5. A blackmailer in politics; also, one whose political influence can
be bought. [Political Cant]
Strik"ing, a. & n. from Strike, v.
Striking distance, the distance through which an object can be reached
by striking; the distance at which a force is effective when directed
to a particular object. -- Striking plate. (a) The plate against which
the latch of a door lock strikes as the door is closed. (b) A part of
the centering of an arch, which is driven back to loosen the centering
in striking it.
Strik"ing, a. Affecting with strong emotions; surprising; forcible;
impressive; very noticeable; as, a striking representation or image; a
striking resemblance. "A striking fact." De Quincey. -- Strik"ing*ly,
adv. -- Strik"ing*ness, n.
Strik"le (?), n. See Strickle.
String (strng), n. [OE. string, streng, AS. streng; akin to D. streng,
G. strang, Icel. strengr, Sw. sträng, Dan. stræng; probably from the
adj., E. strong (see Strong); or perhaps originally meaning, twisted,
and akin to E. strangle.] 1. A small cord, a line, a twine, or a
slender strip of leather, or other substance, used for binding
together, fastening, or tying things; a cord, larger than a thread and
smaller than a rope; as, a shoe string; a bonnet string; a silken
string. Shak.
Round Ormond's knee thou tiest the mystic string.
Prior.
2. A thread or cord on which a number of objects or parts are strung or
arranged in close and orderly succession; hence, a line or series of
things arranged on a thread, or as if so arranged; a succession; a
concatenation; a chain; as, a string of shells or beads; a string of
dried apples; a string of houses; a string of arguments. "A string of
islands." Gibbon.
3. A strip, as of leather, by which the covers of a book are held
together. Milton.
4. The cord of a musical instrument, as of a piano, harp, or violin;
specifically (pl.), the stringed instruments of an orchestra, in
distinction from the wind instruments; as, the strings took up the
theme. "An instrument of ten strings." Ps. xxx. iii. 2.
Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still.
Milton.