any kind: freedom from sin or defilement: chastity: sincerity: freedom from
foreign or improper idioms or words.
PURL, purl, _v.i._ to flow with a murmuring sound, as a stream over small
stones: to ripple: to flow in eddies: to curl or swirl.--_v.t._ to whirl
about: to unseat.--_n._ a soft murmuring sound, as of a stream among
stones: an eddy or ripple.--_n._ PURL'ING, the act of flowing with a
gentle, murmuring sound: the murmuring sound of a small stream. [Prob.
freq. of _purr_; cf. Sw. _porla_, Ger. _perlen_, to bubble.]
PURL, purl, _v.t._ to fringe with a waved edging, as lace: to invert
stitches.--_n._ an embroidered border: a hem or fringe of twisted gold or
silver thread: a ribbed or wavy appearance caused by inverted stitches: a
kind of 16th-cent. lace. [_Purfle_.]
PURL, purl, _n._ ale warmed and spiced.
PURLIEU, pur'l[=u], _n._ the borders or environs of any place: (_orig._)
the grounds on the borders of a royal forest, illegally added to the
forest, but afterwards restored to their rightful owners, and marked out by
perambulation. [Acc. to Skeat, a corr. of O. Fr. _puralee_ (a mere
translation of L. _perambulatio_), land severed from a royal forest by
perambulation--O. Fr. _pur_ (=L. _pro_), _allee_, a going.]
PURLIN, PURLINE, pur'lin, _n._ a piece of timber stretching horizontally
across the rafters underneath to support them in the middle. [Perh. Fr.
_pour_, for, or _par_, through, _ligne_, a line.]
PURLOIN, pur-loin', _v.t._ to carry off to a distance: to take for one's
own use: to steal: to plagiarise.--_v.i._ to practise theft.--_n._
PURLOIN'ER. [O. Fr. _purloignier_--L. _prolong[=a]re_.]
PURPLE, pur'pl, _n._ a very dark-red colour formed by the mixture of blue
and red: a purple dress or robe, originally worn only by royalty: a robe of
honour: the dignity of a king or emperor: a cardinalate, so called from the
red hat and robes worn by cardinals.--_adj._ red tinged with blue:
blood-red: bloody.--_v.t._ to dye purple: to clothe with purple.--_v.i._ to
become purple in colour.--_n._ PUR'PLE-FISH, a shellfish of genus
_Purpura_.--_adjs._ PUR'PLE-FROST'Y (_Tenn._), purple with frost or cold;
PUR'PLE-HUED (_Shak._), having a purple hue.--_n.pl._ PUR'PLES, petechiæ or
spots of livid red on the body: a disease of wheat: an early
purple-flowered orchid.--_adj._ PUR'PLE-SPIKED, having purple
spikes.--_ns._ PUR'PLE-WOOD, -HEART, the heartwood of _Copaifera
pubiflora_, used for ramrods.--_adj._ PUR'PLISH, somewhat purple.--PURPLE
EMPEROR, one of the largest of British butterflies, and one of the most
richly coloured.--BORN IN THE PURPLE, of princely rank or birth; TYRIAN
PURPLE, a fine purple dye for which the people of ancient Tyre were
celebrated. [O. Fr. _porpre_ (Fr. _pourpre_)--L. _purpura_--Gr. _porphyra_,
the purple-fish.]
PURPORT, pur'p[=o]rt, _n._ design: meaning: signification.--_v.t._ (also
PURPORT') to give out as its meaning: to convey to the mind: to seem to
mean--often with an infinitive clause as its object.--_adj._ PUR'PORTLESS.
[O. Fr., from _pur_ (Fr. _pour_)--L. _pro_, for, _porter_--L. _port[=a]re_,
to carry.]
PURPOSE, pur'pos, _n._ idea or aim kept before the mind as the end of
effort: aim, intention: effect: (_Spens._) conversation: (_pl._) a sort of
conversational game.--OF, or ON, PURPOSE, with design, intentionally; TO
THE PURPOSE, to the point, or material to the question. [O. Fr. _pourpos_,
_propos_--L. _propositum_, a thing intended--_pro_, forward, _pon[)e]re_,
_positum_, to place.]
PURPOSE, pur'pos, _v.t._ to intend (often followed by an infinitive or
participial clause as its object).--_v.i._ to have an intention: (_Spens._)
to discourse.--_adj._ PUR'POSEFUL, having an object: full of
meaning.--_adv._ PUR'POSEFULLY.--_n._ PUR'POSEFULNESS.--_adj._
PUR'POSELESS, without purpose or effect: aimless.--_adv._
PUR'POSELESSLY.--_n._ PUR'POSELESSNESS.--_adj._ PUR'POSE-LIKE, having a
definite purpose: having the appearance of being fit for a purpose.--_adv._
PUR'POSELY, with purpose: intentionally.--_n._ PUR'POSER.--_adj._
PUR'POSIVE, having an aim: (_biol._) functional.--_n._ PUR'POSIVENESS. [O.
Fr. _purposer_, form of _proposer_, influenced by Fr. _propos_.]
PURPRISE, pur-pr[=i]z', _n._ an enclosure: the whole compass of a
manor.--_n._ PURPREST'URE, a private encroachment upon a public highway,
&c. [O. Fr. _pourpris_--_pour_, for, _prendre_--L. _prehend[)e]re_, to
take.]
PURPURA, pur'p[=u]-ra, _n._ a genus of marine gasteropods: an eruption of
small purple spots, caused by extravasation of blood in the skin--also
called the _Purples_.--_adj._ PUR'PUR[=A]TE, of purple colour.--_n._
PUR'PURE, purple.--_adjs._ PURP[=U]'REAL, purple; PURP[=U]'RIC, relating to
purpura. [L.,--Gr. _porphyra_.]
PURR, PUR, pur, _v.i._ to utter a low, murmuring sound, as a cat when
pleased: to signify by, or as by, purring.--_ns._ PURR; PURR'ING, the low,
murmuring sound of a cat.--_adv._ PURR'INGLY. [Imit.]
PURSE, purs, _n._ a small bag for money, orig. made of skin: a sum of
money, esp. a sum given as a present or offered as a prize: a treasury: a
person's finances.--_v.t._ to put into a purse: to contract as the mouth of
a purse: to draw into folds or wrinkles.--_n._ PURSE'-BEAR'ER, one who has
charge of the purse of another: a treasurer.--_adj._ PURSE'-BEAR'ING,
pouched, marsupiate.--_ns._ PURSE'FUL, as much as a purse can hold: enough
to fill a purse; PURSE'-MOUTH (_Tenn._), a pursed-up mouth; PURSE'-NET, a
kind of net that can be closed like a purse; PURSE'-PRIDE.--_adj._
PURSE'-PROUD, proud of one's purse or wealth: insolent from wealth.--_ns._
PURS'ER, an officer who has charge of the provisions, clothing, and
accounts of a ship, now termed a 'paymaster;' PURS'ERSHIP; PURSE'-SEINE, a
seine which can be pursed into the shape of a bag.--_n.pl._ PURSE'-STRINGS,
the strings fastening a purse.--_n._ PURSE'-TAK'ING, robbing.--A LIGHT, or
EMPTY, PURSE, poverty; A LONG, or HEAVY, PURSE, riches; PRIVY PURSE, an
allowance for the private expenses of the British sovereign: an officer in
the royal household who pays the sovereign the grant of the civil list for
his private expenses. [O. Fr. _borse_ (Fr. _bourse_)--Low L. _bursa_--Gr.
_byrsa_, a hide.]
PURSLANE, PURSLAIN, purs'l[=a]n, _n._ an annual plant, frequently used in
salads. [O. Fr. _porcelaine_--L. _porcilaca_, _portulaca_.]
PURSUE, pur-s[=u]', _v.t._ to follow after in order to overtake: to follow
with haste: to chase: to follow up: to be engaged in: to carry on: to seek
to obtain: to seek to injure: to imitate: to continue.--_v.i._ to follow:
to go on or continue: to act as a prosecutor at law.--_n._ (_Spens._)
pursuit.--_adj._ PURS[=U]'ABLE.--_n._ PURS[=U]'ANCE, the act of pursuing or
following out: process: consequence.--_adj._ PURS[=U]'ANT, done while
pursuing or seeking any purpose, hence agreeable.--_adv._ agreeably:
conformably--also PURS[=U]'ANTLY.--_n._ PURS[=U]'ER, one who pursues:
(_Scots law_) a plaintiff. [O. Fr. _porsuir_ (Fr. _poursuivre_)--L.
_prosequi_, _-secutus_--_pro_, onwards, _sequi_, to follow.]
PURSUIT, pur-s[=u]t', _n._ the act of pursuing: endeavour to attain:
occupation: employment.
PURSUIVANT, pur'swi-vant, _n._ an attendant or follower: a state messenger:
an attendant on the heralds: one of four inferior officers in the English
College of Arms. [Fr., pr.p. of _poursuivre_, to pursue.]
PURSY, purs'i, _adj._ puffy: fat and short: short-breathed.--_n._
PURS'INESS. [O. Fr. _pourcif_ (Fr. _poussif_), orig. _poulsif_,
broken-winded--O. Fr. _poulser_ (Fr. _pousser_), to push--L. _puls[=a]re_,
to push.]
PURTENANCE, pur'ten-ans, _n._ that which pertains or belongs to: (_B._) the
inwards or intestines of an animal. [_Appurtenance_.]
PURULENCE, p[=u]'r[=u]-lens, _n._ the forming of pus or matter: pus--also
P[=U]'RULENCY.--_adj._ P[=U]'RULENT, consisting of, full of, or resembling
pus or matter.--_adv._ P[=U]'RULENTLY. [_Pus._]
PURVEY, pur-v[=a]', v.t, to provide, esp. with conveniences: to
procure.--_v.i._ to provide: to buy in provisions for several persons:
(with _to_) to pander.--_ns._ PURVEY'ANCE, the act of purveying: a
procuring of victuals: that which is supplied: the former royal prerogative
of pre-emption of necessaries; PURVEY'OR, one who provides victuals: an
officer who formerly exacted provisions for the use of the king's
household: a procurer. [O. Fr. _porvoir_ (Fr. _pourvoir_)--L.
_provid[=e]re_, to provide.]
PURVIEW, pur'v[=u], _n._ a condition or disposition: the part of a statute
beginning with 'Be it enacted:' scope: limits. [O. Fr.
_pourvieu_--_pourvoir_, to provide.]
PUS, pus, _n._ a thick yellowish fluid exuded from inflamed tissues: that
which has become putrid. [L. _pus_, _puris_, matter; akin to Gr. _pyon_.]
PUSEYISM, p[=u]'zi-izm, _n._ a name given to the High Church and Catholic
principles of Dr E. B. _Pusey_ (1800-82), and other Oxford divines, as set
forth in 'Tracts for the Times.'--_adjs._ P[=U]SEYIST'IC, -AL.--_n._
P[=U]'SEYITE, one who holds the views of Dr Pusey.
PUSH, p[=oo]sh, _v.t._ to thrust or press against: to drive by pressure: to
press forward: to urge: to press hard: to thrust, as with a sword.--_v.i._
to make a thrust: to make an effort: to press against: to burst out.--_n._
a thrust: an impulse: assault: effort: exigence: (_Bacon_) a pustule, a
pimple, eruption.--_n._ PUSH'ER, one who pushes: a stem or rod.--_adj._
PUSH'ING, pressing forward in business: enterprising: vigorous.--_n._
PUSH'ING-JACK, an implement for starting a railway-carriage, &c.--_adv._
PUSH'INGLY.--_n._ PUSH'-PIN (_Shak._), a children's game in which pins are
pushed alternately. [Fr. _pousser_--L. _puls[=a]re_, freq. of _pell[)e]re_,
_pulsum_, to beat.]
PUSHTU, PUSHTOO, push't[=oo], _n._ the language of the Afghans
proper.--Also PUSH'TO. [Afghan.]
PUSILLANIMOUS, p[=u]-si-lan'i-mus, _adj._ wanting firmness of mind: of
small courage: having a little mind: mean-spirited: cowardly.--_adv._
PUSILLAN'IMOUSLY.--_ns._ PUSILLAN'IMOUSNESS, PUSILLANIM'ITY, state or
quality of being weak-minded: lack of spirit or courage: timidity. [L.
_pusillanimis_--_pusillus_, very little, _animus_, the mind.]
PUSS, p[=oo]s, _n._ a familiar name for a cat: a hare, in sportsmen's
language: a playful name for a child or a girl.--_ns._ PUSS'-CLOV'ER, the
rabbit's foot or stone-clover; PUSS'-GEN'TLEMAN, a dandy; PUSS'-MOTH, a
moth of the genus Cerura; PUSS'-TAIL, a common grass with bristly spikes,
belonging to the genus Setaria--also called _Foxtail_; PUSS'Y, a dim. of
_puss_--also PUSS'Y-CAT; PUSS'Y-CAT, the silky catkin of various willows;
PUSS'Y-WILL'OW, a common American willow, _Salix discolor_, with silky
spring catkins.--PUSS IN THE CORNER, a children's game in which the places
are continually being changed, while the player who is out tries to secure
one of them. [Dut. _poes_, puss; Ir. and Gael. _pus_, a cat.]
PUSTULE, pus't[=u]l, _n._ a small pimple containing pus: anything like a
pustule, on plants or animals: a small blister.--_adjs._ PUS'T[=U]LAR,
PUS'T[=U]LOUS, covered with pustules.--_v.t._ PUS'T[=U]L[=A]TE, to form
into pustules.--_n._ PUST[=U]L[=A]'TION. [Fr.,--L. _pustula_, a pimple.]
PUT, p[=oo]t, _v.t._ to push or thrust: to cast, throw: to drive into
action: to throw suddenly, as a word: to set, lay, or deposit: to bring
into any state or position: to offer: to propose: to express, state: to
apply: to oblige: to incite: to add.--_v.i._ to place: to turn:--_pr.p._
putting (p[=oo]t'-); _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ put.--_n._ a push or thrust: a
cast, throw, esp. of a heavy stone from the shoulder (see PUTTING): an
attempt: a game at cards: a contract by which one person, in consideration
of a certain sum of money paid to another, acquires the privilege of
selling or delivering to the latter within a certain time certain
securities or commodities, at a stipulated price (see OPTIONS).--_ns._
PUT'-OFF, -BY, an excuse, a makeshift, evasion; PUT'TER, one who puts.--PUT
ABOUT, to change the course, as of a ship: to put to inconvenience,
trouble: to publish; PUT AN END, or stop, to, to check, hinder: cause to
discontinue; PUT AWAY, to renounce, to divorce; PUT BACK, to push backward:
to delay: to say nay; PUT BY, to lay aside: to divert: to store up; PUT
DOWN, to crush: to degrade: (_Shak._) to confute: to enter, as a name:
(_rare_) to give up: to start for; PUT FOR, to set out vigorously towards a
place; PUT FORTH, to extend: to propose: to publish: to exert: to depart;
PUT IN, to introduce: to hand in: to appoint: to insert: to conduct a ship
into a harbour; PUT IN FOR, to put in an application or claim for; PUT IN
MIND, to bring to one's memory; PUT OFF, to lay aside: to baffle or
frustrate: to defer or delay: to push from shore: (_Shak._) to discard; PUT
ON, or UPON, to invest: to impute: to assume: to promote: to instigate: to
impose upon: to hasten: to inflict: to deceive, trick: to foist or palm
upon; PUT OUT, to expel, to extinguish: to place at interest: to extend: to
publish: to disconcert: to offend: to expend: to dislocate; PUT OVER
(_Shak._), to refer: to send: to defer: to place in authority; PUT THE
CASE, PUT CASE, suppose the case to be; PUT THE HAND TO, to take hold of:
to take or seize: to engage in (any affair); PUT THIS AND THAT TOGETHER, to
infer from given premises; PUT THROUGH, to bring to an end: to accomplish;
PUT TO, to apply, use: to add to: to bring or consign to; PUT TO DEATH, to
kill; PUT TO IT, to press hard: to distress; PUT TO RIGHTS, to bring into
proper order; PUT TO SEA, to set sail: to begin a voyage; PUT TO, or ON,
TRIAL, to test: to try; PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER, to draw a conclusion from
certain circumstances; PUT UP, to startle from a cover, as a hare: to put
back to its ordinary place when not in use, as a sword: to accommodate with
lodging: to nominate for election: (_with_) to bear without complaint: to
take lodgings; PUT UP TO, to give information about, to instruct in. [A.S.
_potian_, to push; prob. Celt., as Gael. _put_, W. _pwtio_.]
PUT, put, _n._ a rustic, simpleton. [Perh. W. _pwt_, _pytiau_, any short
thing.]
PUT, put, _n._ a strumpet.--_ns._ P[=U]'T[=A]GE, a law phrase for a woman's
fornication; P[=U]'TANISM, the habit of prostitution. [O. Fr. _pute_, a
whore.]
PUTAMEN, p[=u]-t[=a]'men, _n._ the hard bony stone of some fruits--cherry,
peach, &c.: the soft shell of an egg: the outer and darker portion of the
lenticular nucleus of the brain. [L.,--_put[=a]re_, to prune.]
PUTATIVE, p[=u]'t[=a]-tiv, _adj._ supposed: reputed: commonly supposed to
be.--_n._ PUT[=A]'TION, act of considering, estimation.--PUTATIVE MARRIAGE,
a marriage prohibited by canon law, but entered into in good faith by at
least one of the parties. [Fr.,--L. _putativus_--_put[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_,
to suppose.]
PUTCHOCK, p[=oo]-chok', _n._ the fragrant costus-root, exported from India
to China--a chief ingredient in the Chinese pastille-rod, commonly called
_jostick_.--ALSO PUTCHUK'. [Perh. Telegu _p[=a]ch'ck[=a]ku_, 'green leaf;'
or more prob. Malay.]
PUTEAL, p[=u]'t[=e]-al, _n._ a well-curb. [L.,--_puteus_, a well.]
PUTELI, put'e-li, _n._ a flat-bottomed Ganges boat.
PUTID, p[=u]'tid, _adj._ rotten: stinking: worthless.--_n._ P[=U]'TIDNESS.
[L. _putidus_, putrid.]
PUT-LOG, put'-log, _n._ a cross-piece in a scaffolding, the inner end
resting in a hole left in the wall.
PUTOIS, pü-twa', _n._ a brush of polecat's hair for pottery. [Fr.]
PUTOO, put'[=oo], _n._ a dish made of palmyra-nut meal, scraped coco-nut,
&c.
PUTORIUS, p[=u]-t[=o]'ri-us, _n._ a large family of _Mustelidæ_, including
weasels, stoats, polecats, ferrets, &c.
PUTREFY, p[=u]'tre-f[=i], _v.t._ to make putrid or rotten: to
corrupt.--_v.i._ to become putrid: to rot:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._
p[=u]'trefied.--_adjs._ P[=U]TRED'INOUS, having an offensive smell;
PUTREF[=A]'CIENT (also _n._), PUTREFAC'TIVE, pertaining to or causing
putrefaction.--_ns._ PUTREFAC'TION, the act or process of putrefying:
rottenness: corruption; PUTREFAC'TIVENESS; PUTRES'CENCE.--_adjs._
PUTRES'CENT, becoming putrid: pertaining to putrefaction; P[=U]'TRID, in a
state of decay: showing putrefaction: stinking: rotten: corrupt.--_ns._
PUTRID'ITY, P[=U]'TRIDNESS, state of being putrid: corrupt matter:
rottenness: corruption.--_adj._ P[=U]'TRIFIABLE, liable to putrefy. [O. Fr.
_putrefier_--L. _putrefac[)e]re_, to make putrid--_puter_, _putris_,
rotten.]
PUTT, put, _v.i._ in golf, to play with a putter.--_n._ a short stroke made
with a putter in attempting to hole a ball.--_ns._ PUTT'ER, one who throws
a stone: one who takes coal along underground roads: a short, stiff
golf-club used in putting; PUTT'ER-ON (_Shak._), an instigator; PUTT'ER-OUT
(_obs._), one who deposited money on going abroad, on condition of
receiving a larger sum on his return, the money to be forfeited in case of
non-return; PUTT'ING, the act of hurling a heavy stone from the hand by a
sudden push from the shoulder: the act of striking a golf-ball when near a
hole, so as to cause it to fall into it; PUTT'ING-GREEN, the prepared
ground immediately round a hole in a golf-course; PUTT'ING-STONE, a heavy
stone raised by the hand and thrust forward from the shoulder, as a trial
of strength and skill. [_Put._]
PUTTIES, put'tiz, _n.pl._ strips of cloth wound round the legs, from ankle
to knee, as leggings.
PUTTOCK, p[=oo]t'ok, _n._ (_Shak._) a kite, a buzzard.
PUTTOO, put'[=oo], _n._ a cloth made in Cashmere from the longer and
coarser wool of the goat.
PUTTY, put'i, _n._ an oxide of tin, or of lead and tin, used in polishing
glass, &c.--_jewellers' putty_: a cement of whiting and linseed-oil, used
in glazing windows: a fine cement of lime only--_plasterers'
putty._--_v.t._ to fix or fill with putty:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._
putt'ied.--_n._ PUTT'IER, a glazier.--_adj._ PUTT'Y-FACED, having a face
resembling putty in pastiness or colour.--_ns._ PUTT'Y-KNIFE, a knife with
a blunt, flexible blade for laying on putty; PUTT'Y-POW'DER, an
artificially prepared oxide of tin used for polishing glass; PUTT'Y-ROOT,
an American orchid the corm of whose root-stock contains a highly glutinous
matter; PUTT'Y-WORK, decoration in a soft substance which grows very hard.
[O. Fr. _potée_, properly that which is contained in a pot, Fr. _pot._]
PUT-UP, poot'-up, _adj._ speciously conceived, planned, or carried out.
[_Put._]
PUTURE, p[=u]'t[=u]r, _n._ the claim to food for man, horse, and dog within
the bounds of a forest, &c.--Also PUL'T[=U]RE. [O. Fr. _peulture_.]
PUXI, puk'si, _n._ the edible larvæ of various flies of the genus
_Ephydra_, found in the alkali lakes of western North America. [Mex. Ind.]
PUY, pw[=e], _n._ one of the small volcanic cones in Auvergne, &c. [Fr.]
PUZZEL, puz'l, _n._ (_obs._) a drab. [Fr. _pucelle_.]
PUZZLE, puz'l, _n._ a difficulty to be solved: perplexity: something to try
the ingenuity, as a toy or riddle.--_v.t._ to set a difficult question to:
to pose: to perplex.--_v.i._ to be bewildered: to think long and carefully
(with _out_, _over_).--_ns._ PUZZ'LEDOM (_coll._), bewilderment;
PUZZ'LE-HEAD, one who is puzzle-headed.--_adj._ PUZZ'LE-HEAD'ED, having the
head full of confused notions.--_ns._ PUZZ'LE-HEAD'EDNESS; PUZZ'LEMENT, the
state of being puzzled; PUZZ'LE-MONK'EY (same as MONKEY-PUZZLE, q.v.);
PUZZ'LE-PEG, a piece of wood so secured under a dog's jaw as to keep his
nose from the ground; PUZZ'LER; PUZZ'LE-RING, a ring made of several small
rings intricately linked together, capable of being taken apart and put
together again.--_adj._ PUZZ'LING, posing: perplexing.--_adv._ PUZZ'LINGLY.
[From M. E. _opposaile_ (Eng. _opposal_), an objection--_opposen_, _posen_.
Cf. _Pose_ and _Oppose_.]
PUZZOLANA, puz-[=o]-lä'na, _n._ a loosely coherent volcanic sand found at
_Pozzuoli_, near Naples, forming a hydraulic cement with ordinary
lime.--Also PUZZOLÄ'NO, POZZUOLÄ'NA.
PYÆMIA, PYEMIA, p[=i]-[=e]'mi-a, _n._ a disease caused by the introduction
into the blood of decomposing matter, from pus, &c.--_adjs._ PYÆ'MIC,
PY[=E]'MIC. [Gr. _pyon_, pus, _haima_, blood.]
PYCNID, pik'nid, _n._ a special receptacle in ascomycetous fungi,
resembling a perithecium, in which stylospores or pycnospores are
produced--also PYCNID'IUM.--_n._ PYC'NOSPORE, a stylospore. [Gr. _pyknos_,
thick.]
PYCNITE, pik'n[=i]t, _n._ a columnar variety of topaz.
PYCNOGONIDA, pik-n[=o]-gon'i-da, _n.pl._ a division of marine arthropods,
the sea-spiders.--_adj._ PYCNOG'ONOID. [Gr. _pyknos_, thick, _gony_, the
knee.]
PYCNOMETER, pik-nom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for determining the
specific gravity of solid bodies. [Gr. _pyknos_, thick, _metron_, measure.]
PYCNON, pik'non, _n._ (_mus._) a small interval in Greek music, a
quarter-tone: in medieval music, a semi-tone. [Gr. _pyknos_, thick.]
PYCNOSTYLE, pik'n[=o]-st[=i]l, _adj._ (_archit._) noting a lower degree of
intercolumniation, usually 1½ diameters. [Gr. _pyknos_, thick, _stylos_, a
column.]
PYEBALD. See PIEBALD.
PYELITIS, p[=i]-e-l[=i]'tis, _n._ inflammation of the pelvis of the
kidney--also _Endonephritis_.--_adjs._ PYELIT'IC; PYELONEPHRIT'IC.--_n._
PYELONEPHR[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis. [Gr.
_pyelos_, the pelvis, _nephros_, the kidney.]
PYENGADU, p[=i]-eng'ga-d[=oo], _n._ a large acacia-like tree of Burma,
India, &c., with reddish-brown wood of great heaviness and hardness.--Also
PYN'KADO.
PYGAL, p[=i]'gal, _adj._ belonging to the rump or posteriors of an
animal.--_n._ the posterior median or supracaudal plate of a chelonian
carapace.--_n._ PY'GARG, a kind of antelope: the osprey or sea-eagle. [Gr.
_pyg[=e]_, the rump, _argos_, white.]
PYGMY, PIGMY, pig'mi, _n._ one of a fabulous dwarfish race of antiquity: a
dwarf: any diminutive thing: one of several pygmy races in equatorial
Africa and elsewhere: one of the ancient diminutive dwellers in underground
houses, &c., in whom David MacRitchie sees the historical originals of the
fairies and elves of folklore.--_adj._ resembling a pygmy: very
small.--_adj._ PYGM[=E]'AN, dwarfish: diminutive. [O. Fr. _pigme_,
_pygme_--L. _Pygmæi_--Gr. _Pygmaioi_, the Pygmies, a (Gr.) _pygm[=e]_--13½
in. long--_pygm[=e]_, fist.]
PYGOPUS, p[=i]'g[=o]-pus, _n._ a genus of Australian lizards.
PYGOSTYLE, p[=i]'g[=o]-st[=i]l, _n._ the vomer or ploughshare bone of a
bird's tail.--_adj._ PY'GOSTYLED. [Gr. _pyg[=e]_, the rump, _stylos_, a
column.]
PYJAMAS, pe-jä'maz, _n.pl._ loose drawers or trousers tied round the waist,
in India, used also by Europeans.--Also PAIJÄ'MAS, PAJÄ'MAS. [Hind.
_p[=a]ëj[=a]ma_, lit. 'leg-clothing.']
PYLON, p[=i]'lon, _n._ a gateway to an Egyptian temple: the mass of
building through which the gateway was pierced. [Gr. _pyl[=o]n_--_pyl[=e]_,
a gate.]
PYLORUS, pi-l[=o]'rus, _n._ the lower opening of the stomach leading to the
intestines.--_adj._ PYLOR'IC. [L.,--Gr. _pyl[=o]ros_--_pyl[=e]_, an
entrance, _ouros_, a guardian.]
PYOGENESIS, p[=i]-[=o]-jen'e-sis, _n._ the formation of pus.--_adjs._
PYOGENET'IC, PYOGEN'IC, PY'OID.--_ns._ PYOPOI[=E]'SIS, suppuration;
PYOP'TYSIS, expectoration of pus; PYORRH[=E]'A, purulent discharge;
PY[=O]'SIS, the formation of pus.
PYRAMID, pir'a-mid, _n._ a solid figure on a triangular, square, or
polygonal base, with triangular sides meeting in a point: (_pl._) 'the
Pyramids,' or great monuments of Egypt: a game played on a billiard-table
in which the balls are arranged in pyramid shape.--_adjs._ PYRAM'IDAL,
PYRAMID'IC, -AL, having the form of a pyramid.--_advs._ PYRAM'IDALLY,
PYRAMID'ICALLY.--_ns._ PYRAMID'ICALNESS; PYRAMID'ION, the small pyramidal
apex of an obelisk; PYRAM'IDIST, one versed in the history of the Pyramids;
PYR'AMIS (_Shak._), a pyramid:--_pl._ PYRAM'IDES.--_adjs._ PYR'AMOID,
PYRAM'IDOID. [L.,--Gr. _pyramis_, _pyramidos_; prob. Egypt. _pir-em-us_.
Some connection with Gr. _pyr_, fire.]
PYRAMIDON, pi-ram'i-don, _n._ in organ-building a stop having wooden pipes
in the form of an inverted pyramid, giving very deep notes somewhat like
those of a stopped diapason.
PYRARGYRITE, p[=i]-rar'ji-r[=i]t, _n._ an ore of silver consisting of the
sulphide of silver and antimony. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _argyros_, silver.]
PYRE, p[=i]r, _n._ a pile of wood, &c., on which a dead body is
burned.--_adj._ PYR'AL. [L.,--Gr.,--_pyr_, fire.]
PYRENE, p[=i]'r[=e]n, _n._ a stone or putamen.--_n._ PYR[=E]'NOCARP, any
drupaceous fruit.--_adjs._ PYR[=E]'NOID, globular, nucleiform;
PYR[=E]'NOUS. [Gr. _pyr[=e]n_.]
PYRENE, p[=i]'r[=e]n, _n._ a hydrocarbon obtained from coal-tar.
PYRENEAN, pir-[=e]-n[=e]'an, _adj._ of or pertaining to the _Pyrenees_, the
range of mountains between France and Spain.--_n._ PYREN[=E]'ITE, a
grayish-black garnet. [L. _Pyrenæi_ (_montes_), the Pyrenees.]
PYRENOMYCETES, p[=i]-r[=e]-n[=o]-m[=i]-s[=e]'tez, _n.pl._ an order of
ascomycetous fungi, including ergot, black-rot, &c. [Gr. _pyren_, a stone,
_myk[=e]s_, pl. _myc[=e]tes_, a mushroom.]
PYRETHRUM, pir-eth'rum, _n._ a genus of plants containing the fever-few, or
golden-feather, so much used in gardens as a bordering. [L.,--Gr.,--_pyr_,
fire.]
PYRETIC, p[=i]-ret'ik, _adj._ pertaining to fever.--_n._ a remedy for
fever.--_ns._ PYRETOL'OGY, the science of fevers; PYREX'IA, fever.--_adjs._
PYREX'IAL, PYREX'IC. [Gr. _pyrektikos_--_pyretos_, fever--_pyr_, fire.]
PYRGOIDAL, pir-goi'dal, _adj._ tower-shaped. [Gr., _pyrgos_, a tower.]
PYRHELIOMETER, pir-h[=e]-li-om'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring
the intensity of the sun.--_adj._ PYRHELIOMET'RIC. [Gr. _pyr_, fire,
_h[=e]lios_, sun, _metron_, measure.]
PYRIFORM, pir'i-form, _adj._ pear-shaped. [L. _pirum_, a pear, _forma_,
form.]
PYRITE, p[=i]'r[=i]t, _n._ native iron disulphide of a pale-yellow colour
and very hard--also IRON PYRITES.--COPPER PYRITES, yellow sulphide of
copper and iron. [L.,--Gr. _pyrites_, a flint--_pyr_, fire.]
PYRITEGIUM, pir-i-t[=e]'ji-um, _n._ the curfew-bell. [Low L.]
PYRITES, pir-[=i]'t[=e]z, _n._ a term applied to a large class of mineral
compounds of metals with sulphur, or with arsenic, or with
both--crystalline, hard, generally brittle, and frequently yellow.--_adjs._
PYRIT[=A]'CEOUS; PYRIT'IC, -AL; PYRITIF'EROUS.--_v.t._ PYR'ITISE, to
convert into pyrites.--_n._ PYRITOL'OGY, knowledge of pyrites.--_adj._
PYR'ITOUS. [L.,--Gr. _pyr_, fire.]
PYRITOHEDRON, p[=i]-r[=i]-t[=o]-h[=e]'dron, _n._ a pentagonal
dodecahedron.--_adj._ PYRITOH[=E]'DRAL. [Gr. _pyrit[=e]s_, pyrites,
_hedra_, a seat.]
PYRO-ACETIC, p[=i]'r[=o]-a-set'ik, _adj._ relating to acetic acid under
heat.
PYROBALLOGY, p[=i]-r[=o]-bal'[=o]-ji, _n._ the art of throwing fire:
(_Sterne_) the science of artillery. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _ballein_, to throw,
_logia_--_legein_, to speak.]
PYROCLASTIC, p[=i]-r[=o]-klas'tik, _adj._ formed by volcanic agencies. [Gr.
_pyr_, fire, _klastos_, broken.]
PYRO-ELECTRICITY, p[=i]'r[=o]-e-lek-tris'i-ti, _n._ that branch of
electricity which deals with electrification as produced by change of
temperature in certain crystallised bodies.--_adj._ PY'RO-ELEC'TRIC.
PYROGALLIC, p[=i]-r[=o]-gal'ik, _adj._ obtained from gallic acid by the
action of heat.
PYROGEN, p[=i]'r[=o]-jen, _n._ any substance which causes fever when
introduced into the blood.--_adjs._ PYROGENET'IC, PYROG'ENOUS, producing
fire: produced by fire; PYROGEN'IC, producing fever. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, root
of _gignesthai_, to become.]
PYROGNOMIC, p[=i]-rog-nom'ik, _adj._ becoming incandescent when heated to a
certain degree. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _gn[=o]m[=o]n_, a mark.]
PYROGNOSTIC, p[=i]-rog-nos'tik, _adj._ pertaining to fire or heat. [Gr.
_pyr_, fire, _gn[=o]stikos_, knowing.]
PYROGRAPHY, p[=i]-rog'ra-fi, _n._ the art of producing a design on wood by
applying heat and pressure. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _graphein_, to write.]
PYROGRAVURE, p[=i]-r[=o]-gr[=a]-v[=u]r', _n._ a method of engraving on wood
by a red-hot metallic point: a picture so produced.
PYROLA, p[=i]'r[=o]-la, _n._ a genus of plants of the heath kind, called
also _Wintergreen_: a single plant of this genus. [L., dim. of _pirus_, a
pear-tree.]
PYROLATRY, p[=i]-rol'a-tri, _n._ fire-worship.--_n._ PYROL'ATER, a
fire-worshipper. [Gr. _pyr_, _pyros_, fire, _latreia_, worship.]
PYROLETER, p[=i]-rol'e-t[.e]r, _n._ a fire-extinguishing chemical apparatus
by which carbonic acid is generated and thrown on the fire. [Gr. _pyr_,
fire, _olet[=e]r_, destroyer--_ollynai_, to destroy.]
PYROLIGNEOUS, p[=i]-r[=o]-lig'ne-us, _adj._ procured by the distillation of
wood--applied to a kind of acetic acid.--Also PYROLIG'NIC, PYROLIG'NOUS.
PYROLOGY, p[=i]-r[=o]l-[=o]-ji, _n._ the science of heat: a treatise on
heat.--_n._ PYROL'OGIST. [Gr. _pyr_, _pyros_, fire, _logos_, discourse.]
PYROLUSITE, p[=i]-r[=o]-l[=u]'s[=i]t, _n._ native manganese dioxide.
PYROMAGNETIC, p[=i]-r[=o]-mag-net'ik, _adj._ pertaining to magnetism as
modified by the action of heat.
PYROMANCY, p[=i]'r[=o]-man-si, _n._ divination by fire.--_adj._
PYROMAN'TIC. [Gr. _pyr_, _pyros_, fire, _manteia_, divination.]
PYROMANIA, p[=i]-r[=o]-m[=a]'ni-a, _n._ a mania for destroying things by
fire: insanity which takes this form.--_n._ PYROM[=A]'NIAC.--_adjs._
PYROM[=A]'NIAC, -AL.
PYROMETAMORPHISM, p[=i]-r[=o]-met-a-mor'fizm, _n._ metamorphism due to
heat, as opp. to _Hydrometamorphism_, that due to water.
PYROMETER, p[=i]-rom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument in the form of a metallic
bar for measuring the temperature of bodies under heat.--_adjs._
PYROMET'RIC, -AL.--_n._ PYROM'ETRY, the science or art of measuring degrees
of heat beyond the compass of the mercurial thermometer. [Gr. _pyr_, fire,
_metron_, a measure.]
PYROMORPHOUS, p[=i]-r[=o]-mor'fus, _adj._ assuming a crystallised form
after fusion by heat. [Gr. _pyr_, _pyros_, fire, _morph[=e]_, form.]
PYRONOMICS, p[=i]-r[=o]-nom'iks, _n._ the science of heat.
PYROPE, p[=i]'r[=o]p, _n._ a gem nearly allied to garnet, of a deep-red
colour and translucent, generally occurring in roundish grains. [Gr.
_pyr[=o]pos_, fiery-eyed--_pyr_, _pyros_, fire, _[=o]ps_, _opos_, the
face.]
PYROPHANOUS, p[=i]-rof'a-nus, _adj._ made transparent by heat.--_n._
PY'ROPH[=A]NE, an opal translucent while hot by melted wax. [Gr. _pyr_,
fire, _phainein_, to show.]
PYROPHONE, p[=i]'r[=o]-f[=o]n, _n._ a musical instrument invented by Eugene
Kastner (1873), in which the tones are produced by means of burning jets of
hydrogen enclosed in graduated glass tubes. [Gr. _pyr_, fire,
_ph[=o]n[=e]_, sound.]
PYROPHORUS, p[=i]-rof'[=o]-rus, _n._ a substance which takes fire on
exposure to air: a genus of elaterid beetles.--_n._ PY'ROPH[=O]RE, any
composition which takes fire on exposure to air or water.--_adjs._
PYROPHOR'IC, PYROPH'OROUS. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _pherein_, to carry.]
PYROPHOSPHORIC, p[=i]-r[=o]-fos-for'ik, _adj._ formed by heating phosphoric
acid.
PYROPHOTOGRAPHY, p[=i]-r[=o]-f[=o]-tog'ra-fi, _n._ any photographic process
in which heat is applied to fix the picture.
PYROSCOPE, p[=i]'r[=o]-sk[=o]p, _n._ an instrument for measuring the
intensity of radiating heat. [Gr. _pyr_, _pyros_, fire, _skopein_, to
view.]
PYROSILVER, p[=i]-r[=o]-sil'v[.e]r, _n._ electroplated ware in which the
silver is made to sink into the pores of the plated baser metal by the
action of heat.
PYROSIS, p[=i]-r[=o]'sis, _n._ water-brash (q.v.). [Gr.,--_pyr_, fire.]
PYROSOMA, p[=i]-r[=o]-s[=o]'ma, _n._ a genus of compound Tunicates, with
brilliant phosphorescence, inhabiting the Mediterranean and the
Atlantic--fire-flames. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _s[=o]ma_, body.]
PYROSTAT, p[=i]'r[=o]-stat, _n._ an automatic draught-regulator for
chimney-stacks, smoke-pipes, &c. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _statos_--_histanai_, to
stand.]
PYROSULPHURIC, p[=i]-r[=o]-sul-f[=u]'rik, _adj._ obtained from sulphuric
acid by the action of heat.
PYROTECHNICS, p[=i]-r[=o]-tek'niks, _n._ the art of making fireworks: the
use and application of fireworks--also PY'ROTECHNY.--_adjs._ PYROTECH'NIC,
-AL, pertaining to fireworks.--_n._ PYROTECH'NIST, a maker of fireworks:
one skilled in pyrotechny. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _technikos_,
artistic--_techn[=e]_, art.]
PYROTIC, p[=i]-rot'ik, _adj._ burning: caustic.--_n._ a caustic medicine.
[Gr. _pyr[=o]tikos_--_pyr_, _pyros_, fire.]
PYROXENE, p[=i]'rok-s[=e]n, _n._ an important mineral species, occurring in
monoclinic crystals.--_adj._ PYROXEN'IC. [Gr. _pyr_, fire, _xenos_, a
guest.]
PYROXYLIC, p[=i]-rok-sil'ik, _adj._ obtained by distilling wood.--_ns._
PYROX'YLE, PYROX'YLIN, -E, gun-cotton.--PYROXYLIC SPIRIT, a mixture of
acetone, methyl-alcohol, acetate of methyl, &c., obtained by the
destructive distillation of wood in the manufacture of pyroligneous acid.
[Gr. _pyr_, fire, _xylon_, wood.]
PYRRHIC, pir'ik, _n._ a kind of war-dance among the ancient Greeks: a
poetical foot consisting of two short syllables.--_adj._ pertaining to the
dance or to the poetical foot.--_n._ PYR'RHICIST, one who dances the
pyrrhic. [Gr. _pyrrhich[=e]_ (_orch[=e]sis_), a kind of war-dance, so
called from _Pyrrhichos_, the inventor.]
PYRRHIC, pir'ik, _adj._ of or pertaining to _Pyrrhus_, king of Epirus
(318-272 B.C.).--PYRRHIC VICTORY, a victory gained at too great a cost, in
allusion to Pyrrhus's exclamation after his victory of Asculum (279),
'Another such victory and we are lost!'
PYRRHONIST, pir'r[=o]-nist, _n._ one who holds the tenets of _Pyrrho_, a
philosopher of Elis (360-270 B.C.), who taught universal scepticism: a
sceptic.--_adjs._ PYRRH[=O]'NEAN, PYRRHON'IC.--_n._ PYR'RHONISM,
scepticism.
PYRRHOUS, pir'us, _adj._ reddish. [Gr.]
PYRUS, p[=i]'rus, _n._ a genus of trees and shrubs of the natural order
_Rosaceæ_, sub-order _Pomeæ_. [L. _pyrus_, for _pirus_, a pear-tree.]
PYTHAGOREAN, pi-thag-[=o]-r[=e]'an, _adj._ pertaining to _Pythagoras_ (_c._
532 B.C.), a celebrated Greek philosopher, or to his philosophy.--_n._ a
follower of Pythagoras.--_ns._ PYTHAG'ORISM, PYTHAGOR[=E]'ANISM, his
doctrines.--PYTHAGOREAN PROPOSITION, the 47th proposition of Euclid, Book
I., said to have been discovered by Pythagoras; PYTHAGOREAN SYSTEM, the
astronomical system of Copernicus, erroneously attributed to Pythagoras;
PYTHAGOREAN TRIANGLE, a triad of whole numbers proportional to the sides of
a right-angled triangle--e.g. 3, 4, 5.
PYTHIAN, pith'i-an, _adj._ pertaining to the _Pythia_, the priestess of
Apollo at Delphi, who delivered the oracles of the god there: noting one of
the four national festivals of ancient Greece, in honour of Apollo, held
every four years at Delphi.--PYTHIAN VERSE, the dactylic hexameter.
[Illustration]
PYTHOGENIC, p[=i]-th[=o]-jen'ik, _adj._ produced by filth.--_n._
PYTHOGEN'ESIS. [Gr. _pythein_, to rot, root of _gignesthai_, to become.]
PYTHOMETRIC, p[=i]-th[=o]-met'rik, _adj._ pertaining to the gauging of
casks. [Gr. _pithos_, a wine-jar, _metron_, a measure.]
PYTHON, p[=i]'thon, _n._ a genus of serpents of the boa family, all natives
of the Old World, and differing from the true boas by having the plates on
the under surface of the tail double: a demon, spirit.--_n._ PY'THONESS,
the priestess of the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, in Greece: a
witch.--_adj._ PYTHON'IC, pretending to foretell future events, like the
Pythoness: prophetic: like a python.--_ns._ PY'THONISM, the art of
predicting events by divination; PY'THONIST. [Gr. _Pyth[=o]n_, the serpent
slain near Delphi by Apollo.]
PYX, piks, _n._ (_R.C._) the sacred box in which the host is kept after
consecration: the box at the British Mint containing sample coins.--_v.t._
to test the weight and fineness of, as the coin deposited in the
pyx.--TRIAL OF THE PYX, final trial by weight and assay of the gold and
silver coins of the United Kingdom, prior to their issue from the Mint. [L.
_pyxis_, a box--Gr. _pyxis_--_pyxos_ (L. _buxus_), the box-tree.]
PYXIDIUM, pik-sid'i-um, _n._ (_bot._) a pod or seed-vessel which opens in
two halves, the upper one resembling a lid. [Gr. _pyxidion_, dim. of
_pyxis_.]
* * * * *
Q the seventeenth letter of our alphabet--absent from the Anglo-Saxon
alphabet, in which the sound was expressed by _cw_; in Scotland replacing
_hw_, now always followed by _u_: Roman numeral=500.
QUA, kwä, _adv._ as far as. [L.]
QUAB, QUOB, kwob, _v.i._ (_obs._) to tremble.
QUACK, kwak, _v.i._ to cry like a duck: to boast: to practise as a
quack.--_v.t._ to doctor by quackery.--_n._ the cry of a duck: a boastful
pretender to skill which he does not possess, esp. medical skill: a
mountebank.--_adj._ pertaining to quackery: used by quacks.--_n._
QUACK'ERY, the pretensions or practice of a quack, esp. in
medicine.--_adj._ QUACK'ISH, like a quack: boastful: trickish.--_n._
QUACK'ISM.--_v.i._ QUACK'LE (_rare_), to quack, croak.--_n._ QUACK'SALVER,
a quack who deals in salves, ointments, &c.: a quack generally.--_adj._
QUACK'SALVING. [Imit.; cf. Ger. _quaken_, Dut. _kwaken_, Gr. _koax_, a
croak.]
QUAD, kwod, _n._ a quadrangle: (_slang_) a prison.--_v.t._ (_slang_) to put
in prison.--Also QUOD. [_Quadrangle._]
QUAD, kwod, _n._ (_print._) an abbreviation of _quadrat_.--_v.t._ to fill
with quadrats.
QUADRA, kwod'ra, _n._ a frame enclosing a bas-relief:--_pl._ QUAD'RÆ
(-[=e]). [L. _quadrus_, square.]
QUADRAGENARIAN, kwod-ra-j[=e]-n[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ consisting of forty:
forty years old.--_n._ QUAD'RAGENE, an indulgence for forty days.
QUADRAGESIMA, kwod-ra-jes'i-ma, _n._ the Latin name for the whole season of
Lent, with its forty days: the name commonly assigned to the first Sunday
in Lent, by analogy with the three Sundays which precede
Lent--Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima.--_adj._ QUADRAGES'IMAL,
belonging to or used in Lent. [L.--_quadragesimus_,
fortieth--_quadraginta_, forty--_quatuor_, four.]
QUADRANGLE, kwod'rang-gl, _n._ a square surrounded by buildings: (_geom._)
a plane figure having four equal sides and angles: in the jargon of
palmistry, the space between the line of the heart and that of the
head.--_adj._ QUADRANG'ULAR, of the form of a quadrangle.--_adv._
QUADRANG'ULARLY. [Fr.,--L. _quadrangulum_--_quatuor_, four, _angulus_, an
angle.]
QUADRANS, kwod'ranz, _n._ a Roman copper coin, the fourth part of the
_as_:--_pl._ QUADRAN'TES. [L.]
QUADRANT, kwod'rant, _n._ (_geom._) the fourth part of a circle, or an arc
of 90°: an instrument used in astronomy for the determination of angular
measurements: an instrument of navigation for measuring the altitude of the
sun.--_adj._ QUADRANT'AL, pertaining to, equal to, or included in a
quadrant. [L. _quadrans_, from _quatuor_, four.]
QUADRAT, kwod'rat, _n._ a piece of type-metal lower than the letters, used
in spacing between words and filling out blank lines (commonly
QUAD)--distinguished as _en_ ([En quadrat]), _em_ ([Em quadrat]), _two-em_
([Two-Em quadrat]), and _three-em_ ([Three-Em quadrat]).
QUADRATE, kwod'r[=a]t, _adj._ squared: having four equal sides and four
right angles: divisible into four equal parts: (_fig._) balanced: exact:
suited.--_n._ a square or quadrate figure: the quadrate bone, that between
the lower jaw and the cranium in birds and reptiles, suspending the lower
jaw.--_v.i._ to square or agree with: to correspond.--_adj._ QUADRAT'IC,
pertaining to, containing, or denoting a square.--_n._ (_alg._) an equation
in which the highest power of the unknown quantity is the second: an old
instrument for measuring latitudes: (_pl._) that branch of algebra which
treats of quadratic equations.--_adj._ QUADRATIF'EROUS, having a distinct
quadrate bone.--_ns._ QUADR[=A]'TRIX, a curve by which may be found
straight lines equal to the circumference of circles or other curves;
QUAD'R[=A]TURE, a squaring: (_geom._) the finding, exactly or
approximately, of a square that shall be equal to a given figure of some
other shape: the position of a heavenly body when 90° distant from another:
(_Milt._) a square space; QUADR[=A]'TUS, the _quadratus femoris_, or square
muscle of the femur in man, the _quadratus lumborum_, that of the loins,
the _depressor labii inferioris_, that of the chin, which draws down the
upper lip.--QUADRATURE OF THE CIRCLE, the problem of squaring the circle,
insoluble both by the arithmetical and the geometrical method.--METHOD OF
QUADRATURES, the name applied to any arithmetical method of determining the
area of a curve. [O. Fr. _quadrat_--L. _quadratus_, pa.p. of _quadr[=a]re_,
to square--_quatuor_, four.]
QUADREL, kwod'rel, _n._ a square stone, brick, or tile: a square piece of
turf.
QUADRENNIAL, kwod-ren'yal, _adj._ comprising four years: once in four
years.--_adv._ QUADRENN'IALLY.--_ns._ QUADRENN'IATE, QUADRENN'IUM,
QUADRIENN'IUM, a period of four years. [L. _quadrennis_--_quatuor_, four,
_annus_, a year.]
QUADRIC, kwod'rik, _adj._ (_alg._) of the second degree, quadratic--esp. in
solid geometry and where there are more than two variables.--_n._
QUAD'RICONE, a quadric cone.
QUADRICENTENNIAL, kwod-ri-sen-ten'i-al, _adj._ pertaining to a period of
400 years.--_n._ the 400th anniversary of an event or its celebration.
QUADRICEPS, kwod'ri-seps, _n._ the great muscle which extends the leg upon
the thigh.--_adj._ QUADRICIP'ITAL. [L. _quatuor_, four, _caput_, head.]
QUADRICORN, kwod'ri-korn, _adj._ and _n._ having four horns, antennæ,
&c.--Also QUADRICORN'OUS.
QUADRICYCLE, kwod'ri-s[=i]-kl, _n._ a four-wheeled vehicle propelled by the
feet. [L. _quatuor_, four, Low L. _cyclus_--Gr. _kyklos_, a circle.]
QUADRIDENTATE, kwod-ri-den't[=a]t, _adj._ having four teeth.
QUADRIDIGITATE, kwod-ri-dij'i-t[=a]t, _adj._ having four digits:
quadrisulcate.
QUADRIFID, kwod'ri-fid, _adj._ four-cleft.
QUADRIFOLIATE, kwod-ri-f[=o]'li-[=a]t, _adj._ four-leaved.
QUADRIFORM, kwod'ri-form, _adj._ fourfold in form, arrangement, &c.
QUADRIGA, kwod-r[=i]'ga, _n._ in Greek and Roman times a two-wheeled car
drawn by four horses abreast:--_pl._ QUADR[=I]'GÆ. [L., a contr. of
_quadrijugæ_--_quatuor_, four, _jugum_, a yoke.]
QUADRIGEMINOUS, kwod-ri-jem'i-nus, _adj._ fourfold, having four similar
parts.--Also QUADRIGEM'INAL, QUADRIGEM'IN[=A]TE.
QUADRIGENARIOUS, kwod-ri-j[=e]-n[=a]'ri-us, _adj._ consisting of four
hundred.
QUADRIJUGATE, kwod-ri-j[=oo]'g[=a]t, _adj._ (_bot._) pinnate with four
pairs of leaflets.--Also QUADRIJU'GOUS.
QUADRILATERAL, kwod-ri-lat'[.e]r-al, _adj._ having four sides.--_n._
(_geom._) a plane figure having four sides: the four fortresses--Mantua,
Verona, Peschiera, and Legnago--which form the points of a
quadrilateral.--_n._ QUADRILAT'ERALNESS. [L. _quadrilaterus_--_quatuor_,
four, _latus_, _lateris_, a side.]
QUADRILITERAL, kwod-ri-lit'[.e]r-al, _adj._ of four letters.--_n._ a word
or a root having four letters. [L. _quatuor_, four, _litera_, a letter.]
QUADRILLE, kwa-dril', _n._ a square dance for four couples, consisting of
five movements: music for such square dances: a game played by four with
forty cards.--_v.i._ to play at quadrille: to dance quadrilles. [Fr.,--Sp.
_cuadra_, a square--L. _quadra_, a square--_quatuor_, four.]
QUADRILLION, kwod-ril'yun, _n._ a million raised to the fourth power,
represented by a unit with twenty-four ciphers. [Coined from L. _quater_,
four times, on the model of _million_.]
QUADRILOBATE, kwod-ri-l[=o]'b[=a]t, _adj._ having four lobes or
lobules.--Also QUAD'RILOBED.
QUADRILOCULAR, kwod-ri-lok'[=u]-lar, _adj._ having four cells, cavities, or
compartments.
QUADRIMANOUS, kwod-rim'a-nus, _adj._ Same as QUADRUMANOUS.
QUADRINOMIAL, kwod-ri-n[=o]'mi-al, _adj._ (_alg._) consisting of four
divisions or terms.--_n._ an expression of four terms. [L. _quatuor_, four,
Gr. _nom[=e]_, a division--_nemein_, to distribute.]
QUADRIPARTITE, kwod-ri-par't[=i]t, _adj._ divided into four parts: (_bot._)
deeply cleft into four parts, as a leaf: (_archit._) divided, as a vault,
into four compartments.--_n._ a treatise divided into four parts.--_adv._
QUADRIPAR'TITELY.--_n._ QUADRIPARTI'TION. [L.,--_quatuor_, four,
_part[=i]re_, _-[=i]tum_, to divide.]
QUADRIPENNATE, kwod-ri-pen'[=a]t, _adj._ and _n._ having four wings.
QUADRIPHYLLOUS, kwod-ri-fil'us, _adj._ having four leaves.
QUADRIREME, kwod'ri-r[=e]m, _n._ a galley with four benches of oars. [L.
_quadriremis_--_quatuor_, four, _remus_, an oar.]
QUADRISECTION, kwod-ri-sek'shun, _n._ a division into four equal parts. [L.
_quatuor_, four, _sec[=a]re_, _sectum_, to cut.]
QUADRISYLLABLE, kwod-ri-sil'a-bl _n._ a word consisting of four
syllables.--_adjs._ QUADRISYLLAB'IC, -AL. [L. _quatuor_, four, _syllaba_, a
syllable.]
QUADRIVALVULAR, kwod-ri-val'v[=u]-lar, _adj._ having four valves or
valvular parts.--Also QUAD'RIVALVE.
QUADRIVIUM, kwod-riv'i-um, _n._ the Pythagorean name for the four branches
of mathematics--_arithmetic_, _music_, _geometry_, _astronomy_--when
preceded by the trivium of _grammar_, _logic_, and _rhetoric_--together
making up the seven liberal arts taught in the schools of the Roman
Empire.--_adjs._ QUADRIV'IAL, QUADRIV'IOUS. [L., 'the place where four
roads meet'--L. _quatuor_, four, _via_, a way.]
QUADROON, kwod-r[=oo]n', _n._ the offspring of a mulatto and a white
person, one 'quarter-blooded.'--Also QUARTEROON'. [Sp.
_cuarteron_--_cuarto_, a fourth.]
QUADRUMANE, kwod'r[=oo]-m[=a]n, _n._ one of the QUADRU'MANA, an order of
mammalia having four hands, or four feet, with an opposable thumb--also
QUAD'RUMAN.--_adj._ QUADRU'MANOUS, having four hands. [L. _quatuor_, four,
_manus_, a hand.]
QUADRUPED, kwod'r[=oo]-ped, _n._ a four-footed animal.--_adjs._ QUAD'RUPED,
-AL, having four feet.--_n._ QUAD'RUPEDISM, the state of being a quadruped.
[L. _quatuor_, four, _pes_, _pedis_, a foot.]
QUADRUPLE, kwod'r[=oo]-pl, _adj._ fourfold.--_n._ four times the quantity
or number.--_v.t._ to increase fourfold.--_v.i._ to become four times as
many.--_n._ QUAD'RUPLET, any combination of four things--also QUART'ET: one
of four born at a birth.--_adj._ QUAD'RUPLEX, fourfold, esp. of a
telegraphic system capable of sending four messages, two in each direction,
simultaneously over one wire.--_n._ an instrument of this kind.--_v.t._ to
arrange for quadruplex transmission.--_adj._ QUADRU'PLICATE,
fourfold.--_n._ one of four corresponding things.--_v.t._ to make
fourfold.--_ns._ QUADRUPLIC[=A]'TION; QUADRU'PLIC[=A]TURE;
QUADRUPLIC'ITY.--_adv._ QUAD'RUPLY, in a fourfold manner.--QUADRUPLE
ALLIANCE, a league formed in 1718 between England, France, Austria, and
Holland to counteract the ambitious schemes of Alberoni. [Fr.,--L.
_quadruplus_--_quatuor_, four.]
QUÆSITUM, kw[=e]-s[=i]'tum, _n._ something sought or required:--_pl._
QUÆS[=I]'TA. [L. neut. of _quæsitus_, pa.p. of _quær[)e]re_, to seek.]
QUÆSTOR, kw[=e]s'tor, _n._ a magistrate with charge of the Roman public
funds--originally who investigated cases of murder and executed sentence:
in the Middle Ages an officer who announced indulgences: a treasurer--also
QUES'TOR.--_ns._ QUÆS'TORSHIP, QUES'TORSHIP. [L.,--_quærere_, _quæsitum_,
to seek.]
QUAFF, kwaf, _v.t._ to drink in large draughts.--_v.i._ to drink
largely.--_n._ QUAFF'ER. [_Quach_, _quaich_,--Gael. and Ir. _cuach_, a
bowl.]
QUAG, kwag, _n._ a quagmire (q.v.).--_adj._ QUAGG'Y, spongy, boggy.
QUAGGA, kwag'a, _n._ one of the three species of striped wild horses, or
more properly wild asses, peculiar to Africa, of which the zebra is the
type. [Hottentot.]
QUAGMIRE, kwag'm[=i]r, _n._ wet, boggy ground that yields under the
feet.--_v.t._ to entangle, as in a quagmire.--_adj._ QUAG'MIRY. [_Quake_
and _mire_.]
QUAHOG, kwa-hog', _n._ the common round clam of the North American Atlantic
coast.--Also QUAHAUG'. [Amer. Ind. _poquauhock_.]
QUAID, kw[=a]d, _adj._ (_Spens._) quelled, crushed.
QUAIGH, kw[=a]h, _n._ (_Scot._) a kind of drinking-cup, usually made of
wood. [Gael. _cuach_, a cup.]
QUAIL, kw[=a]l, _v.i._ to cower: to fail in spirit: (_Shak._) to
slacken.--_v.t._ to subdue: to terrify.--_n._ QUAIL'ING (_Shak._), act of
one who quails: a failing in courage. [A.S. _cwelan_, to die; Ger.
_quälen_, to suffer.]
QUAIL, kw[=a]l, _n._ a small gallinaceous bird, related to the partridge
family: (_Shak._) a whore.--_ns._ QUAIL'-CALL, -PIPE, a call for alluring
quails into a net. [O. Fr. _quaille_--Low L. _quaquila_--Old Dut.
_quakele_; cf. Low Ger. _quackel_, and _Quack_.]
QUAINT, kw[=a]nt, _adj._ unusual: odd: whimsical: (_obs._) prim, affectedly
nice: fine: (_Shak._) clever.--_adv._ QUAINT'LY.--_n._ QUAINT'NESS. [O. Fr.
_coint_--L. _cognitus_, known. Some confusion with L. _comptus_, neat, is
probable.]
QUAKE, kw[=a]k, _v.i._ to tremble, esp. with cold or fear: to tremble from
want of firmness.--_v.t._ to cause to tremble:--_pr.p._ qu[=a]'king;
_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ qu[=a]ked.--_n._ a shake: a shudder.--_ns._
QU[=A]'KINESS; QU[=A]'KING; QU[=A]'KING-GRASS, a native grass of the genus
_Briza_, so called from the tremulous motion of its spikelets.--_adv._
QU[=A]'KINGLY.--_adj._ QU[=A]'KY, shaky. [A.S. _cwacian_; perh. allied to
_quick_.]
QUAKER, kw[=a]'k[.e]r, _n._ one of the Society of Friends, a religious sect
founded by George Fox (1624-90): a dummy cannon: a collector's name for
certain noctuoid moths.--_n._ QU[=A]'KER-BIRD, the sooty
albatross.--_n.pl._ QU[=A]'KER-BUTT'ONS, the round seeds of _nux
vomica_.--_ns._ QU[=A]'KER-COL'OUR, drab; QU[=A]'KERDOM, the Quakers as a
class; QU[=A]'KERESS, a female Quaker.--_adjs._ QU[=A]'KERISH,
QU[=A]'KERLY, like a Quaker.--_n._ QU[=A]'KERISM, the tenets of the
Quakers.--STEWED QUAKER, molasses or honey, with butter and vinegar, taken
hot against colds. [The nickname Quakers was first given them by Judge
Bennet at Derby, because Fox bade him and those present _quake_ at the word
of the Lord.]
QUALIFY, kwol'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to render capable or suitable: to furnish
with legal power: to limit by modifications: to soften: to abate: to reduce
the strength of: to vary: (_Scots law_) to prove, confirm.--_v.i._ to take
the necessary steps to fit one's self for a certain position.--_adj._
QUAL'IFIABLE.--_ns._ QUALIFIC[=A]'TION, that which qualifies: a quality
that fits a person for a place, &c.: (_logic_) the attaching of quality, or
the distinction of affirmative and negative, to a term: abatement:
(_Shak._) pacification; QUAL'IFIC[=A]TIVE, that which qualifies, modifies,
or restricts: a qualifying term or statement; QUAL'IFIC[=A]TOR (_R.C._),
one who prepares ecclesiastical causes for trial.--_adj._
QUAL'IFIC[=A]TORY.--_p.adj._ QUAL'IFIED, fitted: competent: modified:
limited.--_adv._ QUAL'IFIEDLY.--_ns._ QUAL'IFIEDNESS; QUAL'IFIER.--_adj._
QUAL'IFYING.--PROPERTY QUALIFICATION, the holding of a certain amount of
property as a condition to the right of suffrage, &c. [Fr.,--Low L.
_qualific[=a]re_--L. _qualis_, of what sort, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
QUALITY, kwol'i-ti, _n._ that which makes a thing what it is: property:
peculiar power: acquisition: character: rank: superior birth or character:
(_logic_) the character of a proposition as affirmative or negative:
(_Shak._) character in respect to dryness or moisture, heat or cold:
(_Shak._) cause, occasion.--_adj._ QUAL'IT[=A]TIVE, relating to quality:
(_chem._) determining the nature of components.--_adv._
QUAL'IT[=A]TIVELY.--_adj._ QUAL'ITIED, furnished with
qualities.--ACCIDENTAL QUALITY, a quality whose removal would not impair
the identity of its subject, as opposed to an _Essential_ quality; THE
QUALITY, persons of high rank, collectively. [Fr.,--L. _qualitas_,
_qualitatis_.]
QUALM, kwäm, _n._ a sudden attack of illness: a sensation of nausea: a
scruple, as of conscience.--_adj._ QUALM'ISH, affected with qualm, or a
disposition to vomit, or with slight sickness: uneasy.--_adv._
QUALM'ISHLY.--_n._ QUALM'ISHNESS. [A.S. _cwealm_, death; Ger. _qualm_,
nausea; Sw. _qvalm_, a suffocating heat.]
QUAMASH, kwa-mash', _n._ camass.
QUANDANG, kwan'dang, _n._ a small Australian tree, with edible fruit, the
native peach. [Austr.]
QUANDARY, kwon-d[=a]'ri, or kwon'da-ri, _n._ a state of difficulty or
uncertainty: a hard plight. [Prob. M. E. _wandreth_, peril--Ice.
_vandrætdi_, trouble.]
QUANNET, kwan'et, _n._ a file for scraping zinc plates: a kind of file used
in comb-making.
QUANT, kwant, _n._ a pushing or jumping pole, with a flat cap at the end,
used in marshes.
QUANTIC, kwon'tik, _n._ (_math._) a rational integral homogeneous function
of two or more variables.--_adj._ QUAN'TICAL. [L. _quantus_, how great.]
QUANTIFY, kwon'ti-f[=i], _v.t._ to determine with respect to quantity: to
fix or express the quantity of.--_n._ QUANTIFIC[=A]'TION, the art, process,
or form by which anything is quantified.--QUANTIFICATION OF THE PREDICATE,
a phrase belonging to logic, signifying the attachment of the signs of
quantity to the predicate. [L. _quantus_, how great, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
QUANTITY, kwon'ti-ti, _n._ the amount of anything: bulk: size: a
determinate amount: a sum or bulk: a large portion: (_logic_) the extent of
a conception: (_gram._) the measure of a syllable: (_mus._) the relative
duration of a tone: (_math._) anything which can be increased, divided, or
measured: (_Shak._) a small part: (_Shak._) proportion.--_adj._
QUAN'TIT[=A]TIVE, relating to quantity: measurable in quantity: (_chem._)
determining the relative proportions of components.--_advs._
QUAN'TIT[=A]TIVELY, QUAN'TITIVELY.--_ns._ QUAN'TIT[=A]TIVENESS;
QUANTIV'ALENCE (_chem._), the combining power of an atom as compared with
that of the hydrogen atom, valence.--_adj._ QUANTIV'ALENT.--QUANTITATIVE
LOGIC, the doctrine of probability.--CONSTANT QUANTITY (_math._), a
quantity that remains the same while others vary. [Fr.,--L. _quantitas_,
_quantitatis_--_quantus_, how much--_quam_, how.]
QUANTUM, kwon'tum, _n._ quantity: amount:--_pl._ QUAN'TA.--QUANTUM
SUFFICIT--as much as is sufficient. [L. _quantum_, neut. of _quantus_, how
great.]
QUAQUAVERSAL, kwä-kwä-ver'sal, _adj._ (_geol._) inclining outward in all
directions from a centre: facing all ways.--_adv._ QUAQUAVER'SALLY. [L.
_quaqua_, wheresoever, _vert[)e]re_, _versum_, to turn.]
QUARANTINE, kwor'an-t[=e]n, _n._ a forced abstinence from communication
with the shore which ships are compelled to undergo when they are last from
some port where certain infectious diseases are raging--the time originally
forty days: (_coll._) the isolation of a person, house, district, &c.
afflicted with or recovering from contagious disease.--_v.t._ to prohibit
from intercourse from fear of infection.--_adj._ QUARANTIN'ABLE, admitting
of, or controlled by, quarantine.--QUARANTINE FLAG, a yellow flag displayed
by a ship to signify the presence on board of contagious disease. [Fr.
_quarantaine_--L. _quadraginta_, forty--_quatuor_, four.]
QUARL, kwärl, _n._ a segment of fireclay used in making covers for retorts,
&c.
QUARL, kwärl, _n._ a medusa or jelly-fish.
QUARREL, kwor'el, _n._ a square of glass placed diagonally: a lozenge or
diamond: a diamond pane of glass: a small square tile: a square-headed
arrow for a cross-bow: a graver, glaziers' diamond, or other tool having a
several-edged head or point.--_ns._ QUARR'ELET, a small lozenge;
QUARR'EL-PANE. [O. Fr.,--Low L. _quadrellus_--L. _quadrus_,
square--_quatuor_, four.]
QUARREL, kwor'el, _n._ an angry dispute: a breach of friendship: (_Shak._)
a cause of complaint: a brawl: (_Shak._) a quarreller.--_v.i._ to cavil,
find fault: to dispute violently: to fight: to disagree.--_v.t._ (_Scot._)
to find fault with: to affect by quarrelling:--_pr.p._ quarr'elling;
_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ quarr'elled.--_ns._ QUARR'ELLER; QUARR'ELLING, strife:
dissension: brawling.--_adjs._ QUARR'ELLOUS (_Shak._), quarrelsome;
QUARR'ELSOME, disposed to quarrel: brawling: easily provoked.--_adv._
QUARR'ELSOMELY.--_n._ QUARR'ELSOMENESS.--QUARREL WITH ONE'S BREAD AND
BUTTER, to act in a way prejudicial to one's means of subsistence.--PICK A
QUARREL WITH, to try to get into a dispute with; TAKE UP A QUARREL
(_Shak._), to settle a dispute. [O. Fr. _querele_--L. _querela_--_queri_,
_questus_, to complain.]
QUARRENDER, kwor'en-d[.e]r, _n._ (_prov._) a kind of apple.
QUARRY, kwor'i, _n._ an excavation from which stone is taken for building,
&c., by cutting, blasting, &c.--_v.t._ to dig from a quarry:--_pa.t._ and
_pa.p._ quarr'ied.--_adj._ QUARR'IABLE, capable of being quarried.--_ns._
QUARR'IER, QUARR'Y-MAN, a man who works in a quarry.--_adj._ QUARR'Y-FACED,
rough-faced.--_ns._ QUARR'YING-MACHINE', a rock-drill; QUARR'Y-WA'TER, the
water contained in the pores of stone while unquarried, or newly quarried,
before its evaporation. [O. Fr. _quarriere_ (Fr. _carrière_)--Low L.
_quadraria_--L. _quadratus_, square.]
QUARRY, kwor'i, _n._ the entrails of the game given to the dogs after the
chase: the object of the chase: the game a hawk is pursuing or has killed:
a heap of dead game. [O. Fr. _curee_, _cuiree_--_cuir_, the skin--L.
_corium_, hide.]
QUARRY, kwor'i, _n._ a small square tile.--_adj._ QUARR'IED, paved with
such. [O. Fr. _quarre_--L. _quadratus_, square.]
QUART, QUARTE, kärt, _n._ a sequence of four cards: one of the eight
thrusts and parries in fencing.--QUART AND TIERCE, practice between
fencers. [Fr. _quarte_.]
QUART, kwort, or kwawrt, _n._ the fourth part of a gallon, or two pints: a
vessel containing two pints: (_Spens._) a quarter: the peck or quarter of a
bushel: (_mus._) the interval of a fourth.--_n._ QUART[=A]'TION, the
parting of gold and silver by means of nitric acid.--QUART D'ÉCU (_Shak._),
a cardecu. [Fr. _quarte_--L. _quartus_, fourth--_quatuor_, four.]
QUARTAN, kwor'tan, _adj._ occurring every fourth day, as a fever or
ague.--_n._ an ague of this character. [Fr. _quartaine_--L. _quartanus_, of
the fourth.]
QUARTER, kwor't[.e]r, _n._ a fourth part: the fourth part of a cwt.=28 lb.
avoirdupois (abbrev. _qr._): 8 bushels, as a measure of capacity, for
grain, &c.: the fourth part of an hour--of the year--of the moon's
period--of a carcass (including a limb)--of the horizon, &c.: a cardinal
point: (_her._) one of the four parts into which a shield is divided by
quartering (_dexter chief_, _sinister chief_, _dexter base_, _sinister
base_), an ordinary occupying one-fourth of the field: a region of a
hemisphere: a division of a town, &c.: place of lodging, as for soldiers,
esp. in _pl._: mercy granted to a disabled antagonist, prob. from the idea
of the captor sending the prisoner to his quarters: (_Shak._) peace,
concord: (_naut._) the part of a ship's side between the mainmast and the
stern.--_v.t._ to divide into four equal parts: to divide into parts or
compartments: to furnish with quarters: to lodge: to allot or share: to
furnish with entertainment: (_her._) to bear as an appendage to the
hereditary arms: to beat the ground for game.--_v.i._ to be stationed: to
shift or change position: to range for game: to drive across a road from
side to side.--_ns._ QUAR'TER[=A]GE, a quarterly payment: quarters,
lodging: a name applied to a particular tax; QUAR'TER-BACK, a certain
player or position in football (see BACK); QUAR'TER-BEND, a bend in a pipe
or rod altering its direction 90°; QUAR'TER-BILL, a list of the stations
for men on board a man-of-war during action; QUAR'TER-BLANK'ET, a
horse-blanket for the hind quarters.--_n.pl._ QUAR'TER-BLOCKS, blocks
fitted under the quarters of a yard, on each side the slings, for the
topsail-sheets, &c., to reeve through.--_ns._ QUAR'TER-BOARD, topgallant
bulwarks; QUAR'TER-BOAT, any boat hung to davits over the ship's quarter;
QUAR'TER-BOOT, a leather boot to protect an overreaching horse's fore feet
from being struck by the hind feet.--_adj._ QUAR'TER-BOUND, having leather
or cloth on the back only.--_n.pl._ QUAR'TER-BOYS, automata which strike
the quarter-hours in certain belfries.--_adjs._ QUAR'TER-BRED, having only
one-fourth pure blood, as horses, cattle, &c.; QUAR'TER-CAST, cut in the
quarter of the hoof.--_ns._ QUAR'TER-DAY, the first or last day of a
quarter, on which rent or interest is paid; QUAR'TER-DECK, the part of the
deck of a ship abaft the mainmast; QUAR'TER-DECK'ER (_coll._), a stickler
for small points of etiquette on board ship.--_adj._ QUAR'TERED, divided
into four equal parts: lodged, stationed for lodging: having hind quarters
of a particular kind, as a short-_quartered_ horse: sawed into quarters:
(_her._) having a square piece cut out of the centre.--_ns._
QUAR'TER-[=E]'VIL, -ILL, symptomatic anthrax, an infectious and frequently
fatal disease of cattle, marked by hemorrhage into the subcutaneous areolar
tissue of the limbs--also _Black-leg_, _Quarter_, or _Spaul_, &c.;
QUAR'TERFOIL (_archit._), an ornamental carving disposed in four segments
of circles like an expanded flower; QUAR'TER-GALL'ERY, a projecting balcony
on each of the quarters of a large ship: a small structure on a ship's
quarters containing the water-closet and bath-tub; QUAR'TER-GUN'NER, a
petty-officer in the United States navy, having care, under the gunner, of
arms, ammunition, &c.--_adj._ QUAR'TERING, sailing nearly before the wind:
striking on the quarter of a ship, as a wind.--_n._ assignment of quarters
to soldiers: (_archit._) a series of small upright posts for forming
partitions of rooms, lathed and plastered only, or boarded also: (_her._)
the bearing of two or more coats-of-arms on a shield divided by horizontal
and perpendicular lines, denoting the alliances of the family--also, one of
the divisions thus formed.--_ns._ QUAR'TERING-BLOCK, a block on which the
body of a person condemned to be quartered was cut in pieces;
QUAR'TER-LINE, the position of ships of a column ranged in a line when one
is four points forward or abaft another's beam.--_adj._ QUAR'TERLY,
relating to a quarter: consisting of, or containing, a fourth part: once a
quarter of a year.--_adv._ once a quarter: (_her._) arranged according to
the four quarters of a shield.--_n._ a periodical published every quarter
of a year.--_ns._ QUAR'TERMASTER, an officer who looks after the quarters
of the soldiers, and attends to the supplies--he is assisted by a
non-commissioned officer named QUAR'TERMASTER-SER'GEANT: (_naut._) a
first-class petty officer who attends to the helm, signals, &c.;
QUAR'TERMASTER-GEN'ERAL, in the British army, a staff-officer of high rank
(major-general or colonel) who deals with all questions of transport,
marches, quarters, fuel, clothing, &c.; QUAR'TERN, the fourth part of a
peck, a stone, or a pint: the quarter of a pound; QUAR'TERN-LOAF, a loaf
weighing, generally, four pounds; QUARTEROON' (see QUADROON);
QUAR'TER-PLATE, in photography, a size of plate measuring 3¼ by 4¼ inches:
a picture of this size; QUAR'TER-ROUND, a moulding having an outline
approximating to a quadrant, an _ovolo_: any tool adapted for making such;
QUAR'TER-SEAL, the seal kept by the director of the Chancery of
Scotland--the _testimonial_ of the Great Seal; QUAR'TER-SES'SIONS, a
criminal court held quarterly by Justices of the Peace, established in
1350-51, but having had most of its administrative powers transferred in
1888 to the County Councils: county or borough sessions held quarterly;
QUAR'TER-STAFF, a long staff or weapon of defence, grasped at a quarter of
its length from the end and at the middle; QUAR'TER-TONE (_mus._), an
interval equivalent to one-half of a semitone; QUAR'TER-WATCH (_naut._),
one-half of the watch on deck; QUARTETTE', QUARTET', anything in fours: a
musical composition of four parts for voices or instruments: a stanza of
four lines.--_adj._ QUAR'TIC (_math._), of the fourth degree or
order.--_n._ an algebraic function of the fourth degree.--_n._ QUAR'TILE
(_astrol._), an aspect of planets when their longitudes differ by
90°.--_adj._ QUAR'TO, having the sheet folded into four leaves (abbrev.
4to).--_n._ a book of a quarto size:--_pl._ QUAR'TOS (demy quarto, 8¾ × 11¼
in.; medium quarto, 9¼ × 11¾ in.; royal quarto, 10 × 12½ in.).--BEAT UP THE
QUARTERS OF, to disturb: to visit unceremoniously; COME TO CLOSE QUARTERS,
to get into a hand-to-hand struggle.--SMALL QUARTO, a square octavo: a book
having eight leaves to a sheet but the shape of a quarto.--WINTER QUARTERS,
the quarters or station of an army during the winter. [O. Fr.,--L.
_quartarius_--_quartus_, fourth.]
QUARTODECIMAN, kwor-t[=o]-des'i-man, _n._ one of those who celebrated the
Paschal festival on the 14th day of Nisan without regard to the day of the
week. The western churches kept it on the Sunday after the 14th day--the
usage approved by the Council of Nice (325 A.D.). [L. _quartodecimus_,
fourteenth, _quatuor_, four, _decem_, ten.]
QUARTZ, kworts, _n._ the common form of native silica, or the oxide of
silicon, occurring both in crystals and massive, scratching glass easily,
and becoming positively electrical by friction, colourless when
pure--Rock-crystal, Common, and Compact Quartz.--_ns._ QUARTZ'-CRUSH'ER,
-MILL, a machine, mill, where auriferous quartz is reduced to powder, and
the gold separated by amalgamation.--_adj._ QUARTZIF'EROUS.--_ns._
QUARTZ'ITE, QUARTZ'-ROCK, a common rock, usually white, gray, or rusty in
colour, and composed of an aggregate of quartz-grains welded
together.--_adjs._ QUARTZIT'IC; QUARTZ'OSE, of or like quartz; QUARTZ'Y.
[Ger. _quarz_.]
QUASH, kwosh, _v.t._ to crush: to subdue or extinguish suddenly and
completely: to annul. [O. Fr. _quasser_ (Fr. _casser_)--L. _quass[=a]re_,
inten. of _quat[)e]re_, to shake.]
QUASHEE, kwosh'e, _n._ a negro, esp. in West Indies.
QUASHEY, kwosh'i, _n._ a pumpkin.
QUASI, kw[=a]'s[=i], _conj._ and _adv._ as if: in a certain manner, sense,
or degree--in appearance only, as '_quasi_-historical,' &c. [L.]
QUASIMODO, kwas-i-m[=o]'do, _n._ the first Sunday after Easter, Low Sunday.
[From the first words of the introit for the day, 1 Peter, ii. 2; L. _Quasi
modo geniti infantes_, as new-born babes, &c.]
QUASS, kwas, _n._ See KVASS.
QUASSATION, kwas-s[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of shaking: the state of being
shaken: concussion.--_adj._ QUAS'SATIVE. [L. _quassatio_--_quass[=a]re_, to
shake.]
QUASSIA, kwash'i-a, _n._ a South American tree, the bitter wood and bark of
which are used as a tonic.--_ns._ QUASS'INE, QUASS'ITE, the bitter
principle of quassia-wood, the Bitter-wood of the West Indies. [So called
by Linnæus from a negro named _Quassi_, who first discoverer its value
against fever.]
QUAT, kwot, _n._ (_Shak._) a pimple: an insignificant person.
QUATCH, kwoch, _adj._ (_Shak._) squat, flat.
QUATERCENTENARY, qua-ter-sen'te-n[=a]-ri, _n._ a 400th anniversary.
QUATERFOIL, kat'[.e]r-foil, _n._ See QUARTERFOIL.
QUATERNARY, kwa-t[.e]r'nar-i, _adj._ consisting of four: by fours:
pertaining to strata more recent than the Upper Tertiary: (_math._)
containing four variables.--_n._ a group of four things.--_adjs._
QU[=A]T'ERN, QU[=A]TER'N[=A]TE, composed of, or arranged in, sets of
four.--_n._ QU[=A]TER'NION, a set or group of four: a word of four
syllables: (_pl._) in mathematics, a calculus of peculiar power and
generality invented by Sir W. R. Hamilton of Dublin, as a geometry,
primarily concerning itself with the operations by which one directed
quantity or vector is changed into another.--_v.t._ to divide into
quaternions: (_Milt._) to divide into companies.--_ns._ QU[=A]TER'NIONIST,
a student of quaternions; QU[=A]TERN'ITY, the state of being four, a group
of four.--QUATERNARY NUMBER, ten; so called by the Pythagoreans because
equal to 1 + 2 + 3 + 4.
QUATORZE, ka-torz', _n._ the four aces, kings, queens, knaves, or tens in
the game of piquet.--_n._ QUATOR'ZAIN, a stanza or poem of fourteen lines.
[Fr.]
QUATRAIN, kwot'r[=a]n, _n._ a stanza of four lines rhyming alternately.
[Fr.]
QUATRE-FOIL, Fr. QUATRE-FEUILLE=QUARTERFOIL.
QUATTROCENTO, kwot-r[=o]-chen'to, _n._ in Italian, a term for the 15th
century, its literature and art: the early Renaissance.--_n._
QUATTROCEN'TIST. Outstanding _quattrocentisti_ in art are Donatello,
Masaccio, Lippo Lippi, and Mantegna. [It., 'four hundred,' contr. for
1400.]
QUAVER, kw[=a]'v[.e]r, _v.i._ to shake: to sing or play with tremulous
modulations.--_n._ a trembling: a vibration of the voice: a note in
music=half a crotchet or one-eighth of a semibreve.--_n._
QU[=A]'VERER.--_adv._ QU[=A]'VERINGLY. [Imit.; cf. _Quiver_, and Ger.
_quabbeln_.]
QUAY, k[=e], _n._ a landing-place: a wharf for the loading or unloading of
vessels.--_n._ QUAY'AGE, payment for use of a quay. [O. Fr. _quay_--Celt.,
as in Bret. _kaé_, and W. _cae_, an enclosure.]
QUAYD, kw[=a]d, _adj._ (_Spens._). Same as QUELLED.
QUEACHY, kw[=e]'chi, _adj._ shaking: unsteady. [From _queach_, a variant of
_quitch_.]
QUEAN, kw[=e]n, _n._ a saucy girl or young woman: a woman of worthless
character. [_Queen_.]
QUEASY, kw[=e]'zi, _adj._ sick, squeamish: inclined to vomit: causing
nausea: fastidious: ticklish, nice.--_adv._ QUEA'SILY.--_n._ QUEA'SINESS.
[Scand.; Norw. _kveis_, sickness after a debauch, Ice. _-kveisa_, pains, as
in _idhra-kveisa_, pains in the stomach.]
QUEBRACHO, ke-brä'ch[=o], _n._ the bark of several hard-wooded South
American trees--good in fever. [Port.,--_quebrahacho_,
axe-breaker--_quebrar_, to break, _hacha_, _facha_, axe.]
QUEBRADA, ke-brä'da, _n._ a ravine. [Sp. Amer.]
QUEEN, kw[=e]n, _n._ the wife of a king: a female sovereign: the best or
chief of her kind: a queen-bee or queen-ant: of playing-cards, one with the
queen painted on it: the piece in chess which is the most deadly in
attack.--_v.i._ to play the queen.--_ns._ QUEEN'-APP'LE, QUEEN'ING, the
name of several varieties of apple; QUEEN'-BEE, the sole female of a
bee-hive, considerably larger than an ordinary bee; QUEEN'-CON'SORT, the
wife of the reigning sovereign--opp. to QUEEN'-REG'NANT, holding the crown
in her own right; QUEEN'CRAFT, craft or policy on the part of a queen;
QUEEN'DOM, queenly rule or dignity: the realm of a queen; QUEEN'-DOW'AGER,
the widow of a deceased king; QUEEN'HOOD, the state of being a queen;
QUEEN'LET, a petty queen.--_adjs._ QUEEN'-LIKE, QUEEN'LY, like a queen:
becoming or suitable to a queen.--_n._ QUEEN'LINESS.--_adv._ QUEEN'LY, like
a queen.--_ns._ QUEEN'-MOTH'ER, a queen-dowager, the mother of the reigning
king or queen; QUEEN'-OF-THE-MEAD'OWS, the meadow-sweet; QUEEN'-POST
(_archit._), one of two upright posts in a trussed roof, resting upon the
tie-beam, and supporting the principal rafters; QUEEN'-R[=E]'GENT, a queen
who reigns as regent; QUEEN'S'-ARM, a musket; QUEEN'SHIP, the state,
condition, or dignity of a queen; QUEEN'-STITCH, a square or chequer
pattern in embroidery stitch.--QUEEN ANNE'S BOUNTY, a fund for augmenting
the incomes of the poorer clergy of England, set aside in 1703; QUEEN ANNE
STYLE (_archit._), the style popular in the early part of the 18th century,
the buildings plain and simple, with classic cornices and details, and
frequently with large windows divided by mullions; QUEEN OF HEAVEN, a title
often given to the goddess Astarte or Ashtoreth: among Roman Catholics, a
title for the Virgin Mary; QUEEN OF THE MAY=_May-queen_ (see MAY);
* QUEEN'S BENCH (court of: see KING); * QUEEN'S COLOUR, one of the pair of
colours belonging to each regiment in our army; * QUEEN'S COUNSEL (see
COUNSEL); * QUEEN'S ENGLISH, correct use of the English language; * QUEEN'S
EVIDENCE (see EVIDENT); * QUEEN'S MESSENGER (see MESSAGE); QUEEN'S METAL,
an alloy consisting chiefly of tin; QUEEN'S TOBACCO PIPE, the facetious
designation of a peculiarly shaped kiln which used to be situated at the
corner of the tobacco warehouses belonging to the London Docks, and in
which contraband goods were burned; QUEEN'S WARE, a variety of Wedgwood
ware, otherwise known as _cream-coloured ware_; QUEEN'S YELLOW, the yellow
subsulphate of mercury. [A.S. _cwén_; Goth. _kw[=e]ns_, Ice. _kván_,
_kvæn_.]
* Now _King's Bench_, &c.
QUEER, kw[=e]r, _adj._ odd, singular, quaint: open to suspicion, dubious:
counterfeit: having a sensation of coming sickness.--_v.t._ (_slang_) to
banter, ridicule.--_adj._ QUEER'ISH, somewhat singular.--_n._ QUEER'ITY
(_rare_).--_adv._ QUEER'LY.--_n._ QUEER'NESS.--QUEER STREET, the imaginary
residence of persons in financial and other difficulties.--A QUEER FISH
(see FISH); SHOVE THE QUEER (_slang_), to pass bad money. [Low Ger.
_queer_, across, oblique (Ger. _quer_); cf. _Thwart_.]
QUEET, kw[=e]t, _n._ (_Scot._) an ankle. [_Coot_ (2).]
QUEEZ-MADAM, kw[=e]z'-mad'am, _n._ (_Scot._) the cuisse-madam, a French
jargonelle pear.
QUEINT, kw[=a]nt, _adj._ (_Spens._). Same as QUAINT.
QUEINT, kwent (_Spens._), _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _quench_.
QUELCH, kwelch, _v.i._ (_prov._) to make a sucking sound like that of water
in one's boots.
QUELEA, kw[=e]'le-a, _n._ the weaver-bird of Africa.
QUELL, kwel, _v.t._ to crush: subdue: to allay.--_v.i._ to die, perish,
(_Shak._) abate.--_ns._ QUELL (_Shak._), murder: (_Keats_) power of
quelling; QUELL'ER, one who quells or crushes: a slayer. [A.S. _cwellan_,
to kill, causal of _cwelan_, to die. Cf. _Quail_ (v.).]
QUEME, kw[=e]m, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to please, suit, fit. [A.S. _cwéman_; cf.
Ger. _bequem_, fit.]
QUENCH, kwensh, _v.t._ to put out: to destroy: to check: to allay: to place
in water.--_v.i._ to lose zeal, grow cold.--_adj._ QUENCH'ABLE, that may be
extinguished.--_ns._ QUENCH'ER, one who, or that which, quenches: a draught
or drink; QUENCH'ING, act of extinguishing: the act of cooling the surface
of molten metal and forming rosettes in the crust.--_adj._ QUENCH'LESS,
that cannot be extinguished: irrepressible.--_adv._ QUENCH'LESSLY.--_n._
QUENCH'LESSNESS. [A.S. _cwencan_, to quench, causal of _cwincan_; cf. Old
Fries. _kwinka_, to go out.]
QUENELLE, ke-nel', _n._ a forcemeat ball of chicken, veal, or the like.
[Fr.]
QUENOUILLE-TRAINING, ke-n[=oo]'lye-tr[=a]'ning, _n._ the training of trees
in a conical shape with the branches bent downwards. [Fr. _quenouille_, a
distaff--Low L. _colucula_--L. _colus_, a distaff.]
QUERCETUM, kwer-s[=e]'tum, _n._ a collection of living oaks.
[L.,--_quercus_, an oak.]
QUERCITRON, kwer'si-tron, _n._ the name both of a dye-stuff and of the
species of oak of which it is the bark--the _Quercus coccinea_ of North
America, also called _Dyer's oak_ and _Yellow-barked oak_.--_ns._
QUER'CITE, a sweet crystalline compound found in acorns; QUER'CITIN, a
yellow crystalline compound derived from quercitrin by the action of
mineral acids; QUER'CITRIN, a glucoside, the colouring-matter of
quercitron-bark. [L. _quercus_, oak, _citrus_, a tree of the lemon kind.]
QUERELA, kwe-r[=e]'la, _n._ a complaint preferred in a court.--_n._
QU[=E]'RENT, a plaintiff. [L.]
QUERIMONIOUS, kwer-i-m[=o]'ni-us, _adj._ complaining: discontented.--_adv._
QUERIM[=O]'NIOUSLY.--_n._ QUERIM[=O]'NIOUSNESS. [L. _querimonia_, a
complaining--_queri_, to complain.]
QUERIST, kw[=e]'rist, _n._ one who inquires or asks questions. [_Query_.]
QUERK, kw[.e]rk, _v.t._ (_prov_.) to throttle.--_v.i._ to grunt.
QUERL, kw[.e]rl, _v.t._ (_U.S._) to twirl.--_n._ a coil.
QUERN, kw[.e]rn, _n._ a stone handmill for grinding grain. [A.S. _cwyrn_,
_cweorn_; Ice. _kvern_, Goth, _kwairnus_.]
QUERQUEDULA, kwer-kwed'[=u]-la, _n._ the teal. [L.]
QUERULOUS, kwer'[=u]-lus, _adj._ complaining: discontented:
quarrelsome.--_adv._ QUER'ULOUSLY.--_n._ QUER'ULOUSNESS. [L.,--_queri_, to
complain.]
QUERY, kw[=e]'ri, _n._ an inquiry: the mark of interrogation.--_v.t._ to
inquire into: to question: to doubt of: to mark with a query.--_v.i._ to
question:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ qu[=e]'ried.--_adj._ QUES'ITIVE,
interrogatory. [L. _quære_, imper. of _quær[)e]re_, _quæsitum_, to
inquire.]
QUEST, kwest, _n._ the act of seeking: search: pursuit: a searching party:
a jury of inquest: inquiry, investigation: request or desire.--_v.i._ to go
in search of, to go begging: to give tongue, as a dog after game.--_ns._
QUEST'ANT, QUEST'ER (_Shak._), one who seeks after anything, a
candidate.--_adj._ QUEST'FUL. [O. Fr. _queste_ (Fr. _quête_)--L. _quæsita_
(_res_), a thing sought--_quær[)e]re_, _quæsitum_, to seek.]
QUESTION, kwest'yun, _n._ a seeking: an inquiry: an examination, esp. by
torture: an investigation: dispute: doubt: a subject of discussion, esp.
the particular point actually before the house, the measure to be voted
upon: (_Shak._) conversation.--_v.t._ to ask questions of: to examine by
questions: to inquire of: to regard as doubtful: to challenge, take
exception to: to have no confidence in.--_v.i._ to ask questions: to
inquire: to debate, consider, to converse.--_adj._ QUEST'IONABLE, that may
be questioned: doubtful: uncertain: suspicious.--_n._
QUEST'IONABLENESS.--_adv._ QUEST'IONABLY.--_adj._ QUEST'IONARY, asking
questions.--_n._ one who hawks about for sale indulgences or relics.--_ns._
QUEST'IONER; QUEST'IONING, a query, doubt, suspicion.--_adv._
QUEST'IONINGLY.--_n._ QUEST'IONIST, a questioner, a doubter: at Cambridge,
a student qualified to be a candidate for a degree.--_adj._ QUEST'IONLESS,
unquestioning: beyond question or doubt: certainly.--_n._ QUEST'RIST
(_Shak._), a seeker, a pursuer.--_adj._ QUEST'UARY (_obs._), greedy of
gain, yielding gain.--QUESTION OF FACT, consideration as to the actual
occurrence of an event.--BEG THE QUESTION (see BEG); CALL IN QUESTION, to
challenge, to subject to judicial inquiry; IN QUESTION, under
consideration, referring to a thing just mentioned; LEADING-QUESTION (see
LEAD); OUT OF QUESTION, doubtless; OUT OF THE QUESTION, not to be thought
of; POP THE QUESTION (see POP); PREVIOUS QUESTION (see PREVIOUS). [Fr.,--L.
_quæstion-em_--_quær[)e]re_, _quæsitum_, to seek.]
QUESTOR, QUESTORSHIP. See QUÆSTOR.
QUETZAL, kwet'sal, _n._ the resplendent trogon, a native of Central
America, the plumage of the male a magnificent golden green.--Also QUES'AL,
QUIJ'AL.
QUEUE, k[=u], _n._ a pendent braid of hair at the back of the head, a
pigtail: a file of persons waiting in the order of arrival: a tailpiece, as
of a violin: (_her._) the tail of a beast.--_v.t._ to tie or fasten in a
queue or pigtail. [Fr.,--L. _cauda_, a tail.]
QUEY, kw[=a], _n._ (_Scot._) a young cow or heifer, a cow that has not yet
had a calf. [Ice. _kvíga_; Dan. _kvie_.]
QUHILK, hwilk, _pron._ an obsolete Scotch form of which.
QUIB, kwib. Same as QUIP.
QUIBBLE, kwib'l, _n._ a turning away from the point in question into
matters irrelevant or insignificant: an evasion, a pun: a petty
conceit.--_v.i._ to evade a question by a play upon words: to cavil: to
trifle in argument: to pun.--_n._ QUIBB'LER.--_adv._ QUIBB'LINGLY. [Freq.
of _quip_.]
QUICH, kwich, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to stir, to move.--Also QUINCH, QUITCH.
[A.S. _cweccan_, causal of _cwacian_, to quake.]
QUICK, kwik, _adj._ living: lively: speedy: nimble: ready: sensitive:
hasty: pregnant: active, piercing.--_adv._ without delay: rapidly:
soon.--_n._ a living animal or plant: the living: the living flesh: the
sensitive parts: a hedge of some growing plant, quickset.--_adj._
QUICK'-AN'SWERED (_Shak._), quick at giving an answer.--_n._ QUICK'BEAM,
the mountain-ash or rowan.--_adj._ QUICK'-CONCEIV'ING, quick at conceiving
or understanding.--_v.t._ QUICK'EN, to make quick or alive: to revive: to
reinvigorate: to cheer: to excite: to sharpen: to hasten.--_v.i._ to become
alive: to move with activity.--_n._ the couch or quitch-grass.--_ns._
QUICK'ENER, one who, or that which, reinvigorates; QUICK'ENING, the period
in pregnancy when the mother first becomes conscious of the movement of the
child--from the sixteenth or seventeenth week onwards.--_adj._ QUICK'-EYED,
having acute sight.--_ns._ QUICK'-GRASS=_Quitch-grass_; QUICK'-HEDGE, a
hedge of living plants; QUICK'LIME, recently burnt lime, caustic and
unslaked: carbonate of lime without its carbonic acid.--_adv._
QUICK'LY.--_ns._ QUICK'MARCH (same as QUICK'STEP); QUICK'MATCH (see MATCH);
QUICK'NESS; QUICK'SAND, a movable sandbank in a sea, lake, &c., any large
mass of sand saturated with water, often dangerous to travellers: anything
treacherous.--_adj_. QUICK'-SCENT'ED, having a keen scent.--_n._ QUICK'SET,
a living plant set to grow for a hedge, particularly the hawthorn.--_adj._
consisting of living plants.--_adj._ QUICK'-SIGHT'ED, having quick or sharp
sight: quick in discernment.--_ns._ QUICK'-SIGHT'EDNESS, sharpness of sight
or discernment; QUICK'SILVER, the common name for fluid mercury, so called
from its great mobility and its silvery colour.--_v.t._ to overlay or to
treat with quicksilver.--_adj._ QUICK'SILVERED.--_ns._ QUICK'SILVERING, the
mercury on the back of a mirror; QUICK'STEP, a march in quick time:
(_mus._) a march written in military quick time.--_adj._ QUICK'-TEM'PERED,
irascible.--_n._ QUICK'-WA'TER, a solution of nitrates of mercury and of
gold, for water-gilding.--_adj._ QUICK'-WIT'TED, having ready wit.--_ns._
QUICK'-WIT'TEDNESS; QUICK'-WORK, the part of a ship under water when laden:
the part of the inner upper-works of a ship above the covering board: the
short planks worked inside between the ports: spirketting.--SOME QUICK
(_Spens._), something alive. [A.S. _cwic_; Ice. _kvikr_, Goth. _kwius_,
living; allied to L. _vivus_.]
QUICUNQUE, kw[=i]-kung'kwe, _n._ the so-called Athanasian Creed, from its
first words, _Quicunque vult_='whosoever will.'
QUID, kwid, _n._ what, substance: something.--TERTIUM QUID, something
distinct from both mind and matter, itself immediately known, mediating
between the mind and the reality. [L., what.]
QUID, kwid, _n._ something chewed or kept in the mouth, esp. a piece of
tobacco. [A corr. of _cud_.]
QUID, kwid, _n._ (_slang_) a sovereign.
QUIDAM, kw[=i]'dam, _n._ somebody, one unknown. [L.]
QUIDDANY, kwid'a-ni, _n._ a confection of quince-juice and sugar. [L.
_cydonium_. Cf. _Quince_.]
QUIDDIT, kwid'it, _n._ an equivocation: a subtilty or quibble. [A contr. of
_quiddity_.]
QUIDDITY, kwid'i-ti, _n._ the essence of anything: any trifling nicety: a
cavil: a captious question.--_adjs._ QUIDD'ATIVE, QUIDD'IT[=A]TIVE. [Low L.
_quidditas_--L. _quid_, what.]
QUIDDLE, kwid'l, _v.i._ to spend time in trifling.--_n._ one who does
so.--_n._ QUIDD'LER, a trifler.--_adj._ QUIDD'LING. [L. _quid_.]
QUIDNUNC, kwid'nungk, _n._ one always on the lookout for news: one who
pretends to know all occurrences. [L., 'what now?']
QUID PRO QUO, kwid pr[=o] kw[=o], _n._ something given or taken as
equivalent to something else. [L., 'something for something.']
QUIEN SABE, kien sä'be, who knows? a common reply to a question in the
south-western United States, meaning 'I do not know.' [Sp. _quien_, who--L.
_quis_, who; _sabe_, 3d pers. sing. pres. indic. of _saber_, to know--L.
_sap[)e]re_, to have sense.]
QUIESCENT, kw[=i]-es'ent, _adj._ being quiet, resting: not sounded, as a
_quiescent_ letter: still: unagitated: silent.--_v.i._ QUIESCE', to become
quiet: to become silent in pronunciation, as a letter.--_ns._ QUIES'CENCE,
QUIES'CENCY, state of being at rest: rest of mind: silence: torpor.--_adv._
QUIES'CENTLY. [L. _quiescens_, _-entis_, pr.p. of _quiesc[)e]re_, to rest.]
QUIET, kw[=i]'et, _adj._ at rest: calm: smooth: peaceable: gentle,
inoffensive: silent, still: free from gaudiness, in good taste: free from
bustle or formality.--_n._ the state of being at rest: repose: calm:
stillness: peace.--_v.t._ to bring to rest: to stop motion: to calm or
pacify: to lull: to allay.--_v.i._ to become quiet, to abate.--_n._
QU[=I]'ET[=A]GE (_Spens._), quiet.--_v.t._ QU[=I]'ETEN, to make quiet,
calm.--_v.i._ to become quiet.--_n._ QU[=I]'ETER (_Shak._), a person or
thing that quiets.--_v.t._ QU[=I]'ETISE, to make quiet.--_ns._
QU[=I]'ETISM, rest of the mind: mental tranquillity: apathy: the doctrine
that religious perfection on earth consists in passive and uninterrupted
contemplation of the Deity; QU[=I]'ETIST, one who believes in this doctrine
(Molinos, Mme. Guyon, &c.).--_adj._ QUIETIST'IC, pertaining to
quietism.--_n._ QU[=I]'ETIVE, anything that induces quiet.--_adv._
QU[=I]'ETLY, in a quiet manner: without motion or alarm: calmly: silently:
patiently.--_ns._ QU[=I]'ETNESS, QU[=I]'ETUDE, rest: repose: freedom from
agitation or alarm: stillness: peace: silence.--_adj._ QU[=I]'ETSOME
(_Spens._), calm, still, undisturbed.--_n._ QUI[=E]'TUS, a final settlement
or discharge: ending generally: (_slang_) a severe blow.--AT QUIET (_B._),
peaceful; IN QUIET, quietly; ON THE QUIET, clandestinely; OUT OF QUIET,
disturbed. [L. _quietus_--_quisc[)e]re_, to rest.]
QUIGHT, kw[=i]t, _adv._ a misspelt form of _quite_.
QUI-HI, -HYE, kw[=i]'h[=i]', _n._ in Bengal, the Anglo-Indian call for a
servant: (_coll._) an Anglo-Indian in Bengal. [Hind. _ko[=i] hai_, 'who is
there?']
QUILL, kwil, _n._ a fold of a plaited or fluted ruff.--_v.t._ to flute:
form with rounded ridges.--_adj._ QUILLED, crimped, fluted.--_n._
QUILL'ING, a narrow bordering of plaited lace or ribbon. [Fr. _quille_, a
keel.]
QUILL, kwil, _n._ a reed-pen: the feather of a goose or other bird used as
a pen, hence a pen generally: the profession of letters: anything like a
quill: the hollow basal stem of a feather: one of the large hollow sharp
spines (modified hairs) of the hedgehog, porcupine, &c.: the reed on which
weavers wind their thread: the instrument for striking the strings of
certain instruments: the tube of a musical instrument: the hollow shaft or
mandril of the seal-engraver's lathe: a train for igniting a blast: bark in
a cylindrical roll.--_v.t._ to plait with small ridges like quills: to wind
on a quill: to pluck out quills from.--_ns._ QUILL'-DRIV'ER (_slang_), one
who works with a quill or pen, a clerk; QUILL'-DRIV'ING, writing.--_adj._
QUILLED, furnished with quills, or formed into a quill.--_ns._ QUILL'-NIB,
a quill-pen shortened for use with a holder; QUILL'-TURN, the machine in
which a weaver's quill is turned; QUILL'-WORK, embroidery with porcupine
quills, done by the North American Indians; QUILL'-WORT, any plant of the
genus Isoëtes, esp. _Isoëtes lacustris_.--IN THE QUILL (_Shak._),
perhaps=penned, though others interpret 'in form and order like a quilled
ruff.' [Explained by Skeat as orig. a stalk, hence anything pointed, O. Fr.
_quille_, a peg--Old High Ger. _kegil_ or _chegil_ (Ger. _kegel_), a
cone-shaped object, ninepin.]
QUILLET, kwil'et, _n._ a trick in argument: a petty quibble. [L.
_quidlibet_, 'what you will.']
QUILLET, kwil'et, _n._ (_prov._) a furrow: a small croft.
QUILLON, k[=e]-lyong', _n._ one of the branches of the cross-guard of a
sword.
QUILT, kwilt, _n._ a bed-cover of two cloths sewed together with something
soft between them: a thick coverlet.--_v.t._ to make into a quilt: to
stitch together with something soft between, to stitch in: to sew like a
quilt.--_adj._ QUILT'ED, stitched together as a quilt: (_Spens._)
padded.--_ns._ QUILT'ER, a person or machine for making quilting;
QUILT'ING, the act of making a quilt: that which is quilted: a cotton or
linen cloth, like diaper, with raised pattern, for vests, &c.: a kind of
coating formed of sinnet, strands of rope, &c., outside any vessel
containing water: a thrashing with a rope's end; QUILT'ING-BEE, in New
England, a gathering of women to help one in quilting a counterpane,
followed by a supper to which men are admitted; QUILT'ING-COTT'ON,
cotton-wadding; QUILT'ING-FRAME, an adjustable frame for holding a fabric
for quilting. [O. Fr. _cuilte_ (Fr. _couette_)--L. _culcita_, a cushion.]
QUIN, kwin, _n._ (_prov._) a kind of scallop.
QUINARIAN, kw[=i]-n[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ classified in sets of five: (_zool._)
relating to the circular or so-called natural system of classification,
propounded in 1819 and much elaborated by Swainson in 1835--also
QU[=I]'NARY.--_n._ one who supports this theory. [L. _quinarius_--_quini_,
five each--_quinque_, five.]
QUINATE, kw[=i]'n[=a]t, _adj._ (_bot._) having five leaflets on a petiole.
[L. _quini_, five each.]
QUINCE, kwins, _n._ the golden, globose or pear-shaped, fragrant fruit of a
large shrub or small tree (_Pyrus Cydonia_) of the rose family, too austere
to be eaten raw, but excellent for jellies, marmalade, and flavouring other
fruits. [Pl. of _quine_--O. Fr. _coin_ (Fr. _coing_)--L. _cydonium_--Gr.
_Cyd[=o]nia_, in Crete.]
QUINCENTENARY, kwin-sen'te-n[=a]-ri, _adj._ relating to five hundred,
especially five hundred years.--_n._ a five hundredth anniversary.
QUINCH, kwinsh, _v.t._ (_Spens._). Same as QUITCH, _v.t._
[Illustration]
QUINCUNX, kwin'kungks, _n._ an arrangement of five things, so as to occupy
each corner and the centre of a square, esp. of trees or plants.--_adj._
QUINCUN'CIAL.--_adv._ QUINCUN'CIALLY. [L. _quinque_, five, _uncia_, a
twelfth part, an ounce.]
QUINDECEMVIR, kwin-d[=e]-sem'vir, _n._ one of a college of fifteen men in
ancient Rome who had the charge of the Sibylline books:--_pl._
QUINDECEM'VIRI.--_ns._ QUINDEC'AGON, a plane figure with fifteen sides and
angles; QUINDECEM'VIRATE, the body of the quindecemviri or their office;
QUINDEC'IMA (_mus._), the interval of a fifteenth, or double-octave.
[L.,--_quindecim_, fifteen (_quinque_, five, _decem_, ten), _vir_, a man.]
QUINIBLE, kwin'i-bl, _n._ (_mus._) an interval of a fifth: a descant sung
at the fifth. [L. _quinque_, five.]
QUININE, kwin'[=e]n, ki-n[=e]n', or kw[=i]'n[=i]n, _n._ a colourless,
inodorous, and very bitter alkaloid, obtained from the bark of the Cinchona
tree, its salts used for agues and fevers.--_ns._ QU[=I]'NA, the bark of
various species of Cinchona; QUINAM'INE, a natural white crystalline
alkaloid obtained from various Cinchona barks; QUINAQU[=I]'NA, the bark of
various species of Cinchona.--_adj._ QUIN'IC, pertaining to, or derived
from, quinine.--_ns._ QUIN'IDINE, a white crystalline compound, isomeric
with quinine, found in some Cinchona barks; QUINOL'OGY, the knowledge of
quinine and other Cinchona alkaloids. [Fr.,--Sp. and Port.
_quinina_--Peruv. _quina_, _kina_, bark.]
QUINISEXT, kwin'i-sekst, _adj._ pertaining to five and six, or to the fifth
and sixth.
QUINNAT, kwin'at, _n._ the king-salmon.
QUINOA, k[=e]'no-a, _n._ a Chilian and Mexican food-plant, resembling some
British species of chenopodium, cultivated for its farinaceous seeds.
[Peruv.]
QUINOLINE, kwin'[=o]-lin, _n._ a pungent, colourless liquid obtained by the
distillation of bones, coal-tar, and various alkaloids--the base of many
organic bodies, isomeric with Leucol.--Also CHIN'OLINE. [Peruv. _quina_,
_kina_, bark.]
QUINONE, kwin'[=o]n, _n._ or _Benzoquinone_, a golden-yellow crystalline
compound usually prepared by oxidising aniline with potassium bichromate
and sulphuric acid: a general name applied to all benzene derivatives in
which two oxygen atoms replace two hydrogen atoms.--Also KINONE
(k[=e]'n[=o]n), as _Kinic_--_Quinic_.
QUINQUAGESIMA, kwin-kwa-jes'i-ma, _n._ a period of fifty days.--_n._
QUINQUAGEN[=A]'RIAN, one who is between fifty and sixty years
old.--QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, being the
fiftieth day before Easter. [L. _quinquaginta_, fifty--_quinque_, five.]
QUINQUANGULAR, kwin-kwang'g[=u]-lar, _adj._ having five angles.--_adjs._
QUINQUARTIC'ULAR, of five articles; QUINQUECAP'SULAR, having five capsules;
QUINQUECOS'T[=A]TE, -D having five ribs; QUINQUEDEN'TATE, -D (_bot._),
five-toothed; QUINQUEF[=A]'RIOUS, disposed in five sets or rows;
QUIN'QUEFID, cleft into five segments; QUINQUEF[=O]'LIATE, -D (_bot._),
having five leaves or leaflets; QUINQUELIT'ERAL, consisting of five
letters; QUINQUEL[=O]'BATE, having five lobes; QUINQUELOC'ULAR, having five
loculi; QUINQUEPÄR'TITE, five-parted; QUINQUESEP'TATE, having five septa;
QUINQUES[=E]'RIAL, arranged in five series; QUINQUESYLLAB'IC, having five
syllables; QUINQUEV'ALENT, having an equivalence of five; QUIN'QUEVALVE,
QUINQUEVAL'VULAR, having five valves.
QUINQUENNIAD, kwin-kwen'i-ad, _n._ a period of five years--also
QUINQUENN'IUM.--_adj._ QUINQUENN'IAL, occurring once in five years: lasting
five years.--_n._ a fifth anniversary or its celebration.
QUINQUEREME, kwin'kwe-r[=e]m, _n._ an ancient galley having five banks of
oars. [L.,--_quinque_, five, _remus_, an oar.]
QUINQUINA, kin-k[=i]'nä, _n._ quinaquina. [_Quinine_.]
QUINQUINO, kin'ki-n[=o], _n._ the tree (_Myroxylon Pereiræ_) which yields
the balsam of Peru.
QUINSY, kwin'zi, _n._ an inflammatory affection of the substance of the
tonsils, attended when fully developed by suppuration.--_ns._
QUIN'SY-BERR'Y, the common black-currant; QUIN'SY-WORT, a small trailing
British herb of the madder family. [O. Fr. _squinancie_ (Fr.
_esquinancie_)--Gr. _kynanch[=e]_--_ky[=o]n_, a dog, _anchein_, to
throttle.]
QUINT, kwint, _n._ a set or a sequence of five: (_mus._) a fifth: the E
string of a violin.--_adj._ QUINT'AN, recurring on every fifth day.--_n._ a
malarial fever whose paroxysms recur on every fifth day. [Fr.,--L.
_quintus_, fifth--_quinque_, five.]
QUINTA, kwin'tä, _n._ a country house in Madeira. [Sp.]
QUINTAD, kwin'tad, _n._ the same as _Pentad_.
QUINTADENA, kwin-ta-d[=e]'na, _n._ in organ-building, a mutation stop
yielding a tone one-twelfth above the digital struck.
QUINTAIN, kwin't[=a]n, _n._ a post with a turning and loaded top or
cross-piece, to be tilted at.--Also QUIN'TIN. [Fr.,--L. _quintana_,
_quintus_, fifth, the place of recreation in the Roman camp being between
the fifth and sixth maniples.]
QUINTAL, kwin'tal, _n._ a hundredweight, either 112 or 100 pounds according
to the scale.--The QUINTAL MÉTRIQUE, the modern French quintal, is 100
kilograms=220 lb. avoirdupois. [Fr. and Sp. _quintal_--Ar. _qint[)a]r_--L.
_centum_, a hundred.]
QUINTESSENCE, kwin-tes'ens, _n._ the pure concentrated essence of anything,
the most essential part of anything: the fifth essence, according to the
Pythagoreans, beyond earth, water, fire, air.--_adj._
QUINTESSEN'TIAL.--_v.t._ QUINTESSEN'TIALISE. [Fr.,--L. _quinta essentia_,
fifth essence, orig. applied to ether, supposed to be purer than fire, the
highest of the four ancient elements.]
QUINTET, QUINTETTE, kwin-tet', _n._ a musical composition for five voices
or instruments: a company of five singers or players. [It. _quintetto_,
dim. of _quinto_, a fifth part--L. _quintus_, fifth--_quinque_, five.]
QUINTIC, kwin'tik, _adj._ of the fifth degree.
QUINTILE, kwin'til, _n._ the aspect of planets distant from each other the
fifth part of the zodiac, or 72°.
QUINTILLION, kwin-til'yun, _n._ the fifth power of a million, or a unit
followed by thirty ciphers: generally, in U.S., the sixth power of one
thousand, or a unit followed by eighteen ciphers.
QUINTOLE, kwin't[=o]l, _n._ a five-stringed viol common in France in the
18th century: a group of five notes to be played in the time of three,
four, or six. [It. _quinto_--L. _quintus_, fifth.]
QUINTROON, kwin-tr[=oo]n', _n._ the offspring of a white by one who has
one-sixteenth part of negro blood. [Sp. _quinteron_--L. _quintus_,
fifth--_quinque_, five.]
QUINTUPLE, kwin't[=u]-pl, _adj._ fivefold: (_mus._) having five crotchets
in a bar.--_v.t._ to make or to increase fivefold.--_ns._ QUIN'T[=U]PLET, a
set of five things: (_pl._) five young at a birth: (_mus._) same as
QUINTOLE; QUINT[=U]'PLIC[=A]TE, consisting of five: one of five exactly
corresponding things.--_v.t._ to make or to increase a set of
fivefold.--_n._ QUINTUPLIC[=A]'TION. [Fr.,--L. _quintuplex_--_quintus_,
fifth, _plic[=a]re_, to fold.]
QUINZAINE, kwin'z[=a]n, _n._ the fifteenth day onward from a feast day,
counting itself: a stanza of fifteen lines. [Fr. _quinze_, fifteen--L.
_quindecim_--_quinque_, five, _decem_, ten.]
QUINZE, kwinz, _n._ a card-game, like vingt-et-un, the object being to
count as nearly to fifteen as possible without going above it.
QUIP, kwip, _n._ a sharp, sarcastic turn, a gibe: a quick retort.--_v.i._
to use sarcasms.--_v.t._ to sneer at.--_adj._ QUIP'PISH. [W. _chwip_, a
quick turn, _chwipio_, to move briskly.]
QUIPU, k[=e]'p[=oo], or kwip'[=oo], _n._ the mnemonic language of coloured
and knotted cords used by the Incas of ancient Peru--depending on order,
colour, and kind.--Also QUIP'O. [Peruv., 'a knot.']
QUIRE, kw[=i]r, _n._ a collection of paper consisting of twenty-four
sheets, the twentieth part of a ream, each having a single fold.--_v.t._ to
fold in quires. [O. Fr. _quaier_ (Fr. _cahier_), prob. from Low L.
_quaternum_, a set of four sheets,--L. _quatuor_, four.]
QUIRE, kw[=i]r, _n._ old form of _choir_.--_n._ QU[=I]'RISTER, a chorister.
QUIRINUS, kwi-r[=i]'nus, _n._ an Italic divinity identified with the
deified Romulus.--_n._ QUIRIN[=A]'LIA, a festival in ancient Rome in honour
of _Quirinus_, on Feb. 17.
QUIRITES, kwi-r[=i]'tez, _n.pl._ the citizens of ancient Rome in their
civil capacity.
QUIRK, kw[.e]rk, _n._ a quick turn: an artful evasion: a quibble: a taunt
or retort: a slight conceit: inclination, turn: fantastic phrase:
(_archit._) an acute angle or recess.--_v.i._ to turn sharply.--_v.t._ to
twist or turn: to furnish with a quirk or channel.--_adjs._ QUIRK'ISH,
consisting of quirks; QUIRK'Y, abounding in quirks. [Skeat explains as
prob. for obs. Eng. _quirt_, to turn; from W. _chwired_, a piece of craft,
from _chwiori_, to turn briskly; cf. Gael. _cuireid_, a turn.]
QUIRT, kw[.e]rt, _n._ a riding-whip much used in the western states of
North America.--_v.t._ to flog with a quirt. [Perh. Sp. _cuerda_, a rope.]
QUISCALUS, kwis'ka-lus, _n._ a genus of birds, the American grackles or
crow-blackbirds.
QUIT, kwit, _v.t._ to pay, requite: to release from obligation, accusation,
&c.: to acquit: to depart from: to give up: to clear by full performance:
(_Spens._) to remove by force: (_coll._) to give over, cease:--_pr.p._
quit'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ quit'ted.--_adj._ (_B._) set free:
acquitted: released from obligation.--_n._ QUIT'-CLAIM, a deed of
release.--_v.t._ to relinquish claim or title to.--_n._ QUIT'-RENT, a rent
by which the tenants are discharged from all other services--in old records
called _white rent_, as being paid in silver money.--_adj._ QUIT'TABLE,
capable of being quitted.--_ns._ QUIT'TAL (_Shak._), requital, repayment;
QUIT'TANCE, a quitting or discharge from a debt or obligation: acquittance:
recompense.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to repay.--QUIT COST, to pay expenses; QUIT
ONE'S SELF (_B._), to behave; QUIT SCORES, to balance accounts.--BE QUITS,
to be even with one; CRY QUITTANCE, to get even; DOUBLE OR QUITS, in
gambling, said when a stake due is either to become double or be reduced to
nothing, according to the issue of a certain chance; NOTICE TO QUIT
(_law_), notice to a tenant of real property that he must surrender
possession. [O. Fr. _quiter_ (Fr. _quitter_)--Low L. _quiet[=a]re_, to
pay--L. _quiet[=a]re_, to make quiet--_quietus_, quiet.]
QUI TAM, kw[=i] tam, an action on a penal statute, brought partly at the
suit of the state and partly at that of an informer--from the first words.
[L. _qui_, who, _tam_, as well.]
QUITCH, kwich, _n._ couch-grass.--Also QUITCH'-GRASS, QUICK'ENS.
[Assibilated form of _quick_.]
QUITCH, kwich, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to move. [A.S. _cweccan_, causative of
_cwacian_, to quake.]
QUITE, kw[=i]t (_Spens._). Same as QUIT.
QUITE, kw[=i]t, _adv._ completely: wholly: entirely.--QUITE A LITTLE, a
good few: considerable; QUITE SO, a phrase denoting assent in conversation.
[Merely an adv. use of the adj. _quit_.]
QUITTER, kwit'[.e]r, _n._ a fistulous sore on the quarters or the heel of
the coronet of a horse's hoof.--_v.i._ to suppurate.
QUIVER, kwiv'[.e]r, _adj._ (_Shak._) nimble, active.
QUIVER, kwiv'[.e]r, _n._ a case for arrows.--_adj._ QUIV'ERED, furnished
with a quiver: sheathed, as in a quiver. [O. Fr. _cuivre_; from Old High
Ger. _kohhar_ (Ger. _köcher_); cog. with A.S. _cocer_.]
QUIVER, kwiv'[.e]r, _v.i._ to shake with slight and tremulous motion: to
tremble: to shiver.--_ns._ QUIV'ER, QUIV'ERING, a tremulous motion,
shiver.--_adv._ QUIV'ERINGLY, with quivering.--_adj._ QUIV'ERISH,
tremulous. [A.S. _cwifer_, seen in adv. _cwiferlíce_, eagerly. Cf. _Quick_
and _Quaver_.]
QUI VIVE, k[=e] v[=e]v, Who goes there?--the challenge of French sentries
to those who approach their posts.--BE ON THE QUI VIVE, to be on the alert.
[Fr.,--_qui_, who, _vive_, 3d pers. sing. pres. subj. of _vivre_, to
live--L. _viv[)e]re_.]
QUIXOTIC, kwiks-ot'ik, _adj._ like Don _Quixote_, the knight-errant in the
great romance of Cervantes (1547-1616), extravagantly romantic, aiming at
an impossible ideal.--_adv._ QUIXOT'ICALLY.--_ns._ QUIX'OTISM, QUIX'OTRY,
absurdly romantic, impracticable, and magnanimous notions, schemes, or
actions like those of Don Quixote.
QUIZ, kwiz, _n._ a riddle or enigma: one who quizzes another: an odd
fellow: a monocular eye-glass, often with a handle: (_coll._) an oral
examination of a pupil or class by a teacher.--_v.t._ to puzzle: to banter
or make sport of: to examine narrowly and with an air of mockery.--_v.i._
to practise derisive joking:--_pr.p._ quiz'zing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._
quizzed.--_ns._ QUIZ'ZER; QUIZ'ZERY.--_adj._ QUIZ'ZICAL.--_ns._
QUIZZICAL'ITY; QUIZZIFIC[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ QUIZ'ZIFY, to turn into a
quiz.--_ns._ QUIZ'ZINESS, oddness; QUIZ'ZING, raillery; QUIZ'ZING-GLASS, a
single eye-glass. [Origin obscure; doubtless framed from _question_, or
direct from L. _quæso_, I ask.]
QUOAD, kw[=o]'ad, _prep._ as far as, to this extent.--QUOAD HOC, as far as
this; QUOAD OMNIA, in respect of all things; QUOAD SACRA, as far as
concerns sacred matters, as a parish disjoined for ecclesiastical purposes
only. [L.]
QUOD, kwod, _n._ (_slang_) prison.
QUODLIBET, kwod'li-bet, _n._ a scholastic argument upon a subject chosen at
will, almost invariably theological: a humorous fanciful combination of two
or more familiar melodies.--_n._ QUODLIBET[=A]'RIAN, one given to
quodlibets.--_adjs._ QUODLIBET'IC, -AL. [L., 'what you please'--_quod_,
what, _libet_, it pleases.]
QUODLIN, kwod'lin, _n._ (_Bacon_). Same as CODLIN.
QUOIF, koif, _n._ a cap or hood.--_v.t._ to cover or dress with a coif.
QUOIN, koin, _n._ (_archit._) a wedge used to support and steady a stone:
an external angle, esp. of a building: (_gun._) a wedge of wood or iron put
under the breech of heavy guns or the muzzle of siege-mortars to raise them
to the proper level: (_print._) a wedge used to fasten the types in the
forms.--_v.t._ to wedge or steady with quoins. [_Coin._]
QUOIT, koit, _n._ a heavy flat ring of iron for throwing as near as
possible to one _hob_ or pin from the other--18 to 21 yards apart--the
points in the game counted as in bowls or curling: (_pl._) the game played
with such rings.--_v.i._ to throw quoits: to throw as with a quoit. [Perh.
from O. Fr. _coiter_, to drive, which may be from L.
_coact[=a]re_--_cog[)e]re_, to force.]
QUONDAM, kwon'dam, _adj._ that was formerly: former. [L., formerly.]
QUONIAM, kw[=o]'ni-am, _n._ the part of the 'Gloria in Excelsis' beginning
'For Thou only art holy:' the musical setting thereof: (_obs._) a kind of
drinking-cup. [L., 'since now.']
QUOOK, kwook (_Spens._), _pa.t._ of _quake_.
QUOP, kwop, _v.i._ to move: to throb, as the heart.--Also QUAB, QUAP.
QUORUM, kw[=o]'rum, _n._ a number of the members of any body sufficient to
transact business. [The first word of a commission formerly issued to
certain justices, _of whom_ (L. _quorum_) a certain number had always to be
present when the commission met.]
QUOTA, kw[=o]'ta, _n._ the part or share assigned to each.--_n._ QUOT'ITY
(_Carlyle_), the number of individuals in a collection. [It.,--L. _quotus_,
of what number?--_quot_, how many?]
QUOTE, kw[=o]t, _v.t._ to repeat the words of any one: to adduce for
authority or illustration: to give the current price of: to enclose within
quotation marks: (_Shak._) to set down in writing.--_v.i._ to make a
quotation.--_adj._ QU[=O]'TABLE, that may be quoted.--_ns._
QU[=O]'TABLENESS, QU[=O]TABIL'ITY.--_adv._ QU[=O]'TABLY.--_ns._
QU[=O]T[=A]'TION, act of quoting: that which is quoted: the current price
of anything; QU[=O]T[=A]'TION-MARK, one of the marks used to note the
beginning and the end of a quotation--generally consisting of two inverted
commas at the beginning, and two apostrophes at the end of a quotation; but
a single comma and a single apostrophe are frequently used; QU[=O]'TER. [O.
Fr. _quoter_, to number--Low L. _quot[=a]re_, to divide into chapters and
verses--L. _quotus_, of what number?--_quot_, how many?]
QUOTH, kw[=o]th, _v.t._ say, says, or said--used only in the 1st and 3d
persons present and past, and always followed by its subject.--_interj._
QU[=O]'THÄ, forsooth, indeed. [A.S. _cwethan_, pa.t. _cwæth_, to say. For
_quoth'a_, said he--_'a_ being a corr. of _he_.]
QUOTIDIAN, kw[=o]-tid'i-an, _adj._ every day: occurring daily.--_n._
anything returning daily: (_med._) a kind of ague that returns daily.
[Fr.,--L. _quotidianus_--_quot_, as many as, _dies_, a day.]
QUOTIENT, kw[=o]'shent, _n._ (_math._) the number which shows how often one
number is contained in another.--_n._ QU[=O]T[=I]'ETY, the proportionate
frequency of an event. [Fr.,--L. _quotiens_, _quoties_, how often?--_quot_,
how many?]
QUOTUM, kw[=o]'tum, _n._ quota: share: part or proportion. [L., neut. of
_quotus_; cf. _Quota_.]
QUO WARRANTO, kw[=o] wo-ran'to, _n._ (_law_) the title of a writ by which a
person or corporate body is summoned to show by what warrant a particular
franchise or office is claimed. [So called from these words in the writ. L.
_quo_, by what (abl. sing. neut. of _quis_, who, which, what), _warranto_,
abl. of Low L. _warrantum_, warrant.]
* * * * *
R the eighteenth letter in our alphabet, belonging to the class of
liquids--the 'dog's letter' (_littera canina_), from the trilling or
vibration of the tip of the tongue: as a medieval numeral=80;
[=R]=80,000.--THE THREE R'S, a humorous term for reading, writing, and
arithmetic.
RA, rä, _n._ the supreme sun-god of the Memphite system of ancient Egyptian
mythology.
RABANNA, ra-ban'a, _n._ matting made from the fibre of the raffia, in
Madagascar. [Malagasy.]
RABAT, ra-bä', _n._ a neck-band with flaps worn by French ecclesiastics: a
turned-down collar or ruff--(_obs._) RAB'ATINE, RAB[=A]'TO. [Fr.]
RABATE, ra-b[=a]t', _v.t._ to beat down.--_n._ abatement. [Fr. _rabattre_,
to beat down--_re-_, again, _abattre_--L. _ad_, to, _batu[)e]re_, to beat.]
RABBET, rab'et, _n._ a groove cut in the edge of a plank so that another
may fit into it.--_v.t._ to groove a plank thus.--_ns._
RABB'ETING-MACHINE', -PLANE, -SAW, for ploughing and cutting grooves;
RABB'ET-JOINT, a joint formed by fitting together timber with rabbets. [O.
Fr. _raboter_, to plane--_rabouter_--_re-_, again, _aboter_, _abouter_, to
thrust against.]
RABBI, rab'i, or rab'[=i], RABBIN, rab'in, _n._ Jewish title of a doctor or
expounder of the law:--_pl._ RABBIS (rab'[=i]z), RABB'INS.--_ns._ RABB'AN
('our master'), a title of greater honour than rabbi; RABB'INATE, the
dignity of a rabbi.--_adjs._ RABBIN'IC, -AL, pertaining to the rabbis or to
their opinions, learning, and language.--_n._ RABBIN'IC, the later
Hebrew.--_adv._ RABBIN'ICALLY.--_ns._ RABB'INISM, the doctrine or teaching
of the rabbis: a rabbinical peculiarity of expression: the late Jewish
belief which esteemed the oral law equally with the written law of God;
RABB'INIST, RABB'INITE, one who adheres to the Talmud and traditions of the
rabbis; RABB[=O]'NI, my great master. [Gr.,--Heb. _rabbí_--_rab_, great,
master--_r[=a]bab_, to be great. Cf. Ar. _rabb_, master, the Lord.]
RABBIT, rab'it, _n._ a small rodent burrowing animal of the hare family: a
cony: any member of the hare family.--_v.i._ to hunt rabbits.--_ns._
RABB'IT-BRUSH, a North American composite plant; RABB'IT-EAR, a long
slender oyster; RABB'ITER, one who hunts rabbits; RABB'IT-FISH, the 'king
of the herrings;' RABB'IT-HUTCH, a box for the rearing of rabbits;
RABB'IT-MOTH, a moth in United States of a furry appearance; RABB'IT-MOUTH,
harelip; RABB'IT-ROOT, the wild sarsaparilla; RABB'ITRY, a rabbit-warren;
RABB'IT-SQUIRR'EL, a chincha, a South American rodent; RABB'IT-SUCK'ER
(_Shak._), a sucking rabbit; RABB'IT-WARR'EN, a place where rabbits are
kept and bred.--SNOW-SHOE RABBIT, an American hare found in the Rocky
Mountains which turns white in winter; WELSH RABBIT, melted cheese with a
little ale poured over a slice of hot toast--sometimes written 'Welsh
rarebit' by wiseacres. [M. E. _rabet_, dim. of a form seen in Old Dut.
_robbe_.]
RABBIT, rab'it, _v.t._ an interjectional expression, like _confound_.
[Perh. a corr. of _rabate_.]