Magnetic pole. See under Magnetic. -- Poles of the earth, or
Terrestrial poles (Geog.), the two opposite points on the earth's
surface through which its axis passes. -- Poles of the heavens, or
Celestial poles, the two opposite points in the celestial sphere which
coincide with the earth's axis produced, and about which the heavens
appear to revolve.
{ Pole"ax`, Pole"axe` } (?), n. [OE. pollax; cf. OD. pollexe. See Poll
head, and Ax.] Anciently, a kind of battle-ax with a long handle;
later, an ax or hatchet with a short handle, and a head variously
patterned; -- used by soldiers, and also by sailors in boarding a
vessel.
Pole"cat` (?), n. [Probably fr. F. poule hen, and originally, a poultry
cat, because it feeds on poultry. See Poultry.] (Zoˆl.) (a) A small
European carnivore of the Weasel family (Putorius fútidus). Its scent
glands secrete a substance of an exceedingly disagreeable odor. Called
also fitchet, foulmart, and European ferret. (b) The zorilla. The name
is also applied to other allied species.
Pole"da`vy (?), n. [Etymology uncertain.] A sort of coarse canvas;
poldway. [Obs.] Howell.
Pole"less, a. Without a pole; as, a poleless chariot.
Pol"e*march (?), n. [Gr. &?;; &?; war + &?; leader, from &?; to be
first.] (Gr. Antiq.) In Athens, originally, the military
commanderin-chief; but, afterward, a civil magistrate who had
jurisdiction in respect of strangers and sojourners. In other Grecian
cities, a high military and civil officer.
Po*lem"ic (?), a. [Gr. &?; warlike, fr.&?; war: cf. F. polÈmique.] 1.
Of or pertaining to controversy; maintaining, or involving,
controversy; controversial; disputative; as, a polemic discourse or
essay; polemic theology.
2. Engaged in, or addicted to, polemics, or to controversy;
disputations; as, a polemic writer. South.
Po*lem"ic, n. 1. One who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or
system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a
controversialist; a disputant.
The sarcasms and invectives of the young polemic.
Macaulay.