# dictionary

word: facilitated
definition:
facilitated

facilitated
adj.
freed from difficulty or impediment.  Contrasted with delayed.

Syn. -- expedited.


word: facilitative
definition:
facilitative

facilitative
adj.
freeing from difficulty or impediment; as, facilitative changes in the economic structure.


word: Facility
definition:
Facility

Fa*cil"i*ty
(fȧ*sĭl"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Facilities (fȧ*sĭl"ĭ*tĭz).
[L. facilitas, fr. facilis easy: cf. F. facilité. See Facile.]
1.
The quality of being easily performed; freedom from difficulty; ease; as, the facility of an operation.

The facility with which government has been overturned in France.
Burke.

2.
Ease in performance; readiness proceeding from skill or use; dexterity; as, practice gives a wonderful facility in executing works of art.

3.
Easiness to be persuaded; readiness or compliance; -- usually in a bad sense; pliancy.

It is a great error to take facility for good nature.
L'Estrange.

4.
Easiness of access; complaisance; affability.

Offers himself to the visits of a friend with facility.
South.

5.
That which promotes the ease of any action or course of conduct; advantage; aid; assistance; -- usually in the plural; as, special facilities for study.


word: Facing
definition:
Facing

Fa"cing
(?)
n.
1.
A covering in front, for ornament or other purpose; an exterior covering or sheathing; as, the facing of an earthen slope, sea wall, etc. , to strengthen it or to protect or adorn the exposed surface.

2.
A lining placed near the edge of a garment for ornament or protection.

3.
(Arch.)
The finishing of any face of a wall with material different from that of which it is chiefly composed, or the coating or material so used.

4.
(Founding)
A powdered substance, as charcoal, bituminous coal, etc., applied to the face of a mold, or mixed with the sand that forms it, to give a fine smooth surface to the casting.

5.
(Mil.)
(a)
pl.
The collar and cuffs of a military coat; -- commonly of a color different from that of the coat.
(b)
The movement of soldiers by turning on their heels to the right, left, or about; -- chiefly in the pl.

Facing brick, front or pressed brick.


word: Facinorous
definition:
Facinorous

Fa*cin"o*rous
(?)
a.
[L. facinorous, from facinus deed, bad deed, from facere to make, do.]
Atrociously wicked.
[Obs.]
Jer. Taylor.


word: Facound
definition:
Facound

Fac"ound
(?)
n.
[F. faconde, L. facundia. See Facund.]
Speech; eloquence.
[Obs.]

Her facound eke full womanly and plain.
Chaucer.


word: Facsimile
definition:
Facsimile

Fac*sim"i*le
(?)
n.
pl. Facsimiles (-lēz).
[L. fac simile make like; or an abbreviation of factum simile made like; facere to make + similes like. See Fact, and Simile.]
1.
A copy of anything made, either so as to be deceptive or so as to give every part and detail of the original; an exact copy or likeness.

2.
(Telecommunications)
A method for reproducing documents, drawing, or other planar image at a remote location by converting the document into coded electronic signals at one point, transmitting data via telephone line or radio signals to the remote point, and converting the signals back into a likeness of the original image.  The device used at each end to convert the image to and from electronic signals was originally called Facsimile telegraph, then telefax machine, and now more commonly fax machine.  The same process, using the same data transmission protocols, is now performed not only by devices dedicated exclusively to the telefax process, but also by computers and combined copying/scanning/telefax machines.  Also called telefax or fax.

Facsimile telegraph, a telegraphic apparatus reproducing messages in autograph; a fax machine.


word: Fact
definition:
Fact

Fact
(făkt)
n.
[L. factum, fr. facere to make or do.  Cf. Feat, Affair, Benefit, Defect, Fashion, and -fy.]
1.
A doing, making, or preparing.
[Obs.]

A project for the fact and vending
Of a new kind of fucus, paint for ladies.
B. Jonson.

2.
An effect produced or achieved; anything done or that comes to pass; an act; an event; a circumstance.

What might instigate him to this devilish fact, I am not able to conjecture.
Evelyn.

He who most excels in fact of arms.
Milton.

3.
Reality; actuality; truth; as, he, in fact, excelled all the rest; the fact is, he was beaten.

4.
The assertion or statement of a thing done or existing; sometimes, even when false, improperly put, by a transfer of meaning, for the thing done, or supposed to be done; a thing supposed or asserted to be done; as, history abounds with false facts.

I do not grant the fact.
De Foe.

This reasoning is founded upon a fact which is not true.
Roger Long.

&hand_; The term fact has in jurisprudence peculiar uses in contrast with law; as, attorney at law, and attorney in fact; issue in law, and issue in fact. There is also a grand distinction between law and fact with reference to the province of the judge and that of the jury, the latter generally determining the fact, the former the law.
Burrill Bouvier.

Accessary before the fact, or Accessary after the fact. See under Accessary. -- Matter of fact, an actual occurrence; a verity; used adjectively: of or pertaining to facts; prosaic; unimaginative; as, a matter-of-fact narration.


word: fact-finding
definition:
fact-finding

fact-finding
adj.
designed to find information or ascertain facts; as, a fact-finding committee.

Syn. -- investigative, investigatory.


word: Faction
definition:
Faction

Fac"tion
(făk"shŭn)
n.
[L. factio a doing, a company of persons acting together, a faction: cf. F. faction See Fashion.]
1.
(Anc. Hist.)
One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colors) in the games of the circus.

2.
A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, and reckless of the common good.

3.
Tumult; discord; dissension.

They remained at Newbury in great faction among themselves.
Clarendon.


word: Factionary
definition:
Factionary

Fac"tion*a*ry
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. factionnaire, L. factionarius the head of a company of charioteers.]
Belonging to a faction; being a partisan; taking sides.
[Obs.]

Always factionary on the party of your general.
Shak.


word: Factious
definition:
Factious

Fac"tious
(?)
a.
[L. factiosus: cf. F. factieux.]
1.
Given to faction; addicted to form parties and raise dissensions, in opposition to government or the common good; turbulent; seditious; prone to clamor against public measures or men; -- said of persons.

Factious for the house of Lancaster.
Shak.

2.
Pertaining to faction; proceeding from faction; indicating, or characterized by, faction; -- said of acts or expressions; as, factious quarrels.

Headlong zeal or factious fury.
Burke.


word: Factitious
definition:
Factitious

Fac*ti"tious
(?)
a.
[L. factitius, fr. facere to make. See Fact, and cf. Fetich.]
Made by art, in distinction from what is produced by nature; artificial; sham; contrived; formed by, or adapted to, an artificial or conventional, in distinction from a natural, standard or rule; not natural; as, factitious cinnabar or jewels; a factitious taste.
Fac-ti"tious*ly, adv. -- Fac*ti"tious*ness, n.

He acquires a factitious propensity, he forms an incorrigible habit, of desultory reading.
De Quincey.


word: Factitive
definition:
Factitive

Fac"ti*tive
(?)
a.
[See Fact.]
1.
Causing; causative.

2.
(Gram.)
Pertaining to that relation which is proper when the act, as of a transitive verb, is not merely received by an object, but produces some change in the object, as when we say, He made the water wine.

Sometimes the idea of activity in a verb or adjective involves in it a reference to an effect, in the way of causality, in the active voice on the immediate objects, and in the passive voice on the subject of such activity.  This second object is called the factitive object.
J. W. Gibbs.


word: Facto
definition:
Facto

Fac"to
(?)
adv.
[L., ablative of factum deed, fact.]
(Law)
In fact; by the act or fact.

De facto. (Law) See De facto.


word: Factor
definition:
Factor

Fac"tor
(?)
n.
[L. factor a doer: cf. F. facteur a factor. See Fact.]
1.
(Law)
One who transacts business for another; an agent; a substitute; especially, a mercantile agent who buys and sells goods and transacts business for others in commission; a commission merchant or consignee. He may be a home factor or a foreign factor. He may buy and sell in his own name, and he is intrusted with the possession and control of the goods; and in these respects he differs from a broker.
Story. Wharton.

My factor sends me word, a merchant's fled
That owes me for a hundred tun of wine.
Marlowe.

2.
A steward or bailiff of an estate.
[Scot.]
Sir W. Scott.

3.
(Math.)
One of the elements or quantities which, when multiplied together, form a product.

4.
One of the elements, circumstances, or influences which contribute to produce a result; a constituent; a contributory cause.

The materal and dynamical factors of nutrition.
H. Spencer.


word: Factor₂
definition:
Factor

Fac"tor
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Factored (-tĕrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Factoring.]
(Mach.)
To resolve (a quantity) into its factors.


word: Factorage
definition:
Factorage

Fac"tor*age
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. factorage.]
The allowance given to a factor, as a compensation for his services; -- called also a commission.


word: Factorial
definition:
Factorial

Fac*to"ri*al
(?)
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to a factory.
Buchanan.

2.
(Math.)
Related to factorials.


word: Factorial₂
definition:
Factorial

Fac*to"ri*al
n.
(Math.)
(a)
pl.
A name given to the factors of a continued product when the former are derivable from one and the same function F(x) by successively imparting a constant increment or decrement h to the independent variable. Thus the product F(x).F(x + h).F(x + 2h) . . . F[x + (n-1)h] is called a factorial term, and its several factors take the name of factorials.
Brande & C.


word: factorise
definition:
factorise

factorise
v. t.
1.
to resolve into factors, as of a polynomial; same as factorize.
[mostly Brit.]

Syn. -- factorize.


word: factorize
definition:
factorize

fac"tor*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Factorized (-?zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Factorizing (-?"z?ng).]
1.
(Law)
(a)
To give warning to; -- said of a person in whose hands the effects of another are attached, the warning being to the effect that he shall not pay the money or deliver the property of the defendant in his hands to him, but appear and answer the suit of the plaintiff.
(b)
To attach (the effects of a debtor) in the hands of a third person; to garnish. See Garnish.
[Vt. & Conn.]

2.
(Math.)
to resolve (a complex expression, such as a polynomial) into factors.

Syn. -- factorise.


word: Factory
definition:
Factory

Fac"to*ry
(?)
n.
pl. Factories (-rĭz).
[Cf. F. factorerie.]
1.
A house or place where factors, or commercial agents, reside, to transact business for their employers.
factory
Burke.

2.
The body of factors in any place; as, a chaplain to a British factory.
W. Guthrie.

3.
A building, or collection of buildings, appropriated to the manufacture of goods; the place where workmen are employed in fabricating goods, wares, or utensils; a manufactory; as, a cotton factory.

Factory leg (Med.), a variety of bandy leg, associated with partial dislocation of the tibia, produced in young children by working in factories.


word: factory-made
definition:
factory-made

factory-made
adj.
made in a factory.  Contrasted with homemade.
boughten, store-bought 
mass-produced 


word: factotum
definition:
factotum

fac*to"tum
(făk*t&omacr"tŭm)
n.
pl. factotums (-tŭmz).
[L., do everything; facere to do + totus all : cf. F. factotum. See Fact, and Total.]
A person employed to do all kinds of work or business; a person with many different responsibilities.
B. Jonson.


word: factual
definition:
factual

fac"tu*al
(făk*t&uuptack_;"al)
a.
1.
of or pertaining to facts; as, factual inaccuracies.
[R.]

2.
containing only facts (as contrasted with opinions or speculations); as, a factual report.


word: Factum
definition:
Factum

Fac"tum
(făk"tŭm)
n.
pl. Facta (#).
[L. See Fact.]
1.
(Law)
A man's own act and deed
(a)
(Civil Law)
Anything stated and made certain.
(b)
(Testamentary Law)
The due execution of a will, including everything necessary to its validity.

2.
(Mach.)
The product. See Facient, 2.


word: Facture
definition:
Facture

Fac"ture
(?)
n.
[F. facture a making, invoice, L. factura a making. See Fact.]
1.
The act or manner of making or doing anything; -- now used of a literary, musical, or pictorial production.
Bacon.

2.
(Com.)
An invoice or bill of parcels.


word: faculae
definition:
faculae

fac"u*læ
(?)
n. pl.
[L., pl. of facula a little torch.]
(Astron.)
Groups of small shining spots on the surface of the sun which are brighter than the other parts of the photosphere.  They are generally seen in the neighborhood of the dark spots, and are supposed to be elevated portions of the photosphere.
Newcomb.


word: Facultative
definition:
Facultative

Fac"ul*ta*tive
(?)
a.
[L. facultas, -atis, faculty: cf. F. facultatif, G. fakultativ.]
1.
Having relation to the grant or exercise faculty, or authority, privilege, license, or the like hence, optional; as, facultative enactments, or those which convey a faculty, or permission; the facultative referendum of Switzerland is one that is optional with the people and is necessary only when demanded by petition; facultative studies; -- opposed to obligatory and compulsory, and sometimes used with to.

2.
Of such a character as to admit of existing under various forms or conditions, or of happening or not happening, or the like;
specif.
(Biol.)
Having the power to live under different conditions; as, a facultative parasite, a plant which is normally saprophytic, but which may exist wholly or in part as a parasite; -- opposed to obligate.

3.
(Physiol.)
Pertaining to a faculty or faculties.
In short, there is no facultative plurality in the mind; it is a single organ of true judgment for all purposes, cognitive or practical.
J. Martineau.


word: Faculty
definition:
Faculty

Fac"ul*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Faculties (#).
[F. facult_;, L. facultas, fr. facilis easy (cf. facul easily), fr. fecere to make. See Fact, and cf. Facility.]
1.
Ability to act or perform, whether inborn or cultivated; capacity for any natural function; especially, an original mental power or capacity for any of the well-known classes of mental activity; psychical or soul capacity; capacity for any of the leading kinds of soul activity, as knowledge, feeling, volition; intellectual endowment or gift; power; as, faculties of the mind or the soul.

But know that in the soul
Are many lesser faculties that serve
Reason as chief.
Milton.

What a piece of work is a man ! how noble in reason ! how infinite in faculty !
Shak.

2.
Special mental endowment; characteristic knack.

He had a ready faculty, indeed, of escaping from any topic that agitated his too sensitive and nervous temperament.
Hawthorne.

3.
Power; prerogative or attribute of office.
[R.]

This Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek.
Shak.

4.
Privilege or permission, granted by favor or indulgence, to do a particular thing; authority; license; dispensation.

The pope . . . granted him a faculty to set him free from his promise.
Fuller.

It had not only faculty to inspect all bishops' dioceses, but to change what laws and statutes they should think fit to alter among the colleges.
Evelyn.

5.
A body of a men to whom any specific right or privilege is granted; formerly, the graduates in any of the four departments of a university or college (Philosophy, Law, Medicine, or Theology), to whom was granted the right of teaching (profitendi or docendi) in the department in which they had studied; at present, the members of a profession itself; as, the medical faculty; the legal faculty, etc.

6.
(Amer. Colleges)
The body of person to whom are intrusted the government and instruction of a college or university, or of one of its departments; the president, professors, and tutors in a college.

Dean of faculty. See under Dean. -- Faculty of advocates. (Scot.) See under Advocate.


word: Fad
definition:
Fad

Fad
(făd)
n.
[Cf. Faddle.]
1.
A hobby ; freak; whim.

It is your favorite fad to draw plans.
G. Eliot.

2.
a practise followed enthusiastically by a number of people for a limited period of time; as, the latest fad in fashion.

Syn. -- craze; mania.


word: faddy
definition:
faddy

faddish

faddish faddy
adj.
1.
intensely fashionable for a short time.
[wns=1]

Syn. -- trendy.
2.
prone to follow fads; as, a faddish clique of teenagers; -- of people.

Syn. -- trendy.


word: Faddle
definition:
Faddle

Fad"dle
(?)
v. i.
[Cf. Fiddle, Fiddle-faddle.]
To trifle; to toy.
v. t. To fondle; to dandle. [Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Fade
definition:
Fade

Fade
(?)
a.
[F., prob. fr. L. vapidus vapid, or possibly fr,fatuus foolish, insipid.]
Weak; insipid; tasteless; commonplace.
[R.]
fade
Jeffrey.

His masculine taste gave him a sense of something fade and ludicrous.
De Quincey.


word: Fade₂
definition:
Fade

Fade
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Faded; p. pr. & vb. n. Fading.]
[OE. faden, vaden, prob. fr. fade, a.; cf. Prov. D. vadden to fade, wither, vaddigh languid, torpid.  Cf. Fade, a., Vade.]
1.
To become fade; to grow weak; to lose strength; to decay; to perish gradually; to wither, as a plant.

The earth mourneth and fadeth away.
Is. xxiv. 4.

2.
To lose freshness, color, or brightness; to become faint in hue or tint; hence, to be wanting in color.
fade
Milton.

3.
To sink away; to disappear gradually; to grow dim; to vanish.

The stars shall fade away.
Addison

He makes a swanlike end,
Fading in music.
Shak.


word: Fade₃
definition:
Fade

Fade
v. t.
To cause to wither; to deprive of freshness or vigor; to wear away.

No winter could his laurels fade.
Dryden.


word: Faded
definition:
Faded

Fad"ed
(?)
a.
That has lost freshness, color, or brightness; grown dim.
faded
Milton.

Where the faded moon
Made a dim silver twilight.
Keats.


word: Fadge
definition:
Fadge

Fadge
(făj)
v. i.
[Cf. OE. faden to flatter, and AS. fēgan to join, unite, G. fügen, or AS. āfægian to depict; all perh. form the same root as E. fair.  Cf. Fair, a., Fay to fit.]
To fit; to suit; to agree.

They shall be made, spite of antipathy, to fadge together.
Milton.

Well, Sir, how fadges the new design ?
Wycherley.


word: Fadge₂
definition:
Fadge

Fadge
(?)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
A small flat loaf or thick cake; also, a fagot.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Fading
definition:
Fading

Fad"ing
(?)
a.
Losing freshness, color, brightness, or vigor.
n. Loss of color, freshness, or vigor.
Fad"ing*ly, adv. -- Fad"ing*ness, n.


word: faeces
definition:
faeces

Fæ"ces
(?)
n. pl.
[L. faex, pl. faeces, dregs.]
Excrement; ordure; also, settlings; sediment after infusion or distillation.
[Written also feces.]


word: Fag
definition:
Fag

Fag
(făg)
n.
1.
A knot or coarse part in cloth; a flaw.
[Obs.]

2.
A cigarette.
[slang]

3.
A fag end in a cloth.

4.
A drudge.


word: fag
definition:
fag

fag
(făg)
n.
A male homosexual; -- always used disparagingly and considered offensive.  Shortened form of faggot.
[Slang, disparaging.]

Syn. -- faggot.


word: Fag₂
definition:
Fag

Fag
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fagged (făgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fagging (făg"gĭng).]
[Cf. LG. fakk wearied, weary, vaak slumber, drowsiness, OFries. fai, equiv. to fāch devoted to death, OS. fēgi, OHG. feigi, G. feig, feige, cowardly, Icel. feigr fated to die, AS. f&aemacr_;ge, Scot. faik, to fail, stop, lower the price; or perh. the same word as E. flag to droop.]
1.
To become weary; to tire.

Creighton withheld his force till the Italian began to fag.
G. Mackenzie.

2.
To labor to wearness; to work hard; to drudge.

Read, fag, and subdue this chapter.
Coleridge.

3.
To act as a fag, or perform menial services or drudgery, for another, as in some English schools.

To fag out, to become untwisted or frayed, as the end of a rope, or the edge of canvas.


word: Fag₃
definition:
Fag

Fag
v. t.
1.
To tire by labor; to exhaust; as, he was almost fagged out.

2.
Anything that fatigues.
[R.]

It is such a fag, I came back tired to death.
Miss Austen.

Brain fag. (Med.) See Cerebropathy.


word: Fagaceae
definition:
Fagaceae

Fagaceae
prop. n.
a natural family of chiefly monoecious trees and shrubs, including beeches, chestnuts, and oaks; it includes the genera Castanea; Castanopsis; Chrysolepis; Fagus; Lithocarpus; Nothofagus; and Quercus.

Syn. -- family Fagaceae, beech family.


word: Fag-end
definition:
Fag-end

Fag"-end"
(?)
n.
1.
An end of poorer quality, or in a spoiled condition, as the coarser end of a web of cloth, the untwisted end of a rope, etc.

2.
The refuse or meaner part of anything.

The fag-end of business.
Collier.


word: fagged
definition:
fagged

fagged
adj.
1.
same as burned-out, 1.

Syn. -- burned-out(prenominal), burnt-out(prenominal), burned out(predicate), burnt out(predicate), exhausted, fatigued, played-out(prenominal), played out(predicate), spent, washed-out(prenominal), washed out(predicate), worn-out(prenominal), worn out(predicate).


word: fagging
definition:
fagging

fag"ging
(făg"gĭng)
n.
Laborious drudgery; esp., the acting as a drudge for another at an English school.


word: faggot
definition:
faggot

fag"got
(făg"ŭt)
n.
[perh. from fagot{5}, a shriveled old woman.]
a male homosexual; -- always used disparagingly and considered offensive.
[Slang, disparaging]

Syn. -- fagot, fag, fairy, pansy, queer, poof, poove, pouf.

2.
a bundle of sticks and branches bound together; -- same as fagot{1}.

Syn. -- fagot.


word: Fagopyrum
definition:
Fagopyrum

Fagopyrum
prop. n.
a genus of plants of the buckwheat family, including the buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum; in some classifications included in the genus Polygonum.

Syn. -- genus Fagopyrum.


word: fagot
definition:
fagot

fag"ot
(făg"ŭt)
n.
[F., prob. aug. of L. fax, facis, torch, perh. orig., a bundle of sticks; cf. Gr. fa`kelos bundle, fagot.  Cf. Fagotto.]
1.
A bundle of sticks, twigs, or small branches of trees, used for fuel, for raising batteries, filling ditches, or other purposes in fortification; a fascine.
Shak.

2.
A bundle of pieces of wrought iron to be worked over into bars or other shapes by rolling or hammering at a welding heat; a pile.

3.
(Mus.)
A bassoon. See Fagotto.

4.
A person hired to take the place of another at the muster of a company.
[Eng.]
Addison.

5.
An old shriveled woman.
[Slang, Eng.]

Fagot iron, iron, in bars or masses, manufactured from fagots. -- Fagot vote, the vote of a person who has been constituted a voter by being made a landholder, for party purposes. [Political cant, Eng.]


word: Fagot
definition:
Fagot

Fag"ot
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fagoted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fagoting.]
To make a fagot of; to bind together in a fagot or bundle; also, to collect promiscuously.
Dryden.


word: Fagotto
definition:
Fagotto

Fa*got"to
(?)
n.
[It. See Fagot.]
(Mus.)
The bassoon; -- so called from being divided into parts for ease of carriage, making, as it were, a small fagot.


word: Faham
definition:
Faham

Fa"ham
(?)
n.
The leaves of an orchid (Angraecum fragrans), of the islands of Bourbon and Mauritius, used (in France) as a substitute for Chinese tea.


word: Fahlband
definition:
Fahlband

Fahl"band`
(?)
n.
[G., fr. fahl dun-colored + band a band.]
(Mining)
A stratum in crystalline rock, containing metallic sulphides.
Raymond.


word: Fahlband₂
definition:
Fahlband

Fahlerz

{ Fahl"erz (?), Fahl"band (?), }
n.
[G. fahlerz; fahl dun-colored, fallow + erz ore.]
(Min.)
Same as Tetrahedrite.


word: Fahlunite
definition:
Fahlunite

Fah"lun*ite
(fä"lŭn*īt)
n.
[From Fahlun, a place in Sweden.]
(Min.)
A hydrated silica of alumina, resulting from the alteration of iolite.


word: Fahr.
definition:
Fahr.

Fahr.
adj.
[abbrev.]
an abbreviation of Fahrenheit; -- used in designating temperatures; as, 72° Fahr.  Used as an alternative to celsius.

Syn. -- fahrenheit, f., F.


word: Fahrenheit
definition:
Fahrenheit

Fah"ren*heit
(?)
prop. a.
[G.]
Conforming to the scale used by Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit in the graduation of his thermometer; of or relating to Fahrenheit's thermometric scale.   Used as an alternative to celsius.
n. The Fahrenheit thermometer or scale.

&hand_; The Fahrenheit thermometer is so graduated that the freezing point of water is at 32 degrees above the zero of its scale, and the boiling point at one atmosphere of pressure is 212 degrees. It is commonly used in the United States and in England.


word: Faience
definition:
Faience

faience

faience, &VerbarFa`ï*ence"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. Faenza, a town in Italy, the original place of manufacture.]
Glazed earthenware; esp., a fine variety that which is decorated with colorful designs in an opaque glaze.


word: Fail
definition:
Fail

Fail
(fāl)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Failed (fāld); p. pr. & vb. n. Failing.]
[F. failir, fr. L. fallere, falsum, to deceive, akin to E. fall. See Fail, and cf. Fallacy, False, Fault.]
1.
To be wanting; to fall short; to be or become deficient in any measure or degree up to total absence; to cease to be furnished in the usual or expected manner, or to be altogether cut off from supply; to be lacking; as, streams fail; crops fail.

As the waters fail from the sea.
Job xiv. 11.

Till Lionel's issue fails, his should not reign.
Shak.

2.
To be affected with want; to come short; to lack; to be deficient or unprovided; -- used with of.

If ever they fail of beauty, this failure is not be attributed to their size.
Berke.

3.
To fall away; to become diminished; to decline; to decay; to sink.

When earnestly they seek
Such proof, conclude they then begin to fail.
Milton.

4.
To deteriorate in respect to vigor, activity, resources, etc.; to become weaker; as, a sick man fails.

5.
To perish; to die; -- used of a person.
[Obs.]

Had the king in his last sickness failed.
Shak.

6.
To be found wanting with respect to an action or a duty to be performed, a result to be secured, etc.; to miss; not to fulfill expectation.

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this.
Ezra iv. 22.

Either my eyesight fails, or thou look'st pale.
Shak.

7.
To come short of a result or object aimed at or desired ; to be baffled or frusrated.

Our envious foe hath failed.
Milton.

8.
To err in judgment; to be mistaken.

Which ofttimes may succeed, so as perhaps
Shall grieve him, if I fail not.
Milton.

9.
To become unable to meet one's engagements; especially, to be unable to pay one's debts or discharge one's business obligation; to become bankrupt or insolvent; as, many credit unions failed in the late 1980's.


word: Fail₂
definition:
Fail

Fail
(?)
v. t.
1.
To be wanting to ; to be insufficient for; to disappoint; to desert.

There shall not fail thee a man on the throne.
1 Kings ii. 4.

2.
To miss of attaining; to lose.
[R.]

Though that seat of earthly bliss be failed.
Milton.


word: Fail₃
definition:
Fail

Fail
n.
[OF. faille, from failir. See Fail, v. i.]
1.
Miscarriage; failure; deficiency; fault; -- mostly superseded by failure or failing, except in the phrase without fail.
fail
Shak.

2.
Death; decease.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Failance
definition:
Failance

Fail"ance
(?)
n.
[Of. faillance, fr. faillir.]
Fault; failure; omission.
[Obs.]
Bp. Fell.


word: Failing
definition:
Failing

Fail"ing
n.
1.
A failing short; a becoming deficient; failure; deficiency; imperfection; weakness; lapse; fault; infirmity; as, a mental failing.

And ever in her mind she cast about
For that unnoticed failing in herself.
Tennyson.

2.
The act of becoming insolvent of bankrupt.


word: Failure
definition:
Failure

Fail"ure
(?)
n.
[From Fail.]
1.
Cessation of supply, or total defect; a failing; deficiency; as, failure of rain; failure of crops.

2.
Omission; nonperformance; as, the failure to keep a promise.

3.
Want of success; the state of having failed.

4.
Decay, or defect from decay; deterioration; as, the failure of memory or of sight.

5.
A becoming insolvent; bankruptcy; suspension of payment; as, failure in business.

6.
A failing; a slight fault.
[Obs.]
Johnson.


word: Fain
definition:
Fain

Fain
(?)
a.
[OE. fain, fagen, AS. fægen; akin to OS. fagan, Icel. faginn glad; AS. fægnian to rejoice, OS. fagan&omacrn, Icel. fagna, Goth. fagin&omacrn, cf. Goth. fahēds joy; and fr. the same root as E. fair. Srr Fair, a., and cf. Fawn to court favor.]
1.
Well-pleased; glad; apt; wont; fond; inclined.

Men and birds are fain of climbing high.
Shak.

To a busy man, temptation is fainto climb up together with his business.
Jer. Taylor.

2.
Satisfied; contented; also, constrained.
Shak.

The learned Castalio was fain to make trechers at Basle to keep himself from starving.
Locke.


word: Fain₂
definition:
Fain

Fain
adv.
With joy; gladly; -- with wold.

He would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat.
Luke xv. 16.

Fain Would I woo her, yet I dare not.
Shak.


word: Fain₃
definition:
Fain

Fain
v. t. & i.
To be glad ; to wish or desire.
[Obs.]

Whoso fair thing does fain to see.
Spencer.


word: Faineancy
definition:
Faineancy

Faineance

{ Fai"ne*ance (?), Fai"ne*an*cy (?) }
n.
[Cf. OF. faineance. See Fainéant.]
Do-nothingness; inactivity; indolence.
The mask of sneering faineance was gone.
C. Kingsley.


word: faineant
definition:
faineant

fai`ne`ant", &Verbarfai`né`ant"
(fa̝`na̝`äN")
a.
[F.; fait he does + néant nothing.]
Doing nothing; shiftless; disinclined to work or exertion.

Syn. -- bone-idle, bone-lazy, do-nothing(prenominal), indolent, lazy, otiose, shiftless, slothful, workshy, work-shy.


word: faineant₂
definition:
faineant

faineant

fai`ne`ant", &Verbarfai`né`ant"
(fa̝`na̝`äN")
n.
A do-nothing; an idle fellow; a sluggard.
Sir W. Scott.


word: faineant deity
definition:
faineant deity

Fainéant deity
A deity believed to be real but conceived as not acting in human affairs, hence not worshiped.


word: Faint
definition:
Faint

Faint
(fānt)
a.
[Compar. Fainter (-ẽr); superl. Faintest.]
[OE. feint, faint, false, faint, F. feint, p. p. of feindre to feign, suppose, hesitate. See Feign, and cf. Feint.]
1.
Lacking strength; weak; languid; inclined to swoon; as, faint with fatigue, hunger, or thirst.

2.
Wanting in courage, spirit, or energy; timorous; cowardly; dejected; depressed; as, “Faint heart ne'er won fair lady.”
Old Proverb.

3.
Lacking distinctness; hardly perceptible; striking the senses feebly; not bright, or loud, or sharp, or forcible; weak; as, a faint color, or sound.

4.
Performed, done, or acted, in a weak or feeble manner; not exhibiting vigor, strength, or energy; slight; as, faint efforts; faint resistance.

The faint prosecution of the war.
Sir J. Davies.


word: Faint₂
definition:
Faint

Faint
n.
The act of fainting, or the state of one who has fainted; a swoon. [R.] See Fainting, n.

The saint,
Who propped the Virgin in her faint.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Faint₃
definition:
Faint

Faint
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fainted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fainting.]
1.
To become weak or wanting in vigor; to grow feeble; to lose strength and color, and the control of the bodily or mental functions; to swoon; -- sometimes with away. See Fainting, n.

Hearing the honor intended her, she fainted away.
Guardian.

If I send them away fasting . . . they will faint by the way.
Mark viii. 8.

2.
To sink into dejection; to lose courage or spirit; to become depressed or despondent.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Prov. xxiv. 10.

3.
To decay; to disappear; to vanish.

Gilded clouds, while we gaze upon them, faint before the eye.
Pope.


word: Faint₄
definition:
Faint

Faint
(?)
v. t.
To cause to faint or become dispirited; to depress; to weaken.
[Obs.]

It faints me to think what follows.
Shak.


word: Faint-hearted
definition:
Faint-hearted

Faint"-heart`ed
(?)
a.
Wanting in courage; depressed by fear; easily discouraged or frightened; cowardly; timorous; dejected.

Fear not, neither be faint-hearted.
Is. vii. 4.


word: Fainting
definition:
Fainting

Faint"ing
(?)
n.
Syncope, or loss of consciousness owing to a sudden arrest of the blood supply to the brain, the face becoming pallid, the respiration feeble, and the heat's beat weak.

Fainting fit, a fainting or swoon; syncope. [Colloq.]


word: Faintness
definition:
Faintness

Faint"ness
n.
1.
The state of being faint; loss of strength, or of consciousness, and self-control.

2.
Want of vigor or energy.
Spenser.

3.
Feebleness, as of color or light; lack of distinctness; as, faintness of description.

4.
Faint-heartedness; timorousness; dejection.

I will send a faintness into their hearts.
Lev. xxvi. 36.


word: Faints
definition:
Faints

Faints
(?)
n. pl.
The impure spirit which comes over first and last in the distillation of whisky; -- the former being called the strong faints, and the latter, which is much more abundant, the weak faints. This crude spirit is much impregnated with fusel oil.
Ure.


word: Fair
definition:
Fair

Fair
(fâr)
a.
[Compar. Fairer (?); superl. Fairest.]
[OE. fair, fayer, fager, AS. fæger; akin to OS. & OHG. fagar, Icel. fagr, Sw. fager, Dan. faver, Goth. fagrs fit, also to E. fay, G. fügen, to fit. fegen to sweep, cleanse, and prob. also to E. fang, peace, pact, Cf. Fang, Fain, Fay to fit.]
1.
Free from spots, specks, dirt, or imperfection; unblemished; clean; pure.

A fair white linen cloth.
Book of Common Prayer.

2.
Pleasing to the eye; handsome; beautiful.

Who can not see many a fair French city, for one fair French made.
Shak.

3.
Without a dark hue; light; clear; as, a fair skin.

The northern people large and fair-complexioned.
Sir M. Hale.

4.
Not overcast; cloudless; clear; pleasant; propitious; favorable; -- said of the sky, weather, or wind, etc.; as, a fair sky; a fair day.

You wish fair winds may waft him over.
Prior.

5.
Free from obstacles or hindrances; unobstructed; unincumbered; open; direct; -- said of a road, passage, etc.; as, a fair mark; in fair sight; a fair view.

The caliphs obtained a mighty empire, which was in a fair way to have enlarged.
Sir W. Raleigh.

6.
(Shipbuilding)
Without sudden change of direction or curvature; smooth; flowing; -- said of the figure of a vessel, and of surfaces, water lines, and other lines.

7.
Characterized by frankness, honesty, impartiality, or candor; open; upright; free from suspicion or bias; equitable; just; -- said of persons, character, or conduct; as, a fair man; fair dealing; a fair statement.
fair
Shak.

8.
Pleasing; favorable; inspiring hope and confidence; -- said of words, promises, etc.

When fair words and good counsel will not prevail on us, we must be frighted into our duty.
L' Estrange.

9.
Distinct; legible; as, fair handwriting.

10.
Free from any marked characteristic; average; middling; as, a fair specimen.

The news is very fair and good, my lord.
Shak.

Fair ball. (Baseball) (a) A ball passing over the home base at the height called for by the batsman, and delivered by the pitcher while wholly within the lines of his position and facing the batsman. (b) A batted ball that falls inside the foul lines; -- called also a fair hit. -- Fair maid. (Zool.) (a) The European pilchard (Clupea pilchardus) when dried. (b) The southern scup (Stenotomus Gardeni). [Virginia] -- Fair one, a handsome woman; a beauty, -- Fair play, equitable or impartial treatment; a fair or equal chance; justice. -- From fair to middling, passable; tolerable. [Colloq.] -- The fair sex, the female sex.


word: Fair₂
definition:
Fair

Fair
adv.
Clearly; openly; frankly; civilly; honestly; favorably; auspiciously; agreeably.

Fair and square, justly; honestly; equitably; impartially. [Colloq.] -- To bid fair. See under Bid. -- To speak fair, to address with courtesy and frankness. [Archaic]


word: Fair₃
definition:
Fair

Fair
n.
1.
Fairness, beauty.
[Obs.]
Shak.

2.
A fair woman; a sweetheart.

I have found out a gift for my fair.
Shenstone.

3.
Good fortune; good luck.

Now fair befall thee !
Shak.

The fair, anything beautiful; women, collectively. “For slander's mark was ever yet the fair.”  Shak.


word: Fair₄
definition:
Fair

Fair
v. t.
1.
To make fair or beautiful.
[Obs.]

Fairing the foul.
Shak.

2.
(Shipbuilding)
To make smooth and flowing, as a vessel's lines.


word: Fair₅
definition:
Fair

Fair
n.
[OE. feire, OF. feire, F. foire, fr. L. fariae, pl., days of rest, holidays, festivals, akin to festus festal. See Feast.]
1.
A gathering of buyers and sellers, assembled at a particular place with their merchandise at a stated or regular season, or by special appointment, for trade.

2.
A festival, and sale of fancy articles. erc., usually for some charitable object; as, a Grand Army fair; a church fair.

3.
A competitive exhibition of wares, farm products, etc., not primarily for purposes of sale; as, the Mechanics' fair; an agricultural fair.

4.
an exhibition by a number of organizations, including governmental organizations, for the purpose of acquainting people with such organizations or their members, not primarily for commercial purposes; as, the 1939 World's Fair.

Meet me in St. Louis, Louis
Meet me at the fair
Don't tell me the lights are shining
Anyplace but there.
Song (1904: words by Andrew B. Sterling, music by Kerry Mills, popularized by Billy Murray.  Prominent in the movie "Meet Me In St. Louis", 1944)

After the fair, Too late. [Colloq.]


word: fair and square
definition:
fair and square

fair and square
adv.
justly; honestly; equitably; impartially.  Opposite of unfairly.
[Colloq.]


word: fair-and-square
definition:
fair-and-square

fair-and-square
adj.
fair and honest; just.  Opposite of unfair.
[Colloq.]

Syn. -- honest.


word: Fair catch
definition:
Fair catch

Fair catch
(Football)
A catch made by a player on side who makes a prescribed signal that he will not attempt to advance the ball when caught. He must not then be interfered with.


word: fairground
definition:
fairground

fairground
n.
an open area for holding fairs or exhibitions or circuses.  Often used in plural.


word: Fair-haired
definition:
Fair-haired

Fair"-haired`
(?)
a.
1.
Having fair or light-colored hair.

2.
favorite; considered especially talented or promising; as, the fair-haired boy of the literary set.
[prenominal]
[informal]

Syn. -- blue-eyed(prenominal), white-haired(prenominal), white-headed.


word: Fairily
definition:
Fairily

Fair"i*ly
(?)
adv.
In the manner of a fairy.

Numerous as shadows haunting fairily
The brain.
Keats.


word: Fairing
definition:
Fairing

Fair"ing
n.
A present; originally, one given or purchased at a fair.
Gay.

Fairing box, a box receiving savings or small sums of money. Hannah More.


word: Fair-leader
definition:
Fair-leader

Fair"-lead`er
(?)
n.
(Naut.)
A block, or ring, serving as a guide for the running rigging or for any rope.


word: Fairly
definition:
Fairly

Fair"ly
adv.
1.
In a fair manner; clearly; openly; plainly; fully; distinctly; frankly.

Even the nature of Mr. Dimmesdale's disease had never fairly been revealed to him.
Hawthorne.

2.
Favorably; auspiciously; commodiously; as, a town fairly situated for foreign trade.

3.
Honestly; properly.

Such means of comfort or even luxury, as lay fairly within their grasp.
Hawthorne.

4.
Softly; quietly; gently.
[Obs.]
Milton.


word: Fairness
definition:
Fairness

Fair"ness
n.
The state of being fair, or free form spots or stains, as of the skin; honesty, as of dealing; candor, as of an argument, etc.


word: Fair-spoken
definition:
Fair-spoken

Fair"-spo`ken
(?)
a.
Using fair speech, or uttered with fairness; bland; civil; courteous; plausible.
fair-spoken
Hooker.


word: Fairway
definition:
Fairway

Fair"way`
(?)
n.
1.
The navigable part of a river, bay, etc., through which vessels enter or depart; the part of a harbor or channel ehich is kept open and unobstructed for the passage of vessels.
Totten.
2.
(golf)
That part of a golf course between the tee and the green which is of closely mowed grass, as contrasted to the rough.


word: Fair-weather
definition:
Fair-weather

Fair"-weath`er
(?)
a.
1.
Made or done in pleasant weather, or in circumstances involving but little exposure or sacrifice; as, a fair-weather voyage.
Pope.

2.
Appearing only when times or circumstances are prosperous; as, a fair-weather friend.

Fair-weather sailor, a make-believe or inexperienced sailor; -- the nautical equivalent of carpet knight.


word: Fair-world
definition:
Fair-world

Fair"-world`
(?)
n.
State of prosperity.
[Obs.]

They think it was never fair-world with them since.
Milton.


word: Fairy
definition:
Fairy

Fair"y
(?)
n.
pl. Fairies (#).
[OE. fairie, faierie, enchantment, fairy folk, fairy, OF. faerie enchantment, F. féer, fr. LL. Fata one of the goddesses of fate. See Fate, and cf. Fay a fairy.]
[Written also faëry.]
1.
Enchantment; illusion.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

The God of her has made an end,
And fro this worlde's fairy
Hath taken her into company.
Gower.

2.
The country of the fays; land of illusions.
[Obs.]

He [Arthur] is a king y-crowned in Fairy.
Lydgate.

3.
An imaginary supernatural being or spirit, supposed to assume a human form (usually diminutive), either male or female, and to meddle for good or evil in the affairs of mankind; a fay. See Elf, and Demon.

The fourth kind of spirit [is] called the Fairy.
K. James.

And now about the caldron sing,
Like elves and fairies in a ring.
Shak.

5.
An enchantress.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Fairy of the mine, an imaginary being supposed to inhabit mines, etc. German folklore tells of two species; one fierce and malevolent, the other gentle, See Kobold.

No goblin or swart fairy of the mine
Hath hurtful power over true virginity.
Milton.


word: Fairy₂
definition:
Fairy

Fair"y
a.
1.
Of or pertaining to fairies.

2.
Given by fairies; as, fairy money.
Dryden.

Fairy bird (Zool.), the Euoropean little tern (Sterna minuta); -- called also sea swallow, and hooded tern. -- Fairy bluebird. (Zool.) See under Bluebird. -- Fairy martin (Zool.), a European swallow (Hirrundo ariel) that builds flask-shaped nests of mud on overhanging cliffs. -- Fairy rings or Fairy circles, the circles formed in grassy lawns by certain fungi (as Marasmius Oreades), formerly supposed to be caused by fairies in their midnight dances; also, the mushrooms themselves.  Such circles may have diameters larger than three meters. -- Fairy shrimp (Zool.), a European fresh-water phyllopod crustacean (Chirocephalus diaphanus); -- so called from its delicate colors, transparency, and graceful motions. The name is sometimes applied to similar American species. -- Fairy stone (Paleon.), an echinite.


word: Fairylike
definition:
Fairylike

Fair"y*like`
(?)
a.
Resembling a fairy, or what is made or done be fairies; as, fairylike music.


word: fairy-slipper
definition:
fairy-slipper

fairy-slipper
n.
a rare north temperate bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) bearing a solitary white to pink flower marked with purple at the tip of an erect reddish stalk above one basal leaf.

Syn. -- calypso, Calypso bulbosa.


word: fairy tale
definition:
fairy tale

fairy tale
n.
1.
a story about magical or mythological creatures, such as fairies, elves, goblins, trolls, orcs, unicorns, wizards, dragons, etc., usually composed for the amusement of children; called also a fairy story.

2.
a false story intended to deceive or mislead, especially one involving unlikely events or situations; called also a fairy story.


word: Faith
definition:
Faith

Faith
(fāth)
n.
[OE. feith, fayth, fay, OF. feid, feit, fei, F. foi, fr. L. fides; akin to fidere to trust, Gr. pei`qein to persuade. The ending th is perhaps due to the influence of such words as truth, health, wealth. See Bid, Bide, and cf. Confide, Defy, Fealty.]
1.
Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.

2.
The assent of the mind to the statement or proposition of another, on the ground of the manifest truth of what he utters; firm and earnest belief, on probable evidence of any kind, especially in regard to important moral truth.

Faith, that is, fidelity, -- the fealty of the finite will and understanding to the reason.
Coleridge.

3.
(Judeo-Christian Theol.)
(a)
The belief in the historic truthfulness of the Scripture narrative, and the supernatural origin of its teachings, sometimes called historical and speculative faith.
(b)
(Christian Theol.)
The belief in the facts and truth of the Scriptures, with a practical love of them; especially, that confiding and affectionate belief in the person and work of Christ, which affects the character and life, and makes a man a true Christian, -- called a practical, evangelical, or saving faith.

Without faith it is impossible to please him [God].
Heb. xi. 6.

The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind which is called “trust” or “confidence” exercised toward the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior.
Dr. T. Dwight.

Faith is an affectionate, practical confidence in the testimony of God.
J. Hawes.

4.
That which is believed on any subject, whether in science, politics, or religion; especially (Theol.), a system of religious belief of any kind; as, the Jewish or Muslim faith; the Christian faith; also, the creed or belief of a Christian society or church.

Which to believe of her,
Must be a faith that reason without miracle
Could never plant in me.
Shak.

Now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal. i. 23.

5.
Fidelity to one's promises, or allegiance to duty, or to a person honored and beloved; loyalty.

Children in whom is no faith.
Deut. xxvii. 20.

Whose failing, while her faith to me remains,
I should conceal.
Milton.

6.
Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity; as, he violated his faith.

For you alone
I broke me faith with injured Palamon.
Dryden.

7.
Credibility or truth.
[R.]

The faith of the foregoing narrative.
Mitford.

Act of faith. See Auto-da-fé. -- Breach of faith, Confession of faith, etc. See under Breach, Confession, etc. -- Faith cure, a method or practice of treating diseases by prayer and the exercise of faith in God. -- In good faith, with perfect sincerity.


word: Faithful
definition:
Faithful

Faith"ful
(?)
a.
1.
Full of faith, or having faith; disposed to believe, especially in the declarations and promises of God.

You are not faithful, sir.
B. Jonson.

2.
Firm in adherence to promises, oaths, contracts, treaties, or other engagements.

The faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him.
Deut. vii. 9.

3.
True and constant in affection or allegiance to a person to whom one is bound by a vow, by ties of love, gratitude, or honor, as to a husband, a prince, a friend; firm in the observance of duty; loyal; of true fidelity; as, a faithful husband or servant.

So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found,
Among the faithless, faithful only he.
Milton.

4.
Worthy of confidence and belief; conformable to truth ot fact; exact; accurate; as, a faithful narrative or representation.

It is a faithful saying.
2 Tim. ii. 11.

The Faithful, the adherents of any system of religious belief; esp. used as an epithet of the followers of Mohammed.


word: Faithless
definition:
Faithless

Faith"less
a.
1.
Not believing; not giving credit.

Be not faithless, but believing.
John xx. 27.

2.
Not believing on God or religion; specifically, not believing in the Christian religion.
Shak.

3.
Not observant of promises or covenants.

4.
Not true to allegiance, duty, or vows; perfidious; trecherous; disloyal; not of true fidelity; inconstant, as a husband or a wife.

A most unnatural and faithless service.
Shak.

5.
Serving to disappoint or deceive; delusive; unsatisfying.
faithless
Goldsmith.


word: Faitour
definition:
Faitour

Fai"tour
(?)
n.
[OF. faitor a doer, L. factor. See Factor.]
A doer or actor; particularly, an evil doer; a scoundrel.
[Obs.]

Lo! faitour, there thy meed unto thee take.
Spenser.


word: Fake
definition:
Fake

Fake
(?)
n.
[Cf. Scot. faik fold, stratum of stone, AS. fæc space, interval, G. fach compartment, partition, row, and E. fay to fit.]
(Naut.)
One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.


word: Fake₂
definition:
Fake

Fake
v. t.
(Naut.)
To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form,, to prevent twisting when running out.

Faking box, a box in which a long rope is faked; used in the life-saving service for a line attached to a shot.


word: Fake₃
definition:
Fake

Fake
v. t.
[Cf. Gael. faigh to get, acquire, reach, or OD. facken to catch or gripe.]
[Slang in all its senses.]
1.
To cheat; to swindle; to steal; to rob.

2.
To make; to construct; to do.

3.
To manipulate fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is; as, to fake a bulldog, by burning his upper lip and thus artificially shortening it.


word: faker
definition:
faker

fak"er
(?)
n.
[Sometimes erroneously written fakir.]
1.
One who fakes something;
as
(a)
a thief.
(b)
a peddler of petty things.
(c)
a workman who dresses things up.
[Slang]

2.
a person who makes deceitful pretenses.

Syn. -- imposter, impostor, pretender, fake, fraud, sham, pseudo, pseud, role player.


word: Fakir
definition:
Fakir

Fa"kir
(?)
n.
[Ar. faqīr poor.]
an Oriental Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic or begging monk who is regarded as a holy man or a wonder worker.
[Written also faquir anf fakeer.]


word: Falanaka
definition:
Falanaka

Fa"la*na"ka
(?)
n.
[Native name.]
(Zool.)
A viverrine mammal of Madagascar (Eupleres Goudotii), allied to the civet; -- called also Falanouc.


word: Falcade
definition:
Falcade

Fal*cade"
(făl*kād")
n.
[F., ultimately fr. L. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe.]
(Man.)
The action of a horse, when he throws himself on his haunches two or three times, bending himself, as it were, in very quick curvets.
Harris.


word: Falcated
definition:
Falcated

Falcate

{ Fal"cate (?), Fal"ca*ted (?), }
a.
[L. falcatus, fr. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe.]
Hooked or bent like a sickle; as, a falcate leaf; a falcate claw; -- said also of the moon, or a planet, when horned or crescent-formed.


word: Falcation
definition:
Falcation

Fal*ca"tion
(?)
n.
The state of being falcate; a bend in the form of a sickle.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Falchion
definition:
Falchion

Fal"chion
(?)
n.
[OE. fauchon, OF. fauchon, LL. fälcio, fr. L.  falx, falcis, a sickle, cf. Gr. _;_;_;_;_;_; a ship's rib, _;_;_;_;_;_; bandy-legged; perh, akin to E. falcon; cf. It. falcione.  Cf. Defalcation.]
1.
A broad-bladed sword, slightly curved, shorter and lighter than the ordinary sword; -- used in the Middle Ages.

2.
A name given generally and poetically to a sword, especially to the swords of Oriental and fabled warriors.


word: Falcidian
definition:
Falcidian

Fal*cid"i*an
(?)
a.
[L. Falcidius.]
Of or pertaining to Publius Falcidius, a Roman tribune.

Falcidian law (Civil Law), a law by which a testator was obliged to leave at least a fourth of his estate to the heir. Burrill.


word: Falciform
definition:
Falciform

Fal"ci*form
(?)
a.
[L. falx, falcis, a sickle + -form: cf. F. falciforme.]
Having the shape of a scithe or sickle; resembling a reaping hook; as, the falciform ligatment of the liver.


word: Falcon
definition:
Falcon

Fal"con
(?)
n.
[OE. faucon, faucoun, OF. faucon, falcon, _;. faucon, fr. LL. falco, perh. from L. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe, and named from its curving talons.  Cf. Falchion.]
1.
(Zool.)
(a)
One of a family (Falconidæ) of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, strong claws, and powerful flight.
(b)
Any species of the genus Falco, distinguished by having a toothlike lobe on the upper mandible; especially, one of this genus trained to the pursuit of other birds, or game.

In the language of falconry, the female peregrine (Falco peregrinus) is exclusively called the falcon.
Yarrell.

2.
(Gun.)
An ancient form of cannon.

Chanting falcon. (Zool.) See under Chanting.


word: Falconer
definition:
Falconer

Fal"con*er
(?)
n.
[OE. fauconer, OF. falconier, fauconier, F. fauconnier. See Falcon.]
A person who breeds or trains hawks for taking birds or game; one who follows the sport of fowling with hawks.
Johnson.


word: Falconet
definition:
Falconet

Fal"co*net
(?)
n.
[Dim. of falcon: cf. F. fauconneau, LL. falconeta, properly, a young falcon.]
1.
One of the smaller cannon used in the 15th century and later.

2.
(Zool.)
(a)
One of several very small Asiatic falcons of the genus Microhierax.
(b)
One of a group of Australian birds of the genus Falcunculus, resembling shrikes and titmice.


word: falcon-gentle
definition:
falcon-gentle

falcon-gentil

fal"con-gen`til, falcon-gentle
(?)
n.
[F. faucon-gentil. See Falcon, and Genteel.]
1.
(Zool.)
any female falcon;
especially --

2.
(Zool.)
a female peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).

Syn. -- falcon-gentil.

3.
(Zool.)
The female or young of the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis, formerly Astur palumbarius).


word: Falconry
definition:
Falconry

Fal"con*ry
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fauconnerie. See Falcon.]
1.
The art of training falcons or hawks to pursue and attack wild fowl or game.

2.
The sport of taking wild fowl or game by means of falcons or hawks.


word: Falcula
definition:
Falcula

Fal"cu*la
(?)
n.
[L., a small sickle, a billhook.]
(Zool.)
A curved and sharp-pointed claw.


word: Falculate
definition:
Falculate

Fal"cu*late
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Curved and sharppointed, like a falcula, or claw of a falcon.


word: Faldage
definition:
Faldage

Fald"age
(?)
n.
[LL. faldagium, fr. AS. fald, E. fold.  Cf. Foldage.]
(O. Eng. Law)
A privilege of setting up, and moving about, folds for sheep, in any fields within manors, in order to manure them; -- often reserved to himself by the lord of the manor.
Spelman.


word: Falderal
definition:
Falderal

Fal"de*ral`
(?)
n.
1.
Nonsense; foolish talk.
[Also spelled folderol and falderol.]
[Colloq.]

Syn. -- humbug; balderdash; poppycock.

2.
a knickknack; a gew-gaw.


word: Faldfee
definition:
Faldfee

Fald"fee`
(?)
n.
[AS. fald (E.fold) + E. fee. See Faldage.]
(O. Eng. Law)
A fee or rent paid by a tenant for the privilege of faldage on his own ground.
Blount.


word: Faldistory
definition:
Faldistory

Fal"dis*to*ry
(?)
n.
[LL. faldistorium, faldestorium, from OHG. faldstuol; faldan, faltan, to fold (G. falten) + stuol stool. So called because it could be folded or laid together. See Fold, and Stool, and cf. Faldstool, Fauteuil.]
The throne or seat of a bishop within the chancel.
[Obs.]


word: Faldstool
definition:
Faldstool

Fald"stool`
(?)
n.
[See Faldistory.]
A folding stool, or portable seat, made to fold up in the manner of a camo stool. It was formerly placed in the choir for a bishop, when he offciated in any but his own cathedral church.
Fairholt.

&hand_; In the modern practice of the Church of England, the term faldstool is given to the reading desk from which the litany is read. This esage is a relic of the ancient use of a lectern folding like a camp stool.


word: Fall
definition:
Fall

Fall
(f&asuml_;l)
v. i.
[imp. Fell (fĕl); p. p. Fallen (f&asuml_;l"'n); p. pr. & vb. n. Falling.]
[AS. feallan; akin to D. vallen, OS. & OHG. fallan, G. fallen, Icel. Falla, Sw. falla, Dan. falde, Lith. pulti, L. fallere to deceive, Gr. sfa`llein to cause to fall, Skr. sphal, sphul, to tremble.  Cf. Fail, Fell, v. t., to cause to fall.]
1.
To Descend, either suddenly or gradually; particularly, to descend by the force of gravity; to drop; to sink; as, the apple falls; the tide falls; the mercury falls in the barometer.

I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke x. 18.

2.
To cease to be erect; to take suddenly a recumbent posture; to become prostrate; to drop; as, a child totters and falls; a tree falls; a worshiper falls on his knees.

I fell at his feet to worship him.
Rev. xix. 10.

3.
To find a final outlet; to discharge its waters; to empty; -- with into; as, the river Rhone falls into the Mediterranean.

4.
To become prostrate and dead; to die; especially, to die by violence, as in battle.

A thousand shall fall at thy side.
Ps. xci. 7.

He rushed into the field, and, foremost fighting, fell.
Byron.

5.
To cease to be active or strong; to die away; to lose strength; to subside; to become less intense; as, the wind falls.

6.
To issue forth into life; to be brought forth; -- said of the young of certain animals.
Shak.

7.
To decline in power, glory, wealth, or importance; to become insignificant; to lose rank or position; to decline in weight, value, price etc.; to become less; as, the price falls; stocks fell two points.

I am a poor fallen man, unworthy now
To be thy lord and master.
Shak.

The greatness of these Irish lords suddenly fell and vanished.
Sir J. Davies.

8.
To be overthrown or captured; to be destroyed.

Heaven and earth will witness,
If Rome must fall, that we are innocent.
Addison.

9.
To descend in character or reputation; to become degraded; to sink into vice, error, or sin; to depart from the faith; to apostatize; to sin.

Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Heb. iv. 11.

10.
To become insnared or embarrassed; to be entrapped; to be worse off than before; as, to fall into error; to fall into difficulties.

11.
To assume a look of shame or disappointment; to become or appear dejected; -- said of the countenance.

Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen. iv. 5.

I have observed of late thy looks are fallen.
Addison.

12.
To sink; to languish; to become feeble or faint; as, our spirits rise and fall with our fortunes.

13.
To pass somewhat suddenly, and passively, into a new state of body or mind; to become; as, to fall asleep; to fall into a passion; to fall in love; to fall into temptation.

14.
To happen; to to come to pass; to light; to befall; to issue; to terminate.

The Romans fell on this model by chance.
Swift.

Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall.
Ruth. iii. 18.

They do not make laws, they fall into customs.
H. Spencer.

15.
To come; to occur; to arrive.

The vernal equinox, which at the Nicene Council fell on the 21st of March, falls now [1694] about ten days sooner.
Holder.

16.
To begin with haste, ardor, or vehemence; to rush or hurry; as, they fell to blows.

They now no longer doubted, but fell to work heart and soul.
Jowett (Thucyd. ).

17.
To pass or be transferred by chance, lot, distribution, inheritance, or otherwise; as, the estate fell to his brother; the kingdom fell into the hands of his rivals.

18.
To belong or appertain.

If to her share some female errors fall,
Look on her face, and you'll forget them all.
Pope.

19.
To be dropped or uttered carelessly; as, an unguarded expression fell from his lips; not a murmur fell from him.

To fall abroad of (Naut.), to strike against; -- applied to one vessel coming into collision with another. -- To fall among, to come among accidentally or unexpectedly. -- To fall astern (Naut.), to move or be driven backward; to be left behind; as, a ship falls astern by the force of a current, or when outsailed by another. -- To fall away. (a) To lose flesh; to become lean or emaciated; to pine. (b) To renounce or desert allegiance; to revolt or rebel. (c) To renounce or desert the faith; to apostatize. “These . . . for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke viii. 13. (d) To perish; to vanish; to be lost. “How . . . can the soul . . . fall away into nothing?” Addison. (e) To decline gradually; to fade; to languish, or become faint. “One color falls away by just degrees, and another rises insensibly.” Addison. -- To fall back. (a) To recede or retreat; to give way. (b) To fail of performing a promise or purpose; not to fulfill. -- To fall back upon or To fall back on. (a) (Mil.) To retreat for safety to (a stronger position in the rear, as to a fort or a supporting body of troops). (b) To have recourse to (a reserved fund, a more reliable alternative, or some other available expedient or support). -- To fall calm, to cease to blow; to become calm. -- To fall down. (a) To prostrate one's self in worship. “All kings shall fall down before him.” Ps. lxxii. 11. (b) To sink; to come to the ground. “Down fell the beauteous youth.” Dryden. (c) To bend or bow, as a suppliant. (d) (Naut.) To sail or drift toward the mouth of a river or other outlet. -- To fall flat, to produce no response or result; to fail of the intended effect; as, his speech fell flat. -- To fall foul of. (a) (Naut.) To have a collision with; to become entangled with (b) To attack; to make an assault upon. -- To fall from, to recede or depart from; not to adhere to; as, to fall from an agreement or engagement; to fall from allegiance or duty. -- To fall from grace (M. E. Ch.), to sin; to withdraw from the faith. -- To fall home (Ship Carp.), to curve inward; -- said of the timbers or upper parts of a ship's side which are much within a perpendicular. -- To fall in. (a) To sink inwards; as, the roof fell in. (b) (Mil.) To take one's proper or assigned place in line; as, to fall in on the right. (c) To come to an end; to terminate; to lapse; as, on the death of Mr. B., the annuuity, which he had so long received, fell in. (d) To become operative. “The reversion, to which he had been nominated twenty years before, fell in.” Macaulay. -- To fall into one's hands, to pass, often suddenly or unexpectedly, into one's ownership or control; as, to spike cannon when they are likely to fall into the hands of the enemy. -- To fall in with. (a) To meet with accidentally; as, to fall in with a friend. (b) (Naut.) To meet, as a ship; also, to discover or come near, as land. (c) To concur with; to agree with; as, the measure falls in with popular opinion. (d) To comply; to yield to. “You will find it difficult to persuade learned men to fall in with your projects.” Addison. -- To fall off. (a) To drop; as, fruits fall off when ripe. (b) To withdraw; to separate; to become detached; as, friends fall off in adversity. “Love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide.” Shak. (c) To perish; to die away; as, words fall off by disuse. (d) To apostatize; to forsake; to withdraw from the faith, or from allegiance or duty.
[1913 Webster]
Those captive tribes . . . fell off
From God to worship calves. Milton.
(e) To forsake; to abandon; as, his customers fell off. (f) To depreciate; to change for the worse; to deteriorate; to become less valuable, abundant, or interesting; as, a falling off in the wheat crop; the magazine or the review falls off. “O Hamlet, what a falling off was there!” Shak. (g) (Naut.) To deviate or trend to the leeward of the point to which the head of the ship was before directed; to fall to leeward. -- To fall on. (a) To meet with; to light upon; as, we have fallen on evil days. (b) To begin suddenly and eagerly. “Fall on, and try the appetite to eat.” Dryden. (c) To begin an attack; to assault; to assail. “Fall on, fall on, and hear him not.” Dryden. (d) To drop on; to descend on. -- To fall out. (a) To quarrel; to begin to contend.
[1913 Webster]
A soul exasperated in ills falls out
With everything, its friend, itself. Addison.
(b) To happen; to befall; to chance. “There fell out a bloody quarrel betwixt the frogs and the mice.” L'Estrange. (c) (Mil.) To leave the ranks, as a soldier. -- To fall over. (a) To revolt; to desert from one side to another. (b) To fall beyond. Shak. -- To fall short, to be deficient; as, the corn falls short; they all fall short in duty. -- To fall through, to come to nothing; to fail; as, the engageent has fallen through. -- To fall to, to begin. “Fall to, with eager joy, on homely food.” Dryden. -- To fall under. (a) To come under, or within the limits of; to be subjected to; as, they fell under the jurisdiction of the emperor. (b) To come under; to become the subject of; as, this point did not fall under the cognizance or deliberations of the court; these things do not fall under human sight or observation. (c) To come within; to be ranged or reckoned with; to be subordinate to in the way of classification; as, these substances fall under a different class or order. -- To fall upon. (a) To attack. [See To fall on.] (b) To attempt; to have recourse to. “I do not intend to fall upon nice disquisitions.” Holder. (c) To rush against.

&hand_; Fall primarily denotes descending motion, either in a perpendicular or inclined direction, and, in most of its applications, implies, literally or figuratively, velocity, haste, suddenness, or violence. Its use is so various, and so mush diversified by modifying words, that it is not easy to enumerate its senses in all its applications.


word: Fall₂
definition:
Fall

Fall
(?)
v. t.
1.
To let fall; to drop.
[Obs.]

For every tear he falls, a Trojan bleeds.
Shak.

2.
To sink; to depress; as, to fall the voice.
[Obs.]

3.
To diminish; to lessen or lower.
[Obs.]

Upon lessening interest to four per cent, you fall the price of your native commodities.
Locke.

4.
To bring forth; as, to fall lambs.
[R.]
Shak.

5.
To fell; to cut down; as, to fall a tree.
[Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]


word: Fall₃
definition:
Fall

Fall
n.
1.
The act of falling; a dropping or descending be the force of gravity; descent; as, a fall from a horse, or from the yard of ship.

2.
The act of dropping or tumbling from an erect posture; as, he was walking on ice, and had a fall.

3.
Death; destruction; overthrow; ruin.

They thy fall conspire.
Denham.

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov. xvi. 18.

4.
Downfall; degradation; loss of greatness or office; termination of greatness, power, or dominion; ruin; overthrow; as, the fall of the Roman empire.

Beholds thee glorious only in thy fall.
Pope.

5.
The surrender of a besieged fortress or town ; as, the fall of Sebastopol.

6.
Diminution or decrease in price or value; depreciation; as, the fall of prices; the fall of rents.

7.
A sinking of tone; cadence; as, the fall of the voice at the close of a sentence.

8.
Declivity; the descent of land or a hill; a slope.

9.
Descent of water; a cascade; a cataract; a rush of water down a precipice or steep; -- usually in the plural, sometimes in the singular; as, the falls of Niagara.

10.
The discharge of a river or current of water into the ocean, or into a lake or pond; as, the fall of the Po into the Gulf of Venice.
Addison.

11.
Extent of descent; the distance which anything falls; as, the water of a stream has a fall of five feet.

12.
The season when leaves fall from trees; autumn.

What crowds of patients the town doctor kills,
Or how, last fall, he raised the weekly bills.
Dryden.

13.
That which falls; a falling; as, a fall of rain; a heavy fall of snow.

14.
The act of felling or cutting down.
fall
Johnson.

15.
Lapse or declension from innocence or goodness. Specifically: The first apostasy; the act of our first parents in eating the forbidden fruit; also, the apostasy of the rebellious angels.

16.
Formerly, a kind of ruff or band for the neck; a falling band; a faule.
B. Jonson.

17.
That part (as one of the ropes) of a tackle to which the power is applied in hoisting.

Fall herring (Zool.), a herring of the Atlantic (Clupea mediocris); -- also called tailor herring, and hickory shad. -- To try a fall, to try a bout at wrestling. Shak.


word: Fallacious
definition:
Fallacious

Fal*la"cious
(?)
a.
[L. fallaciosus, fr. fallacia: cf. F. fallacieux. See Fallacy.]
Embodying or pertaining to a fallacy; illogical; fitted to deceive; misleading; delusive; as, fallacious arguments or reasoning.
Fal*la"cious*ly, adv. -Fal*la"cious*ness, n.


word: Fallacy
definition:
Fallacy

Fal"la*cy
(făl"lȧ*s&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Fallacies (făl"lȧ*sĭz).
[OE. fallace, fallas, deception, F. fallace, fr. L. fallacia, fr. fallax deceitful, deceptive, fr. fallere to deceive. See Fail.]
1.
Deceptive or false appearance; deceitfulness; that which misleads the eye or the mind; deception.

Winning by conquest what the first man lost,
By fallacy surprised.
Milton.

2.
(Logic)
An argument, or apparent argument, which professes to be decisive of the matter at issue, while in reality it is not; a sophism.


word: Fallax
definition:
Fallax

Fal"lax
(?)
n.
[L. fallax deceptive. See Fallacy.]
Cavillation; a caviling.
[Obs.]
Cranmer.


word: fallback
definition:
fallback

fall"back
(?)
n.
1.
The act or process of falling back.

2.
Something or someone to which one resorts as an alternative to a failed resource or method.


word: Fallen
definition:
Fallen

Fall"en
(?)
a.
Dropped; prostrate; degraded; ruined; decreased; dead.

Some ruined temple or fallen monument.
Rogers.


word: Fallency
definition:
Fallency

Fal"len*cy
(?)
n.
[LL. fallentia, L. fallens p. pr of fallere.]
An exception.
[Obs.]
Jer. Taylor.


word: Faller
definition:
Faller

Fall"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, falls.

2.
(Mach.)
A part which acts by falling, as a stamp in a fulling mill, or the device in a spinning machine to arrest motion when a thread breaks.


word: Fallfish
definition:
Fallfish

Fall"fish`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A fresh-water fish of the United States (Semotilus bullaris); -- called also silver chub, and Shiner. The name is also applied to other allied species.


word: Fallibility
definition:
Fallibility

Fal`li*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
The state of being fallible; liability to deceive or to be deceived; as, the fallibity of an argument or of an adviser.


word: Fallible
definition:
Fallible

Fal"li*ble
(?)
a.
[LL. fallibilis, fr. L. fallere to deceive: cf. F. faillible. See Fail.]
Liable to fail, mistake, or err; liable to deceive or to be deceived; as, all men are fallible; our opinions and hopes are fallible.


word: Falling
definition:
Falling

Fall"ing
(?)
a. & n.
from Fall, v. i.

Falling away, Falling off, etc. See To fall away, To fall off, etc., under Fall, v. i. -- Falling band, the plain, broad, linen collar turning down over the doublet, worn in the early part of the 17th century. -- Falling sickness (Med.), epilepsy. Shak. -- Falling star. (Astron.) See Shooting star. -- Falling stone, a stone falling through the atmosphere; a meteorite; an aërolite. -- Falling tide, the ebb tide. -- Falling weather, a rainy season. [Colloq.] Bartlett.


word: falloff
definition:
falloff

falloff
n.
a noticeable decline in performance; as, a falloff in automobile sales.

Syn. -- slump, drop-off, falling off.


word: Fallopian
definition:
Fallopian

Fal*lo"pi*an
(?)
a.
[From Fallopius, or Fallopio, a physician of Modena, who died in 1562.]
(Anat.)
Pertaining to, or discovered by, Fallopius; as, the Fallopian tubes or oviducts, the ducts or canals which conduct the ova from the ovaries to the uterus.


word: fallout
definition:
fallout

fallout
n.
1.
the radioactive particles that settle to the ground after a nuclear explosion.

Syn. -- radioactive dust, radioactive fallout.

2.
the falling to the ground of radioactive particles lifted into the atmosphere by a nuclear explosion.

3.
an incidental or unexpected effect, especially one which is undesirable, consequent to an event or process; ; -- usually used only in the singular; as, the fallout from the disclosure of the Lewinsky tapes made trouble for the President for months after the event; fallout from the stock market crash caused property prices to decline in the New York area.

4.
(Med.)
one selected from a group by some criterion.
[cant]

Corrective action was taken in 97 of the 418 fallouts from 3,787 patients at risk.
H. Gill Cryer et al. (Journal of Trauma, Injury, Infection, and Critical Care. Vol 41, no. 3, 1996).

5.
one who fails to maintain the same pace as and lags behind a group of which s/he is a member.
[cant]

The executive officer's group noted all fallouts by name and policed them into a group to complete the run at a slower pace.
Lt. Col. William C. David (Preparing a Battalion for Combat: Physical Fitness and Mental Toughness. Army University After Next - Virtual Research Library).


word: Fallow
definition:
Fallow

Fal"low
(?)
a.
[AS. fealu, fealo, pale yellow or red; akin to D. vaal fallow, faded, OHG. falo, G. falb, fahl, Icel. fölr, and prob. to Lith. palvas, OSlav. plavŭ white, L. pallidus pale, pallere to be pale, Gr. polio`s gray, Skr. palita.  Cf. Pale, Favel, a., Favor.]
1.
Pale red or pale yellow; as, a fallow deer or greyhound.
Shak.

2.
[Cf. Fallow, n.]
Left untilled or unsowed after plowing; uncultivated; as, fallow ground.

Fallow chat, Fallow finch (Zool.), a small European bird, the wheatear (Saxicola œnanthe). See Wheatear.


word: Fallow₂
definition:
Fallow

Fal"low
n.
[So called from the fallow, or somewhat yellow, color of naked ground; or perh. akin to E. felly, n., cf. MHG. valgen to plow up, OHG. felga felly, harrow.]
1.
Plowed land.
[Obs.]

Who . . . pricketh his blind horse over the fallows.
Chaucer.

2.
Land that has lain a year or more untilled or unseeded; land plowed without being sowed for the season.

The plowing of fallows is a benefit to land.
Mortimer.

3.
The plowing or tilling of land, without sowing it for a season; as, summer fallow, properly conducted, has ever been found a sure method of destroying weeds.

Be a complete summer fallow, land is rendered tender and mellow. The fallow gives it a better tilth than can be given by a fallow crop.
Sinclair.

Fallow crop, the crop taken from a green fallow. [Eng.] -- Green fallow, fallow whereby land is rendered mellow and clean from weeds, by cultivating some green crop, as turnips, potatoes, etc. [Eng.]


word: Fallow₃
definition:
Fallow

Fal"low
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fallowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fallowing.]
[From Fallow, n.]
To plow, harrow, and break up, as land, without seeding, for the purpose of destroying weeds and insects, and rendering it mellow; as, it is profitable to fallow cold, strong, clayey land.


word: Fallow deer
definition:
Fallow deer

Fal"low deer`
(?)
[So called from its fallow or pale yellow color.]
(Zool.)
A European species of deer (Cervus dama), much smaller than the red deer. In summer both sexes are spotted with white. It is common in England, where it is often domesticated in the parks.


word: Fallowness
definition:
Fallowness

Fal"low*ness
n.
A well or opening, through the successive floors of a warehouse or manufactory, through which goods are raised or lowered.
[U.S.]
Bartlett.


word: fall webworm
definition:
fall webworm

fall webworm
n.
(Zool.)
The larva of any moth of the genus Hyphantria, which spins a web around the foliage on which it feeds.


word: Falsary
definition:
Falsary

Fal"sa*ry
(?)
n.
[L. falsarius, fr. falsus. See False, a.]
A falsifier of evidence.
[Obs.]
Sheldon.


word: False
definition:
False

False
(?)
a.
[Compar. Falser (?); superl. Falsest.]
[L. falsus, p. p. of fallere to deceive; cf. OF. faus, fals, F. faux, and AS. fals fraud. See Fail, Fall.]
1.
Uttering falsehood; unveracious; given to deceit; dishnest; as, a false witness.

2.
Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous; perfidious; as, a false friend, lover, or subject; false to promises.

I to myself was false, ere thou to me.
Milton.

3.
Not according with truth or reality; not true; fitted or likely to deceive or disappoint; as, a false statement.

4.
Not genuine or real; assumed or designed to deceive; counterfeit; hypocritical; as, false tears; false modesty; false colors; false jewelry.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
Shak.

5.
Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous; as, a false claim; a false conclusion; a false construction in grammar.

Whose false foundation waves have swept away.
Spenser.

6.
Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.

7.
(Mus.)
Not in tune.

False arch (Arch.), a member having the appearance of an arch, though not of arch construction. -- False attic, an architectural erection above the main cornice, concealing a roof, but not having windows or inclosing rooms. -- False bearing, any bearing which is not directly upon a vertical support; thus, the weight carried by a corbel has a false bearing. -- False cadence, an imperfect or interrupted cadence. -- False conception (Med.), an abnormal conception in which a mole, or misshapen fleshy mass, is produced instead of a properly organized fetus. -- False croup (Med.), a spasmodic affection of the larynx attended with the symptoms of membranous croup, but unassociated with the deposit of a fibrinous membrane. -- False door or False window (Arch.), the representation of a door or window, inserted to complete a series of doors or windows or to give symmetry. -- False fire, a combustible carried by vessels of war, chiefly for signaling, but sometimes burned for the purpose of deceiving an enemy; also, a light on shore for decoying a vessel to destruction. -- False galena. See Blende. -- False imprisonment (Law), the arrest and imprisonment of a person without warrant or cause, or contrary to law; or the unlawful detaining of a person in custody. -- False keel (Naut.), the timber below the main keel, used to serve both as a protection and to increase the shio's lateral resistance. -- False key, a picklock. -- False leg. (Zool.) See Proleg. -- False membrane (Med.), the fibrinous deposit formed in croup and diphtheria, and resembling in appearance an animal membrane. -- False papers (Naut.), documents carried by a ship giving false representations respecting her cargo, destination, etc., for the purpose of deceiving. -- False passage (Surg.), an unnatural passage leading off from a natural canal, such as the urethra, and produced usually by the unskillful introduction of instruments. -- False personation (Law), the intentional false assumption of the name and personality of another. -- False pretenses (Law), false representations concerning past or present facts and events, for the purpose of defrauding another. -- False rail (Naut.), a thin piece of timber placed on top of the head rail to strengthen it. -- False relation (Mus.), a progression in harmony, in which a certain note in a chord appears in the next chord prefixed by a flat or sharp. -- False return (Law), an untrue return made to a process by the officer to whom it was delivered for execution. -- False ribs (Anat.), the asternal rebs, of which there are five pairs in man. -- False roof (Arch.), the space between the upper ceiling and the roof. Oxford Gloss. -- False token, a false mark or other symbol, used for fraudulent purposes. -- False scorpion (Zool.), any arachnid of the genus Chelifer. See Book scorpion. -- False tack (Naut.), a coming up into the wind and filling away again on the same tack. -- False vampire (Zool.), the Vampyrus spectrum of South America, formerly erroneously supposed to have blood-sucking habits; -- called also vampire, and ghost vampire. The genuine blood-sucking bats belong to the genera Desmodus and Diphylla. See Vampire. -- False window. (Arch.) See False door, above. -- False wing. (Zool.) See Alula, and Bastard wing, under Bastard. -- False works (Civil Engin.), construction works to facilitate the erection of the main work, as scaffolding, bridge centering, etc.


word: False₃
definition:
False

False
v. t.
[L. falsare to falsify, fr. falsus: cf. F. fausser. See False, a.]
1.
To report falsely; to falsify.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

2.
To betray; to falsify.
[Obs.]

[He] hath his truthe falsed in this wise.
Chaucer.

3.
To mislead by want of truth; to deceive.
[Obs.]

In his falsed fancy.
Spenser.

4.
To feign; to pretend to make.
[Obs.]
falsed
Spenser.


word: False-hearted
definition:
False-hearted

False"-heart`ed
a.
Hollow or unsound at the core; treacherous; deceitful; perfidious.
Bacon.
False"-heart`ed*ness, n. Bp. Stillingfleet.


word: Falsehood
definition:
Falsehood

False"hood
(?)
n.
[False + -hood]
1.
Want of truth or accuracy; an untrue assertion or representation; error; misrepresentation; falsity.

Though it be a lie in the clock, it is but a falsehood in the hand of the dial when pointing at a wrong hour, if rightly following the direction of the wheel which moveth it.
Fuller.

2.
A deliberate intentional assertion of what is known to be untrue; a departure from moral integrity; a lie.

3.
Treachery; deceit; perfidy; unfaithfulness.

Betrayed by falsehood of his guard.
Shak.

4.
A counterfeit; a false appearance; an imposture.

For his molten image is falsehood.
Jer. x. 14.

No falsehood can endure
Touch of celestial temper.
Milton.


word: Falsely
definition:
Falsely

False"ly
(?)
adv.
In a false manner; erroneously; not truly; perfidiously or treacherously.
falsely
falsely
Shak.

Oppositions of science, falsely so called.
1 Tim. vi. 20.

Will ye steal, murder . . . and swear falsely ?
Jer. vii. 9.


word: Falseness
definition:
Falseness

False"ness
n.
The state of being false; contrariety to the fact; inaccuracy; want of integrity or uprightness; double dealing; unfaithfulness; treachery; perfidy; as, the falseness of a report, a drawing, or a singer's notes; the falseness of a man, or of his word.


word: Falsetto
definition:
Falsetto

Fal*set"to
(?)
n.
pl. Falsettos (#).
[It. falsetto, dim. fr. L. falsus. See False.]
A false or artificial voice; that voice in a man which lies above his natural voice; the male counter tenor or alto voice. See Head voice, under Voice.


word: Falsicrimen
definition:
Falsicrimen

Fal"si*cri"men
(?)
[L.]
(Civ. Law)
The crime of falsifying.

&hand_; This term in the Roman law included not only forgery, but every species of fraud and deceit. It never has been used in so extensive a sense in modern common law, in which its predominant significance is forgery, though it also includes perjury and offenses of a like character.
Burrill. Greenleaf.


word: Falsifiable
definition:
Falsifiable

Fal"si*fi`a*ble
(?)
a.
[Cf. OF. falsifiable.]
1.
Capable of being falsified, counterfeited, or corrupted.
Johnson.

2.
able to be proven false, and therefore testable; as, most religious beliefs are not falsifiable, and are therefor outside the scope of experimental science.


word: Falsification
definition:
Falsification

Fal`si*fi*ca"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. falsification.]
1.
The act of falsifying, or making false; a counterfeiting; the giving to a thing an appearance of something which it is not.

To counterfeit the living image of king in his person exceedeth all falsifications.
Bacon.

2.
Willful misstatement or misrepresentation.

Extreme necessity . . . forced him upon this bold and violent falsification of the doctrine of the alliance.
Bp. Warburton.

3.
(Equity)
The showing an item of charge in an account to be wrong.
Story.


word: Falsifier
definition:
Falsifier

Fal"si*fi`er
(?)
n.
One who falsifies, or gives to a thing a deceptive appearance; a liar.


word: Falsify
definition:
Falsify

Fal"si*fy
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Falsified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Falsifying.]
[L. falsus false + -ly: cf. F. falsifier. See False, a.]
1.
To make false; to represent falsely.

The Irish bards use to forge and falsify everything as they list, to please or displease any man.
Spenser.

2.
To counterfeit; to forge; as, to falsify coin.

3.
To prove to be false, or untrustworthy; to confute; to disprove; to nullify; to make to appear false.

By how much better than my word I am,
By so much shall I falsify men's hope.
Shak.

Jews and Pagans united all their endeavors, under Julian the apostate, to baffle and falsify the prediction.
Addison.

4.
To violate; to break by falsehood; as, to falsify one's faith or word.
Sir P. Sidney.

5.
To baffle or escape; as, to falsify a blow.
Butler.

6.
(Law)
To avoid or defeat; to prove false, as a judgment.
Blackstone.

7.
(Equity)
To show, in accounting, (an inem of charge inserted in an account) to be wrong.
Story. Daniell.

8.
To make false by multilation or addition; to tamper with; as, to falsify a record or document.


word: Falsify₂
definition:
Falsify

Fal"si*fy
v. i.
To tell lies; to violate the truth.

It is absolutely and universally unlawful to lie and falsify.

South.


word: Falsism
definition:
Falsism

Fals"ism
(?)
n.
That which is evidently false; an assertion or statement the falsity of which is plainly apparent; -- opposed to truism.


word: Falsity
definition:
Falsity

Fal"si*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Falsities (#).
[L. falsitas: cf. F. fausseté, OF. also, falsité. See False, a.]
1.
The quality of being false; coutrariety or want of conformity to truth.

Probability does not make any alteration, either in the truth or falsity of things.
South.

2.
That which is false; falsehood; a lie; a false assertion.

Men often swallow falsities for truths.
Sir T. Brown.


word: Falstaff
definition:
Falstaff

Falstaff
prop. n.
Sir John Falstaff, a celebrated character in Shakespeare's historical play " Henry IV." (1st and 2d parts), and also in " The Merry Wives of Windsor."  He is a very fat, sensual, and witty old knight; a swindler, drunkard, and good-tempered liar; and something of a coward.  Falstaff was originally called Sir John Oldcastle. The first actor of the part was John Heminge.

&hand_;  Shakespeare found the name of John Oldcastle in the ... older play of "Henry V."; in the Chronicle he found a John Oldcastle, who was page to the Duke of Norfolk who plays a part in "Richard II."; and this, according to Shakespeare, his Falstaff (Oldcastle) had been in his youth.  When the poet wrote his "Henry IV." he knew not who this Oldcastle was, whom he had rendered so distinct with the designation as Norfolk's page; he was a Lord Cobham [Sir John Oldcastle, known as the good lord Cobham], who had perished as a Lollard and Wickliffite in the persecution of the church under Henry V.  The Protestants regarded him as a holy martyr, the Catholics as a heretic; the latter seized with eagerness this description of the fat poltroon, and gave it out as a portrait of Lord Cobham, who was indeed physically and mentally his contrast.  The family complained of this misuse of a name dear to them, and Shakespeare declared in the epilogue to "Henry IV." that Cobham was in his sight also a martyr, and that "this was not the man."  At the same time, he changed the name to Falstaff, but this was of little use; in spite of the express retraction, subsequent Catholic writers on church history still declared Falstaff to be a portrait of the heretic Cobham.  But it is a strange circumstance that even now under the name of Falstaff another historical character is again sought for, just as if it were impossible for such a vigorous form not to be a being of reality. It was referred to John Fastolfe, whose cowardice is more stigmatised in "Henry VI." than history justifies; and this too met with public blame, although Shakespeare could have again asserted that he intended Fastolfe as little as Cobham. Gervinus, Shakespeare Commentaries (tr. by K. E. Bunnett, [ed. 1880), p. 800.


word: Falter
definition:
Falter

Fal"ter
(?)
v. t.
To thrash in the chaff; also, to cleanse or sift, as barley.
[Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.


word: Falter₂
definition:
Falter

Fal"ter
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Faltered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Faltering.]
[OE. falteren, faltren, prob. from fault. See Fault, v. & n.]
1.
To hesitate; to speak brokenly or weakly; to stammer; as, his tongue falters.

With faltering speech and visage incomposed.
Milton.

2.
To tremble; to totter; to be unsteady.
falter
Wiseman.

3.
To hesitate in purpose or action.

Ere her native king
Shall falter under foul rebellion's arms.
Shak.

4.
To fail in distinctness or regularity of exercise; -- said of the mind or of thought.

Here indeed the power of disinct conception of space and distance falters.
I. Taylor.


word: Falter₃
definition:
Falter

Fal"ter
v. t.
To utter with hesitation, or in a broken, trembling, or weak manner.

And here he faltered forth his last farewell.
Byron.

Mde me most happy, faltering “I am thine.”
Tennyson.


word: Falter₄
definition:
Falter

Fal"ter
(?)
n.
[See Falter, v. i.]
Hesitation; trembling; feebleness; an uncertain or broken sound; as, a slight falter in her voice.

The falter of an idle shepherd's pipe.
Lowell.


word: Faltering
definition:
Faltering

Fal"ter*ing
a.
Hesitating; trembling.
faltering
Milton.
n. Falter; halting; hesitation.
Fal"ter*ing*ly, adv.


word: Faluns
definition:
Faluns

Fa`luns"
(?)
n.
[F.]
(Geol.)
A series of strata, of the Middle Tertiary period, of France, abounding in shells, and used by Lyell as the type of his Miocene subdivision.


word: Falx
definition:
Falx

Falx
(?)
n.
[L., a sickle.]
(Anat.)
A curved fold or process of the dura mater or the peritoneum; esp., one of the partitionlike folds of the dura mater which extend into the great fissures of the brain.


word: Famble
definition:
Famble

Fam"ble
(?)
v. i.
[OE. falmelen; cf. SW. famla to grope, Dan. famle to grope, falter, hesitate, Icel. fālma to grope.  Cf. Famble.]
To stammer.
[Obs.]
Nares.


word: Fame
definition:
Fame

Fame
(fām)
n.
[OF. fame, L. fama, fr. fari to speak, akin to Gr. _;_;_;_; a saying, report, fa`nai to speak. See Ban, and cf. Fable, Fate, Euphony, Blame.]
1.
Public report or rumor.

The fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house.
Gen. xlv. 16.

2.
Report or opinion generally diffused; renown; public estimation; celebrity, either favorable or unfavorable; as, the fame of Washington.

I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited.
Shak.


word: Fame₂
definition:
Fame

Fame
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Famed (?),; p. pr. & vb. n. Faming.]
1.
To report widely or honorably.

The field where thou art famed
To have wrought such wonders.
Milton.

2.
To make famous or renowned.

Those Hesperian gardens famed of old.
Milton.


word: familial
definition:
familial

familial
adj.
1.
relating to or having the characteristics of a family; as, children of the same familial background; familial aggregation.

2.
tending to occur among members of a family, usually by hereditary transmission; familial traits.

Syn. -- genetic, hereditary, inherited, transmitted, transmissible.


word: Familiar
definition:
Familiar

Fa*mil`iar
(?)
a.
[OE. familer, familier, F. familier, fr. L. familiaris, fr. familia family. See Family.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a family; domestic.
Familiar
Byron.

Syn. -- familial.

2.
Closely acquainted or intimate, as a friend or companion; well versed in, as any subject of study; as, familiar with the Scriptures.

3.
Characterized by, or exhibiting, the manner of an intimate friend; not formal; unconstrained; easy; accessible.
familiar
Addison.

Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Shak.

4.
Well known; well understood; common; frequent; as, a familiar illustration.

That war, or peace, or both at once, may be
As things acquainted and familiar to us.
Shak.

There is nothing more familiar than this.
Locke.

5.
Improperly acquainted; wrongly intimate.
Camden.

Familiar spirit, a demon or evil spirit supposed to attend at call. 1 Sam. xxviii. 3, 7-9.


word: Familiar₂
definition:
Familiar

Fa*mil"iar
n.
1.
An intimate; a companion.

All my familiars watched for my halting.
Jer. xx. 10.

2.
An attendant demon or evil spirit.
Shak.

3.
(Court of Inquisition)
A confidential officer employed in the service of the tribunal, especially in apprehending and imprisoning the accused.


word: familiarise
definition:
familiarise

familiarise
v. t.
to make familiar or acquainted; same as familiarize.
[chiefly Brit.]

Syn. -- familiarize, acquaint.


word: Familiarity
definition:
Familiarity

Fa*mil`iar"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Familiarities (#).
[OE. familarite, F. familiaritéfr.  L. faniliaritas. See Familiar.]
1.
The state of being familiar; intimate and frequent converse, or association; unconstrained intercourse; freedom from ceremony and constraint; intimacy; as, to live in remarkable familiarity.

2.
Anything said or done by one person to another unceremoniously and without constraint; esp., in the pl., such actions and words as propriety and courtesy do not warrant; liberties.


word: Familiarization
definition:
Familiarization

Fa*mil`iar*i*za"tion
(?)
n.
The act or process of making familiar; the result of becoming familiar; as, familiarization with scenes of blood.


word: Familiarize
definition:
Familiarize

Fa*mil"iar*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Familiarized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Familiarizing (?).]
[Cf. F. familiariser.]
1.
To make familiar or intimate; to habituate; to accustom; to make well known by practice or converse; as, to familiarize one's self with scenes of distress; we familiarized ourselves with the new surroundings.

2.
To make acquainted, or skilled, by practice or study; as, to familiarize one's self with a business, a book, or a science.


word: Familiary
definition:
Familiary

Fa*mil"ia*ry
(?)
a.
[L. familiaris. See Familiar.]
Of or pertaining to a family or household; domestic.
[Obs.]
Milton.


word: Familist
definition:
Familist

Fam"i*list
(?)
n.
[From Family.]
(Eccl. Hist.)
One of a fanatical Antinomian sect originating in Holland, and existing in England about 1580, called the Family of Love, who held that religion consists wholly in love.


word: Familistery
definition:
Familistery

Fam"i*lis*ter*y
(?)
n.
pl. Familisteries (_;).
[F. familistère.]
A community in which many persons unite as in one family, and are regulated by certain communistic laws and customs.


word: Familistical
definition:
Familistical

Familistic

{ Fam`i*listic (?), Fam`i*lis"tic*al (?), }
a.
Pertaining to Familists.
Baxter.


word: Family
definition:
Family

Fam"i*ly
(?)
n.
pl. Families (#).
[L. familia, fr. famulus servant; akin to Oscan famel servant, cf. faamat he dwells, Skr. dhāman house, fr. dhāto set, make, do: cf. F. famille.  Cf. Do, v. t., Doom, Fact, Feat.]
1.
The collective body of persons who live in one house, and under one head or manager; a household, including parents, children, and servants, and, as the case may be, lodgers or boarders.

2.
The group comprising a husband and wife and their dependent children, constituting a fundamental unit in the organization of society.

The welfare of the family underlies the welfare of society.
H. Spencer.

3.
Those who descend from one common progenitor; a tribe, clan, or race; kindred; house; as, the human family; the family of Abraham; the father of a family.

Go ! and pretend your family is young.
Pope.

4.
Course of descent; genealogy; line of ancestors; lineage.

5.
Honorable descent; noble or respectable stock; as, a man of family.

6.
A group of kindred or closely related individuals; as, a family of languages; a family of States; the chlorine family.

7.
(Biol.)
A group of organisms, either animal or vegetable, related by certain points of resemblance in structure or development, more comprehensive than a genus, because it is usually based on fewer or less pronounced points of likeness. In Zoology a family is less comprehesive than an order; in botany it is often considered the same thing as an order.

Family circle. See under Circle. -- Family man. (a) A man who has a family; esp., one who has a wife and children living with him and dependent upon him. (b) A man of domestic habits. “The Jews are generally, when married, most exemplary family men.” Mayhew. -- Family of curves or Family of surfaces (Geom.), a group of curves or surfaces derived from a single equation. -- In a family way, like one belonging to the family. “Why don't we ask him and his ladies to come over in a family way, and dine with some other plain country gentlefolks?” Thackeray. -- In the family way, pregnant. [Colloq. euphemism]


word: Famine
definition:
Famine

Fam"ine
(?)
n.
[F. famine, fr. L. fames hunger; cf. Gr. _;_;_;_;_; want, need, Skr. hāni loss, lack, hā to leave.]
General scarcity of food; dearth; a want of provisions; destitution.
famine
Milton.

There was a famine in the land.
Gen. xxvi. 1.

Famine fever (Med.), typhus fever.


word: Famish
definition:
Famish

Fam"ish
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Famished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Famishing.]
[OE. famen; cf. OF. afamer, L. fames. See Famine, and cf. Affamish.]
1.
To starve, kill, or destroy with hunger.
Shak.

2.
To exhaust the strength or endurance of, by hunger; to distress with hanger.

And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread.
Cen. xli. 55.

The pains of famished Tantalus he'll feel.
Dryden.

3.
To kill, or to cause to suffer extremity, by deprivation or denial of anything necessary.

And famish him of breath, if not of bread.
Milton.

4.
To force or constrain by famine.

He had famished Paris into a surrender.
Burke.


word: Famish₂
definition:
Famish

Fam"ish
v. i.
1.
To die of hunger; to starve.

2.
To suffer extreme hunger or thirst, so as to be exhausted in strength, or to come near to perish.

You are all resolved rather to die than to famish?
Shak.

3.
To suffer extremity from deprivation of anything essential or necessary.

The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish.
Prov. x. 3.


word: Famosity
definition:
Famosity

Fa*mos"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. famositas infamy: cf. F. famosité. See Famous.]
The state or quality of being famous.
[Obs.]
Johnson.


word: Famous
definition:
Famous

Fa"mous
(?)
a.
[L. famosus, fr. fama fame: cf. F. fameux. See Fame.]
Celebrated in fame or public report; renowned; mach talked of; distinguished in story; -- used in either a good or a bad sense, chiefly the former; often followed by for; as, famous for erudition, for eloquence, for military skill; a famous pirate.

Famous for a scolding tongue.
Shak.


word: Famously
definition:
Famously

Fa"mous*ly
(?)
adv.
In a famous manner; in a distinguished degree; greatly; splendidly.

Then this land was famously enriched
With politic grave counsel.
Shak.


word: Famulate
definition:
Famulate

Fam"u*late
(?)
v. i.
[L. famulatus, p. p. of famulari to serve, fr. famulus servant.]
To serve.
[Obs.]


word: Famulist
definition:
Famulist

Fam"u*list
(?)
n.
[L. famulus servant.]
A collegian of inferior rank or position, corresponding to the sizar at Cambridge.
[Oxford Univ., Eng.]


word: Fan
definition:
Fan

Fan
(făn)
n.
[AS. fann, fr. L. vannus fan, van for winnowing grain; cf. F. van.  Cf. Van a winnowing machine, Winnow.]
1.
An instrument used for producing artificial currents of air, by the wafting or revolving motion of a broad surface
(a)
An instrument for cooling the person, made of feathers, paper, silk, etc., and often mounted on sticks all turning about the same pivot, so as when opened to radiate from the center and assume the figure of a section of a circle.
(b)
(Mach.)
Any revolving vane or vanes used for producing currents of air, in winnowing grain, blowing a fire, ventilation, etc., or for checking rapid motion by the resistance of the air; a fan blower; a fan wheel.
(c)
An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is tossed and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away.
(d)
Something in the form of a fan when spread, as a peacock's tail, a window, etc.
(e)
A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock windmill always in the direction of the wind.

Clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
Is. xxx. 24.

2.
That which produces effects analogous to those of a fan, as in exciting a flame, etc.; that which inflames, heightens, or strengthens; as, it served as a fan to the flame of his passion.

3.
A quintain; -- from its form.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

Fan blower, a wheel with vanes fixed on a rotating shaft inclosed in a case or chamber, to create a blast of air (fan blast) for forge purposes, or a current for draft and ventilation; a fanner. -- Fan cricket (Zool.), a mole cricket. -- Fan light (Arch.), a window over a door; -- so called from the semicircular form and radiating sash bars of those windows which are set in the circular heads of arched doorways. -- Fan shell (Zool.), any shell of the family Pectinidæ. See Scallop, n., 1. -- Fan tracery (Arch.), the decorative tracery on the surface of fan vaulting. -- Fan vaulting (Arch.), an elaborate system of vaulting, in which the ribs diverge somewhat like the rays of a fan, as in Henry VII.'s chapel in Westminster Abbey. It is peculiar to English Gothic. -- Fan wheel, the wheel of a fan blower. -- Fan window. Same as Fan light (above).  -- electric fan. a fan having revolving blades for propelling air, powered by an electric motor.


word: Fan₂
definition:
Fan

Fan
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fanning (?).]
[Cf. OF. vanner, L. vannere. See Fan, n., Van a winnowing machine.]
1.
To move as with a fan.

The air . . . fanned with unnumbered plumes.
Milton.

2.
To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.

3.
To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.

Calm as the breath which fans our eastern groves.
Dryden.

4.
To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat.
Jer. li. 2.

5.
To excite or stir up to activity, as a fan excites a flame; to stimulate; as, this conduct fanned the excitement of the populace.

Fanning machine, or Fanning mill, a machine for separating seed from chaff, etc., by a blast of air; a fanner.


word: Fanatic
definition:
Fanatic

Fa*nat"ic
(?)
a.
[L. fanaticus inspired by divinity, enthusiastic, frantic, fr. fanum fane: cf. F. fanatique. See Fane.]
Pertaining to, or indicating, fanaticism; extravagant in opinions; ultra; unreasonable; excessively enthusiastic, especially on religious subjects; as, fanatic zeal; fanatic notions.

But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast
To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.
T. Moore.


word: Fanatic₂
definition:
Fanatic

Fa*nat"ic
n.
A person affected by excessive enthusiasm, particularly on religious subjects; one who indulges wild and extravagant notions of religion.

There is a new word, coined within few months, called fanatics, which, by the close stickling thereof, seemeth well cut out and proportioned to signify what is meant thereby, even the sectaries of our age.
Fuller (1660).

Fanatics are governed rather by imagination than by judgment.
Stowe.


word: Fanatical
definition:
Fanatical

Fa*nat"ic*al
(?)
a.
Characteristic of, or relating to, fanaticism; fanatic.
Fa*nat"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Fa*nat"ic*al*ness, n.


word: Fanaticism
definition:
Fanaticism

Fa*nat"i*cism
(?)
n.
[Cf. Fanatism.]
Excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on any subject, especially religion, politics or ideology; religious frenzy.


word: Fanaticize
definition:
Fanaticize

Fa*nat"i*cize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fanaticized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fanaticizing (?).]
To cause to become a fanatic.


word: Fancied
definition:
Fancied

Fan"cied
(?)
a.
[From Fancy, v. t.]
Formed or conceived by the fancy; unreal; as, a fancied wrong.


word: Fancier
definition:
Fancier

Fan"ci*er
(?)
n.
1.
One who is governed by fancy.
fanciers
Macaulay.

2.
One who fancies or has a special liking for, or interest in, a particular object or class or objects; hence, one who breeds and keeps for sale birds and animals; as, bird fancier, dog fancier, etc.


word: Fanciful
definition:
Fanciful

Fan"ci*ful
(?)
a.
1.
Full of fancy; guided by fancy, rather than by reason and experience; whimsical; as, a fanciful man forms visionary projects.

2.
Conceived in the fancy; not consistent with facts or reason; abounding in ideal qualities or figures; as, a fanciful scheme; a fanciful theory.

3.
Curiously shaped or constructed; as, she wore a fanciful headdress.

Gather up all fancifullest shells.
Keats.


word: Fanciless
definition:
Fanciless

Fan"ci*less
(?)
a.
Having no fancy; without ideas or imagination.
[R.]

A pert or bluff important wight,
Whose brain is fanciless, whose blood is white.
Armstrong.


word: Fancy
definition:
Fancy

Fan"cy
(făn"s&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Fancies (#).
[Contr. fr. fantasy, OF. fantasie, fantaisie, F. fantaisie, L. phantasia, fr. Gr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; appearance, imagination, the power of perception and presentation in the mind, fr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to make visible, to place before one's mind, fr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_; to show; akin to _;_;_;_;, _;_;_;, light, Skr. bhāto shine.  Cf. Fantasy, Fantasia, Epiphany, Phantom.]
1.
The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such objects into new pictures or images; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination.

In the soul
Are many lesser faculties, that serve
Reason as chief. Among these fancy next
Her office holds.
Milton.

2.
An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit.

How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone,
Of sorriest fancies your companoins making ?
Shak.

3.
An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression.

I have always had a fancy that learning might be made a play and recreation to children.
Locke.

4.
Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.

To fit your fancies to your father's will.
Shak.

5.
That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.

London pride is a pretty fancy for borders.
Mortimer.

6.
A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.
[Obs.]
Shak.

The fancy, all of a class who exhibit and cultivate any peculiar taste or fancy; hence, especially, sporting characters taken collectively, or any specific class of them, as jockeys, gamblers, prize fighters, etc.

At a great book sale in London, which had congregated all the fancy.
De Quincey.


word: Fancy₂
definition:
Fancy

Fan"cy
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fancied (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Fancying (_;).]
1.
To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof.

If our search has reached no farther than simile and metaphor, we rather fancy than know.
Locke.

2.
To love.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Fancy₃
definition:
Fancy

Fan"cy
v. t.
1.
To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.

He whom I fancy, but can ne'er express.
Dryden.

2.
To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.
fancy
Shak.

3.
To believe without sufficient evidence; to imagine (something which is unreal).

He fancied he was welcome, because those arounde him were his kinsmen.
Thackeray.


word: Fancy₄
definition:
Fancy

Fan"cy
a.
1.
Adapted to please the fancy or taste, especially when of high quality or unusually appealing; ornamental; as, fancy goods; fancy clothes.

2.
Extravagant; above real value.

This anxiety never degenerated into a monomania, like that which led his [Frederick the Great's] father to pay fancy prices for giants.
Macaulay.

Fancy ball, a ball in which porsons appear in fanciful dresses in imitation of the costumes of different persons and nations. -- Fancy fair, a fair at which articles of fancy and ornament are sold, generally for some charitable purpose. -- Fancy goods, fabrics of various colors, patterns, etc., as ribbons, silks, laces, etc., in distinction from those of a simple or plain color or make. -- Fancy line (Naut.), a line rove through a block at the jaws of a gaff; -- used to haul it down. -- Fancy roller (Carding Machine), a clothed cylinder (usually having straight teeth) in front of the doffer. -- Fancy stocks, a species of stocks which afford great opportunity for stock gambling, since they have no intrinsic value, and the fluctuations in their prices are artificial. -- Fancy store, one where articles of fancy and ornament are sold. -- Fancy woods, the more rare and expensive furniture woods, as mahogany, satinwood, rosewood, etc.


word: Fancywork
definition:
Fancywork

Fan"cy*work`
(?)
n.
Ornamental work with a needle or hook, as embroidery, crocheting, netting, etc.


word: Fandango
definition:
Fandango

Fan*dan"go
(?)
n.
pl. Fandangoes (#).
[Sp. A name brought, together with the dance, from the West Indies to Spain.]
1.
A lively dance, in 3-8 or 6-8 time, much practiced in Spain and Spanish America. Also, the tune to which it is danced.

2.
A ball or general dance, as in Mexico.
[Colloq.]


word: Fane
definition:
Fane

Fane
(?)
n.
[L. fanum a place dedicated to some deity, a sanctuary, fr. fari to speak. See Fame.]
A temple; a place consecrated to religion; a church.
[Poet.]

Such to this British Isle, her Christian fanes.
Wordsworth.


word: Fanega
definition:
Fanega

Fa*ne"ga
(?)
n.
[Sp.]
A dry measure in Spain and Spanish America, varying from 1_; to 2_; bushels; also, a measure of land.
De Colange.


word: Fanfare
definition:
Fanfare

Fan"fare`
(?)
n.
[F.  Cf. Fanfaron.]
A flourish of trumpets, as in coming into the lists, etc.; also, a short and lively air performed on hunting horns during the chase.

The fanfare announcing the arrival of the various Christian princes.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Fanfaron
definition:
Fanfaron

Fan"fa*ron
(?)
n.
[F., fr. Sp. fanfarron; cf. It. fanfano, and OSp. fanfa swaggering, boasting, also Ar. farfār talkative.]
A bully; a hector; a swaggerer; an empty boaster.
[R.]
Dryden.


word: Fanfaronade
definition:
Fanfaronade

Fan*far`on*ade"
(?)
n.
[F. fanfaronnade, fr. Sp. fanfarronada. See Fanfaron.]
A swaggering; vain boasting; ostentation; a bluster.
Swift.


word: Fanfoot
definition:
Fanfoot

Fan"foot`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A species of gecko having the toes expanded into large lobes for adhesion. The Egyptian fanfoot (Phyodactylus gecko) is believed, by the natives, to have venomous toes.
(b)
Any moth of the genus Polypogon.


word: Fang
definition:
Fang

Fang
(făng)
v. t.
[OE. fangen, fongen, fon (g orig. only in p. p. and imp. tense), AS. f&omacrn; akin to D. vangen, OHG. fāhan, G. fahen, fangen, Icel. fā, Sw. få, fånga, Dan. fange, faae, Goth. fahan, and prob. to E. fair, peace, pact.  Cf. Fair, a.]
1.
To catch; to seize, as with the teeth; to lay hold of; to gripe; to clutch.
[Obs.]
Shak.

He's in the law's clutches; you see he's fanged.
J. Webster.

2.
To enable to catch or tear; to furnish with fangs.
fanged
Philips.


word: Fang₂
definition:
Fang

Fang
n.
[From Fang, v. t.; cf. AS. fang a taking, booty, G. fang.]
1.
(Zool.)
The tusk of an animal, by which the prey is seized and held or torn; a long pointed tooth; esp., one of the usually erectile, venomous teeth of serpents. Also, one of the falcers of a spider.

Since I am a dog, beware my fangs.
Shak.

2.
Any shoot or other thing by which hold is taken.

The protuberant fangs of the yucca.
Evelyn.

3.
(Anat.)
The root, or one of the branches of the root, of a tooth. See Tooth.

4.
(Mining)
A niche in the side of an adit or shaft, for an air course.
Knight.

5.
(Mech.)
A projecting tooth or prong, as in a part of a lock, or the plate of a belt clamp, or the end of a tool, as a chisel, where it enters the handle.

6.
(Naut.)
(a)
The valve of a pump box.
(b)
A bend or loop of a rope.

In a fang, fast entangled. -- To lose the fang, said of a pump when the water has gone out; hence: To fang a pump, to supply it with the water necessary to make it operate. [Scot.]


word: Fangle
definition:
Fangle

Fan"gle
(?)
n.
[From Fang, v. t.; hence, prop., a taking up a new thing.]
Something new-fashioned; a foolish innovation; a gewgaw; a trifling ornament.


word: Fangled
definition:
Fangled

Fan"gled
(?)
a.
New made; hence, gaudy; showy; vainly decorated. [Obs., except with the prefix new.] See Newfangled.
fangled
Shak.


word: Fangleness
definition:
Fangleness

Fan"gle*ness
(?)
n.
Quality of being fangled.
[Obs.]

He them in new fangleness did pass.
Spenser.


word: Fangot
definition:
Fangot

Fan"got
(?)
n.
[Cf. It. fagotto, fangotto, a bundle.  Cf. Fagot.]
A quantity of wares, as raw silk, etc., from one hundred weight.


word: Fanion
definition:
Fanion

Fan"ion
(?)
n.
[See Fanon.]
1.
(Mil.)
A small flag sometimes carried at the head of the baggage of a brigade.
[Obs.]

2.
A small flag for marking the stations in surveying.


word: Fanlike
definition:
Fanlike

Fan"like`
(?)
a.
Resembling a fan;
specifically
(Bot.)
folded up like a fan, as certain leaves; plicate.


word: Fan-nerved
definition:
Fan-nerved

Fan"-nerved`
(?)
a.
(Bot. & Zool.)
Having the nerves or veins arranged in a radiating manner; -- said of certain leaves, and of the wings of some insects.


word: Fanon
definition:
Fanon

Fan"on
(?)
n.
[F. fanon, LL. fano, fr. OHG. fano banner cloth, G. fahne banner. See Vane, and cf. Fanion, Gonfalon.]
(Eccl.)
A term applied to various articles,
as:
(a)
A peculiar striped scarf worn by the pope at mass, and by eastern bishops.
(b)
A maniple.
[Written also fannel, phanon, etc.]


word: Fan palm
definition:
Fan palm

Fan" palm`
(?)
(Bot.)
Any palm tree having fan-shaped or radiate leaves; as the Chamærops humilis of Southern Europe; the species of Sabal and Thrinax in the West Indies, Florida, etc.; and especially the great talipot tree (Corypha umbraculifera) of Ceylon and Malaya. The leaves of the latter are often eighteen feet long and fourteen wide, and are used for umbrellas, tents, and roofs. When cut up, they are used for books and manuscripts.


word: Fantail
definition:
Fantail

Fan"tail`
(făn"tāl`)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A variety of the domestic pigeon, so called from the shape of the tail.
(b)
Any bird of the Australian genus Rhipidura, in which the tail is spread in the form of a fan during flight. They belong to the family of flycatchers.
(c)
the fantail goldfish.


word: Fan-tailed
definition:
Fan-tailed

Fan"-tailed`
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Having an expanded, or fan-shaped, tail; as, the fan-tailed pigeon.


word: fantail goldfish
definition:
fantail goldfish

fan"tail` gold"fish
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
a type of goldfish bred artificially, having a realtively short oval body and a tail with four lobes arrayed somewhat like a folding fan, as though forming a part of the surface of a cone.  Called also fantail.


word: Fan-tan
definition:
Fan-tan

Fan"-tan`
(făn"tăn`)
n.
[Chinese (of Canton) in an-tan-kun gambling house.]
1.
A Chinese gambling game in which coins or other small objects are placed upon a table, usually under a cup, and the players bet as to what remainder will be left when the sum of the counters is divided by four.

2.
A game with playing cards in which the cards are played in sequences upon the table, the one who first gets rid of his cards being the winner.


word: Fantasia
definition:
Fantasia

Fan*ta"si*a
(?)
n.
[It. See Fancy.]
(Mus.)
A continuous composition, not divided into what are called movements, or governed by the ordinary rules of musical design, but in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted by set form.


word: Fantastic
definition:
Fantastic

Fan*tas"tic
(?)
a.
[F. fantastique, fr. Gr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; able to represent, fr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to make visible. See Fancy.]
1.
Existing only in imagination; fanciful; imaginary; not real; chimerical.

2.
Having the nature of a phantom; unreal.
Shak.

3.
Indulging the vagaries of imagination; whimsical; full of absurd fancies; capricious; as, fantastic minds; a fantastic mistress.

4.
Resembling fantasies in irregularity, caprice, or eccentricity; irregular; oddly shaped; grotesque.

There at the foot of yonder nodding beech,
That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high.
T. Gray.


word: Fantastic₂
definition:
Fantastic

Fan*tas"tic
n.
A person given to fantastic dress, manners, etc.; an eccentric person; a fop.
Milton.

Our fantastics, who, having a fine watch, take all ocasions to draw it out to be seen.
Fuller.


word: Fantastically
definition:
Fantastically

Fan*tas"tic*al*ly
(?)
adv.
In a fantastic manner.

the letter A, in scarlet, fantastically embroidered with gold thread, upon her bosom.
Hawthorne.


word: Fantasticism
definition:
Fantasticism

Fan*tas"ti*cism
(?)
n.
The quality of being fantastical; fancifulness; whimsicality.
Ruskin.


word: Fantasy
definition:
Fantasy

Fan"ta*sy
(?)
n.
pl. Fantasies (#).
[See Fancy.]
1.
Fancy; imagination; especially, a whimsical or fanciful conception; a vagary of the imagination; whim; caprice; humor.

Is not this something more than fantasy ?
Shak.

A thousand fantasies
Begin to throng into my memory.
Milton.

2.
Fantastic designs.

Embroidered with fantasies and flourishes of gold thread.
Hawthorne.


word: Fantasy₂
definition:
Fantasy

Fan"ta*sy
v. t.
To have a fancy for; to be pleased with; to like; to fancy.
[Obs.]
Cavendish.

Which he doth most fantasy.
Robynson (More's Utopia).


word: Fantique
definition:
Fantique

Fantigue

{ Fan*tigue" (?), Fan*tique" (?) }
n.
[Written also fanteague, fanteeg, etc.]
[Cf. Fantod.]
State of worry or excitment; fidget; ill humor.
[Prov. Eng.]
Dickens.


word: Fantoccini
definition:
Fantoccini

Fan`toc*ci"ni
(?)
n. pl.
[It., dim. fr. fante child.]
Puppets caused to perform evolutions or dramatic scenes by means of machinery; also, the representations in which they are used.


word: Fantad₂
definition:
Fantad

Fantod

{ Fan"tod (?), Fan"tad (?), }
n.
[Cf. Fantigue.]
State of worry or excitement; fidget; fuss; also, indisposition; pet; sulks.
[Slang]


word: fanwort
definition:
fanwort

fanwort
n.
a common aquatic plant (Cabomba caroliniana) of eastern North America having floating and submerged leaves and white yellow-spotted flowers.

Syn. -- water-shield, Cabomba caroliniana.


word: FAQ
definition:
FAQ

FAQ list

FAQlist

FAQ (făk), FAQ" list` (făk"lĭst`), FAQ"list (făk"lĭst`)
pr. n.
[acronym from Frequently Asked Questions.]
A list of questions and answers concerning a specific topic, such as how to use a particular computer program.  Many such lists contain answers to the most commonly asked questions about that topic, however the questions need not derive from actual queries.  Such lists are often maintained in electronic form and made available on the World Wide Web.
[acronym]


word: Far₂
definition:
Far

Far
a.
[Farther (#) and Farthest (#) are used as the compar. and superl. of far, although they are corruptions arising from confusion with further and furthest. See Further.]
[OE. fer, feor, AS. feor; akin to OS. fer, D. ver, OHG. ferro, adv., G. fern, a., Icel. fjarri, Dan. fjirn, Sw. fjerran, adv., Goth. faīrra, adv., Gr. _;_;_;_;_; beyond, Skr. paras, adv., far, and prob. to L. per through, and E. prefix for-, as in forgive, and also to fare.  Cf. Farther, Farthest.]
1.
Distant in any direction; not near; remote; mutually separated by a wide space or extent.

They said, . . . We be come from a far country.
Josh. ix. 6.

The nations far and near contend in choice.
Dryden.

2.
Remote from purpose; contrary to design or wishes; as, far be it from me to justify cruelty.

3.
Remote in affection or obedience; at a distance, morally or spiritually; t enmity with; alienated.

They that are far from thee ahsll perish.
Ps. lxxiii. 27.

4.
Widely different in nature or quality; opposite in character.

He was far from ill looking, though he thought himself still farther.
F. Anstey.

5.
The more distant of two; as, the far side (called also off side) of a horse, that is, the right side, or the one opposite to the rider when he mounts.

&hand_; The distinction between the adjectival and adverbial use of far is sometimes not easily discriminated.

By far, by much; by a great difference. -- Far between, with a long distance (of space or time) between; at long intervals. “The examinations are few and far between.” Farrar.


word: Far₃
definition:
Far

Far
adv.
1.
To a great extent or distance of space; widely; as, we are separated far from each other.

2.
To a great distance in time from any point; remotely; as, he pushed his researches far into antiquity.

3.
In great part; as, the day is far spent.

4.
In a great proportion; by many degrees; very much; deeply; greatly.

Who can find a virtuous woman ? for her price is far above rubies.
Prov. xxxi. 10.

As far as, to the extent, or degree, that. See As far as, under As. -- Far off. (a) At a great distance, absolutely or relatively. (b) Distant in sympathy or affection; alienated. “But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who some time were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Eph. ii. 13. -- Far other, different by a great degree; not the same; quite unlike. Pope. -- Far and near, at a distance and close by; throughout a whole region. -- Far and wide, distantly and broadly; comprehensively. “Far and wide his eye commands.” Milton. -- From far, from a great distance; from a remote place.

&hand_; Far often occurs in self-explaining compounds, such as far-extended, far-reaching, far-spread.


word: Farad
definition:
Farad

Far"ad
(?)
n.
[From Michael Faraday, the English electrician.]
(Elec.)
The standard unit of electrical capacity; the capacity of a condenser whose charge, having an electro-motive force of one volt, is equal to the amount of electricity which, with the same electromotive force, passes through one ohm in one second; the capacity, which, charged with one coulomb, gives an electro-motive force of one volt.


word: faraday
definition:
faraday

far"a*day
(?)
n.
[From Michael Faraday, the English electrician.]
(Elec.)
the quantity of electric charge that, passed though an ionic solution, will cause electrolysis of one equivalent of ions; it is equal to about 96,490 coulombs.  The number of univalent metal ions (such as silver in a silver nitrate solution) which would be deposited as free metal by such a current is Avogadro's number, 6.023 x 1023.


word: Faradic
definition:
Faradic

Far*ad"ic
(?)
a.
Of or pertaining to Michael Faraday, the distinguished electrician; -- applied especially to induced currents of electricity, as produced by certain forms of inductive apparatus, on account of Faraday's investigations of their laws.


word: Faradization
definition:
Faradization

Faradism

{ Far"a*dism (?), Far`a*di*za"tion (?), }
n.
(Med.)
The treatment with faradic or induced currents of electricity for remedial purposes.


word: Faradize
definition:
Faradize

Far"a*dize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Faradized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Faradizing (?).]
(Med.)
To stimulate with, or subject to, faradic, or inducted, electric currents.
Far"a*diz`er (#), n.


word: Farandole
definition:
Farandole

Fa`ran`dole"
(?)
n.
[F. farandole, Pr. farandoulo.]
A rapid dance in six-eight time in which a large number join hands and dance in various figures, sometimes moving from room to room. It originated in Provence.
I have pictured them dancing a sort of farandole.
W. D. Howells.


word: Farce
definition:
Farce

Farce
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Farced (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Farcing (_;).]
[F. Farcir, L. farcire; akin to Gr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to fence in, stop up.  Cf. Force to stuff, Diaphragm, Frequent, Farcy, Farse.]
1.
To stuff with forcemeat; hence, to fill with mingled ingredients; to fill full; to stuff.
[Obs.]

The first principles of religion should not be farced with school points and private tenets.
Bp. Sanderson.

His tippet was aye farsed full of knives.
Chaucer.

2.
To render fat.
[Obs.]

If thou wouldst farce thy lean ribs.
B. Jonson.

3.
To swell out; to render pompous.
[Obs.]

Farcing his letter with fustian.
Sandys.


word: Farce₂
definition:
Farce

Farce
n.
[F. farce, from L. farsus (also sometimes farctus), p. p. pf farcire. See Farce, v. t.]
1.
(Cookery)
Stuffing, or mixture of viands, like that used on dressing a fowl; forcemeat.

2.
A low style of comedy; a dramatic composition marked by low humor, generally written with little regard to regularity or method, and abounding with ludicrous incidents and expressions.

Farce is that in poetry which “grotesque” is in a picture: the persons and action of a farce are all unnatural, and the manners false.
Dryden.

3.
Ridiculous or empty show; as, a mere farce.
farce
Pope.


word: Farcement
definition:
Farcement

Farce"ment
(?)
n.
Stuffing; forcemeat.
[Obs.]

They spoil a good dish with . . . unsavory farcements.
Feltham.


word: Farcical
definition:
Farcical

Far"ci*cal
(?)
a.
Pertaining to farce; appropriated to farce; ludicrous; unnatural; unreal.

They deny the characters to be farcical, because they are _;_;tually in in nature.
Gay.


word: Farctate
definition:
Farctate

Farc"tate
(?)
a.
[L. farctus, p. p. of farcire. See Farce, v. t.]
(Bot.)
Stuffed; filled solid; as, a farctate leaf, stem, or pericarp; -- opposed to tubular or hollow.
[Obs.]


word: Farcy
definition:
Farcy

Far"cy
(?)
n.
[F. farcin; cf. L. farciminum a disease of horses, fr. farcire. See Farce.]
(Far.)
A contagious disease of horses, associated with painful ulcerating enlargements, esp. upon the head and limbs. It is of the same nature as glanders, and is often fatal. Called also farcin, and farcimen.

&hand_; Farcy, although more common in horses, is communicable to other animals and to human beings.

Farcy bud, a hard, prominent swelling occurring upon the cutaneous surface in farcy, due to the obstruction and inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, and followed by ulceration. Youatt.


word: Fard
definition:
Fard

Fard
(?)
n.
[F., prob. fr. OHG. gifarit, gifarwit p. p. of farwjan to color, tinge, fr. farawa color, G. farbe.]
Paint used on the face.
[Obs.]
fard
J. Whitaker.


word: Fard₂
definition:
Fard

Fard
v. t.
[F. farder to paint one's face.]
To paint; -- said esp. of one's face.
[Obs.]
Shenstone.


word: Fardel
definition:
Fardel

Far"del
(?)
n.
[OF. fardel, F. fardeau; cf. Sp. fardel, fardillo, fardo, LL. fardellus; prob. fr. Ar. fard one of the two parts of an object divisible into two, hence, one of the two parts of a camel's load.  Cf. Furl.]
A bundle or little pack; hence, a burden.
[Obs.]
Shak.

A fardel of never-ending misery and suspense.
Marryat.


word: Farding-bag
definition:
Farding-bag

Far"ding-bag`
(?)
n.
[Of uncertain origin; cf. Fardel.]
The upper stomach of a cow, or other ruminant animal; the rumen.


word: Fardingdeal
definition:
Fardingdeal

Far"ding*deal
(?)
n.
[See Farthing, and Deal a part.]
The fourth part of an acre of land.
[Obs.]
[Written also farding dale, fardingale, etc.]


word: Fare
definition:
Fare

Fare
(fâr)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Faring.]
[AS. faran to travel, fare; akin to OS., Goth., & OHG. faran to travel, go, D. varen, G. fahren, OFries., Icel., & Sw. fara, Dan. fare, Gr. _;_;_;_;_; a way through, _;_;_;_;_;_;_; a ferry, strait, _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to convey, _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to go, march, _;_;_;_;_; beyond, on the other side, _;_;_;_;_; to pass through, L. peritus experienced, portus port, Skr. par to bring over. √78.  Cf. Chaffer, Emporium, Far, Ferry, Ford, Peril, Port a harbor, Pore, n.]
1.
To go; to pass; to journey; to travel.

So on he fares, and to the border comes
Of Eden.
Milton.

2.
To be in any state, or pass through any experience, good or bad; to be attended with any circummstances or train of events, fortunate or unfortunate; as, he fared well, or ill.

So fares the stag among the enraged hounds.
Denham.

I bid you most heartily well to fare.
Robynson (More's Utopia).

So fared the knight between two foes.
Hudibras.

3.
To be treated or entertained at table, or with bodily or social comforts; to live.

There was a certain rich man which . . . fared sumptuously every day.
Luke xvi. 19.

4.
To happen well, or ill; -- used impersonally; as, we shall see how it will fare with him.

So fares it when with truth falsehood contends.
Milton.

5.
To behave; to conduct one's self.
[Obs.]

She ferde [fared] as she would die.
Chaucer.


word: Fare₂
definition:
Fare

Fare
(?)
n.
[AS.  faru journey, fr. faran. See Fare, v.]
1.
A journey; a passage.
[Obs.]

That nought might stay his fare.
Spenser.

2.
The price of passage or going; the sum paid or due for conveying a person by land or water; as, the fare for crossing a river; the fare in a coach or by railway.

3.
Ado; bustle; business.
[Obs.]

The warder chid and made fare.
Chaucer.

4.
Condition or state of things; fortune; hap; cheer.

What fare? what news abroad ?
Shak.

5.
Food; provisions for the table; entertainment; as, coarse fare; delicious fare.
fare
Dryden.

6.
The person or persons conveyed in a vehicle; as, a full fare of passengers.
A. Drummond.

7.
The catch of fish on a fishing vessel.

Bill of fare. See under Bill. -- Fare indicator or  Fare register, a device for recording the number of passengers on a street car, etc. -- Fare wicket. (a) A gate or turnstile at the entrance of toll bridges, exhibition grounds, etc., for registering the number of persons passing it. (b) An opening in the door of a street car for purchasing tickets of the driver or passing fares to the conductor. Knight.


word: fare-thee-well
definition:
fare-thee-well

fare-thee-well
n.
state of perfection; the utmost degree; as, they polished the furniture to a fare-thee-well.


word: Farewell
definition:
Farewell

Fare`well"
(?)
interj.
[Fare (thou, you) + well.]
Go well; good-by; adieu;  -- originally applied to a person departing, but by custom now applied both to those who depart and those who remain. It is often separated by the pronoun; as, fare you well; and is sometimes used as an expression of separation only; as, farewell the year; farewell, ye sweet groves; that is, I bid you farewell.

So farewell hope, and with hope, farewell fear.
Milton.

Fare thee well! and if forever,
Still forever fare thee well.
Byron.

&hand_; The primary accent is sometimes placed on the first syllable, especially in poetry.


word: Farewell₂
definition:
Farewell

Fare`well"
(?)
n.
1.
A wish of happiness or welfare at parting; the parting compliment; a good-by; adieu.

2.
Act of departure; leave-taking; a last look at, or reference to something.

And takes her farewell of the glorious sun.
Shak.

Before I take my farewell of the subject.
Addison.


word: Farewell₃
definition:
Farewell

Fare"well`
(?)
a.
Parting; valedictory; final; as, a farewell discourse; his farewell bow.

Leans in his spear to take his farewell view.
Tickell.

Farewell rock (Mining), the Millstone grit; -- so called because no coal is found worth working below this stratum. It is used for hearths of furnaces, having power to resist intense heat. Ure.


word: Farfet
definition:
Farfet

Far"fet`
(?)
a.
[Far + fet, p. p. of Fette.]
Farfetched.
[Obs.]

York with his farfet policy.
Shak.


word: Farfetch
definition:
Farfetch

Far"fetch`
(?)
v. t.
[Far + fetch.]
To bring from far; to seek out studiously.
[Obs.]

To farfetch the name of Tartar from a Hebrew word.
Fuller.


word: Farfetch₂
definition:
Farfetch

Far"fetch`
n.
Anything brought from far, or brought about with studious care; a deep strategem.
[Obs.]
farfetches
Hudibras.


word: Farfetched
definition:
Farfetched

Far"fetched`
(?)
a.
1.
Brought from far, or from a remote place.

Every remedy contained a multitude of farfetched and heterogeneous ingredients.
Hawthorne.

2.
Studiously sought; not easily or naturally deduced or introduced; forced; strained; hence, implausible or improbable.


word: Farina
definition:
Farina

Fa*ri"na
(fȧ*rī"nȧ or fȧ*rē"nȧ)
n.
[L., meal, flour, fr. far a sort of grain, spelt; akin to E. barley.]
1.
A fine flour or meal made from cereal grains or from the starch or fecula of vegetables, extracted by various processes, and used in cookery.

2.
(Bot.)
Pollen.
[R.]
Craig.


word: Farinaceous
definition:
Farinaceous

Far`i*na"ceous
(?)
a.
[L. farinaceus.]
1.
Consisting or made of meal or flour; as, a farinaceous diet.

2.
Yielding farina or flour; as, ffarinaceous seeds.

3.
Like meal; mealy; pertaining to meal; as, a farinaceous taste, smell, or appearance.


word: Farinose
definition:
Farinose

Far`i*nose"
(?)
a.
[L. farinosus: cf. F. farineux.]
1.
Yielding farina; as, farinose substances.

2.
(Bot. & Zool.)
Covered with a sort of white, mealy powder, as the leaves of some poplars, and the body of certain insects; mealy.


word: Farlie
definition:
Farlie

Far"lie
(?)
n.
[OE. ferlish wonder, as adj., strange, sudden, fearful, AS. f&aemacr_;rlīc sudden. See Fear.]
An unusual or unexpected thing; a wonder. See Fearly.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Drayton.


word: Farm
definition:
Farm

Farm
(?)
n.
[OE. ferme rent, lease, F. ferme, LL. firma, fr. L. firmus firm, fast, firmare to make firm or fast.  See Firm, a. & n.]
1.
The rent of land, -- originally paid by reservation of part of its products.
[Obs.]

2.
The term or tenure of a lease of land for cultivation; a leasehold.
[Obs.]

It is great willfulness in landlords to make any longer farms to their tenants.
Spenser.

3.
The land held under lease and by payment of rent for the purpose of cultivation.

4.
Any tract of land devoted to agricultural purposes, under the management of a tenant or the owner.

&hand_; In English the ideas of a lease, a term, and a rent, continue to be in a great degree inseparable, even from the popular meaning of a farm, as they are entirely so from the legal sense.
Burrill.

5.
A district of country leased (or farmed) out for the collection of the revenues of government.

The province was devided into twelve farms.
Burke.

6.
(O. Eng. Law)
A lease of the imposts on particular goods; as, the sugar farm, the silk farm.

Whereas G. H.  held the farm of sugars upon a rent of 10,000 marks per annum.
State Trials (1196).


word: Farm₂
definition:
Farm

Farm
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Farmed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Farming.]
1.
To lease or let for an equivalent, as land for a rent; to yield the use of to proceeds.

We are enforced to farm our royal realm.
Shak.

2.
To give up to another, as an estate, a business, the revenue, etc., on condition of receiving in return a percentage of what it yields; as, to farm the taxes.

To farm their subjects and their duties toward these.
Burke.

3.
To take at a certain rent or rate.

4.
To devote (land) to agriculture; to cultivate, as land; to till, as a farm.

To farm let, To let to farm, to lease on rent.


word: Farmer
definition:
Farmer

Farm"er
(färm"ẽr)
n.
[Cf. F. fermier.]
One who farms
(a)
One who hires and cultivates a farm; a cultivator of leased ground; a tenant.
Smart.
(b)
One who is devoted to the tillage of the soil; one who cultivates a farm; an agriculturist; a husbandman.
(c)
One who takes taxes, customs, excise, or other duties, to collect, either paying a fixed annuual rent for the privilege; as, a farmer of the revenues.
(d)
(Mining)
The lord of the field, or one who farms the lot and cope of the crown.

Farmer-general [F. fermier-general], one to whom the right of levying certain taxes, in a particular district, was farmed out, under the former French monarchy, for a given sum paid down. -- Farmers' satin, a light material of cotton and worsted, used for coat linings. McElrath. -- The king's farmer (O. Eng. Law), one to whom the collection of a royal revenue was farmed out. Burrill.


word: Farmery
definition:
Farmery

Farm"er*y
(?)
n.
The buildings and yards necessary for the business of a farm; a homestead.
[Eng.]


word: Farming
definition:
Farming

Farm"ing
a.
Pertaining to agriculture; devoted to, adapted to, or engaged in, farming; as, farming tools; farming land; a farming community.


word: farmland
definition:
farmland

farmland
n.
a rural area where farming is practiced; land actually under cultivation or capable of supporting crops.

Syn. -- farming area.


word: Farmost
definition:
Farmost

Far"most`
(?)
a.
Most distant; farthest.

A spacious cave within its farmost part.
Dryden.


word: Farmstead
definition:
Farmstead

Farm"stead
(?)
n.
A farm with the building upon it; a homestead on a farm.
Tennyson.

With its pleasant groves and farmsteads.
Carlyle.


word: Farmyard
definition:
Farmyard

Farm"yard`
(?)
n.
The yard or inclosure attached to a barn, or the space inclosed by the farm buildings.


word: Farness
definition:
Farness

Far"ness
(?)
n.
[From Far, a.]
The state of being far off; distance; remoteness.
[R.]
Grew.


word: Faro
definition:
Faro

Far"o
(?)
n.
[Said to be so called because the Egyptian king Pharaoh was formerly represented upon one of the cards.]
A gambling game at cards, in which all the other players play against the dealer or banker, staking their money upon the order in which the cards will lie and be dealt from the pack.

Faro bank, the capital which the proprietor of a faro table ventures in the game; also, the place where a game of faro is played. Hoyle.


word: Faroese
definition:
Faroese

Fa`ro*ese`
(?)
n. sing. & pl.
An inhabitant, or, collectively, inhabitants, of the Faroe islands.


word: Far-off
definition:
Far-off

Far"-off`
(?)
a.
1.
Remote; as, the far-off distance; troops landing on far-off shores.  Cf. Far-off, under Far, adv.

Syn. -- faraway.

2.
remote in time; as, far-off happier times.

Syn. -- remote, removed.


word: far-out
definition:
far-out

far-out
adj.
strikingly unconventional.
[informal]

Syn. -- kinky, offbeat, quirky, way-out.


word: Farraginous
definition:
Farraginous

Far*rag*i*nous
(?)
a.
[See Farrago.]
Formed of various materials; mixed; as, a farraginous mountain.
[R.]
Kirwan.

A farraginous concurrence of all conditions, tempers, sexes, and ages.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Farrago
definition:
Farrago

Far*ra"go
(?)
n.
[L. farrago, -aginis, mixed fodder for cattle, mash, medley, fr. far a sort of grain. See Farina.]
A mass composed of various materials confusedly mixed; a medley; a mixture.

A confounded farrago of doubts, fears, hopes, wishes, and all the flimsy furniture of a country miss's brain.
Sheridan.


word: Farrand
definition:
Farrand

Far"rand
(?)
n.
[OE. farand beautiful; cf. Gael. farranta neat, stout, stately; or perh. akin to E. fare.]
Manner; custom; fashion; humor.
[Prov. Eng.]
[Written also farand.]
Grose.


word: far-reaching
definition:
far-reaching

far-reaching
adj.
having a wide range or effect; as, far-reaching (or extensive) forests; a far-reaching reform.

Syn. -- extensive.


word: Farrier
definition:
Farrier

Far"ri*er
(?)
n.
[OE. farrour, ferrer, OF. ferreor, ferrier, LL. Ferrator, ferrarius equorum, from ferrare to shoe a horse, ferrum a horseshoe, fr. L. ferrum iron.  Cf. Ferreous.]
1.
A shoer of horses; a veterinary surgeon.


word: Farrier₂
definition:
Farrier

Far"ri*er
v. i.
To practice as a farrier; to carry on the trade of a farrier.
[Obs.]
Mortimer.


word: Farriery
definition:
Farriery

Far"ri*er*y
(?)
n.
1.
The art of shoeing horses.

2.
The art of preventing, curing, or mitigating diseases of horses and cattle; the veterinary art.

3.
The place where a smith shoes horses.


word: far-right
definition:
far-right

far-right
adj.
(Politics)
extremely conservative politically.

Syn. -- reactionary, reactionist, ultraconservative.


word: Farrow
definition:
Farrow

Far"row
(făr"ro̝)
n.
[AS. fearh a little pig; a akin to OHG. farh, farah, pig, dim. farheli little pig, G. fercel, D. varken pig, Lith. parszas OIr. orc, L. porcus, Gr. po`rkos.  Cf. Pork.]
A litter of pigs.
Shak.


word: Farrow₂
definition:
Farrow

Far"row
v. t. & i.
[imp. & p. p. Farrowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Farrowing.]
To bring forth (young); -- said only of swine.
Tusser.


word: Farrow₃
definition:
Farrow

Far"row
a.
[Cf. Scot. ferry cow a cow that is not with calf, D. vaarkoe, vaars, heifer, G. färse, AS. fearr bull, G. farre.  Cf. Heifer.]
Not producing young in a given season or year; -- said only of cows.

&hand_; If a cow has had a calf, but fails in a subsequent year, she is said to be farrow, or to go farrow.


word: Farse
definition:
Farse

Farse
(?)
n.
[See Farce, n.]
(Eccl.)
An addition to, or a paraphrase of, some part of the Latin service in the vernacular; -- common in English before the Reformation.


word: Farseeing
definition:
Farseeing

Far"see`ing
(?)
a.
1.
Able to see to a great distance; farsighted.

2.
Having foresight as regards the future.


word: Farsi
definition:
Farsi

Far"si
(fär"se̝)
prop. n.
The language spoken in modern Iran; modern Persian.  It is written in the Arabic alphabet.


word: Farsighted
definition:
Farsighted

Far"sight`ed
(?)
a.
1.
Seeing to great distance; hence, of good judgment regarding the remote effects of actions; sagacious.

2.
(Med.)
Hypermetropic.


word: Farther
definition:
Farther

Far"ther
(fär"&thlig_;ẽr)
a.
compar. of Far.
[superl. Farthest (-&thlig_;ĕst). See Further.]
[For farrer, OE. ferrer, compar. of far; confused with further.  Cf. Farthest.]
1.
More remote; more distant than something else.

2.
Tending to a greater distance; beyond a certain point; additional; further.

Before our farther way the fates allow.
Dryden.

Let me add a farther Truth.
Dryden.

Some farther change awaits us.
MIlton.


word: Farther₂
definition:
Farther

Far"ther
adv.
1.
At or to a greater distance; more remotely; beyond; as, let us rest with what we have, without looking farther.

2.
Moreover; by way of progress in treating a subject; as, farther, let us consider the probable event.

No farther, (used elliptically for) go no farther; say no more, etc.
[1913 Webster]
It will be dangerous to go on. No farther ! Shak.


word: Farthest
definition:
Farthest

Far"thest
(fär"&thlig_;ĕst)
a.
Superl. of far.
[See Farther and cf. Furthest]
Most distant or remote; as, the farthest degree.  See Furthest.


word: farthing
definition:
farthing

Far"thing
(?)
n.
[OE. furthing, AS. feórðung, fr. feórða fourth, feór, feówer, four. See Four.]
1.
The fourth of a penny; a small copper coin of Great Britain, being a cent in United States currency.

2.
A very small quantity or value.
[Obs.]

In her cup was no farthing seen of grease.
Chaucer.

3.
A division of land.
[Obs.]

Thirty acres make a farthing land; nine farthings a Cornish acre; and four Cornish acres a knight's fee.
R. Carew.


word: Farthingale
definition:
Farthingale

Far"thin*gale
(?)
n.
[OE. vardingale, fardingale, fr. OF. vertugale, verdugade, F. vertugade, vertugadin, from Sp. verdugado, being named from its hoops, fr. verdugo a young shoot of tree, fr. verde green, fr. L. viridis. See Verdant.]
A hoop skirt or hoop petticoat, or other light, elastic material, used to extend the petticoat.

We'll revel it as bravely as the best, . . . 
With ruffs and cuffs, and farthingales and things.
Shak.


word: Fasces
definition:
Fasces

Fas"ces
(?)
n. pl.
[L., pl. of fascis bundle; cf. fascia a band, and Gr. fa`kelos a bundle.]
(Rom. Antiq.)
A bundle of rods, having among them an ax with the blade projecting, borne before the Roman magistrates as a badge of their authority.


word: Fascet
definition:
Fascet

Fas"cet
(?)
n.
(Glass Making)
A wire basket on the end of a rod to carry glass bottles, etc., to the annealing furnace; also, an iron rod to be thrust into the mouths of bottles, and used for the same purpose; -- called also pontee and punty.


word: Fascia
definition:
Fascia

Fas"ci*a
(?)
n.
pl. Fasciæ (#).
[L., a band: cf. It. fascia. See Fasces, and cf. Fess.]
1.
A band, sash, or fillet; especially, in surgery, a bandage or roller.

2.
(Arch.)
A flat member of an order or building, like a flat band or broad fillet; especially, one of the three bands which make up the architrave, in the Ionic order. See Illust. of Column.

3.
(Anat.)
The layer of loose tissue, often containing fat, immediately beneath the skin; the stronger layer of connective tissue covering and investing all muscles; an aponeurosis.

4.
(Zool.)
A broad well-defined band of color.


word: Fasciated
definition:
Fasciated

Fasciate

{ Fas"ci*ate (?), Fas"ci*a`ted (?), }
a.
[L. fasciatus, p. p. of fasciare to envelop with bands, fr. fascia band. See Fasces.]
1.
Bound with a fillet, sash, or bandage.

2.
(Bot.)
(a)
Banded or compacted together.
(b)
Flattened and laterally widened, as are often the stems of the garden cockscomb.

3.
(Zool.)
Broadly banded with color.


word: Fasciation
definition:
Fasciation

Fas`ci*a"tion
n.
The act or manner of binding up; bandage; also, the condition of being fasciated.


word: Fascicle
definition:
Fascicle

Fas"ci*cle
(?)
n.
[L. fasciculus, dim. of fascis. See Fasces.]
1.
A small bundle or collection; a compact cluster; as, a fascicle of fibers; a fascicle of flowers or roots.

2.
One of the divisions of a book published in parts; fasciculus.


word: Fascicled
definition:
Fascicled

Fas"ci*cled
(?)
a.
Growing in a bundle, tuft, or close cluster; as, the fascicled leaves of the pine or larch; the fascicled roots of the dahlia; fascicled muscle fibers; fascicled tufts of hair.


word: Fasciculated
definition:
Fasciculated

Fasciculate

{ Fas*cic"u*late (?), Fas*cic"u*la`ted (?),}
a.
Grouped in a fascicle; fascicled.


word: Fascicule
definition:
Fascicule

Fas"ci*cule
(?)
n.
[See Fascicle.]
A small bunch or bundle; a fascicle; as, a fascicule of fibers, hairs, or spines.


word: Fasciculus
definition:
Fasciculus

Fas*cic"u*lus
(?)
n.
pl. Fasciculi (#).
[L. See Fascicle.]
1.
A little bundle; a fascicle.

2.
A division of a book.


word: Fascinate
definition:
Fascinate

Fas"ci*nate
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fascinated (?), p. pr. & vb. n.. Fascinating (_;).]
[L. fascinare; cf. Gr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to slander, bewitch.]
1.
To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant.

It has been almost universally believed that . . . serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which they are desirous to obtain.
Griffith (Cuvier).

2.
To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to captivate, as by physical or mental charms.

There be none of the passions that have been noted to fascinate or bewitch but love and envy.
Bacon.


word: fascinated
definition:
fascinated

fascinated
adj.
1.
having the attention fixed by a sense of wonder.

Syn. -- hypnotized, hypnotised, mesmerized, mesmerised, spellbound, transfixed.

2.
intensely interested in or attracted by; as, I'm very interested in birds; in fact I'm fascinated by them.


word: fascinating
definition:
fascinating

fascinating
adj.
1.
capable of holding the attention; as, a fascinating story.

Syn. -- absorbing, engrossing, gripping, riveting, spellbinding.

2.
capturing interest as if by a spell; as, a fascinating woman.

Syn. -- bewitching, captivating, enchanting, enthralling, entrancing.


word: Fascination
definition:
Fascination

Fas`ci*na"tion
(?)
n.
[L. fascinatio; cf. F. fascination.]
1.
The act of fascinating, bewitching, or enchanting; enchantment; witchcraft; the exercise of a powerful or irresistible influence on the affections or passions; unseen, inexplicable influence.

The Turks hang old rags . . . upon their fairest horses, and other goodly creatures, to secure them against fascination.
Waller.

2.
The state or condition of being fascinated.

3.
That which fascinates; a charm; a spell.

There is a certain bewitchery or fascination in words.
South.


word: Fascine
definition:
Fascine

Fas*cine"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. L. fascina a bundle of sticks, fr. fascis. See Fasces.]
(Fort. & Engin.)
A cylindrical bundle of small sticks of wood, bound together, used in raising batteries, filling ditches, strengthening ramparts, and making parapets; also in revetments for river banks, and in mats for dams, jetties, etc.


word: Fascinous
definition:
Fascinous

Fas"ci*nous
(?)
a.
[L. fascinum witchcraft, akin to fascinare. See Fascinate.]
Caused or acting by witchcraft.
[Obs.]
Fascinous
Harvey.


word: Fasciola
definition:
Fasciola

Fas*ci"o*la
(?)
n.
pl. Fasciolæ (#).
[See Fasciole.]
(Anat.)
A band of gray matter bordering the fimbria in the brain; the dentate convolution.
Wilder.


word: Fasciole
definition:
Fasciole

Fas"ci*ole
(?)
n.
[L. fasciola a little bandage. See Fascia.]
(Zool.)
A band of minute tubercles, bearing modified spines, on the shells of spatangoid sea urchins. See Spatangoidea.


word: fascism
definition:
fascism

fasc"ism
(făsh"ĭz'm)
n.
1.
a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; -- opposed to democracy and liberalism.

2.
an authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities.  Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism.

3.
Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.

4.
broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; -- often used pejoratively in this sense.


word: fascistic
definition:
fascistic

fascist

fascist fascistic
adj.
1.
of or pertaining to fascism; resembling fascism; as, fascist propaganda.


word: Fash
definition:
Fash

Fash
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fashing.]
[OF. faschier, F. f_;cher, to anger, vex; cf. Pr. fasticar, fastigar, fr. L. fastidium dilike. See Fastidious.]
To vex; to tease; to trouble.
[Scot.]


word: Fashion
definition:
Fashion

Fash"ion
(?)
n.
[OE. fasoun, facioun, shape, manner, F. facon, orig., a making, fr. L. factio a making, fr. facere to make. See Fact, Feat, and cf. Faction.]

1.
The make or form of anything; the style, shape, appearance, or mode of structure; pattern, model; as, the fashion of the ark, of a coat, of a house, of an altar, etc.; workmanship; execution.

The fashion of his countenance was altered.
Luke ix. 29.

I do not like the fashion of your garments.
Shak.

2.
The prevailing mode or style, especially of dress; custom or conventional usage in respect of dress, behavior, etiquette, etc.; particularly, the mode or style usual among persons of good breeding; as, to dress, dance, sing, ride, etc., in the fashion.

The innocent diversions in fashion.
Locke.

As now existing, fashion is a form of social regulation analogous to constitutional government as a form of political regulation.
H. Spencer.

3.
Polite, fashionable, or genteel life; social position; good breeding; as, men of fashion.

4.
Mode of action; method of conduct; manner; custom; sort; way.
fashion
Shak.

After a fashion, to a certain extent; of a sort; sort of. -- Fashion piece (Naut.), one of the timbers which terminate the transom, and define the shape of the stern. -- Fashion plate, a pictorial design showing the prevailing style or a new style of dress.


word: Fashion₂
definition:
Fashion

Fash"ion
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fashioned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fashioning.]
[Cf. F. faconner.]
1.
To form; to give shape or figure to; to mold.

Here the loud hammer fashions female toys.
Gay.

Ingenious art . . . 
Steps forth to fashion and refine the age.
Cowper.

2.
To fit; to adapt; to accommodate; -- with to.

Laws ought to be fashioned to the manners and conditions of the people.
Spenser.

3.
To make according to the rule prescribed by custom.

Fashioned plate sells for more than its weight.
Locke.

4.
To forge or counterfeit.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Fashioning needle (Knitting Machine), a needle used for widening or narrowing the work and thus shaping it.


word: Fashionable
definition:
Fashionable

Fash"ion*a*ble
(?)
a.
1.
Conforming to the fashion or established mode; according with the prevailing form or style; as, a fashionable dress.

2.
Established or favored by custom or use; current; prevailing at a particular time; as, the fashionable philosophy; fashionable opinions.

3.
Observant of the fashion or customary mode; dressing or behaving according to the prevailing fashion; as, a fashionable man.

4.
Genteel; well-bred; as, fashionable society.

Time is like a fashionable host
That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand.
Shak.


word: Fashionable₂
definition:
Fashionable

Fash"ion*a*ble
n.
A person who conforms to the fashions; -- used chiefly in the plural.


word: Fashioner
definition:
Fashioner

Fash"ion*er
(?)
n.
One who fashions, forms, ar gives shape to anything.
[R.]

The fashioner had accomplished his task, and the dresses were brought home.
Sir W. Scott.


word: Fast
definition:
Fast

Fast
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fasting.]
[AS. fæstan; akin to D. vasten, OHG. fastēn, G. fasten, Icel. & Sw. fasta, Dan. faste, Goth. fastan to keep, observe, fast, and prob. to E. fast firm.]
1.
To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole or in part; to go hungry.

Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.
Milton.

2.
To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of grief, or humiliation and penitence.

Thou didst fast and weep for the child.
2 Sam. xii. 21.

Fasting day, a fast day; a day of fasting.


word: Fast₂
definition:
Fast

Fast
n.
[OE. faste, fast; cf. AS. fæsten, OHG. fasta, G. faste. See Fast, v. i.]
1.
Abstinence from food; omission to take nourishment.

Surfeit is the father of much fast.
Shak.

2.
Voluntary abstinence from food, for a space of time, as a spiritual discipline, or as a token of religious humiliation.

3.
A time of fasting, whether a day, week, or longer time; a period of abstinence from food or certain kinds of food; as, an annual fast.

Fast day, a day appointed for fasting, humiliation, and religious offices as a means of invoking the favor of God. -- To break one's fast, to put an end to a period of abstinence by taking food; especially, to take one's morning meal; to breakfast. Shak.


word: Fast₃
definition:
Fast

Fast
a.
[Compar. Faster (?); superl. Fastest (?).]
[OE., firm, strong, not loose, AS. fæst; akin to OS. fast, D. vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan. fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use.  Cf. Fast, adv., Fast, v., Avast.]
1.
Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose, unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the door.

There is an order that keeps things fast.
Burke.

2.
Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art; impregnable; strong.

Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.
Spenser.

3.
Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.

4.
Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.

5.
Tenacious; retentive.
[Obs.]

Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their smells.
Bacon.

6.
Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.

All this while in a most fast sleep.
Shak.

7.
Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast horse.

8.
Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint; reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a fast liver.
Thackeray.

9.
In such a condition, as to resilience, etc., as to make possible unusual rapidity of play or action; as, a fast racket, or tennis court; a fast track; a fast billiard table, etc.

Fast and loose, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant, esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another. “Play fast and loose with faith.” Shak. -- Fast and loose pulleys (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and reëngage the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and vice versa. -- Hard and fast (Naut.), so completely aground as to be immovable. -- To make fast (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as a vessel, a rope, or a door.


word: Fast₄
definition:
Fast

Fast
(?)
adv.
[OE. faste firmly, strongly, quickly, AS. fæste.  See Fast, a.]
1.
In a fast, fixed, or firmly established manner; fixedly; firmly; immovably.

We will bind thee fast.
Judg. xv. 13.

2.
In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly; extravagantly; wildly; as, to run fast; to live fast.

Fast by, or Fast beside, close or near to; near at hand.

He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk
Into the wood fast by.
Milton.

Fast by the throne obsequious Fame resides.
Pope.


word: Fast₅
definition:
Fast

Fast
n.
That which fastens or holds; especially, (Naut.) a mooring rope, hawser, or chain; -- called, according to its position, a bow, head, quarter, breast, or stern fast; also, a post on a pier around which hawsers are passed in mooring.


word: fastball
definition:
fastball

fast"ball`
n.
(Baseball)
a baseball thrown with maximum velocity.

Syn. -- heater, smoke, hummer, bullet.


word: fastbreak
definition:
fastbreak

fast"break`
n.
(basketball)
a rapid dash to get a shot at one's own basket as soon as possible after taking possession of the ball; -- often occurring after the opposing team has shot at their basket.


word: Fasten
definition:
Fasten

Fas"ten
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fastened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fastening (?).]
[AS. fæstnian; akin to OHG. festin&omacrn. See Fast, a.]
1.
To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot, lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to fasten a door or window.

2.
To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something , or to cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our thoughts.

The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the service of many successions of parties, with very different ideas fastened to them.
Swift.

3.
To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on; as, to fasten a blow.
[Obs.]
Dryden.

If I can fasten but one cup upon him.
Shak.

To fasten a charge upon or To fasten a crime upon, to make his guilt certain, or so probable as to be generally believed. -- To fasten one's eyes upon, to look upon steadily without cessation. Acts iii. 4.


word: Fasten₂
definition:
Fasten

Fas"ten
v. i.
To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch; to cling.

A horse leech will hardly fasten on a fish.
Sir T. Browne.


word: fastened
definition:
fastened

fastened
adj.
1.
affixed.  Opposite of unaffixed.

Syn. -- secured.

2.
secured against opening; -- of doors, hatches, etc.

Syn. -- latched.


word: Fastening
definition:
Fastening

Fas"ten*ing
(?)
n.
Anything that binds and makes fast, as a lock, catch, bolt, bar, buckle, etc.


word: fast-flying
definition:
fast-flying

fast-flying
adj.
moving or functioning quickly and energetically; as, a fast-flying messenger.

Syn. -- fast flying, hurrying, speedy.


word: fast-growing
definition:
fast-growing

fast-growing
adj.
tending to spread quickly; -- used mostly of plants.
[prenominal]
invasive (vs. noninvasive) 

Syn. -- aggressive.


word: Fasti
definition:
Fasti

Fas"ti
(?)
n. pl.
[L.]
1.
The Roman calendar, which gave the days for festivals, courts, etc., corresponding to a modern almanac.

2.
Records or registers of important events.


word: Fastidious
definition:
Fastidious

Fas*tid"i*ous
(?)
a.
[L. fastidiosus disdainful, fr. fastidium loathing, aversion, perh. fr. fastus arrogance (of uncertain origin) + taedium loathing.  Cf. Tedious, Fash.]
Difficult to please; delicate to a fault; suited with difficulty; squeamish; as, a fastidious mind or ear; a fastidious appetite.

Proud youth ! fastidious of the lower world.
Young.


word: Fastigiated
definition:
Fastigiated

Fastigiate

{ Fas*tig"i*ate (?), Fas*tig"i*a`ted (?), }
a.
[L. fastigium gable end, top, height, summit.]
1.
Narrowing towards the top.

2.
(Bot.)
Clustered, parallel, and upright, as the branches of the Lombardy poplar; pointed.

3.
(Zool.)
United into a conical bundle, or into a bundle with an enlarged head, like a sheaf of wheat.


word: Fastness
definition:
Fastness

Fast"ness
n.
[AS. fæstnes, fr. fæst fast. See Fast, a.]
1.
The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness.

All . . . places of fastness [are] laid open.
Sir J. Davies.

2.
A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a secure retreat; a castle; as, the enemy retired to their fastnesses in the mountains.

3.
Conciseness of style.
[Obs.]
Ascham.

4.
The state of being fast or swift.


word: Fastuous
definition:
Fastuous

Fas"tu*ous
(?)
a.
[L. fastuosus, from fastus haughtiness, pride: cf. F. fastueux.]
Proud; haughty; disdainful.
[Obs.]
Barrow.
Fas"tu*ous*ness, n. [Obs.]
Jer. Taylor.


word: Fat
definition:
Fat

Fat
(?)
n.
[See Vat, n.]
1.
A large tub, cistern, or vessel; a vat.
[Obs.]

The fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
Joel ii. 24.

2.
A measure of quantity, differing for different commodities.
[Obs.]
Hebert.


word: Fat₂
definition:
Fat

Fat
a.
[Compar. Fatter (?); superl. Fattest (?).]
[AS. f&aemacr_;tt; akin to D. vet, G. fett, feist, Icel. feitr, Sw. fet, Dan. fed, and perh. to Gr. pi^dax spring, fountain, pidy`ein to gush forth, pi`wn fat, Skr. pi to swell.]
1.
Abounding with fat
(a)
Fleshy; characterized by fatness; plump; corpulent; not lean; as, a fat man; a fat ox.
(b)
Oily; greasy; unctuous; rich; -- said of food.

2.
Exhibiting the qualities of a fat animal; coarse; heavy; gross; dull; stupid.

Making our western wits fat and mean.
Emerson.

Make the heart of this people fat.
Is. vi. 10.

3.
Fertile; productive; as, a fat soil; a fat pasture.

4.
Rich; producing a large income; desirable; as, a fat benefice; a fat office; a fat job.

Now parson of Troston, a fat living in Suffolk.
Carlyle.

5.
Abounding in riches; affluent; fortunate.
[Obs.]

Persons grown fat and wealthy by long impostures.
Swift.

6.
(Typog.)
Of a character which enables the compositor to make large wages; -- said of matter containing blank, cuts, or many leads, etc.; as, a fat take; a fat page.

Fat lute, a mixture of pipe clay and oil for filling joints.


word: Fat₃
definition:
Fat

Fat
(?)
n.
1.
(Physiol. Chem.)
An oily liquid or greasy substance making up the main bulk of the adipose tissue of animals, and widely distributed in the seeds of plants. See Adipose tissue, under Adipose.

&hand_; Animal fats are composed mainly of three distinct fats, tristearin, tripalmitin, and triolein, mixed in varying proportions. As olein is liquid at ordinary temperatures, while the other two fats are solid, it follows that the consistency or hardness of fats depends upon the relative proportion of the three individual fats. During the life of an animal, the fat is mainly in a liquid state in the fat cells, owing to the solubility of the two solid fats in the more liquid olein at the body temperature. Chemically, fats are composed of fatty acid, as stearic, palmitic, oleic, etc., united with glyceryl. In butter fat, olein and palmitin predominate, mixed with another fat characteristic of butter, butyrin. In the vegetable kingdom many other fats or glycerides are to be found, as myristin from nutmegs, a glyceride of lauric acid in the fat of the bay tree, etc.

2.
The best or richest productions; the best part; as, to live on the fat of the land.

3.
(Typog.)
Work. containing much blank, or its equivalent, and, therefore, profitable to the compositor.

Fat acid. (Chem.) See Sebacic acid, under Sebacic. -- Fat series, Fatty series (Chem.), the series of the paraffine hydrocarbons and their derivatives; the marsh gas or methane series. -- Natural fats (Chem.), the group of oily substances of natural occurrence, as butter, lard, tallow, etc., as distinguished from certain fatlike substance of artificial production, as paraffin. Most natural fats are essentially mixtures of triglycerides of fatty acids.


word: Fat₄
definition:
Fat

Fat
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fatted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. atting (?).]
[OE. fatten, AS. f&aemacr_;ttian. See Fat, a., and cf. Fatten.]
To make fat; to fatten; to make plump and fleshy with abundant food; as, to fat fowls or sheep.

We fat all creatures else to fat us.
Shak.


word: Fat₅
definition:
Fat

Fat
v. i.
To grow fat, plump, and fleshy.

An old ox fats as well, and is as good, as a young one.
Mortimer.


word: Fatal
definition:
Fatal

Fa"tal
a.
[L. fatalis, fr. fatum: cf. F. fatal. See Fate.]
1.
Proceeding from, or appointed by, fate or destiny; necessary; inevitable.
[R.]

These thing are fatal and necessary.
Tillotson.

It was fatal to the king to fight for his money.
Bacon.

2.
Foreboding death or great disaster.
[R.]

That fatal screech owl to our house
That nothing sung but death to us and ours.
Shak.

3.
Causing death or destruction; deadly; mortal; destructive; calamitous; as, a fatal wound; a fatal disease; a fatal day; a fatal error.


word: Fatalism
definition:
Fatalism

Fa"tal*ism
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fatalisme.]
The doctrine that all things are subject to fate, or that they take place by inevitable necessity.


word: Fatalist
definition:
Fatalist

Fa"tal*ist
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fataliste.]
One who maintains that all things happen by inevitable necessity.


word: Fatality
definition:
Fatality

Fa*tal"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Fatalities (#).
[L. fatalitas: cf. F. fatalité]
1.
The state of being fatal, or proceeding from destiny; invincible necessity, superior to, and independent of, free and rational control.

The Stoics held a fatality, and a fixed, unalterable course of events.
South.

2.
The state of being fatal; tendency to destruction or danger, as if by decree of fate; mortaility.

The year sixty-three is conceived to carry with it the most considerable fatality.
Ser T. Browne.

By a strange fatality men suffer their dissenting.
Eikon Basilike.

3.
That which is decreed by fate or which is fatal; a fatal event.
Dryden.


word: Fatally
definition:
Fatally

Fa"tal*ly
(?)
adv.
1.
In a manner proceeding from, or determined by, fate.
Bentley.

2.
In a manner resulting in death or ruin; mortally; destructively; as, fatally deceived or wounded.


word: Fata Morgana
definition:
Fata Morgana

Fa"ta Mor*ga"na
(?)
[It.; -- so called because this phenomenon was looked upon as the work of a fairy (It. fata) of the name of Morgána. See Fairy.]
A kind of mirage by which distant objects appear inverted, distorted, displaced, or multiplied. It is noticed particularly at the Straits of Messina, between Calabria and Sicily.


word: Fate
definition:
Fate

Fate
(fāt)
n.
[L. fatum a prophetic declaration, oracle, what is ordained by the gods, destiny, fate, fr. fari to speak: cf. OF. fat. See Fame, Fable, Ban, and cf. 1st Fay, Fairy.]
1.
A fixed decree by which the order of things is prescribed; the immutable law of the universe; inevitable necessity; the force by which all existence is determined and conditioned.

Necessity and chance
Approach not me; and what I will is fate.
Milton.

Beyond and above the Olympian gods lay the silent, brooding, everlasting fate of which victim and tyrant were alike the instruments.
Froude.

2.
Appointed lot; allotted life; arranged or predetermined event; destiny; especially, the final lot; doom; ruin; death.

The great, th'important day, big with the fate
Of Cato and of Rome.
Addison.

Our wills and fates do so contrary run
That our devices still are overthrown.
Shak.

The whizzing arrow sings,
And bears thy fate, Antinous, on its wings.
Pope.

3.
The element of chance in the affairs of life; the unforeseen and unestimated conitions considered as a force shaping events; fortune; esp., opposing circumstances against which it is useless to struggle; as, fate was, or the fates were, against him.

A brave man struggling in the storms of fate.
Pope.

Sometimes an hour of Fate's serenest weather strikes through our changeful sky its coming beams.
B. Taylor.

4.
pl.
[L. Fata, pl. of fatum.]
(Myth.)
The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, sometimes called the Destinies, or Parcæwho were supposed to determine the course of human life. They are represented, one as holding the distaff, a second as spinning, and the third as cutting off the thread.

&hand_; Among all nations it has been common to speak of fate or destiny as a power superior to gods and men -- swaying all things irresistibly.  This may be called the fate of poets and mythologists.  Philosophical fate is the sum of the laws of the universe, the product of eternal intelligence and the blind properties of matter. Theological fate represents Deity as above the laws of nature, and ordaining all things according to his will -- the expression of that will being the law.
Krauth-Fleming.


word: Fated
definition:
Fated

Fat"ed
(?)
p. p. & a.
1.
Decreed by fate; destined; doomed; as, he was fated to rule a factious people.

One midnight
Fated to the purpose.
Shak.

2.
Invested with the power of determining destiny.
[Obs.]
fated
Shak.

3.
Exempted by fate.
[Obs. or R.]
Dryden.


word: Fateful
definition:
Fateful

Fate"ful
(?)
a. .
Having the power of serving or accomplishing fate.
fateful
J. Barlow.

2.
Significant of fate; ominous.

The fateful cawings of the crow.
Longfellow.


word: fat-free
definition:
fat-free

fat-free
adj.
containing no fat; -- of foods.  Opposite of fat-containing.

Syn. -- fatless, nonfat.


word: Fathead
definition:
Fathead

Fat"head`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A cyprinoid fish of the Mississippi valley (Pimephales promelas); -- called also black-headed minnow.
(b)
A labroid food fish of California; the redfish.


word: fatheaded
definition:
fatheaded

fat"head`ed
adj.
same as stupid.  Opposite of smart.
[informal]

Syn. -- blockheaded, boneheaded, loggerheaded, thick, thickheaded, thick-skulled, wooden-headed.


word: Father
definition:
Father

Fa"ther
(fä"&thlig_;ẽr)
n.
[OE. fader, AS. fæder; akin to OS. fadar, D. vader, OHG. fatar, G. vater, Icel. faðir Sw. & Dan. fader, OIr. athir, L. pater, Gr. path`r, Skr. pitr, perh. fr. Skr. pā protect. √75, 247.  Cf. Papa, Paternal, Patriot, Potential, Pablum.]
1.
One who has begotten a child, whether son or daughter; a generator; a male parent.

A wise son maketh a glad father.
Prov. x. 1.

2.
A male ancestor more remote than a parent; a progenitor; especially, a first ancestor; a founder of a race or family; -- in the plural, fathers, ancestors.

David slept with his fathers.
1 Kings ii. 10.

Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Rom. iv. 16.

3.
One who performs the offices of a parent by maintenance, affetionate care, counsel, or protection.

I was a father to the poor.
Job xxix. 16.

He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house.
Gen. xiv. 8.

4.
A respectful mode of address to an old man.

And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him [Elisha], . . . and said, O my father, my father!
2 Kings xiii. 14.

5.
A senator of ancient Rome.

6.
A dignitary of the church, a superior of a convent, a confessor (called also father confessor), or a priest; also, the eldest member of a profession, or of a legislative assembly, etc.

Bless you, good father friar !
Shak.

7.
One of the chief ecclesiastical authorities of the first centuries after Christ; -- often spoken of collectively as the Fathers; as, the Latin, Greek, or apostolic Fathers.

8.
One who, or that which, gives origin; an originator; a producer, author, or contriver; the first to practice any art, profession, or occupation; a distinguished example or teacher.

The father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Gen. iv. 21.

Might be the father, Harry, to that thought.
Shak.

The father of good news.
Shak.

9.
The Supreme Being and Creator; God; in theology, the first person in the Trinity.

Our Father, which art in heaven.
Matt. vi. 9.

Now had the almighty Father from above . . . 
Bent down his eye.
Milton.

Adoptive father, one who adopts the child of another, treating it as his own. -- Apostolic father, Conscript fathers, etc. See under Apostolic, Conscript, etc. -- Father in God, a title given to bishops. -- Father of lies, the Devil. -- Father of the bar, the oldest practitioner at the bar. -- Fathers of the city, the aldermen. -- Father of the Faithful. (a) Abraham. Rom. iv. Gal. iii. 6-9. (b) Mohammed, or one of the sultans, his successors. -- Father of the house, the member of a legislative body who has had the longest continuous service. -- Most Reverend Father in God, a title given to archbishops and metropolitans, as to the archbishops of Canterbury and York. -- Natural father, the father of an illegitimate child. -- Putative father, one who is presumed to be the father of an illegitimate child; the supposed father. -- Spiritual father. (a) A religious teacher or guide, esp. one instrumental in leading a soul to God. (b) (R. C. Ch.) A priest who hears confession in the sacrament of penance. -- The Holy Father (R. C. Ch.), the pope.


word: Father₂
definition:
Father

Fa"ther
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fathered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fathering.]
1.
To make one's self the father of; to beget.

Cowards father cowards, and base things sire base.
Shak.

2.
To take as one's own child; to adopt; hence, to assume as one's own work; to acknowledge one's self author of or responsible for (a statement, policy, etc.).

Men of wit
Often fathered what he writ.
Swift.

3.
To provide with a father.
[R.]

Think you I am no stronger than my sex,
Being so fathered and so husbanded ?
Shak.

To father on or To father upon, to ascribe to, or charge upon, as one's offspring or work; to put or lay upon as being responsible. “Nothing can be so uncouth or extravagant, which may not be fathered on some fetch of wit, or some caprice of humor.” Barrow.


word: Father-God
definition:
Father-God

Father-God
n.
God, when considered as the first person in the Trinity.

Syn. -- Father.


word: Fatherhood
definition:
Fatherhood

Fa"ther*hood
(?)
n.
The state of being a father; the character or authority of a father; paternity.


word: Father-in-law
definition:
Father-in-law

Fa"ther-in-law`
(?)
n.
pl. Fathers-in-law (_;).
The father of one's husband or wife; -- correlative to son-in-law and daughter-in-law.

&hand_; A man who marries a woman having children already, is sometimes, though erroneously, called their father-in-law.


word: Fatherland
definition:
Fatherland

Fa"ther*land"
(?)
n.
[Imitated fr. D. vaderland. See Father, and Land.]
One's native land; the native land of one's fathers or ancestors.


word: Father-lasher
definition:
Father-lasher

Fa"ther-lash`er
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A European marine fish (Cottus bubalis), allied to the sculpin; -- called also lucky proach.


word: Fatherless
definition:
Fatherless

Fa"ther*less
a.
1.
Destitute of a living father; as, a fatherless child.

2.
Without a known author.
Beau. & Fl.


word: Fatherliness
definition:
Fatherliness

Fa"ther*li*ness
(?)
n.
[From Fatherly.]
The qualities of a father; parantal kindness, care, etc.


word: Fatherly
definition:
Fatherly

Fa"ther*ly
a.
1.
Like a father in affection and care; paternal; tender; protecting; careful.

You have showed a tender, fatherly regard.
Shak.

2.
Of or pertaining to a father.


word: Fathom
definition:
Fathom

Fath"om
(fă&thlig_;"ŭm)
n.
[OE. fadme, faðme, AS. fæðm fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. faðmos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. faðmr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. _;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_;_; to spread out, _;_;_;_;_;_;_; outspread, flat, L. patere to lie open, extend.  Cf. Patent, Petal.]
1.
A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.

2.
The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration.
[R.]

Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business.
Shak.


word: Fathom₂
definition:
Fathom

Fath"om
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fathomed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fathoming.]
1.
To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span.
[Obs.]
Purchas.

2.
To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.
Dryden.

The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.
Hawthotne.


word: Fathomless
definition:
Fathomless

Fath"om*less
a.
1.
Incapable of being fathomed; immeasurable; that can not be sounded.

And buckle in a waist most fathomless.
Shak.

2.
Incomprehensible.

The fathomless absurdity.
Milton.


word: Fatidical
definition:
Fatidical

Fa*tid"i*cal
(?)
a.
[L. fatidicus; fatum fate + dicere to say, tell.]
Having power to foretell future events; prophetic; fatiloquent; as, the fatidical oak.
[R.]
Howell.
Fa*tid"i*cal*ly, adv.


word: Fatiferous
definition:
Fatiferous

Fa*tif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. fatifer; fatum fate + ferre to bear, bring.]
Fate-bringing; deadly; mortal; destructive.
[R.]
Johnson.


word: Fatigable
definition:
Fatigable

Fat"i*ga*ble
(?)
a.
[L. fatigabilis: cf. F.  fatigable. See Fatigue.]
Easily tired.
[Obs.]
Bailey.


word: Fatigate
definition:
Fatigate

Fat"i*gate
(?)
a.
[L. fatigatus, p. p. of fatigare. See Fatigue.]
Wearied; tired; fatigued.
[Obs.]

Requickened what in flesh was fatigate.
Shak.


word: Fatigue
definition:
Fatigue

Fa*tigue"
(?)
n.
[F., fr. fatiguer to fatigue, L. fatigare; cf. L. affatim sufficiently.]
1.
Weariness from bodily labor or mental exertion; lassitude or exhaustion of strength.

2.
The cause of weariness; labor; toil; as, the fatigues of war.
Dryden.

3.
The weakening of a metal when subjected to repeated vibrations or strains.

Fatigue call (Mil.), a summons, by bugle or drum, to perform fatigue duties. -- Fatigue dress, the working dress of soldiers. -- Fatigue duty (Mil.), labor exacted from soldiers aside from the use of arms. Farrow. -- Fatigue party, a party of soldiers on fatigue duty.


word: Fatigue₂
definition:
Fatigue

Fa*tigue"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fatigued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fatiguing, n.]
[Cf. F. fatiguer. See Fatigue, n.]
To weary with labor or any bodily or mental exertion; to harass with toil; to exhaust the strength or endurance of; to tire.


word: Fatiloquist
definition:
Fatiloquist

Fa*til"o*quist
(?)
n.
[L. fatiloquus declaring fate; fatum fate+ Loqui to speak.]
A fortune teller.


word: Fatimide
definition:
Fatimide

Fatimite

{ Fat"i*mite (?), Fat"i*mide (?) }
a.
(Hist.)
Descended from Fatima, the daughter and only child of Mohammed.
n. A descendant of Fatima.


word: Fatiscence
definition:
Fatiscence

Fa*tis"cence
(?)
n.
[L. fatiscense, p. pr. of fatiscere to gape or crack open.]
A gaping or opening; state of being chinky, or having apertures.
Kirwan.


word: Fatling
definition:
Fatling

Fat"ling
(?)
n.
[Fat + -ling.]
A calf, lamb, kid, or other young animal fattened for slaughter; a fat animal; -- said of such animals as are used for food.

He sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
2 Sam. vi. 13.


word: Fatness
definition:
Fatness

Fat"ness
n.
1.
The quality or state of being fat, plump, or full-fed; corpulency; fullness of flesh.

Their eyes stand out with fatness.
Ps. lxxiii. 7.

2.
Hence; Richness; fertility; fruitfulness.

Rich in the fatness of her plenteous soil.
Rowe.

3.
That which makes fat or fertile.

The clouds drop fatness.
Philips.


word: Fatten
definition:
Fatten

Fat"ten
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fattened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fattening (?).]
[See Fat, v. t.]
1.
To make fat; to feed for slaughter; to make fleshy or plump with fat; to fill full; to fat.

2.
To make fertile and fruitful; to enrich; as, to fatten land; to fatten fields with blood.
Dryden.


word: Fatten₂
definition:
Fatten

Fat"ten
v. i.
To grow fat or corpulent; to grow plump, thick, or fleshy; to be pampered.

And villains fatten with the brave man's labor.
Otway.


word: fattened
definition:
fattened

fattened
adj.
fed until grown and ready for slaughter or for sale in the market; -- of market animals.


word: Fattener
definition:
Fattener

Fat"ten*er
(?)
n.
One who, or that which, fattens; that which gives fatness or fertility.


word: Fattish
definition:
Fattish

Fat"tish
(?)
a.
Somewhat fat; inclined to fatness.

Coleridge, a puffy, anxious, obstructed-looking, fattish old man.
Carlyle.


word: Fatty
definition:
Fatty

Fat"ty
(?)
a.
Containing fat, or having the qualities of fat; greasy; gross; as, a fatty substance.

Fatty acid (Chem.), any one of the paraffin series of monocarbonic acids, as formic acid, acetic, etc.; -- so called because the higher members, as stearic and palmitic acids, occur in the natural fats, and are themselves fatlike substances. -- Fatty clays. See under Clay. -- Fatty degeneration (Med.), a diseased condition, in which the oil globules, naturally present in certain organs, are so multiplied as gradually to destroy and replace the efficient parts of these organs. -- Fatty heart, Fatty liver, etc. (Med.), a heart, liver, etc., which have been the subjects of fatty degeneration or infiltration. -- Fatty infiltration (Med.), a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of fat in an organ, without destruction of any essential parts of the latter. -- Fatty tumor (Med.), a tumor consisting of fatty or adipose tissue; lipoma.


word: Fatuity
definition:
Fatuity

Fa*tu"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. fatuitas, fr. fatuus foolish: cf. F. fatuité Cf. Fatuous.]
Weakness or imbecility of mind; stupidity.

Those many forms of popular fatuity.
I Taylor.


word: Fatuous
definition:
Fatuous

Fat"u*ous
(?)
a.
[L. fatuus.]
1.
Feeble in mind; weak; silly; stupid; foolish; fatuitous.
Glanvill.

2.
Without reality; illusory, like the ignis fatuus.

Thence fatuous fires and meteors take their birth.
Danham.


word: Faubourg
definition:
Faubourg

Fau`bourg"
(f&omacr`bōr"; E. f&omacr"bōrg)
n.
[F.]
A suburb of a French city; also, a district now within a city, but formerly without its walls.


word: Faucal
definition:
Faucal

Fau"cal
(?)
a.
[L. fauces throat.]
Pertaining to the fauces, or opening of the throat; faucial;
esp.,
(Phon.)
produced in the fauces, as certain deep guttural sounds found in the Semitic and some other languages.

Ayin is the most difficult of the faucals.
I. Taylor (The Alphabet).


word: Fauces
definition:
Fauces

Fau"ces
(?)
n. pl.
[L.]
1.
(Anat.)
The narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx, situated between the soft palate and the base of the tongue; -- called also the isthmus of the fauces.  On either side of the passage two membranous folds, called the pillars of the fauces, inclose the tonsils.

2.
(Bot.)
The throat of a calyx, corolla, etc.

3.
(Zool.)
That portion of the interior of a spiral shell which can be seen by looking into the aperture.


word: Faucet
definition:
Faucet

Fau"cet
(?)
n.
[F. fausset, perh. fr. L. fauces throat.]
1.
A fixture for drawing a liquid, as water, molasses, oil, etc., from a pipe, cask, or other vessel, in such quantities as may be desired; -- called also tap, and cock. It consists of a tubular spout, stopped with a movable plug, spigot, valve, or slide.

2.
The enlarged end of a section of pipe which receives the spigot end of the next section.


word: Faule
definition:
Faule

Faule
(?)
n.
A fall or falling band.
[Obs.]

These laces, ribbons, and these faules.
Herrick.


word: Fault
definition:
Fault

Fault
(?)
n.
[OE. faut, faute, F. faute (cf. It., Sp., & Pg. falta), fr. a verb meaning to want, fail, freq., fr. L. fallere to deceive. See Fail, and cf. Default.]
1.
Defect; want; lack; default.

One, it pleases me, for fault of a better, to call my friend.
Shak.

2.
Anything that fails, that is wanting, or that impairs excellence; a failing; a defect; a blemish.

As patches set upon a little breach
Discredit more in hiding of the fault.
Shak.

3.
A moral failing; a defect or dereliction from duty; a deviation from propriety; an offense less serious than a crime.

4.
(Geol. & Mining)
(a)
A dislocation of the strata of the vein.
(b)
In coal seams, coal rendered worthless by impurities in the seam; as, slate fault, dirt fault, etc.
Raymond.

5.
(Hunting)
A lost scent; act of losing the scent.

Ceasing their clamorous cry till they have singled,
With much ado, the cold fault cleary out.
Shak.

6.
(Tennis)
Failure to serve the ball into the proper court.

7.
(Elec.)
A defective point in an electric circuit due to a crossing of the parts of the conductor, or to contact with another conductor or the earth, or to a break in the circuit.

8.
(Geol. & Mining)
A dislocation caused by a slipping of rock masses along a plane of facture; also, the dislocated structure resulting from such slipping.
The surface along which the dislocated masses have moved is called the fault plane. When this plane is vertical, the fault is a vertical fault; when its inclination is such that the present relative position of the two masses could have been produced by the sliding down, along the fault plane, of the mass on its upper side, the fault is a normal fault, or gravity fault.  When the fault plane is so inclined that the mass on its upper side has moved up relatively, the fault is then called a reverse fault (or reversed fault), thrust fault, or overthrust fault. If no vertical displacement has resulted, the fault is then called a horizontal fault. The linear extent of the dislocation measured on the fault plane and in the direction of movement is the displacement; the vertical displacement is the throw; the horizontal displacement is the heave. The direction of the line of intersection of the fault plane with a horizontal plane is the trend of the fault. A fault is a strike fault when its trend coincides approximately with the strike of associated strata (i.e., the line of intersection of the plane of the strata with a horizontal plane); it is a dip fault when its trend is at right angles to the strike; an oblique fault when its trend is oblique to the strike. Oblique faults and dip faults are sometimes called cross faults. A series of closely associated parallel faults are sometimes called step faults and sometimes distributive faults.

At fault, unable to find the scent and continue chase; hence, in trouble or embarrassment, and unable to proceed; puzzled; thrown off the track. -- To find fault, to find reason for blaming or complaining; to express dissatisfaction; to complain; -- followed by with before the thing complained of; but formerly by at. “Matter to find fault at.”  Robynson (More's Utopia).


word: Fault₂
definition:
Fault

Fault
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Faulted; p. pr. & vb. n. Faulting.]
1.
To charge with a fault; to accuse; to find fault with; to blame.
[Obs.]

For that I will not fault thee.
Old Song.

2.
(Geol.)
To interrupt the continuity of (rock strata) by displacement along a plane of fracture; -- chiefly used in the p. p.; as, the coal beds are badly faulted.


word: Fault₃
definition:
Fault

Fault
v. i.
To err; to blunder, to commit a fault; to do wrong.
[Obs.]

If after Samuel's death the people had asked of God a king, they had not faulted.
Latimer.


word: Faulter
definition:
Faulter

Fault"er
(?)
n.
One who commits a fault.
[Obs.]

Behold the faulter here in sight.
Fairfax.


word: Fault-finder
definition:
Fault-finder

Fault"-find`er
(?)
n.
One who makes a practice of discovering others' faults and censuring them; a scold.


word: Fault-finding
definition:
Fault-finding

Fault"-find`ing
n.
The act of finding fault or blaming; -- used derogatively. Also Adj.


word: Faulting
definition:
Faulting

Fault"ing
n.
(Geol.)
The state or condition of being faulted; the process by which a fault is produced.


word: Faultless
definition:
Faultless

Fault"less
a.
Without fault; not defective or imperfect; free from blemish; free from incorrectness, vice, or offense; perfect; as, a faultless poem.

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be.
Pope.


word: Faulty
definition:
Faulty

Fault"y
(?)
a.
1.
Containing faults, blemishes, or defects; imperfect; not fit for the use intended.

Created once
So goodly and erect, though faulty since.
Milton.

2.
Guilty of a fault, or of faults; hence, blamable; worthy of censure.
Shak.

The king doth speak . . . as one which is faulty.
2 Sam. xiv. 13.


word: Faun
definition:
Faun

Faun
(?)
n.
[L. Faunus, fr. favere to be favorable. See Favor.]
(Rom. Myth.)
A god of fields and shepherds, differing little from the satyr. The fauns are usually represented as half goat and half man.

Satyr or Faun, or Sylvan.
Milton.


word: Fauna
definition:
Fauna

Fau"na
(?)
n.
[NL.: cf. F. faune. See Faun.]
(Zool.)
The animals of any given area or epoch; as, the fauna of America; fossil fauna; recent fauna.


word: Fausen
definition:
Fausen

Fau"sen
(?)
n.
[Cf. W. llysowen eel, ll sounding in Welsh almost like fl.]
(Zool.)
A young eel.
[Prov. Eng.]


word: Fausse-braye
definition:
Fausse-braye

Fausse`-braye"
(?)
n.
[F. fausse-braie.]
(Mil.)
A second rampart, exterior to, and parallel to, the main rampart, and considerably below its level.


word: Faust
definition:
Faust

Faust
(foust)
1.
A tragedy by Goethe, commenced in 1772, and published as  “Faust, ein Fragment” in 1790.  Part 1, complete, was published as "Faust, eine Tragödie" in 1808; part 2, finished in 1831, was published in 1833.  It has been translated into English by Bayard Taylor, Blackie, Anster, Hayward, Martin, and others (nearly 40 in all).  Goethe accomplished the transformation of Faust from a common necromancer and conjurer into a personification of humanity, tempted and disquieted, but at length groping its way to the light.  See Goethe.

2.
An opera by Gounod (words, after Goethe, by Carré and Barbier) represented at the Théâtre Lyrique, Paris, March 19, 1859.

3.
An opera by Spohr, first produced at Frankfurt in 1818. The words, which do not follow Goethe's play, are by Bernhard.


word: Faust₂
definition:
Faust

Faustus

Faust, or Faust"us (fâs"tus).
prop. n.
Doctor Johann Faust, a person born at Kundling (Knittlingen), Würtemberg, or at Roda, near Weimar, and said to have died in 1538.  He was a man of licentious character, a magician, astrologer, alchemist, and soothsayer, who boasted of performing the miracles of Christ.  German legend has it that he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge.  It was believed that he was carried off at last by the devil, who had lived with him in the form of a black dog.

&hand_;   The legends of Faust were gathered from the then recent traditions concerning him in a book which appeared at the book-fair at Frankfurt-on-the-Main in 1587. It was called "The History of Dr. Faustus, the Notorious Magician and Master of the Black Art, etc." Soon after its appearance it became known in England.

A metrical version of it into English was licensed by Aylmer, Bishop of London, before the end of the year.  In 1588 there was a rimed version of it into German, also a translation into low German, and a new edition of the original with some slight changes.  In 1689 there appeared a version of the first German Faust book into, French, by Victor Palma Cayet.  The English prose version was made from the second edition of the original, that of 1588, and is undated, but probably was made at once.  There was a revised edition of it in 1592.  In 1592 there was a Dutch translation from the second German edition.  This gives the time of the carrying off of Faustus by the devil as the night between the twenty-third and twenty-fourth of October, 1538.  The English version also gives 1538 as the year, and it is a date, as we have seen, consistent with trustworthy references to his actual life.  Marlowe's play ('The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus') was probably written in 1588, soon after the original story had found its way to England.  He treated the legend as a poet, bringing out with all his power its central thought -- man in the pride of knowledge turning from his God. (Morley, Eng. Writers, IX. 254.)

   This play was brought to Germany about the beginning of the 17th century, and, after passing through various developments on the stage, finally became a puppet-play, which is still in existence. Lessing wrote parts of two versions of the story.  Müller, the painter, published two fragments of his dramatized life of Faust in 1778.  Goethe's tragedy (which see) was not published till 1808.  Klinger published a romance "Faust's Leben, Thaten und Höllenfahrt" (1791: Borrow translated it in 1826).  Klingemann published a tragedy on the subject (1815), Heine a ballet "Der Doctor Faust, ein Tanzpoem" (1851), and Lenau an epic "Faust" (1836).  W. G. Wills adapted a play from Goethe's "Faust," which Henry Irving produced in 1885.  Calderon's play "El Magico Prodigioso" strongly resembles Goethe's and Marlowe's plays, though founded on the legend of St. Cyprian.


word: Faustian
definition:
Faustian

Fau"sti*an
(fou"stē*an)
prop. adj.
Pertainnig to or resembling or befitting Faust especially in insatiable striving for worldly knowledge and power even at the price of spiritual values; as, a Faustian pact with the devil..


word: Fauteuil
definition:
Fauteuil

Fau`teuil"
(?)
n.
[F. See Faldistory.]
1.
An armchair; hence (because the members sit in fauteuils or armchairs), membership in the French Academy.

2.
Chair of a presiding officer.


word: Fautor
definition:
Fautor

Fau"tor
(?)
n.
[L., contr. fr. favitor, fr. favere to be favorable: cf. F. fauteur. See Favor.]
A favorer; a patron; one who gives countenance or support; an abettor.
[Obs.]

The king and the fautors of his proceedings.
Latimer.


word: Fauvette
definition:
Fauvette

Fau`vette"
(f&omacr`vĕt")
n.
[F., dim. fr. fauve fawn-colored.]
(Zool.)
A small singing bird, as the nightingale and warblers.


word: faux pas
definition:
faux pas

faux` pas"
(f&omacr` pȧ")
[F. See False, and Pas.]
A false step; a mistake or wrong measure;
especially,
a slip or misstep in social etiquette; a blunder in conduct or manners that causes embarassment; as, he committed the faux pas of mentioning John's former wife.


word: favel
definition:
favel

fa"vel
(fā"vĕl)
a.
[OF. fauvel, favel, dim. of F. fauve; of German oigin. See Fallow, a.]
Yellow; fallow; dun.
[Obs.]
Wright.


word: favel₂
definition:
favel

fa"vel
n.
A horse of a favel or dun color.

To curry favel. See To curry favor, under Favor, n.


word: favel₃
definition:
favel

fa"vel
n.
[OF. favele, fr. L. fabella short fable, dim. of fabula. See Fable.]
Flattery; cajolery; deceit.
[Obs.]
Skeat.


word: favella
definition:
favella

fa*vel"la
(?)
n.
[NL., prob. from L. favus a honeycomb.]
(Bot.)
A group of spores arranged without order and covered with a thin gelatinous envelope, as in certain delicate red algæ.


word: faveolate
definition:
faveolate

fa*ve"o*late
(?)
a.
[L. favus honeycomb.]
Honeycomb; having cavities or cells, somewhat resembling those of a honeycomb; alveolate; favose.


word: Favier explosive
definition:
Favier explosive

Fa`vier" ex*plo"sive
(?)
prop. n.
[After the inventor, P. A. Favier, a Frenchman.]
Any of several explosive mixtures, chiefly of ammonium nitrate and a nitrate derivative of naphthalene.  They are stable, but require protection from moisture.  As prepared it is a compressed cylinder of the explosive, filled with loose powder of the same composition, all inclosed in waterproof wrappers.  It is used for mining.


word: favillous
definition:
favillous

fa*vil"lous
(?)
a.
[L. favilla sparkling or glowing ashes.]
Of or pertaining to ashes.
[Obs.]

Light and favillous particles.
Sir T. Browne.


word: favonian
definition:
favonian

fa*vo"ni*an
(?)
a.
[L. Favonius the west wind.]
Pertaining to the west wind; soft; mild; gentle.


word: favor
definition:
favor

fa"vor
(fā"vẽr)
n.
[Written also favour.]
[OF. favor, F. faveur, L. favor, fr. favere to be favorable, cf. Skr. bhāvaya to further, foster, causative of bhū to become, be.  Cf. Be. In the phrase to curry favor, favor is prob. for favel a horse. See 2d Favel.]
1.
Kind regard; propitious aspect; countenance; friendly disposition; kindness; good will.

Hath crawled into the favor of the king.
Shak.

2.
The act of countenancing, or the condition of being countenanced, or regarded propitiously; support; promotion; befriending.

But found no favor in his lady's eyes.
Dryden.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke ii. 52.

3.
A kind act or office; kindness done or granted; benevolence shown by word or deed; an act of grace or good will, as distinct from justice or remuneration.

Beg one favor at thy gracious hand.
Shak.

4.
Mildness or mitigation of punishment; lenity.

I could not discover the lenity and favor of this sentence.
Swift.

5.
The object of regard; person or thing favored.

All these his wondrous works, but chiefly man,
His chief delight and favor.
Milton.

6.
A gift or present; something bestowed as an evidence of good will; a token of love; a knot of ribbons; something worn as a token of affection; as, a marriage favor is a bunch or knot of white ribbons or white flowers worn at a wedding.

Wear thou this favor for me, and stick it in thy cap.
Shak.

7.
Appearance; look; countenance; face.
[Obs.]

This boy is fair, of female favor.
Shak.

8.
(Law)
Partiality; bias.
Bouvier.

9.
A letter or epistle; -- so called in civility or compliment; as, your favor of yesterday is received.

10.
pl.
Love locks.
[Obs.]
Wright.

Challenge to the favor or Challenge for favor (Law), the challenge of a juror on grounds not sufficient to constitute a principal challenge, but sufficient to give rise to a probable suspicion of favor or bias, such as acquaintance, business relation, etc. See Principal challenge, under Challenge. -- In favor of, upon the side of; favorable to; for the advantage of. -- In favor with, favored, countenanced, or encouraged by. -- To curry favor [see the etymology of Favor, above], to seek to gain favor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious civilities. -- With one's favor, or By one's favor, with leave; by kind permission.

But, with your favor, I will treat it here.
Dryden.


word: Favor
definition:
Favor

Fa"vor
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Favored (fā"vẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Favoring.]
[Written also favour.]
[Cf. OF. favorer, favorir. See Favor, n.]
1.
To regard with kindness; to support; to aid, or to have the disposition to aid, or to wish success to; to be propitious to; to treat with consideration or tenderness; to show partiality or unfair bias towards.

O happy youth! and favored of the skies.
Pope.

He that favoreth Joab, . . . let him go after Joab.
2 Sam. xx. 11.

[The painter] has favored her squint admirably.
Swift.

2.
To afford advantages for success to; to facilitate; as, a weak place favored the entrance of the enemy.

3.
To resemble in features; to have the aspect or looks of; as, the child favors his father.

The porter owned that the gentleman favored his master.
Spectator.


word: Favorable
definition:
Favorable

Fa"vor*a*ble
(fā"vẽr*ȧ*b'l)
a.
[Written also favourable.]
[F. favorable, L. favorabilis favored, popular, pleasing, fr. favor. See Favor, n.]
1.
Full of favor; favoring; manifesting partiality; kind; propitious; friendly.

Lend favorable ears to our request.
Shak.

Lord, thou hast been favorable unto thy land.
Ps. lxxxv. 1.

2.
Conducive; contributing; tending to promote or facilitate; advantageous; convenient.

A place very favorable for the making levies of men.
Clarendon.

The temper of the climate, favorable to generation, health, and long life.
Sir W. Temple.

3.
Beautiful; well-favored.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
The favorableness of the present times to all exertions in the cause of liberty.
Burke.


word: Favored
definition:
Favored

Fa"vored
(fā"vẽrd)
a.
1.
Countenanced; aided; regarded with kindness; as, a favored friend.

2.
Having a certain favor or appearance; featured; as, well-favored; hard-favored, etc.


word: Favoredly
definition:
Favoredly

Fa"vored*ly
(?)
adv.
In a favored or a favorable manner; favorably.
[Obs.]
Deut. xvii. 1. Arscham.


word: Favorer
definition:
Favorer

Fa"vor*er
(?)
n.
One who favors; one who regards with kindness or friendship; a well-wisher; one who assists or promotes success or prosperity.
[Written also favourer.]

And come to us as favorers, not as foes.
Shak.


word: Favorite
definition:
Favorite

Fa"vor*ite
(?)
n.
[OF. favorit favored, F. favori, fem. favorite, p. p. of OF. favorir, cf. It. favorito, frm. favorita, fr. favorire to favor. See Favor.]
1.
A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.

Committing to a wicked favorite
All public cares.
Milton.

2.
pl.
Short curls dangling over the temples; -- fashionable in the reign of Charles II.
[Obs.]
Farquhar.

3.
(Sporting)
The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.


word: Favorite₂
definition:
Favorite

Fa"vor*ite
a.
Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.
favorite
Macaulay.


word: Favoritism
definition:
Favoritism

Fa"vor*it*ism
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. favoritisme.]
The disposition to favor and promote the interest of one person or family, or of one class of men, to the neglect of others having equal claims; partiality.

A spirit of favoritism to the Bank of the United States.
A. Hamilton.


word: Favorless
definition:
Favorless

Fa"vor*less
a.
1.
Unfavored; not regarded with favor; having no countenance or support.

2.
Unpropitious; unfavorable.
[Obs.]
favorless
Spenser.


word: Favose
definition:
Favose

Fa*vose"
(fȧ*v&omacrs")
a.
[L. favus honeycomb.]
1.
(Bot.)
Honeycombed. See Faveolate.

2.
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to the disease called favus.


word: Favosites
definition:
Favosites

Fav`o*si"tes
(făv`o̝*sī"tēz)
n.
[NL. See Favose.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of fossil corals abundant in the Silurian and Devonian rocks, having polygonal cells with perforated walls.


word: Favus
definition:
Favus

Fa"vus
(fā"vŭs)
n.
[L., honeycomb.]
1.
(Med.)
A disease of the scalp, produced by a vegetable parasite.

2.
A tile or flagstone cut into an hexagonal shape to produce a honeycomb pattern, as in a pavement; -- called also favas and sectila.
Mollett.


word: Fawn
definition:
Fawn

Fawn
(f&asuml_;n)
n.
[OF. faon the young one of any beast, a fawn, F. faon a fawn, for fedon, fr. L. fetus. See Fetus.]
1.
(Zool.)
A young deer; a buck or doe of the first year. See Buck.

2.
The young of an animal; a whelp.
[Obs.]

[The tigress] . . . followeth . . . after her fawns.
Holland.

3.
A fawn color.


word: Fawn₄
definition:
Fawn

Fawn
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fawned (f&asuml_;nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fawning.]
[OE. fawnen, fainen, fagnien, to rejoice, welcome, flatter, AS. fægnian to rejoice; akin to Icel. fagna to rejoice, welcome. See Fain.]
To court favor by low cringing, frisking, etc., as a dog; to flatter meanly; -- often followed by on or upon.

You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds.
Shak.

Thou with trembling fear,
Or like a fawning parasite, obeyest.
Milton.

Courtiers who fawn on a master while they betray him.
Macaulay.


word: Fawn-colored
definition:
Fawn-colored

Fawn"-col`ored
(f&asuml_;n"kŭl`ẽrd)
a.
Of the color of a fawn; light yellowish brown.


word: fax
definition:
fax

fax
(făks)
n.
[Shortened form of telefax, from tele- and facsimile.]
A document which is a facsimile of another document, converted into electrical symbols by a facsimile machine at one telephone terminal, transmitted via telephone and printed on some form of paper at a facsimile machine at a second telephone terminal.  A document transmitted using a computer at one or both ends may also be called a fax if the transmission protocol is similar to that used by telefax devices, i.e. if the originating or receiving device could be a telefax device.


word: fax₂
definition:
fax

fax
(făks)
v. t.
[Shortened form of telefax, from tele- and facsimile.]
[imp. & p. p. faxed (făkst); p. pr. & vb. n. faxing (făks"ĭng).]
To transmit a copy of a document (a fax) over a telephone line using facsimile devices or the telefax protocol at both ends.  See fax, n., and facsimile{2}, n.


word: fax machine
definition:
fax machine

fax" ma*chine`
(făks'mȧ*shēn`)
n.
[Shortened form of telefax, from tele- and facsimile.]
A device which is designed to transmit and receive images by the facsimile{2} process.  Such a device may also be able to perform other functions, such as scanning an image or copying an image; a telefax device.


word: Fay₃
definition:
Fay

Fay
(fā)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. fayed (fād); p. pr. & vb. n. Faying.]
[OE. feien, v.t. & i., AS. fēgan to join, unite; akin to OS. f&omacrgian, D. voegen, OHG. fuogen, G. fügen, Sw. foga. See Fair, and cf. Fadge.]
(Shipbuilding)
To fit; to join; to unite closely, as two pieces of wood, so as to make the surface fit together.


word: Fay₄
definition:
Fay

Fay
v. i.
(Shipbuilding)
To lie close together; to fit; to fadge; -- often with in, into, with, or together.

Faying surface, that surface of an object which comes with another object to which it is fastened; -- said of plates, angle irons, etc., that are riveted together in shipwork.


word: Fayalite
definition:
Fayalite

Fay"al*ite
(fā"al*īt)
n.
[So called from the island Fayal.]
(Min.)
A black, greenish, or brownish mineral of the chrysolite group.  It is a silicate of iron.


word: faze
definition:
faze

faze
(fāz)
v. t.
To cause to become disconcerted or disturbed.  A variant form of Feeze.
faze


word: feaberry
definition:
feaberry

fea"ber*ry
(ē"bẽr*r&ybreve_;)
n.
[Cf. Prov. E. feabe, theabe, thape.]
(Bot.)
A gooseberry.
[Prov. Eng.]
Prior.


word: feague
definition:
feague

feague
(fēg)
v. t.
[Cf. G. fegen to sweep, Icel. fægja to cleanse, polish, E. fair, fay, to fit, fey to cleanse.]
To beat or whip; to drive.
[Obs.]
Otway.


word: feal
definition:
feal

fe"al
(fē"al)
a.
[OF. feal, feel, feeil, fedeil, F. fidèle, L. fidelis faithful, fr. fides faith.  See Faith.]
Faithful; loyal.
[Obs.]
Wright.


word: fealty
definition:
fealty

fe"al*ty
(fē"al*t&ybreve_;)
n.
[OE. feaute, OF. feauté, fealté, feelté, feelteit, fr. L. fidelitas, fr. fidelis faithful. See Feal, and cf. Fidelity.]
1.
Fidelity to one's lord; the feudal obligation by which the tenant or vassal was bound to be faithful to his lord; the special oath by which this obligation was assumed; fidelity to a superior power, or to a government; loyalty.  It is no longer the practice to exact the performance of fealty, as a feudal obligation.
Wharton (Law Dict.). Tomlins.

2.
Fidelity; constancy; faithfulness, as of a friend to a friend, or of a wife to her husband.

He should maintain fealty to God.
I. Taylor.

Makes wicked lightnings of her eyes, and saps
The fealty of our friends.
tennyson.

Swore fealty to the new government.
Macaulay.

&hand_; Fealty is distinguished from homage, which is an acknowledgment of tenure, while fealty implies an oath. See Homage.
Wharton.


word: Fear₂
definition:
Fear

Fear
n.
[OE. fer, feer, fere, AS. f&aemacr_;r a coming suddenly upon, fear, danger; akin to D. vaar, OHG. fāra danger, G. gefahr, Icel. fār harm, mischief, plague, and to E. fare, peril. See Fare.]
1.
A painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger; apprehension; anxiety; solicitude; alarm; dread.

&hand_; The degrees of this passion, beginning with the most moderate, may be thus expressed, -- apprehension, fear, dread, fright, terror.

Fear is an uneasiness of the mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
Locke.

Where no hope is left, is left no fear.
Milton.

2.
(Script.)
(a)
Apprehension of incurring, or solicitude to avoid, God's wrath; the trembling and awful reverence felt toward the Supreme Being.
(b)
Respectful reverence for men of authority or worth.

I will put my fear in their hearts.
Jer. xxxii. 40.

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Ps. xxxiv. 11.

Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due . . . fear to whom fear.
Rom. xiii. 7.

3.
That which causes, or which is the object of, apprehension or alarm; source or occasion of terror; danger; dreadfulness.

There were they in great fear, where no fear was.
Ps. liii. 5.

The fear of your adventure would counsel you to a more equal enterprise.
Shak.

For fear, in apprehension lest. “For fear you ne'er see chain nor money more.”  Shak.


word: Fear₃
definition:
Fear

Fear
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feared (fērd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fearing.]
[OE. feren, faeren, to frighten, to be afraid, AS. f&aemacr_;ran to terrify.  See Fear, n.]
1.
To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
Ps. xxiii. 4.

With subordinate clause.
I greatly fear my money is not safe. Shak.

I almost fear to quit your hand. D. Jerrold.

2.
To have a reverential awe of; to be solicitous to avoid the displeasure of.

Leave them to God above; him serve and fear.
Milton.

3.
To be anxious or solicitous for;  now replaced by fear for.
[R.]

The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children, therefore . . . I fear you.
Shak.

4.
To suspect; to doubt.
[Obs.]

Ay what else, fear you not her courage?
Shak.

5.
To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear.
[Obs.]

Fear their people from doing evil.
Robynson (More's Utopia).

Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs.
Shak.


word: Fear₄
definition:
Fear

Fear
v. i.
To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.

I exceedingly fear and quake.
Heb. xii. 21.


word: Fearful
definition:
Fearful

Fear"ful
(fēr"f&usdot_;l)
a.
1.
Full of fear, apprehension, or alarm; afraid; frightened.

Anxious amidst all their success, and fearful amidst all their power.
Bp. Warburton.

2.
Inclined to fear; easily frightened; without courage; timid.

What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted?
Deut. xx. 8.

3.
Indicating, or caused by, fear.

Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
Shak.

4.
Inspiring fear or awe; exciting apprehension or terror; terrible; frightful; dreadful.

This glorious and fearful name, The Lord thy God.
Deut. xxviii. 58.

Death is a fearful thing.
Shak.

In dreams they fearful precipices tread.
Dryden.


word: Fearnaught
definition:
Fearnaught

Fear"naught`
(fēr"n&asuml_;t`)
n.
1.
A fearless person.

2.
A stout woolen cloth of great thickness; dreadnaught; also, a warm garment.


word: Fearsome
definition:
Fearsome

Fear"some
(fēr"sŭm)
a.
1.
Frightful; causing fear.
[Scotch]
fearsome
Sir W. Scott

2.
Easily frightened; timid; timorous.
fearsome
B. Taylor


word: Feasibility
definition:
Feasibility

Fea"si*bil*ity
(fē`zĭ*bĭl"ĭ*t&ybreve_;)
n.
pl. Feasibilities (fē`zĭ*bĭl"ĭ*tiz).
[from Feasible]
The quality of being feasible; practicability; also, that which is feasible; as, before we adopt a plan, let us consider its feasibility.

Men often swallow falsities for truths, dubiosities for certainties, possibilities for feasibilities.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Feasible
definition:
Feasible

Fea"si*ble
(fē"zĭ*b'l)
a.
[F. faisable, fr. faire to make or do, fr. L. facere. See Fact, Feat.]
1.
Capable of being done, executed, or effected; practicable.

Always existing before their eyes as a thing feasible in practice.
Burke.

It was not feasible to gratify so many ambitions.
Beaconsfield.

2.
Fit to be used or tilled, as land.
[R.]
R. Trumbull.


word: Feast
definition:
Feast

Feast
(fēst)
n.
[OE. feste festival, holiday, feast, OF. feste festival, F. fête, fr. L. festum, pl. festa, fr. festus joyful, festal; of uncertain origin.  Cf. Fair, n., Festal,  Fête.]
1.
A festival; a holiday; a solemn, or more commonly, a joyous, anniversary.

The seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.
Ex. xiii. 6.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
Luke ii. 41.

&hand_; An Ecclesiastical feast is called a immovable feast when it always occurs on the same day of the year; otherwise it is called a movable feast.  Easter is a notable movable feast.

2.
A festive or joyous meal; a grand, ceremonious, or sumptuous entertainment, of which many guests partake; a banquet characterized by tempting variety and abundance of food.

Enough is as good as a feast.
Old Proverb.

Belshazzar the King made a great feast to a thousand of his lords.
Dan. v. 1.

3.
That which is partaken of, or shared in, with delight; something highly agreeable; entertainment.

The feast of reason, and the flow of soul.
Pope.

Feast day, a holiday; a day set as a solemn commemorative festival.


word: Feast₂
definition:
Feast

Feast
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Feasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Feasting.]
[OE. festen, cf. OF. fester to rest from work, F. fêter to celebrate a holiday. See Feast, n.]
1.
To eat sumptuously; to dine or sup on rich provisions, particularly in large companies, and on public festivals.

And his sons went and feasted in their houses.
Job. i. 4.

2.
To be highly gratified or delighted.

With my love's picture then my eye doth feast.
Shak.


word: Feast₃
definition:
Feast

Feast
v. t.
1.
To entertain with sumptuous provisions; to treat at the table bountifully; as, he was feasted by the king.
Hayward.

2.
To delight; to gratify; as, to feast the soul.

Feast your ears with the music a while.
Shak.


word: Feaster
definition:
Feaster

Feast"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who fares deliciously.

2.
One who entertains magnificently.
Johnson.


word: Feat
definition:
Feat

Feat
(fēt)
n.
[OE. fet, OF. fet, fait, F. fait, factum, fr. L. facere, factum, to make or do.  Cf. Fact, Feasible, Do.]
1.
An act; a deed; an exploit.

The warlike feats I have done.
Shak.

2.
A striking act of strength, skill, or cunning; a trick; as, feats of horsemanship, or of dexterity.


word: Feat₃
definition:
Feat

Feat
a.
[Compar. Feater (?); superl. Featest.]
[F. fait made, shaped, fit, p. p. of faire to make or do. See Feat, n.]
Dexterous in movements or service; skillful; neat; nice; pretty.
[Archaic]

Never master had a page . . . so feat.
Shak.

And look how well my garments sit upon me --
Much feater than before.
Shak.


word: Feateous
definition:
Feateous

Feat"e*ous
(?)
a.
[Cf. OF. faitis, faitice, fetis, well made, fine, L. facticius made by art.]
Dexterous; neat.
[Obs.]
Johnson.


word: Feather
definition:
Feather

Feath"er
(fĕ&thlig_;"ẽr)
n.
[OE. fether, AS. feðer; akin to D. veder, OHG. fedara, G. feder, Icel. fjöðr, Sw. fjäder, Dan. fjæder, Gr. ptero`n wing, feather, pe`tesqai to fly, Skr. pattra wing, feather, pat to fly, and prob. to L. penna feather, wing. √76, 248.  Cf. Pen a feather.]
1.
One of the peculiar dermal appendages, of several kinds, belonging to birds, as contour feathers, quills, and down.

&hand_; An ordinary feather consists of the quill or hollow basal part of the stem; the shaft or rachis, forming the upper, solid part of the stem; the vanes or webs, implanted on the rachis and consisting of a series of slender laminæ or barbs, which usually bear barbules, which in turn usually bear barbicels and interlocking hooks by which they are fastened together. See Down, Quill, Plumage.
2.
Kind; nature; species; -- from the proverbial phrase, “Birds of a feather,” that is, of the same species.
[R.]

I am not of that feather to shake off
My friend when he must need me.
Shak.

3.
The fringe of long hair on the legs of the setter and some other dogs.

4.
A tuft of peculiar, long, frizzly hair on a horse.

5.
One of the fins or wings on the shaft of an arrow.

6.
(Mach. & Carp.)
A longitudinal strip projecting as a fin from an object, to strengthen it, or to enter a channel in another object and thereby prevent displacement sidwise but permit motion lengthwise; a spline.

7.
A thin wedge driven between the two semicylindrical parts of a divided plug in a hole bored in a stone, to rend the stone.
Knight.

8.
The angular adjustment of an oar or paddle-wheel float, with reference to a horizontal axis, as it leaves or enters the water.

&hand_; Feather is used adjectively or in combination, meaning composed of, or resembling, a feather or feathers; as, feather fan, feather-heeled, feather duster.

 Feather alum (Min.), a hydrous sulphate of alumina, resulting from volcanic action, and from the decomposition of iron pyrites; -- called also halotrichite. Ure. -- Feather bed, a bed filled with feathers. -- Feather driver, one who prepares feathers by beating. -- Feather duster, a dusting brush of feathers. -- Feather flower, an artifical flower made of feathers, for ladies' headdresses, and other ornamental purposes. -- Feather grass (Bot.), a kind of grass (Stipa pennata) which has a long feathery awn rising from one of the chaffy scales which inclose the grain. -- Feather maker, one who makes plumes, etc., of feathers, real or artificial. -- Feather ore (Min.), a sulphide of antimony and lead, sometimes found in capillary forms and like a cobweb, but also massive. It is a variety of Jamesonite. -- Feather shot, or Feathered shot (Metal.), copper granulated by pouring into cold water. Raymond. -- Feather spray (Naut.), the spray thrown up, like pairs of feathers, by the cutwater of a fast-moving vessel. -- Feather star. (Zool.) See Comatula. -- Feather weight. (Racing) (a) Scrupulously exact weight, so that a feather would turn the scale, when a jockey is weighed or weighted. (b) The lightest weight that can be put on the back of a horse in racing. Youatt. (c) In wrestling, boxing, etc., a term applied to the lightest of the classes into which contestants are divided; -- in contradistinction to light weight, middle weight, and heavy weight. --   A feather in the cap an honour, trophy, or mark of distinction. [Colloq.] -- To be in full feather, to be in full dress or in one's best clothes. [Collog.] -- To be in high feather, to be in high spirits. [Collog.] -- To cut a feather. (a) (Naut.) To make the water foam in moving; in allusion to the ripple which a ship throws off from her bows. (b) To make one's self conspicuous. [Colloq.] -- To show the white feather, to betray cowardice, -- a white feather in the tail of a cock being considered an indication that he is not of the true game breed.


word: Feather₂
definition:
Feather

Feath"er
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feathered (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Feathering.]
1.
To furnish with a feather or feathers, as an arrow or a cap.

An eagle had the ill hap to be struck with an arrow feathered from her own wing.
L'Estrange.

2.
To adorn, as with feathers; to fringe.

A few birches and oaks still feathered the narrow ravines.
Sir W. Scott.

3.
To render light as a feather; to give wings to.
[R.]

The Polonian story perhaps may feather some tedious hours.
Loveday.

4.
To enrich; to exalt; to benefit.

They stuck not to say that the king cared not to plume his nobility and people to feather himself.
Bacon.
Dryden.

5.
To tread, as a cock.
Dryden.

To feather one's nest, to provide for one's self especially from property belonging to another, confided to one's care; -- an expression taken from the practice of birds which collect feathers for the lining of their nests. -- To feather an oar (Naut), to turn it when it leaves the water so that the blade will be horizontal and offer the least resistance to air while reaching for another stroke. -- To tar and feather a person, to smear him with tar and cover him with feathers, as a punishment or an indignity.


word: Feather₃
definition:
Feather

Feath"er
v. i.
1.
To grow or form feathers; to become feathered; -- often with out; as, the birds are feathering out.

2.
To curdle when poured into another liquid, and float about in little flakes or “feathers;” as, the cream feathers.
[Colloq.]

3.
To turn to a horizontal plane; -- said of oars.

The feathering oar returns the gleam.
Tickell.

Stopping his sculls in the air to feather accurately.
Macmillan's Mag.

4.
To have the appearance of a feather or of feathers; to be or to appear in feathery form.

A clump of ancient cedars feathering in evergreen beauty down to the ground.
Warren.

The ripple feathering from her bows.
Tennyson.


word: Featherbone
definition:
Featherbone

Feath"er*bone`
(?)
n.
A substitute for whalebone, made from the quills of geese and turkeys.


word: feather-brained
definition:
feather-brained

featherbrained

feath"er*brained, feath"er-brained
(?)
a.
Giddy; frivolous; lacking seriousness; given to frivolity; feather-headed.
[Colloq.]

Syn. -- airheaded, dizzy, empty-headed, giddy, lightheaded, light-headed, silly.


word: Feathered
definition:
Feathered

Feath"ered
(?)
a.
1.
Clothed, covered, or fitted with (or as with) feathers or wings; as, a feathered animal; a feathered arrow.

Rise from the ground like feathered Mercury.
Shak.

Nonsense feathered with soft and delicate phrases and pointed with pathetic accent.
Dr. J. Scott.

2.
Furnished with anything featherlike; ornamented; fringed; as, land feathered with trees.

3.
(Zool.)
Having a fringe of feathers, as the legs of certian birds; or of hairs, as the legs of a setter dog.

4.
(Her.)
Having feathers; -- said of an arrow, when the feathers are of a tincture different from that of the shaft.


word: Feather-edge
definition:
Feather-edge

Feath"er-edge`
(?)
n.
1.
(Zool.)
The thin, new growth around the edge of a shell, of an oyster.

2.
Any thin, as on a board or a razor.


word: Feather-edged
definition:
Feather-edged

Feath"er-edged`
(?)
a.
Having a feather-edge; also, having one edge thinner than the other, as a board; -- in the United States, said only of stuff one edge of which is made as thin as practicable.


word: Feather-foil
definition:
Feather-foil

Feath"er-foil`
(?)
n.
[Feather + foil a leaf.]
(Bot.)
An aquatic plant (Hottonia palustris), having finely divided leaves.


word: Feathering
definition:
Feathering

Feath"er*ing
n.
1.
(Arch.)
Same as Foliation.

2.
The act of turning the blade of the oar, as it rises from the water in rowing, from a vertical to a horizontal position. See To feather an oar, under Feather, v. t.

3.
A covering of feathers.

Feathering float (Naut.), the float or paddle of a feathering wheel. -- Feathering screw (Naut.), a screw propeller, of which the blades may be turned so as to move edgewise through the water when the vessel is moving under sail alone. -- Feathering wheel (Naut.), a paddle wheel whose floats turn automatically so as to dip about perpendicularly into the water and leave in it the same way, avoiding beating on the water in the descent and lifting water in the ascent.


word: Featherstitch
definition:
Featherstitch

Feath"er*stitch`
(?)
n.
A kind of embroidery stitch producing a branching zigzag line.


word: Feather-veined
definition:
Feather-veined

Feath"er-veined`
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Having the veins (of a leaf) diverging from the two sides of a midrib.


word: Feathery
definition:
Feathery

Feath"er*y
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or resembling, feathers; covered with, or as with, feathers; as, feathery spray or snow.
Milton.

Ye feathery people of mid air.
Barry Cornwall.


word: Featly
definition:
Featly

Feat"ly
(?)
adv.
[From Feat, a.]
Neatly; dexterously; nimbly.
[Archaic]

Foot featly here and there.
Shak.


word: Feature
definition:
Feature

Fea"ture
(?; 135)
n.
[OE. feture form, shape, feature, OF. faiture fashion, make, fr. L. factura a making, formation, fr. facere, factum, to make. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Facture.]
1.
The make, form, or outward appearance of a person; the whole turn or style of the body; esp., good appearance.

What needeth it his feature to descrive?
Chaucer.

Cheated of feature by dissembling nature.
Shak.

2.
The make, cast, or appearance of the human face, and especially of any single part of the face; a lineament. (pl.) The face, the countenance.

It is for homely features to keep home.
Milton.

3.
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic; as, one of the features of the landscape.

And to her service bind each living creature
Through secret understanding of their feature.
Spenser.

4.
A form; a shape.
[R.]

So scented the grim feature, and upturned
His nostril wide into the murky air.
Milton.


word: Featured
definition:
Featured

Fea"tured
(?; 135)
a.
1.
Shaped; fashioned.

How noble, young, how rarely featured!
Shak.

2.
Having features; formed into features.

The well-stained canvas or the featured stone.
Young.


word: Featurely
definition:
Featurely

Fea"ture*ly
a.
Having features; showing marked peculiarities; handsome.
[R.]

Featurely warriors of Christian chivalry.
Coleridge.


word: Feaze
definition:
Feaze

Feaze
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feazed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feazing.]
[Cf. OE. faseln to ravel, fr. AS. fæs fringe; akin to G. fasen to separate fibers or threads, fasen, faser, thread, filament, OHG. faso.]
To untwist; to unravel, as the end of a rope.
Johnson.


word: Feaze₂
definition:
Feaze

Feaze
v. t.
[See Feese.]
To beat; to chastise; also, to humble; to harass; to worry.
[Obs.]
insworth.


word: Feazings
definition:
Feazings

Feaz"ings
(?)
n. pl.
[See Feaze, v. t.]
(Naut.)
The unlaid or ragged end of a rope.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.


word: Febricitate
definition:
Febricitate

Fe*bric"i*tate
(?)
v. i.
[L. febricitare, fr. febris. See Febrile.]
To have a fever.
[Obs.]
Bailey.


word: Febrifacient
definition:
Febrifacient

Feb`ri*fa"cient
(?)
a.
[L. febris fever + faciens, p. pr. of facere to make.]
Febrific.
Dunglison.


word: Febriferous
definition:
Febriferous

Fe*brif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. febris fever + -ferous.]
Causing fever; as, a febriferous locality.


word: Febrific
definition:
Febrific

Fe*brif"ic
(?)
a.
[L. febris fever + ficare (in comp.) to make. See fy-.]
Producing fever.
Dunglison.


word: Febrifugal
definition:
Febrifugal

Fe*brif"u*gal
(? or ?)
a.
[See Febrifuge.]
Having the quality of mitigating or curing fever.
Boyle.


word: Febrifuge
definition:
Febrifuge

Feb"ri*fuge
(?)
n.
[L. febris fever + fugare to put to flight, from fugere to flee: cf. F. fébrifuge. see Febrile, Feverfew.]
(Med.)
A medicine serving to mitigate or remove fever.
a. Antifebrile.


word: Febrile
definition:
Febrile

Fe"brile
(?; 277)
a.
[F. fébrile, from L. febris fever. See Fever.]
Pertaining to fever; indicating fever, or derived from it; as, febrile symptoms; febrile action.
Dunglison.


word: February
definition:
February

Feb"ru*a*ry
(?)
n.
[L. Februarius, orig., the month of expiation, because on the fifteenth of this month the great feast of expiation and purification was held, fr. februa, pl., the Roman festival or purification; akin to februare to purify, expiate.]
The second month in the year, said to have been introduced into the Roman calendar by Numa. In common years this month contains twenty-eight days; in the bissextile, or leap year, it has twenty-nine days.


word: Februation
definition:
Februation

Feb`ru*a"tion
(?)
n.
[L. februatio. See february.]
Purification; a sacrifice.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Fecal
definition:
Fecal

Fe"cal
(fē"kal)
a.
[Cf. F. fécal. See Feces.]
Relating to, or containing, dregs, feces, or ordure; fæcal.


word: Fecial
definition:
Fecial

Fe"cial
(?)
a.
[L. fetialis belonging to the fetiales, the Roman priests who sanctioned treaties and demanded satisfaction from the enemy before a formal declaration of war.]
Pertaining to heralds, declarations of war, and treaties of peace; as, fecial law.
Kent.


word: Fecifork
definition:
Fecifork

Fe"ci*fork`
(?)
n.
[Feces + fork.]
(Zool.)
The anal fork on which the larvæ of certain insects carry their fæces.


word: Feck
definition:
Feck

Feck
(?)
n.
[Abbrev. fr. effect.]
1.
Effect.
[Obs.]

2.
Efficacy; force; value.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]

3.
Amount; quantity.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
He had a feck o' books wi' him.
R. L. Stevenson.
The most feck, or The feck, the greater or larger part. “The feck o' my life.”  Burns.


word: fecula
definition:
fecula

feculae

fec"u*la
(?)
n.
pl. feculæ
[L.faecula burnt tartar or salt of tartar, dim. of faex, faecis, sediment, dregs: cf. F. fécule.]
Any pulverulent matter obtained from plants by simply breaking down the texture, washing with water, and subsidence.
Especially:
(a)
The nutritious part of wheat; starch or farina; -- called also amylaceous fecula.
(b)
The green matter of plants; chlorophyll.


word: Feculence
definition:
Feculence

Fec"u*lence
(?)
n.
[L. faeculentia dregs, filth: cf. F. féculence.]
1.
The state or quality of being feculent; muddiness; foulness.

2.
That which is feculent; sediment; lees; dregs.


word: Feculent
definition:
Feculent

Fec"u*lent
(?)
a.
[L. faeculentus, fr. faecula: cf. F. féculent. See Fecula.]
Foul with extraneous or impure substances; abounding with sediment or excrementitious matter; muddy; thick; turbid.

Both his hands most filthy feculent.
Spenser.


word: Fecund
definition:
Fecund

Fec"und
(?)
a.
[L. fecundus, from the root of fetus: cf. F. fécond. see Fetus.]
Fruitful in children; prolific.
Graunt.


word: Fecundate
definition:
Fecundate

Fec"un*date
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fecundated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fecundating (?).]
[L. fecundare, fr. fecundus. See Fecund.]
1.
To make fruitful or prolific.
W. Montagu.

2.
(Biol.)
To render fruitful or prolific; to impregnate; as, in flowers the pollen fecundates the ovum through the stigma.


word: Fecundation
definition:
Fecundation

Fec`un*da"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fécondation.]
(Biol.)
The act by which, either in animals or plants, material prepared by the generative organs the female organism is brought in contact with matter from the organs of the male, so that a new organism results; impregnation; fertilization.


word: Fecundity
definition:
Fecundity

Fe*cun"di*ty
(?)
n.
[L. fecunditas: cf. F. fécondité. See Fecund.]
1.
The quality or power of producing fruit; fruitfulness; especially (Biol.), the quality in female organisms of reproducing rapidly and in great numbers.

2.
The power of germinating; as in seeds.

3.
The power of bringing forth in abundance; fertility; richness of invention; as, the fecundity of God's creative power.
Bentley.


word: fedayee
definition:
fedayee

fedayee
n.
pl. fedayeen
[(1950-1955). Ar. fidā'ī, one who sacrifices himself.]
a member of an Arab paramilitary organization, predominantly Palestinian, which performs commando raids, especially against Israel or Israeli targets.  Usually used in the plural.


word: fedelini
definition:
fedelini

fedelini
n.
an extremely fine pasta thinner than vermicelli.
[Sometimes spelled fedellini or fedelline.]


word: Federal
definition:
Federal

Fed"er*al
(?)
a.
[L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. F. fédéral. see Faith.]
1.
Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually governments or their representatives.

The Romans compelled them, contrary to all federal right, . . . to part with Sardinia.
Grew.

2.
Specifically:
(a)
Composed of states or districts which retain only a subordinate and limited sovereignty, as the Union of the United States, or the Sonderbund of Switzerland.
(b)
Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer.
(c)
Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.

Federal Congress. See under Congress.


word: Federalism
definition:
Federalism

Fed"er*al*ism
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fédéralisme.]
The principles of Federalists or of federal union.


word: Federalist
definition:
Federalist

Fed"er*al*ist
n.
[Cf. F. fédéraliste.]
An advocate of confederation; specifically (Amer. Hist.), a friend of the Constitution of the United States at its formation and adoption; a member of the political party which favored the administration of president Washington.


word: federalize
definition:
federalize

fed"er*al*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Federalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Federalizing (?).]
[Cf. F. fédéraliser.]
To unite in compact, as different States; to confederate for political purposes; to unite by or under the Federal Constitution.
Barlow.


word: Federal National Mortgage Association
definition:
Federal National Mortgage Association

Federal National Mortgage Association
prop. n.
A federally chartered corporation that purchases and resells mortgages.
[acron.]

Syn. -- FNMA, Fannie Mae.


word: Federate
definition:
Federate

Fed"er*ate
(?)
a.
[L. foederatus, p. p. of foederare to establish by treaty or league, fr. foedus. See Federal.]
United by compact, as sovereignties, states, or nations; joined in confederacy; leagued; confederate; as, federate nations.

Syn. -- federated.


word: federated
definition:
federated

fed"er*at*ed
(?)
adj.
United by compact under a central organization, as governments or commercial organizations.

Syn. -- federate.


word: Federation
definition:
Federation

Fed`er*a"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fédération.]
1.
The act of uniting in a league; confederation.

2.
A league; a confederacy; a federal or confederated government.
Burke.


word: Federative
definition:
Federative

Fed"er*a*tive
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. fédératif.]
Uniting in a league; forming a confederacy; federal.
federative
Burke.


word: Fedity
definition:
Fedity

Fed"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. foeditas, fr. foedus foul, filthy.]
Turpitude; vileness.
[Obs.]
Bp. Hall.


word: fedora
definition:
fedora

fe*do"ra
(fĭ*dôr"ȧ)
n.
A soft felt hat with a crown creased lengthwise.

Syn. -- felt hat, homburg, Stetson, trilby.


word: Fee
definition:
Fee

Fee
(fē)
n.
[OE. fe, feh, feoh, cattle, property, money, fief, AS. feoh cattle, property, money; the senses of “property, money,” arising from cattle being used in early times as a medium of exchange or payment, property chiefly consisting of cattle; akin to OS. fehu cattle, property, D. vee cattle, OHG. fihu, fehu, G. vieh, Icel. fē cattle, property, money, Goth. faíhu, L. pecus cattle, pecunia property, money, Skr. paçu cattle, perh. orig., “a fastened or tethered animal,” from a root signifying to bind, and perh. akin to E. fang, fair, a.; cf. OF. fie, flu, feu, fleu, fief, F. fief, from German, of the same origin. the sense fief is due to the French. √249.  Cf. Feud, Fief, Fellow, Pecuniary.]
1.
property; possession; tenure.
fee
Spenser.

Once did she hold the gorgeous East in fee.
Wordsworth.

2.
Reward or compensation for services rendered or to be rendered; especially, payment for professional services, of optional amount, or fixed by custom or laws; charge; pay; perquisite; as, the fees of lawyers and physicians; the fees of office; clerk's fees; sheriff's fees; marriage fees, etc.

To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.
Shak.

3.
(Feud. Law)
A right to the use of a superior's land, as a stipend for services to be performed; also, the land so held; a fief.

4.
(Eng. Law)
An estate of inheritance supposed to be held either mediately or immediately from the sovereign, and absolutely vested in the owner.

&hand_; All the land in England, except the crown land, is of this kind. An absolute fee, or fee simple, is land which a man holds to himself and his heirs forever, who are called tenants in fee simple. In modern writers, by fee is usually meant fee simple. A limited fee may be a qualified or base fee, which ceases with the existence of certain conditions; or a conditional fee, or fee tail, which is limited to particular heirs.
Blackstone.

5.
(Amer. Law)
An estate of inheritance belonging to the owner, and transmissible to his heirs, absolutely and simply, without condition attached to the tenure.

Fee estate (Eng. Law), land or tenements held in fee in consideration or some acknowledgment or service rendered to the lord. -- Fee farm (Law), land held of another in fee, in consideration of an annual rent, without homage, fealty, or any other service than that mentioned in the feoffment; an estate in fee simple, subject to a perpetual rent. Blackstone. -- Fee farm rent (Eng. Law), a perpetual rent reserved upon a conveyance in fee simple. -- Fee fund (Scot. Law), certain court dues out of which the clerks and other court officers are paid. -- Fee simple (Law), an absolute fee; a fee without conditions or limits.
[1913 Webster]
Buy the fee simple of my life for an hour and a quarter. Shak.
-- Fee tail (Law), an estate of inheritance, limited and restrained to some particular heirs. Burill.


word: Fee₂
definition:
Fee

Fee
(fē)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feed (fēd); p. pr. & vb. n. Feeing.]
To reward for services performed, or to be performed; to recompense; to hire or keep in hire; hence, to bribe.

The patient . . . fees the doctor.
Dryden.

There's not a one of them but in his house
I keep a servant feed.
Shak.


word: Feeble
definition:
Feeble

Fee"ble
(fē"b'l)
a.
[Compar. Feebler (-blẽr); superl. Feeblest (-blĕst).]
[OE. feble, OF. feble, flebe, floibe, floible, foible, F. faible, L. flebilis to be wept over, lamentable, wretched, fr. flere to weep.  Cf. Foible.]
1.
Deficient in physical strength; weak; infirm; debilitated.

Carried all the feeble of them upon asses.
2 Chron. xxviii. 15.

2.
Wanting force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; not full, loud, bright, strong, rapid, etc.; faint; as, a feeble color; feeble motion.
feeble
Shak.


word: Feeble₂
definition:
Feeble

Fee"ble
v. t.
To make feble; to enfeeble.
[Obs.]

Shall that victorious hand be feebled here?
Shak.


word: Feeble-minded
definition:
Feeble-minded

Fee"ble-mind"ed
(?)
a.
Weak in intellectual power; wanting firmness or constancy; irresolute; vacillating; imbecile.
feeble-minded
1 Thess. v. 14.


word: Feebleness
definition:
Feebleness

Fee"ble*ness
n.
The quality or condition of being feeble; debility; infirmity.

That shakes for age and feebleness.
Shak.


word: Feebly
definition:
Feebly

Fee"bly
(?)
adv.
In a feeble manner.

The restored church . . . contended feebly, and with half a heart.
Macaulay.


word: Feed
definition:
Feed

Feed
(fēd)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fed (fĕd); p. pr. & vb. n. Feeding.]
[AS. fēdan, fr. f&omacrda food; akin to OS. f&omacrdian, OFries. fēda, f&omacrda, D. voeden, OHG. fuottan, Icel. fæða, Sw. föda, Dan. föde. √75.  See Food.]
1.
To give food to; to supply with nourishment; to satisfy the physical huger of.

If thine enemy hunger, feed him.
Rom. xii. 20.

Unreasonable creatures feed their young.
Shak.

2.
To satisfy; gratify or minister to, as any sense, talent, taste, or desire.

I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
Shak.

Feeding him with the hope of liberty.
Knolles.

3.
To fill the wants of; to supply with that which is used or wasted; as, springs feed ponds; the hopper feeds the mill; to feed a furnace with coal.

4.
To nourish, in a general sense; to foster, strengthen, develop, and guard.

Thou shalt feed my people Israel.
2 Sam. v. 2.

Mightiest powers by deepest calms are fed.
B. Cornwall.

5.
To graze; to cause to be cropped by feeding, as herbage by cattle; as, if grain is too forward in autumn, feed it with sheep.

Once in three years feed your mowing lands.
Mortimer.

6.
To give for food, especially to animals; to furnish for consumption; as, to feed out turnips to the cows; to feed water to a steam boiler.

7.
(Mach.)
(a)
To supply (the material to be operated upon) to a machine; as, to feed paper to a printing press.
(b)
To produce progressive operation upon or with (as in wood and metal working machines, so that the work moves to the cutting tool, or the tool to the work).


word: Feed₂
definition:
Feed

Feed
v. i.
1.
To take food; to eat.

Her kid . . . which I afterwards killed because it would not feed.
De Foe.

2.
To subject by eating; to satisfy the appetite; to feed one's self (upon something); to prey; -- with on or upon.

Leaving thy trunk for crows to feed upon.
Shak.

3.
To be nourished, strengthened, or satisfied, as if by food.
feeds
Spenser.

4.
To place cattle to feed; to pasture; to graze.

If a man . . . shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field.
Ex. xxii. 5.


word: Feed₃
definition:
Feed

Feed
(?)
n.
1.
That which is eaten; esp., food for beasts; fodder; pasture; hay; grain, ground or whole; as, the best feed for sheep.

2.
A grazing or pasture ground.
Shak.

3.
An allowance of provender given to a horse, cow, etc.; a meal; as, a feed of corn or oats.

4.
A meal, or the act of eating.
[R.]

For such pleasure till that hour
At feed or fountain never had I found.
Milton.

5.
The water supplied to steam boilers.

6.
(Mach.)
(a)
The motion, or act, of carrying forward the stuff to be operated upon, as cloth to the needle in a sewing machine; or of producing progressive operation upon any material or object in a machine, as, in a turning lathe, by moving the cutting tool along or in the work.
(b)
The supply of material to a machine, as water to a steam boiler, coal to a furnace, or grain to a run of stones.
(c)
The mechanism by which the action of feeding is produced; a feed motion.

Feed bag, a nose bag containing feed for a horse or mule. -- Feed cloth, an apron for leading cotton, wool, or other fiber, into a machine, as for carding, etc. -- Feed door, a door to a furnace, by which to supply coal. -- Feed head. (a) A cistern for feeding water by gravity to a steam boiler. (b) (Founding) An excess of metal above a mold, which serves to render the casting more compact by its pressure; -- also called a riser, deadhead, or simply feed or head Knight. -- Feed heater. (a) (Steam Engine) A vessel in which the feed water for the boiler is heated, usually by exhaust steam. (b) A boiler or kettle in which is heated food for stock. -- Feed motion, or Feed gear (Mach.), the train of mechanism that gives motion to the part that directly produces the feed in a machine. -- Feed pipe, a pipe for supplying the boiler of a steam engine, etc., with water. -- Feed pump, a force pump for supplying water to a steam boiler, etc. -- Feed regulator, a device for graduating the operation of a feeder. Knight. -- Feed screw, in lathes, a long screw employed to impart a regular motion to a tool rest or tool, or to the work. -- Feed water, water supplied to a steam boiler, etc. -- Feed wheel (Mach.), a kind of feeder. See Feeder, n., 8.


word: feedback
definition:
feedback

feedback
n.
1.
the process in which part of the output of a system is returned to its input.

2.
response to an inquiry or experiment.


word: feed bag
definition:
feed bag

feedbag

feedbag, feed bag
n.
a canvas bag that is used to feed an animal (such as a horse or mule); animal feed such as oats are placed in the bag, and it is fastened at the top of the head, covering the muzzle.  The animal may then eat the contents while thus wearing the feedbag.

Syn. -- nosebag.


word: Feeder
definition:
Feeder

Feed"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, gives food or supplies nourishment; steward.

A couple of friends, his chaplain and feeder.
Goldsmith.

2.
One who furnishes incentives; an encourager.
feeder
Shak.

3.
One who eats or feeds; specifically, an animal to be fed or fattened.

With eager feeding, food doth choke the feeder.
Shak.

4.
One who fattens cattle for slaughter.

5.
A stream that flows into another body of water; a tributary; specifically (Hydraulic Engin.), a water course which supplies a canal or reservoir by gravitation or natural flow.

6.
A branch railroad, stage line, air route, or the like; a side line which increases the business of the main line.

7.
(Mining)
(a)
A small lateral lode falling into the main lode or mineral vein.
Ure.
(b)
A strong discharge of gas from a fissure; a blower.
Raymond.

8.
(Mach.)
An auxiliary part of a machine which supplies or leads along the material operated upon.

9.
(Steam Engine)
A device for supplying steam boilers with water as needed.


word: Feeding
definition:
Feeding

Feed"ing
n.
1.
the act of eating, or of supplying with food; the process of fattening.

2.
That which is eaten; food.

3.
That which furnishes or affords food, especially for animals; pasture land.

Feeding bottle. See under Bottle.


word: Fee-faw-fum
definition:
Fee-faw-fum

Fee`-faw`-fum"
(?)
n.
A nonsensical exclamation attributed to giants and ogres; hence, any expression calculated to impose upon the timid and ignorant.
fee-faw-fums
J. H. Newman.


word: Feel
definition:
Feel

Feel
(fēl)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Felt (fĕlt); p. pr. & vb. n. Feeling.]
[AS. fēlan; akin to OS. gif&omacrlian to perceive, D. voelen to feel, OHG. fuolen, G. fühlen, Icel. fālma to grope, and prob. to AS. folm palm of the hand, L. palma.  Cf. Fumble, Palm.]
1.
To perceive by the touch; to take cognizance of by means of the nerves of sensation distributed all over the body, especially by those of the skin; to have sensation excited by contact of (a thing) with the body or limbs.

Who feel
Those rods of scorpions and those whips of steel.
Creecn.

2.
To touch; to handle; to examine by touching; as, feel this piece of silk; hence, to make trial of; to test; often with out.

Come near, . . . that I may feel thee, my son.
Gen. xxvii. 21.

He hath this to feel my affection to your honor.
Shak.

3.
To perceive by the mind; to have a sense of; to experience; to be affected by; to be sensible of, or sensitive to; as, to feel pleasure; to feel pain.

Teach me to feel another's woe.
Pope.

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing.
Eccl. viii. 5.

He best can paint them who shall feel them most.
Pope.

Mankind have felt their strength and made it felt.
Byron.

4.
To take internal cognizance of; to be conscious of; to have an inward persuasion of.

For then, and not till then, he felt himself.
Shak.

5.
To perceive; to observe.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

To feel the helm (Naut.), to obey it.


word: Feel₂
definition:
Feel

Feel
(?)
v. i.
1.
To have perception by the touch, or by contact of anything with the nerves of sensation, especially those upon the surface of the body.

2.
To have the sensibilities moved or affected.

[She] feels with the dignity of a Roman matron
Burke.

And mine as man, who feel for all mankind.
Pope.

3.
To be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, persuasion, physical condition, etc.; to perceive one's self to be; -- followed by an adjective describing the state, etc.; as, to feel assured, grieved, persuaded.

I then did feel full sick.
Shak.

4.
To know with feeling; to be conscious; hence, to know certainly or without misgiving.

Garlands . . . which I feel
I am not worthy yet to wear.
Shak.

5.
To appear to the touch; to give a perception; to produce an impression by the nerves of sensation; -- followed by an adjective describing the kind of sensation.

Blind men say black feels rough, and white feels smooth.
Dryden.

To feel after, to search for; to seek to find; to seek as a person groping in the dark. “If haply they might feel after him, and find him.”  Acts xvii. 27.
 -- To feel of, to examine by touching.


word: Feel₃
definition:
Feel

Feel
(?)
n.
1.
Feeling; perception.
[R.]

To intercept and have a more kindly feel of its genial warmth.
Hazlitt.

2.
A sensation communicated by touching; impression made upon one who touches or handles; as, this leather has a greasy feel.

The difference between these two tumors will be distinguished by the feel.
S. Sharp.


word: Feeler
definition:
Feeler

Feel"er
(?)
n.
1.
One who, or that which, feels.

2.
(Zool.)
One of the sense organs or certain animals (as insects), which are used in testing objects by touch and in searching for food; an antenna; a palp.

Insects . . . perpetually feeling and searching before them with their feelers or antennæ.
Derham.

3.
Anything, as a proposal, observation, etc., put forth or thrown out in order to ascertain the views of others; something tentative.


word: Feeling
definition:
Feeling

Feel"ing
a.
1.
Possessing great sensibility; easily affected or moved; as, a feeling heart.

2.
Expressive of great sensibility; attended by, or evincing, sensibility; as, he made a feeling representation of his wrongs.


word: Feeling₂
definition:
Feeling

Feel"ing
n.
1.
The sense by which the mind, through certain nerves of the body, perceives external objects, or certain states of the body itself; that one of the five senses which resides in the general nerves of sensation distributed over the body, especially in its surface; the sense of touch; nervous sensibility to external objects.

Why was the sight
To such a tender ball as the eye confined, . . . 
And not, as feeling, through all parts diffused?
Milton.

2.
An act or state of perception by the sense above described; an act of apprehending any object whatever; an act or state of apprehending the state of the soul itself; consciousness.

The apprehension of the good
Gives but the greater feeling to the worse.
Shak.

3.
The capacity of the soul for emotional states; a high degree of susceptibility to emotions or states of the sensibility not dependent on the body; as, a man of feeling; a man destitute of feeling.

4.
Any state or condition of emotion; the exercise of the capacity for emotion; any mental state whatever; as, a right or a wrong feeling in the heart; our angry or kindly feelings; a feeling of pride or of humility.

A fellow feeling makes one wondrous kind.
Garrick.

Tenderness for the feelings of others.
Macaulay.

5.
That quality of a work of art which embodies the mental emotion of the artist, and is calculated to affect similarly the spectator.
Fairholt.


word: Feese
definition:
Feese

Feese
(?)
n.
[Cf. OE. fesien to put to flight, AS. fēsian, f&ymacr_;sian, f&ymacr_;san, fr. fūs, prompt, willing.]
The short run before a leap.
[Obs.]
Nares.


word: Feeze
definition:
Feeze

Feeze
(?)
v. t.
[For sense 1, cf. F. visser to screw, vis screw, or 1st E. feaze, v.t.: for sense 2, see Feese.]
1.
To turn, as a screw.
[Scot]
Jamieson.

2.
To beat; to chastise; to humble; to worry.
[Obs.]
[Written also feaze, feize, pheese.]
Beau. & Fl.

To feeze up, to work into a passion. [Obs.]


word: Feign
definition:
Feign

Feign
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feigned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feigning.]
[OE. feinen, F. feindre (p. pr. feignant), fr. L. fingere; akin to L. figura figure,and E. dough. See Dough, and cf. Figure, Faint, Effigy, Fiction.]
1.
To give a mental existence to, as to something not real or actual; to imagine; to invent; hence, to pretend; to form and relate as if true.

There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
Neh. vi. 8.

The poet
Did feign that Orpheus drew trees, stones, and floods.
Shak.

2.
To represent by a false appearance of; to pretend; to counterfeit; as, to feign a sickness.
Shak.

3.
To dissemble; to conceal.
[Obs.]
Spenser.


word: Feigned
definition:
Feigned

Feigned
(?)
a.
Not real or genuine; pretended; counterfeit; insincere; false.
feigned
Shak.

Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Ps. xvii. 1.
Her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly.
Jer. iii. 10.

Feigned issue (Law), an issue produced in a pretended action between two parties for the purpose of trying before a jury a question of fact which it becomes necessary to settle in the progress of a cause. Burill. Bouvier.


word: Feint
definition:
Feint

Feint
(?)
a.
[F. feint, p. p. of feindre to feign. See Feign.]
Feigned; counterfeit.
[Obs.]

Dressed up into any feint appearance of it.
Locke.


word: Feint₂
definition:
Feint

Feint
n.
[F. feinte, fr. feint. See Feint, a.]
1.
That which is feigned; an assumed or false appearance; a pretense; a stratagem; a fetch.

Courtley's letter is but a feint to get off.
Spectator.

2.
A mock blow or attack on one part when another part is intended to be struck; -- said of certain movements in fencing, boxing, war, etc.


word: Feitsui
definition:
Feitsui

Fei`tsui"
(?)
n.
(Min.)
The Chinese name for a highly prized variety of pale green jade. See Jade.


word: Feldspath
definition:
Feldspath

Feldspar

{ Feld"spar` (?), Feld"spath` (?) }
n.
[G. feldspath; feld field + spath spar.]
(Min.)
A name given to a group of minerals, closely related in crystalline form, and all silicates of alumina with either potash, soda, lime, or, in one case, baryta. They occur in crystals and crystalline masses, vitreous in luster, and breaking rather easily in two directions at right angles to each other, or nearly so. The colors are usually white or nearly white, flesh-red, bluish, or greenish.

&hand_; The group includes the monoclinic (orthoclastic) species orthoclase or common potash feldspar, and the rare hyalophane or baryta feldspar; also the triclinic species (called in general plagioclase) microcline, like orthoclase a potash feldspar; anorthite or lime feldspar; albite or soda feldspar; also intermediate between the last two species, labradorite, andesine, oligoclase, containing both lime and soda in varying amounts. The feldspars are essential constituents of nearly all crystalline rocks, as granite, gneiss, mica, slate, most kinds of basalt and trachyte, etc. The decomposition of feldspar has yielded a large part of the clay of the soil, also the mineral kaolin, an essential material in the making of fine pottery. Common feldspar is itself largely used for the same purpose.


word: Feldspathose
definition:
Feldspathose

Feldspathic

{ Feld*spath"ic (?), Feld*spath"ose (?) }
a.
Pertaining to, or consisting of, feldspar.


word: Felicify
definition:
Felicify

Fe*lic"ify
(?)
v. t.
[L. felix happy + -fy.]
To make happy; to felicitate.
[Obs.]
Quarles.


word: Felicitate
definition:
Felicitate

Fe*lic"i*tate
(?)
a.
[L. felicitatus, p. p. of felicitare to felicitate, fr. felix, -icis, happy. See felicity.]
Made very happy.
[Archaic]

I am alone felicitate
In your dear highness' love.
Shak.


word: Felicitate₂
definition:
Felicitate

Fe*lic"i*tate
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Felicitated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. felicitating.]
[Cf. F. féliciter.]
1.
To make very happy; to delight.

What a glorious entertainment and pleasure would fill and felicitate his spirit.
I. Watts.

2.
To express joy or pleasure to; to wish felicity to; to call or consider (one's self) happy; to congratulate.

Every true heart must felicitate itself that its lot is cast in this kingdom.
W. Howitt.


word: Felicitation
definition:
Felicitation

Fe*lic`i*ta"tion
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. félicitation.]
The act of felicitating; a wishing of joy or happiness; congratulation.


word: Felicitous
definition:
Felicitous

Fe*lic"i*tous
(?)
a.
Characterized by felicity; happy; prosperous; delightful; skillful; successful; happily applied or expressed; appropriate.

Felicitous words and images.
M. Arnold.


word: felicitousness
definition:
felicitousness

fe*lic"i*tous*ness
n.
a pleasing and appropriate manner or style, especially of expression.

Syn. -- felicity.


word: Felicity
definition:
Felicity

Fe*lic"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Felicities (#).
[OE. felicite, F. félicité, fr. L. felicitas, fr. felix, -icis, happy, fruitful; akin to fetus.]
1.
The state of being happy; blessedness; blissfulness; enjoyment of good.

Our own felicity we make or find.
Johnson.

Finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity.
Book of Common Prayer.

2.
That which promotes happiness; a successful or gratifying event; prosperity; blessing.

the felicities of her wonderful reign.
Atterbury.

3.
A pleasing faculty or accomplishment; as, felicity in painting portraits, or in writing or talking.
Felicity
Bp. Warburton.


word: felid
definition:
felid

felid
n.
any of various lithe-bodied round-headed fissiped mammals, many with retractile claws; a member of the Felidae.

Syn. -- feline.


word: Felidae
definition:
Felidae

Felidae
n.
a natural family of lithe-bodied round-headed fissiped mammals, including the cats; wildcats; lions; leopards; cheetahs; and saber-toothed tigers.

Syn. -- family Felidae.


word: Feline
definition:
Feline

Fe"line
(?)
a.
[L. felinus, fr. feles, felis, cat, prob. orig., the fruitful: cf. F. félin. See Fetus.]
1.
(Zool.)
Catlike; of or pertaining to the genus Felis, or family Felidæ; as, the feline race; feline voracity.

2.
Characteristic of cats; sly; stealthy; treacherous; as, a feline nature; feline manners.


word: Felis
definition:
Felis

Fe"lis
(fē"lĭs)
prop. n.
[L., cat.]
(Zool.)
A genus of mostly small carnivorous mammals, including the domestic cat, puma, ocelot, and margay, which share the inability to roar due to bone structure in the larynx.  The lion, tiger, and other large roaring cats were once included in Felis but are now assigned to the genus Panthera.  The lynx (Felis lynx) is also called Lynx lynx.


word: Fell
definition:
Fell

Fell
a.
[OE. fel, OF. fel cruel, fierce, perfidious; cf. AS. fel (only in comp.) OF. fel, as a noun also accus. felon, is fr. LL. felo, of unknown origin; cf. Arm fall evil, Ir. feal, Arm. falloni treachery, Ir. & Gael. feall to betray; or cf. OHG. fillan to flay, torment, akin to E. fell skin.  Cf. Felon.]
1.
Cruel; barbarous; inhuman; fierce; savage; ravenous.

While we devise fell tortures for thy faults.
Shak.

2.
Eager; earnest; intent.
[Obs.]

I am so fell to my business.
Pepys.


word: Fell₂
definition:
Fell

Fell
n.
[Cf. L. fel gall, bile, or E. fell, a.]
Gall; anger; melancholy.
[Obs.]

Untroubled of vile fear or bitter fell.
Spenser.


word: Fell₃
definition:
Fell

Fell
n.
[AS. fell; akin to D. vel, OHG. fel, G. fell, Icel. fell (in comp.), Goth fill in þrutsfill leprosy, L. pellis skin, Gr. pe`lla.  Cf. Film, Peel, Pell, n.]
A skin or hide of a beast with the wool or hair on; a pelt; -- used chiefly in composition, as woolfell.

We are still handling our ewes, and their fells, you know, are greasy.
Shak.


word: Fell₄
definition:
Fell

Fell
(?)
n.
[Icel. fell, fjally; akin to Sw. fjäll a ridge or chain of mountains, Dan. fjeld mountain, rock and prob. to G. fels rock, or perh. to feld field, E. field.]
1.
A barren or rocky hill.
T. Gray.

2.
A wild field; a moor.
Dryton.


word: Fell₅
definition:
Fell

Fell
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Felled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Felling.]
[AS. fellan, a causative verb fr. feallan to fall; akin to D. vellen, G. fällen, Icel. fella, Sw. fälla, Dan. fælde. See Fall, v. i.]
To cause to fall; to prostrate; to bring down or to the ground; to cut down.

Stand, or I'll fell thee down.
Shak.


word: Fell₆
definition:
Fell

Fell
n.
(Mining)
The finer portions of ore which go through the meshes, when the ore is sorted by sifting.


word: Fell₈
definition:
Fell

Fell
n.
1.
(Sewing)
A form of seam joining two pieces of cloth, the edges being folded together and the stitches taken through both thicknesses.

2.
(Weaving)
The end of a web, formed by the last thread of the weft.


word: Fellah
definition:
Fellah

Fel"lah
(?)
n.
pl. Ar. Fellahin (#), E. Fellahs (#).
[Ar.]
A peasant or cultivator of the soil among the Egyptians, Syrians, etc.
W. M. Thomson.


word: fellatio
definition:
fellatio

fel*la"ti*o
(fĕl*lā"shē*o̝; fĕl*lā"tē*o̝)
n.
a form of sexual activity between two persons in which the penis of one is stimulated by the other's mouth, especially until orgasm is achieved.  It is a form of oral sex.  Compare cunnilingus.  The act is also called by the slang term blow job.


word: Feller
definition:
Feller

Fell"er
(?)
n.
One who, or that which, fells, knocks or cuts down; a machine for felling trees.


word: Fellifluous
definition:
Fellifluous

Fel*lif"lu*ous
(?)
a.
[L. fellifuus; fel gall + fluere to flow.]
Flowing with gall.
[R.]
Johnson.


word: Fellinic
definition:
Fellinic

Fel*lin"ic
(?)
a.
[L. fel, fellis, gall.]
Of, relating to, or derived from, bile or gall; as, fellinic acid.


word: Fellmonger
definition:
Fellmonger

Fell"mon`ger
(?)
n.
A dealer in fells or sheepskins, who separates the wool from the pelts.


word: Fellness
definition:
Fellness

Fell"ness
n.
[See Fell cruel.]
The quality or state of being fell or cruel; fierce barbarity.
Spenser.


word: Fellon
definition:
Fellon

Fel"lon
(?)
n.
Variant of Felon.
[Obs.]

Those two were foes the fellonest on ground.
Spenser.


word: Fellow
definition:
Fellow

Fel"low
(?)
n.
[OE. felawe, felaghe, Icel. fēlagi, fr. fēlag companionship, prop., a laying together of property; fē property + lag a laying, pl. lög law, akin to liggja to lie. See Fee, and Law, Lie to be low.]
1.
A companion; a comrade; an associate; a partner; a sharer.

The fellows of his crime.
Milton.

We are fellows still,
Serving alike in sorrow.
Shak.

That enormous engine was flanked by two fellows almost of equal magnitude.
Gibbon.

&hand_; Commonly used of men, but sometimes of women.
Judges xi. 37.

2.
A man without good breeding or worth; an ignoble or mean man.

Worth makes the man, and want of it, the fellow.
Pope.

3.
An equal in power, rank, character, etc.

It is impossible that ever Rome
Should breed thy fellow.
Shak.

4.
One of a pair, or of two things used together or suited to each other; a mate; the male.

When they be but heifers of one year, . . . they are let go to the fellow and breed.
Holland.

This was my glove; here is the fellow of it.
Shak.

5.
A person; an individual.

She seemed to be a good sort of fellow.
Dickens.

6.
In the English universities, a scholar who is appointed to a foundation called a fellowship, which gives a title to certain perquisites and privileges.

7.
In an American college or university, a member of the corporation which manages its business interests; also, a graduate appointed to a fellowship, who receives the income of the foundation.

8.
A member of a literary or scientific society; as, a Fellow of the Royal Society.

&hand_; Fellow is often used in compound words, or adjectively, signifying associate, companion, or sometimes equal. Usually, such compounds or phrases are self-explanatory; as, fellow-citizen, or fellow citizen; fellow-student, or fellow student; fellow-workman, or fellow workman; fellow-mortal, or fellow mortal; fellow-sufferer; bedfellow; playfellow; workfellow.

Were the great duke himself here, and would lift up
My head to fellow pomp amongst his nobles.
Ford.


word: Fellow-commoner
definition:
Fellow-commoner

Fel"low-com"mon*er
(?)
n.
A student at Cambridge University, England, who commons, or dines, at the Fellow's table.


word: Fellow-creature
definition:
Fellow-creature

Fel"low-crea"ture
(?; 135)
n.
One of the same race or kind; one made by the same Creator.

Reason, by which we are raised above our fellow-creatures, the brutes.
I. Watts.


word: Fellow-feeling
definition:
Fellow-feeling

Fel"low-feel"ing
n.
1.
Sympathy; a like feeling.

2.
Joint interest.
[Obs.]
Arbuthnot.


word: Fellowless
definition:
Fellowless

Fel"low*less
a.
Without fellow or equal; peerless.

Whose well-built walls are rare and fellowless.
Chapman.


word: Fellowlike
definition:
Fellowlike

Fel"low*like`
(?)
a.
Like a companion; companionable; on equal terms; sympathetic.
[Obs.]
Udall.


word: Fellowship
definition:
Fellowship

Fel"low*ship
(?)
n.
[Fellow + -ship.]
1.
The state or relation of being or associate.

2.
Companionship of persons on equal and friendly terms; frequent and familiar intercourse.

In a great town, friends are scattered, so that there is not that fellowship which is in less neighborhods.
Bacon.

Men are made for society and mutual fellowship.
Calamy.

3.
A state of being together; companionship; partnership; association; hence, confederation; joint interest.

The great contention of the sea and skies
Parted our fellowship.
Shak.

Fellowship in pain divides not smart
Milton.

Fellowship in woe doth woe assuage
Shak.

The goodliest fellowship of famous knights,
Whereof this world holds record.
Tennyson.

4.
Those associated with one, as in a family, or a society; a company.

The sorrow of Noah with his fellowship.
Chaucer.

With that a joyous fellowship issued
Of minstrels.
Spenser.

5.
(Eng. & Amer. Universities)
A foundation for the maintenance, on certain conditions, of a scholar called a fellow, who usually resides at the university.

6.
(Arith.)
The rule for dividing profit and loss among partners; -- called also partnership, company, and distributive proportion.

Good fellowship, companionableness; the spirit and disposition befitting comrades.
[1913 Webster]
There's neither honesty, manhood, nor good fellowship in thee. Shak.


word: Fellowship₂
definition:
Fellowship

Fel"low*ship
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fellowshiped (_;); p. pr. & vb. n.. Fellowshiping.]
(Eccl.)
To acknowledge as of good standing, or in communion according to standards of faith and practice; to admit to Christian fellowship.


word: Felly₂
definition:
Felly

Fel"ly
n.
pl. Fellies (_;).
[OE. feli, felwe, felow, AS. felg, felge; akin to D. velg, G. felge, OHG. felga felly (also, a harrow, but prob. a different word), Dan. felge.]
The exterior wooden rim, or a segment of the rim, of a wheel, supported by the spokes.
[Written also felloe.]

Break all the spokes and fellies from her wheel.
Shak.


word: Felo-de-se
definition:
Felo-de-se

Fe"lo-de-se`
(?)
n.
pl. Felos-de-se (#).
[LL. felo, E. felon + de of, concerning + se self.]
(Law)
One who deliberately puts an end to his own existence, or loses his life while engaged in the commission of an unlawful or malicious act; a suicide.
Burrill.


word: Felon
definition:
Felon

Fel"on
(?)
n.
[OE., adj., cruel, n., villain, ruffian, traitor, whitlow, F. félon traitor, in OF. also, villain, fr. LL. felo. See Fell, a.]
1.
(Law)
A person who has committed a felony.

2.
A person guilty or capable of heinous crime.

3.
(Med.)
A kind of whitlow; a painful imflammation of the periosteum of a finger, usually of the last joint.


word: Felon₂
definition:
Felon

Fel"on
a.
Characteristic of a felon; malignant; fierce; malicious; cruel; traitorous; disloyal.

Vain shows of love to vail his felon hate.
Pope.


word: Felonious
definition:
Felonious

Fe*lo"ni*ous
(?)
a.
Having the quality of felony; malignant; malicious; villainous; traitorous; perfidious; in a legal sense, done with intent to commit a crime; as, felonious homicide.

O thievish Night,
Why should'st thou, but for some felonious end,
In thy dark lantern thus close up the stars?
Milton.


word: Felonry
definition:
Felonry

Fel"on*ry
(?)
n.
A body of felons; specifically, the convict population of a penal colony.
Howitt.


word: Felonwort
definition:
Felonwort

Fel"on*wort`
(?)
n.
(Bot.)
The bittersweet nightshade (Solanum Dulcamara). See Bittersweet.


word: Felony
definition:
Felony

Fel"o*ny
(?)
n.
pl. Felonies (#).
[OE. felonie cruelty, OF. felonie, F. félonie treachery, malice. See Felon, n.]
1.
(Feudal Law)
An act on the part of the vassal which cost him his fee by forfeiture.
Burrill.

2.
(O.Eng.Law)
An offense which occasions a total forfeiture either lands or goods, or both, at the common law, and to which capital or other punishment may be added, according to the degree of guilt.

3.
A heinous crime; especially, a crime punishable by death or imprisonment.

&hand_; Forfeiture for crime having been generally abolished in the United States, the term felony, in American law, has lost this point of distinction; and its meaning, where not fixed by statute, is somewhat vague and undefined; generally, however, it is used to denote an offense of a high grade, punishable either capitally or by a term of imprisonment. In Massachusetts, by statute, any crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison, and no other, is a felony; so in New York.  the tendency now is to obliterate the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors; and this has been done partially in England, and completely in some of the States of the Union. The distinction is purely arbitrary, and its entire abolition is only a question of time.

&hand_; There is no lawyer who would undertake to tell what a felony is, otherwise than by enumerating the various kinds of offenses which are so called. originally, the word felony had a meaning: it denoted all offenses the penalty of which included forfeiture of goods; but subsequent acts of Parliament have declared various offenses to be felonies, without enjoining that penalty, and have taken away the penalty from others, which continue, nevertheless, to be called felonies, insomuch that the acts so called have now no property whatever in common, save that of being unlawful and purnishable.
J. S. Mill.

To compound a felony. See under Compound, v. t.


word: Felsite
definition:
Felsite

Fel"site
(?)
n.
[Cf. Feldspar.]
(Min.)
A finegrained rock, flintlike in fracture, consisting essentially of orthoclase feldspar with occasional grains of quartz.


word: Felt₂
definition:
Felt

Felt
(?)
n.
[AS. felt; akin to D. vilt, G. filz, and possibly to Gr. _; hair or wool wrought into felt, L. pilus hair, pileus a felt cap or hat.]
1.
A cloth or stuff made of matted fibers of wool, or wool and fur, fulled or wrought into a compact substance by rolling and pressure, with lees or size, without spinning or weaving.

It were a delicate stratagem to shoe
A troop of horse with felt.
Shak.

2.
A hat made of felt.
Thynne.

3.
A skin or hide; a fell; a pelt.
[Obs.]

To know whether sheep are sound or not, see that the felt be loose.
Mortimer.

Felt grain, the grain of timber which is transverse to the annular rings or plates; the direction of the medullary rays in oak and some other timber. Knight.


word: Felt₃
definition:
Felt

Felt
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Felted; p. pr. & vb. n. Felting.]
1.
To make into felt, or a feltike substance; to cause to adhere and mat together.
Sir M. Hale.

2.
To cover with, or as with, felt; as, to felt the cylinder of a steam engine.


word: Felter
definition:
Felter

Felt"er
(?)
v. t.
To clot or mat together like felt.

His feltered locks that on his bosom fell.
Fairfax.


word: Felting
definition:
Felting

Felt"ing
n.
1.
The material of which felt is made; also, felted cloth; also, the process by which it is made.

2.
The act of splitting timber by the felt grain.


word: Felucca
definition:
Felucca

Fe*luc"ca
(_;)
n.
[It. feluca (cf. Sp. faluca, Pg. falua), fr. Ar. fulk ship, or harrāqah a sort of ship.]
(Naut.)
A small, swift-sailing vessel, propelled by oars and lateen sails, -- once common in the Mediterranean.
Sometimes it is constructed so that the helm may be used at either end.


word: Felwort
definition:
Felwort

Fel"wort`
(?)
n.
[Probably a corruption of fieldwort.]
(Bot.)
A European herb (Swertia perennis) of the Gentian family.


word: Female
definition:
Female

Fe"male
(?)
n.
[OE. femel, femal, F. femelle, fr. L. femella, dim. of femina woman. See Feminine.]
1.
An individual of the sex which conceives and brings forth young, or (in a wider sense) which has an ovary and produces ova.

The male and female of each living thing.
Drayton.

2.
(Bot.)
A plant which produces only that kind of reproductive organs which are capable of developing into fruit after impregnation or fertilization; a pistillate plant.


word: Female₂
definition:
Female

Fe"male
a.
1.
Belonging to the sex which conceives and gives birth to young, or (in a wider sense) which produces ova; not male.

As patient as the female dove
When that her golden couplets are disclosed.
Shak.

2.
Belonging to an individual of the female sex; characteristic of woman; feminine; as, female tenderness.
Female
Milton.

To the generous decision of a female mind, we owe the discovery of America.
Belknap.

3.
(Bot.)
Having pistils and no stamens; pistillate; or, in cryptogamous plants, capable of receiving fertilization.

Female rhymes (Pros.), double rhymes, or rhymes (called in French feminine rhymes because they end in e weak, or feminine) in which two syllables, an accented and an unaccented one, correspond at the end of each line.
[1913 Webster]
&hand_; A rhyme, in which the final syllables only agree (strain, complain) is called a male rhyme; one in which the two final syllables of each verse agree, the last being short (motion, ocean), is called female. Brande & C.
-- Female screw, the spiral-threaded cavity into which another, or male, screw turns. Nicholson. -- Female fern (Bot.), a common species of fern with large decompound fronds (Asplenium Filixfæmina), growing in many countries; lady fern.
[1913 Webster]
&hand_; The names male fern and female fern were anciently given to two common ferns; but it is now understood that neither has any sexual character.


word: Feme
definition:
Feme

Feme
(fĕm or făm)
n.
[OF. feme, F. femme.]
(Old Law)
A woman.
Burrill.

Feme covert (Law), a married woman.  See Covert, a., 3. -- Feme sole (Law), a single or unmarried woman; a woman who has never been married, or who has been divorced, or whose husband is dead. -- Feme sole trader or Feme sole merchant (Eng. Law), a married woman, who, by the custom of London, engages in business on her own account, inpendently of her husband.


word: Femerell
definition:
Femerell

Fem"er*ell
(?)
n.
[OF. fumeraille part of a chimney. See Fume.]
(Arch.)
A lantern, or louver covering, placed on a roof, for ventilation or escape of smoke.


word: Feminine
definition:
Feminine

Fem"i*nine
(?)
a.
[L. femininus, fr. femina woman; prob. akin to L. fetus, or to Gr. qh^sqai to suck, qh^sai to suckle, Skr. dhā to suck; cf. AS. f&aemacr_;mme woman, maid: cf. F. féminin. See Fetus.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a woman, or to women; characteristic of a woman; womanish; womanly.

Her letters are remarkably deficient in feminine ease and grace.
Macaulay.

2.
Having the qualities of a woman; becoming or appropriate to the female sex; as, in a good sense, modest, graceful, affectionate, confiding; or, in a bad sense, weak, nerveless, timid, pleasure-loving, effeminate.

Her heavenly form
Angelic, but more soft and feminine.
Milton.

Ninus being esteemed no man of war at all, but altogether feminine, and subject to ease and delicacy.
Sir W. Raleigh.

Feminine rhyme. (Pros.) See Female rhyme, under Female, a.


word: Feminine₂
definition:
Feminine

Fem"i*nine
n.
1.
A woman.
[Obs. or Colloq.]

They guide the feminines toward the palace.
Hakluyt.

2.
(Gram.)
Any one of those words which are the appellations of females, or which have the terminations usually found in such words; as, actress, songstress, abbess, executrix.

There are but few true feminines in English.
Latham.


word: Femininity
definition:
Femininity

Fem`i*nin"i*ty
(?)
n.
1.
The quality or nature of the female sex; womanliness.

2.
The female form.
[Obs.]

O serpent under femininitee.
Chaucer.


word: Feminye
definition:
Feminye

Fem"i*nye
(?)
n.
[OF. femenie, feminie, the female sex, realm of women.]
The people called Amazons.
[Obs.]
feminye
Chaucer.


word: Femme
definition:
Femme

Femme
(? or ?)
n.
[F.]
A woman. See Feme, n.

Femme de chambre (?). [F.] A lady's maid; a chambermaid.


word: Femoral
definition:
Femoral

Fem"o*ral
(?)
a.
[L. femur, femoris, thigh: cf. F. fémoral.]
Pertaining to the femur or thigh; as, the femoral artery.
Femoral
Sir W. Scott.


word: Femur
definition:
Femur

Fe"mur
(fē"mŭr)
n.
pl. Femora (fĕm"o̝*rȧ).
[L. thigh.]
(Anat.)
(a)
The thigh bone; -- it is the longest and thickest bone of the human skeleton, which extends from the pelvis to the knee.
(b)
The proximal segment of the hind limb containing the thigh bone; the thigh. See Coxa.


word: Fen
definition:
Fen

Fen
(fĕn)
n.
[AS. fen, fenn, marsh, mud, dirt; akin to D. veen, OFries. fenne, fene, OHG. fenna, G. fenn, Icel. fen, Goth. fani mud.]
Low land overflowed, or covered wholly or partially with water, but producing sedge, coarse grasses, or other aquatic plants; boggy land; moor; marsh.

'Mid reedy fens wide spread.
Wordsworth.

&hand_; Fen is used adjectively with the sense of belonging to, or of the nature of, a fen or fens.

Fen boat, a boat of light draught used in marshes. -- Fen duck (Zool.), a wild duck inhabiting fens; the shoveler. [Prov. Eng.] -- Fen fowl (Zool.), any water fowl that frequent fens. -- Fen goose (Zool.), the graylag goose of Europe. [Prov. Eng.] -- Fen land, swamp land.


word: Fence
definition:
Fence

Fence
(fĕns)
n.
[Abbrev. from defence.]
1.
That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.

Let us be backed with God and with the seas,
Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
Shak.

A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
Addison.

2.
An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.

Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
Milton.

&hand_; In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence.

3.
(Locks)
A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.

4.
Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.

Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,
That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
Milton.

Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
Macaulay.

5.
A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received.
[Slang]
Mayhew.

Fence month (Forest Law), the month in which female deer are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. Bullokar. -- Fence roof, a covering for defense. “They fitted their shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof.” Holland. -- Fence time, the breeding time of fish or game, when they should not be killed. -- Rail fence, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by posts. -- Ring fence, a fence which encircles a large area, or a whole estate, within one inclosure. -- Worm fence, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one another at their ends; -- called also snake fence, or Virginia rail fence. -- To be on the fence, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies. [Colloq.]


word: Fence₂
definition:
Fence

Fence
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fenced (fĕnst); p. pr. & vb. n. Fencing (fĕn"sĭng).]
1.
To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.

To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
Milton.

2.
To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure.

O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,
And fence not Athens.
Shak.

A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
Shak.

To fence the tables (Scot. Church), to make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table. McCheyne.


word: Fence₃
definition:
Fence

Fence
(?)
v. i.
1.
To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.

Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against.
Locke.

2.
To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.

He will fence with his own shadow.
Shak.

3.
Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.

They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;
Their dewlaps and their sides are bat_;ed in gore.
Dryden.

As when a billow, blown against,
Falls back, the voice with which I fenced
A little ceased, but recommenced.
Tennyson.


word: Fencer
definition:
Fencer

Fen"cer
(?)
n.
One who fences; one who teaches or practices the art of fencing with sword or foil.

As blunt as the fencer's foils.
Shak.


word: Fencible
definition:
Fencible

Fen"ci*ble
(?)
a.
Capable of being defended, or of making or affording defense.
[Obs.]

No fort so fencible, nor walls so strong.
Spenser.


word: Fencing
definition:
Fencing

Fen"cing
(?)
n.
1.
The art or practice of attack and defense with the sword, esp. with the smallsword. See Fence, v. i., 2.

2.
Disputing or debating in a manner resembling the art of fencers.
Shak.

3.
The materials used for building fences.
[U.S.]

4.
The act of building a fence.

5.
The aggregate of the fences put up for inclosure or protection; as, the fencing of a farm.


word: Fend₂
definition:
Fend

Fend
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fended; p. pr. & vb. n. Fending.]
[Abbrev. fr. defend.]
To keep off; to prevent from entering or hitting; to ward off; to shut out; -- often with off; as, to fend off blows.

With fern beneath to fend the bitter cold.
Dryden.

To fend off a boat or To fend off a vessel (Naut.), to prevent its running against anything with too much violence.


word: Fend₃
definition:
Fend

Fend
v. i.
To act on the defensive, or in opposition; to resist; to parry; to shift off.

The dexterous management of terms, and being able to fend . . . with them, passes for a great part of learning.
Locke.


word: Fender
definition:
Fender

Fen"der
(?)
n.
[From Fend, v. t. & i., cf. Defender.]
One who or that which defends or protects by warding off harm
(a)
A screen to prevent coals or sparks of an open fire from escaping to the floor.
(b)
Anything serving as a cushion to lessen the shock when a vessel comes in contact with another vessel or a wharf.
(c)
A screen to protect a carriage from mud thrown off the wheels: also, a splashboard.
(d)
Anything set up to protect an exposed angle, as of a house, from damage by carriage wheels.


word: Fenerate
definition:
Fenerate

Fen"er*ate
(?)
v. i.
[L. faeneratus, p. p. of faenerari lend on interest, fr. faenus interest.]
To put money to usury; to lend on interest.
[Obs.]
Cockeram.


word: Feneration
definition:
Feneration

Fen`er*a"tion
(?)
n.
[L. faeneratio.]
The act of fenerating; interest.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Fenes-tella
definition:
Fenes-tella

Fen`es-tel"la
(?)
n.
[L., dim. of fenestra _; window.]
(Arch.)
Any small windowlike opening or recess, esp. one to show the relics within an altar, or the like.


word: Fenestra
definition:
Fenestra

Fe*nes"tra
(?)
n.
pl. Fenestræ (#).
[L., a window.]
(Anat.)
A small opening; esp., one of the apertures, closed by membranes, between the tympanum and internal ear.


word: Fenestral
definition:
Fenestral

Fe*nes"tral
(?)
a.
[L. fenestra a window.]
1.
(Arch.)
Pertaining to a window or to windows.

2.
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to a fenestra.


word: Fenestral₂
definition:
Fenestral

Fe*nes"tral
n.
(Arch.)
A casement or window sash, closed with cloth or paper instead of glass.
Weale.


word: Fenestrate
definition:
Fenestrate

Fe*nes"trate
(?)
a.
[L. fenestratus, p. p. of fenestrare to furnish with openings and windows.]
1.
Having numerous openings; irregularly reticulated; as, fenestrate membranes; fenestrate fronds.

2.
(Zool.)
Having transparent spots, as the wings of certain butterflies.


word: Fenestrated
definition:
Fenestrated

Fe*nes"tra*ted
(?)
a.
1.
(Arch.)
Having windows; characterized by windows.

2.
Same as Fenestrate.


word: Fenestration
definition:
Fenestration

Fen`es*tra"tion
(?)
n.
1.
(Arch.)
The arrangement and proportioning of windows; -- used by modern writers for the decorating of an architectural composition by means of the window (and door) openings, their ornaments, and proportions.

2.
(Anat.)
The state or condition of being fenestrated.


word: Fenestrule
definition:
Fenestrule

Fe*nes"trule
(?)
n.
[L. fenestrula a little window, dim. of fenestra a window.]
(Zool.)
One of the openings in a fenestrated structure.


word: Feng-hwang
definition:
Feng-hwang

Fêng"-hwang`
(?)
n.
[Chin. feng + ‘huang.]
(Chinese Myth.)
A pheasantlike bird of rich plumage and graceful form and movement, fabled to appear in the land on the accession of a sage to the throne, or when right principles are about to prevail.  It is often represented on porcelains and other works of art.


word: Fengite
definition:
Fengite

Fen"gite
(?)
n.
(Min.)
A kind of marble or alabaster, sometimes used for windows on account of its transparency.


word: Feng-shui
definition:
Feng-shui

Fêng"-shu`i
(?)
n.
[Chin. feng wind + shiu water.]
A system of spirit influences for good and evil believed by the Chinese to attend the natural features of landscape; also, a kind of geomancy dealing with these influences, used in determining sites for graves, houses, etc.


word: Fenian
definition:
Fenian

Fe"ni*an
(?)
n.
[From the Finians or Fenii, the old militia of Ireland, who were so called from Fin or Finn, Fionn, or Fingal, a popular hero of Irish traditional history.]
A member of a secret organization, consisting mainly of Irishmen, having for its aim the overthrow of English rule in Ireland.


word: Fenks
definition:
Fenks

Fenks
(fĕ&nsmacr_;ks)
n.
The refuse whale blubber, used as a manure, and in the manufacture of Prussian blue.
Ure.


word: Fennec
definition:
Fennec

Fen"nec
(fĕn"nĕk)
n.
[Ar. fanek.]
(Zool.)
A small, African, foxlike animal (Vulpes zerda) of a pale fawn color, remarkable for the large size of its ears.


word: Fennel
definition:
Fennel

Fen"nel
(fĕn"nĕl)
n.
[AS. fenol, finol, from L. feniculum, faeniculum, dim. of fenum, faenum, hay: cf. F. fenouil.  Cf. Fenugreek. Finochio.]
(Bot.)
A perennial plant of the genus Fæniculum (Fæniculum vulgare), having very finely divided leaves.  It is cultivated in gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds.

Smell of sweetest fennel.
Milton.

A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling bottle of the tender sex.
S. G. Goodrich.

Azorean fennel, or Sweet fennel, (Fæniculum dulce).  It is a smaller and stouter plant than the common fennel, and is used as a pot herb. -- Dog's fennel (Anthemis Cotula), a foul-smelling European weed; -- called also mayweed. -- Fennel flower (Bot.), an herb (Nigella) of the Buttercup family, having leaves finely divided, like those of the fennel. Nigella Damascena is common in gardens.  Nigella sativa furnishes the fennel seed, used as a condiment, etc., in India.  These seeds are the “fitches” mentioned in Isaiah (xxviii. 25). -- Fennel water (Med.), the distilled water of fennel seed.  It is stimulant and carminative. -- Giant fennel (Ferula communis), has stems full of pith, which, it is said, were used to carry fire, first, by Prometheus. -- Hog's fennel, a European plant (Peucedanum officinale) looking something like fennel.


word: Fenny
definition:
Fenny

Fen"ny
(?)
a.
[AS. fennig.]
Pertaining to, or inhabiting, a fen; abounding in fens; swampy; boggy.
Fenny
Shak.


word: Fenowed
definition:
Fenowed

Fen"owed
(?)
a.
[AS. fynig musty, fynegean to become musty or filthy: cf. fennig fenny, muddy, dirty, fr. fen fen.  Cf. Finew.]
Corrupted; decayed; moldy. See Vinnewed.
[Obs.]
Dr. Favour.


word: Fenugreek
definition:
Fenugreek

Fen"u*greek
(? or ?)
n.
[L. faenum Graecum, lit., Greek hay: cf. F. fenugrec.  Cf. Fennel.]
(Bot.)
A plant (trigonella Fœnum Græcum) cultivated for its strong-smelling seeds, which are
J. Smith (Pop. Names of Plants, 1881).


word: Feodary
definition:
Feodary

Feod"a*ry
(?)
n.
1.
An accomplice.

Art thou a feodary for this act?
Shak.

2.
(Eng. Law)
An ancient officer of the court of wards.
Burrill.


word: Feoff
definition:
Feoff

Feoff
(?; 277)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feoffed (#); p. pr. & vb. n.. Feoffing.]
[OE. feffen, OF. feffer, fieffer, F. fieffer, fr. fief fief; cf. LL. feoffare, fefare. See Fief.]
(Law)
To invest with a fee or feud; to give or grant a corporeal hereditament to; to enfeoff.


word: Feoffee
definition:
Feoffee

Feof*fee"
(?; 277)
n.
[OF. feoffé.]
(Law)
The person to whom a feoffment is made; the person enfeoffed.


word: Feoffment
definition:
Feoffment

Feoff"ment
(?)
n.
[OF. feoffement, fieffement; cf. LL. feoffamentum.]
(Law)
(a)
The grant of a feud or fee.
(b)
(Eng. Law)
A gift or conveyance in fee of land or other corporeal hereditaments, accompanied by actual delivery of possession.
Burrill.


word: Feoffer
definition:
Feoffer

Feofor

{ Feo"for (?), Feof"fer (?) }
n.
[OF. feoour.]
(Law)
One who enfeoffs or grants a fee.


word: Feracious
definition:
Feracious

Fe*ra"cious
(?)
a.
[L. ferax, -acis, fr. ferre to bear.]
Fruitful; producing abundantly.
[R.]
Thomson.


word: Feracity
definition:
Feracity

Fe*rac"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. feracitas.]
The state of being feracious or fruitful.
[Obs.]
Beattie.


word: Ferae
definition:
Ferae

Fe"ræ
(?)
prop. n. pl.
[L., wild animals, fem. pl. of ferus wild.]
(Zool.)
A group of mammals which formerly included the Carnivora, Insectivora, Marsupialia, and lemurs, but is now often restricted to the Carnivora.


word: Feræ naturæ
definition:
Feræ naturæ

Fe"ræ na*tu"ræ
(?)
[L.]
Of a wild nature; -- applied to animals, as foxes, wild ducks, etc., in which no one can claim property.


word: feral
definition:
feral

fe"ral
(?)
a.
[L. ferus. See Fierce.]
(Bot. & Zool.)
Wild; untamed; ferine; not domesticated; -- said of beasts, birds, and plants.


word: feral child
definition:
feral child

fe"ral child`
(?)
n.
A child not raised in the company of humans;  a child raised by wild animals.   Romulus and Remus in Roman mythology were feral children.  Authenticated examples of children raised by beasts are rare or nonexistent, though there are stories of children being raised from infancy in isolation from adults, or in the presence of deaf and dumb adults, resulting in an inability to speak human language.


word: Feral
definition:
Feral

Fe"ral
a.
[L. feralis, belonging to the dead.]
Funereal; deadly; fatal; dangerous.
[R.]
Feral
Burton.


word: Fer-de-lance
definition:
Fer-de-lance

Fer`-de-lance"
(?)
n.
[F., the iron of a lance, lance head.]
(Zool.)
A large, venomous serpent (Trigonocephalus lanceolatus) of Brazil and the West Indies. It is allied to the rattlesnake, but has no rattle.


word: Ferding
definition:
Ferding

Fer"ding
(?)
n.
[See Farthing.]
A measure of land mentioned in Domesday Book. It is supposed to have consisted of a few acres only.
[Obs.]


word: Fere
definition:
Fere

Fere
(?)
n.
[OE. fere companion, AS. gefēra, from fēran to go, travel, faran to travel. √78. See Fare.]
A mate or companion; -- often used of a wife.
[Obs.]
[Written also fear and feere.]
Chaucer.

And Cambel took Cambrina to his fere.
Spenser.

In fere, together; in company. [Obs.] Chaucer.


word: Feretory
definition:
Feretory

Fer`e*to*ry
(?)
n.
[L. feretrum bier, Gr. _;, fr. fe`rein to bear, akin to L. ferre, E. bear to support.]
A portable bier or shrine, variously adorned, used for containing relics of saints.
Mollett.


word: Ferforth
definition:
Ferforth

Fer"forth`
(?)
adv.
Far forth.
[Obs.]

As ferforth as, as far as. -- So ferforth, to such a degree.


word: Fergusonite
definition:
Fergusonite

Fer"gu*son*ite
(?)
n.
(Min.)
A mineral of a brownish black color, essentially a tantalo-niobate of yttrium, erbium, and cerium; -- so called after Robert Ferguson.


word: Feria
definition:
Feria

Fe"ri*a
(?)
n.
pl. Feriæ (_;).
(Eccl.)
A week day, esp. a day which is neither a festival nor a fast.
Shipley.


word: Ferial₂
definition:
Ferial

Fe"ri*al
a.
[LL. ferialis, fr. L. ferie holidays: cf. F. férial. See 5th Fair.]
1.
Of or pertaining to holidays.
[Obs.]
J. Gregory.

2.
Belonging to any week day, esp. to a day that is neither a festival nor a fast.


word: Feriation
definition:
Feriation

Fe`ri*a"tion
(?)
n.
[L. feriari to keep holiday, fr. ferie holidays.]
The act of keeping holiday; cessation from work.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Ferine
definition:
Ferine

Fe"rine
(?)
a.
[L. ferinus, fr. ferus wild. See Fierce.]
Wild; untamed; savage; as, lions, tigers, wolves, and bears are ferine beasts.
Sir M. Hale.
n. A wild beast; a beast of prey.
Fe"rine*ly, adv. -- Fe"rine*ness, n.


word: Feringee
definition:
Feringee

Fer*in"gee
(?)
n.
[Per. Farangī, or Ar. Firanjī, properly, a Frank.]
The name given to Europeans by the Hindus.
[Written also Feringhee.]


word: Ferity
definition:
Ferity

Fer"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. feritas, from ferus wild.]
Wildness; savageness; fierceness.
[Obs.]
Woodward.


word: Ferly
definition:
Ferly

Fer"ly
(?)
a.
[AS. f_;rlic sudden, unexpected. See Fear, n.]
Singular; wonderful; extraordinary.
[Obs.]
n. A wonder; a marvel.
[Obs.]

Who hearkened ever such a ferly thing.
Chaucer.


word: Ferme
definition:
Ferme

Ferm

{ Ferm, Ferme (?), n. }
[See Farm.]
Rent for a farm; a farm; also, an abode; a place of residence; as, he let his land to ferm.
[Obs.]

Out of her fleshy ferme fled to the place of pain.
Spenser.


word: Ferment
definition:
Ferment

Fer"ment
(?)
n.
[L. fermentum ferment (in senses 1 & 2), perh. for fervimentum, fr. fervere to be boiling hot, boil, ferment: cf. F. ferment.  Cf. 1st Barm, Fervent.]
1.
That which causes fermentation, as yeast, barm, or fermenting beer.

&hand_; Ferments are of two kinds: (a) Formed or organized ferments. (b) Unorganized or structureless ferments. The latter are now called enzymes and were formerly called soluble ferments or chemical ferments. Ferments of the first class are as a rule simple microscopic vegetable organisms, and the fermentations which they engender are due to their growth and development; as, the acetic ferment, the butyric ferment, etc. See Fermentation. Ferments of the second class, on the other hand, are chemical substances; as a rule they are proteins soluble in glycerin and precipitated by alcohol. In action they are catalytic and, mainly, hydrolytic. Good examples are pepsin of the dastric juice, ptyalin of the salvia, and disease of malt.  Before 1960 the term "ferment" to mean "enzyme" fell out of use.  Enzymes are now known to be globular proteins, capable of catalyzing a wide variety of chemical reactions, not merely hydrolytic.  The full set of enzymes causing production of ethyl alcohol from sugar has been identified and individually purified and studied.  See enzyme.

2.
Intestine motion; heat; tumult; agitation.

Subdue and cool the ferment of desire.
Rogers.

the nation is in a ferment.
Walpole.

3.
A gentle internal motion of the constituent parts of a fluid; fermentation.
[R.]

Down to the lowest lees the ferment ran.
Thomson.

ferment oils, volatile oils produced by the fermentation of plants, and not originally contained in them. These were the quintessences of the alchemists. Ure.


word: Ferment₂
definition:
Ferment

Fer*ment"
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fermented; p. pr. & vb. n. Fermenting.]
[L. fermentare, fermentatum: cf. F. fermenter. See Ferment, n.]
To cause ferment or fermentation in; to set in motion; to excite internal emotion in; to heat.

Ye vigorous swains! while youth ferments your blood.
Pope.


word: Ferment₃
definition:
Ferment

Fer*ment"
v. i.
1.
To undergo fermentation; to be in motion, or to be excited into sensible internal motion, as the constituent particles of an animal or vegetable fluid; to work; to effervesce.

2.
To be agitated or excited by violent emotions.

But finding no redress, ferment and rage.
Milton.

The intellect of the age was a fermenting intellect.
De Quincey.


word: Fermentable
definition:
Fermentable

Fer*ment"a*ble
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. fermentable.]
Capable of fermentation; as, cider and other vegetable liquors are fermentable.


word: Fermentation
definition:
Fermentation

Fer`men*ta"tion
(fẽr`mĕn*tā"shŭn)
n.
[Cf. F. fermentation.]
1.
The process of undergoing an effervescent change, as by the action of yeast;
in a wider sense
(Physiol. Chem.)
the transformation of an organic substance into new compounds by the action of a ferment{1}, whether in the form of living organisms or enzymes. It differs in kind according to the nature of the ferment which causes it.
In industrial microbiology fermentation usually refers to the production of chemical substances by use of microorganisms.

2.
A state of agitation or excitement, as of the intellect or the feelings.

It puts the soul to fermentation and activity.
Jer. Taylor.

A univesal fermentation of human thought and faith.
C. Kingsley.

Acetous fermentation or Acetic fermentation, a form of oxidation in which alcohol is converted into vinegar or acetic acid by the agency of a specific fungus (Mycoderma aceti) or series of enzymes. The process involves two distinct reactions, in which the oxygen of the air is essential. An intermediate product, acetaldehyde, is formed in the first process.
1.
C2H6O  +  O →  H2O  +  C2H4O
   Alcohol.           Water.   Acetaldehyde.
2.
C2H4O   +  O →  C2H4O2
 Acetaldehyde.        Acetic acid.
-- Alcoholic fermentation, the fermentation which saccharine bodies undergo when brought in contact with the yeast plant or Torula. The sugar is converted, either directly or indirectly, into alcohol and carbonic acid, the rate of action being dependent on the rapidity with which the Torulæ develop. -- Ammoniacal fermentation, the conversion of the urea of the urine into ammonium carbonate, through the growth of the special urea ferment.
CON2H4 + 2H2O = (NH4)2CO3
    Urea.  Water.   Ammonium carbonate.
[1913 Webster]
Whenever urine is exposed to the air in open vessels for several days it undergoes this alkaline fermentation. -- Butyric fermentation, the decomposition of various forms of organic matter, through the agency of a peculiar worm-shaped vibrio, with formation of more or less butyric acid. It is one of the many forms of fermentation that collectively constitute putrefaction. See Lactic fermentation. -- enzymatic fermentation or Fermentation by an unorganized ferment. Fermentations of this class are purely chemical reactions, in which the enzyme acts as a simple catalytic agent. Of this nature are the decomposition or inversion of cane sugar into levulose and dextrose by boiling with dilute acids, the conversion of starch into dextrin and sugar by similar treatment, the conversion of starch into like products by the action of diastase of malt or ptyalin of saliva, the conversion of albuminous food into peptones and other like products by the action of pepsin-hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice or by the ferment of the pancreatic juice. -- Fermentation theory of disease (Biol. & Med.), the theory that most if not all, infectious or zymotic disease are caused by the introduction into the organism of the living germs of ferments, or ferments already developed (organized ferments), by which processes of fermentation are set up injurious to health. See Germ theory. -- Glycerin fermentation, the fermentation which occurs on mixing a dilute solution of glycerin with a peculiar species of schizomycetes and some carbonate of lime, and other matter favorable to the growth of the plant, the glycerin being changed into butyric acid, caproic acid, butyl, and ethyl alcohol. With another form of bacterium (Bacillus subtilis) ethyl alcohol and butyric acid are mainly formed. -- Lactic fermentation, the transformation of milk sugar or other saccharine body into lactic acid, as in the souring of milk, through the agency of a special bacterium (Bacterium lactis of Lister). In this change the milk sugar, before assuming the form of lactic acid, presumably passes through the stage of glucose.
C12H22O11.H2O     -->     4C3H6O3
 Hydrated milk sugar.         Lactic acid.
[1913 Webster]
In the lactic fermentation of dextrose or glucose, the lactic acid which is formed is very prone to undergo butyric fermentation after the manner indicated in the following equation: 2C3H6O3 (lactic acid) --> C4H8O2 (butyric acid) + 2CO2 (carbonic acid) + 2H2 (hydrogen gas). -- Putrefactive fermentation. See Putrefaction.


word: Fermentative
definition:
Fermentative

Fer*ment"a*tive
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. fermentatif.]
Causing, or having power to cause, fermentation; produced by fermentation; fermenting; as, a fermentative process.


word: Fermenter
definition:
Fermenter

Fer*ment"er
(?)
n.
an apparatus for carrying out fermentation by a liquid suspension of microorganisms; a fermentation tank; as, an industrial fermenter.
Laboratiory and industrial fermenters are usually equipped with a means of stirring the contained liquid so as to avoid settling of the fermenting organisms, and often have other, sometimes elaborate, mechanisms to control conditions of the fermentation, such as temperature, degree of aeration, or pH.  The main structures of large industrial fermenters are typically made of steel.


word: Fermerere
definition:
Fermerere

Fer"mer*ere
(?)
n.
[OF. enfermerier, fr. enfermerie infirmary. See Infirmary.]
The officer in a religious house who had the care of the infirmary.
[Obs.]


word: Fermeture
definition:
Fermeture

Fer"me*ture
(?)
n.
[F., fr. fermer to close.]
(Mil.)
The mechanism for closing the breech of a breech-loading firearm, in artillery consisting principally of the breechblock, obturator, and carrier ring.


word: Fermillet
definition:
Fermillet

Fer"mil*let
(?)
n.
[OF., dim. of fermeil, fermail, clasp, prob. fr. OF. & F. fermer to make fast, fr. ferme fast. See Firm.]
A buckle or clasp.
[Obs.]
Donne.


word: fermion
definition:
fermion

fermion
n.
any particle that obeys Fermi-Dirac statistcs and is subject to the Pauli exclusion principle.


word: fermium
definition:
fermium

fermium
n.
the transuranic element of atomic number 100;  symbol Fm.  The atomic weight of the most stable isotope, having a half-life of about 80 days, is 257.  The first isotope, Fm255 was discovered in 1952 in the debris of a thermonuclear explosion.  Other istopes have been produced in nuclear reactors and by decay of other transuranic elements.
Handb. Ch. Phys. 61.

Syn. -- Fm.


word: Fern₂
definition:
Fern

Fern
a.
[AS. fyrn.]
Ancient; old. [Obs.] “Pilgrimages to . . . ferne halwes.” [saints].
Chaucer.


word: Fern₃
definition:
Fern

Fern
(fẽrn)
n.
[AS. fearn; akin to D. varen, G. farn, farnkraut; cf. Skr. par&nsdot_;a wing, feather, leaf, sort of plant, or Lith. papartis fern.]
(Bot.)
An order of cryptogamous plants, the Filices, which have their fructification on the back of the fronds or leaves. They are usually found in humid soil, sometimes grow epiphytically on trees, and in tropical climates often attain a gigantic size.

&hand_; The plants are asexual, and bear clustered sporangia, containing minute spores, which germinate and form prothalli, on which are borne the true organs of reproduction.  The brake or bracken, the maidenhair, and the polypody are all well known ferns.

Christmas fern. See under Christmas. -- Climbing fern (Bot.), a delicate North American fern (Lygodium palmatum), which climbs several feet high over bushes, etc., and is much sought for purposes of decoration. -- Fern owl. (Zool.) (a) The European goatsucker. (b) The short-eared owl. [Prov. Eng.] -- Fern shaw, a fern thicket. [Eng.] R. Browning.


word: fernlike
definition:
fernlike

fernlike
adj.
resembling ferns especially in leaf shape; as, the fernlike shadows of locust leaves.

Syn. -- ferny.


word: Ferocactus
definition:
Ferocactus

Ferocactus
n.
a genus of nearly globular cacti of Mexico and Southwestern U. S., including some of the barrel cacti.

Syn. -- genus Ferocactus.


word: Ferocious
definition:
Ferocious

Fe*ro"cious
(?)
a.
[L. ferox, -ocis, fierce: cf. F. féroce. See Ferocity.]
Fierce; savage; wild; indicating cruelty; ravenous; rapacious; as, ferocious look or features; a ferocious lion.

The humbled power of a ferocious enemy.
Lowth.


word: ferociousness
definition:
ferociousness

ferociousness
n.
the trait of extreme cruelty.

Syn. -- brutality, viciousness, savageness, savagery.

It [Christianity] has adapted the ferociousness of war.
Blair.


word: Ferocity
definition:
Ferocity

Fe*roc"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. ferocitas, fr. ferox, -ocis, fierce, kin to ferus wild: cf. F. ferocité. See Fierce.]
Savage wildness or fierceness; fury; cruelty; as, ferocity of countenance.

The pride and ferocity of a Highland chief.
Macaulay.


word: Feroher
definition:
Feroher

Fer*o"her
(?)
n.
(Archæol.)
A symbol of the solar deity, found on monuments exhumed in Babylon, Nineveh, etc.


word: -ferous
definition:
-ferous

-fer*ous
(?)
[L. -fer. fr. ferre to bear. See Bear to support.]
A suffix signifying bearing, producing, yielding; as, auriferous, yielding gold; chyliferous, producing chyle.


word: Ferrandine
definition:
Ferrandine

Fer*ran"dine
(? or ?)
n.
[F.; cf. OF. ferrant iron-gray, from L. ferrum iron.]
A stuff made of silk and wool.

I did buy a colored silk ferrandine.
Pepys.


word: Ferranti mains
definition:
Ferranti mains

Ferranti cables

{ Fer*ran"ti ca"bles (?), Fer*ran"ti mains" (?) }
(Elec.)
A form of conductor, designed by Ferranti, for currents of high potential, and consisting of concentric tubes of copper separated by an insulating material composed of paper saturated with black mineral wax.


word: Ferranti phenomenon
definition:
Ferranti phenomenon

Fer*ran"ti phe*nom"e*non
(Elec.)
An increase in the ratio of transformation of an alternating current converter, accompanied by other changes in electrical conditions, occurring when the secondary of the converter is connected with a condenser of moderate capacity; -- so called because first observed in connection with the Ferranti cables in London.


word: Ferrara
definition:
Ferrara

Fer*ra"ra
(?)
n.
A sword bearing the mark of one of the Ferrara family of Italy. These swords were highly esteemed in England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries.


word: Ferrarese
definition:
Ferrarese

Fer`ra*rese"
(?)
a.
Pertaining to Ferrara, in Italy.
n., sing. & pl. A citizen of Ferrara; collectively, the inhabitants of Ferrara.


word: Ferraro
definition:
Ferraro

Fer*ra"ro
(?)
prop. n.
Geraldine Anne Ferraro, a United States politician.  Born in 1935, she was a congresswoman from New York in the United States Congress from 1978 to 1984, and ran unsuccessfully in 1984 a candidate for Vice President of the United States, with Walter Mondale as the Presidential candidate.  She was the first woman to be nominated by a major U. S. political party for the office of Vice President.


word: Ferrary
definition:
Ferrary

Fer"ra*ry
(?)
n.
[L. ferraria iron works. See Ferreous.]
The art of working in iron.
[Obs.]
Chapman.


word: Ferreous
definition:
Ferreous

Fer"re*ous
(?)
a.
[L. ferreus, fr. ferrum iron.  Cf. Farrier, Ferrous.]
Partaking of, made of, or pertaining to, iron; like iron.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.


word: Ferret
definition:
Ferret

Fer"ret
(?)
n.
[F. furet, cf. LL. furo; prob. fr. L. fur thief (cf. Furtive); cf. Arm. fur wise, sly.]
(Zool.)
An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela furo syn. Putorius furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white color, with red eyes.  It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe.  Ferrets are used to drive rabbits and rats out of their holes.  They are sometimes kept as pets.


word: Ferret₂
definition:
Ferret

Fer"ret
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Ferreted; p. pr. & vb. n. Ferreting.]
[Cf. F. fureter. See Ferret, n.]
To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; -- often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret.

Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
Shak.


word: Ferret₃
definition:
Ferret

Fer"ret
n.
[Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F. fleuret.  Cf. Floret.]
A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting.


word: Ferret₄
definition:
Ferret

Fer"ret
n.
[F. feret, dim. or fer iron, L. ferrum.]
(Glass Making)
The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles.


word: Ferret-eye
definition:
Ferret-eye

Fer"ret-eye`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
The spur-winged goose; -- so called from the red circle around the eyes.


word: Ferretto
definition:
Ferretto

Fer*ret"to
(?)
n.
[It. ferretto di Spagna, dim. of ferro iron, fr. L. ferrum.]
Copper sulphide, used to color glass.
Hebert.


word: Ferri-
definition:
Ferri-

Fer"ri-
(_;)
(Chem.)
A combining form indicating ferric iron as an ingredient; as, ferricyanide.


word: Ferric
definition:
Ferric

Fer"ric
(?)
a.
[L. ferrum iron: cf. F. ferrique. See Ferrous.]
Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric oxide; ferric acid.

Ferric acid (Chem.), an acid, H2FeO4, which is not known in the free state, but forms definite salts, analogous to the chromates and sulphates. -- Ferric oxide (Chem.), sesquioxide of iron, Fe2O3; hematite. See Hematite.


word: Ferricyanate
definition:
Ferricyanate

Fer`ri*cy"a*nate
(?)
n.
[Ferri- + cyanate.]
(Chem.)
A salt of ferricyanic acid; a ferricyanide.


word: Ferricyanic
definition:
Ferricyanic

Fer`ri*cy*an"ic
(?)
a.
[Ferri- + cyanic.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, a ferricyanide.

Ferricyanic acid (Chem.), a brown crystalline substance, H6(CN)12Fe2, obtained from potassium ferricyanide, and regarded as the type of the ferricyanides; -- called also hydro-ferricyanic acid, hydrogen ferricyanide, etc.


word: Ferricyanide
definition:
Ferricyanide

Fer`ri*cy"a*nide
(?; 104)
n.
[Ferri- + cyanide.]
(Chem.)
One of a complex series of double cyanides of ferric iron and some other base.

Potassium ferricyanide (Chem.), red prussiate of potash; a dark, red, crystalline salt, K6(CN)12Fe2, consisting of the double cyanide of potassium and ferric iron.  From it is derived the ferrous ferricyanate, Turnbull's blue.


word: Ferriferous
definition:
Ferriferous

Fer*rif"er*ous
(?)
a.
[L. ferrum iron + -ferous: cf. F. ferrifère.]
Producing or yielding iron.


word: Ferriprussiate
definition:
Ferriprussiate

Fer`ri*prus"si*ate
(? or ?; see Prussiate, 277)
n.
[Ferri- + prussiate.]
(Chem.)
A ferricyanate; a ferricyanide.
[R.]


word: Ferriprussic
definition:
Ferriprussic

Fer`ri*prus"sic
(? or ?; see Prussik, 277)
a.
[Ferri- + prussic.]
(Chem.)
Ferricyanic.
[R.]


word: Ferris wheel
definition:
Ferris wheel

Fer"ris wheel
(?)
An amusement device consisting of a giant power-driven vertically oriented steel wheel, revolvable on its horizontal stationary axle, and carrying a number of balanced passenger cars or open seats around its rim; the seats are suspended so as to remain horizontal as the wheel rotates, and, depending on the size of the wheel, the passengers when they reach the top may have a grand vista of the surrounding area; -- so called after G. W. G. Ferris, American engineer, who erected the first of its kind for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Ferris wheels are often found at traveling fairs and at permanent amusement parks.  The Reisenrad in Vienna is one of the world's largest and most famous Ferris wheels.


word: Ferro-
definition:
Ferro-

Fer"ro-
(_;)
(Chem.)
A prefix, or combining form, indicating ferrous iron as an ingredient; as, ferrocyanide.


word: Ferrocalcite
definition:
Ferrocalcite

Fer`ro*cal"cite
(?)
n.
[Ferro- + calcite.]
Limestone containing a large percentage of iron carbonate, and hence turning brown on exposure.


word: Ferro-concrete
definition:
Ferro-concrete

Fer"ro-con"crete
(?)
n.
(Arch. & Engin.)
Concrete strengthened by a core or foundation skeleton of iron or steel bars, strips, etc. Floors, columns, piles, water pipes, etc., have been successfully made of it. Called also armored concrete steel, and most commonly reenforced concrete.


word: Ferrocyanate
definition:
Ferrocyanate

Fer`ro*cy"a*nate
(?)
n.
[Ferro- + cyanate: cf. F. ferrocyanate.]
(Chem.)
A salt of ferrocyanic acid; a ferrocyanide.


word: Ferrocyanic
definition:
Ferrocyanic

Fer`ro*cy*an"ic
(?)
a.
[Ferro- + cyanic: cf. F. ferrocyanique.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, a ferrocyanide.

ferrocyanic acid (Chem.), a white crystalline substance, H4(CN)6Fe, of strong acid properties, obtained from potassium ferrocyanide, and regarded as the type of the ferrocyanides; -- called also hydro-ferrocyanic acid, hydrogen ferrocyanide. etc.


word: Ferrocyanide
definition:
Ferrocyanide

Fer`ro*cy"a*nide
(? or ?; 104)
n.
[Ferro- + cyanide.]
(Chem.)
One of a series of complex double cyanides of ferrous iron and some other base.

Potassium ferrocyanide (Chem.), yellow prussiate of potash; a tough, yellow, crystalline salt, K4(CN)6Fe, the starting point in the manufacture of almost all cyanogen compounds, and the basis of the ferric ferrocyanate, prussian blue. It is obtained by strongly heating together potash, scrap iron, and animal matter containing nitrogen, as horn, leather, blood, etc., in iron pots.


word: Ferroprussiate
definition:
Ferroprussiate

Fer`ro*prus"si*ate
(_; or _; or _;; see Prussiate, 277)
n.
[Ferro- + prussiate.]
(Chem.)
A ferrocyanate; a ferocyanide.
[R.]


word: Ferroprussic
definition:
Ferroprussic

Fer`ro*prus"sic
(? or ?; see Prussic, 277)
a.
[Ferro- + prussic.]
(Chem.)
Ferrocyanic.


word: Ferrotype
definition:
Ferrotype

Fer"ro*type
(?)
n.
[L. ferrum iron + -type.]
A photographic picture taken on an iron plate by a collodion process; -- familiarly called tintype.


word: Ferrous
definition:
Ferrous

Fer"rous
(?)
a.
[Cf. F. ferreux. See Ferreous.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, iron; -- especially used of compounds of iron in which the iron has its lower valence of two; as, ferrous sulphate.


word: Ferruginated
definition:
Ferruginated

Fer*ru"gi*na`ted
(?)
a.
[See Ferrugo.]
Having the color or properties of the rust of iron.


word: Ferruginous
definition:
Ferruginous

Fer*ru"gi*nous
(fĕr*r&usuml_;"jĭ*nŭs)
a.
[L. ferruginus, ferrugineus, fr. ferrugo, -ginis, iron rust: cf. F. ferrugineux. See Ferrugo.]
1.
Partaking of iron; containing particles of iron.
Boyle.

2.
Resembling iron rust in appearance or color; brownish red, or yellowish red.


word: Ferrugo
definition:
Ferrugo

Fer*ru"go
(fĕr*r&usuml_;"go̝)
n.
[L., iron rust, fr. ferrum iron.]
A disease of plants caused by fungi, commonly called the rust, from its resemblance to iron rust in color.


word: Ferrule
definition:
Ferrule

Fer"rule
(fĕr"rĭl or fĕr"r&usdot_;l; 277)
n.
[Formerly verrel, F. virole, fr. L. viriola little bracelet, dim. of viriae, pl., bracelets; prob. akin to viere to twist, weave, and E. withe. The spelling with f is due to confusion with L. ferrum iron.]
[Sometimes spelled ferule.]
1.
A ring or cap of metal put round a cane, tool, handle, or other similar object, to strengthen it, or prevent splitting and wearing.

2.
(Machinery)
Any of various circular or cylindrical metal objects used at joints in a tube, pipe, or rod, especially to assist making a tight seal at a joint.

3.
Hence:
(Steam Boilers)
A bushing for expanding the end of a flue to fasten it tightly in the tube plate, or for partly filling up its mouth.

4.
Hence:
(Chemistry)
A bushing used at the joints of metal tubing in HPLC equipment to make a tight seal.

5.
(Fishing)
One of several small rings at the top of a casting rod which holds the fishing line.
RHUD


word: Ferruminate
definition:
Ferruminate

Fer*ru"mi*nate
(?)
v. t.
[L. ferruminatus, p. p. of ferruminare to cement, solder, fr. ferrumen cement, fr. ferrum iron.]
To solder or unite, as metals.
[R.]
Coleridge.


word: Ferrumination
definition:
Ferrumination

Fer*ru`mi*na"tion
(?)
n.
[L. ferruminatio: cf. F. ferrumination.]
The soldering or uniting of metals.
[R.]
Coleridge.


word: Ferry
definition:
Ferry

Fer"ry
(fĕr"r&ybreve_;)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Ferried (-rĭd); p. pr. & vb. n. Ferrying.]
[OE. ferien to convey, AS. ferian, from faran to go; akin to Icel. ferja to ferry, Goth. farjan to sail. See Fare.]
1.
To carry or transport over a river, strait, or other narrow water, in a boat.

2.
To convey back and forth regularly between two points in a vehicle; as, part of her day was spent ferrying the kids to and from school.


word: Ferry₂
definition:
Ferry

Fer"ry
v. i.
To pass over water in a boat or by a ferry.

They ferry over this Lethean sound
Both to and fro.
Milton.


word: Ferry₃
definition:
Ferry

Fer"ry
n.
pl. Ferries (#).
[OE. feri; akin to Icel. ferja, Sw. färja, Dan. færge, G. fähre. See Ferry, v. t.]
1.
A place where persons or things are carried across a river, arm of the sea, etc., in a ferryboat.

It can pass the ferry backward into light.
Milton.

To row me o'er the ferry.
Campbell.

2.
A vessel in which passengers and goods are conveyed over narrow waters; a ferryboat; a wherry.

3.
A franchise or right to maintain a vessel for carrying passengers and freight across a river, bay, etc., charging tolls.

Ferry bridge, a ferryboat adapted in its structure for the transfer of railroad trains across a river or bay. -- Ferry railway. See under Railway.


word: Ferryboat
definition:
Ferryboat

Fer"ry*boat`
(?)
n.
A vessel for conveying passengers, merchandise, etc., usually across streams, rivers, bays, and other narrow waters.

Syn. -- ferry{2}.


word: Fertile
definition:
Fertile

Fer"tile
(? or ?; 277)
a.
[L. fertilis, fr. ferre to bear, produce: cf. F. fertile. See Bear to support.]
1.
Producing fruit or vegetation in abundance; fruitful; able to produce abundantly; prolific; fecund; productive; rich; inventive; as, fertile land or fields; a fertile mind or imagination.

Though he in a fertile climate dwell.
Shak.

2.
(Bot.)
(a)
Capable of producing fruit; fruit-bearing; as, fertile flowers.
(b)
Containing pollen; -- said of anthers.

3.
produced in abundance; plenteous; ample.

Henceforth, my early care . . . 
Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease
Of thy full branches.
Milton.


word: Fertility
definition:
Fertility

Fer*til"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. fertilitas: cf. F. fertilité.]
The state or quality of being fertile or fruitful; fruitfulness; productiveness; fecundity; richness; abundance of resources; fertile invention; quickness; readiness; as, the fertility of soil, or of imagination.
fertility
E. Everett.

And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps
Corrupting in its own fertility.
Shak.

Thy very weeds are beautiful; thy waste
More rich than other climes' fertility.
Byron.


word: Fertilization
definition:
Fertilization

Fer`ti*li*za"tion
(?)
n.
1.
The act or process of rendering fertile.

2.
(Biol.)
The act of fecundating or impregnating animal or vegetable germs; esp., the process by which in flowers the pollen renders the ovule fertile, or an analogous process in flowerless plants; fecundation; impregnation.

Close fertilization (Bot.), the fertilization of pistils by pollen derived from the stamens of the same blossom. -- Cross fertilization, fertilization by pollen from some other blossom. See under Cross, a.


word: Fertilize
definition:
Fertilize

Fer"ti*lize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fertilized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fertilizing (?).]
[Cf. F. fertiliser.]
1.
To make fertile or enrich; to supply with nourishment for plants; to make fruitful or productive; as, to fertilize land, soil, ground, and meadows.

And fertilize the field that each pretends to gain.
Byron.

2.
To fecundate; as, to fertilize flower.
A. R. Wallace.


word: fertilized
definition:
fertilized

fertilized
adj.
1.
united with a male gamete to begin the development of an individual embryo; -- of female gametes.

Syn. -- impregnated, inseminated.

2.
made more suitable for growth of crops by addition of fertilizer{2}; -- of soil.

Syn. -- enriched.


word: Fertilizer
definition:
Fertilizer

Fer"ti*lizer
(?)
n.
1.
One who fertilizes; the agent that carries the fertilizing principle, as a moth to an orchid.
A. R. Wallace.

2.
That which renders fertile; a general name for commercial substances which make plants grow better, as manure, guano, phosphate of lime, ammonium nitrate, etc.


word: Ferula
definition:
Ferula

Fer"u*la
(?)
n.
[L. ferula giant fennel (its stalks were used in punishing schoolboys), rod, whip, fr. ferire to strike; akin to OHG. berjan, Icel. berja.  Cf. Ferule.]
1.
A ferule.
[Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.

2.
The imperial scepter in the Byzantine or Eastern Empire.

3.
[capitalized]
A genus of plants of the parsley family Apiaceae (of the order Umbelliferae), including some yielding asafetida.  Members include Ferula asafoetida (Ferula foetida), the giant fennel (Ferula communis), and Ferula orientalis.


word: Ferulaceous
definition:
Ferulaceous

Fer`u*la"ceous
(?)
a.
[L. ferulaceus, fr. ferula rod: cf. F. férulacé.]
Pertaining to reeds and canes; having a stalk like a reed; as, ferulaceous plants.


word: Ferule
definition:
Ferule

Fer"ule
(? or ?; 277)
n.
[L. ferula: cf. F. férule. See Ferula.]
1.
A flat piece of wood, used for striking, children, esp. on the hand, in punishment.

2.
A ferrule.
[R.]


word: Ferule₂
definition:
Ferule

Fer"ule
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feruled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feruling.]
To punish with a ferule.


word: Ferulic
definition:
Ferulic

Fe*ru"lic
(?)
a.
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, asafetida (Ferula asafœtida); as, ferulic acid.
[Written also ferulaic.]


word: Fervency
definition:
Fervency

Fer"ven*cy
(?)
n.
[Cf. OF. fervence. See Fervent.]
The state of being fervent or warm; ardor; warmth of feeling or devotion; eagerness.

When you pray, let it be with attention, with fervency, and with perseverance.
Wake.


word: Fervent
definition:
Fervent

Fer"vent
(?)
a.
[F. fervent, L. fervens, -entis. p. pr. of fervere o the boiling hot, to boil, glow.]
1.
Hot; glowing; boiling; burning; as, a fervent summer.

The elements shall melt with fervent heat.
2 Pet. iii. 10.

2.
Warm in feeling; ardent in temperament; earnest; full of fervor; zealous; glowing.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit.
Rom. iii. 11.

So spake the fervent angel.
Milton.

A fervent desire to promote the happiness of mankind.
Macaulay.
Laboring fervently for you in prayers.
Col. iv. 12.


word: Fervescent
definition:
Fervescent

Fer*ves"cent
(?)
a.
[L. fervescens, p. pr. of fervescere to become boiling hot, incho., fr. fervere. See Fervent.]
Growing hot.


word: Fervid
definition:
Fervid

Fer"vid
(?)
a.
[L. fervidus, fr. fervere. See Fervent.]
1.
Very hot; burning; boiling.

The mounted sun
Shot down direct his fervid rays.
Milton.

2.
Ardent; vehement; zealous.

The fervid wishes, holy fires.
Parnell.


word: Fervor
definition:
Fervor

Fer"vor
(?)
n.
[Written also fervour.]
[OF. fervor, fervour, F. ferveur, L. fervor, fr. fervere. See Fervent.]
1.
Heat; excessive warmth.

The fevor of ensuing day.
Waller.

2.
Intensity of feeling or expression; glowing ardor; passion; holy zeal; earnestness.
Hooker.

Winged with fervor of her love.
Shak.


word: Fescennine
definition:
Fescennine

Fes"cen*nine
(?)
a.
[L. Fescenninus, fr. Fescennia, a city of Etruria.]
Pertaining to, or resembling, the Fescennines.
n. A style of low, scurrilous, obscene poetry originating in fescennia.


word: Fescue
definition:
Fescue

Fes"cue
(fĕs"k&uuptack_;)
n.
[OE. festu, OF. festu, F. fétu, fr. L. festuca stalk, straw.]
1.
A straw, wire, stick, etc., used chiefly to point out letters to children when learning to read.
fescue
Sterne.

To come under the fescue of an imprimatur.
Milton.

2.
An instrument for playing on the harp; a plectrum.
[Obs.]
Chapman.

3.
The style of a dial.
[Obs.]

4.
(Bot.)
A grass of the genus Festuca.

Fescue grass (Bot.), a genus of grasses (Festuca) containing several species of importance in agriculture. Festuca ovina is sheep's fescue; F. elatior is meadow fescue.


word: Fescue₂
definition:
Fescue

Fes"cue
(fĕs"k&uuptack_;)
v. i. & t.
[imp. & p. p. Fescued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fescuing.]
To use a fescue, or teach with a fescue.
Milton.


word: Fesse
definition:
Fesse

Fess

{ Fess, Fesse  }
(?)
n.
[OF. fesse, faisse, F. fasce, fr. L. fascia band. See Fascia.]
(Her.)
A band drawn horizontally across the center of an escutcheon, and containing in breadth the third part of it; one of the nine honorable ordinaries.

Fess point (Her.), the exact center of the escutcheon. See Escutcheon.


word: Festal
definition:
Festal

Fes"tal
(?)
a.
[L. festum holiday, feast. See feast.]
Of or pertaining to a holiday or a feast; joyous; festive.

You bless with choicer wine the festal day.
Francis.


word: Fester
definition:
Fester

Fes"ter
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Festered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Festering.]
[OE. festern, fr. fester, n.; or fr. OF. festrir, fr. festre, n. See Fester, n.]
1.
To generate pus; to become imflamed and suppurate; as, a sore or a wound festers.

Wounds immedicable
Rankle, and fester, and gangrene.
Milton.

Unkindness may give a wound that shall bleed and smart, but it is treachery that makes it fester.
South.

Hatred . . . festered in the hearts of the children of the soil.
Macaulay.

2.
To be inflamed; to grow virulent, or malignant; to grow in intensity; to rankle.


word: Fester₂
definition:
Fester

Fes`ter
v. t.
To cause to fester or rankle.

For which I burnt in inward, swelt'ring hate,
And festered ranking malice in my breast.
Marston.


word: Fester₃
definition:
Fester

Fes"ter
n.
[OF. festre, L. fistula a sort of ulcer.  Cf. Fistula.]
1.
A small sore which becomes inflamed and discharges corrupt matter; a pustule.

2.
A festering or rankling.

The fester of the chain their necks.
I. Taylor.


word: Festeye
definition:
Festeye

Fest"eye
(?)
v. t.
[OF. festier, festeer, F. festoyer.]
To feast; to entertain.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.


word: Festinate
definition:
Festinate

Fes"ti*nate
(?)
a.
[L. festinatus, p. p. of festinare to hasten.]
Hasty; hurried.
[Obs.]
Fes"ti*nate*ly, adv. [Obs.]
Shak.


word: Festival
definition:
Festival

Fes"ti*val
(?)
a.
[OF. festival, fr. L. festivum festive jollity, fr. festivus festive, gay. See Festive.]
Pertaining to a fest; festive; festal; appropriate to a festival; joyous; mirthful.

I cannot woo in festival terms.
Shak.


word: Festi-val
definition:
Festi-val

Fes"ti-val
n.
A time of feasting or celebration; an anniversary day of joy, civil or religious.

The morning trumpets festival proclaimed.
Milton.


word: Festive
definition:
Festive

Fes"tive
(?)
a.
[L. festivus, fr. festum holiday, feast. See feast, and cf. Festivous.]
Pertaining to, or becoming, a feast; festal; joyous; gay; mirthful; sportive.
Fes"tive*ly, adv.

The glad circle round them yield their souls
To festive mirth and wit that knows no gall.
Thomson.


word: Festivity
definition:
Festivity

Fes*tiv"i*ty
(?)
n.
pl. Festivities (#).
[L. festivitas: cf. F. festivité.]
1.
The condition of being festive; social joy or exhilaration of spirits at an entertaintment; joyfulness; gayety.

The unrestrained festivity of the rustic youth.
Bp. Hurd.

2.
A festival; a festive celebration.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Festlich
definition:
Festlich

Fest"lich
(?)
a.
[See Feast, n.]
Festive; fond of festive occasions.
[Obs.]
festlich
Chaucer.


word: Festoon
definition:
Festoon

Fes*toon"
(?)
n.
[F. feston (cf. Sp. feston, It. festone), prob. fr. L. festum festival. See Feast.]
1.
A garland or wreath hanging in a depending curve, used in decoration for festivals, etc.; anything arranged in this way.

2.
(Arch. & Sculp.)
A carved ornament consisting of flowers, and leaves, intermixed or twisted together, wound with a ribbon, and hanging or depending in a natural curve. See Illust. of Bucranium.


word: Festoon₂
definition:
Festoon

Fes*toon"
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Festooned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Festooning.]
To form in festoons, or to adorn with festoons.


word: Festoony
definition:
Festoony

Fes*toon"y
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling, festoons.
Sir J. Herschel.


word: Festucine
definition:
Festucine

Fes*tu*cine
(? or ?)
a.
[L. festula stalk, straw.  Cf. Fescue.]
Of a straw color; greenish yellow.
[Obs.]

A little insect of a festucine or pale green.
Sir T. Browne.


word: Fet
definition:
Fet

Fet
(?)
n.
[Cf. feat, F. fait, and It. fett_; slice, G. fetzen rag, Icel. fat garment.]
A piece.
[Obs.]
Dryton.


word: Fet₂
definition:
Fet

Fet
v. t.
[OE. fetten, feten, AS. fetian; akin to AS. fæt a journey, and to E. foot; cf. G. fassen to seize. √ 77. See Foot, and cf. Fetch.]
To fetch.
[Obs.]

And from the other fifty soon the prisoner fet.
Spenser.


word: Fetal
definition:
Fetal

Fe"tal
(?)
a.
[From Fetus.]
Pertaining to, or connected with, a fetus; as, fetal circulation; fetal membranes.


word: Fetch
definition:
Fetch

Fetch
(fĕch; 224)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fetched 2; p. pr. & vb. n.. Fetching.]
[OE. fecchen, AS. feccan, perh. the same word as fetian; or cf. facian to wish to get, OFries. faka to prepare. √77.  Cf. Fet, v. t.]
1.
To bear toward the person speaking, or the person or thing from whose point of view the action is contemplated; to go and bring; to get.

Time will run back and fetch the age of gold.
Milton.

He called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
1 Kings xvii. 11, 12.

2.
To obtain as price or equivalent; to sell for.

Our native horses were held in small esteem, and fetched low prices.
Macaulay.

3.
To recall from a swoon; to revive; -- sometimes with to; as, to fetch a man to.

Fetching men again when they swoon.
Bacon.

4.
To reduce; to throw.

The sudden trip in wrestling that fetches a man to the ground.
South.

5.
To bring to accomplishment; to achieve; to make; to perform, with certain objects; as, to fetch a compass; to fetch a leap; to fetch a sigh.

I'll fetch a turn about the garden.
Shak.

He fetches his blow quick and sure.
South.

6.
To bring or get within reach by going; to reach; to arrive at; to attain; to reach by sailing.

Meantine flew our ships, and straight we fetched
The siren's isle.
Chapman.

7.
To cause to come; to bring to a particular state.

They could n't fetch the butter in the churn.
W. Barnes.

To fetch a compass (Naut.), to make a circuit; to take a circuitous route going to a place. -- To fetch a pump, to make it draw water by pouring water into the top and working the handle. -- To fetch headway or To fetch sternway (Naut.), to move ahead or astern. -- To fetch out, to develop. “The skill of the polisher fetches out the colors [of marble]” Addison.  -- To fetch up. (a) To overtake. [Obs.] “Says [the hare], I can fetch up the tortoise when I please.” L'Estrange. (b) To stop suddenly.


word: fetch
definition:
fetch

fetch
v. i.
To bring one's self; to make headway; to veer; as, to fetch about; to fetch to windward.
Totten.

To fetch away (Naut.), to break loose; to roll or slide to leeward. -- To fetch and carry, to serve obsequiously, like a trained spaniel.


word: Fetch₂
definition:
Fetch

Fetch
n.
1.
A stratagem by which a thing is indirectly brought to pass, or by which one thing seems intended and another is done; a trick; an artifice.

Every little fetch of wit and criticism.
South.

2.
The apparation of a living person; a wraith.

The very fetch and ghost of Mrs. Gamp.
Dickens.

3.
The unobstructed region of the ocean over which the wind blows to generate waves.

4.
Hence:
The length of such a region.

Fetch candle, a light seen at night, superstitiously believed to portend a person's death.


word: fetching
definition:
fetching

fetching
adj.
drawing favorable attention; as, a fetching new hat.

Syn. -- appealing, taking, winning.


word: fete
definition:
fete

fête
(fa̝t)
n.
[F. See Feast.]
A festival.

Fête champêtre (_;) [F.], a festival or entertainment in the open air; a rural festival.


word: fete₂
definition:
fete

fête
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fêted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fêting.]
[Cf. F. fêter.]
To feast; to honor with a festival.


word: Fetish
definition:
Fetish

Fetich

{ Fe"tich, Fe"tish (?), n. }
[F. fétiche, from Pg. feiti_;o, adj., n., sorcery, charm, fr. L. facticius made by art, artifical, factitious. See Factitious.]
1.
A material object supposed among certain African tribes to represent in such a way, or to be so connected with, a supernatural being, that the possession of it gives to the possessor power to control that being.

2.
Any object to which one is excessively devoted.


word: Fetishism
definition:
Fetishism

fetichism

{ fe"tich*ism, Fe"tish*ism (? or ?); 277), n. }
[Cf. F. fétichisme.]
[Written also feticism.]
1.
The doctrine or practice of belief in fetiches.

2.
Excessive devotion to one object or one idea; abject superstition; blind adoration.

The real and absolute worship of fire falls into two great divisions, the first belonging rather to fetichism, the second to polytheism proper.
Tylor.


word: Fetishist
definition:
Fetishist

Fetichist

{ Fe"tich*ist, Fe"tish*ist, n. }
A believer in fetiches.

He was by nature a fetichist.
H. Holbeach.


word: Fetishistic
definition:
Fetishistic

Fetichistic

{ Fe`tich*is"tic (?), Fe`tish*is"tic, a.}
Pertaining to, or involving, fetichism.

A man of the fifteenth century, inheriting its strange web of belief and unbelief, of epicurean levity and fetichistic dread.
G. Eliot.


word: Feticide
definition:
Feticide

Fe"ti*cide
(? or ?)
n.
[Written also fœticide.]
[Fetus + L. caedere to kill.]
(Med. & Law)
The act of killing the fetus in the womb; the offense of procuring an abortion.


word: Fetid
definition:
Fetid

Fet"id
(? or ?; 277)
a.
[L. fetidus, foetidus, fr. fetere, foetere, to have an ill smell, to stink: cf. F. fétide.]
Having an offensive smell; stinking.

Most putrefactions . . . smell either fetid or moldy.
Bacon.


word: Fetis
definition:
Fetis

Fe"tis
(?)
a.
[OF. fetis, faitis.  Cf. Factitious.]
Neat; pretty; well made; graceful.
[Obs.]

Full fetis was her cloak, as I was ware.
Chaucer.


word: Fetishistic₂
definition:
Fetishistic

Fetishism

Fetish

Fe"tish (?), n., Fe"tish*ism (_; or _;; 277), n., Fe`tish*is"tic (_;), a.
See Fetich, n., Fetichism, n., Fetichistic, a.


word: Fetlock
definition:
Fetlock

Fet"lock
(?)
n.
[OE. fetlak, fitlock, cf. Icel. fet pace, step, fit webbed foot of water birds, akin to E. foot. √ 77. See Foot.]
The cushionlike projection, bearing a tuft of long hair, on the back side of the leg above the hoof of the horse and similar animals. Also, the joint of the limb at this point (between the great pastern bone and the metacarpus), or the tuft of hair.

Their wounded steeds
Fret fetlock deep in gore.
Shak.


word: Fetor
definition:
Fetor

Fe"tor
(?)
n.
[L. fetor, foetor. See Fetid.]
A strong, offensive smell; stench; fetidness.
Arbuthnot.


word: Fetter
definition:
Fetter

Fet"ter
(fĕt"tẽr)
n.
[AS. fetor, feter; akin to OS. feter&omacrs, pl., OD. veter, OHG. fezzera, Icel. fjöturr, L. pedica, Gr. pe`dh, and to E. foot. √ 77. See Foot.]
[Chiefly used in the plural, fetters.]
1.
A chain or shackle for the feet; a chain by which an animal is confined by the foot, either made fast or disabled from free and rapid motion; a bond; a shackle.

[They] bound him with fetters of brass.
Judg. xvi. 21.

2.
Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint.

Passion's too fierce to be in fetters bound.
Dryden.


word: Fetter₂
definition:
Fetter

Fet"ter
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fettered (_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Fettering.]
1.
To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet of with a chain; to bind.

My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.
Milton.

2.
To restrain from motion; to impose restraints on; to confine; to enchain; as, fettered by obligations.

My conscience! thou art fettered
More than my shanks and wrists.
Shak.


word: fetterbush
definition:
fetterbush

fet"ter*bush`
n.
1.
An ornamental evergreen shrub (Pieris floribunda) of the Southeastern U. S. having small white bell-shaped flowers.

Syn. -- mountain fetterbush, mountain andromeda, Pieris floribunda.

2.
A showy evergreen shrub (Lyonia lucida) of the Southeastern U. S. with shiny leaves and angled branches and umbel-like clusters of pink to reddish flowers.

Syn. -- fetter bush, shiny lyonia, Lyonia lucida.


word: Fettered
definition:
Fettered

Fet"tered
(?)
a.
(Zool.)
Seeming as if fettered, as the feet of certain animals which bend backward, and appear unfit for walking.


word: Fettle
definition:
Fettle

Fet"tle
(?)
v. t.
[OE. & Prov. E., to fettle (in sense 1), fettle, n., order, repair, preparation, dress; prob. akin to E. fit. See Fit, a.]
1.
To repair; to prepare; to put in order.
[Prov. Eng.]
Carlyle.

2.
(Metal.)
To cover or line with a mixture of ore, cinders, etc., as the hearth of a puddling furnace.


word: Fettle₂
definition:
Fettle

Fet"tle
v. i.
To make preparations; to put things in order; to do trifling business.
[Prov. Eng.]
Bp. Hall.


word: Fettling
definition:
Fettling

Fet"tling
(?)
n.
1.
(Metal.)
A mixture of ore, cinders, etc., used to line the hearth of a puddling furnace.
[Eng.]
[It is commonly called fix in the United States.]

2.
(Pottery)
The operation of shaving or smoothing the surface of undried clay ware.


word: Fetus
definition:
Fetus

Fe"tus
(fē"tŭs)
n.
pl. Fetuses (fē"tŭs*ĕz).
[L. fetus, foetus, a bringing forth, brood, offspring, young ones, cf. fetus fruitful, fructified, that is or was filled with young; akin to E. fawn a deer, fecundity, felicity, feminine, female, and prob. to do, or according to others, to be.]
The young or embryo of a vertebrate animal in the womb, or in the egg; often restricted to the later stages in the development of viviparous and oviparous animals. showing the main recognizable features of the mature animal, embryo being applied to the earlier stages.
[Written also fœtus.]


word: Fetwah
definition:
Fetwah

Fet"wah
(?)
n.
[Ar.]
A written decision of a Turkish mufti some point of law; also applied to opinions by certain other Islamic religious authorities on points of Islamic law, such as in Iran.
[Also spelled fatwah and fatwa.]
Whitworth.


word: Feu
definition:
Feu

Feu
(fū)
n.
[See 2d Feud, and Fee.]
(Scots Law)
A free and gratuitous right to lands made to one for service to be performed by him; a tenure where the vassal, in place of military services, makes a return in grain or in money.
Burrill.


word: Feud
definition:
Feud

Feud
(fūd)
n.
[OE. feide, AS. f&aemacr_;hð, fr. fāh hostile; akin to OHG. fēhida, G. fehde, Sw. fejd, D. feide; prob. akin to E. fiend. See Foe.]
1.
A combination of kindred to avenge injuries or affronts, done or offered to any of their blood, on the offender and all his race.

2.
A contention or quarrel; especially, an inveterate strife between families, clans, or parties; deadly hatred; contention satisfied only by bloodshed.

Mutual feuds and battles betwixt their several tribes and kindreds.
Purchas.


word: Feud₂
definition:
Feud

Feud
n.
[LL. feudum, feodum prob. of same origin as E. fief. See Fief, Fee.]
(Law)
A stipendiary estate in land, held of a superior, by service; the right which a vassal or tenant had to the lands or other immovable thing of his lord, to use the same and take the profits thereof hereditarily, rendering to his superior such duties and services as belong to military tenure, etc., the property of the soil always remaining in the lord or superior; a fief; a fee.


word: feudal
definition:
feudal

feu"dal
(fū"dal)
a.
[F. féodal, or LL. feudalis.]
1.
Of or pertaining to feuds, fiefs, or fees; as, feudal rights or services; feudal tenures.

2.
Consisting of, or founded upon, feuds or fiefs; embracing tenures by military services; as, the feudal system.


word: Feudalism
definition:
Feudalism

Feu"dal*ism
(fū"dal*ĭz'm)
n.
[Cf. F. féodalisme.]
The feudal system; a system by which the holding of estates in land is made dependent upon an obligation to render military service to the king or feudal superior; feudal principles and usages.


word: Feudality
definition:
Feudality

Feu*dal"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. féodalité.]
The state or quality of being feudal; feudal form or constitution.
Burke.


word: Feudalize
definition:
Feudalize

Feu"dal*ize
(?)
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Feudalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feudalizing (?).]
To reduce to a feudal tenure; to conform to feudalism.


word: Feudary
definition:
Feudary

Feu"da*ry
(?)
a.
[LL. feudarius, fr. feudum. See 2d Feud.]
Held by, or pertaining to, feudal tenure.


word: Feudary₂
definition:
Feudary

Feu"da*ry
n.
1.
A tenant who holds his lands by feudal service; a feudatory.
Foxe.

2.
A feodary. See Feodary.


word: Feudatory
definition:
Feudatory

Feu"da*to*ry
(?)
n.
pl. Feudatories (_;).
A tenant or vassal who held his lands of a superior on condition of feudal service; the tenant of a feud or fief.

The grantee . . . was styled the feudatory or vassal.
Blackstone.

[He] had for feudatories great princes.
J. H. Newman.


word: Feudatory₂
definition:
Feudatory

Feu"da*to*ry
a.
Held from another on some conditional tenure; as, a feudatory title.
Bacon.


word: Feu de joie
definition:
Feu de joie

Feu` de joie"
(?)
[F., lit., fire of joy.]
A fire kindled in a public place in token of joy; a bonfire; a firing of guns in token of joy.


word: Feudist
definition:
Feudist

Feud"ist
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. feudiste.]
A writer on feuds; a person versed in feudal law.
Spelman.


word: Feuillants
definition:
Feuillants

Feu`illants"
(?)
n. pl.
A reformed branch of the Bernardines, founded in 1577 at Feuillans, near Toulouse, in France.


word: Feuillemort
definition:
Feuillemort

Feuille"mort`
(?)
a.
[F. feuille morte a dead leaf.]
Having the color of a faded leaf.
Locke.


word: Feuilleton
definition:
Feuilleton

Feu`ille*ton"
(? or ?)
n.
[F., from feulle leaf.]
A part of a French newspaper (usually the bottom of the page), devoted to light literature, criticism, etc.; also, the article or tale itself, thus printed.


word: feuter
definition:
feuter

feu"ter
(_;)
v. t.
[OE. feutre rest for a lance, OF. feutre, fautre, feltre, felt, cushion, rest for a lance, fr. LL. filtrum, feltrum; of German origin, and akin to E. felt. See Felt, and cf. Filter.]
To set close; to fix in rest, as a spear.
Spenser.


word: Feuterer
definition:
Feuterer

Feu"ter*er
(?)
n.
[Either fr. G. fütterer feeder, or corrupted fr. OF. vautrier, vaultrier; fr. vaultre, viautre, a kind of hound, fr. L. vertragus, vertraga, a greyhound. The last is of Celtic origin.]
A dog keeper.
[Obs.]
Massinger.


word: Fever
definition:
Fever

Fe"ver
(fē"vẽr)
n.
[OE. fever, fefer, AS. fefer, fefor, L. febris: cf. F. fièvre.  Cf. Febrile.]
1.
(Med.)
A diseased state of the system, marked by increased heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of appetite.  Many diseases, of which fever is the most prominent symptom, are denominated fevers; as, typhoid fever; yellow fever.

&hand_; Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals; intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at intervals; continued or continual fevers neither remit nor intermit.

2.
Excessive excitement of the passions in consequence of strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as, this quarrel has set my blood in a fever.

An envious fever
Of pale and bloodless emulation.
Shak.

After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.
Shak.

Brain fever, Continued fever, etc. See under Brain, Continued, etc. -- Fever and ague, a form of fever recurring in paroxysms which are preceded by chills. It is of malarial origin. -- Fever blister (Med.), a blister or vesicle often found about the mouth in febrile states; a variety of herpes. -- Fever bush (Bot.), the wild allspice or spice bush. See Spicewood. -- Fever powder. Same as Jame's powder. -- Fever root (Bot.), an American herb of the genus Triosteum (Triosteum perfoliatum); -- called also feverwort and horse gentian. -- Fever sore, a carious ulcer or necrosis. Miner.


word: Fever₂
definition:
Fever

Fe"ver
v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Fevered (fē"vẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fevering.]
To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as, a fevered lip.
[R.]

The white hand of a lady fever thee.
Shak.


word: Feverfew
definition:
Feverfew

Fe"ver*few
(fē"vẽr*fū)
n.
[AS. feferfuge, fr. L. febrifugia. See fever, Fugitive, and cf. Febrifuge.]
(Bot.)
A perennial plant (Pyrethrum Parthenium, or Chrysanthemum Parthenium) allied to camomile, having finely divided leaves and white blossoms; -- so named from its supposed febrifugal qualities.


word: Feverish
definition:
Feverish

Fe"ver*ish
a.
1.
Having a fever; suffering from, or affected with, a moderate degree of fever; showing increased heat and thirst; as, the patient is feverish.

2.
Indicating, or pertaining to, fever; characteristic of a fever; as, feverish symptoms.

3.
Hot; sultry.
feverish
Dryden.

4.
Disordered as by fever; excited; restless; as, the feverish condition of the commercial world.

Syn. -- fevered.

Strive to keep up a frail and feverish being.
Milton.


word: Feverous
definition:
Feverous

Fe"ver*ous
(?)
a.
[Cf.F. fiévreux.]
1.
Affected with fever or ague; feverish.

His heart, love's feverous citadel.
Keats.

2.
Pertaining to, or having the nature of, fever; as, a feverous pulse.

All maladies . . . all feverous kinds.
Milton.

3.
Having the tendency to produce fever; as, a feverous disposition of the year.
[R.]
Bacon.


word: Few
definition:
Few

Few
(fū)
a.
[Compar. Fewer (fū"ẽr); superl. Fewest.]
[OE. fewe, feawe, AS. feá, pl. feáwe; akin to OS. fāh, OHG. f&omacr fao, Icel. fār, Sw. få, pl., Dan. faa, pl., Goth. faus, L. paucus, cf. Gr. pay^ros.  Cf. Paucity.]
Not many; small, limited, or confined in number; -- indicating a small portion of units or individuals constituting a whole; often, by ellipsis of a noun, a few people.
few
Job x. 20.

Few know and fewer care.
Proverb.

&hand_; Few is often used partitively; as, few of them.

A few, a small number. -- In few, in a few words; briefly. Shak.
-- No few, not few; more than a few; many. Cowper.
-- The few, the minority; -- opposed to the many or the majority.


word: Fewness
definition:
Fewness

Few"ness
n.
1.
The state of being few; smallness of number; paucity.
Shak.

2.
Brevity; conciseness.
[Obs.]
Shak.


word: Fez
definition:
Fez

Fez
(fĕz)
n.
[F., fr. the town of Fez in Morocco.]
A felt or cloth cap, usually red and having a tassel, -- a variety of the tarboosh. See Tarboosh.
B. Taylor.


word: FHLMC
definition:
FHLMC

FHLMC
n.
[acronym from Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.]
a corporation authorized by Congress to provide a secondary market for residential mortgages.  It is called Freddie Mac in the jargon of the finance industry.
[acronym]

Syn. -- Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Freddie Mac.


word: Fiar
definition:
Fiar

Fi"ar
(? or ?)
n.
[See Feuar.]
1.
(Scots Law)
One in whom the property of an estate is vested, subject to the estate of a life renter.

I am fiar of the lands; she a life renter.
Sir W. Scott.

2.
pl.
The price of grain, as legally fixed, in the counties of Scotland, for the current year.


word: Fiasco
definition:
Fiasco

Fi*as"co
(?)
n.
pl. Fiascoes (#).
[It.]
A complete or ridiculous failure, esp. of a musical performance, or of any pretentious undertaking.


word: Fiat
definition:
Fiat

Fi"at
(?)
n.
[L., let it be done, 3d pers. sing., subj. pres., fr. fieri, used as pass. of facere to make.  Cf. Be.]
1.
An authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.

His fiat laid the corner stone.
Willis.

2.
(Eng. Law)
(a)
A warrant of a judge for certain processes.
(b)
An authority for certain proceedings given by the Lord Chancellor's signature.

Fiat money, irredeemable paper currency, not resting on a specie basis, but deriving its purchasing power from the declaratory fiat of the government issuing it.


word: Fib
definition:
Fib

Fib
(?)
n.
[Prob. fr. fable; cf. Prov. E. fibble-fabble nonsense.]
A falsehood; a lie; -- used euphemistically.

They are very serious; they don't tell fibs.
H. James.


word: Fibre
definition:
Fibre

Fiber

{ Fi"ber, Fi"bre  }
(_;)
n.
[F. fibre, L. fibra.]
1.
One of the delicate, threadlike portions of which the tissues of plants and animals are in part constituted; as, the fiber of flax or of muscle.

2.
Any fine, slender thread, or threadlike substance; as, a fiber of spun glass; especially, one of the slender rootlets of a plant.
[wns=1]

3.
the inherent complex of attributes that determine a person's moral and ethical actions and reactions; sinew; strength; toughness; as, a man of real fiber.
[wns=2]

Syn. -- character, fibre.

Yet had no fibers in him, nor no force.
Chapman.

4.
A general name for the raw material, such as cotton, flax, hemp, etc., used in textile manufactures.

5.
(Nutrition)
that portion of food composed of carbohydrates which are completely or partly indigestible, such as cellulose or pectin; it may be in an insoluble or a soluble form.  It provides bulk to the solid waste and stimulates peristalsis in the intestine.  It is found especially in grains, fruits, and vegetables.  There is some medical evidence which indicates that diets high in fiber reduce the risk of colon cancer and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.  It is also called dietary fiber, roughage, or bulk.

6.
a leatherlike material made by compressing layers of paper or cloth.
[wns=3]

Syn. -- fibre, vulcanized fiber.

Fiber gun, a kind of steam gun for converting, wood, straw, etc., into fiber. The material is shut up in the gun with steam, air, or gas at a very high pressure which is afterward relieved suddenly by letting a lid at the muzzle fly open, when the rapid expansion separates the fibers. -- Fiber plants (Bot.), plants capable of yielding fiber useful in the arts, as hemp, flax, ramie, agave, etc.


word: fiberboard
definition:
fiberboard

fiberboard
n.
a type of wallboard composed of wood chips or shavings bonded together with resin and compressed into rigid sheets, calle also particle board.

Syn. -- fibreboard, particle board.


word: Fibre-faced
definition:
Fibre-faced

Fiber-faced

{ Fi"ber-faced`, Fi"bre-faced`  }
(?)
a.
Having a visible fiber embodied in the surface of; -- applied esp. to a kind of paper for checks, drafts, etc.


word: fiberglass
definition:
fiberglass

fiberglass
n.
a material made of fine glass fibers woven into a fabric-like form, and used in applications requiring heat resistance; it is also embedded in resins to make a pliable but strong composite material used as the main component of fishing rods and boat hulls, and replacing the sheet metal in some automobile bodies.
[Also spelled fibreglass, mostly British in usage.]


word: Fibreless
definition:
Fibreless

Fiberless

{ Fi"ber*less, Fi"bre*less  }
a.
Having no fibers; destitute of fibers or fiber.


word: Fiber optics
definition:
Fiber optics

Fi"ber op`tics
(_;)
n.
that branch of optics which studies the transmission of light through thin transparent fibers.
Light transmission through optical fibers has become an important means of data and telephone signal transmission, in some areas superseding the carrying of vioce and data signals through electrical pulses over copper wire.  It is also used for directly carrying images from otherwise inaccessible locations, as from inside the body, for medical procedures.  Light transmission via fiber optics for data transmission uses an optical fiber made of specially purified glass with low light absorption characteristics.


word: Fibriform
definition:
Fibriform

Fi"bri*form
(? or ?)
a.
[L. fibra a fiber + -form.]
(Biol.)
Having the form of a fiber or fibers; resembling a fiber.


word: Fibril
definition:
Fibril

Fi"bril
(?)
n.
[F. fibrille, dim. of fibre, L. fibra.]
A small fiber; the branch of a fiber; a very slender thread; a fibrilla.
Cheyne.


word: Fibrilla
definition:
Fibrilla

fi*bril"la
(?)
n.
pl. fibrillæ (#).
[NL. See Fibril.]
A minute thread or fiber, as one of the fibrous elements of a muscular fiber; a fibril.


word: Fibrillose
definition:
Fibrillose

Fi*bril"lose
(? or ?)
a.
Covered with hairlike appendages, as the under surface of some lichens; also, composed of little strings or fibers; as, fibrillose appendages.


word: Fibrin
definition:
Fibrin

Fi"brin
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. fibrine. See Fiber.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
1.
A white, albuminous, fibrous substance, formed in the coagulation of the blood either by decomposition of fibrinogen, or from the union of fibrinogen and paraglobulin which exist separately in the blood. It is insoluble in water, but is readily digestible in gastric and pancreatic juice.

2.
The white, albuminous mass remaining after washing lean beef or other meat with water until all coloring matter is removed; the fibrous portion of the muscle tissue; flesh fibrin.

3.
An albuminous body, resembling animal fibrin in composition, found in cereal grains and similar seeds; vegetable fibrin.

Fibrin factors (Physiol.), the albuminous bodies, paraglobulin and fibrinigen in the blood, which, by the action of the fibrin ferment, are changed into fibrin, in coagulation. -- Fibrin ferment (Physiol. Chem.), a ferment which makes its appearance in the blood shortly after it is shed, and is supposed to be the active agent in causing coagulation of the blood, with formation of fibrin.


word: Fibrinogen
definition:
Fibrinogen

Fi*brin"o*gen
(?)
n.
[Fibrin + -gen.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
An albuminous substance existing in the blood, and in other animal fluids, which either alone or with fibrinoplastin or paraglobulin forms fibrin, and thus causes coagulation.


word: Fibrinogenous
definition:
Fibrinogenous

Fi`bri*nog"e*nous
(?)
a.
(Physiol. Chem.)
Possessed of properties similar to fibrinogen; capable of forming fibrin.


word: Fibrinoplastic
definition:
Fibrinoplastic

Fi`bri*no*plas"tic
(?)
a.
(Physiol.Chem.)
Like fibrinoplastin; capable of forming fibrin when brought in contact with fibrinogen.


word: Fibrinoplastin
definition:
Fibrinoplastin

Fi`bri*no*plas"tin
(?)
n.
[Fibrin + Gr. _; to form, mold.]
(Physiol.Chem.)
An albuminous substance, existing in the blood, which in combination with fibrinogen forms fibrin; -- called also paraglobulin.


word: Fibrinous
definition:
Fibrinous

Fi"bri*nous
(? or ?; 277)
a.
Having, or partaking of the properties of, fibrin; as, fibrious exudation.


word: Fibrocartilage
definition:
Fibrocartilage

Fi`bro*car"ti*lage
(?)
n.
[L. fibra a fiber + E. cartilage.]
(Anat.)
A kind of cartilage with a fibrous matrix and approaching fibrous connective tissue in structure.
Fi`bro*car`ti*lag"i*nous (#), a.


word: Fibrochondrosteal
definition:
Fibrochondrosteal

Fi`bro*chon*dros"te*al
(fī`bro̝*k&obreve_;n*dr&obreve_;s"te̝*al)
a.
[L. fibra a fiber + gr. cho`ndros cartilage + 'oste`on bone.]
(Anat.)
Partly fibrous, partly cartilaginous, and partly osseous.
St. George Mivart.


word: fibroid
definition:
fibroid

fi"broid
(fī"broid)
a.
[L. fibra a fiber + -oid.]
(Med.)
Resembling or forming fibrous tissue; made up of fibers; as, fibroid tumors.
n. A fibroid tumor; a fibroma.

Fibroid degeneration, a form of degeneration in which organs or tissues are converted into fibroid tissue. -- Fibroid phthists, a form of pulmonary consumption associated with the formation of fibrous tissue in the lungs, and the gradual atrophy of the lungs, from the pressure due to the contraction of this tissue.


word: fibroin
definition:
fibroin

fi"bro*in
(fī"bro̝*ĭn or fĭb"ro̝*ĭn)
n.
[L. fibra a fiber.]
(Chem.)
A variety of gelatin; the chief ingredient of raw silk, extracted as a white amorphous mass.


word: Fibrolite
definition:
Fibrolite

Fi"bro*lite
(? or ?)
n.
[L. fibra a fiber + -lite: cf. F. fibrolithe.]
(Min.)
A silicate of alumina, of fibrous or columnar structure. It is like andalusite in composition; -- called also sillimanite, and bucholzite.


word: Fibroma
definition:
Fibroma

Fi*bro"ma
(fi̝*br&omacr"mȧ)
n.
[NL. See Fiber, and -oma.]
(Med.)
A tumor consisting mainly of fibrous tissue, or of same modification of such tissue.


word: Fibrospongiae
definition:
Fibrospongiae

Fi`bro*spon"gi*æ
(?)
prop. n. pl.
[NL., fr. L. fibra a fiber + spongia a sponge.]
(Zool.)
An order of sponges having a fibrous skeleton, including the commercial sponges.


word: Fibrous
definition:
Fibrous

Fi"brous
(fī"brŭs)
a.
[Cf. F. fibreux.]
Containing, or consisting of, fibers; as, the fibrous coat of the cocoanut; the fibrous roots of grasses.
Fi"brous*ness, n.


word: Fibrovascular
definition:
Fibrovascular

Fi`bro*vas"cu*lar
(?)
a.
[L. fibra a fiber + E. vascular.]
(Bot.)
Containing woody fiber and ducts, as the stems of all flowering plants and ferns; -- opposed to cellular.


word: Fibula
definition:
Fibula

fib"u*la
(fĭb"&uuptack_;*lȧ)
n.
pl. fibulæ (#).
[L., clasp, buckle.]
1.
A brooch, clasp, or buckle.

Mere fibulæ, without a robe to clasp.
Wordsworth.

2.
(Anat.)
The outer and usually the smaller of the two bones of the leg, or hind limb, below the knee.

3.
(Surg.)
A needle for sewing up wounds.


word: Fibulare
definition:
Fibulare

Fib`u*la"re
(fĭb`&uuptack_;*lā"re̝)
n.
pl. Fibularia (#).
[NL. See Fibula.]
(Anat.)
The bone or cartilage of the tarsus, which articulates with the fibula, and corresponds to the calcaneum in man and most mammals.


word: Fichtelite
definition:
Fichtelite

Fich"tel*ite
(?)
n.
(Min.)
A white crystallized mineral resin from the Fichtelgebirge, Bavaria.


word: Fichu
definition:
Fichu

Fich"u
(?)
n.
[F., neckerchief.]
A light cape, usually of lace, worn by women, to cover the neck and throat, and extending to the shoulders.


word: Fickle
definition:
Fickle

Fic"kle
(?)
a.
[OE. fikel untrustworthy, deceitful, AS. ficol, fr. fic, gefic, fraud, deceit; cf. fācen deceit, OS. f_;kn, OHG. feichan, Icel. feikn portent.  Cf. Fidget.]
Not fixed or firm; liable to change; unstable; of a changeable mind; not firm in opinion or purpose; inconstant; capricious; as, Fortune's fickle wheel.
Shak.

They know how fickle common lovers are.
Dryden.


word: Fico
definition:
Fico

Fi"co
(?)
n.
pl. Ficoes (#).
[It., a fig, fr. L.ficus. See Fig.]
A fig; an insignificant trifle, no more than the snap of one's thumb; a sign of contempt made by the fingers, expressing. A fig for you.

Steal! foh, a fico for the phrase.
Shak.


word: Fictile
definition:
Fictile

Fic"tile
(?)
a.
[L. fictilis. See Fiction.]
Molded, or capable of being molded, into form by art; relating to pottery or to molding in any soft material.

Fictile earth is more fragile than crude earth.
Bacon.

The earliest specimens of Italian fictile art.
C. Wordsworth.

Fictile ware, ware made of any material which is molded or shaped while soft; hence, pottery of any sort.


word: Fiction
definition:
Fiction

Fic"tion
(?)
n.
[F. fiction, L. fictio, fr. fingere, fictum to form, shape, invent, feign. See Feign.]
1.
The act of feigning, inventing, or imagining; as, by a mere fiction of the mind.
Bp. Stillingfleet.

2.
That which is feigned, invented, or imagined; especially, a feigned or invented story, whether oral or written. Hence: A story told in order to deceive; a fabrication; -- opposed to fact, or reality.

The fiction of those golden apples kept by a dragon.
Sir W. Raleigh.

When it could no longer be denied that her flight had been voluntary, numerous fictions were invented to account for it.
Macaulay.

3.
Fictitious literature; comprehensively, all works of imagination; specifically, novels and romances.

The office of fiction as a vehicle of instruction and moral elevation has been recognized by most if not all great educators.
Dict. of Education.

4.
(Law)
An assumption of a possible thing as a fact, irrespective of the question of its truth.
Wharton.

5.
Any like assumption made for convenience, as for passing more rapidly over what is not disputed, and arriving at points really at issue.


word: Fictional
definition:
Fictional

Fic"tion*al
(?)
a.
Pertaining to, or characterized by, fiction; fictitious; romantic.
Fictional
Latham.


word: Fictitious
definition:
Fictitious

Fic*ti"tious
(?)
a.
[L. fictitius. See Fiction.]
Feigned; imaginary; not real; fabulous; counterfeit; false; not genuine; as, fictitious fame.

The human persons are as fictitious as the airy ones.
Pope.


word: Fictor
definition:
Fictor

Fic"tor
(?)
n.
[L.]
An artist who models or forms statues and reliefs in any plastic material.
[R.]
Elmes.


word: Ficus
definition:
Ficus

Fi"cus
(?)
n.
[L., a fig.]
A genus of trees or shrubs, one species of which (F. Carica) produces the figs of commerce; the fig tree.

&hand_; Ficus Indica is the banyan tree; F. religiosa, the peepul tree; F. elastica, the India-rubber tree.


word: Fid
definition:
Fid

Fid
(?)
n.
[Prov. E. fid a small, thick lump.]
1.
(Naut.)
A square bar of wood or iron, used to support the topmast, being passed through a hole or mortise at its heel, and resting on the trestle trees.

2.
A wooden or metal bar or pin, used to support or steady anything.

3.
A pin of hard wood, tapering to a point, used to open the strands of a rope in splicing.

&hand_; There are hand fids and standing fids (which are larger than the others, and stand upon a flat base). An iron implement for this purpose is called a marline spike.

4.
(Mil.)
A block of wood used in mounting and dismounting heavy guns.


word: Fidalgo
definition:
Fidalgo

Fi*dal"go
(?)
n.
[Pg. See Hidalgo.]
The lowest title of nobility in Portugal, corresponding to that of Hidalgo in Spain.


word: Fiddle
definition:
Fiddle

Fid"dle
(fĭd"d'l)
n.
[OE. fidele, fithele, AS. fiðele; akin to D. vedel, OHG. fidula, G. fiedel, Icel. fiðla, and perh. to E. viol.  Cf. Viol.]
1.
(Mus.)
A stringed instrument of music played with a bow; a violin; a kit.

2.
(Bot.)
A kind of dock (Rumex pulcher) with fiddle-shaped leaves; -- called also fiddle dock.

3.
(Naut.)
A rack or frame of bars connected by strings, to keep table furniture in place on the cabin table in bad weather.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Fiddle beetle (Zool.), a Japanese carabid beetle (Damaster blaptoides); -- so called from the form of the body. -- Fiddle block (Naut.), a long tackle block having two sheaves of different diameters in the same plane, instead of side by side as in a common double block. Knight. -- Fiddle bow, fiddlestick. -- Fiddle fish (Zool.), the angel fish. -- Fiddle head, See fiddle head in the vocabulary. -- Fiddle pattern, a form of the handles of spoons, forks, etc., somewhat like a violin. -- Scotch fiddle, the itch. (Low) -- To play first fiddle, or To play second fiddle, to take a leading or a subordinate part. [Colloq.]


word: Fiddle₂
definition:
Fiddle

Fid"dle
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fiddled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fiddling (?).]
1.
To play on a fiddle.

Themistocles . . . said he could not fiddle, but he could make a small town a great city.
Bacon.

2.
To keep the hands and fingers actively moving as a fiddler does; to move the hands and fingers restlessy or in busy idleness; to trifle.

Talking, and fiddling with their hats and feathers.
Pepys.


word: fiddledeedee
definition:
fiddledeedee

fid"dle*dee*dee`
(?)
interj.
An exclamatory word or phrase, equivalent to nonsense!
[Colloq.]


word: fiddlehead
definition:
fiddlehead

fid"dle*head`
n.
1.
any of several tall ferns of northern temperate regions having graceful arched fronds and sporophylls resembling ostrich plumes.

Syn. -- ostrich fern, shuttlecock fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Pteretis struthiopteris, Onoclea struthiopteris.

2.
New World fern (Osmunda cinnamonea) having woolly cinnamon-colored spore-bearing fronds in early spring later surrounded by green fronds, called also fiddlehead fern; the early uncurling fronds are edible, and sometimes considered as a vegetable delicacy.

Syn. -- cinnamon fern, fiddlehead fern, Osmunda cinnamonea.

3.
(Naut.)
an ornament on a ship's bow, curved like the volute or scroll at the head of a violin.  Sometimes it serves the function of a billhead.


word: fiddleneck
definition:
fiddleneck

fiddleneck
n.
hairy annual plant (Phacelia tanacetifolia) of California to Mexico with crowded cymes of small blue to lilac or mauve flowers.

Syn. -- Phacelia tanacetifolia.


word: fiddle-shaped
definition:
fiddle-shaped

fiddle-shaped
adj.
shaped like a fiddle; -- of a leaf shape.

Syn. -- pandurate, panduriform.


word: Fiddler
definition:
Fiddler

Fid"dler
(?)
n.
[AS. fiðelere.]
1.
One who plays on a fiddle or violin.

2.
(Zool.)
A burrowing crab of the genus Gelasimus, of many species. The male has one claw very much enlarged, and often holds it in a position similar to that in which a musician holds a fiddle, hence the name; -- called also fiddler crab, calling crab, soldier crab, and fighting crab.

3.
(Zool.)
The common European sandpiper (Tringoides hypoleucus); -- so called because it continually oscillates its body.

Fiddler crab. (Zool.) See Fiddler, n., 2.


word: Fiddle-shaped
definition:
Fiddle-shaped

Fid"dle-shaped`
(?)
a.
(Bot.)
Inversely ovate, with a deep hollow on each side.
Gray.


word: Fiddlestick
definition:
Fiddlestick

Fid"dle*stick`
(?)
n.
The bow, strung with horsehair, used in playing the fiddle; a fiddle bow.


word: Fiddlewood
definition:
Fiddlewood

Fid"dle*wood`
(?)
n.
[Corrupted fr. F. bois-fidèle, lit., faithful wood; -- so called from its durability.]
The wood of several West Indian trees, mostly of the genus Citharexylum.


word: Fidejussion
definition:
Fidejussion

Fi`de*jus"sion
(?)
n.
[L. fidejussio, from fidejubere to be surety or bail; fides faith + jubere to order: cf. F. fidéjussion.]
(Civil Law)
The act or state of being bound as surety for another; suretyship.


word: Fidejussor
definition:
Fidejussor

Fi`de*jus"sor
(?)
n.
[L.: cf. F. fidéjusseur.]
(Civil Law)
A surety; one bound for another, conjointly with him; a guarantor.
Blackstone.


word: Fidelity
definition:
Fidelity

Fi*del"i*ty
(?)
n.
[L. fidelitas: cf. F. fidélité. See Fealty.]
Faithfulness; adherence to right; careful and exact observance of duty, or discharge of obligations.
(a)
Adherence to a person or party to which one is bound; loyalty.

Whose courageous fidelity was proof to all danger.
Macaulay.

The best security for the fidelity of men is to make interest coincide with duty.
A. Hamilton.
The principal thing required in a witness is fidelity.
Hooker.


word: Fides
definition:
Fides

Fi"des
(?)
n.
[L., faith.]
(Roman Muth.)
Faith personified as a goddess; the goddess of faith.


word: Fidget
definition:
Fidget

Fidg"et
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fidgeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fodgeting.]
[From Fidge; cf. OE. fiken to fidget, to flatter, Icel. fika to hasten, Sw. fika to hunt after, AS. befician to deceive.  Cf. Fickle.]
To move uneasily one way and the other; to move irregularly, or by fits and starts.
Moore.


word: Fidget₂
definition:
Fidget

Fidg"et
n.
1.
Uneasiness; restlessness.
Cowper.

2.
pl.
A general nervous restlessness, manifested by incessant changes of position; dysphoria.
Dunglison.


word: Fidia
definition:
Fidia

Fid"i*a
(?)
n.
[NL., prob. fr. L. fidus trusty.]
(Zool.)
A genus of small beetles, of which one species (the grapevine Fidia, F. longipes) is very injurious to vines in America.


word: Fidicinal
definition:
Fidicinal

Fi*dic"i*nal
(?)
a.
[L. fidicinus, fr. fidicen, -inis, a lute player.]
(Mus.)
Of or pertaining to a stringed instrument.


word: Fiducial
definition:
Fiducial

Fi*du"cial
(?)
a.
[L. fiducia trust, confidence; akin to fides faith. See Faith.]
1.
Having faith or trust; confident; undoubting; firm.
Fiducial
Hammond.

2.
Having the nature of a trust; fiduciary; as, fiducial power.
Spelman.

Fiducial edge (Astron. & Surv.), the straight edge of the alidade or ruler along which a straight line is to be drawn. -- Fiducial line or Fiducial point (Math. & Physics.), a line or point of reference, as for setting a graduated circle or scale used for measurments.


word: Fiduciary
definition:
Fiduciary

Fi*du"ci*a*ry
(? or ?)
a.
[L. fiduciarus, fr. fiducia: cf. F. fiduciaire. See Fiducial.]
1.
Involving confidence or trust; confident; undoubting; faithful; firm; as, in a fiduciary capacity.
Fiduciary
Howell.

2.
Holding, held, or founded, in trust.
Spelman.


word: Fiduciary₂
definition:
Fiduciary

Fi*du"ci*a*ry
n.
1.
One who holds a thing in trust for another; a trustee.

Instrumental to the conveying God's blessing upon those whose fiduciaries they are.
Jer. Taylor.

2.
(Theol.)
One who depends for salvation on faith, without works; an Antinomian.
Hammond.


word: Fie
definition:
Fie

Fie
(?)
interj.
[OE. fi; cf. D. fif. G. pfui, Icel. f_;, Sw. & Dan. fy, F. fi, L. fi, phy.]
An exclamation denoting contempt or dislike. See Fy.
Fuller.


word: Fief
definition:
Fief

Fief
(?)
n.
[F. fief; of German origin, and the same word as E. fee. See Fee, and cf. Feud, a tief.]
(Law)
An estate held of a superior on condition of military service; a fee; a feud. See under Benefice, n., 2.


word: field
definition:
field

field
(fēld)
n.
[OE. feld, fild, AS. feld; akin to D. veld, G. feld, Sw. fält, Dan. felt, Icel. fold field of grass, AS. folde earth, land, ground, OS. folda.]
1.
Cleared land; land suitable for tillage or pasture; cultivated ground; the open country.

2.
A piece of land of considerable size; esp., a piece inclosed for tillage or pasture.

Fields which promise corn and wine.
Byron.

3.
A place where a battle is fought; also, the battle itself.

In this glorious and well-foughten field.
Shak.

What though the field be lost?
Milton.

4.
An open space; an extent; an expanse.
Esp.:
(a)
Any blank space or ground on which figures are drawn or projected.
(b)
The space covered by an optical instrument at one view; as, wide-field binoculars.

Without covering, save yon field of stars.
Shak.

Ask of yonder argent fields above.
Pope.

5.
(Her.)
The whole surface of an escutcheon; also, so much of it is shown unconcealed by the different bearings upon it. See Illust. of Fess, where the field is represented as gules (red), while the fess is argent (silver).

6.
An unresticted or favorable opportunity for action, operation, or achievement; province; room.

Afforded a clear field for moral experiments.
Macaulay.

7.
(Sports)
An open, usually flat, piece of land on which a sports contest is played; a playing field; as, a football field; a baseball field.

Syn. -- playing field, athletic field, playing area.

8.
Specifically:
(Baseball)
That part of the grounds reserved for the players which is outside of the diamond; -- called also outfield.

9.
A geographic region (land or sea) which has some notable feature, activity or valuable resource; as, the diamond fields of South Africa; an oil field; a gold field; an ice field.

10.
A facility having an airstrip where airplanes can take off and land; an airfield.

Syn. -- airfield, landing field, flying field, aerodrome.

11.
A collective term for all the competitors in any outdoor contest or trial, or for all except the favorites in the betting.

12.
A branch of knowledge or sphere of activity; especially, a learned or professional discipline; as, she's an expert in the field of geology; in what field did she get her doctorate?; they are the top company in the field of entertainment.

Syn. -- discipline, subject, subject area, subject field, field of study, study, branch of knowledge.

  Within the master text files of this electronic dictionary, where a word is used in a specific sense in some specialized field of knowledge, that field is indicated by the tags: () preceding that sense of the word.

13.
A location, usually outdoors, away from a studio or office or library or laboratory, where practical work is done or data is collected; as, anthropologists do much of their work in the field; the paleontologist is in the field collecting specimens.  Usually used in the phrase in the field.

14.
(Physics)
The influence of a physical object, such as an electrically charged body, which is capable of exerting force on objects at a distance; also, the region of space over which such an influence is effective; as, the earth's gravitational field; an electrical field; a magnetic field; a force field.

15.
(Math.)
A set of elements within which operations can be defined analagous to the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on the real numbers; within such a set of elements addition and multiplication are commutative and associative and multiplication is distributive over addition and there are two elements 0 and 1; a commutative division ring; as, the set of all rational numbers is a field.

&hand_; Field is often used adjectively in the sense of belonging to, or used in, the fields; especially with reference to the operations and equipments of an army during a campaign away from permanent camps and fortifications. In most cases such use of the word is sufficiently clear; as, field battery; field fortification; field gun; field hospital, etc.  A field geologist, naturalist, etc., is one who makes investigations or collections out of doors.  A survey uses a field book for recording field notes, i.e., measurment, observations, etc., made in field work (outdoor operations). A farmer or planter employs field hands, and may use a field roller or a field derrick. Field sports are hunting, fishing, athletic games, etc.

Coal field (Geol.) See under Coal. -- Field artillery, light ordnance mounted on wheels, for the use of a marching army. -- Field basil (Bot.), a plant of the Mint family (Calamintha Acinos); -- called also basil thyme. -- Field colors (Mil.), small flags for marking out the positions for squadrons and battalions; camp colors. -- Field cricket (Zool.), a large European cricket (Gryllus campestric), remarkable for its loud notes. -- Field day. (a) A day in the fields. (b) (Mil.) A day when troops are taken into the field for instruction in evolutions. Farrow. (c) A day of unusual exertion or display; a gala day. -- Field driver, in New England, an officer charged with the driving of stray cattle to the pound. -- Field duck (Zool.), the little bustard (Otis tetrax), found in Southern Europe. -- Field glass. (Optics) (a) A binocular telescope of compact form; a lorgnette; a race glass. (b) A small achromatic telescope, from 20 to 24 inches long, and having 3 to 6 draws. (c) See Field lens. -- Field lark. (Zool.) (a) The skylark. (b) The tree pipit. -- Field lens (Optics), that one of the two lenses forming the eyepiece of an astronomical telescope or compound microscope which is nearer the object glass; -- called also field glass. -- Field madder (Bot.), a plant (Sherardia arvensis) used in dyeing. -- Field marshal (Mil.), the highest military rank conferred in the British and other European armies. -- Field officer (Mil.), an officer above the rank of captain and below that of general. -- Field officer's court (U.S.Army), a court-martial consisting of one field officer empowered to try all cases, in time of war, subject to jurisdiction of garrison and regimental courts. Farrow.  -- Field plover (Zool.), the black-bellied plover (Charadrius squatarola); also sometimes applied to the Bartramian sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). -- Field spaniel (Zool.), a small spaniel used in hunting small game. -- Field sparrow. (Zool.) (a) A small American sparrow (Spizella pusilla). (b) The hedge sparrow. [Eng.] -- Field staff (Mil.), a staff formerly used by gunners to hold a lighted match for discharging a gun. -- Field vole (Zool.), the European meadow mouse. -- Field of ice, a large body of floating ice; a pack. -- Field, or Field of view, in a telescope or microscope, the entire space within which objects are seen. -- Field magnet. see under Magnet. -- Magnetic field. See Magnetic. -- To back the field, or To bet on the field. See under Back, v. t. -- To keep the field. (a) (Mil.) To continue a campaign. (b) To maintain one's ground against all comers. -- To lay against the field or To back against the field, to bet on (a horse, etc.) against all comers. -- To take the field (Mil.), to enter upon a campaign.


word: Field
definition:
Field

Field
(?)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fielded; p. pr. & vb. n. Fielding.]
1.
To take the field.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

2.
(Ball Playing)
To stand out in the field, ready to catch, stop, or throw the ball.


word: Fielden
definition:
Fielden

Field"en
(?)
a.
Consisting of fields.
[Obs.]

The fielden country also and plains.
Holland.


word: Fielder
definition:
Fielder

Field"er
(?)
n.
(Ball Playing)
A ball payer who stands out in the field to catch or stop balls.


word: Fieldfare
definition:
Fieldfare

Field"fare`
(?; 277)
n.
[OE. feldfare, AS. feldfare; field + faran to travel.]
(Zool.)
a small thrush (Turdus pilaris) which breeds in northern Europe and winters in Great Britain. The head, nape, and lower part of the back are ash-colored; the upper part of the back and wing coverts, chestnut; -- called also fellfare.


word: field mouse
definition:
field mouse

fieldmouse

fieldmouse, field mouse
n.
1.
(Zool.)
any nocturnal Old World mouse of the genus Apodemus inhabing woods and fields and gardens.

2.
(Zool.)
any mouse inhabiting fields, as the campagnol and the deer mouse. See Campagnol, and Deer mouse.


word: Fieldpiece
definition:
Fieldpiece

Field"piece`
(?)
n.
A cannon mounted on wheels, for the use of a marching army; a piece of field artillery; -- called also field gun.


word: fieldsman
definition:
fieldsman

fields"man
n.
(Cricket)
a member of the cricket team that is fielding rather than batting.

Syn. -- fielder.


word: field test
definition:
field test

field-test

field-test, field test
v. t.
to test something in the field, i. e. under the actual conditions under which it will be used; as, The Army field-tested the new tanks.  Used in contrast with testing in a laboratory or under controlled conditions.

Syn. -- field test.


word: Fieldwork
definition:
Fieldwork

Field"work`
(?)
n.
(Mil.)
Any temporary fortification thrown up by an army in the field; -- commonly in the plural.

All works which do not come under the head of permanent fortification are called fieldworks.
Wilhelm.


word: fiend
definition:
fiend

fiend
(fēnd)
n.
[OE. fend, find, fiend, feond, fiend, foe, AS. feónd; akin to OS. fīond, D. vijand enemy, OHG. fīant, G. feind, Icel. fjānd, Sw. & Dan. fiende, Goth. fijands; orig. p. pr. of a verb meaning to hate, AS. feón, feógan, OHG. fī_;n, Goth. fijan, Skr. pīy to scorn; prob. akin to E. feud a quarrel. √81.  Cf. Foe, Friend.]
An implacable or malicious foe; one who is diabolically wicked or cruel; an infernal being; -- applied specifically to the devil or a demon.

Into this wild abyss the wary fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while.
Milton.

O woman! woman! when to ill thy mind
Is bent, all hell contains no fouler fiend.
Pope.


word: Fiendish
definition:
Fiendish

Fiend"ish
(?)
a.
Like a fiend; diabolically wicked or cruel; infernal; malignant; devilish; hellish.
Fiend"ish*ly, adv. -- Fiend"ish*ness, n.


word: Fierasfer
definition:
Fierasfer

Fi`e*ras"fer
(?)
n.
[NL.]
(Zool.)
A genus of small, slender fishes, remarkable for their habit of living as commensals in other animals. One species inhabits the gill cavity of the pearl oyster near Panama; another lives within an East Indian holothurian.


word: Fierce
definition:
Fierce

Fierce
(?)
a.
[Compar. Fiercer (?); superl. Fiercest (?).]
[OE. fers, fiers, OF. fier, nom. fiers, fierce, savage, cruel, F. fier proud, from L. ferus wild, savage, cruel; perh. akin to E. bear the animal.  Cf. Feral, Ferocity.]
1.
Furious; violent; unrestrained; impetuous; as, a fierce wind.

His fierce thunder drove us to the deep.
Milton.

2.
Vehement in anger or cruelty; ready or eager to kill or injure; of a nature to inspire terror; ferocious.
fierce
Dickens.
fierce
Pope.

The fierce foe hung upon our broken rear.
Milton.

Thou huntest me as a fierce lion.
Job. x. 16.

3.
Excessively earnest, eager, or ardent.


word: fierceness
definition:
fierceness

fierceness
n.
the quality of being fierce; ferocity; fury; vehemence.

Syn. -- ferocity, furiousness, fury, vehemence, violence, wildness, strength.


word: Fieri facias
definition:
Fieri facias

Fi"e*ri fa"ci*as
(?)
[L., cause it to be done.]
(Law)
A judicial writ that lies for one who has recovered in debt or damages, commanding the sheriff that he cause to be made of the goods, chattels, or real estate of the defendant, the sum claimed.
Blackstone. Cowell.


word: Fieriness
definition:
Fieriness

Fi"er*i*ness
(?)
n.
The quality of being fiery; heat; acrimony; irritability; as, a fieriness of temper.
Addison.


word: Fiery
definition:
Fiery

Fi"er*y
(? or ?)
a.
[Formerly written firy, fr. fire.]
1.
Consisting of, containing, or resembling, fire; as, the fiery gulf of Etna; a fiery appearance.

And fiery billows roll below.
I. Watts.

2.
Vehement; ardent; very active; impetuous.

Hath thy fiery heart so parched thine entrails?
Shak.

The fiery spirit of his forefathers.
W. Irwing.

3.
Passionate; easily provoked; irritable.

You know the fiery quality of the duke.
Shak.

4.
Unrestrained; fierce; mettlesome; spirited.

One curbed the fiery steed.
Dryden.

5.
heated by fire, or as if by fire; burning hot; parched; feverish.
Pope.

The sword which is made fiery.
Hooker.

Fiery cross, a cross constructed of two firebrands, and pitched upon the point of a spear; formerly in Scotland borne by a runner as a signal for the clan to take up arms. Sir W. Scott.


word: Fiesta
definition:
Fiesta

Fies"ta
(?)
n.
[Sp. See Feast, n.]
1.
Among Spanish, a religious festival; a saint's day or holiday; also, a holiday or festivity.
Even . . . a bullfight is a fiesta.
Am. Dialect Notes.
Some fiesta, when all the surrounding population were expected to turn out in holiday dress for merriment.
The Century.

2.
an organized series of acts and performances.

Syn. -- festival, feast, fete.


word: Fife
definition:
Fife

Fife
(fīf)
n.
[F. fifre, OHG. pfīfa, LL. pipa pipe, pipare to play on the pipe, fr. L. pipire, pipare, to peep, pip, chirp, as a chiken. See Pipe.]
(Mus.)
A small shrill pipe, resembling the piccolo flute, used chiefly to accompany the drum in military music.

Fife major (Mil.), a noncommissioned officer who superintends the fifers of a regiment. -- Fife rail. (Naut.) (a) A rail about the mast, at the deck, to hold belaying pins, etc. (b) A railing around the break of a poop deck.


word: FIFO
definition:
FIFO

FIFO
(fī"f&omacr)
a.
[acronym, First In First Out.]
1.
(accounting)
an accounting method in which goods in inventory are valued at the price of the most recent acquisition of each type of goods, and those used up from inventory are valued at the cost of those first acquired.


word: Fifteen
definition:
Fifteen

Fif"teen`
(?)
a.
[OE. fiftene, AS. fīft&ymacr_;ne, fīftēne. See Five, and Ten, and cf. Fifty.]
Five and ten; one more than fourteen.


word: Fifteen₂
definition:
Fifteen

Fif"teen`
n.
1.
The sum of five and ten; fifteen units or objects.

2.
A symbol representing fifteen units, as 15, or xv.


word: Fifteenth
definition:
Fifteenth

Fif"teenth`
(?)
a.
[OE. fiftenthe; cf. fiftethe, AS. fīfte&omacrða. See Fifteen.]
1.
Next in order after the fourteenth; -- the ordinal of fifteen.

2.
Consisting of one of fifteen equal parts or divisions of a thing.


word: Fifteenth₂
definition:
Fifteenth

Fif"teenth`
n.
1.
One of fifteen equal parts or divisions; the quotient of a unit divided by fifteen.

2.
A species of tax upon personal property formerly laid on towns, boroughs, etc., in England, being one fifteenth part of what the personal property in each town, etc., had been valued at.
Burrill.

3.
(Mus.)
(a)
A stop in an organ tuned two octaves above the diaposon.
(b)
An interval consisting of two octaves.


word: Fifth
definition:
Fifth

Fifth
(?)
a.
[OE. fifte, fifthe, AS. fīfta. See Five.]
1.
Next in order after the fourth; -- the ordinal of five.

2.
Consisting of one of five equal divisions of a thing.

Fifth monarchy men (Hist.), a fanatical sect in England, of the time of the commonwealth, who maintained that there would be a fifth universal monarchy, during which Christ would reign on earth a thousand years. -- Fifth wheel, a horizontal wheel or segment above the fore axle of a carriage and beneath the body, forming an extended support to prevent careening.


word: Fifth₂
definition:
Fifth

Fifth
(?)
n.
1.
The quotient of a unit divided by five; one of five equal parts; a fifth part.

2.
(Mus.)
The interval of three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the dominant of any key.


word: fifth column
definition:
fifth column

fifth` col"umn
(?)
n.
[from a statement during the Spanish Civil War (1936) that the Falange had four columns of soldiers marching on the city, and a fifth column “already there” (i.e. sympathizers inside the Republican lines).]
1.
a group of persons inside the battle lines of a territory engaged in a conflict, who secretly sympathize with the enemy, and who engage in espionage or sabotage; -- sometimes also referred to as a trojan horse.

2.
Hence, any faction of persons within a group who secretly sympathize with an enemy, especially those who engage in activities harmful to the group; an enemy in one's midst; a group of traitors.


word: fifties
definition:
fifties

fifties
n.
1.
the decade from 1950 to 1959.

2.
the time of life between 50 and 60.

Syn. -- mid-fifties.


word: Fiftieth
definition:
Fiftieth

Fif"ti*eth
(?)
a.
[AS. fīftigoða. See Fifty.]
1.
Next in order after the forty-ninth; -- the ordinal of fifty.

2.
Consisting of one of fifty equal parts or divisions.


word: Fifty
definition:
Fifty

Fif"ty
(?)
a.
[AS. fīftig; akin to OHG. finfzug, fimfzuc, G. fünfzig, funfzig, Goth. fimftigjus. See Five, and Ten, and cf. Fifteen.]
Five times ten; as, fifty men.


word: Fifty₂
definition:
Fifty

Fif"ty
n.
pl. Fifties (_;).
1.
The sum of five tens; fifty units or objects.

2.
A symbol representing fifty units, as 50, or l.


word: fifty-fifty₂
definition:
fifty-fifty

fifty-fifty
n.
a lottery in which the organizers retain fifty percent of the money wagered, and distribute fifty percent of the wagered money to the winner.


word: Fig
definition:
Fig

Fig
(fĭg)
n.
[F. figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, fr. L. ficus fig tree, fig.  Cf. Fico.]
1.
(Bot.)
A small fruit tree (Ficus Carica) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria westward to the Canary Islands.

2.
The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors.

&hand_; The fruit of a fig tree is really the hollow end of a stem, and bears numerous achenia inside the cavity. Many species have little, hard, inedible figs, and in only a few does the fruit become soft and pulpy. The fruit of the cultivated varieties is much prized in its fresh state, and also when dried or preserved. See Caprification.

3.
A small piece of tobacco.
[U.S.]

4.
The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt.
fig
Shak.

Cochineal fig. See Conchineal fig. -- Fig dust, a preparation of fine oatmeal for feeding caged birds. -- Fig faun, one of a class of rural deities or monsters supposed to live on figs. “Therefore shall dragons dwell there with the fig fauns.” Jer. i. 39. (Douay version). -- Fig gnat (Zool.), a small fly said to be injurious to figs. -- Fig leaf, the leaf tree; hence, in allusion to the first clothing of Adam and Eve (Genesis iii.7), a covering for a thing that ought to be concealed; esp., an inadequate covering; a symbol for affected modesty. -- Fig marigold (Bot.), the name of several plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers. -- Fig tree (Bot.), any tree of the genus Ficus, but especially F. Carica which produces the fig of commerce.


word: Fig₂
definition:
Fig

Fig
v. t.
[See Fico, Fig, n.]
1.
To insult with a fico, or contemptuous motion. See Fico.
[Obs.]

When Pistol lies, do this, and fig me like
The bragging Spaniard.
Shak.

2.
To put into the head of, as something useless o_; contemptible.
[Obs.]
L'Estrange.


word: Fig₃
definition:
Fig

Fig
n.
Figure; dress; array.
[Colloq.]

Were they all in full fig, the females with feathers on their heads, the males with chapeaux bras?
Prof. Wilson.


word: Figaro
definition:
Figaro

Fi`ga`ro"
(?)
n.
[From the name of the barber in Beaumarchais' “Barber of Seville.”]
An adroit and unscrupulous intriguer.


word: Figeater
definition:
Figeater

Fig"eat`er
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
(a)
A large beetle (Allorhina nitida) which in the Southern United States destroys figs.  The elytra are velvety green with pale borders.
(b)
A bird. See Figpecker.


word: fig leaf
definition:
fig leaf

fig leaf
1.
The leaf from a fig tree.

2.
An ornamental design shaped like the leaf of a fig tree, used in architecture; also, a design shaped like a fig leaf to cover genitalia in sculpture or paintings -- in reference to the biblical story in Genesis of Adam and Eve, who covered their privates with fig leaves.

3.
Hence:
[figurative]
Anything used to conceal what is considered embarrassing or indecent.  See sense 2.


word: Figgum
definition:
Figgum

Fig"gum
(?)
n.
[Etymol. uncertain.]
A juggler's trick; conjuring.
[Obs.]

The devil is the author of wicked figgum.
B. Jonson.


word: Fight
definition:
Fight

Fight
(fīt)
v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Fought (f&asuml_;t); p. pr. & vb. n. Fighting.]
[OE. fihten, fehten, AS. feohtan; akin to D. vechten, OHG. fehtan, G. fechten, Sw. fäkta, Dan. fegte, and perh. to E. fist; cf. L. pugnare to fight, pugnus fist.]
1.
To strive or contened for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms; -- followed by with or against.

You do fight against your country's foes.
Shak.

To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.
Milton.

2.
To act in opposition to anything; to struggle against; to contend; to strive; to make resistance.

To fight shy, to avoid meeting fairly or at close quarters; to keep out of reach.


word: Fight₂
definition:
Fight

Fight
v. t.
1.
To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one's way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause.

He had to fight his way through the world.
Macaulay.

I have fought a good fight.
2 Tim. iv. 7.

2.
To contend with in battle; to war against; as, they fought the enemy in two pitched battles; the sloop fought the frigate for three hours.

3.
To cause to fight; to manage or maneuver in a fight; as, to fight cocks; to fight one's ship.

To fight it out, to fight until a decisive and conclusive result is reached.


word: Fight₃
definition:
Fight

Fight
n.
[OE. fight, feht, AS. feoht. See Fight, v. i.]
1.
A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, ships, or navies, etc.

Who now defies thee thrice to single fight.
Milton.

2.
A struggle or contest of any kind.

3.
Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity; as, he has a great deal of fight in him.
[Colloq.]

4.
A screen for the combatants in ships.
[Obs.]

Up with your fights, and your nettings prepare.
Dryden.

Running fight, a fight in which the enemy is continually chased; also, one which continues without definite end or result.


word: Fighter
definition:
Fighter

Fight"er
(fīt"ẽr)
n.
[AS. feohtere.]
1.
One who fights; a combatant; a warrior.
Shak.

2.
A boxer; a pugilist.

3.
A person with the determination and will to persist through great difficulty to achieve a goal; one with the courage to fight and resist an opponent, and to struggle with all one's powers.

4.
(Mil.)
A military aircraft designed to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft; it is usually smaller and more maneuvarable than aircraft designed specifically for bombing.  However, hybrid fighter-bomber aircraft that perform both functions also are used.


word: Fighting
definition:
Fighting

Fight"ing
a.
1.
Qualified for war; fit for battle.

An host of fighting men.
2 Chron. xxvi. 11.

2.
Occupied in war; being the scene of a battle; as, a fighting field.
Pope.

A fighting chance, one dependent upon the issue of a struggle. [Colloq.] -- Fighting crab (Zool.), the fiddler crab. -- Fighting fish (Zool.), a remarkably pugnacious East Indian fish (Betta pugnax), reared by the Siamese for spectacular fish fights.


word: Fightwite
definition:
Fightwite

Fight"wite`
(?)
n.
[Fight + wite.]
(O.Eng. Law)
A mulct or fine imposed on a person for making a fight or quarrel to the disturbance of the peace.


word: Figment
definition:
Figment

Fig"ment
(?)
n.
[L. figmentum, fr. fingere to form, shape, invent, feign. See Feign.]
An invention; a fiction; something feigned or imagined.

Social figments, feints, and formalism.
Mrs. Browning.

It carried rather an appearance of figment and invention . . . than of truth and reality.
Woodward.


word: Figpecker
definition:
Figpecker

Fig"peck`er
(fĭg"pĕk`ẽr)
n.
(Zool.)
The European garden warbler (Sylvia hortensis or Currica, hortensis); -- called also beccafico and greater pettychaps.


word: Fig-shell
definition:
Fig-shell

Fig"-shell`
(?)
n.
(Zool.)
A marine univalve shell of the genus Pyrula, or Ficula, resembling a fig in form.


word: Figulated
definition:
Figulated

Figulate

{ Fig"u*late (?), Fig"u*la`ted (?) }
a.
[L. figulatus, p. p. of figulare to shape, fr. figulus potter, fr. fingere to shape.]
Made of potter's clay; molded; shaped.
[R.]
Johnson.


word: Figuline
definition:
Figuline

Fig"u*line
(? or ?)
n.
[F., fr. L. figulina pottery, fr. figulus. See Figulate.]
A piece of pottery ornamented with representations of natural objects.

Whose figulines and rustic wares
Scarce find him bread from day to day.
Longfellow.


word: Figuline₂
definition:
Figuline

Fig"u*line
(?)
a.
[L. figulinus. See Figulate.]
1.
Suitable for the making of pottery; fictile; -- said of clay.

2.
Made of clay, as by the potter; -- said of vessels, ornamental figures, or the like; as, figuline ware.


word: Figurability
definition:
Figurability

Fig`ur*a*bil"i*ty
(?)
n.
[Cf. F. figurabilité.]
The quality of being figurable.
Johnson.


word: Figurable
definition:
Figurable

Fig`ur*a*ble
(?)
a.
[L. figurare to form, shape, fr. figura figure: cf. F. figurable. See Figure.]
Capable of being brought to a fixed form or shape.

Lead is figurable, but water is not.
Johnson.


word: Figural
definition:
Figural

Fig"ur*al
(?)
a.
[From Figure.]
1.
Represented by figure or delineation; consisting of figures; as, figural ornaments.
Sir T. Browne.

2.
(Mus.)
Figurate. See Figurate.

Figural numbers. See Figurate numbers, under Figurate.


word: Figurant
definition:
Figurant

Fig"u*rant`
(? or ?)
n. masc.
[F., prop. p. pr. of figurer figure, represent, make a figure.]
One who dances at the opera, not singly, but in groups or figures; an accessory character on the stage, who figures in its scenes, but has nothing to say; hence, one who figures in any scene, without taking a prominent part.


word: Figurate
definition:
Figurate

Fig"ur*ate
(?)
a.
[L. figuratus, p. p. of figurare. See Figure.]
1.
Of a definite form or figure.

Plants are all figurate and determinate, which inanimate bodies are not.
Bacon.

2.
Figurative; metaphorical.
[Obs.]
Bale.

3.
(Mus.)
Florid; figurative; involving passing discords by the freer melodic movement of one or more parts or voices in the harmony; as, figurate counterpoint or descant.

Figurate counterpoint or Figurate descant (Mus.), that which is not simple, or in which the parts do not move together tone for tone, but in which freer movement of one or more parts mingles passing discords                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  with the harmony; -- called also figural, figurative, and figured counterpoint or descant (although the term figured is more commonly applied to a bass with numerals written above or below to indicate the other notes of the harmony). -- Figurate numbers (Math.), numbers, or series of numbers, formed from any arithmetical progression in which the first term is a unit, and the difference a whole number, by taking the first term, and the sums of the first two, first three, first four, etc., as the successive terms of a new series, from which another may be formed in the same manner, and so on, the numbers in the resulting series being such that points representing them are capable of symmetrical arrangement in different geometrical figures, as triangles, squares, pentagons, etc. In the following example, the two lower lines are composed of figurate numbers, those in the second line being triangular, and represented thus: --

                        .              1, 2,  3,  4, etc.
              .        . .             1, 3,  6, 10, etc.
      .      . .     . . . .   etc.    1, 4, 10, 20, etc
 .   . .   . . . .  . . . . .


word: Figuration
definition:
Figuration

Fig`u*ra"tion
(?)
n.
[L. figuratio.]
1.
The act of giving figure or determinate form; determination to a certain form.
Bacon.

2.
(Mus.)
Mixture of concords and discords.


word: Figurative
definition:
Figurative

Fig"ur*a*tive
(?)
a.
[L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.]
1.
Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.

This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity.
Hooker.

2.
Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.

3.
Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.

4.
Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2.

They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
J. A. Symonds.

Figurative counterpoint or Figurative descant. See under Figurate.


word: Figure
definition:
Figure

Fig"ure
(fĭg"&uuptack_;r; 135)
n.
[F., figure, L. figura; akin to fingere to form, shape, feign. See Feign.]
1.
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.

Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Bacon.

2.
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.

A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Shak.

3.
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.

4.
(Geom.)
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; -- called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.

5.
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.

I made some figure there.
Dryden.

Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Blackstone.

6.
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.

That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Law.

7.
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.

8.
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
[Colloq.]

With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Thackeray.

9.
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.

Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Rom. v. 14.

10.
(Rhet.)
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement.  Also called a figure of speech.

To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Macaulay.

11.
(Logic)
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.

12.
(Dancing)
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.

13.
(Astrol.)
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Johnson.

14.
(Music)
(a)
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Grove.
&hand_; Figures are often written upon the staff in music to denote the kind of measure. They are usually in the form of a fraction, the upper figure showing how many notes of the kind indicated by the lower are contained in one measure or bar. Thus, 2/4 signifies that the measure contains two quarter notes. The following are the principal figures used for this purpose: --

2/22/42/8 4/22/44/8 3/23/43/8 6/46/46/8


Academy figure, Canceled figures, Lay figure, etc. See under Academy, Cancel, Lay, etc. -- Figure caster, or Figure flinger, an astrologer. “This figure caster.” Milton. -- Figure flinging, the practice of astrology. -- Figure-of-eight knot, a knot shaped like the figure 8. See Illust. under Knot. -- Figure painting, a picture of the human figure, or the act or art of depicting the human figure. -- Figure stone (Min.), agalmatolite. -- Figure weaving, the art or process of weaving figured fabrics. -- To cut a figure, to make a display. [Colloq.] Sir W. Scott.


