And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters,
and let it divide the waters from the waters.
Gen. i. 6.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament.
Gen. i. 14.
In Scripture, the word denotes an expanse, a wide extent; the great
arch or expanse over out heads, in which are placed the atmosphere and
the clouds, and in which the stars appear to be placed, and are really
seen.
3. (Old Astron.) The orb of the fixed stars; the most rmote of the
celestial spheres.
Fir`ma*men"tal (?), a. Pertaining to the firmament; celestial; being of
the upper regions. Dryden.
Fir"man (? or ?), n.; pl. Firmans (#) or (#). [Pers. fermn.] In Turkey
and some other Oriental countries, a decree or mandate issued by the
sovereign; a royal order or grant; -- generally given for special
objects, as to a traveler to insure him protection and assistance.
[Written also firmaun.]
Firm"er-chis"el (?), n. A chisel, thin in proportion to its width. It
has a tang to enter the handle instead of a socket for receiving it.
Knight.
Firm"i*tude (?), n. [L. firmitudo. See Firm.] Strength; stability.
[Obs.] Bp. Hall.
Firm"i*ty (?), n. [L. firmitas.] Strength; firmness; stability. [Obs.]
Chillingworth.