Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) (part 2 of 6)

Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) (part 2 of 6)

SIMIA, sim'i-a, n. an anthropoid ape: a monkey generally: the typical genus of Simiidæ, containing the orang-utans--the Simiidæ includes the anthropoid apes; Simiinæ is the higher of the two sub-families of Simiidæ, comprising the gorilla, chimpanzee, and orang.--adjs. SIM'IAL, SIM'IAN, SIM'IOUS, like an ape: anthropoid. [L.]

SIMILAR, sim'i-lar, adj. like: resembling: uniform: (geom.) exactly corresponding in shape, without regard to size.--n. SIMILAR'ITY.--adv. SIM'ILARLY.--n. SIMIL'ITUDE, the state of being similar or like: resemblance: comparison: simile: (B.) a parable.--adj. SIMILIT[=U]'DINARY. [Fr.,--L. similis, like.]

SIMILE, sim'i-le, n. something similar: similitude: (rhet.) a comparison to illustrate anything.--n.pl. SIMIL'IA, things alike.--v.t. SIM'ILISE, to liken, compare.--v.i. to use similitudes.--adv. SIMIL'LITER, in like manner. [L., neut. of similis, like.]

SIMILOR, sim'i-l[=o]r, n. a yellow alloy used for cheap jewellery. [Fr.,--L. similis, like, aurum, gold.]

SIMITAR. Same as Scimitar (q.v.).

SIMKIN, sim'kin, n. the usual Anglo-Indian word for champagne.--Also SIMP'KIN.

SIMMER, sim'[.e]r, v.i. to boil with a gentle, hissing sound: to be on the point of boiling out, as into anger.--n. a gentle heating. [Imit.; cf. Sw. dial. summa, to hum, Ger. summen.]

SIMNEL, sim'nel, n. a sweet cake of fine flour for Christmas, Easter, or Mothering Sunday.--Also SIM'LIN. [O. Fr. simenel--L. simila, fine flour.]

SIMON-PURE, s[=i]'mon-p[=u]r, adj. authentic, genuine. [From Simon Pure, a character in Mrs Centlivre's comedy, A Bold Stroke for a Wife, who is counterfeited by an impostor.]

SIMONY, sim'on-i, n. the crime of buying or selling presentation to a benefice, so named from Simon Magus, who thought to purchase the gift of the Holy Spirit with money (Acts, viii.).--n. SIM[=O]'NIAC, one guilty of simony.--adjs. SIMON[=I]'ACAL, SIM[=O]'NIOUS (obs.), pertaining to, guilty of, or involving simony.--adv. SIMON[=I]'ACALLY.--n. S[=I]'MONIST, one who practises or defends simony.

SIMOOM, si-m[=oo]m', n. a hot suffocating wind which blows in northern Africa and Arabia and the adjacent countries from the interior deserts.--Also SIMOON'. [Ar. samûm--samm, to poison.]

SIMORHYNCHUS, sim-[=o]-ring'kus, n. a genus of small North Pacific birds, the snub-nosed auklets. [Gr. simos, flat-nosed, hryngchos, snout.]

SIMOUS, s[=i]'mus, adj. flat or snub nosed: concave.--n. SIMOS'ITY.

SIMPAI, sim'p[=i], n. the black-crested monkey of Sumatra.

SIMPER, sim'p[.e]r, v.i. to smile in a silly, affected manner.--n. a silly or affected smile.--n. SIM'PERER, one who simpers.--adj. SIMP'ERING.--adv. SIM'PERINGLY, in a simpering manner: with a foolish smile. [Prob. Scand.; Norw. semper, smart.]

SIMPLE, sim'pl, adj. single: undivided: resisting decomposition: elementary, undeveloped: plain, single, entire: homogeneous: open: unaffected: undesigning: true: clear: straightforward: artless: guileless: unsuspecting: credulous: not cunning: weak in intellect: silly: of mean birth--opposed to Gentle.--n. something not mixed or compounded: a medicinal herb: a simple feast--opposed to a double or semidouble.--v.i. to gather simples or medicinal plants.--adjs. SIM'PLE-HEART'ED, having a simple heart: guileless; SIM'PLE-MIND'ED, having a simple mind: unsuspecting: undesigning.--ns. SIM'PLE-MIND'EDNESS, the state or quality of being simple-minded: artlessness; SIM'PLENESS, the state or quality of being simple: artlessness: simplicity: folly; SIM'PLER, a gatherer of simples; SIM'PLESS (Spens.), simplicity; SIM'PLETON, a weak or foolish person.--adv. SIMPLIC'ITER, simply, not relatively.--ns. SIMPLIC'ITY, the state or quality of being simple: singleness: want of complication: openness: clearness: freedom from excessive adornment: plainness: sincerity: artlessness: credulity, silliness, folly; SIMPLIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of making simple.--adj. SIM'PLIFIC[=A]TIVE.--n. SIM'PLIFIC[=A]TOR, one who simplifies.--v.t. SIM'PLIFY, to make simple: to render less difficult: to make plain:--pa.t. and pa.p. sim'plified.--ns. SIM'PLISM, affected simplicity; SIM'PLIST, one skilled in simples.--adj. SIMPLIS'TIC.--adv. SIM'PLY, in a simple manner: artlessly: foolishly: weakly: plainly: considered by itself: alone: merely: solely. [Fr.,--L. simplex, the same--sim- (L. semel), root of plic[=a]re, to fold.]

SIMSON, SIMPSON, sim'son, n. (prov.) groundsel. [Earlier sencion--O. Fr. senecion--L. senecio.]

SIMULACRUM, sim-[=u]-l[=a]'krum, n. an image, unreal phantom: a formal sign:--pl. SIMUL[=A]'CRA. [L.]

SIMULATE, sim'[=u]-l[=a]t, v.t. to imitate: to counterfeit: to pretend: to assume the appearance of without the reality.--adjs. SIM'ULANT, simulating: replacing, or having the form or appearance of, esp. in biology; SIM'ULAR, counterfeit, feigned.--n. one who pretends to be what he is not.--ns. SIMUL[=A]'TION, the act of simulating or putting on what is not true: imitation in form of one word by another: resemblance, similarity; SIM'UL[=A]TOR, one who simulates.--adj. SIM'UL[=A]TORY. [L. simul[=a]re, -[=a]tum, to make (something) similar to (another thing)--similis, like.]

SIMULTANEOUS, sim-ul-t[=a]'n[=e]-us, adj. acting, existing, or happening at the same time: (math.) satisfied by the same values of the variables or unknown quantities--of a set of equations.--ns. SIMULTAN[=E]'ITY, SIMULT[=A]'NEOUSNESS.--adv. SIMULT[=A]'NEOUSLY. [Low L. simultaneus--L. simul, at the same time.]

SIMURG, si-m[=oo]rg', n. a monstrous bird of Persian fable.--Also SIMORG', SIMURGH'.

SIN, sin, adv. (Spens.) since. [Since.]

SIN, sin, n. wilful violation of law: neglect of duty: neglect of the laws of morality and religion, any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God: wickedness, iniquity.--v.i. to commit sin: to violate or neglect the laws of morality or religion: to do wrong:--pr.p sin'ning; pa.t. and pa.p. sinned.--adjs. SIN'-BORN, born of sin; SIN'-BRED, produced by sin.--ns. SIN'-EAT'ER, one of a class of men formerly employed in Wales to eat a piece of bread and drink a cup of ale placed on a bier, and so symbolically take upon themselves the sins of the deceased--due to the notion of the Levitical scapegoat (Levit. xvi. 21, 22); SIN'-EAT'ING.--adj. SIN'FUL, full of, or tainted with, sin: iniquitous: wicked: depraved: criminal: unholy.--adv. SIN'FULLY.--n. SIN'FULNESS.--adj. SIN'LESS, without sin: innocent: pure: perfect.--adv. SIN'LESSLY.--ns. SIN'LESSNESS; SIN'NER, one who sins: an offender or criminal: (theol.) an unregenerate person.--v.i. (Pope) to act as a sinner (with indefinite it).--n. SIN'-OFF'ERING, an offering for, or sacrifice in expiation of, sin.--adjs. SIN'-SICK, morally sick from sin; SIN'-WORN, worn by sin.--LIKE SIN (slang), very much, very hard; MORTAL, or DEADLY, SIN, such as wilfully violates the divine law and separates the soul from God--seven deadly sins, pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth; ORIGINAL SIN, the innate depravity and corruption of the whole nature due to the sin of Adam as federal representative of the human race, and transmitted by ordinary generation to all his posterity; VENIAL SIN, any transgression due to inadvertence, not alienating the friendship of God. [A.S. syn, sinn; Ice. syn-d, Ger. sünde, L. sons.]

SINAITIC, s[=i]-na-it'ik, adj. pertaining to, made, or given at Mount Sinai.--Also SIN[=A]'IC.

SINAPIS, si-n[=a]'pis, n. the officinal name of mustard.--n. SIN'APISM, a mustard-plaster. [L.,--Gr. sinapi.]

SINCE, sins, adv. from the time that: past: ago.--prep. after: from the time of.--conj. seeing that: because: considering. [M. E. sins, sithens--A.S. síth-thám, lit. 'after that,' from síth, late (Ger. seit), and thám, dat. of thæt, that.]

SINCERE, sin-s[=e]r', adj. clean: pure: (B.) unadulterated: being in reality what it is in appearance: unfeigned: frank: honest: true, virtuous.--adv. SINC[=E]RE'LY.--ns. SINC[=E]RE'NESS, SINCER'ITY, state or quality of being sincere: honesty of mind: freedom from pretence. [Fr.,--L. sincerus, clean, generally derived from sine, without, cera, wax; better from sin-, single, -cerus for an assumed scerus, bright.]

SINCIPUT, sin'si-put, n. the forepart of the head from the forehead to the vertex.--adj. SINCIP'ITAL. [L., semi-; half, caput, the head.]

SIND, s[=i]nd, v.t. (Scot.) to rinse.--Also Synd.

SINDON, sin'don, n. (Bacon) a wrapper. [L.,--Gr. sind[=o]n, fine Indian cloth, muslin, a garment, prob. from India, or Sinde in India.]

SINE, s[=i]n, n. a straight line drawn from one extremity of an arc perpendicular to the diameter that passes through the other extremity. [L. sinus, a curve.]

SINE, SYNE, s[=i]n, adv. (Scot.) after that: ago.--conj. since.

SINE, s[=i]'ne, prep. without, as in SINE DIE, without day, of an adjournment; SINE QUÂ NON, an indispensable condition, &c. [L.]

SINECURE, s[=i]'n[=e]-k[=u]r (or sin'-), n. an ecclesiastical benefice without the cure or care of souls: an office with salary but without work.--adj. pertaining to such an office.--ns. S[=I]'NECURISM, the state of having a sinecure; S[=I]'NECURIST, one who holds a sinecure. [L. sine, without, cura, care.]

SINEW, sin'[=u], n. that which joins a muscle to a bone, a tendon: muscle, nerve: that which supplies vigour.--v.t. to bind as by sinews: to strengthen.--adj. SIN'EWED, furnished with sinews: (Shak.) strong, vigorous.--n. SIN'EWINESS, the state or quality of being sinewy.--adjs. SIN'EWLESS, having no sinews: without strength or power; SIN'EW-SHRUNK, applied to a horse which has become gaunt-bellied from being overdriven; SIN'EWY, SIN'EWOUS, furnished with sinews: consisting of, belonging to, or resembling sinews: strong: vigorous.--SINEWS OF WAR, money. [A.S. sinu; Ice. sin, Ger. sehne.]

SINFONIA, sin-f[=o]-n[=e]'a, n. symphony. [It.]

SING, sing, v.i. to utter melodious sounds in musical succession: to make a small, shrill sound: to relate in verse: to squeal: to ring: to be capable of being sung.--v.t. to utter musically: to chant: to celebrate: to attend on: to effect by singing: to celebrate or relate in verse:--pa.t. sang or sung; pa.p. sung.--adj. SING'ABLE.--ns. SING'ABLENESS; SING'ER, one who sings: one whose occupation is to sing; SING'ING, the act or art of singing; SING'ING-BIRD, a bird that sings, a songster; SING'ING-BOOK, a song-book; SING'ING-GALL'ERY, a gallery occupied by singers; SING'ING-HINN'Y, a currant cake baked on a girdle.--adv. SING'INGLY.--ns. SING'ING-MAN (Shak.), one employed to sing, as in a cathedral; SING'ING-MAS'TER, a master who teaches singing; SING'ING-SCHOOL, a place where singing is taught; SING'ING-VOICE, the voice as used in singing; SING'ING-WOM'AN, a woman employed to sing.--SING ANOTHER SONG, or TUNE, to change one's tone or attitude, esp. to a humbler manner; SING OUT, to call out distinctly, to shout; SING SMALL, to assume a humble tone: to play a minor part. [A.S. singan; Ger. singen, Goth. siggwan.]

SINGE, sinj, v.t. to burn on the surface: to scorch:--pr.p. singe'ing; pa.t. and pa.p. singed.--n. a burning of the surface: a slight burn.--SINGED CAT, a person who is better than he looks. [A.S. besengan, the causative of singan, to sing, from the singing noise produced by scorching.]

SINGHALESE. Same as CINGALESE.

SINGLE, sing'gl, adj. consisting of one only: individual, unique: separate, private: alone: unmarried: not combined with others: unmixed: having one only on each side: straightforward: sincere: simple, normal: pure.--v.t. to separate: to choose one from others: to select from a number.--adjs. SING'LE-ACT'ING, acting effectively in one direction only--of any reciprocating machine or implement; SING'LE-BREAST'ED, with a single row of buttons or loops only, of a coat, corsage, &c.--n. SINGLE-EN'TRY, a system of book-keeping in which each entry appears only once on one side or other of an account.--adj. SING'LE-EYED, having but one eye: devoted, unselfish.--ns. SING'LE-FLOW'ER, a flower containing a single set of petals, as a wild rose; SING'LE-FOOT, a gait of horses, the amble.--adjs. SING'LE-HAND'ED, by one's self: unassisted: having only one workman; SING'LE-HEART'ED, having a single or sincere heart: without duplicity.--adv. SING'LE-HEART'EDLY.--adj. SING'LE-MIND'ED, having a single or sincere mind: upright.--ns. SING'LE-MIND'EDNESS; SING'LENESS, state of being single or alone: freedom from deceit: sincerity: simplicity.--adj. SING'LE-SOLED, having a single sole, as a shoe: poor.--ns. SING'LE-STICK, a stick or cudgel for one hand: a fight or game with singlesticks; SING'LET, an undershirt or waistcoat; SING'LETON, in whist, a hand containing one card only of some suit; SING'LETREE (the same as SWINGLETREE); SING'LE-WOM'AN, an unmarried woman: (obs.) a whore.--adv. SING'LY, one by one: particularly: alone: by one's self: honestly: sincerely. [O. Fr.,--L. sin-gulus, one to each, separate, akin to sem-el, once, Gr. ham-a.]

SINGSONG, sing'song, n. bad singing: drawling: a convivial meeting where every one must sing.--adj. monotonously rhythmical, drawling.--v.t. and v.i. to make songs: to chant monotonously.

SINGSPIEL, sing'sp[=e]l, n. a semi-dramatic representation in which a series of incidents are set forth in alternate dialogue and song, now a kind of opera in which the music is subordinated to the words. [Ger., singen, to sing, spiel, play.]

SINGULAR, sing'g[=u]-lar, adj. alone: (gram.) denoting one person or thing: single: not complex or compound: standing alone, rare, unusual, uncommon: of more than common value or importance: unique, extraordinary, strange, odd: (B.) particular.--n. that which is singular: (logic) that which is not general, that which is here and now, that which is determinate in every respect.--n. SINGULARIS[=A]'TION.--v.t. SING'ULARISE, to make singular.--ns. SING'ULARIST, one who affects singularity; SINGULAR'ITY, the state of being singular: peculiarity: anything curious or remarkable: particular privilege or distinction: (math.) an exceptional element or character of a continuum.--adv. SING'ULARLY, in a singular manner: peculiarly: strangely: so as to express one or the singular number. [Fr.,--L. singularis.]

SINGULT, sin'gult, n. a sigh.--adjs. SINGUL'TIENT, SINGUL'TOUS, affected with hiccup.--n. SINGUL'TUS, a hiccup. [L. singultus, a sob.]

SINHALESE, sin'ha-l[=e]z, n. and adj. the same as CINGALESE and SINGHALESE.

SINIC, sin'ik, adj. Chinese.--adj. SIN'IAN, a widely spread series of rocks in China, containing many trilobites and brachiopods.--ns. SIN'ICISM, Chinese manners and customs; SIN'ISM, customs of China generally, esp. its ancient indigenous religion. [L. Sina, China, Sinæ, the Chinese, Gr. Sinai, the Chinese.]

SINICAL, sin'ik-al, adj. pertaining to, employing, or founded upon sines.

SINISTER, sin'is-t[.e]r, adj. left: on the left hand: evil: unfair: dishonest: unlucky: inauspicious, malign.--adj. SIN'ISTER-HAND'ED, left-handed.--advs. SIN'ISTERLY; SINIS'TRA (mus.), with the left hand; SIN'ISTRAD, towards the left.--adj. SIN'ISTRAL, belonging or inclining to the left: reversed.--n. SINISTRAL'ITY.--adv. SIN'ISTRALLY.--n. SINISTR[=A]'TION, a turning to the left.--adj. SIN'ISTROUS, on the left side: wrong: absurd: perverse.--adv. SIN'ISTROUSLY. [L.]

SINISTRORSE, sin'is-trors, adj. rising from left to right, as a spiral line.--Also SINISTRORS'AL. [L. sinistrorsus, sinistroversus, towards the left side--sinister, left, vert[)e]re, versum, to turn.]

SINK, singk, v.i. to fall to the bottom: to fall down: to descend lower: to fall gradually: to fall below the surface: to enter deeply: to be impressed: to be overwhelmed: to fail in strength.--v.t. to cause to sink: to put under water: to keep out of sight: to suppress: to degrade: to cause to decline or fall: to plunge into destruction: to make by digging or delving: to pay absolutely: to lower in value or amount: to lessen:--pa.t. sank, sunk; pa.p. sunk, sunk'en.--n. a drain to carry off dirty water: a box or vessel connected with a drain for receiving dirty water: an abode of degraded persons: a general receptacle: an area in which a river sinks and disappears: a depression in a stereotype plate: a stage trap-door for shifting scenery: in mining, an excavation less than a shaft.--ns. SINK'ER, anything which causes a sinking, esp. a weight fixed to a fishing-line; SINK'-HOLE, a hole for dirty water to run through; SINK'ING, a subsidence: a depression.--adj. causing to sink.--n. SINK'ING-FUND, a fund formed by setting aside income every year to accumulate at interest for the purpose of paying off debt.--adj. SINK'ING-RIPE (Shak.), dead-ripe, about to fall off.--n. SINK'ROOM, a scullery. [A.S. sincan; Ger. sinken, Dut. zinken.]

SINK-A-PACE, singk'-a-p[=a]s, n. (Shak.)=Cinquepace.

SINOLOGUE, sin'[=o]-log, n. one versed in Chinese.--adj. SINOLOG'ICAL (-loj'-).--ns. SINOL'OGIST; SINOL'OGY.

SINOPLE, sin'[=o]-pl, n. a ferruginous clay yielding the fine red pigment SIN[=O]'PIA or SIN[=O]'PIS. [Gr. sin[=o]pis, a red earth brought from Sinope.]

SINSYNE, sin-s[=i]n', adv. (Scot.) since, ago.

SINTER, sin't[.e]r, n. a name given to rocks precipitated in a crystalline form from mineral waters. [Ger.]

SINTO, SINTOISM=Shinto, Shintoism.

SINTOC, sin'tok, n. a Malayan tree with aromatic bark.--Also SIN'DOC.

SINUATE, -D, sin'[=u]-[=a]t, -ed, adj. curved: (bot.) with a waved margin.--v.t. to bend in and out.--ns. SINU[=A]'TION; SINUOS'ITY, quality of being sinuous: a bend or series of bends and turns.--adjs. SIN'UOUS, SIN'U[=O]SE, bending in and out, winding, undulating: morally crooked.--adv. SIN'UOUSLY. [L. sinuatus, pa.p. of sinu[=a]re, to bend.]

SINUPALLIATE, sin-[=u]-pal'i-[=a]t, adj. having a sinuous pallial margin on the shell along the line of attachment of the mantle.--Also SINUPALL'IAL. [L. sinus, a fold, pallium, a mantle.]

SINUS, s[=i]'nus, n. a bending: a fold: an opening: a bay of the sea: a recess on the shore: (anat.) a cavity or hollow of bone or other tissue, one of the air-cavities contained in the interior of certain bones: a channel for transmitting venous blood: a narrow opening leading to an abscess, &c.--n. S[=I]'NUSOID, the curve of sines in which the abscisses are proportional to an angle, and the ordinates to its sine.--adj. SINUSOI'DAL.--adv. SINUSOI'DALLY. [L. sinus, a curve.]

SIOUX, s[=oo], n. (pl. SIOUX, s[=oo] or s[=oo]z) the principal tribe of the Dakota family of American Indians in South Dakota and Nebraska--also adj.--Also SIOUAN (s[=oo]'an).

SIP, sip, v.t. to sup or drink in small quantities: to draw into the mouth: to taste: to drink out of.--v.i. to drink in small quantities: to drink by the lips:--pr.p. sip'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. sipped.--n. the taking of a liquor with the lips: a small draught.--n. SIP'PER. [A.S. syppan (assumed), sipian, to soak. Related to súpan, to sup, taste.]

SIPE, s[=i]p, v.i. (prov.) to soak through.--Also SEEP. [A.S. sipian, to soak; Dut. zijpen, to drop.]

SIPHILIS. Same as SYPHILIS (q.v.).

SIPHON, s[=i]'fun, n. a bent tube for drawing off liquids from one vessel into another.--v.t. to convey by means of a siphon.--n. S[=I]'PHONAGE.--adjs. S[=I]'PHONAL, S[=I]'PHONATE, S[=I]PHON'IC, pertaining to, or resembling, a siphon.--n. S[=I]'PHON-BOTT'LE, a glass bottle for containing aerated liquid, fitted with a glass tube reaching nearly to the bottom and bent like a siphon at the outlet.--adjs. SIPHONIF'EROUS; S[=I]'PHONIFORM; SIPHONOST[=O]'MATOUS, having a siphonate mouth.--ns. S[=I]'PHONOSTOME, a siphonostomatous animal, as a fish-louse; S[=I]'PHUNCLE, the siphon or funnel of tetrabranchiate cephalopods: a nectary.--adjs. S[=I]'PHUNCLED, SIPHUNC'ULAR, SIPHUNC'ULATE, -D.--ns. SIPHUNC'ULUS; SIPUNC'ULUS, a genus of worms belonging to the class Gephyrea. [Fr.,--Gr., siph[=o]n--siphlos, hollow.]

SIPPET, sip'et, n. a small sop: (pl.) morsels of bread served in broth, &c.--v.i. SIPP'LE, to sup in sips.

SIPYLITE, sip'i-l[=i]t, n. a niobite of erbium. [From Gr. Sipylos, one of the children of Niobe.]

SIR, s[.e]r, n. a word of respect used in addressing a man: a gentleman: the title of a knight or baronet, used along with the Christian name and surname, as 'Sir David Pole:' formerly a common title of address for the clergy as a translation of L. dominus, the term used for a bachelor of arts, originally in contradistinction from the magister, or master of arts--hence SIR JOHN=a priest.--v.t. to address as 'sir.' [O. Fr. sire, through O. Fr. senre, from L. senior, an elder, comp. of senex, old. Cf. the parallel forms Sire, Senior, Seignior, Signor.]

SIRCAR, s[.e]r-kär', n. a Hindu clerk.--Also SIRKAR', CIRCAR'. [Hind. sark[=a]r, a superintendent--sar, head, k[=a]r, Sans. kara, work.]

SIRDAR, s[.e]r-där', n. a chief or military officer. [Hind. sard[=a]r--sar, head, -d[=a]r, holding.]

SIRE, s[=i]r, n. one in the place of a father, as a sovereign: an elder, a progenitor: the male parent of a beast, esp. of a horse: (pl.) ancestors (poetry).--v.t. to beget, used of animals. [Sir.]

SIREDON, s[=i]-r[=e]'don, n. a larval salamander:--pl. SIR[=E]'DONES.

SIREN, s[=i]'ren, n. (Gr. myth.) one of certain sea-nymphs who sat on the shores of an island between Circe's isle and Scylla, near the south-western coast of Italy, and sang with bewitching sweetness songs that allured the passing sailor to draw near, only to meet with death: a fascinating woman, any one insidious and deceptive: an instrument which produces musical sounds by introducing a regularly recurring discontinuity into an otherwise steady blast of air: an instrument for demonstrating the laws of beats and combination tones: an eel-like, amphibious animal, with only one pair of feet, inhabiting swamps in the southern states of North America.--adj. pertaining to, or like, a siren: fascinating.--n. SIR[=E]'NIA, an order of aquatic mammals now represented by the dugong (Halicore) and the manatee (Manatus).--adj. SIR[=E]'NIAN.--v.i. S[=I]'RENISE, to play the siren. [L. siren--Gr. seir[=e]n, prob. seira, a cord.]

SIRGANG, s[.e]r'gang, n. the Asiatic green jackdaw.

SIRIH, sir'i, n. the betel-leaf. [Malay.]

SIRIUS, sir'i-us, n. the Dogstar or Canicula, the brightest star in the heavens, situated in the constellation of Canis Major, or the Great Dog.--n. SIR[=I]'ASIS, sunstroke. [L.,--Gr. seirios.]

SIRLOIN, s[.e]r'loin, n. the loin or upper part of the loin of beef. [Fr. surlonge--sur (--L. super, above) and longe (cf. Loin). The first syllable has been modified by confusion with Eng. sir, and an absurd etymology constructed to suit.]

SIRNAME, s[.e]r'n[=a]m, n. a corr. of surname.

SIROCCO, si-rok'o, n. a name given in Italy to a dust-laden dry wind coming over sea from Africa; but also applied to any south wind, often moist and warm, as opposed to the Tramontana or north wind, from the hills.--Also SIR'OC. [It. sirocco (Sp. siroco)--scharq, the east.]

SIROP, sir'op, n. a form of syrup: a kettle used in making sugar by the open-kettle process.

SIRRAH, s[.e]r'a, n. sir, used in anger or contempt. [An extension of sir.]

SIR-REVERENCE, s[.e]r-rev'e-rens, n. a corr. of save-reverence.

SIRUP. See SYRUP.

SIRVENTE, sir-vont', n. a satirical song of the 12th-13th century trouvères and troubadours. [Fr.]

SIS, sis, n. a girl, a sweetheart.--Also SIS'SY. [From Cicely.]

SISAL-GRASS, sis'al-gras, n. the prepared fibre of the agave or American aloe, supplying cordage.--Also SIS'AL-HEMP.

SISCOWET, sis'k[=o]-et, n. a Lake Superior variety of the great lake trout.--Also SIS'KIWIT, SIS'KOWET.

SISERARY, sis'e-r[=a]-ri, n. a stroke, blow, originally a legal writ transferring a cause to a higher court.--WITH A SISERARY, with suddenness or vehemence. [A corr. of certiorari.]

SISKIN, sis'kin, n. a genus of perching birds belonging to the family Fringillidæ, the true finches. [Dan. sisgen, Sw. siska, Ger. zeisig.]

SIST, sist, v.t. (Scots law) to present at the bar: cause to appear, summon: to delay, stop.--n. the act of staying diligence or execution on decrees for civil debts. [L. sist[)e]re, to make to stand.]

SISTER, sis't[.e]r, n. a female born of the same parents: a female closely allied to or associated with another.--adj. closely related, akin.--v.t. and v.i. to resemble closely: to be a sister to: to be allied.--ns. SIS'TERHOOD, state of being a sister, the duty of a sister: a society of females, a community of women living together under a religious rule, and with a common object for their united life; SIS'TER-HOOK, in a ship's rigging, one of a pair of hooks fitting closely together and working on the same axis--also Clip-hook and Clove-hook; SIS'TER-IN-LAW, a husband's or wife's sister, or a brother's wife.--adjs. SIS'TERLESS, having no sister; SIS'TER-LIKE, SIS'TERLY, like or becoming a sister: kind: affectionate. [A.S. sweostor; Dut. zuster, Ger. schwester.]

SISTINE, sis'tin, adj. pertaining to a pope of the name of Sixtus, esp. Sixtus IV. (1471-84) and Sixtus V. (1585-90)--also SIX'TINE.--SISTINE CHAPEL, the Pope's chapel in the Vatican, built in 1473 by Sixtus IV., covered with magnificent frescoes by Michael Angelo and the great Florentine masters; SISTINE MADONNA, or MADONNA OF SAN SISTO, a famous painting by Raphael Santi, now at Dresden, representing the Virgin and Child in glory, St Sixtus on the left, St Barbara on the right, and two cherubs below.

SISTRUM, sis'trum, n. a form of rattle used in ancient Egypt in connection with the worship of Isis.

SISYPHEAN, sis-i-f[=e]'an, adj. relating to Sisyphus: incessantly recurring. [From Sisyphus, a king of Corinth, who was condemned in Tartarus to roll to the top of a hill a huge stone, which constantly rolled down again, making his task incessant.]

SIT, sit, v.i. to rest on the haunches: to perch, as birds: to rest: to remain, abide: to brood: to occupy a seat, esp. officially: to be officially engaged: to blow from a certain direction, as the wind: to be worn, to fit, to be becoming: to take an attitude of readiness, or for any special purpose: to hold a deliberative session.--v.t. to keep a seat, or good seat, upon: to seat, place on a seat:--pr.p. sit'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. sat.--n. a subsidence of the roof of a coal-mine: (slang) a situation.--adj. SIT'-FAST, fixed, stationary.--n. a callosity of the skin under the saddle, often leading to ulcer.--ns. SIT'TER; SIT'TING, state of resting on a seat: a seat, a special seat allotted to a seat-holder, at church, &c.; also the right to hold such: the part of the year in which judicial business is transacted: the act or time of resting in a posture for a painter to take a likeness: an official meeting to transact business: uninterrupted application to anything for a time: the time during which one continues at anything: a resting on eggs for hatching, the number hatched at one time; SIT'TING-ROOM, the parlour or most commonly used room in many houses.--SIT DOWN, to take a seat: to pause, rest: to begin a siege; SIT LOOSE, or LOOSELY, to be careless or indifferent; SIT ON, or UPON, to hold an official inquiry regarding: (slang) to repress, check; SIT OUT, to sit, or to sit apart, during: to await the close of; SIT UNDER, to be in the habit of hearing the preaching of; SIT UP, to raise the body from a recumbent to a sitting position: to keep watch during the night (with). [A.S. sittan; Ger. sitzen, L. sed[=e]re.]

SITAR, sit'ar, n. an Oriental form of guitar.

SITE, s[=i]t, n. the place where anything is set down or fixed: situation: a place chosen for any particular purpose: posture.--adj. S[=I]'TED (Spens.), placed, situated. [Fr.,--L. situs--situm, pa.p. of sin[)e]re, to set down.]

SITH, sith, adv., prep., and conj. since--(obs.) SITH'ENCE, SITH'ENS. [M. E. sithen--A.S. síth thám, after that, also written siththan. Cf. Since.]

SITHE, s[=i]th, n. (Spens.) time. [A.S. síth, time.]

SITHE, s[=i]th, n. (Shak.) a scythe.--v.t. (Shak.) to cut with a scythe.

SITHE, s[=i]th, n. (Spens.) a sigh.

SITOLOGY, s[=i]-tol'[=o]-ji, n. the science of the regulation of diet.--Also SITIOL'OGY. [Gr. sitos, food, logia--legein, to say.]

SITOPHOBIA, s[=i]-t[=o]-f[=o]'bi-a, n. morbid aversion to food. [Gr. sitos, food, phobia, fear.]

SITTA, sit'a, n. the genus of nut-hatches.--adj. SIT'TINE. [Gr. sitt[=e], a woodpecker.]

SITUATE, -D, sit'[=u]-[=a]t, -ed, adj. set or permanently fixed: placed with respect to other objects: residing.--ns. SITU[=A]'TION, the place where anything is situated: position: temporary state: condition: any group of circumstances, a juncture: a critical point in the action of a play or the development the plot of a novel: office, employment; S[=I]'TUS, site: the proper place of an organ, &c.: locality in law. [Low L. situatus--L. situ[)e]re, to place.]

SITZ-BATH, sitz'-bäth, n. a hip-bath: a tub adapted for such. [Ger. sitz-bad.]

SIUM, s[=i]'um, n. a genus of umbelliferous plants--the water-parsnips. [Gr. sion.]

SIVA, s[=e]'va, n. the third god of the Hindu Trimúrti or triad, representing the principle of destruction and of reproduction.--adj. SIVAIST'IC.--n. SI'VAITE. [Sans. çiva, happy.]

SIVAN, siv'an, n. the third month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year, answering to part of May and June. [Heb.]

SIVATHERIUM, siv-a-th[=e]'ri-um, n. a very large fossil ruminant found in India.

SIX, siks, adj. and n. five and one: a figure denoting six units (6, or vi.): a playing-card with six spots, the face of a die bearing six spots, or that die itself: beer sold at six shillings a barrel, small beer: (pl.) in hymnology, a quatrain in trochaic measure, the lines of three feet or six syllables.--adj. SIX'FOLD, folded or multiplied six times.--ns. SIX'FOOTER, a person six feet high; SIX'PENCE, a silver coin=six pence.--adj. SIX'PENNY, worth sixpence: cheap, worthless.--ns. SIX'-SHOOT'ER, a six-chambered revolver; SIXTE, a parry in which the hand is on guard opposite the right breast, the point of the sword raised and moved a little to the right.--adjs. and ns. SIX'TEEN, six and ten; SIX'TEENTH, the sixth after the tenth.--adj. SIXTH, the last of six: the ordinal of six.--n. the sixth part: (mus.) an interval of four tones and a semitone, or six intervals.--adv. SIXTH'LY, in the sixth place.--SIXTH HOUR, noon-tide.--BE AT SIXES AND SEVENS, to be in disorder; LONG SIXES, candles weighing six to the pound, about 8 inches long; SHORT SIXES, candles weighing six to the pound, about 4 inches long. [A.S. siex; Ger. sechs, Gael. se; also L. sex, Gr. hex, Sans. shash.]

SIXTEENMO=Sexto-decimo (q.v.).

SIXTY, siks'ti, adj. and n. six times ten.--adj. and n. SIX'TIETH, the sixth tenth: the ordinal of sixty. [A.S. sixtig.]

SIZAR, s[=i]'zar, n. the name of an order of students at Cambridge and Dublin--from the allowance of victuals made to them from the college buttery.--n. S[=I]'ZARSHIP. [Size, fixed quantity.]

SIZE, s[=i]z, n. extent of volume or surface: magnitude: an allotted portion: (pl.) allowances (Shak.).--v.t. to arrange according to size: at Cambridge, to buy rations at a certain fixed rate: to measure.--v.i. to increase in size.--adjs. S[=I]'ZABLE, SIZE'ABLE, of suitable size: of considerable size or bulk; SIZED, having a particular size.--ns. S[=I]'ZER, one who, or that which, sizes or measures, a kind of gauge; S[=I]'ZING, act of sorting articles according to size, esp. crushed or stamped ores in mining: an order for extra food from a college buttery.--SIZE UP, to measure, consider carefully. [Contr. of assize (q.v.).]

SIZE, s[=i]z, SIZING, s[=i]'zing, n. a kind of weak glue, used as varnish: any gluey substance.--v.t. to cover with size.--adj. SIZED, having size in its composition.--n. S[=I]'ZINESS.--adj. S[=I]'ZY, size-like: glutinous.

SIZEL=Scissel (q.v.).

SIZZLE, siz'l, v.i. to make a sound as if frying.--n. a hissing sound; extreme heat.--n. SIZZ'LING, a hissing.

SKAIN=Skein (q.v.).

SKAINSMATE, sk[=a]nz'm[=a]t, n. (Shak.) a companion, a scapegrace.

SKALD, n.=Scald, a poet.

SKAT, skat, n. a game played with thirty-two cards as in Piquet, and said to have been invented in 1817 in Altenburg. Each of three players receives ten cards, the two others being laid aside (hence the name from O. Fr. escart, laying aside).

SKATE, sk[=a]t, n. a kind of sandal or frame of wood on a steel blade for moving on ice.--v.i. to slide on, skates.--ns. SK[=A]'TER; SK[=A]'TING; SK[=A]'TING-RINK. [Dut. schaats; cf. also Dan. sköite.]

SKATE, sk[=a]t, n. the popular name of several species of Ray, esp. those of the family Raiidæ and genus Raia, with greatly extended pectoral fins. [Ice. skata--Low L. squatus--L. squatina; cf. Shad.]

SKATHE. Same as SCATHE.

SKAW, skä, n. a promontory.--Also SCAW. [Ice. skagi--skaga, to jut out.]

SKEAN, sk[=e]n, n. a dagger.--n. SKEAN-DHU (sk[=e]n'-d[=oo]), the knife stuck in the stocking of the Highland dress. [Gael, sgian, a knife.]

SKEARY, sk[=e]'ri, a dial. form of scary.

SKEDADDLE, sk[=e]-dad'l, v.t. (prov.) to spill, scatter.--v.i. (coll.) to scamper off.--n. a scurrying off. [Ety. unknown. Prob. conn. somehow with shed--A.S. sceádan, to pour.]

SKEE, sk[=e], n. a wooden runner for sliding down a declivity.--v.i. to slide on skees. [Dan. ski--Ice. skídh.]

SKEEL, sk[=e]l, n. (Scot.) a milking-pail, a washing-tub. [Scand., Ice. skjóla.]

SKEELY, sk[=e]'li, adj. (Scot.) skilful.

SKEESICKS, sk[=e]'ziks, n. (U.S.) a rascal.

SKEETER, sk[=e]'t[.e]r, n. a mosquito.

SKEG, skeg, n. a stump, branch: the after-part of a ship's keel.

SKEG, skeg, n. a wild-plum.

SKEIN, sk[=a]n, n. a knot or number of knots of thread or yarn. [O. Fr. escagne, from Celt.; cf. Ir. sgainne, a skein.]

SKELDER, skel'd[.e]r, v.i. and v.t. to practise begging: to swindle.

SKELETON, skel'e-tun, n. the bones of an animal separated from the flesh and preserved in their natural position: the framework or outline of anything: a very lean and emaciated person: a very thin form of light-faced type.--adj. pertaining to a skeleton--also SKEL'ETAL.--ns. SKELETOG'ENY (-toj'-); SKELETOG'RAPHY; SKELETOL'OGY.--v.t. SKEL'ETONISE, to reduce to a skeleton.--n. SKEL'ETON-KEY, a key for picking locks, without the inner bits.--SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD, CLOSET, HOUSE, &c., some hidden domestic source of sorrow or shame. [Gr. skeleton (s[=o]ma), a dried (body)--skeletos, dried--skellein, to dry, to parch.]

SKELLOCH, skel'oh, v.i. (Scot.) to cry out with a shrill voice.--n. a squeal.

SKELLUM, skel'um, n. (Scot.) a ne'er-do-well. [Dut. schelm, a rogue.]

SKELLY, skel'i, v.i. (Scot.) to squint. [Cf. Dan. skele, Sw. skela, Ger. schielen, to squint.]

SKELP, skelp, v.t. (Scot.) to slap.--v.i. to move briskly along, to bound along.--n. a slap: a heavy fall of pelting rain: a large portion.--adj. SKELP'ING, very big or full. [Gael. sgealp, a slap.]

SKELTER, skel't[.e]r, v.i. to hurry or dash along.

SKEP, skep, n. a grain-basket, or beehive made of straw or wicker-work.--n. SKEP'FUL, as much as a skep will hold. [A.S. scep--Scand., Ice. skeppa.]

SKEPTIC=Sceptic; SKEPSIS=Scepsis.

SKERRY, sker'i, n. a rocky isle. [Ice. sker.]

SKETCH, skech, n. a first draft of any plan or painting: an outline, a short and slightly constructed play, essay, &c.: a short dramatic scene for representation by two persons: an artist's preliminary study of a work to be elaborated.--v.t. to make a rough draft of: to draw the outline: to give the principal points of.--v.i. to practise sketching.--adj. SKETCH'ABLE, capable of being sketched effectively.--ns. SKETCH'BOOK, a blank book used for sketching by an artist or writer: a printed volume of literary sketches; SKETCH'ER, one who sketches.--adv. SKETCH'ILY.--n. SKETCH'INESS.--adj. SKETCH'Y, containing a sketch or outline: incomplete, slight. [Dut. schets, It. schizzo--L. schedium--schedius, made off-hand--Gr. schedios, sudden.]

SKEW, sk[=u], adj. oblique: intersecting a road, river, &c. not at right angles, as a bridge.--adv. awry: obliquely.--v.t. to turn aside.--n. a deviation, a mistake: a squint: (archit.) the sloping top of a buttress slanting off against a wall.--ns. SKEW'-ARCH, an arch standing obliquely on its abutments; SKEW'-BACK (archit.), the course of masonry on the top of an abutment with a slope for the base of the arch to rest against.--adj. SKEW'-BALD, spotted irregularly, piebald.--n. SKEW'-BRIDGE, a bridge having its arch or arches set obliquely on its abutments, as when a railway crosses a road, &c., at an oblique angle.--adjs. SKEWED, distorted; SKEW-GEE' (coll.), crooked.--n. SKEW'-WHEEL, a bevel-wheel with teeth formed obliquely on the rim. [Old Dut. sch[=u]wen (Dut. schuwen); Ger. scheuen, to shun; cf. Shy.]

SKEWER, sk[=u]'[.e]r, n. a pin of wood or iron for keeping meat in form while roasting.--v.t. to fasten with skewers. [Prov. Eng. skiver, prob. the same as shiver, a splinter of wood.]

SKIASCOPY, sk[=i]'a-sk[=o]-pi, n. the shadow-test for measuring the refraction of an eye.--Also SC[=I]'ASCOPY. [Gr. skia, a shadow, skopein, to view.]

SKID, skid, n. a piece of timber hung against a ship's side to protect it from injury: a sliding wedge or drag to check the wheel of a wagon on a steep place: a slab put below a gun to keep it off the ground.--v.t. to check with a skid.--v.i. to slide along without revolving.--n. SKID'DER, one who uses a skid. [Scand., Ice. skídh; A.S. scíd, a piece split off.]

SKIEY, sk[=i]'i, adj. Same as SKYEY.

SKIFF, skif, n. a small light boat. [A doublet of ship.]

SKIFF, skif, adj. (prov.) distorted: awkward.

SKILL, skil, n. knowledge of anything: dexterity in practice.--v.i. to understand, to be dexterous in: to make a difference, to signify.--adj. SKIL'FUL, having or displaying skill: dexterous.--adv. SKIL'FULLY.--n. SKIL'FULNESS.--adjs. SKILLED, having skill: skilful: expert; SKIL'LESS (Shak.), wanting skill, artless. [Scand., as Ice. skil, a distinction, skilja, to separate.]

SKILLET, skil'et, n. a small metal vessel with a long handle, used for boiling water, in cooking, &c. [Prob. from O. Fr. escuellette, dim of escuelle (Fr. écuelle)--L. scutella, dim. of scutra, a dish.]

SKILLIGALEE, skil-i-ga-l[=e]', n. thin watery soup.--Also SKILLIGOLEE', SKILL'Y. [Ety. dub.]

SKILLING, skil'ing, n. a small coin formerly current in North Germany and Scandinavia, in value from ¼d. to 1d. [Dan.]

SKILTS, skilts, n.pl. short loose trousers.

SKILVINGS, skil'vingz, n.pl. (prov.) the rails of a cart.

SKIM, skim, v.t. to clear off scum: to take off by skimming: to brush the surface of lightly.--v.i. to pass over lightly: to glide along near the surface: to become coated over:--pr.p. skim'ming; pa.t. and pa.p. skimmed.--n. the act of skimming: what is skimmed off.--ns. SKIM'MER, a utensil for skimming milk: a bird that skims the water; SKIM'-MILK, skimmed milk: milk from which the cream has been skimmed; SKIM'MING, the act of taking off that which floats on the surface of a liquid, as cream: that which is taken off, scum.--adv. SKIM'MINGLY, by skimming along the surface. [Scum.]

SKIMBLE-SKAMBLE, skim'bl-skam'bl, adj. wandering, wild, rambling, incoherent.--adv. in a confused manner. [A reduplication of scamble.]

SKIMMINGTON, skim'ing-ton, n. a burlesque procession intended to ridicule a henpecked husband: a riot generally.--Also SKIM'INGTON, SKIM'MERTON, SKIM'ITRY. [Ety. unknown.]

SKIMP, skimp, v.t. to give scanty measure, to stint: to do a thing imperfectly.--v.i. to be parsimonious.--adj. scanty, spare.--adj. SKIM'PING, sparing: meagre: done inefficiently.--adv. SKIM'PINGLY.--adj. SKIM'PY. [A variant of scamp.]

SKIN, skin, n. the natural outer covering of an animal body: a hide: the bark or rind of plants, &c.: the inside covering of the ribs of a ship: a drink of whisky hot.--v.t. to cover with skin: to cover the surface of: to strip the skin from, to peel: to plunder, cheat: to answer an examination paper, &c., by unfair means.--v.i. to become covered with skin: to sneak off:--pr.p. skin'ning; pa.t. and pa.p. skinned.--adj. SKIN'-DEEP, as deep as the skin only: superficial.--ns. SKIN'FLINT, one who takes the smallest gains: a very niggardly person; SKIN'FUL, as much as one can hold, esp. of liquor.--adj. SKIN'LESS, having no skin, or a very thin one.--ns. SKIN'NER; SKIN'NINESS.--adjs. SKIN'NY, consisting of skin or of skin only: wanting flesh; SKIN'-TIGHT, fitting close to the skin.--n. SKIN'-WOOL, wool pulled from the skin of a dead sheep.--BY, or WITH, THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH, very narrowly; CLEAN SKINS, unbranded cattle; SAVE ONE'S SKIN, to escape without injury. [A.S. scinn; Ice. skinn, skin, Ger. schinden, to flay.]

SKINK, skingk, n. drink.--v.i. and v.t. to serve drink.--n. SKINK'ER, one who serves drink, a tapster.--adj. SKINK'ING (Scot.), thin, watery. [A.S. scencan, to pour out drink; Ger. schenken.]

SKINK, skingk, n. an African lizard. [L. scincus--Gr. skingkos, the adda.]

SKINK, skingk, n. (Scot.) a shin-bone of beef, soup made from such. [Cf. Dut. schonk, a bone; cf. Shank.]

SKIO, sky[=o], n. in Orkney, a fisherman's hut.--Also SKEO. [Norw. skjaa, a shed.]

SKIP, skip, v.i. to leap: to bound lightly and joyfully: to pass over.--v.t. to leap over: to omit:--pr.p. skip'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. skipped.--n. a light leap: a bound: the omission of a part: the captain of a side at bowls and curling: a college servant.--ns. SKIP'JACK, an impudent fellow: the blue-fish, saurel, &c.; SKIP'-KEN'NEL, one who has to jump the gutters, a lackey; SKIP'PER, one who skips: a dancer: (Shak.) a young thoughtless person: a hesperian butterfly.--adj. SKIP'PING, flighty, giddy.--adv. SKIP'PINGLY, in a skipping manner: by skips or leaps.--n. SKIP'PING-ROPE, a rope used in skipping. [Either Celt., according to Skeat, from Ir. sgiob, to snatch, Gael. sgiab, to move suddenly, W. ysgipio, to snatch away; or Teut., conn. with Ice. skopa, to run.]

SKIP, skip, n. an iron box for raising ore running between guides, or in inclined shafts fitted with wheels to run on a track, a mine-truck.

SKIPETAR, skip'e-tär, n. an Albanian: the Albanian language. [Albanian skipetar, a mountaineer.]

SKIPPER, skip'[.e]r, n. the master of a merchant-ship.--SKIPPER'S DAUGHTERS, white-topped waves. [Dut. schipper; Dan. skipper.]

SKIPPER, skip'[.e]r, n. a barn, a shed in which to shelter for the night.--v.i. to shelter in such a place.--n. SKIPP'ER-BIRD, a tramp. [Prob. W. ysguber, a barn.]

SKIPPET, skip'et, n. (Spens.) a small boat. [Dim. of A.S. scip, ship.]

SKIPPET, skip'et, n. a round flat box for holding a seal, which used to be attached to the parchment by ribbons passing through the lid.

SKIRL, skirl, v.t. and v.i. (Scot.) to shriek shrilly.--n. a shrill cry.--n. SKIR'LING, a shrill sound.

SKIRMISH, sk[.e]r'mish, n. an irregular fight between two small parties: a contest.--v.i. to fight slightly or irregularly.--ns. SKIR'MISHER, a soldier belonging to troops dispersed to cover front or flank, and prevent surprises; SKIR'MISHING. [O. Fr. escarmouche--Old High Ger. skerman, scirman, to fight.]

SKIRR, sk[.e]r, v.t. (Shak.) to ramble over, to scour.--v.i. to run in haste. [Scurry.]

SKIRRET, skir'et, n. an edible water-parsnip: a perennial plant, native to China and Japan. [Sugar-root.]

SKIRT, sk[.e]rt, n. the part of a garment below the waist: a woman's garment like a petticoat: the edge of any part of the dress: border: margin: extreme part.--v.t. to border: to form the edge of.--v.i. to be on the border: to live near the extremity.--ns. SKIRT'-DANC'ING, a form of ballet-dancing in which the flowing skirts are waved about in the hands; SKIR'TER, a huntsman who dodges his jumps by going round about; SKIR'TING, strong material made up in lengths for women's skirts: skirting-board; SKIR'TING-BOARD, the narrow board next the floor round the walls of a room.--DIVIDED SKIRT, a skirt in the form of loose trousers. [Scand., Ice. skyrta, a shirt. A doublet of shirt.]

SKIT, skit, n. any sarcastic squib, lampoon, or pamphlet. [Ice. skúti, a taunt.]

SKITE, sk[=i]t, v.i. (Scot.) to glide or slip--also SKYTE.--n. a sudden blow: a trick.--vs.i. SKIT, to leap aside: to caper; SKIT'TER, to skim lightly over: to void thin excrement: to draw a baited hook along the surface of water. [Scand., Sw. skutta, to leap, skjuta, to shoot.]

SKITTISH, skit'ish, adj. unsteady, light-headed, easily frightened: hasty, volatile, changeable: wanton.--adv. SKITT'ISHLY.--n. SKITT'ISHNESS. [Skite.]

SKITTLES, skit'lz, n.pl. a game of ninepins in which a flattened ball or thick rounded disc is thrown to knock down the pins--played in a SKITT'LE-ALL'EY, or -GROUND. In American Bowls, the game is played with ten pins arranged in the form of a triangle, the missile being rolled along a carefully constructed wooden floor.--v.t. SKITT'LE, to knock down.--n SKITT'LE-BALL, the ball thrown in playing at skittles. [A variant of shittle or shuttle.]

SKIVER, sk[=i]'v[.e]r, n. a kind of leather made of split sheep-skins, used for bookbinding, &c.--n. a machine for skiving leather.--v.t. SKIVE, to cut, pare off.--n. SK[=I]'VING, the act of skiving: a piece skived off--of leather, usually on the flesh side. [From root of shive, shiver.]

SKIVER, sk[=i]'v[.e]r, v.t. (prov.) to run through, to skewer.

SKIVIE, skiv'i, adj. (Scot.) deranged: askew.

SKLENT, a Scotch form of slant.

SKOAL, sk[=o]l, interj. hail! a friendly exclamation of salutation before drinking, &c. [Ice. skál; Norw. skaal, a bowl, Sw. skål.]

SKOLION, sk[=o]'li-on, n. a short drinking-song in ancient Greece, taken up by the guests in turn:--pl. SK[=O]'LIA. [Gr.]

SKRIMMAGE. Same as SCRIMMAGE.

SKRYER, skr[=i]'[.e]r, n. one who uses the divining-glass.

SKUA, sk[=u]'a, n. a bird of the family Laridæ, esp. the Great Skua (Stercorarius catarrhactes), a rapacious bird about two feet long, the plumage predominantly brown, breeding in the Shetlands.--n. SK[=U]'A-GULL. [Norw.]

SKUE, sk[=u], an obsolete form of skew.

SKUG, SCUG, skug, n. (prov.) shelter.--v.t. to shelter: to expiate.--n. SKUG'GERY, SCUG'GERY, secrecy.--adjs. SKUG'GY, SCUG'GY, shady. [Ice. skuggi, a shade.]

SKUG, skug, n. (prov.) a squirrel.

SKULDUDDERY. See SCULDUDDERY.

SKULK, skulk, v.i. to sneak out of the way: to lurk.--ns. SKULK, SKULK'ER, one who skulks.--adv. SKULK'INGLY.--n. SKULK'ING-PLACE. [Scand., as in Dan. skulke, to sneak; conn. with Ice. skjöl, cover, hiding-place; also with Eng. scowl.]

SKULL, skul, n. the bony case that encloses the brain: the head, the sconce, noddle: a crust formed on the ladle, &c., by the partial cooling of molten metal: in armour, the crown of the head-piece: (Scot.) a shallow, bow-handled basket.--n. SKULL'CAP, a cap which fits closely to the head: the sinciput.--adj. SKULL'-LESS.--SKULL AND CROSS-BONES, a symbolic emblem of death and decay. [Ice. skál, a shell; conn. with shell and scale, a thin plate.]

SKULPIN=Sculpin.

SKUNK, skungk, n. a small North American carnivorous quadruped allied to the otter and weasel, defending itself by emitting an offensive fluid: a low fellow: (U.S.) a complete defeat.--v.t. to inflict such.--ns. SKUNK'-BIRD, -BLACK'BIRD, the male bobolink in full plumage. [Indian seganku.]

SKUPSHTINA, skoopsh'ti-na, n. the national assembly of Servia, having one chamber and 178 deputies, three-fourths elected and one-fourth nominated by the crown.--GREAT SKUPSHTINA, specially elected for discussing graver questions.

SKURRY=Scurry.

SKY, sk[=i], n. the apparent canopy over our heads: the heavens: the weather: the upper rows of pictures in a gallery.--v.t. to raise aloft, esp. to hang pictures above the line of sight.--adjs. SKY'-BLUE, blue like the sky; SKY'-BORN, of heavenly birth.--n. SKY'-COL'OUR, the colour of the sky.--adjs. SKY'-COL'OURED, blue, azure; SKYED, surrounded by sky; SKY'EY, like the sky: ethereal; SKY'-HIGH, very high; SKY'ISH (Shak.), like or approaching the sky, lofty.--n. SKY'LARK, a species of lark that mounts high towards the sky and sings on the wing.--v.i. to engage in any kind of boisterous frolic.--ns. SKY'LARKING, running about the rigging of a ship in sport: frolicking; SKY'-LIGHT, a window in a roof or ceiling towards the sky for the admission of light; SKY'LINE, the horizon; SKY'-PAR'LOUR, a lofty attic; SKY'-P[=I]'LOT, a clergyman.--adj. SKY'-PLANT'ED, placed in the sky.--n. SKY'-ROCK'ET, a rocket that ascends high towards the sky and burns as it flies.--v.i. to move like a sky-rocket, to rise and disappear as suddenly.--ns. SKY'SAIL, the sail above the royal; SKY'SCAPE, a view of a portion of the sky, or a picture of the same; SKY'-SCR[=A]P'ER, a sky-sail of a triangular shape: anything shooting high into the sky.--adj. SKY'-TINC'TURED, of the colour of the sky.--adv. SKY'WARD, toward the sky. [Ice. ský, a cloud; akin to A.S. scúa, Gr. skia, a shadow.]

SKYE, sk[=i], n. for Skye terrier. [See Terrier.]

SKYR, skir, n. curds. [Ice.]

SKYRIN, sk[=i]'rin, adj. (Scot.) shining, showy.

SLAB, slab, n. a thin slip of anything, esp. of stone, having plane surfaces: a piece sawed from a log.--v.t. to cut slabs from, as a log.--adj. SLAB'-SID'ED, having long flat sides, tall and lank.--n. SLAB'STONE, flagstone. [Scand., Ice. sleppa, to slip, Norw. sleip, a slab of wood.]

SLAB, slab, adj. thick.--n. mud.--adj. SLAB'BY, muddy. [Celt., Ir., and Gael. slaib, mud.]

SLABBER, slab'[.e]r, v.i. to slaver: to let the saliva fall from the mouth: to drivel.--v.t. to wet with saliva.--n. SLABB'ERER.--adj. SLABB'ERY.--n. SLABB'INESS.--adj. SLABB'Y. [Allied to Low Ger. and Dut. slabbern; imit. Doublet slaver.]

SLACK, slak, adj. lax or loose: not firmly extended or drawn out: not holding fast, weak: not eager or diligent, inattentive: not violent or rapid, slow.--adv. in a slack manner: partially: insufficiently.--n. that part of a rope, belt, &c. which is slack or loose: a period of inactivity: a slack-water haul of a net.--vs.i. SLACK, SLACK'EN, to become loose or less tight: to be remiss: to abate: to become slower: to fail or flag.--v.t. to make less tight: to loosen: to relax: to remit: to abate: to withhold: to use less liberally: to check: (B.) to delay.--v.t. SLACK'-BAKE, to half-bake.--adj.--SLACK'-HAND'ED, remiss.--n. SLACK'-JAW (slang), impudent talk.--adv. SLACK'LY.--n. SLACK'NESS.--adj.--SLACK'-SALT'ED, insufficiently salted.--n. SLACK'-WA'TER, ebb-tide: slow-moving water, as that above a dam.--adj. pertaining to slack-water.--SLACK AWAY, to ease off freely; SLACK-IN-STAYS, slow in going about, of a ship; SLACK OFF, to ease off; SLACK UP, to ease off: to slow. [A.S. sleac; Sw. slak, Ice. slakr.]

SLACK, slak, n. coal-dross. [Ger. schlacke.]

SLACK, slak, n. (Scot.) a cleft between hills: a common: a boggy place. [Scand., Ice. slakki, a hill-slope.]

SLADE, sl[=a]d, n. a little valley or dell; a piece of low, moist ground. [A.S. slæd, a plain; prob. Celt., Ir. slad.]

SLADE, sl[=a]d, n. a peat-spade.

SLAE, a Scotch form of sloe.

SLAG, slag, n. vitrified cinders from smelting-works, &c.: the scoriæ of a volcano.--v.i. to cohere into slag.--adj. SLAG'GY, pertaining to, or like, slag. [Sw. slagg; cf. Ger. schlacke, dross.]

SLAIN, sl[=a]n, pa.p. of slay.

SLAISTER, sl[=a]s't[.e]r, n. (Scot.) a slobbery mess, slovenly work.--v.t. to bedaub.--v.i. to slabber: to move about in a dirty, slovenly manner.--adj. SLAIS'TERY. [Prob. Sw. slaska, to dabble, slask, wet.]

SLAKE, sl[=a]k, v.t. to quench: to extinguish: to mix with water: to make slack or inactive.--v.i. to go out: to become extinct.--adj. SLAKE'LESS, that cannot be slaked: inextinguishable. [A.S. sleacian, to grow slack--sleccan, to make slack--sleac, slack.]

SLAKE, sl[=a]k, n. a channel through a swamp or morass: slime. [Ice. slakki, a hill-slope.]

SLAKE, sl[=a]k, v.t. (Scot.) to besmear.--n. a slabbery daub. [Prob. conn. with Ice. sleikja, to lick; Ger. schlecken, to lick.]

SLAM, slam, v.t. or v.i. to shut with violence and noise: to throw down with violence: to win all the tricks in a card-game:--pr.p. slam'ming; pa.t. and pa.p. slammed.--n. the act of slamming: the sound so made: the winning of all the tricks at whist, &c. [Scand., Norw. slemma, Ice. slamra.]

SLAM, slam, n. an old card-game.

SLAM, slam, n. a shambling fellow. [Cf. Dut. slomp, Ger. schlampe.]

SLAMKIN, slam'kin, n. a loose 18th-century women's morning-gown.--Also SLAM'MERKIN.

SLANDER, slan'd[.e]r, n. a false or malicious report: malicious defamation by words spoken: calumny.--v.t. to defame: to calumniate.--n. SLAN'DERER.--adj. SLAN'DEROUS, given to, or containing, slander: calumnious.--adv. SLAN'DEROUSLY.--n. SLAN'DEROUSNESS, the state or quality of being slanderous. [O. Fr. esclandre--L. scandalum--Gr. skandalon.]

SLANG, slang, n. a conventional tongue with many dialects, which are, as a rule, unintelligible to outsiders, such as Gypsy, Canting or Flash, Back-slang, and Shelta or Tinkers' Talk: any kind of colloquial and familiar language serving as a kind of class or professional shibboleth.--adj. pertaining to slang.--v.i. to use slang, and esp. abusive language.--v.t. to scold.--adv. SLANG'ILY.--n. SLANG'INESS.--adj. SLANG'ULAR, slangy.--v.i. SLANG'-WHANG, to talk slangily or boisterously.--n. SLANG'-WHANG'ER, an abusive and wordy fellow.--adj. SLANG'Y. [Explained by Skeat as Scand., Norw. sleng, a slinging, a device, a burthen of a song, slengja, to sling. Leland boldly makes it Romany, and orig. applied to everything relating to shows--in Hindustani, Swangi, also often Slangi.]

SLANG, slang, n. a narrow strip of land.--Also SLANK'ET. SLANG, slang, n. (slang) a counterfeit weight or measure: a travelling show, or a performance of the same: a hawker's license: a watch-chain: (pl.) convicts' leg-irons.

SLANT, slant, adj. sloping: oblique: inclined from a direct line--also SLAN'TING.--n. a slope: a gibe: (slang) a chance.--v.i. to turn in a sloping direction.--v.i. to slope, to incline towards: (Scot.) to exaggerate, to lie.--adj. SLANTENDIC'[=U]LAR, oblique: indirect.--advs. SLAN'TINGLY, in a slanting direction: with a slope or inclination; SLANT'LY, SLANT'WISE, in a sloping, oblique, or inclined manner.--SLANT-OF-WIND, a transitory breeze of favourable wind. [Scand., Sw. slinta, to slide.]

SLAP, slap, n. a blow with the hand or anything flat.--v.t. to give a slap to:--pr.p. slap'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. slapped.--adv. with a slap: suddenly, violently.--adj. (slang) first-rate.--adv. SLAP'-BANG, violently, all at once.--adj. dashing, violent.--n. a cheap eating-house.--adv. SLAP'-DASH, in a bold, careless way.--adj. off-hand, rash.--n. rough-cast harling: carelessly done work.--v.t. to do anything in a hasty, imperfect manner: to rough-cast with mortar.--n. SLAP'PER (slang), anything big of its kind.--adjs. SLAP'PING, very large; SLAP'-UP, excellent, very grand. [Allied to Low Ger. slapp, Ger. schlappe; imit.]

SLAP, slap, n. (Scot.) a gap in a fence: a narrow cleft between hills.--v.t. to break an opening in.

SLAPE, sl[=a]p, adj. (prov.) slippery, crafty. [Ice. sleipr, sleppr, slippery--slípa, to be smooth.]

SLAPJACK=Flapjack (q.v.).

SLASH, slash, v.t. to cut by striking with violence and at random: to make long cuts: to ornament by cutting slits in the cloth in order to show some fine material underneath.--v.i. to strike violently and at random with an edged instrument: to strike right and left: to move rapidly.--n. a long cut: a cut at random: a cut in cloth to show colours underneath: a stripe on a non-commissioned officer's sleeve: a clearing in a wood.--adj. SLASHED, cut with slashes: gashed.--ns. SLASH'ER, anything which slashes; SLASH'ING, a slash in a garment: the felling of trees as a military obstacle, also the trees so felled.--adj. cutting mercilessly, unsparing: dashing: very big, slapping. [O. Fr. eslecher, to dismember--Old High Ger. sl[=i]zan, to split.]

SLASH, slash, v.i. (Scot.) to work in wet.--n. a large quantity of watery food, as broth, &c.--adj. SLASH'Y, dirty, muddy. [Sw. slaska, dabble--slask, wet.]

SLAT, slat, v.t. to strike, beat.--v.i. to flap violently.--n. a sudden sharp blow. [Scand., Ice. sletta, to slap, Norw. sletta, to cast.]

SLAT, slat, n. a thin piece of stone, a slate: a strip of wood.--adj. made of slats.--adj. SLAT'TED, covered with slats. [O. Fr. esclat--Old High Ger. sl[=i]zan, to slit.]

SLATCH, slach, n. the slack of a rope: an interval of fair weather: a short breeze. [SLACK.]

SLATE, sl[=a]t, n. a highly metamorphosed argillaceous rock, fine-grained and fissile, and of a dull blue, gray, purple, or green colour--used in thin slabs of small size for ordinary roofs, and in larger slabs for dairy-fittings, wash-tubs, cisterns, tables, &c., and when polished for writing-slates and 'black-boards:' a piece of slate for roofing, or for writing upon: a preliminary list of candidates before a caucus.--adj. bluish-gray, slate-coloured.--v.t. to cover with slate: to enter on a slate.--ns. SLATE'-AXE, a slater's tool, a sax; SLATE'-CLAY, a fissile shale.--adjs. SL[=A]'TED, covered with slates; SLATE'-GRAY, of a light slate colour.--ns. SLATE'-PEN'CIL, a cut or turned stick of soft slate, or of compressed moistened slate-powder, for writing on slate; SL[=A]'TER; SL[=A]'TINESS, the quality of being slaty; SL[=A]'TING, the act of covering with slates: a covering of slates: materials for slating.--adj. SL[=A]'TY, resembling slate: having the nature or properties of slate. [O. Fr. esclat--Old High Ger. sl[=i]zan, Ger. schleissen, to split.]

SLATE, sl[=a]t, v.t. to abuse, criticise severely: (prov.) to set a dog at.--n. SL[=A]'TING, a severe criticism. [A.S. slítan, to slit.]

SLATER, sl[=a]'t[.e]r, n. a terrestrial oniscid isopod, as the common Porcellio scaber.

SLATHER, slath'[.e]r, n. (slang) a large quantity.

SLATTERN, slat'[.e]rn, n. a woman negligent of her dress: an untidy woman.--v.i. SLATT'ER (prov.), to be untidy or slovenly.--n. SLATT'ERNLINESS.--adj. SLATT'ERNLY, like a slattern: negligent of person: slovenly: dirty: sluttish.--adv. negligently: untidily.--adj. SLATT'ERY (prov.) wet. [From slatter, a freq. of slat, to strike (q.v.).]

SLAUGHTER, slaw't[.e]r, n. a killing: a great destruction of life: carnage: butchery.--ns. SLAUGH'TERER; SLAUGH'TERHOUSE, a place where beasts are killed for the market; SLAUGH'TERMAN, a man employed in killing or butchering animals.--adj. SLAUGH'TEROUS, given to slaughter: destructive: murderous.--adv. SLAUGH'TEROUSLY. [Prob. Ice. slátr, butchers' meat, whence slátra, to slaughter cattle. The A.S. is sleaht--sleán, to slay.]

SLAV, SLAVE, släv, n. one belonging to any of the Slavonic groups of Aryans--Bulgarians, Czechs, Poles, Russians, Servians, Wends, &c.--adj. SLAV'IC. [Slovene or Slovane, from Polish slovo, a word, thus meaning the people who spoke intelligibly, as distinguished from their neighbour, Niemets, the German, lit. the dumb man. Miklosich considers both to be tribal names.]

SLAVE, sl[=a]v, n. a captive in servitude: any one in bondage: a serf: one who labours like a slave: a drudge: one wholly under the will of another: one who has lost all power of resistance.--v.i. to work like a slave: to drudge.--adj. SLAVE'-BORN, born in slavery.--ns. SLAVE'-DR[=I]'VER, one who superintends slaves at their work; SLAVE'-FORK, a long and heavy branch into the forked end of which a slave's neck is fixed to prevent his escaping from the slave-trader's gang.--adj. SLAVE'-GROWN, grown on land worked by slaves.--ns. SLAVE'-HOLD'ER, an owner of slaves; SLAVE'-HOLD'ING; SLAVE'-HUNT, a hunt after runaway slaves; SL[=A]'VER, a ship employed in the slave-trade; SL[=A]'VERY, the state of being a slave: serfdom: the state of being entirely under the will of another: bondage: drudgery; SLAVE'-SHIP, a ship used for transporting slaves.--n.pl. SLAVE'-STATES, those states of the American Union which maintained domestic slavery before the Civil War--Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee.--ns. SLAVE'-TRADE, the trade of buying and selling slaves; SLAVE'-TR[=A]'DER, a trader in slaves; SL[=A]'VEY (slang), a domestic drudge, a maid-servant.--adj. SL[=A]'VISH, of or belonging to slaves: becoming slaves: servile: mean: base: laborious.--adv. SL[=A]'VISHLY.--ns. SL[=A]'VISHNESS; SL[=A]VOC'RACY, slave-owners collectively, or their interests, &c.; SL[=A]'VOCRAT, a member of the slavocracy. [O. Fr. esclave--Mid. High Ger. slave (Ger. sclave), from Slav, above.]

SLAVER, slav'[.e]r, n. spittle or saliva running from the mouth.--v.i. to let the saliva run out of the mouth.--v.t. to smear with saliva.--n. SLAV'ERER.--adv. SLAV'ERINGLY, in a slavering manner.--adj. SLAV'ERY, slabbery. [Slabber.]

SLAVONIC, sla-von'ik, adj. of or belonging to the Slavs, or their language--also SCLAVON'IC, SLAV[=O]'NIAN, SCLAV[=O]'NIAN.--vs.t. SLAVON'ICISE, SLAV'ONISE, to render Slavonic in character, language, &c.--ns. SLAV'OPHIL, one devoted to promoting the interests of the Slavonic peoples; SLAV'OPHILISM, Slavophil feelings and aims; SLAV'OPH[=O]BIST, one who dreads the growth of Slav influence.

SLAW, slaw, n. sliced cabbage eaten as a salad. [Dut. slaa.]

SLAY, sl[=a], v.t. to strike: to kill: to put to death: to destroy:--pa.t. slew (sl[=oo]); pa.p. slain (sl[=a]n).--n. SLAY'ER. [A.S. sleán; Ice. slá, Goth. slahan, Ger. schlagen, to strike.]

SLEAVE, sl[=e]v, n. the ravelled, knotty part of silk thread: (Shak.) floss-silk.--v.t. to separate, as threads:--pr.p. sleav'ing; pa.p. sleaved. [Cf. Dan. slöife, a loose knot, Sw. slejf, a knot of ribbon, Ger. schleife, a loop.]

SLEAZY, sl[=a]'zi, or sl[=e]'zi, adj. thin and flimsy.--n. SLEA'ZINESS. [Prob. Ger. schleissig, worn out, readily split--schleissen, to split.]

SLED, sled, SLEDGE, slej, n. a carriage with runners made for sliding upon snow: a sleigh: anything dragged without wheels along the ground.--v.t. and v.i. to convey, or to travel, in a sled.--p.adj. SLED'DED (Shak.), sledged.--ns. SLED'DING, the act of transporting on a sled; SLEDGE'-CHAIR, a chair mounted on runners for ice. [Ice. sledhi; from a root seen in A.S. slídan, to slide.]

SLEDGE, slej, n. an instrument for striking: a large heavy hammer used chiefly by ironsmiths. [A.S. slecg--sleán, to strike, slay (cf. Ger. schlägel, a beater--schlagen).]

SLEEK, sl[=e]k, adj. smooth: glossy: soft, not rough: insinuating, plausible: dexterous.--v.t. to make smooth or glossy: to calm or soothe.--v.i. to glide.--advs. SLEEK, SLICK, neatly.--v.t. SLEEK'EN, to make smooth or sleek.--ns. SLEEK'ER, SLICK'ER, a tool for dressing the surface of leather.--adj. SLEEK'-HEAD'ED, having a smooth head.--n. SLEEK'ING, the act of making smooth.--adj. SLEEK'IT (Scot.), having a smooth skin: sly, cunning, fair-spoken.--adv. SLEEK'LY.--ns. SLEEK'NESS; SLEEK'-STONE, a smooth stone used for polishing anything.--adj. SLEEK'Y, smooth: sly, untrustworthy. [Scand., Ice. slíkr, sleek; cf. Dut. slijk, Ger. schlick, grease.]

SLEEP, sl[=e]p, v.i. to take rest by relaxation: to become unconscious: to slumber: to rest: to be motionless or inactive: to remain unnoticed: to live thoughtlessly: to be dead: to rest in the grave:--pa.t. and pa.p. slept.--n. the state of one who, or that which, sleeps: slumber: rest: the dormancy of some animals during winter: (bot.) nyctitropism.--n. SLEEP'ER, one who sleeps: a horizontal timber supporting a weight, rails, &c.--adv. SLEEP'ILY.--n. SLEEP'INESS.--p.adj. SLEEP'ING, occupied with, or for, sleeping: dormant.--n. the state of resting in sleep: (Shak.) the state of being at rest or in abeyance.--ns. SLEEP'ING-CAR, -CARRIAGE, a railway-carriage in which passengers have berths for sleeping in; SLEEP'ING-DRAUGHT, a drink given to bring on sleep; SLEEP'ING-PART'NER (see PARTNER).--adj. SLEEP'LESS, without sleep: unable to sleep.--adv. SLEEP'LESSLY.--ns. SLEEP'LESSNESS; SLEEP'-WALK'ER, one who walks while asleep: a somnambulist; SLEEP'-WALKING.--adj. SLEEP'Y, inclined to sleep: drowsy: dull: lazy.--n. SLEEP'YHEAD, a lazy person.--ON SLEEP (B.), asleep. [A.S. sl['æ]pan--sl['æ]p; Ger. schlaf, Goth. sleps.]

SLEET, sl[=e]t, n. rain mingled with snow or hail.--v.i. to hail or snow with rain mingled.--n. SLEET'INESS.--adj. SLEET'Y. [Scand., Norw. sletta, sleet.]

SLEEVE, sl[=e]v, n. the part of a garment which covers the arm: a tube into which a rod or other tube is inserted.--v.t. to furnish with sleeves.--ns. SLEEVE'-BAND (Shak.), the wristband; SLEEVE'-BUTT'ON, a button or stud for the wristband or cuff.--adjs. SLEEVED, furnished with sleeves; SLEEVE'LESS, without sleeves.--ns. SLEEVE'-LINK, two buttons, &c., joined by a link for holding together the two edges of the cuff or wristband; SLEEVE'-NUT, a double-nut for attaching the joint-ends of rods or tubes; SLEEVE'-WAIST'COAT, SLEEVED'-WAIST'COAT, a waistcoat with long sleeves, worn by porters, boots, &c.--HANG ON THE SLEEVE, to be dependent on some one; HAVE IN ONE'S SLEEVE, to have in readiness for any emergency; LAUGH IN ONE'S SLEEVE, to laugh behind one's sleeve, to laugh privately or unperceived; LEG-OF-MUTTON SLEEVE, a woman's sleeve full in the middle, tight at arm-hole and wrist. [A.S. sléfe, sléf, a sleeve--slúpan, to slip; cog. with Ger. schlauf.]

SLEEZY=Sleazy (q.v.).

SLEIDED, sl[=a]d'ed, adj. (Shak.) unwoven. [Sley.]

SLEIGH, sl[=a], n. same as SLED.--ns. SLEIGH'-BELL, a small bell attached to a sleigh or its harness; SLEIGH'ING, the act of riding in a sleigh or sled.

SLEIGHT, sl[=i]t, n. cunning: dexterity: an artful trick.--n. SLEIGHT'-OF-HAND, legerdemain. [Ice. slægth, cunning, slægr, sly.]

SLENDER, slen'd[.e]r, adj. thin or narrow: feeble: inconsiderable: simple: meagre, inadequate, poorly furnished.--adv. SLEN'DERLY.--n. SLEN'DERNESS. [Old Dut. slinder, thin, slinderen, to drag; cf. Ger. schlendern, to saunter.]

SLEPT, slept, pa.t. and pa.p. of sleep.

SLEUTH-HOUND, sl[=oo]th'-hownd, n. a dog that tracks game by the scent, a blood-hound. [Slot.]

SLEW, sl[=oo], pa.t. of slay.

SLEY, sl[=a], n. the reed of a weaver's loom. [A.S. sl['æ]--sleán, to strike.]

SLICE, sl[=i]s, v.t. to slit or divide into thin pieces.--n. a thin broad piece: a broad knife for serving fish.--n. SL[=I]'CER, one who, or that which, slices: a broad, flat knife. [O. Fr. esclice--Old High Ger. sl[=i]zan, to split.]

SLICK, slik, adj. smooth: smooth-tongued: dexterous in movement or action.--adv. in a smooth manner, deftly. [Sleek]

SLICK, slik, n. ore finely powdered. [Ger. schlich.]

SLICKENSIDES, slik'en-s[=i]dz, n. the smooth, polished, or striated, and generally glazed surfaces of joints and faults in rocks, considered to have been produced by the friction of the two surfaces during the movement of the rock.--adj. SLICK'ENSIDED. [Sleek.]

SLID, slid, pa.t. and pa.p. of slide.

SLIDDEN, slid'n, pa.p. of slide.

SLIDDER, slid'[.e]r, v.i. to slip, slide.--adj. SLIDD'ERY, slippery. [A.S. sliderian, to slip, slidor, slippery:--slídan, to slide.]

SLIDE, sl[=i]d, v.i. to slip or glide: to pass along smoothly: to fall: to slip away quietly, to disappear: (slang) to slope, slip away from the police, &c.--v.t. to thrust along: to slip:--pa.t. slid; pa.p. slid or slidd'en.--n. a smooth passage: the fall of a mass of earth or rock: a smooth declivity: anything, as a lid, that slides, a glass that slides in a frame in front of a magic-lantern, bearing the picture to be thrown on the screen, that part of a photographic plate-holder which serves to cover and uncover the negative: (mus.) a melodic embellishment, two notes sliding into each other: (slang) a biscuit covered with ice-cream.--adj. SL[=I]'DABLE, capable of sliding or of being slid.--ns. SL[=I]'DER, one who, or that which, slides: the part of an instrument or machine that slides; SLIDE'-REST, an apparatus adapted to a turning-lathe for carrying the cutting-tool; SLIDE'-VALVE, a valve in a steam-engine, made to slide backward and forward to cover and uncover the openings through which steam enters the cylinder; SL[=I]'DING, act of one who slides: falling: backsliding.--p.adj. slippery: movable, changing.--ns. SL[=I]'DING-KEEL, an oblong frame let down vertically through the bottom of a vessel in order to deepen the draught and sustain against a side-wind; SL[=I]'DING-RULE (see RULE); SL[=I]'DING-SCALE, a scale of duties which slide or vary according to the value or market prices: a sliding-rule; SL[=I]'DING-SEAT, a kind of seat for racing-boats, moving with the swing of the rower's body; SL[=I]DOM'ETER, an instrument indicating the strain put on a railway-carriage by sudden stoppage. [A.S. slídan, to slide; Dut. slidderen, to slip.]

SLIGHT, sl[=i]t, adj. weak: slender: of little value: trifling: small: negligent: not decided, superficial, cursory: slighting, disdainful.--v.t. to disregard, as of little value: to neglect: (obs.) to demolish, smooth.--n. neglect: disregard, an act of discourtesy.--advs. SLIGHT'INGLY; SLIGHT'LY.--n. SLIGHT'NESS. [Old Low Ger. slicht, plain; Dut. slecht, bad, Ger. schlecht, straight.]

SLIGHT, sl[=i]t, n. (Spens.), sleight, device, trick.

SLILY, sl[=i]'li, adv. See under SLY.

SLIM, slim, adj. (comp. SLIM'MER, superl. SLIM'MEST) very thin, weak, slender: slight, trivial, unsubstantial: delicate: crafty.--adv. SLIM'LY.--adj. SLIM'MISH, somewhat slim.--n. SLIM'NESS.--adj. SLIM'SY (U.S.), frail, flimsy. [Old Low Ger. slim, crafty; Dan. slem, worthless, Ger. schlimm, bad.]

SLIME, sl[=i]m, n. glutinous mud: (B.) probably bitumen.--n. SLIME'-PIT, a pit of slime or viscous mire.--adv. SL[=I]M'ILY.--n. SL[=I]M'INESS.--adj. SL[=I]M'Y, abounding with, or consisting of, slime: glutinous. [A.S. slím; Ger. schleim.]

SLINESS, sl[=i]'nes, n. Same as SLYNESS.

SLING, sling, n. a strap or pocket with a string attached to each end, for hurling a stone: a throw: a hanging bandage for a wounded limb: a rope with hooks, used in hoisting and lowering weights: a sweep or swing: a stroke as from a missile thrown from a sling.--v.t. to throw with a sling: to hang so as to swing: to move or swing by means of a rope: to cast.--v.i. to bound along with swinging steps: (slang) to blow the nose with the fingers:--pa.t. and pa.p. slung.--ns. SLING'ER; SLING'STONE, a stone to be thrown from a sling. [A.S. slingan, to turn in a circle; Ger. schlingen, to move or twine round.]

SLING, sling, n. toddy with grated nutmeg.

SLINK, slingk, v.i. to creep or crawl away, as if ashamed: to sneak:--pa.t. and pa.p. slunk. [A.S. slincan, to creep; Low Ger. sliken, Ger. schleichen.]

SLINK, slingk, v.t. to cast prematurely, as a calf.--v.i. to miscarry.--n. a calf prematurely born: the flesh of such: a bastard child.--adj. prematurely born: unfit for food: lean, starved: mean.--ns. SLINK'-BUTCH'ER, one who kills and dresses for sale the carcasses of diseased animals; SLINK'SKIN, the skin of a slink, or leather made from it.--adj. SLINK'Y, lean.

SLIP, slip, v.i. to slide or glide along: to move out of place: to escape: to err: to slink: to enter by oversight.--v.t. to cause to slide: to convey secretly: to omit: to throw off: to let loose: to escape from: to part from the branch or stem:--pr.p. slip'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. slipped.--n. act of slipping: that on which anything may slip: an error, a fault, a slight transgression: an escape: a twig: a strip, a narrow piece of anything: a leash: a smooth inclined plane, sloping down to the water, on which a ship is built: anything easily slipped on: (print.) a long galley-proof before being made up into pages.--ns. SLIP'-BOARD, a board sliding in grooves; SLIP'-DOCK, a dock having a floor that slopes so that the lower end is submerged; SLIP'-KNOT, a knot which slips along the rope or line round which it is made; SLIP'PER, a loose shoe easily slipped on.--adj. (Spens.) slippery.--adj. SLIP'PERED, wearing slippers.--adv. SLIP'PERILY, in a slippery manner.--ns. SLIP'PERINESS, SLIP'PINESS.--adjs. SLIP'PERY, SLIP'PY, apt to slip away: smooth: not affording firm footing or confidence: unstable: uncertain; SLIP'SHOD, shod with slippers, or shoes down at the heel like slippers: careless.--n. SLIP'STITCH.--SLIP OFF, to take off noiselessly or hastily; SLIP ON, to put on loosely or in haste; SLIP ONE'S BREATH, or wind, to die; SLIP THE LEASH, to disengage one's self from a noose.--GIVE A PERSON THE SLIP, to escape stealthily from him. [A.S. slípan; Sw. slippa, Dut. slippen, to glide, Ger. schliefen.]

SLIPE, sl[=i]p, n. in mining, a skip or sledge without wheels.

SLIPSLOP, slip'slop, adj. slipshod, slovenly.--n. thin, watery food: a blunder.--v.i. to slip loosely about.--adj. SLIP'SLOPPY, slushy, sloppy.

SLISH, slish, n. (Shak.) a cut. [A corr. of slash.]

SLIT, slit, v.t. to cut lengthwise: to split: to cut into strips:--pr.p. slit'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. slit.--n. a long cut: a narrow opening.--n. SLIT'TER, anything which slits, a slitting-shears for sheet-metal.--adj. SLIT'TERED, cut into strips with square ends.--n. SLIT'TING-MILL, an establishment in which metal plates are cut into strips for nail-making: a rotating disc used by gem-cutters for slitting: a gang-saw used for resawing lumber for blind-slats, fence-pickets, &c. [A.S. slítan; Ger. schleissen.]

SLITHER, sli_th_'[.e]r, v.i. to slide.--adj. slippery.--n. a limestone rubble.--adjs. SLITH'ERING, slow, deceitful; SLITH'ERY, slippery. [A variant of slidder.]

SLIVER, sliv'[.e]r, or sl[=i]'v[.e]r, v.t. to split, to tear off lengthwise, to slice.--n. a piece cut or rent off, a slice: a continuous strand of loose untwisted wool or other fibre.--v.i. SLIVE, to slide, skulk. [A.S. slífan, to cleave.]

SLOAM, sl[=o]m, n. (prov.) in coal-mining, the under-clay.

SLOAT, sl[=o]t, n. Same as SLOT (1) and (2).

SLOBBER, slob'[.e]r, same as SLABBER.--n. SLOB, mire, muddy land.--adj. SLOBB'ERY, moist, wet.

SLOCKEN, slok'n, v.t. to quench, extinguish.--Also SLOK'EN. [Ice. slokna, to go out.]

SLOE, sl[=o], n. the blackthorn, producing white flowers before the leaves, the shoots making excellent walking-sticks: the austere fruit, a good preserve. [A.S. slá; Dut. slee, a sloe.]

SLOG, slog, v.i. to hit hard.--n. SLOG'GER, a hard hitter.

SLOGAN, sl[=o]'gan, n. a war-cry among the ancient Highlanders of Scotland. [Gael., contracted from sluagh-gairm, an army-cry.]

SLOID=Sloyd (q.v.).

SLOMBRY, slom'bri, adj. (Spens.) sleepy.--v.i. SLOOM (prov.), to slumber.--adj. SLOOM'Y, lazy, inactive.

SLOOP, sl[=oo]p, n. a light boat: a one-masted cutter-rigged vessel, differing from a cutter, according to old authorities, in having a fixed bowsprit and somewhat smaller sails in proportion to the hull.--n. SLOOP'-OF-WAR, formerly a vessel, of whatever rig, between a corvette and a gun-vessel, constituting the command of a commander, carrying from ten to eighteen guns. [Dut. sloep, prob. O. Fr. chaloupe, shallop.]

SLOP, slop, n. water carelessly spilled: a puddle: mean liquor or liquid food: (pl.) dirty water.--v.t. to soil by letting a liquid fall upon:--pr.p. slop'ping; pa.p. slopped.--ns. SLOP'-B[=A]'SIN, -BOWL, a basin for slops, esp. for the dregs of tea and coffee cups at table; SLOP'-DASH, weak cold tea, &c.: SLOP'-PAIL, a pail for collecting slops; SLOP'PINESS.--adj. SLOP'PY, wet: muddy. [A.S. sloppe, slyppe, cow-droppings--slúpan, to slip.]

SLOPE, sl[=o]p, n. any incline down which a thing may slip: a direction downward.--v.t. to form with a slope, or obliquely.--v.i. to be inclined, to slant: (slang) to decamp, disappear.--adv. in a sloping manner.--adv. SLOPE'WISE, obliquely.--p.adj. SL[=O]'PING, inclining from a horizontal or other right line.--adv. SL[=O]'PINGLY, in a sloping manner: with a slope.--adj. SL[=O]'PY, sloping, inclined: oblique. [A.S. slípan, pa.t. sláp, to slip.]

SLOPS, slops, n.pl. any loose lower garment that slips on easily, esp. trousers: ready-made clothing, &c.--ns. SLOP'-SELL'ER, one who sells cheap ready-made clothes; SLOP'-SHOP, a shop where ready-made clothes are sold; SLOP'-WORK, the making of cheap cloth, any work superficially done; SLOP'-WORK'ER, one who does slop-work. [Scand., Ice. sloppr, a long robe--sleppa, to slip.]

SLOSH, slosh, n. a watery mess.--v.i. to flounder in slush: to go about in an easy way.--adj. SLOSH'Y. [A form of slush.]

SLOT, slot, n. a bar or bolt: a broad, flat, wooden bar which holds together larger pieces. [Allied to Low Ger. slot, Dut. slot, a lock.]

SLOT, slot, n. a hollow, narrow depression, to receive some corresponding part in a mechanism: a ditch, the continuous opening between the rails in a cable tramway along which the shank of the grip moves.--n. SLOT'TING-MACHINE', a machine for cutting slots or square grooves in metal. [SLIT.]

SLOT, slot, n. the track of a deer. [Ice. slóth, track, path; Scot. sleuth, track by the scent.]

SLOTH, sl[=o]th, or sloth, n. laziness, sluggishness: a sluggish arboreal animal of tropical America, of two genera (Choloepus, the two-toed sloth, and Bradypus, the three-toed sloth).--adj. SLOTH'FUL, given to sloth: inactive: lazy.--adv. SLOTH'FULLY.--n. SLOTH'FULNESS. [A.S. sl['æ]wth--sláw, slow.]

SLOTTER, slot'[.e]r, n. filth.--v.t. to foul.--adj. SLOTT'ERY, foul.

SLOUCH, slowch, n. a hanging down loosely of the head or other part: clownish gait: a clown.--v.i. to hang down: to have a clownish look or gait.--v.t. to depress.--n. SLOUCH'-HAT, a soft broad-brimmed hat.--p.adj. SLOUCH'ING, walking with a downcast, awkward manner: hanging down.--adj. SLOUCH'Y, somewhat slouching. [Scand., Ice. slókr, a slouching fellow; slakr, slack.]

SLOUGH, slow, n. a hollow filled with mud: a soft bog or marsh.--adj. SLOUGH'Y, full of sloughs: miry. [A.S. slóh, a hollow place; perh. from Ir. sloc--slugaim, to swallow up.]

SLOUGH, sluf, n. the cast-off skin of a serpent: the dead part which separates from a sore.--v.i. to come away as a slough (with off): to be in the state of sloughing.--v.t. to cast off, as a slough.--adj. SLOUGH'Y, like, or containing, slough. [Scand.; Sw. dial. slug; cf. Ger. slauch, a skin.]

SLOVAK, sl[=o]-vak', adj. pertaining to the Slovaks, a branch of the Slavs in the mountainous districts of N.W. Hungary, their language little more than a dialect of Czech.--n. one of this race, or his language.--adjs. SLOVAK'IAN, SLOVAK'ISH.

SLOVEN, sluv'n, n. a man carelessly or dirtily dressed:--fem. SLUT.--n. SLOV'ENLINESS.--adj. SLOV'ENLY, like a sloven: negligent of neatness or cleanliness: disorderly: done in an untidy manner.--adv. negligently.--n. SLOV'ENRY (Shak.), slovenliness. [Old Dut. slof, sloef, Low Ger. sluf, slow, indolent.]

SLOVENIAN, sl[=o]-v[=e]'ni-an, adj. pertaining to the Slovenes, a branch of the South Slavonic stock to which the Serbs and Croats belong.

SLOW, sl[=o], adj. not swift: late: behind in time: not hasty: not ready: not progressive.--v.t. to delay, retard, slacken the speed of.--v.i. to slacken in speed.--n. SLOW'BACK, a lazy lubber.--p.adj. SLOW'-GAIT'ED (Shak.), accustomed to walk slowly.--ns. SLOW'-HOUND, sleuth-hound; SLOW'ING, a lessening of speed.--adv. SLOW'LY.--ns. SLOW'-MATCH, generally rope steeped in a solution of saltpetre and lime-water, used for firing guns before the introduction of friction tubes, and sometimes for firing military mines, now superseded by Bickford's fuse, a train of gunpowder enclosed in two coatings of jute thread waterproofed; SLOW'NESS.--adj. SLOW'-SIGHT'ED, slow to discern; SLOW'-WINGED, flying slowly.--n. SLOW'-WORM, a scincoid lizard, same as Blind-worm--by popular etymology '_slow-_worm,' but, according to Skeat, really '_slay-_worm,' A.S. slá-wyrm. [A.S. sláw; Dut. slee, Ice. sljór.]

SLOYD, SLOID, sloid, n. the name given to a certain system of manual instruction which obtains in the schools of Finland and Sweden, the word properly denoting work of an artisan kind practised not as a trade or means of livelihood, but in the intervals of other employment. [Sw. slöjd, dexterity.]

SLUB, slub, v.t. to twist after carding to prepare for spinning.

SLUBBER, slub'[.e]r, v.t. to stain, to daub, slur over.--n. SLUBB'ER-DEGULL'ION, a wretch.--adv. SLUBB'ERINGLY. [Dut. slobberen, to lap, Low Ger. slubbern.]

SLUDGE, sluj, n. soft mud or mire: half-melted snow.--adj. SLUDG'Y, miry: muddy. [A form of slush.]

SLUE, SLEW, sl[=u], v.t. (naut.) to turn anything about its axis without removing it from its place: to turn or twist about.--v.i. to turn round:--pr.p. sl[=u]'ing; pa.p. sl[=u]ed.--n. the turning of a body upon an axis within its figure.--adj. SLUED, tipsy. [Scand., Ice. snua, to turn.]

SLUG, slug, n. a heavy, lazy fellow: a name for land-molluscs of order Pulmonata, with shell rudimentary or absent--they do great damage to garden crops: any hinderance.--ns. SLUG'-A-BED (Shak.), one who is fond of lying in bed, a sluggard; SLUG'GARD, one habitually idle or inactive.--v.t. SLUG'GARDISE (Shak.), to make lazy.--adj. SLUG'GISH, habitually lazy: slothful: having little motion: having little or no power.--adv. SLUG'GISHLY.--n. SLUG'GISHNESS. [Scand., Dan. slug, sluk, drooping, Norw. sloka, to slouch; Low Ger. slukkern, to be loose; allied to slack.]

SLUG, slug, n. a cylindrical or oval piece of metal for firing from a gun: a piece of crude metal. [Prob. from slug above, or slug=slog, to hit hard.]

SLUGGA, slug'a, n. a deep cavity formed by the action of subterranean streams common in some limestone districts of Ireland. [Ir. slugaid, a slough.]

SLUGHORN, slug'horn, n. a word used to denote a kind of horn, but really a corruption of slogan.

SLUICE, sl[=oo]s, n. a sliding gate in a frame for shutting off or regulating the flow of water: the stream which flows through it: that through which anything flows: a source of supply: in mining, a board trough for separating gold from placer-dirt carried through it by a current of water: the injection-valve in a steam-engine condenser.--v.t. to wet or drench copiously: to wash in or by a sluice: to flush or clean out with a strong flow of water.--adj. SLUIC'Y, falling in streams, as from a sluice. [O. Fr. escluse (Fr. écluse)--Low L. exclusa (aqua), a sluice (water) shut out, pa.p. of L. ex-clud[)e]re, to shut out.]

SLUM, slum, n. a low street or neighbourhood.--v.i. to visit the slums of a city, esp. from motives of curiosity.--ns. SLUM'MER, one who slums; SLUM'MING, the practice of visiting slums.

SLUMBER, slum'b[.e]r, v.i. to sleep lightly: to sleep: to be in a state of negligence or inactivity.--n. light sleep: repose.--ns. SLUM'BERER; SLUM'BERING.--adv. SLUM'BERINGLY, in a slumbering manner.--n. SLUM'BERLAND, the state of slumber.--adjs. SLUM'BERLESS, without slumber: sleepless; SLUM'BEROUS, SLUM'BROUS, inviting or causing slumber; sleepy; SLUM'BERY, sleepy: drowsy. [With intrusive b from M. E. slumeren--A.S. sluma, slumber; cog. with Ger. schlummern.]

SLUMP, slump, v.i. to fall or sink suddenly into water or mud: to fail or fall through helplessly.--n. a boggy place: the act of sinking into slush, &c., also the sound so made: a sudden fall or failure.--adj. SLUMP'Y, marshy. [Cf. Dan. slumpe, to stumble upon by chance; Ger. schlumpen, to trail.]

SLUMP, slump, v.t. to throw into a lump or mass, to lump.--n. a gross amount, a lump.--n. SLUMP'-WORK, work in the lump. [Cf. Dan. slump, a lot, Dut. slomp, a mass.]

SLUNG, pa.t. and pa.p. of sling.--n. SLUNG'-SHOT, a weight attached to a cord, used as a weapon.

SLUNK, pa.t. and pa.p. of slink.--adj. SLUNK'EN (prov.), shrivelled.

SLUR, slur, v.t. to soil; to contaminate: to disgrace: to pass over lightly: to conceal: (mus.) to sing or play in a gliding manner.--v.i. (print.) to slip in making the impression, causing the printing to be blurred:--pr.p. slur'ring; pa.t. and pa.p. slurred.--n. a stain: slight reproach or disparagement: (mus.) a mark showing that notes are to be sung to the same syllable.--p.adj. SLURRED (mus.), marked with a slur, performed in a gliding style like notes marked with a slur. [Old Dut. slooren, sleuren, Low Ger. slüren, to drag along the ground.]

SLURRY, slur'i, n. any one of several semi-fluid mixtures, esp. of ganister, used to make repairs in converter-linings.

SLUSH, slush, n. liquid mud: melting snow: a mixture of grease for lubrication: the refuse of the cook's galley in a ship.--v.t. to apply slush to, to grease: to wash by throwing water upon: to fill spaces in masonry with mortar (with up): to coat with a mixture of white-lead and lime the bright parts of machinery.--adj. SLUSH'Y. [Cf. Slosh.]

SLUT, slut, n. (fem. of SLOVEN) a dirty, untidy woman: a wench, a jade: a bitch.--adj. SLUT'TISH, resembling a slut: dirty: careless.--adv. SLUT'TISHLY.--ns. SLUT'TISHNESS, SLUT'TERY. [Scand., Ice. slöttr, a dull fellow--slota, to droop.]

SLY, sl[=i], adj. dexterous in doing anything so as to be unobserved: cunning: wily: secret: done with artful dexterity: illicit.--n. SLY'BOOTS, a sly or cunning person or animal.--advs. SLY'LY, SL[=I]'LY.--ns. SLY'NESS, SL[=I]'NESS.--ON THE SLY, slyly, secretly. [Prob. from Ice. slæg-r; cf. Ger. schlau.]

SLYPE, sl[=i]p, n. a. covered passage from the transept of a cathedral to the chapter-house, &c. [Slip.]

SMACK, smak, n. taste: flavour: a pleasing taste: a small quantity: a flavour of something.--v.i. to have a taste: to have a quality. [A.S. smæc.]

SMACK, smak, n. a generic name for small decked or half-decked coasters and fishing-vessels, most rigged as cutters, sloops, or yawls. [Dut. smak; Ger. schmacke, Ice. snekja.]

SMACK, smak, v.t. to strike smartly, to slap loudly: to kiss roughly and noisily.--v.i. to make a sharp noise with, as the lips by separation.--n. a sharp sound: a crack: a hearty kiss.--adv. sharply, straight.--p.adj. SMACK'ING, making a sharp, brisk sound, a sharp noise, a smack. [Prob. imit., Dut. smakken, to smite, Ger. schmatzen, to smack.]

SMALL, smawl, adj. little in quantity or degree: minute: not great: unimportant: ungenerous, petty: of little worth or ability: short: having little strength: gentle: little in quality or quantity.--adv. in a low tone; gently.--ns. SMALL'-ALE, ale with little malt and unhopped; SMALL'-AND-EARL'Y (coll.) an informal evening-party.--n.pl. SMALL'-ARMS, muskets, rifles, pistols, &c., including all weapons that can be actually carried by a man.--n. SMALL'-BEER, a kind of weak beer.--adj. inferior generally.--n.pl. SMALL'-CLOTHES, knee-breeches, esp. those of the close-fitting 18th-century form.--ns. SMALL'-COAL, coal not in lumps but small pieces; SMALL'-CRAFT, small vessels generally.--n.pl. SMALL'-DEBTS, a phrase current in Scotland to denote debts under £12, recoverable in the Sheriff Court.--n. SMALL'-HAND, writing such as is ordinarily used in correspondence.--n.pl. SMALL'-HOURS, the hours immediately following midnight.--adj. SMALL'ISH, somewhat small.--ns. SMALL'NESS; SMALL'-P[=I]'CA (see PICA); SMALL'POX, or Variola, a contagious, febrile disease, of the class known as Exanthemata, characterised by small pocks or eruptions on the skin; SMALLS, the 'little-go' or previous examination: small-clothes; SMALL'-TALK, light or trifling conversation.--n.pl. SMALL'-WARES (see WARE).--IN A SMALL WAY, with little capital or stock: unostentatiously. [A.S. smæl; Ger. schmal.]

SMALLAGE, smawl'[=a]j, n. celery. [Small, Fr. ache--L. apium, parsley.]

SMALT, smawlt, n. glass melted, tinged blue by cobalt, and pulverised when cold.--n. SMAL'TINE, an arsenide of cobalt, often containing nickel and iron. [Low L. smaltum--Old High Ger. smalzjan (Ger. schmelzen), to melt.]

SMARAGDINE, sma-rag'din, adj. of an emerald green.--n. SMARAG'DITE, a peculiar variety of Amphibole, light grass-green in colour, with a foliated, lamellar or fibrous structure--occurring as a constituent of the rock called Eklogite. [L. smaragdinus--smaragdus--Gr. smaragdos, the emerald.]

SMART, smärt, n. quick, stinging pain of body or mind: smart-money: a dandy.--v.i. to feel a smart: to be punished.--adj. causing a smart: severe: sharp: vigorous, brisk: acute, witty, pert, vivacious: well-dressed, fine, fashionable: keen in business: creditable, up-to-the-mark.--v.t. SMART'EN, to make smart, to brighten (with up).--adv. SMART'LY.--ns. SMART'-MON'EY, money paid by a recruit for his release before being sworn in: money paid for escape from any unpleasant situation or engagement: excessive damages: money allowed to soldiers and sailors for wounds; SMART'NESS; SMART'-TICK'ET, a certificate granted to one entitled to smart-money; SMART'-WEED, a name given to some of the Milkworts from their acrid properties, esp. Polygonum Hydropiper, or Waterpepper; SMART'Y, a would-be smart fellow. [A.S. smeortan; Dut. smarten, Ger. schmerzen.]

SMASH, smash, v.t. to break in pieces violently: to crush: to dash violently.--v.i. to act with crushing force: to be broken to pieces: to be ruined, to fail: to dash violently.--n. act of smashing, destruction, ruin, bankruptcy.--ns. SMASH'ER, one who smashes: (slang) one who passes bad money, bad money itself: anything great or extraordinary; SMASH'ING.--adj. crushing: dashing.--n. SMASH'-UP, a serious smash. [Prob. Sw. dial. smaske, to smack.]

SMATCH, smach, n. (Shak.) taste or tincture.--v.t. and v.i. to have a taste. [Smack.]

SMATTER, smat'[.e]r, v.i. to talk superficially: to have a superficial knowledge.--ns. SMATT'ERER; SMATT'ERING, a superficial knowledge.--adv. SMATT'ERINGLY, in a smattering manner. [M. E. smateren, to rattle, to chatter--Sw. smattra, to clatter; Ger. schnattern.]

SMEAR, sm[=e]r, v.t. to overspread with anything sticky or oily, as grease: to daub.--n. SMEAR'INESS.--adj. SMEAR'Y, sticky: showing smears. [A.S. smeru, fat, grease; Ger. schmeer, grease, Ice. smjör, butter.]

SMECTITE, smek't[=i]t, n. a greenish clay. [Gr. sm[=e]ktis--sm[=e]chein, to rub.]

SMECTYMNUUS, smek-tim'n[=u]-us, n. a name compounded of the initials of the five Puritan divines--Stephen Marshall, Edmund Calamy, Thomas Young, Matthew Newcomen, and William Spurstow, joint authors of An Answer (1641) to Bishop Hall's Humble Remonstrance to the High Court of Parliament (1641) in defence of the liturgy and episcopal government.

SMEDDUM, smed'um, n. fine powder: sagacity, spirit, mettle: ore small enough to go through the sieve. [A.S. smedema, fine flour.]

SMEE, sm[=e], n. the pochard: widgeon: pintail-duck.--Also SMEATH.

SMEGMA, smeg'ma, n. a sebaceous secretion, esp. that under the prepuce: an unguent.--adj. SMEGMAT'IC. [Gr. sm[=e]gma.]

SMELL, smel, v.i. to affect the nose: to have odour: to use the sense of smell.--v.t. to perceive by the nose:--pa.t. and pa.p. smelled or smelt.--n. the quality of bodies which affects the nose: odour: perfume: the sense which perceives this quality.--ns. SMELL'ER; SMELL'-FEAST, a greedy fellow; SMELL'ING, the sense by which smells are perceived; SMELL'ING-BOTT'LE, a bottle containing smelling-salts, or the like; SMELL'ING-SALTS, a preparation of ammonium carbonate with lavender, &c., used as a stimulant in faintness, &c.; SMELL'-TRAP, a drain-trap.--adj. SMELL'Y, having a bad smell.--SMELL A RAT (see RAT); SMELL OUT, to find out by prying. [Allied to Low Ger. smelen, Dut. smeulen, to smoulder.]

SMELT, smelt, n. a fish of the salmon or trout family, having a cucumber-like smell and a delicious flavour. [A.S. smelt.]

SMELT, smelt, v.t. to melt ore in order to separate the metal.--ns. SMEL'TER; SMEL'TERY, a place for smelting; SMEL'TING; SMEL'TING-FUR'NACE, -HOUSE, -WORKS. [Scand., Sw. smälta, to smelt.]

SMERKY, sm[.e]rk'i, adj. (Spens.) neat. [Smirk.]

SMEW, sm[=u], n. a bird of the family Anatidæ, in the same genus as the goosander and mergansers.

SMICKER, smik'[.e]r, v.i. (obs.) to look amorously.--n. SMICK'ERING, an inclination for a woman.--adv. SMICK'LY, amorously.

SMICKET, smik'et, n. a smock.

SMIDDY, smid'i, n. a smithy.

SMIDGEN, smij'en, n. (U.S.) a small quantity, a trifle.

SMIFT, smift, n. a piece of touchwood, &c., formerly used to ignite the train in blasting.--Also SNUFF.

SMIGHT, sm[=i]t, v.t. (Spens.) to smite.

SMILAX, sm[=i]'laks, n. a genus of liliaceous plants, type of the tribe Smilaceæ--the roots of several species yield sarsaparilla.

SMILE, sm[=i]l, v.i. to express pleasure by the countenance: to express slight contempt: to look joyous: to be favourable.--n. act of smiling: the expression of the features in smiling: favour: (slang) a drink, a treat.--ns. SM[=I]'LER, one who smiles; SM[=I]'LET (Shak.), a little smile.--adj. SM[=I]'LING, wearing a smile, joyous.--adv. SM[=I]'LINGLY, in a smiling manner: with a smile or look of pleasure.--n. SM[=I]'LINGNESS, the state of being smiling. [Scand., Sw. smila, to smile.]

SMIRCH, smirch, v.t. to besmear, dirty: to degrade in fame, dignity, &c.--n. a stain. [A weakened form of smer-k, from M. E. smeren, to smear.]

SMIRK, sm[.e]rk, v.i. to smile affectedly: to look affectedly soft.--n. an affected smile.--adjs. SMIRK (obs.), SMIRK'Y, smart. [A.S. smercian; akin to smile.]

SMIT, smit, obsolete pa.t. and pa.p. of smite.

SMIT, smit, v.t. (prov.) to infect.--n. a stain: infection.--v.t. SMIT'TLE, to infect.--adj. infectious.--n. infection. [A.S. smittian, to spot, smitta, a spot, an intens. of smítan, to smite.]

SMITCH, smich, n. a particle: dust.--n. (dim.) SMITCH'EL.

SMITE, sm[=i]t, v.t. to strike with the fist, hand, or weapon: to beat: to kill: to overthrow in battle: to affect with feeling: (B.) to blast: to afflict.--v.i. to strike:--pa.t. sm[=o]te; pa.p. smitt'en.--n. SM[=I]'TER.--SMITE OFF, to cut off; SMITE OUT, to knock out; SMITE WITH THE TONGUE (B.), to reproach, to revile. [A.S. smítan; Dut. smijten, Ger. schmeissen.]

SMITH, smith, n. one who forges with the hammer: a worker in metals: one who makes anything.--ns. SMITH'ERY, the workshop of a smith: work done by a smith--also SMITH'ING; SMITH'Y, the workshop of a smith; SMITH'Y-COAL, a kind of small coal much used by smiths. [A.S. smith; Ger. schmied.]

SMITHEREENS, smith-[.e]r-[=e]nz', n.pl. (coll.) small fragments.

SMITHSONIAN, smith-s[=o]'ni-an, adj. pertaining to James Macie Smithson (1765--1829), founder of a great institution at Washington for ethnological and scientific investigations, organised by Congress in 1846.

SMITTEN, smit'n, pa.p. of smite.

SMOCK, smok, n. a woman's shift: a smock-frock.--v.t. to clothe in a smock or smock-frock.--adj. SMOCK'-FACED, pale-faced.--ns. SMOCK'-FROCK, an outer garment of coarse white linen worn over the other clothes in the south of England; SMOCK'-RACE, a race for the prize of a smock. [A.S. smoc, perh. from A.S. smeógan, to creep into.]

SMOKE, sm[=o]k, n. the vapour from a burning body--a common term for the volatile products of the imperfect combustion of such organic substances as wood or coal.--v.i. to emit smoke: to smoke out instead of upward, owing to imperfect draught: to draw in and puff out the smoke of tobacco: to raise smoke by moving rapidly: to burn, to rage: to suffer, as from punishment.--v.t. to apply smoke to: to dry, scent, or medicate by smoke: to inhale the smoke of: to use in smoking: to try to expel by smoking: to scent out, discover: to quiz, ridicule: to thrash.--ns. SMOKE'-BLACK, lampblack; SMOKE'-BOARD, a board suspended before the upper part of a fireplace to prevent the smoke coming out into the room; SMOKE'-BOX, part of a steam-boiler where the smoke is collected before passing out at the chimney; SMOKE'-CONS[=U]'MER, an apparatus for burning all the smoke from a fire.--adj. SMOKE'-DRIED.--v.t. SMOKE'-DRY, to cure or dry by means of smoke.--ns. SMOKE'-HOUSE, a building where meat or fish is cured by smoking, or where smoked meats are stored; SMOKE'-JACK, a contrivance for turning a jack by means of a wheel turned by the current of air ascending a chimney.--adj. SMOKE'LESS, destitute of smoke.--adv. SMOKEL'ESSLY.--ns. SMOKE'LESSNESS; SM[=O]'KER, one who smokes tobacco: a smoking-carriage: one who smoke-dries meat: an evening entertainment at which smoking is permitted; SMOKE'-SAIL, a small sail hoisted between the galley-funnel and the foremast when a vessel rides head to the wind; SMOKE'-SHADE, a scale of tints ranging from 0 to 10, for comparison of different varieties of coal, according to the amount of unburnt carbon in their smoke; SMOKE'-STACK, an upright pipe through which the combustion-gases from a steam-boiler pass into the open air.--adj. SMOKE'-TIGHT, impervious to smoke.--ns. SMOKE'-TREE, an ornamental shrub of the cashew family, with long light feathery or cloud-like fruit-stalks; SMOKE'-WASH'ER, an apparatus for removing soot and particles of unburnt carbon from smoke by making it pass through water; SMOKE'-WOOD, the virgin's bower (Clematis Vitalba), whose porous stems are smoked by boys.--adv. SM[=O]'KILY.--ns. SM[=O]'KINESS; SM[=O]'KING, the act of emitting smoke: the act or habit of drawing into the mouth and emitting the fumes of tobacco by means of a pipe or cigar--a habit of great sedative value: a bantering; SM[=O]'KING-CAP, -JACK'ET, a light ornamental cap or jacket often worn by smokers; SM[=O]'KING-CARR'IAGE, -ROOM, a railway-carriage, -room, supposed to be set apart for smokers.--adj. SM[=O]'KY, giving out smoke: like smoke: filled, or subject to be filled, with smoke: tarnished or noisome with smoke: (obs.) suspicious.--ON A SMOKE (B.), smoking, or on fire. [A.S. smocian, smoca; Ger. schmauch.]

SMOLDER=Smoulder (q.v.).

SMOLT, sm[=o]lt, n. a name given to young river salmon when they are bluish along the upper half of the body and silvery along the sides. [Smelt.]

SMOOTH, sm[=oo]th, adj. having an even surface: not tough: evenly spread: glossy: gently flowing: easy: regular: unobstructed: bland: mild, calm.--v.t. to make smooth: to palliate: to soften: to calm: to ease: (Shak.) to exonerate.--v.i. to repeat flattering words.--n. (B.) the smooth part.--adj. SMOOTH'-BORE, not rifled.--n. a gun with smooth-bored barrel.--adjs. SMOOTH'-BROWED, with unwrinkled brow; SMOOTH'-CHINNED, having a smooth chin: beardless; SMOOTH'-DIT'TIED, sweetly sung, with a flowing melody.--v.t SMOOTH'EN, to make smooth.--n. SMOOTH'ER, one who, or that which, smooths: in glass-cutting, an abrading-wheel for polishing the aces of the grooves cut by another wheel: (obs.) a flatterer.--adj. SMOOTH'-FACED, having a smooth air, mild-looking.--ns. SMOOTH'ING-[=I]'RON, an instrument of iron for smoothing clothes; SMOOTH'ING-PLANE, a small fine plane used for finishing.--adv. SMOOTH'LY.--n. SMOOTH'NESS.--adjs. SMOOTH'-PACED, having a regular easy pace; SMOOTH'-SHOD, having shoes without spikes; SMOOTH'-SP[=O]'KEN, speaking pleasantly: plausible: flattering; SMOOTH'-TONGUED, having a smooth tongue: flattering. [A.S. smóthe, usually sméthe; Ger. ge-schmeidig, soft.]

SMORE, sm[=o]r, a Scotch form of smother.

SMOTE, sm[=o]t, pa.t. and pa.p. of smite.

SMOTHER, smuth'[.e]r, v.t. to suffocate by excluding the air: to conceal.--v.i. to be suffocated or suppressed: to smoulder.--n. smoke: thick floating dust: state of being smothered: confusion.--ns. SMOTHER[=A]'TION, suffocation: a sailor's dish of meat buried in potatoes; SMOTH'ERINESS.--adv. SMOTH'ERINGLY.--adj. SMOTH'ERY, tending to smother: stifling. [M. E. smorther--A.S. smorian, to smother; cf. Ger. schmoren, to stew.]

SMOUCH, smowch, n. a smack, a hearty kiss.--v.t. to kiss, to buss.

SMOUCH, smowch, v.t. to take advantage of, to chouse.

SMOUCHED, smowcht, adj. blotted, dirtied, smutched.

SMOULDER, sm[=o]l'd[.e]r, v.i. to burn slowly or without vent.--adjs. SMOUL'DRING, SMOUL'DRY. [M. E. smolderen--smolder=smor-ther, stifling smoke; cf. Smother.]

SMOUSE, SMOUS, smows, n. a peddler, a German Jew.

SMOUT, smowt, n. (slang) a printer who gets chance jobs in various offices.--v.i. to do occasional work.

SMUDGE, smuj, n. a spot, a stain: a choking smoke--v.t. to stifle: to fumigate with smoke.--n. SMUD'GER, one who smudges: a plumber.--adj. SMUD'GY, stained with smoke. [Scand., Sw. smuts, dirt, Dan. smuds, smut; Ger. schmutz.]

SMUG, smug, adj. neat, prim, spruce: affectedly smart: well satisfied with one's self.--n. a self-satisfied person.--adj. SMUG'-FACED, prim or precise-looking.--adv. SMUG'LY.--n. SMUG'NESS. [Dan. smuk, handsome; cf. Ger. schmuck, fine.]

SMUG, smug, v.t. to seize without ceremony, to confiscate: (slang) to hush up.

SMUGGLE, smug'l, v.t. to import or export without paying the legal duty: to convey secretly.--ns. SMUGG'LER, one who smuggles: a vessel used in smuggling; SMUGG'LING, defrauding the government of revenue by the evasion of custom-duties or excise-taxes. [Low Ger. smuggeln, cog. with Ger. schmuggeln; Dut. smuigen, to eat secretly.]

SMUGGLE, smug'l, v.t. to fondle, cuddle.

SMUR, smur, n. (Scot.) fine misty rain.--v.i. to drizzle.--adj. SMUR'RY.

SMUT, smut, n. a spot of dirt, soot, &c.: foul matter, as soot: Bunt, sometimes also Dust-brand, the popular name of certain small fungi which infest flowering land-plants, esp. the grasses, the name derived from the appearance of the spores, which are nearly black and very numerous: obscene language.--v.t. to soil with smut: to blacken or tarnish.--v.i. to gather smut: to be turned into smut:--pr.p. smut'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. smut'ted.--n. SMUT'-BALL, a fungus of genus Tilletia: a puff-ball.--adj. SMUT'TIED, made smutty.--adv. SMUT'TILY.--n. SMUT'TINESS.--adj. SMUT'TY, stained with smut: affected with smut or mildew: obscene, filthy. [Scand., Sw. smuts; Ger. schmutz, prob. from root of smite.]

SMUTCH, smuch, v.t. to blacken, as with soot.--n. a dirty mark. [A form of smut.]

SMYRNIOT, -E, sm[.e]r'niot, -[=o]t, n. a native or inhabitant, of Smyrna.--adj. of or pertaining to Smyrna.

SMYTERIE, SMYTRIE, smit'ri, n. (Scot.) a large number of individuals of small size.

SNABBLE, snab'l, v.t. (prov.) to plunder: to kill.--v.i. to gobble up.

SNABBY, snab'i, n. (Scot.) the chaffinch.

SNACK, snak, n. a share: a slight, hasty meal.--v.t. to snatch, to bite: to share. [A form of snatch.]

SNAFFLE, snaf'l, n. a bridle which crosses the nose and has a slender mouth-bit without branches.--v.t. to bridle: to clutch by the bridle.--ns. SNAFF'LE-BIT, a kind of slender bit; SNAFF'LING-LAY, the trade of highwayman. [Dut. snavel, the muzzle; cf. Snap.]

SNAG, snag, n. a sharp protuberance: a short branch: a projecting tooth or stump: a tree lying in the water so as to impede navigation--hence any stumbling-block or obstacle.--v.t. to catch on a snag: to entangle: to fill with snags, or to clear from such.--n. SNAG'BOAT, a steamboat with appliances for removing snags.--adjs. SNAG'GED, SNAG'GY, full of snags. [Akin to Gael. and Ir. snaigh, to cut.]

SNAG, snag, v.t. to lop superfluous branches from a tree.--n. SNAG'GER, the tool for this.

SNAIL, sn[=a]l, n. a term for the species of terrestrial Gasteropoda which have well-formed spiral shells--the more typical snails belonging to the genus Helix, of the family Helicidæ, having the shell of many whorls, globose, depressed, or conical.--ns. SNAIL'-CLOV'ER, -TR[=E]'FOIL, a species of medic; SNAIL'-FISH, a fish of genus Liparis, sticking to rocks; SNAIL'-FLOW'ER, a twining bean.--adjs. SNAIL'-LIKE (Shak.), in the manner of a snail, slowly; SNAIL'-PACED (Shak.), as slow-moving as a snail; SNAIL'-SLOW, as slow as a snail.--n. SNAIL'-WHEEL, in some striking time-pieces, a rotating piece with a spiral periphery having notches so arranged as to determine the number of strokes made on the bell.--SNAIL'S PACE, a very slow pace. [A.S. snegl, snægl; Ger. schnecke.]

SNAKE, sn[=a]k, n. a serpent--SNAKES (Ophidia) form one of the classes of reptiles, in shape limbless and much elongated, embracing tree-snakes, the water-snakes, and the very venomous sea-snakes (Hydrophidæ), the burrowing-snakes (Typhlopidæ) and the majority, which may be called ground-snakes.--ns. SNAKE'-BIRD, a darter: the wryneck; SNAKE'-EEL, a long Mediterranean eel, its tail without a tail-fin.--adj. SNAKE'-LIKE (Tenn.), like a snake.--ns. SNAKE'-ROOT, the popular name of various plants of different genera, whose roots are considered good for snake-bites; SNAKE'S'-HEAD, the guinea-hen flower; SNAKE'-STONE, a small rounded piece of stone or other hard substance, popularly believed to be efficacious in curing snake-bites; SNAKE'-WEED, the bistort; SNAKE'WOOD (same as LETTER-WOOD).--adjs. SNAK'ISH, having the qualities of a snake: cunning, deceitful; SNAK'Y (Spens.), belonging to, or resembling, a serpent: (Milt.) cunning, deceitful: covered with, or having, serpents. [A.S. snaca, prob. from snícan, to creep; Ice. snák-r.]

SNAP, snap, v.t. to break short or at once: to bite, or catch at suddenly: to crack: to interrupt sharply (often with up): to shut with a sharp sound: to take an instantaneous photograph of, esp. with a hand camera.--v.i. to break short: to try to bite: to utter sharp words (with at): to flash:--pr.p. snap'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. snapped.--n. act of snapping, or the noise made by it: a small catch or lock: a hasty repast, a snack: a crack, the spring-catch of a bracelet, &c., an earring: a crisp kind of gingerbread nut or cake: crispness, pithiness, epigrammatic point or force: vigour, energy: (slang) a brief theatrical engagement, an easy and profitable place or task: a sharper, a cheat: a riveter's tool, also a glass-moulder's tool: the act of taking a snapshot.--adj. sudden, unpremeditated, without preparation.--ns. SNAP'DRAGON, a plant, so called because the lower lip of the corolla when parted shuts with a snap like a dragon's jaw: a Christmas pastime in which raisins are snatched out of a dish in which brandy is burning, in a room otherwise dark--also the raisins so taken; SNAP'PER; SNAP'PER-UP (Shak.), one who snaps up; SNAP'PING-TUR'TLE, a large fresh-water tortoise of the United States--from its habit of snapping at things.--adjs. SNAP'PISH, SNAP'PY, inclined to snap: eager to bite: sharp in reply.--adv. SNAP'PISHLY, in a snappish manner: peevishly: tartly.--ns. SNAP'PISHNESS; SNAP'SHOT, an instantaneous photograph. [Dut. snappen, to snap; Ger. schnappen.]

SNAPHANCE, snaf'ans, n. a term originally applied to the spring-lock of a gun or pistol, but afterwards applied to the gun itself, a Dutch firelock of the 17th century: a snappish retort.--Also SNAPH'AUNCE. [Dut. snaphaan--snappen, to snap, haan, a cock.]

SNAR, snär, v.i. (Spens.) to snarl.

SNARE, sn[=a]r, n. a running noose of string or wire, &c., for catching an animal: a trap: that by which any one is entrapped: a cord, esp. that stretched across the lower head of a drum: a surgical instrument for removing tumours, &c., by an ever-tightening loop.--v.t. same as Ensnare (q.v.).--v.i. to use snares.--n. SN[=A]R'ER.--adj. SN[=A]R'Y. [A.S. snear; Dut. snaar.]

SNARL, snärl, v.i. to growl, as a surly dog: to speak in a surly manner.--v.t. to utter snarlingly.--n. a growl, a jealous quarrelsome utterance.--n. SNAR'LER.--adjs. SNAR'LING, growling, snappish; SNAR'LY. [Prob. imit.; Low Ger. snarren, Ger. schnarren; conn. with Eng. snore.]

SNARL, snärl, v.t. to twist, entangle, confuse.--v.i. to become entangled.--n. a knot or any kind of complication: a squabble.--adj. SNARLED, twisted.--ns. SNAR'LING-[=I]'RON, -TOOL, a curved tool for snarling or fluting hollow metal-ware, &c.

SNASH, shash, n. (Scot.) insolence, abusive language.--v.i. to talk impudently.

SNATCH, snach, v.t. to seize quickly: to take without permission: to seize and carry away.--v.i. to try to seize hastily.--n. a hasty catching or seizing: a short time of exertion: a small piece or fragment: a catching of the voice: a hasty snack of food: a quibble.--ns. SNATCH'-BLOCK, a kind of pulley-block, having an opening in the side to receive the bight of a rope; SNATCH'ER, one who snatches.--adv. SNATCH'INGLY.--adj. SNATCH'Y, irregular. [M. E. snacchen; cog. with Dut. snakken, Prov. Eng. sneck, a bolt; also conn. with snap.]

SNATHE, sn[=a]th, n. the curved handle of a scythe. [A variant of snead.]

SNEAD, sn[=e]d, n. the handle of a scythe, a snathe. [A.S. sn['æ]d--sníthan, to cut.]

SNEAK, sn[=e]k, v.i. to creep or steal away privately or meanly: to behave meanly.--v.t. (slang) to steal.--n. a mean, servile fellow: a mean thief.--ns. SNEAK'-CUP (Shak.), one who balks his glass: a cowardly, insidious scoundrel; SNEAK'ER.--adj. SNEAK'ING, mean, crouching: secret, underhand, not openly avowed.--adv. SNEAK'INGLY.--ns. SNEAK'INGNESS, SNEAK'INESS, the quality of being sneaking: meanness; SNEAKS'BY (obs.), a sneak.--adj. SNEAK'Y, somewhat sneaking. [A.S. snícan, to creep; Dan. snige. Cf. Snake.]

SNEAP, sn[=e]p, v.t. to check, to rebuke: to nip.--n. a check, a reprimand, taunt, sarcasm.--Also SNAPE.

SNEB, a form of snib, snub.

SNECK, snek, n. (Scot.) the catch of a door or a lid.--v.t. to latch or shut a door.--n. SNECK'-DRAW'ER, one who lifts the latch for thievish ends, a mean thief.--adjs. SNECK'-DRAW'ING, SNECK'-DRAWN, crafty, cunning.--interj. SNECK-UP' (Shak.), go hang! [Prob. snack, to catch.]

SNECK, snek, v.t. (Scot.) to cut [Snick.]

SNEE, sn[=e], n. a large knife. [Dut. snee, snede, a slice; Ger. schneide, edge.]

SNEER, sn[=e]r, v.i. to show contempt by the expression of the face, as by turning up the nose: to insinuate contempt.--v.t. to utter sneeringly.--n. an indirect expression of contempt.--n. SNEER'ER.--adj. SNEER'ING.--adv. SNEER'INGLY. [Scand., Dan. snærre, to grin like a dog; cf. Snarl.]

SNEESHING, sn[=e]sh'ing, n. (Scot.) snuff, or a pinch of snuff.

SNEEZE, sn[=e]z, v.i. to make a sudden and involuntary violent expiration, preceded by one or more inspirations, the fauces being generally closed so that the current of air is directed through the nose.--n. a sneezing.--ns. SNEEZE'WEED, any species of Helenium; SNEEZE'WOOD, the durable wood of a small South African tree whose sawdust causes sneezing: SNEEZE'WORT, the white hellebore: the Achillea Ptarmica; SNEEZ'ING.--NOT TO BE SNEEZED AT, not to be despised, of very considerable value or importance. [M. E. snesen, fnesen--A.S. fneósan, to sneeze; Dut. fniezen.]

SNELL, snel, adj. (Scot.) keen, sharp, severe. [A.S. snel, snell, active; Ger. schnell, swift.]

SNIB, snib, n. (Spens.) a check or reprimand. [Snub.]

SNIB, snib, n. (Scot.) the bolt of a door.--v.t. to bolt.

SNICK, snik, v.t. to cut, snip, nick.--n. a small cut: a knot in yarn when too tightly twisted.--n. SNICK'ERSNEE, a knife.--SNICK AND SNEE, a fight with knives, also a knife. [Ice. snikka, to nick, cut.]

SNICKER, snik'[.e]r, v.i. to laugh, to giggle in a half-suppressed way.--v.t. to say gigglingly.--n. a giggle, a half-smothered laugh. [Low Ger. snukken, to sob, Dut. snikken, to gasp; cf. Neigh and Scot. nicker; all imit.]

SNIDE, sn[=i]d, adj. (slang) sharp, dishonest.--n. a sharper, a cheat.

SNIFF, snif, v.t. to draw in with the breath through the nose.--v.i. to snuff or draw in air sharply through the nose: to snuff.--n. perception of smell: a short sharp inhalation, or the sound made by such.--v.i. SNIF'FLE, to snuffle.--n. SNIF'FLER, a slight breeze.--adj. SNIF'FY, inclined to be disdainful.--vs.i. SNIFT, to sniff, snivel; SNIFT'ER, to sniff.--n. a sniff: (pl.) stoppage of the nasal passages in catarrh: (slang) a dram: (U.S.) a severe storm.--n. SNIFT'ING-VALVE, an air-valve connecting with a steam-cylinder, as in a condensing engine--also Tail-valve, Blow-valve.--adj. SNIFT'Y (slang), having a tempting smell. [Scand.; Dan. snive, snuff; Ger. schnieben.]

SNIG, snig, v.t. (prov.) to cut.

SNIGGER, snig'[.e]r, v.i. to laugh in a half-suppressed, broken manner.--n. a half-suppressed laugh. [Imit.]

SNIGGLE, snig'l, v.i. to fish for eels by thrusting the bait into their hiding-places.--v.t. to catch by this means: to ensnare.--n. SNIG (prov.), an eel.

SNIP, snip, v.t. to cut off at once with scissors: to cut off the nib of: to cut off: to make signs with, as the fingers:--pr.p. snip'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. snipped.--n. a single cut with scissors: a clip or small shred: a share, snack: a tailor.--ns. SNIP'PER, one who snips, a tailor; SNIP'PER-SNAP'PER, a little trifling fellow; SNIP'PET, a little piece snipped off.--adj. SNIP'PETY, trivial, fragmentary.--n. SNIP'PING, a clipping.--adj. SNIP'PY, fragmentary: stingy.--n.pl. SNIPS, a pair of strong hand-shears for sheet-metal.--n. SNIP'-SNAP, tart dialogue with quick replies.--adj. (Shak.) quick, short. [Dut. snippen; Ger. schnippen; closely conn. with snap.]

SNIPE, sn[=i]p, n. the name of a genus (Gallinago) and of a family (Scolopacidæ) of birds, order Grallæ, having a long straight flexible bill, frequenting marshy places all over Europe: a fool: a simpleton: (U.S.) a half-smoked cigar picked up on the street: a long bill or account. [Scand., Ice. snípa; Dut. snip, snep, Ger. schnepfe.]

SNIPE, sn[=i]p, v.i. to pick off stealthily by a long rifle-shot, as from the surrounding hills into a camp, &c.--n. SN[=I]P'ING, the foregoing practice.

SNIRT, snirt, n. a smothered laugh.--v.i. SNIRT'LE, to snicker. [A variant of snortle.]

SNITCHER, snich'[.e]r, n. (slang) an informer: a handcuff.

SNIVEL, sniv'l, v.i. to run at the nose: to cry, as a child:--pr.p. sniv'elling; pa.t. and pa.p. sniv'elled.--n. snot: cant, an affected tearful state.--n. SNIV'ELLER, one prone to snivelling: one who cries for slight causes.--adjs. SNIV'ELLING, snotty: weakly tearful; SNIV'ELLY, snotty, whining. [A.S. snofel, mucus from the nose; akin to sniff, snuff.]

SNOB, snob, n. a vulgar person, esp. one who apes gentility, a tuft-hunter: a shoemaker: a workman who works for lower wages than his fellows, a rat, one who will not join a strike: a townsman, as opposed to a gownsman, in Cambridge slang.--n. SNOB'BERY, the quality of being snobbish.--adj. SNOB'BISH.--adv. SNOB'BISHLY.--ns. SNOB'BISHNESS; SNOB'BISM.--adj. SNOB'BY.--ns. SNOB'LING, a little snob; SNOBOC'RACY, snobs as a powerful class; SNOBOG'RAPHER; SNOBOG'RAPHY, the description of snobs and snobbery. [Prob. prov. snap, a boy, from Ice. snápr, a dolt; Sw. dial. snopp, a boy.]

SNOD, snod, adj. (Scot.) neat, trim.--v.t. to trim, set in order (with up). [Conn. with A.S. sn['æ]dan, to cut, prune.]

SNOOD, sn[=oo]d, n. the fillet which binds a maiden's hair: the hair-line, gut, &c. by which a fish-hook is fixed to the line.--adj. SNOOD'ED, having, or wearing, a snood. [A.S. snód; cf. Ice. snúa, Sw. sno, to twist.]

SNOOK, sn[=oo]k, v.i. to lurk, prowl about: to smell out--(Scot.) SNOUK. [Low Ger. snoken, to search for; Ice. snaka, to snuff about.]

SNOOK, sn[=oo]k, n. one of several fishes--the cobia, a robalo, a garfish, a Cape carangoid fish. [Dut. snoek, a pike.]

SNOOKER, sn[=oo]k'[.e]r, n. a variety of the game of 'pool.'

SNOOL, sn[=oo]l, v.i. (Scot.) to submit tamely to wrong or oppression.--n. one who does so. [Contr. of snivel.]

SNOOP, sn[=oo]p, v.i. to go about sneakingly. [Snook.]

SNOOZE, sn[=oo]z, v.i. to doze.--n. a nap.--n. SNOOZ'ER. [Prob. the same as snore, influenced by sneeze.]

SNOOZE, sn[=oo]z, v.i. to doze: to slumber.--n. a quiet nap.--n. SNOOZ'ER. [Prob. the same as snore, influenced by sneeze.]

SNORE, sn[=o]r, v.i. to breathe roughly and hoarsely in sleep.--n. a noisy breathing in sleep.--ns. SN[=O]R'ER; SN[=O]'RING, an abnormal and noisy mode of respiration produced by deep inspirations and expirations through the nose and open mouth, the noise being caused by the vibration of the soft palate and uvula. [A.S. snora, a snore; allied to snarl.]

SNORT, snort, v.i. to force the air with violence and noise through the nostrils, as horses: to laugh boisterously.--v.t. to express by a snort: to force out, as by a snort.--ns. SNORT'ER; SNORT'ING.--adv. SNORT'INGLY. [Scand., Dan. snorke, to snort; Dut. snorken, Ger. schnarchen.]

SNOT, snot, n. mucus of the nose: a mean fellow.--v.i. to blow the nose.--v.i. SNOT'TER, to breathe through an obstruction in the nostrils, to sob, cry.--n. the wattles of a turkey-cock: (Scot.) snot.--n. SNOT'TERY, snot, filthiness.--adv. SNOT'TILY.--n. SNOT'TINESS.--adjs. SNOT'TY; SNOT'TY-NOSED. [M. E. snotte; cf. Dut. snot; allied to snout.]

SNOTTER, snot'[.e]r, n. (naut.) the lower support of the sprit.

SNOUT, snowt, n. the projecting nose of a beast, as of a swine: any similar projecting proboscis, beak, &c.--v.t. to furnish with a snout.--adjs. SNOUT'ED; SNOUT'Y. [Scand., Sw. snut; Ger. schnauze, Dut. snuit.]

SNOW, sn[=o], n. the crystalline form into which the excess of vapour in the atmosphere is condensed when the temperature is below freezing: a snowfall: a winter: (her.) white argent.--v.i. and v.t. to fall in snow, to cover with snow.--n. SNOW'BALL, a ball made of snow pressed hard together: a shrub bearing a round white flower, the guelder-rose: a round pudding of rice with an apple in the centre, a mass of boiled rice shaped in a cup: white of egg beaten stiff and placed on the surface of a custard.--v.t. to throw snowballs at.--v.i. to throw snowballs.--ns. SNOW'-BER'RY, a bushy, deciduous shrub, bearing white berries; SNOW'-BIRD, a North American bird of the Finch family, the upper parts lead-colour, the lower parts white.--adj. SNOW'-BLIND, affected with snow-blindness.--ns. SNOW'-BLIND'NESS, amblyopia caused by the reflection of light from snow; SNOW'-BLINK, a peculiar reflection arising from fields of snow, like ice-blink; SNOW'-BOOT, a boot made to protect the feet while walking in snow; SNOW'-BOX, a theatrical apparatus for representing a snowfall; SNOW'-BREAK, a melting of snow; SNOW'-BROTH, snow and water mixed, any very cold liquid; SNOW'-BUNT'ING, SNOW'-FLICK, a bird of the Finch family, Bunting sub-family, abounding in the Arctic regions.--adjs. SNOW'-CAPPED, -CAPT, covered with snow; SNOW'-COLD, as cold as snow.--ns. SNOW'-DRIFT, a bank of snow drifted together by the wind; SNOW'DROP, a genus of plants of the natural order Amaryllis, with bell-shaped flower arising from a spathe, bulbous root, two leaves and one single-flowered leafless stem.--ns.pl. SNOW'-EYES, -GOGG'LES, an Eskimo contrivance to prevent snow-blindness.--n. SNOW'FALL, a quiet fall of snow: the amount falling in a given time.--adj. SNOW'-FED, begun or increased by melted snow, as a stream.--ns. SNOW'FIELD, a wide range of snow, esp. where permanent; SNOW'-FINCH, the stone- or mountain-finch; SNOW'FLAKE, a feathery flake of snow: the snow-bunting: a bulbous-rooted garden flower, resembling the snowdrop, but larger; SNOW'-FLY, a perlid insect or kind of stone-fly found leaping on the snow; SNOW'-ICE, ice formed from freezing slush.--adv. SNOW'ILY.--n. SNOW'INESS.--adjs. SNOW'ISH, resembling snow; SNOW'LESS; SNOW'-LIKE; SNOW'-LIMBED, with limbs white as snow.--ns. SNOW'LINE, the line upon a mountain that marks the limit of [Illustration] perpetual snow; SNOW'-OWL, the great white owl of northern regions; SNOW'-PLOUGH, a machine for clearing roads and railways from snow; SNOW'SHOE, a great flat shoe worn to prevent sinking in the snow.--v.i. to walk or travel on such.--ns. SNOW'-SLIP, a mass of snow which slips down a mountain's side; SNOW'STORM, a storm accompanied with falling snow.--adj. SNOW'-WHITE, as white as snow: very white.--n. SNOW'-WREATH (Scot.), a snowdrift.--adj. SNOW'Y, abounding or covered with snow: white, like snow: pure. [A.S. snáw; Ger. schnee, L. nix, nivis.]

SNOW, sn[=o], n. a vessel once much in use, differing only from a brig in having the boom-mainsail traversing on the trysail-mast, instead of hooped to the mainmast. [Dut. snaauw, a boat.]

SNUB, snub, v.t. to check, to reprimand: to slight intentionally, to rebuff by a cutting remark or retort:--pr.p. snub'bing; pa.t. and pa.p. snubbed.--n. an act of snubbing, any deliberate slight.--adjs. SNUB, flat and broad, with the end slightly turned up; SNUB'BISH, inclined to snub or check; SNUB'BY, somewhat snub.--n. SNUB'-NOSE, a short or flat nose.--adj. SNUB'-NOSED.--ns. SNUB'-, SNUB'BING-POST, a post round which a rope is wound to check the motion of a horse or boat.--SNUB A CABLE, to check it suddenly in running out. [Scand., Dan. snibbe, to reprove, Sw. snubba.]

SNUDGE, snuj, v.i. (obs.) to be snug and quiet.

SNUDGE, snuj, v.i. to save in a miserly way.--n. a mean stingy fellow.

SNUFF, snuf, v.i. to draw in air violently and noisily through the nose: to sniff: to smell at anything doubtfully: to take snuff into the nose.--v.t. to draw into the nose: to smell, to examine by smelling.--n. a powdered preparation of tobacco or other substance for snuffing, a pinch of such: a sniff: resentment, huff.--ns. SNUFF'-BOX, a box for snuff; SNUFF'-DIP'PING, the habit of dipping a wetted stick into snuff and rubbing it on the gums; SNUFF'ER, one who snuffs; SNUFF'INESS, state of being snuffy.--v.i. SNUF'FLE, to breathe hard through the nose.--n. the sound made by such: a nasal twang: cant.--n. SNUF'FLER, one who snuffles or speaks through his nose when obstructed.--n.pl. SNUF'FLES, nasal catarrh and consequent stoppage of the nose.--ns. SNUFF'LING; SNUFF'-MILL, a machine for grinding tobacco into snuff; SNUFF'-MULL, a snuff-box; SNUFF'-SPOON, a spoon for taking snuff from a snuff-box; SNUFF'-T[=A]K'ER, one who snuffs habitually; SNUFF'-T[=A]KING.--adj. SNUFF'Y, soiled with, or smelling of, snuff.--TAKE A THING IN SNUFF (Shak.), to take offence; UP TO SNUFF, knowing, not likely to be taken in. [Dut. snuffen, snuf; Ger. schnaufen, to snuff.]

SNUFF, snuf, v.t. to crop or pinch the snuff from, as a burning candle.--n. the charred portion of a candle or lamp-wick: a candle almost burnt out.--ns.pl. SNUFF'-DISHES (B.), dishes for the snuff of the lamps of the tabernacle; SNUFF'ERS, an instrument for taking the snuff off a candle.--SNUFF OUT, to extinguish by snuffing, to end by a sudden stroke. [M. E. snuffen, for snuppen--Scand., Sw. dial. snóppa, to snip off, Dan. snubbe, to nip off.]

SNUG, snug, adj. lying close and warm: comfortable: not exposed to view or notice: being in good order: compact: fitting close.--v.i. to move so as to lie close.--v.t. to make smooth.--n. SNUG'GERY, a cosy little room.--v.i. SNUG'GLE, to cuddle, nestle.--v.t. SNUG'IFY (Lamb), to make snug.--adv. SNUG'LY.--n. SNUG'NESS. [Scand., Ice. snögg-r, smooth.]

SNUZZLE, snuz'l, v.i. (prov.) to rub the nose against and snuff.

SNY, sn[=i], n. a gentle bend in timber, curving upwards. [Prob. Ice. snúa, to turn.]

SO, s[=o], adv. in this manner or degree: thus: for like reason: in such manner or degree: in a high degree: as has been stated: on this account: an abbrev. for Is it so? be it so.--conj. provided that: in case that.--interj. stand as you are! steady! stop! by way of command.--adj. SO'-CALLED, generally styled thus--usually implying doubt.--SO AND SO, an undetermined or imaginary person; SO AS, in such a manner as, with such a purpose as: if only, on condition that; SO FAR, to that extent, degree, or point; SO FORTH, denoting more of the same or a like kind; SO MUCH, as much as is implied or mentioned: such an amount not determined or stated; SO MUCH AS, to whatever extent; SO ON, so forth; SO SO, only thus, only tolerably; SO THAT, with the purpose that: with the result that: if only; SO THEN, thus then it is, therefore; SO TO SAY, or SPEAK, to use that expression.--OR SO, or thereabouts; QUITE SO, just as you have said, exactly. [A.S. swá; Ice. svá, Goth. swa, Ger. so.]

SOAK, s[=o]k, v.t. to steep in a fluid: to wet thoroughly: to drench: to draw in by the pores.--v.i. to be steeped in a liquid: to enter into pores: to drink to excess, to guzzle.--n. process or act of soaking: a hard drinker, a carouse.--ns. SOAK'AGE, act of soaking: the amount soaked in; SOAK'ER, a habitual drunkard.--p.adj. SOAK'ING, that wets thoroughly: drenching, as rain.--adv. SOAK'INGLY.--adj. SOAK'Y, steeped, wet. [A.S. súcan, to suck, pa.t. seác, pa.p. socen.]

SOAP, s[=o]p, n. a compound of oils or fats with soda (hard soaps) or potash (soft soaps), used in washing: (slang) soft words, flattery: (U.S. slang) money used for bribery and other secret political purposes.--v.t. to rub or wash with soap: to flatter.--ns. SOAP'-BALL, soap made into a ball, often with starch, as an emollient; SOAP'BERRY, the fruit of several species of trees belonging to the genus Sapindus, containing a pulp useful as a substitute for soap in washing; SOAP'-BOIL'ER, one whose occupation is to make soap; SOAP'-BOIL'ING, the occupation of making soap; SOAP'-BUB'BLE, a bubble made from soap-suds by blowing through a pipe; SOAP'INESS; SOAP'-LOCK, a lock of hair brushed apart from the rest: a rowdy; SOAP'-PAN, a large tank for boiling the ingredients in soap-making; SOAP'-PLANT, a plant the bulb of which makes a thick lather when rubbed on clothes, and is used as soap; SOAP'-STONE, a soft kind of magnesian rock having a soapy feel, also called Steatite; SOAP'-SUDS (s. and pl.), soapy water, esp. when worked into a foam; SOAP'-TEST, a test for determining the degree of hardness of water; SOAP'-WORKS, a place where soap is made; SOAP'WORT, a genus of plants, some of the species of which have very beautiful flowers, and the root and leaves of which contain saponin, and hence are sometimes used in washing.--adj. SOAP'Y, like soap: having the qualities of soap: covered with soap: flattering, or pertaining to flattery. [A.S. sápe; Dut. zeep, Ger. seife.]

SOAR, s[=o]r, v.i. to mount into the air: to fly aloft: to rise to a height, also mentally or morally.--n. act of soaring: the height reached in soaring.--adjs. SOAR'ANT (her.), flying aloft; SOAR'ING.--adv. SOAR'INGLY, having an upward direction. [O. Fr. essorer, to expose to air--L. ex, out of, aura, air.]

SOB, sob, v.i. to sigh in a convulsive manner, with tears: to weep with convulsive catchings of the breath, due to contractions of the diaphragm, accompanied by a closure of the glottis, preventing the entrance of air into the lungs.--v.t. to utter with sobs:--pr.p. sob'bing; pa.t. and pa.p. sobbed.--n. a short, convulsive sigh, any similar sound.--n. SOB'BING.--adv. SOB'BINGLY. [Conn. with A.S. seófian, to sigh; Ger. seufzen.]

SOBEIT, s[=o]-b[=e]'it, conj. if it be so.

SOBER, s[=o]'b[.e]r, adj. not wild or passionate: self-possessed: sedate: grave: calm: regular: simple in colour, sombre: not drunk: temperate, esp. in the use of liquors: (Scot.) poor, feeble.--v.t. to make sober: to free from intoxication.--adj. S[=O]'BER-BLOOD'ED, cool.--v.t. S[=O]'BERISE, to make sober.--adv. S[=O]'BERLY.--adj. S[=O]'BER-MIND'ED, habitually calm and temperate.--ns. S[=O]'BER-MIND'EDNESS, the state of being sober-minded: freedom from inordinate passion: calmness; S[=O]'BERNESS; S[=O]'BERSIDES, a sedate and solemn person.--adj. S[=O]'BER-SUIT'ED, dressed in a suit of sad-coloured clothes.--n. S[=O]BR[=I]'ETY, state or habit of being sober: calmness: gravity. [Fr. sobre--L. sobrius--se, apart, not, ebrius, drunk.]

SOBOL, s[=o]'bol, n. the Russian sable. [Polish.]

SOBOLES, sob'[=o]-l[=e]z, n. (bot.) a shoot or sucker.--adj. SOBOLIF'EROUS. [L. suboles--sub, under, ol[=e]re, to grow.]

SOBRANJE, s[=o]-brän'ye, n. the national assembly of Bulgaria.--Also SOBRAN'YE. [Bulg.]

SOBRIQUET, s[=o]-br[=e]-k[=a]', n. a contemptuous nickname: an assumed name.--Also SOUBRIQUET'. [Fr.,--O. Fr. soubzbriquet, a chuck under the chin, soubz, sous--L. sub, under, briquet, breast; cf. Brisket.]

SOCAGE, SOCCAGE, sok'[=a]j, n. the tenure of lands by service fixed and determinate in quality.--ns. SOC'AGER, SOC'MAN, a tenant by socage; SOC'MANRY, tenure by socage. [A.S. sóc, a right of holding a court--sóc, pa.t. of sacan, to contend.]

SO-CALLED, s[=o]'-kawld, adj. See under SO.

SOCIABLE, s[=o]'sha-bl, adj. inclined to society: fit for company: companionable: affording opportunities for intercourse.--n. a four-wheeled open carriage with seats facing: a tricycle for two persons side by side: a couch with a curved S-shaped back: (U.S.) an informal party, a social church meeting.--ns. S[=O]CIABIL'ITY, S[=O]'CIABLENESS, quality of being sociable: good-fellowship.--adv. S[=O]'CIABLY.--adj. S[=O]'CIAL, pertaining to society or companionship: relating to men united in a society: inclined for friendly intercourse: consisting in mutual converse: convivial: associating together, gregarious: growing in patches.--v.t. S[=O]'CIALISE, to reduce to a social state: to render social.--ns. S[=O]'CIALISM, the name given to any one of various schemes for regenerating society by a more equal distribution of property, and esp. by substituting the principle of association for that of competition; S[=O]'CIALIST, an adherent of socialism.--adj. SOCIALIST'IC.--ns. SOCIAL'ITY, S[=O]'CIALNESS.--adv. S[=O]'CIALLY.--adjs. S[=O]'CI[=A]TIVE, expressing association; SOCIET[=A]'RIAN, SOC[=I]'ETARY, of or pertaining to society.--ns. SOC[=I]'ETY, fellowship, companionship: a number of persons associated for a common interest: a community or partnership: the civilised body of mankind, those who are recognised as the leaders in fashionable life, the fashionable world generally: persons who associate: any organised association for purposes literary, scientific, philanthropic, or ecclesiastical; SOC[=I]'ETY-HOUSE, a printing office which conforms to the rules of a trade-union; SOC[=I]'ETY-VERSE, poetry light and entertaining, treating of the topics of society so called.--SOCIAL SCIENCE, sociology, esp. the branch treating of the existing institutions of men as members of society, the science which treats of social relations; SOCIAL War, the war (90-88 b.c.) in which the Italian tribes known as the allies (Socii) fought for admission into Roman citizenship.--SOCIALISM OF THE CHAIR, a term first applied about 1872 in ridicule to the doctrines of a school of political economists in Germany whose aim was mainly to better the condition of the working-classes through remedial state-legislation, by factory-acts, savings-banks, insurances against sickness and old age, shortening the hours of labour, sanitation, &c.--also called PROFESSORIAL SOCIALISM, and having much the same ends and methods as the STATE SOCIALISM of Bismarck.--CHRISTIAN SOCIALISM, a movement for applying Christian ethics to social reform, led by Maurice, Kingsley, and others about 1848-52.--THE SOCIETIES, bodies that began to be organised in 1681 for the maintenance of Presbyterian worship in the face of persecution--ultimately forming the Reformed Presbyterian Church. [Fr.,--L. sociabilis--soci[=a]re, to associate--socius, a companion.]

SOCINIAN, s[=o]-sin'i-an, adj. pertaining to Socinus, the name of two celebrated heresiarchs, uncle and nephew, who in the 16th century denied the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, &c.--n. a follower of Lælius and Faustus Socinus, one who refuses to accept the divinity of Christ, a Unitarian.--n. SOCIN'IANISM, the doctrines of SOCINUS.

SOCIOLOGY, s[=o]-shi-ol'[=o]-ji, n. the science that treats of man as a social being, in the origin, organisation, and development of human society and human culture, esp. on the side of social and political institutions, including ethics, political economy, &c.--ns. SOCIOG'ENY, the science of the origin of society; SOCIOG'RAPHY, the branch of sociology devoted to noting and describing the results of observation.--adjs. SOCIOLOG'IC, -AL.--adv. SOCIOLOG'ICALLY.--ns. SOCIOL'OGIST, one devoted to the study of sociology; S[=O]'CIUS, an associate: a fellow of an academy, &c. [A hybrid from L. socius, a companion, and Gr. logia--legein, to speak.]

SOCK, sok, n. a kind of half-stocking: comedy, originally a low-heeled light shoe, worn by actors of comedy. [A.S. socc--L. soccus.]

SOCK, sok, n. a ploughshare. [O. Fr. soc--Celt., Bret. souc'h, Gael. soc.]

SOCK, sok, v.t. (prov. and slang) to throw: to strike hard, to give a drubbing.

SOCKDOLOGER, sok-dol'[=o]-j[.e]r, n. (Amer. slang) a conclusive argument: a knock-down blow: anything very big, a whopper: a form of fish-hook. [A corr. of doxology as the closing act of a service.]

SOCKET, sok'et, n. a hollow into which something is inserted, the receptacle of the eye, &c.: a hollow tool for grasping and lifting tools dropped in a well-boring: the hollow of a candlestick: a steel apparatus attached to the saddle to protect thighs and legs.--v.t. to provide with or place in a socket.--n. SOCK'ET-BOLT, a bolt for passing through a thimble placed between the parts connected by the bolt.--p.adj. SOCK'ETED, provided with, placed in, or received in a socket. [A dim. of sock.]

SOCLE, s[=o]'kl, n. (archit.) a plain, square, flat member used instead of a pedestal to support a column, &c.: a plain face or plinth at the foot of a wall. [Fr.--It. zoccolo--L. socculus, dim. of soccus, a high-heeled shoe, as if a support.]

SOCRATIC, -AL, s[=o]-krat'ik, -al, adj. pertaining to Socrates, a celebrated Greek philosopher (469-399 B.C.), to his philosophy, or to his manner of teaching, which was an art of inducing his interlocutors to discover their own ignorance and need of knowledge by means of a series of simple questions.--adv. SOCRAT'ICALLY.--ns. SOC'RATISM, the philosophy of SOCRATES; SOC'RATIST, a disciple of SOCRATES.

SOD, sod, n. any surface of earth grown with grass, &c.: turf.--adj. consisting of sod.--v.t. to cover with sod.--adj. SOD'DY, covered with sod: turfy.--THE OLD SOD, one's native soil. [Low Ger. sode; Ger. sode; perh. conn. with A.S. seáth, a well--seóthan (pa.p. soden), to boil.]

SOD, sod, obsolete pa.t. of seethe.

SODA, s[=o]'da, n. oxide of sodium, or its hydrate: the alkali obtained from the ashes of marine vegetables, or by decomposing sea-salt: (coll.) soda-water.--ns. S[=O]'DA-ASH, sodium carbonate; S[=O]'DA-CRACK'ER, a biscuit made of flour and water, with salt, bicarbonate of soda, and cream of tartar; S[=O]'DA-FOUNT'AIN, a metal or marble case for holding water charged with carbonic-acid gas.--adj. SOD[=A]'IC, pertaining to, or containing, soda.--ns. S[=O]'DA-LIME, a mixture of caustic soda and quicklime; S[=O]'DALITE, a mineral composed chiefly of soda, along with silica, alumina, and hydrochloric acid; S[=O]'DA-P[=A]'PER, a paper saturated with sodium carbonate; S[=O]'DA-SALT, a salt having soda for its base; S[=O]'DA-WA'TER, water containing soda charged with carbonic acid; S[=O]'DIUM, a yellowish-white metal, the base of soda. [It. soda--L. solida, firm.]

SODALITY, s[=o]-dal'i-ti, n. a fellowship or fraternity. [L. sodalitas--sodalis, a comrade.]

SODDEN, sod'n, pa.p. of seethe, boiled: soaked thoroughly: boggy: doughy, not well baked: bloated, saturated with drink.--n. SOD'DENNESS.--adj. SOD'DEN-WIT'TED (Shak.), heavy, stupid.

SODOMY, sod'om-i, n. unnatural sexuality, so called because imputed to the inhabitants of Sodom.--n. SOD'OMITE, an inhabitant of SODOM: one guilty of sodomy.--adj. SODOMIT'ICAL.--adv. SODOMIT'ICALLY.

SOEVER, s[=o]-ev'[.e]r, adv. generally used to extend or render indefinite the sense of who, what, where, how, &c.

SOFA, s[=o]'fa, n. a long seat with stuffed bottom, back and arms--formerly S[=O]'PHA.--n. S[=O]'FA-BED, a piece of furniture serving as a sofa by day, capable of being made into a bed at night. [Fr.,--Ar. suffah--saffa, to arrange.]

SOFFIT, sof'it, n. a ceiling, now generally restricted to the ornamented under-sides of staircases, entablatures, archways, &c.; also the larmier or drip. [Fr.,--It.,--L. suffixa, pa.p. of suffig[)e]re, to fasten beneath--sub, under, fig[)e]re, to fix.]

SOFI, SOFISM. See SUFI, SUFISM.

SOFT, soft, adj. easily yielding to pressure: easily cut or acted upon: malleable: not rough to the touch: smooth: pleasing or soothing to the senses: easily yielding to any influence: mild: sympathetic: gentle: effeminate: gentle in motion: easy: free from lime or salt, as water: bituminous, as opposed to anthracitic, of coal: unsized, of paper: wet, rainy: warm enough to melt ice, thawing: (phon.) pronounced with a somewhat sibilant sound, not guttural or explosive: vocal or sonant: not bony, cartilaginous, not spinous: soft-rayed, soft-shelled: of silk, having the natural gum cleaned or washed off--opp. to Hard.--n. a silly person, a fool.--adv. gently: quietly.--interj. hold! not so fast!--adjs. SOFT'-BOD'IED, having a soft body; SOFT'-CON'SCIENCED, having a sensitive conscience.--v.t. SOFT'EN, to make soft or softer: to mitigate: to tone down, make less glaring, make smoother in sound.--v.i. to grow soft or softer.--ns. SOFT'ENER; SOFT'ENING.--adjs. SOFT'-EYED, having gentle or tender eyes; SOFT'-FINNED, having no fin-spines.--n.pl. SOFT'-GOODS, cloth, and cloth articles, as opposed to hardware, &c.--adjs. SOFT'-HAND'ED, having soft hands, unused to work, slack in discipline; SOFT'-HEAD'ED, of weak intellect; SOFT'-HEART'ED, kind-hearted: gentle: meek.--n. SOFT-HEART'EDNESS.--adj. SOFT'ISH, rather soft.--adv. SOFT'LY.--n. SOFT'NESS.--v.t. SOFT'-SAW'DER (U.S.), to flatter, blarney.--n. flattery.--v.t. SOFT'-SOAP, to flatter for some end.--n. flattery.--adj. SOFT-SP[=O]'KEN, -VOICED, having a mild or gentle voice: mild, affable.--n. SOFT'Y, a silly person, a weak fool.--A soft thing, a snug place where the pay is good and the work light. [A.S. sófte, séfte; Dut. zacht, Ger. sanft.]

SOFTA, sof'ta, n. a Moslem theological student, attached to a mosque. [Turk.]

SOGER, s[=o]'j[.e]r, n. (naut.) one who skulks his work.--v.i. to shirk one's work.

SOGGY, sog'i, adj. soaked with water.--n. SOG, a bog.

SO-HO, s[=o]-h[=o]', interj. (Shak.) a form of call from a distance, a sportsman's halloo.

SOI-DISANT, swo-d[=e]-zong', adj. self-styled, pretended. [Fr.]

SOIL, soil, n. the ground: the mould on the surface of the earth which nourishes plants: country.--adj. SOIL'-BOUND, attached to the soil.--n. SOIL'-CAP, the covering of soil on the bed-rock.--adj. SOILED, having soil. [O. Fr. soel, suel, sueil--Low L. solea, soil, ground, L. solea, sole, allied to L. solum, ground, whence Fr. sol, soil.]

SOIL, soil, n. dirt: dung: foulness: a spot or stain: a marshy place in which a hunted boar finds refuge.--v.t. to make dirty: to stain: to manure.--v.i. to take a soil: to tarnish.--n. SOIL'INESS, stain: foulness.--adj. SOIL'LESS, destitute of soil.--ns. SOIL'-PIPE, an upright discharge-pipe which receives the general refuse from water-closets, &c., in a building; SOIL'URE (Shak.), stain: pollution. [O. Fr. soil, souil (Fr. souille), wallowing-place--L. suillus, piggish--sus, a pig, a hog.]

SOIL, soil, v.t. to feed at the stall for the purpose of fattening. [O. Fr. saouler--saol, saoul--L. satullus--satur, full.]

SOIRÉE, swä-r[=a]', n. an evening party: an evening social meeting with tea, &c. [Fr.,--soir, evening (Prov. sera)--L. serus, late.]

SOJOURN, s[=o]'jurn, v.t. to stay for a day: to dwell for a time.--n. a temporary residence.--ns. S[=O]'JOURNER; S[=O]'JOURNING, S[=O]'JOURNMENT, the act of dwelling in a place for a time. [O. Fr. sojourner--L. sub, under, diurn[=a]re, to stay--Low L. jornus--L. diurnus, relating to day--dies, a day.]

SOKE, s[=o]k, n. the same as Soc (q.v.).--ns. SOKE'MAN=Socman; S[=O]'KEN, a district held by tenure of socage: a miller's right to the grinding of all the corn within a certain manor.

SOL, sol, n. the sun, Phoebus: (her.) a tincture, the metal or, or gold, in blazoning by planets. [L.]

SOL, sol, n. an old French coin, 1/20th of a livre, equal to 12 deniers, now superseded by the sou. [O. Fr. sol--L. solidus, solid.]

SOLA, s[=o]-lä', interj. a cry to a person at a distance.

SOLA, s[=o]'lä, n. the hat-plant or sponge-wood, also its pith.--Also S[=O]'LAH. [Hind. shol[=a].]

SOLACE, sol'[=a]s, n. consolation, comfort in distress: relief: (obs.) pleasure, amusement.--v.t. to comfort in distress: to console: to allay.--n. SOL'ACEMENT, the act of solacing: the state of being solaced.--adj. SOL[=A]'CIOUS (obs.), affording pleasure. [O. Fr. solas--L. solatium--sol[=a]ri, -[=a]tus, to comfort in distress.]

SOLANDER, s[=o]-lan'd[.e]r, n. a case or box, usually in the form of a book, opening on the side or front with hinges, for holding prints, drawings, or pamphlets--named from the inventor, Daniel Solander (1736-81).

SOLAN-GOOSE, s[=o]'lan-g[=oo]s, n. the gannet.--Also S[=O]'LAND. [Ice. súla.]

SOLANO, s[=o]-lä'no, n. a hot south-east wind which occasionally visits Spain. [Sp.,--L. solanus (ventus), the east wind--sol, the sun.]

SOLANUM, s[=o]-l[=a]'num, n. a genus of plants of the order Solanaceæ or Solaneæ, the nightshade family--almost all the species containing a poisonous alkaloid, SOL'ANINE.--adjs. SOLAN[=A]'CEOUS, belonging to the Solanaceæ; SOL'ANOID, potato-like, said of cancers. [L. solanum, the nightshade.]

SOLAR, s[=o]'lar, adj. pertaining to the sun: measured by the progress of the sun: produced by the sun.--n. S[=O]LARIS[=A]'TION, exposure to the action of the sun's rays: the effect in photography of over-exposure.--v.t. S[=O]'LARISE, to injure by exposing too long to the sun's light in a camera.--v.i. to take injury by too long exposure to the sun's light in a camera:--pr.p. s[=o]'lar[=i]sing; pa.p. s[=o]'lar[=i]sed.--ns. S[=O]'LARISM, excessive use of solar-myths in the explanation of mythology; S[=O]'LARIST, one addicted to solarism; S[=O]L[=A]'RIUM, a sun-dial: a place suited to receive the sun's rays--in a hospital or sanatorium; S[=O]'LAR-M[=I]'CROSCOPE, an apparatus for projecting upon a screen by means of sunlight an enlarged view of any object--essentially the same as the combination of lenses used in the magic-lantern taken in conjunction with a heliostat; S[=O]'LAR-MYTH, a myth allegorising the course of the sun, by some mythologists constantly invoked to explain the problems of mythology; S[=O]'LAR-PRINT, a photographic print made in a solar camera from a negative; S[=O]'LAR-SYS'TEM, the planets and comets which circle round the sun--also called Planetary-system.--SOLAR FLOWERS, flowers which open and shut daily at certain hours; SOLAR SPOTS=Sun-spots (see SUN); SOLAR TIME (see TIME); SOLAR YEAR (see YEAR). [L. sol, the sun, solaris, pertaining to the sun.]

SOLASTER, s[=o]-las't[.e]r, n. the typical genus of Solasteridæ, a family of star-fishes, having more than five rays. [L. sol, the sun, aster, a star.]

SOLATIUM, s[=o]-l[=a]'shi-um, n. any compensation, a sum legally awarded, over and above actual damages, by way of compensation for wounded feelings. [L.]

SOLD, s[=o]ld, pa.t. and pa.p. of sell.

SOLD, sold, n. (Spens.) pay, remuneration. [Fr. solde--L. solidus, a piece of money.]

SOLDADO, s[=o]l-dä'd[=o], n. a soldier. [Sp.]

SOLDAN, s[=o]l'dan, n. (Milt.). Same as SULTAN.

SOLDANEL, sol'da-nel, n. a plant of the genus Soldanella, of the order Primulaceæ--the blue moonwort.

SOLDATESQUE, sol-da-tesk', adj. soldier-like, [Fr.,--soldat, a soldier.]

SOLDER, sod'[.e]r, or sol'd[.e]r, v.t. to unite two metallic surfaces by a fusible metallic cement: to cement.--n. a fusible alloy for uniting metals.--ns. SOL'DERER; SOL'DERING; SOL'DERING-BOLT, -[=I]'RON, a tool with pointed or wedge-shaped copper bit for use in soldering. [O. Fr. soudre, souldure--souder, soulder, to consolidate--L. solid[=a]re, to make solid.]

SOLDIER, s[=o]l'j[.e]r, n. a man engaged in military service: a private, as distinguished from an officer: a man of much military experience or of great valour: a soldier-ant, beetle, hermit-crab, &c.: (slang) a red herring.--v.i. to serve as a soldier: to bully: to shirk one's work or duty: (slang) to take a mount on another man's horse.--ns. SOL'DIER-CRAB, a hermit-crab; SOL'DIERING, the state of being a soldier: the occupation of a soldier.--adjs. SOL'DIER-LIKE, SOL'DIERLY, like a soldier: martial: brave.--ns. SOL'DIER-OF-FOR'TUNE, one ready to serve anywhere for pay or his own advancement; SOL'DIERSHIP, state or quality of being a soldier: military qualities: martial skill; SOL'DIERY, soldiers collectively: the body of military men; FRESH'WATER-SOL'DIER, the Stratiotes aloides, a European aquatic plant with sword-shaped leaves.--COME THE OLD SOLDIER OVER ONE, to impose on any one.--OLD SOLDIER, a bottle emptied at a sitting: a cigar-stump. [O. Fr. soldier (Fr. soldat)--L. solidus, a piece of money, the pay of a soldier.]

SOLDO, sol'd[=o], n. an Italian coin, 1/20th of the lira, a sol or sou:--pl. SOL'DI. [It.]

SOLE, s[=o]l, n. the lowest part or under-side of the foot: the foot: the bottom of a boot or shoe: the bottom of anything.--v.t. to furnish with a sole.--adj. SOL[=E]'IFORM, slipper-shaped.--ns. SOLE'-LEATH'ER, strong leather for the soles of boots and shoes; SOLE'-TILE, a form of tile for the bottoms of sewers, &c.; S[=O]L[=E]'US, a flat muscle of the calf of the leg beneath the gastrocnemius. [A.S. sole--L. solea--solum, bottom.]

SOLE, s[=o]l, n. a genus (Solea) of flat-fish, elongate-oval in form, with flesh firm, white, and excellently flavoured. [Fr. sole--L. solea.]

SOLE, s[=o]l, adj. alone: only: being or acting without another: single: (law) unmarried.--advs. SOLE; SOLE'LY, alone: only: singly.--n. SOLE'NESS. [Fr.,--L. solus, alone.]

SOLECISM, sol'[=e]-sizm, n. a breach of syntax: any absurdity or impropriety: any incongruity, prodigy.--v.i. SOL'[=E]CISE, to commit solecisms.--n. SOL'[=E]CIST, one who commits solecisms.--adjs. SOL[=E]CIST'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or involving, a solecism: incorrect: incongruous.--adv. SOL[=E]CIST'ICALLY. [Fr. solécisme--L. soloecismus--Gr. soloikismos--soloikos, speaking incorrectly, awkward; dubiously said to come from the corruption of the Attic dialect among the Athenian colonists of Soloi in Cilicia.]

SOLEIN, sol'[=a]n, adj. (Spens.) sad. [Sullen.]

SOLEMN, sol'em, adj. attended with religions ceremonies, pomp, or gravity, originally taking place every year, said esp. of religious ceremonies: impressing with seriousness: awful: devout: having the appearance of gravity: devotional: attended with an appeal to God, as an oath: serious: sober, gloomy, black.--n. SOLEMNIS[=A]'TION.--v.t. SOL'EMNISE, to perform religiously or solemnly once a year, or periodically: to celebrate with due rites: to render grave.--ns. SOL'EMNISER; SOLEM'NITY, a solemn religious ceremony: a ceremony adapted to inspire with awe: reverence: seriousness: affected gravity.--adv. sol'emnly.--n. SOL'EMNNESS. [O. Fr. solempne, solemne (Fr. solennel)--L. sollemnis, solennis--sollus, all, every, annus, a year.]

SOLEN, s[=o]'len, n. a genus of bivalve molluscs--Razor-shell and Razor-fish.--adjs. SOLAN[=A]'CEAN, SOLAN[=A]'CEOUS.--n. SOL'ENITE, a fossil razor-shell. [Gr. s[=o]l[=e]n, a channel.]

SOLENOID, s[=o]-l[=e]'noid, n. a helix of copper wound in the form of a cylinder, longitudinally magnetised with an intensity varying inversely as the area of the normal section in different parts.--adj. SOL[=E]NOI'DAL.--adv. SOL[=E]NOI'DALLY. [Gr. s[=o]l[=e]n, a pipe, eidos, form.]

SOLENOSTOMOUS, sol-[=e]-nos't[=o]-mus, adj. having a tubular or fistulous snout.--n. SOLENOS'TOMUS, the typical genus of the SOLENOSTOMIDÆ, a family of solenostomous lophobranchiate fishes. [Gr. s[=o]l[=e]n, a pipe, stoma, mouth.]

SOLERT, sol'ert, adj. (obs.) subtle.--n. SOLER'TIOUSNESS. [L. sollers, crafty, sollertia, skill.]

SOLEUS. See SOLE (1).

SOL-FA, sol'-fa, v.i. to sing the notes of the scale in their proper pitch, using the syllables do (or ut), re, mi, fa, sol, la, si;--pr.p. sol-faing (sol'-fa-ing); pa.p. sol-faed (sol'-fad).--ns. SOL'FAÏSM, singing by syllables, solmisation; SOL'FAÏST, a teacher or advocate of solmisation; SOLFEG'GIO, an exercise on the notes of the scale, as represented by do, re, mi, &c. [It.]

SOLFATARA, sol-fä-tä'ra, n. a volcanic region no longer violently active, but emitting from crevices gases, steam, and chemical vapours, chiefly of sulphurous origin--Fr. soufrière, Ger. schwefelgrube or schwefelsee. [It.,--solfo, sulphur.]

SOLFERINO, sol-fe-r[=e]'n[=o], n. the colour of rosaniline--from the French victory at Solferino in Italy (1859).

SOLICIT, s[=o]-lis'it, v.t. to ask earnestly: to petition: to seek or try to obtain: to disturb.--n. solicitation.--ns. SOLIC'ITANT, one who solicits; SOLICIT[=A]'TION, a soliciting: earnest request: invitation; SOLIC'ITING (Shak.), solicitation; SOLIC'ITOR, one who asks earnestly: one who is legally qualified to act for another in a court of law, esp. a court of equity: a lawyer who prepares deeds, manages cases, instructs counsel in the superior courts, and acts as an advocate in the inferior courts; SOLIC'ITOR-GEN'ERAL, in England, the law-officer of the crown next in rank to the attorney-general--in Scotland, to the lord-advocate; SOLIC'ITORSHIP.--adj. SOLIC'ITOUS, soliciting or earnestly asking or desiring: very desirous: anxious: careful.--adv. SOLIC'ITOUSLY.--ns. SOLIC'ITOUSNESS, SOLIC'ITUDE, state of being solicitous: anxiety or uneasiness of mind: trouble. [Fr. solliciter--L. sollicit[=a]re--sollicitus--sollus, whole, citus, aroused--ci[=e]re, to cite.]

SOLID, sol'id, adj. having the parts firmly adhering: hard: compact: full of matter: not hollow: strong: having length, breadth, and thickness (opposed to a mere surface): cubic: substantial, reliable, worthy of credit, satisfactory: weighty: of uniform undivided substance: financially sound, wealthy: unanimous, smooth, unbroken, unvaried.--n. a substance having the parts firmly adhering together: a firm, compact body--opp. to Fluid.--ns. SOLID[=A]'GO, a genus of composite plants, the goldenrods; SOLIDARE, sol'id[=a]r (Shak.), a small piece of money; SOLIDAR'ITY, the being made solid or compact: the being bound: a consolidation or oneness of interests.--adj. SOL'IDARY, marked by solidarity, jointly responsible.--v.t. SOL'IDATE, to make solid or firm.--adj. SOLID'IFIABLE.--n. SOLIDIFIC[=A]'TION, act of making solid or hard.--v.t. SOLID'IFY, to make solid or compact.--v.i. to grow solid: to harden:--pa.p. solid'ified.--ns. SOL'IDISM, the doctrine that refers all diseases to alterations of the solid parts of the body; SOL'IDIST, a believer in the foregoing; SOLID'ITY, the state of being solid: fullness of matter: strength or firmness, moral or physical: soundness: (geom.) the solid content of a body.--adv. SOL'IDLY.--n. SOL'IDNESS.--SOLID COLOUR, a colour covering the whole of an object: a uniform colour; SOLID MATTER (print.), matter set without leads between the lines.--BE SOLID FOR (U.S.), to be hearty or unanimous in favour of; BE SOLID WITH (U.S.), to have a firm footing with. [Fr.,--L. solidus, solid.]

SOLIDUM, sol'i-dum, n. (archit.) the die of a pedestal: (Scots law) a complete sum. [L.]

SOLIDUNGULAR, sol-id-ung'g[=u]-lar, adj. having hoofs solid, that are not cloven, denoting a certain tribe of mammalia.--Also SOLIDUNG'ULOUS, SOLIDUNG'ULATE. [L. solidus, solid, ungula, a hoof.]

SOLIDUS, sol'i-dus, n. a Roman gold coin introduced by Constantine in place of the aureus, known later as the bezant: a sign (/) denoting the English shilling, representing the old lengthened form of s--£ s. d. (libræ, solidi, denarii), pounds, shillings, pence.

SOLIFIDIAN, sol-i-fid'i-an, n. one who holds that faith alone is what is necessary for justification.--adj. holding this view.--n. SOLIFID'IANISM. [L. solus, only, fides, faith.]

SOLILOQUY, s[=o]-lil'[=o]-kwe, n. a talking when solitary or to one's self: a discourse of a person, not addressed to any one.--v.i. SOLIL'OQUISE, to speak to one's self or utter a soliloquy. [L. soliloquium--solus, alone, loqui, to speak.]

SOLIPED, sol'i-ped, n. an animal with a single or uncloven hoof on each foot.--adjs. SOL'IPED, SOLIP'EDOUS. [L. solus, alone, pes, pedis, a foot.]

SOLIPSISM, sol'ip-sizm, n. the theory that self-existence is the only certainty, absolute egoism--the extreme form of subjective idealism.--n. SOL'IPSIST, one who believes in this.--adj. SOLIPSIS'TIC. [L. solus, alone, ipse, self.]

SOLISEQUIOUS, sol-i-s[=e]'kwi-us, adj. following the sun, as the sunflower. [L. sol, the sun, sequi, to follow.]

SOLITAIRE, sol-i-t[=a]r', n. a recluse or one who lives alone: a game played by one person with a board and balls: a card-game for one--patience: an ornament worn singly on the neck or wrist: a black silk tie fixed to the bag of the wig behind, worn in the 18th century.

SOLITARY, sol'i-tar-i, adj. being the sole person present: alone or lonely: single, separate, simple: living alone, not social or gregarious: without company: remote from society: retired, secluded: gloomy.--n. one who lives alone: a recluse or hermit--(obs.) SOLIT[=A]'RIAN.--adv. SOL'ITARILY.--n. SOL'ITARINESS. [Fr. solitaire--L. solitarius--solus, alone.]

SOLITO, sol'i-t[=o], adv. (mus.) in the usual manner. [It.]

SOLITUDE, sol'i-t[=u]d, n. a being alone: a lonely life: want of company: a lonely place or desert. [Fr.,--L. solitudo--solus, alone.]

SOLIVAGOUS, s[=o]-liv'a-gus, adj. wandering alone.--Also SOLIV'AGANT. [L., solus, alone, vagus, wandering.]

SOLIVE, so-l[=e]v', n. a joist or beam of secondary importance. [Fr.,--L. sublev[=a]re, to support.]

SOLLAR, sol'ar, n. a platform in a mine: an upper gallery or balcony, a garret, loft.--Also SOLL'ER. [O. Fr. soler, solier--L. solarium, a terrace or flat roof--sol, the sun.]

SOLLERET, sol'[.e]r-et, n. the steel shoe worn in medieval armour. [O. Fr. soler, a slipper, sole, a sole.]

SOL-LUNAR, sol'-l[=u]'nar, adj. pertaining to, or due to the influence of, both sun and moon. [L. sol, sun, luna, moon.]

SOLMISATION, sol-mi-z[=a]'shun, n. sol-faïng: a recital of the notes of the gamut, do, re, mi, &c.

SOLO, s[=o]'l[=o], n. a musical piece performed by only one voice or instrument:--pl. S[=O]'L[=O]S.--adj. S[=O]'L[=O], unconcerted.--n. S[=O]'L[=O]IST. [It.,--L. solus, alone.]

SOLOGRAPH, sol'[=o]-graf, n. a sun-print. [L. sol, the sun, Gr. graphein, to write.]

SOLOMON, sol'o-mon, n. a person of unusual wisdom, from SOLOMON, king of Israel (see 1 Kings, iii. 5-15).--adj. SOLOMON'IC.--n. SOL'OMON'S-SEAL, any one of several species of perennial herbs, of the lily family, genus Polygonatum, with simple stems bearing small greenish flowers: a symbol formed of two triangles interlaced or superposed, forming a six-pointed star.

SO-LONG, s[=o]-long', interj. good-bye! [Not salaam.]

SOLONIAN, s[=o]-l[=o]'ni-an, adj. pertaining to the Athenian lawgiver Solon (c. 640-c. 558 B.C.), or to his legislation.--Also SOLON'IC.

SOLPUGA, sol-p[=u]'ga, n. the typical genus of Solpugida, an order of arachnids.

SOLSTICE, sol'stis, n. that point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator, and where it is consequently at the turning-point of its apparent course--the summer solstice, where it touches the tropic of Cancer; the winter solstice, where it touches that of Capricorn: the time when the sun reaches these two points in its orbit, 21st June and about 21st December.--adj. SOLSTI'TIAL, pertaining to, or happening at, a solstice, esp. at the north one. [Fr.,--L. solstitium--sol, the sun, sist[)e]re, to make to stand--st[=a]re, to stand.]

SOLUBLE, sol'[=u]-bl, adj. capable of being solved or dissolved in a fluid.--ns. SOLUBIL'ITY, SOL'UBLENESS, capability of being dissolved in a fluid. [L. solubilis--solv[)e]re, to solve.]

SOLUM, s[=o]'lum, n. ground, a piece of ground. [L., the ground.]

SOLUS, s[=o]'lus, adj. alone, in dramatic directions--feminine form S[=O]'LA. [L., alone.]

SOLUTION, sol-[=u]'shun, n. act of solving or dissolving, esp. a solid by a fluid: the separating of the parts of any body: the preparation resulting from dissolving a solid in a liquid: explanation: removal of a doubt: construction or solving of a problem: the crisis of a disease.--adj. SOL[=U]TE', loose, free: merry, cheerful: (bot.) not adhering.--v.t. (Bacon) to dissolve.--adj. SOL'[=U]TIVE, tending to dissolve: loosening.--SOLUTION OF CONTINUITY (surg.), the separation of parts normally continuous, by fracture, &c. [L. solutio--solv[)e]re, solutum, to loosen.]

SOLVE, solv, v.t. to loosen or separate the parts of: to clear up or explain: to remove.--ns. SOLVABIL'ITY, SOL'VABLENESS, capacity of being solved.--adj. SOL'VABLE, capable of being solved or explained: capable of being paid.--n. SOL'VENCY, state of being solvent, or able to pay all debts.--adj. SOL'VENT, having power to solve or dissolve: able to pay all debts.--n. anything that dissolves another.--n. SOL'VER, one who solves. [O. Fr. solver--L. solv[)e]re, to loosen, prob. from se-, aside, lu[)e]re, to loosen.]

SOMA, s[=o]'ma, n. a certain plant, most prob. of the milkweed family, and its juice used for the preparation of an intoxicating drink--personified and worshipped, esp. in connection with the god Indra, the Jupiter pluvius of the Vedic pantheon. [Sans. soma (Zend haoma, juice)--root su (cf. Gr. [Greek: huô]), to press out, distil, extract.]

SOMATIST, s[=o]'ma-tist, n. one who admits the existence of corporeal beings only.--n. S[=O]'MA, the trunk of an animal: the body as distinguished from the psyche or soul and the pneuma or spirit.--adjs. S[=O]MAT'IC, -AL, physical, corporeal: parietal: pertaining to the body cavity.--n. S[=O]'MATISM, materialism.--adjs. S[=O]MATOLOG'IC, -AL, pertaining to somatology, corporeal, physical.--ns. S[=O]MATOL'OGY, the doctrine or science of bodies or material substances, human anatomy and physiology; S[=O]'MATOME, one of the homologous serial segments of which the body of a vertebrate is theoretically composed.--adj. S[=O]MATOPLEU'RAL, pertaining to the SOMAT'OPLEURE, the outer one of two divisions of the mesoderm of a four-layered germ.--n. S[=O]MATOT'OMY, the dissection of a body.--adj. S[=O]MATOTROP'IC, showing SOMATOT'ROPISM, any stimulative influence exerted upon growing organs by the substratum on which they grow. [Gr. s[=o]ma, the body.]

SOMBRE, som'b[.e]r, adj. dull: gloomy: melancholy--also SOM'BROUS.--adv. SOM'BRELY, in a sombre or gloomy manner.--n. SOM'BRENESS.--adv. SOM'BROUSLY.--n. SOM'BROUSNESS. [Fr. sombre (Sp. sombra, a shade)--L. sub, under, umbra, a shade. So Diez; others explain, on analogy of O. Fr. essombre, a shady place, as from L. ex, out, umbra, a shade.]

SOMBRERITE, som-br[=a]'r[=i]t, n. a hard impure calcium phosphate--called also Rock-guano, Osite, and loosely Apatite. [Sombrero in the Antilles.]

SOMBRERO, som-br[=a]'r[=o], n. a broad-brimmed hat, generally of felt, much worn in Mexico and the south-western United States. [Sp.,--sombre, a shade.]

SOME, sum, adj. denoting an indefinite number or quantity: certain, in distinction from others: moderate or in a certain degree: about.--adv. (prov.) somewhat, in some degree.--n. SOME'BODY, some or any body or person: a person of importance.--advs. SOME'DEAL, SOME'DELE (Spens.), in some degree, somewhat; SOME'GATE (Scot.), somewhere, somehow; SOME'HOW, in some way or other.--adj. SOME'-SUCH, somewhat of that kind.--n. SOME'THING, an indefinite thing or event: a portion, an indefinite quantity.--adv. in some degree.--advs. SOME'TIME, at a time not fixed: once: at one time or other; SOME'TIMES, at certain times: now and then: at one time: (B.) once, formerly.--n. SOME'WHAT, an unfixed quantity or degree.--adv. in some degree.--advs. SOME'WHEN, some time or other; SOME'WHERE, in some place: in one place or another; SOME'WHILE, sometimes, at times; SOME'WHITHER, to some place. [A.S. sum; Goth. sums, Ice. sumr.]

SOMERSAULT, sum'[.e]r-sawlt, n. a leap in which a person turns with his heels over his head.--Also SOM'ERSET. [Corr. of Fr. soubresaut (It. soprasalto)--L. supra, over, saltus, a leap--sal[=i]re, to leap.]

SOMITE, s[=o]'m[=i]t, n. a segment of the body of an articulated or vertebrate animal: an arthromere or metamere.--adjs. S[=O]'MITAL, SOMIT'IC.

SOMNAMBULATE, som-nam'b[=u]-l[=a]t, v.i. to walk in sleep.--adj. SOMNAM'B[=U]LANT, sleep-walking.--n. SOMNAMB[=U]L[=A]'TION.--adj. SOMNAM'B[=U]LIC.--ns. SOMNAM'BULISM, act or practice of walking in sleep; SOMNAM'B[=U]LIST, SOMNAM'B[=U]LATOR, a sleep-walker.--adj. SOMNAMB[=U]LIS'TIC, pertaining to a somnambulist or to somnambulism: affected by somnambulism. [L. somnus, sleep, ambul[=a]re, -[=a]tum, to walk.]

SOMNIFEROUS, som-nif'[.e]r-us, adj. bringing or causing sleep.--adjs. SOM'NIAL, pertaining to dreams; SOM'NI[=A]TIVE, SOM'NI[=A]TORY, relating to, or producing, dreams.--n. SOMNIF[=A]'CIENT, a soporific.--adjs. SOMNIF[=A]'CIENT, SOMNIF'IC, causing, or tending to induce, sleep.--ns. SOMNIL'OQUENCE, SOMNIL'OQUISM, the act of talking in sleep; SOMNIL'OQUIST, one who talks in his sleep.--adj. SOMNIL'OQUOUS, apt to talk in sleep.--ns. SOMNIL'OQUY, a talking in one's sleep; SOMNIP'ATHY, a hypnotic sleep; SOMNIV'OLENCY, any soporific. [L. somnus, sleep, ferre, to bring, loqui, to speak, velle, to will.]

SOMNOLENCE, som'n[=o]-lens, n. sleepiness: inclination to sleep--also SOM'NOLENCY.--adj. SOM'NOLENT, sleepy or inclined to sleep.--adv. SOM'NOLENTLY, in a somnolent or sleepy manner: drowsily.--adj. SOMNOLES'CENT, half-asleep.--ns. SOM'NOLISM, the state of mesmeric sleep; SOM'NUS, sleep personified. [L. somnolentia--somnus, sleep.]

SON, sun, n. a male child or descendant: any young male person spoken of as a child: a term of affection generally: a disciple: a native or inhabitant: the produce of anything.--n. SON'-IN-LAW, the husband of one's daughter.--adj. SON'LESS, without a son.--ns. SON'NY, a little son; SON'SHIP, state or character of a son.--SON OF MAN, Christ as the promised Messiah, the ideal man; THE SON, Christ, as the second person in the Trinity. [A.S. sunu; Dut. zoon, Ger. sohn.]

SONANT, s[=o]'nant, adj. sounding: pertaining to sound: uttered with sound, instead of breath alone, as certain alphabetic sounds.--ns. S[=O]'NANCE (Shak.), a call; S[=O]'NANCY, sonant character. [L. sonans, -antis, pr.p. of son[=a]re, to sound.]

SONATA, s[=o]-nä'ta, n. a musical composition usually of three or more movements or divisions, designed chiefly for a solo instrument.--n. SONATINA (s[=o]-nä-t[=e]'na), a short or simplified sonata. [It.,--L. son[=a]re, to sound.]

SONDELI, son'de-li, n. the musk-rat, or rat-tailed shrew of India.

SONG, song, n. that which is sung: a short poem or ballad, adapted for singing, or set to music: the melody to which it is adapted: a poem, or poetry in general: the notes of birds: a mere trifle: (B.) an object of derision.--ns. SONG'-BIRD, a bird that sings; SONG'BOOK, a collection of songs: a hymn-book; SONG'CRAFT, the art of making songs, skill in such.--adjs. SONG'FUL, full of song: disposed to sing; SONG'LESS, wanting the power of song.--ns. SONG'MAN (Shak.), a singer; SONG'-SPARR'OW, the hedge-sparrow; SONG'STER, a singer, or one skilled in singing, esp. a bird that sings:--fem. SONG'STRESS; SONG'-THRUSH, the mavis or throstle.--SONG OF SONGS, or OF SOLOMON, Canticles; SONGS OF DEGREES (see DEGREE).--OLD SONG (see OLD). [A.S. sang--singan, to sing; Dut. zang, Ger. gesang, Goth. saggws, Ice. söngr.]

SONG, song (Spens.), pa.t. of sing.

SONIFEROUS, son-if'[.e]r-us, adj. giving or conveying sound. [L. sonus, sound, ferre, to bring.]

SONNED, sund (Spens.). Same as SUNNED.

SONNET, son'et, n. a poem in a stanza mostly iambic in movement, properly decasyllabic or hendecasyllabic in metre, always in fourteen lines--originally composed of an octave and a sestet--properly expressing two successive phases of one thought.--v.t. and v.i. to celebrate in sonnets.--adj. SONN'ETARY.--n. SONNETEER', a composer of sonnets.--v.i. SONN'ETISE, to compose sonnets.--v.t. to celebrate in a sonnet.--n. SONN'ETIST (Shak.), a sonneteer. [Fr.,--It. sonetto, dim. of son[=a]re, a sound, song--L. sonus, a sound.]

SONNITE=Sunnite (q.v.).

SONOMETER, s[=o]-nom'e-t[.e]r, n. an instrument for measuring sounds or their intervals by means of a sounding-board with strings stretched above it, movable bridges, and weights for varying the tension. [L. sonus, a sound, Gr. metron, a measure.]

SONOROUS, s[=o]-n[=o]'rus, adj. sounding when struck: giving a clear, loud sound: high-sounding.--n. S[=O]N[=O]RES'CENCE, the property possessed by hard rubber of emitting sound under intermittent radiant heat or light.--adj. S[=O]N[=O]RIF'IC, making sound.--ns. S[=O]NOR'ITY, sonorousness; S[=O]N[=O]'R[=O]PHONE, a kind of bombardon.--adv. S[=O]N[=O]'ROUSLY.--n. S[=O]N[=O]'ROUSNESS, sonorous quality or character. [L. sonorus--sonor, sonus, a sound--son[=a]re, to sound.]

SONSY, SONCY, son'si, adj. (Scot.) plump, buxom, good-natured.--Also SON'SIE, SON'CIE.

SONTAG, son'tag, n. a woman's knitted cape, tied down round the waist. [From the famous German singer, Henrietta SONTAG (1806-54).]

SONTY, son'ti, n. (Shak.) sanctity--generally in plural, as in the oath, 'By God's sonties!'

SOOCHONG=Souchong (q.v.).

SOON, s[=oo]n, adv. immediately or in a short time: without delay: early: readily, willingly.--adj. SOON'-BELIEV'ING (Shak.), believing readily.--SOON AT (Shak.), about; SOONER OR LATER, at some time in the future.--AS SOON AS, immediately after; NO SOONER THAN, as soon as. [A.S. sóna; Goth. suns.]

SOOP, s[=oo]p, v.t. (Scot.) to sweep.--n. SOOP'ING, sweeping.

SOOT, soot, n. the black powder condensed from smoke.--ns. SOOT'ERKIN, a fabulous birth induced by the Dutch women sitting huddled over their stoves--hence anything fruitless or abortive; SOOT'FLAKE, a smut of soot; SOOT'INESS.--adj. SOOT'Y, consisting of, or like, soot. [A.S. sót; Dan. sod.]

SOOTE, s[=oo]t. adv. (Spens.) sweetly.

SOOTH, s[=oo]th, n. truth, reality.--adj. true: pleasing.--adv. indeed.--adj. SOOTH'FAST, truthful, honest, faithful.--adv. SOOTH'FASTLY.--n. SOOTH'FASTNESS.--advs. SOOTH'LY, SOOTH'LICH (Spens.), truly, indeed.--v.i. SOOTH'SAY, to foretell, to divine.--ns. SOOTH'SAYER, one who divines, esp. a pretender to the power; SOOTH'SAYING, divination, prediction. [A.S. sóth, true; Ice. sannr, true.]

SOOTHE, s[=oo]th, v.t. to please with soft words: to flatter: to soften, allay.--ns. SOOTH'ER, one who, or that which, soothes: (Shak.) one who gains by blandishments, a flatterer; SOOTH'ING (Shak.), flattery (also adj.).--adv. SOOTH'INGLY. [A.S. gesóthian, to confirm as true--sóth, true.]

SOP, sop, n. anything dipped or soaked, esp. in soup, to be eaten: anything given to satisfy or quieten.--v.t. to steep in liquor: to take up by absorption (with up).--v.i. to soak in, percolate: to be soaked:--pr.p. sop'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. sopped.--n. SOP-, SOPS-, IN-WINE (Spens.), a flower resembling a carnation. [A.S. sop (in sópcuppa, a dish), from súpan, to sip; Ice. soppa, soup.]

SOPH, sof, n. an abbreviation of sophister (q.v.)--also of sophomore (q.v.).

SOPHERIM, s[=o]'fe-rim, n.pl. the scribes, the expounders of the Jewish oral law.--adj. S[=O]'PHERIC. [Heb.]

SOPHI, s[=o]'fi, n. (Milt.) a title of the king of Persia. [Pers. sufi, wise, pious.]

SOPHIC, -AL, sof'ik, -al, adj. teaching wisdom, pertaining to wisdom.--adv. SOPH'ICALLY.

SOPHISM, sof'izm, n. a specious fallacy..--n. SOPH'IST, one of a class of public teachers of rhetoric, philosophy, &c. in Greece in the 5th century B.C.: a captious or fallacious reasoner--also SOPH'ISTER (Shak.): a student at an English university in his second or third year, the students in these years being called junior and senior sophister respectively.--adjs. SOPHIS'TIC, -AL, pertaining to a sophist or to sophistry: fallaciously subtle.--adv. SOPHIS'TICALLY.--n. SOPHIS'TICALNESS, the state or quality of being sophistical.--v.t. SOPHIS'TIC[=A]TE, to render sophistical or unsound: to corrupt by mixture.--adj. SOPHIS'TIC[=A]TED, adulterated: impure: not genuine.--ns. SOPHISTIC[=A]'TION, act of sophisticating, adulterating, or injuring by mixture; SOPHIS'TIC[=A]TOR, one who sophisticates or adulterates; SOPHIS'TICISM, the philosophy or the methods of the sophists; SOPH'ISTRESS, a she-sophist; SOPH'ISTRY, specious but fallacious reasoning. [Fr. sophisme--Gr. sophisma--sophizein, to make wise--sophos, wise.]

SOPHOCLEAN, sof-[=o]-kl[=e]'an, adj. pertaining to Sophocles, Athenian tragic poet (496-405 B.C.).

SOPHOMORE, sof'[=o]-m[=o]r, n. (U.S.) a second-year student.--adj. pertaining to such.--adjs. SOPHOMOR'IC, -AL, [Gr. sophos, wise, m[=o]ros, foolish.]

SOPHORA, s[=o]-f[=o]'ra, n. a genus of leguminous plants, natives of warm regions of both the Old and New World, with highly ornamental white, yellow, or violet flowers--Sophora Japonica is the Japanese or Chinese pagoda-tree. [Ar. sof[=a]ra--asfar, yellow.]

SOPHROSYNE, s[=o]-fros'i-n[=e], n. soundness of mind. [Gr.]

SOPIENT, s[=o]'pi-ent, n. a soporific.

SOPITE, s[=o]'p[=i]t, v.t. to put to rest: to quash.--n. SOPI'TION, lethargy.

SOPORIFIC, s[=o]-p[=o]-rif'ik, adj. making or causing sleep.--n. anything that causes sleep.--adj. SOPORIF'EROUS, bringing, causing, or tending to cause sleep: sleepy.--adv. SOPORIF'EROUSLY.--n. SOPORIF'EROUSNESS.--adjs. S[=O]'POR[=O]SE, S[=O]'POROUS, sleepy, causing sleep. [Fr. soporifique--L. sopor, sleep, fac[)e]re, to make.]

SOPPY. sop'i, adj. sopped or soaked in liquid.

SOPRA, s[=o]'pra, adv. (mus.) above. [It.]

SOPRANO, s[=o]-prä'no, n. the highest variety of voice, treble: a singer with such a voice:--pl. SOPRA'NOS, SOPRA'NI.--n. SOPRA'NIST, a singer of soprano. [It., from sopra--L. supra or super, above.]

SORA, s[=o]'ra, n. a North American short-billed rail.--Also S[=O]'REE.

SORAGE, s[=o]r'[=a]j, n. the time between a hawk's being taken from the aerie and her mewing her feathers. [See SORE (2).]

SORASTRUM, s[=o]-ras'trum, n. a genus of fresh-water algæ. [Gr. s[=o]ros, a heap; astron, a star.]

SORB, sorb, n. the mountain-ash or service-tree.--ns. SORB'-APPLE, the fruit of the service-tree; SOR'B[=A]TE, SOR'BIN or SOR'BINE, SOR'BITE.--adj. SOR'BIC, pertaining to, or from, the sorb. [Fr.,--L. sorbus.]

SORB, sorb, n. one of a Slavonic race in Saxony and the neighbouring parts of Prussia.--Also Wend, or Lusatian Wend.--adj. SOR'BIAN, pertaining to the Sorbs or their language.--n. a Sorb, or the Sorbian tongue.--adj. and n. SOR'BISH.

SORBEFACIENT, sor-be-f[=a]'shent, adj. producing absorption.--n. a medicine which produces absorption.--n. SOR'BENT, an absorbent. [L. _sorb[)e]r_e, to suck in, faciens, -entis, pr.p. of fac[)e]re, to make.]

SORBET, sor'bet, n. sherbet: water-ice.

SORBONNE, sor-bon', n. the earliest and the most famous of all the colleges of the medieval university of Paris, founded in 1253 by Robert of Sorbon, in the diocese of Rheims. Exclusively devoted to theology, till the close of the 15th century it controlled by its teaching and its dogmatic decisions the intellectual life of Europe.--adj. SORBON'ICAL.--n. SOR'BONIST, a doctor of the Sorbonne.

SORCERY, sor's[.e]r-i, n. divination by the assistance of evil spirits: enchantment: magic: witchcraft.--n. SOR'CERER, one who practises sorcery: an enchanter: a magician:--fem. SOR'CERESS, a witch.--adj. SOR'CEROUS, using sorcery. [O. Fr. sorcerie--Low L. sortiarius, one who tells fortunes by lots--L. sort[=i]ri, to cast lots--sors, sortis, a lot.]

SORD, s[=o]rd, n. (Milt.) a form of sward.

SORDAMENTE, sor-da-men'te, adv. (mus.) in a muffled manner, softly. [It.]

SORDID, sor'did, adj. dirty, squalid: of a dull colour: morally foul, vile: mean: meanly avaricious.--n. SOR'DES, filth, foul accretions on the teeth in low forms of fever.--adv. SOR'DIDLY.--ns. SOR'DIDNESS, state of being sordid; SOR'DOR, filth, dregs. [Fr. sordide--L. sordidus--sord[=e]re, to be dirty.]

SORDINE, sor'din, n. a mute, damper, or other device to soften or deaden the sound of a stringed instrument.--advs. SOR'DO, SOR'DA, damped with a mute.--n. SORD[=O]'NO, a musical instrument of the oboe family. [It. sordina--L. surdus, deaf.]

SORE, s[=o]r, n. a wounded or diseased spot on an animal body: an ulcer or boil: (B.) grief, affliction.--adj. wounded: tender: susceptible of pain: easily pained or grieved: bringing sorrow or regret: severe, violent, intense: wretched.--adv. painfully: grievously: severely, thoroughly.--n. SORE'HEAD (U.S.), a person discontented with the reward for his political services.--adj. SORE'HEADED.--adv. SORE'LY, in a sore manner: grievously.--n. SORE'NESS. [A.S. sár; Ger. sehr, very, Ice. sárr, sore.]

SORE, s[=o]r, n. (Spens.) a hawk of the first year: (Shak.) a buck of the fourth year. [O. Fr. saur, sor, sorrel, reddish.]

SOREDIUM, s[=o]-r[=e]'di-um, n. one or more algal cells in a lichen with enveloping fungus-threads, a brood-bud:--pl. SOR[=E]'DIA.--adjs. SOR[=E]'DIAL, SOR[=E]'DIATE, SOREDIF'EROUS.

SOREHON, s[=o]r'hon, n. an ancient Irish exaction of a lord from a freeholder or tenant.

SOREX, s[=o]'reks, n. the typical genus of the family Soricidæ and sub-family Soricinæ, one of this genus, a shrew.--adjs. SORIC'IDENT, having teeth like the shrew; SOR'ICINE, pertaining to the shrew-mouse; SOR'ICOID, soricine. [L.,--Gr. hyrax, a shrew-mouse.]

SORGHUM, sor'gum, n. a genus of grasses, also called Durra millet and Indian millet, or Sorgho grass. It is closely allied to sugar-cane and beard-grass. [Sp. sorgo--Low L. sorgum, surgum, suricum, prob. an East Ind. word.]

SORITES, s[=o]-r[=i]'t[=e]z, n. an argument composed of an indeterminate number of propositions, so arranged that the predicate of the first becomes the subject of the second, and so on till the conclusion is reached, which unites the subject of the first with the predicate of the last. [Gr.,--s[=o]ros, a heap.]

SORN, sorn, v.i. (Scot.) to obtrude one's self on another as an uninvited guest.--n. SOR'NER, one who takes food and lodging by force or threats. [Prob. sojourn.]

SORORICIDE, sor-or'i-s[=i]d, n. the murder, or the murderer, of a sister. [L. soror, a sister, cæd[)e]re, to kill.]

SORORISE, s[=o]'ror-[=i]z, v.i. to associate as sisters.--adj. SOR[=O]'RAL.--adv. SOR[=O]'RIALLY, in a sisterly manner.

SOROSIS, s[=o]-r[=o]'sis, n. a compound fleshy fruit, resulting from many flowers, as the pine-apple. [Gr. s[=o]ros, a heap.]

SOROTROCHOUS, s[=o]-rot'r[=o]-kus, adj. having the wheel-organ compound, as a rotifer. [Gr. s[=o]ros, a heap, trochos, a wheel.]

SORREL, sor'el, n. one of several species of the genus Rumex, allied to the dock, the leaves impregnated with oxalic acid--the Scotch Sourock. The Wood-sorrel belongs to the genus Oxalis. [O. Fr. sorel (Fr. surelle)--sur, sour; from Old High Ger. s[=u]r (Ger. sauer), sour.]

SORREL, sor'el, adj. of a reddish-brown colour.--n. a reddish-brown colour. [O. Fr. sor (Fr. saure), sorrel, from Low Ger. soor, dried, withered.]

SORROW, sor'[=o], n. pain of mind: grief: affliction: lamentation: the devil (Irish Sorra).--v.i. to feel sorrow or pain of mind: to grieve.--p.adj. SORR'OWED. (Shak.), accompanied with sorrow.--adj. SORR'OWFUL, full of sorrow: causing, showing, or expressing sorrow: sad: dejected.--adv. SORR'OWFULLY.--n. SORR'OWFULNESS.--adj. SORR'OWLESS, free from sorrow. [A.S. sorg, sorh; Ger. sorge, Ice. sorg.]

SORRY, sor'i, adj. grieved for something past: melancholy: poor: worthless.--adj. SORR'IEST (Shak.), most sorrowful.--adv. SORR'ILY.--n. SORR'INESS. [A.S. sárig, wounded--sár, pain; Dut. zeerig.]

SORT, sort, n. a number of persons or things having like qualities: class, kind, or species: order or rank: manner.--v.t. to separate into lots or classes: to put together: to select: to procure, adapt: to geld: (Scot.) to adjust, put right, dispose, fix: to punish.--v.i. to be joined with others of the same sort: to associate: to suit.--adj. SORT'ABLE, capable of being sorted: (Bacon) suitable, befitting.--ns. SORT'ANCE (Shak.), suitableness, agreement; SORT'ER, one who separates and arranges, as letters; SORT'ES, lots used in divination by passages selected by hazard from the Bible, Homer, Virgil, &c.; SORT'ILEGE, the act or practice of divination by drawing lots; SORTI'TION, the casting of lots; SORT'MENT, act of sorting.--IN A SORT (Shak.), in a manner; IN SORT, inasmuch as; OUT OF SORTS, out of order, unwell: (print.) with some sorts of type in the font exhausted. [O. Fr. sorte--L. sors, sortis, a lot--ser[)e]re, to join.]

SORTIE, sor't[=e], n. the issuing of a body of troops from a besieged place to attack the besiegers. [Fr.,--sortir, to go out, to issue--L. surg[)e]re, to rise up.]

SORUS, s[=o]'rus, n. a heap:--pl. S[=O]'RI.--adj. S[=O]'ROSE, bearing sori. [Gr. s[=o]ros, a heap.]

SO-SO, s[=o]'-s[=o], adj. neither very good nor very bad: tolerable: indifferent.

SOSS, sos, n. a mess, a puddle: a heavy fall.--v.t. to dirty: to throw carelessly about.--v.i. to tumble into a chair, &c.--adv. plump.--v.t. and v.i. SOS'SLE, to dabble. [Prob. Gael. sos, a mixture.]

SOSTENUTO, sos-te-n[=oo]'t[=o], adj. (mus.) sustained, prolonged. [It.]

SOSTRUM, sos'trum, n. a reward given for saving one's life, a physician's fee. [Gr., s[=o]zein, to save.]

SOT, sot, n. one stupefied by drinking: a habitual drunkard.--v.i. to play the sot, to tipple.--adj. SOT'TISH, like a sot: foolish: stupid with drink.--adv. SOT'TISHLY.--n. SOT'TISHNESS. [O. Fr. sot, perh. of Celt. origin; Bret. sod, stupid.]

SOTADEAN, sot-a-d[=e]'an, adj. pertaining to Sotades, a lascivious Greek poet at Alexandria about 276 B.C. His Cinoedi were malicious and indecent satires and travesties of mythology written in Ionic dialect and in a peculiar metre.--n. SOTAD'IC, a sotadean verse.

SOTERIOLOGY, s[=o]-t[=e]-ri-ol'[=o]-ji, n. (theol.) the doctrine of salvation by Jesus Christ.--adjs. SOT[=E]'RIAL, pertaining to redemption; SOT[=E]RIOLOG'ICAL. [Gr. s[=o]t[=e]rios, saving--s[=o]t[=e]r, saviour, logia--legein, to speak.]

SOTHIC, s[=o]'thik, adj. of or pertaining to the dog-star Sothis or Sirius.--SOTHIC CYCLE, or period, a period of 1460 years; SOTHIC YEAR, the ancient Egyptian fixed year, according to the heliacal rising of Sirius.

SOTTO, sot't[=o], adv. under, below, as in SOTTO VOCE, in an undertone, aside. [It.,--L. subter, under.]

SOU, s[=oo], n. a French copper coin, the five-centime piece=1/20th of a franc. [Fr. sou (It. soldo)--L. solidus, a coin.]

SOUARI, sow-ä'ri, n. a tree of British Guiana yielding a durable timber and edible nuts.

SOUBISE, s[=oo]-b[=e]z', n. an 18th-cent. men's cravat. [Fr.]

SOUBRETTE, s[=oo]-bret', n. a maid-servant in a comedy, conventionally pert, coquettish, and intriguing. [Fr.]

SOUCHONG, s[=oo]-shong', n. a fine sort of black tea. [Fr.,--Chin. siao, small, chung, sort.]

SOUFFLE, s[=oo]'fl, n. a murmuring sound. [Fr.]

SOUFFLÉ, s[=oo]-fl[=a]', n. a light dish, consisting of the whites of eggs, with chocolate, cheese, vanilla, &c., whisked into a creamy froth.--adj. prepared in this way. [Fr., souffler, to blow--L. suffl[=a]re, to blow.]

SOUGH, sow, suf, or, as Scot., s[=oo]h, v.i. to sigh, as the wind.--v.t. to whine out cantingly.--n. a sighing of the wind: a vague rumour: a whining tone of voice.--KEEP A CALM SOUGH, to keep quiet. [Prob. Ice. súgr, a rushing sound, or A.S. swógan, to rustle.]

SOUGH, suf, n. a drain, sewer, mine-adit.--n. SOUGH'ING-TILE, a drain-tile. [Prob. W. soch, a drain.]

SOUGHT, sawt, pa.t. and pa.p. of seek.

SOUL, s[=o]l, n. that part of man which thinks, feels, desires, &c.: the seat of life and intellect: life: essence: internal power: energy or grandeur of mind: a human being, a person.--ns. SOUL'-BELL, the passing bell; SOUL'-C[=U]R'ER (Shak.), a parson.--adjs. SOULED, full of soul or feeling; SOUL'-FEAR'ING (Shak.), soul-terrifying; SOUL'FUL, expressive of elevated feeling.--adv. SOUL'FULLY.--n. SOUL'FULNESS.--adj. SOUL'LESS, without nobleness of mind, mean, spiritless.--ns. SOUL'LESSNESS; SOUL'-SHOT, -SCOT, a funeral payment.--adj. SOUL'-SICK, morally diseased.--ALL-SOULS' DAY, the 2d November, when the souls of the faithful departed are commemorated. [M. E. saule--A.S. sáwol; Ger. seele.]

SOUM, SOWM, sowm, n. (Scot.) the proportion of sheep or cattle suitable for any pasture: pasture for a certain number of sheep or cattle.--v.i. to determine such. [A form of sum.]

SOUND, sownd, adj. safe, whole, entire: perfect: healthy, strong: profound: correct: orthodox: weighty.--adv. soundly, completely fast, as in sleep.--adv. SOUND'LY.--n. SOUND'NESS. [A.S. gesund; Ger. gesund, and perh. L. sanus, sound.]

SOUND, sownd, n. a narrow passage of water: a strait. [A.S. sund, a narrow arm of the sea, from swimman, to swim; Ger. sund, a strait.]

SOUND, sownd, n. the air or swimming bladder of a fish. [A.S. sund, swimming.]

SOUND, sownd, v.i. to make a noise: to utter a voice: to spread or be spread: to appear on narration.--v.t. to cause to make a noise: to utter audibly: to direct by a sound or audible signal: to examine by percussion: to publish audibly.--n. the impression produced on the ear by the vibrations of air: noise, particular quality of tone: report, hearing-distance: empty or meaningless noise.--p.adj. SOUND'ING, making a sound or noise: having a magnificent sound.--ns. SOUND'ING-BOARD, SOUND'-BOARD, the thin plate of wood or metal which increases and propagates the sound of a musical instrument: the horizontal board or structure over a pulpit, reading-desk, &c., carrying the speaker's voice towards the audience; SOUND'ING-POST, SOUND'-POST, a support set under the bridge of a violin, for propagating the sounds to the body of the instrument.--adj. SOUND'LESS, without sound, silent: not capable of being sounded, unfathomable. [M. E. sounen--O. Fr. soner--L. son[=a]re, to sound, sonus, a sound.]

SOUND, sownd, v.t. to measure the depth of, esp. with a line and plummet: to probe: to try to discover a man's secret thoughts, wishes, &c.: to test: to introduce an instrument into the bladder to examine it.--v.i. to use the line and lead in ascertaining the depth of water.--n. a probe, an instrument to discover stone in the bladder.--ns. SOUND'ING, the ascertaining the depth of water: (pl.) any part of the ocean where a sounding-line will reach the bottom; SOUND'ING-LEAD, the weight at the end of a sounding-line; SOUND'ING-LINE, a line with a plummet at the end for soundings; SOUND'ING-ROD, a rod for measuring water in a ship's hold. [O. Fr. sonder, to sound; acc. to Diez, from Low L. subund[=a]re--L. sub, under, unda, a wave.]

SOUND, sownd, n. (Spens.) swoon.

SOUNDER, sown'd[.e]r, n. a herd of swine, a young boar. [A.S. sunor, a herd of swine.]

SOUP, s[=oo]p, n. the nutritious liquid obtained by boiling meat or vegetables in stock--named from the chief ingredient, as pea-, tomato-, vermicelli-, hare-, oxtail-soup, &c.--ns. SOUP'ER, a convert for the sake of material benefits; SOUP'-KITCH'EN, a place for supplying soup to the poor gratis or at a nominal price; SOUP'-MAI'GRE, a thin fish or vegetable soup, originally for fast-days; SOUP'-TICK'ET, a ticket authorising the holder to receive soup at a soup-kitchen.--adj. SOUP'Y. [O. Fr. soupe--Old Dut. sop, zop, broth, soppe, zoppe, a sop.]

SOUPÇON, soop-song', n. a suspicion--hence a very small quantity, as of spirits. [Fr.]

SOUPLE, s[=oo]p'l, adj. a provincial form of supple--denoting raw silk deprived of its silk-glue.

SOUR, sowr, adj. having a pungent, acid taste: turned, as milk: rancid: crabbed or peevish in temper: bitter: cold and wet, as soil.--v.t. to make sour or acid: to make cross, peevish, or discontented.--v.i. to become sour or acid: to become peevish or crabbed.--n. SOUR'-CROUT (see SAUER-KRAUT).--adj. SOUR'-EYED, morose-looking.--ns. SOUR'-GOURD, the cream-of-tartar tree; SOUR'ING, vinegar: the crab-apple: the process in bleaching fabrics that follows the treatment with bleaching-powder, consisting in treatment of the fabric with hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, so as to wash out the lime.--adj. SOUR'ISH, somewhat sour.--adv. SOUR'LY, in a sour manner: with acidity: with acrimony: discontentedly.--ns. SOUR'NESS, the state of being sour: acidity: peevishness: discontent; SOUR'-SOP, a tree of tropical America and its fruit, closely allied to the custard-apple: (prov.) an ill-natured person. [A.S. súr; Ger. sauer, Ice. súrr.]

SOURCE, s[=o]rs, n. that from which anything rises or originates: origin: the spring from which a stream flows. [O. Fr. sorse (Fr. source), from sourdre (It. sorgere)--L. surg[)e]re, to raise up, to rise.]

SOURDELINE, s[=oo]r'de-l[=e]n, n. a small bagpipe. [Fr.]

SOURDINE, s[=oo]r-d[=e]n', n. a stop on the harmonium. [Fr.,--It. sordino, sordo, deaf--L. surdus, deaf.]

SOUROCK, s[=oo]'rok, n. (Scot.) the common sorrel.

SOUS. Same as SOU.

SOUSE, sows, v.t. to strike with sudden violence, as a bird its prey.--v.i. to rush with speed, as a bird on its prey.--n. violent attack, as of a bird striking its prey.--adj. (Shak.) sudden, violent.--adv. with sudden violence, with swift descent downwards.

SOUSE, sows, n. pickle made of salt: anything steeped in pickle: the ear, feet, &c. of swine pickled.--v.t. to steep in pickle: to plunge into water. [Written also souce, a form of sauce.]

SOUT, sowt, n. (Spens.). Same as SOOT.

SOUTACHE, s[=oo]-tash', n. a narrow braid. [Fr.]

SOUTANE, s[=oo]-t[=a]n', n. a cassock. [Fr.,--Low L. subtana--L. subtus, beneath.]

SOUTER, s[=oo]'t[.e]r, n. (Scot.) a shoemaker, a cobbler--also SOW'TER, SOU'TAR.--adv. SOU'TERLY. [A.S. sútere (Ice. sútari)--L. sutor--su[)e]re, to sew.]

SOUTH, sowth, n. the direction in which the sun appears at noon to the people north of the Tropic of Cancer: any land opposite the north: the Southern States in U.S. history: the side of a church on the right hand of one facing the altar.--adj. lying towards the south.--adv. towards the south.--v.i. to veer towards the south: to cross the meridian of a place.--n. SOUTH'-EAST', the direction equally distant from the south and east.--adjs. SOUTH'-EAST', SOUTH'-EAST'ERLY, SOUTH'-EAST'ERN, pertaining to, in the direction of, or coming from the south-east.--n. SOUTH'-EAST'ER, a wind from the south-east.--advs. SOUTH'-EAST'WARD, -LY, toward the south-east.--n. SOUTHER (sow_th_'-), a wind from the south.--v.i. to veer toward the south.--adj. SOUTHERING (su_th_'-), turned toward the south, having a southern exposure.--n. SOUTHERLINESS (su_th_'-), the condition of being southerly.--adjs. SOUTHERLY (su_th_'-), SOUTHERN (su_th_'-), pertaining to, situated in, or proceeding from or towards the south:--superls. SOUTHERMOST (su_th_'-), SOUTHERNMOST (su_th_'-), SOUTH'MOST, most southern, farthest towards the south.--n. SOUTHERNER (su_th_'-), an inhabitant of the south, esp. of the Southern States of America.--v.t. and v.i. SOUTHERNISE (su_th_'-), to render southern in qualities or character, or to become such.--n. SOUTHERNISM (su_th_'-), a form of expression peculiar to the south, esp. the Southern States of America.--adv. SOUTHERNLY (su_th_'-), towards the south.--ns. SOUTHERNWOOD (su_th_'-), an aromatic plant of southern Europe, closely allied to wormwood; SOUTHING (sow_th_'-), tendency or motion to the south: the time at which the moon passes the meridian; SOUTH'LAND, the south (also adj.).--adv. SOUTH'LY.--n. SOUTH'NESS, tendency of a magnetic needle to point toward the south.--adj. SOUTHRON (su_th_'-), southern, esp. English.--n. a native or inhabitant of a southern country or district: an Englishman.--advs. SOUTH'WARD (also su_th_'ard), toward the south (also n. and adj.); SOUTH'WARDLY (also adj.); SOUTH'WARDS.--n. SOUTH'-WEST', the direction equally distant from the south and west--adjs. SOUTH'-WEST', SOUTH'-WEST'ERLY, SOUTH'-WEST'ERN, pertaining to, proceeding from, or lying in the direction of the south-west.--n. SOUTH'-WEST'ER, a storm or gale from the south-west: a painted canvas hat with a broad flap behind for the neck (often SOU'WEST'ER).--SOUTH SEA, the Pacific Ocean. [A.S. súth; Ger. süd, Ice. sudhr.]

SOUTHCOTTIAN, sowth'kot-i-an, n. a follower of Joanna Southcott (1750-1814), whose dropsy was taken by many, and perhaps herself, for the gestation of a second Shiloh or Prince of Peace.

SOUTHDOWN, sowth'down, adj. pertaining to the South Downs in Hampshire, the famous breed of sheep so named, or their mutton.--n. this breed of sheep, a sheep of the same, or its mutton.

SOUTHSAY, SOUTHSAYER, s[=oo]th'-. Same as SOOTHSAY, &c.

SOUVENIR, s[=oo]-ve-n[=e]r', n. a remembrancer, a keepsake.--n. SOUV'ENANCE (Spens.), remembrance, memory. [Fr.,--L. subven[=i]re, to come up, to come to mind--sub, under, ven[=i]re, to come.]

SOVEREIGN, suv'r[=a]n, or sov'e-r[=a]n, adj. supreme: possessing supreme power or dominion: superior to all others: utmost: most efficacious--(Milt.) SOV'RAN.--n. a supreme ruler: a monarch: a gold coin=20s.--v.t. to rule over as a sovereign.--adj. SOV'EREIGNEST (Shak.), most effectual.--adv. SOV'EREIGNLY, in a sovereign manner: in the highest degree: supremely.--n. SOV'EREIGNTY, supreme power: dominion. [O. Fr. sovrain--Low L. superanus--L. super, supra, above.]

SOW, sow, n. a female pig: the metal solidified in parallel grooves or pigs, the iron of these being pig-iron: a movable shed for protecting the men using a battering-ram.--ns. SOW'BACK, a low ridge of sand or gravel; SOW'-BREAD, a genus of plants, allied to the primrose, natives of the south of Europe, the tubers of which are eaten by swine; SOW'-BUG, an air-breathing oniscoid isopod, a pill-bug, slater.--adj. SOW'-DRUNK (prov.), beastly drunk.--ns. SOW'-GELD'ER, one who spays sows; SOW'-THIS'TLE, a genus of plants, the tender tops of which are used in the north of Europe as greens. [A.S. sú, sugu; Ger. sau, Ice. sýr; L. sus, Gr. hys.]

SOW, s[=o], v.t. to scatter seed that it may grow: to plant by strewing: to scatter seed over: to spread, disseminate.--v.i. to scatter seed for growth:--pa.p. sown and sowed.--ns. SOW'ER; SOW'ING; SOW'ING-MACHINE', a hand or horse-power seed-planting machine: a broadcast sower. [A.S. sáwan; Ger. säen, Ice. sá, Goth. saian.]

SOWAR, s[=o]-är', n. a native horse-soldier in the British Indian army, a mounted attendant. [Hind. saw[=a]r, a horseman.]

SOWENS, s[=o]'enz, n.pl. (Scot.) a dish made from the farina remaining among the husks of oats, flummery.--Also SOW'ANS.

SOWL, SOWLE, sowl, v.t. (Shak.) to pull by the ears.

SOWND, sownd, v.t. (Spens.) to wield.

SOWND, sownd, n. (Spens.)=swound, the same as SWOON.

SOWNE, sown, n. (Spens.). Same as SOUND.

SOWSE, sows, v. and n. (Spens.). Same as Souse, to strike.

SOWTH, sowth, v.i. and v.t. (Scot.) to whistle softly, to whistle over a tune.

SOY, soi, n. a thick and piquant sauce made from the seeds of the soy bean or pea, a native of China, Japan, and the Moluccas.--Also SOO'JA. [Jap. si-yan, Chin. shi-yu.]

SOYLE, soil, n. (Spens.) prey.

SOZZLE, soz'l, v.t. to make wet or muddy.--n. disorder.--adj. SOZZ'LY, sloppy.

SPA, spaw, n. a place where there is a mineral spring of water. [From Spa in Belgium.]

SPACE, sp[=a]s, n. extension as distinct from material substances: room: largeness: distance between objects: interval between lines or words in books: quantity of time: distance between two points of time: opportunity, leisure: a short time: interval.--v.t. to make or arrange intervals between.--ns. SP[=A]'CER, one who, or that which, spaces: an instrument by which to reverse a telegraphic current, esp. in a marine cable, for increasing the speed of transmission: a space-bar; SPACE'-WRIT'ER, in journalism, one paid for his articles according to the space they occupy when printed; SP[=A]'CING, the act of dividing into spaces, placing at suitable intervals, as in printing, &c.: the space thus made: spaces collectively.--adj. SP[=A]'CIOUS, having large space: large in extent: roomy: wide.--adv. SP[=A]'CIOUSLY.--n. SP[=A]'CIOUSNESS. [Fr. espace--L. spatium; Gr. sp[=a]n.]

SPACIAL=Spatial (q.v.).

SPADASSIN, spad'a-sin, n. a swordsman, a bravo. [Fr.,--It. spadaccino--spada, a sword.]

SPADE, sp[=a]d, n. a broad blade of iron with a handle, used for digging: a playing-card of one of the two black suits, shaped like a heart with a triangular handle.--v.t. to dig with a spade.--ns. SPADE'-BONE, the scapula; SPADE'-FOOT, a scaphiopod or spade-footed toad; SPADE'FUL, as much as a spade will hold; SPADE'-GUIN'EA, a guinea coined 1787-99, so called from the shield on the reverse side having the shape of the spade in playing-cards.--CALL A SPADE A SPADE, to call things by their plain names, without softening: to speak out plainly. [A.S. spadu, spædu; L. spatha--Gr. spath[=e], any broad blade.]

SPADE, sp[=a]d, n. a eunuch: a gelding.--Also SP[=A]'DO. [Gr. spad[=o]n, a eunuch.]

SPADILLE, spa-dil', n. the ace of spades in the games of ombre and quadrille.--Also SPADIL'IO. [Fr.,--Sp. espadilla, dim. of espada, the ace of spades.]

SPADIX, sp[=a]'diks, n. (bot.) a fleshy spike of flowers, usually covered by a leaf called a spathe:--pl. SP[=A]D[=I]'CES.--adjs. SP[=A]DIC'EOUS, SPAD'ICOSE. [Gr.]

SPADONE, spa-d[=o]'n[=e], n. a long heavy sword for both hands.--Also SPADROON'. [It.]

SPAE, sp[=a], v.i. and v.t. (Scot.) to foretell, divine--also SPAY.--ns. SPAE'MAN; SP[=A]'ER; SPAE'WIFE, [Scand., Ice. spá; Ger. spähen, to spy.]

SPAGHETTI, spa-get'ti, n. an Italian cord-like paste intermediate in size between macaroni and vermicelli. [It., pl. of spaghetto, dim. of spago, a cord.]

SPAGIRIC, -AL, spa-jir'ik, -al, adj. chemical, according to the chemistry of Paracelsus and his followers.--n. SPAGIR'IST, a follower of Paracelsus. [Gr. span, to tear, ageirein, to bring together.]

SPAHI, spä'h[=e], n. one of the irregular cavalry of the Turkish armies before the reorganisation of 1836.--Also SPA'HEE. [Sepoy.]

SPAIRGE, sp[=a]rj, v.t. (Scot.) a form of sparge, to sprinkle.

SPAKE, sp[=a]k, old pa.t. of speak.

SPALAX, sp[=a]'laks, n. the typical genus of mole-rats. [Gr., spalax, sphalax, a mole.]

SPALE, sp[=a]l, n. (Scot.) a splinter of wood--also SPAIL: in shipbuilding, a temporary brace, cross-band--also SP[=A]'LING.

SPALL, spawl, n. (Spens.) the shoulder.--Also SPALD. [O. Fr. espaule--L. spatula, a broad blade.]

SPALL, spawl, v.t. and v.i. to split, splinter, to chip.--n. a chip or splinter thrown off.--v.t. and v.i. SPALT, to split off splinters.--adj. brittle.

SPALPEEN, spal'p[=e]n, n. a rascal, a mischievous fellow. [Ir. spailp[=i]n.]

SPALT, spalt, n. a scaly whitish mineral, used as a flux for metals. [Ger. spalt-stein--spalten, to split.]

SPAN, span, n. the space from the end of the thumb to the end of the little-finger when the fingers are extended: nine inches: the spread of an arch between its abutments: a space of time, the full duration of anything: extent of stretch, as the spread of a man's arms, in measuring trees, &c.--v.t. to measure by spans: to measure: to embrace:--pr.p. span'ning; pa.t. and pa.p. spanned.--ns. SPAN'-COUN'TER, SPAN'-FAR'THING, a game played by one throwing a coin or counter on the ground, and another trying to throw his so near it that he can span the distance between the two.--adjs. SPAN'LESS, that cannot be spanned or measured; SPAN'-LONG, of the length of a span.--n. SPAN'NER, one who spans: an iron tool or lever used to tighten the nuts of screws. [A.S. span--spannan; Ger. spanne--spannen.]

SPAN, span, n. a yoke of horses or oxen. [Borrowed from Dut.; from the same root as above word.]

SPAN, span, adv. wholly--in SPAN'-NEW, SPICK'-AND-SPAN.

SPANCEL, span'sel, n. a tether for a cow's legs.--v.t. to fasten a cow with such.--adj. SPAN'CELED (her.), hobbled. [Old Dut. spansel.]

SPANDREL, span'drel, n. the irregular triangular space between the curve of an arch and the enclosing right angle.--Also SPAN'DRIL. [Ety. dub.; prob. conn. with span.]

SPANDY, span'di, adv. Same as SPAN (3).

SPANE, SPEAN, sp[=a]n, v.t. (Scot.) to wean. [A.S. spanan; Ger. spänen.]

SPANEMIA, spa-n[=e]'mi-a, n. poverty of blood--also SPANÆ'MIA.--adjs. SPAN[=E]'MIC, SPANÆ'MIC. [Gr. spanos, scarce, haima, blood.]

SPANG, spang, n. a spangle, shining ornament.

SPANG, spang, v.i. (Scot.) to leap.--v.t. to set in violent motion, to hurl.--n. a springing up: a sudden blow.

SPANGLE, spang'gl, n. a small, thin plate or boss of shining metal: anything sparkling and brilliant, like a spangle.--v.t. to adorn with spangles.--v.i. to glitter.--adjs. SPANG'LED, SPANG'LY.--n. SPANG'LER. [A.S. spange; Ger. spange, Ice. spöng.]

SPANGOLITE, spang'g[=o]-l[=i]t, n. a rare mineral found in hexagonal green crystals along with cuprite in Arizona. [Norman Spang of Pittsburg.]

SPANIARD, span'yard, n. a native of Spain.

SPANIEL, span'yel, n. a kind of dog, usually liver-and-white coloured, or black-and-white, with large pendent ears.--adj. (Shak.) like a spaniel, fawning, mean.--n. SPAN'IELSHIP, obsequious attention.--BLENHEIM SPANIEL, red-and-white, established by the Duke of Marlborough; CLUMBER SPANIEL, handsome lemon-and-white, short in leg, long in body, with a coat like a setter, and massive head with large, drooping ears; KING CHARLES SPANIEL, black-and-tan, first brought into notice by Charles II.; SUSSEX SPANIEL, like the Clumber, golden-liver or brown. [O. Fr. espagneul (Fr. épagneul)--Sp. Español, Spanish.]

SPANISH, span'ish, adj. of or pertaining to Spain.--n. the language of Spain.--n. SPAN'IARD, a native or citizen of Spain.--SPANISH BAYONET, any one of several species of yucca with straight sword-shaped leaves; SPANISH BROOM, a hardy deciduous Mediterranean shrub with showy yellow fragrant flowers; SPANISH CHALK, a variety of talc; SPANISH CRESS, a species of peppergrass; SPANISH FLY, a blister-beetle, a cantharid possessing a strong blistering principle, cantharidine: a preparation of cantharides used as a vesicant; SPANISH FOWL, a breed of the domestic hen--also White-faced black Spanish; SPANISH GRASS, esparto; SPANISH JUICE, extract of liquorice-root; SPANISH MAIN, a name given to the north coast of South America from the Orinoco to Darien, and to the shores of the former Central American provinces of Spain contiguous to the Caribbean Sea--the name is often popularly applied to the Caribbean Sea itself: SPANISH SHEEP, a merino; SPANISH SOAP, Castile soap.--WALK SPANISH, to be compelled to walk on tiptoe through being lifted up by the collar and the seat of the trousers--hence to proceed or act under compulsion.

SPANK, spangk, v.i. to move with speed or spirit.--n. SPANK'ER, one who walks with long strides: a fast-going horse: any person or thing particularly striking, a dashing person.--adj. SPANK'ING, spirited, going freely: striking, beyond expectation, very large. [Cf. Dan. spanke, to strut.]

SPANK, spangk, v.i. to strike with the flat of the hand, to slap.--n. a loud slap, esp. on the backside.

SPANKER, spang'k[.e]r, n. the after-sail of a ship or barque, so called from its flapping in the breeze.

SPAN-ROOF, span'-r[=oo]f, n. a roof having two equal inclined planes or sides.

SPAR, spär, n. a rafter: a general term for masts, yards, booms, and gaffs, &c.--n. SPAR'-DECK, the upper deck of a vessel. [The A.S. spearra is assumed from the verb sparrian, to fasten with a bar; cf. Ice. sparri, Dut. spar.]

SPAR, spär, n. a term applied by miners to any bright crystalline mineral, and adopted by mineralogists in the names of a number of minerals--calcareous spar, fluor spar, Iceland spar, &c.--adj. SPAR'RY, resembling spar, spathic. [A.S. spær(-stán), gypsum; cf. Ger. spar(-kalk).]

SPAR, spär, v.i. to box with the hands: to fight with showy action: to dispute:--pr.p. spar'ring; pa.t. and pa.p. sparred.--n. a preliminary sparring, boxing-match, or cock-fight.--ns. SPAR'RER; SPAR'RING. [O. Fr. esparer (Fr. éparer), to kick out, most prob. Teut.; Low Ger. sparre, a struggling.]

SPARABLE, spar'a-bl, n. a small nail used by shoemakers.--Also SPER'RABLE. [Sparrow-bill.]

SPARADRAP, spar'a-drap, n. a cerecloth, a plaster. [Fr.]

SPARE, sp[=a]r, v.t. to use frugally: to do without: to save from any use: to withhold from: to forbear from harming, to treat tenderly: to part with willingly.--v.i. to be frugal: to forbear: to be tender: to be forgiving.--adj. sparing: frugal: scanty: lean: superfluous.--n. that which has been saved or stored away: in American bowling, a point made by overturning all the pins with the first two balls.--adv. SPARE'LY, in a spare manner: sparingly.--ns. SPARE'NESS; SP[=A]R'ER, one who spares or avoids expense; SPARE'RIB, a piece of pork consisting of ribs with the meat adhering to them.--adj. SP[=A]'RING, scarce: scanty: saving: merciful, forgiving.--adv. SP[=A]R'INGLY, frugally: not abundantly: with abstinence: seldom: cautiously.--n. SP[=A]R'INGNESS, the quality of being sparing: want of liberality: caution. [A.S. sparian, to spare--spær, spare; Ger. spärlich, frugal.]

SPARGANIUM, spär-g[=a]'ni-um, n. a genus of plants of the order Typhaceæ:, the bur-reeds. [Gr.]

SPARGE, spärj, v.t. to sprinkle--(Scot.) SPAIRGE.--n. SPAR'GER, a sprinkler. [L. sparg[)e]re, to sprinkle.]

SPARGOSIS, spär-g[=o]'sis, n. great distention of the breasts with milk.--Also SPARGAN[=O]'SIS. [Gr. sparg[=o]sis--spargan, to swell.]

SPAR-HAWK, spär'-hawk, n.=Sparrow-hawk.

SPARK, spärk, n. a small ignited particle shot off from a burning body: any small shining body or light: a small portion of anything active or vivid: a gay sprightly person, a lover, a beau.--v.i. to emit sparks: to play the gallant.--adj. SPARK'ISH, gay, jaunty, showy. [A.S. spearca, a spark; Dut. spark.]

SPARKE, spärk, n. (Spens.) a battle-axe. [Perh. an error for sparthe.]

SPARKLE, spärk'l, n. a little spark: lustre, brilliance: the presence of carbon dioxide, as in a wine, causing effervescence: the emission of sparks.--v.i. to emit sparks: to shine, glitter: to effervesce with glittering bubbles, or to contain much carbon dioxide, as certain wines.--v.t. to throw out sparklingly.--n. SPARK'LER, one who, or that which, sparkles.--adj. SPARK'LESS, not giving out sparks.--adv. SPARK'LESSLY.--n. SPARK'LET, a small spark.--adj. SPARK'LING, giving out sparks: glittering: brilliant: lively.--adv. SPARK'LINGLY, in a sparkling manner: with vivid and twinkling lustre.--n. SPARK'LINGNESS, the quality of being sparkling: vivid and twinkling lustre. [A freq. of spark.]

SPARLING, spär'ling, n. the smelt.--Also SPIR'LING.

SPARRE, spär, n. (Spens.) a bolt, a bar. [Spar.]

SPARRER. See under SPAR (3).

SPARROW, spar'[=o], n. an Old World genus of birds of fringilline family.--ns. SPARR'OW-BILL, a small shoe-nail, so called from its shape--also SPAR'ABLE; SPARR'OW-GRASS, asparagus; SPARR'OW-HAWK, a genus of long-legged, short-winged falcons, like the goshawks, but smaller.--adj. SPARR'OW-TAIL (see SWALLOW-TAIL). [A.S. spearwa; Goth. sparwa, Ice. spörr, Ger. sper-ling.]

SPARRY, spär'i, adj. consisting of, or like, spar.--n. SPARR'Y-[=I]'RON, a carbonite of iron, siderite.

SPARSE, spärs, adj. thinly scattered: scanty.--adv. SPARSE'LY.--n. SPARSE'NESS.--adj. SPAR'SILE.--n. SPAR'SITY. [L. sparsum, pa.p. of sparg[)e]re, to scatter; Gr. speirein, to sow.]

SPARTAN, spär'tan, adj. of or pertaining to Sparta in Greece: hardy, rigorously severe: fearless.

SPARTERIE, spär't[.e]r-i, n. articles made from esparto--mats, nets, ropes, &c.

SPARTH, -E, sparth, n. a halberd, mace.

SPASM, spazm, n. an irregular and violent contraction of muscular parts--involuntary even when the voluntary muscles are concerned. When persistent it is tonic spasm or cramp, catalepsy, tetanus; when the relaxations alternate with the contractions, it is clonic spasm, as in epilepsy, convulsive hysteria, chorea, &c.--n. SPASMOD'IC, a medicine for removing spasms.--adjs. SPASMOD'IC, -AL, relating to, or consisting in, spasms: convulsive.--adv. SPASMOD'ICALLY, in a spasmodic manner: in fits.--ns. SPAS'MODIST; SPASMOL'OGY, scientific knowledge of spasms.--adj. SPAS'TIC, relating to spasms, spasmodic.--adv. SPAS'TICALLY.--n. SPASTIC'ITY, tendency to spasm.--SPASMODIC SCHOOL, a group of English poets, including P. J. Bailey, Sydney Dobell, and Alexander Smith, marked by overstrained and unnatural sentiment and expression. [Fr. spasme--L. spasmus--Gr. spasmos--spaein, to draw.]

SPAT, spat, pa.t. of spit, to throw from the mouth.

SPAT, spat, n. the spawn of shellfish.--v.i. to shed spawn. [From root of spit.]

SPAT, spat, n. a slap: a large drop, as of rain: a petty quarrel.--v.t. to slap, to strike lightly.--v.i. to engage in a petty quarrel.

SPAT, spat, n. a gaiter or legging--usually in pl. [Spatter-dashes.]

SPATANGUS, sp[=a]-tang'gus, n. the typical genus of Spatangidæ, a family of irregular sea-urchins, the heart-urchins.--n.pl. SPATANG'IDA, the spatangoid sea-urchins.--adj. SPATANG'OID, like a cordate urchin.--n. one of these.--ns.pl. SPATANGOI'DA, SPATANGOI'D[=E]A, the Spatangidæ, an order of petalostichous sea-urchins, generally excluding the clypeastroids or flat sea-urchins. [Gr. spatang[=e]s, a sea-urchin.]

SPATCH-COCK, spach'-kok, n. a fowl killed and immediately roasted or broiled for some sudden occasion. [Prob. a corr. of despatch and cock.]

SPATE, SPAIT, sp[=a]t, n. a sudden flood, as in a stream after heavy rain. [Prob. Ir. speid.]

SPATHE, sp[=a]th, n. (bot.) a sheathing bract, which encloses one or more flowers, as in the narcissus.--adjs. SPATH[=A]'CEOUS, spathe-bearing; SP[=A]THED, having a spathe.--n. SPATHIL'LA, a secondary or diminutive spathe.--adjs. SP[=A]'THOSE, SP[=A]'THOUS (bot.), having a spathe or sheath-like bract, bursting longitudinally. [L. spatha--Gr. spath[=e], a broad blade.]

SPATHIC, spath'ik, adj. (min.) foliated, lamellar.--adj. SPATH'IFORM, spathic. [Ger. spath, spar.]

SPATHURA, sp[=a]-th[=u]'ra, n. a genus of humming-birds with peculiar tail-feathers expanding into a spatule at the end, and leg-muffs. [Gr. spath[=e], a blade, oura, a tail.]

SPATIAL, sp[=a]'shal, adj. relating to space.--n. SP[=A]TIAL'ITY.--adv. SP[=A]'TIALLY.

SPATILOMANCY, sp[=a]-til'[=o]-man-si, n. divination by means of animal excrements. [Gr. spatil[=e], excrement, manteia, divination.]

SPATTER, spat'[.e]r, v.t. to throw out or scatter upon: to scatter about: to sprinkle with dirt or anything moist: to defame.--n. the act of spattering: what is spattered.--n.pl. SPATT'ER-DASH'ES, coverings for the legs, to keep them clean from water and mud, a kind of gaiters.--n. SPATT'ER-WORK, a method of producing designs by covering the surface with the pattern and then spattering colouring matter on the parts exposed. [A freq. of spot.]

SPATULA, spat'[=u]-la, SPATTLE, spat'l, n. a little spade: a broad kind of knife for spreading plasters.--n. SPAT'ULAMANCY, a method of divination by a sheep's shoulder-blade.--adj. SPAT'UL[=A]TE, shaped like a spatula.--n. SPAT'ULE, a spatulate formation.--adjs. SPAT'ULIFORM, SPATULIG'EROUS. [L. spatula, spathula, dim. of spatha--Gr. spath[=e].]

SPAVIN, spav'in, n. a disease of horses occurring under two different forms--bog-spavin, in which the hock-joint is distended with dark-coloured synovia or joint-oil, and bone-spavin, in which a bony enlargement occurs towards the inside of the hock, at the head of the shank-bone, or between some of the small bones of the hock.--adj. SPAV'INED, affected with spavin. [O. Fr. esparvain (Fr. éparvin)--Old High Ger. sparo, sparwe, a sparrow.]

SPAWL, spawl, n. spittle, slaver.--v.i. to eject saliva.

SPAWN, spawn, n. the eggs of fish or frogs when ejected: offspring.--adj. containing spawn.--v.t. to produce, as fishes and frogs do their eggs: to bring forth.--v.i. to deposit eggs, as fishes or frogs: to issue, as offspring.--ns. SPAWN'ER, the female fish from which the spawn is ejected; SPAWN'ING; SPAWN'ING-BED, -GROUND, a bed made in the bottom of a stream on which fish deposit their spawn. [O. Fr. espandre, to shed--L. expand[)e]re, to spread out.]

SPAY, sp[=a], v.t. to make an animal barren by destroying its ovaries.--Also SP[=A]VE. [L. spado--Gr. spad[=o]n, a eunuch--Gr. spaein, draw out.]

SPEAK, sp[=e]k, v.i. to utter words or articulate sounds: to say: to talk: to converse: to sound: to give expression by any means, to intimate, to hint.--v.t. to pronounce: to converse in: to address: to declare: to express by signs:--pa.t. spoke or sp[=a]ke; pa.p. sp[=o]'ken.--adj. SPEAK'ABLE, capable of being spoken: (Milt.) having the power of speech.--ns. SPEAK'-EAS'Y (U.S.), an illicit dram-shop, shebeen; SPEAK'ER, one who speaks or proclaims: the person who presides in a deliberative or legislative body, as the House of Commons; SPEAK'ERSHIP, the office of Speaker; SPEAK'ING, the act of expressing ideas in words: discourse.--adj. seeming to speak: natural: used to assist the voice.--adv. SPEAK'INGLY.--ns. SPEAK'ING-TRUM'PET, an instrument for enabling the sound of the voice to be conveyed to a greater distance; SPEAK'ING-TUBE, a tube communicating from one room to another for speaking through; SPEAK'ING-VOICE, the kind of voice used in speaking.--SPEAK A SHIP, to hail and speak to some one on board her; SPEAK FAIR, to address one in conciliatory terms; SPEAK FOR, to speak on behalf of: to be a proof of: to bespeak, engage; SPEAKING TERMS, a relationship between two persons not extending beyond the courtesy of verbal salutation, &c.; SPEAK OF, to talk about: to mention, or to be worth mentioning; SPEAK ONE'S MIND, to say frankly what one thinks; SPEAK OUT, to assert boldly or loudly; SPEAK TO, to reprove: to attest, testify to; SPEAK UP, to speak out; SPEAK WELL FOR, to witness favourably to.--SO TO SPEAK, as one might put it, as it were. [A.S. specan (for sprecan); Dut. spreken, Ger. sprechen.]

SPEAL-BONE, sp[=e]l'-b[=o]n, n. the shoulder-blade.

SPEAR, sp[=e]r, n. a long weapon used in war and hunting, made of a pole pointed with iron: a lance with barbed prongs used for catching fish.--v.t. to pierce or kill with a spear.--ns. SPEAR'-FISH, a kind of carp-sucker--also Sail-fish and Skimback: the bill-fish, a histiophoroid fish related to the swordfish; SPEAR'-FOOT, the off or right hind-foot of a horse; SPEAR'-GRASS, a name applied to various grasses, esp. those known as meadow-grass, the Kentucky blue-grass: either of two New Zealand plants of the parsley family with long spinous leaflets; SPEAR'-HEAD, the iron point of a spear; SPEAR'-LIL'Y, a plant of one of the species of the Australian genus Doryanthes of the Amaryllideæ, with sword-shaped leaves; SPEAR'MAN, a man armed with a spear; SPEAR'MINT, the common garden-mint; SPEAR'-THIS'TLE, the common thistle; SPEAR'-WOOD, one of two Australian trees whose wood makes good spear-shafts; SPEAR'-WORT, the name of several species of Ranunculus with lance-shaped leaves. [A.S. spere; Ger. speer, L. sparus; cf. Spar.]

SPEC, a colloquial abbrev. of speculation.

SPECIAL, spesh'al, adj. of a species or sort; particular: distinctive: uncommon: designed for a particular purpose: confined to a particular subject or application.--n. any special or particular person or thing: any person or thing set apart for a particular duty--a constable, a railway-tram, &c.: a newspaper extra, a despatch from a special correspondent.--n. SPECIALIS[=A]'TION, the act or process of specialising: differentiation, as of organs, functions, &c.--v.t. SPEC'IALISE, to make specifically distinct, to limit to a particular kind of action or use.--v.i. to act in some particular way, to take a particular direction, as to devote one's self especially to some particular branch of study.--ns. SPEC'IALISM, devotion to some particular study or pursuit; SPEC'IALIST, one who devotes himself to a special subject.--adj. SPECIALIST'IC.--n. SPECIAL'ITY, the particular characteristic of a person or thing: a special occupation or object of attention.--adv. SPEC'IALLY.--ns. SPEC'IALTY, something special or distinctive: any special product, article of sale or of manufacture: any special pursuit, department of study, &c.: a special contract for the payment of money; SPECIE (sp[=e]'shi), gold and silver coin, metallic money (abl. of L. species, kind); SP[=E]'CIES, a group of individuals having common marks or characteristics, specialised from others of the same genus to which it is subordinate: a group under a higher class, a kind or sort, a distinct constituent part, an element: an appearance to the senses, an image of an external object presented to the eye or the mind; SP[=E]'CIES-MONG'ER, one who busies himself with classifications only, indifferent to wider biological relations, one who makes distinctions for distinction's sake; SP[=E]CIF'IC, a remedy which has a special power in a particular disease: an infallible remedy.--adjs. SP[=E]CIF'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or constituting, a species: that specifies: peculiar to: produced by some special cause: precise: infallible.--adv. SP[=E]CIF'ICALLY.--ns. SP[=E]CIF'ICALNESS, SP[=E]CIF'ICNESS, the state or quality of being specific.--SPECIAL CONSTABLE (see CONSTABLE); SPECIAL LICENSE (see License); SPECIAL PLEADING (see PLEAD); SPECIAL VERDICT (see VERDICT).--SPECIFIC DENSITY, the mass of any given substance contained in unit volume; SPECIFIC GRAVITY, the weight of any given substance as compared with the weight of an equal bulk or volume of water or other standard substance at the same temperature and pressure; SPECIFIC HEAT (see HEAT).

SPECIFY, spes'i-f[=i], v.t. to mention particularly: to set down as a requisite:--pa.t. and pa.p. spec'if[=i]ed.--v.t. SPECIF'ICATE, to specify.--n. SPECIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of specifying: any point or particular specified: the description of his invention presented by an applicant for a patent.--LOGICAL SPECIFICATION is the counterpart of generalisation--implying that beings the most like or homogeneous disagree or are heterogeneous in some respect. [O. Fr.,--Low L. specific[=a]re--L. species, kind, fac[)e]re, to make.]

SPECILLUM, sp[=e]-sil'um, n. a surgical probe: a lens, eyeglass. [L.,--spec[)e]re, to look.]

SPECIMEN, spes'i-men, n. a portion of anything to show the kind and quality of the whole: a sample, a typical individual: a preparation in natural history, &c., exemplifying anything noticeable in a species or other group. [L. specimen--spec[)e]re, to see.]

SPECIOUS, sp[=e]'shus, adj. that looks well at first sight: showy: plausible: appearing actual, not merely imaginary.--ns. SP[=E]CIOS'ITY, SP[=E]'CIOUSNESS, plausible appearance.--adv. SP[=E]'CIOUSLY. [Fr.,--L. speciosus, showy--species, form--spec[)e]re, to see.]

SPECK, spek, n. a spot: a blemish: a mark betokening decay: a separate piece or particle, an atom, the least morsel or quantity: a percoid fish of the United States, a darter.--v.t. to spot. [A.S. specca; Low Ger. spakig, spotted with wet.]

SPECK, spek, n. fat, lard.--n. SPECKTIONEER', the chief harpooner in whale-fishing. [A.S. spic, bacon; Ger. speck, Dut. spek, fat.]

SPECKLE, spek'l, n. a little speck or spot in anything different in substance or colour from the thing itself: (Scot.) kind, sort.--v.t. to mark with speckles.--adj. SPECK'LED, variegated, piebald.--n. SPECK'LEDNESS.--adjs. SPECK'LESS, spotless, perfectly clean; SPECK'Y, partially spotted.

SPECTACLE, spek'ta-kl, n. a sight: show, a pageant, exhibition: (pl.) a pair of lenses mounted in frames to assist the sight, aids to mental vision: a marking resembling spectacles, as in the cobra.--adjs. SPEC'TACLED, wearing spectacles: marked like spectacles, as the bear, cobra, &c.; SPECTAC'ULAR, marked by display.--n. SPECTACULAR'ITY.--adv. SPECTAC'ULARLY. [L. spectaculum--spect[=a]re, -[=a]tum, intens. of spec[)e]re, to look at.]

SPECTANT, spek'tant, adj. looking forward.--v.t. SPEC'T[=A]TE, to survey.--n. SPEC'T[=A]TION. [L. spectans, -antis, pr.p. of spect[=a]re.]

SPECTATOR, spek-t[=a]'tor, n. one who looks on:--fem. SPECT[=A]'TRESS, SPECT[=A]'TRIX.--adj. SPECTAT[=O]'RIAL.--n. SPECT[=A]'TORSHIP, the office or quality of a spectator: (Shak.) the act of beholding.

SPECTRE, spek't[.e]r, n. a ghost.--adj. SPEC'TRAL, relating to, or like, a spectre.--n. SPECTRAL'ITY, the state of being spectral, a spectral object.--adv. SPEC'TRALLY.--n. SPEC'TRE-BAT, a South American leaf-nosed bat or vampire. [L. spectrum, a vision--spec[)e]re, to see.]

SPECTRUM, spek'trum, n. the image of something seen continued after the eyes are closed: the colours of light separated by a prism, and exhibited as spread out on a screen:--pl. SPEC'TRA.--n. SPEC'TROGRAPH, an apparatus for photographing a spectrum.--adjs. SPECTROGRAPH'IC, -AL.--n. SPECTROG'RAPHY, the art of using the spectrograph.--adj. SPECTROLOG'ICAL.--adv. SPECTROLOG'ICALLY.--ns. SPECTROL'OGY, the division of physical science that embraces spectrum analysis: demonology; SPECTROM'ETER, an instrument like a spectroscope, by means of which the angular deviation of a ray of light in passing through a prism can be accurately measured.--adj. SPECTROMET'RIC.--n. SPEC'TROPH[=O]NE, an adaptation of the spectroscope, in which, on the principle of the radiophone, perception of a succession of sounds takes the place of observation by the eye.--adj. SPECTROPHON'IC.--ns. SPEC'TRO-POLAR'ISCOPE, a polariscope combined with a spectroscope; SPEC'TROSCOPE, an instrument for forming and examining spectra of luminous bodies, so as to determine their composition.--adjs. SPECTROSC[=O]P'IC, -AL.--adv. SPECTROSC[=O]P'ICALLY.--ns. SPEC'TROSC[=O]PIST, one skilled in spectroscopy; SPEC'TROSC[=O]PY, the use of the spectroscope and the study of spectrum analysis. [L.,--spec[)e]re, to see.]

SPECULAR, spek'[=u]-lar, adj. resembling a speculum: having a smooth reflecting surface: assisting vision, serving for inspection.--SPECULAR IRON ORE, a variety of hematite, with a brilliant metallic lustre. [L.]

SPECULARIA, spek-[=u]-l[=a]'ri-a, n. a genus of plants of the bellwort family (Campanulaceæ), including the Venus's-looking-glass.

SPECULATE, spek'[=u]-l[=a]t, v.i. to look at or into with the mind: to consider: to theorise: to traffic for great profit.--ns. SPECUL[=A]'TION, act of speculating: mental view: contemplation: theory: the buying goods, &c., to sell them at an advance, any more or less risky investment of money for the sake of unusually large profits; SPEC'UL[=A]TIST, a speculative philosopher.--adj. SPEC'[=U]L[=A]TIVE, given to speculation or theory: ideal: pertaining to speculation in business, &c.--adv. SPEC'UL[=A]TIVELY.--ns. SPEC'UL[=A]TIVENESS, the state of being speculative; SPEC'UL[=A]TOR, one who engages in mental speculations, or who practises speculation in trade or business of any kind.--adj. SPEC'[=U]L[=A]TORY, exercising speculation: adapted for spying or viewing.--n. SPEC'UL[=A]TRIX, a female speculator. [L. speculatus, pa.p. of specul[=a]ri--specula, a lookout--spec[)e]re, to look.]

SPECULUM, spek'[=u]-lum, n. (opt.) a reflector usually made of polished metal: (surg.) an instrument for bringing into view parts otherwise hidden: an ocellus or eye-spot, the mirror of a wing: a lookout place:--pl. SPEC'ULA. [L.,--spec[)e]re, to look.]

SPED, sped, pa.t. and pa.p. of speed.

SPEECH, sp[=e]ch, n. that which is spoken: language: the power of speaking: manner of speech, oration: any declaration of thoughts: mention: colloquy: conference.--ns. SPEECH'-CRAFT, the science of language: the gift of speech; SPEECH'-CR[=I]'ER, one who hawked the broadsides containing the dying speeches of persons executed, once common; SPEECH'-DAY, the public day at the close of a school year.--adj. SPEECH'FUL, loquacious.--ns. SPEECHIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of making harangues; SPEECH'IF[=I]ER.--v.i. SPEECH'IFY, to make speeches, harangue (implying contempt).--adj. SPEECH'LESS, destitute or deprived of the power of speech.--adv. SPEECH'LESSLY.--ns. SPEECH'LESSNESS; SPEECH'-M[=A]K'ER, one accustomed to speak in public; SPEECH'-M[=A]K'ING, a formal speaking before an assembly; SPEECH'-READ'ING, the art of following spoken words by observing the speaker's lips, as taught to deaf-mutes. [A.S. sp['æ]c, spr['æ]c; Ger. sprache.]

SPEED, sp[=e]d, n. quickness, velocity: success.--v.i. to move quickly, to hurry: to succeed, to fare.--v.t. to despatch quickly: to hasten, as to a conclusion: to cause to advance, to push forward: to give a certain speed to, regulate the speed of: to send off, to put forth, to rid of, to kill: to cause to be relieved (only in passive): to execute: to aid: to make prosperous:--pr.p. speed'ing; pa.t. and pa.p. sped.--n. SPEED'ER, one who, or that which, promotes speed.--adj. SPEED'FUL, speedy.--advs. SPEED'FULLY; SPEED'ILY.--ns. SPEED'INESS, speed, haste; SPEED'-PULL'EY, a pulley having different faces of different diameters giving various speeds according to the face the belt passes over; SPEED'WELL (Veronica), a genus of plants of the natural order Scrophulariaceæ, with blue, white, or pink flowers, the leaves of some species used medicinally.--adj. SPEED'Y, hasty: quick: nimble. [A.S. spéd; Dut. spoed.]

SPEIR, SPEER, sp[=e]r, v.t. and v.i. (Scot.) to ask. [A.S. spyrian, to inquire after, spor, a trace.]

SPEISS, sp[=i]s, n. the product first obtained (an arsenide of the metal) when arsenical ores are smelted. [Ger. speise.]

SPEKBOOM, spek'b[=o]m, n. a large South African shrub of the purslane family. [Dut.]

SPELÆAN, SPELEAN, sp[=e]-l[=e]'an, adj. cave-dwelling. [L. spelæum--Gr. sp[=e]laion, a cave.]

SPELD, speld, n. a chip, splinter.--Also SPEL'DER.

SPELDING, spel'ding, n. (Scot.) a small fish split and dried in the sun.--Also SPEL'DRIN, SPEL'DRON.

SPELIN, spe-lin', n. an artificial linguistic system devised by G. Bauer in 1888 for universal use.

SPELK, spelk, n. (prov.) a rod, switch.--v.t. to use a spelk in or upon.

SPELL, spel, n. any form of words supposed to possess magical power: fascination.--v.t. to tell or name the letters of: to name, write, or print the proper letters of.--v.i. to form words with the proper letters: to study:--pr.p. spell'ing; pa.t. and pa.p. spelled, spelt.--adjs. SPELL'ABLE, capable of being spelled; SPELL'-BOUND, SPELL'-STOPPED (Shak.), entranced, fascinated.--ns. SPELL'ER, one who spells: one skilled in spelling; SPELL'ING, act of spelling or naming the letters of words: orthography; SPELL'ING-BEE, a competition in spelling; SPELL'ING-BOOK, a book for teaching to spell; SPELL'-WORK, that which is wrought by spells or charms: power of magic.--SPELL BACKWARD, to spell, repeat, or arrange in reverse order: to understand in a contrary sense: to turn wrong-side out, misconstrue one's qualities; SPELL BAKER, to do something difficult, that word being one of the earliest dissyllables in children's books. [A.S. spell, a narrative; Goth. spill, Ice. spjall, a tale.]

SPELL, spel, v.t. to take another's place at work:--pr.p. spell'ing; pa.t. and pa.p. spelled.--n. a turn at work: a short period indefinitely: an interval of rest: a bad turn. [A.S. spelian, to act for another; cf. Dut. spelen, Ger. spielen, to play.]

SPELT, spelt, n. a kind of wheat, probably only a race of common wheat, still grown in the mountainous parts of Europe and elsewhere--also called German wheat. [A.S. spelt--Low L. spelta.]

SPELTER, spel't[.e]r, n. zinc. [Allied to Dut. spiauter.]

SPENCE, spens, n. (prov.) a place where provisions are kept: a larder: a pantry.--Also SPENSE. [O. Fr. despense, a buttery--despendre--L. dispend[)e]re.]

SPENCER, spens'[.e]r, n. a short over-jacket worn by men or women, named after Earl Spencer (1782-1845).

SPENCER, spens'[.e]r, n. (in ships and barques) a fore-and-aft sail abaft the fore and main masts.

SPENCERIAN, spen-s[=e]'ri-an, adj. pertaining to the philosophy of Herbert Spencer (b. 1820).--n. a follower of Spencer.--n. SPENC[=E]'RIANISM, the system of evolutionary cosmology propounded by Herbert Spencer--the so-called synthetic philosophy.

SPEND, spend, v.t. to expend or weigh out: to give for any purpose: to consume: to waste: to pass, as time.--v.i. to make expense: to be lost, wasted, or dissipated: to emit milt, semen, &c.:--pr.p. spend'ing; pa.t. and pa.p. spent.--adj. SPEN'DABLE, that may be spent.--ns. SPEND'ALL, a spendthrift; SPEN'DER; SPEN'DING; SPENSE=Spence (q.v.).--adj. SPENT, exhausted: impotent: of fish, exhausted by spawning. [A.S. spendan--L. expend[)e]re or dispend[)e]re, to weigh out.]

SPENDTHRIFT, spend'thrift, n. one who spends the savings of thrift: a prodigal.--adj. excessively lavish. [Spend and thrift.]

SPENSERIAN, spen-s[=e]'ri-an, adj. pertaining to Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) or his versification, esp. his stanza in The Faerie Queene, a strophe of eight decasyllabic lines and an Alexandrine, having three rhymes, the 1st and 3d, the 2d, 4th, 5th, and 7th, and the 6th, 8th, and 9th.

SPENT, spent, pa.t. and pa.p. of spend.

SPEOS, sp[=e]'os, n. a grotto-temple or tomb. [Gr.]

SPER, sp[.e]r, v.t. (Spens.) to bolt, to shut, as a gate.

SPERABLE, sp[=e]'ra-bl, adj. (Bacon) that may be hoped.--adj. SP[=E]'RATE, hoped for. [L. sperabilis--sper[=a]re, to hope.]

SPERGULA, sper'g[=u]-la, n. a genus of polypetalous annuals belonging to the Caryophyllaceæ, with small white or pink flowers--spurry or sandweed.--n. SPERGUL[=A]'RIA, an allied genus, the sand-spurry. [L. sparg[)e]re, to scatter.]

SPERKET, sp[.e]r'ket, n. a hooked peg for hanging harness upon.--Also SPIR'KET.

SPERM, sp[.e]rm, n. animal seed: spawn of fishes or frogs: spermaceti.--ns. SPER'MADUCT, a spermatic duct; SPER'MAPHORE (bot.), a placenta; SPER'MARY, the male germ-gland; SPERMATH[=E]'CA, a spermatic case or sheath--also SPERMATOTH[=E]'CA.--adjs. SPERMATH[=E]'CAL; SPERMAT'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or consisting of, sperm or seed, seminal: connected with the male function, testicular.--v.i. SPER'MATISE, to yield or to discharge semen.--ns. SPER'MATISM=Spermism; SPER'MATIST=Spermist; SPERM[=A]'TIUM, a minute spore within a spermogonium:--pl. SPERM[=A]'TIA.--adj. SPERMAT[=O]'AL, pertaining to a spermatoon.--n. SPER'MATOBLAST, the germ of a spermatozoon.--adj. SPERMATOBLAS'TIC.--ns. SPER'MATOCELE, swelling of the testicle; SPER'MATOCYST, a seminal vesicle; SPERMATOCYS'TIS, inflammation of the seminal vesicles.--adj. SPERMATOCY'TAL.--ns. SPER'MATOCYTE, a mother-cell from which spermatozoids are developed; SPERMATOGEM'MA, a mass of spermatocytes; SPERMATOGEN'ESIS, the formation of spermatozoa.--adjs. SPERMATOGENET'IC, SPERMATOG'ENOUS.--ns. SPERMATOG'ENY, the generation of spermatozoa; SPERMATOG[=O]'NIUM, one of the primitive seminal cells that by division form the spermatocytes.--adjs. SPER'MATOID, sperm-like; SPERMATOLOG'ICAL, pertaining to spermatology.--ns. SPERMATOL'OGIST, one versed in spermatology; SPERMATOL'OGY, the knowledge of the facts about semen; SPERMAT[=O]'ON, the nucleus of a spermatozoon; SPERMAT'[=O]PH[=O]RE, a case which in some Invertebrata encloses the spermatozoa.--adj. SPERMATOPH'OROUS.--ns. SPERMATORRH[=E]'A, involuntary seminal discharge; SPERMAT[=O]'VUM, a fecundated ovum; SPERMATOZ[=O]'ID, SPERMATOZ[=O]'ON, one of the male reproductive cells of animals, the physiological complements of the egg-cells or ova:--pl. SPERMATOZ[=O]'A; SPERM'-CELL, a spermatozoon: a spermatoblast or a spermatocyte.--adj. SPER'MIC=Spermatic--ns. SPER'MISM, a seminal discharge: the theory that the male sperm holds the whole germ of the future animal; SPER'MIST, one who holds the theory of spermism; SPERM'-N[=U]'CLEUS, the nucleus of a spermatozoon; SPER'MODERM, the whole integument of a seed; SPERMOG[=O]'NIUM, the cavity in which, spermatia are produced; SPERM'-OIL, oil from the sperm-whale; SPORMOL'OGY=Spermatology; SPERMOPH'[=O]RUM, a seminal vesicle.--n.pl. SPERMOPH'YTA, one of the four divisions of the vegetable kingdom including flowering plants.--ns. SPERM'[=U]LE, a sperm-cell; SPERM'-WHALE, the cachalot, a species of whale from which spermaceti is obtained. [Fr.,--L. sperma--Gr. sperma, spermatos--speirein, to sow.]

SPERMACETI, sper-ma-set'i, or-s[=e]'t[=i], n. a waxy matter obtained mixed with oil from the head of the sperm-whale--purified by draining off the oil and repeatedly washing with hot water and weak boiling potash-lye.--adj. derived from, or yielding, spermaceti.--n. SPERMACET'I-WHALE, the sperm-whale. [L. sperma, c[=e]tus, a whale--Gr. k[=e]tos.]

SPERMOPHILE, sper'm[=o]-f[=i]l, n. a rodent of the genus Spermophilus, a ground-squirrel. [Gr. sperma, seed, philein, to love.]

SPERRE, sper, v.t. (Spens.). Same as SPER. [Spar.]

SPERRYLITE, sper'i-l[=i]t, n. an arsenide of platinum discovered in 1888 in the province of Ontario, Canada.

SPERSE, sp[.e]rs, v.t. (Spens.) to disperse.

SPET, spet, v.i. (Milt.) a form of spit.

SPETCH, spech, n. a piece of skin used in making glue. [Speck.]

SPEW, SPUE, sp[=u], v.t. and v.i. to vomit: to eject with loathing.--ns. SPEW'ER; SPEW'INESS, moistness.--adj. SPEW'Y, boggy. [A.S. spíwan; Dut. spuwen, Ger. speien; also L. spu[)e]re, Gr. ptyein.]

SPHACELUS, sfas'e-lus, n. gangrene.--adjs. SPHAC'ELATE, -D, necrosed.--ns. SPHACEL[=A]'TION, SPHACELIS'MUS, necrosis; SPHACEL[=O]'MA, a genus of fungi containing anthracnose. [Gr. sphakelos.]

SPHÆRIDIUM, sf[=e]-rid'i-um, n. one of the minute spheroidal bodies attached to the ambulacral plates of sea-urchins:--pl. SPHÆRID'IA. [Gr. sphairidion, dim. of sphaira, a sphere.]

SPHÆRISTERIUM, sf[=e]-ris-t[=e]'ri-um, n. a tennis-court. [Gr.,--sphaira, a ball.]

SPHÆRITE, sf[=e]'r[=i]t, n. a hydrous phosphate of aluminium.

SPHAGNUM, sfag'num, n. a genus of mosses--peat or bog-moss, belonging to the order Sphagnaceæ.--ns. SPHAGNOL'OGIST, one who has studied the foregoing; SPHAGNOL'OGY, the study of the same.--adj. SPHAG'NOUS. [Gr. sphagnos, moss.]

SPHECIUS, sf[=e]'shi-us, n. a genus of digger-wasps. [Gr. sph[=e]x, a wasp.]

SPHENDONE, sfen'd[=o]-n[=e], n. an ancient Greek form of women's head-band: an elliptical or semi-elliptical auditorium. [Gr., a sling.]

SPHENE, sf[=e]n, n. titanite. [Fr.,--Gr. sph[=e]n, wedge.]

SPHENIC, sf[=e]'nik, adj. wedge-like. [Gr. sph[=e]n, a wedge.]

SPHENISCUS, sf[=e]-nis'kus, n. a genus of penguins, of the family Spheniscidæ, the jackass-penguins.

SPHENODON, sf[=e]'n[=o]-don, n. a genus of South American fossil sloths; a genus of extinct New Zealand lizards.--adj. SPH[=E]'NODONT. [Gr. sph[=e]n, a wedge, odous, odontos, a tooth.]

SPHENOID, -AL, sf[=e]'noid, -al, adj. wedge-shaped: inserted like a wedge, denoting a bone at the base of the skull.--adjs. SPHENETH'MOID, pertaining to the sphenoid and the ethmoid bone; SPH[=E]'N[=O]-FRON'TAL, -M[=A]'LAR, -PAL'ATINE, -PAR[=I]'ETAL, -TEM'PORAL, pertaining to the sphenoid and frontal, malar, palatine, parietal, and temporal bones respectively.--n. SPH[=E]'NOGRAM, a cuneiform character.--adjs. SPH[=E]NOGRAPH'IC, -AL.--n. SPH[=E]NOG'RAPHY, the art of writing or deciphering cuneiform inscriptions.--adjs. SPH[=E]NOT'IC, pertaining to the sphenoid bone and the otic capsule; SPH[=E]'NO-TUR'BINAL, sphenoidal and turbinated or whorled. [Gr. sph[=e]n, sph[=e]nos, a wedge, eidos, form.]

SPHERE, sf[=e]r, n. a ball or globe: an orb or circle: circuit of motion: province or duty: definite range: rank, position in society: (geom.) a surface every point of which is equidistant from one and the same point, called the centre.--adjs. SPH[=E]R'AL; SPHERE'LESS.--ns. SPHERE'-MET'AL (Milt.), metal like that of which the celestial spheres were anciently supposed to be made; SPHERE'-M[=U]'SIC, the music of the spheres.--adjs. SPHER'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or like, a sphere.--n. SPHERICAL'ITY.--adv. SPHER'ICALLY.--ns. SPHER'ICALNESS, SPHERIC'ITY, state or quality of being spherical: roundness; SPHER'ICLE, a little sphere; SPHER'ICS, the geometry and trigonometry of the sphere; SPH[=E]'ROID, a body or figure nearly spherical, but not quite so--a species of ellipsoid (prolate spheroid, a slightly lengthened sphere; oblate spheroid, a slightly flattened sphere).--adj. SPH[=E]ROI'DAL, having the form of a spheroid.--ns. SPH[=E]ROIDI'CITY, SPH[=E]ROID'ITY, the state of being spheroidal; SPH[=E]'ROM[=E]RE, one of the symmetrical segments of a radiate; SPH[=E]ROM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the sphericity of portions of spherical surfaces--for example, lenses; SPH[=E]'ROSID'ERITE, the name given to impure or earthy and frequently concretionary varieties of carbonate of iron.--adj. SPHER'[=U]LAR.--ns. SPHER'[=U]LE, a little sphere; SPHER'[=U]LITE, a radiating spherical group of minute acicular crystals common in silicious volcanic rocks.--adjs. SPHER[=U]LIT'IC; SPH[=E]'RY, spherical, round: belonging to the celestial spheres. [Fr.,--L. sphæra--Gr. sphaira.]

SPHEX, sfeks, n. a genus of hymenopterous insects of the family Sphegidæ, closely allied to the true wasps (Vespidæ). [Gr. sph[=e]x, a wasp.]

SPHINCTER, sfingk't[.e]r, n. (anat.) a muscle that contracts or shuts an orifice or opening which it surrounds--around the anus, &c.--adjs. SPHINC'TER[=A]TE, provided with a sphincter, contracted as if by a sphincter; SPHINCT[=E]'RIAL, SPHINCTER'IC, relating to a sphincter or its function.--n. SPHINCTEROT'OMY, the operation of cutting a sphincter. [Gr. sphingkt[=e]r,--sphinggein, to bind tight.]

SPHINX, sfingks, n. a monster of Greek mythology, with the head of a woman and the body of a lioness, that proposed riddles to travellers, and strangled those who could not solve them: an enigmatic or inscrutable person: a hawk-moth: the Guinea baboon. [Gr.,--sphinggein, to throttle.]

SPHRAGISTICS, sfr[=a]-jis'tiks, n. knowledge about seals, their age, history, &c. [Gr. sphragistikos, pertaining to seals--sphragis, a seal.]

SPHRIGOSIS, sfri-g[=o]'sis, n. in fruit-trees, excessive growth in wood and leaves at the expense of fruit. [Gr. sphrigan, to be vigorous.]

SPHYGMOGRAPH, sfig'm[=o]-graf, n. an instrument for ascertaining and recording the form, force, and frequency of the pulse-beat, and the changes it undergoes in certain morbid states.--adj. SPHYG'MIC, pertaining to the pulse.--n. SPHYG'MOGRAM, the record made by a sphygmograph.--adj. SPHYGMOGRAPH'IC.--n. SPHYGMOG'RAPHY, the act of taking pulse-tracings.--adj. SPHYG'MOID, pulse-like.--ns. SPHYGMOL'OGY, the science of the pulse; SPHYGM[=O]M[=A]NOM'ETER, SPHYGMOM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the tension of blood in an artery; SPHYG'MOPHONE, an instrument by means of which a pulse-beat makes a sound: SPHYG'M[=O]SC[=O]PE, an instrument for making arterial pulsations visible; SPHYG'MUS, the pulse. [Gr. sphygmos, the pulse, graphein, to write.]

SPHYRNA, sf[.e]r'na, n. a genus of hammer-headed sharks.--adj. SPHYR'NINE. [Gr. sphyra, a hammer.]

SPIAL, sp[=i]'al, n. (obs.) espial: a spy, a scout.

SPICA, sp[=i]'ka, n. a spiral bandage with reversed turns: (ornith.) a spur.--adjs. SP[=I]'CAL, SP[=I]'C[=A]TE, -D, arranged in, or having the form of, a spike.--n. SPIC[=A]'TUM, in ancient masonry, herring-bone work. [L. spicatus, pa.p. of spic[=a]re--spica, ear.]

SPICE, sp[=i]s, n. an aromatic and pungent vegetable substance used as a condiment and for seasoning food--pepper, cayenne pepper, pimento, nutmeg, mace, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, cassia, &c.: a characteristic touch or taste, smack, flavour: anything that adds piquancy or interest: an aromatic odour.--v.t. to season with spice: to tincture, vary, or diversify.--ns. SPICE'-BOX, an ornamental box for keeping spices: (coll.) a hot-tempered person; SPICE'-BUSH, an aromatic American shrub of the laurel family; SPICE'-CAKE, a cake flavoured with spice of some kind.--adjs. SPICED, impregnated with a spicy odour: over-scrupulous; SPICE'FUL, aromatic.--ns. SP[=I]'CER, one who seasons with spice; SP[=I]'CERY, spices in general: a repository of spices: spiciness; SPICE'-TREE, an evergreen tree of the Pacific United States, yielding a fine hard wood--the Mountain-laurel, California-laurel, Olive- or Bay-tree, and Cajeput; SPICE'-WOOD, the spice-bush. [O. Fr. espice (Fr. épice)--Late L. species, kinds of goods, spices--L. species, a particular kind, &c.]

SPICIFEROUS, SPICIFORM, SPICOUS, &c. See SPIKE.

SPICK, spik, n. a nail, a spike.--adj. tidy, fresh.--adj. SPICK'-AND-SPAN, new and fresh, brand-new.--SPICK-AND-SPAN NEW, i.e. as new as a spike just made and a chip just split. [Spike, nail.]

SPICKNEL, spik'nel, n. the baldmoney.--Also SPIG'NEL. [Prob. spike-nail.]

SPICY, sp[=i]'si, adj. producing or abounding with spices: fragrant: pungent: piquant, pointed, racy: showy.--adv. SP[=I]'CILY.--n. SP[=I]'CINESS.

SPIDER, sp[=i]'d[.e]r, n. an arachnid of the order Araneida, the body divided into two distinct parts--an unsegmented cephalo-thorax, bearing six pairs of appendages, and a soft unsegmented abdomen, at the end of which are the spinnerets from each of which numerous 'spinning-spools' ooze forth the viscid fluid which hardens into the silken thread: a frying-pan with feet, a trivet.--ns. SP[=I]'DER-CATCH'ER, the wall-creeper; SP[=I]'DER-CRAB, a spider-like crab, or sea-spider with long thin legs; SP[=I]'DER-D[=I]V'ER, the little grebe, or dabchick; SP[=I]'DERDOM, spiders collectively.--adj. SP[=I]'DERED, cobwebbed.--n. SP[=I]'DER-FLY, a pupiparous fly, as a bird-louse, &c.--adj. SP[=I]'DER-LIKE, like a spider.--ns. SP[=I]'DERLING, a young spider; SP[=I]'DER-MON'KEY, an American platyrrine monkey, with long slender legs and tail; SP[=I]'DER-STITCH, a stitch in lace or netting in which threads are carried diagonally and parallel to each other; SP[=I]'DER-WASP, a pompilid wasp which fills its nest with spiders for its young; SP[=I]'DER-WEB, the snare spun by the spider; SP[=I]'DER-WHEEL, in embroidery, a circular pattern with radiating lines; SP[=I]'DER-WORK, lace worked by spider-stitch; SP[=I]'DER-WORT, any plant of the genus Tradescantia, esp. T. virginica, an American perennial with deep-blue or reddish-violet flowers.--adj. SP[=I]'DERY, spider-like. [M. E. spither--A.S. spinnan, to spin; cf. Dan. spinder, Ger. spinne.]

SPIE, sp[=i], n. (Spens.) a keen glance, the eye. [Spy.]

SPIEGELEISEN, sp[=e]'gl-[=i]-zen, n. a white cast-iron containing from eight to fifteen per cent. of manganese, largely used in the manufacture of steel by the Bessemer process. [Ger.,--spiegel--L. speculum, a mirror, Ger. eisen, iron.]

SPIFFY, spif'i, adj. (slang) smart, spruce, well-dressed.

SPIFLICATE, spif'li-k[=a]t, v.t. (slang) to suffocate, kill: to beat severely, to confound.--n. SPIFLIC[=A]'TION.

SPIGELIA, sp[=i]-j[=e]'li-a, n. a genus of plants of the natural order Loganiaceæ, containing the Worm-grass and Carolina-pink, the root--Pink-root--being purgative, narcotic, and poisonous, a powerful vermifuge.--adj. SPIG[=E]'LIAN, denoting the lobulus spigelii, one of the lobes of the liver. [From the Belgian Ad. van der Spiegel (1558-1625).]

SPIGHT, sp[=i]t, v. and n. (Spens.). Same as SPITE.

SPIGOT, spig'ut, n. a plug for stopping a small hole in a cask. [Gael. spiocaid, W. ysbigod--L. spica.]

SPIKE, sp[=i]k, n. an ear of corn: (bot.) an inflorescence in which sessile flowers, or flowers having very short stalks, are arranged around an axis: a small pointed rod: a large nail.--v.t. to set with spikes: to stop the vent of with a cast-iron spike driven in hard and then broken off, as by soldiers obliged to abandon their own guns or unable to remove those of the enemy which they have captured.--adjs. SP[=I]'CATE, SP[=I]'COSE, SP[=I]'COUS, having spikes or ears, like corn; SPICIF'EROUS, bearing spikes: having spurs; SP[=I]'CIFORM, having the form of a spike.--n. SPICOS'ITY, state of being spicous or eared.--adjs. SPIC'[=U]LAR, resembling a dart: in the shape of, or having, sharp points; SPIC'[=U]LATE, covered with, or divided into, minute points.--n. SPIC'[=U]LE (bot.), a little spike--also SPIC'[=U]LA: a minute, slender granule or point.--adjs. SPIC'UL[=I]FORM; SPIC[=U]LIG'ENOUS, SPIC[=U]LIF'EROUS, producing spicules; SPIC'[=U]L[=O]SE, SPIC'[=U]LOUS, having spicules.--ns. SPIC'[=U]LUM, a spicule; SPIKE'BILL, a merganser, a sawbill: the marbled godwit.--p.adj. SPIKED, furnished, fastened, or stopped with spikes.--ns. SPIKE'-EXTRACT'OR, an apparatus for drawing out spikes, as from railway-ties; SPIKE'-FISH, a kind of sail-fish; SPIKE'-GRASS, one of several American grasses with conspicuous spikelets of flowers; SPIKE'LET, a little spike; SPIKE'-NAIL, a spike; SPIKE'-OIL, the oil of spike, a species of lavender; SPIKE'-PLANK, a platform before the mizzen-mast of a vessel, used in Arctic voyages.--adj. SP[=I]'KY, furnished with spikes: having a sharp point. [L. spica, an ear of corn.]

SPIKENARD, sp[=i]k'närd, n. an aromatic oil or balsam yielded by an Indian plant, the Nardus, closely allied to valerian: the plant itself. [L. spica nardi.]

SPILE, sp[=i]l, n. a wooden plug serving as a spigot, a wooden pin or wedge: a spout driven into a sugar-maple tree, a tapping-gouge: a pile, or large timber driven into the ground for a foundation.--v.t. to pierce and provide with a spile: to drive piles into.--n. SP[=I]'LING, building-piles: the edge-curve of a plank or of a strake in a vessel's hull. [Cf. Spill (2).]

SPILL, spil, v.t. to allow to run out of a vessel: to shed: to waste: (coll.) to throw from a vehicle or the saddle: to empty the belly of a sail of wind for reefing.--v.i. to be shed: to be allowed to fall, be lost, or wasted:--pa.t. and pa.p. spilled, spilt.--n. a fall, a throw: a downpour.--ns. SPILL'ER; SPILL'ING-LINE, a rope for spilling the wind out of a square sail to facilitate reefing or furling; SPILL'-STREAM, a stream formed by overflow water, a bayou; SPILL'WAY, a passage for overflow-water from a dam. [A.S. spillan; Dut. spillen, Ice. spilla, to destroy.]

SPILL, spil, n. a small peg or pin to stop a hole: a thin strip of wood or twisted paper for lighting a candle, a pipe, &c.--n. SPILL'IKIN, one of a number of small pieces of wood, ivory, &c. for playing a game with: the game played--also SPIL'KIN. [A.S. speld, a torch; cf. Ger. spalten, to cleave, Dut. speld, a splinter.]

SPILOMA, spi-l[=o]'ma, n. a birth-mark, a nævus. [Gr.]

SPILOSITE, spil'o-s[=i]t, n. a greenish schistose rock spotted with chlorite, occurring in the Harz--the German Fleckenschiefer. [Gr. spilos, a spot.]

SPILOTES, sp[=i]-l[=o]'t[=e]z, n. a genus of colubrine serpents.

SPILT, spilt, p.adj. (Spens.) pieced, inlaid.

SPILTH, spilth, n. spilling, anything spilt or poured out lavishly, excess of supply.

SPILUS, sp[=i]'lus, n. a nævus or birth-mark. [Gr. spilos, a spot.]

SPIN, spin, v.t. to draw out and twist into threads: to draw out a thread as spiders do: to draw out tediously: to cause to whirl rapidly: to fish with a swivel or spoon-bait: to reject at an examination.--v.i. to practise the art or trade of spinning, to perform the act of spinning: to issue in a small or thread-like current: to whirl, to go fast:--pr.p. spin'ning; pa.t. and pa.p. spun.--n. a rapid revolving motion, a spurt at high speed.--ns. SPIN'NER, one who spins: (Shak.) a spider: a spinneret;

SPIN'NERET, an organ, or one of the organs, with which insects form their webs.--adj. SPINNER'ULAR.--ns. SPIN'NERULE, one of the tubules of a spinneret; SPIN'NERY, a spinning-mill.--adj. SPIN'NING, used in spinning.--ns. SPIN'NING-HOUSE, a place of correction where lewd and incorrigible women were made to spin; SPIN'NING-JENN'Y, a machine by which a number of threads can be spun at the same time; SPIN'NING-MILL, a factory where thread is spun; SPIN'NING-WHEEL, a machine for spinning yarn, consisting of a wheel driven by the hand or by a treadle, which drives one or two spindles.--SPIN A YARN, to tell a long story; SPIN OUT, to prolong tediously. [A.S. spinnan; Ger. spinnen.]

SPINACH, SPINAGE, spin'[=a]j, n. an esculent vegetable whose thick succulent young leaves are boiled and seasoned, or fried with butter, forming a wholesome dish.--adj. SPIN[=A]'CEOUS. [It. spinace--Low L. spin[=a]ceus--spina, a thorn.]

SPINAL, sp[=i]n'al, adj. pertaining to the spine or backbone.--n. SP[=I]'NA, a spine, the backbone: one of the quills of a spinet: a barrier dividing the Roman hippodrome longitudinally.--adj. SPIN'[=A]TE, covered with spines or spine-like processes.--SPINAL COLUMN, the backbone; SPINAL CORD, MARROW, the main neural axis of every vertebrate.

SPINDLE, spin'dl, n. the pin from which the thread is twisted: a pin on which anything turns: the fusee of a watch: anything very slender.--v.i. to grow long and slender.--adjs. SPIN'DLE-LEGGED, -SHANKED, having long slender legs, like spindles.--ns.pl. SPIN'DLE-LEGS, -SHANKS, long slim legs--hence an over-long and slender person.--adj. SPIN'DLE-SHAPED, shaped like a spindle: thickest in the middle and tapering to both ends.--ns. SPIN'DLE-SHELL, a spindle-shaped shell; SPIN'DLE-TREE, a shrub whose hard-grained wood was formerly used for making musical instruments and for spindles, and is now for skewers, &c.; SPIN'DLING, a person or thing too long and slender: a slender shoot.--adj. long and slender.--adj. SPIN'DLY, disproportionally long and slender. [A.S. spinl--spinnan, to spin; Ger. spindel.]

SPINDRIFT, spin'drift, n. the spray blown from the crests of waves.--Also SPOON'DRIFT.

SPINE, sp[=i]n, n. a thorn: a thin, pointed spike, esp. in fishes: the backbone of an animal: any ridge extending lengthways: the heart-wood of trees.--adjs. SPINED, having spines; SPINE'LESS, having no spine, weak; SPINES'CENT, somewhat spiny; SP[=I]NIF EROUS, bearing spines or thorns; SP[=I]'NIFORM, shaped like a spine or thorn; SP[=I]NIG'EROUS, bearing spines, as a hedgehog; SP[=I]'NIGRADE, moving by means of spines, as an echinoderm.--n. SP[=I]'NINESS.--adjs. SP[=I]NIREC'TOR, erecting the spine of the muscles of the back; SP[=I]NISPIR'ULAR, spiny and somewhat spiral.--ns. SP[=I]N[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the spinal cord in the horse, &c; SPIN'NEY, SPIN'NY, a small thicket with underwood.--adjs. SP[=I]'NOSE, SP[=I]'NOUS, full of spines: thorny.--ns. SPINOS'ITY, thorniness; SPIN'[=U]LA, SPIN'[=U]LE, a minute spine.--adjs. SPIN'[=U]L[=A]TE, SPIN'[=U]L[=O]SE, SPIN'[=U]LOUS, covered with spinules or minute spines; SP[=I]'NY, full of spines: thorny: troublesome: perplexed. [O. Fr. espine (Fr. épine)--L. spina, a thorn.]

SPINEL, spin'el, or spi-nel', n. a mineral composed chiefly of magnesia and alumina, and crystallising in octahedra--ruby, or magnesia spinel, reddish; pleonaste, dark green to black; picotite, or chrome spinel, black; gahnite, or zinc spinel, green to brown; hercynite, or iron spinel, black. [Low L. spinellus, dim. of spina, a thorn.]

SPINET, spin'et, n. (mus.) an old-fashioned keyed instrument like the harpsichord. [O. Fr. espinette--It. spinetta, dim. of spina--L. spina, a thorn.]

SPINIFEX, spin'i-feks, n. porcupine-grass, a very coarse, hard, and spiny grass which grows in tussocks, and in some interior parts of Australia covers hundreds of square miles together.

SPINK, spingk, n. the chaffinch.

SPINK, spingk, n. the primrose, the lady's-smock.

SPINNAKER, spin'[=a]-k[.e]r, n. a jib-headed sail sometimes carried on the side opposite the mainsail by racing yachts. [Prob. formed from spin.]

SPINNEY. See under SPINE.

SPINODE, sp[=i]'n[=o]d, n. (geom.) a cusp or stationary point of a curve.

SPINOZISM, spi-n[=o]z'izm, n. the doctrine of Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677), who taught that God is not only the creator, but also the original matter of the universe, which consists of and is a development of Himself.--n. SPIN[=O]'ZIST, a follower of Spinoza.--adj. SPIN[=O]ZIS'TIC.

SPINSTER, spin'st[.e]r, n. an unmarried female: an old maid: (obs.) a woman of loose character, fit for the spinning-house.--ns. SPIN'STERDOM, the world of old maids collectively; SPIN'STERHOOD, SPIN'STERSHIP, the state of being a spinster; SPIN'STRESS, one who spins. [Orig. one who spins.]

SPINTEXT, spin'tekst, n. a lengthy preacher.

SPIRACLE, spir'a-kl, n. a breathing-hole: any minute passage.--adjs. SPIRAC'ULAR; SPIRAC'ULATE; SPIRACULIF'EROUS; SPIRAC'ULIFORM.--n. SPIRAC'ULUM:--pl. SPIRAC'ULA. [L. spiraculum, formed as a double dim. from spir[=a]re, to breathe.]

SPIRÆA, sp[=i]-r[=e]'a, n. a genus of plants of the natural order Rosaceæ, containing many species of herbaceous plants and low deciduous shrubs--Dropwort, Meadow-sweet, &c. [L.,--Gr. speiraia, meadow-sweet--speira, a coil.]

SPIRAL, sp[=i]'ral, adj. pertaining to, or like, a spire: winding like the thread of a screw.--n. a spiral line: a curve which continually recedes from a centre about which it revolves: a screw.--n. SPIRAL'ITY.--adv. SP[=I]'RALLY, in a spiral form or direction.--adj. SPIR[=A]'TED, spiral, whorled.

SPIRANT, sp[=i]'rant, n. a consonant which is fricative or continuable--opp. to explosive, esp. v and f, th, dh; by others made to include the sibilants, and the semi-vowels w and y.

SPIRANTHY, sp[=i]-ranth'i, n. the spiral distortion sometimes occurring in the parts of a flower.--adj. SPIRANTH'IC. [Gr. speira, a spire, anthos, a flower.]

SPIRASTER, sp[=i]-ras't[.e]r, n. in sponges, a short curved axial rod-like spicule with thick spines. [Gr. speira, spire, ast[=e]r, star.]

SPIRATION, sp[=i]-r[=a]'shun, n. a breathing: (theol.) the procession of the Holy Ghost.

SPIRE, sp[=i]r, n. a winding line like the threads of a screw: a curl: a wreath: a tapering body, a slender stalk, a shoot or sprout: any one of various tall grasses, rushes, or sedges--the Marram, Reed canary-grass, &c.: the top or summit of anything: a very acute pyramidal roof in common use over the towers of churches.--v.i. to sprout, shoot up.--v.t. to furnish with a spire.--adjs. SP[=I]RED, having a spire; SPIR'ULATE, spiral in form or arrangement; SP[=I]'RY, of a spiral form: wreathed: tapering like a spire or a pyramid: abounding in spires. [Fr.,--L. spira; Gr. speira, anything wound round or upon a thing; akin to eirein, to fasten together in rows.]

SPIRIC, sp[=i]'rik, adj. like a tore or anchor-ring.--n. a curve, the plane section of a tore.--n. SPIR'ICLE, one of those threads in the hairs on the surface of certain seeds and achenes which uncoil when wet.

SPIRIFER, spir'i-f[.e]r, n. a brachiopod of the Carboniferous system.--adjs. SP[=I]RIF'ERINE; SP[=I]RIF'EROID; SP[=I]RIF'EROUS. [L. spira, a spire, ferre, to bear.]

SPIRILLUM, sp[=i]-ril'um, n. a genus of bacteria with cylindrical spirally twisted cells:--pl. SPIRILL'A.

SPIRIT, spir'it, n. vital force: the soul: a ghost: mental disposition: enthusiasm, animation, courage, mettle: real meaning: essence, chief quality: a very lively person: any volatile, inflammable liquid obtained by distillation, as brandy: (pl.) intellectual activity: liveliness: persons with particular qualities of mind: mental excitement: spirituous liquors.--v.t. to inspirit, encourage, cheer: to convey away secretly, to kidnap.--ns. SPIR'IT-BLUE, an aniline blue obtained from coal-tar; SPIR'IT-DUCK, the buffle-head, from its rapid diving.--adj. SPIR'ITED, full of spirit, life, or fire: animated.--adv. SPIR'ITEDLY.--n. SPIR'ITEDNESS.--adj. SPIR'ITFUL.--n. SPIR'ITING, the office of a spirit or sprite; SPIR'ITISM=Spiritualism; SPIR'ITIST=Spiritualist; SPIR'IT-LAMP, a lamp in which alcohol is burned, generally used for heating.--adj. SPIR'ITLESS, without spirit, cheerfulness, or courage: dejected: dead.--adv. SPIR'ITLESSLY.--ns. SPIR'ITLESSNESS, the state of being spiritless: want of animation or energy; SPIR'IT-LEV'EL, in surveying, a cylindrical glass tube, slightly convex on one side, and so nearly filled with alcohol that only a small bubble of air remains inside--from the position of the bubble the amount of variation from perfect levelness is determined.--adj. SPIR'ITOUS, of the nature of spirit, pure: ardent, spirituous.--ns. SPIR'ITOUSNESS; SPIR'IT-RAP'PER, one to whom spirits convey intelligence by raps or knocks; SPIR'IT-RAP'PING.--adjs. SPIR'IT-STIR'RING, rousing the spirit; SPIR'IT[=U]AL, consisting of spirit: having the nature of a spirit: immaterial: relating to the mind: intellectual: pertaining to the soul: holy: divine: relating to sacred things: not lay or temporal.--n. SPIRITUALIS[=A]'TION.--v.t. SPIR'IT[=U]ALISE, to make spiritual: to imbue with spirituality: to refine: to free from sensuality: to give a spiritual meaning to.--ns. SPIR'ITUALISER; SPIR'ITUALISM, a being spiritual: the philosophical doctrine that nothing is real but soul or spirit: the doctrine that spirit has a real existence apart from matter: the name applied to a varied series of abnormal phenomena purporting to be for the most part caused by spiritual beings acting upon specially sensitive persons or mediums; SPIR'IT[=U]ALIST, one who has a regard only to spiritual things: one who holds the doctrine of spiritualism or spiritism.--adj. SPIRIT[=U]ALIST'IC, relating to, or connected with, spiritualism.--n. SPIRIT[=U]AL'ITY, state of being spiritual: essence distinct from matter.--adv. SPIR'IT[=U]ALLY.--ns. SPIR'IT[=U]AL-MIND'EDNESS, the state of having holy affections; SPIR'IT[=U]ALNESS, the state or quality of being spiritual.--adj. SPI'RIT[=U]ELLE, showing great grace and delicacy.--n. SPIRIT[=U]OS'ITY, spirituous character: immateriality.--advs. SPIRIT-U[=O]'SO, SPIRIT[=O]'SO (mus.), with spirit or animation.--adj. SPIR'IT[=U]OUS, possessing the qualities of spirit: containing much alcohol: volatile.--ns. SPIR'IT[=U]OUSNESS, the quality of being spirituous: stimulating quality: ardour: activity; SPIR'ITUS, a breathing, an aspirate: any spirituous preparation; SPIR'ITWORLD, the world of disembodied spirits.--adj. SPIR'ITY (Scot.), full of spirit, spirited.--SPIRIT OF WINE, alcohol; SPIRITUAL COURT, an ecclesiastical court; SPIRITUS ASPER, a rough breathing; SPIRITUS LENIS, a soft or smooth breathing.--ANIMAL SPIRITS, constitutional liveliness of spirits; HOLY SPIRIT (see under HOLY); THE SPIRIT, the Holy Spirit: the human spirit under the influence of the Holy Spirit. [L. spiritus, a breath--spir[=a]re, to breathe.]

SPIRKET, spir'ket, n. a space forward and aft between floor-timbers.--n. SPIR'KETTING, quick-work.

SPIROMETER, sp[=i]-rom'e-t[.e]r, n. an instrument for measuring the capacity of the lungs, or the quantity of air that one can breathe out after a forced inspiration.--n. SP[=I]'ROGRAPH, an instrument for marking down the breathing movement.--adj. SP[=I]ROMET'RIC.--ns. SP[=I]ROM'ETRY; SP[=I]'ROPHORE, an apparatus for inducing artificial respiration by means of an air-tight case for the body and an air-pump; SP[=I]ROPH'YTON, a genus of fossil algæ found in the Devonian in New York state; SP[=I]ROZ[=O]'OID, the filamentous defensive zooid of certain hydroids, coiled spirally when not in action. [L. spir[=a]re, to breathe, Gr. metron, a measure.]

SPIRT, sp[.e]rt. Same as SPURT.

SPIRTLE=Spurtle (q.v.).

SPIRULA, spir'[=u]-la, n. a genus of sepioid cuttle-fishes. [L. sp[=i]ra, a spire.]

SPIRULATE, SPIRY. See under SPIRE.

SPISSATED, spis'[=a]-ted, adj. inspissated, thickened.--n. SPISS'IT[=U]DE, density. [L. spiss[=a]re, -[=a]tum, thicken.]

SPIT, spit, n. an iron prong on which meat is roasted: a long piece of land or a narrow shoal running into the sea: a wire or spindle holding a spool in a shuttle.--v.t. to pierce with a spit: to string on a stick and hang up to dry:--pr.p. spit'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. spit'ted.--p.adj. SPIT'TED, put upon a spit, impaled: shot out to a point.--n. SPIT'TER, one who puts meat on a spit: a young deer whose antlers have shot out but not branched. [A.S. spitu; Dut. spit, Ger. spitze.]

SPIT, spit, v.t. to throw out from the mouth: to eject with violence.--v.i. to throw out saliva from the mouth: to fall in scattered drops, as rain at the beginning of a shower: to make a spitting sound, like an angry cat:--pr.p. spit'ting; pa.t. spit, spat; pa.p. spit.--n. saliva, spume: a light fall of rain or snow.--ns. SPIT'-BOX, a spittoon; SPIT'-CURL (coll.), a soap-lock; SPIT'FIRE, a hot-tempered person; SPIT'POISON, a venomous calumniator.--pa.p. SPIT'TED (B.), thrown out from the mouth.--ns. SPIT'TER, one who spits; SPIT'TING, the act of one who or that which spits: an appearance on the surface of melted silver or platinum allowed to cool slowly, jets of oxygen forming small cones and sometimes throwing up drops of molten metal--also called SPROUT'ING; SPIT'TLE, the moist matter thrown from the mouth: saliva; SPITTOON', a vessel for the convenience of such smokers as spit. [A.S. spittan, also sp['æ]tan; Ice. spýta, Ger. spützen.]

SPITAL, spit'al, n. Same as HOSPITAL.

SPITCH-COCK, spich'-kok, n. an eel split and broiled.--v.t. to split and broil, as an eel. [Spatch-cock.]

SPITE, sp[=i]t, n. grudge: lasting ill-will: hatred.--v.t. to vex: to thwart: to hate.--adj. SPITE'FUL, full of spite: desirous to vex or injure: malignant.--adv. SPITE'FULLY.--n. SPITE'FULNESS.--IN SPITE OF, in opposition to all efforts of, in defiance of, in contempt of. [Short for despite.]

SPITZ, spitz, n. a Pomeranian dog. [Ger.]

SPIZA, sp[=i]'za, n. a genus of fringilline birds, including the United States dickcissel or black-throated bunting, &c.--adj. SPIZ'INE. [Gr., a finch.]

SPIZELLA, spi-zel'a, n. a genus of small American finches or sparrows, the chipping-sparrows.--adj. SPIZELL'INE.

SPLACHNUM, splak'num, n. a genus of bryaceous mosses. [Gr.]

SPLANCHNIC, splangk'nik, adj. relating to the viscera, intestinal.--ns. SPLANCH'NOCOELE, a visceral cavity; SPLANCHNOG'RAPHY, descriptive splanchnology; SPLANCHNOL'OGY, the knowledge of the viscera; SPLANCH'NO-SKEL'ETON, the visceral skeleton; SPLANCHNOT'OMY, the anatomy of the viscera. [Gr. splangchnon (pl. splangchna), bowels.]

SPLASH, splash, v.t. to spatter with water or mud.--v.i. to dabble in water, to dash about water or any liquid.--n. water or mud thrown on anything: a spot of dirt, a daub: a complexion powder.--ns. SPLASH'BOARD, a guard to keep those in a vehicle from being splashed with mud; SPLASH'ER, one who, or that which, splashes.--adj. SPLASH'Y, splashing: wet and muddy: full of dirty water. [Plash.]

SPLATTER, splat'[.e]r, v.i. to spatter water or the like about.--n. SPLATT'ER-DASH, an uproar, commotion.--adj. SPLATT'ER-FACED, flat-faced. [Spatter.]

SPLAY, spl[=a], v.t. (archit.) to slope or slant: to dislocate, as the shoulder-bone.--adj. turned outward, as in splay-foot, awkward.--n. SPLAY'-FOOT, a flat foot turned outward.--adj. SPLAY'-FOOTED.--n. SPLAY'-MOUTH, a wide mouth, a mouth stretched out in grinning.--adj. SPLAY'-MOUTHED. [Display.]

SPLEEN, spl[=e]n, n. a soft, pulpy, blood-modifying gland near the large extremity of the stomach, supposed by the ancients to be the seat of anger and melancholy--hence spite: ill-humour: melancholy.--adj. SPLEEN'FUL, displaying spleen, angry, fretful.--adv. SPLEEN'FULLY.--adj. SPLEEN'ISH, affected with spleen, fretful, peevish.--adv. SPLEEN'ISHLY, in a spleenish manner.--ns. SPLEEN'ISHNESS, the state of being spleenish; SPLEEN'-STONE, jade or nephrite; SPLEEN'WORT, any fern of the genus Asplenium.--adj. SPLEEN'Y (Shak.), spleenish.--ns. SPL[=E]NAL'GIA, pain in the region of the spleen; SPLEN'CULE, SPLEN'C[=U]LUS, a supplementary spleen; SPL[=E]NEC'TOMIST, one who excises the spleen; SPL[=E]NEC'TOMY, excision of the spleen; SPL[=E]NECT[=O]'PIA, displacement of the spleen; SPL[=E]N'ETIC, a splenetic person.--adjs. SPL[=E]NET'IC, -AL, affected with spleen: peevish: melancholy.--adv. SPL[=E]NET'ICALLY.--adj. SPLEN'IC, pertaining to the spleen.--n. SPL[=E]NIS[=A]'TION, a diseased condition of the lung, in which its tissue resembles that of the spleen, in softness, &c.--adj. SPL[=E]NIT'IC.--n. SPL[=E]N[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the spleen.--adj. SPLEN'ITIVE, full of spleen, passionate, irritable.--ns. SPLEN'OCELE, a splenic tumour; SPL[=E]NOG'RAPHY, the description of the spleen.--adjs. SPL[=E]'NOID, like the spleen; SPL[=E]NOLOG'ICAL.--ns. SPL[=E]NOL'OGY, knowledge about the spleen; SPL[=E]NOP'ATHY, disease of the spleen; SPL[=E]NOT'OMY, splenological anatomy.--SPLENIC FEVER (see ANTHRAX). [L. splen--Gr. spl[=e]n.]

SPLENDID, splen'did, adj. magnificent: famous: illustrious: heroic.--adj. SPLEN'DENT, splendid, bright.--adv. SPLEN'DIDLY.--ns. SPLEN'DIDNESS; SPLEN'DOUR, the appearance of anything splendid: brilliance: magnificence. [L. splendidus--splend[=e]re, to shine.]

SPLENIAL, spl[=e]'ni-al, adj. acting like a splint: pertaining to the splenium or the splenius.--ns. SPL[=E]'NIUM, the round pad-like posterior border of the corpus callosum; SPL[=E]'NIUS, a large thick muscle on the back of the neck. [Gr. spl[=e]nion, bandage.]

SPLENT=Splint (q.v.).

SPLEUCHAN, spl[=oo]h'an, n. a pouch, a tobacco-pouch.--Also SPLEUGH'AN. [Gael. spliuchan.]

SPLICE, spl[=i]s, v.t. to unite two ends of a rope by interweaving the strands: to join together two pieces of timber by overlapping.--n. act of splicing: joint made by splicing.--SPLICE THE MAINBRACE (nautical slang), to serve out an allowance of spirits, to fall to drinking. [Old Dut. splissen--splitsen, splijten; cf. Split, and Ger. splissen.]

SPLINE, spl[=i]n, n. in machines, the slot to receive a feather, the feather itself: a long flexible strip of wood or rubber used by draftsmen in laying out railway-curves, &c.--v.t. to fit with a spline.

SPLINT, splint, n. a small piece of wood split off: a thin piece of padded wood, &c., for keeping a fractured limb in its proper position: a bony enlargement on the horse's leg, between the knee and the fetlock, usually appearing on the inside of one or both forelegs, frequently situated between the large and small canon bones, depending upon concussion--also SPLENT.--v.t. to confine with splints.--ns. SPLINT'AGE, use of splints; SPLINT'-ARM'OUR, armour made of splints or narrow overlapping plates; SPLINT'-COAL, cannel-coal of slaty structure; SPLINT'ER, a piece of wood, &c., split off.--v.t. and v.i. to split into splinters.--ns. SPLINT'ER-BAR, the cross-bar of a coach, supporting the springs; SPLINT'ER-BONE, the fibula.--adjs. SPLINT'ER-PROOF, proof against the splinters of bursting shells; SPLINT'ERY, made of, or like, splinters: apt to splinter. [Sw. splint--splinta, to splinter; cf. Split.]

SPLIT, split, v.t. to cleave lengthwise: to tear asunder violently: to divide: to throw into discord.--v.i. to divide or part asunder: to be dashed to pieces: to divulge secrets: to vote for candidates of opposite parties: to burst with laughter:--pr.p. split'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. split.--n. a crack or rent lengthwise: a schism: a half-bottle of aerated water, a half-glass of spirits: (pl.) the acrobatic feat of going down to the floor with the legs spread out laterally.--adj. SPLIT'-NEW (Scot.), brand-new.--n.pl. SPLIT'-PEASE, husked pease split for making pea-soup, &c.--n. SPLIT'TER, one who, or that which, splits: one who splits hairs in argument, &c.: (U.S.) a wheaten cake split and buttered when hot.--adj. SPLIT'TING, very severe: very rapid.--SPLIT ON A ROCK, to meet some unforeseen and disastrous difficulty, to go to ruin; SPLIT ONE'S SIDES, to laugh immoderately; SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE, to divide equally the sum or matter in dispute, to take the mean. [Scand., Dan. splitte, to split; Dut. splijten; Ger. spleissen.]

SPLORE, spl[=o]r, n. (Scot.) a frolic, a spree.

SPLOTCH, sploch, n. a large spot, a stain.--adj. SPLOTCH'Y.

SPLURGE, splurj, n. any boisterous display.--v.i. to make such a display.--adj. SPLUR'GY, given to such.

SPLUTTER, splut'[.e]r, v.i. to eject drops of saliva while speaking: to scatter ink upon a paper, as a bad pen.--n. bustle.--n. SPLUTT'ERER, one who splutters. [For sprutter, a freq. of sprout, orig. form of spout.]

SPODIUM, sp[=o]'di-um, n. a powder obtained from calcination, as ivory-black, &c.--n. SPODE, animal or bone charcoal, of which ornaments may be made.

SPODOGENOUS, sp[=o]-doj'e-nus, adj. caused by waste-products, applied esp. to an enlargement of the spleen caused by waste red blood-corpuscles. [Gr. spodos, ashes, gen[=e]s, producing.]

SPODOMANCY, spod'[=o]-man-si, n. divination by means of ashes.--adj. SPODOMAN'TIC. [Gr. spodos, ashes, manteia, divination.]

SPODUMENE, spod'[=u]-m[=e]n, n. a silicate of aluminium and lithium. [Gr. spodoun, to burn to ashes, spodos, ashes.]

SPOFFISH, spof'ish, adj. fussy, officious--also SPOFF'Y.--v.i. SPOFF'LE, to fuss or bustle.

SPOIL, spoil, v.t. to take by force: to plunder.--v.i. to practise robbery.--n. prey, plunder: pillage: robbery.--n. SPOIL'ER, one who spoils, a plunderer.--n.pl. SP[=O]'LIA OP[=I]'MA, the most valued spoils--taken by a Roman commander from the enemy's commander in single combat; hence supreme rewards or honours generally. [O. Fr. espoille--L. spolium, spoil.]

SPOIL, spoil, v.t. to corrupt: to mar: to make useless.--v.i. to decay: to become useless.--ns. SPOIL'ER, a corrupter; SPOIL'-FIVE, a round game of cards played with the whole pack, each one of the three to ten players receiving five cards.--adj. SPOIL'FUL (Spens.), wasteful, rapacious.--n. SPOILS'MAN, one who looks for profit out of politics. [Same as above word.]

SPOKE, sp[=o]k, pa.t. of speak.

SPOKE, sp[=o]k, n. one of the bars from the nave to the rim of a wheel.--PUT A SPOKE IN ONE'S WHEEL, to thwart a person by some impediment. [A.S. spáca; Dut. speek, Ger. speiche.]

SPOKEN, sp[=o]k'n, pa.p. of speak, used as adj. in 'civil-spoken,' &c.

SPOKESHAVE, sp[=o]k'sh[=a]v, n. a carpenter's tool having a plane-bit between two bandies for curved work, &c.

SPOKESMAN, sp[=o]ks'man, n. one who speaks for another, or for others, an advocate.

SPOLE, sp[=o]l, n. the small wheel near the distaff in the spinning-wheel. [A variant of spool.]

SPOLIATE, sp[=o]'li-[=a]t, v.t. to spoil, to plunder, to pillage.--v.i. to practise robbery.--ns. SP[=O]'LIARY, the place in a Roman amphitheatre where the bodies of slaughtered gladiators were dragged to be stripped; SPOLI[=A]'TION, act of spoiling: robbery.--adj. SP[=O]'LI[=A]TIVE, serving to take away or diminish.--n. SP[=O]'LI[=A]TOR, one who spoliates.--adj. SP[=O]'LI[=A]TORY, tending to spoil: destructive.--n. SP[=O]'LIUM, the property of a beneficed ecclesiastic not transmissible by will. [L. spoliatus, pa.p. of spoli[=a]re--spolium, spoil.]

SPONDEE, spon'd[=e], n. in classical poetry, a foot of two long syllables, as f[=a]t[=o].--adjs. SPOND[=A]'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or consisting of, spondees. [Fr.,--L. spond[=e]us (pes)--Gr. spondeios (pous), (a foot) of two syllables, so called because much used in the slow solemn hymns sung at a spond[=e] or drink-offering--spendein, to pour out, make a libation.]

SPONDYL, -E, spon'dil, n. a joint, joining.--ns. SPONDYLAL'GIA, pain in the spine; SPONDYL[=I]'TIS, arthritis of a vertebra.--adj. SPON'DYLOUS, vertebral. [Gr. spondylos, a joint.]

SPONGE, spunj, n. a fixed, usually marine, animal with pores in the body-wall and without tentacles: the fibrous framework of such, remarkable for its power of sucking up water: any sponge-like substance, as dough before it is kneaded and formed: any cringing hanger-on or parasite, a drunken fellow: an instrument for cleaning cannon after a discharge: the heel of a horse's shoe.--v.t. to wipe with a sponge: to wipe out, absorb up, with a sponge: to wipe out completely: to destroy.--v.i. to suck in, as a sponge: to gain by mean tricks, to live on others by some mean subterfuge or other.--ns. SPONGE'CAKE, a very light sweet cake of flour, eggs, and sugar; SPONGE'LET, a little sponge.--adjs. SPONGE'OUS, SPON'GI[=O]SE, SPONGIOLIT'IC.--n. SPONG'ER, one who uses a sponge: a person or vessel engaged in fishing for sponges: an apparatus for sponging cloth by means of a perforated adjustable cylinder: a sponge or parasite.--adjs. SPONGIC'OLOUS, inhabiting sponges; SPONG'IFORM, resembling a sponge: porous.--ns. SPONG'INESS, porous quality; SPONG'ING-HOUSE, a bailiff's lodging-house for debtors in his custody before their committal to prison; SPON'GI[=O]LE, the spongy tissue of a root-tip; SPON'GIOLITE, a fossil sponge spicule.--adj. SPONGOID (spong'goid).--ns. SPONGOLOGIST (spong-gol'[=o]-jist), one devoted to the study of sponges; SPONGOLOGY (spong-gol'[=o]-ji), the knowledge about sponges.--adj. SPONG'Y, like a sponge, absorptive: of open texture, porous: wet and soft: drunken.--SET A SPONGE, to leaven a small mass of dough with which to leaven a large quantity; THROW UP THE SPONGE, to acknowledge defeat by throwing into the air the sponge with which a boxer is rubbed down between rounds: to give up any contest. [O. Fr. esponge--L. spongia--Gr. sponggia.]

SPONSAL, spon'sal, adj. pertaining to a betrothal, a marriage, or a spouse.--n. SPON'SION, the act of becoming surety for another.--adj. SPON'SIONAL. [L.,--spond[=e]re, sponsum, to promise.]

SPONSIBLE, spon'si-bl, adj. (Scot.) reliable: respectable.

SPONSON, spon'son, n. the curve of the timbers and planking towards the outer part of the wing, before and abaft each of the paddle-boxes of a steamer.--Also SPON'SING. [Ety. dub.]

SPONSOR, spon'sur, n. one who promises solemnly for another: a surety: a godfather or godmother.--adj. SPONS[=O]'RIAL.--n. SPON'SORSHIP. [L.,--spond[=e]re, sponsum, to promise.]

SPONTANEOUS, spon-t[=a]'n[=e]-us, adj. of one's free-will: involuntary: acting by its own impulse or natural law: produced of itself or without interference.--ns. SPONTAN[=E]'ITY, SPONT[=A]'NEOUSNESS, the state or quality of being spontaneous.--adv. SPONT[=A]'NEOUSLY.--SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION, a phenomenon that occasionally manifests itself in mineral and organic substances; SPONTANEOUS GENERATION, a term applied to the real or imaginary development of lowly organisms from non-living matter. [L. spontaneus--sponte, of one's own accord.]

SPONTOON, spon-t[=oo]n', n. a weapon somewhat like a halberd, which used to be carried by certain officers of foot. [Fr. sponton--It. spontone--spuntare, to break off the point--puntone--punto, a point--L. pung[)e]re, punctum, to point.]

SPOOK, sp[=oo]k, n. a ghost.--v.i. to play the spook.--adjs. SPOOK'ISH, SPOOK'Y, like a ghost, haunted by ghosts: sensitive to the dread of ghosts, suggesting the presence of ghosts. [Dut. spook; Ger. (obs.) spuch, Sw. spöke; not related to puck.]

SPOOL, sp[=oo]l, n. a hollow cylinder for winding yarn, &c., upon.--v.t. to wind on spools. [Low Ger. spole, Dut. spoel; Ger. spule.]

SPOOM, sp[=oo]m, v.i. to scud before the wind.--adj. SPOOM'ING (Keats), foaming.

SPOON, sp[=oo]n, n. an instrument with a shallow bowl and handle for use in preparing, serving, or in eating food: anything like a spoon or its bowl, as an oar: in golf, a wooden-headed club of varying length, having the face more or less spooned, used in approaching the holes from varying distances.--v.t. to use a spoon upon: to lie spoon fashion with.--v.i. to fish with a spoon-hook: in croquet, to shove or scoop with the mallet: to be foolishly fond, to indulge in endearments openly.--ns. SPOON'-BAIT, a revolving metallic lure attached to a fishing-line by a swivel, used in trolling for fish; SPOON'BILL, a family of birds (Plataleidæ) allied to the Ibididæ, and more distantly to the storks, with a bill long, flat, and broad throughout, and much dilated in a spoon form at the tip; SPOON'-DRIFT, light spray borne on a gale; SPOON'FUL, as much as fills a spoon: a small quantity:--pl. SPOON'FULS.--adv. SPOON'ILY, in a spoony or silly way.--n. SPOON'MEAT, food taken with a spoon, such as is given to young children.--adv. SPOON'WAYS, applied to a way of packing slaves in ships very closely together.--adjs. SPOON'Y, SPOON'EY, silly, weakly affectionate, foolishly fond.--n. a simple fellow: one foolishly fond of a sweetheart.--APOSTLE SPOON (see APOSTLE); DESSERT-SPOON (see DESSERT); EUCHARISTIC SPOON, the cochlear or labis; TABLESPOON (see TABLE).--BE SPOONS ON, to be silly in the manifestation of one's love for a woman. [A.S. spón; Ger. span, a chip, Ice. spánn, a chip, a spoon.]

SPOOR, sp[=oo]r, n. track or trail of an animal, esp. when hunted as game.--n. SPOOR'ER, one who tracks game by the spoor. [Dut. spoor, a track; cf. Ger. spur, Ice. spor, a track, Scot. speir, to ask.]

SPORADIC, -AL, sp[=o]-rad'ik, -al, adj. scattered--a term specially applied to any disease usually epidemic or contagious, when it attacks only a few persons in a district and does not spread in its ordinary manner.--adv. SPORAD'ICALLY.--n. SPORAD'ICALNESS. [Gr. sporadikos--sporas, sporados, scattered--speirein, to sow.]

SPORE, sp[=o]r, n. the reproductive body in flowerless plants like the fern, analogous to the seeds of ordinary flowering plants, but containing no embryo: a germ, a seed, a source of being generally.--adjs. SPORAN'GIAL; SPORANGIF'EROUS; SPORAN'GIFORM; SPORAN'GIOID, like a sporangium.--ns. SPORANG[=I]'OLUM, a small sporangium; SPORAN'GIOPH[=O]RE, the receptacle which bears the sporangia; SPORAN'GIOSP[=O]RE, one of the peculiar spores of the Myxomycetes; SPORAN'GIUM (pl. SPORAN'GIA), a spore-case, the sac in which the spores are produced endogenously--also SPORE'-CASE; SP[=O]'RIDESM (bot.), a pluricellular body which becomes free like a simple spore, and in which every cell is capable of germinating; SPORID[=I]'OLUM, a secondary sporidium; SPORID'IUM, a secondary spore borne on a promycelium: an ascospore; SPORIFIC[=A]'TION, spore-production; SPORIPAR'ITY, reproduction by means of spores.--adj. SPORIP'AROUS.--ns. SP[=O]'ROCARP, a many-celled form of fruit produced in certain lower cryptogams in consequence of a sexual act; SP[=O]'ROCYST, the cyst or capsule developed in the process of sporular encystment.--adj. SPOROCYST'IC.--ns. SP[=O]'RODERM, the wall or covering of a spore; SPOROGEN'ESIS, reproduction by means of spores--also SPOROG'ENY.--adj. SPOROG'ENOUS.--n. SPOROG[=O]'NIUM, the sporocarp, capsule or so-called 'moss-fruit' in mosses.--adj. SP[=O]'ROID, like a spore.--ns. SPOROL'OGIST, a botanist who emphasises the spores in classification; SP[=O]'ROPHORE, the part of the thallus which bears spores: the placenta in flowering plants: a sporophyte.--adjs. SPOROPHOR'IC, SPOROPH'OROUS.--ns. SP[=O]'ROPHYL, the leaf bearing the spores or spore receptacles; SP[=O]'ROPHYTE, the spore-bearing stage in the life-cycle of a plant.--adj. SPOROPHYT'IC.--ns. SP[=O]'ROSAC, one of the gonophores of certain hydrozoans in which the medusoid structure is not developed: a redia or spiro-cyst, in Vermes; SPOROST[=E]'GIUM, the so-called fruit of plants in the Characeæ, consisting of the hard brownish spirally-twisted shell or covering of the spore.--adjs. SP[=O]'ROUS; SP[=O]'RULAR.--ns. SPORUL[=A]'TION, conversion into spores or sporules--also SPOR[=A]'TION; SP[=O]'RULE, a small spore.--adjs. SPORULIF'EROUS, SPOR'ULOID. [Gr. sporos, a sowing, seed--speirein, to sow.]

SPORRAN, spor'an, n. an ornamental pouch worn in front of the kilt by the Highlanders of Scotland. [Gael, sporan.]

SPORT, sp[=o]rt, v.i. to play: to frolic: to practise field diversions: to trifle.--v.t. to amuse: to make merry: to represent playfully: to spend in sport or display.--n. that which amuses or makes merry: play: mirth: jest: contemptuous mirth: anything for playing with: a toy: idle jingle: field diversion: an animal or plant, or one of its organs, that varies singularly and spontaneously from the normal type.--n. SPORT'ER, one who sports: a sportsman.--adj. SPORT'FUL, full of sport: merry: full of jesting.--adv. SPORT'FULLY.--n. SPORT'FULNESS.--adj. SPORT'ING, relating to, or engaging in, sports.--adv. SPORT'INGLY.--adj. SPORT'IVE, inclined to sport: playful: merry: amorous, wanton.--adv. SPORT'IVELY.--n. SPORT'IVENESS.--adj. SPORT'LESS, without sport or mirth: sad.--n. SPORTS'MAN, one who practises, or one skilled in, field-sports.--adj. SPORTS'MAN-LIKE.--ns. SPORTS'MANSHIP, practice or skill of a sportsman; SPORTS'WOMAN, a she-sportsman.--SPORT ONE'S OAK (see OAK). [Formed by aphæresis from disport.]

SPOSH, sposh, n. slush.--adj. SPOSH'Y.

SPOT, spot, n. a mark made by a drop of wet matter: a blot: a discoloured place: a small part of a different colour: a small extent of space: any particular place: one of the marked points on a billiard-table, from which balls are played (for Centre-spot, Pyramid-spot, &c., see BILLIARDS): one of the dark places on the surface of the sun, &c.: something that soils: a stain on character or reputation.--v.t. to mark with drops of wet: to stain: to discolour: to taint: to tarnish, as reputation: to note or recognise by some point, to detect: to indicate, name:--pr.p. spot'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. spot'ted.--adj. SPOT'LESS, without a spot: untainted: pure.--adv. SPOT'LESSLY.--ns. SPOT'LESSNESS; SPOT'-STROKE, a stroke in billiards when the player pockets the red ball from the 'spot,' leaving his own ball in position to repeat the stroke.--adjs. SPOT'TED, SPOT'TY, marked with spots or discoloured places.--ns. SPOT'TEDNESS, the state of being spotted; SPOT'TER, one who spots or detects; SPOT'TINESS, state of being spotty.--SPOT-BARRED GAME, a game at billiards when the spot-stroke is forbidden to be played more than twice consecutively. [Cf. Dut. spat, Dan. spætte; prob. conn. with spit.]

SPOUSE, spowz, n. a husband or wife.--adj. SPOUS'AL, pertaining to a spouse, or to marriage: nuptial: matrimonial.--n. usually in pl. nuptials: marriage.--adj. SPOUSE'LESS, destitute of a spouse: unmarried. [O. Fr. espouse (Fr. époux, fem. épouse)--L. sponsus, pa.p. of spond[=e]re, to promise in marriage.]

SPOUT, spowt, v.t. to throw out, as from a pipe: to utter volubly: to pawn, pledge.--v.i. to issue with violence, as from a pipe: to speak volubly, to speechify.--n. the projecting mouth of a vessel from which a stream issues: a pipe for conducting a liquid: a term applied to the blowing or breathing of whales and other cetaceans.--ns. SPOUT'ER, one who, or that which, spouts: a speechifier: a South Sea whale, a skilful whaler; SPOUT'-HOLE, an orifice for discharging a liquid, a whale's spiracle.--adj. SPOUT'LESS, wanting a spout. [Skeat explains that spout, like speak, has lost an r, thus standing for sprout, the r being preserved in spurt, with nearly the same sense as spout. Sw. sputa for spruta, to squirt; Dut. spuiten.]

SPRACK, sprak, adj. vigorous, sprightly.--Also SPRAG. [Ice. sprækr, sparkr, sprightly.]

SPRACKLE, sprak'l, v.i. (Scot.) to clamber up with difficulty.--Also SPRACH'LE, SPRAUCH'LE. [Ice. spraukla, to sprawl.]

SPRAD, sprad (Spens.). Same as SPREAD.

SPRAG, sprag, n. a piece of wood used to lock a wheel: a punch-prop in mining.--v.t. to prop, or to stop, by a sprag.

SPRAG, sprag, n. (prov.) a young salmon.

SPRAICH, spr[=a]h, n. (Scot.) a shriek, cry.--v.i. to shriek.

SPRAID, spr[=a]d, adj. (prov.) chapped with cold.--Also SPRAYED.

SPRAIN, spr[=a]n, v.t. to overstrain the muscles of a joint.--n. a term employed in surgery to designate a violent stretching of tendinous or ligamentous parts with or without rupture of some of their fibres. [O. Fr. espreindre (Fr. épreindre), to press--L. exprim[)e]re, to press out.]

SPRAINT, spr[=a]nt, n. the dung of an otter.

SPRANG, pa.t. of spring.

SPRANGLE, sprang'gl, v.i. to sprawl, struggle.

SPRAT, sprat, n. a fish of the family Clupeidæ, like the herring, but much smaller.--n. SPRAT'-WEATH'ER, the dark days of November and December. [Dut. sprot; Ger. sprotte.]

SPRATTLE, sprat'l, v.i. (Scot.) to scramble.

SPRAWL, sprawl, v.i. to toss or kick about the limbs: to stretch the body carelessly when lying: to spread ungracefully.--n. a sprawling posture.--n. SPRAWL'ER. [There is an A.S. spréawlian, to move convulsively; but the word is most probably for sprattle or sprottle--Sw. sprattla, to sprawl; cf. Dan. sprælle, to toss about the limbs.]

SPRAY, spr[=a], n. small particles of water driven by the wind, as from the top of waves, &c.--adj. SPRAY'EY, consisting of spray. [Skeat suggests that the word is from Dut. spreiden, to spread, scatter.]

SPRAY, spr[=a], n. a small shoot of a tree.--adj. SPRAY'EY, branching. [Akin to Ice. sprek, a twig, Dan. sprag; Doublet sprig.]

SPREAD, spred, v.t. to scatter abroad or in all directions: to stretch: to extend: to overlay: to shoot out, as branches: to circulate, as news: to cause to affect numbers, as a disease: to diffuse: to set with provisions, as a table.--v.i. to extend or expand in all directions: to be extended or stretched: to be propagated or circulated:--pa.t. and pa.p. spread.--n. extent: compass: expansion of parts: that which is spread out, a feast: a cover for a bed or a table.--adj. having a broad surface: shallower than the standard.--adj. SPREAD'-EA'GLE, like an eagle with the wings stretched out, bombastic, boastful.--n. (naut.) a person seized in the rigging, a passenger thus made to pay his entrance forfeit.--ns. SPREAD'-EA'GLEISM, a bombastic and frothy patriotism; SPREAD'ER, one who, or that which, spreads, one who publishes or extends: any machine or implement for helping to scatter.--p.adj. SPREAD'ING.--adv. SPREAD'INGLY, increasingly.--SPREAD A FLEET, to keep more open order. [A.S. spr['æ]dan; Dut. spreiden, Ger. spreiten.]

SPREAGH, spreh, n. plunder.--n. SPREAGH'ERY, cattle-lifting. [Gael. spreidh, cattle.]

SPRECKLED, sprek'ld, adj. speckled.

SPRED, spred, pa.p. and n. an obsolete form of spread.--Also SPRED'DEN.

SPREE, spr[=e], n. a merry frolic: a drunken bout.--v.i. to carouse. [Prob. Ir. spre, a spark, spraic, vigour.]

SPRENT, sprent, adj. sprinkled. [M. E. sprengen (pa.t. sprente)--A.S. sprengan, to cause to spring.]

SPRIG, sprig, n. a small shoot or twig: a scion, a young person: an ornament like a spray: one of various small pointed implements, a headless nail: one of the separate pieces of lace fastened on a ground in appliqué lace.--v.t. to embroider with representations of twigs:--pr.p. sprig'ging; pa.t. and pa.p. sprigged.--adj. SPRIG'GY, full of sprigs or young branches. [Cf. Ice. sprek, a stick.]

SPRIGHT, spr[=i]t, n. the same as Sprite (q.v.).--adj. SPRIGHT'FUL (Shak.), full of spirit: brisk, gay.--adv. SPRIGHT'FULLY, in a sprightful manner, briskly, vigorously.--n. SPRIGHT'FULNESS, the quality of being sprightful, briskness, liveliness.--adj. SPRIGHT'LESS, destitute of spirit or life: dull: sluggish.--n. SPRIGHT'LINESS.--adj. SPRIGHT'LY, airy: full of life: lively: brisk. [Spright=sprite.]

SPRING, spring, v.i. to bound: to leap: to rush hastily: to move suddenly by elastic force: to start up suddenly: to break forth: to appear: to issue: to come into existence: (B.) to rise, as the sun.--v.t. to cause to spring up: to start: to produce quickly, cause to act suddenly: to leap over: to explode, as a mine: to open, as a leak: to crack, as a mast: to bend by force, strain: (archit.) to start from an abutment, &c.: to set together with bevel-joints:--pa.t. sprang, sprung; pa.p. sprung.--n. a leap: a flying back with elastic force: elastic power: an elastic body: any active power: that by which action is produced: cause or origin: a source: an outflow of water from the earth: (B.) the dawn: the time when plants begin to spring up and grow, the vernal season--March, April, May: a starting of a plank in a vessel: a crack in a mast.--ns. SPRING'AL, SPRING'ALD, an active springy young man, a youth; SPRING'-BACK, an inner false joint on a bound book, springing upward from the true or outer back when the book is opened flat; SPRING'-BAL'ANCE, an instrument for determining the weight of a body by the elasticity of a spiral spring; SPRING'-BEAM, a beam of considerable span, without central support, the tie-beam of a truss; in a steamer, a fore-and-aft beam for connecting the two paddle-beams: an elastic bar at the top of a tilt-hammer, jig-saw, &c.; SPRING'-BEAU'TY, the Claytonia Virginica; SPRING'-BED, a mattress formed of spiral springs set in a wooden frame; SPRING'-BEE'TLE, an elater; SPRING'-BOARD, a board fastened on elastic supports, used to spring from in performing feats of agility; SPRING'BOK, a beautiful South African antelope, larger than a roebuck [Dut.]; SPRING'-BOX, a box or barrel in which a spring is coiled: the frame of a sofa, &c., in which the springs are set; SPRING'-CARR'IAGE, a wheel-carriage mounted on springs; SPRING'-CART, a light cart mounted upon springs; SPRING'ER, a kind of dog of the spaniel class, useful for springing game in copses: one who springs: the bottom stone of an arch; SPRING'-GUN, a gun having wires connected with its trigger, and so fixed and planted as to be discharged when trespassers stumble against the wire; SPRING'-HALT, a jerking lameness in which a horse suddenly twitches up his leg or legs; SPRING'-HAMM'ER, a machine-hammer in which the blow is delivered or augmented by the force of a spring; SPRING'-HEAD, a fountain-head, source: a head or end-piece for a carriage-spring.--adj. SPRING'-HEAD'ED (Spens.), having heads springing afresh.--ns. SPRING'-HEELED JACK, one supposed capable of leaping a great height or distance in carrying out mischievous or frolicsome tricks; SPRING'-HOOK, an angler's snap-hook or spear-hook: a latch or door-hook with a spring-catch for keeping it fast in the staple: in a locomotive, a hook fixing the driving-wheel spring to the frame; SPRING'-HOUSE, a house for keeping meat in, or a dairy, built for coolness over a spring or brook; SPRING'INESS; SPRING'ING, the act of springing, leaping, arising, or issuing: (B.) growth, increase: (archit.) the lowest part of an arch on both sides; SPRING'-JACK, a device for inserting a loop in a main electric line-circuit, a plug being forced between two spring contacts; SPRING'-LATCH, a latch that snaps into the keeper whenever the door is shut; SPRING'LET, a little spring: a small stream; SPRING'-LIG'AMENT, the inferior calcaneoscaphoid ligament of the sole of the foot; SPRING'-LOCK, a lock which fastens by a spring; SPRING'-MAT'TRESS=Spring-bed; SPRING'-NET, a net that closes with a spring; SPRING'-PAD'LOCK, a padlock that snaps itself shut; SPRING'-POLE, a pole whose elasticity serves as a spring; SPRING'-SAD'DLE, a bent iron bar of [Spring-saddle] form on the top of a railway carriage journal-box, surrounding the arch-bar and supporting the spring; SPRING'-SEARCH'ER, a steel-pronged tool to search for defects in the bore of a gun; SPRING'-SHACK'LE, a shackle closed by a spring: a shackle joining one spring of a vehicle with another or with a rigid piece; SPRING'-STAY (naut.), a smaller stay, placed above the stays as a duplicate if needed; SPRING'-STUD, a rod passed through the axis of a coil-spring to keep it in place; SPRING'-TAIL, one of an order of primitive wingless insects (Collembola), so called popularly from a peculiar springing fork usually present on the abdomen; SPRING'-TIDE, the periodical excess of the elevation and depression of the tide, after new and full moon, when both sun and moon act in the same direction; SPRING'-TIDE, -TIME, the season of spring; SPRING'-TOOL, any tool bearing a spring, as a glass-blower's tongs; SPRING'-TRAP, a trap worked by a spring, a mouse-trap, &c.; SPRING'-VALVE, a valve fitted with a spring: a safety-valve connected with a spring-balance; SPRING'-WA'TER, water issuing from a spring; SPRING'-WHEAT, wheat sown in the spring, rather than autumn or winter; SPRING'-WORT, a plant which draws down lightning--perh. the caperspurge.--adj. SPRING'Y, pertaining to, or like, a spring, elastic, nimble: abounding with springs.--SPRING A LEAK, to commence leaking; SPRING A MINE, to cause it to explode--often used figuratively; SPRING A RATTLE, to cause a rattle to sound; SPRING AT, to leap at; SPRING FORTH, to come forward with a leap: to shoot up rapidly; SPRING ON, or UPON, to attack with violence. [A.S. springan; Ger. springen.]

SPRINGE, sprinj, n. a snare with a spring-noose: a gin.--v.t. to catch in a springe. [Prov. Eng. springle--spring; cf. Ger. sprenkel--springen.]

SPRINKLE, spring'kl, v.t. to scatter in small drops or particles: to scatter on: to baptise with a few drops of water: to purify.--v.i. to scatter in drops.--n. an aspersorium or utensil for sprinkling.--ns. SPRIN'KLE, SPRIN'KLING, a small quantity sprinkled: in book-binding, the mottling of the edges of trimmed leaves by scattering a few drops of colour on them; SPRIN'KLER. [Freq. formed from A.S. sprengan, the causal of springan, to spring; cf. Ger. sprenkeln.]

SPRINT, sprint, n. a short-distance race at full speed.--v.i. to run at full speed--also SPRENT.--ns. SPRIN'TER, a short-distance runner in races; SPRIN'TING; SPRINT'-RACE; SPRINT'-RUN'NER. [Cf. Spurt.]

SPRIT, sprit, n. (naut.) a spar set diagonally to extend a fore-and-aft sail. [A.S. spreót, a pole; Dut. and Ger. spriet, a bowsprit; conn. with sprout.]

SPRITE, spr[=i]t, n. a spirit: a shade: a ghost: (obs.) frame of mind, disposition.--Also SPRIGHT. [A doublet of spirit.]

SPRITEFUL, SPRITELY, &c. Same as SPRIGHTFUL, &c.

SPROCKET, sprok'et, n. a projection on the periphery of a wheel or capstan for engaging the chain.

SPROD, sprod, n. (prov.) a second-year salmon.

SPRONG, sprong (Spens.), pa.t. of spring.

SPROUT, sprowt, n. a germ or young shoot: (pl.) young shoots from old cabbages.--v.i. to shoot: to push out new shoots.--adj. SPROUT'ED, budded.--BRUSSELS SPROUTS (see BRUSSELS). [According to Skeat, not from A.S. spreótan, nor sprýtan, but from Old Friesic spruta, to sprout, Low Ger. spruten, Dut. spruiten, Ger. spriessen.]

SPRUCE, spr[=oo]s, adj. smart: neat, dapper: over-fastidious, finical.--n. Prussian leather.--v.t. to smarten.--v.i. to become spruce or smart.--n. SPRUCE'-FIR, or merely SPRUCE, any tree of the genus Picea of the pine family (Coniferæ), or the wood of such a tree.--adv. SPRUCE'LY.--n. SPRUCE'NESS.--v.t. SPRU'CIFY, to smarten. [O. Fr. Pruce--Late L. Prussia, Ger. Preussen.]

SPRUCE-BEER, spr[=oo]s'-b[=e]r, n. beer flavoured with a decoction of the young shoots of the spruce-fir. [Ger. sprossen-bier, sprossen, young shoots, Englished as Pruce-beer, i.e. Prussian beer.]

SPRUE, spr[=oo], n. in casting, one of the passages leading to the mould, also the metal which solidifies in it--deadhead.--n. SPRUE'-HOLE, ingate or pouring-hole in a mould.

SPRUG, sprug, v.t. and v.i. (prov.) to smarten, to dress neatly.

SPRUG, sprug, n. (prov.) a sparrow.

SPRUIT, spr[=oo]'it, n. a small head-stream, a stream flowing through a village, dry in summer. [S. Afr. Dut.]

SPRUNG, pa.t. and pa.p. of spring.--adj. (coll.) tipsy, tight.

SPRUNNY, sprun'i, adj. (prov.) neat.--n. a sweetheart.

SPRUNT, sprunt, v.i. to spring up: sprout, germinate.--n. a steep bit in a road: a rebellious curl, &c.--adv. SPRUNT'LY, gaily, bravely.--SPRUNT UP, to bristle up.

SPRY, spr[=i], adj. vigorous, lively, gay, pert. [Scand.; Sw. prov. sprygg, very active.]

SPUD, spud, n. a small narrow spade with a short handle: any short thick thing, a baby's hand, a potato, &c.--adj. SPUD'DY, short and fat. [Prob. Scand., Dan. spyd, a spear.]

SPUE. Same as SPEW.

SPULZIE, SPUILZIE, spül'y[=e], n. (Scot.) spoil.--Also SPUL'YE, SPUL'YIE. [Spoil.]

SPUME, sp[=u]m, n. scum or froth thrown up by liquid: foam.--v.i. to throw up scum: to foam.--adj. SP[=U]'M[=E]OUS, frothy.--n. SP[=U]MES'CENCE, frothiness.--adjs. SP[=U]MES'CENT, foaming; SP[=U]MIF'EROUS, producing foam.--n. SP[=U]'MINESS, the quality of being spumy or frothy.--adjs. SP[=U]'MOUS, SP[=U]'MY, consisting of froth: frothy: foamy. [L. spuma--spu[)e]re to spew.]

SPUN, pa.t. and pa.p. of spin.--adj. SPUN'-OUT, unduly lengthened.--n. SPUN'-YARN, rope-yarn twisted into a cord.

SPUNGE, spunj, v. and n. a form of sponge.

SPUNK, spungk, n. touchwood, tinder, a fungus from which tinder is made, punk, amadou: (Scot.) a small fire, a fiery spark, a lucifer-match: mettle, spirit, pluck.--v.i. to take fire, flame up.--adj. SPUNK'Y, spirited: fiery-tempered. [Cf. Ir. sponc, tinder, sponge--L. spongia, a sponge--Gr. sponggia.]

SPUR, spur, n. an instrument on a horseman's heels, with sharp points for goading the horse: that which goads or instigates: something projecting: the hard projection on a cock's leg: a small range of mountains extending laterally from a larger range.--v.t. to urge on with spurs: to urge onward: to impel: to put spurs on.--v.i. to press forward: to travel in great haste:--pr.p. spur'ring; pa.t. and pa.p. spurred.--v.t. SPUR'-GALL (Shak.), to gall or wound with a spur.--ns. SPUR'-GEAR, -GEAR'ING, gearing in which spur-wheels are used.--adj. SPUR'-HEELED, having a long straight hind-claw.--n. SPUR'-LEATH'ER, the strap by which the spur is fastened to the foot.--p.adj. SPURRED, wearing spurs: having shoots like spurs: affected with ergot, as rye.--ns. SPUR'RER, one who, or that which, spurs; SPUR'RIER, one who makes spurs; SPUR'-ROY'AL, an ancient English coin, worth fifteen shillings, so called from having a star on one side resembling the rowel of a spur; SPUR'-WAY, a bridle-road; SPUR'-WHANG=Spur-leather; SPUR'-WHEEL (mech.), a wheel with the cogs on the face of the edge like a spur.--adj. SPUR'-WINGED, with a horny spur on the pinion, as with the plovers, &c. [A.S. spora; Ice. spori, Ger. sporn.]

SPURGE, spurj, n. a genus of plants of the natural order Euphorbiaceæ, all the species containing a resinous milky juice mostly very acrid.--n. SPURGE'-LAU'REL, a European evergreen shrub, with yellowish-green flowers, thick leaves, and poisonous berries. [O. Fr. espurge (Fr. épurge)--L. expurg[=a]re, to purge--ex, off, purg[=a]re, to clear.]

SPURIÆ, sp[=u]'ri-[=e], n.pl. the bastard quills forming the alula in birds.

SPURIOUS, sp[=u]r'i-us, adj. illegitimate: bastard: not genuine: false: resembling an organ, but without its function, or having the functions of an organ while morphologically different.--adv. SP[=U]R'IOUSLY.--n. SP[=U]R'IOUSNESS. [L. spurius, false.]

SPURLING=Sparling (q.v.).

SPURN, spurn, v.t. to drive away as with the foot: to kick: to reject with disdain.--n. disdainful rejection.--n. SPURN'ER, one who spurns. [A.S. speornan; cog. with spur.]

SPURNE, spurn, v.t. (Spens.) to spur.

SPURRY, spur'i, n. a plant of the genus Spergula. [O. Fr. sporrie, of Teut. origin; cf. Ger. spörgel.]

SPURT, spurt, v.t. to spout, or send out in a sudden stream, as water.--v.i. to gush out suddenly in a small stream: to flow out forcibly or at intervals.--n. a sudden or violent gush of a liquid from an opening: a jet: a sudden short effort, a special exertion of one's self for a short time, in running, rowing, &c. [Formerly spirt--Ice. sprettr, a spurt--spretta, to start, to sprout.]

SPURTLE, spur'tl, n. (Scot.) a short stick for stirring porridge, broth, &c.--n. SPUR'TLE-BLADE, a sword.

SPUTTER, sput'[.e]r, v.i. to spit in small drops, as in rapid speaking: to throw out moisture in scattered drops: to speak rapidly and indistinctly, to jabber.--v.t. to throw out with haste and noise: to utter hastily and indistinctly.--n. moist matter thrown out in particles.--n. SPUTT'ERER, one who sputters. [The freq. of spout (q.v.).]

SPUTUM, sp[=u]'tum, n. spittle, the matter expectorated:--pl. SP[=U]'TA. [L.,--spu[)e]re, to spit.]

SPY, sp[=i], n. one sent into an enemy's country or camp to find out their strength, &c.: one who keeps a watch on others: one who secretly conveys information.--v.t. to see: to discover, generally at a distance: to discover by close search: to inspect secretly:--pa.t. and pa.p. spied.--ns. SPY'AL=Spial; SPY'-CRAFT, SPY'ISM, the art or practice of spying; SPY'GLASS, a small hand-telescope; SPY'-HOLE, a peep-hole; SPY'-MON'EY, money paid for secret intelligence. [O. Fr. espier--Old High Ger. speh[=o]n; L. spec[)e]re.]

SPYRE, sp[=i]r, v.i. (Spens.) to shoot forth. [L. spir[=a]re, to sprout.]

SQUAB, skwob, adj. fat, clumsy: curt, abrupt: unfledged, newly hatched: shy, coy.--n. a young pigeon, the young of other animals before the hair or feathers are grown: a short stumpy person: a thickly-stuffed cushion, a sofa padded throughout, an ottoman.--v.t. to stuff thickly and sew through, the stitches being concealed by buttons, &c.--v.i. to fall heavily.--adv. flat: heavily, as a fall.--adjs. SQUAB'BISH, thick, heavy; SQUAB'BY, squat.--ns. SQUAB'-CHICK, a fledgling; SQUAB'-PIE, a pie made of strips of mutton, onions, and slices of apple. [Prob. Scand.; cf. Sw. dial. sqvapp, a word imitative of a splash, sqvabb, loose flesh, sqvabbig, flabby.]

SQUABASH, skwa-bash', v.t. to crush, smash.

SQUABBLE, skwob'l, v.i. to dispute in a noisy manner: to wrangle.--n. a noisy, petty quarrel: a brawl.--n. SQUABB'LER. [Scand., Sw. dial. skvabbel, a dispute.]

SQUACCO, skwak'[=o], n. a small crested African heron.

SQUAD, skwod, n. a small body of men assembled for drill, any small group or company of men.--n. SQUAD'RON, a body of cavalry, consisting of two troops, or 120 to 200 men: a body of soldiers drawn up in a square: any regularly ranked body, or a group: section of a fleet, commanded by a flag-officer.--p.adj. SQUAD'RONED, formed into squadrons.--AWKWARD SQUAD, a body of recruits not yet competent in drill, &c. [O. Fr. esquadre--It. squadra, and L. exquadr[=a]re, to make square.]

SQUADDY, skwad'i, adj. squabby.

SQUAIL, skw[=a]l, n. a disc or counter used in the game of squails: (pl.) a parlour-game in which small discs are snapped from the edge of the table to a centre mark called the process: the game of ninepins.--v.i. to throw a stick, &c., at any object.--v.t. to pelt with sticks, &c.--n. SQUAIL'ER, a throwing-stick. [A variant of kail.]

SQUALID, skwol'id, adj. filthy, foul.--n. SQUALID'ITY, the state of being squalid: filthiness.--adv. SQUAL'IDLY.--ns. SQUAL'IDNESS; SQUAL'OR, state of being squalid: dirtiness: filthiness. [L. squalidus--squal[=e]re, to be stiff; akin to Gr. skellein, to dry.]

SQUALL, skwawl, v.i. to cry out violently.--n. a loud cry or scream: a violent gust of wind.--n. SQUALL'ER.--adj. SQUALL'Y, abounding or disturbed with squalls or gusts of wind: gusty, blustering: threatening a squall.--WHITE SQUALL, a tropical whirlwind, coming on without warning other than a small white cloud. [Scand., Sw. sqvala, to gush out.]

SQUALLY, skwawl'i, adj. irregularly woven: having bare patches, of a field of corn, &c. [Prob. the same as scally. Cf. Scall.]

SQUALOID, skw[=a]'loid, adj. resembling a SQU[=A]'LUS or shark.--n. SQU[=A]'LID, one of the Squalidæ, a family of sharks.--adj. SQU[=A]'LIFORM, having the form of a shark. [L. squalus, a shark.]

SQUAMA, skw[=a]'ma, n. a scale: the bractea of a deciduous spike, any scaly bracted leaf:--pl. SQU[=A]'MÆ.--n.pl. SQU[=A]M[=A]'TA, a division of reptiles, including lizards and serpents.--adjs. SQU[=A]'MATE, SQU[=A]'MOUS, SQUAM[=A]'CEOUS, SQU[=A]'MOSE, covered with, or consisting of, scales: scaly.--ns. SQU[=A]ME, a scale or squama; SQU[=A]MEL'LA, a small scale.--adjs. SQU[=A]MIF'EROUS, SQU[=A]MIG'EROUS, bearing squamæ or scales; SQU[=A]'MIFORM, SQU[=A]'MOID, like a scale.--ns. SQU[=A]M[=O]'SAL, the squamous portion of the temporal bone; SQUAM'ULA, a very small scale--also SQUAM'ULE.--adjs. SQUAM'ULATE, SQUAM'ULIFORM. [L. squamosus--squama, a scale.]

SQUANDER, skwon'd[.e]r, v.t. to spend lavishly or wastefully: to waste money or powers.--n. SQUAN'DERER.--adv. SQUAN'DERINGLY, in a squandering manner, by squandering. [Skeat explains as a nasalised form of Lowland Scotch squatter, to splash water about, prov. Eng. swatter, to throw water about. These are frequentatives from Dan. sqvatte, to splash, spurt, squander; Sw. sqvätta, to squirt, Ice. skvetta, to squirt out water.]

SQUARE, skw[=a]r; adj. having four equal sides and angles: forming a right angle: having a straight front or an outline formed by straight lines: exact suitable, fitting: true, that does equal justice, fair, honest: even, leaving no balance, settled, as accounts: directly opposed, complete, unequivocal: solid, full, satisfying.--n. that which is square: a square figure: a four-sided space enclosed by houses: a square body of troops: the length of the side of any figure squared: an instrument for measuring right angles: (arith.) the product of a quantity multiplied by itself: due proportion, order, honesty, equity, fairness.--v.t. to form like a square: to form with four equal sides and angles: (arith.) to multiply by itself: to reduce to any given measure or standard, to adjust, regulate: (naut.) to place at right angles with the mast or keel.--v.i. to suit, fit: to accord or agree: to take an attitude of offence and defence, as a boxer.--adj. SQUARE'-BUILT, of a square build or shape.--adv. SQUARE'LY, in a square form or manner.--ns. SQUARE'-MEAS'URE, [Illustration] a system of measures applied to surfaces, of which the unit is the square of the lineal unit; SQUARE'NESS.--adj. SQUARE'-PIERCED (her.), designating a charge perforated with a square opening so as to show the field.--n. SQU[=A]'RER, one who, or that which, squares: (Shak.) a fighting, quarrelsome person.--adj. SQUARE'-RIGGED, having the chief sails square, and extended by yards suspended by the middle at right angles to the masts--opposed to Fore-and-aft.--ns. SQUARE'-ROOT, that root which being multiplied into itself produces the given number or quantity; SQUARE'-SAIL, a four-sided sail extended by yards suspended by the middle at right angles to the mast.--adj. SQUARE'-TOED.--n. SQUARE'-TOES, an old-fashioned, punctilious person.--adj. SQU[=A]'RISH.--SQUARE THE CIRCLE, to determine the area of a circle in square measure.--ON THE SQUARE, honestly. [O. Fr. esquarre (Fr. équerre)--L. ex-quadr[=a]re, to square--quadrus, conn. with quatuor, four.]

SQUARROSE, skwär'[=o]s, adj. rough, with projecting or deflexed scales.--adj. SQUARR'ULOSE, diminutively squarrose.

SQUARSON, skwär'sn, n. one who is both a beneficed clergyman and a squire or land-owner in a parish.--n. SQUAR'SONAGE, the residence of such.

SQUASH, skwosh, v.t. to press into pulp: to crush flat.--v.i. to form a soft mass as from a fall: to make a noise similar to such.--n. a sudden fall or shock of soft bodies: anything soft and easily crushed, anything soft or unripe, as a peascod.--ns. SQUASH'ER; SQUASH'INESS, state of being squashy.--adj. SQUASH'Y, like a squash: muddy. [O. Fr. esquacher (Fr. écacher), to crush--L. ex, out, coact[=a]re, to restrain--cog[)e]re, coactum, to drive together.]

SQUASH, skwosh, n. a term loosely used, esp. in the United States, for two or three kinds of gourd, including the pumpkin. [Amer. Ind. asquash (pl. of asq), green.]

SQUAT, skwot, v.i. to sit down upon the hams or heels: to cower, as an animal: to settle on new land without title:--pr.p. squat'ting; pa.t. and pa.p. squat'ted.--adj. short and thick, dumpy, clumsy.--ns. SQUATOC'RACY, the squatters of Australia collectively; SQUAT'TER, a settler on new land without title: one who leases pasture-land from the government; SQUAT'TINESS.--v.i. SQUAT'TLE (Scot.), to squat down.--adj. SQUAT'TY, very short and thick. [O. Fr. esquatir, to crush--L. ex-, coactus, pa.p. of cog[)e]re, to drive together.]

SQUATTER, skwot'[.e]r, v.i. to plunge through water.

SQUAW, skwaw, n. an American Indian woman, esp. a wife.--n. SQUAW'MAN, a white man with an Indian wife.

SQUEAK, skw[=e]k, v.i. to utter a shrill and usually short cry.--n. a sudden, shrill cry.--v.i. SQUAWK, to utter a harsh cry: (U.S.) to back out in a mean way.--n. a loud squeak.--n. SQUEAK'ER, one who squeaks: a young bird.--adv. SQUEAK'INGLY.--A NARROW SQUEAK, a narrow escape. [Imit.; cf. Sw. sqväka, to croak, Ger. quieken, to squeak.]

SQUEAL, skw[=e]l, v.i. to utter a shrill and prolonged sound: to turn informer.--n. a shrill loud cry.--n. SQUEAL'ER, a young pigeon: an informer. [Scand.; Sw. dial. sqväla, to cry out.]

SQUEAMISH, skw[=e]m'ish, adj. sickish at stomach: easily disgusted or offended: fastidious in taste.--adv. SQUEAM'ISHLY.--n. SQUEAM'ISHNESS. [Scand.; Ice. sveimr, stir; prob. also influenced by qualmish.]

SQUEEGEE, skw[=e]'j[=e], n. a wooden implement edged with rubber for clearing water away from decks, floors, windows, &c.: a photographer's roller for squeezing the moisture from a print--also SQUIL'GEE.--v.t. to smooth down with a squeegee.

SQUEEZE, skw[=e]z, v.t. to crush or press between two bodies: to embrace closely: to force through a small hole: to cause to pass: to extort, oppress, harass.--v.i. to push between close bodies: to press: to crowd.--n. act of squeezing: pressing between bodies: an impression of an inscription, &c., made by taking a rubbing.--n. SQUEEZABIL'ITY.--adj. SQUEEZ'ABLE.--ns. SQUEEZ'ER, one who, or that which, squeezes: (pl.) playing-cards having the number of spots marked in the right-hand corner of each; SQUEEZ'ING, the act of exerting pressure.--adj. SQUEEZ'Y, suggesting squeezing, small, contracted. [M. E. queisen--A.S. cwísan.]

SQUELCH, skwelch, n. a heavy blow or a heavy fall.--v.t. to crush down.

SQUIB, skwib, n. a paper tube filled with combustibles, thrown up into the air burning and bursting: a petty lampoon.--v.t. to aim squibs at: to lampoon.--v.i. to write lampoons: to use squibs: to sound like a squib exploding. [Scand.; Ice. svipa, to flash.]

SQUID, skwid, n. a kind of cuttle-fish or calamary: a lure used in trolling for fish.--v.i. to fish with a squid or spoon-bait.

SQUIGGLE, skwig'l, v.i. (U.S.) to squirm, wriggle: (prov.) to rinse out the mouth with a liquid.

SQUILGEE. See SQUEEGEE.

SQUILL, skwil, n. a genus of bulbous-rooted plants of order Liliaceæ, with radical leaves, and flowers in terminal racemes or loose corymbs--the officinal Squill is diuretic and expectorant.--adj. SQUILLIT'IC. [Fr. squille--L. squilla, scilla--Gr. skilla.]

SQUINCH, skwinch, n. a small stone arch, or series of arches, across an interior angle of a square tower to support the sides of an octagonal spire.

SQUINNY, skwin'i, v.i. (Shak.) to look asquint.

SQUINT, skwint, adj. looking obliquely: having the vision distorted.--v.i. to look obliquely: to have the vision distorted.--v.t. to cause to squint.--n. act or habit of squinting: an oblique look: distortion of vision: a hagioscope, a narrow aperture cut in the wall of a church (generally about two feet wide) to enable persons standing in the side-chapels, &c., to see the elevation of the host at the high-altar.--n. SQUINT'-EYE, an eye that squints.--adj. SQUINT'-EYED, looking obliquely: oblique, malignant.--n. SQUINT'ING, technically Strabismus, a common deformity which may be defined as a want of parallelism in the visual axes, when the patient endeavours to direct both eyes to an object at the same time.--adv. SQUINT'INGLY. [Scand.; Sw. svinka, to shrink, a nasalised form of svika, to fail.]

SQUIRE, skw[=i]r, n. an esquire, a knight's attendant: a beau or gallant: a country gentleman, an owner of land in England, esp. if of old family: (U.S.) one who has been a justice of the peace, &c.--ns. SQUIRE'AGE, SQUIRE'ARCHY, landed gentry collectively.--adj. SQUIRE'ARCHAL.--ns. SQUIREEN', a gentleman farmer, one almost a squire; SQUIRE'HOOD, the state or rank of a squire--also SQUIRE'SHIP.--adjs. SQUIRE'-LIKE, SQUIRE'LY, like or becoming a squire.--ns. SQUIRE'LING, a squire of small possessions; SQUIREOC'RACY, government by the landed classes; SQU[=I]R'ESS, a squire's wife. [Esquire.]

SQUIRE, skw[=i]r, n. (Shak.) a square. [Square.]

SQUIRM, skwirm, v.i. to wriggle or writhe, to climb by wriggling up: to escape with any awkward evasion or lie. [A variant of squir=whir.]

SQUIRREL, skwir'el, n. a nimble, reddish-brown, rodent little animal with hairy tail and large eyes, mainly of arboreal habit.--ns. SQUIRR'EL-FISH, a holocentroid tropical fish; SQUIRR'EL-TAIL, any one of several grasses of the genus Hordeum, with long hair-like awns: a cap of squirrel-skins, with a tail hanging down behind. [O. Fr. escurel--Low L. scurellus, dim. of L. sciurus--Gr. skiouros--skia, shade, oura, tail.]

SQUIRT, skw[.e]rt, v.t. to throw out water in a stream from a narrow opening.--n. a small instrument for squirting: a small, quick stream.--n. SQUIRT'ER. [Skeat says the r appears to be intrusive; allied to prov. Eng. squitter, to squirt, and squitter, diarrhoea. From Sw. dial. skvittär, to sprinkle all round, freq. of skwitta, to squirt, Sw. sqvätta, to squirt; cf. Dan. sqvatte, to splash.]

SQUITCH, skwich, n. quitch-grass.

SRADDHA, srä'da, n. the offering of rice and flowers to the manes of a deceased ancestor. [Sans.]

STAB, stab, v.t. to wound with a pointed weapon: to wound: to injure secretly, or by slander: to roughen a brick wall with a pick so as to hold plaster: to pierce folded sheets, near their back edges, for the passage of thread or wire.--v.i. to give a stab or a mortal wound:--pr.p. stab'bing; pa.t. and pa.p. stabbed.--n. a wound with a pointed weapon: an injury given secretly.--n. STAB'BER, one who stabs.--adv. STAB'BINGLY. [Gael. stob, a stake.]

STABAT MATER, st[=a]'bat m[=a]'t[.e]r, n. a Latin hymn on the seven dolours of the Virgin, ascribed to Jacopone da Todi, a 13th-cent. Minorite: a musical setting of this sequence. [Its opening words.]

STABLE, st[=a]'bl, adj. that stands firm: firmly established: durable: firm in purpose or character: constant, unchangeable.--ns. STABIL'ITY, state of being stable: steadiness; ST[=A]'BLENESS.--adv. ST[=A]'BLY. [Fr.,--L. stabilis--st[=a]re, to stand.]

STABLE, st[=a]'bl, n. a building for horses and cattle.--v.t. to put or keep in a stable.--v.i. to dwell in a stable.--ns. ST[=A]'BLE-BOY, -MAN, a boy, or man, who attends in a stable; ST[=A]'BLER, a stable-keeper; ST[=A]'BLE-ROOM, room for stabling horses or cattle; ST[=A]'BLING, act of putting into a stable: accommodation for horses and cattle. [O. Fr. estable (Fr. étable)--L. stabulum--st[=a]re, to stand.]

STABLISH, stab'lish, v.t. old form of establish.--n. STAB'LISHMENT=Establishment.

STACCATO, stak-kä'to, adj. (mus.) with the notes to be played in an abrupt, disconnected manner--opp. to Legato: marked by abrupt emphasis: giving a clear distinct sound to each note.--adj. STACCATIS'SIMO, as staccato as possible. [It., from staccare, for distaccare, to separate.]

STACHYS, st[=a]'kis, n. a genus of Labiatæ, containing the Hedge-nettle, the Woundwort, and according to some botanists the Common Betony or Wood Betony. [L.,--Gr. stachys, an ear of corn.]

STACK, stak, n. a large pile of bay, corn, wood, &c.: a number of chimneys standing together: a pyramid formed by a number of muskets with fixed bayonets interlocked and the stocks spread widely apart.--v.t. to pile into a stack: to make up cards for cheating.--ns. STACK'-STAND, a frame of wood, iron, or stone, supported on short props, for building a stack upon; STACK'YARD, a yard for stacks. [Scand.; Ice. stakkr, a stack of hay.]

STACTE, stak'te, n. a Jewish spice, liquid myrrh.

STACTOMETER, stak-tom'e-t[.e]r, n. a tube with a small hole at the bottom for measuring a liquid in drops.--Also STALAGMOM'ETER. [Gr. staktos, dropping, metron, a measure.]

STADDA, stad'a, n. a double-bladed hand-saw for cutting the teeth of combs.

STADDLE, stad'l, n. anything that serves for support: a staff or crutch: a stack-stand: a small tree. [A.S. stathol, foundation; Ger. stadel.]

STADE=Stadium (q.v.).

STADIA, st[=a]'di-a, n. a temporary surveying station: an instrument for measuring distances.--n. STADIOM'ETER, a self-recording theodolite.

STADIUM, st[=a]'di-um, n. a Greek measure of length, 600 podes=582 English feet, the Greek foot being .971 of an English foot:--pl. ST[=A]'DIA.

STADTHOLDER, stad-h[=o]l'd[.e]r, n. a barbarous English form of the Dutch Stadhouder, 'stead-holder,' of which the French lieu-tenant is a literal translation, Statthalter being the corresponding German.

STAFF, staf, n. a stick carried for support or defence: a prop: a long piece of wood: pole: a flagstaff: the long handle of an instrument: a stick or ensign of authority: the five lines and spaces on which music is written: a stanza (the previous meanings have pl. STAFFS or STAVES, st[=a]vz): a body of skilled officers whose duty it is, under orders from the commanding officers of various grades, to arrange the movements and supply of the various bodies which go to make up an army: a similar body of persons in any undertaking, acting under a manager or chief (the last two meanings have pl. STAFFS, stafs).--ns. STAFF'-CAPTAIN, the senior grade in the navigating branch in the British navy; STAFF'-COLL'EGE, a college where military officers are trained in the higher branches of professional knowledge, and prepared for holding staff-appointments; STAFF'-CORPS, a body of intelligent officers and men who performed engineering and siege duties, made reconnaissances, &c. during the wars of Wellington; (INDIAN) a body of British officers serving on the permanent Indian establishment, appointed from it to do duty with native regiments, &c.; STAFF'-D[=U]'TY, the occupation of an officer who serves on a staff, having been detached from his regiment; STAFF'-NOT[=A]'TION, musical notation in which a staff is used, as opposed to the tonic-solfa system; STAFF'-SUR'GEON, a navy surgeon of senior grade; STAFF'-SYS'TEM, a block-system in use on single-line railways in which the station-master gives the engine-driver a staff authorising him to proceed over a given portion. [A.S. stæf; Ice. stafr, Ger. stab.]

STAG, stag, n. the male deer, esp. one of the red deer:--fem. Hind: a speculator who applies for shares or stock in new concerns quoted at a premium, hoping to obtain an allotment and secure a profit without holding the stock, one who sells new securities quoted at a premium before allotment.--v.t. to follow, to dog, to shadow.--v.i. to act as a stag on the stock-exchange.--ns. STAG'-BEE'TLE, a genus of Lamellicorn beetles, nearly allied to the Scarabees, the males with large projecting mandibles; STAG'-DANCE, -PART'Y, a dance or party of men only; STAG'HOUND, a name applied both to the buck-hound and the Scottish deer-hound. [Ice. steggr, a male animal, stiga, to mount.]

STAGE, st[=a]j, n. an elevated platform, esp. in a theatre: the theatre: theatrical representations, the theatrical calling: any place of exhibition or performance: a place of rest on a journey or road: distance between places: degree of progress.--v.t. to represent or place for representation on the stage.--ns. STAGE'-COACH, a coach that runs regularly with passengers from stage to stage; STAGE'-CRAFT, skill in putting a play on the stage; STAGE'-DOOR, the actors' entrance to a theatre; STAGE'-DRIV'ER, one who drives a stage; STAGE'-EFFECT', theatrical effect; STAGE'-F[=E]'VER, a passion to go on the stage; STAGE'-FRIGHT, nervousness before an audience, esp. for the first time; STAGE'-MAN'AGER, one who superintends the production of plays, and has general charge of everything behind the curtain; STAGE'-PLAY, a play for representation on a stage; STAGE'-PLAY'ER, a player on the stage; ST[=A]'GER, a stage-horse: one who has had much experience in anything.--adj. STAGE'-STRUCK, sorely smitten with stage-fever.--ns. STAGE'-WAG'ON, a wagon for conveying goods and passengers at fixed times; STAGE'-WHIS'PER, a loud whisper, as that of an actor meant to be heard by the audience.--adjs. ST[=A]'GEY, ST[=A]'GY, suggesting the stage, theatrical.--ns. ST[=A]'GINESS; ST[=A]'GING, a structure for workmen in building. [O. Fr. estage (Fr. étage), a story of a house, through a L. form staticus, from st[=a]re, to stand.]

STAGGER, stag'[.e]r, v.i. to reel from side to side: to begin to give way: to begin to doubt: to hesitate.--v.t. to cause to reel: to cause to doubt or hesitate: to shock.--adv. STAGG'ERINGLY.--n. STAGG'ERS, a popular term applied to several diseases of horses.--GRASS, or STOMACH, STAGGERS, an acute indigestion; MAD, or SLEEPY, STAGGERS, an inflammation of the brain. [Ice. stakra, to push, freq. of staka, to push.]

STAGIRITE, STAGYRITE, staj'i-r[=i]t, adj. pertaining to Stageira in Macedonia.--n. a native or inhabitant thereof, esp. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.).

STAGNANT, stag'nant, adj. stagnating: not flowing: motionless: impure from being motionless: not brisk: dull.--n. STAG'NANCY, the state of being stagnant.--adv. STAG'NANTLY.--v.i. STAG'NATE, to cease to flow: to become dull or motionless.--n. STAGN[=A]'TION, act of stagnating: state of being stagnant or motionless: dullness. [L. stagnans, -antis, pr.p. of stagn[=a]re.]

STAHLIANISM, stäl'i-an-izm, n. the doctrines of Georg Ernst Stahl, a German physician (1660-1734), who held that there exists a mysterious force residing in, but independent of, matter, not only forming the body, but directing it in all its functions--also STAHL'ISM.--adj. STAHL'IAN.

STAID, st[=a]d, adj. steady: sober: grave.--adv. STAID'LY.--n. STAID'NESS. [For stayed--stay.]

STAIG, st[=a]g, n. (Scot.) a young horse, a stallion.

STAIN, st[=a]n, v.t. to tinge or colour: to give a different colour to: to impregnate, as a tissue, with some substance whose reaction colours some parts but not others, thus making form or structure plainly visible: to dye: to mark with guilt or infamy: to bring reproach on: to sully: to tarnish.--v.i. to take or impart a stain.--n. a discoloration: a spot: taint of guilt: cause of reproach: shame.--n. STAIN'ER, one who stains or blots: a dyer.--adj. STAIN'LESS, without or free from stain.--adv. STAIN'LESSLY.--n. STAIN'LESSNESS.--STAINED GLASS, glass painted with certain pigments fused into its surface. [Short for distain--O. Fr. desteindre--L. dis-, away, ting[)e]re, to dye.]

STAIR, st[=a]r, n. a series of steps for ascending to a higher level: one of such steps: a flight of steps, only in pl.: (Spens.) a degree.--ns. STAIR'-CAR'PET, carpet suitable for stairs; STAIR'CASE, a flight of stairs with balusters, &c.; STAIR'-ROD, one of a number of metallic rods for holding a stair-carpet in its place.--adv. DOWN'STAIRS, in the lower part of a house--opp. to Upstairs.--BACK-STAIRS, adjectively for secret, underhand; BELOW STAIRS, in a lower story, in the basement. [A.S. st['æ]ager--stígan, to ascend; Ger. steigen, to climb, Ice. stegi, a step.]

STAITH, STATHE, st[=a]th, n. (prov.) the extremity of a line of rails laid on a platform, for discharging coals, &c., into vessels. [A.S. stæth, steth, bank.]

STAKE, st[=a]k, n. a strong stick pointed at one end: one of the upright pieces of a fence: a post to which an animal is tied, esp. that to which a martyr was tied to be burned: martyrdom: a tinsmith's anvil: anything pledged in a wager: a prize, anything to gain or lose.--v.t. to fasten, or pierce with a stake: to mark the bounds of with stakes (often with off and out): to wager, to hazard.--ns. STAKE'-HOLD'ER, the person with whom the stakes in a wager are deposited; STAKE'-NET, a form of fishing-net hung on stakes.--AT STAKE, hazarded, in danger. [A.S. staca, a stake.]

STALACTITE, sta-lak't[=i]t, n. a deposit of carbonate of lime, hanging like an icicle from the roof of a cavern, formed by the dripping of water.--adjs. STALAC'TIC, -AL, STALACTIT'IC, -AL, having the form or properties of a stalactite; STALAC'TIFORM, like a stalactite. [Gr. stalaktos--stalazein, to drip.]

STALAGMITE, sta-lag'm[=i]t, n. a deposit of carbonate of lime, &c., on the floor of a cavern, usually cylindrical or conical in form, caused by the dripping from the roof of water holding some substance in solution; it is the counterpart to a Stalactite, and both are often fused together, forming a Stalactitic column.--adjs. STALAGMIT'IC, -AL, having the form of stalagmites.--adv. STALAGMIT'ICALLY. [Gr. stalagmos, a dropping--stalazein, to drip.]

STAL'D, st[=a]ld, pa.p. (Spens.) stolen, taken. [Steal.]

STALDER, stal'd[.e]r, n. (prov.) a pile of wood: a cask-stand.

STALE, st[=a]l, adj. too long kept: tainted: vapid or tasteless from age, as beer: not new: worn out by age: decayed: no longer fresh, trite: in athletics, over-trained, hence unfit, as in 'gone stale.'--n. anything become stale: urine of cattle, &c.: (Shak.) a whore.--v.t. to render insipid, to make common.--v.i. to make water, as beasts.--adv. STALE'LY.--n. STALE'NESS. [Prov. Eng. stale, conn. with Old Dut. stel, old. Skeat makes stale that which reminds one of the stable, tainted, &c.--Sw. stalla, to put into a stall, also to stale (as cattle)--Sw. stall, a stable.]

STALE, st[=a]l, n. something offered or exhibited as an allurement to draw others to any place or purpose: (Spens.) a decoy, a gull: (Shak.) a dupe, laughing-stock.--n. STALL, a thief's assistant. [A.S. stalu, theft--stelan, to steal.]

STALE, st[=a]l, n. the handle of anything, a stalk. [A.S. stæl, stel, a stalk.]

STALEMATE, st[=a]l'm[=a]t, n. in chess-playing, the position of the king when he cannot move without being placed in check.--v.t. to put into a condition of stalemate: to bring to a standstill.

STALK, stawk, n. the stem of a plant: the stem on which a flower or fruit grows: the stem of a quill: the handle of anything, the stem: a tall chimney.--p.adj. STALKED, having a stalk.--adjs. STALK'-EYED, podophthalmous, as a crustacean; STALK'LESS, having no stalk; STALK'Y, hard as a stalk: resembling a stalk. [An extension of A.S. stæl, stel (cf. Ice. stilkr, Dan. stilk); cog. with Ger. stiel, which is allied to, perh. borrowed from, L. stilus, a stake.]

STALK, stawk, v.i. to walk as on stilts: to walk with long, slow steps: to walk behind a stalking-horse: to pursue game by approaching behind covers.--v.t. to approach secretly in order to kill, as deer.--n. a stately step: the pursuit of game by stealthy approach.--ns. STALK'ER, one who stalks, as a deer-stalker: a kind of fishing-net: (pl.) the Gradatores; STALK'ING, the act of approaching game warily or behind a cover; STALK'ING-HORSE, a horse behind which a sportsman hides while stalking game: a mask or pretence. [A.S. stælcan, to walk cautiously, stealc, high; Dan. stalke, to walk with long steps.]

STALKOES, staw'k[=o]z, n.pl. walking gentlemen. [Ir. stalcaire, a bully.]

STALL, stawl, n. a place where a horse or other animal stands and is fed: a division of a stable for a single animal: a stable: a bench or table on which articles are exposed for sale: one of the seats in churches reserved for the clergy and choir, usually lining the choir or chancel on both sides, also an office entitling one to such a seat, or its stipend: a reserved seat in a theatre, usually one of those in the front division of the parquet--orchestra stalls.--v.t. to put or keep in a stall.--v.i. to inhabit.--n. STALL'AGE, liberty of erecting stalls in a fair or market: rent paid for this liberty.--adj. STALLED, kept or fed in a stall, fatted.--v.t. STALL'-FEED, to feed and fatten in a stall or stable.--ns. STALL'ING (Tenn.) stabling; STALL'INGER (prov.), a keeper of a stall; STALL'MAN, one who keeps a stall for the sale of any article; STALL'-READER, one who stands and reads books at a bookstall. [A.S. steal; Ice. stallr, Ger. stall.]

STALLION, stal'yun, n. an uncastrated male horse, esp. one kept for breeding. [O. Fr. estalon (Fr. étalon)--Late L. equus ad stallum, a horse at stall.]

STALWART, stawl'wart, adj. stout, strong, sturdy: determined in one's partisanship.--n. a resolute person.--(arch.) STAL'WORTH.--adv. STAL'WARTLY.--n. STAL'WARTNESS--(arch.) STAL'WORTHINESS. [M. E. stalworth--A.S. stæl-wyrthe, serviceable. Prob. stathol,foundation, weorth, good, worth.]

STAM, stam, v.t. (prov.) to confound.--n. confusion.

STAMEN, st[=a]'men, n. one of the male organs of a flower which produce the pollen:--pl. ST[=A]'MENS.--adj. ST[=A]'MENED, having stamens.--n. STAM'INA (prop. pl.), the principal strength of anything: the firm part of a body which supports the whole.--adjs. STAM'INAL, STAMIN'[=E]OUS, consisting of or possessing stamens: pertaining to, or attached to, the stamen: apetalous, as certain flowers; STAM'INATE, -D, having or producing stamens; STAMINIF'EROUS, STAMINIG'EROUS, bearing or having stamens.--ns. STAM'INODE, STAMIN[=O]'DIUM, an abortive stamen; STAM'INODY, a condition of flowers in which sepals, pistils, &c. are metamorphosed into stamens. [L. stamen (pl. stamina)--st[=a]re, to stand.]

STAMMEL, stam'el, n. a kind of woollen cloth, dull red in colour: red colour.--adj. made of stammel, or like it in colour. [Earlier stamin--O. Fr. estamine--Low L. stamina--L. stamineus, stamen, a thread.]

STAMMEL, stam'el, n. (prov.) a stumbling horse: a bouncing girl.

STAMMER, stam'[.e]r, v.i. to halt in one's speech, the result of failure in co-ordinate action of certain muscles and their appropriate nerves: to falter in speaking: to stutter.--v.t. to utter with hesitation.--n. hesitation in speech: defective utterance.--ns. STAMM'ERER; STAMM'ERING.--adv. STAMM'ERINGLY. [A.S. stamor; Dut. stameren.]

STAMNOS, stam'nos, n. an ancient Greek short-necked, two-handled wine-vase. [Gr.]

STAMP, stamp, v.t. to strike with the sole of the foot, by thrusting it down: to impress with some mark or figure: to imprint: to fix deeply: to coin: to form: to pound, bray, crush, bruise.--v.i. to step or plant the foot firmly down.--n. the act of stamping: the mark made by pressing something on a soft body: an instrument for making impressions on other bodies: that which is stamped: an official mark put on things chargeable with duty, as proof that the duty is paid: an instrument for cutting materials into a certain shape by a downward pressure: cast, form, character: distinguishing mark, imprint, sign, evidence: a species of heavy pestle, raised by water or steam power, for crushing and pulverising ores: (pl.) stamp-duties: (slang) money, esp. paper money.--ns. STAMP'-ACT, an act for regulating stamp-duties; STAMP'-COLLECT'OR, an officer who collects stamp-duties: one who makes a collection of postage or other stamps; STAMP'-D[=U]'TY, a tax imposed on the paper on which legal documents are written; STAMP'ER; STAMP'ING; STAMP'ING-MACHINE', a machine used for stamping coins, in the stamping of brass-work, or in crushing metallic ores; STAMP'-, STAMP'ING-MILL, a crushing-mill for ores; STAMP'-NOTE, a certificate from a custom-house officer for goods to be loaded as freight of a ship; STAMP'-OFF'ICE, an office where stamp-duties are received and stamps issued.--STAMP OUT, to extinguish, extirpate. [A.S. stempan; Ger. stampfen.]

STAMPEDE, stam-p[=e]d', n. a sudden fright seizing a herd of horses or other cattle, causing them to run: flight, or any sudden confused movement of a multitude, caused by panic.--v.i. to scamper off in panic. [Sp. estampido, a crash--estampar, to stamp.]

STANCE, stans, n. (Scot.) a station, site, stand.

STANCH, stänsh, v.t. to stop the flowing of, as blood: to quench, allay.--v.i. (B.) to cease to flow.--adj. constant: trusty: zealous: sound, strong, firm.--n. STANCH'ER.--adj. STANCH'LESS (Shak.), that cannot be stanched or stopped.--adv. STANCH'LY.--n. STANCH'NESS. [O. Fr. estancher (Fr. étancher)--Low L. stanc[=a]re, to stanch--L. stagn[=a]re, to be or make stagnant.]

STANCH, stänsh, adj. Same as STAUNCH.

STANCHION, stan'shun, n. an upright iron bar of a window or screen: (naut.) an upright beam used as a support.--v.t. to fasten by means of or to a stanchion.--A Scotch form is STAN'CHEL. [O. Fr. estançon--estancer, to stop, estance--Low L. stantia--L. st[=a]re, to stand.]

STAND, stand, v.i. to cease to move: to be stationary: to occupy a certain position: to stagnate: to be at rest: to be fixed in an upright position, to be erect, to be on the feet--as opposed to sit, lie, kneel, &c.: to become or remain erect: to have a position or rank: to be in a particular state, to be with relation to something else: to maintain an attitude: to be fixed or firm: to keep one's ground: to remain unimpaired: to endure, to be consistent: to consist: to depend or be supported: to offer one's self as a candidate: to have a certain direction: to hold a course at sea.--v.t. to endure: to sustain: to suffer: to abide by: to be at the expense of, to offer and pay for:--pa.t. and pa.p. stood.--ns. STAND'ER; STAND'ER-BY (Shak.), a spectator; STAND'ER-UP, one who stands up or who takes a side.--adj. STAND'ING, established: settled: permanent: fixed: stagnant: being erect.--n. continuance: existence: place to stand in: position in society: a right or capacity to sue or maintain an action.--n. STAND'ING-GROUND, a place on which to stand, any basis or principle on which one rests.--n.pl. STAND'ING-OR'DERS, the name given to permanent regulations made by either House of Parliament for the conduct of its proceedings, and enduring from parliament to parliament unless rescinded.--ns. STAND'ING-POOL (Shak.), a pool of stagnant water; STAND'ING-RIG'GING, the ropes in a ship that remain fixed; STAND'ING-ROOM, place in which to stand.--n.pl. STAND'ING-STONES, monoliths of unhewn stone, erected singly or in groups.--n. STAND'ISH, a standing dish for pen and ink.--adj. STAND'-OFF, holding others off, reserved--also STAND'-OFF'ISH.--ns. STAND'-OFF'ISHNESS, a distant, reserved, and haughty manner; STAND'-PIPE, a vertical pipe at a reservoir, into which the water is pumped up so as to give it a head: a small pipe inserted into an opening in a water-main: a pipe permitting expansion, as of hot water: a pipe sufficiently high for its contents to be forced into a boiler against the steam-pressure; STAND'-POINT, a station or position from which objects are viewed: a basis or fundamental principle according to which things are compared and judged; STAND'STILL, a standing without moving forward: a stop.--adj. STAND'-UP, standing erect: done standing, noting a fair boxing-match.--STAND AGAINST, to resist; STAND BY, to support; STAND FAST, to be unmoved; STAND FIRE, to remain steady under the fire of an enemy--also figuratively; STAND FOR, to be a candidate for: (naut.) to direct the course towards; STAND FROM, to direct the course from; STAND IN, to cost; STAND IN WITH, to have a secret understanding with, as policemen with publicans; STAND LOW (print.), to fall short of the standard height; STAND OFF, to keep at a distance: to direct the course from: (Shak.) to forbear compliance or intimacy; STAND OFF AND ON, to sail away from shore and then towards it; STAND ON, to continue on the same tack or course: (Shak.) to be satisfied or convinced of; STAND ONE'S GROUND, to maintain one's position; STAND OUT, to project, to be prominent: not to comply, to refuse to yield; STAND TO, to agree to, adhere to, abide by, maintain; STAND TOGETHER, to agree, to be consistent with; STAND TRIAL, not to give up without trial; STAND UNDER (Shak.), to undergo, to sustain; STAND UP, to rise from a sitting posture; STAND UP FOR, to support or attempt to defend; STAND UPON (B.), to attack; STAND UP TO, to meet face to face, to fulfil manfully; STAND UP WITH, to dance with as a partner; STAND WITH, to be consistent. [A.S. standan; Goth. standan, Ger. stehen; cf. Gr. histanai, to place, L. st[=a]re, to stand.]

STAND, stand, n. a place where one stands or remains for any purpose: a place beyond which one does not go, the highest or ultimate point: an erection for spectators at races, &c.: the place of a witness in court: something on which anything rests, a frame for glasses, &c.: a stop, obstruction, rest, quiescence: a state of cessation from action, motion, or business: a state of perplexity or hesitation: a difficulty, resistance.--BE AT A STAND, to stop on account of doubt or difficulty: to hesitate, to be perplexed; MAKE A STAND, to halt and offer resistance; PUT TO A STAND, to stop, arrest.

STANDARD, stand'ard, n. that which stands or is fixed, as a rule: the upright post of a truss: that which is established as a rule or model: a grade of classification in English elementary schools: a staff with a flag: an ensign of war: one of the two flags of a heavy cavalry regiment: (hort.) a standing shrub or tree, not supported by a wall.--adj. according to some standard: legal: usual: having a fixed or permanent value.--n. STAND'ARD-BEAR'ER, the soldier or junior officer who carries the colours: the spokesman or representative of a movement. [O. Fr. estandart--Old High Ger. standan, to stand, with suff. -art.]

STANG, stang, n. a wooden bar, a pole.--RIDING THE STANG, a popular manner of punishing an unpopular man by carrying him astride of a stang. [A.S. stæng, a pole; Dut. stang.]

STANG, stang, v.i. (prov.) to throb with pain--also a Scotch form of sting.

STANHOPE, stan'h[=o]p, n. a light open one-seated carriage without a top, formerly with two wheels, now usually with four.

STANIEL, stan'yel, n. the kestrel or windhover.--Also STAN'NEL, STAN'YEL. [A.S. stángella.]

STANK, stangk, pa.t. of stink.

STANK, stangk, n. (Scot.) a ditch, a pool, a tank. [O. Fr. estang, a pond--L. stagnum, a stagnant pool.]

STANNARY, stan'ar-i, adj. of or relating to tin mines or works.--n. a tin-mine.--n. STANN'ATE, a salt formed with stannic acid and a base.--adjs. STANN'IC, pertaining to, or procured from, tin; STANNIF'EROUS, producing or containing tin.--n. STANN'INE, a mineral of a grayish-black colour, consisting chiefly of sulphur, tin, copper, and iron.--adj. STANN'OUS, containing tin.--STANNARY COURTS, courts in Cornwall for the tin-miners. [L. stannum, tin.]

STANZA, stan'za, n. a series of lines or verses connected with and adjusted to each other in a fixed order of sequence as regards length and metrical form: a division of a poem containing every variation of measure in the poem.--adj. STANZ[=A]'IC. [It. stanza, a stop--Low L. stantia--L. st[=a]re, stand.]

STAPELIA, sta-p[=e]'li-a, n. a genus of showy fleshy African plants of the milkweed family. [From J. B. van Stapel.]

STAPES, st[=a]'p[=e]z, n. the inmost of the three auditory ossicles, situated in the tympanum.--adjs. STAP[=E]'DIAL, stirrup-shaped: pertaining to the stapes; STAPEDIF'EROUS, having a stapes.--n. STAP[=E]'DIUS, a stapedial muscle. [Low L. stapes, a stirrup--Old High Ger. stapf, a step.]

STAPHYLINE, staf'i-lin, adj. of the form of a bunch of grapes.--ns. STAPH'YLE, the uvula; STAPHYL[=O]'MA, STAPHYL[=O]'SIS, a protrusion of any of the coats of the eye.--adjs. STAPHYLOMAT'IC; STAPHYL[=O]'MATOUS.--ns. STAPH'YLOPLASTY, the operation for replacing the soft palate; STAPHYLOR'APHY, the operation of uniting a cleft palate; STAPHYLOT'OMY, the amputation of the uvula. [Gr. staphyl[=e], a bunch of grapes, the uvula.]

STAPLE, st[=a]'pl, n. a settled mart or market: the principal production or industry of a district or country: the principal element: the thread of textile fabrics: unmanufactured material.--adj. established in commerce: regularly produced for market.--n. ST[=A]'PLER, a dealer. [O. Fr. estaple--Low Ger. stapel, a heap.]

STAPLE, st[=a]'pl, n. a loop of iron, &c., for holding a bolt, &c.: the metallic tube to which the reed is fastened in the oboe, &c. [A.S. stapel, a prop--stapan, step; cf. Ger. stapel.]

STAR, stär, n. one of the bright bodies in the heavens, except the sun and moon: one of the heavenly bodies shining by their own light, and which keep the same relative position in the heavens: anything star-like or star-shaped: a representation of a star worn as a badge of rank or honour: a person of brilliant or attractive qualities: the chief actor or actress in a dramatic company: (print.) an asterisk (*).--v.t. to set with stars: to bespangle.--v.i. to shine, as a star: to attract attention: to appear as a star-actor (TO STAR IT, esp. on a provincial tour):--pr.p. star'ring; pa.t. and pa.p. starred.--ns. STAR'-AP'PLE, the fruit of the West Indian tree Chrysophyllum Cainito; STAR'-BLAST'ING, the noxious influence of the stars.--adjs. STAR'-BLIND, so blind as not to see the stars: half-blind; STAR'-BROI'DERED (Tenn.), embroidered with figures in the shape of stars.--ns. STAR'-BUZZ'ARD, an American goshawk; STAR'-CAT'ALOGUE, a list of stars, with their places, magnitudes, &c.--adj. STAR'-CROSSED, not favoured by the stars.--ns. STAR'-DRIFT, a common proper motion of a number of fixed stars in the same region of the heavens; STAR'-DUST, cosmic dust, matter in fine particles falling upon the earth from some outside source, like meteorites; STAR'-FINCH, the redstart; STAR'FISH (Asteroidea), an Echinoderm, nearly allied to the Brittle-stars (Ophiuroidea) and to the Sea-urchins (Echinoidea); STAR'-FLOW'ER, one of various plants with bright star-shaped flowers, the Star-of-Bethlehem: chickweed; STAR'-FORT, a fort surrounded with projecting angles, like the points of a star; STAR'-FRUIT, a small water-plant of southern Europe, with long-pointed radiating carpels; STAR'-G[=A]Z'ER, an astrologer: an astronomer; STAR'-G[=A]Z'ING, astrology; STAR'-GRASS, a grass-like plant, with star-shaped, yellow flowers; STAR'-HY'ACINTH, a bulbous-rooted plant, a species of squill, with pinkish purple flowers, found on the coast in the south of England; STAR'-JELL'Y, the common species of nostoc.--adj. STAR'LESS, having no stars visible: having no light from stars.--n. STAR'LIGHT, light or lustre of the stars.--adjs. STAR'-LIKE, resembling a star: radiated like a star: bright, illustrious; STAR'LIT, lighted by the stars.--ns. STAR'-NOSE, a North American mole; STAR'-OF-BETH'LEHEM, a garden plant of the lily family, with bright white star-like flowers: the miraculous star of the Nativity (Matt. ii. 2, 9, 10).--adj. STAR'-PROOF (Milt.), impervious to starlight.--n. STAR'-READ (Spens.), knowledge of the stars, astrology.--adj. STARRED, adorned or studded with stars.--ns. STAR'-REED, a South American plant used in Peru against dysentery, &c.; STAR'RINESS.--adj. STAR'RY, abounding or adorned with stars: consisting of, or proceeding from, the stars: like, or shining like, the stars.--n. STARS'-AND-STRIPES, the flag of the United States of America, with thirteen stripes alternately red and white, and a blue field containing as many stars as there are states.--adj. STAR'-SPANG'LED, spangled or studded with stars.--n. STAR'-STONE, a variety of corundum which, when cut in a particular way, exhibits a reflection of light in the form of a star.--adj. STAR'-STROWN (Tenn.), strewn or studded with stars.--ns. STAR'-THIS'TLE, a species of centaury, so called from its star-like flowers; STAR'-WHEEL, a spur-wheel with V-shaped teeth; STAR'WORT, a genus of plants nearly allied to the Asters, with star-like flowers. [A.S. steorra; Ger. stern, L. stella (for sterula), Gr. ast[=e]r.]

STARBOARD, stär'b[=o]rd, n. the right-hand side of a ship, to one looking toward the bow.--adj. pertaining to, or lying on, the right side of a ship. [A.S. steórbord--steór, a rudder, bord, a board, the side of a ship. Cf. Board and Larboard.]

STARCH, stärch, n. the pure fecula or white farinaceous matter of vegetables, yielding a translucent jelly used for stiffening clothes in the laundry: stiffness, formality.--adj. stiff, rigid, formal.--adj. STARCHED, stiffened with starch: formal.--adv. STARCH'EDLY.--ns. STARCH'EDNESS; STARCH'ER; STARCH'-HY'ACINTH, a plant allied to the hyacinth, so called from the smell of the flower.--adv. STARCH'ILY, in a starch or stiff manner: formally.--ns. STARCH'INESS, the state or quality of being starchy: stiffness of manner: formality; STARCH'-SU'GAR, glucose.--adj. STARCH'Y, consisting of, or like, starch: stiff: precise. [A special use of adj. stark; cf. Ger. stärke, starch--stark, strong.]

STAR-CHAMBER, stär'-ch[=a]m'b[.e]r, n. a tribunal with a civil and criminal jurisdiction, which met in the old council chamber of the palace of Westminster, abolished in the reign of Charles I. [Probably named from the gilt stars on the ceiling, hardly from the Jewish bonds (called starrs, from Heb. shetar) kept in the council-room.]

STARE, st[=a]r, v.i. to look at with a fixed gaze, as in horror, astonishment, &c.: to look fixedly.--v.t. to influence in some way by staring.--n. a fixed look.--ns. ST[=A]R[=EE]', one who is stared at; ST[=A]'RER, one who stares or gazes; ST[=A]'RING, the act of staring.--adv. ST[=A]'RINGLY, in a staring manner: with a fixed look. [A.S. starian, from a Teut. root seen in Ger. starr, rigid; also in Eng. stern.]

STARK, stärk, adj. stiff: gross: absolute: entire: naked, an abbreviation of STARK'-N[=A]'KED, quite naked, which is really a corr. of M. E. start-naked=tail-naked (A.S. steort, a tail).--adv. absolutely: completely.--v.t. to make stark, as in death.--v.t. STARK'EN, to stiffen, to make obstinate.--adv. STARK'LY.--n. STARK'NESS, the state or quality of being stark: stiffness; stoutness. [A.S. stearc, hard, strong; cog. Ice. sterk-r, Ger. stark.]

STARLING, stärling, n. a genus Sturnus and family Sturnidæ of Passerine birds: (archit.) a ring of piles supporting the pier of a bridge. [Dim. from obs. stare--A.S. stær; Ger. staar, L. sturnus.]

STAROST, stär'ost, n. a Polish noble holding a STAR'OSTY or domain by grant of life-estate from the crown. [Pol. starosta, elder--stary, old.]

STARR. See under STAR-CHAMBER.

START, stärt, v.i. to move suddenly aside: to wince: to deviate: to begin: to proceed: to give way somewhat.--v.t. to cause to move suddenly: to disturb suddenly: to rouse suddenly from concealment: to set in motion: to call forth: to invent or discover: to move suddenly from its place: to loosen: to empty: to pour out.--n. a sudden movement: a sudden motion of the body: a sudden rousing to action: an unexpected movement: a sally: a sudden fit: a quick spring: the first motion from a point or place: the outset.--n. START'ER, one who starts.--adj. START'FUL, apt to start.--adv. START'INGLY (Shak.), by fits or starts.--ns. START'ING-POINT, the point from which anything starts, or from which motion begins; START'ING-POST, the post or barrier from which the competitors in a race start or begin the race.--adj. START'ISH, apt to start, skittish.--ns. START'-UP (Shak.), an upstart; START'UPPE (Spens.), a kind of high shoe or half-boot.--START AFTER, to set out after, to pursue; START UP, to rise suddenly, to come suddenly into notice.--GET, or HAVE, THE START, to begin before another, to obtain an advantage over another. [M. E. sterten; closely akin to Dut. and Low Ger. storten, to plunge, Ger. stürzen.]

STARTLE, stärt'l, v.i. to start or move suddenly: to feel sudden alarm.--v.t. to excite suddenly: to shock: to frighten.--n. sudden alarm or surprise.--n. START'LER.--adj. START'LING, such as to strike with astonishment or alarm.--adv. START'LINGLY.--adj. START'LISH, apt to start. [Extension of start.]

STARVE, stärv, v.i. to die of hunger or cold: to suffer extreme hunger or want: to be in want of anything necessary, to deteriorate for want of anything essential.--v.t. to kill with hunger or cold: to destroy by want: to deprive of power.--n. STARV[=A]'TION, act of starving: state of being starved.--adj. STARVE'LING, hungry: lean: weak.--n. a thin, weak, pining animal or plant. [A.S. steorfan, to die; Dut. sterven, Ger. sterben, to die.]

STASIDION, sta-sid'i-on, n. a stall in a Greek church.

STASIMON, stas'i-mon, n. an ode sung by the whole chorus, after the parode:--pl. STAS'IMA. [Gr.]

STASIMORPHY, stas'i-mor-fi, n. any deviation from the normal form of a bodily organ due to arrested development [Gr. stasis, standing.]

STASIS, st[=a]'sis, n. the arrest of the blood in its circulation: one of the sections of a cathisma or portion of the psalter. [Gr.]

STATANT, st[=a]'tant, adj. (her.) standing with all the feet on the ground. [L. st[=a]re, to stand.]

STATE, st[=a]t, n. position: condition: situation: circumstances at any time: the whole body of people under one government: the public: the civil power: estate, one of the orders or classes of men forming the body politic (as nobles, clergy, commonalty): a body of men united by profession: rank, quality: pomp: dignity: style of living: stability, continuance: (pl.) the bodies constituting the legislature of a country: (obs.) a seat of dignity: a stage, condition, as of an etched or engraved plate at one particular stage of its progress.--adj. belonging to the state: public: royal: ceremonial: pompous: magnificent.--v.t. to set forth: to express the details of: to set down fully and formally: to narrate: to set in order: to settle.--adj. ST[=A]T'ABLE, capable of being stated.--ns. STATE'-CRAFT, the art of managing state affairs; STATE'-CRIM'INAL, one who commits an offence against the state, as treason.--adj. ST[=A]T'ED, settled: established: fixed: regular.--adv. ST[=A]T'EDLY.--ns. STATE'-HOUSE, the building in which the legislature of a state holds its sittings; ST[=A]TE'LINESS.--adj. ST[=A]TE'LY, showing state or dignity: majestic: grand.--adv. majestically: (Milt.) loftily.--ns. ST[=A]TE'MENT, the act of stating: that which is stated: a narrative or recital; STATE'-P[=A]'PER, an official paper or document relating to affairs of state; STATE'-PRIS'ON; STATE'-PRIS'ONER, a prisoner confined for offence against the state; STATE'-RELIG'ION, the establishment or endowment by the government of a country of some particular form of religion; STATE'ROOM, a stately room in a palace or mansion: principal room in the cabin of a ship; STATES'-GEN'ERAL, the name given to the representative body of the three orders (nobility, clergy, burghers) of the French kingdom; STATES'MAN, a man acquainted with the affairs of government: one skilled in government: one employed in public affairs: a politician: one who farms his own estate, a small landholder.--adj. STATES'MAN-LIKE, like a statesman.--adv. STATES'MANLY, in a manner becoming a statesman.--n. STATES'MANSHIP.--STATE SOCIALISM, a scheme of government which would entrust to the state the carrying on of the great enterprises of private industry; STATES OF THE CHURCH, the former temporal possessions of the popes. [O. Fr. estat (Fr. état)--L. status, from st[=a]re, st[=a]tum, to stand.]

STATER, st[=a]'t[.e]r, n. the standard gold coin of ancient Greece.

STATIC, -AL, stat'ik, -al, adj. pertaining to statics: pertaining to bodies at rest or in equilibrium: resting: acting by mere weight.--adv. STAT'ICALLY.--n. STAT'ICS, the science which treats of the action of force in maintaining rest or preventing change of motion. [Gr. statik[=e] (epist[=e]m[=e], 'science,' being understood)--hist[=e]mi.]

STATION, st[=a]'shun, n. the place where a person or thing stands: post assigned: position: office: situation: occupation, business: state: rank: condition in life: the place where railway trains come to a stand in order to take up and set down passengers and goods, the buildings erected at such a place for railway business: a regular stopping-place: a stock farm in Australia: a district or branch police-office: the place in India where the group of English officials or the officers of a garrison reside: a recess in a mine-shaft or passage for a pumping-machine: (pl.) in R.C. usage, applied to certain places of reputed sanctity, appointed to be visited as places of prayer, any one of the fourteen (fifteen, or even eleven) images or pictures ranged round a church, starting from one side of the high altar and ending at the other, representing the several stages of the Passion--the whole series the Way of Calvary.--v.t. to assign a station to: to set: to appoint to a post, place, or office.--adj. ST[=A]'TIONAL.--n. ST[=A]'TIONARINESS.--adj. ST[=A]'TIONARY, pertaining to a station: standing: fixed: settled: acting from, or in, a fixed position (as an engine): not progressing or retrogressing: not improving.--n. ST[=A]'TIONER, one who sells paper and other articles used in writing.--adj. ST[=A]'TIONERY, belonging to a stationer.--n. the articles sold by a stationer.--ns. ST[=A]'TION-HOUSE, a temporary place of arrest; ST[=A]'TION-MAS'TER, one who has charge of a station, esp. on a railway.--STATIONERS' HALL, the hall in London belonging to the Company of the Stationers, who enjoyed until the passing of the Copyright Act in 1842 an absolute monopoly of printing and publishing; STATIONERY OFFICE, an office in London for providing books, stationery, &c. to the government offices at home and abroad, and for making contracts for the printing of government reports and other public papers. [Fr.,--L. statio--st[=a]re, to stand.]

STATIST, st[=a]'tist, n. a statesman, a politician.

STATISTICS, sta-tist'iks, n. a collection of facts and figures regarding the condition of a people, class, &c.: the science which treats of the collection and arrangement of facts bearing on the condition--social, moral, and material--of a people.--adjs. STATIST'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or containing, statistics.--adv. STATIST'ICALLY.--n. STATISTIC'IAN, one skilled in statistics. [Coined (as if from a form statistik[=e]) from Gr. statizein, to set up.]

STATIVE, st[=a]'tiv, adj. standing still, pertaining to a permanent camp: indicating a physical state or reflex action, of certain Hebrew verbs.

STATUE, stat'[=u], n. a likeness of a human being or animal carved out of some solid substance: an image--(obs.) STAT'UA.--n. STAT'[=U]ARY, the art of carving statues: a statue or a collection of statues: one who makes statues: a dealer in statues.--adj. STAT'UED, furnished with statues.--n. STATUETTE', a small statue. [Fr.,--L. statua--statu[)e]re, to cause lo stand--st[=a]re.]

STATUESQUE, stat-[=u]-esk', adj. like a statue.--adv. STATUESQUE'LY. [Fr.]

STATURE, stat'[=u]r, n. the height of any animal.--adj. STAT'URED, having a certain specified stature. [L. statura.]

STATUS, st[=a]'tus, n. state: condition: rank. [L.]

STATUTE, stat'[=u]t, n. a law expressly enacted by the legislature (as distinguished from a customary law or law of use and wont): a written law: the act of a corporation or its founder, intended as a permanent rule or law.--adj. STAT'[=U]TABLE, made by statute: according to statute.--adv. STAT'[=U]TABLY.--ns. STAT'UTE-BOOK, a record of statutes or enacted laws; STAT'UTE-CAP (Shak.), a kind of cap enjoined to be worn by a statute passed in 1571 in behalf of the cap-makers; STAT'UTE-ROLL, an enrolled statute.--adj. STAT'[=U]TORY, enacted by statute: depending on statute for its authority. [L. statutum, that which is set up--statu[)e]re.]

STAUNCH, stawnsh, adj. firm in principle, pursuit, or support: trusty, hearty, constant, zealous.--adv. STAUNCH'LY.--n. STAUNCH'NESS. [Stanch.]

STAUROLITE, stawr'[=o]-l[=i]t, n. a silicate of alumina with ferrous oxide, magnesia, and water, crystallising in trimetric forms, common as twinned cruciform crystals in certain states.--adj. STAUROLIT'IC.

STAVE, st[=a]v, n. one of the pieces of which a cask is made: a staff or part of a piece of music: a stanza.--v.t. to break a stave or the staves of: to break: to burst: to drive off, as with a staff: to delay:--pa.t. and pa.p. st[=a]ved or st[=o]ve. [By-form of staff.]

STAVES, st[=a]vz, plural of staff and of stave.

STAVESACRE, st[=a]vz'[=a]-k[.e]r, n. a tall larkspur whose seeds yield delphinin for destroying lice. [O. Fr. stavesaigre--Low L. staphisagria--Gr. staphis, dried grapes, agrios, wild.]

STAW, staw, v.i. (prov.) to stand still, become fixed.--v.t. (Scot.) to surfeit, to scunner at.--n. a surfeit.

STAW, staw, a Scotch form of stole.

STAY, st[=a], v.i. to remain: to abide for any time: to continue in a state: to wait: to cease acting: to dwell: to trust.--v.t. to cause to stand: to stop: to restrain: to delay: to prevent from falling: to prop: to support, rest, rely:--pa.t. and pa.p. stayed, staid.--n. continuance in a place: abode for a time: stand: stop: a fixed state: a standstill: suspension of a legal proceeding: prop, support: (pl.) a kind of stiff inner waistcoat worn by women.--ns. STAY'-AT-HOME, one who keeps much at home--also adj.; STAY'-BOLT, a bolt or rod binding together opposite plates; STAY'ER, one who, or that which, stops, holds, or supports: a person or animal of good lasting or staying qualities for a race, &c.; STAY'-LACE, a lace for fastening a bodice; STAY'-M[=A]'KER, one whose occupation is to make stays.--STAY THE STOMACH, to allay the cravings of hunger for the time. [O. Fr. estayer, estaye--Old Dut. stade, a stay.]

STAY, st[=a], n. a large strong rope running from the head of one mast to another mast ('fore-and-aft' stay), or to the side of the ship ('back'-stay): the transverse piece in a chain-cable link.--v.t. to support or to incline to one side by means of stays: to put on the other tack, to cause to go about.--v.i. to change tack, to go about, to be in stays.--ns. STAY'SAIL, a sail extended on a stay; STAY'-TACK'LE, a large hoisting tackle fixed by a pendant to the mainstay of a ship.--MISS STAYS (see MISS). [A.S. stæg; Dut. stag, Ger. stag.]

STAYED, st[=a]d, adj. (Spens.). Same as Staid, constant.

STAYNE, st[=a]n, v.t. (Spens.) to dim, deface, or disparage. [A form of stain.]

STAYRE, st[=a]r, n. (Spens.). Same as Stair, a step.

STEAD, sted, n. the place which another had or might have: a fixed place of abode: use, help, service, as in 'To stand in good stead.'--n. STEADING, the barns, stables, &c. of a farm. [A.S. stede, place; Ger. stadt, statt, place, Dut. stad, a town.]

STEADFAST, sted'fast, adj. firmly fixed or established: firm: constant: resolute: steady.--adv. STEAD'FASTLY.--n. STEAD'FASTNESS. [A.S. stedefæst, stede, a place, fæst, firm, fast.]

STEADY, sted'i, adj. (comp. STEAD'IER, superl. STEAD'IEST) firm in standing or in place: fixed: stable: constant: resolute: consistent: regular: uniform: sober, industrious.--v.t. to make steady: to make or keep firm:--pa.t. and pa.p. stead'ied.--n. a rest or support, as for the hand, a tool, or a piece of work.--adv. STEAD'ILY.--n. STEAD'INESS.--adj. STEAD'Y-G[=O]'ING, of steady habits or action. [A.S. _stæ_ðð_ig_--_stæ_ð, stead, bank; Ger. stätig, continual.]

STEAK, st[=a]k, n. a slice of meat (esp. beef) broiled, or for broiling. [Prob. Ice. steik, steikja, to broil.]

STEAL, st[=e]l, v.t. to take by theft or feloniously: to take away without notice: to gain or win by address, insidiously, or by gradual means: to snatch: in golf, to hole a long putt by a stealthy stroke--the opposite of Gobble.--v.i. to practise theft: to take feloniously: to pass secretly: to slip in or out unperceived:--pa.t. st[=o]le; pa.p. st[=o]len.--ns. STEAL'ER; STEAL'ING, the act of taking another's property without his knowledge or consent: stolen property.--adv. STEAL'INGLY.--STEAL A MARCH ON, to gain an advantage unperceived. [A.S. stelan; Ger. stehlen, Dut. stelen.]

STEAL, st[=e]l, n. (Spens.) a handle.

STEALTH, stelth, n. the act of stealing: a secret manner of bringing anything to pass.--adv. STEALTH'ILY.--n. STEALTH'INESS.--adj. STEALTH'Y, done by stealth: unperceived: secret.

STEAM, st[=e]m, n. the vapour of water--when dry, invisible and transparent like air, and not to be confused with the semi-liquid cloud which comes from the chimney of a locomotive; when superheated, changing the characteristics of a vapour for those belonging to what is known as a 'perfect gas:' the mist formed by condensed vapour: any vaporous exhalation: energy, force, spirit.--v.i. to rise or pass off in steam or vapour: to move by steam.--v.t. to expose to steam.--ns. STEAM'BOAT, STEAM'SHIP, STEAM'-VESS'EL, a boat, ship, or vessel propelled by steam; STEAM'-BOIL'ER, a boiler for generating steam; STEAM'-CARRIAGE, a carriage moved by steam on common roads; STEAM'-CHEST, -DOME, a chamber above a steam-boiler serving as a reservoir for steam; STEAM'-CRANE, a crane worked by a steam-engine; STEAM'-DIG'GER, a machine for digging the soil by means of steam-power, the soil being thereby much more thoroughly pulverised than by ploughing; STEAM'-EN'GINE, an engine or machine which changes heat into useful work through the medium of steam; STEAM'ER, a vessel moved by steam: a road-locomotive, &c.: a vessel in which articles are steamed; STEAM'-GAUGE, an instrument for measuring the pressure of steam in a boiler; STEAM'-GOV'ERNOR, the governor of a steam-engine; STEAM'-GUN, a gun projecting a missile by means of steam; STEAM'-HAMM'ER, a hammer consisting of a steam cylinder and piston placed vertically over an anvil, the hammer moved by the action of the steam; STEAM'INESS, the quality of being vaporous or misty; STEAM'-JACK'ET, a hollow casing surrounding any vessel and into which steam may be admitted; STEAM'-LAUNCH (see LAUNCH); STEAM'-NAVIG[=A]'TION, the propulsion of vessels by steam; STEAM'-NAV'VY, an excavator operated by steam in the making of docks, canals, &c.; STEAM'-PACK'ET, a steam-vessel plying between certain ports; STEAM'-PIPE, a pipe for conveying steam; STEAM'-PLOUGH, a plough or gang of ploughs worked by a steam-engine; STEAM'-POW'ER, the force of steam when applied to machinery; STEAM'-PRESS, a printing-press worked by steam; STEAM'-PRINT'ING, printing in which the presses are operated by steam; STEAM'-TRAP, a contrivance for allowing the passage of water while preventing the passage of steam; STEAM'-TUG, a small steam-vessel used in towing ships; STEAM'-WHIS'TLE, an apparatus attached to a steam-engine through which steam is discharged, producing a sound in the manner of a common whistle.--adj. STEAM'Y, consisting of, or like, steam: full of steam or vapour.--n. STEAM'-YACHT, a yacht propelled by steam. [A.S. steám; cog. with Dut. stoom.]

STEAN, STEEN, st[=e]n, n. a stone or earthenware vessel.--n. STEAN'ING, the stone or brick lining of a well, &c. [A.S. stæn, stone.]

STEARE, st[=e]r, n. (Spens.) a steer or ox.

STEARINE, st[=e]'a-r[=i]n, n. one of the fats occurring in animals and plants, the chief constituent of the more solid fats, such as mutton suet.--n. ST[=E]'AR[=A]TE, a salt formed by the combination of stearic acid with a base.--adj. ST[=E]AR'IC, pertaining to, or obtained from, stearine.--n. ST[=E]ARRH[=E]'A, an abnormal increase of secretion from the oil-glands of the skin.--STEARIC ACID, an acid abundant in fats. [Gr. stear, steatos, suet--histanai, to make to stand, to fix.]

STEATITE, st[=e]'a-t[=i]t, n. soapstone, a compact or massive variety of talc, a hydrous silicate of magnesia, white or yellow, soft and greasy to the touch--used by tailors for marking cloth, and called Briançon Chalk, French Chalk, and Venice Talc.--adj. ST[=E]ATIT'IC.--ns. ST[=E]AT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the fatty tissue; ST[=E]'ATOCELE, a fatty tumour in the scrotum; ST[=E]AT[=O]'MA, a fatty encysted tumour.--adj. ST[=E]ATOM'ATOUS.--n. ST[=E]ATOP'YGA, an accumulation of fat on the buttocks of the Bushmen women.--adj. ST[=E]ATOP'YGOUS, fat-buttocked.--n. ST[=E]AT[=O]'SIS, fatty degeneration of an organ, as the heart. [Gr. steatit[=e]s--stear, steatos, suet.]

STEBOY, ste-boi', interj. a cry in setting on a dog.--Also HIST'ABOY.

STEDFAST=Steadfast.

STEED, st[=e]d, n. a horse or stallion, esp. a spirited horse. [A.S. stéda, from stód, a stud; Ger. stute, a stud-mare, ge-stüte, a stud.]

STEEDY, st[=e]d'i, adj. (Spens.) steady.

STEEK, st[=e]k, n. (Scot.) a stitch.--v.t. to pierce, to stitch: to close.

STEEL, st[=e]l, n. iron combined in varying proportions with carbon for making edged tools: any instrument or weapon of steel: an instrument of steel for sharpening knives on: a strip of steel for stiffening a corset: a piece of steel for striking fire from a flint: extreme hardness: a chalybeate medicine.--adj. made of steel: hard, unfeeling.--v.t. to overlay or edge with steel: to harden: to make obdurate.--adj. STEEL'-CLAD, clad with steel-mail.--ns. STEEL'-ENGRAVING, the art of engraving pictures on steel plates from which impressions may be taken, the impression or print so taken; STEEL'INESS, state of being steely, great hardness; STEEL'ING, the welding of a steel edge on a cutting instrument; STEEL'-PEN, a pen-nib made of steel; STEEL'-PLATE, a plate of steel: a plate of polished steel on which a design is engraved, the print taken from such.--adj. STEEL'-PL[=A]T'ED, plated with steel.--n.pl. STEEL'-TOYS, small articles of steel as buttons, buckles, &c.--n. STEEL'-WARE, articles made of steel collectively.--adj. STEEL'Y, made of steel: steel-like. [A.S. stýle; Ger. stahl.]

STEELBOW, st[=e]l'b[=o], n. (Scots law) a term for goods, such as corn, cattle, straw, and implements of husbandry delivered by the landlord to his tenant, by means of which the latter is enabled to stock and labour the farm, and in consideration of which he becomes bound to return articles equal in quantity and quality at the expiration of the lease.

STEELYARD, st[=e]l'yärd, n. the Roman balance, an instrument for weighing, consisting of a lever with unequal arms, in using which a single weight or counterpoise is employed, being moved along a graduated beam. [Orig. the yard in London where steel was sold by German merchants.]

STEEM, st[=e]m (Spens.). Same as ESTEEM.

STEEN. See STEAN.

STEENBOK, st[=a]n'bok, n. one of several small African antelopes. [Dut., steen, stone, bok, buck.]

STEENKIRK, st[=e]n'kerk, n. a lace cravat loosely worn, so named from the defeat of William III. by Luxembourg at Steenkerke, August 3, 1692.

STEEP, st[=e]p, adj. rising or descending with great inclination: precipitous: difficult, excessive, exorbitant.--n. a precipitous place: a precipice.--adj. STEEP'-DOWN (Shak.), deep and precipitous.--v.i. STEEP'EN, to become steep.--ns. STEEP'INESS, STEEP'NESS, the state or quality of being steep.--adv. STEEP'LY.--adj. STEEP'Y, steep. [A.S. steáp; Ice. steypthr.]

STEEP, st[=e]p, v.t. to dip or soak in a liquid: to imbue.--n. something steeped or used in steeping: a fertilising liquid for seed: rennet.--n. STEEP'ER, a vessel in which articles are steeped. [Scand., Ice. steypa, to make to stoop, pour out, causal of stúpa, to stoop.]

STEEPLE, st[=e]p'l, n. a tower of a church or building, ending in a point: the high head-dress of the 14th century.--adj. STEEP'LED, furnished with a steeple: adorned with, or as with, steeples or towers.--ns. STEEP'LE-HAT, a high and narrow-crowned hat; STEEP'LE-HOUSE, an old Quaker name for the building in which believers meet for worship; STEEP'LEJACK, one who climbs steeples and chimney-stalks to make repairs. [A.S. stýpel, stepel--steáp, steep.]

STEEPLECHASE, st[=e]p'l-ch[=a]s, n. a horserace run across the open country, over hedges, ditches, walls, and other obstacles.--n. STEEP'LECH[=A]SER, one who rides such.

STEER, st[=e]r, n. a young ox, esp. a castrated one from two to four years old.--n. STEER'LING, a little or young steer. [A.S. steór; Ger. stier.]

STEER, st[=e]r, v.t. to direct with the helm: to guide: to govern.--v.i. to direct a ship in its course: to be directed: to move.--ns. STEER'AGE, act or practice of steering: the effect of a rudder on the ship: an apartment in the fore-part of a ship for passengers paying a lower rate of fare; STEER'AGE-WAY, sufficient movement of a vessel to enable it to be controlled by the helm; STEER'ER, STEERS'MAN, a man who steers a ship; STEER'ING; STEER'ING-WHEEL, the wheel by which the rudder of a ship is turned. [A.S. steóran, stýran, to steer; Ger. steuern.]

STEER, st[=e]r, n. a Scotch form of stir.

STEEVE, st[=e]v, n. a spar with a block at the end for packing close certain kinds of cargo: the angle which the bowsprit of a ship makes with the horizon or the line of her keel.--Also STEEV'ING.

STEEVE, st[=e]v, adj. (Scot.) stiff, firm.--adv. STEEVE'LY.

STEEVE, st[=e]v, v.t. to stuff, pack close.--n. STEEV'ING.

STEGANOGRAPHY, steg-an-og'ra-fi, n. the art of writing in cipher or secret characters.--n. STEGANOG'RAPHIST, one who writes in cipher. [Gr. steganos, concealed--stegein, to cover, graphein, to write.]

STEGANOPUS, ste-gan'[=o]-pus, n. a genus of phalaropes with long slender bill.--adjs. STEG'ANOPOD, STEGANOP'ODOUS, having all four toes webbed, totipalmate.--n.pl. STEGANOP'ODES, an order of swimming birds, with all four toes webbed and a gular pouch--cormorants, frigate-birds, pelicans, gannets. [Gr. steganos, covered, pous, podos, foot.]

STEGNOSIS, steg-n[=o]'sis, n. constriction of the pores and vessels: constipation.--adj. STEGNOT'IC.

STEGOCEPHALOUS, steg-[=o]-sef'a-lus, adj. with the head mailed, loricate, cataphract. [Gr. stegein, to cover, kephal[=e], the head.]

STEGOGNATHOUS, ste-gog'n[=a]-thus, adj. having a jaw composed of imbricated plates. [Gr. stegein, to cover, gnathos, the jaw.]

STEGOPTEROUS, ste-gop'te-rus, adj. roof-winged, keeping the wings deflexed when at rest. [Gr. stegein, to cover, pteron, a wing.]

STEGOSAURIAN, steg-[=o]-saw'ri-an, adj. pertaining to the STEGOSAU'RIA, an order or suborder of dinosaurs, represented by the families Stegosauridæ and Scelidosauridæ.--n. STEGOSAU'RUS, the typical genus of Stegosauridæ, with enormous bucklers and spines. [Gr. stegein, to cover, sauros, a lizard.]

STEINBERGER, st[=i]n-ber'g[.e]r, n. an esteemed Rhenish white wine, produced near Wiesbaden.

STEINBOCK, STEENBOK, st[=e]n'bok, n. the name given in German Switzerland to the ibex of the Alps. [Ger. stein, stone, rock, bock, buck, he-goat.]

STELE, st[=e]'l[=e], n. an upright stone slab or tablet, either sepulchral or on which laws, decrees, &c. are inscribed--also ST[=E]'LA.--adj. ST[=E]'LENE.--n. STELOG'RAPHY, the practice of writing on steles. [L.,--Gr. st[=e]l[=e]--histanai, to set, stand.]

STELECHITE, stel'e-k[=i]t, n. a fine variety of storax.

STELL, stel, v.t. (Shak.) to place, set.

STELLAR, stel'ar, STELLARY, stel'ar-i, adj. relating to the stars: starry.--n. STELL[=A]'RIA, a genus of tufted plants of the pink family--the chickweeds or starworts.--adjs. STELL'[=A]TE, -D, like a star: radiated; STELLED (Milt.), starry: (Shak.) set or fixed; STELLIF'EROUS, thickly abounding with stars; STELL'IFORM, star-shaped; STELL'ULAR, formed like little stars; STELL'ULATE (bot.), like a little star. [L. stellaris--stella, a star.]

STELLION, stel'yun, n. an agamoid lizard.

STELTHS, stelths, n.pl. (Spens.) thefts.

STEM, stem, n. the ascending axis of a plant, which usually bears leaves and flowers, and maintains communication between the roots and the leaves: the little branch supporting the flower or fruit: a race or family: branch of a family.--n. STEM'-LEAF, a leaf growing from the stem.--adj. STEM'LESS (bot.), wanting a stem, or having it so little developed as to seem to be wanting.--ns. STEM'LET, a little or young stem; STEM'MA, a pedigree or family tree: an ocellus.--adjs. STEM'MATOUS; STEMMED. [A.S. stæfn, stefn, stemn, from stæf, a staff; Ger. stab.]

STEM, stem, n. the prow of a ship: a curved piece of timber at the prow to which the two sides of a ship are united.--v.t. to cut, as with the stem: to resist or make progress against: to stop, to check:--pr.p. stem'ming; pa.t. and pa.p. stemmed.--FROM STEM TO STERN, from one end of a vessel to the other: completely, throughout. [Same word as above.]

STEME, st[=e]m, v.t. an obsolete form of steam.

STEMPEL, stem'pel, n. a timber helping to support a platform.--Also STEM'PLE.

STEMSON, stem'sun, n. an arching piece of compass-timber behind the apron of a vessel, and supporting its scarfs.

STENCH, stensh, n. stink: a strong bad odour or smell.--adj. STENCH'Y. [A.S. stenc; Ger. stank.]

STENCIL, sten'sil, n. a plate of metal, &c., with a pattern cut out, which is impressed upon a surface by drawing a brush with colour over it.--v.t. to print or paint by means of a stencil:--pr.p. sten'cilling; pa.t. and pa.p. sten'cilled.--ns. STEN'CILLER, one who does stencil-work; STEN'CILLING, a method of printing letters or designs, the pattern cut out on a thin plate, and brushed over so as to mark the surface below. [O. Fr. estinceller, estincelle--L. scintilla, a spark.]

STEND, stend, v.i. (prov.) to rear, leap, walk with long strides.--n. a leap.

STENOCHROME, sten'[=o]-kr[=o]m, n. a print from a series of pigment-blocks arranged.--n. STEN'OCHROMY, the art of printing in several colours at one impression. [Gr. stenos, narrow, chr[=o]ma, colour.]

STENOGRAPHY, sten-og'ra-fi, n. art of writing very quickly by means of abbreviations: shorthand.--n. STEN'OGRAPH, a character used in stenography: a stenographic machine.--v.i. to represent by means of stenography.--ns. STENOG'RAPHER, STENOG'RAPHIST.--adjs. STENOGRAPH'IC, -AL. [Gr. stenos, narrow, graphein, to write.]

STENOPAIC, sten-[=o]-p[=a]'ik, adj. having a narrow opening. [Gr. stenos, narrow, op[=e], an opening.]

STENOSIS, sten-[=o]'sis, n. constriction of the pores and vessels: constipation.--adjs. STENOSED', contracted morbidly; STENOT'IC, abnormally contracted. [Gr., stenos, narrow.]

STENOTYPY, sten'o-t[=i]p-i, n. a system of shorthand representing by ordinary letters shortened signs of words or phrases.--n. STEN'OTYPE, such a symbolic letter or combination of letters.--adj. STENOTYP'IC.

STENT, stent, v.t. (prov.) to stint, restrain.--n. extent, limit, amount of work required. [Stint.]

STENTOR, stent'or, n. a very loud-voiced herald in the Iliad, hence any person with a remarkably loud voice: the ursine howler.--adj. STENT[=O]'RIAN, very loud or powerful. [Gr.]

STEP, step, n. a pace: the distance crossed by the foot in walking or running: a small space: degree: one remove in ascending or descending a stair: round of a ladder: footprint: manner of walking: proceeding: action: the support on which the lower end of a mast, or staff, or a wheel rests: (pl.) walk, direction taken in walking: a self-supporting ladder with flat steps.--v.i. to advance or retire by pacing: to walk: to walk slowly or gravely: to walk a short distance: to move mentally.--v.t. to set, as a foot: to fix, as a mast:--pr.p. step'ping; pa.t. and pa.p. stepped.--ns. STEP'PER, one who steps; STEP'PING-STONE, a stone for stepping on to raise the feet above the water or mud; STEP'STONE, a door-step.--STEP ASIDE, to walk to a little distance, as from company: to err; STEP IN, or INTO, to enter easily or unexpectedly; STEP OUT, to go out a little way: to increase the length of the step and so the speed; STEP SHORT, to shorten the length of one's step. [A.S. stæpe--stapan, to go; Dut. stap, Ger. stapfe.]

STEP-CHILD, step'-ch[=i]ld, n. one who stands in the relation of a child through the marriage of a parent--also STEP'-BAIRN. So STEP'-BROTH'ER; STEP'-DAUGH'TER; STEP'-FA'THER; STEP'-MOTH'ER, or -DAME; STEP'-SIS'TER; STEP'-SON.--n. STEP'-COUN'TRY, an adopted country. [A.S. steóp-, as in steóp-módor; Ger. stieb-; orig. an adj. sig. bereft.]

STEPHANE, stef'a-n[=e], n. an ancient Greek head-dress like a coronet. [Gr.,--stephein, to crown.]

STEPHANITE, stef'a-n[=i]t, n. a metallic iron-black silver sulph-antimonite.--Also Brittle silver ore and Sulph-antimonite of silver.

STEPHANOTIS, stef-a-n[=o]'tis, n. a genus of shrubby twining plants of the milkweed family. [Gr. stephanos, a crown, ous, [=o]tos, the ear.]

STEPPE, step, n. one of the vast uncultivated plains in the south-east of Europe and in Asia. [Russ. stepe.]

STERCORAL, ster'ko-ral, adj. pertaining to excrement--also STER'CORARY, STERCOR[=A]'CEOUS.--ns. STER'CORANIST, STERCOR[=A]'RIAN, one who held that the sacramental bread was digested and evacuated like other food; STERCOR[=A]'RIANISM; STERCOR[=A]'RIUS, a genus of Laridæ, the dung-hunters or skuas.--v.t. STER'CORATE, to manure.

STERCULIA, ster-k[=u]'li-a, n. the typical genus of Sterculiaceæ, a family of large trees and shrubs, with mucilaginous and demulcent properties--Gum-tragacanth, &c. [L. stercus, dung.]

STERE, st[=e]r, n. a cubic unit of metric measure--a cubic mètre, equivalent to 35.3156 English cubic feet.--Decastère=10 steres; Decistère=1/10 stere. [Fr. stère--Gr. stereos, solid.]

STEREO, ster'[=e]-[=o], adj. and n. a contr. of stereotype.

STEREOBATE, ster'[=e]-[=o]-b[=a]t, n. the substructure on which a building is based.--adj. STEREOBAT'IC. [Gr. stereos, solid, batos, verbal of bainein, to go.]

STEREOCHROMY, ster'[=e]-[=o]-kr[=o]-mi, n. a process of painting on stone or plaster-work, the colours rendered permanent by a solution of fluoric acid.--n. ST[=E]'REOCHROME, a picture of this kind.--adj. STEREOCHR[=O]'MIC.--adv. STEREOCHR[=O]'MICALLY. [Gr. stereos, hard, chr[=o]ma, colour.]

STEREOELECTRIC, ster'[=e]-[=o]-[=e]-lek'trik, adj. pertaining to electric currents produced when two solids are brought together at different temperatures.

STEREOGRAPH, st[=e]'r[=e]-[=o]-graf, n. a double photograph for viewing in a stereoscope--also ST[=E]'R[=E][=O]GRAM.--adjs. STER[=E]OGRAPH'IC, -AL, pertaining to stereography: made according to stereography: delineated on a plane.--adv. STER[=E]OGRAPH'ICALLY.--n. STER[=E]OG'RAPHY, the art of showing solids on a plane. [Gr. stereos, hard, graphein, to write.]

STEREOMETER, st[=e]-re-om'e-t[.e]r, n. an instrument for measuring the specific gravity of bodies solid and liquid.--adjs. STER[=E]OMET'RIC, -AL.--adv. STER[=E]OMET'RICALLY.--n. STER[=E]OM'ETRY, the art of measuring the solid contents of solid bodies. [Gr. stereos, hard, metron, measure.]

STEREOPTICON, ster-[=e]-op'ti-kon, n. a double magic-lantern, by means of which the one picture appears to dissolve gradually into the other.

STEREOSCOPE, ster'[=e]-[=o]-sk[=o]p, n. an instrument in which each of two pictures is examined by a separate lens, and the two lenses are inclined so as to shift the images towards one another, and thus to ensure or to facilitate the blending of the two images into one, standing out in relief with solidity.--adjs. STER[=E]OSCOP'IC, -AL, pertaining to the stereoscope.--adv. STER[=E]OSCOP'ICALLY.--ns. ST[=E]'R[=E]OSCOPIST; STER[=E]OS'COPY. [Gr. stereos, solid, skopein, see.]

STEREOTOMY, ster-[=e]-ot'[=o]-mi, n. the art of cutting solids into figures by certain sections.--adjs. STER[=E]O TOM'IC, -AL. [Gr. stereos, solid, temnein, to cut.]