character, including marches, dirges, &c. [Gael. _piobaireachd_,
pipe-music--_piobair_, a piper--piob, a _pipe_, _fear_, a man.]
PICA, p[=i]'ka, _n._ a size of type smaller than _English_ and larger than
_Small pica_, equal to 12 points in the new system of sizes, about 6 lines
to the inch, used by printers as a standard unit of measurement for
thickness and length of leads, rules, borders, &c.--as 6-to-pica or
10-to-pica, according as 6 or 10 leads set together make a line of
pica.--DOUBLE PICA, a size equal to 2 lines of small pica; DOUBLE SMALL
PICA, a size of type giving about 3-1/3 lines to the inch; SMALL PICA, a
size smaller than pica and larger than long-primer, about 11 points;
TWO-LINE PICA, a size of about 3 lines to the inch, equal to 2 lines of
pica, or to 24 points. [_Pie_ (2).]
PICA, p[=i]'ka, _n._ a magpie. [_Pie._]
PICADOR, pik-a-d[=o]r', _n._ a horseman armed with a lance, who commences a
bull-fight by pricking the bull with his weapon. [Sp. _pica_, a pike.]
PICAMAR, pik'a-mär, _n._ the bitter principle of tar. [L. _pix_, pitch,
_amarus_, bitter.]
PICARD, pik'ärd, _n._ a high shoe for men, introduced from France about
1720.
PICAROON, pik-a-r[=oo]n', _n._ one who lives by his wits: a cheat: a
pirate.--_adj._ PICARESQUE'.--PICARESQUE NOVELS, the tales of Spanish rogue
and vagabond life, much in vogue in the 17th century. [Sp.
_picaron_--_pícaro_, a rogue.]
PICAYUNE, pik-a-y[=oo]n', _n._ a small coin worth 6¼ cents, current in
United States before 1857, and known in different states by different names
(_fourpence_, _fippence_, _fip_, _sixpence_, &c.).--_adj._ petty. [Carib.]
PICCADILLY, pik'a-dil-i, _n._ a standing-up collar with the points turned
over, first worn about 1870: a high collar worn in the time of James I.: an
edging of lace on a woman's broad collar (17th century).
PICCALILLI, pik'a-lil-i, _n._ a pickle of various vegetable substances with
mustard and spices.
PICCANINNY, PICKANINNY, pik'a-nin-i, _n._ a little child: an African or
negro child. [Perh. from Sp. _pequeño niño_='little child.']
PICCOLO, pik'[=o]-l[=o], _n._ a flute of small size, having the same
compass as an ordinary flute, while the notes all sound an octave higher
than their notation.--Also _Flauto piccolo_, _Octave flute_, _Ottavino_.
[It.]
PICE, p[=i]s, _n.sing._ and _pl._ a money of account and a copper coin, ¼
anna. [Marathi _paisa_.]
PICEA, p[=i]'s[=e]-a, _n._ a genus of coniferous trees, including the
spruce.
PICEOUS, pish'[=e]-us, _adj._ pitch-black.
PICIFORM, pis'i-form, _adj._ like to, or relating to, the woodpecker.
PICK, pik, _v.t._ to prick with a sharp-pointed instrument: to peck, as a
bird: to pierce: to open with a pointed instrument, as a lock: to pluck or
gather, as flowers, &c.: to separate or pull apart: to clean with the
teeth: to gather: to choose: to select: to call: to seek, as a quarrel: to
steal.--_v.i._ to do anything carefully: to eat by morsels.--_n._ any
sharp-pointed instrument, esp. for loosening and breaking up hard soil,
&c.: a picklock: foul matter collecting on printing-types, &c.: right or
opportunity of first choice.--_n._ PICK'-CHEESE, the blue titmouse: the
fruit of the mallow.--_adj._ PICKED (pikt), selected, hence the choicest or
best: having spines or prickles, sharp-pointed.--_ns._ PICK'EDNESS;
PICK'ER, one who picks or gathers up: one who removes defects from and
finishes electrotype plates: a pilferer; PICK'ING, the act of picking,
selecting, gathering, pilfering: that which is left to be picked: dabbing
in stone-working: the final finishing of woven fabrics by removing burs,
&c.: removing defects from electrotype plates; PICK'LOCK, an instrument for
picking or opening locks; PICK'-ME-UP, a stimulating drink; PICK'POCKET,
one who picks or steals from other people's pockets; PICK'-PURSE, one who
steals the purse or from the purse of another.--_adj._ PICK'SOME, given to
picking and choosing.--_n._ PICK'-THANK, an officious person who does what
he is not desired to do in order to gain favour: a flatterer: a
parasite.--_v.t._ to gain favour by unworthy means.--PICK A HOLE IN ONE'S
COAT, to find fault with one; PICK A QUARREL, to find an occasion of
quarrelling; PICK AT, to find fault with; PICK FAULT, to seek occasions of
fault-finding; PICK OAKUM, to make oakum by untwisting old ropes; PICK OFF,
to aim at and kill or wound, as with a rifle; PICK ONE'S WAY, to move
carefully; PICK OUT, to make out: to mark with spots of colour, &c.; PICK
TO PIECES, to tear asunder: to damage, as character; PICK UP, to improve
gradually: to gain strength bit by bit: to take into a vehicle, or into
one's company: to get as if by chance.--_adj._ gathered together by chance.
[Celt., as Gael. _pioc_, to pick, W. _pigo_; cf. _Pike_.]
PICKABACK, pik'a-bak, _adv._ on the back like a pack.--Also PICK'BACK,
PICK'APACK.
PICKAXE, pik'aks, _n._ a picking tool, with a point at one end of the head
and a cutting blade at the other, used in digging. [M. E. _pikois_--O. Fr.
_picois_, a mattock, _piquer_, to pierce, _pic_, a pick--Celt.]
PICKEER, pi-k[=e]r', _v.i._ (_obs._) to act as a skirmisher.--_n._
PICKEER'ER.
PICKEREL, pik'e-rel, _n._ an American pike: a wading bird, the dunlin.
[_Pike_ + _er_ + _el_.]
PICKET, pik'et, _n._ a pointed stake used in fortification: a small outpost
or guard stationed in front of an army: a number of men sent out by a
trades-union to prevent others from working against the wishes or decisions
of the union: a game at cards: a punishment inflicted by making a person
stand on one foot on a pointed stake.--_v.i._ to fasten to a stake, as a
horse: to post a vanguard: to place a picket at or near.--_ns._
PICK'ET-FENCE, a fence of pickets or pales; PICK'ET-GUARD, a guard kept in
readiness in case of alarm. [Fr. _piquet_, dim. of _pic_, a pickaxe.]
PICKLE, pik'l, _n._ a liquid of salt and water in which flesh and
vegetables are preserved: vinegar, &c., in which articles of food are
preserved: anything pickled: a disagreeable position: (_coll._) a
troublesome child.--_v.t._ to season or preserve with salt, vinegar,
&c.--_ns._ PICK'LE-HERR'ING, a pickled herring: (_obs._) a merry-andrew;
PICK'LE-WORM, the larva of a pyralid moth.--HAVE A ROD IN PICKLE, to have a
punishment ready. [M. E. _pikil_, prob. _pick-le_; Dut. _pekel_; Ger.
_pökel_.]
PICKLE, pik'l, _n._ (_Scot._) a small quantity.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ to eat
sparingly: to pilfer.
PICKWICKIAN, pik-wik'i-an, _adj._ relating to or resembling Mr _Pickwick_,
the hero of Dickens's _Pickwick Papers_.--IN A PICKWICKIAN SENSE, in a
merely hypothetical sense--a phrase by which the members of the Pickwick
Club explained away unparliamentary language.
PICNIC, pik'nik, _n._ a short excursion into the country by a
pleasure-party who take their own provisions with them: an entertainment in
the open air, towards which each person contributes.--_v.i._ to go on a
picnic:--_pr.p._ pic'nicking; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pic'nicked.--_n._
PIC'NICKER. [Prob. _pick_, to nibble, and _nick_, for _knack_, a trifle.]
PICOT, p[=e]-k[=o]', _n._ a loop in an ornamental edging, the front of a
flounce, &c.--_adj._ PICOTTÉ. [Fr.]
PICOTEE, pik-[=o]-t[=e]', _n._ a florist's variety of carnation. [From the
French botanist _Picot_, Baron de la Peyrouse, 1744-1818.]
PICQUET. Same as PIQUET.
PICQUÉ-WORK, p[=e]-k[=a]'-wurk, _n._ decoration by dots or slight
depressions.--Also POUNCED-WORK.
PICRA, pik'ra, _n._ a cathartic powder of aloes and canella. [Gr. _pikros_,
bitter.]
PICRIC, pik'rik, _adj._ carbazotic.--_n._ PIC'R[=A]TE, a salt of picric
acid.--_adj._ PIC'R[=A]TED, mixed with a picrate as in a composition for a
whistling rocket.--_ns._ PIC'R[=I]TE, one of the peridotites or
olivine-rocks; PICROTOX'INE, a bitter poisonous principle in the seeds of
_Cocculus indicus_.--PICRIC ACID, an acid used as a dye for wool, &c. [Gr.
_pikros_, bitter.]
PICT, pikt, _n._ one of an ancient race for 5½ centuries (296-844 A.D.)
inhabiting eastern Scotland, from the Forth to the Pentland Firth, most
probably Celts, but more nearly allied to the Cymry than to the
Gael.--_adj._ PIC'TISH.--PICTISH TOWERS, a name sometimes given to brochs
(q.v.); PICTS' HOUSES, a name popularly given in many parts of Scotland to
rude underground dwellings or earth-houses; PICTS' WORK, a name sometimes
given to the Catrail, the remains of a large earthwork extending for about
fifty miles through the counties of Selkirk and Roxburgh. [L. _picti_, pl.
of pa.p. of _ping[)e]re_, _pictum_, to paint.]
PICTURE, pik't[=u]r, _n._ a painting: a likeness in colours: a drawing:
painting: a resemblance: an image: a vivid verbal description.--_v.t._ to
paint, to represent by painting: to form a likeness of in the mind: to
describe vividly in words.--_n._ PIC'TOGRAPH, a picture or pictorial sign:
a piece of picture-writing.--_adj._ PICTOGRAPH'IC.--_n._
PICTOG'RAPHY.--_adjs._ PICT[=O]'RIAL, PIC'T[=U]RAL, relating to pictures:
illustrated by pictures: consisting of pictures.--_adv._
PICT[=O]'RIALLY.--_ns._ PIC'T[=U]RAL (_Spens._), a picture; PIC'TURE-BOOK,
a book of pictures; PIC'TURE-FRAME, a frame surrounding a picture;
PIC'TURE-GALL'ERY, a gallery, or large room, in which pictures are hung up
for exhibition; PIC'TURE-ROD, a rod running round the upper part of the
wall of a room, from which pictures are hung; PIC'TURE-WRIT'ING, the use of
pictures to express ideas or relate events. [L. _pictura_--_ping[)e]re_,
_pictum_, to paint.]
PICTURESQUE, pik-t[=u]-resk', _adj._ like a picture: such as would make a
good or striking picture: expressing the pleasing beauty of a
picture.--_adv._ PICTURESQUE'LY.--_n._ PICTURESQUE'NESS. [It.
_pittoresco_--_pittura_, a picture--L. _pictura_.]
PICUL, PECUL, pik'ul, _n._ a Chinese weight of about 133-1/3 lb.
PICUS, p[=i]'kus, _n._ a Linnæan genus of woodpeckers.
PIDDLE, pid'l, _v.i._ to deal in trifles: to trifle: to eat with little
relish: to make water.--_n._ PIDD'LER, a trifler.--_adj._ PIDD'LING,
trifling, squeamish. [_Peddle._]
PIDDOCK, pid'ok, _n._ the pholas.
PIDGIN-ENGLISH, pij'in-ing'glish, _n._ a mixture of corrupted English with
Chinese and other words, a sort of _lingua franca_ which grew up between
Chinese on the sea-board and foreigners, as a medium of intercommunication
in business transactions. [_Pidgin_, a Chinese corruption of _business_.]
PIE, p[=i], _n._ a magpie: (_print._) type mixed or unsorted (cf. _Pi_).
[Fr.,--L. _pica_.]
PIE, p[=i], _n._ a book which ordered the manner of performing divine
service: a service-book: an ordinal.--BY COCK AND PIE (_Shak._), a minced
oath=By God and the service-book. [Fr.,--L. _pica_, lit. magpie, from its
old black-letter type on white paper resembling the colours of the magpie.]
PIE, p[=i], _n._ the smallest Indian copper coin, equal to 1/3 of a pice,
or 1/12 of an anna. [Marathi _p[=a]'[=i]_, a fourth.]
PIE, p[=i], _n._ a quantity of meat or fruit baked within a crust of
prepared flour.--A FINGER IN THE PIE (see FINGER); HUMBLE-PIE (see HUMBLE);
MINCE-PIE (see MINCE); PERIGORD PIE, a pie flavoured with truffles,
abundant in _Perigord_ in France. [Perh. Ir. and Gael. _pighe_, pie.]
PIEBALD, PYEBALD, p[=i]'bawld, _adj._ of various colours: having spots and
patches. [For _pie-balled_--_pie_, a magpie, W. _bal_, a streak on a
horse's forehead.]
PIECE, p[=e]s, _n._ a part of anything: a single article: a definite
quantity, as of cloth or paper: an amount of work to be done at one time: a
separate performance: a literary or artistic composition: a gun: a coin: a
man in chess or draughts: a person, generally a woman, in contempt.--_v.t._
to enlarge by adding a piece: to patch.--_v.i._ to unite by a joining of
parts: to join.--_n.pl_. PIECE'-GOODS, cotton, linen, woollen, or silk
fabrics sold retail in varying lengths.--_adj._ PIECE'LESS, not made of
pieces: entire.--_adv._ PIECE'MEAL, in pieces or fragments: by pieces:
little by little: bit by bit: gradually.--_adj._ made of pieces: single:
separate.--_ns._ PIEC'ENER, a piecer; PIEC'ENING, or PIEC'ING, the act of
mending, esp. the joining of the ends of yarn, thread, &c. so as to repair
breaks; PIEC'ER, a boy or girl employed in a spinning-factory to join
broken threads; PIECE'WORK, work done by the piece or quantity rather than
by time.--PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE, principal piece: chief event or performance:
chief dish at a dinner; PIECE OF EIGHT, the Spanish _peso duro_ ('hard
dollar'), bearing the numeral 8, of the value of 8 reals (prob. the sign $
is derived from this); PIECE OUT, to put together bit by bit; PIECE UP, to
patch up.--GIVE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND, to give a rating frankly to any
one's face; OF A PIECE, as if of the same piece, the same in nature, &c.
[O. Fr. _piece_--Low L. _petium_, a piece of land--prob. L. _pes_, _pedis_,
a foot.]
PIED, p[=i]d, _adj._ variegated like a magpie: of various colours:
spotted.--_n._ PIED'NESS.
PIELED, p[=e]ld, _adj._ (_Shak._) peeled, bare, bald.
PIEND, p[=e]nd, _n._ the sharp point or edge of a hammer: a salient angle.
PIEPOWDER, p[=i]'pow-d[.e]r, _n._ an ancient court held in fairs and
markets to administer justice in a rough-and-ready way to all comers--also
_Court of Dusty Foot_.--_adj._ PIE'POWDERED, with dusty feet. [O. Fr.
_piepoudreux_, a hawker, _pied_--L. _pes_, a foot, _poudre_, powder.]
PIER, p[=e]r, _n._ the mass of stone-work between the openings in the wall
of a building: an arch, bridge, &c.: a stone pillar on which the hinges of
a gate are fixed: a mass of stone or wood-work projecting into the sea for
landing purposes: a wharf.--_ns._ PIER'AGE, toll paid for using a pier;
PIER'-GLASS, a mirror hung in the space between windows; PIER'-T[=A]'BLE, a
table fitted for the space between two windows. [O. Fr. _pierre_, a
stone--L. _petra_--Gr. _petra_, a rock.]
PIERCE, p[=e]rs, _v.t._ to thrust or make a hole through: to enter, or
force a way into: to touch or move deeply: to dive into, as a
secret.--_v.i._ to penetrate.--_adj._ PIERCE'ABLE, capable of being
pierced.--_n._ PIERC'ER, one who, or that which, pierces: any sharp
instrument used for piercing: a stiletto.--_adj._ PIERC'ING.--_adv._
PIERC'INGLY.--_n._ PIERC'INGNESS. [O. Fr. _percer_, prob.
_pertuisier_--_pertuis_, a hole--L. _pertund[)e]re_, _pertusum_, to thrust
through.]
PIERIAN, p[=i]-[=e]'ri-an, _adj._ pertaining to the Muses.--_n._ PIER'IDES,
the nine Muses. [L. _Pierius_--Mt. _Pierus_, in Thessaly, the haunt of the
Muses.]
PIERROT, pye-r[=o]', _n._ a buffoon with loose long-sleeved white robe: an
18th-century women's low-cut basque, with sleeves. [Fr.]
PIET, p[=i]'et, _n._ a pie or magpie. [_Pie._]
PIETÀ, p[=e]-[=a]-ta', _n._ a representation of the Virgin embracing the
dead body of Jesus.
PIETRA-DURA, py[=a]'tra-d[=oo]'ra, _n._ Florentine mosaic-work, in which
the inlaid materials are hard stones--jasper, agate, &c.
PIETY, p[=i]'e-ti, _n._ the quality of being pious: reverence for the
Deity, and desire to do His will: love and duty towards parents, friends,
or country: sense of duty: dutiful conduct.--_ns._ P[=I]'ETISM, the
doctrine and practice of the pietists; P[=I]'ETIST, one marked by strong
devotional feeling: a name first applied to a sect of German religious
reformers of deep devotional feeling (end of 17th century).--_adjs._
PIETIST'IC, -AL. [Fr. _piété_--L. _pietas_.]
PIEZOMETER, p[=i]-e-zom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring the
compressibility of liquids. [Gr. _piezein_, to press, _metron_, a measure.]
PIFFERO, pif'e-r[=o], _n._ a form of oboe: an organ-stop.
PIG, pig, _n._ a swine of either gender: an oblong mass of unforged metal,
as first extracted from the ore, so called because it is made to flow when
melted in channels called _pigs_, branching from a main channel called the
_sow_.--_v.i._ to bring forth pigs: to live together like pigs:--_pr.p._
pig'ging; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pigged.--_adjs._ PIG'-EYED, having small dull
eyes with heavy lids; PIG'-FACED, looking like a pig.--_n._ PIG'GERY, a
place where pigs are kept.--_adj._ PIG'GISH, belonging to or like pigs:
greedy, said of persons.--_n._ PIG'GISHNESS.--_adj._ PIG'HEADED, having a
large or ill-formed head: stupidly obstinate.--_ns._ PIG'HEADEDNESS;
PIG'-[=I]'RON, iron in pigs or rough bars; PIG'-LEAD, lead in pigs;
PIG'-NUT (same as EARTH-NUT); PIG'SCONCE, a pigheaded fellow: a blockhead;
PIG'SKIN, the skin of a pig prepared as a strong leather: a saddle;
PIG'-STY, a pen for keeping pigs; PIG'S'-WASH, swill; PIG'S'-WHIS'PER
(_slang_), a low whisper: a very short space of time; PIG'-TAIL, the tail
of a pig: the hair of the head tied behind in the form of a pig's tail: a
roll of twisted tobacco. [A.S. _pecg_; Dut. _bigge_, _big_.]
PIG, pig, _n._ an earthen vessel. [_Piggin_.]
PIGEON, pij'un, _n._ a well-known bird, the dove: any bird of the dove
family.--_adjs._ PIG'EON-BREAST'ED, having a physical deformity, due to
rickets, in which the chest is flattened from side to side, and the sternum
or breast-bone is thrown forward; PIG'EON-HEART'ED, timid: fearful.--_n._
PIG'EON-HOLE, a hole or niche in which pigeons lodge in a dovecot: a
division of a case for papers, &c.--_v.t._ to put into a pigeon-hole: to
lay aside and treat with neglect.--_n._ PIG'EON-HOUSE, a dovecot.--_adj._
PIG'EON-LIV'ERED, timid: cowardly.--_n._ PIG'EONRY, a place for keeping
pigeons.--_adj._ PIG'EON-TOED, having feet like pigeons, peristeropod:
having turned-in toes. [Fr.,--L. _pipio_, _-onis_--_pip[=i]re_, to chirp.]
PIGGIN, pig'in, _n._ a small wooden or earthen vessel. [Gael. _pigean_,
dim. of _pigeadh_, or _pige_, a pot.]
PIGHT, p[=i]t, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to place, to fix.--_adj._ placed, fixed,
determined. [_Pitch_, to place.]
PIGMEAN, pig-m[=e]'an, _adj._ like a pygmy: very small.
PIGMENT, pig'ment, _n._ paint: any substance used for colouring: that which
gives colour to animal and vegetable tissues.--_adjs._ PIGMENT'AL,
PIG'MENTARY.--_n._ PIG'MENT-CELL, a cell which secrets pigment. [L.
_pigmentum_--_ping[)e]re_, to paint.]
PIGMY. Same as PYGMY.
PIGNORATION, pig-n[=o]-r[=a]'shun, _n._ act of giving in pledge: (_law_) a
seizing and detaining of cattle straying and doing damage, till the damage
be made good. [L. _pignus_, _-oris_, a pledge.]
PIKE, p[=i]k, _n._ a sharp point: a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp
head like a spear, formerly used by foot-soldiers: a sharp-pointed hill or
summit: a voracious fresh-water fish (so called from its pointed
snout).--_adj._ PIKED, ending in a point.--_ns._ PIKE'-HEAD, the head of a
pike or spear; PIKE'-KEEP'ER, the keeper of a turnpike; PIKE'LET, a
tea-cake; PIKE'MAN, a man armed with a pike: a man in charge of a turnpike
gate; PIKE'-PERCH, a common percoid fish; PIKE'STAFF, the staff or shaft of
a pike: a staff with a pike at the end. [A.S. _píc_, _piic_, a pike; Dut.
_piek_, Ger. _pike_, _pieke_; or Celt., as Gael. _pìc_, a pike, W. _pig_, a
point.]
PIKE, p[=i]k, _v.i._ to go quickly.--_n._ a turnpike.--_n._ P[=I]'KER, a
tramp.
PILA, p[=i]'la, _n._ in archæology and art, a mortar. [L.]
PILAR, p[=i]'lar, _adj._ hairy.--Also PIL'ARY.
PILASTER, pi-las't[.e]r, _n._ a square column, partly built into, partly
projecting from a wall.--_adj._ PILAS'TERED, furnished with pilasters or
inserted pillars. [Fr. _pilastre_--It. _pilastro_--L. _p[=i]la_, a pillar.]
PILAU, pi-law', _n._ a dish, in origin purely Mohammedan, consisting of
meat or fowl, boiled along with rice and spices.--Also PILLAU', PILAW',
PILAFF', PILOW'. [Pers. _pil[=a]w_, _pilaw_.]
PILCH, pilch, _n._ (_Shak._) a cloak or gown lined with furs: a flannel
cloth or wrap for a child.--_n._ PILCH'ER, one who wears a pilch: a
scabbard. [A.S. _pylce_--Low L. _pellicea_--L. _pellis_, skin.]
PILCHARD, pil'chärd, _n._ a sea-fish like the herring, but thicker and
rounder, caught chiefly on the Cornish coast. [Prob. Celt., Ir. _pilseir_.]
PILE, p[=i]l, _n._ a roundish mass: a heap of separate objects:
combustibles, esp. for burning dead bodies: a large building: a heap of
shot or shell: (_elect._) a form of battery consisting of a number of
dissimilar metal plates laid in pairs one above another, with an acid
solution between them: (_slang_) a large amount of money: a
fortune.--_v.t._ to lay in a pile or heap: to collect in a mass: to heap
up: to fill above the brim.--_n._ P[=I]'LER, one who forms into a
heap.--PILE ARMS, to place three muskets with fixed bayonets so that the
butts remain firm, the muzzles close together pointing obliquely--also
_Stack arms_. [Fr.,--L. _p[)i]la_, a ball.]
PILE, p[=i]l, _n._ a pillar: a large stake driven into the earth to support
foundations: a pyramidal figure in a heraldic bearing.--_v.t._ to drive
piles into.--_ns._ PILE'-DRIV'ER, PILE'-EN'GINE, an engine for driving down
piles; PILE'-DWELL'ING, a dwelling built on piles, a lake-dwelling;
PILE'WORK, work or foundations made of piles; PILE'-WORM, a worm found
eating into the timber of piles and ships: the teredo. [A.S. _píl_--L.
_p[=i]la_, a pillar.]
PILE, p[=i]l, _n._ hair, fur: the nap on cloth, esp. if regular and closely
set.--_v.t._ to furnish with pile, to make shaggy.--_adj._ PILE'-WORN, worn
threadbare. [O. Fr. _peil_, _poil_--L. _p[)i]lus_, a hair.]
PILES, p[=i]lz, _n.pl._ hæmorrhoids. [L. _p[)i]la_, a ball.]
PILEUM, pil'[=e]-um, _n._ (_ornith._) the top of the head from the base of
the bill to the nape--including the forehead or front, the vertex or
corona, and the hindhead or occiput:--_pl._ PIL'[=E]A.
PILEUS, pil'[=e]-us, _n._ a Roman conical cap: (_bot._) the summit of the
stipe bearing the hymenium in some fungi:--_pl._ PIL'EI (-[=i]).--_adjs._
PIL'[=E]ATE, -D, fitted with a cap: having the form of a cap or hat;
PIL'[=E]IFORM.--_n._ PIL[=E]'OLUS, a little pileus:--_pl._ PIL[=E]'OLI. [L.
_pileatus_--_pileus_, a cap of felt.]
PILE-WORT, p[=i]l'-wurt, _n._ a buttercup, the celandine.
PILFER, pil'f[.e]r, _v.i._ to steal small things.--_v.t._ to steal by petty
theft.--_ns._ PIL'FERER; PIL'FERING, PIL'FERY, petty theft.--_adv._
PIL'FERINGLY. [_Pelf._]
PILGARLICK, pil-gar'lik, _n._ a low fellow--perh. because _pilled_ or made
bald by a shameful disease.
PILGRIM, pil'grim, _n._ one who travels to a distance to visit a sacred
place: a wanderer: a traveller: a silk screen formerly attached to the back
of a woman's bonnet to protect the neck: (_slang_) a new-comer.--_adj._ of
or pertaining to a pilgrim: like a pilgrim: consisting of pilgrims.--_ns._
PIL'GRIMAGE, the journey of a pilgrim: a journey to a shrine or other
sacred place: the time taken for a pilgrimage: the journey of life, a
lifetime; PIL'GRIM-BOTT'LE, a flat bottle holed at the neck for a
cord.--PILGRIM FATHERS, the colonists who went to America in the ship
_Mayflower_, and founded New England in 1620; PILGRIM'S SHELL, a
cockle-shell used as a sign that one had visited the Holy Land; PILGRIM'S
STAFF, a long staff which pilgrims carried as a sort of badge. [O. Fr.
_pelegrin_ (Fr. _pèlerin_)--L. _peregrinus_, foreigner,
stranger--_pereger_, a traveller--_per_, through, _ager_, land.]
PILIFORM, pil'i-form, _adj._ slender as a hair.--_adjs._ PILIF'EROUS,
PILIG'EROUS, bearing hairs. [L. _pilus_, a hair, _forma_, form.]
PILING, p[=i]'ling, _n._ the act of piling up: the driving of piles: a
series of piles placed in order: pilework.
PILKINS, pil'kinz, _n._ (_prov._) the naked oat, _Avena nuda_.--Also
PILL'AS, PILL'CORN.
PILL, pil, _n._ a little ball of medicine: anything nauseous which must be
accepted: (_slang_) a doctor: a disagreeable person.--_v.t._ (_slang_) to
blackball.--_n._ PILL'-BOX, a box for holding pills: a kind of one-horse
carriage. [Fr. _pilule_--L. _pilula_, dim. of _p[)i]la_, a ball.]
PILL, pil, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to strip, peel: to deprive of hair.--_n._
(_Spens._) skin. [_Peel._]
PILLAGE, pil'[=a]j, _n._ (_Shak._) act of plundering: plunder: spoil, esp.
taken in war.--_v.t._ to plunder or spoil.--_v.t._ PILL, to rob or
plunder.--_n._ PILL'AGER. [O. Fr.,--_piller_--L. _pil[=a]re_, to plunder.]
PILLAR, pil'ar, _n._ (_archit._) a detached support, differing from a
column in that it is not necessarily cylindrical, or of classical
proportions: one who, or anything that, sustains: something resembling a
pillar in appearance.--_adj._ PILL'ARED, supported by a pillar: having the
form of a pillar.--_ns._ PILL'AR-BOX, a short pillar in a street with
receptacle for letters to be sent by post; PILL'ARIST, PILL'AR-SAINT, a
person in the early church who crucified the flesh by living on the summit
of pillars in the open air, a stylite.--FROM PILLAR TO POST, from one state
of difficulty to another: hither and thither. [O. Fr. _piler_ (Fr.
_pilier_)--Low L. _pilare_--L. _p[=i]la_, a pillar.]
PILLAU, pil-law', _n._ See PILAU.
PILLICOCK, pil'i-kok, _n._ (_Shak._) a term of endearment.
PILLION, pil'yun, _n._ a cushion for a woman behind a horseman: the cushion
of a saddle. [Ir. _pilliun_, Gael. _pillean_, a pad, a
pack-saddle--_peall_, a skin or mat, L. _pellis_, skin.]
[Illustration]
PILLORY, pil'o-ri, _n._ a wooden frame, supported by an upright pillar or
post, and having holes through which the head and hands of a criminal were
put as a punishment, disused in England since 1837.--_vs.t._ PILL'ORY,
PILL'ORISE, to punish in the pillory: to expose to ridicule:--_pa.t._ and
_pa.p._ pill'oried. [O. Fr. _pilori_; ety. dub.; Prov. _espitlori_--Low L.
_speculatorium_, a lookout--L. _specularia_, a window, _speculum_, a
mirror.]
PILLOW, pil'[=o], _n._ a cushion filled with feathers, &c., for resting the
head on: any cushion: a block of metal for bearing the end of a shaft, or
the end of a bowsprit: the socket of a pivot.--_v.t._ to lay or rest on for
support.--_v.i._ to rest the head on a pillow.--_ns._ PILL'OW-BIER, -BEER,
-CASE, -SLIP, a cover which can be drawn over a pillow; PILL'OW-CUP, a last
cup before going to bed.--_adjs._ PILL'OWED, supported by, or provided
with, a pillow; PILL'OWY, like a pillow: soft. [A.S. _pyle_--L.
_pulv[=i]nus_.]
PILLWORM, pil'wurm, _n._ the millipede.
PILOCARPUS, p[=i]-l[=o]-kär'pus, _n._ a shrub about four or five feet high,
slightly branched, the branches erect, a native of Brazil.--_n._
PILOCAR'PINE, an alkaloid isolated from pilocarpus, with sudorific
properties. [Gr. _pilos_, a cap, _karpos_, fruit.]
PILOSE, p[=i]'l[=o]s, _adj._ hairy--also P[=I]'LOUS.--_n._ PILOS'ITY. [L.
_pilosus_--_pilus_, hair.]
PILOT, p[=i]'lut, _n._ the steersman of a ship: one who conducts ships in
and out of a harbour, along a dangerous coast, &c.: a guide.--_v.t._ to
conduct as a pilot: to direct through dangerous places.--_ns._
P[=I]'LOTAGE, the skill of a pilot: the act of piloting: the fee or wages
of pilots; P[=I]'LOT-BOAT, a boat used by pilots for meeting or leaving
ships; P[=I]'LOT-CLOTH, a coarse, stout kind of cloth for overcoats;
P[=I]'LOT-EN'GINE, a locomotive engine sent on before a train to clear its
way, as a pilot; P[=I]'LOT-FISH, a fish of the mackerel family, so called
from its having been supposed to guide sharks to their prey;
P[=I]'LOT-FLAG, the flag hoisted at the fore by a vessel needing a pilot;
P[=I]'LOT-HOUSE, an enclosed place on deck to shelter the steering-gear and
the pilot--also _Wheel-house_; P[=I]'LOT-JACK'ET, a pea-jacket worn by
seamen; P[=I]'LOT-WHALE, the caaing-whale (q.v.). [Fr. _pilote_--Dut.
_piloot_, from _peilen_, to sound, _loot_ (Ger. _loth_, Eng. _lead_), a
sounding-lead.]
PILULE, pil'[=u]l, _n._ a little pill--also PIL'ULA.--_adj._ PIL'ULAR,
pertaining to pills.
PILUM, p[=i]'lum, _n._ the heavy javelin used by Roman
foot-soldiers:--_pl._ P[=I]'LA. [L.]
PILUS, p[=i]'lus, _n._ one of the slender hairs on plants:--_pl._ P[=I]'LI.
[L.]
PIMENTO, pi-men'to, _n._ allspice or Jamaica pepper: the tree producing
it.--Also PIMEN'TA. [Port. _pimenta_--L. _pigmentum_, paint.]
PIMP, pimp, _n._ one who procures gratifications for the lust of others: a
pander.--_v.i._ to pander.--_adjs._ PIMP'ING, petty: mean; PIMP'-LIKE. [Fr.
_pimper_, a nasalised form of _piper_, to pipe, hence to cheat.]
PIMPERNEL, pim'p[.e]r-nel, _n._ a plant of the primrose family, with
reddish flowers--also _Poor man's weather-glass_, _Red chickweed_.--_n._
PIMPINEL'LA, a genus of umbelliferous plants--_anise_, _pimpernel_,
_breakstone_. [Fr. _pimprenelle_ (It. _pimpinella_), either a corr. of a L.
form _bipennula_, double-winged, dim. of _bi-pennis_--_bis_, twice,
_penna_, feather; or from a dim. of L. _pampinus_, a vine-leaf.]
PIMPLE, pim'pl, _n._ a pustule: a small swelling.--_adjs._ PIM'PLED,
PIM'PLY, having pimples. [A.S. _pipel_, nasalised from L. _papula_, a
pustule.]
PIN, pin, _n._ a piece of wood or of metal used for fastening things
together: a peg or nail: a sharp-pointed piece of wire with a rounded head
for fastening clothes: anything that holds parts together: a piece of wood
set up on end to be knocked down by a bowl, as in skittles: a peg used in
musical instruments for fastening the strings: anything of little
value.--_v.t._ to fasten with a pin: to fasten: to enclose: to seize and
hold fast:--_pr.p._ pin'ning; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pinned.--_ns._
PIN'-BUTT'OCK (_Shak._), a sharp, pointed buttock; PIN'CASE, PIN'CUSHION, a
case or cushion for holding pins; PIN'-FEATH'ER, a small or short
feather.--_adj._ PIN'-FEATH'ERED.--_ns._ PIN'-HOLD, a place where a pin is
fixed; PIN'-HOLE, a hole made by a pin: a very small opening; PIN'-MON'EY,
money allowed to a wife by her husband for private expenses, originally to
buy pins; PIN'NER, one who pins or fastens: a pin-maker: a pinafore: a
head-dress with a lappet flying loose; PIN'-POINT, the point of a pin: a
trifle; PIN'TAIL, a genus of ducks, one handsome species of which is a
winter visitor to many parts of the British coast.--_adj._ PIN'TAILED,
having a long, narrow tail.--_n._ PIN'-WHEEL, a contrate wheel in which the
cogs are pins set into the disc: a form of firework constructed to revolve
rapidly while burning.--_v.t._ PIN'WORK, to work flax-yarn on a wooden pin
so as to make it more supple for ease in packing.--PIN-FIRE CARTRIDGE, a
cartridge for breech-loading guns; PINS AND NEEDLES, a feeling as of
pricking under the skin, formication.--IN MERRY PIN, in a merry humour; ON
ONE'S PINS, on one's legs: in good condition. [M. E. _pinne_, like Ir. and
Gael. _pinne_, and Ger. _pinn_, from L. _pinna_ or _penna_, a feather.]
PIN, pin, _n._ an induration of the membranes of the eye, cataract. [A.S.
_pinn_--Low L. _pannus_.]
PIÑA-CLOTH, p[=e]'nya-kloth, _n._ a beautiful fabric made of the fibres of
the leaves of the pine-apple plant.
PINAFORE, pin'a-f[=o]r, _n._ a loose covering of cotton or linen over a
child's dress. [_Pin_ + _afore_.]
PINASTER, pi-nas't[.e]r, _n._ the cluster-pine.
PINCE-NEZ, pangs'-n[=a], _n._ a pair of eye-glasses with a spring for
catching the nose. [Fr.]
PINCERS. Same as PINCHERS.
PINCH, pinsh, _v.t._ to grip hard: to squeeze between two hard or firm
substances: to squeeze the flesh so as to give pain: to nip: to distress:
to gripe.--_v.i._ to act with force: to bear or press hard: to live
sparingly.--_n._ a close compression with the fingers: what can be taken up
between the finger and thumb: an iron bar used as a lever for lifting
weights, rolling wheels, &c.: a gripe: distress: oppression.--_n._
PINCH'COMMONS, a niggard, a miser.--_adj._ PINCHED, having the appearance
of being tightly squeezed: hard pressed by want or cold: narrowed in
size.--_ns._ PINCH'ER, one who, or that which, pinches; PINCH'ERS,
PIN'CERS, an instrument for gripping anything firmly, esp. for drawing out
nails, &c.; PINCH'FIST, PINCH'GUT PINCH'PENNY, a niggard.--_adv._
PINCH'INGLY, in a pinching manner.--AT A PINCH, in a case of necessity;
KNOW WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES, to know where the cause of trouble or
difficulty is. [O. Fr. _pincer_; prob. Teut., cf. Dut. _pitsen_, to pinch.]
PINCHBECK, pinsh'bek, _n._ a yellow alloy of five parts of copper to one of
zinc. [From Chris. PINCHBECK, an 18th-century London watchmaker.]
PINDARI, PINDAREE, pin'dar-[=e], _n._ one of a band of freebooters who,
after the overthrow of the Mogul empire in India, grew (1804-17) to be a
formidable power in the Central Provinces. [Hind.]
PINDARIC, pin-dar'ik, _adj._ after the manner of _Pindar_, one of the first
of Greek lyric poets.--_n._ an ode in imitation of one of Pindar's: an ode
of irregular metre.--_n._ PIN'DARISM, imitation of Pindar.
PINDER, pin'd[.e]r, _n._ one who impounds stray cattle.--Also PIN'NER.
[A.S. _pyndan_, to shut up--_pund._ Cf. _Pen_, v., and _Pound_, to shut
up.]
PINE, p[=i]n, _n._ a northern cone-bearing, evergreen, resinous tree,
furnishing valuable timber.--_adj._ PIN'EAL.--_ns._ PIN'EAL-GLAND, a
rounded body about the size of a pea, of a slightly yellowish colour,
situated upon the anterior pair of corpora quadrigemina, and connected with
the optic thalami by two strands of nerve fibres termed its peduncles;
PINE'-APP'LE, a tropical plant, and its fruit, shaped like a pine-cone;
PINE'-BARR'EN, a level sandy tract growing pines; PINE'-CH[=A]'FER, a
beetle which eats pine-leaves.--_adjs._ PINE'-CLAD, PINE'-CROWNED, clad or
crowned with pine-trees.--_ns._ PINE'-CONE, the cone or strobilus of a
pine-tree; PINE'-FINCH, a small fringilline bird of North America;
PINE'-HOUSE, a pinery; PINE'-NEED'LE, the circular leaf of the pine-tree;
PINE'-OIL, an oil obtained from the resinous exudations of pine and fir
trees; PIN'ERY, a place where pine-apples are raised: a pine forest;
PIN[=E]'TUM, a plantation of pine-trees: a collection of pine-trees for
ornamental purposes; PINE'-WOOD, a wood of pine-trees: pine timber;
PINE'-WOOL, a fibrous substance prepared from the leaves of the pine, and
used for flannels, hosiery, and blankets in hospitals.--_adjs._ P[=I]'NIC,
pertaining to, or obtained from, the pine: noting an acid consisting of the
portion of common resin soluble in cold alcohol; PINIC'OLINE, inhabiting
pine-woods; P[=I]'NY, P[=I]'NEY, abounding in pine-trees.--PINE-TREE MONEY,
silver money coined at Boston in the 17th century, and so called from the
coins bearing the rude figure of a pine-tree on one side. [A.S. _pín_,--L.
_p[=i]nus_ (for _pic-nus_),--_pix_, _picis_, pitch.]
PINE, p[=i]n, _v.i._ to waste away under pain or mental distress: to
languish with longing.--_v.t._ to grieve for: to bewail.--_n._ wasting
pain: weary suffering.--DONE TO PINE, starved to death. [A.S. _pínian_, to
torment--L. _poena_, punishment.]
PINFOLD, pin'f[=o]ld, _n._ a pound or enclosure for cattle.--_v.t._ to
impound. [For _pind-fold_=_pound-fold_.]
PING, ping, _n._ the whistling sound of a bullet.--_v.i._ to produce such a
sound.--_n._ PING'-PONG, a kind of indoor lawn-tennis, played with
battledores or small rackets over a net on a table. [From the sounds made
by the strokes on the ball.]
PINGLE, ping'gl, _v.i._ (_prov._) to eat with feeble appetite: to
dawdle.--_adj._ PING'LING, dawdling, feeble.
PINGUID, ping'gwid, _adj._ fat.--_n._ PING'UITUDE. [L. _pinguis_, fat.]
PINGUIN, pin'gwin, _n._ Same as PENGUIN.
PINION, pin'yun, _n._ a wing: the joint of a wing most remote from the body
of the bird: a small wheel with 'leaves' or teeth working into
others.--_v.t._ to confine the wings of: to cut off the pinion: to confine
by binding the arms. [O. Fr. _pignon_--L. _pinna_ (=_penna_), wing. Cf.
_Pen_, n.]
PINK, pingk, _n._ a boat with a narrow stern.--Also PINK'Y. [Dut.; Ger.
_pinke_.]
PINK, pingk, _v.t._ to stab or pierce, esp. with a sword or rapier: to
decorate by cutting small holes or scallops.--_n._ a stab: an
eyelet.--_adj._ PINKED, pierced or worked with small holes.--_n._
PINK'ING-[=I]'RON, a tool for pinking or scalloping. [Either through A.S.
_pyngan_, from L. _pung[)e]re_, to prick; or acc. to Skeat, a nasalised
form of _pick_.]
PINK, pingk, _n._ a flower of any one of several plants of the genus
_Dianthus_--carnation, &c.: a shade of light-red colour like that of the
flower: a scarlet hunting-coat, also the person wearing such: the minnow,
from the colour of its abdomen in summer: any type or example of excellence
in its kind.--_adj._ of a pink colour.--_n._ PINK'INESS.--_adj._ PINK'ISH,
somewhat pink.--_n._ PINK'-ROOT, the root of the Carolina or Indian pink, a
common vermifuge.--PINK OF PERFECTION, the very highest state of
perfection: an example of highest perfection.--DUTCH PINK, a yellow lake
obtained from quercitron bark: (_slang_) blood. [Prob. a nasalised form of
Celt. _pic_, a point--from the finely notched edges of the petals.]
PINK, pingk, _v.i._ to wink: to half-shut.--_n._ PINK'-EYE, a disease in
horses in which the eye turns somewhat red.--_adj._ PINK'-EYED, having pink
eyes like a rabbit: having small or half-shut eyes.--_adj._ PINK'Y,
winking. [Dut. _pinken_, to wink.]
PINNA, pin'a, _n._ a single leaflet of a pinnate leaf: a wing, fin, or the
like: the auricle of the ear:--_pl._ PINN'Æ.--_adjs._ PINN'ATE, -D, shaped
like a feather: furnished with wings or fins.--_adv._ PINN'ATELY.--_adjs._
PINNAT'IFID, cut as a leaf, half-way down or more, with the divisions
narrow or acute; PINNAT'ISECT (_bot._), pinnately divided; PINN'IFORM, like
a feather or fin: pinnate; PINN'IGRADE, moving by fins--also _n._;
PINN'IPED, PINNAT'IPED, fin-footed, as a bird; PINN'[=U]LATE, -D.--_n._
PINN'[=U]LE, one of the branchlets of a pinnate leaf: one of the lateral
divisions of the finger-like stalks of an encrinite--also
PINN'[=U]LA.--PINNATE LEAF, a compound leaf wherein a single petiole has
several leaflets attached to each side of it. [L. _pinna_, a feather, dim.
_pinnula_.]
PINNACE, pin'[=a]s, _n._ a small vessel with oars and sails: a boat with
eight oars: a man-of-war's boat. [Fr. _pinasse_--It. _pinassa_--L. _pinus_,
a pine.]
[Illustration]
PINNACLE, pin'a-kl, _n._ a slender turret: a high point like a spire: the
highest point of a mountain, &c.--_v.t._ to build with pinnacles: to place
on a pinnacle. [Fr. _pinacle_--Low L. _pinna-culum_, double dim. from L.
_pinna_, a feather.]
PINNER, pin'[.e]r. See PIN.
PINNET, pin'et, _n._ (_Scott_) a pinnacle.
PINNOCK, pin'ok, _n._ the hedge-sparrow.
PINNOED, pin'[=o]d, _adj._ (_Spens._) pinioned.
PINNY, PINNIE, pin'[=i], _n._ a pinafore. [_Pinafore._]
PINNYWINKLE, pin'i-wingk-l, _n._ an ancient form of torture for the
fingers.--Also PINN'IEWINKLE, PIL'NIE-WINKS. [A corr. of _periwinkle_.]
PINT, p[=i]nt, _n._ a measure of capacity=½ quart or 4 gills: (_med._) 12
ounces.--_ns._ PINT'-POT, a pot for holding a pint, esp. a pewter pot for
beer: a seller or drinker of beer; PINT'-STOUP, a vessel for holding a
Scotch pint. [Fr. _pinte_--Sp. _pinta_, mark--L. _picta_, _ping[)e]re_, to
paint.]
PINTADO, pin-tä'do, _adj._ painted, spotted.--_n._ the guinea-fowl: chintz,
applied to all printed goods.
PINTAIL, PIN-WHEEL. See PIN.
PINTLE, pin'tl, _n._ a little pin: a long iron bolt: the bolt or pin on
which the rudder of a ship turns. [Dim. of _pin_.]
PINXIT, pingk'sit, _v.i._ and _v.t._ he or she painted--used in noting the
painter of a picture, as Rubens _pinxit_. [L., 3d sing. perf. indic. of
_ping[)e]re_, to paint.]
PIONED, p[=i]'[=o]-ned, _adj._ (_Shak._) overgrown with marsh-marigolds,
that flower being still called _peony_ around Stratford.
PIONEER, p[=i]-[=o]-n[=e]r', _n._ one of a party of soldiers who clear the
road before an army, sink mines, &c.: one who goes before to prepare the
way for others.--_v.t._ to act as pioneer to.--_ns._ P[=I]'ONER (_Shak._),
a pioneer; P[=I]'ONING (_Spens._), the work of pioneers: military works.
[O. Fr. _peonier_ (Fr. _pionnier_)--pion, a foot-soldier--Low L. _pedo_,
_pedonis_, a foot-soldier--L. _pes_, _pedis_, a foot.]
PIOUS, p[=i]'us, _adj._ showing love, affection, or respect towards
parents: having reverence and love for the DEITY: proceeding from religious
feeling.--_adv._ P[=I]'OUSLY, in a pious manner.--_adj._ P[=I]'OUS-MIND'ED,
of a pious disposition. [Fr. _pieux_--L. _pius_.]
PIP, pip, _n._ a disease of fowls--also called _Roup_. [Low L. _pipita_--L.
_pipuita_, rheum.]
PIP, pip, _n._ the seed of fruit. [_Pippin_.]
PIP, pip, _n._ one of the spots on dice or playing-cards. [Corr. of prov.
_pick_--Fr. _pique_, a spade, at cards.]
PIP, pip, _v.t._ (_slang_) to blackball.
PIP, pip, _v.i._ to chirp, as a young bird.
PIPE, p[=i]p, _n._ a musical wind instrument consisting of a long tube: any
long tube: a tube of clay, &c., with a bowl at one end for smoking tobacco:
a pipeful: the note of a bird: a cask containing two hogsheads.--_v.i._ to
play upon a pipe: to whistle, to chirp: to make a shrill noise.--_v.t._ to
play on a pipe: to call with a pipe, as on board ships: to give forth
shrill notes: to supply with pipes, to convey by pipes.--_ns._ PIP'AGE,
conveyance or distribution by pipes; PIPE'-CASE, a box softly lined to
protect a pipe; PIPE'CLAY, a fine white plastic clay, very like kaolin, but
containing a larger percentage of silica, used for making tobacco-pipes and
fine earthenware.--_v.t._ to whiten with pipeclay: (_slang_) to blot out,
as accounts.--_adj._ PIPED (p[=i]pt), tubulous or fistulous.--_ns._
PIPE'-FISH, a genus of fishes in the same order as the seahorse, having a
long thin body covered with partially ossified plates, the head long, and
the jaws elongated so as to form a tubular snout, hence the name;
PIPE'-LAY'ER; PIPE'-LAY'ING, the laying down of pipes for gas, water, &c.;
PIPE'-OFF'ICE, formerly an office in the Court of Exchequer in which the
clerk of the pipe made out crown-land leases; PIP'ER; PIPE'-ROLL, a
pipe-like roll, the earliest among the records of the Exchequer;
PIPE'-ST[=A]'PLE, the stalk of a tobacco-pipe: a stalk of grass;
PIPE'-STICK, the wooden tube used as the stem of some tobacco-pipes;
PIPE'-TONGS, an implement for holding or turning metal pipes or
pipe-fittings; PIPE'-TREE, the lilac; PIPE'-WINE (_Shak._), wine drawn from
the cask, as distinguished from bottled wine; PIPE'-WRENCH, a wrench with
one movable jaw, both so shaped as to bite together when placed on a pipe
and rotated round it.--PIPE DOWN, to dismiss from muster, as a ship's
company; PIPE OFF, to watch a house or person for purposes of theft; PIPE
ONE'S EYE, to weep.--DRUNK AS A PIPER, very drunk; PAY THE PIPER, to bear
the expense. [A.S. _pípe_; Dut. _pijp_, Ger. _pfeife_.]
PIPERACEOUS, pip-e-r[=a]'shi-us, _adj._ pertaining to the PIPER[=A]'CEÆ,
the pepper family.--_adj._ PIPER'IC, produced from such plants.--_n._
PIP'ERINE, an alkaloid found in pepper. [L. _piper_, pepper.]
PIPETTE, pi-pet', _n._ a small tube for removing small portions of a fluid
from one vessel to another. [Fr.]
PIPI, p[=e]'p[=e], _n._ the astringent pods of _Cæsalpinia pipai_, a
Brazilian plant used in tanning.
PIPING, p[=i]'ping, _adj._ uttering a weak, shrill, piping sound, like the
sick: sickly: feeble: boiling.--_n._ act of piping: sound of pipes: a
system of pipes for any purpose: small cord used as trimming for dresses,
&c.: a slip or cutting taken from a plant with a jointed stem.
PIPISTREL, PIPISTRELLE, pip-is-trel', _n._ a small reddish-brown bat. [Fr.]
PIPIT, pip'it, _n._ a genus of birds resembling larks in plumage and
wagtails in habits, the most common British species being the titlark.
PIPKIN, pip'kin, _n._ a small earthen pot. [_Pipe_.]
PIPPIN, pip'in, _n._ a kind of apple. [O. Fr. _pepin_--L. _pepo_--Gr.
_pep[=o]n_, a melon.]
PIPUL, pip'ul, _n._ the sacred fig-tree.--Also PIP'AL, PIPP'UL-TREE,
PEEP'UL-TREE. [Hind.]
PIPY, p[=i]'pi, _adj._ like a pipe: tubular.
PIQUANT, p[=e]'kant, _adj._ stimulating to the taste: of a lively
spark.--_n._ PIQ'UANCY.--_adv._ PIQ'UANTLY. [Fr. _piquant_, pr.p. of
_piquer_, to prick.]
PIQUE, p[=e]k, _n._ an offence taken: a feeling of anger or vexation caused
by wounded pride: spite: nicety: punctilio.--_v.t._ to wound the pride of:
to offend: to pride or value (one's self):--_pr.p._ piq'uing; _pa.t._ and
_pa.p._ piqued. [Fr. _pique_, a pike, pique; cf. _Pick_ and _Pike_.]
PIQUÉ, p[=e]-k[=a]', _n._ a heavy cotton fabric having a surface corded or
with a raised lozenge pattern: a similar pattern produced by quilting with
the needle.--_n._ PIQUÉ-WORK. [Fr.]
PIQUET. Same as PICKET.
PIQUET, pi-ket', _n._ a game at cards.--_n._ PIQUE, in piquet, the scoring
of 30 points in one hand before the other side scores at all. [_Picket_.]
PIRAGUA, pi-rä'gwä. Same as PERIAGUA.
PIRATE, p[=i]'r[=a]t, _n._ one who, without authority, attempts to capture
ships at sea: a sea-robber: an armed vessel which, without legal right,
plunders other vessels at sea: one who steals or infringes a
copyright.--_v.t._ to rob at sea: to take without permission, as books or
writings.--_n._ P[=I]'RACY, the crime of a pirate: robbery on the high
seas: infringement of copyright.--_adjs._ PIRAT'IC, -AL, pertaining to a
pirate: practising piracy.--_adv._ PIRAT'ICALLY. [Fr.,--L. _pirata_--Gr.
_peirat[=e]s_--_peiraein_, to attempt.]
PIRIFORM, pir'i-form, _adj._ pear-shaped.
PIRN, pirn, _n._ anything that revolves or twists: a reel, bobbin, &c.: the
amount of thread wound on a shuttle or reel.
PIRNIE, pir'ni, _n._ (_Scot._) a striped woollen nightcap.
PIROGUE, pi-r[=o]g'. See PERIAGUA.
PIROUETTE, pir-[=oo]-et', _n._ a wheeling about, esp. in dancing: the
whirling round of a horse on the same ground.--_v.i._ to execute a
pirouette. [Fr.]
PISCES, pis'[=e]z, _n._ the Fishes, the twelfth sign of the zodiac.--_ns._
PIS'CARY, right of fishing in another man's waters; PISCATOL'OGY, the
scientific study of fishes; PISC[=A]'TOR, an angler:--_fem._
PISC[=A]'TRIX.--_adj._ PISCAT[=O]'RIAL, relating to fishes or fishing: fond
of fishing--also PIS'CATORY.--_n._ PIS'CICAPTURE, the taking of
fish.--_adjs._ PISCIC'OLOUS, parasitic upon fishes; PISCICUL'TURAL,
pertaining to pisciculture.--_ns._ PIS'CICULTURE, the rearing of fish by
artificial methods; PIS'CICULTURIST, a fish-culturist.--_adjs._ PIS'CIFORM,
in shape like a fish: having the form of a fish; PIS'CINE, pertaining to
fishes; PISCIV'OROUS, feeding on fishes. [L. _piscis_, a fish.]
[Illustration]
PISCINA, pis-[=i]'na, _n._ a basin or tank, esp. one for holding fishes or
for growing water-plants: a fish-pond: (_archit._) a basin or sink on the
south side of the altar in old churches, into which is emptied water used
in washing any of the sacred vessels.--_adj._ PIS'CINAL, belonging to a
fish-pond. [L., a fish-pond, a cistern--_piscis_, a fish.]
PISÉ, p[=e]-z[=a]', _n._ stiff earth or clay rammed down to form walls or
floors. [Fr.]
PISH, pish, _interj._ expressing contempt. [Imit.]
PISIFORM, p[=i]'si-form, _adj_. pea-shaped. [L. _pisum_, pea, _forma_,
shape.]
PISMIRE, pis'm[=i]r, _n._ an ant or emmet. [_Piss_, from the strong smell
of the ant-hill, A.S. _mire_, ant.]
PISOLITE, p[=i]'s[=o]-l[=i]t, _n._ a coarse oolite or concretionary
limestone in large globules.--_adj._ PISOLIT'IC. [Gr. _pisos_, pea,
_lithos_, stone.]
PISS, pis, _v.i._ to discharge urine or make water.--_ns._ PISS'-A-BED
(_prov._), the dandelion; PISS'ASPHALT, PIS'OPHALT, a variety of bitumen;
PISS'-POT, a chamber-pot. [Fr. _pisser_; imit.]
PISTACHIO, pis-t[=a]'shi-[=o], _n._ the almond-flavoured pistachio-nut, the
fruit of the PIST[=A]'CHIA, a small genus of trees of the cashew family,
native to western Asia. [It.,--L. _pistacium_--Gr. _pistakion_--Pers.
_pist[=a]_.]
PISTAREEN, pis-ta-r[=e]n', _n._ in West Indies, the peseta.
PISTIL, pis'til, _n._ (_bot._) the female organ in the centre of a flower,
consisting of three parts--_ovary_, _style_, and _stigma_.--_adjs._
PISTILL[=A]'CEOUS, PIS'TILLARY, growing on a pistil: pertaining to, or
having the nature of, a pistil; PIS'TILL[=A]TE, having a pistil: having a
pistil only; PISTILLIF'EROUS, bearing a pistil without stamens. [Fr.,--L.
_pistillum_, a pestle.]
PISTOL, pis'tol, _n._ a small hand-gun, held in one hand when
fired.--_v.t._ to shoot with a pistol.--_ns._ PISTOLEER', one armed with a
pistol; PIS'TOLET, a little pistol; PIS'TOL-SHOT. [O. Fr. _pistole_--It.
_pistola_, said to be from _Pistoja_ (orig. _Pistola_), a town in Italy.]
PISTOLE, pis't[=o]l, _n._ a Spanish gold coin=about 16 shillings. [Same as
above.]
PISTON, pis'tun, _n._ a circular plate of metal, or other material, used in
pumps, steam-engines, &c., fitting and moving up and down within a tube or
hollow cylinder.--_n._ PIS'TON-ROD, the rod to which the piston is fixed,
and which moves up and down with it. [Fr.,--It. _pistone_--_pesto_, to
pound--L. _pins[)e]re_, _pistum_.]
PIT, pit, _n._ a hole in the earth: a place whence minerals are dug: the
bottomless pit: the grave: the abode of evil spirits: a hole used as a trap
for wild beasts: the hollow of the stomach, or that under the arm at the
shoulder: the indentation left by smallpox: the ground-floor of a theatre:
an enclosure in which cocks fight: the shaft of a mine.--_v.t._ to mark
with little hollows: to lay in a pit: to set in competition:--_pr.p._
pit'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pit'ted.--_ns._ PIT'-COAL, coal dug from a
pit--not _charcoal_; PIT'-FRAME, the framework round a mine-shaft;
PIT'-HEAD, the ground at the mouth of a pit, and the machinery, &c., on it;
PIT'MAN, a man who works in a coal-pit or a saw-pit, esp. the man who works
the pumping machinery in the shaft of a mine: (_mach._) a rod connecting a
rotary with a reciprocating part.--_adj._ PIT'TED, marked with small
pits.--_ns._ PIT'TING, the act of digging, or of placing in, a pit: a group
of pit-marks: a corrosion of the inside of steam-boilers, &c.;
PIT'-VILL'AGE, a group of miners' houses near a pit. [A.S. _pyt_,
_pytt_--L. _puteus_, a well.]
PITAKA, pit'a-ka, _n._ a collection of Buddhist scriptures, as made in
Tibet. [Sans., 'basket.']
PITAPAT, pit'a-pat, _adv._ with palpitation or quick beating.--_adj._
fluttering.--_n._ a light, quick step: a succession of light taps.--_v.i._
to step or tread quickly.
PITCH, pich, _n._ the solid black shining substance obtained by boiling
down common tar.--_v.t._ to smear with pitch.--_adjs._ PITCH'-BLACK,
PITCH'-DARK, dark as pitch: very dark.--_ns._ PITCH'-BLENDE, a black oxide
of uranium; PITCH'-COAL, a kind of bituminous coal: jet; PITCH'INESS, state
or quality of being pitchy; PITCH'-PINE, a kind of pine which yields pitch,
and is much used in America as fuel; PITCH'-PLAS'TER, a plaster of Burgundy
or white pitch; PITCH'-STONE, an old volcanic-like hardened pitch;
PITCH'-TREE, the kauri pine, the Amboyna pine, or the Norway
spruce.--_adj._ PITCH'Y, having the qualities of pitch: smeared with pitch:
black like pitch: dark: dismal. [A.S. _pic_--L. _pix_, _pic-is_.]
PITCH, pich, _v.t._ to thrust or fix in the ground: to fix or set in array:
to fix the rate or price: to fling or throw: (_mus._) to set the keynote
of.--_v.i._ to settle, as something pitched: to come to rest from flight:
to fall headlong: to fix the choice: to encamp: to rise and fall, as a
ship.--_n._ a throw or cast from the hand: any point or degree of elevation
or depression: degree: degree of slope: a descent: the height of a note in
speaking or in music: (_mech._) distance between the centres of two teeth
in a wheel or a saw, or between the threads of a screw measured parallel to
the axis.--_ns._ PITCHED'-BATT'LE, a battle in which the contending parties
have fixed positions: a battle previously arranged for on both sides;
PITCH'ER; PITCH'-FAR'THING, chuck-farthing; PITCH'FORK, a fork for pitching
hay, &c.: a tuning-fork.--_v.t._ to lift with a pitchfork: to throw
suddenly into any position.--_ns._ PITCH'ING, the act of throwing: a facing
of stone along a bank to protect against the action of water; PITCH'PIPE, a
small pipe to pitch the voice or tune with.--PITCH AND PAY (_Shak._), pay
down at once, pay ready-money; PITCH AND TOSS, a game in which coins are
thrown at a mark, the person who throws nearest having the right of
_tossing_ all the coins, and keeping those which come down head uppermost;
PITCH IN, to begin briskly; PITCH INTO, to assault. [A form of _pick_.]
PITCHER, pich'[.e]r, _n._ a vessel for holding water, &c.--_n._
PITCH'ER-PLANT, a plant with leaves shaped like a pitcher or
ascidium--_Nepenthes_, &c.--PITCHERS HAVE EARS, there may be listeners. [O.
Fr. _picher_--Low L. _picarium_, a goblet--Gr. _b[=i]kos_, a wine-vessel,
an Eastern word.]
PITEOUS, pit'e-us, _adj._ showing or feeling pity: fitted to excite pity:
mournful: compassionate: paltry.--_adv._ PIT'EOUSLY.--_n._ PIT'EOUSNESS.
[O. Fr. _pitos_, _piteus_. Cf. _Pity_.]
PITFALL, pit'fawl, _n._ a pit slightly covered, so that wild beasts may
fall into it: any concealed danger.
PITH, pith, _n._ the marrow or soft substance in the centre of the stems of
dicotyledonous plants: force or energy: importance: condensed substance:
quintessence.--_n._ PITH'-BALL, a pellet of pith.--_adv._ PITH'ILY.--_n._
PITH'INESS.--_adj._ PITH'LESS, wanting pith, force, or energy.--_n._
PITH'-P[=A]'PER, a thin sheet cut from pith for paper: rice-paper.--_adj._
PITH'Y, full of pith: forcible: strong: energetic. [A.S. _pitha_; Dut.
_pit_, marrow.]
PITHECUS, pi-th[=e]'kus, _n._ a name formerly used by zoologists for
various groups of apes and monkeys.--_ns._ PITHECANTHR[=O]'PI, hypothetical
ape-men; PITH[=E]'CIA, the genus of South American monkeys which includes
the _Sakis_ and allied species.--_adj._ PITH[=E]'COID. [L.,--Gr.
_pith[=e]kos_, an ape.]
PITHOS, pith'os, _n._ a large spheroid Greek earthenware vase. [Gr.]
PIT-MIRK, pit'-m[.e]rk, _adj._ (_Scot._) dark as pitch.
PITRI, pit'r[=e], _n.pl._ the deceased ancestors of a man: in Hindu
mythology, an order of divine beings inhabiting celestial regions of their
own, and receiving into their society the spirits of those mortals for whom
funeral rites have been duly performed. [Sans., 'father,' pl. _pitaras_.]
PITSAW, pit'saw, _n._ a large saw for cutting timber, worked by the
_pit-sawyer_ in the pit below the log and the _top-sawyer_ on the log.
PITTACAL, pit'a-kal, _n._ a blue substance obtained from wood-tar oil and
used in dyeing. [Gr. _pitta_, pitch, _kalos_, beautiful.]
PITTANCE, pit'ans, _n._ an allowance of food or drink: a dole: a very small
portion or quantity. [Fr. _pitance_, an allowance of food in a
monastery--Low L. _pietantea_--L. _pietas_, pity.]
PITUITARY, pit'[=u]-i-t[=a]-ri, _adj._ mucous--also PIT'[=U]ITAL,
PIT'[=U]ITOUS.--_ns._ PIT[=U][=I]'TA, PIT'UITE, phlegm.--PITUITARY BODY, a
rounded body of the size of a small bean, situated in the sella turcica in
the sphenoid bone on the floor of the cavity of the skull. [L.
_pituitarius_--_pituita_, mucus.]
PITY, pit'i, _n._ a strong feeling for or with the sufferings of others:
sympathy with distress: a cause or source of pity or grief.--_v.t._ to feel
pity with: to sympathise with:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pit'ied.--_adj._
PIT'IABLE, deserving pity: affecting: wretched.--_n._
PIT'IABLENESS.--_adv._ PIT'IABLY.--_n._ PIT'IER, one who pities.--_adj._
PIT'IFUL, feeling pity: compassionate: exciting pity: sad:
despicable.--_adv._ PIT'IFULLY.--_n._ PIT'IFULNESS.--_adj._ PIT'ILESS,
without pity: cruel.--_adv._ PIT'ILESSLY.--_n._ PIT'ILESSNESS.--_adv._
PIT'YINGLY, in a pitying manner.--IT PITIETH ME, YOU, THEM, &c. (_Pr.
Bk._), it causeth pity in me, you, them, &c. [O. Fr. _pite_ (Fr. _pitié_,
It. _pietà_)--L. _pietas_, _pietatis_--_pius_, pious.]
PITYRIASIS, pit-i-r[=i]'a-sis, _n._ the term given to certain of the
squamous or scaly diseases of the skin, in which there is a continual
throwing off of bran-like scales of epidermis.--_adj._ PIT'YROID,
bran-like. [Gr. _pityron_, bran.]
PIÙ, p[=u], _adv._ more.--PIÙ ALLEGRO, quicker. [It.]
PIVOT, piv'ut, _n._ the pin on which anything turns: the officer or soldier
at the flank upon whom a company wheels: that on which anything depends or
turns.--_adj._ PIV'OTAL, of the nature of a pivot: acting as a pivot.--_n._
PIV'OT-BRIDGE, a form of swing-bridge moving on a vertical pivot.--_adj._
PIV'OTED, furnished with a pivot or pivots.--_ns._ PIV'OT-GEAR'ING, a
system of gearing permitting the driving-shaft to be swivelled so as to set
the machine in any direction with relation to the power; PIV'OT-GUN, a gun
mounted on a pivot, so as to be able to turn in any direction; PIV'OTING,
the pivot-work in machines; PIV'OT-MAN, the soldier or officer who acts as
a pivot (see PIVOT). [Fr. dim. of It. _piva_, a pipe, a peg, a pin--Low L.
_pipa_.]
PIX, piks, _n._ Same as PYX.
PIXY, PIXIE, pik'si, _n._ a small Devonshire fairy.--_adj._ PIX'Y-LED,
bewildered.--_ns._ PIX'Y-RING, a fairy-ring, a well-marked ring of a
different kind of grass, common on meadows and heaths; PIX'Y-STOOL, a
toadstool or mushroom. [_Puck_.]
PIZE, p[=i]z, _n._ a term used in execration, like _pox_.
PIZZICATO, pit-si-kä'to, _adj._ a phrase used in music for the violin or
violoncello, to denote that here the strings are to be twitched with the
fingers in the manner of a harp or guitar. [It.,--_pizzicare_, to twitch.]
PIZZLE, piz'l, _n._ the penis of an animal, as a bull. [Low Ger. _pesel_.]
PLACABLE, pl[=a]'ka-bl, or plak'a-bl, _adj._ that may be appeased:
relenting: willing to forgive.--_ns._ PLACABIL'ITY,
PL[=A]'CABLENESS.--_adv._ PL[=A]'CABLY.--_v.t._ PL[=A]'C[=A]TE, to
conciliate.--_n._ PLAC[=A]'TION, propitiation.--_adj._ PL[=A]'CATORY,
conciliatory. [L. _placabilis_--_plac[=a]re_, to appease, akin to
_plac[=e]re_, to please.]
PLACARD, plak'ärd, or pl[=a]-kärd', _n._ a written or printed paper stuck
upon a wall as an advertisement, &c.: a public proclamation: the woodwork
and frame of the door of a closet and the like.--_v.t._ PLACARD
(pl[=a]-kärd', or plak'ärd), to publish or notify by placards. [Fr.
_placard_, a bill stuck on a wall--_plaque_, plate, tablet; acc. to Diez,
from Dut. _plak_, a piece of flat wood.]
PLACCATE, plak'[=a]t, _n._ See PLACKET.
PLACE, pl[=a]s, _n._ a broad way in a city: an open space used for a
particular purpose: a particular locality: a town: room to dwell, sit, or
stand in: the position held by anybody, employment, office, a situation: a
mansion with its grounds: proper position or dignity, priority in such:
stead: passage in a book: a topic, matter of discourse: in sporting
contests, position among the first three.--_v.t._ to put in any place or
condition: to find a home for: to settle: to lend: invest: to
ascribe.--_n._ PLACE'-HUNT'ER, one who seeks eagerly official position or
public office.--_adj._ PLACE'LESS, without place or office.--_ns._
PLACE'MAN, one who has a place or office under a government:--_pl._
PLACE'MEN; PLACE'MENT, placing or setting; PLACE'-MONG'ER, one who traffics
in appointments to places; PLACE'-NAME, the name of a place or locality: a
local name; PLAC'ER.--GIVE PLACE, to make room, to yield; HAVE PLACE, to
have existence; IN PLACE, in position: opportune; OUT OF PLACE,
inappropriate, unseasonable; TAKE PLACE, to come to pass: to take
precedence of. [Fr.,--L. _platea_, a broad street--Gr. _plateia_, a
street--_platys_, broad.]
PLACEBO, pl[=a]-s[=e]'bo, _n._ in the R.C. service of vespers for the dead
the name of the first antiphon, which begins with the word: a medicine
given to humour or gratify a patient rather than to exercise any curative
effect. [L., 'I will please'--_plac[=e]re_, to please.]
PLACENTA, pla-sen'ta, _n._ the structure which unites the unborn mammal to
the womb of its mother and establishes a nutritive connection between them:
(_bot._) the portion of the ovary which bears the ovules:--_pl._
PLACEN'TÆ.--_adj._ PLACEN'TAL.--_n.pl._ PLACENT[=A]'LIA, placental
mammals.--_adjs._ PLACENT[=A]'LIAN; PLACEN'TARY, pertaining to, or having,
a placenta.--_n._ a mammal having a placenta.--_adjs._ PLACEN'TATE,
PLACENTIF'EROUS.--_ns._ PLACENT[=A]'TION, the mode in which the placenta is
formed and attached to the womb; PLACENT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the
placenta. [L., a flat cake, akin to Gr. _plakous_, a flat cake, from
_plax_, _plak-os_, anything flat.]
PLACER, plas'er, _n._ a place where the superficial detritus is washed for
gold, &c.: hence any place holding treasures. [Sp.]
PLACET, pl[=a]'set, _n._ a vote of assent in a governing body: permission
given, esp. by a sovereign, to publish and carry out an ecclesiastical
order, as a papal bull or edict. [L., 'it pleases,' 3d sing. pres. indic.
of _plac[=e]re_, to please.]
PLACID, plas'id, _adj._ gentle: peaceful.--_ns._ PLACID'ITY,
PLAC'IDNESS.--_adv._ PLAC'IDLY. [Fr.,--L. _placidus_--_plac[=e]re_, to
please.]
PLACITORY, plas'i-t[=o]-ri, _adj._ of or relating to pleas or pleading in
courts of law.
PLACITUM, plas'i-tum, _n._ a public assembly in the Middle Ages, presided
over by the sovereign, to consult on affairs of state: a resolution of such
an assembly:--_pl._ PLAC'ITA. [L., from _plac[=e]re_, to please.]
PLACK, plak, _n._ a small copper coin formerly current in Scotland, equal
in value to the third part of an English penny.--_adj._ PLACK'LESS,
penniless. [O. Fr. _plaque_, a plate.]
PLACKET, plak'et, _n._ (_Shak._) the slit in a petticoat: a
petticoat--hence, a woman: a placcate or additional plate of steel on the
lower half of the breast-plate, or back-plate: a leather jacket
strengthened with strips of steel. [Fr. _plaquet_--_plaquer_, to clap on.]
PLACODERM, plak'o-d[.e]rm, _adj._ noting an order of fossil fishes having
their skin covered with bony plates. [Gr. _plax_, _plakos_, anything flat,
_derma_, skin.]
PLACOID, plak'oid, _adj._ plate-like.--PLACOID FISHES, an order of fishes
having placoid scales, irregular plates of hard bone, not imbricated, but
placed near together in the skin. [Gr. _plax_, _plakos_, anything flat and
broad, _eidos_, form.]
PLACULA, plak'[=u]-la, _n._ a little plate or plaque.--_adjs._ PLAC'ULAR,
PLAC'UL[=A]TE.
PLAFOND, pla-fond', _n._ the ceiling of a room, any soffit. [Fr.]
PLAGAL, pl[=a]'gal, _adj._ in Gregorian music, denoting a mode or melody in
which the final is in the middle of the compass instead of at the
bottom--opp. to _Authentic_. [Gr. _plagios_, sidewise--_plagos_, a side.]
PLAGIARISE, pl[=a]'ji-ar-[=i]z, _v.t._ to steal from the writings or ideas
of another.--_ns._ PL[=A]'GIARISM, the act or practice of plagiarising;
PL[=A]'GIARIST, one who plagiarises; PL[=A]'GIARY, one who steals the
thoughts or writings of others and gives them out as his own: the crime of
plagiarism.--_adj._ practising literary theft. [Fr. _plagiaire_--L.
_plagiarius_, a kidnapper--_plaga_, a net.]
PLAGIOCLASE, pl[=a]'ji-[=o]-kl[=a]z, _n._ a group of triclinic feldspars
whose cleavage planes are not at right angles to each other.--_adj._
PLAGIOCLAS'TIC. [Gr. _plagios_, oblique, _klasis_, a fracture.]
PLAGIODONT, pl[=a]'ji-[=o]-dont, _adj._ having the teeth oblique.
PLAGIOSTOME, pl[=a]'ji-[=o]-st[=o]m, _n._ a plagiostomous fish, one of the
PLAGIOS'TOMI, a division of fishes, including sharks and rays.--_adjs._
PLAGIOSTOM'ATOUS, PLAGIOS'TOMOUS.
PLAGIOTROPISM, pl[=a]-ji-ot'r[=o]-pizm, _n._ a mode of turning of the
organs of plants in the direction of gravitation or of the ray of
light.--_adj._ PLAGIOTROP'IC.--_adv._ PLAGIOTROP'ICALLY. [Gr. _plagios_,
oblique, _tropos_, a turning.]
PLAGIUM, pl[=a]'ji-um, _n._ the crime of kidnapping.
PLAGUE, pl[=a]g, _n._ any great natural evil: a deadly disease or
pestilence: a very troublesome person or thing, esp. a malignant kind of
contagious fever, prevailing epidemically, characterised by buboes, or
swellings of the lymphatic glands, by carbuncles and petechiæ.--_v.t._ to
infest with disease or trouble: to harass or annoy:--_pr.p._ pl[=a]g'uing;
_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pl[=a]gued.--_ns._ PLAGUE'-MARK, -SPOT, a mark or spot
of plague or foul disease: a place where disease is constantly present;
PLAG'UER, one who plagues, vexes, or annoys; PLAGUE'-SORE.--_adv._
PLAG'UILY, vexatiously.--_adj._ PLAGUY (pl[=a]'gi), vexatious: (_Shak._)
troublesome.--_adv._ vexatiously.--PLAGUE ON, may a curse rest on.--BE AT
THE PLAGUE, to be at the trouble. [O. Fr. _plague_--L. _plaga_, a blow; Gr.
_pl[=e]g[=e]_.]
PLAICE, pl[=a]s, _n._ a broad, flat fish, in the same genus as the
flounder. [O. Fr. _plaïs_ (Fr. _plie_)--Low L. _platessa_, a flat fish--Gr.
_platys_, flat.]
PLAID, plad, or pl[=a]d, _n._ a loose outer garment of woollen cloth, often
of a tartan, or coloured striped pattern, a special dress of the
Highlanders of Scotland.--_adj._ like a plaid in pattern or
colours.--_adj._ PLAID'ED, wearing a plaid: made of plaid cloth.--_n._
PLAID'ING, a strong woollen twilled fabric. [Gael. _plaide_, a blanket,
contr. of _peal-laid_, a sheepskin--_peall_, a skin, cog. with L. _pellis_,
Eng. _fell_.]
PLAIN, pl[=a]n, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to complain: to lament.--_ns._ PLAIN'ANT,
one who complains: a plaintiff; PLAIN'ING (_Shak._), complaint. [O. Fr.
_pleigner_ (Fr. _plaindre_)--L. _plang[)e]re_, to lament.]
PLAIN, pl[=a]n, _adj._ without elevations, even, flat: level, smooth,
without obstructions: free from difficulties, easy, simple: without
ornament or beauty, homely: artless: sincere: evident, unmistakable: mere:
not coloured, figured, or variegated: not highly seasoned, natural, not
cooked or dressed: not trumps at cards.--_n._ an extent of level land: an
open field.--_adv._ clearly: distinctly.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to make
plain.--_n.pl._ PLAIN'-CLOTHES, clothes worn by an officer when off duty or
not in uniform.--_ns._ PLAIN'-COOK, one able to cook all ordinary dishes;
PLAIN'-DEAL'ER, one who deals or speaks his mind plainly.--_adj._
PLAIN'-DEAL'ING, speaking or acting plainly, candid.--_n._ candid speaking
or acting, sincerity.--_adj._ PLAIN'-HEART'ED, having a plain or honest
heart: sincere.--_n._ PLAIN'-HEART'EDNESS.--_adv._ PLAIN'LY.--_ns._
PLAIN'NESS; PLAIN'-SONG, the music of a recitative-like character and sung
in unison, used in the Christian Church of the West from the earliest
times, and still in use in all R.C. churches: a simple air without
variations: a plain unvarnished statement; PLAIN'-SPEAK'ING,
straight-forwardness or bluntness of speech.--_adj._ PLAIN'-SPOK'EN,
speaking with plain, rough sincerity.--_n.pl._ PLAIN'STANES (_Scot._),
flagstones, pavement.--_n._ PLAIN'WORK, plain needlework, as distinguished
from embroidery.--PLAIN AS A PIKESTAFF, perfectly plain or clear. [Fr.,--L.
_pl[=a]nus_, plain.]
PLAINT, pl[=a]nt, _n._ lamentation: complaint: a sad song: (_law_) the
exhibiting of an action in writing by a complainant.--_adj._ PLAINT'FUL,
complaining: expressing sorrow.--_n._ PLAINT'IFF (_Eng. law_), one who
commences a suit against another--opp. to _Defendant_.--_adj._ PLAINT'IVE,
complaining: expressing sorrow: sad.--_adv._ PLAINT'IVELY.--_n._
PLAINT'IVENESS.--_adj._ PLAINT'LESS, without complaint: unrepining. [O. Fr.
_pleinte_ (Fr. _plainte_)--L. _planctus_--_plang[)e]re_, _planctum_, to
lament.]
PLAISE, pl[=a]s, _n._ Same as PLAICE.
PLAISTER, pl[=a]s't[.e]r, _n._ an obsolete form of _plaster_.
PLAIT, pl[=a]t, _n._ a fold: a doubling over, as of cloth upon itself: a
braid.--_v.t._ to fold: to double in narrow folds: to interweave.--_adj._
PLAIT'ED, folded over in narrow folds: braided: interwoven:
intricate.--_ns._ PLAIT'ER, one who plaits or braids: a machine for making
plaits, as in cloth; PLAIT'ING, the act of making plaits. [O. Fr. _pleit_,
_ploit_ (Fr. _pli_)--L. _plic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to fold.]
PLAN, plan, _n._ a drawing of anything on a plane or flat surface: a
drawing of a building as it stands on the ground: a scheme or project for
accomplishing a purpose: a contrivance: a method or custom.--_v.t._ to make
a sketch of on a flat surface: to form in design: to lay plans
for:--_pr.p._ plan'ning; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ planned.--_adj._
PLAN'LESS.--_ns._ PLAN'NER, one who forms a plan: a projector;
WORK'ING-PLAN, a draft on a large scale given to workmen to work
from.--PLAN OF CAMPAIGN, the method of conducting the struggle of the Irish
tenants against the landlords, organised by the National League in 1886,
its officers collecting what they considered a fair rent, and offering it
to the landlord, and where he refused to accept it spending it on the
support of the persons evicted. [Fr.,--L. _planus_, flat.]
PLANARIAN, pl[=a]-n[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ and _n._ a term practically
coextensive with Turbellarian, applicable to the members of the lowest
class of worm-like animals, living in fresh and salt water, and sometimes
in damp earth.--_adjs._ PLANAR'IFORM, PLAN[=A]'RIOID. [L. _planarius_,
flat.]
PLANCH, planch, _v.t._ (_Shak._) to cover with planks. [Fr. _planche_--L.
_planea_.]
PLANCHET, plan'chet, _n._ a flat piece of metal ready to receive impression
as a coin.
PLANCHETTE, plan-shet', _n._ a small heart-shaped or triangular piece of
board resting on three props, two of which are castors and one a
pencil-point, which, while a person's fingers are lightly resting on it,
sometimes moves, as if of its own accord, and traces with the pencil marks
and even words upon a piece of paper below it. [Fr. _planchette_, a small
board.]
PLANE, pl[=a]n, _n._ (_geom._) a surface on which, if any two points be
taken, the straight line joining them will lie entirely on the surface:
(_astron._) a surface thought of as bounded by the line round which a
heavenly body moves: any flat or level surface: any incline on which coal
is lowered by the effect of gravity: any grade of life or of
development.--_adj._ having the character of a plane: pertaining to, lying
in, or forming a plane.--_v.t._ to make plane or smooth.--_adj._
PL[=A]'NARY, relating to a plane: flat.--_n._ PLANE'-T[=A]'BLE, a
topographical instrument used in field-mapping, and having a
sighting-telescope for observing objects, whose angles may be noted on a
paper on the table of the instrument: an inclined table on which ore is
dressed.--_v.t._ to survey with a plane-table.--_ns._ PLAN'IGRAPH, an
instrument for reducing or enlarging drawings; PLANIM'ETER, an instrument
for measuring the area of a plane figure.--_adjs._ PLANIMET'RIC, -AL.--_n._
PLANIM'ETRY, the mensuration of plane surfaces.--_adj._ PLANIPET'ALOUS,
having flat petals.--_ns._ PLAN'ISHER, a thin flat-ended tool used for
smoothing tin-plate and brasswork: a workman who planishes, esp. one who
prepares copper-plates for engravers; PLAN'ISPHERE, a sphere projected on a
plane.--_adjs._ PLANISPHER'IC; PL[=A]NO-CON'CAVE, plane on one side and
concave on the other; PL[=A]'NO-CON'ICAL, plane on one side and conical on
the other; PL[=A]'NO-CON'VEX, plane on one side and convex on the
other.--_n._ PLANOG'RAPHIST, a map-maker.--_adj._ PL[=A]'NO-HORIZON'TAL,
having a plane horizontal surface or position.--_ns._ PLANOM'ETER, a plane
surface used in machine-making as a gauge for plane surfaces; PLANOM'ETRY,
the measurement of plane surfaces.--_adj._ PL[=A]'NO-SUB'ULATE, smooth and
awl-shaped.--PLANE ANGLE, an angle contained by two straight lines in a
plane; PLANE FIGURE, a figure all of whose points lie in one plane; PLANE
GEOMETRY, the geometry of plane figures; PLANE SAILING, the calculation of
a ship's place in its course, as if the earth were flat instead of
spherical: easy work; PLANE TRIGONOMETRY, that branch of trigonometry which
treats of triangles described on a plane.--INCLINED PLANE (see INCLINE);
PERSPECTIVE PLANE (see PERSPECTIVE). [Fr.,--L. _planus_, plain.]
PLANE, pl[=a]n, _n._ a carpenter's tool for producing a level or smooth
surface.--_v.t._ to make a surface (as of wood) level by means of a
plane.--_ns._ PL[=A]'NER, a tool or machine for planing: a smooth wooden
block used for levelling a form of type; PL[=A]N'ING-MACHINE', a machine
for planing wood or metals.--_v.t._ PLAN'ISH, to make smooth: to polish.
[Fr.,--Low L. _plan[=a]re_, to make level.]
PLANET, plan'et, _n._ one of the bodies in the solar system which revolve
in elliptic orbits round the sun.--_n._ PLANET[=A]'RIUM, a machine showing
the motions and orbits of the planets.--_adjs._ PLAN'ETARY, pertaining to
the planets: consisting of, or produced by, planets: under the influence of
a planet: erratic: revolving; PLANET'IC, -AL.--_n._ PLAN'ETOID, a celestial
body having the form or nature of a planet: one of a number of very small
planets, often called asteroids, moving round the sun between Mars and
Jupiter.--_adjs._ PLANETOI'DAL; PLAN'ET-STRICK'EN, PLAN'ET-STRUCK
(_astrol._), affected by the influence of the planets: blasted.--_n._
PLAN'ETULE, a little planet.--MINOR PLANETS, the numerous group of very
small planets which is situated in the solar system between Mars and
Jupiter. [Fr. _planète_--Gr. _plan[=e]t[=e]s_, wanderer--_plan[=a]n_, to
make to wander.]
PLANE-TREE, pl[=a]n'-tr[=e], _n._ any one of the several trees constituting
the genus _Platanus_, esp. the oriental or common plane-tree, with its
variety the maple-leaved plane-tree, and the American plane-tree, usually
called _sycamore_ or _buttonwood_ or _buttonball_: in Great Britain, the
sycamore maple. [Fr. _plane_--L. _platanus_--Gr. _platanos_--_platys_,
broad.]
PLANGENT, plan'jent, _adj._ resounding: noisy. [L. _plangens_,
_-gentis_--_plang[)e]re_, to beat.]
PLANK, plangk, _n._ a long piece of timber, thicker than a board: one of
the principles or aims of an associated party.--_v.t._ to cover with
planks.--_n._ PLANK'ING, the act of laying planks: a series of planks: work
made up of planks.--WALK THE PLANK, to be compelled to walk along a plank
projecting over the ship's edge into the sea. [L. _planca_, a board; cf.
_Plain_, even.]
PLANKTON, plangk'ton, _n._ pelagic animals collectively. [Gr., _planktos_,
wandering.]
PLANODIA, pl[=a]-n[=o]'di-a, _n._ a false passage, such as may be made in
using a catheter.
PLANT, plant, _n._ a something living and growing, fixed on the ground and
drawing food therefrom by means of its root, and developing into a stem,
leaves, and seed: a sprout: any vegetable production: the tools or material
of any trade or business: (_slang_) a trick, dodge, hidden plunder.--_v.t._
to put into the ground for growth: to furnish with plants: to set in the
mind, implant: to establish.--_v.i._ to set shoots in the ground.--_adj._
PLANT'ABLE.--_ns._ PLANT'AGE (_Shak._), plants in general, or the vegetable
kingdom; PLANT[=A]'TION, a place planted: a wood or grove: (_U.S._) a large
estate: a colony: act or process of introduction: (_Milt._) the act of
planting; PLANT'ER, one who plants or introduces: the owner of a
plantation; PLANT'-HOUSE, a garden structure designed for the protection
and cultivation of the plants of warmer climates than our own; PLANT'ICLE,
a young plant; PLANT'ING, the act of setting in the ground for growth: the
art of forming plantations of trees: a plantation.--_adj._ PLANT'LESS,
destitute of vegetation.--_ns._ PLANT'LET, a little plant; PLANT'-LOUSE, a
small homopterous insect which infests plants; PLANT'ULE, the embryo of a
plant. [A.S. _plante_ (Fr. _plante_)--L. _planta_, a shoot, a plant.]
PLANTAIN, plan't[=a]n, _n._ an important food-plant of tropical countries,
so called from its broad leaf: a common roadside plant of several species,
with broad leaves and seed-bearing spikes.--PLANTAIN EATER, one of a family
of African, arboreal, vegetarian Pie-like birds. [Fr.,--L. _plantago_,
_plantaginis_.]
PLANTIGRADE, plant'i-gr[=a]d, _adj._ that walks on the sole of the
foot.--_n._ a plantigrade animal, as the bear.--_adj._ PLANT'AR, pertaining
to the sole of the foot. [L. _planta_, the sole, _gradi_, to walk.]
PLANULA, plan'[=u]-la, _n._ the locomotory embryo of the
coelenterates.--_adjs._ PLAN'ULAR; PLAN'ULIFORM; PLAN'ULOID.
PLANURIA, pl[=a]-n[=u]'ri-a, _n._ the discharge of urine through an
abnormal passage, uroplania.--Also PLAN'URY.
PLAP, plap, _v.i._ to plash, fall with plashing sound. [Imit.]
PLAQUE, plak, _n._ a flat piece of metal or other material, used for
ornament, as a brooch, &c., or for painting on, to form a
wall-picture.--_n._ PLAQUETTE', a small plaque. [Fr.; cf. _Plack_.]
PLASH, plash, _v.t._ to bind and interweave the branches of.--_v.i._ to
bend down a branch.--_n._ a small branch of a tree partly cut and bound to
or twisted among other branches.--_n._ PLASH'ING, a mode of repairing a
hedge by bending the branches and twisting them about each other. [O. Fr.
_plassier_--L. _plexus_--_plect[)e]re_, to twist.]
PLASH, plash, _n._ a dash of water: a puddle: a shallow pool: a splashing
sound: a sudden downpour: a flash.--_v.i._ to dabble in water: to
splash.--_v.t._ to sprinkle with colouring matter, as a wall.--_adj._
PLASH'Y, full of puddles: watery. [Imit.]
PLASM, plazm, _n._ a mould or matrix: protoplasm--also PLAS'MA.--_adjs._
PLASMAT'IC, -AL, plastic, formative; PLAS'MIC, pertaining to plasma,
protoplasmic.--_ns._ PLASM[=O]'DIUM, composite masses of primitive
protozoa, in which numerous units are fused, or in rare cases simply
combined in close contact; PLAS'MOGEN, true protoplasm; PLASMOG'ONY, the
generation of an organism from plasma; PLASMOL'OGY, minute or microscopic
anatomy, histology.--_v.t._ PLAS'MOLYSE.--_n._ PLASMOL'YSIS, the
contraction of the protoplasm in active cells under the action of certain
reagents.--_adj._ PLASMOLYT'IC.
PLASMA, plas'ma, _n._ a green variety of translucent quartz or
silica.--_adj._ PLAS'MIC. [Gr.,--_plassein_, to form.]
PLASTER, plas't[.e]r, _n._ something that can be moulded into figures: a
composition of lime, water, and sand for overlaying walls, &c.: (_med._) a
medicinal agent consisting of an adhesive substance spread upon cloth or
leather, so as to stick to the part of the body to which it is
applied.--_adj._ made of plaster.--_v.t._ to cover with plaster: to cover
with a plaster, as a wound: to besmear: (_fig._) to smooth over.--_ns._
PLAS'TERER, one who plasters, or one who works in plaster; PLAS'TERING, the
art of covering the internal faces of walls, the partitions and ceiling of
a building, with plaster: a covering of plaster: the plasterwork of a
building; PLAS'TER-STONE, gypsum.--_adj._ PLAS'TERY, like plaster,
containing plaster.--PLASTER CAST, a copy of an object got by pouring a
mixture of plaster of Paris and water into a mould formed from the object;
PLASTER OF PARIS, a kind of gypsum, originally found near _Paris_, used in
building and in making casts of figures; POROUS PLASTER, a plaster for
application to the body, full of small holes, which prevent it from
wrinkling. [A.S. _plaster_--O. Fr. _emplastre_--L. _emplastrum_--Gr.
_emplastron_.]
PLASTIC, plas'tik, _adj._ having power to give form to: capable of being
moulded: of or pertaining to moulding.--_ns._ PLASTIC'ITY, state or quality
of being plastic; PLASTIL[=I]'NA, a modelling clay which remains soft and
plastic for a considerable time; PLASTOG'RAPHY, imitation of handwriting.
[Gr. _plastikos_--_plassein_, to mould.]
PLASTRON, plas'tron, _n._ a breast-plate: a detachable part of a woman's
dress hanging from the throat to the waist: a man's shirt-bosom: a fencer's
wadded shield of leather worn on the breast: the ventral part of the shell
of a chelonian or testudinate, the lower shell of a turtle or tortoise: the
sternum with costal cartilages attached.--_adj._ PLAS'TRAL.
PLAT, plat, _v.t._ Same as PLAIT.
PLAT, plat, _n._ a piece of ground: a piece of ground ornamentally laid
out: (_obs._) a plan, scheme.--_v.t._ to make a map or plan of.--_n._
PLAT'-BAND, a border of flowers in a garden: (_archit._) a slightly
projecting square moulding, an architrave fascia, a list between flutings.
[_Plot._]
PLATANE, plat'[=a]n, _n._ the plane-tree.--Also PLAT'AN. [L.
_platanus_--Gr. _platanos_--_platys_, broad.]
PLATE, pl[=a]t, _n._ something flat: a thin piece of metal: wrought gold
and silver: household utensils in gold and silver: a shallow dish nearly
flat: an engraved piece of metal.--_v.t._ to overlay with a coating of
plate or metal: to arm or defend with metal plates: to adorn with metal: to
beat into thin plates.--_n._ PLATE'-ARM'OUR, armour of strong metal plates
for protecting ships-of-war, &c.--_adj._ PL[=A]'TED, covered with plates of
metal for strength, as ships: covered with a coating of a more precious
metal: (_zool._) covered with hard scales.--_ns._ PLATE'-FLEET (_Milt._),
vessels used for carrying precious metals; PLATE'FUL, as much as a plate
will hold; PLATE'-GLASS, a fine kind of glass, cast in thick plates, used
for mirrors and large shop-windows; PLATE'-LAY'ER, a workman whose
occupation it is to lay the rails of a railway and fix them to the
sleepers; PLATE'-MARK, a mark or stamp on gold or silver plate to indicate
its purity and the place where it was made; PLATE'-POW'DER, a composition
of rouge and prepared chalk used for cleaning gold and silver plate and
plated articles; PLATE'-PRINT'ING, the process of printing from engraved
plates; PL[=A]'TER, one who plates articles with a coating of gold or
silver; PLATE'-RACK, a frame for holding plates, &c., when not in use;
PLATE'-WARM'ER, an apparatus in which plates are warmed before the fire;
PL[=A]'TING, the covering of an inferior metal with one of the precious
metals: a thin coating of metal on another.--_adj._ PL[=A]'TY, like a
plate.--HALF'-PLATE, in photography, a size of plate measuring 4¾ by 6½ in.
(4¼ by 5½ in U.S.); QUAR'TER-PLATE, 3¼ by 4¼ in.; WHOLE'-PLATE, 6½ by 8½
in. [O. Fr. _plate_, fem. of _plat_, flat--Gr. _platys_, broad.]
PLATEAU, pla-t[=o]', _n._ a broad flat space on an elevated position: a
tableland:--_pl._ PLATEAUS, PLATEAUX (pla-t[=o]z'). [Fr.,--O. Fr. _platel_,
dim. of _plat_.]
PLATEN, plat'en, _n._ the flat part of a printing-press which comes down
upon the form, and by which the impression is made.
PLATFORM, plat'form, _n._ a raised level surface: a part of a floor raised
above the rest to form a standing-place for speakers, workmen, &c.:
(_mil._) an elevated floor for cannon: a statement of principles to which a
body of men declare their adhesion, and on which they act: (_Shak._) a
scheme, plan.--_v.t._ (_Milt._) to sketch, plan: (_Mrs Browning_) to
support as on a platform.--_ns._ PLAT'FORM-BRIDGE (_Amer._), a movable
gangway between the platforms of two railway carriages; PLAT'FORM-CAR, a
railway car open all round and without a roof; PLAT'FORM-CRANE, a crane
used on a railway platform, or one mounted on a movable truck;
PLAT'FORM-SCALE, a weighing-machine with a flat surface for holding the
thing to be weighed.--THE PLATFORM, the function of public oratory. [Fr.
_plate-forme_, 'flat form.']
PLATIASMUS, plat-i-as'mus, _n._ imperfect speech.
PLATINUM, plat'in-um, _n._ an important metal of a dim silvery appearance,
between gold and silver in value, and very difficult to melt--older name
PLAT'INA.--_adjs._ PLATIN'IC; PLATINIF'EROUS.--_v.t._ PLAT'INISE, to coat
with platinum.--_ns._ PLAT'INOID, one of the metals with which platinum is
always found associated--_palladium iridium_, &c.; PLAT'INOTYPE, a method
of producing photographs by means of paper coated with a preparation of
platinum: a picture so produced.--_adj._ PLAT'INOUS, containing or
consisting of platinum. [Sp. _platina_--_plata_, plate.]
PLATITUDE, plat'i-t[=u]d, _n._ flatness: that which exhibits dullness of
thought: an empty remark made as if it were important.--_n._
PLATITUDIN[=A]'RIAN, one who indulges in platitudes.--_adj._
PLATIT[=U]'DINOUS. [Fr.,--_plat_, flat.]
PLATONIC, -AL, pl[=a]-ton'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to _Plato_, the Greek
philosopher (about 427-347 B.C.), or to his philosophical opinions.--_adv._
PL[=A]TON'ICALLY.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ PL[=A]'TONISE, to reason like
Plato.--_ns._ PL[=A]'TONISM, the philosophical opinions of Plato;
PL[=A]'TONIST, PL[=A]TON'IC, a follower of Plato.--PLATONIC LOVE, the love
of soul for soul, a love into which sensual desire is supposed not to enter
at all.
PLATOON, pla-t[=oo]n', _n._ a number of recruits assembled for
exercise--originally a small body of soldiers in a hollow square, to
strengthen the angles of a longer formation: a subdivision of a company.
[Fr. _peloton_, a ball, a knot of men--_pelote_--L. _p[)i]la_, a ball.]
PLATTER, plat'[.e]r, _n._ a large flat plate or dish. [M. E. _plater_--O.
Fr. _platel_--_plat_, a plate.]
PLATTING, plat'ing, _n._ the process of making interwoven work: such work
itself.
PLATYCEPHALOUS, plat-i-sef'a-lus, _adj._ having the vault of the skull
flattened.--Also PLATYCEPHAL'IC.
PLATYPUS, plat'i-poos, _n._ the duck-bill (q.v.). [Gr. _platys_, flat,
_pous_, a foot.]
PLATYRHINE, plat'i-rin, _adj._ broad-nosed.--_n._ a platyrhine monkey.
PLAUDIT, plawd'it, _n._ a mark of applause: praise bestowed.--_adj._
PLAUD'ITORY, applauding.--_adj._ PLAUS'IVE, applauding, approving:
(_Shak._) plausible. [Shortened from L. _plaudite_, praise ye, a call for
applause, 2d pers. pl. imper. of _plaud[)e]re_, _plausum_, to praise.]
PLAUSIBLE, plawz'i-bl, _adj._ that may be applauded: seemingly worthy of
approval or praise: superficially pleasing: apparently right: fair-spoken:
popular.--_ns._ PLAUSIBIL'ITY, PLAUS'IBLENESS, an appearance of being right
or worthy of approval: that which seems right and true at first
sight.--_adv._ PLAUS'IBLY. [L. _plausibilis_--_plaud[)e]re_, to praise.]
PLAUSTRAL, plä'stral, _adj._ of or pertaining to a wagon. [L. _plaustrum_,
a wagon.]
PLAY, pl[=a], _v.i._ to engage in some amusing exercise: to take part in a
game, or a piece of diversion: to gamble: to sport: to trifle: to move
irregularly or (_mech._) freely: to operate: to act in a theatre: to
perform on a musical instrument: to practise a trick: to act a character:
to act with repeated strokes.--_v.t._ to put in motion: to perform upon: to
perform: to act a sportive part: to compete with.--_n._ amusement: any
exercise for amusement: a contending for victory or for a prize: practice
in a contest: gaming: action or use: manner of dealing, as fair-play: a
dramatic composition: movement: room for action or motion: liberty of
action.--_ns._ PLAY'-ACT'OR, one who acts a part in a play: an actor;
PLAY'-ACT'ORISM, the manner or habits of a play-actor; PLAY'-BILL, a bill
or advertisement of a play; PLAY'BOOK, a book of plays or dramas;
PLAY'-CLUB, a wooden-headed golf-club used for driving the ball the longest
distances; PLAY'-DAY, PLAY'-TIME, a day devoted to play: a holiday;
PLAY'ER, one who plays: an actor of plays or dramas: a trifler: a musician:
a professional at cricket; PLAY'FELLOW, PLAY'MATE, a fellow or mate in play
or amusements.--_adj._ PLAY'FUL, given to play: sportive.--_adv._
PLAY'FULLY.--_ns._ PLAY'FULNESS; PLAY'-G[=O]'ER, one who habitually attends
the theatre; PLAY'-G[=O]'ING; PLAY'-GROUND, a ground or place on which to
play, esp. that connected with a school; PLAY'-HOUSE, a house where
dramatic performances are represented: a theatre; PLAY'ING-CARD, one of a
set of fifty-two cards used in playing games; PLAY'-MARE, the hobby-horse,
one of the chief parts in the ancient morris-dance; PLAY'THING, anything
for playing with: a toy; PLAY'WRIGHT, PLAY'-WRIT'ER, a writer of plays: one
who adapts dramatic compositions for the stage.--PLAYED OUT, worked to the
end: used up: tired; PLAY FAST AND LOOSE, to act in a tricky, inconstant
way: to say one thing and do another; PLAY FINE, at billiards, to strike
the object-ball near the edge--opp. to PLAY FULL, to strike it nearer the
centre than the edge; PLAY OFF, to show or display; PLAY UP, to make a
beginning of playing: to play more vigorously; PLAY UPON, to trifle with:
to delude.--A PLAY UPON WORDS, a use of words so as to give them a double
meaning; BRING INTO PLAY, to bring into exercise or use; COME INTO PLAY, to
come into use; HOLD IN PLAY, to keep the attention of. [A.S. _plegan_, to
play.]
PLEA, pl[=e], _n._ the defender's answer to the plaintiff's demand or
charge: an excuse: an apology: an action in a court of law: urgent
entreaty. [O. Fr. _plait_ (Fr. _plaid_)--Low L. _placitum_, a decision--L.
_placet_, it pleases, _plac[=e]re_, to please.]
PLEACH, pl[=e]ch, _v.t._ to intertwine the branches of, as a hedge:
(_Shak._) to fold, as the arms. [O. Fr. _plesser_--L. _plec-t[)e]re_,
plait; Gr. _plek-ein_, weave.]
PLEAD, pl[=e]d, _v.i._ to carry on a plea or lawsuit: to argue in support
of a cause against another: to seek to persuade: to admit or deny a charge
of guilt.--_v.t._ to discuss by arguments: to allege in pleading or
defence: to offer in excuse:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plead'ed, or (less
correctly and coll.) pled.--_adj._ PLEAD'ABLE, capable of being
pleaded.--_n._ PLEAD'ER.--_adj._ PLEAD'ING, imploring.--_n._ act of
pleading or of conducting any cause: (_pl._) the statements of the two
parties in a lawsuit (_law_).--_adv._ PLEAD'INGLY.--PLEAD GUILTY, or NOT
GUILTY, to admit, or deny, guilt.--SPECIAL PLEADING, unfair argument aiming
rather at victory than at truth. [O. Fr. _plaider_; cf. _Plea_.]
PLEASE, pl[=e]z, _v.t._ to give pleasure to: to delight: to
satisfy.--_v.i._ to like: to think fit: to choose: to give pleasure: used
impers., followed by an object, originally dative, of the person=if it
please you.--_n._ PLEAS'ANCE, merriment: a pleasure garden.--_adj._
PLEAS'ANT, pleasing: agreeable: cheerful: gay: facetious.--_adv._
PLEAS'ANTLY.--_ns._ PLEAS'ANTNESS; PLEAS'ANTRY, anything that promotes
pleasure: merriment: lively or humorous talk: a trick:--_pl._
PLEAS'ANTRIES; PLEASE'MAN (_Shak._), an officious fellow, a pick-thank;
PLEAS'ER, one who pleases or gratifies.--_adj._ PLEAS'ING, giving pleasure:
agreeable: gratifying.--_n._ (_Shak._) pleasure given: (_B._)
approbation.--_adv._ PLEAS'INGLY.--_n._ PLEAS'INGNESS, the quality of
giving pleasure.--_adj._ PLEAS'URABLE, able to give pleasure: delightful:
gratifying.--_n._ PLEAS'URABLENESS.--_adv._ PLEAS'URABLY.--_n._ PLEASURE
(plezh'[=u]r), agreeable emotions: gratification of the senses or of the
mind: what the will prefers: purpose: command: approbation.--_v.t._
(_arch._) to give pleasure to.--_ns._ PLEAS'URE-BOAT, a boat used for
pleasure or amusement; PLEAS'URE-GROUND, ground laid out in an ornamental
manner for pleasure; PLEAS'URE-HOUSE, a house to which one retires for
recreation or pleasure.--_adj._ PLEAS'URELESS.--_ns._ PLEAS'URER, one who
seeks pleasure; PLEAS'URE-TRIP, an excursion for pleasure.--AT PLEASURE,
whenever and as one pleases. [O. Fr. _plaisir_ (Fr. _plaire_)--L.
_plac[=e]re_, to please.]
PLEAT, pl[=e]t, _v.t._ Same as PLAIT.
PLEBEIAN, pl[=e]-b[=e]'an, _adj._ pertaining to, or consisting of, the
common people: popular: vulgar.--_n._ originally one of the common people
of ancient Rome: one of the lower classes.--_v.t._ PLEBEI'ANISE.--_ns._
PLEBEI'ANISM, state of being a plebeian: the conduct or manners of
plebeians: vulgarity; PLEBIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of making
plebeian.--_v.t._ PLEB'IFY, to make plebeian: to vulgarise. [Fr.
_plébéien_--L. _plebeius_--_plebs_, _plebis_, the common people.]
PLEBISCITE, pleb'i-s[=i]t, _n._ a decree of an entire nation, obtained by
an appeal to universal suffrage, as in France under Napoleon III.: a method
of obtaining an expression of opinion upon a certain point from the
inhabitants of a district--also PLEBISC[=I]'TUM:--_pl._ PLEB'ISCITES,
PLEBIS'CITA.--_adj._ PLEB'ISCITARY. [Fr.,--L. _plebiscitum_, decree of the
people--_plebs_, the people, _scitum_, a decree--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]
PLEBS, plebz, _n._ the common people. [L.]
PLECTOGNATHI, plek-tog'n[=a]-th[=i], _n._ an order of bony fishes,
including file-fishes, globe-fishes, coffer-fishes, sun-fishes.--_adjs._
PLECTOGNATH'IC, PLECTOG'NATHOUS. [Gr. _plectos_, plaited, _gnathos_, a
jaw.]
PLECTRUM, plek'trum, _n._ the quill or other form of instrument by which
the strings of the Greek lyre were struck.--Also PLEC'TRE, PLEC'TRON.
[L.--Gr.,--_pl[=e]ssein_, to strike.]
PLED, pled, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _plead_.
PLEDGE, plej, _n._ something given as a security: one who becomes surety
for another: a sentiment of goodwill or friendship expressed by drinking
together.--_v.t._ to give as security: to engage for by promise: to invite
to drink by partaking of the cup first: to drink to the health of.--_ns._
PLEDGEE', the person to whom a thing is pledged; PLEDG'ER.--PLEDGE CARD, a
card given, as a remembrancer, to a person who has signed the total
abstinence pledge; PLEDGE CUP, a cup for drinking pledges.--HOLD IN PLEDGE,
to keep as security; PUT IN PLEDGE, to pawn; TAKE, or SIGN, THE PLEDGE, to
give a written promise to abstain from intoxicating liquor. [O. Fr. _plege_
(Fr. _pleige_); prob. L. _præb[=e]re_, to afford.]
PLEDGET, plej'et, _n._ a wad of lint, cotton, &c., as for a wound or sore:
an oakum string used in caulking.
PLEIAD, pl[=i]'ad, _n._ one of the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione,
after death changed into stars:--_pl._ PLEI'ADS, PLEI'ADES, (_astron._) a
group of seven or more stars in the shoulder of the constellation Taurus.
PLEIOCENE. Same as PLIOCENE.
PLEIOCHROISM, pl[=i]-ok'r[=o]-izm, _n._ the property in some crystals, such
as some species of topaz, where three distinct colours may be observed on
looking through them along three rectangular axes.--Also POL'YCHR[=O]ISM.
[Gr. _plei[=o]n_, _ple[=o]n_, more, _chroa_, colour.]
PLEISTOCENE, pl[=i]s't[=o]-s[=e]n, _n._ (_geol._) the name given to the
system comprising the older accumulations belonging to the Quaternary or
Post-Tertiary division. [Gr. _pleistos_, most, _kainos_, recent.]
PLENARY, pl[=e]'n[=a]-ri, _adj._ full: entire: complete: (_law_) passing
through all its stages--opp. to _Summary_: having full powers.--_adv._
PLEN'ARILY.--_ns._ PLEN'ARINESS; PL[=E]'NARTY, the state of a benefice when
occupied; PL[=E]'NIST, one who believes all space to be filled with matter;
PLEN'ITUDE, fullness: completeness: repletion; PL[=E]'NUM, space considered
as in every part filled with matter.--PLENARY INSPIRATION, inspiration
which excludes all mixture of error. [Low L. _plenarius_--L. _ple-nus_,
full--_pl[=e]re_, to fill.]
PLENICORN, plen'i-korn, _adj._ solid-horned, as a ruminant.
PLENILUNAR, plen-i-l[=u]'nar, _adj._ pertaining to the full moon.
PLENIPOTENCE, pl[=e]-nip'o-tens, _n._ complete power--also
PLENIP'OTENCY.--_adj._ PLENIP'OTENT, having full power. [L. _plenus_, full,
_potens_, _-entis_, powerful.]
PLENIPOTENTIARY, plen-i-po-ten'shi-a-ri, _adj._ conferring or having full
powers.--_n._ a person invested with full powers, esp. a special ambassador
or envoy to some foreign court. [Low L. _plenipotentiarius_--L. _plenus_,
full, _potens_, powerful.]
PLENISH, plen'ish, _v.t._ to furnish: to provide, as a house or farm, with
necessary furniture, implements, stock, &c.--_n._ PLEN'ISHING (_Scot._),
furniture. [Fr.,--L. _plenus_, full.]
PLENTY, plen'ti, _n._ a full supply: all that can be needed:
abundance.--_adj._ being in abundance.--_adj._ PLEN'T[=E]OUS, fully
sufficient: abundant: fruitful: well provided: rich: (_B._) giving
plentifully.--_adv._ PLEN'T[=E]OUSLY.--_n._ PLEN'T[=E]OUSNESS.--_adj._
PLEN'TIFUL, copious: abundant: yielding abundance.--_adv._
PLEN'TIFULLY.--_n._ PLEN'TIFULNESS.--HORN OF PLENTY (see HORN). [O. Fr.
_plente_--L. _plenus_, full.]
PLEONASM, pl[=e]'o-nazm, _n._ use of more words than are necessary:
(_rhet._) a redundant expression.--_n._ PL[=E]'ONAST, one who is given to
pleonasm.--_adjs._ PLEONAS'TIC, -AL, redundant: using too many
words.--_adv._ PLEONAS'TICALLY. [Gr. _pleonasmos_--_plei[=o]n_, more.]
PLEROMA, pl[=e]-r[=o]'ma, _n._ fullness: abundance: in Gnosticism, divine
being, including all æons which emanate from it. [Gr.,--_pl[=e]r[=e]s_,
full.]
PLEROPHORY, pl[=e]-rof'[=o]-ri, _n._ full conviction.--Also
PLEROPH[=O]'RIA.
PLESH, plesh, _n._ (_Spens._) a plash, a pool of water.
PLESIOMORPHISM, pl[=e]-si-[=o]-mor'fizm, _n._ the property of certain
substances of crystallising in similar forms while unlike in chemical
composition--also _Isogonism_.--_adjs._ PLESIOMOR'PHIC, PLESIOMOR'PHOUS.
PLESIOSAURUS, pl[=e]-zi-o-saw'rus, _n._ the type or leading genus of a
family (_Plesiosauridæ_) of fossil sea-reptiles, which are characteristic
of the Mesozoic systems. [Gr. _pl[=e]sios_, near, _sauros_, lizard.]
PLETHORA, pleth'o-ra, _n._ excessive fullness of blood: over-fullness in
any way.--_adjs._ PLETHORE'TIC, PLETHOR'IC, -AL, afflicted with plethora:
superabundant: turgid.--_adv._ PLETHOR'ICALLY. [Gr. _pl[=e]th[=o]r[=e]_,
fullness--_pleos_, full.]
PLEUGH, pl[=u]h, _n._ (_Scot._) a plough.--_n._ PLEUGH'-PAID'LE (_Scot._),
a small spade or 'paddle' for cleaning a plough.
PLEURA, pl[=oo]'ra, _n._ a delicate serous membrane which covers the lungs
and lines the cavity of the chest:--_pl._ PLEU'RÆ.--_adj._ PLEU'RAL.--_ns._
PLEURAPOPH'YSIS, a lateral process of a vertebra, with the morphological
character of a rib:--_pl._ PLEURAPOPH'YSES; PLEURENCH'YMA (_bot._), the
woody tissue of plants; PLEU'RISY, inflammation of the pleura, the
investing membrane of the lung; PLEU'RISY-ROOT, a plant common in the
United States, of which the root has medicinal repute, the infusion being
used as a diaphoretic and expectorant.--_adjs._ PLEURIT'IC, -AL, pertaining
to, or affected with, pleurisy: causing pleurisy.--_ns._ PLEUR[=I]'TIS,
pleurisy; PLEURODYN'IA, neuralgia of the chest-wall, which may simulate
closely the pain of pleurisy; PLEU'RO-PNEUM[=O]'NIA, inflammation of the
pleura and lungs, a contagious disease peculiar to cattle. [Gr., a rib.]
PLEURONECTIDÆ, pl[=oo]-ro-nek'ti-d[=e], _n.pl._ a family of flat-fishes,
the flounders. [Gr. _pleura_, the side, _n[=e]kt[=e]s_, a swimmer.]
PLEXIMETER, pleks-im'e-t[.e]r, _n._ a small plate of something hard and
elastic, placed on the body, to receive the tap of the fingers or of the
hammer in examination by percussion--also PLEXOM'ETER.--_adj._
PLEXIMET'RIC. [Gr. _pl[=e]xis_, a striking--_pl[=e]ssein_, to strike,
_metron_, a measure.]
PLEXURE, pleks'[=u]r, _n._ the act or process of weaving together: that
which is woven together.--_adj._ PLEX'IFORM, in the form of network: formed
into a plexus.--_n._ PLEX'US, a number of things, as veins, nerves, &c.,
woven together: a network: (_anat._) an interlacing of nerves, vessels, or
fibres. [L. _plexus_, a twining--_plect[)e]re_, _plexum_, to twine.]
PLIABLE, pl[=i]'a-bl, _adj._ easily bent or folded: supple: easily
persuaded: yielding to influence.--_ns._ PLIABIL'ITY, PL[=I]'ABLENESS,
quality of being pliable or flexible.--_adv._ PL[=I]'ABLY, in a pliable
manner.--_ns._ PL[=I]'ANCY, PL[=I]'ANTNESS, the state of being pliant:
readiness to be influenced.--_adj._ PL[=I]'ANT, bending easily: flexible:
tractable: easily influenced.--_adv._ PL[=I]'ANTLY. [Fr. _pliable_--L.
_plic[=a]re_, to fold.]
PLICA, pl[=i]'ka, _n._ in the phrase PLICA POLONICA, a disease of the
scalp, in which the hairs become matted together by an adhesive and often
fetid secretion, occurring in several countries, but esp. in Poland. [L.
_plic[=a]re_, to fold.]
PLICATE, -D, pl[=i]'k[=a]t, -ed, _adj._ folded like a fan, as a leaf:
plaited.--_adv._ PL[=I]'C[=A]TELY.--_ns._ PLIC[=A]'TION, PLIC'ATURE, act or
process of folding: state of being folded: a fold. [L.
_plicatus_--_plic[=a]re_, to fold.]
PLIERS, pl[=i]'[.e]rz, _n.pl._ small pincers for bending.
PLIGHT, pl[=i]t, _n._ something exposed to risk: security: pledge:
engagement: promise.--_v.t._ to pledge: to promise solemnly: to give as
security.--_n._ PLIGHT'ER, one who, or that which, plights. [A.S. _pliht_,
risk, danger--_plión_, to imperil; cog. with Dut. _pligt_, Ger. _pflicht_,
an obligation.]
PLIGHT, pl[=i]t, _n._ condition: state (either good or bad). [O. Fr.
_plite_--L. _plicitus_, _plic[=a]re_, to fold.]
PLIGHT, pl[=i]t, _v.t._ to plait, to braid, to weave.--_n._ (_Spens._) a
plait, a fold. [L. _plect[)e]re_, freq. of _plicäre_, to fold.]
PLIM, plim, _v.i._ (_prov._) to swell. [_Plump_.]
PLIMSOLL'S MARK. See LOAD-LINE, under LOAD.
PLINTH, plinth, _n._ (_archit._) the square at the bottom of the base of a
column: the projecting band at the bottom of a wall. [L. _plinthus_, Gr.
_plinthos_, a brick.]
PLIOCENE, pl[=i]'o-s[=e]n, _n._ (_geol._) the strata more recent than the
Miocene or Second Tertiary. [Gr. _plei[=o]n_, more, _kainos_, recent.]
PLISKIE, plis'ki, _n._ (_Scot._) condition or plight: a mischievous trick.
PLOD, plod, _v.i._ to travel slowly and steadily: to study or work on
steadily: to toil.--_v.t._ to get along by slow and heavy walking:--_pr.p._
plod'ding; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plod'ded.--_n._ PLOD'DER, one who plods on:
a dull, heavy, laborious man.--_adj._ PLOD'DING, laborious but slow.--_n._
slow movement: patient study.--_adv._ PLOD'DINGLY. [Orig. 'to wade through
pools,' from Ir. _plod_, a pool.]
PLONGE, plonj, _n._ the descending part of the path of a bomb: the superior
slope of a parapet.--Also PLON'GÉE.
PLONGE, plonj, _v.t._ to cleanse, as open sewers, by stirring with a pole
when the tide is ebbing.
PLOP, plop, _v.i._ to plump into water. [Imit.]
PLOT, plot, _n._ a small piece of ground: a plan of a field, &c., drawn on
paper: a patch or spot on clothes.--_v.t._ to make a plan of:--_pr.p._
plot'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plot'ted. [A.S. _plot._]
PLOT, plot, _n._ a complicated scheme, esp. for a mischievous purpose: a
conspiracy: stratagem: the chain of incidents which are gradually unfolded
in the story of a play, &c.--_v.i._ to scheme: to form a scheme of
mischief: to conspire.--_v.t._ to devise:--_pr.p._ plot'ting; _pa.t._ and
_pa.p._ plot'ted.--_adj._ PLOT'FUL.--_adj._ PLOT'-PROOF, safe from any
danger by plots.--_ns._ PLOT'TER, one who plots: a conspirator;
PLOT'TING.--_adv._ PLOT'TINGLY. [Fr. _complot_, acc. to Diez, from L.
_complicitum_, pa.p. of _complic[=a]re_, to fold.]
PLOT, plot, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to scald, steep in very hot water.--_n._
PLOT'TIE, a kind of mulled wine.
PLOTTER, plot'[.e]r, _v.i._ to plouter (q.v.).
PLOUGH, plow, _n._ an instrument for turning up the soil to prepare it for
seed: tillage: a joiner's plane for making grooves.--_v.t._ to turn up with
the plough: to make furrows or ridges in: to tear: to divide: to run
through, as in sailing: (_university slang_) to reject in an
examination.--_v.i._ to work with a plough.--_adj._ PLOUGH'ABLE, capable of
being ploughed: arable.--_ns._ PLOUGH'BOY, a boy who drives or guides
horses in ploughing; PLOUGH'ER; PLOUGH'GATE (_Scots law_), a quantity of
land of the extent of 100 acres Scots; PLOUGH'ING; PLOUGH'-[=I]'RON, the
coulter of a plough; PLOUGH'-LAND, land suitable for tillage: as much land
as could be tilled with one plough, a hide of land; PLOUGH'MAN, a man who
ploughs: a husbandman: a rustic:--_pl._ PLOUGH'MEN; PLOUGH'-MON'DAY, the
Monday after Twelfth Day when, according to the old usage, the plough
should be set to work again after the holidays; PLOUGH'-TAIL, the end of a
plough where the handles are; PLOUGH'-TREE, a plough-handle; PLOUGH'WRIGHT,
one who makes and mends ploughs.--PUT ONE'S HAND TO THE PLOUGH, to begin an
undertaking.--SNOW PLOUGH, a strong triangular frame of wood for clearing
snow off roads, railways, &c., drawn by horses or by a locomotive; STEAM
PLOUGH, a plough driven by a stationary steam-engine; THE PLOUGH, the seven
bright stars in the constellation of the Great Bear. [Ice. _plógr_; perh.
Celt., Gael. _ploc_, a block.]
PLOUGHSHARE, plow'sh[=a]r, _n._ the part of a plough which shears or cuts
the ground in the bottom of the furrow. [_Plough_, and A.S. _scear_, a
share of a plough, a shearing--_sceran_, to cut.]
PLOUTER, plow't[.e]r, _v.i._ to paddle in water.--_n._ (_Scot._) a paddling
or dabbling in water.
PLOVER, pluv'[.e]r, _n._ a well-known wading bird. [Fr. _pluvier_--L.
_pluvia_, rain.]
PLOW, plow. Old spelling of _plough_.
PLOY, ploi, _n._ employment: (_Scot._) a frolic. [_Employ_.]
PLUCK, pluk, _v.t._ to pull off or away: to snatch: to strip, as a fowl of
its feathers: (_slang_) to reject an examinee as inefficient.--_n._ a
single act of plucking.--_n._ PLUCK'ER.--PLUCK OFF (_Shak._), to abate from
the rank; PLUCK UP, to pull out by the roots: to summon up, as courage.
[A.S. _pluccian_; akin to Dut. _plukken_, Ger. _pflücken_.]
PLUCK, pluk, _n._ the heart, liver, and lungs of an animal--hence heart,
courage, spirit.--_adjs._ PLUCKED, PLUCK'Y, having pluck or spirit.--_adv._
PLUCK'ILY.--_n._ PLUCK'INESS.
PLUFFY, pluf'i, _adj._ puffy: blown out.--_n._ PLUFF (_Scot._), a puff of
smoke or dust.--_v.t._ to throw out such.
PLUG, plug, _n._ a block or peg used to stop a hole: a bung: a stopper: a
branch from a water-pipe to supply a hose: a flat cake of tobacco: any
worn-out or useless article: (_slang_) a silk hat.--_v.t._ to stop with a
plug: to drive plugs into:--_pr.p._ plug'ging; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._
plugged.--_ns._ PLUG'GER, one who, or that which, plugs, esp. a dentist's
instrument for filling a hollow tooth; PLUG'GING, the act of stopping with
a plug: the material of which a plug is made; PLUG'-UG'LY, a street
ruffian.--FIRE PLUG, a contrivance by means of which a hose can be fixed to
a water-main in case of fire. [Dut. _plug_, a bung, a peg (Sw. _plugg_, a
peg, Ger. _pflock_); most prob. Celt., as in Ir., Gael., and W. _ploc_.]
PLUM, plum, _n._ a well-known stone fruit of various colours, of the
natural order _Rosaceæ_: the tree producing it: the best part of all: a sum
of £100,000, a handsome fortune.--_ns._ PLUM'-CAKE, a cake containing
raisins, currants, &c.; PLUM'-DUFF, a flour-pudding boiled with
raisins.--_adj._ PLUM'MY, full of plums: desirable.--_ns._ PLUM'-PORR'IDGE,
an antiquated dish, of porridge with plums, raisins, &c.; PLUM'-PUDD'ING, a
national English dish made of flour and suet, with raisins, currants, and
various spices. [A.S. _plúme_--L. _prunum_--Gr. _prounon_.]
PLUMAGE, pl[=oo]m'[=a]j, _n._ the whole feathers of a bird. [Fr.,--_plume_,
a feather.]
PLUMB, plum, _n._ a mass of lead or other material, hung on a string, to
show the perpendicular position: the perpendicular direction or
position.--_adj._ perpendicular.--_adv._ perpendicularly.--_v.t._ to adjust
by a plumb-line: to make perpendicular: to sound the depth of, as water by
a plumb-line.--_n._ PLUMB'-BOB, a conoid-shaped metal weight at the end of
a plumb-line.--_adjs._ PLUM'B[=E]AN, PLUM'B[=E]OUS, consisting of, or
resembling, lead: stupid; PLUMB'IC, pertaining to, or obtained from, lead;
PLUMBIF'EROUS, producing lead.--_n._ PLUMB'ING, the art of casting and
working in lead, &c.--_adj._ PLUMB'LESS, incapable of being sounded.--_ns._
PLUMB'-LINE, a line to which a mass of lead is attached to show the
perpendicular: a plummet; PLUMB'-RULE, a narrow board with a plumb-line
fastened to the top, used to determine a perpendicular. [Fr. _plomb_--L.
_plumbum_, lead.]
PLUMBAGINEÆ, plum-ba-jin'[=e]-[=e], _n.pl._ a natural order of oxogenous
plants found on seashores and salt-marshes.
PLUMBAGO, plum-b[=a]'go, _n._ a mineral composed of carbon, iron, and other
materials, used for pencils, &c., popularly called 'blacklead:' graphite: a
genus of plants with blue or violet flowers.--_adj._ PLUMBAG'INOUS. [L.
_plumbum_, lead.]
PLUMBER, plum'[.e]r, _n._ one who works in lead, esp. one who fits into
buildings the tanks, pipes, and fittings for conveying water, gas, and
sewage.--_ns._ PLUMB'ER-BLOCK, a metal frame or case for holding the end of
a revolving shaft: a pillow-block; PLUMB'ERY, articles of lead: the
business of a plumber: a place for plumbing.
PLUME, pl[=oo]m, _n._ a feather: a tuft of feathers: a feather worn as an
ornament: a crest: a token of honour: a prize in a contest.--_v.t._ to
dress the feathers of, as a bird: to adorn with plumes: to strip of
feathers: to boast (used reflexively).--_ns._ PLUMASSIER
(pl[=oo]-ma-s[=e]r'), one who prepares or deals in plumes; PLUME'-BIRD, a
term sometimes given to the _Epimachidæ_ or long-tailed
birds-of-Paradise.--_adjs._ PLUMED, adorned with feathers;
PLUME'LESS.--_n._ PLUME'LET, a down-feather, a plumule: anything resembling
a small plume.--_adj._ PLUME'-PLUCKED, stripped of plumes: (_Shak._)
humbled.--_n._ PLUM'ERY, a display of plumes.--_adjs._ PLUMIG'EROUS,
plumaged; PLU'MIPED, having feathered feet.--_n._ PLU'MIST, a
feather-dresser.--_adjs._ PLU'MOSE, PLU'MOUS, feathery: plume-like; PLU'MY,
covered or adorned with plumes. [O. Fr.,--L. _pluma_, a small soft
feather.]
PLUMMER, PLUMMERY. See PLUMBER, PLUMBERY.
PLUMMET, plum'et, _n._ a weight of lead hung at a string, used for
ascertaining the direction of the earth's attraction, and for sounding
depths: a plumb-line. [O. Fr. _plomet_, dim. of _plom_, lead.]
PLUMP, plump, _adv._ falling straight downward (like lead): heavily:
suddenly.--_adj._ downright: unqualified.--_v.i._ to fall or sink suddenly:
to give all one's votes to one candidate where there are more than one to
be elected.--_v.t._ to cause to fall suddenly.--_n._ (_Scot._) a sudden
downfall of rain.--_n._ PLUMP'ER, a vote given to one candidate only when
more than one are to be elected: one who so votes: (_slang_) a downright
lie.--_adv._ PLUMP'LY, fully, without reserve. [_Plumb._]
PLUMP, plump, _adj._ fat and rounded: sleek: in good condition.--_v.i._ to
grow fat or plump: to swell.--_v.t._ to make plump: to fatten.--_ns._
PLUMP'ER, a ball kept in the mouth to give the cheeks a rounded appearance;
PLUMP'NESS.--_adj._ PLUMP'Y (_Shak._), plump, fat. [Teut.; Dut. _plomp_,
lumpish, Ger. _plump_.]
PLUMP, plump, _n._ a cluster: a clump (of persons or things).
PLUMULARIA, pl[=oo]-m[=u]-l[=a]'ri-a, _n._ a genus of hydrozoa, belonging
to the division _hydroidea_.--_adj._ PLUMUL[=A]'RIAN. [L. _plumula_, a
little feather.]
PLUMULE, pl[=oo]'m[=u]l, _n._ (_bot._) the first bud of a plant growing
from seed, springing from between the cotyledons or seed leaves: a soft
feather: a feathery scale on a butterfly's wing.--Also PLUM'ULA. [L.
_plumula_, dim. of _pluma_, a feather.]
PLUNDER, plun'd[.e]r, _v.t._ to seize the goods of another by force: to
pillage.--_n._ that which is seized by force: booty: (_U.S._) household
goods.--_ns._ PLUN'DERAGE, the stealing of goods on board ship;
PLUN'DERER.--_adj._ PLUN'DEROUS. [Ger. _plündern_, to pillage--_plunder_,
trash, baggage; akin to Low Ger. _plunnen_, rags.]
PLUNGE, plunj, _v.t._ to cast suddenly into water or other fluid: to force
suddenly (into): to immerse.--_v.i._ to sink suddenly into any fluid: to
dive: to pitch suddenly forward and throw up the hind-legs, as a horse: to
rush into any danger: (_slang_) to gamble recklessly.--_n._ act of
plunging: act of rushing headlong, as a horse.--_n._ PLUNG'ER, one who
plunges: a diver: a long solid cylinder used as a forcer in pumps: (_mil._)
a cavalry-man: one who bets heavily.--_adj._ PLUNG'ING, rushing headlong:
aimed from higher ground, as fire upon an enemy.--_n._ the putting or
sinking under water, or other fluid: the act of a horse trying to throw its
rider.--PLUNGE BATH, a bath large enough to allow the whole body under
water. [O. Fr. _plonger_--L. _plumbum_, lead.]
PLUPERFECT, pl[=oo]'p[.e]r-fekt, _adj._ (_gram._) noting that an action
happened before some other past action referred to. [A corr. of L.
_plus-quam-perfectum_, (lit.) _more than_ or _before perfect_.]
PLURAL, pl[=oo]'ral, _adj._ containing or expressing more than one.--_n._
(_gram._) the form denoting more than one.--_n._ PLURALIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._
PLU'RALISE, to make plural.--_v.i._ to hold two or more benefices
simultaneously.--_ns._ PLU'RALISM, the state of being plural: the holding
by one person of more than one office at once, esp. applied to
ecclesiastical livings; PLU'RALIST, one who holds more than one office at
one time; PLURAL'ITY, the state of being plural: a number consisting of
more than one: the majority: the holding of more than one benefice at one
time: the living held by a pluralist.--_adv._ PLU'RALLY. [Fr.,--L.
_pluralis_--_plus_, _pluris_, more.]
PLURILITERAL, pl[=oo]-ri-lit'[.e]r-al, _adj._ containing more letters than
three.