He defended himself with . . . less passion than was expected from his constitution.
Clarendon.
5. The fundamental, organic law or principles of government of men, embodied in written documents, or implied in the institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of affairs.
Our constitution had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions.
Macaulay.
&fist; In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the United States a constitution cannot ordinarily be modified, exept through such processes as the constitution itself ordains.
6. An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment; especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the constitutions of Justinian.
The positive constitutions of our own churches.
Hooker.
A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the conduct of advocates.
George Long.
Apostolic constitutions. See under Apostolic.
Con`sti*tu"tion*al (?), a. [f. F. constitutionnel.] 1. Belonging to, or inherent in, the constitution, or in the structure of body or mind; as, a constitutional infirmity; constitutional ardor or dullness.
2. In accordance with, or authorized by, the constitution of a state or a society; as, constitutional reforms.
3. Regulated by, dependent on, or secured by, a constitution; as, constitutional government; constitutional rights. Hallam.
4. Relating to a constitution, or establishment form of government; as, a constitutional risis.
The anient constitutional traditions of the state.
Macaulay.
5. For the benefit or one's constitution or health; as, a constitutional walk. [Colloq.]
Constitutional law, law that relates to the constitution, as a permanent system of political and juridical government, as distinguished from statutory and common law, which relate to matters subordinate to such constitution.
Con`sti*tu"tion*al, n. A walk or other exercise taken for one's health or constitution. [Colloq.] Thackeray.
The men trudged diurnal constitutionals along the different roads.
Compton Reade.
Con`sti*tu"tion*al*ism (?), n. The theory, principles, or authority of constitutional government; attachment or adherence to a constitution or constitutional government. Carlyle.
Con`sti*tu"tion*al*ist, n. One who advocates a constitutional form of government; a constitutionalist.
Con`sti*tu`tion*al"i*ty (?), n.; pl. -ties (#). [f. F. constitutionalitÚ.] 1. The quality or state of being constitutional, or inherent in the natural frame.
2. The state of being consistent with the constitution or frame of government, or of being authorized by its provisions. Burke.
Constitutionalities, bottomless cavilings and questionings about written laws.
Carlyle.
Con`sti*tu"tion*al*ly (?), adv. 1. In accordance with the constitution or natural disposition of the mind or body; naturally; as, he was constitutionally timid.
The English were constitutionally humane.
Hallam.
2. In accordance with the constitution or fundamental law; legally; as, he was not constitutionally appointed.
Nothing would indue them to acknowledge that [such] an assembly . . . was constitutionally a Parliament.
Macaulay.
Con`sti*tu"tion*ist, n. One who adheres to the constitution of the country. Bolingbroke.
Con"sti*tu`tive (?), a. 1. Tending or assisting to constitute or compose; elemental; essential.
An ingredient and constitutive part of every virtue.
Barrow.
2. Having power to enact, establish, or create; instituting; determining. Sir W. Hamilton.
Con"sti*tu`tive*ly, adv. In a constitutive manner.
Con*strain" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Constrained (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Constraining.] [OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Constringe.] 1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe.
He binds in chains
The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
Dryden.
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
Dryden.