1. The same noun is sometimes masculine _and_ feminine, and
sometimes masculine _or_ feminine. The noun _parents_ is of the
masculine _and_ feminine gender. The nouns _parent, associate,
neighbor, servant, friend, child, bird, fish, &c._ if doubtful, are
of the masculine _or_ feminine gender.
2. Some nouns naturally neuter, are, when used figuratively, or
_personified_, converted into the masculine or feminine gender.
Those nouns are generally rendered masculine, which are conspicuous
for the attributes of imparting or communicating, and which are by
nature strong and efficacious; as, the _sun, time, death, sleep,
winter, &c._ Those, again, are generally feminine, which are
conspicuous for the attributes of containing or bringing forth, or
which are very beautiful, mild, or amiable; as, the _earth, moon,
church, boat, vessel, city, country, nature, ship, soul, fortune,
virtue, hope, spring, peace, &c._ This principle for designating the
sex of a personified object, which is quite rational, is generally
adhered to in the English language; but, in some instances, the poet
applies the sex according to his fancy.
The masculine and feminine genders are distinguished in three ways: