That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile therewith.
Lev. xxii. 8.
De*file"ment (?), n. [Cf. F. défilement. See Defile] (Mil.) The protection of the interior walls of a fortification from an enfilading fire, as by covering them, or by a high parapet on the exposed side.
De*file"ment, n. [From 3d Defile.] The act of defiling, or state of being defiled, whether physically or morally; pollution; foulness; dirtiness; uncleanness.
Defilements of the flesh.
Hopkins.
The chaste can not rake into such filth without danger of defilement.
Addison.
De*fil"er (?), n. One who defiles; one who corrupts or violates; that which pollutes.
De*fil`i*a"tion (?), n. [L. de- + filius son.] Abstraction of a child from its parents. Lamb.
De*fin"a*ble (?), a. [From Define.] Capable of being defined, limited, or explained; determinable; describable by definition; ascertainable; as, definable limits; definable distinctions or regulations; definable words. -- De*fin"a*bly, adv.
De*fine" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defined (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Defining.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. définir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish.] 1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To define controversies." Barrow.
2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Sir I. Newton.
4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Robynson (More's Utopia).