DECILITRE, des'i-l[=e]-t[.e]r, _n._ a measure of capacity equal to 1/10
litre.
DECILLION, de-sil'yun, _n._ a million raised to the tenth power: in the
French and American notation, a thousand raised to the eleventh power.
DECIMAL, des'i-mal, _adj._ numbered or proceeding by tens.--_n._ a fraction
having ten or some power of ten for its denominator.--_v.t._ DEC'IMALISE,
to reduce to the decimal system.--_ns._ DEC'IMALISM; DEC'IMALIST.--_adv._
DEC'IMALLY.--DECIMAL NOTATION, a system of writing numbers based on ten and
powers of ten, like our ordinary system; DECIMAL SYSTEM, a system whose
units are tens and powers of tens, esp. in the French _metric system_ of
weights and measures. [Fr.,--Low L. _decimalis_--_decem_, ten.]
DECIMATE, des'i-m[=a]t, _v.t._ to take the tenth part of: to put to death
every tenth man.--_ns._ DECIM[=A]'TION, a military punishment, by which
every tenth man was selected by lot and put to death or otherwise punished;
DEC'IMATOR. [L. _decim[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_decimus_, tenth.]
DECIME, de-s[=e]m', _n._ a French coin equal to 1/10 franc.
DECIMETRE, des'i-m[=e]-t[.e]r, _n._ a measure of length equal to 1/10
metre.
DECIPHER, de-s[=i]'f[.e]r, _v.t._ to uncipher or read secret writing: to
make out what is unintelligible or obscure: to reveal.--_adj._
DECI'PHERABLE.--_n._ DECI'PHERMENT. [L. _de_, neg. and _cipher_.]
DECISION, de-sizh'un, _n._ the act of deciding: settlement: judgment: the
quality of being decided in character.--_adj._ DEC[=I]'SIVE, having the
power of deciding: showing decision: final: positive.--_adv._
DEC[=I]'SIVELY.--_n._ DEC[=I]'SIVENESS.--_adj._ DEC[=I]'SORY, decisive.
[See DECIDE.]
DECISTÈRE, des-i-st[=a]r, _n._ a cubic measure equal to 1/10 stere.
DECITIZENISE, d[=e]-sit'i-zen-[=i]z, _v.t._ to deprive of citizenship.
DECIVILISE, d[=e]-siv'i-l[=i]z, _v.t._ to reduce from a civilised to a more
savage state.
DECK, dek, _v.t._ to cover: to clothe: to adorn: to furnish with a deck, as
a vessel.--_n._ a covering: a horizontal platform extending from one side
of a vessel to the other, thereby joining them together, and forming both a
floor and a covering: the part of a pack of cards that remains after the
deal, or the part of a pack necessary for playing such games as bezique,
&c.--_ns._ DECK'-CAR'GO, cargo stowed on the deck of a vessel; DECK'-CHAIR,
a light chair of spars and canvas, to be used on board ship; DECK'ER, the
person or thing that decks: a vessel which has a deck or decks, used only
in composition, as _a three-decker_, a ship with three decks; DECK'-HAND, a
person employed on deck; DECK'-HOUSE, a house or box on deck; DECK'ING,
adornment; DECK'-LOAD, a deck-cargo; DECK'-PASS'AGE, a passage securing
only the right of being on deck, without cabin accommodation;
DECK'-PASS'ENGER; FLUSH'-DECK, a deck continuous from stem to stern at the
same level (see QUARTER-DECK); GUN'-DECK, a deck on which guns are carried;
HUR'RICANE-DECK, a light partial deck over the saloon of some steamers;
MAIN'-DECK, the deck below the spar-deck; SPAR'-DECK, the upper deck of a
ship. [Dut. _dekken_, to cover; Ger. _decken_; akin to L. _teg[)e]re_.]
DECKLE, dek'l, _n._ the gauge on a paper-making machine.--_n._
DECK'LE-EDGE, the raw or ragged edge of handmade paper.--_adj._
DECK'LE-EDGED, having a rough uncut edge. [Ger.]
DECLAIM, de-kl[=a]m', _v.i._ to make a set or rhetorical speech: to
harangue: to recite in public.--_ns._ DECLAIM'ANT, DECLAIM'ER.--_p.adj._
DECLAIM'ING.--_ns._ DECLAM[=A]'TION, act of declaiming: a set speech in
public: display in speaking.--_adj._ DECLAM'ATORY, of the nature of
declamation: appealing to the passions: noisy and rhetorical merely. [L.
_declam[=a]re_--_de_, inten., _clam[=a]re_, to cry out.]
DECLARE, de-kl[=a]r', _v.t._ to make known: to announce: to assert: to make
a full statement of, as of goods at a custom-house.--_v.i._ to make a
statement: to show cards in order to score.--_adj._ DECL[=A]R'ABLE, capable
of being declared, exhibited, or proved.--_ns._ DECLAR'ANT, one who makes a
declaration; DECLAR[=A]'TION, act of declaring: that which is declared: a
written affirmation: in the criminal law of Scotland, the statement made by
the prisoner before the magistrate: in common law, the pleading in which
the plaintiff in an action at law sets forth his case against the
defendant.--_adjs._ DECLAR'ATIVE, DECLAR'ATORY, explanatory.--_advs._
DECLAR'ATIVELY, DECLAR'ATORILY.--_n._ DECLAR'ATOR, a form of action in the
Court of Session in Scotland, with the view of having a fact judicially
ascertained and declared.--_adj._ DECLARED', avowed.--_adv._ DECLA'REDLY,
avowedly.--DECLARATORY ACT, an act intended to explain an old law which had
become obscure or a subject of controversy. [Fr. _déclarer_, from L.
_declar[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, wholly, _clarus_, clear.]
DECLENSION, de-klen'shun, _n._ a falling off: decay: descent: (_gram._)
change of termination for the oblique cases. [See DECLINE.]
DECLINE, de-kl[=i]n', _v.i._ to bend or turn away from (a straight line);
to deviate: to refuse: to bend down: to fail or decay: to stoop or
condescend: to draw to an end.--_v.t._ to bend down: to turn away from: to
refuse: to avoid: (_gram._) to give the changes of a word in the oblique
cases.--_n._ a falling off: deviation: decay: a gradual sinking of the
bodily faculties, consumption.--_adjs._ DECLIN'ABLE, having inflection for
the oblique cases; DECL[=I]'NAL, bending downward; DEC'LINANT (_her._),
having the tail hanging down--also DEC'LIVANT.--_ns._ DECLIN[=A]'TION, act
of declining: a sloping or bending downward: deviation: (_astron._)
distance from the celestial equator; DEC'LIN[=A]TOR, an instrument
determining declination.--_adj._ DECLIN'ATORY, containing a declination or
refusal--_ns._ DECLIN'ATURE, act of declining or refusing: (_law_) a plea
declining the jurisdiction of a judge; DECLINOM'ETER, an instrument for
measuring the DECLINATION OF THE COMPASS--i.e. the deviation of the
magnetic needle from the true north. [Fr. _décliner_--L. _de_, down, away
from, _clin[=a]re_, to bend. See LEAN.]
DECLIVITY, de-kliv'i-ti, _n._ a place that declines, or slopes downward,
opposite of _acclivity_: inclination downward: a gradual descent.--_adjs._
DECLIV'ITOUS, DECL[=I]'VOUS. [Fr.,--L. _declivitas_--_de_, downward,
_clivus_, sloping, akin to _clin[=a]re_.]
DECOCT, de-kokt', _v.t._ to prepare by boiling: to extract the substance of
by boiling: to boil: to devise.--_adjs._ DECOC'TIBLE, DECOC'TIVE.--_ns._
DECOC'TION, an extract of anything got by boiling; DECOC'TURE, a substance
prepared by decoction. [L. _decoqu[)e]re_, _decoctum_--_de_, down,
_coqu[)e]re_, to cook.]
DECODE, de-k[=o]d', _v.t._ to translate the symbols in a code telegram into
ordinary language.
DECOLLATE, de-kol'[=a]t, _v.t._ to behead.--_p.adj._ DECOLL'ATED, rounded
off, as the apex of a shell.--_n._ DECOLL[=A]'TION, the act of beheading: a
picture of a decapitation, esp. of the head of St John the Baptist on a
charger: the festival of the Baptist, Aug. 29. [L. _decoll[=a]re_--_de_,
from, _collum_, the neck.]
DECOLLETÉ, d[=a]-kol-e-t[=a]', _adj._ with neck uncovered: of dress, low
cut. [Fr. _décolleter_, to bare the neck and shoulders. Cf. DECOLLATE.]
DECOLOUR, de-kul'ur, _v.t._ to deprive of colour--also DECOL'OURISE.--_n._
DECOL'ORANT, a substance that bleaches or removes colour.--_v.t._
DECOL'ORATE, to deprive of colour.--_ns._ DECOLOR[=A]'TION, removal or
absence of colour; DECOLORIS[=A]'TION. [Fr. _décolorer_--L.
_decolor[=a]re_--_de_, from, _color_, colour.]
DECOMPLEX, d[=e]'kom-pleks, _adj._ repeatedly compound.
DECOMPOSE, de-kom-poz', _v.t._ to separate the parts composing anything: to
resolve into original elements.--_v.i._ to decay, rot.--_adj._
DECOMPOS'ABLE.--_n._ DECOMPOSI'TION, act of decomposing: decay or
dissolution: also the compounding of things already compound. [L. _de_,
neg., and _compose_.]
DECOMPOSITE, d[=e]-kom-poz'it, or de-kom'-, _adj._ compound a second time
or more than once. [L. _de_, and _composite_.]
DECOMPOUND, de-kom-pownd', _v.t._ to compound again: to compound things
already compounded; also, to divide a thing into its constituent
parts.--_adj._ compounded a second time.--_adj._ DECOMPOUND'ABLE. [L. _de_,
and _compound_.]
DECONCENTRATE, de-kon-sen'tr[=a]t, or de-kon'sen-tr[=a]t, _v.t._ to
scatter.--_n._ DECONCENTR[=A]'TION. [_De_, and _concentrate_.]
DECONSECRATE, de-kon'se-kr[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of the character given
by consecration: to secularise.--_n._ DECONSECR[=A]'TION.
DECORATE, dek'o-r[=a]t, _v.t._ to ornament, to beautify: to honour with a
badge or medal.--_adj._ DEC'ORATED.--_n._ DECOR[=A]'TION, ornament: badge
of an order.--_adj._ DEC'OR[=A]TIVE, ornamental.--_ns._ DEC'OR[=A]TIVENESS;
DEC'OR[=A]TOR.--DECORATED STYLE (_archit._), a style of Gothic
architecture, elaborated and richly decorated, which prevailed till near
the end of the 14th century.--DECORATION DAY, May 30th, when the memory of
the soldiers who fell in the American Civil War of 1861-65 is honoured by
the decoration of their graves, speeches, processions, &c. [L.
_decor[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_decus_, what is becoming--_dec[=e]re_, to be
becoming.]
DECOROUS, de-k[=o]'rus, or dek'o-rus, _adj._ becoming: suitable: proper:
decent.--_adv._ DEC[=O]'ROUSLY.--_ns._ DEC[=O]'ROUSNESS; DEC[=O]'RUM, that
which is becoming in outward appearance: propriety of conduct: decency. [L.
_decorus_, becoming.]
DECORTICATE, de-kor'ti-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of the bark, husk, or
peel.--_n._ DECORTIC[=A]'TION. [L. _decortic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_,
from, and _cortex_, bark.]
DECOY, de-koy', _v.t._ to allure: to entrap: to lure into a trap.--_n._
anything intended to allure into a snare: an apparatus of hoops and network
for trapping wild-ducks--sometimes _duck-coy_.--_n._ DECOY'-DUCK, a
wild-duck tamed and trained to entice others into a trap: (_fig._) one
employed to allure others into a snare. [L. _de_, down, and O. Fr. _coi_,
quiet; the earlier verb _to coy_ was confused with the Dut. _kooi_--L.
_cavea_, a cage. See COY.]
DECRASSIFY, d[=e]-kras'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to make less crass.
DECREASE, de-kr[=e]s', _v.i._ to become less: to be diminished by degrees
in size or power.--_v.t._ to make less: to lessen gradually.--_n._ a
growing less: loss.--_adv._ DECREAS'INGLY. [O. Fr. _decrois_, a
decrease--L. _descresc[)e]re_--_de_, from, _cresc[)e]re_, to grow.]
DECREE, de-kr[=e]', _n._ an order by one in authority: an edict or law: a
judicial decision: a predetermined purpose.--_v.t._ to decide or determine
by sentence in law: to appoint.--_v.i._ to make a decree:--_pr.p._
decree'ing; _pa.p._ decreed'.--_adjs._ DECREE'ABLE, capable of being
decreed; DECR[=E]'TIVE, having the force of a decree; DEC'R[=E]TORY,
DECRET[=O]'RIAL, established by a decree: determining: judicial.--DECREE
NISI (L. _nisi_, unless), a decree that becomes absolute unless cause be
shown to the contrary--granted esp. in divorce cases. [O. Fr. _decret_--L.
_decretum_--_decern[)e]re_, to decide.]
DECREET, de-kr[=e]t', _n._ (_Scots law_) a court judgment.
DECREMENT, dek're-ment, _n._ the act or state of decreasing: the quantity
lost by decrease. [L. _decrementum_.]
DECREPIT, de-krep'it, _adj._ worn out by the infirmities of old age: in the
last stage of decay.--_ns._ DECREP'ITNESS; DECREP'ITUDE, state of being
decrepit or worn out with age. [L. _decrepitus_, noiseless, very old--_de_,
not, _crepitus_, a noise.]
DECREPITATE, de-krep'i-t[=a]t, _v.i._ to crackle, as salts when
heated.--_v.t._ to roast so as to cause a continual crackling, to
calcine.--_n._ DECREPIT[=A]'TION. [L. _de_, inten., _crepit[=a]re_, to
rattle much, freq. of _crep[=a]re_.]
DECRESCENT, de-kres'ent, _adj._ becoming gradually less.--_n._ (_mus._)
DECRESCEN'DO = Diminuendo (q.v.). [L.]
DECRETAL, de-kr[=e]'tal, _adj._ pertaining to a decree.--_n._ a decree,
esp. of the pope: a book containing decrees: spec. in _pl._ the second part
of the canon law, the decrees of various popes determining points of
ecclesiastical law.--_n._ DECR[=E]'TIST, in medieval universities, a
student of the decretals, a student of law.--_adjs._ DECR[=E]'TIVE;
DECR[=E]'TORY, pertaining to a decree, judicial. [L.
_decretalis_--_decretum_.]
DECREW, de-kr[=oo]', _v.i._ (_Spens._) to decrease. [For _decrue_--O. Fr.
_decru_, pa.p. of _decroistre_. See DECREASE.]
DECROWN, d[=e]-krown', _v.t._ to discrown. [Fr. _découronner_, to
discrown.]
DECRUSTATION, d[=e]-krus-t[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of removing a crust.
DECRY, de-kr[=i]', _v.t._ to cry down: to condemn: to censure as worthless:
to blame:--_pa.p._ decried'.--_ns._ DECR[=I]'AL; DECR[=I]'ER. [Fr. _de(s)_
= L. _dis_, and _crier_, to cry. See CRY.]
DECUMAN, dek'[=u]-man, _adj._ principal, large--of waves, &c.: connected
with the principal gate of a Roman camp (near which the 10th cohort of the
legion was stationed).--_n._ a great wave, as every tenth wave was supposed
to be. [L. _decumanus_--_decem_, ten.]
DECUMBENT, de-kum'bent, _adj._ lying down: reclining on the ground.--_ns._
DECUB[=A]'TION, DECUM'BENCE, DECUM'BENCY, the act or posture of lying
down.--_adj._ DEC[=U]'BITAL--_n._ DEC[=U]'BITUS, a recumbent position, as
of one sick in bed: a bed-sore.--_adv._ DECUM'BENTLY.--_n._ DECUM'BITURE,
the time when a sick person takes to bed. [L. _decumbens_--_de_, down, and
_cumb[)e]re_, for _cub[=a]re_, to lie.]
DECUPLE, dek'[=u]-pl, _adj._ tenfold.--_n._ a number ten times
repeated.--_v.t._ to make tenfold. [Fr. _décuple_--L. _decem_, ten, and
_plic[=a]re_, to fold.]
DECURION, d[=e]-k[=u]'ri-on, _n._ an officer in a Roman army over ten
soldiers--a DEC'URY or DEC[=U]'RIA: any overseer of ten.--_n._
DEC[=U]'RIONATE. [L.]
DECURRENT, de-kur'ent, _adj._ running or extending downward.--_n._
DECURR'ENCY.--_adv._ DECURR'ENTLY.--_n._ DECUR'SION, a running down: a
military manoeuvre or parade.--_adj._ DECUR'SIVE.--_adv._ DECUR'SIVELY. [L.
_decurrens_--_de_, down, _curr[)e]re_, _cursum_, to run.]
DECURTATE, d[=e]-kur't[=a]t, _adj._ cut short, abridged.--_v.t._ to cut
short. [L. _decurt[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to cut short.]
DECUSSATE, de-kus'[=a]t, _v.i._ to cross in the form of an X: to cross, as
lines, &c.--_adjs._ DECUSS'ATE, -D, crossed: arranged in pairs which cross
each other, like some leaves.--_adv._ DECUSS'ATELY.--_n._ DECUSS[=A]'TION.
[L. _decuss[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_decussis_, a coin of ten asses (_decem
asses_) marked with X, symbol of ten.]
DEDAL, DEDALIAN. See DÆDAL.
DEDICATE, ded'i-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to set apart and consecrate to some sacred
purpose: to devote wholly or chiefly: to inscribe to any one.--_adj._
devoted: (_Shak._) dedicated.--_ns._ DED'ICANT, one who dedicates;
DEDICATEE (ded'i-k[=a]-t[=e]'), one to whom a thing is dedicated;
DEDIC[=A]'TION, the act of dedicating: an address to a patron, prefixed to
a book; DED'IC[=A]TOR, one who dedicates.--_adjs._ DEDICAT[=O]'RIAL,
DED'IC[=A]TORY, of or pertaining to a dedication. [L. _dedic[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_--_de_, down, _dic[=e]re_, to declare.]
DEDIMUS, ded'i-mus, _n._ a writ commissioning one not a judge to act as a
judge--from its first word. [L., _dedimus_, we have given, _d[)a]re_, to
give.]
DEDUCE, de-d[=u]s', _v.t._ to draw from: to infer a truth or opinion from
what precedes or from premises.--_ns._ DEDUCE'MENT, what is deduced;
DEDUCIBIL'ITY, the quality of being deducible.--_adj._ DEDUC'IBLE, that may
be deduced or inferred.--_v.t._ DEDUCT', to take from: to separate: to
subtract.--_adj._ DEDUCT'IBLE.--_n._ DEDUC'TION, (1) the act of deducing:
that which is deduced: the drawing of a particular truth from a general,
antecedently known, as distinguished from _Induction_, rising from
particular truths to a general; (2) the act of deducting: that which is
deducted: abatement.--_adj._ DEDUCT'IVE, that is, or that may be, deduced
from premises or accepted principles.--_adv._ DEDUCT'IVELY. [L.
_deduc[)e]re_, _deductum_--_de_, from _duc[)e]re_, _ductum_, to lead.]
DEE, d[=e], _v.i._ Scotch for _die_.
DEED, d[=e]d, _n._ something done: an act: an exploit: a legal transaction:
the written evidence of it.--_adj._ DEED'FUL (_Tenn._), marked by deeds or
exploits.--_adv._ DEED'ILY.--_adjs._ DEED'LESS (_Shak._), not having
performed deeds; DEED'Y, industrious, active.--DEED OF SAYING (_Shak._),
performance of what has been said or promised.--IN DEED, in reality. [A.S.
_dæd_--_dón_, to do; Ger. _that_--_thun_, to do.]
DEED, d[=e]d, a Scotch form of _indeed_.
DEEM, d[=e]m, _v.t._ or _v.i._ to judge: to think: to believe.--_n._
(_Shak._) opinion.--_ns._ DEEM'STER, DEMP'STER, one who pronounces
judgment, a judge--esp. one of the two in the Isle of Man. [A.S. _déman_,
to form a judgment--_dóm_, doom.]
DEEP, d[=e]p, _adj._ extending far down or far from the outside: difficult
to understand: secret: wise and penetrating: cunning: very still: profound:
profoundly learned in a language: intense, heart-felt: sunk low: low or
grave: (of a road) encumbered with mud, sand, or ruts.--_adv._ in a deep
manner.--_n._ that which is deep: the sea: anything profound or
incomprehensible.--_adjs._ DEEP'-BROWED, of high intellectual powers;
DEEP'-DRAW'ING (of ships), requiring considerable depth to float in;
DEEP'-DRAWN; DEEP'-DYED, thorough-going, extreme--in a bad sense.--_v.t._
DEEP'EN, to make deeper in any sense: to increase.--_v.i._ to become
deeper.--_adjs._ DEEP'-FET (_Shak._), fetched or drawn from a depth;
DEEP'-LAID.--_adv._ DEEP'LY.--_adjs._ DEEP'-MOST, deepest; DEEP'-MOUTHED,
with deep voice.--_n._ DEEP'NESS.--_adjs._ DEEP'-READ, profoundly versed;
DEEP'-SEA, pertaining to the deeper parts of the sea; DEEP'-SEAT'ED, firmly
seated; DEEP'-TONED, having a deep tone. [A.S. _deóp_; Ger. _tief_. Cf.
DIP, DIVE.]
DEER, d[=e]r, _n._ a quadruped of several species, as the stag, reindeer,
&c.; in M. E., any kind of animal.--_ns._ DEER'-HAIR, heath club-rush;
DEER'-HERD; DEER'-HOUND; DEER'-LICK, a spot of salt ground whither deer
come to lick the earth; DEER'-MOUSE, a common name for several species of
American mice--so called from their agility; DEER'-NECK, a thin, ill-shaped
neck--of horses; DEER'-SKIN, the skin of the deer, or leather made
therefrom; DEER'-STALK'ER; DEER'-STALK'ING, the hunting of deer by
stalking, or stealing upon them unawares. [A.S. _deór_; Ger. _thier_, Dut.
_dier_; Ice. _dýr_. There is no connection with Gr. _th[=e]r_, L. _fera_, a
wild beast.]
DEFACE, de-f[=a]s', _v.t._ to destroy or mar the face or external
appearance of, to disfigure: to obliterate.--_n._ DEFACE'MENT, act of
defacing: injury to form or appearance: that which defaces.--_adv._
DEF[=A]'CINGLY. [O. Fr. _desfacer_--_des_ = L. _dis_, away, _facies_,
face.]
DEFALCATE, de-fal'k[=a]t, _v.t._ to deduct a part of, of money, &c.: to
embezzle money held on trust.--_ns._ DEFALC[=A]'TION, a diminution: a
misappropriation of funds entrusted to one; DEF'ALC[=A]TOR, a defaulter.
[Low L. _difalc[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to cut away--L. _dis-_, off,
_falc[=a]re_, to cut--_falx_, _falcis_, a sickle.]
DEFAME, de-f[=a]m', _v.t._ to take away or destroy the good fame or
reputation of: to speak evil of: to charge falsely.--_n._ (_Spens._)
infamy.--_n._ DEFAM[=A]'TION, the act of defaming: calumny:
slander.--_adv._ DEFAM'ATORILY.--_adj._ DEFAM'ATORY, containing defamation:
injurious to reputation: calumnious.--_p.adj._ DEF[=A]'MING. [O. Fr.
_defamer_--L. _diffam[=a]re_--_dis_, away, _fama_, report.]
DEFAULT, de-fawlt', _n._ a fault, failing, or failure: defect: neglect to
do what duty or law requires: failure to account for money entrusted to
one's charge: offence.--_v.i._ to fail through neglect of duty: to fail to
appear in court when called upon.--_n._ DEFAULT'ER, one who fails to appear
in court, or to account for money entrusted to his care, or to settle a
debt of honour.--JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT, judgment given against a person
because he fails to plead or make an appearance in court. [O. Fr. _defaute_
and _default_--_de_ = L. _dis_, apart, and _faute_.]
DEFEASANCE, de-f[=e]z'ans, _n._ undoing: defeat.--_adjs._ DEFEAS'ANCED,
liable to be forfeited; DEFEAS'IBLE, that may be defeated or
annulled.--_n._ DEFEAS'IBLENESS.--DEED OF DEFEAS'ANCE (_Eng. law_), an
instrument which defeats the operation of some other deed or estate; and
that which in the same deed is called a condition, in a separate deed is a
defeasance. [O. Fr. _defaisance_--_defaire_, to undo.]
DEFEAT, de-f[=e]t', _v.t._ to frustrate: to ruin.--_n._ a frustration of
plans: ruin: overthrow, as of an army in battle.--_n._ DEFEAT'URE
(_Spens._), defeat: disfigurement, disguise. [O. Fr. _defait_, _defaire_,
to undo--L. _dis_, neg. _fac[)e]re_, to do.]
DEFECATE, def'e-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to clear from dregs or impurities: to purify
from extraneous matter.--_v.i._ to void excrement.--_n._ DEFEC[=A]'TION.
[L. _defæc[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to cleanse--_de_, from, _fæx_, _fæcis_,
dregs.]
DEFECT, de-fekt', _n._ a deficiency: a want: imperfection: blemish:
fault.--_n._ DEFECTIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DEFECT'IBLE, liable to imperfection:
deficient.--_ns._ DEFEC'TION, a failure, a falling away from duty: revolt;
DEFEC'TIONIST.--_adj._ DEFEC'TIVE, having defect: wanting in some necessary
quality: imperfect: faulty: insufficient.--_adv._ DEFECT'IVELY.--_n._
DEFECT'IVENESS.--THE DEFECTS OF ONE'S QUALITIES, virtues carried to excess,
the faults apt to accompany or flow from good qualities. [L. _defic[)e]re_,
_defectum_, to fail--_de_, down, and _fac[)e]re_, to do.]
DEFENCE, de-fens', _n._ a defending: protection: vindication: (_law_) a
defendant's plea.--_pa.p._ DEFENC'ED (_B._), fortified.--_adj._
DEFENCE'LESS.--_adv._ DEFENCE'LESSLY.--_n._ DEFENCE'LESSNESS. [See DEFEND.]
DEFEND, de-fend', _v.t._ to keep off anything hurtful: to guard or protect:
to maintain against attack: (_obs._) to prohibit, forbid: (_law_) to
resist, as a claim: to contest.--_adj._ DEFEND'ABLE, that may be
defended.--_ns._ DEFEND'ANT, a defender: (_law_) a person accused or sued;
DEFENDEE', one who is defended; DEFEND'ER; DEFEN'SATIVE, a protection;
DEFENSIBIL'ITY.--_adjs._ DEFENS'IBLE, that may be defended; DEFENS'IVE,
DEFEN'SORY, serving to defend: in a state or posture of defence.--_n._ that
which defends: posture of defence.--_adv._ DEFENS'IVELY.--DEFENDER OF THE
FAITH, a title borne by the sovereigns of England since Henry VIII., on
whom it was conferred in 1521 for his book against Luther.--BE ON THE
DEFENSIVE, to be in the position to defend one's self. [L. _defend[)e]re_,
_defensum_, to ward off--_de_, off, and obs. _fend[)e]re_, to strike.]
DEFER, de-f[.e]r', _v.t._ to put off to another time: to delay:--_pr.p._
defer'ring; _pa.p._ deferred'.--_ns._ DEFER'MENT; DEFER'RER, a
procrastinator.--DEFERRED ANNUITY (see ANNUITY); DEFERRED PAY, an allowance
paid to soldiers on their discharge, or to their relations on their death;
DEFERRED SHARES, shares issued by a trading company, but not entitling the
holder to a full share of the profits of the company, and sometimes to none
at all, until the expiration of a specified time or the occurrence of some
event. [L. _differre_--_dis_, asunder, _ferre_, to bear, carry.]
DEFER, de-f[.e]r, _v.i._ to yield to the wishes or opinions of another, or
to authority.--_v.t._ to submit to or lay before:--_pr.p._ defer'ring;
_pa.p._ deferred'.--_n._ DEF'ERENCE, a deferring or yielding in judgment or
opinion: regard: submission.--_adj._ DEF'ERENT, bearing away, carrying
off.--_n._ a deferent duct (as opposed to an _afferent_ one) in the human
body.--_adj._ DEFEREN'TIAL, expressing deference or respect.--_adv._
DEFEREN'TIALLY. [L. _deferre_--_de_, down, and _ferre_, to bear.]
DEFERVESCENCE, de-fer-ves'ens, _n._ abatement of heat: coolness: decrease
of feverish symptoms.--Also DEFERVES'CENCY. [L. _defervesc[)e]re_, to cease
boiling--_de_, down, and _fervesc[)e]re_, from _ferv[=e]re_, to boil.]
DEFEUDALISE, d[=e]-f[=u]'dal-[=i]z, _v.t._ to deprive of feudal character.
DEFFLY (_Spens._). For DEFTLY.
DEFIANCE, de-f[=i]'ans, _n._ the act of defying: a challenge to combat:
aggressiveness: contempt of opposition.--_adj._ DEF[=I]'ANT, full of
defiance, insolently bold.--_adv._ DEF[=I]'ANTLY.--_n._
DEF[=I]'ANTNESS.--_adj._ DEF[=I]'ATORY, bidding defiance.--BID DEFIANCE TO,
to defy.
DEFIBRINATE, de-f[=i]'bri-n[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of fibrine--also
DEF[=I]'BRINISE.--_n._ DEFIBRIN[=A]'TION.
DEFICIENT, de-fish'ent, _adj._ wanting.--_n._ DEFIC'IENCY (sometimes
DEFIC'IENCE), defect.--_adv._ DEFIC'IENTLY.--_ns._ DEFIC'IENTNESS;
DEF'ICIT, deficiency, esp. of revenue, as compared with expenditure. [L.,
_defic[)e]re_.]
DEFILE, d[=e]-f[=i]l', or d[=e]'f[=i]l, _v.i._ to march off in file or
line, or file by file.--_n._ a long narrow pass or way, in which troops can
march only in file, or with a narrow front.--_v.t._ DEFIL[=A]DE', to plan a
fortification so as to protect it from enfilading fire.--_n._ DEFILE'MENT.
[Fr. _défiler_--L. _dis_, and _filum_, a thread.]
DEFILE, de-f[=i]l', _v.t._ to pollute or corrupt: to violate.--_ns._
DEFILE'MENT, act of defiling: foulness; DEFIL'ER. [L. _de_, and A.S.
_fýlan_, _fúl_, foul.]
DEFILIATION, de-fil-i-[=a]'shun, _n._ depriving a parent of his child. [L.
_de_, neg., and _filius_, a son.]
DEFINE, de-f[=i]n', _v.t._ to fix the bounds or limits of: to determine
with precision: to describe accurately: to fix the meaning of.--_adj._
DEFIN'ABLE, that may be defined.--_n._ DEFINE'MENT (_Shak._),
description.--_adj._ DEF'INITE, defined: having distinct limits: fixed:
exact: clear.--_adv._ DEF'INITELY.--_ns._ DEF'INITENESS; DEFINI'TION, a
defining: a description of a thing by its properties: an explanation of the
exact meaning of a word, term, or phrase.--_adj._ DEFIN'ITIVE, defining or
limiting: positive: final.--_n._ (_gram._) an adjective used to limit the
signification of a noun.--_adv._ DEFIN'ITIVELY.--_ns._ DEFIN'ITIVENESS;
DEFIN'ITUDE, definitiveness. [Fr.,--L. _defin[=i]re_, _-[=i]tum_, to set
bounds to--_de_, _finis_, a limit.]
DEFLAGRATE, def'la-gr[=a]t, _v.i._ or _v.t._ to burn down: to burn
rapidly.--_ns._ DEFLAGRABIL'ITY, combustibility; DEFLAGR[=A]'TION;
DEF'LAGRATOR, a galvanic instrument for producing rapid combustion. [L.
_deflagr[=a]re_--_de_, down, _flagr[=a]re_, to burn.]
DEFLECT, de-flekt', _v.i._ or _v.t._ to turn aside: to swerve or deviate
from a right line or proper course.--_p.adj._ DEFLECT'ED (_bot._), bent
abruptly downward.--_ns._ DEFLEC'TION, DEFLEX'ION, deviation.--_adj._
DEFLEC'TIVE, causing deflection.--_n._ DEFLEC'TOR, a diaphragm in a lamp,
stove, &c., by which the flame and gases are brought together and the
combustion improved.--_v.t._ DEFLEX' (_zool._, _bot._), to bend
down.--_adj._ DEFLEXED'.--_n._ DEFLEX'URE, deviation. [L. _de_, from, and
_flect[)e]re_, _flexum_, to bend, turn.]
DEFLORATE, de-fl[=o]'r[=a]t, _adj._ past the flowering state, as an anther
after it has shed its pollen.--_n._ DEFLOR[=A]'TION, the act of
deflowering.
DEFLOWER, DEFLOUR, de-flowr', _v.t._ to deprive of flowers: to deprive of
grace and beauty: to ravish.--_n._ DEFLOW'ERER. [O. Fr. _deflorer_--Low L.
_deflor[=a]re_, to strip flowers off--L. _de_, neg., _flos_, _floris_, a
flower.]
DEFLUENT, def'l[=oo]-ent, _adj._ running down, decurrent.--_n._ DEFLUX'ION,
a discharge of fluid in the body. [L. _deflu[)e]re_--_de_, down,
_flu[)e]re_, _fluxum_, to flow.]
DEFOLIATE, de-f[=o]'li-[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of leaves.--_adjs._
DEF[=O]'LIATE, -D.--_ns._ DEFOLI[=A]'TION, the falling off of leaves: the
time of shedding leaves; DEF[=O]'LIATOR. [Low L. _defoli[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_--_de_, off, _folium_, a leaf.]
DEFORCE, de-f[=o]rs', _v.t._ (_law_) to keep out of possession by force:
(_Scots law_) to resist an officer of the law in the execution of his
duty.--_ns._ DEFORCE'MENT; DEFORC'IANT, one who deforces; DEFORCI[=A]'TION,
a legal distress. [Fr. _de_ = L. _dis_, and _force_.]
DEFOREST, de-for'est, _v.t._ to disforest: to deprive of forests.--_n._
DEFOREST[=A]'TION.
DEFORM, de-form', _v.t._ to alter or injure the form of: to
disfigure.--_adj._ (_Milt._) hideous, unshapely.--_n._
DEFORM[=A]'TION.--_p.adj._ DEFORMED', misshapen.--_adv._
DEFORM'EDLY.--_ns._ DEFORMED'NESS; DEFORM'ER; DEFORM'ITY, state of being
deformed: want of proper form: ugliness: disfigurement: anything that
destroys beauty: an ugly feature or characteristic. [L. _deformis_,
ugly--_de_, from, _forma_, beauty.]
DEFOUL, de-fowl', _v.t._ to defile. [A.S. _fúl_, foul, whence by vowel
change of _ú_ to _ý_, _fýlan_.]
DEFRAUD, de-frawd', _v.t._ to deprive of by fraud: to withhold wrongfully:
to cheat or deceive.--_ns._ DEFRAUD'MENT, DEFRAUD[=A]'TION. [L.
_defraud[=a]re_--_de_, from, and _fraus_, _fraudis_, fraud.]
DEFRAY, de-fr[=a]', _v.t._ to discharge the expenses of anything: to pay:
(_Spens._) to appease:--_pr.p._ defray'ing; _pa.p._ defrayed'.--_ns._
DEFRAY'MENT, DEFRAY'AL. [O. Fr. _defrayer_--_de_, and _frais_, expense--Low
L. _fractum_, breakage, damage, expense.]
DEFT, deft, _adj._ handy, clever.--_adv._ DEFT'LY.--_n._ DEFT'NESS. [M. E.
_defte_, _dafte_, simple, meek; A.S. _ge-dæfte_, meek--_dæftan_,
_gedæftan_, prepare, make fit; the stem appears in _ge-daf-en_, to fit.]
DEFUNCT, de-funkt', _adj._ having finished the course of life, dead.--_n._
a dead person.--_n._ DEFUNC'TION (_Shak._), death.--_adj._ DEFUNC'TIVE
(_Shak._), pertaining to the dead. [L. _defungi_, _defunctus_, to
finish--_de_, and _fungi_, to perform.]
DEFY, de-f[=i]', _v.t._ to challenge: to brave: (_obs._) to discard,
dislike:--_pr.p._ defy'ing; _pa.p._ defied'.--_n._ (_Dryden_) a
defiance.--_n._ DEF[=I]'ER. [O. Fr. _defier_--Low L. _diffid[=a]re_, to
renounce faith or allegiance--L. _dis_, asunder, and _f[=i]d[)e]re_, to
trust--_f[)i]des_, faith.]
DÉGAGÉ, d[=a]-ga-zh[=a]', _adj._ unembarrassed, unconstrained, easy. [Pa.p.
of Fr. _dégager_, to disentangle.]
DEGAR'NISH = DISGARNISH (q.v.).
DEGENERATE, de-jen'[.e]r-[=a]t, _adj._ having departed from the high
qualities of race or kind: become base--also DEGEN'EROUS (_obs._).--_v.i._
to fall from a nobler state: to be or to grow worse.--_v.i._ DEGEN'DER
(_Spens._), to degenerate.--_ns._ DEGEN'ERACY, DEGENER[=A]'TION, the act or
process of becoming degenerate: the state of being degenerate.--_adv._
DEGEN'ERATELY.--_n._ DEGEN'ERATENESS.--_adj._ DEGEN'ERATING.--_n._
DEGENER[=A]'TIONIST, one who believes that the tendency of man is not to
improve, but to degenerate.--_adj._ DEGEN'ERATIVE, tending or causing to
degenerate. [L. _degener[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to depart from its kind--_de_,
from, down, _genus_, _gen[)e]ris_, kind.]
DEGERMINATOR, de-j[.e]r'mi-n[=a]-tor, _n._ an apparatus for splitting
grains and removing the germs. [L. _de_, neg., and _germen_, a germ.]
DEGLUTINATE, de-gl[=oo]'tin-[=a]t, _v.t._ to separate things that are glued
together by softening the glue:--_pr.p._ deglu'tin[=a]ting; _pa.p._
deglu'tin[=a]ted. [L. _deglutin[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, neg., and
_glutin[=a]re_--_gluten_, glue.]
DEGLUTITION, deg-l[=oo]-tish'un, _n._ the act or power of
swallowing.--_adjs._ DEGLU'TITIVE, DEGLU'TITORY. [Fr.,--L. _de_, down, and
_glut[=i]re_, to swallow. See GLUT.]
DEGRADE, de-gr[=a]d', _v.t._ to lower in grade or rank: to deprive of
office or dignity: to lower in character, value, or position: to
disgrace.--_n._ DEGRAD[=A]'TION, disgrace: degeneration: abortive
structural development: a lowering in dignity.--_p.adjs._ DEGRAD'ED,
reduced in rank: base: low: (_her._) placed on steps; DEGRAD'ING, debasing:
disgraceful. [Fr. _dégrader_--L. _de_, down, and _gradus_, a step. See
GRADE.]
DEGREE, de-gr[=e]', _n._ a grade or step: one of a series of advances:
relative position: rank: extent: a mark of distinction conferred by
universities, whether earned by examination or granted as a mark of honour:
the 360th part of a circle: 60 geographical miles: nearness of
relationship: comparative amount of guilt: one of the three stages
(_positive_, _comparative_, _superlative_) in the comparison of an
adjective or an adverb.--BY DEGREES, by little and little, gradually;
FORBIDDEN DEGREES, the degrees of consanguinity and affinity within which
it is not permitted to marry; SONGS OF DEGREES, or _Songs of ascents_,
Psalms cxx.-cxxxiv., either because sung by the Jews returning from
captivity, or by the Jews coming up annually to attend the feasts at
Jerusalem; TO A DEGREE, to a great degree, to an extreme. [Fr. _degré_--L.
_de_, _gradus_, a step.]
DEGUST, d[=e]-gust', _v.t._ to taste, to relish.--_v.i._ to have a
relishing taste.--_v.t._ DEGUST'[=A]TE (same as DEGUST).--_n._
DEGUST[=A]'TION, the act of tasting. [L. _de_, down, and _gust[=a]re_, to
taste.]
DEHISCE, d[=e]-his', _v.i._ to gape, to open as the capsules of a
plant.--_n._ DEHIS'CENCE.--_adj._ DEHIS'CENT. [L. _dehiscens_, pr.p. of
_dehisc[)e]re_--_de_, inten., and _hisc[)e]re_, to gape.]
DEHORT, de-hort', _v.t._ to exhort from, to dissuade.--_n._
DEHORT[=A]'TION, dissuasion.--_adjs._ DEHOR'TATIVE, DEHOR'TATORY,
dissuasive.--_n._ DEHORT'ER. [L. _dehort[=a]ri_--_de_, neg., and
_hort[=a]ri_, to exhort.]
DEHUMANISE, de-h[=u]'ma-n[=i]z, _v.t._ to deprive of specifically human
qualities. [L. _de_, neg., and _humanise_.]
DEHYDRATE, de-h[=i]'dr[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of water,
chemically.--_v.i._ to lose water.--_n._ DEHYDR[=A]'TION. [L. _de_, neg.,
Gr. _hyd[=o]r_.]
DEICIDE, d[=e]'i-s[=i]d, _n._ the killing of a god: the putting to death of
Jesus Christ. [From a supposed Low L. form _deicidium_--_deus_, a god, and
_cæd[)e]re_, to kill.]
DEICTIC, d[=i]k'tik, _adj._ proving directly.--_adv._ DEIC'TICALLY. [Gr.
_deiktikos_--_deiknynai_, to show.]
DEID-THRAW, d[=e]d'-thraw, _n._ (_Scot_.) death-throe.
DEIFY, d[=e]'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to exalt to the rank of a god: to worship as a
deity: to make god-like:--_pr.p._ d[=e]'ifying; _pa.p._
d[=e]'ified.--_adjs._--DEIF'IC, -AL, making god-like or divine.--_n._
DEIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of deifying: a deified embodiment.--_adj._
D[=E]'IFORM, god-like in form or character. [Fr. _déifier_--L.
_deific[=a]re_--_deus_, a god, and _fac[)e]re_, to make.]
DEIGN, d[=a]n, _v.i._ to condescend.--_v.t._ to give: to allow: (_obs._) to
favour. [Fr. _daigner_--L. _dign[=a]ri_, to think worthy--_dignus_,
worthy.]
DEIL, d[=e]l, Scotch form of _devil_.
DEINOTHERIUM, d[=i]-no-th[=e]'ri-um, _n._ = DINOTHERIUM.
DEIPAROUS, d[=e]-ip'a-rus, _adj._ bearing a god--of the Virgin. [L. _deus_,
a god, _par[)e]re_, to bring forth.]
DEIPNOSOPHIST, d[=i]p-nos'[=o]-fist, _n._ one who converses learnedly at
dinner, a table-philosopher--from the title of a work by Athenæus. [Gr.
_deipnon_, dinner, _sophist[=e]s_--_sophos_, wise.]
DEIST, d[=e]'ist, _n._ one who believes in the existence of God, but not in
revealed religion.--_n._ D[=E]'ISM, the creed of a deist.--_adjs._
DEIST'IC, -AL.--_adv._ DEIST'ICALLY. [Fr. _déiste_, _déisme_--L. _deus_, a
god.]
DEITY, d[=e]'i-ti, _n._ the divinity: godhead: a god or goddess: the
Supreme Being. [Fr.,--Low L. _deitas_--L. _deus_, god; Sans. _deva_--_div_,
to shine.]
DEJECT, de-jekt', _v.t._ to cast down the countenance or spirits
of.--_adj._ (_Shak._) cast down.--_adj._ DEJECT'ED, cast down:
dispirited.--_adv._ DEJECT'EDLY.--_ns._ DEJECT'EDNESS; DEJEC'TION, lowness
of spirits: (_pl._) fæcal discharge (also _dejecta_).--_adj._ DEJEC'TORY,
promoting evacuations. [L. _dejic[)e]re_, _-jectum_--_de_, down,
_jac[)e]re_, to cast.]
DELAINE, d[=e]-l[=a]n', _n._ an untwilled light dress material, originally
of wool--also _Muslin-de-laine_.
DELAPSE, d[=e]-laps', _v.i._ (_obs._) to sink down.--_n._ DELAP'SION.
DELATE, de-l[=a]t', _v.t._ to carry on: to publish: to charge with a
crime.--_ns._ DEL[=A]'TION; DELAT'OR. [L. _deferre_, _del[=a]tum_, to bring
a report against, to inform--_de_, inten., _ferre_, to bear.]
DELAY, de-l[=a]', _v.t._ to put off to another time: to defer: to hinder or
retard.--_v.i._ to pause, linger, or put off time.--_n._ a putting off or
deferring: a lingering: hinderance:--_pr.p._ delay'ing; _pa.p._
delayed'.--_n._ DELAY'ER.--_adv._ DELAY'INGLY. [O. Fr. _delaier_--L.
_differre_, _dil[=a]tum_--_dis_, apart, _ferre_, to carry.]
DELAY, de-l[=a]', _v.t._ (_Spens._) to temper, dilute, weaken. [Fr.
_délayer_, dilute--L. _deliqu[=a]re_, clarify.]
DELE, d[=e]'l[=e], _v.t._, delete, efface, a direction in proof-reading to
remove a superfluous letter or word, usually marked thus [Dele
symbol].--_adjs._ DEL'EBLE, DEL'IBLE, that can be deleted. [L., imper. of
_del[=e]re_, to delete.]
DELECTABLE, de-lekt'a-bl, _adj._ delightful: pleasing.--_n._
DELECT'ABLENESS.--_adv._ DELECT'ABLY.--_n._ DELECT[=A]'TION, delight.
[Fr.,--L. _delectabilis_--_delect[=a]re_, to delight.]
DELEGATE, del'e-g[=a]t, _v.t._ to send as a legate or representative: to
entrust or commit to.--_n._ one who is delegated: a deputy or
representative: (_U.S._) a person elected to represent a territory in
congress, as distinguished from the representatives of the States.--_adj._
delegated, deputed.--_ns._ DELEG[=A]'TION, DEL'EGACY, a delegating: the
persons delegated. [L. _de_, away, and _legare_, _-[=a]tum_, to send as
ambassador.]
DELETE, de-l[=e]t', _v.t._ to blot out: to erase: to destroy.--_n.pl._
DELEN'DA, things to be deleted or erased.--_n._ DEL[=E]'TION.--_adjs._
DEL[=E]'TIVE, DEL[=E]'TORY. [L. _del[=e]re_, _del[=e]tum_, to blot out.]
DELETERIOUS, del-e-t[=e]'ri-us, _adj._ tending to destroy life: hurtful or
destructive: poisonous.--_adv._ DELET[=E]'RIOUSLY.--_n._
DELET[=E]'RIOUSNESS. [Gr. _d[=e]l[=e]t[=e]rios_, hurtful--_deleisthai_, to
hurt.]
DELF, delf, _n._ a contraction for DELFT'WARE, a kind of earthenware
originally made at _Delft_, Holland.
DELF, delf, _n._ a drain, ditch: (_her._) a charge representing a square
sod. [A.S. _dælf_--_delfan_, to dig.]
DELIAN, d[=e]'li-an, _adj._ pertaining to _Delos_ in the Ægean Sea,
birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
DELIBATE, del'i-b[=a]t, _v.t._ (_obs._) to sip.--_n._ DELIB[=A]'TION.
DELIBERATE, de-lib'[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to weigh well in one's mind.--_v.i._
to consider the reasons for and against anything: to reflect: to
consider.--_adj._ well considered: considering carefully: slow in
determining: cautious.--_adv._ DELIB'ERATELY.--_ns._ DELIB'ERATENESS;
DELIBER[=A]'TION, the act of deliberating: mature reflection: calmness:
coolness.--_adj._ DELIB'ERATIVE, proceeding or acting by
deliberation.--_adv._ DELIB'ERATIVELY. [L. _deliber[=a]re_,
_-[=a]tum_--_de_, inten., and _libr[=a]re_, to weigh--_libra_, a balance.]
DELICATE, del'i-k[=a]t, _adj._ pleasing to the senses, esp. the taste:
dainty: nicely discriminating or perceptive: of a fine, slight texture or
constitution: tender: frail, not robust: requiring nice handling: refined
in manners: gentle, polite, considerate: luxurious.--_n._ DEL'ICACY, state
or quality of being delicate: refinement: nicety: tenderness, weakness:
luxuriousness: anything delicate or dainty.--_adv._ DEL'ICATELY, in a
delicate manner: (_B._) luxuriously.--_n._ DEL'ICATENESS, state of being
delicate: (_B._) delicacy, luxury.--_n.pl._ DEL'ICATES (_B._), delicacies.
[L. _delic[=a]tus_--_deliciæ_, allurements, luxury--_delic[)e]re_--_de_,
inten., _lac[)e]re_, to entice.]
DELICE, del'is, _n._ (_Spens._) flower delice, the iris. [See
FLEUR-DE-LIS.]
DELICIOUS, de-lish'us, _adj._ full of delicacies: highly pleasing to the
senses: affording exquisite pleasure.--_n._ DEL'ICE, (_Spens._), delight: a
delight or delightful thing.--_adv._ DELI'CIOUSLY, in a delicious manner:
(_B._) luxuriously.--_n._ DELI'CIOUSNESS. [L. _deliciosus_--_deliciæ_.]
DELICT, de-likt', _n._ a transgression, a misdemeanour. [L. _delictum_, an
offence--_de_, and _linqu[)e]re_, to leave.]
DELIGATION, del-i-g[=a]'shun, _n._ a binding up, ligature.
DELIGHT, de-l[=i]t', _v.t._ to please highly.--_v.i._ to have or take great
pleasure: to be greatly pleased.--_n._ a high degree of pleasure: extreme
satisfaction: that which gives great pleasure.--_p.adj._ DELIGHT'ED,
greatly pleased: (_Shak._) delightful.--_adjs._ DELIGHT'FUL, DELIGHT'SOME,
full of delight.--_adv._ DELIGHT'FULLY.--_n._ DELIGHT'FULNESS.--_adj._
DELIGHT'LESS, affording no delight. [O. Fr. _deliter_--L. _delect[=a]re_,
inten. of _delic[)e]re_.]
DELILAH, d[=e]-l[=i]'la, _n._ the Philistine woman who befooled Samson: a
courtesan who seduces a man to betray secrets: a light woman,
strumpet.--Also DAL[=I]'LA.
DELIMIT, de-lim'it, _v.t._ to fix or mark the limit of.--_n._
DELIMIT[=A]'TION.
DELINEATE, de-lin'e-[=a]t, _v.t._ to mark out with lines: to represent by a
sketch or picture: to portray: to describe accurately in words.--_adj._
DELIN'EABLE.--_ns._ DELINE[=A]'TION, the act of delineating: a sketch,
representation, or description (sometimes DELIN'EAMENT); DELIN'EATOR. [L.
_deline[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, down, and _linea_, a line.]
DELINQUENT, de-ling'kwent, _adj._ failing in duty.--_n._ one who fails in
or leaves his duty: a transgressor: a criminal.--_n._ DELIN'QUENCY, failure
in or omission of duty: a fault: a crime.--_adv._ DELIN'QUENTLY. [L.
_delinquens_, _-entis_, pr.p. of _delinqu[)e]re_--_de_, inten., and
_linqu[)e]re_, to leave.]
DELIQUESCE, del-i-kwes', _v.i._ to melt and become liquid by absorbing
moisture, as certain salts, &c.--_v.i._ and _v.t._ DEL'IQUATE, DELIQ'UIATE,
to melt.--_ns._ DELIQUES'CENCE, DELIQUI[=A]'TION.--_adj._ DELIQUES'CENT,
liquefying in the air. [L. _deliquesc[)e]re_--_de_, inten.,
_liquesc[)e]re_, to become fluid--_liqu[=e]re_, to be fluid.]
DELIQUIUM, de-lik'wi-um, _n._ liquefaction by absorption of moisture.
[Fr.,--Low L. _deliquium_--L. _de_, down, and _liqu[=e]re_, to melt.]
DELIRIOUS, de-lir'i-us, _adj._ wandering in mind: light-headed:
insane.--_n._ DELIR[=A]'TION, madness, an aberration.--_adj._
DELIRIF[=A]'CIENT, producing delirium.--_n._ any substance with this
quality.--_adv._ DELIR'IOUSLY.--_ns._ DELIR'IOUSNESS; DELIR'IUM, state of
being delirious: strong excitement: wild enthusiasm.--DELIRIUM TREMENS, a
delirious disorder of the brain produced by excessive drinking, and often
marked by convulsive or trembling symptoms. [L. _delirus_, crazy--_de_,
from, and _lira_, a furrow; _tremens_, the pr.p. of _trem[)e]re_, to
tremble.]
DELITESCENT, del-i-tes'ent, _adj._ lying hid or concealed--e.g. the germs
of an infectious disease.--_n._ DELITES'CENCE. [L. _delitescens_, pr.p. of
_delitesc[)e]re_--_de_, from, and _latesc[)e]re_--_lat[=e]re_, to lie hid.]
DELIVER, de-liv'[.e]r, _v.t._ to liberate or set free from restraint or
danger: to rescue from evil or fear: to give up or part with: to
communicate: to pronounce: to give forth, as a blow, a ball, &c.: to
disburden a woman of a child in childbirth.--_adj._ DELIV'ERABLE.--_ns._
DELIV'ERANCE, act of delivering or freeing: act of transferring from one to
another: parturition: the utterance of a judgment or authoritative opinion;
DELIV'ERER; DELIV'ERY, the act of delivering: a giving up: the act or
manner of speaking in public, of discharging a shot, of throwing a
cricket-ball, of pouring water, &c.: the act of giving birth.--GENERAL
DELIVERY, the delivery of letters from a post-office window to the persons
to whom they are addressed--opp. to house to house delivery; GAOL, or JAIL,
DELIVERY (see GAOL). [Fr. _délivrer_--L. _de_, from, _liber[=a]re_, to set
free--_liber_, free.]
DELIVERLY, de-liv'[.e]r-li, _adv._ (_Shak._) nimble manner. [O. Fr.
_delivre_, free--L. _de_, and _liber_, free.]
DELL. See DALE.
DELLA-CRUSCAN, del-la-krus'kan, _adj._ belonging to, or resembling, the old
Florentine Accademia _della Crusca_ (1582), esp. of a group of sentimental
English poetasters resident in Florence about 1784--crushed by Gifford's
_Baviad_ in 1794.
DELLA-ROBBIA, del-la-rob'ya, _n._ a term applied to enamelled terra-cotta,
said to have been invented by Luca _della Robbia_.
DELPH, an erroneous spelling of DELF.
DELPHIAN, del'fi-an, _adj._ relating to _Delphi_, a town of ancient Greece,
or to the famous oracle which was there.--Also DEL'PHIC.
DELPHIN, del'fin, _adj._ pertaining to the _dauphin_ of France, or to an
edition of the Latin classics prepared for his use, 64 vols., 1674-1730.
DELPHINIDÆ, del-fin'i-d[=e], _n._ a family of cetaceans, including
dolphins, grampuses, &c. [L. _delphinus_, a dolphin.]
DELPHINIUM, del-fin'i-um, _n._ a genus of _Ranunculaceæ_ comprising the
larkspurs and stavesacre. [Formed from Gr. _delphinion_, larkspur.]
DELTA, del'ta, _n._ the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, the capital
form of which is [Delta]: a tract of land of like shape formed at the mouth
of a river.--_n._ DELTAFIC[=A]'TION, the process of forming a
delta.--_adj._ DEL'TOID, of the form of the Greek [Delta]:
triangular.--DELTA METAL, a hard alloy of copper, zinc, and iron--the three
metals symbolised by the triangular shape; DELTOID MUSCLE, the large
triangular muscle of the shoulder. [Gr.,--Heb. _daleth_, a tent-door.]
DELUBRUM, de-l[=u]'brum, _n._ a temple, shrine, sanctuary: a church having
a font, a fort. [L.]
DELUCE. See FLEUR-DE-LIS.
DELUDE, de-l[=u]d', _v.t._ to play or impose upon: to deceive.--_adj._
DELUD'ABLE.--_n._ DELUD'ER. [L. _delud[)e]re_, to play--_de_, down,
_lud[)e]re_, _lusum_, to play.]
DELUGE, del'[=u]j, _n._ a great overflow of water: a flood: esp. that in
the days of Noah.--_v.t._ to inundate: to overwhelm as with water.
[Fr.,--L. _diluvium_--_dilu[)e]re_--_dis_, away, _lu[)e]re_, to wash.]
DELUNDUNG, de-lun'dung, _n._ the weasel-cat of Java and Malacca, a small
carnivore akin to the civet.
DELUSION, de-l[=u]'zhun, _n._ the act of deluding: the state of being
deluded: a false belief: error.--_adj._ DEL[=U]'SIONAL, pertaining to
delusions, afflicted with such.--_n._ DEL[=U]'SIONIST.--_adjs._
DEL[=U]'SIVE, DEL[=U]'SORY, apt or tending to delude: deceptive.--_adv._
DEL[=U]'SIVELY.--_n._ DEL[=U]'SIVENESS. [See DELUDE.]
DELVE, delv, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to dig with a spade.--_n._ (_Spens._) a
place dug out, a ditch, a cave.--_n._ DELV'ER. [A.S. _delfan_, to dig;
conn. with _dale_, _dell_.]
DEMAGNETISE, de-mag'net-[=i]z, _v.t._ to deprive of magnetic power.--_n._
DEMAGNETIS[=A]'TION.
DEMAGOGUE, dem'a-gog, _n._ a leader of the people: a popular and factious
orator.--_adjs._ DEMAGOGIC, -AL (-goj').--_ns._ DEMAGOGISM, DEMAGOGUISM
(dem'a-gog-ism); DEM'AGOGUERY, DEMAGOGY (-goj'). [Fr.,--Gr.
_d[=e]mog[=o]gos_--_d[=e]mos_, the people, _agogos_, leading--_agein_, to
lead.]
DEMAIN. See DEMESNE.
DEMAND, d[=e]-mand', _v.t._ to claim: to ask earnestly or authoritatively:
to call for: to question.--_n._ the asking for what is due: an asking for
with authority: a claim: earnest inquiry.--_adj._ DEMAND'ABLE, that may be
demanded.--_n._ DEMAND'ANT, one who demands: a plaintiff:--_fem._
DEMAND'RESS.--IN GREAT DEMAND, much sought after. [Fr.,--Low L.
_demand[=a]re_, to demand--L. _de_, from, and _mand[=a]re_, to put into
one's charge.]
DEMARCATION, DEMARKATION, de-mark-[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of marking off or
setting bounds to: division: a fixed limit.--_v.t._ DEMAR'CATE, to mark off
or limit. [Fr.,--_dé_, off, and _marquer_, to mark. See MARK.]
DEMATERIALISE, d[=e]-ma-t[=e]'ri-al-[=i]z, _v.t._ to deprive of material
qualities.
DEME, d[=e]m, _n._ a subdivision of ancient Attica and of modern Greece, a
township: (_biol._) any differentiated aggregate of cells. [Gr.
_d[=e]mos_.]
DEMEAN, de-m[=e]n', _v.t._ to conduct (with _self_): to behave.--_n._
DEMEANOUR, conduct--(_Spens._) DEMAYNE, DEMEASNURE. [O. Fr.
_demener_--_de_, inten., and _mener_, to lead--Low L. _min[=a]re_, to drive
cattle, L. _min[=a]ri_, to threaten.]
DEMEAN, de-m[=e]n', _v.t._ to make mean: to lower. [More prob. on the
analogy of _debase_, from _de_, and _mean_, low, than the same word as the
preceding with specialised sense.]
DEMENT, de-ment', _v.t._ to drive crazy, render insane.--_adj._ insane,
demented.--_n._ a demented person.--_v.t._ DEMENT'[=A]TE, to
dement.--_p.adj._ DEMENT'ED, out of one's mind: insane: suffering from
dementia. [L. _demens_, _dementis_, out of one's mind--_de_, from, and
_mens_, the mind.]
DÉMENTI, d[=a]-mong-t[=e], _n._ a contradiction. [Fr. _démentir_, to give
the lie to.]
DEMENTIA, de-men'shi-a, _n._ general mental enfeeblement, with loss of
memory, reason, feeling, and will: often the consequence of acute mania.
[L. _de_, neg., and _mens_, _mentis_, mind.]
DEMERIT, de-mer'it, _n._ ill-desert: fault: crime. [O. Fr. _demerite_,
desert, also a fault--Low L. _demeritum_, a fault, _demer[=e]re_, to
deserve--L. _de_, fully, _mer[=e]re_, to deserve.]
DEMERSED, d[=e]-merst', _adj._ (_bot._) growing under water.--_n._
DEMER'SION.
DEMESMERISE, de-mes'mer-[=i]z, _v.t._ to relieve from mesmeric
influence.--_n._ DEMESMERIS[=A]'TION.
DEMESNE, de-m[=e]n', DEMAIN, de-m[=a]n', _n._ a manor-house, with lands
adjacent to it not let out to tenants: any estate in land. [Forms of
_domain_.]
DEMI-BASTION, dem'i-bast'yun, _n._ a kind of half-bastion, consisting of
one face and one flank. [Fr. _demi_--L. _dimidius_, half, and _bastion_.]
DEMI-CADENCE, dem'i-k[=a]'dens, _n._ (_mus._) a half-cadence.
DEMI-CANNON, dem'i-kan'un, _n._ (_Shak._) an old gun which threw a ball of
from 30 to 36 lbs.
DEMI-CULVERIN, dem'i-cul've-rin, _n._ an old kind of cannon which threw a
shot of 9 or 10 lbs.
DEMI-DEIFY, dem'i-d[=e]'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to treat as a demi-god.
DEMI-DEVIL, dem'i-dev'il, _n._ a half-devil.
DEMI-DISTANCE, dem'i-dis'tans, _n._ (_fort._) the distance between the
outward polygons and the flank.
DEMI-DITONE, dem'i-d[=i]-t[=o]n, _n._ (_mus._) a minor third.
DEMIGOD, dem'i-god, _n._ half a god: one whose nature is partly divine,
esp. a hero fabled to be the offspring of a god and a mortal:--_fem._
DEM'I-GODD'ESS. [Fr. _demi_, half, and _god_.]
DEMI-GORGE, dem'i-gorj, _n._ (_fort._) the part of the polygon remaining
after the flank is raised, going from the curtain to the angle of the
polygon.
DEMI-JOHN, dem'i-jon, _n._ a glass bottle with a full body and narrow neck,
enclosed in wicker-work. [Fr. _dame-jeanne_, Dame Jane, analogous to
_Bellarmine_, _gray-beard_. Not from the town _Damaghan_.]
DEMI-LANCE, dem'i-lans, _n._ a short, light spear of the 16th century; a
soldier armed with such a weapon.
DEMI-LUNE, dem'i-l[=oo]n, _n._ (_fort._) a half-moon: an old name for
_Ravelin_. [L. _demi_, half, and Fr. _lune_--L. _luna_, the moon.]
DEMI-MONDE, dem'i-mond, _n._ women in an equivocal position, kept women:
the prostitute class generally.
DEMIREP, dem'i-rep, _n._ a woman of dubious reputation.--_n._ DEM'IREPDOM,
shady women collectively. [Said to be a contraction of _demi-reputation_.]
DEMISE, d[=e]-m[=i]z', _n._ a transferring: death, esp. of a sovereign or a
distinguished person: a transfer of the crown or of an estate to a
successor.--_v.t._ to send down to a successor: to bequeath by
will.--_adj._ DEM[=I]'SABLE. [O. Fr. _demise_, pa.p. of _desmettre_, to lay
down--L. _dimitt[)e]re_, to send away--L. _dis_, aside, and _mitt[)e]re_,
_missum_, to send.]
[Illustration]
DEMI-SEMIQUAVER, dem'i-sem'i-kw[=a]-v[.e]r, _n._ (_mus._) a note equal in
time to the half of a semiquaver. [Fr. _demi_, half, and _semiquaver_.]
DEMISS, de-mis', _adj._ (_Spens._) humble. [L. _demissus_, pa.p. of
_demitt[)e]re_. See DEMISE.]
DEMISSION, de-mish'un, _n._ a lowering: degradation: depression:
relinquishment: resignation.--_adj._ DEMISS'IVE (_obs._), humble.--_adv._
DEMISS'LY. [L. _demission-em_. See DEMISE.]