Prominent' moth (Zoˆl.), any moth of the family NotodontidÊ; a
notodontian; -- so called because the larva has a hump or prominence on
its back. Several of the species are injurious to fruit trees.
Prom"i*nent*ly, adv. In a prominent manner.
Pro`mis*cu"i*ty (?), n. Promiscuousness; confusion. H. Spencer.
Pro*mis"cu*ous (?), a. [L. promiscuus; pro before, in place of, for +
miscere to mix. See Mix. ]
1. Consisting of individuals united in a body or mass without order;
mingled; confused; undistinguished; as, a promiscuous crowd or mass.
A wild, where weeds and flowers promiscuous shoot.
Pope.
2. Distributed or applied without order or discrimination; not
restricted to an individual; common; indiscriminate; as, promiscuous
love or intercourse.
Pro*mis"cu*ous*ly, adv. In a promiscuous manner.
Pro*mis"cu*ous*ness, n. The quality or state of being promiscuous.
Prom"ise (?), a. [F. promesse, L. promissum, fr. promittere, promissum,
to put forth, foretell, promise; pro forward, for + mittere to send.
See Mission. ]
1. In general, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to
another, which binds the person who makes it to do, or to forbear to
do, a specified act; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it
is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of
a specified act.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but
God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Gal. iii. 18.
2. (Law) An engagement by one person to another, either in words or in
writing, but properly not under seal, for the performance or
nonperformance of some particular thing. The word promise is used to
denote the mere engagement of a person, without regard to the
consideration for it, or the corresponding duty of the party to whom it
is made. Chitty. Parsons. Burrill.
3. That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that
which affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great
promise. Shak.
My native country was full of youthful promise.
W. Irving.