Front matter (continued 2)

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AÏway¶Ðgo¶ing (?), a. (Law) Sown during the last years of a tenancy, but not ripe until after its expiration; Ð said of crops. Wharton. AÏway¶ward (?), adv. Turned away; away. [Obs.] Chaucer. Awe (?), n. [OE. a?e, aghe, fr. Icel. agi; akin to AS. ege, ?ga, Goth. agis, Dan. ave chastisement, fear, Gr. ? pain, distress, from the same root as E. ail. ?3. Cf. Ugly.] 1. Dread; great fear mingled with respect. [Obs. or Obsolescent] His frown was full of terror, and his voice Shook the delinquent with such fits of awe. Cowper. 2. The emotion inspired by something dreadful and sublime; an undefined sense of the dreadful and the sublime; reverential fear, or solemn wonder; profound reverence. There is an awe in mortals' joy, A deep mysterious fear. Keble. To tame the pride of that power which held the Continent in awe. Macaulay. The solitude of the desert, or the loftiness of the mountain, may fill the mind with awe Ð the sense of our own littleness in some greater presence or power. C. J. Smith. To stand in awe of, to fear greatly; to reverence profoundly. Syn. Ð See Reverence. Awe (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Awed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Awing.] To strike with fear and reverence; to inspire with awe; to control by inspiring dread. That same eye whose bend doth awe the world. Shak. His solemn and pathetic exhortation awed and melted the bystanders. Macaulay. AÏwea¶ried (?), p. p. Wearied. [Poetic] AÏwea¶ry (?), a. [Pref. aÏ + weary.] Weary. [Poetic] ½I begin to be aweary of thee.¸ Shak. AÏweath¶er (?), adv. [Pref. aÏ + weather.] (Naut.) On the weather side, or toward the wind; in the direction from which the wind blows; Ð opposed to alee; as, helm aweather ! Totten. AÏweigh¶ (?), adv. [Pref. aÏ + weigh.] (Naut.) Just drawn out of the ground, and hanging perpendicularly; atrip; Ð said of the anchor. Totten. Awe¶less (?), a. See Awless. Awe¶some (?), a. 1. Causing awe; appalling; awful; as, an awesome sight. Wright. 2. Expressive of awe or terror. An awesome glance up at the auld castle. Sir W. Scott. Awe¶someÏness, n. The quality of being awesome. Awe¶Ðstrick·en (?), a. AweÐstruck. Awe¶Ðstruck· (?), a. Struck with awe. Milton. Aw¶ful (?), a. 1. Oppressing with fear or horror; appalling; terrible; as, an awful scene. ½The hour of Nature's awful throes.¸ Hemans. 2. Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence, or with fear and admiration; fitted to inspire reverential fear; profoundly impressive. Heaven's awful Monarch. Milton. 3. Struck or filled with awe; terrorÐstricken. [Obs.] A weak and awful reverence for antiquity. I. Watts. 4. Worshipful; reverential; lawÐabiding. [Obs.] Thrust from the company of awful men. Shak. 5. Frightful; exceedingly bad; great; Ð applied intensively; as, an awful bonnet; an awful boaster. [Slang] Syn. Ð See Frightful. Aw¶fulÏly, adv. 1. In an awful manner; in a manner to fill with terror or awe; fearfully; reverently. 2. Very; excessively. [Slang] Aw¶fulÏness, n. 1. The quality of striking with awe, or with reverence; dreadfulness; solemnity; as, the awfulness of this sacred place. The awfulness of grandeur. Johnson. 2. The state of being struck with awe; a spirit of solemnity; profound reverence. [Obs.] Producing in us reverence and awfulness. Jer. Taylor. AÏwhape¶ (?), v. t. [Cf. whap blow.] To confound; to terrify; to amaze. [Obs.] Spenser. AÏwhile¶ (?), adv. [Adj. a + while time, interval.] For a while; for some time; for a short time. AÏwing¶ (?), adv. [Pref. aÐ + wing.] On the wing; flying; fluttering. Wallace. Awk (?), a. [OE. auk, awk (properly) turned away; (hence) contrary, wrong, from Icel. ”figr, ”fugr, afigr, turning the wrong way, fr. af off, away; cf. OHG. abuh, Skr. ap¾c turned away, fr. apa off, away + a root ak, a?k, to bend, from which come also E. angle, anchor.] 1. Odd; out of order; perverse. [Obs.] 2. Wrong, or not commonly used; clumsy; sinister; as, the awk end of a rod (the but end). [Obs.] Golding. 3. Clumsy in performance or manners; unhandy; not dexterous; awkward. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Awk, adv. Perversely; in the wrong way. L'Estrange. Awk¶ly, adv. 1. In an unlucky (leftÐhanded) or perverse manner. [Obs.] Holland. 2. Awkwardly. [Obs.] Fuller. Awk¶ward (?), a. [Awk + Ïward.] 1. Wanting dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments; not dexterous; without skill; clumsy; wanting ease, grace, or effectiveness in movement; ungraceful; as, he was awkward at a trick; an awkward boy. And dropped an awkward courtesy. Dryden. 2. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing. A long and awkward process. Macaulay. An awkward affair is one that has gone wrong, and is difficult to adjust. C. J. Smith. 3. Perverse; adverse; untoward. [Obs.] ½Awkward casualties.¸ ½Awkward wind.¸ Shak. O blind guides, which being of an awkward religion, do strain out a gnat, and swallow up a cancel. Udall. Syn. Ð Ungainly; unhandy; clownish; lubberly; gawky; maladroit; bungling; ?nelegant; ungraceful; unbecoming. Ð Awkward, Clumsy, Uncouth. Awkward has a special reference to outward deportment. A man is clumsy in his whole person, he is awkward in his gait and the movement of his limbs. Clumsiness is seen at the first view. Awkwardness is discovered only when a person begins to move. Hence the expressions, a clumsy appearance, and an awkward manner. When we speak figuratively of an awkward excuse, we think of a want of ease and grace in making it; when we speak of a clumsy excuse, we think of the whole thing as coarse and stupid. We apply the term uncouth most frequently to that which results from the want of instruction or training; as, uncouth manners; uncouth language. Ð Awk¶wardÏly (?), adv. Ð Awk¶wardÏness, n. Awl (?), n. [OE. aul, awel, al, AS. ?l, awel; akin to Icel. alr, OHG. ¾la, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. ¾r¾.] A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc. Aw¶less (?), a. 1. Wanting reverence; void of respectful fear. ½Awless insolence.¸ Dryden. 2. Inspiring no awe. [Obs.] ½The awless throne.¸ Shak. [Written also aweless.] Aw¶lessÏness, n. The quality of being awless. Awl¶Ðshaped· (?), a. 1. Shaped like an awl. 2. (Nat. Hist.) Subulate. See Subulate. Gray. Awl¶wort· (?), n. [Awl + wort.] (Bot.) A plant (Subularia aquatica), with awlÐshaped leaves. Awm (?m), n. See Aam. Awn (?), n. [OE. awn, agune, from Icel. ”gn, pl. agnir; akin to Sw. agn, Dan. avne, Goth. ahana, OHG. agana, G. agen, ahne, chaff, Gr. ?, AS. egla; prob. from same root as E. acute. See 3d Ear. ?1.] (Bot.) The bristle or beard of barley, oats, grasses, etc., or any similar bristlelike appendage; arista. Gray. Awned (?), a. (Bot.) Furnished with an awn, or long bristleÐshaped tip; bearded. Gray. Awn¶ing (?), n. [Origin uncertain: cf. F. auvent awing, or Pers. ¾wan, ¾wang, anything suspended, or LG. havening a place sheltered from wind and weather, E. haven.] 1. A rooflike cover, usually of canvas, extended over or before any place as a shelter from the sun, rain, or wind. 2. (Naut.) That part of the poop deck which is continued forward beyond the bulkhead of the cabin. Awn¶inged (?), a. Furnished with an awning. Awn¶less, a. Without awns or beard. Awn¶y (?), a. Having awns; bearded. AÏwork¶ (?), adv. [Pref. aÏ + work.] At work; in action. ½Set awork.¸ Shak. AÏwork¶ing, adv. [Pref. aÏ + working.] At work; in action. [Archaic or Colloq.] Spenser. AÏwreak¶, AÏwreke¶,} (?), v. t. & i. To avenge. [Obs.] See Wreak. AÏwrong¶ (?), adv. [Pref. aÏ + wrong.] Wrongly. Ford. AÏwry¶ (?), adv. & a. [Pref. aÏ + wry.] 1. Turned or twisted toward one side; not in a straight or true direction, or position; out of the right course; distorted; obliquely; asquint; with oblique vision; as, to glance awry. ½Your crown's awry.¸ Shak. Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues awry. Into the devious air. Milton. 2. Aside from the line of truth, or right reason; unreasonable or unreasonably; perverse or perversely. Or by her charms Draws him awry, enslaved. Milton. Nothing more awry from the law of God and nature than that a woman should give laws to men. Milton. Aw¶some (?), a. Same as Awesome. Ax, Axe,} (?), n. [OE. ax, axe, AS. eax, ‘x, acas; akin to D. akse, OS. accus, OHG. acchus, G. axt, Icel. ”x, ”xi, Sw. yxe, Dan. ”kse, Goth. aqizi, Gr. ?, L. ascia; not akin to E. acute.] A tool or instrument of steel, or of iron with a steel edge or blade, for felling trees, chopping and splitting wood, hewing timber, etc. It is wielded by a wooden helve or handle, so fixed in a socket or eye as to be in the same plane with the blade. The broadax, or carpenter's ax, is an ax for hewing timber, made heavier than the chopping ax, and with a broader and thinner blade and a shorter handle. The ancient battleÐax had sometimes a double edge. µ The word is used adjectively or in combination; as, axhead or ax head; ax helve; ax handle; ax shaft; axÐshaped; axlike. This word was originally spelt with e, axe; and so also was nearly every corresponding word of one syllable: as, flaxe, taxe, waxe, sixe, mixe, pixe, oxe, fluxe, etc. This superfluous e is not dropped; so that, in more than a hundred words ending in x, no one thinks of retaining the e except in axe. Analogy requires its exclusion here. ½The spelling ax is better on every ground, of etymology, phonology, and analogy, than axe, which has of late become prevalent.¸ New English Dict. (Murray). Ax (?), v. t. & i. [OE. axien and asken. See Ask.] To ask; to inquire or inquire of. µ This word is from Saxon, and is as old as the English language. Formerly it was in good use, but now is regarded as a vulgarism. It is still dialectic in England, and is sometimes heard among the uneducated in the United States. ½And Pilat axide him, Art thou kyng of Jewis?¸ ½Or if he axea fish.¸ Wyclif. ½The king axed after your Grace's welfare.¸ Pegge. Ax¶al (?), a. [See Axial.] [R.] Axe (?), Axe¶man (?), etc. See Ax, Axman. Ax¶iÏal (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to an axis; of the nature of, or resembling, an axis; around an axis. To take on an axial, and not an equatorial, direction. Nichol. 2. (Anat.) Belonging to the axis of the body; as, the axial skeleton; or to the axis of any appendage or organ; as, the axial bones. Axial line (Magnetism), the line taken by the magnetic force in passing from one pole of a horseshoe magnet to the other. Faraday. Ax¶iÏalÏly (?), adv. In relation to, or in a line with, an axis; in the axial (magnetic) line. Ax¶il (?), n. [L. axilla. Cf. Axle.] (Bot.) The angle or point of divergence between the upper side of a branch, leaf, or petiole, and the stem or branch from which it springs. Gray. Ax¶ile (?), a. Situated in the axis of anything; as an embryo which lies in the axis of a seed. Gray. Ø AxÏil¶la (?), n.; pl. Axillae (?). [L.] (Anat.) The armpit, or the cavity beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder. 2. (Bot.) An axil. Ax¶ilÏlar (?), a. Axillary. Ax¶ilÏlaÏries (?), Ax¶ilÏlars (?),} n. pl. (Zo”l.) Feathers connecting the under surface of the wing and the body, and concealed by the closed wing. Ax¶ilÏlaÏry (?), a. [See Axil.] 1. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the axilla or armpit; as, axillary gland, artery, nerve. 2. (Bot.) Situated in, or rising from, an axil; of or pertaining to an axil. ½Axillary buds.¸ Gray. Ax¶iÏnite (?), n. [Named in allusion to the form of the crystals, fr. Gr. ? an ax.] (Min.) A borosilicate of alumina, iron, and lime, commonly found in glassy, brown crystals with acute edges. AxÏin¶oÏman·cy (?), n. [L. axinomantia, Gr. ? ax + Ïmancy.] A species of divination, by means of an ax or hatchet. Ax¶iÏom (?), n. [L. axioma, Gr. ? that which is thought worthy, that which is assumed, a basis of demonstration, a principle, fr. ? to think worthy, fr. ? worthy, weighing as much as; cf. ? to lead, drive, also to weigh so much: cf F. axiome. See Agent, a.] 1. (Logic & Math.) A selfÐevident and necessary truth, or a proposition whose truth is so evident as first sight that no reasoning or demonstration can make it plainer; a proposition which it is necessary to take for granted; as, ½The whole is greater than a part;¸ ½A thing can not, at the same time, be and not be.¸ 2. An established principle in some art or science, which, though not a necessary truth, is universally received; as, the axioms of political economy. Syn. Ð Axiom, Maxim, Aphorism, Adage. An axiom is a selfÐevident truth which is taken for granted as the basis of reasoning. A maxim is a guiding principle sanctioned by experience, and relating especially to the practical concerns of life. An aphorism is a short sentence pithily expressing some valuable and general truth or sentiment. An adage is a saying of longÐestablished authority and of universal application. Ax·iÏoÏmat¶ic (?), Ax·iÏoÏmat¶icÏal,} a. [Gr. ?.] Of or pertaining to an axiom; having the nature of an axiom; selfÐevident; characterized by axioms. ½Axiomatical truth.¸ Johnson. The stores of axiomatic wisdom. I. Taylor. Ax·iÏoÏmat¶icÏalÏly, adv. By the use of axioms; in the form of an axiom. Ø Ax¶is (?), n. [L.] (Zo”l.) The spotted deer (Cervus axis or Axis maculata) of India, where it is called hog deer and parrah (Moorish name). Ax¶is (?), n.; pl. Axes (?). [L. axis axis, axle. See Axle.] 1. A straight line, real or imaginary, passing through a body, on which it revolves, or may be supposed to revolve; a line passing through a body or system around which the parts are symmetrically arranged. 2. (Math.) A straight line with respect to which the different parts of a magnitude are symmetrically arranged; as, the axis of a cylinder, i. e., the axis of a cone, that is, the straight line joining the vertex and the center of the base; the axis of a circle, any straight line passing through the center. 3. (Bot.) The stem; the central part, or longitudinal support, on which organs or parts are arranged; the central line of any body. Gray. 4. (Anat.) (a) The second vertebra of the neck, or vertebra dentata. (b) Also used of the body only of the vertebra, which is prolonged anteriorly within the foramen of the first vertebra or atlas, so as to form the odontoid process or peg which serves as a pivot for the atlas and head to turn upon. 5. (Crystallog.) One of several imaginary lines, assumed in describing the position of the planes by which a crystal is bounded. 6. (Fine Arts) The primary of secondary central line of any design. Anticlinal axis (Geol.), a line or ridge from which the strata slope downward on the two opposite sides. Ð Synclinal axis, a line from which the strata slope upward in opposite directions, so as to form a valley. Ð Axis cylinder (Anat.), the neuraxis or essential, central substance of a nerve fiber; Ð called also axis band, axial fiber, and cylinder axis. Ð Axis in peritrochio, the wheel and axle, one of the mechanical powers. Ð Axis of a curve (Geom.), a straight line which bisects a system of parallel chords of a curve; called a principal axis, when cutting them at right angles, in which case it divides the curve into two symmetrical

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portions, as in the parabola, which has one such axis, the ellipse, which has two, or the circle, which has an infinite number. The two axes of the ellipse are the major axis and the minor axis, and the two axes of the hyperbola are the transverse axis and the conjugate axis. Ð Axis of a lens, the straight line passing through its center and perpendicular to its surfaces. Ð Axis of a telescope or microscope, the straight line with which coincide the axes of the several lenses which compose it. Ð Axes of co”rdinates in a plane, to straight lines intersecting each other, to which points are referred for the purpose of determining their relative position: they are either rectangular or oblique. Ð Axes of co”rdinates in space, the three straight lines in which the co”rdinate planes intersect each other. Ð Axis of a balance, that line about which it turns. Ð Axis of oscillation, of a pendulum, a right line passing through the center about which it vibrates, and perpendicular to the plane of vibration. Ð Axis of polarization, the central line around which the prismatic rings or curves are arranged. Brewster. Ð Axis of revolution (Descriptive Geom.), a straight line about which some line or plane is revolved, so that the several points of the line or plane shall describe circles with their centers in the fixed line, and their planes perpendicular to it, the line describing a surface of revolution, and the plane a solid of revolution. Ð Axis of symmetry (Geom.), any line in a plane figure which divides the figure into two such parts that one part, when folded over along the axis, shall coincide with the other part. Ð Axis of the equator, ecliptic, horizon (or other circle considered with reference to the sphere on which it lies), the diameter of the sphere which is perpendicular to the plane of the circle. Hutton. Ð Axis of the Ionic capital (Arch.), a line passing perpendicularly through the middle of the eye of the volute. Ð Neutral axis (Mech.), the line of demarcation between the horizontal elastic forces of tension and compression, exerted by the fibers in any cross section of a girder. Ð Optic ~ of a crystal, the direction in which a ray of transmitted light suffers no double refraction. All crystals, not of the isometric system, are either uniaxial or biaxial. Ð Optic ~, Visual ~ (Opt.), the straight line passing through the center of the pupil, and perpendicular to the surface of the eye. Ð Radical ~ of two circles (Geom.), the straight line perpendicular to the line joining their centers and such that the tangents from any point of it to the two circles shall be equal to each other. Ð Spiral ~ (Arch.), the ~ of a twisted column drawn spirally in order to trace the circumvolutions without. Ð Axis of abscissas and Axis of ordinates. See Abscissa. Ax¶le (?), n. [OE. axel, exel, shoulder, AS. ?axl; akin to AS. eax axle, Sw. & Dan. axel shoulder, ~, G. achse axle, achsel shoulder, L. axis axle, Gr. ?, Skr. aksha, L. axillaÿshoulder joint: cf. F. essieu, axle, OF. aissel, fr. dim. of L. axis. ?. Cf. 2d Axis.] 1. The pin or spindle on which a wheel revolves, or which revolves with a wheel. 2. A transverse bar or shaft connecting the opposite wheels of a car or carriage; an axletree. 3. An axis; as, the sun's axle. Had from her axle torn The steadfast earth. Milton. µ Railway axles are called leading and trailing from their position in the front or in the rear of a car or truck respectively. Ax¶le box· (?). 1. A bushing in the hub of a wheel, through which the axle passes. 2. The journal box of a rotating axle, especially a railway axle. µ In railway construction, the axle guard, or pedestal, with the superincumbent weight, rests on the top of the box (usually with a spring intervening), and holds it in place by flanges. The box rests upon the journal bearing and key, which intervene between the inner top of the box and the axle. Ax¶led (?), a. Having an axle; Ð used in composition. Merlin's agateÐaxled car. T. Warton. Ax¶le guard· (?). The part of the framing of a railway car or truck, by which an axle box is held laterally, and in which it may move vertically; Ð also called a jaw in the United States, and a housing in England. Ax¶leÏtree· (?), n. [Cf. Icel. ”xultr?.] 1. A bar or beam of wood or iron, connecting the opposite wheels of a carriage, on the ends of which the wheels revolve. 2. A spindle or axle of a wheel. [Obs.] Ax¶man (?), n.; pl. Axmen (?). One who wields an ax. Ax¶min·ster (?), n. An ÷ carpet, ?n imitation Turkey carpet, noted for its thick and soft pile; Ð so called from Axminster, Eng. Ø Ax¶oÏlotl (?), n. [The native name.] (Zo”l.) An amphibian of the salamander tribe found in the elevated lakes of Mexico; the siredon. µ When it breeds in captivity the young develop into true salamanders of the genus Amblystoma. This also occurs naturally under favorable conditions, in its native localities; although it commonly lives and breeds in a larval state, with persistent external gills. See Siredon. Ax¶stone· (?), n. (Min.) A variety of jade. It is used by some savages, particularly the natives of the South Sea Islands, for making axes or hatchets. Ax¶tree (?), n. Axle or axletree. [Obs.] Drayton. Ax¶unge (?), n. [F. axonge, L. axungia; axis wheel + ungere to grease.] Fat; grease; esp. the fat of pigs or geese; usually (Pharm.), lard prepared for medical use. Ay (?), interj. Ah! alas! ½Ay me! I fondly dream ? Had ye been there.'¸ Milton. Ay (?), adv. Same as Aye. Ø A¶yah (?), n. [Pg. aia, akin to Sp. aya a governess, ayo a tutor.] A native nurse for children; also, a lady's maid. [India] Aye, Ay } (?), adv. [Perh. a modification of yea, or from the interjection of admiration or astonishment, OE. ei, ey, why, hey, ay, well, ah, ha. Cf. MHG. & G. ei, Dan. ej. Or perh. akin to aye ever.] Yes; yea; Ð a word expressing assent, or an affirmative answer to a question. It is much used in viva voce voting in legislative bodies, etc. µ This word is written I in the early editions of Shakespeare and other old writers. Aye (?), n. An affirmative vote; one who votes in the affirmative; as, ½To call for the ayes and noes;¸ ½The ayes have it.¸ Aye, Ay } (?), adv. [Icel. ei, ey; akin to AS. ¾, ¾wa, always, Goth. aiws an age, Icel. ‘fi, OHG, ?wa, L. aevum, Gr. ? an age, ?, ?, ever, always, G. je, Skr. ?va course. ?,?. Cf. Age, v., Either, a., Or, conj.] Always; ever; continually; for an indefinite time. For his mercies aye endure. Milton. For aye, always; forever; eternally. Aye¶Ðaye· (?), n. [From the native name, prob. from its cry.] (Zo”l.) A singular nocturnal quadruped, allied to the lemurs, found in Madagascar (Cheiromys Madagascariensis), remarkable for its long fingers, sharp nails, and rodentÐlike incisor teeth. Aye¶green· (?), n. [Aye ever + green.] (Bot.) The houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum). Halliwell. AÏyen¶, AÏyein¶ (?), AÏyeins¶ (?), adv. & prep. [OE. ?, ?. See Again.] Again; back against. [Obs.] Chaucer. AÏyen¶ward (?), adv. Backward. [Obs.] Chaucer. Ayle (?), n. [OE. ayel, aiel, OF. aiol, aiel, F. a‹eul, a dim. of L. avus grandfather.] A grandfather. [Obs.] Writ of Ayle, an ancient English writ which lay against a stranger who had dispossessed the demandant of land of which his grandfather died seized. Ay¶me· (?), n. [Cf. F. ahi interj.] The utterance of the ejaculation ½Ay me !¸ [Obs.] See Ay, interj. ½Aymees and hearty heighÐhoes.¸ J. Fletcher. AÏyond¶ (?), prep. & adv. Beyond. [North of Eng.] AÏyont¶ (?), prep. & adv. Beyond. [Scot.] A¶yÏrie, A¶yÏry (?), n. See Aerie. Drayton. Ayr¶shire (?), n. (Agric.) One of a superior breed of cattle from Ayrshire, Scotland. Ayrshires are notable for the quantity and quality of their milk. Ø AÏyun·taÏmiÏen¶to (?), n. [Sp., fr. OSp. ayuntar to join.] In Spain and Spanish America, a corporation or body of magistrates in cities and towns, corresponding to mayor and aldermen. AÏza¶leÏa (?; 97), h.; pl. Azaleas (?). [NL., fr. Gr. ? dry, Ð so called because supposed to grow best in dry ground.] (Bot.) A genus of showy flowering shrubs, mostly natives of China or of North America; false honeysuckle. The genus is scarcely distinct from Rhododendron. Az¶aÏrole (?), n. [F. azerole, the name of the fruit, fr. Ar. azÏzo'r?r: cf. It. azzeruolo, Sp. acerolo.] (Bot.) The Neapolitan medlar (Crat‘gus azarolus), a shrub of southern Europe; also, its fruit. AÏzed¶aÏrach (?), n. [F. az‚darac, Sp. acederaque, Pers. ¾z¾ddirakht noble tree.] 1. (Bot.) A handsome Asiatic tree (Melia azedarach), common in the southern United States; Ð called also, Pride of India, Pride of China, and Bead tree. 2. (Med.) The bark of the roots of the azedarach, used as a cathartic and emetic. Az¶iÏmuth (?), n. [OE. azimut, F. azimut, fr. Ar. asÐsum?t, pl. of asÐsamt a way, or perh., a point of the horizon and a circle extending to it from the zenith, as being the Arabic article: cf. It. azzimutto, Pg. azimuth, and Ar. samtÐalÐr¾'s the vertex of the heaven. Cf. Zenith.] (Astron. & Geodesy) (a) The quadrant of an ~ circle. (b) An arc of the horizon intercepted between the meridian of the place and a vertical circle passing through the center of any object; as, the azimuth of a star; the azimuth or bearing of a line surveying. µ In trigonometrical surveying, it is customary to reckon the azimuth of a line from the south point of the horizon around by the west from 00 to 3600. Azimuth circle, or Vertical circle, one of the great circles of the sphere intersecting each other in the zenith and nadir, and cutting the horizon at right angles. Hutton. Ð Azimuth compass, a compass resembling the mariner's compass, but having the card divided into degrees instead of rhumbs, and having vertical sights; used for taking the magnetic ~ of a heavenly body, in order to find, by comparison with the true ~, the variation of the needle. Ð Azimuth dial, a dial whose stile or gnomon is at right angles to the plane of the horizon. Hutton. Ð Magnetic ~, an arc of the horizon, intercepted between the vertical circle passing through any object and the magnetic meridian. This is found by observing the object with an ~ compass. Az¶iÏmuth·al (?), a. Of or pertaining to the azimuth; in a horizontal circle. ÷ error of a transit instrument, its deviation in azimuth from the plane of the meridian. Az¶oÏ (?). [See Azote.] (Chem.) A combining form of azote; (a) Applied loosely to compounds having nitrogen variously combined, as in cyanides, nitrates, etc. (b) Now especially applied to compounds containing a two atom nitrogen group uniting two hydrocarbon radicals, as in azobenzene, azobenzoic, etc. These compounds furnish many artificial dyes. See DiazoÏ. Az·oÏben¶zene (?), n. [AzoÏ + benzene.] (Chem.) A substance (C6H5.H2.C6H5) derived from nitrobenzene, forming orange red crystals which are easily fusible. AÏzo¶ic (?), a. [Gr. ? priv. + ? life, from ? to live.] Destitute of any vestige of organic life, or at least of animal life; anterior to the existence of animal life; formed when there was no animal life on the globe; as, the azoic. rocks. ÷ age (Geol.), the age preceding the existence of animal life, or anterior to the paleozoic tome. Azoic is also used as a noun, age being understood. See Arch‘an, and Eozoic. Az·oÏle¶ic (?), a. [AzoÏ + oleic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to an acid produced by treating oleic with nitric acid. [R.] AÏzon¶ic (?), a. [Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? zone, region.] Confined to no zone or region; not local. AÏzo¶riÏan (?), a. Of or pertaining to the Azores. Ð n. A native of the Azores. Az¶ote (?; 277), n. [F. azote, fr. Gr. ? priv. + ? life; Ð so named by Lavoisier because it is incapable of supporting life.] Same as Nitrogen. [R.] Az¶oth (?), n. [LL. azoch, azoth, fr. Ar. azÐzauq mercury.] (Alchemy) (a) The first principle of metals, i. e., mercury, which was formerly supposed to exist in all metals, and to be extractable from them. (b) The universal remedy of Paracelsus. AÏzot¶ic (?), a.ÿ(Chem.) Pertaining to azote, or nitrogen; formed or consisting of azote; nitric; as, azotic gas; azotic acid. [R.] Carpenter. Az¶oÏtite (?), n.ÿ(Chem.) A salt formed by the combination of azotous, or nitrous, acid with a base; a nitrite. [R.] Az¶oÏtize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Azotized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Azotizing (?).] To impregnate with azote, or nitrogen; to nitrogenize. Az·oÏtom¶eÏter (?), n. [Azote + Ïmeter.] (Chem.) An apparatus for measuring or determining the proportion of nitrogen; a nitrometer. AÏzo¶tous (?), a: Nitrous; as, azotous acid. [R.] Az¶tec (?), a. Of or relating to one of the early races in Mexico that inhabited the great plateau of that country at the time of the Spanish conquest in 1519. Ð n. One of the Aztec race or people. Az¶ure (?; 277), a. [F. & OSp. azur, Sp. azul, through Ar. from Per. l¾jaward, or l¾juward, lapis lazuli, a blue color, l¾jawardÆ, l¾juwardÆ, azure, cerulean, the initial l having been dropped, perhaps by the influence of the Ar. azrÐaq azure, blue. Cf. G. lasur, lasurstein, azure color, azure stone, and NL. lapis lazuli.] SkyÐblue; resembling the clear blue color of the unclouded sky; cerulean; also, cloudless. ÷ stone (Min.), the lapis lazuli; also, the lazulite. Az¶ure, n. 1. The lapis lazuli. [Obs.] 2. The clear blue color of the sky; also, a pigment or dye of this color. ½In robes of azure.¸ Wordsworth. 3. The blue vault above; the unclouded sky. Not like those steps On heaven's azure. Milton. 4. (Her.) A blue color, represented in engraving by horizontal parallel lines. Az¶ure, v. t. To color blue. Az¶ured (?), a. Of an azure color; skyÐblue. ½The azured harebell.¸ Shak. AÏzu¶reÏous (?), a. (Zo”l.) Of a fine blue color; azure. Az¶uÏrine (?), a. [Cf. Azurn.] Azure. Az¶uÏrine, n. (Zo”l.) The blue roach of Europe (Leuciscus c‘ruleus); Ð so called from its color. Az¶uÏrite (?), n. (Min.) Blue carbonate of copper; blue malachite. Az¶urn (?), a. [Cf. OF. azurin, asurin, LL. azurinus. See Azure, a.] Azure. [Obs.] Thick set with agate, and the azurn sheen Of turkis blue, and emerald green. Milton. Az¶yÏgous (?), a. [Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? yoke.] Odd; having no fellow; not one of a pair; single; as, the azygous muscle of the uvula. Az¶ym, Az¶yme (?), n. [F. azyme unleavened, L. azymus, fr. Gr. ?; ? priv. + ? leaven.] Unleavened bread. AÏzym¶ic (?), a. Azymous. Az¶yÏmite (?), n. [Cf. F. azymite.] (Eccl. Hist.) One who administered the Eucharist with unleavened bread; Ð a name of reproach given by those of the Greek church to the Latins. Az¶yÏmous (?), a. [See Azym.] Unleavened; unfermented. ½Azymous bread.¸ Dunglison.

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B (?) is the second letter of the English alphabet. (See Guide to Pronunciation, 196,220.) It is etymologically related to ÿpÿ,ÿvÿ,ÿfÿ,ÿwÿ and ÿmÿ, letters representing sounds having a close organic affinity to its own sound; as in Eng. bursar andÿpurser;ÿEng. ÿbear and Lat. ÿpear; Eng. silver and Ger. ÿsilber; Lat. cubitum and It. gomito; Eng. seven, Anglo-Saxon seofon, Ger. sieben, Lat. septem, Gr.?, Sanskrit saptan. The form of letter B is Roman, from Greek B (Beta), of Semitic origin. The small ÿbÿ was formed by gradual change from the capital B. In ÿMusic, B is the nominal of the sevens tone in the model major scale ÿ(the scale of C majorÿ), or of the second tone in it's relative minor scale (that of A minorÿ)ÿ. B? stands for B flat, the tone a half step , or semitone, lower than B. In German, B stands for our B?, while our B natural is called H (pronounced h„). Ba (?), v.i. [Cf. OF. ÿbaer to open mouth, F. baer.] To kiss. [Obs.] Chaucer. Baa (?), v.i. [Cf. G. b„en; an imitative word.] To cry baa, or bleat as a sheep. He treble baas for help, but none can get. Sir P.Sidney. Baa (?), n.; pl.ÿBaas. [Cf. G. ÿb„.] The cry or bleating of a sheep; a bleat. Baa¶ing, n. The bleating of a sheep. Marryat. Ba¶al (?), n.; Heb.pl. ÿBaalim (?). [Heb. ba'al lord.] 1. (Myth.) The supreme male divinity of the Ph?nitian and Canaanitish nations. µ The name of this god occurs in the Old Testament and elsewhere with qualifying epithets subjoined, answering to the different ideas of his character; as, ÿBaal-berith (the Covenant Baal), Baal-zebub (Baal of the fly). 2. pl. The whole class of divinities to whom the name Baal was applied. Judges x. 6. Ba¶alÏism (?), n. Worship of Baal; idolatry. Ba¶alÏist (?), Ba¶alÏite (?), } n. A worshiper of Baal; a devotee of any false religion; an idolater. ØBa¶ba (?), n. [F.] A kind of plum cake. Bab¶bitt (?), v.t. To line with Babbitt metal. Bab¶bitt met·al (?). [From the inventor, Isaac Babbittÿ of Massachusetts.] A soft white alloy of variable composition (as a none parts of tin to one of copper, or of fifty parts of tin to five of antimony and one of copper) used in bearings to diminish friction. Bab¶ble, v.i. [imp. & p.p. Babbled (?);p. pr. & vb. n. Babbling.] [Cf.LG. babbeln, D. babbelen, G. bappeln, bappern, F. babiller, It. babbolare; prob. orig., to keep saying baÿ0, imitative of a child learning to talk.] 1. To utter words indistinctly or unintelligibly; to utter inarticulate sounds; as a child babbles. 2. To talk incoherently; to utter unmeaning words. 3. To talk much; to chatter; to prate. 4. To make a continuous murmuring noise, as shallow water running over stones. In every babbling he finds a friend. Wordsworth. µ Hounds are said to babble, or to be babbling, when they are too noisy after having found a good scent. Syn. - To prate; prattle; chatter; gossip. Bab¶ble, v.i. 1. To utter in an indistinct or incoherent way; to repeat,as words, in a childish way without understanding. These [words] he used to babble in all companies. Arbuthnot. 2. To disclose by too free talk, as a secret. Bab¶ble, n. 1. Idle talk; senseless prattle; gabble;twaddle. ½This is mere moral babble.¸ Milton. 2. Inarticulate speech; constant or confused murmur. The babble of our young children. Darwin. The babble of the stream. Tennyson. Bab¶bleÏment (?), n. Babble. Hawthorne. Bab¶bler (?), n. 1. An idle talker; an irrational prater;a teller of secrets. Great babblers, or talkers, are not fit for trust. L'Estrange. 2. A hound too noisy on finding a good scent. 3. (Zo”l.) A name given to any one of family (Timalin‘) of thrushlike birds, having a chattering note. Bab¶bleÏry (?), n. Babble. [Obs.] Sir T. More Babe (?), n. [Cf. Ir. bab, baban, W. baban, maban.] 1. An infant; a young child of either sex; a baby. 2. A doll for children. Spenser. Babe¶hood (?), n. Babyhood. [R.] Udall. Ba¶bel (?), n. [Heb. B¾bel, the name of the capital of Babylonia; in Genesis associated with the idea of ½confusion¸] 1. The city and tower in the land of Shinar, where the confusion of languages took place. Therefore is the name of it called Babel. Gen.xi.9. 2. Hence: A place or scene of noise and confusion; a confused mixture of sounds, as of voices or languages. That babel of strange heathen languages. Hammond. The grinding babel of the street. R.L.Stevenson. Bab¶erÏy (?), n. [Perh. orig. for baboonery. Cf. Baboon, and also Babe.] Finery of a kind to please a child. [Obs.] ½Painted ÿbabery.¸ Sir P.Sidney. Ba¶biÏan (?), Ba¶biÏon (?), n. [ See Baboon] A baboon. [Obs.] B.Jonson. ØBab¶ilÏlard (?), n. [F., a babbler.] (Zo”l.) The lesser whitethroat of Europe; - called also ÿbabbling warbler. Bab¶ingÏtonÏite (?), n. [From Dr. Babbington.] (Min.) A mineral occurring in triclinic crystals approaching pyroxene in angle, and of a greenish black color.It is a silicate of iron, manganese, and lime. ØBab·iÏrous¶sa, ØBab·iÏrus¶sa (?), n. [F. babiroussa, fr.Malay ÿb¾bÆ hog + r?sa deer.] (Zo”l.) A large hoglike quadruped (Sus, or Porcus, babirussa) of the East Indies, sometimes domesticated; the Indian hog. Its upper canine teeth or tusks are large and recurved. Bab¶ish (?), a. Like a babe; a childish; babyish. [R.] ½Babish imbecility.¸ Drayton. - Bab¶ishÏly, adv. - Bab¶ishÏness, n. [R.] Bab¶ism (?), n. [From Bab (Pers.ÿbab a gate), the title assumed by the founder, Mirza Ali Mohammed.] The doctrine of a modern religious sect, which originated in Persia in 1843, being a mixture of Mohammedan, Christian,Jewish and Parsee elements. Bab¶ist, n. A believer in Babism. ØBab¶lah (?), n. [Cf. Per. bab?l a species of mimosa yielding gum arabic.] The ring of the fruit of several East Indian species of acacia; neb-neb. It contains gallic acid and tannin, and is used for dyeing drab. ØBa¶boo, ØBa¶bu (?), n. [Hind. b¾b?ÿ] A Hindoo gentleman; native clerk who writes English; also, a Hindoo title answering to Mr.ÿ or Esquire. Whitworth. BabÏoon¶ (?), n. [OE. babewin, baboin, fr.F. babouin, or LL.ÿbabewynus. Of unknown origin; cf. D. baviaan, G. pavian, baboon, F. babin lip of ape, dogs, etc., dial. G. b„ppe mouth.] (Zo”l.) One of the Old World Quadrumana, of the genera Cynocephalus and Papio; the dog-faced ape. Baboons have dog-like muzzles and large canine teeth, cheek pouches, a short tail, and naked callosities on the buttocks. They are mostly African. See Mandrill, and Chacma, and Drill an ape. BabÏoon¶ery (?), n. Baboonish behavior. Marryat. BabÏoon¶ish, a. Like a baboon. Ba¶by (?), n.; pl. Babies. [Dim. of babe] 1. An infant or young child of either sex; a babe. 2. A small image of an infant; a doll. Babies in the eyes, the minute reflection which one sees of one's self in the eyes of another. She clung about his neck, gave him ten kisses, Toyed with his locks, looked babies in his eyes. Heywood. Ba¶by, a. Pertaining to, or resembling, an infant; young or little; as, ÿbaby swans. ½Baby figure¸ Shak. Ba¶by, v.i. [imp. & p.p. Babied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Babying.] To treat like a young child; to keep dependent; to humor; to fondle. Young. Ba¶by farm· (?). A place where the nourishment and care of babies are offered for hire. Ba¶by farm·er (?). One who keeps a baby farm. Ba¶by farm·ing. The business of keeping a baby farm. Ba¶byÏhood (?), n. The state or period of infancy. Ba¶byÏhouse· (?), a. A place for children's dolls and dolls' furniture. Swift. Ba¶byÏish, a. Like a baby; childish; puerile; simple. - Ba¶byÏishÏly, adv. - Ba¶byÏishÏness, n. Ba¶byÏism (?), n. 1. The state of being a baby. 2. A babyish manner of acting or speaking. Ba¶by jump·er (?). A hoop suspended by an elastic strap, in which a young child may be held secure while amusing itself by jumping on the floor. Bab·yÏlo¶niÏan (?), a. Of or pertaining to the real or to the mystical Babylon, or to the ancient kingdom of Babylonia; Chaldean. Bab·yÏlo¶niÏan, n. 1. An inhabitant of Babylonia (which included Chaldea); a Chaldean. 2. An astrologer; - so called because the Chaldeans were remarkable for the study of astrology. Bab·yÏlon¶ic (?), Bab·yÏlon¶icÏal (?), } a. 1. Pertaining to Babylon, or made there; as Babylonic garments,carpets, or hangings. 2. Tumultuous; disorderly. [Obs.] Sir J.Harrington. Bab¶yÏlo·nish (?), n. 1. Of or pertaining to, or made in, Babylon or Babylonia. ½A Babylonishÿgarment.¸ Josh. vii.21. 2. Pertaining to the Babylon of Revelation xiv.8. 3. Pertaining to Rome and papal power. [Obs.] The… injurious nickname of Babylonish. Gape. 4.Confused; Babel-like. ØBab·yÏrous¶sa, ØBab·yÏrus¶sa (?), n. (Zo”l.) See Babyroussa. Ba¶byÏship (?), n. The quality of being a baby; the personality of an infant. Bac (?), n. [F. See Back a vat] 1. A broad, flatbottomed ferryboat, usually worked by a rope. 2. A vat or cistern. See 1st Back. Bac¶caÏlau¶reÏate (?), n. [NL. baccalaureatus, fr.LL. baccalaureus a bachelor of arts, fr. baccalarius, but as if fr L. bacca lauri bayberry, from the practice of the bachelor's wearing a garland of bayberries. See Bachelor.] 1. The degree of bachelor of arts. (B.A. or A.B.), the first or lowest academical degree conferred by universities and colleges. 2. A baccalaureate sermon. [U.S.] Bac·caÏlau¶reÏate, a. Pertaining to a bachelor of arts. Baccalaureate sermon, in some American colleges, a sermon delivered as a farewell discourse graduating class. ØBac·caÏra¶, Bac·caÏrat¶ (?), n. [F.] A French game of cards, played by a banker and punters. BacÏca¶re, BacÏka¶re } (?), interj. Stand back! give place! - a cant word of the Elizabethan writers, probably in ridicule of some person who pretended to a knowledge of Latin which he did not possess. Baccare! you are marvelous forward. Shak. Bac¶cate (?), a. [L. baccatus, fr. L. bacca berry.] (Bot.) Pulpy throughout, like a berry; - said of fruits. Gray. Bac¶caÏted (?), a. 1. Having many berries. 2. Set or adorned with pearls. [Obs.] Bac¶chaÏnal (?), a.ÿ[L. Bacchanalis. See Bacchanalia.] 1. Relating to Bacchus or his festival. 2. Engaged in drunken revels; drunken and riotous or noisy. Bac¶chaÏnal (?), n. 1. A devotee of Bacchus; one who indulges in drunken revels; one who is noisy and riotous when intoxicated; a carouser. ½Tipsy bacchanals.¸ Shak. 2. pl. The festival of Bacchus; the bacchanalia. 3. Drunken revelry; an orgy. 4. A song or dance in honor of Bacchus. ØBac·chaÏna¶liÏa (?), n. pl. [L. Bacchanalÿa place devoted to Bacchus; in the pl. Bacchanalia a feast of Bacchus, fr. Bacchusÿthe god of wine, Gr. ?] 1. (Myth.) A feast or an orgy in honor of Bacchus. 2. Hence: A drunken feast; drunken reveler. Bac·chaÏna¶liÏan (?), a. Of or pertaining to the festival of Bacchus; relating to or given to reveling and drunkenness. Even bacchanalian madness has its charms. Cowper. Bac·ahaÏna¶liÏan, n. A bacchanal; a drunken reveler. Bac·chaÏna¶liÏanÏism (?), n. The practice of bacchanalians; bacchanals; drunken revelry. Bac¶chant (?), n.; pl. E. Bacchants, L. Bacchantes. [L. bacchans, -antis, p. pr. of bacchariÿ to celebrate the festival of Bacchus.] 1. A priest of Bacchus. 2. A bacchanal; a reveler. Croly. Bac¶chant, a. Bacchanalian; fond of drunken revelry; wine-loving; reveling; carousing. Byron. Bac¶chante (?), n.; L. pl. Bacchantes 1. A priestess of Bacchus. 2. A female bacchanal. BacÏchan¶tic (?), a. Bacchanalian. Bac¶chic (?), Bac¶chicÏal (?) }, a. [L. Bacchicus, Gr. ?] Of or relating to Bacchus; hence, jovial, or riotous,with intoxication. ØBacÏchi¶us (?), n.; pl. Bacchii. [L. Bacchiusÿpes, Gr. ? (sc. ? foot).] (Pros.) A metrical foot composed of a short syllable and two long ones; according to some, two long and a short. Bac¶chus (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?] (Myth.) The god of wine, son of Jupiter and Semele. BacÏcif¶erÏous (?), a. [L.ÿbaccifer;ÿbaccaÿberry + ferre to bear] Producing berries. ½ÿBacciferousÿtrees.¸ Ray. Bac¶ciÏform (?), a. [L. bacca berry + -form. ] Having the form of a berry. BacÏciv¶oÏrous (?), a. [L. bacca berry + varare to devour.] (Zo”l.) Eating, or subsisting on, berries; as,ÿbaccivorous birds. Bace (?), n., a., &v. See Base. [Obs.] Spenser. Bach¶aÏrach, Back¶aÏrack } (?), n. A kind of wine made at Bacharach on the Rhine. Bache¶eÏlor (?), n. [OF. bacheler young man, F. bachelierÿ (cf.Pr. bacalar, Sp.bachiller, Pg. bacharel, It. baccalare), LL. baccalarius the tenant of a kind of farm called baccalaria, a soldier not old or rich enough to lead his retainers into battle with a banner, person of an inferior academical degree aspiring to a doctorate. In the latter sense, it was afterward changed to baccalaureus. See Baccalaureate, n.] 1. A man of any age who has not been married. As merry and mellow an old bachelor as ever followed a hound. W.Irving. 2. An unmarried woman. [Obs.] B.Jonson.

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3. A person who has taken the first or lowest degree in the liberal arts, or in some branch of science, at a college or university; as, a bachelorÿof arts. 4. A knight who had no standard of his own, but fought under the standard of another in the field; often, a young knight. 5. In the companies of London tradesmen, one not yet admitted to wear the livery; a junior member. [Obs.] 6. (Zo”l.) A kind of bass, an edible fresh-water fish (Pomoxys annularis) of the southern United States. Bach¶eÏlorÏdom (?), n. The state of bachelorhood; the whole body of bachelors. Bach¶eÏlorÏhood (?), n. The state or condition of being a bachelor; bachelorship. Bach¶eÏlorÏism (?), n. Bachelorhood; also, a manner or peculiarity belonging to bachelors. W.Irving. Bach¶eÏlor's but¶ton (?), (Bot.) A plant with flowers shaped like buttons; especially, several species of Ranunculus, and the cornflower (ÿCentaures cyanus) and globe amaranth (Gomphrena). µ Bachelor's buttons, a name given to several flowers ½from their similitude to the jagged cloathe buttons, anciently worne in this kingdom¸, according to Johnson's Gerarde, p.472(1633); but by other writers ascribed to " a habit of country fellows to carry them in their pockets to divine their success with their sweethearts.¸ Dr.Prior. Bach¶eÏlorÏship , n. The state of being a bachelor. Bach¶elÏry (?), n. [OF. bachelerie.] The body of young aspirants for knighthood. [Obs.] Chaucer. BaÏcil¶lar (?), a. [L. bacillum little staff.] (Biol.) Shaped like a rod or staff. ØBac¶ilÏla·riÏ‘ (?), n. pl. [ NL., fr.L. bacillum, dim. of baculum stick.] (Biol.) See ÿDiatom. Bac¶ilÏlaÏry (?), a. Of or pertaining to little rods; rod-shaped. BaÏcil¶liÏform (?), a. [L. bacillum little staff + Ïform.] Rod-shaped. BaÏcil¶lus (?), n.; pl. Bacilli (?). [NL., for L. bacillum. See Bacillarle.] (Biol.) A variety of bacterium; a microscopic, rod-shaped vegetable organism. Back (?), n. [F. bac: cf. Arm. bak tray, bowl.] 1. A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc. Hop back, Jack back, the cistern which receives the infusion of malt and hops from the copper.- Wash back, a vat in which distillers ferment the wort to form wash. - Water back, a cistern to hold a supply of water; esp. a small cistern at the back of a stove, or a group of pipes set in the fire box of a stove or furnace, through which water circulates and is heated. 2. A ferryboat. See Bac, 1 Back (?), n. [As b‘c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. b?g? flight. Cf. Bacon.] 1. In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end o the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the ÿback of a horse, fish, or lobster. 2. An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge. [The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave Into the clouds. Milton. 3. The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail. Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this, Gave me your hands, the ÿbacksÿand palms to kiss. Donne. 4. The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the ÿback of a chimney. 5. The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village. 6. The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw. 7. A support or resource in reserve. This project Should have a back or second, that might hold, If this should blast in proof. Shak. 8. (Naut.) The keel and keelson of a ship. 9. (Mining) The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage. 10. A garment for the back; hence, clothing. A bak to walken inne by daylight. Chaucer. Behind one's back, when one is absent; without one's knowledge;as, to ridicule a person behind his back. - Full back, Half back, Quarter back (Football), players stationed behind those in the front line. - To be or lie on one's back, to be helpless. - To put, or get, one's back up, to assume an attitude of obstinate resistance (from the action of a cat when attacked.). [Colloq.] - To see the back of, to get rid of. - To turn the back, to go away; to flee. - To turn the back on one, to forsake or neglect him. Back, a. 1. Being at the back or in the rear; distant; remote; as, the back door; back settlements. 2. Being in arrear; overdue; as, back rent. 3. Moving or operating backward; as, back action. Back charges, charges brought forward after an account has been made up. - Back filling (Arch.), the mass of materials used in filling up the space between two walls, or between the inner and outer faces of a wall, or upon the haunches of an arch or vault. - Back pressure. (Steam Engine) See under Pressure.ÿ- Back rest, a guide attached to the slide rest of a lathe, and placed in contact with the work, to steady it in turning.- Back slang, a kind of slang in which every word is written or pronounced backwards; as, nam for ÿman. - Back stairs, stairs in the back part of a house; private stairs. Also used adjectively. See ÿBack stairs, Backstairs, and Backstair, in the Vocabulary. - Back step (Mil.), the retrograde movement of a man or body of men, without changing front. - Back stream, a current running against the main current of a stream; an eddy. - To take the back track, to retrace one's steps; to retreat. [Colloq.] Back (?), v.i.ÿ[imp. & p.p. Backed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Backing.] 1. To get upon the back of; to mount. I will back him [a horse] straight. Shak. 2. To place or seat upon the back. [R.] Great Jupiter, upon his eagle backed, Appeared to me. Shak. 3. To drive or force backward; to cause to retreat or recede; as, to back oxen. 4. To make a back for; to furnish with a back; as, to back books. 5. To adjoin behind; to be at the back of. A garden … with a vineyard backed. Shak. The chalk cliffs which back the beach. Huxley. 6. To write upon the back of; as, to back a letter; to indorse; as, to back a note or legal document. 7. To support; to maintain; to second or strengthen by aid or influence; as, to backÿ a friend. ½Parliament would be backed by the people.¸ Macaulay. Have still found it necessary to back and fortify their laws with rewards and punishments. South. The mate backed the captain manfully. Blackw. Mag. 8. To bet on the success of; - as, to back a race horse. To back an anchor (Naut.), to lay down a small anchor ahead of a large one, the cable of the small one being fastened to the crown of the large one. - To back the field, in horse racing, to bet against a particular horse or horses, that some one of all the other horses, collectively designated ½the field¸, will win. - To back the oars, to row backward with the oars. - To back a rope, to put on a preventer. - To back the sails, to arrange them so as to cause the ship to move astern. - To back up, to support; to sustain; as, to back up one's friends. - To back a warrant (Law), is for a justice of the peace, in the county where the warrant is to be executed, to sign or indorse a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender. - To back water (Naut.), to reverse the action of the oars, paddles, or propeller, so as to force the boat or ship backward.} Back, v.i. 1. To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back. 2. (Naut.) To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; - used of the wind. 3. (Sporting) To stand still behind another dog which has pomted; - said of a dog. [Eng.] To back and fill, to manage the sails of a ship so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind, in order to keep the ship in the middle of a river or channel while the current or tide carries the vessel against the wind. Hence: (Fig.) To take opposite positions alternately; to assert and deny. [Colloq.] - To back out, To back down, to retreat or withdraw from a promise, engagement, or contest; to recede. [Colloq.] Cleon at first … was willing to go; but, finding that he [Nicias] was in earnest, he tried to ÿback out. Jowett (Thucyd.) Back, adv. [Shortened from aback.] 1. In, to, or toward, the rear; as, to stand back; to step ÿback. 2. To the place from which one came; to the place or person from which something is taken or derived; as, to go back for something left behind; to go ÿback to one's native place; to put a book back after reading it. 3. To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to private life; to go back to barbarism. 4. ( Of time) In times past; ago. ½Sixty or seventy years back.¸ Gladstone. 5. Away from contact; by reverse movement. The angel of the Lord … came, and rolled back the stone from the door. Matt. xxvii.2. 6. In concealment or reserve; in one's own possession; as, to keep ÿback the truth; to keep back part of the money due to another. 7. In a state of restraint or hindrance. The Lord hath kept thee back from honor. Numb. xxiv.11. 8. In return, repayment, or requital. What have I to give you ÿback! Shak. 9. In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking; as, he took back0 the offensive words. 10. In arrear; as, to be back in one's rent. [Colloq.] Back and forth, backwards and forwards; to and fro. - To go back on, to turn back from; to abandon; to betray;as, to go back on a friend; to go back on one's professions. [Colloq.] Bac¶aÏrack (?), n. See Bacharach. BacÏka¶re (?), interj. Same as Baccare. Back¶band· (?),n. [2nd backÿ, n. + band.] (Saddlery) The band which passes over the back of a horse and holds up the shafts of a carriage. Back¶bite·, v.i. [2nd back, n., + bite] To wound by clandestine detraction; to censure meanly or spitefully (as absent person); to slander or speak evil of (one absent). Spenser. Back¶bite·, v.i. To censure or revile the absent. They are arrant knaves, and will ÿbackbite. Shak. Back¶bit·er (?), n. One who backbites; a secret calumniator or detractor. Back¶bit·ing (?), n. Secret slander; detraction. Backbiting, and bearing of false witness. Piers Plowman. Back¶board· (?), n. [2nd ÿbackÿ,n. + board.] 1. A board which supports the back wen one is sitting; specifically, the board athwart the after part of a boat. 2. A board serving as the back part of anything, as of a wagon. 3. A thin stuff used for the backs of framed pictures, mirrors, etc. 4. A board attached to the rim of a water wheel to prevent the water from running off the floats or paddies into the interior of the wheel. W.Nicholson. 5. A board worn across the back to give erectness to the figure. Thackeray. Back¶bond· (?), n. [Back, adv. + ÿbond.] (Scots Law) An instrument which, in conjunction with another making an absolute disposition, constitutes a trust. Back¶bone¶, n. [2d back, n. + bone.ÿ] 1. The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column. 2. Anything like , or serving the purpose of, a backbone. The lofty mountains on the north side compose the granitic axis, or backbone of the country. Darwin. We have now come to the backbone of our subject. Earle. 3. Firmness; moral principle; steadfastness. Shelley's thought never had any ÿbackbone. Shairp. To the backbone, through and through; thoroughly; entirely. ½Staunch to ÿthe backbone.¸ Lord Lytton. Back¶boned¶ (?), a. Vertebrate. Back¶cast· (?), n. [ Back, adv.+ ÿcast.] Anything which brings misfortune upon one, or causes failure in an effort or enterprise; a reverse. [Scot.] Back¶ door¶ (?). A door in the back part of a building; hence, an indirect way. Atterbury. Back¶door¶, a. Acting from behind and in concealment; as backdoor intrigues. Back¶down· (?), n. A receding or giving up; a complete surrender. [Colloq.] Backed (?), a. Having a back; fitted with a back; as, a backed electrotype or stereotype plate. Used in composition; as, broad-ÿbacked; hump-backed. Back¶er (?), n. One who, or that which, backs; especially one who backs a person or thing in a contest. Back¶fall· (?), n. [2nd back ,n. + fall] A fall or throw on the back in wrestling. Back¶friend· (?), n. [Back, n. or adv. + friend] A secret enemy. [Obs.] South. Back¶gam·mon (?), n. [ Origin unknown; perhaps fr.Dan. bakke tray + E.ÿgame; or very likely the first part is from E.back, adv., and the game is so called because the men are often set back.] A game of chance and skill, played by two persons on a ½board¸ marked off into twenty-four spaces called ½points¸. Each player has fifteen pieces, or ½men¸, the movements of which from point to point are determined by throwing dice. Formerly called ÿtables. Backgammon board , a board for playing backgammon, often made in the form of two rectangular trays hinged together, each tray containing two ½tables¸. Back¶gam·mon, v.i. In the game of backgammon, to beat by ending the game before the loser is clear of his first ½table¸. Back¶ground· (?), n. [ÿBack, a. + ground.] 1. Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front. 2. (Paint.) The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures. µ The distance in a picture is usually divided into foreground, middle distance, and background. Fairholt. 3. Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings. 4. A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight. I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished … performance. Mrs.Alexander. A husband somewhere in the background. Thackeray. Back¶hand· (?), n. [Back, adv. + ÿhand.] A kind of handwriting in which the downward slope of the letters is from left to right. Back¶hand·, a. 1. Sloping from left to right; - said of handwriting. 2. Backhanded; indirect; oblique. [R.] Back¶hand·ed, a. 1. With the hand turned backward; as, a ÿbackhanded blow. 2. Indirect; awkward; insincere; sarcastic; as, a ÿbackhandedÿ compliment. 3.Turned back, or inclining to the left; as, a backhanded letters. Back¶hand·edÏness, n. State of being backhanded; the using of backhanded or indirect methods. Back¶hand·er (?), n. A backhanded blow. Back¶house· (?), n. [ÿBack, a. + house.] A building behind the main building. Specifically: A privy; a necessary. Back¶ing, n. 1. The act of moving backward, or of putting or moving anything backward. 2. That which is behind, and forms the back of, anything, usually giving strength or stability. 3. Support or aid given to a person or cause. 4. (Bookbinding) The preparation of the back of a book with glue, etc., before putting on the cover. Back¶joint· (?), n. [Backÿ, a. or adv. + joint.] (a) A rebate or chase in masonry left to receive a permanent slab or other filling. Back¶lash· (?), n. [ÿBackÿ, adv. + lash.] (Mech.) The distance through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, resulting from looseness in fitting or from wear; also, the jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion. Back¶less, a. Without a back. Back¶log·(?), n. [ÿBack, a. + log.] A large stick of wood, forming the of a fire on the hearth. [U.S.] There was first a backlog, from fifteen to four and twenty inches in diameter and five feet long, imbedded in the ashes. S.G. Goodrich. Back¶piece· (?), Back¶plate· (?),} n. [ÿBack, n. or a. + ÿpiece, plate.ÿ] A piece, or plate which forms the back of anything, or which covers the back; armor for the back.

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Back¶rack (?), Back¶rag (?),} n. See Bacharach. Backs (?), n. pl. Among leather dealers, the thickest and stoutest tanned hides. Back¶saw· (?), n. [2d back,n.+ saw.] A saw (as a tenon saw) whose blade is stiffened by an added metallic back. Back¶set· (?), n. [ÿBack, adv. + ÿset.] 1. A check; a relapse; a discouragement; a setback. 2. Whatever is thrown back in its course, as water. Slackwater, or the ÿbackset caused by the overflow. Harper's Mag. Back¶set·, v.i. To plow again, in the fall; - said of prairie land broken up in the spring. [Western U.S.] Back¶set¶tler (?), n. [Back, a. + settler.] One living in the back or outlying districts of a community. The English backsettlers of Leinster and Munster. Macaulay. ØBack¶sheesh·, ØBack¶shish·} (?), n. [Pers.ÿbakhshÆsh, fr. ÿbakhshÆdan to give.] In Egypt and the Turkish empire, a gratuity; a ½tip¸. Back¶side· (?), n. [ÿBack, a. + side.ÿ] The hinder part, posteriors, or rump of a person or animal. µBackside (one word) was formerly used of the rear part or side of any thing or place, but in such senses is now two words. Back¶sight· (?), n. [Back, adv. + sight.ÿ] (Surv.) The reading of the leveling staff in its unchanged position when the leveling instrument has been taken to a new position; a sight directed backwards to a station previously occupied. Cf. Foresight,ÿn., 3. Back·slide¶ (?), v.i. [ imp. Backslidÿ(?); p.p. Backslidden (?), Backslid; p.pr.&vb.n. ÿBacksliding.ÿ] [Backÿ, adv.+ slide.] To slide back; to fall away; esp. to abandon gradually the faith and practice of a religion that has been professed. Back¶slid¶er (?), n. One who backslides. Back¶slid¶ing, a. Slipping back; falling back into sin or error; sinning. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord. Jer. iii. 14. Back¶slid¶ing, n. The act of one who backslides; abandonment of faith or duty. Our backslidings are many. Jer. xiv.7. Back¶staff· (?), n. An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the heavenly bodies, but now superseded by the quadrant and sextant; - so called because the observer turned his back to the body observed. Back¶ stairs·. Stairs in the back part of a house, as distinguished from the front stairs; hence, a private or indirect way. Back¶stairs·, Back¶stair·, a. Private; indirect; secret; intriguing; as if finding access by the back stairs. A backstairs influence. Burke. Female caprice and ÿbackstairs influence. Trevelyan. Back¶stay· (?), n. [ÿBack, a. or n. + stay.] 1.(Naut.) A rope or stay extending from the masthead to the side of a ship, slanting a little aft, to assist the shrouds in supporting the mast. [ Often used in the plural.] 2. A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion. Back¶ster (?), n. [See Baxter.] A backer. [Obs.] Back¶stitch· (?), n. [ÿBack, adv. + ÿstitch.] A stitch made by setting the needle back of the end of the last stitch, and bringing it out in front of the end. Back¶stitch·, v.i. To sew with backstitches; as, to backstitch a seam. Back¶stress (?), n. A female baker. [Obs.] Back¶sword· (?), n. [2d back, n. + sword.] 1. A sword with one sharp edge. 2. In England, a stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements; also, the game in which the stick is used. Also called ÿsinglestick. Halliwell. Back¶ward (?), Back¶wards (?),} adv. [ÿBack, ÿadv. + Ïward.] 1. With the back in advance or foremost; as, to ride backward. 2. Toward the back; toward the rear; as, to throw the arms ÿbackward. 3. On the back, or with the back downward. Thou wilt fall ÿbackward.ÿ Shak. 4. Toward, or in, past time or events; ago. Some reigns ÿbackward. ÿ Locke. 5. By way of reflection; reflexively. Sir J.Davies. 6. From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin. The work went ÿbackward.ÿ Dryden. 7. In a contrary or reverse manner, way, or direction; contrarily; as, to read ÿbackwards. We might have … beat them ÿbackward home. Shak. Back¶ward, a. 1. Directed to the back or rear; as, backward glances. 2. Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath. For wiser brutes were ÿbackwardÿ to be slaves. Pope. 3. Not well advanced in learning; not quick of apprehension; dull; inapt; as, a ÿbackward ÿchild. ½The backward learner.¸ South. 4. Late or behindhand; as, a ÿbackward season. 5. Not advanced in civilization; undeveloped; as, the country or region is in a backward ÿstate. 6. Already past or gone; bygone. [R.] And flies unconscious o'er each ÿbackwardÿ year. Byron. Back¶ward, n. The state behind or past. [Obs.] In the dark ÿbackwardÿ and abysm of time. Shak. Back¶ward, v.i. To keep back; to hinder. [Obs.] Back·warÏda¶tion (?), n. [Backward, v.i.+ Ïation.] (Stock Exchange) The seller's postponement of delivery of stock or shares, with the consent of the buyer, upon payment of a premium to the latter; - also, the premium so paid. See ÿContango. Biddle. Back¶wardÏly (?), adv. 1. Reluctantly; slowly; aversely. [Obs.] Sir P.Sidney. 2. Perversely; ill.[Obs.] And does he think so ÿbackwardlyÿ of me? Shak. Back¶wardÏness, n. The state of being backward. Back¶wash· (?), v.i. To clean the oil from (wood) after combing. Back¶wa·ter (?), n. [ÿBack, a. or adv. + ÿÏward.ÿ] 1. Water turned back in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current , or the flow of the tide, as in a sewer or river channel, or across a river bar. 2. An accumulation of water overflowing the low lands, caused by an obstruction. 3. Water thrown back by the turning of a waterwheel, or by the paddle wheels of a steamer. Back¶woods¶ (?), n. pl. [Back,ÿ a. + ÿwoods.] The forests or partly cleared grounds on the frontiers. Back¶woods¶man (?), n.; pl. Backwoodsmen (?). A men living in the forest in or beyond the new settlements, especially on the western frontiers of the older portions of the United States. Fisher Ames. Back¶worm· (?), n. [2d ÿback, n. + worm.ÿ] A disease of hawks. See Filanders. Wright. Ba¶con (?), n. [OF. bacon, fr. OHG. bacho, bahho, flitch of bacon, ham; akin to E. back. ÿCf. ÿBack the back side.] The back and sides of a pig salted and smoked; formerly, the flesh of a pig salted or fresh. Bacon beetle (Zo”l.), a beetle (Dermestes lardarius) which, especially in the larval state, feeds upon bacon, woolens, furs, etc. See Dermestes. - To save one's bacon, to save one's self or property from harm or less. [Colloq.] BaÏco¶niÏan (?), a. Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon, or to his system of philosophy. Baconian method, the inductive method. See Induction. BacÏte¶riÏa (?), n.p. See ÿBacterium. BacÏte¶riÏal (?), a. (Biol.) Of or pertaining to bacteria. BacÏte¶riÏci·dal (?), a. Destructive of bacteria. BacÏte¶riÏcide (?), n. [ÿBacterium ÿ+ L. ÿcaedere to kill] (Biol.) Same as Germicide. BacÏte¶riÏoÏlog·icÏal (?), a. Of or pertaining to bacteriology; as, ÿbacteriological ÿstudies. BacÏte¶riÏol·oÏgist, n. One skilled in bacteriology. BacÏte¶riÏol·oÏgy (?), n. [ÿBacterium + Ïlogy.ÿ] (Biol.) The science relating to bacteria. BacÏte·riÏoÏscop¶ic (?), a. (Biol.) Relating to bacterioscopy; as, a ÿbacterioscopic examination. BacÏte·riÏos¶coÏpist (?), n. (Biol.) One skilled in bacterioscopic examinations. BacÏte·riÏos¶coÏpy (?), n. [ÿBacterium + Ïscopyÿ] (Biol.) The application of a knowledge of bacteria for their detection and identification, as in the examination of polluted water. BacÏte¶riÏum (?), n.; pl. ÿBacteria (?). [NL., fr. Gr.?, ?, a staff: cf. F. bact‚rie.ÿ] (Biol.) A microscopic vegetable organism, belonging to the class Alg‘, usually in the form of a jointed rodlike filament, and found in putrefying organic infusions. Bacteria are destitute of chlorophyll, and are the smallest of microscopic organisms. They are very widely diffused in nature, and multiply with marvelous rapidity, both by fission and by spores. Certain species are active agents in fermentation, while others appear to be the cause of certain infectious diseases. See ÿBacillus. Bac¶teÏroid (?), Bac·teÏroid¶al (?),} a. [ÿBacterium + Ïoid.] (Biol.) Resembling bacteria; as, bacteroid particles. Bac¶triÏan (?), a. Of or pertaining to Bacteria in Asia. - n. A native of Bacteria. Bactrian camel, the two-humped camel. Bac¶ule (?), n. [F.] (Fort.) See ÿBascule. Bac¶uÏline (?), a. [L. baculum staff.] Of or pertaining to the rod or punishment with the rod. Bac¶uÏlite (?), n. [L. baculune stick, staff; cf. F. baculite.] (Paleon.) A cephalopod of the extinct genus Baculites, found fossil in the Cretaceous rocks. It is like an uncoiled ammonite. Bac·uÏlom¶eÏtry (?), n. [L. baculum staff + Ïmetry] Measurement of distance or altitude by a staff or staffs. Bad (?), imp. of Bid.ÿ Bade. [Obs.] Dryden. Bad (?), a. [Compar. Worse (?); ÿsuperl. ÿWorst (?).ÿ] [Probably fr. AS. ÿb‘ddel hermaphrodite; cf. b‘dling effeminate fellow.] Wanting good qualities, whether physical or moral; injurious, hurtful, inconvenient, offensive, painful, unfavorable, or defective, either physically or morally; evil; vicious; wicked; - the opposite of good; as a ÿbad man; ÿbad conduct; bad habits; bad soil; ÿbad health; bad crop; bad news. Sometimes used substantively. The strong antipathy of good to ÿbad.ÿ Pope. Syn. - Pernicious; deleterious; noxious; baneful; injurious; hurtful; evil; vile; wretched; corrupt; wicked; vicious; imperfect. Bad¶der (?), compar. of ÿBad, a.[Obs.] Chaucer. Bad¶derÏlocks (?), n. [Perh. for Balderlocks, ÿfr. Balder the Scandinavian deity.] (Bot.) A large black seaweed (Alaria esculenta) sometimes eaten in Europe; - also called ÿmurlins, honeyware, ÿand henware. Bad¶dish, a. Somewhat bad; inferior. Jeffrey. Bade (?). A form of the pat tense of ÿBid. Badge (?), n. [LL. bagea, bagia, ÿsign, prob. of German origin; cf. AS. be g, be h, bracelet, collar, crown, OS ÿb?g- in comp., AS. b?gan ÿto bow, bend, G. ÿbiegen. See Bow to bend.] 1. A distinctive mark, token, sign, or cognizance, worn on the person; as, the ÿbadge of a society; the ÿbadge of a policeman. ½Tax gatherers, recognized by their official ÿbadges.ÿ¸ Prescott. 2. Something characteristic; a mark; a token. Sweet mercy is nobility's true ÿbadge.ÿ Shak. 3. (Naut.) A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one. Badge (?), v.t. To mark or distinguish with a badge. Badge¶less, a. Having no badge. Bp. Hall. Badg¶er (?), n. [Of uncertain origin; perh. fr. an old verb ÿbadge to lay up provisions to sell again.] An itinerant licensed dealer in commodities used for food; a hawker; a huckster; - formerly applied especially to one who bought grain in one place and sold it in another. [Now dialectic, Eng.] Badg¶er, n. [OE. bageard, prob. fr. badge + Ïard, in reference to the white mark on its forehead. See Badge,n.] 1. A carnivorous quadruped of the genus ÿMeles or of an allied genus. It is a burrowing animal, with short, thick legs, and long claws on the fore feet. One species (M. vulgaris), called also brock, inhabits the north of Europe and Asia; another species (Taxidea Americana or Labradorica) inhabits the northern parts of North America. See ÿTeledu. 2. A brush made of badgers' hair, used by artists. Badger dog. (Zo”l.) See ÿDachshund. Badg¶er, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Badgered (?);p. pr. & vb. n. Badgering.] [For sense 1, see 2d ÿBadger; for 2, see 1st Badger.] 1. To tease or annoy, as a badger when baited; to worry or irritate persistently. 2. To beat down; to cheapen; to barter; to bargain.

Badg¶erÏer (?), n. 1. One who badgers. 2. A kind of dog used in badger baiting. Badg¶erÏing, n. 1. The act of one who badgers. 2. The practice of buying wheat and other kinds of food in one place and selling them in another for a profit. [Prov. Eng.] Badg¶erÏlegged· (?), a. Having legs of unequal length, as the badger was thought to have. Shak. ØBad·iÏa¶ga (?), n. [Russ. badiaga.] (Zo”l.) A freshÐwater sponge (Spongilla), common in the north of Europe, the powder of which is used to take away the livid marks of bruises. ØBa¶diÏan (?), n. [F.badiane, fr. Per. b¾di¾n anise.] [Bot.] An evergreen Chinese shrub of the Magnolia family (Illicium anisatum), and its aromatic seeds; Chinese anise; star anise. BaÏdi¶geon (?), n. [F.] A cement or paste (as of plaster and freestone, or of sawdust and glue or lime) used by sculptors, builders, and workers in wood or stone, to fill holes, cover defects, or finish a surface. ØBa·di·nage¶ (?),n. [F., fr. badiner to joke, OF. to trifle, be silly, fr. badin silly.] Playful raillery; banter. ½He …indulged himself only in an elegant badinage.¸ Warbur?on. Bad¶ lands¶ (?). Barren regions, especially in the western United States, where horizontal strata (Tertiary deposits) have been often eroded into fantastic forms, and much intersected by canons, and where lack of wood, water, and forage increases the difficulty of traversing the country, whence the name, first given by the Canadian French, Mauvaises Terres (bad lands). Bad¶ly, adv. In a bad manner; poorly; not well; unskillfully; imperfectly; unfortunately; grievously; so as to cause harm; disagreeably; seriously. µ Badly is often used colloquially for very much or very greatly, with words signifying to want or need. Bad¶minÏton (?), n. [From the name of the seat of the Duke of Beaufort in England.] 1. A game, similar to lawn tennis, played with shuttlecocks. 2. A preparation of claret, spiced and sweetened. Bad¶ness, n. The state of being bad. ØB‘¶noÏmere (?), n. [Gr. ? to walk + Ðmere.] (Zo”l.) One of the somites (arthromeres) that make up the thorax of Arthropods. Packard. B‘¶noÏpod (?), n. [Gr. ? to walk + Ðpod.] (Zo”l.) One of the thoracic legs of Arthropods. ØB‘¶noÏsome (?), n. [Gr. ? to walk + Ðsome body.] (Zo”l.) The thorax of Arthropods. Packard. Baff (?), n. A blow; a stroke. [Scot.] H.Miller. Baf¶fle (?), v.i. [imp. & p.p. Baffled (?); p.pr. & vb.n. Baffling (?).] [Cf. Lowland Scotch bauchle to treat contemptuously, bauch tasteless, abashed, jaded, Icel. b¾gr uneasy, poor, or b¾gr, n., struggle, b‘gja to push, treat harshly, OF. beffler, beffer, to mock, deceive, dial. G. b„ppe mouth, beffen to bark, chide.] 1. To cause to undergo a disgraceful punishment, as a recreant knight. [Obs.] He by the heels him hung upon a tree, And baffled so, that all which passed by The picture of his punishment might see. Spenser. 2. To check by shifts and turns; to elude; to foil. The art that baffles time's tyrannic claim. Cowper. 3. To check by perplexing; to disconcert, frustrate, or defeat; to thwart. ½A baffled purpose.¸ De Quincey. A suitable scripture ready to repel and baffle them all. South. Calculations so difficult as to have baffled, until within a … recent period, the most enlightened nations. Prescott. The mere intricacy of a question should not baffle us. Locke. Baffling wind (Naut.), one that frequently shifts from one point to another. Syn. Ð To balk; thwart; foil; frustrate; defeat. Baf¶fle, v.i. 1. To practice deceit. [Obs.] Barrow. 2. To struggle against in vain; as, a ship baffles with the winds. [R.] Baf¶fle, n. A defeat by artifice, shifts, and turns; discomfiture. [R.] ½A baffle to philosophy.¸ South. Baf¶fleÏment (?), n. The process or act of baffling, or of being baffled; frustration; check. Baf¶fler (?), n. One who, or that which, baffles.

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Baf¶fling (?), a. Frustrating; discomfiting; disconcerting; as, baffling currents, winds, tasks, Ð ? Baft (?). n. Same as Bafta. Baf¶ta (?), n. [Cf. Per. baft. woven, wrought.] A coarse stuff, usually of cotton, originally made in India. Also, an imitation of this fabric made for export. Bag (?), n. [OE. bagge; cf. Icel. baggi, and also OF. bague, bundle, LL. baga.] 1. A sack or pouch, used for holding anything; as, a bag of meal or of money. 2. A sac, or dependent gland, in animal bodies, containing some fluid or other substance; as, the bag of poison in the mouth of some serpents; the bag of a cow. 3. A sort of silken purse formerly tied about men's hair behind, by way of ornament. [Obs.] 4. The quantity of game bagged. 5. (Com.) A certain quantity of a commodity, such as it is customary to carry to market in a sack; as, a bag of pepper or hops; a bag of coffee. Bag and baggage, all that belongs to one. Ð To give one the bag, to disappoint him. [Obs.] Bunyan.

Bag, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Bagged(?); p.pr. & vb.n. Bagging] 1. To put into a bag; as, to bag hops. 2. To seize, capture, or entrap; as, to bag an army; to bag game. 3. To furnish or load with a bag or with a well filled bag. A bee bagged with his honeyed venom. Dryden. Bag, v.i. 1. To swell or hang down like a full bag; as, the skin bags from containing morbid matter. 2. To swell with arrogance. [Obs.] Chaucer. 3. To become pregnant. [Obs.] Warner.(Alb.Eng.). ØBaÏgasse¶ (?), n. [F.] Sugar cane, as it ?omes crushed from the mill. It is then dried and used as fuel. Also extended to the refuse of beetroot sugar. ØBag·aÏtelle¶ (?), n. [F., fr. It. bagatella; cf. Prov. It. bagata trifle, OF. bague, Pr. bagua, bundle. See Bag, n.] 1. A trifle; a thing of no importance. Rich trifles, serious bagatelles. Prior. 2. A game played on an oblong board, having, at one end, cups or arches into or through which balls are to be driven by a rod held in the hand of the player. Bag¶gage (?), n. [F. bagage, from OF. bague bungle. In senses 6 and 7 cf. F. bagasse a prostitute. See Bag, n.] 1. The clothes, tents, utensils, and provisions of an army. µ ½The term itself is made to apply chiefly to articles of clothing and to small personal effects.¸ Farrow. 2. The trunks, valises, satchels, etc., which a traveler carries with him on a journey; luggage. The baronet's baggage on the roof of the coach. Thackeray. We saw our baggage following below. Johnson. µ The English usually call this luggage. 3. Purulent matter. [Obs.] Barrough. 4. Trashy talk. [Obs.] Ascham. 5. A man of bad character. [Obs.] Holland. 6. A woman of loose morals; a prostitute. A disreputable, daring, laughing, painted French baggage. Thackeray. 7. A romping, saucy girl. [Playful] Goldsmith. Bag¶gage mas·ter (?). One who has charge of the baggage at a railway station or upon a line of public travel. [U.S.] Bag¶gaÏger (?), n. One who takes care of baggage; a camp follower. [Obs.] Sir W.Raleigh. ØBag¶gaÏla (?), n. [Ar. ½fem. of baghl a mule.¸ Balfour.] (Naut.) A twoÐmasted Arab or Indian trading vessel, used in Indian Ocean. Bag¶giÏly (?), adv. In a loose, baggy way. Bag¶ging, n. 1. Cloth or other material for bags. 2. The act of putting anything into, or as into, a bag. 3. The act of swelling; swelling. Bag¶ging, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] Reaping peas, beans, wheat, etc., with a chopping stroke. [Eng.] Bag¶gy (?), a. Resembling a bag; loose or puffed out, or pendent, like a bag; flabby; as, baggy trousers; baggy cheeks. Bag¶man (?), n.; pl. Bagmen (?). A commercial traveler; one employed to solicit orders for manufacturers and tradesmen. Thackeray. Bag¶ net· (?). A bagÐshaped net for catching fish. Bagn¶io (?), n. [It. bagno, fr. L. balneum. Cf. Bain.] 1. A house for bathing, sweating, etc.; Ð also, in Turkey, a prison for slaves. [Obs.] 2. A brothel; a stew; a house of prostitution. Bag¶pipe (?), n. A musical wind instrument, now used chiefly in the Highlands of Scotland. µ It consists of a leather bag, which receives the air by a tube that is stopped by a valve; and three sounding pipes, into which the air is pressed by the performer. Two of these pipes produce fixed tones, namely, the bass, or key tone, and its fifth, and form together what is called the drone; the third, or chanter, gives the melody. Bag¶pipe, v.t. To make to look like a bagpipe. To bagpipe the mizzen (Naut.), to lay it aback by bringing the sheet to the mizzen rigging. Totten. Bag¶pip·er (?), n. One who plays on a bagpipe; a piper. Shak. Bag¶reef· (?), n. [Bag + reef.] (Naut.) The lower reef of fore and aft sails; also, the upper reef of topsails. Ham. Nav. Encyc. ØBague (?), n. [F., a ring] (Arch.) The annular molding or group of moldings dividing a long shaft or clustered column into two or more parts. BaÏguet¶, BaÏguette¶ } (?), n. [F. baguette, prop. a rod? It. bacchetta, fr. L. baculum, baculu? stick, staff.] 1. (Arch.) A small molding, like the astragal, but smaller; a bead. 2. (Zo”l) One of the minute bodies seen in the divided nucleoli of some Infusoria after conjugation. Bag¶wig¶ (?), n. A wig, in use in the 18th century, with the hair at the back of the head in a bag. Bag¶worm· (?), n. (Zo”l.) One of several lepidopterous insects which construct, in the larval state, a baglike case which they carry about for protection. One species (Plat?ceticus Gloveri) feeds on the orange tree. See Basket worm. Bahÿ(?), interj. An exclamation expressive of extreme contempt. TwentyÐfive years ago the vile ejaculation, Bah! was utterly unknown to the English public. De Quincey. ØBaÏhar¶ (?), n. [Ar. bah¾r, from bahara to charge with a load.] A weight used in certain parts of the East Indies, varying considerably in different localities, the range being from 223 to 625 pounds. Baigne (?), v.i. [F. baigner to bathe, fr. L. balneum bath.] To soak or drench. [Obs.] Bail (?), n. [F. baille a bucket, pail; cf. LL. bacula, dim. of bacca a sort of vessel. Cf. Bac.] A bucket or scoop used in bailing water out of a boat. [Obs.] The bail of a canoe … made of a human skull. Capt. Cook. Bail, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Bailed (?); p. pr. & vb.n. Bailing.] 1. To lade; to dip and throw; Ð usually with out; as, to bail water out of a boat. Buckets … to bail out the water. Capt. J. Smith. 2. To dip or lade water from; Ð often with out to express completeness; as, to bail a boat. By the help of a small bucket and our hats we bailed her out. R.H.Dana, Jr. Bail, v.?t. [OF. bailler to give, to deliver, fr. L. bajulare to bear a burden, keep in custody, fr. bajulus ? who bears burdens.] 1. To deliver; to release. [Obs.] Ne none there was to rescue her, ne none to bail. Spenser. 2. (Law) (a) To set free, or deliver from arrest, or out of custody, on the undertaking of some other person or persons that he or they will be responsible for the appearance, at a certain day and place, of the person bailed. µ The word is applied to the magistrate or the surety. The magistrate bails (but admits to bail is commoner) a man when he liberates him from arrest or imprisonment upon bond given with sureties. The surety bails a person when he procures his release from arrest by giving bond for his appearance. Blackstone. (b) To deliver, as goods in trust, for some special object or purpose, upon a contract, expressed or implied, that the trust shall be faithfully executed on the part of the bailee, or person intrusted; as, to bail cloth to a tailor to be made into a garment; to bail goods to a carrier. Blackstone. Kent. Bail, n. [OF. bail guardian, administrator, fr. L. bajulus. See Bail to deliver.] 1. Custody; keeping. [Obs.] Silly Faunus now within their bail. Spenser. 2. (Law) (a) The person or persons who procure the release of a prisoner from the custody of the officer, or from imprisonment, by becoming surely for his appearance in court. The bail must be real, substantial bondsmen. Blackstone. A. and B. were bail to the arrest in a suit at law. Kent. (b) The security given for the appearance of a prisoner in order to obtain his release from custody of the officer; as, the man is out on bail; to go bail for any one. Excessive bail ought not to be required. Blackstone. Bail, n. [OE. beyl; cf. Dan. b”ile an bending, ring, hoop, Sw. b”gel, bygel, and Icel. beyla hump, swelling, akin to E. bow to bend.] 1. The arched handle of a kettle, pail, or similar vessel, usually movable. Forby. 2. A half hoop for supporting the cover of a carrier's wagon, awning of a boat, etc. Bail, n. [OF. bail, baille. See Bailey.] 1. (Usually pl.) A line of palisades serving as an exterior defense. [Written also bayle.] [Obs.] 2. The outer wall of a feudal castle. Hence: The space inclosed by it; the outer court. Holinshed. 3. A certain limit within a forest. [Eng.] 4. A division for the stalls of an open stable. 5. (Cricket) The top or cross piece ( or either of the two cross pieces) of the wicket. Bail¶aÏble (?), a. 1. Having the right or privilege of being admitted to bail, upon bond with sureties; Ð used of persons. ½He's bailable, I'm sure.¸ Ford. 2. Admitting of bail; as, a bailable offense. 3. That can be delivered in trust; as, bailable goods. Bail¶ bond· (?). (Law) (a) A bond or obligation given by a prisoner and his surety, to insure the prisoner's appearance in court, at the return of the writ. (b) Special bail in court to abide the judgment. Bouvier. Bail·ee¶ (?), n. [OF. baill‚, p.p. of bailler. See Bail to deliver.] (Law) The person to whom goods are committed in trust, and who has a temporary possession and a qualified property in them, for the purposes of the trust. Blackstone. µ In penal statutes the word includes those who receive goods for another in good faith. Wharton. Bail¶erÿ(?), n. (Law) See Bailor. Bail¶er, n. 1. One who bails or lades. 2. A utensil, as a bucket or cup, used in bailing; a machine for bailing water out of a pit. Bai¶ley (?), n. [The same word as bail line of palisades; cf. LL. ballium bailey, OF. bail, baille, a palisade, baillier to inclose, shut.] 1. The outer wall of a feudal castle. [Obs.] 2. The space immediately within the outer wall of a castle or fortress. [Obs.] 3. A prison or court of justice; Ð used in certain proper names; as, the Old Bailey in London; the New Bailey in Manchester. [Eng.] Oxf. Gloss. Bail¶ie (?), n. [See Bailiff.] An officer in Scotland, whose office formerly corresponded to that of sheriff, but now corresponds to that of an English alderman. Bail¶iff (?), n. [OF. baillif, F. bailli, custodia? magistrate, fr. L. bajulus porter. See Bail to deliver.] 1. Originally, a person put in charge of something especially, a chief officer, magistrate, or keeper, as of a county, town, hundred, or castle; one to whom power? of custody or care are intrusted. Abbott. Lausanne is under the canton of Berne, governed by a bailiff sent every three years from the senate. Addison. 2. (Eng. Law) A sheriff's deputy, appointed to make arrests, collect fines, summon juries, etc. µ In American law the term bailiff is seldom used except sometimes to signify a sheriff's officer or constable, or a party liable to account to another for the rent and profits of real estate. Burrill. 3. An overseer or under steward of an estate, who directs husbandry operations, collects rents, etc. [Eng.] Bail¶iffÏwick (?), n. See Bailiwick. [Obs.] Bail¶iÏwick (?), n. [Bailie, bailiff + wick a village.] (Law) The precincts within which a bailiff has jurisdiction; the limits of a bailiff's authority. Bail¶lie (?), n. 1. Bailiff. [Obs.] 2. Same as Bailie. [Scot.] Bail¶ment (?), n. 1. (Law) The action of bailing a person accused. Bailment …is the saving or delivery of a man out of prison before he hath satisfied the law. Dalton. 2. (Law) A delivery of goods or money by one person to another in trust, for some special purpose, upon a contract, expressed or implied, that the trust shall be faithfully executed. Blackstone. µ In a general sense it is sometimes used as comprehending all duties in respect to property. Story. Bail·or¶ (?), n. (Law) One who delivers goods or money to another in trust. Bail¶piece· (?), n. (Law) A piece of parchment, or paper, containing a recognizance or bail bond. Bain (?), n. [F. bain, fr. L. balneum. Cf. Bagnio.] A bath; a bagnio. [Obs.] Holland. ØBain·Ïma·rie¶ (?), n. [F.] A vessel for holding hot water in which another vessel may be heated without scorching its contents; Ð used for warming or preparing food or pharmaceutical preparations. ØBai¶ram (?), n. [Turk. ba‹r¾m.] The name of two Mohammedan festivals, of which one is held at the close of the fast called Ramadan, and the other seventy days after the fast. Bairn (?), n. [Scot. bairn, AS. bearn, fr. beran to bear; akin to Icel., OS., &Goth. barn. See Bear to support.] A child. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.] Has he not well provided for the bairn ! Beau. & Fl. Baise¶mains· (?), n. pl. [F., fr. baiser to kiss + mains hands.] Respects; compliments. [Obs.] Bait (?), n. [Icel. beita food, beit pasture, akin to AS. b¾t food, Sw. bete. See Bait, v.i.] 1. Any substance, esp. food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, inclosure, or net. 2. Anything which allures; a lure; enticement; temptation. Fairfax. 3. A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a stop for rest and refreshment. 4. A light or hasty luncheon. Bait bug (Zo”l), a crustacea? of the genus Hippa found burrowing in sandy beaches. See Anomura. Bait, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Baited; p. pr. & vb. n. Baiting.] [OE. baiten, beit?n, to feed, harass, fr. Icel. beita, orig. to cause to bite, fr. bÆta. ?87. See Bite.] 1. To provoke and harass; esp., to harass or torment for sport; as, to bait a bear with dogs; to bait a bull. 2. To give a portion of food and drink to, upon the road; as, to bait horses.

Holland. 3. To furnish or cover with bait, as a trap or hook. A crooked pin … bailed with a vile earthworm. W.Irving. Bait, v.i. To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment of one's self or one's beasts, on a journey. Evil news rides post, while good news baits. Milton. My lord's coach conveyed me to Bury, and thence baiting a? Newmarket. Evelyn. Bait, v.i. [F. battre de l'aile (or des ailes), to flap o? flutter. See Batter, v.i.] To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey. ½Kites that bait and beat.¸ Shak. Bait¶er (?), n. One who baits; a tormentor. Baize (?), n. [For bayes, pl. fr. OF. baie; cf. F. bai bayÐcolored. See Bay a color.] A coarse woolen stuff with a long nap; Ð usually dyed in plain colors. A new black baize waistcoat lined with silk. Pepys. ØBaÏjoc¶co (?), n. [It., fr. bajo brown, bay, from its color.] A small cooper coin formerly current in the Roman States, worth about a cent and a half. Bake (?), v. t. [imp.& p.p. Baked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Baking.] [ AS. bacan; akin to D. bakken, OHG. bacchan, G. backen, Icel. & Sw. baca, Dan. bage, Gr. ? to roast.] 1. To prepare, as food, by cooking in a dry heat, either in an oven or under coals, or on heated stone or metal; as, to bake bread, meat, apples. µ Baking is the term usually applied to that method of cooking which exhausts the moisture in food more than roasting or broiling; but the distinction of meaning between roasting and baking is not always observed. 2. To dry or harden (anything) by subjecting to heat, as, to bake bricks; the sun bakes the ground. 3. To harden by cold. The earth … is baked with frost. Shak. They bake their sides upon the cold, hard stone. Spenser. Bake, v.i. 1. To do the work of baking something; as, she brews, washes, and bakes. Shak. 2. To be baked; to become dry and hard in heat; as, the bread bakes; the ground bakes in the hot sun. Bake, n. The process, or result, of baking. Bake¶house·ÿ(?), n. [AS. b‘ch?s. See Bak?, v.i., and House.] A house for baking; a bakery.

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Bake¶meat· (?), Baked¶Ïmeat· (?), } n. A pie; baked food. [Obs.] Gen. xl.17. Shak. Bak¶en (?), p.p. of Bake. [Obs. or. Archaic] Bak¶er (?), n. [AS. b‘cere. See Bake, v.i.] 1. One whose business it is to bake bread, biscuit, etc. 2. A portable oven in which baking is done. [U.S.] A baker's dozen, thirteen. Ð Baker foot, a distorted foot. [Obs.] Jer.Taylor. Ð Baker's itch, a rash on the back of the hand, caused by the irritating properties of yeast. Ð Baker's salt, the subcarbonate of ammonia, sometimes used instead of soda, in making bread. Bak¶erÐlegged· (?), a. Having legs that bend inward at the knees. Bak¶erÏy (?), n. 1. The trade of a baker. [R.] 2. The place for baking bread; a bakehouse. Bak¶ing, n. 1. The act or process of cooking in an oven, or of drying and hardening by heat or cold. 2. The quantity baked at once; a batch; as, a baking of bread. Baking powder, a substitute for yeast, usually consisting of an acid, a carbonate, and a little farinaceous matter. Bak¶ingÏly, adv. In a hot or baking manner. Bak¶isÏtre (?), n. [See Baxter.] A baker. [Obs.] Chaucer. ØBak¶sheesh·, Bak¶shish· (?), n. Same as Backsheesh. Ba¶laam (?), n. A paragraph describing something wonderful, used to fill out a newspaper column; Ð an allusion to the miracle of Balaam's ass speaking. Numb. xxii.30. [Cant] Balaam basket or box (Print.), the receptacle for rejected articles. Black?. Mag. ØBal¶aÏchong (?), n. [Malay b¾lach¾n.] A condiment formed of small fishes or shrimps, pounded up with salt and spices, and then dried. It is much esteemed in China. ØBal·‘Ïnoi¶deÏa (?), n. [NL., from L. balaena whale + Ðoid.] (Zo”l) A division of the Cetacea, including the right whale and all other whales having the mouth fringed with baleen. See Baleen. Bal¶ance (?), n. [OE. balaunce, F. balance, fr. L. bilan?, bilancis, having two scales; bis twice (akin to E. two) + lanx plate, scale.] 1. An apparatus for weighing. µ In its simplest form, a balance consists of a beam or lever supported exactly in the middle, having two scales or basins of equal weight suspended from its extremities. Another form is that of the Roman balance, our steelyard, consisting of a lever or beam, suspended near one of its extremities, on the longer arm of which a counterpoise slides. The name is also given to other forms of apparatus for weighing bodies, as to the combinations of levers making up platform scales; and even to devices for weighing by the elasticity of a spring. 2. Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate. A fair balance of the advantages on either side. Atterbury. 3. Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales. 4. The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness. And hung a bottle on each side To make his balance true. Cowper. The order and balance of the country were destroyed. Buckle. English workmen completely lose their balance. J. S. Mill. 5. An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; Ð also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account. ½ A balance at the banker's. ¸ Thackeray. I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text. J. Peile. 6. (Horol.) A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary). 7. (Astron.) (a) The constellation Libra. (b) The seventh sign in the Zodiac, called Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September. 8. A movement in dancing. See Balance, v. i., S. Balance electrometer, a kind of balance, with a poised beam, which indicates, by weights suspended from one arm, the mutual attraction of oppositely electrified surfaces. Knight. Ð Balance fish. (Zo”l) See Hammerhead. Ð Balance knife, a carving or table knife the handle of which overbalances the blade, and so keeps it from contact with the table. Ð Balance of power. (Politics), such an adjustment of power among sovereign states that no one state is in a position to interfere with the independence of the others; international equilibrium; also, the ability ( of a state or a third party within a state) to control the relations between sovereign states or between dominant parties in a state. Ð Balance sheet (Bookkeeping), a paper showing the balances of the open accounts of a business, the debit and credit balances footing up equally, if the system of accounts be complete and the balances correctly taken. Ð Balance termometer, a termometer mounted as a balance so that the movement of the mercurial column changes the indication of the tube. With the aid of electrical or mechanical devices adapted to it, it is used for the automatic regulation of the temperature of rooms warmed artificially, and as a fire alarm. Ð Balance of torsion. See Torsion Balance. Ð Balance of trade (Pol. Econ.), an equilibrium between the money values of the exports and imports of a country; or more commonly, the amount required on one side or the other to make such an equilibrium. Ð Balance valve, a valve whose surfaces are so arranged that the fluid pressure tending to seat, and that tending to unseat the valve, are nearly in equilibrium; esp., a puppet valve which is made to operate easily by the admission of steam to both sides. See Puppet valve. Ð Hydrostatic balance. See under Hydrostatic. Ð To lay in balance, to put up as a pledge or security. [Obs.] Chaucer. Ð To strike a balance, to find out the difference between the debit and credit sides of an account. Bal¶ance (?), v. t. [imp. & p.p. Balanced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Balancing (?).] [From Balance, n.: cf. F. balancer. ] 1. To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance. 2. To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope. 3. To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize. One expression … must check and balance another. Kent. 4. To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate. Balance the good and evil of things. L'Estrange. 5. To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them. I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker. Addison. 6. To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; Ð said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account. 7. To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books. 8. (Dancing) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners. 9. (Naut.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail. Balanced valve. See Balance valve, under Balance, n. Syn. Ð To poise; weigh; adjust; counteract; neutralize; equalize. Bal¶ance, v.i. 1. To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance. 2. To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate. He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice. Locke. 3. (Dancing) To move toward a person or couple, and then back. Bal¶anceÏaÏble (?), a. Such as can be balanced. Bal¶anceÏment (?), n. The act or result of balancing or adjusting; equipoise; even adjustment of forces. [R.] Darwin. Bal¶anÏcerÿ(?), n. 1. One who balances, or uses a balance. 2. (Zo”l.) In Diptera, the rudimentary posterior wing. Bal¶anceÏreef· (?), n. (Naut.) The last reef in a foreÐandÐaft sail, taken to steady the ship. Bal¶ance wheel· (?). 1. (Horology) (a) A wheel which regulates the beats or pulses of a watch or chronometer, answering to the pendulum of a clock; Ð often called simply a balance. (b) A ratchetÐshaped scape wheel, which in some watches is acted upon by the axis of the balance wheel proper (in those watches called a balance). 2. (Mach.) A wheel which imparts regularity to the movements of any engine or machine; a fly wheel. Bal·aÏnif¶erÏous (?), a. [L. balanus acorn + Ðferous.] Bearing or producing acorns. Bal¶aÏnite (?), n. [L. balanus acorn: cf. F. balanite.] (Paleon.) A fossil balanoid shell. ØBal·aÏnoÏglos¶susÿ(?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? acorn + ? tongue.] (Zo”l) A peculiar marine worm. See Enteropneusta, and Tornaria. Bal¶aÏnoid (?), a. [Gr. ? acorn + Ðoid.] (Zo”l.) Resembling an acorn; Ð applied to a group of barnacles having shells shaped like acorns. See Acornshell, and Barnacle. Bal¶as ru·by (?). [OE. bales, balais, F. balais, LL. balascus, fr. Ar. balakhsh, so called from Badakhshan, Balashan, or Balaxiam, a place in the neighborhood of Samarcand, where this ruby is found.] (Min.) A variety of spinel ruby, of a pale rose red, or inclining to orange. See Spinel. BaÏlaus¶tineÿ(?), n. [L. balaustium, Gr. ?.] (Bot.) The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum). The bark of the root, the rind of the fruit, and the flowers are used medicinally. BalÏbu¶tiÏate (?), BalÏbu¶ciÏnateÿ(?),} v.i. [L. balbutire, fr. balbus stammering: cf. F. balbutier.] To stammer. [Obs.] ØBalÏbu¶tiÏesÿ(?), n. (Med.) The defect of stammering; also, a kind of incomplete pronunciation. Bal¶conÿ(?), n. A balcony. [Obs.] Pepys. Bal¶coÏniedÿ(?), a. Having balconies. Bal¶coÏny (?), n.; pl. Balconies (?). [It. balcone; cf. It. balco, palco, scaffold, fr. OHG. balcho, pa?cho, beam, G. balken. See Balk beam.] 1. (Arch.) A platform projecting from the wall of a building, usually resting on brackets or consoles, and inclosed by a parapet; as, a balcony in front of a window. Also, a projecting gallery in places of amusement; as, the balcony in a theater. 2. A projecting gallery once common at the stern of large ships. µ ½The accent has shifted from the second to the first syllable within these twenty years.¸ Smart (1836). Bald (?), a. [OE. balled, ballid, perh. the p.p. of ball to reduce to the roundness or smoothness of a ball, by removing hair. ?85. But cf. W. bali whiteness in a horse's forehead.] 1. Destitute of the natural or common covering on the head or top, as of hair, feathers, foliage, trees, etc.; as, a bald head; a bald oak. On the bald top of an eminence. Wordsworth. 2. Destitute of ornament; unadorned; bare; literal. In the preface to his own bald translation. Dryden. 3. Undisguised. ½ Bald egotism.¸ Lowell. 4. Destitute of dignity or value; paltry; mean. [Obs.] 5. (Bot.) Destitute of a beard or awn; as, bald wheat. 6. (Zo”l.) (a) Destitute of the natural covering. (b) Marked with a white spot on the head; baldÐfaced. Bald buzzard (Zo”l.), the fishhawk or osprey. Ð Bald coot (Zo”l.), a name of the European coot (Fulica atra), alluding to the bare patch on the front of the head. Bal¶daÏchin (?), n. [LL. baldachinus, baldechinus, a canopy of rich silk carried over the host; fr. Bagdad, It. Baldacco, a city in Turkish Asia from whence these rich silks came: cf. It. baldacchino. Cf. Baudekin.] 1. A rich brocade; baudekin. [Obs.] 2. (Arch.) A structure in form of a canopy, sometimes supported by columns, and sometimes suspended from the roof or projecting from the wall; generally placed over an altar; as, the baldachin in St. Peter's. 3. A portable canopy borne over shrines, etc., in procession. [Written also baldachino, baldaquin, etc.] Bald¶ ea¶gle (?). (Zo”l.) The whiteÐheaded eagle (Hali‘etus ?eucocephalus) of America. The young, until several years old, lack the white feathers on the head. µ The bald eagle is represented in the coat of arms, and on the coins, of the United States. Bal¶der (?), n. [Icel. Baldr, akin to E. bold.] (Scan. Myth.) The most beautiful and beloved of the gods; the god of peace; the son of Odin and Freya. [Written also Baldur.] Bal¶derÏdash (?), n. [Of uncertain origin: cf. Dan. balder noise, clatter, and E. dash; hence, perhaps, unmeaning noise, then hodgepodge, mixture; or W. baldorduss a prattling, baldordd, baldorddi, to prattle.] 1. A worthless mixture, especially of liquors. Indeed beer, by a mixture of wine, hath lost both name and nature, and is called balderdash. Taylor (Drink and Welcome). 2. Senseless jargon; ribaldry; nonsense; trash. Bal¶derÏdash (?), v.t. To mix or adulterate, as liquors. The wine merchants of Nice brew and balderdash, and even mix it with pigeon's dung and quicklime. Smollett. Bald¶Ïfaced· (?), a. Having a white face or a white mark on the face, as a stag. Bald¶head·ÿ(?), n. 1. A person whose head is bald. 2 Kings ii. 23. 2. (Zo”l.) A whiteÐheaded variety of pigeon. Bald¶head·ed, a. Having a bald head. Bald¶ly, adv. Nakedly; without reserve; inelegantly. Bald¶ness, n. The state or condition of being bald; as, baldness of the head; baldness of style. This gives to their syntax a peculiar character of simplicity and baldness. W.D. Whitney. Bald¶pate· (?), n. 1. A baldheaded person. Shak. 2. (Zo”l.) The American widgeon (Anas Americana). Bald¶pate· (?), Bald¶pat·ed (?), } a. Destitute of hair on the head; baldheaded. Shak. Bald¶rib· (?),n. A piece of pork cut lower down than the sparerib, and destitute of fat. [Eng.] Southey. Bal¶dric (?), n. [OE. baudric, bawdrik, through OF. (cf. F. baudrier and LL. baldringus, baldrellus), from OHG. balderich, cf. balz, palz, akin to E. belt. See Belt, n.] A broad belt, sometimes richly ornamented, worn over one shoulder, across the breast, and under the opposite arm; less properly, any belt. [Also spelt bawdrick.] A radiant baldric o'er his shoulder tied Sustained the sword that glittered at his side. Pope. Bald¶win (?), n. (Bot.) A kind of reddish, moderately acid, winter apple. [U.S.] Bale (?), n. [OE. bale, OF. bale, F. balle, LL. bala, fr. OHG. balla, palla, pallo, G. ball, balle, ballen, ball round pack; cf. D. baal. Cf. Ball a round body.] A bundle or package of goods in a cloth cover, and corded for storage or transportation; also, a bundle of straw ? hay, etc., put up compactly for transportation. Bale of dice, a pair of dice. [Obs.] B. Jonson. Bale, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Baled (?); p.pr. & vb.n. Baling.] To make up in a bale. Goldsmith. Bale, v.t. See Bail, v.t., to lade.