LlbKARY UCSB LIBRARY X-&HOIO THE UNIVERSAL SELF-PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPRISING UNDER ONE ALPHABETICAL ARRANGEMENT THE DEFINITION OF WORDS THE PROPER SYLLABICATION OF WORDS THE PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS THEPARTSOF SPEECHOF WORDS THE CAPITALIZATION OF WORDS SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS BASED UPON THE SOLID FOUNDATION LAID BY NOAH WEBSTER AND OTHER LEXICOGRAPHERS, THOROUGHLY MODERNIZED BY CHARLES MORRIS Editor of The Handy Biographical Dictionary, The Twentieth Century Encyclopedia, Historical Tales (12 vols.). The Old South and the New, Etc., Etc. WITH AN APPENDIX CONTAINING FOREIGN WORDS AND PHRASES, CHRIS- TIAN NAMES OF MEN AND WOMEN, NAMES OF PERSONS AND PLACES, AND WORDS AND PHRASES FREQUENTLY ALLUDED TO, ABBREVIATIONS, THE WORDS ADOPTED BY THE SIMPLIFIED SPELLING BOARD, ETC. THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY PHILADELPHIA CHICAGO COPYRIGHT, 1908, BY THE JOHN C. WINSTON Co. IMPORTANT FACTS Concerning The New Universal Self-Pronouncing Dictionary By reading the Preface carefully, you will get some idea of the care that has been exercised in the preparation of this work. Please understand that this is NOT A REPRINT WORK, but a NEW BOOK from beginning to end, and that EVERY PAGE WAS SET IN TYPE and that THE BOOK IS PRINTED FROM TYPE-SET PLATES. SEE PAGE 1. Please note the large index letter "A" at the head of the page. A similar large letter is usd to mark the division of words, beginning with the other letters of the alphabet. We also call attention to the fact that at the head of each page is given the first word and the last word on the page; that the index words are printed in Bold Face Type; that the definitions are also in large, clear, easily read type. ON PAGE 3. (See abominable.) THIS SHOWS HOW EACH INDEXED WORD IS DIVIDED INTO SYLLABLES. This is very important, for very few people know how to divide a word when they have to make a division in order to carry a part of it to the next line. Please also note that the PHONETIC SPELLING is given in brackets, showing exact pronunciation. This is also divided into syllables. Many dictionaries give the phonetic pronunciation in syllables, but that does not mean that the word itself is divided as the phonetic word is divided, therefore it is important to have both. Please also note that the KEY TO PRONUNCIATION is given at the foot of each page and not in front of the dictionary only, as is done in so many other works. ON PAGE 5. Words and their Derivatives. (See absorb.) In many other dictionaries the prefixes and suffixes are crowded in with the definitions. This is done to save space, but is a loss to clearness and utility. By referring to the word "absorb" and words following you will see that each of the derivatives (see absorb to absorptivity) are all GIVEN SEPARATELY and that each of the words is divided into syllables, that each has the phonetic pronuncia- tion, part of speech, and its separate definition. ON PAGE 13. Synonyms and Antonyms. (See acquit.) This shows how the SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS ARE GIVEN IN THE BODY OF THE DICTIONARY, and not in a separate depart- ment, as is usually done in other works. You will find the abbreviation "syn." in italics followed by the synonyms of the word "acquit" and you will find the abbreviation "ant." followed by the explanation "See condemn, convict," which are antonyms of the word "acquit," and by referring to those words you will find synonyms under them which will give the other antonyms of the word "acquit." This is a most useful and important feature. ON PAGE 16. The Proper Use of Capital and Small Letters. (See Admiralty.) This word, being a proper noun, begins with a capital in the dictionary. All common words begin with small letters and all proper words throughout this dictionary begin with capital letters, so that it SHOWS AT SIGHT WHETHER THE WORD IS A COMMON WORD OR A PROPER WORD. ON PAGE 19. (See aeroplane.) This dictionary contains all the words in the English language In ordinary use, including the many new words that have recently come into use. The definitions are accurate and reliable and embrace all definitions and shades of meaning. The Dictionary of Words comprises 915 pages. This is followed by supplementary Dictionaries, as follows: Dictionary of Foreign Words, Phrases, Colloquialisms, Proverbs, and Quotations 919 Dictionary of Terms used in Commerce and Law 931 Dictionary of Names of Important Places, Persons, Buildings, Monuments, Periods, etc., also Significant Words and Phrases Frequently Met with in Literature 948 Dictionary of English Christian Names of Men and Women with Their Derivation and Meaning 969 Dictionary of Mythological and Classical Names 977 Dictionary of Forms of Address 983 Dictionary of Abbreviations 985 Dictionary of Popular Titles of American States and Cities, etc.. 990 Dictionary of Simplified Spelling Adopted to Date by the Simpli- fied Spelling Board 993 These separate Dictionaries are up to date in every particular. The Simplified Spelling Dictionary comprises all the words adopted by the Simplified Spelling Board, including the new list which was issued during the past month. The complete dictionary comprises 1,000 pages. PREFACE IN these days of practically universal education the Dictionary has become as necessary for the needs of the mind as bread is for those of the body. Yet few of us find occasion to use the voluminous and costly Unabridged Dictionary, adapted solely to the advanced scholar, or the incomplete Vest-Pocket Dictionary, useful only for the beginner. The one is too bulky, the other too minute, for the ordinary student, and the present dictionary has been prepared with a special view to convenience in size and fulness in contents. Its special features are the following: First: It contains all the words of the English language in ordinary use, and includes the many new words that have recently come into use. Second: The words are conveniently divided into syllables, in the manner employed by the best writers. Third: The proper use of capitals and small letters in writing is indicated by the capitalization of all proper nouns. Fourth: The pronunciation of each word is shown by a clear and properly accented system of phonetic spelling. Fifth: The definitions are accurate and reliable, and embrace all recent distinctions and shades of meaning. Sixth: Each word and its derivatives are specially indexed, instead of the derivatives being crowded in with the definitions, an expedient frequently adopted to save space, but with a loss of clearness and utility. Seventh: The synonyms and antonyms are given in connection with the words themselves, following the definitions, instead of in the usual but much less convenient method of placing them in a separate list in the appendix. Eighth: A clear-faced type, alike for words and definitions, is employed, to avoid the necessity of close and wearisome scrutiny. Ninth: A voluminous appendix is given, containing lists of words and phrases not belonging properly within the body of the dictionary, yet of high utility to the student, together with other interesting and instructive material. This list of the leading features of the work will serve to show the care with which it has been prepared and its great usefulness. Its convenience of size, fulness of contents, and logical arrange- ment especially adapt it to everyday use, and fit it admirably alike for the office and the fireside, for the use of the student, the business man and the home circle. Users of this dictionary can- not fail to find all their reasonable needs satisfied, and the pub- lishers offer it to the reading community with the full assurance that it will be found to rank high among the best English diction- aries extant. CHARLES MORRIS. CONTENTS PAGE RULES FOR PUNCTUATION v DICTIONARY OF PREFIXES AND AFFIXES vii DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1 to 915 DICTIONARY OF FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, COLLO- QUIALISMS, PROVERBS, AND QUOTATIONS 919 DICTIONARY OF TERMS USED IN COMMERCE AND LAW. . 931 DICTIONARY OF NAMES OF IMPORTANT PLACES, PER- SONS, BUILDINGS, MONUMENTS, PERIODS, ETC., ALSO SIGNIFICANT WORDS AND PHRASES FREQUENTLY i MET WITH IN LITERATURE 948 DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH CHRISTIAN NAMES OF MEN AND WOMEN WITH THEIR DERIVATION AND MEANING 969 DICTIONARY OF MYTHOLOGICAL AND CLASSICAL NAMES 977 DICTIONARY OF FORMS OF ADDRESS 983 DICTIONARY OF ABBREVIATIONS 985 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR TITLES OF AMERICAN STATES AND CITIES, ETC 990 DICTIONARY OF SIMPLIFIED SPELLING ADOPTED TO DATB BY THE SIMPLIFIED SPELLING BOARD 993 RULES FOR PUNCTUATION Punctuation consists in the proper placing of points and marks in written or printed language to represent correctly the meaning and proper pauses in a sentence. The punctuation marks are the Comma (,), Semicolon (;), Colon ( :), Period (.), Interrogation (?), Exclamation point ( !), Hyphen (-), Dash ( ), Apostrophe ('), Quotation Marks (" "), Paren- theses ( ), Brackets [ ], and Braces j j . THE COMMA (,). The Comma is used to indicate the smallest logical or grammat- ical divisions of a sentence. It is employed after a long nominative clause ; to set off parenthetic phrases ; to introduce explanatory clauses ; to set off a dependent clause ; to separate repeated words : to introduce a brief quo- tation ; to separate numerals into groups of three figures, and in various other cases where distinct- ness of meaning seems to require a brief pause. It was formerly often used profusely and indis- criminately, but the tendency now is to be sparing in its use. THE SEMICOLON (;). The Semicolon applies to greater breaks in the sense than could be properly set off by a comma and less than those calling for a colon or period. It is used to separate clauses of partially complete sense, and expressions having a common dependence upon each other; to mark off the larger di- visions of a sentence wherein the smaller contain commas ; to in- dicate collections of related words or expressions in pairs ; to precede in a sentence the words "namely." "for example," and like phrases used to call attention to a cita- tion. THE COLON (:). The Colon is a division of the sentence employed when the con- nection appears not close enough for the semicolon and too close for the period ; as when the sense of several clauses culminates in a closing remark to follow the last of them ; also, to introduce formal words ; to set off principal and subordinate matters, as in a book title and its subdivision ; to follow the more formal salutation of a letter or address ; to introduce an extended quotation. THE PERIOD (.) The Period indicates a full stop in the sense, and is necessary at the end of every complete sentence, unless an interrogation or ex- clamation point is required. It is also used after abbreviations ; as a decimal point ; to indicate a more or less extended omission ; after numerals to number par- agraphs or other particulars. THE INTERROGATION (?). The Interrogation Point is the mark for any direct question, and is used to end a sentence con- taining a direct question, after a question within a declarative sen- tence, and after each question in a succession. It ends a sentence declarative in form but interroga- tive in purpose. An interroga- tion point inclosed in brackets in- dicates mistake or doubt, and is generally used ironically. THE EXCLAMATION (!). The Exclamation Point in- dicates surprise or a note of ex- clamation, and is used after words, phrases or sentences of interjection or exclamation, to denote impassioned address or sur- prise. This point can be doubled or trebled in repeated or succes- sive exclamations for the sake of emphasis. It is often inserted after amusing, surprising or doubtful statements for special emphasis, and when inserted in brackets or placed outside of quotation marks it has an iron- ical meaning. THE APOSTROPHE (') The Apostrophe is the sign of the possessive case, and is used VI to indicate an elision, contraction or omission of letters from a word. Some unusual plurals not possessive require the apostrophe, and this mark may take the place of omitted figures or words in dates of a century. QUOTATION MARKS (" ") A Quotation usually requires quotation marks, unless the au- thor's name or work is appended, or if the matter quoted has been introduced in a separate para- graph or paragraphs and in differ- ent type than the rest. Names of books and literary, musical and art titles in general, are quoted unless they have become so thor- oughly familiar as to become household words, as the Bible, the Iliad. The names of news- papers and other periodicals are usually not quoted but given in italics. Quotation marks are sometimes used in irony or for emphasis. A quotation within a quotation takes but single marks ; any quotation within that re- sumes double marks and so on. Often, however, primary quota- tions are given with single marks. THE HYPHEN (-). The Hyphen is a mark of di- vision, put between compound words that have not become by usage single words, and where words are necessarily divided at the end of a line. It indicates for some special purpose prefixes and suffixes, syllabication, deri- vation, pronunciation or spelling, and is occasionally used to indi- cate a series. THE DASH ( ). The Dash indicates an abrupt break or hiatus in a sentence from interruption, explanation, emphasis, rhetorical repetition or omission of letters within the first and the last letters of a word. PARENTHESES ( ). Parentheses are marks placed at the beginning and end of an ex- planatory or qualifying clause thrown into a sentence or para- graph with which it is not gram- matically connected. In modern usage, however, the parentheses are usually replaced by dashes. BRACKETS [ ]. Brackets are used similarly to parentheses, but are restricted to interpolations, corrections, notes or explanations. 'BRACES {}. Braces are used to connect brief particulars of one class in a sort of diagram. CAPITALS. Capitals are used to begin the first word of a sentence or a line of poetry ; to begin direct ques- tions or direct quotations within a sentence ; to begin a resolution or an enactment ; to begin all proper nouns, names of persons and places, and nouns referring to certain distinctive locations, as North, South. East and West; to begin the names of God and those pvonouns or nouns that refer di- rectly to deity ; to begin all ad- jectives derived from the names of countries or places ; to begin the names of the months and days of the week ; to begin the titles of books and all important words in such title ; to begin all formal or informal addresses, as "Dear Sir," etc. DICTIONARY OF PREFIXES AND AFFIXES Prefixes a [A.S.] on or in ; as abed, ashore, afield. a [A.S. and] over against ; as along. a [A.S. a] used as an intensive pre- fix to verbs ; as arise, abide, af- fright. a [A.S.] of or from; as adown, anew. a [A.S. 0e] as aware. a, at, old sign of inf.; as ado. a, an [G.] without, denoting pri- vation ; as apathy, without feel- ing ; anarchy, without govern- ment. a, ab, abs [L.] from or away; as avert, abhor, abstain, abstract. ad [L.] to, at; with its different forms a, ac, af, ag, al; an; ap; ar, as, at; as adhere, ascend, ac- cept, affect, aggravate, allot, an- nounce, appear, arrest, assent, at- tend. al [A.S.] all; as almighty, alto- gether. amb, ambi, am [L.] on both sides, around ; as ambient, ambi- tion, ambidexter, amputate. amphi [G.] both, round about; as amphibious, amphitheatre. an [F. en, L. in] as anoint. ana [G.] through, back, up; as anatomy, analyze. ante, anti, anci, ant, an [L.] before ; as antecedent, anticipate, ancient, antique, ancestor. anti, ant [G.] opposite to, against : as antipathy, antipodes, antagonist. apo [G.] from; as apostasy, apos- tate : aph, in aphelion. arch, archi, arcne [G.] first, chief ; as in archangel, architect, archetype. at [E.] nearness; as in atone. anto, anth [G.] self; as autobi- ography, authentic. be [A.S.] causative, as becloud; privative, as behead ; intensive, as bespatter, bespeak, &c. bis, bi, bin [L.] twice, double; as biscuit, biennial, binocular. by [A.S.] near, beside; as by- stander, bypath. cata, cat, cath [G.] down, downwards, according to ; as cat- aract, catechism, catholic. circum, circu [L.] round about; as circumscribe, circumfluent, cir- cumspect, circuit. cis [L.] on this side; as cisalpine. con [L.] with its forms co, col, com, cor, conn, together, with ; as connect, cohere, collect, com- pose, correct, council. contra [L.] against; as contra- dict, controvert. connter [F. contre] against ; as counteract. de [L.] down, from, or off; as de- ject, deter, defend. demi [F.] half; as demigod. di [G.] double; as dilemma. dia [G.] through; as diameter, diaphanous. dis [L.] with its forms diflf and di, off, asunder, away, out ; as dispel, disarm, dishonest, diffuse, divert. dis [G.] two, twice ; as dissylla- ble. dys [G.] ill, difficult ; as dysentery. e, see ex. e [A. S. ge\ enough. e [French phonetic addition] as in esquire. ec [G.] out of; as eccentric. emb [A.S. ymb-ryne] a circuit; as ember-days. en, em, and im [F., L., and G.] in or on, also to make; as encir- cle, encaustic, enfeeble, embark, immerge. enter [F.] between, among; as entertain. ep, eph, epi [G.] upon ; as epoch, ephemeral, epitaph. es [F.] out; as escape. Ylll pol eso [G.] in, into; as esoteric. eu, ev [G.] well ; as euphony, evangelist. ex [L.] with its forms e, ef, &c., out from ; as exclaim, evade, ef- fuse, effulgence. ex [(}.] from, out of; as exodus. exo ((}.] without; as exotic. extra [L.] on the outside, beyond; as extramural, extraordinary, ex- tradition. for [A.S.] in place of; as foras- much. for [A.S.] from, away, against ; as forswear, forbid. for [P., L.] out of doors, outside; foreclose, forfeit. fore [A.S.] before; as forerun, foretell. forth [A.S.] forth; as forthwith. fro [Scand.] from; as f reward. G gain [Scand.] against; as gain- say. hemi [G.I half; as hemisphere. hetero [G.] other; as heterodox. holo [G.] entire ; as holograph. hoiiice [G.] same; as hpmoeopathy. hyper [G.] over, above ; as hyper- critical, hyperborean. hypo, hyph, hyp [G.] under; as hypocrite, hyphen, hypallage. i [L.] not; as ignoble. i, y [A.S. ge\ yclept, handywork. in [L.] with its forms il, im, in, ir, in, into, upon ; as inter, il- lumine, impend, include, irrigate. in [L.] with its forms il, im, ir, negative ; as infirm, illegal, im- mortal, irregular. in, im [A.S.] in, on; as inwrap, inward, imbed. inter [L.] between; as intercept, interpose, interval. intra [L.] in the inside of, with- in ; as intramural. intro [L.] into, within ; as intro- duce. inn [F., from L. ex} out of; as is- sue. juxta fL.] close to, near; as jux taposition. 1, curtailment of all; as lone. 1 [Ar.] the; as in lute. M male, mal, man [L.] badly; malefactor, maladroit, maugre. meta, meth, met [G.] change; as metamorphose, method, meteor. mid [A.S.] with; as midwife. mis [A.S. and Icel.] wrongly; misdeed, mistrust. mis [F., L.] badly; as mischief. mono, iii on [G.] single; as mon- ograph, monk. multi, mult [L.] many; as mul- tiply. N n, as in newt, i. e., an ewt, nick- name (an ekename). ne [L.] not; as nefarious, neuter. ne [G.] not ; as nepenthe. nee [L.] not ; as neglect, negative. non [L.] not ; as nonsense, nonage. ob [L.] with its forms o, oc, of, op, os, against, in front, in or on ; as obloquy, omit, occur, offer, oppose, ostensible. off [A.S.] off, from, away; offal, offset. on [A.S.] on; onlooker. or [A.S.] out; ordeal. out [A.S.] beyond ; as outdo, out- run. over [A.S.] eminence or excess ; as overtop, overthrow. palim, palin [G.] against; as palimpsest, palindrome. pan, panto [G.] all; panacea, pantomime. para, par, pa [G.] alongside, be- yond, against ; as paradigm, parody, palsy. pel, see per. pene [Tj.] almost; as peninsula. per, par, pel, pil [L.] through, thoroughly : as perfect, parson, pellucid, pilgrim. peri [G.] round; as perimeter, periphrasis, period. pol, por, pur [F.] other forms of L. pro; as pollute, portend, pur- vey. pos Ix al post [L.] after, behind ; as post- pone. pre [L.] before ; as predict, pre- cede, prevail. preter [L.] beyond; as preter- natural. pro [L.] forth, forward, for; as proceed, proconsul, provoke, pro- noun. pros [G.] towards; as proselyte. proto, prot [G.] first ; as proto- type, protoxide. B re, red, ren [L.] back; as re- tract, redeem, render. retro [L.] going backwards ; as retrograde, retrospect. s, for se; as in sober. s, for dis; as in spend. s, for ex; as in sample. se, sed [L.] literally by itself, without, aside ; as seclude, sedi- tion. semi [L.] half ; semitone. sine [L.] without; as sinecure. sub [L.] with its forms s, su, sue, suf, sug, sup, sus, so, under or after ; as subject, sombre, sus- pect, succeed, suffuse, suggest, suppose, sustain, sojourn. snbter [L.] under; as subterfuge, subterraneous. super [L.] over, above, beyond ; as superstructure, superfine, BUperadd. supra [L.] over, above: as super- abundance, supernumerary, supra- mundane. sur [F.. L. super] as surmount, surprise. syn [G.] with its forms sy, syl, sym, together, with ; as syntax, system, syllogism, sympathy. t, at ; as in twit. thorough. [A.S.] through; as thoroughfare. to [A.S.] as in to-day, together. to [A.S.] asunder, as in the bib- lical to brake. trans, tran, tra, tres, tre [L.] beyond, over, through ; as transit, transcend, traduce, trespass, treason. U u [G.] not ; as Utopia. ultra [L.] beyond; as ultra- marine. um [L.] same as non, not ; as umpire. un [A.S.] not; as unable, unseen; before a verb, to do the opposite ; as unloose, untie, unfetter. under [A.S.] under, below; as underprop, undersell. un, uni fL.] one; as unanimous, unicorn. up [A.S.] high, over; as uplift, upset. V ve [L.] apart from ; vestibule. vis, vice [F., L.] in place of; viscount, viceroy. W wan [A.S.] wanting; as wanton (wanting education). with [A.S.] against, back ; as withstand, withdraw. y, see under I. Affixes able [L. abilia] fit to be ; as portable. ac [G. akos] pertaining to; as elegiac. aceons [L. aceus] having the qualities of; as herbaceous. acious [L. ax, acts] full of; as audacious. acity fL. acitas] power, abun- dance ; as capacity, loquacity. acy [L.] act of doing, as con- spiracy ; state, as celibacy. ade [F.] relating to, pertaining to ; as decade. age [L. aticus, F. aye] act of doing, or thing done, locality ; as passage, parentage, postage, parsonage. al [L. a/is] belonging to; as bridal, criminal, nuptial. est an, ain [L. anus] belonging or pertaining to. one who; as guard- ian, human, librarian. ana | L.] things belonging to, say- ings : as Johusoniana. ance, ancy [L. antia] state or being ; as ignorance, abundance, constancy, occupancy. and, end [L. andus, endus] as viand, legend. aneous [L. aneus] belonging to; as extraneous. ant [L. ana, antis] equivalent of E. ing; as assistant, pleasant. ar [L. an's] of or belonging to; as globular, angular ; one who, as beggar. ard [F.] one who; as drunkard. ary [L. arius] agent or doer, one who ; as secretary, missionary, lapidary ; [L. arium] place where ; as seminary. ass, ace [L. accus, acius] cuirass, pinnace. aster [L. aster] implying con- tempt ; as poetaster. ate [L. atus, at a atum] to make; as regulate, deliberate ; one who, as delegate, potentate ; office, thing, as consulate, duplicate ; having, full, as animate, adequate. ative [L. ativus] having power; as vegetative, creative. atory [L. atorius] relating to, being ; as predatory, transitory. ature [L. attire] state, form ; as creature. ble, nee able. ble, pie [L. plus] fold; as double, quadruple. bund and cnnd [L. bundus and cundus] moribund, rubicund. celli, cello [L. culus and ellus] diminutive ; as violoncello. ch, augmentative; as blotch. cle, cule [L. culus] particle, animalcule. craft [A.S. cra ft] skill; book- craft, priestcraft cy [Ij. tia] being or state of being; as clemency, delicacy, intimacy, infancy. J, t, or ed, suffix of past tense ; did, felt, loved. d, ed, denotes possession ; in nouns with passive meanings, as deed, seed ; in adjectives formed from nouns, as booted, feathered ; in past participles, as loved. tlom |A.S.] state, power; as kingdom, earldom, dukedom, popedom, freedom. ed [E.] having, action done; as landed, finished. ee [F., from L. atus] one who; as lessee, trustee, referee, refugee. eer, [F. ier, L. arius] one who, agent or doer ; as muleteer, charioteer, mutineer, engineer. el [L. ellus, or illus] diminutive; as damsel. el [A.S.] instrument; as shovel. en [A.S.] made of or belonging to ; as wooden, golden ; to make, as lengthen, strengthen. en [A.S. en] diminutive; as maiden. en [A.S. en] vixen. en [A.S. n, ne, en] pp.; woven. en [A.S. an] oxen, kine. en [A.S.] to make; darken, eiice, ency [L. entia] action, state or being ; as leniency, con- sistence, tendency ; indolence, com- placency. ent [L. ens] being; as president, opponent, different. eons [L. eus] pertaining to, con- taining ; as aqueous. er [A.S. ere] one wha; as maker, singer, writer. er [A.S. erian] frequentative; as flicker. er, more ; in comparative of ad- jectives, as greater. erel [O.F.] little; as pikerel, cockerel. erie [L. ariinn] place where ; as menagerie. erly [ ern, ly] direction to or from ; southerly. ern [L. erna] noun suffix; cistern. ern [A.S.] direction, to or from. as eastern, western ; or belonging to, as modern. ery [F. erie] place, act, state; as brewery, bribery, waggery. es, or s [A.S. as] pi. suffix ; as foxes, boots. escent [L. escens] growing, be- coming ; as convalescent. ese [L. ensis] belonging to; as Japanese. ess [F. ease L. iasa] fern, suffix of nouns ; as tigress, lioness. est [A.S.] bringest, lovest. Ilk est [A.S. est] superl. suffix in adj.: as youngest. et [F.] little; as casket, tablet, floweret, rivulet. etio [G. etikos] relating to ; as pathetic. ette [F.] little; as coquette. ety [L. etas] state of; as sobriety, anxiety. ever [A.S.] every, any ; as who- soever, whoever. ey [A.S. iff] consisting of; as clayey. fare, way ; as welfare. fast [A.S. faest] firm, fast ; as steadfast. fold [A.S. feald] adj. suffix; as fourfold. fnl [A.S.] full of; as joyful, use- ful, painful, delightful. fy [F. fier, L. facere] to make; as purify, fortify, diversify. H head, or hood [A.S. had, state] state or being ; as manhood, priesthood, neighbourhood. 1, pi. suffix of nouns, through Italian ; banditti. ian [L. ianus] adj. suffix; as Arabian, Canadian. ible [F., L. ililis] able to be; as flexible, accessible, possible. ic [L. and G.] belonging to; as gigantic, angelic, cubic. ical, adj. suffix, belonging to ; as cubical, comical. ice [L. itium] thing done; as service, notice. ice, isn [L. ix, ids] as pumice, radish. icle [A.S. gicel, a piece of ice] as icicle. ics [G. ika] in names of science; as pneumatics, mathematics. id [L. idus] belonging to; as rabid, fervid. ide [G. eidos, form] as bromide. ie, y, diminutive ; as lassie. ier [F. ier] one who; as cavalier, hosier. il, ile [L. His] able ; as civil, ductile. ile [Ij. His] belonging to; as juvenile, mercantile, gentile. im, pi. suffix ; as cherubim. ina, fern, suffix ; as Czarina. ine [L. inus] belonging to ; as divine, genuine, feline. ine [F. ine, L. ina] fern, suffix; as heroine. ing [A.S. ende] suffix of ppr.; coming. ing [A.S. ung, ing] noun suffix ; learning, dwelling. ing [A.S. ing] son of; as Man- ning, Harding ; also in names of animals, herring ; in coins, as farthing. ion [L. io] being or state of being : as creation. ior [L.] more; as superior, in- ferior. iqne [F., L. iqiius] belonging to; as antique. ish [A.S. isc] like ; as childish, girlish, foolish ; little, as brown- ish ; [F. iss. L. esc] to make; as establish, finish. ism, asm [G. ismos. asmos] act, being, or state of being ; as atheism, pleonasm. ist, ast [G. istes. astes] one who; as atheist, gymnast. ite [G. ites] belonging to, one who ; as anchorite, dynamite. ity [L. itas] being or state; as ability, capability, inability. ive [L. ivus] belonging to, having the power to ; as native, active, expansive, persuasive. ix [L.] as executrix, testatrix. ize [G. izein] to make; as fertilize, realize, equalize, canonize, epito- mize. K k, a verbal suffix ; as walk, talk. kin [A.S.] little; as lambkin, manikin. kind [A.S.] race, sort ; as woman- kind, humankind, mankind. 1, Ie, as verb suffix ; as kneel, drizzle. Ie, el [A.S.] denoting instrument, &c. ; as needle, navel. lent [L. lentus] full of ; as benev- olent, redolent, violent, virulent, corpulent. less [A.S. leas] without ; as use- less, worthless, valueless, tenant- less. let [el, Ie, and et] diminution, little : as eaglet, streamlet. like [A.S. He] like ; as warlike, saintlike, godlike. (in xii und ling [A.S.] little, young; as duck- ling, codling, darling ; sometimes depreciatory, as hireling, ground- ling. ling, long [A.S. Innrja, linga] adv. suffix ; its sidelong, darkling. lock [A.S. lac} noun suffix; wed- lock. lock, lick [A.S. leac] a leek ; as garlic, hemlock. ly [A.S. He] like; as lordly, friendly, kingly, manly. M meal [A.S. mailum] adv. suffix ; as piecemeal. men [L. men] state, that which ; as regimen, acumen. ment [F., L. mentum] act or state of ; as treatment, excite- ment, advancement, nourishment. mony [F. monie, L. monium, monia] act or state of ; as parsimony, testimony, matrimony. most [ma and est] greatest; as uppermost, endmost, topmost. N m, in participles, denoting pos- session ; as broken, hewn. ntl [A.S.] p.pr. suffix ; friend. ness [A.S.] being or state of being ; as madness, blindness, kindness. ock [A.S. uc] little ; as hillock. oid, oidal [G. oeides] as colloid. om [A.S. urn] old dative; as whilom. on [L. onem] as felon. on, one, pon [F. on. It. one] augmentative ; as balloon, flagon, trombone. or [L.] one who ; as imitator, persecutor, author, factor. ory [L. orius] belonging to or place where ; as olfactory, purga- tory, prefactory, piscatory. ose [L. osus] full of; as verbose, jocose. osity [L. ositas] abundance, state ; as verbosity, curiosity. ot [F.] little; as ballot, pivot; [G. otes] one who ; as patriot, zealot. onr [F. eur. L. or] state of being; as honour, favour. ons [L. us] full of; as prosperous, lustrous, nervous, dubious, fibrous. ow, w [A.S. u, we, wa] meadow, sparrow, straw. R r, er, verb suffix ; as chatter, titter. re [A.S.] pjace ; as here, there. red [A.S. rwd] implying number: as hundred. red [A.S. rceden, rule] state, those who ; as kindred. ric [A.S. rice, dominion] dominion, region ; as bishopric. right [A.S. riht] as upright, downright. ry, ery [ F. rie, erie] art, place ; as masonry, foundry ; also the re- sult of action, as poetry ; action, as sorcery ; condition, as slavery ; forming collective n. as infantry. S s [A.S. es] marking the genitive case. se [A.S. sian] to make ; as cleanse. ship [A.S. scipe] state or quality ; as hardship, friendship. sis [G.] action or state; as thesis. some [A.S.] full of; as tiresome, quarrelsome, gladsome. son, son ; as Johnson. ster [A.S. estre] agent or doer; as punster, gamester. stress [A.S.] as songstress, sy, se [G. sis] state; as dropsy, eclipse. t [L. tus] adj. and noun suffix; as fact, exact. t, for th. as height. teen [A.S. tyne] ten to be added; as fifteen, sixteen. ter, tre [G. tron] meter, centre. ter, ther [A.S. dcr, ter] thither, after. th, or t [A.S.] state or thing ; as birth, broth, light. ther, ter, der [A.S. dor, thcr, der] the agent, action ; as father, mother, slaughter, rudder. tnde [L. tudo] being or state of being; as solitude, altitude, grati- tude. ty [A.S. tig] ten to be multiplied ; seventy. ty [F. te, L. tas] being or state of being; as captivity, poverty, ra- pidity. V vie, le [L. ulus] little ; as globule, circle. und, ond [L. undus, F. ond] as jocund, vagabond. ure yer nre [L. ura, F. eur] act or state ; as verdure, mixture, capture, exposure. urn [L. urnus] as taciturn. urnal [L. urnus] belonging to; as diurnal. W ward [A.S.] in the direction of; as hitherward, homeward, east- ward. ways [A.S.] way, manner; as side-ways, bye-ways, wrong-ways. wise [A.S.] way, manner; as likewise. y [A.S. e] place ; as smithy ; [A. S. iff] as mighty ; [A.S. i-an] as ferry, y [F. ie, L. ia] abbey: [L. ivus] study ; [L. ies] progeny ; [L. ivus, F. if] massy; [G. ia] academy. yer [A.S.] one who; as lawyer. DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE -A A a (a or a), indef. art. (contrac- tion of an), one ; any : used before words beginning with a consonant or the sound of h. ab-a-ca (ab'a-ka), n. manila hemp. ab-a-cist (ab'a-sist), n. a calcula- tor ; accountant. a-back (a-bak'), adv. backward; pressed back against the mast : said of sails ; by surprise. ab-a-cus (ab'a-kus), n. a contriv- ance of beads or balls strung upon rods or wires : used for arithmetical computation ; the slab crowning a column or pillar. a-baft (fi-baff), adv. &_ prep, at, towards, or in the direction of the stern of a ship ; astern. a-bai-ser (a-ba'ser), n. bone black. ab-a-lo-ne (ab-a-15'ne), n. a gas- tropod having an ear-shaped shell. a-ban-clon (a-ban'dun) , v.t. to give up ; desert or forsake utterly ; give up all claim to ; yield one's self : n. unrestraint; freedom of manner. Syn. leave, forsake, desert, re- nounce, relinquish, quit, forego, let go, waive. Ant. (see keep, cherish). a-ban-doned (a-ban'dund), adj. given up entirely ; shamelessly profligate. a - ban - don - ment (a-ban'dun- ment), n. the act of abandoning; the state of being abandoned ; free- dom from restraint. a-bas (u-bii'), [French] down with. a-base (:1-bas'), v.t. to humble or degrade ; debase morally ; dishonor. a-base-ment (a-bas'ment), n. the act of abasing or humiliating. Syn. degradation, fall, degener- acy, humiliation, abjection, debase- ment, servility. Ant. (see honor). a-bash (a-bash'), v.t. to put to confusion ; confound or make ashamed by consciousness of guilt or error. Syn. bewilder, disconcert, dis- compose, confound, confuse, shame. Ant. (see embolden). a-ba ta-ble (a-ba'tu-bl), adj. that may be abated. a-bate (a-baf), v.t. to lessen; sup- press : v. i. to decrease ; moderate ; subside. Syn. decrease, diminish, lessen, moderate, reduce, subside. Ant. (see continue, increase). a-bate-ment (a-bat'ment), n. the act of abating ; the state of being abated ; diminution ; the amount by which a sum or quantity is re- duced. a ba-tis or a-bat-tis (English ab'&- ' tis ; French a-ba-te' ) , n. a barri- cade composed of felled trees with the branches pointing outward. a-bat-toir (a-bat-twar'), n. a pub- lic slaughter-house. abb (ab), n. the yarn of the warp in weaving. abba (ab'a & ab'a), n. father; a title of a bishop in the Syriac, Coptic, and Ethiopic churches. ab-ba-cy (ab'a-si), n. the office and jurisdiction of an abbot. ab-be (a-ba'), n. an ecclesiastic devoted to literature. ab-bess (ab'es), n. the lady su- perior of a convent or nunnery. ab-bey (ab'i), n. [pi. abbeys (-iz)], an establishment for re- ligious devotees of either sex, re- nounced to celibacy and seclusion from the world. ab-bot (ab'ut), n. the superior or head of an abbey. ab-bre-vi-ate ( ab-bre' vi-at), v.t. to shorten, as by contraction of a word or the omission of words in a sentence ; reduce a quantity to its lowest terms. ab-bre-vi-a-tion ( ab-bre' vi-a'- shun), n. the act of shortening or abbreviating; the state of being abbreviated ; the word, phrase, or title so contracted, as M.D. for Doctor of Medicine. ab-bre-vi-a-tor ( ab-bre'vi-a-ter) , n. one who shortens or abbreviates. ab-bre-vi-a-to-ry ( ab-bre' vi-a-to- ri), adj. abbreviating or contract- ing. ab-bre-vi-a-ture ( ab-bre' vi-a- tur), n. the sign, letter or char- acter used for contraction ; a com- pendium or abridgment. ab-di-cant (ab'di-kant). adj. re- ' lite, mar, mask, cat, awl ; he, her, let ; line, tin ; vote, porch, lot ; moon, cook; mute, nut; thin, then. abd abl nouncing ; abdicating : n. one who renounces or abdicates. ab-di-cate (ab'di-kat), v.t. re- nounce, give up, or withdraw from ; to relinquish the crown in favor of a successor. ab-di-ca-tion (ab-di-ka'shun), n. the act of relinquishment or resig- nation. ab-di-ca-tor (ab'di-ka-ter), . one who abdicates or resigns. ab-do-men (ab-do'men), n. the belly ; the cavity containing the digestive apparatus or viscera ; the posterior segment or third division of the body of an insect. ab-dom-i-nal ( ab-dom'i-nal ) , ad}. pertaining to the abdomen. ab-dom-i-nous ( ab-dom'i-nus) , adj. relating to the abdomen ; large- bellied. ab-duce (ab-dus'), v.t. to draw away by persuasion or argument ; draw aside by an abductor muscle. ab-dn-cent (ab-du'sent), n. that which abducts : adj. pulling away from a common center. ab-dnct (ab-dukf), v.t. to carry off by stealth or force ; kidnap. ab-dnc-tion (ab-duk'shun), n. the act of abducting or kidnapping. ab-duc-tor (ab-duk'ter), n. one who, or that which, abducts; a muscle moving certain parts from the axis of a limb. a -beam (a-bem'), adv. at right angles to the keel of a ship. a-be-ce-da-ri-an (a-be-se-da'ri- Sn ) , or abecedary, adj. belonging to the alphabet : n. one teaching or learning the alphabet. a-bed (a-bed'), adv. in bed; to bed. ab-er-rant (ab-er'ant), adj. de- parting from the usual path, type, or standard. ab-er-ra-tion (ab-er-ra'shun), n. the act of departing from the usual path, type, or standard ; mental derangement ; the unequal refrac- tion of rays of light from a lens so that they do not converge to a single point. ab-e-ran-ca-tor ( ab-e-rung'ka- tr), n. an instrument for weed- ing, and for pruning trees. a-bet (a-bef), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. abetted, p.pr. abetting], to encour- age ; to aid or assist in the per- formance of an act, usually to a criminal nature; to incite or In- stigate. Kyn. aid, assist, countenance, sanction, support, uphold. Ant. (see hinder, impede). a-bet-ment (a-bet'ment), n. the act of abetting or instigating to action or crime. a-bet-ter or abettor (a-bet'er), n. one who aids or abets in the commission of a crime ; one who protects a criminal or assists him to escape from justice. a-bey-ance (a-ba'ans), n. held or kept back ; held over ; a state of suspension. ab-hor (ab-h6r'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. abhorred, p.pr. abhorring], to hate, loathe, execrate, abominate ; be strongly averse to ; shrink or re- coil from with horror, dread, or disgust. Syn. despise, detest, dislike, loathe, abominate, hate. Ant. (see admire, approve). ab-hor-ren.ee ( ab-hor' rens ), n. de- testation ; extreme hatred ; that which excites a feeling of strong repugnance. ab hor-rent (ab-hor'rent), adj. detestable, hateful, repulsive. ab-hor-rer (ab-h6r'rer), n. one who abhors or detests. ab-hor-ring (ab-hor' ring), n. the feeling of abhorrence ; the object of abhorrence. a-bide (a-bid'), [p.t. & p.p. abode, p.pr. abiding], v.t. to await, en- dure, withstand, tolerate : v.i. to dwell, reside, continue, stand firm. Syn. dwell, lodge, remain, so- journ, stop, reside, live. Ant. (see abandon, depart). a-bid-er (a-bid'er), n. one who continues or resides ; a resident. a-bi-ding (a-bi'ding), p.adj. re- maining ; staying ; steadfast, in faith or in purpose. ab-i-gail (ab'i-gal), n. a waiting- maid, so called from Abigail, "thine handmaid" (I Sam. ixv. 2-41). a-bil-i-ty (S-bil'i-ti), . power to perform ; skill to achieve ; capabil- ity for carrying out ; capacity to devise, receive, retain, or make use of ; physical or moral strength ; talents or gifts, in a special or general degree ; wealth ; means. late, mar, mask, cat, awl : he, her, let ; line, tin ; vote, pOrch, lot ; m55a, cook ; mute, nut ; thin, then. 4bi a DO ab-in-tes-tate (ab-in-tes'tat), adj. succeeding to the estate of a per- son dying without a will. ab-i-o-gen-e-sis ( ab-i-o- jen'e-sis ) , n. spontaneous generation. ab-i-og-en-ous (ab-i-oj'en-us), adj. resulting from spontaneous generation. ab-ject (ab'jekt), adj. worthless; mean ; low ; despicable ; in a sunken or degraded condition. ab-jec-tion (ab-jek'shun), n. the act of being cast down ; cast away ; degradation. ab-ju-ra-tion (ab-jfi-ra'shun), n. an oath of renunciation, as of allegiance ; the act of renouncing ab-jure (ab-jur'), v.t. to renounce upon path ; forswear allegiance to ; repudiate or recant. ab lac ta tion ( ab-lak-ta'shun ) , n. the act of weai'.ing a child from the breast. ab-la-tion (ab-la'shun), n. the act of removal or carrying away. ab-la-ti-tious (ab-Ia-tish'us). adj. having the quality of carrying away. ab-la-tive (ab'IS-tiv), n. one of the cases of Latin nouns, express- ing chiefly separation and instru- mentality. a-blaze (A-blaz'), adv. or adj. on fire ; well alight ; in a blaze ; eager ; inflamed with desire; resplendent. a-ble (a'bl), adj. possessed of power, means, or ability ; qualified, competent; bodily or mentally strong ; legally authorized or en- titled. a-ble-bod-ied (bod'id), adj. pos- sessed of physical strength ; capa- ble or efficient for duty. ab-le-gate (ab'le-gat), n. the en- voy sent by the Pope with in- signia, &c., to newly-appointed cardinals. abloom (a-bloom'), adv. & adj. in bloom. ab lu-ent (ab'lu-ent), adj. cleans- ing: n. that which cleanses; a substance which purifies the blood. ab-lu tion (ab-lu'shun), n. a washing or cleansing of the body by water; moral purification. ab-lu-tion-a-ry (ab-lu'shun-a-rr ) , adj. pertaining to cleansing. ab-ne-gate (ab'ne-gat), v.t. to re- fuse or deny to one's self. ab-nor-mal (ab-n6r'mal), adj. irregular; deformed; unnatural; departing from a type, standard, or rule ; exceptional ; out of the common. ab-nor-mal-i-ty ( ab-nor-mal'i-ti ) , n. [pi. abnormalities (-tiz)], the state or condition of being abnor- mal or irregular; difference or de- parture from a regular type or rule. ab-nor-mal-ly (-li), adv. in an ab- normal manner. ab-nor-mi-ty (ab-nor'mi-ti), n. [pi. abnormities (-tiz) ], deform- ity ; irregularity. a-board (fi-bord'), adv. on or within a vessel : prep, into a ship. a -bode (a-bod'), n. a place of con- tinued residence ; a dwelling ; a habitation ; residence generally. a-bol-ish (a-bol'ish), v.t. to efface ; do away with ; put an end to. Syn. annul, destroy, end, ex- tirpate, obliterate 1 , exterminate. Ant. (see continue, renew). ab-o-li-tion (ab-o-lish'un), n. the act of abolishing ; the state of be- ing abolished ; the annulment or abrogation of decrees, rites, cus- toms, &c. ab-o-li-tion -ism (ab-6-lish'un- izm), n. the doctrine or principles of those advocating the abolition of certain laws or customs, as the traffic in drink, slaves, &c. ab-o-li-tion-ist ( ab-o-lish'un-ist). n. one who is in favor of the re- peal or abolition of some existing law or custom, as the slave trade or drink traffic. a-bo-ma (a-bo'ma), n. the name of a large species of boa or ana- conda of tropical America. a-bpm-i-na-ble (a-bora'i-na-bl), adj. hateful; odious; offensive; unclean. a-bom-i-nate (a-bom'i-nat), v.t. to abhor; regard with feelings of disgust or hatred. a-bom-i-na-tion (a-bom-i-na'- shun), n. excessive hatred ; the act of abominating ; the thing abom- inated ; defilement ; pollution. Fyn. nuisance, abuse, annoyance, aversion, offense, shame. Ant. (see blessing, delight). late, mar, mask, cat, awl ; he, her, let ; line, tin ; vote, pSrch, lot ; moon, cook ; mute, nut ; thin. then. abo abs ab-p-rig-i-nal (ab-6-rij'i-nSl), adj. original ; primitive ; existing from the beginning : n. the species of animals or plants presumed to have originated within a given area. ab-o-rig-i-nes (ab-o-rij'i-nez), n.pl. the first or primitive inhab- itants of a country ; the native or indigenous animals or plants of any geographical area. a-bort (a-b6rf), v.i. to miscarry in birth ; to remain undeveloped. a-bor-ted (a-b6r'ted), p.adj. pre- maturely born ; checked or arrested in development ; functionally im- perfect. a-bor-tion ( a-bor' shun ), . un- timely birth ; miscarriage ; that which falls short of maturity by arrest of development. a-bor tion-ist (a-bor'shun-ist), n. one who is guilty of the crime of procuring a criminal abortion, or who induces abortion. a-bor- tive (a-bQr'tiv), adj. born imperfect ; arrested in develop- ment ; without issue or result. Syn. fruitless, ineffectual, idle, inoperative, vain, futile. Ant. (see effectual). a-bonnd (a-bound'), v.i. to have in plenty or abundance ; to exist in great numbers or quantity (fol- lowed by in or with). a-bout (fi-bouf). adv. around; on every side ; circuitously ; near to ; intending : prep, concerned in ; re- lating to. a-bove (a-buv'), adv. in a higher place ; overhead ; in heaven ; be- fore ; besides : prep, superior ; be- yond ; in excess of. a-bove-board (a-buv'bord). adj. & adv. in open sight ; without trickery. ab-ra-dant (ab-ra'dant), adj. hav- ing the property of rubbing away : n. substance employed for abrad- ing or scouring. ab-rade (ab-rad'), v.t. to wear or rub away ; to remove as by fric- tion or abrasion ; to corrode, as by acids. ab-ra-sion (ab-ra'zhun), n. the act of wearing or rubbing away ; a chafe. a -breast (a-bresf), adv. side by side ; in line with ; opposite to ; at the same level. a -bridge (a-brij'), v.t. to curtail, shorten, condense, epitomize. abridgment (a-brij'ment). n. the state of being contracted or curtailed ; an epitome. a-broacb. (a-broch'), adv. & adj. letting out ; nlaced in position for yielding the contents. a -broad (a-brawd'), adv. widely: expansively ; beyond the limits of house or country ; wide of the mark. ab-ro-gate (ab'ro-gat) , v.t. to abol- ish, annul, or repeal by authority. ab-ro-ga-tion (ab-ro-ga'shun), n. the act of abrogating ; the repeal or annulling of a law. ab-ro-ga-tor (ab'ro-gii-ter), n. one who repeals by authority. ab-rupt ( ab-rupt'), adj. broken; terminating suddenly ; steep ; pre- cipitous ; rough ; unceremonious. ab-mpt-ed (ab-rupt'ed), p.adj. broken off with suddenness ; torn off or asunder. ab-rap-tion (ab-rup'shun), n. a separation with violence ; a sud- den or abrupt termination. ab-scess (ab'ses), n. [pi. abscesses (-ez)], a collection of morbid mat- ter or pus in the tissues of the body. ab-scis-sion (ab-sizh'un), n. the act of severance ; the breaking off in a sentence, leaving the rest to be implied. ab-scond (ab-skond'), v.i. to flee or retire in haste from the place of one's residence or post of duty ; quit the country in secret. Syn. run off, steal away, de- camp, bolt. ab-sence (ab'sens), n. the state of being absent; the period of being absent. ab-sent (ab'sent), adj. not pres- ent ; away ; wanting ; regardless ; abstracted. Syn. inattentive, abstracted, not attending to, listless, dreamy. Ant. (see present). ab-sent ( ab-sent'), v.t. to retire or keep away from. ab-sen-tee (ab-sen-te'), n. one who is absent or absents himself purposely from home or duty. late, mar, mask, cat, awl ; hS, he"r, let ; line, tin ; vote, p6rch, lot ; mo6n, cook ; mute, nut ; thin, then. abs ab-sen-tee-ism ( nb-sen-te'izm). n. the state or custom of living away from one's country or es- tate. mb-sent-ly (ab'sent-li), adv. in an abstracted manner. ab - sinthe (English ab'sinth ; French iib-sangt'), n. wormwood: a bitter aromatic liqueur com- pounded of brandy and worm- wood, largely drunk in France. ab -sin-thin (ab-sin'thin). n. the bitter principle of wormwood. ab-so-lnte (ab'so-lfit), adj. free as to condition : perfect in itself ; unlimited in power; fixed, irrev- ocable ; despotic : positive : n. the will or power of the Almighty. Kyn. arrogant, commanding, des- potic, lordly, supreme, arbitrary. Ant. (see compliant, humble). ab-so-lu-tion (ab-so-lfi'shtm ) . ?j. the act of absolving from the con- sequences of sin. ab so lu-tism (ab'so-lu-tizm), n. the state of being absolute; the principle or system of absolute government. ab-so lu-tist (ab'so-lu-tist), n. a supporter or advocate of despotic or absolute government. ab-sol-u-to-ry (ab-sol'u-to-ri), adj. absolving ; capable of absolv- ing. ab-sol-va-to-ry ( ab-sol'va-to-ri ) , adj. containing or conferring abso- lution ; having power to pardon or absolve. ab-solve (ab-solv'), v.t. to release or set free; clear of crime or guilt : to forgive or remit. Xiin. exonerate, pardon, release, exempt, clear, acquit. Ant. (see condemn, bind). absorb ( ah-sorb'), v.t. to drink in; imbibe; suck or swallow up; engross or engage wholly. NI/H. consume, engross, imbibe, swallow, take in. Ant. (see emit, dissipate). ab-sorb-a-bil-i-ty I ab-surb-u-bil'i- ti>. n. the state or quality of be- ing absorbable. ab-sorb-a-ble (ab-sorh'u-bl ). tnli. capable of being absorbed. ab-sorb-en-cy (ab-sorb'en-si), n. capacity for absorbing. absorb ent (ab-s6rb'ent). adj. absorbing: n. the capacity for ab- sorbing : anything which absorbs or takes in nutritive matter: a vessel in the body : a substance capable of absorbing or withdraw- ing gases or moisture from the air. ab-sorp-ti-om-e-ter ( ab-sorp-shi- om'e-ter). n. an instrument to show the amount of gas absorbed by a unit volume of a fluid. ab-sorp-tion (ab-sorp'shun). n. the process or act of absorbing ; the state of being absorbed ; en- tire occupation of the mind. ab-sorp-tion-bands ( -banz ) . n.pl. the dark bands in the spectrum, more or less wide, and not usually sharply defined. ab-sorp-tion-lines (-lins), n.pl. dark lines in the spectrum pro- duced by the absorption of cool vapors through which the light has passed. ab-sprp-tive (ab-s6rp'tiv), adj. having power or capacity for ab- sorption. ab-sorp-tiv-i-ty ( ab-so rp-ti v'i-ti ) , n. the power of absorption. ab squat-u-late ( ab-skwot'u-lat ) , v.i. to abscond. ab-stain (ab-stan'), v.t. to for- bear; refrain; hold aloof; keep away from. ab-stain-er (ab-stan'er), n. one who abstains, especially from in- toxicants. ab-ste-mi-ons (ab-ste'mi-ns), ad}. moderate and sparing in the use of food and drink ; non-indulgent. ab-sten-tion (ab-sten'shun), n. the act of holding off or abstain- ing. ab-sten-tion-ist (ab-sten'shun- ist), n. one who favors or prac- tices abstention. ab-sten-tious (ab-sten'shus), adj. characterized by abstention. ab-ster-gent (ab-ster'jent), adj. possessing cleansing or purging properties : n. that which cleanses or purges ; a detergent. ab-ster sion (ab-ster-shun), n. the act of wiping clean ; the act of cleansing by the use of abster- gents. ab-ster-sive (ab-ster'siv), adj. cleansing ; of the nature or qual- ity of an abstergent; n. tbat which cleanses or purifies. ab-sti-nence (ab'sti-nens), n. the late, mar, mask, cat, awl ; he, her, let ; line, tin ; vote, p6rch, lot ; moon, cook ; mute, nut : thin. then. ahs act or practice of abstaining : self- denial : partial or total forbearance from the use of food or drink.