Fairy bird (Zoˆl.), the Euoropean little tern (Sterna minuta); --
called also sea swallow, and hooded tern. -- Fairy bluebird. (Zoˆl.)
See under Bluebird. -- Fairy martin (Zoˆl.), a European swallow
(Hirrundo ariel) that builds flask-shaped nests of mud on overhanging
cliffs. -- Fairy rings or circles, the circles formed in grassy lawns
by certain fungi (as Marasmius Oreades), formerly supposed to be caused
by fairies in their midnight dances. -- Fairy shrimp (Zoˆl.), a
European fresh-water phyllopod crustacean (Chirocephalus diaphanus); --
so called from its delicate colors, transparency, and graceful motions.
The name is sometimes applied to similar American species. -- Fairy
stone (Paleon.), an echinite.
Fair"y*land` (?) n. The imaginary land or abode of fairies.
Fair"y*like` (?), a. Resembling a fairy, or what is made or done be
fairies; as, fairylike music.
Faith (fth), n. [OE. feith, fayth, fay, OF. feid, feit, fei, F. foi,
fr. L. fides; akin to fidere to trust, Gr. pei`qein to persuade. The
ending th is perhaps due to the influence of such words as truth,
health, wealth. See Bid, Bide, and cf. Confide, Defy, Fealty.] 1.
Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by
another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity;
reliance on testimony.
2. The assent of the mind to the statement or proposition of another,
on the ground of the manifest truth of what he utters; firm and earnest
belief, on probable evidence of any kind, especially in regard to
important moral truth.
Faith, that is, fidelity, -- the fealty of the finite will and
understanding to the reason.
Coleridge.
3. (Theol.) (a) The belief in the historic truthfulness of the
Scripture narrative, and the supernatural origin of its teachings,
sometimes called historical and speculative faith. (b) The belief in
the facts and truth of the Scriptures, with a practical love of them;
especially, that confiding and affectionate belief in the person and
work of Christ, which affects the character and life, and makes a man a
true Christian, -- called a practical, evangelical, or saving faith.
Without faith it is impossible to please him [God].
Heb. xi. 6.
The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind which is called
"trust" or "confidence" exercised toward the moral character of
God, and particularly of the Savior.
Dr. T. Dwight.
Faith is an affectionate, practical confidence in the testimony of
God.
J. Hawes.
4. That which is believed on any subject, whether in science, politics,
or religion; especially (Theol.), a system of religious belief of any
kind; as, the Jewish or Mohammedan faith; and especially, the system of
truth taught by Christ; as, the Christian faith; also, the creed or
belief of a Christian society or church.
Which to believe of her, Must be a faith that reason without
miracle Could never plant in me.
Shak.
Now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal. i. 23.
5. Fidelity to one's promises, or allegiance to duty, or to a person
honored and beloved; loyalty.
Children in whom is no faith.
Deut. xxvii. 20.
Whose failing, while her faith to me remains, I should conceal.
Milton.
6. Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity; as, he violated his
faith.
For you alone I broke me faith with injured Palamon.
Dryden.