Fol"low*ing, a. 1. Next after; succeeding; ensuing; as, the assembly
was held on the following day.
2. (Astron.) (In the field of a telescope) In the direction from which
stars are apparently moving (in consequence of the earth's rotation);
as, a small star, north following or south following. In the direction
toward which stars appear to move is called preceding.
The four principal directions in the field of a telescope are north,
south, following, preceding.
Fol"ly (?), n.; pl. Follies (#). [OE. folie, foli, F. folie, fr. fol,
fou, foolish, mad. See Fool.] 1. The state of being foolish; want of
good sense; levity, weakness, or derangement of mind.
2. A foolish act; an inconsiderate or thoughtless procedure; weak or
light-minded conduct; foolery.
What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill.
Shak.
3. Scandalous crime; sin; specifically, as applied to a woman,
wantonness.
[Achan] wrought folly in Israel.
Josh. vii. 15.
When lovely woman stoops to folly.
Goldsmith.