3. (Theol.) Continuance in a state of grace until it is succeeded by a
state of glory; sometimes called final perseverance, and the
perseverance of the saints. See Calvinism.
Syn. -- Persistence; steadfastness; constancy; steadiness; pertinacity.
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Per`se*ver"ant (?), a. [L. perseverans, -antis, p. pr.: cf. F.
persÈvÈrant.] Persevering. [R.] "Perseverant faith." Whitby. --
Per`se*ver"ant*ly, adv. [R.]
Per`se*vere" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Persevered (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Persevering.] [F. persÈvÈrer, L. perseverare, fr. perseverus very
strict; per + severus strict, severe. See Per-, and Severe.] To persist
in any business or enterprise undertaken; to pursue steadily any
project or course begun; to maintain a purpose in spite of counter
influences, opposition, or discouragement; not to give or abandon what
is undertaken.
Thrice happy, if they know Their happiness, and persevere upright.
Milton.
Syn. -- To Persevere, Continue, Persist. The idea of not laying aside
is common to these words. Continue is the generic term, denoting simply
to do as one has done hitherto. To persevere is to continue in a given
course in spite of discouragements, etc., from a desire to obtain our
end. To persist is to continue from a determination of will not to give
up. Persist is frequently used in a bad sense, implying obstinacy in
pursuing an unworthy aim.
Per`se*ver"ing (?), a. Characterized by perseverance; persistent. --
Per`se*ver"ing*ly, adv.
Per"sian (?), a. [From Persia: cf. It. Persiano. Cf. Parsee, Peach,
Persic.] Of or pertaining to Persia, to the Persians, or to their
language.
Persian berry, the fruit of Rhamnus infectorius, a kind of buckthorn,
used for dyeing yellow, and imported chiefly from Trebizond. -- Persian
cat. (Zoˆl.) Same as Angora cat, under Angora. -- Persian columns
(Arch.), columns of which the shaft represents a Persian slave; --
called also Persians. See Atlantes. -- Persian drill (Mech.), a drill
which is turned by pushing a nut back and forth along a spirally
grooved drill holder. -- Persian fire (Med.), malignant pustule. --
Persian powder. See Insect powder, under Insect. -- Persian red. See
Indian red (a), under Indian. -- Persian wheel, a noria; a tympanum.
See Noria.
Per"sian, n. 1. A native or inhabitant of Persia.