Prop"er*tied (?), a. Possessing property; holding real estate, or other
investments of money. "The propertied and satisfied classes." M.
Arnold.
Prop"er*ty (?), n.; pl. Properties (#). [OE. proprete, OF. propretÈ
property, F. propretÈ neatness, cleanliness, propriÈtÈ property, fr. L.
proprietas. See Proper, a., and cf. Propriety.]
1. That which is proper to anything; a peculiar quality of a thing;
that which is inherent in a subject, or naturally essential to it; an
attribute; as, sweetness is a property of sugar.
Property is correctly a synonym for peculiar quality; but it is
frequently used as coextensive with quality in general.
Sir W. Hamilton.
In physical science, the properties of matter are distinguished to the
three following classes: 1. Physical properties, or those which result
from the relations of bodies to the physical agents, light, heat,
electricity, gravitation, cohesion, adhesion, etc., and which are
exhibited without a change in the composition or kind of matter acted
on. They are color, luster, opacity, transparency, hardness,
sonorousness, density, crystalline form, solubility, capability of
osmotic diffusion, vaporization, boiling, fusion, etc. 2. Chemical
properties, or those which are conditioned by affinity and composition;
thus, combustion, explosion, and certain solutions are reactions
occasioned by chemical properties. Chemical properties are identical
when there is identity of composition and structure, and change
according as the composition changes. 3. Organoleptic properties, or
those forming a class which can not be included in either of the other
two divisions. They manifest themselves in the contact of substances
with the organs of taste, touch, and smell, or otherwise affect the
living organism, as in the manner of medicines and poisons.
2. An acquired or artificial quality; that which is given by art, or
bestowed by man; as, the poem has the properties which constitute
excellence.
3. The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying, and disposing of a
thing; ownership; title.
Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of
blood.
Shak.
Shall man assume a property in man?
Wordsworth.
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4. That to which a person has a legal title, whether in his possession
or not; thing owned; an estate, whether in lands, goods, or money; as,
a man of large property, or small property.
5. pl. All the adjuncts of a play except the scenery and the dresses of
the actors; stage requisites.