FERMENT, f[.e]r'ment, _n._ what excites fermentation, as yeast, leaven:
internal motion amongst the parts of a fluid: agitation: tumult.--_v.t._
FERMENT', to excite fermentation: to inflame.--_v.i._ to rise and swell by
the action of fermentation: to work, used of wine, &c.: to be in excited
action: to be stirred with anger.--_n._ FERMENTABIL'ITY.--_adj._
FERMENT'ABLE, capable of fermentation.--_n._ FERMENT[=A]'TION, the act or
process of fermenting: the change which takes place in liquids exposed to
air: the kind of spontaneous decomposition which produces alcohol: restless
action of the mind or feelings.--_adj._ FERMENT'ATIVE, causing or
consisting in fermentation.--_n._ FERMENT'ATIVENESS.--_adj._
FERMENTES'CIBLE, capable of being fermented. [Fr.,--L. _fermentum_, for
_fervimentum_--_ferv[=e]re_, to boil.]
FERMETURE, fer'me-t[=u]r, _n._ a mechanism for closing the chamber of a
breech-loading gun. [Fr.,--L. _firm[=a]re_, to make fast.]
FERN, fern, _n._ one of the beautiful class of higher or vascular
cryptogamous plants--the natural order _Filices_.--_ns._ FERN'ERY, a place
for rearing ferns; FERN'-OWL, the European goatsucker or night-jar;
FERN'-SEED, the spores of ferns, which, properly gathered, render the
bearers invisible; FERN'SHAW, a thicket of ferns; FERN'TICLE, a
freckle.--_adjs._ FERN'TICLED; FERN'Y. [A.S. _fearn_; Ger. _farn_.]
FEROCIOUS, fe-r[=o]'shus, _adj._ savage, fierce: cruel.--_adv._
FER[=O]'CIOUSLY.--_ns._ FER[=O]'CIOUSNESS; FEROC'ITY, savage cruelty of
disposition: untamed fierceness. [L. _ferox_, _ferocis_, wild--_ferus_,
wild.]
FERRANDINE, fer'an-din, _n._ a silk and wool or silk and hair cloth.--Also
FARR'ANDINE. [Fr.]
FERRARA, fer-ä'ra, _n._ a make of sword-blade highly esteemed in Scotland
from about the close of the 16th century--often ANDREA FERRARA--said to
have been made at Belluno in Venetia by Cosmo, Andrea, and Gianantonio
_Ferrara_. [Perh. a native of _Ferrara_, or prob. merely the It. _ferrajo_,
a cutler--L. _ferrarius_, a smith.]
FERREOUS, fer'e-us, _adj._ pertaining to, or made of, iron. [L.
_ferreus_--_ferrum_, iron.]
FERRET, fer'et, _n._ ribbon woven from spun silk. [Corr. from It.
_fioretto_--L. _flos_, _floris_, a flower.]
FERRET, fer'et, _n._ a half-tamed albino variety of the polecat, employed
in unearthing rabbits.--_v.t._ to drive out of a hiding-place: to search
out cunningly:--_pr.p._ ferr'eting; _pa.p._ ferr'eted.--_n._ FERR'ETER, one
who uses a ferret to catch rabbits, &c.: one who searches minutely. [O. Fr.
_furet_, a ferret--Low L. _furon-em_, robber--L. _fur_, a thief.]
FERRIAGE, fer'ri-[=a]j, _n._ See FERRY.
FERRIC, fer'ik, _adj._ pertaining to or obtained from iron: noting an acid
compounded of iron and oxygen.--_ns._ FERR'ATE, a salt formed by the union
of ferric acid with a base; FERROCYANOGEN (fer-o-s[=i]-an'[=o]-jen), a
compound radical supposed by chemists to exist in ferrocyanic acid and the
ferrocyanides, the chief of which is potassium ferrocyanide, yielding
Prussian blue; FERR'OTYPE, a photographic process in which the negative was
developed by a saturated solution of protosulphate of iron. [L. _ferrum_,
iron.]
FERRIFEROUS, fer-rif'[.e]r-us, _adj._ bearing or yielding iron. [L.
_ferrum_, iron, _ferre_, to bear.]
FERRUGINOUS, fer-r[=oo]'jin-us, _adj._ of the colour of iron-rust
impregnated with iron.--_n._ FERRU'GO, a disease of plants, commonly called
rust. [L. _ferrugineus_--_ferrugo_, _-inem_, iron-rust--_ferrum_, iron.]
FERRULE, fer'il, or fer'[=oo]l, _n._ a metal ring or cap on a staff, &c.,
to keep it from splitting.--Also FERR'EL. [O. Fr. _virole_--L. _viriola_, a
bracelet.]
FERRY, fer'i, _v.t._ to carry or convey over a water in a boat:--_pr.p._
ferr'ying; _pa.p._ ferr'ied.--_n._ a place where one is carried by boat
across a water: the right of conveying passengers: the ferry-boat.--_ns._
FERR'IAGE, provision for ferrying: the fare paid for such; FERR'Y-BOAT;
FERR'Y-MAN. [A.S. _ferian_, to convey, _faran_, to go; Ger. _fähre_, a
ferry--_fahren_, to go, to carry.]
FERTILE, f[.e]r'til, _adj._ able to bear or produce abundantly: rich in
resources: inventive: fertilising.--_adv._ FER'TILELY.--_n._
FERTILIS[=A]'TION, the act or process of fertilising.--_v.t._ FER'TILISE,
to make fertile or fruitful: to enrich.--_ns._ FER'TILISER, one who, or
that which, fertilises; FERTIL'ITY, fruitfulness: richness: abundance.
[Fr.,--L. _fertilis_--_ferre_, to bear.]
FERULE, fer'[=oo]l, _n._ a cane or rod used for striking children in
punishment.--_n._ FER'ULA, a staff of command.--_adj._ FERUL[=A]'CEOUS,
pertaining to canes or reeds. [L. _ferula_, a cane--_fer[=i]re_, to
strike.]
FERVENT, f[.e]r'vent, _adj._ ardent: zealous: warm in feeling.--_n._
FER'VENCY, eagerness: warmth of devotion.--_adv._ FER'VENTLY.--_adjs._
FERVES'CENT, growing hot; FER'VID, very hot: having burning desire or
emotion: zealous.--_n._ FERVID'ITY.--_adv._ FER'VIDLY.--_ns._ FER'VIDNESS;
FER'VOUR, heat: heat of mind, zeal. [Fr.,--L. _ferv[=e]re_, to boil.]
FESCENNINE, fes'e-nin, _adj._ scurrilous.--FESCENNINE VERSES consisted of
dialogues in rude extempore verses, generally in Saturnian measure, in
which the parties rallied and ridiculed one another. The style, afterwards
popular at Rome, originated in the Etruscan town _Fescennium_.
FESCUE, fes'k[=u], _n._ a genus of grasses, very nearly allied to
Brome-grass, and including many valuable pasture and fodder grasses: a
small straw or wire used to point out letters to children when learning to
read. [O. Fr. _festu_--L. _fest[=u]ca_, a straw.]
FESSE, FESS, fes, _n._ (_her._) one of the ordinaries--a band over the
middle of an escutcheon, one-third its breadth. [Fr. _fasce_--L. _fascia_,
a band.]
FESTAL, fes'tal, _adj._ pertaining to a feast or holiday: joyous:
gay.--_adv._ FES'TALLY.--_n._ FESTIL'OGY, a treatise on ecclesiastical
festivals.
FESTER, fes't[.e]r, _v.i._ to become corrupt or malignant: to
suppurate.--_v.t._ to cause to fester or rankle.--_n._ a wound discharging
corrupt matter. [O. Fr. _festre_--L. _fistula_, an ulcer.]
FESTINATE, fes'ti-n[=a]t, _v.t._ to accelerate.--_adj._ (_Shak._) hurried,
hasty.--_adv._ FES'TINATELY (_Shak._), hastily.--_n._ FESTIN[=A]'TION. [L.
_festina[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to hurry.]
FESTIVE, fes'tiv, _adj._ festal: mirthful.--_n._ FES'TIVAL, a joyful
celebration: a feast.--_adv._ FES'TIVELY.--_n._ FESTIV'ITY, social mirth:
joyfulness: gaiety.--_adj._ FES'TIVOUS, festive. [L. _festivus_--_festus_.]
FESTOON, fes-t[=oo]n', _n._ a garland suspended between two points:
(_archit._) an ornament like a wreath of flowers, &c.--_v.t._ to adorn with
festoons.--_n._ FESTOON'-BLIND, a window-blind of cloth gathered into rows
of festoons in its width. [Fr. _feston_--Low L. _festo_(_n-_), a
garland--L. _festum_.]
FET, FETT, fet, _v.t._ obsolete form of _fetch_.
FETAL. See FOETUS.
FETCH, fech, _v.t._ to bring: to go and get: to obtain as its price: to
accomplish in any way: to bring down, to cause to yield: to reach or
attain.--_v.i._ to turn: (_naut._) to arrive at.--_n._ the act of bringing:
space carried over: a stratagem.--_adj._ FETCH'ING, fascinating.--FETCH AND
CARRY, to perform humble services for another; FETCH A PUMP, to pour water
in so as to make it draw; FETCH OUT, to draw forth, develop; FETCH TO, to
revive, as from a swoon; FETCH UP, to recover: to come to a sudden stop.
[A.S. _feccan_, an altered form of _fetian_, to fetch; cf. Ger. _fassen_,
to seize.]
FETCH, fech, _n._ the apparition, double, or wraith of a living
person.--_n._ FETCH'-CAN'DLE, a nocturnal light, supposed to portend a
death. [Ety. unknown.]
FÊTE, f[=a]t, _n._ a festival: a holiday.--_v.t._ to entertain at a
feast.--_n._ FÊTE'-DAY, a birthday.--FÊTE CHAMPÊTRE, an outdoor
entertainment. [Fr.]
FETIAL, f[=e]'shal, _adj._ pertaining to the Roman _fetiales_, heraldic,
ambassadorial.--Also F[=E]'CIAL.
FETICH, FETISH, f[=e]'tish, _n._ an object, either natural or artificial,
capable of being appropriated by an individual whose possession of it
procures the services of a spirit lodged within it.--_ns._ F[=E]'TICHISM,
F[=E]'TISHISM, the worship of a fetich: a belief in charms.--_adjs._
FETICHIST'IC, FETISHIST'IC. [Fr. _fétiche_--Port. _feitiço_, magic: a name
given by the Portuguese to the gods of West Africa--Port. _feitiço_,
artificial--L. _factitius_--_fac[)e]re_, to make.]
FETICIDE. See FOETUS.
FETID, f[=e]'tid, or fet'id, _adj._ stinking: having a strong offensive
odour.--_ns._ F[=E]'TIDNESS, F[=E]'TOR, FOE'TOR. [L.
_foetidus_--_foet[=e]re_, to stink.]
FETLOCK, fet'lok, _n._ a tuft of hair that grows behind on horses' feet:
the part where this hair grows.--_adj._ FET'LOCKED, tied by the fetlock.
[History obscure; often explained as compounded of _foot_ and _lock_ (of
hair); cf. Ger. _fiszloch_.]
FETTER, fet'[.e]r, _n._ a chain or shackle for the feet: anything that
restrains--used chiefly in _pl._--_v.t._ to put fetters on: to
restrain.--_adjs._ FETT'ERED, bound by fetters: (_zool._) of feet bent
backward and apparently unfit for walking; FETT'ERLESS, without fetters,
unrestrained.--_n._ FETT'ERLOCK (_her._) a shackle or lock. [A.S.
_feter_--_fét_, feet, pl. of _fót_, foot.]
FETTLE, fet'l, _v.t._ (_prov._) to arrange, mend.--_v.i._ to potter fussily
about.--_n._ preparedness, ready condition. [Prob. A.S. _fetel_, a belt.]
FETUS. See FOETUS.
FEU, f[=u], _n._ (_Scot._) a tenure where the vassal, in place of military
services, makes a return in grain or in money: a right to the use of land,
houses, &c., in perpetuity, for a stipulated annual payment
(FEU'-D[=U]'TY).--_v.t._ to vest in one who undertakes to pay the
feu-duty--_n._ FEU'AR, one who holds real estate in consideration of a
payment called feu-duty. [O. Fr. _feu_. See the variant FEE.]
FEUD, f[=u]d, _n._ a war waged by private individuals, families, or clans
against one another on their own account: a bloody strife.--RIGHT OF FEUD,
the right to protect one's self and one's kinsmen, and punish injuries. [O.
Fr. _faide_, _feide_--Low L. _faida_--Old High Ger. _f[=e]hida_. See FOE.]
FEUD, f[=u]d, _n._ a fief or land held on condition of service.--_adj._
FEUD'AL, pertaining to feuds or fiefs: belonging to feudalism.--_n._
FEUDALIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ FEUD'ALISE.--_ns._ FEUD'ALISM, the system,
during the Middle Ages, by which vassals held lands from lords-superior on
condition of military service; FEUD'ALIST; FEUDAL'ITY, the state of being
feudal: the feudal system.--_adv._ FEUD'ALLY.--_adjs._ FEUD'ARY,
FEUD'ATORY, holding lands or power by a feudal tenure--also _ns._--_ns._
FEUD'IST, a writer on feuds: one versed in the laws of feudal tenure. [Low
L. _feudum_, from root of _fee_.]
FEUILLETON, f[.e]'lye-tong, _n._ the portion of a newspaper set apart for
intelligence of a non-political character--criticisms on art or letters, or
a serial story--usually marked off by a line.--_n._ FEUIL'LETONISM,
superficial qualities in literature, &c. [Fr. dim. of _feuillet_, a
leaf--L. _folium_, a leaf.]
FEVER, f[=e]'v[.e]r, _n._ disease marked by great bodily heat and
quickening of pulse: extreme excitement of the passions, agitation: a
painful degree of anxiety.--_v.t._ to put into a fever.--_v.i._ to become
fevered.--_adj._ F[=E]'VERED, affected with fever, excited.--_ns._
F[=E]'VER-FEW, a composite perennial closely allied to camomile, so called
from its supposed power as a febrifuge; F[=E]'VER-HEAT, the heat of fever:
an excessive degree of excitement.--_adj._ F[=E]'VERISH, slightly fevered:
indicating fever: fidgety: fickle: morbidly eager.--_adv._
F[=E]'VERISHLY.--_n._ F[=E]'VERISHNESS.--_adj._ F[=E]'VEROUS, feverish:
marked by sudden changes. [A.S. _féfor_--L. _febris_.]
FEW, f[=u], _adj._ small in number: not many.--_n._ FEW'NESS.--A FEW, used
colloquially for 'a good bit;' A GOOD FEW, a considerable number; IN FEW=in
a few (words), briefly; SOME FEW, an inconsiderable number; THE FEW, the
minority. [A.S. _féa_, pl. _féawe_; Fr. _peu_; L. _paucus_, small.]
FEWTER, f[=u]'t[.e]r, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to set close, to fix in rest, as a
spear. [O. Fr. _feutre_--_feutre_, felt.]
FEWTRILS, f[=u]'trilz, _n.pl._ (_prov._) little things, trifles. [See
FATTRELS.]
FEY, FAY, f[=a], _adj._ doomed, fated soon to die, under the shadow of a
sudden or violent death--often marked by extravagantly high spirits. [M. E.
_fay_, _fey_--A.S. _f['æ]ge_, doomed; cf. Dut. _veeg_, about to die.]
FEZ, fez, _n._ a red brimless cap of wool or felt, fitting closely to the
head, with a tassel of black or blue, worn in Turkey, Egypt, &c.--in Africa
usually called _tarbûsh_. [From _Fez_ in Morocco.]
FIACRE, f[=e]-ä'kr, _n._ a hackney-coach. [Fr., from the Hôtel de St
_Fiacre_ in Paris, where first used.]
FIANCÉE, f[=e]-ong-s[=a]', _n._ a woman betrothed:--_masc._ FIANCÉ. [Fr.,
_fiancer_, to betroth--L. _fidentia_, confidence, _fid[)e]re_, to trust.]
FIARS, f[=i]'arz, _n.pl._ (_Scot._) the prices of grain legally _struck_ or
fixed for the year at the _Fiars_ Court, so as to regulate the payment of
stipend, rent, and prices not expressly agreed upon. [Conn. with _fiar_,
the holder of a _fee_ (q.v.).]
FIASCO, fi-as'ko, _n._ a failure in a musical performance: a failure of any
kind. [It. _fiasco_, bottle, perh. from L. _vasculum_, a little vessel,
_vas_, a vessel.]
FIAT, f[=i]'at, _n._ a formal or solemn command: a short order or warrant
of a judge for making out or allowing processes, letters-patent,
&c.--(_Spens._) F[=I]'AUN.--_v.t._ to sanction, [L. 'let it be done,' 3d
pers. sing. pres. subj. of _fi[)e]ri_, passive of _fac[)e]re_, to do.]
FIB, fib, _n._ something said falsely: a mild expression for a lie.--_v.i._
to tell a fib or lie: to speak falsely:--_pr.p._ fib'bing; _pa.p._
fibbed.--_ns._ FIB'BER, one who fibs; FIB'BERY (_rare_), the habit of
fibbing; FIB'STER, a fibber. [An abbrev. of _fable_.]
FIBRE, f[=i]'b[.e]r, _n._ a conglomeration of thread-like tissue such as
exists in animals or vegetables: any fine thread, or thread-like substance:
material, substance.--_adjs._ F[=I]'BRED, having fibres; F[=I]'BRELESS,
having no fibres; F[=I]'BRIFORM, fibrous in form or structure.--_ns._
F[=I]'BRIL, a small fibre; one of the extremely minute threads composing an
animal fibre; FIBRIL'LA, a fibril, filament.--_n.pl._ FIBRIL'LÆ.--_n._
FIBRILL[=A]'TION, the process of becoming fibrillated.--_adj._
F[=I]'BRILLOUS, formed of small fibres.--_ns._ F[=I]'BRIN, a proteid
substance which appears in the blood after it is shed, and by its
appearance gives rise to the process of coagulation or clotting;
FIBRIN[=A]'TION, the process of adding fibrin to the blood.--_adj._
F[=I]'BRINOUS, of or like fibrin.--_n._ FIBROCAR'TILAGE, a firm elastic
material like fibrous tissue and cartilage.--_adj._ F[=I]'BROID, of a
fibrous character.--_ns._ F[=I]'BROIN, the chief chemical constituent of
silk, cobwebs, and the horny skeleton of sponges; FIBR[=O]'MA, a tumour or
growth consisting largely of fibrous matter; FIBR[=O]'SIS, a morbid growth
of fibrous matter.--_adj._ F[=I]'BROUS, composed of fibres.--_n._
F[=I]'BROUSNESS. [Fr.,--L. _fibra_, a thread.]
FIBROLINE, fib'r[=o]-l[=e]n, _n._ a yarn manufactured from the waste in
hemp, flax, and jute spinning works, for backs of carpets, &c.
FIBULA, fib'[=u]-la, _n._ a clasp or buckle; the outer of the two bones
from the knee to the ankle.--_adjs._ FIB'ULAR, FIB'ULATE, FIB'ULOUS. [L.]
FICHU, f[=e]-shü', _n._ a three-cornered cape worn over the shoulders, the
ends crossed upon the bosom: a triangular piece of muslin, &c., for the
neck. [Fr.]
FICKLE, fik'l, _adj._ inconstant: changeable.--_n._ FICK'LENESS. [A.S.
_ficol_; _gefic_, fraud.]
FICO, f[=e]'ko, _n._ (_Shak._) a motion of contempt by placing the thumb
between two fingers. [It.,--L.]
FICTILE, fik'til, _adj._ used or fashioned by the potter, plastic. [L.
_fictilis_--_fing[)e]re_, to form or fashion.]
FICTION, fik'shun, _n._ a feigned or false story: a falsehood: romance: the
novel, story-telling as a branch of literature: a supposition of law that a
thing is true, which is either certainly not true, or at least is as
probably false as true.--_adj._ FIC'TIONAL.--_n._ FIC'TIONIST, a writer of
fiction.--_adj._ FICTI'TIOUS, imaginary: not real: forged.--_adv._
FICTI'TIOUSLY.--_adj._ FIC'TIVE, fictitious, imaginative.--_n._ FIC'TOR,
one who makes images of clay, &c. [Fr.,--L. _fiction-em_--_fictus_, pa.p.
of _fing[)e]re_.]
FID, fid, _n._ a conical pin of hard wood, used by sailors to open the
strands of a rope in splicing: a square bar of wood or iron, with a
shoulder at one end, used to support the weight of the topmast or
top-gallant-mast when swayed up into place.
FIDDLE, fid'l, _n._ a stringed instrument of music, called also a
_Violin_.--_v.t._ or _v.i._ to play on a fiddle: to be busy over trifles,
to trifle:--_pr.p._ fidd'ling; _pa.p._ fidd'led.--_ns._ FIDD'LE-BLOCK, a
long block having two sheaves of different diameters in the same plane;
FIDD'LE-BOW, a bow strung with horse-hair, with which the strings of the
fiddle are set vibrating.--_interjs._ FIDD'LE-DE-DEE, FIDD'LESTICK (often
_pl._), nonsense!--_v.i._ FIDD'LE-FADD'LE, to trifle, to dally.--_n._
trifling talk.--_adj._ fussy, trifling.--_interj._ nonsense!--_n._
FIDD'LE-FADD'LER.--_adj._ FIDD'LE-FADD'LING.--_ns._ FIDD'LE-HEAD, an
ornament at a ship's bow, over the cut-water, consisting of a scroll
turning aft or inward; FIDD'LER, one who fiddles: a small crab of genus
_Gelasimus_; FIDD'LE-STRING, a string for a fiddle; FIDD'LE-WOOD, a
tropical American tree yielding valuable hard wood.--_adj._ FIDD'LING,
trifling, busy about trifles.--FIDDLER'S GREEN, a sailor's name for a place
of frolic on shore.--PLAY FIRST, or SECOND, FIDDLE, to take the part of the
first, or second, violin-player in an orchestra: to take a leading, or a
subordinate, part in anything; SCOTCH FIDDLE, the itch. [A.S. _fiðele_;
Ger. _fiedel_. See VIOLIN.]
FIDELITY, fi-del'i-ti, _n._ faithful performance of duty: faithfulness to a
husband or wife: honesty: firm adherence. [L. _fidelitat-em_--_fidelis_,
faithful--_fid[)e]re_, to trust.]
FIDGET, fij'et, _v.i._ to be unable to rest: to move uneasily:--_pr.p._
fidg'eting; _pa.p._ fidg'eted.--_n._ irregular motion: restlessness:
(_pl._) general nervous restlessness, with a desire of changing the
position.--_v.i._ FIDGE, to move about restlessly: to be eager.--_n._
FIDG'ETINESS.--_adj._ FIDG'ETY, restless: uneasy. [Perh. related to _fike_
(q.v.).]
FIDUCIAL, fi-d[=u]'shi-al, _adj._ showing confidence or reliance: of the
nature of a trust.--_adv._ FID[=U]'CIALLY.--_adj._ FID[=U]'CIARY,
confident: unwavering: held in trust.--_n._ one who holds anything in
trust: (_theol._) one who depends for salvation on faith without works, an
Antinomian. [L. _fiducia_, confidence, from _fid[)e]re_, to trust.]
FIE, f[=i], _interj._ denoting disapprobation or disgust. [Scand., Ice.
_fý_, _fei_, fie! cf. Ger. _pfui_.]
FIEF, f[=e]f, _n._ land held of a superior in fee or on condition of
military service: a feud. [Fr.,--Low L. _feudum_.]
FIELD, f[=e]ld, _n._ country or open country in general: a piece of ground
enclosed for tillage or pasture: the range of any series of actions or
energies: the locality of a battle: the battle itself: room for action of
any kind: a wide expanse: (_her._) the surface of a shield: the background
on which figures are drawn: the part of a coin left unoccupied by the main
device: those taking part in a hunt: all the entries collectively against
which a single contestant has to compete: all the parties not individually
excepted, as 'to bet on the field' in a horse-race.--_v.t._ at cricket and
base-ball, to catch or stop and return to the fixed place.--_v.i._ to stand
in positions so as to catch the ball easily in cricket.--_ns._
FIELD'-ALLOW'ANCE, a small extra payment to officers on active service;
FIELD'-ARTILL'ERY, light ordnance suited for active operations in the
field; FIELD'-BED, a camp or trestle bedstead; FIELD'-BOOK, a book used in
surveying fields.--_n.pl._ FIELD'-COL'OURS, small flags used for marking
the position for companies and regiments, also any regimental headquarters'
flags.--_n._ FIELD'-DAY, a day when troops are drawn out for instruction in
field exercises: any day of unusual bustle.--_adj._ FIELD'ED (_Shak._),
encamped.--_ns._ FIELD'ER, one who fields; FIELD'FARE, a species of thrush,
having a reddish-yellow throat and breast spotted with black; FIELD'-GLASS,
a binocular telescope slung over the shoulder in a case; FIELD'-GUN, a
light cannon mounted on a carriage; FIELD'-HAND, an outdoor farm labourer;
FIELD'-HOS'PITAL, a temporary hospital near the scene of battle;
FIELD'-ICE, ice formed in the polar seas in large surfaces, distinguished
from icebergs; FIELD'ING, the acting in the field at cricket as
distinguished from batting; FIELD'-MAR'SHAL, an officer of the highest rank
in the army; FIELD'-MEET'ING, a conventicle; FIELD'-MOUSE, a species of
mouse that lives in the fields; FIELD'-NIGHT, a night marked by some
important gathering, discussion, &c.; FIELD'-OFF'ICER, a military officer
above the rank of captain, and below that of general; FIELD'PIECE, a cannon
or piece of artillery used in the field of battle; FIELD'-PREACH'ER, one
who preaches in the open air; FIELD'-PREACH'ING; FIELDS'MAN, a
fielder.--_n.pl._ FIELD'-SPORTS, sports of the field, as hunting, racing,
&c.--_n._ FIELD'-TRAIN, a department of the Royal Artillery responsible for
the safety and supply of ammunition during war.--_advs._ FIELD'WARD,
-WARDS, toward the fields.--_n.pl._ FIELD'WORKS, temporary works thrown up
by troops in the field, either for protection or to cover an attack upon a
stronghold.--FIELD OF VISION, the compass of visual power.--KEEP THE FIELD,
to keep the campaign open: to maintain one's ground. [A.S. _feld_; cf. Dut.
_veld_, the open country, Ger. _feld_.]
FIEND, f[=e]nd, _n._ the devil: one actuated by the most intense wickedness
or hate.--_adj._ FIEND'ISH, like a fiend; malicious.--_n._
FIEND'ISHNESS.--_adj._ FIEND'LIKE, like a fiend: fiendish. [A.S. _feónd_,
pr.p. of _feón_, to hate; Ger. _feind_, Dut. _vijand_.]
FIERCE, f[=e]rs, _adj._ ferocious: violent: angry.--_adv._ FIERCE'LY.--_n._
FIERCE'NESS. [O. Fr. _fers_ (Fr. _fier_)--L. _ferus_, wild, savage.]
FIERY, f[=i]r'i, or f[=i]'[.e]r-i, _adj._ ardent: impetuous:
irritable.--_adv._ FIER'ILY.--_ns._ FIER'INESS; FIER'Y-CROSS (see
CROSS).--_adjs._ FIER'Y-FOOT'ED, swift in motion; FIER'Y-HOT, impetuous;
FIER'Y-NEW, hot from newness; FIER'Y-SHORT, short and passionate.
FIFE, f[=i]f, _n._ a smaller variety of the flute, usually with only one
key.--_v.i._ to play on the fife.--_ns._ FIFE'-M[=A]'JOR (_obs._), the
chief fifer in a regiment; FIF'ER, one who plays on a fife; FIFE'-RAIL, the
rail round the mainmast for belaying-pins. [Fr. _fifre_, Ger. _pfeife_,
both, acc. to Littré, from L. _pip[=a]re_, to chirp.]