Grand pensionary, the title of the prime minister, or or president of
the Council, of Holland when a republic.
Pen"sion*er (?), n. 1. One in receipt of a pension; hence,
figuratively, a dependent.
The fickle pensioners of Morpheus' train.
Milton.
Old pensioners . . . of Chelsea Hospital.
Macaulay.
2. One of an honorable band of gentlemen who attend the sovereign of
England on state occasions, and receive an annual pension, or
allowance, of £150 and two horses.
3. [Cf. F. pensionnaire one who pays for his board. Cf. Pensionary, n.]
In the university of Cambridge, England, one who pays for his living in
commons; -- corresponding to commoner at Oxford. Ld. Lytton.
Pen"sive (?), a. [F. pensif, fr. penser to think, fr. L. pensare to
weigh, ponder, consider, v. intens. fr. pendere to weigh. See Pension,
Poise.] 1. Thoughtful, sober, or sad; employed in serious reflection;
given to, or favorable to, earnest or melancholy musing.
The pensive secrecy of desert cell.
Milton.
Anxious cares the pensive nymph oppressed.
Pope.
2. Expressing or suggesting thoughtfulness with sadness; as, pensive
numbers. Prior.
Pen"sived (?), a. Made pensive. [R.] Shak.
Pen"sive*ly (?), adv. In a pensive manner.
Pen"sive*ness, n. The state of being pensive; serious thoughtfulness;
seriousness. Hooker.
Pen"stock (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain; perh. fr. pen an inclosure +
stock.] 1. A close conduit or pipe for conducting water, as, to a water
wheel, or for emptying a pond, or for domestic uses.