis of a theodolite; a wye.
(b)
A forked or bifurcated pipe fitting.
(c)
(Railroads)
A portion of track consisting of two diverging tracks connected by a cross track.

Y level (Surv.), an instrument for measuring differences of level by means of a telescope resting in Y's. -- Y moth (Zool.), a handsome European noctuid moth Plusia gamma) which has a bright, silvery mark, shaped like the letter Y, on each of the fore wings. Its larva, which is green with five dorsal white species, feeds on the cabbage, turnip, bean, etc. Called also gamma moth, and silver Y.


word: I-₂
definition:
I-

Y-

{ Y- (?), or I-  }
[OE. y-, i-, AS. ge-, akin to D. & G. ge-, OHG. gi-, ga-, Goth. ga-, and perhaps to Latin con-; originally meaning, together.  Cf. Com-, Aware, Enough, Handiwork, Ywis.]
A prefix of obscure meaning, originally used with verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns. In the Middle English period, it was little employed except with verbs, being chiefly used with past participles, though occasionally with the infinitive.  Ycleped, or yclept, is perhaps the only word not entirely obsolete which shows this use.

That no wight mighte it see neither yheere.
Chaucer.

Neither to ben yburied nor ybrent.
Chaucer.

&hand_; Some examples of Chaucer's use of this prefix are; ibe, ibeen, icaught, ycome, ydo, idoon, ygo, iproved, ywrought. It inough, enough, it is combined with an adjective. Other examples are in the Vocabulary.
[1913 Webster]
   Spenser and later writers frequently employed this prefix when affecting an archaic style, and sometimes used it incorrectly.


word: Yacare
definition:
Yacare

Yac"a*re`
(yăk"ȧ*rā`)
n.
[See Jacare.]
(Zool.)
A South American crocodilian (Jacare sclerops) resembling the alligator in size and habits. The eye orbits are connected together, and surrounded by prominent bony ridges. Called also spectacled alligator, and spectacled cayman.
[Written also jacare.]

&hand_; The name is also applied to allied species.


word: Yacca
definition:
Yacca

Yac"ca
(yăk"kȧ)
n.
(Bot.)
A West Indian name for two large timber trees (Podocarpus coriaceus, and Podocarpus Purdicanus) of the Yew family. The wood, which is much used, is pale brownish with darker streaks.


word: Yacht
definition:
Yacht

Yacht
(y&obreve_;t)
n.
[D. jagt, jacht; perhaps properly, a chase, hunting, from. jagen to chase, hunt, akin to G. jagen, OHG. jag&omacrn, of uncertain origin; or perhaps akin to OHG. gāhi quick, sudden (cf. Gay).]
(Naut.)
A light and elegantly furnished vessel, used either for private parties of pleasure, or as a vessel of state to convey distinguished persons from one place to another; a seagoing vessel used only for pleasure trips, racing, etc.

Yacht measurement. See the Note under Tonnage, 4.


word: Yachtsman
definition:
Yachtsman

Yachts"man
(y&obreve_;ts"man)
n.
pl. Yachtsmen (y&obreve_;ts"men).
One who owns or sails a yacht; a yachter.


word: Yaf
definition:
Yaf

Yaf
(yäf)
obs.
imp.
Give
[AS. geaf, imp. of giefan to give.  See Give]
Gave.  See Give.
Chaucer.


word: Yaffingale
definition:
Yaffingale

Yaf"fin*gale
(?)
n.
[See Yaffle, and cf. Nightingale.]
(Zool.)
The yaffle.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Yaffle
definition:
Yaffle

Yaf"fle
(yăf"f'l)
n.
[Probably imitative of its call or cry.]
(Zool.)
The European green woodpecker (Picus viridis syn. Genius viridis).  It is noted for its loud laughlike note.  Called also eccle, hewhole, highhoe, laughing bird, popinjay, rain bird, yaffil, yaffler, yaffingale, yappingale, yackel, and woodhack.


word: Yager
definition:
Yager

Ya"ger
(?; 277)
n.
[G. jäger a hunter, from jagen to chase, hunt.]
(Mil.)
In the German army, one belonging to a body of light infantry armed with rifles, resembling the chasseur of the French army.
[Written also jager.]


word: Yaguarundi
definition:
Yaguarundi

Ya`gua*run"di
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
Same as Jaguarondi.
[Written also yaguarondi, and yagouarondi.]


word: yahoo
definition:
yahoo

ya"hoo
(yä"hō)
n.
1.
One of a race of filthy brutes resembling men but subject to the Houyhnhnms in Swift's “Gulliver's Travels.”  See in the Dictionary of Noted Names in Fiction.

2.
Hence, any brutish or vicious character.

3.
A raw countryman; a lout; a greenhorn.
[U. S.]

4.
Someone who is not very intelligent or not interested in culture.

Syn. -- yokel, rube, hick, hayseed, bumpkin, chawbacon.


word: Yahwe
definition:
Yahwe

Yahweh

Jahve

Jahveh

{ Yah"weh (yä"wĕ), Yah"we, prop. n. Also Jah"veh (yä"wĕ), Jah"ve, Yahve, Yahveh, etc. }
A modern transliteration of the Hebrew word translated Jehovah in the Bible; -- used by some critics to discriminate the tribal god of the ancient Hebrews from the Christian Jehovah.  Yahweh or Yahwe is the spelling now generally adopted by scholars.

Syn. -- Yahwe, Yahveh, Wahvey, Jahve, Jahveh, Jahvey, Jahweh, Jehovah.


word: Yahwism
definition:
Yahwism

Jahvism

{ Yah"wism (?), n. Also Jah"vism (?) }
1.
The religion or worship of Yahweh (Jehovah), or the system of doctrines, etc., connected with it.

2.
Use of Yahweh as a name of God.


