4. (a) One of the divisions of university students in a classification
according to nativity, formerly common in Europe. (b) (Scotch
Universities) One of the four divisions (named from the parts of
Scotland) in which students were classified according to their
nativity.
5. A great number; a great deal; -- by way of emphasis; as, a nation of
herbs. Sterne.
Five nations. See under Five. -- Law of nations. See International law,
under International, and Law.
Syn. -- people; race. See People.
Na"tion*al (?; 277), a. [Cf. F. national.] 1. Of or pertaining to a
nation; common to a whole people or race; public; general; as, a
national government, language, dress, custom, calamity, etc.