L \L\ ([e^]l).
1. L is the twelfth letter of the English alphabet, and a
vocal consonant. It is usually called a semivowel or
liquid. Its form and value are from the Greek, through the
Latin, the form of the Greek letter being from the
Ph[oe]nician, and the ultimate origin prob. Egyptian.
Etymologically, it is most closely related to r and u; as
in pilgrim, peregrine, couch (fr. collocare), aubura (fr.
LL. alburnus).
Note: At the end of monosyllables containing a single vowel,
it is often doubled, as in fall, full, bell; but not
after digraphs, as in foul, fool, prowl, growl, foal.
In English words, the terminating syllable le is
unaccented, the e is silent, and l is preceded by a
voice glide, as in able, eagle, pronounced [=a]"b'l,
?"g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect] 241.
2. As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the
Latin language.
For 50 the Romans used the Chalcidian chi, ?, which
assumed the less difficult lapidary type, ?, and was
then easily assimilated to L. --I. Taylor
(The
Alphabet).
L \L\ ([e^]l), n.
1. An extension at right angles to the length of a main
building, giving to the ground plan a form resembling the
letter L; sometimes less properly applied to a narrower,
or lower, extension in the direction of the length of the
main building; a wing. [Written also {ell}.]
2. (Mech.) A short right-angled pipe fitting, used in
connecting two pipes at right angles. [Written also
{ell}.]
La \La\, n. (Mus.)
(a) A syllable applied to the sixth tone of the scale in
music in solmization.
(b) The tone A; -- so called among the French and
Italians.
La \La\, interj. [Cf. {Lo}.]
1. Look; see; behold; -- sometimes followed by you. [Obs.]
--Shak.
2. An exclamation of surprise; -- commonly followed by me;
as, La me! [Low]
Laas \Laas\, n.
A lace. See {Lace}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lab \Lab\, v. i. [Cf. OD. labben to babble.]
To prate; to gossip; to babble; to blab. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lab \Lab\, n.
A telltale; a prater; a blabber. [Obs.] ``I am no lab.''
--Chaucer.
Labadist \Lab"a*dist\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
A follower of Jean de Labadie, a religious teacher of the
17th century, who left the Roman Catholic Church and taught a
kind of mysticism, and the obligation of community of
property among Christians.
Labarraque's solution \La`bar`raque's" so*lu"tion\ [From
Labarraque, a Parisian apothecary.] (Med.)
An aqueous solution of hypochlorite of sodium, extensively
used as a disinfectant.
Labarum \Lab"a*rum\, n.; pl. {Labara}. [L.]
The standard adopted by the Emperor Constantine after his
conversion to Christianity. It is described as a pike bearing
a silk banner hanging from a crosspiece, and surmounted by a
golden crown. It bore a monogram of the first two letters
(CHR)
of the name of Christ in its Greek form. Later, the name was
given to various modifications of this standard.
Labdanum \Lab"da*num\, n. (Bot.)
See {Ladanum}.
Labefaction \Lab`e*fac"tion\, n. [See {Labefy}.]
The act of labefying or making weak; the state of being
weakened; decay; ruin.
There is in it such a labefaction of all principles as
may be injurious to morality. --Johnson.
Labefy \Lab"e*fy\, v. t. [L. labefacere; labare to totter +
facere to make.]
To weaken or impair. [R.]
Label \La"bel\, n. [OF. label sort of ribbon or fringe, label in
heraldry, F. lambeau shred, strip, rag; of uncertain origin;
cf. L. labellum, dim. of labrum lip, edge, margin, G. lappen
flap, patch, rag, tatter (cf. {Lap} of a dress), W. llab,
llabed, label, flap, Gael. leab, leob, slice, shred, hanging
lip.]
1. A tassel. [Obs.] --Huloet. Fuller.
2. A slip of silk, paper, parchment, etc., affixed to
anything, usually by an inscription, the contents,
ownership, destination, etc.; as, the label of a bottle or
a package.
3. A slip of ribbon, parchment, etc., attached to a document
to hold the appended seal; also, the seal.
4. A writing annexed by way of addition, as a codicil added
to a will.
5. (Her.) A barrulet, or, rarely, a bendlet, with pendants,
or points, usually three, especially used as a mark of
cadency to distinguish an eldest or only son while his
father is still living.
6. A brass rule with sights, formerly used, in connection
with a circumferentor, to take altitudes. --Knight.
7. (Gothic Arch.) The name now generally given to the
projecting molding by the sides, and over the tops, of
openings in medi[ae]val architecture. It always has a
?quare form, as in the illustration. --Arch. Pub. Soc.
8. In medi[ae]val art, the representation of a band or scroll
containing an inscription. --Fairholt.
Label \La"bel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Labeled}or {Labelled}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Labeling} or {Labelling}.]
1. To affix a label to; to mark with a name, etc.; as, to
label a bottle or a package.
2. To affix in or on a label. [R.]
Labeler \La"bel*er\, n.
One who labels. [Written also {labeller}.]
Labellum \La*bel"lum\, n.; pl. L. {Labella}, E. {Labellums}.
[L., dim. of labrum lip.]
1. (Bot.) The lower or apparently anterior petal of an
orchidaceous flower, often of a very curious shape.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A small appendage beneath the upper lip or
labrum of certain insects.
Labent \La"bent\, a. [L. labens, p. pr. of labi to slide,
glide.]
Slipping; sliding; gliding. [R.]
Labia \La"bi*a\, n. pl.
See {Labium}.
Labial \La"bi*al\, a. [LL. labialis, fr. L. labium lip: cf. F.
labial. See {Lip}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the lips or labia; as, labial veins.
2. (Mus.) Furnished with lips; as, a labial organ pipe.
3. (Phonetics)
(a) Articulated, as a consonant, mainly by the lips, as b,
p, m, w.
(b) Modified, as a vowel, by contraction of the lip
opening, as [=oo] (f[=oo]d), [=o] ([=o]ld), etc., and
as eu and u in French, and ["o], ["u] in German. See
Guide to Pronunciation, [sect][sect] 11, 178.
4. (Zo["o]l.) Of or pertaining to the labium; as, the labial
palpi of insects. See {Labium}.
Labial \La"bi*al\, n.
1. (Phonetics) A letter or character representing an
articulation or sound formed or uttered chiefly with the
lips, as {b}, {p}, {w}.
2. (Mus.) An organ pipe that is furnished with lips; a flue
pipe.
3. (Zo["o]l.) One of the scales which border the mouth of a
fish or reptile.
Labialism \La"bi*al*ism\, n. (Phonetics)
The quality of being labial; as, the labialism of an
articulation; conversion into a labial, as of a sound which
is different in another language. --J. Peile.
Labialization \La`bi*al*i*za"tion\, n. (Phonetics)
The modification of an articulation by contraction of the lip
opening.
Labialize \La"bi*al*ize\, v. t. (Phonetics)
To modify by contraction of the lip opening.
Labially \La"bi*al*ly\, adv.
In a labial manner; with, or by means of, the lips.
Labiate \La"bi*ate\, v. t.
To labialize. --Brewer.
Labiate \La"bi*ate\, a. [NL. labiatus, fr. L. labium lip.]
(Bot.)
(a) Having the limb of a tubular corolla or calyx divided
into two unequal parts, one projecting over the other
like the lips of a mouth, as in the snapdragon, sage, and
catnip.
(b) Belonging to a natural order of plants ({Labiat[ae]}), of
which the mint, sage, and catnip are examples. They are
mostly aromatic herbs.
Labiate \La"bi*ate\, n. (Bot.)
A plant of the order {Labiat[ae]}.
Labiated \La"bi*a`ted\, a. (Bot.)
Same as {Labiate}, a.
(a) .
Labiatifloral \La`bi*a`ti*flo"ral\, Labiatifloral
\La`bi*a`ti*flo"ral\, a. [Labiate + L. flos, floris, flower.]
(Bot.)
Having labiate flowers, as the snapdragon.
Labidometer \Lab`i*dom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. labi`s, -i`dos, a forceps
+ meter: cf. F. labidometre.] (Med.)
A forceps with a measuring attachment for ascertaining the
size of the fetal head.
Labile \La"bile\, a. [L. labilis apt to slip, fr. labi to slip.]
Liable to slip, err, fall, or apostatize. [Obs.] --Cheyne.
Lability \La*bil"i*ty\, n.
Liability to lapse, err, or apostatize. [Archaic]
--Coleridge.
Labimeter \La*bim"e*ter\, n. [Cf. F. labimetre.] (Med.)
See {Labidometer}.
Labiodental \La`bi*o*den"tal\, a. [Labium + dental.] (Phonetics)
Formed or pronounced by the cooperation of the lips and
teeth, as f and v. -- n. A labiodental sound or letter.
Labionasal \La`bi*o*na"sal\, a. [Labium + nasal.] (Phonetics)
Formed by the lips and the nose. -- n. A labionasal sound or
letter.
Labiose \La"bi*ose`\, a. [From {Labium}.] (Bot.)
Having the appearance of being labiate; -- said of certain
polypetalous corollas.
Labipalpus \La`bi*pal"pus\, n.; pl. {Labipalpi}. [NL. See
{Labium}, and {Palpus}.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of the labial palpi of an insect. See Illust. under
{Labium}.
Labium \La"bi*um\, n.; pl. L. {Labia}, E. {Labiums}. [L.]
1. A lip, or liplike organ.
2. The lip of an organ pipe.
3. pl. (Anat.) The folds of integument at the opening of the
vulva.
4. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The organ of insects which covers the mouth beneath,
and serves as an under lip. It consists of the second
pair of maxill[ae], usually closely united in the
middle line, but bearing a pair of palpi in most
insects. It often consists of a thin anterior part
(ligula or palpiger) and a firmer posterior plate
(mentum).
(b) Inner margin of the aperture of a shell.
Lablab \Lab"lab\ (l[a^]b"l[a^]b), n. (Bot.)
an East Indian name for several twining leguminous plants
related to the bean, but commonly applied to the hyacinth
bean ({Dolichos Lablab}).
Labor \La"bor\, n. [OE. labour, OF. labour, laber, labur, F.
labeur, L. labor; cf. Gr. lamba`nein to take, Skr. labh to
get, seize.] [Written also {labour}.]
1. Physical toil or bodily exertion, especially when
fatiguing, irksome, or unavoidable, in distinction from
sportive exercise; hard, muscular effort directed to some
useful end, as agriculture, manufactures, and like;
servile toil; exertion; work.
God hath set Labor and rest, as day and night, to
men Successive. --Milton.
2. Intellectual exertion; mental effort; as, the labor of
compiling a history.
3. That which requires hard work for its accomplishment; that
which demands effort.
Being a labor of so great a difficulty, the exact
performance thereof we may rather wish than look
for. --Hooker.
4. Travail; the pangs and efforts of childbirth.
The queen's in labor, They say, in great extremity;
and feared She'll with the labor end. --Shak.
5. Any pang or distress. --Shak.
6. (Naut.) The pitching or tossing of a vessel which results
in the straining of timbers and rigging.
7. [Sp.] A measure of land in Mexico and Texas, equivalent to
an area of 1771/7 acres. --Bartlett.
Syn: Work; toil; drudgery; task; exertion; effort; industry;
painstaking. See {Toll}.
Labor \La"bor\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Labored}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Laboring}.] [OE. labouren, F. labourer, L. laborare. See
{Labor}, n.] [Written also {labour}.]
1. To exert muscular strength; to exert one's strength with
painful effort, particularly in servile occupations; to
work; to toil.
Adam, well may we labor still to dress This garden.
--Milton.
2. To exert one's powers of mind in the prosecution of any
design; to strive; to take pains.
3. To be oppressed with difficulties or disease; to do one's
work under conditions which make it especially hard,
wearisome; to move slowly, as against opposition, or under
a burden; to be burdened; -- often with under, and
formerly with of.
The stone that labors up the hill. --Granville.
The line too labors,and the words move slow. --Pope.
To cure the disorder under which he labored. --Sir
W. Scott.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. --Matt. xi. 28
4. To be in travail; to suffer the pangs of childbirth.
5. (Naut.) To pitch or roll heavily, as a ship in a turbulent
sea. -- Totten.
Labor \La"bor\, v. t. [F. labourer, L. laborare.]
1. To work at; to work; to till; to cultivate by toil.
The most excellent lands are lying fallow, or only
labored by children. --W. Tooke.
2. To form or fabricate with toil, exertion, or care. ``To
labor arms for Troy.'' --Dryden.
3. To prosecute, or perfect, with effort; to urge
stre?uously; as, to labor a point or argument.
4. To belabor; to beat. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Laborant \Lab"o*rant\, n. [L. laborans, p. pr. of laborare to
labor.]
A chemist. [Obs.] --Boyle.
Laboratory \Lab"o*ra*to*ry\, n.; pl. {Laboratories}. [Shortened
fr. elaboratory; cf. OF. elaboratoire, F. laboratoire. See
{Elaborate}, {Labor.}] [Formerly written also {elaboratory.}]
The workroom of a chemist; also, a place devoted to
experiments in any branch of natural science; as, a chemical,
physical, or biological laboratory. Hence, by extension, a
place where something is prepared, or some operation is
performed; as, the liver is the laboratory of the bile.
Labored \La"bored\, a.
Bearing marks of labor and effort; elaborately wrought; not
easy or natural; as, labored poetry; a labored style.
Laboredly \La"bored*ly\, adv.
In a labored manner; with labor.
Laborer \La"bor*er\, n. [Written also labourer.]
One who labors in a toilsome occupation; a person who does
work that requires strength rather than skill, as
distinguished from that of an artisan.
Laboring \La"bor*ing\, a.
1. That labors; performing labor; esp., performing coarse,
heavy work, not requiring skill also, set apart for labor;
as, laboring days.
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet. --eccl. v. 12.
2. Suffering pain or grief. --Pope.
{Laboring oar}, the oar which requires most strength and
exertion; often used figuratively; as, to have, or pull,
the laboring oar in some difficult undertaking.
Laborious \La*bo"ri*ous\, a. [L. laboriosus,fr. labor labor: cf.
F. laborieux.]
1. Requiring labor, perseverance, or sacrifices; toilsome;
tiresome.
Dost thou love watchings, abstinence, or toil,
Laborious virtues all ? Learn these from Cato.
--Addison.
2. Devoted to labor; diligent; industrious; as, a laborious
mechanic. -- {La*bo"ri*ous*ly}, adv. --
{La*bo"ri*ous*ness}, n.
Laborless \La"bor*less\, a.
Not involving labor; not laborious; easy.
Laborous \La"bor*ous\, a.
Laborious. [Obs.] --Wyatt. -- {La"bor*ous*ly}, adv. [Obs.]
--Sir T. Elyot.
Labor-saving \La"bor-sav`ing\, a.
Saving labor; adapted to supersede or diminish the labor of
men; as, labor-saving machinery.
Laborsome \La"bor*some\, a.
1. Made with, or requiring, great labor, pains, or diligence.
[Obs.] --Shak.
2. (Naut.) Likely or inclined to roll or pitch, as a ship in
a heavy sea; having a tendency to labor.
Labrador \Lab`ra*dor"\, n.
A region of British America on the Atlantic coast, north of
Newfoundland.
{Labrador duck} (Zo["o]l.), a sea duck ({Camtolaimus
Labradorius}) allied to the eider ducks. It was formerly
common on the coast of New England, but is now supposed to
be extinct, no specimens having been reported since 1878.
{Labrador feldspar}. See {Labradorite}.
{Labrador tea} (Bot.), a name of two low, evergreen shrubs of
the genus {Ledum} ({L. palustre} and {L. latifolium}),
found in Northern Europe and America. They are used as tea
in British America, and in Scandinavia as a substitute for
hops.
Labradorite \Lab"ra*dor`ite\, n. (Min.)
A kind of feldspar commonly showing a beautiful play of
colors, and hence much used for ornamental purposes. The
finest specimens come from Labrador. See {Feldspar}.
Labras \La"bras\, n. pl. [L. labrum; cf. It. labbro, pl.
labbra.]
Lips. [Obs. & R.] --Shak.
Labroid \La"broid\, a. [Labrus + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like the genus Labrus; belonging to the family {Labrid[ae]},
an extensive family of marine fishes, often brilliantly
colored, which are very abundant in the Indian and Pacific
Oceans. The tautog and cunner are American examples.
Labrose \La"brose`\ (l[amc]"br[=o]s`), a. [L. labrosus, fr.
labrum lip.]
Having thick lips.
Labrum \La"brum\, n.; pl. L. {Labra}, E. {Labrums}. [L.]
1. A lip or edge, as of a basin.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) An organ in insects and crustaceans covering the upper
part of the mouth, and serving as an upper lip. See
Illust. of {Hymenoptera}.
(b) The external margin of the aperture of a shell. See
{Univalve}.
Labrus \La"brus\, n.; pl. {Labri} (-br[imac]). [L., a sort of
fish.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of marine fishes, including the wrasses of Europe.
See {Wrasse}.
Laburnic \La*bur`nic\ (l[.a]*b[^u]r"n[i^]k), a.
Of, pertaining to, or derived from, the laburnum.
Laburnine \La*bur`nine\, n. (Chem.)
A poisonous alkaloid found in the unripe seeds of the
laburnum.
Laburnum \La*bur"num\, n. [L.] (Bot.)
A small leguminous tree ({Cytisus Laburnum}), native of the
Alps. The plant is reputed to be poisonous, esp. the bark and
seeds. It has handsome racemes of yellow blossoms.
Note: Scotch laburnum ({Cytisus alpinus}) is similar, but has
smooth leaves; purple laburnum is {C. purpureus}.
Labyrinth \Lab"y*rinth\, n. [L. labyrinthus, Gr. laby`rinthos:
cf. F. labyrinthe.]
1. An edifice or place full of intricate passageways which
render it difficult to find the way from the interior to
the entrance; as, the Egyptian and Cretan labyrinths.
2. Any intricate or involved inclosure; especially, an
ornamental maze or inclosure in a park or garden.
3. Any object or arrangement of an intricate or involved
form, or having a very complicated nature.
The serpent . . . fast sleeping soon he found, In
labyrinth of many a round self-rolled. --Milton.
The labyrinth of the mind. --Tennyson.
4. An inextricable or bewildering difficulty.
I' the maze and winding labyrinths o' the world.
--Denham.
5. (Anat.) The internal ear. See Note under {Ear}.
6. (Metal.) A series of canals through which a stream of
water is directed for suspending, carrying off, and
depositing at different distances, the ground ore of a
metal. --Ure.
7. (Arch.) A pattern or design representing a maze, -- often
inlaid in the tiled floor of a church, etc.
Syn: Maze; confusion; intricacy; windings.
Usage: {Labyrinth}, {Maze}. Labyrinth, originally; the name
of an edifice or excavation, carries the idea of
design, and construction in a permanent form, while
maze is used of anything confused or confusing,
whether fixed or shifting. Maze is less restricted in
its figurative uses than labyrinth. We speak of the
labyrinth of the ear, or of the mind, and of a
labyrinth of difficulties; but of the mazes of the
dance, the mazes of political intrigue, or of the mind
being in a maze.
Labyrinthal \Lab`y*rin"thal\, a.
Pertaining to, or resembling, a labyrinth; intricate;
labyrinthian.
Labyrinthian \Lab`y*rin"thi*an\, a.
Intricately winding; like a labyrinth; perplexed;
labyrinthal.
Labyrinthibranch \Lab`y*rin"thi*branch\, a. [See {Labyrinth},
and {Branchia}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Labyrinthici. -- n. One of the
Labyrinthici.
Labyrinthic \Lab`y*rin"thic\, Labyrinthical \Lab`y*rin`thic*al\,
a. [L. labyrinthicus: cf. F. labyrinthique.]
Like or pertaining to a labyrinth.
Labyrinthici \Lab`y*rin"thi*ci\, n. pl. [NL. See {Labyrinth}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
An order of teleostean fishes, including the Anabas, or
climbing perch, and other allied fishes.
Note: They have, connected with the gill chamber, a special
cavity in which a labyrinthiform membrane is arranged
so as to retain water to supply the gills while the
fish leaves the water and travels about on land, or
even climbs trees.
Labyrinthiform \Lab`y*rin"thi*form\, a. [Labyrinth + -form: cf.
F. labyrinthiforme.]
Having the form of a labyrinth; intricate.
Labyrinthine \Lab`y*rin"thine\, a.
Pertaining to, or like, a labyrinth; labyrinthal.
Labyrinthodon \Lab`y*rin"tho*don\, n. [Gr. laby`rinqos labyrinth
+ 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, tooth.] (Paleon.)
A genus of very large fossil amphibians, of the Triassic
period, having bony plates on the under side of the body. It
is the type of the order Labyrinthodonta. Called also
{{Mastodonsaurus}}.
Labyrinthodont \Lab`y*rin"tho*dont\, a. (Paleon.)
Of or pertaining to the Labyrinthodonta. -- n. One of the
Labyrinthodonta.
Labyrinthodonta \Lab`y*rin`tho*don"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See
{Labyrinthodon}.] (Paleon.)
An extinct order of Amphibia, including the typical genus
Labyrinthodon, and many other allied forms, from the
Carboniferous, Permian, and Triassic formations. By recent
writers they are divided into two or more orders. See
{Stegocephala}.
Lac \Lac\, Lakh \Lakh\, n. [Hind. lak, l[=a]kh, l[=a]ksh, Skr.
laksha a mark, sign, lakh.]
One hundred thousand; also, a vaguely great number; as, a lac
of rupees. [Written also {lack}.] [East Indies]
Lac \Lac\, n. [Per. lak; akin to Skr. l[=a]ksh[=a]: cf. F.
lague, It. & NL. lacca. Cf. {Lake} a color, {Lacquer},
{Litmus}.]
A resinous substance produced mainly on the banyan tree, but
to some extent on other trees, by the {Coccus lacca}
, a scale-shaped insect, the female of which fixes herself on
the bark, and exudes from the margin of her body this resinous
substance.
Note: Stick-lac is the substance in its natural state,
incrusting small twigs. When broken off, and the
coloring matter partly removed, the granular residuum
is called seed-lac. When melted, and reduced to a thin
crust, it is called shell-lac or shellac. Lac is an
important ingredient in sealing wax, dyes, varnishes,
and lacquers.
{Ceylon lac}, a resinous exudation of the tree {Croton
lacciferum}, resembling lac.
{Lac dye}, a scarlet dye obtained from stick-lac.
{Lac lake}, the coloring matter of lac dye when precipitated
from its solutions by alum.
{Mexican lac}, an exudation of the tree {Croton Draco}.
Laccic \Lac"cic\, a. [Cf. F. laccique.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to lac, or produced from it; as, laccic acid.
Laccin \Lac"cin\, n. [Cf. F. laccine.] (Chem.)
A yellow amorphous substance obtained from lac.
Laccolite \Lac"co*lite\, Laccolith \Lac"co*lith\, n. [Gr. ? a
cistern + -lite, -lith.] (Geol.)
A mass of igneous rock intruded between sedimentary beds and
resulting in a mammiform bulging of the overlying strata. --
{Lac`co*lit"ic}, a.
Lace \Lace\ (l[=a]s), n. [OE. las, OF. laz, F. lacs, dim. lacet,
fr. L. laqueus noose, snare; prob. akin to lacere to entice.
Cf. {Delight}, {Elicit}, {Lasso}, {Latchet}.]
1. That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven;
a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through
eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding
together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt,
etc.
His hat hung at his back down by a lace. --Chaucer.
For striving more, the more in laces strong Himself
he tied. --Spenser.
2. A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a
net. [Obs.] --Fairfax.
Vulcanus had caught thee [Venus] in his lace.
--Chaucer.
3. A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc.,
often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of
thread, much worn as an ornament of dress.
Our English dames are much given to the wearing of
costlylaces. --Bacon.
4. Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage. [Old
Slang] --Addison.
{Alencon lace}, a kind of point lace, entirely of needlework,
first made at Alencon in France, in the 17th century. It
is very durable and of great beauty and cost.
{Bone lace}, {Brussels lace}, etc. See under {Bone},
{Brussels}, etc.
{Gold lace}, or {Silver lace}, lace having warp threads of
silk, or silk and cotton, and a weft of silk threads
covered with gold (or silver), or with gilt.
{Lace leather}, thin, oil-tanned leather suitable for cutting
into lacings for machine belts.
{Lace lizard} (Zo["o]l.), a large, aquatic, Australian lizard
({Hydrosaurus giganteus}), allied to the monitors.
{Lace paper}, paper with an openwork design in imitation of
lace.
{Lace piece} (Shipbuilding), the main piece of timber which
supports the beak or head projecting beyond the stem of a
ship.
{Lace pillow}, & {Pillow lace}. See under {Pillow}.
Lace \Lace\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Laced} ([=a]st); p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lacing}.]
1. To fasten with a lace; to draw together with a lace passed
through eyelet holes; to unite with a lace or laces, or,
figuratively. with anything resembling laces. --Shak.
When Jenny's stays are newly laced. --Prior.
2. To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative
material; as, cloth laced with silver. --Shak.
3. To beat; to lash; to make stripes on. [Colloq.]
I'll lace your coat for ye. --L'Estrange.
4. To add spirits to (a beverage). [Old Slang]
Lace \Lace\, v. i.
To be fastened with a lace, or laces; as, these boots lace.
Lace-bark \Lace"-bark`\, n. (Bot.)
A shrub in the West Indies ({Lagetta Iintearia}); -- so
called from the lacelike layers of its inner bark.
Laced \Laced\, a.
1. Fastened with a lace or laces; decorated with narrow
strips or braid. See {Lace}, v. t.
2. Decorated with the fabric lace.
A shirt with laced ruffles. --Fielding.
{Laced mutton}, a prostitute. [Old slang]
{Laced stocking}, a strong stocking which can be tightly
laced; -- used in cases of weak legs, varicose veins, etc.
--Dunglison.
Lacedaemonian \Lac`e*d[ae]*mo"ni*an\, a. [L. Lacedamonius, Gr.
Lakedaimo`nios, fr. Lakedai`mwn Laced[ae]mon.]
Of or pertaining to Laced[ae]mon or Sparta, the chief city of
Laconia in the Peloponnesus. -- n. A Spartan. [Written also
{Lacedemonian}.]
Laceman \Lace"man\, n.; pl. {Lacemen}.
A man who deals in lace.
Lacerable \Lac"er*a*ble\, a. [L. lacerabilis: cf. F.
lac['e]rable.]
That can be lacerated or torn.
Lacerate \Lac"er*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lacerated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lacerating} (?>).] [L. laceratus, p. p. of lacerare
to lacerate, fr. lacer mangled, lacerated; cf. Gr. ? a rent,
rending, ? to tear; perh. akin to E. slay.]
To tear; to rend; to separate by tearing; to mangle; as, to
lacerate the flesh. Hence: To afflict; to torture; as, to
lacerate the heart.
Lacerate \Lac"er*ate\, Lacerated \Lac"er*a`ted\, p. a. [L.
laceratus, p. p.]
1. Rent; torn; mangled; as, a lacerated wound.
By each other's fury lacerate --Southey.
2. (Bot. & Zo["o]l.) Jagged, or slashed irregularly, at the
end, or along the edge.
Laceration \Lac`er*a"tion\, n. [L. laceratio: cf. F.
lac['e]ration.]
1. The act of lacerating.
2. A breach or wound made by lacerating. --Arbuthnot.
Lacerative \Lac"er*a*tive\, a.
Lacerating, or having the power to lacerate; as, lacerative
humors. --Harvey.
Lacert \La"cert\, n. [OE. lacerte. See {Lacertus}.]
A muscle of the human body. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lacerta \La*cer"ta\, n. [L. lacertus the arm.]
A fathom. [Obs.] --Domesday Book.
Lacerta \La*cer"ta\, n. [L. a lizard. See {Lizard}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of lizards. See {Lizard}.
Note: Formerly it included nearly all the known lizards. It
is now restricted to certain diurnal Old World species,
like the green lizard ({Lacerta viridis}) and the sand
lizard ({L. agilis}), of Europe.
2. (Astron.) The Lizard, a northern constellation.
Lacertian \La*cer"tian\, a. [Cf. F. lacertien.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like a lizard; of or pertaining to the Lacertilia. -- n. One
of the Lacertilia.
Lacertilia \Lac`er*til"i*a\, n. pl. [NL., fr. L. lacertus a
lizard.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of Reptilia, which includes the lizards.
Note: They are closely related to the snakes, and life the
latter, usually have the body covered with scales or
granules. They usually have eyelids, and most of then
have well-formed legs; but in some groups
(amphisb[ae]na, glass-snake, etc.) the legs are wanting
and the body is serpentlike. None are venomous, unless
{Heloderma} be an exception. The order includes the
chameleons, the {Cionocrania}, or typical lizards, and
the amphisb[ae]nas. See {Amphisb[ae]na}, {Gecko}, {Gila
monster}, and {Lizard}.
Lacertilian \Lac`er*til"i*an\ (-an), a. & n.
Same as {Lacertian}.
Lacertiloid \La*cer"ti*loid\, a. [Lacertilia + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or belonging to the Lacertilia.
Lacertine \La*cer"tine\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Lacertian.
Lacertus \La*cer"tus\, n.; pl. {Lacerti} (-t[=i]). [L., the
upper arm.] (Anat.)
A bundle or fascicle of muscular fibers.
Lacewing \Lace"wing`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of neuropterous insects of the
genus {Chrysopa} and allied genera. They have delicate,
lacelike wings and brilliant eyes. Their larv[ae] are useful
in destroying aphids. Called also {lace-winged fly}, and
{goldeneyed fly}.
Lace-winged \Lace"-winged`\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Having thin, transparent, reticulated wings; as, the
lace-winged flies.
Laches \Lach"es\, Lache \Lache\, n. [OF. lachesse, fr. lache
lax, indolent, F. l[^a]che, ultimately fr. L. laxus loose,
lax. See {Lax}.] (Law)
Neglect; negligence; remissness; neglect to do a thing at the
proper time; delay to assert a claim.
It ill became him to take advantage of such a laches
with the eagerness of a shrewd attorney. --Macaulay.
Lachrymable \Lach"ry*ma*ble\, a. [L. lacrimabilis, fr. lacrima a
tear.]
Lamentable. --Martin Parker.
Lachrymae Christi \Lach"ry*m[ae] Chris"ti\ [L., lit., Christ's
tears.]
A rich, sweet, red Neapolitan wine.
Lachrymal \Lach"ry*mal\, a. [Cf. F. lacrymal. See {Lachrymose}.]
1. Of or pertaining to tears; as, lachrymal effusions.
2. (Anat.)
(a) Pertaining to, or secreting, tears; as, the lachrymal
gland.
(b) Pertaining to the lachrymal organs; as, lachrymal
bone; lachrymal duct.
Lacrymal \Lac"ry*mal\, Lacrymal \Lac"ry*mal\, n.
See {Lachrymatory}.
Lachrymary \Lach"ry*ma*ry\, a.
Containing, or intended to contain, tears; lachrymal.
--Addison.
Lachrymate \Lach"ry*mate\ (-m[=a]t), v. i.
To weep. [R.] --Blount.
Lachrymation \Lach`ry*ma"tion\, n. [L. lacrimatio, from
lacrimare to shed tears, fr. lacrima tear.]
The act of shedding tears; weeping.
Lachrymatory \Lach"ry*ma*to*ry\, n.; pl. -{ries}. [Cf. F.
lacrymatoire.] (Antiq.)
A ``tear-bottle;'' a narrow-necked vessel found in sepulchers
of the ancient Romans; -- so called from a former notion that
the tears of the deceased person's friends were collected in
it. Called also {lachrymal} or {lacrymal}.
Lachrymiform \Lach"ry*mi*form\, a., [L. lacrima tear + -form;
cf. F. lacrymiforme.]
Having the form of a tear; tear-shaped.
Lachrymose \Lach"ry*mose`\, a. [L. lacrymosus, better
lacrimosus, fr. lacrima, lacruma (also badly spelt lachryma)
a tear, for older dacrima, akin to E. tear. See {Tear} the
secretion.]
Generating or shedding tears; given to shedding tears;
suffused with tears; tearful.
You should have seen his lachrymose visnomy. --Lamb.
-- {Lach"ry*mose`ly}, adv.
Lacing \La"cing\, n.
1. The act of securing, fastening, or tightening, with a lace
or laces.
2. A lace; specifically (Mach.), a thong of thin leather for
uniting the ends of belts.
3. A rope or line passing through eyelet holes in the edge of
a sail or an awning to attach it to a yard, gaff, etc.
4. (Bridge Building) A system of bracing bars, not crossing
each other in the middle, connecting the channel bars of a
compound strut. --Waddell.
Lacinia \La*cin"i*a\, n.; pl. L. {Lacini[ae]}. [L., the lappet
or flap of a garment.]
1. (Bot.)
(a) One of the narrow, jagged, irregular pieces or
divisions which form a sort of fringe on the borders
of the petals of some flowers.
(b) A narrow, slender portion of the edge of a
monophyllous calyx, or of any irregularly incised
leaf.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The posterior, inner process of the stipes on
the maxill[ae] of insects.
Laciniate \La*cin"i*ate\, Laciniated \La*cin"i*a"ted\, a. [See
{Lacinia}.]
1. Fringed; having a fringed border.
2. (Bot. & Zo["o]l.) Cut into deep, narrow, irregular lobes;
slashed.
Laciniolate \La*cin"i*o*late\, a. [See {Lacinia}.] (Bot.)
Consisting of, or abounding in, very minute lacini[ae].
Lacinula \La*cin"u*la\, n.; pl. {Lacinul[ae]}, E. {Lacinulas}.
[NL.] (Bot.)
A diminutive lacinia.
Lack \Lack\, n. [OE. lak; cf. D. lak slander, laken to blame,
OHG. lahan, AS. le['a]n.]
1. Blame; cause of blame; fault; crime; offense. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.
2. Deficiency; want; need; destitution; failure; as, a lack
of sufficient food.
She swooneth now and now for lakke of blood.
--Chaucer.
Let his lack of years be no impediment. --Shak.
Lack \Lack\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lacked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lacking}.]
1. To blame; to find fault with. [Obs.]
Love them and lakke them not. --Piers
Plowman.
2. To be without or destitute of; to want; to need.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.
--James i. 5.
Lack \Lack\, v. i.
1. To be wanting; often, impersonally, with of, meaning, to
be less than, short, not quite, etc.
What hour now ? I think it lacks of twelve. --Shak.
Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty.
--Gen. xvii.
28.
2. To be in want.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger. --Ps.
xxxiv. 10.
Lack \Lack\, interj. [Cf. {Alack}.]
Exclamation of regret or surprise. [Prov. Eng.] --Cowper.
Lackadaisical \Lack`a*dai"si*cal\, a. [From {Lackadaisy},
interj.]
Affectedly pensive; languidly sentimental. --
{Lack`a*dai"si*cal*ly}, adv.
Lackadaisy \Lack"a*dai`sy\, interj. [From {Lackaday}, interj.]
An expression of languor.
Lackadaisy \Lack"a*dai`sy\, a.
Lackadaisical.
Lackaday \Lack"a*day`\, interj. [Abbreviated from alackaday.]
Alack the day; alas; -- an expression of sorrow, regret,
dissatisfaction, or surprise.
Lackbrain \Lack"brain`\, n.
One who is deficient in understanding; a witless person.
--Shak.
Lacker \Lack"er\, n.
One who lacks or is in want.
Lacker \Lack"er\, n. & v.
See {Lacquer}.
Lackey \Lack"ey\, n.; pl. {Lackeys}. [F. laquais; cf. Sp. & Pg.
lacayo; of uncertain origin; perh. of German origin, and akin
to E. lick, v.]
An attending male servant; a footman; a servile follower.
Like a Christian footboy or a gentleman's lackey.
--Shak.
{Lackey caterpillar} (Zo["o]l.), the caterpillar, or larva,
of any bombycid moth of the genus {Clisiocampa}; -- so
called from its party-colored markings. The common
European species ({C. neustria}) is striped with blue,
yellow, and red, with a white line on the back. The
American species ({C. Americana} and {C. sylvatica}) are
commonly called {tent caterpillars}. See {Tent
caterpillar}, under {Tent}.
{Lackey moth} (Zo["o]l.), the moth which produces the lackey
caterpillar.
Lackey \Lack"ey\, v. t.
To attend as a lackey; to wait upon.
A thousand liveried angels lackey her. --Milton.
Lackey \Lack"ey\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lackeyed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lackeying}.]
To act or serve as lackey; to pay servile attendance.
Lackluster \Lack"lus`ter\, Lacklustre \Lack"lus`tre\, n.
A want of luster. -- a. Wanting luster or brightness.
``Lackluster eye.'' --Shak.
Lacmus \Lac"mus\, n.
See {Litmus}.
Laconian \La*co"ni*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Laconia, a division of ancient Greece;
Spartan. -- n. An inhabitant of Laconia; esp., a Spartan.
Laconic \La*con"ic\, Laconical \La*con"ic*al\, a. [L. Laconicus
Laconian, Gr. ??, fr. ?? a Laconian, Laced[ae]monian, or
Spartan: cf. F. laconique.]
1. Expressing much in few words, after the manner of the
Laconians or Spartans; brief and pithy; brusque;
epigrammatic. In this sense laconic is the usual form.
I grow laconic even beyond laconicism; for sometimes
I return only yes, or no, to questionary or
petitionary epistles of half a yard long. --Pope.
His sense was strong and his style laconic.
--Welwood.
2. Laconian; characteristic of, or like, the Spartans; hence,
stern or severe; cruel; unflinching.
His head had now felt the razor, his back the rod;
all that laconical discipline pleased him well.
--Bp. Hall.
Syn: Short; brief; concise; succinct; sententious; pointed;
pithy.
Usage: {Laconic}, {Concise}. Concise means without irrelevant
or superfluous matter; it is the opposite of diffuse.
Laconic means concise with the additional quality of
pithiness, sometimes of brusqueness.
Laconic \La*con"ic\, n.
Laconism. [Obs.] --Addison.
Laconical \La*con"ic*al\, a.
See {Laconic}, a.
Laconically \La*con"ic*al*ly\, adv.
In a laconic manner.
LaconIcism \La*con"I*cism\, n.
Same as {Laconism}. --Pope.
Laconism \Lac"o*nism\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to imitate
Laced[ae]monian manners, to speak laconically: cf. F.
laconisme.]
1. A vigorous, brief manner of expression; laconic style.
2. An instance of laconic style or expression.
Laconize \Lac"o*nize\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Laconized}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Laconizing}.] [Gr. ?. See {Laconic}.]
To imitate the manner of the Laconians, especially in brief,
pithy speech, or in frugality and austerity.
Lacquer \Lac"quer\, n. [F. lacre a sort of sealing wax, Pg.
lacte, fr. laca lac. See {Lac} the resin.] [Written also
{lacker}.]
A varnish, consisting of a solution of shell-lac in alcohol,
often colored with gamboge, saffron, or the like; -- used for
varnishing metals, papier-mach['e], and wood. The name is
also given to varnishes made of other ingredients, esp. the
tough, solid varnish of the Japanese, with which ornamental
objects are made.
Lacquer \Lac"quer\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lacquered}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lacquering}.]
To cover with lacquer. ``Lacquer'd chair.'' --Pope.
Lacquerer \Lac"quer*er\, n.
One who lacquers, especially one who makes a business of
lacquering.
Lacquering \Lac"quer*ing\, n.
The act or business of putting on lacquer; also, the coat of
lacquer put on.
Lacrimoso \La`cri*mo"so\, a. [It. See {Lachrymose}.] (Mus.)
Plaintive; -- a term applied to a mournful or pathetic
movement or style. --Moore.
Lacrosse \La*crosse"\, n. [F. la crosse, lit., the crosier,
hooked stick. Cf. {Crosier}.]
A game of ball, originating among the North American Indians,
now the popular field sport of Canada, and played also in
England and the United States. Each player carries a
long-handled racket, called a ``crosse''. The ball is not
handled but caught with the crosse and carried on it, or
tossed from it, the object being to carry it or throw it
through one of the goals placed at opposite ends of the
field.
Lacrymal \Lac"ry*mal\, n. & a.
See {Lachrymatory}, n., and {Lachrymal}, a.
Lacrymary \Lac"ry*ma*ry\, Lacrytory \Lac"ry*to*ry\, Lacrymose
\Lac"ry*mose\
See {Lachrymary}, {Lachrymatory}, {Lachrymose}.
Lactage \Lac"tage\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. laitage.
See {Lacteal}.]
The produce of animals yielding milk; milk and that which is
made from it.
Lactam \Lac"tam\, n. [Lactone + amido.] (Chem.)
One of a series of anhydrides of an amido type, analogous to
the lactones, as oxindol.
Lactamic \Lac*tam"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an amido acid related to
lactic acid, and called also {amido-propionic} acid.
Lactamide \Lac*tam"ide\, n. [Lactic + amide.] (Chem.)
An acid amide derived from lactic acid, and obtained as a
white crystalline substance having a neutral reaction. It is
metameric with alanine.
Lactant \Lac"tant\, a. [L. lactans, p. pr. of lactare to suck,
fr. lac, lactis, milk.]
Suckling; giving suck.
Lactarene \Lac"ta*rene\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk.]
A preparation of casein from milk, used in printing calico.
Lactary \Lac"ta*ry\, a. [l. lactarius, fr. lac, lactis, milk:
cf. F. lactaire.]
Milky; full of white juice like milk. [Obs.] ``Lactary or
milky plants.'' --Sir T. Browne.
Lactary \Lac"ta*ry\, n.
a dairyhouse. [R.]
Lactate \Lac"tate\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactate.]
(Chem.)
A salt of lactic acid.
Lactation \Lac*ta"tion\, n.
A giving suck; the secretion and yielding of milk by the
mammary gland.
Lacteal \Lac"te*al\, a. [L. lacteus milky, fr. lac, lactis,
milk. Cf. {Galaxy}, {Lettuce}.]
1. Pertaining to, or resembling, milk; milky; as, the lacteal
fluid.
2. (Anat. & Physiol.) Pertaining to, or containing, chyle;
as, the lacteal vessels.
Lacteal \Lac"te*al\, n. (Anat.)
One of the lymphatic vessels which convey chyle from the
small intestine through the mesenteric glands to the thoracic
duct; a chyliferous vessel.
Lacteally \Lac"te*al*ly\, adv.
Milkily; in the manner of milk.
Lactean \Lac"te*an\, a. [See {Lacteal}.]
1. Milky; consisting of, or resembling, milk. ``This lactean
whiteness.'' --Moxon.
2. (Anat. & Physiol.) Lacteal; conveying chyle.
Lacteous \Lac"te*ous\, a. [See {Lacteal}.]
1. Milky; resembling milk. ``The lacteous circle.'' --Sir T.
Browne.
2. Lacteal; conveying chyle; as, lacteous vessels.
Lacteously \Lac"te*ous*ly\, adv.
In a lacteous manner; after the manner of milk.
Lactescence \Lac*tes"cence\, n. [Cf. F. lactescence.]
1. The state or quality of producing milk, or milklike juice;
resemblance to milk; a milky color.
This lactescence does commonly ensue when . . . fair
water is suddenly poured upon the solution. --Boyle.
2. (Bot.) The latex of certain plants. See {Latex}.
Lactescent \Lac*tes"cent\, a. [L. lactescens, p. pr. of
lactescere to turn to milk, incho. fr. lactere to be milky,
fr. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactescent.]
1. Having a milky look; becoming milky. [Obs.]
2. (Bot.) Producing milk or a milklike juice or fluid, as the
milkweed. See {Latex}.
Lactic \Lac"tic\, a. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactique. See
{Lacteal}, and cf. {Galactic}.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Of or pertaining to milk; procured from sour milk or whey;
as, lactic acid; lactic fermentation, etc.
{Lactic acid} (Physiol. Chem.), a sirupy, colorless fluid,
soluble in water, with an intensely sour taste and strong
acid reaction. There are at least three isomeric
modifications all having the formula {C3H6O3}. Sarcolactic
or paralactic acid occurs chiefly in dead muscle tissue,
while ordinary lactic acid results from fermentation. The
two acids are alike in having the same constitution
(expressed by the name ethylidene lactic acid), but the
latter is optically inactive, while sarcolactic acid
rotates the plane of polarization to the right. The third
acid, ethylene lactic acid, accompanies sarcolactic acid
in the juice of flesh, and is optically inactive.
{Lactic ferment}, an organized ferment ({Bacterium lacticum
or lactis}), which produces lactic fermentation,
decomposing the sugar of milk into carbonic and lactic
acids, the latter, of which renders the milk sour, and
precipitates the casein, thus giving rise to the so-called
spontaneous coagulation of milk.
{Lactic fermentation}. See under {Fermentation}.
Lactide \Lac"tide\, n. [Lactic + anhydride.] (Chem.)
A white, crystalline substance, obtained from also, by
extension, any similar substance.
Lactiferous \Lac*tif"er*ous\, a. [l. lac, lactis, milk +
-ferous: cf. F. lactif[`e]re.]
Bearing or containing milk or a milky fluid; as, the
lactiferous vessels, cells, or tissue of various vascular
plants.
Lactific \Lac*tif"ic\, Lactifical \Lac*tif"ic*al\, a. [L. lac,
lactis, milk + facere to make.]
Producing or yielding milk.
Lactifuge \Lac"ti*fuge\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + fugare to
expel.] (Med.)
A medicine to check the secretion of milk, or to dispel a
supposed accumulation of milk in any part of the body.
Lactim \Lac"tim\, n. [Lactic + imido.] (Chem.)
One of a series of anhydrides resembling the lactams, but of
an imido type; as, isatine is a lactim. Cf. {Lactam}.
Lactimide \Lac*tim"ide\, n. [Lactic + imide.] (Chem.)
A white, crystalline substance obtained as an anhydride of
alanine, and regarded as an imido derivative of lactic acid.
Lactin \Lac"tin\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactine. Cf.
{Galactin}.] (Physiol. Chem.)
See {Lactose}.
Lactoabumin \Lac`to*a*bu"min\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + E.
albumin.] (Physiol. Chem.)
The albumin present on milk, apparently identical with
ordinary serum albumin. It is distinct from the casein of
milk.
Lactobutyrometer \Lac`to*bu`ty*rom"e*ter\, n. [L. lac, lactis,
milk + E. butyrometer.]
An instrument for determining the amount of butter fat
contained in a given sample of milk.
Lactodensimeter \Lac`to*den*sim"e*ter\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk
+ E. densimeter.]
A form of hydrometer, specially graduated, for finding the
density of milk, and thus discovering whether it has been
mixed with water or some of the cream has been removed.
Lactometer \Lac*tom"e*ter\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + meter:
cf. F. lactom[`e]tre. Cf. {Galactometer}.]
An instrument for estimating the purity or richness of milk,
as a measuring glass, a specific gravity bulb, or other
apparatus.
Lactone \Lac"tone\, n. (Chem.)
One of a series of organic compounds, regarded as anhydrides
of certain hydroxy acids. In general, they are colorless
liquids, having a weak aromatic odor. They are so called
because the typical lactone is derived from lactic acid.
Lactonic \Lac*ton"ic\, a. [From {Lactone}.] (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or derived from, lactone.
Lactonic \Lac*ton"ic\, a. [From {Lactose}.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained by the
oxidation of milk sugar (lactose).
Lactoprotein \Lac`to*pro"te*in\, n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + E.
protein.] (Physiol. Chem.)
A peculiar albuminous body considered a normal constituent of
milk.
Lactory \Lac"to*ry\, a.
Lactiferous. [Obs.] ``Lactory or milky plants.'' --Sir T.
Browne.
Lactoscope \Lac"to*scope\, n. [L. lac, lactis + scope.]
An instrument for estimating the amount of cream contained in
milk by ascertaining its relative opacity.
Lactose \Lac"tose`\, n.
1. (Physiol. Chem.) Sugar of milk or milk sugar; a
crystalline sugar present in milk, and separable from the
whey by evaporation and crystallization. It has a slightly
sweet taste, is dextrorotary, and is much less soluble in
water than either cane sugar or glucose. Formerly called
{lactin}.
2. (Chem.) See {Galactose}.
Lactuca \Lac*tu"ca\, n. [L., lettuce. See {Lettuce}.] (Bot.)
A genus of composite herbs, several of which are cultivated
foe salad; lettuce.
Lactucarium \Lac`tu*ca"ri*um\, n. [NL., fr. L. lactuca lettuce.]
The inspissated juice of the common lettuce, sometimes used
as a substitute for opium.
Lactucic \Lac*tu"cic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, the juice of the {Lactuca
virosa}; -- said of certain acids.
Lactucin \Lac*tu"cin\, n. [From {Lactuca}: cf. F. lactucine.]
(Chem.)
A white, crystalline substance, having a bitter taste and a
neutral reaction, and forming one of the essential
ingredients of lactucarium.
Lactucone \Lac*tu"cone\, n. [From {Lactuca}.] (Chem.)
A white, crystalline, tasteless substance, found in the milky
sap of species of Lactuca, and constituting an essential
ingredient of lactucarium.
Lacturamic \Lac`tu*ram"ic\, a. [Lactic + urea + amic.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an organic amido acid, which
is regarded as a derivative of lactic acid and urea.
Lactyl \Lac"tyl\, n. [Lactic + -yl.] (Chem.)
An organic residue or radical derived from lactic acid.
Lacuna \La*cu"na\, n.; pl. L. {Lacun[ae]}; E. {Lacunas}. [L.,
ditch, pit, lake, orig., anything hollow. See {Lagoon}.]
1. A small opening; a small pit or depression; a small blank
space; a gap or vacancy; a hiatus.
2. (Biol.) A small opening; a small depression or cavity; a
space, as a vacant space between the cells of plants, or
one of the spaces left among the tissues of the lower
animals, which serve in place of vessels for the
circulation of the body fluids, or the cavity or sac,
usually of very small size, in a mucous membrane.
Lacunal \La*cu"nal\, Lacunar \La*cu"nar\, a.
Pertaining to, or having, lacun[ae]; as, a lacunar
circulation.
Lacunar \La*cu"nar\, n.; pl. E. {Lacunars}, L. {Lacunaria}. [L.]
(Arch.)
(a) The ceiling or under surface of any part, especially when
it consists of compartments, sunk or hollowed without
spaces or bands between the panels. --Gwilt
(b) One of the sunken panels in such a ceiling.
Lacune \La*cune"\, n. [F.]
A lacuna. [R.] --Landor.
Lacunose \Lac"u*nose`\, Lacunous \La*cu"nous\, a. [L. lacunosus
full of holes or hollows; cf. F. lacuneux. See {Lacuna}.]
(Biol.)
Furrowed or pitted; having shallow cavities or lacun[ae]; as,
a lacunose leaf.
Lacustral \La*cus"tral\, Lacustrine \La*cus"trine\, a. [L. lacus
lake: cf. F. lacustral, lacustre.]
Found in, or pertaining to, lakes or ponds, or growing in
them; as, lacustrine flowers.
{Lacustrine deposits} (Geol.), the deposits which have been
accumulated in fresh-water areas.
{Lacustrine dwellings}. See {Lake dwellings}, under {Lake}.
Lacwork \Lac"work`\, n.
Ornamentation by means of lacquer painted or carved, or
simply colored, sprinkled with gold or the like; -- said
especially of Oriental work of this kind.
Lad \Lad\, obs.
p. p. of {Lead}, to guide. --Chaucer.
Lad \Lad\, n. [OE. ladde, of Celtic origin; cf. W. llawd, Ir.
lath. [root]123. Cf. {Lass}.]
1. A boy; a youth; a stripling. ``Cupid is a knavish lad.''
--Shak.
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves
and two small fishes. --John vi. 9.
2. A companion; a comrade; a mate.
{Lad's love}. (Bot.) See {Boy's love}, under {Boy}.
Ladanum \Lad"a*num\, n. [L. ladanum, ledanum, Gr. la`danon,
lh`danon, fr. lh^don name of a shrub, mastic; cf. Per.
l[=a]dan, l[=a]den. Cf. {Laudanum}.]
A gum resin gathered from certain Oriental species of
{Cistus}. It has a pungent odor and is chiefly used in making
plasters, and for fumigation. [Written also {labdanum}.]
Ladde \Lad"de\, obs. imp.
of {Lead}, to guide. --Chaucer.
Ladder \Lad"der\, n. [OE. laddre, AS. hl?der, hl?dder; akin to
OFries. hladder, OHG. leitara, G. leiter, and from the root
of E. lean, v. (?). See {Lean}, v. i., and cf. {Climax}.]
1. A frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for
ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which
are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps.
Some the engines play, And some, more bold, mount
ladders to the fire. --Dryden.
2. That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that
by means of which one attains to eminence.
Lowliness is young ambition's ladder. --Shak.
{Fish ladder}. See under {Fish}.
{Ladder beetle} (Zo["o]l.), an American leaf beetle
({Chrysomela scalaris}). The elytra are silvery white,
striped and spotted with green; the under wings are
rose-colored. It feeds upon the linden tree.
{Ladder handle}, an iron rail at the side of a vertical fixed
ladder, to grasp with the hand in climbing.
{Ladder shell} (Zo["o]l.), a spiral marine shell of the genus
Scalaria. See {Scalaria}.
Laddie \Lad"die\, n.
A lad; a male sweetheart. [Scot.]
Lade \Lade\, v. t. [imp. {Laded}; p. p. {Laded}, {Laded}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Lading}.] [AS. hladan to heap, load, draw (water);
akin to D. & G. laden to load, OHG. hladan, ladan, Icel.
hla?a, Sw. ladda, Dan. lade, Goth. afhlapan. Cf. {Load},
{Ladle}, {Lathe} for turning, {Last} a load.]
1. To load; to put a burden or freight on or in; -- generally
followed by that which receives the load, as the direct
object.
And they laded their asses with the corn. --Gen.
xlii. 26.
2. To throw in out. with a ladle or dipper; to dip; as, to
lade water out of a tub, or into a cistern.
And chides the sea that sunders him from thence,
Saying, he'll lade it dry to have his way. --Shak.
3. (Plate Glass Manuf.) To transfer (the molten glass) from
the pot to the forming table.
Lade \Lade\, v. i. [See {Lade}, v. t.]
1. To draw water. [Obs.]
2. (Naut.) To admit water by leakage, as a ship, etc.
Lade \Lade\, n. [Prov. E., a ditch or drain. Cf. {Lode}, {Lead}
to conduct.]
1. The mouth of a river. [Obs.] --Bp. Gibson.
2. A passage for water; a ditch or drain. [Prov. Eng.]
Lademan \Lade"man\, n.
One who leads a pack horse; a miller's servant. [Obs. or
Local]
Laden \Lad"en\, p. & a.
Loaded; freighted; burdened; as, a laden vessel; a laden
heart.
Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity. --Is.
i. 4.
A ship laden with gold. --Shak.
Ladied \La"died\, a.
Ladylike; not rough; gentle. [Obs.] ``Stroked with a ladied
land.'' --Feltham.
Ladies' eardrops \La"dies' ear`drops`\ (Bot.)
The small-flowered Fuchsia ({F. coccinea}), and other closely
related species.
Ladify \La"di*fy\, v. t. [Lady + -fy.]
To make a lady of; to make ladylike. [Obs.] --Massinger.
Ladin \La*din"\, n. [From L. Latinus Latin. See {Latin}]
A Romansch dialect spoken in some parts of Switzerland and
the Tyrol.
Lading \Lad"ing\, n.
1. The act of loading.
2. That which lades or constitutes a load or cargo; freight;
burden; as, the lading of a ship.
{Bill of lading}. See under {Bill}.
Ladino \La*di"no\, n.; pl. {Ladinos}. [Sp.]
One of the half-breed descendants of whites and Indians; a
mestizo; -- so called throughout Central America. They are
usually of a yellowish orange tinge. --Am. Cyc.
Ladkin \Lad"kin\, n.
A little lad. [R.] --Dr. H. More.
Ladle \La"dle\, n. [AS. hl[ae]del, fr. hladan to load, drain.
See {Lade}, v. t.]
1. A cuplike spoon, often of large size, with a long handle,
used in lading or dipping.
When the materials of glass have been kept long in
fusion, the mixture casts up the superfluous salt,
which the workmen take off with ladles. --Boyle.
2. (Founding) A vessel to carry liquid metal from the furnace
to the mold.
3. The float of a mill wheel; -- called also {ladle board}.
4. (Gun.)
(a) An instrument for drawing the charge of a cannon.
(b) A ring, with a handle or handles fitted to it, for
carrying shot.
{Ladle wood} (Bot.), the wood of a South African tree
({Cassine Colpoon}), used for carving.
Ladle \La"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ladled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Ladling}.]
To take up and convey in a ladle; to dip with, or as with, a
ladle; as, to ladle out soup; to ladle oatmeal into a kettle.
Ladleful \La"dle*ful\, n.; pl. {Ladlefuls}.
A quantity sufficient to fill a ladle.
Ladrone \La*drone"\, n. [Sp. ladron, L. latro servant, robber,
Gr. (?) a servant.]
A robber; a pirate; hence, loosely, a rogue or rascal.
Lady \La"dy\, n.; pl. {Ladies}. [OE. ladi, l[ae]fdi, AS.
hl?fdige, hl?fdie; AS. hl[=a]f loaf + a root of uncertain
origin, possibly akin to E. dairy. See {Loaf}, and cf.
{Lord}.]
1. A woman who looks after the domestic affairs of a family;
a mistress; the female head of a household.
Agar, the handmaiden of Sara, whence comest thou,
and whither goest thou? The which answered, Fro the
face of Sara my lady. --Wyclif (Gen.
xvi. 8.).
2. A woman having proprietary rights or authority; mistress;
-- a feminine correlative of lord. ``Lord or lady of high
degree.'' --Lowell.
Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, .
. . We make thee lady. --Shak.
3. A woman to whom the particular homage of a knight was
paid; a woman to whom one is devoted or bound; a
sweetheart.
The soldier here his wasted store supplies, And
takes new valor from his lady's eyes. --Waller.
4. A woman of social distinction or position. In England, a
title prefixed to the name of any woman whose husband is
not of lower rank than a baron, or whose father was a
nobleman not lower than an earl. The wife of a baronet or
knight has the title of Lady by courtesy, but not by
right.
5. A woman of refined or gentle manners; a well-bred woman;
-- the feminine correlative of gentleman.
6. A wife; -- not now in approved usage. --Goldsmith.
7. (Zo["o]l.) The triturating apparatus in the stomach of a
lobster; -- so called from a fancied resemblance to a
seated female figure. It consists of calcareous plates.
{Ladies' man}, a man who affects the society of ladies.
{Lady altar}, an altar in a lady chapel. --Shipley.
{Lady chapel}, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
{Lady court}, the court of a lady of the manor.
{Lady court}, the court of a lady of the manor.
{Lady crab} (Zo["o]l.), a handsomely spotted swimming crab
({Platyonichus ocellatus}) very common on the sandy shores
of the Atlantic coast of the United States.
{Lady fern}. (Bot.) See {Female fern}, under {Female}, and
Illust. of {Fern}.
{Lady in waiting}, a lady of the queen's household, appointed
to wait upon or attend the queen.
{Lady Mass}, a Mass said in honor of the Virgin Mary.
--Shipley.
{Lady of the manor}, a lady having jurisdiction of a manor;
also, the wife of a manor lord.
{Lady's maid}, a maidservant who dresses and waits upon a
lady. --Thackeray.
{Our Lady}, the Virgin Mary.
Lady \La"dy\, a.
Belonging or becoming to a lady; ladylike. ``Some lady
trifles.'' --Shak.
Ladybird \La"dy*bird`\, n. [Equiv. to, bird of Our Lady.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of small beetles of the genus
{Coccinella} and allied genera (family {Coccinellid[ae]}); --
called also {ladybug}, {ladyclock}, {lady cow}, {lady fly},
and {lady beetle}. {Coccinella seplempunctata} in one of the
common European species. See {Coccinella}.
Note: The ladybirds are usually more or less hemispherical in
form, with a smooth, polished surface, and often
colored red, brown, or black, with small spots of
brighter colors. Both the larv[ae] and the adult
beetles of most species feed on aphids, and for this
reason they are very beneficial to agriculture and
horticulture.
Ladybug \La"dy*bug`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Ladybird}.
Ladyclock \La"dy*clock`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Ladyrird}.
Lady \La"dy`\
The day of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary, March 25. See
{Annunciation}.
Ladyfish \La"dy*fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A large, handsome oceanic fish ({Albula vulpes}), found
both in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; -- called also
{bonefish}, {grubber}, {French mullet}, and {macab['e]}.
(b) A labroid fish ({Harpe rufa}) of Florida and the West
Indies.
Ladyhood \La"dy*hood\, n.
The state or quality of being a lady; the personality of a
lady.
Lady-killer \La"dy-kill`er\, n.
A gallant who captivates the hearts of women. ``A renowned
dandy and lady-killer.'' --Blackw. Mag.
Lady-killing \La"dy-kill`ing\, n.
The art or practice of captivating the hearts of women.
Better for the sake of womankind that this dangerous
dog should leave off lady-killing. --Thackeray.
Ladykin \La"dy*kin\, n. [Lady + -kin.]
A little lady; -- applied by the writers of Queen Elizabeth's
time, in the abbreviated form {Lakin}, to the Virgin Mary.
Note: The diminutive does not refer to size, but is
equivalent to ``dear.'' --Brewer.
Ladylike \La"dy*like`\, a.
1. Like a lady in appearance or manners; well-bred.
She was ladylike, too, after the manner of the
feminine gentility of those days. --Hawthorne.
2. Becoming or suitable to a lady; as, ladylike manners.
``With fingers ladylike.'' --Warner.
3. Delicate; tender; feeble; effeminate.
Too ladylike a long fatigue to bear. --Dryden.
Ladylikeness \La"dy*like`ness\, n.
The quality or state of being ladylike.
Ladylove \La"dy*love`\, n.
A sweetheart or mistress.
Lady's bedstraw \La"dy's bed"straw`\, (Bot.)
The common bedstraw ({Galium verum}); also, a slender-leaved
East Indian shrub ({Pharnaceum Mollugo}), with white flowers
in umbels.
Lady's bower \La"dy's bow"er\ (Bot.)
A climbing plant with fragrant blossoms ({Clematis vitalba}).
Note: This term is sometimes applied to other plants of the
same genus.
Lady's comb \La"dy's comb"\, (Bot.)
An umbelliferous plant ({Scandix Pecten-Veneris}), its
clusters of long slender fruits remotely resembling a comb.
Lady's cushion \La"dy's cush"ion\, (Bot.)
An herb growing in dense tufts; the thrift ({Armeria
vulgaris}).
Lady's finger \La"dy's fin"ger\,
1. pl. (Bot.) The kidney vetch.
2. (Cookery) A variety of small cake of about the dimensions
of a finger.
3. A long, slender variety of the potato.
4. (Zo["o]l.) One of the branchi[ae] of the lobster.
Lady's garters \La"dy's gar"ters\ (Bot.)
Ribbon grass.
Lady's hair \La"dy's hair"\ (Bot.)
A plant of the genus {Briza} ({B. media}); a variety of
quaking grass.
Ladyship \La"dy*ship\, n.
The rank or position of a lady; -- given as a title (preceded
by her or your).
Your ladyship shall observe their gravity. --B. Jonson.
Lady's laces \La"dy's la"ces\ (Bot.)
A slender climbing plant; dodder.
Lady's looking-glass \La"dy's look"ing-glass`\ (Bot.)
See {Venus's looking-glass}, under {Venus}.
Lady's mantle \La"dy's man"tle\ (Bot.)
A genus of rosaceous herbs ({Alchemilla}), esp. the European
{A. vulgaris}, which has leaves with rounded and finely
serrated lobes.
Lady's seal \La"dy's seal"\(Bot.)
(a) The European Solomon's seal ({Polygonatum
verticillatum}).
(b) The black bryony ({Tamus communis}).
Lady's slipper \La"dy's slip"per\ (Bot.)
Any orchidaceous plant of the genus {Cypripedium}, the
labellum of which resembles a slipper. Less commonly, in the
United States, the garden balsam ({Impatiens Balsamina}).
Lady's smock \La"dy's smock"\ (Bot.)
A plant of the genus {Cardamine} ({C. pratensis}); cuckoo
flower.
Lady's thimble \La"dy's thim"ble\ (Bot.)
The harebell.
Lady's thumb \La"dy's thumb"\ (Bot.)
An annual weed ({Polygonum Persicaria}), having a lanceolate
leaf with a dark spot in the middle.
Lady's traces \La"dy's tra"ces\, Ladies' tresses \La"dies'
tress"es\ (Bot.)
A name given to several species of the orchidaceous genus
{Spiranthes}, in which the white flowers are set in spirals
about a slender axis and remotely resemble braided hair.
Laelaps \L[ae]"laps\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a dark, furious storm.]
(Paleon.)
A genus of huge, carnivorous, dinosaurian reptiles from the
Cretaceous formation of the United States. They had very
large hind legs and tail, and are supposed to have been
bipedal. Some of the species were about eighteen feet high.
Laemmergeyer \Laem"mer*gey`er\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Lammergeir}.
Laemodipod \L[ae]*mod"i*pod\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
One of the L[ae]modipoda.
Laemodipoda \L[ae]`mo*dip"o*da\, n. pl. [NL., from Gr. ? throat
+ ? twice + ?, ?, foot.] (Zo["o]l.)
A division of amphipod Crustacea, in which the abdomen is
small or rudimentary and the legs are often reduced to five
pairs. The whale louse, or {Cyamus}, and {Caprella} are
examples.
Laemodipodous \L[ae]`mo*dip"o*dous\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the L[ae]modipoda.
Laetere Sunday \L[ae]*te"re Sun"day\
The fourth Sunday of Lent; -- so named from the Latin word
L[ae]tare (rejoice), the first word in the antiphone of the
introit sung that day in the Roman Catholic service.
Laevigate \L[ae]v"i*gate\, a. [See {Levigate}.] (Biol.)
Having a smooth surface, as if polished.
Laevo- \L[ae]"vo-\
A prefix. See {Levo}.
Laevorotatory \L[ae]"vo*ro"ta*to*ry\, a.
Same as {Levorotatory}. Cf. {Dextrorotatory}.
Laevulose \L[ae]v"u*lose`\, n. (Chem.)
See {Levulose}.
Lafayette \La`fa`yette"\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The dollar fish.
(b) A market fish, the goody, or spot ({Liostomus
xanthurus}), of the southern coast of the United States.
Laft \Laft\, obs.
p. p. of {Leave}. --Chaucer.
Lafte \Laf"te\, obs.
imp. of {Leave}. --Chaucer.
Lag \Lag\, a. [Of Celtic origin: cf. Gael. & Ir. lagweak,
feeble, faint, W. llag, llac, slack, loose, remiss, sluggish;
prob. akin to E. lax, languid.]
1. Coming tardily after or behind; slow; tardy. [Obs.]
Came too lag to see him buried. --Shak.
2. Last; long-delayed; -- obsolete, except in the phrase lag
end. ``The lag end of my life.'' --Shak.
3. Last made; hence, made of refuse; inferior. [Obs.] ``Lag
souls.'' --Dryden.
Lag \Lag\, n.
1. One who lags; that which comes in last. [Obs.] ``The lag
of all the flock.'' --Pope.
2. The fag-end; the rump; hence, the lowest class.
The common lag of people. --Shak.
3. The amount of retardation of anything, as of a valve in a
steam engine, in opening or closing.
4. A stave of a cask, drum, etc.; especially (Mach.), one of
the narrow boards or staves forming the covering of a
cylindrical object, as a boiler, or the cylinder of a
carding machine or a steam engine.
5. (Zo["o]l.) See {Graylag}.
{Lag of the tide}, the interval by which the time of high
water falls behind the mean time, in the first and third
quarters of the moon; -- opposed to {priming} of the tide,
or the acceleration of the time of high water, in the
second and fourth quarters; depending on the relative
positions of the sun and moon.
{Lag screw}, an iron bolt with a square head, a sharp-edged
thread, and a sharp point, adapted for screwing into wood;
a screw for fastening lags.
Lag \Lag\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lagged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lagging}.]
To walk or more slowly; to stay or fall behind; to linger or
loiter. ``I shall not lag behind.'' --Milton.
Syn: To loiter; linger; saunter; delay; be tardy.
Lag \Lag\, v. t.
1. To cause to lag; to slacken. [Obs.] ``To lag his flight.''
--Heywood.
2. (Mach.) To cover, as the cylinder of a steam engine, with
lags. See {Lag}, n., 4.
Lag \Lag\, n.
One transported for a crime. [Slang, Eng.]
Lag \Lag\, v. t.
To transport for crime. [Slang, Eng.]
She lags us if we poach. --De Quincey.
Lagan \La"gan\, n. & v.
See {Ligan}.
Lagarto \La*gar"to\, n. [See {Alligator}.]
An alligator. [Obs.] --Sir W. Raleigh.
Lagena \La*ge"na\, n.; pl. L. {Lagen[ae]}, E. {Lagenas}. [L., a
flask; cf. Gr. ?, ?.] (Anat.)
The terminal part of the cochlea in birds and most reptiles;
an appendage of the sacculus, corresponding to the cochlea,
in fishes and amphibians.
Lagenian \La*ge"ni*an\, a. [See {Lagena}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like, or pertaining to, {Lagena}, a genus of Foraminifera
having a straight, chambered shell.
Lageniform \La*ge"ni*form\, a. [See {Lagena}, and {-form}.]
(Bot.)
Shaped like a bottle or flask; flag-shaped.
Lager \La"ger\ (l[aum]"g[~e]r), n.
Lager beer.
Lager beer \La"ger beer`\ [G. lager bed, storehouse + bier beer.
See {Lair}, and {Beer}.]
Originally a German beer, but now also made in immense
quantities in the United States; -- so called from its being
laid up or stored for some months before use.
Lager wine \La"ger wine`\
Wine which has been kept for some time in the cellar.
--Simmonds.
Laggard \Lag"gard\, a. [Lag + -ard.]
Slow; sluggish; backward.
Laggard \Lag"gard\, n.
One who lags; a loiterer.
Lagger \Lag"ger\, n.
A laggard.
Lagging \Lag"ging\, n.
1. (Mach.) The clothing (esp., an outer, wooden covering), as
of a steam cylinder, applied to prevent the radiation of
heat; a covering of lags; -- called also {deading} and
{cleading}.
2. Lags, collectively; narrow planks extending from one rib
to another in the centering of arches.
Laggingly \Lag"ging*ly\, adv.
In a lagging manner; loiteringly.
Lagly \Lag"ly\, adv.
Laggingly. [Prov. Eng.]
Lagomorph \Lag"o*morph\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
One of the Lagomorpha.
Lagemorpha \Lag`e*mor"pha\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a hare + ?
form.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of rodents, including the hares. They have four
incisors in the upper jaw. Called also {Duplicidentata}.
Lagoon \La*goon"\, n. [It. or Sp. laguna, L. lacuna ditch, pool,
pond, lacus lake. See {Lake}, and cf. {Lacuna}.] [Written
also {lagune}.]
1. A shallow sound, channel, pond, or lake, especially one
into which the sea flows; as, the lagoons of Venice.
2. A lake in a coral island, often occupying a large portion
of its area, and usually communicating with the sea. See
{Atoll}.
{Lagoon island}, a coral island consisting of a narrow reef
encircling a lagoon.
Lagophthalmia \Lag`oph*thal"mi*a\, Lagophthalmos
\Lag`oph*thal"mos\, n. [NL. lagophtalmia, fr. Gr. lagw`s hare +
'ofqalmo`s eye; -- so called from the notion that a hare
sleeps with his eyes open.] (Med.)
A morbid condition in which the eye stands wide open, giving
a peculiar staring appearance.
Lagopous \La*go"pous\, a. [Gr. ? a hare + ?, ?, foot.] (Bot.)
Having a dense covering of long hair, like the foot of a
hare.
Lagune \La*gune"\, n.
See {Lagoon}.
Laic \La"ic\, Laical \La"ic*al\, a. [L. laicus: cf. F.
la["i]que. See {Lay} laic.]
Of or pertaining to a layman or the laity. ``Laical
literature.'' --Lowell.
An unprincipled, unedified, and laic rabble. --Milton.
Laic \La"ic\, n.
A layman. --Bp. Morton.
Laicality \La"ic*al"i*ty\, n.
The state or quality of being laic; the state or condition of
a layman.
Laically \La"ic*al*ly\, adv.
As a layman; after the manner of a layman; as, to treat a
matter laically.
Laid \Laid\, imp. & p. p.
of {Lay}.
{Laid paper}, paper marked with parallel lines or water
marks, as if ribbed, from parallel wires in the mold. It
is called blue laid, cream laid, etc., according to its
color.
Laidly \Laid"ly\, a.
Ugly; loathsome. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
This laidly and loathsome worm. --W. Howitt.
Lain \Lain\, p. p.
of {Lie}, v. i.
Lainere \Lain"ere\, n.
See {Lanier}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lair \Lair\, n. [OE. leir, AS. leger; akin to D. leger, G. lager
couch, lair, OHG. laga?, Goth. ligrs, and to E. lie. See
{Lie} to be prostrate, and cf. {Layer}, {Leaguer}.]
1. A place in which to lie or rest; especially, the bed or
couch of a wild beast.
2. A burying place. [Scot.] --Jamieson.
3. A pasture; sometimes, food. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Laird \Laird\, n. [See {Lord}.]
A lord; a landholder, esp. one who holds land directly of the
crown. [Scot.]
Lairdship \Laird"ship\, n.
The state of being a laird; an estate; landed property.
[Scot.] --Ramsay.
Laism \La"ism\, n.
See {Lamaism}. [R.]
Laissez faire \Lais`sez" faire"\ [F., let alone.]
Noninterference; -- an axiom of some political economists,
deprecating interference of government by attempts to foster
or regulate commerce, manufactures, etc., by bounty or by
restriction; as, the doctrine of laissez faire; the laissez
faire system government.
Laity \La"i*ty\ (l[=a]"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [See {Lay}, a.]
1. The people, as distinguished from the clergy; the body of
the people not in orders.
A rising up of the laity against the sacerdotal
caste. --Macaulay.
2. The state of a layman. [Obs.] --Ayliffe.
3. Those who are not of a certain profession, as law or
medicine, in distinction from those belonging to it.
Lakao \La*ka"o\, n.
Sap green. [China]
Lake \Lake\, n. [F. laque, fr. Per. See {Lac}.]
A pigment formed by combining some coloring matter, usually
by precipitation, with a metallic oxide or earth, esp. with
aluminium hydrate; as, madder lake; Florentine lake; yellow
lake, etc.
Lake \Lake\, n. [Cf. G. laken.]
A kind of fine white linen, formerly in use. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.
Lake \Lake\, v. i. [AS. l[=a]can, l[ae]can, to spring, jump,
l[=a]c play, sport, or fr. Icel. leika to play, sport; both
akin to Goth. laikan to dance. [root]120. Cf. {Knowledge}.]
To play; to sport. [Prov. Eng.]
Lake \Lake\, n. [AS. lac, L. lacus; akin to AS. lagu lake, sea,
Icel. l["o]gr; OIr. loch; cf. Gr. ? pond, tank. Cf. {Loch},
{Lough}.]
A large body of water contained in a depression of the
earth's surface, and supplied from the drainage of a more or
less extended area.
Note: Lakes are for the most part of fresh water; the salt
lakes, like the Great Salt Lake of Utah, have usually
no outlet to the ocean.
{Lake dwellers} (Ethnol.), people of a prehistoric race, or
races, which inhabited different parts of Europe. Their
dwellings were built on piles in lakes, a short distance
from the shore. Their relics are common in the lakes of
Switzerland.
{Lake dwellings} (Arch[ae]ol.), dwellings built over a lake,
sometimes on piles, and sometimes on rude foundations kept
in place by piles; specifically, such dwellings of
prehistoric times. Lake dwellings are still used by many
savage tribes. Called also {lacustrine dwellings}. See
{Crannog}.
{Lake fly} (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of
dipterous flies of the genus {Chironomus}. In form they
resemble mosquitoes, but they do not bite. The larv[ae]
live in lakes.
{Lake herring} (Zo["o]l.), the cisco ({Coregonus Artedii}).
{Lake poets}, {Lake school}, a collective name originally
applied in contempt, but now in honor, to Southey,
Coleridge, and Wordsworth, who lived in the lake country
of Cumberland, England, Lamb and a few others were classed
with these by hostile critics. Called also {lakers} and
{lakists}.
{Lake sturgeon} (Zo["o]l.), a sturgeon ({Acipenser
rubicundus}), of moderate size, found in the Great Lakes
and the Mississippi River. It is used as food.
{Lake trout} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of trout
and salmon; in Europe, esp. {Salmo fario}; in the United
States, esp. {Salvelinus namaycush} of the Great Lakes,
and of various lakes in New York, Eastern Maine, and
Canada. A large variety of brook trout ({S. fontinalis}),
inhabiting many lakes in New England, is also called lake
trout. See {Namaycush}.
{Lake whitefish}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Whitefish}.
{Lake whiting} (Zo["o]l.), an American whitefish ({Coregonus
Labradoricus}), found in many lakes in the Northern United
States and Canada. It is more slender than the common
whitefish.
Lake-dweller \Lake"-dwell`er\, n.
See {Lake dwellers}, under {Lake}.
Lakelet \Lake"let\, n.
A little lake. --Southey.
Lakeweed \Lake"weed`\, n. (Bot.)
The water pepper ({Polygonum Hydropiper}), an aquatic plant
of Europe and North America.
Lakh \Lakh\, n.
Same as {Lac}, one hundred thousand.
Lakin \La"kin\, n.
See {Ladykin}.
Lakke \Lak"ke\, n. & v.
See {Lack}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Laky \Lak"y\, a.
Pertaining to a lake. --Sir W. Scott.
Laky \Lak"y\, a. [From {Lake} the pigment.]
Transparent; -- said of blood rendered transparent by the
action of some solvent agent on the red blood corpuscles.
Lallation \Lal*la"tion\, n. [L. lallare to sing lalla, or
lullaby: cf. F. lallation.]
An imperfect enunciation of the letter r, in which it sounds
like l.
Lalo \La"lo\, n.
The powdered leaves of the baobab tree, used by the Africans
to mix in their soup, as the southern negroes use powdered
sassafras. Cf. {Couscous}.
Lam \Lam\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lammed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lamming}.] [Icel. lemja to beat, or lama to bruise, both fr.
lami, lama, lame. See {Lame}.]
To beat soundly; to thrash. [Obs. or Low] --Beau. & Fl.
Lama \La"ma\ (?; 277), n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Llama}.
Lama \La"ma\, n. [Thibet. blama (pronounced l["a]"ma) a chief, a
high priest.]
In Thibet, Mongolia, etc., a priest or monk of the belief
called Lamaism.
{The Grand Lama}, or {Dalai Lama} [lit., Ocean Lama], the
supreme pontiff in the lamaistic hierarchy. See {Lamaism}.
Lamaic \La"ma*ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lamaism.
Lamaism \La"ma*ism\, n.
A modified form of Buddhism which prevails in Thibet,
Mongolia, and some adjacent parts of Asia; -- so called from
the name of its priests. See 2d {Lama}.
Lamaist \La"ma*ist\, Lamaite \La"ma*ite\n.
One who believes in Lamaism.
Lamaistic \La`ma*is"tic\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lamaism.
Lamantin \La*man"tin\, n. [F. lamantin, lamentin, prob. from the
name of the animal in the Antilles. Cf. {Manater}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The manatee. [Written also {lamentin}, and {lamantine}.]
Lamarckian \La*marck"i*an\, a.
Pertaining to, or involved in, the doctrines of
Lamarckianism.
Lamarckianism \La*marck"i*an*ism\, n. (Biol.)
Lamarckism.
Lamarckism \La"marck"ism\, n. [From Lamarck, a distinguished
French naturalist.] (Biol.)
The theory that structural variations, characteristic of
species and genera, are produced in animals and plants by the
direct influence of physical environments, and esp., in the
case of animals, by effort, or by use or disuse of certain
organs.
Lamasery \La"ma*ser*y\, n. [See 2d {Lama}.]
A monastery or convent of lamas, in Thibet, Mongolia, etc.
Lamb \Lamb\ (l[a^]m), n. [AS. lamb; akin to D. & Dan. lam, G. &
Sw. lamm, OS., Goth., & Icel. lamb.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) The young of the sheep.
2. Any person who is as innocent or gentle as a lamb.
3. A simple, unsophisticated person; in the cant of the Stock
Exchange, one who ignorantly speculates and is victimized.
{Lamb of God}, {The Lamb} (Script.), the Jesus Christ, in
allusion to the paschal lamb.
The twelve apostles of the Lamb. --Rev. xxi.
14.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of
the world. --John i. 29.
{Lamb's lettuce} (Bot.), an annual plant with small obovate
leaves ({Valerianella olitoria}), often used as a salad;
corn salad. [Written also {lamb lettuce}.]
{Lamb's tongue}, a carpenter's plane with a deep narrow bit,
for making curved grooves. --Knight.
{Lamb's wool}.
(a) The wool of a lamb.
(b) Ale mixed with the pulp of roasted apples; -- probably
from the resemblance of the pulp of roasted apples to
lamb's wool. [Obs.] --Goldsmith.
Lamb \Lamb\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lambed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lambing}.]
To bring forth a lamb or lambs, as sheep.
Lambale \Lamb"ale`\, n.
A feast at the time of shearing lambs.
Lambaste \Lam*baste"\, v. t. [Lam + baste to beat.]
To beat severely. [Low] --Nares.
Lambative \Lam"ba*tive\, a. [L. lambere to lick. See {Lambent}.]
Taken by licking with the tongue. ``Sirups and lambative
medicines.'' --Sir T. Browne.
Lambative \Lam"ba*tive\, n.
A medicine taken by licking with the tongue; a lincture.
--Wiseman.
Lambda \Lamb"da\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?.]
1. The name of the Greek letter [Lambda], [lambda],
corresponding with the English letter L, l.
2. (Anat.) The point of junction of the sagittal and lambdoid
sutures of the skull.
{Lambda moth} (Zo["o]l.), a moth so called from a mark on its
wings, resembling the Greek letter lambda ([Lambda]).
Lambdacism \Lamb"da*cism\, n. [L. lambdacismus, Gr. ?, fr.
la`mbda the letter lambda ([Lambda]).]
1. A fault in speaking or in composition, which consists in
too frequent use of the letter l, or in doubling it
erroneously.
2. A defect in pronunciation of the letter l when doubled,
which consists in giving it a sound as if followed by y,
similar to that of the letters lli in billion.
3. The use of the sound of l for that of r in pronunciation;
lallation; as, Amelican for American.
Lambdoid \Lamb"doid\, a. [Gr. ?, la`mbda the letter lambda
([Lambda]) + e"i^dos shape.]
Shaped like the Greek letter lambda ([Lambda]); as, the
lambdoid suture between the occipital and parietal bones of
the skull.
Lambdoidal \Lamb*doid"al\, a.
Same as {Lambdoid}.
Lambent \Lam"bent\, a. [L. lambens, -enlis, p. pr. of lambere to
lick; akin to lap. See {Lap} to drink by licking.]
1. Playing on the surface; touching lightly; gliding over.
``A lambent flame.'' --Dryden. ``A lambent style.''
--Beaconsfield.
2. Twinkling or gleaming; fickering. ``The lambent purity of
the stars.'' --W. Irving.
Lambert pine \Lam"bert pine`\ [So called from Lambert, an
English botanist.] (Bot.)
The gigantic sugar pine of California and Oregon ({Pinus
Lambertiana}). It has the leaves in fives, and cones a foot
long. The timber is soft, and like that of the white pine of
the Eastern States.
Lambkin \Lamb"kin\, n.
A small lamb.
Lamblike \Lamb"like\, a.
Like a lamb; gentle; meek; inoffensive.
Lamboys \Lam"boys\, n. pl. [Cf. F. lambeau. Cf. {Label}.] (Anc.
Armor)
Same as {Base}, n., 19.
Lambrequin \Lam"bre*quin\, n. [F. Cf. {Lamboys}, {Label}.]
1. A kind of pendent scarf or covering attached to the
helmet, to protect it from wet or heat.
2. A leather flap hanging from a cuirass. --Wilhelm.
3. A piece of ornament drapery or short decorative hanging,
pendent from a shelf or from the casing above a window,
hiding the curtain fixtures, or the like.
Lambskin \Lamb"skin`\, n.
1. The skin of a lamb; especially, a skin dressed with the
wool on, and used as a mat. Also used adjectively.
2. A kind of woolen.
Lambskinnet \Lamb"skin`net"\, n.
See {Lansquenet}.
Lamb's-quarters \Lamb's-quar"ters\, n. (Bot.)
A name given to several plants of the Goosefoot family,
sometimes used as pot herbs, as {Chenopodium album} and
{Atriplex patulsa}.
Lamdoidal \Lam*doid"al\, a.
Lambdoid. [R.]
Lame \Lame\, a. [Compar. {Lamer}; superl. {Lamest}.] [OE. lame,
AS. lama; akin to D. lam, G. lahm,OHG., Dan., & Sw. lam,
Icel. lami, Russ. lomate to break, lomota rheumatism.]
1.
(a) Moving with pain or difficulty on account of injury,
defect, or temporary obstruction of a function; as, a
lame leg, arm, or muscle.
(b) To some degree disabled by reason of the imperfect
action of a limb; crippled; as, a lame man. ``Lame of
one leg.'' --Arbuthnot. ``Lame in both his feet.'' --2
Sam. ix. 13. ``He fell, and became lame.'' --2 Sam.
iv. 4.
2. Hence, hobbling; limping; inefficient; imperfect. ``A lame
endeavor.'' --Barrow.
O, most lame and impotent conclusion! --Shak.
{Lame duck} (stock Exchange), a person who can not fulfill
his contracts. [Cant]
Lame \Lame\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lamed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Laming}.]
To make lame.
If you happen to let child fall and lame it. --Swift.
Lamel \Lam"el\, n.
See {Lamella}.
Lamella \La*mel"la\, n.; pl. L. {Lamell[ae]}, E. {Lamellas}. [L.
lamella, dim. of lamina plate, leaf, layer: cf. F. lamelle.
Cf. {Lamina}, {Omelet}.]
a thin plate or scale of anything, as a thin scale growing
from the petals of certain flowers; or one of the thin plates
or scales of which certain shells are composed.
Lamellar \Lam"el*lar\, a. [Cf. F. lamellaire.]
Flat and thin; lamelliform; composed of lamell[ae].
Lamellarly \Lam"el*lar*ly\, adv.
In thin plates or scales.
Lamellary \Lam"el*la*ry\, a.
Of or pertaining to lamella or to lamell[ae]; lamellar.
Lamellate \Lam"el*late\, Lamellated \Lam"el*la`ted\, a. [See
{Lamella}.]
Composed of, or furnished with, thin plates or scales. See
Illust. of {Antenn[ae]}.
Lamellibranch \La*mel"li*branch\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
One of the Lamellibranchia. Also used adjectively.
Lamellibranchia \La*mel`li*bran"chi*a\, Lamellibranchiata
\La*mel`li*bran`chi*a"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See {lamella}, and
{Branchia}, {Branchiate}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A class of Mollusca including all those that have bivalve
shells, as the clams, oysters, mussels, etc.
Note: They usually have two (rarely but one) flat,
lamelliform gills on each side of the body. They have
an imperfectly developed head, concealed within the
shell, whence they are called {{Acephala}}. Called also
{Conchifera}, and {Pelecypoda}. See {Bivalve}.
Lamellibranchiate \Lam`el*li*bran"chi*ate\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Having lamellar gills; belonging to the Lamellibranchia. --
n. One of the Lamellibranchia.
Lamellicorn \La*mel"li*corn\, a. [Lamella + L. cornu a horn: cf.
F. lamellicorne. See {Lamella}.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) Having antenn[ae] terminating in a group of flat
lamell[ae]; -- said of certain coleopterous insects.
(b) Terminating in a group of flat lamell[ae]; -- said of
antenn[ae]. -- n. A lamellicorn insect.
Lamellicornia \La*mel`li*cor"ni*a\, n. pl. [NL. See
{Lamellicorn}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of lamellicorn, plant-eating beetles; -- called also
{Lamellicornes}.
Lamelliferous \Lam`el*lif"er*ous\, a. [Lamella + -ferous: cf. F.
lamellif[`e]re.]
Bearing, or composed of, lamell[ae], or thin layers, plates,
or scales; foliated.
Lamelliform \La*mel"li*form\, a. [Lamella + -form : cf. F.
lamelliforme.]
Thin and flat; scalelike; lamellar.
Lamellirostral \Lam`el*li*ros"tral\, a. [Lamella + rostral : cf.
F. lamellirostre.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having a lamellate bill, as ducks and geese.
Lamellirostres \La*mel`li*ros"tres\, n. pl. [NL. See {Lamella},
and {Rostrum}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of birds embracing the Anseres and flamingoes, in
which the bill is lamellate.
Lamellose \Lam"el*lose`\, a. [Cf. F. lamelleux.]
Composed of, or having, lamell[ae]; lamelliform.
Lamely \Lame"ly\, adv. [See {Lame}.]
An a lame, crippled, disabled, or imperfect manner; as, to
walk lamely; a figure lamely drawn.
Lameness \Lame"ness\, n.
The condition or quality of being lame; as, the lameness of
an excuse or an argument.
Lament \La*ment"\, v. i. [F. lamenter, L. lamentari, fr.
lamentum a lament.]
To express or feel sorrow; to weep or wail; to mourn.
Jeremiah lamented for Josiah. --2 Chron.
xxxv. 25.
Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice.
--John xvi.
20.
Lament \La*ment"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lamented}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lamenting}.]
To mourn for; to bemoan; to bewail.
One laughed at follies, one lamented crimes. --Dryden.
Syn: To deplore; mourn; bewail. See {Deplore}.
Lament \La*ment"\, n. [L. lamentum. Cf. {Lament}, v.]
1. Grief or sorrow expressed in complaints or cries;
lamentation; a wailing; a moaning; a weeping.
Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage.
--Milton.
2. An elegy or mournful ballad, or the like.
Lamentable \Lam"en*ta*ble\, a. [L. lamentabilis : cf. F.
lamentable.]
1. Mourning; sorrowful; expressing grief; as, a lamentable
countenance. ``Lamentable eye.'' --Spenser.
2. Fitted to awaken lament; to be lamented; sorrowful;
pitiable; as, a lamentable misfortune, or error.
``Lamentable helplessness.'' --Burke.
3. Miserable; pitiful; paltry; -- in a contemptuous or
ridiculous sense. --Bp. Stillingfleet. --
{Lam"en*ta*ble*ness}, n. -- {Lam"en*ta*bly}, adv.
Lamentation \Lam`en*ta"tion\, n. [F. lamentation, L.
lamentatio.]
1. The act of bewailing; audible expression of sorrow;
wailing; moaning.
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and
weeping. --Matt. ii.
18.
2. pl. (Script.) A book of the Old Testament attributed to
the prophet Jeremiah, and taking its name from the nature
of its contents.
Lamented \La*ment"ed\, a.
Mourned for; bewailed.
This humble praise, lamented shade ! receive. --Pope.
Lamenter \La*ment"er\, n.
One who laments.
Lamentin \La*men"tin\, n.
See {Lamantin}.
Lamenting \La*ment"ing\, n.
Lamentation.
Lamentings heard i' the air. --Shak.
Lamentingly \La*ment"ing*ly\, adv.
In a lamenting manner.
Lames \Lames\ (l[.a]mz), n. pl. [F. lame a thin plate, L.
lamina.] (Armor)
Small steel plates combined together so as to slide one upon
the other and form a piece of armor.
Lametta \La*met"ta\, n. [Cf. It. lametta, dim. of lama a thin
plate.]
Foil or wire made of gold, silver, or brass. --De Colange.
Lamia \La"mi*a\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?.] (Class. Myth.)
A monster capable of assuming a woman's form, who was said to
devour human beings or suck their blood; a vampire; a
sorceress; a witch.
Lamina \Lam"i*na\ (l[a^]m"[i^]*n[.a]), n.; pl. L. {Lamin[ae]}
(-n[=e]) E. {Laminas} (-n[.a]z). [L. cf. {Lamella}.]
1. A thin plate or scale; a layer or coat lying over another;
-- said of thin plates or platelike substances, as of bone
or minerals.
2. (Bot.) The blade of a leaf; the broad, expanded portion of
a petal or sepal of a flower. --Gray.
3. (Zo["o]l.) A thin plate or scale; specif., one of the
thin, flat processes composing the vane of a feather.
Laminability \Lam`i*na*bil"i*ty\, n.
The quality or state of being laminable.
Laminable \Lam"i*na*ble\, a.
Capable of being split into lamin[ae] or thin plates, as
mica; capable of being extended under pressure into a thin
plate or strip.
When a body can be readily extended in all directions
under the hammer, it is said to be malleable; and when
into fillets under the rolling press, it is said to be
laminable. --Ure.
Laminar \Lam"i*nar\, Laminal \Lam"i*nal\, a. [Cf. F. laminaire.
See {Lamina}]
In, or consisting of, thin plates or layers; having the form
of a thin plate or lamina.
Laminaria \Lam`i*na"ri*a\, n. [NL. See {Lamina}.] (Bot.)
A genus of great seaweeds with long and broad fronds; kelp,
or devil's apron. The fronds commonly grow in clusters, and
are sometimes from thirty to fifty feet in length. See
Illust. of {Kelp}.
Laminarian \Lam`i*na"ri*an\, a.
Pertaining to seaweeds of the genus Laminaria, or to that
zone of the sea (from two to ten fathoms in depth) where the
seaweeds of this genus grow.
Laminarite \Lam"i*na*rite\, n. [See {Lamina}.] (Paleon.)
A broad-leafed fossil alga.
Laminary \Lam"i*na*ry\, a.
Laminar.
Laminate \Lam"i*nate\, a. [See {Lamina}.]
Consisting of, or covered with, lamin[ae], or thin plates,
scales, or layers, one over another; laminated.
Laminate \Lam"i*nate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Laminated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Laminating}.] [See {Lamina}.]
1. To cause to separate into thin plates or layers; to divide
into thin plates.
2. To form, as metal, into a thin plate, as by rolling.
Laminate \Lam"i*nate\, v. i.
To separate into lamin[ae].
Laminated \Lam"i*na`ted\, a.
Laminate.
{Laminated arch} (Arch.), a timber arch made of layers of
bent planks secured by treenails.
Laminating \Lam"i*na`ting\, a.
Forming, or separating into, scales or thin layers.
Lamination \Lam`i*na"tion\, n.
The process of laminating, or the state of being laminated.
Laminiferous \Lam`i*nif"er*ous\, a. [Lamina + -ferous.]
Having a structure consisting of lamin[ae], or thin layers.
Laminiplantar \Lam`i*ni*plan"tar\, a. [Lamina + L. planta sole
of the foot.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having the tarsus covered behind with a horny sheath
continuous on both sides, as in most singing birds, except
the larks.
Laminitis \Lam`i*ni"tis\, n. [NL. See {Lamina}, and {-itis}.]
(Far.)
Inflammation of the lamin[ae] or fleshy plates along the
coffin bone of a horse; founder. --Youatt.
Lamish \Lam"ish\, a.
Somewhat lame. --Wood.
Lamm \Lamm\, v. t.
See {Lam}.
Lammas \Lam"mas\, n. [AS. hl[=a]mmesse, hl[=a]fm[ae]sse, loaf
mass, bread feast, or feast of first fruits; hl[=a]f loaf +
m[ae]sse mass. See {Loaf}, and {Mass} religious service.]
The first day of August; -- called also {Lammas day}, and
{Lammastide}.
Lammergeir \Lam"mer*geir\, Lammergeier \Lam"mer*gei`er\, n. [G.
l["a]mmergeier; lamm, pl. l["a]mmer, lamb + geier vulture.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A very large vulture ({Gypa["e]tus barbatus}), which inhabits
the mountains of Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.
When full-grown it is nine or ten feet in extent of wings. It
is brownish black above, with the under parts and neck rusty
yellow; the forehead and crown white; the sides of the head
and beard black. It feeds partly on carrion and partly on
small animals, which it kills. It has the habit of carrying
tortoises and marrow bones to a great height, and dropping
them on stones to obtain the contents, and is therefore
called {bonebreaker} and {ossifrage}. It is supposed to be
the {ossifrage} of the Bible. Called also {bearded vulture}
and {bearded eagle}. [Written also {lammergeyer}.]
Lamnunguia \Lam*nun"gui*a\, n. pl. [NL., fr. L. lamina a scale +
unguis a nail.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Hyracoidea}.
Lamp \Lamp\, n.[OE. (with excrescent p), fr. F. lame, L. lamina.
See {Lamina}.]
A thin plate or lamina. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lamp \Lamp\, n. [F. lampe, L. lampas, -adis, fr. Gr. ?, ?,
torch, fr. ? to give light, to shine. Cf. {Lampad},
{Lantern}.]
1. A light-producing vessel, instrument or apparatus;
especially, a vessel with a wick used for the combustion
of oil or other inflammable liquid, for the purpose of
producing artificial light.
2. Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or
morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the
uses of a lamp.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
path. --Ps. cxix.
105.
Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared. --Cowper.
3. (Elec.) A device or mechanism for producing light by
electricity. See {Incandescent lamp}, under
{Incandescent}.
{[AE]olipile lamp}, a hollow ball of copper containing
alcohol which is converted into vapor by a lamp beneath,
so as to make a powerful blowpipe flame when the vapor is
ignited. --Weale.
{Arc lamp} (Elec.), a form of lamp in which the voltaic arc
is used as the source of light.
{D["e]bereiner's lamp}, an apparatus for the instantaneous
production of a flame by the spontaneous ignition of a jet
of hydrogen on being led over platinum sponge; -- named
after the German chemist D["o]bereiner, who invented it.
Called also {philosopher's lamp}.
{Flameless lamp}, an aphlogistic lamp.
{Lamp burner}, the part of a lamp where the wick is exposed
and ignited. --Knight.
{Lamp fount}, a reservoir for oil, in a lamp.
{Lamp jack}. See 2d {Jack}, n., 4
(l) &
(n) .
{Lamp shade}, a screen, as of paper, glass, or tin, for
softening or obstructing the light of a lamp.
{Lamp shell} (Zo["o]l.), any brachiopod shell of the genus
Terebratula and allied genera. The name refers to the
shape, which is like that of an antique lamp. See
{Terebratula}.
{Safety lamp}, a miner's lamp in which the flame is
surrounded by fine wire gauze, preventing the kindling of
dangerous explosive gases; -- called also, from Sir
Humphry Davy the inventor, {Davy lamp}.
{To smell of the lamp}, to bear marks of great study and
labor, as a literary composition.
Lampad \Lam"pad\, n. [Gr. ?, ?. See {Lamp}.]
A lamp or candlestick. [R.]
By him who 'mid the golden lampads went. --Trench.
Lampadist \Lam"pa*dist\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ?, ?, torch. See
{Lamp}.] (Gr. Antiq.)
One who gained the prize in the lampadrome.
Lampadrome \Lam"pa*drome\, n. [Gr. ?; ?, ?, torch + ? course,
race, fr. ? to run.] (Gr. Antiq.)
A race run by young men with lighted torches in their hands.
He who reached the goal first, with his torch unextinguished,
gained the prize.
Lampas \Lam"pas\, n. [F. lampas.]
An inflammation and swelling of the soft parts of the roof of
the mouth immediately behind the fore teeth in the horse; --
called also {lampers}.
Lampate \Lam"pate\, n. [Cf. F. lampate.] (Chem.)
A supposed salt of lampic acid. [Obs.]
Lampblack \Lamp"black`\, n. [Lamp + black.]
The fine impalpable soot obtained from the smoke of
carbonaceous substances which have been only partly burnt, as
in the flame of a smoking lamp. It consists of finely divided
carbon, with sometimes a very small proportion of various
impurities. It is used as an ingredient of printers' ink, and
various black pigments and cements.
Lamper eel \Lam"per eel`\ (Zo["o]l.)
See {Lamprey}.
Lampern \Lam"pern\, n. [See {Lamprey}.] (Zo["o]l.)
The river lamprey ({Ammoc[oe]tes, or Lampetra, fluviatilis}).
Note: The name is also applied to other river lampreys.
Lampers \Lam"pers\, n.
See {Lampas}.
Lampic \Lam"pic\, a. [F. lampique, fr. lampe lamp. See {Lamp}.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or produced by, a lamp; -- formerly said of a
supposed acid.
Lamping \Lamp"ing\, a.
Shining; brilliant. [Obs.] ``Lamping eyes.'' --Spenser.
Lampless \Lamp"less\, a.
Being without a lamp, or without light; hence, being without
appreciation; dull.
Your ladies' eyes are lampless to that virtue. --Beau.
& Fl.
Lamplight \Lamp"light`\, n.
Light from a lamp.
This world's artificial lamplights. --Owen
Meredith.
Lamplighter \Lamp"light`er\, n.
1. One who, or that which, lights a lamp; esp., a person who
lights street lamps.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The calico bass.
Lampoon \Lam*poon"\, n. [F. lampon a drinking song, fr. lampons
let us drink, -- the burden of such a song, fr. lamper to
guzzle, to drink much and greedily; of German origin, and
akin to E. lap to drink. Prob. so called because drinking
songs often contain personal slander or satire.]
A personal satire in writing; usually, malicious and abusive
censure written only to reproach and distress.
Like her who missed her name in a lampoon, And grieved
to find herself decayed so soon. --Dryden.
Lampoon \Lam*poon"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lampooned}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lampooning}.]
To subject to abusive ridicule expressed in writing; to make
the subject of a lampoon.
Ribald poets had lampooned him. --Macaulay.
Syn: To libel; defame; satirize; lash.
Lampooner \Lam*poon"er\, n.
The writer of a lampoon. ``Libelers, lampooners, and
pamphleteers.'' --Tatler.
Lampoonry \Lam*poon"ry\, n.
The act of lampooning; a lampoon, or lampoons.
Lamp-post \Lamp"-post`\, n.
A post (generally a pillar of iron) supporting a lamp or
lantern for lighting a street, park, etc.
Lamprel \Lam"prel\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Lamprey}.
Lamprey \Lam"prey\, n.; pl. {Lampreys}. [OE. lampreie, F.
lamproie, LL. lampreda, lampetra, from L. lambere to lick +
petra rock, stone. The lampreys are so called because they
attach themselves with their circular mouths to rocks and
stones, whence they are also called {rocksuckers}. See {Lap}
to drink, {Petrify}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An eel-like marsipobranch of the genus {Petromyzon}, and
allied genera. The lampreys have a round, sucking mouth,
without jaws, but set with numerous minute teeth, and one to
three larger teeth on the palate (see Illust. of
{Cyclostomi}). There are seven small branchial openings on
each side. [Written also {lamper eel}, {lamprel}, and
{lampron}.]
Note: The common or sea lamprey of America and Europe
({Petromyzon marinus}), which in spring ascends rivers
to spawn, is considered excellent food by many, and is
sold as a market fish in some localities. The smaller
river lampreys mostly belong to the genus
{Ammoc[oe]les}, or {Lampetra}, as {A. fluviatilis}, of
Europe, and {A. [ae]pypterus} of America. All lampreys
attach themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by
means of the suckerlike mouth.
Lampron \Lam"pron\, n. [Cf. OE. lampreon. See {Lamprey}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
See {Lamprey}.
Lampyrine \Lam*py"rine\, n. [See {Lampyris}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An insect of the genus Lampyris, or family {Lampyrid[ae]}.
See {Lampyris}.
Lampyris \Lam*py"ris\, n. [L., glowworm, Gr. (?).] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of coleopterous insects, including the glowworms.
Lanarkite \Lan"ark*ite\, n. [From Lanarkshire, a county in
Scotland.] (Min.)
A mineral consisting of sulphate of lead, occurring either
massive or in long slender prisms, of a greenish white or
gray color.
Lanary \La"na*ry\, n. [L. lanaria, fr. lanarius belonging to
wool, lana wool.]
A place for storing wool.
Lanate \La"nate\, Lanated \La"na*ted\, [L. lanatus, fr. lana
wool, down.]
Wooly; covered with fine long hair, or hairlike filaments.
Lacashire boiler \La"ca*shire boil"er\
A steam boiler having two flues which contain the furnaces
and extend through the boiler from end to end.
Lacasterian \La`cas*te"ri*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to the monitorial system of instruction
followed by Joseph Lancaster, of England, in which advanced
pupils in a school teach pupils below them.
Lance \Lance\, n. [OE. lance, F. lance, fr. L. lancea; cf. Gr.
?. Cf. {Launch}.]
1. A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and
a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and
often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or
harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.
A braver soldier never couched lance. --Shak.
2. A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.
3. (Founding) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the
mold in casting a shell.
4. (Mil.) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece
of ordnance and forces it home.
5. (Pyrotech.) One of the small paper cases filled with
combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a
figure.
{Free lance}, in the Middle Ages, and subsequently, a knight
or roving soldier, who was free to engage for any state or
commander that purchased his services; hence, a person who
assails institutions or opinions on his own responsibility
without regard to party lines or deference to authority.
{Lance bucket} (Cavalry), a socket attached to a saddle or
stirrup strap, in which to rest the but of a lance.
{Lance corporal}, same as {Lancepesade}.
{Lance knight}, a lansquenet. --B. Jonson.
{Lance snake} (Zo["o]l.), the fer-de-lance.
{Stink-fire lance} (Mil.), a kind of fuse filled with a
composition which burns with a suffocating odor; -- used
in the counter operations of miners.
{To break a lance}, to engage in a tilt or contest.
Lance \Lance\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lanced}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lancing}.]
1. To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.
Seized the due victim, and with fury lanced Her
back. --Dryden.
2. To open with a lancet; to pierce; as, to lance a vein or
an abscess.
3. To throw in the manner of a lance. See {Lanch}.
Lance fish \Lance" fish`\ (Zo["o]l.)
A slender marine fish of the genus {Ammodytes}, especially
{Ammodytes tobianus} of the English coast; -- called also
{sand lance}.
Lancegay \Lance"gay`\, Lancegaye \Lance"gaye`\, n. [OF.
lancegaie, corrupted from the same source as E. assagai,
under the influence of F. lance lance. See {Assagai}.]
A kind of spear anciently used. Its use was prohibited by a
statute of Richard II. --Nares.
In his hand a launcegay, A long sword by his side.
--Chaucer.
Lancelet \Lance"let\, n. [Lance + -let.] (Zo["o]l.)
A small fishlike animal ({Amphioxus lanceolatus}), remarkable
for the rudimentary condition of its organs. It is the type
of the class Leptocardia. See {Amphioxus}, {Leptocardia}.
Lancely \Lance"ly\, a.
Like a lance. [R.] --Sir P. Sidney.
Lanceolar \Lan"ce*o*lar\, a. [L. lanceola a little lance, dim.
of lancea lance: cf. F. lanc['e]olaire.] (Bot.)
Lanceolate.
Lanceolate \Lan"ce*o*late\, Lanceolated \Lan"ce*o*la`ted\a. [L.
lanceolatus: cf. F. lanc['e]ol?. See {Lanceolar}.] (Bot. &
Zo["o]l.)
Rather narrow, tapering to a point at the apex, and sometimes
at the base also; as, a lanceolate leaf.
Lancepesade \Lance`pe*sade"\, n. [F. lancepessade, lanspessade,
anspessade, It. lancia spezzata a broken lance or demilance,
a demilance roan, a light horseman, bodyguard.]
An assistant to a corporal; a private performing the duties
of a corporal; -- called also {lance corporal}.
Lancer \Lan"cer\, n. [Cf. F. lancier.]
1. One who lances; one who carries a lance; especially, a
member of a mounted body of men armed with lances,
attached to the cavalry service of some nations.
--Wilhelm.
2. A lancet. [Obs.]
3. pl. (Dancing) A set of quadrilles of a certain
arrangement. [Written also {lanciers}.]
Lancet \Lan"cet\, n. [F. lancette, dim. of lance lance. See
{Lance}.]
1. A surgical instrument of various forms, commonly
sharp-pointed and two-edged, used in venesection, and in
opening abscesses, etc.
2. (Metal.) An iron bar used for tapping a melting furnace.
--Knight.
{Lancet arch} (Arch.), a pointed arch, of which the width, or
span, is narrow compared with the height.
{Lancet architecture}, a name given to a style of
architecture, in which lancet arches are common; --
peculiar to England and 13th century.
{Lancet fish}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A large, voracious, deep-sea fish ({Alepidosaurus
ferox}), having long, sharp, lancetlike teeth.
(b) The doctor, or surgeon fish.
Lancewood \Lance"wood`\, n. (Bot.)
A tough, elastic wood, often used for the shafts of gigs,
archery bows, fishing rods, and the like. Also, the tree
which produces this wood, {Duguetia Quitarensis} (a native of
Guiana and Cuba), and several other trees of the same family
({Anonase[ae]}).
{Australian lancewood}, a myrtaceous tree ({Backhousia
Australis}).
Lanch \Lanch\ (l[.a]nch), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lanched}
(l[.a]ncht); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lanching}. See {Launch},
{Lance}.]
To throw, as a lance; to let fly; to launch.
See Whose arm can lanch the surer bolt. --Dryden &
Lee.
Lanciferous \Lan*cif"er*ous\, a. [Lance + -ferous.]
Bearing a lance.
Lanciform \Lan"ci*form\, a. [Lance + -form: cf. F. lanciforme.]
Having the form of a lance.
Lanciname \Lan"ci*name\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lancinated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lancinating}.] [L. lancinatus, p. p. of
lancinare to fear.]
To tear; to lacerate; to pierce or stab. --De Quincey.
Lancinating \Lan"ci*na`ting\, a.
Piercing; seeming to pierce or stab; as, lancinating pains
(i.e., severe, darting pains).
Lancination \Lan`ci*na"tion\, n.
A tearing; laceration. ``Lancinations of the spirit.'' --Jer.
Taylor.
Land \Land\, n.
Urine. See {Lant}. [Obs.]
Land \Land\, n. [AS. land, lond; akin to D., G., Icel., Sw.,
Dan., and Goth. land. ]
1. The solid part of the surface of the earth; -- opposed to
water as constituting a part of such surface, especially
to oceans and seas; as, to sight land after a long voyage.
They turn their heads to sea, their sterns to land.
--Dryden.
2. Any portion, large or small, of the surface of the earth,
considered by itself, or as belonging to an individual or
a people, as a country, estate, farm, or tract.
Go view the land, even Jericho. --Josh. ii. 1.
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where
wealth accumulates and men decay. --Goldsmith.
Note: In the expressions ``to be, or dwell, upon land,'' ``to
go, or fare, on land,'' as used by Chaucer, land
denotes the country as distinguished from the town.
A poor parson dwelling upon land [i.e., in the
country]. --Chaucer.
3. Ground, in respect to its nature or quality; soil; as, wet
land; good or bad land.
4. The inhabitants of a nation or people.
These answers, in the silent night received, The
kind himself divulged, the land believed. --Dryden.
5. The mainland, in distinction from islands.
6. The ground or floor. [Obs.]
Herself upon the land she did prostrate. --Spenser.
7. (Agric.) The ground left unplowed between furrows; any one
of several portions into which a field is divided for
convenience in plowing.
8. (Law) Any ground, soil, or earth whatsoever, as meadows,
pastures, woods, etc., and everything annexed to it,
whether by nature, as trees, water, etc., or by the hand
of man, as buildings, fences, etc.; real estate. --Kent.
Bouvier. Burrill.
9. (Naut.) The lap of the strakes in a clinker-built boat;
the lap of plates in an iron vessel; -- called also
{landing}. --Knight.
10. In any surface prepared with indentations, perforations,
or grooves, that part of the surface which is not so
treated, as the level part of a millstone between the
furrows, or the surface of the bore of a rifled gun
between the grooves.
{Land agent}, a person employed to sell or let land, to
collect rents, and to attend to other money matters
connected with land.
{Land boat}, a vehicle on wheels propelled by sails.
{Land blink}, a peculiar atmospheric brightness seen from sea
over distant snow-covered land in arctic regions. See {Ice
blink}.
{Land breeze}. See under {Breeze}.
{Land chain}. See {Gunter's chain}.
{Land crab} (Zo["o]l.), any one of various species of crabs
which live much on the land, and resort to the water
chiefly for the purpose of breeding. They are abundant in
the West Indies and South America. Some of them grow to a
large size.
{Land fish} a fish on land; a person quite out of place.
--Shak.
{Land force}, a military force serving on land, as
distinguished from a naval force.
{Land, ho!} (Naut.), a sailor's cry in announcing sight of
land.
{Land ice}, a field of ice adhering to the coast, in
distinction from a floe.
{Land leech} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of
blood-sucking leeches, which, in moist, tropical regions,
live on land, and are often troublesome to man and beast.
{Land measure}, the system of measurement used in determining
the area of land; also, a table of areas used in such
measurement.
{Land, or House}, {of bondage}, in Bible history, Egypt; by
extension, a place or condition of special oppression.
{Land o' cakes}, Scotland.
{Land of Nod}, sleep.
{Land of promise}, in Bible history, Canaan: by extension, a
better country or condition of which one has expectation.
{Land of steady habits}, a nickname sometimes given to the
State of Connecticut.
{Land office}, a government office in which the entries upon,
and sales of, public land are registered, and other
business respecting the public lands is transacted. [U.S.]
{Land pike}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The gray pike, or sauger.
(b) The Menobranchus.
{Land service}, military service as distinguished from naval
service.
{Land rail}. (Zo["o]l)
(a) The crake or corncrake of Europe. See {Crake}.
(b) An Australian rail ({Hypot[ae]nidia Phillipensis});
-- called also {pectoral rail}.
{Land scrip}, a certificate that the purchase money for a
certain portion of the public land has been paid to the
officer entitled to receive it. [U.S.]
{Land shark}, a swindler of sailors on shore. [Sailors' Cant]
{Land side}
(a) That side of anything in or on the sea, as of an
island or ship, which is turned toward the land.
(b) The side of a plow which is opposite to the moldboard
and which presses against the unplowed land.
{Land snail} (Zo["o]l.), any snail which lives on land, as
distinguished from the aquatic snails are Pulmonifera, and
belong to the Geophila; but the operculated land snails of
warm countries are Di[oe]cia, and belong to the
T[ae]nioglossa. See {Geophila}, and {Helix}.
{Land spout}, a descent of cloud and water in a conical form
during the occurrence of a tornado and heavy rainfall on
land.
{Land steward}, a person who acts for another in the
management of land, collection of rents, etc.
{Land tortoise}, {Land turtle} (Zo["o]l.), any tortoise that
habitually lives on dry land, as the box tortoise. See
{Tortoise}.
{Land warrant}, a certificate from the Land Office,
authorizing a person to assume ownership of a public land.
[U.S.]
{Land wind}. Same as {Land breeze} (above).
{To make land} (Naut.), to sight land.
{To set the land}, to see by the compass how the land bears
from the ship.
{To shut in the land}, to hide the land, as when fog, or an
intervening island, obstructs the view.
Land \Land\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Landed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Landing}.]
1. To set or put on shore from a ship or other water craft;
to disembark; to debark.
I 'll undertake top land them on our coast. --Shak.
2. To catch and bring to shore; to capture; as, to land a
fish.
3. To set down after conveying; to cause to fall, alight, or
reach; to bring to the end of a course; as, he landed the
quoit near the stake; to be thrown from a horse and landed
in the mud; to land one in difficulties or mistakes.
Land \Land\, v. i.
To go on shore from a ship or boat; to disembark; to come to
the end of a course.
Landamman \Lan"dam*man\, n. [G. Landamman; land land, country +
amimann bailiff. See {Land}, and {Ambassador}.]
1. A chief magistrate in some of the Swiss cantons.
2. The president of the diet of the Helvetic republic.
Landau \Lan"dau\, n. [From the town Ladau in Germany; cf. F.
landau. See {Land}, {Island}.]
A four-wheeled covered vehicle, the top of which is divided
into two sections which can be let down, or thrown back, in
such a manner as to make an open carriage. [Written also
{landaw}.]
Landaulet \Lan`dau*let"\, n. [Cf. F. landaulet, dim, of landau.
See {Landau}.]
A small landau.
Landed \Land"ed\, a.
1. Having an estate in land.
The House of Commons must consist, for the most
part, of landed men. --Addison.
2. Consisting in real estate or land; as, landed property;
landed security.
Lander \Land"er\, n.
1. One who lands, or makes a landing. ``The lander in a
lonely isle.'' --Tennyson.
2. (Mining) A person who waits at the mouth of the shaft to
receive the kibble of ore.
Landfall \Land"fall\, n.
1. A sudden transference of property in land by the death of
its owner.
2. (Naut.) Sighting or making land when at sea.
{A good landfall} (Naut.), the sighting of land in conformity
with the navigator's reckoning and expectation.
Landflood \Land"flood`\, n.
An overflowing of land by river; an inundation; a freshet.
--Clarendon.
Landgrave \Land"grave`\, n. [G. landgraf; land land + graf earl,
count; cf. D. landgraaf, F. landgrave.]
A German nobleman of a rank corresponding to that of an earl
in England and of a count in France.
Note: The title was first adopted by some German counts in
the twelfth century, to distinguish themselves from the
inferior counts under their jurisdiction. Three of them
were princes of the empire.
Landgraviate \Land*gra"vi*ate\, n. [Cf. F. landgraviat.]
1. The territory held by a landgrave.
2. The office, jurisdiction, or authority of a landgrave.
Landgravine \Land"gra*vine\, n. [G. landgr["a]fin; cf. D.
landgravin.]
The wife of a landgrave.
Landholder \Land"hold`er\, n.
A holder, owner, or proprietor of land. -- {Land"hold`ing},
n. & a.
Landing \Land"ing\, a.
Of, pertaining to or used for, setting, bringing, or going,
on shore.
{Landing charges}, charges or fees paid on goods unloaded
from a vessel.
{Landing net}, a small, bag-shaped net, used in fishing to
take the fish from the water after being hooked.
{Landing stage}, a floating platform attached at one end to a
wharf in such a manner as to rise and fall with the tide,
and thus facilitate passage between the wharf and a vessel
lying beside the stage.
{Landing waiter}, a customhouse officer who oversees the
landing of goods, etc., from vessels; a landwaiter.
Landing \Land"ing\, n.
1. A going or bringing on shore.
2. A place for landing, as from a ship, a carriage. etc.
3. (Arch.) The level part of a staircase, at the top of a
flight of stairs, or connecting one flight with another.
{Landing place}. me as {Landing}, n., 2 and 3.
Landlady \Land"la`dy\, n.; pl. {Landladies}. [Cf. {Landlord}.]
1. A woman having real estate which she leases to a tenant or
tenants.
2. The mistress of an inn or lodging house.
Landleaper \Land"leap`er\, n.
See {Landlouper}.
Landless \Land"less\, a.
Having no property in land.
Landlock \Land"lock`\, v. t.
To inclose, or nearly inclose, as a harbor or a vessel, with
land.
Landlocked \Land"locked`\, a.
1. Inclosed, or nearly inclosed, by land.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Confined to a fresh-water lake by reason of
waterfalls or dams; -- said of fishes that would naturally
seek the sea, after spawning; as, the landlocked salmon.
Landloper \Land"lo`per\, n.
Same as {Landlouper}.
Landlord \Land"lord`\, n. [See {Land}, and {Lord}.]
1. The lord of a manor, or of land; the owner of land or
houses which he leases to a tenant or tenants.
2. The master of an inn or of a lodging house.
Upon our arrival at the inn, my companion fetched
out the jolly landlord. --Addison.
Landlordism \Land"lord`ism\, n.
The state of being a landlord; the characteristics of a
landlord; specifically, in Great Britain, the relation of
landlords to tenants, especially as regards leased
agricultural lands. --J. S. Mill.
Landlordry \Land"lord`ry\, n.
The state of a landlord. [Obs.]
Landlouper \Land"loup`er\, n. [D. landlooper, lit., landrunner;
land land + loopen to run. See {Land}, and {Leap}.]
A vagabond; a vagrant. [Written also {landleaper} and
{landloper}.] ``Bands of landloupers.'' --Moltey.
Landlouping \Land"loup`ing\, a.
Vagrant; wandering about.
Landlubber \Land"lub`ber\, n. [Prop. fr. land + lubber, or
possibly corrupted fr. laudlouper.] (Naut.)
One who passes his life on land; -- so called among seamen in
contempt or ridicule.
Landman \Land"man\, n.; pl. {Landmen}.
1. A man who lives or serves on land; -- opposed to {seaman}.
2. (Eng.) An occupier of land. -- Cowell.
Landmark \Land"mark`\, n. [AS. landmearc. See {Land}, and {Mark}
a sign.]
1. A mark to designate the boundary of land; any, mark or
fixed object (as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a
heap of stones) by which the limits of a farm, a town, or
other portion of territory may be known and preserved.
2. Any conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide;
some prominent object, as a hill or steeple.
{Landmarks of history}, important events by which eras or
conditions are determined.
Landowner \Land"own`er\, n.
An owner of land.
Landowning \Land"own`ing\, n.
The owning of land. -- a. Having property in land; of or
pertaining to landowners.
Land-poor \Land"-poor`\, a.
Pecuniarily embarrassed through owning much unprofitable
land. [Colloq.]
Landreeve \Land"reeve`\, n. [Land + reeve an officer.]
A subordinate officer on an extensive estate, who acts as an
assistant to the steward.
Landscape \Land"scape\, n. [Formerly written also {landskip}.]
[D. landschap; land land + -schap, equiv. to E. -schip; akin
to G. landschaft, Sw. landskap, Dan. landskab. See {Land},
{and} {-schip}.]
1. A portion of land or territory which the eye can
comprehend in a single view, including all the objects it
contains.
2. A picture representing a scene by land or sea, actual or
fancied, the chief subject being the general aspect of
nature, as fields, hills, forests, water. etc.
3. The pictorial aspect of a country.
The landscape of his native country had taken hold
on his heart. --Macaulay.
{Landscape gardening}, The art of laying out grounds and
arranging trees, shrubbery, etc., in such a manner as to
produce a picturesque effect.
Landscapist \Land"scap`ist\, n.
A painter of landscapes.
Landskip \Land"skip\, n. [See {Landscape}.]
A landscape. [Obs. except in poetry.]
Straight my eye hath caught new pleasures, Whilst the
landskip round it measures. --Milton.
Landslip \Land"slip`\, Landslide \Land"slide`\, n.
1. The slipping down of a mass of land from a mountain, hill,
etc.
2. The land which slips down.
Landsman \Lands"man\, n.; pl. {Landsmen}.
1. One who lives on the land; -- opposed to {seaman}.
2. (Naut.) A sailor on his first voyage.
Landstreight \Land"streight`\, n. [See {Strait}.]
A narrow strip of land. [Obs.]
Landsturm \Land"sturm`\, n. [G. See {Land}, and {Storm}.]
That part of the reserve force in Germany which is called out
last.
Landtag \Land"tag`\, n. [G. See {Land}, and {Day}.]
The diet or legislative body; as, the Landtag of Prussia.
Landwaiter \Land"wait`er\, n.
See {Landing waiter}, under {Landing}, a.
Landward \Land"ward\, adv. & a.
Toward the land.
Landwehr \Land"wehr`\, n. [G., fr. land land, country + wehr
defense.]
That part of the army, in Germany and Austria, which has
completed the usual military service and is exempt from duty
in time of peace, except that it is called out occasionally
for drill.
Lane \Lane\, a. [See {Lone}.]
Alone. [Scot.]
{His lane}, by himself; himself alone.
Lane \Lane\, n. [OE. lane, lone, AS. lone, lone; akin to D.
laan, OFries. lana, lona.]
A passageway between fences or hedges which is not traveled
as a highroad; an alley between buildings; a narrow way among
trees, rocks, and other natural obstructions; hence, in a
general sense, a narrow passageway; as, a lane between lines
of men, or through a field of ice.
It is become a turn-again lane unto them which they can
not go through. --Tyndale.
Lang \Lang\, a. & adv.
Long. [Obs. or Scot.]
Langaha \Lan"ga*ha\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A curious colubriform snake of the genus {Xyphorhynchus},
from Madagascar. It is brownish red, and its nose is
prolonged in the form of a sharp blade.
Langarey \Lan`ga*rey"\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
One of numerous species of long-winged, shrikelike birds of
Australia and the East Indies, of the genus {Artamus}, and
allied genera; called also {wood swallow}.
Langate \Lan"gate\, n. (Surg.)
A linen roller used in dressing wounds.
Langdak \Lang"dak`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A wolf ({Canis pallipes}), found in India, allied to the
jackal.
Langrage \Lan"grage\, Langrel \Lan"grel\, n.
A kind of shot formerly used at sea for tearing sails and
rigging. It consisted of bolts, nails, and other pieces of
iron fastened together or inclosed in a canister.
Langret \Lan"gret\, n.
A kind of loaded die. [Obs.]
Langridge \Lan"gridge\, n.
See {Langrage}.
Note: [Sometimes compounded with shot.]
Langsyne \Lang`syne"\, adv. & n. [Scot. lang long + syne since.]
Long since; long ago. [Scot.]
Langteraloo \Lang`ter*a*loo"\, n. [See {Loo}.]
An old game at cards. See {Loo}
(a) . --Tatler.
Language \Lan"guage\, n. [OE. langage, F. langage, fr. L. lingua
the tongue, hence speech, language; akin to E. tongue. See
{Tongue}, cf. {Lingual}.]
1. Any means of conveying or communicating ideas;
specifically, human speech; the expression of ideas by the
voice; sounds, expressive of thought, articulated by the
organs of the throat and mouth.
Note: Language consists in the oral utterance of sounds which
usage has made the representatives of ideas. When two
or more persons customarily annex the same sounds to
the same ideas, the expression of these sounds by one
person communicates his ideas to another. This is the
primary sense of language, the use of which is to
communicate the thoughts of one person to another
through the organs of hearing. Articulate sounds are
represented to the eye by letters, marks, or
characters, which form words.
2. The expression of ideas by writing, or any other
instrumentality.
3. The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas,
peculiar to a particular nation.
4. The characteristic mode of arranging words, peculiar to an
individual speaker or writer; manner of expression; style.
Others for language all their care express. --Pope.
5. The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man
express their feelings or their wants.
6. The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of
ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers.
There was . . . language in their very gesture.
--Shak.
7. The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or
department of knowledge; as, medical language; the
language of chemistry or theology.
8. A race, as distinguished by its speech. [R.]
All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell
down and worshiped the golden image. --Dan. iii. 7.
{Language master}, a teacher of languages. [Obs.]
Syn: Speech; tongue; idiom; dialect; phraseology; diction;
discourse; conversation; talk.
Usage: {Language}, {Speech}, {Tongue}, {Idiom}, {Dialect}.
Language is generic, denoting, in its most extended
use, any mode of conveying ideas; speech is the
language of articulate sounds; tongue is the
Anglo-Saxon tern for language, esp. for spoken
language; as, the English tongue. Idiom denotes the
forms of construction peculiar to a particular
language; dialects are varieties if expression which
spring up in different parts of a country among people
speaking substantially the same language.
Language \Lan"guage\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Languaged}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Languaging}.]
To communicate by language; to express in language.
Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that
they have a double sense. --Fuller.
Languaged \Lan"guaged\, a.
Having a language; skilled in language; -- chiefly used in
composition. `` Manylanguaged nations.'' --Pope.
Languageless \Lan"guage*less\, a.
Lacking or wanting language; speechless; silent. --Shak.
Langued \Langued\, a. [F. langue tongue. See {Language}.] (Her.)
Tongued; having the tongue visible.
Lions . . . represented as armed and langued gules.
--Cussans.
Langue d'oc \Langue` d'oc"\ [F., language of oc yes.]
The dialect, closely akin to French, formerly spoken south of
the Loire (in which the word for ``yes'' was oc); Provencal.
Langue d'oil \Langue` d'o["i]l"\ [F., language of o["i]l yes.]
The dialect formerly spoken north of the Loire (in which the
word for ``yes'' was o["i]l, F. oui).
Languente \Lan*guen"te\, adv. [It., p. pr. of languire. See
{Languish}.] (Mus.)
In a languishing manner; pathetically.
Languet \Lan"guet\, n. [F. languette, dim. of langue tongue, L.
lingua.]
1. Anything resembling the tongue in form or office; specif.,
the slip of metal in an organ pipe which turns the current
of air toward its mouth.
2. That part of the hilt, in certain kinds of swords, which
overlaps the scabbard.
Languid \Lan"guid\, a. [L. languidus, fr. languere to be faint
or languid: cf. F. languide. See {Languish}.]
1. Drooping or flagging from exhaustion; indisposed to
exertion; without animation; weak; weary; heavy; dull. ``
Languid, powerless limbs. '' --Armstrong.
Fire their languid souls with Cato's virtue.
--Addison.
2. Slow in progress; tardy. `` No motion so swift or
languid.'' --Bentley.
3. Promoting or indicating weakness or heaviness; as, a
languid day.
Feebly she laugheth in the languid moon. --Keats.
Their idleness, aimless and languid airs. --W.
Black.
Syn: Feeble; weak; faint; sickly; pining; exhausted; weary;
listless; heavy; dull; heartless. -- {Lan"guid*ly}, adv.
-- {Lan"guid*ness}, n.
Languish \Lan"guish\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Languished}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Languishing}.] [OE. languishen, languissen, F.
languir, L. languere; cf. Gr. ? to slacken, ? slack, Icel.
lakra to lag behind; prob. akin to E. lag, lax, and perh. to
E. slack.See {-ish}.]
1. To become languid or weak; to lose strength or animation;
to be or become dull, feeble or spiritless; to pine away;
to wither or fade.
We . . . do languish of such diseases. --2 Esdras
viii. 31.
Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, And let me
landguish into life. --Pope.
For the fields of Heshbon languish. --Is. xvi. 8.
2. To assume an expression of weariness or tender grief,
appealing for sympathy. --Tennyson.
Syn: To pine; wither; fade; droop; faint.
Languish \Lan"guish\, v. i.
To cause to droop or pine. [Obs.] --Shak. --Dryden.
Languish \Lan"guish\, n.
See {Languishiment}. [Obs. or Poetic]
What, of death, too, That rids our dogs of languish ?
--Shak.
And the blue languish of soft Allia's eye. --Pope.
Languisher \Lan"guish*er\, n.
One who languishes.
Languishing \Lan"guish*ing\, a.
1. Becoming languid and weak; pining; losing health and
strength.
2. Amorously pensive; as, languishing eyes, or look.
Languishingly \Lan"guish*ing*ly\, adv.
In a languishing manner.
Languishment \Lan"guish*ment\, n.
1. The state of languishing. `` Lingering languishment.''
--Shak.
2. Tenderness of look or mien; amorous pensiveness.
Languishness \Lan"guish*ness\, n.
Languishment. [Obs.]
Languor \Lan"guor\, n. [OE. langour, OF. langour, F. langueur,
L. languor. See Languish.]
1. A state of the body or mind which is caused by exhaustion
of strength and characterized by a languid feeling;
feebleness; lassitude; laxity.
2. Any enfeebling disease. [Obs.]
Sick men with divers languors. --Wyclif (Luke
iv. 40).
3. Listless indolence; dreaminess. Pope. `` German dreams,
Italian languors.'' --The Century.
Syn: Feebleness; weakness; faintness; weariness; dullness;
heaviness; lassitude; listlessness.
Languorous \Lan"guor*ous\, a. [From {Languor}: cf. F.
langoureux.]
Producing, or tending to produce, languor; characterized by
languor. [Obs. or Poetic]
Whom late I left in languorous constraint. --Spenser.
To wile the length from languorous hours, and draw The
sting from pain. --Tennyson.
Langure \Lan"gure\, v. i.
To languish. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Langya \Lan"gya\, n. (Zo["o]l.) [Native name Anglicized.]
One of several species of East Indian and Asiatic fresh-water
fishes of the genus {Ophiocephalus}, remarkable for their
power of living out of water, and for their tenacity of life;
-- called also {walking fishes}.
Laniard \Lan"iard\, n.
See {Lanyard}.
Laniariform \La`ni*ar"i*form\, a. [Laniary + -form.] (Anat.)
Shaped like a laniary, or canine, tooth. --Owen.
Laniary \La"ni*a*ry\, a. [L. laniarius, fr. lanius butcher,
laniare to tear in pieces: cf. F. laniaire.] (Anat.)
Lacerating or tearing; as, the laniary canine teeth.
Laniary \La"ni*a*ry\, n. [L. {Laniary}, a.]
1. The shambles; a place of slaughter. [R.]
2. (Anat.) A laniary, or canine, tooth.
Laniate \La"ni*ate\, v. t. [L. laniatus, p. p. of laniare.]
To tear in pieces. [R.]
Laniation \La`ni*a"tion\, n. [L. laniatio.]
A tearing in pieces. [R.]
Lanier \Lan"ier\, n. [F. lani[`e]re. See {Lanyard}.] [Written
also {lanner}, {lanyer}.]
1. A thong of leather; a whip lash. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
2. A strap used to fasten together parts of armor, to hold
the shield by, and the like. --Fairholt.
Laniferous \La*nif"er*ous\, n. [L. lanifer; lana wool + ferre to
bear: cf. F. lanif[`e]re.]
Bearing or producing wool.
Lanifical \La*nif"i*cal\, a. [L. lanificus; lana wool + facere
to make.]
Working in wool.
Lanifice \Lan"i*fice\, n. [L. lanificium: cf. OF. lanifice.]
Anything made of wool. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Lanigerous \La*nig"er*ous\, a. [L. laniger; lano wool + gerere
to hear.]
Bearing or producing wool.
Lanioid \La"ni*oid\, a. [NL. Lanius (fr. L. lanius a butcher),
the typical genus + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the shrikes (family {Laniid[ae]}).
Lank \Lank\, a. [Compar. {Lanker}; superl. {Lankest}.] [{AS}.
hlanc; cf. G. lenken to turn, gelenk joint, OHG. hlanca hip,
side, flank, and E. link of a chain.]
1. Slender and thin; not well filled out; not plump;
shrunken; lean.
Meager and lank with fasting grown. --Swift.
Who would not choose . . . to have rather a lank
purse than an empty brain? --Barrow.
2. Languid; drooping.[Obs.]
Who, piteous of her woes, reared her lank head.
--Milton.
{Lank hair}, long, thin hair. --Macaulay.
Lank \Lank\, v. i. & t.
To become lank; to make lank. [Obs.] --Shak. --G. Fletcher.
Lankiness \Lank"i*ness\, n.
The condition or quality or being lanky.
Lankly \Lank"ly\, adv.
In a lank manner.
Lankness \Lank"ness\, n.
The state or quality of being lank.
Lanky \Lank"y\, a.
Somewhat lank. --Thackeray.
The lanky Dinka, nearly seven feet in height. --The
Century.
Lanner \Lan"ner\, n. f. Lanneret \Lan"ner*et\, n. m.[F. lanier,
OF. also, lasnier. Cf. {Lanyard}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A long-tailed falcon ({Falco lanarius}), of Southern Europe,
Asia, and Northern Africa, resembling the American prairie
falcon.
Lanolin \Lan"o*lin\, n. [L. lana wool + oleum oil.] (Physiol.
Chem.)
A peculiar fatlike body, made up of cholesterin and certain
fatty acids, found in feathers, hair, wool, and keratin
tissues generally.
Note: Under the same name, it is prepared from wool for
commercial purposes, and forms an admirable basis for
ointments, being readily absorbed by the skin.
Lanseh \Lan"seh\, n.
The small, whitish brown fruit of an East Indian tree
({Lansium domesticum}). It has a fleshy pulp, with an
agreeable subacid taste. --Balfour.
Lansquenet \Lans"que*net\, n. [F., fr. G. landsknecht a foot
soldier, also a game of cards introduced by these foot
soldiers; land country + knecht boy, servant. See {Land}, and
{Knight}.]
1. A German foot soldier in foreign service in the 15th and
16th centuries; a soldier of fortune; -- a term used in
France and Western Europe.
2. A game at cards, vulgarly called {lambskinnet}.
[They play] their little game of lansquenet.
--Longfellow.
Lant \Lant\, n.
Urine. [Prov. Eng.] --Nares.
Lant \Lant\, n. [Cf. {Lance}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of small, slender, marine fishes
of the genus {Ammedytes}. The common European species ({A.
tobianus}) and the American species ({A. Americanus}) live on
sandy shores, buried in the sand, and are caught in large
quantities for bait. Called also {launce}, and {sand eel}.
Lant \Lant\, n.
See {Lanterloo}. [Obs.] --Halliwell.
Lantanium \Lan*ta"ni*um\, Lantanum \Lan"ta*num\, n. (Chem.)
See {Lanthanum}.
Lantanuric \Lan`ta*nu"ric\, a. [Formed by transposition of the
letters of allantoin and -uric.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a nitrogenous organic acid of
the uric acid group, obtained by the decomposition of
allantoin, and usually called {allanturic acid}.
Lanterloo \Lan"ter*loo`\, n.
An old name of {loo}
(a) .
Lantern \Lan"tern\, n. [F. lanterne, L. lanterna, laterna, from
Gr. ? light, torch. See {Lamp}.]
1. Something inclosing a light, and protecting it from wind,
rain, etc.; -- sometimes portable, as a closed vessel or
case of horn, perforated tin, glass, oiled paper, or other
material, having a lamp or candle within; sometimes fixed,
as the glazed inclosure of a street light, or of a
lighthouse light.
2. (Arch.)
(a) An open structure of light material set upon a roof,
to give light and air to the interior.
(b) A cage or open chamber of rich architecture, open
below into the building or tower which it crowns.
(c) A smaller and secondary cupola crowning a larger one,
for ornament, or to admit light; such as the lantern
of the cupola of the Capitol at Washington, or that of
the Florence cathedral.
3. (Mach.) A lantern pinion or trundle wheel. See {Lantern
pinion} (below).
4. (Steam Engine) A kind of cage inserted in a stuffing box
and surrounding a piston rod, to separate the packing into
two parts and form a chamber between for the reception of
steam, etc.; -- called also {lantern brass}.
5. (Founding) A perforated barrel to form a core upon.
6. (Zo["o]l.) See {Aristotle's lantern}.
Note: Fig. 1 represents a hand lantern; fig. 2, an arm
lantern; fig. 3, a breast lantern; -- so named from the
positions in which they are carried.
{Dark lantern}, a lantern with a single opening, which may be
closed so as to conceal the light; -- called also
{bull's-eye}.
{Lantern fly}, {Lantern carrier} (Zo["o]l.), any one of
several species of large, handsome, hemipterous insects of
the genera {Laternaria}, {Fulgora}, and allies, of the
family {Fulgorid[ae]}. The largest species is {Laternaria
phosphorea} of Brazil. The head of some species has been
supposed to be phosphorescent.
{Lantern jaws}, long, thin jaws; hence, a thin visage.
{Lantern pinion}, {Lantern wheel} (Mach.), a kind of pinion
or wheel having cylindrical bars or trundles, instead of
teeth, inserted at their ends in two parallel disks or
plates; -- so called as resembling a lantern in shape; --
called also {wallower}, or {trundle}.
{Lantern shell} (Zo["o]l.), any translucent, marine, bivalve
shell of the genus {Anatina}, and allied genera.
{Magic lantern}, an optical instrument consisting of a case
inclosing a light, and having suitable lenses in a lateral
tube, for throwing upon a screen, in a darkened room or
the like, greatly magnified pictures from slides placed in
the focus of the outer lens.
Lantern \Lan"tern\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lanterned}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lanterning}.] [Cf. F. lanterner to hang at the lamp
post, fr. lanterne. See {Lantern}.]
To furnish with a lantern; as, to lantern a lighthouse.
Lantern-jawed \Lan"tern-jawed`\, a.
Having lantern jaws or long, thin jaws; as, a lantern-jawed
person.
Lanthanite \Lan"tha*nite\, n. (Min.)
Hydrous carbonate of lanthanum, found in tabular while
crystals.
Lanthanum \Lan"tha*num\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? to lie hid, to be
concealed.] (Chem.)
A rare element of the group of the earth metals, allied to
aluminium. It occurs in certain rare minerals, as cerite,
gadolinite, orthite, etc., and was so named from the
difficulty of separating it from cerium, didymium, and other
rare elements with which it is usually associated. Atomic
weight 138.5. Symbol La. [Formerly written also
{lanthanium}.]
Lanthopine \Lan"tho*pine\, n. [Gr. ? to lie hid + E. opium.]
(Chem.)
An alkaloid found in opium in small quantities, and extracted
as a white crystalline substance.
Lanthorn \Lan"thorn\, n.
See {Lantern}. [Obs.]
Lanuginose \La*nu"gi*nose`\, Lanuginous \La*nu"gi*nous\, a. [L.
lanuginosus, fr. lanugo, -ginis, woolly substance, down, fr.
lana wool: cf. F. lanugineux.]
Covered with down, or fine soft hair; downy.
Lanugo \La*nu"go\, n. [See {Lanuginose}.] (Anat.)
The soft woolly hair which covers most parts of the mammal
fetus, and in man is shed before or soon after birth.
Lanyard \Lan"yard\, n. [F. lani[`e]re thong, strap, OF.
lasniere, fr. lasne strap, thong, L. lacinia lappet. flap,
edge of a garment. Cf. {Lanier}.] [Written also {laniard}.]
1. (Naut.) A short piece of rope or line for fastening
something in ships; as, the lanyards of the gun ports, of
the buoy, and the like; esp., pieces passing through the
dead-eyes, and used to extend shrouds, stays, etc.
2. (Mil.) A strong cord, about twelve feet long, with an iron
hook at one end a handle at the other, used in firing
cannon with a friction tube.
Lanyer \Lan"yer\, n.
See {Lanier}.
Laocoon \La*oc"o*["o]n\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ? ]
1. (Class. Myth.) A priest of Apollo, during the Trojan war.
(See 2.)
2. (Sculp.) A marble group in the Vatican at Rome,
representing the priest Laoco["o]n, with his sons,
infolded in the coils of two serpents, as described by
Virgil.
Laodicean \La*od`i*ce"an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Laodicea, a city in Phrygia Major; like
the Christians of Laodicea; lukewarm in religion. --Rev. iii.
14-16.
Lap \Lap\, n. [OE. lappe, AS. l[ae]ppa; akin to D. lap patch,
piece, G. lappen, OHG. lappa, Dan. lap, Sw. lapp.]
1. The loose part of a coat; the lower part of a garment that
plays loosely; a skirt; an apron. --Chaucer.
2. An edge; a border; a hem, as of cloth. --Chaucer.
If he cuts off but a lap of truth's garment, his
heart smites him. --Fuller.
3. The part of the clothing that lies on the knees or thighs
when one sits down; that part of the person thus covered;
figuratively, a place of rearing and fostering; as, to be
reared in the lap of luxury.
Men expect that happiness should drop into their
laps. --Tillotson.
4. That part of any substance or fixture which extends over,
or lies upon, or by the side of, a part of another; as,
the lap of a board; also, the measure of such extension
over or upon another thing.
Note: The lap of shingles or slates in roofing is the
distance one course extends over the second course
below, the distance over the course immediately below
being called the cover.
5. (Steam Engine) The amount by which a slide valve at its
half stroke overlaps a port in the seat, being equal to
the distance the valve must move from its mid stroke
position in order to begin to open the port. Used alone,
lap refers to outside lap. See {Outside lap} (below).
6. The state or condition of being in part extended over or
by the side of something else; or the extent of the
overlapping; as, the second boat got a lap of half its
length on the leader.
7. One circuit around a race track, esp. when the distance is
a small fraction of a mile; as, to run twenty laps; to win
by three laps. See {Lap}, to fold, 2.
8. In card playing and other games, the points won in excess
of the number necessary to complete a game; -- so called
when they are counted in the score of the following game.
9. (Cotton Manuf.) A sheet, layer, or bat, of cotton fiber
prepared for the carding machine.
10. (Mach.) A piece of brass, lead, or other soft metal, used
to hold a cutting or polishing powder in cutting glass,
gems, and the like, or in polishing cutlery, etc. It is
usually in the form of wheel or disk, which revolves on a
vertical axis.
{Lap joint}, a joint made by one layer, part, or piece,
overlapping another, as in the scarfing of timbers.
{Lap weld}, a lap joint made by welding together overlapping
edges or ends.
{Inside lap} (Steam Engine), lap of the valve with respect to
the exhaust port.
{Outside lap}, lap with respect to the admission, or steam,
port.
Lap \Lap\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lapped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lapping}.]
1. To rest or recline in a lap, or as in a lap.
To lap his head on lady's breast. --Praed.
2. To cut or polish with a lap, as glass, gems, cutlery, etc.
See 1st {Lap}, 10.
Lap \Lap\, v. t. [OE. lappen to fold (see {Lap}, n.); cf. also
OE. wlappen, perh. another form of wrappen, E, wrap.]
1. To fold; to bend and lay over or on something; as, to lap
a piece of cloth.
2. To wrap or wind around something.
About the paper . . . I lapped several times a
slender thread of very black silk. --Sir I.
Newton.
3. To infold; to hold as in one's lap; to cherish.
Her garment spreads, and laps him in the folds.
--Dryden.
4. To lay or place over anything so as to partly or wholly
cover it; as, to lap one shingle over another; to lay
together one partly over another; as, to lap
weather-boards; also, to be partly over, or by the side of
(something); as, the hinder boat lapped the foremost one.
5. (Carding & Spinning) To lay together one over another, as
fleeces or slivers for further working.
{To lap boards}, {shingles}, etc., to lay one partly over
another.
{To lap timbers}, to unite them in such a way as to preserve
the same breadth and depth throughout, as by scarfing.
--Weale.
Lap \Lap\, v. i.
To be turned or folded; to lie partly upon or by the side of
something, or of one another; as, the cloth laps back; the
boats lap; the edges lap.
The upper wings are opacous; at their hinder ends,
where they lap over, transparent, like the wing of a
flay. --Grew.
Lap \Lap\, v. i. [OE. lappen, lapen, AS. lapian; akin to LG.
lappen, OHG. laffan, Icel. lepja, Dan. lade, Sw. l["a]ppja,
L. lambere; cf. Gr. ?, W. llepio. Cf. {Lambent}.]
1. To take up drink or food with the tongue; to drink or feed
by licking up something.
The dogs by the River Nilus's side, being thirsty,
lap hastily as they run along the shore. --Sir K.
Digby.
2. To make a sound like that produced by taking up drink with
the tongue.
I heard the ripple washing in the reeds, And the
wild water lapping on the crag. --Tennyson.
Lap \Lap\, v. t.
To take into the mouth with the tongue; to lick up with a
quick motion of the tongue.
They 'II take suggestion as a cat laps milk. --Shak.
Lap \Lap\, n.
1. The act of lapping with, or as with, the tongue; as, to
take anything into the mouth with a lap.
2. The sound of lapping.
Laparocele \Lap"a*ro*cele`\, n. [Gr. ? loins + ? tumor.] (Med.)
A rupture or hernia in the lumbar regions.
Laparotomy \Lap`a*rot"o*my\, n. [Gr. ? loins + ? to cut.]
(Surg.)
A cutting through the walls of the abdomen, as in the
C[ae]sarean section.
Lapboard \Lap"board`\, n.
A board used on the lap as a substitute for a table, as by
tailors.
Lapdog \Lap"dog`\, n.
A small dog fondled in the lap.
Lapel \La*pel"\, n. [Dim. of lap a fold.]
That part of a garment which is turned back; specifically,
the lap, or fold, of the front of a coat in continuation of
collar. [Written also {lappel} and {lapelle}.]
Lapelled \La*pelled"\, a.
Furnished with lapels.
Lapful \Lap"ful\, n.; pl. {Lapfuls}.
As much as the lap can contain.
Lapicide \Lap"i*cide\, n. [L. lapicida, fr. lapis stone +
caedere to cut.]
A stonecutter. [Obs.]
Lapidarian \Lap`i*da"ri*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to stone; inscribed on stone; as, a
lapidarian record.
Lapidarious \Lap`i*da"ri*ous\, a. [L. lapidarius, fr. lapis,
-idis, stone.]
Consisting of stones.
Lapidary \Lap"i*da*ry\, n.; pl. {Lapidaries}. [L. lapidarius,
fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.]
1. An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious
stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.
2. A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a
connoisseur of lapidary work.
{Lapidary's lathe}, {mill}, {or wheel}, a machine consisting
essentially of a revolving lap on a vertical spindle, used
by a lapidary for grinding and polishing.
Lapidary \Lap"i*da*ry\, a. [L. lapidarius pertaining to stone:
cf. F. lapidaire.]
1. Of or pertaining to the art of cutting stones, or
engraving on stones, either gems or monuments; as,
lapidary ornamentation.
2. Of or pertaining to monumental inscriptions; as, lapidary
adulation.
{Lapidary style}, that style which is proper for monumental
and other inscriptions; terse; sententious.
Lapidate \Lap"i*date\, v. t. [L. lapidatus, p. p. of lapidare,
fr. lapis stone.]
To stone. [Obs.]
Lapidation \Lap`i*da"tion\, n. [L. lapidatio: cf. F.
lapidation.]
The act of stoning. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Lapideous \La*pid"e*ous\, a. [L. lapideus, fr. lapis stone.]
Of the nature of stone. [Obs.] --Ray.
Lapidescence \Lap`i*des"cence\, n.
1. The state or quality of being lapidescent.
2. A hardening into a stone substance.
3. A stony concretion. --Sir T. Browne.
Lapidescent \Lap`i*des"cent\, a. [L. lapidescens, p. pr. of
lapidescere to become stone, fr. lapis, -idis, stone: cf. F.
lapidescent.]
Undergoing the process of becoming stone; having the capacity
of being converted into stone; having the quality of
petrifying bodies.
Lapidescent \Lap"i*des"cent\, n.
Any substance which has the quality of petrifying other
bodies, or of converting or being converted into stone.
Lapidific \Lap`i*dif"ic\, Lapidifical \Lap`i*dif"ic*al\, a. [L.
lapis, -idis, stone + facere to make: cf. F. lapidifique.]
Forming or converting into stone.
Lapidification \La*pid`i*fi*ca"tion\, n. [Cf. F.
lapidification.]
The act or process of lapidifying; fossilization;
petrifaction.
Lapidify \La*pid"i*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lapidified}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Lapidifying}.] [Cf. f. lapidifier. See {Lapidific},
and {-fy}.]
To convert into stone or stony material; to petrify.
Lapidify \La*pid"i*fy\, v. i.
To become stone or stony.
Lapidist \Lap"i*dist\, n. [L. lapis, -idis, a stone.]
A lapidary. --Ray.
Lapillation \Lap"il*la"tion\, n.[See {Lapilli}.]
The state of being, or the act of making, stony.
Lapilli \La*pil"li\, n. pl. [L. lapillus a little stone, dim. of
lapis stone.] (Min.)
Volcanic ashes, consisting of small, angular, stony fragments
or particles.
Lapis \La"pis\, n.; pl. {Lapides}. [L.]
A stone.
{Lapis calaminaris}. [NL.] (Min.) Calamine.
{Lapis infernalis}. [L.] Fused nitrate of silver; lunar
caustic.
Lapis lazuli \La"pis laz"u*li\ (Min.)
An albuminous mineral of a rich blue color. Same as {Lazuli},
which see.
Lap-jointed \Lap"-joint`ed\, a.
Having a lap joint, or lap joints, as many kinds of woodwork
and metal work.
Laplander \Lap"land*er\, n.
A native or inhabitant of Lapland; -- called also {Lapp}.
Laplandish \Lap"land*ish\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lapland.
Lapling \Lap"ling\, n. [Lap of a garment + ling.]
One who has been fondled to excess; one fond of ease and
sensual delights; -- a term of contempt.
Lapp \Lapp\, n.
Same as {Laplander}. Cf. {Lapps}.
Lappaceous \Lap*pa"ceous\, a. [L. lappaceus burlike, fr. lappa a
bur.] (Bot.)
Resembling the capitulum of burdock; covered with forked
points.
Lapper \Lap"per\, n. [From {La}p to drink.]
One who takes up food or liquid with his tongue.
Lappet \Lap"pet\, n. [Dim. of lap a fold.]
A small decorative fold or flap, esp, of lace or muslin, in a
garment or headdress. --Swift.
{Lappet moth} (Zo["o]l.), one of several species of bombycid
moths, which have stout, hairy caterpillars, flat beneath.
Two common American species ({Gastropacha Americana}, and
{Tolype velleda}) feed upon the apple tree.
Lappet \Lap"pet\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lappeted}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lappeting}.]
To decorate with, or as with, a lappet. [R.] --Landor.
Lappic \Lap"pic\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lapland, or the Lapps. -- n. The language
of the Lapps. See {Lappish}.
Lapping \Lap"ping\, n.
A kind of machine blanket or wrapping material used by calico
printers. --Ure.
{Lapping engine}, {Lapping machine} (Textile Manuf.), A
machine for forming fiber info a lap. See its {Lap}, 9.
Lappish \Lap"pish\, a.
Of or pertaining to the Lapps; Laplandish. -- n. The language
spoken by the Lapps in Lapland. It is related to the Finnish
and Hungarian, and is not an Aryan language.
Lapponian \Lap*po"ni*an\, Lapponic \Lap*pon"ic\, a.
Laplandish; Lappish.
Lapps \Lapps\, n. pl.; sing. {Lapp}. (Ethnol.)
A branch of the Mongolian race, now living in the northern
parts of Norway, Sweden, and the adjacent parts of Russia.
Lapsable \Laps"a*ble\, a.
Lapsible. --Cudworth.
Lapse \Lapse\, n. [L. lapsus, fr. labi, p. p. lapsus, to slide,
to fall: cf. F. laps. See {Sleep}.]
1. A gliding, slipping, or gradual falling; an unobserved or
imperceptible progress or passing away,; -- restricted
usually to immaterial things, or to figurative uses.
The lapse to indolence is soft and imperceptible.
--Rambler.
Bacon was content to wait the lapse of long
centuries for his expected revenue of fame. --I.
Taylor.
2. A slip; an error; a fault; a failing in duty; a slight
deviation from truth or rectitude.
To guard against those lapses and failings to which
our infirmities daily expose us. --Rogers.
3. (Law) The termination of a right or privilege through
neglect to exercise it within the limited time, or through
failure of some contingency; hence, the devolution of a
right or privilege.
4. (Theol.) A fall or apostasy.
Lapse \Lapse\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lapsed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lapsing}.]
1. To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away;
to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; -- mostly
restricted to figurative uses.
A tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those
northern nations from whom we are descended.
--Swift.
Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites,
has lapsed into the burlesque character. --Addison.
2. To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to
fall from virtue; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a
fault by inadvertence or mistake.
To lapse in fullness Is sorer than to lie for need.
--Shak.
3. (Law)
(a) To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, or
from the original destination, by the omission,
negligence, or failure of some one, as a patron, a
legatee, etc.
(b) To become ineffectual or void; to fall.
If the archbishop shall not fill it up within
six months ensuing, it lapses to the king.
--Ayliffe.
Lapse \Lapse\, v. t.
1. To let slip; to permit to devolve on another; to allow to
pass.
An appeal may be deserted by the appellant's lapsing
the term of law. --Ayliffe.
2. To surprise in a fault or error; hence, to surprise or
catch, as an offender. [Obs.]
For which, if be lapsed in this place, I shall pay
dear. --Shak.
Lapsed \Lapsed\, a.
1. Having slipped downward, backward, or away; having lost
position, privilege, etc., by neglect; -- restricted to
figurative uses.
Once more I will renew His lapsed powers, though
forfeit. --Milton.
2. Ineffectual, void, or forfeited; as, a lapsed policy of
insurance; a lapsed legacy.
{Lapsed devise}, {Lapsed legacy} (Law), a devise, or legacy,
which fails to take effect in consequence of the death of
the devisee, or legatee, before that of the testator, or
for ether cause. --Wharton (Law Dict.).
Lapsible \Laps"i*ble\, a.
Liable to lapse.
Lapsided \Lap"sid`ed\, a.
See {Lopsided}.
Lapstone \Lap"stone`\, n.
A stone for the lap, on which shoemakers beat leather.
Lapstreak \Lap"streak`\, Lapstrake \Lap"strake`\, a.
Made with boards whose edges lap one over another;
clinker-built; -- said of boats.
Laputan \La*pu"tan\, a.
Of or pertaining to Laputa, an imaginary flying island
described in Gulliver's Travels as the home of chimerical
philosophers. Hence, fanciful; preposterous; absurd in
science or philosophy. ``Laputan ideas.'' --G. Eliot.
Lap-welded \Lap"-weld`ed\, a.
Having edges or ends united by a lap weld; as, a lap-welded
pipe.
Lapwing \Lap"wing`\, n. [OE. lapwynke, leepwynke, AS.
hle['a]pewince; hle['a]pan to leap, jump + (prob.) a word
akin to AS. wincian to wink, E. wink, AS. wancol wavering;
cf. G. wanken to stagger, waver. See {Leap}, and {Wink}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A small European bird of the Plover family ({Vanellus
cristatus}, or {V. vanellus}). It has long and broad wings,
and is noted for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards,
downwards, and in circles. Its back is coppery or greenish
bronze. Its eggs are the ``plover's eggs'' of the London
market, esteemed a delicacy. It is called also {peewit},
{dastard plover}, and {wype}. The {gray lapwing} is the
{Squatarola cinerea}.
Lapwork \Lap"work`\, n.
Work in which one part laps over another. --Grew.
Laguay \Lag"uay\, n.
A lackey. [Obs.] --Evelyn.
Laquear \La"que*ar\, n.; pl. {Laquearia}. [L.] (Arch.)
A lacunar.
Laqueary \Laq"ue*a*ry\, a. [L. laqueus a noose.]
Using a noose, as a gladiator. [Obs. or R.]
Retiary and laqueary combatants. --Sir T.
Browne.
Lar \Lar\, n.; pl. {Lares}, sometimes {Lars}. [L.] (Rom. Myth.)
A tutelary deity; a deceased ancestor regarded as a protector
of the family. The domestic Lares were the tutelar deities of
a house; household gods. Hence, Eng.: Hearth or dwelling
house.
Nor will she her dear Lar forget, Victorious by his
benefit. --Lovelace.
The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint.
--Milton.
Looking backward in vain toward their Lares and lands.
--Longfellow.
Lar \Lar\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A species of gibbon ({Hylobates lar}), found in Burmah.
Called also {white-handed gibbon}.
Laramie group \Lar"a*mie group`\ (Geol.)
An extensive series of strata, principally developed in the
Rocky Mountain region, as in the Laramie Mountains, and
formerly supposed to be of the Tertiary age, but now
generally regarded as Cretaceous, or of intermediate and
transitional character. It contains beds of lignite, often
valuable for coal, and is hence also called the {lignitic
group}. See Chart of {Geology}.
Larboard \Lar"board`\, n. [Lar- is of uncertain origin, possibly
the same as lower, i. e., humbler in rank, because the
starboard side is considered by mariners as higher in rank;
cf. D. laag low, akin to E. low. See {Board}, n., 8.] (Naut.)
The left-hand side of a ship to one on board facing toward
the bow; port; -- opposed to {starboard}.
Note: Larboard is a nearly obsolete term, having been
superseded by port to avoid liability of confusion with
starboard, owing to similarity of sound.
Larboard \Lar"board`\, a.
On or pertaining to the left-hand side of a vessel; port; as,
the larboard quarter.
Larcener \Lar"ce*ner\, Larcenist \Lar"ce*nist\, n.
One who commits larceny.
Larcenous \Lar"ce*nous\, a. [Cf. OE. larrecinos. See {Larceny}.]
Having the character of larceny; as, a larcenous act;
committing larceny. ``The larcenous and burglarious world.''
--Sydney Smith. -- {Lar"ce*nous*ly}, adv.
Larceny \Lar"ce*ny\, n.; pl. {Larcenies}. [F. larcin, OE.
larrecin, L. latrocinium, fr. latro robber, mercenary, hired
servant; cf. Gr. (?) hired servant. Cf. {Latrociny}.] (Law)
The unlawful taking and carrying away of things personal with
intent to deprive the right owner of the same; theft. Cf.
{Embezzlement}.
{Grand larceny} & {Petit larceny are} distinctions having
reference to the nature or value of the property stolen.
They are abolished in England.
{Mixed}, or {Compound, larceny}, that which, under statute,
includes in it the aggravation of a taking from a building
or the person.
{Simple larceny}, that which is not accompanied with any
aggravating circumstances.
Larch \Larch\, n. [Cf. OE. larege (Cotgrave), It. larice, Sp.
larice, alerce, G. l["a]rche; all fr. L. larix, -icis, Gr.
(?).] (Bot.)
A genus of coniferous trees, having deciduous leaves, in
fascicles (see Illust. of {Fascicle}).
Note: The European larch is {Larix Europ[ae]a}. The American
or black larch is {L. Americana}, the hackmatack or
tamarack. The trees are generally of a drooping,
graceful appearance.
Larchen \Larch"en\, a.
Of or pertaining to the larch. --Keats.
Lard \Lard\, n. [F., bacon, pig's fat, L. lardum, laridum; cf.
Gr. (?) fattened, fat.]
1. Bacon; the flesh of swine. [Obs.] --Dryden.
2. The fat of swine, esp. the internal fat of the abdomen;
also, this fat melted and strained.
{Lard oil}, an illuminating and lubricating oil expressed
from lard.
{Leaf lard}, the internal fat of the hog, separated in leaves
or masses from the kidneys, etc.; also, the same melted.
Lard \Lard\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Larded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Larding}.] [F. larder. See {Lard}, n.]
1. To stuff with bacon; to dress or enrich with lard; esp.,
to insert lardons of bacon or pork in the surface of,
before roasting; as, to lard poultry.
And larded thighs on loaded altars laid. --Dryden.
2. To fatten; to enrich.
[The oak] with his nuts larded many a swine.
--Spenser.
Falstaff sweats to death. And lards the lean earth
as he walks along. --Shak.
3. To smear with lard or fat.
In his buff doublet larded o'er with fat Of
slaughtered brutes. --Somerville.
4. To mix or garnish with something, as by way of
improvement; to interlard. --Shak.
Let no alien Sedley interpose To lard with wit thy
hungry Epsom prose. --Dryden.
Lard \Lard\, v. i.
To grow fat. [Obs.]
Lardacein \Lar`da*ce"in\, n. [See {Lardaceous}.] (Physiol.
Chem.)
A peculiar amyloid substance, colored blue by iodine and
sulphuric acid, occurring mainly as an abnormal infiltration
into the spleen, liver, etc.
Lardaceous \Lar*da"ceous\, a. [Cf. F. lardac['e].]
Consisting of, or resembling, lard. Lardaceous degeneration
(Med.), amyloid degeneration.
Larder \Lard"er\, n. [OF. lardier. See {Lard}, n.]
A room or place where meat and other articles of food are
kept before they are cooked. --Shak.
Larderer \Lard"er*er\, n.
One in charge of the larder.
Lardery \Lard"er*y\, n. [Cf. OE. larderie.]
A larder. [Obs.]
Lardon \Lar"don\, Lardoon \Lar*doon"\, n. [F. lardon, fr. lard
lard.]
A bit of fat pork or bacon used in larding.
Lardry \Lard"ry\, n. [See {Lardery}.]
A larder. [Obs.]
Lardy \Lard"y\, a.
Containing, or resembling, lard; of the character or
consistency of lard.
Lare \Lare\, n. [See {Lore}.]
Lore; learning. [Obs.]
Lare \Lare\, n.
Pasture; feed. See {Lair}. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lare \Lare\, v. t.
To feed; to fatten. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.
Lares \La"res\, n. pl.
See 1st {Lar}.
Large \Large\, a. [Compar. {Larger}; superl. {Largest}.] [F.,
fr. L. largus. Cf. {Largo}.]
1. Exceeding most other things of like kind in bulk,
capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of
constituent units; big; great; capacious; extensive; --
opposed to {small}; as, a large horse; a large house or
room; a large lake or pool; a large jug or spoon; a large
vineyard; a large army; a large city.
Note: For linear dimensions, and mere extent, great, and not
large, is used as a qualifying word; as, great length,
breadth, depth; a great distance; a great height.
2. Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions.
We hare yet large day. --Milton.
3. Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse.
I might be very large upon the importance and
advantages of education. -- Felton.
4. Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad
sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said
of the mind and heart.
5. Free; unembarrassed. [Obs.]
Of burdens all he set the Paynims large. --Fairfax.
6. Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language. [Obs.]
``Some large jests he will make.'' --Shak.
7. Prodigal in expending; lavish. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
8. (Naut.) Crossing the line of a ship's course in a
favorable direction; -- said of the wind when it is abeam,
or between the beam and the quarter.
{At large}.
(a) Without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large;
to be left at large.
(b) Diffusely; fully; in the full extent; as, to discourse
on a subject at large.
{Common at large}. See under {Common}, n.
{Electors at large}, {Representative at large}, electors, or
a representative, as in Congress, chosen to represent the
whole of a State, in distinction from those chosen to
represent particular districts in a State. [U. S.]
{To give, go, run, or sail large} (Naut.), to have the wind
crossing the direction of a vessel's course in such a way
that the sails feel its full force, and the vessel gains
its highest speed. See {Large}, a., 8.
Syn: Big; bulky; huge; capacious; comprehensive; ample;
abundant; plentiful; populous; copious; diffusive;
liberal.
Large \Large\, adv.
Freely; licentiously. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Large \Large\, n. (Mus.)
A musical note, formerly in use, equal to two longs, four
breves, or eight semibreves.
Large-acred \Large"-a`cred\, a.
Possessing much land.
Large-handed \Large"-hand`ed\, a.
Having large hands, Fig.: Taking, or giving, in large
quantities; rapacious or bountiful.
Large-hearted \Large"-heart`ed\, a.
Having a large or generous heart or disposition; noble;
liberal. -- {Large"-heart`ed*ness}, n.
Largely \Large"ly\, adv.
In a large manner. --Dryden. Milton.
Largeness \Large"ness\, n.
The quality or state of being large.
Largess \Lar"gess\, Largesse \Lar"gesse\, n. [F. largesse, fr.
large. See {Large}, a.]
1. Liberality; generosity; bounty. [Obs.]
Fulfilled of largesse and of all grace. --Chaucer.
2. A present; a gift; a bounty bestowed.
The heralds finished their proclamation with their
usual cry of ``Largesse, largesse, gallant
knights!'' and gold and silver pieces were showered
on them from the galleries. --Sir W.
Scott.
Larget \Lar"get\, n. [Cf. F. larget.]
A sport piece of bar iron for rolling into a sheet; a small
billet.
Larghetto \Lar*ghet"to\, a. & adv. [It., dim. of largo largo.]
(Mus.)
Somewhat slow or slowly, but not so slowly as largo, and
rather more so than andante.
Largifical \Lar*gif"i*cal\, a. [L. largificus; largus large +
facere.]
Generous; ample; liberal. [Obs.]
Largifluous \Lar*gif"lu*ous\, a. [L. largifiuus; large
abundantly + fluere to flow.]
Flowing copiously. [Obs.]
Largiloquent \Lar*gil"o*quent\, a. [Cf. L. largiloquus.]
Grandiloquent. [Obs.]
Largish \Lar"gish\, a.
Somewhat large. [Colloq.]
Largition \Lar*gi"tion\, [L. largitio, fr. largiri, p. p.
largitus, to give bountifully.]
The bestowment of a largess or gift. [Obs.]
Largo \Lar"go\, a. & adv. [It., large, L. largus, See {Large}.]
(Mus.)
Slow or slowly; -- more so than adagio; next in slowness to
grave, which is also weighty and solemn. -- n. A movement or
piece in largo time.
Lariat \Lar"i*at\, n. [Sp. la reata the rope; la the + reata
rope. Cf. {Reata}.]
A long, slender rope made of hemp or strips of hide, esp. one
with a noose; -- used as a lasso for catching cattle, horses,
etc., and for picketing a horse so that he can graze without
wandering. [Mexico & Western U.S.]
Lariat \Lar"i*at\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lariated}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lariating}.]
To secure with a lariat fastened to a stake, as a horse or
mule for grazing; also, to lasso or catch with a lariat.
[Western U.S.]
Larine \La"rine\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Gull family (Larid[ae]).
Larixinic \Lar`ix*in"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Of, or derived from, the larch ({Larix}); as, larixinic acid.
Lark \Lark\, n. [Perh fr. AS. l[=a]c play, sport. Cf. {Lake}, v.
i.]
A frolic; a jolly time. [Colloq.] --Dickens.
Lark \Lark\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Larked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Larking}.]
To sport; to frolic. [Colloq.]
Lark \Lark\, n. [OE. larke, laverock, AS. l[=a]werce; akin to D.
leeuwerik, LG. lewerke, OHG. l?rahha, G. lerche, Sw.
l["a]rka, Dan. lerke, Icel. l[ae]virki.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus
{Alauda} and allied genera (family {Alaudid[ae]}). They
mostly belong to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. In
America they are represented by the shore larks, or horned by
the shore larks, or horned larks, of the genus {Otocoris}.
The true larks have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws,
and usually, dull, sandy brown colors.
Note: The European skylark, or lark of the poets ({Alauda
arvensis}), is of a brown mottled color, and is noted
for its clear and sweet song, uttered as it rises and
descends almost perpendicularly in the air. It is
considered a table delicacy, and immense numbers are
killed for the markets. Other well-known European
species are the crested, or tufted, lark ({Alauda
cristata}), and the wood lark ({A. arborea}). The
pipits, or titlarks, of the genus {Anthus} (family
{Motacillid[ae]}) are often called larks. See {Pipit}.
The American meadow larks, of the genus {Sturnella},
are allied to the starlings. See {Meadow Lark}. The
Australian bush lark is {Mirafra Horsfieldii}. See
{Shore lark}.
{Lark bunting} (Zo["o]l.), a fringilline bird ({Calamospiza
melanocorys}) found on the plains of the Western United
States.
{Lark sparrow} (Zo["o]l.), a sparrow ({Chondestes
grammacus}), found in the Mississippi Valley and the
Western United States.
Lark \Lark\, v. i.
To catch larks; as, to go larking.
Lark-colored \Lark"-col`ored\, a.
Having the sandy brown color of the European larks.
Larker \Lark"er\, n. [See 3d {Lark}, for sense 1, and 1st
{Lark}, for sense 2.]
1. A catcher of larks.
2. One who indulges in a lark or frolic. [Colloq.]
Lark's-heel \Lark's"-heel`\, n. (Bot.)
Indian cress.
Larkspur \Lark"spur\, n. (Bot.)
A genus of ranunculaceous plants ({Delphinium}), having showy
flowers, and a spurred calyx. They are natives of the North
Temperate zone. The commonest larkspur of the gardens is {D.
Consolida}. The flower of the bee larkspur ({D. elatum}) has
two petals bearded with yellow hairs, and looks not unlike a
bee.
Larmier \Lar"mi*er\, n. [F., fr. larme tear, drop, L. lacrima.
See {Lachrymose}.] (Anat.)
See {Tearpit}.
Laroid \La"roid\, a. [Larus + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or belonging to the Gull family ({Larid[ae]}).
Larrup \Lar"rup\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Larruped}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Larruping}.] [Perh, a corrupt. of lee rope, used by
sailors in beating the boys; but cf. D. larpen to thresh,
larp a whip, blow.]
To beat or flog soundly. [Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.] --Forby.
Larry \Lar"ry\, n.
Same as {Lorry}, or {Lorrie}.
Larum \Lar"um\, n.
See {Alarum}, and {Alarm}.
Larva \Lar"va\, n.; pl. L. {Larv[ae]}, E. {Larvas}. [L. larva
ghost, specter, mask.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any young insect from the time that it hatches
from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During
this time it usually molts several times, and may change
its form or color each time. The larv[ae] of many insects
are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no
trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in
the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larv[ae]
are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits,
and are called {caterpillars}, {grubs}, {maggots}, etc.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The early, immature form of any animal when
more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the
assumption of the mature shape.
Larval \Lar"val\, a. [L. larvalis ghostly. See {Larva}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to a larva.
Larvalia \Lar*va"li*a\, n. pl. [NL. See {Larval}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of Tunicata, including Appendicularia, and allied
genera; -- so called because certain larval features are
retained by them through life. Called also {Copelata}. See
{Appendicularia}.
Larvated \Lar"va*ted\, a. [L. larvatus bewitched. See {Larva}.]
Masked; clothed as with a mask.
Larve \Larve\, n.; pl.{Larves}. [F.]
A larva.
Larviform \Lar"vi*form\, a. [Larva + -form.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having the form or structure of a larva.
Larviparous \Lar*vip"a*rous\, a. [Larva + L. parete to bring
forth.] (Zo["o]l.)
Depositing living larv[ae], instead of eggs; -- said of
certain insects.
Lary \La"ry\, n. [Cf. F. lare sea gull, L. larus a sort of sea
bird, Gr. (?).]
A guillemot; -- called also {lavy}. [Prov. Eng.]
Laryngeal \Lar`yn*ge"al\, a. [From {Larynx}.]
Of or pertaining to the larynx; adapted to operations on the
larynx; as, laryngeal forceps.
Laryngean \Lar`yn*ge"an\, a.
See {Laryngeal}.
Larypgismus \Lar`yp*gis"mus\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. (?) a croaking.
See {Larynx}.] (Med.)
A spasmodic state of the glottis, giving rise to contraction
or closure of the opening.
Laryngitis \Lar`yn*gi"tis\, n. [NL. See {Larynx}, and {-tis}.]
(Med.)
Inflammation of the larynx.
Laryngological \La*ryn`go*log"ic*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to laryngology.
Laryngologist \Lar`yn*gol"o*gist\, n.
One who applies himself to laryngology.
Laryngology \Lar`yn*gol"o*gy\, n. [Larynx + -logy.]
Systematized knowledge of the action and functions of the
larynx; in pathology, the department which treats of the
diseases of the larynx.
Laryngophony \Lar`yn*goph"o*ny\, n. [Larynx + Gr. (?) voice.]
The sound of the voice as heard through a stethoscope when
the latter is placed upon the larynx.
Larungoscope \La*run"go*scope\, n. [Larynx + -scope.] (Surg.)
An instrument, consisting of an arrangement of two mirrors,
for reflecting light upon the larynx, and for examining its
image.
Laryngoscopic \La*ryn`go*scop"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to the inspection of the larynx.
Laryngoscopist \Lar`yn*gos"co*pist\, n.
One skilled in laryngoscopy.
Laryngoscopy \Lar`yn*gos"co*py\, n.
The art of using the laryngoscope; investigations made with
the laryngoscope.
Laryngotome \La*ryn"go*tome\, n. (Surg.)
An instrument for performing laryngotomy.
Laryngotomy \Lar`yn*got"o*my\, n. [Gr. (?); (?), (?), the larynx
+ (?) to cut: cf. F. laryngotomie.] (Surg.)
The operation of cutting into the larynx, from the outside of
the neck, for assisting respiration when obstructed, or for
removing foreign bodies.
Laryngotracheal \La*ryn`go*tra"che*al\, a. [Larynx + tracheal.]
(Anat.)
Pertaining to both larynx and trachea; as, the
laryngotracheal cartilage in the frog.
Laryngotracheotomy \La*ryn`go*tra`che*ot"o*my\, n. [Larynx +
tracheotomy.] (Surg.)
The operation of cutting into the larynx and the upper part
of the trachea, -- a frequent operation for obstruction to
breathing.
Larynx \Lar"ynx\, n. [?L, from Gr. ?, ?.] (Anat.)
The expanded upper end of the windpipe or trachea, connected
with the hyoid bone or cartilage. It contains the vocal
cords, which produce the voice by their vibrations, when they
are stretched and a current of air passes between them. The
larynx is connected with the pharynx by an opening, the
glottis, which, in mammals, is protected by a lidlike
epiglottis.
Note: In the framework of the human larynx, the thyroid
cartilage, attached to the hyoid bone, makes the
protuberance on the front of the neck known as Adam's
apple, and is articulated below to the ringlike cricoid
cartilage. This is narrow in front and high behind,
where, within the thyroid, it is surmounted by the two
arytenoid cartilages, from which the vocal cords pass
forward to be attached together to the front of the
thyroid. See {Syrinx}.
Las \Las\, n.
A lace. See {Lace}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Las \Las\, a. & adv.
Less. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lascar \Las"car\, n. [Per. & Hind. lashkar an army, an inferior
artillery man, a cooly, a native sailor.]
A native sailor, employed in European vessels; also, a menial
employed about arsenals, camps, camps, etc.; a camp follower.
[East Indies]
Lascious \Las"ci*ous\, a.
Loose; lascivious. [Obs.] ``To depaint lascious wantonness.''
--Holland.
Lasciviency \Las*civ"i*en*cy\, n. [See {Lascivient}.]
Lasciviousness; wantonness. [Obs.]
Lascivient \Las*civ"i*ent\, a. [L. lasciviens, pr. of lascivire
to be wanton, fr. lascivus. See {Lascivious}.]
Lascivious. [Obs.] --Dr. H. More.
Lascivious \Las*civ"i*ous\, a. [L. lascivia wantonness, fr.
lascivus wanton; cf. Gr. (?) lecherous, (?) to wish, Skr.
lash to desire.]
1. Wanton; lewd; lustful; as, lascivious men; lascivious
desires. --Milton.
2. Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions.
He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the
lascivious pleasing of a lute. --Shak.
-- {Las*civ"i*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Las*civ"i*ous*ness}, n.
Laserwort \La"ser*wort`\, n. [L. laser the juice of the
laserwort.] (Bot.)
Any plant of the umbelliferous genus {Laserpitium}, of
several species (as {L. glabrum}, and {L. siler}), the root
of which yields a resinous substance of a bitter taste. The
genus is mostly European.
Lash \Lash\ (l[a^]sh), n. [OE. lasche; cf. D. lasch piece set
in, joint, seam, G. lashe latchet, a bit of leather, gusset,
stripe, laschen to furnish with flaps, to lash or slap, Icel.
laski gusset, flap, laska to break.]
1. The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow
is given.
I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it.
--Addison.
2. A leash in which an animal is caught or held; hence, a
snare. [Obs.]
3. A stroke with a whip, or anything pliant and tough; as,
the culprit received thirty-nine lashes.
4. A stroke of satire or sarcasm; an expression or retort
that cuts or gives pain; a cut.
The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that
to ourselves which succeeds well. --L'Estrange.
5. A hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash.
6. In carpet weaving, a group of strings for lifting
simultaneously certain yarns, to form the figure.
Lash \Lash\ (l[a^]sh), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lashed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lashng}.]
1. To strike with a lash; to whip or scourge with a lash, or
with something like one.
We lash the pupil, and defraud the ward. --Dryden.
2. To strike forcibly and quickly, as with a lash; to beat,
or beat upon, with a motion like that of a lash; as, a
whale lashes the sea with his tail.
And big waves lash the frighted shores. --Dryden.
3. To throw out with a jerk or quickly.
He falls, and lashing up his heels, his rider
throws. --Dryden.
4. To scold; to berate; to satirize; to censure with
severity; as, to lash vice.
Lash \Lash\, v. i.
To ply the whip; to strike; to utter censure or sarcastic
language.
To laugh at follies, or to lash at vice. --Dryden.
{To lash out}, to strike out wildly or furiously.
Lash \Lash\, v. t. [Cf. D. lasschen to fasten together, lasch
piece, joint, Sw. laska to stitch, Dan. laske stitch. See
{Lash}, n. ]
To bind with a rope, cord, thong, or chain, so as to fasten;
as, to lash something to a spar; to lash a pack on a horse's
back.
Lasher \Lash"er\, n.
One who whips or lashes.
Lasher \Lash"er\, n.
1. A piece of rope for binding or making fast one thing to
another; -- called also {lashing}.
2. A weir in a river. [Eng.] --Halliwell.
Lashing \Lash"ing\, n.
The act of one who, or that which, lashes; castigation;
chastisement. --South.
{Lashing out}, a striking out; also, extravagance.
Lashing \Lash"ing\, n.
See 2d {Lasher}.
Lask \Lask\, n.
A diarrhea or flux. [Obs.] --Holland.
Lasket \Las"ket\, n. [Cf. {Lash}, {Latching}.] (Naut.)
latching.
Lass \Lass\, n. [OE. lasse; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W.
llodes girl, fem. of llawd lad. (?). See {Lad} a youth.]
A youth woman; a girl; a sweetheart.
Lasse \Lasse\, a. & adv.
Less. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lassie \Las"sie\, n.
A young girl; a lass. [Scot.]
Lassitude \Las"si*tude\, n. [L. lassitudo, fr. lassus faint,
weary; akin to E. late: cf. F. lassitude. See {Late}.]
A condition of the body, or mind, when its voluntary
functions are performed with difficulty, and only by a strong
exertion of the will; languor; debility; weariness.
The corporeal instruments of action being strained to a
high pitch . . . will soon feel a lassitude. --Barrow.
Lasslorn \Lass"lorn`\, a.
Forsaken by a lass. --Shak.
Lasso \Lass"o\ (l[a^]s"s[-o]) n.; pl. {Lassos} (-s[=o]z). [Sp.
lazo, L. laqueus. See {Lace}.]
A rope or long thong of leather with, a running noose, used
for catching horses, cattle, etc.
{Lasso cell} (Zo["o]l.), one of a peculiar kind of defensive
and offensive stinging cells, found in great numbers in
all c[oe]lenterates, and in a few animals of other groups.
They are most highly developed in the tentacles of
jellyfishes, hydroids, and Actini[ae]. Each of these cells
is filled with, fluid, and contains a long, slender, often
barbed, hollow thread coiled up within it. When the cell
contracts the thread is quickly ejected, being at the same
time turned inside out. The thread is able to penetrate
the flesh of various small, soft-bodied animals, and
carries a subtle poison by which they are speedily
paralyzed and killed. The threads, at the same time, hold
the prey in position, attached to the tentacles. Some of
the jellyfishes, as the Portuguese man-of-war, and
{Cyanea}, are able to penetrate the human skin, and
inflict painful stings in the same way. Called also
{nettling cell}, {cnida}, {cnidocell}.
Lasso \Las"so\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lassoed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lassoing}.]
To catch with a lasso.
Last \Last\, 3d pers. sing. pres.
of {Last}, to endure, contracted from lasteth. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.
Last \Last\, a. [OE. last, latst, contr. of latest, superl. of
late; akin to OS. lezt, lazt, last, D. laatst, G. letzt. See
{Late}, and cf. {Latest}.]
1. Being after all the others, similarly classed or
considered, in time, place, or order of succession;
following all the rest; final; hindmost; farthest; as, the
last year of a century; the last man in a line of
soldiers; the last page in a book; his last chance.
Also day by day, from the first day unto the last
day, he read in the book of the law of God. --Neh.
viii. 18.
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night.
--Milton.
2. Next before the present; as, I saw him last week.
3. Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.
Contending for principles of the last importance.
--R. Hall.
4. Lowest in rank or degree; as, the last prize. --Pope.
5. Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or
condition; most unlikely; having least fitness; as, he is
the last person to be accused of theft.
{At last}, at the end of a certain period; after delay. ``The
duke of Savoy felt that the time had at last arrived.''
--Motley.
{At the last}. [Prob. fr. AS. on l[=a]ste behind, following
behind, fr. l[=a]st race, track, footstep. See {Last} mold
of the foot.] At the end; in the conclusion. [Obs.] ``Gad,
a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the
last.'' --Gen. xlix. 19.
{Last heir}, the person to whom lands escheat for want of an
heir. [Eng.] --Abbott.
{On one's last legs}, at, or near, the end of one's
resources; hence, on the verge of failure or ruin,
especially in a financial sense. [Colloq.]
{To breathe one's last}, to die.
{To the last}, to the end; till the conclusion.
And blunder on in business to the last. --Pope.
Syn: {At Last}, {At Length}.
Usage: These phrases both denote that some delayed end or
result has been reached. At length implies that a long
period was spent in so doing; as, after a voyage of
more than three months, we at Length arrived safe. At
last commonly implies that something has occurred (as
interruptions, disappointments, etc.) which leads us
to emphasize the idea of having reached the end; as,
in spite of every obstacle, we have at last arrived.
Last \Last\, adv. [See {Last}, a.]
1. At a time or on an occasion which is the latest of all
those spoken of or which have occurred; the last time; as,
I saw him last in New York.
2. In conclusion; finally.
Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires, Adores; and,
last, the thing adored desires. --Dryden.
3. At a time next preceding the present time.
How long is't now since last yourself and I Were in
a mask ? --Shak.
Last \Last\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lasting}.] [OE. lasten, As. l[ae]stan to perform, execute,
follow, last, continue, fr. l[=a]st, l?st, trace, footstep,
course; akin to G. leisten to perform, Goth. laistjan to
follow. See {Last} mold of the foot.]
1. To continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence.
[I] proffered me to be slave in all that she me
would ordain while my life lasted. --Testament of
Love.
2. To endure use, or continue in existence, without
impairment or exhaustion; as, this cloth lasts better than
that; the fuel will last through the winter.
Last \Last\, n. [AS. l[=a]sttrace, track, footstep; akin to D.
leest a last, G. leisten, Sw. l["a]st, Dan. l[ae]st, Icel.
leistr the foot below the ankle, Goth. laists track, way;
from a root signifying, to go. Cf. {Last}, v. i., {Learn},
{Delirium}.]
A wooden block shaped like the human foot, on which boots and
shoes are formed.
The cobbler is not to go beyond his last. --L'Estrange.
{Darning last}, a smooth, hard body, often egg-shaped, put
into a stocking to preserve its shape in darning.
Last \Last\, v. t.
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place
smoothly on a last; as, to last a boot.
Last \Last\, n. [As. hl[ae]st, fr. hladan to lade; akin to OHG.
hlast, G., D., Dan., & Sw. last: cf. F. laste, last, a last,
of German or Dutch origin. See {Lade}.]
1. A load; a heavy burden; hence, a certain weight or
measure, generally estimated at 4,000 lbs., but varying
for different articles and in different countries. In
England, a last of codfish, white herrings, meal, or
ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn, ten quarters, or
eighty bushels, in some parts of England, twenty-one
quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each
containing 100 lbs; of red herrings, twenty cades, or
20,000; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty
dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool,
twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1,700 lbs.
2. The burden of a ship; a cargo.
Lastage \Last"age\n. [E. lestage ballasting, fr. lest ballast,
or LL. lastagium, lestagium. See {Last} a load.]
1. A duty exacted, in some fairs or markets, for the right to
carry things where one will. [Obs.]
2. A tax on wares sold by the last. [Obs.] --Cowell.
3. The lading of a ship; also, ballast. --Spelman.
4. Room for stowing goods, as in a ship.
Laste \Last"e\, obs. imp.
of {Last}, to endure. --Chaucer.
Laster \Last"er\, n.
A workman whose business it is to shape boots or shoes, or
place leather smoothly, on lasts; a tool for stretching
leather on a last.
Lastery \Last"er*y\, n.
A red color.[Obs.] -- Spenser.
Lasting \Last"ing\, a.
Existing or continuing a long while; enduring; as, a lasting
good or evil; a lasting color.
Syn: Durable; permanent; undecaying; perpetual; unending.
Usage: {Lasting}, {Permanent}, {Durable}. Lasting commonly
means merely continuing in existence; permanent
carries the idea of continuing in the same state,
position, or course; durable means lasting in spite of
agencies which tend to destroy.
Lasting \Last"ing\, n.
1. Continuance; endurance. --Locke.
2. A species of very durable woolen stuff, used for women's
shoes; everlasting.
3. The act or process of shaping on a last.
Lasting \Last"ing\, adv.
In a lasting manner.
Lastly \Last"ly\, adv.
1. In the last place; in conclusion.
2. at last; finally.
Lat \Lat\, v. t.
To let; to allow. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Latakia \Lat`a*ki"a\, n. [Turk.]
A superior quality of Turkish smoking tobacco, so called from
the place where produced, the ancient Laodicea.
Latch \Latch\, v. t. [Cf. F. l['e]cher to lick (of German
origin). Cf. {Lick}.]
To smear; to anoint. [Obs.] --Shak.
Latch \Latch\, n. [OE. lacche, fr. lacchen to seize, As.
l[ae]ccan.]
1. That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare. [Obs.]
--Rom. of R.
2. A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering
a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a
door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted.
3. (Naut.) A latching.
4. A crossbow. [Obs.] --Wright.
Latch \Latch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Latched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Latching}.] [OE. lacchen. See {Latch}. n.]
1. To catch so as to hold. [Obs.]
Those that remained threw darts at our men, and
latching our darts, sent them again at us.
--Golding.
2. To catch or fasten by means of a latch.
The door was only latched. --Locke.
Latchet \Latch"et\, n. [OE. lachet, from an OF. dialect form of
F. lacet plaited string, lace dim. of lacs. See {Lace}.]
The string that fastens a shoe; a shoestring.
Latching \Latch"ing\, n. (Naut.)
A loop or eye formed on the head rope of a bonnet, by which
it is attached to the foot of a sail; -- called also {latch}
and {lasket}. [Usually in pl.]
Latchkey \Latch"key`\, n.
A key used to raise, or throw back, the latch of a door, esp.
a night latch.
Latchstring \Latch"string`\, n.
A string for raising the latch of a door by a person outside.
It is fastened to the latch and passed through a hole above
it in the door.
{To find the latchstring out}, to meet with hospitality; to
be welcome. (Intrusion is prevented by drawing in the
latchstring.) [Colloq. U.S.]
Late \Late\, a. [Compar. {Later}, or {latter}; superl.
{Latest}.] [OE. lat slow, slack, AS. l[ae]t; akin to OS. lat,
D. laat late, G. lass weary, lazy, slack, Icel. latr, Sw.
lat, Dan. lad, Goth. lats, and to E. let, v. See {Let} to
permit, and cf. {Alas}, {Lassitude}.]
1. Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or
proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a
late spring.
2. Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of
the day; a late period of life.
3. Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not
now; lately deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as,
the late bishop of London; the late administration.
4. Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the
late rains; we have received late intelligence.
5. Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night;
as, late revels; a late watcher.
Late \Late\, adv. [AS. late. See {Late}, a.]
1. After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed;
after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to {early}.
2. Not long ago; lately.
3. Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period;
as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night.
{Of late}, in time not long past, or near the present;
lately; as, the practice is of late uncommon.
{Too late}, after the proper or available time; when the time
or opportunity is past.
Lated \Lat"ed\, a.
Belated; too late. [Obs.] --Shak.
Lateen \La*teen"\, a. (Naut.)
Of or pertaining to a peculiar rig used in the Mediterranean
and adjacent waters, esp. on the northern coast of Africa.
See below.
{Lateen sail}. [F. voile latine a sail in the shape of a
right-angled triangle; cf. It. & Sp. vela latina; properly
Latin sail. See {Latin}.] (Naut.) A triangular sail,
extended by a long yard, which is slung at about one
fourth of its length from the lower end, to a low mast,
this end being brought down at the tack, while the other
end is elevated at an angle or about forty-five degrees;
-- used in small boats, feluccas, xebecs, etc., especially
in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters. Some lateen
sails have also a boom on the lower side.
Lately \Late"ly\, adv.
Not long ago; recently; as, he has lately arrived from Italy.
Latence \La"tence\, n.
Latency. --Coleridge.
Latency \La"ten*cy\, n. [See {Latent}.]
The state or quality of being latent.
To simplify the discussion, I shall distinguish three
degrees of this latency. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
Lateness \Late"ness\, n.
The state, condition, or quality, of being late; as, the
lateness of his arrival; the lateness of the hour; the
lateness of the season.
Latent \La"tent\, a. [L. latens, -entis, p. pr. of latere to lie
hid or concealed; cf. Gr. ?, E. lethargy: cf. F. latent.]
Not visible or apparent; hidden; springs of action.
The evils latent in the most promising contrivances are
provided for as they arise. --Burke.
{Latent buds} (bot.), buds which remain undeveloped or
dormant for a long time, but may at length grow.
{Latent heat} (Physics), that quantity of heat which
disappears or becomes concealed in a body while producing
some change in it other than rise of temperature, as
fusion, evaporation, or expansion, the quantity being
constant for each particular body and for each species of
change.
{Latent period}.
(a) (Med.) The regular time in which a disease is supposed to
be existing without manifesting itself.
(b) (Physiol.) One of the phases in a simple muscular
contraction, in which invisible preparatory changes are
taking place in the nerve and muscle.
(c) (Biol.) One of those periods or resting stages in the
development of the ovum, in which development is arrested
prior to renewed activity.
Latently \La"tent*ly\, adv.
In a secret or concealed manner; invisibly.
Later \La"ter\, n.; pl. {Lateres}. [L.]
A brick or tile. --Knight.
Later \Lat"er\, a.
Compar. of {Late}, a. & adv.
Laterad \Lat"er*ad\, adv. [L. latus, lateris, side + ad to.]
(Anat.)
Toward the side; away from the mesial plane; -- opposed to
{mesiad}.
Lateral \Lat"er*al\, a. [L. lateralis, fr. latus, lateris, side:
cf. F. lat['e]ral.]
1. Of or pertaining to the sides; as, the lateral walls of a
house; the lateral branches of a tree.
2. (Anat.) Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from
the mesial plane; external; -- opposed to {mesial}.
3. Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing.
{Lateral cleavage} (Crystallog.), cleavage parallel to the
lateral planes.
{Lateral equation} (Math.), an equation of the first degree.
[Obs.]
{Lateral line} (Anat.), in fishes, a line of sensory organs
along either side of the body, often marked by a distinct
line of color.
{Lateral pressure} or {stress} (Mech.), a pressure or stress
at right angles to the length, as of a beam or bridge; --
distinguished from longitudinal pressure or stress.
{Lateral strength} (Mech.), strength which resists a tendency
to fracture arising from lateral pressure.
{Lateral system} (Bridge Building), the system of horizontal
braces (as between two vertical trusses) by which lateral
stiffness is secured.
Laterality \Lat`er*al"i*ty\, n.
The state or condition of being lateral.
Laterally \Lat"er*al*ly\, adv.
By the side; sidewise; toward, or from, the side.
Lateran \Lat"er*an\, n.
The church and palace of St. John Lateran, the church being
the cathedral church of Rome, and the highest in rank of all
churches in the Catholic world.
Note: The name is said to have been derived from that of the
Laterani family, who possessed a palace on or near the
spot where the church now stands. In this church
several ecclesiastical councils, hence called Lateran
councils, have been held.
Latered \Lat"ered\, a.
Inclined to delay; dilatory. [Obs.] ``When a man is too
latered.'' --Chaucer.
Laterifolious \Lat`er*i*fo"li*ous\, a. [L. latus, lateris, side
+ folium leaf: cf. F. lat['e]rifoli['e].] (Bot.)
Growing from the stem by the side of a leaf; as, a
laterifolious flower.
Laterite \Lat"er*ite\, n. [L. later brick, tile: cf. F.
lat['e]rite.] (Geol.)
An argillaceous sandstone, of a red color, and much seamed;
-- found in India.
Lateritic \Lat`er*it"ic\, a.
Consisting of, containing, or characterized by, laterite; as,
lateritic formations.
Lateritious \Lat"er*i"tious\, a. [L. lateritius, fr. later a
brick.]
Like bricks; of the color of red bricks.
{Lateritious sediment} (Med.), a sediment in urine resembling
brick dust, observed after the crises of fevers, and at
the termination of gouty paroxysms. It usually consists of
uric acid or urates with some coloring matter.
Lates \La"tes\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a fish of the Nile.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A genus of large percoid fishes, of which one species ({Lates
Niloticus}) inhabits the Nile, and another ({L. calcarifer})
is found in the Ganges and other Indian rivers. They are
valued as food fishes.
Latescence \La*tes"cence\, n.
A slight withdrawal from view or knowledge. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
Latescent \La*tes"cent\, a. [L. latescens, -entis, p. pr. of
latescere to be concealed, fr. latere to be hid.]
Slightly withdrawn from view or knowledge; as, a latescent
meaning. --Sir W. Hamilton.
Latewake \Late"wake`\, n.
See {Lich wake}, under {Lich}.
Lateward \Late"ward\, a. & adv.
Somewhat late; backward. [Obs.] ``Lateward lands.''
--Holland.
Latex \La"tex\, n. [L.] (Bot.)
A milky or colored juice in certain plants in cavities
(called latex cells or latex tubes). It contains the peculiar
principles of the plants, whether aromatic, bitter, or acid,
and in many instances yields caoutchouc upon coagulation.
Lath \Lath\, n.; pl. {Laths}. [OE. laththe, latthe, latte, AS.
l[ae]tta; akin to D. lat, G. latte, OHG. latta; cf. W. llath
a rod, staff, yard. Cf. {Lattice}, {Latten}.]
A thin, narrow strip of wood, nailed to the rafters, studs,
or floor beams of a building, for the purpose of supporting
the tiles, plastering, etc. A corrugated metallic strip or
plate is sometimes used.
{Lath brick}, a long, slender brick, used in making the floor
on which malt is placed in the drying kiln.
{Lath nail} a slender nail for fastening laths.
Lath \Lath\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lathed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lathing}.]
To cover or line with laths.
Lathe \Lathe\, n. [AS. l[=ae][eth]. Of. uncertain origin.]
Formerly, a part or division of a county among the
Anglo-Saxons. At present it consists of four or five
hundreds, and is confined to the county of Kent. [Written
also {lath}.] --Brande & C.
Lathe \Lathe\, n. [OE. lathe a granary; akin to G. lade a chest,
Icel. hla[eth]a a storehouse, barn; but cf. also Icel.
l["o][eth] a smith's lathe. Senses 2 and 3 are perh. of the
same origin as lathe a granary, the original meaning being, a
frame to hold something. If so, the word is from an older
form of E. lade to load. See {Lade} to load.]
1. A granary; a barn. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
2. (Mach.) A machine for turning, that is, for shaping
articles of wood, metal, or other material, by causing
them to revolve while acted upon by a cutting tool.
3. The movable swing frame of a loom, carrying the reed for
separating the warp threads and beating up the weft; --
called also {lay} and {batten}.
{Blanchard lathe}, a lathe for turning irregular forms after
a given pattern, as lasts, gunstocks, and the like.
{Drill lathe}, or {Speed lathe}, a small lathe which, from
its high speed, is adapted for drilling; a hand lathe.
{Engine lathe}, a turning lathe in which the cutting tool has
an automatic feed; -- used chiefly for turning and boring
metals, cutting screws, etc.
{Foot lathe}, a lathe which is driven by a treadle worked by
the foot.
{Geometric lathe}. See under {Geometric}
{Hand lathe}, a lathe operated by hand; a power turning lathe
without an automatic feed for the tool.
{Slide lathe}, an engine lathe.
{Throw lathe}, a small lathe worked by one hand, while the
cutting tool is held in the other.
Lather \Lath"er\, n. [AS. le['a][eth]or niter, in
le['a][eth]orwyrt soapwort; cf. Icel. lau?r; perh. akin to E.
lye.]
1. Foam or froth made by soap moistened with water.
2. Foam from profuse sweating, as of a horse.
Lather \Lath"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lathered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lathering}.] [AS. l[=e][eth]rian to lather, anoint. See
{Lather}, n. ]
To spread over with lather; as, to lather the face.
Lather \Lath"er\, v. i.
To form lather, or a froth like lather; to accumulate foam
from profuse sweating, as a horse.
Lather \Lath"er\, v. t. [Cf. {Leather}.]
To beat severely with a thong, strap, or the like; to flog.
[Low]
Lathereeve \Lathe"reeve`\, Lathreeve \Lath"reeve`\, n.
Formerly, the head officer of a lathe. See 1st {Lathe}.
Lathing \Lath"ing\, n.
The act or process of covering with laths; laths,
collectively; a covering of laths.
Lath-shaped \Lath"-shaped`\, a.
Having a slender elongated form, like a lath; -- said of the
feldspar of certain igneous rocks, as diabase, as seen in
microscopic sections.
Lathwork \Lath"work`\, n.
Same as {Lathing}.
Lathy \Lath"y\, a.
Like a lath; long and slender.
A lathy horse, all legs and length. --R. Browning.
Latian \La"tian\, a.
Belonging, or relating, to Latium, a country of ancient
Italy. See {Latin}.
Latibulize \La*tib"u*lize\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Latibulized};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Latibulizing}.] [L. latibulum hiding place,
fr. latere to lie hid.]
To retire into a den, or hole, and lie dormant in winter; to
retreat and lie hid. [R.] --G. Shaw.
Latibulum \La*tib"u*lum\, n.; pl. {Latibula}. [L.]
A concealed hiding place; a burrow; a lair; a hole.
Laticiferous \Lat`i*cif"er*ous\, a. [L. latex, laticis, a liquid
+ -ferous.] (Bot.)
Containing the latex; -- applied to the tissue or tubular
vessels in which the latex of the plant is found.
Laticlave \Lat"i*clave\, n. [L. laticlavus, laticlavium; latus
broad + clavus nail, a purple stripe on the tunica: cf. F.
laticlave.] (Rom. Antiq.)
A broad stripe of purple on the fore part of the tunic, worn
by senators in ancient Rome as an emblem of office.
Laticostate \Lat`i*cos"tate\, a. [L. latus broad + E. costate.]
Broad-ribbed.
Latidentate \Lat`i*den"tate\, a. [L. latus broad + E. dentate.]
Broad-toothed.
Latifoliate \Lat`i*fo"li*ate\, Latifolious \Lat`i*fo"li*ous\, a.
[L. latifolius; latus broad + folium leaf: cf. F.
latifoli['e].] (Bot.)
Having broad leaves.
Latimer \Lat"i*mer\, n. [OF. latinier, latimier, prop., one
knowing Latin.]
An interpreter. [Obs.] Coke.
Latin \Lat"in\, a. [F., fr. L. Latinus belonging to Latium,
Latin, fr. Latium a country of Italy, in which Rome was
situated. Cf. {Ladin}, Lateen sail, under {Lateen}.]
1. Of or pertaining to Latium, or to the Latins, a people of
Latium; Roman; as, the Latin language.
2. Of, pertaining to, or composed in, the language used by
the Romans or Latins; as, a Latin grammar; a Latin
composition or idiom.
{Latin Church} (Eccl. Hist.), the Western or Roman Catholic
Church, as distinct from the Greek or Eastern Church.
{Latin cross}. See Illust. 1 of {Cross}.
{Latin races}, a designation sometimes loosely given to
certain nations, esp. the French, Spanish, and Italians,
who speak languages principally derived from Latin.
{Latin Union}, an association of states, originally
comprising France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy, which,
in 1865, entered into a monetary agreement, providing for
an identity in the weight and fineness of the gold and
silver coins of those countries, and for the amounts of
each kind of coinage by each. Greece, Servia, Roumania,
and Spain subsequently joined the Union.
Latin \Lat"in\, n.
1. A native or inhabitant of Latium; a Roman.
2. The language of the ancient Romans.
3. An exercise in schools, consisting in turning English into
Latin. [Obs.] --Ascham.
4. (Eccl.) A member of the Roman Catholic Church.
{Dog Latin}, barbarous Latin; a jargon in imitation of Latin;
as, the log Latin of schoolboys.
{Late Latin}, {Low Latin}, terms used indifferently to
designate the latest stages of the Latin language; low
Latin (and, perhaps, late Latin also), including the
barbarous coinages from the French, German, and other
languages into a Latin form made after the Latin had
become a dead language for the people.
{Law Latin}, that kind of late, or low, Latin, used in
statutes and legal instruments; -- often barbarous.
Latin \Lat"in\, v. t.
To write or speak in Latin; to turn or render into Latin.
[Obs.] --Fuller.
Latinism \Lat"in*ism\, n. [Cf. F. latinisme.]
A Latin idiom; a mode of speech peculiar to Latin; also, a
mode of speech in another language, as English, formed on a
Latin model.
Note: The term is also sometimes used by Biblical scholars to
designate a Latin word in Greek letters, or the Latin
sense of a Greek word in the Greek Testament.
Latinist \Lat"in*ist\, n. [Cf. F. latiniste.]
One skilled in Latin; a Latin scholar. --Cowper.
He left school a good Latinist. --Macaulay.
Latinistic \Lat`in*is"tic\, a.
Of, pertaining to, or derived from, Latin; in the Latin style
or idiom. ``Latinistic words.'' --Fitzed. Hall.
Latinitaster \La*tin"i*tas`ter\, n. [Cf. {Poetaster}.]
One who has but a smattering of Latin. --Walker.
Latinity \La*tin"i*ty\, n. [L. latinitas: cf. F. latinit['e].]
The Latin tongue, style, or idiom, or the use thereof;
specifically, purity of Latin style or idiom. ``His ele?ant
Latinity.'' --Motley.
Latinization \Lat`in*i*za"tion\, n.
The act or process of Latinizing, as a word, language, or
country.
The Germanization of Britain went far deeper than the
Latinization of France. --M. Arnold.
Latinize \Lat"in*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Latinized}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Latinizing}.] [L. latinizare: cf. F. latiniser.]
1. To give Latin terminations or forms to, as to foreign
words, in writing Latin.
2. To bring under the power or influence of the Romans or
Latins; to affect with the usages of the Latins,
especially in speech. ``Latinized races.'' --Lowell.
3. To make like the Roman Catholic Church or diffuse its
ideas in; as, to Latinize the Church of England.
Latinize \Lat"in*ize\, v. i.
To use words or phrases borrowed from the Latin. --Dryden.
2. To come under the influence of the Romans, or of the Roman
Catholic Church.
Latinly \Lat"in*ly\, adv.
In the manner of the Latin language; in correct Latin. [Obs.]
--Heylin.
Lation \La"tion\, n. [L. latio, fr. latus borne. See
{Tolerate}.]
Transportation; conveyance. [Obs.]
Latirostral \Lat`i*ros"tral\, Latirostrous \Lat`i*ros"trous\, a.
[Cf. F. latirostre. See {Latirostres}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having a broad beak. --Sir T. Browne.
Latirostres \Lat`i*ros"tres\, n. pl. [NL., fr. L. latus broad +
rostrum beak.] (Zo["o]l.)
The broad-billed singing birds, such as the swallows, and
their allies.
Latish \Lat"ish\, a.
Somewhat late. [Colloq.]
Latisternal \Lat`i*ster"nal\, a. [L. latus broad + E. sternal.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Having a broad breastbone, or sternum; -- said of anthropoid
apes.
Latitancy \Lat"i*tan*cy\, n. [See {Latitant}.]
Act or state of lying hid, or lurking. [R.] --Sir T. Browne.
Latitant \Lat"i*tant\, a. [L. latitans, pr. of latitare to lie
hid, to lurk, v. intens. fr. latere to be hid: cf. F.
latitant.]
Lying hid; concealed; latent. [R.]
Latitat \Lat"i*tat\, n. [L., he lies hid.] (O. Eng. Law)
A writ based upon the presumption that the person summoned
was hiding. --Blackstone.
Latitation \Lat`i*ta"tion\, n. [L. latitatio.]
A lying in concealment; hiding. [Obs.]
Latitude \Lat"i*tude\, n. [F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus
broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.]
1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a
given point or line; breadth; width.
Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above
one third part. --Sir H.
Wotton.
2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence,
looseness; laxity; independence.
In human actions there are no degrees and precise
natural limits described, but a latitude is
indulged. --Jer. Taylor.
3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.;
extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc.
No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles,
in the latitude of monkish relations. --Fuller.
4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope.
I pretend not to treat of them in their full
latitude. --Locke.
5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured
on a meridian.
6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the
ecliptic.
{Ascending latitude}, {Circle of latitude}, {Geographical
latitude}, etc. See under {Ascending}. {Circle}, etc.
{High latitude}, that part of the earth's surface near either
pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the
antarctic circle.
{Low latitude}, that part of the earth's surface which is
near the equator.
Latitudinal \Lat`i*tu"di*nal\, a.
Of or pertaining to latitude; in the direction of latitude.
Latitudinarian \Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an\, a. [Cf. F.
latitudinaire.]
1. Not restrained; not confined by precise limits.
2. Indifferent to a strict application of any standard of
belief or opinion; hence, deviating more or less widely
from such standard; lax in doctrine; as, latitudinarian
divines; latitudinarian theology.
Latitudinarian sentiments upon religious subjects.
--Allibone.
3. Lax in moral or religious principles.
Latitudinarian \Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an\, n.
1. One who is moderate in his notions, or not restrained by
precise settled limits in opinion; one who indulges
freedom in thinking.
2. (Eng. Eccl. Hist.) A member of the Church of England, in
the time of Charles II., who adopted more liberal notions
in respect to the authority, government, and doctrines of
the church than generally prevailed.
They were called ``men of latitude;'' and upon this,
men of narrow thoughts fastened upon them the name
of latitudinarians. --Bp. Burnet.
3. (Theol.) One who departs in opinion from the strict
principles of orthodoxy.
Latitudinarianism \Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an*ism\, n.
A latitudinarian system or condition; freedom of opinion in
matters pertaining to religious belief.
Fierce sectarianism bred fierce latitudinarianism. --De
Quincey.
He [Ammonius Saccas] plunged into the wildest
latitudinarianism of opinion. --J. S.
Harford.
Latitudinous \Lat`i*tu"di*nous\, a.
Having latitude, or wide extent.
Laton \Lat"on\, Latoun \Lat"oun\, n.
Latten, 1. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Latrant \La"trant\, a. [L. latrans, p. pr. of latrare. See
{Latrate}.]
Barking. [Obs.] --Tickell.
Latrate \La"trate\, v. i. [L. latratus, p. p. of latrare to
bark.]
To bark as a dog. [Obs.]
Latration \La*tra"tion\, n.
A barking. [Obs.]
Latreutical \La*treu"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to serve, to
worship.]
1. Acting as a hired servant; serving; ministering;
assisting. [Obs.]
2. Of or pertaining to latria. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Latria \La*tri"a\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to serve, fr. ?
servant.]
The highest kind of worship, or that paid to God; --
distinguished by the Roman Catholics from dulia, or the
inferior worship paid to saints.
Latrine \La*trine"\, n. [L. latrina: cf. F. latrines.]
A privy, or water-closet, esp. in a camp, hospital, etc.
Latrociny \Lat"ro*cin`y\, n. [L. latrocinium. Cf. {Larceny}.]
Theft; larceny. [Obs.]
Latten \Lat"ten\, n. [OE. latoun, laton, OF. laton, F. laiton,
prob. fr. OF. late lath, F. latte; -- because made in thin
plates; cf. It. latta a sheet of tinned iron, tin plate. F.
latte is of German origin. See {Lath} a thin board.]
1. A kind of brass hammered into thin sheets, formerly much
used for making church utensils, as candlesticks, crosses,
etc.; -- called also {latten brass}.
He had a cross of latoun full of stones. --Chaucer.
2. Sheet tin; iron plate, covered with tin; also, any metal
in thin sheets; as, gold latten.
{Black latten}, brass in milled sheets, composed of copper
and zinc, used by braziers, and for drawing into wire.
{Roll latten}, latten polished on both sides ready for use.
{Shaven latten}, a thinner kind than black latten.
{White latten}, a mixture of brass and tin.
Latter \Lat"ter\, a. [OE. later, l[ae]tter, compar. of lat late.
See {Late}, and cf. {Later}.]
1. Later; more recent; coming or happening after something
else; -- opposed to {former}; as, the former and latter
rain.
2. Of two things, the one mentioned second.
The difference between reason and revelation, and in
what sense the latter is superior. --I. Watts.
3. Recent; modern.
Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages,
whole nations at the bay of Soldania? --Locke.
4. Last; latest; final. [R.] ``My latter gasp.'' --Shak.
{Latter harvest}, the last part of the harvest.
{Latter spring}, the last part of the spring of the year.
--Shak.
Latter-day saint \Lat"ter-day` saint"\
A Mormon; -- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
being the name assumed by the whole body of Mormons.
Latterkin \Lat"ter*kin\, n.
A pointed wooden tool used in glazing leaden lattice.
Latterly \Lat"ter*ly\, adv.
Lately; of late; recently; at a later, as distinguished from
a former, period.
Latterly Milton was short and thick. --Richardson.
Lattermath \Lat"ter*math\, n. [Cf. {Aftermath}.]
The latter, or second, mowing; the aftermath.
Lattice \Lat"tice\, n. [OE. latis, F. lattis lathwork, fr. latte
lath. See {Latten}, 1st {Lath}.]
1. Any work of wood or metal, made by crossing laths, or thin
strips, and forming a network; as, the lattice of a
window; -- called also {latticework}.
The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and
cried through the lattice. --Judg. v. 28.
2. (Her.) The representation of a piece of latticework used
as a bearing, the bands being vertical and horizontal.
{Lattice bridge}, a bridge supported by lattice girders, or
latticework trusses.
{Lattice girder} (Arch.), a girder of which the wed consists
of diagonal pieces crossing each other in the manner of
latticework.
{Lattice plant} (Bot.), an aquatic plant of Madagascar
({Ouvirandra fenestralis}), whose leaves have interstices
between their ribs and cross veins, so as to resemble
latticework. A second species is {O. Berneriana}. The
genus is merged in {Aponogeton} by recent authors.
Lattice \Lat"tice\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Latticed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Latticing}.]
1. To make a lattice of; as, to lattice timbers.
2. To close, as an opening, with latticework; to furnish with
a lattice; as, to lattice a window.
{To lattice up}, to cover or inclose with a lattice.
Therein it seemeth he [Alexander] hath latticed up
C[ae]sar. --Sir T.
North.
Latticework \Lat"tice*work`\, n.
Same as {Lattice}, n., 1.
Latticing \Lat"ti*cing\, n.
1. The act or process of making a lattice of, or of fitting a
lattice to.
2. (Bridge Building) A system of bars crossing in the middle
to form braces between principal longitudinal members, as
of a strut.
Latus rectum \La"tus rec"tum\ [L., the right side.] (Conic
Sections)
The line drawn through a focus of a conic section parallel to
the directrix and terminated both ways by the curve. It is
the parameter of the principal axis. See {Focus}, and
{Parameter}.
Laud \Laud\, n. [L. laus, laudis. See {Laud}, v. i.]
1. High commendation; praise; honor; exaltation; glory.
``Laud be to God.'' --Shak.
So do well and thou shalt have laud of the same.
--Tyndals.
2. A part of divine worship, consisting chiefly of praise; --
usually in the pl.
Note: In the Roman Catholic Church, the prayers used at
daybreak, between those of matins and prime, are called
lauds.
3. Music or singing in honor of any one.
Laud \Laud\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lauded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lauding}.] [L. laudare, fr. laus, laudis, praise. Cf.
{Allow}.]
To praise in words alone, or with words and singing; to
celebrate; to extol.
With all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy
glorious name. --Book of
Common Prayer.
Laudability \Laud`a*bil"i*ty\, n. [L. laudabilitas.]
Laudableness; praiseworthiness.
Laudable \Laud"a*ble\, a. [L. laudabilis: cf. OE. laudable. See
{Laud}, v. i.]
1. Worthy of being lauded; praiseworthy; commendable; as,
laudable motives; laudable actions; laudable ambition.
2. (Med.) Healthy; salubrious; normal; having a disposition
to promote healing; not noxious; as, laudable juices of
the body; laudable pus. --Arbuthnot.
Laudableness \Laud"a*ble*ness\, n.
The quality of being laudable; praiseworthiness;
commendableness.
Laudably \Laud"a*bly\, adv.
In a laudable manner.
Laudanine \Lau"da*nine\, n. [From {Laudanum}.] (Chem.)
A white organic base, resembling morphine, and obtained from
certain varieties of opium.
Laudanum \Lau"da*num\, n. [Orig. the same wort as ladanum,
ladbdanum: cf. F. laudanum, It. laudano, ladano. See
{Ladanum}.]
Tincture of opium, used for various medical purposes.
Note: A fluid ounce of American laudanum should contain the
soluble matter of one tenth of an ounce avoirdupois of
powdered opium with equal parts of alcohol and water.
English laudanum should have ten grains less of opium
in the fluid ounce. --U. S. Disp.
{Dutchman's laudanum} (Bot.) See under {Dutchman}.
Laudation \Lau*da"tion\, n. [L. laudatio: cf. OE. taudation. See
{Land}, v. t.]
The act of lauding; praise; high commendation.
Laudative \Laud"a*tive\, a. [L. laudativus laudatory: cf. F.
laudatif.]
Laudatory.
Laudative \Laud"a*tive\, n.
A panegyric; a eulogy. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Laudator \Lau*da"tor\, n. [L.]
1. One who lauds.
2. (Law) An arbitrator. [Obs.] --Cowell.
Laudatory \Laud"a*to*ry\, a. [L. laudatorius: cf. OF.
laudatoire.]
Of or pertaining praise, or to the expression of praise; as,
laudatory verses; the laudatory powers of Dryden. --Sir J.
Stephen.
Lauder \Laud"er\, n.
One who lauds.
Laugh \Laugh\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Laughed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Laughing}.] [OE. laughen, laghen, lauhen, AS. hlehhan,
hlihhan, hlyhhan, hliehhan; akin to OS. hlahan, D. & G.
lachen, OHG. hlahhan, lahhan, lahh?n, Icel. hl[ae]ja. Dan.
lee, Sw. le, Goth. hlahjan; perh. of imitative origin.]
1. To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar
movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the
mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and
usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or
chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in
laughter.
Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er. --Shak.
He laugheth that winneth. --Heywood's
Prov.
2. Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful,
lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.
Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets
crowned. --Dryden.
In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy. --Pope.
{To laugh at}, to make an object of laughter or ridicule; to
make fun of; to deride.
No wit to flatter left of all his store, No fool to
laugh at, which he valued more. --Pope.
{To laugh in the sleeve}
, to laugh secretly, or so as not to be observed, especially
while apparently preserving a grave or serious demeanor toward
the person or persons laughed at.
{To laugh out}, to laugh in spite of some restraining
influence; to laugh aloud.
{To laugh out of the other corner} (or {side}) {of the
mouth}, to weep or cry; to feel regret, vexation, or
disappointment after hilarity or exaltation. [Slang]
Laugh \Laugh\, v. t.
1. To affect or influence by means of laughter or ridicule.
Will you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy?
--Shak.
I shall laugh myself to death. --Shak.
2. To express by, or utter with, laughter; -- with out.
From his deep chest laughs out a loud applause.
--Shak.
{To laugh away}.
(a) To drive away by laughter; as, to laugh away regret.
(b) To waste in hilarity. ``Pompey doth this day laugh
away his fortune.'' --Shak.
{To laugh down}.
(a) To cause to cease or desist by laughter; as, to laugh
down a speaker.
(b) To cause to be given up on account of ridicule; as, to
laugh down a reform.
{To laugh one out of}, to cause one by laughter or ridicule
to abandon or give up; as, to laugh one out of a plan or
purpose.
{To laugh to scorn}, to deride; to treat with mockery,
contempt, and scorn; to despise.
Laugh \Laugh\, n.
An expression of mirth peculiar to the human species; the
sound heard in laughing; laughter. See {Laugh}, v. i.
And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
--Goldsmith.
That man is a bad man who has not within him the power
of a hearty laugh. --F. W.
Robertson.
Laughable \Laugh"a*ble\, a.
Fitted to excite laughter; as, a laughable story; a laughable
scene.
Syn: Droll; ludicrous; mirthful; comical. See {Droll}, and
{Ludicrous}. -- {Laugh"a*ble*ness}, n. -- {Laugh"a*bly},
adv.
Laugher \Laugh"er\, n.
1. One who laughs.
2. A variety of the domestic pigeon.
Laughing \Laugh"ing\, a. & n.
from {Laugh}, v. i.
{Laughing falcon} (Zo["o]l.), a South American hawk
({Herpetotheres cachinnans}); -- so called from its notes,
which resemble a shrill laughing.
{Laughing gas} (Chem.), hyponitrous oxide, or protoxide of
nitrogen
; -- so called from the exhilaration and laughing which it
sometimes produces when inhaled. It is much used as an
an[ae]sthetic agent.
{Laughing goose} (Zo["o]l.), the European white-fronted
goose.
{Laughing gull}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A common European gull ({Xema ridibundus}); -- called
also {pewit}, {black cap}, {red-legged gull}, and {sea
crow}.
(b) An American gull ({Larus atricilla}). In summer the head
is nearly black, the back slate color, and the five outer
primaries black.
{Laughing hyena} (Zo["o]l.), the spotted hyena. See {Hyena}.
{Laughing jackass} (Zo["o]l.), the great brown kingfisher
({Dacelo gigas}), of Australia; -- called also {giant
kingfisher}, and {gogobera}.
{Laughing owl} (Zo["o]l.), a peculiar owl ({Sceloglaux
albifacies}) of New Zealand, said to be on the verge of
extinction. The name alludes to its notes.
Laughingly \Laugh"ing*ly\, adv.
With laughter or merriment.
Laughingstock \Laugh"ing*stock`\, n.
An object of ridicule; a butt of sport. --Shak.
When he talked, he talked nonsense, and made himself
the laughingstock of his hearers. --Macaulay.
Laughsome \Laugh"some\, a.
Exciting laughter; also, addicted to laughter; merry. [R.]
Laughter \Laugh"ter\, n. [AS. hleahtor; akin to OHG. hlahtar, G.
gel["a]chter, Icel. hl[=a]tr, Dan. latter. See {Laugh}, v. i.
]
A movement (usually involuntary) of the muscles of the face,
particularly of the lips, with a peculiar expression of the
eyes, indicating merriment, satisfaction, or derision, and
usually attended by a sonorous and interrupted expulsion of
air from the lungs. See {Laugh}, v. i.
The act of laughter, which is a sweet contraction of
the muscles of the face, and a pleasant agitation of
the vocal organs, is not merely, or totally within the
jurisdiction of ourselves. --Sir T.
Browne.
Archly the maiden smiled, and with eyes overrunning
with laughter. --Longfellow.
Laughterless \Laugh"ter*less\, a.
Not laughing; without laughter.
Laughworthy \Laugh"wor`thy\, a.
Deserving to be laughed at. [R.] --B. Jonson.
Laumontite \Lau"mont*ite\, n. [From Dr. Laumont, the
discoverer.] (Min.)
A mineral, of a white color and vitreous luster. It is a
hydrous silicate of alumina and lime. Exposed to the air, it
loses water, becomes opaque, and crumbles. [Written also
{laumonite}.]
Launce \Launce\, n.
A lance. [Obs.]
Launce \Launce\, n. [It. lance, L. lanx, lancis, plate, scale of
a balance. Cf. {Balance}.]
A balance. [Obs.]
Fortune all in equal launce doth sway. --Spenser.
Launce \Launce\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Lant}, the fish.
Launcegaye \Launce"gaye`\, n.
See {Langegaye}. [Obs.]
Launch \Launch\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Launched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Launching}.] [OE. launchen to throw as a lance, OF.
lanchier, another form of lancier, F. lancer, fr. lance
lance. See {Lance}.] [Written also {lanch}.]
1. To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.
2. To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce. [Obs.]
Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
--Spenser.
3. To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to
set afloat; as, to launch a ship.
With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship, And
rolled on levers, launched her in the deep. --Pope.
4. To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to
give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to
launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or
enterprise.
All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch
presbytery in England. --Eikon
Basilike.
Launch \Launch\, v. i.
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the
stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to
launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an
argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures;
-- often with out.
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a
draught. --Luke v. 4.
He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths.
--Prior.
Launch \Launch\, n.
1. The act of launching.
2. The movement of a vessel from land into the water;
especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which
it is built.
3. [Cf. Sp. lancha.] (Naut.) The boat of the largest size
belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size
driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like.
{Launching ways}. (Naut.) See {Way}, n. (Naut.).
Laund \Laund\ (l[add]nd), n. [See {Lawn} of grass.]
A plain sprinkled with trees or underbrush; a glade. [Obs.]
In a laund upon an hill of flowers. --Chaucer.
Through this laund anon the deer will come. --Shak.
Launder \Laun"der\, n. [Contracted fr. OE. lavender, F.
lavandi[`e]re, LL. lavandena, from L. lavare to wash. See
{Lave}.]
1. A washerwoman. [Obs.]
2. (Mining) A trough used by miners to receive the powdered
ore from the box where it is beaten, or for carrying water
to the stamps, or other apparatus, for comminuting, or
sorting, the ore.
Launder \Laun"der\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Laundered}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Laundering}.]
1. To wash, as clothes; to wash, and to smooth with a
flatiron or mangle; to wash and iron; as, to launder
shirts.
2. To lave; to wet. [Obs.] --Shak.
Launderer \Laun"der*er\, n.
One who follows the business of laundering.
Laundering \Laun"der*ing\, n.
The act, or occupation, of one who launders; washing and
ironing.
Laundress \Laun"dress\, n.
A woman whose employment is laundering.
Laundress \Laun"dress\, v. i.
To act as a laundress.[Obs.]
Laundry \Laun"dry\, n.; pl. {Laundries}. [OE. lavendrie, OF.
lavanderie. See {Launder}.]
1. A laundering; a washing.
2. A place or room where laundering is done.
Laundryman \Laun"dry*man\, n.; pl. {Laundrymen}.
A man who follows the business of laundering.
Laura \Lau"ra\, n. [LL., fr. Gr. (?) lane, defile, also, a kind
of monastery.] (R. C. Ch.)
A number of hermitages or cells in the same neighborhood
occupied by anchorites who were under the same superior. --C.
Kingsley.
Lauraceous \Lau*ra"ceous\, a. [From {Laurus}.] (Bot.)
Belonging to, or resembling, a natural order ({Laurace[ae]})
of trees and shrubs having aromatic bark and foliage, and
including the laurel, sassafras, cinnamon tree, true camphor
tree, etc.
Laurate \Lau"rate\, n. (Chem.)
A salt of lauric acid.
Laureate \Lau"re*ate\, a. [L. laureatus, fr. laurea laurel tree,
fr. laureus of laurel, fr. laurus laurel: cf. F. laur['e]at.
Cf. {Laurel}.]
Crowned, or decked, with laurel. --Chaucer.
To strew the laureate hearse where Lycid lies.
--Milton.
Soft on her lap her laureate son reclines. --Pope.
{Poet laureate}.
(b) One who received an honorable degree in grammar,
including poetry and rhetoric, at the English
universities; -- so called as being presented with a
wreath of laurel. [Obs.]
(b) Formerly, an officer of the king's household, whose
business was to compose an ode annually for the king's
birthday, and other suitable occasions; now, a poet
officially distinguished by such honorary title, the
office being a sinecure. It is said this title was first
given in the time of Edward IV. [Eng.]
Laureate \Lau"re*ate\, n.
One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate. ``A learned
laureate.'' --Cleveland.
Laureate \Lau"re*ate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Laureated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Laureating}.]
To honor with a wreath of laurel, as formerly was done in
bestowing a degree at the English universities.
Laureateship \Lau"re*ate*ship\, n.
State, or office, of a laureate.
Laureation \Lau`re*a"tion\, n. [Cf. F. laur['e]ation.]
The act of crowning with laurel; the act of conferring an
academic degree, or honorary title.
Laurel \Lau"rel\, n. [OE. lorel, laurer, lorer, OF. lorier,
laurier, F. laurier, (assumed) LL. Laurarius, fr. L. laurus.]
1. (Bot.) An evergreen shrub, of the genus {Laurus} ({L.
nobilis}), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape,
with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their
axils; -- called also {sweet bay}.
Note: The fruit is a purple berry. It is found about the
Mediterranean, and was early used by the ancient Greeks
to crown the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later
period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of
laurel, with the fruit. The leaves and tree yield an
aromatic oil, used to flavor the bay water of commerce.
Note: The name is extended to other plants which in some
respect resemble the true laurel. See Phrases, below.
2. A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; --
especially in the plural; as, to win laurels.
3. An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because
the king's head on it was crowned with laurel.
{Laurel water}, water distilled from the fresh leaves of the
cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other
products carried over in the process.
{American laurel}, or {Mountain laurel}, {Kalmia latifolia}.
See under {Mountain}.
{California laurel}, {Umbellularia Californica}.
{Cherry laurel} (in England called {laurel}). See under
{Cherry}.
{Great laurel}, the rosebay ({Rhododendron maximum}).
{Ground laurel}, trailing arbutus.
{New Zealand laurel}, {Laurelia Nov[ae] Zelandi[ae]}.
{Portugal laurel}, the {Prunus Lusitanica}.
{Rose laurel}, the oleander. See {Oleander}.
{Sheep laurel}, a poisonous shrub, {Kalmia angustifolia},
smaller than the mountain laurel, and with smaller and
redder flowers.
{Spurge laurel}, {Daphne Laureola}.
{West Indian laurel}, {Prunus occidentalis}.
Laureled \Lau"reled\, a.
Crowned with laurel, or with a laurel wreath; laureate.
[Written also {laurelled}.]
Laurentian \Lau*ren"tian\, a.
Pertaining to, or near, the St. Lawrence River; as, the
Laurentian hills.
{Laurentian period} (Geol.), the lower of the two divisions
of the Arch[ae]an age; -- called also {the Laurentian}.
Laurer \Lau"rer\, n.
Laurel. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Laurestine \Lau"res*tine\, n. [NL. lautus tinus, fr. L. laurus
the laurel + tinus laurestine. See {Laurel}.] (Bot.)
The {Viburnum Tinus}, an evergreen shrub or tree of the south
of Europe, which flowers during the winter mouths. [Written
also {laurustine} and {laurestina}.]
Lauric \Lau"ric\, a.
Pertaining to, or derived from, the European bay or laurel
({Laurus nobilis}).
{Lauric acid} (Chem.), a white, crystalline substance,
{C12H24O2}, resembling palmitic acid, and obtained from
the fruit of the bay tree, and other sources.
Lauriferous \Lau*rif"er*ous\, a. [L. laurifer; laurus + ferre to
bear.]
Producing, or bringing, laurel.
Laurin \Lau"rin\, n. [Cf. F. laurine.] (Chem.)
A white crystalline substance extracted from the fruit of the
bay ({Laurus nobilis}), and consisting of a complex mixture
of glycerin ethers of several organic acids.
Laurinol \Lau"ri*nol\, n. [Laurin + -ol.] (Chem.)
Ordinary camphor; -- so called in allusion to the family name
({Laurace[ae]}) of the camphor trees. See {Camphor}.
Lauriol \Lau"ri*ol\, n.
Spurge laurel. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Laurite \Lau"rite\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Min.)
A rare sulphide of osmium and ruthenium found with platinum
in Borneo and Oregon.
Laurone \Lau"rone\, n. [Lauric + -one.] (Chem.)
The ketone of lauric acid.
Laurus \Lau"rus\, n. [L., laurel.] (Bot.)
A genus of trees including, according to modern authors, only
the true laurel ({Laurus nobilis}), and the larger {L.
Canariensis} of Madeira and the Canary Islands. Formerly the
sassafras, the camphor tree, the cinnamon tree, and several
other aromatic trees and shrubs, were also referred to the
genus {Laurus}.
Laus \Laus\, a.
Loose. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lava \La"va\, n. [It. lava lava, orig. in Naples, a torrent of
rain overflowing the streets, fr. It. & L. lavare to wash.
See {Lave}.]
The melted rock ejected by a volcano from its top or fissured
sides. It flows out in streams sometimes miles in length. It
also issues from fissures in the earth's surface, and forms
beds covering many square miles, as in the Northwestern
United States.
Note: Lavas are classed, according to their structure, as
scoriaceous or cellular, glassy, stony, etc., and
according to the material of which they consist, as
doleritic, trachytic, etc.
{Lava millstone}, a hard and coarse basaltic millstone from
the neighborhood of the Rhine.
{Lava ware}, a kind of cheap pottery made of iron slag cast
into tiles, urns, table tops, etc., resembling lava in
appearance.
Lavaret \Lav"a*ret\, n. [F.] (Zo["o]l.)
A European whitefish ({Coregonus laveretus}), found in the
mountain lakes of Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland.
Lavatic \La*vat"ic\, a.
Like lava, or composed of lava; lavic.
Lavation \La*va"tion\, n. [L. lavatio: cf. OF. lavation.]
A washing or cleansing. [Obs. or R.]
Lavatory \Lav"a*to*ry\, a.
Washing, or cleansing by washing.
Lavatory \Lav"a*to*ry\, n.; pl. {Lavatories}. [L. lavatorium:
cf. lavatoire. See {Lave} to wash, and cf. {Laver}.]
1. A place for washing.
2. A basin or other vessel for washing in.
3. A wash or lotion for a diseased part.
4. A place where gold is obtained by washing.
Lavature \Lav"a*ture\ (?; 135), n.
A wash or lotion. [Obs.]
Lave \Lave\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Laved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Laving}.] [F. laver, L. lavare, akin to luere to wash, Gr.
?. Cf. {Ablution}, {Deluge}, {Lavender}, {Lava}, {Lotion}.]
To wash; to bathe; as, to lave a bruise.
His feet the foremost breakers lave. --Byron.
Lave \Lave\, v. i.
To bathe; to wash one's self.
In her chaste current oft the goddess laves. --Pope.
Lave \Lave\, v. t. [OE. laven. See {Lavish}.]
To lade, dip, or pour out. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Lave \Lave\, n. [AS. l[=a]f the remainder, what is left. ?. See
{Leave}.]
The remainder; others. [Scot.] --Bp. Hall.
Lave-eared \Lave"-eared`\, a. [Cf. W. llaf that extends round,
llipa flaccid, flapping, G. lapp flabby, lappohr flap ear.]
Having large, pendent ears. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Laveer \La*veer"\, v. i. [D. laveren.] (Naut.)
To beat against the wind; to tack. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Lavement \Lave"ment\, n. [F. lavement, fr. laver to wash.]
A washing or bathing; also, a clyster.
Lavender \Lav"en*der\, n. [OE. lavendre, F. lavande, It. lavanda
lavender, a washing, fr. L. lavare to wash; cf. It.
lsavendola, LL. lavendula. So called because it was used in
bathing and washing. See {Lave}. to wash, and cf.
{Lavender}.]
1. (Bot.) An aromatic plant of the genus {Lavandula} ({L.
vera}), common in the south of Europe. It yields and oil
used in medicine and perfumery. The {Spike lavender} ({L.
Spica}) yields a coarser oil (oil of spike), used in the
arts.
2. The pale, purplish color of lavender flowers, paler and
more delicate than lilac.
{Lavender cotton} (Bot.), a low, twiggy, aromatic shrub
({Santolina Cham[ae]cyparissus}) of the Mediterranean
region, formerly used as a vermifuge, etc., and still used
to keep moths from wardrobes. Also called {ground
cypress}.
{Lavender water}, a perfume composed of alcohol, essential
oil of lavender, essential oil of bergamot, and essence of
ambergris.
{Sea lavender}. (Bot.) See {Marsh rosemary}.
{To lay in lavender}.
(a) To lay away, as clothing, with sprigs of lavender.
(b) To pawn. [Obs.]
Laver \Lav"er\ (l[=a]"v[~e]r), n. [OE. lavour, F. lavoir, L.
lavatorium a washing place. See {Lavatory}.]
1. A vessel for washing; a large basin.
2. (Script. Hist.)
(a) A large brazen vessel placed in the court of the
Jewish tabernacle where the officiating priests washed
their hands and feet.
(b) One of several vessels in Solomon's Temple in which
the offerings for burnt sacrifices were washed.
3. That which washes or cleanses. --J. H. Newman.
Laver \Lav"er\, n. [From {Lave} to wash.]
One who laves; a washer. [Obs.]
Laver \La"ver\ (l[=a]"v[~e]r), n.
The fronds of certain marine alg[ae] used as food, and for
making a sauce called laver sauce. Green laver is the {Ulva
latissima}; purple laver, {Porphyra laciniata} and {P.
vulgaris}. It is prepared by stewing, either alone or with
other vegetables, and with various condiments; -- called also
{sloke}, or {sloakan}.
{Mountain laver} (Bot.), a reddish gelatinous alga of the
genus {Palmella}, found on the sides of mountains
Laverock \La"ver*ock\ (l[=a]"v[~e]r*[o^]k), n. [See {Lark} the
bird.]
The lark. [Old Eng. & Scot.] [Written also {lavrock}.]
--Gower.
Lavic \La"vic\ (l[aum]"v[i^]k), a.
See {Lavatic}.
Lavish \Lav"ish\ (l[a^]v"[i^]sh), a. [Akin to E. lave to lade
out; cf. AS. gelafian to refresh, G. laben.]
1. Expending or bestowing profusely; profuse; prodigal; as,
lavish of money; lavish of praise.
2. Superabundant; excessive; as, lavish spirits.
Let her have needful, but not lavish, means. --Shak.
Syn: Profuse; prodigal; wasteful; extravagant; exuberant;
immoderate. See {Profuse}.
Lavish \Lav"ish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lavished} (-[i^]sht); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lavishing}.]
To expend or bestow with profusion; to use with prodigality;
to squander; as, to lavish money or praise.
Lavisher \Lav"ish*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who lavishes.
Lavishly \Lav"ish*ly\, adv.
In a lavish manner.
Lavishment \Lav"ish*ment\ (-ment), n.
The act of lavishing.
Lavishness \Lav"ish*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being lavish.
Lavoesium \La*v[oe]"si*um\, n. [NL., fr. Lavoisier, the
celebrated French chemist.] (Chem.)
A supposed new metallic element. It is said to have been
discovered in pyrites, and some other minerals, and to be of
a silver-white color, and malleable.
Lavolt \La*volt"\, Lavolta \La*vol"ta\, n. [It. la volta the
turn, turning, whirl. Cf. {Volt} of a horse, {Volta}.]
An old dance, for two persons, being a kind of waltz, in
which the woman made a high spring or bound. --Shak.
Lavoltateer \La*vol`ta*teer"\, n.
A dancer of the lavolta.
Lavour \Lav"our\, n.
A laver. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lavrock \La"vrock\, n.
Same as {Laverock}.
Law \Law\ (l[add]), n. [OE. lawe, laghe, AS. lagu, from the root
of E. lie: akin to OS. lag, Icel. l["o]g, Sw. lag, Dan. lov;
cf. L. lex, E. legal. A law is that which is laid, set, or
fixed; like statute, fr. L. statuere to make to stand. See
{Lie} to be prostrate.]
1. In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by
an authority able to enforce its will; a controlling
regulation; the mode or order according to which an agent
or a power acts.
Note: A law may be universal or particular, written or
unwritten, published or secret. From the nature of the
highest laws a degree of permanency or stability is
always implied; but the power which makes a law, or a
superior power, may annul or change it.
These are the statutes and judgments and law,
which the Lord made. --Lev. xxvi.
46.
The law of thy God, and the law of the King.
--Ezra vii.
26.
As if they would confine the Interminable . . .
Who made our laws to bind us, not himself.
--Milton.
His mind his kingdom, and his will his law.
--Cowper.
2. In morals: The will of God as the rule for the disposition
and conduct of all responsible beings toward him and
toward each other; a rule of living, conformable to
righteousness; the rule of action as obligatory on the
conscience or moral nature.
3. The Jewish or Mosaic code, and that part of Scripture
where it is written, in distinction from the gospel;
hence, also, the Old Testament.
What things soever the law saith, it saith to them
who are under the law . . . But now the
righteousness of God without the law is manifested,
being witnessed by the law and the prophets. --Rom.
iii. 19, 21.
4. In human government:
(a) An organic rule, as a constitution or charter,
establishing and defining the conditions of the
existence of a state or other organized community.
(b) Any edict, decree, order, ordinance, statute,
resolution, judicial, decision, usage, etc., or
recognized, and enforced, by the controlling
authority.
5. In philosophy and physics: A rule of being, operation, or
change, so certain and constant that it is conceived of as
imposed by the will of God or by some controlling
authority; as, the law of gravitation; the laws of motion;
the law heredity; the laws of thought; the laws of cause
and effect; law of self-preservation.
6. In matematics: The rule according to which anything, as
the change of value of a variable, or the value of the
terms of a series, proceeds; mode or order of sequence.
7. In arts, works, games, etc.: The rules of construction, or
of procedure, conforming to the conditions of success; a
principle, maxim; or usage; as, the laws of poetry, of
architecture, of courtesy, or of whist.
8. Collectively, the whole body of rules relating to one
subject, or emanating from one source; -- including
usually the writings pertaining to them, and judicial
proceedings under them; as, divine law; English law; Roman
law; the law of real property; insurance law.
9. Legal science; jurisprudence; the principles of equity;
applied justice.
Reason is the life of the law; nay, the common law
itself is nothing else but reason. --Coke.
Law is beneficence acting by rule. --Burke.
And sovereign Law, that state's collected will O'er
thrones and globes elate, Sits empress, crowning
good, repressing ill. --Sir W.
Jones.
10. Trial by the laws of the land; judicial remedy;
litigation; as, to go law.
When every case in law is right. --Shak.
He found law dear and left it cheap. --Brougham.
11. An oath, as in the presence of a court. [Obs.] See {Wager
of law}, under {Wager}.
{Avogadro's law} (Chem.), a fundamental conception, according
to which, under similar conditions of temperature and
pressure, all gases and vapors contain in the same volume
the same number of ultimate molecules; -- so named after
Avogadro, an Italian scientist. Sometimes called
{Amp[`e]re's law}.
{Bode's law} (Astron.), an approximative empirical expression
of the distances of the planets from the sun, as follows:
-- Mer. Ven. Earth. Mars. Aste. Jup. Sat. Uran. Nep. 4 4 4
4 4 4 4 4 4 0 3 6 12 24 48 96 192 384 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
--- --- 4 7 10 16 28 52 100 196 388 5.9 7.3 10 15.2 27.4
52 95.4 192 300 where each distance (line third) is the
sum of 4 and a multiple of 3 by the series 0, 1, 2, 4, 8,
etc., the true distances being given in the lower line.
{Boyle's law} (Physics), an expression of the fact, that when
an elastic fluid is subjected to compression, and kept at
a constant temperature, the product of the pressure and
volume is a constant quantity, i. e., the volume is
inversely proportioned to the pressure; -- known also as
{Mariotte's law}, and the {law of Boyle and Mariotte}.
{Brehon laws}. See under {Brehon}.
{Canon law}, the body of ecclesiastical law adopted in the
Christian Church, certain portions of which (for example,
the law of marriage as existing before the Council of
Tent) were brought to America by the English colonists as
part of the common law of the land. --Wharton.
{Civil law}, a term used by writers to designate Roman law,
with modifications thereof which have been made in the
different countries into which that law has been
introduced. The civil law, instead of the common law,
prevails in the State of Louisiana. --Wharton.
{Commercial law}. See {Law merchant} (below).
{Common law}. See under {Common}.
{Criminal law}, that branch of jurisprudence which relates to
crimes.
{Ecclesiastical law}. See under {Ecclesiastical}.
{Grimm's law} (Philol.), a statement (propounded by the
German philologist Jacob Grimm) of certain regular changes
which the primitive Indo-European mute consonants,
so-called (most plainly seen in Sanskrit and, with some
changes, in Greek and Latin), have undergone in the
Teutonic languages. Examples: Skr. bh[=a]tr, L. frater, E.
brother, G. bruder; L. tres, E. three, G. drei, Skr. go,
E. cow, G. kuh; Skr. dh[=a] to put, Gr. ti-qe`-nai, E. do,
OHG, tuon, G. thun.
{Kepler's laws} (Astron.), three important laws or
expressions of the order of the planetary motions,
discovered by John Kepler. They are these: (1) The orbit
of a planet with respect to the sun is an ellipse, the sun
being in one of the foci. (2) The areas swept over by a
vector drawn from the sun to a planet are proportioned to
the times of describing them. (3) The squares of the times
of revolution of two planets are in the ratio of the cubes
of their mean distances.
{Law binding}, a plain style of leather binding, used for law
books; -- called also {law calf}.
{Law book}, a book containing, or treating of, laws.
{Law calf}. See {Law binding} (above).
{Law day}.
(a) Formerly, a day of holding court, esp. a court-leet.
(b) The day named in a mortgage for the payment of the
money to secure which it was given. [U. S.]
{Law French}, the dialect of Norman, which was used in
judicial proceedings and law books in England from the
days of William the Conqueror to the thirty-sixth year of
Edward III.
{Law language}, the language used in legal writings and
forms.
{Law Latin}. See under {Latin}.
{Law lords}, peers in the British Parliament who have held
high judicial office, or have been noted in the legal
profession.
{Law merchant}, or {Commercial law}, a system of rules by
which trade and commerce are regulated; -- deduced from
the custom of merchants, and regulated by judicial
decisions, as also by enactments of legislatures.
{Law of Charles} (Physics), the law that the volume of a
given mass of gas increases or decreases, by a definite
fraction of its value for a given rise or fall of
temperature; -- sometimes less correctly styled {Gay
Lussac's law}, or {Dalton's law}.
{Law of nations}. See {International law}, under
{International}.
{Law of nature}.
(a) A broad generalization expressive of the constant
action, or effect, of natural conditions; as, death
is a law of nature; self-defense is a law of nature.
See {Law}, 4.
(b) A term denoting the standard, or system, of morality
deducible from a study of the nature and natural
relations of human beings independent of supernatural
revelation or of municipal and social usages.
{Law of the land}, due process of law; the general law of the
land.
{Laws of honor}. See under {Honor}.
{Laws of motion} (Physics), three laws defined by Sir Isaac
Newton: (1) Every body perseveres in its state of rest or
of moving uniformly in a straight line, except so far as
it is made to change that state by external force. (2)
Change of motion is proportional to the impressed force,
and takes place in the direction in which the force is
impressed. (3) Reaction is always equal and opposite to
action, that is to say, the actions of two bodies upon
each other are always equal and in opposite directions.
{Marine law}, or {Maritime law}, the law of the sea; a branch
of the law merchant relating to the affairs of the sea,
such as seamen, ships, shipping, navigation, and the like.
--Bouvier.
{Mariotte's law}. See {Boyle's law} (above).
{Martial law}.See under {Martial}.
{Military law}, a branch of the general municipal law,
consisting of rules ordained for the government of the
military force of a state in peace and war, and
administered in courts martial. --Kent. Warren's
Blackstone.
{Moral law},the law of duty as regards what is right and
wrong in the sight of God; specifically, the ten
commandments given by Moses. See {Law}, 2.
{Mosaic}, or {Ceremonial}, {law}. (Script.) See {Law}, 3.
{Municipal}, or {Positive}, {law}, a rule prescribed by the
supreme power of a state, declaring some right, enforcing
some duty, or prohibiting some act; -- distinguished from
international and constitutional law. See {Law}, 1.
{Periodic law}. (Chem.) See under {Periodic}.
{Roman law}, the system of principles and laws found in the
codes and treatises of the lawmakers and jurists of
ancient Rome, and incorporated more or less into the laws
of the several European countries and colonies founded by
them. See {Civil law} (above).
{Statute law}, the law as stated in statutes or positive
enactments of the legislative body.
{Sumptuary law}. See under {Sumptuary}.
{To go to law}, to seek a settlement of any matter by
bringing it before the courts of law; to sue or prosecute
some one.
{To} {take, or have}, {the law of}, to bring the law to bear
upon; as, to take the law of one's neighbor. --Addison.
{Wager of law}. See under {Wager}.
Syn: Justice; equity.
Usage: {Law}, {Statute}, {Common law}, {Regulation}, {Edict},
{Decree}. Law is generic, and, when used with
reference to, or in connection with, the other words
here considered, denotes whatever is commanded by one
who has a right to require obedience. A statute is a
particular law drawn out in form, and distinctly
enacted and proclaimed. Common law is a rule of action
founded on long usage and the decisions of courts of
justice. A regulation is a limited and often,
temporary law, intended to secure some particular end
or object. An edict is a command or law issued by a
sovereign, and is peculiar to a despotic government. A
decree is a permanent order either of a court or of
the executive government. See {Justice}.
Law \Law\, v. t.
Same as {Lawe}, v. t. [Obs.]
Law \Law\, interj. [Cf. {La}.]
An exclamation of mild surprise. [Archaic or Low]
Law-abiding \Law"-a*bid`ing\, a.
Abiding the law; waiting for the operation of law for the
enforcement of rights; also, abiding by the law; obedient to
the law; as, law-abiding people.
Lawbreaker \Law"break`er\, n.
One who disobeys the law; a criminal. -- {Law"break`ing}, n.
& a.
Lawe \Lawe\, v. t. [See 2d {Lawing}.]
To cut off the claws and balls of, as of a dog's fore feet.
--Wright.
Lawer \Law"er\, n.
A lawyer. [Obs.] --Bale.
Lawful \Law"ful\, a.
1. Conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent.
2. Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful
owner of lands.
{Lawful age}, the age when the law recognizes one's right of
independent action; majority; -- generally the age of
twenty-one years.
Note: In some of the States, and for some purposes, a woman
attains lawful age at eighteen. --Abbott.
Syn: Legal; constitutional; allowable; regular; rightful.
Usage: {Lawful}, {Legal}. Lawful means conformable to the
principle, spirit, or essence of the law, and is
applicable to moral as well as juridical law. Legal
means conformable to the letter or rules of the law as
it is administered in the courts; conformable to
juridical law. Legal is often used as antithetical to
equitable, but lawful is seldom used in that sense. --
{Law"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Law"ful*ness}, n.
Lawgiver \Law"giv`er\, n.
One who makes or enacts a law or system of laws; a
legislator.
Lawgiving \Law"giv`ing\, a.
Enacting laws; legislative.
Lawing \Law"ing\, n.
Going to law; litigation. --Holinshed.
Lawing \Law"ing\, n. [So called because done in compliance with
an English forest law.]
Expeditation. --Blackstone.
Lawless \Law"less\, a.
1. Contrary to, or unauthorized by, law; illegal; as, a
lawless claim.
He needs no indirect nor lawless course. --Shak.
2. Not subject to, or restrained by, the law of morality or
of society; as, lawless men or behavior.
3. Not subject to the laws of nature; uncontrolled.
Or, meteorlike, flame lawless through the void.
--Pope.
-- {Law"less*ly}, adv. -- {Law"less*ness}, n.
Lawmaker \Law"mak`er\, n.
A legislator; a lawgiver.
Lammaking \Lam"mak`ing\, a.
Enacting laws; legislative. -- n. The enacting of laws;
legislation.
Lawmonger \Law"mon`ger\, n.
A trader in law; one who practices law as if it were a trade.
--Milton.
Lawn \Lawn\, n. [OE. laund, launde, F. lande heath, moor; of
Celtic origin; cf. W. llan an open, clear place, llawnt a
smooth rising hill, lawn, Armor. lann or lan territory,
country, lann a prickly plant, pl. lannou heath, moor.]
1. An open space between woods. --Milton.
``Orchard lawns and bowery hollows.'' --Tennyson.
2. Ground (generally in front of or around a house) covered
with grass kept closely mown.
{Lawn mower}, a machine for clipping the short grass of
lawns.
{Lawn tennis}, a variety of the game of tennis, played in the
open air, sometimes upon a lawn, instead of in a tennis
court. See {Tennis}.
Lawm \Lawm\, n. [Earlier laune lynen, i. e., lawn linen; prob.
from the town Laon in France.]
A very fine linen (or sometimes cotton) fabric with a rather
open texture. Lawn is used for the sleeves of a bishop's
official dress in the English Church, and, figuratively,
stands for the office itself.
A saint in crape is twice in lawn. --Pope.
Lawnd \Lawnd\, n. [Obs.]
See {Laund}.
Lawny \Lawn"y\, a.
Having a lawn; characterized by a lawn or by lawns; like a
lawn.
Musing through the lawny park. --T. Warton.
Lawny \Lawn"y\, a.
Made of lawn or fine linen. --Bp. Hall.
Lawsonia \Law*so"ni*a\, n. (Bot.)
An Asiatic and North African shrub ({Lawsonia inermis}), with
smooth oval leaves, and fragrant white flowers. Henna is
prepared from the leaves and twigs. In England the shrub is
called {Egyptian privet}, and in the West Indies, {Jamaica
mignonette}.
Lawsuit \Law"suit`\, n.
An action at law; a suit in equity or admiralty; any legal
proceeding before a court for the enforcement of a claim.
Lawyer \Law"yer\, n. [From {Law}, like bowyer, fr. bow.]
1. One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one
whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to
advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to
legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a
general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors,
solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The black-necked stilt. See {Stilt}.
(b) The bowfin ({Amia calva}).
(c) The burbot ({Lota maculosa}).
Lawyerlike \Law"yer*like`\, Lawyerly \Law"yer*ly\, a.
Like, or becoming, a lawyer; as, lawyerlike sagacity.
``Lawyerly mooting of this point.'' --Milton.
Lax \Lax\, a. [Compar. {Laxer}; superl. {Laxest}.] [L. laxus Cf.
{Laches}, {Languish}, {Lease}, v. t., {Leash}.]
1. Not tense, firm, or rigid; loose; slack; as, a lax
bandage; lax fiber.
The flesh of that sort of fish being lax and spongy.
--Ray.
2. Not strict or stringent; not exact; loose; weak; vague;
equivocal.
The discipline was lax. --Macaulay.
Society at that epoch was lenient, if not lax, in
matters of the passions. --J. A.
Symonds.
The word ``[ae]ternus'' itself is sometimes of a lax
signification. --Jortin.
3. Having a looseness of the bowels; diarrheal.
Syn: Loose; slack; vague; unconfined; unrestrained;
dissolute; licentious.
Lax \Lax\, n.
A looseness; diarrhea.
Laxation \Lax*a"tion\, n. [L. laxatio, fr. laxare to loosen, fr.
laxus loose, slack.]
The act of loosening or slackening, or the state of being
loosened or slackened.
Laxative \Lax"a*tive\, a. [L. laxativus mitigating, assuaging:
cf. F. laxatif. See {Lax}, a.]
1. Having a tendency to loosen or relax. --Milton.
2. (Med.) Having the effect of loosening or opening the
intestines, and relieving from constipation; -- opposed to
{astringent}. -- n. (Med.) A laxative medicine. See the
Note under {Cathartic}.
Laxativeness \Lax"a*tive*ness\, n.
The quality of being laxative.
Laxator \Lax*a"tor\, n. [NL., fr. L. laxare, laxatum, to
loosen.] (Anat.)
That which loosens; -- esp., a muscle which by its
contraction loosens some part.
Laxity \Lax"i*ty\ (l[a^]ks"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L. laxitas, fr.
laxus loose, slack: cf. F. laxit['e], See {Lax}, a.]
The state or quality of being lax; want of tenseness,
strictness, or exactness.
Laxly \Lax"ly\, adv.
In a lax manner.
Laxness \Lax"ness\, n.
The state of being lax; laxity.
Lay \Lay\, imp.
of {Lie}, to recline.
Lay \Lay\, a. [F. lai, L. laicus, Gr. ? of or from the people,
lay, from ?, ?, people. Cf. {Laic}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the laity, as distinct from the
clergy; as, a lay person; a lay preacher; a lay brother.
2. Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.[Obs.]
3. Not belonging to, or emanating from, a particular
profession; unprofessional; as, a lay opinion regarding
the nature of a disease.
{Lay baptism} (Eccl.), baptism administered by a lay person.
--F. G. Lee.
{Lay brother} (R. C. Ch.), one received into a convent of
monks under the three vows, but not in holy orders.
{Lay clerk} (Eccl.), a layman who leads the responses of the
congregation, etc., in the church service. --Hook.
{Lay days} (Com.), time allowed in a charter party for taking
in and discharging cargo. --McElrath.
{Lay elder}. See 2d {Elder}, 3, note.
Lay \Lay\, n.
The laity; the common people. [Obs.]
The learned have no more privilege than the lay. --B.
Jonson.
Lay \Lay\, n.
A meadow. See {Lea}. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Lay \Lay\, n. [OF. lei faith, law, F. loi law. See {Legal}.]
1. Faith; creed; religious profession. [Obs.]
Of the sect to which that he was born He kept his
lay, to which that he was sworn. --Chaucer.
2. A law. [Obs.] ``Many goodly lays.'' --Spenser.
3. An obligation; a vow. [Obs.]
They bound themselves by a sacred lay and oath. --
Holland.
Lay \Lay\, a. [OF. lai, lais, prob. of Celtic origin; cf. Ir.
laoi, laoidh, song, poem, OIr. laoidh poem, verse; but cf.
also AS. l[=a]c play, sport, G. leich a sort of poem (cf.
{Lake} to sport). ?.]
1. A song; a simple lyrical poem; a ballad. --Spenser. Sir W.
Scott.
2. A melody; any musical utterance.
The throstle cock made eke his lay. --Chaucer.
Lay \Lay\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Laid}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Laying}.] [OE. leggen, AS. lecgan, causative, fr. licgan to
lie; akin to D. leggen, G. legen, Icel. leggja, Goth. lagjan.
See {Lie} to be prostrate.]
1. To cause to lie down, to be prostrate, or to lie against
something; to put or set down; to deposit; as, to lay a
book on the table; to lay a body in the grave; a shower
lays the dust.
A stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the
den. --Dan. vi. 17.
Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid. --Milton.
2. To place in position; to establish firmly; to arrange with
regularity; to dispose in ranks or tiers; as, to lay a
corner stone; to lay bricks in a wall; to lay the covers
on a table.
3. To prepare; to make ready; to contrive; to provide; as, to
lay a snare, an ambush, or a plan.
4. To spread on a surface; as, to lay plaster or paint.
5. To cause to be still; to calm; to allay; to suppress; to
exorcise, as an evil spirit.
After a tempest when the winds are laid. --Waller.
6. To cause to lie dead or dying.
Brave C[ae]neus laid Ortygius on the plain, The
victor C[ae]neus was by Turnus slain. --Dryden.
7. To deposit, as a wager; to stake; to risk.
I dare lay mine honor He will remain so. --Shak.
8. To bring forth and deposit; as, to lay eggs.
9. To apply; to put.
She layeth her hands to the spindle. --Prov. xxxi.
19.
10. To impose, as a burden, suffering, or punishment; to
assess, as a tax; as, to lay a tax on land.
The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
--Is. Iiii. 6.
11. To impute; to charge; to allege.
God layeth not folly to them. --Job xxiv.
12.
Lay the fault on us. --Shak.
12. To impose, as a command or a duty; as, to lay commands on
one.
13. To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a
particular county; to lay a scheme before one.
14. (Law) To state; to allege; as, to lay the venue.
--Bouvier.
15. (Mil.) To point; to aim; as, to lay a gun.
16. (Rope Making) To put the strands of (a rope, a cable,
etc.) in their proper places and twist or unite them; as,
to lay a cable or rope.
17. (Print.)
(a) To place and arrange (pages) for a form upon the
imposing stone.
(b) To place (new type) properly in the cases.
{To lay asleep}, to put sleep; to make unobservant or
careless. --Bacon.
{To lay bare}, to make bare; to strip.
And laid those proud roofs bare to summer's rain.
--Byron.
{To lay before}, to present to; to submit for consideration;
as, the papers are laid before Congress.
{To lay by}.
(a) To save.
(b) To discard.
Let brave spirits . . . not be laid by.
--Bacon.
{To lay by the heels}, to put in the stocks. --Shak.
{To lay down}.
(a) To stake as a wager.
(b) To yield; to relinquish; to surrender; as, to lay
down one's life; to lay down one's arms.
(c) To assert or advance, as a proposition or principle.
{To lay forth}.
(a) To extend at length; (reflexively) to exert one's
self; to expatiate. [Obs.]
(b) To lay out (as a corpse). [Obs.] --Shak.
{To lay hands on}, to seize.
{To lay hands on one's self}, or {To lay violent hands on
one's self}, to injure one's self; specif., to commit
suicide.
{To lay heads together}, to consult.
{To lay hold of}, or {To lay hold on}, to seize; to catch.
{To lay in}, to store; to provide.
{To lay it on}, to apply without stint. --Shak.
{To lay on}, to apply with force; to inflict; as, to lay on
blows.
{To lay on load}, to lay on blows; to strike violently. [Obs.
or Archaic]
{To lay one's self out}, to strive earnestly.
No selfish man will be concerned to lay out himself
for the good of his country. --Smalridge.
{To lay one's self open to}, to expose one's self to, as to
an accusation.
{To lay open}, to open; to uncover; to expose; to reveal.
{To lay over}, to spread over; to cover.
{To lay out}.
(a) To expend. --Macaulay.
(b) To display; to discover.
(c) To plan in detail; to arrange; as, to lay out a
garden.
(d) To prepare for burial; as, to lay out a corpse.
(e) To exert; as, to lay out all one's strength.
{To lay siege to}.
(a) To besiege; to encompass with an army.
(b) To beset pertinaciously.
{To lay the course} (Naut.), to sail toward the port intended
without jibing.
{To lay the land} (Naut.), to cause it to disappear below the
horizon, by sailing away from it.
{To lay to}
(a) To charge upon; to impute.
(b) To apply with vigor.
(c) To attack or harass. [Obs.] --Knolles.
(d) (Naut.) To check the motion of (a vessel) and cause
it to be stationary.
{To lay to heart}, to feel deeply; to consider earnestly.
{To lay under}, to subject to; as, to lay under obligation or
restraint.
{To lay unto}.
(a) Same as {To lay to} (above).
(b) To put before. --Hos. xi. 4.
{To lay up}.
(a) To store; to reposit for future use.
(b) To confine; to disable.
(c) To dismantle, and retire from active service, as a
ship.
{To lay wait for}, to lie in ambush for.
{To lay waste}, to destroy; to make desolate; as, to lay
waste the land.
Syn: See {Put}, v. t., and the Note under 4th {Lie}.
Lay \Lay\, v. i.
1. To produce and deposit eggs.
2. (Naut.) To take a position; to come or go; as, to lay
forward; to lay aloft.
3. To lay a wager; to bet.
{To lay about}, or {To lay about one}, to strike vigorously
in all directions. --J. H. Newman.
{To lay at}, to strike or strike at. --Spenser.
{To lay for}, to prepare to capture or assault; to lay wait
for. [Colloq.] --Bp Hall.
{To lay in for}, to make overtures for; to engage or secure
the possession of. [Obs.] ``I have laid in for these.''
--Dryden.
{To lay on}, to strike; to beat; to attack. --Shak.
{To lay out}, to purpose; to plan; as, he lays out to make a
journey.
Lay \Lay\, n.
1. That which lies or is laid or is conceived of as having
been laid or placed in its position; a row; a stratum; a
layer; as, a lay of stone or wood. --Addison.
A viol should have a lay of wire strings below.
--Bacon.
Note: The lay of a rope is right-handed or left-handed
according to the hemp or strands are laid up. See
{Lay}, v. t., 16. The lay of land is its topographical
situation, esp. its slope and its surface features.
2. A wager. ``My fortunes against any lay worth naming.''
3.
(a) A job, price, or profit. [Prov. Eng.] --Wright.
(b) A share of the proceeds or profits of an enterprise;
as, when a man ships for a whaling voyage, he agrees
for a certain lay. [U. S.]
4. (Textile Manuf.)
(a) A measure of yarn; a lea. See 1st {Lea}
(a) .
(b) The lathe of a loom. See {Lathe}, 3.
5. A plan; a scheme. [Slang] --Dickens.
{Lay figure}.
(a) A jointed model of the human body that may be put in
any attitude; -- used for showing the disposition of
drapery, etc.
(b) A mere puppet; one who serves the will of others
without independent volition.
{Lay race}, that part of a lay on which the shuttle travels
in weaving; -- called also {shuttle race}.
Layer \Lay"er\, n. [See {Lay} to cause to lie flat.]
1. One who, or that which, lays.
2. [Prob. a corruption of lair.] That which is laid; a
stratum; a bed; one thickness, course, or fold laid over
another; as, a layer of clay or of sand in the earth; a
layer of bricks, or of plaster; the layers of an onion.
3. A shoot or twig of a plant, not detached from the stock,
laid under ground for growth or propagation.
4. An artificial oyster bed.
Layering \Lay"er*ing\, n.
A propagating by layers. --Gardner.
Laying \Lay"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who, or that which, lays.
2. The act or period of laying eggs; the eggs laid for one
incubation; a clutch.
3. The first coat on laths of plasterer's two-coat work.
Layland \Lay"land`\, n. [Lay a meadow + land.]
Land lying untilled; fallow ground. [Obs.] --Blount.
Layman \Lay"man\n.; pl. {Laymen}. [Lay, adj. + man.]
1. One of the people, in distinction from the clergy; one of
the laity; sometimes, a man not belonging to some
particular profession, in distinction from those who do.
Being a layman, I ought not to have concerned myself with
speculations which belong to the profession. --Dryden.
2. A lay figure. See under {Lay}, n. (above). --Dryden
Layner \Lay"ner\, n.[See {Lanier}.]
A whiplash. [Obs.]
Layship \Lay"ship\, n.
The condition of being a layman. [Obs.] --Milton.
Laystall \Lay"stall`\, n.
1. A place where rubbish, dung, etc., are laid or
deposited.[Obs.] --B. Jonson.
Smithfield was a laystall of all ordure and filth.
--Bacon.
2. A place where milch cows are kept, or cattle on the way to
market are lodged. [Obs.]
Lazar \La"zar\, n. [OF. lazare, fr. Lazarus the beggar. Luke
xvi. 20.]
A person infected with a filthy or pestilential disease; a
leper. --Chaucer.
Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay. -- Spenser.
{Lazar house} a lazaretto; also, a hospital for quarantine.
Lazaret \Laz`a*ret"\, Lazaretto \Laz`a*ret"to\, n. [F. lazaret,
or It. lazzeretto, fr. Lazarus. See {Lazar}.]
A public building, hospital, or pesthouse for the reception
of diseased persons, particularly those affected with
contagious diseases.
Lazarist \Laz"a*rist\, Lazarite \Laz"a*rite\, n. (R. C. Ch.)
One of the Congregation of the Priests of the Mission, a
religious institute founded by Vincent de Paul in 1624, and
popularly called Lazarists or Lazarites from the College of
St. Lazare in Paris, which was occupied by them until 1792.
Lazarlike \La"zar*like`\, Lazarly \La"zar*ly\, a.
Full of sores; leprous. --Shak. Bp. Hall.
Lazaroni \Laz`a*ro"ni\, n. pl.
See {Lazzaroni}.
Lazarwort \La"zar*wort`\, n. (Bot.)
Laserwort.
Laze \Laze\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lazed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lazing}.] [See {Lazy}.]
To be lazy or idle. [Colloq.] -- Middleton.
Laze \Laze\, v. t.
To waste in sloth; to spend, as time, in idleness; as, to
laze away whole days. [Colloq.]
Lazily \La"zi*ly\, adv.
In a lazy manner. --Locke.
Laziness \La"zi*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being lazy.
Laziness travels so slowly, that Poverty soon overtakes
him. --Franklin.
Lazuli \Laz"u*li\, n.[F. & NL. lapis lazuli, LL. lazulus,
lazurius, lazur from the same Oriental source as E. azure.
See {Azure}.] (Min.)
A mineral of a fine azure-blue color, usually in small
rounded masses. It is essentially a silicate of alumina,
lime, and soda, with some sodium sulphide, is often marked by
yellow spots or veins of sulphide of iron, and is much valued
for ornamental work. Called also {lapis lazuli}, and
{Armenian stone}.
Lazulite \Laz"u*lite\, n. [From lazuli : cf. F. lazulite, G.
lazulith.] (Min.)
A mineral of a light indigo-blue color, occurring in small
masses, or in monoclinic crystals; blue spar. It is a hydrous
phosphate of alumina and magnesia.
Lazy \La"zy\, a. [Compar. {Lazier}; superl. {Laziest}.] [OE.
lasie, laesic, of uncertain origin; cf. F. las tired, L.
lassus, akin to E. late; or cf. LG. losig, lesig.]
1. Disinclined to action or exertion; averse to labor; idle;
shirking work. --Bacon.
2. Inactive; slothful; slow; sluggish; as, a lazy stream.
``The night owl's lazy flight.'' --Shak.
3. Wicked; vicious. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] --B. Jonson.
{Lazy tongs}, a system of jointed bars capable of great
extension, originally made for picking up something at a
distance, now variously applied in machinery.
Syn: Idle; indolent; sluggish; slothful. See {Idle}.
Lazyback \La"zy*back`\, n.
A support for the back, attached to the seat of a carriage.
[Colloq.]
Lazybones \La"zy*bones`\, n.
A lazy person. [Colloq.]
Lazzaroni \Laz`za*ro"ni\ (?; It. ?), n. pl. [It. lazzarone, pl.
lazzaroni.]
The homeless idlers of Naples who live by chance work or
begging; -- so called from the Hospital of St. Lazarus, which
serves as their refuge. [Written also, but improperly,
{lazaroni}.]
Lea \Lea\, n. [Cf. {Lay}, n. (that which is laid), 4.] (Textile
Manuf.)
(a) A measure of yarn; for linen, 300 yards; for cotton, 120
yards; a lay.
(b) A set of warp threads carried by a loop of the heddle.
Lea \Lea\, n. [OE. ley, lay, As. le['a]h, le['a]; akin to Prov.
G. lon bog, morass, grove, and perh. to L. lucus grove, E.
light, n.]
A meadow or sward land; a grassy field. ``Plow-torn leas.''
--Shak.
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea. --Gray.
Leach \Leach\, n. (Naut.)
See 3d {Leech}.
Leach \Leach\, n. [Written also {letch}.] [Cf. As. le['a]h lye,
G. lauge. See {Lye}.]
1. A quantity of wood ashes, through which water passes, and
thus imbibes the alkali.
2. A tub or vat for leaching ashes, bark, etc.
{Leach tub}, a wooden tub in which ashes are leached.
Leach \Leach\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leached}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leaching}.] [Written also leech and letch.]
1. To remove the soluble constituents from by subjecting to
the action of percolating water or other liquid; as, to
leach ashes or coffee.
2. To dissolve out; -- often used with out; as, to leach out
alkali from ashes.
Leach \Leach\, v. i.
To part with soluble constituents by percolation.
Leach \Leach\, n.
See {Leech}, a physician. [Obs.]
Leachy \Leach"y\, a.
Permitting liquids to pass by percolation; not capable of
retaining water; porous; pervious; -- said of gravelly or
sandy soils, and the like.
Lead \Lead\ (l[e^]d), n. [OE. led, leed, lead, AS. le['a]d; akin
to D. lood, MHG. l[=o]t, G. loth plummet, sounding lead,
small weight, Sw. & Dan. lod. [root]123]
1. (Chem.) One of the elements, a heavy, pliable, inelastic
metal, having a bright, bluish color, but easily
tarnished. It is both malleable and ductile, though with
little tenacity, and is used for tubes, sheets, bullets,
etc. Its specific gravity is 11.37. It is easily fusible,
forms alloys with other metals, and is an ingredient of
solder and type metal. Atomic weight, 206.4. Symbol Pb (L.
Plumbum). It is chiefly obtained from the mineral galena,
lead sulphide.
2. An article made of lead or an alloy of lead; as:
(a) A plummet or mass of lead, used in sounding at sea.
(b) (Print.) A thin strip of type metal, used to separate
lines of type in printing.
(c) Sheets or plates of lead used as a covering for roofs;
hence, pl., a roof covered with lead sheets or terne
plates.
I would have the tower two stories, and goodly
leads upon the top. --Bacon
3. A small cylinder of black lead or plumbago, used in
pencils.
{Black lead}, graphite or plumbago; -- so called from its
leadlike appearance and streak. [Colloq.]
{Coasting lead}, a sounding lead intermediate in weight
between a hand lead and deep-sea lead.
{Deep-sea lead}, the heaviest of sounding leads, used in
water exceeding a hundred fathoms in depth. --Ham. Nav.
Encyc.
{Hand lead}, a small lead use for sounding in shallow water.
{Krems lead}, {Kremnitz lead} [so called from Krems or
Kremnitz, in Austria], a pure variety of white lead,
formed into tablets, and called also {Krems, or Kremnitz,
white}, and {Vienna white}.
{Lead arming}, tallow put in the hollow of a sounding lead.
See {To arm the lead} (below).
{Lead colic}. See under {Colic}.
{Lead color}, a deep bluish gray color, like tarnished lead.
{Lead glance}. (Min.) Same as {Galena}.
{Lead line}
(a) (Med.) A dark line along the gums produced by a
deposit of metallic lead, due to lead poisoning.
(b) (Naut.) A sounding line.
{Lead mill}, a leaden polishing wheel, used by lapidaries.
{Lead ocher} (Min.), a massive sulphur-yellow oxide of lead.
Same as {Massicot}.
{Lead pencil}, a pencil of which the marking material is
graphite (black lead).
{Lead plant} (Bot.), a low leguminous plant, genus {Amorpha}
({A. canescens}), found in the Northwestern United States,
where its presence is supposed to indicate lead ore.
--Gray.
{Lead tree}.
(a) (Bot.) A West Indian name for the tropical, leguminous
tree, {Leuc[ae]na glauca}; -- probably so called from
the glaucous color of the foliage.
(b) (Chem.) Lead crystallized in arborescent forms from a
solution of some lead salt, as by suspending a strip
of zinc in lead acetate.
{Mock lead}, a miner's term for blende.
{Red lead}, a scarlet, crystalline, granular powder,
consisting of minium when pure, but commonly containing
several of the oxides of lead. It is used as a paint or
cement and also as an ingredient of flint glass.
{Red lead ore} (Min.), crocoite.
{Sugar of lead}, acetate of lead.
{To arm the lead}, to fill the hollow in the bottom of a
sounding lead with tallow in order to discover the nature
of the bottom by the substances adhering. --Ham. Nav.
Encyc.
{To} {cast, or heave}, {the lead}, to cast the sounding lead
for ascertaining the depth of water.
{White lead}, hydrated carbonate of lead, obtained as a
white, amorphous powder, and much used as an ingredient of
white paint.
Lead \Lead\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leaded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leading}.]
1. To cover, fill, or affect with lead; as, continuous firing
leads the grooves of a rifle.
2. (Print.) To place leads between the lines of; as, to lead
a page; leaded matter.
Lead \Lead\ (l[=e]d), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Led} (l[e^]d); p. pr.
& vb. n. {Leading}.] [OE. leden, AS. l[=ae]dan (akin to OS.
l[=e]dian, D. leiden, G. leiten, Icel. le[imac][eth]a, Sw.
leda, Dan. lede), properly a causative fr. AS. li[eth]an to
go; akin to OHG. l[imac]dan, Icel. l[imac][eth]a, Goth.
lei[thorn]an (in comp.). Cf. {Lode}, {Loath}.]
1. To guide or conduct with the hand, or by means of some
physical contact connection; as, a father leads a child; a
jockey leads a horse with a halter; a dog leads a blind
man.
If a blind man lead a blind man, both fall down in
the ditch. --Wyclif
(Matt. xv.
14.)
They thrust him out of the city, and led him unto
the brow of the hill. --Luke iv. 29.
In thy right hand lead with thee The mountain nymph,
sweet Liberty. --Milton.
2. To guide or conduct in a certain course, or to a certain
place or end, by making the way known; to show the way,
esp. by going with or going in advance of. Hence,
figuratively: To direct; to counsel; to instruct; as, to
lead a traveler; to lead a pupil.
The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a
cloud, to lead them the way. --Ex. xiii.
21.
He leadeth me beside the still waters. --Ps. xxiii.
2.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain
mask. Content, though blind, had I no better guide.
--Milton.
3. To conduct or direct with authority; to have direction or
charge of; as, to lead an army, an exploring party, or a
search; to lead a political party.
Christ took not upon him flesh and blood that he
might conquer and rule nations, lead armies, or
possess places. --South.
4. To go or to be in advance of; to precede; hence, to be
foremost or chief among; as, the big sloop led the fleet
of yachts; the Guards led the attack; Demosthenes leads
the orators of all ages.
As Hesperus, that leads the sun his way. --Fairfax.
And lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. --Leigh
Hunt.
5. To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to
prevail on; to induce; to entice; to allure; as, to lead
one to espouse a righteous cause.
He was driven by the necessities of the times, more
than led by his own disposition, to any rigor of
actions. --Eikon
Basilike.
Silly women, laden with sins,led away by divers
lusts. --2 Tim. iii.
6 (Rev. Ver.).
6. To guide or conduct one's self in, through, or along (a
certain course); hence, to proceed in the way of; to
follow the path or course of; to pass; to spend. Also, to
cause (one) to proceed or follow in (a certain course).
That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. --1
Tim. ii. 2.
Nor thou with shadowed hint confuse A life that
leads melodious days. --Tennyson.
You remember . . . the life he used to lead his wife
and daughter. --Dickens.
7. (Cards & Dominoes) To begin a game, round, or trick, with;
as, to lead trumps; the double five was led.
{To lead astray}, to guide in a wrong way, or into error; to
seduce from truth or rectitude.
{To lead captive}, to carry or bring into captivity.
{To lead the way}, to show the way by going in front; to act
as guide. --Goldsmith.
Lead \Lead\, v. i.
1. To guide or conduct, as by accompanying, going before,
showing, influencing, directing with authority, etc.; to
have precedence or pre["e]minence; to be first or chief;
-- used in most of the senses of lead, v. t.
2. To tend or reach in a certain direction, or to a certain
place; as, the path leads to the mill; gambling leads to
other vices.
The mountain foot that leads towards Mantua. --Shak.
{To lead} {off or out}, to go first; to begin.
Lead \Lead\, n.
1. The act of leading or conducting; guidance; direction; as,
to take the lead; to be under the lead of another.
At the time I speak of, and having a momentary lead,
. . . I am sure I did my country important service.
--Burke.
2. precedence; advance position; also, the measure of
precedence; as, the white horse had the lead; a lead of a
boat's length, or of half a second.
3. (Cards & Dominoes) The act or right of playing first in a
game or round; the card suit, or piece, so played; as,
your partner has the lead.
4. An open way in an ice field. --Kane.
5. (Mining) A lode.
6. (Naut.) The course of a rope from end to end.
7. (Steam Engine) The width of port opening which is
uncovered by the valve, for the admission or release of
steam, at the instant when the piston is at end of its
stroke.
Note: When used alone it means outside lead, or lead for the
admission of steam. Inside lead refers to the release
or exhaust.
8. (Civil Engineering) the distance of haul, as from a
cutting to an embankment.
9. (Horology) The action of a tooth, as a tooth of a wheel,
in impelling another tooth or a pallet. --Saunier.
{Lead angle} (Steam Engine), the angle which the crank maker
with the line of centers, in approaching it, at the
instant when the valve opens to admit steam.
{Lead screw} (Mach.), the main longitudinal screw of a lathe,
which gives the feed motion to the carriage.
Leaded \Lead"ed\, a.
1. Fitted with lead; set in lead; as, leaded windows.
2. (Print.) Separated by leads, as the lines of a page.
Leaden \Lead"en\, a.
1. Made of lead; of the nature of lead; as, a leaden ball.
2. Like lead in color, etc.; as, a leaden sky.
3. Heavy; dull; sluggish. ``Leaden slumber.'' --Shak.
Leader \Lead"er\, n.
1. One who, or that which, leads or conducts; a guide; a
conductor. Especially:
(a) One who goes first.
(b) One having authority to direct; a chief; a commander.
(c) (Mus.) A performer who leads a band or choir in music;
also, in an orchestra, the principal violinist; the
one who plays at the head of the first violins.
(d) (Naut.) A block of hard wood pierced with suitable
holes for leading ropes in their proper places.
(e) (Mach.) The principal wheel in any kind of machinery.
[Obs. or R.] --G. Francis.
(f) A horse placed in advance of others; one of the
forward pair of horses.
He forgot to pull in his leaders, and they
gallop away with him at times. --Hare.
(g) A pipe for conducting rain water from a roof to a
cistern or to the ground; a conductor.
(h) (Fishing) A net for leading fish into a pound, weir,
etc.; also, a line of gut, to which the snell of a fly
hook is attached.
(i) (Mining) A branch or small vein, not important in
itself, but indicating the proximity of a better one.
2. The first, or the principal, editorial article in a
newspaper; a leading or main editorial article.
3. (Print.)
(a) A type having a dot or short row of dots upon its
face.
(b) pl. a row of dots, periods, or hyphens, used in tables
of contents, etc., to lead the eye across a space to
the right word or number.
Syn: chief; chieftain; commander. See {Chief}.
Leadership \Lead"er*ship\, n.
The office of a leader.
Leadhillite \Lead"hill*ite\, n. (Min.)
A mineral of a yellowish or greenish white color, consisting
of the sulphate and carbonate of lead; -- so called from
having been first found at Leadhills, Scotland.
Leading \Lead"ing\, a.
Guiding; directing; controlling; foremost; as, a leading
motive; a leading man; a leading example. -- {Lead"ing*ly},
adv.
{Leading case} (Law), a reported decision which has come to
be regarded as settling the law of the question involved.
--Abbott.
{Leading motive} [a translation of G. leitmotif] (Mus.), a
guiding theme; in the modern music drama of Wagner, a
marked melodic phrase or short passage which always
accompanies the reappearance of a certain person,
situation, abstract idea, or allusion in the course of the
play; a sort of musical label.
{Leading note} (Mus.), the seventh note or tone in the
ascending major scale; the sensible note.
{Leading question}, a question so framed as to guide the
person questioned in making his reply.
{Leading strings}, strings by which children are supported
when beginning to walk.
{To be in leading strings}, to be in a state of infancy or
dependence, or under the guidance of others.
{Leading wheel}, a wheel situated before the driving wheels
of a locomotive engine.
Leading \Lead"ing\, n.
1. The act of guiding, directing, governing, or enticing;
guidance. --Shak.
2. Suggestion; hint; example. [Archaic] --Bacon.
Leadman \Lead"man\, n.; pl. {Leadmen}.
One who leads a dance.[Obs.] -- B. Jonson.
Leadsman \Leads"man\, n.; pl. {Leadsmen}. (Naut.)
The man who heaves the lead. --Totten.
Leadwort \Lead"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
A genus of maritime herbs ({Plumbago}). {P. Europ[ae]a} has
lead-colored spots on the leaves, and nearly lead-colored
flowers.
Leady \Lead"y\, a.
Resembling lead. --Sir T. Elyot.
Leaf \Leaf\, n.; pl. {Leaves}. [OE. leef, lef, leaf, AS.
le['a]f; akin to S. l?f, OFries. laf, D. loof foliage, G.
laub,OHG. loub leaf, foliage, Icel. lauf, Sw. l["o]f, Dan.
l["o]v, Goth. laufs; cf. Lith. lapas. Cf. {Lodge}.]
1. (Bot.) A colored, usually green, expansion growing from
the side of a stem or rootstock, in which the sap for the
use of the plant is elaborated under the influence of
light; one of the parts of a plant which collectively
constitute its foliage.
Note: Such leaves usually consist of a blade, or lamina,
supported upon a leafstalk or petiole, which, continued
through the blade as the midrib, gives off woody ribs
and veins that support the cellular texture. The
petiole has usually some sort of an appendage on each
side of its base, which is called the stipule. The
green parenchyma of the leaf is covered with a thin
epiderm pierced with closable microscopic openings,
known as stomata.
2. (Bot.) A special organ of vegetation in the form of a
lateral outgrowth from the stem, whether appearing as a
part of the foliage, or as a cotyledon, a scale, a bract,
a spine, or a tendril.
Note: In this view every part of a plant, except the root and
the stem, is either a leaf, or is composed of leaves
more or less modified and transformed.
3. Something which is like a leaf in being wide and thin and
having a flat surface, or in being attached to a larger
body by one edge or end; as :
(a) A part of a book or folded sheet containing two pages
upon its opposite sides.
(b) A side, division, or part, that slides or is hinged,
as of window shutters, folding doors, etc.
(c) The movable side of a table.
(d) A very thin plate; as, gold leaf.
(e) A portion of fat lying in a separate fold or layer.
(f) One of the teeth of a pinion, especially when small.
{Leaf beetle} (Zo["o]l.), any beetle which feeds upon leaves;
esp., any species of the family {Chrysomelid[ae]}, as the
potato beetle and helmet beetle.
{Leaf bridge}, a draw-bridge having a platform or leaf which
swings vertically on hinges.
{Leaf bud} (Bot.), a bud which develops into leaves or a
leafy branch.
{Leaf butterfly} (Zo["o]l.), any butterfly which, in the form
and colors of its wings, resembles the leaves of plants
upon which it rests; esp., butterflies of the genus
{Kallima}, found in Southern Asia and the East Indies.
{Leaf crumpler} (Zo["o]l.), a small moth ({Phycis
indigenella}), the larva of which feeds upon leaves of the
apple tree, and forms its nest by crumpling and fastening
leaves together in clusters.
{Leaf cutter} (Zo["o]l.), any one of various species of wild
bees of the genus {Megachile}, which cut rounded pieces
from the edges of leaves, or the petals of flowers, to be
used in the construction of their nests, which are made in
holes and crevices, or in a leaf rolled up for the
purpose. Among the common American species are {M. brevis}
and {M. centuncularis}. Called also {rose-cutting bee}.
{Leaf fat}, the fat which lies in leaves or layers within the
body of an animal.
{Leaf flea} (Zo["o]l.), a jumping plant louse of the family
{Psyllid[ae]}.
{Leaf frog} (Zo["o]l.), any tree frog of the genus
{Phyllomedusa}.
{Leaf green}.(Bot.) See {Chlorophyll}.
{Leaf hopper} (Zo["o]l.), any small jumping hemipterous
insect of the genus {Tettigonia}, and allied genera. They
live upon the leaves and twigs of plants. See {Live
hopper}.
{Leaf insect} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several genera and
species of orthopterous insects, esp. of the genus
{Phyllium}, in which the wings, and sometimes the legs,
resemble leaves in color and form. They are common in
Southern Asia and the East Indies.
{Leaf lard}, lard from leaf fat. See under {Lard}.
{Leaf louse} (Zo["o]l.), an aphid.
{Leaf metal}, metal in thin leaves, as gold, silver, or tin.
{Leaf miner} (Zo["o]l.), any one of various small
lepidopterous and dipterous insects, which, in the larval
stages, burrow in and eat the parenchyma of leaves; as,
the pear-tree leaf miner ({Lithocolletis geminatella}).
{Leaf notcher} (Zo["o]l.), a pale bluish green beetle
({Artipus Floridanus}), which, in Florida, eats the edges
of the leaves of orange trees.
{Leaf roller} (Zo["o]l.), the larva of any tortricid moth
which makes a nest by rolling up the leaves of plants. See
{Tortrix}.
{Leaf scar} (Bot.), the cicatrix on a stem whence a leaf has
fallen.
{Leaf sewer} (Zo["o]l.), a tortricid moth, whose caterpillar
makes a nest by rolling up a leaf and fastening the edges
together with silk, as if sewn; esp., {Phoxopteris
nubeculana}, which feeds upon the apple tree.
{Leaf sight}, a hinges sight on a firearm, which can be
raised or folded down.
{Leaf trace} (Bot.), one or more fibrovascular bundles, which
may be traced down an endogenous stem from the base of a
leaf.
{Leaf tier} (Zo["o]l.), a tortricid moth whose larva makes a
nest by fastening the edges of a leaf together with silk;
esp., {Teras cinderella}, found on the apple tree.
{Leaf valve}, a valve which moves on a hinge.
{Leaf wasp} (Zo["o]l.), a sawfiy.
{To turn over a new leaf}, to make a radical change for the
better in one's way of living or doing. [Colloq.]
They were both determined to turn over a new leaf.
--Richardson.
Leaf \Leaf\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leafed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leafing}.]
To shoot out leaves; to produce leaves; to leave; as, the
trees leaf in May.
--Sir T. Browne.
Leafage \Leaf"age\, n.
Leaves, collectively; foliage.
Leafcup \Leaf"cup`\, n. (Bot.)
A coarse American composite weed ({Polymnia Uvedalia}).
Leafed \Leafed\, a.
Having (such) a leaf or (so many) leaves; -- used in
composition; as, broad-leafed; four-leafed.
Leafet \Leaf"et\, n. (Bot.)
A leaflet.
Leaf-footed \Leaf"-foot`ed\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Having leaflike expansions on the legs; -- said of certain
insects; as, the leaf-footed bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus).
Leafiness \Leaf"i*ness\, n.
The state of being leafy.
Leafless \Leaf"less\, a.
Having no leaves or foliage; bearing no foliage. ``Leafless
groves.'' --Cowper. -- {Leaf"less*ness}, n.
{Leafless plants}, plants having no foliage, though leaves
may be present in the form of scales and bracts. See
{Leaf}, n., 1 and 2.
Leaflet \Leaf"let\, n.
1. A little leaf; also, a little printed leaf or a tract.
2. (Bot.) One of the divisions of a compound leaf; a foliole.
3. (Zo["o]l.) A leaflike organ or part; as, a leaflet of the
gills of fishes.
Leaf-nosed \Leaf"-nosed`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Having a leaflike membrane on the nose; -- said of certain
bats, esp. of the genera Phyllostoma and Rhinonycteris. See
{Vampire}.
Leafstalk \Leaf"stalk`\, n. (Bot.)
The stalk or petiole which supports a leaf.
Leafy \Leaf"y\, a. [Compar. {Leafier}; superl. {Leafiest}.]
1. Full of leaves; abounding in leaves; as, the leafy forest.
``The leafy month of June.'' --Coleridge.
2. Consisting of leaves. ``A leafy bed.'' --Byron.
League \League\, n. [Cf. OE. legue, lieue, a measure of length,
F. lieue, Pr. lega, legua, It. & LL. lega, Sp. legua, Pg.
legoa, legua; all fr. LL. leuca, of Celtic origin: cf. Arm.
leo, lev (perh. from French), Ir. leige (perh. from English);
also Ir. & Gael. leac a flag, a broad, flat stone, W. llech,
-- such stones having perh. served as a sort of milestone
(cf. {Cromlech}).]
1. A measure of length or distance, varying in different
countries from about 2.4 to 4.6 English statute miles of
5.280 feet each, and used (as a land measure) chiefly on
the continent of Europe, and in the Spanish parts of
America. The marine league of England and the United
States is equal to three marine, or geographical, miles of
6080 feet each.
Note: The English land league is equal to three English
statute miles. The Spanish and French leagues vary in
each country according to usage and the kind of
measurement to which they are applied. The Dutch and
German leagues contain about four geographical miles,
or about 4.6 English statute miles.
2. A stone erected near a public road to mark the distance of
a league. [Obs.]
League \League\, n. [F. ligue, LL. liga, fr. L. ligare to bind;
cf. Sp. liga. Cf. {Ally} a confederate, {Ligature}.]
An alliance or combination of two or more nations, parties,
or persons, for the accomplishment of a purpose which
requires a continued course of action, as for mutual defense,
or for furtherance of commercial, religious, or political
interests, etc.
And let there be 'Twixt us and them no league, nor
amity. --Denham.
Note: A league may be offensive or defensive, or both;
offensive, when the parties agree to unite in attacking
a common enemy; defensive, when they agree to a mutual
defense of each other against an enemy.
{The Holy League}, an alliance of Roman Catholics formed in
1576 by influence of the Duke of Guise for the exclusion
of Protestants from the throne of France.
{Solemn League and Covenant}. See {Covenant},2.
{The land league}, an association, organized in Dublin in
1879, to promote the interests of the Irish tenantry, its
avowed objects being to secure fixity of tenure fair rent,
and free sale of the tenants' interest. It was declared
illegal by Parliament, but vigorous prosecutions have
failed to suppress it.
Syn: Alliance; confederacy; confederation; coalition;
combination; compact; co["o]peration.
League \League\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leagued}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leaguing}.] [Cf. F. se liguer. See 2d {League}.]
To unite in a league or confederacy; to combine for mutual
support; to confederate. --South.
League \League\, v. t.
To join in a league; to cause to combine for a joint purpose;
to combine; to unite; as, common interests will league
heterogeneous elements.
Leaguer \Lea"guer\, n. [D. leger camp, bed, couch, lair. See
{Lair}, and cf.{Beleaguer}.]
1. The camp of a besieging army; a camp in general. --b.
Jonson.
2. A siege or beleaguering. [R.] --Sir W. Scott.
Leaguer \Lea"guer\, v. t.
To besiege; to beleaguer. [Obs.]
Leaguerer \Lea"guer*er\, n.
A besieger. [R.] --J. Webster.
Leak \Leak\, n. [Akin to D. lek leaky, a leak, G. leck, Icel.
lekr leaky, Dan. l[ae]k leaky, a leak, Sw. l["a]ck; cf. AS.
hlec full of cracks or leaky. Cf. {Leak}, v.]
1. A crack, crevice, fissure, or hole which admits water or
other fluid, or lets it escape; as, a leak in a roof; a
leak in a boat; a leak in a gas pipe. ``One leak will sink
a ship.'' --Bunyan.
2. The entrance or escape of a fluid through a crack,
fissure, or other aperture; as, the leak gained on the
ship's pumps.
{To spring a leak}, to open or crack so as to let in water;
to begin to let in water; as, the ship sprung a leak.
Leak \Leak\, a.
Leaky. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Leak \Leak\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leaked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leaking}.] [Akin to D. lekken, G. lecken, lechen, Icel.
leka, Dan. l[ae]kke, Sw. l["a]cka, AS. leccan to wet,
moisten. See {Leak}, n.]
1. To let water or other fluid in or out through a hole,
crevice, etc.; as, the cask leaks; the roof leaks; the
boat leaks.
2. To enter or escape, as a fluid, through a hole, crevice,
etc.; to pass gradually into, or out of, something; --
usually with in or out.
{To leak out}, to be divulged gradually or clandestinely; to
become public; as, the facts leaked out.
Leakage \Leak"age\, n. [Cf. D. lekkage, for sense 1.]
1. A leaking; also, the quantity that enters or issues by
leaking.
2. (Com.) An allowance of a certain rate per cent for the
leaking of casks, or waste of liquors by leaking.
Leakiness \Leak"i*ness\, n.
The quality of being leaky.
Leaky \Leak"y\, a. [Compar. {Leakier}; superl. {Leakiest}.]
1. Permitting water or other fluid to leak in or out; as, a
leaky roof or cask.
2. Apt to disclose secrets; tattling; not close. [Colloq.]
Leal \Leal\, a. [OE. leial, another form of loial, F. loyal. See
{Loyal}.]
Faithful; loyal; true.
All men true and leal, all women pure. --Tennyson.
{Land of the leal}, the place of the faithful; heaven.
Leam \Leam\, n. & v. i.
See {Leme}. [Obs.] --Holland.
Leam \Leam\, n. [See {Leamer}, {Lien}.]
A cord or strap for leading a dog. --Sir W. Scott.
Leamer \Leam"er\, n. [F. limier, OF. liemier, fr. L. ligamen
band, bandage. See {Lien}.]
A dog held by a leam.
Lean \Lean\ (l[=e]n), v. t. [Icel. leyna; akin to G. l["a]ugnen
to deny, AS. l[=y]gnian, also E. lie to speak falsely.]
To conceal. [Obs.] --Ray.
Lean \Lean\ (l[=e]n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leaned} (l[=e]nd),
sometimes {Leant} (l[e^]nt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Leaning}.] [OE.
lenen, AS. hlinian, hleonian, v. i.; akin to OS. hlin[=o]n,
D. leunen, OHG. hlin[=e]n, lin[=e]n, G. lehnen, L. inclinare,
Gr. kli`nein, L. clivus hill, slope. [root]40. Cf.
{Declivity}, {Climax}, {Incline}, {Ladder}.]
1. To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to
be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she
leaned out at the window; a leaning column. ``He leant
forward.'' --Dickens.
2. To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; --
with to, toward, etc.
They delight rather to lean to their old customs.
--Spenser.
3. To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; --
with on, upon, or against.
He leaned not on his fathers but himself.
--Tennyson.
Lean \Lean\, v. t. [From {Lean}, v. i.; AS. hl[=ae]nan, v. t.,
fr. hleonian, hlinian, v. i.]
To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest. --Mrs.
Browning.
His fainting limbs against an oak he leant. --Dryden.
Lean \Lean\ (l[=e]n), a. [Compar. {Leaner} (l[=e]n"[~e]r);
superl. {Leanest}.] [OE. lene, AS. hl[=ae]ne; prob. akin to
E. lean to incline. See {Lean}, v. i. ]
1. Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; not
plump; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle.
2. Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or
productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender;
scant; barren; bare; mean; -- used literally and
figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean
discourse; lean wages. ``No lean wardrobe.'' --Shak.
Their lean and fiashy songs. --Milton.
What the land is, whether it be fat or lean. --Num.
xiii. 20.
Out of my lean and low ability I'll lend you
something. --Shak.
3. (Typog.) Of a character which prevents the compositor from
earning the usual wages; -- opposed to {fat}; as, lean
copy, matter, or type.
Syn: slender; spare; thin; meager; lank; skinny; gaunt.
Lean \Lean\, n.
1. That part of flesh which consist principally of muscle
without the fat.
The fat was so white and the lean was so ruddy.
--Goldsmith.
2. (Typog.) Unremunerative copy or work.
Lean-faced \Lean"-faced`\, a.
1. Having a thin face.
2. (Typog.) slender or narrow; -- said of type the letters of
which have thin lines, or are unusually narrow in
proportion to their height. --W. Savage.
Leaning \Lean"ing\, n.
The act, or state, of inclining; inclination; tendency; as, a
leaning towards Calvinism.
Leanly \Lean"ly\, adv.
Meagerly; without fat or plumpness.
Leanness \Lean"ness\, n. [AS. hl[=ae]nnes.]
The condition or quality of being lean.
Lean-to \Lean"-to`\, a. (Arch.)
Having only one slope or pitch; -- said of a roof. -- n. A
shed or slight building placed against the wall of a larger
structure and having a single-pitched roof; -- called also
{penthouse}, and {to-fall}.
The outer circuit was covered as a lean-to, all round this
inner apartment. --De Foe.
Lean-witted \Lean"-wit`ted\, a.
Having but little sense or shrewdness.
Leany \Lean"y\, a.
Lean. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Leap \Leap\, n. [AS. le['a]p.]
1. A basket. [Obs.] --Wyclif.
2. A weel or wicker trap for fish. [Prov. Eng.]
Leap \Leap\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leaped}, rarely {Leapt}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Leaping}.] [OE. lepen, leapen, AS. hle['a]pan
to leap, jump, run; akin to OS. [=a]hl?pan, OFries. hlapa, D.
loopen, G. laufen, OHG. louffan, hlauffan, Icel. hlaupa, Sw.
l["o]pa, Dan. l["o]be, Goth. ushlaupan. Cf. {Elope}, {Lope},
{Lapwing}, {Loaf} to loiter.]
1. To spring clear of the ground, with the feet; to jump; to
vault; as, a man leaps over a fence, or leaps upon a
horse. --Bacon.
Leap in with me into this angry flood. --Shak.
2. To spring or move suddenly, as by a jump or by jumps; to
bound; to move swiftly. Also Fig.
My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the
sky. --Wordsworth.
Leap \Leap\, v. t.
1. To pass over by a leap or jump; as, to leap a wall, or a
ditch.
2. To copulate with (a female beast); to cover.
3. To cause to leap; as, to leap a horse across a ditch.
Leap \Leap\, n.
1. The act of leaping, or the space passed by leaping; a
jump; a spring; a bound.
Wickedness comes on by degrees, . . . and sudden
leaps from one extreme to another are unnatural.
--L'Estrange.
Changes of tone may proceed either by leaps or
glides. --H. Sweet.
2. Copulation with, or coverture of, a female beast.
3. (Mining) A fault.
4. (Mus.) A passing from one note to another by an interval,
especially by a long one, or by one including several
other and intermediate intervals.
Leaper \Leap"er\, n. [AS. hle['a]pere.]
One who, or that which, leaps.
Leaper \Leap"er\, n. [See 1st {Leap}.]
A kind of hooked instrument for untwisting old cordage.
Leapfrog \Leap"frog`\, n.
A play among boys, in which one stoops down and another leaps
over him by placing his hands on the shoulders of the former.
Leapful \Leap"ful\, n. [See 1st {Leap}.]
A basketful. [Obs.]
Leaping \Leap"ing\, a. & n.
from {Leap}, to jump.
{Leaping house}, a brothel. [Obs.] --Shak.
{Leaping pole}, a pole used in some games of leaping.
{Leaping spider} (Zo["o]l.), a jumping spider; one of the
Saltigrad[ae].
Leapingly \Leap"ing*ly\, adv.
By leaps.
Leap year \Leap" year`\
Bissextile; a year containing 366 days; every fourth year
which leaps over a day more than a common year, giving to
February twenty-nine days. See {Bissextile}.
Note: Every year whose number is divisible by four without a
remainder is a leap year, excepting the full centuries,
which, to be leap years, must be divisible by 400
without a remainder. If not so divisible they are
common years. 1900, therefore, is not a leap year.
Lear \Lear\, v. t.
To learn. See {Lere}, to learn. [Obs.]
Lear \Lear\, n.
Lore; lesson. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lear \Lear\, a.
See {Leer}, a. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
Lear \Lear\, n.
An annealing oven. See {Leer}, n.
Learn \Learn\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Learned}, or {Learnt} (?);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Learning}.] [OE. lernen, leornen, AS.
leornian; akin to OS. lin[=o]n, for lirn[=o]n, OHG.
lirn[=e]n, lern[=e]n, G. lernen, fr. the root of AS. l?ran to
teach, OS. l[=e]rian, OHG. l[=e]ran, G. lehren, Goth.
laisjan, also Goth lais I know, leis acquainted (in comp.);
all prob. from a root meaning, to go, go over, and hence, to
learn; cf. AS. leoran to go . Cf. {Last} a mold of the foot,
{lore}.]
1. To gain knowledge or information of; to ascertain by
inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction
concerning; to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding
of, or skill; as, to learn the way; to learn a lesson; to
learn dancing; to learn to skate; to learn the violin; to
learn the truth about something. ``Learn to do well.''
--Is. i. 17.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree. --Matt. xxiv.
32.
2. To communicate knowledge to; to teach. [Obs.]
Hast thou not learned me how To make perfumes ?
--Shak.
Note: Learn formerly had also the sense of teach, in
accordance with the analogy of the French and other
languages, and hence we find it with this sense in
Shakespeare, Spenser, and other old writers. This usage
has now passed away. To learn is to receive
instruction, and to teach is to give instruction. He
who is taught learns, not he who teaches.
Learn \Learn\, v. i.
To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress in acquiring
knowledge or skill; to receive information or instruction;
as, this child learns quickly.
Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. --Matt. xi.
29.
{To learn by heart}. See {By heart}, under {Heart}.
{To learn by rote}, to memorize by repetition without
exercise of the understanding.
Learnable \Learn"a*ble\, a.
Such as can be learned.
Learned \Learn"ed\, a.
Of or pertaining to learning; possessing, or characterized
by, learning, esp. scholastic learning; erudite;
well-informed; as, a learned scholar, writer, or lawyer; a
learned book; a learned theory.
The learnedlover lost no time. --Spenser.
Men of much reading are greatly learned, but may be
little knowing. --Locke.
Words of learned length and thundering sound.
--Goldsmith.
{The learned}, learned men; men of erudition; scholars. --
{Learn"ed*ly}, adv. {Learn"ed*ness}, n.
Every coxcomb swears as learnedly as they. --Swift.
Learner \Learn"er\, n.
One who learns; a scholar.
Learning \Learn"ing\, n. [AS. leornung.]
1. The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of
languages; the learning of telegraphy.
2. The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study;
acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or
literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a
man of great learning.
{Book learning}. See under {Book}.
Syn: Literature; erudition; lore; scholarship; science;
letters. See {Literature}.
Leasable \Leas"a*ble\, a. [From 2d {Lease}.]
Such as can be leased.
Lease \Lease\, v. i. [AS. lesan to gather; akin to D. lezen to
gather, read, G. lesen, Goth. lisan to gather; cf. Lith lesti
to peck.]
To gather what harvesters have left behind; to glean. [Obs.]
--Dryden.
Lease \Lease\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leased}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leasing}.] [F. laisser, OF. laissier, lessier, to leave,
transmit, L. laxare to loose, slacken, from laxus loose,
wide. See {Lax}, and cf. {Lesser}.]
1. To grant to another by lease the possession of, as of
lands, tenements, and hereditaments; to let; to demise;
as, a landowner leases a farm to a tenant; -- sometimes
with out.
There were some [houses] that were leased out for
three lives. --Addison.
2. To hold under a lease; to take lease of; as, a tenant
leases his land from the owner.
Lease \Lease\, n. [Cf. OF. lais. See {Lease}, v. t.]
1. A demise or letting of lands, tenements, or hereditaments
to another for life, for a term of years, or at will, or
for any less interest than that which the lessor has in
the property, usually for a specified rent or
compensation.
2. The contract for such letting.
3. Any tenure by grant or permission; the time for which such
a tenure holds good; allotted time.
Our high-placed Macbeth Shall live the lease of
nature. --Shak.
{Lease and release} a mode of conveyance of freehold estates,
formerly common in England and in New York. its place is
now supplied by a simple deed of grant. --Burrill.
--Warren's Blackstone.
Leasehold \Lease"hold`\, a.
Held by lease.
Leasehold \Lease"hold`\, n.
A tenure by lease; specifically, land held as personalty
under a lease for years.
Leaseholder \Lease"hold`er\, n.
A tenant under a lease. -- {Lease"hold`ing}, a. & n.
Leaser \Leas"er\, n. [From 1st {Lease}.]
One who leases or gleans. [Obs.] --Swift.
Leaser \Leas"er\, n.
A liar. [Obs.] See {Leasing}.
Leash \Leash\, n. [OE. lese, lees, leece, OF. lesse, F. laisse,
LL. laxa, fr. L. laxus loose. See {Lax}.]
1. A thong of leather, or a long cord, by which a falconer
holds his hawk, or a courser his dog.
Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash. --Shak.
2. (Sporting) A brace and a half; a tierce; three; three
creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes,
bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general.
[I] kept my chamber a leash of days. --B. Jonson.
Then were I wealthier than a leash of kings.
--Tennyson.
3. (Weaving) A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp
threads, in a loom.
Leash \Leash\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leashed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leashing}.]
To tie together, or hold, with a leash.
Leasing \Leas"ing\, n. [AS. le['a]sung, fr. le['a]s loose,
false, deceitful. See {-less}, {Loose}, a.]
The act of lying; falsehood; a lie or lies. [Archaic]
--Spenser.
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing. --Ps. v. 6.
Blessed be the lips that such a leasing told.
--Fairfax.
{Leasing making} (Scots Law), the uttering of lies or libels
upon the personal character of the sovereign, his court,
or his family. --Bp. Burnet.
Leasow \Lea"sow\, n. [AS. lesu, l[ae]su.]
A pasture. [Obs.]
Least \Least\, a. [OE. last, lest, AS. l?sast, l?sest, superl.
of l?ssa less. See {Less}, a.] [Used as the superlative of
little.]
Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most
unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least
space.
Note: Least is often used with the, as if a noun.
I am the least of the apostles. --1 Cor. xv.
9.
{At least}, or {At the least}, at the least estimate,
consideration, chance, etc.; hence, at any rate; at all
events; even. See {However}.
He who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses The
tempted with dishonor. --Milton.
Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he
were a man, who sat as on horseback. --Sir P.
Sidney.
{In least}, or {In the least}, in the least degree, manner,
etc. ``He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in
much.'' --Luke xvi. 10.
{Least squares} (Math.), a method of deducing from a number
of carefully made yet slightly discordant observations of
a phenomenon the most probable values of the unknown
quantities.
Note: It takes as its fundamental principle that the most
probable values are those which make the sum of the
squares of the residual errors of the observation a
minimum.
Least \Least\, adv.
In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all
others; as, to reward those who least deserve it.
Least \Least\, conj.
See {Lest}, conj. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Leastways \Least"ways`\, Leastwise \Least"wise`\, adv.
At least; at all events. [Colloq.]
{At leastways}, or {At leastwise}, at least. [Obs.] --Fuller.
Leasy \Lea"sy\, a. [AS. le['a]s void, loose, false. Cf.
{Leasing}.]
Flimsy; vague; deceptive. [Obs.] --Ascham.
Leat \Leat\, n. [Cf. {Lead} to conduct.]
An artificial water trench, esp. one to or from a mill. --C.
Kingsley.
Leather \Leath"er\, n. [OE. lether, AS. le?er; akin to D. leder,
le[^e]r, G. leder, OHG. ledar, Icel. le?r, Sw. l["a]der, Dan.
l[ae]der.]
1. The skin of an animal, or some part of such skin, tanned,
tawed, or otherwise dressed for use; also, dressed hides,
collectively.
2. The skin. [Ironical or Sportive]
Note: Leather is much used adjectively in the sense of made
of, relating to, or like, leather.
{Leather board}, an imitation of sole leather, made of
leather scraps, rags, paper, etc.
{Leather carp} (Zo["o]l.), a variety of carp in which the
scales are all, or nearly all, absent. See Illust. under
{Carp}.
{Leather jacket}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A California carangoid fish ({Oligoplites saurus}).
(b) A trigger fish ({Balistes Carolinensis}).
{Leather flower} (Bot.), a climbing plant ({Clematis Viorna})
of the Middle and Southern States having thick, leathery
sepals of a purplish color.
{Leather leaf} (Bot.), a low shrub ({Cassandra calyculata}),
growing in Northern swamps, and having evergreen,
coriaceous, scurfy leaves.
{Leather plant} (Bot.), one or more New Zealand plants of the
composite genus {Celmisia}, which have white or buff
tomentose leaves.
{Leather turtle}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Leatherback}.
{Vegetable leather}.
(a) An imitation of leather made of cotton waste.
(b) Linen cloth coated with India rubber. --Ure.
Leather \Leath"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leathered}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Leathering}.]
To beat, as with a thong of leather. [Obs. or Colloq.] --G.
Eliot.
Leatherback \Leath"er*back`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A large sea turtle ({Sphargis coriacea}), having no bony
shell on its back. It is common in the warm and temperate
parts of the Atlantic, and sometimes weighs over a thousand
pounds; -- called also {leather turtle}, {leathery turtle},
{leather-backed tortoise}, etc.
Leatheret \Leath"er*et\, Leatherette \Leath`er*ette"\, n.
[Leather + et, F. -ette.]
An imitation of leather, made of paper and cloth.
Leatherhead \Leath"er*head`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The friar bird.
Leathern \Leath"ern\, a.
Made of leather; consisting of. leather; as, a leathern
purse. ``A leathern girdle about his loins.'' --Matt. iii. 4.
Leatherneck \Leath"er*neck`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The sordid friar bird of Australia ({Tropidorhynchus
sordidus}).
Leatherwood \Leath"er*wood`\, n. (Bot.)
A small branching shrub ({Dirca palustris}), with a white,
soft wood, and a tough, leathery bark, common in damp woods
in the Northern United States; -- called also {moosewood},
and {wicopy}. --Gray.
Leathery \Leath"er*y\, a.
Resembling leather in appearance or consistence; tough. ``A
leathery skin.'' --Grew.
Leave \Leave\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leaved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leaving}]
To send out leaves; to leaf; -- often with out. --G.
Fletcher.
Leave \Leave\, v. t. [See {Levy}.]
To raise; to levy. [Obs.]
An army strong she leaved. --Spenser.
Leave \Leave\, n. [OE. leve, leave, AS. le['a]f; akin to le['o]f
pleasing, dear, E. lief, D. oorlof leave, G. arlaub, and
erlauben to permit, Icel. leyfi. ? See {Lief}.]
1. Liberty granted by which restraint or illegality is
removed; permission; allowance; license.
David earnestly asked leave of me. --1 Sam. xx.
6.
No friend has leave to bear away the dead. --Dryden.
2. The act of leaving or departing; a formal parting; a
leaving; farewell; adieu; -- used chiefly in the phrase,
to take leave, i. e., literally, to take permission to go.
A double blessing is a'double grace; Occasion smiles
upon a second leave. --Shak.
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while,
and then took his leave of the brethren. --Acts
xviii. 18.
{French leave}. See under {French}.
Syn: See {Liberty}.
Leave \Leave\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Left}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Leaving}.] [OE. leven, AS. l?fan, fr. l[=a]f remnant,
heritage; akin to lifian, libban, to live, orig., to remain;
cf. bel[=i]fan to remain, G. bleiben, Goth. bileiban. ?. See
{Live}, v.]
1. To withdraw one's self from; to go away from; to depart
from; as, to leave the house.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his
mother, and shall cleave unto his wife. --Gen. ii.
24.
2. To let remain unremoved or undone; to let stay or
continue, in distinction from what is removed or changed.
If grape gatherers come to thee, would they not
leave some gleaning grapes ? --Jer. xlix.
9.
These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the
other undone. --Matt. xxiii.
23.
Besides it leaveth a suspicion, as if more might be
said than is expressed. --Bacon.
3. To cease from; to desist from; to abstain from.
Now leave complaining and begin your tea. --Pope.
4. To desert; to abandon; to forsake; hence, to give up; to
relinquish.
Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. --Mark
x. 28.
The heresies that men do leave. --Shak.
5. To let be or do without interference; as, I left him to
his reflections; I leave my hearers to judge.
I will leave you now to your gossiplike humor.
--Shak.
6. To put; to place; to deposit; to deliver; to commit; to
submit -- with a sense of withdrawing one's self from; as,
leave your hat in the hall; we left our cards; to leave
the matter to arbitrators.
Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy
way. --Matt. v. 24.
The foot That leaves the print of blood where'er it
walks. --Shak.
7. To have remaining at death; hence, to bequeath; as, he
left a large estate; he left a good name; he left a legacy
to his niece.
{To leave alone}.
(a) To leave in solitude.
(b) To desist or refrain from having to do with; as, to
leave dangerous chemicals alone.
{To leave off}.
(a) To desist from; to forbear; to stop; as, to leave off
work at six o'clock.
(b) To cease wearing or using; to omit to put in the usual
position; as, to leave off a garment; to leave off the
tablecloth.
(c) To forsake; as, to leave off a bad habit.
{To leave out}, to omit; as, to leave out a word or name in
writing.
{To leave to one's self}, to let (one) be alone; to cease
caring for (one).
Syn: Syn>- To quit; depart from; forsake; abandon;
relinquish; deliver; bequeath; give up; forego; resign;
surrender; forbear. See {Quit}.
Leave \Leave\, v. i.
1. To depart; to set out. [Colloq.]
By the time I left for Scotland. --Carlyle.
2. To cease; to desist; to leave off. ``He . . . began at the
eldest, and left at the youngest.'' --Gen. xliv. 12.
{To leave off}, to cease; to desist; to stop.
Leave off, and for another summons wait.
--Roscommon.
Leaved \Leaved\, a. [From {Leaf}.]
Bearing, or having, a leaf or leaves; having folds; -- used
in combination; as, a four-leaved clover; a two-leaved gate;
long-leaved.
Leaveless \Leave"less\, a.
Leafless. [Obs.] --Carew.
Leaven \Leav"en\, n. [OE. levain, levein, F. levain, L. levamen
alleviation, mitigation; but taken in the sense of, a
raising, that which raises, fr. levare to raise. See {Lever},
n.]
1. Any substance that produces, or is designed to produce,
fermentation, as in dough or liquids; esp., a portion of
fermenting dough, which, mixed with a larger quantity of
dough, produces a general change in the mass, and renders
it light; yeast; barm.
2. Anything which makes a general assimilating (especially a
corrupting) change in the mass.
Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is
hypocrisy. --Luke xii. 1.
Leaven \Leav"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leavened}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Leavening}.]
1. To make light by the action of leaven; to cause to
ferment.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. --1 Cor.
v. 6.
2. To imbue; to infect; to vitiate.
With these and the like deceivable doctrines, he
leavens also his prayer. --Milton.
Leavening \Leav"en*ing\, n.
1. The act of making light, or causing to ferment, by means
of leaven.
2. That which leavens or makes light. --Bacon.
Leavenous \Leav"en*ous\, a.
Containing leaven. -- Milton.
Leaver \Leav"er\, n.
One who leaves, or withdraws.
Leaves \Leaves\, n.,
pl. of {Leaf}.
Leave-taking \Leave"-tak`ing\, n.
Taking of leave; parting compliments. --Shak.
Leaviness \Leav"i*ness\, n. [Fr. {Leaf}.]
Leafiness.[Obs.]
Leavings \Leav"ings\, n. pl.
1. Things left; remnants; relics.
2. Refuse; offal.
Leavy \Leav"y\, a.
Leafy. [Obs.] --Chapman.
Leban \Leb"an\, Lebban \Leb"ban\, n.
Coagulated sour milk diluted with water; -- a common beverage
among the Arabs. Also, a fermented liquor made of the same.
Lecama \Le*ca"ma\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The hartbeest.
Lecanomancy \Le*can"o*man`cy\, n. [Gr. ? bowl or basin +
-mancy.]
divination practiced with water in a basin, by throwing three
stones into it, and invoking the demon whose aid was sought.
Lecanoric \Lec`a*no"ric\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an organic acid which is
obtained from several varieties of lichen ({Lecanora},
{Roccella}, etc.), as a white, crystalline substance, and is
called also {orsellic, or diorsellinic} acid, {lecanorin},
etc.
Lecanorin \Lec`a*no"rin\, n. (Chem.)
See {Lecanoric}.
Lech \Lech\, v. t. [F. l['e]cher. See {Lick}.]
To lick. [Obs.]
Leche \Le*che"\, n.
See {water buck}, under 3d {Buck}.
Lecher \Lech"er\, n. [OE. lechur, lechour, OF. lecheor, lecheur,
gormand, glutton, libertine, parasite, fr. lechier to lick,
F. l['e]cher; of Teutonic origin. See {Lick}.]
A man given to lewdness; one addicted, in an excessive
degree, to the indulgence of sexual desire, or to illicit
commerce with women.
Lecher \Lech"er\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lechered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lechering}.]
To practice lewdness.
Lecherer \Lech"er*er\, n.
See {Lecher}, n. -- Marston.
Lecherous \Lech"er*ous\, a.
Like a lecher; addicted to lewdness; lustful; also,
lust-provoking. ``A lecherous thing is wine.'' --Chaucer. --
{Lech"er*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Lech"er*ous*ness}, n.
Lechery \Lech"er*y\, n. [OE. lecherie, OF. lecherie. See
{Lecher}.]
1. Free indulgence of lust; lewdness.
2. Selfish pleasure; delight. [Obs.] --Massinger.
Lecithin \Lec"i*thin\, n. [Gr. le`kiqos the yolk of an egg.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A complex, nitrogenous phosphorized substance widely
distributed through the animal body, and especially
conspicuous in the brain and nerve tissue, in yolk of eggs,
and in the white blood corpuscles.
lectern \lec"tern\, n.
See {Lecturn}.
Lectica \Lec*ti"ca\, n.; pl. {Lectic[ae]}. [L.] (Rom. Antiq.)
A kind of litter or portable couch.
Lection \Lec"tion\, n. [L. lectio, fr. legere, lectum, to read.
See {lesson}, {Legend}.]
1. (Eccl.) A lesson or selection, esp. of Scripture, read in
divine service.
2. A reading; a variation in the text.
We ourselves are offended by the obtrusion of the
new lections into the text. --De Quincey.
Lectionary \Lec"tion*a*ry\, n.; pl. {-ries}. [LL. lectionarium,
lectionarius : cf. F. lectionnaire.] (Eccl.)
A book, or a list, of lections, for reading in divine
service.
Lector \Lec"tor\ (l[e^]k"t[o^]r), n. [L. See {Lection}.] (Eccl.)
A reader of lections; formerly, a person designated to read
lessons to the illiterate.
Lectual \Lec"tu*al\ (-t[-u]*al), a. [LL. lectualis, fr. L.
lectus bed.] (Med.)
Confining to the bed; as, a lectual disease.
Lecture \Lec"ture\ (-t[-u]r; 135), n. [F. lecture, LL. lectura,
fr. L. legere, lectum, to read. See {Legend}.]
1. The act of reading; as, the lecture of Holy Scripture.
[Obs.]
2. A discourse on any subject; especially, a formal or
methodical discourse, intended for instruction; sometimes,
a familiar discourse, in contrast with a sermon.
3. A reprimand or formal reproof from one having authority.
4. (Eng. Universities) A rehearsal of a lesson.
Lecture \Lec"ture\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lectured} (-t[-u]rd);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Lecturing}.]
1. To read or deliver a lecture to.
2. To reprove formally and with authority.
Lecture \Lec"ture\, v. i.
To deliver a lecture or lectures.
Lecturer \Lec"tur*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who lectures; an assistant preacher.
Lectureship \Lec"ture*ship\, n.
The office of a lecturer.
Lecturn \Lec"turn\ (l[e^]k"t[u^]rn), n. [LL. lectrinum, fr.
lectrum; cf. L. legere, lectum, to read.]
A choir desk, or reading desk, in some churches, from which
the lections, or Scripture lessons, are chanted or read;
hence, a reading desk. [Written also {lectern} and
{lettern}.] --Fairholt.
Lecythis \Lec"y*this\ (l[e^]s"[i^]*th[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 3
an oil flask.] (Bot.)
A genus of gigantic trees, chiefly Brazilian, of the order
{Myrtace[ae]}, having woody capsules opening by an apical
lid. {Lecythis Zabucajo} yields the delicious sapucaia nuts.
{L. Ollaria} produces the monkey-pots, its capsules. Its bark
separates into thin sheets, like paper, used by the natives
for cigarette wrappers.
Led \Led\ (l[e^]d), imp. & p. p.
of {Lead}.
{Led captain}. An obsequious follower or attendant. [Obs.]
--Swift.
{Led horse}, a sumpter horse, or a spare horse, that is led
along.
Leden \Led"en\ (l[e^]d"'n), Ledden \Led"den\ (-d'n)n. [AS.
l[=e]den, l[=y]den, language, speech. Cf. {Leod}.]
Language; speech; voice; cry. [Obs.] --Chaucer. Spenser.
Ledge \Ledge\ (l[e^]j), n. [Akin to AS. licgan to lie, Icel.
liggja; cf. Icel. l["o]gg the ledge or rim at the bottom of a
cask. See {Lie} to be prostrate.] [Formerly written {lidge}.]
1. A shelf on which articles may be laid; also, that which
resembles such a shelf in form or use, as a projecting
ridge or part, or a molding or edge in joinery.
2. A shelf, ridge, or reef, of rocks.
3. A layer or stratum.
The lowest ledge or row should be of stone. --Sir H.
Wotton.
4. (Mining) A lode; a limited mass of rock bearing valuable
mineral.
5. (Shipbuilding) A piece of timber to support the deck,
placed athwartship between beams.
Ledgement \Ledge"ment\ (l[e^]j"ment), n.
See {Ledgment}.
Ledger \Ledg"er\(l[e^]j"[~e]r), n. [Akin to D. legger layer,
daybook (fr. leggen to lay, liggen to lie), E. ledge, lie.
See {Lie} to be prostrate.]
1. A book in which a summary of accounts is laid up or
preserved; the final book of record in business
transactions, in which all debits and credits from the
journal, etc., are placed under appropriate heads.
[Written also {leger}.]
2. (Arch.)
(a) A large flat stone, esp. one laid over a tomb. --Oxf.
Gloss.
(b) A horizontal piece of timber secured to the uprights
and supporting floor timbers, a staircase,
scaffolding, or the like. It differs from an intertie
in being intended to carry weight. [Written also
{ligger}.]
{Ledger bait}, fishing bait attached to a floating line
fastened to the bank of a stream, pond, etc. --Walton.
--J. H. Walsh.
{Ledger blade},a stationary shearing blade in a machine for
shearing the nap of cloth.
{Ledger line}. See {Leger line}, under 3d {Leger}, a.
{Ledger wall} (Mining), the wall under a vein; the foot wall.
--Raymond.
Ledgment \Ledg"ment\ (-ment), n. (Arch.)
(a) A string-course or horizontal suit of moldings, such
as the base moldings of a building. --Oxf. Gloss.
(b) The development of the surface of a body on a plane,
so that the dimensions of the different sides may be
easily ascertained. --Gwilt. [Written also
{ledgement}, {legement}, and {ligement}.]
Ledgy \Ledg"y\ (-[y^]), a.
Abounding in ledges; consisting of a ledge or reef; as, a
ledgy island.
Lee \Lee\ (l[=e]), v. i.,
To lie; to speak falsely. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lee \Lee\, n.; pl. {Lees} (l[=e]z). [F. lie, perh. fr. L. levare
to lift up, raise. Cf. {Lever}.]
That which settles at the bottom, as of a cask of liquor
(esp. wine); sediment; dregs; -- used now only in the plural.
[Lees occurs also as a form of the singular.] ``The lees of
wine.'' --Holland.
A thousand demons lurk within the lee. --Young.
The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees Is left
this vault to brag of. --Shak.
Lee \Lee\, n. [OE. lee shelter, Icel. hl[=e], akin to AS.
hle['o], hle['o]w, shelter, protection, OS. hl[`e]o, D. lij
lee, Sw. l["a], Dan. l[ae].]
1. A sheltered place; esp., a place protected from the wind
by some object; the side sheltered from the wind; shelter;
protection; as, the lee of a mountain, an island, or a
ship.
We lurked under lee. --Morte
d'Arthure.
Desiring me to take shelter in his lee. --Tyndall.
2. (Naut.) That part of the hemisphere, as one stands on
shipboard, toward which the wind blows. See {Lee}, a.
{By the lee}, {To bring by the lee}. See under {By}, and
{Bring}.
{Under the lee of}, on that side which is sheltered from the
wind; as, to be under the lee of a ship.
Lee \Lee\, a. (Naut.)
Of or pertaining to the part or side opposite to that against
which the wind blows; -- opposed to {weather}; as, the lee
side or lee rail of a vessel.
{Lee gauge}. See {Gauge}, n. (Naut.)
{Lee shore}, the shore on the lee side of a vessel.
{Lee tide}, a tide running in the same direction that the
wind blows.
{On the lee beam}, directly to the leeward; in a line at
right angles to the length of the vessel and to the
leeward.
Leeboard \Lee"board`\ (l[=e]"b[=o]rd`), n.
A board, or frame of planks, lowered over the side of a
vessel to lessen her leeway when closehauled, by giving her
greater draught.
Leech \Leech\ (l[=e]ch), n.
See 2d {Leach}.
Leech \Leech\, v. t.
See {Leach}, v. t.
Leech \Leech\, n. [Cf. LG. leik, Icel. l[=i]k, Sw. lik boltrope,
st[*a]ende liken the leeches.] (Naut.)
The border or edge at the side of a sail. [Written also
{leach}.]
{Leech line}, a line attached to the leech ropes of sails,
passing up through blocks on the yards, to haul the
leeches by. --Totten.
{Leech rope}, that part of the boltrope to which the side of
a sail is sewed.
Leech \Leech\, n. [OE. leche, l[ae]che, physician, AS. l[=ae]ce;
akin to Fries. l[=e]tza, OHG. l[=a]hh[=i], Icel. l[ae]knari,
Sw. l["a]kare, Dan. l[ae]ge, Goth. l[=e]keis, AS. l[=a]cnian
to heal, Sw. l["a]ka, Dan. l[ae]ge, Icel. l[ae]kna, Goth.
l[=e]kin[=o]n.]
1. A physician or surgeon; a professor of the art of healing.
[Written also {leach}.] [Archaic] --Spenser.
Leech, heal thyself. --Wyclif (Luke
iv. 23).
2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous genera and species of
annulose worms, belonging to the order {Hirudinea}, or
Bdelloidea, esp. those species
used in medicine, as {Hirudo medicinalis} of Europe, and allied
species.
Note: In the mouth of bloodsucking leeches are three
convergent, serrated jaws, moved by strong muscles. By
the motion of these jaws a stellate incision is made in
the skin, through which the leech sucks blood till it
is gorged, and then drops off. The stomach has large
pouches on each side to hold the blood. The common
large bloodsucking leech of America ({Macrobdella
decora}) is dark olive above, and red below, with black
spots. Many kinds of leeches are parasitic on fishes;
others feed upon worms and mollusks, and have no jaws
for drawing blood. See {Bdelloidea}. {Hirudinea}, and
{Clepsine}.
3. (Surg.) A glass tube of peculiar construction, adapted for
drawing blood from a scarified part by means of a vacuum.
{Horse leech}, a less powerful European leech ({H[ae]mopis
vorax}), commonly attacking the membrane that lines the
inside of the mouth and nostrils of animals that drink at
pools where it lives.
Leech \Leech\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leeched} (l[=e]cht); p. pr.
& vb. n. {Leeching}.]
1. To treat as a surgeon; to doctor; as, to leech wounds.
[Archaic]
2. To bleed by the use of leeches.
Leechcraft \Leech"craft`\ (-kr[.a]ft`), n.
The art of healing; skill of a physician. [Archaic]
--Chaucer.
Leed \Leed\, Leede \Leede\ (l[=e]d), n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
A caldron; a copper kettle. [Obs.] ``A furnace of a leed.''
--Chaucer.
Leef \Leef\ (l[=e]f), a. & adv.
See {Lief}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leek \Leek\ (l[=e]k), n. [AS. le['a]c; akin to D. look, G.
lauch, OHG. louh, Icel. laukr, Sw. l["o]k, Dan l["o]g. Cf.
{Garlic}.] (Bot.)
A plant of the genus {Allium} ({A. Porrum}), having broadly
linear succulent leaves rising from a loose oblong
cylindrical bulb. The flavor is stronger than that of the
common onion.
{Wild leek}, in America, a plant ({Allium tricoccum}) with a
cluster of ovoid bulbs and large oblong elliptical leaves.
Leeme \Leeme\ (l[=e]m), v. & n.
See {Leme}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leep \Leep\ (l[=e]p), obs. strong imp. of {Leap}.
Leaped.
Leer \Leer\ (l[=e]r), v. t.
To learn. [Obs.] See {Lere}, to learn.
Leer \Leer\, a. [OE. lere; akin to G. leer, OHG. & OS. l[=a]ri.]
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Empty; destitute; wanting; as:
(a) Empty of contents. ``A leer stomach.'' --Gifford.
(b) Destitute of a rider; and hence, led, not ridden; as, a
leer horse. --B. Jonson.
(c) Wanting sense or seriousness; trifling; trivolous; as,
leer words.
Leer \Leer\, n.
An oven in which glassware is annealed.
Leer \Leer\, n. [OE. lere cheek, face, look, AS. hle['o]r cheek,
face; akin to OS. hlear, hlior, OD. lier, Icel. hl[=y]r.]
1. The cheek. [Obs.] --Holinshed.
2. Complexion; aspect; appearance. [Obs.]
A Rosalind of a better leer than you. --Shak.
3. A distorted expression of the face, or an indirect glance
of the eye, conveying a sinister or immodest suggestion.
With jealous leer malign Eyed them askance.
--Milton.
She gives the leer of invitation. --Shak.
Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer.
--Pope.
Leer \Leer\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Leered} (l[=e]rd); p. pr. &
vb. n. {Leering}.]
To look with a leer; to look askance with a suggestive
expression, as of hatred, contempt, lust, etc.; to cast a
sidelong lustful or malign look.
I will leerupon him as a' comes by. --Shak.
The priest, above his book, Leering at his neighbor's
wife. --Tennyson.
Leer \Leer\, v. t.
To entice with a leer, or leers; as, to leer a man to ruin.
--Dryden.
Leere \Leere\ (l[=e]r), n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
Tape or braid; an ornament. --Halliwell.
{Leere side}, the left side, as that on which a leere or
ornament was worn. --B. Jonson.
Leeringly \Leer"ing*ly\, adv.
In a leering manner.
Lees \Lees\ (l[=e]z), n. pl.
Dregs. See 2d {Lee}.
Lees \Lees\ (l[=e]s), n.
A leash. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leese \Leese\ (l[=e]z), v. t. [See {Lose}.]
To lose. [Obs.]
They would rather leese their friend than their jest.
--Lord
Burleigh.
Leese \Leese\, v. t. [Cf. F. l['e]ser, L. laesus, p. p. of
laedere.]
To hurt. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
Leet \Leet\ (l[=e]t), obs. imp.
of {Let}, to allow. --Chaucer.
Leet \Leet\, n. [Cf. AS. hl[=e]t share, lot.]
A portion; a list, esp. a list of candidates for an office.
[Scot.]
Leet \Leet\, n. [LL. leta. Cf. F. lit de justice a solemn
sitting of the king in Parliament, L. lis, litis, a lawsuit,
It., Sp., & Pg. lite.] (Eng. Hist.)
A court-leet; the district within the jurisdiction of a
court-leet; the day on which a court-leet is held. --Shak.
Note: The original intent of the court-leet was to view the
frankpledges or freemen within the liberty; hence
called the view of frankpledge. Latterly it has fallen
into almost entire disuse. --Burrill. Warren's
Blackstone.
{Leet ale}, a feast or merrymaking in time of leet. [Obs.]
Leet \Leet\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zo["o]l.)
The European pollock.
Leetman \Leet"man\ (-man), n.; pl. {Leetmen} (-men).
One subject to the jurisdiction of a court-leet.
Leeward \Lee"ward\ (l[=e]"w[~e]rd or l[=u]"[~e]rd), a. (Naut.)
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the part or side
toward which the wind blows; -- opposed to {windward}; as, a
leeward berth; a leeward ship. -- n. The lee side; the lee.
-- adv. Toward the lee.
Leeway \Lee"way`\ (l[=e]"w[=a]`), n. (Naut.)
The lateral movement of a ship to the leeward of her course;
drift.
Left \Left\ (l[e^]ft), imp. & p. p.
of {Leave}.
Left \Left\, a. [OE. left, lift, luft; akin to Fries. leeft, OD.
lucht, luft; cf. AS. left (equiv. to L. inanis), lyft[=a]dl
palsy; or cf. AS. l[=e]f weak.]
Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the
muscular action of the limbs is usually weaker than on the
other side; -- opposed to {right}, when used in reference to
a part of the body; as, the left hand, or arm; the left ear.
Also said of the corresponding side of the lower animals.
{Left bank of a river}, that which is on the left hand of a
person whose face is turned downstream.
{Left bower}. See under 2d {Bower}.
{Left center}, the members whose sympathies are, in the main,
with the members of the Left, but who do not favor extreme
courses, and on occasions vote with the government. They
sit between the Center and the extreme Left.
{Over the left shoulder}, or {Over the left}, an old but
still current colloquialism, or slang expression, used as
an aside to indicate insincerity, negation, or disbelief;
as, he said it, and it is true, -- over the left.
Left \Left\, n.
1. That part of surrounding space toward which the left side
of one's body is turned; as, the house is on the left when
you face North.
Put that rose a little more to the left. --Ld.
Lytton.
2. Those members of a legislative assembly (as in France) who
are in the opposition; the advanced republicans and
extreme radicals. They have their seats at the left-hand
side of the presiding officer. See {Center}, and {Right}.
Left-hand \Left"-hand`\ (l[e^]ft"h[a^]nd`), a.
Situated on the left; nearer the left hand than the right;
as, the left-hand side; the left-hand road.
{Left-hand rope}, rope laid up and twisted over from right to
left, or against the sun; -- called also {water-laid
rope}.
Left-handed \Left"-hand`ed\, a.
1. Having the left hand or arm stronger and more dexterous
than the right; using the left hand and arm with more
dexterity than the right.
2. Clumsy; awkward; unlucky; insincere; sinister; malicious;
as, a left-handed compliment.
The commendations of this people are not always
left-handed and detractive. --Landor.
3. Having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a
watch when seen in front; -- said of a twist, a rotary
motion, etc., looked at from a given direction.
{Left-handed marriage}, a morganatic marriage. See
{Morganatic}.
{Left-handed screw}, a screw constructed to advance away from
the observer, when turned, as in a nut, with a left-handed
rotation. An ordinary wood screw is right-handed.
Left-handedness \Left"-hand`ed*ness\, Left-handiness
\Left"-hand`i*ness\ (-[i^]*n[e^]s), n.
The state or quality of being left-handed; awkwardness.
An awkward address, ungraceful attitudes and actions,
and a certain left-handiness (if I may use the
expression) proclaim low education. --Chesterfield.
Left-off \Left"-off`\ (-[o^]f`; 115), a.
Laid aside; cast-off.
Leftward \Left"ward\ (-w[~e]rd), adv.
Toward or on the left side.
Rightward and leftward rise the rocks. --Southey.
Leful \Le"ful\ (l[=e]"f[.u]l), a.
See {Leveful}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leg \Leg\ (l[e^]g), n. [Icel. leggr; akin to Dan. l[ae]g calf of
the leg, Sw. l["a]gg.]
1. A limb or member of an animal used for supporting the
body, and in running, climbing, and swimming; esp., that
part of the limb between the knee and foot.
2. That which resembles a leg in form or use; especially, any
long and slender support on which any object rests; as,
the leg of a table; the leg of a pair of compasses or
dividers.
3. The part of any article of clothing which covers the leg;
as, the leg of a stocking or of a pair of trousers.
4. A bow, esp. in the phrase to make a leg; probably from
drawing the leg backward in bowing. [Obs.]
He that will give a cap and make a leg in thanks for
a favor he never received. --Fuller.
5. A disreputable sporting character; a blackleg. [Slang,
Eng.]
6. (Naut.) The course and distance made by a vessel on one
tack or between tacks.
7. (Steam Boiler) An extension of the boiler downward, in the
form of a narrow space between vertical plates, sometimes
nearly surrounding the furnace and ash pit, and serving to
support the boiler; -- called also {water leg}.
8. (Grain Elevator) The case containing the lower part of the
belt which carries the buckets.
9. (Cricket) A fielder whose position is on the outside, a
little in rear of the batter.
{A good leg} (Naut.), a course sailed on a tack which is near
the desired course.
{Leg bail}, escape from custody by flight. [Slang]
{Legs of an hyperbola} (or other curve) (Geom.), the branches
of the curve which extend outward indefinitely.
{Legs of a triangle}, the sides of a triangle; -- a name
seldom used unless one of the sides is first distinguished
by some appropriate term; as, the hypothenuse and two legs
of a right-angled triangle.
{On one's legs}, standing to speak.
{On one's last legs}. See under {Last}.
{To have legs} (Naut.), to have speed.
{To stand on one's own legs}, to support one's self; to be
independent.
Leg \Leg\ (l[e^]g), v. t.
To use as a leg, with it as object:
(a) To bow. [Obs.]
(b) To run. [Low]
Legacy \Leg"a*cy\ (l[e^]g"[.a]*s[y^]), n.; pl. {Legacies}
(-s[i^]z). [L. (assumed) legatia, for legatum, from legare to
appoint by last will, to bequeath as a legacy, to depute: cf.
OF. legat legacy. See {Legate}.]
1. A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal
property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor
or disease.
2. A business with which one is intrusted by another; a
commission; -- obsolete, except in the phrases last
legacy, dying legacy, and the like.
My legacy and message wherefore I am sent into the
world. --Tyndale.
He came and told his legacy. --Chapman.
{Legacy duty}, a tax paid to government on legacies.
--Wharton.
{Legacy hunter}, one who flatters and courts any one for the
sake of a legacy.
Legal \Le"gal\ (l[=e]"gal), a. [L. legalis, fr. lex, legis, law;
prob. orig., that which lies or is fixed (cf. L. lectus bed),
and if so akin to E. lie, law: cf. F. l['e]gal. Cf. {Lie} to
be prostrate, {Loyal}, {Leal}.]
1. Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating
to, law; as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test;
a legal procedure; a legal claim; a legal trade; anything
is legal which the laws do not forbid.
2. (Theol.)
(a) According to the law of works, as distinguished from
free grace; or resting on works for salvation.
(b) According to the old or Mosaic dispensation; in
accordance with the law of Moses.
3. (Law) Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from
the rules of equity; as, legal estate; legal assets.
--Bouvier. --Burrill.
{Legal cap}. See under {Cap}.
{Legal tender}.
(a) The act of tendering in the performance of a contract
or satisfaction of a claim that which the law
prescribes or permits, and at such time and place as
the law prescribes or permits.
(b) That currency, or money, which the law authorizes a
debtor to tender and requires a creditor to receive.
It differs in different countries.
Syn: Lawful; constitutional; legitimate; licit; authorized.
See {Lawful}.
Legalism \Le"gal*ism\ (l[=e]"gal*[i^]z'm), n.
Strictness, or the doctrine of strictness, in conforming to
law.
Legalist \Le"gal*ist\, n.
One who practices or advocates strict conformity to law; in
theology, one who holds to the law of works. See {Legal}, 2
(a) .
Legality \Le*gal"i*ty\ (l[-e]*g[a^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [Cf. LL.
legalitas, F. l['e]galit['e]. Cf. {Loyalty}.]
1. The state or quality of being legal; conformity to law.
2. (Theol.) A conformity to, and resting upon, the letter of
the law.
Legalization \Le`gal*i*za"tion\ (l[=e]`gal*[i^]*z[=a]"sh[u^]n),
n.
The act of making legal.
Legalize \Le"gal*ize\ (l[=e]"gal*[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Legalized} (-[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Legalizing}
(-[imac]`z[i^]ng).] [Cf. F. l['e]galiser.]
1. To make legal.
2. (Theol.) To interpret or apply in a legal spirit.
Legally \Le"gal*ly\, adv.
In a legal manner.
Legantine \Le*gan"tine\ (l[-e]*g[a^]n"t[i^]n), a. [Obs.]
See {Legatine}.
Legatary \Leg"a*ta*ry\ (l[e^]g"[.a]*t[asl]*r[y^]), n. [L.
legatarius, fr. legaturius enjoined by a last will: cf. F.
l['e]gataire. See {Legacy}.]
A legatee. [R.] --Ayliffe.
Legate \Leg"ate\ (l[e^]g"[asl]t), n. [OE. legat, L. legatus, fr.
legare to send with a commission or charge, to depute, fr.
lex, legis, law: cf. F. l['e]gat, It. legato. See {Legal}.]
1. An ambassador or envoy.
2. An ecclesiastic representing the pope and invested with
the authority of the Holy See.
Note: Legates are of three kinds: ({a}) Legates a latere, now
always cardinals. They are called ordinary or
extraordinary legates, the former governing provinces,
and the latter class being sent to foreign countries on
extraordinary occasions. ({b}) Legati missi, who
correspond to the ambassadors of temporal governments.
({c}) Legati nati, or legates by virtue of their
office, as the archbishops of Salzburg and Prague.
3. (Rom. Hist.)
(a) An official assistant given to a general or to the
governor of a province.
(b) Under the emperors, a governor sent to a province.
Legatee \Leg`a*tee"\ (l[e^]g`[.a]*t[=e]"), n. [See {Legacy}.]
(Law)
One to whom a legacy is bequeathed.
Legateship \Leg"ate*ship\ (l[e^]g"[asl]t*sh[i^]p), n.
The office of a legate.
Legatine \Leg"a*tine\ (-[.a]*t[imac]n), a.
1. Of or pertaining to a legate; as, legatine power.
--Holinshed.
2. Made by, proceeding from, or under the sanction of, a
legate; as, a legatine constitution. --Ayliffe.
Legation \Le*ga"tion\ (l[-e]*g[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. legatio: cf.
F. l['e]gation, It. legazione. See {Legate}.]
1. The sending forth or commissioning one person to act for
another. ``The Divine legation of Moses.'' --Bp.
Warburton.
2. A legate, or envoy, and the persons associated with him in
his mission; an embassy; or, in stricter usage, a
diplomatic minister and his suite; a deputation.
3. The place of business or official residence of a
diplomatic minister at a foreign court or seat of
government.
4. A district under the jurisdiction of a legate.
Legato \Le*ga"to\ (l[asl]*g[aum]"t[-o]), a. [It., tied, joined,
fr. legare to tie, bind, L. ligare.] (Mus.)
Connected; tied; -- a term used when successive tones are to
be produced in a closely connected, smoothly gliding manner.
It is often indicated by a tie, thus ?, ?, or ?, ?, written
over or under the notes to be so performed; -- opposed to
{staccato}.
Legator \Leg`a*tor"\ (l[e^]g`[.a]*t[^o]r"), n. [L., fr. legare:
cf. OF. legateur. See {Legacy}.] (Law)
A testator; one who bequeaths a legacy. --Dryden.
Legatura \Le`ga*tu"ra\ (l[asl]`g[.a]*t[=oo]"r[.a]), n. [It. See
{Ligature}.] (Mus.)
A tie or brace; a syncopation.
Legature \Leg"a*ture\ (l[e^]g"[.a]*t[-u]r; 135), n.
Legateship. [Obs.]
Lege \Lege\ (l[e^]j), v. t. [Abbrev. fr. allege to assert.]
To allege; to assert. [Obs.] --Bp. Fisher.
Legement \Lege"ment\ (-ment), n.
See {Ledgment}.
Legend \Leg"end\ (l[e^]j"[e^]nd or l[=e]"j[e^]nd; 277), n. [OE.
legende, OF. legende, F. l['e]gende, LL. legenda, fr. L.
legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr.
le`gein to gather, speak. Cf. {Collect}, {Dialogue},
{Lesson}, {Logic}.]
1. That which is appointed to be read; especially, a
chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly
read at matins, and in the refectories of religious
houses.
2. A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous
nature. --Addison.
3. Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not
verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.
And in this legend all that glorious deed Read,
whilst you arm you. --Fairfax.
4. An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the
field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic
shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.
{Golden legend}. See under {Golden}.
Legend \Leg"end\, v. t.
To tell or narrate, as a legend. --Bp. Hall.
Legendary \Leg"end*a*ry\ (l[e^]j"[e^]n*d[asl]*r[y^]), a.
Of or pertaining to a legend or to legends; consisting of
legends; like a legend; fabulous. ``Legendary writers.''
--Bp. Lloyd.
Legendary stories of nurses and old women. --Bourne.
Legendary \Leg"end*a*ry\, n. [Cf. OF. legendaire, LL.
legendarius.]
1. A book of legends; a tale or narrative.
Read the Countess of Pembroke's ``Arcadia,'' a
gallant legendary full of pleasurable accidents.
--James I.
2. One who relates legends. --Bp. Lavington.
Leger \Leg"er\ (l[e^]j"[~e]r), n. [See {Ledger}.]
1. Anything that lies in a place; that which, or one who,
remains in a place. [Obs.]
2. A minister or ambassador resident at a court or seat of
government. [Written also {lieger}, {leiger}.] [Obs.]
Sir Edward Carne, the queen's leger at Rome.
--Fuller.
3. A ledger.
Leger \Leg"er\, a.
Lying or remaining in a place; hence, resident; as, leger
ambassador.
Leger \Leg"er\, a. [F. l['e]ger, fr. LL. (assumed) leviarius,
fr. L. levis light in weight. See {Levity}.]
Light; slender; slim; trivial. [Obs. except in special
phrases.] --Bacon.
{Leger line} (Mus.), a line added above or below the staff to
extend its compass; -- called also {added line}.
Legerdemain \Leg`er*de*main"\ (l[e^]j`[~e]r*d[-e]*m[=a]n"), n.
[F. l['e]ger light, nimble + de of + main hand, L. manus. See
3d {Leger}, and {Manual}.]
Sleight of hand; a trick of sleight of hand; hence, any
artful deception or trick.
He of legierdemayne the mysteries did know. --Spenser.
The tricks and legerdemain by which men impose upon
their own souls. --South.
Legerdemainist \Leg`er*de*main"ist\, n.
One who practices sleight of hand; a prestidigitator.
Legerity \Le*ger"i*ty\ (l[-e]*j[e^]r"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [F.
l['e]g[`e]ret['e]. See 3d {Leger}.]
Lightness; nimbleness. [Archaic] --Shak.
Legge \Legge\ (l[e^]g), v. t. [See {Lay}, v. t. ]
To lay. [Obs.]
Legge \Legge\, v. t. [Abbrev. fr. alegge.]
To lighten; to allay. [Obs.] --Rom. of R.
Legged \Legged\ (l[e^]gd or l[e^]g"g[e^]d), a. [From {Leg}.]
Having (such or so many) legs; -- used in composition; as, a
long-legged man; a two-legged animal.
Leggiadro \Leg`gi*a"dro\ (l[asl]d`j[-e]*[aum]"dr[-o]), Leggiero
\Leg`gi*e"ro\ (l[asl]d`j[-e]*[asl]"r[-o]), a. & adv. [It.]
(Mus.)
Light or graceful; in a light, delicate, and brisk style.
Legging \Leg"ging\ (l[e^]g"g[i^]ng), Leggin \Leg"gin\
(l[e^]g"g[i^]n), n. [From {Leg}.]
A cover for the leg, like a long gaiter.
Legging \Leg"ging\,
a. & vb. n., from {Leg}, v. t.
Leggy \Leg"gy\ (-g[y^]), a.
Having long legs. --Thackeray.
Leghorn \Leg"horn\ (-h[^o]rn), n.
A straw plaiting used for bonnets and hats, made from the
straw of a particular kind of wheat, grown for the purpose in
Tuscany, Italy; -- so called from Leghorn, the place of
exportation.
Legibility \Leg`i*bil"i*ty\ (l[e^]j`[i^]*b[i^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.
The quality of being legible; legibleness. --Sir. D.
Brewster.
Legible \Leg"i*ble\ (l[e^]j"[i^]*b'l), a. [L. legibilis, fr.
legere to read: cf. OF. legible. See {Legend}.]
1. Capable of being read or deciphered; distinct to the eye;
plain; -- used of writing or printing; as, a fair, legible
manuscript.
The stone with moss and lichens so overspread,
Nothing is legible but the name alone. --Longfellow.
2. Capable of being discovered or understood by apparent
marks or indications; as, the thoughts of men are often
legible in their countenances.
Legibleness \Leg"i*ble*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being legible.
Legibly \Leg"i*bly\, adv.
In a legible manner.
Legific \Le*gif"ic\ (l[-e]*j[i^]f"[i^]k), a. [L. lex, legis, law
+ -ficare (in comp.) to make. See {-fy}.]
Of or pertaining to making laws.
Practically, in many cases, authority or legific
competence has begun in bare power. --J. Grote.
Legion \Le"gion\ (l[=e]"j[u^]n), n. [OE. legioun, OF. legion, F.
l['e]gion, fr. L. legio, fr. legere to gather, collect. See
{Legend}.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) A body of foot soldiers and cavalry
consisting of different numbers at different periods, --
from about four thousand to about six thousand men, -- the
cavalry being about one tenth.
2. A military force; an army; military bands.
3. A great number; a multitude.
Where one sin has entered, legions will force their
way through the same breach. --Rogers.
4. (Taxonomy) A group of orders inferior to a class.
{Legion of honor}, an order instituted by the French
government in 1802, when Bonaparte was First Consul, as a
reward for merit, both civil and military.
Legionary \Le"gion*a*ry\ (-[asl]*r[y^]), a. [L. legionarius: cf.
F. l['e]gionnaire.]
Belonging to a legion; consisting of a legion or legions, or
of an indefinitely great number; as, legionary soldiers; a
legionary force. ``The legionary body of error.'' --Sir T.
Browne.
Legionary \Le"gion*a*ry\ (l[=e]"j[u^]n*[asl]*r[y^]), n.; pl.
{Legionaries} (-r[i^]z).
A member of a legion. --Milton.
Legioned \Le"gioned\ (l[=e]"j[u^]nd), a.
Formed into a legion or legions; legionary. --Shelley.
Legionry \Le"gion*ry\ (l[=e]"j[u^]n*r[y^]), n.
A body of legions; legions, collectively. [R.] --Pollok.
Legislate \Leg"is*late\ (l[e^]j"[i^]s*l[=a]t), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. {Legislated} (-l[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Legislating} (-l[=a]`t[i^]ng).] [See {Legislator}.]
To make or enact a law or laws.
Solon, in legislating for the Athenians, had an idea of
a more perfect constitution than he gave them. --Bp.
Watson (1805).
Legislation \Leg`is*la"tion\ (-l[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [Cf. F.
l['e]gislation, L. legis latio. See {Legislator}.]
The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws;
the laws enacted.
Pythagoras joined legislation to his philosophy.
--Lyttelton.
Legislative \Leg"is*la*tive\ (l[e^]j"[i^]s*l[asl]*t[i^]v), a.
[Cf. F. l['e]gislatif.]
1. Making, or having the power to make, a law or laws;
lawmaking; -- distinguished from {executive}; as, a
legislative act; a legislative body.
The supreme legislative power of England was lodged
in the king and great council, or what was
afterwards called the Parliament. --Hume.
2. Of or pertaining to the making of laws; suitable to
legislation; as, the transaction of legislative business;
the legislative style.
Legislatively \Leg"is*la*tive*ly\, adv.
In a legislative manner.
Legislator \Leg"is*la`tor\ (l[e^]j"[i^]s*l[=a]`t[~e]r), n. [L.
legis lator, prop., a proposer of a law; lex, legis, law +
lator a proposer, bearer, fr. latus, used as p. p. of ferre
to bear: cf. F. l['e]gislateur. See {Legal}, and {Tolerate}.]
A lawgiver; one who makes laws for a state or community; a
member of a legislative body.
The legislators in ancient and heroical times. --Bacon.
Many of the legislators themselves had taken an oath of
abjuration of his Majesty's person and family. --E.
Phillips.
Legislatorial \Leg`is*la*to"ri*al\ (-l[.a]*t[=o]"r[i^]*al), a.
Of or pertaining to a legislator or legislature.
Legislatorship \Leg"is*la`tor*ship\
(l[e^]j"[i^]s*l[=a]`t[~e]r*sh[i^]p), n.
The office of a legislator. --Halifax.
Legislatress \Leg"is*la`tress\ (-tr[e^]s), Legislatrix
\Leg"is*la`trix\ (-tr[i^]ks), n.
A woman who makes laws. --Shaftesbury.
Legislature \Leg"is*la`ture\ (l[e^]j"[i^]s*l[=a]`t[-u]r; 135),
n. [Cf. F. l['e]gislature.]
The body of persons in a state or kingdom invested with power
to make and repeal laws; a legislative body.
Without the concurrent consent of all three parts of
the legislature, no law is, or can be, made. --Sir M.
Hale.
Note: The legislature of Great Britain consists of the Lords
and Commons, with the king or queen, whose sanction is
necessary to every bill before it becomes a law. The
legislatures of most of the United States consist of
two houses or branches; but the sanction or consent of
the governor is required to give their acts the force
of law, or a concurrence of two thirds of the two
houses after he has refused his sanction and assigned
his objections.
Legist \Le"gist\ (l[=e]"j[i^]st), n. [F. l['e]giste, LL.
legista, fr. L. lex, legis, law. See {Legal}.]
One skilled in the laws; a writer on law. --Milman. --J.
Morley.
Legitim \Le*git"im\ (l[-e]*j[i^]"[i^]m), n. [See {Legitimate},
a.] (Scots Law)
The portion of movable estate to which the children are
entitled upon the death of the father.
Legitimacy \Le*git"i*ma*cy\ (-[i^]*m[.a]*s[y^]), n. [See
{Legitimate}, a.]
The state, or quality, of being legitimate, or in conformity
with law; hence, the condition of having been lawfully
begotten, or born in wedlock.
The doctrine of Divine Right, which has now come back
to us, like a thief from transportation, under the
alias of Legitimacy. --Macaulay.
Legitimate \Le*git"i*mate\ (-m[asl]t), a. [LL. legitimatus, p.
p. of legitimare to legitimate, fr. L. legitimus legitimate.
See {Legal}.]
1. Accordant with law or with established legal forms and
requirements; lawful; as, legitimate government;
legitimate rights; the legitimate succession to the
throne; a legitimate proceeding of an officer; a
legitimate heir.
2. Lawfully begotten; born in wedlock.
3. Authorized; real; genuine; not false, counterfeit, or
spurious; as, legitimate poems of Chaucer; legitimate
inscriptions.
4. Conforming to known principles, or accepted rules; as,
legitimate reasoning; a legitimate standard, or method; a
legitimate combination of colors.
Tillotson still keeps his place as a legitimate
English classic. --Macaulay.
5. Following by logical sequence; reasonable; as, a
legitimate result; a legitimate inference.
Legitimate \Le*git"i*mate\ (-m[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Legitimated} (-m[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Legitimating}
(-m[=a]`t[i^]ng).]
To make legitimate, lawful, or valid; esp., to put in the
position or state of a legitimate person before the law, by
legal means; as, to legitimate a bastard child.
To enact a statute of that which he dares not seem to
approve, even to legitimate vice. --Milton.
Legitimately \Le*git"i*mate*ly\ (-m[asl]t*l[y^]), adv.
In a legitimate manner; lawfully; genuinely.
Legitimateness \Le*git"i*mate*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being legitimate; lawfulness;
genuineness.
Legitimation \Le*git`i*ma"tion\ (-m[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [Cf. F.
l['e]gitimation.]
1. The act of making legitimate.
The coining or legitimation of money. --East.
2. Lawful birth. [R.] --Shak.
Legitimatist \Le*git"i*ma*tist\
(l[-e]*j[i^]t"[i^]*m[.a]*t[i^]st), n.
See {Legitimist}.
Legitimatize \Le*git"i*ma*tize\ (-t[imac]z), v. t.
To legitimate.
Legitimism \Le*git"i*mism\ (-m[i^]z'm), n.
The principles or plans of legitimists.
Legitimist \Le*git"i*mist\ (-m[i^]st), n. [Cf. F.
l['e]gitimiste.]
1. One who supports legitimate authority; esp., one who
believes in hereditary monarchy, as a divine right.
2. Specifically, a supporter of the claims of the elder
branch of the Bourbon dynasty to the crown of France.
Legitimize \Le*git"i*mize\ (l[-e]*j[i^]t"[i^]*m[imac]z), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. {Legitimized} (-m[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Legitimizing}.]
To legitimate.
Legless \Leg"less\ (l[e^]g"l[e^]s), a.
Not having a leg.
Lego-literary \Le"go-lit"er*a*ry\
(l[=e]"g[-o]-l[i^]t"[~e]r*[asl]*r[y^]), a. [See {Legal}, and
{Literary}.]
Pertaining to the literature of law.
Leguleian \Le`gu*le"ian\ (l[=e]`g[-u]*l[=e]"yan), a. [L.
leguleius pettifogger, fr. lex, legis, law.]
Lawyerlike; legal. [R.] ``Leguleian barbarism.'' --De
Quincey. -- n. A lawyer.
Legume \Leg"ume\ (l[e^]g"[-u]m or l[-e]*g[=u]m"), n. [F.
l['e]gume, L. legumen, fr. legere to gather. So called
because they may be gathered without cutting. See {Legend}.]
1. (Bot.) A pod dehiscent into two pieces or valves, and
having the seed attached at one suture, as that of the
pea.
Note: In the latter circumstance, it differs from a siliqua,
in which the seeds are attached to both sutures. In
popular use, a legume is called a pod, or cod; as, pea
pod, or peas cod.
2. pl. The fruit of leguminous plants, as peas, beans,
lupines; pulse.
Legumen \Le*gu"men\ (l[-e]*g[=u]"m[e^]n), n.; pl. L. {Legumina}
(-m[i^]*n[.a]), E. {Legumens} (-m[e^]nz). [L.]
Same as {Legume}.
Legumin \Le*gu"min\ (-m[i^]n), n. [Cf. F. l['e]gumine.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
An albuminous substance resembling casein, found as a
characteristic ingredient of the seeds of leguminous and
grain-bearing plants.
Leguminous \Le*gu"mi*nous\ (-m[i^]*n[u^]s), a. [Cf. F.
l['e]gumineux.]
1. Pertaining to pulse; consisting of pulse.
2. (Bot.) Belonging to, or resembling, a very large natural
order of plants ({Leguminos[ae]}), which bear legumes,
including peas, beans, clover, locust trees, acacias, and
mimosas.
Leiger \Lei"ger\ (l[=e]"j[~e]r), n. [See {Leger}, and {Ledger}.]
See {Leger}, n., 2. [Obs.] --Shak.
Leiotrichan \Lei*ot"ri*chan\ (l[-i]*[o^]t"r[i^]*kan), a.
Of or pertaining to the Leiotrichi. -- n. One of the
Leiotrichi.
Leiotrichi \Lei*ot"ri*chi\ (-k[imac]), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr.
lei^os smooth + qri`x, tricho`s, hair.] (Anthropol.)
The division of mankind which embraces the smooth-haired
races.
Leiotrichous \Lei*ot"ri*chous\ (-k[u^]s), a. [See {Leiotrichi}.]
(Anthropol.)
Having smooth, or nearly smooth, hair.
Leipoa \Lei*po"a\ (l[-i]*p[=o]"[.a]), n. [NL.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of Australian gallinaceous birds including but a
single species ({Leipoa ocellata}), about the size of a
turkey. Its color is variegated, brown, black, white, and
gray. Called also {native pheasant}.
Note: It makes large mounds of sand and vegetable material,
in which its eggs are laid to be hatched by the heat of
the decomposing mass.
Leipothymic \Lei`po*thym"ic\ (l[imac]`p[-o]*th[i^]m"[i^]k), a.
See {Lipothymic}.
Leister \Leis"ter\, Lister \Lis"ter\(l[i^]s"t[~e]r), n.
A spear armed with three or more prongs, for striking fish.
[Scotland]
Leisurable \Lei"sur*a*ble\ (l[=e]"zh[-u]r*[.a]*b'l; 135), a.
[See {Leisure}.]
1. Leisurely. [Obs.] --Hooker.
2. Vacant of employment; not occupied; idle; leisure; as
leisurable hours. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
Leisurably \Lei"sur*a*bly\, adv.
At leisure. [Obs.]
Leisure \Lei"sure\ (l[=e]"zh[-u]r; 135), n. [OE. leisere,
leiser, OF. leisir, F. loisir, orig., permission, fr. L.
licere to be permitted. See {License}.]
1. Freedom from occupation or business; vacant time; time
free from employment.
The desire of leisure is much more natural than of
business and care. --Sir W.
Temple.
2. Time at one's command, free from engagement; convenient
opportunity; hence, convenience; ease.
He sighed, and had no leisure more to say. --Dryden.
{At leisure}.
(a) Free from occupation; not busy.
(b) In a leisurely manner; at a convenient time.
Leisure \Lei"sure\, a.
Unemployed; as, leisure hours.
Leisured \Lei"sured\ (l[=e]"zh[-u]rd), a.
Having leisure. ``The leisured classes.'' --Gladstone.
Leisurely \Lei"sure*ly\ (l[=e]"zh[-u]r*l[y^]), a.
Characterized by leisure; taking abundant time; not hurried;
as, a leisurely manner; a leisurely walk.
Leisurely \Lei"sure*ly\, adv.
In a leisurely manner. --Addison.
Leitmotif \Leit"mo*tif"\ (l[imac]t"m[-o]*t[-e]f"), n. [G.]
(Mus.)
See {Leading motive}, under {Leading}, a.
Leman \Le"man\ (l[=e]"man or l[e^]m"an; 277), n. [OE. lemman,
lefman; AS. le['o]f dear + mann man. See {Lief}, and {Man}.]
A sweetheart, of either sex; a gallant, or a mistress; --
usually in a bad sense. [Archaic] --Chaucer. --Spenser.
--Shak.
Leme \Leme\ (l[=e]m), n. [OE. leem, leme, leam, AS. le['o]ma
light, brightness; akin to E. light, n. [root]122.]
A ray or glimmer of light; a gleam. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leme \Leme\, v. i.
To shine. [Obs.] --Piers Plowman.
Lemma \Lem"ma\ (l[e^]m"m[.a]), n.; pl. L. {Lemmata}
(-m[.a]*t[.a]), E. {Lemmas} (-m[.a]z). [L. lemma, Gr. lh^mma
anything received, an assumption or premise taken for
granted, fr. lamba`nein to take, assume. Cf. {Syllable}.]
A preliminary or auxiliary proposition demonstrated or
accepted for immediate use in the demonstration of some other
proposition, as in mathematics or logic.
Lemman \Lem"man\ (l[e^]m"man), n.
A leman. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lemming \Lem"ming\ (l[e^]m"m[i^]ng), n. [Nor. lemming, lemende;
cf. Sw. lemel, Lapp. lummik.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of small arctic rodents of the
genera {Myodes} and {Cuniculus}, resembling the meadow mice
in form. They are found in both hemispheres.
Note: The common Northern European lemming ({Myodes lemmus})
is remarkable for making occasional devastating
migrations in enormous numbers from the mountains into
the lowlands.
Lemnian \Lem"ni*an\ (l[e^]m"n[i^]*an), a. [L. Lemnius, fr.
Lemnus, Gr. Lh^mnos.]
Of or pertaining to the isle of Lemnos.
{Lemnian bole}, {Lemnian earth}, an aluminous earth of a
grayish yellow color; sphragide; -- formerly sold as
medicine, having astringent properties.
{Lemnian reddle}, a reddle of firm consistence and deep red
color; -- used by artificers in coloring.
Lemniscata \Lem`nis*ca"ta\ (l[e^]m`n[i^]s*k[=a]"t[.a]),
Lemniscate \Lem*nis"cate\ (l[e^]m*n[i^]s"k[asl]t), n. [L.
lemniscatus adorned with ribbons, fr. lemniscus a ribbon
hanging down, Gr. lhmni`skos.] (Geom.)
A curve in the form of the figure 8, with both parts
symmetrical, generated by the point in which a tangent to an
equilateral hyperbola meets the perpendicular on it drawn
from the center.
Lemniscus \Lem*nis"cus\ (l[e^]m*n[i^]s"k[u^]s), n.; pl.
{Lemnisci} (-s[imac]). [L. See {Lemniscata}.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of two oval bodies hanging from the interior walls of the
body in the Acanthocephala.
Lemon \Lem"on\ (l[e^]m"[u^]n), n. [F. limon, Per. l[imac]m[=u]n;
cf. Ar. laim[=u]n, Sp. limon, It. limone. Cf. {Lime} a
fruit.]
1. (Bot.) An oval or roundish fruit resembling the orange,
and containing a pulp usually intensely acid. It is
produced by a tropical tree of the genus {Citrus}, the
common fruit known in commerce being that of the species
{C. Limonum} or {C. Medica} (var. Limonum). There are many
varieties of the fruit, some of which are sweet.
2. The tree which bears lemons; the lemon tree.
{Lemon grass} (Bot.), a fragrant East Indian grass
({Andropogon Sh[oe]nanthus}, and perhaps other allied
species), which yields the grass oil used in perfumery.
{Lemon sole} (Zo["o]l.), a yellow European sole ({Solea
aurantiaca}).
{Salts of lemon} (Chem.), a white crystalline substance,
inappropriately named, as it consists of an acid potassium
oxalate and contains no citric acid, which is the
characteristic acid of lemon; -- called also {salts of
sorrel}. It is used in removing ink stains. See {Oxalic
acid}, under {Oxalic}. [Colloq.]
Lemonade \Lem`on*ade"\ (l[e^]m`[u^]n*[=a]d"), n. [F. limonade;
cf. Sp. limonada, It. limonata. See {Lemon}.]
A beverage consisting of lemon juice mixed with water and
sweetened.
Lemur \Le"mur\ (l[=e]"m[u^]r), n. [L., a ghost, specter. So
called on account of its habit of going abroad by night.]
(Zo["o]l.)
One of a family ({Lemurid[ae]}) of nocturnal mammals allied
to the monkeys, but of small size, and having a sharp and
foxlike muzzle, and large eyes. They feed upon birds,
insects, and fruit, and are mostly natives of Madagascar and
the neighboring islands, one genus ({Galago}) occurring in
Africa. The slow lemur or kukang of the East Indies is
{Nycticebus tardigradus}. See {Galago}, {Indris}, and
{Colugo}.
Lemures \Lem"u*res\ (l[e^]m"[-u]*r[=e]z; E. l[=e]"m[=u]rz), n.
pl. [L. See {Lemur}.]
Spirits or ghosts of the departed; specters.
The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint.
--Milton.
Lemuria \Le*mu"ri*a\ (l[-e]*m[=u]"r[i^]*[.a]), n. [So named from
the supposition that it was the original home of the lemurs.]
A hypothetical land, or continent, supposed by some to have
existed formerly in the Indian Ocean, of which Madagascar is
a remnant. --Herschel.
Lemurid \Lem"u*rid\ (l[e^]m"[-u]*r[i^]d), a. & n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Lemuroid}.
Lemuridous \Le*mu"ri*dous\ (l[-e]*m[=u]"r[i^]*d[u^]s), Lemurine
\Lem"u*rine\ (l[e^]m"[-u]*r[i^]n or *r[imac]n), a. (Zo["o]l.)
Lemuroid.
Lemuroid \Lem"u*roid\ (l[e^]m"[-u]*roid), a. [Lemur + -oid.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Like or pertaining to the lemurs or the Lemuroidea. -- n. One
of the Lemuroidea.
Lemuroidea \Lem`u*roi"de*a\ (l[e^]m`[-u]*roi"d[-e]*[.a]), n. pl.
[NL. See {Lemur}, and {-oid}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A suborder of primates, including the lemurs, the aye-aye,
and allied species. [Written also {Lemuroida}.]
Lena \Le"na\ (l[=e]"n[.a]), n. [L.]
A procuress. --J. Webster.
Lend \Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lent} (l[e^]nt); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lending}.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr.
l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See {Loan}.]
1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the
return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to
lend a book; -- opposed to {borrow}.
Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but
have no power To give it from me. --Shak.
2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the
return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some
article of food.
Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor
lend him thy victuals for increase. --Levit. xxv.
37.
3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend
assistance; to lend one's name or influence.
Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. --Addison.
Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and
largeness to his compositions. --J. A.
Symonds.
4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or
gig.
Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States,
except with reference to money.
{To lend a hand}, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]
{To lend} {an ear or one's ears}, to give attention.
Lendable \Lend"a*ble\ (-[.a]*b'l), a.
Such as can be lent. --Sherwood.
Lender \Lend"er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who lends.
The borrower is servant to the lender. --Prov. xxii.
7.
Lendes \Lend"es\ (l[e^]nd"[e^]z), n. pl.
See {Lends}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lending \Lend"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who lends.
2. That which is lent or furnished.
Lends \Lends\ (l[e^]ndz), n. pl. [AS. lend, lenden; akin to D. &
G. lende, OHG. lenti, Icel. lend, and perh to E. loin.]
Loins. [Obs.] --Wyclif.
Lene \Lene\ (l[=e]n), v. t. [See {Lend}.]
To lend; to grant; to permit. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lene \Le"ne\ (l[=e]"n[-e]), a. [L. lenis smooth.] (Phonetics)
(a) Smooth; as, the lene breathing.
(b) Applied to certain mute consonants, as p, k, and t (or
Gr. [pi], [kappa], [tau]). --W. E. Jelf.
Lene \Le"ne\, n. (Phonetics)
(a) The smooth breathing (spiritus lenis).
(b) Any one of the lene consonants, as p, k, or t (or Gr.
[pi], [kappa], [tau]). --W. E. Jelf.
Lenger \Leng"er\ (l[e^]ng"[~e]r), Lengest \Leng"est\, a.
Longer; longest; -- obsolete compar. and superl. of long.
--Chaucer.
Length \Length\ (l[e^]ngth), n. [OE. lengthe, AS. leng[eth], fr.
lang, long, long; akin to D. lengte, Dan. l[ae]ngde, Sw.
l["a]ngd, Icel. lengd. See {Long}, a. ]
1. The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in
distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from
end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a
body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church,
or of a ship; the length of a rope or line.
2. A portion of space or of time considered as measured by
its length; -- often in the plural.
Large lengths of seas and shores. --Shak.
The future but a length behind the past. --Dryden.
3. The quality or state of being long, in space or time;
extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for
the length of their wings; he was tired by the length of
the sermon, and the length of his walk.
4. A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number
of long pieces which may be connected together; as, a
length of pipe; a length of fence.
5. Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to
pursue a subject to a great length.
May Heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss
With length of days, and every day like this.
--Dryden.
6. Distance.[Obs.]
He had marched to the length of Exeter. --Clarendon.
{At length}.
(a) At or in the full extent; without abbreviation; as,
let the name be inserted at length.
(b) At the end or conclusion; after a long period. See
Syn. of At last, under {Last}.
{At arm's length}. See under {Arm}.
Length \Length\, v. t.
To lengthen. [Obs.] --Shak.
Lengthen \Length"en\ (-'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lengthened}
(-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lengthening} (-'n*[i^]ng).]
To extent in length; to make longer in extent or duration;
as, to lengthen a line or a road; to lengthen life; --
sometimes followed by out.
What if I please to lengthen out his date. --Dryden.
Lengthen \Length"en\, v. i.
To become longer. --Locke.
Lengthful \Length"ful\ (-f[usd]l), a.
Long. [Obs.] --Pope.
Lengthily \Length"i*ly\ (-[i^]*l[y^]), adv.
In a lengthy manner; at great length or extent.
Lengthiness \Length"i*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being lengthy; prolixity.
Lengthways \Length"ways`\ (-w[=a]z`), Lengthwise \Length"wise`\
(-w[imac]z`), adv.
In the direction of the length; in a longitudinal direction.
Lengthy \Length"y\ (-[y^]), a. [Compar. {Lengthier}
(-[i^]*[~e]r); superl. {Lengthiest}.]
Having length; rather long or too long; prolix; not brief; --
said chiefly of discourses, writings, and the like. ``Lengthy
periods.'' --Washington. ``Some lengthy additions.'' --Byron.
``These would be details too lengthy.'' --Jefferson. ``To cut
short lengthy explanations.'' --Trench.
Lenience \Le"ni*ence\ (l[=e]"n[i^]*ens or l[=e]n"yens; 106),
Leniency \Le"ni*en*cy\ (l[=e]"n[i^]*en*s[y^] or
l[=e]n"yen*s[y^]), n.
The quality or state of being lenient; lenity; clemency.
Lenient \Le"ni*ent\ (l[=e]"n[i^]*ent or l[=e]n"yent), a. [L.
leniens, -entis, p. pr. of lenire to soften, fr. lenis soft,
mild. Cf. {Lithe}.]
1. Relaxing; emollient; softening; assuasive; -- sometimes
followed by of. ``Lenient of grief.'' --Milton.
Of
relax the fibers, are lenient, balsamic. --Arbuthnot.
Time, that on all things lays his lenient hand. --Pope.
2. Mild; clement; merciful; not rigorous or severe; as, a
lenient disposition; a lenient judge or sentence.
Lenient \Le"ni*ent\, n. (Med.)
A lenitive; an emollient.
Leniently \Le"ni*ent*ly\, adv.
In a lenient manner.
Lenify \Len"i*fy\ (l[e^]n"[i^]*f[imac]), v. t. [L. lenis soft,
mild + -fy: cf. F. l['e]nifier.]
To assuage; to soften; to mitigate; to alleviate. --Bacon.
--Dryden.
Leniment \Len"i*ment\ (-ment), n. [L. lenimentum: cf. OF.
leniment. See {Lenient}.]
An assuasive. [Obs.]
Lenitive \Len"i*tive\ (-t[i^]v), a. [Cf. F. l['e]nitif. See
{Lenient}.]
Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or
acrimony; assuasive; emollient.
Lenitive \Len"i*tive\, n. [Cf. F. l['e]nitif.]
1. (Med.)
(a) A medicine or application that has the quality of
easing pain or protecting from the action of
irritants.
(b) A mild purgative; a laxative.
2. That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay
passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative.
There is one sweet lenitive at least for evils,
which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her
hands, and fell asleep. --Sterne.
Lenitiveness \Len"i*tive*ness\, n.
The quality of being lenitive.
Lenitude \Len"i*tude\ (-t[=u]d), n. [L. lenitudo.]
The quality or habit of being lenient; lenity. [Obs.]
--Blount.
Lenity \Len"i*ty\ (-t[y^]), n. [L. lenitas, fr. lenis soft,
mild: cf. OF. lenit['e]. See {Lenient}.]
The state or quality of being lenient; mildness of temper or
disposition; gentleness of treatment; softness; tenderness;
clemency; -- opposed to {severity} and {rigor}.
His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too
severe. --Macaulay.
Syn: Gentleness; kindness; tenderness; softness; humanity;
clemency; mercy.
Lenni-Lenape \Len`ni-Len*a"pe\
(l[e^]n`n[i^]-l[e^]n*[aum]"p[asl]), n. pl. (Ethnol.)
A general name for a group of Algonquin tribes which formerly
occupied the coast region of North America from Connecticut
to Virginia. They included the Mohicans, Delawares, Shawnees,
and several other tribes.
Leno \Le"no\ (l[=e]"n[-o]), n. [Cf. It. leno weak, flexible.]
A light open cotton fabric used for window curtains.
Lenocinant \Le*noc"i*nant\ (l[-e]*n[o^]s"[i^]*nant), a. [L.
lenocinans, p. pr. of lenocinari to pander, cajole; akin to
leno pimp.]
Given to lewdness. [Obs.]
Lens \Lens\ (l[e^]nz), n.; pl. {Lenses} (-[e^]z). [L. lens a
lentil. So named from the resemblance in shape of a double
convex lens to the seed of a lentil. Cf. {Lentil}.] (Opt.)
A piece of glass, or other transparent substance, ground with
two opposite regular surfaces, either both curved, or one
curved and the other plane, and commonly used, either singly
or combined, in optical instruments, for changing the
direction of rays of light, and thus magnifying objects, or
otherwise modifying vision. In practice, the curved surfaces
are usually spherical, though rarely cylindrical, or of some
other figure. Lenses
Note: Of spherical lenses, there are six varieties, as shown
in section in the figures herewith given: viz., a
plano-concave; b double-concave; c plano-convex; d
double-convex; e converging concavo-convex, or
converging meniscus; f diverging concavo-convex, or
diverging meniscus.
{Crossed lens} (Opt.), a double-convex lens with one radius
equal to six times the other.
{Crystalline lens}. (Anat.) See {Eye}.
{Fresnel lens} (Opt.), a compound lens formed by placing
around a central convex lens rings of glass so curved as
to have the same focus; used, especially in lighthouses,
for concentrating light in a particular direction; -- so
called from the inventor.
{Multiplying} {lens or glass} (Opt.), a lens one side of
which is plane and the other convex, but made up of a
number of plane faces inclined to one another, each of
which presents a separate image of the object viewed
through it, so that the object is, as it were, multiplied.
{Polyzonal lens}. See {Polyzonal}.
Lent \Lent\ (l[e^]nt),
imp. & p. p. of {Lend}.
Lent \Lent\, n. [OE. lente, lenten, leynte, AS. lengten,
lencten, spring, lent, akin to D. lente, OHG. lenzin, langiz,
G. lenz, and perh. fr. AS. lang long, E. long, because at
this season of the year the days lengthen.] (Eccl.)
A fast of forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and
continuing till Easter, observed by some Christian churches
as commemorative of the fast of our Savior.
{Lent lily} (Bot.), the daffodil; -- so named from its
blossoming in spring.
Lent \Lent\, a. [L. lentus; akin to lenis soft, mild: cf. F.
lent. See {Lenient}.]
1. Slow; mild; gentle; as, lenter heats. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
2. (Mus.) See {Lento}.
Lentamente \Len`ta*men"te\ (l[asl]n`t[.a]*m[asl]n"t[asl]; E.
l[e^]n`t[.a]*m[e^]n"t[-e]), adv. [It.] (Mus.)
Slowly; in slow time.
Lentando \Len*tan"do\ (l[asl]n*t[aum]n"d[-o]; E.
l[e^]n*t[a^]n"d[-o]), a. [It., p. pr. of lentare to make
slow. See {Lent}, a.] (Mus.)
Slackening; retarding. Same as {Rallentando}.
Lenten \Lent"en\ (l[e^]nt"'n), n.
Lent. [Obs.] --Piers Plowman.
Lenten \Lent"en\, a. [From OE. lenten lent. See {Lent}, n. ]
1. Of or pertaining to the fast called Lent; used in, or
suitable to, Lent; as, the Lenten season.
She quenched her fury at the flood, And with a
Lenten salad cooled her blood. --Dryden.
2. Spare; meager; plain; somber; unostentatious; not abundant
or showy. ``Lenten entertainment.'' `` Lenten answer.''
--Shak. `` Lenten suit.'' --Beau. & Fl.
{Lenten color}, black or violet. --F. G. Lee.
Lententide \Lent"en*tide`\ (-t[imac]d`), n.
The season of Lenten or Lent.
Lenticel \Len"ti*cel\ (l[e^]n"t[i^]*s[e^]l), n. [F. lenticelle,
dim. fr. L. lens, lentis, a lentil. Cf. {Lentil}.] (Bot.)
(a) One of the small, oval, rounded spots upon the stem or
branch of a plant, from which the underlying tissues may
protrude or roots may issue, either in the air, or more
commonly when the stem or branch is covered with water or
earth.
(b) A small, lens-shaped gland on the under side of some
leaves.
Lenticellate \Len`ti*cel"late\ (l[e^]n`t[i^]*s[e^]l"l[asl]t), a.
(Bot.)
Producing lenticels; dotted with lenticels.
Lenticelle \Len`ti*celle"\ (l[e^]n`t[i^]*s[e^]l"), n. [F.]
(Bot.)
Lenticel.
Lenticula \Len*tic"u*la\ (l[e^]n*t[i^]k"[-u]*l[.a]), n.; pl. E.
{Lenticulas} (-l[.a]z), L. {Lenticul[ae]} (-l[=e]). [L. See
{Lenticel}.]
1. (Med.) A kind of eruption upon the skin; lentigo; freckle.
2. (Opt.) A lens of small size.
3. (Bot.) A lenticel.
Lenticular \Len*tic"u*lar\ (-l[~e]r), a. [L. lenticularis: cf.
F. lenticulaire. See {Lenticel}.]
Resembling a lentil in size or form; having the form of a
double-convex lens.
Lenticularly \Len*tic"u*lar*ly\, adv.
In the manner of a lens; with a curve.
Lentiform \Len"ti*form\ (l[e^]n"t[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [L. lens,
lentis, lentil + -form: cf. F. lentiforme.]
Lenticular.
Lentiginose \Len*tig"i*nose`\ (l[e^]n*t[i^]j"[i^]*n[=o]s`), a.
[See {Lentiginous}.] (Bot.)
Bearing numerous dots resembling freckles.
Lentiginous \Len*tig"i*nous\ (-n[u^]s), a. [L. lentiginosus. See
{Lentigo}.]
Of or pertaining to lentigo; freckly; scurfy; furfuraceous.
Lentigo \Len*ti"go\ (l[e^]n*t[imac]"g[-o]), n. [L., fr. lens,
lentis, lentil.] (Med.)
A freckly eruption on the skin; freckles.
Lentil \Len"til\ (l[e^]n"t[i^]l), n. [F. lentille, fr. L.
lenticula, dim. of lens, lentis, lentil. Cf. {Lens}.] (Bot.)
A leguminous plant of the genus {Ervum} ({Ervum Lens}), of
small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed,
which is used for food on the continent.
Note: The lentil of the Scriptures probably included several
other vetchlike plants.
{Lentil shell} (Zo["o]l.), a small bivalve shell of the genus
{Ervillia}, family {Tellinid[ae]}.
Lentiscus \Len*tis"cus\ (l[e^]n*t[i^]s"k[u^]s), Lentisk
\Len"tisk\ (l[e^]n"t[i^]sk), n. [L. lentiscus, lentiscum: cf. F.
lentisque.] (Bot.)
A tree; the mastic. See {Mastic}.
Lentitude \Len"ti*tude\ (l[e^]n"t[i^]*t[=u]d), n. [L. lentitudo,
fr. lentus slow: cf. OF. lentitude. See {Lent}, a.]
Slowness; sluggishness. [Obs.]
Lento \Len"to\ (l[asl]n"t[-o]; E. l[e^]n"t[-o]), a. & adv. [It.]
(Mus.)
Slow; in slow time; slowly; -- rarely written {lente}.
Lentoid \Len"toid\ (l[e^]n"toid), a. [Lens + -oid.]
Having the form of a lens; lens-shaped.
Lentor \Len"tor\ (-t[o^]r), n. [L., fr. lentus pliant, tough,
slow. See {Lent}, a.]
1. Tenacity; viscidity, as of fluids.
2. Slowness; delay; sluggishness. --Arbuthnot.
Lentous \Len"tous\ (-t[u^]s), a. [L. lentus. See {Lentor}.]
Viscid; viscous; tenacious.
Spawn of a lentous and transparent body. --Sir T.
Browne.
L'envoi \L'en`voi"\, or L'envoy \L'en`voy"\ (l[aum]n`vw[aum]"),
n. [F. le the + envoi a sending. See {Envoy}.]
1. One or more detached verses at the end of a literary
composition, serving to convey the moral, or to address
the poem to a particular person; -- orig. employed in old
French poetry. --Shak.
2. A conclusion; a result. --Massinger.
Leo \Le"o\ (l[=e]"[=o]), n. [L. See {Lion}.] (Astron.)
1. The Lion, the fifth sign of the zodiac, marked thus
[[Leo]] in almanacs.
2. A northern constellation east of Cancer, containing the
bright star Regulus at the end of the handle of the
Sickle.
{Leo Minor}, a small constellation between Leo and the Great
Bear.
Leod \Le"od\ (l[=e]"[o^]d), n. [AS. le['o]d people, nation, man,
chief; akin to OS. liud, OHG. liut, pl. liuti, G. leute, pl.,
fr. AS. le['o]dan to grow, akin to Goth. liudan, OS. liodan,
OHG. liotan to grow; cf. Skr. ruh. [root]123.]
People; a nation; a man. [Obs.] --Piers Plowman. --Bp.
Gibson.
Leon \Le"on\ (l[=e]"[o^]n), n.
A lion. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leonced \Le"onced\ (l[=e]"[o^]nst), a. (Her.)
See {Lionced}.
Leonese \Le`o*nese"\ (l[=e]`[-o]*n[=e]z" or -n[=e]s"), a.
Of or pertaining to Leon, in Spain. -- n. sing. & pl. A
native or natives of Leon.
Leonid \Le"o*nid\ (l[=e]"[-o]*n[i^]d), n. [From {Leo}: cf. F.
l['e]onides, pl.] (Astron.)
One of the shooting stars which constitute the star shower
that recurs near the fourteenth of November at intervals of
about thirty-three years; -- so called because these shooting
stars appear on the heavens to move in lines directed from
the constellation Leo.
Leonine \Le"o*nine\ (l[=e]"[-o]*n[imac]n), a. [L. leoninus, fr.
leo, leonis, lion: cf. F. l['e]onin. See {Lion}.]
Pertaining to, or characteristic of, the lion; as, a leonine
look; leonine rapacity. -- {Le"o*nine*ly}, adv.
{Leonine verse}, a kind of verse, in which the end of the
line rhymes with the middle; -- so named from Leo, or
Leoninus, a Benedictine and canon of Paris in the twelfth
century, who wrote largely in this measure, though he was
not the inventor. The following line is an example:
Gloria factorum temere conceditur horum.
Leontodon \Le*on"to*don\ (l[-e]*[o^]n"t[-o]*d[o^]n), n. [Gr.
le`wn, le`ontos, lion + 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, tooth. Cf.
{Lion's-tooth}, {Dandelion}.] (Bot.)
A genus of liguliflorous composite plants, including the fall
dandelion ({L. autumnale}), and formerly the true dandelion;
-- called also {lion's tooth}.
Leopard \Leop"ard\ (l[e^]p"[~e]rd), n. [OE. leopart, leparde,
lebarde, libbard, OF. leopard, liepart, F. l['e]opard, L.
leopardus, fr. Gr. leo`pardos; le`wn lion + pa`rdos pard. See
{Lion}, and {Pard}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large, savage, carnivorous mammal ({Felis leopardus}). It
is of a yellow or fawn color, with rings or roselike clusters
of black spots along the back and sides. It is found in
Southern Asia and Africa. By some the panther ({Felis
pardus}) is regarded as a variety of leopard.
{Hunting leopard}. See {Cheetah}.
{Leopard cat} (Zo["o]l.) any one of several species or
varieties of small, spotted cats found in Africa, Southern
Asia, and the East Indies; esp., {Felis Bengalensis}.
{Leopard marmot}. See {Gopher}, 2.
Leopard's bane \Leop"ard's bane`\ (l[e^]p"[~e]rdz b[=a]n`).
(Bot.)
A name of several harmless plants, as {Arnica montana},
{Senecio Doronicum}, and {Paris quadrifolia}.
Leopardwood \Leop"ard*wood`\, n. (Bot.)
See {Letterwood}.
Lep \Lep\ (l[e^]p), obs. strong imp.
of {Leap}. Leaped. --Chaucer.
Lepadite \Lep"a*dite\ (-[.a]*d[imac]t), n. [L. lepas, lepadis,
limpet, Gr. lepa`s, lepa`dos.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Lepadoid}.
Lepadoid \Lep"a*doid\ (-[.a]*doid), n. [Lepas + -oid.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A stalked barnacle of the genus Lepas, or family
{Lepadid[ae]}; a goose barnacle. Also used adjectively.
Lepal \Lep"al\ (l[e^]p"al), n. [Gr. lepi`s a scale: cf. F.
l['e]pale.] (Bot.)
A sterile transformed stamen.
Lepas \Le"pas\ (l[=e]"p[a^]s), n. [L., a limpet, fr. Gr.
lepa`s.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of various species of {Lepas}, a genus of
pedunculated barnacles found attached to floating timber,
bottoms of ships, Gulf weed, etc.; -- called also {goose
barnacle}. See {Barnacle}.
Leper \Lep"er\ (l[e^]p"[~e]r), n. [OE. lepre leprosy, F.
l[`e]pre, L. leprae, lepra, fr. Gr. le`pra, fr. lepro`s
scaly, fr. le`pos scale, le`pein to peel.]
A person affected with leprosy.
Lepered \Lep"ered\ (-[~e]rd), a.
Affected or tainted with leprosy.
Leperize \Lep"er*ize\ (l[e^]p"[~e]r*[imac]z), v. t.
To affect with leprosy.
Leperous \Lep"er*ous\ (-[~e]r*[u^]s), a.
Leprous; infectious; corrupting; poisonous. ``The leperous
distillment.'' --Shak.
Lepid \Lep"id\ (-[i^]d), a. [L. lepidus.]
Pleasant; jocose. [R.]
The joyous and lepid consul. --Sydney
Smith.
Lepidine \Lep"i*dine\ (l[e^]p"[i^]*d[i^]n or *d[=e]n), n.
(Chem.)
An organic base, {C9H6.N.CH3}, metameric with quinaldine, and
obtained by the distillation of cinchonine.
Lepidodendrid \Lep`i*do*den"drid\
(l[e^]p`[i^]*d[-o]*d[e^]n"dr[i^]d), n. (Paleon.)
One of an extinct family of trees allied to the modern club
mosses, and including Lepidodendron and its allies.
Lepidodendroid \Lep`i*do*den"droid\ (-droid), a. (Paleon.)
Allied to, or resembling, Lepidodendron. -- n. A
lepidodendrid.
Lepidodendron \Lep`i*do*den"dron\ (-dr[o^]n), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + de`ndron tree.] (Paleon.)
A genus of fossil trees of the Devonian and Carboniferous
ages, having the exterior marked with scars, mostly in
quincunx order, produced by the separation of the leafstalks.
Lepidoganoid \Lep`i*do*ga"noid\ (l[e^]p`[i^]*d[-o]*g[=a]"noid or
-g[a^]n"oid), n. [Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + E. ganoid.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of a division ({Lepidoganoidei}) of ganoid fishes,
including those that have scales forming a coat of mail. Also
used adjectively.
Lepidolite \Le*pid"o*lite\ (l[-e]*p[i^]d"[-o]*l[imac]t; 277), n.
[Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + -lite: cf. F. l['e]pidolithe.]
(Min.)
A species of mica, of a lilac or rose-violet color,
containing lithia. It usually occurs in masses consisting of
small scales. See {Mica}.
Lepidomelane \Lep`i*dom"e*lane\
(l[e^]p`[i^]*d[o^]m"[-e]*l[=a]n), n. [Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a
scale + me`las, me`laina, black.] (Min.)
An iron-potash mica, of a raven-black color, usually found in
granitic rocks in small six-sided tables, or as an
aggregation of minute opaque scales. See {Mica}.
Lepidopter \Lep`i*dop"ter\ (l[e^]p`[i^]*d[o^]p"t[~e]r), n. [Cf.
F. l['e]pidopt[`e]re.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of the Lepidoptera.
Lepidoptera \Lep`i*dop"te*ra\ (-d[o^]p"t[-e]*r[.a]), n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + ptero`n a feather,
wing.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and
moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping
scales, usually brightly colored.
Note: They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by
the two slender maxill[ae]. The labial palpi are
usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can
be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are
rudimentary. The larv[ae], called caterpillars, are
often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on
leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of
flowers.
Lepidopteral \Lep`i*dop"ter*al\ (-t[~e]r*al), Lepidopterous
\Lep`i*dop"ter*ous\ (-[u^]s), a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Lepidoptera.
Lepidopterist \Lep`i*dop"ter*ist\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
One who studies the Lepidoptera.
Lepidosauria \Lep`i*do*sau"ri*a\ (-d[-o]*s[add]"r[i^]*[.a]), n.
pl. [NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + say^ros a lizard.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A division of reptiles, including the serpents and lizards;
the Plagiotremata.
Lepidosiren \Lep`i*do*si"ren\ (-s[imac]"r[e^]n), n. [Gr. lepi`s
-i`dos, a scale + seirh`n a siren.] (Zo["o]l.)
An eel-shaped ganoid fish of the order Dipnoi, having both
gills and lungs. It inhabits the rivers of South America. The
name is also applied to a related African species
({Protopterus annectens}). The lepidosirens grow to a length
of from four to six feet. Called also {doko}.
Lepidote \Lep"i*dote\ (l[e^]p"[i^]*d[=o]t), Lepidoted
\Lep"i*do`ted\ (-d[=o]`t[e^]d), a. [Gr. lepidwto`s covered with
scales, fr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale.] (Bot.)
Having a coat of scurfy scales, as the leaves of the
oleaster.
Lepisma \Le*pis"ma\ (l[-e]*p[i^]z"m[.a]), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
le`pisma peel, fr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of wingless thysanurous insects having an elongated
flattened body, covered with shining scales and terminated by
seven unequal bristles. A common species ({Lepisma
saccharina}) is found in houses, and often injures books and
furniture. Called also {shiner}, {silver witch}, {silver
moth}, and {furniture bug}.
Lepismoid \Le*pis"moid\ (-moid), a. [Lepisma + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or pertaining to the Lepisma.
Leporine \Lep"o*rine\ (l[e^]p"[-o]*r[imac]n or -r[i^]n), a. [L.
leporinus, fr. lepus, leporis, hare. See {Leveret}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to a hare; like or characteristic of, a
hare.
Lepra \Le"pra\ (l[=e]"pr[.a]), n. [L. See {Leper}.] (Med.)
Leprosy.
Note: The term lepra was formerly given to various skin
diseases, the leprosy of modern authors being {Lepra
Arabum}. See {Leprosy}.
Lepre \Lep"re\ (l[e^]p"[~e]r), n.
Leprosy.[Obs.] --Wyclif.
Leprose \Lep"rose`\ (l[e^]p"r[=o]s`), a. [See {Leprous}.] (Nat.
Hist.)
Covered with thin, scurfy scales.
Leprosity \Le*pros"i*ty\ (l[-e]*pr[o^]s"[i^]*t[y^]), n.
The state or quality of being leprous or scaly; also, a
scale. --Bacon.
Leprosy \Lep"ro*sy\ (l[e^]p"r[-o]*s[y^]), n. [See {Leprous}.]
(Med.)
A cutaneous disease which first appears as blebs or as
reddish, shining, slightly prominent spots, with spreading
edges. These are often followed by an eruption of dark or
yellowish prominent nodules, frequently producing great
deformity. In one variety of the disease, an[ae]sthesia of
the skin is a prominent symptom. In addition there may be
wasting of the muscles, falling out of the hair and nails,
and distortion of the hands and feet with destruction of the
bones and joints. It is incurable, and is probably
contagious.
Note: The disease now called leprosy, also designated as
Lepra or Lepra Arabum, and Elephantiasis Gr[ae]corum,
is not the same as the leprosy of the ancients. The
latter was, indeed, a generic name for many varieties
of skin disease (including our modern leprosy,
psoriasis, etc.), some of which, among the Hebrews,
rendered a person ceremonially unclean. A variety of
leprosy of the Hebrews (probably identical with modern
leprosy) was characterized by the presence of smooth,
shining, depressed white patches or scales, the hair on
which participated in the whiteness, while the skin and
adjacent flesh became insensible. It was an incurable
disease.
Leprous \Lep"rous\ (-r[=u]s), a. [OF. leprous, lepros, F.
l['e]preux, fr. L. leprosus, fr. lepra, leprae, leprosy. See
{Leper}.]
1. Infected with leprosy; pertaining to or resembling
leprosy. ``His hand was leprous as snow.'' --Ex. iv. 6.
2. (Nat. Hist.) Leprose. -- {Lep"rous*ly}, adv. --
{Lep"rous*ness}, n.
Lepry \Lep"ry\ (-r[y^]), n.
Leprosy. [Obs.] --Holland.
Leptiform \Lep"ti*form\ (-t[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [Leptus + -form.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Having a form somewhat like leptus; -- said of active insect
larv[ae] having three pairs of legs. See {Larva}.
Leptocardia \Lep`to*car"di*a\ (l[e^]p`t[-o]*k[aum]r"d[i^]*[.a]),
n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. lepto`s small + kardi`a the heart.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The lowest class of Vertebrata, including only the Amphioxus.
The heart is represented only by a simple pulsating vessel.
The blood is colorless; the brain, renal organs, and limbs
are wanting, and the backbone is represented only by a
simple, unsegmented notochord. See {Amphioxus}. [Written also
{Leptocardii}.]
Leptocardian \Lep`to*car"di*an\ (-an), a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the {Leptocardia}. -- n. One of the
Leptocardia.
Leptodactyl \Lep`to*dac"tyl\ (-d[a^]k"t[i^]l), n. [Gr. lepto`s
small, thin + da`ktylos finger, toe.] (Zo["o]l.)
A bird or other animal having slender toes. [Written also
{lepodactyle}.]
Leptodactylous \Lep`to*dac"tyl*ous\ (-[u^]s), a.
Having slender toes.
Leptology \Lep*tol"o*gy\ (l[e^]p*t[o^]l"[-o]*j[y^]), n. [Gr.
leptologi`a; lepto`s small, subtile + lo`gos discourse.]
A minute and tedious discourse on trifling things.
Leptomeningitis \Lep`to*men`in*gi"tis\
(l[e^]p`t[-o]*m[e^]n`[i^]n*j[imac]"t[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
lepto`s small + meningitis.] (Med.)
Inflammation of the pia mater or of the arachnoid membrane.
Leptorhine \Lep"to*rhine\ (l[e^]p"t[-o]*r[imac]n or *r[i^]n), a.
[Gr. lepto`s small + "ri`s, "rino`s, the nose.] (Anat.)
Having the nose narrow; -- said esp. of the skull. Opposed to
{platyrhine}.
Leptostraca \Lep*tos"tra*ca\ (l[e^]p*t[o^]s"tr[.a]*k[.a]), n.
pl. [NL., fr. Gr. lepto`s thin, slender + 'o`strakon shell of
a testacean.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of Crustacea, including Nebalia and allied forms.
Leptothrix \Lep"to*thrix\ (l[e^]p"t[-o]*thr[i^]ks), n. [NL., fr.
Gr. lepto`s small + qri`x hair.] (Biol.)
A genus of bacteria, characterized by having their filaments
very long, slender, and indistinctly articulated.
Leptothrix \Lep"to*thrix\, a. [See {Leptothrix}, n. ] (Biol.)
Having the form of a little chain; -- applied to bacteria
when, as in multiplication by fission, they form a chain of
filiform individuals.
Leptus \Lep"tus\ (l[e^]p"t[u^]s), n. [NL., from Gr. lepto`s
thin, small.] (Zo["o]l.)
The six-legged young, or larva, of certain mites; --
sometimes used as a generic name. See {Harvest mite}, under
{Harvest}.
Leptynite \Lep"ty*nite\ (l[e^]p"t[i^]*n[imac]t), n. (Min.)
See {Granulite}.
Lere \Lere\ (l[=e]r), n. [See {Lore} knowledge.]
Learning; lesson; lore. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lere \Lere\, v. t. & i. [OE. leeren, leren, AS. l[=ae]ran. See
{Lore}, {Learn}.]
To learn; to teach. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lere \Lere\, a.
Empty. [Obs.] See {Leer}, a.
Lere \Lere\, n. [AS. lira flesh; cf. Icel. l[ae]r thigh.]
Flesh; skin. [Obs.] ``His white leer.'' --Chaucer.
Lered \Ler"ed\ (l[=e]r"[e^]d), a. [From lere, v. t.]
Learned. [Obs.] `` Lewed man or lered.'' --Chaucer.
Lernaea \Ler*n[ae]"a\ (l[~e]r*n[=e]"[.a]), n. [NL., fr. L.
Lernaeus Lern[ae]an, fr. Lerna, Gr. Le`rnh, a forest and
marsh near Argos, the mythological abode of the hydra.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A Linn[ae]an genus of parasitic Entomostraca, -- the same as
the family {Lern[ae]id[ae]}.
Note: The genus is restricted by modern zo["o]logists to a
limited number of species similar to {Lern[ae]a
branchialis} found on the gills of the cod.
Lernaeacea \Ler`n[ae]*a"ce*a\ (l[~e]r`n[-e]*[=a]"sh[-e]*[.a]),
n. pl. [NL. See {Lern[ae]a}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A suborder of copepod Crustacea, including a large number of
remarkable forms, mostly parasitic on fishes. The young,
however, are active and swim freely. See Illustration in
Appendix.
Lernean \Ler*ne"an\ (l[~e]r*n[=e]"an), n. [See {Lern[ae]a}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
One of a family ({Lern[ae]id[ae]}) of parasitic Crustacea
found attached to fishes and other marine animals. Some
species penetrate the skin and flesh with the elongated head,
and feed on the viscera. See Illust. in Appendix.
L'erot \L['e]`rot"\ (l[asl]`r[-o]"), n. [F.] (Zo["o]l.)
A small European rodent ({Eliomys nitela}), allied to the
dormouse.
Les \Les\ (l[e^]s), n.
A leash. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lesbian \Les"bi*an\ (l[e^]s"b[i^]*an), a.
Of or pertaining to the island anciently called Lesbos, now
Mitylene, in the Grecian Archipelago.
Lese \Lese\ (l[=e]z), v. t.
To lose. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lese-majesty \Lese`-maj"es*ty\ (-m[a^]j"[e^]s*t[y^]), n.
See {Leze majesty}.
Lesion \Le"sion\ (l[=e]"zh[u^]n), n. [F. l['e]sion, L. laesio,
fr. laedere, laesum, to hurt, injure.]
A hurt; an injury. Specifically:
(a) (Civil Law) Loss sustained from failure to fulfill a
bargain or contract. --Burrill.
(b) (Med.) Any morbid change in the exercise of functions or
the texture of organs. --Dunglison.
-less \-less\ (-l[e^]s). [AS. le['a]s loose, false; akin to OS.
l[=o]s loose, false, D. los loose, loos false, sly, G. los
loose, Icel. lauss loose, vacant, Goth. laus empty, vain, and
also to E. loose, lose. [root]127. See {Lose}, and cf.
{Loose}, {Leasing}.]
A privative adjective suffix, denoting without, destitute of,
not having; as witless, childless, fatherless.
Less \Less\ (l[e^]s), conj.
Unless. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
Less \Less\, a. [OE. lesse, AS. l[=ae]ssa; akin to OFries.
l[=e]ssa; a compar. from a lost positive form. Cf. {Lesser},
{Lest}, {Least}. Less has the sense of the comparative degree
of little.]
Smaller; not so large or great; not so much; shorter;
inferior; as, a less quantity or number; a horse of less size
or value; in less time than before.
Note: The substantive which less qualifies is often omitted;
as, the purse contained less (money) than ten dollars.
See {Less}, n.
Thus in less [time] than a hundred years from the
coming of Augustine, all England became
Christian. --E. A.
Freeman.
Less \Less\, adv. [AS. l[=ae]s. See {Less}, adj., and cf.
{Lest}.]
Not so much; in a smaller or lower degree; as, less bright or
loud; less beautiful.
Less \Less\, n.
1. A smaller portion or quantity.
The children of Israel did so, and gathered, some
more, some less. --Ex. xvi. 17.
2. The inferior, younger, or smaller.
The less is blessed of the better. --Heb. vii. 7.
Less \Less\, v. t.
To make less; to lessen. [Obs.] --Gower.
Lessee \Les*see"\ (l[e^]s*s[=e]"), n. [F. laiss['e], p. p. of
laisser. See {Lease}, v. t.] (Law)
The person to whom a lease is given, or who takes an estate
by lease. --Blackstone.
Lessen \Less"en\ (l[e^]s"'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lessened}
(-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lessening}.] [From {Less}, a.]
To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to
diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a
population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune.
Charity . . . shall lessen his punishment. --Calamy.
St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men
conspired to lessen it. --Atterbury.
Syn: To diminish; reduce; abate; decrease; lower; impair;
weaken; degrade.
Lessen \Less"en\, v. i.
To become less; to shrink; to contract; to decrease; to be
diminished; as, the apparent magnitude of objects lessens as
we recede from them; his care, or his wealth, lessened.
The objection lessens much, and comes to no more than
this: there was one witness of no good reputation.
--Atterbury.
Lessener \Less"en*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who, or that which, lessens.
His wife . . . is the lessener of his pain, and the
augmenter of his pleasure. --J. Rogers
(1839).
Lesser \Less"er\ (-[~e]r), a. [This word is formed by adding
anew the compar. suffix -er (in which r is from an original
s) to less. See {Less}, a.]
Less; smaller; inferior.
God made . . . the lesser light to rule the night.
--Gen. i. 15.
Note: Lesser is used for less, now the compar. of little, in
certain special instances in which its employment has
become established by custom; as, Lesser Asia (i. e.,
Asia Minor), the lesser light, and some others; also in
poetry, for the sake of the meter, and in prose where
its use renders the passage more euphonious.
The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace.
--Shak.
The larger here, and there the lesser lambs.
--Pope.
By the same reason may a man, in the state of
nature, punish the lesser breaches of the law.
--Locke.
Lesser \Less"er\, adv.
Less. [Obs.] --Shak.
Lesses \Les"ses\ (l[e^]s"s[e^]z), n. pl. [F. laiss['e]es, from
laisser to leave. See {Lease}, v. t.]
The leavings or dung of beasts.
Lesson \Les"son\ (l[e^]s"s'n), n. [OE. lessoun, F. le[,c]on
lesson, reading, fr. L. lectio a reading, fr. legere to read,
collect. See {Legend}, and cf. {Lection}.]
1. Anything read or recited to a teacher by a pupil or
learner; something, as a portion of a book, assigned to a
pupil to be studied or learned at one time.
2. That which is learned or taught by an express effort;
instruction derived from precept, experience, observation,
or deduction; a precept; a doctrine; as, to take or give a
lesson in drawing.`` A smooth and pleasing lesson.''
--Milton.
Emprinteth well this lesson in your mind. --Chaucer.
3. A portion of Scripture read in divine service for
instruction; as, here endeth the first lesson.
4. A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning.
She would give her a lesson for walking so late.
--Sir. P.
Sidney.
5. (Mus.) An exercise; a composition serving an educational
purpose; a study.
Lesson \Les"son\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lessoned} (-s'nd); p. pr.
& vb. n. {Lessoning}.]
To teach; to instruct. --Shak.
To rest the weary, and to soothe the sad, Doth lesson
happier men, and shame at least the bad. --Byron.
Lessor \Les"sor\ (l[e^]s"s[o^]r or l[e^]s*s[^o]r"), n. [See
{Lessee}, {Lease}, v. t.] (Law)
One who leases; the person who lets to farm, or gives a
lease. --Blackstone.
Lest \Lest\ (l[e^]st), v. i.
To listen. [Obs.] --Chaucer. Spenser.
Lest \Lest\, n. [See List to choose.]
Lust; desire; pleasure. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lest \Lest\, a.
Last; least. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lest \Lest\, conj. [OE. leste, fr. AS. [eth][=y] l[=ae]s
[eth][=e] the less that, where [eth][=y] is the instrumental
case of the definite article, and [eth][=e] is an
indeclinable relative particle, that, who, which. See {The},
{Less}, a.]
1. For fear that; that . . . not; in order that . . . not.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. --Prov.
xx. 13.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take
heed lest he fall. --1 Cor. x.
12.
2. That (without the negative particle); -- after certain
expressions denoting fear or apprehension.
I feared Lest I might anger thee. --Shak.
-let \-let\ (-l[e^]t). [From two French dim. endings -el (L.
-ellus) and -et, as in bracelet.]
A noun suffix having a diminutive force; as in streamlet,
wavelet, armlet.
Let \Let\ (l[e^]t), v. t. [OE. letten, AS. lettan to delay, to
hinder, fr. l[ae]t slow; akin to D. letten to hinder, G.
verletzen to hurt, Icel. letja to hold back, Goth. latjan.
See {Late}.]
To retard; to hinder; to impede; to oppose. [Archaic]
He was so strong that no man might him let. --Chaucer.
He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of
the way. --2. Thess.
ii. 7.
Mine ancient wound is hardly whole, And lets me from
the saddle. --Tennyson.
Let \Let\, n.
1. A retarding; hindrance; obstacle; impediment; delay; --
common in the phrase without let or hindrance, but
elsewhere archaic. --Keats.
Consider whether your doings be to the let of your
salvation or not. --Latimer.
2. (Lawn Tennis) A stroke in which a ball touches the top of
the net in passing over.
Let \Let\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Let} ({Letted} (l[e^]t"t[e^]d),
[Obs].); p. pr. & vb. n. {Letting}.] [OE. leten, l[ae]ten
(past tense lat, let, p. p. laten, leten, lete), AS.
l[=ae]tan (past tense l[=e]t, p. p. l[=ae]ten); akin to
OFries. l[=e]ta, OS. l[=a]tan, D. laten, G. lassen, OHG.
l[=a]zzan, Icel. l[=a]ta, Sw. l[*a]ta, Dan. lade, Goth.
l[=e]tan, and L. lassus weary. The original meaning seems to
have been, to let loose, let go, let drop. Cf. {Alas},
{Late}, {Lassitude}, {Let} to hinder.]
1. To leave; to relinquish; to abandon. [Obs. or Archaic,
except when followed by alone or be.]
He . . . prayed him his voyage for to let.
--Chaucer.
Yet neither spins nor cards, ne cares nor frets, But
to her mother Nature all her care she lets.
--Spenser.
Let me alone in choosing of my wife. --Chaucer.
2. To consider; to think; to esteem. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
3. To cause; to make; -- used with the infinitive in the
active form but in the passive sense; as, let make, i. e.,
cause to be made; let bring, i. e., cause to be brought.
[Obs.]
This irous, cursed wretch Let this knight's son anon
before him fetch. --Chaucer.
He . . . thus let do slay hem all three. --Chaucer.
Anon he let two coffers make. --Gower.
4. To permit; to allow; to suffer; -- either affirmatively,
by positive act, or negatively, by neglecting to restrain
or prevent.
Note: In this sense, when followed by an infinitive, the
latter is commonly without the sign to; as to let us
walk, i. e., to permit or suffer us to walk. Sometimes
there is entire omission of the verb; as, to let [to be
or to go] loose.
Pharaoh said, I will let you go. --Ex. viii.
28.
If your name be Horatio, as I am let to know it
is. --Shak.
5. To allow to be used or occupied for a compensation; to
lease; to rent; to hire out; -- often with out; as, to let
a farm; to let a house; to let out horses.
6. To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or
contract; -- often with out; as, to let the building of a
bridge; to let out the lathing and the plastering.
Note: The active form of the infinitive of let, as of many
other English verbs, is often used in a passive sense;
as, a house to let (i. e., for letting, or to be let).
This form of expression conforms to the use of the
Anglo-Saxon gerund with to (dative infinitive) which
was commonly so employed. See {Gerund}, 2. `` Your
elegant house in Harley Street is to let.''
--Thackeray. In the imperative mood, before the first
person plural, let has a hortative force. `` Rise up,
let us go.'' --Mark xiv. 42. `` Let us seek out some
desolate shade.'' --Shak.
{To let alone}, to leave; to withdraw from; to refrain from
interfering with.
{To let blood}, to cause blood to flow; to bleed.
{To let down}.
(a) To lower.
(b) To soften in tempering; as, to let down tools,
cutlery, and the like.
{To let} {drive or fly}, to discharge with violence, as a
blow, an arrow, or stone. See under {Drive}, and {Fly}.
{To let in} or into.
(a) To permit or suffer to enter; to admit.
(b) To insert, or imbed, as a piece of wood, in a recess
formed in a surface for the purpose. {To let loose},
to remove restraint from; to permit to wander at large.
{To let off.}
(a) To discharge; to let fly, as an arrow; to fire the
charge of, as a gun.
(b) To release, as from an engagement or obligation.
[Colloq.]
{To let out}.
(a) To allow to go forth; as, to let out a prisoner.
(b) To extend or loosen, as the folds of a garment; to
enlarge; to suffer to run out, as a cord.
(c) To lease; to give out for performance by contract, as
a job.
(d) To divulge.
{To let slide}, to let go; to cease to care for. [Colloq.] ``
Let the world slide.'' --Shak.
Let \Let\, v. i.
1. To forbear. [Obs.] --Bacon.
2. To be let or leased; as, the farm lets for $500 a year.
See note under {Let}, v. t.
{To let on}, to tell; to tattle; to divulge something. [Low]
{To let up}, to become less severe; to diminish; to cease;
as, when the storm lets up. [Colloq.]
Let-alone \Let"-a*lone"\ (l[e^]t"[.a]*l[=o]n"), a.
Letting alone.
{The let-alone} {principle, doctrine, or policy}. (Polit.
Econ.) See {Laissez faire}.
Letch \Letch\ (l[e^]ch), v. & n.
See {Leach}.
Letch \Letch\, n. [See {Lech}, {Lecher}.]
Strong desire; passion. (Archaic).
Some people have a letch for unmasking impostors, or for
avenging the wrongs of others. --De Quincey.
Letchy \Letch"y\ (-[y^]), a.
See {Leachy}.
Lete \Lete\ (l[e^]t), v. t.
To let; to leave. [Obs.]
Leten \Let"en\ (l[e^]t"en), obs.
p. p. of {Lete}. --Chaucer.
Lethal \Leth"al\ (l[e^]th"[a^]l), n. [Lauric + ether + alcohol.]
(Chem.)
One of the higher alcohols of the paraffine series obtained
from spermaceti as a white crystalline solid. It is so called
because it occurs in the ethereal salt of lauric acid.
Lethal \Le"thal\ (l[=e]"thal), a. [L. lethalis, letalis, fr.
lethum, letum, death: cf. F. l['e]thal.]
Deadly; mortal; fatal. ``The lethal blow.'' --W. Richardson.
-- {Le"thal*ly}, adv.
Lethality \Le*thal"i*ty\ (l[-e]*th[a^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [Cf. F.
l['e]thalit['e].]
The quality of being lethal; mortality.
Lethargic \Le*thar"gic\ (l[-e]*th[aum]r"j[i^]k), Lethargical
\Le*thar"gic*al\ (-j[i^]*kal), a. [L. lethargicus, Gr.
lhqargiko`s: cf. F. l['e]thargique. See {Lethargy}.]
Pertaining to, affected with, or resembling, lethargy;
morbidly drowsy; dull; heavy. -- {Le*thar"gic*al*ly}, adv. --
{Le*thar"gic*al*ness}, n. -- {Le*thar"gic*ness}, n.
Lethargize \Leth"ar*gize\ (l[e^]th"[.a]r*j[imac]z), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. {Lethargized} (-j[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lethargizing} (-j[imac]`z[i^]ng).]
To make lethargic.
All bitters are poison, and act by stilling, and
depressing, and lethargizing the irritability.
--Coleridge.
Lethargy \Leth"ar*gy\ (-j[y^]), n.; pl. {-gies} (-j[i^]z). [F.
l['e]thargie, L. lethargia, Gr. lhqargi`a, fr. lh`qargos
forgetful, fr. lh`qh forgetfulness. See {Lethe}.]
1. Morbid drowsiness; continued or profound sleep, from which
a person can scarcely be awaked.
2. A state of inaction or indifference.
Europe lay then under a deep lethargy. --Atterbury.
Lethargy \Leth"ar*gy\, v. t.
To lethargize. [Obs.] --Shak.
Lethe \Le"the\ (l[=e]"th[-e] or l[=e]th), n. [See {Lethal}.]
Death.[Obs.] --Shak.
Lethe \Le"the\ (l[=e]"th[-e]), n. [L., fr. Gr. lh`qh, prop.,
forgetfulness; akin to lanqa`nesqai to forget, lanqa`nein to
escape notice.]
1. (Class. Myth.) A river of Hades whose waters when drunk
caused forgetfulness of the past.
2. Oblivion; a draught of oblivion; forgetfulness.
Lethean \Le*the"an\ (l[-e]*th[=e]"an), a. [L. Lethaeus, Gr.
lh`qaios or lhqai^os.]
Of or pertaining to Lethe; resembling in effect the water of
Lethe. --Milton. Barrow.
Letheed \Le"theed\ (l[=e]"th[=e]d), a.
Caused by Lethe. `` Letheed dullness.'' [Obs.] --Shak.
Letheon \Le"the*on\ (l[=e]"th[-e]*[o^]n), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
lh`qh.] (Med.)
Sulphuric ether used as an an[ae]sthetic agent. [R.]
Letheonize \Le"the*on*ize\ (-[imac]z), v. t.
To subject to the influence of letheon. [R. or Obs.]
Lethiferous \Le*thif"er*ous\ (l[-e]*th[i^]f"[~e]r*[u^]s), a. [L.
lethifer, letifer, fr. lethum, letum, death + ferre to bear,
to bring: cf. F. l['e]thif[`e]re.]
Deadly; bringing death or destruction.
Lethy \Le"thy\ (l[=e]"th[y^]), a.
Lethean. [Obs.] --Marston.
Let-off \Let"-off`\ (l[e^]t"[o^]f`; 115), n. (Mach.)
A device for letting off, releasing, or giving forth, as the
warp from the cylinder of a loom.
Lette \Let"te\ (l[e^]t"te), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Letted}.]
To let; to hinder. See {Let}, to hinder. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Letter \Let"ter\ (l[e^]t"t[~e]r), n. [From {Let} to permit.]
One who lets or permits; one who lets anything for hire.
Letter \Let"ter\, n. [From {Let} to hinder.]
One who retards or hinders. [Archaic.]
Letter \Let"ter\, n. [OE. lettre, F. lettre, OF. letre, fr. L.
littera, litera, a letter; pl., an epistle, a writing,
literature, fr. linere, litum, to besmear, to spread or rub
over; because one of the earliest modes of writing was by
graving the characters upon tablets smeared over or covered
with wax. --Pliny, xiii. 11. See {Liniment}, and cf.
{Literal}.]
1. A mark or character used as the representative of a sound,
or of an articulation of the human organs of speech; a
first element of written language.
And a superscription also was written over him in
letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. --Luke
xxiii. 38.
2. A written or printed communication; a message expressed in
intelligible characters on something adapted to
conveyance, as paper, parchment, etc.; an epistle.
The style of letters ought to be free, easy, and
natural. --Walsh.
3. A writing; an inscription. [Obs.]
None could expound what this letter meant.
--Chaucer.
4. Verbal expression; literal statement or meaning; exact
signification or requirement.
We must observe the letter of the law, without doing
violence to the reason of the law and the intention
of the lawgiver. --Jer. Taylor.
I broke the letter of it to keep the sense.
--Tennyson.
5. (Print.) A single type; type, collectively; a style of
type.
Under these buildings . . . was the king's printing
house, and that famous letter so much esteemed.
--Evelyn.
6. pl. Learning; erudition; as, a man of letters.
7. pl. A letter; an epistle. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{Dead letter}, {Drop letter}, etc. See under {Dead}, {Drop},
etc.
{Letter book}, a book in which copies of letters are kept.
{Letter box}, a box for the reception of letters to be mailed
or delivered.
{Letter carrier}, a person who carries letters; a postman;
specif., an officer of the post office who carries letters
to the persons to whom they are addressed, and collects
letters to be mailed.
{Letter cutter}, one who engraves letters or letter punches.
{Letter lock}, a lock that can not be opened when fastened,
unless certain movable lettered rings or disks forming a
part of it are in such a position (indicated by a
particular combination of the letters) as to permit the
bolt to be withdrawn.
A strange lock that opens with AMEN. --Beau. & Fl.
{Letter paper}, paper for writing letters on; especially, a
size of paper intermediate between note paper and
foolscap. See {Paper}.
{Letter punch}, a steel punch with a letter engraved on the
end, used in making the matrices for type.
{Letters of administration} (Law), the instrument by which an
administrator or administratrix is authorized to
administer the goods and estate of a deceased person.
{Letter of attorney}, {Letter of credit}, etc. See under
{Attorney}, {Credit}, etc.
{Letter of license}, a paper by which creditors extend a
debtor's time for paying his debts.
{Letters close or clause} (Eng. Law.), letters or writs
directed to particular persons for particular purposes,
and hence closed or sealed on the outside; --
distinguished from letters patent. --Burrill.
{Letters of orders} (Eccl.), a document duly signed and
sealed, by which a bishop makes it known that he has
regularly ordained a certain person as priest, deacon,
etc.
{Letters patent}, {overt}, or {open} (Eng. Law), a writing
executed and sealed, by which power and authority are
granted to a person to do some act, or enjoy some right;
as, letters patent under the seal of England.
{Letter-sheet envelope}, a stamped sheet of letter paper
issued by the government, prepared to be folded and sealed
for transmission by mail without an envelope.
{Letters testamentary} (Law), an instrument granted by the
proper officer to an executor after probate of a will,
authorizing him to act as executor.
{Letter writer}.
(a) One who writes letters.
(b) A machine for copying letters.
(c) A book giving directions and forms for the writing of
letters.
Letter \Let"ter\ (l[e^]t"t[~e]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lettered}
(-t[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lettering}.]
To impress with letters; to mark with letters or words; as, a
book gilt and lettered.
Lettered \Let"tered\ (l[e^]t"t[~e]rd), a.
1. Literate; educated; versed in literature. `` Are you not
lettered?'' --Shak.
The unlettered barbarians willingly accepted the aid
of the lettered clergy, still chiefly of Roman
birth, to reduce to writing the institutes of their
forefathers. --Milman.
2. Of or pertaining to learning or literature; learned. `` A
lettered education.'' --Collier.
3. Inscribed or stamped with letters. --Addison.
Letterer \Let"ter*er\ (l[e^]t"t[~e]r*[~e]r), n.
One who makes, inscribes, or engraves, alphabetical letters.
Lettering \Let"ter*ing\, n.
1. The act or business of making, or marking with, letters,
as by cutting or painting.
2. The letters made; as, the lettering of a sign.
Letterless \Let"ter*less\ (l[e^]t"t[~e]r*l[e^]s), a.
1. Not having a letter.
2. Illiterate. [Obs.] --E. Waterhouse.
Lettern \Let"tern\ (l[e^]t"t[~e]rn), n.
See {Lecturn}.
Letterpress \Let"ter*press`\ (-t[~e]r*pr[e^]s`), n.
Print; letters and words impressed on paper or other material
by types; -- often used of the reading matter in distinction
from the illustrations.
Letterpress printing, printing directly from type, in
distinction from printing from plates.
Letterure \Let"ter*ure\ (-[-u]r), n.
Letters; literature. [Obs.] ``To teach him letterure and
courtesy.'' --Chaucer.
Letterwood \Let"ter*wood`\ (-w[oo^]d`), n. (Bot.)
The beautiful and highly elastic wood of a tree of the genus
{Brosimum} ({B. Aubletii}), found in Guiana; -- so called
from black spots in it which bear some resemblance to
hieroglyphics; also called {snakewood}, and {leopardwood}. It
is much used for bows and for walking sticks.
Lettic \Let"tic\ (l[e^]t"t[i^]k), a.
(a) Of or pertaining to the Letts; Lettish.
(b) Of or pertaining to a branch of the Slavic family,
subdivided into Lettish, Lithuanian, and Old Prussian. --
n.
(a) The language of the Letts; Lettish.
(b) The language of the Lettic race, including Lettish,
Lithuanian, and Old Prussian.
Lettish \Let"tish\ (l[e^]t"t[i^]sh), a.
Of or pertaining to the Letts. -- n. The language spoken by
the Letts. See {Lettic}.
Lettrure \Let"trure\ (-tr[usd]r), n.
See {Letterure}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Letts \Letts\ (l[e^]ts), n. pl.; sing. {Lett} (l[e^]t).
(Ethnol.)
An Indo-European people, allied to the Lithuanians and Old
Prussians, and inhabiting a part of the Baltic provinces of
Russia.
Lettuce \Let"tuce\ (l[e^]t"t[i^]s), n. [OE. letuce, prob.
through Old French from some Late Latin derivative of L.
lactuca lettuce, which, according to Varro, is fr. lac,
lactis, milk, on account of the milky white juice which flows
from it when it is cut: cf. F. laitue. Cf. {Lacteal},
{Lactucic}.] (Bot.)
A composite plant of the genus {Lactuca} ({L. sativa}), the
leaves of which are used as salad. Plants of this genus yield
a milky juice, from which lactucarium is obtained. The
commonest wild lettuce of the United States is {L.
Canadensis}.
{Hare's lettuce}, {Lamb's lettuce}. See under {Hare}, and
{Lamb}.
{Lettuce opium}. See {Lactucarium}.
{Sea lettuce}, certain papery green seaweeds of the genus
{Ulva}.
Letuary \Let"u*a*ry\ (l[e^]t"[-u]*[asl]*r[y^]), n.
Electuary. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Let-up \Let"-up`\ (l[e^]t"[u^]p`), n. [See {Let} to forbear.]
Abatement; also, cessation; as, it blew a gale for three days
without any let-up. [Colloq.]
Leuc- \Leuc-\ (l[=u]k-).
Same as {Leuco-}.
Leucadendron \Leu`ca*den"dron\ (l[=u]`k[.a]*d[e^]n"dr[o^]n), n.
[NL., fr. Gr. leyko`s white + de`ndron tree.] (Bot.)
A genus of evergreen shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope,
having handsome foliage. {Leucadendron argenteum} is the
{silverboom} of the colonists.
Leucaniline \Leu*can"i*line\ (l[-u]*k[a^]n"[i^]*l[i^]n or
-l[=e]n), n. [Leuc- + aniline.] (Chem.)
A colorless, crystalline, organic base, obtained from
rosaniline by reduction, and also from other sources. It
forms colorless salts.
Leuchaemia \Leu*ch[ae]"mi*a\ (l[-u]*k[=e]"m[i^]*[.a]), n. [NL.,
fr. Gr. leyko`s white + a"i^ma blood.] (Med.)
See {Leucocyth[ae]mia}. -- {Leu*ch[ae]m"ic}
(l[-u]*k[e^]m"[i^]k), a. [Written also {leuk[ae]mia},
{leuk[ae]mic}.]
Leucic \Leu"cic\ (l[=u]"s[i^]k), Leucinic \Leu*cin"ic\
(l[-u]*s[i^]n"[i^]k), a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained from leucin,
and called also {oxycaproic acid}.
Leucin \Leu"cin\ (l[=u]"s[i^]n), n. [Gr. leyko`s white.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A white, crystalline, nitrogenous substance formed in the
decomposition of albuminous matter by pancreatic digestion,
by the action of boiling dilute sulphuric acid, and by
putrefaction. It is also found as a constituent of various
tissues and organs, as the spleen, pancreas, etc., and
likewise in the vegetable kingdom. Chemically it is to be
considered as amido-caproic acid.
Leucite \Leu"cite\ (l[=u]"s[imac]t), n. [Gr. leyko`s white: cf.
F. leucite.]
1. (Min.) A mineral having a glassy fracture, occurring in
translucent trapezohedral crystals. It is a silicate of
alumina and potash. It is found in the volcanic rocks of
Italy, especially at Vesuvius.
2. (Bot.) A leucoplast.
Leucitic \Leu*cit"ic\ (l[-u]*s[i^]t"[i^]k), a. (Min.)
Containing leucite; as, leucitic rocks.
Leucitoid \Leu"ci*toid\ (l[=u]"s[i^]*toid), n. [Leucite + -oid.]
(Crystallog.)
The trapezohedron or tetragonal trisoctahedron; -- so called
as being the form of the mineral leucite.
Leuco- \Leu"co-\ (l[=u]"k[-o]-), Leuc- \Leuc-\ (l[=u]k-). [Gr.
leyko`s white.]
A combining form signifying white, colorless; specif.
(Chem.), denoting an extensive series of colorless organic
compounds, obtained by reduction from certain other colored
compounds; as, leucaniline, leucaurin, etc.
Leucocyte \Leu"co*cyte\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*s[imac]t), n. [Leuco- + Gr.
ky`tos a hollow vessel.] (Physiol.)
A colorless corpuscle, as one of the white blood corpuscles,
or those found in lymph, marrow of bone, connective tissue,
etc.
Note: They all consist of more or less spherical masses of
protoplasm, without any surrounding membrane or wall,
and are capable of motion.
Leucocythaemia \Leu`co*cy*th[ae]"mi*a\ Leucocythemia
\Leu`co*cy*the"mi*a\ ](l[=u]`k[-o]*s[-i]*th[=e]"m[i^]*[.a]), n.
[NL., fr. Gr. leyko`s white + ky`tos a hollow vessel + a"i^ma
blood.] (Med.)
A disease in which the white corpuscles of the blood are
largely increased in number, and there is enlargement of the
spleen, or the lymphatic glands; leuch[ae]mia.
Leucocytogenesis \Leu`co*cy`to*gen"e*sis\
(-s[imac]`t[-o]*j[e^]n"[-e]*s[i^]s), n. [Leucocyte +
genesis.] (Physiol.)
The formation of leucocytes.
Leucoethiopic \Leu`co*e`thi*op"ic\ (-[=e]`th[i^]*[o^]p"[i^]k),
a. [Leuco- + Ethiopic.]
White and black; -- said of a white animal of a black
species, or the albino of the negro race.
Leucoethiops \Leu`co*e"thi*ops\ (-[=e]"th[i^]*[o^]ps), n.
[Leuco- + Aethiops.]
An albino. [Also written {leuc[oe]thiops}.]
Leucoline \Leu"co*line\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*l[i^]n or -l[=e]n), n.
[Leuc- + L. oleum oil.] (Chem.)
A nitrogenous organic base from coal tar, and identical with
quinoline. Cf. {Quinoline}.
Leucoma \Leu*co"ma\ (l[-u]*k[=o]"m[.a]), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
ley`kwma, fr. leyko`s white.] (Med.)
A white opacity in the cornea of the eye; -- called also
{albugo}.
Leucomaine \Leu*co"ma*ine\ (l[-u]*k[=o]"m[.a]*[i^]n or -[=e]n),
n. [Leuco- + -maine, as in ptomaine.] (Physiol. Chem.)
An animal base or alkaloid, appearing in the tissue during
life; hence, a vital alkaloid, as distinguished from a
{ptomaine} or cadaveric poison.
Leuconic \Leu*con"ic\ (-k[o^]n"[i^]k), a. [Leuc- + croconic.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a complex organic acid,
obtained as a yellowish white gum by the oxidation of
croconic acid.
Leucopathy \Leu*cop"a*thy\ (l[-u]*k[o^]p"[.a]*th[y^]), n.
[Leuco- + Gr. pa`schein, paqei^n to suffer.]
The state of an albino, or of a white child of black parents.
Leucophane \Leu"co*phane\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*f[=a]n), n. [Gr.
leykofanh`s appearing bright or white; leyko`s white +
fai`nein to show: cf. G. leukophan.] (Min.)
A mineral of a greenish yellow color; it is a silicate of
glucina, lime, and soda with fluorine. Called also
{leucophanite}.
Leucophlegmacy \Leu`co*phleg"ma*cy\
(l[=u]`k[-o]*fl[e^]g"m[.a]*s[y^]), n. [Gr. leykoflegmati`a;
leyko`s white + fle`gma phlegm: cf. F. leucophlegmasie.]
(Med.)
A dropsical habit of body, or the commencement of anasarca;
paleness, with viscid juices and cold sweats.
Leucophlegmatic \Leu`co*phleg*mat"ic\ (-fl[e^]g*m[a^]t"[i^]k),
a. [Cf. F. leucophlegmatique, Gr. leykofle`gmatos.]
Having a dropsical habit of body, with a white bloated skin.
Leucophyll \Leu"co*phyll\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*f[i^]l), n. [Leuco- + Gr.
fy`llon a leaf.] (Chem.)
A colorless substance isomeric with chlorophyll, contained in
parts of plants capable of becoming green. --Watts.
Leucophyllous \Leu*coph"yl*lous\ (l[-u]*k[o^]f"[i^]l*l[u^]s or
l[=u]`k[-o]*f[i^]l"l[u^]s), a. [Gr. leyko`fyllos; leyko`s
white + fy`llon a leaf.] (Bot.)
Having white or silvery foliage.
Leucoplast \Leu"co*plast\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*pl[a^]st), Leucoplastid
\Leu`co*plas"tid\ (-pl[a^]s"t[i^]d), n. [Leuco- + Gr. pla`ssein
to mold.] (Bot.)
One of certain very minute whitish or colorless granules
occurring in the protoplasm of plants and supposed to be the
nuclei around which starch granules will form.
Leucopyrite \Leu*cop"y*rite\ (l[-u]*k[o^]p"[i^]*r[imac]t), n.
[Leuco- + pyrites.] (Min.)
A mineral of a color between white and steel-gray, with a
metallic luster, and consisting chiefly of arsenic and iron.
Leucorrhoea \Leu`cor*rh[oe]"a\ (l[=u]`k[o^]r*r[=e]"[.a]), n.
[Leuco- + Gr. "rei^n to flow.] (Med.)
A discharge of a white, yellowish, or greenish, viscid mucus,
resulting from inflammation or irritation of the membrane
lining the genital organs of the female; the whites.
--Dunglison.
Leucoryx \Leu"co*ryx\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*r[i^]ks), n. [NL., from Gr.
leyko`s + 'o`ryx a kind of gazelle.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large antelope of North Africa ({Oryx leucoryx}), allied to
the gemsbok.
Leucoscope \Leu"co*scope\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*sk[=o]p), n. [Leuco- +
-scope.] (Physics)
An instrument, devised by Professor Helmholtz, for testing
the color perception of the eye, or for comparing different
lights, as to their constituent colors or their relative
whiteness.
Leucosoid \Leu"co*soid\ (-soid), a. [NL. Leucosia, the typical
genus (fr. Gr. leyko`s white) + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or pertaining to the {Leucosoidea}, a tribe of marine
crabs including the box crab or {Calappa}.
Leucosphere \Leu"co*sphere\ (-sf[=e]r), n. [Leuco- + sphere.]
(Astron.)
The inner corona. [R.]
Leucoturic \Leu`co*tu"ric\ (l[=u]`k[-o]*t[=u]"r[i^]k), a.
[Leuco- + allantoic + uric.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a nitrogenous organic
substance of the uric acid group, called leucoturic acid or
oxalantin. See {Oxalantin}.
Leucous \Leu"cous\ (l[=u]"k[u^]s), a. [Gr. leyko`s.]
White; -- applied to albinos, from the whiteness of their
skin and hair.
Leucoxene \Leu*cox"ene\ (l[-u]*k[o^]ks"[=e]n), n. [Leuco- + Gr.
xe`nos stranger.] (Min.)
A nearly opaque white mineral, in part identical with
titanite, observed in some igneous rocks as the result of the
alteration of titanic iron.
Leukaemia \Leu*k[ae]"mi*a\ (l[-u]*k[=e]"m[i^]*[.a]), n.
Leucocyth[ae]mia.
Leuke \Leuke\ (l[=u]k), a., Leukeness \Leuke"ness\, n.
See {Luke}, etc.
Leukoplast \Leu"ko*plast\ (l[=u]"k[-o]*pl[a^]st), n. (Bot.)
See {Leucoplast}.
Levana \Le*va"na\ (l[-e]*v[=a]"n[.a]), n. [L., fr. levare to
raise.] (Rom. Myth.)
A goddess who protected newborn infants.
Levant \Le"vant\ (l[=e]"vant), a. [F., p. pr. of lever to
raise.] (Law)
Rising or having risen from rest; -- said of cattle. See
{Couchant and levant}, under {Couchant}.
Levant \Le*vant"\ (l[-e]*v[a^]nt"), n. [It. levante the point
where the sun rises, the east, the Levant, fr. levare to
raise, levarsi to rise: cf. F. levant. See {Lever}.]
1. The countries washed by the eastern part of the
Mediterranean and its contiguous waters.
2. A levanter (the wind so called).
Levant \Le"vant\ (l[=e]"vant; 277), a.
Eastern. [Obs.]
Forth rush the levant and the ponent winds. --Milton.
Levant \Le*vant"\ (l[-e]*v[a^]nt"), v. i. [Cf. Sp. levantar to
raise, go from one place to another.]
To run away from one's debts; to decamp. [Colloq. Eng.]
--Thackeray.
Levanter \Le*vant"er\ (l[-e]*v[a^]nt"[~e]r), n. [From {Levant},
v.]
One who levants, or decamps. [Colloq. Eng.]
Levanter \Le*vant"er\, n. [From {Levant}, n.]
A strong easterly wind peculiar to the Mediterranean. --W. H.
Russell.
Levantine \Le*vant"ine\ (l[-e]*v[a^]nt"[i^]n or
l[e^]v"ant*[imac]n; 277), a. [F. levantin, or It. levantino.
See {Levant}, n.]
Of or pertaining to the Levant. --J. Spencer.
Levantine \Le*vant"ine\, n.
1. A native or inhabitant of the Levant.
2. [F. levantine, or It. levantina.] A stout twilled silk
fabric, formerly made in the Levant.
Levari facias \Le*va`ri fa"ci*as\ (l[-e]*v[=a]`r[-i]
f[=a]"sh[i^]*[a^]s). [Law L., cause to be levied.]
A writ of execution at common law.
Levation \Le*va"tion\ (l[-e]*v[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. levatio.]
The act of raising; elevation; upward motion, as that
produced by the action of a levator muscle.
Levator \Le*va"tor\ (l[-e]*v[=a]"t[o^]r), n. [NL., fr. L. levare
to raise. See {Lever}, n.]
1. (Anat.) A muscle that serves to raise some part, as the
lip or the eyelid.
2. (Surg.) A surgical instrument used to raise a depressed
part of the skull.
Leve \Leve\ (l[=e]v), a.
Dear. See {Lief}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leve \Leve\, n. & v.
Same as 3d & 4th {Leave}. [Obs.]
Leve \Leve\, v. i.
To live. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leve \Leve\, v. t. [OE., fr. AS. l[=e]fan, abbrev. fr.
gel[=e]fan. See {Believe}.]
To believe. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leve \Leve\, v. t. [OE. leven, AS. l[=e]fan, l[=y]fan. See
{Leave} permission.]
To grant; -- used esp. in exclamations or prayers followed by
a dependent clause. [Obs.]
God leve all be well. --Chaucer.
Levee \Lev"ee\ (l[e^]v"[-e]; often l[e^]v*[=e]" in U. S.), n.
[F. lever, fr. lever to raise, se lever to rise. See {Lever},
n.]
1. The act of rising. `` The sun's levee.'' --Gray.
2. A morning assembly or reception of visitors, -- in
distinction from a {soir['e]e}, or evening assembly; a
{matin['e]e}; hence, also, any general or somewhat
miscellaneous gathering of guests, whether in the daytime
or evening; as, the president's levee.
Note: In England a ceremonious day reception, when attended
by both ladies and gentlemen, is called a
{drawing-room}.
Levee \Lev"ee\, v. t.
To attend the levee or levees of.
He levees all the great. --Young.
Levee \Lev"ee\, n. [F. lev['e]e, fr. lever to raise. See
{Lever}, and cf. {Levy}.]
An embankment to prevent inundation; as, the levees along the
Mississippi; sometimes, the steep bank of a river. [U. S.]
Levee \Lev"ee\, v. t.
To keep within a channel by means of levees; as, to levee a
river. [U. S.]
Lev'ee en masse \Le*v['e]e" en` masse"\ (le*v[asl]" [aum]N`
m[.a]s"). [F.]
See {Levy in mass}, under {Levy}, n.
Leveful \Leve"ful\ (l[=e]v"f[usd]l), a. [Leve, n. + -ful.]
Allowable; permissible; lawful. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Level \Lev"el\ (l[e^]v"[e^]l), n. [OE. level, livel, OF. livel,
F. niveau, fr. L. libella level, water level, a plumb level,
dim. of libra pound, measure for liquids, balance, water
poise, level. Cf. {Librate}, {Libella}.]
1. A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or
plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is
everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; -- this
is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all
points are equally distant from the center of the earth,
or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere.
2. A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a
plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point
and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; -- this
is the apparent level at the given point.
3. An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain
degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the
earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the
level of the plateau and then descend to the level of the
valley or of the sea.
After draining of the level in Northamptonshire.
--Sir M. Hale.
Shot from the deadly level of a gun. --Shak.
4. Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard,
degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one
of several planes of different elevation.
Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level.
--Addison.
Somebody there of his own level. --Swift.
Be the fair level of thy actions laid As temperance
wills and prudence may persuade. --Prior.
5. A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a
condition conformable to natural law or which will secure
a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level.
When merit shall find its level. --F. W.
Robertson.
6. (Mech. & Surv.)
(a) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or
adjust something with reference to a horizontal line.
(b) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two
points, by means of a level; as, to take a level.
7. A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
{Air level}, {a spirit level}. See {Spirit level} (below).
{Box level}, a spirit level in which a glass-covered box is
used instead of a tube.
{Carpenter's level}, {Mason's level}, either the plumb level
or a straight bar of wood, in which is imbedded a small
spirit level.
{Level of the sea}, the imaginary level from which heights
and depths are calculated, taken at a mean distance
between high and low water.
{Line of levels}, a connected series of measurements, by
means of a level, along a given line, as of a railroad, to
ascertain the profile of the ground.
{Plumb level}, one in which a horizontal bar is placed in
true position by means of a plumb line, to which it is at
right angles.
{Spirit level}, one in which the adjustment to the horizon is
shown by the position of a bubble in alcohol or ether
contained in a nearly horizontal glass tube, or a circular
box with a glass cover.
{Surveyor's level}, a telescope, with a spirit level
attached, and with suitable screws, etc., for accurate
adjustment, the whole mounted on a tripod, for use in
leveling; -- called also {leveling instrument}.
{Water level}, an instrument to show the level by means of
the surface of water in a trough, or in upright tubes
connected by a pipe.
Level \Lev"el\ (l[e^]v"[e^]l), a.
1. Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or
conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the
undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a
level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or
lake.
Ample spaces o'er the smooth And level pavement.
--Milton.
2. Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon;
horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
3. Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same
line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance;
-- followed by with, sometimes by to.
Young boys and girls Are level now with men; the
odds is gone. --Shak.
Everything lies level to our wish. --Shak.
4. Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
A very plain and level account. --M. Arnold.
5. Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level
head; a level understanding. [Colloq.] `` A level
consideration.'' --Shak.
6. (Phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling
inflection. --H. Sweet.
{Level line} (Shipbuilding), the outline of a section which
is horizontal crosswise, and parallel with the rabbet of
the keel lengthwise.
{Level surface} (Physics), an equipotential surface at right
angles at every point to the lines of force.
Level \Lev"el\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Leveled} (-[e^]ld) or
{Levelled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Leveling} or {Levelling}.]
1. To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the
condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat
or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden.
2. To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down;
to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
And their proud structures level with the ground.
--Sandys.
He levels mountains and he raises plains. --Dryden.
3. To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to
point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall,
leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow. --Stow.
4. Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in
respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.;
as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men.
5. To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level
remarks to the capacity of children.
For all his mind on honor fixed is, To which he
levels all his purposes. --Spenser.
Level \Lev"el\, v. i.
1. To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality
with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit.
[Obs.]
With such accommodation and besort As levels with
her breeding. --Shak.
2. To aim a gun, spear, etc., horizontally; hence, to aim or
point a weapon in direct line with the mark; fig., to
direct the eye, mind, or effort, directly to an object.
The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge
of a penknife. --Shak.
The glory of God and the good of his church . . .
ought to be the mark whereat we also level.
--Hooker.
She leveled at our purposes. --Shak.
Leveler \Lev"el*er\ (-[~e]r), n. [Written also leveller.]
1. One who, or that which, levels.
2. One who would remove social inequalities or distinctions;
a socialist.
Leveling \Lev"el*ing\, n. [Written also levelling.]
1. The act or operation of making level.
2. (Surveying) The art or operation of using a leveling
instrument for finding a horizontal line, for ascertaining
the differences of level between different points of the
earth's surface included in a survey, for establishing
grades, etc., as in finding the descent of a river, or
locating a line of railroad.
{Leveling instrument}. See {Surveyor's level}, under {Level},
n.
{Leveling staff}, a graduated rod or staff used in connection
with a leveling instrument for measuring differences of
level between points.
Levelism \Lev"el*ism\ (-[i^]z'm), n.
The disposition or endeavor to level all distinctions of rank
in society.
Levelly \Lev"el*ly\, adv.
In an even or level manner.
Levelness \Lev"el*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being level.
Leven \Lev"en\ (l[e^]v"en), n. [See {Levin}.]
Lightning. [Obs.]
Wild thunder dint and fiery leven. --Chaucer.
Lever \Lev"er\ (l[=e]"v[~e]r), a. [Old compar. of leve or lief.]
More agreeable; more pleasing. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{To be lever than}. See {Had as lief}, under {Had}.
Lever \Lev"er\, adv.
Rather. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
For lever had I die than see his deadly face.
--Spenser.
Lever \Le"ver\ (l[=e]"v[~e]r or l[e^]v"[~e]r; 277), n. [OE.
levour, OF. leveor, prop., a lifter, fr. F. lever to raise,
L. levare; akin to levis light in weight, E. levity, and
perh. to E. light not heavy: cf. F. levier. Cf. {Alleviate},
{Elevate}, {Leaven}, {Legerdemain}, {Levee}, {Levy}, n.]
1. (Mech.) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about
one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or
more other points where forces are applied; -- used for
transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a
bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to
exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its
length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and
turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It
is usually named as the first of the six mechanical
powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the
fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is
situated between the other two, as in the figures.
2. (Mach.)
(a) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece
to turn it.
(b) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or
to obtain motion from it.
{Compound lever}, a machine consisting of two or more levers
acting upon each other.
{Lever escapement}. See {Escapement}.
{Lever jack}. See {Jack}, n., 5.
{Lever watch}, a watch having a vibrating lever to connect
the action of the escape wheel with that of the balance.
{Universal lever}, a machine formed by a combination of a
lever with the wheel and axle, in such a manner as to
convert the reciprocating motion of the lever into a
continued rectilinear motion of some body to which the
power is applied.
Leverage \Lev"er*age\ (l[e^]v"[~e]r*[asl]j or
l[=e]"v[~e]r*[asl]j), n.
The action of a lever; mechanical advantage gained by the
lever.
{Leverage of a couple} (Mech.), the perpendicular distance
between the lines of action of two forces which act in
parallel and opposite directions.
{Leverage of a force}, the perpendicular distance from the
line in which a force acts upon a body to a point about
which the body may be supposed to turn.
Leveret \Lev"er*et\ (l[e^]v"[~e]r*[e^]t), n. [F. levraut, dim.
of li[`e]vre hare, L. lepus. Cf. {Leporine}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A hare in the first year of its age.
Leverock \Lev"er*ock\ (-[o^]k), n. [See {Lark}.]
A lark. [Scot.]
Leverwood \Lev"er*wood`\ (l[e^]v"[~e]r*w[oo^]d`), n. (Bot.)
The American hop hornbeam ({Ostrya Virginica}), a small tree
with very tough wood.
Levesel \Lev"e*sel\ (l[e^]v"[-e]*s[e^]l), n. [AS. le['a]f a leaf
+ s[ae]l, sel, a room, a hall.]
A leafy shelter; a place covered with foliage. [Obs.]
Behind the mill, under a levesel. --Chaucer.
Levet \Lev"et\ (l[e^]v"[e^]t), n. [Cf. F. lever to raise.]
A trumpet call for rousing soldiers; a reveille. [Obs.]
--Hudibras.
Leviable \Lev"i*a*ble\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*[.a]*b'l), a. [From {Levy}
to assess.]
Fit to be levied; capable of being assessed and collected;
as, sums leviable by course of law. --Bacon.
Leviathan \Le*vi"a*than\ (l[-e]*v[imac]"[.a]*than), n. [Heb.
livy[=a]th[=a]n.]
1. An aquatic animal, described in the book of Job, ch. xli.,
and mentioned in other passages of Scripture.
Note: It is not certainly known what animal is intended,
whether the crocodile, the whale, or some sort of
serpent.
2. The whale, or a great whale. --Milton.
Levier \Lev"i*er\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*[~e]r), n.
One who levies. --Cartwright.
Levigable \Lev"i*ga*ble\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*g[.a]*b'l), a. [See
{Levigate}, v. t.]
Capable of being levigated.
Levigate \Lev"i*gate\ (-g[asl]t), a. [L. levigatus, p. p. of
levigare to lighten, fr. l[e^]vis light.]
Made less harsh or burdensome; alleviated. [Obs.] --Sir T.
Elyot.
Levigate \Lev"i*gate\ (-g[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Levigated}
(-g[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Levigating}.] [L.
levigatus, p. p. of levigare to make smooth, fr. l[=e]vis
smooth; akin to Gr. lei^os.]
To make smooth in various senses:
(a) To free from grit; to reduce to an impalpable powder or
paste.
(b) To mix thoroughly, as liquids or semiliquids.
(c) To polish.
(d) To make smooth in action. `` When use hath levigated the
organs.'' --Barrow.
(e) Technically, to make smooth by rubbing in a moist
condition between hard surfaces, as in grinding pigments.
Levigate \Lev"i*gate\ (-g[asl]t), a. [L. levigatus, p. p.]
Made smooth, as if polished.
Levigation \Lev`i*ga"tion\ (l[e^]v`[i^]*g[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L.
levigatio a smoothing: cf. F. l['e]vigation.]
The act or operation of levigating.
Levin \Lev"in\ (l[e^]v"[i^]n), n. [Etymol. uncertain. Cf.
{Leven}.]
Lightning. [Obs.] --Spenser.
{Levin brand}, a thunderbolt. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Leviner \Lev"in*er\ (-[~e]r), n. (Zo["o]l.)
A swift hound.
Levir \Le"vir\ (l[=e]"v[~e]r), n. [L.]
A husband's brother; -- used in reference to levirate
marriages.
Levirate \Lev"i*rate\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*r[asl]t), Leviratical
\Lev`i*rat"ic*al\ (-r[a^]t"[i^]*kal), a. [L. levir a husband's
brother, brother-in-law; akin to Gr. dah`r: cf. F. l['e]virat
leviration.]
Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with, a law of the
ancient Israelites and other tribes and races, according to
which a woman, whose husband died without issue, was married
to the husband's brother.
The firstborn son of a leviratical marriage was
reckoned and registered as the son of the deceased
brother. --Alford.
Leviration \Lev`i*ra"tion\ (l[e^]v`[i^]*r[=a]"sh[u^]n), n.
Levirate marriage or marriages. --Kitto.
Levirostres \Lev`i*ros"tres\ (-r[o^]s"tr[=e]z), n. pl. [NL., fr.
L. levis light + rostrum beak.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of birds, including the hornbills, kingfishers, and
related forms.
Levitate \Lev"i*tate\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*t[=a]t), v. i. [L. levitas,
-atis, lightness. See {Levity}.]
To rise, or tend to rise, as if lighter than the surrounding
medium; to become buoyant; -- opposed to {gravitate}. --Sir.
J. Herschel.
Levitate \Lev"i*tate\, v. t. (Spiritualism)
To make buoyant; to cause to float in the air; as, to
levitate a table. [Cant]
Levitation \Lev`i*ta"tion\ (-t[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. levis light
in weight.]
1. Lightness; buoyancy; act of making light. --Paley.
2. The act or process of making buoyant.
Levite \Le"vite\ (l[=e]"v[imac]t), n. [L. Levites, Gr.
Leyi:`ths, fr. Heb. Levi, one of the sons of Jacob.]
1. (Bib. Hist.) One of the tribe or family of Levi; a
descendant of Levi; esp., one subordinate to the priests
(who were of the same tribe) and employed in various
duties connected with the tabernacle first, and afterward
the temple, such as the care of the building, bringing of
wood and other necessaries for the sacrifices, the music
of the services, etc.
2. A priest; -- so called in contempt or ridicule.
Levitical \Le*vit"ic*al\ (l[-e]*v[i^]t"[i^]*kal), a. [L.
Leviticus, Gr. Leyitiko`s.]
1. Of or pertaining to a Levite or the Levites.
2. Priestly. `` Levitical questions.'' --Milton.
3. Of or pertaining to, or designating, the law contained in
the book of Leviticus. --Ayliffe.
{Levitical degrees}, degrees of relationship named in
Leviticus, within which marriage is forbidden.
Levitically \Le*vit"ic*al*ly\, adv.
After the manner of the Levites; in accordance with the
levitical law.
Leviticus \Le*vit"i*cus\ (-[i^]*k[u^]s), n. [See {Levitical}.]
The third canonical book of the Old Testament, containing the
laws and regulations relating to the priests and Levites
among the Hebrews, or the body of the ceremonial law.
Levity \Lev"i*ty\ (l[e^]v"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L. levitas, fr. levis
light in weight; akin to levare to raise. See {Lever}, n.]
1. The quality of weighing less than something else of equal
bulk; relative lightness, especially as shown by rising
through, or floating upon, a contiguous substance;
buoyancy; -- opposed to {gravity}.
He gave the form of levity to that which ascended;
to that which descended, the form of gravity. --Sir.
W. Raleigh.
This bubble by reason of its comparative levity to
the fluidity that incloses it, would ascend to the
top. --Bentley.
2. Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or
character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness;
vanity. `` A spirit of levity and libertinism.''
--Atterbury.
He never employed his omnipotence out of levity.
--Calamy.
3. Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change;
fickleness; volatility.
The levity that is fatigued and disgusted with
everything of which it is in possession. --Burke.
Syn: Inconstancy; thoughtlessness; unsteadiness;
inconsideration; volatility; flightiness.
Usage: {Levity}, {Volatility}, {Flightiness}. All these words
relate to outward conduct. Levity springs from a
lightness of mind which produces a disregard of the
proprieties of time and place.Volatility is a degree
of levity which causes the thoughts to fly from one
object to another, without resting on any for a
moment. Flightiness is volatility carried to an
extreme which often betrays its subject into gross
impropriety or weakness. Levity of deportment, of
conduct, of remark; volatility of temper, of spirits;
flightiness of mind or disposition.
Levo- \Le"vo-\ (l[=e]"v[-o]-).
A prefix from L. laevus, meaning:
(a) Pertaining to, or toward, the left; as, levorotatory.
(b) (Chem. & Opt.) Turning the plane of polarized light to
the left; as, levotartaric acid; levoracemic acid;
levogyratory crystals, etc. [Written also {l[ae]vo-}.]
Levogyrate \Le`vo*gy"rate\ (-j[imac]"r[asl]t), a. [Levo- +
gyrate.] (Chem. & Physics)
Turning or twisting the plane of polarization towards the
left, as levulose, levotartaric acid, etc. [Written also
{l[ae]vogyrate}.]
Levorotatory \Le`vo*ro"ta*to*ry\ (-r[=o]"t[.a]*t[-o]*r[y^]), a.
[Levo- + rotatory.] (Chem. & Physics)
Turning or rotating the plane of polarization towards the
left; levogyrate, as levulose, left-handed quartz crystals,
etc. [Written also {l[ae]vorotatory}.]
Levulin \Lev"u*lin\ (l[e^]v"[-u]*l[i^]n), n. (Chem.)
A substance resembling dextrin, obtained from the bulbs of
the dahlia, the artichoke, and other sources, as a colorless,
spongy, amorphous material. It is so called because by
decomposition it yields levulose. [Written also
{l[ae]vulin}.]
Levulinic \Lev`u*lin"ic\ (-l[i^]n"[i^]k), a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or denoting, an acid (called also
acetyl-propionic acid), {C5H8O3}, obtained by the action of
dilute acids on various sugars (as levulose). [Written also
{l[ae]vulinic}.]
Levulosan \Lev`u*lo"san\ (-l[=o]"san), n. (Chem.)
An unfermentable carbohydrate obtained by gently heating
levulose.
Levulose \Lev"u*lose`\ (l[e^]v"[-u]*l[=o]s`), n. [See {Levo-}.]
(Chem.)
A sirupy variety of sugar, rarely obtained crystallized,
occurring widely in honey, ripe fruits, etc., and hence
called also {fruit sugar}. It is called levulose, because it
rotates the plane of polarization to the left. [Written also
{l[ae]vulose}.]
>
Note: It is obtained, together with an equal quantity of
dextrose, by the inversion of ordinary cane or beet
sugar, and hence, as being an ingredient of invert
sugar, is often so called. It is fermentable, nearly as
sweet as cane sugar, and is metameric with dextrose.
Cf. {Dextrose}.
Levy \Lev"y\ (-[y^]), n.; pl. {Levies} (-[i^]z). [A contr. of
elevenpence or elevenpenny bit.]
A name formerly given in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia
to the Spanish real of one eighth of a dollar (or 121/2
cents), valued at eleven pence when the dollar was rated at
7s. 6d.
Levy \Lev"y\, n. [F. lev['e]e, fr. lever to raise. See {Lever},
and cf. {Levee}.]
1. The act of levying or collecting by authority; as, the
levy of troops, taxes, etc.
A levy of all the men left under sixty. --Thirlwall.
2. That which is levied, as an army, force, tribute, etc. ``
The Irish levies.'' --Macaulay.
3. (Law) The taking or seizure of property on executions to
satisfy judgments, or on warrants for the collection of
taxes; a collecting by execution.
{Levy in mass} [F. lev['e]e en masse], a requisition of all
able-bodied men for military service.
Levy \Lev"y\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Levied} (l[e^]v"[i^]d); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Levying}.]
1. To raise, as a siege. [Obs.] --Holland.
2. To raise; to collect; said of troops, to form into an army
by enrollment, conscription, etc.
Augustine . . . inflamed Ethelbert, king of Kent, to
levy his power, and to war against them. --Fuller.
3. To raise or collect by assessment; to exact by authority;
as, to levy taxes, toll, tribute, or contributions.
If they do this . . . my ransom, then, Will soon be
levied. --Shak.
4. (Law)
(a) To gather or exact; as, to levy money.
(b) To erect, build, or set up; to make or construct; to
raise or cast up; as, to levy a mill, dike, ditch, a
nuisance, etc. [Obs.] --Cowell. --Blackstone.
(c) To take or seize on execution; to collect by
execution.
{To levy a fine}, to commence and carry on a suit for
assuring the title to lands or tenements. --Blackstone.
{To levy war}, to make or begin war; to take arms for attack;
to attack.
Levy \Lev"y\, v. i.
To seize property, real or personal, or subject it to the
operation of an execution; to make a levy; as, to levy on
property; the usual mode of levying, in England, is by
seizing the goods.
{To levy on goods and chattels}, to take into custody or
seize specific property in satisfaction of a writ.
Levyne \Lev"yne\ (l[e^]v"[i^]n), Levynite \Lev"yn*ite\
(-[i^]n*[imac]t), n. [From Mr. Levy, an English
mineralogist.] (Min.)
A whitish, reddish, or yellowish, transparent or translucent
mineral, allied to chabazite.
Lew \Lew\ (l[=u]), a. [Cf. lee a calm or sheltered place,
lukewarm.]
Lukewarm; tepid. [Obs.] --Wyclif.
Lewd \Lewd\ (l[=u]d), a. [Compar. {Lewder} (-[~e]r); superl.
{Lewdest}.] [{OE}. lewed, lewd, lay, ignorant, vile, AS.
l[=ae]wed laical, belonging to the laity.]
1. Not clerical; laic; laical; hence, unlearned; simple.
[Obs.]
For if a priest be foul, on whom we trust, No wonder
is a lewed man to rust. --Chaucer.
So these great clerks their little wisdom show To
mock the lewd, as learn'd in this as they. --Sir. J.
Davies.
2. Belonging to the lower classes, or the rabble; idle and
lawless; bad; vicious. [Archaic] --Chaucer.
But the Jews, which believed not, . . . took unto
them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, . . .
and assaulted the house of Jason. --Acts xvii.
5.
Too lewd to work, and ready for any kind of
mischief. --Southey.
3. Given to the promiscuous indulgence of lust; dissolute;
lustful; libidinous. --Dryden.
4. Suiting, or proceeding from, lustfulness; involving
unlawful sexual desire; as, lewd thoughts, conduct, or
language.
Syn: Lustful; libidinous; licentious; profligate; dissolute;
sensual; unchaste; impure; lascivious; lecherous;
rakish; debauched. -- {Lewd"ly}, adv. -- {Lewd"ness}, n.
Lewdster \Lewd"ster\ (-st[~e]r), n.
A lewd person. [Obs.] --Shak.
Lewis \Lew"is\ (l[=u]"[i^]s), Lewisson \Lew"is*son\ (-s[u^]n),
n.
1. An iron dovetailed tenon, made in sections, which can be
fitted into a dovetail mortise; -- used in hoisting large
stones, etc.
2. A kind of shears used in cropping woolen cloth.
{Lewis hole}, a hole wider at the bottom than at the mouth,
into which a lewis is fitted. --De Foe.
Lex \Lex\ (l[e^]ks), n.; pl. {Leges} (l[=e]"j[=e]z). [L. See
{Legal}.]
Law; as, lex talionis, the law of retaliation; lex terr[ae],
the law of the land; lex fori, the law of the forum or court;
lex loci, the law of the place; lex mercatoria, the law or
custom of merchants.
Lexical \Lex"ic*al\ (-[i^]*kal), a.
Of or pertaining to a lexicon, to lexicography, or words;
according or conforming to a lexicon. -- {Lex"ic*al*ly}, adv.
Lexicographer \Lex`i*cog"ra*pher\ (-[i^]*k[o^]g"r[.a]*f[~e]r),
n. [Gr. lexikogra`fos; lexiko`n dictionary + gra`fein to
write: cf. F. lexicographe. See {Lexicon}.]
The author or compiler of a lexicon or dictionary.
Every other author may aspire to praise; the
lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach; and
even this negative recompense has been yet granted to
very few. --Johnson.
Lexicographic \Lex`i*co*graph"ic\ (-k[-o]*gr[a^]f"[i^]k),
Lexicographical \Lex`i*co*graph"ic*al\ (-[i^]*kal), a. [Cf. F.
lexicographique.]
Of or pertaining to, or according to, lexicography. --
{Lex`i*co*graph"ic*al*ly}, adv.
Lexicographist \Lex`i*cog"ra*phist\ (-k[o^]g"r[.a]*f[i^]st), n.
A lexicographer. [R.] --Southey.
Lexicography \Lex`i*cog"ra*phy\ (-f[y^]), n. [Cf. F.
lexicographie.]
The art, process, or occupation of making a lexicon or
dictionary; the principles which are applied in making
dictionaries.
Lexicologist \Lex`i*col"o*gist\ (-k[o^]l"[-o]*j[i^]st), n.
One versed in lexicology.
Lexicology \Lex`i*col"o*gy\ (-j[y^]), n. [Gr. lexiko`n lexicon +
-logy: cf. F. lexicologie.]
The science of the derivation and signification of words;
that branch of learning which treats of the signification and
application of words.
Lexicon \Lex"i*con\ (l[e^]ks"[i^]*k[o^]n), n. [Gr. lexiko`n (sc.
bibli`on), neut. of lexiko`s of or belonging to words, fr.
le`xis a speaking, speech, a way of speaking, a single word
or phrase, fr. le`gein to say, to speak. See {Legend}.]
A vocabulary, or book containing an alphabetical arrangement
of the words in a language or of a considerable number of
them, with the definition of each; a dictionary; especially,
a dictionary of the Greek, Hebrew, or Latin language.
Lexiconist \Lex"i*con*ist\, n.
A writer of a lexicon. [R.]
Lexigraphic \Lex`i*graph"ic\ (-gr[a^]f"[i^]k), a. [Cf. F.
lexigraphique.]
Of or pertaining to lexigraphy.
Lexigraphy \Lex*ig"ra*phy\ (l[e^]ks*[i^]g"r[.a]*f[y^]), n. [Gr.
le`xis word + -graphy: cf. F. lexigraphie.]
The art or practice of defining words; definition of words.
Lexiphanic \Lex`i*phan"ic\ (l[e^]ks`[i^]*f[a^]n"[i^]k), a. [Gr.
lexifa`nis a phrase monger; le`xis speech + fai`nein to
show.]
Using, or interlarded with, pretentious words; bombastic; as,
a lexiphanic writer or speaker; lexiphanic writing.
Lexiphanicism \Lex`i*phan"i*cism\ (-[i^]*s[i^]z'm), n.
The use of pretentious words, language, or style.
Lexipharmic \Lex`i*phar"mic\ (-f[aum]r"m[i^]k), a.
See {Alexipharmic}.
Ley \Ley\ (l[=a]), v. t. & i.
To lay; to wager. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Ley \Ley\, n. [OF.]
Law. --Abbott.
Ley \Ley\ (l[imac]), n. [Obs.]
See {Lye}.
Ley \Ley\ (l[=e]), n.
Grass or meadow land; a lea.
Ley \Ley\, a.
Fallow; unseeded. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.
Leyden jar \Ley"den jar"\ (l[imac]"d'n j[aum]r"; 277). Leyden
phial \Ley"den phi"al\ (f[imac]"al).(Elec.)
A glass jar or bottle used to accumulate electricity. It is
coated with tin foil, within and without, nearly to its top,
and is surmounted by a brass knob which communicates with the
inner coating, for the purpose of charging it with
electricity. It is so named from having been invented in
Leyden, Holland.
Leyser \Ley"ser\ (l[=a]"z[~e]r), n.
Leisure. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Leze majesty \Leze` maj"es*ty\ (l[=e]z` m[a^]j"[e^]s*t[y^]). [F.
lese-majest['e], fr. L. laesus, fem. laesa, injured (see
{Lesion}) + majestas majesty; that is, crimen laesae
majestatis.] [Written also {lese majesty}.] (Law)
Any crime committed against the sovereign power.
Lherzolite \Lher"zo*lite\ (l[~e]r"z[-o]*l[imac]t), n. [From
Lherz, a place in the Pyrenees + -lite.] (Min.)
An igneous rock consisting largely of chrysolite, with
pyroxene and picotite (a variety of spinel containing
chromium).
Li \Li\ (l[=e]), n.
1. A Chinese measure of distance, being a little more than
one third of a mile.
2. A Chinese copper coin; a cash. See {Cash}.
Liability \Li`a*bil"i*ty\ (l[imac]`[.a]*b[i^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.;
pl. {Liabilities} (-t[i^]z).
1. The state of being liable; as, the liability of an
insurer; liability to accidents; liability to the law.
2. That which one is under obligation to pay, or for which
one is liable. Specifically, in the pl., the sum of one's
pecuniary obligations; -- opposed to {assets}.
{Limited liability}. See {Limited company}, under {Limited}.
Liable \Li"a*ble\ (l[imac]"[.a]*b'l), a. [From F. lier to bind,
L. ligare. Cf. {Ally}, v. t., {Ligature}.]
1. Bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible;
answerable; as, the surety is liable for the debt of his
principal.
2. Exposed to a certain contingency or casualty, more or less
probable; -- with to and an infinitive or noun; as, liable
to slip; liable to accident.
Syn: Accountable; responsible; answerable; bound; subject;
obnoxious; exposed.
Usage: {Liable}, {Subject}. Liable refers to a future
possible or probable happening which may not actually
occur; as, horses are liable to slip; even the
sagacious are liable to make mistakes. Subject refers
to any actual state or condition belonging to the
nature or circumstances of the person or thing spoken
of, or to that which often befalls one. One whose
father was subject to attacks of the gout is himself
liable to have that disease. Men are constantly
subject to the law, but liable to suffer by its
infraction.
Proudly secure, yet liable to fall. --Milton.
All human things are subject to decay. --Dryden.
Liableness \Li"a*ble*ness\, n.
Quality of being liable; liability.
Liage \Li"age\ (l[imac]"[asl]j), n. [Cf. OF. liage a bond. See
{Liable}.]
Union by league; alliance. [Obs.]
Liaison \Li`ai`son"\ (l[-e]`[asl]`z[^o]N"), n. [F., fr. L.
ligatio, fr. ligare to bind. See {Ligature}, and cf.
{Ligation}.]
A union, or bond of union; an intimacy; especially, an
illicit intimacy between a man and a woman.
Liane \Li*ane"\ (l[-i]*[=a]n"), Liana \Li*a"na\
(l[-i]*[=a]"n[.a]), n. [F. liane; prob. akin to lien a band,
fr. L. ligamen, fr. ligare to bind. Cf. {Lien}, n. ] (Bot.)
A luxuriant woody plant, climbing high trees and having
ropelike stems. The grapevine often has the habit of a liane.
Lianes are abundant in the forests of the Amazon region.
Liar \Li"ar\ (l[imac]"[~e]r), n. [OE. liere. See {Lie} to
falsify.]
A person who knowingly utters falsehood; one who lies.
Liard \Li"ard\ (l[imac]"[~e]rd), a. [OF. liart, LL. liardus
gray, dapple.]
Gray. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Note: Used by Chaucer as an epithet of a gray or dapple gray
horse. Also used as a name for such a horse.
Liard \Liard\ (ly[aum]r), n. [F.]
A French copper coin of one fourth the value of a sou.
Lias \Li"as\ (l[imac]"as), n. [Cf. F. lias, fr. liais sort of
limestone, OF. also liois; perh. of Celtic origin, cf. Armor.
liach, leach, a stone, Gael. leac, W. llech. Cf. {Cromlech}.]
(Geol.)
The lowest of the three divisions of the Jurassic period; a
name given in England and Europe to a series of marine
limestones underlying the O["o]lite. See the Chart of
{Geology}.
Liassic \Li*as"sic\ (l[-i]*[a^]s"s[i^]k), a. (Geol.)
Of the age of the Lias; pertaining to the Lias formation. --
n. Same as {Lias}.
Lib \Lib\ (l[i^]b), v. t. [Cf. {Glib} to geld.]
To castrate. [Obs.]
Libament \Lib"a*ment\ (l[i^]b"[.a]*ment), n. [L. libamentum.]
Libation. [Obs.] --Holland.
Libant \Li"bant\ (l[imac]"bant), a. [L. libans, p. pr. of libare
to taste, touch.]
Sipping; touching lightly. [R.] --Landor.
Libation \Li*ba"tion\ (l[-i]*b[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. libatio, fr.
libare to take a little from anything, to taste, to pour out
as an offering: cf. F. libation.]
The act of pouring a liquid or liquor, usually wine, either
on the ground or on a victim in sacrifice, in honor of some
deity; also, the wine or liquid thus poured out. --Dryden.
A heathen sacrifice or libation to the earth. --Bacon.
Libatory \Li"ba*to*ry\ (l[imac]"b[.a]*t[-o]*r[y^]), a.
Pertaining to libation.
Libbard \Lib"bard\ (l[i^]b"b[~e]rd), n. [See {Leopard}.]
A leopard. [Obs. or Poetic] --Spenser. Keats.
Libbard's bane \Lib"bard's bane`\ (-b[~e]rdz b[=a]n`).
Leopard's bane. [Obs.]
Libel \Li"bel\ (l[imac]"b[e^]l), n. [L. libellus a little book,
pamphlet, libel, lampoon, dim. of liber the liber or inner
bark of a tree; also (because the ancients wrote on this
bark), paper, parchment, or a roll of any material used to
write upon, and hence, a book or treatise: cf. F. libelle.]
1. A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill,
certificate, request, supplication, etc. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
A libel of forsaking [divorcement]. --Wyclif
(Matt. v. 31).
2. Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
3. (Law) A malicious publication expressed either in print or
in writing, or by pictures, effigies, or other signs,
tending to expose another to public hatred, contempt, or
ridicule. Such publication is indictable at common law.
Note: The term, in a more extended sense, includes the
publication of such writings, pictures, and the like,
as are of a blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or
obscene character. These also are indictable at common
law.
4. (Law) The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory
publication.
5. (Civil Law & Courts of Admiralty) A written declaration or
statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of
the relief he seeks.
Libel \Li"bel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Libeled} (-b[e^]ld) or
{Libelled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Libeling} or {Libelling}.]
1. To defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or
ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon.
Some wicked wits have libeled all the fair. --Pope.
2. (Law) To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly
against a ship or goods.
Libel \Li"bel\ (l[imac]"b[e^]l), v. i.
To spread defamation, written or printed; -- with against.
[Obs.]
What's this but libeling against the senate? --Shak.
[He] libels now 'gainst each great man. --Donne.
Libelant \Li"bel*ant\ (-ant), n.
One who libels; one who institutes a suit in an
ecclesiastical or admiralty court. [Written also
{libellant}.] --Cranch.
Libeler \Li"bel*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who libels. [Written also {libeller}.] `` Libelers of
others.'' --Buckminster.
Libelist \Li"bel*ist\ (-[i^]st), n.
A libeler.
Li bella \Li *bel"la\ (l[-i]*b[e^]l"l[.a]), n. [L., dim. of
libra balance. See {Level}, n.]
1. A small balance.
2. A level, or leveling instrument.
Libellulid \Li*bel"lu*lid\ (l[-i]*b[e^]l"l[-u]*l[i^]d), n.
(Zo["o]l.)
A dragon fly.
Libelluloid \Li*bel"lu*loid\ (-loid), a. [NL. Libellula, the
name of the typical genus + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or pertaining to the dragon flies.
Libelous \Li"bel*ous\ (l[imac]"b[e^]l*[u^]s), a.
Containing or involving a libel; defamatory; containing that
which exposes some person to public hatred, contempt, or
ridicule; as, a libelous pamphlet. [Written also
{libellous}.] -- {Li"bel*ous*ly}, adv.
Liber \Li"ber\ (l[imac]"b[~e]r), n. [L. See {Libel}.] (Bot.)
The inner bark of plants, lying next to the wood. It usually
contains a large proportion of woody, fibrous cells, and is,
therefore, the part from which the fiber of the plant is
obtained, as that of hemp, etc.
{Liber cells}, elongated woody cells found in the liber.
Liberal \Lib"er*al\ (l[i^]b"[~e]r*al), a. [F. lib['e]ral, L.
liberalis, from liber free; perh. akin to libet, lubet, it
pleases, E. lief. Cf. {Deliver}.]
1. Free by birth; hence, befitting a freeman or gentleman;
refined; noble; independent; free; not servile or mean;
as, a liberal ancestry; a liberal spirit; liberal arts or
studies. `` Liberal education.'' --Macaulay. `` A liberal
tongue.'' --Shak.
2. Bestowing in a large and noble way, as a freeman;
generous; bounteous; open-handed; as, a liberal giver. ``
Liberal of praise.'' --Bacon.
Infinitely good, and of his good As liberal and free
as infinite. --Milton.
3. Bestowed in a large way; hence, more than sufficient;
abundant; bountiful; ample; profuse; as, a liberal gift; a
liberal discharge of matter or of water.
His wealth doth warrant a liberal dower. --Shak.
4. Not strict or rigorous; not confined or restricted to the
literal sense; free; as, a liberal translation of a
classic, or a liberal construction of law or of language.
5. Not narrow or contracted in mind; not selfish; enlarged in
spirit; catholic.
6. Free to excess; regardless of law or moral restraint;
licentious. `` Most like a liberal villain.'' --Shak.
7. Not bound by orthodox tenets or established forms in
political or religious philosophy; independent in opinion;
not conservative; friendly to great freedom in the
constitution or administration of government; having
tendency toward democratic or republican, as distinguished
from monarchical or aristocratic, forms; as, liberal
thinkers; liberal Christians; the Liberal party.
I confess I see nothing liberal in this `` order of
thoughts,'' as Hobbes elsewhere expresses it.
--Hazlitt.
Note: Liberal has of, sometimes with, before the thing
bestowed, in before a word signifying action, and to
before a person or object on which anything is
bestowed; as, to be liberal of praise or censure;
liberal with money; liberal in giving; liberal to the
poor.
{The liberal arts}. See under {Art}.
{Liberal education}, education that enlarges and disciplines
the mind and makes it master of its own powers,
irrespective of the particular business or profession one
may follow.
Syn: Generous; bountiful; munificent; beneficent; ample;
large; profuse; free.
Usage: {Liberal}, {Generous}. Liberal is freeborn, and
generous is highborn. The former is opposed to the
ordinary feelings of a servile state, and implies
largeness of spirit in giving, judging, acting, etc.
The latter expresses that nobleness of soul which is
peculiarly appropriate to those of high rank, -- a
spirit that goes out of self, and finds its enjoyment
in consulting the feelings and happiness of others.
Generosity is measured by the extent of the sacrifices
it makes; liberality, by the warmth of feeling which
it manifests.
Liberal \Lib"er*al\, n.
One who favors greater freedom in political or religious
matters; an opponent of the established systems; a reformer;
in English politics, a member of the Liberal party, so
called. Cf. {Whig}.
Liberalism \Lib"er*al*ism\ (-[i^]z'm), n. [Cf. F.
lib['e]ralisme.]
Liberal principles; the principles and methods of the
liberals in politics or religion; specifically, the
principles of the Liberal party.
Liberalist \Lib"er*al*ist\, n.
A liberal.
Liberalistic \Lib`er*al*is"tic\ (-[i^]s"t[i^]k), a.
Pertaining to, or characterized by, liberalism; as,
liberalistic opinions.
Liberality \Lib`er*al"i*ty\ (-[a^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.; pl.
{Liberalities} (-t[i^]z). [L. liberalitas: cf. F.
lib['e]ralit['e].]
1. The quality or state of being liberal; liberal disposition
or practice; freedom from narrowness or prejudice;
generosity; candor; charity.
That liberality is but cast away Which makes us
borrow what we can not pay. --Denham.
2. A gift; a gratuity; -- sometimes in the plural; as, a
prudent man is not impoverished by his liberalities.
Liberalization \Lib`er*al*i*za"tion\ (-al*[i^]*z[=a]"sh[u^]n),
n.
The act of liberalizing.
Liberalize \Lib"er*al*ize\ (l[i^]b"[~e]r*al*[imac]z), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. {Liberalized} (-[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Liberalizing} (-[imac]`z[i^]ng).] [Cf. F. lib['e]raliser.]
To make liberal; to free from narrow views or prejudices.
To open and to liberalize the mind. --Burke.
Liberalizer \Lib"er*al*i`zer\ (-[imac]`z[~e]r), n.
One who, or that which, liberalizes. --Emerson.
Liberally \Lib"er*al*ly\, adv.
In a liberal manner.
Liberate \Lib"er*ate\ (-[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Liberated}
(-[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Liberating}
(-[=a]`t[i^]ng).] [L. liberatus, p. p. of liberare to free,
fr. liber free. See {Liberal}, a., and cf. {Deliver}.]
To release from restraint or bondage; to set at liberty; to
free; to manumit; to disengage; as, to liberate a slave or
prisoner; to liberate the mind from prejudice; to liberate
gases.
Syn: To deliver; free; release. See {Deliver}.
Liberation \Lib`er*a"tion\ (l[i^]b`[~e]r*[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L.
liberatio: cf. F. lib['e]ration. Cf. {Livraison}.]
The act of liberating or the state of being liberated.
This mode of analysis requires perfect liberation from
all prejudged system. --Pownall.
Liberator \Lib"er*a`tor\ (l[i^]b"[~e]r*[=a]`t[~e]r), n. [L.]
One who, or that which, liberates; a deliverer.
Liberatory \Lib"er*a*to*ry\ (-[.a]*t[-o]*r[y^]), a.
Tending, or serving, to liberate. [R.]
Libertarian \Lib`er*ta"ri*an\ (-t[=a]"r[i^]*an), a. [See
{Liberty}.]
Pertaining to liberty, or to the doctrine of free will, as
opposed to the doctrine of necessity.
Libertarian \Lib`er*ta"ri*an\, n.
One who holds to the doctrine of free will.
Libertarianism \Lib`er*ta"ri*an*ism\ (-[i^]z'm), n.
Libertarian principles or doctrines.
Liberticide \Lib"er*ti*cide\ (l[i^]b"[~e]r*t[i^]*s[imac]d), n.
[L. libertas liberty + caedere to kill: cf. (for sense 2) F.
liberticide.]
1. The destruction of civil liberty.
2. A destroyer of civil liberty. --B. F. Wade.
Libertinage \Lib"er*tin*age\ (-t[i^]n*[asl]j), n. [Cf. F.
libertinage. See {Libertine}.]
Libertinism; license. [R.]
Libertine \Lib"er*tine\ (-t[i^]n), n. [L. libertinus freedman,
from libertus one made free, fr. liber free: cf. F. libertin.
See {Liberal}.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) A manumitted slave; a freedman; also, the
son of a freedman.
2. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a sect of Anabaptists, in the
fifteenth and early part of the sixteenth century, who
rejected many of the customs and decencies of life, and
advocated a community of goods and of women.
3. One free from restraint; one who acts according to his
impulses and desires; now, specifically, one who gives
rein to lust; a rake; a debauchee.
Like a puffed and reckless libertine, Himself the
primrose path of dalliance treads. --Shak.
4. A defamatory name for a freethinker. [Obsoles.]
Libertine \Lib"er*tine\, a. [L. libertinus of a freedman: cf. F.
libertin. See {Libertine}, n. ]
1. Free from restraint; uncontrolled. [Obs.]
You are too much libertine. --Beau. & Fl.
2. Dissolute; licentious; profligate; loose in morals; as,
libertine principles or manners. --Bacon.
Libertinism \Lib"er*tin*ism\ (-t[i^]n*[i^]z'm), n.
1. The state of a libertine or freedman. [R.] --Hammond.
2. Licentious conduct; debauchery; lewdness.
3. Licentiousness of principle or opinion.
That spirit of religion and seriousness vanished all
at once, and a spirit of liberty and libertinism, of
infidelity and profaneness, started up in the room
of it. --Atterbury.
Liberty \Lib"er*ty\ (l[i^]b"[~e]r*t[y^]), n.; pl. {Liberties}
(-t[i^]z). [OE. liberte, F. libert['e], fr. L. libertas, fr.
liber free. See {Liberal}.]
1. The state of a free person; exemption from subjection to
the will of another claiming ownership of the person or
services; freedom; -- opposed to slavery, serfdom,
bondage, or subjection.
But ye . . . caused every man his servant, and every
man his handmaid whom he had set at liberty at their
pleasure, to return, and brought them into
subjection. --Jer. xxxiv.
16.
Delivered fro the bondage of corruption into the
glorious liberty of the sons of God. --Bible, 1551.
Rom. viii. 21.
2. Freedom from imprisonment, bonds, or other restraint upon
locomotion.
Being pent from liberty, as I am now. --Shak.
3. A privilege conferred by a superior power; permission
granted; leave; as, liberty given to a child to play, or
to a witness to leave a court, and the like.
4. Privilege; exemption; franchise; immunity enjoyed by
prescription or by grant; as, the liberties of the
commercial cities of Europe.
His majesty gave not an entire county to any; much
less did he grant . . . any extraordinary liberties.
--Sir J.
Davies.
5. The place within which certain immunities are enjoyed, or
jurisdiction is exercised. [Eng.]
Brought forth into some public or open place within
the liberty of the city, and there . . . burned.
--Fuller.
6. A certain amount of freedom; permission to go freely
within certain limits; also, the place or limits within
which such freedom is exercised; as, the liberties of a
prison.
7. A privilege or license in violation of the laws of
etiquette or propriety; as, to permit, or take, a liberty.
He was repeatedly provoked into striking those who
had taken liberties with him. --Macaulay.
8. The power of choice; freedom from necessity; freedom from
compulsion or constraint in willing.
The idea of liberty is the idea of a power in any
agent to do or forbear any particular action,
according to the determination or thought of the
mind, whereby either of them is preferred to the
other. --Locke.
This liberty of judgment did not of necessity lead
to lawlessness. --J. A.
Symonds.
9. (Manege) A curve or arch in a bit to afford room for the
tongue of the horse.
10. (Naut.) Leave of absence; permission to go on shore.
{At liberty}.
(a) Unconfined; free.
(b) At leisure.
{Civil liberty}, exemption from arbitrary interference with
person, opinion, or property, on the part of the
government under which one lives, and freedom to take part
in modifying that government or its laws.
{Liberty bell}. See under {Bell}.
{Liberty cap}.
(a) The Roman pileus which was given to a slave at his
manumission.
(b) A limp, close-fitting cap with which the head of
representations of the goddess of liberty is often
decked. It is sometimes represented on a spear or a
liberty pole.
{Liberty of the press}, freedom to print and publish without
official supervision.
{Liberty party}, the party, in the American Revolution, which
favored independence of England; in more recent usage, a
party which favored the emancipation of the slaves.
{Liberty pole}, a tall flagstaff planted in the ground, often
surmounted by a liberty cap. [U. S.]
{Moral liberty}, that liberty of choice which is essential to
moral responsibility.
{Religious liberty}, freedom of religious opinion and
worship.
Syn: Leave; permission; license.
Usage: {Liberty}, {Freedom}. These words, though often
interchanged, are distinct in some of their
applications. Liberty has reference to previous
restraint; freedom, to the simple, unrepressed
exercise of our powers. A slave is set at liberty; his
master had always been in a state of freedom. A
prisoner under trial may ask liberty (exemption from
restraint) to speak his sentiments with freedom (the
spontaneous and bold utterance of his feelings). The
liberty of the press is our great security for freedom
of thought.
Libethenite \Li*beth"en*ite\ (l[i^]*b[e^]th"[e^]n*[imac]t), n.
[From Libethen, in Hungary, where it was first found.] (Min.)
A mineral of an olive-green color, commonly in orthorhombic
crystals. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper.
Libidinist \Li*bid"i*nist\ (l[i^]*b[i^]d"[i^]*n[i^]st), n. [See
{Libidinous}.]
One given to lewdness.
Libidinosity \Li*bid`i*nos"i*ty\ (-n[o^]s"[i^]*t[y^]), n.
The state or quality of being libidinous; libidinousness.
--Skelton.
Libidinous \Li*bid"i*nous\ (-n[u^]s), a. [L. libidinosus, fr.
libido, libidinis, pleasure, desire, lust, fr. libet, lubet,
it pleases: cf. F. libidineux. See {Lief}.]
Having lustful desires; characterized by lewdness; sensual;
lascivious. -- {Li*bid"i*nous*ly}, adv. --
{Li*bid"i*nous*ness}, n.
Syn: Lewd; lustful; lascivious; unchaste; impure; sensual;
licentious; lecherous; salacious.
Libken \Lib"ken\ (l[i^]b"k[e^]n), Libkin \Lib"kin\
(l[i^]b"k[i^]n), n. [AS. libban, E. live, v. i. + -kin.]
A house or lodging. [Old Slang] --B. Jonson.
Libra \Li"bra\ (l[imac]"br[.a]), n.; pl. {Libr[ae]}
(l[imac]"br[=e]). [L., a balance.] (Astron.)
(a) The Balance; the seventh sign in the zodiac, which the
sun enters at the autumnal equinox in September, marked
thus [libra] in almanacs, etc.
(b ) A southern constellation between Virgo and Scorpio.
Libral \Li"bral\ (l[imac]"bral), a. [L. libralis, fr. libra the
Roman pound.]
Of a pound weight. [Obs.] --Johnson.
Librarian \Li*bra"ri*an\ (l[-i]*br[=a]"r[i^]*an), n. [See
{Library}.]
1. One who has the care or charge of a library.
2. One who copies manuscript books. [Obs.] --Broome.
Librarianship \Li*bra"ri*an*ship\, n.
The office of a librarian.
Library \Li"bra*ry\ (l[imac]"br[asl]*r[y^]), n.; pl. {Libraries}
(-r[i^]z). [OE. librairie, F. librairie bookseller's shop,
book trade, formerly, a library, fr. libraire bookseller, L.
librarius, from liber book; cf. libraria bookseller's shop,
librarium bookcase, It. libreria. See {Libel}.]
1. A considerable collection of books kept for use, and not
as merchandise; as, a private library; a public library.
2. A building or apartment appropriated for holding such a
collection of books. --Holland.
Librate \Li"brate\ (l[imac]"br[=a]t), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
{Librated} (l[imac]"br[asl]*t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Librating}.] [L. libratus, p. p. of librare to balance, to
make even, fr. libra. Cf. {Level}, {Deliberate},
{Equilibrium}.]
To vibrate as a balance does before resting in equilibrium;
hence, to be poised.
Their parts all librate on too nice a beam. --Clifton.
Librate \Li"brate\, v. t.
To poise; to balance.
Libration \Li*bra"tion\ (l[-i]*br[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. libratio:
cf. F. libration.]
1. The act or state of librating. --Jer. Taylor.
2. (Astron.) A real or apparent libratory motion, like that
of a balance before coming to rest.
{Libration of the moon}, any one of those small periodical
changes in the position of the moon's surface relatively
to the earth, in consequence of which narrow portions at
opposite limbs become visible or invisible alternately. It
receives different names according to the manner in which
it takes place; as: {(a)} Libration in longitude, that
which, depending on the place of the moon in its elliptic
orbit, causes small portions near the eastern and western
borders alternately to appear and disappear each month.
({b}) Libration in latitude, that which depends on the
varying position of the moon's axis in respect to the
spectator, causing the alternate appearance and
disappearance of either pole. ({c}) Diurnal or parallactic
libration, that which brings into view on the upper limb,
at rising and setting, some parts not in the average
visible hemisphere.
Libratory \Li"bra*to*ry\ (l[imac]"br[.a]*t[-o]*r[y^]), a.
Balancing; moving like a balance, as it tends to an equipoise
or level.
Librettist \Li*bret"tist\ (l[i^]*br[e^]t"t[i^]st), n.
One who makes a libretto.
Libretto \Li*bret"to\ (l[i^]*br[e^]t"t[-o]; It.
l[-e]*br[asl]t"t[-o]), n.; pl. E. {Librettos} (-t[=o]z), It.
{Libretti} (-t[-e]). [It., dim. of libro book, L. liber. See
{Libel}.] (Mus.)
(a) A book containing the words of an opera or extended piece
of music.
(b) The words themselves.
Libriform \Li"bri*form\ (l[imac]"br[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [Liber +
-form.] (Bot.)
Having the form of liber, or resembling liber.
{Libriform cells}, peculiar wood cells which are very slender
and relatively thick-walled, and occasionally are
furnished with bordered pits. --Goodale.
Libyan \Lib"y*an\ (l[i^]b"[i^]*an), a.
Of or pertaining to Libya, the ancient name of that part of
Africa between Egypt and the Atlantic Ocean, or of Africa as
a whole.
Lice \Lice\ (l[imac]s), n.;
pl. of {Louse}.
Licensable \Li"cens*a*ble\ (l[imac]"sens*[.a]*b'l), a.
That can be licensed.
License \Li"cense\ (l[imac]"sens), n. [Written also {licence}.]
[F. licence, L. licentia, fr. licere to be permitted, prob.
orig., to be left free to one; akin to linquere to leave. See
{Loan}, and cf. {Illicit}, {Leisure}.]
1. Authority or liberty given to do or forbear any act;
especially, a formal permission from the proper
authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a
certain business, which without such permission would be
illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license to preach,
to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicating
liquors.
To have a license and a leave at London to dwell.
--P. Plowman.
2. The document granting such permission. --Addison.
3. Excess of liberty; freedom abused, or used in contempt of
law or decorum; disregard of law or propriety.
License they mean when they cry liberty. --Milton.
4. That deviation from strict fact, form, or rule, in which
an artist or writer indulges, assuming that it will be
permitted for the sake of the advantage or effect gained;
as, poetic license; grammatical license, etc.
Syn: Leave; liberty; permission.
License \Li"cense\ (l[imac]"sens), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Licensed} (l[imac]"senst); p. pr. & vb. n. {Licensing}.]
To permit or authorize by license; to give license to; as, to
license a man to preach. --Milton. Shak.
Licensed \Li"censed\ (l[imac]"senst), a.
Having a license; permitted or authorized by license; as, a
licensed victualer; a licensed traffic.
{Licensed victualer}, one who has a license to keep an inn or
eating house; esp., a victualer who has a license to sell
intoxicating liquors.
Licensee \Li`cen*see"\ (l[imac]`sen*s[=e]"), n. (Law)
The person to whom a license is given.
Licenser \Li"cens*er\ (l[imac]"sens*[~e]r), n.
One who gives a license; as, a licenser of the press.
Licensure \Li"cen*sure\ (l[imac]"sen*sh[-u]r; 135), n.
A licensing. [R.]
Licentiate \Li*cen"ti*ate\ (l[-i]*s[e^]n"sh[i^]*[asl]t or
-sh[asl]t; 106), n. [LL. licentiatus, fr. licentiare to allow
to do anything, fr. L. licentia license. See {License}, n.]
1. One who has a license to exercise a profession; as, a
licentiate in medicine or theology.
The college of physicians, in July, 1687, published
an edict, requiring all the fellows, candidates, and
licentiates, to give gratuitous advice to the
neighboring poor. --Johnson.
2. A friar authorized to receive confessions and grant
absolution in all places, independently of the local
clergy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
3. One who acts without restraint, or takes a liberty, as if
having a license therefor. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
4. On the continent of Europe, a university degree
intermediate between that of bachelor and that of doctor.
Licentiate \Li*cen"ti*ate\ (-sh[i^]*[=a]t), v. t.
To give a license to. [Obs.] --L'Estrange.
Licentious \Li*cen"tious\ (-sh[u^]s), a. [L. licentiosus: cf. F.
licencieux. See {License}.]
1. Characterized by license; passing due bounds; excessive;
abusive of freedom; wantonly offensive; as, a licentious
press.
A wit that no licentious pertness knows. --Savage.
2. Unrestrained by law or morality; lawless; immoral;
dissolute; lewd; lascivious; as, a licentious man; a
licentious life. ``Licentious wickedness.'' --Shak.
Syn: Unrestrained; uncurbed; uncontrolled; unruly; riotous;
ungovernable; wanton; profligate; dissolute; lax; loose;
sensual; impure; unchaste; lascivious; immoral. --
{Li*cen"tious*ly}, adv. -- {Li*cen"tious*ness}, n.
Lich \Lich\ (l[i^]k), a.
Like. [Obs.] --Chaucer. Spenser.
Lich \Lich\ (l[i^]ch), n. [AS. l[=i]c body. See {Like}, a.]
A dead body; a corpse. [Obs.]
{Lich fowl} (Zo["o]l.), the European goatsucker; -- called
also {lich owl}.
{Lich gate}, a covered gate through which the corpse was
carried to the church or burial place, and where the bier
was placed to await the clergyman; a corpse gate. [Prov.
Eng.] --Halliwell.
{Lich wake}, the wake, or watching, held over a corpse before
burial. [Prov Eng.] --Chaucer.
{Lich wall}, the wall of a churchyard or burying ground.
{Lich way}, the path by which the dead are carried to the
grave. [Prov. Eng.]
Lichen \Li"chen\ (l[imac]"k[e^]n; 277), n. [L., fr. Gr.
leichh`n.]
1. (Bot.) One of a class of cellular, flowerless plants,
(technically called {Lichenes}), having no distinction of
leaf and stem, usually of scaly, expanded, frond-like
forms, but sometimes erect or pendulous and variously
branched. They derive their nourishment from the air, and
generate by means of spores. The species are very widely
distributed, and form irregular spots or patches, usually
of a greenish or yellowish color, upon rocks, trees, and
various bodies, to which they adhere with great tenacity.
They are often improperly called {rock moss} or {tree
moss}.
Note: A favorite modern theory of lichens (called after its
inventor the Schwendener hypothesis), is that they are
not autonomous plants, but that they consist of
ascigerous fungi, parasitic on alg[ae]. Each lichen is
composed of white filaments and green, or greenish,
rounded cells, and it is argued that the two are of
different nature, the one living at the expense of the
other. See {Hyph[ae]}, and {Gonidia}.
2. (Med.) A name given to several varieties of skin disease,
esp. to one characterized by the eruption of small,
conical or flat, reddish pimples, which, if unchecked,
tend to spread and produce great and even fatal
exhaustion.
Lichened \Li"chened\ (l[imac]"k[e^]nd), a.
Belonging to, or covered with, lichens. --Tennyson.
Lichenic \Li*chen"ic\ (l[-i]*k[e^]n"[i^]k), a.
Of, pertaining to, or obtained from, lichens.
{Lichenic acid}.
(a) An organic acid, {C14H24O3}, obtained from Iceland moss.
(b) An old name of fumaric acid.
Licheniform \Li*chen"i*form\ (-[i^]*f[^o]rm), a.
Having the form of a lichen.
Lichenin \Li"chen*in\ (l[imac]"k[e^]n*[i^]n), n. (Chem.)
A substance isomeric with starch, extracted from several
species of moss and lichen, esp. from Iceland moss.
Lichenographic \Li`chen*o*graph"ic\
(l[imac]`k[e^]n*[-o]*gr[a^]f"[i^]k), Lichenographical
\Li`chen*o*graph"ic*al\ (-[i^]*kal), a. [Cf. F.
lich['e]nographique.]
Of or pertaining to lichenography.
Lichenographist \Li`chen*og"ra*phist\ (-[o^]g"r[.a]*f[i^]st), n.
One who describes lichens; one versed in lichenography.
Lichenography \Li`chen*og"ra*phy\
(l[imac]`k[e^]n*[o^]g"r[.a]*f[y^]), n. [Lichen + -graphy: cf.
F. lich['e]nographie.]
A description of lichens; the science which illustrates the
natural history of lichens.
Lichenologist \Li`chen*ol"o*gist\ (-[o^]l"[-o]*j[i^]st), n.
One versed in lichenology.
Lichenology \Li`chen*ol"o*gy\ (-j[y^]), n. [Lichen + -logy.]
The science which treats of lichens.
Lichenous \Li"chen*ous\ (l[imac]"k[e^]n*[u^]s), a.
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, lichens; abounding in
lichens; covered with lichens. --G. Eliot.
Lichi \Li"chi`\ (l[=e]"ch[=e]`), n. (Bot.)
See {Litchi}.
Lichwale \Lich"wale`\ (l[i^]ch"w[=a]l`), n. (Bot.)
The gromwell.
Lichwort \Lich"wort`\ (-w[^u]rt`), n. (Bot.)
An herb, the wall pellitory. See {Pellitory}.
Licit \Lic"it\ (l[i^]s"[i^]t), a. [L. licitus permitted, lawful,
from licere: cf. F. licite. See {License}.]
Lawful. ``Licit establishments.'' --Carlyle. -- {Lic"it*ly},
adv. -- {Lic"it*ness}, n.
Licitation \Lic`i*ta"tion\ (l[i^]s`[i^]*t[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L.
licitatio, fr. licitari, liceri, to bid, offer a price.]
The act of offering for sale to the highest bidder. [R.]
Lick \Lick\ (l[i^]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Licked} (l[i^]kt); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Licking}.] [AS. liccian; akin to OS. likk[=o]n,
D. likken, OHG. lecch[=o]n, G. lecken, Goth. bi-laig[=o]n,
Russ. lizate, L. lingere, Gr. lei`chein, Skr. lih, rih.
[root]121. Cf. {Lecher}, {Relish}.]
1. To draw or pass the tongue over; as, a dog licks his
master's hand. --Addison.
2. To lap; to take in with the tongue; as, a dog or cat licks
milk. --Shak.
{To lick the dust}, to be slain; to fall in battle. ``His
enemies shall lick the dust.'' --Ps. lxxii. 9.
{To lick into shape}, to give proper form to; -- from a
notion that the bear's cubs are born shapeless and
subsequently formed by licking. --Hudibras.
{To lick the spittle of}, to fawn upon. --South.
{To lick up}, to take all of by licking; to devour; to
consume entirely. --Shak. --Num. xxii. 4.
Lick \Lick\, n. [See {Lick}, v.]
1. A stroke of the tongue in licking. ``A lick at the honey
pot.'' --Dryden.
2. A quick and careless application of anything, as if by a
stroke of the tongue, or of something which acts like a
tongue; as, to put on colors with a lick of the brush.
Also, a small quantity of any substance so applied.
[Colloq.]
A lick of court whitewash. --Gray.
3. A place where salt is found on the surface of the earth,
to which wild animals resort to lick it up; -- often, but
not always, near salt springs. [U. S.]
Lick \Lick\, v. t. [Cf. OSw. l["a]gga to place, strike, prick.]
To strike with repeated blows for punishment; to flog; to
whip or conquer, as in a pugilistic encounter. [Colloq. or
Low]
--Carlyle. Thackeray.
Lick \Lick\, n.
A slap; a quick stroke.[Colloq.] ``A lick across the face.''
--Dryden.
Licker \Lick"er\ (l[i^]k"[~e]r), n. [Cf. {Lecher}.]
One who, or that which, licks.
{Licker in} (Carding Machine), the drum, or cylinder, by
which the lap is taken from the feed rollers.
Lickerish \Lick"er*ish\, a. [Cf. {Lecherous}.]
1. Eager; craving; urged by desire; eager to taste or enjoy;
greedy. ``The lickerish palate of the glutton.'' --Bp.
Hall.
2. Tempting the appetite; dainty. ``Lickerish baits, fit to
insnare a brute.'' --Milton.
3. Lecherous; lustful. --Robert of Brunne. --
{Lick"er*ish*ly}, adv. -- {Lick"er*ish*ness}, n.
Lickerous \Lick"er*ous\ (-[u^]s), a.
Lickerish; eager; lustful. [Obs.] -- {Lick"er*ous*ness}, n.
[Obs.] --Chaucer.
Licking \Lick"ing\, n.
1. A lapping with the tongue.
2. A flogging or castigation. [Colloq. or Low]
Lickpenny \Lick"pen`ny\ (-p[e^]n`n[y^]), n.
A devourer or absorber of money. ``Law is a lickpenny.''
--Sir W. Scott.
Lick-spigot \Lick"-spig`ot\ (-sp[i^]g`[u^]t), n.
A tapster. [Obs.]
Lick-spittle \Lick"-spit`tle\ (-sp[i^]t`t'l), n.
An abject flatterer or parasite. --Theodore Hook.
Licorice \Lic"o*rice\ (l[i^]k"[-o]*r[i^]s), n. [OE. licoris,
through old French, fr. L. liquiritia, corrupted fr.
glycyrrhiza, Gr. glyky`rriza; glyky`s sweet + "ri`za root.
Cf. {Glycerin}, {Glycyrrhiza}, {Wort}.] [Written also
{liquorice}.]
1. (Bot.) A plant of the genus {Glycyrrhiza} ({G. glabra}),
the root of which abounds with a sweet juice, and is much
used in demulcent compositions.
2. The inspissated juice of licorice root, used as a
confection and for medicinal purposes.
{Licorice fern} (Bot.), a name of several kinds of polypody
which have rootstocks of a sweetish flavor.
{Licorice sugar}. (Chem.) See {Glycyrrhizin}.
{Licorice weed} (Bot.), the tropical plant {Scapania dulcis}.
{Mountain licorice} (Bot.), a kind of clover ({Trifolium
alpinum}), found in the Alps. It has large purplish
flowers and a sweetish perennial rootstock.
{Wild licorice}. (Bot.)
(a) The North American perennial herb {Glycyrrhiza
lepidota}.
(b) Certain broad-leaved cleavers ({Galium circ[ae]zans}
and {G. lanceolatum}).
(c) The leguminous climber {Abrus precatorius}, whose
scarlet and black seeds are called {black-eyed
Susans}. Its roots are used as a substitute for those
of true licorice ({Glycyrrhiza glabra}).
Licorous \Lic"o*rous\ (l[i^]k"[-o]*r[u^]s), a.
See {Lickerish}. -- {Lic"o*rous*ness}, n. [Obs.] --Herbert.
Licour \Lic"our\ (l[i^]k"[o^]r), n.
Liquor. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lictor \Lic"tor\ (l[i^]k"t[o^]r), n. [L.] (Rom. Antiq.)
An officer who bore an ax and fasces or rods, as ensigns of
his office. His duty was to attend the chief magistrates when
they appeared in public, to clear the way, and cause due
respect to be paid to them, also to apprehend and punish
criminals.
Lictors and rods, the ensigns of their power. --Milton.
Lid \Lid\ (l[i^]d), n. [AS. hlid, fr. hl[=i]dan (in comp.) to
cover, shut; akin to OS. hl[=i]dan (in comp.), D. lid lid,
OHG. hlit, G. augenlid eyelid, Icel. hli[eth] gate, gateway.
[root]40.]
1. That which covers the opening of a vessel or box, etc.; a
movable cover; as, the lid of a chest or trunk.
2. The cover of the eye; an eyelid. --Shak.
Tears, big tears, gushed from the rough soldier's
lid. --Byron.
3. (Bot.)
(a) The cover of the spore cases of mosses.
(b) A calyx which separates from the flower, and falls off
in a single piece, as in the Australian {Eucalypti}.
(c) The top of an ovary which opens transversely, as in
the fruit of the purslane and the tree which yields
Brazil nuts.
Lidded \Lid"ded\ (l[i^]d"d[e^]d), a.
Covered with a lid. --Keats.
Lidge \Lidge\ (l[i^]j), n.
Same as {Ledge}.[Obs.] --Spenser.
Lidless \Lid"less\ (l[i^]d"l[e^]s), a.
Having no lid, or not covered with the lids, as the eyes;
hence, sleepless; watchful.
A lidless watcher of the public weal. --Tennyson.
Lie \Lie\ (l[imac]), n.
See {Lye}.
Lie \Lie\ (l[imac]), n. [AS. lyge; akin to D. leugen, OHG. lugi,
G. l["u]ge, lug, Icel. lygi, Dan. & Sw. l["o]gn, Goth. liugn.
See {Lie} to utter a falsehood.]
1. A falsehood uttered or acted for the purpose of deception;
an intentional violation of truth; an untruth spoken with
the intention to deceive.
The proper notion of a lie is an endeavoring to
deceive another by signifying that to him as true,
which we ourselves think not to be so. --S. Clarke.
It is willful deceit that makes a lie. A man may act
a lie, as by pointing his finger in a wrong
direction when a traveler inquires of him his road.
--Paley.
2. A fiction; a fable; an untruth. --Dryden.
3. Anything which misleads or disappoints.
Wishing this lie of life was o'er. --Trench.
{To give the lie to}.
(a) To charge with falsehood; as, the man gave him the
lie.
(b) To reveal to be false; as, a man's actions may give
the lie to his words.
{White lie}, a euphemism for such lies as one finds it
convenient to tell, and excuses himself for telling.
Syn: Untruth; falsehood; fiction; deception.
Usage: {Lie}, {Untruth}. A man may state what is untrue from
ignorance or misconception; hence, to impute an
untruth to one is not necessarily the same as charging
him with a lie. Every lie is an untruth, but not every
untruth is a lie. Cf. {Falsity}.
Lie \Lie\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lied} (l[imac]d); p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lying} (l[imac]"[i^]ng).] [OE. lien, li[yogh]en,
le[yogh]en, leo[yogh]en, AS. le['o]gan; akin to D. liegen,
OS. & OHG. liogan, G. l["u]gen, Icel. lj[=u]ga, Sw. ljuga,
Dan. lyve, Goth. liugan, Russ. lgate.]
To utter falsehood with an intention to deceive; to say or do
that which is intended to deceive another, when he a right to
know the truth, or when morality requires a just
representation.
Lie \Lie\, v. i. [imp. {Lay} (l[=a]); p. p. {Lain} (l[=a]n),
({Lien} (l[imac]"[e^]n), Obs.); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lying}.]
[OE. lien, liggen, AS. licgan; akin to D. liggen, OHG. ligen,
licken, G. liegen, Icel. liggja, Sw. ligga, Dan. ligge, Goth.
ligan, Russ. lejate, L. lectus bed, Gr. le`chos bed,
le`xasqai to lie. Cf. {Lair}, {Law}, {Lay}, v. t., {Litter},
{Low}, adj.]
1. To rest extended on the ground, a bed, or any support; to
be, or to put one's self, in an horizontal position, or
nearly so; to be prostate; to be stretched out; -- often
with down, when predicated of living creatures; as, the
book lies on the table; the snow lies on the roof; he lies
in his coffin.
The watchful traveler . . . Lay down again, and
closed his weary eyes. --Dryden.
2. To be situated; to occupy a certain place; as, Ireland
lies west of England; the meadows lie along the river; the
ship lay in port.
3. To abide; to remain for a longer or shorter time; to be in
a certain state or condition; as, to lie waste; to lie
fallow; to lie open; to lie hid; to lie grieving; to lie
under one's displeasure; to lie at the mercy of the waves;
the paper does not lie smooth on the wall.
4. To be or exist; to belong or pertain; to have an abiding
place; to consist; -- with in.
Envy lies between beings equal in nature, though
unequal in circumstances. --Collier.
He that thinks that diversion may not lie in hard
labor, forgets the early rising and hard riding of
huntsmen. --Locke.
5. To lodge; to sleep.
Whiles I was now trifling at home, I saw London, . .
. where I lay one night only. --Evelyn.
Mr. Quinion lay at our house that night. --Dickens.
6. To be still or quiet, like one lying down to rest.
The wind is loud and will not lie. --Shak.
7. (Law) To be sustainable; to be capable of being
maintained. ``An appeal lies in this case.'' --Parsons.
Note: Through ignorance or carelessness speakers and writers
often confuse the forms of the two distinct verbs lay
and lie. Lay is a transitive verb, and has for its
preterit laid; as, he told me to lay it down, and I
laid it down. Lie is intransitive, and has for its
preterit lay; as, he told me to lie down, and I lay
down. Some persons blunder by using laid for the
preterit of lie; as, he told me to lie down, and I laid
down. So persons often say incorrectly, the ship laid
at anchor; they laid by during the storm; the book was
laying on the shelf, etc. It is only necessary to
remember, in all such cases, that laid is the preterit
of lay, and not of lie.
{To lie along the shore} (Naut.), to coast, keeping land in
sight.
{To lie at the door of}, to be imputable to; as, the sin,
blame, etc., lies at your door.
{To lie at the heart}, to be an object of affection, desire,
or anxiety. --Sir W. Temple.
{To lie at the mercy of}, to be in the power of.
{To lie by}.
(a) To remain with; to be at hand; as, he has the
manuscript lying by him.
(b) To rest; to intermit labor; as, we lay by during the
heat of the day.
{To lie hard} or {heavy}, to press or weigh; to bear hard.
{To lie in}, to be in childbed; to bring forth young.
{To lie in one}, to be in the power of; to belong to. ``As
much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.''
--Rom. xii. 18.
{To lie in the way}, to be an obstacle or impediment.
{To lie in wait}, to wait in concealment; to lie in ambush.
{To lie on} or {upon}.
(a) To depend on; as, his life lies on the result.
(b) To bear, rest, press, or weigh on.
{To lie low}, to remain in concealment or inactive. [Slang]
{To lie on hand},
{To lie on one's hands}, to remain unsold or unused; as, the
goods are still lying on his hands; they have too much
time lying on their hands.
{To lie on the head of}, to be imputed to.
What he gets more of her than sharp words, let it
lie on my head. --Shak.
{To lie over}.
(a) To remain unpaid after the time when payment is due,
as a note in bank.
(b) To be deferred to some future occasion, as a
resolution in a public deliberative body.
{To lie to} (Naut.), to stop or delay; especially, to head as
near the wind as possible as being the position of
greatest safety in a gale; -- said of a ship. Cf. {To
bring to}, under {Bring}.
{To lie under}, to be subject to; to suffer; to be oppressed
by.
{To lie with}.
(a) To lodge or sleep with.
(b) To have sexual intercourse with.
(c) To belong to; as, it lies with you to make amends.
Lie \Lie\ (l[imac]), n.
The position or way in which anything lies; the lay, as of
land or country. --J. H. Newman.
He surveyed with his own eyes . . . the lie of the
country on the side towards Thrace. --Jowett
(Thucyd.).
Lieberkuhn \Lie"ber*k["u]hn\ (l[=e]"b[~e]r*k[usd]n), n. [Named
after a German physician and instrument maker, J. N.
Lieberk["u]hn.] (Optics)
A concave metallic mirror attached to the object-glass end of
a microscope, to throw down light on opaque objects; a
reflector.
Lieberkuhn's glands \Lie"ber*k["u]hn's glands`\
(l[=e]"b[~e]r*k[usd]nz gl[a^]ndz`). [See {Lieberk["u]hn}.]
(Anat.)
The simple tubular glands of the small intestines; -- called
also {crypts of Lieberk["u]hn}.
Lied \Lied\ (l[=e]t), n.; pl. {Lieder} (l[=e]"d[~e]r). [G.]
(Mus.)
A lay; a German song. It differs from the French chanson, and
the Italian canzone, all three being national.
The German Lied is perhaps the most faithful reflection
of the national sentiment. --Grove.
Liedertafel \Lie"der*ta`fel\ (l[=e]"d[~e]r*t[aum]`f'l), n. [G.,
lit., a song table.] (Mus.)
A popular name for any society or club which meets for the
practice of male part songs.
Lief \Lief\ (l[=e]f), n.
Same as {Lif}.
Lief \Lief\ (l[=e]f), a. [Written also {lieve}.] [OE. leef, lef,
leof, AS. le['o]f; akin to OS. liof, OFries. liaf, D. lief,
G. lieb, OHG. liob, Icel. lj[=u]fr, Sw. ljuf, Goth. liubs,
and E. love. [root]124. See {Love}, and cf. {Believe},
{Leave}, n., {Furlough}, {Libidinous}.]
1. Dear; beloved. [Obs., except in poetry.] ``My liefe
mother.'' --Chaucer. ``My liefest liege.'' --Shak.
As thou art lief and dear. --Tennyson.
2.
Note: (Used with a form of the verb to be, and the dative of
the personal pronoun.) Pleasing; agreeable; acceptable;
preferable. [Obs.] See {Lief}, adv., and Had as lief,
under {Had}.
Full lief me were this counsel for to hide.
--Chaucer.
Death me liefer were than such despite.
--Spenser.
3. Willing; disposed. [Obs.]
I am not lief to gab. --Chaucer.
He up arose, however lief or loth. --Spenser.
Lief \Lief\, n.
A dear one; a sweetheart. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lief \Lief\, adv.
Gladly; willingly; freely; -- now used only in the phrases,
had as lief, and would as lief; as, I had, or would, as lief
go as not.
All women liefest would Be sovereign of man's love.
--Gower.
I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. --Shak.
Far liefer by his dear hand had I die. --Tennyson.
Note: The comparative liefer with had or would, and followed
by the infinitive, either with or without the sign to,
signifies prefer, choose as preferable, would or had
rather. In the 16th century rather was substituted for
liefer in such constructions in literary English, and
has continued to be generally so used. See {Had as
lief}, {Had rather}, etc., under {Had}.
Liefsome \Lief"some\ (l[=e]f"s[u^]m), a.
Pleasing; delightful. [Obs.]
Liegance \Lieg"ance\ (l[=e]"jans), n.
Same as {Ligeance}.
Liege \Liege\ (l[=e]j), a. [OE. lige, lege, F. lige, LL. ligius,
legius, liege, unlimited, complete, prob. of German origin;
cf. G. ledig free from bonds and obstacles, MHG. ledec,
ledic, lidic, freed, loosed, and Charta Ottonis de Benthem,
ann. 1253, ``ligius homo quod Teutonic[`e] dicitur
ledigman,'' i. e., uni soli homagio obligatus, free from all
obligations to others; influenced by L. ligare to bind. G.
ledig perh. orig. meant, free to go where one pleases, and is
perh. akin to E. lead to conduct. Cf. {Lead} to guide.]
1. Sovereign; independent; having authority or right to
allegiance; as, a liege lord. --Chaucer.
She looked as grand as doomsday and as grave; And
he, he reverenced his liege lady there. --Tennyson.
2. Serving an independent sovereign or master; bound by a
feudal tenure; obliged to be faithful and loyal to a
superior, as a vassal to his lord; faithful; loyal; as, a
liege man; a liege subject.
3. (Old Law) Full; perfect; complete; pure. --Burrill.
{Liege homage} (Feudal Custom), that homage of one sovereign
or prince to another which acknowledged an obligation of
fealty and services.
{Liege poustie} [L. legitima potestas] (Scots Law), perfect,
i. e., legal, power; specif., having health requisite to
do legal acts.
{Liege widowhood}, perfect, i. e., pure, widowhood. [Obs.]
Liege \Liege\ (l[=e]j), n.
1. A free and independent person; specif., a lord paramount;
a sovereign. --Mrs. Browning.
The anointed sovereign of sighs and groans, Liege of
all loiterers and malcontents. --Shak.
2. The subject of a sovereign or lord; a liegeman.
A liege lord seems to have been a lord of a free
band; and his lieges, though serving under him, were
privileged men, free from all other obligations,
their name being due to their freedom, not to their
service. --Skeat.
Liegeman \Liege"man\ (-man), n.; pl. {Liegemen} (-men).
Same as {Liege}, n., 2. --Chaucer. Spenser.
Lieger \Lie"ger\ (l[=e]"j[~e]r), n. [See {Leger}, {Ledger}.]
A resident ambassador. [Obs.] See {Leger}. --Denham.
Liegiancy \Lie"gian*cy\ (l[=e]"jan*s[y^]), n.
See {Ligeance}.
Lien \Li"en\ (l[imac]"[e^]n), obs. p. p.
of {Lie}. See {Lain}. --Ps. lxviii. 13.
Lien \Lien\ (l[=e]n or l[imac]"[e^]n; 277), n. [F. lien band,
bond, tie, fr. L. ligamen, fr. ligare to bind. Cf. {League} a
union, {Leam} a string, {Leamer}, {Ligament}.] (Law)
A legal claim; a charge upon real or personal property for
the satisfaction of some debt or duty; a right in one to
control or hold and retain the property of another until some
claim of the former is paid or satisfied.
Lienal \Li*e"nal\ (l[-i]*[=e]"nal), a. [L. lien the spleen.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the spleen; splenic.
Lienculus \Li*en"cu*lus\ (l[-i]*[e^][ng]"k[-u]*l[u^]s), n.; pl.
{Lienculi} (-l[imac]). [NL., dim. of L. lien the spleen.]
(Anat.)
One of the small nodules sometimes found in the neighborhood
of the spleen; an accessory or supplementary spleen.
Lieno-intestinal \Li*e`no-in*tes"ti*nal\
(l[-i]*[=e]`n[-o]-[i^]n*t[e^]s"t[i^]*nal), a. [L. lien the
spleen + E. intestinal.] (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the spleen and intestine; as, the
lieno-intestinal vein of the frog.
Lienteric \Li`en*ter"ic\ (l[imac]`[e^]n*t[e^]r"[i^]k), a. [L.
lientericus, Gr. leienteriko`s: cf. F. lient['e]rique. See
{Lientery}.] (Med.)
Of or pertaining to, or of the nature of, a lientery. -- n.
(Med.) A lientery. --Grew.
Lientery \Li"en*ter*y\ (l[imac]"[e^]n*t[e^]r*[y^]), n. [Gr.
leienteri`a; lei^os smooth, soft + 'e`nteron an intestine:
cf. F. lient['e]rie.] (Med.)
A diarrhea, in which the food is discharged imperfectly
digested, or with but little change. --Dunglison.
Lier \Li"er\ (l[imac]"[~e]r), n. [From {Lie}. ]
One who lies down; one who rests or remains, as in
concealment.
There were liers in ambush against him. --Josh. viii.
14.
Lierne rib \Lierne" rib`\ (ly[^a]rn" r[i^]b`). [F. lierne.]
(Arch.)
In Gothic vaulting, any rib which does not spring from the
impost and is not a ridge rib, but passes from one boss or
intersection of the principal ribs to another.
Lieu \Lieu\ (l[=u]), n. [F., OF. also liu, leu, lou, fr. L.
locus place. See {Local}, {Locus}.]
Place; room; stead; -- used only in the phrase in lieu of,
that is, instead of.
The plan of extortion had been adopted in lieu of the
scheme of confiscation. --Burke.
Lieutenancy \Lieu*ten"an*cy\ (l[-u]*t[e^]n"an*s[y^]; 277), n.
1. The office, rank, or commission, of a lieutenant.
2. The body of lieutenants or subordinates. [Obs.]
The list of the lieutenancy of our metropolis.
--Felton.
Lieutenant \Lieu*ten"ant\ (l[-u]*t[e^]n"ant), n. [F., fr. lieu
place + tenant holding, p. pr. of tenir to hold, L. tenere.
See {Lieu}, and {Tenant}, and cf. {Locum Tenens}.]
1. An officer who supplies the place of a superior in his
absence; a representative of, or substitute for, another
in the performance of any duty.
The lawful magistrate, who is the vicegerent or
lieutenant of God. --Abp.
Bramhall.
2.
(a) A commissioned officer in the army, next below a
captain.
(b) A commissioned officer in the British navy, in rank
next below a commander.
(c) A commissioned officer in the United States navy, in
rank next below a lieutenant commander.
Note: Lieutenant is often used, either adjectively or in
hyphened compounds, to denote an officer, in rank next
below another, especially when the duties of the higher
officer may devolve upon the lower one; as, lieutenant
general, or lieutenant-general; lieutenant colonel, or
lieutenant-colonel; lieutenant governor, etc.
{Deputy lieutenant}, the title of any one of the deputies or
assistants of the lord lieutenant of a county. [Eng.]
{Lieutenant colonel}, an army officer next in rank above
major, and below colonel.
{Lieutenant commander}, an officer in the United States navy,
in rank next below a commander and next above a
lieutenant.
{Lieutenant general}. See in Vocabulary.
{Lieutenant governor}.
(a) An officer of a State, being next in rank to the
governor, and, in case of the death or resignation of
the latter, himself acting as governor. [U. S.]
(b) A deputy governor acting as the chief civil officer of
one of several colonies under a governor general.
[Eng.]
Lieutenant general \Lieu*ten"ant gen"er*al\ (j[e^]n"[~e]r*al).
An army officer in rank next below a general and next above a
major general.
Note: In the United States, before the civil war, this rank
had been conferred only on George Washington and (in
brevet) on Winfield Scott. In 1864 it was revived by
Congress and conferred on Ulysses S. Grant, and
subsequently, by promotion, on William T. Sherman and
Philip H. Sheridan, each of whom was advanced to the
rank of {general of the army}. When Sheridan was made
general (in 1888) the rank of lieutenant general was
suffered to lapse. See {General}.
Lieutenantry \Lieu*ten"ant*ry\ (-r[y^]), n.
See {Lieutenancy}. [Obs.]
Lieutenantship \Lieu*ten"ant*ship\, n.
Same as {Lieutenancy}, 1.
Lieve \Lieve\ (l[=e]v), a.
Same as {Lief}.
Lif \Lif\ (l[i^]f), n. [Written also lief.]
The fiber by which the petioles of the date palm are bound
together, from which various kinds of cordage are made.
Life \Life\ (l[imac]f), n.; pl. {Lives} (l[imac]vz). [AS.
l[imac]f; akin to D. lijf body, G. leib body, MHG. l[imac]p
life, body, OHG. l[imac]b life, Icel. l[imac]f, life, body,
Sw. lif, Dan. liv, and E. live, v. [root]119. See {Live}, and
cf. {Alive}.]
1. The state of being which begins with generation, birth, or
germination, and ends with death; also, the time during
which this state continues; that state of an animal or
plant in which all or any of its organs are capable of
performing all or any of their functions; -- used of all
animal and vegetable organisms.
2. Of human beings: The union of the soul and body; also, the
duration of their union; sometimes, the deathless quality
or existence of the soul; as, man is a creature having an
immortal life.
She shows a body rather than a life. --Shak.
3. (Philos) The potential principle, or force, by which the
organs of animals and plants are started and continued in
the performance of their several and co["o]perative
functions; the vital force, whether regarded as physical
or spiritual.
4. Figuratively: The potential or animating principle, also,
the period of duration, of anything that is conceived of
as resembling a natural organism in structure or
functions; as, the life of a state, a machine, or a book;
authority is the life of government.
5. A certain way or manner of living with respect to
conditions, circumstances, character, conduct, occupation,
etc.; hence, human affairs; also, lives, considered
collectively, as a distinct class or type; as, low life; a
good or evil life; the life of Indians, or of miners.
That which before us lies in daily life. --Milton.
By experience of life abroad in the world. --Ascham.
Lives of great men all remind us We can make our
lives sublime. --Longfellow.
'T is from high life high characters are drawn.
--Pope
6. Animation; spirit; vivacity; vigor; energy.
No notion of life and fire in fancy and in words.
--Felton.
That gives thy gestures grace and life.
--Wordsworth.
7. That which imparts or excites spirit or vigor; that upon
which enjoyment or success depends; as, he was the life of
the company, or of the enterprise.
8. The living or actual form, person, thing, or state; as, a
picture or a description from the life.
9. A person; a living being, usually a human being; as, many
lives were sacrificed.
10. The system of animal nature; animals in general, or
considered collectively.
Full nature swarms with life. --Thomson.
11. An essential constituent of life, esp. the blood.
The words that I speak unto you . . . they are
life. --John vi. 63.
The warm life came issuing through the wound.
--Pope
12. A history of the acts and events of a life; a biography;
as, Johnson wrote the life of Milton.
13. Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a
spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God;
heavenly felicity.
14. Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; --
used as a term of endearment.
Note: Life forms the first part of many compounds, for the
most part of obvious meaning; as, life-giving,
life-sustaining, etc.
{Life annuity}, an annuity payable during one's life.
{Life arrow}, {Life rocket}, {Life shot}, an arrow, rocket,
or shot, for carrying an attached line to a vessel in
distress in order to save life.
{Life assurance}. See {Life insurance}, below.
{Life buoy}. See {Buoy}.
{Life car}, a water-tight boat or box, traveling on a line
from a wrecked vessel to the shore. In it persons are
hauled through the waves and surf.
{Life drop}, a drop of vital blood. --Byron.
{Life estate} (Law), an estate which is held during the term
of some certain person's life, but does not pass by
inheritance.
{Life everlasting} (Bot.), a plant with white or yellow
persistent scales about the heads of the flowers, as
{Antennaria}, and {Gnaphalium}; cudweed.
{Life of an execution} (Law), the period when an execution is
in force, or before it expires.
{Life guard}. (Mil.) See under {Guard}.
{Life insurance}, the act or system of insuring against
death; a contract by which the insurer undertakes, in
consideration of the payment of a premium (usually at
stated periods), to pay a stipulated sum in the event of
the death of the insured or of a third person in whose
life the insured has an interest.
{Life interest}, an estate or interest which lasts during
one's life, or the life of another person, but does not
pass by inheritance.
{Life land} (Law), land held by lease for the term of a life
or lives.
{Life line}.
(a) (Naut.) A line along any part of a vessel for the
security of sailors.
(b) A line attached to a life boat, or to any life saving
apparatus, to be grasped by a person in the water.
{Life rate}, the rate of premium for insuring a life.
{Life rent}, the rent of a life estate; rent or property to
which one is entitled during one's life.
{Life school}, a school for artists in which they model,
paint, or draw from living models.
{Life table}, a table showing the probability of life at
different ages.
{To lose one's life}, to die.
{To seek the life of}, to seek to kill.
{To the life}, so as closely to resemble the living person or
the subject; as, the portrait was drawn to the life.
Lifeblood \Life"blood`\ (l[imac]f"bl[u^]d`), n.
1. The blood necessary to life; vital blood. --Dryden.
2. Fig.: That which gives strength and energy.
Money [is] the lifeblood of the nation. --Swift.
Lifeboat \Life"boat`\ (-b[=o]t`), n.
A strong, buoyant boat especially designed for saving the
lives of shipwrecked people.
Lifeful \Life"ful\ (-f[usd]l), a.
Full of vitality. --Spenser.
Life-giving \Life"-giv`ing\ (-g[i^]v`[i^]ng), a.
Giving life or spirit; having power to give life;
inspiriting; invigorating.
Lifehold \Life"hold`\ (-h[=o]ld`), n.
Land held by a life estate.
Lifeless \Life"less\, a.
Destitute of life, or deprived of life; not containing, or
inhabited by, living beings or vegetation; dead, or
apparently dead; spiritless; powerless; dull; as, a lifeless
carcass; lifeless matter; a lifeless desert; a lifeless wine;
a lifeless story. -- {Life"less*ly}, adv. --
{Life"less*ness}, n.
Syn: Dead; soulless; inanimate; torpid; inert; inactive;
dull; heavy; unanimated; spiritless; frigid; pointless;
vapid; flat; tasteless.
Usage: {Lifeless}, {Dull}, {Inanimate}, {Dead}. In a moral
sense, lifeless denotes a want of vital energy;
inanimate, a want of expression as to any feeling that
may be possessed; dull implies a torpor of soul which
checks all mental activity; dead supposes a
destitution of feeling. A person is said to be
lifeless who has lost the spirits which he once had;
he is said to be inanimate when he is naturally
wanting in spirits; one is dull from an original
deficiency of mental power; he who is dead to moral
sentiment is wholly bereft of the highest attribute of
his nature.
Lifelike \Life"like`\ (l[imac]f"l[imac]k`), a. [Cf. {Lively}.]
Like a living being; resembling life; giving an accurate
representation; as, a lifelike portrait. -- {Life"like`ness},
n. --Poe.
Lifelong \Life"long`\ (-l[o^]ng`), a. [Life + long. Cf.
{Livelong}.]
Lasting or continuing through life. --Tennyson.
Lifely \Life"ly\, adv. [Cf. {Lively}, a.]
In a lifelike manner. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lifemate \Life"mate`\ (-m[=a]t`), n.
Companion for life. --Hawthorne.
Lifen \Lif"en\ (l[imac]f"'n), v. t.
To enliven. [Obs.] --Marston.
Life-preserver \Life"-pre*serv`er\
(l[imac]f"pr[-e]*z[~e]rv`[~e]r), n.
An apparatus, made in very various forms, and of various
materials, for saving one from drowning by buoying up the
body while in the water. -- {Life"-pre*serv`ing}, a.
Life-saving \Life"-sav`ing\ (-s[=a]v`[i^]ng), a.
That saves life, or is suited to save life, esp. from
drowning; as, the life-saving service; a life-saving station.
Life-size \Life"-size`\ (-s[imac]z`), a.
Of full size; of the natural size.
Lifesome \Life"some\ (-s[u^]m), a.
Animated; sprightly. [Poetic] --Coleridge. --
{Life"some*ness}, n.
Lifespring \Life"spring`\ (-spr[i^]ng`), n.
Spring or source of life.
Lifestring \Life"string`\ (-str[i^]ng`), n.
A nerve, or string, that is imagined to be essential to life.
--Daniel.
Lifetime \Life"time`\ (-t[imac]m`), n.
The time that life continues.
Life-weary \Life"-wea`ry\ (-w[=e]`r[y^]), a.
Weary of living. --Shak.
Liflode \Lif"lode\ (l[imac]f"l[=o]d), n.
Livelihood. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lift \Lift\ (l[i^]ft), n. [AS. lyft air. See {Loft}.]
The sky; the atmosphere; the firmament. [Obs. or Scot.]
Lift \Lift\ (l[i^]ft), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lifted}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lifting}.] [Icel. lypta, fr. lopt air; akin to Sw.
lyfta to lift, Dan. l["o]fte, G. l["u]ften; -- prop., to
raise into the air. See {Loft}, and cf. 1st {Lift}.]
1. To move in a direction opposite to that of gravitation; to
raise; to elevate; to bring up from a lower place to a
higher; to upheave; sometimes implying a continued support
or holding in the higher place; -- said of material
things; as, to lift the foot or the hand; to lift a chair
or a burden.
2. To raise, elevate, exalt, improve, in rank, condition,
estimation, character, etc.; -- often with up.
The Roman virtues lift up mortal man. --Addison.
Lest, being lifted up with pride. --1 Tim. iii.
6.
3. To bear; to support. [Obs.] --Spenser.
4. To collect, as moneys due; to raise.
5. [Perh. a different word, and akin to Goth. hliftus thief,
hlifan to steal, L. clepere, Gr. kle`ptein. Cf.
{Shoplifter}.] To steal; to carry off by theft (esp.
cattle); as, to lift a drove of cattle.
Note: In old writers, lift is sometimes used for lifted.
He ne'er lift up his hand but conquered. --Shak.
{To lift up}, to raise or elevate; in the Scriptures,
specifically, to elevate upon the cross. --John viii. 28.
{To lift up the eyes}. To look up; to raise the eyes, as in
prayer. --Ps. cxxi. 1.
{To lift up the feet}, to come speedily to one's relief.
--Ps. lxxiv. 3.
{To lift up the hand}.
(a) To take an oath. --Gen. xiv. 22.
(b) To pray. --Ps. xxviii. 2.
(c) To engage in duty. --Heb. xii. 12.
{To lift up the hand against}, to rebel against; to assault;
to attack; to injure; to oppress. --Job xxxi. 21.
{To lift up one's head}, to cause one to be exalted or to
rejoice. --Gen. xl. 13. --Luke xxi. 28.
{To lift up the heel against}, to treat with insolence or
unkindness. --John xiii.18.
{To lift up the voice}, to cry aloud; to call out. --Gen.
xxi. 16.
Lift \Lift\ (l[i^]ft), v. i.
1. To try to raise something; to exert the strength for
raising or bearing.
Strained by lifting at a weight too heavy. --Locke.
2. To rise; to become or appear raised or elevated; as, the
fog lifts; the land lifts to a ship approaching it.
3. [See {Lift}, v. t., 5.] To live by theft. --Spenser.
Lift \Lift\, n.
1. Act of lifting; also, that which is lifted.
2. The space or distance through which anything is lifted;
as, a long lift. --Bacon.
3. Help; assistance, as by lifting; as, to give one a lift in
a wagon. [Colloq.]
The goat gives the fox a lift. --L'Estrange.
4. That by means of which a person or thing lifts or is
lifted; as:
(a) A hoisting machine; an elevator; a dumb waiter.
(b) A handle.
(c) An exercising machine.
5. A rise; a degree of elevation; as, the lift of a lock in
canals.
6. A lift gate. See {Lift gate}, below. [Prov. Eng.]
7. (Naut.) A rope leading from the masthead to the extremity
of a yard below; -- used for raising or supporting the end
of the yard.
8. (Mach.) One of the steps of a cone pulley.
9. (Shoemaking) A layer of leather in the heel.
10. (Horology) That portion of the vibration of a balance
during which the impulse is given. --Saunier.
{Dead lift}. See under {Dead}. --Swift.
{Lift bridge}, a kind of drawbridge, the movable part of
which is lifted, instead of being drawn aside.
{Lift gate}, a gate that is opened by lifting.
{Lift hammer}. See {Tilt hammer}.
{Lift lock}, a canal lock.
{Lift pump}, a lifting pump.
{Lift tenter} (Windmills), a governor for regulating the
speed by adjusting the sails, or for adjusting the action
of grinding machinery according to the speed.
{Lift wall} (Canal Lock), the cross wall at the head of the
lock.
Liftable \Lift"a*ble\ (-[.a]*b'l), a.
Such as can be lifted.
Lifter \Lift"er\ (-[~e]r), n.
1. One who, or that which, lifts.
2. (Founding) A tool for lifting loose sand from the mold;
also, a contrivance attached to a cope, to hold the sand
together when the cope is lifted.
Lifting \Lift"ing\, a.
Used in, or for, or by, lifting.
{Lifting bridge}, a lift bridge.
{Lifting jack}. See 2d {Jack}, 5.
{Lifting machine}. See {Health lift}, under {Health}.
{Lifting pump}. (Mach.)
(a) A kind of pump having a bucket, or valved piston, instead
of a solid piston, for drawing water and lifting it to a
high level.
(b) A pump which lifts the water only to the top of the pump,
or delivers it through a spout; a lift pump.
{Lifting rod}, a vertical rod lifted by a rock shaft, and
imparting motion to a puppet valve; -- used in the engines
of river steamboats.
{Lifting sail} (Naut.), one which tends to lift a vessel's
bow out of water, as jibs and square foresails.
Lig \Lig\ (l[i^]g), v. i. [See {Lie} to be prostrate.]
To recline; to lie still. [Obs. or Scot.] --Chaucer. Spenser.
Ligament \Lig"a*ment\ (l[i^]g"[.a]*ment), n. [L. ligamentum, fr.
ligare to bind: cf. F. ligament. Cf. {Lien}, n., {Ligature}.]
1. Anything that ties or unites one thing or part to another;
a bandage; a bond. --Hawthorne.
Interwoven is the love of liberty with every
ligament of your hearts. --Washington.
2. (Anat.)
(a) A tough band or plate of dense, fibrous, connective
tissue or fibrocartilage serving to unite bones or
form joints.
(b) A band of connective tissue, or a membranous fold,
which supports or retains an organ in place; as, the
gastrophrenic ligament, connecting the diaphragm and
stomach.
Ligamental \Lig`a*men"tal\ (-m[e^]n"tal), Ligamentous
\Lig`a*men"tous\ (-t[u^]s), a. [Cf. F. ligamenteux.]
Composing a ligament; of the nature of a ligament; binding;
as, a strong ligamentous membrane.
Ligan \Li"gan\ (l[imac]"gan), n. [Cf. L. ligare to bind, to tie,
ligamen band, bandage, E. ligament, or ligsam.] (Law)
Goods sunk in the sea, with a buoy attached in order that
they may be found again. See {Jetsam} and {Flotsam}. [Written
also {lagan}.] --Blackstone.
Ligate \Li"gate\ (l[imac]"g[=a]t), v. t. [L. ligatus, p. p. of
ligare.]
To tie with a ligature; to bind around; to bandage.
Ligation \Li*ga"tion\ (l[-i]*g[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. ligatio, fr.
ligare to bind. Cf. {Liaison}.]
1. The act of binding, or the state of being bound.
2. That which binds; bond; connection.
Tied with tape, and sealed at each fold and
ligation. --Sir W.
Scott.
Ligator \Li*ga"tor\ (-t[o^]r), n. [See {Ligate}.] (Surg.)
An instrument for ligating, or for placing and fastening a
ligature.
Ligature \Lig"a*ture\ (l[i^]g"[.a]*t[-u]r; 135), n. [L.
ligatura, fr. ligare, ligatum, to bind: cf. F. ligature. Cf.
{Ally}, {League}, {Legatura}, {Liable}, {Ligament}.]
1. The act of binding.
2. Anything that binds; a band or bandage.
3. (Surg.)
(a) A thread or string for tying the blood vessels,
particularly the arteries, to prevent hemorrhage.
(b) A thread or wire used to remove tumors, etc.
4. The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness; as, the
ligature of a joint.
5. Impotence caused by magic or charms. [Obs.]
6. (Mus.) A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
7. (Print.) A double character, or a type consisting of two
or more letters or characters united, as [ae], [filig],
[ffllig].
Ligature \Lig"a*ture\ (l[i^]g"[.a]*t[-u]r), v. t. (Surg.)
To ligate; to tie.
Lige \Lig"e\ (l[i^]g"e), v. t. & i.
To lie; to tell lies. [Obs.]
Ligeance \Li"geance\ (l[=e]"jans), n. [OF. ligeance, ligance.
See {Liege}.] (O. Eng. Law)
The connection between sovereign and subject by which they
were mutually bound, the former to protection and the
securing of justice, the latter to faithful service;
allegiance. [Written also {ligeancy} and {liegance}.]
--Chaucer.
Ligement \Lige"ment\ (l[i^]j"ment), n.
See {Ledgment}.
Ligge \Lig"ge\ (l[i^]g"ge), v. i.
To lie or recline. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Ligger \Lig"ger\ (l[i^]g"g[~e]r), n.
1. A baited line attached to a float, for night fishing. See
{Leger}, a.
2. See {Ledger}, 2.
Light \Light\ (l[imac]t), n. [OE. light, liht, AS. le['o]ht;
akin to OS. lioht, D. & G. licht, OHG. lioht, Goth.
liuha[thorn], Icel. lj[=o]s, L. lux light, lucere to shine,
Gr. leyko`s white, Skr. ruc to shine. [root]122. Cf. {Lucid},
{Lunar}, {Luminous}, {Lynx}.]
1. That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of
which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered
visible or luminous.
Note: Light was regarded formerly as consisting of material
particles, or corpuscules, sent off in all directions
from luminous bodies, and traversing space, in right
lines, with the known velocity of about 186,300 miles
per second; but it is now generally understood to
consist, not in any actual transmission of particles or
substance, but in the propagation of vibrations or
undulations in a subtile, elastic medium, or ether,
assumed to pervade all space, and to be thus set in
vibratory motion by the action of luminous bodies, as
the atmosphere is by sonorous bodies. This view of the
nature of light is known as the undulatory or wave
theory; the other, advocated by Newton (but long since
abandoned), as the corpuscular, emission, or Newtonian
theory. A more recent theory makes light to consist in
electrical oscillations, and is known as the
electro-magnetic theory of light.
2. That which furnishes, or is a source of, light, as the
sun, a star, a candle, a lighthouse, etc.
Then he called for a light, and sprang in. --Acts
xvi. 29.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to
rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the
night. --Gen. i. 16.
3. The time during which the light of the sun is visible;
day; especially, the dawn of day.
The murderer, rising with the light, killeth the
poor and needy. --Job xxiv.
14.
4. The brightness of the eye or eyes.
He seemed to find his way without his eyes; For out
o' door he went without their helps, And, to the
last, bended their light on me. --Shak.
5. The medium through which light is admitted, as a window,
or window pane; a skylight; in architecture, one of the
compartments of a window made by a mullion or mullions.
There were windows in three rows, and light was
against light in three ranks. --I Kings
vii.4.
6. Life; existence.
O, spring to light, auspicious Babe, be born!
--Pope.
7. Open view; a visible state or condition; public
observation; publicity.
The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered;
he would never bring them to light. --Shak.
8. The power of perception by vision.
My strength faileth me; as for the light of my eyes,
it also is gone from me. --Ps. xxxviii.
10.
9. That which illumines or makes clear to the mind; mental or
spiritual illumination; enlightenment; knowledge;
information.
He shall never know That I had any light of this
from thee. --Shak.
10. Prosperity; happiness; joy; felicity.
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,
and thy health shall spring forth speedily. --Is.
lviii. 8.
11. (Paint.) The manner in which the light strikes upon a
picture; that part of a picture which represents those
objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the
more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; --
opposed to {shade}. Cf. {Chiaroscuro}.
12. Appearance due to the particular facts and circumstances
presented to view; point of view; as, to state things
fairly and put them in the right light.
Frequent consideration of a thing . . . shows it in
its several lights and various ways of appearance.
--South.
13. One who is conspicuous or noteworthy; a model or example;
as, the lights of the age or of antiquity.
Joan of Arc, A light of ancient France. --Tennyson.
14. (Pyrotech.) A firework made by filling a case with a
substance which burns brilliantly with a white or colored
flame; as, a Bengal light.
Note: Light is used figuratively to denote that which
resembles physical light in any respect, as
illuminating, benefiting, enlightening, or enlivening
mankind.
{Ancient lights} (Law), {Calcium light}, {Flash light}, etc.
See under {Ancient}, {Calcium}, etc.
{Light ball} (Mil.), a ball of combustible materials, used to
afford light; -- sometimes made so as to be fired from a
cannon or mortar, or to be carried up by a rocket.
{Light barrel} (Mil.), an empty powder barrel pierced with
holes and filled with shavings soaked in pitch, used to
light up a ditch or a breach.
{Light dues} (Com.), tolls levied on ships navigating certain
waters, for the maintenance of lighthouses.
{Light iron}, a candlestick. [Obs.]
{Light keeper}, a person appointed to take care of a
lighthouse or light-ship.
{Light money}, charges laid by government on shipping
entering a port, for the maintenance of lighthouses and
light-ships.
{The light of the countenance}, favor; kindness; smiles.
Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon
us. --Ps. iv. 6.
{Northern lights}. See {Aurora borealis}, under {Aurora}.
{To bring to light}, to cause to be disclosed.
{To come to light}, to be disclosed.
{To see the light}, to come into the light; hence, to come
into the world or into public notice; as, his book never
saw the light.
{To stand in one's own light}, to take a position which is
injurious to one's own interest.
Light \Light\ (l[imac]t), a. [AS. le['o]ht. See {Light}, n.]
[Compar. {Lighter} (-[~e]r); superl. {Lightest}.]
1. Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the
apartment is light.
2. White or whitish; not intense or very marked; not of a
deep shade; moderately colored; as, a light color; a light
brown; a light complexion.
Light \Light\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lighted} (-[e^]d) or {Lit}
(l[i^]t); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lighting}.] [AS. l[=y]htan,
l[=i]htan, to shine. [root]122. See {Light}, n.]
1. To set fire to; to cause to burn; to set burning; to
ignite; to kindle; as, to light a candle or lamp; to light
the gas; -- sometimes with up.
If a thousand candles be all lighted from one.
--Hakewill.
And the largest lamp is lit. --Macaulay.
Absence might cure it, or a second mistress Light up
another flame, and put out this. --Addison.
2. To give light to; to illuminate; to fill with light; to
spread over with light; -- often with up.
Ah, hopeless, lasting flames ! like those that burn
To light the dead. --Pope.
One hundred years ago, to have lit this theater as
brilliantly as it is now lighted would have cost, I
suppose, fifty pounds. --F. Harrison.
The sun has set, and Vesper, to supply His absent
beams, has lighted up the sky. --Dryden.
3. To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by
means of a light.
His bishops lead him forth, and light him on.
--Landor.
{To light a fire}, to kindle the material of a fire.
Light \Light\, v. i.
1. To become ignited; to take fire; as, the match will not
light.
2. To be illuminated; to receive light; to brighten; -- with
up; as, the room lights up very well.
Light \Light\, a. [Compar. {Lighter} (-[~e]r); superl.
{Lightest}.] [OE. light, liht, AS. l[=i]ht, le['o]ht; akin to
D. ligt, G. leicht, OHG. l[=i]hti, Icel. l[=e]ttr, Dan. let,
Sw. l["a]tt, Goth. leihts, and perh. to L. levis (cf.
{Levity}), Gr. 'elachy`s small, Skr. laghu light. [root]125.
]
1. Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not
tending to the center of gravity with force; not heavy.
These weights did not exert their natural gravity, .
. . insomuch that I could not guess which was light
or heavy whilst I held them in my hand. --Addison.
2. Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by
physical strength; as, a light burden, or load.
Ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is
easy, and my burden is light. --Matt. xi.
29, 30.
3. Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not
difficult; as, a light affliction or task. --Chaucer.
Light sufferings give us leisure to complain.
--Dryden.
4. Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as,
light food; also, containing little nutriment.
5. Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light
troops; a troop of light horse.
6. Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments;
hence, active; nimble; swift.
Unmarried men are best friends, best masters . . .
but not always best subjects, for they are light to
run away. --Bacon.
7. Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently
ballasted; as, the ship returned light.
8. Slight; not important; as, a light error. --Shak.
9. Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread.
10. Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as,
a light rain; a light snow; light vapors.
11. Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind.
12. Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy,
graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light
style of execution.
13. Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced
by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled;
volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind.
There is no greater argument of a light and
inconsiderate person than profanely to scoff at
religion. --Tillotson.
14. Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or
solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial.
Seneca can not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light.
--Shak.
Specimens of New England humor laboriously light
and lamentably mirthful. --Hawthorne.
15. Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged;
dizzy; giddy.
Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain ?
--Shak.
16. Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered.
To a fair semblance doth light faith annex.
--Spenser.
17. Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character.
A light wife doth make a heavy husband. --Shak.
18. Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped;
diminished; as, light coin.
19. Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil.
{Light cavalry}, {Light horse} (Mil.), light-armed soldiers
mounted on strong and active horses.
{Light eater}, one who eats but little.
{Light infantry}, infantry soldiers selected and trained for
rapid evolutions.
{Light of foot}.
(a) Having a light step.
(b) Fleet.
{Light of heart}, gay, cheerful.
{Light oil} (Chem.), the oily product, lighter than water,
forming the chief part of the first distillate of coal
tar, and consisting largely of benzene and toluene.
{Light sails} (Naut.), all the sails above the topsails,
with, also, the studding sails and flying jib. --Dana.
{Light sleeper}, one easily wakened.
{Light weight}, a prize fighter, boxer, wrestler, or jockey,
who is below a standard medium weight. Cf. {Feather
weight}, under {Feather}. [Cant]
{To make light of}, to treat as of little consequence; to
slight; to disregard.
{To set light by}, to undervalue; to slight; to treat as of
no importance; to despise.
Light \Light\ (l[imac]t), adv.
Lightly; cheaply. --Hooker.
Light \Light\, v. t. [See {Light} not heavy, and cf. {Light} to
alight, and {Lighten} to make less heavy.]
To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off. [Obs.]
From his head the heavy burgonet did light. --Spenser.
Light \Light\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lighted} (-[e^]d) or {Lit}
(l[i^]t); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lighting}.] [AS. l[=i]htan to
alight, orig., to relieve (a horse) of the rider's burden, to
make less heavy, fr. l[=i]ht light. See {Light} not heavy,
and cf. {Alight}, {Lighten} to make light.]
1. To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; to
alight; -- with from, off, on, upon, at, in.
When she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.
--Gen. xxiv.
64.
Slowly rode across a withered heath, And lighted at
a ruined inn. --Tennyson.
2. To feel light; to be made happy. [Obs.]
It made all their hearts to light. --Chaucer.
3. To descend from flight, and rest, perch, or settle, as a
bird or insect.
[The bee] lights on that, and this, and tasteth all.
--Sir. J.
Davies.
On the tree tops a crested peacock lit. --Tennyson.
4. To come down suddenly and forcibly; to fall; -- with on or
upon.
On me, me only, as the source and spring Of all
corruption, all the blame lights due. --Milton.
5. To come by chance; to happen; -- with on or upon; formerly
with into.
The several degrees of vision, which the assistance
of glasses (casually at first lit on) has taught us
to conceive. --Locke.
They shall light into atheistical company. --South.
And here we lit on Aunt Elizabeth, And Lilia with
the rest. --Tennyson.
Lightable \Light"a*ble\ (-[.a]*b'l), a.
Such as can be lighted.
Light-armed \Light"-armed`\ (-[aum]rmd`), a.
Armed with light weapons or accouterments.
Light-boat \Light"-boat`\ (-b[=o]t`), n.
Light-ship.
Lighte \Light"e\ (l[imac]t"e), obs.
imp. of {Light}, to alight. --Chaucer.
Lighten \Light"en\ (l[imac]t"'n), v. i. [See {Light} to alight.]
To descend; to light.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us. --Book of
Common Prayer
[Eng. Ed.].
Lighten \Light"en\ (l[imac]t"'n), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
{Lightened} (-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lightening}.] [OE.
lightenen. See {Light} to kindle, illuminate.]
1. To burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or
like, lightning; to display a flash or flashes of
lightning; to flash.
This dreadful night, That thunders, lightens, opens
graves, and roars As doth the lion. --Shak.
2. To grow lighter; to become less dark or lowering; to
brighten; to clear, as the sky.
Lighten \Light"en\, v. t. [See {Light} to illuminate.]
1. To make light or clear; to light; to illuminate; as, to
lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the
streets. [In this sense less common than light.]
A key of fire ran all along the shore, And lightened
all the river with a blaze. --Dryden.
2. To illuminate with knowledge; to enlighten. [In this sense
less common than enlighten.]
Lighten my spirit with one clear heavenly ray. --Sir
J. Davies.
3. To emit or disclose in, or as in, lightning; to flash out,
like lightning.
His eye . . . lightens forth Controlling majesty.
--Shak.
4. To free from trouble and fill with joy.
They looked unto him, and were lightened. --Ps.
xxxiv. 5.
Lighten \Light"en\, v. t. [See {Light} not heavy.]
1. To make lighter, or less heavy; to reduce in weight; to
relieve of part of a load or burden; as, to lighten a ship
by unloading; to lighten a load or burden.
2. To make less burdensome or afflictive; to alleviate; as,
to lighten the cares of life or the burden of grief.
3. To cheer; to exhilarate.
Lightens my humor with his merry jests. --Shak.
Lighter \Light"er\ (l[imac]t"[~e]r), n.
One who, or that which, lights; as, a lighter of lamps.
Lighter \Light"er\, n. [D. ligter, fr. ligt light. See {Light}
not heavy.] (Naut.)
A large boat or barge, mainly used in unloading or loading
vessels which can not reach the wharves at the place of
shipment or delivery.
{Lighter screw} (Mach.), a screw for adjusting the distance
between the stones in a grinding mill by raising or
lowering the bridgetree.
Lighter \Light"er\, v. t.
To convey by a lighter, as to or from the shore; as, to
lighter the cargo of a ship.
Lighterage \Light"er*age\ (-[asl]j; 48), n.
1. The price paid for conveyance of goods on a lighter.
2. The act of unloading into a lighter, or of conveying by a
lighter.
Lighterman \Light"er*man\ (-m[a^]n), n.; pl. {Lightermen}
(-m[e^]n).
A person employed on, or who manages, a lighter.
Light-fingered \Light"-fin`gered\ (l[imac]t"f[i^][ng]`g[~e]rd),
a.
Dexterous in taking and conveying away; thievish; pilfering;
addicted to petty thefts. --Fuller.
Light-foot \Light"-foot`\ (-f[oo^]t`), Light-footed
\Light"-foot`ed\, a.
Having a light, springy step; nimble in running or dancing;
active; as, light-foot Iris. --Tennyson.
Lightful \Light"ful\ (l[imac]t"f[usd]l), a.
Full of light; bright. [R.] ``Lightful presence.'' --Marston.
Light-handed \Light"-hand`ed\ (l[imac]t"h[a^]nd`[e^]d), a.
(Naut.)
Not having a full complement of men; as, a vessel
light-handed.
Light-headed \Light"-head`ed\ (-h[e^]d`[e^]d), a.
1. Disordered in the head; dizzy; delirious. --Walpole.
2. Thoughtless; heedless; volatile; unsteady; fickle; loose.
``Light-headed, weak men.'' --Clarendon. --
{Light"-head`ed*ness}, n.
Light-hearted \Light"-heart`ed\ (-h[aum]rt`[e^]d), a.
Free from grief or anxiety; gay; cheerful; merry. --
{Light"-heart`ed*ly}, adv. -- {Light"-heart`ed*ness}, n.
Light-heeled \Light"-heeled`\ (-h[=e]ld`), a.
Lively in walking or running; brisk; light-footed.
Light-horseman \Light"-horse`man\ (-h[^o]rs`man), n.; pl. {-men}
(-men).
1. A soldier who serves in the light horse. See under 5th
{Light}.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A West Indian fish of the genus {Ephippus},
remarkable for its high dorsal fin and brilliant colors.
Lighthouse \Light"house`\ (-hous`), n.; pl.{Lighthouses}
(-houz`[e^]z).
A tower or other building with a powerful light at top,
erected at the entrance of a port, or at some important point
on a coast, to serve as a guide to mariners at night; a
pharos.
Lighting \Light"ing\, n. (Metal.)
A name sometimes applied to the process of annealing metals.
Light-legged \Light"-legged`\ (l[imac]t"l[e^]gd`), a.
Nimble; swift of foot. --Sir P. Sidney.
Lightless \Light"less\, a.
Destitute of light; dark. --Shak.
Lightly \Light"ly\, adv.
1. With little weight; with little force; as, to tread
lightly; to press lightly.
Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest,
And the green turf lie lightly on thy breast.
--Pope.
Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear Touched
lightly. --Milton.
2. Swiftly; nimbly; with agility.
So mikle was that barge, it might not lightly sail.
--R. of
Brunne.
Watch what thou seest and lightly bring me word.
--Tennyson.
3. Without deep impression.
The soft ideas of the cheerful note, Lightly
received, were easily forgot. --Prior.
4. In a small degree; slightly; not severely.
At the first he lightly afflicted the land of
Zebulun . . . and afterward did more grievously
afflict her. --Is. ix. 1.
5. With little effort or difficulty; easily; readily.
That lightly come, shall lightly go. --Old Proverb.
They come lightly by the malt, and need not spare
it. --Sir W.
Scott.
6. Without reason, or for reasons of little weight.
Flatter not the rich, neither do thou willingly or
lightly appear before great personages. --Jer.
Taylor.
7. Commonly; usually. [Obs.] --Bp. Fisher.
The great thieves of a state are lightly the
officers of the crown. --B. Jonson.
8. Without dejection; cheerfully. ``Seeming to bear it
lightly.'' --Shak.
9. Without heed or care; with levity; gayly; airily.
Matrimony . . . is not by any to be enterprised, nor
taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly.
--Book of
Common Prayer
[Eng. Ed.].
10. Not chastely; wantonly. --Swift.
Lightman \Light"man\ (-m[a^]n), n.; pl. {-men} (-m[e^]n).
A man who carries or takes care of a light. --T. Brown.
Light-minded \Light"-mind`ed\ (-m[imac]nd`[e^]d), a.
Unsettled; unsteady; volatile; not considerate. --
{Light"-mind`ed*ness}, n.
Lightness \Light"ness\, n. [From {Light} not heavy.]
The state, condition, or quality, of being light or not
heavy; buoyancy; levity; fickleness; nimbleness; delicacy;
grace.
Syn: Levity; volatility; instability; inconstancy;
unsteadiness; giddiness; flightiness; airiness; gayety;
liveliness; agility; nimbleness; sprightliness;
briskness; swiftness; ease; facility.
Lightness \Light"ness\, n. [From {Light} bright.]
1. Illumination, or degree of illumination; as, the lightness
of a room. --Chaucer.
2. Absence of depth or of duskiness in color; as, the
lightness of a tint; lightness of complexion.
Lightning \Light"ning\ (l[imac]t"n[i^]ng), n. [For lightening,
fr. lighten to flash.]
1. A discharge of atmospheric electricity, accompanied by a
vivid flash of light, commonly from one cloud to another,
sometimes from a cloud to the earth. The sound produced by
the electricity in passing rapidly through the atmosphere
constitutes thunder.
2. The act of making bright, or the state of being made
bright; enlightenment; brightening, as of the mental
powers. [R.]
{Ball lightning}, a rare form of lightning sometimes seen as
a globe of fire moving from the clouds to the earth.
{Chain lightning}, lightning in angular, zigzag, or forked
flashes.
{Heat lightning}, more or less vivid and extensive flashes of
electric light, without thunder, seen near the horizon,
esp. at the close of a hot day.
{Lightning arrester} (Telegraphy), a device, at the place
where a wire enters a building, for preventing injury by
lightning to an operator or instrument. It consists of a
short circuit to the ground interrupted by a thin
nonconductor over which lightning jumps. Called also
{lightning discharger}.
{Lightning bug} (Zo["o]l.), a luminous beetle. See {Firefly}.
{Lightning conductor}, a lightning rod.
{Lightning glance}, a quick, penetrating glance of a
brilliant eye.
{Lightning rod}, a metallic rod set up on a building, or on
the mast of a vessel, and connected with the earth or
water below, for the purpose of protecting the building or
vessel from lightning.
{Sheet lightning}, a diffused glow of electric light flashing
out from the clouds, and illumining their outlines. The
appearance is sometimes due to the reflection of light
from distant flashes of lightning by the nearer clouds.
Lightning \Light"ning\ (l[imac]t"n[i^]ng), vb. n.
Lightening. [R.]
Light-o'-love \Light"-o'-love`\ (l[imac]t"[-o]-l[u^]v`), n.
1. An old tune of a dance, the name of which made it a
proverbial expression of levity, especially in love
matters. --Nares. ``Best sing it to the tune of
light-o'-love.'' --Shak.
2. Hence: A light or wanton woman. --Beau. & Fl.
Lightroom \Light"room`\ (-r[=oo]m`), n.
A small room from which the magazine of a naval vessel is
lighted, being separated from the magazine by heavy glass
windows.
Lights \Lights\ (l[imac]ts), n. pl. [So called from their
lightness.]
The lungs of an animal or bird; -- sometimes coarsely applied
to the lungs of a human being.
Light-ship \Light"-ship`\ (l[imac]t"sh[i^]p`), n. (Naut.)
A vessel carrying at the masthead a brilliant light, and
moored off a shoal or place of dangerous navigation as a
guide for mariners.
Lightsome \Light"some\ (l[imac]t"s[u^]m), a.
1. Having light; lighted; not dark or gloomy; bright.
White walls make rooms more lightsome than black.
--Bacon.
2. Gay; airy; cheering; exhilarating.
That lightsome affection of joy. --Hooker.
-- {Light"some*ly}, adv. -- {Light"some*ness}, n.
Happiness may walk soberly in dark attire, as well
as dance lightsomely in a gala dress. --Hawthorne.
Light-winged \Light"-winged`\ (-w[i^]ngd`), a.
Having light and active wings; volatile; fleeting. --Shak.
Lightwood \Light"wood`\ (-w[oo^]d`), n.
Pine wood abounding in pitch, used for torches in the
Southern United States; pine knots, dry sticks, and the like,
for kindling a fire quickly or making a blaze.
Lighty \Light"y\ (-[y^]), a.
Illuminated. [Obs.] --Wyclif.
Lign-aloes \Lign`-al"oes\ (l[imac]n`[a^]l"[=o]z or
l[i^]g*n[a^]l"[=o]z), n. [OE. ligne aloes, fr. L. lignum wood
+ aloe aloe.]
1. Aloes wood, or agallochum. See {Agallochum}.
2. A fragrant tree mentioned in the Bible. --Num. xxiv. 6.
Ligneous \Lig"ne*ous\ (l[i^]g"n[-e]*[u^]s), a. [L. ligneus, fr.
lignum wood. Cf. {Lignous}.]
Made of wood; consisting of wood; of the nature of, or
resembling, wood; woody.
It should be tried with shoots of vines and roots of
red roses; for it may be they, being of a moreligneous
nature, will incorporate with the tree itself. --Bacon.
{Ligneous marble}, wood coated or prepared so as to resemble
marble.
Ligniferous \Lig*nif"er*ous\ (l[i^]g*n[i^]f"[~e]r*[u^]s), a. [L.
lignifer; lignum wood + ferre to bear: cf. F. lignif[`e]re.]
Yielding or producing wood.
Lignification \Lig`ni*fi*ca"tion\
(l[i^]g`n[i^]*f[i^]*k[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [Cf. F. lignification.
See {Lignify}.] (Bot.)
A change in the character of a cell wall, by which it becomes
harder. It is supposed to be due to an incrustation of
lignin.
Ligniform \Lig"ni*form\ (l[i^]g"n[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [L. lignum
wood + -form: cf. F. ligniforme.]
Like wood.
Lignify \Lig"ni*fy\ (-f[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lignified}
(-f[imac]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lignifying} (-f[imac]`[i^]ng).]
[L. lignum wood + -fy: cf. F. lignifier.] (Bot.)
To convert into wood or into a ligneous substance.
Lignify \Lig"ni*fy\, v. i. (Bot.)
To become wood.
Lignin \Lig"nin\ (l[i^]g"n[i^]n), n. [L. lignum wood: cf. F.
lignine.] (Bot.)
A substance characterizing wood cells and differing from
cellulose in its conduct with certain chemical reagents.
Note: Recent authors have distinguished four forms of this
substance, naming them lignose, lignin, lignone, and
lignireose.
Ligniperdous \Lig`ni*per"dous\ (l[i^]g`n[i^]*p[~e]r"d[u^]s), a.
[L. lignum wood + perdere to destroy: cf. F. ligniperde.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Wood-destroying; -- said of certain insects.
Lignireose \Lig*nir"e*ose`\ (l[i^]g*n[i^]r"[-e]*[=o]s`), n.
(Bot.)
See {Lignin}.
Lignite \Lig"nite\ (l[i^]g"n[imac]t), n. [L. lignum wood: cf. F.
lignite.] (Min.)
Mineral coal retaining the texture of the wood from which it
was formed, and burning with an empyreumatic odor. It is of
more recent origin than the anthracite and bituminous coal of
the proper coal series. Called also {brown coal}, {wood
coal}.
Lignitic \Lig*nit"ic\ (l[i^]g*n[i^]t"[i^]k), a.
Containing lignite; resembling, or of the nature of, lignite;
as, lignitic clay.
{Lignitic group}. See {Laramie Group}.
Lignitiferous \Lig`ni*tif"er*ous\
(l[i^]g`n[i^]*t[i^]f"[~e]r*[u^]s), a. [Lignite + -ferous.]
Producing or containing lignite; lignitic.
Lignoceric \Lig`no*cer"ic\ (-n[-o]*s[e^]r"[i^]k), a. [L. lignum
wood + cera wax.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, an acid of the formic acid
series, found in the tar, wax, or paraffine obtained by
distilling certain kinds of wood, as the beech.
Lignone \Lig"none`\ (l[i^]g"n[=o]n`), n. (Bot.)
See {Lignin}.
Lignose \Lig*nose"\ (l[i^]g*n[=o]s"), Lignous \Lig"nous\
(l[i^]g"n[u^]s), a. [L. lignosus, fr. lignum wood: cf. F.
ligneux. Cf. {Ligneous}.]
Ligneous. [R.] --Evelyn.
Lignose \Lig"nose`\ (l[i^]g"n[=o]s`), n.
1. (Bot.) See {Lignin}.
2. (Chem.) An explosive compound of wood fiber and
nitroglycerin. See {Nitroglycerin}.
Lignum rhodium \Lig"num rho"di*um\ (l[i^]g"n[u^]m
r[=o]"d[i^]*[u^]m). [NL., fr. L. lignum wood + Gr. "ro`don a
rose.] (Bot.)
The fragrant wood of several shrubs and trees, especially of
species of {Rhodorhiza} from the Canary Islands, and of the
West Indian {Amyris balsamifera}.
Lignum-vitae \Lig"num-vi"tae\ (-v[imac]"t[=e]), n. [L., wood of
life; lignum wood + vita, genitive vit[ae], life.] (Bot.)
A tree ({Guaiacum officinale}) found in the warm latitudes of
America, from which the {guaiacum} of medicine is procured.
Its wood is very hard and heavy, and is used for various
mechanical purposes, as for the wheels of ships' blocks,
cogs, bearings, and the like. See {Guaiacum}.
Note: In New Zealand the {Metrosideros buxifolia} is called
lignum-vit[ae], and in Australia a species of {Acacia}.
The bastard lignum-vit[ae] is a West Indian tree
({Sarcomphalus laurinus}).
Ligroin \Lig"ro*in\ (l[i^]g"r[-o]*[i^]n), n.
A trade name applied somewhat indefinitely to some of the
volatile products obtained in refining crude petroleum. It is
a complex and variable mixture of several hydrocarbons,
generally boils below 170[deg] Fahr., and is more inflammable
than safe kerosene. It is used as a solvent, as a carburetant
for air gas, and for illumination in special lamps.
Ligsam \Lig"sam\ (l[i^]g"sam), n. [Cf. D. liggen to lie, E. lie
to be prostrate, and E. flotsam, jetsam, or ligan.]
Same as {Ligan}. --Brande & C.
Ligula \Lig"u*la\ (l[i^]g"[-u]*l[.a]), n.; pl. L. {Ligul[ae]}
(-l[=e]), E. {Ligulas} (-l[.a]z). [L., a little tongue. See
{Ligule}.]
1. (Bot.) See {Ligule}.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The central process, or front edge, of the labium of
insects. It sometimes serves as a tongue or proboscis,
as in bees. [See Illust. under {Labium}, and
{Hymenoptera}.]
(b) A tongue-shaped lobe of the parapodia of annelids. See
{Parapodium}.
Ligulate \Lig"u*late\ (l[i^]g"[-u]*l[asl]t), Ligulated
\Lig"u*la`ted\ (-l[=a]`t[e^]d), a. [Cf. F. ligul['e]. See
{Ligule}, and cf. {Lingulate}.]
1. (Bot.) Like a bandage, or strap; strap-shaped.
2. Composed of ligules.
{Ligulate flower}, a species of compound flower, the florets
of which have their corollets flat, spreading out toward
the end, with the base only tubular.
Ligule \Lig"ule\ (-[-u]l), n. [L. ligula, lingula, little
tongue, dim. of lingua tongue : cf. F. ligule.]
1. (Bot.)
(a) The thin and scarious projection from the upper end of
the sheath of a leaf of grass.
(b) A strap-shaped corolla of flowers of Composit[ae].
2. (Anat.) A band of white matter in the wall of fourth
ventricle of the brain.
Liguliflorous \Lig`u*li*flo"rous\
(l[i^]g`[-u]*l[i^]*fl[=o]"r[u^]s), a. [Ligule + L. flos,
floris, a flower.] (Bot.)
Bearing only ligulate flowers; -- said of a large suborder of
composite plants, such as the dandelion, lettuce, hawkweed,
etc.
Ligure \Lig"ure\ (l[i^]g"[-u]r; 277), n. [L. ligurius, Gr.
ligy`rion, liggoy`rion, ligkoy`rion, lygkoy`rion, equiv. to
Heb. leshem.]
A kind of precious stone.
The third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
--Ex. xxviii.
19.
Ligustrin \Li*gus"trin\ (l[-i]*g[u^]s"tr[i^]n), n. (Chem.)
A bitter principle found in the bark of the privet (Ligustrum
vulgare), and extracted as a white crystalline substance with
a warm, bitter taste; -- called also {ligustron}.
Likable \Lik"a*ble\ (l[imac]k"[.a]*b'l), a.
Such as can be liked; such as to attract liking; as, a
likable person. --Thackeray.
Like \Like\ (l[imac]k), a. [Compar. {Liker} (l[imac]k"[~e]r);
superl. {Likest}.] [OE. lik, ilik, gelic, AS. gel[=i]c, fr.
pref. ge- + l[=i]c body, and orig. meaning, having the same
body, shape, or appearance, and hence, like; akin to OS.
gil[=i]k, D. gelijk, G. gleich, OHG. gil[=i]h, Icel. l[=i]kr,
gl[=i]kr, Dan. lig, Sw. lik, Goth. galeiks, OS. lik body, D.
lijk, G. leiche, Icel. l[=i]k, Sw. lik, Goth. leik. The
English adverbial ending-ly is from the same adjective. Cf.
{Each}, {Such}, {Which}.]
1. Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance,
qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to;
similar; alike; -- often with in and the particulars of
the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features,
complexion, and many traits of character.
'T is as like you As cherry is to cherry. --Shak.
Like master, like man. --Old Prov.
He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the
hoar-frost like ashes. --Ps. cxlvii.
16.
Note: To, which formerly often followed like, is now usually
omitted.
2. Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.
More clergymen were impoverished by the late war
than ever in the like space before. --Sprat.
3. Having probability; affording probability; probable;
likely.
Usage: [Likely is more used now.] --Shak.
But it is like the jolly world about us will
scoff at the paradox of these practices.
--South.
Many were not easy to be governed, nor like to
conform themselves to strict rules. --Clarendon.
4. Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a
walk.
{Had like} (followed by the infinitive), had nearly; came
little short of.
Had like to have been my utter overthrow. --Sir W.
Raleigh
Ramona had like to have said the literal truth, . .
. but recollected herself in time. --Mrs. H. H.
Jackson.
{Like figures} (Geom.), similar figures.
Note: Like is used as a suffix, converting nouns into
adjectives expressing resemblance to the noun; as,
manlike, like a man; childlike, like a child; godlike,
like a god, etc. Such compounds are readily formed
whenever convenient, and several, as crescentlike,
serpentlike, hairlike, etc., are used in this book,
although, in some cases, not entered in the vocabulary.
Such combinations as bell-like, ball-like, etc., are
hyphened.
Like \Like\, n.
1. That which is equal or similar to another; the
counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.
He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not
look upon his like again. --Shak.
2. A liking; a preference; inclination; -- usually in pl.;
as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Like \Like\, adv. [AS. gel[=i]ce. See {Like}, a.]
1. In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do
not act like him.
He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. --Job
xii. 25.
Note: Like, as here used, is regarded by some grammarians as
a preposition.
2. In a like or similar manner. --Shak.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear him. --Ps. ciii.
13.
3. Likely; probably. ``Like enough it will.'' --Shak.
Like \Like\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Liked} (l[imac]kt); p. pr. &
vb. n. {Liking}.] [OE. liken to please, AS. l[=i]cian,
gel[=i]cian, fr. gel[=i]c. See {Like}, a.]
1. To suit; to please; to be agreeable to. [Obs.]
Cornwall him liked best, therefore he chose there.
--R. of
Gloucester.
I willingly confess that it likes me much better
when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am
bound to seek it in an ill-favored creature. --Sir
P. Sidney.
2. To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to
take satisfaction in; to enjoy.
He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking
to loving. --Sir P.
Sidney.
3. To liken; to compare.[Obs.]
Like me to the peasant boys of France. --Shak.
Like \Like\ (l[imac]k), v. i.
1. To be pleased; to choose.
He may either go or stay, as he best likes. --Locke.
2. To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to
be (in a specified condition). [Obs.]
You like well, and bear your years very well.
--Shak.
3. To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape
narrowly; as, he liked to have been too late. Cf. Had
like, under {Like}, a. [Colloq.]
He probably got his death, as he liked to have done
two years ago, by viewing the troops for the
expedition from the wall of Kensington Garden.
--Walpole.
{To like of}, to be pleased with. [Obs.] --Massinger.
Likeable \Like"a*ble\ (l[imac]k"[.a]*b'l), a.
See {Likable.}
Likehood \Like"hood\ (-h[oo^]d), n.
Likelihood. [Obs.] --South.
Likelihood \Like"li*hood\ (-l[i^]*h[oo^]d), n. [Likely + -hood.]
1. Appearance; show; sign; expression. [Obs.]
What of his heart perceive you in his face By any
likelihood he showed to-day ? --Shak.
2. Likeness; resemblance. [Obs.]
There is no likelihood between pure light and black
darkness, or between righteousness and reprobation.
--Sir W.
Raleigh.
3. Appearance of truth or reality; probability;
verisimilitude. --Tennyson.
Likeliness \Like"li*ness\, n.
1. Likelihood; probability.
2. Suitableness; agreeableness. [Obs.]
Likely \Like"ly\, a. [Compar. {Likelier} (l[imac]k"l[i^]*[~e]r);
superl. {Likeliest}.] [That is, like-like. See {Like}, a.]
1. Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy
and conspicuous. --Johnson.
2. Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; --
followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
3. Similar; like; alike. [Obs.] --Spenser.
4. Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable;
handsome. --Shak. Milton.
5. Having such qualities as make success probable; well
adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a
likely servant.
Likely \Like"ly\, adv.
In all probability; probably.
While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of
nothing that imported him to know. --Glanvill.
Like-minded \Like"-mind`ed\ (-m[imac]nd`[e^]d), a.
Having a like disposition or purpose; of the same mind.
--Tillotson.
Liken \Lik"en\ (l[imac]k"'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Likened}
(-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Likening}.] [OE. liknen. See {Like},
a.]
1. To allege, or think, to be like; to represent as like; to
compare; as, to liken life to a pilgrimage.
Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth
them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built
his house upon a rock. --Matt. vii.
24.
2. To make or cause to be like. [R.] --Brougham.
Likeness \Like"ness\, n. [AS. gel[=i]cnes.]
1. The state or quality of being like; similitude;
resemblance; similarity; as, the likeness of the one to
the other is remarkable.
2. Appearance or form; guise.
An enemy in the likeness of a friend. --L'Estrange.
3. That which closely resembles; a portrait.
[How he looked] the likenesses of him which still
remain enable us to imagine. --Macaulay.
4. A comparison; parable; proverb. [Obs.]
He said to them, Soothly ye shall say to me this
likeness, Leech, heal thyself. --Wyclif (Luke
iv. 23).
Syn: Similarity; parallel; similitude; representation;
portrait; effigy.
Likerous \Lik"er*ous\ (l[i^]k"[~e]r*[u^]s), a., Likerousness
\Lik"er*ous*ness\, n.[Obs.]
See {Lickerish}, {Lickerishness}. --Chaucer.
Likewise \Like"wise`\ (l[imac]k"w[imac]z`), adv. & conj. [See
{Wise}, n.]
In like manner; also; moreover; too. See {Also}.
Go, and do thou likewise. --Luke x. 37.
For he seeth that wise men die; likewise the fool and
the brutish person perish. --Ps. xlix.
10.
Liking \Lik"ing\ (l[imac]k"[i^]ng), p. a.
Looking; appearing; as, better or worse liking. See {Like},
to look. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Why should he see your faces worse liking than the
children which are of your sort ? --Dan. i. 10.
Liking \Lik"ing\, n.
1. The state of being pleasing; a suiting. See {On liking},
below. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
2. The state of being pleased with, or attracted toward, some
thing or person; hence, inclination; desire; pleasure;
preference; -- often with for, formerly with to; as, it is
an amusement I have no liking for.
If the human intellect hath once taken a liking to
any doctrine, . . . it draws everything else into
harmony with that doctrine, and to its support.
--Bacon.
3. Appearance; look; figure; state of body as to health or
condition. [Archaic]
I shall think the worse of fat men, as long as I
have an eye to make difference of men's liking.
--Shak.
Their young ones are in good liking. --Job. xxxix.
4.
{On liking}, on condition of being pleasing to or suiting;
also, on condition of being pleased with; as, to hold a
place of service on liking; to engage a servant on liking.
[Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Would he be the degenerate scion of that royal line
. . . to be a king on liking and on sufferance ?
--Hazlitt.
Lilac \Li"lac\ (l[imac]"lak), n. [Also {lilach}.] [Sp. lilac,
lila, Ar. l[=i]lak, fr. Per. l[=i]laj, l[=i]lanj, l[=i]lang,
n[=i]laj, n[=i]l, the indigo plant, or from the kindred
l[=i]lak bluish, the flowers being named from the color. Cf.
{Anil}.]
1. (Bot.) A shrub of the genus {Syringa}. There are six
species, natives of Europe and Asia. {Syringa vulgaris},
the common lilac, and {S. Persica}, the Persian lilac, are
frequently cultivated for the fragrance and beauty of
their purplish or white flowers. In the British colonies
various other shrubs have this name.
2. A light purplish color like that of the flower of the
purplish lilac.
{California lilac} (Bot.), a low shrub with dense clusters of
purplish flowers ({Ceanothus thyrsiflorus}).
Lilacin \Lil"a*cin\ (l[i^]l"[.a]*s[i^]n), n. (Chem.)
See {Syringin}.
Liliaceous \Lil`i*a"ceous\ (l[i^]l`[i^]*[=a]"sh[u^]s), a. [L.
liliaceus, fr. lilium lily. See {Lily}.] (Bot.)
(a) Of or pertaining to a natural order of which the lily,
tulip, and hyacinth are well-known examples.
(b) Like the blossom of a lily in general form.
Lilial \Lil"i*al\ (l[i^]l"[i^]*al), a. (Bot.)
Having a general resemblance to lilies or to liliaceous
plants.
Lilied \Lil"ied\ (l[i^]l"[i^]d), a.
Covered with, or having many, lilies.
By sandy Ladon's lilied banks. --Milton.
Lill \Lill\ (l[i^]l), v. i.
To loll. [Obs. or Prov.] --Spenser.
Lilliputian \Lil`li*pu"tian\ (l[i^]l`l[i^]*p[=u]"shan), n.
1. One belonging to a very diminutive race described in
Swift's ``Voyage to Lilliput.''
2. Hence: A person or thing of very small size.
Lilliputian \Lil`li*pu"tian\, a.
1. Of or pertaining to the imaginary island of Lilliput
described by Swift, or to its inhabitants.
2. Hence: Of very small size; diminutive; dwarfed.
Lilly-pilly \Lil"ly-pil`ly\ (l[i^]l"l[y^]-p[i^]l`l[y^]), n.
(Bot.)
An Australian myrtaceous tree ({Eugenia Smithii}), having
smooth ovate leaves, and panicles of small white flowers. The
wood is hard and fine-grained.
Lilt \Lilt\ (l[i^]lt), v. i. [Cf. Norw. lilla, lirla, to sing in
a high tone.]
1. To do anything with animation and quickness, as to skip,
fly, or hop. [Prov. Eng.] --Wordsworth.
2. To sing cheerfully. [Scot.]
Lilt \Lilt\, v. t.
To utter with spirit, animation, or gayety; to sing with
spirit and liveliness.
A classic lecture, rich in sentiment, With scraps of
thundrous epic lilted out By violet-hooded doctors.
--Tennyson.
Lilt \Lilt\, n.
1. Animated, brisk motion; spirited rhythm; sprightliness.
The movement, the lilt, and the subtle charm of the
verse. --F. Harrison.
2. A lively song or dance; a cheerful tune.
The housewife went about her work, or spun at her
wheel, with a lilt upon her lips. --J. C.
Shairp.
Lily \Lil"y\ (l[i^]l"[y^]), n.; pl. {Lilies} (-[i^]z). [AS.
lilie, L. lilium, Gr. lei`rion. Cf. {Flower-de-luce}.]
1. (Bot.) A plant and flower of the genus {Lilium},
endogenous bulbous plants, having a regular perianth of
six colored pieces, six stamens, and a superior
three-celled ovary.
Note: There are nearly fifty species, all found in the North
Temperate zone. {Lilium candidum} and {L. longiflorum}
are the common white lilies of gardens; {L.
Philadelphicum} is the wild red lily of the Atlantic
States; {L. Chalcedonicum} is supposed to be the ``lily
of the field'' in our Lord's parable; {L. auratum} is
the great gold-banded lily of Japan.
2. (Bot.) A name given to handsome flowering plants of
several genera, having some resemblance in color or form
to a true lily, as {Pancratium}, {Crinum}, {Amaryllis},
{Nerine}, etc.
3. That end of a compass needle which should point to the
north; -- so called as often ornamented with the figure of
a lily or fleur-de-lis.
But sailing further, it veers its lily to the west.
--Sir T.
Browne.
{African lily} (Bot.), the blue-flowered {Agapanthus
umbellatus}.
{Atamasco lily} (Bot.), a plant of the genus {Zephyranthes}
({Z. Atamasco}), having a white and pink funnelform
perianth, with six petal-like divisions resembling those
of a lily. --Gray.
{Blackberry lily} (Bot.), the {Pardanthus Chinensis}, the
black seeds of which form a dense mass like a blackberry.
{Bourbon lily} (Bot.), {Lilium candidum}. See Illust.
{Butterfly lily}. (Bot.) Same as {Mariposa lily}, in the
Vocabulary.
{Lily beetle} (Zool.), a European beetle ({Crioceris
merdigera}) which feeds upon the white lily.
{Lily daffodil} (Bot.), a plant of the genus {Narcissus}, and
its flower.
{Lily encrinite} (Paleon.), a fossil encrinite, esp.
{Encrinus liliiformis}. See {Encrinite}.
{Lily hyacinth} (Bot.), a plant of the genus {Hyacinthus}.
{Lily iron}, a kind of harpoon with a detachable head of
peculiar shape, used in capturing swordfish.
{Lily of the valley} (Bot.), a low perennial herb
({Convallaria majalis}), having a raceme of nodding,
fragrant, white flowers.
{Lily pad}, the large floating leaf of the water lily. [U.
S.] --Lowell.
{Tiger lily} (Bot.), {Lilium tigrinum}, the sepals of which
are blotched with black.
{Turk's-cap lily} (Bot.), {Lilium Martagon}, a red lily with
recurved sepals; also, the similar American lily, {L.
superbum}.
{Water lily} (Bot.), the {Nymph[ae]a}, a plant with floating
roundish leaves, and large flowers having many petals,
usually white, but sometimes pink, red, blue, or yellow.
[See Illust. of {Nymph[ae]a}.]
Lily-handed \Lil"y-hand`ed\ (-h[a^]nd`[e^]d), a.
Having white, delicate hands.
Lily-livered \Lil"y-liv`ered\ (-l[i^]v`[~e]rd), a.
White-livered; cowardly.
Lilywort \Lil"y*wort`\ (-w[^u]rt`), n. (Bot.)
Any plant of the Lily family or order. --Lindley.
Lim \Lim\ (l[i^]m), n. [See {Limb}.]
A limb. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lima \Li"ma\ (l[=e]"m[.a] or l[imac]"m[.a]), n.
The capital city of Peru, in South America.
{Lima bean}. (Bot.)
(a) A variety of climbing or pole bean ({Phaseolus lunatus}),
which has very large flattish seeds.
(b) The seed of this plant, much used for food.
{Lima wood} (Bot.), the beautiful dark wood of the South
American tree {C[ae]salpinia echinata}.
Limaceous \Li*ma"ceous\ (l[-i]*m[=a]"sh[u^]s), a. [L. limax,
limacis, slug, snail: cf. F. limac['e].] (Zo["o]l.)
Pertaining to, or like, Limax, or the slugs.
Limacina \Lim`a*ci"na\ (l[i^]m`[.a]*s[imac]"n[.a]), n. [NL.,
from L. limax, limacis, a slug.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of small spiral pteropods, common in the Arctic and
Antarctic seas. It contributes to the food of the right
whales.
Limacon \Li`ma`[,c]on"\ (l[-e]`m[.a]`s[^o]N"), n. [F.
lima[,c]on, lit., a snail.] (Geom.)
A curve of the fourth degree, invented by Pascal. Its polar
equation is r = a cos [theta] + b.
Limaille \Li"maille\ (l[imac]"m[=a]l; F. l[-e]`m[aum]"y'), n.
[F., fr. limer to file. See {Limation}.]
Filings of metal. [Obs.] ``An ounce . . . of silver
lymaille.'' --Chaucer.
Liman \Li"man\ (l[imac]"man), n. [F. limon, fr. L. limus slime.]
The deposit of slime at the mouth of a river; slime.
Limation \Li*ma"tion\ (l[-i]*m[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. limatus, p.
p. of limare to file, fr. lima file : cf. F. limation.]
The act of filing or polishing.
Limature \Li"ma*ture\ (l[imac]"m[.a]*t[-u]r; 135), n. [L.
limatura. See {Limation}.]
1. The act of filing.
2. That which is filed off; filings. --Johnson.
Limax \Li"max\ (l[imac]"m[a^]ks), n. [L.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of airbreathing mollusks, including the common garden
slugs. They have a small rudimentary shell. The breathing
pore is on the right side of the neck. Several species are
troublesome in gardens. See {Slug}.
Limb \Limb\ (l[i^]m), n. [OE. lim, AS. lim; akin to Icel. limr
limb, lim branch of a tree, Sw. & Dan. lem limb; cf. also AS.
li[eth], OHG. lid, gilid, G. glied, Goth. li[thorn]us. Cf.
{Lith}, {Limber}.]
1. A part of a tree which extends from the trunk and
separates into branches and twigs; a large branch.
2. An arm or a leg of a human being; a leg, arm, or wing of
an animal.
A second Hector for his grim aspect, And large
proportion of his strong-knit limbs. --Shak.
3. A thing or person regarded as a part or member of, or
attachment to, something else. --Shak.
That little limb of the devil has cheated the
gallows. --Sir W.
Scott.
4. An elementary piece of the mechanism of a lock.
{Limb of the law}, a lawyer or an officer of the law.
[Colloq.] --Landor.
Limb \Limb\, v. t.
1. To supply with limbs. [R.] --Milton.
2. To dismember; to tear off the limbs of.
Limb \Limb\, n. [L. limbus border. Cf. {Limbo}, {Limbus}.]
A border or edge, in certain special uses.
(a) (Bot.) The border or upper spreading part of a
monopetalous corolla, or of a petal, or sepal; blade.
(b) (Astron.) The border or edge of the disk of a heavenly
body, especially of the sun and moon.
(c) The graduated margin of an arc or circle, in an
instrument for measuring angles.
Limbat \Lim"bat\ (l[i^]m"b[a^]t), n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
A cooling periodical wind in the Isle of Cyprus, blowing from
the northwest from eight o'clock, A. M., to the middle of the
day or later.
Limbate \Lim"bate\ (l[i^]m"b[asl]t), a. [L. limbatus, fr. limbus
border, edge. See {Limbus}.] (Bot. & Zo["o]l.)
Bordered, as when one color is surrounded by an edging of
another.
Limbec \Lim"bec\ (-b[e^]k), n. [Abbrev. of alembic.]
An alembic; a still. [Obs.] --Spenser. Shak.
Limbec \Lim"bec\, v. t.
To distill. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Limbed \Limbed\ (l[i^]md), a.
Having limbs; -- much used in composition; as, large-limbed;
short-limbed.
Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms, Limbed and
full grown. --Milton.
Limber \Lim"ber\ (l[i^]m"b[~e]r), n. [For limmer, Icel. limar
branches, boughs, pl. of lim; akin to E. limb. See {Limb} a
branch.]
1. pl. The shafts or thills of a wagon or carriage. [Prov.
Eng.]
2. (Mil.) The detachable fore part of a gun carriage,
consisting of two wheels, an axle, and a shaft to which
the horses are attached. On top is an ammunition box upon
which the cannoneers sit.
3. pl. (Naut.) Gutters or conduits on each side of the
keelson to afford a passage for water to the pump well.
{Limber boards} (Naut.), short pieces of plank forming part
of the lining of a ship's floor immediately above the
timbers, so as to prevent the limbers from becoming
clogged.
{Limber box or chest} (Mil.), a box on the limber for
carrying ammunition.
{Limber rope}, {Limber chain}, or {Limber clearer} (Naut.), a
rope or chain passing through the limbers of a ship, by
which they may be cleared of dirt that chokes them.
--Totten.
{Limber strake} (Shipbuilding), the first course of inside
planking next the keelson.
Limber \Lim"ber\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Limbered} (-b[~e]rd); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Limbering}.] (Mil.)
To attach to the limber; as, to limber a gun.
{To limber up}, to change a gun carriage into a four-wheeled
vehicle by attaching the limber.
Limber \Lim"ber\, a. [Akin to limp, a. [root]125. See {Limp},
a.]
Easily bent; flexible; pliant; yielding. --Milton.
The bargeman that doth row with long and limber oar.
--Turbervile.
Limber \Lim"ber\, v. t.
To cause to become limber; to make flexible or pliant.
--Richardson.
Limberness \Lim"ber*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being limber; flexibleness. --Boyle.
Limbless \Limb"less\ (l[i^]m"l[e^]s), a.
Destitute of limbs.
Limbmeal \Limb"meal`\ (-m[=e]l`), adv. [See {Limb}, and
{Piecemeal}.]
Piecemeal. [Obs.] ``To tear her limbmeal.'' --Shak.
Limbo \Lim"bo\ (l[i^]m"b[-o]), Limbus \Lim"bus\ (-b[u^]s), n.
[L. limbus border, edge, in limbo on the border. Cf. {Limb}
border.]
1. (Scholastic Theol.) An extramundane region where certain
classes of souls were supposed to await the judgment.
As far from help as Limbo is from bliss. --Shak.
A Limbo large and broad, since called The Paradise
of fools. --Milton.
Note: The limbus patrum was considered as a place for the
souls of good men who lived before the coming of our
Savior. The limbus infantium was said to be a similar
place for the souls of unbaptized infants. To these was
added, in the popular belief, the limbus fatuorum, or
fool's paradise, regarded as a receptacle of all vanity
and nonsense.
2. Hence: Any real or imaginary place of restraint or
confinement; a prison; as, to put a man in limbo.
3. (Anat.) A border or margin; as, the limbus of the cornea.
Limbous \Lim"bous\ (l[i^]m"b[u^]s), a. [See {Limbus}.] (Anat.)
With slightly overlapping borders; -- said of a suture.
Lime \Lime\ (l[imac]m), n. [See {Leam} a string.]
A thong by which a dog is led; a leash. --Halliwell.
Lime \Lime\, n. [Formerly line, for earlier lind. See {Linden}.]
(Bot.)
The linden tree. See {Linden}.
Lime \Lime\, n. [F. lime; of Persian origin. See {Lemon}.]
(Bot.)
A fruit allied to the lemon, but much smaller; also, the tree
which bears it. There are two kinds; {Citrus Medica}, var.
acida which is intensely sour, and the sweet lime ({C.
Medica}, var. Limetta) which is only slightly sour.
Lime \Lime\, n. [AS. l[=i]m; akin to D. lijm, G. leim, OHG.
l[=i]m, Icel. l[=i]m, Sw. lim, Dan. liim, L. limus mud,
linere to smear, and E. loam. [root]126. Cf. {Loam},
{Liniment}.]
1. Birdlime.
Like the lime That foolish birds are caught with.
--Wordsworth.
2. (Chem.) Oxide of calcium; the white or gray, caustic
substance, usually called {quicklime}, obtained by
calcining limestone or shells, the heat driving off carbon
dioxide and leaving lime. It develops great heat when
treated with water, forming slacked lime,
and is an essential ingredient of cement, plastering, mortar,
etc.
Note: Lime is the principal constituent of limestone, marble,
chalk, bones, shells, etc.
{Caustic lime}, calcium hydrate or slacked lime; also, in a
less technical sense, calcium oxide or quicklime.
{Lime burner}, one who burns limestone, shells, etc., to make
lime.
{Lime light}. See {Calcium light}, under {Calcium}.
{Lime pit}, a limestone quarry.
{Lime rod}, {Lime twig}, a twig smeared with birdlime; hence,
that which catches; a snare. --Chaucer.
Lime \Lime\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Limed} (l[imac]md); p. pr. &
vb. n. {Liming}.] [Cf. AS. gel[=i]man to glue or join
together. See {Lime} a viscous substance.]
1. To smear with a viscous substance, as birdlime.
These twigs, in time, will come to be limed.
--L'Estrange.
2. To entangle; to insnare.
We had limed ourselves With open eyes, and we must
take the chance. --Tennyson.
3. To treat with lime, or oxide or hydrate of calcium; to
manure with lime; as, to lime hides for removing the hair;
to lime sails in order to whiten them.
Land may be improved by draining, marling, and
liming. --Sir J.
Child.
4. To cement. ``Who gave his blood to lime the stones
together.'' --Shak.
Limehound \Lime"hound`\ (l[imac]m"hound`), n. [Lime a leash +
hound.]
A dog used in hunting the wild boar; a leamer. --Spenser.
Limekiln \Lime"kiln`\ (l[imac]m"k[i^]ln`), n.
A kiln or furnace in which limestone or shells are burned and
reduced to lime.
Limenean \Li*men"e*an\ (l[-e]*m[e^]n"[-e]*an), a.
Of or pertaining to Lima, or to the inhabitants of Lima, in
Peru. -- n. A native or inhabitant of Lima.
Limer \Lim"er\ (l[imac]m"[~e]r), n.
A limehound; a limmer. --Chaucer.
Limestone \Lime"stone`\ (l[imac]m"st[=o]n`), n.
A rock consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate or carbonate
of lime. It sometimes contains also magnesium carbonate, and
is then called magnesian or {dolomitic limestone}.
Crystalline limestone is called {marble}.
Lime twig \Lime twig\
See under 4th {Lime}.
Lime-twigged \Lime"-twigged`\ (-tw[i^]gd`), a.
Beset with snares; insnared, as with birdlime. --L. Addison.
Limewater \Lime"wa`ter\ (-w[add]`t[~e]r), n.
Water impregnated with lime; esp., an artificial solution of
lime for medicinal purposes.
Limicolae \Li*mic"o*l[ae]\ (l[-i]*m[i^]k"[-o]*l[=e]), n. pl. [L.
limicola a dweller in the mud; limus mud + colere to dwell.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A group of shore birds, embracing the plovers, sandpipers,
snipe, curlew, etc.; the Grall[ae].
Limicoline \Li*mic"o*line\ (-l[i^]n), a. (Zo["o]l.)
Shore-inhabiting; of or pertaining to the Limicol[ae].
Liminess \Lim"i*ness\ (l[imac]m"[i^]*n[e^]s), n.
The state or quality of being limy.
Limit \Lim"it\ (l[i^]m"[i^]t), n. [From L. limes, limitis: cf.
F. limite; or from E. limit, v. See {Limit}, v. t.]
1. That which terminates, circumscribes, restrains, or
confines; the bound, border, or edge; the utmost extent;
as, the limit of a walk, of a town, of a country; the
limits of human knowledge or endeavor.
As eager of the chase, the maid Beyond the forest's
verdant limits strayed. --Pope.
2. The space or thing defined by limits.
The archdeacon hath divided it Into three limits
very equally. --Shak.
3. That which terminates a period of time; hence, the period
itself; the full time or extent.
The dateless limit of thy dear exile. --Shak.
The limit of your lives is out. --Shak.
4. A restriction; a check; a curb; a hindrance.
I prithee, give no limits to my tongue. --Shak.
5. (Logic & Metaph.) A determining feature; a distinguishing
characteristic; a differentia.
6. (Math.) A determinate quantity, to which a variable one
continually approaches, and may differ from it by less
than any given difference, but to which, under the law of
variation, the variable can never become exactly
equivalent.
{Elastic limit}. See under {Elastic}.
{Prison limits}, a definite extent of space in or around a
prison, within which a prisoner has liberty to go and
come.
Syn: Boundary; border; edge; termination; restriction; bound;
confine.
Limit \Lim"it\ (l[i^]m"[i^]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Limited}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Limiting}.] [F. limiter, L. limitare, fr.
limes, limitis, limit; prob. akin to limen threshold, E.
eliminate; cf. L. limus sidelong.]
To apply a limit to, or set a limit for; to terminate,
circumscribe, or restrict, by a limit or limits; as, to limit
the acreage of a crop; to limit the issue of paper money; to
limit one's ambitions or aspirations; to limit the meaning of
a word.
{Limiting parallels} (Astron.), those parallels of latitude
between which only an occultation of a star or planet by
the moon, in a given case, can occur.
Limit \Lim"it\, v. i.
To beg, or to exercise functions, within a certain limited
region; as, a limiting friar. [Obs.]
Limitable \Lim"it*a*ble\ (-[.a]*b'l), a.
Capable of being limited.
Limitaneous \Lim`i*ta"ne*ous\ (l[i^]m`[i^]*t[=a]"n[-e]*[u^]s),
a. [L. limitaneus. See {Limit}, v. t.]
Of or pertaining to a limit. [Obs.]
Limitarian \Lim`i*ta"ri*an\ (-r[i^]*an), a.
Tending to limit.
Limitary \Lim"i*ta*ry\ (l[i^]m"[i^]*t[asl]*r[y^]), a. [L.
limitaris. See {Limit}, v. t.]
1. Placed at the limit, as a guard. ``Proud limitary
cherub.'' --Milton.
2. Confined within limits; limited in extent, authority,
power, etc. ``The limitary ocean.'' --Trench.
The poor, limitary creature calling himself a man of
the world. --De Quincey.
3. Limiting, or tending to limit; restrictive.
Doctrines limitary, if not subversive of the papal
power. --Milman.
Limitary \Lim"i*ta*ry\, n.; pl. {-ries} (-r[i^]z).
1. That which serves to limit; a boundary; border land.
[Obs.] --Fuller.
2. A limiter. See {Limiter}, 2.
Limitate \Lim"i*tate\ (-[i^]*t[asl]t), a. [L. limitatus, p. p.
of limitare to limit. See {Limit}, v. t. ]
Bounded by a distinct line.
Limitation \Lim`i*ta"tion\ (-t[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. limitatio:
cf. F. limitation. See {Limit}, v. t.]
1. The act of limiting; the state or condition of being
limited; as, the limitation of his authority was approved
by the council.
They had no right to mistake the limitation . . . of
their own faculties, for an inherent limitation of
the possible modes of existence in the universe.
--J. S. Mill.
2. That which limits; a restriction; a qualification; a
restraining condition, defining circumstance, or
qualifying conception; as, limitations of thought.
The cause of error is ignorance what restraints and
limitations all principles have in regard of the
matter whereunto they are applicable. --Hooker.
3. A certain precinct within which friars were allowed to
beg, or exercise their functions; also, the time during
which they were permitted to exercise their functions in
such a district. --Chaucer. Latimer.
4. A limited time within or during which something is to be
done.
You have stood your limitation, and the tribunes
Endue you with the people's voice. --Shak.
5. (Law)
(a) A certain period limited by statute after which the
claimant shall not enforce his claims by suit.
(b) A settling of an estate or property by specific rules.
(c) A restriction of power; as, a constitutional
limitation. --Wharton. Bouvier.
{To know one's own limitations}, to know the reach and limits
of one's abilities. --A. R. Wallace.
Limited \Lim"it*ed\ (l[i^]m"[i^]t*[e^]d), a.
Confined within limits; narrow; circumscribed; restricted;
as, our views of nature are very limited.
{Limited company}, a company in which the liability of each
shareholder is limited by the number of shares he has
taken, so that he can not be called on to contribute
beyond the amount of his shares. [Eng.] --Mozley & W.
Limitedly \Lim"it*ed*ly\, adv.
With limitation.
Limitedness \Lim"it*ed*ness\, n.
The quality of being limited.
Limiter \Lim"it*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
1. One who, or that which, limits.
2. A friar licensed to beg within certain bounds, or whose
duty was limited to a certain district. [Formerly written
also {limitour}.] --Chaucer.
A limitour of the Gray Friars, in the time of his
limitation, preached many times, and had but one
sermon at all times. --Latimer.
Limitive \Lim"it*ive\ (-[i^]v), a.
Involving a limit; as, a limitive law, one designed to limit
existing powers. [R.]
Limitless \Lim"it*less\, a.
Having no limits; unbounded; boundless. --Davies (Wit's
Pilgr.).
Limitour \Lim"it*our\ (-[=oo]r), n.
See {Limiter}, 2.
Limmer \Lim"mer\ (-m[~e]r), a.
Limber. [Obs.] --Holland.
Limmer \Lim"mer\, n. [F. limier. See {Leamer}.]
1. A limehound; a leamer.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A mongrel, as a cross between the mastiff and
hound.
3. A low, base fellow; also, a prostitute. [Scot.]
Thieves, limmers, and broken men of the Highlands.
--Sir W.
Scott.
4. (Naut.) A man rope at the side of a ladder.
Limn \Limn\ (l[i^]m), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Limned} (l[i^]md); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Limning} (l[i^]m"n[i^]ng or l[i^]m"[i^]ng).]
[OE. limnen, fr. luminen, for enluminen, F. enluminer to
illuminate, to limn, LL. illuminare to paint. [root]122. See
{Illuminate}, {Luminous}.]
1. To draw or paint; especially, to represent in an artistic
way with pencil or brush.
Let a painter carelessly limn out a million of
faces, and you shall find them all different. --Sir
T. Browne.
2. To illumine, as books or parchments, with ornamental
figures, letters, or borders.
Lim naea \Lim *n[ae]"a\ (l[i^]m*n[=e]"[.a]), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
limnai^os pertaining to a marsh, fr. li`mh a marsh.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A genus of fresh-water air-breathing mollusks, abundant in
ponds and streams; -- called also {pond snail}. [Written also
{Lymn[ae]a}.]
Limner \Lim"ner\ (l[i^]m"n[~e]r), n. [F. enlumineur, LL.
illuminator. See {Limn}, and cf. {Alluminor}.]
A painter; an artist; esp.:
(a) One who paints portraits.
(b) One who illuminates books. [Archaic]
Limniad \Lim"ni*ad\ (-n[i^]*[a^]d), n. [Gr. li`mh a pool.]
(Myth.)
See {Limoniad}.
Limning \Lim"ning\ (l[i^]m"n[i^]ng or l[i^]m"[i^]ng), n.
The act, process, or art of one who limns; the picture or
decoration so produced.
Adorned with illumination which we now call limning.
--Wood.
Limoges \Li*moges"\ (l[-e]*m[=o]zh"), n.
A city of Southern France.
{Limoges enamel}, a kind of enamel ware in which the enamel
is applied to the whole surface of a metal plaque, vase,
or the like, and painted in enamel colors. The art was
brought to a high degree of perfection in Limoges in the
16th century.
{Limoges ware}.
(a) Articles decorated with Limoges enamel.
(b) Articles of porcelain, etc., manufactured at Limoges.
Limoniad \Li*mo"ni*ad\ (l[-i]*m[=o]"n[i^]*[a^]d), n. [L.
limoniades, pl., Gr. leimwnia`des, fr. leimw`n meadow.]
(Class. Myth.)
A nymph of the meadows; -- called also {Limniad}.
Limonin \Li*mo"nin\ (l[-i]*m[=o]"n[i^]n), n. [From NL. Citrus
Medica, var. Limonum, the scientific name of the lemon.]
(Chem.)
A bitter, white, crystalline substance found in orange and
lemon seeds.
Limonite \Li"mon*ite\ (l[imac]"m[o^]n*[imac]t), n. [Gr. leimw`n
any moist grassy place, a meadow : cf. F. limonite, G.
limonit.] (Min.)
Hydrous sesquioxide of iron, an important ore of iron,
occurring in stalactitic, mammillary, or earthy forms, of a
dark brown color, and yellowish brown powder. It includes bog
iron. Also called {brown hematite}.
Limosis \Li*mo"sis\ (l[-i]*m[=o]"s[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
limo`s hunger.] (Med.)
A ravenous appetite caused by disease; excessive and morbid
hunger.
Limous \Li"mous\ (l[imac]"m[u^]s), a. [L. limosus, fr. limus
slime, mud.]
Muddy; slimy; thick. --Sir T. Browne.
Limp \Limp\ (l[i^]mp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Limped} (l[i^]mt;
215); p. pr. & vb. n. {Limping}.] [Cf. AS. lemphealt lame,
OHG. limphen to limp, be weak; perh. akin to E. lame, or to
limp, a [root]120.]
To halt; to walk lamely. Also used figuratively. --Shak.
Limp \Limp\, n.
A halt; the act of limping.
Limp \Limp\, n. (Ore Washing)
A scraper for removing poor ore or refuse from the sieve.
Limp \Limp\, a. [Cf. Icel. limpa limpness, weakness, and E. lap,
n., lop, v. t. Cf. {Limber}, a.]
1. Flaccid; flabby, as flesh. --Walton.
2. Lacking stiffness; flimsy; as, a limp cravat.
Limper \Limp"er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who limps.
Limpet \Lim"pet\ (l[i^]m"p[e^]t), n. [Prob. through French fr.
L. lepas, -adis, Gr. lepa`s, -a`dos.] (Zo["o]l.)
1. In a general sense, any hatshaped, or conical, gastropod
shell.
2. Any one of many species of marine shellfish of the order
Docoglossa, mostly found adhering to rocks, between tides.
Note: The common European limpets of the genus {Patella}
(esp. {P. vulgata}) are extensively used as food. The
common New England species is {Acm[ae]a testudinalis}.
Numerous species of limpets occur on the Pacific coast
of America, some of them of large size.
3. Any species of {Siphonaria}, a genus of limpet-shaped
Pulmonifera, living between tides, on rocks.
4. A keyhole limpet. See {Fissurella}.
Limpid \Lim"pid\ (-p[i^]d), a. [L. limpidus; akin to Gr.
la`mpein to shine: cf. F. limpide. Cf. {Lamp}.]
Characterized by clearness or transparency; clear; as, a
limpid stream.
Springs which were clear, fresh, and limpid.
--Woodward.
Syn: Clear; transparent; pellucid; lucid; pure; crystal;
translucent; bright.
Limpidity \Lim*pid"i*ty\ (l[i^]m*p[i^]d"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L.
limpiditas: cf. F. limpidit['e].]
The quality or state of being limpid.
Limpidness \Lim"pid*ness\ (l[i^]m"p[i^]d*n[e^]s), n.
Quality of being limpid; limpidity.
Limpin \Lim"pin\ (-p[i^]n), n.
A limpet. [Obs.] --Holland.
Limpingly \Limp"ing*ly\ (l[i^]mp"-), adv.
In a limping manner.
Limpitude \Limp"i*tude\ (-[i^]*t[=u]d), n.
Limpidity. [Obs.]
Limpkin \Limp"kin\ (l[i^]mp"k[i^]n), n. (Zo["o]l.)
Either one of two species of wading birds of the genus
{Aramus}, intermediate between the cranes and rails. The
limpkins are remarkable for the great length of the toes. One
species ({A. giganteus}) inhabits Florida and the West
Indies; the other ({A. scolopaceus}) is found in South
America. Called also {courlan}, and {crying bird}.
Limpness \Limp"ness\, n.
The quality or state of being limp.
Limpsy \Limp"sy\ (-s[y^]), Limsy \Lim"sy\ (l[i^]m"s[y^]), a.
[See {Limp}, a., and cf. W. llymsi having a fickle motion,
weak. Cf. {Flimsy}.]
Limp; flexible; flimsy. [Local, U. S.]
Limu \Li"mu\ (l[=e]"m[=oo]), n. (Bot.)
The Hawaiian name for seaweeds. Over sixty kinds are used as
food, and have species names, as {Limu Lipoa}, {Limu
palawai}, etc.
Limule \Lim"ule\ (l[i^]m"[-u]l), n. [F.] (Zo["o]l.)
A limulus.
Limuloidea \Lim`u*loi"de*a\ (l[i^]m`[-u]*loi"d[-e]*[.a]), n. pl.
[NL. See {Limulus}, and {-oid}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of Merostomata, including among living animals the
genus Limulus, with various allied fossil genera, mostly of
the Carboniferous period. Called also {Xiphosura}.
Note: There are six pairs of leglike organs, surrounding the
mouth, most of which terminate in claws; those of the
first pair (probably mandibles) are the smallest; the
others have the basal joints thickened and spinose, to
serve as jaws, while the terminal joints serve as legs.
This group is intermediate, in some characteristics,
between crustaceans and certain arachnids (scorpions),
but the respiration is by means of lamellate gills
borne upon the five posterior abdominal appendages,
which are flat and united in pairs by their inner
edges, and are protected by the lidlike anterior pair,
which also bear the genital orifices.
Limulus \Lim"u*lus\ (l[i^]m"[-u]*l[u^]s), n.; pl. {Limuli}
(-l[imac]). [L., dim. of limus sidelong, askance.] (Zo["o]l.)
The only existing genus of Merostomata. It includes only a
few species from the East Indies, and one ({Limulus
polyphemus}) from the Atlantic coast of North America. Called
also {Molucca crab}, {king crab}, {horseshoe crab}, and
{horsefoot}.
Limy \Lim"y\ (l[imac]m"[y^]), a. [See 4th {Lime}.]
1. Smeared with, or consisting of, lime; viscous. ``Limy
snares.'' --Spenser.
2. Containing lime; as, a limy soil.
3. Resembling lime; having the qualities of lime.
Lin \Lin\ (l[i^]n), v. i. [AS. linnan. See {Lithe}.]
To yield; to stop; to cease. [Obs. or Scot.] --Marston.
Lin \Lin\, v. t.
To cease from. [Obs. or Scot.]
Lin \Lin\, n. [Ir. linn, or Gael. linne; akin to W. llyn a pool,
pond, lake, but in senses 2 and 3 prob. from AS. hlynn
torrent. Cf. {Dunlin}.]
1. A pool or collection of water, particularly one above or
below a fall of water.
2. A waterfall, or cataract; as, a roaring lin.
3. A steep ravine.
Note: Written also linn and lyn.
Linage \Lin"age\ (l[i^]n"[asl]j), n.
See {Lineage}. [Obs.] --Holland.
Linament \Lin"a*ment\ (-[.a]*ment), n. [L. linamentum, fr. linum
flax.] (Surg.)
Lint; esp., lint made into a tent for insertion into wounds
or ulcers.
Linarite \Li*nar"ite\ (l[-e]*n[aum]r"[imac]t), n. [So called
because formerly supposed to occur at Linares, in Spain.]
(Min.)
A hydrous sulphate of lead and copper occurring in bright
blue monoclinic crystals.
Linch \Linch\ (l[i^]nch), n. [AS. hlinc a hill.]
A ledge; a right-angled projection.
Linchi \Lin"chi\ (l[i^]n"ch[i^]), n. [Native Chinese name.]
(Zo["o]l.)
An esculent swallow.
Linchpin \Linch"pin`\ (l[i^]nch"p[i^]n`), n. [AS. lynis the
axletree; akin to D. luns linchpin, OS. lunisa, LG. lunse, G.
l["u]nse, OHG. lun peg, bolt.]
A pin used to prevent the wheel of a vehicle from sliding off
the axletree.
Lincoln green \Lin"coln green"\ (l[i^][ng]"k[u^]n gr[=e]n").
A color of cloth formerly made in Lincoln, England; the cloth
itself.
Lincture \Linc"ture\ (l[i^][ng]k"t[-u]r; 135), Linctus
\Linc"tus\ (l[i^][ng]k"t[u^]s), n. [L. lingere, linctum, to
lick.]
Medicine taken by licking with the tongue.
Lind \Lind\ (l[i^]nd), n.
The linden. See {Linden}. --Chaucer.
Linden \Lin"den\ (l[i^]n"den), n. [Orig. an adj. from lind
linden tree, AS. lind; akin to D. & G. linde, OHG. linta,
Icel., Sw., & Dan. lind. Cf. {Lime} linden.] (Bot.)
(a) A handsome tree ({Tilia Europ[ae]a}), having cymes of
light yellow flowers, and large cordate leaves. The tree
is common in Europe.
(b) In America, the basswood, or {Tilia Americana}.
Lindia \Lin"di*a\ (l[i^]n"d[i^]*[.a]), n. [NL.] (Zo["o]l.)
A peculiar genus of rotifers, remarkable for the absence of
ciliated disks. By some zo["o]logists it is thought to be
like the ancestral form of the Arthropoda.
Lindiform \Lin"di*form\ (-d[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [Lindia + -form.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Resembling the genus Lindia; -- said of certain apodous
insect larv[ae]. [See Illust. under {Larva}.]
Line \Line\ (l[imac]n), n. [OE. lin. See {Linen}.]
1. Flax; linen. [Obs.] ``Garments made of line.'' --Spenser.
2. The longer and finer fiber of flax.
Line \Line\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lined} (l[imac]nd); p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lining}.] [See {Line} flax.]
1. To cover the inner surface of; as, to line a cloak with
silk or fur; to line a box with paper or tin.
The inside lined with rich carnation silk. --W.
Browne.
2. To put something in the inside of; to fill; to supply, as
a purse with money.
The charge amounteth very high for any one man's
purse, except lined beyond ordinary, to reach unto.
--Carew.
Till coffee has her stomach lined. --Swift.
3. To place persons or things along the side of for security
or defense; to strengthen by adding anything; to fortify;
as, to line works with soldiers.
Line and new repair our towns of war With men of
courage and with means defendant. --Shak.
4. To impregnate; -- applied to brute animals. --Creech.
{Lined gold}, gold foil having a lining of another metal.
Line \Line\, n. [OE. line, AS. l[=i]ne cable, hawser, prob. from
L. linea a linen thread, string, line, fr. linum flax,
thread, linen, cable; but the English word was influenced by
F. ligne line, from the same L. word linea. See {Linen}.]
1. A linen thread or string; a slender, strong cord; also, a
cord of any thickness; a rope; a hawser; as, a fishing
line; a line for snaring birds; a clothesline; a towline.
Who so layeth lines for to latch fowls. --Piers
Plowman.
2. A more or less threadlike mark of pen, pencil, or graver;
any long mark; as, a chalk line.
3. The course followed by anything in motion; hence, a road
or route; as, the arrow descended in a curved line; the
place is remote from lines of travel.
4. Direction; as, the line of sight or vision.
5. A row of letters, words, etc., written or printed; esp., a
row of words extending across a page or column.
6. A short letter; a note; as, a line from a friend.
7. (Poet.) A verse, or the words which form a certain number
of feet, according to the measure.
In the preceding line Ulysses speaks of Nausicaa.
--Broome.
8. Course of conduct, thought, occupation, or policy; method
of argument; department of industry, trade, or
intellectual activity.
He is uncommonly powerful in his own line, but it is
not the line of a first-rate man. --Coleridge.
9. (Math.) That which has length, but not breadth or
thickness.
10. The exterior limit of a figure, plat, or territory;
boundary; contour; outline.
Eden stretched her line From Auran eastward to the
royal towers Of great Seleucia. --Milton.
11. A threadlike crease marking the face or the hand; hence,
characteristic mark.
Though on his brow were graven lines austere.
--Byron.
He tipples palmistry, and dines On all her
fortune-telling lines. --Cleveland.
12. Lineament; feature; figure. ``The lines of my boy's
face.'' --Shak.
13. A straight row; a continued series or rank; as, a line of
houses, or of soldiers; a line of barriers.
Unite thy forces and attack their lines. --Dryden.
14. A series or succession of ancestors or descendants of a
given person; a family or race; as, the ascending or
descending line; the line of descent; the male line; a
line of kings.
Of his lineage am I, and his offspring By very
line, as of the stock real. --Chaucer.
15. A connected series of public conveyances, and hence, an
established arrangement for forwarding merchandise, etc.;
as, a line of stages; an express line.
16. (Geog.)
(a) A circle of latitude or of longitude, as represented
on a map.
(b) The equator; -- usually called {the line}, or
{equinoctial line}; as, to cross the line.
17. A long tape, or a narrow ribbon of steel, etc., marked
with subdivisions, as feet and inches, for measuring; a
tapeline.
18. (Script.)
(a) A measuring line or cord.
He marketh it out with a line. --Is. xliv.
13.
(b) That which was measured by a line, as a field or any
piece of land set apart; hence, allotted place of
abode.
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant
places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. --Ps.
xvi. 6.
(c) Instruction; doctrine.
Their line is gone out through all the earth.
--Ps. xix. 4.
19. (Mach.) The proper relative position or adjustment of
parts, not as to design or proportion, but with reference
to smooth working; as, the engine is in line or out of
line.
20. The track and roadbed of a railway; railroad.
21. (Mil.)
(a) A row of men who are abreast of one another, whether
side by side or some distance apart; -- opposed to
{column}.
(b) The regular infantry of an army, as distinguished
from militia, guards, volunteer corps, cavalry,
artillery, etc.
22. (Fort.)
(a) A trench or rampart.
(b) pl. Dispositions made to cover extended positions,
and presenting a front in but one direction to an
enemy.
23. pl. (Shipbuilding) Form of a vessel as shown by the
outlines of vertical, horizontal, and oblique sections.
24. (Mus.) One of the straight horizontal and parallel
prolonged strokes on and between which the notes are
placed.
25. (Stock Exchange) A number of shares taken by a jobber.
26. (Trade) A series of various qualities and values of the
same general class of articles; as, a full line of
hosiery; a line of merinos, etc. --McElrath.
27. The wire connecting one telegraphic station with another,
or the whole of a system of telegraph wires under one
management and name.
28. pl. The reins with which a horse is guided by his driver.
[U. S.]
29. A measure of length; one twelfth of an inch.
{Hard lines}, hard lot. --C. Kingsley. [See Def. 18.]
{Line breeding} (Stockbreeding), breeding by a certain family
line of descent, especially in the selection of the dam or
mother.
{Line conch} (Zo["o]l.), a spiral marine shell ({Fasciolaria
distans}), of Florida and the West Indies. It is marked by
narrow, dark, revolving lines.
{Line engraving}.
(a) Engraving in which the effects are produced by lines
of different width and closeness, cut with the burin
upon copper or similar material; also, a plate so
engraved.
(b) A picture produced by printing from such an
engraving.
{Line of battle}.
(a) (Mil. Tactics) The position of troops drawn up in
their usual order without any determined maneuver.
(b) (Naval) The line or arrangement formed by vessels of
war in an engagement.
{Line of battle ship}. See {Ship of the line}, below.
{Line of beauty} (Fine Arts),an abstract line supposed to be
beautiful in itself and absolutely; -- differently
represented by different authors, often as a kind of
elongated S (like the one drawn by Hogarth).
{Line of centers}. (Mach.)
(a) A line joining two centers, or fulcra, as of wheels
or levers.
(b) A line which determines a dead center. See {Dead
center}, under {Dead}.
{Line of dip} (Geol.), a line in the plane of a stratum, or
part of a stratum, perpendicular to its intersection with
a horizontal plane; the line of greatest inclination of a
stratum to the horizon.
{Line of fire} (Mil.), the direction of fire.
{Line of force} (Physics), any line in a space in which
forces are acting, so drawn that at every point of the
line its tangent is the direction of the resultant of all
the forces. It cuts at right angles every equipotential
surface which it meets. Specifically (Magnetism), a line
in proximity to a magnet so drawn that any point in it is
tangential with the direction of a short compass needle
held at that point. --Faraday.
{Line of life} (Palmistry), a line on the inside of the hand,
curving about the base of the thumb, supposed to indicate,
by its form or position, the length of a person's life.
{Line of lines}. See {Gunter's line}.
{Line of march}. (Mil.)
(a) Arrangement of troops for marching.
(b) Course or direction taken by an army or body of
troops in marching.
{Line of operations}, that portion of a theater of war which
an army passes over in attaining its object. --H. W.
Halleck.
{Line of sight} (Firearms), the line which passes through the
front and rear sight, at any elevation, when they are
sighted at an object.
{Line tub} (Naut.), a tub in which the line carried by a
whaleboat is coiled.
{Mason and Dixon's line}
, the boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, as run
before the Revolution (1764-1767) by two English astronomers
named Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. In an extended sense,
the line between the free and the slave States.
{On the line}, on a level with the eye of the spectator; --
said of a picture, as hung in an exhibition of pictures.
{Right line}, a straight line; the shortest line that can be
drawn between two points.
{Ship of the line}, formerly, a ship of war large enough to
have a place in the line of battle; a vessel superior to a
frigate; usually, a seventy-four, or three-decker; --
called also {line of battle ship}.
--Totten.
{To cross the line}, to cross the equator, as a vessel at
sea.
{To give a person line}, to allow him more or less liberty
until it is convenient to stop or check him, like a hooked
fish that swims away with the line.
{Water line} (Shipbuilding), the outline of a horizontal
section of a vessel, as when floating in the water.
Line \Line\ (l[imac]n), v. t.
1. To mark with a line or lines; to cover with lines; as, to
line a copy book.
He had a healthy color in his cheeks, and his face,
though lined, bore few traces of anxiety. --Dickens.
2. To represent by lines; to delineate; to portray. [R.]
``Pictures fairest lined.'' --Shak.
3. To read or repeat line by line; as, to line out a hymn.
This custom of reading or lining, or, as it was
frequently called, ``deaconing'' the hymn or psalm
in the churches, was brought about partly from
necessity. --N. D. Gould.
4. To form into a line; to align; as, to line troops.
{To line bees}, to track wild bees to their nest by following
their line of flight.
{To line up} (Mach.), to put in alignment; to put in correct
adjustment for smooth running. See 3d {Line}, 19.
Lineage \Lin"e*age\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*[asl]j; 48), n. [OE. linage, F.
lignage, fr. L. linea line. See 3d {Line}.]
Descent in a line from a common progenitor; progeny; race;
descending line of offspring or ascending line of parentage.
Both the lineage and the certain sire From which I
sprung, from me are hidden yet. --Spenser.
Lineal \Lin"e*al\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*al), a. [L. linealis belonging to
a line, fr. linea line: cf. F. lin['e]al. See 3d {Line}.]
1. Descending in a direct line from an ancestor; hereditary;
derived from ancestors; -- opposed to {collateral}; as, a
lineal descent or a lineal descendant.
The prime and ancient right of lineal succession.
--Locke.
2. Inheriting by direct descent; having the right by direct
descent to succeed (to).
For only you are lineal to the throne. --Dryden.
3. Composed of lines; delineated; as, lineal designs.
4. In the direction of a line; of or pertaining to a line;
measured on, or ascertained by, a line; linear; as, lineal
magnitude.
{Lineal measure}, the measure of length; -- usually written
{linear measure}.
Lineality \Lin`e*al"i*ty\ (-[a^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.
The quality of being lineal.
Lineally \Lin"e*al*ly\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*al*l[y^]), adv.
In a lineal manner; as, the prince is lineally descended from
the Conqueror.
Lineament \Lin"e*a*ment\ (-[.a]*ment), n. [L. lineamentum, fr.
linea line: cf. F. lin['e]ament. See 3d {Line}.]
One of the outlines, exterior features, or distinctive marks,
of a body or figure, particularly of the face; feature; form;
mark; -- usually in the plural. ``The lineaments of the
body.'' --Locke. ``Lineaments in the character.'' --Swift.
Man he seems In all his lineaments. --Milton.
Linear \Lin"e*ar\ (-[-e]*[~e]r), a. [L. linearis, linearius, fr.
linea line: cf. F. lin['e]aire. See 3d {Line}.]
1. Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a
straight direction; lineal.
2. (Bot.) Like a line; narrow; of the same breadth
throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf.
{Linear differential equation} (Math.), an equation which is
of the first degree, when the expression which is equated
to zero is regarded as a function of the dependent
variable and its differential coefficients.
{Linear equation} (Math.), an equation of the first degree
between two variables; -- so called because every such
equation may be considered as representing a right line.
{Linear measure}, the measurement of length.
{Linear numbers} (Math.), such numbers as have relation to
length only: such is a number which represents one side of
a plane figure. If the plane figure is a square, the
linear figure is called a root.
{Linear problem} (Geom.), a problem which may be solved
geometrically by the use of right lines alone.
{Linear transformation} (Alg.), a change of variables where
each variable is replaced by a function of the first
degree in the new variable.
Linearensate \Lin`e*ar*en"sate\ (-[e^]n"s[asl]t), a. (Bot.)
Having the form of a sword, but very long and narrow.
Linearly \Lin"e*ar*ly\, adv.
In a linear manner; with lines.
Linear-shaped \Lin"e*ar-shaped`\ (-sh[=a]pt`), a.
Of a linear shape.
Lineary \Lin"e*a*ry\ (-[asl]*r[y^]), a.
Linear. -- Holland.
Lineate \Lin"e*ate\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*[asl]t), Lineated \Lin"e*a`ted\
(-[=a]`t[e^]d), a. [L. lineatus, p. p. of lineare to reduce
to a straight line, fr. linea line.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Marked with lines.
2. (Bot.) Marked longitudinally with depressed parallel
lines; as, a lineate leaf.
Lineation \Lin`e*a"tion\ (-[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. lineatio the
drawing of a line, fr. lineare.]
Delineation; a line or lines.
Lineature \Lin"e*a*ture\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*[.a]*t[-u]r; 135), n.
Anything having outline. [R.]
--Holland.
Lineman \Line"man\ (l[imac]n"m[a^]n), n.; pl. {Linemen}
(-m[e^]n).
1. One who carries the line in surveying, etc.
2. A man employed to examine the rails of a railroad to see
if they are in good condition; also, a man employed to
repair telegraph lines.
Linen \Lin"en\ (l[i^]n"[e^]n), a. [OE., fr. lin linen. See
{Linen}, n.]
1. Made of linen; as, linen cloth; a linen stocking.
2. Resembling linen cloth; white; pale.
Linen \Lin"en\, n. [Prop. an adj. from OE. lin flax, AS. l[=i]n
flax, whence l[=i]nen made of flax; akin to OS., Icel., &
MHG. l[=i]n flax and linen, G. lein, leinen, linen, Sw. lin
flax, Goth. lein linen, L. linum flax, linen, Gr. li`non. Cf.
{Line}, {Linseed}.]
1. Thread or cloth made of flax or (rarely) of hemp; -- used
in a general sense to include cambric, shirting, sheeting,
towels, tablecloths, etc. ``In linen white as milk.''
--Robert of Brunne.
2. Underclothing, esp. the shirt, as being, in former times,
chiefly made of linen.
{Linen draper}, a dealer in linen.
{Linen prover}, a small microscope for counting the threads
in a given space in linen fabrics.
{Linen scroll}, {Linen pattern} (Arch.), an ornament for
filling panels, copied from the folds of a piece of stuff
symmetrically disposed.
Linener \Lin"en*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
A dealer in linen; a linen draper. [Obs.]
Lineolate \Lin"e*o*late\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*[-o]*l[asl]t), a. [L.
lineola, dim. of linea line.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Marked with little lines.
2. (Bot.) Marked longitudinally with fine lines. --Gray.
Liner \Lin"er\ (l[imac]n"[~e]r), n.
1. One who lines, as, a liner of shoes.
2. A vessel belonging to a regular line of packets; also, a
line-of-battle ship; a ship of the line.
3. (Mach.) A thin piece placed between two parts to hold or
adjust them, fill a space, etc.; a shim.
4. (Steam Engine) A lining within the cylinder, in which the
piston works and between which and the outer shell of the
cylinder a space is left to form a steam jacket.
5. A slab on which small pieces of marble, tile, etc., are
fastened for grinding.
6. (Baseball) A ball which, when struck, flies through the
air in a nearly straight line not far from the ground.
-ling \-ling\ (-l[i^]ng). [AS. -ling.]
A noun suffix, commonly having a diminutive or a depreciatory
force; as in duckling, gosling, hireling, fosterling,
firstling, underling.
-ling \-ling\
An adverbial suffix; as, darkling, flatling.
Ling \Ling\ (l[i^]ng), n. [OE. lenge; akin to D. leng, G.
l["a]nge, Dan. lange, Sw. l[*a]nga, Icel. langa. So named
from its being long. See {Long}, a.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A large, marine, gadoid fish ({Molva vulgaris}) of
Northern Europe and Greenland. It is valued as a food
fish and is largely salted and dried. Called also
{drizzle}.
(b) The burbot of Lake Ontario.
(c) An American hake of the genus {Phycis}. [Canada]
(d) A New Zealand food fish of the genus {Genypterus}. The
name is also locally applied to other fishes, as the
cultus cod, the mutton fish, and the cobia.
Ling \Ling\, n. [Icel. lyng; akin to Dan. lyng, Sw. ljung.]
(Bot.)
Heather ({Calluna vulgaris}).
{Ling honey}, a sort of wild honey, made from the flowers of
the heather. --Holland.
Linga \Lin"ga\ (l[i^][ng]"g[.a]), Lingam \Lin"gam\
(l[i^][ng]"g[a^]m), n. [Skr. li[.n]ga.]
The phallic symbol under which Siva is principally worshiped
in his character of the creative and reproductive power.
--Whitworth. E. Arnold.
Ling-bird \Ling"-bird`\ (l[i^]ng"b[~e]rd`), n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European meadow pipit; -- called also {titling}.
Lingel \Lin"gel\ (l[i^][ng]"g[e^]l), n. [F. ligneul, dim. of L.
linea a linen thread.]
1. A shoemaker's thread. [Obs.]
2. A little tongue or thong of leather; a lacing for belts.
--Crabb.
Lingence \Lin"gence\ (l[i^]n"jens), n. [L. lingere to lick.]
A linctus. [Obs.] --Fuller.
Linger \Lin"ger\ (l[i^][ng]"g[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
{Lingered} (-g[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lingering}.] [OE.
lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr. lang
long. [root]125. See {Long}, a.]
To delay; to loiter; to remain or wait long; to be slow or
reluctant in parting or moving; to be slow in deciding; to be
in suspense; to hesitate.
Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. --Gray.
Perhaps thou linger'st, in deep thoughts detained.
--Milton.
Syn: To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate.
Linger \Lin"ger\, v. t.
1. To protract; to draw out. [Obs.]
She lingers my desires. --Shak.
2. To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as,
to linger out one's days on a sick bed. --Dryden.
Lingerer \Lin"ger*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who lingers. --Guardian.
Lingering \Lin"ger*ing\, a.
1. Delaying.
2. Drawn out in time; remaining long; protracted; as, a
lingering disease.
To die is the fate of man; but to die with lingering
anguish is generally his folly. --Rambler.
Lingeringly \Lin"ger*ing*ly\, adv.
With delay; slowly; tediously.
Linget \Lin"get\ (l[i^][ng]"g[e^]t), n. [F. lingot, perh. fr. L.
lingua tongue (see {Tongue}). Cf. {Ingot}.]
An ingot. [Written also {lingot}.]
Lingism \Ling"ism\ (l[i^]ng"[i^]z'm), n.
A mode of treating certain diseases, as obesity, by
gymnastics; -- proposed by Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swede. See
{Kinesiatrics}.
Lingle \Lin"gle\ (l[i^][ng]"g'l), n.
See {Lingel}.
Lingo \Lin"go\ (l[i^][ng]"g[-o]), n. [L. lingua tongue,
language. See {Lingual}.]
Language; speech; dialect. [Slang]
Lingoa wood \Lin*go"a wood`\ (l[i^][ng]*g[=o]"[.a] w[oo^]d`).
Amboyna wood.
Lingot \Lin"got\ (l[i^][ng]"g[o^]t), n.
A linget or ingot; also, a mold for casting metals. See
{Linget}.
Lingua \Lin"gua\ (l[i^][ng]"gw[.a]), n.; pl. {Lingu[ae]}
(-gw[=e]). [L., the tongue.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A tongue.
(b) A median process of the labium, at the under side of the
mouth in insects, and serving as a tongue.
Linguacious \Lin*gua"cious\ (l[i^][ng]*gw[=a]"sh[u^]s), a. [L.
linguax, -acis, loquacious, fr. lingua tongue.]
Given to the use of the tongue; loquacious. [Obs.]
Linguadental \Lin`gua*den"tal\ (l[i^][ng]`gw[.a]*d[e^]n"tal), a.
[L. lingua tongue + E. dental.] (Phonetics)
Formed or uttered by the joint use of the tongue and teeth,
or rather that part of the gum just above the front teeth;
dentolingual, as the letters d and t.
Linguadental \Lin`gua*den"tal\, n. (Phonetics)
An articulation pronounced by the aid or use of the tongue
and teeth.
Lingua Franca \Lin"gua Fran"ca\ (l[i^][ng]"gw[.a]
fr[a^][ng]"k[.a]). [It., prop., language of the Franks.]
The commercial language of the Levant, -- a mixture of the
languages of the people of the region and of foreign traders.
Lingual \Lin"gual\ (l[i^][ng]"gwal), a. [L. lingua tongue: cf.
F. lingual. See {Tongue}, and cf. {Language}.]
Of or pertaining to the tongue; uttered by the aid of the
tongue; glossal; as, the lingual nerves; a lingual letter.
{Lingual ribbon}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Odontophore}.
Lingual \Lin"gual\, n.
A consonant sound formed by the aid of the tongue; -- a term
especially applied to certain articulations (as those of t,
d, th, and n) and to the letters denoting them.
Note: In Sanskrit grammar certain letters, as [.t], [.t]h,
[dsdot], [dsdot]h, [.n], are called linguals,
cerebrals, or cacuminals. They are uttered with the tip
of the tongue turned up and drawn back into the dome of
the palate.
Linguality \Lin*gual"i*ty\ (l[i^][ng]*gw[a^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.
The quality of being lingual.
Linguatulida \Lin`gua*tu"li*da\
(l[i^][ng]`gw[.a]*t[=u]"l[i^]*d[.a]), n. pl. [NL., fr. L.
lingua tongue.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Linguatulina}.
Linguatulina \Lin*guat`u*li"na\
(l[i^][ng]*gw[a^]t`[-u]*l[imac]"n[.a]), n. pl. [NL., fr. L.
lingua tongue.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of wormlike, degraded, parasitic arachnids. They
have two pairs of retractile hooks, near the mouth. Called
also {Pentastomida}.
Note: The adults of some species inhabit the nostrils and
nasal sinuses of dogs and other carnivores. The young,
after being swallowed by sheep, rabbits, etc., find
their way to the lungs and liver and become encysted.
These, when eaten by carnivores, develop into the adult
forms.
Linguidental \Lin`gui*den"tal\ (l[i^][ng]`gw[i^]*d[e^]n"tal), a.
& n.
Linguadental.
Linguiform \Lin"gui*form\ (l[i^][ng]"gw[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [L.
lingua tongue + -form: cf. F. linguiforme.]
Having the form of the tongue; tongue-shaped.
Linguist \Lin"guist\ (l[i^][ng]"gw[i^]st), n. [L. lingua tongue,
speech, language: cf. F. linguiste.]
1. A master of the use of language; a talker. [Obs.]
I'll dispute with him; He's a rare linguist. --J.
Webster.
2. A person skilled in languages.
There too were Gibbon, the greatest historian, and
Jones, the greatest linguist, of the age.
--Macaulay.
Linguistic \Lin*guis"tic\ (l[i^][ng]*gw[i^]s"t[i^]k),
Linguistical \Lin*guis"tic*al\ (-t[i^]*kal), a. [Cf. F.
linguistique.]
Of or pertaining to language; relating to linguistics, or to
the affinities of languages.
Linguistically \Lin*guis"tic*al*ly\, adv.
In a linguistic manner; from the point of view of a linguist.
--Tylor.
Linguistics \Lin*guis"tics\ (-t[i^]ks), n. [Cf. F.
linguistique.]
The science of languages, or of the origin, signification,
and application of words; glossology.
Lingula \Lin"gu*la\ (l[i^][ng]"g[-u]*l[.a]), n.; pl. {-l[ae]}
(-l[=e]). [L., a little tongue.]
1. (Anat.) A tonguelike process or part.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of brachiopod
shells belonging to the genus {Lingula}, and related
genera. See {Brachiopoda}, and Illustration in Appendix.
{Lingula flags} (Geol.), a group of strata in the lower
Silurian or Cambrian system of Wales, in which some of the
layers contain vast numbers of a species of Lingula.
Lingulate \Lin"gu*late\ (-l[asl]t), a. [L. lingulatus, fr.
lingula a little tongue. Cf. {Ligulate}.]
Shaped like the tongue or a strap; ligulate.
Linigerous \Li*nig"er*ous\ (l[i^]*n[i^]j"[~e]r*[u^]s), a. [L.
linum flax + -gerous.]
Bearing flax; producing linen.
Liniment \Lin"i*ment\ (l[i^]n"[i^]*ment), n. [L. linimentum, fr.
linire, linere, to besmear, anoint : cf. F. liniment. Cf.
{Letter}, {Lime} a viscous substance.]
A liquid or semiliquid preparation of a consistence thinner
than an ointment, applied to the skin by friction, esp. one
used as a sedative or a stimulant.
Lining \Lin"ing\ (l[imac]n"[i^]ng), n. [See {Line} to cover the
inside.]
1. The act of one who lines; the act or process of making
lines, or of inserting a lining.
2. That which covers the inner surface of anything, as of a
garment or a box; also, the contents of anything.
The lining of his coffers shall make coats To deck
our soldiers. --Shak.
Link \Link\ (l[i^][ng]k), n. [Prob. corrupted from lint and this
for lunt a torch, match, D. lont match; akin to G. lunte, cf.
MHG. l["u]nden to burn. Cf. {Lunt}, {Linstock}.]
A torch made of tow and pitch, or the like. --Shak.
Link \Link\, n. [OE. linke, AS. hlence; akin to Sw. l["a]nk ring
of a chain, Dan. l[ae]nke chain, Icel. hlekkr; cf. G. gelenk
joint, link, ring of a chain, lenken to bend.]
1. A single ring or division of a chain.
2. Hence: Anything, whether material or not, which binds
together, or connects, separate things; a part of a
connected series; a tie; a bond. ``Links of iron.''
--Shak.
The link of brotherhood, by which One common Maker bound
me to the kind. --Cowper.
And so by double links enchained themselves in lover's
life. --Gascoigne.
3. Anything doubled and closed like a link; as, a link of
horsehair. --Mortimer.
4. (Kinematics) Any one of the several elementary pieces of a
mechanism, as the fixed frame, or a rod, wheel, mass of
confined liquid, etc., by which relative motion of other
parts is produced and constrained.
5. (Mach.) Any intermediate rod or piece for transmitting
force or motion, especially a short connecting rod with a
bearing at each end; specifically (Steam Engine), the
slotted bar, or connecting piece, to the opposite ends of
which the eccentric rods are jointed, and by means of
which the movement of the valve is varied, in a link
motion.
6. (Surveying) The length of one joint of Gunter's chain,
being the hundredth part of it, or 7.92 inches, the chain
being 66 feet in length. Cf. {Chain}, n., 4.
7. (Chem.) A bond of affinity, or a unit of valence between
atoms; -- applied to a unit of chemical force or
attraction.
8. pl. Sausages; -- because linked together. [Colloq.]
Link \Link\ (l[i^][ng]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Linked}
(l[i^][ng]kt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Linking}.]
To connect or unite with a link or as with a link; to join;
to attach; to unite; to couple.
All the tribes and nations that composed it [the Roman
Empire] were linked together, not only by the same laws
and the same government, but by all the facilities of
commodious intercourse, and of frequent communication.
--Eustace.
Link \Link\, v. i.
To be connected.
No one generation could link with the other. --Burke.
Linkage \Link"age\ (l[i^][ng]k"[asl]j; 48), n.
1. The act of linking; the state of being linked; also, a
system of links.
2. (Chem.) Manner of linking or of being linked; -- said of
the union of atoms or radicals in the molecule.
3. (Geom.) A system of straight lines or bars, fastened
together by joints, and having certain of their points
fixed in a plane. It is used to describe straight lines
and curves in the plane.
Linkboy \Link"boy`\ (-boi`), Linkman \Link"man\ (-m[a^]n), n.
[See 1st {Link}.]
A boy or man that carried a link or torch to light
passengers.
Link motion \Link" mo"tion\ (m[=o]"sh[u^]n). (Steam Engine)
A valve gear, consisting of two eccentrics with their rods,
giving motion to a slide valve by an adjustable connecting
bar, called the link, in such a way that the motion of the
engine can be reversed, or the cut-off varied, at will; --
used very generally in locomotives and marine engines.
Note: The illustration shows a link motion for a vertical
engine, c representing the shaft carrying two
eccentrics, a and b, for making the engine run forward
and backward, respectively, their rods e and d being
jointed to opposite ends of the slotted link f, in the
opening of which is a pin g which is attached to the
valve rod h. The valve will receive the motion of the
forward eccentric when the link is in the position
shown, and the motion of the backward eccentric when
the link is shifted so far to the right as to bring e
in line with h, or a compound motion derived from both
eccentrics when the link is shifted to intermediate
positions, the compound motion causing the valve to cut
off the steam at a point determined by the position to
which the link may have been shifted.
Linkwork \Link"work`\ (-w[^u]rk`), n.
1. A fabric consisting of links made of metal or other
material fastened together; also, a chain.
And thou shalt make hooks of gold, and two chains of
fine gold; linkwork and wreathed. --Udall.
2. Mechanism in which links, or intermediate connecting
pieces, are employed to transmit motion from one part to
another.
Linnaea borealis \Lin*n[ae]"a bo`re*a"lis\ (l[i^]n*n[=e]"[.a]
b[=o]`r[-e]*[=a]"l[i^]s). [NL. Linnaeus Linn[ae]an + L.
borealis northern.] (Bot.)
The twin flower which grows in cold northern climates.
Linnaean \Lin*n[ae]"an\, Linnean \Lin*ne"an\ (l[i^]n*n[=e]"an),
a.
Of or pertaining to Linn[ae]us, the celebrated Swedish
botanist.
{Linn[ae]an system} (Bot.), the system in which the classes
are founded mainly upon the number of stamens, and the
orders upon the pistils; the artificial or sexual system.
Linnaeite \Lin*n[ae]"ite\ (-[imac]t), n. [See {Linn[ae]an}.]
(Min.)
A mineral of pale steel-gray color and metallic luster,
occurring in isometric crystals, and also massive. It is a
sulphide of cobalt containing some nickel or copper.
Linne \Linne\ (l[i^]n), n.
Flax. See {Linen}. [Obs.]
Linnet \Lin"net\ (l[i^]n"n[e^]t), n. [F. linot, linotte, from L.
linum flax; or perh. shortened from AS. l[=i]netwige, fr. AS.
l[=i]n flax; -- so called because it feeds on the seeds of
flax and hemp. See {Linen}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of fringilline birds of the genera
{Linota}, {Acanthis}, and allied genera, esp. the common
European species ({L. cannabina}), which, in full summer
plumage, is chestnut brown above, with the breast more or
less crimson. The feathers of its head are grayish brown,
tipped with crimson. Called also {gray linnet}, {red linnet},
{rose linnet}, {brown linnet}, {lintie}, {lintwhite}, {gorse
thatcher}, {linnet finch}, and {greater redpoll}. The
American redpoll linnet ({Acanthis linaria}) often has the
crown and throat rosy. See {Redpoll}, and {Twite}.
{Green linnet} (Zo["o]l.), the European green finch.
Linoleate \Li*no"le*ate\ (l[i^]*n[=o]"l[-e]*[asl]t), n. (Chem.)
A salt of linoleic acid.
Linoleic \Li*no"le*ic\ (l[i^]*n[=o]"l[-e]*[i^]k), a.
Pertaining to, or derived from, linoleum, or linseed oil;
specifically (Chem.), designating an organic acid, a thin
yellow oil, found combined as a salt of glycerin in oils of
linseed, poppy, hemp, and certain nuts.
Linoleum \Li*no"le*um\ (l[i^]*n[=o]"l[-e]*[u^]m), n. [L. linum
flax + oleum oil.]
1. Linseed oil brought to various degrees of hardness by some
oxidizing process, as by exposure to heated air, or by
treatment with chloride of sulphur. In this condition it
is used for many of the purposes to which India rubber has
been applied.
2. A kind of floor cloth made by laying hardened linseed oil
mixed with ground cork on a canvas backing.
Linoxin \Li*nox"in\ (l[i^]*n[o^]ks"[i^]n), n. [Linoleic +
oxygen.] (Chem.)
A resinous substance obtained as an oxidation product of
linoleic acid. [Written also {linoxyn}.]
Linsang \Lin*sang"\ (l[i^]n*s[aum]ng"), n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any viverrine mammal of the genus {Prionodon}, inhabiting the
East Indies and Southern Asia. The common East Indian linsang
({P. gracilis}) is white, crossed by broad, black bands. The
Guinea linsang ({Porana Richardsonii}) is brown with black
spots.
Linseed \Lin"seed`\ (l[i^]n"s[=e]d`), n. [OE. lin flax + seed.
See {Linen}.] (Bot.)
The seeds of flax, from which linseed oil is obtained.
[Written also {lintseed}.]
{Linseed cake}, the solid mass or cake which remains when oil
is expressed from flaxseed.
{Linseed meal}, linseed cake reduced to powder.
{Linseed oil}, oil obtained by pressure from flaxseed.
Linsey \Lin"sey\ (l[i^]n"s[y^]), n. [See {Linen}.]
Linsey-woolsey.
Linsey-woolsey \Lin"sey-wool"sey\ (-w[oo^]l"s[y^]; 277), n.
1. Cloth made of linen and wool, mixed.
2. Jargon. [Obs.] --Shak.
Linsey-woolsey \Lin"sey-wool"sey\, a.
Made of linen and wool; hence, of different and unsuitable
parts; mean. --Johnson.
Linstock \Lin"stock\ (l[i^]n"st[o^]k), n. [Corrupt. fr.
luntstock, D. lontstok; lont lunt + stok stock, stick. See
{Link} a torch, {Lunt}, and {Stock}.]
A pointed forked staff, shod with iron at the foot, to hold a
lighted match for firing cannon. [Written also {lintstock}.]
Lint \Lint\ (l[i^]nt), n. [AS. l[=i]net flax, hemp, fr. l[=i]n
flax; or, perh. borrowed fr. L. linteum a linen cloth, linen,
from linteus linen, a., fr. linum flax, lint. See {Linen}.]
1. Flax.
2. Linen scraped or otherwise made into a soft, downy or
fleecy substance for dressing wounds and sores; also, fine
ravelings, down, fluff, or loose short fibers from yarn or
fabrics.
{Lint doctor} (Calico-printing Mach.), a scraper to remove
lint from a printing cylinder.
Lintel \Lin"tel\ (l[i^]n"t[e^]l), n. [OF. lintel, F. linteau,
LL. lintellus, for limitellus, a dim. fr. L. limes limit. See
{Limit}.] (Arch.)
A horizontal member spanning an opening, and carrying the
superincumbent weight by means of its strength in resisting
crosswise fracture.
Lintie \Lin"tie\ (l[i^]n"t[i^]), Lintwhite \Lint"white`\
(l[i^]nt"hw[imac]t`), n. [AS. l[=i]netwige. See {Linnet}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
See {Linnet}. -- Tennyson.
Lintseed \Lint"seed`\ (l[i^]nt"s[=e]d`), n.
See {Linseed}.
Linum \Li"num\ (l[imac]"n[u^]m), n. [L., flax.] (Bot.)
A genus of herbaceous plants including the flax ({Linum
usitatissimum}).
Lion \Li"on\ (l[imac]"[u^]n), n. [F. lion, L. leo, -onis, akin
to Gr. le`wn. Cf. {Chameleon}, {Dandelion}, {Leopard}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A large carnivorous feline mammal ({Felis
leo}), found in Southern Asia and in most parts of Africa,
distinct varieties occurring in the different countries.
The adult male, in most varieties, has a thick mane of
long shaggy hair that adds to his apparent size, which is
less than that of the largest tigers. The length, however,
is sometimes eleven feet to the base of the tail. The
color is a tawny yellow or yellowish brown; the mane is
darker, and the terminal tuft of the tail is black. In one
variety, called the {maneless lion}, the male has only a
slight mane.
2. (Astron.) A sign and a constellation; Leo.
3. An object of interest and curiosity, especially a person
who is so regarded; as, he was quite a lion in London at
that time.
Such society was far more enjoyable than that of
Edinburgh, for here he was not a lion, but a man.
--Prof.
Wilson.
{American lion} (Zo["o]l.), the puma or cougar.
{Lion ant} (Zo["o]l.), the ant-lion.
{Lion dog} (Zo["o]l.), a fancy dog with a flowing mane,
usually clipped to resemble a lion's mane.
{Lion lizard} (Zo["o]l.), the basilisk.
{Lion's share}, all, or nearly all; the best or largest part;
-- from [AE]sop's fable of the lion hunting in company
with certain smaller beasts, and appropriating to himself
all the prey.
Lionced \Li"onced\ (l[imac]"[u^]nst), a. (Her.)
Adorned with lions' heads; having arms terminating in lions'
heads; -- said of a cross. [Written also {leonced}.]
Lioncel \Li"on*cel\ (l[imac]"[u^]n*s[e^]l), n. [OF., F.
lionceau, dim. of lion.] (Her.)
A small lion, especially one of several borne in the same
coat of arms.
Lionel \Li"on*el\ (-[e^]l), n. [OF., dim. of lion.] (Zo["o]l.)
The whelp of a lioness; a young lion.
Lioness \Li"on*ess\, n. [OF. lionesse.] (Zo["o]l.)
A female lion.
Lionet \Li"on*et\ (-[e^]t), n. [OF., dim. of lion.] (Zo["o]l.)
A young or small lion.
Lion-heart \Li"on-heart`\ (-h[aum]rt`), n.
A very brave person.
Lion-hearted \Li"on-heart`ed\ (-h[aum]rt`[e^]d), a.
Very brave; brave and magnanimous. --Sir W. Scott.
Lionhood \Li"on*hood\ (-h[oo^]d), n.
State of being a lion. --Carlyle.
Lionism \Li"on*ism\ (-[i^]z'm), n.
An attracting of attention, as a lion; also, the treating or
regarding as a lion.
Lionize \Li"on*ize\ (-[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lionized}
(-[imac]zd), p. pr. & vb. n. {Lionizing} (-[imac]`z[i^]ng).]
1. To treat or regard as a lion or object of great interest.
-- J. D. Forbes.
2. To show the lions or objects of interest to; to conduct
about among objects of interest. --Macaulay.
Lionlike \Li"on*like`\ (-l[imac]k`), a.
Like a lion; brave as a lion.
Lionly \Li"on*ly\, a.
Like a lion; fierce. [Obs.] --Milton.
Lion's ear \Li"on's ear`\ (l[imac]"[u^]nz [=e]r`). (Bot.)
A name given in Western South America to certain plants with
shaggy tomentose leaves, as species of {Culcitium}, and
{Espeletia}.
Lion's foot \Li"on's foot`\ (f[oo^]t`). (Bot.)
(a) A composite plant of the genus {Prenanthes}, of which
several species are found in the United States.
(b) The edelweiss.
Lionship \Li"on*ship\ (l[imac]"[u^]n*sh[i^]p), n.
The state of being a lion.
Lion's leaf \Li"on's leaf`\ (l[imac]"[u^]nz l[=e]f`). (Bot.)
A South European plant of the genus {Leontice} ({L.
leontopetalum}), the tuberous roots of which contain so much
alkali that they are sometimes used as a substitute for soap.
Lion's tail \Li"on's tail`\ (t[=a]l`). (Bot.)
A genus of labiate plants ({Leonurus}); -- so called from a
fancied resemblance of its flower spikes to the tuft of a
lion's tail. {L. Cardiaca} is the common {motherwort}.
Lion's tooth \Li"on's tooth`\ (t[=oo]th`); pl. {Lions' teeth}
(t[=e]th`). (Bot.)
See {Leontodon}.
Lip \Lip\ (l[i^]p), n. [OE. lippe, AS. lippa; akin to D. lip, G.
lippe, lefze, OHG. lefs, Dan. l[ae]be, Sw. l["a]pp, L.
labium, labrum. Cf. {Labial}.]
1. One of the two fleshy folds which surround the orifice of
the mouth in man and many other animals. In man the lips
are organs of speech essential to certain articulations.
Hence, by a figure they denote the mouth, or all the
organs of speech, and sometimes speech itself.
Thine own lips testify against thee. --Job xv. 6.
2. An edge of an opening; a thin projecting part of anything;
a kind of short open spout; as, the lip of a vessel.
3. The sharp cutting edge on the end of an auger.
4. (Bot.)
(a) One of the two opposite divisions of a labiate
corolla. (b) The odd and peculiar petal in the
{Orchis} family. See {Orchidaceous}.
5. (Zo["o]l.) One of the edges of the aperture of a univalve
shell.
{Lip bit}, a pod auger. See {Auger}.
{Lip comfort}, comfort that is given with words only.
{Lip comforter}, one who comforts with words only.
{Lip labor}, unfelt or insincere speech; hypocrisy. --Bale.
{Lip reading}, the catching of the words or meaning of one
speaking by watching the motion of his lips without
hearing his voice. --Carpenter.
{Lip salve}, a salve for sore lips.
{Lip service}, expression by the lips of obedience and
devotion without the performance of acts suitable to such
sentiments.
{Lip wisdom}, wise talk without practice, or unsupported by
experience.
{Lip work}.
(a) Talk.
(b) Kissing. [Humorous] --B. Jonson.
{To make a lip}, to drop the under lip in sullenness or
contempt. --Shak.
{To shoot out the lip} (Script.), to show contempt by
protruding the lip.
Lip \Lip\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lipped} (l[i^]pt); p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lipping} (-p[i^]ng).]
1. To touch with the lips; to put the lips to; hence, to
kiss.
The bubble on the wine which breaks Before you lip
the glass. --Praed.
A hand that kings Have lipped and trembled kissing.
--Shak.
2. To utter; to speak. [R.] --Keats.
Lip \Lip\, v. t.
To clip; to trim. [Obs.] --Holland.
Lipaemia \Li*p[ae]"mi*a\ (l[i^]*p[=e]"m[i^]*[.a]), n. [NL., fr.
Gr. li`pos fat + a"i^ma blood.] (Med.)
A condition in which fat occurs in the blood.
Lipans \Li*pans"\ (l[-e]*p[aum]nz"), n. pl.; sing. {Lipan}
(-p[aum]n"). (Ethnol.)
A tribe of North American Indians, inhabiting the northern
part of Mexico. They belong to the Tinneh stock, and are
closely related to the Apaches.
Liparian \Li*pa"ri*an\ (l[i^]*p[=a]"r[i^]*an), n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any species of a family ({Liparid[ae]}) of destructive
bombycid moths, as the tussock moths.
Liparite \Lip"a*rite\ (l[i^]p"[.a]*r[imac]t), n. [So called from
Lipari, the island.] (Min.)
A quartzose trachyte; rhyolite.
Lipic \Lip"ic\ (l[i^]p"[i^]k), a. [Gr. li`pos fat.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, fat. The word was formerly
used specifically to designate a supposed acid obtained by
the oxidation of oleic acid, tallow, wax, etc.
Lipinic \Li*pin"ic\ (l[i^]*p[i^]n"[i^]k), a. (Chem.)
Lipic.
Lipless \Lip"less\ (l[i^]p"l[e^]s), a.
Having no lips.
Liplet \Lip"let\ (-l[e^]t), n.
A little lip.
Lipocephala \Lip`o*ceph"a*la\ (l[i^]p`[-o]*s[e^]f"[.a]*l[.a]),
n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. lei`pesqai to be lacking + kefalh`
head.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Lamellibranchia}.
Lipochrin \Lip"o*chrin\ (l[i^]p"[-o]*kr[i^]n), n. [Gr. li`pos
fat + chro`a color.] (Physiol. Chem.)
A yellow coloring matter, soluble in ether, contained in the
small round fat drops in the retinal epithelium cells. It is
best obtained from the eyes of frogs.
Lipogram \Lip"o*gram\ (l[i^]p"[-o]*gr[a^]m; 277), n. [Gr.
lei`pein, lipei^n, to leave, omit + -gram.]
A writing composed of words not having a certain letter or
letters; -- as in the Odyssey of Tryphiodorus there was no A
in the first book, no B in the second, and so on.
Lipogrammatic \Lip`o*gram*mat"ic\ (-m[a^]t"[i^]k), a. [Gr.
lipogra`mmatos: cf. F. lipogrammatique.]
Omitting a letter; composed of words not having a certain
letter or letters; as, lipogrammatic writings.
Lipogrammatist \Lip`o*gram"ma*tist\ (-gr[a^]m"m[.a]*t[i^]st), n.
[Cf. F. lipogrammatiste.]
One who makes a lipogram.
Lipoma \Li*po"ma\ (l[i^]*p[=o]"m[.a]), n. [NL., from Gr. li`pos
fat + -oma.] (Med.)
A tumor consisting of fat or adipose tissue. --
{Li*pom"a*tous} (-p[o^]m"[.a]*t[u^]s), a.
Lipothymic \Li`po*thym"ic\ (l[imac]`p[-o]*th[i^]m"[i^]k), a.
[Gr. leipoqymiko`s, lipoqymiko`s.]
Tending to swoon; fainting. [Written also {leipothymic}.]
Lipothymous \Li*poth"y*mous\ (l[-i]*p[o^]th"[i^]*m[u^]s), a.
[Gr. lei`pein to leave, to lack + qymo`s soul, life.]
Pertaining, or given, to swooning; fainting.
Lipothymy \Li*poth"y*my\ (-m[y^]), n. [Gr. lipoqymi`a: cf. F.
lipothymie.]
A fainting; a swoon. --Jer. Taylor.
Lipped \Lipped\ (l[i^]pt), a.
1. Having a lip or lips; having a raised or rounded edge
resembling the lip; -- often used in composition; as,
thick-lipped, thin-lipped, etc.
2. (Bot.) Labiate.
Lippitude \Lip"pi*tude\ (l[i^]p"p[i^]*t[=u]d), n. [L. lippitudo,
fr. lippus blear-eyed: cf. F. lippitude.]
Soreness of eyes; the state of being blear-eyed; blearedness.
Lipse \Lipse\ (l[i^]ps), v. i.
To lisp. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lipyl \Lip"yl\ (l[i^]p"[i^]l), n. [Gr. li`pos fat + -yl.]
(Chem.)
A hypothetical radical of glycerin. [Obs.] --Berzelius.
Liquable \Liq"ua*ble\ (l[i^]k"w[.a]*b'l), a. [L. liquabilis. See
{Liquate}, v. i.]
Capable of being melted.
Liquate \Li"quate\ (l[imac]"kw[=a]t), v. i. [L. liquatus, p. p.
of liquare to melt.]
To melt; to become liquid. [Obs.] --Woodward.
Liquate \Li"quate\, v. t. (Metal.)
To separate by fusion, as a more fusible from a less fusible
material.
Liquation \Li*qua"tion\ (l[-i]*kw[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. liquatio:
cf. F. liquation.]
1. The act or operation of making or becoming liquid; also,
the capacity of becoming liquid.
2. (Metal.) The process of separating, by heat, an easily
fusible metal from one less fusible; eliquation.
Liquefacient \Liq`ue*fa"cient\ (l[i^]k`w[-e]*f[=a]"shent), n.
[L. liquefaciens, p. pr. of liquefacere. See {Liquefy}.]
1. That which serves to liquefy.
2. (Med.) An agent, as mercury, iodine, etc., which promotes
the liquefying processes of the system, and increases the
secretions.
Liquefaction \Liq`ue*fac"tion\ (-f[a^]k"sh[u^]n), n. [L.
liquefactio: cf. F. liqu['e]faction. See {Liquefy}.]
1. The act or operation of making or becoming liquid;
especially, the conversion of a solid into a liquid by the
sole agency of heat.
2. The state of being liquid.
3. (Chem. Physics) The act, process, or method, of reducing a
gas or vapor to a liquid by means of cold or pressure; as,
the liquefaction of oxygen or hydrogen.
Liquefiable \Liq"ue*fi`a*ble\ (l[i^]k"w[-e]*f[imac]`[.a]*b'l),
a. [Cf. F. liqu['e]fiable. See {Liquefy}.]
Capable of being changed from a solid to a liquid state.
Liquefier \Liq"ue*fi`er\ (-[~e]r), n.
That which liquefies.
Liquefy \Liq"ue*fy\ (-f[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Liquefied}
(-f[imac]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Liquefying} (-f[imac]`[i^]ng).]
[F. liqu['e]fier, L. liquere to be liquid + facere, -ficare
(in comp.), to make. See {Liquid}, and {-fy}.]
To convert from a solid form to that of a liquid; to melt; to
dissolve; and technically, to melt by the sole agency of
heat.
Liquefy \Liq"ue*fy\, v. i.
To become liquid.
Liquescency \Li*ques"cen*cy\ (l[-i]*kw[e^]s"sen*s[y^]), n. [See
{Liquescent}.]
The quality or state of being liquescent. --Johnson.
Liquescent \Li*ques"cent\ (-sent), a. [L. liquescens, p. pr. of
liquescere to become liquid, incho. fr. liquere to be
liquid.]
Tending to become liquid; inclined to melt; melting.
Liqueur \Li`queur"\ (l[-e]`k[~e]r"), n. [F. See {Liquor}.]
An aromatic alcoholic cordial.
Note: Some liqueurs are prepared by infusing certain woods,
fruits, or flowers, in either water or alcohol, and
adding sugar, etc. Others are distilled from aromatic
or flavoring agents.
Liquid \Liq"uid\ (l[i^]k"w[i^]d), a. [L. liquidus, fr. liquere
to be fluid or liquid; cf. Skr. r[=i] to ooze, drop, l[=i] to
melt.]
1. Flowing freely like water; fluid; not solid.
Yea, though he go upon the plane and liquid water
which will receive no step. --Tyndale.
2. (Physics) Being in such a state that the component parts
move freely among themselves, but do not tend to separate
from each other as the particles of gases and vapors do;
neither solid nor a["e]riform; as, liquid mercury, in
distinction from mercury solidified or in a state of
vapor.
3. Flowing or sounding smoothly or without abrupt transitions
or harsh tones. ``Liquid melody.'' --Crashaw.
4. Pronounced without any jar or harshness; smooth; as, l and
r are liquid letters.
5. Fluid and transparent; as, the liquid air.
6. Clear; definite in terms or amount.[Obs.] ``Though the
debt should be entirely liquid.'' --Ayliffe.
{Liquid glass}. See {Soluble glass}, under {Glass}.
Liquid \Liq"uid\, n.
1. A substance whose parts change their relative position on
the slightest pressure, and therefore retain no definite
form; any substance in the state of liquidity; a fluid
that is not a["e]riform.
Note: Liquid and fluid are terms often used synonymously, but
fluid has the broader signification. All liquids are
fluids, but many fluids, as air and the gases, are not
liquids.
2. (Phon.) A letter which has a smooth, flowing sound, or
which flows smoothly after a mute; as, l and r, in bla,
bra. M and n also are called liquids.
{Liquid measure}, a measure, or system of measuring, for
liquids, by the gallon, quart, pint, gill, etc.
Liquidambar \Liq"uid*am`bar\ (l[i^]k"w[i^]d*[a^]m`b[~e]r), n.
[Liquid + amber.]
1. (Bot.) A genus consisting of two species of tall trees
having star-shaped leaves, and woody burlike fruit.
{Liquidambar styraciflua} is the North American sweet qum,
and {L. Orientalis} is found in Asia Minor.
2. The balsamic juice which is obtained from these trees by
incision. The liquid balsam of the Oriental tree is liquid
storax.
Liquidamber \Liq"uid*am`ber\, n.
See {Liquidambar}.
Liquidate \Liq"ui*date\ (l[i^]k"w[i^]*d[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. {Liquidated} (-d[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Liquidating}.] [LL. liquidatus, p. p. of liquidare to
liquidate, fr. L. liquidus liquid, clear. See {Liquid}.]
1. (Law) To determine by agreement or by litigation the
precise amount of (indebtedness); or, where there is an
indebtedness to more than one person, to determine the
precise amount of (each indebtedness); to make the amount
of (an indebtedness) clear and certain.
A debt or demand is liquidated whenever the amount
due is agreed on by the parties, or fixed by the
operation of law. --15 Ga. Rep.
321.
If our epistolary accounts were fairly liquidated, I
believe you would be brought in considerable debtor.
--Chesterfield.
2. In an extended sense: To ascertain the amount, or the
several amounts, of, and apply assets toward the discharge
of (an indebtedness). --Abbott.
3. To discharge; to pay off, as an indebtedness.
Friburg was ceded to Zurich by Sigismund to
liquidate a debt of a thousand florins. --W. Coxe.
4. To make clear and intelligible.
Time only can liquidate the meaning of all parts of
a compound system. --A. Hamilton.
5. To make liquid. [Obs.]
{Liquidated damages} (Law), damages the amount of which is
fixed or ascertained. --Abbott.
Liquidation \Liq`ui*da"tion\ (l[i^]k`w[i^]*d[=a]"sh[u^]n), n.
[Cf. F. liquidation.]
The act or process of liquidating; the state of being
liquidated.
{To go into liquidation} (Law), to turn over to a trustee
one's assets and accounts, in order that the several
amounts of one's indebtedness may be authoritatively
ascertained, and that the assets may be applied toward
their discharge.
Liquidator \Liq"ui*da`tor\ (l[i^]k"w[i^]*d[=a]`t[~e]r), n. [Cf.
F. liquidateur.]
1. One who, or that which, liquidates.
2. An officer appointed to conduct the winding up of a
company, to bring and defend actions and suits in its
name, and to do all necessary acts on behalf of the
company. [Eng.] --Mozley & W.
Liquidity \Li*quid"i*ty\ (l[i^]*kw[i^]d"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L.
liquiditas, fr. liquidus liquid: cf. F. liquidit['e].]
The state or quality of being liquid.
Liquidize \Liq"uid*ize\ (l[i^]k"w[i^]d*[imac]z), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. {Liquidized} (-[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Liquidizing}
(-[imac]`z[i^]ng).]
To render liquid.
Liquidly \Liq"uid*ly\, adv.
In a liquid manner; flowingly.
Liquidness \Liq"uid*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being liquid; liquidity; fluency.
Liquor \Liq"uor\ (l[i^]k"[~e]r), n. [OE. licour, licur, OF.
licur, F. liqueur, fr. L. liquor, fr. liquere to be liquid.
See {Liquid}, and cf. {Liqueur}.]
1. Any liquid substance, as water, milk, blood, sap, juice,
or the like.
2. Specifically, alcoholic or spirituous fluid, either
distilled or fermented, as brandy, wine, whisky, beer,
etc.
3. (Pharm.) A solution of a medicinal substance in water; --
distinguished from tincture and aqua.
Note: The U. S. Pharmacop[oe]ia includes, in this class of
preparations, all aqueous solutions without sugar, in
which the substance acted on is wholly soluble in
water, excluding those in which the dissolved matter is
gaseous or very volatile, as in the aqu[ae] or waters.
--U. S. Disp.
{Labarraque's liquor} (Old Chem.), a solution of an alkaline
hypochlorite, as sodium hypochlorite, used in bleaching
and as a disinfectant.
{Liquor of flints}, or {Liquor silicum} (Old Chem.), soluble
glass; -- so called because formerly made from powdered
flints. See {Soluble glass}, under {Glass}.
{Liquor of Libavius}. (Old Chem.) See {Fuming liquor of
Libavius}, under {Fuming}.
{Liquor sanguinis} (s[a^]n"gw[i^]n*[i^]s) (Physiol.), the
blood plasma.
{Liquor thief}, a tube for taking samples of liquor from a
cask through the bung hole.
{To be in liquor}, to be intoxicated.
Liquor \Liq"uor\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Liquored} (-[~e]rd); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Liquoring}.]
1. To supply with liquor. [R.]
2. To grease. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Liquor fishermen's boots. --Shak.
Liquorice \Liq"uor*ice\ (l[i^]k"[~e]r*[i^]s), n.
See {Licorice}.
Liquorish \Liq"uor*ish\, a.
See {Lickerish}. [Obs.] --Shak.
Liquorous \Liq"uor*ous\ (-[u^]s), a.
Eagerly desirous. See {Lickerish}. [Obs.] --Marston.
Lira \Li"ra\ (l[=e]"r[.a]), n.; pl. {Lire} (-r[asl]). [It., fr.
L. libra the Roman pound. Cf. {Livre}.]
An Italian coin equivalent in value to the French franc.
Lirella \Li*rel"la\ (l[-i]*r[e^]l"l[.a]), n. [NL., dim. of L.
lira a furrow.] (Bot.)
A linear apothecium furrowed along the middle; the fruit of
certain lichens.
Lirelliform \Li*rel"li*form\ (-l[i^]*f[^o]rm), a. [Lirella +
-form.] (Bot.)
Like a lirella. [Written also {lirell[ae]form}.]
Liriodendron \Lir`i*o*den"dron\
(l[i^]r`[i^]*[-o]*d[e^]n"dr[o^]n), n.; pl. {Liriodendra}
(-dr[.a]). [NL., fr. Gr. lei`rion lily + de`ndron tree.]
(Bot.)
A genus of large and very beautiful trees of North America,
having smooth, shining leaves, and handsome, tuliplike
flowers; tulip tree; whitewood; -- called also {canoewood}.
{Liriodendron tulipifera} is the only extant species, but
there were several others in the Cretaceous epoch.
Liripipe \Lir"i*pipe\ (l[i^]r"[i^]*p[imac]p), n. [Obs.]
See {Liripoop}.
Liripoop \Lir"i*poop\ (l[i^]r"[i^]*p[=oo]p), n. [OF. liripipion,
liripion, LL. liripipium. Said to be corrupted from L. cleri
ephippium, lit., the clergy's caparison.]
1. A pendent part of the old clerical tippet; afterwards, a
tippet; a scarf; -- worn also by doctors, learned men,
etc. [Obs.]
2. Acuteness; smartness; also, a smart trick or stratagem.
[Obs.] --Stanihurst.
3. A silly person. [Obs.]
A liripoop, vel lerripoop, a silly, empty creature;
an old dotard. --Milles. MS.
Devon Gloss.
Liroconite \Li*roc"o*nite\ (l[-i]*r[o^]k"[-o]*n[imac]t), n. [Gr.
leiro`s pale + koni`a powder.] (Min.)
A hydrated arseniate of copper, occurring in obtuse pyramidal
crystals of a sky-blue or verdigris-green color.
Lisbon \Lis"bon\ (l[i^]z"b[o^]n), n.
A sweet, light-colored species of wine, produced in the
province of Estremadura, and so called as being shipped from
Lisbon, in Portugal.
Lisle \Lisle\ (l[imac]l), n.
A city of France celebrated for certain manufactures.
{Lisle glove}, a fine summer glove, made of Lisle thread.
{Lisle lace}, a fine handmade lace, made at Lisle.
{Lisle thread}, a hard twisted cotton thread, originally
produced at Lisle.
Lisne \Lisne\ (l[imac]n), n. [Prov. E. lissen, lisne, a cleft in
a rock.]
A cavity or hollow.[Obs.] --Sir M. Hale.
Lisp \Lisp\ (l[i^]sp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lisped} (l[i^]spt);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Lisping}.] [OE. lispen, lipsen, AS. wlisp
stammering, lisping; akin to D. & OHG. lispen to lisp, G.
lispeln, Sw. l["a]spa, Dan. lespe.]
1. To pronounce the sibilant letter s imperfectly; to give s
and z the sound of th; -- a defect common among children.
2. To speak with imperfect articulation; to mispronounce, as
a child learning to talk.
As yet a child, nor yet a fool to fame, I lisped in
numbers, for the numbers came. --Pope.
3. To speak hesitatingly with a low voice, as if afraid.
Lest when my lisping, guilty tongue should halt.
--Drayton.
Lisp \Lisp\, v. t.
1. To pronounce with a lisp.
2. To utter with imperfect articulation; to express with
words pronounced imperfectly or indistinctly, as a child
speaks; hence, to express by the use of simple, childlike
language.
To speak unto them after their own capacity, and to
lisp the words unto them according as the babes and
children of that age might sound them again.
--Tyndale.
3. To speak with reserve or concealment; to utter timidly or
confidentially; as, to lisp treason.
Lisp \Lisp\, n.
The habit or act of lisping. See {Lisp}, v. i., 1.
I overheard her answer, with a very pretty lisp, ``O!
Strephon, you are a dangerous creature.'' --Tatler.
Lisper \Lisp"er\ (-[~e]r), n.
One who lisps.
Lispingly \Lisp"ing*ly\, adv.
With a lisp; in a lisping manner.
Liss \Liss\ (l[i^]s), n. [AS. liss.]
Release; remission; ease; relief. [Obs.] ``Of penance had a
lisse.'' --Chaucer.
Liss \Liss\, v. t. [AS. lissan.]
To free, as from care or pain; to relieve. [Obs.] ``Lissed of
his care.'' --Chaucer.
Lissencephala \Lis`sen*ceph"a*la\
(l[i^]s`s[e^]n*s[e^]f"[.a]*l[.a]), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr.
lisso`s smooth + 'egke`falos the brain.] (Zo["o]l.)
A general name for all those placental mammals that have a
brain with few or no cerebral convolutions, as Rodentia,
Insectivora, etc.
Lissom \Lis"som\, Lissome \Lis"some\ (l[i^]s"s[u^]m), a. [For
lithesome.]
1. Limber; supple; flexible; lithe; lithesome.
Straight, but as lissome as a hazel wand.
--Tennyson.
2. Light; nimble; active. --Halliwell. -- {Lis"some*ness}, n.
List \List\ (l[i^]st), n. [F. lice, LL. liciae, pl., from L.
licium thread, girdle.]
A line inclosing or forming the extremity of a piece of
ground, or field of combat; hence, in the plural (lists), the
ground or field inclosed for a race or combat. --Chaucer.
In measured lists to toss the weighty lance. --Pope.
{To enter the lists}, to accept a challenge, or engage in
contest.
List \List\, v. t.
To inclose for combat; as, to list a field.
List \List\, v. i. [See {Listen}.]
To hearken; to attend; to listen. [Obs. except in poetry.]
Stand close, and list to him. --Shak.
List \List\, v. t.
To listen or hearken to.
Then weigh what loss your honor may sustain, If with
too credent ear you list his songs. --Shak.
List \List\, v. i. [OE. listen, lusten, AS. lystan, from lust
pleasure. See {Lust}.]
1. To desire or choose; to please.
The wind bloweth where it listeth. --John iii. 8.
Them that add to the Word of God what them listeth.
--Hooker.
Let other men think of your devices as they list.
--Whitgift.
2. (Naut.) To lean; to incline; as, the ship lists to port.
List \List\, n.
1. Inclination; desire. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
2. (Naut.) An inclination to one side; as, the ship has a
list to starboard.
List \List\, n. [AS. l[=i]st a list of cloth; akin to D. lijst,
G. leiste, OHG. l[=i]sta, Icel. lista, listi, Sw. list, Dan.
liste. In sense 5 from F. liste, of German origin, and thus
ultimately the same word.]
1. A strip forming the woven border or selvedge of cloth,
particularly of broadcloth, and serving to strengthen it;
hence, a strip of cloth; a fillet. ``Gartered with a red
and blue list. '' --Shak.
2. A limit or boundary; a border.
The very list, the very utmost bound, Of all our
fortunes. --Shak.
3. The lobe of the ear; the ear itself. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
4. A stripe. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
5. A roll or catalogue, that is row or line; a record of
names; as, a list of names, books, articles; a list of
ratable estate.
He was the ablest emperor of all the list. --Bacon.
6. (Arch.) A little square molding; a fillet; -- called also
{listel}.
7. (Carp.) A narrow strip of wood, esp. sapwood, cut from the
edge of a plank or board.
8. (Rope Making) A piece of woolen cloth with which the yarns
are grasped by a workman.
9. (Tin-plate Manuf.)
(a) The first thin coat of tin.
(b) A wirelike rim of tin left on an edge of the plate
after it is coated.
{Civil list} (Great Britain & U.S.), the civil officers of
government, as judges, ambassadors, secretaries, etc.
Hence, the revenues or appropriations of public money for
the support of the civil officers. More recently, the
civil list, in England, embraces only the expenses of the
reigning monarch's household.
{Free list}.
(a) A list of articles admitted to a country free of duty.
(b) A list of persons admitted to any entertainment, as a
theater or opera, without payment, or to whom a
periodical, or the like, is furnished without cost.
Syn: Roll; catalogue; register; inventory; schedule.
Usage: {List}, {Boll}, {Catalogue}, {Register}, {Inventory},
{Schedule}. A list is properly a simple series of
names, etc., in a brief form, such as might naturally
be entered in a narrow strip of paper. A roll was
originally a list containing the names of persons
belonging to a public body (as Parliament, etc.),
which was rolled up and laid aside among its archives.
A catalogue is a list of persons or things arranged in
order, and usually containing some description of the
same, more or less extended. A register is designed
for record or preservation. An inventory is a list of
articles, found on hand in a store of goods, or in the
estate of a deceased person, or under similar
circumstances. A schedule is a formal list or
inventory prepared for legal or business purposes.
List \List\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Listed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Listing}.] [From list a roll.]
1. To sew together, as strips of cloth, so as to make a show
of colors, or form a border. --Sir H. Wotton.
2. To cover with list, or with strips of cloth; to put list
on; as, to list a door; to stripe as if with list.
The tree that stood white-listed through the gloom.
--Tennyson.
3. To enroll; to place or register in a list.
Listed among the upper serving men. --Milton.
4. To engage, as a soldier; to enlist.
I will list you for my soldier. --Sir W.
Scott.
5. (Carp.) To cut away a narrow strip, as of sapwood, from
the edge of; as, to list a board.
{To list a stock} (Stock Exchange), to put it in the list of
stocks called at the meeting of the board.
List \List\, v. i.
To engage in public service by enrolling one's name; to
enlist.
Listel \List"el\, n. [F. listel, dim. of liste fillet, list. See
{List} the edge.] (Arch.)
Same as {List}, n., 6.
Listen \Lis"ten\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Listened}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Listening}.] [OE. listnen, listen, lustnen, lusten, AS.
hlystan; akin to hlyst hearing, OS. hlust, Icel. hlusta to
listen, hlust ear, AS. hlosnian to wait in suspense, OHG.
hlos[=e]n to listen, Gr. ?, and E. loud. [root]41. See
{Loud}, and cf. {List} to listen.]
1. To give close attention with the purpose of hearing; to
give ear; to hearken; to attend.
When we have occasion to listen, and give a more
particular attention to same sound, the tympanum is
drawn to a more than ordinary tension. --Holder.
2. To give heed; to yield to advice; to follow admonition; to
obey.
Listen to me, and by me be ruled. --Tennyson.
{To listen after}, to take an interest in. [Obs.]
Soldiers note forts, armories, and magazines;
scholars listen after libraries, disputations, and
professors. --Fuller.
Syn: To attend; hearken. See {Attend}.
Listen \Lis"ten\, v. t.
To attend to. [Obs.] --Shak.
Listener \Lis"ten*er\, n.
One who listens; a hearkener.
Lister \List"er\, n.
One who makes a list or roll.
Lister \Lis"ter\, n.
Same as {Leister}.
Listerian \Lis*te"ri*an\, a. (Med.)
Of or pertaining to listerism.
Listerism \Lis"ter*ism\, n. (Med.)
The systematic use of antiseptics in the performance of
operations and the treatment of wounds; -- so called from
Joseph Lister, an English surgeon.
Listful \List"ful\, a.
Attentive. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Listing \List"ing\, n.
1. The act or process of one who lists (in any sense of the
verb); as, the listing of a door; the listing of a stock
at the Stock Exchange.
2. The selvedge of cloth; list.
3. (Carp.) The sapwood cut from the edge of a board.
4. (Agric.) The throwing up of the soil into ridges, -- a
method adopted in the culture of beets and some garden
crops. [Local, U. S.]
Listless \List"less\, a. [OE. listles, lustles. See {Lust}.]
Having no desire or inclination; indifferent; heedless;
spiritless. `` A listless unconcern.'' --Thomson.
Benumbed with cold, and listless of their gain.
--Dryden.
I was listless, and desponding. --Swift.
Syn: Heedless; careless; indifferent; vacant; uninterested;
languid; spiritless; supine; indolent. --
{List"less*ly}, adv. -- {List"less*ness}, n.
Lit \Lit\,
a form of the imp. & p. p. of {Light}.
Litany \Lit"a*ny\, n.; pl. {Litanies}. [OE. letanie, OF.
letanie, F. litanie, L. litania, Gr. ?, fr. ? to pray, akin
to ?, ?, to pray, ? prayer.]
A solemn form of supplication in the public worship of
various churches, in which the clergy and congregation join,
the former leading and the latter responding in alternate
sentences. It is usually of a penitential character.
Supplications . . . for the appeasing of God's wrath
were of the Greek church termed litanies, and rogations
of the Latin. --Hooker.
Litarge \Lit"arge\, n.
Litharge. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Litchi \Li"tchi`\, n. (Bot.)
The fruit of a tree native to China ({Nephelium Litchi}). It
is nutlike, having a rough but tender shell, containing an
aromatic pulp, and a single large seed. In the dried fruit
which is exported the pulp somewhat resembles a raisin in
color and form. [Written also {lichi}, and {lychee}.] --
{lite}. See -{lith}.
Lite \Lite\, a., adv., & n.
Little. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Liter \Li"ter\, Litre \Li"tre\, n. [F. litre, Gr. ? a silver
coin.]
A measure of capacity in the metric system, being a cubic
decimeter, equal to 61.022 cubic inches, or 2.113 American
pints, or 1.76 English pints.
Literacy \Lit"er*a*cy\, n.
State of being literate.
Literal \Lit"er*al\, a. [F. lit['e]ral, litt['e]ral, L.
litteralis, literalis, fr. littera, litera, a letter. See
{Letter}.]
1. According to the letter or verbal expression; real; not
figurative or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a
phrase.
It hath but one simple literal sense whose light the
owls can not abide. --Tyndale.
2. Following the letter or exact words; not free.
A middle course between the rigor of literal
translations and the liberty of paraphrasts.
--Hooker.
3. Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.
The literal notation of numbers was known to
Europeans before the ciphers. --Johnson.
4. Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative;
matter-of fast; -- applied to persons.
{Literal contract} (Law), contract of which the whole
evidence is given in writing. --Bouvier.
{Literal equation} (Math.), an equation in which known
quantities are expressed either wholly or in part by means
of letters; -- distinguished from a numerical equation.
Literal \Lit"er*al\, n.
Literal meaning. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
Literalism \Lit"er*al*ism\, n.
1. That which accords with the letter; a mode of interpreting
literally; adherence to the letter.
2. (Fine Arts) The tendency or disposition to represent
objects faithfully, without abstraction,
conventionalities, or idealization.
Literalist \Lit"er*al*ist\, n.
One who adheres to the letter or exact word; an interpreter
according to the letter.
Literalty \Lit`er*al"ty\, n. [Cf. F. litt['e]ralit['e].]
The state or quality of being literal. --Sir T. Browne.
Literalization \Lit`er*al*i*za"tion\, n.
The act of literalizing; reduction to a literal meaning.
Literalize \Lit"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Literalized};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Literalizing}.]
To make literal; to interpret or put in practice according to
the strict meaning of the words; -- opposed to
{spiritualize}; as, to literalize Scripture.
Literalizer \Lit"er*al*i`zer\, n.
A literalist.
Literally \Lit"er*al*ly\, adv.
1. According to the primary and natural import of words; not
figuratively; as, a man and his wife can not be literally
one flesh.
2. With close adherence to words; word by word.
So wild and ungovernable a poet can not be
translated literally. --Dryden.
Literalness \Lit"er*al*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being literal; literal import.
Literary \Lit"er*a*ry\, a. [L. litterarius, literarius,fr.
littera, litera, a letter: cf. F. litt['e]raire. See
{Letter}.]
1. Of or pertaining to letters or literature; pertaining to
learning or learned men; as, literary fame; a literary
history; literary conversation.
He has long outlived his century, the term commonly
fixed as the test of literary merit. --Johnson.
2. Versed in, or acquainted with, literature; occupied with
literature as a profession; connected with literature or
with men of letters; as, a literary man.
In the literary as well as fashionable world.
--Mason.
{Literary property}.
(a) Property which consists in written or printed
compositions.
(b) The exclusive right of publication as recognized and
limited by law.
Literate \Lit"er*ate\, a. [L. litteratus, literatus. See
{Letter}.]
Instructed in learning, science, or literature; learned;
lettered.
The literate now chose their emperor, as the military
chose theirs. --Landor.
Literate \Lit"er*ate\, n.
1. One educated, but not having taken a university degree;
especially, such a person who is prepared to take holy
orders. [Eng.]
2. A literary man.
Literati \Lit`e*ra"ti\, n. pl. [See {Literatus}.]
Learned or literary men. See {Literatus}.
Shakespearean commentators, and other literati.
--Craik.
Literatim \Lit`e*ra"tim\, adv. [LL., fr. L. litera, litera,
letter.]
Letter for letter.
Literation \Lit`er*a"tion\, n. [L. littera, litera, letter.]
The act or process of representing by letters.
Literator \Lit"er*a`tor\, n. [L. litterator, literator. See
{Letter}.]
1. One who teaches the letters or elements of knowledge; a
petty schoolmaster. --Burke.
2. A person devoted to the study of literary trifles, esp.
trifles belonging to the literature of a former age.
That class of subjects which are interesting to the
regular literator or black-letter `` bibliomane,''
simply because they have once been interesting. --De
Quincey.
3. A learned person; a literatus. --Sir W. Hamilton.
Literature \Lit"er*a*ture\, n. [F. litt['e]rature, L.
litteratura, literatura, learning, grammar, writing, fr.
littera, litera, letter. See {Letter}.]
1. Learning; acquaintance with letters or books.
2. The collective body of literary productions, embracing the
entire results of knowledge and fancy preserved in
writing; also, the whole body of literary productions or
writings upon a given subject, or in reference to a
particular science or branch of knowledge, or of a given
country or period; as, the literature of Biblical
criticism; the literature of chemistry.
3. The class of writings distinguished for beauty of style or
expression, as poetry, essays, or history, in distinction
from scientific treatises and works which contain positive
knowledge; belles-lettres.
4. The occupation, profession, or business of doing literary
work. --Lamp.
Syn: Science; learning; erudition; belles-lettres.
Usage: See {Science}. -- {Literature}, {Learning},
{Erudition}. Literature, in its widest sense, embraces
all compositions in writing or print which preserve
the results of observation, thought, or fancy; but
those upon the positive sciences (mathematics, etc.)
are usually excluded. It is often confined, however,
to belles-lettres, or works of taste and sentiment, as
poetry, eloquence, history, etc., excluding abstract
discussions and mere erudition. A man of literature
(in this narrowest sense) is one who is versed in
belles-lettres; a man of learning excels in what is
taught in the schools, and has a wide extent of
knowledge, especially, in respect to the past; a man
of erudition is one who is skilled in the more
recondite branches of learned inquiry.
The origin of all positive science and
philosophy, as well as of all literature and
art, in the forms in which they exist in
civilized Europe, must be traced to the Greeks.
--Sir G.
Lewis.
Learning thy talent is, but mine is sense.
--Prior.
Some gentlemen, abounding in their university
erudition, fill their sermons with philosophical
terms. --Swift.
Literatus \Lit`e*ra"tus\, n.; pl. {Literati}. [L. litteratus,
literatus.]
A learned man; a man acquainted with literature; -- chiefly
used in the plural.
Now we are to consider that our bright ideal of a
literatus may chance to be maimed. --De Quincey.
-lith \-lith\, -lite \-lite\
Combining forms fr. Gr. li`qos a stone; -- used chiefly in
naming minerals and rocks.
Lith \Lith\, obs.
3d pers. sing. pres. of {Lie}, to recline, for lieth.
--Chaucer.
Lith \Lith\, n. [AS. li[eth].]
A joint or limb; a division; a member; a part formed by
growth, and articulated to, or symmetrical with, other parts.
--Chaucer.
Lithaemia \Li*th[ae]"mi*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. li`qos stone + ?
blood.] (Med.)
A condition in which uric (lithic) acid is present in the
blood.
Lithagogue \Lith"a*gogue\, n. [Gr. li`qos stone + ? leading.]
(Med.)
A medicine having, or supposed to have, the power of
expelling calculous matter with the urine. --Hooper.
Litharge \Lith"arge\, n. [OE. litarge, F. litharge, L.
lithargyrus, Gr. ? the scum or foam of silver; li`qos stone +
? silver. Litharge is found in silverbearing lead ore.]
(Chem.)
Lead monoxide; a yellowish red substance, obtained as an
amorphous powder, or crystallized in fine scales, by heating
lead moderately in a current of air or by calcining lead
nitrate or carbonate. It is used in making flint glass, in
glazing earthenware, in making red lead minium, etc. Called
also {massicot}.
Lithargyrum \Li*thar"gy*rum\, n. [NL. See {Litharge}.] (Old
Chem.)
Crystallized litharge, obtained by fusion in the form of fine
yellow scales.
Lithate \Lith"ate\, n. (Old Med. Chem.)
A salt of lithic or uric acid; a urate. [Obs.] [Written also
{lithiate}.]
Lithe \Lithe\, v. i. & i. [Icel ?. See {Listen}.]
To listen or listen to; to hearken to. [Obs.] --P. Plowman.
Lithe \Lithe\, a. [AS. ?, for ? tender, mild, gentle; akin to G.
lind, gelind, OHG. lindi, Icel. linr, L. lenis soft, mild,
lentus flexible, and AS. linnan to yield. Cf. {Lenient}.]
1. Mild; calm; as, lithe weather. [Obs.]
2. Capable of being easily bent; pliant; flexible; limber;
as, the elephant's lithe proboscis. --Milton.
Lithe \Lithe\, v. t. [AS. ?. See {Lithe}, a.]
To smooth; to soften; to palliate. [Obs.]
Lithely \Lithe"ly\, adv.
In a lithe, pliant, or flexible manner.
Litheness \Lithe"ness\, n.
The quality or state of being lithe; flexibility; limberness.
Lither \Li"ther\, a. [AS. ? bad, wicked.]
Bad; wicked; false; worthless; slothful. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Not lither in business, fervent in spirit. --Bp.
Woolton.
Note: Professor Skeat thinks `` the lither sky'' as found in
Shakespeare's Henry VI. ((Part I. IY. YII., 21) means
the stagnant or pestilential sky. -- {Li"ther*ly}, adv.
[Obs.]. -- {Li"ther*ness}, n. [Obs.]
Litherly \Li"ther*ly\, a.
Crafty; cunning; mischievous; wicked; treacherous;
lazy.[Archaic]
He [the dwarf] was waspish, arch, and litherly. --Sir
W. Scott.
Lithesome \Lithe"some\, a. [See {Lithe}, a., and cf. {Lissom}.]
Pliant; limber; flexible; supple; nimble; lissom. --
{Lithe"some*ness}, n.
Lithia \Lith"i*a\, n. [NL., from Gr. li`qos stone.] (Chem.)
The oxide of lithium; a strong alkaline caustic similar to
potash and soda, but weaker. See {Lithium}.
{Lithia emerald}. See {Hiddenite}.
Lithiasis \Li*thi"a*sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. li`qos stone.]
(Med.)
The formation of stony concretions or calculi in any part of
the body, especially in the bladder and urinary passages.
--Dunglison.
Lithic \Lith"ic\, a. [Gr. ? of or belonging to stones, fr.
li`qos stone: cf. F. lithique.]
1. Of or pertaining to stone; as, lithic architecture.
2. (Med.) Pertaining to the formation of uric-acid
concretions (stone) in the bladder and other parts of the
body; as, lithic diathesis.
{LIthic acid} (Old Med. Chem.), uric acid. See {Uric acid},
under {Uric}.
Lithic \Lith"ic\, n. (Med.)
A medicine which tends to prevent stone in the bladder.
Lithic \Lith"ic\, a. [From {Lithium}.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to or denoting lithium or some of its compounds.
--Frankland.
Lithiophilite \Lith`i*oph"i*lite\, n. [Lithium + Gr. ? friend.]
(Min.)
A phosphate of manganese and lithium; a variety of
triphylite.
Lithium \Lith"i*um\ (l[i^]th"[i^]*[u^]m), n. [NL., from Gr.
li`qeios of stone, fr. li`qos stone.] (Chem.)
A metallic element of the alkaline group, occurring in
several minerals, as petalite, spodumene, lepidolite,
triphylite, etc., and otherwise widely disseminated, though
in small quantities.
Note: When isolated it is a soft, silver white metal,
tarnishing and oxidizing very rapidly in the air. It is
the lightest solid element known, specific gravity
being 0.59. Symbol Li. Atomic weight 7.0 So called from
having been discovered in a mineral.
Litho \Lith"o\ (l[i^]th"[-o])
A combining form from Gr. li`qos, stone.
Lithobilic \Lith`o*bil"ic\ (-b[i^]l"[i^]k), a. [Litho + bile.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to or designating an organic acid of the tartaric
acid series, distinct from lithofellic acid, but, like it,
obtained from certain bile products, as bezoar stones.
Lithocarp \Lith"o*carp\ (l[i^]th"[-o]*k[aum]rp), n. [Litho- +
Gr. karpo`s fruit: cf. F. lithocarpe.] (Paleon.)
Fossil fruit; a fruit petrified; a carpolite.
Lithochromatics \Lith`o*chro*mat"ics\ (-kr[-o]*m[a^]t"[i^]ks),
n.
See {Lithochromics}.
Lithochromics \Lith`o*chro"mics\ (-kr[=o]"m[i^]ks), n. [Litho- +
Gr. chrw^ma color.]
The art of printing colored pictures on canvas from oil
paintings on stone.
Lithoclast \Lith"o*clast\ (l[i^]th"[-o]*kl[a^]st), n. [Litho- +
Gr. kla^n to break.] (Surg.)
An instrument for crushing stones in the bladder.
Lithocyst \Lith"o*cyst\ (l[i^]th"[-o]*s[i^]st), n. [Litho- +
cyst.] (Zo["o]l.)
A sac containing small, calcareous concretions (otoliths).
They are found in many Medus[ae], and other invertebrates,
and are supposed to be auditory organs.
Lithodome \Lith"o*dome\ (-d[=o]m), n. [Litho- + Gr. do`mos
house: cf. F. lithodome.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of bivalves, which form holes in
limestone, in which they live; esp., any species of the genus
{Lithodomus}.
Lithodomous \Li*thod"o*mous\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Like, or pertaining to, Lithodomus; lithophagous.
Lithodomus \Li*thod"o*mus\, n. [NL. See {Lithodome}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of elongated bivalve shells, allied to the mussels,
and remarkable for their ability to bore holes for shelter,
in solid limestone, shells, etc. Called also {Lithophagus}.
Note: These holes are at first very small and shallow, but
are enlarged with the growth of the shell, sometimes
becoming two or three inches deep and nearly an inch
diameter.
Lithofellic \Lith"o*fel"lic\, a. [Litho- + L. fel, fellis,
gall.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a crystalline, organic acid,
resembling cholic acid, found in the biliary intestinal
concretions (bezoar stones) common in certain species of
antelope.
Lithofracteur \Lith`o*frac"teur\, n. [F., fr. li`qos stone + L.
frangere, fractum, to break.]
An explosive compound of nitroglycerin. See {Nitroglycerin}.
Lithogenesy \Lith`o*gen"e*sy\, n. [Litho- Gr. ? origin,
generation: cf. F. lithog['e]n['e]sie. See {Genesis}.]
The doctrine or science of the origin of the minerals
composing the globe.
Lithogenous \Li*thog"e*nous\, a. [Litho- + -genous.]
Stone-producing; -- said of polyps which form coral.
Lithoglyph \Lith"o*glyph\, n. [Gr. ?; li`qos stone + ? to
engrave.]
An engraving on a gem.
Lithoglypher \Li*thog"ly*pher\, n.
One who curs or engraves precious stones.
Lithoglyphic \Lith`o*glyph"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to the art of cutting and engraving precious
stones.
Lithoglyptics \Lith`o*glyp"tics\, n.
The art of cutting and engraving gems.
Lithograph \Lith"o*graph\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lithographed};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Lithographing}.] [Litho- + -graph: cf. F.
lithographier.]
To trace on stone by the process of lithography so as to
transfer the design to paper by printing; as, to lithograph a
design; to lithograph a painting. See {Lithography}.
Lithograph \Lith"o*graph\, n.
A print made by lithography.
Lithographer \Li*thog"ra*pher\, n.
One who lithographs; one who practices lithography.
Lithographic \Lith`o*graph"ic\, Lithographical
\Lith`o*graph"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F. lithographique.]
Of or pertaining to lithography; made by lithography; as, the
lithographic art; a lithographic picture.
{Lithographic limestone} (Min.), a compact, fine-grained
limestone, obtained largely from the Lias and O["o]lite,
esp. of Bavaria, and extensively used in lithography. --
{Lith`o*graph"ic*al*ly}, adv.
Lithography \Li*thog"ra*phy\, n. [Cf. F. lithographie.]
The art or process of putting designs or writing, with a
greasy material, on stone, and of producing printed
impressions therefrom. The process depends, in the main, upon
the antipathy between grease and water, which prevents a
printing ink containing oil from adhering to wetted parts of
the stone not covered by the design. See {Lithographic
limestone}, under {Lithographic}.
Lithoid \Lith"oid\Lithoidal \Li*thoid"al\, a. [Litho- + -oid:
cf. F. litho["i]de.]
Like a stone; having a stony structure.
Litholatry \Li*thol"a*try\, n. [Litho- + Gr. ? worship.]
The worship of a stone or stones.
Lithologic \Lith`o*log"ic\, Lithological \Lith`o*log"ic*al\, a.
[Cf. F. lithologique.]
1. (Geol.) Of or pertaining to the character of a rock, as
derived from the nature and mode of aggregation of its
mineral contents.
2. Of or pertaining to lithology.
Lithologically \Lith`o*log"ic*al*ly\, adv.
From a lithological point of view; as, to consider a stratum
lithologically.
Lithologist \Li*thol"o*gist\, n.
One who is skilled in lithology.
Lithology \Li*thol"o*gy\, n. [Litho- + -logy: cf. F.
lithologie.]
1. The science which treats of rocks, as regards their
mineral constitution and classification, and their mode of
occurrence in nature.
2. (Med.) A treatise on stones found in the body.
Lithomancy \Lith"o*man`cy\, n. [Litho- + -mancy: cf. F.
lithomancie.]
Divination by means of stones.
Lithomarge \Lith"o*marge\, n. [Litho- + L. marga marl.]
A clay of a fine smooth texture, and very sectile.
Lithonthriptic \Lith`on*thrip"tic\, Lithonthryptic
\Lith`on*thryp"tic\, a. & n. [Litho- + Gr. ? to crush.]
Same as {Lithontriptic}.
Lithontriptic \Lith`on*trip"tic\, a. [Gr. li`qos, acc. ?, a
stone + ? to rub, grind: cf. F. lithontriptique.] (Med.)
Having the quality of, or used for, dissolving or destroying
stone in the bladder or kidneys; as, lithontriptic
forc['e]ps. -- n. A lithontriptic remedy or agent, as
distilled water.
Lithontriptist \Lith"on*trip"tist\, n.
Same as {Lithotriptist}.
Lithontriptor \Lith"on*trip`tor\, n. (Surg.)
See {Lithotriptor}.
Lithophagous \Li*thoph"a*gous\, a. [Litho- + Gr. ? to eat.]
(Zo["o]l.)
(a) Eating or swallowing stones or gravel, as the ostrich.
(b) Eating or destroying stone; -- applied to various animals
which make burrows in stone, as many bivalve mollusks,
certain sponges, annelids, and sea urchins. See
{Lithodomus}.
Lithophane \Lith`o*phane\, n. [Litho- + Gr. fai`nein to show,
reveal.]
Porcelain impressed with figures which are made distinct by
transmitted light, -- as when hung in a window, or used as a
lamp shade.
Lithophosphor \Lith"o*phos`phor\, n. [Litho- + phosphor.]
A stone that becomes phosphoric by heat.
Lithophosphoric \Lith`o*phos*phor"ic\, a.
Pertaining to lithophosphor; becoming phosphoric by heat.
Lithophotography \Lith`o*pho*tog"ra*phy\, n. [Litho- +
photography.]
Same as {Photolithography}.
Lithophyll \Lith"o*phyll\, n. [Gr. li`qos a stone + ? a leaf:
cf. F. lithophylle.]
A fossil leaf or impression of a leaf.
Lithophyse \Lith"o*physe\, n. [Litho- + Gr. ? a flatus, air
bubble.] (Min.)
A spherulitic cavity often with concentric chambers, observed
in some volcanic rocks, as in rhyolitic lavas. It is supposed
to be produced by expanding gas, whence the name.
Lithophyte \Lith"o*phyte\, n. [Litho- + Gr. ? plant: cf. F.
lithophyte.] (Zo["o]l.)
A hard, or stony, plantlike organism, as the gorgonians,
corals, and corallines, esp. those gorgonians having a
calcareous axis. All the lithophytes except the corallines
are animals.
Lithophytic \Lith`o*phyt"ic\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to lithophytes.
Lithophytous \Li*thoph"y*tous\, a.
Lithophytic.
Lithosian \Li*tho"sian\, n. [From NL. Lithosia, the typical
genus, fr. Gr. li`qos a stone, a rock.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of various species of moths belonging to the family
{Lithosid[ae]}. Many of them are beautifully colored.
Lithotint \Lith"o*tint\, n. [Litho- + tint.]
1. A kind of lithography by which the effect of a tinted
drawing is produced, as if made with India ink.
2. A picture produced by this process.
Lithotome \Lith"o*tome\, n. [Gr. ? cutting stones; li`qos stone
+ ? to cut: cf. F. lithotome.]
1. A stone so formed by nature as to appear as if cut by art.
2. (Surg.) An instrument used for cutting the bladder in
operations for the stone.
Lithotomic \Lith`o*tom"ic\, Lithotomical \Lith`o*tom"ic*al\, a.
[Gr. li`qos stone cutting: cf. F. lithotomique.]
Pertaining to, or performed by, lithotomy.
Lithotomist \Li*thot"o*mist\, n. [Cf. F. lithotomiste.]
One who performs the operation of cutting for stone in the
bladder, or one who is skilled in the operation.
Lithotomy \Li*thot"o*my\, n. [L. lithotomia, Gr. ?: cf. F.
lithotomie.] (Surg.)
The operation, art, or practice of cutting for stone in the
bladder.
Lithotripsy \Lith"o*trip`sy\, n. [Litho- + Gr. ? to rub, grind:
cf. F. lithotripsie.] (Surg.)
The operation of crushing a stone in the bladder with an
instrument called lithotriptor or lithotrite; lithotrity.
Lithotriptic \Lith`o*trip"tic\, a. & n.
Same as {Lithontriptic}.
Lithotriptist \Lith"o*trip`tist\, n.
One skilled in breaking and extracting stone in the bladder.
Lithotriptor \Lith"o*trip`tor\, n. (Surg.)
An instrument for triturating the stone in the bladder; a
lithotrite.
Lithotrite \Lith"o*trite\, Lithotritor \Lith"o*tri"tor\, [See
{Lithotrity}.] (Surg.)
A lithotriptor.
Lithotritist \Li*thot"ri*tist\, n.
A lithotriptist.
Lithotrity \Li*thot"ri*ty\, n. [Litho- + L. terere, tritum, to
rub, grind.] (Surg.)
The operation of breaking a stone in the bladder into small
pieces capable of being voided.
Lithotype \Lith"o*type\, n.
A kind of stereotype plate made by lithotypy; also, that
which in printed from it. See {Lithotypy}.
Lithotype \Lith"o*type\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lithotyped}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lithotyping}.]
To prepare for printing with plates made by the process of
lithotypy. See {Lithotypy}.
Lithotypic \Lith`o*typ"ic\, a.
Of, pertaining to, or produced by, lithotypy.
Lithotypy \Li*thot"y*py\, n. [Litho- + -typy.]
The art or process of making a kind of hard, stereotypeplate,
by pressing into a mold, taken from a page of type or other
matter, a composition of gum shell-lac and sand of a fine
quality, together with a little tar and linseed oil, all in a
heated state.
Lithoxyl \Li*thox`yl\, n. [Written also lithoxyle.] [Litho- +
Gr. ? wood: cf. F. lithoxyle.]
Petrified wood. [Obs.]
Lithuanian \Lith`u*a"ni*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lithuania (formerly a principality united
with Poland, but now Russian and Prussian territory).
Lithuanian \Lith`u*a"ni*an\, n.
A native, or one of the people, of Lithuania; also, the
language of the Lithuanian people.
Lithy \Lith"y\a. [See {Lithe}.]
Easily bent; pliable.
{Lithy tree} (Bot.), a European shrub ({Viburnum Lantana});
-- so named from its tough and flexible stem.
Litigable \Lit"i*ga*ble\, a.
Such as can be litigated.
Litigant \Lit"i*gant\, a. [L. litigans, -antis, p. pr. of
litigare: cf. F. litigant. See {Litigate}.]
Disposed to litigate; contending in law; engaged in a
lawsuit; as, the parties litigant. --Ayliffe.
Litigant \Lit"i*gant\, n.
A person engaged in a lawsuit.
Litigate \Lit"i*gate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Litigated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Litigating}.] [See {Litigation}.]
To make the subject of a lawsuit; to contest in law; to
prosecute or defend by pleadings, exhibition of evidence, and
judicial debate in a court; as, to litigate a cause.
Litigate \Lit"i*gate\, v. i.
To carry on a suit by judicial process.
Litigation \Lit`i*ga"tion\, n. [L. litigatio, fr. litigare to
dispute, litigate; lis, litis, dispute, lawsuit (OL. stlis) +
agere to carry on. See {Agent}.]
The act or process of litigating; a suit at law; a judicial
contest.
Litigator \Lit"i*ga`tor\, n. [L.]
One who litigates.
Litigious \Li*ti"gious\, a. [L. litigiosus, fr. litigium
dispute, quarrel, fr. litigare: cf. F. litigieux. See
{Litigation}.]
1. Inclined to judicial contest; given to the practice of
contending in law; guarrelsome; contentious; fond of
litigation. `` A pettifogging attorney or a litigious
client.'' --Macaulay.
Soldiers find wars, and lawyers find out still
Litigious men, who guarrels move. --Donne.
2. Subject to contention; disputable; controvertible;
debatable; doubtful; precarious. --Shak.
No fences, parted fields, nor marks, nor bounds,
Distinguished acres of litigious grounds. --Dryden.
3. Of or pertaining to legal disputes.
Nor brothers cite to the litigious bar. --Young.
Litigiously \Li*ti"gious*ly\, adv.
In a litigious manner.
Litigiousness \Li*ti"gious*ness\, n.
The state of being litigious; disposition to engage in or
carry on lawsuits.
Litmus \Lit"mus\, n. [D. lakmoes; lak lacker + moes a thick
preparation of fruit, pap, prob. akin to E. meat: cf. G.
lackmus. See {Lac} a resinous substance.] (Chem.)
A dyestuff extracted from certain lichens ({Roccella
tinctoria}, {Lecanora tartarea}, etc.), as a blue amorphous
mass which consists of a compound of the alkaline carbonates
with certain coloring matters related to orcin and orcein.
Note: Litmus is used as a dye, and being turned red by acids
and restored to its blue color by alkalies, is a common
indicator or test for acidity and alkalinity.
{Litmus paper} (Chem.), unsized paper saturated with blue or
red litmus, -- used in testing for acids or alkalies.
Litotes \Li"to*tes\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, from ? plain, simple.]
(Rhet.)
A diminution or softening of statement for the sake of
avoiding censure or increasing the effect by contrast with
the moderation shown in the form of expression; as, `` a
citizen of no mean city,'' that is, of an illustrious city.
Litraneter \Li*tran"e*ter\, n. [Gr. li`tra + -meter. See
{Liter}]
An instrument for ascertaining the specific gravity of
liquids.
Litre \Li"tre\, n. [F.]
Same as {Liter}.
Litter \Lit"ter\, n. [F. liti[`e]re, LL. lectaria, fr. L. lectus
couch, bed. See {Lie} to be prostrated, and cf. {Coverlet}.]
1. A bed or stretcher so arranged that a person, esp. a sick
or wounded person, may be easily carried in or upon it.
There is a litter ready; lay him in 't. --Shak.
2. Straw, hay, etc., scattered on a floor, as bedding for
animals to rest on; also, a covering of straw for plants.
To crouch in litter of your stable planks. --Shak.
Take off the litter from your kernel beds. --Evelyn.
3. Things lying scattered about in a manner indicating
slovenliness; scattered rubbish.
Strephon, who found the room was void. Stole in, and
took a strict survey Of all the litter as it lay.
--Swift.
4. Disorder or untidiness resulting from scattered rubbish,
or from thongs lying about uncared for; as, a room in a
state of litter.
5. The young brought forth at one time, by a sow or other
multiparous animal, taken collectively. Also Fig.
A wolf came to a sow, and very kindly offered to
take care of her litter. --D. Estrange.
Reflect upon numerous litter of strange, senseless
opinions that crawl about the world. --South.
Litter \Lit"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Littered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Littering}.]
1. To supply with litter, as cattle; to cover with litter, as
the floor of a stall.
Tell them how they litter their jades. --Bp. Hacke?.
For his ease, well littered was the floor. --Dryden.
2. To put into a confused or disordered condition; to strew
with scattered articles; as, to litter a room.
The room with volumes littered round. --Swift.
3. To give birth to; to bear; -- said of brutes, esp. those
which produce more than one at a birth, and also of human
beings, in abhorrence or contempt.
We might conceive that dogs were created blind,
because we observe they were littered so with us.
--Sir T.
Browne.
The son that she did litter here, A freckled whelp
hagborn. --Shak.
Litter \Lit"ter\, v. i.
1. To be supplied with litter as bedding; to sleep or make
one's bed in litter. [R.]
The inn Where he and his horse littered.
--Habington.
2. To produce a litter.
A desert . . . where the she-wolf still littered.
--Macaulay.
Litterateur \Lit`te`ra`teur"\, n. [F.]
One who occupies himself with literature; a literary man; a
literatus. `` Befriended by one kind-hearted litt['e]rateur
after another.'' --C. Kingsley.
Littery \Lit"ter*y\, a.
Covered or encumbered with litter; consisting of or
constituting litter.
Little \Lit"tle\, a. [The regular comparative of this word is
wanting, its place being supplied by less, or, rarely,
lesser. See {Lesser}. For the superlative least is used, the
regular form, littlest, occurring very rarely, except in some
of the English provinces, and occasionally in colloquial
language. `` Where love is great, the littlest doubts are
fear.'' --Shak.] [OE. litel, lutel, AS. l?tel, l[=i]tel, l?t;
akin to OS. littil, D. luttel, LG. l["u]tt, OHG. luzzil, MHG.
l["u]tzel; and perh. to AS. lytig deceitful, lot deceit,
Goth. liuts deceitful, lut?n to deceive; cf. also Icel.
l[=i]till little, Sw. liten, Dan. liden, lille, Goth.
leitils, which appear to have a different root vowel.]
1. Small in size or extent; not big; diminutive; -- opposed
to {big} or {large}; as, a little body; a little animal; a
little piece of ground; a little hill; a little distance;
a little child.
He sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the
press, because he was little of stature. --Luke xix. 3.
2. Short in duration; brief; as, a little sleep.
Best him enough: after a little time, I'll beat him
too. --Shak.
3. Small in quantity or amount; not much; as, a little food;
a little air or water.
Conceited of their little wisdoms, and doting upon
their own fancies. --Barrow.
4. Small in dignity, power, or importance; not great;
insignificant; contemptible.
When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou
not made the head of the tribes? --I Sam. xv.
17.
5. Small in force or efficiency; not strong; weak; slight;
inconsiderable; as, little attention or exertion;little
effort; little care or diligence.
By sad experiment I know How little weight my words
with thee can find. --Milton.
6. Small in extent of views or sympathies; narrow; shallow;
contracted; mean; illiberal; ungenerous.
The long-necked geese of the world that are ever
hissing dispraise, Because their natures are little.
--Tennyson.
{Little chief}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Chief hare}.
{Little finger}, the fourth and smallest finger of the hand.
{Little go} (Eng. Universities), a public examination about
the middle of the course, which as less strict and
important than the final one; -- called also {smalls}. Cf.
{Great go}, under {Great}. --Thackeray.
{Little hours} (R. C. Ch.), the offices of prime, tierce,
sext, and nones. Vespers and compline are sometimes
included.
{Little ones}, young children.
The men, and the women, and the little ones. --Deut.
ii. 34.
Little \Lit"tle\, n.
1. That which is little; a small quantity, amount, space, or
the like.
Much was in little writ. --Dryden.
There are many expressions, which carrying with them
no clear ideas, are like to remove but little of my
ignorance. --Locke.
2. A small degree or scale; miniature. `` His picture in
little.'' --Shak.
A little, to or in a small degree; to a limited
extent; somewhat; for a short time. `` Stay a
little.'' --Shak.
The painter flattered her a little. --Shak.
{By little and little}, or {Little by little}, by slow
degrees; piecemeal; gradually.
Little \Lit"tle\, adv.
In a small quantity or degree; not much; slightly; somewhat;
-- often with a preceding it. `` The poor sleep little.''
--Otway.
Little-ease \Lit"tle-ease`\, n.
An old slang name for the pillory, stocks, etc., of a
prison.[Eng.] --Latimer.
Littleness \Lit"tle*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being little; as, littleness of size,
thought, duration, power, etc.
Syn: Smallness; slightness; inconsiderableness; narrowness;
insignificance; meanness; penuriousness.
Littoral \Lit"to*ral\, a. [L. littoralis, litoralis, from
littus, litus, the seashore: cf. F. littoral.]
1. Of or pertaining to a shore, as of the sea.
2. (Biol.) Inhabiting the seashore, esp. the zone between
high-water and low-water mark.
Littorina \Lit"to*ri"na\, n. [NL. See {Littoral}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of small pectinibranch mollusks, having thick spiral
shells, abundant between tides on nearly all rocky seacoasts.
They feed on seaweeds. The common periwinkle is a well-known
example. See {Periwinkle}.
Littress \Lit"tress\, n.
A smooth kind of cartridge paper used for making cards.
--Knight.
Litate \Lit"ate\, a. [See {Lituus}.] (Bot.)
Forked, with the points slightly curved outward.
Lituiform \Lit"u*i*form\, a. [Lituus + -form.]
Having the form of a lituus; like a lituite.
Lituite \Lit"u*ite\, n. [See {Lituus}.] (Paleon.)
Any species of ammonites of the genus {Lituites}. They are
found in the Cretaceous formation.
Liturate \Lit"u*rate\, a. [L. lituratus, p. p. of liturare to
erase, fr. litura a blur.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Having indistinct spots, paler at their
margins.
2. (Bot.) Spotted, as if from abrasions of the surface.
Liturgic \Li*tur"gic\, Liturgical \Li*tur"gic*al\, [Gr. ?: cf.
F. liturgique.]
Pertaining to, of or the nature of, a liturgy; of or
pertaining to public prayer and worship. --T. Warton.
Liturgically \Li*tur"gic*al*ly\, adv.
In the manner of a liturgy.
Liturgics \Li*tur"gics\, n.
The science of worship; history, doctrine, and interpretation
of liturgies.
Liturgiologist \Li*tur`gi*ol"o*gist\, n.
One versed in liturgiology.
Liturgiology \Li*tur`gi*ol"o*gy\, n. [Liturgy + -logy.]
The science treating of liturgical matters; a treatise on, or
description of, liturgies. --Shipley.
Liturgist \Lit"ur*gist\, n.
One who favors or adheres strictly to a liturgy. --Milton.
Liturgy \Lit"ur*gy\, n.; pl. {Liturgies}. [F. liturgie, LL.
liturgia, Gr. ? a public service, the public service of God,
public worship; (assumed) ?, ?, belonging to the people,
public (fr. ?, ?, the people) + the root of ? work. See
{Lay}, a., and {Work}.]
An established formula for public worship, or the entire
ritual for public worship in a church which uses prescribed
forms; a formulary for public prayer or devotion. In the
Roman Catholic Church it includes all forms and services in
any language, in any part of the world, for the celebration
of Mass.
Lituus \Lit"u*us\, n.; pl. {Litui}. [L.]
1. (Rom. Antig.)
(a) A curved staff used by the augurs in quartering the
heavens.
(b) An instrument of martial music; a kind of trumpet of a
somewhat curved form and shrill note.
2. (Math.) A spiral whose polar equation is r^{2}[theta] = a;
that is, a curve the square of whose radius vector varies
inversely as the angle which the radius vector makes with
a given line.
Livable \Liv"a*ble\, a.
1. Such as can be lived.
2. Such as in pleasant to live in; fit or suitable to live
in. [Colloq.]
A more delightful or livable region is not easily to
be found. --T. Arnold.
Live \Live\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lived}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Living}.] [OE. liven, livien, AS. libban, lifian; akin to
OS. libbian, D. leven, G. leben, OHG. leb[=e]n, Dan. leve,
Sw. lefva, Icel. lifa to live, to be left, to remain, Goth.
liban to live; akin to E. leave to forsake, and life, Gr.
liparei^n to persist, liparo`s oily, shining, sleek, li`pos
fat, lard, Skr. lip to anoint, smear; -- the first sense
prob. was, to cleave to, stick to; hence, to remain, stay;
and hence, to live.]
1. To be alive; to have life; to have, as an animal or a
plant, the capacity of assimilating matter as food, and to
be dependent on such assimilation for a continuance of
existence; as, animals and plants that live to a great age
are long in reaching maturity.
Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I
will . . . lay sinews upon you, and will bring up
flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put
breath in you, and ye shall live. --Ezek.
xxxvii. 5, 6.
2. To pass one's time; to pass life or time in a certain
manner, as to habits, conduct, or circumstances; as, to
live in ease or affluence; to live happily or usefully.
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a
man that liveth at rest in his possessions!
--Ecclus. xli.
1.
3. To make one's abiding place or home; to abide; to dwell;
to reside.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years.
--Gen. xlvii.
28.
4. To be or continue in existence; to exist; to remain; to be
permanent; to last; -- said of inanimate objects, ideas,
etc.
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues We
write in water. --Shak.
5. To enjoy or make the most of life; to be in a state of
happiness.
What greater curse could envious fortune give Than
just to die when I began to live? --Dryden.
6. To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; -- with
on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
7. To have a spiritual existence; to be quickened, nourished,
and actuated by divine influence or faith.
The just shall live by faith. --Gal. iii.
ll.
8. To be maintained in life; to acquire a livelihood; to
subsist; -- with on or by; as, to live on spoils.
Those who live by labor. --Sir W.
Temple.
9. To outlast danger; to float; -- said of a ship, boat,
etc.; as, no ship could live in such a storm.
A strong mast that lived upon the sea. --Shak.
{To live out}, to be at service; to live away from home as a
servant. [U. S.]
{To live with}.
(a) To dwell or to be a lodger with.
(b) To cohabit with; to have intercourse with, as male
with female.
Live \Live\, v. t.
1. To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue
in, constantly or habitually; as, to live an idle or a
useful life.
2. To act habitually in conformity with; to practice.
To live the Gospel. --Foxe.
{To live down}, to live so as to subdue or refute; as, to
live down slander.
Live \Live\, a. [Abbreviated from alive. See {Alive}, {Life}.]
1. Having life; alive; living; not dead.
If one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then
they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of
it. --Ex. xxi. 35.
2. Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active
properties; as, a live coal; live embers. `` The live
ether.'' --Thomson.
3. Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a
live man, or orator.
4. Vivid; bright. `` The live carnation.'' --Thomson.
5. (Engin.) Imparting power; having motion; as, the live
spindle of a lathe.
{Live birth}, the condition of being born in such a state
that acts of life are manifested after the extrusion of
the whole body. --Dunglison.
{Live box}, a cell for holding living objects under
microscopical examination. --P. H. Gosse.
{Live feathers}, feathers which have been plucked from the
living bird, and are therefore stronger and more elastic.
{Live gang}. (Sawing) See under {Gang}.
{Live grass} (Bot.), a grass of the genus {Eragrostis}.
{Live load} (Engin.), a suddenly applied load; a varying
load; a moving load; as a moving train of cars on a
bridge, or wind pressure on a roof.
{Live oak} (Bot.), a species of oak ({Quercus virens}),
growing in the Southern States, of great durability, and
highly esteemed for ship timber. In California the {Q.
chrysolepis} and some other species are also called live
oaks.
{Live ring} (Engin.), a circular train of rollers upon which
a swing bridge, or turntable, rests, and which travels
around a circular track when the bridge or table turns.
{Live steam}, steam direct from the boiler, used for any
purpose, in distinction from {exhaust steam}.
{Live stock}, horses, cattle, and other domestic animals kept
on a farm. whole body.
Live \Live\, n.
Life. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{On live}, in life; alive. [Obs.] See {Alive}. --Chaucer.
Lived \Lived\, a.
Having life; -- used only in composition; as, long-lived;
short-lived.
Live-forever \Live"-for*ev`er\, n. (Bot.)
A plant ({Sedum Telephium}) with fleshy leaves, which has
extreme powers of resisting drought; garden ox-pine.
Livelihed \Live"li*hed\, n.
See {Livelihood}. [Obs.]
Livelihood \Live"li*hood\, n. [OE. livelode, liflode, prop.,
course of life, life's support, maintenance, fr. AS. l[=i]f
life + l[=a]d road, way, maintenance. Confused with
livelihood liveliness. See {Life}, and {Lode}.]
Subsistence or living, as dependent on some means of support;
support of life; maintenance.
The opportunities of gaining an honest livelihood.
--Addison.
It is their profession and livelihood to get their
living by practices for which they deserve to forfeit
their lives. --South.
Livelihood \Live"li*hood\, n. [Lively + -hood.]
Liveliness; appearance of life. [Obs.] --Shak.
Livelily \Live"li*ly\, adv.
In a lively manner. [Obs.] --Lamb.
Liveliness \Live"li*ness\, n. [From {Lively}.]
1. The quality or state of being lively or animated;
sprightliness; vivacity; animation; spirit; as, the
liveliness of youth, contrasted with the gravity of age.
--B. Jonson.
2. An appearance of life, animation, or spirit; as, the
liveliness of the eye or the countenance in a portrait.
3. Briskness; activity; effervescence, as of liquors.
Syn: Sprightliness; gayety; animation; vivacity; smartness;
briskness; activity. -- {Liveliness}, {Gayety},
{Animation}, {Vivacity}. Liveliness is an habitual
feeling of life and interest; gayety refers more to a
temporary excitement of the animal spirits; animation
implies a warmth of emotion and a corresponding
vividness of expressing it, awakened by the presence of
something which strongly affects the mind; vivacity is a
feeling between liveliness and animation, having the
permanency of the one, and, to some extent, the warmth
of the other. Liveliness of imagination; gayety of
heart; animation of countenance; vivacity of gesture or
conversation.
Livelode \Live"lode`\, n. [See 1st {Livelihood}.]
Course of life; means of support; livelihood. [Obs.]
Livelong \Live"long`\, a. [For lifelong. Cf. {Lifelong}.]
1. Whole; entire; long in passing; -- used of time, as day or
night, in adverbial phrases, and usually with a sense of
tediousness.
The obscure bird Clamored the livelong night.
--Shak.
How could she sit the livelong day, Yet never ask us
once to play? --Swift.
2. Lasting; durable. [Obs.]
Thou hast built thyself a livelong monument.
--Milton.
Lively \Live"ly\, a. [Compar. {Livelier}; superl. {Liveliest}.]
[For lifely. Cf. {Lifelike}.]
1. Endowed with or manifesting life; living.
Chaplets of gold and silver resembling lively
flowers and leaves. --Holland.
2. Brisk; vivacious; active; as, a lively youth.
But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haste, With
youthful steps ? Much livelier than erewhile He
seems. --Milton.
3. Gay; airy; animated; spirited.
From grave to gay, from lively to severe. --Pope.
4. Representing life; lifelike. [Obs.]
I spied the lively picture of my father.
--Massinger.
5. Bright; vivid; glowing; strong; vigorous.
The colors of the prism are manifestly more full,
intense, and lively that those of natural bodies.
--Sir I.
Newton.
His faith must be not only living, but lively too.
--South.
{Lively stones} (Script.), saints, as being quickened by the
Spirit, and active in holiness.
Syn: Brisk; vigorous; quick; nimble; smart; active; alert;
sprightly; animated; spirited; prompt; earnest; strong;
energetic; vivid; vivacious; blithe; gleeful; airy; gay;
jocund.
Lively \Live"ly\, adv.
1. In a brisk, active, or animated manner; briskly;
vigorously. --Hayward.
2. With strong resemblance of life. [Obs.]
Thou counterfeitest most lively. --Shak.
Liver \Liv"er\, n.
1. One who, or that which, lives.
And try if life be worth the liver's care. --Prior.
2. A resident; a dweller; as, a liver in Brooklyn.
3. One whose course of life has some marked characteristic
(expressed by an adjective); as, a free liver.
{Fast liver}, one who lives in an extravagant and dissipated
way.
{Free liver}, {Good liver}, one given to the pleasures of the
table.
{Loose liver}, a person who lives a somewhat dissolute life.
Liver \Liv"er\, n. [AS. lifer; akin to D. liver, G. leber, OHG.
lebara, Icel. lifr, Sw. lefver, and perh. to Gr. ? fat, E.
live, v.] (Anat.)
A very large glandular and vascular organ in the visceral
cavity of all vertebrates.
Note: Most of the venous blood from the alimentary canal
passes through it on its way back to the heart; and it
secretes the bile, produces glycogen, and in other ways
changes the blood which passes through it. In man it is
situated immediately beneath the diaphragm and mainly
on the right side. See {Bile}, {Digestive}, and
{Glycogen}. The liver of invertebrate animals is
usually made up of c[ae]cal tubes, and differs
materially, in form and function, from that of
vertebrates.
{Floating liver}. See {Wandering liver}, under {Wandering}.
{Liver of antimony}, {Liver of sulphur}. (Old Chem.) See
{Hepar}.
{Liver brown}, {Liver color}, the color of liver, a dark,
reddish brown.
{Liver shark} (Zo["o]l.), a very large shark ({Cetorhinus
maximus}), inhabiting the northern coasts both of Europe
and North America. It sometimes becomes forty feet in
length, being one of the largest sharks known; but it has
small simple teeth, and is not dangerous. It is captured
for the sake of its liver, which often yields several
barrels of oil. It has gill rakers, resembling whalebone,
by means of which it separates small animals from the sea
water. Called also {basking shark}, {bone shark},
{hoemother}, {homer}, and {sailfish}
.
{Liver spots}, yellowish brown patches or spots of chloasma.
Liver \Liv"er\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The glossy ibis ({Ibis falcinellus}); -- said to have given
its name to the city of Liverpool.
Liver-colored \Liv"er-col`ored\, a.
Having a color like liver; dark reddish brown.
Livered \Liv"ered\, a.
Having (such) a liver; used in composition; as,
white-livered.
Liver-grown \Liv"er-grown`\, a.
Having an enlarged liver. --Dunglison.
Liveried \Liv"er*ied\, a.
Wearing a livery. See {Livery}, 3.
The liveried servants wait. --Parnell.
Livering \Liv"er*ing\, n.
A kind of pudding or sausage made of liver or pork. [Obs.]
--Chapman.
Liverleaf \Liv"er*leaf`\, n. (Bot.)
Same as {Liverwort}.
Liverwort \Liv"er*wort`\, n. (Bot.)
1. A ranunculaceous plant ({Anemone Hepatica}) with pretty
white or bluish flowers and a three-lobed leaf; -- called
also {squirrel cups}.
2. A flowerless plant ({Marchantia polymorpha}), having an
irregularly lobed, spreading, and forking frond.
Note: From this plant many others of the same order
({Hepatic[ae]}) have been vaguely called liverworts,
esp. those of the tribe {Marchantiace[ae]}. See Illust.
of {Hepatica}.
Livery \Liv"er*y\, n.; pl. {Liveries}. [OE. livere, F.
livr['e]e, formerly, a gift of clothes made by the master to
his servants, prop., a thing delivered, fr. livrer to
deliver, L. liberare to set free, in LL., to deliver up. See
{Liberate}.]
1. (Eng. Law)
(a) The act of delivering possession of lands or
tenements.
(b) The writ by which possession is obtained.
Note: It is usual to say, livery of seizin, which is a feudal
investiture, made by the delivery of a turf, of a rod,
or twig, from the feoffor to the feoffee. In the United
States, and now in Great Britain, no such ceremony is
necessary, the delivery of a deed being sufficient.
2. Release from wardship; deliverance.
It concerned them first to sue out their livery from
the unjust wardship of his encroaching prerogative.
--Milton.
3. That which is delivered out statedly or formally, as
clothing, food, etc.; especially:
(a) The uniform clothing issued by feudal superiors to
their retainers and serving as a badge when in
military service.
(b) The peculiar dress by which the servants of a nobleman
or gentleman are distinguished; as, a claret-colored
livery.
(c) Hence, also, the peculiar dress or garb appropriated
by any association or body of persons to their own
use; as, the livery of the London tradesmen, of a
priest, of a charity school, etc.; also, the whole
body or company of persons wearing such a garb, and
entitled to the privileges of the association; as, the
whole livery of London.
A Haberdasher and a Carpenter, A Webbe, a Dyer,
and a Tapicer, And they were clothed all in one
livery Of a solempne and a gret fraternite.
--Chaucer.
From the periodical deliveries of these
characteristic articles of servile costume (blue
coats) came our word livery. --De Quincey.
(d) Hence, any characteristic dress or outward appearance.
`` April's livery.'' --Sir P. Sidney.
Now came still evening on, and twilight gray Had
in her sober livery all things clad. --Milton.
(e) An allowance of food statedly given out; a ration, as
to a family, to servants, to horses, etc.
The emperor's officers every night went through
the town from house to house whereat any English
gentleman did repast or lodge, and served their
liveries for all night: first, the officers
brought into the house a cast of fine manchet
[white bread], and of silver two great post, and
white wine, and sugar. --Cavendish.
(f) The feeding, stabling, and care of horses for
compensation; boarding; as, to keep one's horses at
livery.
What livery is, we by common use in England know
well enough, namely, that is, allowance of horse
meat, as to keep horses at livery, the which
word, I guess, is derived of livering or
delivering forth their nightly food. --Spenser.
It need hardly be observed that the explanation
of livery which Spenser offers is perfectly
correct, but . . . it is no longer applied to
the ration or stated portion of food delivered
at stated periods. --Trench.
(g) The keeping of horses in readiness to be hired
temporarily for riding or driving; the state of being
so kept.
Pegasus does not stand at livery even at the
largest establishment in Moorfields. --Lowell.
4. A low grade of wool.
{Livery gown}, the gown worn by a liveryman in London.
Livery \Liv"er*y\, v. t.
To clothe in, or as in, livery. --Shak.
Liveryman \Liv"er*y*man\, n.; pl. {Liverymen}.
1. One who wears a livery, as a servant.
2. A freeman of the city, in London, who, having paid certain
fees, is entitled to wear the distinguishing dress or
livery of the company to which he belongs, and also to
enjoy certain other privileges, as the right of voting in
an election for the lord mayor, sheriffs, chamberlain,
etc.
3. One who keeps a livery stable.
Livery stable \Liv"er*y sta`ble\
A stable where horses are kept for hire, and where stabling
is provided. See {Livery}, n., 3
(e)
(f) &
(g) .
Lives \Lives\, n.;
pl. of {Life}.
Lives \Lives\, a. & adv. [Orig. a genitive sing. of life.]
Alive; living; with life. [Obs.] `` Any lives creature.''
--Chaucer.
Livid \Liv"id\, a. [L. lividus, from livere to be of a blush
color, to be black and blue: cf. F. livide.]
Black and blue; grayish blue; of a lead color; discolored, as
flesh by contusion. --Cowper.
There followed no carbuncles, no purple or livid spots,
the mass of the blood not being tainted. --Bacon.
Lividity \Li*vid"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. lividit['e].]
The state or quality of being livid.
Lividness \Liv"id*ness\, n.
Lividity. --Walpole.
Laving \Lav"ing\, a. [From {Live}, v. i.]
1. Being alive; having life; as, a living creature.
2. Active; lively; vigorous; -- said esp. of states of the
mind, and sometimes of abstract things; as, a living
faith; a living principle. `` Living hope. '' --Wyclif.
3. Issuing continually from the earth; running; flowing; as,
a living spring; -- opposed to {stagnant}.
4. Producing life, action, animation, or vigor; quickening.
``Living light.'' --Shak.
5. Ignited; glowing with heat; burning; live.
Then on the living coals wine they pour. --Dryden.
{Living force}. See {Vis viva}, under {Vis}.
{Living gale} (Naut.), a heavy gale.
{Living} {rock or stone}, rock in its native or original
state or location; rock not quarried. `` I now found
myself on a rude and narrow stairway, the steps of which
were cut out of the living rock.'' --Moore.
{The living}, those who are alive, or one who is alive.
Living \Liv"ing\, n.
1. The state of one who, or that which, lives; lives; life;
existence. ``Health and living.'' --Shak.
2. Manner of life; as, riotous living; penurious living;
earnest living. `` A vicious living.'' --Chaucer.
3. Means of subsistence; sustenance; estate.
She can spin for her living. --Shak.
He divided unto them his living. --Luke xv. 12.
4. Power of continuing life; the act of living, or living
comfortably.
There is no living without trusting somebody or
other in some cases. --L' Estrange.
5. The benefice of a clergyman; an ecclesiastical charge
which a minister receives. [Eng.]
He could not get a deanery, a prebend, or even a
living --Macaulay.
{Livng room}, the room most used by the family.
Livingly \Liv"ing*ly\, adv.
In a living state. --Sir T. Browne.
Livingness \Liv"ing*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being alive; possession of energy or
vigor; animation; quickening.
Livonian \Li*vo"ni*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Livonia, a district of Russia near the
Baltic Sea.
Livinian \Li*vi"ni*an\, n.
A native or an inhabitant of Livonia; the language (allied to
the Finnish) of the Livonians.
Livor \Li"vor\, n. [L.]
Malignity. [P.] --Burton.
Livraison \Li`vrai`son"\, n. [F., fr. L. liberatio a setting
free, in LL., a delivering up. See {Liberation}.]
A part of a book or literary composition printed and
delivered by itself; a number; a part.
Livre \Li"vre\, n. [F., fr. L. libra a pound of twelve ounces.
Cf. {Lira}.]
A French money of account, afterward a silver coin equal to
20 sous. It is not now in use, having been superseded by the
franc.
Lixivial \Lix*iv"i*al\, a. [L. lixivius, fr. lix ashes, lye
ashes, lye: cf. F. lixiviel.]
1. Impregnated with, or consisting of, alkaline salts
extracted from wood ashes; impregnated with a salt or
salts like a lixivium. --Boyle.
2. Of the color of lye; resembling lye.
3. Having the qualities of alkaline salts extracted from wood
ashes.
{Lixivial salts} (Old Chem.), salts which are obtained by
passing water through ashes, or by pouring it on them.
Lixiviate \Lix*iv"i*ate\, Lixivited \Lix*iv"i*`ted\, a. [From
{Lixivium}.]
1. Of or pertaining to lye or lixivium; of the quality of
alkaline salts.
2. Impregnated with salts from wood ashes. --Boyle.
Lixiviate \Lix*iv"i*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lixiviated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lixiviating}.]
To subject to a washing process for the purpose of separating
soluble material from that which is insoluble; to leach, as
ashes, for the purpose of extracting the alkaline substances.
Lixiviation \Lix*iv`i*a"tion\, n. [Cf. F. lixiviation.]
Lixiviating; the process of separating a soluble substance
form one that is insoluble, by washing with some solvent, as
water; leaching.
Lixivious \Lix*iv"i*ous\, a.
See {Lixivial}.
Lixivium \Lix*iv"i*um\, n. [L. lixivium, lixivia. See
{Lixivial}.]
A solution of alkaline salts extracted from wood ashes;
hence, any solution obtained by lixiviation.
Lixt \Lixt\, obs.
2d pers. sing. pres. of {Lige}, to lie, to tell lies, --
contracted for ligest. --Chaucer.
Liza \Li"za\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The American white mullet ({Mugil curema}).
Lizard \Liz"ard\, n. [OE. lesarde, OF. lesarde, F. l['e]zard, L.
lacerta, lacertus. Cf. {Alligator}, {Lacerta}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of the numerous species of reptiles
belonging to the order Lacertilia; sometimes, also applied
to reptiles of other orders, as the Hatteria.
Note: Most lizards have an elongated body, with four legs,
and a long tail; but there are some without legs, and
some with a short, thick tail. Most have scales, but
some are naked; most have eyelids, but some do not. The
tongue is varied in form and structure. In some it is
forked, in others, as the chameleons, club-shaped, and
very extensible. See {Amphisb[ae]na}, {Chameleon},
{Gecko}, {Gila monster}, {Horned toad}, {Iguana}, and
{Dragon}, 6.
2. (Naut.) A piece of rope with thimble or block spliced into
one or both of the ends. --R. H. Dana, Ir.
3. A piece of timber with a forked end, used in dragging a
heavy stone, a log, or the like, from a field.
{Lizard fish} (Zo["o]l.), a marine scopeloid fish of the
genus {Synodus}, or {Saurus}, esp. {S. f[oe]tens} of the
Southern United States and West Indies; -- called also
{sand pike}.
{Lizard snake} (Zo["o]l.), the garter snake ({Eut[ae]nia
sirtalis}).
{Lizard stone} (Min.), a kind of serpentine from near Lizard
Point, Cornwall, England, -- used for ornamental purposes.
Lizard's tail \Liz"ard's tail`\ (Bot.)
A perennial plant of the genus {Saururus} ({S. cernuus}),
growing in marshes, and having white flowers crowded in a
slender terminal spike, somewhat resembling in form a
lizard's tail; whence the name. --Gray.
Llama \Lla"ma\, n. [Peruv.] (Zo["o]l.)
A South American ruminant ({Auchenia llama}), allied to the
camels, but much smaller and without a hump. It is supposed
to be a domesticated variety of the guanaco. It was formerly
much used as a beast of burden in the Andes.
Llandeilo group \Llan*dei"lo group`\ (Geol.)
A series of strata in the lower Silurian formations of Great
Britain; -- so named from Llandeilo in Southern Wales. See
Chart of {Geology}.
Llanero \Lla*ne"ro\, n. [Sp. Amer.]
One of the inhabitants of the llanos of South America.
Llano \Lla"no\, n.; pl. {Llanos}. [Sp., plain even, level. See
{Plain}.]
An extensive plain with or without vegetation. [Spanish
America]
Lloyd's \Lloyd's\, n.
1. An association of underwriters and others in London, for
the collection and diffusion of marine intelligence, the
insurance, classification, registration, and certifying of
vessels, and the transaction of business of various kinds
connected with shipping.
2. A part of the Royal Exchange, in London, appropriated to
the use of underwriters and insurance brokers; -- called
also {Lloyd's Rooms}.
Note: The name is derived from Lloyd's Coffee House, in
Lombard Street, where there were formerly rooms for the
same purpose. The name Lloyd or Lloyd's has been taken
by several associations, in different parts of Europe,
established for purposes similar to those of the
original association.
{Lloyd's agents}, persons employed in various parts of the
world, by the association called Lloyd's, to serve its
interests.
{Lloyd's list}, a publication of the latest news respecting
shipping matters, with lists of vessels, etc., made under
the direction of Lloyd's. --Brande & C.
{Lloyd's register}, a register of vessels rated according to
their quality, published yearly.
Lo \Lo\, interj. [OE. lo, low; perh. akin to E. look, v.]
Look; see; behold; observe. ``Lo, here is Christ.'' --Matt.
xxiv. 23. ``Lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'' --Acts xiii. 46.
Loach \Loach\, n. [OE. loche, F. loche.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several small, fresh-water, cyprinoid fishes of
the genera {Cobitis}, {Nemachilus}, and allied genera, having
six or more barbules around the mouth. They are found in
Europe and Asia. The common European species ({N.
barbatulus}) is used as a food fish.
Load \Load\, n. [OE. lode load, way; properly the same word as
lode, but confused with lade, load, v. See {Lade}, {Lead},
v., {Lode}.]
1. A burden; that which is laid on or put in anything for
conveyance; that which is borne or sustained; a weight;
as, a heavy load.
He might such a load To town with his ass carry.
--Gower.
2. The quantity which can be carried or drawn in some
specified way; the contents of a cart, barrow, or vessel;
that which will constitute a cargo; lading.
3. That which burdens, oppresses, or grieves the mind or
spirits; as, a load of care. `` A . . . load of guilt.''
--Ray. `` Our life's a load.'' --Dryden.
4. A particular measure for certain articles, being as much
as may be carried at one time by the conveyance commonly
used for the article measured; as, a load of wood; a load
of hay; specifically, five quarters.
5. The charge of a firearm; as, a load of powder.
6. Weight or violence of blows. [Obs.] --Milton.
7. (Mach.) The work done by a steam engine or other prime
mover when working.
{Load line}, or {Load water line} (Naut.), the line on the
outside of a vessel indicating the depth to which it sinks
in the water when loaded.
Syn: Burden; lading; weight; cargo. See {Burden}.
Load \Load\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loaded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loading}. Loaden is obsolete, and laden belongs to lade.]
1. To lay a load or burden on or in, as on a horse or in a
cart; to charge with a load, as a gun; to furnish with a
lading or cargo, as a ship; hence, to add weight to, so as
to oppress or embarrass; to heap upon.
I strive all in vain to load the cart. --Gascoigne.
I have loaden me with many spoils. --Shak.
Those honors deep and broad, wherewith Your majesty
loads our house. --Shak.
2. To adulterate or drug; as, to load wine. [Cant]
3. To magnetize.[Obs.] --Prior.
{Loaded dice}, dice with one side made heavier than the
others, so that the number on the opposite side will come
up oftenest.
Loader \Load"er\, n.
One who, or that which, loads; a mechanical contrivance for
loading, as a gun.
Loading \Load"ing\, n.
1. The act of putting a load on or into.
2. A load; cargo; burden. --Shak.
Loadmanage \Load"man*age\, Lodemanage \Lode"man*age\, n.
Pilotage; skill of a pilot or loadsman. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loadsman \Loads"man\, Lodesman \Lodes"man\, n. [Load, lode +
man. See {Lode}.]
A pilot. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loadstar \Load"star`\, Lodestar \Lode"star`\, n. [Load, lode +
star. See {Lode}.]
A star that leads; a guiding star; esp., the polestar; the
cynosure. --Chaucer. `` Your eyes are lodestars.'' --Shak.
The pilot can no loadstar see. --Spenser.
Loadstone \Load"stone`\, Lodestone \Lode"stone\, n. [Load, lode
+ stone.] (Min.)
A piece of magnetic iron ore possessing polarity like a
magnetic needle. See {Magnetite}.
Loaf \Loaf\, n.; pl. {Loaves}. [OE. lof, laf, AS. hl[=a]f; akin
to G. laib, OHG. hleip, Icel. hleifr, Goth. hlaifs, Russ.
khlieb', Lith. kl["e]pas. Cf. {Lady}, {Lammas}, {Lord}.]
Any thick lump, mass, or cake; especially, a large regularly
shaped or molded mass, as of bread, sugar, or cake. --Bacon.
{Loaf sugar}, refined sugar that has been formed into a
conical loaf in a mold.
Loaf \Loaf\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Loafed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loafing}.] [G. laufen to run, Prov. G. loofen. See {Leap}.]
To spend time in idleness; to lounge or loiter about. ``
Loafing vagabonds.'' --W. Black.
Loaf \Loaf\, v. t.
To spend in idleness; -- with away; as, to loaf time away.
Loafer \Loaf"er\, n. [G. l["a]ufer a runner, Prov. G. laufer,
lofer, fr. laufen to run. See {Leap}.]
One who loafs; a lazy lounger. --Lowell.
Loam \Loam\, n. [AS. l[=a]m; akin to D. leem, G. lehm, and E.
lime. See 4th {Lime}.]
1. A kind of soil; an earthy mixture of clay and sand, with
organic matter to which its fertility is chiefly due.
We wash a wall of loam; we labor in vain. --Hooker.
2. (Founding) A mixture of sand, clay, and other materials,
used in making molds for large castings, often without a
pattern.
{Loam mold} (Founding), a mold made with loam. See {Loam},
n., 2.
{Loam molding}, the process or business of making loam molds.
{Loam plate}, an iron plate upon which a section of a loam
mold rests, or from which it is suspended.
{Loam work}, loam molding or loam molds.
Loam \Loam\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Loamed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loaming}.]
To cover, smear, or fill with loam.
Loamy \Loam"y\, a.
Consisting of loam; partaking of the nature of loam;
resembling loam. --Bacon.
Loan \Loan\, n. [See {Lawn}.]
A loanin. [Scot.]
Loan \Loan\, n. [OE. lone, lane, AS. l[=a]n, l[ae]n, fr. le['o]n
to lend; akin to D. leen loan, fief, G. lehen fief, Icel.
l[=a]n, G. leihen to lend, OHG. l[=i]han, Icel. lj[=i], Goth.
leihwan, L. linquere to leave, Gr. ?, Skr. ric. ? Cf.
{Delinquent}, {Eclipse}, {Eleven}, {Ellipse}, {Lend},
{License}, {Relic}.]
1. The act of lending; a lending; permission to use; as, the
loan of a book, money, services.
2. That which one lends or borrows, esp. a sum of money lent
at interest; as, he repaid the loan.
{Loan office}.
(a) An office at which loans are negotiated, or at which
the accounts of loans are kept, and the interest paid
to the lender.
(b) A pawnbroker's shop.
Loan \Loan\, n. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loaned}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loaning}.]
To lend; -- sometimes with out. --Kent.
By way of location or loaning them out. --J. Langley
(1644).
Loanable \Loan"a*ble\, a.
Such as can be lent; available for lending; as, loanable
funds; -- used mostly in financial business and writings.
Loanin \Loan"in\, Loaning \Loan"ing\, n. [From Scotch loan, E.
lawn.]
An open space between cultivated fields through which cattle
are driven, and where the cows are sometimes milked; also, a
lane. [Scot.] --Sir W. Scott.
Loanmonger \Loan"mon`ger\, n.
A dealer in, or negotiator of, loans.
The millions of the loanmonger. --Beaconsfield.
Loath \Loath\ (l[=o]th), a. [OE. looth, loth, AS. l[=a]?
hostile, odious; akin to OS. l[=a][eth], G. leid, Icel.
lei[eth]r, Sw. led, G. leiden to suffer, OHG. l[=i]dan to
suffer, go, cf. AS. l[=i][eth]an to go, Goth. leipan, and E.
lead to guide.]
1. Hateful; odious; disliked. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
2. Filled with disgust or aversion; averse; unwilling;
reluctant; as, loath to part.
Full loth were him to curse for his tithes.
--Chaucer.
Why, then, though loath, yet must I be content.
--Shak.
Loathe \Loathe\ (l[=o][th]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loathed}
(l[=o][th]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Loathing}.] [AS. l[=a][eth]ian
to hate. See {Loath}.]
1. To feel extreme disgust at, or aversion for.
Loathing the honeyed cakes, I Ionged for bread.
--Cowley.
2. To dislike greatly; to abhor; to hate.
The secret which I loathe. --Waller.
She loathes the vital sir. --Dryden.
Syn: To hate; abhor; detest; abominate. See {Hate}.
Loathe \Loathe\, v. i.
To feel disgust or nausea. [Obs.]
Loather \Loath"er\, n.
One who loathes.
Loathful \Loath"ful\, a.
1. Full of loathing; hating; abhorring. ``Loathful eyes.''
--Spenser.
2. Causing a feeling of loathing; disgusting.
Above the reach of loathful, sinful lust. --Spenser.
Loathing \Loath"ing\, n.
Extreme disgust; a feeling of aversion, nausea, abhorrence,
or detestation.
The mutual fear and loathing of the hostile races.
--Macaulay.
Loathingly \Loath"ing*ly\, adv.
With loathing.
Loathliness \Loath"li*ness\, n.
Loathsomeness. [Obs.]
Loathly \Loath"ly\, a. [AS. l[=a]?lic.]
Loathsome. [Obs.] `` Loathly mouth.'' --Spenser.
Loathly \Loath"ly\, adv.
1. Unwillingly; reluctantly.
This shows that you from nature loathly stray.
--Donne.
2. (?) So as to cause loathing. [Obs.]
With dust and blood his locks were loathly dight.
--Fairfax.
Loathness \Loath"ness\, n.
Unwillingness; reluctance.
A general silence and loathness to speak. --Bacon.
Loathsome \Loath"some\, a.
Fitted to cause loathing; exciting disgust; disgusting.
The most loathsome and deadly forms of infection.
--Macaulay.
-- {Loath"some*ly}. adv. -- {Loath"some*ness}, n.
Loathy \Loath"y\, a.
Loathsome. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Loaves \Loaves\, n.;
pl. of {Loaf}.
Lob \Lob\, n. [W. llob an unwieldy lump, a dull fellow, a
blockhead. Cf. {Looby}, {Lubber}.]
1. A dull, heavy person. `` Country lobs.'' --Gauden.
2. Something thick and heavy.
Lob \Lob\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lobbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lobbing}.]
To let fall heavily or lazily.
And their poor jades Lob down their heads. --Shak.
{To lob a ball} (Lawn Tennis), to strike a ball so as to send
it up into the air.
Lob \Lob\, v. t. (Mining)
See {Cob}, v. t.
Lob \Lob\, n. [Dan. lubbe.] (Zo["o]l.)
The European pollock.
Lobar \Lo"bar\, a.
Of or pertaining to a lobe; characterized by, or like, a lobe
or lobes.
Lobate \Lo"bate\, Lobated \Lo"ba*ted\, a. [See {Lobe}.]
1. (Bot.) Consisting of, or having, lobes; lobed; as, a
lobate leaf.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) Having lobes; -- said of the tails of certain fishes
having the integument continued to the bases of the
fin rays.
(b) Furnished with membranous flaps, as the toes of a
coot. See Illust. (m) under {Aves}.
Lobately \Lo"bate*ly\, adv.
As a lobe; so as to make a lobe; in a lobate manner.
Lobbish \Lob"bish\, a.
Like a lob; consisting of lobs. --Sir. P. Sidney.
Lobby \Lob"by\, n.; pl. {Lobbies}. [LL. lobium, lobia, laubia, a
covered portico fit for walking, fr. OHG. louba, G. laube,
arbor. See {Lodge}.]
1. (Arch.) A passage or hall of communication, especially
when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It
differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates
between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but
this distinction is not carefully preserved.
2. That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the
official use of the assembly; hence, the persons,
collectively, who frequent such a place to transact
business with the legislators; any persons, not members of
a legislative body, who strive to influence its
proceedings by personal agency
. [U.S.]
3. (Naut.) An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an
old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
4. (Agric.) A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges.
trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
{Lobby member}, a lobbyist. [Humorous cant, U. S.]
Lobby \Lob"by\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lobbied}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lobbying}.]
To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the
lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their
votes.[U.S.] --Bartlett.
Lobby \Lob"by\, v. t.
To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a
legislative body; as, to lobby a bill. [U.S.]
Lobbyist \Lob"by*ist\, n.
A member of the lobby; a person who solicits members of a
legislature for the purpose of influencing legislation.
[U.S.]
Lobcock \Lob"cock`\, n.
A dull, sluggish person; a lubber; a lob. [Low]
Lobe \Lobe\, n. [F. lobe, Gr. ?.]
Any projection or division, especially one of a somewhat
rounded form; as:
(a) (Bot.) A rounded projection or division of a leaf.
--Gray.
(b) (Zo["o]l.) A membranous flap on the sides of the toes of
certain birds, as the coot.
(c) (Anat.) A round projecting part of an organ, as of the
liver, lungs, brain, etc. See Illust. of {Brain}.
(b) (Mach.) The projecting part of a cam wheel or of a
non-circular gear wheel.
{Lobe of the ear}, the soft, fleshy prominence in which the
human ear terminates below. See. Illust. of {Ear}.
Lobed \Lobed\, a.
Having lobes; lobate.
Lobefoot \Lobe"foot`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A bird having lobate toes; esp., a phalarope.
Lobe-footed \Lobe"-foot`ed\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Lobiped.
Lobelet \Lobe"let\, n. (Bot.)
A small lobe; a lobule.
Lobelia \Lo*be"li*a\ (?; 106), n. [NL. So called from Lobel,
botanist to King James I.] (Bot.)
A genus of plants, including a great number of species.
{Lobelia inflata}, or Indian tobacco, is an annual plant of
North America, whose leaves contain a poisonous white viscid
juice, of an acrid taste. It has often been used in medicine
as an emetic, expectorant, etc. {L. cardinalis} is the
cardinal flower, remarkable for the deep and vivid red color
of its flowers.
Lobeliaceous \Lo*be`li*a"ceous\, a. (Bot.)
Of or pertaining to a natural order of plants of which the
genus {Lobelia} is the type.
Lobelin \Lo*be"lin\, n. (Med.)
A yellowish green resin from {Lobelia}, used as an emetic and
diaphoretic.
Lobeline \Lo*be"line\, n. (Chem.)
A poisonous narcotic alkaloid extracted from the leaves of
Indian tobacco ({Lobelia inflata}) as a yellow oil, having a
tobaccolike taste and odor.
Lobiped \Lo"bi*ped\, a. [Lobe + L. pes, pedis, foot.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having lobate toes, as a coot.
Loblolly \Lob"lol`ly\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
Gruel; porridge; -- so called among seamen.
{Loblolly bay} (Bot.), an elegant white-flowered evergreen
shrub or small tree, of the genus {Gordonia} ({G.
Lasianthus}), growing in the maritime parts of the
Southern United States. Its bark is sometimes used in
tanning. Also, a similar West Indian tree ({Laplacea
h[ae]matoxylon}).
{Loblolly boy}, a surgeon's attendant on shipboard.
--Smollett.
{Loblolly pine} (Bot.), a kind of pitch pine found from
Delaware southward along the coast; old field pine ({Pinus
T[ae]da}). Also, {P. Bahamensis}, of the West Indies.
{Loblolly tree} (Bot.), a name of several West Indian trees,
having more or less leathery foliage, but alike in no
other respect; as {Pisonia subcordata}, {Cordia alba}, and
{Cupania glabra}.
Lobosa \Lo*bo"sa\, n. pl. [NL. See {Lobe}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of Rhizopoda, in which the pseudopodia are thick and
irregular in form, as in the Am[oe]ba.
Lobscouse \Lob"scouse`\, n. [Written also lobscourse from which
lobscouse is corrupted.] [Lob + course.] (Naut.)
A combination of meat with vegetables, bread, etc., usually
stewed, sometimes baked; an olio.
Lobsided \Lob"sid`ed\, a.
See {Lopsided}.
Lobspound \Lobs"pound`\, n. [Lob + pound a prison.]
A prison. [Obs.] --Hudibras.
Lobster \Lob"ster\, n. [AS. loppestre, lopystre prob., corrupted
fr. L. locusta a marine shellfish, a kind of lobster, a
locust. Cf. {Locust}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any large macrurous crustacean used as food, esp. those of
the genus {Homarus}; as the American lobster ({H.
Americanus}), and the European lobster ({H. vulgaris}). The
Norwegian lobster ({Nephrops Norvegicus}) is similar in form.
All these have a pair of large unequal claws. The spiny
lobsters of more southern waters, belonging to {Palinurus},
{Panulirus}, and allied genera, have no large claws. The
fresh-water crayfishes are sometimes called lobsters.
{Lobster caterpillar} (Zo["o]l.), the caterpillar of a
European bombycid moth ({Stauropus fagi}); -- so called
from its form.
{Lobster louse} (Zo["o]l.), a copepod crustacean
({Nicotho["e] astaci}) parasitic on the gills of the
European lobster.
Lobular \Lob"u*lar\, a. [Cf. F. lobulaire.]
Like a lobule; pertaining to a lobule or lobules.
Lobulate \Lob"u*late\, Lobulated \Lob"u*la`ted\, a.
Made up of, or divided into, lobules; as, a lobulated gland.
Lobule \Lob"ule\, n. [Cf. F. lobule, dim. of lobe. See {Lobe}.]
A small lobe; a subdivision of a lobe.
{Lobule of the ear}. (Anat.) Same as {Lobe of the ear}.
Lobulette \Lob`u*lette"\, n. [Dim. of lobule.] (Anat.)
A little lobule, or subdivision of a lobule.
Lobworm \Lob"worm`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The lugworm.
Local \Lo"cal\, a. [L. localis, fr. locus place: cf. F. local.
See {Lieu}, {Locus}.]
Of or pertaining to a particular place, or to a definite
region or portion of space; restricted to one place or
region; as, a local custom.
Gives to airy nothing A local habitation and a name.
--Shak.
{Local actions} (Law), actions such as must be brought in a
particular county, where the cause arises; --
distinguished from transitory actions.
{Local affection} (Med.), a disease or ailment confined to a
particular part or organ, and not directly affecting the
system.
{Local attraction} (Magnetism), an attraction near a compass,
causing its needle to deviate from its proper direction,
especially on shipboard.
{Local battery} (Teleg.), the battery which actuates the
recording instruments of a telegraphic station, as
distinguished from the battery furnishing a current for
the line.
{Local circuit} (Teleg.), the circuit of the local battery.
{Local color}.
(a) (Paint.) The color which belongs to an object, and is not
caused by accidental influences, as of reflection,
shadow, etc.
(b) (Literature) Peculiarities of the place and its
inhabitants where the scene of an action or story is
laid.
{Local option}, the right or obligation of determining by
popular vote within certain districts, as in each county,
city, or town, whether the sale of alcoholic beverages
within the district shall be allowed.
Local \Lo"cal\, n.
1. (Railroad) A train which receives and deposits passengers
or freight along the line of the road; a train for the
accommodation of a certain district. [U.S.]
2. On newspaper cant, an item of news relating to the place
where the paper is published. [U.S.]
Locale \Lo`cale"\, n. [F. local.]
1. A place, spot, or location.
2. A principle, practice, form of speech, or other thing of
local use, or limited to a locality.
Localism \Lo"cal*ism\, n.
1. The state or quality of being local; affection for a
particular place.
2. A method of speaking or acting peculiar to a certain
district; a local idiom or phrase.
Locality \Lo*cal"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Localitiees}. [L. localitas:
cf. F. localit['e].]
1. The state, or condition, of belonging to a definite place,
or of being contained within definite limits.
It is thought that the soul and angels are devoid of
quantity and dimension, and that they have nothing
to do with grosser locality. --Glanvill.
2. Position; situation; a place; a spot; esp., a geographical
place or situation, as of a mineral or plant.
3. Limitation to a county, district, or place; as, locality
of trial. --Blackstone.
4. (Phren.) The perceptive faculty concerned with the ability
to remember the relative positions of places.
Localization \Lo`cal*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F. localisation.]
Act of localizing, or state of being localized.
{Cerebral localization} (Physiol.), the localization of the
control of special functions, as of sight or of the
various movements of the body, in special regions of the
brain.
Localize \Lo"cal*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Localized}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Localizing}.] [Cf. F. localiser. See {Local}.]
To make local; to fix in, or assign to, a definite place.
--H. Spencer. Wordsworth.
Locally \Lo"cal*ly\, adv.
With respect to place; in place; as, to be locally separated
or distant.
Locate \Lo"cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Located}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Locating}.] [L. locatus, p. p. of locare to place, fr. locus
place. See {Local}.]
1. To place; to set in a particular spot or position.
The captives and emigrants whom he brought with him
were located in the trans-Tiberine quarter. --B. F.
Westcott.
2. To designate the site or place of; to define the limits
of; as, to locate a public building; to locate a mining
claim; to locate (the land granted by) a land warrant.
That part of the body in which the sense of touch is
located. --H. Spencer.
Locate \Lo"cate\, v. i.
To place one's self; to take up one's residence; to settle.
[Colloq.]
Location \Lo*ca"tion\, n. [L. locatio, fr. locare.]
1. The act or process of locating.
2. Situation; place; locality. --Locke.
3. That which is located; a tract of land designated in
place. [U.S.]
4. (Law)
(a) (Civil Law) A leasing on rent.
(b) (Scots Law) A contract for the use of a thing, or
service of a person, for hire. --Wharton.
(c) (Amer. Law) The marking out of the boundaries, or
identifying the place or site of, a piece of land,
according to the description given in an entry, plan,
map, etc. --Burrill. Bouvier.
Locative \Loc"a*tive\, a. (Gram.)
Indicating place, or the place where, or wherein; as, a
locative adjective; locative case of a noun. -- n. The
locative case.
Locator \Lo"ca*tor\, n.
One who locates, or is entitled to locate, land or a mining
claim. [U.S.]
Locellate \Lo*cel"late\, a. [L. locellus a compartment, dim. of
locus a place.] (Bot.)
Divided into secondary compartments or cells, as where one
cavity is separated into several smaller ones.
Loch \Loch\, n. [Gael. & Olr. loch. See {Lake} of water.]
A lake; a bay or arm of the sea. [Scot.]
Loch \Loch\, n. [F. looch, Ar. la'?g, an electuary, or any
medicine which may be licked or sucked, fr. la'?g to lick.]
(Med.)
A kind of medicine to be taken by licking with the tongue; a
lambative; a lincture.
Lochaber ax \Loch*a"ber ax"\, Lochaber axe \Loch*a"ber axe"\ .
[So called from Lochaber, in Scotland.]
A weapon of war, consisting of a pole armed with an axhead at
its end, formerly used by the Scotch Highlanders.
Lochage \Loch"age\, n. [Gr.?.] (Gr. Antiq.)
An officer who commanded a company; a captain. --Mitford.
Lochan \Loch"an\, n. [Gael. See 1st {Loch}.]
A small lake; a pond. [Scot.]
A pond or lochan rather than a lake. --H. Miller.
Loche \Loche\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Loach}.
Lochia \Lo*chi"a\, n. pl. [NL., from Gr. ?, pl., fr. ? belonging
to childbirth, ? a lying in, childbirth.] (Med.)
The discharge from the womb and vagina which follows
childbirth.
Lochial \Lo"chi*al\, a. [Cf. F. lochial.]
Of or pertaining to the lochia.
Lock \Lock\, n. [AS. locc; akin to D. lok, G. locke, OHG. loc,
Icel. lokkr, and perh. to Gr. ? to bend, twist.]
A tuft of hair; a flock or small quantity of wool, hay, or
other like substance; a tress or ringlet of hair.
These gray locks, the pursuivants of death. --Shak.
Lock \Lock\, n. [AS. loc inclosure, an inclosed place, the
fastening of a door, fr. l[=u]can to lock, fasten; akin to
OS. l[=u]kan (in comp.), D. luiken, OHG. l[=u]hhan, Icel.
l?ka, Goth. l[=u]kan (in comp.); cf. Skr. ruj to break. Cf.
{Locket}.]
1. Anything that fastens; specifically, a fastening, as for a
door, a lid, a trunk, a drawer, and the like, in which a
bolt is moved by a key so as to hold or to release the
thing fastened.
2. A fastening together or interlacing; a closing of one
thing upon another; a state of being fixed or immovable.
Albemarle Street closed by a lock of carriages. --De
Quincey.
3. A place from which egress is prevented, as by a lock.
--Dryden.
4. The barrier or works which confine the water of a stream
or canal.
5. An inclosure in a canal with gates at each end, used in
raising or lowering boats as they pass from one level to
another; -- called also {lift lock}.
6. That part or apparatus of a firearm by which the charge is
exploded; as, a matchlock, flintlock, percussion lock,
etc.
7. A device for keeping a wheel from turning.
8. A grapple in wrestling. --Milton.
{Detector lock}, a lock containing a contrivance for showing
whether it as has been tampered with.
{Lock bay} (Canals), the body of water in a lock chamber.
{Lock chamber}, the inclosed space between the gates of a
canal lock.
{Lock nut}. See {Check nut}, under {Check}.
{Lock plate}, a plate to which the mechanism of a gunlock is
attached.
{Lock rail} (Arch.), in ordinary paneled doors, the rail
nearest the lock.
{Lock rand} (Masonry), a range of bond stone. --Knight.
{Mortise lock}, a door lock inserted in a mortise.
{Rim lock}, a lock fastened to the face of a door, thus
differing from a {mortise lock}.
Lock \Lock\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Locked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Locking}.]
1. To fasten with a lock, or as with a lock; to make fast; to
prevent free movement of; as, to lock a door, a carriage
wheel, a river, etc.
2. To prevent ingress or access to, or exit from, by
fastening the lock or locks of; -- often with up; as, to
lock or lock up, a house, jail, room, trunk. etc.
3. To fasten in or out, or to make secure by means of, or as
with, locks; to confine, or to shut in or out -- often
with up; as, to lock one's self in a room; to lock up the
prisoners; to lock up one's silver; to lock intruders out
of the house; to lock money into a vault; to lock a child
in one's arms; to lock a secret in one's breast.
4. To link together; to clasp closely; as, to lock arms. ``
Lock hand in hand.'' --Shak.
5. (Canals) To furnish with locks; also, to raise or lower (a
boat) in a lock.
6. (Fencing) To seize, as the sword arm of an antagonist, by
turning the left arm around it, to disarm him.
Lock \Lock\, v. i.
To become fast, as by means of a lock or by interlacing; as,
the door locks close.
When it locked none might through it pass. --Spenser.
{To lock into}, to fit or slide into; as, they lock into each
other. --Boyle.
Lockage \Lock"age\, n.
1. Materials for locks in a canal, or the works forming a
lock or locks.
2. Toll paid for passing the locks of a canal.
3. Amount of elevation and descent made by the locks of a
canal.
The entire lock will be about fifty feet. --De Witt
Clinton.
Lock-down \Lock"-down`\, n.
A contrivance to fasten logs together in rafting; -- used by
lumbermen. [U.S.]
Locked-jaw \Locked"-jaw`\, n.
See {Lockjaw}.
Locken \Lock"en\, obs. p. p.
of {Lock}. --Chaucer.
Locken \Lock"en\, n. (Bot.)
The globeflower ({Trollius}).
Locker \Lock"er\, n.
1. One who, or that which, locks.
2. A drawer, cupboard, compartment, or chest, esp. one in a
ship, that may be closed with a lock.
{Chain locker} (Naut.), a compartment in the hold of a
vessel, for holding the chain cables.
{Davy Jones's locker}, or {Davy's locker}. See {Davy Jones}.
{Shot locker}, a compartment where shot are deposited.
--Totten.
Locket \Lock"et\, n. [F. loquet latch, dim. of OF. loc latch,
lock; of German origin. See {Lock} a fastening.]
1. A small lock; a catch or spring to fasten a necklace or
other ornament.
2. A little case for holding a miniature or lock of hair,
usually suspended from a necklace or watch chain.
Lock hospital \Lock" hos"pi*tal\
A hospital for the treatment of venereal diseases. [Eng.]
Lockjaw \Lock"jaw`\, n. (Med.)
A contraction of the muscles of the jaw by which its motion
is suspended; a variety of tetanus.
Lockless \Lock"less\, a.
Destitute of a lock.
Lockman \Lock"man\, n.
A public executioner. [Scot.]
Lockout \Lock"out`\, n.
The closing of a factory or workshop by an employer, usually
in order to bring the workmen to satisfactory terms by a
suspension of wages.
Lockram \Lock"ram\, n. [F. locrenan, locronan; from Locronan, in
Brittany, where it is said to have been made.]
A kind of linen cloth anciently used in England, originally
imported from Brittany. --Shak.
Locksmith \Lock"smith`\, n.
An artificer whose occupation is to make or mend locks.
Lock step \Lock" step`\
A mode of marching by a body of men going one after another
as closely as possible, in which the leg of each moves at the
same time with the corresponding leg of the person before
him.
Lock stitch \Lock" stitch`\
A peculiar sort of stitch formed by the locking of two
threads together, as in the work done by some sewing
machines. See {Stitch}.
Lockup \Lock"up`\, n.
A place where persons under arrest are temporarily locked up;
a watchhouse.
Lock-weir \Lock"-weir`\, n.
A waste weir for a canal, discharging into a lock chamber.
Locky \Lock"y\, a.
Having locks or tufts. [R.] --Sherwood.
Loco \Lo"co\, adv. [It.] (Mus.)
A direction in written or printed music to return to the
proper pitch after having played an octave higher.
Loco \Lo"co\, n. [Sp. loco insane.] (Bot.)
A plant ({Astragalus Hornii}) growing in the Southwestern
United States, which is said to poison horses and cattle,
first making them insane. The name is also given vaguely to
several other species of the same genus. Called also {loco
weed}.
Locofoco \Lo`co*fo"co\, n. [Of uncertain etymol.; perh. for L.
loco foci instead of fire; or, according to Bartlett, it was
called so from a self-lighting cigar, with a match
composition at the end, invented in 1834 by John Marck of New
York, and called by him locofoco cigar, in imitation of the
word locomotive, which by the uneducated was supposed to
mean, self-moving.]
1. A friction match. [U.S.]
2. A nickname formerly given to a member of the Democratic
party. [U.S.]
Note: The name was first applied, in 1834, to a portion of
the Democratic party, because, at a meeting in Tammany
Hall, New York, in which there was great diversity of
sentiment, the chairman left his seat, and the lights
were extinguished, for the purpose of dissolving the
meeting; when those who were opposed to an adjournment
produced locofoco matches, rekindled the lights,
continued the meeting, and accomplished their object.
Locomotion \Lo`co*mo"tion\, n. [L. locus place + motio motion:
cf. F. locomotion. See {Local}, and {Motion}.]
1. The act of moving from place to place. `` Animal
locomotion.'' --Milton.
2. The power of moving from place to place, characteristic of
the higher animals and some of the lower forms of plant
life.
Locomotive \Lo"co*mo`tive\, a. [Cf. F. locomotif. See
{Locomotion}.]
1. Moving from place to place; changing place, or able to
change place; as, a locomotive animal.
2. Used in producing motion; as, the locomotive organs of an
animal.
Locomotive \Lo"co*mo`tive\, n.
A locomotive engine; a self-propelling wheel carriage,
especially one which bears a steam boiler and one or more
steam engines which communicate motion to the wheels and thus
propel the carriage, -- used to convey goods or passengers,
or to draw wagons, railroad cars, etc. See Illustration in
Appendix.
{Consolidation locomotive}, a locomotive having four pairs of
connected drivers.
{Locomotive car}, a locomotive and a car combined in one
vehicle; a dummy engine. [U.S.]
{Locomotive engine}. Same as {Locomotive}, above.
{Mogul locomotive}. See {Mogul}.
Locomotiveness \Lo"co*mo`tive*ness\, Locomotivity
\Lo`co*mo*tiv"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. locomotivit['e].]
The power of changing place.
Locomotor \Lo`co*mo"tor\, a. [See {Locomotion}.]
Of or pertaining to movement or locomotion.
{Locomotor ataxia}, or {Progressive locomotor ataxy} (Med.),
a disease of the spinal cord characterized by peculiar
disturbances of gait, and difficulty in co["o]rdinating
voluntary movements.
Loculament \Loc"u*la*ment\, n. [L. loculamentum case, box, fr.
loculus a compartment, dim. of locus place.] (Bot.)
The cell of a pericarp in which the seed is lodged.
Locular \Loc"u*lar\, a. [L. locularis.] (Bot.)
Of or relating to the cell or compartment of an ovary, etc.;
in composition, having cells; as trilocular. --Gray.
Loculate \Loc"u*late\, a. [L. loculatus.] (Bot.)
Divided into compartments.
Locule \Loc"ule\, n. [Cf. F. locule. See {Loculus}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A little hollow; a loculus.
Loculicidal \Loc"u*li*ci`dal\, a. [L. loculus cell + caedere to
cut: cf. F. loculicide.] (Bot.)
Dehiscent through the middle of the back of each cell; --
said of capsules.
Loculose \Loc"u*lose`\, Loculous \Loc"u*lous\, a. [L. loculosus.
See {Loculament}.] (Bot.)
Divided by internal partitions into cells, as the pith of the
pokeweed.
Loculus \Loc"u*lus\, n.; pl. {Loculi}. [L., little place, a
compartment.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) One of the spaces between the septa in the
Anthozoa.
2. (Bot.) One of the compartments of a several-celled ovary;
loculament.
Locum tenens \Lo"cum te"nens\ [L., holding the place; locus
place + tenens, p. pr. of tenere to hold. Cf. {Lieutenant}.]
A substitute or deputy; one filling an office for a time.
Locus \Lo"cus\, n.; pl. {Loci}, & {Loca}. [L., place. Cf.
{Allow}, {Couch}, {Lieu}, {Local}.]
1. A place; a locality.
2. (Math.) The line traced by a point which varies its
position according to some determinate law; the surface
described by a point or line that moves according to a
given law.
{Plane locus}, a locus that is a straight line, or a circle.
{Solid locus}, a locus that is one of the conic sections.
Locust \Lo"cust\, n. [L. locusta locust, grasshopper. Cf.
{Lobster}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of long-winged,
migratory, orthopterous insects, of the family
{Acridid[ae]}, allied to the grasshoppers; esp.,
({Edipoda, or Pachytylus, migratoria}, and {Acridium
perigrinum}, of Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. In the
United States the related species with similar habits are
usually called {grasshoppers}. See {Grasshopper}.
Note: These insects are at times so numerous in Africa and
the south of Asia as to devour every green thing; and
when they migrate, they fly in an immense cloud. In the
United States the harvest flies are improperly called
locusts. See {Cicada}.
{Locust beetle} (Zo["o]l.), a longicorn beetle ({Cyllene
robini[ae]}), which, in the larval state, bores holes in
the wood of the locust tree. Its color is brownish black,
barred with yellow. Called also {locust borer}.
{Locust bird} (Zo["o]l.) the rose-colored starling or pastor
of India. See {Pastor}.
{Locust hunter} (Zo["o]l.), an African bird; the beefeater.
2. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Bot.) The locust tree. See {Locust
Tree} (definition, note, and phrases).
{Locust bean} (Bot.), a commercial name for the sweet pod of
the carob tree.
Locusta \Lo*cus"ta\, n. [NL.: cf. locuste.] (Bot.)
The spikelet or flower cluster of grasses. --Gray.
Locustella \Lo`cus*tel"la\, n. [NL., fr. L. locusta a locust.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The European cricket warbler.
Locustic \Lo*cus"tic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, the locust; -- formerly used
to designate a supposed acid.
Locusting \Lo"cust*ing\, p. a.
Swarming and devastating like locusts. [R.] --Tennyson.
Locust tree \Lo"cust tree`\ [Etymol. uncertain.] (Bot.)
A large North American tree of the genus {Robinia} ({R.
Pseudacacia}), producing large slender racemes of white,
fragrant, papilionaceous flowers, and often cultivated as an
ornamental tree. In England it is called {acacia}.
Note: The name is also applied to other trees of different
genera, especially to those of the genus {Hymen[ae]a},
of which {H. Courbaril} is a lofty, spreading tree of
South America; also to the carob tree ({Ceratonia
siliqua}), a tree growing in the Mediterranean region.
{Honey locust tree} (Bot.), a tree of the genus {Gleditschia}
) {G. triacanthus}), having pinnate leaves and strong
branching thorns; -- so called from a sweet pulp found
between the seeds in the pods. Called also simply {honey
locust}.
{Water locust tree} (Bot.), a small swamp tree ({Gleditschia
monosperma}), of the Southern United States.
Locution \Lo*cu"tion\, n. [L. locutio, fr. loqui to speak: cf.
F. locution. ]
Speech or discourse; a phrase; a form or mode of expression.
`` Stumbling locutions.'' --G. Eliot.
I hate these figures in locution, These about phrases
forced by ceremony. --Marston.
Locutory \Loc"u*to*ry\, n.
A room for conversation; especially, a room in monasteries,
where the monks were allowed to converse.
Lodde \Lod"de\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The capelin.
Lode \Lode\, n. [AS. l[=a]d way, journey, fr. l[=i][eth]an to
go. See {Lead} to guide, and cf. {Load} a burden.]
1. A water course or way; a reach of water.
Down that long, dark lode . . . he and his brother
skated home in triumph. --C. Kingsley.
2. (Mining) A metallic vein; any regular vein or course,
whether metallic or not.
Lodemanage \Lode"man*age\, n. [OE. lodemenage. Chaucer.]
Pilotage. [Obs.]
Lode-ship \Lode"-ship`\, n.
An old name for a pilot boat.
Lodesman \Lodes"man\, n.
Same as {Loadsman}. [Obs.]
Lodestar \Lode"star`\, n.
Same as {Loadstar}.
Lodestone \Lode"stone`\, n. (Min.)
Same as {Loadstone}.
Lodge \Lodge\, n. [OE. loge, logge, F. loge, LL. laubia porch,
gallery, fr. OHG. louba, G. laube, arbor, bower, fr. lab
foliage. See {Leaf}, and cf. {Lobby}, {Loggia}.]
1. A shelter in which one may rest; as:
(a) A shed; a rude cabin; a hut; as, an Indian's lodge.
--Chaucer.
Their lodges and their tentis up they gan bigge
[to build]. --Robert of
Brunne.
O for a lodge in some vast wilderness! --Cowper.
(b) A small dwelling house, as for a gamekeeper or
gatekeeper of an estate. --Shak.
(c) A den or cave.
(d) The meeting room of an association; hence, the
regularly constituted body of members which meets
there; as, a masonic lodge.
(c) The chamber of an abbot, prior, or head of a college.
2. (Mining) The space at the mouth of a level next the shaft,
widened to permit wagons to pass, or ore to be deposited
for hoisting; -- called also {platt}. --Raymond.
3. A collection of objects lodged together.
The Maldives, a famous lodge of islands. --De Foe.
4. A family of North American Indians, or the persons who
usually occupy an Indian lodge, -- as a unit of
enumeration, reckoned from four to six persons; as, the
tribe consists of about two hundred lodges, that is, of
about a thousand individuals.
{Lodge gate}, a park gate, or entrance gate, near the lodge.
See {Lodge}, n., 1
(b) .
Lodge \Lodge\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lodged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lodging}.]
1. To rest or remain a lodge house, or other shelter; to
rest; to stay; to abide; esp., to sleep at night; as, to
lodge in York Street. --Chaucer.
Stay and lodge by me this night. --Shak.
Something holy lodges in that breast. --Milton.
2. To fall or lie down, as grass or grain, when overgrown or
beaten down by the wind. --Mortimer.
3. To come to a rest; to stop and remain; as, the bullet
lodged in the bark of a tree.
Lodge \Lodge\, v. t. [OE. loggen, OF. logier, F. loger. See
{Lodge}, n. ]
1. To give shelter or rest to; especially, to furnish a
sleeping place for; to harbor; to shelter; hence, to
receive; to hold.
Every house was proud to lodge a knight. --Dryden.
The memory can lodge a greater stone of images that
all the senses can present at one time. --Cheyne.
2. To drive to shelter; to track to covert.
The deer is lodged; I have tracked her to her
covert. --Addison.
3. To deposit for keeping or preservation; as, the men lodged
their arms in the arsenal.
4. To cause to stop or rest in; to implant.
He lodged an arrow in a tender breast. --Addison.
5. To lay down; to prostrate.
Though bladed corn be lodged, and trees blown down.
--Shak.
{To lodge an information}, to enter a formal complaint.
Lodgeable \Lodge"a*ble\, a. [Cf. F. logeable.]
1. That may be or can be lodged; as, so many persons are not
lodgeable in this village.
2. Capable of affording lodging; fit for lodging in. [R.] ``
The lodgeable area of the earth.'' --Jeffrey.
Lodged \Lodged\, a. (Her.)
Lying down; -- used of beasts of the chase, as couchant is of
beasts of prey.
Lodgement \Lodge"ment\, n.
See {Lodgment}.
Lodger \Lodg"er\, n.
One who, or that which, lodges; one who occupies a hired room
in another's house.
Lodging \Lodg"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who, or that which, lodges.
2. A place of rest, or of temporary habitation; esp., a
sleeping apartment; -- often in the plural with a singular
meaning. --Gower.
Wits take lodgings in the sound of Bow. --Pope.
3. Abiding place; harbor; cover.
Fair bosom . . . the lodging of delight. --Spenser.
{Lodging house}, a house where lodgings are provided and let.
{Lodging room}, a room in which a person lodges, esp. a hired
room.
Lodgment \Lodg"ment\, n. [Written also {lodgement}.] [Cf. F.
logement. See {Lodge}, v.]
1. The act of lodging, or the state of being lodged.
Any particle which is of size enough to make a
lodgment afterwards in the small arteries. --Paley.
2. A lodging place; a room. [Obs.]
3. An accumulation or collection of something deposited in a
place or remaining at rest.
4. (Mil.) The occupation and holding of a position, as by a
besieging party; an instrument thrown up in a captured
position; as, to effect a lodgment.
Lodicule \Lod"i*cule\, n. [L. lodicula. dim, of lodix, lodicis,
a coverlet: cf. F. lodicule.] (Bot.)
One of the two or three delicate membranous scales which are
next to the stamens in grasses.
Loellingite \Loel"ling*ite\, n. [So called from L["o]lling, in
Austria.] (Min.)
A tin-white arsenide of iron, isomorphous with arsenopyrite.
Loess \Loess\, n. [G. l["o]ss.] (Geol.)
A quaternary deposit, usually consisting of a fine yellowish
earth, on the banks of the Rhine and other large rivers.
Loeven's larva \Loev"en's lar"va\ [Named after the Swedish
zo["o]logist, S. F. L["o]ven, who discovered it.] (Zo["o]l.)
The peculiar larva of Polygordius. See {Polygordius}.
Loffe \Loffe\, v. i.
To laugh. [Obs.] --Shak.
Loft \Loft\, n. [Icel. lopt air, heaven, loft, upper room; akin
to AS. lyft air, G. luft, Dan. loft loft, Goth. luftus air.
Cf. {Lift}, v. & n. ]
That which is lifted up; an elevation. Hence, especially:
(a) The room or space under a roof and above the ceiling of
the uppermost story.
(b) A gallery or raised apartment in a church, hall, etc.;
as, an organ loft.
(c) A floor or room placed above another; a story.
Eutychus . . . fell down from the third loft.
--Acts xx. 9.
{On loft}, aloft; on high. Cf. {Onloft}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loft \Loft\, a.
Lofty; proud. [R. & Obs.] --Surrey.
Loftily \Loft"i*ly\, adv. [From {Lofty}.]
In a lofty manner or position; haughtily.
Loftiness \Loft"i*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being lofty.
Lofty \Loft"y\, a. [Compar. {Loftier}; superl. {Loftiest}.]
[From {Loft}.]
1. Lifted high up; having great height; towering; high.
See lofty Lebanon his head advance. --Pope.
2. Fig.: Elevated in character, rank, dignity, spirit,
bearing, language, etc.; exalted; noble; stately;
characterized by pride; haughty.
The high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity.
--Is. lvii.
15.
Lofty and sour to them that loved him not. --Shak.
Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme.
--Milton.
Syn: Tall; high; exalted; dignified; stately; majestic;
sublime; proud; haughty. See {Tall}.
Log \Log\, n. [Heb. l[=o]g.]
A Hebrew measure of liquids, containing 2.37 gills. --W. H.
Ward.
Log \Log\, n. [Icel. l[=a]g a felled tree, log; akin to E. lie.
See {Lie} to lie prostrate.]
1. A bulky piece of wood which has not been shaped by hewing
or sawing.
2. [Prob. the same word as in sense 1; cf. LG. log, lock,
Dan. log, Sw. logg.] (Naut.) An apparatus for measuring
the rate of a ship's motion through the water.
Note: The common log consists of the log-chip, or logship,
often exclusively called the log, and the log line, the
former being commonly a thin wooden quadrant of five or
six inches radius, loaded with lead on the arc to make
it float with the point up. It is attached to the log
line by cords from each corner. This line is divided
into equal spaces, called knots, each bearing the same
proportion to a mile that half a minute does to an
hour. The line is wound on a reel which is so held as
to let it run off freely. When the log is thrown, the
log-chip is kept by the water from being drawn forward,
and the speed of the ship is shown by the number of
knots run out in half a minute. There are improved
logs, consisting of a piece of mechanism which, being
towed astern, shows the distance actually gone through
by the ship, by means of the revolutions of a fly,
which are registered on a dial plate.
3. Hence: The record of the rate of ship's speed or of her
daily progress; also, the full nautical record of a ship's
cruise or voyage; a log slate; a log book.
4. A record and tabulated statement of the work done by an
engine, as of a steamship, of the coal consumed, and of
other items relating to the performance of machinery
during a given time.
5. (Mining) A weight or block near the free end of a hoisting
rope to prevent it from being drawn through the sheave.
{Log board} (Naut.), a board consisting of two parts shutting
together like a book, with columns in which are entered
the direction of the wind, course of the ship, etc.,
during each hour of the day and night. These entries are
transferred to the log book. A folding slate is now used
instead.
{Log book}, or {Logbook} (Naut.), a book in which is entered
the daily progress of a ship at sea, as indicated by the
log, with notes on the weather and incidents of the
voyage; the contents of the log board.
{Log cabin}, {Log house}, a cabin or house made of logs.
{Log canoe}, a canoe made by shaping and hollowing out a
single log.
{Log glass} (Naut.), a small sandglass used to time the
running out of the log line.
{Log line} (Naut.), a line or cord about a hundred and fifty
fathoms long, fastened to the log-chip. See Note under 2d
{Log}, n., 2.
{Log perch} (Zo["o]l.), an ethiostomoid fish, or darter
({Percina caprodes}); -- called also {hogfish} and
{rockfish}.
{Log reel} (Naut.), the reel on which the log line is wound.
{Log slate}. (Naut.) See {Log board} (above).
{Rough log} (Naut.), a first draught of a record of the
cruise or voyage.
{Smooth log} (Naut.), a clean copy of the rough log. In the
case of naval vessels this copy is forwarded to the proper
officer of the government.
{To heave the log} (Naut.), to cast the log-chip into the
water; also, the whole process of ascertaining a vessel's
speed by the log.
Log \Log\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Logged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Logging}.] (Naut.),
To enter in a ship's log book; as, to log the miles run. --J.
F. Cooper.
Log \Log\, v. i.
1. To engage in the business of cutting or transporting logs
for timber; to get out logs. [U.S.]
2. To move to and fro; to rock. [Obs.]
Logan \Log"an\, n.
A rocking or balanced stone. --Gwill.
Logaoedic \Log`a*[oe]d"ic\, a. [Gr. ?; ? discourse, prose + ?
song.] (Gr. Pros.)
Composed of dactyls and trochees so arranged as to produce a
movement
like that of ordinary speech.
Logarithm \Log"a*rithm\ (l[o^]g"[.a]*r[i^][th]'m), n. [Gr.
lo`gos word, account, proportion + 'ariqmo`s number: cf. F.
logarithme.] (Math.)
One of a class of auxiliary numbers, devised by John Napier,
of Merchiston, Scotland (1550-1617), to abridge arithmetical
calculations, by the use of addition and subtraction in place
of multiplication and division.
Note: The relation of logarithms to common numbers is that of
numbers in an arithmetical series to corresponding
numbers in a geometrical series, so that sums and
differences of the former indicate respectively
products and quotients of the latter; thus, 0 1 2 3 4
Indices or logarithms 1 10 100 1000 10,000 Numbers in
geometrical progression Hence, the logarithm of any
given number is the exponent of a power to which
another given invariable number, called the base, must
be raised in order to produce that given number. Thus,
let 10 be the base, then 2 is the logarithm of 100,
because 10^{2} = 100, and 3 is the logarithm of 1,000,
because 10^{3} = 1,000.
{Arithmetical complement of a logarithm}, the difference
between a logarithm and the number ten.
{Binary logarithms}. See under {Binary}.
{Common logarithms}, or {Brigg's logarithms}, logarithms of
which the base is 10; -- so called from Henry Briggs, who
invented them.
{Gauss's logarithms}, tables of logarithms constructed for
facilitating the operation of finding the logarithm of the
sum of difference of two quantities from the logarithms of
the quantities, one entry of those tables and two
additions or subtractions answering the purpose of three
entries of the common tables and one addition or
subtraction. They were suggested by the celebrated German
mathematician Karl Friedrich Gauss (died in 1855), and are
of great service in many astronomical computations.
{Hyperbolic, or Napierian}, {logarithms}
, those logarithms (devised by John Speidell, 1619) of which the
base is 2.7182818; -- so called from Napier, the inventor of
logarithms.
{Logistic} or {Proportionallogarithms.}, See under
{Logistic}.
Logarithmetic \Log`a*rith*met"ic\, Logarithmetical
\Log"a*rith*met"ic*al\, a.
See {Logarithmic}.
Logarithmetically \Log`a*rith*met"ic*al*ly\, adv.
Logarithmically.
Logarithmic \Log`a*rith"mic\, Logarithmical \Log`a*rith"mic*al\,
a. [Cf. F. logarithmique.]
Of or pertaining to logarithms; consisting of logarithms.
{Logarithmic curve} (Math.), a curve which, referred to a
system of rectangular co["o]rdinate axes, is such that the
ordinate of any point will be the logarithm of its
abscissa.
{Logarithmic spiral}, a spiral curve such that radii drawn
from its pole or eye at equal angles with each other are
in continual proportion. See {Spiral}.
Logarithmically \Log`a*rith"mic*al*ly\, adv.
By the use of logarithms.
Log-chip \Log"-chip`\, n. (Naut.)
A thin, flat piece of board in the form of a quadrant of a
circle attached to the log line; -- called also {log-ship}.
See 2d {Log}, n., 2.
Logcock \Log"cock`\, n.
The pileated woodpecker.
Loge \Loge\, n. [F. See {Lodge}.]
A lodge; a habitation. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loggan \Log"gan\, n.
See {Logan}.
Loggat \Log"gat\, n. [Also written logget.]
1. A small log or piece of wood. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
2. pl. An old game in England, played by throwing pieces of
wood at a stake set in the ground. [Obs.] --Shak.
Logge \Logge\, n. & v.
See {Lodge}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Logged \Logged\, a.
Made slow and heavy in movement; water-logged.
--Beaconsfield.
Logger \Log"ger\, n.
One engaged in logging. See {Log}, v. i. [U.S.] --Lowell.
Loggerhead \Log"ger*head`\, n. [Log + head.]
1. A blockhead; a dunce; a numskull. --Shak. Milton.
2. A spherical mass of iron, with a long handle, used to heat
tar.
3. (Naut.) An upright piece of round timber, in a whaleboat,
over which a turn of the line is taken when it is running
out too fast. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.
4. (Zo["o]l.) A very large marine turtle ({Thalassochelys
caretta, or caouana}), common in the warmer parts of the
Atlantic Ocean, from Brazil to Cape Cod; -- called also
{logger-headed turtle}.
5. (Zo["o]l.) An American shrike ({Lanius Ludovicianus}),
similar to the butcher bird, but smaller. See {Shrike}.
{To be at loggerheads}, {To fall to loggerheads}, or {To go
to loggerheads}, to quarrel; to be at strife. --L' Estrange.
Loggerheaded \Log"ger*head`ed\, a.
Dull; stupid. --Shak.
A rabble of loggerheaded physicians. --Urquhart.
Loggerheads \Log"ger*heads`\, n. (Bot.)
The knapweed.
Loggia \Log"gia\, n. [It. See {Lodge}.] (Arch.)
A roofed open gallery. It differs from a veranda in being
more architectural, and in forming more decidedly a part of
the main edifice to which it is attached; from a porch, in
being intended not for entrance but for an out-of-door
sitting-room.
Logging \Log"ging\, n.
The business of felling trees, cutting them into logs, and
transporting the logs to sawmills or to market.
Logic \Log"ic\, n. [OE. logike, F. logique, L. logica, logice,
Gr. logikh` (sc. te`chnh), fr. logiko`s belonging to speaking
or reason, fr. lo`gos speech, reason, le`gein to say, speak.
See {Legend}.]
1. The science or art of exact reasoning, or of pure and
formal thought, or of the laws according to which the
processes of pure thinking should be conducted; the
science of the formation and application of general
notions; the science of generalization, judgment,
classification, reasoning, and systematic arrangement;
correct reasoning.
Logic is science of the laws of thought, as that is, of
the necessary conditions to which thought, considered in
itself, is subject. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
Note: Logic is distinguished as pure and applied. ``Pure
logic is a science of the form, or of the formal laws,
of thinking, and not of the matter. Applied logic
teaches the application of the forms of thinking to
those objects about which men do think.'' --Abp.
Thomson.
2. A treatise on logic; as, Mill's Logic.
Logical \Log"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F. logique, L. logicus, Gr. ?.]
1. Of or pertaining to logic; used in logic; as, logical
subtilties. --Bacon.
2. According to the rules of logic; as, a logical argument or
inference; the reasoning is logical. --Prior.
3. Skilled in logic; versed in the art of thinking and
reasoning; as, he is a logical thinker. --Addison.
Logicality \Log`i*cal"i*ty\, n.
Logicalness.
Logically \Log"ic*al*ly\, adv.
In a logical manner; as, to argue logically.
Logicalness \Log"ic*al*ness\, n.
The quality of being logical.
Logician \Lo*gi"cian\, n. [Cf. F. logicien.]
A person skilled in logic. --Bacon.
Each fierce logician still expelling Locke. --Pope.
Logics \Log"ics\, n.
See {Logic}.
Logistic \Lo*gis"tic\, Logistical \Lo*gis"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?
skilled in calculating, ? to calculate, fr. lo`gos word,
number, reckoning: cf. F. logistique.]
1. Logical. [Obs.] --Berkeley.
2. (Math.) Sexagesimal, or made on the scale of 60; as,
logistic, or sexagesimal, arithmetic.
{Logistic}, or {Proportional}, {logarithms}, certain
logarithmic numbers used to shorten the calculation of the
fourth term of a proportion of which one of the terms is a
given constant quantity, commonly one hour, while the
other terms are expressed in minutes and seconds; -- not
now used.
Logistics \Lo*gis"tics\, n.
1. (Mil.) That branch of the military art which embraces the
details of moving and supplying armies. The meaning of the
word is by some writers extended to include strategy. --H.
L. Scott.
2. (Math.) A system of arithmetic, in which numbers are
expressed in a scale of 60; logistic arithmetic.
Logman \Log"man\, n.; pl. {Logmen}.
A man who carries logs. --Shak.
Logodaedaly \Log`o*d[ae]d"a*ly\, n. [Gr. ?. See {Logos}, and
{D[ae]dal}.]
Verbal legerdemain; a playing with words. [R.] --Coleridge.
Logogram \Log"o*gram\, n. [Gr. ? word + -gram.]
A word letter; a phonogram, that, for the sake of brevity,
represents a word; as, |, i. e., t, for it. Cf.
{Grammalogue}.
Logographer \Lo*gog"ra*pher\, n.
1. A chronicler; one who writes history in a condensed manner
with short simple sentences.
2. One skilled in logography.
Logographic \Log`o*graph"ic\, Logographical \Log`o*graph"ic*al\,
a. [Gr. ? of writing speeches: cf. F. logographique.]
Of or pertaining to logography.
Logography \Lo*gog"ra*phy\, n. [Gr. ? a writing of speeches; ?
word, speech + ? to write: cf. F. logographie.]
1. A method of printing in which whole words or syllables,
cast as single types, are used.
2. A mode of reporting speeches without using shorthand, -- a
number of reporters, each in succession, taking down three
or four words. --Brande & C.
Logogriph \Log"o*griph\, n. [Gr. ? word + ? a fishing net, a
dark saying, a riddle: F. logogriphe.]
A sort of riddle in which it is required to discover a chosen
word from various combinations of its letters, or of some of
its letters, which form other words; -- thus, to discover the
chosen word chatter form cat, hat, rat, hate, rate, etc. --B.
Jonson.
Logomachist \Lo*gom"a*chist\, n. [See {Logomachy}.]
One who contends about words.
Logomachy \Lo*gom"a*chy\, n. [Gr. ?; ? word + ? fight, battle,
contest: cf. F. logomachie.]
1. Contention in words merely, or a contention about words; a
war of words.
The discussion concerning the meaning of the word ``
justification'' . . . has largely been a mere
logomachy. --L. Abbott.
2. A game of word making.
Logometric \Log`o*met"ric\, a. [Gr. ? word, ratio + ? measure.]
(Chem.)
Serving to measure or ascertain chemical equivalents;
stoichiometric. [R.]
Logos \Log"os\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? the word or form which
expresses a thought, also, the thought, fr. ? to speak.]
1. A word; reason; speech. --H. Bushell.
2. The divine Word; Christ.
Logothete \Log"o*thete\, [LL. logotheta, fr. Gr. ?; ? word,
account + ? to put.]
An accountant; under Constantine, an officer of the empire; a
receiver of revenue; an administrator of a department.
Logotype \Log"o*type\, n. [Gr. ? word + -type.] (Print.)
A single type, containing two or more letters; as, [ae],
[AE], [filig], [fllig], [ffllig], etc.; -- called also
{ligature}.
Logroll \Log"roll`\, v. i. & t.
To engage in logrolling; to accomplish by logrolling.
[Political cant, U. S.]
Logroller \Log"roll`er\, n.
One who engages in logrolling. [Political cant, U. S.]
The jobbers and logrollers will all be against it.
--The. Nation.
Logrolling \Log"roll`ing\, n.
1. (Logging) The act or process of rolling logs from the
place where they were felled to the stream which floats
them to the sawmill or to market. In this labor
neighboring camps of loggers combine to assist each other
in turn. --Longfellow. [U.S.]
2. Hence: A combining to assist another in consideration of
receiving assistance in return; -- sometimes used of a
disreputable mode of accomplishing political schemes or
ends. [Cant, U.S.]
Log-ship \Log"-ship\, n. (Naut.)
A part of the log. See {Log-chip}, and 2d {Log}, n., 2.
Logwood \Log"wood`\n. [So called from being imported in logs.]
The heartwood of a tree ({H[ae]matoxylon Campechianum}), a
native of South America, It is a red, heavy wood, containing
a crystalline substance called h[ae]matoxylin, and is used
largely in dyeing. An extract from this wood is used in
medicine as an astringent. Also called {Campeachy wood}, and
{bloodwood}.
-logy \-lo*gy\ [Gr. ?, fr. ? word, discourse, fr. ? to speak.
See {Logic}.]
A combining form denoting a discourse, treatise, doctrine,
theory, science; as, theology, geology, biology, mineralogy.
Logy \Lo"gy\, a. [From D. log.]
Heavy or dull in respect to motion or thought; as, a logy
horse. [U.S.]
Porcupines are . . . logy, sluggish creatures. --C. H.
Merriam.
Lohock \Lo"hock\, n. (Med.)
See {Loch}, a medicine.
Loimic \Loi"mic\, a. [Gr. ?, fr. ? plague.]
Of or pertaining to the plague or contagious disorders.
Loin \Loin\, n. [OE. loine, OF. logne, F. longe, from (assumed)
LL. lumbea, L. lumbus join. Cf. {Lends}, {Lumbar},
{Nombles}.]
That part of a human being or quadruped, which extends on
either side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the
false ribs. In human beings the loins are also called the
reins. See Illust. of {Beef}.
Loir \Loir\, n. [F., fr. L. glis, gliris.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large European dormouse ({Myoxus glis}).
Loiter \Loi"ter\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Loitered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Loitering}.] [D. leuteren to delay, loiter; cf; Prov. G.
lottern to be louse, lotter louse, slack, unsettled, vagrant,
OHG. lotar.]
1. To be slow in moving; to delay; to linger; to be dilatory;
to spend time idly; to saunter; to lag behind.
Sir John, you loiter here too long. --Shak.
If we have loitered, let us quicken our pace.
--Rogers.
2. To wander as an idle vagrant. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Syn: To linger; delay; lag; saunter; tarry.
Loiterer \Loi"ter*er\, n.
1. One who loiters; an idler.
2. An idle vagrant; a tramp. [Obs.] --Bp. Sanderson.
Loiteringly \Loi"ter*ing*ly\, adv.
In a loitering manner.
Lok \Lok\, Loki \Lo"ki\, n. [Icel. Loki, perh. akin to lokka,
locka to allure, entice.] (Scandinavian Myth.)
The evil deity, the author of all calamities and mischief,
answering to the African of the Persians.
Locao \Lo*ca"o\, n.
A green vegetable dye imported from China.
Loke \Loke\, n. [See {Lock} a fastening.]
A private path or road; also, the wicket or hatch of a door.
[Prov. Eng.]
Lokorys \Lok"o*rys\, n.
Liquorice. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loligo \Lo*li"go\, n. [L., cuttle fish.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of cephalopods, including numerous species of squids,
common on the coasts of America and Europe. They are much
used for fish bait.
Loll \Loll\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lolled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lolling}.] [Cf. Icel. lolla to act lazily, loll, lolla,
laziness, OD. lollen to sit over the fire, and E. lull. Cf.
{Lill}, {Lull}.]
1. To act lazily or indolently; to recline; to lean; to throw
one's self down; to lie at ease.
Void of care, he lolls supine in state. --Dryden.
2. To hand extended from the mouth, as the tongue of an ox or
a log when heated with labor or exertion.
The triple porter of the Stygian seat, With lolling
tongue, lay fawning at thy feet. --Dryden.
3. To let the tongue hang from the mouth, as an ox, dog, or
other animal, when heated by labor; as, the ox stood
lolling in the furrow.
Loll \Loll\, v. t.
To let hang from the mouth, as the tongue.
Fierce tigers couched around and lolled their fawning
tongues. --Dryden.
Lollard \Lol"lard\, n. [LL. Lollardi, Lullardi, from Walter
Lolhardus, a German; cf. LG. & D. lollen to mumble, to hum,
sing in a murmuring strain; hence, OD. lollaerd a mumbler, i.
e., of prayers or psalms, which was prob. the origin of the
name. See {Loll}, {Lull}.] (Eccl. Hist.)
(a) One of a sect of early reformers in Germany.
(b) One of the followers of Wyclif in England. [Called also
{Loller}.]
By Lollards all know the Wyclifities are meant, so
called from Walter Lollardus, one of their teachers
in Germany. --Fuller.
Lollardism \Lol"lard*ism\, Lollardy \Lol"lard*y\, n.
The doctrines or principles of the Lollards.
Loller \Loll"er\, n. [See {Loll}.]
1. One who lolls.
2. An idle vagabond. [Obs.] --Piers Plowman.
3. A Lollard.
Lollingly \Loll"ing*ly\, adv.
In a lolling manner. --Buckle.
Lollipop \Lol"li*pop\, n. [Perhaps fr. Prov. E. loll to soothe +
pope a mixed liquor.]
A kind of sugar confection which dissolves easily in the
mouth. --Thackeray.
Lollop \Lol"lop\, v. i. [From {Loll}.]
To move heavily; to lounge or idle; to loll. [Law.] --Charles
Reade.
Loma \Lo"ma\, n.; pl. {Lomata}. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, ?, a fringe.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A lobe; a membranous fringe or flap.
Lomatinous \Lo*mat"i*nous\, a. [See {Loma}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Furnished with lobes or flaps.
Lombard \Lom"bard\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lombardy, or the inhabitants of Lombardy.
Lombard \Lom"bard\, n. [F. lombard, fr. the Longobardi or
Langobardi, i. e., Longbeards, a people of Northern Germany,
west of the Elbe, and afterward in Northern Italy. See
{Long}, and {Beard}, and cf. {Lumber}.]
1. A native or inhabitant of Lombardy.
2. A money lender or banker; -- so called because the
business of banking was first carried on in London by
Lombards.
3. Same as {Lombard-house}.
A Lombard unto this day signifying a bank for usury
or pawns. --Fuller.
4. (Mil.) A form of cannon formerly in use. --Prescott.
{Lombard Street}, the principal street in London for banks
and the offices of note brokers; hence, the money market
and interest of London.
Lombardeer \Lom`bard*eer"\ (?; 277), n.
A pawnbroker. [Obs.] --Howell.
Lombard-house \Lom"bard-house\, Lombar-house \Lom"bar-house`\,
[F. or D. lombard. See {Lombard}, n.]
1. A bank or a pawnbroker's shop.
2. A public institution for lending money to the poor at a
moderate interest, upon articles deposited and pledged; --
called also {mont de pi['e]t['e]}.
Lombardic \Lom*bar"dic\, a.
Of or pertaining to Lombardy of the Lombards.
{Lombardic alphabet}, the ancient alphabet derived from the
Roman, and employed in the manuscript of Italy.
{Lombardic architecture}, the debased Roman style of
architecture as found in parts of Northern Italy. --F. G.
Lee.
{Lombardy poplar}. (Bot.) See {Poplar}.
Loment \Lo"ment\, n. [L. lomentum a mixture of bean meal and
rice, used as a cosmetic wash, bean meal, fr. lavare, lotum,
to wash.] (Bot.)
An elongated pod, consisting, like the legume, of two valves,
but divided transversely into small cells, each containing a
single seed.
Lomentaceous \Lo`men*ta"ceous\, a. [From {Loment}.] (Bot.)
Of the nature of a loment; having fruits like loments.
Lomonite \Lom"o*nite\, n.
Same as {Laumontite}.
Lompish \Lomp"ish\, a.
Lumpish. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lond \Lond\, n.
Land. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
London \Lon"don\, n.
The capital city of England.
{London paste} (Med.), a paste made of caustic soda and
unslacked lime; -- used as a caustic to destroy tumors and
other morbid enlargements.
{London pride}. (Bot.)
(a) A garden name for {Saxifraga umbrosa}, a hardy perennial
herbaceous plant, a native of high lands in Great
Britain.
(b) A name anciently given to the Sweet William. --Dr. Prior.
{London rocket} (Bot.), a cruciferous plant ({Sisymbrium
Irio}) which sprung up in London abundantly on the ruins
of the great fire of 1667.
Londoner \Lon"don*er\ (-[~e]r), n.
A native or inhabitant of London. --Shak.
Londonism \Lon"don*ism\, n.
A characteristic of Londoners; a mode of speaking peculiar to
London.
Londonize \Lon"don*ize\, v. i.
To impart to (one) a manner or character like that which
distinguishes Londoners.
Londonize \Lon"don*ize\, v. i.
To imitate the manner of the people of London.
Lone \Lone\, n.
A lane. See {Loanin}. [Prov. Eng.]
Lone \Lone\, a. [Abbrev. fr. alone.]
1. Being without a companion; being by one's self; also, sad
from lack of companionship; lonely; as, a lone traveler or
watcher.
When I have on those pathless wilds a appeared, And
the lone wanderer with my presence cheered.
--Shenstone.
2. Single; unmarried, or in widowhood. [Archaic]
Queen Elizabeth being a lone woman. --Collection
of Records
(1642).
A hundred mark is a long one for a poor lone woman
to bear. --Shak.
3. Being apart from other things of the kind; being by
itself; also, apart from human dwellings and resort; as, a
lone house. `` A lone isle.'' --Pope.
By a lone well a lonelier column rears. --Byron.
4. Unfrequented by human beings; solitary.
Thus vanish scepters, coronets, and balls, And leave
you on lone woods, or empty walls. --Pope.
Loneliness \Lone"li*ness\, n.
1. The condition of being lonely; solitude; seclusion.
2. The state of being unfrequented by human beings; as, the
loneliness of a road.
3. Love of retirement; disposition to solitude.
I see The mystery of your loneliness. --Shak.
4. A feeling of depression resulting from being alone.
Syn: Solitude; seclusion. See {Solitude}.
Lonely \Lone"ly\, a. [Compar. {Lonelier}; superl. {Loneliest}.]
[Shortened fr. alonely.]
1. Sequestered from company or neighbors; solitary; retired;
as, a lonely situation; a lonely cell.
2. Alone, or in want of company; forsaken.
To the misled and lonely traveler. --Milton.
3. Not frequented by human beings; as, a lonely wood.
4. Having a feeling of depression or sadness resulting from
the consciousness of being alone; lonesome.
I am very often alone. I don't mean I am lonely.
--H. James.
Syn: Solitary; lone; lonesome; retired; unfrequented;
sequestered; secluded.
Loneness \Lone"ness\, n.
Solitude; seclusion. [Obs.] --Donne.
Lonesome \Lone"some\, a. [Compar. {Lonesomer}; superl.
{Lonesomest}.]
1. Secluded from society; not frequented by human beings;
solitary.
Like one that on a lonesome road Doth walk in fear
and dread. --Coleridge.
2. Conscious of, and somewhat depressed by, solitude; as, to
feel lonesome. -- {Lone"some*ly}, adv. --
{Lone"some*ness}, n.
Long \Long\, a. [Compar. {Longer}; superl. {Longest}.] [AS.
long, lang; akin to OS, OFries., D., & G. lang, Icel. langr,
Sw. l[*a]ng, Dan. lang, Goth. laggs, L. longus. [root]125.
Cf. {Length}, {Ling} a fish, {Linger}, {Lunge}, {Purloin}.]
1. Drawn out in a line, or in the direction of length;
protracted; extended; as, a long line; -- opposed to
short, and distinguished from broad or wide.
2. Drawn out or extended in time; continued through a
considerable tine, or to a great length; as, a long series
of events; a long debate; a long drama; a long history; a
long book.
3. Slow in passing; causing weariness by length or duration;
lingering; as, long hours of watching.
4. Occurring or coming after an extended interval; distant in
time; far away.
The we may us reserve both fresh and strong Against
the tournament, which is not long. --Spenser.
5. Extended to any specified measure; of a specified length;
as, a span long; a yard long; a mile long, that is,
extended to the measure of a mile, etc.
6. Far-reaching; extensive. `` Long views.'' --Burke.
7. (Phonetics) Prolonged, or relatively more prolonged, in
utterance; -- said of vowels and syllables. See {Short},
a., 13, and Guide to Pronunciation, [sect][sect] 22, 30.
Note: Long is used as a prefix in a large number of compound
adjectives which are mostly of obvious meaning; as,
long-armed, long-beaked, long-haired, long-horned,
long-necked, long-sleeved, long-tailed, long- worded,
etc.
{In the long run}, in the whole course of things taken
together; in the ultimate result; eventually.
{Long clam} (Zo["o]l.), the common clam ({Mya arenaria}) of
the Northern United States and Canada; -- called also
{soft-shell clam} and {long-neck clam}. See {Mya}.
{Long cloth}, a kind of cotton cloth of superior quality.
{Long clothes}, clothes worn by a young infant, extending
below the feet.
{Long division}. (Math.) See {Division}.
{Long dozen}, one more than a dozen; thirteen.
{Long home}, the grave.
{Long measure}, {Long mater}. See under {Measure}, {Meter}.
{Long Parliament} (Eng. Hist.), the Parliament which
assembled Nov. 3, 1640, and was dissolved by Cromwell,
April 20, 1653.
{Long price}, the full retail price.
{Long purple} (Bot.), a plant with purple flowers, supposed
to be the {Orchis mascula}. --Dr. Prior.
{Long suit} (Whist), a suit of which one holds originally
more than three cards. --R. A. Proctor.
{Long tom}.
(a) A pivot gun of great length and range, on the dock of
a vessel.
(b) A long trough for washing auriferous earth. [Western
U.S.]
(c) (Zo["o]l.) The long-tailed titmouse.
{Long wall} (Coal Mining), a working in which the whole seam
is removed and the roof allowed to fall in, as the work
progresses, except where passages are needed.
{Of long}, a long time. [Obs.] --Fairfax.
{To be}, or {go}, {long of the market}, {To be on the long
side of the market}, etc. (Stock Exchange), to hold stock for
a rise in price, or to have a contract under which one can
demand stock on or before a certain day at a stipulated
price; -- opposed to {short} in such phrases as, to be
short of stock, to sell short, etc. [Cant] See {Short}.
{To have a long head}, to have a farseeing or sagacious mind.
Long \Long\, n.
1. (Mus.) A note formerly used in music, one half the length
of a large, twice that of a breve.
2. (Phonetics) A long sound, syllable, or vowel.
3. The longest dimension; the greatest extent; -- in the
phrase, the long and the short of it, that is, the sum and
substance of it. --Addison.
Long \Long\, adv. [AS. lance.]
1. To a great extent in apace; as, a long drawn out line.
2. To a great extent in time; during a long time.
They that tarry long at the wine. --Prov. xxiii.
30.
When the trumpet soundeth long. --Ex. xix. 13.
3. At a point of duration far distant, either prior or
posterior; as, not long before; not long after; long
before the foundation of Rome; long after the Conquest.
4. Through the whole extent or duration.
The bird of dawning singeth all night long. --Shak.
5. Through an extent of time, more or less; -- only in
question; as, how long will you be gone?
Long \Long\, prep. [Abbreviated fr. along. See 3d {Along}.]
By means of; by the fault of; because of. [Obs.] See {Along
of}, under 3d {Along}.
Long \Long\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Longed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Longing}.] [AS. langian to increase, to lengthen, to stretch
out the mind after, to long, to crave, to belong to, fr. lang
long. See {Long}, a.]
1. To feel a strong or morbid desire or craving; to wish for
something with eagerness; -- followed by an infinitive, or
by after or for.
I long to see you. --Rom. i. 11.
I have longed after thy precepts. --Ps. cxix.
40.
I have longed for thy salvation. --Ps. cxix.
174.
Nicomedes, longing for herrings, was supplied with
fresh ones . . . at a great distance from the sea.
--Arbuthnot.
2. To belong; -- used with to, unto, or for. [Obs.]
The labor which that longeth unto me. --Chaucer.
Longan \Lon"gan\, n. (Bot.)
A pulpy fruit related to the litchi, and produced by an
evergreen East Indian tree ({Nephelium Longan}).
Longanimity \Lon`ga*nim"i*ty\, n. [L. longanimitas; longus long
+ animus mind: cf. F. longanimit['e].]
Disposition to bear injuries patiently; forbearance;
patience. --Jer. Taylor.
Long-armed \Long"-armed`\, a.
Having long arms; as, the long-armed ape or gibbon.
Longbeak \Long"beak`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The American redbellied snipe ({Macrorhamphus scolopaceus});
-- called also {long-billed dowitcher}.
Longboat \Long"boat`\, n. (Naut.)
Formerly, the largest boat carried by a merchant vessel,
corresponding to the launch of a naval vessel.
Longbow \Long"bow`\, n.
The ordinary bow, not mounted on a stock; -- so called in
distinction from the crossbow when both were used as weapons
of war. Also, sometimes, such a bow of about the height of a
man, as distinguished from a much shorter one.
{To draw the longbow}, to tell large stories.
Long-breathed \Long"-breathed`\, a.
Having the power of retaining the breath for a long time;
long-winded.
Long-drawn \Long"-drawn`\, a.
Extended to a great length.
The cicad[ae] hushed their long-drawn, ear-splitting
strains. --G. W. Cable.
Longe \Longe\, n. [Abbrev. fr. allonge. See {Lunge}.]
1. A thrust. See {Lunge}. --Smollett.
2. The training ground for a horse. --Farrow.
Longe \Longe\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as 4th {Lunge}.
Longer \Long"er\, n.
One who longs for anything.
Longeval \Lon*ge"val\, a.
Long-loved; longevous.[R.] --Pope.
Longevity \Lon*gev"i*ty\, n. [L. longaevitas. See {Longevous}.]
Long duration of life; length of life.
The instances of longevity are chiefly amongst the
abstemious. --Arbuthnot.
Longevous \Lon*ge"vous\, a. [L. longaevus; longus long + aevum
lifetime, age. See {Long}, and {Age}.]
Living a long time; of great age. --Sir T. Browne.
Longhand \Long"hand`\, n.
The written characters used in the common method of writing;
-- opposed to {shorthand}.
Longheaded \Long"head"ed\, a.
Having unusual foresight or sagacity. --
{Long"-head`ed*ness}, n.
Longhorn \Long"horn`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A long-horned animal, as a cow, goat, or beetle. See
{Long-horned}.
Long-horned \Long"-horned`\, a. (Zo["o]l.) [Obs.]
Having a long horn or horns; as, a long-horned goat, or cow;
having long antenn[ae], as certain beetles ({Longicornia}).
Longicorn \Lon"gi*corn\, a. [L. longus long + cornu horn: cf. F.
longicorne.] (Zo["o]l.)
Long-horned; pertaining to the Longicornia. -- n. One of the
Longicornia.
Longicornia \Lon`gi*cor"ni*a\, n. pl. [NL., fr. L. longus long +
cornu horn.] (Zo["o]l.)
A division of beetles, including a large number of species,
in which the antenn[ae] are very long. Most of them, while in
the larval state, bore into the wood or beneath the bark of
trees, and some species are very destructive to fruit and
shade trees. See {Apple borer}, under {Apple}, and {Locust
beetle}, under {Locust}.
Longilateral \Lon`gi*lat"er*al\, a. [L. longus long + lateralis
lateral, fr. latus side.]
Having long sides especially, having the form of a long
parallelogram.
Nineveh . . . was of a longilateral figure, ninety-five
furlongs broad, and a hundred and fifty long. --Sir T.
Browne.
Longiloquence \Lon*gil"o*quence\, n. [L. langus long + loquentia
a talking.]
Long-windedness.
American longiloquence in oratory. --Fitzed.
Hall.
Longimanous \Lon*gim"a*nous\, a. [L. longus long + manus hand.]
Having long hands. --Sir T. Browne.
Longimetry \Lon*gim"e*try\, n. [L. longus long + -metry: cf. F.
longim['e]trie.]
The art or practice of measuring distances or lengths.
--Cheyne.
Longing \Long"ing\, n.
An eager desire; a craving; a morbid appetite; an earnest
wish; an aspiration.
Put on my crown; I have immortal longings in me.
--Shak.
Longingly \Long"ing*ly\, adv.
With longing. --Dryden.
Longinquity \Lon*gin"qui*ty\, n. [L. longinquitas, fr.
longinquus extensive, remote, fr. longus long.]
Greatness of distance; remoteness. [R.] --Barrow.
Longipalp \Lon"gi*palp\, n. [F. longipalpe, fr. L. longus long +
F. palpe a feeler, a palp.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of a tribe of beetles, having long maxillary palpi.
Longipennate \Lon"gi*pen"nate\, a. [L. longus long + E.
pennate.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having long wings, or quills.
Longipennes \Lon`gi*pen"nes\, n. pl. [NL., from L. longus long +
penna wing.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of longwinged sea birds, including the gulls,
petrels, etc.
Longipennine \Lon`gi*pen"nine\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Longipennes; longipennate.
Longiroster \Lon`gi*ros"ter\, n.; pl. L. {Longirostres}, E.
{Longirosters}. [L. longus long + rostrum beak: cf. F.
longirostre.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of the Longirostres.
Longirostral \Lon`gi*ros"tral\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Having a long bill; of or pertaining to the Longirostres.
Longirostres \Lon`gi*ros"tres\, n. pl. [NL., fr. L. longus long
+ rostrum beak.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of birds characterized by having long slender bills,
as the sandpipers, curlews, and ibises. It is now regarded as
an artificial division.
Longish \Long"ish\, a.
Somewhat long; moderately long.
Longitude \Lon"gi*tude\, n. [F., fr. L. longitudo, fr. longus
long.]
1. Length; measure or distance along the longest line; --
distinguished from breadth or thickness; as, the longitude
of a room; rare now, except in a humorous sense. --Sir H.
Wotton.
The longitude of their cloaks. --Sir. W.
Scott.
Mine [shadow] spindling into longitude immense.
--Cowper.
2. (Geog.) The arc or portion of the equator intersected
between the meridian of a given place and the meridian of
some other place from which longitude is reckoned, as from
Greenwich, England, or sometimes from the capital of a
country, as from Washington or Paris. The longitude of a
place is expressed either in degrees or in time; as, that
of New York is 74[deg] or 4 h. 56 min. west of Greenwich.
3. (Astron.) The distance in degrees, reckoned from the
vernal equinox, on the ecliptic, to a circle at right
angles to the ecliptic passing through the heavenly body
whose longitude is designated; as, the longitude of
Capella is 79[deg].
{Geocentric longitude} (Astron.), the longitude of a heavenly
body as seen from the earth.
{Heliocentric longitude}, the longitude of a heavenly body,
as seen from the sun's center.
{Longitude stars}, certain stars whose position is known, and
the data in regard to which are used in observations for
finding the longitude, as by lunar distances.
Longitudinal \Lon`gi*tu"di*nal\, a. [Cf. F. longitudinal.]
1. Of or pertaining to longitude or length; as, longitudinal
distance.
2. Extending in length; in the direction of the length;
running lengthwise, as distinguished from transverse; as,
the longitudinal diameter of a body. --Cheyne.
Longitudinal \Lon`gi*tu"di*nal\, n.
A railway sleeper lying parallel with the rail.
Longitudinally \Lon`gi*tu"di*nal*ly\, adv.
In the direction of length.
Longlegs \Long"legs`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A daddy longlegs.
Long-lived \Long"-lived`\, a.
Having a long life; having constitutional peculiarities which
make long life probable; lasting long; as, a long-lived tree;
they are a longlived family; long-lived prejudices.
Longly \Long"ly\, adv.
1. With longing desire. [Obs.] --Shak.
2. For a long time; hence, wearisomely.
Longmynd rocks \Long"mynd rocks"\ (Geol.)
The sparingly fossiliferous conglomerates, grits, schists,
and states of Great Britain, which lie at the base of the
Cambrian system; -- so called, because typically developed in
the Longmynd Hills, Shropshire.
Longness \Long"ness\, n.
Length.
Longnose \Long"nose`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European garfish.
Long primer \Long" prim"er\ (Print.)
A kind of type, in size between small pica and bourgeois.
Note: This line is printed in long primer.
Longshanks \Long"shanks`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The stilt.
Longshore \Long"shore`\, a. [Abbrev. from alongshore.]
Belonging to the seashore or a seaport; along and on the
shore. ``Longshore thieves.'' --R. Browning.
Longshoreman \Long"shore`man\, n.; pl. {Longshoremen}. [Abbrev.
fr. alongshoreman.]
One of a class of laborers employed about the wharves of a
seaport, especially in loading and unloading vessels.
Long-sight \Long"-sight\, n.
Long-sightedness. --Good.
Long-sighted \Long"-sight`ed\, a.
1. Able to see objects at a great distance; hence, having
great foresight; sagacious; farseeing.
2. Able to see objects distinctly at a distance, but not
close at hand; hypermetropic.
Long-sightedness \Long"-sight`ed*ness\, n.
1. The state or condition of being long-sighted; hence,
sagacity; shrewdness.
2. (Med.) See {Hypermetropia}.
Longsome \Long"some\a. [AS. langsum.]
Extended in length; tiresome. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall. --Prior. --
{Long"some*ness}, n. [Obs.] --Fuller.
Longspun \Long"spun`\, a.
Spun out, or extended, to great length; hence, long-winded;
tedious.
The longspun allegories fulsome grow, While the dull
moral lies too plain below. --Addison.
Longspur \Long"spur`\, n. [So called from the length of the hind
claw.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of fringilline birds of the genus
{Calcarius} (or {Plectrophanes}), and allied genera. The
Lapland longspur ({C. Lapponicus}), the chestnut-colored
longspur ({C. ornatus}), and other species, inhabit the
United States.
Long-stop \Long"-stop`\, n. (Cricket)
One who is set to stop balls which pass the wicket keeper.
Long-sufferance \Long"-suf`fer*ance\, n.
Forbearance to punish or resent.
Long-suffering \Long"-suf`fer*ing\, n.
Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not
easily provoked.
The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering,
and abundant in goodness and truth. --Ex. xxxiv.
6.
Long-suffering \Long"-suf`fer*ing\, n.
Long patience of offense.
Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and long-suffering? --Rom. ii. 4.
Longtail \Long"tail`\, n.
An animal, particularly a log, having an uncut tail. Cf.
{Curtail}. {Dog}.
Note: A longtail was a gentleman's dog, or the dog of one
qualified to bunt, other dogs being required to have
their tails cut.
{Cut and longtail}, all, gentlefolks and others, as they
might come. --Shak.
Long-tongue \Long"-tongue`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The wryneck.
Long-tongued \Long"-tongued`\, a.
1. Having a long tongue.
2. Talkative; babbling; loquacious. --Shak.
Longulite \Lon"gu*lite\, n. [L. longus long + -lie.] (Min.)
A kind of crystallite having a (slender) acicular form.
Long-waisted \Long"-waist`ed\, a.
1. Having a long waist; long from the armpits to the armpits
to the bottom of the waist; -- said of persons.
2. Long from the part about the neck or shoulder, or from the
armpits, to the bottom of the weist, or to the skirt; --
said of garments; as, a long-waisted coat.
Longways \Long"ways`\, adv.
Lengthwise. --Addison.
Long-winded \Long"-wind"ed\, a.
Long-breathed; hence, tediously long in speaking; consuming
much time; as, a long-winded talker. -- {Long"-wind"ed*ness},
n.
A tedious, long-winded harangue. --South.
Longwise \Long"wise`\, adv.
Lengthwise.
Loo \Loo\, n. [For older lanterloo, F. lanturelu, lanturlu, name
of the game; orig., the refrain of a vaudeville.]
(a) An old game played with five, or three, cards dealt to
each player from a full pack. When five cards are used
the highest card is the knave of clubs or (if so agreed
upon) the knave of trumps; -- formerly called
{lanterloo}.
(b) A modification of the game of ``all fours'' in which the
players replenish their hands after each round by drawing
each a card from the pack.
{Loo table}, a round table adapted for a circle of persons
playing loo.
Loo \Loo\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Looed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Looing}.]
To beat in the game of loo by winning every trick. [Written
also {lu}.] --Goldsmith.
Loob \Loob\, n. [Corn., slime, sludge.] (Mining)
The clay or slimes washed from tin ore in dressing.
Loobily \Loo"bi*ly\, a. [From {Looby}.]
Loobylike; awkward. --Fuller.
Loobily \Loo"bi*ly\, adv.
Awkwardly. --L'Estrange.
Looby \Loo"by\, n.; pl. {Loobies}. [Cf. {Lob}.]
An awkward, clumsy fellow; a lubber. --Swift.
Looch \Looch\, n.
See 2d {Loch}.
Loof \Loof\, n. (Bot.)
The spongelike fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant
({Luffa [AE]gyptiaca}); called also {vegetable sponge}.
Loof \Loof\, n. [See {Luff}.] [Also written {luff}.] (Naut.)
(a) Formerly, some appurtenance of a vessel which was used in
changing her course; -- probably a large paddle put over
the lee bow to help bring her head nearer to the wind.
(b) The part of a ship's side where the planking begins to
curve toward bow and stern.
Loof \Loof\, v. i. (Naut.)
See {Luff}.
Look \Look\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Looked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Looking}.] [OE. loken, AS. l[=o]cian; akin to G. lugen, OHG.
luog[=e]n.]
1. To direct the eyes for the purpose of seeing something; to
direct the eyes toward an object; to observe with the eyes
while keeping them directed; -- with various prepositions,
often in a special or figurative sense. See Phrases below.
2. To direct the attention (to something); to consider; to
examine; as, to look at an action.
3. To seem; to appear; to have a particular appearance; as,
the patient looks better; the clouds look rainy.
It would look more like vanity than gratitude.
--Addison.
Observe how such a practice looks in another person.
--I. Watts.
4. To have a particular direction or situation; to face; to
front.
The inner gate that looketh to north. --Ezek. viii.
3.
The east gate . . . which looketh eastward. --Ezek.
xi. 1.
5. In the imperative: see; behold; take notice; take care;
observe; -- used to call attention.
Look, how much we thus expel of sin, so much we
expel of virtue. --Milton.
Note: Look, in the imperative, may be followed by a dependent
sentence, but see is oftener so used.
Look that ye bind them fast. --Shak.
Look if it be my daughter. --Talfourd.
6. To show one's self in looking, as by leaning out of a
window; as, look out of the window while I speak to you.
Sometimes used figuratively.
My toes look through the overleather. --Shak.
7. To await the appearance of anything; to expect; to
anticipate.
Looking each hour into death's mouth to fall.
--Spenser.
{To look about}, to look on all sides, or in different
directions.
{To look about one}, to be on the watch; to be vigilant; to
be circumspect or guarded.
{To look after}.
(a) To attend to; to take care of; as, to look after
children.
(b) To expect; to be in a state of expectation.
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for
looking after those things which are coming on
the earth. --Luke xxi.
26.
(c) To seek; to search.
My subject does not oblige me to look after the
water, or point forth the place where to it is
now retreated. --Woodward.
{To look at}, to direct the eyes toward so that one sees, or
as if to see; as, to look at a star; hence, to observe,
examine, consider; as, to look at a matter without
prejudice.
{To look black}, to frown; to scowl; to have a threatening
appearance.
The bishops thereat repined, and looked black.
--Holinshed.
{To look down on} or {upon}, to treat with indifference or
contempt; to regard as an inferior; to despise.
{To look for}.
(a) To expect; as, to look for news by the arrival of a
ship. ``Look now for no enchanting voice.'' --Milton.
(b) To seek for; to search for; as, to look for lost
money, or lost cattle.
{To look forth}.
(a) To look out of something, as from a window.
(b) To threaten to come out. --Jer. vi. 1. (Rev. Ver.).
{To look into}, to inspect closely; to observe narrowly; to
examine; as, to look into the works of nature; to look
into one's conduct or affairs.
{To look on}.
(a) To regard; to esteem.
Her friends would look on her the worse.
--Prior.
(b) To consider; to view; to conceive of; to think of.
I looked on Virgil as a succinct, majestic
writer. --Dryden.
(c) To be a mere spectator.
I'll be a candleholder, and look on. --Shak.
{To look out}, to be on the watch; to be careful; as, the
seaman looks out for breakers.
{To look through}.
(a) To see through.
(b) To search; to examine with the eyes.
{To look to} or {unto}.
(a) To watch; to take care of. ``Look well to thy herds.''
--Prov. xxvii. 23.
(b) To resort to with expectation of receiving something;
to expect to receive from; as, the creditor may look
to surety for payment. ``Look unto me, and be ye
saved.'' --Is. xlv. 22.
{To look up}, to search for or find out by looking; as, to
look up the items of an account.
{To look up to}, to respect; to regard with deference.
Look \Look\, v. t.
1. To look at; to turn the eyes toward.
2. To seek; to search for. [Obs.]
Looking my love, I go from place to place.
--Spenser.
3. To expect. [Obs.] --Shak.
4. To influence, overawe, or subdue by looks or presence as,
to look down opposition.
A spirit fit to start into an empire, And look the
world to law. --Dryden.
5. To express or manifest by a look.
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again.
--Byron.
{To look daggers}. See under {Dagger}.
{To look in the face}, to face or meet with boldness or
confidence; hence, sometimes, to meet for combat.
{To look out}, to seek for; as, prudent persons look out
associates good reputation.
Look \Look\, n.
1. The act of looking; a glance; a sight; a view; -- often in
certain phrases; as, to have, get, take, throw, or cast, a
look.
Threw many a northward look to see his father Bring
up his powers; but he did long in vain. --Shak.
2. Expression of the eyes and face; manner; as, a proud or
defiant look. ``Gentle looks.'' --Shak.
Up ! up! my friends, and clear your looks.
--Wordsworth.
3. Hence; Appearance; aspect; as, the house has a gloomy
look; the affair has a bad look.
Pain, disgrace, and poverty have frighted looks.
--Locke.
There was something that reminded me of Dante's Hell
in the look of this. --Carlyle.
Lookdown \Look"down`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Moonfish}
(b) .
Looker \Look"er\, n.
One who looks.
{Looker-on}, a spectator; one that looks on, but has no
agency or part in an affair.
Did not this fatal war affront thy coast, Yet
sattest thou an idle looker-on ? --Fairfax.
Looking \Look"ing\, a.
Having a certain look or appearance; -- often compounded with
adjectives; as, good-looking, grand-looking, etc.
Looking \Look"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who looks; a glance.
2. The manner in which one looks; appearance; countenance;
face. [Obs.]
All dreary was his cheer and his looking. --Chaucer.
{Looking for}, anticipation; expectation. ``A certain fearful
looking for of judgment.'' --Heb. x. 27.
Looking-glass \Look"ing-glass`\, n.
A mirror made of glass on which has been placed a backing of
some reflecting substance, as quicksilver.
There is none so homely but loves a looking-glass.
--South.
Lookout \Look"out`\, n.
1. A careful looking or watching for any object or event.
2. The place from which such observation is made.
3. A person engaged in watching.
4. Object or duty of forethought and care; responsibility.
[Colloq.]
Lool \Lool\, n. (Metal.)
A vessel used to receive the washings of ores of metals.
Loom \Loom\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Loon}, the bird.
Loom \Loom\, n. [OE. lome, AS. gel?ma utensil, implement.]
1. A frame or machine of wood or other material, in which a
weaver forms cloth out of thread; a machine for
interweaving yarn or threads into a fabric, as in knitting
or lace making.
Hector, when he sees Andromache overwhelmed with
terror, sends her for consolation to the loom and
the distaff. --Rambler.
2. (Naut.) That part of an oar which is near the grip or
handle and inboard from the rowlock. --Totten.
Loom \Loom\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Loomed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Looming}.] [OE. lumen to shine, Icel. ljoma; akin to AS.
le['o]ma light, and E. light; or cf. OF. lumer to shine, L.
luminare to illumine, lumen light; akin to E. light. ? See
{Light} not dark.]
1. To appear above the surface either of sea or land, or to
appear enlarged, or distorted and indistinct, as a distant
object, a ship at sea, or a mountain, esp. from
atmospheric influences; as, the ship looms large; the land
looms high.
Awful she looms, the terror of the main. --H. J.
Pye.
2. To rise and to be eminent; to be elevated or ennobled, in
a moral sense.
On no occasion does he [Paul] loom so high, and
shine so gloriously, as in the context. --J. M.
Mason.
Loom \Loom\, n.
The state of looming; esp., an unnatural and indistinct
appearance of elevation or enlargement of anything, as of
land or of a ship, seen by one at sea.
Loom-gale \Loom"-gale`\, n.
A gentle gale of wind.
Looming \Loom"ing\, n.
The indistinct and magnified appearance of objects seen in
particular states of the atmosphere. See {Mirage}.
Loon \Loon\, n. [Scot. loun, lown, loon; akin to OD. loen a
stupid man; prob. for an older lown, and akin to E. lame.]
A sorry fellow; a worthless person; a rogue.
Loon \Loon\, n. [For older loom, Icel. l?mr; akin to Dan. & Sw.
lom.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several aquatic, wed-footed, northern birds of the
genus {Urinator} (formerly {Colymbus}), noted for their
expertness in diving and swimming under water. The common
loon, or great northern diver ({Urinator imber}, or {Colymbus
torquatus}), and the red-throated loon or diver ({U.
septentrionalis}), are the best known species. See {Diver}.
Loony \Loon"y\, a.
See {Luny}.
Loop \Loop\, n. [G. luppe an iron lump. Cf. {Looping}.] (Iron
Works)
A mass of iron in a pasty condition gathered into a ball for
the tilt hammer or rolls. [Written also {loup}.]
Loop \Loop\, n. [Cf. Ir. & Gael. lub loop, noose, fold, thong,
bend, lub to bend, incline.]
1. A fold or doubling of a thread, cord, rope, etc., through
which another thread, cord, etc., can be passed, or which
a hook can be hooked into; an eye, as of metal; a staple;
a noose; a bight.
That the probation bear no hinge, nor loop To hang a
doubt on. --Shak.
2. A small, narrow opening; a loophole.
And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence The
eye of Reason may pry in upon us. --Shak.
3. A curve of any kind in the form of a loop.
4. (Telegraphy) A wire forming part of a main circuit and
returning to the point from which it starts.
5. (Acoustics) The portion of a vibrating string, air column,
etc., between two nodes; -- called also {ventral segment}.
{Loop knot}, a single knot tied in a doubled cord, etc. so as
to leave a loop beyond the knot. See Illust. of {Knot}.
Loop \Loop\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Looped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Looping}.]
To make a loop of or in; to fasten with a loop or loops; --
often with up; as, to loop a string; to loop up a curtain.
Looped \Looped\, a.
1. Bent, folded, or tied, so as to make a loop; as, a looped
wire or string.
2. Full of holes. [Obs.] --Shak.
Looper \Loop"er\, n.
1. An instrument, as a bodkin, for forming a loop in yarn, a
cord, etc.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The larva of any species of geometrid moths.
See {Geometrid}.
Loophole \Loop"hole`\, n.
1. (Mil.) A small opening, as in the walls of fortification,
or in the bulkhead of a ship, through which small arms or
other weapons may be discharged at an enemy.
2. A hole or aperture that gives a passage, or the means of
escape or evasion.
Loopholed \Loop"holed`\, a.
Provided with loopholes.
Loopie \Loop"ie\, a.
Deceitful; cunning; sly. [Scot.]
Looping \Loop"ing\, n. [Cf. D. loopen to run. Cf. {Loop} a mass
of iron, {Leap}.] (Metal.)
The running together of the matter of an ore into a mass,
when the ore is only heated for calcination.
Looping \Loop"ing\, p. pr. & vb. n.
of {Loop}.
{Looping snail} (Zo["o]l.), any species of land snail of the
genus {Truncatella}; -- so called because it creeps like
the measuring worms.
Looplight \Loop"light`\, n.
A small narrow opening or window in a tower or fortified
wall; a loophole.
Loord \Loord\, n. [F. lourd heavy, dull.]
A dull, stupid fellow; a drone. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Loos \Loos\, n. [OE. los, fr. OF. los, laus.]
Praise; fame; reputation. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Good conscience and good loos. --Chaucer.
Loose \Loose\, a. [Compar. {Looser}; superl. {Loosest}.] [OE.
loos, lous, laus, Icel. lauss; akin to OD. loos, D. los, AS.
le['a]s false, deceitful, G. los, loose, Dan. & Sw. l["o]s,
Goth. laus, and E. lose. ? See {Lose}, and cf. {Leasing}
falsehood.]
1. Unbound; untied; unsewed; not attached, fastened, fixed,
or confined; as, the loose sheets of a book.
Her hair, nor loose, nor tied in formal plat.
--Shak.
2. Free from constraint or obligation; not bound by duty,
habit, etc.; -- with from or of.
Now I stand Loose of my vow; but who knows Cato's
thoughts ? --Addison.
3. Not tight or close; as, a loose garment.
4. Not dense, close, compact, or crowded; as, a cloth of
loose texture.
With horse and chariots ranked in loose array.
--Milton.
5. Not precise or exact; vague; indeterminate; as, a loose
style, or way of reasoning.
The comparison employed . . . must be considered
rather as a loose analogy than as an exact
scientific explanation. --Whewel.
6. Not strict in matters of morality; not rigid according to
some standard of right.
The loose morality which he had learned. --Sir W.
Scott.
7. Unconnected; rambling.
Vario spends whole mornings in running over loose
and unconnected pages. --I. Watts.
8. Lax; not costive; having lax bowels. --Locke.
9. Dissolute; unchaste; as, a loose man or woman.
Loose ladies in delight. --Spenser.
10. Containing or consisting of obscene or unchaste language;
as, a loose epistle. -- Dryden.
{At loose ends}, not in order; in confusion; carelessly
managed.
{Fast and loose}. See under {Fast}.
{To break loose}. See under {Break}.
{Loose pulley}. (Mach.) See {Fast and loose pulleys}, under
{Fast}.
{To let loose}, to free from restraint or confinement; to set
at liberty.
Loose \Loose\, n.
1. Freedom from restraint. [Obs.] --Prior.
2. A letting go; discharge. --B. Jonson.
{To give a loose}, to give freedom.
Vent all its griefs, and give a loose to sorrow.
--Addison.
Loose \Loose\, v. n. [imp. & p. p. {Loosed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loosing}.] [From {Loose}, a.]
1. To untie or unbind; to free from any fastening; to remove
the shackles or fastenings of; to set free; to relieve.
Canst thou . . . loose the bands of Orion ? --Job.
xxxviii. 31.
Ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her;
loose them, and bring them unto me. --Matt. xxi.
2.
2. To release from anything obligatory or burdensome; to
disengage; hence, to absolve; to remit.
Art thou loosed from a wife ? seek not a wife. --1
Cor. vii. 27.
Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed
in heaven. --Matt. xvi.
19.
3. To relax; to loosen; to make less strict.
The joints of his loins were loosed. --Dan. v. 6.
4. To solve; to interpret. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Loose \Loose\, v. i.
To set sail. [Obs.] --Acts xiii. 13.
Loosely \Loose"ly\, adv.
In a loose manner.
Loosen \Loos"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loosened}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Loosening}.] [See {Loose}, v. t.]
1. To make loose; to free from tightness, tension, firmness,
or fixedness; to make less dense or compact; as, to loosen
a string, or a knot; to loosen a rock in the earth.
After a year's rooting, then shaking doth the tree
good by loosening of the earth. --Bacon.
2. To free from restraint; to set at liberty..
It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding.
--Dryden.
3. To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the
alvine discharges of. --Bacon.
Loosen \Loos"en\, v. i.
To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact. --S.
Sharp.
Loosener \Loos"en*er\, n.
One who, or that which, loosens.
Looseness \Loose"ness\, n.
The state, condition, or quality, of being loose; as, the
looseness of a cord; looseness of style; looseness of morals
or of principles.
Loosestrife \Loose"strife`\, n. (Bot.)
(a) The name of several species of plants of the genus
{Lysimachia}, having small star-shaped flowers, usually
of a yellow color.
(b) Any species of the genus {Lythrum}, having purple, or, in
some species, crimson flowers. --Gray.
{False loosestrife}, a plant of the genus {Ludwigia}, which
includes several species, most of which are found in the
United States.
{Tufted loosestrife}, the plant {Lysimachia thyrsiflora},
found in the northern parts of the United States and in
Europe. --Gray.
Loosish \Loos"ish\, a.
Somewhat loose.
Loot \Loot\, n. [Hind. l?t, Skr. l?tra, l?ptra, booty, lup to
break, spoil; prob. akin to E. rob.]
1. The act of plundering.
2. Plunder; booty; especially, the boot taken in a conquered
or sacked city.
Loot \Loot\, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. {Looted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Looting}.]
To plunder; to carry off as plunder or a prize lawfully
obtained by war.
Looting parties . . . ransacking the houses.
--L.O?phant.
Looter \Loot"er\, n.
A plunderer.
Loover \Loo"ver\, n.
See {Louver}.
Lop \Lop\, n. [AS. loppe.]
A flea.[Obs.] --Cleveland.
Lop \Lop\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lopped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lopping}.] [Prov. G. luppen, lubben,to cut, geld, or OD.
luppen, D. lubben.]
1. To cut off as the top or extreme part of anything; to sho?
-- by cutting off the extremities; to cut off, or remove
as superfluous parts; as, to lop a tree or its branches.
``With branches lopped, in wood or mountain felled.''
--Milton.
Expunge the whole, or lop the excrescent parts.
--Pope.
2. To cut partly off and bend down; as, to lop bushes in a
hedge.
Lop \Lop\, n.
That which is lopped from anything, as branches from a tree.
--Shak. Mortimer.
Lop \Lop\, v. i.
To hang downward; to be pendent; to lean to one side.
Lop \Lop\, v. t.
To let hang down; as, to lop the head.
Lop \Lop\, a.
Hanging down; as, lop ears; -- used also in compound
adjectives; as, lopeared; lopsided.
Lope \Lope\, imp.
of {Leap}. [Obs.]
And, laughing, lope into a tree. Spenser.
Lope \Lope\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Loped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loping}.] [See {Leap}.]
1. To leap; to dance. [Prov. Eng.] ``He that lopes on the
ropes.'' --Middleton.
2. To move with a lope, as a horse. [U.S.]
Lope \Lope\, n.
1. A leap; a long step. [Prov. Eng.]
2. An easy gait, consisting of long running strides or leaps.
[U.S.]
The mustang goes rollicking ahead, with the eternal
lope, . . . a mixture of two or three gaits, as easy
as the motions of a crade. --T. B.
Thorpe.
Lopeared \Lop"eared`\, a.
Having ears which lop or hang down.
Lopeman \Lope"man\, n.
Leaper; ropedancer. [Obs.]
Loper \Lop"er\, n.
1. One who, or that which, lopes; esp., a horse that lopes.
[U.S.]
2. (Rope Making) A swivel at one end of a ropewalk, used in
laying the strands.
Lophine \Loph"ine\, n. [Gr. ? a tuft or crest of feathers.]
(Chem.)
A nitrogenous organic base obtained by the oxidation of
amarine, and regarded as a derivative of benzoic aldehyde. It
is obtained in long white crystalline tufts, -- whence its
name.
Lophiomys \Lo*phi"o*mys\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. lofia` a mane,
bristly ridge + my^s a mouse.] (Zo["o]l.)
A very singular rodent ({Lophiomys Imhausi}) of Northeastern
Africa. It is the only known representative of a special
family ({Lophiomyid[ae]}), remarkable for the structure of
the skull. It has handlike feet, and the hair is peculiar in
structure and arrangement.
Lophobranch \Loph"o*branch\, a. [Gr. ? crest or tuft + ? gill.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Lophobranchii. -- n. One of the
Lophobranchii.
Lophobranchiate \Loph`o*bran"chi*ate\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Lophobranchii.
Lophobranchii \Loph`o*bran"chi*i\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a
crest or tuft + ? gill.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of teleostean fishes, having the gills arranged in
tufts on the branchial arches, as the Hippocampus and
pipefishes.
Lophophore \Loph"o*phore\, n. [Gr. ? a crest or tuft + ? to
bear.] (Zo["o]l.)
A disk which surrounds the mouth and bears the tentacles of
the Bryozoa. See {Phylactolemata}.
Lophopoda \Lo*phop"o*da\, n. pl. [NL., from Gr. ? a crest or
tuft + -poda.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Phylactolemata}.
Lophosteon \Lo*phos"te*on\, n.; pl. L. {Lophostea}, E.
{Lophosteons}. [NL., from Gr. ? a crest + ? a bone.] (Anat.)
The central keel-bearing part of the sternum in birds.
Loppard \Lop"pard\, n. [Lop + -ard.]
A tree, the top of which has been lopped off. [Eng.]
Lopper \Lop"per\, n.
One who lops or cuts off.
Lopper \Lop"per\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Loppered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Loppering}.] [Cf. Prov. G. l["u]bbern, levern, OHG.
giliber?n, G. luppe, lab, rennet.]
To turn sour and coagulate from too long standing, as milk.
Lopping \Lop"ping\, n.
A cutting off, as of branches; that which is cut off;
leavings.
The loppings made from that stock whilst it stood.
--Burke.
Loppy \Lop"py\, a.
Somewhat lop; inclined to lop.
Lopseed \Lop"seed`\, n. (Bot.)
A perennial herb ({Phryma Leptostachya}), having slender
seedlike fruits.
Lopsided \Lop"sid`ed\, a. [Lop + side. Cf. {Lobsided}.]
1. Leaning to one side because of some defect of structure;
as, a lopsided ship. --Marryat.
2. Unbalanced; poorly proportioned; full of idiosyncrasies.
--J. S. Mill.
Loquacious \Lo*qua"cious\, a. [L. loquax, -acis, talkative, fr.
loqui to speak; cf. Gr. ? to rattle, shriek, shout.]
1. Given to continual talking; talkative; garrulous.
Loquacious, brawling, ever in the wrong. --Dryden.
2. Speaking; expressive. [R.] --J. Philips.
3. Apt to blab and disclose secrets.
Syn: Garrulous; talkative. See {Garrulous}.
Loquaciously \Lo*qua"cious*ly\, adv.
In a loquacious manner.
Loquaciousness \Lo*qua"cious*ness\, n.
Loquacity.
Loquacity \Lo*quac"i*ty\, n. [L. loquacitas: cf. F.
loquacit['e].]
The habit or practice of talking continually or excessively;
inclination to talk too much; talkativeness; garrulity.
Too great loquacity and too great taciturnity by fits.
--Arbuthnot.
Loquat \Lo"quat\, n. [Chinese name.] (Bot.)
The fruit of the Japanese medlar ({Photinia Japonica}). It is
as large as a small plum, but grows in clusters, and contains
four or five large seeds. Also, the tree itself.
Loral \Lo"ral\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the lores.
Lorate \Lo"rate\, a. [L. loratus, fr. lorum thong.] (Bot.)
Having the form of a thong or strap; ligulate.
Lorcha \Lor"cha\, n. [Pg.] (Naut.)
A kind of light vessel used on the coast of China, having the
hull built on a European model, and the rigging like that of
a Chinese junk. --Admiral Foote.
Lord \Lord\, n. [Cf. Gr. ? bent so as to be convex in front.]
A hump-backed person; -- so called sportively. [Eng.]
--Richardson (Dict.).
Lord \Lord\, n. [OE. lord, laverd, loverd, AS. hl[=a]ford, for
hl[=a]fweard, i. e., bread keeper; hl[=a]f bread, loaf +
weardian to look after, to take care of, to ward. See {Loaf},
and {Ward} to guard, and cf. {Laird}, {Lady}.]
1. One who has power and authority; a master; a ruler; a
governor; a prince; a proprietor, as of a manor.
But now I was the lord Of this fair mansion. --Shak.
Man over men He made not lord. --Milton.
2. A titled nobleman., whether a peer of the realm or not; a
bishop, as a member of the House of Lords; by courtesy;
the son of a duke or marquis, or the eldest son of an
earl; in a restricted sense, a boron, as opposed to
noblemen of higher rank. [Eng.]
3. A title bestowed on the persons above named; and also, for
honor, on certain official persons; as, lord advocate,
lord chamberlain, lord chancellor, lord chief justice,
etc. [Eng.]
4. A husband. ``My lord being old also.'' --Gen. xviii. 12.
Thou worthy lord Of that unworthy wife that greeteth
thee. --Shak.
5. (Feudal Law) One of whom a fee or estate is held; the male
owner of feudal land; as, the lord of the soil; the lord
of the manor.
6. The Supreme Being; Jehovah.
Note: When Lord, in the Old Testament, is printed in small
capitals, it is usually equivalent to Jehovah, and
might, with more propriety, be so rendered.
7. The Savior; Jesus Christ.
{House of Lords}, one of the constituent parts of the British
Parliament, consisting of the lords spiritual and
temporal.
{Lord high chancellor}, {Lord high constable}, etc. See
{Chancellor}, {Constable}, etc.
{Lord justice clerk}, the second in rank of the two highest
judges of the Supreme Court of Scotland.
{Lord justice general}, or {Lord president}, the highest in
rank of the judges of the Supreme Court of Scotland.
{Lord keeper}, an ancient officer of the English crown, who
had the custody of the king's great seal, with authority
to affix it to public documents. The office is now merged
in that of the chancellor.
{Lord lieutenant}, a representative of British royalty: the
{lord lieutenant of Ireland} being the representative of
royalty there, and exercising supreme administrative
authority; the {lord lieutenant of a county} being a
deputy to manage its military concerns, and also to
nominate to the chancellor the justices of the peace for
that county.
{Lord of misrule}, the master of the revels at Christmas in a
nobleman's or other great house. --Eng. Cyc.
{Lords spiritual}, the archbishops and bishops who have seats
in the House of Lords.
{Lords temporal}, the peers of England; also, sixteen
representative peers of Scotland, and twenty-eight
representatives of the Irish peerage.
{Our lord}, Jesus Christ; the Savior.
{The Lord's Day}, Sunday; the Christian Sabbath, on which the
Lord Jesus rose from the dead.
{The Lord's Prayer}, the prayer which Jesus taught his
disciples. --Matt. vi. 9-13.
{The Lord's Supper}.
(a) The paschal supper partaken of by Jesus the night
before his crucifixion.
(b) The sacrament of the eucharist; the holy communion.
{The Lord's Table}.
(a) The altar or table from which the sacrament is
dispensed.
(b) The sacrament itself.
Lord \Lord\, v. t.
1. To invest with the dignity, power, and privileges of a
lord. [R.] --Shak.
2. To rule or preside over as a lord. [R.]
Lord \Lord\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lorded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lording}.]
To play the lord; to domineer; to rule with arbitrary or
despotic sway; -- sometimes with over; and sometimes with it
in the manner of a transitive verb.
The whiles she lordeth in licentious bliss. --Spenser.
I see them lording it in London streets. --Shak.
And lorded over them whom now they serve. --Milton.
Lording \Lord"ing\, n. [Lord + -ing, 3.]
1. The son of a lord; a person of noble lineage. [Obs.]
--Spenser.
2. A little lord; a lordling; a lord, in contempt or
ridicule. [Obs.] --Swift.
Note: In the plural, a common ancient mode of address
equivalent to ``Sirs'' or ``My masters.''
Therefore, lordings all, I you beseech.
--Chaucer.
Lordkin \Lord"kin\, n.
A little lord. --Thackeray.
Lordlike \Lord"like`\, a. [2d lord + like. Cf. {Lordly}.]
1. Befitting or like a lord; lordly.
2. Haughty; proud; insolent; arrogant.
Lordliness \Lord"li*ness\, n. [From {Lordly}.]
The state or quality of being lordly. --Shak.
Lordling \Lord"ling\, n. [Lord + -ling.]
A little or insignificant lord. --Goldsmith.
Lordly \Lord"ly\, a. [Compar. {Lordlier}; superl. {Lordliest}.]
[Lord + -ly. Cf. {Lordlike}.]
1. Suitable for a lord; of or pertaining to a lord;
resembling a lord; hence, grand; noble; dignified;
honorable.
She brought forth butter in a lordly dish. --Judges
v. 25.
Lordly sins require lordly estates to support them.
--South.
The maidens gathered strength and grace And
presence, lordlier than before. --Tennyson.
2. Proud; haughty; imperious; insolent.
Lords are lordliest in their wine. --Milton.
Syn: Imperious; haughty; overbearing; tyrannical; despotic;
domineering; arrogant. See {Imperious}.
Lordly \Lord"ly\, adv.
In a lordly manner.
Lordolatry \Lord*ol"a*try\, n. [Lord + -olatry, as in idolatry.]
Worship of, or reverence for, a lord as such. [Jocose]
But how should it be otherwise in a country where
lordolatry is part of our creed ? --Thackeray.
Lordosis \Lor*do"sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? bent so as to
be convex in front.] (Med.)
(a) A curvature of the spine forwards, usually in the lumbar
region.
(b) Any abnormal curvature of the bones.
Lords and Ladies \Lords" and La"dies\ (Bot.)
The European wake-robin ({Arum maculatum}), -- those with
purplish spadix the lords, and those with pale spadix the
ladies. --Dr. Prior.
Lordship \Lord"ship\, n.
1. The state or condition of being a lord; hence (with his or
your), a title applied to a lord (except an archbishop or
duke, who is called Grace) or a judge (in Great Britain),
etc.
2. Seigniory; domain; the territory over which a lord holds
jurisdiction; a manor.
What lands and lordships for their owner know My
quondam barber. --Dryden.
3. Dominion; power; authority.
They which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles
exercise lordship over them. --Mark x. 42.
Lore \Lore\, n. [F. lore, L. lorum thong.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The space between the eye and bill, in birds, and the
corresponding region in reptiles and fishes.
(b) The anterior portion of the cheeks of insects.
Lore \Lore\, obs. imp. & p. p. of {Lose}. [See {Lose}.]
Lost.
Neither of them she found where she them lore. --Spenser.
Lore \Lore\, n. [OE. lore, lare, AS. l[=a]r, fr. l?ran to teach;
akin to D. leer teaching, doctrine, G. lehre, Dan. l[ae]re,
Sw. l["a]ra. See {Learn}, and cf. {Lere}, v. t.]
1. That which is or may be learned or known; the knowledge
gained from tradition, books, or experience; often, the
whole body of knowledge possessed by a people or class of
people, or pertaining to a particular subject; as, the
lore of the Egyptians; priestly lore; legal lore;
folklore. ``The lore of war.'' --Fairfax.
His fair offspring, nursed in princely lore.
--Milton.
2. That which is taught; hence, instruction; wisdom; advice;
counsel. --Chaucer.
If please ye, listen to my lore. --Spenser.
3. Workmanship. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Loreal \Lor"e*al\, Loral \Lor"al\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the lore; -- said of certain feathers of
birds, scales of reptiles, etc.
Lorel \Lor"el\, n. [?. Cf. {Losel}.]
A good for nothing fellow; a vagabond. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loren \Lor"en\, obs. strong p. p.
of {Lose}. --Chaucer.
Loresman \Lores"man\, n. [Lorelearning + man.]
An instructor. [Obs.] --Gower.
Lorette \Lo`rette"\, n. [F.]
In France, a name for a woman who is supported by her lovers,
and devotes herself to idleness, show, and pleasure; -- so
called from the church of Notre Dame de Lorette, in Paris,
near which many of them resided.
Lorettine \Lo`ret*tine"\, n. (R. C. Ch.)
One of a order of nuns founded in 1812 at Loretto, in
Kentucky. The members of the order (called also {Sisters of
Loretto}, or {Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross})
devote themselves to the cause of education and the care of
destitute orphans, their labors being chiefly confined to the
Western United States.
Lorgnette \Lor`gnette"\n. [F.]
An opera glass; pl. elaborate double eyeglasses.
Lori \Lo"ri\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Lory}.
Lorica \Lo*ri"ca\, n.; pl. {Loric[ae]}. [L., lit., a corselet of
thongs, fr. lorum thong.]
1. (Anc. Armor) A cuirass, originally of leather, afterward
of plates of metal or horn sewed on linen or the like.
2. (Chem.) Lute for protecting vessels from the fire.
3. (Zo["o]l.) The protective case or shell of an infusorian
or rotifer.
Loricata \Lor`i*ca"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See {Loricata}.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A suborder of edentates, covered with bony plates,
including the armadillos.
(b) The crocodilia.
Loricate \Lor"i*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loricated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Loricating}.] [L. loricatus, p. p. of loricare to
clothe in mail, to cover with plastering, fr. lorica a
leather cuirass, a plastering, fr. lorum thong.]
To cover with some protecting substance, as with lute, a
crust, coating, or plates.
Loricate \Lor"i*cate\, a. [See {Loricate}, v.]
Covered with a shell or exterior made of plates somewhat like
a coat of mail, as in the armadillo.
Loricate \Lor"i*cate\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
An animal covered with bony scales, as crocodiles among
reptiles, and the pangolins among mammals.
Lorication \Lor`i*ca"tion\, n. [L. loricatio.]
The act of loricating; the protecting substance put on; a
covering of scales or plates.
Lorikeet \Lor"i*keet\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any one numerous species of small brush-tongued parrots or
lories, found mostly in Australia, New Guinea and the
adjacent islands, with some forms in the East Indies. They
are arboreal in their habits and feed largely upon the honey
of flowers. They belong to {Trichoglossus}, {Loriculus}, and
several allied genera.
Lorimer \Lor"i*mer\, Loriner \Lor"i*ner\, n. [OF. lormier,
loremier, fr. LL. loranum bridle, L. lorum thong, the rein of
a bridle.]
A maker of bits, spurs, and metal mounting for bridles and
saddles; hence, a saddler. [Obs.] --Holinshed.
Loring \Lor"ing\, n. [See 3d {Lore}.]
Instructive discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Loriot \Lo"ri*ot\, n. [F., fr. OF. loriou, for l'oriol, ?riol,
l' being the article. The same word as oriole. See {Oriole}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The golden oriole of Europe. See {Oriole}.
Loris \Lo"ris\, n. [Loris, or lori, the indigenous East Indian
name.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of small lemurs of the genus
{Stenops}. They have long, slender limbs and large eyes, and
are arboreal in their habits. The slender loris ({S.
gracilis}), of Ceylon, in one of the best known species.
[Written also {lori}.]
Lorn \Lorn\, a. [Strong p. p. of {Lose}. See {Lose}, {Forlorn}.]
1. Lost; undone; ruined. [Archaic]
If thou readest, thou art lorn. --Sir W.
Scott.
2. Forsaken; abandoned; solitary; bereft; as, a lone, lorn
woman.
Lorrie \Lor"rie\, Lorry \Lor"ry\, n.; pl. {Lorries}. [Prob. from
lurry to pull or lug.]
A small cart or wagon, as those used on the tramways in mines
to carry coal or rubbish; also, a barrow or truck for
shifting baggage, as at railway stations.
Lory \Lo"ry\, n.; pl. {Lories}. [Hind. & Malay. l[=u]r[=i],
n[=u]r[=i].] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of many species of small parrots of the family
Trichoglossid[ae], generally having the tongue papillose at
the tip, and the mandibles straighter and less toothed than
in common parrots. They are found in the East Indies,
Australia, New Guinea, and the adjacent islands. They feed
mostly on soft fruits and on the honey of flowers.
Note: The lory, or louri, of South Africa is the
white-crested plantain eater or turacou. See {Turacou}.
Los \Los\, n.
Praise. See {Loos}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Losable \Los"a*ble\, a.
Such as can be lost.
Losange \Los"ange\, n.
See {Lozenge}.
Lose \Lose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Losing}.] [OE. losien to
loose, be lost, lose, AS. losian to become loose; akin to OE.
leosen to lose, p. p. loren, lorn, AS. le['o]san, p. p. loren
(in comp.), D. verliezen, G. verlieren, Dan. forlise, Sw.
f["o]rlisa, f["o]rlora, Goth. fraliusan, also to E. loose, a
& v., L. luere to loose, Gr. ?, Skr. l? to cut. [root]127.
Cf. {Analysis}, {Palsy}, {Solve}, {Forlorn}, {Leasing},
{Loose}, {Loss}.]
1. To part with unintentionally or unwillingly, as by
accident, misfortune, negligence, penalty, forfeit, etc.;
to be deprived of; as, to lose money from one's purse or
pocket, or in business or gaming; to lose an arm or a leg
by amputation; to lose men in battle.
Fair Venus wept the sad disaster Of having lost her
favorite dove. --Prior.
2. To cease to have; to possess no longer; to suffer
diminution of; as, to lose one's relish for anything; to
lose one's health.
If the salt hath lost his savor, wherewith shall it
be salted ? --Matt. v. 13.
3. Not to employ; to employ ineffectually; to throw away; to
waste; to squander; as, to lose a day; to lose the
benefits of instruction.
The unhappy have but hours, and these they lose.
--Dryden.
4. To wander from; to miss, so as not to be able to and; to
go astray from; as, to lose one's way.
He hath lost his fellows. --Shak
5. To ruin; to destroy; as destroy; as, the ship was lost on
the ledge.
The woman that deliberates is lost. --Addison.
6. To be deprived of the view of; to cease to see or know the
whereabouts of; as, he lost his companion in the crowd.
Like following life thro' creatures you dissect, You
lose it in the moment you detect. --Pope.
7. To fail to obtain or enjoy; to fail to gain or win; hence,
to fail to catch with the mind or senses; to miss; as, I
lost a part of what he said.
He shall in no wise lose his reward. --Matt. x. 42.
I fought the battle bravely which I lost, And lost
it but to Macedonians. --Dryden.
8. To cause to part with; to deprive of. [R.]
How should you go about to lose him a wife he loves
with so much passion ? --Sir W.
Temple.
9. To prevent from gaining or obtaining.
O false heart ! thou hadst almost betrayed me to
eternal flames, and lost me this glory. --Baxter.
{To lose ground}, to fall behind; to suffer gradual loss or
disadvantage.
{To lose heart}, to lose courage; to become timid. ``The
mutineers lost heart.'' --Macaulay.
{To lose one's head}, to be thrown off one's balance; to lose
the use of one's good sense or judgment.
In the excitement of such a discovery, many scholars
lost their heads. --Whitney.
{To lose one's self}.
(a) To forget or mistake the bearing of surrounding
objects; as, to lose one's self in a great city.
(b) To have the perceptive and rational power temporarily
suspended; as, we lose ourselves in sleep.
{To lose sight of}.
(a) To cease to see; as, to lose sight of the land.
(b) To overlook; to forget; to fail to perceive; as, he
lost sight of the issue.
Lose \Lose\, v. i.
To suffer loss, disadvantage, or defeat; to be worse off,
esp. as the result of any kind of contest.
We 'll . . . hear poor rogues Talk of court news; and
we'll talk with them too, Who loses and who wins; who's
in, who's out. --Shak.
Losel \Los"el\, n. [From the root of lose, loss. ?. Cf.
{Lorel}.]
One who loses by sloth or neglect; a worthless person; a
lorel. [Archaic] --Spenser.
One sad losel soils a name for aye. --Byron.
Losel \Los"el\, a.
Wasteful; slothful.
Losenger \Los"en*ger\, n. [OF. losengier, losengeor, fr.
losengier to deceive, flatter, losenge, flattery, Pr.
lauzenga, fr. L. laus praise. Cf. {Lozenge}.]
A flatterer; a deceiver; a cozener. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
To a fair pair of gallows, there to end their lives
with shame, as a number of such other losengers had
done. --Holinshed.
Losengerie \Los"en*ger*ie\, n. [OF.]
Flattery; deceit; trickery. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loser \Los"er\, n.
One who loses. --South.
Losing \Lo"sing\, a. [See {Losenger}.]
Given to flattery or deceit; flattering; cozening. [Obs.]
Amongst the many simoniacal that swarmed in the land,
Herbert, Bishop of Thetford, must not be forgotten;
nick-named Losing, that is, the Fratterer. --Fuller.
Losing \Los"ing\, a. [See {Lose}, v. t.]
Causing or incurring loss; as, a losing game or business.
Who strive sit out losing hands are lost. --Herbert.
Losingly \Los"ing*ly\, adv.
In a manner to incur loss.
Loss \Loss\, n. [AS. los loss, losing, fr. le['o]san to lose. ?.
See {Lose}, v. t.]
1. The act of losing; failure; destruction; privation; as,
the loss of property; loss of money by gaming; loss of
health or reputation.
Assured loss before the match be played. --Shak.
2. The state of losing or having lost; the privation, defect,
misfortune, harm, etc., which ensues from losing.
Though thou repent, yet I have still the loss.
--Shak
3. That which is lost or from which one has parted; waste; --
opposed to {gain} or {increase}; as, the loss of liquor by
leakage was considerable.
4. The state of being lost or destroyed; especially, the
wreck or foundering of a ship or other vessel.
5. Failure to gain or win; as, loss of a race or battle.
6. Failure to use advantageously; as, loss of time.
7. (Mil.) Killed, wounded, and captured persons, or captured
property.
8. (Insurance) Destruction or diminution of value, if brought
about in a manner provided for in the insurance contract
(as destruction by fire or wreck, damage by water or
smoke), or the death or injury of an insured person; also,
the sum paid or payable therefor; as, the losses of the
company this year amount to a million of dollars.
{To bear a loss}, to make a loss good; also, to sustain a
loss without sinking under it.
{To be at a loss}, to be in a state of uncertainty.
Syn: Privation; detriment; injury; damage.
Lossful \Loss"ful\, a.
Detrimental. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Lossless \Loss"less\, a.
Free from loss. [Obs.] --Milton.
Lost \Lost\, a. [Prop. p. p. of OE. losien. See {Lose}, v. t.]
1. Parted with unwillingly or unintentionally; not to be
found; missing; as, a lost book or sheep.
2. Parted with; no longer held or possessed; as, a lost limb;
lost honor.
3. Not employed or enjoyed; thrown away; employed
ineffectually; wasted; squandered; as, a lost day; a lost
opportunity or benefit.
5. Having wandered from, or unable to find, the way;
bewildered; perplexed; as, a child lost in the woods; a
stranger lost in London.
6. Ruined or destroyed, either physically or morally; past
help or hope; as, a ship lost at sea; a woman lost to
virtue; a lost soul.
7. Hardened beyond sensibility or recovery; alienated;
insensible; as, lost to shame; lost to all sense of honor.
8. Not perceptible to the senses; no longer visible; as, an
island lost in a fog; a person lost in a crowd.
9. Occupied with, or under the influence of, something, so as
to be insensible of external things; as, to be lost in
thought.
{Lost motion} (Mach.), the difference between the motion of a
driver and that of a follower, due to the yielding of
parts or looseness of joints.
Lot \Lot\, n. [AS. hlot; akin to hle['o]tan to cast lots, OS.
hl?t lot, D. lot, G. loos, OHG. l?z, Icel. hlutr, Sw. lott,
Dan. lod, Goth. hlauts. Cf. {Allot}, {Lotto}, {Lottery}.]
1. That which happens without human design or forethought;
chance; accident; hazard; fortune; fate.
But save my life, which lot before your foot doth
lay. --Spenser.
2. Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used
in determining a question by chance, or without man's
choice or will; as, to cast or draw lots.
The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole
disposing thereof is of the Lord. --Prov. xvi.
33.
If we draw lots, he speeds. --Shak.
3. The part, or fate, which falls to one, as it were, by
chance, or without his planning.
O visions ill foreseen! Each day's lot's Enough to
bear. --Milton.
He was but born to try The lot of man -- to suffer
and to die. --Pope.
4. A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively;
as, a lot of stationery; -- colloquially, sometimes of
people; as, a sorry lot; a bad lot.
I, this winter, met with a very large lot of English
heads, chiefly of the reign of James I. --Walpole.
5. A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a
field; as, a building lot in a city.
The defendants leased a house and lot in the city of
New York. --Kent.
6. A large quantity or number; a great deal; as, to spend a
lot of money; lots of people think so. [Colloq.]
He wrote to her . . . he might be detained in London
by a lot of business. --W. Black.
7. A prize in a lottery. [Obs.] --Evelyn.
{To cast in one's lot with}, to share the fortunes of.
{To cast lots}, to use or throw a die, or some other
instrument, by the unforeseen turn or position of which,
an event is by previous agreement determined.
{To draw lots}, to determine an event, or make a decision, by
drawing one thing from a number whose marks are concealed
from the drawer.
{To pay scot and lot}, to pay taxes according to one's
ability. See {Scot}.
Lot \Lot\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lotted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lotting}.]
To allot; to sort; to portion. [R.]
{To lot on} or {upon}, to count or reckon upon; to expect
with pleasure. [Colloq. U. S.]
Lote \Lote\, n. [L. lotus, Gr. ?. Cf. {Lotus}.] (Bot.)
A large tree ({Celtis australis}), found in the south of
Europe. It has a hard wood, and bears a cherrylike fruit.
Called also {nettle tree}. --Eng. Cyc.
Lote \Lote\, n. [F. lotte.] (Zo["o]l.)
The European burbot.
Lote \Lote\, v. i. [AS. lutian.]
To lurk; to lie hid. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Loth \Loth\, a., Lothly \Loth"ly\, a. & adv., Lothsome
\Loth"some\, a.,
See {Loath}, {Loathly}, etc.
Lothario \Lo*tha"ri*o\, n. [Name of a character in Rowe's drama,
``The Fair Penitent.'']
A gay seducer of women; a libertine.
Lotion \Lo"tion\, n. [L. lotio, fr. lavare, lotum, to wash: cf.
F. lotion. See {Lave} to wash.]
1. A washing, especially of the skin for the purpose of
rendering it fair.
2. A liquid preparation for bathing the skin, or an injured
or diseased part, either for a medicinal purpose, or for
improving its appearance.
Loto \Lo"to\, n.
See {Lotto}.
Lotong \Lo*tong"\, n. [Malay l?tong.] (Zo["o]l.)
An East Indian monkey ({Semnopithecus femoralis}).
Lotophagi \Lo*toph"a*gi\, n. pl. [L., fr. Gr. ?; ? the lotus + ?
to eat.] (Class. Myth.)
A people visited by Ulysses in his wanderings. They subsisted
on the lotus. See {Lotus}
(b), and {Lotus-eater}.
Lotos \Lo"tos\, n. [NL.] (Bot.)
See {Lotus}.
Lottery \Lot"ter*y\, n.; pl. {Lotteries}. [Lot + -ery, as in
brewery, bindery.]
1. A scheme for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance;
esp., a gaming scheme in which one or more tickets bearing
particular numbers draw prizes, and the rest of tickets
are blanks. Fig. : An affair of chance.
Note: The laws of the United States and of most of the States
make lotteries illegal.
2. Allotment; thing allotted. [Obs.] --Shak.
Lotto \Lot"to\, n. [F. loto or It. lotto, prop., a lot; of
German origin. See {Lot}.]
A game of chance, played with cards, on which are inscribed
numbers, and any contrivance (as a wheel containing numbered
balls) for determining a set of numbers by chance. The player
holding a card having on it the set of numbers drawn from the
wheel takes the stakes after a certain percentage of them has
been deducted for the dealer. A variety of lotto is called
{keno}. [Often written {loto}.]
Loture \Lo"ture\, n. [L. lotura. See {Lotion}.]
See {Lotion}. [Obs.] --Holland.
Lotus \Lo"tus\, n. [L. lotus, Gr. ?. Cf. {Lote}.]
1. (Bot.)
(a) A name of several kinds of water lilies; as {Nelumbium
speciosum}, used in religious ceremonies, anciently in
Egypt, and to this day in Asia; {Nelumbium luteum},
the American lotus; and {Nymph[ae]a Lotus} and {N.
c[ae]rulea}, the respectively white-flowered and
blue-flowered lotus of modern Egypt, which, with
{Nelumbium speciosum}, are figured on its ancient
monuments.
(b) The lotus of the lotuseaters, probably a tree found in
Northern Africa, Sicily, Portugal, and Spain
({Zizyphus Lotus}), the fruit of which is mildly
sweet. It was fabled by the ancients to make strangers
who ate of it forget their native country, or lose all
desire to return to it.
(c) The lote, or nettle tree. See {Lote}.
(d) A genus ({Lotus}) of leguminous plants much resembling
clover. [Written also {lotos}.]
{European lotus}, a small tree ({Diospyros Lotus}) of
Southern Europe and Asia; also, its rather large bluish
black berry, which is called also the {date plum}.
2. (Arch.) An ornament much used in Egyptian architecture,
generally asserted to have been suggested by the Egyptian
water lily.
Lotus-eater \Lo"tus-eat`er\, Lotos-eater \Lo"tos-eat`er\, n.
(Class. Myth.)
One who ate the fruit or leaf of the lotus, and, as a
consequence, gave himself up to indolence and daydreams; one
of the Lotophagi.
The mild-eyed melancholy Lotos-eaters. --Tennyson.
Louchettes \Lou*chettes"\, n. pl. [F.]
Goggles intended to rectify strabismus by permitting vision
only directly in front. --Knight.
Loud \Loud\, a. [Compar. {Louder}; superl. {Loudest}.] [OE.
loud, lud, AS. hl?d; akin to OS. hl?d, D. luid, OHG. l?t, G.
laut, L. -clutus, in inclutus, inclitus, celebrated,
renowned, cluere to be called, Gr. ? heard, loud, famous, ?
to hear, Skr. ?ru. ?. Cf. {Client}, {Listen}, {Slave} a
serf.]
1. Having, making, or being a strong or great sound; noisy;
striking the ear with great force; as, a loud cry; loud
thunder.
They were instant with loud voices, requiring that
he might be crucified. --Luke xxiii.
23.
2. Clamorous; boisterous.
She is loud and stubborn. --Prov. vii.
11.
3. Emphatic; impressive; urgent; as, a loud call for united
effort. [Colloq.]
4. Ostentatious; likely to attract attention; gaudy; as, a
loud style of dress; loud colors. [Slang]
Syn: Noisy; boisterous; vociferous; clamorous; obstreperous;
turbulent; blustering; vehement.
Loud \Loud\, adv. [AS. hl[=u]de.]
With loudness; loudly.
To speak loud in public assemblies. --Addison.
Loudful \Loud"ful\, a.
Noisy. [Obs.] --Marsion.
Loudly \Loud"ly\, adv.
In a loud manner. --Denham.
Loud-mouthed \Loud"-mouthed`\, a.
Having a loud voice; talking or sounding noisily; noisily
impudent.
Loudness \Loud"ness\, n.
The quality or state of being loud.
Loud-voiced \Loud"-voiced`\, a.
Having a loud voice; noisy; clamorous. --Byron.
Lough \Lough\, n. [See 1st {Loch}.]
A loch or lake; -- so spelt in Ireland.
Lough \Lough\, obs. strong imp.
of {Laugh}. --Chaucer.
Louis d'or \Lou"is d'or`\ [F., gold louis.]
Formerly, a gold coin of France nominally worth twenty
shillings sterling, but of varying value; -- first struck in
1640.
Lonis quatorze \Lon"is qua*torze"\ [F., Louis fourteenth.]
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, the art or style of the
times of Louis XIV. of France; as, Louis quatorze
architecture.
Louk \Louk\, n.
An accomplice; a ``pal.'' [Obs.]
There is no thief without a louk. --Chaucer.
Lounge \Lounge\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lounged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lounging}.] [OE. lungis a tall, slow, awkward fellow, OF.
longis, longin, said to be fr. Longinus, the name of the
centurion who pierced the body of Christ, but with reference
also to L. longus long. Cf. {Long}, a.]
To spend time lazily, whether lolling or idly sauntering; to
pass time indolently; to stand, sit, or recline, in an
indolent manner.
We lounge over the sciences, dawdle through literature,
yawn over politics. --J. Hannay.
Lounge \Lounge\, n.
1. An idle gait or stroll; the state of reclining indolently;
a place of lounging.
She went with Lady Stock to a bookseller's whose
shop ?erved as a fashionable lounge. --Miss
Edgeworth.
2. A piece of furniture resembling a sofa, upon which one may
lie or recline.
Lounger \Loun"ger\, n.
One who lounges; ar idler.
Loup \Loup\, n. (Iron Works)
See 1st {Loop}.
Loup-cervier \Loup"-cer`vier"\, n. [F. Cf. {Lusern}.] (Zo["o]l.)
The Canada lynx. See {Lynx}.
Loup-loup \Loup`-loup"\, n. [F.] (Zo["o]l.)
The Pomeranian or Spitz dog.
Loups \Loups\, n. pl.; sing. {Loup}. [F., prop., a wolf.]
(Ethnol.)
The Pawnees, a tribe of North American Indians whose
principal totem was the wolf.
Lour \Lour\, n. [Native name.] (Zo["o]l.)
An Asiatic sardine ({Clupea Neohowii}), valued for its oil.
Louri \Lou"ri\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Lory}.
Louse \Louse\ (lous), n.; pl. {Lice} (l[imac]s). [OE. lous, AS.
l[=u]s, pl. l[=y]s; akin to D. luis, G. laus, OHG. l[=u]s,
Icel. l[=u]s, Sw. lus, Dan. luus; perh. so named because it
is destructive, and akin to E. lose, loose.] (Zo["o]l.)
1. Any one of numerous species of small, wingless, suctorial,
parasitic insects belonging to a tribe ({Pediculina}), now
usually regarded as degraded Hemiptera. To this group
belong of the lice of man and other mammals; as, the head
louse of man ({Pediculus capitis}), the body louse ({P.
vestimenti}), and the crab louse ({Phthirius pubis}), and
many others. See {Crab louse}, {Dog louse}, {Cattle
louse}, etc., under {Crab}, {Dog}, etc.
2. Any one of numerous small mandibulate insects, mostly
parasitic on birds, and feeding on the feathers. They are
known as Mallophaga, or bird lice, though some occur on
the hair of mammals. They are usually regarded as degraded
Pseudoneuroptera. See {Mallophaga}.
3. Any one of the numerous species of aphids, or plant lice.
See {Aphid}.
4. Any small crustacean parasitic on fishes. See
{Branchiura}, and {Ichthvophthira}.
Note: The term is also applied to various other parasites;
as, the whale louse, beelouse, horse louse.
{Louse fly} (Zo["o]l.), a parasitic dipterous insect of the
group Pupipara. Some of them are wingless, as the bee
louse.
{Louse mite} (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of mites
which infest mammals and birds, clinging to the hair and
feathers like lice. They belong to {Myobia},
{Dermaleichus}, {Mycoptes}, and several other genera.
Louse \Louse\, v. t.
To clean from lice. ``You sat and loused him.'' --Swift.
Lousewort \Louse"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
Any species of {Pedicularis}, a genus of perennial herbs. It
was said to make sheep that fed on it lousy.
{Yellow lousewort}, a plant of the genus {Rhinanthus}.
Lousily \Lous"i*ly\, adv. [From {Lousy}.]
In a lousy manner; in a mean, paltry manner; scurvily.
[Vulgar]
Lousiness \Lous"i*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being lousy.
Lousy \Lous"y\, a.
1. Infested with lice.
2. Mean; contemptible; as, lousy knave. [Vulgar]
Such lousy learning as this is. --Bale.
Lout \Lout\, v. i. [OE. louten, luten, AS. l?tan; akin to Icel.
l?ta, Dan. lude, OHG. l?z?n to lie hid.]
To bend; to box; to stoop. [Archaic] --Chaucer. Longfellow.
He fair the knight saluted, louting low. --Spenser.
Lout \Lout\, n. [Formerly also written lowt.]
A clownish, awkward fellow; a bumpkin. --Sir P. Sidney.
Lout \Lout\, v. t.
To treat as a lout or fool; to neglect; to disappoint. [Obs.]
--Shak.
Loutish \Lout"ish\, a.
Clownish; rude; awkward. ``Loutish clown.'' --Sir P. Sidney.
-- {Lout"ish*ly}, adv. -- {Lout"ish*ness}, n.
Loutou \Lou*tou"\, n. [Native names.] (Zo["o]l.)
A crested black monkey ({Semnopithecus maurus}) of Java.
Louver \Lou"ver\, Louvre \Lou"vre\, n. [OE. lover, OF. lover,
lovier; or l'ouvert the opening, fr. overt, ouvert, p. p. of
ovrir, ouvrir, to open, F. ouvrir. Cf. {Overt}.] (Arch.)
A small lantern. See {Lantern}, 2
(a) . [Written also {lover}, {loover}, {lovery}, and
{luffer}.]
{Louver} {boards or boarding}, the sloping boards set to shed
rainwater outward in openings which are to be left
otherwise unfilled; as belfry windows, the openings of a
louver, etc.
{Louver work}, slatted work.
Lovable \Lov"a*ble\, a.
Having qualities that excite, or are fitted to excite, love;
worthy of love.
Elaine the fair, Elaine the lovable, Elaine, the lily
maid of Astolat. --Tennyson.
Lovage \Lov"age\, n. [F. liv[`e]che, fr. L. levisticum,
ligusticum, a plant indigenous to Liguria, lovage, from
Ligusticus Ligustine, Ligurian, Liguria a country of
Cisalpine Gaul.] (Bot.)
An umbelliferous plant ({Levisticum officinale}), sometimes
used in medicine as an aromatic stimulant.
Love \Love\, n. [OE. love, luve, AS. lufe, lufu; akin to E.
lief, believe, L. lubet, libet,it pleases, Skr. lubh to be
lustful. See {Lief}.]
1. A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which
delights or commands admiration; pre["e]minent kindness or
devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love
of brothers and sisters.
Of all the dearest bonds we prove Thou countest
sons' and mothers' love Most sacred, most Thine own.
--Keble.
2. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate
affection for, one of the opposite sex.
He on his side Leaning half-raised, with looks of
cordial love Hung over her enamored. --Milton.
3. Courtship; -- chiefly in the phrase to make love, i. e.,
to court, to woo, to solicit union in marriage.
Demetrius . . . Made love to Nedar's daughter,
Helena, And won her soul. --Shak.
4. Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or
desire; fondness; good will; -- opposed to {hate}; often
with of and an object.
Love, and health to all. --Shak.
Smit with the love of sacred song. --Milton.
The love of science faintly warmed his breast.
--Fenton.
5. Due gratitude and reverence to God.
Keep yourselves in the love of God. --Jude 21.
6. The object of affection; -- often employed in endearing
address. ``Trust me, love.'' --Dryden.
Open the temple gates unto my love. --Spenser.
7. Cupid, the god of love; sometimes, Venus.
Such was his form as painters, when they show Their
utmost art, on naked Lores bestow. --Dryden.
Therefore do nimble-pinioned doves draw Love.
--Shak.
8. A thin silk stuff. [Obs.] --Boyle.
9. (Bot.) A climbing species of Clematis ({C. Vitalba}).
10. Nothing; no points scored on one side; -- used in
counting score at tennis, etc.
He won the match by three sets to love. --The
Field.
Note: Love is often used in the formation of compounds, in
most of which the meaning is very obvious; as,
love-cracked, love-darting, love-killing, love-linked,
love-taught, etc.
{A labor of love}, a labor undertaken on account of regard
for some person, or through pleasure in the work itself,
without expectation of reward.
{Free love}, the doctrine or practice of consorting with one
of the opposite sex, at pleasure, without marriage. See
{Free love}.
{Free lover}, one who avows or practices free love.
{In love}, in the act of loving; -- said esp. of the love of
the sexes; as, to be in love; to fall in love.
{Love apple} (Bot.), the tomato.
{Love bird} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of small,
short-tailed parrots, or parrakeets, of the genus
{Agapornis}, and allied genera. They are mostly from
Africa. Some species are often kept as cage birds, and are
celebrated for the affection which they show for their
mates.
{Love broker}, a person who for pay acts as agent between
lovers, or as a go-between in a sexual intrigue. --Shak.
{Love charm}, a charm for exciting love. --Ld. Lytton.
{Love child}. an illegitimate child. --Jane Austen.
{Love day}, a day formerly appointed for an amicable
adjustment of differences. [Obs.] --Piers Plowman.
--Chaucer.
{Love drink}, a love potion; a philter. --Chaucer.
{Love favor}, something given to be worn in token of love.
{Love feast}, a religious festival, held quarterly by some
religious denominations, as the Moravians and Methodists,
in imitation of the agap[ae] of the early Christians.
{Love feat}, the gallant act of a lover. --Shak.
{Love game}, a game, as in tennis, in which the vanquished
person or party does not score a point.
{Love grass}. [G. liebesgras.] (Bot.) Any grass of the genus
{Eragrostis}.
{Love-in-a-mist}. (Bot.)
(a) An herb of the Buttercup family ({Nigella Damascena})
having the flowers hidden in a maze of finely cut
bracts.
(b) The West Indian {Passiflora f[oe]tida}, which has
similar bracts.
{Love-in-idleness} (Bot.), a kind of violet; the small pansy.
A little western flower, Before milk-white, now
purple with love's wound; And maidens call it
love-in-idleness. --Shak.
{Love juice}, juice of a plant supposed to produce love.
--Shak.
{Love knot}, a knot or bow, as of ribbon; -- so called from
being used as a token of love, or as a pledge of mutual
affection. --Milman.
{Love lass}, a sweetheart.
{Love letter}, a letter of courtship. --Shak.
{Love-lies-bleeding} (Bot.), a species of amaranth
({Amarantus melancholicus}).
{Love match}, a marriage brought about by love alone.
{Love potion}, a compounded draught intended to excite love,
or venereal desire.
{Love rites}, sexual intercourse. --Pope
{Love scene}, an exhibition of love, as between lovers on the
stage.
{Love suit}, courtship. --Shak.
{Of all loves}, for the sake of all love; by all means.
[Obs.] ``Mrs. Arden desired him of all loves to come back
again.'' --Holinshed.
{The god of love}, or {Love god}, Cupid.
{To make love to}, to express affection for; to woo. ``If you
will marry, make your loves to me.'' --Shak.
{To play for love}, to play a game, as at cards, without
stakes. ``A game at piquet for love.'' --Lamb.
Syn: Affection; friendship; kindness; tenderness; fondness;
delight.
Love \Love\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Loving}.] [AS. lufian. ?. See {Love}, n.]
1. To have a feeling of love for; to regard with affection or
good will; as, to love one's children and friends; to love
one's country; to love one's God.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
--Matt. xxii.
37.
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self. --Matt.
xxii. 39.
2. To regard with passionate and devoted affection, as that
of one sex for the other.
3. To take delight or pleasure in; to have a strong liking or
desire for, or interest in; to be pleased with; to like;
as, to love books; to love adventures.
Wit, eloquence, and poetry. Arts which I loved.
--Cowley.
Love \Love\, v. i.
To have the feeling of love; to be in love.
Loveable \Love"a*ble\, a.
See {Lovable}.
Love-drury \Love"-dru`ry\, n. [Love + OF. druerie. Cf.
{Druery}.]
Affection. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lovee \Lov*ee"\, n.
One who is loved. [Humorous] ``The lover and lovee.''
--Richardson.
Loveful \Love"ful\, a.
Full of love. [Obs.] --Sylvester.
Loveless \Love"less\, a.
1. Void of love; void of tenderness or kindness. --Milton.
Shelton.
2. Not attracting love; unattractive.
These are ill-favored to see to; and yet, asloveless
as they be, they are not without some medicinable
virtues. --Holland.
Lovelily \Love"li*ly\, adv. [From {Lovely}.]
In manner to excite love; amiably. [R.] --Otway.
Loveliness \Love"li*ness\, n. [From {Lovely}.]
The state or quality of being lovely.
If there is such a native loveliness in the sex as to
make them victorious when in the wrong, how resistless
their power when they are on the side of truth!
--Spectator.
Lovelock \Love"lock`\, n.
A long lock of hair hanging prominently by itself; an
earlock; -- worn by men of fashion in the reigns of Elizabeth
and James I. --Burton.
A long lovelock and long hair he wore. Sir W. Scott.
Lovelorn \Love"lorn`\, a.
Forsaken by one's love.
The lovelorn nightingale. --Milton.
Lovely \Love"ly\, a. [Compar. {Lovelier}; superl. {Loveliest}.]
[AS. luflic.]
1. Having such an appearance as excites, or is fitted to
excite, love; beautiful; charming; very pleasing in form,
looks, tone, or manner. ``Lovely to look on.'' --Piers
Plowman.
Not one so fair of face, of speech so lovely.
--Robert of
Brunne.
If I had such a tire, this face of mine Were full as
lovely as is this of hers. --Shak.
2. Lovable; amiable; having qualities of any kind which
excite, or are fitted to excite, love or friendship.
A most lovely gentlemanlike man. --Shak.
3. Loving; tender. [Obs.] ``A lovely kiss.'' --Shak.
Many a lovely look on them he cast. --Chaucer.
4. Very pleasing; -- applied loosely to almost anything which
is not grand or merely pretty; as, a lovely view; a lovely
valley; a lovely melody.
Indeed these fields Are lovely, lovelier not the
Elysian lawns. --Tennyson.
Syn: Beautiful; charming; delightful; delectable; enchanting;
lovable; amiable.
Lovely \Love"ly\, adv.
In a manner to please, or to excite love. [Obs. or R.]
--Tyndale.
Love-making \Love"-mak`ing\, n.
Courtship. --Bacon.
Lovemonger \Love"mon`ger\, n.
One who deals in affairs of love.[Obs.] --Shak.
Lover \Lov"er\, n.
1. One who loves; one who is in love; -- usually limited, in
the singular, to a person of the male sex. --Gower.
Love is blind, and lovers can not see The pretty
follies that themselves commit. --Shak.
2. A friend; one strongly attached to another; one who
greatly desires the welfare of any person or thing; as, a
lover of his country.
I slew my best lover for the good of Rome. --Shak.
3. One who has a strong liking for anything, as books,
science, or music. ``A lover of knowledge.'' --T. Burnet.
Lover \Lo"ver\, Lovery \Lo"ver*y\, n.
See {Louver}. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Loverwise \Lo"ver*wise`\, adv.
As lovers do.
As they sat down here loverwise. --W. D.
Howells.
Love-sick \Love"-sick`\, a.
1. Languishing with love or amorous desire; as, a love-sick
maid.
To the dear mistress of my love-sick mind. --Dryden.
2. Originating in, or expressive of, languishing love.
Where nightingales their love-sick ditty sing.
--Dryden.
Love-sickness \Love"-sick`ness\, n.
The state of being love-sick.
Lovesome \Love"some\, a. [AS. lufsum.]
Lovely. [Obs.]
Loving \Lov"ing\, a.
1. Affectionate.
The fairest and most loving wife in Greece.
--Tennyson.
2. Expressing love or kindness; as, loving words.
Loving-kindness \Lov"ing-kind"ness\, n.
Tender regard; mercy; favor. --Ps. lxxxix. 33.
Lovingly \Lov"ing*ly\, adv.
With love; affectionately.
Lovingness \Lov"ing*ness\, n.
Affection; kind regard.
The only two bands of good will, loveliness and
lovingness. --Sir. P.
Sidney.
Lovyer \Lov"yer\, n.
A lover. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Low \Low\, obs.
strong imp. of {Laugh}. --Chaucer.
Low \Low\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lowed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lowing}.] [OE. lowen, AS. hl?wan; akin to D. loeijen, OHG.
hl?jan, hluojan.]
To make the calling sound of cows and other bovine animals;
to moo.
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea. --Gray.
Low \Low\, n.
The calling sound ordinarily made by cows and other bovine
animals.
Talking voices and the law of herds. --Wordsworth.
Low \Low\, n. [AS. hl[=a]w; akin to Goth. hlaiw a grave, hlains
a hill, and to E. lean to incline.]
A hill; a mound; a grave. [Obs. except in place names.]
--Skeat.
Low \Low\, n. [Icel. log, logi; akin to E. light, n.]
Fire; a flame; a light. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
Low \Low\, v. i.
To burn; to blaze. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.] --Burns.
Low \Low\, a. [Compar. {Lower}; superl. {Lowest}.] [OE. low,
louh, lah, Icel. l[=a]gr; akin to Sw. l[*a]g, Dan. lav, D.
laag, and E. lie. See {Lie} to be prostrate.]
1. Occupying an inferior position or place; not high or
elevated; depressed in comparison with something else; as,
low ground; a low flight.
2. Not rising to the usual height; as, a man of low stature;
a low fence.
3. Near the horizon; as, the sun is low at four o'clock in
winter, and six in summer.
4. Sunk to the farthest ebb of the tide; as, low tide.
5. Beneath the usual or remunerative rate or amount, or the
ordinary value; moderate; cheap; as, the low price of
corn; low wages.
6. Not loud; as, a low voice; a low sound.
7. (Mus.) Depressed in the scale of sounds; grave; as, a low
pitch; a low note.
8. (Phon.) Made, as a vowel, with a low position of part of
the tongue in relation to the palate; as, ? (?m), ? (all).
See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect][sect] 5, 10, 11.
9. Near, or not very distant from, the equator; as, in the
low northern latitudes.
10. Numerically small; as, a low number.
11. Wanting strength or animation; depressed; dejected; as,
low spirits; low in spirits.
12. Depressed in condition; humble in rank; as, men of low
condition; the lower classes.
Why but to keep ye low and ignorant ? --Milton.
13. Mean; vulgar; base; dishonorable; as, a person of low
mind; a low trick or stratagem.
14. Not elevated or sublime; not exalted or diction; as, a
low comparison.
In comparison of these divine writers, the noblest
wits of the heathen world are low and dull.
--Felton.
15. Submissive; humble. ``Low reverence.'' --Milton.
16. Deficient in vital energy; feeble; weak; as, a low pulse;
made low by sickness.
17. Moderate; not intense; not inflammatory; as, low heat; a
low temperature; a low fever.
18. Smaller than is reasonable or probable; as, a low
estimate.
19. Not rich, high seasoned, or nourishing; plain; simple;
as, a low diet.
Note: Low is often used in the formation of compounds which
require no special explanation; as, low-arched, low-
browed, low-crowned, low-heeled, low-lying, low-priced,
low-roofed, low-toned, low-voiced, and the like.
{Low Church}. See {High Church}, under {High}.
{Low Countries}, the Netherlands.
{Low German}, {Low Latin}, etc. See under {German}, {Latin},
etc.
{Low life}, humble life.
{Low milling}, a process of making flour from grain by a
single grinding and by siftings.
{Low relief}. See {Bas-relief}.
{Low side window} (Arch.), a peculiar form of window common
in medi[ae]val churches, and of uncertain use. Windows of
this sort are narrow, near the ground, and out of the line
of the windows, and in many different situations in the
building.
{Low spirits}, despondency.
{Low steam}, steam having a low pressure.
{Low steel}, steel which contains only a small proportion of
carbon, and can not be hardened greatly by sudden cooling.
{Low Sunday}, the Sunday next after Easter; -- popularly so
called.
{Low tide}, the farthest ebb of the tide; the tide at its
lowest point; low water.
{Low water}.
(a) The lowest point of the ebb tide; a low stage of the
in a river, lake, etc.
(b) (Steam Boiler) The condition of an insufficient
quantity of water in the boiler.
{Low water} {alarm or indicator} (Steam Boiler), a
contrivance of various forms attached to a boiler for
giving warning when the water is low.
{Low water mark}, that part of the shore to which the waters
recede when the tide is the lowest. --Bouvier.
{Low wine}, a liquor containing about 20 percent of alcohol,
produced by the first distillation of wash; the first run
of the still; -- often in the plural.
Low \Low\, n. (Card Playing)
The lowest trump, usually the deuce; the lowest trump dealt
or drawn.
Low \Low\, adv.
1. In a low position or manner; not aloft; not on high; near
the ground.
2. Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply; as,
he sold his wheat low.
3. In a low mean condition; humbly; meanly.
4. In time approaching our own.
In that part of the world which was first inhabited,
even as low down as Abraham's time, they wandered
with their flocks and herds. --Locke.
5. With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently; as, to
speak low. --Addison.
The . . . odorous wind Breathes low between the
sunset and the moon. --Tennyson.
6. With a low musical pitch or tone.
Can sing both high and low. --Shak.
7. In subjection, poverty, or disgrace; as, to be brought low
by oppression, by want, or by vice. --Spenser.
8. (Astron.) In a path near the equator, so that the
declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the
altitude is small; -- said of the heavenly bodies with
reference to the diurnal revolution; as, the moon runs
low, that is, is comparatively near the horizon when on or
near the meridian.
Low \Low\, v. t.
To depress; to lower. [Obs.] --Swift.
Lowbell \Low"bell`\, n. [Low a flame + bell.]
1. A bell used in fowling at night, to frighten birds, and,
with a sudden light, to make them fly into a net.
The fowler's lowbell robs the lark of sleep. --King.
2. A bell to be hung on the neck of a sheep.
A lowbell hung about a sheep's . . . neck. --Howell.
Lowbell \Low"bell`\, v. t.
To frighten, as with a lowbell.
Lowborn \Low"born`\, a.
Born in a low condition or rank; -- opposed to {highborn}.
Lowbred \Low"bred`\, a.
Bred, or like one bred, in a low condition of life;
characteristic or indicative of such breeding; rude;
impolite; vulgar; as, a lowbred fellow; a lowbred remark.
Low-church \Low"-church`\, a.
Not placing a high estimate on ecclesiastical organizations
or forms; -- applied especially to Episcopalians, and opposed
to {high-church}. See {High Church}, under {High}.
Low-churchism \Low"-church`ism\, n.
The principles of the low-church party.
Low-churchman \Low"-church`man\, n.; pl. {-men}.
One who holds low-church principles.
Low-churchmanship \Low"-church`man*ship\, n.
The state of being a low-churchman.
Lower \Low"er\, a.
Compar. of {Low}, a.
Lower \Low"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lowered}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lowering}.] [From {Low}, a.]
1. To let descend by its own weight, as something suspended;
to let down; as, to lower a bucket into a well; to lower a
sail or a boat; sometimes, to pull down; as, to lower a
flag.
Lowered softly with a threefold cord of love Down to
a silent grave. --Tennyson.
2. To reduce the height of; as, to lower a fence or wall; to
lower a chimney or turret.
3. To depress as to direction; as, to lower the aim of a gun;
to make less elevated as to object; as, to lower one's
ambition, aspirations, or hopes.
4. To reduce the degree, intensity, strength, etc., of; as,
to lower the temperature of anything; to lower one's
vitality; to lower distilled liquors.
5. To bring down; to humble; as, to lower one's pride.
6. To reduce in value, amount, etc.; as, to lower the price
of goods, the rate of interest, etc.
Lower \Low"er\, v. i.
To fall; to sink; to grow less; to diminish; to decrease; as,
the river lowered as rapidly as it rose.
Lower \Low"er\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lowered}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lowering}.] [OE. lowren, luren; cf. D. loeren, LG. luren. G.
lauern to lurk, to be on the watch, and E. leer, lurk.]
1. To be dark, gloomy, and threatening, as clouds; to be
covered with dark and threatening clouds, as the sky; to
show threatening signs of approach, as a tempest.
All the clouds that lowered upon our house. --Shak.
2. To frown; to look sullen.
But sullen discontent sat lowering on her face.
--Dryden.
Lower \Low"er\, n. [Obs.]
1. Cloudiness; gloominess.
2. A frowning; sullenness.
Lower-case \Low"er-case`\, a. (Print.)
Pertaining to, or kept in, the lower case; -- used to denote
the small letters, in distinction from capitals and small
capitals. See the Note under 1st {Case}, n., 3.
Lowering \Low"er*ing\, a.
Dark and threatening; gloomy; sullen; as, lowering clouds or
sky.
Loweringly \Low"er*ing*ly\, adv.
In a lowering manner; with cloudiness or threatening gloom.
Lowermost \Low"er*most`\, a. [Irreg. superl. of {Low}. Cf.
{Uppermost}, {Foremost}, etc.]
Lowest.
Lowery \Low"er*y\, a.
Cloudy; gloomy; lowering; as, a lowery sky; lowery weather.
Lowgh \Lowgh\, Lowh \Lowh\, obs.
strong imp. of {Laugh}. [Cf. 1st Low and 2d {Lough}.]
--Chaucer.
Lowing \Low"ing\, n.
The calling sound made by cows and other bovine animals.
Lowish \Low"ish\, a.
Somewhat low. [Colloq.] --Richardson.
Lowk \Lowk\, n.
See {Louk}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lowland \Low"land\, n.
Land which is low with respect to the neighboring country; a
low or level country; -- opposed to {highland}.
{The Lowlands}, Belgium and Holland; the Netherlands; also,
the southern part of Scotland.
Lowlander \Low"land*er\, n.
A native or inhabitant of the Lowlands, especially of the
Lowlands of Scotland, as distinguished from Highlander.
Lowlihood \Low"li*hood\, Lowlihead \Low"li*head\, n.
A lowly state. [R.] --Tennyson.
Lowlily \Low"li*ly\, adv.
In a lowly place or manner; humbly. [Obs. or R.]
Thinking lowlily of himself and highly of those better
than himself. --J. C.
Shairp.
Lowliness \Low"li*ness\, n. [From {Lowly}.]
1. The state or quality of being lowly; humility; humbleness
of mind.
Walk . . . with all lowliness and meekness. --Eph.
iv. 1, 2.
2. Low condition, especially as to manner of life.
The lowliness of my fortune has not brought me to
flatter vice. --Dryden.
Low-lived \Low"-lived`\, a.
Characteristic of, or like, one bred in a low and vulgar
condition of life; mean dishonorable; contemptible; as,
low-lived dishonesty.
Lowly \Low"ly\, a. [Compar. {Lowlier}; superl. {Lowliest}.]
[Low, a. + -ly.]
1. Not high; not elevated in place; low. ``Lowly lands.''
--Dryden.
2. Low in rank or social importance.
One common right the great and lowly claims. --Pope.
3. Not lofty or sublime; humble.
These rural poems, and their lowly strain. --Dryden.
4. Having a low esteem of one's own worth; humble; meek; free
from pride.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am
meek and lowly in heart. --Matt. xi.
29.
Lowly \Low"ly\, adv.
1. In a low manner; humbly; meekly; modestly. ``Be lowly
wise.'' --Milton.
2. In a low condition; meanly.
I will show myself highly fed, and lowly taught.
--Shak.
Low-minded \Low"-mind`ed\, a.
Inclined in mind to low or unworthy things; showing a base
mind.
Low-minded and immoral. --Macaulay.
All old religious jealousies were condemned as
low-minded infirmities. --Bancroft.
Low-mindedness \Low"-mind`ed*ness\, n.
The quality of being lowminded; meanness; baseness.
Lown \Lown\, n. [See {Loon}.]
A low fellow. [Obs.]
Low-necked \Low"-necked`\, a.
Cut low in the neck; decollete; -- said of a woman's dress.
Lowness \Low"ness\, n.
The state or quality of being low.
Low-pressure \Low"-pres`sure\, a.
Having, employing, or exerting, a low degree of pressure.
{Low-pressure steam engine}, a steam engine in which low
steam is used; often applied to a condensing engine even
when steam at high pressure is used. See {Steam engine}.
Lowry \Low"ry\, n.
An open box car used on railroads. Compare {Lorry}.
Low-spirited \Low"-spir`it*ed\, a.
Deficient in animation and courage; dejected; depressed; not
sprightly. -- {Low"-spir`it*ed*ness}, n.
Low-studded \Low"-stud`ded\, a.
Furnished or built with short studs; as, a low-studded house
or room.
Low-thoughted \Low"-thought`ed\, a.
Having one's thoughts directed toward mean or insignificant
subjects.
Loxodromic \Lox`o*drom"ic\, a. [Gr. ? slanting, oblique + ? a
running, course; cf. F. loxodromique.]
Pertaining to sailing on rhumb lines; as, loxodromic tables.
{Loxodromic curve} or {line} (Geom.), a line on the surface
of a sphere, which always makes an equal angle with every
meridian; the rhumb line. It is the line on which a ship
sails when her course is always in the direction of one
and the same point of the compass.
Loxodromics \Lox`o*drom"ics\, n.
The art or method of sailing on the loxodromic or rhumb line.
Loxodremism \Lox*od"re*mism\, n.
The act or process of tracing a loxodromic curve; the act of
moving as if in a loxodromic curve.
Loxodromy \Lox*od"ro*my\, n. [Cf. F. loxodromic.]
The science of loxodromics. [R.]
Loy \Loy\, n.
A long, narrow spade for stony lands.
Loyal \Loy"al\, a. [F. loyal, OF. loial, leial, L. legalis, fr.
lex, legis, law. See {Legal}, and cf. {Leal}.]
1. Faithful to law; upholding the lawful authority; faithful
and true to the lawful government; faithful to the prince
or sovereign to whom one is subject; unswerving in
allegiance.
Welcome, sir John ! But why come you in arms ? - To
help King Edward in his time of storm, As every
loyal subject ought to do. --Shak.
2. True to any person or persons to whom one owes fidelity,
especially as a wife to her husband, lovers to each other,
and friend to friend; constant; faithful to a cause or a
principle.
Your true and loyal wife. --Shak.
Unhappy both, but loyaltheir loves. --Dryden.
Loyalist \Loy"al*ist\, n.
A person who adheres to his sovereign or to the lawful
authority; especially, one who maintains his allegiance to
his prince or government, and defends his cause in times of
revolt or revolution.
Loyally \Loy"al*ly\, adv.
In a loyal manner; faithfully.
Loyalness \Loy"al*ness\, n.
Loyalty. [R.] --Stow.
Loyalty \Loy"al*ty\, n. [Cf. F. loyaut['e]. See {Loyal}, and cf.
{Legality}.]
The state or quality of being loyal; fidelity to a superior,
or to duty, love, etc.
He had such loyalty to the king as the law required.
--Clarendon.
Not withstanding all the subtle bait With which those
Amazons his love still craved, To his one love his
loyalty he saved. --Spenser.
Note: ``Loyalty . . . expresses, properly, that fidelity
which one owes according to law, and does not
necessarily include that attachment to the royal
person, which, happily, we in England have been able
further to throw into the word.'' --Trench.
Syn: Allegiance; fealty. See {Allegiance}.
Lozenge \Loz"enge\ (l[o^]z"[e^]nj), n. [F. lozange, losange;
perh. the same as OF. losengef flattery, praise, the heraldic
sense being the oldest (cf. E. hatchment, blazon). Cf.
{Losenger}, {Laudable}.]
1. (Her.)
(a) A diamond-shaped figure usually with the upper and
lower angles slightly acute, borne upon a shield or
escutcheon. Cf. {Fusil}.
(b) A form of the escutcheon used by women instead of the
shield which is used by men.
2. A figure with four equal sides, having two acute and two
obtuse angles; a rhomb.
3. Anything in the form of lozenge.
4. A small cake of sugar and starch, flavored, and often
medicated. -- originally in the form of a lozenge.
{Lozenge coach}, the coach of a dowager, having her coat of
arms painted on a lozenge. [Obs.] --Walpole.
{Lozenge-molding} (Arch.), a kind of molding, used in Norman
architecture, characterized by lozenge-shaped ornaments.
Lozenged \Loz"enged\ (l[o^]z"[e^]njd), Lozenge-shaped
\Loz"enge-shaped`\ (-sh[=a]pt), a.
Having the form of a lozenge or rhomb.
The lozenged panes of a very small latticed window.
--C.
Bront['e].
Lozengy \Loz"en*gy\ (-[e^]n*j[y^]), a. [F. losang['e]. See
{Lozenge}.] (Her.)
Divided into lozenge-shaped compartments, as the field or a
bearing, by lines drawn in the direction of the bend
sinister.
Lu \Lu\ (l[=u]), n. & v. t.
See {Loo}.
Lubbard \Lub"bard\, n. [See {Lubber}.]
A lubber. [Obs.] --Swift.
Lubbard \Lub"bard\, a.
Lubberly.
Lubber \Lub"ber\, n. [Cf. dial. Sw. lubber. See {Looby}, {Lob}.]
A heavy, clumsy, or awkward fellow; a sturdy drone; a clown.
Lingering lubbers lose many a penny. --Tusser.
{Land lubber}, a name given in contempt by sailors to a
person who lives on land.
{Lubber grasshopper} (Zo["o]l.), a large, stout, clumsy
grasshopper; esp., {Brachystola magna}, from the Rocky
Mountain plains, and {Romalea microptera}, which is
injurious to orange trees in Florida.
{Lubber's hole} (Naut.), a hole in the floor of the ``top,''
next the mast, through which sailors may go aloft without
going over the rim by the futtock shrouds. It is
considered by seamen as only fit to be used by lubbers.
--Totten.
{Lubber's line}, {point}, or {mark}, a line or point in the
compass case indicating the head of the ship, and
consequently the course which the ship is steering.
Lubberly \Lub"ber*ly\, a.
Like a lubber; clumsy.
A great lubberly boy. --Shak.
Lubberly \Lub"ber*ly\, adv.
Clumsily; awkwardly. --Dryden.
Lubric \Lu"bric\, Lubrical \Lu"bric*al\, a. [L. lubricus: cf. F.
lubrique.]
1. Having a smooth surface; slippery. [R.]
2. Lascivious; wanton; lewd. [R.]
This lubric and adulterate age. --Dryden.
Lubricant \Lu"bri*cant\, a. [L. lubricans, p. pr. of lubricare,
See {Lubricate}.]
Lubricating.
Lubricant \Lu"bri*cant\, n.
That which lubricates; specifically, a substance, as oil,
grease, plumbago, etc., used for reducing the friction of the
working parts of machinery.
Lubricate \Lu"bri*cate\, v. t. [L. lubricatus, p. p. of
lubricare to lubricate. See {Lubric}.]
1. To make smooth or slippery; as, mucilaginous and
saponaceous remedies lubricate the parts to which they are
applied. --S. Sharp.
Supples, lubricates, and keeps in play, The various
movements of this nice machine. --Young.
2. To apply a lubricant to, as oil or tallow.
Lubrication \Lu`bri*ca"tion\, n.
The act of lubricating; the act of making slippery.
Lubricator \Lu"bri*ca`tor\, n.
1. One who, or that which, lubricates. `` Lubricator of the
fibers.'' --Burke.
2. A contrivance, as an oil cup, for supplying a lubricant to
machinery.
Lubricitate \Lu*bric"i*tate\, v. i.
See {Lubricate}.
Lubricity \Lu*bric"i*ty\, n. [L. lubricitas: cf. F.
lubricit['e].]
1. Smoothness; freedom from friction; also, property, which
diminishes friction; as, the lubricity of oil. --Ray.
2. Slipperiness; instability; as, the lubricity of fortune.
--L'Estrange.
3. Lasciviousness; propensity to lewdness; lewdness; lechery;
incontinency. --Sir T. Herbert.
As if wantonness and lubricity were essential to
that poem. --Dryden.
Lubricous \Lu"bri*cous\, a. [L. lubricus.]
Lubric.
Lubrification \Lu`bri*fi*ca"tion\, Lubrifaction
\Lu`bri*fac"tion\, n. [L. lubricus lubric + facere to make.]
The act of lubricating, or making smooth. --Ray. Bacon.
Lucarne \Lu`carne"\, n. [F., fr. L. lucerna a lamp. See
{Luthern}.] (Arch.)
A dormer window.
Lucchese \Luc*chese"\, n. sing. & pl. [It. Lucchese.]
A native or inhabitant of Lucca, in Tuscany; in the plural,
the people of Lucca.
Luce \Luce\, n. [OF. lus, L. lucius a kind of fish.] (Zo["o]l.)
A pike when full grown. --Halliwell.
Lucency \Lu"cen*cy\, n.
The quality of being lucent.
Lucent \Lu"cent\, a. [L. lucens, p. pr. of lucere to shine, fr.
lux, lucis, light.]
Shining; bright; resplendent. `` The sun's lucent orb.''
--Milton.
Lucern \Lu"cern\, n. [Etymology uncertain.] [Obs.]
1. A sort of hunting dog; -- perhaps from Lucerne, in
Switzerland.
My lucerns, too, or dogs inured to hunt Beasts of
most rapine. --Chapman.
2. An animal whose fur was formerly much in request (by some
supposed to be the lynx). [Written also {lusern} and
{luzern}.]
The polecat, mastern, and the richskinned lucern I
know to chase. --Beau. & Fl.
Lucern \Lu"cern\, n. [F. luzerne.] (Bot.)
A leguminous plant ({Medicago sativa}), having bluish purple
cloverlike flowers, cultivated for fodder; -- called also
{alfalfa}. [Written also {lucerne}.]
Lucern \Lu"cern\, n. [L. lucerna.]
A lamp. [Obs.] --Lydgate.
Lucernal \Lu*cer"nal\, a. [L. lucerna a lamp.]
Of or pertaining to a lamp.
{Lucernal microscope}, a form of the microscope in which the
object is illuminated by means of a lamp, and its image is
thrown upon a plate of ground glass connected with the
instrument, or on a screen independent of it.
Lucernaria \Lu`cer*na"ri*a\, n. [NL., fr. L. lucerna a lamp.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A genus of acalephs, having a bell-shaped body with eight
groups of short tentacles around the margin. It attaches
itself by a sucker at the base of the pedicel.
Lucernarian \Lu`cer*na"ri*an\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Lucernarida. -- n. One of the
Lucernarida.
lucernarida \lu`cer*nar"i*da\, n. pl. [NL. See {Lucernaria}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
(a) A division of acalephs, including {Lucernaria} and allied
genera; -- called also {Calycozoa}.
(b) A more extensive group of acalephs, including both the
true lucernarida and the Discophora.
Lucerne \Lu"cerne\, n. (Bot.)
See {Lucern}, the plant.
Lucid \Lu"cid\, a. [L. lucidus, fr. lux, lucis, light. See
{Light}, n.]
1. Shining; bright; resplendent; as, the lucid orbs of
heaven.
Lucid, like a glowworm. --Sir I.
Newton.
A court compact of lucid marbles. --Tennyson.
2. Clear; transparent. `` Lucid streams.'' --Milton.
3. Presenting a clear view; easily understood; clear.
A lucid and interesting abstract of the debate.
--Macaulay.
4. Bright with the radiance of intellect; not darkened or
confused by delirium or madness; marked by the regular
operations of reason; as, a lucid interval.
Syn: Luminous; bright; clear; transparent; sane; reasonable.
See {Luminous}.
Lucidity \Lu*cid"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. lucidit['e]. See {Lucid}.]
The quality or state of being lucid.
Lucidly \Lu"cid*ly\, adv.
In a lucid manner.
Lucidness \Lu"cid*ness\, n.
The quality of being lucid; lucidity.
Lucifer \Lu"ci*fer\, n. [L., bringing light, n., the morning
star, fr. lux, lucis, light + ferre to bring.]
1. The planet Venus, when appearing as the morning star; --
applied in Isaiah by a metaphor to a king of Babylon.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of
the morning ! how art thou cut down to the ground
which didst weaken the nations ! --Is. xiv. 12.
Tertullian and Gregory the Great understood this
passage of Isaiah in reference to the fall of Satan;
in consequence of which the name Lucifer has since
been applied to, Satan. --Kitto.
2. Hence, Satan.
How wretched Is that poor man that hangs on princes'
favors! . . . When he falls, he falls like Lucifer,
Never to hope again. --Shak.
3. A match made of a sliver of wood tipped with a combustible
substance, and ignited by friction; -- called also
{lucifer match}, and {locofoco}. See {Locofoco}.
4. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of free-swimming macruran Crustacea,
having a slender body and long appendages.
Luciferian \Lu`ci*fe"ri*an\, a.
1. Of or pertaining to Lucifer; having the pride of Lucifer;
satanic; devilish.
2. Of or pertaining to the Luciferians or their leader.
Luciferian \Lu`ci*fe"ri*an\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
One of the followers of Lucifer, bishop of Cagliari, in the
fourth century, who separated from the orthodox churches
because they would not go as far as he did in opposing the
Arians.
Luciferous \Lu*cif"er*ous\, a. [See {Lucifer}.]
Giving light; affording light or means of discovery. --Boyle.
Luciferously \Lu*cif"er*ous*ly\, adv.
In a luciferous manner.
Lucific \Lu*cif"ic\, a. [L. lucificus; lux, lucis, light +
facere to make.]
Producing light. --Grew.
Luciform \Lu"ci*form\, a. [L. lux, lucis, light = -form.]
Having, in some respects, the nature of light; resembling
light. --Berkeley.
Lucifrian \Lu*cif"ri*an\, a.
Luciferian; satanic. [Obs.] --Marston.
Lucimeter \Lu*cim"e*ter\, n. [L. lux, lucis, light + -meter.]
an instrument for measuring the intensity of light; a
photometer.
Luck \Luck\, n. [Akin to D. luk, geluk, G. gl["u]ck, Icel.
lukka, Sw. lycka, Dan. lykke, and perh. to G. locken to
entice. Cf. 3d {Gleck}.]
That which happens to a person; an event, good or ill,
affecting one's interests or happiness, and which is deemed
casual; a course or series of such events regarded as
occurring by chance; chance; hap; fate; fortune; often, one's
habitual or characteristic fortune; as, good, bad, ill, or
hard luck. Luck is often used for good luck; as, luck is
better than skill.
If thou dost play with him at any game, Thou art sure
to lose; and of that natural luck, He beats thee
'gainst the odds. --Shak.
{Luck penny}, a small sum given back for luck to one who pays
money. [Prov. Eng.]
{To be in luck}, to receive some good, or to meet with some
success, in an unexpected manner, or as the result of
circumstances beyond one's control; to be fortunate.
Luckily \Luck"i*ly\, adv. [From {Lucky}.]
In a lucky manner; by good fortune; fortunately; -- used in a
good sense; as, they luckily escaped injury.
Luckiness \Luck"i*ness\, n.
1. The state or quality of being lucky; as, the luckiness of
a man or of an event.
2. Good fortune; favorable issue or event. --Locke.
Luckless \Luck"less\, a.
Being without luck; unpropitious; unfortunate; unlucky;
meeting with ill success or bad fortune; as, a luckless
gamester; a luckless maid.
Prayers made and granted in a luckless hour. --Dryden.
-- {Luck"less*ly}, adv. -- {Lock"less*ness}, n.
Lucky \Luck"y\, a. [Compar. {Luckier}; superl. {Luckiest}.]
1. Favored by luck; fortunate; meeting with good success or
good fortune; -- said of persons; as, a lucky adventurer.
`` Lucky wight.'' --Spenser.
2. Producing, or resulting in, good by chance, or
unexpectedly; favorable; auspicious; fortunate; as, a
lucky mistake; a lucky cast; a lucky hour.
We doubt not of a fair and lucky war. --Shak.
Syn: Successful; fortunate; prosperous; auspicious.
Lucky proach \Luck`y proach"\ (Zo["o]l.)
See {Fatherlasher}.
Lucrative \Lu"cra*tive\, a. [L. lucrativus, fr. lucrari to gain,
fr. lucrum gain: cf. F. lucratif. See {Lucre}.]
1. Yielding lucre; gainful; profitable; making increase of
money or goods; as, a lucrative business or office.
The trade of merchandise being the most lucrative,
may bear usury at a good rate. --Bacon.
2. Greedy of gain. [Obs.]
Such diligence as the most part of our lucrative
lawyers do use, in deferring and prolonging of
matters and actions from term to term. --Latimer.
Lucratively \Lu"cra*tive*ly\, adv.
In a lucrative manner.
Lucre \Lu"cre\, n. [F. lucre, L. lucrum.]
Gain in money or goods; profit; riches; -- often in an ill
sense.
The lust of lucre and the dread of death. --Pope.
Lucriferous \Lu*crif"er*ous\, a. [L. lucrum gain +-ferous.]
Gainful; profitable. [Obs.] --Boyle.
Lucrific \Lu*crif"ic\, a. [L. lucrificus; lucrum gain + facere
to make.]
Producing profit; gainful. [Obs.]
Luctation \Luc*ta"tion\, n. [L. luctatio, fr. luctari to
wrestle, strive.]
Effort to overcome in contest; struggle; endeavor. [R.]
--Farindon.
Luctual \Luc"tu*al\, a. [L. luctus mourning, sorrow, fr. lugere,
fr. luctum, to mourn.]
Producing grief; saddening. [Obs.] --Sir G. Buck.
Lucubrate \Lu"cu*brate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lucubrated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lucubrated}.] [L. lucubratus, p. p. of
lucubrare to work by lamplight, fr. lux light. See {Light},
n.]
To study by candlelight or a lamp; to study by night.
Lucubrate \Lu"cu*brate\, v. t.
To elaborate, perfect, or compose, by night study or by
laborious endeavor.
Lucubration \Lu`cu*bra"tion\, n. [l. lucubratio;cf. F.
lucubration.]
1. The act of lucubrating, or studying by candlelight;
nocturnal study; meditation.
After long lucubration I have hit upon such an
expedient. --Goldsmith.
2. That which is composed by night; that which is produced by
meditation in retirement; hence (loosely) any literary
composition.
Thy lucubrations have been perused by several of our
friends. --Tatler.
Lucubrator \Lu"cu*bra`tor\, n.
One who studies by night; also, one who produces
lucubrations.
Lucubratory \Lu"cu*bra*to*ry\, a. [L. lucubratorius.]
Composed by candlelight, or by night; of or pertaining to
night studies; laborious or painstaking. --Pope.
Lucule \Lu"cule\, n. [Dim. fr. L. lux, lucis, light.] (Astron.)
A spot or fleck on the sun brighter than the surrounding
surface.
Luculent \Lu"cu*lent\, a. [L. luculentus, from lux, lucis,
light.]
1. Lucid; clear; transparent. --Thomson.
2. Clear; evident; luminous. `` Most luculent testimonies.''
--Hooker.
3. Bright; shining in beauty. [Obs.]
Most debonair and luculent lady. --B. Jonson.
Luculently \Lu"cu*lent*ly\, adv.
In a luculent manner; clearly.
Lucullite \Lu*cul"lite\, n. [From Lucullus, a Roman consul,
famous for his great wealth and luxury: cf. F. lucullite.]
(Min.)
A variety of black limestone, often polished for ornamental
purposes.
Lucuma \Lu*cu"ma\, n. (Bot.)
An American genus of sapotaceous trees bearing sweet and
edible fruits.
Note: Lucuma mammosum is called natural marmalade in the West
Indies; L. Caimito, of Peru, furnishes a delicious
fruit called lucuma and caimito.
Luddite \Lud"dite\, n.
One of a number of riotous persons in England, who for six
years (1811-17) tried to prevent the use of labor-saving
machinery by breaking it, burning factories, etc.; -- so
called from Ned Lud, a half-witted man who some years
previously had broken stocking frames. --J. & H. Smith. H.
Martineau.
Ludibrious \Lu*dib"ri*ous\, a. [L. ludibrium mockery, derision,
from ludere to play, sport.]
Sportive; ridiculous; wanton. [Obs.] --Tooker.
Ludibund \Lu"di*bund\, a. [L. ludibundus.]
Sportive. [Obs.] -- {Lu"di*bund*ness}, n. [Obs.] --Dr. H.
More.
Ludicrous \Lu"di*crous\, a. [L. ludicrus, or ludicer, from ludus
play, sport, fr. ludere to play.]
Adapted to excite laughter, without scorn or contempt;
sportive. --Broome.
A chapter upon German rhetoric would be in the same
ludicrous predicament as Van Troil's chapter on the
snakes of Iceland, which delivers its business in one
summary sentence, announcing, that snakes in Iceland --
there are none. --De Quincey.
Syn: Laughable; sportive; burlesque; comic; droll;
ridiculous.
Usage: {Ludicrous}, {Laughable}, {Ridiculous}. We speak of a
thing as ludicrous when it tends to produce laughter;
as laughable when the impression is somewhat stronger;
as ridiculous when more or less contempt is mingled
with the merriment created. -- {Lu"di*crous*ly}, adv.
-- {Lu"di*crous*ness}, n.
Ludification \Lu`di*fi*ca"tion\, n. [L. ludificatio, fr.
ludificare to make sport of; ludus sport + -ficare (in comp.)
to make. See {-fy}.]
The act of deriding.
Ludificatory \Lu*dif"i*ca*to*ry\, a. [L. ludificatorius.]
Making sport; tending to excite derision. [Obs.]
Ludlamite \Lud"lam*ite\, n. [Named after Mr. Ludlam, of London.]
(Min.)
A mineral occurring in small, green, transparent, monoclinic
crystals. It is a hydrous phosphate of iron.
Ludlow group \Lud"low group`\ (Geol.)
A subdivision of the British Upper Silurian lying below the
Old Red Sandstone; -- so named from the Ludlow, in Western
England. See the Chart of {Geology}.
Ludwigite \Lud"wig*ite\, n. [Named after the chemist Ludwig.]
(Min.)
A borate of iron and magnesia, occurring in fibrous masses of
a blackish green color.
Lues \Lu"es\, n. [L.] (Med.)
Disease, especially of a contagious kind.
{Lues venerea}, syphilis; -- called also simply {lues}.
Luff \Luff\, n. [OE. lof, prob. a sort of timber by which the
course of a ship was directed, perh. a sort of paddle; cf. D.
loef luff, loeven to luff. The word is perh. akin to E.
glove. Cf. {Aloof}.] (Naut.)
(a) The side of a ship toward the wind.
(b) The act of sailing a ship close to the wind.
(c) The roundest part of a ship's bow.
(d) The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the
jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.
{Luff tackle}, a purchase composed of a double and single
block and fall, used for various purposes. --Totten.
{Luff upon luff}, a luff tackle attached to the fall of
another luff tackle. --R. H. Dana, Jr.
Luff \Luff\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Luffed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Luffing}.] (Naut.)
To turn the head of a vessel toward the wind; to sail nearer
the wind; to turn the tiller so as to make the vessel sail
nearer the wind.
{To luff round}, or {To luff alee}, to make the extreme of
this movement, for the purpose of throwing the ship's head
into the wind.
Luffer \Luf"fer\, n. (Arch.)
See {Louver}.
Lug \Lug\, n. [Sw. lugg the forelock.]
1. The ear, or its lobe. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
2. That which projects like an ear, esp. that by which
anything is supported, carried, or grasped, or to which a
support is fastened; an ear; as, the lugs of a kettle; the
lugs of a founder's flask; the lug (handle) of a jug.
3. (Mach.) A projecting piece to which anything, as a rod, is
attached, or against which anything, as a wedge or key,
bears, or through which a bolt passes, etc.
4. (Harness) The leather loop or ear by which a shaft is held
up.
5. (Zo["o]l.) The lugworm.
{Lug bolt} (Mach.), a bolt terminating in a long, flat
extension which takes the place of a head; a strap bolt.
Lug \Lug\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lugged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lugging}.] [OE. luggen, Sw. lugga to pull by the hair, fr.
lugg the forelock.]
To pull with force; to haul; to drag along; to carry with
difficulty, as something heavy or cumbersome. --Dryden.
They must divide the image among them, and so lug off
every one his share. --Collier.
Lug \Lug\, v. i.
To move slowly and heavily.
Lug \Lug\, n.
1. The act of lugging; as, a hard lug; that which is lugged;
as, the pack is a heavy lug.[Colloq.]
2. Anything which moves slowly. [Obs.] --Ascham.
Lug \Lug\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
1. A rod or pole. [Prov. Eng.] --Wright.
2. A measure of length, being 161/2 feet; a rod, pole, or
perch. [Obs.] `` Eight lugs of ground.'' --Spenser.
{Chimney lug}, or {Lug pole}, a pole on which a kettle is
hung over the fire, either in a chimney or in the open
air. [Local, U.S.] --Whittier.
Luggage \Lug"gage\, n. [From 4th {Lug}.]
That which is lugged; anything cumbrous and heavy to be
carried; especially, a traveler's trunks, baggage, etc., or
their contents.
I am gathering up my luggage, and preparing for my
journey. --Swift.
What do you mean, To dote thus on such luggage! --Shak.
Syn: Plunder; baggage.
{Luggage van}, a vehicle for carrying luggage; a railway car,
or compartment of a car, for carrying luggage. [Eng.]
Lugger \Lug"ger\, n. (Naut.)
A small vessel having two or three masts, and a running
bowsprit, and carrying lugsails. See Illustration in
Appendix. --Totten.
Lugger \Lug"ger\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
An Indian falcon ({Falco jugger}), similar to the European
lanner and the American prairie falcon.
Lugmark \Lug"mark`\, n. [From {Lug} an ear.]
A mark cut into the ear of an animal to identify it; an
earmark.
Lugsail \Lug"sail`\, n. (Naut.)
A square sail bent upon a yard that hangs obliquely to the
mast and is raised or lowered with the sail. --Totten.
Lugubrious \Lu*gu"bri*ous\, a. [L. lugubris, fr. lugere to
mourn; cf. Gr. ? sad, Skr. ruj to break.]
Mournful; indicating sorrow, often ridiculously or feignedly;
doleful; woful; pitiable; as, a whining tone and a lugubrious
look.
Crossbones, scythes, hourglasses, and other lugubrious
emblems of mortality. --Hawthorne.
-- {Lu*gu"bri*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Lu*gu"bri*ous*ness}, n.
Lugworm \Lug"worm`\, n. [1st lug + worm.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large marine annelid ({Arenicola marina}) having a row of
tufted gills along each side of the back. It is found
burrowing in sandy beaches, both in America and Europe, and
is used for bait by European fishermen. Called also
{lobworm}, and {baitworm}.
Luke \Luke\, a. [Prob. fr. lew, perh. influenced by AS. wl[ae]c
warm, lukewarm, remiss. Cf. Lew.]
Moderately warm; not hot; tepid. -- {Luke"ness}, n. [Obs.]
Nine penn'orth o'brandy and water luke. --Dickens.
Lukewarm \Luke"warm`\, a. [See {Luke}.]
Moderately warm; neither cold nor hot; tepid; not ardent; not
zealous; cool; indifferent. `` Lukewarm blood.'' --Spenser.
`` Lukewarm patriots.'' --Addison.
An obedience so lukewarm and languishing that it merits
not the name of passion. --Dryden.
-- {Luce"warm`ly}, adv. -- {Luce"warm`ness}, n.
Lull \Lull\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lulled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lulling}.] [Akin to OD. lullen to sing to sleep, G. lullen,
Dan. lulle, Sw. lulla; all of imitative origin. Cf. {Loll},
{Lollard}.]
To cause to rest by soothing influences; to compose; to calm;
to soothe; to quiet. `` To lull him soft asleep.'' --Spenser.
Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie, To lull the
daughters of necessity. --Milton.
Lull \Lull\, v. i.
To become gradually calm; to subside; to cease or abate for a
time; as, the storm lulls.
Lull \Lull\, n.
1. The power or quality of soothing; that which soothes; a
lullaby. [R.] --Young.
2. A temporary cessation of storm or confusion.
lullaby \lull"a*by\, n. [From {Lull}, v. t. ]
1. A song to quiet babes or lull them to sleep; that which
quiets. --Shak.
2. Hence: Good night; good-by. [Obs.] --Shak.
Luller \Lull"er\, n.
One who, or that which, lulls.
Lullingly \Lull"ing*ly\, adv.
In a lulling manner; soothingly.
Lum \Lum\, n. [W. llumon chimney, llum that shoots up or ends in
a point.]
1. A chimney. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.] --Burns.
2. A ventilating chimney over the shaft of a mine.
3. A woody valley; also, a deep pool. [Prov. Eng.]
Lumachel \Lu"ma*chel\, Lumachella \Lu`ma*chel"la\, n. [F.
lumachelle, It. lumachella, fr. lamachella a little snail,
dim. of lumaca a snail, fr. L. limax, -acis.] (Min.)
A grayish brown limestone, containing fossil shells, which
reflect a beautiful play of colors. It is also called {fire
marble}, from its fiery reflections.
Lumbaginous \Lum*bag"i*nous\, a.
Of or pertaining to lumbago.
Lumbago \Lum*ba"go\, n. [L., fr. lumbus loin. See {Lumbar}.]
(Med.)
A rheumatic pain in the loins and the small of the back.
Lumbar \Lum"bar\, Lumbal \Lum"bal\, a. [L. lumbus loin. See
{Loin}.] (Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or near, the loins; as, the lumbar
arteries.
{Lumbar region} (Anat.), the region of the loin;
specifically, a region between the hypochondriac and ilias
regions, and outside of the umbilical region.
Lumber \Lum"ber\, n. [Prob. fr. Lombard, the Lombards being the
money lenders and pawnbrokers of the Middle Ages. A lumber
room was, according to Trench, originally a Lombard room, or
room where the Lombard pawnbroker stored his pledges. See
{Lombard}.]
1. A pawnbroker's shop, or room for storing articles put in
pawn; hence, a pledge, or pawn. [Obs.]
They put all the little plate they had in the
lumber, which is pawning it, till the ships came.
--Lady Murray.
2. Old or refuse household stuff; things cumbrous, or bulky
and useless, or of small value.
3. Timber sawed or split into the form of beams, joists,
boards, planks, staves, hoops, etc.; esp., that which is
smaller than heavy timber. [U.S.]
{Lumber kiln}, a room in which timber or lumber is dried by
artificial heat. [U.S.]
{Lumber room}, a room in which unused furniture or other
lumber is kept. [U.S.]
{Lumber wagon}, a heavy rough wagon, without springs, used
for general farmwork, etc.
Lumber \Lum"ber\, b. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lumbered}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Lumbering}.]
1. To heap together in disorder. `` Stuff lumbered
together.'' --Rymer.
2. To fill or encumber with lumber; as, to lumber up a room.
Lumber \Lum"ber\, v. i.
1. To move heavily, as if burdened.
2. [Cf. dial. Sw. lomra to resound.] To make a sound as if
moving heavily or clumsily; to rumble. --Cowper.
3. To cut logs in the forest, or prepare timber for market.
[U.S.]
Lumberer \Lum"ber*er\, n.
One employed in lumbering, cutting, and getting logs from the
forest for lumber; a lumberman. [U.S.]
Lumberers have a notion that he (the woodpecker) is
harmful to timber. --Lowell.
Lumbering \Lum"ber*ing\, n.
The business of cutting or getting timber or logs from the
forest for lumber. [U.S.]
Lumberman \Lum"ber*man\, n.; pl. {Lumbermen}.
One who is engaged in lumbering as a business or employment.
[U.S.]
Lumbosacral \Lum`bo*sa"cral\, n. [L. lumbus loin + E. sacral.]
(Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the loins and sacrum; as, the lumbosacral
nerve, a branch of one of the lumber nerves which passes over
the sacrum.
Lumbric \Lum"bric\, n. [L. lumbricus.] (Zo["o]l.)
An earthworm, or a worm resembling an earthworm.
Lumbrical \Lum"bric*al\, a. [Cf. F. lombrical. See {Lumbric}.]
(Anat.)
Resembling a worm; as, the lumbrical muscles of the hands of
the hands and feet. -- n. A lumbrical muscle.
Lumbriciform \Lum*bric"i*form\, a. [L. lumbricus worm + -form.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Resembling an earthworm; vermiform.
Lumbricoid \Lum"bri*coid\, a. [Lumbricus + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like an earthworm; belonging to the genus Lumbricus, or
family {Lumbricid[ae]}.
Lumbricus \Lum"bri*cus\, n. [L. See {Lumbric}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of annelids, belonging to the Oligoch[ae]ta, and
including the common earthworms. See {Earthworm}.
Luminant \Lu"mi*nant\, a.
Luminous. [R.]
Luminary \Lu"mi*na*ry\, n.; pl. {Luminaries}, [F. luminaire, L.
luminare a light or lamp, which was lighted in the churches,
a luminary, fr. lumen, luminis, light, fr. lucere to be
light, to shine, lux, lucis, light. See {Light}.]
1. Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly
bodies. `` Radiant luminary.'' --Skelton.
Where the great luminary . . . Dispenses light from
far. --Milton.
2. One who illustrates any subject, or enlightens mankind;
as, Newton was a distinguished luminary.
Luminate \Lu"mi*nate\, v. t. [L. luminatus, p. p. of luminare to
illumine, fr. lumen light. See {Limn}.]
To illuminate. [Obs.]
Lumination \Lu`mi*na"tion\, n.
Illumination. [Obs.]
Lumine \Lu"mine\, v. i.
To illumine. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Luminiferous \Lu`mi*nif"er*ous\, a. [L. lumen light + -ferous.]
Producing light; yielding light; transmitting light; as, the
luminiferous ether.
Luminosity \Lu`mi*nos"i*ty\, n.
The quality or state of being luminous; luminousness.
Luminous \Lu"mi*nous\, a. [L. luminosus, fr. lumen light: cf. F.
lumineux. See {Luminary}, {Illuminate}.]
1. Shining; emitting or reflecting light; brilliant; bright;
as, the is a luminous body; a luminous color.
Fire burneth wood, making it . . . luminous.
--Bacon.
The mountains lift . . . their lofty and luminous
heads. --Longfellow.
2. Illuminated; full of light; bright; as, many candles made
the room luminous.
Up the staircase moved a luminous space in the
darkness. --Longfellow.
3. Enlightened; intelligent; also, clear; intelligible; as, a
luminous mind. `` Luminous eloquence.'' --Macaulay. `` A
luminous statement.'' --Brougham.
{Luminous paint}, a paint made up with some phosphorescent
substance, as sulphide of calcium, which after exposure to
a strong light is luminous in the dark for a time.
Syn: Lucid; clear; shining; perspicuous. -- {Lu"mi*nous*ly},
adv. -- {Lu"mi*nous*ness}, n.
Lummox \Lum"mox\, n.
A fat, ungainly, stupid person; an awkward bungler. [Law.]
Lump \Lump\, n. [Cf. OD. lompe piece, mass. Cf. {Lunch}.]
1. A small mass of matter of irregular shape; an irregular or
shapeless mass; as, a lump of coal; a lump of iron ore. ``
A lump of cheese.'' --Piers Plowman. `` This lump of
clay.'' --Shak.
2. A mass or aggregation of things.
3. (Firearms) A projection beneath the breech end of a gun
barrel.
{In the lump},
{In a lump}, the whole together; in gross.
They may buy them in the lump. --Addison.
{Lump coal}, coal in large lumps; -- the largest size brought
from the mine.
{Lump sum}, a gross sum without a specification of items; as,
to award a lump sum in satisfaction of all claims and
damages.
Lump \Lump\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lumped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lumping}.]
1. To throw into a mass; to unite in a body or sum without
distinction of particulars.
The expenses ought to be lumped together. --Ayliffe.
2. To take in the gross; to speak of collectively.
Not forgetting all others, . . . whom for brevity,
but out of no resentment you, I lump all together.
--Sterne.
3. To get along with as one can, although displeased; as, if
he does n't like it, he can lump it. [Law]
Lumper \Lump"er\, n. [Cf. {Lamper eel}.] (Zo["o]l.)
The European eelpout; -- called also {lumpen}.
Lumper \Lump"er\, n.
1. One who lumps.
2. A laborer who is employed to load or unload vessels when
in harbor.
Lumpfish \Lump"fish`\, n. [From {Lump}, on account of its
bulkiness: cf. G. & D. lump, F. lompe.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large, thick, clumsy, marine fish ({Cyclopterus lumpus}) of
Europe and America. The color is usually translucent sea
green, sometimes purplish. It has a dorsal row of spiny
tubercles, and three rows on each side, but has no scales.
The ventral fins unite and form a ventral sucker for adhesion
to stones and seaweeds. Called also {lumpsucker},
{cock-paddle}, {sea owl}.
Lumping \Lump"ing\, a.
Bulky; heavy. --Arbuthnot.
Lumpish \Lump"ish\, a.
Like a lump; inert; gross; heavy; dull; spiritless. ``
Lumpish, heavy, melancholy.'' --Shak. -- {Lump"ish*ly}, adv.
-- {Lump"ish*ness}, n.
Lumpsucker \Lump"suck`er\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The lumprish.
Lumpy \Lump"y\, a. [Compar. {Lumpier}; superl. {Lumpiest}.]
Full of lumps, or small compact masses.
Luna \Lu"na\, n. [L.; akin to lucere to shine. See {Light}, n.,
and cf. {Lune}.]
1. The moon.
2. (Alchemy) Silver.
{Luna cornea} (Old Chem.), horn silver, or fused silver
chloride, a tough, brown, translucent mass; -- so called
from its resemblance to horn.
{Luna moth} (Zo["o]l.), a very large and beautiful American
moth ({Actias luna}). Its wings are delicate light green,
with a stripe of purple along the front edge of the
anterior wings, the other margins being edged with pale
yellow. Each wing has a lunate spot surrounded by rings of
light yellow, blue, and black. The caterpillar commonly
feeds on the hickory, sassafras, and maple.
Lunacy \Lu"na*cy\, n.; pl. {Lunacies}. [See {Lunatic}.]
1. Insanity or madness; properly, the kind of insanity which
is broken by intervals of reason, -- formerly supposed to
be influenced by the changes of the moon; any form of
unsoundness of mind, except idiocy; mental derangement or
alienation. --Brande. --Burrill.
Your kindred shuns your house As beaten hence by
your strange lunacy. --Shak.
2. A morbid suspension of good sense or judgment, as through
fanaticism. --Dr. H. More.
Syn: Derangement; craziness; mania. See {Insanity}.
Lunar \Lu"nar\, a. [L. lunaris, fr. luna the moon. See {Luna},
and cf. {Lunary}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the moon; as, lunar observations.
2. Resembling the moon; orbed. --Dryden.
3. Measured by the revolutions of the moon; as, a lunar
month.
4. Influenced by the moon, as in growth, character, or
properties; as, lunar herbs. --Bacon.
{Lunar caustic} (Med. Chem.), silver nitrate prepared to be
used as a cautery; -- so named because silver was called
luna by the ancient alchemists.
{Lunar cycle}. Same as {Metonic cycle}. See under {Cycle}.
{Lunar distance}, the angular distance of the moon from the
sun, a star, or a planet, employed for determining
longitude by the {lunar method}.
{Lunar method}, the method of finding a ship's longitude by
comparing the local time of taking (by means of a sextant
or circle) a given lunar distance, with the Greenwich time
corresponding to the same distance as ascertained from a
nautical almanac, the difference of these times being the
longitude.
{Lunar month}. See {Month}.
{Lunar observation}, an observation of a lunar distance by
means of a sextant or circle, with the altitudes of the
bodies, and the time, for the purpose of computing the
longitude.
{Lunar tables}.
(a) (Astron.) Tables of the moon's motions, arranged for
computing the moon's true place at any time past or
future.
(b) (Navigation) Tables for correcting an observed lunar
distance on account of refraction and parallax.
{Lunar year}, the period of twelve lunar months, or 354 days,
8 hours, 48 minutes, and 34.38 seconds.
Lunar \Lu"nar\, n.
1. (Astron.) A lunar distance.
2. (Anat.) The middle bone of the proximal series of the
carpus; -- called also {semilunar}, and {intermedium}.
Lunarian \Lu*na"ri*an\, n. [See {Lunar}, {Luna}.]
An inhabitant of the moon.
Lunary \Lu"na*ry\, a. [Cf. F. lunaire. See {Lunar}.]
Lunar. [Obs.] --Fuller.
Lunary \Lu"na*ry\, n. [Cf. F. lunaire.] (Bot.)
(a) The herb moonwort or ``honesty''.
(b) A low fleshy fern ({Botrychium Lunaria}) with lunate
segments of the leaf or frond.
Lunate \Lu"nate\, Lunated \Lu"na*ted\, a. [L. lunatus
crescent-shaped, p. p. of lunare to bend like a crescent, fr.
luna the moon.]
Crescent-shaped; as, a lunate leaf; a lunate beak; a lunated
cross. --Gray.
Lunatic \Lu"na*tic\, a. [F. lunatique, L. lunaticus, fr. luna
the moon. See {Lunar}.]
1. Affected by lunacy; insane; mad.
Lord, have mercy on my son; for he is lunatic.
--Wyclif
(Matt. xvii.
15).
2. Of or pertaining to, or suitable for, an insane person;
evincing lunacy; as, lunatic gibberish; a lunatic asylum.
Lunatic \Lu"na*tic\, n.
A person affected by lunacy; an insane person, esp. one who
has lucid intervals; a madman; a person of unsound mind.
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet, Are of
imagination all compact. --Shak.
Lunation \Lu*na"tion\, n. [Cf. {Lunated}.]
The period of a synodic revolution of the moon, or the time
from one new moon to the next; varying in length, at
different times, from about 291/4 to 295/6 days, the average
length being 29 d., 12h., 44m., 2.9s.
Lunch \Lunch\, n. [Of uncertain etymol. Cf. Prov. Eng. nunc a
lump.]
A luncheon; specifically, a light repast between breakfast
and dinner.
Lunch \Lunch\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lunched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lunching}.]
To take luncheon. --Smart.
Luncheon \Lunch"eon\, n. [Prov. E. luncheon, lunchion, lunshin,
a large lump of food, fr. lunch. See {Lunch}.]
1. A lump of food. [Prov. Eng.]
2. A portion of food taken at any time except at a regular
meal; an informal or light repast, as between breakfast
and dinner.
Luncheon \Lunch"eon\, v. i.
To take luncheon. --Beaconsfield.
Lune \Lune\, n. [L. luna moon: cf. F. lune. See {Luna}.]
1. Anything in the shape of a half moon. [R.]
2. (Geom.) A figure in the form of a crescent, bounded by two
intersecting arcs of circles.
3. A fit of lunacy or madness; a period of frenzy; a crazy or
unreasonable freak. [Obs.]
These dangerous, unsafe lunes i' the king. --Shak.
Lunet \Lu"net\, n. [See {Lunette}.]
A little moon or satellite. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Lunette \Lu*nette"\, n. [F., dim. of lune moon, L. luna. See
{Lune} a crescent.]
1. (Fort.) A fieldwork consisting of two faces, forming a
salient angle, and two parallel flanks. See {Bastion}.
2. (Far.) A half horseshoe, which wants the sponge.
3. A kind of watch crystal which is more than ordinarily
flattened in the center; also, a species of convexoconcave
lens for spectacles.
4. A piece of felt to cover the eye of a vicious horse.
5. (Arch.) Any surface of semicircular or segmental form;
especially, the piece of wall between the curves of a
vault and its springing line.
6. An iron shoe at the end of the stock of a gun carriage.
{Lunette window} (Arch.), a window which fills or partly
fills a lunette.
Lung \Lung\, n. [OE. lunge, AS. lunge, pl. lungen; akin to D.
long, G. lunge, Icel. & Sw. lunga, Dan. lunge, all prob. from
the root of E. light. ? See {Light} not heavy.] (Anat.)
An organ for a["e]rial respiration; -- commonly in the
plural.
My lungs began to crow like chanticleer. --Shak.
Note: In all air-breathing vertebrates the lungs are
developed from the ventral wall of the esophagus as a
pouch which divides into two sacs. In amphibians and
many reptiles the lungs retain very nearly this
primitive saclike character, but in the higher forms
the connection with the esophagus becomes elongated
into the windpipe and the inner walls of the sacs
become more and more divided, until, in the mammals,
the air spaces become minutely divided into tubes
ending in small air cells, in the walls of which the
blood circulates in a fine network of capillaries. In
mammals the lungs are more or less divided into lobes,
and each lung occupies a separate cavity in the thorax.
See {Respiration}.
{Lung fever} (Med.), pneumonia.
{Lung flower} (Bot.), a species of gentian ({G.
Pneumonanthe}).
{Lung lichen} (Bot.), tree lungwort. See under {Lungwort}.
{Lung sac} (Zo["o]l.), one of the breathing organs of spiders
and snails.
Lunge \Lunge\, n. [Also spelt longe, fr. allonge. See {Allonge},
{Long}.]
A sudden thrust or pass, as with a sword.
Lunge \Lunge\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lunged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lunging}.]
To make a lunge.
Lunge \Lunge\, v. t.
To cause to go round in a ring, as a horse, while holding his
halter. --Thackeray.
Lunge \Lunge\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Namaycush}.
Lunged \Lunged\, a.
Having lungs, or breathing organs similar to lungs.
Lungfish \Lung"fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any fish belonging to the Dipnoi; -- so called because they
have both lungs and gills.
Lung-grown \Lung"-grown`\, a. (Med.)
Having lungs that adhere to the pleura.
Lungie \Lun"gie\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A guillemot. [Written also {longie}.] [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
--Sir W. Scott.
Lungis \Lun"gis\, n. [OF. longis. See {Lounge}.]
A lingerer; a dull, drowsy fellow. [Obs.]
Lungless \Lung"less\, a.
Being without lungs.
Lungoor \Lun"goor\, n. [Hind. lang[=u]r.] (Zo["o]l.)
A long-tailed monkey ({Semnopithecus schislaceus}), from the
mountainous districts of India.
Lungworm \Lung"worm`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of parasitic nematoid worms which
infest the lungs and air passages of cattle, sheep, and other
animals, often proving fatal. The lungworm of cattle
({Strongylus micrurus}) and that of sheep ({S. filaria}) are
the best known.
Lungwort \Lung"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
(a) An herb of the genus {Pulmonaria} ({P. officinalis}), of
Europe; -- so called because the spotted appearance of
the leaves resembles that of a diseased lung.
(b) Any plant of the genus {Mertensia} (esp. {M. Virginica}
and {M. Sibirica}) plants nearly related to {Pulmonaria}.
The American lungwort is {Mertensia Virginica}, Virginia
cowslip. --Gray.
{Cow's lungwort} mullein.
{Sea lungwort}, {Mertensia maritima}, found on the seacoast
of Northern Europe and America.
{Tree lungwort}, a lichen ({Sticta pulmonacea}) growing on
trees and rocks. The thallus is lacunose, and in
appearance somewhat resembles the lungs, for diseases of
which it was once thought a remedy.
Lunicurrent \Lu"ni*cur"rent\, a. [L. luna moon + E. current.]
Having relation to changes in currents that depend on the
moon's phases. --Bache.
Luniform \Lu"ni*form\, a. [L. luna moon + -form: cf. F.
luniforme.]
Resembling the moon in shape.
Lunisolar \Lu"ni*so"lar\, a. [L. luna moon + E. solar: cf. F.
lunisolaire.]
Resulting from the united action, or pertaining to the mutual
relations, of the sun and moon.
{Lunisolar precession} (Astron.), that portion of the annual
precession of the equinoxes which depends on the joint
action of the sun and moon.
{Lunisolar year}, a period of time, at the end of which, in
the Julian calendar, the new and full moons and the
eclipses recur on the same days of the week and month and
year as in the previous period. It consists of 532 common
years, being the least common multiple of the numbers of
years in the cycle of the sun and the cycle of the moon.
Lunistice \Lu"ni*stice\, n. [L. luna. moon + sistere to cause to
stand. Cf. {Solstice}.] (Astron.)
The farthest point of the moon's northing and southing, in
its monthly revolution. [Obs.]
Lunitidal \Lu"ni*tid`al\, a.
Pertaining to tidal movements dependent on the moon. --Bache.
{Lunitidal interval}. See {Retard}, n.
Lunt \Lunt\, n. [D. lont; akin to Dan. & G. lunte, Sw. lunta.
Cf. {Link} a torch.]
1. The match cord formerly used in firing cannon.
2. A puff of smoke. [Scotch.] --Burns.
Lunula \Lu"nu*la\, n.; pl. {Lunul[ae]}. [L., prop., a little
moon. See {Lunule}.] (Anat. & Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Lunule}.
Lunular \Lu"nu*lar\, a. [Cf. F. lunulaire. See {Lunula}.] (Bot.)
Having a form like that of the new moon; shaped like a
crescent.
Lunulate \Lu"nu*late\, Lunulated \Lu"nu*la`ted\, a. [See
{Lunula}.] (Bot. & Zo["o]l.)
Resembling a small crescent. --Gray.
Lunule \Lu"nule\, n. [F., fr. L. lunula, dim. of luna moon.]
1. (Anat.) Anything crescent-shaped; a crescent-shaped part
or mark; a lunula, a lune.
2. (Chem.) A lune. See {Lune}.
3. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A small or narrow crescent.
(b) A special area in front of the beak of many bivalve
shells. It sometimes has the shape of a double
crescent, but is oftener heart-shaped. See Illust. of
{Bivalve}.
Lunulet \Lu"nu*let\, n. [Dim. of lunule.] (Zo["o]l.)
A small spot, shaped like a half-moon or crescent; as, the
lunulet on the wings of many insects.
Lunulite \Lu"nu*lite\, n. [Lunule + -life: cf. F. lunulithe. See
{Lunula}.] (Paleon.)
Any bryozoan of the genus {Lunulites}, having a more or less
circular form.
Luny \Lu"ny\, a. [Shortened fr. lunatic.]
Crazy; mentally unsound. [Written also {loony}.] [Law, U.S.]
Lupercal \Lu*per"cal\, a.
Of or pertaining to the Lupercalia.
Lupercal \Lu*per"cal\, n.
A grotto on the Palatine Hill sacred to Lupercus, the Lycean
Pan.
Lupercalia \Lu`per*ca"li*a\, n. pl. [L. luperealis, fr. Lupercus
the Lycean Pan, so called fr. lupus a wolf, because he kept
off the wolves.] (Rom. Antiq.)
A feast of the Romans in honor of Lupercus, or Pan.
Lupine \Lu"pine\, n. [L. lupinus, lupinum, apparently fr.
lupinus belonging to a wolf, fr. lupus a wolf; perh. so
called because it was supposed to exhaust the soil: cf. F.
lupin. Cf. {Wolf}.] (Bot.)
A leguminous plant of the genus {Lupinus}, especially {L.
albus}, the seeds of which have been used for food from
ancient times. The common species of the Eastern United
States is {L. perennis}. There are many species in
California.
Lupine \Lu"pine\, a. [See {Lupine}, n.]
Wolfish; ravenous. --Gauden.
Lupinin \Lu"pin*in\, n. (Chem.)
A glucoside found in the seeds of several species of lupine,
and extracted as a yellowish white crystalline substance.
Lupinine \Lu"pin*ine\, n. (Chem.)
An alkaloid found in several species of lupine ({Lupinus
luteus}, {L. albus}, etc.), and extracted as a bitter
crystalline substance.
Lupulin \Lu"pu*lin\, n. [Cf. F. lupulin. See {Lupuline}.]
1. (Chem.) A bitter principle extracted from hops.
2. The fine yellow resinous powder found upon the strobiles
or fruit of hops, and containing this bitter principle.
[Written also {lupuline}.]
Lupuline \Lu"pu*line\, n. [NL. lupulus the hop, fr. L. lupus the
hop: cf. F. lupuline.] (Chem.)
An alkaloid extracted from hops as a colorless volatile
liquid.
Lupulinic \Lu`pu*lin"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or obtained from, hops; specifically,
designating an acid obtained by the decomposition of lupulin.
Lupus \Lu"pus\, n. [L., a wolf. See {Wolf}.]
1. (Med.) A cutaneous disease occurring under two distinct
forms.
Note: Lupus erythematosus is characterized by an eruption of
red patches, which become incrusted, leaving
superficial scars. L. vulgaris is marked by the
development of nodules which often ulcerate deeply and
produce great deformity. Formerly the latter was often
confounded with cancer, and some varieties of cancer
were included under Lupus.
2. (Astron.) The Wolf, a constellation situated south of
Scorpio.
Lurcation \Lur*ca"tion\, n. [See its {Lurch}.]
Gluttony; gormandizing. [Obs.]
Lurch \Lurch\, v. i. [L. lurcare, lurcari.]
To swallow or eat greedily; to devour; hence, to swallow up.
[Obs.]
Too far off from great cities, which may hinder
business; too near them, which lurcheth all provisions,
and maketh everything dear. --Bacon.
Lurch \Lurch\, n. [OF. lourche name of a game; as adj.,
deceived, embarrassed.]
1. An old game played with dice and counters; a variety of
the game of tables.
2. A double score in cribbage for the winner when his
adversary has been left in the lurch.
Lady --- has cried her eyes out on losing a lurch.
--Walpole.
{To leave one in the lurch}.
(a) In the game of cribbage, to leave one's adversary so
far behind that the game is won before he has scored
thirty-one.
(b) To leave one behind; hence, to abandon, or fail to
stand by, a person in a difficulty. --Denham.
But though thou'rt of a different church, I will
not leave thee in the lurch. --Hudibras.
Lurch \Lurch\, v. t.
1. To leave in the lurch; to cheat. [Obs.]
Never deceive or lurch the sincere communicant.
--South.
2. To steal; to rob. [Obs.]
And in the brunt of seventeen battles since He
lurched all swords of the garland. --Shak.
Lurch \Lurch\, n. [Cf. W. llerch, llerc, a frisk, a frisking
backward or forward, a loitering, a lurking, a lurking,
llercian, llerciaw, to be idle, to frisk; or perh. fr. E.
lurch to lurk.]
A sudden roll of a ship to one side, as in heavy weather;
hence, a swaying or staggering movement to one side, as that
by a drunken man. Fig.: A sudden and capricious inclination
of the mind.
Lurch \Lurch\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lurched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lurching}.]
To roll or sway suddenly to one side, as a ship or a drunken
man.
Lurch \Lurch\, v. i. [A variant of lurk.]
1. To withdraw to one side, or to a private place; to lurk.
--L'Estrange.
2. To dodge; to shift; to play tricks.
I . . . am fain to shuffle, to hedge, and to lurch.
--Shak.
Lurcher \Lurch"er\, n. [See {Lurch} to lurk.]
1. One that lurches or lies in wait; one who watches to
pilfer, or to betray or entrap; a poacher.
2. (Zo["o]l.) One of a mongrel breed of dogs said to have
been a cross between the sheep dog, greyhound, and
spaniel. It hunts game silently, by scent, and is often
used by poachers.
Lurcher \Lurch"er\, n. [L. lurco, lurcho, a glutton. See 1st
{Lurch}.]
A glutton; a gormandizer. [Obs.]
Lurchline \Lurch"line`\, n.
The line by which a fowling net was pulled over so as to
inclose the birds.
Lurdan \Lur"dan\, a.
Stupid; blockish. [Obs.]
Lurdan \Lur"dan\, n. [OF. lourdin, fr. lourd heavy, dull,
thick-headed. See {Lord}.]
A blockhead. [Obs.]
Lure \Lure\, n. [OF. loire, loirre, loerre, F. leurre lure,
decoy; of German origin; cf. MHG. luoder, G. luder lure,
carrion.]
1. A contrivance somewhat resembling a bird, and often baited
with raw meat; -- used by falconers in recalling hawks.
--Shak.
2. Any enticement; that which invites by the prospect of
advantage or pleasure; a decoy. --Milton.
3. (Hat Making) A velvet smoothing brush. --Knight.
Lure \Lure\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lured}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Luring}.] [OF. loirer, loirier, F. leurrer. See {Lure}, n.]
To draw to the lure; hence, to allure or invite by means of
anything that promises pleasure or advantage; to entice; to
attract.
I am not lured with love. --Piers
Plowman.
And various science lures the learned eye. --Gay.
Lure \Lure\, v. i.
To recall a hawk or other animal.
Lurg \Lurg\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A large marine annelid ({Nephthys c[ae]ca}), inhabiting the
sandy shores of Europe and America. It is whitish, with a
pearly luster, and grows to the length of eight or ten
inches.
Lurid \Lu"rid\, a. [L. luridus.]
1. Pale yellow; ghastly pale; wan; gloomy; dismal.
Fierce o'er their beauty blazed the lurid flame.
--Thomson.
Wrapped in drifts of lurid smoke On the misty river
tide. --Tennyson.
2. (Bot.) Having a brown color tonged with red, as of flame
seen through smoke.
3. (Zo["o]l.) Of a color tinged with purple, yellow, and
gray.
Lurk \Lurk\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lurked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lurking}.] [OE. lurken, lorken, prob. a dim. from the source
of E. lower to frown. See {Lower}, and cf. {Lurch}, a sudden
roll, {Lurch} to lurk.]
1. To lie hid; to lie in wait.
Like wild beasts, lurking in loathsome den.
--Spenser.
Let us . . . lurk privily for the innocent. --Prov.
i. 11.
2. To keep out of sight.
The defendant lurks and wanders about in Berks.
--Blackstone.
Lurker \Lurk"er\, n.
1. One who lurks.
2. A small fishing boat. [Prov. Eng.]
Lurry \Lur"ry\, n. [W. llwry precipitant, a provision.]
A confused heap; a throng, as of persons; a jumble, as of
sounds. [Obs.]
To turn prayer into a kind of lurry. --Milton.
Luscious \Lus"cious\, a. [Prob. for lustious, fr. lusty, or
perh. a corruption of luxurious. Cf. {Lush}, {Lusty}.]
1. Sweet; delicious; very grateful to the taste; toothsome;
excessively sweet or rich.
And raisins keep their luscious, native taste.
--Dryden.
2. Cloying; fulsome.
He had a tedious, luscious way of talking.
--Jeffrey.
3. Gratifying a depraved sense; obscene. [R.] --Steele. --
{Lus"cious*ly}, adv. -- {Lus"cious*ness}, n.
Lusern \Lu"sern\, n. [F. loup-cervier, L. lupus cervarius.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A lynx. See 1st {Lucern} and {Loup-cervier}.
Lush \Lush\, a. [Prob. an abbrev. of lushious, fr. luscious.]
Full of juice or succulence. --Tennyson.
How lush and lusty the grass looks! how green! --Shak.
Lushburg \Lush"burg\, n.
See {Lussheburgh}. [Obs.]
Lusitanian \Lu`si*ta"ni*an\, a.
Pertaining to Lusitania, the ancient name of the region
almost coinciding with Portugal. -- n. One of the people of
Lusitania.
Lusk \Lusk\, a.
Lazy; slothful. [Obs.]
Lusk \Lusk\, n.
A lazy fellow; a lubber. [Obs.] --T. Kendall.
Lusk \Lusk\, v. i.
To be idle or unemployed. [Obs.]
Luskish \Lusk"ish\, a.
Inclined to be lazy. --Marston. -- {Lusk"ish*ly}, adv.
-{Lusk"ish*ness}, n. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lusorious \Lu*so"ri*ous\, Lusory \Lu"so*ry\, a. [L. lusorius.
See {Illusory}.]
Used in play; sportive; playful. [Obs.] --Bp. Sanderson.
Lussheburgh \Lus"she*burgh\, n.
A spurious coin of light weight imported into England from
Luxemburg, or Lussheburgh, as it was formerly called. [Obs.]
God wot, no Lussheburghes payen ye. --Chaucer.
Lust \Lust\, n. [AS. lust, lust, pleasure, longing; akin to OS.,
D., G., & Sw. lust, Dan. & Icel. lyst, Goth lustus, and perh.
tom Skr. lush to desire, or to E. loose. Cf. {List} to
please, {Listless}.]
1. Pleasure. [Obs.] `` Lust and jollity.'' --Chaucer.
2. Inclination; desire. [Obs.]
For little lust had she to talk of aught. --Spenser.
My lust to devotion is little. --Bp. Hall.
3. Longing desire; eagerness to possess or enjoy; -- in a had
sense; as, the lust of gain.
The lust of reigning. --Milton.
4. Licentious craving; sexual appetite. --Milton.
5. Hence: Virility; vigor; active power. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Lust \Lust\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lusted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lusting}.] [AS. lystan. See {Lust}, n., and cf. List to
choose.]
1. To list; to like. [Obs.] --Chaucer. `` Do so if thou lust.
'' --Latimer.
Note: In earlier usage lust was impersonal.
In the water vessel he it cast When that him
luste. --Chaucer.
2. To have an eager, passionate, and especially an inordinate
or sinful desire, as for the gratification of the sexual
appetite or of covetousness; -- often with after.
Whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. --Deut. xii.
15.
Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.
--Matt. v. 28.
The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy.
--James iv. 5.
Luster \Lust"er\, n.
One who lusts.
Luster Lustre \Lus"ter Lus"tre\, n. [L. lustrum: cf. F. lustre.]
A period of five years; a lustrum.
Both of us have closed the tenth luster. --Bolingbroke.
Luster \Lus"ter\, Lustre \Lus"tre\, n. [F. lustre; cf. It.
lustro; both fr. L. lustrare to purify, go about (like the
priests at the lustral sacrifice), traverse, survey,
illuminate, fr. lustrum a purificatory sacrifice; perh. akin
to E. loose. But lustrare to illuminate is perh. a different
word, and akin to L. lucere to be light or clear, to shine.
See {Lucid}, and cf. {Illustrious}, {Lustrum}.]
1. Brilliancy; splendor; brightness; glitter.
The right mark and very true luster of the diamond.
--Sir T. More.
The scorching sun was mounted high, In all its
luster, to the noonday sky. --Addison.
Note: There is a tendency to limit the use of luster, in this
sense, to the brightness of things which do not shine
with their own light, or at least do not blaze or glow
with heat. One speaks of the luster of a diamond, or of
silk, or even of the stars, but not often now of the
luster of the sun, a coal of fire, or the like.
2. Renown; splendor; distinction; glory.
His ancestors continued about four hundred years,
rather without obscurity than with any great luster.
--Sir H.
Wotton.
3. A candlestick, chandelier, girandole, or the like,
generally of an ornamental character. --Pope.
4. (Min.) The appearance of the surface of a mineral as
affected by, or dependent upon, peculiarities of its
reflecting qualities.
Note: The principal kinds of luster recognized are: metallic,
adamantine, vitreous, resinous, greasy, pearly, and
silky. With respect to intensity, luster is
characterized as splendent, shining, glistening,
glimmering, and dull.
5. A substance which imparts luster to a surface, as plumbago
and some of the glazes.
6. A fabric of wool and cotton with a lustrous surface, --
used for women's dresses.
{Luster ware}, earthenware decorated by applying to the
glazing metallic oxides, which acquire brilliancy in the
process of baking.
Luster \Lus"ter\, Lustre \Lus"tre\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Lustred}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Lustering}, or {Lustring}.]
To make lustrous. [R. & Poetic]
Flooded and lustered with her loosened gold. --Lowell.
Lustering \Lus"ter*ing\, n.
1. The act or process of imparting a luster, as to pottery.
2. The brightening of a metal in the crucible when it becomes
pure, as in certain refining processes.
Lusterless \Lus"ter*less\, Lustreless \Lus"tre*less\, a.
Destitute of luster; dim; dull.
Lustful \Lust"ful\, a.
1. Full of lust; excited by lust. --Spenser. --Tillotson.
2. Exciting lust; characterized by lust or sensuality. ``
Lustful orgies.'' --Milton.
3. Strong; lusty. [Obs.] `` Lustful health.'' --Sackville.
Syn: sensual; fleshly; carnal; inordinate; licentious; lewd;
unchaste; impure; libidinous; lecherous. --
{Lust"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Lust"ful*ness}, n.
Lustic \Lus"tic\, a.
Lusty; vigorous. [Obs.]
Lustihead \Lus"ti*head\, n. [Lusty + -head.]
See {Lustihood}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lustihood \Lus"ti*hood\, n. [Lusty + -hood.]
State of being lusty; vigor of body. `` Full of lustihood.''
--Tennyson.
Lustily \Lus"ti*ly\, adv.
In a lusty or vigorous manner.
Lustiness \Lus"ti*ness\, n.
State of being lusty; vigor; strength.
Lustless \Lust"less\, a. [CF. {Listless}.]
1. Lacking vigor; weak; spiritless. [Obs.] --Spenser.
2. Free from sexual lust.
Lustral \Lus"tral\, a. [L. lustralis, fr. lustrum: cf. F.
lustral. See {Lustrum}.]
1. Of or pertaining to, or used for, purification; as,
lustral days; lustral water.
2. Of or pertaining to a lustrum.
Lustrate \Lus"trate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lustrated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Lustrating}.] [L. lustratus, p. p. of lustrare to
lustrate, fr. lustrum. See {Lustrum}.]
To make clear or pure by means of a propitiatory offering; to
purify.
We must purge, and cleanse, and lustrate the whole
city. --Hammond.
Lustration \Lus*tra"tion\, n. [L. lustratio: cf. F. lustration.]
1. The act of lustrating or purifying.
And holy water for lustration bring. --Dryden.
2. (Antiq.) A sacrifice, or ceremony, by which cities,
fields, armies, or people, defiled by crimes, pestilence,
or other cause of uncleanness, were purified.
Lustre \Lus"tre\, n.
Same as {Luster}.
Lustrical \Lus"tri*cal\, a. [L. lustricus, fr. lustrum. See
{Lustrum}.]
Pertaining to, or used for, purification.
Lustring \Lus"tring\, n. [F. lustrine, It. lustrino, fr.
lustrare to polish, L. lustrare. See 3d {Luster}, and cf.
{Lutestring}.]
A kind of glossy silk fabric. See {Lutestring}.
Lustrous \Lus"trous\, a. [Cf. F. lustreux. See 3d {Luster}.]
Bright; shining; luminous. `` Good sparks and lustrous.''
--Shak. -- {Lus"trous*ly}, adv.
Lustrum \Lus"trum\, n.; pl. E. {Lustrums}, L. {Lustra}. [L. Cf.
2d & 3d {Luster}.]
A lustration or purification, especially the purification of
the whole Roman people, which was made by the censors once in
five years. Hence: A period of five years.
Lustwort \Lust"wort`\ n. (Bot.)
See {Sundew}.
Lusty \Lust"y\, a. [Compar. {Lustier}; superl. {Lustiest}.]
[From {Lust}. See {Lust}, and cf. {Luscious}.]
1. Exhibiting lust or vigor; stout; strong; vigorous; robust;
healthful; able of body.
Neither would their old men, so many as were yet
vigorous and lusty, be left at home. --Milton.
2. Beautiful; handsome; pleasant. [Obs.] --Spenser.
3. Of large size; big. [Obs.] `` Three lusty vessels.''
--Evelyn. Hence, sometimes, pregnant. [Obs. or Prov.]
4. Lustful; lascivious. [Obs.] --Milton.
Lusus naturae \Lu"sus na*tu"r[ae]\ [L., fr. lusus sport +
naturae, gen. of natura nature.]
Sport or freak of nature; a deformed or unnatural production.
Lutanist \Lut"a*nist\, n. [LL. lutanista, fr. lutana lute. See
{Lute} the instrument.]
A person that plays on the lute. --Johnson.
Lutarious \Lu*ta"ri*ous\, a. [L. lutarius fr. lutum mud.]
Of, pertaining to, or like, mud; living in mud. [Obs.]
--Grew.
Lutation \Lu*ta"tion\, n. [L. lutare, lutatum, to bedaub with
mud, fr. lutum mud: cf. F. lutation.]
The act or method of luting vessels.
Lute \Lute\, n. [L. lutum mud, clay: cf. OF. lut.]
1. (Chem.) A cement of clay or other tenacious infusible
substance for sealing joints in apparatus, or the mouths
of vessels or tubes, or for coating the bodies of retorts,
etc., when exposed to heat; -- called also {luting}.
2. A packing ring, as of rubber, for fruit jars, etc.
3. (Brick Making) A straight-edged piece of wood for striking
off superfluous clay from mold.
Lute \Lute\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Luted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Luting}.]
To close or seal with lute; as, to lute on the cover of a
crucible; to lute a joint.
Lute \Lute\, n. [OF. leut, F. luth; skin to Pr. la['u]t, It.
li['u]to, le['u]to, Sp. la['u]d, Pg. alaude; all fr. Ar.
al'?d; al the + '?d wood, timber, trunk or branch of a tree,
staff, stick, wood of aloes, lute or harp.] (Mus.)
A stringed instrument formerly much in use. It consists of
four parts, namely, the table or front, the body, having nine
or ten ribs or ``sides,'' arranged like the divisions of a
melon, the neck, which has nine or ten frets or divisions,
and the head, or cross, in which the screws for tuning are
inserted. The strings are struck with the right hand, and
with the left the stops are pressed.
Lute \Lute\, v. i.
To sound, as a lute. Piers Plowman. Keats.
Lute \Lute\, v. t.
To play on a lute, or as on a lute.
Knaves are men That lute and flute fantastic
tenderness. --Tennyson.
Lute-backed \Lute"-backed`\, a.
Having a curved spine.
Luteic \Lu*te"ic\, a. (Chem.)
(a) Pertaining to, or derived from, weld ({Reseda luteola}).
(b) Pertaining to, or designating, an acid resembling
luteolin, but obtained from the flowers of {Euphorbia
cyparissias}.
Lutein \Lu"te*in\, n. [From corpus luteum.] (Physiol. Chem.)
A substance of a strongly marked yellow color, extracted from
the yelk of eggs, and from the tissue of the corpus luteum.
Lutenist \Lut"e*nist\, n.
Same as {Lutanist}.
Luteo- \Lu"te*o-\ [L. luteus.] (Chem.)
A combining form signifying orange yellow or brownish yellow.
Luteocobaltic \Lu"te*o*co*balt"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, certain compounds of cobalt
having a yellow color. Cf. {Cobaltic}.
{Luteocobaltic chloride} (Chem.), a brilliant reddish yellow
crystalline compound, {Co2Cl6(NH3)12}, obtained by the
action of ammonium chloride on an ammoniacal solution of
cobaltic chloride.
Luteolin \Lu"te*o*lin\, n. [From NL. Reseda luteola, fr. L.
luteolus yellowish, fr. luteus: cf. F. lut['e]oline. See
{Luteous}.] (Chem.)
A yellow dyestuff obtained from the foliage of the dyer's
broom ({Reseda luteola}).
Luteous \Lu"te*ous\, a. [L. luteus, fr. lutum dyer's broom,
weld, which is used as a yellow dye.]
Yellowish; more or less like buff.
Luter \Lut"er\, n. [From 3d {Lute}.]
One who plays on a lute.
Luter \Lut"er\, n. [From Ist {Lute}.]
One who applies lute.
Lutescent \Lu*tes"cent\, a. [L. luteus yellow.]
Of a yellowish color.
Lutestring \Lute"string`\, n. [Corrupted fr. lustring.]
A plain, stout, lustrous silk, used for ladies' dresses and
for ribbon. --Goldsmith.
Luth \Luth\, n. [F.] (Zo["o]l.)
The leatherback.
Lutheran \Lu"ther*an\, a. (Eccl. Hist.)
Of or pertaining to Luther; adhering to the doctrines of
Luther or the Lutheran Church.
Lutheran \Lu"ther*an\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
One who accepts or adheres to the doctrines of Luther or the
Lutheran Church.
Lutheranism \Lu"ther*an*ism\, Lutherism \Lu"ther*ism\, n.
The doctrines taught by Luther or held by the Lutheran
Church.
Luthern \Lu"thern\, n. [F. lucarne a dormer, dormer window,
garret window, L. lucerna lamp, fr. lucere to be light or
clear, fr. lux light. See {Light}, n., and cf. {Lucarne}.]
(Arch.)
A dormer window. See {Dormer}.
Lutidine \Lu"ti*dine\, n. [From toluidine, by transposition.]
(Chem.)
Any one of several metameric alkaloids, {C5H3N.(CH3)2}, of
the pyridine series, obtained from bone oil as liquids, and
having peculiar pungent odors. These alkaloids are also
called respectively {dimethyl pyridine}, {ethyl pyridine},
etc.
Luting \Lut"ing\, n. (Chem.)
See {Lute}, a cement.
Lutist \Lut"ist\, n.
One who plays on a lute.
Lutose \Lu*tose"\, a. [L. lutosus, fr. lutum mud.]
Covered with clay; miry.
Lutulence \Lu"tu*lence\, n.
The state or quality of being lutulent.
Lutulent \Lu"tu*lent\, a. [L. lutulentus, fr. lutum mud.]
Muddy; turbid; thick. [Obs.]
Luwack \Lu*wack"\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Paradoxure}.
Lux \Lux\, v. t. [Cf. F. luxer. See {Luxate}.]
To put out of joint; to luxate. [Obs.]
Luxate \Lux"ate\, a. [L. luxatus, p. p. of luxare to dislocate.]
Luxated. [Obs.]
Luxate \Lux"ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Luxated}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Luxating}.]
To displace, or remove from its proper place, as a joint; to
put out of joint; to dislocate.
Luxation \Lux*a"tion\, n. [L. luxatio: cf. F. luxation.]
The act of luxating, or the state of being luxated; a
dislocation.
Luxe \Luxe\, n. [L. luxus: cf. F. luxe.]
Luxury. [Obs.] --Shenstone.
{['E]dition de luxe}. [F.] (Printing) A sumptuous edition as
regards paper, illustrations, binding, etc.
Luxive \Lux"ive\, a.
Given to luxury; voluptuous. [Obs.]
Luxullianite \Lux*ul"li*an*ite\, n. [So called from Luxullian,
in Cornwall.] (Min.)
A kind of granite from Luxullian, Cornwall, characterized by
the presence of radiating groups of minute tourmaline
crystals.
Luxuriance \Lux*u"ri*ance\, n. [Cf. F. luxuriance.]
The state or quality of being luxuriant; rank, vigorous
growth; excessive abundance produced by rank growth.
``Tropical luxuriance.'' --B. Taylor.
Luxuriancy \Lux*u"ri*an*cy\, n.
The state or quality of being luxuriant; luxuriance.
Flowers grow up in the garden in the greatest
luxuriancy and profusion. --Spectator.
Luxuriant \Lux*u"ri*ant\, a. [L. luxurians, p. pr. of luxuriare:
cf. F. luxuriant. See {Luxuriate}.]
Exuberant in growth; rank; excessive; very abundant; as, a
luxuriant growth of grass; luxuriant foliage.
Prune the luxuriant, the uncouth refine. --Pope.
{Luxuriant flower} (Bot.), one in which the floral envelopes
are overdeveloped at the expense of the essential organs.
Luxuriantly \Lux*u"ri*ant*ly\, adv.
In a luxuriant manner.
Luxuriate \Lux*u"ri*ate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Luxuriated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Luxuriating}.] [L. luxuriatus, p. p. of
luxuriari, -are, to luxuriate. See {Luxury}.]
1. To grow exuberantly; to grow to superfluous abundance. ``
Corn luxuriates in a better mold.'' --Burton.
2. To feed or live luxuriously; as, the herds luxuriate in
the pastures.
3. To indulge with unrestrained delight and freedom; as, to
luxuriate in description.
Luxuriation \Lux*u`ri*a"tion\, n.
The act or process luxuriating.
Luxuriety \Lux`u*ri"e*ty\, n.
Luxuriance. [Obs.]
Luxurious \Lux*u"ri*ous\, a. [L. luxuriosus: cf. F. luxurieux.
See {Luxury}.]
Of or pertaining to luxury; ministering to luxury; supplied
with the conditions of luxury; as, a luxurious life; a
luxurious table; luxurious ease. `` Luxurious cities. ''
--Milton. -- {Lux*u"ri*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Lux*u"ri*ous*ness},
n.
Luxurist \Lux"u*rist\, n.
One given to luxury. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple.
Luxury \Lux"u*ry\, n.; pl. {Luxuries}. [L. luxuria, fr. luxus:
cf. F. luxure.]
1. A free indulgence in costly food, dress, furniture, or
anything expensive which gratifies the appetites or
tastes.
Riches expose a man to pride and luxury.
--Spectator.
2. Anything which pleases the senses, and is also costly, or
difficult to obtain; an expensive rarity; as, silks,
jewels, and rare fruits are luxuries; in some countries
ice is a great luxury.
He cut the side of a rock for a garden, and, by
laying on it earth, furnished out a kind of luxury
for a hermit. --Addison.
3. Lechery; lust. [Obs.] --Shak.
Luxury is in wine and drunkenness. --Chaucer.
4. Luxuriance; exuberance. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Syn: Voluptuousness; epicurism; effeminacy; sensuality;
lasciviousness; dainty; delicacy; gratification.
Luz \Luz\, n.
A bone of the human body which was supposed by certain
Rabbinical writers to be indestructible. Its location was a
matter of dispute. --Brande & C.
-ly \-ly\ [OE. -lich, AS. -lic, orig. the same word as E. like,
a. See {Like}, a.]
A suffix forming adjectives and adverbs, and denoting
likeness or resemblance.
Lyam \Ly"am\, n. [See {Leam}.]
A leash. [Obs.]
Lycanthrope \Ly"can*thrope\, n. [Gr. ?; ? a wolf + ? a man.]
1. A human being fabled to have been changed into a wolf; a
werewolf.
2. One affected with lycanthropy.
Lycanthropia \Ly`can*thro"pi*a\, n. [NL.]
See {Lycanthropy}, 2.
Lycanthropic \Ly`can*throp"ic\, a.
Pertaining to lycanthropy.
Lycanthropist \Ly*can"thro*pist\, n.
One affected by the disease lycanthropy.
Lycanthropous \Ly*can"thro*pous\, a.
Lycanthropic.
Lycanthropy \Ly*can"thro*py\, n. [Gr. ?: cf. F. lycanthropie.]
1. The supposed act of turning one's self or another person
into a wolf. --Lowell.
2. (Med.) A kind of erratic melancholy, in which the patient
imagines himself a wolf, and imitates the actions of that
animal.
Lyceum \Ly*ce"um\, n.; pl. E. {Lyceums}, L. {Lycea}. [L. lyceum,
Gr. ?, so named after the neighboring temple of ? ? Apollo
the wolf slayer, prob. fr. ? belonging to a wolf, fr ? wolf.
See {Wolf}.]
1. A place of exercise with covered walks, in the suburbs of
Athens, where Aristotle taught philosophy.
2. A house or apartment appropriated to instruction by
lectures or disquisitions.
3. A higher school, in Europe, which prepares youths for the
university.
4. An association for debate and literary improvement.
Lyche \Lyche\, a.
Like. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lychee \Ly"chee`\, n. (Bot.)
See {Litchi}.
Lych gate \Lych" gate`\
See under {Lich}.
Lychnis \Lych"nis\, n. [L., a kind of red flower, Gr. lychni`s;
cf. ly`chnos a lamp.] (Bot.)
A genus of Old World plants belonging to the Pink family
({Caryophyllace[ae]}). Most of the species have brilliantly
colored flowers and cottony leaves, which may have anciently
answered as wicks for lamps. The botanical name is in common
use for the garden species. The corn cockle ({Lychnis
Githago}) is a common weed in wheat fields.
Lychnobite \Lych"no*bite\, n. [Gr. ly`chnos a lamp + bi`os
life.]
One who labors at night and sleeps in the day.
Lychnoscope \Lych"no*scope\, n. [Gr. ? + -scope.] (Arch.)
Same as {Low side window}, under Low, a.
Lycine \Lyc"ine\, n. (Chem.)
A weak base identical with betaine; -- so called because
found in the boxthorn ({Lycium barbarum}). See {Betaine}.
Lycoperdon \Ly`co*per"don\, n. [NL., from Gr. ? wolf + ? to
break wind.] (Bot.)
A genus of fungi, remarkable for the great quantity of
spores, forming a fine dust, which is thrown out like smoke
when the plant is compressed or burst; puffball.
Lycopod \Ly"co*pod\, n. [Cf. F. lycopode.] (Bot.)
A plant of the genus Lycopodium.
Lycopode \Ly"co*pode\, n. [F.]
Same as {Lycopodium powder}. See under {Lycopodium}.
Lycopodiaceous \Ly`co*po`di*a"ceous\, a. (Bot.)
Belonging, or relating, to the {Lycopodiace[ae]}, an order of
cryptogamous plants (called also {club mosses}) with
branching stems, and small, crowded, one-nerved, and usually
pointed leaves.
Lycopodite \Ly*cop"o*dite\, n. (Paleon.)
An old name for a fossil club moss.
Lycopodium \Ly`co*po"di*um\, n. [NL., from Gr. ? wolf + ?, ?, a
foot.] (Bot.)
A genus of mosslike plants, the type of the order
{Lycopodiace[ae]}; club moss.
{Lycopodium powder}, a fine powder or dust composed of the
spores of Lycopodium, and other plants of the order
{Lycopodiace[ae]}. It is highly inflammable, and is
sometimes used in the manufacture of fireworks, and the
artificial representation of lightning.
Lycotropous \Ly*cot"ro*pous\, a. [Gr. ? hook + ? to turn.]
(Bot.)
Campylotropous.
Lyden \Lyd"en\, n.
See {Leden}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lydian \Lyd"i*an\, a. [L. Lydius, fr. Lydia, Gr. ?.]
Of or pertaining to Lydia, a country of Asia Minor, or to its
inhabitants; hence, soft; effeminate; -- said especially of
one of the ancient Greek modes or keys, the music in which
was of a soft, pathetic, or voluptuous character.
Softly sweet in Lydian measures, Soon he soothed his
soul to pleasures. --Dryden.
{Lydian stone}, a flint slate used by the ancients to try
gold and silver; a touchstone. See {Basanite}.
Lydine \Lyd"ine\, n. (Dyeing)
A violet dye derived from aniline.
Lye \Lye\, n. [Written also {lie} and {ley}.] [AS. le['a]h; akin
to D. loog, OHG. louga, G. lauge; cf. Icel. laug a bath, a
hot spring.]
A strong caustic alkaline solution of potassium salts,
obtained by leaching wood ashes. It is much used in making
soap, etc.
Lye \Lye\, n. (Railroad)
A short side line, connected with the main line; a turn-out;
a siding. [Eng.]
Lye \Lye\, n.
A falsehood. [Obs.] See {Lie}.
Lyencephala \Ly`en*ceph"a*la\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? to loose +
? the brain.] (Zo["o]l.)
A group of Mammalia, including the marsupials and monotremes;
-- so called because the corpus callosum is rudimentary.
Lyencephalous \Ly`en*ceph"a*lous\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Pertaining to, or characteristic of, the Lyencephala.
Lyerman \Ly"er*man\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The cicada.
Lygodium \Ly*go"di*um\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? flexible; ? a willow
twig + ? form.] (Bot.)
A genus of ferns with twining or climbing fronds, bearing
stalked and variously-lobed divisions in pairs.
Note: Lygodium palmatum, much prized for indoor ornament,
inhabits shaded and moist grassy places, from
Massachusetts to Virginia and Kentucky, and sparingly
southwards.
Lying \Ly"ing\, p. pr. & vb. n.
of {Lie}, to tell a falsehood.
Lying \Ly"ing\, p. pr. & vb. n.
of {Lie}, to be supported horizontally.
{Lying panel} (Arch.), a panel in which the grain of the wood
is horizontal. [R.]
{Lying to} (Naut.), having the sails so disposed as to
counteract each other.
Lying-in \Ly"ing-in"\, n.
1. The state attending, and consequent to, childbirth;
confinement.
2. The act of bearing a child.
Lyingly \Ly"ing*ly\, adv.
In a lying manner; falsely.
Lyken \Ly"ken\, v. t. [See {Like}, v. t. ]
To please; -- chiefly used impersonally. [Obs.] `` Sith it
lyketh you.'' --Chaucer.
Lym \Lym\, or Lymhound \Lym"hound`\, n.
A dog held in a leam; a bloodhound; a limehound. [Obs.]
--Shak.
Lymail \Ly*mail"\, n.
See {Limaille}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Lyme grass \Lyme" grass`\ (Bot.)
A coarse perennial grass of several species of {Elymus}, esp.
{E. Canadensis}, and the European {E. arenarius}.
Lymph \Lymph\, n. [L. lympha: cf. F. lymphe.]
1. A spring of water; hence, water, or a pure, transparent
liquid like water.
A fountain bubbled up, whose lymph serene Nothing of
earthly mixture might distain. --Trench.
2. (Anat.) An alkaline colorless fluid, contained in the
lymphatic vessels, coagulable like blood, but free from
red blood corpuscles. It is absorbed from the various
tissues and organs of the body, and is finally discharged
by the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts into the great
veins near the heart.
3. (Med.) A fibrinous material exuded from the blood vessels
in inflammation. In the process of healing it is either
absorbed, or is converted into connective tissue binding
the inflamed surfaces together.
{Lymph corpuscles} (Anat.), finely granular nucleated cells,
identical with the colorless blood corpuscles, present in
the lymph and chyle.
{Lymph duct} (Anat.), a lymphatic.
{Lymph heart}. See Note under {Heart}, n., 1.
Lymphadenitis \Lym`pha*de*ni"tis\, n. [NL. See {Lymph}, and
{Adenitis}.] (Med.)
Inflammation of the lymphatic glands; -- called also
{lymphitis}.
Lymphadenoma \Lym`pha*de*no"ma\, n. [NL. See {Lymph}, {Aden-},
and {-oma}.] (Med.)
See {Lymphoma}.
Lymphangeitis \Lym*phan`ge*i"tis\, n. [NL., from L. lympha lymph
+ Gr. ? vessel + -itis.] (Med.)
Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels. [Written also
{lymphangitis}.]
Lymphangial \Lym*phan"gi*al\, a. [See {Lymphangeitis}.] (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the lymphatics, or lymphoid tissue;
lymphatic.
Lymphate \Lymph"ate\, Lymphated \Lymph"a*ted\, a. [L. lymphatus,
p. p. of lymphare to water, dilute with water, to drive out
of one's senses, to make mad.]
Frightened into madness; raving. [Obs.]
Lymphatic \Lym*phat"ic\, a. [L. lymphaticus distracted, frantic:
cf. F. lymphatique]
pertaining to, containing, or conveying lymph.
2. Madly enthusiastic; frantic. [Obs.] `` Lymphatic rapture.
'' --Sir T. Herbert. [See {Lymphate}.]
{Lymphatic gland} (Anat.), one of the solid glandlike bodies
connected with the lymphatics or the lacteals; -- called
also {lymphatic ganglion}, and {conglobate gland}.
{Lymphatic temperament} (Old Physiol.), a temperament in
which the lymphatic system seems to predominate, that is,
a system in which the complexion lacks color and the
tissues seem to be of loose texture; hence, a temperament
lacking energy, inactive, indisposed to exertion or
excitement. See {Temperament}.
Lymphatic \Lym*phat"ic\, n.
1. (Anat.) One of the lymphatic or absorbent vessels, which
carry lymph and discharge it into the veins; lymph duct;
lymphatic duct.
2. A mad enthusiast; a lunatic. [Obs.]
Lymphitis \Lym*phi"tis\, n. [NL.] (Med.)
See {Lymphadenitis}.
Lymphogenic \Lym`pho*gen"ic\, a. [Lymph + root of L. gignere to
produce.] (Physiol.)
Connected with, or formed in, the lymphatic glands.
Lymphography \Lym*phog"ra*phy\, n. [Lymph + -graphy.]
A description of the lymphatic vessels, their origin and
uses.
Lymphoid \Lymph"oid\, a. [Lymph + -oid.] (Anat.)
Resembling lymph; also, resembling a lymphatic gland;
adenoid; as, lymphoid tissue.
Lymphoma \Lym*pho"ma\, n. [NL. See {Lymph}, and {-oma}.] (Med.)
A tumor having a structure resembling that of a lymphatic
gland; -- called also {lymphadenoma}.
{Malignant lymphoma}, a fatal disease characterized by the
formation in various parts of the body of new growths
resembling lymphatic glands in structure.
Lymphy \Lymph"y\, a.
Containing, or like, lymph.
Lyn \Lyn\, n.
A waterfall. See {Lin}. [Scot.]
Lyncean \Lyn*ce"an\, a. [See {Lynx}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the lynx.
Lynch \Lynch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lynched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Lynching}.] [See Note under {Lynch law}.]
To inflict punishment upon, especially death, without the
forms of law, as when a mob captures and hangs a suspected
person. See {Lynch law}.
Lyncher \Lynch"er\, n.
One who assists in lynching.
Lynch law \Lynch" law`\
The act or practice by private persons of inflicting
punishment for crimes or offenses, without due process of
law.
Note: The term Lynch law is said to be derived from a
Virginian named Lynch, who took the law into his own
hands. But the origin of the term is very doubtful.
Lynde \Lynde\, Lynden \Lyn"den\, n.
See {Linden}.
Lyne \Lyne\, n.
Linen. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lynx \Lynx\, n. [L. lynx, lyncis, Gr. ?; akin to AS. lox, G.
luchs, prob. named from its sharp sight, and akin to E.
light. See {Light}, n., and cf. {Ounce} an animal.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of feline animals of
the genus {Felis}, and subgenus {Lynx}. They have a short
tail, and usually a pencil of hair on the tip of the ears.
Note: Among the well-known species are the European lynx
({Felis borealis}); the Canada lynx or loup-cervier
({F. Canadensis}); the bay lynx of America ({F. rufa}),
and its western spotted variety ({var. maculata}); and
the pardine lynx ({F. pardina}) of Southern Europe.
2. (Astron.) One of the northern constellations.
Lynx-eyed \Lynx"-eyed`\, a.
Having acute sight.
Lyonnaise \Ly`on`naise"\, a. [F. lyonnaise, fem. of lyonnais of
Lyons.] (Cookery)
Applied to boiled potatoes cut into small pieces and heated
in oil or butter. They are usually flavored with onion and
parsley.
Lyopomata \Ly`o*po"ma*ta\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? to loose + ?,
?, a lid.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of brachiopods, in which the valves of shell are not
articulated by a hinge. It includes the Lingula, Discina, and
allied forms. [Written also {Lyopoma}.]
Lyra \Ly"ra\, n. [L. lyra, Gr. ?. See {Lyre}.]
1. (Astron.) A northern constellation, the Harp, containing a
white star of the first magnitude, called Alpha Lyr[ae],
or Vega.
2. (Anat.) The middle portion of the ventral surface of the
fornix of the brain; -- so called from the arrangement of
the lines with which it is marked in the human brain.
Lyraid \Ly"ra*id\, n. (Astron.)
Same as {Lyrid}.
Lyrate \Ly"rate\, Lyrated \Ly"ra*ted\, a. [NL. lyratus. See
{Lyre}.]
1. (Bot.) Lyre-shaped, or spatulate and oblong, with small
lobes toward the base; as, a lyrate leaf.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Shaped like a lyre, as the tail of the
blackcock, or that of the lyre bird.
Lyre \Lyre\, n. [OE. lire, OF. lyre, L. lyra, Gr. ?. Cf.
{Lyra}.]
1. (Mus.) A stringed instrument of music; a kind of harp much
used by the ancients, as an accompaniment to poetry.
Note: The lyre was the peculiar instrument of Apollo, the
tutelary god of music and poetry. It gave name to the
species of verse called lyric, to which it originally
furnished an accompaniment
2. (Astron.) One of the constellations; Lyra. See {Lyra}.
{Lyre bat} (Zo["o]l.), a small bat ({Megaderma lyra}),
inhabiting India and Ceylon. It is remarkable for the
enormous size and curious shape of the nose membrane and
ears.
{Lyre turtle} (Zo["o]l.), the leatherback.
Lyre bird \Lyre" bird`\ (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of two or three species of Australian birds of the
genus {Menura}. The male is remarkable for having the sixteen
tail feathers very long and, when spread, arranged in the
form of a lyre. The common lyre bird ({Menura superba}),
inhabiting New South Wales, is about the size of a grouse.
Its general color is brown, with rufous color on the throat,
wings, tail coverts and tail. Called also {lyre pheasant} and
{lyre-tail}.
Lyric \Lyr"ic\, Lyrical \Lyr"ic*al\, a. [L. lyricus, Gr. ?: cf.
F. lyrique. See {Lyre}.]
1. Of or pertaining to a lyre or harp.
2. Fitted to be sung to the lyre; hence, also, appropriate
for song; -- said especially of poetry which expresses the
individual emotions of the poet. ``Sweet lyric song.''
--Milton.
Lyric \Lyr"ic\, n.
1. A lyric poem; a lyrical composition.
2. A composer of lyric poems. [R.] --Addison.
3. A verse of the kind usually employed in lyric poetry; --
used chiefly in the plural.
Lyrically \Lyr"ic*al*ly\, adv.
In a lyrical manner.
Lyricism \Lyr"i*cism\, n.
A lyric composition. --Gray.
Lyrid \Ly"rid\ (l[imac]"r[i^]d), n. (Astron.)
One of the group of shooting stars which come into the air in
certain years on or about the 19th of April; -- so called
because the apparent path among the stars the stars if
produced back wards crosses the constellation Lyra.
Lyrie \Ly"rie\ (l[imac]"r[i^]), n. [Icel. hl[=y]ri a sort of
fish.] (Zo["o]l.)
A European fish ({Peristethus cataphractum}), having the body
covered with bony plates, and having three spines projecting
in front of the nose; -- called also {noble}, {pluck},
{pogge}, {sea poacher}, and {armed bullhead}.
Lyriferous \Ly*rif"er*ous\ (l[-i]*r[i^]f"[~e]r*[u^]s), a. [Lyre
+ -ferous.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having a lyre-shaped shoulder girdle, as certain fishes.
Lyrism \Lyr"ism\ (l[imac]r"[i^]z'm), n. [Cf. Gr. lyrismo`s.]
The act of playing on a lyre or harp. --G. Eliot.
Lyrist \Lyr"ist\, n. [L. lyristes, Gr. lyristh`s: cf. F.
lyriste.]
A musician who plays on the harp or lyre; a composer of
lyrical poetry. --Shelley.
Lysimeter \Ly*sim"e*ter\ (l[-i]*s[i^]m"[-e]*t[~e]r), n. [Gr.
ly`sis a loosing + -meter.]
An instrument for measuring the water that percolates through
a certain depth of soil. --Knight.
Lysis \Ly"sis\ (l[imac]"s[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ly`sis.]
(Med.)
The resolution or favorable termination of a disease, coming
on gradually and not marked by abrupt change.
Note: It is usually contrasted with crisis, in which the
improvement is sudden and marked; as, pneumonia ends by
crisis, typhoid fever by lysis.
Lyssa \Lys"sa\ (l[i^]s"s[.a]), n. [NL. See {Lytta}.] (Med.)
Hydrophobia.
Note: The plural (Lyss[ae]) has been used to signify the
pustules supposed to be developed under the tongue in
hydrophobia.
Lyterian \Ly*te"ri*an\ (l[-i]*t[=e]"r[i^]*an), a. [Gr. lyth`rios
healing, fr. lyth`r a deliverer, fr. ly`ein to loosen.]
(Med.)
Terminating a disease; indicating the end of a disease.
Lythe \Lythe\ (l[imac]th), n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European pollack; -- called also {laith}, and {leet}.
[Scot.]
Lythe \Lythe\ (l[imac][th]), a. [See {Lithe}, a.]
Soft; flexible. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Lythonthriptic \Lyth`on*thrip"tic\
(l[i^]th`[o^]n*thr[i^]p"t[i^]k), Lythontriptic
\Lyth`on*trip"tic\ (-tr[i^]p"t[i^]k), a. (Med.)
See {Lithontriptic}.
Lytta \Lyt"ta\ (l[i^]t"t[.a]), n.; pl. {Lytt[ae]} (-t[=e]). [L.,
a worm said to grow under the tongue of dogs, and to cause
canine madness, fr. Gr. ly`tta, ly`ssa, lit., madness.]
(Anat.)
A fibrous and muscular band lying within the longitudinal
axis of the tongue in many mammals, as the dog.