Was it not absurd to say that the convention was supreme in the
state, and yet a nullity ?
Macaulay.
Numb (?), a. [OE. nume, nome, prop., seized, taken, p. p. of nimen to
take, AS. niman, p. p. numen. √7. See Nimble, Nomad, and cf.
Benumb.]
1. Enfeebled in, or destitute of, the power of sensation and motion;
rendered torpid; benumbed; insensible; as, the fingers or limbs are
numb with cold. "A stony image, cold and numb." Shak.
2. Producing numbness; benumbing; as, the numb, cold night. [Obs.]
Shak.
Numb, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Numbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Numbing (?).] To
make numb; to deprive of the power of sensation or motion; to render
senseless or inert; to deaden; to benumb; to stupefy.
For lazy winter numbs the laboring hand.
Dryden.
Like dull narcotics, numbing pain.
Tennyson.
Numb"ed*ness (?), n. Numbness. [Obs.] Wiseman.
Num"ber (?), n. [OE. nombre, F. nombre, L. numerus; akin to Gr. &?;
that which is dealt out, fr. &?; to deal out, distribute. See Numb,
Nomad, and cf. Numerate, Numero, Numerous.] 1. That which admits of
being counted or reckoned; a unit, or an aggregate of units; a
numerable aggregate or collection of individuals; an assemblage made up
of distinct things expressible by figures.
2. A collection of many individuals; a numerous assemblage; a
multitude; many.
Ladies are always of great use to the party they espouse, and never
fail to win over numbers.
Addison.
3. A numeral; a word or character denoting a number; as, to put a
number on a door.