Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (part 27 of 60)
Syn. -- Hindrance; obstruction; obstacle; difficulty; incumbrance. -- Impediment, Obstacle, Difficulty, Hindrance. An impediment literally strikes against our feet, checking our progress, and we remove it. An obstacle rises before us in our path, and we surmount or remove it. A difficulty sets before us something hard to be done, and we encounter it and overcome it. A hindrance holds us back for a time, but we break away from it. The eloquence of Demosthenes was to Philip of Macedon, a difficulty to be met with his best recources, ant obstacle to his own ambition, and an impedimen in his political career. C. J. Smith.
IMPEDIMENT Im*ped"i*ment, v. t.
Defn: To impede. [R.] Bp. Reynolds.
IMPEDIMENTA Im*ped`i*men"ta, n. pl. [L. See Impediment, Impede.]
Defn: Things which impede or hinder progress; incumbrances; baggage; specif. (Mil.),
Defn: the supply trains which must accompany an army.
On the plains they will have horses dragging travoises, dogs with travoises, women and children loaded with impedimenta. Julian Ralph.
IMPEDIMENTAL Im*ped`i*men"tal, a.
Defn: Of the nature of an impediment; hindering; obstructing; impeditive. Things so impediental to success. G. H. Lewes.
IMPEDITE Im"pe*dite, a. Etym: [L. impeditus, p. p. See Impede.]
Defn: Hindered; obstructed. [R.] Jer. Taylor.
IMPEDITE Im"pe*dite, v. t.
Defn: To impede. [Obs.] Boyle.
IMPEDITION Im"pe*di"tion, n. Etym: [L. impeditio.]
Defn: A hindering; a hindrance. [Obs.] Baxier.
IMPEDITIVE Im*ped"i*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. impéditif.]
Defn: Causing hindrance; impeding. "Cumbersome, and impeditive of motion." Bp. Hall.
IMPEL Im*pel", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Impelling.] Etym: [L. impellere; pref. im- in + pellere, pulsum, to drive. See Pulse a beat, and cf. Impulse.]
Defn: To drive or urge forward or on; to press on; to incite to action or motion in any way. The surge impelled me on a craggy coast. Pope.
Syn. -- To instigate; incite; induce; influence; force; drive; urge; actuate; move.
IMPELLENT Im*pel"lent, a. Etym: [L. impellens, p. pr. of impellere.]
Defn: Having the quality of impelling.
IMPELLENT Im*pel"lent, n.
Defn: An impelling power or force. Glanvill.
IMPELLER Im*pel"ler, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, impels.
IMPEN Im*pen", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impenned and Impent (; p. pr. & vb. n. Impenning.]
Defn: To shut up or inclose, as in a pen. Feltham.
IMPEND Im*pend", v. t. Etym: [L. impend; pref. im- in + pend to weigh out, pay.]
Defn: To pay. [Obs.] Fabyan.
IMPEND Im*pend", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Impended; p. pr. & vb. n. Impending.] Etym: [L. impendere; pref. im- in + pendere to hang. See Pendant.]
Defn: To hang over; to be suspended above; to threaten frome near at hand; to menace; to be imminent. See Imminent. Destruction sure o'er all your heads impends. Pope.
IMPENDENCE; IMPENDENCY Im*pend"ence, Im*pend"en*cy, n.
Defn: The state of impending; also, that which impends. "Impendence of volcanic cloud." Ruskin.
IMPENDENT Im*pend"ent, a. Etym: [L. impendens, p. pr. of impendere.]
Defn: Impending; threatening. Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall. Milton.
IMPENDING Im*pend"ing, a.
Defn: Hanging over; overhanging; suspended so as to menace; imminet; threatening. An impending brow. Hawthorne. And nodding Ilion waits th' impending fall. Pope.
Syn. -- Imminent; threatening. See Imminent.
IMPENETRABILITY Im*pen`e*tra*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. impénétrabilité.]
1. Quality of being impenetrable.
2. (Physics)
Defn: That property in virtue of which two portions of matter can not at the same time occupy the same portion of space.
3. Insusceptibility of intellectual or emotional impression; obtuseness; stupidity; coldness.
IMPENETRABLE Im*pen"e*tra*ble, a. Etym: [L. impenetrabilis; pref. im- not + penetrabilis penetrable: cf. F. impénétrable.]
1. Incapable of being penetrated or pierced; not admitting the passage of other bodies; not to be entered; impervious; as, an impenetrable shield. Highest woods impenetrable To star or sunlight. Milton.
2. (Physics)
Defn: Having the property of preventing any other substance from occupying the same space at the same time.
3. Inaccessible, as to knowledge, reason, sympathy, etc.; unimpressible; not to be moved by arguments or motives; as, an impenetrable mind, or heart. They will be credulous in all affairs of life, but impenetrable by a sermon of the gospel. Jer. Taylor.
IMPENETRABLENESS Im*pen"e*tra*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being impenetrable; impenetrability.
IMPENETRABLY Im*pen"e*tra*bly, adv.
Defn: In an impenetrable manner or state; imperviously. "Impenetrably armed." Milton. "Impenetrably dull." Pope.
IMPENITENCE Im*pen"i*tence, n. Etym: [L. impenitentia: cf. F. impénitence.]
Defn: The condition of being impenitent; failure or refusal to repent; hardness of heart. He will advance from one degree of wickedness and impenitence to another. Rogers.
IMPENITENCY Im*pen"i*ten*cy, n.
Defn: Impenitence. Milton.
IMPENITENT Im*pen"i*tent, a. Etym: [L. impaenitens; pref. im- not + paenitens penitens: cf. F. impénitent. See Penitent.]
Defn: Not penitent; not repenting of sin; not contrite; of a hard heart. "They . . . died impenitent." Milton. "A careless and impenitent heart." Bp. Hall.
IMPENITENT Im*pen"i*tent, n.
Defn: One who is not penitent. [R.]
IMPENITENTLY Im*pen"i*tent*ly, adv.
Defn: Without repentance.
IMPENNATE Im*pen"nate, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Characterized by short wings covered with feathers resembling scales, as the penguins. -- n.
Defn: One of the Impennes.
IMPENNES Im*pen"nes, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. pref. im- not + penna feather.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of birds, including only the penguins, in which the wings are without quills, and not suited for flight.
IMPENNOUS Im*pen"nous a. Etym: [L. pref. im- not + penna wing.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having no wings, as some insects.
IMPEOPLE Im*peo"ple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impeopled; p. pr. & vb. n. Impeopling.] Etym: [See Empeople.]
Defn: To people; to give a population to. [Obs.] Thou hast helped to impeople hell. Beaumont.
IMPERANT Im"pe*rant, a. Etym: [L. imperans, p. pr. of imperare to command.]
Defn: Commanding. [R.] Baxter.
IMPERATE Im"pe*rate, a. Etym: [L. imperatus, p. p. of imperare to command.]
Defn: Done by express direction; not involuntary; communded. [Obs.] Those imperate acts, wherein we see the empire of the soul. Sir M. Hale.
IMPERATIVAL Im*per`a*ti"val, a. (Gram.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the imperative mood.
IMPERATIVE Im*per"a*tive, a. Etym: [L. imperativus, fr. imperare to command; pref. im- in + parare to make ready, prepare: cf. F. impératif. See Perade, and cf. Empire.]
1. Expressive of command; containing positive command; authoritatively or absolutely directive; commanding; authoritative; as, imperative orders. The suit of kings are imperative. Bp. Hall.
2. Not to be avoided or evaded; obligatory; binding; compulsory; as, an imperative duty or order.
3. (Gram.)
Defn: Expressive of commund, entreaty, advice, or exhortation; as, the imperative mood.
IMPERATIVE Im*per"a*tive, n. (Gram.)
Defn: The imperative mood; also, a verb in the imperative mood.
IMPERATIVELY Im*per"a*tive*ly, adv.
Defn: In an imperative manner.
IMPERATOR Im`pe*ra"tor, n. Etym: [L. See Emperor.] (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: A commander; a leader; an emperor; -- originally an appellation of honor by which Roman soldiers saluted their general after an important victory. Subsequently the title was conferred as a recognition of great military achievements by the senate, whence it carried wiht it some special privileges. After the downfall of the Republic it was assumed by Augustus and his successors, and came to have the meaning now attached to the word emperor.
IMPERATORIAL Im*per`a*to"ri*al, a. Etym: [L. imperatorius.]
1. Commanding; imperative; authoritative.
2. Of or pertaining to the title or office of imperator. "Imperatorial laurels." C. Merivale.
IMPERATORIAN Im*per`a*to"ri*an, a.
Defn: Imperial. [R.] Gauden.
IMPERATORY Im*per"a*to*ry, a.
Defn: Imperative. [R.]
IMPERCEIVABLE Im`per*ceiv"a*ble, a.
Defn: Imperceptible. [R.] South. -- Im`per*ceiv"a*ble*ness, n. Sharp.
IMPERCEIVED Im`per*ceived", a.
Defn: Not perceived. [Obs.]
IMPERCEPTIBILITY Im`per*cep`ti*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being imperceptible.
IMPERCEPTIBLE Im`per*cep"ti*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + perceptible: cf. F. imperceptible.]
Defn: Not perceptible; not to be apprehended or cognized by the souses; not discernible by the mind; not easily apprehended. Almost imperceptible to the touch. Dryden. Its operation is slow, and in some cases almost imperceptible. Burke. -- Im`per*cep"ti*ble*ness, n. -- Im`per*cep"ti*bly, adv. Their . . . subility and imperceptibleness. Sir M. Hale.
IMPERCEPTION Im`per*cep"tion, n.
Defn: Want of perception.
IMPERCEPTIVE Im`per*cep"tive, a.
Defn: Unable to perceive. The imperceptive part of the soul. Dr. H. More.
IMPERCIPIENT Im`per*cip"i*ent, a.
Defn: Not perceiving, or not able to perceive. A. Baxter.
IMPERDIBILITY Im*per`di*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being imperdible. [Obs.] Derham.
IMPERDIBLE Im*per"di*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + L. perdere to destroy.]
Defn: Not destructible. [Obs.] -- Im*per"di*bly, adv. [Obs.]
IMPERFECT Im*per"fect, a. Etym: [L. imperfectus: pref. im- not + perfectus perfect: cf. F imparfait, whence OE. imparfit. See Perfect.]
1. Not perfect; not complete in all its parts; wanting a part; deective; deficient. Something he left imperfect in the state. Shak. Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect. Shak.
2. Wanting in some elementary organ that is essential to successful or normal activity. He . . . stammered like a child, or an amazed, imperfect person. Jer. Taylor.
3. Not fulfilling its design; not realizing an ideal; not conformed to a standard or rule; not satisfying the taste or conscience; esthetically or morally defective. Nothing imperfect or deficient left Of all that he created. Milton. Then say not man's imperfect, Heaven in fault; Say rather, man's as perfect as he ought. Pope. Imperfect arch, an arch of less than a semicircle; a skew arch. -- Imperfect cadence (Mus.), one not ending with the tonic, but with the dominant or some other chord; one not giving complete rest; a half close. -- Imperfect consonances (Mus.), chords like the third and sixth, whose ratios are less simple than those of the fifth and forth. -- Imperfect flower (Bot.), a flower wanting either stamens or pistils. Gray. -- Imperfect interval (Mus.), one a semitone less than perfect; as, an imperfect fifth. -- Imperfect number (Math.), a number either greater or less than the sum of its several divisors; in the former case, it is called also a defective number; in the latter, an abundant number. -- Imperfect obligations (Law), obligations as of charity or gratitude, which cannot be enforced by law. -- Imperfect power (Math.), a number which can not be produced by taking any whole number or vulgar fraction, as a factor, the number of times indicated by the power; thus, 9 is a perfect square, but an imperfect cube. -- Imperfect tense (Gram), a tense expressing past time and incomplete action.
IMPERFECT Im*per"fect, n. (Gram.)
Defn: The imperfect tense; or the form of a verb denoting the imperfect tense.
IMPERFECT Im*per"fect, v. t.
Defn: To make imperfect. [Obs.]
IMPERFECTIBILITY Im`per*fec`ti*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being imperfectible. [R.]
IMPERFECTIBLE Im`per*fec"ti*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being mad perfect. [R.]
IMPERFECTION Im`per*fec"tion, n. Etym: [L. imperfectio: cf. F. imperfection. See Imperfect, a.]
Defn: The quality or condition of being imperfect; want of perfection; incompleteness; deficiency; fault or blemish. Sent to my account With all my imperfections on my head. Shak.
Syn. -- Defect; deficiency; incompleteness; fault; failing; weakness; frailty; foible; blemish; vice.
IMPERFECTNESS Im*per"fect*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being imperfect.
IMPERFORABLE Im*per"fo*ra*ble, a. Etym: [See Imperforate.]
Defn: Incapable of being perforated, or bored through.
IMPERFORATA Im*per"fo*ra"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Imperforate.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of Foraminifera, including those in which the shell is not porous.
IMPERFORATE; IMPERFORATED Im*per"fo*rate, Im*per"fo*ra"ted, a. Etym: [L. pref. im- not + perforatus, p. p. of perforate to perforate. See Perforate.]
Defn: Not perforated; having no opening or aperture. Sir J. Banks.
IMPERFORATION Im*per`fo*ra"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. imperforation.]
Defn: The state of being without perforation.
IMPERIAL Im*pe"ri*al, a. Etym: [OE. emperial, OF. emperial, F. impérial, fr. L. imperialis, fr. imperium command, sovereignty, empire. See Empire.]
1. Of or pertaining to an empire, or to an emperor; as, an imperial government; imperial authority or edict. The last That wore the imperial diadem of Rome. Shak.
2. Belonging to, or suitable to, supreme authority, or one who wields it; royal; sovereign; supreme. "The imperial democracy of Athens." Mitford. Who, as Ulysses says, opinion crowns With an imperial voice. Shak. To tame the proud, the fetter'd slave to free, These are imperial arts, and worthy thee. Dryden. He sounds his imperial clarion along the whole line of battle. E. Everett.
3. Of superior or unusual size or excellence; as, imperial paper; imperial tea, etc. Imperial bushel, gallon, etc. See Bushel, Gallon, etc. -- Imperial chamber, the, the sovereign court of the old German empire. -- Imperial city, under the first German empire, a city having no head but the emperor. -- Imperial diet, an assembly of all the states of the German empire. -- Imperial drill. (Manuf.) See under 8th Drill. -- Imperial eagle. (Zoöl.) See Eagle. -- Imperial green. See Paris green, under Green. -- Imperial guard, the royal guard instituted by Napoleon I. -- Imperial weights and measures, the standards legalized by the British Parliament.
IMPERIAL Im*pe"ri*al, n. Etym: [F. impériale: cf. Sp. imperial.]
1. The tuft of hair on a man's lower lip and chin; -- so called from the style of beard of Napoleon III.
2. An outside seat on a diligence. T. Hughes.
3. A luggage case on the top of a coach. Simmonds.
4. Anything of unusual size or excellence, as a large decanter, a kind of large photograph, a large sheet of drowing, printing, or writing paper, etc.
5. A gold coin of Russia worth ten rubles, or about eight dollars. McElrath.
6. A kind of fine cloth brought into England from Greece. or other Eastern countries, in the Middle Ages.
IMPERIALISM Im*pe"ri*al*ism, n.
Defn: The power or character of an emperor; imperial authority; the spirit of empire. Roman imperialism had divided the world. C. H. Pearson.
IMPERIALIST Im*pe"ri*al*ist, n. Etym: [Cf. F. impérialiste.]
Defn: One who serves an emperor; one who favors imperialism.
IMPERIALITY Im*pe`ri*al"i*ty, n.; pl. Imperialities (.
1. Imperial power.
2. An imperial right or privilegs. See Royalty. The late empress having, by ukases of grace, relinquished her imperialities on the private mines, viz., the tenths of the copper, iron, silver and gold. W. Tooke.
IMPERIALIZE Im*pe"ri*al*ize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imperialized; p. pr. & vb. n. Imperializing.]
Defn: To invest with imperial authority, character, or style; to bring to the form of an empire. Fuller.
IMPERIALLY Im*pe"ri*al*ly, adv.
Defn: In an imperial manner.
IMPERIALLY Im*pe"ri*al*ly, n.
Defn: Imperial power. [R.] Sheldon.
IMPERIL Im*per"il, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imperiled or Imperilled; p. pr. & vb. n. Imperiling or Imperilling.]
Defn: To bring into peril; to endanger.
IMPERILMENT Im*per"il*ment, n.
Defn: The act of imperiling, or the state of being imperiled.
IMPERIOUS Im*pe"ri*ous, a. Etym: [L. imperiosus: cf. F. impérieux. See Imperial.]
1. Commanding; ascendant; imperial; lordly; majestic. [Obs.] "A vast and imperious mind." Tilloison. Therefore, great lords, be, as your titles witness, Imperious. Shak.
2. Haughly; arrogant; overbearing; as, an imperious tyrant; an imperious manner. This imperious man will work us all From princes into pages. Shak. His bold, contemptuous, and imperious spirit soon made him conspicuous. Macaulay.
3. Imperative; urgent; compelling. Imperious need, which can not be withstood. Dryden.
Syn. -- Dictatorial; haughty; domineering; overbearing; lordly; tyrannical; despotic; arrogant; imperative; authoritative; commanding; pressing. -- Imperious, Lordly, Domineering. One who is imperious exercises his authority in a manner highly offensive for its spirit and tone; one who is lordly assumes a lofty air in order to display his importance; one who is domineering gives orders in a way to make other feel their inferiority.
IMPERIOUSLY Im*pe"ri*ous*ly, adv.
Defn: In an imperious manner.
IMPERIOUSNESS Im*pe"ri*ous*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being imperious; arrogance; haughtiness. Imperiousness and severity is but an ill way of treating men who have reason of their own to guide them. Locke.
IMPERISHABILITY Im*per`ish*a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being imperishable: indstructibility. "The imperishability of the universe." Milman.
IMPERISHABLE Im*per"ish*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + perishable: cf. F. impérissable.]
Defn: Not perisha ble; not subject to decay; indestructible; enduringpermanently; as, an imperishable monument; imperishable renown. -- Im*per"ish*a*ble*ness, n. -- Im*per"ish*a*bly, adv.
IMPERIUM Im*pe"ri*um, n.; pl. Imperia (#). [L. See Empire.]
1. Supreme power; absolute dominion; empire.
2. (Law) The right to command, which includes the right to employ the force of the state to enforce the laws. It is one of the principal attributes of the executive power.
IMPERIWIGGED Im*per"i"wigged, a.
Defn: Wearing a periwig.
IMPERMANENCE; IMPERMANENCY Im*per"ma*nence, Im*per"ma*nen*cy, n.
Defn: Want of permanence.
IMPERMANENT Im*per"ma*nent, a.
Defn: Not permanent.
IMPERMEABILITY Im*per`me*a*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Pref. im- not + permeability: cf. F. imperméabilité.]
Defn: The quality of being impermeable.
IMPERMEABLE Im*per"me*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + permeable: cf. F. imperméable, L. impermeabilis.]
Defn: Not permeable; not permitting passage, as of a fluid. through its substance; impervious; impenetrable; as, India rubber is impermeable to water and to air. -- Im*per"me*a*ble*ness, n. -- Im*per"me*a*bly, adv.
IMPERMISSIBLE Im`per*mis"si*ble, a.
Defn: Not permissible.
IMPERSCRUTABLE Im`per*scru"ta*ble, a. Etym: [L. imperscrutabilis.]
Defn: Not capable of being searched out; inscrutable. [Obs.] -- Im`per*scru"ta*ble*ness, n. [Obs.]
IMPERSEVERANT Im`per*sev"er*ant, a.
Defn: Not persevering; fickle; thoughtless. [Obs.]
IMPERSONAL Im*per"son*al, a. Etym: [L. impersonalis; pref. im- not + personalis personal: cf. F. impersonnel. See Personal.]
Defn: Not personal; not representing a person; not having personality. An almighty but impersonal power, called Fate. Sir J. Stephen. Impersonal verb (Gram.), a verb used with an indeterminate subject, commonly, in English, with the impersonal pronoun it; as, it rains; it snows; methinks (it seems to me). Many verbs which are not strictly impersonal are often used impersonally; as, it goes well with him.
IMPERSONAL Im*per"son*al, n.
Defn: That which wants personality; specifically (Gram.), an impersonal verb.
IMPERSONALITY Im*per`son*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being impersonal; want or absence of personality.
IMPERSONALLY Im*per"son*al*ly, adv.
Defn: In an impersonal manner.
IMPERSONATE Im*per"son*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impersonated; p. pr. & vb. n. Impersonating.]
1. To invest with personality; to endow with the form of a living being.
2. To ascribe the qualities of a person to; to personify.
3. To assume, or to represent, the person or character of; to personate; as, he impersonated Macbeth. Benedict impersonated his age. Milman.
IMPERSONATION; IMPERSONIFICATION Im*per`son*a"tion, Im`per*son`i*fi*ca"tion, n.
Defn: The act of impersonating; personification; investment with personality; representation in a personal form.
IMPERSONATOR Im*per"son*a`tor, n.
Defn: One who impersonates; an actor; a mimic.
IMPERSPICUITY Im*per`spi*cu"i*ty, n.
Defn: Want of perspicuity or clearness; vaguness; ambiguity.
IMPERSPICUOUS Im`per*spic"u*ous, a.
Defn: Not perspicuous; not clear; obscure; vague; ambeguous.
IMPERSUADABLE Im`per*suad"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. Impersuasible.]
Defn: Not to be persuaded; obstinate; unyielding; impersuasible. -- Im`per*suad"a*ble*ness, n.
IMPERSUASIBLE Im`per*sua"si*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + persuasible: cf. OF. impersuasible.]
Defn: Not persuasible; not to be moved by persuasion; inflexible; impersuadable. Dr. H. More. -- Im`per*sua`si*bil"i*ty, n.
IMPERTINENCE Im*per"ti*nence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. impertinence. See Impertinent.]
1. The condition or quality of being impertnent; absence of pertinence, or of adaptedness; irrelevance; unfitness.
2. Conduct or language unbecoming the person, the society, or the circumstances; rudeness; incivility. We should avoid the vexation and impertinence of pedants who affect to talk in a language not to be understood. Swift.
3. That which is impertinent; a thing out of place, or of no value. There are many subtile impertinences learned in schools. Watts.
IMPERTINENCY Im*per"ti*nen*cy, n.
Defn: Impertinence. [R.] O, matter and impertinency mixed! Reason in madness! Shak.
IMPERTINENT Im*per"ti*nent, a. Etym: [F., fr. L. impertinens, -entis; pref. im- not + pertinens. See Pertinent.]
1. Not pertinent; not pertaining to the matter in hand; having no bearing on the subject; not to the point; irrelevant; inapplicable. Things that are impertinent to us. Tillotson. How impertinent that grief was which served no end! Jer. Taylor.
2. Contrary to, or offending against, the rules of propriety or good breeding; guilty of, or prone to, rude, unbecoming, or uncivil words or actions; as, an impertient coxcomb; an impertient remark.
3. Trifing; inattentive; frivolous.
Syn. -- Rude; officious; intrusive; saucy; unmannerly; meddlesome; disrespectful; impudent; insolent. -- Impertinent, Officious, Rude. A person is officious who obtrudes his offices or assistance where they are not needed; he is impertinent when he intermeddles in things with which he has no concern. The former shows a want of tact, the latter a want of breeding, or, more commonly, a spirit of sheer impudence. A person is rude when he violates the proprieties of social life either from ignorance or wantonness. "An impertinent man will ask questions for the mere grafication of curiosity; a rude man will burst into the room of another, or push against his person, inviolant of all decorum; one who is officious is quite as unfortunate as he is troublesome; when he strives to serve, he has the misfortune to annoy." Crabb. See Impudence, and Insolent.
IMPERTINENT Im*per"ti*nent, n.
Defn: An impertinent person. [R.]
IMPERTINENTLY Im*per"ti*nent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an impertinent manner. "Not to betray myself impertinently." B. Jonson.
IMPERTRANSIBILITY Im`per*tran`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being impertransible. [R.]
IMPERTRANSIBLE Im`per*tran"si*ble, a. Etym: [L. pref. im- not + pertransire to go through. See Per- and Transient.]
Defn: Incapable of being passed through. [R.]
IMPERTURBABILITY Im`per*turb`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being imperturbable. [1913 Webster]
IMPERTURBABLE Im`per*turb"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. imperturbabilis; pref. im- not + perturbare to disturb: cf. F. imperturbable. See Perture.]
Defn: Incapable of being disturbed or disconcerted; as, imperturbable gravity.
IMPERTURBABLY Im`per*turb"a*bly, adv.
Defn: In an imperturbable manner; calmly. C. Bronté.
IMPERTURBATION Im*per`tur*ba"tion, n. Etym: [L. imperturbatio.]
Defn: Freedom from agitation of mind; calmness; quietude. W. Montagu.
IMPERTURBED Im`per*turbed", a.
Defn: Not perturbed.
IMPERVIABILITY Im*per`vi*a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being imperviable.
IMPERVIABLE Im*per"vi*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not pervious; impervious. [R.] -- Im*per"vi*a*ble*ness, n. [R.]
IMPERVIOUS Im*per"vi*ous, a. Etym: [L. impervius; pref. im- not + per through + via way. See Voyage.]
Defn: Not pervious; not admitting of entrance or passage through; as, a substance impervious to water or air. This gulf impassable, impervious. Milton. The minds of these zealots were absolutely impervious. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Impassable; pathless; impenetrable; imperviable; impermeable. -- Im*per"vi*ous*ly, adv. -- Im*per"vi*ous*ness, n.
IMPERY Im"per*y, n.
Defn: Empery. [Archaic] Joye.
IMPEST Im*pest", v. t.
Defn: To affict with pestilence; to infect, as with plague. [Obs.]
IMPESTER Im*pes"ter, v. t.
Defn: See Pester. [Obs.]
IMPETIGINOUS Im`pe*tig"i*nous, a. Etym: [L. impetiginous: cf. F. impétigineux.]
Defn: Of the nature of, or pertaining to, impetigo.
IMPETIGO Im`pe*ti"go, n. Etym: [L., fr. impetere to attack.] (Med.)
Defn: A cutaneous, pustular eruption, not attended with fever; usually, a kind of eczema with pustulation.
IMPETRABLE Im"pe*tra*ble a. Etym: [L. impetrabilis: cf. F. impétrable. See Impetrate.]
Defn: Capable of being obtained or moved by petition. [Obs.] Bailey.
IMPETRATE Im"pe*trate, a. Etym: [L. impetratus, p. p. of impetrare to obtain; pref. im- in + patrare to bring to pass.]
Defn: Obtained by entreaty. [Obs.] Ld. Herbert.
IMPETRATE Im"pe*trate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impetrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Impetrating.]
Defn: To obtain by request or entreaty. Usher.
IMPETRATION Im`pe*tra"tion, n. Etym: [L. impetratio: cf. F. impétration.]
1. The act of impetrating, or obtaining by petition or entreaty. [Obs.] In way of impertation procuring the removal or allevation of our crosses. Barrow.
2. (Old Eng. Law)
Defn: The obtaining of benefice from Rome by solicitation, which benefice belonged to the disposal of the king or other lay patron of the realm.
IMPETRATIVE Im"pe*tra*tive, a. Etym: [L. impetrativus obtained by entreaty.]
Defn: Of the nature of impetration; getting, or tending to get, by entreaty. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
IMPETRATORY Im"pe*tra*to*ry, a.
Defn: Containing or expressing entreaty. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.
IMPETUOSITY Im*pet`u*os"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. impétuosité.]
1. The condition or quality of being impetuous; fury; violence.
2. Vehemence, or furiousnes of temper. Shak.
IMPETUOUS Im*pet"u*ous, a. Etym: [F. impetueux, L. impetuosus. See Impetus.]
1. Rushing with force and violence; moving with impetus; furious; forcible; violent; as, an impetuous wind; an impetuous torrent. Went pouring forward with impetuous speed. Byron.
2. Vehement in feeling; hasty; passionate; violent; as, a man of impetuous temper. The people, on their holidays, Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable. Milton.
Syn. -- Forcible; rapid; hasty; precipitate; furious; boisterous; violent; raging; fierce; passionate. -- Im*pet"u*ous*ly, adv. -- Im*pet"u*ous*ness, n.
IMPETUS Im"pe*tus, n. Etym: [L., fr. impetere to rush upon, attack; pref. im- in + petere to fall upon, seek. See Petition.]
1. A property possessed by a moving body in virtue of its weight and its motion; the force with which any body is driven or impelled; momentum.
Note: Momentum is the technical term, impetus its popular equivalent, yet differing from it as applied commonly to bodies moving or moved suddenly or violently, and indicating the origin and intensity of the motion, rather than its quantity or effectiveness.
2. Fig.: Impulse; incentive; vigor; force. Buckle.
3. (Gun.)
Defn: The aititude through which a heavy body must fall to acquire a velocity equal to that with which a ball is discharged from a piece.
IMPEYAN PHEASANT Im"pey*an pheas"ant. Etym: [From Lady Impey, who attempted to naturalize the bird in England.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: An Indian crested pheasant of the genus Lophophorus. Several species are known. Called also monaul, monal.
Note: They are remarkable for the bright color and brilliant matallic hues of their plumage. The best known species (L. Impeyanus) has the neck of a brilliant metallic red, changing to golden yellow in certain lights.
IMPHEE Im"phee, n. (Bot.)
Defn: The African sugar cane (Holcus saccharatus), -- resembling the sorghum, or Chinese sugar cane.
IMPI Im"pi (im"pi), n. [Zulu.]
Defn: A body of Kaffir warriors; a body of native armed men. [South Africa]
As early as 1862 he crossed assagais with and defeated a Matabili impi (war band). James Bryce.
IMPICTURED Im*pic"tured, a.
Defn: Pictured; impressed. [Obs.] Spenser.
IMPIERCE Im*pierce", v. t. Etym: [Pref. im- in + pierce. Cf. Empierce.]
Defn: To pierce; to penetrate. [Obs.] Drayton.
IMPIERCEABLE Im*pierce"a*ble a.
Defn: Not capable of being pierced; impenetrable. [Obs.] Spenser.
IMPIETY Im*pi"e*ty, n.; pl. Impieties (. Etym: [L. impietas, fr. impius impious; cf. F. impiété. See Impious, Piety.]
1. The quality of being impious; want of piety; irreverence toward the Supreme Being; ungodliness; wickedness.
2. An impious act; an act of wickednes. Those impieties for the which they are now visited. Shak.
Syn. -- Ungodliness; irreligion; unrighteousness; sinfulness; profaneness; wickedness; godlessness.
IMPIGNORATE Im*pig"no*rate, v. t. Etym: [LL. impignoratus, p. pl of impignorare to pawn. See Pignoration.]
Defn: To pledge or pawn. [Obs.] Laing.
IMPIGNORATION Im*pig`no*ra"tion, n. Etym: [LL. impignoratio: cf. F. impignoration.]
Defn: The act of pawning or pledging; the state of being pawned. [Obs.] Bailey.
IMPING Imp"ing, n. Etym: [See Imp to graft.]
1. The act or process of grafting or mending. [Archaic]
2. (Falconry)
Defn: The process of repairing broken feathers or a deficient wing.
IMPINGE Im*pinge", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impinged; p. pr. & vb. n. Impinging.] Etym: [L. impingere; pref. im- in + pangere to fix, strike; prob. akin to pacisci to agree, contract. See Pact, and cf. Impact.]
Defn: To fall or dash against; to touch upon; to strike; to hit; to ciash with; -- with on or upon. The cause of reflection is not the impinging of light on the solid or impervious parts of bodies. Sir I. Newton. But, in the present order of things, not to be employed without impinging on God's justice. Bp. Warburton.
IMPINGEMENT Im*pinge"ment, n.
Defn: The act of impinging.
IMPINGENT Im*pin"gent, a. Etym: [L. impingens, p. pr.]
Defn: Striking against or upon.
IMPINGUATE Im*pin"guate, v. t. Etym: [L. impinguatus, p. p. of impinguare to fatten; pref. im- in + pinguis fat.]
Defn: To fatten; to make fat. [Obs.] Bacon.
IMPINGUATION Im`pin*gua"tion, n.
Defn: The act of making fat, or the state of being fat or fattened. [Obs.]
IMPIOUS Im"pi*ous, a. Etym: [L. impius; pref. im- not + pius piou. See Pious.]
Defn: Not pious; wanting piety; irreligious; irreverent; ungodly; profane; wanting in reverence for the Supreme Being; as, an impious deed; impious language. When vice prevails, and impious men bear away, The post of honor is a private station. Addison.
Syn. -- Impious, Irreligious, Profane. Irreligious is negative, impious and profane are positive. An indifferent man may be irreligious; a profane man is irreverent in speech and conduct; an impious man is wickedly and boldly defiant in the strongest sense. Profane also has the milder sense of secular. C. J. Smith. -- Im"pi*ous*ly, adv. -- Im"pi*ous*ness, n.
IMPIRE Im"pire, n.
Defn: See Umpire. [Obs.] Huloet.
IMPISH Imp"ish, a.
Defn: Having the qualities, or showing the characteristics, of an imp.
IMPISHLY Imp"ish*ly, adv.
Defn: In the manner of an imp.
IMPITEOUS Im*pit"e*ous, a.
Defn: Pitiless; cruel. [Obs.]
IMPLACABILITY Im*pla`ca*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. implacabilitas: cf. F. implacabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being implacable.
IMPLACABLE Im*pla"ca*ble, a. Etym: [L. implacabilis; pref. im- not + placabilis: cf. F. implacable. See Placable.]
1. Not placable; not to be appeased; incapable of being pacified; inexorable; as, an implacable prince. I see thou art implacable. Milton. An object of implacable enmity. Macaulay.
2. Incapable of ebign relieved or assuaged; inextinguishable. [R.] O! how I burn with implacable fire. Spenser. Which wrought them pain Implacable, and many a dolorous groan. Milton.
Syn. -- Unappeasable; inexorable; irreconcilable; unrelenting; relentless; unyielding.
IMPLACABLENESS Im*pla"ca*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being implacable; implacability.
IMPLACABLY Im*pla"ca*bly, adv.
Defn: In an implacable manner.
IMPLACENTAL Im`pla*cen"tal, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Without a placenta, as marsupials and monotremes. -- n.
Defn: A mammal having no placenta.
IMPLACENTALIA Im`pla*cen*ta"li*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See In- not, and Placental.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A primary division of the Mammalia, including the monotremes and marsupials, in which no placenta is formed.
IMPLANT Im*plant" v. t. [imp. & p. p. Implanted; p. pr. & vb. n. Implanting.] Etym: [Pref. im- in + plant: cf. F. implanter.]
Defn: To plant, or infix, for the purpose of growth; to fix deeply; to instill; to inculate; to introduce; as, to implant the seeds of virtue, or the principles of knowledge, in the minds of youth. Minds well implanted with solid . . . breeding. Milton.
IMPLANTATION Im`plan*ta"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. implantation.]
Defn: The act or process of implantating.
IMPLATE Im*plate", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Implated; p. pr. & vb. n. Implating.]
Defn: To cover with plates; to sheathe; as, to implate a ship with iron.
IMPLAUSIBILITY Im*plau`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: Want of plausibility; the quality of being implausible.
IMPLAUSIBLE Im*plau"si*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + plausible: cf. F. implausible.]
Defn: Not plausible; not wearing the appearance of truth or credibility, and not likely to be believed. "Implausible harangues." Swift. -- Im*plau"si*ble*ness, n. -- Im*plau"si*bly, adv.
IMPLEACH Im*pleach", v. t.
Defn: To pleach; to interweave. [Obs.] Shak.
IMPLEAD Im*plead", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impleaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Impleading.] Etym: [Cf. Emplead.] (Law)
Defn: To institute and prosecute a suit against, in court; to sue or prosecute at law; hence, to accuse; to impeach.
IMPLEAD Im*plead", v. i.
Defn: To sue at law.
IMPLEADABLE Im*plead"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not admitting excuse, evasion, or plea; rigorous. [R.] T. Adams.
IMPLEADER Im*plead"er, n. (Law)
Defn: One who prosecutes or sues another.
IMPLEASING Im*pleas"ing (, a.
Defn: Unpleasing; displeasing. [Obs.] Overbury.
IMPLEDGE Im*pledge", v. t.
Defn: To pledge. Sir W. Scott.
IMPLEMENT Im"ple*ment, n. Etym: [LL. implementum accomplishment, fr. L. implere, impletum, to fill up, finish, complete; pref. im- in + plere to fill. The word was perh. confuse with OF. empleier, emploier, to employ, F. employer, whence E. employ. See Plenty.]
Defn: That which fulfills or supplies a want or use; esp., an instrument, toll, or utensil, as supplying a requisite to an end; as, the implements of trade, of husbandry, or of war. Genius must have talent as its complement and implement. Coleridge.
IMPLEMENT Im"ple*ment, v. t.
1. To accomplish; to fulfill. [R.] Revenge . . . executed and implemented by the hand of Vanbeest Brown. Sir W. Scott.
2. To provide with an implement or implements; to cause to be fulfilled, satisfied, or carried out, by means of an implement or implements. The chief mechanical requisites of the barometer are implemented in such an instrument as the following. Nichol.
3. (Scots Law)
Defn: To fulfill or perform, as a contract or an engagement.
IMPLEMENTAL Im`ple*men"tal, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or characterized by, implements or their use; mechanical.
IMPLETION Im*ple"tion, n. Etym: [L. impletio. See Implement.]
1. The act of filling, or the state of being full. Sir T. Browne.
2. That which fills up; filling. Coleridge.
IMPLEX Im"plex, a. Etym: [L. implexus, p. p. of implectere to infold; pref. im- in + plectere to plait: cf. F implexe.]
Defn: Intricate; entangled; complicated; complex. The fable of every poem is . . . simple or implex. it is called simple when there is no change of fortune in it; implex, when the fortune of the chief actor changes from bad to good, or from good to bad. Addison.
IMPLEXION Im*plex"ion, n. Etym: [L. implexio.]
Defn: Act of involving, or state of being involved; involution.
IMPLIABLE Im*pli"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not pliable; inflexible; inyielding.
IMPLICATE Im"pli*cate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Implicated; p. pr. & vb. n. Implicating.] Etym: [L. implicatus, p. p. of implicare to involve; pref. im- in + plicare to fold. See Employ, Ply, and cf. Imply, Implicit.]
1. To infold; to fold together; to interweave. The meeting boughs and implicated leaves. Shelley.
2. To bring into connection with; to involve; to connect; -- applied to persons, in an unfavorable sense; as, the evidence implicates many in this conspiracy; to be implicated in a crime, a discreditable transaction, a fault, etc.
IMPLICATION Im`pli*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. implicatio: cf. F. implication.]
1. The act of implicating, or the state of being implicated. Three principal causes of firmness are. the grossness, the quiet contact, and the implication of component parts. Boyle.
2. An implying, or that which is implied, but not expressed; an inference, or something which may fairly be understood, though not expressed in words. Whatever things, therefore, it was asserted that the king might do, it was a necessary implication that there were other things which he could not do. Hallam.
IMPLICATIVE Im"pli*ca*tive, a.
Defn: Tending to implicate.
IMPLICATIVELY Im"pli*ca*tive*ly, adv.
Defn: By implication. Sir G. Buck.
IMPLICIT Im*plic"it, a. Etym: [L. implicitus, p. p. of implicare to entwine, entangle, attach closely: cf. F. implicite. See Implicate.]
1. Infolded; entangled; complicated; involved. [Obs.] Milton. In his woolly fleece I cling implicit. Pope.
2. Tacitly comprised; fairly to be understood, though not expressed in words; implied; as, an implicit contract or agreement. South.
3. Resting on another; trusting in the word or authority of another, without doubt or reserve; unquestioning; complete; as, implicit confidence; implicit obedience. Back again to implicit faith I fall. Donne. Implicit function. (Math.) See under Function.
IMPLICITLY Im*plic"it*ly, adv.
1. In an implicit manner; without reserve; with unreserved confidence. Not to dispute the methods of his providence, but humbly and implicitly to acquiesce in and adore them. Atterbury.
2. By implication; impliedly; as, to deny the providence of God is implicitly to deny his existence. Bentley.
IMPLICITNESS Im*plic"it*ness, n.
Defn: State or quality of being implicit.
IMPLICITY Im*plic"i*ty, n.
Defn: Implicitness. [Obs.] Cotgrave.
IMPLIED Im*plied", a.
Defn: Virtually involved or included; involved in substance; inferential; tacitly conceded; -- the correlative of express, or expressed. See Imply.
IMPLIEDLY Im*pli"ed*ly, adv.
Defn: By implication or inference. Bp. Montagu.
IMPLODED Im*plod"ed, a. (Phon.)
Defn: Formed by implosion. Ellis.
IMPLODENT Im*plod"ent, n. (Phon.)
Defn: An implosive sound. Ellis.
IMPLORATION Im`plo*ra"tion, n. Etym: [L. imploratio: cf. OF. imploration. See Implore.]
Defn: The act of imploring; earnest supplication. Bp. Hall.
IMPLORATOR Im"plo*ra`tor, n.
Defn: One who implores. [Obs.] Mere implorators of unholy suits. Shak.
IMPLORATORY Im*plor"a*to*ry, a.
Defn: Supplicatory; entreating. [R.] Carlyle.
IMPLORE Im*plore", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Implored; p. pr. & vb. n. Imploring.] Etym: [L. implorare; pref. im- in + plorare to cry aloud. See Deplore.]
Defn: To call upon, or for, in supplication; to beseech; to prey to, or for, earnestly; to petition with urency; to entreat; to beg; -- followed directly by the word expressing the thing sought, or the person from whom it is sought. Imploring all the gods that reign above. Pope. I kneel, and then implore her blessing. Shak.
Syn. -- To beseech; supplicate; crave; entreat; beg; solicit; petition; prey; request; adjure. See Beseech.
IMPLORE Im*plore", v. i.
Defn: To entreat; to beg; to prey.
IMPLORE Im*plore", n.
Defn: Imploration. [Obs.] Spencer.
IMPLORER Im*plor"er, n.
Defn: One who implores.
IMPLORING Im*plor"ing, a.
Defn: That implores; beseeching; entreating. -- Im*plor"ing*ly, adv.
IMPLOSION Im*plo"sion, n. Etym: [Formed by substitution of pref. im- in for pref. ex- in explosion.]
1. A burstion inwards, as of a vessel from which the air has been exhausted; -- contrasted with explosion.
2. (Phon.)
Defn: A sudden compression of the air in the mouth, simultaneously with and affecting the sound made by the closure of the organs in uttering p, t, or k, at the end of a syllable (see Guide to Pronunciation, §§159, 189); also, a similar compression made by an upward thrust of the larynx without any accompanying explosive action, as in the peculiar sound of b, d, and g, heard in Southern Germany. H. Sweet.
IMPLOSIVE Im*plo"sive, a. (Phon.)
Defn: Formed by implosion. -- n.
Defn: An implosive sound, an implodent. -- Im*plo"sive*ly, adv. H. Sweet.
IMPLUMED Im*plumed", a.
Defn: Not plumed; without plumes or feathers; featherless. [R.] Drayton.
IMPLUNGE Im*plunge", v. t.
Defn: To plunge. Fuller.
IMPLUVIUM Im*plu"vi*um, n. Etym: [L., fr. impluere to rain into; pref. im- in + pluere to rain.] (Arch.)
Defn: In Roman dwellings, a cistern or tank, set in the atrium or peristyle to recieve the water from the roof, by means of the compluvium; generally made ornamental with flowers and works of art around its birm.
IMPLY Im*ply", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Implied; p. pr. & vb. n. Implying.] Etym: [From the same source as employ. See Employ, Ply, and cf. Implicate, Apply.]
1. To infold or involve; to wrap up. [Obs.] "His head in curls implied." Chapman.
2. To involve in substance or essence, or by fair inference, or by construction of law, when not include virtually; as, war implies fighting. Where a mulicious act is proved, a mulicious intention is implied. Bp. Sherlock. When a man employs a laborer to work for him, . . . the act of hiring implies an obligation and a promise that he shall pay him a reasonable reward for his services. Blackstone.
3. To refer, ascribe, or attribute. [Obs.] Whence might this distaste arise If [from] neither your perverse and peevish will. To which I most imply it. J. Webster.
Syn. -- To involve; include; comprise; import; mean; denote; signify; betoken. See Involve.
IMPOISON Im*poi"son, v. t. Etym: [Cf. Empoison.]
Defn: To poison; to imbitter; to impair.
IMPOISONER Im*poi"son*er, n.
Defn: A poisoner. [Obs.] Beau. & Fi.
IMPOISONMENT Im*poi"son*ment, n. Etym: [Cf. Empoisonment.]
Defn: The act of poisoning or impoisoning. [Obs.] Pope.
IMPOLARILY; IMPOLARLY Im*po"lar*i*ly, Im*po"lar*ly, adv.
Defn: Not according to or in, the direction of the poles. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
IMPOLICY Im*pol"i*cy, n.
Defn: The quality of being impolitic; inexpedience; unsuitableness to the end proposed; bads policy; as, the impolicy of fraud. Bp. Horsley.
IMPOLITE Im`po*lite", a. Etym: [L. impolitus unpolishied, pref. im- not + politus, p. p. of polire to polish, refine. See Polite.]
Defn: Not polite; not of polished manners; wanting in good manners; discourteous; uncivil; rude. -- Im`po*lite"ly, adv. -- Im`po*lite"ness, n.
IMPOLITIC Im*pol"i*tic, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + politic; cf. F. impolitique.]
Defn: Not politic; contrary to, or wanting in, policy; unwise; imprudent; indiscreet; inexpedient; as, an impolitic ruler, law, or measure. The most unjust and impolitic of all things, unequal taxation. Burke.
Syn. -- Indiscreet; inexpedient; undiplomatic.
IMPOLITICAL Im`po*lit"i*cal, a.
Defn: Impolitic. [Obs.] -- Im`po*lit"i*cal*ly, adv. [Obs.] Bacon.
IMPOLITICLY Im*pol"i*tic*ly, adv.
Defn: In an impolitic manner.
IMPOLITICNESS Im*pol"i*tic*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being impolitic.
IMPONDERABILITY Im*pon`der*a*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. impondérabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being imponderable; imponderableness.
IMPONDERABLE Im*pon"der*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + ponderable: cf. F. impondérable.]
Defn: Not ponderable; without sensible or appreciable weight; incapable of being weighed.
IMPONDERABLE Im*pon"der*a*ble, n. (Physics)
Defn: An imponderable substance or body; specifically, in the plural, a name formely applied to heat, light, electricity, and magnetism, regarded as subtile flyids destitute of weight but in modern science little used.
IMPONDERABLENESS Im*pon"der*a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being imponderable.
IMPONDEROUS Im*pon"der*ous, a.
Defn: Imponderable. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne. -- Im*pon"der*ous*ness, n. [Obs.]
IMPONE Im*pone", v. t. Etym: [L. imponere, impositum, to place upon; pref. im- in + ponere to place. See Position.]
Defn: To stake; to wager; to pledge. [Obs.] Against the which he has imponed, as I take it, six French rapiers and poniards. Shak.
IMPOOFO Im*poo"fo, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The eland. [Written also impoofoo.]
IMPOON Im*poon", n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The duykerbok.
IMPOOR Im*poor", v. t.
Defn: To impoverish. [Obs.]
IMPOROSITY Im`po*ros"i*ty, n. Etym: [Perf. im- not + porosity: cf. F. imporosité.]
Defn: The state or quality of being imporous; want of porosity; compactness. "The . . . imporosity betwixt the tangible parts." Bacon.
IMPOROUS Im*por"ous, a.
Defn: Destitute of pores; very close or compact in texture; solid. Sir T. Browne.
IMPORT Im*port", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imported; p. pr. & vb. n. Importing.] Etym: [L. importare to bring in, to occasion, to cause; pref. im- in + portare to bear. Sense 3 comes through F. importer, from the Latin. See Port demeanor.]
1. To bring in from abroad; to introduce from without; especially, to bring (wares or merchandise) into a place or country from a foreign country, in the transactions of commerce; -- opposed to export. We import teas from China, coffee from Brasil, etc.
2. To carry or include, as meaning or intention; to imply; to signify. Every petition . . . doth . . . always import a multitude of speakers together. Hooker.
3. To be of importance or consequence to; to have a bearing on; to concern. I have a motion much imports your good. Shak. If I endure it, what imports it you Dryden.
Syn. -- To denote; mean; sighify; imply; indicate; betoken; interest; concern.
IMPORT Im*port", v. i.
Defn: To signify; to purport; to be of moment. "For that . . . importeth to the work." Bacon.
IMPORT Im"port, n.
1. Merchandise imported, or brought into a country from without its boundaries; -- generally in the plural, opposed to exports. I take the imports from, and not the exports to, these conquests, as the measure of these advantages which we derived from them. Burke.
2. That which a word, phrase, or document contains as its signification or intention or interpretation of a word, action, event, and the like.
3. Importance; weight; consequence. Most serious design, and the great import. Shak.
IMPORTABLE Im*port"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. importable. See Import.]
Defn: Capable of being imported.
IMPORTABLE Im*port"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. importabilis; pref. im- not + portabilis bearable: cf. OF. importable. See Portable.]
Defn: Not to be endured; insupportable; intolerable. [Obs.] Chaucer. -- Im*port"a*ble*ness, n. [Obs.]
IMPORTANCE Im*por"tance, n. Etym: [F. importance. See Important.]
1. The quality or state of being important; consequence; weight; moment; significance. Thy own importance know, Nor bound thy narrow views to things below. Pope.
2. Subject; matter. [Obs.] Upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature. Shak.
3. Import; meaning; significance. [Obs.] The wisest beholder could not say if the importance were joy or sorrow. Shak.
4. Importunity; solicitation. [Obs.] At our importance hither is he come. Shak.
IMPORTANCY Im*por"tan*cy, n.
Defn: Importance; significance; consequence; that which is important. [Obs.] Shak. "Careful to conceal importancies." Fuller.
IMPORTANT Im*por"tant, a. Etym: [F. important. See Import, v. t.]
1. Full of, or burdened by, import; charged with great interests; restless; anxious. [Obs.] Thou hast strength as much As serves to execute a mind very important. Chapman.
2. Carrying or possessing weight or consequence; of valuable content or bearing; significant; weighty. Things small as nothing . . . He makes important. Shak.
3. Bearing on; forcible; driving. [Obs.] He fiercely at him flew, And with important outrage him assailed. Spenser.
4. Importunate; pressing; urgent. [Obs.] Shak.
Syn. -- Weighty; momentous; significant; essential; necessary; considerable; influential; serious.
IMPORTANTLY Im*por"tant*ly, adv.
Defn: In an important manner.
IMPORTATION Im`por*ta"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. importation. See Import, v. t.]
1. The act of carrying, conveying, or delivering. [R.]
2. The act or practice of importing, or bringing into a country or state; -- opposed to exportation.
3. That which is imported; commodities or wares introduced into a country from abroad.
IMPORTER Im*port"er, n.
Defn: One who imports; the merchant who brings goods into a country or state; -- opposed to exporter.
IMPORTING Im*port"ing, a.
Defn: Full of meaning. [Obs.] Shak.
IMPORTLESS Im*port"less, a.
Defn: Void of meaning. [Obs.] Shak.
IMPORTUNABLE Im*por"tu*na*ble, a.
Defn: Heavy; insupportable. [Obs.] Sir T. More.
IMPORTUNACY Im*por"tu*na*cy, n. Etym: [From Importunate.]
Defn: The quality of being importunate; importunateness.
IMPORTUNATE Im*por"tu*nate, a. Etym: [See Importune.]
1. Troublesomely urgent; unreasonably solicitous; overpressing in request or demand; urgent; teasing; as, an impotunate petitioner, curiosity. Whewell.
2. Hard to be borne; unendurable. [R.] Donne. -- Im*por"tu*nate*ly, adv. -- Im*por"tu*nate*ness, n.
IMPORTUNATOR Im*por"tu*na`tor, n.
Defn: One who importunes; an importuner. [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys.
IMPORTUNE Im`por*tune", a. Etym: [F. importun, L. importunus; pref. im- not + a derivative from the root of portus harbor, importunus therefore orig. meaning, hard of access. See Port harbor, and cf. Importunate.]
1. Inopportune; unseasonable. [Obs.]
2. Troublesome; vexatious; persistent; urgent; hence, vexatious on account of untimely urgency or perinacious solicitation. [Obs.] And their importune fates all satisfied. Spenser. Of all other affections it [envy] is the most importune and continual. Bacon.
IMPORTUNE Im`por*tune", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Importuned; p. pr. & vb. n. Importuning.] Etym: [From Importune, a.: cf. F. importuner.]
1. To request or solicit, with urgency; to press with frequent, unreasonable, or troublesome application or pertinacity; hence, to tease; to irritate; to worry. Their ministers and residents here have perpetually importuned the court with unreasonable demands. Swift.
2. To import; to signify. [Obs.] "It importunes death." Spenser.
IMPORTUNE Im`por*tune", v. i.
Defn: To require; to demand. [Obs.] We shall write to you, As time and our concernings shall importune. Shak.
IMPORTUNELY Im`por*tune"ly, adv.
Defn: In an importune manner. [Obs.]
IMPORTUNER Im`por*tun"er, n.
Defn: One who importunes.
IMPORTUNITY Im`por*tu"ni*ty, n.; pl. Importunities. Etym: [L. importunitas unsuitableness, rudeness: cf. F. importunité.]
Defn: The quality of being importunate; pressing or pertinacious solicitation; urgent request; incessant or frequent application; troublesome pertinacity. O'ercome with importunity and tears. Milton.
IMPORTUOUS Im*por"tu*ous, a. Etym: [L. importuosus; pref.im- not + portuosus abounding in harbors, fr. portus harbor.]
Defn: Without a port or harbor. [R.]
IMPOSABLE Im*pos"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. imposable.]
Defn: Capable of being imposed or laid on. Hammond.
IMPOSABLENESS Im*pos"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Quality of being imposable.
IMPOSE Im*pose", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Imposing.] Etym: [F. imposer; pref. im- in + poser to place. See Pose, v. t.]
1. To lay on; to set or place; to put; to deposit. Cakes of salt and barley [she] did impose Within a wicker basket. Chapman.
2. To lay as a charge, burden, tax, duty, obligation, command, penalty, etc.; to enjoin; to levy; to inflict; as, to impose a toll or tribute. What fates impose, that men must needs abide. Shak. Death is the penalty imposed. Milton. Thou on the deep imposest nobler laws. Waller.
3. (Eccl.)
Defn: To lay on, as the hands, in the religious rites of confirmation and ordination.
4. (Print.)
Defn: To arrange in proper order on a table of stone or metal and lock up in a chase for printing; -- said of columns or pages of type, forms, etc.
IMPOSE Im*pose", v. i.
Defn: To practice trick or deception. To impose on or upon, to pass or put a trick on; to delude. "He imposes on himself, and mistakes words for things." Locke.
IMPOSE Im*pose", n.
Defn: A command; injunction. [Obs.] Shak.
IMPOSEMENT Im*pose"ment, n.
Defn: Imposition. [Obs.]
IMPOSER Im*pos"er, n.
Defn: One who imposes. The imposers of these oaths might repent. Walton.
IMPOSING Im*pos"ing, a.
1. Laying as a duty; enjoining.
2. Adapted to impress forcibly; impressive; commanding; as, an imposing air; an imposing spectacle. "Large and imposing edifices." Bp. Hobart.
3. Deceiving; deluding; misleading.
IMPOSING Im*pos"ing, n. (Print.)
Defn: The act of imposing the columns of a page, or the pages of a sheet. See Impose, v. t., 4. Imposing stone (Print.), the stone on which the pages or columns of types are imposed or made into forms; - - called also imposing table.
IMPOSINGLY Im*pos"ing*ly, adv.
Defn: In an imposing manner.
IMPOSINGNESS Im*pos"ing*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being imposing.
IMPOSITION Im`po*si"tion, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. impositio the application of a name to a thing. See Impone.]
1. The act of imposing, laying on, affixing, enjoining, inflicting, obtruding, and the like. "From imposition of strict laws." Milton. Made more solemn by the imposition of hands. Hammond.
2. That which is imposed, levied, or enjoined; charge; burden; injunction; tax.
3. (Eng. Univ.)
Defn: An extra exercise enjoined on students as a punishment. T. Warton.
4. An excessive, arbitrary, or unlawful exaction; hence, a trick or deception put on laid on others; cheating; fraud; delusion; imposture. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition. Shak.
5. (Eccl.)
Defn: The act of laying on the hands as a religious ceremoy, in ordination, confirmation, etc.
6. (Print.)
Defn: The act or process of imosing pages or columns of type. See Impose, v. t., 4.
Syn. -- Deceit; fraud; imposture. See Deception.
IMPOSSIBILITY Im*pos`si*bil"i*ty, n.; pl. Impossibilities. Etym: [L. impossibilitas: cf. F. impossibilité.]
1. The quality of being impossible; impracticability. They confound difficulty with impossibility. South.
2. An impossible thing; that which can not be thought, done, or endured. Impossibilities! O, no, there's none. Cowley.
3. Inability; helplessness. [R.] Latimer. Logical impossibility, a condition or statement involving contradiction or absurdity; as, that a thing can be and not be at the same time. See Principle of Contradiction, under Contradiction.
IMPOSSIBLE Im*pos"si*ble, a. Etym: [F., fr. L. impossibilis; pref. im- not + possibilis possible. See Possible.]
Defn: Not possible; incapable of being done, of existing, etc.; unattainable in the nature of things, or by means at command; insuperably difficult under the circumstances; absurd or impracticable; not feasible. With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matt. xix. 26. Without faith it is impossible to please him. Heb. xi. 6. Impossible quantity (Math.), an imagnary quantity. See Imaginary.
Syn. -- See Impracticable.
IMPOSSIBLE Im*pos"si*ble, n.
Defn: An impossibility. [Obs.] "Madam," quoth he, "this were an impossible!" Chaucer.
IMPOSSIBLY Im*pos"si*bly, adv.
Defn: Not possibly. Sir. T. North.
IMPOST Im"post, n. Etym: [OF. impost, F. impot, LL. impostus, fr. L. impostus, p. p. of imponere to impose. See Impone.]
1. That which is imposed or levied; a tax, tribute, or duty; especially, a duty or tax laid by goverment on goods imported into a country. Even the ship money . . . Johnson could not pronounce to have been an unconstitutional impost. Macaulay.
2. (Arch.)
Defn: The top member of a pillar, pier, wall, etc., upon which the weight of an arch rests.
Note: The impost is called continuous, if the moldings of the arch or architrave run down the jamb or pier without a break.
Syn. -- Tribute; excise; custom; duty; tax.
IMPOSTHUMATE Im*post"hu*mate, v. t. Etym: [See Imposthume.]
Defn: To apostemate; to form an imposthume or abscess. Arbuthnot.
IMPOSTHUMATE Im*post"hu*mate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imposthumated; p. pr. & vb. n. Imposthumating.]
Defn: To affect with an imposthume or abscess.
IMPOSTHUMATE Im*post"hu*mate, a.
Defn: Imposthumated.
IMPOSTHUMATION Im*post`hu*ma"tion, n.
1. The act of forming an abscess; state of being inflamed; suppuration.
2. An abscess; an imposthume. Coxe.
IMPOSTHUME Im*post"hume, n. Etym: [A corruption of aposteme. See Aposteme.]
Defn: A collection of pus or purulent matter in any part of an animal body; an abscess.
IMPOSTHUME Im*post"hume, v. t. & i.
Defn: Same as Imposthumate.
IMPOSTOR Im*pos"tor, n. Etym: [L. impostor a deceiver, fr. imponere to impose upon, deceive. See Impone.]
Defn: One who imposes upon others; a person who assumes a character or title not his own, for the purpose of deception; a pretender. "The fraudulent impostor foul." Milton.
Syn. -- Deceiver; cheat; rogue. See Deceiver.
IMPOSTORSHIP Im*pos"tor*ship, n.
Defn: The condition, character, or practice of an impostor. Milton.
IMPOSTRESS; IMPOSTRIX Im*pos"tress, Im*pos"trix, n. Etym: [LL. impostrix. See Impostor.]
Defn: A woman who imposes upon or deceives others. [R.] Fuller.
IMPOSTROUS Im*pos"trous, n.
Defn: Characterized by imposture; deceitful. "Impostrous pretense of knowledge." Grote.
IMPOSTURAGE Im*pos"tur*age, n.
Defn: Imposture; cheating. [R.] Jer. Taylor.
IMPOSTURE Im*pos"ture, n. Etym: [L. impostura: cf. F. imposture. See Impone.]
Defn: The act or conduct of an impostor; deception practiced under a false or assumed character; fraud or imposition; cheating. From new legends And fill the world with follies and impostures. Johnson.
Syn. -- Cheat; fraud; trick; imposition; delusion.
IMPOSTURED Im*pos"tured, a.
Defn: Done by imposture. [Obs.]
IMPOSTUROUS Im*pos"tur*ous, a.
Defn: Impostrous; deceitful. Strictness fales and impostrous. Beau. & Fl.
IMPOSTURY Im*pos"tur*y, n.
Defn: Imposture. [Obs.] Fuller.
IMPOTENCE; IMPOTENCY Im"po*tence, Im"po*ten*cy, n. Etym: [L. impotenia inability, poverty, want of moderation. See Impotent.]
1. The quality or condition of being impotent; want of strength or power, animal, intellectual, or moral; weakness; feebleness; inability; imbecility. Some were poor by impotency of nature; as young fatherless children, old decrepit persons, idiots, and cripples. Hayward. O, impotence of mind in body strong! Milton.
2. Want of self-restraint or self-control. [R.] Milton.
3. (Law & Med.)
Defn: Want of procreative power; inability to copulate, or beget children; also, sometimes, sterility; barrenness.
IMPOTENT Im"po*tent, a. Etym: [F. impotent, L. impotens, -entis; pref. im- not + potens potent, powerful. See Potent.]
1. Not potent; wanting power, strength. or vigor. whether physical, intellectual, or moral; deficient in capacity; destitute of force; weak; feeble; infirm. There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent inhis feet. Acts xiv. 8. O most lame and impotent conclusion! Shak. Not slow to hear, Nor impotent to save. Addison.
2. Wanting the power of self-restraint; incontrolled; ungovernable; violent. Impotent of tongue, her silence broke. Dryden.
3. (Med.)
Defn: Wanting the power of procreation; unable to copulate; also, sometimes, sterile; barren.
IMPOTENT Im"po*tent, n.
Defn: One who is imoitent. [R.] Shak.
IMPOTENTLY Im"po*tent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an impotent manner.
IMPOUND Im*pound" (, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Impounding.]
Defn: To shut up or place in an inclosure called a pound; hence, to hold in the custody of a court; as, to impound stray cattle; to impound a document for safe keeping. But taken and impounded as a stray, The king of Scots. Shak.
IMPOUNDAGE Im*pound"age, n.
1. The act of impounding, or the state of being impounded.
2. The fee or fine for impounding.
IMPOUNDER Im*pound"er, n.
Defn: One who impounds.
IMPOVERISH Im*pov"er*ish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impoverished; p. pr. & vb. n. Impoverishing.] Etym: [OF. empovrir; pref. em- (L. in) + povre poor, F. pauvre; cf. OF. apovrir, F. appauvrir, where the prefix is a-, L. ad. Cf. Empoverish, and see Poor, and -ish.]
1. To make poor; to reduce to poverty or indigence; as, misfortune and disease impoverish families.
2. To exhaust the strength, richness, or fertility of; to make sterile; as, to impoverish land.
IMPOVERISHER Im*pov"er*ish*er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, impoverishes.
IMPOVERISHMENT Im*pov"er*ish*ment, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. empoverissement, and F. appauvrissement.]
Defn: The act of impoverishing, or the state of being impoverished; reduction to poverty. Sir W. Scott.
IMPOWER Im*pow"er, v. t.
Defn: See Empower.
IMP-POLE Imp"-pole` (, n. (Building)
Defn: A pole for supporting a scaffold.
IMPRACTICABILITY Im*prac`ti*ca*bil"i*ty, n.; pl. Impracticabilities (.
1. The state or quality of being impracticable; infeasibility. Goldsmith.
2. An impracticable thing.
3. Intractableness; stubbornness.
IMPRACTICABLE Im*prac"ti*ca*ble, a.
1. Not practicable; incapable of being performed, or accomplished by the means employed, or at command; impossible; as, an impracticable undertaking.
2. Not to be overcome, presuaded, or controlled by any reasonable method; unmanageable; intractable; not capable of being easily dealt with; -- used in a general sense, as applied to a person or thing that is difficult to control or get along with. This though, impracticable heart Is governed by a dainty-fingered girl. Rowe. Patriotic butloyal men went away disguested afresh with the impracticable arrogance of a sovereign. Palfrey.
3. Incapable of being used or availed of; as, an impracticable road; an impracticable method.
Syn. -- Impossible; infeasible. -- Impracticable, Impossible. A thing is impracticable when it can not be accomplished by any human means at present possessed; a thing is impossible when the laws of nature forbid it. The navigation of a river may now be impracticable, but not impossible, because the existing obstructions may yet be removed. "The barons exercised the most despotic authority over their vassals, and every scheme of public utility was rendered impracticable by their continued petty wars with each other." Mickle. "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt. xix. 26.
IMPRACTICABLENESS Im*prac"ti*ca*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being impracticable; impracticability.
IMPRACTICABLY Im*prac"ti*ca*bly, adv.
Defn: In an impracticable manner. Morality not impracticably rigid. Johnson.
IMPRACTICAL Im*prac"ti*cal, a.
Defn: Not practical.
IMPRECATE Im"pre*cate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imprecated; p. pr. & vb. n. Imprecating.] Etym: [L. imprecatus, p. p. of imprecari to imprecate; pref. im- in, on + precari to pray. See Pray.]
1. To call down by prayer, as something hurtful or calamitous. Imprecate the vengeance of Heaven on the guilty empire. Mickle.
2. To invoke evil upon; to curse; to swear at. In vain we blast the ministers of Fate, And the forlorn physicians imprecate. Rochester.
IMPRECATION Im`pre*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. imprecatio: cf. F. imprécation.]
Defn: The act of imprecating, or unvoking evil upon any one; a player that a curse or calamnity may fall on any one; a curse. Men cowered like slaves before such horrid imprecations. Motley.
Syn. -- Malediction; curse; execration; anathema. See Malediction.
IMPRECATORY Im"pre*ca*to*ry, a.
Defn: Of the nature of, or containing, imprecation; invokingevil; as, the imprecatory psalms.
IMPRECISION Im`pre*ci"sion, n.
Defn: Want of precision. [R.]
IMPREGN Im*pregn", v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. impregner. See Impregnate.]
Defn: To impregnate; to make fruitful. [Obs.] His perniciousss words, impregned With reason. Milton. Semele doth Bacchus bear Impregned of Jove. Dr. H. More.
IMPREGNABILITY Im*preg`na*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being impregnable; invincibility.
IMPREGNABLE Im*preg"na*ble, a. Etym: [F. imprenable; pref. im- not + prenable pregnable, fr. prendre to take, L. prehendere. See Comprehend, Get to obtain.]
Defn: Not to be stormed, or taken by assault; incapable of being subdued; able to resist attack; unconquerable; as, an impregnable fortress; impregnable virtue. The man's affection remains wholly unconcerned and impregnable. South. -- Im*preg"na*ble*ness, n. -- Im*preg"na*bly, adv.
IMPREGNABLE Im*preg"na*ble, a. Etym: [See Impregnate.] (Biol.)
Defn: Capable of being impregnated, as the egg of an animal, or the ovule of a plant.
IMPREGNANT Im*preg"nant, n. Etym: [See Impregnate.]
Defn: That which impregnates. [R.] Glanvill.
IMPREGNANT Im*preg"nant, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + pregnant.]
Defn: Not pregnant; unfertilized or infertile. [R.]
IMPREGNATE Im*preg"nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impregnated; p. pr. & vb. n. Impregnating.] Etym: [LL. impraegnatus, p. p. of impraegnare to impregnate, fr. L. pref. im- in + praegnans pregnant. See Pregnant.]
1. To make pregnant; to cause to conceive; to render prolific; to get with child or young.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: To come into contact with (an ovum or egg) so as to cause impregnation; to fertilize; to fecundate.
3. To infuse an active principle into; to render frutful or fertile in any way; to fertilize; to imbue.
4. To infuse particles of another substance into; to communicate the quality of another to; to cause to be filled, imbued, mixed, or furnished (with something); as, to impregnate India rubber with sulphur; clothing impregnated with contagion; rock impregnated with ore.
IMPREGNATE Im*preg"nate, v. i.
Defn: To become pregnant. Addison.
IMPREGNATE Im*preg"nate, a. Etym: [LL. impraegnatus, p. p.]
Defn: Impregnated; made prolific. The scorching ray Here pierceth not, impregnate with disease. Byron.
IMPREGNATION Im`preg*na"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. imprégnation, LL. impraegnatio.]
1. The act of impregnating or the state of being impregnated; fecundation.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: The fusion of a female germ cell (ovum) with a male germ cell (in animals, a spermatozoön) to form a single new cell endowed with the power of developing into a new individual; fertilization; fecundation.
Note: In the broadest biological sense, impregnation, or sexual generation, consists simply in the coalescence of two similar masses of protoplasmic matter, either derived from different parts of the same organism or from two distinct organisms. From the single mass, which results from the fusion, or coalescence, of these two masses, a new organism develops.
3. That with which anything is impregnated. Derham.
4. Intimate mixture; influsion; saturation.
5. (Mining)
Defn: An ore deposit, with indefinite boundaries, consisting of rock impregnated with ore. Raymond.
IMPREJUDICATE Im`pre*ju"di*cate, a.
Defn: Not prejuged; unprejudiced; impartial. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
IMPRENABLE Im*pre"na*ble, a.
Defn: Impregnable. [Obs.]
IMPREPARATION Im*prep`a*ra"tion, n.
Defn: Want of preparation. [Obs.] Hooker.
IMPRESA Im*pre"sa, n. Etym: [It. See Emprise, and cf. Impress, n., 4.] (Her.)
Defn: A device on a shield or seal, or used as a bookplate or the like. [Written also imprese and impress.] My impresa to your lordship; a swain Flying to a laurel for shelter. J. Webster.
IMPRESARIO Im`pre*sa"ri*o, n.; pl. Impresarios. Etym: [It., from impresa enterprise.]
Defn: The projector, manager, or conductor, of an opera or concert company.
IMPRESCRIPTIBILITY Im`pre*scrip`ti*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. imprescriptibilité.]
Defn: The quality of being imprescriptible.
IMPRESCRIPTIBLE Im`pre*scrip"ti*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + prescriptible: cf. F. imprescriptible.]
1. Not capable of being lost or impaired by neglect, by disuse, or by the claims of another founded on prescription. The right of navigation, fishing, and others that may be exercised on the sea, belonging to the right of mere ability, are imprescriptible. Vattel (Trans. )
2. Not derived from, or dependent on, external authority; self- evidencing; obvious. The imprescriptible laws of the pure reason. Colerridge.
IMPRESCRIPTIBLY Im`pre*scrip"ti*bly, adv.
Defn: In an imprescriptible manner; obviously.
IMPRESE Im*prese", n.
Defn: A device. See Impresa. An imprese, as the Italians call it, is a device in picture with his motto or word, borne by noble or learned personages. Camden.
IMPRESS Im*press", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impressed; p. pr. & vb. n. Impressing.] Etym: [L. impressus, p. p. of imprimere to impress; pref. im- in, on + premere to press. See Press to squeeze, and cf. Imprint.]
1. To press, stamp, or print something in or upon; to mark by pressure, or as by pressure; to imprint (that which bears the impression). His heart, like an agate, with your print impressed. Shak.
2. To produce by pressure, as a mark, stamp, image, etc.; to imprint (a mark or figure upon something).
3. Fig.: To fix deeply in the mind; to present forcibly to the attention, etc.; to imprint; to inculcate. Impress the motives of persuasion upon our own hearts till we feel the force of them. I. Watts.
4. Etym: [See Imprest, Impress, n., 5.]
Defn: To take by force for public service; as, to impress sailors or money. The second five thousand pounds impressed for the service of the sick and wounded prisoners. Evelyn.
IMPRESS Im*press", v. i.
Defn: To be impressed; to rest. [Obs.] Such fiendly thoughts in his heart impress. Chaucer.
IMPRESS Im"press, n.; pl. Impresses (.
1. The act of impressing or making.
2. A mark made by pressure; an indentation; imprint; the image or figure of anything, formed by pressure or as if by pressure; result produced by pressure or influence. The impresses of the insides of these shells. Woodward. This weak impress of love is as a figure Trenched in ice. Shak.
3. Characteristic; mark of distinction; stamp. South.
4. A device. See Impresa. Cussans. To describe . . . emblazoned shields, Impresses quaint. Milton.
5. Etym: [See Imprest, Press to force into service.]
Defn: The act of impressing, or taking by force for the public service; compulsion to serve; also, that which is impressed. Why such impress of shipwrights Shak. Impress gang, a party of men, with an officer, employed to impress seamen for ships of war; a press gang. -- Impress money, a sum of money paid, immediately upon their entering service, to men who have been impressed.
IMPRESSIBILITY Im*press`i*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being impressible; susceptibility.
IMPRESSIBLE Im*press"i*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. impressible.]
Defn: Capable of being impressed; susceptible; sensitive. -- Im*press"i*ble*ness, n. -- Im*press"i*bly, adv.
IMPRESSION Im*pres"sion, n. Etym: [F. impression, L. impressio.]
1. The act of impressing, or the state of being impressed; the communication of a stamp, mold, style, or character, by external force or by influence.
2. That which is impressed; stamp; mark; indentation; sensible result of an influence exerted from without. The stamp and clear impression of good sense. Cowper. To shelter us from impressions of weather, we must spin, we must weave, we must build. Barrow.
3. That which impresses, or exercises an effect, action, or agency; appearance; phenomenon. [Obs.] Portentous blaze of comets and impressions in the air. Milton. A fiery impression falling from out of Heaven. Holland.
4. Influence or effect on the senses or the intellect hence, interest, concern. Reid. His words impression left. Milton. Such terrible impression made the dream. Shak. I have a father's dear impression, And wish, before I fall into my grave, That I might see her married. Ford.
5. An indistinct notion, remembrance, or belief.
6. Impressiveness; emphasis of delivery. Which must be read with an impression. Milton.
7. (Print.)
Defn: The pressure of the type on the paper, or the result of such pressure, as regards its appearance; as, a heavy impression; a clear, or a poor, impression; also, a single copy as the result of printing, or the whole edition printed at a given time. Ten impressions which his books have had. Dryden.
8. In painting, the first coat of color, as the priming in house painting and the like. [R.]
9. (Engraving)
Defn: A print on paper from a wood block, metal plate, or the like. Proof impression, one of the early impressions taken from an engraving, before the plate or block is worn.
IMPRESSIONABILITY Im*pres`sion*a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being impressionable.
IMPRESSIONABLE Im*pres"sion*a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. impressionnable.]
Defn: Liable or subject to impression; capable of being molded; susceptible; impressible. He was too impressionable; he had too much of the temperament of genius. Motley. A pretty face and an impressionable disposition. T. Hook.
IMPRESSIONABLENESS Im*pres"sion*a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being impressionable.
IMPRESSIONISM Im*pres"sion*ism, n. Etym: [F. impressionnisme.] (Fine Arts)
Defn: The theory or method of suggesting an effect or impression without elaboration of the details; -- a disignation of a recent fashion in painting and etching.
IMPRESSIONIST Im*pres"sion*ist, n. Etym: [F. impressionniste.] (Fine Arts)
Defn: One who adheres to the theory or method of impressionism, so called.
IMPRESSIONISTIC Im*pres`sion*is"tic, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or characterized by, impressionism.
IMPRESSIONLESS Im*pres"sion*less, a.
Defn: Having the quality of not being impressed or affected; not susceptible.
IMPRESSIVE Im*press"ive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. impressif.]
1. Making, or tending to make, an impression; having power to impress; adapted to excite attention and feeling, to touch the sensibilities, or affect the conscience; as, an impressive discourse; an impressive scene.
2. Capable of being impressed. [Obs.] Drayton. - Im*press"ive*ly, adv. -- Im*press"ive*ness, n.
IMPRESSMENT Im*press"ment, n.
Defn: The act of seizing for public use, or of impressing into public service; compulsion to serve; as, the impressment of provisions or of sailors. The great scandal of our naval service -- impressment -- died a protracted death. J. H. Burton.
IMPRESSOR Im*press"or, n. Etym: [LL., a printer.]
Defn: One who, or that which, impresses. Boyle.
IMPRESSURE Im*pres"sure, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. impressure, LL. impressura.]
Defn: Dent; impression. [Obs.] Shak.
IMPREST Im*prest" (, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Imprested; p. pr. & vb. n. Impresting.] Etym: [Pref. im- + prest: cf. It. imprestare. See Prest, n.]
Defn: To advance on loan. Burke.
IMPREST Im"prest, n. Etym: [Cf. It. impresto, imprestito, LL. impraestitum. See Imprest, v. t., and Impress compulsion to serve.]
Defn: A kind of earnest money; loan; -- specifically, money advanced for some public service, as in enlistment. Burke. The clearing of their imprests for what little of their debts they have received. Pepys.
IMPREVALENCE; IMPREVALENCY Im*prev"a*lence, Im*prev"a*len*cy, n.
Defn: Want of prevalence. [Obs.]
IMPREVENTABILITY Im`pre*vent`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being impreventable. [R.]
IMPREVENTABLE Im`pre*vent"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not preventable; invitable.
IMPRIMATUR Im`pri*ma"tur, n. Etym: [L., let it be printed.] (Law)
Defn: A license to print or publish a book, paper, etc.; also, in countries subjected to the censorship of the press, approval of that which is published.
IMPRIMERY Im*prim"er*y, n. Etym: [F. imprimerie, fr. imprimer to imprint.] [Obs.] (a) A print; impression. (b) A printing establishment. (c) The art of printing.
IMPRIMING Im*prim"ing, n.
Defn: A begining. [Obs.] "Their springings and imprimings." Sir H. Wotton.
IMPRIMIS Im*pri"mis, adv. Etym: [L., for in primis among the first, chiefly; in in + primus first.]
Defn: In the first place; first in order.
IMPRINT Im*print", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imptrinted; p. pr. & vb. n. Imprinting.] Etym: [OE. emprenten, F. empreint, p. p. of empreindre to imprint, fr. L. imprimere to impres, imprint. See 1st In-, Print, and cf. Impress.]
1. To impress; to mark by pressure; to indent; to stamp. And sees his num'rous herds imprint her sands. Prior.
2. To stamp or mark, as letters on paper, by means of type, plates, stamps, or the like; to print the mark (figures, letters, etc., upon something). Nature imprints upon whate'er we see, That has a heart and life in it, "Be free." Cowper.
3. To fix indelibly or permanently, as in the mind or memory; to impress. Ideas of those two different things distinctly imprinted on his mind. Locke.
IMPRINT Im"print, n. Etym: [Cf. F. empreinte impress, stamp. See Imprint, v. t.]
Defn: Whatever is impressed or imprinted; the impress or mark left by something; specifically, the name of the printer or publisher (usually) with the time and place of issue, in the title-page of a book, or on any printed sheet. "That imprint of their hands." Buckle.
IMPRISON Im*pris"on, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imprisoned; p. pr. & vb. n. Imprisoning.] Etym: [OE. enprisonen, OF. enprisoner, F. emprisonner; pref. en- (L. in) + F. & OF. prison. See Prison.]
1. To put in prison or jail; To arrest and detain in custody; to confine. He imprisoned was in chains remediles. Spenser.
2. To limit, restrain, or confine in any way. Try to imprison the resistless wind. Dryden.
Syn. -- To incarcerate; confine; immure.
IMPRISONER Im*pris"on*er, n.
Defn: One who imprisons.
IMPRISONMENT Im*pris"on ment, n. Etym: [OE. enprisonment; F. emprisonnement.]
Defn: The act of imprisoning, or the state of being imprisoned; confinement; restraint. His sinews waxen weak and raw Through long imprisonment and hard constraint. Spenser. Every confinement of the person is an imprisonment, whether it be in a common prison, or in a private house, or even by foreibly detaining one in the public streets. Blackstone. False imprisonment. (Law) See under False.
Syn. -- Incarceration; custody; confinement; durance; restraint.
IMPROBABILITY Im*prob`a*bil"i*ty, n.; pl. Improbabilities. Etym: [Cf. F. improbabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being improbable; unlikelihood; also, that which is improbable; an improbable event or result.
IMPROBABLE Im*prob"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. improbabilis; pref. im- not + probabilis probable: cf. F. improbable. See Probable.]
Defn: Not probable; unlikely to be true; not to be expected under the circumstances or in the usual course of events; as, an improbable story or event. He . . . sent to Elutherius, then bishop of Rome, an improbable letter, as some of the contents discover. Milton. -- Im*prob"a*ble*ness, n. -- Im*prob"a*bly, adv.
IMPROBATE Im"pro*bate, v. t. Etym: [L. improbatus, p. p. of improbare to disapprove; pref. im- not + probare to approve.]
Defn: To disapprove of; to disallow. [Obs.]
IMPROBATION Im`pro*ba"tion, n. Etym: [L. improbatio.]
1. The act of disapproving; disapprobation.
2. (Scots Law)
Defn: The act by which falsehood and forgery are proved; an action brought for the purpose of having some instrument declared false or forged. Bell.
IMPROBATIVE; IMPROBATORY Im"pro*ba*tive, Im"pro*ba`to*ry, a.
Defn: Implying, or tending to, improbation.
IMPROBITY Im*prob"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. improbitas; pref. im- not + probitas probity: cf. F. improbité.]
Defn: Lack of probity; want of integrity or rectitude; dishonesty. Persons . . . cast out for notorious improbity. Hooker.
IMPROFICIENCE; IMPROFICIENCY Im`pro*fi"cience, Im`pro*fi"cien*cy, n.
Defn: Want of proficiency. [R.] Bacon.
IMPROFITABLE Im*prof"it*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + profitable: cf. F. improfitable.]
Defn: Unprofitable. [Obs.]
IMPROGRESSIVE Im`pro*gress"ive, a.
Defn: Not progressive. De Quincey. -- Im"pro*gress"ive*ly, adv.
IMPROLIFIC Im`pro*lif"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + prolific: cf. F. improlifique.]
Defn: Not prolific. [Obs.] E. Waterhouse.
IMPROLIFICATE Im`pro*lif"ic*ate, v. t. Etym: [Pref. im- in + prolificate.]
Defn: To impregnate. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
IMPROMPT Im*prompt", a.
Defn: Not ready. [R.] Sterne.
IMPROMPTU Im*promp"tu, adv. or a. Etym: [F. impromptu, fr. L. in promptu in readiness, at hand; in in + promptus visibility, readiness, from promptus visible, ready. See Prompt.]
Defn: Offhand; without previous study; extemporaneous; extempore; as, an impromptu verse.
IMPROMPTU Im*promp"tu, n.
1. Something made or done offhand, at the moment, or without previous study; an extemporaneous composition, address, or remark.
2. (Mus.)
Defn: A piece composed or played at first thought; a composition in the style of an extempore piece.
IMPROPER Im*prop"er, a. Etym: [F. impropre, L. improprius; pref. im- not + proprius proper. See Proper.]
1. Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress. Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave. Shak. And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill. Pope.
2. Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. [Obs.] Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry. J. Fletcher.
3. Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous. Improper diphthong. See under Diphthong. -- Improper feud, an originalfeud, not earned by military service. Mozley & W. -- Improper fraction. See under Fraction.
IMPROPER Im*prop"er, v. t.
Defn: To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.] He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor. Jewel.
IMPROPERATION Im*prop`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. improperare, improperatum, to taunt.]
Defn: The act of upbraiding or taunting; a reproach; a taunt. [Obs.] Improperatios and terms of scurrility. Sir T. Browne
IMPROPERIA Im`pro*pe"ri*a, n. pl. Etym: [L., reproaches.] (Mus.)
Defn: A series of antiphons and responses, expressing the sorrowful remonstrance of our Lord with his people; -- sung on the morning of the Good Friday in place of the usual daily Mass of the Roman ritual. Grove.
IMPROPERLY Im*prop"er*ly, adv.
Defn: In an improper manner; not properly; unsuitably; unbecomingly.
IMPROPERTY Im*prop"er*ty, n.
Defn: Impropriety. [Obs.]
IMPROPITIOUS Im`pro*pi"tious, a.
Defn: Unpropitious; unfavorable. [Obs.] "Dreams were impropitious." Sir H. Wotton.
IMPROPORTIONABLE Im`pro*por"tion*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not proportionable. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
IMPROPORTIONATE Im`pro*por"tion*ate, a.
Defn: Not proportionate. [Obs.]
IMPROPRIATE Im*pro"pri*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impropriated; p. pr. & vb. n. Impropriating.] Etym: [Pref. im- in + L. propriatus, p. p. of propriare to appropriate. See Appropriate.]
1. To appropriate to one's self; to assume. [Obs.] To impropriate the thanks to himself. Bacon.
2. (Eng. Eccl. Law)
Defn: To place the profits of (ecclesiastical property) in the hands of a layman for care and disbursement.
IMPROPRIATE Im*pro"pri*ate, v. i.
Defn: To become an impropriator. [R.]
IMPROPRIATE Im*pro"pri*ate, a. (Eng. Eccl. Law)
Defn: Put into the hands of a layman; impropriated.
IMPROPRIATION Im*pro`pri*a"tion, n.
1. The act of impropriating; as, the impropriation of property or tithes; also, that which is impropriated.
2. (Eng. Eccl. Law) (a) The act of putting an ecclesiastical benefice in the hands of a layman, or lay corporation. (b) A benefice in the hands of a layman, or of a lay corporation.
IMPROPRIATOR Im*pro"pri*a`tor, n.
Defn: One who impropriates; specifically, a layman in possession of church property.
IMPROPRIATRIX Im*pro`pri*a"trix, n.; pl. E. -trixes, L. -trices (.
Defn: A female impropriator.
IMPROPRIETY Im`pro*pri"e*ty, n.; pl. Improprieties. Etym: [L. improprietas; cf. F. impropriété. See Improper.]
1. The quality of being improper; unfitness or unsuitableness to character, time place, or circumstances; as, improperiety of behavior or manners.
2. That which is improper; an unsuitable or improper act, or an inaccurate use of language. But every language has likewise its improprieties and absurdities. Johnson. Many gross improprieties, however authorized by practice, ought to be discarded. Swift.
IMPROSPERITY Im`pros*per"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. improspérité.]
Defn: Want of prosperity. [Obs.]
IMPROSPEROUS Im*pros"per*ous, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + prosperous: cf. F. improspère, L. improsper.]
Defn: Not prosperous. [Obs.] Dryden. -- Im*pros"per*ous*ly, adv. [Obs.] -- Im*pros"per*ous*ness, n. [Obs.]
IMPROVABILITY Im*prov`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being improvable; improvableness.
IMPROVABLE Im*prov"a*ble, a. Etym: [From Improve.]
1. Capable of being improved; susceptible of improvement; admitting of being made better; capable of cultivation, or of being advanced in good qualities. Man is accommodated with moral principles, improvable by the exercise of his faculties. Sir M. Hale. I have a fine spread of improvable lands. Addison.
2. Capable of being used to advantage; profitable; serviceable; advantageous. The essays of weaker heads afford improvable hints to better. Sir T. Browne. -- Im*pro"a*ble*ness, n. -- Im*prov"a*bly, adv.
IMPROVE Im*prove", v. t. Etym: [Pref. im- not + prove: cf. L. improbare, F. improuver.]
1. To disprove or make void; to refute. [Obs.] Neither can any of them make so strong a reason which another can not improve. Tyndale.
2. To disapprove; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure; as, to improve negligence. [Obs.] Chapman. When he rehearsed his preachings and his doing unto the high apostles, they could improve nothing. Tyndale.
IMPROVE Im*prove", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Improved; p. pr. & vb. n. Improving.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + prove, in approve. See Approve, Prove.]
1. To make better; to increase the value or good qualities of; to ameliorate by care or cultivation; as, to improve land. Donne. I love not to improve the honor of the living by impairing that of the dead. Denham.
2. To use or employ to good purpose; to make productive; to turn to profitable account; to utilize; as, to improve one's time; to improve his means. Shak. We shall especially honor God by improving diligently the talents which God hath committed to us. Barrow. A hint that I do not remember to have seen opened and improved. Addison. The court seldom fails to improve the oppotunity. Blackstone. How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour. I. Watts. Those moments were diligently improved. Gibbon. True policy, as well as good faith, in my opinion, binds us to improve the occasion. Washington.
3. To advance or increase by use; to augment or add to; -- said with reference to what is bad. [R.] We all have, I fear, . . . not a little improved the wretched inheritance of our ancestors. Bp. Porteus.
Syn. -- To better; meliorate; ameliorate; advance; heighten; mend; correct; recify; amend; reform.
IMPROVE Im*prove", v. i.
1. To grow better; to advance or make progress in what is desirable; to make or show improvement; as, to improve in health. We take care to improve in our frugality and diligence. Atterbury.
2. To advance or progress in bad qualities; to grow worse. "Domitain improved in cruelty." Milner.
3. To increase; to be enhanced; to rise in value; as, the price of cotton improves. To improve on or upon, to make useful additions or amendments to, or changes in; to bring nearer to perfection; as, to improve on the mode of tillage.
IMPROVEMENT Im*prove"ment, n.
1. The act of improving; advancement or growth; promotion in desirable qualities; progress toward what is better; melioration; as, the improvement of the mind, of land, roads, etc. I look upon your city as the best place of improvement. South. Exercise is the chief source of improvement in all our faculties. Blair.
2. The act of making profitable use or applicaton of anything, or the state of being profitably employed; a turning to good account; practical application, as of a doctrine, principle, or theory, stated in a discourse. "A good improvement of his reason." S. Clarke. I shall make some improvement of this doctrine. Tillotson.
3. The state of being improved; betterment; advance; also, that which is improved; as, the new edition is an improvement on the old. The parts of Sinon, Camilla, and some few others, are improvements on the Greek poet. Addison.
4. Increase; growth; progress; advance. There is a design of publishing the history of architecture, with its several improvements and decays. Addison. Those vices which more particularly receive improvement by prosperity. South.
5. pl.
Defn: Valuable additions or betterments, as buildings, clearings, drains, fences, etc., on premises.
6. (Patent Laws)
Defn: A useful addition to, or modification of, a machine, manufacture, or composition. Kent.
IMPROVER Im*prov"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, improves.
IMPROVIDED Im`pro*vid"ed, a.
Defn: Unforeseen; unexpected; not provided against; unprepared. [Obs.] All improvided for dread of death. E. Hall.
IMPROVIDENCE Im*prov"i*dence, n. Etym: [L. improvidentia; OF. improvidence. Cf. Imprudence.]
Defn: The quality of being improvident; want of foresight or thrift. The improvidence of my neighbor must not make me inhuman. L'Estrange.
IMPROVIDENT Im*prov"i*dent, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + provident: cf. L. improvidus. See Provident, and cf. Imprudent.]
Defn: Not provident; wanting foresight or forethought; not foreseeing or providing for the future; negligent; thoughtless; as, an improvident man. Improvident soldires! had your watch been good, This sudden mischief never could have fallen. Shak.
Syn. -- Inconsiderable; negligent; careless; shiftless; prodigal; wasteful.
IMPROVIDENTIALLY Im*prov`i*den"tial*ly, adv.
Defn: Improvidently. [R.]
IMPROVIDENTLY Im*prov"i*dent*ly, adv.
Defn: In a improvident manner. "Improvidently rash." Drayton.
IMPROVING Im*prov"ing, a.
Defn: Tending to improve, beneficial; growing better. -- Im*prov"ing*ly, adv. Improving lease (Scots Law), an extend lease to induce the tenant to make improvements on the premises.
IMPROVISATE Im*prov"i*sate, a. Etym: [See Improvise.]
Defn: Unpremeditated; impromptu; extempore. [R.]
IMPROVISATE Im*prov"i*sate, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Improvisated; p. pr. & vb. n. Improvisating.]
Defn: To improvise; to extemporize.
IMPROVISATION Im*prov`i*sa"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. improvisation.]
1. The act or art of composing and rendering music, poetry, and the like, extemporaneously; as, improvisation on the organ.
2. That which is improvised; an impromptu.
IMPROVISATIZE Im`pro*vis"a*tize, v. t. & i.
Defn: Same as Improvisate.
IMPROVISATOR Im*prov"i*sa`tor, n.
Defn: An improviser, or improvvisatore.
IMPROVISATORE Im`pro*vi`sa*to"re, n.
Defn: See Improvvisatore.
IMPROVISATORIAL; IMPROVISATORY Im*prov`i*sa*to"ri*al, Im*prov"i*sa*to*ry, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to improvisation or extemporaneous composition.
IMPROVISATRICE Im`pro*vi`sa*tri"ce, n.
Defn: See Improvvisatrice.
IMPROVISE Im`pro*vise", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Improvised; p. pr. & vb. n. Improvising.] Etym: [F. improviser, it. improvvisare, fr. improvviso unprovided, sudden, extempore, L. improvisus; pref. im- not + provisus foreseen, provided. See Proviso.]
1. To compose, recite, or sing extemporaneously, especially in verse; to extemporize; also, to play upon an instrument, or to act, extemporaneously.
2. To bring about, arrange, or make, on a sudden, or without previous preparation. Charles attempted to improvise a peace. Motley.
3. To invent, or provide, offhand, or on the spur of the moment; as, he improvised a hammer out of a stone.
IMPROVISE Im`pro*vise", v. i.
Defn: To produce or render extemporaneous compositions, especially in verse or in music, without previous preparation; hence, to do anything offhand.
IMPROVISER Im`pro*vis"er, n.
Defn: One who improvises.
IMPROVISION Im`pro*vi"sion, n. Etym: [Pref. im- not + provision.]
Defn: Improvidence. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
IMPROVISO Im`pro*vi"so, a. Etym: [L. improvisus unforeseen; cf. It. improvviso.]
Defn: Not prepared or mediated beforehand; extemporaneous. [Obs.] Jonhson.
IMPROVVISATORE Im`prov*vi`sa*to"re, n.; pl. Improvvisatori. Etym: [It. See Improvise.]
Defn: One who composes and sings or recites rhymes and short poems extemporaneously. [Written also improvisatore.]
IMPROVVISATRICE Im`prov*vi`sa*tri"ce, n.; pl. Improvvisatrici. Etym: [It. See Improvise.]
Defn: A female improvvisatore. [Written also improvisatrice.]
IMPRUDENCE Im*pru"dence, n. Etym: [L. imprudentia: cf. F. imprudence. Cf. Improvidence.]
Defn: The quality or state of being imprudent; want to caution, circumspection, or a due regard to consequences; indiscretion; inconsideration; reshness; also, an imprudent act; as, he was guilty of an imprudence. His serenity was interrupted, perhaps, by his own imprudence. Mickle.
IMPRUDENT Im*pru"dent, a. Etym: [L. imprudens; pref. im- not + prudens prudent: cf. F. imprudent. See Prudent, and cf. Improvident.]
Defn: Not prudent; wanting in prudence or discretion; indiscreet; injudicious; not attentive to consequence; improper. -- Im*pru"dent*ly, adv. Her majesty took a great dislike at the imprudent behavior of many of the ministers and readers. Strype.
Syn. -- Indiscreet; injudicious; incautious; ill-advised; unwise; heedless; careless; rash; negligent.
IMPUBERAL Im*pu"ber*al, a.
Defn: Not having arrived at puberty; immature. In impuberal animals the cerebellum is, in proportion to the brain proper, greatly less than in adults. Sir W. Hamilton.
IMPUBERTY Im*pu"ber*ty, n.
Defn: The condition of not having reached puberty, or the age of ability to reproduce one's species; want of age at which the marriage contract can be legally entered into.
IMPUDENCE Im"pu*dence, n. Etym: [L. impudentia: cf. F. impudence. See Impudent.]
Defn: The quality of being impudent; assurance, accompanied with a disregard of the presence or opinions of others; shamelessness; forwardness; want of modesty. Clear truths that their own evidence forces us to admit, or common experience makes it impudence to deny. Locke. Where pride and impudence (in fashion knit) Usurp the chair of wit. B. Jonson.
Syn. -- Shamelessness; audacity; insolence; effrontery; sauciness; impertinence; pertness; rudeness. -- Impudence, Effrontery, Sauciness. Impudence refers more especially to the feelings as manifested in action. Effrontery applies to some gross and public exhibition of shamelessness. Sauciness refers to a sudden pert outbreak of impudence, especially from an inferior. Impudence is an unblushing kind of impertinence, and may be manifested in words, tones, gestures, looks, etc. Effrontery rises still higher, and shows a total or shameless disregard of duty or decorum under the circumstances of the case. Sauciness discovers itself toward particular individuals, in certain relations; as in the case of servants who are saucy to their masters, or children who are saucy to their teachers. See Impertinent, and Insolent.
IMPUDENCY Im"pu*den*cy, n.
Defn: Impudence. [Obs.] Burton. Audacious without impudency. Shak.
IMPUDENT Im"pu*dent, a. Etym: [L. impudens, -entis; pref. im- not + pudens ashamed, modest, p. pr. of pudere to feel shame: cf. F. impudent.]
Defn: Bold, with contempt or disregard; unblushingly forward; impertinent; wanting modesty; shameless; saucy. More than impudent sauciness. Shak. When we behold an angel, not to fear Is to be impudent. Dryden.
Syn. -- Shameless; audacious; brazen; bold-faced; pert; immodest; rude; saucy; impertinent; insolent.
IMPUDENTLY Im"pu*dent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an impudent manner; with unbecoming assurance; shamelessly. At once assail With open mouths, and impudently rail. Sandys.
IMPUDICITY Im`pu*dic"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. impudicus immodest; im- not + pudicus shamefaced, modest: cf. F. impudicité, L. impudicitia.]
Defn: Immodesty. Sheldon.
IMPUGN Im*pugn", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impugned; p. pr. & vb. n. Impugning.] Etym: [OE. impugnen, F. impugner, fr. L. impugnare; in on, against + pugnare to flight. See Pugnacious.]
Defn: To attack by words or arguments; to contradict; to assail; to call in question; to make insinuations against; to gainsay; to oppose. The truth hereof I will net rashly pugn, or overboldly affirm. Peacham.
IMPUGNABLE Im*pugn"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being impugned; that may be gainsaid.
IMPUGNATION Im`pug*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. impugnatio: cf. OF. impugnation.]
Defn: Act of impugning; opposition; attack. [Obs.] A perpetual impugnation and self-conflict. Bp. Hall.
IMPUGNER Im*pugn"er, n.
Defn: One who impugns.
IMPUGNMENT Im*pugn"ment, n.
Defn: The act of impugning, or the state of being impugned. Ed. Rev.
IMPUISSANCE Im*pu"is*sance, n. Etym: [Cf. F. impuissance.]
Defn: Lack of power; inability. Bacon. Their own impuissance and weakness. Holland.
IMPUISSANT Im*pu"is*sant, a. Etym: [F., fr. pref. im- not + puissant. See Puissant.]
Defn: Weak; impotent; feeble.
IMPULSE Im"pulse, n. Etym: [L. impulsus, fr. impellere. See Impel.]
1. The act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; especially, force so communicated as to produced motion suddenly, or immediately. All spontaneous animal motion is performed by mechanical impulse. S. Clarke.
2. The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
3. (Mech.)
Defn: The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action; as, the impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body.
4. A mental force which simply and directly urges to action; hasty inclination; sudden motive; momentary or transient influence of appetite or passion; propension; incitement; as, a man of good impulses; passion often gives a violent impulse to the will. These were my natural impulses for the undertaking. Dryden.
Syn. -- Force; incentive; influence; motive; feeling; incitement; instigation.
IMPULSE Im*pulse", v. t. Etym: [See Impel.]
Defn: To impel; to incite. [Obs.] Pope.
IMPULSION Im*pul"sion, n. Etym: [L. impulsio: cf. F. impulsion. See Impel.]
1. The act of impelling or driving onward, or the state of being impelled; the sudden or momentary agency of a body in motion on another body; also, the impelling force, or impulse. "The impulsion of the air." Bacon.
2. Influence acting unexpectedly or temporarily on the mind; sudden motive or influence; impulse. "The impulsion of conscience." Clarendon. "Divine impulsion prompting." Milton.
IMPULSIVE Im*pul"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. impulsif.]
1. Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent. Poor men! poor papers! We and they Do some impulsive force obey. Prior.
2. Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings. My heart, impulsive and wayward. Longfellow.
3. (Mech.)
Defn: Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous; -- said of forces.
IMPULSIVE Im*pul"sive, n.
Defn: That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent. Sir W. Wotton.
IMPULSIVELY Im*pul"sive*ly, adv.
Defn: In an impulsive manner.
IMPULSIVENESS Im*pul"sive*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being impulsive.
IMPULSOR Im*pul"sor, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: One who, or that which, impels; an inciter. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
IMPUNCTATE Im*punc"tate, a.
Defn: Not punctuate or dotted.
IMPUNCTUAL Im*punc"tu*al, a. Etym: [Pref. im- not + punctual: cf. F. imponctuel.]
Defn: Not punctual. [R.]
IMPUNCTUALITY Im*punc`tu*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: Neglect of, or failure in, punctuality. [R.] A. Hamilton.
IMPUNE Im*pune", a. Etym: [L. impunis.]
Defn: Unpunished. [R.]
IMPUNIBLY Im*pu"ni*bly, adv.
Defn: Without punishment; with impunity. [Obs.] J. Ellis.
IMPUNITY Im*pu"ni*ty, n. Etym: [L. impunitas, fr. impunis without punishment; pref. im- not + poena punishment: cf. F. impunité. See Pain.]
Defn: Exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss. Heaven, though slow to wrath, Is neimpunity defied. Cowper. The impunity and also the recompense. Holland.
IMPURATION Im`pu*ra"tion, n.
Defn: Defilement; obscuration. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
IMPURE Im*pure", a. Etym: [L. impurus; pref. im- not + purus pure: cf. F. impur. See Pure.]
1. Not pure; not clean; dirty; foul; filthy; containing something which is unclean or unwholesome; mixed or impregnated extraneous substances; adulterated; as, impure water or air; impure drugs, food, etc.
2. Defiled by sin or guilt; unholy; unhallowed; -- said of persons or things.
3. Unchaste; lewd; unclean; obscene; as, impure language or ideas. "Impure desires." Cowper.
4. (Script.)
Defn: Not purified according to the ceremonial law of Moses; unclean.
5. (Language)
Defn: Not accurate; not idiomatic; as, impure Latin; an impure style.
IMPURE Im*pure", v. t.
Defn: To defile; to pollute. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
IMPURELY Im*pure"ly, adv.
Defn: In an impure manner.
IMPURENESS Im*pure"ness, n.
Defn: The quality or condition of being impure; impurity. Milton.
IMPURITY Im*pu"ri*ty, n.; pl. Impurities. Etym: [L. impuritas: cf. F. impureté.]
1. The condition or quality of being impure in any sense; defilement; foulness; adulteration. Profaneness, impurity, or scandal, is not wit. Buckminster.
2. That which is, or which renders anything, impure; foul matter, action, language, etc.; a foreign ingredient. Foul impurities reigned among the monkish clergy. Atterbury.
3. (Script.)
Defn: Want of ceremonial purity; defilement.
IMPURPLE Im*pur"ple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impurpled; p. pr. & vb. n. Impurpling.] Etym: [Pref. im- in + purple. Cf. Empurple.]
Defn: To color or tinge with purple; to make red or reddish; to purple; as, a field impurpled with blood. Impurpled with celestial roses, smiled. Milton. The silken fleece impurpled for the loom. Pope.
IMPUTABILITY Im*put`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being imputable; imputableness.
IMPUTABLE Im*put"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. imputable.]
1. That may be imputed; capable of being imputed; chargeable; ascribable; attributable; referable. A prince whose political vices, at least, were imputable to mental incapacity. Prescott.
2. Accusable; culpable. [R.] The fault lies at his door, and she is no wise imputable. Ayliffe.
IMPUTABLENESS Im*put"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Quality of being imputable.
IMPUTABLY Im*put"a*bly, adv.
Defn: By imputation.
IMPUTATION Im`pu*ta"tion, Etym: [L. imputatio an account, a charge: cf. F. imputation.]
1. The act of imputing or charging; attribution; ascription; also, anything imputed or charged. Shylock. Antonio is a good man. Bassanio. Have you heard any imputation to the contrary Shak. If I had a suit to Master Shallow, I would humor his men with the imputation of being near their master. Shak.
2. Charge or attribution of evil; censure; reproach; insinuation. Let us be careful to guard ourselves against these groundless imputation of our enemies. Addison.
3. (Theol.)
Defn: A setting of something to the account of; the attribution of personal guilt or personal righteousness of another; as, the imputation of the sin of Adam, or the righteousness of Christ.
4. Opinion; intimation; hint.
IMPUTATIVE Im*put"a*tive, a. Etym: [L. imputativus: cf. F. imputatif.]
Defn: Transferred by imputation; that may be imputed. -- Im*put"a*tive*ly, adv. Actual righteousness as well as imputative. Bp. Warburton.
IMPUTE Im*pute", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imputed; p. pr. & vb. n. Imputing.] Etym: [F. imputer, L. imputare to bring into the reckoning, charge, impute; pref. im- in + putare to reckon, think. See Putative.]
1. To charge; to ascribe; to attribute; to set to the account of; to charge to one as the author, responsible originator, or possessor; -- generally in a bad sense. Nor you, ye proud, impute to these the fault, If memory o'er their tomb no trophies raise. Gray. One vice of a darker shade was imputed to him -- envy. Macaulay.
2. (Theol.)
Defn: To adjudge as one's own (the sin or righteousness) of another; as, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us. It was imputed to him for righteousness. Rom. iv. 22. They merit Imputed shall absolve them who renounce Their own, both righteous and unrighteous deeds. Milton.
3. To take account of; to consider; to regard. [R.] If we impute this last humiliation as the cause of his death. Gibbon.
Syn. -- To ascribe; attribute; charge; reckon; consider; imply; insinuate; refer. See Ascribe.
IMPUTER Im*put"er, n.
Defn: One who imputes.
IMPUTRESCIBLE Im`pu*tres"ci*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. im- + putrescible: cf. F. imputrescible.]
Defn: Not putrescible.
IMRIGH Im"righ, n. Etym: [Scot.; Gael. chicken soup.]
Defn: A peculiar strong soup or broth, made in Scotland. [Written also imrich.]
IN- In-. Etym: [See In, prep. Cf. Em-, En-.]
Defn: A prefix from Eng. prep. in, also from Lat. prep. in, meaning in, into, on, among; as, inbred, inborn, inroad; incline, inject, intrude. In words from the Latin, in- regularly becomes il- before l, ir- before r, and im- before a labial; as, illusion, irruption, imblue, immigrate, impart. In- is sometimes used with an simple intensive force.
IN- In-. Etym: [L. in-; akin to E. un-. See Un-.]
Defn: An inseparable prefix, or particle, meaning not, non-, un- as, inactive, incapable, inapt. In- regularly becomes il- before l, ir- before r, and im- before a labial.
-IN -in.
Defn: A suffix. See the Note under -ine.
IN In, prep. Etym: [AS. in; akin to D. & G. in, Icel. i, Sw. & Dan. i, OIr. & L. in, Gr. In-, Inn.]
Defn: The specific signification of in is situation or place with respect to surrounding, environment, encompassment, etc. It is used with verbs signifying being, resting, or moving within limits, or within circumstances or conditions of any kind conceived of as limiting, confining, or investing, either wholly or in part. In its different applications, it approaches some of the meanings of, and sometimes is interchangeable with, within, into, on, at, of, and among. It is used: --
1. With reference to space or place; as, he lives in Boston; he traveled in Italy; castles in the air. The babe lying in a manger. Luke ii. 16. Thy sun sets weeping in the lowly west. Shak. Situated in the forty-first degree of latitude. Gibbon. Matter for censure in every page. Macaulay.
2. With reference to circumstances or conditions; as, he is in difficulties; she stood in a blaze of light. "Fettered in amorous chains." Shak. Wrapt in sweet sounds, as in bright veils. Shelley.
3. With reference to a whole which includes or comprises the part spoken of; as, the first in his family; the first regiment in the army. Nine in ten of those who enter the ministry. Swift.
4. With reference to physical surrounding, personal states, etc., abstractly denoted; as, I am in doubt; the room is in darkness; to live in fear. When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning, or in rain Shak.
5. With reference to character, reach, scope, or influence considered as establishing a limitation; as, to be in one's favor. "In sight of God's high throne." Milton. Sounds inharmonious in themselves, and harsh. Cowper.
6. With reference to movement or tendency toward a certain limit or environment; -- sometimes equivalent to into; as, to put seed in the ground; to fall in love; to end in death; to put our trust in God. He would not plunge his brother in despair. Addison. She had no jewels to deposit in their caskets. Fielding.
7. With reference to a limit of time; as, in an hour; it happened in the last century; in all my life. In as much as, or Inasmuch as, in the degree that; in like manner as; in consideration that; because that; since. See Synonym of Because, and cf. For as much as, under For, prep. -- In that, because; for the reason that. "Some things they do in that they are men . . . ; some things in that they are men misled and blinded with error." Hooker. -- In the name of, in behalf of; on the part of; by authority; as, it was done in the name of the people; -- often used in invocation, swearing, praying, and the like. -- To be in for it. (a) To be in favor of a thing; to be committed to a course. (b) To be unable to escape from a danger, penalty, etc. [Colloq.] -- To be (or keep) in with. (a) To be close or near; as, to keep a ship in with the land. (b) To be on terms of friendship, familiarity, or intimacy with; to secure and retain the favor of. [Colloq.]
Syn. -- Into; within; on; at. See At.
IN In, adv.
1. Not out; within; inside. In, the preposition, becomes an adverb by omission of its object, leaving it as the representative of an adverbial phrase, the context indicating what the omitted object is; as, he takes in the situation (i. e., he comprehends it in his mind); the Republicans were in (i. e., in office); in at one ear and out at the other (i. e., in or into the head); his side was in (i. e., in the turn at the bat); he came in (i. e., into the house). Their vacation . . . falls in so pat with ours. Lamb.
Note: The sails of a vessel are said, in nautical language, to be in when they are furled, or when stowed. In certain cases in has an adjectival sense; as, the in train (i. e., the incoming train); compare up grade, down grade, undertow, afterthought, etc.
2. (Law)
Defn: With privilege or possession; -- used to denote a holding, possession, or seisin; as, in by descent; in by purchase; in of the seisin of her husband. Burrill. In and in breeding. See under Breeding. -- In and out (Naut.), through and through; -- said of a through bolt in a ship's side. Knight. -- To be in, to be at home; as, Mrs. A. is in. -- To come in. See under Come.
IN In, n.
Note: [Usually in the plural.]
1. One who is in office; -- the opposite of Ant: out.
2. A reëntrant angle; a nook or corner. Ins and outs, nooks and corners; twists and turns. All the ins and outs of this neighborhood. D. Jerrold.
IN In, v. t.
Defn: To inclose; to take in; to harvest. [Obs.] He that ears my land spares my team and gives me leave to in the crop. Shak.
INABILITY In`a*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + ability: cf. F. inhabileté. See Able, and cf. Unable.]
Defn: The quality or state of being unable; lack of ability; want of sufficient power, strength, resources, or capacity. It is not from an inability to discover what they ought to do, that men err in practice. Blair.
Syn. -- Impotence; incapacity; incompetence; weakness; powerlessness; incapability. See Disability.
INABLE In*a"ble, v. t.
Defn: See Enable.
INABLEMENT In*a"ble*ment, n.
Defn: See Enablement. [Obs.]
INABSTINENCE In*ab"sti*nence, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + abstinence: cf. F. inabstinence.]
Defn: Want of abstinence; indulgence. [Obs.] "The inabstinence of Eve." Milton.
INABSTRACTED In`ab*stract"ed, a.
Defn: Not abstracted.
INABUSIVELY In`a*bu"sive*ly, adv.
Defn: Without abuse.
INACCESSIBILITY In`ac*cess`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inaccessibilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inaccessible; inaccessibleness. "The inaccessibility of the precipice." Bp. Butler.
INACCESSIBLE In`ac*cess"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. inaccessibilis: cf. F. inaccessible. See In- not, and Accessible.]
Defn: Not accessible; not to be reached, obtained, or approached; as, an inaccessible rock, fortress, document, prince, etc. -- In`ac*cess"i*ble*ness, n. -- In`ac*cess"i*bly, adv.
INACCORDANT In`ac*cord"ant, a.
Defn: Not accordant; discordant.
INACCURACY In*ac"cu*ra*cy, n.; pl. Inaccuracies (.
1. The quality of being inaccurate; want of accuracy or exactness.
2. That which is inaccurate or incorrect; mistake; fault; defect; error; as, in inaccuracy in speech, copying, calculation, etc.
INACCURATE In*ac"cu*rate, a.
Defn: Not accurate; not according to truth; inexact; incorrect; erroneous; as, in inaccurate man, narration, copy, judgment, calculation, etc. The expression is plainly inaccurate. Bp. Hurd.
Syn. -- Inexact; incorrect; erroneous; faulty; imperfect; incomplete; defective.
INACCURATELY In*ac"cu*rate*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inaccurate manner; incorrectly; inexactly.
INACQUAINTANCE In`ac*quaint"ance, a.
Defn: Want of acquaintance. Good.
INACQUIESCENT In*ac`qui*es"cent, a.
Defn: Not acquiescent or acquiescing.
INACTION In*ac"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in. not + action: cf. inaction.]
Defn: Want of action or activity; forbearance from labor; idleness; rest; inertness. Berkeley.
INACTIVE In*ac"tive, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + active: cf. F. inactif.]
1. Not active; having no power to move; that does not or can not produce results; inert; as, matter is, of itself, inactive.
2. Not disposed to action or effort; not diligent or industrious; not busy; idle; as, an inactive officer.
3. (Chem. & Opt.)
Defn: Not active; inert; esp., not exhibiting any action or activity on polarized light; optically neutral; -- said of isomeric forms of certain substances, in distinction from other forms which are optically active; as, racemic acid is an inactive tartaric acid.
Syn. -- Inert; dull; sluggish; idle; indolent; slothful; lazy. See Inert.
INACTIVELY In*ac"tive*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inactive manner. Locke.
INACTIVITY In`ac*tiv"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inactivité.]
1. The state or quality of being inactive; inertness; as, the inactivity of matter.
2. Idleness; habitual indisposition to action or exertion; want of energy; sluggishness. The gloomy inactivity of despair. Cook.
INACTOSE In*ac"tose, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A variety of sugar, found in certain plants. It is optically inactive.
INACTUATE In*ac"tu*ate, v. t.
Defn: To put in action. [Obs.]
INACTUATION In*ac`tu*a"tion, n.
Defn: Operation. [Obs.]
INADAPTATION In*ad`ap*ta"tion, n.
Defn: Want of adaptation; unsuitableness.
INADEQUACY In*ad"e*qua*cy, n. Etym: [From Inadequate.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inadequate or insufficient; defectiveness; insufficiency; inadequateness. The inadequacy and consequent inefficacy of the alleged causes. Dr. T. Dwight.
INADEQUATE In*ad"e*quate, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + adequate: cf. F. inadéquat.]
Defn: Not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc. Dryden. -- In*ad"e*quate*ly, adv. -- In*ad"e*quate*ness, n.
INADEQUATION In*ad`e*qua"tion, n.
Defn: Want of exact correspondence. [Obs.] Puller.
INADHERENT In`ad*her"ent, a.
1. Not adhering.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Free; not connected with the other organs.
INADHESION In`ad*he"sion, n.
Defn: Want of adhesion.
INADMISSIBILITY In`ad*mis`si*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inadmissibilité.]
Defn: The state or quality of being inadmissible, or not to be received.
INADMISSIBLE In`ad*mis"si*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + admissible: cf. F. inadmissible.]
Defn: Not admissible; not proper to be admitted, allowed, or received; as, inadmissible testimony; an inadmissible proposition, or explanation. -- In`ad*mis"si*bly, adv.
INADVERTENCE; INADVERTENCY In`ad*vert"ence; pl. -ces (, In`ad*vert"en*cy; pl. -cies (, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inadvertance.]
1. The quality of being inadvertent; lack of heedfulness or attentiveness; inattention; negligence; as, many mistakes proceed from inadvertence. Inadvertency, or want of attendance to the sense and intention of our prayers. Jer. Taylor.
2. An effect of inattention; a result of carelessness; an oversight, mistake, or fault from negligence. The productions of a great genius, with many lapses an inadvertencies, are infinitely preferable to works of an inferior kind of author which are scrupulously exact. Addison.
Syn. -- Inattention; heedlessness; carelessness; negligence; thoughtlessness. See Inattention.
INADVERTENT In`ad*vert"ent, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inadvertant. See 2d In-, and Advert.]
Defn: Not turning the mind to a matter; heedless; careless; negligent; inattentive. An inadvertent step may crush the snail That crawls at evening in the public path. Cowper. -- In`ad*vert"ent*ly, adv.
INADVISABLE In`ad*vis"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not advisable. -- In`ad*vis"a*ble*ness, n.
INAFFABILITY In*af`fa*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inaffabilité.]
Defn: Want of affability or sociability; reticence.
INAFFABLE In*af"fa*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + affable.]
Defn: Not affable; reserved in social intercourse.
INAFFECTATION In*af`fec*ta"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + affectation: cf. F. inaffectation.]
Defn: Freedom from affectation; naturalness. [R.]
INAFFECTED In`af*fect"ed, a.
Defn: Unaffected. [Obs.] -- In`af*fect"ed*ly, adv. [Obs.]
INAIDABLE In*aid"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being assisted; helpless. [R.] Shak.
INALIENABILITY In*al`ien*a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inalienable.
INALIENABLE In*al"ien*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + alienable: cf. F. inaliénable.]
Defn: Incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred to another; not alienable; as, in inalienable birthright.
INALIENABLENESS In*al"ien*a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inalienable; inalienability.
INALIENABLY In*al"ien*a*bly, adv.
Defn: In a manner that forbids alienation; as, rights inalienably vested.
INALIMENTAL In*al`i*men"tal, a.
Defn: Affording no aliment or nourishment. [Obs.] Bacon.
INALTERABILITY In*al`ter*a*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inaltérabilité.]
Defn: The quality of being unalterable or unchangeable; permanence.
INALTERABLE In*al"ter*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + alterable: cf. F. inaltérable.]
Defn: Not alterable; incapable of being altered or changed; unalterable. -- In*al"ter*a*ble*ness, n. -- In*al"ter*a*bly, adv.
INAMIABLE In*a"mi*a*ble, a.
Defn: Unamiable. [Obs.] -- In*a"mi*a*ble*ness, n. [Obs.]
INAMISSIBLE In`a*mis"si*ble, a. Etym: [L. inamissibilis: cf. F. inamissible.]
Defn: Incapable of being lost. [R.] Hammond. -- In`a*mis"si*ble*ness, n. [R.]
INAMORATA In*a`mo*ra"ta, n. Etym: [It. innamorata, fem., innamorato, masc., p. p. of innamorare to inspire with love. See Enamor.]
Defn: A woman in love; a mistress. "The fair inamorata." Sherburne.
INAMORATE In*am"o*rate, a.
Defn: Enamored. Chapman. -- In*am"o*rate*ly, adv. [R.]
INAMORATO In*a`mo*ra"to, n.; pl. Inamoratos. Etym: [See Inamorata.]
Defn: A male lover.
INAMOVABLE In`a*mov"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not amovable or removable. [R.] Palgrave.
IN-AND-IN In"-and-in", n.
Defn: An old game played with four dice. In signified a doublet, or two dice alike; in-and-in, either two doubles, or the four dice alike.
IN AND IN In and an, a. & adv.
Defn: Applied to breeding from a male and female of the same parentage. See under Breeding.
INANE In*ane", a. Etym: [L. inanis.]
Defn: Without contents; empty; void of sense or intelligence; purposeless; pointless; characterless; useless. "Vague and inane instincts." I. Taylor. -- In*ane"ly, adv.
INANE In*ane", n.
Defn: That which is void or empty. [R.] The undistinguishable inane of infinite space. Locke.
INANGULAR In*an"gu*lar, a.
Defn: Not angular. [Obs.]
INANILOQUENT; INANILOQUOUS In`a*nil"o*quent, In`a*nil"o*quous, a. Etym: [L. inanis empty + loqui to speak.]
Defn: Given to talking inanely; loquacious; garrulous. [R.]
INANIMATE In*an"i*mate, v. t. Etym: [Pref. in- in (or intensively) + animate.]
Defn: To animate. [Obs.] Donne.
INANIMATE In*an"i*mate, a. Etym: [L. inanimatus; pref. in- not + animatus animate.]
Defn: Not animate; destitute of life or spirit; lifeless; dead; inactive; dull; as, stones and earth are inanimate substances. Grieving, if aught inanimate e'er grieves. Byron.
Syn. -- Lifeless; dead; inert; inactive; dull; soulless; spiritless. See Lifeless.
INANIMATED In*an"i*ma`ted, a.
Defn: Destitute of life; lacking animation; unanimated. Pope.
INANIMATENESS In*an"i*mate*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inanimate. The deadness and inanimateness of the subject. W. Montagu.
INANIMATION In*an`i*ma"tion, n. Etym: [See 2d Inanimate.]
Defn: Want of animation; lifeless; dullness.
INANIMATION In*an`i*ma"tion, n. Etym: [See 1st Inanimate.]
Defn: Infusion of life or vigor; animation; inspiration. [Obs.] The inanimation of Christ living and breathing within us. Bp. Hall.
INANITIATE In`a*ni"ti*ate, v. t.
Defn: To produce inanition in; to exhaust for want of nourishment. [R.]
INANITIATION In`a*ni`ti*a"tion, n.
Defn: Inanition. [R.]
INANITION In`a*ni"tion, n. Etym: [F. inanition, L. inanitio emptiness, fr. inanire to empty, fr. inanis empty. Cf. Inane.]
Defn: The condition of being inane; emptiness; want of fullness, as in the vessels of the body; hence, specifically, exhaustion from want of food, either from partial or complete starvation, or from a disorder of the digestive apparatus, producing the same result. Feeble from inanition, inert from weariness. Landor. Repletion and inanition may both do harm in two contrary extremes. Burton.
INANITY In*an"i*ty, n.; pl. Inanities. Etym: [L. inanitas, fr. inanis empty: cf. F. inanité. See Inane.]
1. Inanition; void space; vacuity; emptiness.
2. Want of seriousness; aimlessness; frivolity.
3. An inane, useless thing or pursuit; a vanity; a silly object; -- chiefly in pl.; as, the inanities of the world.
INANTHERATE In*an"ther*ate, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Not bearing anthers; -- said of sterile stamens.
IN ANTIS In an"tis. Etym: [L.] (Arch.)
Defn: Between antæ; -- said of a portico in classical style, where columns are set between two antæ, forming the angles of the building. See Anta.
INAPATHY In*ap"a*thy, n.
Defn: Sensibility; feeling; -- opposed to apathy. [R.]
INAPPEALABLE In`ap*peal"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not admitting of appeal; not appealable. Coleridge.
INAPPEASABLE In`ap*peas"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being appeased or satisfied; unappeasable.
INAPPELLABILITY In`ap*pel`la*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being inappellable; finality. The inappellability of the councils. Coleridge.
INAPPELLABLE In`ap*pel"la*ble, a.
Defn: Inappealable; final.
INAPPETENCE; INAPPETENCY In*ap"pe*tence, In*ap"pe*ten*cy, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + appetence: cf. F. inappétence.]
Defn: Want of appetency; want of desire.
INAPPLICABILITY In*ap`pli*ca*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inapplicabilité.]
Defn: The quality of being inapplicable; unfitness; inapplicableness.
INAPPLICABLE In*ap"pli*ca*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + applicable.]
Defn: Not applicable; incapable of being applied; not adapted; not suitable; as, the argument is inapplicable to the case. J. S. Mill.
Syn. -- Unsuitable; unsuited; unadapted; inappropriate; inapposite; irrelevant. -- In*ap"pli*ca*ble*ness, n. -- In*ap"pli*ca*bly, adv.
INAPPLICATION In*ap`pli*ca"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + application: cf. F. inapplication.]
Defn: Want of application, attention, or diligence; negligence; indolence.
INAPPOSITE In*ap"po*site, a.
Defn: Not apposite; not fit or suitable; not pertinent. -- In*ap"po*site*ly, adv.
INAPPRECIABLE In`ap*pre"ci*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + appreciable: cf. F. inappréciable.]
Defn: Not appreciable; too small to be perceived; incapable of being duly valued or estimated. Hallam.
INAPPRECIATION In`ap*pre"ci*a"tion, n.
Defn: Want of appreciation.
INAPPREHENSIBLE In*ap`pre*hen"si*ble, a. Etym: [L. inapprehensibilis: cf. F. inappréhensible.]
Defn: Not apprehensible; unintelligible; inconceivable. Milton.
INAPPREHENSION In*ap`pre*hen"sion, n.
Defn: Want of apprehension.
INAPPREHENSIVE In*ap`pre*hen"sive, a.
Defn: Not apprehensive; regardless; unconcerned. Jer. Taylor.
INAPPROACHABLE In`ap*proach"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not approachable; unapproachable; inaccessible; unequaled. -- In`ap*proach"a*bly, adv.
INAPPROPRIATE In`ap*pro"pri*ate, a.
Defn: Not instrument (to); not appropriate; unbecoming; unsuitable; not specially fitted; -- followed by to or for. -- In`ap*pro"pri*ate*ly, adv. -- In`ap*pro"pri*ate*ness, n.
INAPT In*apt", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + apt: cf. F. inapte. Cf. Inept.]
Defn: Unapt; not apt; unsuitable; inept. -- In*apt"ly, adv. -- In*apt"ness, n.
INAPTITUDE In*apt"i*tude, n. Etym: [In- + aptitude: cf. F. inaptitude. Cf. In.]
Defn: Want of aptitude.
INAQUATE In*a"quate, a. Etym: [L. inaquatus, p. p. of inaquare to make into water; pref. in- in + aqua water.]
Defn: Embodied in, or changed into, water. [Obs.] Cranmer.
INAQUATION In`a*qua"tion, n.
Defn: The state of being inaquate. [Obs.] Bp. Gardiner.
INARABLE In*ar"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not arable. [R.]
INARCH In*arch", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inarched; p. pr. & vb. n. Inarching.]
Defn: To graft by uniting, as a scion, to a stock, without separating either from its root before the union is complete; -- also called to graft by approach. P. Miler.
INARCHING In*arch"ing, n.
Defn: A method of ingrafting. See Inarch.
INARTICULATE In`ar*tic"u*late, a. Etym: [L. inarticulatus; pref. in- not + articulatus articulate.]
1. Not uttered with articulation or intelligible distinctness, as speech or words. Music which is inarticulate poesy. Dryden.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) Not jointed or articulated; having no distinct body segments; as, an inarticulate worm. (b) Without a hinge; -- said of an order (Inarticulata or Ecardines) of brachiopods.
3. Incapable of articulating. [R.] The poor earl, who is inarticulate with palsy. Walpole.
INARTICULATED In`ar*tic"u*la`ted, a.
Defn: Not articulated; not jointed or connected by a joint.
INARTICULATELY In`ar*tic"u*late*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inarticulate manner. Hammond.
INARTICULATENESS In`ar*tic"u*late*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being inarticulate.
INARTICULATION In`ar*tic`u*la"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inarticulation.]
Defn: Inarticulateness. Chesterfield.
INARTIFICIAL In*ar`ti*fi"cial, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + artificial: cf. F. inartificiel.]
Defn: Not artificial; not made or elaborated by art; natural; simple; artless; as, an inartificial argument; an inartificial character. -- In*ar`ti*fi"cial*ly, adv. -- In*ar`ti*fi"cial*ness, n.
INASMUCH In`as*much", adv. Etym: [In + as + much.]
Defn: In like degree; in like manner; seeing that; considering that; since; -- followed by as. See In as much as, under In, prep. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. Matt. xxv. 45.
Syn. -- Because; since; for; as. See Because.
INATTENTION In`at*ten"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + attention: cf. F. inattention.]
Defn: Want of attention, or failure to pay attention; disregard; heedlessness; neglect. Novel lays attract our ravished ears; But old, the mind inattention hears. Pope.
Syn. -- Inadvertence; heedlessness; negligence; carelessness; disregard; remissness; thoughtlessness; neglect. -- Inattention, Inadvertence. We miss seeing a thing through inadvertence when do not happen to look at it; through inattention when we give no heed to it, though directly before us. The latter is therefore the worse. Inadvertence may be an involuntary accident; inattention is culpable neglect. A versatile mind is often inadvertent; a careless or stupid one is inattentive.
INATTENTIVE In`at*ten"tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inattentif.]
Defn: Not attentive; not fixing the mind on an object; heedless; careless; negligent; regardless; as, an inattentive spectator or hearer; an inattentive habit. I. Watts.
Syn. -- Careless; heedless; regardless; thoughtless; negligent; remiss; inadvertent. -- In`at*ten"tive*ly, adv. -- In`at*ten"tive*ness, n.
INAUDIBILITY In*au`di*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being inaudible; inaudibleness.
INAUDIBLE In*au"di*ble, a. Etym: [L. inaudibilis; pref. in- not + audire to hear: cf. F. unaudible. See In- not, and Audible.]
Defn: Not audible; incapable of being heard; silent. -- In*au"di*ble*ness, n. -- In*au"di*bly, adv.
INAUGUR In*au"gur, v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. inaugurer. See Inaugurate.]
Defn: To inaugurate. [Obs.] Latimer.
INAUGURAL In*au"gu*ral, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inaugural.]
Defn: Pertaining to, or performed or pronounced at, an inauguration; as, an inaugural address; the inaugural exercises.
INAUGURAL In*au"gu*ral, n.
Defn: An inaugural address. [U.S.]
INAUGURATE In*au"gu*rate, a. Etym: [L. inauguratus, p. p. of inaugurare to take omens from the flight of birds (before entering upon any important undertaking); hence, to consecrate, inaugurate, or install, with such divination; pref. in- in + augurare, augurari, to augur. See Augur.]
Defn: Invested with office; inaugurated. Drayton.
INAUGURATE In*au"gu*rate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inaugurated; p. pr. & vb. n. Inaugurating.]
1. To introduce or induct into an office with suitable ceremonies or solemnities; to invest with power or authority in a formal manner; to install; as, to inaugurate a president; to inaugurate a king. Milton.
2. To cause to begin, esp. with formality or solemn ceremony; hence, to set in motion, action, or progress; to initiate; -- used especially of something of dignity or worth or public concern; as, to inaugurate a new era of things, new methods, etc. As if kings did closes remarkable days to inaugurate their favors. Sir H. Wotton.
3. To celebrate the completion of, or the first public use of; to dedicate, as a statue. [Colloq.]
4. To begin with good omens. [Obs.] Sir H. Wotton.
INAUGURATION In*au`gu*ra"tion, n. Etym: [L. inauguratio a beginning: cf. F. inauguration.]
1. The act of inuagurating, or inducting into office with solemnity; investiture by appropriate ceremonies. At his regal inauguration, his old father resigned the kingdom to him. Sir T. Browne.
2. The formal beginning or initiation of any movement, course of action, etc.; as, the inauguration of a new system, a new condition, etc.
INAUGURATION DAY In*au`gu*ra"tion Day.
Defn: The day on which the President of the United States is inaugurated, the 4th of March in every year next after a year divisible by four.
INAUGURATOR In*au"gu*ra`tor, n.
Defn: One who inaugurates.
INAUGURATORY In*au"gu*ra*to*ry, a.
Defn: Suitable for, or pertaining to, inauguration. Johnson.
INAURATE In*au"rate, a. Etym: [L. inauratus, p. p. inaurare to gild; pref. in- in + aurum gold.]
Defn: Covered with gold; gilded.
INAURATE In*au"rate, v. t.
Defn: To cover with gold; to gild.
INAURATION In`au*ra"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inauration.]
Defn: The act or process of gilding or covering with gold.
INAUSPICATE In*aus"pi*cate, a. Etym: [L. inauspicatus; pref. in- not + auspicatus, p. p. auspicari. See Auspicate.]
Defn: Inauspicious [Obs.] Sir G. Buck.
INAUSPICIOUS In`aus*pi"cious, a.
Defn: Not auspicious; ill-omened; unfortunate; unlucky; unfavorable. "Inauspicious stars." Shak. "Inauspicious love." Dryden. -- In`aus*pi"cious*ly, adv. -- In`aus*pi"cious*ness, n.
INAUTHORITATIVE In`au*thor"i*ta*tive, a.
Defn: Without authority; not authoritative.
INBARGE In"barge, v. t. & i.
Defn: To embark; to go or put into a barge. [Obs.] Drayton.
INBEAMING In"beam`ing, n.
Defn: Shining in. South.
INBEING In"be`ing, n.
Defn: Inherence; inherent existence. I. Watts.
INBIND In*bind", v. t.
Defn: To inclose. [Obs.] Fairfax.
INBLOWN In"blown`, a.
Defn: Blown in or into. [Obs.]
INBOARD In"board`, a. & adv.
1. (Naut.)
Defn: Inside the line of a vessel's bulwarks or hull; the opposite of outboard; as, an inboard cargo; haul the boom inboard.
2. (Mech.)
Defn: From without inward; toward the inside; as, the inboard stroke of a steam engine piston, the inward or return stroke.
INBORN In"born`, a.
Defn: Born in or with; implanted by nature; innate; as, inborn passions. Cowper.
Syn. -- Innate; inherent; natural.
INBREAK; INBREAKING In"break`, In"break`ing, n.
Defn: A breaking in; inroad; invasion.
INBREATHE In*breathe", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inbreathed; p. pr. & vb. n. Inbreathing.]
Defn: To infuse by breathing; to inspire. Coleridge.
INBRED In"bred`, a.
Defn: Bred within; innate; as, inbred worth. "Inbred sentiments." Burke.
INBREED In*breed", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inbred; p. pr. & vb. n. Inbreeding.] Etym: [Cf. Imbreed.]
1. To produce or generate within. Bp. Reynolds. To inbreed and cherish . . . the seeds of virtue. Milton.
2. To breed in and in. See under Breed, v. i.
INBURNING In"burn`ing, a.
Defn: Burning within. Her inburning wrath she gan abate. Spenser.
INBURNT In"burnt`, a.
Defn: Burnt in; ineffaceable. Her inburnt, shamefaced thoughts. P. Fletcher.
INBURST In"burst`, n.
Defn: A bursting in or into.
INC Inc, n.
Defn: A Japanese measure of length equal to about two and one twelfth yards. [Written also ink.]
INCA In"ca, n. (a) An emperor or monarch of Peru before, or at the time of, the Spanish conquest; any member of this royal dynasty, reputed to have been descendants of the sun. (b) pl.
Defn: The people governed by the Incas, now represented by the Quichua tribe. Inca dove (Zoöl.), a small dove (Scardafella inca), native of Arizona, Lower California, and Mexico.
INCAGE In*cage", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incaged; p. pr. & vb. n. Incaging.] Etym: [Cf. Encage.]
Defn: To confine in, or as in, a cage; to coop up. [Written also encage.] "Incaged birds." Shak.
INCAGEMENT In*cage"ment, n.
Defn: Confinement in, or as in, cage. [Obs.] Shelton.
INCALCULABILITY In*cal`cu*la*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incalculable.
INCALCULABLE In*cal"cu*la*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + calculable: cf. F. incalculable.]
Defn: Not capable of being calculated; beyond calculation; very great. -- In*cal"cu*la*ble*ness, n. -- In*cal"cu*la*bly, adv.
INCALESCENCE In`ca*les"cence, n.
Defn: The state of being incalescent, or of growing warm. Sir T. Browne.
INCALESCENCY In`ca*les"cen*cy, n.
Defn: Incalescence. Ray.
INCALESCENT In`ca*les"cent, a. Etym: [L. incalescens, -entis, p. pr. of incalescere to grow hot. See 1st In-, and Calescence.]
Defn: Growing warm; increasing in heat.
INCAMERATION In*cam`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- in + L. camera chamber, LL., also, jurisdiction: cf. F. incamération, It. incamerazione.] (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: The act or process of uniting lands, rights, or revenues, to the ecclesiastical chamber, i. e., to the pope's domain.
INCAN In"can, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Incas.
INCANDESCENCE In`can*des"cence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incandescence.]
Defn: A white heat, or the glowing or luminous whiteness of a body caused by intense heat.
INCANDESCENT In`can*des"cent, a. Etym: [L. incandecens, -entis, p. pr. of incandescere to become warm or hot; pref. in- in + candescere to become of a glittering whiteness, to become red hot, incho. fr. candere to be of a glittering whiteness: cf. F. incandescent. See Candle.]
Defn: White, glowing, or luminous, with intense heat; as, incandescent carbon or platinum; hence, clear; shining; brilliant. Holy Scripture become resplendent; or, as one might say, incandescent throughout. I. Taylor. Incandescent lamp or light (Elec.), a kind of lamp in which the light is produced by a thin filament of conducting material, usually carbon, contained in a vacuum, and heated to incandescence by an electric current, as in the Edison lamp; -- called also incandescence lamp, and glowlamp.
INCANESCENT In`ca*nes"cent, a. Etym: [L. incanescens, p. pr. incanescere to become gray.]
Defn: Becoming hoary or gray; canescent.
INCANOUS In*ca"nous, a. Etym: [L. incanus; pref. in- in + canus hoary.] (Bot.)
Defn: Hoary with white pubescence.
INCANTATION In`can*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. incantatio, fr. incantare to chant a magic formula over one: cf. F. incantation. See Enchant.]
1. The act or process of using formulas sung or spoken, with occult ceremonies, for the purpose of raising spirits, producing enchantment, or affecting other magical results; enchantment. "Mysterious ceremony and incantation." Burke.
2. A formula of words used as above.
INCANTATORY In*cant"a*to*ry, a.
Defn: Dealing by enchantment; magical. Sir T. Browne.
INCANTING In*cant"ing, a.
Defn: Enchanting. [Obs.] Sir T. Herbert.
INCANTON In*can"ton, v. t.
Defn: To unite to, or form into, a canton or separate community. Addison.
INCAPABILITY In*ca`pa*bil"i*ty, n.
1. The quality of being incapable; incapacity. Suckling.
2. (Law)
Defn: Want of legal qualifications, or of legal power; as, incapability of holding an office.
INCAPABLE In*ca"pa*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + capable: cf. F. incapable, L. incapabilis incomprehensible.]
1. Wanting in ability or qualification for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable; as, incapable of holding a certain quantity of liquid; incapable of endurance, of comprehension, of perseverance, of reform, etc.
2. Not capable of being brought to do or perform, because morally strong or well disposed; -- used with reference to some evil; as, incapable of wrong, dishonesty, or falsehood.
3. Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit; as, incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury.
4. (Law)
Defn: Unqualified or disqualified, in a legal sense; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is incapable of holding the office of president of the United States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made incapable of holding an office of profit or honor under the government.
5. (Mil.)
Defn: As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.
Note: Incapable is often used elliptically. Is not your father grown incapable of reasonable affairs Shak.
Syn. -- Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See Incompetent.
INCAPABLE In*ca"pa*ble, n.
Defn: One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
INCAPABLENESS In*ca"pa*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incapable; incapability.
INCAPABLY In*ca"pa*bly, adv.
Defn: In an incapable manner.
INCAPACIOUS In`ca*pa"cious, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + capacious: cf. L. incapax incapable.]
Defn: Not capacious; narrow; small; weak or foolish; as, an incapacious soul. Bp. Burnet. -- In`ca*pa"cious*ness, n.
INCAPACITATE In`ca*pac"i*tate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incapacitated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incapacitating.] Etym: [Pref. in- not + capacitate.]
1. To deprive of capacity or natural power; to disable; to render incapable or unfit; to disqualify; as, his age incapacitated him for war.
2. (Law)
Defn: To deprive of legal or constitutional requisites, or of ability or competency for the performance of certain civil acts; to disqualify. It absolutely incapacitated them from holding rank, office, function, or property. Milman.
INCAPACITATION In`ca*pac`i*ta"tion, n.
Defn: The act of incapacitating or state of being incapacitated; incapacity; disqualification. Burke.
INCAPACITY In`ca*pac"i*ty, n.; pl. Incapacities (. Etym: [Cf. F. incapacité.]
1. Want of capacity; lack of physical or intellectual power; inability.
2. (Law)
Defn: Want of legal ability or competency to do, give, transmit, or receive something; inability; disqualification; as, the inacapacity of minors to make binding contracts, etc.
Syn. -- Inability; incapability; incompetency; unfitness; disqualification; disability.
INCAPSULATE In*cap"su*late, v. t. (Physiol.)
Defn: To inclose completely, as in a membrane.
INCAPSULATION In*cap`su*la"tion, n. (Physiol.)
Defn: The process of becoming, or the state or condition of being, incapsulated; as, incapsulation of the ovum in the uterus.
INCARCERATE In*car"cer*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incarcerated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incarcerating.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + L. carceratus, p. p. of carcerare to imprison, fr. carcer prison.]
1. To imprison; to confine in a jail or priso
2. To confine; to shut up or inclose; to hem in. Incarcerated hernia (Med.), hernia in which the constriction can not be easily reduced.
INCARCERATE In*car"cer*ate, a.
Defn: Imprisoned. Dr. H. More.
INCARCERATION In*car`cer*a"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incarcération.]
1. The act of confining, or the state of being confined; imprisonment. Glanvill.
2. (Med.) (a) Formerly, strangulation, as in hernia. (b) A constriction of the hernial sac, rendering it irreducible, but not great enough to cause strangulation.
INCARCERATOR In*car"cer*a`tor, n.
Defn: One who incarcerates.
INCARN In*carn", v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. incarner. See Incarnate.]
Defn: To cover or invest with flesh. [R.] Wiseman.
INCARN In*carn", v. i.
Defn: To develop flesh. [R.] Wiseman.
INCARNADINE In*car"na*dine, a. Etym: [F. incarnadin, It. incarnatino; L. pref. in- in + caro, carnis, flesh. Cf. Carnation, Incarnate.]
Defn: Flesh-colored; of a carnation or pale red color. [Obs.] Lovelace.
INCARNADINE In*car"na*dine, v. t.
Defn: To dye red or crimson. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand No; this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red. Shak.
INCARNATE In*car"nate, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + carnate.]
Defn: Not in the flesh; spiritual. [Obs.] I fear nothing . . . that devil carnate or incarnate can fairly do. Richardson.
INCARNATE In*car"nate, a. Etym: [L. incarnatus, p. p. of incarnare to incarnate, pref. in- in + caro, carnis, flesh. See Carnal.]
1. Invested with flesh; embodied in a human nature and form; united with, or having, a human body. Here shalt thou sit incarnate. Milton. He represents the emperor and his wife as two devils incarnate, sent into the world for the destruction of mankind. Jortin.
2. Flesh-colored; rosy; red. [Obs.] Holland.
INCARNATE In*car"nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incarnated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incarnating.]
Defn: To clothe with flesh; to embody in flesh; to invest, as spirits, ideals, etc., with a human from or nature. This essence to incarnate and imbrute, That to the height of deity aspired. Milton.
INCARNATE In*car"nate, v. i.
Defn: To form flesh; to granulate, as a wound. [R.] My uncle Toby's wound was nearly well -- 't was just beginning to incarnate. Sterne.
INCARNATION In`car*na"tion, n. Etym: [F. incarnation, LL. incarnatio.]
1. The act of clothing with flesh, or the state of being so clothed; the act of taking, or being manifested in, a human body and nature.
2. (Theol.)
Defn: The union of the second person of the Godhead with manhood in Christ.
3. An incarnate form; a personification; a manifestation; a reduction to apparent from; a striking exemplification in person or act. She is a new incarnation of some of the illustrious dead. Jeffrey. The very incarnation of selfishness. F. W. Robertson.
4. A rosy or red color; flesh color; carnation. [Obs.]
5. (Med.)
Defn: The process of healing wounds and filling the part with new flesh; granulation.
INCARNATIVE In*car"na*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. incarnatif.]
Defn: Causing new flesh to grow; healing; regenerative. -- n.
Defn: An incarnative medicine.
INCARNIFICATION In*car`ni*fi*ca"tion, n. Etym: [See Incarnation, and -fy.]
Defn: The act of assuming, or state of being clothed with, flesh; incarnation.
INCASE In*case", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incased; p. pr. & vb. n. Incasing.] Etym: [F. encaisser; pref. en- (L. in) + caisse case. See Case a box, and cf. Encase, Enchase.]
Defn: To inclose in a case; to inclose; to cover or surround with something solid. Rich plates of gold the folding doors incase. Pope.
INCASEMENT In*case"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. Casement.]
1. The act or process of inclosing with a case, or the state of being incased.
2. That which forms a case, covering, or inclosure.
INCASK In*cask", v. t.
Defn: To cover with a casque or as with a casque. Sherwood.
INCASTELLATED In*cas"tel*la`ted, a.
Defn: Confined or inclosed in a castle.
INCASTELLED In*cas"telled, a. (Far.)
Defn: Hoofbound. Crabb.
INCATENATION In*cat`e*na"tion, n. Etym: [LL. incatenatio; L. pref. in- in + catena chain. See Enchain.]
Defn: The act of linking together; enchaining. [R.] Goldsmith.
INCAUTION In*cau"tion, n.
Defn: Want of caution. Pope.
INCAUTIOUS In*cau"tious, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + cautious: cf. L. incautus.]
Defn: Not cautious; not circumspect; not attending to the circumstances on which safety and interest depend; heedless; careless; as, an incautious step; an incautious remark.
You . . . incautious tread On fire with faithless embers overspread. Francis. His rhetorical expressions may easily captivate any incautious reader. Keill.
Syn. -- Unwary; indiscreet; inconsiderate; imprudent; impolitic; careless; heedless; thoughtless. -- In*cau"tious*ly, adv. -- In*cau"tious*ness, n.
INCAVATED In"ca*va`ted, a. Etym: [L. incavatus, p. p. of incavare to make hollow: pref in- in + cavare to hollow out, fr. cavus hollow.]
Defn: Made hollow; bent round or in.
INCAVATION In`ca*va"tion, n.
Defn: Act of making hollow; also, a hollow; an exvation; a depression.
INCAVED In*caved", a. Etym: [Pref. in- in + cave. Cf. Encave, Incavated.]
Defn: Inclosed in a cave.
INCAVERNED In*cav"erned, a.
Defn: Inclosed or shut up as in a cavern. Drayton.
INCEDINGLY In*ced"ing*ly, adv. Etym: [L. incedere to walk majestically.]
Defn: Majestically. [R.] C. Bronté.
INCELEBRITY In`ce*leb"ri*ty, n.
Defn: Want of celebrity or distinction; obscurity. [R.] Coleridge.
INCEND In*cend", v. t. Etym: [L. incendere, incensum, to kindle, burn. See Incense to inflame.]
Defn: To inflame; to excite. [Obs.] Marston.
INCENDIARISM In*cen"di*a*rism, n. Etym: [From Incendiary.]
Defn: The act or practice of maliciously setting fires; arson.
INCENDIARY In*cen"di*a*ry, n.; pl. Incendiaries. Etym: [L. incendiarius: cf. F. incendiaire. See Incense to inflame.]
1. Any person who maliciously sets fire to a building or other valuable or other valuable property.
2. A person who excites or inflames factions, and promotes quarrels or sedition; an agitator; an exciter. Several cities . . . drove them out as incendiaries. Bentley.
INCENDIARY In*cen"di*a*ry, a. Etym: [L. incendiarius, fr. incendium a fire, conflagration: cf. F. incendiaire. See Incense to inflame.]
1. Of or pertaining to incendiarism, or the malicious burning of valuable property; as, incendiary material; as incendiary crime.
2. Tending to excite or inflame factions, sedition, or quarrel; inflammatory; seditious. Paley. Incendiary shell, a bombshell. See Carcass, 4.
INCENDIOUS In*cen"di*ous, a. Etym: [L. incendiosus burning, hot.]
Defn: Promoting faction or contention; seditious; inflammatory. [Obs.] Bacon. -- In*cen"di*ous*ly, adv. [Obs.]
INCENSANT In*cen"sant, a. Etym: [See Incense to anger.] (Her.)
Defn: A modern term applied to animals (as a boar) when borne as raging, or with furious aspect.
INCENSATION In`cen*sa"tion, n. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: The offering of incense. [R.] Encyc. Brit.
INCENSE In*cense", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incensed; p. pr. & vb. n. Incensing.] Etym: [L. incensus, p. p. of incendere; pref. in- in + root of candere to glow. See Candle.]
1. To set on fire; to inflame; to kindle; to burn. [Obs.] Twelve Trojan princes wait on thee, and labor to incense Thy glorious heap of funeral. Chapman.
2. To inflame with anger; to endkindle; to fire; to incite; to provoke; to heat; to madden. The people are incensed him. Shak.
Syn. -- To enrage; exasperate; provoke; anger; irritate; heat; fire; instigate.
INCENSE In"cense, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incensed; p. pr. & vb. n. Incensing.] Etym: [LL. incensare: cf. F. encenser. See Incense, n.]
1. To offer incense to. See Incense. [Obs.] Chaucer.
2. To perfume with, or as with, incense. "Incensed with wanton sweets." Marston.
INCENSE In"cense, n. Etym: [OE. encens, F. encens, L. incensum, fr. incensus, p. p. of incendere to burn. See Incense to inflame.]
1. The perfume or odors exhaled from spices and gums when burned in celebrating religious rites or as an offering to some deity. A thick of incense went up. Ezek. viii. 11.
2. The materials used for the purpose of producing a perfume when burned, as fragrant gums, spices, frankincense, etc. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon. Lev. x. 1.
3. Also used figuratively. Or heap the shrine of luxury and pride, With incense kindled at the Muse's flame. Gray. Incense tree, the name of several balsamic trees of the genus Bursera (or Icica) mostly tropical American. The gum resin is used for incense. In Jamaica the Chrysobalanus Icaco, a tree related to the plums, is called incense tree. -- Incense wood, the fragrant wood of the tropical American tree Bursera heptaphylla.
INCENSEBREATHING; INCENSE-BREATHING In"cense*breath`ing, a.
Defn: Breathing or exhaling incense. "Incense-breathing morn." Gray.
INCENSED In*censed", a.
1. Angered; enraged.
2. (Her.)
Defn: Represented as enraged, as any wild creature depicted with fire issuing from mouth and eyes.
INCENSEMENT In*cense"ment, n.
Defn: Fury; rage; heat; exasperation; as, implacable incensement. Shak.
INCENSER In*cen"ser, n.
Defn: One who instigates or incites.
INCENSION In*cen"sion, n. Etym: [L. incensio. See Incense to inflame.]
Defn: The act of kindling, or the state of being kindled or on fire. Bacon.
INCENSIVE In*cen"sive, a.
Defn: Tending to excite or provoke; inflammatory. Barrow.
INCENSOR In*cen"sor, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: A kindler of anger or enmity; an inciter.
INCENSORY In*cen"so*ry, n.; pl. Incensories. Etym: [LL. incensorium: cf. F. encensoir. See 2d Incense, and cf. Censer.]
Defn: The vessel in which incense is burned and offered; a censer; a thurible. [R.] Evelyn.
INCENSURABLE In*cen"sur*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + censurable: cf. F. incensurable.]
Defn: Not censurable. Dr. T. Dwight. -- In*cen"sur*a*bly, adv.
INCENTER In*cen"ter, n. (Geom.)
Defn: The center of the circle inscribed in a triangle.
INCENTIVE In*cen"tive, a. Etym: [L. incentivus, from incinere to strike up or set the tune; pref. in- + canere to sing. See Enchant, Chant.]
1. Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulative. Competency is the most incentive to industry. Dr. H. More.
2. Serving to kindle or set on fire. [R.] Part incentive reed Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire. Milton.
INCENTIVE In*cen"tive, n. Etym: [L. incentivum.]
Defn: That which moves or influences the mind, or operates on the passions; that which incites, or has a tendency to incite, to determination or action; that which prompts to good or ill; motive; spur; as, the love of money, and the desire of promotion, are two powerful incentives to action. The greatest obstacles, the greatest terrors that come in their way, are so far from making them quit the work they had begun, that they rather prove incentives to them to go on in it. South.
Syn. -- Motive; spur; stimulus; incitement; encouragement; inducement; influence.
INCENTIVELY In*cen"tive*ly, adv.
Defn: Incitingly; encouragingly.
INCEPTION In*cep"tion, n. Etym: [L. inceptio, fr. incipere to begin; pref. in- in + capere to take. See Capable.]
1. Beginning; commencement; initiation. Bacon. Marked with vivacity of inception, apathy of progress, and prematureness of decay. Rawle.
2. Reception; a taking in. [R.] Poe.
INCEPTIVE In*cep"tive, a.
Defn: Beginning; expressing or indicating beginning; as, an inceptive proposition; an inceptive verb, which expresses the beginning of action; -- called also inchoative. -- In*cep"tive*ly, adv.
INCEPTIVE In*cep"tive, n.
Defn: An inceptive word, phrase, or clause.
INCEPTOR In*cep"tor, n. Etym: [L.]
1. A beginner; one in the rudiments. Johnson.
2. One who is on the point of taking the degree of master of arts at an English university. Walton.
INCERATION In`cer*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. incerare to smear with wax; pref. in- in + cerare to wax, fr. cera wax: cf. F. incération.]
Defn: The act of smearing or covering with wax. B. Jonson.
INCERATIVE In*cer"a*tive, a.
Defn: Cleaving or sticking like wax. Cotgrave.
INCERTAIN In*cer"tain, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + certain: cf. F. incertain, L. incertus. See Certain.]
Defn: Uncertain; doubtful; unsteady. -- In*cer"tain*ly, adv. Very questionable and of uncertain truth. Sir T. Browne.
INCERTAINTY In*cer"tain*ty, n.
Defn: Uncertainty. [Obs.] Shak.
INCERTITUDE In*cer"ti*tude, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incertitude, LL. incertitudo, fr. L. incertus. See Incertain.]
Defn: Uncertainty; doubtfulness; doubt. The incertitude and instability of this life. Holland. He fails . . . from mere incertitude or irresolution. I. Taylor.
INCERTUM In*cer"tum, a.
Defn: Doubtful; not of definite form. Opus incertum (Anc. Arch.), a kind of masonry employed in building walls, in which the stones were not squared nor laid in courses; rubblework.
INCESSABLE In*ces"sa*ble, a. Etym: [L. incessabilis; pref. in- not + cessare to cease.]
Defn: Unceasing; continual. [Obs.] Shelton. -- In*ces"sa*bly, adv. [Obs.]
INCESSANCY In*ces"san*cy, n. Etym: [From Incessant.]
Defn: The quality of being incessant; unintermitted continuance; unceasingness. Dr. T. Dwight.
INCESSANT In*ces"sant, a. Etym: [L. incessans, -antis; pref. in- not + cessare to cease: cf. F. incessant. See Cease.]
Defn: Continuing or following without interruption; unceasing; unitermitted; uninterrupted; continual; as, incessant clamors; incessant pain, etc. Against the castle gate, . . . Which with incessant force and endless hate, They batter'd day and night and entrance did await. Spenser.
Syn. -- Unceasing; uninterrupted; unintermitted; unremitting; ceaseless; continual; constant; perpetual.
INCESSANTLY In*ces"sant*ly, adv.
Defn: Unceasingly; continually. Shak.
INCESSION In*ces"sion, n. Etym: [L. incedere, incessum, to walk.]
Defn: Motion on foot; progress in walking. [Obs.] The incession or local motion of animals. Sir T. Browne.
INCEST In"cest, n. Etym: [F. inceste, L. incestum unchastity, incest, fr. incestus unchaste; pref. in- not + castus chaste. See Chaste.]
Defn: The crime of cohabitation or sexual commerce between persons related within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law. Shak. Spiritual incest. (Eccl. Law) (a) The crime of cohabitation committed between persons who have a spiritual alliance by means of baptism or confirmation. (b) The act of a vicar, or other beneficiary, who holds two benefices, the one depending on the collation of the other.
INCESTTUOUS In*cest"tu*ous, a. Etym: [L. incestuosus: cf. F. incestueux.]
Defn: Guilty of incest; involving, or pertaining to, the crime of incest; as, an incestuous person or connection. Shak. Ere you reach to this incestuous love, You must divine and human rights remove. Dryden. -- In*cest"tu*ous*ly, adv. -- In*cest"tu*ous*ness, n.
INCH Inch, n. Etym: [Gael. inis.]
Defn: An island; -- often used in the names of small islands off the coast of Scotland, as in Inchcolm, Inchkeith, etc. [Scot.]
INCH Inch, n. Etym: [OE. inche, unche, AS. ynce, L. uncia the twelfth part, inch, ounce. See Ounce a weight.]
1. A measure of length, the twelfth part of a foot, commonly subdivided into halves, quarters, eights, sixteenths, etc., as among mechanics. It was also formerly divided into twelve parts, called lines, and originally into three parts, called barleycorns, its length supposed to have been determined from three grains of barley placed end to end lengthwise. It is also sometimes called a prime ('), composed of twelve seconds ('\'b7), as in the duodecimal system of arithmetic. 12 seconds ('\'b7) make 1 inch or prime. 12 inches or primes (') make 1 foot. B. Greenleaf.
Note: The meter, the accepted scientific standard of length, equals 39.37 inches; the inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. See Metric system, and Meter.
2. A small distance or degree, whether or time Beldame, I think we watched you at an inch. Shak. By inches, by slow degrees, gradually. -- Inch of candle. See under Candle. -- Inches of pressure, usually, the pressure indicated by so many inches of a mercury column, as on a steam gauge. -- Inch of water. See under Water. -- Miner's inch, (Hydraulic Mining), a unit for the measurement of water. See Inch of water, under Water.
INCH Inch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inched; p. pr. & vb. n. Inching.]
1. To drive by inches, or small degrees. [R.] He gets too far into the soldier's grace And inches out my master. Dryden.
2. To deal out by inches; to give sparingly. [R.]
INCH Inch, v. i.
Defn: To advance or retire by inches or small degrees; to move slowly. With slow paces measures back the field, And inches to the walls. Dryden.
INCH Inch, a.
Defn: Measurement an inch in any dimension, whether length, breadth, or thickness; -- used in composition; as, a two-inch cable; a four- inch plank. Inch stuff, boards, etc., sawed one inch thick.
INCHAMBER In*cham"ber, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inchambered; p. pr. & vb. n. Inchambering.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + chamber: cf. OF. enchambrer.]
Defn: To lodge in a chamber. [R.] Sherwood.
INCHANGEABILITY In*change`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: Unchangeableness. [Obs.] Kenrick.
INCHANT In*chant", v. t.
Defn: See Enchant.
INCHARITABLE In*char"i*ta*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. incharitable.]
Defn: Uncharitable; unfeeling. [Obs.] Shak.
INCHARITY In*char"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incharité.]
Defn: Want of charity. [Obs.] Evelyn.
INCHASE In*chase", v. t.
Defn: See Enchase.
INCHASTITY In*chas"ti*ty, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + chastity: cf. F. inchasteté.]
Defn: Unchastity. [Obs.] Milton.
INCHED Inched, a.
Defn: Having or measuring (so many) inches; as, a four-inched bridge. Shak.
INCHEST In*chest", v. t.
Defn: To put into a chest.
INCHIPIN Inch"i*pin, n.
Defn: See Inchpin.
INCHMEAL Inch"meal`, n. Etym: [See Meal a part, and cf. Piecemeal.]
Defn: A piece an inch long. By inchmeal, by small degrees; by inches. Shak.
INCHMEAL Inch"meal`, adv.
Defn: Little by little; gradually.
INCHOATE In"cho*ate, a. Etym: [L. inchoatus, better incohatus, p. p. of incohare to begin.]
Defn: Recently, or just, begun; beginning; partially but not fully in existence or operation; existing in its elements; incomplete. -- In"cho*ate*ly, adv. Neither a substance perfect, nor a substance inchoate. Raleigh.
INCHOATE In"cho*ate, v. t.
Defn: To begin. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
INCHOATION In`cho*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. inchoatio, incohatio.]
Defn: Act of beginning; commencement; inception. The setting on foot some of those arts, in those parts, would be looked on as the first inchoation of them. Sir M. Hale. It is now in actual progress, from the rudest inchoation to the most elaborate finishing. I. Taylor.
INCHOATIVE In*cho"a*tive, a. Etym: [L. inchoativus, incohativus: cf. F. inchoatif.]
Defn: Expressing or pertaining to a beginning; inceptive; as, an inchoative verb. "Some inchoative or imperfect rays." W. Montagu. -- n.
Defn: An inchoative verb. See Inceptive.
INCHPIN Inch"pin, n. Etym: [Written also inchipin, inche-pinne, inne-pinne.] Etym: [Cf. Gael. inne, innidh, bowel, entrail.]
Defn: The sweetbread of a deer. Cotgrave.
INCHWORM Inch"worm`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The larva of any geometrid moth. See Geometrid.
INCICURABLE In*cic"u*ra*ble, a. Etym: [L. incicur not tame; pref. in- not + cicur name.]
Defn: Untamable. [R.]
INCIDE In*cide", v. t. Etym: [L. incidere; pref. in- in + caedere to cut. See Concise, and cf. Incise.]
Defn: To cut; to separate and remove; to resolve or break up, as by medicines. [Obs.] Arbuthnot.
INCIDENCE In"ci*dence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incidence.]
1. A falling on or upon; an incident; an event. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
2. (Physics)
Defn: The direction in which a body, or a ray of light or heat, falls on any surface. In equal incidences there is a considerable inequality of refractions. Sir I. Newton. Angle of incidence, the angle which a ray of light, or the line of incidence of a body, falling on any surface, makes with a perpendicular to that surface; also formerly, the complement of this angle. -- Line of incidence, the line in the direction of which a surface is struck by a body, ray of light, and the like.
INCIDENCY In"ci*den*cy, n.
Defn: Incidence. [Obs.] Shak.
INCIDENT In"ci*dent, a. Etym: [L. incidens, -entis, p. pr. & of incidere to fall into or upon; pref. in- in, on + cadere to fall: cf. F. incident. See Cadence.]
1. Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface.
2. Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous. As the ordinary course of common affairs is disposed of by general laws, so likewise men's rarer incident necessities and utilities should be with special equity considered. Hooker.
3. Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining. All chances incident to man's frail life. Milton. The studies incident to his profession. Milward.
4. (Law)
Defn: Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal. Incident proposition (Logic), a proposition subordinate to another, and introduced by who, which, whose, whom, etc.; as, Julius, whose surname was Cæsar, overcame Pompey. I. Watts.
INCIDENT In"ci*dent, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incident.]
1. That which falls out or takes place; an event; casualty; occurrence.
2. That which happens aside from the main design; an accidental or subordinate action or event. No person, no incident, in a play but must be of use to carry on the main design. Dryden.
3. (Law)
Defn: Something appertaining to, passing with, or depending on, another, called the principal. Tomlins.
Syn. -- Circumstance; event; fact; adventure; contingency; chance; accident; casualty. See Event.
INCIDENTAL In`ci*den"tal, a.
Defn: Happening, as an occasional event, without regularity; coming without design; casual; accidental; hence, not of prime concern; subordinate; collateral; as, an incidental conversation; an incidental occurrence; incidental expenses. By some, religious duties . . . appear to be regarded . . . as an incidental business. Rogers.
Syn. -- Accidental; casual; fortuitous; contingent; chance; collateral. See Accidental. -- In`cen*den"tal*ly, adv. -- In`cen*den"tal*ness, n. I treat either or incidentally of colors. Boyle.
INCIDENTAL In`ci*den"tal, n.
Defn: An incident; that which is incidental; esp., in the plural, an aggregate of subordinate or incidental items not particularized; as, the expense of tuition and incidentals. Pope.
INCIDENTLY In"ci*dent*ly, adv.
Defn: Incidentally. [Obs.]
INCINERABLE In*cin"er*a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being incinerated or reduced to ashes. Sir T. Browne.
INCINERATE In*cin"er*ate, Etym: [LL. incineratus, p. p. of incinerare to incinerate; L. pref. in- in + cinis, cineris, ashes.]
Defn: Reduced to ashes by burning; thoroughly consumed. [Obs.] Bacon.
INCINERATE In*cin"er*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incinerated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incinerating.]
Defn: To burn to ashes; to consume; to burn. Bacon. It is the fire only that incinerates bodies. Boyle.
INCINERATION In*cin`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [LL. incineratio: cf. F. incinération.]
Defn: The act of incinerating, or the state of being incinerated; cremation. The phenix kind, Of whose incineration, There riseth a new creation. Skelton.
INCIPIENCE; INCIPIENCY In*cip"i*ence, In*cip"i*en*cy, n. Etym: [L. incipientia.]
Defn: Beginning; commencement; incipient state.
INCIPIENT In*cip"i*ent, a. Etym: [L. incipiens, p. pr. of incipere to begin. See Inception.]
Defn: Beginning to be, or to show itself; commencing; initial; as, the incipient stage of a fever; incipient light of day. -- In*cip"i*ent*ly, adv.
INCIRCLE In*cir"cle, v. t.
Defn: See Encircle.
INCIRCLET In*cir"clet, n. Etym: [Cf. Encirclet.]
Defn: A small circle. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney.
INCIRCUMSCRIPTIBLE In*cir`cum*scrip"ti*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + circumscriptible: cf. LL. incircumscriptibilis.]
Defn: Incapable of being circumscribed or limited. Cranmer.
INCIRCUMSCRIPTION In*cir`cum*scrip"tion, n.
Defn: Condition or quality of being incircumscriptible or limitless. Jer. Taylor.
INCIRCUMSPECT In*cir"cum*spect, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + circumspect.]
Defn: Not circumspect; heedless; careless; reckless; impolitic. Tyndale.
INCIRCUMSPECTION In*cir`cum*spec"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incirconspection.]
Defn: Want of circumspection. Sir T. Browne.
INCISE In*cise", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incised; p. pr. & vb. n. Incising.] Etym: [L. incisus, p. p. of incidere to incise: cf. F. inciser. See Incide.]
1. To cut in or into with a sharp instrument; to carve; to engrave. I on thy grave this epitaph incise. T. Carew.
2. To cut, gash, or wound with a sharp instrument; to cut off.
INCISED In*cised", a.
1. Cut in; carved; engraved.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Having deep and sharp notches, as a leaf or a petal.
INCISELY In*cise"ly, adv.
Defn: In an incised manner.
INCISION In*ci"sion, n. Etym: [L. incisio: cf. F. incision. See Incise.]
1. The act of incising, or cutting into a substance. Milton.
2. That which is produced by incising; the separation of the parts of any substance made by a cutting or pointed instrument; a cut; a gash.
3. Separation or solution of viscid matter by medicines. [Obs.]
INCISIVE In*ci"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. incisif.]
1. Having the quality of incising, cutting, or penetrating, as with a sharp instrument; cutting; hence, sharp; acute; sarcastic; biting. "An incisive, high voice." G. Eliot. And her incisive smile accrediting That treason of false witness in my blush. Mrs. Browning.
2. (Anat.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the incisors; incisor; as, the incisive bones, the premaxillaries.
INCISOR In*ci"sor, n. Etym: [NL.] (Anat.)
Defn: One of the teeth in front of the canines in either jaw; an incisive tooth. See Tooth.
INCISOR In*ci"sor, a.
Defn: Adapted for cutting; of or pertaining to the incisors; incisive; as, the incisor nerve; an incisor foramen; an incisor tooth.
INCISORY In*ci"so*ry, a.
Defn: Having the quality of cutting; incisor; incisive.
INCISURE In*cis"ure, n. Etym: [L. incisura: cf. F. incisure.]
Defn: A cut; an incision; a gash. Derham.
INCITANT In*cit"ant, a. Etym: [L. incitans, -antis, p. pr. of incitare. See Incite.]
Defn: Inciting; stimulating.
INCITANT In*cit"ant, n.
Defn: That which incites; an inciting agent or cause; a stimulant. E. Darwin.
INCITATION In`ci*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. incitatio: cf. F. incitation.]
1. The act of inciting or moving to action.
2. That which incites to action; that which rouses or prompts; incitement; motive; incentive. The noblest incitation to honest attempts. Tatler.
INCITATIVE In*cit"a*tive, n.
Defn: A provocative; an incitant; a stimulant. [R.] Jervas.
INCITE In*cite", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incited; p. pr. & vb. n. Inciting.] Etym: [L. incitare; pref. in- in + citare to rouse, stir up: cf. F. inciter. See Cite.]
Defn: To move to action; to stir up; to rouse; to spur or urge on. Anthiochus, when he incited Prusias to join in war, set before him the greatness of the Romans. Bacon. No blown ambition doth our arms incite. Shak.
Syn. -- Excite; stimulate; instigate; spur; goad; arouse; move; urge; rouse; provoke; encourage; prompt; animate. See Excite.
INCITEMENT In*cite"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incitement.]
1. The act of inciting.
2. That which incites the mind, or moves to action; motive; incentive; impulse. Burke. From the long records of a distant age, Derive incitements to renew thy rage. Pope.
Syn. -- Motive; incentive; spur; stimulus; impulse; encouragement.
INCITER In*cit"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, incites.
INCITINGLY In*cit"ing*ly, adv.
Defn: So as to incite or stimulate.
INCITO-MOTOR In*ci`to-mo"tor, a. Etym: [L. incitus incited + E. motor.] (Physiol.)
Defn: Inciting to motion; -- applied to that action which, in the case of muscular motion, commences in the nerve centers, and excites the muscles to contraction. Opposed to excito-motor.
INCITO-MOTORY In*ci`to-mo"to*ry, a. (Physiol.)
Defn: Incitomotor.
INCIVIL In*civ"il, a. Etym: [L. incivilis; pref. in- not + civilis civil: cf. F. incivil.]
Defn: Uncivil; rude. [Obs.] Shak.
INCIVILITY In`ci*vil"i*ty, n.; pl. Incivilities. Etym: [L. incivilitas: cf. F. incivilité.]
1. The quality or state of being uncivil; want of courtesy; rudeness of manner; impoliteness. Shak. Tillotson.
2. Any act of rudeness or ill breeding. Uncomely jests, loud talking and jeering, which, in civil account, are called indecencies and incivilities. Jer. Taylor.
3. Want of civilization; a state of rudeness or barbarism. [R.] Sir W. Raleigh.
Syn. -- Impoliteness; uncourteousness; unmannerliness; disrespect; rudeness; discourtesy.
INCIVILIZATION In*civ`i*li*za"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + civilization.]
Defn: The state of being uncivilized; want of civilization; barbarism.
INCIVILLY In*civ"il*ly, adv.
Defn: Uncivilly. [Obs.] Shak.
INCIVISM In*civ"ism, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + civism: cf. F. incivisme.]
Defn: Want of civism; want of patriotism or love to one's country; unfriendliness to one's state or government. [R.] Macaulay.
INCLAMATION In`cla*ma"tion, n. Etym: [L. inclamatio. See 1st In-, and Claim.]
Defn: Exclamation. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
INCLASP In*clasp", v. t. Etym: [Pref. in- in + clasp. Cf. Enclasp.]
Defn: To clasp within; to hold fast to; to embrace or encircle. [Written also enclasp.] The flattering ivy who did ever see Inclasp the huge trunk of an aged tree. F. Beaumont.
INCLAUDENT In*clau"dent, a.
Defn: Not closing or shutting.
INCLAVATED In"cla*va`ted, a. Etym: [LL. inclavatus; L. pref. in- in + clavare to fasten with nails, fr. clavus nail.]
Defn: Set; fast; fixed. Dr. John Smith.
INCLAVE In*clave", a. Etym: [See Inclavated.] (Her.)
Defn: Resembling a series of dovetails; -- said of a line of division, such as the border of an ordinary.
INCLE In"cle, n.
Defn: Same as Inkle.
INCLEMENCY In*clem"en*cy, n.; pl. Inclemencies. Etym: [L. inclementia: cf. F. inclémence.]
1. The state or quality of being inclement; want of clemency; want of mildness of temper; unmercifulness; severity. The inclemency of the late pope. Bp. Hall.
2. Physical severity or harshness (commonly in respect to the elements or weather); roughness; storminess; rigor; severe cold, wind, rain, or snow. The inclemencies of morning air. Pope. The rude inclemency of wintry skies. Cowper.
Syn. -- Harshness; severity; cruelty; rigor; roughness; storminess; boisterousness.
INCLEMENT In*clem"ent, a. Etym: [L. inclemens; pref. in- not + clemens mild: cf. F. inclément. See Clement.]
1. Not clement; destitute of a mild and kind temper; void of tenderness; unmerciful; severe; harsh.
2. Physically severe or harsh (generally restricted to the elements or weather); rough; boisterous; stormy; rigorously cold, etc.; as, inclement weather. Cowper. The guard the wretched from the inclement sky. Pope. Teach us further by what means to shun The inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow! Milton.
INCLEMENTLY In*clem"ent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inclement manner.
INCLINABLE In*clin"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. inclinabilis. See Incline.]
1. Leaning; tending. Likely and inclinable to fall. Bentley.
2. Having a propensity of will or feeling; leaning in disposition; disposed; propense; as, a mind inclinable to truth. Whatsoever other sins he may be inclinable to. South. The very constitution of a multitude is not so inclinable to save as to destroy. Fuller.
INCLINABLENESS In*clin"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being inclinable; inclination.
INCLINATION In`cli*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. inclinatio: cf. F. inclination.]
1. The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a leaning; as, an inclination of the head.
2. A direction or tendency from the true vertical or horizontal direction; as, the inclination of a column, or of a road bed.
3. A tendency towards another body or point
4. (Geom.)
Defn: The angle made by two lines or planes; as, the inclination of the plane of the earth's equator to the plane of the ecliptic is about 23º 28'; the inclination of two rays of light.
5. A leaning or tendency of the mind, feelings, preferences, or will; propensity; a disposition more favorable to one thing than to another; favor; desire; love. A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a willing of that thing. South. How dost thou find the inclination of the people Shak.
6. A person or thing loved or admired. Sir W. Temple.
7. (Pharm.)
Defn: Decantation, or tipping for pouring. Inclination compass, an inclinometer. -- Inclination of an orbit (Astron.), the angle which the orbit makes the ecliptic. -- Inclination of the needle. See Dip of the needle, under Dip.
Syn. -- Bent; tendency; proneness; bias; proclivity; propensity; prepossession; predilection; attachment; desire; affection; love. See Bent, and cf. Disposition.
INCLINATORY In*clin"a*to*ry, a.
Defn: Having the quality of leaning or inclining; as, the inclinatory needle. -- In*clin"a*to*ri*ly, adv. Sir T. Browne.
INCLINE In*cline", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Inclined; p. pr. & vb. n. Inclining.] Etym: [OE. inclinen, enclinen, OF. encliner, incliner, F. incliner, L. inclinare; pref. in- in + clinare to bend, incline; akin to E. lean. See Lean to incline.]
1. To deviate from a line, direction, or course, toward an object; to lean; to tend; as, converging lines incline toward each other; a road inclines to the north or south.
2. Fig.: To lean or tend, in an intellectual or moral sense; to favor an opinion, a course of conduct, or a person; to have a propensity or inclination; to be disposed. Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech. Judges ix. 3. Power finds its balance, giddy motions cease In both the scales, and each inclines to peace. Parnell.
3. To bow; to incline the head. Chaucer.
Syn. -- To lean; slope; slant; tend; bend.
INCLINE In*cline", v. t.
1. To cause to deviate from a line, position, or direction; to give a leaning, bend, or slope to; as, incline the column or post to the east; incline your head to the right. Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear. Is. xxxvii. 17.
2. To impart a tendency or propensity to, as to the will or affections; to turn; to dispose; to influence. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies. Ps. cxix. 36. Incline our hearts to keep this law. Book of Com. Prayer.
3. To bend; to cause to stoop or bow; as, to incline the head or the body in acts of reverence or civility. With due respect my body I inclined. Dryden.
INCLINE In*cline", n.
Defn: An inclined plane; an ascent o
INCLINED In*clined", p. p. & a.
1. Having a leaning or tendency towards, or away from, a thing; disposed or moved by wish, desire, or judgment; as, a man inclined to virtue. "Each pensively inclined." Cowper.
2. (Math.)
Defn: Making an angle with some line or plane; -- said of a line or plane.
3. (Bot.)
Defn: Bent out of a perpendicular position, or into a curve with the convex side uppermost. Inclined plane. (Mech.) (a) A plane that makes an oblique angle with the plane of the horizon; a sloping plane. When used to produce pressure, or as a means of moving bodies, it is one of the mechanical powers, so called. (b) (Railroad & Canal) An inclined portion of track, on which trains or boats are raised or lowered from one level to another.
INCLINER In*clin"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, inclines; specifically, an inclined dial.
INCLINING In*clin"ing, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Same as Inclined, 3.
INCLINING In*clin"ing, n.
1. Inclination; disposition. On the first inclining towards sleep. Burke.
2. Party or side chosen; a following. Both you of my inclining, and the rest. Shak.
INCLINNOMETER In`clin*nom"e*ter, n. Etym: [Incline + -meter.] (Magnetism)
Defn: An apparatus to determine the inclination of the earth's magnetic force to the plane of the horizon; -- called also inclination compass, and dip circle.
INCLIP In*clip", v. t.
Defn: To clasp; to inclose. Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips. Shak.
INCLOISTER In*clois"ter, v. t. Etym: [Pref. in- in + cloister: cf. F. encloîtrer. Cf. Encloister.]
Defn: To confine as in a cloister; to cloister. Lovelace.
INCLOSE In*close", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inclosed; p. pr. & vb. n. Inclosing.] Etym: [See Enclose, and cf. Include.] [Written also enclose.]
1. To surround; to shut in; to confine on all sides; to include; to shut up; to encompass; as, to inclose a fort or an army with troops; to inclose a town with walls. How many evils have inclosed me round! Milton.
2. To put within a case, envelope, or the like; to fold (a thing) within another or into the same parcel; as, to inclose a letter or a bank note. The inclosed copies of the treaty. Sir W. Temple.
3. To separate from common grounds by a fence; as, to inclose lands. Blackstone.
4. To put into harness; to harness. [Obs.] They went to coach and their horse inclose. Chapman.
INCLOSER In*clos"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, incloses; one who fences off land from common grounds.
INCLOSURE In*clo"sure, n. Etym: [See Inclose, Enclosure.] [Written also enclosure.]
1. The act of inclosing; the state of being inclosed, shut up, or encompassed; the separation of land from common ground by a fence.
2. That which is inclosed or placed within something; a thing contained; a space inclosed or fenced up. Within the inclosure there was a great store of houses. Hakluyt.
3. That which incloses; a barrier or fence. Breaking our inclosures every morn. W. Browne.
INCLOUD In*cloud", v. t.
Defn: To envelop as in clouds; to darken; to obscure. Milton.
INCLUDE In*clude", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Included; p. pr. & vb. n. Including.] Etym: [L. includere, inclusum; pref. in- in + claudere to shut. See Close, and cf. Enclose.]
1. To confine within; to hold; to contain; to shut up; to inclose; as, the shell of a nut includes the kernel; a pearl is included in a shell.
2. To comprehend or comprise, as a genus the species, the whole a part, an argument or reason the inference; to contain; to embrace; as, this volume of Shakespeare includes his sonnets; he was included in the invitation to the family; to and including page twenty-five. The whole included race, his purposed prey. Milton. The loss of such a lord includes all harm. Shak.
3. To conclude; to end; to terminate. [Obs.] Come, let us go; we will include all jars With triumphs, mirth, and rare solemnity. Shak.
Syn. -- To contain; inclose; comprise; comprehend; embrace; involve.
INCLUDED In*clud"ed, a.
Defn: Inclosed; confined. Included stamens (Bot.), such as are shorter than the floral envelopes, or are concealed within them.
INCLUDIBLE In*clud"i*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being included.
INCLUSA In*clu"sa, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. inclusus, p. p. of includere to shut in.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A tribe of bivalve mollusks, characterized by the closed state of the mantle which envelops the body. The ship borer (Teredo navalis) is an example.
INCLUSION In*clu"sion, n. Etym: [L. inclusio: cf. F. inclusion. See Include.]
1. The act of including, or the state of being included; limitation; restriction; as, the lines of inclusion of his policy. Sir W. Temple.
2. (Min.)
Defn: A foreign substance, either liquid or solid, usually of minute size, inclosed in the mass of a mineral.
INCLUSIVE In*clu"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inclusif.]
1. Inclosing; encircling; surrounding. The inclusive verge Of golden metal that must round my brow. Shak.
2. Comprehending the stated limit or extremes; as, from Monday to Saturday inclusive, that is, taking in both Monday and Saturday; -- opposed to exclusive.
INCLUSIVELY In*clu"sive*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inclusive manner.
INCOACH In*coach", v. t.
Defn: To put a coach.
INCOACT; INCOACTED In`co*act", In`co*act"ed, a. Etym: [L. incoactus; pref. in- not + coactus forced. See Coact.]
Defn: Not compelled; unconstrained. [Obs.] Coles.
INCOAGULABLE In`co*ag"u*la*ble, a.
Defn: Not coagulable.
INCOALESCENCE In`co*a*les"cence, n.
Defn: The state of not coalescing.
INCOCTED In*coct"ed, a. Etym: [Cf. Concoct.]
Defn: Raw; indigestible. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
INCOERCIBLE In`co*er"ci*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + coercible: cf. F. incoercible.]
1. Not to be coerced; incapable of being compelled or forced.
2. (Physics)
Defn: Not capable of being reduced to the form of a liquid by pressure; -- said of any gas above its critical point; -- also particularly of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide, formerly regarded as incapable of liquefaction at any temperature or pressure.
3. (Physics)
Defn: That can note be confined in, or excluded from, vessels, like ordinary fluids, gases, etc.; -- said of the imponderable fluids, heat, light, electricity, etc.
INCOEXISTENCE In`co*ex*ist"ence, n.
Defn: The state of not coexisting. [Obs.] Locke.
INCOG In*cog", adv.
Defn: Incognito. [Colloq.] Depend upon it -- he'll remain incog. Addison.
INCOGITABLE In*cog"i*ta*ble, a. Etym: [L. incogitabilis; pref. in- not + cogitabilis cogitable.]
Defn: Not cogitable; inconceivable. Sir T. More.
INCOGITANCE; INCOGITANCY In*cog"i*tance, In*cog"i*tan*cy, n. Etym: [L. incogitantia.]
Defn: Want of thought, or of the power of thinking; thoughtlessness; unreasonableness. 'T is folly and incogitancy to argue anything, one way or the other, from the designs of a sort of beings with whom we so little communicate. Glanvill.
INCOGITANT In*cog"i*tant, a. Etym: [L. incogitans; pref. in- not + cogitans, p. pr. of cogitare to think. See Cogitate.]
Defn: Toughtless; inconsiderate. [R.] Milton. Men are careless and incogitant. J. Goodman.
INCOGITANTLY In*cog"i*tant*ly, adv.
Defn: In an incogitant manner.
INCOGITATIVE In*cog"i*ta*tive, a.
Defn: Not cogitative; not thinking; wanting the power of thought; as, a vegetable is an incogitative being. Locke.
INCOGITATIVITY In*cog`i*ta*tiv"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being incogitative; want of thought or of the power of thinking. Wollaston.
INCOGNITA In*cog"ni*ta, n. Etym: [See Incognito.]
1. A woman who is unknown or in disguise.
2. The state of being in disguise; -- said of a woman.
INCOGNITANT In*cog"ni*tant, a.
Defn: Ignorant. [Obs.]
INCOGNITO In*cog"ni*to, a. or adv. Etym: [It. incognito, masc., incognita, fem., L. incognitus unknown; pref. in- not + cognitus known, p. p. of cognoscere: cf. F. incognito, fr. It. See Cognition.]
Defn: Without being known; in disguise; in an assumed character, or under an assumed title; -- said esp. of great personages who sometimes adopt a disguise or an assumed character in order to avoid notice. 'T was long ago Since gods come down incognito. Prior. The prince royal of Persia came thither incognito. Tatler.
INCOGNITO In*cog"ni*to, n.; pl. Incognitos. Etym: [See Incognito, a.]
1. One unknown or in disguise, or under an assumed character or name.
2. The assumption of disguise or of a feigned character; the state of being in disguise or not recognized. His incognito was endangered. Sir W. Scott.
INCOGNIZABLE In*cog"ni*za*ble, a.
Defn: Not cognizable; incapable of being recognized, known, or distinguished. H. Spenser. The Lettish race, not a primitive stock of the Slavi, but a distinct branch, now become incognizable. Tooke.
INCOGNIZANCE In*cog"ni*zance, n.
Defn: Failure to cognize, apprehended, or notice. This incognizance may be explained. Sir W. Hamilton.
INCOGNIZANT In*cog"ni*zant, a.
Defn: Not cognizant; failing to apprehended or notice. Of the several operations themselves, as acts of volition, we are wholly incognizant. Sir W. Hamilton.
INCOGNOSCIBLE In`cog*nos"ci*ble, a.
Defn: Incognizable. -- In`cog*nos"ci*bil"i*ty, n.
INCOHERENCE; INCOHERENCY In`co*her"ence, In`co*her"en*cy, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incohérence.]
1. The quality or state of being incoherent; want of coherence; want of cohesion or adherence. Boyle.
2. Want of connection; incongruity; inconsistency; want of agreement or dependence of one part on another; as, the incoherence of arguments, facts, etc. Incoherences in matter, and suppositions without proofs, put handsomely together, are apt to pass for strong reason. Locke.
3. That which is incoherent. Crude incoherencies . . . and nauseous tautologies. South.
INCOHERENT In`co*her"ent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + coherent: cf. F. incohérent.]
1. Not coherent; wanting cohesion; loose; unconnected; physically disconnected; not fixed to each; -- said of material substances. Woodward.
2. Wanting coherence or agreement; incongruous; inconsistent; having no dependence of one part on another; logically disconnected. "The same rambling, incoherent manner." Bp. Warburton.
INCOHERENTIFIC In`co*her`en*tif"ic, a. Etym: [E. incoherent + L. facere to make.]
Defn: Causing incoherence. [R.]
INCOHERENTLY In`co*her"ent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an incoherent manner; without due connection of parts.
INCOHERENTNESS In`co*her"ent*ness, n.
Defn: Incoherence.
INCOINCIDENCE In`co*in"ci*dence, n.
Defn: The quality of being incoincident; want of coincidence. [R.]
INCOINCIDENT In`co*in"ci*dent, a.
Defn: Not coincident; not agreeing in time, in place, or principle.
INCOLUMITY In`co*lu"mi*ty, n. Etym: [L. incolumitas, fr. incolumis uninjured, safe; perh. fr. in intens. + (doubtful) columis safe.]
Defn: Safety; security. [Obs.] Howell.
INCOMBER In*com"ber, v. t.
Defn: See Encumber.
INCOMBINE In`com*bine", v. i.
Defn: To be incapable of combining; to disagree; to differ. [Obs.] Milton.
INCOMBUSTIBILITY In`com*bus`ti*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incombustilité.]
Defn: The quality of being incombustible.
INCOMBUSTIBLE In`com*bus"ti*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + combustible: cf. F. incombustible.]
Defn: Not combustible; not capable of being burned, decomposed, or consumed by fire; uninflammable; as, asbestus is an incombustible substance; carbon dioxide is an incombustible gas. Incombustible cloth, a tissue of amianthus or asbestus; also, a fabric imbued with an incombustible substance. -- In`com*bus"ti*ble*ness, n. -- In`com*bus"ti*bly, adv.
INCOME In"come, n.
1. A coming in; entrance; admittance; ingress; infusion. [Obs.] Shak. More abundant incomes of light and strength from God. Bp. Rust. At mine income I louted low. Drant.
2. That which is caused to enter; inspiration; influence; hence, courage or zeal imparted. [R.] I would then make in and steep My income in their blood. Chapman.
3. That gain which proceeds from labor, business, property, or capital of any kind, as the produce of a farm, the rent of houses, the proceeds of professional business, the profits of commerce or of occupation, or the interest of money or stock in funds, etc.; revenue; receipts; salary; especially, the annual receipts of a private person, or a corporation, from property; as, a large income. No fields afford So large an income to the village lord. Dryden.
4. (Physiol.)
Defn: That which is taken into the body as food; the ingesta; -- sometimes restricted to the nutritive, or digestible, portion of the food. See Food. Opposed to output. Income bond, a bond issued on the income of the corporation or company issuing it, and the interest of which is to be paid from the earnings of the company before any dividends are made to stockholders; -- issued chiefly or exclusively by railroad companies. -- Income tax, a tax upon a person's incomes, emoluments, profits, etc., or upon the excess beyond a certain amount.
Syn. -- Gain; profit; proceeds; salary; revenue; receipts; interest; emolument; produce.
INCOMER In"com`er, n.
1. One who comes in. Outgoers and incomers. Lew Wallace.
2. One who succeeds another, as a tenant of land, houses, etc. [Eng.]
INCOMING In"com`ing, a.
1. Coming in; accruing. A full incoming profit on the product of his labor. Burke.
2. Coming in, succeeding, or following, as occupant or possessor; as, in incoming tenant.
INCOMING In"com`ing, n.
1. The act of coming in; arrival. The incomings and outgoings of the trains. Dickens.
2. Income; gain. [R.] Many incomings are subject to great fluctuations. Tooke.
INCOMITY In*com"i*ty, n.
Defn: Want of comity; incivility; rudeness. [R.]
IN COMMENDAM In com*men"dam. Etym: [See Commendam.] (Law)
Defn: See Commendam, and Partnership in Commendam, under Partnership.
INCOMMENSURABILITY In`com*men`su*ra*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incommensurabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being incommensurable. Reid.
INCOMMENSURABLE In`com*men"su*ra*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + commensurable: cf. F. incommensurable.]
Defn: Not commensurable; having no common measure or standard of comparison; as, quantities are incommensurable when no third quantity can be found that is an aliquot part of both; the side and diagonal of a square are incommensurable with each other; the diameter and circumference of a circle are incommensurable. They are quantities incommensurable. Burke. -- In`com*men"su*ra*ble*ness, n. -- In`com*men"su*ra*bly, adv.
INCOMMENSURABLE In`com*men"su*ra*ble, n.
Defn: One of two or more quantities which have no common measure.
INCOMMENSURATE In`com*men"su*rate, a.
1. Not commensurate; not admitting of a common measure; incommensurable.
2. Not of equal of sufficient measure or extent; not adequate; as, our means are incommensurate to our wants.
Syn. -- Inadequate; insufficient; disproportionate. -- In`com*men"su*rate*ly, adv. -- In`com*men"su*rate*ness, n.
INCOMMISCIBLE In`com*mis"ci*ble, a. Etym: [L. incommiscibilis; pref. in- not + commiscibilis that can be mingled.]
Defn: Not commiscible; not mixable.
INCOMMIXTURE In`com*mix"ture, n.
Defn: A state of being unmixed; separateness. Sir T. Browne.
INCOMMODATE In*com"mo*date, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incommodated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incommodating.] Etym: [L. incommodare. See Incommode.]
Defn: To incommode. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
INCOMMODATION In*com`mo*da"tion, n.
Defn: The state of being incommoded; inconvenience. [Obs.]
INCOMMODE In`com*mode", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incommoded; p. pr. & vb. n. Incommoding.] Etym: [F. incommoder, L. incommodare inconvenient; pref. in- not + commodus convenient. See Commodious.]
Defn: To give inconvenience or trouble to; to disturb or molest; to discommode; to worry; to put out; as, we are incommoded by want of room.
Syn. -- To annoy; disturb; trouble; molest; disaccomodate; inconvenience; disquiet; vex; plague.
INCOMMODE In`com*mode", n.
Defn: An inconvenience. [R.] Strype.
INCOMMODEMENT In`com*mode"ment, n.
Defn: The act of incommoded. [Obs.] Cheyne.
INCOMMODIOUS In`com*mo"di*ous, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + commodious: cf. LL. incommodious, L. incommodus, F. incommode.]
Defn: Tending to incommode; not commodious; not affording ease or advantage; unsuitable; giving trouble; inconvenient; annoying; as, an incommodious seat; an incommodious arrangement. -- In`com*mo"di*ous*ly, adv. -- In`com*mo"di*ous*ness, n.
INCOMMODITY In`com*mo"di*ty, n.; pl. Incommodities. Etym: [L. incommoditas: cf. F. incommodité. See Incommodious.]
Defn: Inconvenience; trouble; annoyance; disadvantage; encumbrance. [Archaic] Bunyan. A great incommodity to the body. Jer. Taylor. Buried him under a bulk of incommodities. Hawthorne.
INCOMMUNICABILITY In`com*mu`ni*ca*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incommunicabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being incommunicable, or incapable of being imparted.
INCOMMUNICABLE In`com*mu"ni*ca*ble, a. Etym: [L. incommunicabilis: cf. F. incommunicable. See In- not, and Communicable.]
Defn: Not communicable; incapable of being communicated, shared, told, or imparted, to others. Health and understanding are incommunicable. Southey. Those incommunicable relations of the divine love. South. -- In`com*mu"ni*ca*ble*ness, n. -- In`com*mu"ni*ca*bly, adv.
INCOMMUNICATED In`com*mu"ni*ca`ted, a.
Defn: Not communicated or imparted. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
INCOMMUNICATING In`com*mu"ni*ca`ting, a.
Defn: Having no communion or intercourse with each other. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
INCOMMUNICATIVE In`com*mu"ni*ca*tive, a.
Defn: Not communicative; not free or apt to impart to others in conversation; reserved; silent; as, the messenger was incommunicative; hence, not disposed to hold fellowship or intercourse with others; exclusive. The Chinese . . . an incommunicative nation. C. Buchanan. -- In`com*mu"ni*ca*tive*ly, adv. -- In`com*mu"ni*ca*tive*ness, n. Lamb. His usual incommunicativeness. G. Eliot.
INCOMMUTABILITY In`com*mu`ta*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. incommutabilitas: cf. F. incommutabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being incommutable.
INCOMMUTABLE In`com*mut"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. incommutabilis: cf. F. incommutable. See In- not, and Commutable.]
Defn: Not commutable; not capable of being exchanged with, or substituted for, another. Cudworth. -- In`com*mut"a*ble*ness, n. -- In`com*mut"a*bly, adv.
INCOMPACT; INCOMPACTED In`com*pact", In`com*pact"ed, a.
Defn: Not compact; not having the parts firmly united; not solid; incoherent; loose; discrete. Boyle.
INCOMPARABLE In*com"pa*ra*ble, a. Etym: [L. incomparabilis: cf. F. incomparable. See In- not, and Comparable.]
Defn: Not comparable; admitting of no comparison with others; unapproachably eminent; without a peer or equal; matchless; peerless; transcendent. A merchant of incomparable wealth. Shak. A new hypothesis . . . which hath the incomparable Sir Isaac Newton for a patron. Bp. Warburton. -- In*com"pa*ra*ble*ness, n. -- In*com"pa*ra*bly, adv. Delights incomparably all those corporeal things. Bp. Wilkins.
INCOMPARED In`com*pared", a.
Defn: Peerless; incomparable. [Obs.] Spenser.
INCOMPASS In*com"pass, v. t.
Defn: See Encompass.
INCOMPASSION In`com*pas"sion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + compassion: cf. F. incompassion.]
Defn: Want of compassion or pity. [Obs.] Bp. Sanderson.
INCOMPASSIONATE In`com*pas"sion*ate, a.
Defn: Not compassionate; void of pity or of tenderness; remorseless. -- In`com*pas"sion*ate*ly, adv. -- In`com*pas"sion*ate*ness, n.
INCOMPATIBILITY In`com*pat`i*bil"i*ty, n.; pl. -ties (. Etym: [Cf. F. incompatibilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being incompatible; inconsistency; irreconcilableness.
INCOMPATIBLE In`com*pat"i*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + compatible: cf. F. incompatible.] [It was formerly sometimes written incompetible.]
1. Not compatible; so differing as to be incapable of harmonious combination or coexistence; inconsistent in thought or being; irreconcilably disagreeing; as, persons of incompatible tempers; incompatible colors, desires, ambition. A strength and obduracy of character incompatible with his meek and innocent nature. Southey.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: Incapable of being together without mutual reaction or decomposition, as certain medicines. Incompatible terms (Logic), terms which can not be combined in thought.
Syn. -- Inconsistent; incongruous; dissimilar; irreconcilable; unsuitable; disagreeing; inharmonious; discordant; repugnant; contradictory. See Inconsistent.
INCOMPATIBLE In`com*pat"i*ble, n. (Med. & Chem.)
Defn: An incompatible substance; esp., in pl., things which can not be placed or used together because of a change of chemical composition or of opposing medicinal qualities; as, the incompatibles of iron.
INCOMPATIBLENESS In`com*pat"i*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incompatible; incompatibility.
INCOMPATIBLY In`com*pat"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an incompatible manner; inconsistently; incongruously.
INCOMPETENCE; INCOMPETENCY In*com"pe*tence, In*com"pe*tency, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incompétence.]
1. The quality or state of being incompetent; want of physical, intellectual, or moral ability; insufficiency; inadequacy; as, the incompetency of a child hard labor, or of an idiot for intellectual efforts. "Some inherent incompetency." Gladstone.
2. (Law)
Defn: Want of competency or legal fitness; incapacity; disqualification, as of a person to be heard as a witness, or to act as a juror, or of a judge to try a cause.
Syn. -- Inability; insufficiency; inadequacy; disqualification; incapability; unfitness.
INCOMPETENT In*com"pe*tent, a. Etym: [L. incompetens: cf. F. incompétent. See In- not, and Competent.]
1. Not competent; wanting in adequate strength, power, capacity, means, qualifications, or the like; incapable; unable; inadequate; unfit. Incompetent to perform the duties of the place. Macaulay.
2. (Law)
Defn: Wanting the legal or constitutional qualifications; inadmissible; as, a person professedly wanting in religious belief is an incompetent witness in a court of law or equity; incompetent evidence. Richard III. had a resolution, out of hatred to his brethren, to disable their issues, upon false and incompetent pretexts, the one of attainder, the other of illegitimation. Bacon.
3. Not lying within one's competency, capacity, or authorized power; not permissible.
Syn. -- Incapable; unable; inadequate; insufficient; inefficient; disqualified; unfit; improper. -- Incompetent, Incapable. Incompetent is a relative term, denoting a want of the requisite qualifications for performing a given act, service, etc.; incapable is absolute in its meaning, denoting want of power, either natural or moral. We speak of a man as incompetent to a certain task, of an incompetent judge, etc. We say of an idiot that he is incapable of learning to read; and of a man distinguished for his honor, that he is incapable of a mean action.
INCOMPETENTLY In*com"pe*tent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an competent manner; inadequately; unsuitably.
INCOMPETIBILITY In`com*pet`i*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: See Incompatibility.
INCOMPETIBLE In`com*pet"i*ble, a.
Defn: See Incompatible.
INCOMPLETE In`com*plete", a. Etym: [L. incompletus: cf. F. incomplet. See In- not, and Complete.]
1. Not complete; not filled up; not finished; not having all its parts, or not having them all adjusted; imperfect; defective. A most imperfect and incomplete divine. Milton.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Wanting any of the usual floral organs; -- said of a flower. Incomplete equation (Alg.), an equation some of whose terms are wanting; or one in which the coefficient of some one or more of the powers of the unknown quantity is equal to 0.
INCOMPLETELY In`com*plete"ly, adv.
Defn: In an incomplete manner.
INCOMPLETENESS In`com*plete"ness, n.
Defn: The state of being incomplete; imperfectness; defectiveness. Boyle.
INCOMPLETION In`com*ple"tion, n.
Defn: Want of completion; incompleteness. Smart.
INCOMPLEX In`com*plex", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + complex: cf. F. incomplexe.]
Defn: Not complex; uncompounded; simple. Barrow.
INCOMPLIABLE In`com*pli"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not compliable; not conformable.
INCOMPLIANCE In`com*pli"ance, n.
1. The quality or state of being incompliant; unyielding temper; obstinacy. Self-conceit produces peevishness and incompliance of humor in things lawful and indifferent. Tillotson.
2. Refusal or failure to comply. Strype.
INCOMPLIANT In`com*pli"ant, a.
Defn: Not compliant; unyielding to request, solicitation, or command; stubborn. -- In`com*pli"ant*ly, adv.
INCOMPOSED In`com*posed", a.
Defn: Disordered; disturbed. [Obs.] Milton. -- In`com*po"sed*ly, adv. [Obs.] -- In`com*pos"ed*ness, n. [Obs.]
INCOMPOSITE In`com*pos"ite, a. Etym: [L. incompositus. See Composite.]
Defn: Not composite; uncompounded; simple. Incomposite numbers. See Prime numbers, under Prime.
INCOMPOSSIBLE In`com*pos"si*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + compossible: cf. F. incompossible.]
Defn: Not capable of joint existence; incompatible; inconsistent. [Obs.] Ambition and faith . . . are . . . incompossible. Jer. Taylor. -- In`com*pos`si*bil"i*ty, n. [Obs.]
INCOMPREHENSE In*com`pre*hense", a. Etym: [L. incomprehensus.]
Defn: Incomprehensible. [Obs.] "Incomprehense in virtue." Marston.
INCOMPREHENSIBILITY In*com`pre*hen`si*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incompréhensibilité.]
Defn: The quality of being incomprehensible, or beyond the reach of human intellect; incomprehensibleness; inconceivability; inexplicability. The constant, universal sense of all antiquity unanimously confessing an incomprehensibility in many of the articles of the Christian faith. South.
INCOMPREHENSIBLE In*com`pre*hen"si*ble, a. Etym: [L. incomprehensibilis: cf. F. incompréhensible. See In- not, and Comprehensible.]
1. Not capable of being contained within limits. An infinite and incomprehensible substance. Hooker.
2. Not capable of being comprehended or understood; beyond the reach of the human intellect; inconceivable. And all her numbered stars that seem to roll Spaces incomprehensible. Milton. -- In*com`pre*hen"si*ble*ness, n. -- In*com`pre*hen"si*bly, adv.
INCOMPREHENSION In*com`pre*hen"sion, n.
Defn: Want of comprehension or understanding. "These mazes and incomprehensions." Bacon.
INCOMPREHENSIVE In*com`pre*hen"sive, a.
Defn: Not comprehensive; not capable of including or of understanding; not extensive; limited. -- In*com`pre*hen"sive*ly, a. Sir W. Hamilton. -- In*com`pre*hen"sive*ness, n. T. Warton.
INCOMPRESSIBILITY In`com*press`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incompressibilité.]
Defn: The quality of being incompressible, or incapable of reduction in volume by pressure; -- formerly supposed to be a property of liquids. The incompressibility of water is not absolute. Rees.
INCOMPRESSIBLE In`com*press"i*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + compressible: cf. F. incompressible.]
Defn: Not compressible; incapable of being reduced by force or pressure into a smaller compass or volume; resisting compression; as, many liquids and solids appear to be almost incompressible. -- In`com*press"i*ble*ness, n.
INCOMPUTABLE In`com*put"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not computable.
INCONCEALABLE In`con*ceal"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not concealable. "Inconcealable imperfections." Sir T. Browne.
INCONCEIVABILITY In`con*ceiv`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being inconceivable; inconceivableness. The inconceivability of the Infinite. Mansel.
INCONCEIVABLE In`con*ceiv"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + conceivable: cf. F. inconcevable.]
Defn: Not conceivable; incapable of being conceived by the mind; not explicable by the human intellect, or by any known principles or agencies; incomprehensible; as, it is inconceivable to us how the will acts in producing muscular motion. It is inconceivable to me that a spiritual substance should represent an extended figure. Locke. -- In`con*ceiv"a*ble*ness, n. -- In`con*ceiv"a*bly, adv. The inconceivableness of a quality existing without any subject to possess it. A. Tucker.
INCONCEPTIBLE In`con*cep"ti*ble, a.
Defn: Inconceivable. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
INCONCERNING In`con*cern"ing, a.
Defn: Unimportant; trifling. [Obs.] "Trifling and inconcerning matters." Fuller.
INCONCINNE In`con*cinne", a. Etym: [See Inconcinnous.]
Defn: Dissimilar; incongruous; unsuitable. [Obs.] Cudworth.
INCONCINNITY In`con*cin"ni*ty, n. Etym: [L. inconcinnitas.]
Defn: Want of concinnity or congruousness; unsuitableness. There is an inconcinnity in admitting these words. Trench.
INCONCINNOUS In`con*cin"nous, a. Etym: [L. inconcinnus. See In- not, and Concinnity.]
Defn: Not concinnous; unsuitable; discordant. [Obs.] Cudworth.
INCONCLUDENT In`con*clud"ent, a.
Defn: Not inferring a conclusion or consequence; not conclusive. [Obs.]
INCONCLUDING In`con*clud"ing, a.
Defn: Inferring no consequence. [Obs.]
INCONCLUSIVE In`con*clu"sive, a.
Defn: Not conclusive; leading to no conclusion; not closing or settling a point in debate, or a doubtful question; as, evidence is inconclusive when it does not exhibit the truth of a disputed case in such a manner as to satisfy the mind, and put an end to debate or doubt. Arguments . . . inconclusive and impertinent. South. -- In`con*clu"sive*ly, adv. -- In`con*clu"sive*ness, n.
INCONCOCT In`con*coct", a. Etym: [L. pref. in- not + concoctus, p. p. of concoquere. See Concoct.]
Defn: Inconcocted. [Obs.]
INCONCOCTED In`con*coct"ed, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + concocted.]
Defn: Imperfectly digested, matured, or ripened. [Obs.] Bacon.
INCONCOCTION In`con*coc"tion, n.
Defn: The state of being undigested; unripeness; immaturity. [Obs.] Bacon.
INCONCRETE In*con"crete, a. Etym: [L. inconcretus incorporeal.]
Defn: Not concrete. [R.] L. Andrews.
INCONCURRING In`con*cur"ring, a.
Defn: Not concurring; disagreeing. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
INCONCUSSIBLE In`con*cus"si*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + L. concussibilis that can be shaken. See Concussion.]
Defn: Not concussible; that cannot be shaken.
INCONDENSABILITY; INCONDENSIBILITY In`con*den`sa*bil"i*ty, In`con*den`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incondensable.
INCONDENSABLE; INCONDENSIBLE In`con*den"sa*ble, In`con*den"si*ble, a.
Defn: Not condensable; incapable of being made more dense or compact, or reduced to liquid form.
INCONDITE In"con*dite, a. Etym: [L. inconditus; pref. in- not + conditus, p. p. of condere to put or join together. See Condition.]
Defn: Badly put together; inartificial; rude; unpolished; irregular. "Carol incondite rhymes." J. Philips.
INCONDITIONAL In`con*di"tion*al, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + conditional: cf. F. inconditionnel.]
Defn: Unconditional. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
INCONDITIONATE In`con*di"tion*ate, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + conditionate: cf. F. inconditionné.]
Defn: Not conditioned; not limited; absolute. [Obs.] Boyle.
INCONFORM In`con*form", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + conform.]
Defn: Unconformable. [Obs.] Gauden.
INCONFORMABLE In`con*form"a*ble, a.
Defn: Unconformable. [Obs.]
INCONFORMITY In`con*form"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inconformité.]
Defn: Want of conformity; nonconformity. [Obs.]
INCONFUSED In`con*fused", a.
Defn: Not confused; distinct. [Obs.]
INCONFUSION In`con*fu"sion n.
Defn: Freedom from confusion; distinctness. [Obs.] Bacon.
INCONFUTABLE In`con*fut"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not confutable. -- In`con*fut"a*bly, adv. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.
INCONGEALABLE In`con*geal"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. incongelabilis. See Congeal.]
Defn: Not congealable; incapable of being congealed. -- In`con*geal"a*ble*ness, n.
INCONGENIAL In`con*gen"ial, a.
Defn: Not congenial; uncongenial. [R.] -- In`con*ge`ni*al"i*ty. [R.]
INCONGRUENCE In*con"gru*ence, n. Etym: [L. incongruentia.]
Defn: Want of congruence; incongruity. Boyle.
INCONGRUENT In*con"gru*ent, a. Etym: [L. incongruens. See In- not, and Congruent.]
Defn: Incongruous. Sir T. Elyot.
INCONGRUITY In`con*gru"i*ty, n.; pl. Incongruities. Etym: [Pref. in- not + congruity: cf. F. incongruité.]
1. The quality or state of being incongruous; want of congruity; unsuitableness; inconsistency; impropriety. The fathers make use of this acknowledgment of the incongruity of images to the Deity, from thence to prove the incongruity of the worship of them. Bp. Stillingfleet.
2. Disagreement of parts; want of symmetry or of harmony. [Obs.]
3. That which is incongruous; want of congruity.
INCONGRUOUS In*con"gru*ous, a. Etym: [L. incongruus. See In- not, and Congruous.]
Defn: Not congruous; reciprocally disagreeing; not capable of harmonizing or readily assimilating; inharmonious; inappropriate; unsuitable; not fitting; inconsistent; improper; as, an incongruous remark; incongruous behavior, action, dress, etc. "Incongruous mixtures of opinions." I. Taylor. "Made up of incongruous parts." Macaulay. Incongruous denotes that kind of absence of harmony or suitableness of which the taste and experience of men takes cognizance. C. J. Smith. Incongruous numbers (Arith.), two numbers, which, with respect to a third, are such that their difference can not be divided by it without a remainder, the two numbers being said to be incongruous with respect to the third; as, twenty-five are incongruous with respect to four.
Syn. -- Inconsistent; unsuitable; inharmonious; disagreeing; absurd; inappropriate; unfit; improper. See Inconsistent. -- In*con"gru*ous*ly, adv. -- In*con"gru*ous*ness, n.
INCONNECTED In`con*nect"ed, a.
Defn: Not connected; disconnected. [R.] Bp. Warburton.
INCONNECTION In`con*nec"tion, n.
Defn: Disconnection.
INCONNEXEDLY In`con*nex"ed*ly, adv. Etym: [Pref. in- not + connexed (p. p. of connex) + -ly.]
Defn: Not connectedly; without connection. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
INCONSCIONABLE In*con"scion*a*ble, a.
Defn: Unconscionable. [Obs.] Spenser.
INCONSCIOUS In*con"scious, a.
Defn: Unconscious. [Obs.]
INCONSECUTIVENESS In`con*sec"u*tive*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of not being consecutive. J. H. Newman.
INCONSEQUENCE In*con"se*quence, n. Etym: [L. inconsequentia: cf. F. inconséquence.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inconsequent; want of just or logical inference or argument; inconclusiveness. Bp. Stillingfleet. Strange, that you should not see the inconsequence of your own reasoning! Bp. Hurd.
INCONSEQUENT In*con"se*quent, a. Etym: [L. inconsequens: cf. F. inconséquent. See In- not, and Consequent.]
Defn: Not following from the premises; not regularly inferred; invalid; not characterized by logical method; illogical; arbitrary; inconsistent; of no consequence. Loose and inconsequent conjectures. Sir T. Browne.
INCONSEQUENTIAL In*con`se*quen"tial, a.
Defn: Not regularly following from the premises; hence, irrelevant; unimportant; of no consequence. Chesterfield. -- In*con`se*quen"tial*ly, adv.
INCONSEQUENTIALITY In*con`se*quen`ti*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state of being inconsequential.
INCONSEQUENTNESS In*con"se*quent*ness, n.
Defn: Inconsequence.
INCONSIDERABLE In`con*sid"er*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not considerable; unworthy of consideration or notice; unimportant; small; trivial; as, an inconsiderable distance; an inconsiderable quantity, degree, value, or sum. "The baser scum and inconsiderable dregs of Rome." Stepney. -- In`con*sid"er*a*ble*ness, n. -- In`con*sid"er*a*bly, adv.
INCONSIDERACY In`con*sid"er*a*cy, n.
Defn: Inconsiderateness; thoughtlessness. [Obs.] Chesterfield.
INCONSIDERATE In`con*sid"er*ate, a. Etym: [L. inconsideratus. See In- not, and Considerate.]
1. Not considerate; not attentive to safety or to propriety; not regarding the rights or feelings of others; hasty; careless; thoughtless; heedless; as, the young are generally inconsiderate; inconsiderate conduct. It is a very unhappy token of our corruption, that therinconsiderate among us as to sacrifice morality to politics. Addison.
2. Inconsiderable. [Obs.] E. Terry.
Syn. -- Thoughtless; inattentive; inadvertent; heedless; negligent; improvident; careless; imprudent; indiscreet; incautious; injudicious; rash; hasty.
INCONSIDERATELY In`con*sid"er*ate*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inconsiderate manner.
INCONSIDERATENESS In`con*sid"er*ate*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inconsiderate. Tillotson.
INCONSIDERATION In`con*sid`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. inconsideratio: cf. F. inconsidération.]
Defn: Want of due consideration; inattention to consequences; inconsiderateness. Blindness of mind, inconsideration, precipitation. Jer. Taylor. Not gross, willful, deliberate, crimes; but rather the effects of inconsideration. Sharp.
INCONSISTENCE In`con*sist"ence, n.
Defn: Inconsistency.
INCONSISTENCY In`con*sist"en*cy, n.; pl. Inconsistencies. Etym: [Cf. F. inconsistance.]
1. The quality or state of being inconsistent; discordance in respect to sentiment or action; such contrariety between two things that both can not exist or be true together; disagreement; incompatibility. There is a perfect inconsistency between that which is of debt and that which is of free gift. South.
2. Absurdity in argument ore narration; incoherence or irreconcilability in the parts of a statement, argument, or narration; that which is inconsistent. If a man would register all his opinions upon love, politics, religion, and learning, what a bundle of inconsistencies and contradictions would appear at last! Swift.
3. Want of stability or uniformity; unsteadiness; changeableness; variableness. Mutability of temper, and inconsistency with ourselves, is the greatest weakness of human nature. Addison.
INCONSISTENT In`con*sist"ent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + consistent: cf. F. inconsistant.]
1. Not consistent; showing inconsistency; irreconcilable; discordant; at variance, esp. as regards character, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous; contradictory.
Compositions of this nature . . . show that wisdom and virtue are far from being inconsistent with politeness and good humor. Addison.
2. Not exhibiting uniformity of sentiment, steadiness to principle, etc.; unequal; fickle; changeable. Ah, how unjust to nature, and himself, Is thoughtless, thankless, inconsistent man. Young.
Syn. -- Incompatible; incongruous; irreconcilable; discordant; repugnant; contradictory. -- Inconsistent, Incongruous, Incompatible. Things are incongruous when they are not suited to each other, so that their union is unbecoming; inconsistent when they are opposed to each other, so as render it improper or wrong; incompatible when they can not coexist, and it is therefore impossible to unite them. Habitual levity of mind is incongruous with the profession of a clergyman; it is inconsistent with his ordination vows; it is incompatible with his permanent usefulness. Incongruity attaches to the modes and qualities of things; incompatibility attaches to their essential attributes; inconsistency attaches to the actions, sentiments, etc., of men.
INCONSISTENTLY In`con*sist"ent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inconsistent manner.
INCONSISTENTNESS In`con*sist"ent*ness, n.
Defn: Inconsistency. [R.]
INCONSISTING In`con*sist"ing, a.
Defn: Inconsistent. [Obs.]
INCONSOLABLE In`con*sol"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. inconsolabilis: cf. F. inconsolable. See In- not, and Console.]
Defn: Not consolable; incapable of being consoled; grieved beyond susceptibility of comfort; disconsolate. Dryden. With inconsolable distress she griev'd, And from her cheek the rose of beauty fied. Falconer. -- In`con*sol"a*ble*ness, n. -- In`con*sol"a*bly, adv.
INCONSONANCE; INCONSONANCY In*con"so*nance, In*con"so*nan*cy, n.
Defn: Want of consonance or harmony of sound, action, or thought; disagreement.
INCONSONANT In*con"so*nant, a. Etym: [L. inconsonans. See In- not, and Consonant.]
Defn: Not consonant or agreeing; inconsistent; discordant. -- In*con"so*nant*ly, adv.
INCONSPICUOUS In`con*spic"u*ous, a. Etym: [L. inconspicuus. See In- not, and Conspicuous.]
Defn: Not conspicuous or noticeable; hardly discernible. -- In`con*spic"u*ous*ly, adv. -- In`con*spic"u*ous*ness, n. Boyle.
INCONSTANCE In*con"stance, n. Etym: [F. See Inconstancy.]
Defn: Inconstancy. Chaucer.
INCONSTANCY In*con"stan*cy, n. Etym: [L. inconstantia.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inconstant; want of constancy; mutability; fickleness; variableness. For unto knight there was no greater shame, Than lightness and inconstancie in love. Spenser.
INCONSTANT In*con"stant, a. Etym: [L. inconstans: cf. F. inconstant. See In- not, and Constant.]
Defn: Not constant; not stable or uniform; subject to change of character, appearance, opinion, inclination, or purpose, etc.; not firm; unsteady; fickle; changeable; variable; -- said of persons or things; as, inconstant in love or friendship. "The inconstant moon." Shak. While we, inquiring phantoms of a day, Inconstant as the shadows we survey! Boyse.
Syn. -- Mutable; fickle; volatile; unsteady; unstable; changeable; variable; wavering; fluctuating.
INCONSTANTLY In*con"stant*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inconstant manner.
INCONSUMABLE In`con*sum"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not consumable; incapable of being consumed, wasted, or spent. Paley. -- In`con*sum"a*bly, adv.
INCONSUMMATE In`con*sum"mate, a. Etym: [L. inconsummatus. See In- not, and Consummate.]
Defn: Not consummated; not finished; incomplete. Sir M. Hale. -- In`con*sum"mate*ness, n.
INCONSUMPTIBLE In`con*sump"ti*ble, a. Etym: [L. inconsumptibilis.]
Defn: Inconsumable. [Obs.] Sir K. Digby.
INCONTAMINATE In`con*tam"i*nate, a. Etym: [L. incontamina. See In- not, and not, and Contaminate.]
Defn: Not contaminated; pure. Moore. -- In`con*tam"i*nate*ness, n.
INCONTENTATION In*con`ten*ta"tion, n. Etym: [See In- not, and Content.]
Defn: Discontent. [Obs.] Goodwin.
INCONTESTABILITY In`con*test`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incontestable.
INCONTESTABLE In`con*test"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + contestable: cf. F. incontestable.]
Defn: Not contestable; not to be disputed; that cannot be called in question or controverted; incontrovertible; indisputable; as, incontestable evidence, truth, or facts. Locke.
Syn. -- Incontrovertible; indisputable; irrefragable; undeniable; unquestionable; intuitable; certain. -- In`con*test"a*ble*ness, n. -- In`con*test"a*bly, adv.
INCONTESTED In`con*test"ed, a.
Defn: Not contested. Addison.
INCONTIGUOUS In`con*tig"u*ous, a. Etym: [L. incontiguus that can not be touched. See In- not, and Contiguous.]
Defn: Not contiguous; not adjoining or in contact; separate. Boyle. -- In`con*tig"u*ous*ly, adv.
INCONTINENCE; INCONTINENCY In*con"ti*nence, In*con"ti*nen*cy, n. Etym: [L. incontinentia: cf. F. incontinence.]
1. Incapacity to hold; hence, incapacity to hold back or restrain; the quality or state of being incontinent; want of continence; failure to restrain the passions or appetites; indulgence of lust; lewdness. That Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 1 Cor. vii. 5. From the rash hand of bold incontinence. Milton.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The inability of any of the animal organs to restrain the natural evacuations, so that the discharges are involuntary; as, incontinence of urine.
INCONTINENT In*con"ti*nent, a. Etym: [L. incontinens: cf. F. incontinent. See In- not, and Continent.]
1. Not continent; uncontrolled; not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite; indulging unlawful lust; unchaste; lewd.
2. (Med.)
Defn: Unable to restrain natural evacuations.
INCONTINENT In*con"ti*nent, n.
Defn: One who is unchaste. B. Jonson.
INCONTINENT In*con"ti*nent, adv. Etym: [Cf. F. incontinent.]
Defn: Incontinently; instantly immediately. [Obs.] He says he will return incontinent. Shak.
INCONTINENTLY In*con"ti*nent*ly, adv.
1. In an incontinent manner; without restraint, or without due restraint; -- used esp. of the passions or appetites.
2. Immediately; at once; forthwith. [Archaic] Immediately he sent word to Athens that he would incontinently come hither with a host of men. Golding.
INCONTRACTED In`con*tract"ed, a.
Defn: Uncontracted. [Obs.] Blackwall.
INCONTROLLABLE In`con*trol"la*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + controllable: cf. F. incontrôlable.]
Defn: Not controllable; uncontrollable. -- In`con*trol"la*bly, adv. South.
INCONTROVERTIBILITY In*con`tro*ver`ti*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or condition of being incontrovertible.
INCONTROVERTIBLE In*con`tro*ver"ti*ble, a.
Defn: Not controvertible; too clear or certain to admit of dispute; indisputable. Sir T. Browne. -- In*con`tro*ver"ti*ble*ness, n. -- In*con`tro*ver"ti*bly, adv.
INCONVENIENCE In`con*ven"ience, n. Etym: [L. inconvenientia inconsistency: cf. OF. inconvenience.]
1. The quality or condition of being inconvenient; want of convenience; unfitness; unsuitableness; inexpediency; awkwardness; as, the inconvenience of the arrangement. They plead against the inconvenience, not the unlawfulness, . . . of ceremonies in burial. Hooker.
2. That which gives trouble, embarrassment, or uneasiness; disadvantage; anything that disturbs quiet, impedes prosperity, or increases the difficulty of action or success; as, one inconvenience of life is poverty. A place upon the top of Mount Athos above all clouds of rain, or other inconvenience. Sir W. Raleigh. Man is liable to a great many inconveniences. Tillotson.
Syn. -- Incommodiousness; awkwardness; disadvantage; disquiet; uneasiness; disturbance; annoyance.
INCONVENIENCE In`con*ven"ience, v. t.
Defn: To put to inconvenience; to incommode; as, to inconvenience a neighbor.
INCONVENIENCY In`con*ven"ien*cy, n.
Defn: Inconvenience.
INCONVENIENT In`con*ven"ient, a. Etym: [L. inconveniens unbefitting: cf. F. inconvénient. See In- not, and Convenient.]
1. Not becoming or suitable; unfit; inexpedient.
2. Not convenient; giving trouble, uneasiness, or annoyance; hindering progress or success; uncomfortable; disadvantageous; incommodious; inopportune; as, an inconvenient house, garment, arrangement, or time.
Syn. -- Unsuitable; uncomfortable; disaccommodating; awkward; unseasonable; inopportune; incommodious; disadvantageous; troublesome; cumbersome; embarrassing; objectionable.
INCONVENIENTLY In`con*ven"ient*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inconvenient manner; incommodiously; unsuitably; unseasonably.
INCONVERSABLE In`con*vers"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incommunicative; unsocial; reserved. [Obs.]
INCONVERSANT In*con"ver*sant, a.
Defn: Not conversant; not acquainted; not versed; unfamiliar.
INCONVERTED In`con*vert"ed, a.
Defn: Not turned or changed about. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
INCONVERTIBILITY In`con*vert`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. inconvertibilitas.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inconvertible; not capable of being exchanged for, or converted into, something else; as, the inconvertibility of an irredeemable currency, or of lead, into gold.
INCONVERTIBLE In`con*vert"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. inconvertibilis: cf. F. inconvertible. See In- not, and Convertible.]
Defn: Not convertible; not capable of being transmuted, changed into, or exchanged for, something else; as, one metal is inconvertible into another; bank notes are sometimes inconvertible into specie. Walsh.
INCONVERTIBLENESS In`con*vert"i*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Inconvertibility.
INCONVERTIBLY In`con*vert"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inconvertible manner.
INCONVINCIBLE In`con*vin"ci*ble, a. Etym: [L. inconvincibilis. See In- not, and Convince.]
Defn: Not convincible; incapable of being convinced. None are so inconvincible as your half-witted people. Gov. of the Tongue.
INCONVINCIBLY In`con*vin"ci*bly, adv.
Defn: In a manner not admitting of being convinced.
INCONY In*co"ny, a. Etym: [Cf. Conny, Canny.]
Defn: Unlearned; artless; pretty; delicate. [Obs.] Most sweet jests! most incony vulgar wit! Shak.
INCOORDINATE; INCOOERDINATE In`co*ör"di*nate, a.
Defn: Not coördinate.
INCOORDINATION; INCOOERDINATION In`co*ör`di*na"tion, n.
Defn: Want of coördination; lack of harmonious adjustment or action. Incoördination of muscular movement (Physiol.), irregularity in movements resulting from inharmonious action of the muscles in consequence of loss of voluntary control over them.
INCORONATE In*cor"o*nate, a. Etym: [Pref. in- in + coronate.]
Defn: Crowned. [R.] Longfellow.
INCORPORAL In*cor"po*ral, a. Etym: [L. incorporalis. See In- not, and Corporal, and cf. Incorporeal.]
Defn: Immaterial; incorporeal; spiritual. [Obs.] Sir W. Raleigh.
INCORPORALITY In*cor`po*ral"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. incorporalitas: cf. F. incorporalité.]
Defn: Incorporeality. [Obs.] Bailey.
INCORPORALLY In*cor"po*ral*ly, adv.
Defn: Incorporeally. [Obs.]
INCORPORATE In*cor"po*rate, a. Etym: [L. incorporatus. See In- not, and Corporate.]
1. Not consisting of matter; not having a material body; incorporeal; spiritual. Moses forbore to speak of angles, and things invisible, and incorporate. Sir W. Raleigh.
2. Not incorporated; not existing as a corporation; as, an incorporate banking association.
INCORPORATE In*cor"po*rate, a. Etym: [L. incorporatus, p. p. of incorporare to incorporate; pref. in- in + corporare to make into a body. See Corporate.]
Defn: Corporate; incorporated; made one body, or united in one body; associated; mixed together; combined; embodied. As if our hands, our sides, voices, and minds Had been incorporate. Shak. A fifteenth part of silver incorporate with gold. Bacon.
INCORPORATE In*cor"po*rate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incorporated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incorporating.]
1. To form into a body; to combine, as different ingredients. into one consistent mass. By your leaves, you shall not stay alone, Till holy church incorporate two in one. Shak.
2. To unite with a material body; to give a material form to; to embody. The idolaters, who worshiped their images as golds, supposed some spirit to be incorporated therein. Bp. Stillingfleet.
3. To unite with, or introduce into, a mass already formed; as, to incorporate copper with silver; -- used with with and into.
4. To unite intimately; to blend; to assimilate; to combine into a structure or organization, whether material or mental; as, to incorporate provinces into the realm; to incorporate another's ideas into one's work. The Romans did not subdue a country to put the inhabitants to fire and sword, but to incorporate them into their own community. Addison.
5. To form into a legal body, or body politic; to constitute into a corporation recognized by law, with special functions, rights, duties and liabilities; as, to incorporate a bank, a railroad company, a city or town, etc.
INCORPORATE In*cor"po*rate, v. i.
Defn: To unite in one body so as to make a part of it; to be mixed or blended; -- usually followed by with. Painters' colors and ashes do better incorporate will oil. Bacon. He never suffers wrong so long to grow, And to incorporate with right so far As it might come to seem the same in show. Daniel.
INCORPORATED In*cor"po*ra`ted, a.
Defn: United in one body; formed into a corporation; made a legal entity.
INCORPORATION In*cor`po*ra"tion, n. Etym: [L. incorporatio: cf. F. incorporation.]
1. The act of incorporating, or the state of being incorporated.
2. The union of different ingredients in one mass; mixture; combination; synthesis.
3. The union of something with a body already existing; association; intimate union; assimilation; as, the incorporation of conquered countries into the Roman republic.
4. (Law) (a) The act of creating a corporation. (b) A body incorporated; a corporation.
INCORPORATIVE In*cor"po*ra*tive, a.
Defn: Incorporating or tending to incorporate; as, the incorporative languages (as of the Basques, North American Indians, etc. ) which run a whole phrase into one word. History demonstrates that incorporative unions are solid and permanent; but that a federal union is weak. W. Belsham.
INCORPORATOR In*cor"po*ra`tor, n.
Defn: One of a number of persons who gets a company incorporated; one of the original members of a corporation.
INCORPOREAL In`cor*po"re*al, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + corporeal: cf. L. incorporeus. Cf. Incorporal.]
1. Not corporeal; not having a material body or form; not consisting of matter; immaterial. Thus incorporeal spirits to smaller forms Reduced their shapes immense. Milton. Sense and perception must necessarily proceed from some incorporeal substance within us. Bentley.
2. (Law)
Defn: Existing only in contemplation of law; not capable of actual visible seizin or possession; not being an object of sense; intangible; -- opposed to corporeal. Incorporeal hereditament. See under Hereditament.
Syn. -- Immaterial; unsubstantial; bodiless; spiritual.
INCORPOREALISM In`cor*po"re*al*ism, n.
Defn: Existence without a body or material form; immateriality. Cudworth.
INCORPOREALIST In`cor*po"re*al*ist, n.
Defn: One who believes in incorporealism. Cudworth.
INCORPOREALITY In`cor*po`re*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being incorporeal or bodiless; immateriality; incorporealism. G. Eliot.
INCORPOREALLY In`cor*po"re*al*ly, adv.
Defn: In an incorporeal manner. Bacon.
INCORPOREITY In*cor`po*re"i*ty, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + corporeity: cf. F. incorporéite.]
Defn: The quality of being incorporeal; immateriality. Berkeley.
INCORPSE In*corpse", v. t.
Defn: To incorporate. [R.] Shak.
INCORRECT In`cor*rect", a. Etym: [L. incorrectus: cf. F. incorrect. See In- not, and Correct.]
1. Not correct; not according to a copy or model, or to established rules; inaccurate; faulty. The piece, you think, is incorrect. Pope.
2. Not in accordance with the truth; inaccurate; not exact; as, an incorrect statement or calculation.
3. Not accordant with duty or morality; not duly regulated or subordinated; unbecoming; improper; as, incorrect conduct. It shows a will most incorrect to heaven. Shak. The wit of the last age was yet more incorrect than their language. Dryden.
Syn. -- Inaccurate; erroneous; wrong; faulty.
INCORRECTION In`cor*rec"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + correction: cf. F. incorrection.]
Defn: Want of correction, restraint, or discipline. [Obs.] Arnway.
INCORRECTLY In`cor*rect"ly, adv.
Defn: Not correctly; inaccurately; not exactly; as, a writing incorrectly copied; testimony incorrectly stated.
INCORRECTNESS In`cor*rect"ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being incorrect; want of conformity to truth or to a standard; inaccuracy; inexactness; as incorrectness may in defect or in redundance.
INCORRESPONDENCE; INCORRESPONDENCY In*cor`re*spond"ence, In*cor`re*spond"en*cy, n.
Defn: Want of correspondence; disagreement; disproportion. [R.]
INCORRESPONDING In*cor`re*spond"ing, a.
Defn: Not corresponding; disagreeing. [R.] Coleridge.
INCORRIGIBILITY In*cor`ri*gi*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incorrigibilité.]
Defn: The state or quality of being incorrigible. The ingratitude, the incorrigibility, the strange perverseness . . . of mankind. Barrow.
INCORRIGIBLE In*cor"ri*gi*ble, a. Etym: [L. incorrigibilis: cf. F. incorrigible. See In- not, and Corrigible.]
Defn: Not corrigible; incapable of being corrected or amended; bad beyond correction; irreclaimable; as, incorrigible error. "Incorrigible fools." Dryden.
INCORRIGIBLE In*cor"ri*gi*ble, n.
Defn: One who is corrigible; especially, a hardened criminal; as, the perpetual imprisonment of incorrigibles.
INCORRIGIBLENESS In*cor"ri*gi*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Incorrigibility. Dr. H. More.
INCORRIGIBLY In*cor"ri*gi*bly, adv.
Defn: In an incorrigible manner.
INCORRODIBLE In`cor*rod"i*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being corroded, consumed, or eaten away.
INCORRUPT In"cor*rupt", a. Etym: [L. incorruptus. See In- not, and Corrupt.]
1. Not affected with corruption or decay; unimpaired; not marred or spoiled.
2. Not defiled or depraved; pure; sound; untainted; above the influence of bribes; upright; honest. Milton. Your Christian principles . . . which will preserve you incorrupt as individuals. Bp. Hurd.
INCORRUPTED In"cor*rupt"ed, a.
Defn: Uncorrupted. [Obs.] Breathed into their incorrupted breasts. Sir J. Davies.
INCORRUPTIBILITY In`cor*rupt`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. incorruptibilitas: cf. F. incorruptibilité.]
Defn: The quality of being incorruptible; incapability of corruption. Holland.
INCORRUPTIBLE In"cor*rupt"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. incorruptibilis: cf. F. incorruptible. See In- not, and Corrupt.]
1. Not corruptible; incapable of corruption, decay, or dissolution; as, gold is incorruptible. Our bodies shall be changed into incorruptible and immortal substances. Wake.
2. Incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted; inflexibly just and upright.
INCORRUPTIBLE In"cor*rupt"i*ble, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
Defn: One of a religious sect which arose in Alexandria, in the reign of the Emperor Justinian, and which believed that the body of Christ was incorruptible, and that he suffered hunger, thirst, pain, only in appearance.
INCORRUPTIBLE In"cor*rupt"i*ble, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incorruptible. Boyle.
INCORRUPTIBLENESS In`cor*rupt"i*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being incorruptible. Boyle.
INCORRUPTIBLY In"cor*rupt"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an incorruptible manner.
INCORRUPTION In"cor*rup"tion, n. Etym: [L. incorruptio: cf. F. incorruption. See In- not, and Corruption.]
Defn: The condition or quality of being incorrupt or incorruptible; absence of, or exemption from, corruption. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. 1 Cor. xv. 42. The same preservation, or, rather, incorruption, we have observed in the flesh of turkeys, capons, etc. Sir T. Browne.
INCORRUPTIVE In`cor*rupt"ive, a. Etym: [L. incorruptivus.]
Defn: Incorruptible; not liable to decay. Akenside.
INCORRUPTLY In`cor*rupt"ly, adv.
Defn: Without corruption. To demean themselves incorruptly. Milton.
INCORRUPTNESS In`cor*rupt"ness, n.
1. Freedom or exemption from decay or corruption.
2. Probity; integrity; honesty. Woodward.
INCRASSATE In*cras"sate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incrassated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incrassating.] Etym: [L. incrassatus, p. p. of incrassare; pref. in- in + crassus thick.]
Defn: To make thick or thicker; to thicken; especially, in pharmacy, to thicken (a liquid) by the mixture of another substance, or by evaporating the thinner parts. Acids dissolve or attenuate; alkalies precipitate or incrassate. Sir I. Newton. Liquors which time hath incrassated into jellies. Sir T. Browne.
INCRASSATE In*cras"sate, v. i.
Defn: To become thick or thicker.
INCRASSATE; INCRASSATED In*cras"sate, In*cras"sa*ted, a. Etym: [L. incrassatus, p. p.]
1. Made thick or thicker; thickened; inspissated.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Thickened; becoming thicker. Martyn.
3. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Swelled out on some particular part, as the antennæ of certain insects.
INCRASSATION In`cras*sa"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incrassation.]
1. The act or process of thickening or making thick; the process of becoming thick or thicker.
2. The state of being incrassated or made thick; inspissation. Sir T. Browne.
INCRASSATIVE In*cras"sa*tive, a.
Defn: Having the quality of thickening; tending to thicken. Harvey.
INCRASSATIVE In*cras"sa*tive, n.
Defn: A substance which has the power to thicken; formerly, a medicine supposed to thicken the humors. Harvey.
INCREASABLE In*creas"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being increased. Sherwood. -- In*creas"a*ble*ness, n. An indefinite increasableness of some of our ideas. Bp. Law.
INCREASE In*crease", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Increased; p. pr. & vb. n. Increasing.] Etym: [OE. incresen, encresen, enrescen, OF. encreistre, fr. L. increscere; pref. in- in + crescere to grow. See Crescent, and cf. Decrease.]
1. To become greater or more in size, quantity, number, degree, value, intensity, power, authority, reputation, wealth; to grow; to augment; to advance; -- opposed to decrease. The waters increased and bare up the ark. Gen. vii. 17. He must increase, but I must decrease. John iii. 30. The heavens forbid But that our loves and comforts should increase, Even as our days do grow! Shak.
2. To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific. Fishes are more numerous of increasing than beasts or birds, as appears by their numerous spawn. Sir M. Hale.
3. (Astron.)
Defn: To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax; as, the moon increases. Increasing function (Math.), a function whose value increases when that of the variable increases, and decreases when the latter is diminished.
Syn. -- To enlarge; extend; multiply; expand; develop; heighten; amplify; raise; enhance; spread; aggravate; magnify; augment; advance. -- To Increase, Enlarge, Extend. Enlarge implies to make larger or broader in size. Extend marks the progress of enlargement so as to have wider boundaries. Increase denotes enlargement by growth and internal vitality, as in the case of plants. A kingdom is enlarged by the addition of new territories; the mind is enlarged by knowledge. A kingdom is extended when its boundaries are carried to a greater distance from the center. A man's riches, honors, knowledge, etc., are increased by accessions which are made from time to time.
INCREASE In*crease", v. t.
Defn: To augment or make greater in bulk, quantity, extent, value, or amount, etc.; to add to; to extend; to lengthen; to enhance; to aggravate; as, to increase one's possessions, influence. I will increase the famine. Ezek. v. 16. Make denials Increase your services. Shak.
INCREASE In"crease, n. Etym: [OE. encres, encresse. See Increase, v. i.]
1. Addition or enlargement in size, extent, quantity, number, intensity, value, substance, etc.; augmentation; growth. As if increase of appetite had grown By what if fed on. Shak. For things of tender kind for pleasure made Shoot up with swift increase, and sudden are decay'd. Dryden.
2. That which is added to the original stock by augmentation or growth; produce; profit; interest. Take thou no usury of him, or increase. Lev. xxv. 36. Let them not live to taste this land's increase. Shak.
3. Progeny; issue; offspring. All the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age. 1 Sam. ii. 33.
4. Generation. [Obs.] "Organs of increase." Shak.
5. (Astron.)
Defn: The period of increasing light, or luminous phase; the waxing; -- said of the moon. Seeds, hair, nails, hedges, and herbs will grow soonest if set or cut in the increase of the moon. Bacon. Increase twist, the twixt of a rifle groove in which the angle of twist increases from the breech to the muzzle.
Syn. -- Enlargement; extension; growth; development; increment; addition; accession; production.
INCREASEFUL In*crease"ful, a.
Defn: Full of increase; abundant in produce. "Increaseful crops." [R.] Shak.
INCREASEMENT In*crease"ment, n.
Defn: Increase. [R.] Bacon.
INCREASER In*creas"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that, increases.
INCREASINGLY In*creas"ing*ly, adv.
Defn: More and more.
INCREATE In`cre*ate", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Increated; p. pr. & vb. n. Increating.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + create.]
Defn: To create within. [R.]
INCREATE; INCREATED In"cre*ate, In"cre*a`ted, a. Etym: [L. increatus. See In- not, and Create.]
Defn: Uncreated; self-existent. [R.] Bright effincreate. Milton.
INCREDIBILITY In*cred`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. incredibilitas: cf. F. incrédibilité.]
1. The quality or state of being incredible; incredibleness. Dryden.
2. That which is incredible. Johnson.
INCREDIBLE In*cred"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. incredibilis: cf. OF. incredible. See In- not, and Credible.]
Defn: Not credible; surpassing belief; too extraordinary and improbable to admit of belief; unlikely; marvelous; fabulous. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead Acts xxvi. 8.
INCREDIBLENESS In*cred"i*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Incredibility.
INCREDIBLY In*cred"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an incredible manner.
INCREDITED In*cred"it*ed, a.
Defn: Uncredited. [Obs.]
INCREDULITY In`cre*du"li*ty, n. Etym: [L. incredu: cf. F. incrédulité.]
Defn: The state or quality of being i Of every species of incredulity, religious unbelief is the most irrational. Buckminster.
INCREDULOUS In*cred"u*lous, a. Etym: [L. incredulus. See In- not, and Credulous.]
1. Not credulous; indisposed to admit or accept that which is related as true, skeptical; unbelieving. Bacon. A fantastical incredulous fool. Bp. Wilkins.
2. Indicating, or caused by, disbelief or incredulity. "An incredulous smile." Longfellow.
3. Incredible; not easy to be believed. [R.] Shak.
INCREDULOUSLY In*cred"u*lous*ly, adv.
Defn: In an incredulous manner; with incredulity.
INCREDULOUSNESS In*cred"u*lous*ness, n.
Defn: Incredulity.
INCREMABLE In*crem"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + L. cremabilis combustible, fr. cremare to burn.]
Defn: Incapable of being burnt; incombustibe. Sir T. Browne.
INCREMATE In"cre*mate, v. t. Etym: [Pref. in- in + cremate.]
Defn: To consume or reduce to ashes by burning, as a dead body; to cremate.
INCREMATION In`cre*ma"tion, n.
Defn: Burning; esp., the act of burning a dead body; cremation.
INCREMENT In"cre*ment, n. Etym: [L. incrementum: cf. F. incrément. See Increase.]
1. The act or process of increasing; growth in bulk, guantity, number, value, or amount; augmentation; enlargement. The seminary that furnisheth matter for the formation and increment of animal and vegetable bodies. Woodward. A nation, to be great, ought to be compressed in its increment by nations more civilized than itself. Coleridge.
2. Matter added; increase; produce; production; -- opposed to decrement. "Large increment." J. Philips.
3. (Math.)
Defn: The increase of a variable quantity or fraction from its present value to its next ascending value; the finite quantity, generally variable, by which a variable quantity is increased.
4. (Rhet.)
Defn: An amplification without strict climax, as in the following passage: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, . . . think on these things. Phil. iv. 8. Infinitesimal increment (Math.), an infinitesimally small variation considered in Differential Calculus. See Calculus. -- Method of increments (Math.), a calculus founded on the properties of the successive values of variable quantities and their differences or increments. It differs from the method of fluxions in treating these differences as finite, instead of infinitely small, and is equivalent to the calculus of finite differences.
INCREMENTAL In`cre*men"tal, a. (Biol.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or resulting from, the process of growth; as, the incremental lines in the dentine of teeth.
INCREPATE In"cre*pate, v. t. Etym: [L. increpatus, p. p. of increpare to upbraid; pref. in- in, against + crepare to talk noisily.]
Defn: To chide; to rebuke; to reprove. [Obs.]
INCREPATION In`cre*pa"tion, n. Etym: [L. increpatio.]
Defn: A chiding; rebuke; reproof. [Obs.] Hammond.
INCRESCENT In*cres"cent, a. Etym: [L. increscens, -entis, p. pr. of increscere. See Increase.]
1. Increasing; growing; augmenting; swelling; enlarging. Between the incresent and decrescent moon. Tennyson.
2. (Her.)
Defn: Increasing; on the increase; -- said of the moon represented as the new moon, with the points turned toward the dexter side.
INCREST In*crest", v. t.
Defn: To adorn with a crest. [R.] Drummond.
INCRIMINATE In*crim"i*nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incriminated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incriminating.] Etym: [LL. incriminatus, p. p. of incriminare; in- in + criminare, criminari, to accuse one of a crime. See Criminate.]
Defn: To accuse; to charge with a crime or fault; to criminate.
INCRIMINATION In*crim`i*na"tion, n.
Defn: The act of incriminating; crimination.
INCRIMINATORY In*crim"i*na*to*ry, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to crimination; tending to incriminate; criminatory.
INCROYABLE In`croy`a"ble, n. [F., lit., incredible.]
Defn: A French fop or dandy of the time of the Directory; hence, any fop.
The name is said to have been given in allusion not only to the extravagant dress, but also to the frequent use of the phrase "C'est vraiment incroyable" (That is really incredible.).
INCRUENTAL In`cru*en"tal, a. Etym: [L. incruentus. See In- not, and Cruentous.]
Defn: Unbloody; not attended with blood; as, an incruental sacrifice. [Obs.] Brevint.
INCRUST In*crust", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incrusted; p. pr. & vb. n. Incrusting.] Etym: [L. incrustare; pref. in- in + crustare to cover with a crust: cf. F. incruster. See Crust.] [Written also encrust.]
1. To cover or line with a crust, or hard coat; to form a crust on the surface of; as, iron incrusted with rust; a vessel incrusted with salt; a sweetmeat incrusted with sugar. And by the frost refin'd the whiter snow, Incrusted hard. Thomson.
2. (Fine Arts)
Defn: To inlay into, as a piece of carving or other ornamental object.
INCRUSTATE In*crus"tate, a. Etym: [L. incrustatus, p. p. See Incrust.]
Defn: Incrusted. Bacon.
INCRUSTATE In*crus"tate, v. t.
Defn: To incrust. [R.] Cheyne.
INCRUSTATION In`crus*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. incrustatio: cf. F. incrustation. See Incrust.]
1. The act of incrusting, or the state of being incrusted.
2. A crust or hard coating of anything upon or within a body, as a deposit of lime, sediment, etc., from water on the inner surface of a steam boiler.
3. (Arch.)
Defn: A covering or inlaying of marble, mosaic, etc., attached to the masonry by cramp irons or cement.
4. (Fine Arts)
Defn: Anything inlaid or imbedded.
INCRUSTMENT In*crust"ment, n.
Defn: Incrustation. [R.]
INCRYSTALLIZABLE In*crys"tal*li`za*ble, a.
Defn: Not crystallizable; incapable of being formed into crystals.
INCUBATE In"cu*bate, v. i. & t. [imp. & p. p. Incubated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incubating.] Etym: [L. incubatus, p. p. incubare to lie on; pref. in- in, on + cubare to lie down. Cf. Cubit, Incumbent.]
Defn: To sit, as on eggs for hatching; to brood; to brood upon, or keep warm, as eggs, for the purpose of hatching.
INCUBATION In`cu*ba"tion, n. Etym: [L. incubatio: cf. F. incubation.]
1. A sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young; a brooding on, or keeping warm, (eggs) to develop the life within, by any process. Ray.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The development of a disease from its causes, or its period of incubation. (See below.)
3. A sleeping in a consecrated place for the purpose of dreaming oracular dreams. Tylor. Period of incubation, or Stage of incubation (Med.), the period which elapses between exposure to the causes of a disease and the attack resulting from it; the time of development of the supposed germs or spores.
INCUBATIVE In"cu*ba*tive, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to incubation, or to the period of incubation.
INCUBATOR In"cu*ba`tor, n.
Defn: That which incubates, especially, an apparatus by means of which eggs are hatched by artificial heat.
INCUBATORY In*cu"ba*to*ry, a.
Defn: Serving for incubation.
INCUBE In*cube", v. t.
Defn: To fix firmly, as in cube; to secure or place firmly. [Obs.] Milton.
INCUBITURE In*cu"bi*ture, n. Etym: [Cf. L. incubitus.]
Defn: Incubation. [Obs.] J. Ellis.
INCUBOUS In"cu*bous, a. Etym: [From L. incubare to lie on.] (Bot.)
Defn: Having the leaves so placed that the upper part of each one covers the base of the leaf next above it, as in hepatic mosses of the genus Frullania. See Succubous.
INCUBUS In"cu*bus, n.; pl. E. Incubuses, L. Incubi. Etym: [L., the nightmare. Cf. Incubate.]
1. A demon; a fiend; a lascivious spirit, supposed to have sexual intercourse with women by night. Tylor. The devils who appeared in the female form were generally called succubi; those who appeared like men incubi, though this distinction was not always preserved. Lecky.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The nightmare. See Nightmare. Such as are troubled with incubus, or witch-ridden, as we call it. Burton.
3. Any oppressive encumbrance or burden; anything that prevents the free use of the faculties. Debt and usury is the incubus which weighs most heavily on the agricultural resources of Turkey. J. L. Farley.
INCULCATE In*cul"cate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inculcated; p. pr. & vb. n. Inculcating.] Etym: [L. inculcatus, p. p. of inculcare to tread on; pref. in- in, on + calcare to tread, fr. calx the heel; perh. akin to E. heel. Cf. 2d Calk, Heel.]
Defn: To teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions; to urge on the mind; as, Christ inculcates on his followers humility. The most obvious and necessary duties of life they have not yet had authority enough to enforce and inculcate upon men's minds. S. Clarke.
Syn. -- To instill; infuse; implant; engraft; impress.
INCULCATION In`cul*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. inculcatio: cf. F. inculcation.]
Defn: A teaching and impressing by frequent repetitions. Bp. Hall.
INCULCATOR In*cul"ca*tor, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: One who inculcates. Boyle.
INCULK In*culk". v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. inculquer. See Inculcate.]
Defn: To inculcate. [Obs.] Sir T. More.
INCULP In*culp", v. t. Etym: [Cf. inculper. See Inculpate.]
Defn: To inculpate. [Obs.] Shelton.
INCULPABLE In*cul"pa*ble, a. Etym: [L. inculpabilis: cf. F. incupable.]
Defn: Faultless; blameless; innocent. South. An innocent and incupable piece of ignorance. Killingbeck.
INCULPABLENESS In*cul"pa*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Blamelessness; faultlessness.
INCULPABLY In*cul"pa*bly, adv.
Defn: Blamelessly. South.
INCULPATE In*cul"pate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inculpated; p. pr. & vb. n. Inculpating.] Etym: [LL. inculpatus, p. p. of inculpare to blame; pref. in- in + culpa fault. See Culpable.]
Note: [A word of recent introduction.]
Defn: To blame; to impute guilt to; to accuse; to involve or implicate in guilt. That risk could only exculpate her and not inculpate them -- the probabilities protected them so perfectly. H. James.
INCULPATION In`cul*pa"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inculpation.]
Defn: Blame; censure; crimination. Jefferson.
INCULPATORY In*cul"pa*to*ry, a.
Defn: Imputing blame; criminatory; compromising; implicating.
INCULT In*cult", a. Etym: [L. incultus; pref. in- not + cultus, p. p. of colere to cultivate: cf. F. inculte.]
Defn: Untilled; uncultivated; crude; rude; uncivilized. Germany then, says Tacitus, was incult and horrid, now full of magnificent cities. Burton. His style is diffuse and incult. M. W. Shelley.
INCULTIVATED In*cul"ti*va`ted, a.
Defn: Uncultivated. [Obs.] Sir T. Herbert.
INCULTIVATION In*cul`ti*va"tion, n.
Defn: Want of cultivation. [Obs.] Berington.
INCULTURE In*cul"ture, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + culture: cf. F. inculture.]
Defn: Want or neglect of cultivation or culture. [Obs.] Feltham.
INCUMBENCY In*cum"ben*cy, n.; pl. Incumbencies. Etym: [From Incumbent.]
1. The state of being incumbent; a lying or resting on something.
2. That which is physically incumbent; that which lies as a burden; a weight. Evelyn.
3. That which is morally incumbent, or is imposed, as a rule, a duty, obligation, or responsibility. "The incumbencies of a family." Donne.
4. The state of holding a benefice; the full possession and exercise of any office. These fines are only to be paid to the bishop during his incumbency. Swift.
INCUMBENT In*cum"bent, a. Etym: [L. incumbens, -entis, p. pr. of incumbere to lie down upon, press upon; pref. in- in, on + cumbere (in comp.); akin to cubare to lie down. See Incubate.]
1. Lying; resting; reclining; recumbent; superimposed; superincumbent. Two incumbent figures, gracefully leaning upon it. Sir H. Wotton. To move the incumbent load they try. Addison.
2. Lying, resting, or imposed, as a duty or obligation; obligatory; always with on or upon. All men, truly zealous, will perform those good works that are incumbent on all Christians. Sprat.
3. (Bot.)
Defn: Leaning or resting; -- said of anthers when lying on the inner side of the filament, or of cotyledons when the radicle lies against the back of one of them. Gray.
4. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Bent downwards so that the ends touch, or rest on, something else; as, the incumbent toe of a bird.
INCUMBENT In*cum"bent, n.
Defn: A person who is in present possession of a benefice or of any office. The incumbent lieth at the mercy of his patron. Swift.
INCUMBENTLY In*cum"bent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an incumbent manner; so as to be incumbent.
INCUMBER In*cum"ber, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incumbered; p. pr. & vb. n. Incumbering.]
Defn: See Encumber.
INCUMBITION In`cum*bi"tion, n.
Defn: Incubation. [R.] Sterne.
INCUMBRANCE In*cum"brance, n. Etym: [See Encumbrance.] [Written also encumbrance.]
1. A burdensome and troublesome load; anything that impedes motion or action, or renders it difficult or laborious; clog; impediment; hindrance; check. Cowper.
2. (Law)
Defn: A burden or charge upon property; a claim or lien upon an estate, which may diminish its value.
INCUMBRANCER In*cum"bran*cer, n. (Law)
Defn: One who holds Kent.
INCUMBROUS In*cum"brous, a. Etym: [Cf. OF. encombros.]
Defn: Cumbersome; troublesome. [Written also encombrous.] [Obs.] Chaucer.
INCUNABULUM In`cu*nab"u*lum, n.; pl. Incunabula. Etym: [L. incunabula cradle, birthplace, origin. See 1st In-, and Cunabula.]
Defn: A work of art or of human industry, of an early epoch; especially, a book printed before A. D. 1500.
INCUR In*cur", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incurred; p. pr. & vb. n. Incurring.] Etym: [L. incurrere to run into or toward; pref. in- in + currere to run. See Current.]
1. To meet or fall in with, as something inconvenient, harmful, or onerous; to put one's self in the way of; to expose one's self to; to become liable or subject to; to bring down upon one's self; to encounter; to contract; as, to incur debt, danger, displeasure I know not what I shall incur to passShak.
2. To render liable or subject to; to occasion. [Obs.] Lest you incur me much more damage in my fame than you have done me pleasure in preserving my life. Chapman.
INCUR In*cur", v. i.
Defn: To pass; to enter. [Obs.] Light is discerned by itself because by itself it incurs into the eye. South.
INCURABILITY In*cur`a*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. incurabilité incurability, LL. incurabilitas negligence.]
Defn: The state of being uncurable; irremediableness. Harvey.
INCURABLE In*cur"a*ble, a. Etym: [F. incurable, L. incurabilis. See In- not, and Curable.]
1. Not capable of being cured; beyond the power of skill or medicine to remedy; as, an incurable disease. A scirrh is not absolutely incurable. Arbuthnot.
2. Not admitting or capable of remedy or correction; irremediable; remediless; as, incurable evils. Rancorous and incurable hostility. Burke. They were laboring under a profound, and, as it might have seemed, an almost incurable ignorance. Sir J. Stephen.
Syn. -- Irremediable; remediless; irrecoverable; irretrievable; irreparable; hopeless.
INCURABLE In*cur"a*ble, n.
Defn: A person diseased beyond cure.
INCURABLENESS In*cur"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being incurable; incurability. Boyle.
INCURABLY In*cur"a*bly, adv.
Defn: In a manner that renders cure impracticable or impossible; irremediably. "Incurably diseased." Bp. Hall. "Incurably wicked." Blair.
INCURIOSITY In*cu`ri*os"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. incuriositas: cf. F. incurosité.]
Defn: Want of curiosity or interest; inattentiveness; indifference. Sir H. Wotton.
INCURIOUS In*cu"ri*ous, a. Etym: [L. incuriosus: cf. F. incurieux. See In- not, and Curious.]
Defn: Not curious or inquisitive; without care for or interest in; inattentive; careless; negligent; heedless. Carelessnesses and incurious deportments toward their children. Jer. Taylor.
INCURIOUSLY In*cu"ri*ous*ly, adv.
Defn: In an curious manner.
INCURIOUSNESS In*cu"ri*ous*ness, n.
Defn: Unconcernedness; incuriosity. Sordid incuriousness and slovenly neglect. Bp. Hall.
INCURRENCE In*cur"rence, n. Etym: [See Incur.]
Defn: The act of incurring, bringing on, or subjecting one's self to (something troublesome or burdensome); as, the incurrence of guilt, debt, responsibility, etc.
INCURRENT In*cur"rent, a. Etym: [L. incurrens, p. pr. incurere, incursum, to run in; in- + currere to run.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Characterized by a current which flows inward; as, the incurrent orifice of lamellibranch Mollusca.
INCURSION In*cur"sion, n. Etym: [L. incursio: cf. F. incursion. See Incur.]
1. A running into; hence, an entering into a territory with hostile intention; a temporary invasion; a predatory or harassing inroad; a raid. The Scythian, whose incursions wild Have wasted Sogdiana. Milton. The incursions of the Goths disordered the affairs of the Roman Empire. Arbuthnot.
2. Attack; occurrence. [Obs.] Sins of daily incursion. South.
Syn. -- Invasion; inroad; raid; foray; sally; attack; onset; irruption. See Invasion.
INCURSIVE In*cur"sive, a.
Defn: Making an incursion; invasive; aggressive; hostile.
INCURTAIN In*cur"tain, v. t.
Defn: To curtain. [Obs.]
INCURVATE In*cur"vate, a. Etym: [L. incurvatus, p. p. of incurvare to crook; pref. in- in + curvus bent. See Curve, and cf. Incurve.]
Defn: Curved; bent; crooked. Derham.
INCURVATE In*cur"vate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incurvated; p. pr. & vb. n. Incurvating.]
Defn: To turn from a straight line or course; to bend; to crook. Cheyne.
INCURVATION In`cur*va"tion, n. Etym: [L. incurvatio: cf. F. incurvation.]
1. The act of bending, or curving.
2. The state of being bent or curved; curvature. An incurvation of the rays. Derham.
3. The act of bowing, or bending the body, in respect or reverence. "The incurvations of the knee." Bp. Hall.
INCURVE In*curve", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Incurved; p. pr. & vb. n. Incurving.] Etym: [See Incurvate.]
Defn: To bend; to curve; to make crooked.
INCURVED In*curved", a. Etym: [Pref. in- in + curved.] (Bot.)
Defn: Bending gradually toward the axis or center, as branches or petals.
INCURVITY In*cur"vi*ty, n. Etym: [From L. incurvus bent. See Incurvate.]
Defn: A state of being bent or curved; incurvation; a bending inwards. Sir T. Browne.
INCUS In"cus, n. Etym: [L., anvil.]
1. An anvil.
2. (Anat.)
Defn: One of the small bones in the tympanum of the ear; the anvil bone. See Ear.
3. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The central portion of the armature of the pharynx in the Rotifera.
INCUSE In*cuse", a. Etym: [See Incuse, v. t.] (Numismatics)
Defn: Cut or stamped in, or hollowed out by engraving. "Irregular incuse square." Dr. W. Smith.
INCUSE; INCUSS In*cuse", In*cuss", v. t. Etym: [L. incussus, p. p. of incutere to strike. See 1st In-, and Concuss.]
Defn: To form, or mold, by striking or stamping, as a coin or medal.
INCUTE In*cute", v. t. Etym: [See Incuse.]
Defn: To strike or stamp in. [Obs.] Becon.
INCYST In*cyst", v. t.
Defn: See Encyst.
INCYSTED In*cyst"ed, a.
Defn: See Encysted.
IND Ind, n.
Defn: India. [Poetical] Shak. Milton.
INDAGATE In"da*gate, v. t. Etym: [L. indagatus, p. p. of indagare to seek.]
Defn: To seek or search out. [Obs.]
INDAGATION In`da*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. indagatio: cf. F. indagation.]
Defn: Search; inquiry; investigation. [Obs.]
INDAGATIVE In"da*ga*tive, a.
Defn: Searching; exploring; investigating. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.
INDAGATOR In"da*ga`tor, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: A searcher; an explorer; an investigator. [Obs.] Searched into by such skillful indagators of nature. Boyle.
INDAMAGE In*dam"age (; 48), v. t.
Defn: See Endamage. [R.]
INDAMAGED In*dam"aged, a.
Defn: Not damaged. [Obs.] Milton.
INDART In*dart", v. t.
Defn: To pierce, as with a dart.
INDAZOL In"da*zol, n. Etym: [Indol + azote.] (Chem.)
Defn: A nitrogenous compound, C7H6N2, analogous to indol, and produced from a diazo derivative or cinnamic acid.
INDE Inde, a.
Defn: Azure-colored; of a bright blue color. [Obs.] Rom. of R.
INDEAR In*dear", v. t.
Defn: See Endear.
INDEBT In*debt", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indebted; p. pr. & vb. n. Indebting.] Etym: [OE. endetten, F. endetter; pref. en- (L. in) + F. dette debt. See Debt.]
Defn: To bring into debt; to place under obligation; -- chiefly used in the participle indebted. Thy fortune hath indebted thee to none. Daniel.
INDEBTED In*debt"ed, a.
1. Brought into debt; being under obligation; held to payment or requital; beholden. By owing, owes not, but still pays, at once Indebted and discharged. Milton.
2. Placed under obligation for something received, for which restitution or gratitude is due; as, we are indebted to our parents for their care of us in infancy; indebted to friends for help and encouragement. Cowper.
INDEBTEDNESS In*debt"ed*ness, n.
1. The state of being indebted.
2. The sum owed; debts, collectively.
INDEBTMENT In*debt"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. F. endettement.]
Defn: Indebtedness. [R.] Bp. Hall.
INDECENCE In*de"cence, n.
Defn: See Indecency. [Obs.] "An indecence of barbarity." Bp. Burnet.
INDECENCY In*de"cen*cy, n.; pl. Indecencies. Etym: [L. indecentia unseemliness: cf. F. indécence.]
1. The quality or state of being indecent; want of decency, modesty, or good manners; obscenity.
2. That which is indecent; an indecent word or act; an offense against delicacy. They who, by speech or writing, present to the ear or the eye of modesty any of the indecencies I allude to, are pests of society. Beattie.
Syn. -- Indelicacy; indecorum; immodesty; impurity; obscenity. See Indecorum.
INDECENT In*de"cent, a. Etym: [L. indecens unseemly, unbecoming: cf. F. indécent. See In- not, and Decent.]
Defn: Not decent; unfit to be seen or heard; offensive to modesty and delicacy; as, indecent language. Cowper.
Syn. -- Unbecoming; indecorous; indelicate; unseemly; immodest; gross; shameful; impure; improper; obscene; filthy.
INDECENTLY In*de"cent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indecent manner.
INDECIDUATE In`de*cid"u*ate, a.
1. Indeciduous.
2. (Anat.)
Defn: Having no decidua; nondeciduate.
INDECIDUOUS In`de*cid"u*ous, a.
Defn: Not deciduous or falling, as the leaves of trees in autumn; lasting; evergreen; persistent; permanent; perennial. The indeciduous and unshaven locks of Apollo. Sir T. Browne.
INDECIMABLE In*dec"i*ma*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + LL. decimare to tithe: cf. F. indécimable. See Decimate.]
Defn: Not decimable, or liable to be decimated; not liable to the payment of tithes. Cowell.
INDECIPHERABLE In`de*ci"pher*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not decipherable; incapable of being deciphered, explained, or solved. -- In`de*ci"pher*a*bly, adv.
INDECISION In`de*ci"sion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + decision: cf. F. indécision.]
Defn: Want of decision; want of settled purpose, or of firmness; indetermination; wavering of mind; irresolution; vacillation; hesitation. The term indecision . . . implies an idea very nicely different from irresolution; yet it has a tendency to produce it. Shenstone. Indecision . . . is the natural accomplice of violence. Burke.
INDECISIVE In`de*ci"sive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. indécisif.]
1. Not decisive; not bringing to a final or ultimate issue; as, an indecisive battle, argument, answer. The campaign had everywhere been indecisive. Macaulay.
2. Undetermined; prone to indecision; irresolute; unsettled; wavering; vacillating; hesitating; as, an indecisive state of mind; an indecisive character.
INDECISIVELY In`de*ci"sive*ly, adv.
Defn: Without decision.
INDECISIVENESS In`de*ci"sive*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being indecisive; unsettled state.
INDECLINABLE In`de*clin"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. indeclinabilis: cf. F. indéclinable. See In- not, and Decline.] (Gram.)
Defn: Not declinable; not varied by inflective terminations; as, nihil (nothing), in Latin, is an indeclinable noun. -- n.
Defn: An indeclinable word.
INDECLINABLY In`de*clin"a*bly, adv.
1. Without variation.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: Without variation of termination.
INDECOMPOSABLE In*de`com*pos"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + decomposable: cf. F. indécomposable.]
Defn: Not decomposable; incapable or difficult of decomposition; not resolvable into its constituents or elements.
INDECOMPOSABLENESS In*de`com*pos"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Incapableness of decomposition; stability; permanence; durability.
INDECOROUS In`de*co"rous, a. Etym: [L. indecorous. See In- not, and Decorous.]
Defn: Not decorous; violating good manners; contrary to good breeding or etiquette; unbecoming; improper; out of place; as, indecorous conduct. It was useless and indecorous to attempt anything more by mere struggle. Burke.
Syn. -- Unbecoming; unseemly; unbefitting; rude; coarse; impolite; uncivil; ill-bred.
INDECOROUSLY In`de*co"rous*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indecorous manner.
INDECOROUSNESS In`de*co"rous*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being indecorous; want of decorum.
INDECORUM In`de*co"rum, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + decorum: cf. L. indecorous unbecoming.]
1. Want of decorum; impropriety of behavior; that in behavior or manners which violates the established rules of civility, custom, or etiquette; indecorousness.
2. An indecorous or becoming action. Young.
Syn. -- Indecorum is sometimes synonymous with indecency; but indecency, more frequently than indecorum, is applied to words or actions which refer to what nature and propriety require to be concealed or suppressed. Indecency is the stronger word; indecorum refers to any transgression of etiquette or civility, especially in public.
INDEED In*deed", adv. Etym: [Prep. in + deed.]
Defn: In reality; in truth; in fact; verily; truly; -- used in a variety of sense. Esp.: (a) Denoting emphasis; as, indeed it is so. (b) Denoting concession or admission; as, indeed, you are right. (c) Denoting surprise; as, indeed, is it you Its meaning is not intrinsic or fixed, but depends largely on the form of expression which it accompanies.
The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. viii. 7. I were a beast indeed to do you wrong. Dryden. There is, indeed, no great pleasure in visiting these magazines of war. Addison.
INDEFATIGABILITY In`de*fat`i*ga*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state of being indefatigable.
INDEFATIGABLE In`de*fat"i*ga*ble, a. Etym: [L. indefatigabilis: cf. OF. indefatigable. See In- not, and Defatigable, and cf. Infatigable.]
Defn: Incapable of being fatigued; not readily exhausted; unremitting in labor or effort; untiring; unwearying; not yielding to fatigue; as, indefatigable exertions, perseverance, application. "A constant, indefatigable attendance." South. Upborne with indefatigable wings. Milton.
Syn. -- Unwearied; untiring; persevering; persistent.
INDEFATIGABLENESS In`de*fat"i*ga*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Indefatigable quality; unweariedness; persistency. Parnell.
INDEFATIGABLY In`de*fat"i*ga*bly, adv.
Defn: Without weariness; without yielding to fatigue; persistently. Dryden.
INDEFATIGATION In`de*fat`i*ga"tion, n.
Defn: Indefatigableness; unweariedness. [Obs.] J. Gregory.
INDEFEASIBILITY In`de*fea`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being undefeasible.
INDEFEASIBLE In`de*fea`si*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + defeasible: cf. OF. indefaisable.]
Defn: Not to be defeated; not defeasible; incapable of being annulled or made void; as, an indefeasible or title. That the king had a divine and an indefeasible right to the regal power. Macaulay.
INDEFECTIBILITY In`de*fect`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indéfectibilité.]
Defn: The quality of being indefectible. Barrow.
INDEFECTIBLE In`de*fect"i*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + defectible: cf. F. indéfectible.]
Defn: Not defectible; unfailing; not liable to defect, failure, or decay. An indefectible treasure in the heavens. Barrow. A state of indefectible virtue and happiness. S. Clarke.
INDEFECTIVE In`de*fect"ive, a.
Defn: Not defective; perfect; complete. "Absolute, indefective obedience." South.
INDEFEISIBLE In`de*fei"si*ble, a.
Defn: Indefeasible. [Obs.]
INDEFENSIBILITY In`de*fen`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of not being defensible. Walsh.
INDEFENSIBLE In`de*fen"si*ble, Etym: [Pref. in- not + defensible: cf. OF. indefensible, indefensable.]
Defn: Not defensible; not capable of being defended, maintained, vindicated, or justified; unjustifiable; untenable; as, an indefensible fortress, position, cause, etc. Men find that something can be said in favor of what, on the very proposal, they thought utterly indefensible. Burke.
INDEFENSIBLY In`de*fen"si*bly, adv.
Defn: In an indefensible manner.
INDEFENSIVE In`de*fen"sive, a.
Defn: Defenseless. [Obs.] The sword awes the indefensive villager. Sir T. Herbert.
INDEFICIENCY In`de*fi"cien*cy, n.
Defn: The state or quality of not being deficient. [Obs.] Strype.
INDEFICIENT In`de*fi"cient, a. Etym: [L. indeficiens. See In- not, and Deficient.]
Defn: Not deficient; full. [Obs.] Brighter than the sun, and indeficient as the light of heaven. Jer. Taylor.
INDEFINABLE In`de*fin"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being defined or described; inexplicable. Bp. Reynolds.
INDEFINABLY In`de*fin"a*bly, adv.
Defn: In an indefinable manner.
INDEFINITE In*def"i*nite, a. Etym: [L. indefinitus. See In- not, and Definite.]
1. Not definite; not limited, defined, or specified; not explicit; not determined or fixed upon; not precise; uncertain; vague; confused; obscure; as, an indefinite time, plan, etc. It were to be wished that . . . men would leave off that indefinite way of vouching, "the chymists say this," or "the chymists affirm that." Boyle. The time of this last is left indefinite. Dryden.
2. Having no determined or certain limits; large and unmeasured, though not infinite; unlimited; as indefinite space; the indefinite extension of a straight line. Though it is not infinite, it may be indefinite; though it is not boundless in itself, it may be so to human comprehension. Spectator.
3. Boundless; infinite. [R.] Indefinite and omnipresent God, Inhabiting eternity. W. Thompson (1745).
4. (Bot.)
Defn: Too numerous or variable to make a particular enumeration important; -- said of the parts of a flower, and the like. Also, indeterminate. Indefinite article (Gram.), the word a or an, used with nouns to denote any one of a common or general class. -- Indefinite inflorescence. (Bot.) See Indeterminate inflorescence, under Indeterminate. -- Indefinite proposition (Logic), a statement whose subject is a common term, with nothing to indicate distribution or nondistribution; as, Man is mortal. -- Indefinite term (Logic), a negative term; as, the not-good.
Syn. -- Inexplicit; vague; uncertain; unsettled; indeterminate; loose; equivocal; inexact; approximate.
INDEFINITELY In*def"i*nite*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indefinite manner or degree; without any settled limitation; vaguely; not with certainty or exactness; as, to use a word indefinitely. If the world be indefinitely extended, that is, so far as no human intellect can fancy any bound of it. Ray.
INDEFINITENESS In*def"i*nite*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being indefinite.
INDEFINITUDE In`de*fin"i*tude, n.
Defn: Indefiniteness; vagueness; also, number or quantity not limited by our understanding, though yet finite. [Obs.] Sir M . Hale.
INDEHISCENCE In`de*his"cence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indéhiscence.] (Bot.)
Defn: The property or state of being indehiscent.
INDEHISCENT In`de*his"cent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + dehiscent: cf. F. indéhiscent.] (Bot.)
Defn: Remaining closed at maturity, or not opening along regular lines, as the acorn, or a cocoanut.
INDELECTABLE In`de*lec"ta*ble, a.
Defn: Not delectable; unpleasant; disagreeable. [R.] Richardson.
INDELIBERATE In`de*lib"er*ate, a. Etym: [L. indeliberatus. See In- not, and Deliberate.]
Defn: Done without deliberation; unpremeditated. [Obs.] -- In`de*lib"er*ate*ly, adv. [Obs.]
INDELIBERATED In`de*lib"er*a`ted, a.
Defn: Indeliberate. [Obs.]
INDELIBILITY In*del`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indélébilité.]
Defn: The quality of being indelible. Bp. Horsley.
INDELIBLE In*del"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. indelebilis; pref.in- not + delebilis capable of being destroyed: cf. F. indélébile. See In- not, and Deleble.] [Formerly written also indeleble, which accords with the etymology of the word.]
1. That can not be removed, washed away, blotted out, or effaced; incapable of being canceled, lost, or forgotten; as, indelible characters; an indelible stain; an indelible impression on the memory.
2. That can not be annulled; indestructible. [R.] They are endued with indelible power from above. Sprat. Indelible colors, fast colors which do not fade or tarnish by exposure. -- Indelible ink, an ink obliterated by washing; esp., a solution of silver nitrate.
Syn. -- Fixed; fast; permanent; ineffaceable. -- In*del"i*ble*ness, n. -- In*del"i*bly, adv. Indelibly stamped and impressed. J. Ellis.
INDELICACY In*del"i*ca*cy, n.; pl. Indelicacies. Etym: [From Indelicate.]
Defn: The quality of being indelicate; want of delicacy, or of a nice sense of, or regard for, purity, propriety, or refinement in manners, language, etc.; rudeness; coarseness; also, that which is offensive to refined taste or purity of mind. The indelicacy of English comedy. Blair. Your papers would be chargeable with worse than indelicacy; they would be immoral. Addison.
INDELICATE In*del"i*cate, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + delicate: cf. F. indélicat.]
Defn: Not delicate; wanting delicacy; offensive to good manners, or to purity of mind; coarse; rude; as, an indelicate word or suggestion; indelicate behavior. Macaulay. -- In*del"i*cate*ly, adv.
Syn. -- Indecorous; unbecoming; unseemly; rude; coarse; broad; impolite; gross; indecent; offensive; improper; unchaste; impure; unrefined.
INDEMNIFICATION In*dem`ni*fi*ca"tion, n.
1. The act or process of indemnifying, preserving, or securing against loss, damage, or penalty; reimbursement of loss, damage, or penalty; the state of being indemnified. Indemnification is capable of some estimate; dignity has no standard. Burke.
2. That which indemnifies. No reward with the name of an indemnification. De Quincey.
INDEMNIFY In*dem"ni*fy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indemnified; p. pr. & vb. n. Indemnifying.] Etym: [L. indemnis unhurt (in- not + damnum hurt, damage) + -fy. Cf. Damn, Damnify.]
1. To save harmless; to secure against loss or damage; to insure. The states must at last engage to the merchants here that they will indemnify them from all that shall fall out. Sir W. Temple.
2. To make restitution or compensation for, as for that which is lost; to make whole; to reimburse; to compensate. Beattie.
INDEMNITY In*dem"ni*ty, n.; pl. Indemnities. Etym: [L. indemnitas, fr. indemnis uninjured: cf. F. indemnité. See Indemnify.]
1. Security; insurance; exemption from loss or damage, past or to come; immunity from penalty, or the punishment of past offenses; amnesty. Having first obtained a promise of indemnity for the riot they had committed. Sir W. Scott.
2. Indemnification, compensation, or remuneration for loss, damage, or injury sustained. They were told to expect, upon the fall of Walpole, a large and lucrative indemnity for their pretended wrongs. Ld. Mahon.
Note: Insurance is a contract of indemnity. Arnould. The owner of private property taken for public use is entitled to compensation or indemnity. Kent. Act of indemnity (Law), an act or law passed in order to relieve persons, especially in an official station, from some penalty to which they are liable in consequence of acting illegally, or, in case of ministers, in consequence of exceeding the limits of their strict constitutional powers. These acts also sometimes provide compensation for losses or damage, either incurred in the service of the government, or resulting from some public measure.
INDEMONSTRABILITY In`de*mon`stra*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being indemonstrable.
INDEMONSTRABLE In`de*mon"stra*ble, a. Etym: [L. indemonstrabilis. See In- not, and Demonstrable.]
Defn: Incapable of being demonstrated. -- In`de*mon"stra*ble*ness, n.
INDENIZATION In*den`i*za"tion, n.
Defn: The act of naturalizing; endenization. [R.] Evelyn.
INDENIZE In*den"ize, v. t.
Defn: To naturalize. [R.]
INDENIZEN In*den"i*zen, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indenizened; p. pr. & vb. n. Indenizening.]
Defn: To invest with the privileges of a denizen; to naturalize. [R.] Words indenizened, and commonly used as English. B. Jonson.
INDENT In*dent", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indented; p. pr. & vb. n. Indenting.] Etym: [OE. endenten to notch, fit in, OF. endenter, LL. indentare, fr. L. in + dens, dentis, tooth. See Tooth, and cf. Indenture.]
1. To notch; to jag; to cut into points like a row of teeth; as, to indent the edge of paper.
2. To dent; to stamp or to press in; to impress; as, indent a smooth surface with a hammer; to indent wax with a stamp.
3. Etym: [Cf. Indenture.]
Defn: To bind out by indenture or contract; to indenture; to apprentice; as, to indent a young man to a shoemaker; to indent a servant.
4. (Print.)
Defn: To begin (a line or lines) at a greater or less distance from the margin; as, to indent the first line of a paragraph one em; to indent the second paragraph two ems more than the first. See Indentation, and Indention.
5. (Mil.)
Defn: To make an order upon; to draw upon, as for military stores. [India] Wilhelm.
INDENT In*dent", v. i.
1. To be cut, notched, or dented.
2. To crook or turn; to wind in and out; to zigzag.
3. To contract; to bargain or covenant. Shak. To indent and drive bargains with the Almighty. South.
INDENT In*dent", n.
1. A cut or notch in the man gin of anything, or a recess like a notch. Shak.
2. A stamp; an impression. [Obs.]
3. A certificate, or intended certificate, issued by the government of the United States at the close of the Revolution, for the principal or interest of the public debt. D. Ramsay. A. Hamilton.
4. (Mil.)
Defn: A requisition or order for supplies, sent to the commissariat of an army. [India] Wilhelm.
INDENTATION In`den*ta"tion, n.
1. The act of indenting or state of being indented.
2. A notch or recess, in the margin or border of anything; as, the indentations of a leaf, of the coast, etc.
3. A recess or sharp depression in any surface.
4. (Print.) (a) The act of beginning a line or series of lines at a little distance within the flush line of the column or page, as in the common way of beginning the first line of a paragraph. (b) The measure of the distance; as, an indentation of one em, or of two ems. Hanging, or Reverse, indentation, indentation of all the lines of a paragraph except the first, which is a full line.
INDENTED In*dent"ed, a.
1. Cut in the edge into points or inequalities, like teeth; jagged; notched; stamped in; dented on the surface.
2. Having an uneven, irregular border; sinuous; undulating. Milton. Shak.
3. (Her.)
Defn: Notched like the part of a saw consisting of the teeth; serrated; as, an indented border or ordinary.
4. Bound out by an indenture; apprenticed; indentured; as, an indented servant.
5. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Notched along the margin with a different color, as the feathers of some birds. Indented line (Fort.), a line with alternate long and short faces, with salient and receding angles, each face giving a flanking fire along the front of the next.
INDENTEDLY In*dent"ed*ly, adv.
Defn: With indentations.
INDENTING In*dent"ing, n.
Defn: Indentation; an impression like that made by a tooth.
INDENTION In*den"tion, n. (Print.)
Defn: Same as Indentation, 4.
INDENTMENT In*dent"ment, n.
Defn: Indenture. [Obs.]
INDENTURE In*den"ture, n. Etym: [OE. endenture, OF. endenture, LL. indentura a deed in duplicate, with indented edges. See the Note below. See Indent.]
1. The act of indenting, or state of being indented.
2. (Law)
Defn: A mutual agreement in writing between two or more parties, whereof each party has usually a counterpart or duplicate; sometimes in the pl., a short form for indentures of apprenticeship, the contract by which a youth is bound apprentice to a master. The law is the best expositor of the gospel; they are like a pair of indentures: they answer in every part. C. Leslie.
Note: Indentures were originally duplicates, laid together and intended by a notched cut or line, or else written on the same piece of parchment and separated by a notched line so that the two papers or parchments corresponded to each other. But indenting has gradually become a mere form, and is often neglected, while the writings or counterparts retain the name of indentures.
INDENTURE In*den"ture, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indentured; p. pr. & vb. n. Indenturing.]
1. To indent; to make hollows, notches, or wrinkles in; to furrow. Though age may creep on, and indenture the brow. Woty.
2. To bind by indentures or written contract; as, to indenture an apprentice.
INDENTURE In*den"ture, v. i.
Defn: To run or wind in and out; to be cut or notched; to indent. Heywood.
INDEPENDENCE In`de*pend"ence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indépendance.]
1. The state or quality of being independent; freedom from dependence; exemption from reliance on, or control by, others; self- subsistence or maintenance; direction of one's own affairs without interference. Let fortune do her worst, . . . as long as she never makes us lose our honesty and our independence. Pope.
2. Sufficient means for a comfortable livelihood. Declaration of Independence (Amer. Hist.), the declaration of the Congress of the Thirteen United States of America, on the 4th of July, 1776, by which they formally declared that these colonies were free and independent States, not subject to the government of Great Britain.
INDEPENDENCE DAY In`de*pend"ence Day.
Defn: In the United States, a holiday, the 4th of July, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on that day in 1776.
INDEPENDENCY In`de*pend"en*cy, n.
1. Independence. "Give me," I cried (enough for me), "My bread, and independency!" Pope.
2. (Eccl.)
Defn: Doctrine and polity of the Independents.
INDEPENDENT In`de*pend"ent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + dependent: cf. F. indépendant.]
1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent. A dry, but independent crust. Cowper.
2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property.
3. Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind.
4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner.
5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective. That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement. R. P. Ward.
6. (Eccl.)
Defn: Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents.
7. (Math.)
Defn: Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions.
8. (U. S. Politics)
Defn: Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party. Independent company (Mil.), one not incorporated in any regiment. -- Independent seconds watch, a stop watch having a second hand driven by a separate set of wheels, springs, etc., for timing to a fraction of a second. -- Independent variable. (Math.) See Dependent variable, under Dependent.
Syn. -- Free; uncontrolled; separate; uncoerced; self-reliant; bold; unconstrained; unrestricted.
INDEPENDENT In`de*pend"ent, n.
1. (Eccl.)
Defn: One who believes that an organized Christian church is complete in itself, competent to self-government, and independent of all ecclesiastical authority.
Note: In England the name is often applied (commonly in the pl.) to the Congregationalists.
2. (Politics)
Defn: One who does not acknowledge an obligation to support a party's candidate under all circumstances; one who exercises liberty in voting.
INDEPENDENTISM In`de*pend"ent*ism, n.
Defn: Independency; the church system of Independents. Bp. Gauden.
INDEPENDENTLY In`de*pend"ent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an independent manner; without control.
INDEPOSABLE In`de*pos"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being deposed. [R.] Princes indeposable by the pope. Bp. Stillingfleet.
INDEPRAVATE In*dep"ra*vate, a. Etym: [L. indepravatus.]
Defn: Undepraved. [R.] Davies (Holy Roode).
INDEPRECABLE In*dep"re*ca*ble, a. Etym: [L. indeprecabilis. See In- not, and Deprecate.]
Defn: Incapable or undeserving of being deprecated. Cockeram.
INDEPREHENSIBLE In*dep`re*hen"si*ble, a. Etym: [L. indeprehensibilis. See In- not, and Deprehensible.]
Defn: Incapable of being found out. Bp. Morton.
INDEPRIVABLE In`de*priv"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being deprived, or of being taken away.
INDESCRIBABLE In`de*scrib"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being described. -- In`de*scrib"a*bly, adv.
INDESCRIPTIVE In`de*scrip"tive, a.
Defn: Not descriptive.
INDESERT In`de*sert", n.
Defn: Ill desert. [R.] Addison.
INDESINENT In*des"i*nent, a. Etym: [L. indesinens. See In- not, and Desinent.]
Defn: Not ceasing; perpetual. [Obs.] Baxter. -- In*des"i*nent*ly, adv. [Obs.] Ray.
INDESIRABLE In`de*sir"a*ble, a.
Defn: Undesirable.
INDESTRUCTIBILITY In`de*struc`ti*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indestructibilité.]
Defn: The quality of being indestructible.
INDESTRUCTIBLE In`de*struc"ti*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + destructible: cf. F. indestructible.]
Defn: Not destructible; incapable of decomposition or of being destroyed. -- In`de*struc"ti*ble*ness, n. -- In`de*struc"ti*bly, adv.
INDETERMINABLE In`de*ter"mi*na*ble, a. Etym: [L. indeterminabilis: cf. F. indéterminable. See In- not, and Determine.]
Defn: Not determinable; impossible to be determined; not to be definitely known, ascertained, defined, or limited. -- In`de*ter"mi*na*bly, adv.
INDETERMINABLE In`de*ter"mi*na*ble, n.
Defn: An indeterminable thing or quantity. Sir T. Browne.
INDETERMINATE In`de*ter"mi*nate, a. Etym: [L. indeterminatus.]
Defn: Not determinate; not certain or fixed; indefinite; not precise; as, an indeterminate number of years. Paley. Indeterminate analysis (Math.), that branch of analysis which has for its object the solution of indeterminate problems. -- Indeterminate coefficients (Math.), coefficients arbitrarily assumed for convenience of calculation, or to facilitate some artifice of analysis. Their values are subsequently determined. -- Indeterminate equation (Math.), an equation in which the unknown quantities admit of an infinite number of values, or sets of values. A group of equations is indeterminate when it contains more unknown quantities than there are equations. -- Indeterminate inflorescence (Bot.), a mode of inflorescence in which the flowers all arise from axillary buds, the terminal bud going on to grow and sometimes continuing the stem indefinitely; -- called also acropetal, botryose, centripetal, and indefinite inflorescence. Gray. -- Indeterminate problem (Math.), a problem which admits of an infinite number of solutions, or one in which there are fewer imposed conditions than there are unknown or required results. -- Indeterminate quantity (Math.), a quantity which has no fixed value, but which may be varied in accordance with any proposed condition. -- Indeterminate series (Math.), a series whose terms proceed by the powers of an indeterminate quantity, sometimes also with indeterminate exponents, or indeterminate coefficients. -- In`de*ter"mi*nate*ly adv. -- In`de*ter"mi*nate*ness, n.
INDETERMINATION In`de*ter`mi*na"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + determination: cf. indétermination.]
1. Want of determination; an unsettled or wavering state, as of the mind. Jer. Taylor.
2. Want of fixed or stated direction. Abp. Bramhall.
INDETERMINED In`de*ter"mined, a.
Defn: Undetermined.
INDEVIRGINATE In`de*vir"gin*ate, a. Etym: [See In- not, Devirginate.]
Defn: Not devirginate. [Obs.] Chapman.
INDEVOTE In*de*vote", a. Etym: [L. indevotus: cf. F. indévot. Cf. Indevout.]
Defn: Not devoted. [Obs.] Bentley. Clarendon.
INDEVOTION In`de*vo"tion, n. Etym: [L. indevotio: cf. F. indévotion.]
Defn: Want of devotion; impiety; irreligion. "An age of indevotion." Jer. Taylor.
INDEVOUT In*de*vout", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + devout. Cf. Indevote.]
Defn: Not devout. -- In*de*vout"ly, adv.
INDEW In*dew", v. t.
Defn: To indue. [Obs.] Spenser.
INDEX In"dex, n.; pl. E. Indexes, L. Indices(. Etym: [L.: cf. F. index. See Indicate, Diction.]
1. That which points out; that which shows, indicates, manifests, or discloses. Tastes are the indexes of the different qualities of plants. Arbuthnot.
2. That which guides, points out, informs, or directs; a pointer or a hand that directs to anything, as the hand of a watch, a movable finger on a gauge, scale, or other graduated instrument. In printing, a sign [*] used to direct particular attention to a note or paragraph; -- called also fist.
3. A table for facilitating reference to topics, names, and the like, in a book; -- usually alphabetical in arrangement, and printed at the end of the volume.
4. A prologue indicating what follows. [Obs.] Shak.
5. (Anat.)
Defn: The second digit, that next pollex, in the manus, or hand; the forefinger; index finger.
6. (Math.)
Defn: The figure or letter which shows the power or root of a quantity; the exponent. [In this sense the plural is always indices.] Index error, the error in the reading of a mathematical instrument arising from the zero of the index not being in complete adjustment with that of the limb, or with its theoretically perfect position in the instrument; a correction to be applied to the instrument readings equal to the error of the zero adjustment. -- Index expurgatorius. Etym: [L.] See Index prohibitorius (below). -- Index finger. See Index, 5. -- Index glass, the mirror on the index of a quadrant, sextant, etc. -- Index hand, the pointer or hand of a clock, watch, or other registering machine; a hand that points to something. -- Index of a logarithm (Math.), the integral part of the logarithm, and always one less than the number of integral figures in the given number. It is also called the characteristic. -- Index of refraction, or Refractive index (Opt.), the number which expresses the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction. Thus the index of refraction for sulphur is 2, because, when light passes out of air into sulphur, the sine of the angle of incidence is double the sine of the angle of refraction. -- Index plate, a graduated circular plate, or one with circular rows of holes differently spaced; used in machines for graduating circles, cutting gear teeth, etc. -- Index prohibitorius Etym: [L.], or Prohibitory index (R. C. Ch.), a catalogue of books which are forbidden by the church to be read; the index expurgatorius Etym: [L.], or expurgatory index, is a catalogue of books from which passages marked as against faith or morals must be removed before Catholics can read them. These catalogues are published with additions, from time to time, by the Congregation of the Index, composed of cardinals, theologians, etc., under the sanction of the pope. Hook. -- Index rerum Etym: [L.], a tabulated and alphabetized notebook, for systematic preservation of items, quotations, etc.
INDEX In"dex, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indexed; p. pr. & vb. n. Indexing.]
Defn: To provide with an index or table of references; to put into an index; as, to index a book, or its contents.
INDEXER In"dex*er, n.
Defn: One who makes an index.
INDEXICAL In*dex"ic*al, a.
Defn: Of, pertaining to, or like, an index; having the form of an index.
INDEXICALLY In*dex"ic*al*ly, adv.
Defn: In the manner of an index.
INDEXTERITY In`dex*ter"i*ty, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + dexterity: cf. F. indextérité.]
Defn: Want of dexterity or readiness, especially in the use of the hands; clumsiness; awkwardness. Harvey.
INDIA In"di*a, n. Etym: [See Indian.]
Defn: A country in Southern Asia; the two peninsulas of Hither and Farther India; in a restricted sense, Hither India, or Hindostan. India ink, a nearly black pigment brought chiefly from China, used for water colors. It is in rolls, or in square, and consists of lampblack or ivory black and animal glue. Called also China ink. The true India ink is sepia. See Sepia. -- India matting, floor matting made in China, India, etc., from grass and reeds; -- also called Canton, or China, matting. -- India paper, a variety of Chinese paper, of smooth but not glossy surface, used for printing from engravings, woodcuts, etc. -- India proof (Engraving), a proof impression from an engraved plate, taken on India paper. -- India rubber. See Caoutchouc. -- India-rubber tree (Bot.), any tree yielding caoutchouc, but especially the East Indian Ficus elastica, often cultivated for its large, shining, elliptical leaves.
INDIADEM In*di"a*dem, v. t.
Defn: To place or set in a diadem, as a gem or gems.
INDIAMAN In"di*a*man, n.; pl. Indiamen (.
Defn: A large vessel in the India trade. Macaulay.
INDIAN In"di*an, a Etym: [From India, and this fr. Indus, the name of a river in Asia, L. Indus, Gr. Hindu, name of the land on the Indus, Skr. sindhu river, the Indus. Cf. Hindoo.]
1. Of or pertaining to India proper; also to the East Indies, or, sometimes, to the West Indies.
2. Of or pertaining to the aborigines, or Indians, of America; as, Indian wars; the Indian tomahawk.
3. Made of maize or Indian corn; as, Indian corn, Indian meal, Indian bread, and the like. [U.S.] Indian bay (Bot.), a lauraceous tree (Persea Indica). -- Indian bean (Bot.), a name of the catalpa. -- Indian berry. (Bot.) Same as Cocculus indicus. -- Indian bread. (Bot.) Same as Cassava. -- Indian club, a wooden club, which is swung by the hand for gymnastic exercise. -- Indian cordage, cordage made of the fibers of cocoanut husk. -- Indian corn (Bot.), a plant of the genus Zea (Z. Mays); the maize, a native of America. See Corn, and Maize. -- Indian cress (Bot.), nasturtium. See Nasturtium, 2. -- Indian cucumber (Bot.), a plant of the genus Medeola (M. Virginica), a common in woods in the United States. The white rootstock has a taste like cucumbers. -- Indian currant (Bot.), a plant of the genus Symphoricarpus (S. vulgaris), bearing small red berries. -- Indian dye, the puccoon. -- Indian fig. (Bot.) (a) The banyan. See Banyan. (b) The prickly pear. -- Indian file, single file; arrangement of persons in a row following one after another, the usual way among Indians of traversing woods, especially when on the war path. -- Indian fire, a pyrotechnic composition of sulphur, niter, and realgar, burning with a brilliant white light. -- Indian grass (Bot.), a coarse, high grass (Chrysopogon nutans), common in the southern portions of the United States; wood grass. Gray. -- Indian hemp. (Bot.) (a) A plant of the genus Apocynum (A. cannabinum), having a milky juice, and a tough, fibrous bark, whence the name. The root it used in medicine and is both emetic and cathartic in properties. (b) The variety of common hemp (Cannabis Indica), from which hasheesh is obtained. -- Indian mallow (Bot.), the velvet leaf (Abutilon Avicennæ). See Abutilon. -- Indian meal, ground corn or maize. [U.S.] -- Indian millet (Bot.), a tall annual grass (Sorghum vulgare), having many varieties, among which are broom corn, Guinea corn, durra, and the Chinese sugar cane. It is called also Guinea corn. See Durra. -- Indian ox (Zoöl.), the zebu. -- Indian paint. See Bloodroot. -- Indian paper. See India paper, under India. -- Indian physic (Bot.), a plant of two species of the genus Gillenia (G. trifoliata, and G. stipulacea), common in the United States, the roots of which are used in medicine as a mild emetic; -- called also American ipecac, and bowman's root. Gray. -- Indian pink. (Bot.) (a) The Cypress vine (Ipomoea Quamoclit); -- so called in the West Indies. (b) See China pink, under China. -- Indian pipe (Bot.), a low, fleshy herb (Monotropa uniflora), growing in clusters in dark woods, and having scalelike leaves, and a solitary nodding flower. The whole plant is waxy white, but turns black in drying. -- Indian plantain (Bot.), a name given to several species of the genus Cacalia, tall herbs with composite white flowers, common through the United States in rich woods. Gray. -- Indian poke (Bot.), a plant usually known as the white hellebore (Veratrum viride). -- Indian pudding, a pudding of which the chief ingredients are Indian meal, milk, and molasses. -- Indian purple. (a) A dull purple color. (b) The pigment of the same name, intensely blue and black. -- Indian red. (a) A purplish red earth or pigment composed of a silicate of iron and alumina, with magnesia. It comes from the Persian Gulf. Called also Persian red. (b) See Almagra. -- Indian rice (Bot.), a reedlike water grass. See Rice. -- Indian shot (Bot.), a plant of the genus Canna (C. Indica). The hard black seeds are as large as swan shot. See Canna. -- Indian summer, in the United States, a period of warm and pleasant weather occurring late in autumn. See under Summer. -- Indian tobacco (Bot.), a species of Lobelia. See Lobelia. -- Indian turnip (Bot.), an American plant of the genus Arisæma. A. triphyllum has a wrinkled farinaceous root resembling a small turnip, but with a very acrid juice. See Jack in the Pulpit, and Wake-robin. -- Indian wheat, maize or Indian corn. -- Indian yellow. (a) An intense rich yellow color, deeper than gamboge but less pure than cadmium. (b) See Euxanthin.
INDIAN In"di*an, n.
1. A native or inhabitant of India.
2. One of the aboriginal inhabitants of America; -- so called originally from the supposed identity of America with India.
INDIANEER In`di*an*eer", n. (Naut.)
Defn: An Indiaman.
INDIA RUBBER In"di*a rub"ber
Defn: . See Caoutchouc.
INDIA STEEL In"di*a steel.
Defn: Same as Wootz.
INDICAL In"dic*al, a. Etym: [From L. index, indicis, an index.]
Defn: Indexical. [R.] Fuller.
INDICAN In"di*can, n. Etym: [See Indigo.]
1. (Chem.)
Defn: A glucoside obtained from woad (indigo plant) and other plants, as a yellow or light brown sirup. It has a nauseous bitter taste, a decomposes or drying. By the action of acids, ferments, etc., it breaks down into sugar and indigo. It is the source of natural indigo.
2. (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: An indigo-forming substance, found in urine, and other animal fluids, and convertible into red and blue indigo (urrhodin and uroglaucin). Chemically, it is indoxyl sulphate of potash, C8H6NSO4K, and is derived from the indol formed in the alimentary canal. Called also uroxanthin.
INDICANT In"di*cant, a. Etym: [L. indicans, p. pr. indicare. See Indicate.]
Defn: Serving to point out, as a remedy; indicating.
INDICANT In"di*cant, n.
Defn: That which indicates or points out; as, an indicant of the remedy for a disease.
INDICATE In"di*cate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indicated; p. pr. & vb. n. Indicating.] Etym: [L. indicatus, p. p. of indicare to indicate; pref. in- in + dicare to proclaim; akin to dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Indict, Indite.]
1. To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known. That turns and turns to indicate From what point blows the weather. Cowper.
2. (Med.)
Defn: To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the proper remedies; as, great prostration of strength indicates the use of stimulants.
3. (Mach.)
Defn: To investigate the condition or power of, as of steam engine, by means of an indicator.
Syn. -- To show; mark; signify; denote; discover; evidence; evince; manifest; declare; specify; explain; exhibit; present; reveal; disclose; display.
INDICATED In"di*ca`ted, a.
Defn: Shown; denoted; registered; measured. Indicated power. See Indicated horse power, under Horse power.
INDICATION In`di*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. indicatio: cf. F. indication.]
1. Act of pointing out or indicating.
2. That which serves to indicate or point out; mark; token; sign; symptom; evidence. The frequent stops they make in the most convenient places are plain indications of their weariness. Addison.
3. Discovery made; information. Bentley.
4. Explanation; display. [Obs.] Bacon.
5. (Med.)
Defn: Any symptom or occurrence in a disease, which serves to direct to suitable remedies.
Syn. -- Proof; demonstration; sign; token; mark; evidence; signal.
INDICATIVE In*dic"a*tive, a. Etym: [L. indicativus: cf. F. indicatif.]
1. Pointing out; bringing to notice; giving intimation or knowledge of something not visible or obvious. That truth id productive of utility, and utility indicative of truth, may be thus proved. Bp. Warburton.
2. (Fine Arts)
Defn: Suggestive; representing the whole by a part, as a fleet by a ship, a forest by a tree, etc. Indicative mood (Gram.), that mood or form of the verb which indicates, that is, which simply affirms or denies or inquires; as, he writes; he is not writing; has the mail arrived
INDICATIVE In*dic"a*tive, n. (Gram.)
Defn: The indicative mood.
INDICATIVELY In*dic"a*tive*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indicative manner; in a way to show or signify.
INDICATOR In"di*ca`tor, n. Etym: [L.: cf. F. indicateur.]
1. One who, or that which, shows or points out; as, a fare indicator in a street car.
2. (Mach.)
Defn: A pressure gauge; a water gauge, as for a steam boiler; an apparatus or instrument for showing the working of a machine or moving part; as: (a) (Steam Engine) An instrument which draws a diagram showing the varying pressure in the cylinder of an engine or pump at every point of the stroke. It consists of a small cylinder communicating with the engine cylinder and fitted with a piston which the varying pressure drives upward more or less against the resistance of a spring. A lever imparts motion to a pencil which traces the diagram on a card wrapped around a vertical drum which is turned back and forth by a string connected with the piston rod of the engine. See Indicator card (below). (b) A telltale connected with a hoisting machine, to show, at the surface, the position of the cage in the shaft of a mine, etc.
3. (Mech.)
Defn: The part of an instrument by which an effect is indicated, as an index or pointer.
4. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any bird of the genus Indicator and allied genera. See Honey guide, under Honey.
5. (Chem.)
Defn: That which indicates the condition of acidity, alkalinity, or the deficiency, excess, or sufficiency of a standard reagent, by causing an appearance, disappearance, or change of color, as in titration or volumetric analysis.
Note: The common indicators are limits, tropæolin, phenol phthalein, potassic permanganate, etc. Indicator card, the figure drawn by an engine indicator, by means of which the working of the engine can be investigated and its power calculated. The Illustration shows one form of indicator card, from a steam engine, together with scales by which the pressure of the steam above or below that of the atmosphere, corresponding to any position of the engine piston in its stroke, can be measured. Called also indicator diagram. -- Indicator telegraph, a telegraph in which the signals are the deflections of a magnetic needle, as in the trans-Atlantic system.
INDICATORY In"di*ca*to*ry, a.
Defn: Serving to show or make known; showing; indicative; signifying; implying.
INDICATRIX In`di*ca"trix, n. Etym: [NL.] (Geom. of Three Dimensions)
Defn: A certain conic section supposed to be drawn in the tangent plane to any surface, and used to determine the accidents of curvature of the surface at the point of contact. The curve is similar to the intersection of the surface with a parallel to the tangent plane and indefinitely near it. It is an ellipse when the curvature is synclastic, and an hyperbola when the curvature is anticlastic.
INDICAVIT In`di*ca"vit, n. Etym: [L., he has indicated.] (Eng. Law)
Defn: A writ of prohibition against proceeding in the spiritual court in certain cases, when the suit belongs to the common-law courts. Wharton (Law Dict. ).
INDICE In"dice, n. Etym: [F. indice indication, index. See Index.]
Defn: Index; indication. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
INDICES In"di*ces, n. pl.
Defn: See Index.
INDICIA In*di"ci*a, n. pl. Etym: [L., pl. of indicium, fr. index an index.] (Law)
Defn: Discriminating marks; signs; tokens; indications; appearances. Burrill.
INDICIBLE In*dic"i*ble, a. Etym: [F.]
Defn: Unspeakable. [Obs.]
INDICOLITE In*dic"o*lite, n. Etym: [L. indicum indigo + -lite: cf. F. indicolithe.] (Min.)
Defn: A variety of tourmaline of an indigo-blue color.
INDICT In*dict", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indicted; p. pr. & vb. n. Indicting.] Etym: [OE. enditen. See Indite.]
1. To write; to compose; to dictate; to indite. [Obs.]
2. To appoint publicly or by authority; to proclaim or announce. [Obs.] I am told shall have no Lent indicted this year. Evelyn.
3. (Law)
Defn: To charge with a crime, in due form of law, by the finding or presentment of a grand jury; to find an indictment against; as, to indict a man for arson. It is the peculiar province of a grand jury to indict, as it is of a house of representatives to impeach.
INDICTABLE In*dict"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being, or liable to be, indicted; subject to indictment; as, an indictable offender or offense.
INDICTEE In`dict*ee", n. (Law)
Defn: A person indicted.
INDICTER In*dict"er, n.
Defn: One who indicts.
INDICTION In*dic"tion, n. Etym: [L. indictio: cf. F. indiction. See Indict, Indite.]
1. Declaration; proclamation; public notice or appointment. [Obs.] "Indiction of a war." Bacon. Secular princes did use to indict, or permit the indiction of, synods of bishops. Jer. Taylor.
2. A cycle of fifteen years.
Note: This mode of reckoning time is said to have been introduced by Constantine the Great, in connection with the payment of tribute. It was adopted at various times by the Greek emperors of Constantinople, the popes, and the parliaments of France. Through the influence of the popes, it was extensively used in the ecclesiastical chronology of the Middle Ages. The number of indictions was reckoned at first from 312 a. d., but since the twelfth century it has been reckoned from the birth of Christ. The papal indiction is the only one ever used at the present day. To find the indiction and year of the indiction by the first method, subtract 312 from the given year a. d., and divide by 15; by the second method, add 3 to the given year a. d., and the divide by 15. In either case, the quotient is the number of the current indiction, and the remainder the year of the indiction. See Cycle of indiction, under Cycle.
INDICTIVE In*dic"tive, a. Etym: [L. indictivus. See Indict.]
Defn: Proclaimed; declared; public. Kennet.
INDICTMENT In*dict"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. Inditement.]
1. The act of indicting, or the state of being indicted.
2. (Law)
Defn: The formal statement of an offense, as framed by the prosecuting authority of the State, and found by the grand jury.
Note: To the validity of an indictment a finding by the grand jury is essential, while an information rests only on presentation by the prosecuting authority.
3. An accusation in general; a formal accusation. Bill of indictment. See under Bill.
INDICTOR In*dict"or, n. (Law)
Defn: One who indicts. Bacon.
INDIES In"dies, n. pl.
Defn: A name designating the East Indies, also the West Indies. Our king has all the Indies in his arms. Shak.
INDIFFERENCE In*dif"fer*ence, n. Etym: [L. indifferentia similarity, want of difference: cf. F. indifférence.]
1. The quality or state of being indifferent, or not making a difference; want of sufficient importance to constitute a difference; absence of weight; insignificance.
2. Passableness; mediocrity.
3. Impartiality; freedom from prejudice, prepossession, or bias. He . . . is far from such indifference and equity as ought and must be in judges which he saith I assign. Sir T. More.
4. Absence of anxiety or interest in respect to what is presented to the mind; unconcernedness; as, entire indifference to all that occurs. Indifference can not but be criminal, when it is conversant about objects which are so far from being of an indifferent nature, that they are highest importance. Addison.
Syn. -- Carelessness; negligence; unconcern; apathy; insensibility; coldness; lukewarmness.
INDIFFERENCY In*dif"fer*en*cy, n.
Defn: Absence of interest in, or influence from, anything; unconcernedness; equilibrium; indifferentism; indifference. Gladstone. To give ourselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause. Fuller. Moral liberty . . . does not, after all, consist in a power of indifferency, or in a power of choosing without regard to motives. Hazlitt.
INDIFFERENT In*dif"fer*ent, a. Etym: [F. indifférent, L. indifferens. See In- not, and Different.]
1. Not mal Dangers are to me indifferent. Shak. Everything in the world is indifferent but sin. Jer. Taylor. His slightest and most indifferent acts . . . were odious in the clergyman's sight. Hawthorne.
2. Neither particularly good, not very bad; of a middle state or quality; passable; mediocre. The staterooms are in indifferent order. Sir W. Scott.
3. Not inclined to one side, party, or choice more than to another; neutral; impartial. Indifferent in his choice to sleep or die. Addison.
4. Feeling no interest, anxiety, or care, respecting anything; unconcerned; inattentive; apathetic; heedless; as, to be indifferent to the welfare of one's family. It was a law of Solon, that any person who, in the civil commotions of the republic, remained neuter, or an indifferent spectator of the contending parties, should be condemned to perpetual banishment. Addison.
5. (Law)
Defn: Free from bias or prejudice; impartial; unbiased; disinterested. In choice of committees for ripening business for the counsel, it is better indifferent persons than to make an indifferency by putting in those that are strong on both sides. Bacon. Indifferent tissue (Anat.), the primitive, embryonic, undifferentiated tissue, before conversion into connective, muscular, nervous, or other definite tissue.
INDIFFERENT In*dif"fer*ent, adv.
Defn: To a moderate degree; passably; tolerably. [Obs.] "News indifferent good." Shak.
INDIFFERENTISM In*dif"fer*ent*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indifférentisme.]
1. State of indifference; want of interest or earnestness; especially, a systematic apathy regarding what is true or false in religion or philosophy; agnosticism. The indifferentism which equalizes all religions and gives equal rights to truth and error. Cardinal Manning.
2. (Metaph.)
Defn: Same as Identism.
3. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: A heresy consisting in an unconcern for any particular creed, provided the morals be right and good. Gregory XVI.
INDIFFERENTIST In*dif"fer*ent*ist, n.
Defn: One governed by indifferentism.
INDIFFERENTLY In*dif"fer*ent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indifferent manner; without distinction or preference; impartially; without concern, wish, affection, or aversion; tolerably; passably. That they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue. Book of Com. Prayer [Eng. Ed. ] Set honor in one eye and death i' the other, And I will look on both indifferently. Shak. I hope it may indifferently entertain your lordship at an unbending hour. Rowe.
INDIFULVIN In`di*ful"vin, n. Etym: [Indican + L. fulvus reddish yellow.] (Chem.)
Defn: A reddish resinous substance, obtained from indican.
INDIFUSCIN In`di*fus"cin, n. Etym: [Indican + L. fuscus dusky.] (Chem.)
Defn: A brown amorphous powder, obtained from indican.
INDIGEEN In"di*geen, n.
Defn: Same as Indigene. Darwin.
INDIGENCE In"di*gence, n. Etym: [L. indigentia: cf. F. indigence. See Indigent.]
Defn: The condition of being indigent; want of estate, or means of comfortable subsistence; penury; poverty; as, helpless, indigence. Cowper.
Syn. -- Poverty; penury; destitution; want; need; privation; lack. See Poverty.
INDIGENCY In"di*gen*cy, n.
Defn: Indigence. New indigencies founded upon new desires. South.
INDIGENE In"di*gene, n. Etym: [L. indigena: cf. F. indigène. See Indigenous.]
Defn: One born in a country; an aboriginal animal or plant; an autochthon. Evelyn. Tylor.
INDIGENOUS In*dig"e*nous, a. Etym: [L. indigenus, indigena, fr. OL. indu (fr. in in) + the root of L. gignere to beget, bear. See In, and Gender.]
1. Native; produced, growing, or living, naturally in a country or climate; not exotic; not imported. Negroes were all transported from Africa and are not indigenous or proper natives of America. Sir T. Browne. In America, cotton, being indigenous, is cheap. Lion Playas.
2. Native; inherent; innate. Joy and hope are emotions indigenous to the human mind. I. Taylor.
INDIGENT In"di*gent, a. Etym: [L. indigent, L. indigens, p. p. of indigere to stand in need of, fr. OL. indu (fr. in- in) + L. egere to be needy, to need.]
1. Wanting; void; free; destitute; -- used with of. [Obs.] Bacon.
2. Destitute of property or means of comfortable subsistence; needy; poor; in want; necessitous. Indigent faint souls past corporal toil. Shak. Charity consists in relieving the indigent. Addison.
INDIGENTLY In"di*gent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indigent manner.
INDIGEST In`di*gest", a. Etym: [L. indigestus unarranged. See Indigested.]
Defn: Crude; unformed; unorganized; undigested. [Obs.] "A chaos rude and indigest." W. Browne. "Monsters and things indigest." Shak.
INDIGEST In`di*gest", n.
Defn: Something indigested. [Obs.] Shak.
INDIGESTED In`di*gest"ed, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + digested.]
1. Not digested; undigested. "Indigested food." Dryden.
2. Not resolved; not regularly disposed and arranged; not methodical; crude; as, an indigested array of facts. In hot reformations . . . the whole is generally crude, harsh, and indigested. Burke. This, like an indigested meteor, appeared and disappeared almost at the same time. South.
3. (Med.) (a) Not in a state suitable for healing; -- said of wounds. (b) Not ripened or suppurated; -- said of an abscess or its contents.
4. Not softened by heat, hot water, or steam.
INDIGESTEDNESS In`di*gest"ed*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being undigested; crudeness. Bp. Burnet.
INDIGESTIBILITY In*di*gest`i*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being indigestible; indigestibleness.
INDIGESTIBLE In`di*gest"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. indigestibilis: cf. F. indigestible. See In- not, and Digest.]
1. Not digestible; not readily soluble in the digestive juices; not easily convertible into products fitted for absorption.
2. Not digestible in the mind; distressful; intolerable; as, an indigestible simile. T. Warton. -- In`di*gest"i*ble*ness, n. -- In`di*gest"i*bly, adv.
INDIGESTION In`di*ges"tion, n. Etym: [L. indigestio: cf. F. indigestion. See In- not, and Digest.]
Defn: Lack of proper digestive action; a failure of the normal changes which food should undergo in the alimentary canal; dyspepsia; incomplete or difficult digestion.
INDIGITATE In*dig"i*tate, v. i. Etym: [Pref. in- in + L. digitus finger.]
Defn: To communicative ideas by the fingers; to show or compute by the fingers. [Obs.]
INDIGITATE In*dig"i*tate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indigitated; p. pr. & vb. n. Indigitating.]
Defn: To point out with the finger; to indicate. [Obs.] The depressing this finger, . . . in the right hand indigitate six hundred. Sir T. Browne.
INDIGITATION In*dig`i*ta"tion, n.
Defn: The act of pointing out as with the finger; indication. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
INDIGLUCIN In`di*glu"cin, n. Etym: [Indican + glucin.] (Chem.)
Defn: The variety of sugar (glucose) obtained from the glucoside indican. It is unfermentable, but reduces Fehling's solution.
INDIGN In*dign", a. Etym: [L. indignus; pref. in- not + dignus worthy: cf. F. indigne. See Dignity.]
Defn: Unworthy; undeserving; disgraceful; degrading. Chaucer. Counts it scorn to draw Comfort indign from any meaner thing. Trench.
INDIGNANCE; INDIGNANCY In*dig"nance, In*dig"nan*cy, n.
Defn: Indignation. [Obs.] Spenser.
INDIGNANT In*dig"nant, a. Etym: [L. indignans, -antis, p. pr. of indignari to be indignant, disdain. See Indign.]
Defn: Affected with indignation; wrathful; passionate; irate; feeling wrath, as when a person is exasperated by unworthy or unjust treatment, by a mean action, or by a degrading accusation. He strides indignant, and with haughty cries To single fight the fairy prince defies. Tickell.
INDIGNANTLY In*dig"nant*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indignant manner.
INDIGNATION In`dig*na"tion, n. Etym: [F. indignation, L. indignatio. See Indign.]
1. The feeling excited by that which is unworthy, base, or disgraceful; anger mingled with contempt, disgust, or abhorrence. Shak. Indignation expresses a strong and elevated disapprobation of mind, which is also inspired by something flagitious in the conduct of another. Cogan. When Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Esther v. 9.
2. The effect of anger; punishment. Shak. Hide thyself . . . until the indignation be overpast. Is. xxvi. 20.
Syn. -- Anger; ire wrath; fury; rage. See Anger.
INDIGNIFY In*dig"ni*fy, v. t. Etym: [L. indignus unworthy + -fy.]
Defn: To treat disdainfully or with indignity; to contemn. [Obs.] Spenser.
INDIGNITY In*dig"ni*ty, n.; pl. Indignities. Etym: [L. indignitas: cf. F. indignité. See Indign.]
Defn: Any action toward another which manifests contempt for him; an offense against personal dignity; unmerited contemptuous treatment; contumely; incivility or injury, accompanied with insult. How might a prince of my great hopes forget So great indignities you laid upon me Shak. A person of so great place and worth constrained to endure so foul indignities. Hooker.
INDIGNLY In*dign"ly, adv.
Defn: Unworthily. [Obs.]
INDIGO In"di*go, n.; pl. Indigoes. Etym: [F. indigo, Sp. indigo, indico, L. indicum indigo, fr. Indicus Indian. See Indian.]
1. A kind of deep blue, one of the seven prismatic colors.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: A blue dyestuff obtained from several plants belonging to very different genera and orders; as, the woad, Isatis tinctoria, Indigofera tinctoria, I. Anil, Nereum tinctorium, etc. It is a dark blue earthy substance, tasteless and odorless, with a copper-violet luster when rubbed. Indigo does not exist in the plants as such, but is obtained by decomposition of the glycoside indican.
Note: Commercial indigo contains the essential coloring principle indigo blue or indigotine, with several other dyes; as, indigo red, indigo brown, etc., and various impurities. Indigo is insoluble in ordinary reagents, with the exception of strong sulphuric acid. Chinese indigo (Bot.), Isatis indigotica, a kind of woad. -- Wild indigo (Bot.), the American herb Baptisia tinctoria which yields a poor quality of indigo, as do several other species of the same genus.
INDIGO In"di*go, a.
Defn: Having the color of, pertaining to, or derived from, indigo. Indigo berry (Bot.), the fruit of the West Indian shrub Randia aculeata, used as a blue dye. -- Indigo bird (Zoöl.), a small North American finch (Cyanospiza cyanea). The male is indigo blue in color. Called also indigo bunting. -- Indigo blue. (a) The essential coloring material of commercial indigo, from which it is obtained as a dark blue earthy powder, with a reddish luster, C16H10N2O2, which may be crystallized by sublimation. Indigo blue is also made from artificial amido cinnamic acid, and from artificial isatine; and these methods are of great commercial importance. Called also indigotin. (b) A dark, dull blue color like the indigo of commerce. -- Indigo brown (Chem.), a brown resinous substance found in crude indigo. -- Indigo copper (Min.), covellite. -- Indigo green, a green obtained from indigo. -- Indigo plant (Bot.), a leguminous plant of several species (genus Indigofera), from which indigo is prepared. The different varieties are natives of Asia, Africa, and America. Several species are cultivated, of which the most important are the I. tinctoria, or common indigo plant, the I. Anil, a larger species, and the I. disperma. -- Indigo purple, a purple obtained from indigo. -- Indigo red, a dyestuff, isomeric with indigo blue, obtained from crude indigo as a dark brown amorphous powder. -- Indigo snake (Zoöl.), the gopher snake. -- Indigo white, a white crystalline powder obtained by reduction from indigo blue, and by oxidation easily changed back to it; -- called also indigogen. -- Indigo yellow, a substance obtained from indigo.
INDIGOFERA In`di*gof"e*ra, n. Etym: [NL., from E. indigo + L. ferre to bear.] (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of leguminous plants having many species, mostly in tropical countries, several of them yielding indigo, esp. Indigofera tinctoria, and I. Anil.
INDIGOGEN In"di*go*gen, n. Etym: [Indigo + -gen.]
1. (Chem.)
Defn: See Indigo white, under Indigo.
2. (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: Same as Indican, 2.
INDIGOMETER In`di*gom"e*ter, n. Etym: [Indigo + -meter.]
Defn: An instrument for ascertaining the strength of an indigo solution, as in volumetric analysis. Ure.
INDIGOMETRY In`di*gom"e*try, n.
Defn: The art or method of determining the coloring power of indigo.
INDIGOTIC In`di*got"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. F. indigotique.] (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or derived from, indigo; as, indigotic acid, which is also called anilic or nitrosalicylic acid.
INDIGOTIN In"di*go*tin, n. (Chem.)
Defn: See Indigo blue, under Indigo.
INDIGRUBIN In`dig*ru"bin, n. Etym: [Indigo + L. ruber red.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: Same as Urrhodin.
INDIHUMIN In`di*hu"min, n. Etym: [Indican + humin.] (Chem.)
Defn: A brown amorphous substance resembling humin, and obtained from indican.
INDILATORY In*dil"a*to*ry, a.
Defn: Not dilatory. [Obs.]
INDILIGENCE In*dil"i*gence, n. Etym: [L. indiligentia: cf. F. indiligence.]
Defn: Want of diligence. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
INDILIGENT In*dil"i*gent, a. Etym: [L. indiligens: cf. F. indiligent. See Diligent.]
Defn: Not diligent; idle; slothful. [Obs.] Feltham. -- In*dil"i*gent*ly, adv. [Obs.]
INDIMINISHABLE In`di*min"ish*a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being diminished. [R.] Milton.
INDIN In"din, n. Etym: [From Indigo.] (Chem.)
Defn: A dark red crystalline substance, isomeric with and resembling indigo blue, and obtained from isatide and dioxindol.
INDIRECT In`di*rect", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + direct: cf. F. indirect.]
1. Not direct; not straight or rectilinear; deviating from a direct line or course; circuitous; as, an indirect road.
2. Not tending to an aim, purpose, or result by the plainest course, or by obvious means, but obliquely or consequentially; by remote means; as, an indirect accusation, attack, answer, or proposal. By what bypaths and indirect, crooked ways I met this crown. Shak.
3. Not straightforward or upright; unfair; dishonest; tending to mislead or deceive. Indirect dealing will be discovered one time or other. Tillotson.
4. Not resulting directly from an act or cause, but more or less remotely connected with or growing out of it; as, indirect results, damages, or claims.
5. (Logic & Math.)
Defn: Not reaching the end aimed at by the most plain and direct method; as, an indirect proof, demonstration, etc. Indirect claims, claims for remote or consequential damage. Such claims were presented to and thrown out by the commissioners who arbitrated the damage inflicted on the United States by the Confederate States cruisers built and supplied by Great Britain. -- Indirect demonstration, a mode of demonstration in which proof is given by showing that any other supposition involves an absurdity (reductio ad absurdum), or an impossibility; thus, one quantity may be proved equal to another by showing that it can be neither greater nor less. -- Indirect discourse. (Gram.) See Direct discourse, under Direct. -- Indirect evidence, evidence or testimony which is circumstantial or inferential, but without witness; -- opposed to direct evidence. -- Indirect tax, a tax, such as customs, excises, etc., exacted directly from the merchant, but paid indirectly by the consumer in the higher price demanded for the articles of merchandise.
INDIRECTED In`di*rect"ed, a.
Defn: Not directed; aimless. [Obs.]
INDIRECTION In`di*rec"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indirection.]
Defn: Oblique course or means; dishonest practices; indirectness. "By indirections find directions out." Shak.
INDIRECTLY In`di*rect"ly, adv.
Defn: In an direct manner; not in a straight line or course; not in express terms; obliquely; not by direct means; hence, unfairly; wrongly. To tax it indirectly by taxing their expense. A. Smith. Your crown and kingdom indirectly held. Shak.
INDIRECTNESS In`di*rect"ness, n.
1. The quality or state of being indirect; obliquity; deviousness; crookedness.
2. Deviation from an upright or straightforward course; unfairness; dishonesty. W. Montagu.
INDIRETIN In`di*re"tin, n. Etym: [Indian + Gr. (Chem.)
Defn: A dark brown resinous substance obtained from indican.
INDIRUBIN In`di*ru"bin, n. Etym: [Indigo + L. ruber red.] (Chem.)
Defn: A substance isomeric with, and resembling, indigo blue, and accompanying it as a side product, in its artificial production.
INDISCERNIBLE In`dis*cern"i*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + discernible: cf. F. indiscernable.]
Defn: Not to be discerned; imperceptible; not discoverable or visible. Secret and indiscernible ways. Jer. Taylor. -- In`dis*cern"i*ble*ness, n. -- In`dis*cern"i*bly, adv.
INDISCERPIBILITY; INDISCERPTIBILITY In`dis*cerp`i*bil"i*ty, In`dis*cerp`ti*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being indiscerpible. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
INDISCERPIBLE; INDISCERPTIBLE In`dis*cerp"i*ble, In`dis*cerp"ti*ble, a.
Defn: Not discerpible; inseparable. [Obs.] Bp. Butler. -- In`dis*cerp"i*ble*ness, n., In`dis*cerp"ti*ble*ness, n. [Obs.] -- In`dis*cerp"ti*bly, adv. [Obs.]
INDISCIPLINABLE In*dis"ci*plin*a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + disciplinable: cf. F. indisciplinable.]
Defn: Not disciplinable; undisciplinable. [R.]
INDISCIPLINE In*dis"ci*pline, n. Etym: [L. indisplina: cf. F. indiscipline. See In- not, and Discipline.]
Defn: Want of discipline or instruction. [R.]
INDISCOVERABLE In`dis*cov"er*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not discoverable; undiscoverable. J. Conybeare.
INDISCOVERY In`dis*cov"er*y, n.
Defn: Want of discovery. [Obs.]
INDISCREET In`dis*creet", a. Etym: [OE. indiscret, F. indiscret, fr. L. indiscretus unseparated, indiscreet. See In- not, and Discreet, and cf. Indiscrete.]
Defn: Not discreet; wanting in discretion. So drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Shak.
Syn. -- Imprudent; injudicious; inconsiderate; rash; hasty; incautious; heedless; undiscerning; foolish. -- In`dis*creet"ly, adv. -- In`dis*creet"ness, n.
INDISCRETE In`dis*crete", a. Etym: [L. indiscretus unseparated. See Indiscreet.]
1. Indiscreet. [Obs.] Boyle.
2. Not discrete or separated; compact; homogenous. An indiscrete mass of confused matter. Pownall.
INDISCRETION In`dis*cre"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + discretion: cf. F. indiscrétion.]
1. The quality or state of being indiscreet; want of discretion; imprudence.
2. An indiscreet act; indiscreet behavior. Past indiscretion is a venial crime. Cowper.
INDISCRIMINATE In`dis*crim"i*nate, a.
Defn: Not discriminate; wanting discrimination; undistinguishing; not making any distinction; confused; promiscuous. "Blind or indiscriminate forgiveness." I. Taylor. The indiscriminate defense of right and wrong. Junius. -- In`dis*crim"i*nate*ly, adv. Cowper.
INDISCRIMINATING In`dis*crim"i*na`ting, a.
Defn: Not discriminating. -- In`dis*crim"i*na`ting*ly, adv.
INDISCRIMINATION In`dis*crim`i*na"tion, n.
Defn: Want of discrimination or distinction; impartiality. Jefferson.
INDISCRIMINATIVE In`dis*crim"i*na*tive, a.
Defn: Making no distinction; not discriminating.
INDISCUSSED In`dis*cussed", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + discuss: cf. L. indiscussus.]
Defn: Not discussed. [Obs.] Donne.
INDISPENSABILITY In`dis*pen`sa*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indispensabilité.]
Defn: Indispensableness.
INDISPENSABLE In`dis*pen"sa*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + dispensable: cf. F. indispensable.]
1. Not dispensable; impossible to be omitted, remitted, or spared; absolutely necessary or requisite.
2. (Eccl.)
Defn: Not admitting dispensation; not subject to release or exemption. [R.] The law was moral and indispensable. Bp. Burnet.
3. Unavoidable; inevitable. [Obs.] Fuller.
INDISPENSABLENESS In`dis*pen"sa*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being indispensable, or absolutely necessary. S. Clarke.
INDISPENSABLY In`dis*pen"sa*bly, adv.
Defn: In an indispensable manner. "Indispensably necessary." Bp. Warburton.
INDISPERSED In`dis*persed", a.
Defn: Not dispersed. [R.]
INDISPOSE In`dis*pose", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indisposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Indisposing.] Etym: [OE. indispos indisposed, feeble, or F. indisposé indisposed. See In- not, and Dispose.]
1. To render unfit or unsuited; to disqualify.
2. To disorder slightly as regards health; to make somewhat. Shak. It made him rather indisposed than sick. Walton.
3. To disincline; to render averse or unfavorable; as, a love of pleasure indisposes the mind to severe study; the pride and selfishness of men indispose them to religious duties. The king was sufficiently indisposed towards the persons, or the principles, of Calvin's disciples. Clarendon.
INDISPOSEDNESS In`dis*pos"ed*ness, n.
Defn: The condition or quality of being indisposed. [R.] Bp. Hall.
INDISPOSITION In*dis`po*si"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indisposition.]
1. The state of being indisposed; disinclination; as, the indisposition of two substances to combine. A general indisposition towards believing. Atterbury.
2. A slight disorder or illness. Rather as an indisposition in health than as any set sickness. Hayward.
INDISPUTABILITY In*dis`pu*ta*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indisputabilité.]
Defn: Indisputableness.
INDISPUTABLE In*dis"pu*ta*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + disputable: cf. F. indisputable.]
Defn: Not disputable; incontrovertible; too evident to admit of dispute.
Syn. -- Incontestable; unquestionable; incontrovertible; undeniable; irrefragable; certain; positive; undoubted; sure; infallible. -- In*dis"pu*ta*ble*ness, n. -- In*dis"pu*ta*bly, adv.
INDISPUTED In`dis*put"ed, a.
Defn: Undisputed.
INDISSIPABLE In*dis"si*pa*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable o
INDISSOLUBILITY In*dis`so*lu*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indissolubilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being indissoluble.
INDISSOLUBLE In*dis"so*lu*ble, a. Etym: [L. indissolubilis: cf. F. indissoluble. See In- not, and Dissoluble, and cf. Indissolvable.]
1. Not dissoluble; not capable of being dissolved, melted, or liquefied; insoluble; as few substances are indissoluble by heat, but many are indissoluble in water. Boyle.
2. Incapable of being rightfully broken or dissolved; perpetually binding or obligatory; firm; stable, as, an indissoluble league or covenant. To the which my duties Are with a most indissoluble tie Forever knit. Shak.
INDISSOLUBLENESS In*dis"so*lu*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Indissolubility. Sir M. Hale.
INDISSOLUBLY In*dis"so*lu*bly, adv.
Defn: In an indissoluble manner. On they move, indissolubly firm. Milton.
INDISSOLVABLE In`dis*solv"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + dissolvable. Cf. Indissoluble.]
Defn: Not dissolvable; incapable of being dissolved or separated; incapable oas, an indissolvable bond of union. Bp. Warburton.
INDISSOLVABLENESS In`dis*solv"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Indissolubleness.
INDISTANCY In*dis"tan*cy, n.
Defn: Want of distance o [Obs.] Bp. Pearson.
INDISTINCT In`dis*tinct", a. Etym: [L. indistinctus: cf. F. indistinct. See In- not, and Distinct.]
1. Not distinct or distinguishable; not separate in such a manner as to be perceptible by itself; as, the indistinct parts of a substance. "Indistinct as water is in water." Shak.
2. Obscure to the mind or senses; not clear; not definite; confused; imperfect; faint; as, indistinct vision; an indistinct sound; an indistinct idea or recollection. When we come to parts too small four our senses, our ideas of these little bodies become obscure and indistinct. I. Watts. Their views, indeed, are indistinct and dim. Cowper.
Syn. -- Undefined; indistinguishable; obscure; indefinite; vague; ambiguous; uncertain; confused.
INDISTINCTIBLE In`dis*tinc"ti*ble, a.
Defn: Indistinguishable. [Obs.] T. Warton.
INDISTINCTION In`dis*tinc"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indistinction.]
Defn: Want of distinction or distinguishableness; confusion; uncertainty; indiscrimination. The indistinction of many of the same name . . . hath made some doubt. Sir T. Browne. An indistinction of all persons, or equality of all orders, is far from being agreeable to the will of God. Sprat.
INDISTINCTIVE In`dis*tinc"tive, a.
Defn: Having nothing distinctive; common. -- In`dis*tinc"tive*ness, n.
INDISTINCTLY In`dis*tinct"ly, adv.
Defn: In an indistinct manner; not clearly; confusedly; dimly; as, certain ideas are indistinctly comprehended. In its sides it was bounded distinctly, but on its ends confusedly an indistinctly. Sir I. Newton.
INDISTINCTNESS In`dis*tinct"ness, n.
Defn: The quality or condition of being indistinct; want of definiteness; dimness; confusion; as, the indistinctness of a picture, or of comprehension; indistinctness of vision.
INDISTINGUISHABLE In`dis*tin"guish*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not distinguishable; not capable of being perceived, known, or discriminated as separate and distinct; hence, not capable of being perceived or known; as, in the distance the flagship was indisguishable; the two copies were indisguishable in form or color; the difference between them was indisguishable.
INDISTINGUISHABLY In`dis*tin"guish*a*bly, adv.
Defn: In a indistinguishable manner. Sir W. Scott.
INDISTINGUISHED In`dis*tin"guished, a.
Defn: Indistinct. [R.] "That indistinguished mass." Sir T. Browne.
INDISTINGUISHING In`dis*tin"guish*ing, a.
Defn: Making no difference; indiscriminative; impartial; as, indistinguishing liberalities. [Obs.] Johnson.
INDISTURBANCE In`dis*turb"ance, n.
Defn: Freedom from disturbance; calmness; repose; apathy; indifference.
INDITCH In*ditch", v. t.
Defn: To bury in, or cast into, a ditch. Bp. Hall.
INDITE In*dite", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indited; p. pr. & vb. n. Inditing.] Etym: [OE. enditen to indite, indict, OF. enditer to indicate, show, dictate, write, inform, and endicter to accuse; both fr. LL. indictare to show, to accuse, fr. L. indicere to proclaim, announce; pref. in- in + dicere to say. The word was influenced also by L. indicare to indicate, and by dictare to dictate. See Diction, and cf. Indict, Indicate, Dictate.]
1. To compose; to write; to be author of; to dictate; to prompt. My heart is inditing a good matter. Ps. xlv. 1. Could a common grief have indited such expressions South. Hear how learned Greece her useful rules indites. Pope.
2. To invite or ask. [Obs.] She will indite him so supper. Shak.
3. To indict; to accuse; to censure. [Obs.] Spenser.
INDITE In*dite", v. i.
Defn: To compose; to write, as a poem. Wounded I sing, tormented I indite. Herbert.
INDITEMENT In*dite"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. Indictment.]
Defn: The act of inditing. Craig.
INDITER In*dit"er, n.
Defn: One who indites. Smart.
INDIUM In"di*um, n. Etym: [NL. See Indigo.] (Chem.)
Defn: A rare metallic element, discovered in certain ores of zinc, by means of its characteristic spectrum of two indigo blue lines; hence, its name. In appearance it resembles zinc, being white or lead gray, soft, malleable and easily fusible, but in its chemical relation it resembles aluminium or gallium. Symbol In. Atomic weight, 113.4.
INDIVERTIBLE In`di*vert"i*ble, a.
Defn: Not to be diverted or turned aside. [R.] Lamb.
INDIVIDABLE In`di*vid"a*ble, a.
Defn: Indivisible. [R.] Shak.
INDIVIDED In`di*vid"ed, a.
Defn: Undivided. [R.] Bp. Patrick.
INDIVIDUAL In`di*vid"u*al, a. Etym: [L. individuus indivisible; pref. in- not + dividuus divisible, fr. dividere to divide: cf. F. individuel. See Divide.]
1. Not divided, or not to be divided; existing as one entity, or distinct being or object; single; one; as, an individual man, animal, or city. Mind has a being of its own, distinct from that of all other things, and is pure, unmingled, individual substance. A. Tucker. United as one individual soul. Milton.
2. Of or pertaining to one only; peculiar to, or characteristic of, a single person or thing; distinctive; as, individual traits of character; individual exertions; individual peculiarities.
INDIVIDUAL In`di*vid"u*al, n.
1. A single person, animal, or thing of any kind; a thing or being incapable of separation or division, without losing its identity; especially, a human being; a person. Cowper. An object which is in the strict and primary sense one, and can not be logically divided, is called an individual. Whately. That individuals die, his will ordains. Dryden.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) An independent, or partially independent, zooid of a compound animal. (b) The product of a single egg, whether it remains a single animal or becomes compound by budding or fission.
INDIVIDUALISM In`di*vid"u*al*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. individualisme.]
1. The quality of being individual; individuality; personality.
2. An excessive or exclusive regard to one's personal interest; self- interest; selfishness. The selfishness of the small proprietor has been described by the best writers as individualism. Ed. Rev.
INDIVIDUALISTIC In`di*vid`u*al*is"tic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to the individual or individualism. London Athenæum.
INDIVIDUALITY In`di*vid`u*al"i*ty, n.; pl. Individualities. Etym: [Cf. F. individualité.]
1. The quality or state of being individual or constituting an individual; separate or distinct existence; oneness; unity. Arbuthnot. They possess separate individualities. H. Spencer.
2. The character or property appropriate or peculiar to an individual; that quality which distinguishes one person or thing from another; the sum of characteristic traits; distinctive character; as, he is a person of marked individuality.
INDIVIDUALIZATION In`di*vid`u*al*i*za"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. individualization.]
Defn: The act of individualizing; the state of being individualized; individuation.
INDIVIDUALIZE In`di*vid"u*al*ize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Individualized; p. pr. & vb. n. Individualizing.] Etym: [Cf. F. individualiser.]
Defn: The mark as an individual, or to distinguish from others by peculiar properties; to invest with individuality. The peculiarities which individualize and distinguish the humor of Addison. N. Drake.
INDIVIDUALIZER In`di*vid"u*al*i`zer, n.
Defn: One who individualizes.
INDIVIDUALLY In`di*vid"u*al*ly, adv.
1. In an individual manner or relation; as individuals; separately; each by itself. "Individually or collectively." Burke. How should that subsist solitarily by itself which hath no substance, but individually the very same whereby others subsist with it Hooker.
2. In an inseparable manner; inseparably; incommunicably; indivisibly; as, individuallyhe same. [Omniscience], an attribute individually proper to the Godhead. Hakewill.
INDIVIDUATE In`di*vid"u*ate, a. Etym: [See Individual.]
Defn: Undivided. [Obs.]
INDIVIDUATE In`di*vid"u*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Individuated (p. pr. & vb. n. Individuating.]
Defn: To distinguish from others from others of the species; to endow with individuality; to divide into individuals; to discriminate. The soul, as the prime individuating principle, and the said reserved portion of matter as an essential and radical part of the individuation, shall . . . make up and restore the same individual person. South. Life is individuated into infinite numbers, that have their distinct sense and pleasure. Dr. H. More.
INDIVIDUATION In`di*vid`u*a"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. individuation.]
Defn: The act of individuating or state of being individuated; individualization. H. Spencer.
INDIVIDUATOR In`di*vid"u*a`tor, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, individuates. Sir K. Digby.
INDIVIDUITY In`di*vi*du"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. individuitas.]
Defn: Separate existence; individuality; oneness. Fuller.
INDIVINITY In`di*vin"i*ty, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + divinity: cf. F. indivinité.]
Defn: Want or absence of divine power or of divinity. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
INDIVISIBILITY In`di*vis`i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. indivisibilité.]
Defn: The state or property of being indivisible or inseparable; inseparability. Locke.
INDIVISIBLE In`di*vis"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. indivisibilis: cf. F. indivisible. See In- not, and Divisible.]
1. Not divisible; incapable of being divided, separated, or broken; not separable into parts. "One indivisible point of time." Dryden.
2. (Math.)
Defn: Not capable of exact division, as one quantity by another; incommensurable.
INDIVISIBLE In`di*vis"i*ble, n.
1. That which is indivisible. By atom, nobody will imagine we intend to express a perfect indivisible, but only the least sort of natural bodies. Digby.
2. (Geom.)
Defn: An infinitely small quantity which is assumed to admit of no further division. Method of indivisibles, a kind of calculus, formerly in use, in which lines were considered as made up of an infinite number of points; surfaces, as made up of an infinite number of lines; and volumes, as made up of an infinite number of surfaces.
INDIVISIBLENESS In`di*vis"i*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being indivisible; indivisibility. W. Montagu.
INDIVISIBLY In`di*vis"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an indivisible manner.
INDIVISION In`di*vi"sion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + division: cf. F. indivision, LL. indivisio.]
Defn: A state of being not divided; oneness. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
INDO- In"do-. Etym: [From L. Indus East Indian.]
Defn: A prefix signifying Indian (i. e., East Indian); of or pertaining of India.
INDOANILINE In`do*an"i*line, n. Etym: [Indigo + aniline.] (Chem.)
Defn: Any one of a series of artificial blue dyes, in appearance resembling indigo, for which they are often used as substitutes.
INDO-ARYAN In`do-Ar"yan, a.
Defn: Pert. to the Indo-Aryans, or designating, or of, the Aryan languages of India.
INDO-ARYAN In`do-Ar"yan, n.
Defn: A member of one of the native races of India of Aryan speech and blood, characterized by tall stature, dolichocephaly, fair complexion with dark hair and eyes, plentiful beard, and narrow and prominent nose.
INDO-BRITON In`do-*Brit"on, n. Etym: [Indo- + Briton.]
Defn: A person born in India, of mixed Indian and British blood; a half-caste. Malcom.
INDO-CHINESE In`do-Chi*nese", a. Etym: [Indo- + Chinese.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to Indo-China (i. e., Farther India, or India beyond the Ganges).
INDOCIBILITY In*doc`i*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state of being indocible; indocibleness; indocility.
INDOCIBLE In*doc"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. indocibilis. See In- not, and Docible.]
Defn: Incapable of being taught, or not easily instructed; dull in intellect; intractable; unteachable; indocile. Bp. Hall. -- In*doc"i*ble*ness, n.
INDOCILE In*doc"ile, a. Etym: [L. indocilis: cf. F. indocile. See In- not, and Docile.]
Defn: Not teachable; indisposed to be taught, trained, or disciplined; not easily instructed or governed; dull; intractable.
INDOCILITY In`do*cil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. indocilitas: cf. F. indocilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being indocile; dullness of intellect; unteachableness; intractableness. The stiffness and indocility of the Pharisees. W. Montagu.
INDOCTRINATE In*doc"tri*nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indoctrinated; p. pr. & vb. n. Indoctrinating.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + L. doctrina doctrine: cf. F. endoctriner.]
Defn: To instruct in the rudiments or principles of learning, or of a branch of learning; to imbue with learning; to instruct in, or imbue with, principles or doctrines; to teach; -- often followed by in. A master that . . . took much delight in indoctrinating his young, unexperienced favorite. Clarendon.
INDOCTRINATION In*doc`tri*na"tion, n.
Defn: The act of indoctrinating, or the condition of being indoctrinated; instruction in the rudiments and principles of any science or system of belief; information. Sir T. Browne.
INDO-DO-CHINESE LANGUAGES In`do-do-Chinese languages.
Defn: A family of languages, mostly of the isolating type, although some are agglutinative, spoken in the great area extending from northern India in the west to Formosa in the east and from Central Asia in the north to the Malay Peninsula in the south.
INDO-ENGLISH In`do-Eng"lish, a. Etym: [Indo- + English.]
Defn: Of or relating to the English who are born or reside in India; Anglo-Indian.
INDO-EUROPEAN In`do-Eu`ro*pe"an, a.
Defn: Aryan; -- applied to the languages of India and Europe which are derived from the prehistoric Aryan language; also, pertaining to the people or nations who speak these languages; as, the Indo- European or Aryan family. The common origin of the Indo-European nations. Tylor.
INDOGEN In"do*gen, n. Etym: [Indigo + -gen.] (Chem.)
Defn: A complex, nitrogenous radical, C8H5NO, regarded as the essential nucleus of indigo.
INDOGENIDE In"do*gen*ide, n. (Chem.)
Defn: Any one of the derivatives of indogen, which contain that group as a nucleus.
INDO-GERMANIC In`do-Ger*man"ic, a. Etym: [Indo- + Germanic.]
1. Same as Aryan, and Indo-European.
2. Pertaining to or denoting the Teutonic family of languages as related to the Sanskrit, or derived from the ancient Aryan language.
INDOIN In"do*in, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A substance resembling indigo blue, obtained artificially from certain isatogen compounds.
INDOL In"dol, n. Etym: [Indigo + -ol of phenol.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: A white, crystalline substance, C8H7N, obtained from blue indigo, and almost all indigo derivatives, by a process of reduction. It is also formed from albuminous matter, together with skatol, by putrefaction, and by fusion with caustic potash, and is present in human excrement, as well as in the intestinal canal of some herbivora.
INDOLENCE In"do*lence, n. Etym: [L. indolentia freedom from pain: cf. F. indolence.]
1. Freedom from that which pains, or harasses, as toil, care, grief, etc. [Obs.] I have ease, if it may not rather be called indolence. Bp. Hough.
2. The quality or condition of being indolent; inaction, or want of exertion of body or mind, proceeding from love of ease or aversion to toil; habitual idleness; indisposition to labor; laziness; sloth; inactivity. Life spent in indolence, and therefore sad. Cowper. As there is a great truth wrapped up in "diligence," what a lie, on the other hand, lurks at the root of our present use of the word "indolence"! This is from "in" and "doleo," not to grieve; and indolence is thus a state in which we have no grief or pain; so that the word, as we now employ it, seems to affirm that indulgence in sloth and ease is that which would constitute for us the absence of all pain. Trench.
INDOLENCY In"do*len*cy, n.
Defn: Indolence. [Obs.] Holland.
INDOLENT In"do*lent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + L. dolens, -entis, p. pr. of dolere to feel pain: cf. F. indolent. See Dolorous.]
1. Free from toil, pain, or trouble. [Obs.]
2. Indulging in ease; avoiding labor and exertion; habitually idle; lazy; inactive; as, an indolent man. To waste long nights in indolent repose. Pope.
3. (Med.)
Defn: Causing little or no pain or annoyance; as, an indolent tumor.
Syn. -- Idle; lazy; slothful; sluggish; listless; inactive; inert. See Idle.
INDOLENTLY In"do*lent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indolent manner. Calm and serene you indolently sit. Addison.
INDOLES In"do*les, n. Etym: [L. Cf. Adolescence.]
Defn: Natural disposition; natural quality or abilities.
INDOLIN In"do*lin, n. Etym: [See Indol.] (Chem.)
Defn: A dark resinous substance, polymeric with indol, and obtained by the reduction of indigo white.
INDOMABLE In*dom"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. indomabilis; pref. in- not + domabilis tamable.]
Defn: Indomitable. [Obs.]
INDOMITABLE In*dom"i*ta*ble, a. Etym: [L. indomitabilis; pref. in- not + domitare, intens. fr. domare to tame. See Tame.]
Defn: Not to be subdued; untamable; invincible; as, an indomitable will, courage, animal.
INDOMITE In*dom"ite, a. Etym: [L. indomitus.]
Defn: Not tamed; untamed; savage; wild. [Obs.] J. Salkeld.
INDOMPTABLE In*domp"ta*ble, a. Etym: [F. indomptable, L. indomitabilis.]
Defn: Indomitable. [Obs.] Tooke.
INDONESIAN In`do*ne"sian, a. [Indo- + Gr. island.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to Indonesia or Indonesians.
INDONESIAN In`do*ne"sian, n.
Defn: A member of a race forming the chief pre-Malay population of the Malay Archipelago, and probably sprung from a mixture of Polynesian and Mongoloid immigrants. According to Keane, the autochthonous Negritos were largely expelled by the Caucasian Polynesians, themselves followed by Mongoloid peoples of Indo-Chinese affinities, from mixture with whom sprang the Indonesian race.
The term Indonesian, introduced by Logan to designate the light- colored non-Malay inhabitants of the Eastern Archipelago, is now used as a convenient collective name for all the peoples of Malaysia and Polynesia who are neither Malay nor Papuans, but of Caucasic type. . . . The true Indonesians are of tall stature (5 ft. 10 in.), muscular frame, rather oval features, high, open forehead, large straight or curved nose, large full eyes always horizontal and with no trace of the third lid, light brown complexion (cinnamon or ruddy brown), long black hair, not lank but often slightly curled or wavy, skull generally brachycephalous like that of the melanochroic European. A. H. Keane.
The Indonesians [of the Philippines], with the tribal population of some 251, 200, live almost exclusively on the great island of Mindanao. They are not only physically superior to the Negritos, but to the peoples of the Malayan race as well, and are, as a rule, quite intelligent. Rep. Phil. Com. , 1902.
INDOOR In"door`, a.
Defn: Done or being within doors; within a house or institution; domestic; as, indoor work.
INDOORS In"doors`, adv.
Defn: Within the house; -- usually separated, in doors.
INDOPHENOL In`do*phe"nol, n. Etym: [Indigo + phenol.] (Chem.)
Defn: Any one of a series of artificial blue dyestuffs, resembling indigo in appearance, and obtained by the action of phenol on certain nitrogenous derivatives of quinone. Simple indophenol proper has not yet been isolated.
INDORSABLE In*dors"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being indorsed; transferable; convertible.
INDORSATION In`dor*sa"tion, n.
Defn: Indorsement. [Obs.]
INDORSE In*dorse", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indorsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Indorsing.] Etym: [LL. indorsare. See Endorse.] [Written also endorse.]
1. To cover the back of; to load or burden. [Obs.] Elephants indorsed with towers. Milton.
2. To write upon the back or outside of a paper or letter, as a direction, heading, memorandum, or address.
3. (Law & Com.)
Defn: To write one's name, alone or with other words, upon the back of (a paper), for the purpose of transferring it, or to secure the payment of a
4. To give one's name or support to; to sanction; to aid by approval; to approve; as, to indorse an opinion. To indorse in blank, to write one's name on the back of a note or bill, leaving a blank to be filled by the holder.
INDORSED In*dorsed", a. (Her.)
Defn: See Addorsed.
INDORSEE In`dor*see", n.
Defn: The person to whom a note or bill is indorsed, or assigned by indorsement.
INDORSEMENT In*dorse"ment, n. Etym: [From Indorse; cf. Endorsement.] [Written also endorsement.]
1. The act of writing on the back of a note, bill, or other written instrument.
2. That which is written on the back of a note, bill, or other paper, as a name, an order for, or a receipt of, payment, or the return of an officer, etc.; a writing, usually upon the back, but sometimes on the face, of a negotiable instrument, by which the property therein is assigned and transferred. Story. Byles. Burrill.
3. Sanction, support, or approval; as, the indorsement of a rumor, an opinion, a course, conduct. Blank indorsement. See under Blank.
INDORSER; INDORSOR In*dors"er, In*dors"or, n.
Defn: The person who indorses. [Written also endorser.]
INDOW In*dow", v. t.
Defn: See Endow.
INDOWMENT In*dow"ment, n.
Defn: See Endowment.
INDOXYL In*dox"yl, n. Etym: [Indigo + hydroxyl.] (Chem.)
Defn: A nitrogenous substance, C8H7NO, isomeric with oxindol, obtained as an oily liquid.
INDOXYLIC In`dox*yl"ic, a. (Chem.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to, or producing, indoxyl; as, indoxylic acid.
INDRAUGHT In"draught`, n.
1. An opening from the sea into the land; an inlet. [Obs.] Sir W. Raleigh.
2. A draught of air or flow of water setting inward.
INDRAWN In"drawn`, a.
Defn: Drawn in.
INDRENCH In*drench", v. t.
Defn: To overwhelm with water; to drench; to drown. [Obs.] Shak.
INDRIS; INDRI In"dris, In"dri, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any lemurine animal of the genus Indris.
Note: Several species are known, all of them natives of Madagascar, as the diadem indris (I. diadema), which has a white ruff around the forehead; the woolly indris (I. laniger); and the short-tailed or black indris (I. brevicaudatus), which is black, varied with gray.
INDUBIOUS In*du"bi*ous, a. Etym: [L. indubius. See In- not, and Dubious.]
1. Not dubious or doubtful; certain.
2. Not doubting; unsuspecting. "Indubious confidence." Harvey.
INDUBITABLE In*du"bi*ta*ble, a. Etym: [L. indubitabilis: cf. F. indubitable. See In- not, and Dubitable.]
Defn: Not dubitable or doubtful; too evident to admit of doubt; unquestionable; evident; apparently certain; as, an indubitable conclusion. -- n.
Defn: That which is indubitable.
Syn. -- Unquestionable; evident; incontrovertible; incontestable; undeniable; irrefragable.
INDUBITABLENESS In*du"bi*ta*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being indubitable.
INDUBITABLY In*du"bi*ta*bly, adv.
Defn: Undoubtedly; unquestionably; in a manner to remove all doubt. Oracles indubitably clear and infallibly certain. Barrow.
INDUBITATE In*du"bi*tate, a. Etym: [L. indubitatus; pref. in- not + dubitatus, p. p. of dubitare to doubt.]
Defn: Not questioned or doubtful; evident; certain. [Obs.] Bacon.
INDUBITATE In*du"bi*tate, v. t. Etym: [L. indubitatus, p. p. of indubitare; pref. in- in + dubitare to doubt.]
Defn: To bring into doubt; to cause to be doubted. [Obs.] To conceal, or indubitate, his exigency. Sir T. Browne.
INDUCE In*duce", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Induced; p. pr. & vb. n. Inducing.] Etym: [L. inducere, inductum; pref. in- in + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Induct.]
1. To lead in; to introduce. [Obs.] The poet may be seen inducing his personages in the first Iliad. Pope.
2. To draw on; to overspread. [A Latinism] Cowper.
3. To lead on; to influence; to prevail on; to incite; to move by persuasion or influence. Shak. He is not obliged by your offer to do it, . . . though he may be induced, persuaded, prevailed upon, tempted. Paley. Let not the covetous desire of growing rich induce you to ruin your reputation. Dryden.
4. To bring on; to effect; to cause; as, a fever induced by fatigue or exposure. Sour things induces a contraction in the nerves. Bacon.
5. (Physics)
Defn: To produce, or cause, by proximity without contact or transmission, as a particular electric or magnetic condition in a body, by the approach of another body in an opposite electric or magnetic state.
6. (Logic)
Defn: To generalize or conclude as an inference from all the particulars; -- the opposite of deduce.
Syn. -- To move; instigate; urge; impel; incite; press; influence; actuate.
INDUCED CURRENT In*duced" cur"rent. (Elec.)
Defn: A current due to variation in the magnetic field surrounding its conductor.
INDUCEMENT In*duce"ment, n. Etym: [From Induce.]
1. The act of inducing, or the state of being induced.
2. That which induces; a motive or consideration that leads one to action or induces one to act; as, reward is an inducement to toil. "Mark the inducement." Shak.
3. (Law)
Defn: Matter stated by way of explanatory preamble or introduction to the main allegations of a pleading; a leading to.
Syn. -- Motive; reason; influence. See Motive.
INDUCER In*du"cer, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, induces or incites.
INDUCIBLE In*du"ci*ble, a.
1. Capable of being induced, caused, or made to take place.
2. Obtainable by induction; derivable; inferable.
INDUCT In*duct", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inducted; p. pr. & vb. n. Inducting.] Etym: [L. inductus, p. p. of inducere. See Induce.]
1. To bring in; to introduce; to usher in. The independent orator inducting himself without further ceremony into the pulpit. Sir W. Scott.
2. To introduce, as to a benefice or office; to put in actual possession of the temporal rights of an ecclesiastical living, or of any other office, with the customary forms and ceremonies. The prior, when inducted into that dignity, took an oath not to alienate any of their lands. Bp. Burnet.
INDUCTANCE In*duc"tance, n. (Elec.)
Defn: Capacity for induction; the coefficient of self-induction.
The unit of inductance is the henry.
INDUCTANCE COIL In*duc"tance coil. (Elec.)
Defn: A choking coil.
INDUCTEOUS In*duc"te*ous, a. (Elec.)
Defn: Rendered electro-polar by induction, or brought into the opposite electrical state by the influence of inductive bodies.
INDUCTILE In*duc"tile, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + ductile: cf. F. inductile.]
Defn: Not ductile; incapable of being drawn into threads, as a metal; inelastic; tough.
INDUCTILITY In`duc*til"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inductile.
INDUCTION In*duc"tion, n. Etym: [L. inductio: cf. F. induction. See Induct.]
1. The act or process of inducting or bringing in; introduction; entrance; beginning; commencement. I know not you; nor am I well pleased to make this time, as the affair now stands, the induction of your acquaintance. Beau. & Fl. These promises are fair, the parties sure, And our induction dull of prosperous hope. Shak.
2. An introduction or introductory scene, as to a play; a preface; a prologue. [Obs.] This is but an induction: I will dMassinger.
3. (Philos.)
Defn: The act or process of reasoning from a part to a whole, from particulars to generals, or from the individual to the universal; also, the result or inference so reached. Induction is an inference drawn from all the particulars. Sir W. Hamilton. Induction is the process by which we conclude that what is true of certain individuals of a class, is true of the whole class, or that what is true at certain times will be true in similar circumstances at all times. J. S. Mill.
4. The introduction of a clergyman into a benefice, or of an official into a office, with appropriate acts or ceremonies; the giving actual possession of an ecclesiastical living or its temporalities.
5. (Math.)
Defn: A process of demonstration in which a general truth is gathered from an examination of particular cases, one of which is known to be true, the examination being so conducted that each case is made to depend on the preceding one; -- called also successive induction.
6. (Physics)
Defn: The property by which one body, having electrical or magnetic polarity, causes or induces it in another body without direct contact; an impress of electrical or magnetic force or condition from one body on another without actual contact. Electro-dynamic induction, the action by which a variable or interrupted current of electricity excites another current in a neighboring conductor forming a closed circuit. -- Electro-magnetic induction, the influence by which an electric current produces magnetic polarity in certain bodies near or around which it passes. -- Electro-static induction, the action by which a body possessing a charge of statical electricity develops a charge of statical electricity of the opposite character in a neighboring body. -- Induction coil, an apparatus producing induced currents of great intensity. It consists of a coil or helix of stout insulated copper wire, surrounded by another coil of very fine insulated wire, in which a momentary current is induced, when a current (as from a voltaic battery), passing through the inner coil, is made, broken, or varied. The inner coil has within it a core of soft iron, and is connected at its terminals with a condenser; -- called also inductorium, and Ruhmkorff's coil. -- Induction pipe, port, or valve, a pipe, passageway, or valve, for leading or admitting a fluid to a receiver, as steam to an engine cylinder, or water to a pump. -- Magnetic induction, the action by which magnetic polarity is developed in a body susceptible to magnetic effects when brought under the influence of a magnet. -- Magneto-electric induction, the influence by which a magnet excites electric currents in closed circuits. Logical induction, (Philos.), an act or method of reasoning from all the parts separately to the whole which they constitute, or into which they may be united collectively; the operation of discovering and proving general propositions; the scientific method. -- Philosophical induction, the inference, or the act of inferring, that what has been observed or established in respect to a part, individual, or species, may, on the ground of analogy, be affirmed or received of the whole to which it belongs. This last is the inductive method of Bacon. It ascends from the parts to the whole, and forms, from the general analogy of nature, or special presumptions in the case, conclusions which have greater or less degrees of force, and which may be strengthened or weakened by subsequent experience and experiment. It relates to actual existences, as in physical science or the concerns of life. Logical induction is founded on the necessary laws of thought; philosophical induction, on the interpretation of the indications or analogy of nature.
Syn. -- Deduction. -- Induction, Deduction. In induction we observe a sufficient number of individual facts, and, on the ground of analogy, extend what is true of them to others of the same class, thus arriving at general principles or laws. This is the kind of reasoning in physical science. In deduction we begin with a general truth, which is already proven or provisionally assumed, and seek to connect it with some particular case by means of a middle term, or class of objects, known to be equally connected with both. Thus, we bring down the general into the particular, affirming of the latter the distinctive qualities of the former. This is the syllogistic method. By induction Franklin established the identity of lightning and electricity; by deduction he inferred that dwellings might be protected by lightning rods.
INDUCTIONAL In*duc"tion*al, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or proceeding by, induction; inductive.
INDUCTION GENERATOR In*duc"tion gen"er*a`tor.
Defn: A machine built as an induction motor and driven above synchronous speed, thus acting as an alternating-current generator; - - called also asynchronous generator. Below synchronism the machine takes in electrical energy and acts as an induction motor; at synchronism the power component of current becomes zero and changes sign, so that above synchronism the machine (driven for this purpose by mechanical power) gives out electrical energy as a generator.
INDUCTION MOTOR Induction motor. (Elec.)
Defn: A type of alternating-current motor comprising two wound members, one stationary, called the stator, and the other rotating, called the rotor, these two members corresponding to a certain extent to the field and armature of a direct-current motor.
INDUCTIVE In*duct"ive, a. Etym: [LL. inductivus: cf. F. inductif. See Induce.]
1. Leading or drawing; persuasive; tempting; -- usually followed by to. A brutish vice, Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. Milton.
2. Tending to induce or cause. [R.] They may be . . . inductive of credibility. Sir M. Hale.
3. Leading to inferences; proceeding by, derived from, or using, induction; as, inductive reasoning.
4. (Physics) (a) Operating by induction; as, an inductive electrical machine. (b) Facilitating induction; susceptible of being acted upon by induction; as certain substances have a great inductive capacity. Inductive embarrassment (Physics), the retardation in signaling on an electric wire, produced by lateral induction. -- Inductive philosophy or method. See Philosophical induction, under Induction. -- Inductive sciences, those sciences which admit of, and employ, the inductive method, as astronomy, botany, chemistry, etc.
INDUCTIVELY In*duct"ive*ly, adv.
Defn: By induction or inference.
INDUCTOMETER In`duc*tom"e*ter, n. Etym: [Induction + -meter.] (Elec.)
Defn: An instrument for measuring or ascertaining the degree or rate of electrical induction.
INDUCTOR In*duct"or, n. Etym: [L., one who stirs up or rouses. See Induce.]
1. The person who inducts another into an office or benefice.
2. (Elec.)
Defn: That portion of an electrical apparatus, in which is the inducing charge or current.
INDUCTORIUM In`duc*to"ri*um, n.; pl. E. Inductoriums, L. Inductoria. Etym: [NL., fr. E. induction.] (Elec.)
Defn: An induction coil.
INDUCTRIC; INDUCTRICAL In*duc"tric, In*duc"tric*al, a. (Elec.)
Defn: Acting by, or in a state of, induction; relating to electrical induction.
INDUE In*due", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indued; p. pr. & vb. n. Induing.] [Written also endue.] Etym: [L. induere to put on, clothe, fr. OL. indu (fr. in- in) + a root seen also in L. exuere to put off, divest, exuviae the skin of an animal, slough, induviae clothes. Cf. Endue to invest.]
1. To put on, as clothes; to draw on. The baron had indued a pair of jack boots. Sir W. Scott.
2. To clothe; to invest; hence, to endow; to furnish; to supply with moral or mental qualities. Indu'd with robes of various hue she flies. Dryden. Indued with intellectual sense and souls. Shak.
INDUEMENT In*due"ment, n. Etym: [From Indue; cf. Indument, Enduement.]
Defn: The act of induing, or state of being indued; investment; endowment. W. Montagu.
INDULGE In*dulge", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indulged; p. pr. & vb. n. Indulging.] Etym: [L. indulgere to be kind or tender to one; cf. OIr. dilgud, equiv. to L. remissio, OIr. dligeth, equiv. to L. lex, Goth. dulgs debt.]
1. To be complacent toward; to give way to; not to oppose or restrain; (a) when said of a habit, desire, etc.: to give free course to; to give one's self up to; as, to indulge sloth, pride, selfishness, or inclinations; (b) when said of a person: to yield to the desire of; to gratify by compliance; to humor; to withhold restraint from; as, to indulge children in their caprices or willfulness; to indulge one's self with a rest or in pleasure. Hope in another life implies that we indulge ourselves in the gratifications of this very sparingly. Atterbury.
2. To grant as by favor; to bestow in concession, or in compliance with a wish or request. Persuading us that something must be indulged to public manners. Jer. Taylor. Yet, yet a moment, one dim ray of light Indulge, dread Chaos, and eternal Night! Pope.
Note: It is remarked by Johnson, that if the matter of indulgence is a single thing, it has with before it; if it is a habit, it has in; as, he indulged himself with a glass of wine or a new book; he indulges himself in idleness or intemperance. See Gratify.
INDULGE In*dulge", v. i.
Defn: To indulge one's self; to gratify one's tastes or desires; esp., to give one's self up (to); to practice a forbidden or questionable act without restraint; -- followed by in, but formerly, also, by to. "Willing to indulge in easy vices." Johnson.
INDULGEMENT In*dulge"ment, n.
Defn: Indulgence. [R.] Wood.
INDULGENCE In*dul"gence, n. Etym: [L. indulgentia: cf. F. indulgence.]
1. The act of indulging or humoring; the quality of being indulgent; forbearance of restrain or control. If I were a judge, that word indulgence should never issue from my lips. Tooke. They err, that through indulgence to others, or fondness to any sin in themselves, substitute for repentance anything less. Hammond.
2. An indulgent act; favor granted; gratification. If all these gracious indulgences are without any effect on us, we must perish in our own folly. Rogers.
3. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: Remission of the temporal punishment due to sins, after the guilt of sin has been remitted by sincere repentance; absolution from the censures and public penances of the church. It is a payment of the debt of justice to God by the application of the merits of Christ and his saints to the contrite soul through the church. It is therefore believed to diminish or destroy for sins the punishment of purgatory.
INDULGENCE In*dul"gence, v. t.
Defn: To grant an indulgence to.
INDULGENCY In*dul"gen*cy, n.
Defn: Indulgence. Dryden.
INDULGENT In*dul"gent, a. Etym: [L. indulgens, -entis, p. pr. of indulgere: cf. F. indulgent. See Indulge.]
Defn: Prone to indulge; yielding to the wishes, humor, or appetites of those under one's care; compliant; not opposing or restraining; tolerant; mild; favorable; not severe; as, an indulgent parent. Shak. The indulgent censure of posterity. Waller. The feeble old, indulgent of their ease. Dryden.
INDULGENTIAL In`dul*gen"tial, a.
Defn: Relating to the indulgences of the Roman Catholic Church. Brevint.
INDULGENTLY In*dul"gent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an indulgent manner; mildly; favorably. Dryden.
INDULGER In*dul"ger, n.
Defn: One who indulges. W. Montagu.
INDULGIATE In*dul"gi*ate, v. t.
Defn: To indulge. [R.] Sandys.
INDULINE In"du*line, n. Etym: [Perh. fr. indigo.] (Chem.) (a) Any one of a large series of aniline dyes, colored blue or violet, and represented by aniline violet. (b) A dark green amorphous dyestuff, produced by the oxidation of aniline in the presence of copper or vanadium salts; -- called also aniline black.
INDULT; INDULTO In*dult", In*dul"to, n. Etym: [L. indultum indulgence, favor, fr. indultus, p. p. of indulgere: cf. It. indulto, F. indult. See Indulge.]
1. A privilege or exemption; an indulgence; a dispensation granted by the pope.
2. (Spain)
Defn: A duty levied on all importations.
INDUMENT In"du*ment, n. Etym: [L. indumentum a covering. See Indue, and cf. Induement.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Plumage; feathers.
INDUPLICATE In*du"pli*cate, a. (Bot.) (a) Having the edges bent abruptly toward the axis; -- said of the parts of the calyx or corolla in æstivation. (b) Having the edges rolled inward and then arranged about the axis without overlapping; -- said of leaves in vernation.
INDUPLICATIVE In*du"pli*ca*tive, a. (Bot.) (a) Having induplicate sepals or petals in æstivation. (b) Having induplicate leaves in vernation.
INDURANCE In*dur"ance, n. [Obs.]
Defn: See Endurance.
INDURATE In"du*rate, a. Etym: [L. induratus, p. p. of indurare to harden. See Endure.]
1. Hardened; not soft; indurated. Tyndale.
2. Without sensibility; unfeeling; obdurate.
INDURATE In"du*rate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indurated; p. pr. & vb. n. Indurating.]
1. To make hard; as, extreme heat indurates clay; some fossils are indurated by exposure to the air.
2. To make unfeeling; to deprive of sensibility; to render obdurate.
INDURATE In"du*rate, v. i.
Defn: To grow hard; to harden, or become hard; as, clay indurates by drying, and by heat.
INDURATED In"du*ra`ted, a.
Defn: Hardened; as, indurated clay; an indurated heart. Goldsmith.
INDURATION In`du*ra"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. induration, L. induratio hardness of heart.]
1. The act of hardening, or the process of growing hard.
2. State of being indurated, or of having become hard.
3. Hardness of character, manner, sensibility, etc.; obduracy; stiffness; want of pliancy or feeling. A certain induration of character had arisen from long habits of business. Coleridge.
INDUSIAL In*du"sial, a. Etym: [See Indusium.]
Defn: Of, pertaining to, or containing, the petrified cases of the larvæ of certain insects. Indusial limestone (Geol.), a fresh-water limestone, largely composed of the agglomerated cases of caddice worms, or larvæ of caddice flies (Phryganea). It is found in Miocene strata of Auvergne, France, and some other localities.
INDUSIATE; INDUSIATED In*du"si*ate, In*du"si*a`ted, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Furnished with an indusium.
INDUSIUM In*du"si*um, n.; pl. Indu. Etym: [L., an under garment, fr. induere to put on: cf. F. indusie the covering of the seed spots of ferns.] (Bot.) (a) A collection of hairs united so as to form a sort of cup, and inclosing the stigma of a flower. (b) The immediate covering of the fruit dots or sori in many ferns, usually a very thin scale attached by the middle or side to a veinlet. (c) A peculiar covering found in certain fungi.
INDUSTRIAL In*dus"tri*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. industriel, LL. industrialis. See Industry.]
Defn: Consisting in industry; pertaining to industry, or the arts and products of industry; concerning those employed in labor, especially in manual labor, and their wages, duties, and rights. The great ideas of industrial development and economic social amelioration. M. Arnold.
Industrial exhibition, a public exhibition of the various industrial products of a country, or of various countries. -- Industrial school, a school for teaching one or more branches of industry; also, a school for educating neglected children, and training them to habits of industry.
INDUSTRIALISM In*dus"tri*al*ism, n.
1. Devotion to industrial pursuits; labor; industry. J. S. Mill.
2. The principles or policy applicable to industrial pursuits or organized labor. Industrialism must not confounded with industriousness. H. Spencer.
INDUSTRIALLY In*dus"tri*al*ly, adv.
Defn: With reference to industry.
INDUSTRIOUS In*dus"tri*ous, a. Etym: [L. industrius, industriosus: cf. F. industrieux. See Industry.]
1. Given to industry; characterized by diligence; constantly, regularly, or habitually occupied; busy; assiduous; not slothful or idle; -- commonly implying devotion to lawful and useful labor. Frugal and industrious men are commonly friendly to the established government. Sir W. Temple.
2. Steadily and perseveringly active in a particular pursuit or aim; as, he was negligent in business, but industrious in pleasure; an industrious mischief maker. Industrious to seek out the truth of all things. Spenser. -- In*dus"tri*ous*ly, adv. -- In*dus"tri*ous*ness, n.
INDUSTRY In"dus*try, n.; pl. Industries. Etym: [L. industria, cf. industrius diligent; of uncertain origin: cf. F. industrie.]
1. Habitual diligence in any employment or pursuit, either bodily or mental; steady attention to business; assiduity; -- opposed to sloth and idleness; as, industry pays debts, while idleness or despair will increase them. We are more industrious than our forefathers, because in the present times the funds destined for the maintenance of industry are much greater in proportion to those which are likely to be employed in the maintenance of idleness, than they were two or three centuries ago. A. Smith.
2. Any department or branch of art, occupation, or business; especially, one which employs much labor and capital and is a distinct branch of trade; as, the sugar industry; the iron industry; the cotton industry.
3. (Polit. Econ.)
Defn: Human exertion of any kind employed for the creation of value, and regarded by some as a species of capital or wealth; labor.
Syn. -- Diligence; assiduity; perseverance; activity; laboriousness; attention. See Diligence.
INDUTIVE In*du"tive, a. Etym: [L. indutus, p. p. of induere to put on. See Indue.] (Bot.)
Defn: Covered; -- applied to seeds which have the usual integumentary covering.
INDUVIAE In*du"vi*æ, n. pl. Etym: [L., clothes, fr. induere to put on. See Indue.] (Bot.)
Defn: Persistent portions of a calyx or corolla; also, leaves which do not disarticulate from the stem, and hence remain for a long time.
INDUVIATE In*du"vi*ate, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Covered with induviæ, as the upper part of the trunk of a palm tree.
INDWELL In"dwell`, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Indwelt; p. pr. & vb. n. Indwelling.]
Defn: To dwell in; to abide within; to remain in possession. The Holy Ghost became a dove, not as a symbol, but as a constantly indwelt form. Milman.
INDWELLER In"dwell`er n.
Defn: An inhabitant. Spenser.
INDWELLING In"dwell`ing, n.
Defn: Residence within, as in the heart. The personal indwelling of the Spirit in believers. South.
-INE -ine (; 104).
1. (Chem.)
Defn: A suffix, indicating that those substances of whose names it is a part are basic, and alkaloidal in their nature.
Note: All organic bases, and basic substances (especially nitrogenous substances), are systematically written with the termination -ine; as, quinine, morphine, guanidine, etc. All indifferent and neutral substances, as proteids, glycerides, glucosides, etc., should commonly be spelled with -in; as, gelatin, amygdalin, etc. This rue has no application to those numerous commercial or popular names with the termination -ine; as, gasoline, vaseline, etc.
2. (Organ. Chem.)
Defn: A suffix, used to indicate hydrocarbons of the second degree of unsaturation; i. e., members of the acetyline series; as, hexine, heptine, etc.
INEARTH In*earth", v. t.
Defn: To inter. [R.] Southey.
INEBRIANT In*e"bri*ant, a. Etym: [L. inebrians, p. pr. of inebriare. See Inebriate.]
Defn: Intoxicating.
INEBRIANT In*e"bri*ant, n.
Defn: Anything that intoxicates, as opium, alcohol, etc.; an intoxicant. Smart.
INEBRIATE In*e"bri*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inebriated; p. pr. & vb. n. Inebriating.] Etym: [L. inebriatus, p. p. of inebriare; pref. in- in + ebriare to make drunk, fr. ebrius drunk. See Ebriety.]
1. To make drunk; to intoxicate. The cups That cheer but not inebriate. Cowper.
2. Fig.: To disorder the senses of; to exhilarate or elate as if by spirituous drink; to deprive of sense and judgment; also, to stupefy. The inebriating effect of popular applause. Macaulay.
INEBRIATE In*e"bri*ate, v. i.
Defn: To become drunk. [Obs.] Bacon.
INEBRIATE In*e"bri*ate, a. Etym: [L. inebriatus, p. p.]
Defn: Intoxicated; drunk; habitually given to drink; stupefied. Thus spake Peter, as a man inebriate and made drunken with the sweetness of this vision, not knowing what he said. Udall.
INEBRIATE In*e"bri*ate, n.
Defn: One who is drunk or intoxicated; esp., an habitual drunkard; as, an asylum fro inebriates. Some inebriates have their paroxysms of inebriety. E. Darwin.
INEBRIATION In*e`bri*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. inebriatio.]
Defn: The condition of being inebriated; intoxication; figuratively, deprivation of sense and judgment by anything that exhilarates, as success. Sir T. Browne. Preserve him from the inebriation of prosperity. Macaulay.
Syn. -- See Drunkenness.
INEBRIETY In`e*bri"e*ty, n. Etym: [See Inebriate, Ebriety.]
Defn: Drunkenness; inebriation. E. Darwin.
INEBRIOUS In*e"bri*ous, a.
Defn: Intoxicated, or partially so; intoxicating. [R.] T. Brown.
INEDIBLE In*ed"i*ble, a. [LL. inedibilis. See In- not, and Edible.]
Defn: Not edible; not fit for food. -- In*ed`i*bil"i*ty (#), n.
INEDITED In*ed"it*ed, a.
Defn: Not edited; unpublished; as, an inedited manuscript. T. Warton.
INEE I`née", n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: An arrow poison, made from an apocynaceous plant (Strophanthus hispidus) of the Gaboon country; -- called also onaye.
INEFFABILITY In*ef`fa*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. ineffabilitas: cf. F. ineffabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being ineffable; ineffableness; unspeakableness.
INEFFABLE In*ef"fa*ble, a. Etym: [L. ineffabilis: cf. F. ineffable. See In- not, and Effable, Fame.]
Defn: Incapable of being expresses in words; unspeakable; unutterable; indescribable; as, the ineffable joys of heaven. Contentment with our lot . . . will diffuse ineffable contenBeattie.
INEFFABLENESS In*ef"fa*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being ineffable or unutterable; unspeakableness.
INEFFABLY In*ef"fa*bly, adv.
Defn: In a manner not to be expressed in words; unspeakably. Milton.
INEFFACEABLE In`ef*face"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + effaceable: cf. F. ineffa.]
Defn: Incapable of being effaced; indelible; ineradicable.
INEFFACEABLY In`ef*face"a*bly, adv.
Defn: So as not to be effaceable.
INEFFECTIBLE In`ef*fect"i*ble, a.
Defn: Ineffectual; impracticable. [R.] Bp. Hall.
INEFFECTIVE In`ef*fect"ive, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + effective: cf. F. ineffectif.]
Defn: Not effective; ineffectual; futile; inefficient; useless; as, an ineffective appeal. The word of God, without the spirit, [is] a dead and ineffective letter. Jer. Taylor.
INEFFECTIVELY In`ef*fect"ive*ly, adv.
Defn: In an ineffective manner; without effect; inefficiently; ineffectually.
INEFFECTIVENESS In`ef*fect"ive*ness, n.
Defn: Quality of being ineffective.
INEFFECTUAL In`ef*fec"tu*al, a.
Defn: Not producing the proper effect; without effect; inefficient; weak; useless; futile; unavailing; as, an ineffectual attempt; an ineffectual expedient. Pope. The peony root has been much commended, . . . and yet has been by many found ineffectual. Boyle.
Syn. -- Inefficient; useless; inefficacious; vain; fruitless; unavailing; futile. See Uselesss, Inefficacious.
INEFFECTUALITY In`ef*fec`tu*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: Ineffectualness. [R.]
INEFFECTUALLY In`ef*fec"tu*al*ly, adv.
Defn: Without effect; in vain. Hereford . . . had been besieged for abouineffectually by the Scots. Ludlow.
INEFFECTUALNESS In`ef*fec"tu*al*ness, n.
Defn: Want of effect, or of power to produce it; inefficacy. The ineffectualness of some men's devotion. Wake.
INEFFERVESCENCE In*ef`fer*ves"cence, n.
Defn: Want of effervescence. Kirwan.
INEFFERVESCENT In*ef`fer*ves"cent, a.
Defn: Not effervescing, or not susceptible of effervescence; quiescent.
INEFFERVESCIBILITY In*ef`fer*ves`ci*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being ineffervescible.
INEFFERVESCIBLE In*ef`fer*ves"ci*ble, a.
Defn: Not capable or susceptible of effervescence.
INEFFICACIOUS In*ef`fi*ca"cious, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + efficacious: cf. F. inefficace, L. inefficax.]
Defn: Not efficacious; not having power to produce the effect desired; inadequate; incompetent; inefficient; impotent. Boyle. The authority of Parliament must become inefficacious . . . to restrain the growth of disorders. Burke.
Note: Ineffectual, says Johnson, rather denotes an actual failure, and inefficacious and habitual impotence to any effect. But the distinction is not always observed, nor can it be; for we can not always know whether means are inefficacious till experiment has proved them ineffectual. Inefficacious is therefore sometimes synonymous with ineffectual.
INEFFICACIOUSLY In*ef`fi*ca"cious*ly, adv.
Defn: without efficacy or effect.
INEFFICACIOUSNESS In*ef`fi*ca"cious*ness, n.
Defn: Want of effect, or of power to produce the effect; inefficacy.
INEFFICACY In*ef"fi*ca*cy, n. Etym: [L. inefficacia. See In- not, and Efficacy.]
Defn: Want of power to produce the desired or proper effect; inefficiency; ineffectualness; futility; uselessness; fruitlessness; as, the inefficacy of medicines or means. The seeming inefficacy of censures. Bp. Hall. The inefficacy was soon proved, like that of many similar medicines. James Gregory.
INEFFICIENCY In`ef*fi"cien*cy, n.
Defn: The quality of being inefficient; want of power or energy sufficient; want of power or energy sufficient for the desired effect; inefficacy; incapacity; as, he was discharged from his position for inefficiency.
INEFFICIENT In`ef*fi"cient, a.
1. Not efficient; not producing the effect intended or desired; inefficacious; as, inefficient means or measures.
2. Incapable of, or indisposed to, effective action; habitually slack or remiss; effecting little or nothing; as, inefficient workmen; an inefficient administrator.
INEFFICIENTLY In`ef*fi"cient*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inefficient manner.
INELABORATE In`e*lab"o*rate, a. Etym: [L. inelaboratus. See In- not, and Elaborate.]
Defn: Not elaborate; not wrought with care; unpolished; crude; unfinished.
INELASTIC In`e*las"tic, a.
Defn: Not elastic.
INELASTICITY In`e*las*tic"i*ty, n.
Defn: Want of elasticity.
INELEGANCE; INELEGANCY In*el"e*gance, In*el"e*gan*cy, n.; pl. Inelegances, Inelegancies. Etym: [L. inelegantia: cf. F. inélégance.]
1. The quality of being inelegant; want of elegance or grace; want of refinement, beauty, or polish in language, composition, or manners. The notorious inelegance of her figure. T. Hook.
2. Anything inelegant; as, inelegance of style in literary composition.
INELEGANT In*el"e*gant, a. Etym: [L. inelegans: cf. F. inélégant. See In- not, and Elegant.]
Defn: Not elegant; deficient in beauty, polish, refinement, grave, or ornament; wanting in anything which correct taste requires. What order so contrived as not to mix Tastes, not well joined, inelegant. Milton. It renders style often obscure, always embarrassed and inelegant. Blair.
INELEGANTLY In*el"e*gant*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inelegant manner.
INELIGIBILITY In*el`i*gi*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inéligibilité.]
Defn: The state or quality of being ineligible.
INELIGIBLE In*el"i*gi*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + eligible: cf. F. inéligible.]
Defn: Not eligible; not qualified to be chos Burke.
INELLIGIBLY In*el"li*gi*bly, adv.
Defn: In an ineligible manner.
INELOQUENT In*e"lo*quent, a. Etym: [L. ineloquens: cf. F. inéloquent. See In- not, and Eloquent.]
Defn: Not eloquent; not fluent, graceful, or pathetic; not persuasive; as, ineloquent language. Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men, Nor tongue ineloquent. Milton.
INELOQUENTLY In*e"lo*quent*ly, adv.
Defn: Without eloquence.
INELUCTABLE In`e*luc"ta*ble, a. Etym: [L. ineluctabilis; pref. in- not + eluctabilis to be surmounted, fr. eluctari to struggle out of, to surmount: cf. F. inéluctable. See Eluctate.]
Defn: Not to be overcome by struggling; irresistible; inevitable. Bp. Pearson. The ineluctable conditions of matter. Hamerton.
INELUDIBLE In`e*lud"i*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being eluded or evaded; unvoidable. Most pressing reasons and ineludible demonstrations. Glanvill.
INEMBRYONATE In*em"bry*o*nate, a. (Biol.)
Defn: Not embryonate.
INENARRABLE In`e*nar"ra*ble, a. Etym: [L. inenarrabilis; pref. in- not + enarrabilis that may be related; fr. enarrare to relate: cf. F. inénarrable. See Enarration.]
Defn: Incapable of being narrated; indescribable; ineffable. [Obs.] "Inenarrable goodness." Bp. Fisher.
INEPT In*ept", a. Etym: [L. ineptus; prefix. in- not + aptus apt, fit: cf. F. inepte. Cf. Inapt.]
1. Not apt or fit; unfit; unsuitable; improper; unbecoming. The Aristotelian philosophy is inept for new discoveries. Glanvill.
2. Silly; useless; nonsensical; absurd; foolish. To view attention as a special act of intelligence, and to distinguish it from consciousness, is utterly inept. Sir W. Hamilton.
INEPTITUDE In*ept"i*tude, n. Etym: [L. ineptitudo.]
1. The quality of being inept; unfitness; inaptitude; unsuitableness. That ineptitude for society, which is frequently the fault of us scholars. Tatler.
2. Absurdity; nonsense; foolishness.
INEPTLY In*ept"ly, adv.
Defn: Unfitly; unsuitably; awkwardly. None of them are made foolishly or ineptly. Dr. H. More.
INEPTNESS In*ept"ness, n.
Defn: Unfitness; ineptitude. The feebleness and miserable ineptness of infancy. Dr. H. More.
INEQUABLE In*e"qua*ble, a.
Defn: Unequable. [R.] Bailey.
INEQUAL In*e"qual, a. Etym: [L. inaequalis. See In- not, and Equal.]
Defn: Unequal; uneven; various. [Obs.] Chaucer.
INEQUALITY In`e*qual"i*ty, n.; pl. Inequalities. Etym: [L. inaequalitas.]
1. The quality of being unequal; difference, or want of equality, in any respect; lack of uniformity; disproportion; unevenness; disparity; diversity; as, an inequality in size, stature, numbers, power, distances, motions, rank, property, etc. There is so great an inequality in the length of our legs and arms as makes it impossible for us to walk on all four. Ray. Notwithstanding which inequality of number, it was resolved in a council of war to fight the Dutch fleet. Ludlow. Sympathy is rarely strong where there is a great inequality of condition. Macaulay.
2. Unevenness; want of levelness; the alternate rising and falling of a surface; as, the inequalities of the surface of the earth, or of a marble slab, etc. The country is cut into so many hills and inequalities as renders it defensible. Addison.
3. Variableness; changeableness; inconstancy; lack of smoothness or equability; deviation; unsteadiness, as of the weather, feelings, etc. Inequality of air is ever an enemy to health. Bacon.
4. Disproportion to any office or purpose; inadequacy; competency; as, the inequality of terrestrial things to the wants of a rational soul. South.
5. (Alg.)
Defn: An expression consisting of two unequal quantities, with the sign of inequality (> or <) between them; as, the inequality 2 < 3, or 4 > 1.
6. (Astron.)
Defn: An irregularity, or a deviation, in the motion of a planet or satellite from its uniform mean motion; the amount of such deviation.
INEQUATION In`e*qua"tion, n. (Math.)
Defn: An inequality.
INEQUIDISTANT In*e`qui*dis"tant, a.
Defn: Not equally distant; not equidistant.
INEQUILATERAL In*e`qui*lat"er*al, a.
1. Having unequal sides; unsymmetrical; unequal-sided.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the two ends unequal, as in the clam, quahaug, and most lamellibranch shells.
INEQUILOBATE In*e`qui*lo"bate, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + equi- + lobate.] (Biol.)
Defn: Unequally lobed; cut into lobes of different shapes or sizes.
INEQUITABLE In*eq"ui*ta*ble, a.
Defn: Not equitable; not just. Burke.
INEQUITATE In*eq"ui*tate, v. t. Etym: [L. inequitatus, p. p. inequitare to ride over. See 1st In-, and Equitant.]
Defn: To ride over or through. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
INEQUITY In*eq"ui*ty, n.
Defn: Want of equity; injustice; wrong. "Some form of inequity." H. Spencer.
INEQUIVALVE; INEQUIVALVULAR In*e"qui*valve, In*e`qui*val"vu*lar, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having unequal valves, as the shell of an oyster.
INERADICABLE In`e*rad"i*ca*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being The bad seed thus sown was ineradicable. Ld. Lytton.
INERADICABLY In`e*rad"i*ca*bly, adv.
Defn: So as not to be eradicable.
INERGETIC; INERGETICAL In`er*get"ic, In`er*get"ic*al, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + energetic, - ical.]
Defn: Having no energy; sluggish. [R.] Boyle.
INERGETICALLY In`er*get"ic*al*ly, adv.
Defn: Without energy. [R.]
INERM; INERMOUS In*erm", In*er"mous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Same as Inermis.
INERMIS In*er"mis, a. Etym: [L. inermis, inermus; pref. in- not + arma arms: cf. F. inerme.] (Bot.)
Defn: Unarmed; destitute of prickles or thorns, as a leaf. Gray.
INERRABILITY In*er`ra*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: Freedom or exemption from error; infallibility. Eikon Basilike.
INERRABLE In*er"ra*ble, a. Etym: [L. inerrabilis. See In- not, and Err.]
Defn: Incapable of erring; infallible; unerring. "Inerabble and requisite conditions." Sir T. Browne. "Not an inerrable text." Gladstone.
INERRABLENESS In*er"ra*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Exemption from error; inerrability; infallibility. Hammond.
INERRABLY In*er"ra*bly, adv.
Defn: With security from error; infallibly; unerringly.
INERRANCY In*er"ran*cy, n.
Defn: Exemption from error. The absolute inerrancy odf the Bible. The Century.
INERRATIC In`er*rat"ic, a.
Defn: Not erratic or wandering; fixed; settled; established.
INERRINGLY In*err"ing*ly, adv.
Defn: Without error, mistake, or deviation; unerringly. Glanvill.
INERT In*ert", a. Etym: [L. iners, inertis, unskilled, idle; pref. in- + ars art: cf. F. inerte. See Art.]
1. Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active resistance to motion; as, matter is inert.
2. Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act; sluggish; dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless. The inert and desponding party of the court. Macaulay. It present becomes extravagant, then imbecile, and at length utterly inert. I. Taylor.
3. Not having or manifesting active properties; not affecting other substances when brought in contact with them; powerless for an expected or desired effect.
Syn. -- Inactive; dull; passive; indolent; sluggish; slothful; lazy; lifeless; irresolute; stupid; senseless; insensible. -- Inert, Inactive, Sluggish. A man may be inactive from mere want of stimulus to effort; but one who is inert has something in his constitution or his habits which operates like a weight holding him back from exertion. Sluggish is still stronger, implying some defect of temperament which directly impedes action. Inert and inactive are negative, sluggish is positive. Even the favored isles . . . Can boast but little virtue; and, inert Through plenty, lose in morals what they gain In manners -- victims of luxurious ease. Cowper. Doomed to lose four months in inactive obscurity. Johnson. Sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin, Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride. Spenser.
INERTIA In*er"ti*a, n. Etym: [L., idleness, fr. iners idle. See Inert.]
1. (Physics)
Defn: That property of matter by which it tends when at rest to remain so, and when in motion to continue in motion, and in the same straight line or direction, unless acted on by some external force; - - sometimes called vis inertiæ.
2. Inertness; indisposition to motion, exertion, or action; want of energy; sluggishness. Men . . . have immense irresolution and inertia. Carlyle.
3. (Med.)
Defn: Want of activity; sluggishness; -- said especially of the uterus, when, in labor, its contractions have nearly or wholly ceased. Center of inertia. (Mech.) See under Center.
INERTION In*er"tion, n.
Defn: Want of activity or exertion; inertness; quietude. [R.] These vicissitudes of exertion and inertion of the arterial system constitute the paroxysms of remittent fever. E. Darwin.
INERTITUDE In*ert"i*tude, n. Etym: [See Inert.]
Defn: Inertness; inertia. [R.] Good.
INERTLY In*ert"ly, adv.
Defn: Without activity; sluggishly. Pope.
INERTNESS In*ert"ness, n.
1. Want of activity or exertion; habitual indisposition to action or motion; sluggishness; apathy; insensibility. Glanvill. Laziness and inertness of mind. Burke.
2. Absence of the power of self-motion; inertia.
INERUDITE In*er"u*dite, a. Etym: [L. ineruditus. See In- not, and Erudite.]
Defn: Not erudite; unlearned; ignorant.
INESCAPABLE In`es*cap"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not escapable.
INESCATE In*es"cate, v. t. Etym: [L. inescatus, p. p. of inescare; in- in + esca bait.]
Defn: To allure; to lay a bait for. [Obs.] To inescate and beguile young women! Burton.
INESCATION In`es*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. inescatio.]
Defn: The act of baiting; allurement. [Obs.] Hallywell.
INESCUTCHEON In`es*cutch"eon, n. (Her.)
Defn: A small escutcheon borne within a shield.
IN ESSE In` es"se. Etym: [L.]
Defn: In being; actually existing; -- distinguished from in posse, or in potentia, which denote that a thing is not, but may be.
INESSENTIAL In`es*sen"tial, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + essential: cf. F. inessentiel.]
1. Having no essence or being. H. Brooke. The womb of inessential Naught. Shelley.
2. Not essential; unessential.
INESTIMABLE In*es"ti*ma*ble, a. Etym: [L. inaestimabilis: cf. F. inestimable. See In- not, and Estimate.]
Defn: Incapable of being estimated or computed; especially, too valuable or excellent to be measured or fully appreciated; above all price; as, inestimable rights or privileges. But above all, for thine inestimable love. Bk. of Com. Prayer. Science is too inestimable for expression by a money standard. Lyon Playfair.
Syn. -- Incalculable; invaluable; priceless.
INESTIMABLY In*es"ti*ma*bly, adv.
Defn: In a manner, or to a degree, above estimation; as, things inestimably excellent.
INEVASIBLE In`e*va"si*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being
INEVIDENCE In*ev"i*dence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inévidence.]
Defn: Want of evidence; obscurity. [Obs.] Barrow.
INEVIDENT In*ev"i*dent, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inévident.]
Defn: Not evident; not clear or obvious; obscure.
INEVITABILITY In*ev`i*ta*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inévitabilité.]
Defn: Impossibility to be avoided or shunned; inevitableness. Shelford.
INEVITABLE In*ev"i*ta*ble, a. Etym: [L. inevitabilis: cf. F. inévitable. See In- not, and Evitable.]
1. Not evitable; incapable of being shunned; unavoidable; certain. "The inevitable hour." Gray. It was inevitable; it was necessary; it was planted in the nature of things. Burke.
2. Irresistible. "Inevitable charms." Dryden.
INEVITABLENESS In*ev"i*ta*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being unavoidable; certainty to happen. Prideaux.
INEVITABLY In*ev"i*ta*bly, adv.
Defn: Without possibility of escape or evasion; unavoidably; certainly. Inevitably thou shalt die. Milton. How inevitably does immoderate laughter end in a sigh! South.
INEXACT In`ex*act", a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + exact: cf. F. inexact.]
Defn: Not exact; not precisely correct or true; inaccurate.
INEXACTITUDE In`ex*act"i*tude, n.
Defn: Inexactness; uncertainty; as, geographical inexactitude.
INEXACTLY In`ex*act"ly, adv.
Defn: In a manner not exact or precise; inaccurately. R. A. Proctor.
INEXACTNESS In`ex*act"ness, n.
Defn: Incorrectness; want of exactness.
INEXCITABILITY In`ex*cit`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality of being inexcitable; insusceptibility to excitement.
INEXCITABLE In`ex*cit"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexcitabilis from which one cannot be aroused. See In- not, and Excite.]
Defn: Not susceptible of excitement; dull; lifeless; torpid.
INEXCUSABLE In`ex*cus"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexcusabilis: cf. F. inexcusable. See Excuse.]
Defn: Not excusable; not admitting excuse or justification; as, inexcusable folly. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. Rom. ii. 1.
INEXCUSABLENESS In`ex*cus"a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being inexcusable; enormity forgiveness. South.
INEXCUSABLY In`ex*cus"a*bly, adv.
Defn: With a degree of guilt or folly beyond excuse or justification. Inexcusably obstinate and perverse. Jortin.
INEXECRABLE In*ex"e*cra*ble, a.
Defn: That can not be execrated enough. [R.]
INEXECUTABLE In*ex"e*cu`ta*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + executable: cf. F. inexécutable.]
Defn: Incapable of being executed or performed; impracticable; infeasible.
INEXECUTION In*ex`e*cu"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. in- not + execution: cf. F. inexécution.]
Defn: Neglect of execution; nonperformance; as, the inexecution of a treaty. Spence.
INEXERTION In`ex*er"tion, n.
Defn: Want of exertion; want of effort; defect of action; indolence; laziness.
INEXHALABLE In`ex*hal"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being exhaled. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
INEXHAUSTED In`ex*haust"ed, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + exhausted: cf. F. inexhaustus.]
Defn: Not exhausted; not emptied; not spent; not having lost all strength or resources; unexhausted. Dryden.
INEXHAUSTEDLY In`ex*haust"ed*ly, adv.
Defn: Without exhaustion.
INEXHAUSTIBILITY In`ex*haust`i*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being inexhaustible; abundance.
INEXHAUSTIBLE In`ex*haust"i*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being exhausted, emptied, or used up; unfailing; not to be wasted or spent; as, inexhaustible stores of provisions; an inexhaustible stock of elegant words. Dryden. An inexhaustible store of anecdotes. Macaulay. -- In`ex*haust"i*ble*ness, n. -- In`ex*haust"i*bly, adv.
INEXHAUSTIVE In`ex*haust"ive, a.
Defn: Inexhaustible. Thomson.
INEXIST In`ex*ist", v. i. Etym: [Pref. in- in + exist.]
Defn: To exist within; to dwell within. [Obs.] Substances inexisting within the divine mind. A. Tucker.
INEXISTANT In`ex*ist"ant, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inexistant. See 1st Inexistent.]
Defn: Inexistent; not existing. [Obs.] Gudworth.
INEXISTENCE In`ex*ist"ence, n. Etym: [Pref. in- in + existence.] [Obs.] (a) Inherence; subsistence. Bp. Hall. (b) That which exists within; a constituent. A. Tucker.
INEXISTENCE In`ex*ist"ence, n. Etym: [Pref. in- in + existence: cf. F. inexistence.]
Defn: Want of being or existence.
INEXISTENT In`ex*ist"ent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- in + existent: cf. F. inexistant.]
Defn: Not having being; not existing.
INEXISTENT In`ex*ist"ent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- in + existent.]
Defn: Inherent; innate; indwelling. Boyle.
INEXORABILITY In*ex`o*ra*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. inexorabilitas: cf. F. inexorabilité.]
Defn: The quality of being inexorable, or unyielding to entreaty. Paley.
INEXORABLE In*ex"o*ra*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexorabilis: cf. F. inexorable. See In- not, and Exorable, Adore.]
Defn: Not to be persuaded or moved by entreaty or prayer; firm; determined; unyielding; unchangeable; inflexible; relentless; as, an inexorable prince or tyrant; an inexorable judge. "Inexorable equality of laws." Gibbon. "Death's inexorable doom." Dryden. You are more inhuman, more inexorable, O, ten times more than tigers of Hyrcania. Shak.
INEXORABLENESS In*ex"o*ra*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inexorable. Chillingworth.
INEXORABLY In*ex"o*ra*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inexorable manner; inflexibly. "Inexorably firm." Thomson.
INEXPANSIBLE In`ex*pan"si*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of expansion, enlargement, or extension. Tyndall.
INEXPECTABLE In`ex*pect"a*ble, a.
Defn: Not to be expected or anticipated. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
INEXPECTANT In"ex*pect"ant, a.
Defn: Not expectant. C. Bronté.
INEXPECTATION In*ex`pec*ta"tion, n.
Defn: Absence of expectation. Feltham.
INEXPECTED In`ex*pect"ed, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + expected: cf. L. inexspectatus.]
Defn: Unexpected. [Obs.]
INEXPECTEDLY In`ex*pect"ed*ly, adv.
Defn: Unexpectedly. [Obs.]
INEXPECTEDNESS In`ex*pect"ed*ness, n.
Defn: Unexpectedness. [Obs.]
INEXPEDIENCE; INEXPEDIENCY In`ex*pe"di*ence, In`ex*pe"di*en*cy, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inexpedient; want of fitness; unsuitableness to the end or object; impropriety; as, the inexpedience of some measures. It is not the rigor but the inexpediency of laws and acts of authority which makes them tyrannical. Paley.
INEXPEDIENT In`ex*pe"di*ent, a.
Defn: Not expedient; not tending to promote a purpose; not tending to the end desired; inadvisable; unfit; improper; unsuitable to time and place; as, what is expedient at one time may be inexpedient at another. If it was not unlawful, yet it was highly inexpedient to use those ceremonies. Bp. Burnet.
Syn. -- Unwise; impolitic; imprudent; indiscreet; unprofitable; inadvisable; disadvantageous.
INEXPEDIENTLY In`ex*pe"di*ent*ly, adv.
Defn: Not
INEXPENSIVE In`ex*pen"sive, a.
Defn: Not expensive; cheap.
INEXPERIENCE In`ex*pe"ri*ence, n. Etym: [L. inexperientia, cf. F. inexpérience. See In- not, and Experience.]
Defn: Absence or want of experience; lack of personal and experimental knowledge; as, the inexperience of youth. Failings which are incident to youth and inexperience. Dryden. Prejudice and self-sufficiency naturally proceed from inexperience of the world, and ignorance of mankind. Addison.
INEXPERIENCED In`ex*pe"ri*enced, a.
Defn: Not having experience unskilled. "Inexperienced youth." Cowper.
INEXPERT In`ex*pert", a. Etym: [L. inexpertus inexperienced: cf. F. inexpert. See In- not, and Expert.]
1. Destitute of experience or of much experience. [Obs.] Milton.
2. Not expert; not skilled; destitute of knowledge or dexterity derived from practice. Akenside.
INEXPERTNESS In`ex*pert"ness, n.
Defn: Want of expertness or skill.
INEXPIABLE In*ex"pi*a*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexpiabilis: cf. F. inexpiable. See In- not, and Expiable.]
1. Admitting of no expiation, atonement, or satisfaction; as, an inexpiable crime or offense. Pomfret.
2. Incapable of being mollified or appeased; relentless; implacable. [Archaic] "Inexpiable hate." Milton. They are at inexpiable war with all establishments. Burke.
INEXPIABLENESS In*ex"pi*a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Quality of being inexpiable.
INEXPIABLY In*ex"pi*a*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inexpiable manner of degree; to a degree that admits of no atonement.
INEXPIATE In*ex"pi*ate, a. Etym: [L. inexpiatus. See In- not, and Expiate.]
Defn: Not appeased or placated. [Obs.] To rest inexpiate were much too rude a part. Chapman.
INEXPLAINABLE In`ex*plain"a*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + explainable; cf. L. inexplanabilis.]
Defn: Incapable of being explained; inexplicable.
INEXPLEABLY In*ex"ple*a*bly, adv. Etym: [Cf. L. inexplebilis; pref. in- not + explere to fill up. See Expletion.]
Defn: Insatiably. [Obs.] Sandys.
INEXPLICABILITY In*ex`pli*ca*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inexplicabilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inexplicable. H. Spencer.
INEXPLICABLE In*ex"pli*ca*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexplicabilis: cf. F. inexplicable. See In- not, and Explicable.]
Defn: Not explicable; not explainable; incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for; as, an inexplicable mystery. "An inexplicable scratching." Cowper. Their reason is disturbed; their views become vast and perplexed, to others inexplicable, to themselves uncertain. Burke.
INEXPLICABLENESS In*ex"pli*ca*ble*ness, n.
Defn: A state of being inexplicable; inexplicability.
INEXPLICABLY In*ex"pli*ca*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inexplicable manner.
INEXPLICIT In`ex*plic"it, a. Etym: [L. inexplicitus: cf. F. inexplicite. See In- not, and Explicit.]
Defn: Not explicit; not clearly stated; indefinite; vague.
INEXPLORABLE In`ex*plor"a*ble, a.
Defn: Incapable of being explored, searched out, or discovered. Sir G. Buck.
INEXPLOSIVE In`ex*plo"sive, a.
Defn: Not explosive.
INEXPOSURE In`ex*po"sure, n.
Defn: A state of not being exposed.
INEXPRESSIBLE In`ex*press"i*ble, a.
Defn: Not capable of expression or utterance in language; ineffable; unspeakable; indescribable; unutterable; as, inexpressible grief or pleasure. "Inexpressible grandeur." Blair. In orbs Of circuit inexpressible they stood. Milton.
INEXPRESSIBLES In`ex*press"i*bles, n. pl.
Defn: Breeches; trousers. [Colloq. or Slang] Ld. Lytton.
INEXPRESSIBLY In`ex*press"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inexpressible manner or degree; unspeakably; unutterably. Spectator.
INEXPRESSIVE In`ex*press"ive, a.
1. Inexpressible. [R.]
2. Without expression or meaning; not expressive; dull; unintelligent; as, an inexpressive countenance.
INEXPRESSIVENESS In`ex*press"ive*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being inexpressive.
INEXPUGNABLE In`ex*pug"na*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexpugnabilis: cf. F. inexpugnable. See In- not, and Expugnable.]
Defn: Incapable of being subdued by force; impregnable; unconquerable. Burke. A fortress, inexpugnable by the arts of war. Milman.
INEXPUGNABLY In`ex*pug"na*bly, adv.
Defn: So as to be inexpugnable; in an inexpugnable manner. Dr. H. More.
INEXSUPERABLE In`ex*su"per*a*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexsuperabilis; pref. in- not + exsuperabilis that may be surmounted. See In- not, Ex-, and Superable.]
Defn: Not capable of being passed over; insuperable; insurmountable.
INEXTENDED In`ex*tend"ed, a.
Defn: Not extended.
INEXTENSIBLE In`ex*ten"si*ble, a.
Defn: Not capable of being extended; not elastic; as, inextensible fibers.
INEXTENSION In`ex*ten"sion, n.
Defn: Want of extension; unextended state.
INEXTERMINABLE In`ex*ter"mi*na*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexterminabilis. See In- not, and Exterminate.]
Defn: Incapable of extermination. Rush.
INEXTINCT In`ex*tinct", a. Etym: [L. inextinctus, inexstinctus. See Extinct.]
Defn: Not quenched; not extinct.
INEXTINGUIBLE In`ex*tin"gui*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexstinguibilis: cf. F, inextinguible. See Inextinct.]
Defn: Inextinguishable. [Obs.] Sir T. More.
INEXTINGUISHABLE In`ex*tin"guish*a*ble, a.
Defn: Not capable of being extinguished; extinguishable; unquenchable; as, inextinguishable flame, light, thirst, desire, feuds. "Inextinguishable rage." Milton.
INEXTINGUISHABLY In`ex*tin"guish*a*bly, adv.
Defn: So as not to be extinguished; in an inextinguishable manner.
INEXTIRPABLE In`ex*tir"pa*ble, a. Etym: [L. inexstirpabilis: cf. F. inextirpable. See In- not, and Extirpate.]
Defn: Not capable of being extirpated or rooted out; ineradicable.
INEXTRICABLE In*ex"tri*ca*ble, a. Etym: [L. inextricabilis: cf. F. inextricable. See In- not, and Extricate.]
1. Incapable of being extricated, untied, or disentangled; hopelessly intricate, confused, or obscure; as, an inextricable knot or difficulty; inextricable confusion. Lost in the wild, inextricable maze. Blackmore.
2. Inevitable. [R.] "Fate inextricable." Milton.
INEXTRICABLENESS In*ex"tri*ca*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being inextricable.
INEXTRICABLY In*ex"tri*ca*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inextricable manner.
INEYE In*eye", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ineyed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ineyeing.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + eye.]
Defn: To ingraft, as a tree or plant, by the insertion of a bud or eye; to inoculate. The arts of grafting and ineying. J. Philips.
INFABRICATED In*fab"ri*ca`ted, a.
Defn: Not fabricated; unwrought; not artificial; natural. [Obs.]
INFALLIBILIST In*fal"li*bil*ist, n.
Defn: One who accepts or maintains the dogma of papal infallibility.
INFALLIBILITY In*fal`li*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. infaillibilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being infallible, or exempt from error; inerrability. Infallibility is the highest perfection of the knowing faculty. Tillotson. Papal infallibility (R. C. Ch.), the dogma that the pope can not, when acting in his official character of supreme pontiff, err in defining a doctrine of Christian faith or rule of morals, to be held by the church. This was decreed by the Ecumenical Council at the Vatican, July 18, 1870.
INFALLIBLE In*fal"li*ble, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + fallible: cf. F. infallible.]
1. Not fallible; not capable of erring; entirely exempt from liability to mistake; unerring; inerrable. Dryden.
2. Not liable to fail, deceive, or disappoint; indubitable; sure; certain; as, infallible evidence; infallible success; an infallible remedy. To whom also he showed himself alive, after his passion, by many infallible proofs. Acts i. 3.
3. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: Incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals. See Papal infallibility, under Infallibility.
INFALLIBLENESS In*fal"li*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being infallible; infallibility. Bp. Hall.
INFALLIBLY In*fal"li*bly, adv.
Defn: In an infallible manner; certainly; unfailingly; unerringly. Blair.
INFAME In*fame", v. t. Etym: [L. infamare, fr. infamis infamous: cf. F. infamer, It. infamare. See Infamous.]
Defn: To defame; to make infamous. [Obs.] Milton. Livia is infamed for the poisoning of her husband. Bacon.
INFAMIZE In"fa*mize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infamized; p. pr. & vb. n. Infamizing.]
Defn: To make infamous; to defame. [R.] Coleridge.
INFAMOUS In"fa*mous, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + famous: cf. L. infamis. See Infamy.]
1. Of very bad report; having a reputation of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer. False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn. Spenser.
2. Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption. Macaulay.
3. (Law)
Defn: Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness.
4. Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous. "Infamous woods." P. Fletcher. Infamous hills, and sandy perilous wilds. Milton. The piny shade More infamous by cursed Lycaon made. Dryden.
Syn. -- Detestable; odious; scandalous; disgraceful; base; vile; shameful; ignominious.
INFAMOUSLY In"fa*mous*ly, adv.
Defn: In an infamous manner or degree; scandalously; disgracefully; shamefully. The sealed fountain of royal bounty which had been infamously monopolized and huckstered. Burke.
INFAMOUSNESS In"fa*mous*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being infamous; infamy.
INFAMY In"fa*my, n.; pl. Infamies. Etym: [L. infamia, fr. infamis infamous; pref. in- not + fama fame: cf. F. infamie. See Fame.]
1. Total loss of reputation; public disgrace; dishonor; ignominy; indignity. The afflicted queen would not yield, and said she would not . . . submit to such infamy. Bp. Burnet.
2. A quality which exposes to disgrace; extreme baseness or vileness; as, the infamy of an action.
3. (Law)
Defn: That loss of character, or public disgrace, which a convict incurs, and by which he is at common law rendered incompetent as a witness.
INFANCY In"fan*cy, n. Etym: [L. infantia: cf. F. enfance. See Infant.]
1. The state or period of being an infant; the first part of life; early childhood. The babe yet lies in smiling infancy. Milton. Their love in early infancy began. Dryden.
2. The first age of anything; the beginning or early period of existence; as, the infancy of an art. The infancy and the grandeur of Rome. Arbuthnot.
3. (Law)
Defn: The state or condition of one under age, or under the age of twenty-one years; nonage; minority.
INFANDOUS In*fan"dous, a. Etym: [L. infandus; pref. in- not + fari to speak.]
Defn: Too odious to be expressed or mentioned. [Obs.] Howell.
INFANGTHEF In*fang"thef, n. Etym: [AS. in-fangen-peóf; in in, into + fangen taken (p. p. of f to take) + peóf thief.] (O. Eng. Law)
Defn: The privilege granted to lords of certain manors to judge thieves taken within the seigniory of such lords. Cowell.
INFANT In"fant, n. Etym: [L. infans; pref. in- not +fari to speak: cf. F. enfant, whence OE. enfaunt. See Fame, and cf. Infante, Infanta.]
1. A child in the first period of life, beginning at his birth; a young babe; sometimes, a child several years of age. And tender cries of infants pierce the ear. C. Pitt.
2. (Law)
Defn: A person who is not of full age, or who has not attained the age of legal capacity; a person under the age of twenty-one years; a minor.
Note: An infant under seven years of age is not penally responsible; between seven and fourteen years of age, he may be convicted of a malicious offense if malice be proved. He becomes of age on the day preceding his twenty-first birthday, previous to which time an infant has no capacity to contract.
3. Same as Infante. [Obs.] Spenser.
INFANT In"fant, a.
1. Of or pertaining to infancy, or the first period of life; tender; not mature; as, infant strength.
2. Intended for young children; as, an infant school.
INFANT In"fant, v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. enfanter.]
Defn: To bear or bring forth, as a child; hence, to produce, in general. [Obs.] This worthy motto, "No bishop, no king," is . . . infanted out of the same fears. Milton.
INFANTA In*fan"ta, n. Etym: [Sp. & Pg., fem. of infante. See Infante.]
Defn: A title borne by every one of the daughters of the kings of Spain and Portugal, except the eldest.
INFANTE In*fan"te, n. Etym: [Sp. & Pg. See Infant.]
Defn: A title given to every one of sons of the kings of Spain and Portugal, except the eldest or heir apparent.
INFANTHOOD In"fant*hood, n.
Defn: Infancy. [R.]
INFANTICIDAL In*fan"ti*ci`dal, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to infanticide; engaged in, or guilty of, child murder.
INFANTICIDE In*fan"ti*cide, n. Etym: [L. infanticidium child murder; infans, - antis, child + caedere to kill: cf. F. infanticide. See Infant, and Homicide.]
Defn: The murder of an infant born alive; the murder or killing of a newly born or young child; child murder.
INFANTICIDE In*fan"ti*cide, n. Etym: [L. infanticida: cf. F. infanticide.]
Defn: One who commits the crime of infanticide; one who kills an infant.
INFANTILE In"fan*tile, a. Etym: [L. infantilis: cf. F. infantile. See Infant.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to infancy, or to an infant; similar to, or characteristic of, an infant; childish; as, infantile behavior.
INFANTILE PARALYSIS In"fan*tile pa*ral"y*sis. (Med.)
Defn: An acute disease, almost exclusively infantile, characterized by inflammation of the anterior horns of the gray substance of the spinal cord. It is attended with febrile symptoms, motor paralysis, and muscular atrophy, often producing permanent deformities. Called also acute anterior poliomyelitis.
INFANTINE In"fan*tine, a. Etym: [Cf. F. enfantin.]
Defn: Infantile; childish. A degree of credulity next infantine. Burke.
INFANTLIKE In"fant*like`, a.
Defn: Like an infant. Shak.
INFANTLY In"fant*ly, a.
Defn: Like an infant. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.
INFANTRY In"fan*try, n. Etym: [F. infanterie, It. infanteria, fr. infante infant, child, boy servant, foot soldier, fr. L. infans, -antis, child; foot soldiers being formerly the servants and followers of knights. See Infant.]
1. A body of children. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
2. (Mil.)
Defn: A body of soldiers serving on foot; foot soldiers, in distinction from cavalry.
INFARCE In*farce", v. t. Etym: [L. infarcire: pref. in- in + farcire, fartum and farctum, to stuff, cram.]
Defn: To stuff; to swell. [Obs.] The body is infarced with . . . watery humors. Sir T. Elyot.
INFARCT In*farct", n. [See Infarce.] (Med.) (a) An obstruction or embolus. (b) The morbid condition of a limited area resulting from such obstruction; as, a hemorrhagic infarct.
INFARCTION In*farc"tion, n. Etym: [See Infarce.]
Defn: The act of stuffing or filling; an overloading and obstruction of any organ or vessel of the body; constipation.
INFARE In"fare`, n. Etym: [AS. infær entrance.]
Defn: A house-warming; especially, a reception, party, or entertainment given by a newly married couple, or by the husband upon receiving the wife to his house. [Written also infair.] [Scot., & Local, U. S.]
INFASHIONABLE In*fash"ion*a*ble, a.
Defn: Unfashionable. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.
INFATIGABLE In*fat"i*ga*ble, a. Etym: [L. infatigabilis: cf. F. infatigable.]
Defn: Indefatigable. [Obs.] Daniel.
INFATUATE In*fat"u*ate, a. Etym: [L. infatuatus, p. p. of infatuare to infatuate; pref. in- in + fatuus foolish. See Fatuous.]
Defn: Infatuated. Bp. Hall.
INFATUATE In*fat"u*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infatuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Infatuating.]
1. To make foolish; to affect with folly; to weaken the intellectual powers of, or to deprive of sound judgment. The judgment of God will be very visible in infatuating a people . . . ripe and prepared for destruction. Clarendon.
2. To inspire with a foolish and extravagant passion; as, to be infatuated with gaming. The people are . . . infatuated with the notion. Addison.
INFATUATED In*fat"u*a`ted, a.
Defn: Overcome by some foolish passion or desire; affected by infatuation.
INFATUATION In*fat`u*a"tion, n. Etym: [LL. infatuatio: cf. F. infatuation.]
Defn: The act of infatuating; the state of being infatuated; folly; that which infatuates. The infatuations of the sensual and frivolous part of mankind are amazing; but the infatuations of the learned and sophistical are incomparably more so. I. Taylor. Such is the infatuation of self-love. Blair.
INFAUST In*faust", a. Etym: [L. infaustus; pref. in- not + faustus fortunate, lucky.]
Defn: Not favorable; unlucky; unpropitious; sinister. [R.] Ld. Lytton.
INFAUSTING In*faust"ing, n.
Defn: The act of making unlucky; misfortune; bad luck. [Obs.] Bacon.
INFEASIBILITY In*fea`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state of being infeasible; impracticability.
INFEASIBLE In*fea"si*ble, a.
Defn: Not capable of being done or accomplished; impracticable. Glanvill.
INFEASIBLENESS In*fea"si*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The state of quality of being infeasible; infeasibility. W. Montagu.
INFECT In*fect", a. Etym: [L. infectus: cf. F. infect. See Infect, v. t.]
Defn: Infected. Cf. Enfect. [Obs.] Shak.
INFECT In*fect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infected; p. pr. & vb. n. Infecting.] Etym: [L. infectus, p. p. of inficere to put or dip into, to stain, infect; pref. in- in + facere to make; cf. F. infecter. See Fact.]
1. To taint with morbid matter or any pestilential or noxious substance or effluvium by which disease is produced; as, to infect a lancet; to infect an apartment.
2. To affect with infectious disease; to communicate infection to; as, infected with the plague. Them that were left alive being infected with this disease. Sir T. North.
3. To communicate to or affect with, as qualities or emotions, esp. bad qualities; to corrupt; to contaminate; to taint by the communication of anything noxious or pernicious. Cowper. Infected Ston's daughters with like heat. Milton.
4. (Law)
Defn: To contaminate with illegality or to expo
Syn. -- To poison; vitiate; pollute; defile.
INFECTER In*fect"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, infects.
INFECTIBLE In*fect"i*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being infected.
INFECTION In*fec"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. infection, L. infectio a dyeing.]
1. The act or process of infecting. There was a strict order against coming to those pits, and that was only to prevent infection. De Foe.
2. That which infects, or causes the communicated disease; any effluvium, miasm, or pestilential matter by which an infectious disease is caused. And that which was still worse, they that did thus break out spread the infection further by their wandering about with the distemper upon them. De Foe.
3. The state of being infected; contamination by morbific particles; the result of infecting influence; a prevailing disease; epidemic. The danger was really very great, the infection being so very violent in London. De Foe.
4. That which taints or corrupts morally; as, the infection of vicious principles. It was her chance to light Amidst the gross infections of those times. Daniel.
5. (Law)
Defn: Contamination by illegality, as in cases of contraband goods; implication.
6. Sympathetic communication of like qualities or emotions; influence. Through all her train the soft infection ran. Pope. Mankind are gay or serious by infection. Rambler.
Syn. -- Infection, Contagion. -- Infection is often used in a definite and limited sense of the transmission of affections without direct contact of individuals or immediate application or introduction of the morbific agent, in contradistinction to contagion, which then implies transmission by direct contact. Quain. See Contagious.
INFECTIOUS In*fec"tious, a. Etym: [Cf. F. infectieux.]
1. Having qualities that may infect; communicable or caused by infection; pestilential; epidemic; as, an infectious fever; infectious clothing; infectious air; infectious vices. Where the infectious pestilence. Shak.
2. Corrupting, or tending to corrupt or contaminate; vitiating; demoralizing. It [the court] is necessary for the polishing of manners . . . but it is infectious even to the best morals to live always in it. Dryden.
3. (Law)
Defn: Contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture. Contraband articles are said to be of an infectious nature. Kent.
4. Capable of being easily diffused or spread; sympathetic; readily communicated; as, infectious mirth. The laughter was so genuine as to be infectious. W. Black.
Syn. -- See Contagious.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE In*fec"tious dis*ease". (a) Any disease caused by the entrance, growth, and multiplication of bacteria or protozoans in the body; a germ disease. It may not be contagious. (b) Sometimes, as distinguished from contagious disease, such a disease communicated by germs carried in the air or water, and thus spread without contact with the patient, as measles.
INFECTIOUSLY In*fec"tious*ly, adv.
Defn: In an infectious manner. Shak.
INFECTIOUSNESS In*fec"tious*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being infectious.
INFECTIVE In*fect"ive, a. Etym: [L. infectivus pertaining to dyeing.]
Defn: Infectious. Beau. & Fl. True love . . . hath an infective power. Sir P. Sidney.
INFECUND In*fec"und, a. Etym: [L. infecundus: cf. F. infécond. See In- not, and Fecund.]
Defn: Unfruitful; not producing young; barren; infertile. [Obs.] Evelyn.
INFECUNDITY In`fe*cun"di*ty, n. Etym: [L. infecunditas: cf. F. infécondité.]
Defn: Want of fecundity or fruitfulness; barrenness; sterility; unproductiveness.
INFECUNDOUS In`fe*cun"dous, a. Etym: [See Infecund.]
Defn: Infertile; barren; unprofitable; unproductive. [Obs.] Glanvill.
INFEEBLE In*fee"ble, v. t.
Defn: See Enfeeble.
INFELICITOUS In`fe*lic"i*tous, a.
Defn: Not felicitous; unhappy; unfortunate; not fortunate or appropriate in application; not well said, expressed, or done; as, an infelicitous condition; an infelicitous remark; an infelicitous description; infelicitous words.
INFELICITY In`fe*lic"i*ty, n.; pl. Infelicities. Etym: [L. infelicitas: cf. F. infélicité. See In- not, and Felicity.]
1. The state or quality of being infelicitous; unhappiness; misery; wretchedness; misfortune; want of suitableness or appropriateness. I. Watts. Whatever is the ignorance and infelicity of the present state, we were made wise and happy. Glanvill.
2. That (as an act, word, expression, etc.) which is infelicitous; as, infelicities of speech.
INFELONIOUS In`fe*lo"ni*ous, a.
Defn: Not felonious, malignant, or criminal. G. Eliot.
INFELT In"felt`, a. Etym: [Pref. in- in + felt.]
Defn: Felt inwardly; heartfelt. [R.] The baron stood afar off, or knelt in submissive, acknowledged, infelt inferiority. Milman.
INFEODATION In`feo*da"tion, n. (Law)
Defn: See Infeudation.
INFEOFF In*feoff", v. t. (Law)
Defn: See Enfeoff.
INFEOFFMENT In*feoff"ment, n. (Law)
Defn: See Enfeoffment.
INFER In*fer", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inferred; p. pr. & vb. n. Inferring.] Etym: [L. inferre to bring into, bring forward, occasion, infer; pref. in- in + ferre to carry, bring: cf. F. inférer. See 1 st Bear.]
1. To bring on; to induce; to occasion. [Obs.] Harvey.
2. To offer, as violence. [Obs.] Spenser.
3. To bring forward, or employ as an argument; to adduce; to allege; to offer. [Obs.] Full well hath Clifford played the orator, Inferring arguments of mighty force. Shak.
4. To derive by deduction or by induction; to conclude or surmise from facts or premises; to accept or derive, as a consequence, conclusion, or probability; to imply; as, I inferred his determination from his silence. To infer is nothing but by virtue of one proposition laid down as true, to draw in another as true. Locke. Such opportunities always infer obligations. Atterbury.
5. To show; to manifest; to prove. [Obs.] The first part is not the proof of the second, but rather contrariwise, the second inferreth well the first. Sir T. More. This doth infer the zeal I had to see him. Shak.
INFERABLE In*fer"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being inferred or deduced from premises. [Written also inferrible.] H. Spencer. A sufficient argument . . . is inferable from these premises. Burke.
INFERENCE In"fer*ence, n. Etym: [From Infer.]
1. The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction. Though it may chance to be right in the conclusions, it is yet unjust and mistaken in the method of inference. Glanvill.
2. That which inferred; a truth or proposition drawn from another which is admitted or supposed to be true; a conclusion; a deduction. Milton. These inferences, or conclusions, are the effects of reasoning, and the three propositions, taken all together, are called syllogism, or argument. I. Watts.
Syn. -- Conclusion; deduction; consequence. -- Inference, Conclusion. An inference is literally that which is brought in; and hence, a deduction or induction from premises, -- something which follows as certainly or probably true. A conclusion is stronger than an inference; it shuts us up to the result, and terminates inquiry. We infer what is particular or probable; we conclude what is certain. In a chain of reasoning we have many inferences, which lead to the ultimate conclusion. "An inference is a proposition which is perceived to be true, because of its connection with some known fact." "When something is simply affirmed to be true, it is called a proposition; after it has been found to be true by several reasons or arguments, it is called a conclusion." I. Taylor.
INFERENTIAL In`fer*en"tial, a.
Defn: Deduced or deducible by inference. "Inferential proofs." J. S. Mill.
INFERENTIALLY In`fer*en"tial*ly, adv.
Defn: By way of inference.
INFERIAE In*fe"ri*æ, n. pl. Etym: [L., fr. inferus underneath.] (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: Sacrifices offered to the souls of deceased heroes or friends.
INFERIOR In*fe"ri*or, a. Etym: [L., compar. of inferus that is below, underneath, the lower; akin to E. under: cf. F. inférieur. See Under.]
1. Lower in place, rank, excellence, etc.; less important or valuable; subordinate; underneath; beneath. A thousand inferior and particular propositions. I. Watts. The body, or, as some love to call it, our inferior nature. Burke. Whether they are equal or inferior to my other poems, an author is the most improper judge. Dryden.
2. Poor or mediocre; as, an inferior quality of goods.
3. (Astron.) (a) Nearer the sun than the earth is; as, the inferior or interior planets; an inferior conjunction of Mercury or Venus. (b) Below the horizon; as, the inferior part of a meridian,
4. (Bot.) (a) Situated below some other organ; -- said of a calyx when free from the ovary, and therefore below it, or of an ovary with an adherent and therefore inferior calyx. (b) On the side of a flower which is next the bract; anterior.
5. (Min.)
Defn: Junior or subordinate in rank; as, an inferior officer. Inferior court (Law), a court subject to the jurisdiction of another court known as the superior, or higher, court. -- Inferior letter, Inferior figure (Print.), a small letter or figure standing at the bottom of the line (opposed to superior letter or figure), as in A2, Bn, 2 and n are inferior characters. -- Inferior tide, the tide corresponding to the moon's transit of the meridian, when below the horizon.
INFERIOR In*fe"ri*or, n.
Defn: A person lower in station, rank, intellect, etc., than another. A great person gets more by obliging his inferior than by disdaining him. South.
INFERIORITY In*fe`ri*or"i*ty, Etym: [Cf. F. infériorité.]
Defn: The state of being inferior; a lower state or condition; as, inferiority of rank, of talents, of age, of worth. A deep sense of our own great inferiority. Boyle.
INFERIORLY In*fe"ri*or*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inferior manner, or on the inferior part.
INFERNAL In*fer"nal, a. Etym: [F. infernal, L. infernalis, fr. infernus that which lies beneath, the lower. See Inferior.]
1. Of or pertaining to or suitable for the lower regions, inhabited, according to the ancients, by the dead; pertaining to Pluto's realm of the dead, the Tartarus of the ancients. The Elysian fields, the infernal monarchy. Garth.
2. Of or pertaining to, resembling, or inhabiting, hell; suitable for hell, or to the character of the inhabitants of hell; hellish; diabolical; as, infernal spirits, or conduct. The instruments or abettors in such infernal dealings. Addison. Infernal machine, a machine or apparatus maliciously designed to explode, and destroy life or property. -- Infernal stone (lapis infernalis), lunar caustic; formerly so called. The name was also applied to caustic potash.
Syn. -- Tartarean; Stygian; hellish; devilish; diabolical; satanic; fiendish; malicious.
INFERNAL In*fer"nal, n.
Defn: An inhabitant of the infernal regions; also, the place itself. [Obs.] Drayton.
INFERNALLY In*fer"nal*ly, adv.
Defn: In an infernal manner; diabolically. "Infernally false." Bp. Hacket.
INFERNO In*fer"no, n. [It. See Infernal.]
Defn: The infernal regions; hell. Also used fig.
At each sudden explosion in the inferno below they sprang back from the brink [of the volcanic crater]. D. C. Worcester.
INFEROBRANCHIAN In`fe*ro*bran"chi*an, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the Inferobranchiata.
INFEROBRANCHIATA In`fe*ro*bran`chi*a"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Inferobranchiate.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A suborder of marine gastropod mollusks, in which the gills are between the foot and the mantle.
INFEROBRANCHIATE In`fe*ro*bran"chi*ate, a. Etym: [L. inferus lower + E. branchiate.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the gills on the sides of the body, under the margin of the mantle; belonging to the Inferobranchiata.
INFERRIBLE In*fer"ri*ble, a.
Defn: Inferable.
INFERTILE In*fer"tile, a. Etym: [L. infertilis: cf. F. infertile. See In- not, and Fertile.]
Defn: Not fertile; not productive; barren; sterile; as, an infertile soil.
INFERTILELY In*fer"tile*ly, adv.
Defn: In an infertile manner.
INFERTILITY In`fer*til"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. infertilitas: cf. F. infertilité.]
Defn: The state or quality of being infertile; unproductiveness; barrenness. The infertility or noxiousness of the soil. Sir M. Hale.
INFEST In*fest", a. Etym: [L. infestus. See Infest, v. t.]
Defn: Mischievous; hurtful; harassing. [Obs.] Spenser.
INFEST In*fest", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infested; p. pr. & vb. n. Infesting.] Etym: [L. infestare, fr. infestus disturbed, hostile, troublesome; in in, against + the root of defendere: cf. F. infester. See Defend.]
Defn: To trouble greatly by numbers or by frequency of presence; to disturb; to annoy; to frequent and molest or harass; as, fleas infest dogs and cats; a sea infested with pirates. To poison vermin that infest his plants. Cowper. These, said the genius, are envy, avarice, superstition, love, with the like cares and passions that infest human life. Addison. And the cares, that infest the day, Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs, And as silently steal away. Longfellow.
INFESTATION In`fest*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. infestatio: cf. F. infestation.]
Defn: The act of infesting or state of being infested; molestation; vexation; annoyance. Bacon. Free from the infestation of enemies. Donne.
INFESTER In*fest"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, infests.
INFESTIVE In*fest"ive, a. Etym: [L. infestivus. See In- not, and Festive.]
Defn: Having no mirth; not festive or merry; dull; cheerless; gloomy; forlorn. [R.]
INFESTIVITY In`fes*tiv"i*ty, n.
Defn: Want of festivity, cheerfulness, or mirth; dullness; cheerlessness. [R.]
INFESTUOUS In*fes"tu*ous, a. Etym: [L. infestus. See Infest, a.]
Defn: Mischievous; harmful; dangerous. [Obs.] "Infestuous as serpents." Bacon.
INFEUDATION In`feu*da"tion, n. Etym: [LL. infeudatio, fr. infeudare to enfeoff: cf. F. inféodation. See Feud a fief.]
1. (Law)
Defn: The act of putting one in possession of an estate in fee. Sir M. Hale.
2. The granting of tithes to laymen. Blackstone.
INFIBULATION In*fib`u*la"tion, n. Etym: [L. infibulare, infibulatum, to clasp, buckle, or button together; pref. in- in + fibula clasp, buckle: cf. F. infibulation.]
1. The act of clasping, or fastening, as with a buckle or padlock.
2. The act of attaching a ring, clasp, or frame, to the genital organs in such a manner as to prevent copulation.
INFIDEL In"fi*del, a. Etym: [L. infidelis; pref. in- not + fidelis faithful, fr. fides faith: cf. F. infidèle. See Fidelity.]
Defn: Not holding the faith; -- applied esp. to one who does not believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, and the supernatural origin of Christianity. The infidel writer is a great enemy to society. V. Knox.
INFIDEL In"fi*del, n.
Defn: One who does not believe in the prevailing religious faith; especially, one who does not believe in the divine origin and authority of Christianity; a Mohammedan; a heathen; a freethinker.
Note: Infidel is used by English writers to translate the equivalent word used Mohammedans in speaking of Christians and other disbelievers in Mohammedanism.
Syn. -- Infidel, Unbeliever, Freethinker, Deist, Atheist, Sceptic, Agnostic. An infidel, in common usage, is one who denies Christianity and the truth of the Scriptures. Some have endeavored to widen the sense of infidel so as to embrace atheism and every form of unbelief; but this use does not generally prevail. A freethinker is now only another name for an infidel. An unbeliever is not necessarily a disbeliever or infidel, because he may still be inquiring after evidence to satisfy his mind; the word, however, is more commonly used in the extreme sense. A deist believes in one God and a divine providence, but rejects revelation. An atheist denies the being of God. A sceptic is one whose faith in the credibility of evidence is weakened or destroyed, so that religion, to the same extent, has no practical hold on his mind. An agnostic remains in a state of suspended judgment, neither affirming nor denying the existence of a personal Deity.
INFIDELITY In`fi*del"i*ty, n.; pl. Infidelities (. Etym: [L. infidelitas: cf. F. infidélité.]
1. Want of faith or belief in some religious system; especially, a want of faith in, or disbelief of, the inspiration of the Scriptures, of the divine origin of Christianity. There is, indeed, no doubt but that vanity is one of the principal causes of infidelity. V. Knox.
2. Unfaithfulness to the marriage vow or contract; violation of the marriage covenant by adultery.
3. Breach of trust; unfaithfulness to a charge, or to moral obligation; treachery; deceit; as, the infidelity of a servant. "The infidelity of friends." Sir W. Temple.
INFIELD In*field", v. t.
Defn: To inclose, as a field. [R.]
INFIELD In"field`, n.
1. Arable and manured land kept continually under crop; -- distinguished from outfield. [Scotland] Jamieson.
2. (Baseball)
Defn: The diamond; -- opposed to outfield. See Diamond, n., 5.
INFILE In*file", v. t.
Defn: To arrange in a file or rank; to place in order. [Obs.] Holland.
INFILM In*film", v. t.
Defn: To cover with a film; to coat thinly; as, to infilm one metal with another in the process of gilding; to infilm the glass of a mirror. [R.]
INFILTER In*fil"ter, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Infiltered; p. pr. & vb. n. Infiltering.] Etym: [Cf. Infiltrate.]
Defn: To filter or sift in.
INFILTRATE In*fil"trate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Infiltrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Infiltrating.] Etym: [Pref. in- + filtrate: cf. F, s'infiltrer. Cf. Infilter.]
Defn: To enter by penetrating the pores or interstices of a substance; to filter into or through something. The water infiltrates through the porous rock. Addison.
INFILTRATE In*fil"trate, v. t.
Defn: To penetrate gradually; -- sometimes used reflexively. J. S. Mill.
INFILTRATION In`fil*tra"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. infiltration.]
1. The act or process of infiltrating, as if water into a porous substance, or of a fluid into the cells of an organ or part of the body.
2. The substance which has entered the pores or cavities of a body. Addison. Calcareous infiltrations filling the cavities. Kirwan. Fatty infiltration. (Med.) See under Fatty. -- Infiltration gallery, a filter gallery.
INFILTRATIVE In*fil"tra*tive, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to infiltration. Kane.
INFINITE In"fi*nite, a. Etym: [L. infinitus: cf. F. infini. See In- not, and Finite.]
1. Unlimited or boundless, in time or space; as, infinite duration or distance. Whatever is finite, as finite, will admit of no comparative relation with infinity; for whatever is less than infinite is still infinitely distant from infinity; and lower than infinite distance the lowest or least can not sink. H. Brooke.
2. Without limit in power, capacity, knowledge, or excellence; boundless; immeasurably or inconceivably great; perfect; as, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; -- opposed to finite. Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite. Ps. cxlvii. 5. O God, how infinite thou art! I. Watts.
3. Indefinitely large or extensive; great; vast; immense; gigantic; prodigious. Infinite riches in a little room. Marlowe. Which infinite calamity shall cause To human life. Milton.
4. (Math.)
Defn: Greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind; -- said of certain quantities.
5. (Mus.)
Defn: Capable of endless repetition; -- said of certain forms of the canon, called also perpetual fugues, so constructed that their ends lead to their beginnings, and the performance may be incessantly repeated. Moore (Encyc. of Music).
Syn. -- Boundless; immeasurable; illimitable; interminable; limitless; unlimited; endless; eternal.
INFINITE In"fi*nite, n.
1. That which is infinite; boundless space or duration; infinity; boundlessness. Not till the weight is heaved from off the air, and the thunders roll down the horizon, will the serene light of God flow upon us, and the blue infinite embrace us again. J. Martineau.
2. (Math.)
Defn: An infinite quantity or magnitude.
3. An infinity; an incalculable or very great number. Glittering chains, embroidered richly o'er With infinite of pearls and finest gold. Fanshawe.
4. The Infinite Being; God; the Almighty.
INFINITELY In"fi*nite*ly, adv.
1. Without bounds or limits; beyond or below assignable limits; as, an infinitely large or infinitely small quantity.
2. Very; exceedingly; vastly; highly; extremely. "Infinitely pleased." Dryden.
INFINITENESS In"fi*nite*ness, n.
Defn: The state or quality of being infinite; infinity; greatness; immensity. Jer. Taylor.
INFINITESIMAL In`fin*i*tes"i*mal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. infinitésimal, fr. infinitésime infinitely small, fr. L. infinitus. See Infinite, a.]
Defn: Infinitely or indefinitely small; less than any assignable quantity or value; very small. Infinitesimal calculus, the different and the integral calculus, when developed according to the method used by Leibnitz, who regarded the increments given to variables as infinitesimal.
INFINITESIMAL In`fin*i*tes"i*mal, n. (Math.)
Defn: An infinitely small quantity; that which is less than any assignable quantity.
INFINITESIMALLY In`fin*i*tes"i*mal*ly, adv.
Defn: By infinitesimals; in infinitely small quantities; in an infinitesimal degree.
INFINITIVAL In*fin`i*ti"val, a.
Defn: Pertaining to the infinite mood. "Infinitival stems." Fitzed. Hall.
INFINITIVE In*fin"i*tive, n. Etym: [L. infinitivus: cf. F. infinitif. See Infinite.]
Defn: Unlimited; not bounded or restricted; undefined. Infinitive mood (Gram.), that form of the verb which merely names the action, and performs the office of a verbal noun. Some grammarians make two forms in English: (a) The simple form, as, speak, go, hear, before which to is commonly placed, as, to speak; to go; to hear. (b) The form of the imperfect participle, called the infinitive in -ing; as, going is as easy as standing.
Note: With the auxiliary verbs may, can, must, might, could, would, and should, the simple infinitive is expressed without to; as, you may speak; they must hear, etc. The infinitive usually omits to with the verbs let, dare, do, bid, make, see, hear, need, etc.; as, let me go; you dare not tell; make him work; hear him talk, etc.
Note: In Anglo-Saxon, the simple infinitive was not preceded by to (the sign of modern simple infinitive), but it had a dative form (sometimes called the gerundial infinitive) which was preceded by to, and was chiefly employed in expressing purpose. See Gerund, 2.
Note: The gerundial ending (-anne) not only took the same form as the simple infinitive (-an), but it was confounded with the present participle in -ende, or -inde (later -inge).
INFINITIVE In*fin"i*tive, n. (Gram.)
Defn: An infinitive form of the verb; a verb in the infinitive mood; the infinitive mood.
INFINITIVE In*fin"i*tive, adv. (Gram.)
Defn: In the manner of an infinitive mood.
INFINITO In`fi*ni"to, a. Etym: [It.] (Mus.)
Defn: Infinite; perpetual, as a canon whose end leads back to the beginning. See Infinite, a., 5.
INFINITUDE In*fin"i*tude, n.
1. The quality or state of being infinite, or without limits; infiniteness.
2. Infinite extent; unlimited space; immensity; infinity. "I am who fill infinitude." Milton. As pleasing to the fancy, as speculations of eternity or infinitude are to the understanding. Addison.
3. Boundless number; countless multitude. "An infinitude of distinctions." Addison.
INFINITUPLE In*fin"i*tu`ple, a. Etym: [Cf. Quadruple.]
Defn: Multipied an infinite number of times. [R.] Wollaston.
INFINITY In*fin"i*ty, n.; pl. Infinities. Etym: [L. infinitas; pref. in- not + finis boundary, limit, end: cf. F. infinité. See Finite.]
1. Unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity; eternity; boundlessness; immensity. Sir T. More. There can not be more infinities than one; for one of them would limit the other. Sir W. Raleigh.
2. Unlimited capacity, energy, excellence, or knowledge; as, the infinity of God and his perfections. Hooker.
3. Endless or indefinite number; great multitude; as an infinity of beauties. Broome.
4. (Math.)
Defn: A quantity greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind.
Note: Mathematically considered, infinity is always a limit of a variable quantity, resulting from a particular supposition made upon the varying element which enters it. Davies & Peck (Math. Dict. ).
5. (Geom.)
Defn: That part of a line, or of a plane, or of space, which is infinitely distant. In modern geometry, parallel lines or planes are sometimes treated as lines or planes meeting at infinity. Circle at infinity, an imaginary circle at infinity, through which, in geometry of three dimensions, every sphere is imagined to pass. -- Circular points at infinity. See under Circular.
INFIRM In*firm", a. Etym: [L.infirmus: cf.F.infirme. See In- not, and Firm, a.]
1. Not firm or sound; weak; feeble; as, an infirm body; an infirm constitution. A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man. Shak.
2. Weak of mind or will; irresolute; vacillating. "An infirm judgment." Burke. Infirm of purpose! Shak.
3. Not solid or stable; insecure; precarious. He who fixes on false principles treads or infirm ground. South.
Syn. -- Debilitated; sickly; feeble; decrepit; weak; enfeebled; irresolute; vacillating; imbecile.
INFIRM In*firm", v. t. Etym: [L. infirmare : cf. F.infirmer.]
Defn: To weaken; to enfeeble. [Obs.] Sir W. Raleigh.
INFIRMARIAN In`fir*ma"ri*an, n.
Defn: A person dwelling in, or having charge of, an infirmary, esp. in a monastic institution.
INFIRMARY In*firm"a*ry, n.; pl. Infirmaries. Etym: [Cf. OE. fermerie, OF. enfermerie, F. infirmerie, LL. infirmaria. See Infirm.]
Defn: A hospital, or place where the infirm or sick are lodged and nursed gratuitously, or where out-patients are treated.
INFIRMATIVE In*firm"a*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. infirmatif.]
Defn: Weakening; annulling, or tending to make void. [Obs.]
INFIRMATORY In*firm"a*to*ry, n.
Defn: An infirmary. [Obs.]
INFIRMITY In*firm"i*ty, n.; pl. Infirmities. Etym: [L. infirmitas : cf. F. infirmite. See Infirm, a.]
1. The state of being infirm; feebleness; an imperfection or weakness; esp., an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state; a disease; a malady; as, infirmity of body or mind. 'T is the infirmity of his age. Shak.
2. A personal frailty or failing; foible; eccentricity; a weakness or defect. Will you be cured of your infirmity Shak. A friend should bear his friend's infirmities. Shak. The house has also its infirmities. Evelyn.
Syn. -- Debility; imbecility; weakness; feebleness; failing; foible; defect; disease; malady. See Debility.
INFIRMLY In*firm"ly, adv.
Defn: In an infirm manner.
INFIRMNESS In*firm"ness, n.
Defn: Infirmity; feebleness. Boyle.
INFIX In*fix", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infixed; p. pr. & vb. n. Infixing.] Etym: [L. infixus, p.p of infigere to infix; pref. in- in + figere to fix: cf. F. infixer. See Fix.]
1. To set; to fasten or fix by piercing or thrusting in; as, to infix a sting, spear, or dart. Shak. The fatal dart a ready passage found, And deep within her heart infixed the wound. Dryden.
2. To implant or fix; to instill; to inculcate, as principles, thoughts, or instructions; as, to infix good principles in the mind, or ideas in the memory.
INFIX In"fix, n.
Defn: Something infixed. [R.] Welsford.
INFLAME In*flame", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inflamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Inflaming.] Etym: [OE. enflamen, OF. enflamer, F. enflammer, L. inflammare,inflammatum; pref.in- in + flammare to flame, fr.flamma flame. See Flame.]
1. To set on fire; to kindle; to cause to burn, flame, or glow. We should have made retreat By light of the inflamed fleet. Chapman.
2. Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive or unnatural action or heat; as, to inflame desire. Though more,it seems, Inflamed with lust than rage. Milton. But, O inflame and fire our hearts. Dryden.
3. To provoke to anger or rage; to exasperate; to irritate; to incense; to enrage. It will inflame you; it will make you mad. Shak.
4. (Med.)
Defn: To put in a state of inflammation; to produce morbid heat, congestion, or swelling, of; as, to inflame the eyes by overwork.
5. To exaggerate; to enlarge upon. [Obs.] A friend exaggerates a man's virtues, an enemy inflames his crimes. Addison.
Syn. -- To provoke; fire; kindle; irritate; exasperate; incense; enrage; anger; excite; arouse.
INFLAME In*flame", v. i.
Defn: To grow morbidly hot, congested, or painful; to become angry or incensed. Wiseman.
INFLAMED In*flamed", p. a.
1. Set on fire; enkindled; heated; congested; provoked; exasperated.
2. (Her.)
Defn: Represented as burning, or as adorned with tongues of flame.
INFLAMER In*flam"er (n-flam''r), n.
Defn: The person or thing that inflames. Addison.
INFLAMMABILLTY In*flam"ma*bil"l*ty, n. Etym: [Cf.F. inflammabilite.]
Defn: Susceptibility of taking fire readily; the state or quality of being inflammable.
INFLAMMABLE In*flam"ma*ble, a. Etym: [CF. F. inflammable.]
1. Capable of being easily set fire; easily enkindled; combustible; as, inflammable oils or spirits.
2. Excitable; irritable; irascible; easily provoked; as, an inflammable temper. Inflammable air, the old chemical name for hydrogen.
INFLAMMABLENESS In*flam"ma*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inflammable; inflammability. Boyle.
INFLAMMABLY In*flam"ma*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inflammable manner.
INFLAMMATION In*flam*ma"tion, n. Etym: [L. inflammatio: cf. F. inflammation. See Inflame.]
1. The act of inflaming, kindling, or setting on fire; also, the state of being inflamed. "The inflammation of fat." Wilkins.
2. (Med.)
Defn: A morbid condition of any part of the body, consisting in congestion of the blood vessels, with obstruction of the blood current, and growth of morbid tissue. It is manifested outwardly by redness and swelling, attended with heat and pain.
3. Violent excitement; heat; passion; animosity; turbulence; as, an inflammation of the mind, of the body politic, or of parties. Hooker.
INFLAMMATIVE In*flam"ma*tive, a.
Defn: Inflammatory.
INFLAMMATORY In*flam"ma*to*ry, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inflammatoire.]
1. Tending to inflame, kindle, or irritate.
2. Tending to excite anger, animosity, tumult, or sedition; seditious; as, inflammatory libels, writings, speeches, or publications. Burke.
3. (Med.)
Defn: Accompanied with, or tending to cause, preternatural heat and excitement of arterial action; as, an inflammatory disease. Inflammatory crust. (Med.) Same as Buffy coat, under Buffy. -- Inflammatory fever, a variety of fever due to inflammation.
INFLATABLE In*flat"a*ble, a.
Defn: That may be inflated.
INFLATE In*flate", p. a. Etym: [L. inflatus, p.p. of inflare to inflate; pref. in- in + flare to blow. See Blow to puff wind.]
Defn: Blown in; inflated. Chaucer.
INFLATE In*flate", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inflated; p. pr. & vb. n. Inflating.]
1. To swell or distend with air or gas; to dilate; to expand; to enlarge; as, to inflate a bladder; to inflate the lungs. When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes. J. Scott of Amwell.
2. Fig.: To swell; to puff up; to elate; as, to inflate one with pride or vanity. Inflate themselves with some insane delight. Tennyson.
3. To cause to become unduly expanded or increased; as, to inflate the currency.
INFLATE In*flate", v. i.
Defn: To expand; to fill; to distend.
INFLATED In*flat"ed, a.
1. Filled, as with air or gas; blown up; distended; as, a balloon inflated with gas.
2. Turgid; swelling; puffed up; bombastic; pompous; as, an inflated style. Inflated and astrut with self-conceit. Cowper.
3. (Bot.)
Defn: Hollow and distended, as a perianth, corolla, nectary, or pericarp. Martyn.
4. Distended or enlarged fictitiously; as, inflated prices, etc.
INFLATER In*flat"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, inflates; as, the inflaters of the stock exchange.
INFLATINGLY In*flat"ing*ly, adv.
Defn: In a manner tending to inflate.
INFLATION In*fla"tion, n. Etym: [L. inflatio: cf. F. inflation.]
1. The act or process of inflating, or the state of being inflated, as with air or gas; distention; expansion; enlargement. Boyle.
2. The state of being puffed up, as with pride; conceit; vanity. B. Jonson.
3. Undue expansion or increase, from overissue; -- said of currency. [U.S.]
INFLATIONIST In*fla"tion*ist, n.
Defn: One who favors an increased or very large issue of paper money. [U.S.]
INFLATUS In*fla"tus, n. Etym: [L. See Inflate, v. t.]
Defn: A blowing or breathing into; inflation; inspiration. The divine breath that blows the nostrils out To ineffable inflatus. Mrs. Browning.
INFLECT In*flect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inflected; p. pr. & vb. n. Inflecting.] Etym: [L. inflectere, inflexum; pref. in.- in + flectere to bend. See Flexibl, and cf. Inflex.]
1. To turn from a direct line or course; to bend; to incline, to deflect; to curve; to bow. Are they [the rays of the sun] not reflected, refracted, and inflected by one and the same principle Sir I. Newton.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: To vary, as a noun or a verb in its terminations; to decline, as a noun or adjective, or to conjugate, as a verb.
3. To modulate, as the voice.
INFLECTED In*flect"ed, a.
1. Bent; turned; deflected.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: Having inflections; capable of, or subject to, inflection; inflective. Inflected cycloid (Geom.), a prolate cycloid. See Cycloid.
INFLECTION In*flec"tion, n. Etym: [L. inflexio : cf. F. inflexion. See Inflect.] [Written also inflecxion.]
1. The act of inflecting, or the state of being inflected.
2. A bend; a fold; a curve; a turn; a twist.
3. A slide, modulation, or accent of the voice; as, the rising and the falling inflection.
4. (Gram.)
Defn: The variation or change which words undergo to mark case, gender, number, comparison, tense, person, mood, voice, etc.
5. (Mus.) (a) Any change or modification in the pitch or tone of the voice. (b) A departure from the monotone, or reciting note, in chanting.
6. (Opt.)
Defn: Same as Diffraction. Point of inflection (Geom.), the point on opposite sides of which a curve bends in contrary ways.
INFLECTIONAL In*flec"tion*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to inflection; having, or characterized by, inflection. Max Müller.
INFLECTIVE In*flect"ive, a.
1. Capable of, or pertaining to, inflection; deflecting; as, the inflective quality of the air. Derham.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: Inflectional; characterized by variation, or change in form, to mark case, tense, etc.; subject to inflection. Inflective language (Philol.), a language like the Greek or Latin, consisting largely of stems with variable terminations or suffixes which were once independent words. English is both agglutinative, as, manlike, headache, and inflective, as, he, his, him. Cf. Agglutinative.
INFLESH In*flesh", v. t.
Defn: To incarnate.
INFLEX In*flex", v. t. Etym: [Cf. Flex, Inflect.]
Defn: To bend; to cause to become curved; to make crooked; to deflect. J. Philips.
INFLEXED In*flexed", a.
1. Turned; bent. Feltham.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Bent or turned abruptly inwards, or toward the axis, as the petals of a flower.
INFLEXIBILITY In*flex"i*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. inflexibilité.]
Defn: The quality or state of being inflexible, or not capable of being bent or changed; unyielding stiffness; inflexibleness; rigidity; firmness of will or purpose; unbending pertinacity; steadfastness; resoluteness; unchangeableness; obstinacy. The inflexibility of mechanism. A. Baxter. That grave inflexibility of soul. Churchill. The purity and inflexibility of their faith. T. Warton.
INFLEXIBLE In*flex"i*ble, a. Etym: [L. inflexiblis: cf. F. inflexible. See In- not, and Flexible.]
1. Not capable of being bent; stiff; rigid; firm; unyielding.
2. Firm in will or purpose; not to be turned, changed, or altered; resolute; determined; unyieding; inexorable; stubborn. "Inflexibleas steel." Miltom. Amanof upright and inflexibletemper . . . can overcome all private fear. Addison.
3. Incapable of change; unalterable; immutable. The nature of things is inflexible. I. Watts.
Syn. -- -- Unbending; unyielding; rigid; inexorable; pertinacious; obstinate; stubborn; unrelenting.
INFLEXIBLENESS In*flex"i*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being inflexible; inflexibility; rigidity; firmness.
INFLEXIBLY In*flex"i*bly, adv.
Defn: In an inflexible manner.
INFLEXION In*flex"ion, n.
Defn: Inflection.
INFLEXIVE In*flex"ive, a.
1. Inflective. "Inflexive endings." W. E. Jelf.
2. Inflexible. [R.] "Foes inflexive." Chapman.
INFLEXURE In*flex"ure, n.
Defn: An inflection; a bend or fold. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
INFLICT In*flict", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inflicted; p. pr. & vb. n. Inflicting.] Etym: [L. inflictus, p.p. of infligere to strike on, to inflict; pref. in- in, on + fligere to strike. Cf. Flail.]
Defn: To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to inflict a wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain by ingratitude; to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the penalty of death on a criminal. What heart could wish, what hand inflict, this dire disgrace Drygen. The persecution and the pain That man inflicts on infero-ior kinds. Cowper.
INFLICTER In*flict"er, n.
Defn: One who inflicts. Godis the sole and immadiate inflicter of such strokes. South.
INFLICTION In*flic"tion, n. Etym: [L. inflictio: cf. F. infliction.]
1. The act of inflicting or imposing; as, the infliction of torment, or of punishment.
2. That which is inflicted or imposed, as punishment, disgrace, calamity, etc. His severest inflictions are in themselves acts of justice and righteousness. Rogers.
INFLICTIVE In*flict"ive, a. Etym: [Cf.F. inflictif.]
Defn: Causing infliction; acting as an infliction. Whitehead.
INFLORESCENCE In`flo*res"cence, n. Etym: [L. inflorescens, p.pr. of inflorescere to begin to blossom; pref. in- in + florescere to begin to blossom: cf.F. inflorescence. See Florescent.]
1. A flowering; the putting forth and unfolding of blossoms.
2. (Bot.) (a) The mode of flowering, or the general arrangement and disposition of the flowers with reference to the axis, and to each other. (b) An axis on which all the flower buds. Inflorescence affords an excellent characteristic mark in distinguishing the species of plants. Milne. Centrifugal inflorescence, determinate inflorescence. -- Centripetal inflorescence, indeterminate inflorescence. See under Determinate, and Indeterminate.
INFLOW In*flow", v. i.
Defn: To flow in. Wiseman.
INFLUENCE In"flu*ence, n. Etym: [F. influence, fr. L. influens, -entis, p.pr. See Influent, and cf. Influenza.]
1. A flowing in or upon; influx. [Obs.] God hath his influence into the very essence of all things. Hooker.
2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, phusical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers,of the stars over affairs. Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars,evil aspects. Bacon. Cantsthou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion Job xxxviii. 31. She said : influence bad " Spenser.
3. Power or authority arising from elevated station, excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community. Such influence hath your excellency. Sir P. Sidney.
4. (Elec.)
Defn: Induction.
Syn. -- Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power; authority; supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character; reputation; prestige.
INFLUENCE In"flu*ence, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Influenced; p. pr. & vb. n. Influencing.]
Defn: To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to move; to persuade; to induce. Theseexperiments succeed after the same manner in vacuo as in the open air,and therefore are not influenced by the weight or pressure of the atmosphere. Sir I. Newton. This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to influence their faith and practice, if they attend. Attebury. The principle which influenced their obedience has lost its efficacy. Rogers.
INFLUENCER In"flu*en*cer, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, influences.
INFLUENCIVE In"flu*en*cive, a.
Defn: Tending toinfluence; influential.
INFLUENT In"flu*ent, a. Etym: [L. influens, -entis, p. pr. of influere, influxum, to flow in; pref. in- in + fluere to flow. See Fluid.]
1. Flowing in. "With influent tide." Cowper. "Influent odors." Mrs. Browning.
2. Exerting influence; influential. [Obs.] I find no office by name assigned unto Dr.Cox, who was virtually influent upon all, and most active. Fuller.
INFLUENTIAL In`flu*en"tial, a. Etym: [See Influence.]
Defn: Exerting or possessing influence or power; potent; efficacious; effective; strong; having authority or ascendency; as, an influential man, station, argument, etc. A very influential Gascon prefix. Earle.
INFLUENTIALLY In`flu*en"tial*ly, adv.
Defn: In an influential manner.
INFLUENZA In`flu*en"za, n. Etym: [It. influenza influence, an epidemic formerly attributed by astrologers to the influence of the heavenly bodies, influenza. See Influence.] (Med.)
Defn: An epidemic affection characterized by acute nasal catarrh, or by inflammation of the throat or the bronchi, and usually accompanied by fever.
INFLUX In"flux`, n. Etym: [L. influxus, fr. influere, influxum, to flow in: cf. F. influx. See Influent.]
1. The act of flowing in; as, an influx of light.
2. A coming in; infusion; intromission; introduction; importation in abundance; also, that which flows or comes in; as, a great influx of goods into a country, or an influx of gold and silver. The influx of food into the Celtic region, however, was far from keeping pace with the influx of consumers. Macaulau. The general influx of Greek into modern languages. Earle.
3. Influence; power. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
INFLUXION In*flux"ion, n. Etym: [L. influxio : cf. F. influxion.]
Defn: A flowing in; infusion. [R.] Bacon.
INFLUXIOUS In*flux"ious, a.
Defn: Influential. [Obs.]
INFLUXIVE In*flux"ive, a.
Defn: Having a tendency to flow in; having influence; influential. [R.] Holdsworth.
INFLUXIVELY In*flux"ive*ly, adv.
Defn: By influxion. [R.]
INFOLD In*fold" (n-fld''), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infolded; p. pr. & vb. n. Infolding.] Etym: [Pref. in- in + fold.] [Written also enfold.]
1. To wrap up or cover with folds; to envelop; to inwrap; to inclose; to involve. Gilded tombs do worms infold. Shak. Infold his limbs in bands. Blackmore.
2. To clasp with the arms; to embrace. Noble Banquo, . . . let me infold thee, And hold thee to my heart. Shak.
INFOLDMENT In*fold"ment, n.
Defn: The act of infolding; the state of being infolded.
INFOLIATE In*fo"li*ate, v. t. Etym: [Pref. in- in + L. folium leaf.]
Defn: To cover or overspread with, or as with, leaves. [R.] Howell.
INFORM In*form", a. Etym: [L. informis; pref. in- not + forma form, shape: cf. F. informe]
Defn: Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed. Cotton.
INFORM In*form", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Informed; p. pr. & vb. n. Informing.] Etym: [OE. enformen, OF. enformer, F. informer. L. informare; pref. in- in + formare to form, share, fr. forma form. See Form.]
1. To give form or share to; to give vital ororganizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion. "The informing Word." Coleridge. Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. Dryden. Breath informs this fleeting frame. Prior. Breathes in our soul,informs our mortal part. Pope.
2. To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; -- usually followed by of. For he would learn their business secretly, And then inform his master hastily. Spenser. I am informed thoroughky of the cause. Shak.
3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to,by way of accusation; to warn against anybody. Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul. Acts xxiv. 1.
Syn. -- To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten; animate; fashion.
INFORM In*form", v. t.
1. To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear. [Obs.] It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Shak.
2. To give intelligence or information; to tell. Shak. He might either teach in the same manner,or inform how he had been taught. Monthly Rev. To inform against, to communicate facts by way of accusation against; to denounce; as, two persons came to the magistrate, and informed against A.
INFORMAL In*form"al, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + formal.]
1. Not in the regular, usual, or established form; not according to official, conventional, prescribed, or customary forms or rules; irregular; hence, without ceremony; as, an informal writting, proceeding, or visit.
2. Deranged in mind; out of one's senses. [Obs.] These poor informal women. Shak.
INFORMALITY In`for*mal"i*ty, n.; pl. Informalities (.
1. The state of being informal; want of regular, prescribed, or customary form; as, the informality of legal proceedings.
2. An informal, unconventional, or unofficial act or proceeding; something which is not in proper or prescribed form or does not conform to the established rule.
INFORMALLY In*form"al*ly, adv.
Defn: In an informal manner.
INFORMANT In*form"ant, n. Etym: [L. informans, -antis, p.pr. of informare. See Inform, v. t.]
1. One who, or that which, informs, animates, or vivifies. [Obs.] Glanvill.
2. One who imparts information or instruction.
3. One who offers an accusation; an informer. See Informer. [Obs. or R.] It was the last evidence of the kind; the informant was hanged. Burke.
INFORMATION In`for*ma"tion, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. informatio representation, cinception. See Inform, v. t.]
1. The act of informing, or communicating knowledge or intelligence. The active informations of the intellect. South.
2. News, advice, or knowledge, communicated by others or obtained by personal study and investigation; intelligence; knowledge derived from reading, observation, or instruction. Larger opportunities of information. Rogers. He should get some information in the subject he intends to handle. Swift.
3. (Law)
Defn: A proceeding in the nature of a prosecution for some offens against the government, instituted and prosecuted, really or nominally, by some authorized public officer on behalt of the government. It differs from an indictment in criminal cases chiefly in not being based on the finding of a grand juri. See Indictment.
INFORMATIVE In*form"a*tive, a.
Defn: Having power to inform, animate, or vivify. Dr. H. More.
INFORMATORY In*form"a*to*ry, a.
Defn: Full of, or conveying, information; instructive. [R.] London Spectator.
INFORMED In*formed" (n-frmd''), a.
Defn: Unformed or ill-formed; deformed; shapeless. [Obs.] Spenser. Informed stars. See under Unformed.
INFORMER In*form"er, n. Etym: [From Inform,v.]
1. One who informs, animates, or inspires. [Obs.] Thomson. Nature, informer of the poet's art. Pope.
2. One who informs, or imparts knowledge or news.
3. (Law)
Defn: One who informs a magistrate of violations of law; one who informs against another for violation of some law or penal statute. Common informer (Law), one who habitually gives information of the violation of penal statutes, with a view to a prosecution therefor. Bouvier. Wharton.
INFORMIDABLE In*for"mi*da*ble, a. Etym: [L. informidabilis. See In- not, and Formidable.]
Defn: Not formidable; not to be feared or dreaded. [Obs.] "Foe not informidable." Milton.
INFORMITY In*form"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. informitas. See Inform, a.]
Defn: Want of regular form; shapelessness. [Obs.]
INFORMOUS In*form"ous, a. Etym: [See Inform, a.]
Defn: Of irregular form; shapeless. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
INFORTUNATE In*for"tu*nate, a. Etym: [L. infortunatus.]