P P (pe), (continued 21)

2. The state of lying with the face down; — opposed to supineness.

3. Descent; declivity; as, the proneness of a hill.

4. Inclination of mind, heart, or temper; propension; disposition; as, proneness to self-gratification.

PRONEPHRIC Pro*neph"ric, a. (Anat.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to the pronephros.

PRONEPHROS; PRONEPHRON Pro*neph"ros, Pro*neph"ron (, n. Etym: [ NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: The head kidney. See under Head.

PRONG Prong, n. Etym: [Cf. D. prangen to pinch, press, LG. prange a stick, or W. procio to thrust, E. prowl, pang.]

1. A sharp-pointed instrument. Prick it on a prong of iron. Sandys.

2. The tine of a fork, or of a similar instrument; as, a fork of two or three prongs.

3. (Zoöl.) (a) A sharp projection, as of an antler. (b) The fang of a tooth.

PRONGBUCK Prong"buck`, n. (Zoöl.) (a) The springbuck. (b) The pronghorn.

PRONGED Pronged, a.

Defn: Having prongs or projections like the tines of a fork; as, a three-pronged fork.

PRONG-HOE Prong"-hoe`, n.

Defn: A hoe with prongs to break the earth.

PRONGHORN Prong"horn`, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: An American antelope (Antilocapra Americana), native of the plain near the Rocky Mountains. The upper parts are mostly yellowish brown; the under parts, the sides of the head and throat, and the buttocks, are white. The horny sheath of the horns is shed annually. Called also cabrée, cabut, prongbuck, and pronghorned antelope.

PRONITY Pro"ni*ty, n. Etym: [L. pronitas.]

Defn: Proneness; propensity. [R.] Dr. H. More.

PRONOMINAL Pro*nom"i*nal, a. Etym: [L. pronominalis: cf. F. pronominal. See Pronoun.]

Defn: Belonging to, or partaking of the nature of, a pronoun.

PRONOMINALIZE Pro*nom"i*nal*ize, v. t.

Defn: To give the effect of a pronoun to; as, to pronominalize the substantives person, people, etc. Early.

PRONOMINALLY Pro*nom"i*nal*ly, adv.

Defn: In a pronominal manner

PRONONCE Pro`non`cé", a. Etym: [F. See Pronounce.]

Defn: Strongly marked; decided, as in manners, etc.

PRONOTARY Pro*no"ta*ry, n.

Defn: See Prothonotary.

PRONOTUM Pro*no"tum, n.; pl. Pronota. Etym: [NL. See Pro-, and Notum.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: The dorsal plate of the prothorax in insects. See Illust. of Coleoptera.

PRONOUN Pro"noun, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + noun: cf. F. pronom, L. pronomen. See Noun.] (Gram.)

Defn: A word used instead of a noun or name, to avoid the repetition of it. The personal pronouns in English are I, thou or you, he, she, it, we, ye, and they.

PRONOUNCE Pro*nounce", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pronounced; p. pr. & vb. n. Pronounging.] Etym: [F. prononcer, L. pronunciare; pro before, forth + nunciare, nuntiare, to announce. See Announce.]

1. To utter articulately; to speak out or distinctly; to utter, as words or syllables; to speak with the proper sound and accent as, adults rarely learn to pronounce a foreign language correctly.

2. To utter officially or solemnly; to deliver, as a decree or sentence; as, to pronounce sentence of death. Sternly he pronounced The rigid interdiction. Milton.

3. To speak or utter rhetorically; to deliver; to recite; as, to pronounce an oration. Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you. Shak.

4. To declare or affirm; as, he pronounced the book to be a libel; he pronounced the act to be a fraud. The God who hallowed thee and blessed, Pronouncing thee all good. Keble.

Syn. — To deliver; utter; speak. See Deliver.

PRONOUNCE Pro*nounce", v. i.

1. To give a pronunciation; to articulate; as, to pronounce faultlessly. Earle.

2. To make declaration; to utter on opinion; to speak with confidence. [R.] Dr. H. More.

PRONOUNCE Pro*nounce", n.

Defn: Pronouncement; declaration; pronunciation. [Obs.] Milton.

PRONOUNCEABLE Pro*nounce"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. L. pronunciabilis declarative.]

Defn: Capable of being pronounced.

PRONOUNCED Pro*nounced", a. Etym: [F. prononcé.]

Defn: Strongly marked; unequivocal; decided.

Note: [A Gallicism] [His] views became every day more pronounced. Thackeray.

PRONOUNCEMENT Pro*nounce"ment, n.

Defn: The act of pronouncing; a declaration; a formal announcement.

PRONOUNCER Pro*noun"cer, n.

Defn: One who pronounces, utters, or declares; also, a pronouncing book.

PRONOUNCING Pro*noun"cing, a.

Defn: Pertaining to, or indicating, pronunciation; as, a pronouncing dictionary.

PRONUBIAL Pro*nu"bi*al, a. Etym: [L. pronuba bridesmaid; pro before + nubere to marry.]

Defn: Presiding over marriage. [R.]

PRONUCLEUS Pro*nu"cle*us, n.; pl. Pronuclei (-i). Etym: [NL. See Pro-, and Nucleus.] (Biol.)

Defn: One of the two bodies or nuclei (called male and female pronuclei) which unite to form the first segmentation nucleus of an impregnated ovum.

Note: In the maturing of the ovum preparatory to impregnation, a part of the germinal vesicle (see Polar body, under Polar) becomes converted into a number of small vesicles, which aggregate themselves into a single clear nucleus. which travels towards the center of the egg and is called the female pronucleus. In impregnation, the spermatozoön which enters the egg soon loses its tail, while the head forms a nucleus, called the male pronucleus, which gradually travels towards the female pronucleus and eventually fuses with it, forming the first segmentation nucleus.

PRONUNCIAL Pro*nun"cial, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to pronunciation; pronunciative.

PRONUNCIAMENTO Pro*nun`ci*a*men"to, n.

Defn: A proclamation or manifesto; a formal announcement or declaration.

PRONUNCIAMIENTO Pro*nun`ci*a`mi"en"to, n. Etym: [Sp. See Pronounce.]

Defn: See Pronunciamento.

PRONUNCIATION Pro*nun`ci*a"tion, n. Etym: [F. pronunciation, L. pronunciatio. See Pronounce.]

1. The act of uttering with articulation; the act of giving the proper sound and accent; utterance; as, the pronunciation of syllables of words; distinct or indistinct pronunciation.

2. The mode of uttering words or sentences.

3. (Rhet.)

Defn: The art of manner of uttering a discourse publicly with propriety and gracefulness; — now called delivery. J. Q. Adams.

PRONUNCIATIVE Pro*nun"ci*a*tive, a. Etym: [L. pronunciativus.]

1. Of or pertaining to pronunciation.

2. Uttering confidently; dogmatical. [Obs.] Bacon.

PRONUNCIATOR Pro*nun"ci*a`tor, n. Etym: [L., a reciter.]

Defn: One who pronounces; a pronouncer.

PRONUNCIATORY Pro*nun"ci*a*to*ry, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to pronunciation; that pronounces.

PROOF Proof, n. Etym: [OF. prove, proeve, F. preuve, fr. L. proba, fr. probare to prove. See Prove.]

1. Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial. For whatsoever mother wit or art Could work, he put in proof. Spenser. You shall have many proofs to show your skill. Ford. Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof. Ure.

2. That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration. I'll have some proof. Shak. It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases. Emerson.

Note: Properly speaking, proof is the effect or result of evidence, evidence is the medium of proof. Cf. Demonstration, 1.

3. The quality or state of having been proved or tried; firmness or hardness that resists impression, or does not yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies.

4. Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken.

5. (Print.)

Defn: A trial impression, as from type, taken for correction or examination; — called also proof sheet.

6. (Math.)

Defn: A process for testing the accuracy of an operation performed. Cf. Prove, v. t., 5.

7. Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed impenetrable; properly, armor of proof. [Obs.] Shak. Artist's proof, a very early proof impression of an engraving, or the like; — often distinguished by the artist's signature. — Proof reader, one who reads, and marks correction in, proofs. See def. 5, above.

Syn. — Testimony; evidence; reason; argument; trial; demonstration. See Testimony.

PROOF Proof, a.

1. Used in proving or testing; as, a proof load, or proof charge.

2. Firm or successful in resisting; as, proof against harm; waterproof; bombproof. I . . . have found thee Proof against all temptation. Milton. This was a good, stout proof article of faith. Burke.

3. Being of a certain standard as to strength; — said of alcoholic liquors. Proof charge (Firearms), a charge of powder and ball, greater than the service charge, fired in an arm, as a gun or cannon, to test its strength. — Proof impression. See under Impression. — Proof load (Engin.), the greatest load than can be applied to a piece, as a beam, column, etc., without straining the piece beyond the elastic limit. — Proof sheet. See Proof, n., 5. — Proof spirit (Chem.), a strong distilled liquor, or mixture of alcohol and water, containing not less than a standard amount of alcohol. In the United States "proof spirit is defined by law to be that mixture of alcohol and water which contains one half of its volume of alcohol, the alcohol when at a temperature of 60º Fahrenheit being of specific gravity 0.7939 referred to water at its maximum density as unity. Proof spirit has at 60º Fahrenheit a specific gravity of 0.93353, 100 parts by volume of the same consisting of 50 parts of absolute alcohol and 53.71 parts of water," the apparent excess of water being due to contraction of the liquids on mixture. In England proof spirit is defined by Act 58, George III., to be such as shall at a temperature of 51º Fahrenheit weigh exactly the second, third, and fourth proof spirits respectively. — Proof staff, a straight-edge used by millers to test the flatness of a stone. — Proof stick (Sugar Manuf.), a rod in the side of a vacuum pan, for testing the consistency of the sirup. — Proof text, a passage of Scripture used to prove a doctrine. proof coin or proof, a coin which has been specially struck, to produce the finest specimen of its type.

Note: Usually such coins are double-struck from polished dies, and the raised features are sometimes frosted. They thus have sharper features and more mirror-like fields than production coins (i.e. those coins struck for circulation); they are considered by coin collectors as the most desirable specimens of each coin, and usually sell at a premium to their corresponding production coins.

PROOF-ARM Proof`-arm", v. t.

Defn: To arm with proof armor; to arm securely; as, to proof-arm herself. [R.] Beau. & Fl.

PROOFLESS Proof"less, a.

Defn: Wanting sufficient evidence to induce belief; not proved. Boyle. — Proof"less*ly, adv.

PROOF-PROOF Proof"-proof`, a.

Defn: Proof against proofs; obstinate in the wrong. "That might have shown to any one who was not proof-proof." Whateley.

PROOSTRACUM; PROOESTRACUM Pro*ös"tra*cum, n.; pl. Proöstraca. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The anterior prolongation of the guard of the phragmocone of belemnites and allied fossil cephalopods, whether horny or calcareous. See Illust. of Phragmocone.

PROOTIC; PROOETIC Pro*ö"tic, a. Etym: [Pref. pro- + Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: In front of the auditory capsule; — applied especially to a bone, or center of ossification, in the periotic capsule. — n.

Defn: A proötic bone.

PROP Prop, n.

Defn: A shell, used as a die. See Props.

PROP Prop, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propped; p. pr. & vb. n. Propping.] Etym: [Akin to LG. & D. proppen to cram, stuff, thrust into, stop, G. pfropfen, Dan. proppe, Sw. proppa; of uncertain origin, cf. G. pfropfen to graft, fr. L. propago set, layer of a plant, slip, shoot. Cf. 3d. Prop, Propagate.]

Defn: To support, or prevent from falling, by placing something under or against; as, to prop up a fence or an old building; (Fig.) to sustain; to maintain; as, to prop a declining state. Shak. Till the bright mountains prop the incumbent sky. Pope. For being not propp'd by ancestry. Shak. I prop myself upon those few supports that are left me. Pope.

PROP Prop, n. Etym: [Akin to LG., D., & Dan. prop stopple, stopper, cork, Sw. propp, G. pfropf. See Prop, v.]

Defn: That which sustains an incumbent weight; that on which anything rests or leans for support; a support; a stay; as, a prop for a building. "Two props of virtue." Shak.

PROPAEDEUTIC; PROPAEDEUTICAL Pro`pæ*deu"tic, Pro`pæ*deu"tic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.

Defn: Of, pertaining to, or conveying, preliminary instruction; introductory to any art or science; instructing beforehand.

PROPAEDEUTICS Pro`pæ*deu"tics, n.

Defn: The preliminary learning connected with any art or science; preparatory instruction.

PROPAGABLE Prop"a*ga*ble, a. Etym: [See Propagate.]

1. Capable of being propagated, or of being continued or multiplied by natural generation or production.

2. Capable of being spread or extended by any means; — said of tenets, doctrines, or principles.

PROPAGANDA Prop`a*gan"da, n. Etym: [Abbrev. fr. L. de propaganda fide: cf. F. propagande. See Propagate.]

1. (R. C. Ch.) (a) A congregation of cardinals, established in 1622, charged with the management of missions. (b) The college of the Propaganda, instituted by Urban VIII. (1623- 1644) to educate priests for missions in all parts of the world.

2. Hence, any organization or plan for spreading a particular doctrine or a system of principles.

PROPAGANDISM Prop`a*gan"dism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. propagandisme.]

Defn: The art or practice of propagating tenets or principles; zeal in propagating one's opinions.

PROPAGANDIST Prop`a*gan"dist, n. Etym: [Cf. F. propagandiste.]

Defn: A person who devotes himself to the spread of any system of principles. "Political propagandists." Walsh.

PROPAGATE Prop"a*gate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propagated; p. pr. & vb. n. Propagating.] Etym: [L. propagatus, p. p. of propagare to propagate, akin to propages, propago, a layer of a plant, slip, shoot. See Pro-, and cf. Pact, Prop, Prune, v. t.]

1. To cause to continue or multiply by generation, or successive production; — applied to animals and plants; as, to propagate a breed of horses or sheep; to propagate a species of fruit tree.

2. To cause to spread to extend; to impel or continue forward in space; as, to propagate sound or light.

3. To spread from person to person; to extend the knowledge of; to originate and spread; to carry from place to place; to disseminate; as, to propagate a story or report; to propagate the Christian religion. The infection was propagated insensibly. De Foe.

4. To multiply; to increase. [Obs.] Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou wilt propagate. Shak.

5. To generate; to produce. Motion propagated motion, and life threw off life. De Quincey.

Syn. — To multiply; continue; increase; spread; diffuse; disseminate; promote.

PROPAGATE Prop"a*gate, v. i.

Defn: To have young or issue; to be produced or multiplied by generation, or by new shoots or plants; as, rabbits propagate rapidly. No need that thou Should'st propagate, already infinite. Milton.

PROPAGATION Prop`a*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. propagatio: cf. F. propagation.]

1. The act of propagating; continuance or multiplication of the kind by generation or successive production; as, the propagation of animals or plants. There is not in nature any spontaneous generation, but all come by propagation. Ray.

2. The spreading abroad, or extension, of anything; diffusion; dissemination; as, the propagation of sound; the propagation of the gospel. Bacon.

PROPAGATIVE Prop"a*ga*tive, a.

Defn: Producing by propagation, or by a process of growth.

PROPAGATOR Prop"a*ga`tor, n. Etym: [L.: cf. F. propagateur.]

Defn: One who propagates; one who continues or multiplies.

PROPAGULUM Pro*pag"u*lum, n.; pl. Propagula. Etym: [NL. See Propagate.] (Bot.)

Defn: A runner terminated by a germinating bud.

PROPANE Pro"pane, n. Etym: [Propyl + methane.] (Chem.)

Defn: A heavy gaseous hydrocarbon, C3H8, of the paraffin series, occurring naturally dissolved in crude petroleum, and also made artificially; — called also propyl hydride.

PROPARGYL Pro*par"gyl, n. Etym: [Propinyl + Gr. -yl. So called because one hydrogen atom may be replaced by silver.] (Chem.)

Defn: Same as Propinyl.

PROPAROXYTONE Pro`par*ox"y*tone, n. Etym: [Gr. Pro-, and Paroxytone.] (Gr. Gram.)

Defn: A word which has the acute accent on the antepenult.

PROPED Pro"ped, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + L. pes, pedis, foot.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Proleg.

PROPEL Pro*pel", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Propelling.] Etym: [L. propellere, propulsum; pro forward + pellere to drive. See Pulse a beating.]

Defn: To drive forward; to urge or press onward by force; to move, or cause to move; as, the wind or steam propels ships; balls are propelled by gunpowder.

PROPELLER Pro*pel"ler, n.

1. One who, or that which, propels.

2. A contrivance for propelling a steam vessel, usually consisting of a screw placed in the stern under water, and made to revolve by an engine; a propeller wheel.

3. A steamboat thus propelled; a screw steamer. Propeller wheel,the screw, usually having two or more blades, used in propelling a vessel.

PROPEND Pro*pend", v. i. Etym: [L. propendere, propensum; pro forward, forth + pendere to hang. See Pendent.]

Defn: To lean toward a thing; to be favorably inclined or disposed; to incline; to tend. [R.] Shak. We shall propend to it, as a stone falleth down. Barrow.

PROPENDENCY Pro*pend"en*cy, n.

1. Propensity. [R.]

2. Attentive deliberation. [R.] Sir M. Hale.

PROPENDENT Pro*pend"ent, a. Etym: [L. propendens, p. pr.]

Defn: Inclining forward or toward. South.

PROPENE Pro"pene, n. Etym: [Propyl + ethylene.] (Chem.)

Defn: Same as Propylene.

PROPENSE Pro*pense" a. Etym: [L. propensus, p. p. See Propend.]

Defn: Leaning toward, in a moral sense; inclined; disposed; prone; as, women propense to holiness. Hooker. — Pro*pense"ly, adv. — Pro*pense"ness, n.

PROPENSION Pro*pen"sion, n. Etym: [L. propensio: cf. F. propension. See Propend, Propense.]

Defn: The quality or state of being propense; propensity. M. Arnold. Your full consent Gave wings to my propension. Shak.

PROPENSITY Pro*pen"si*ty, n.; pl. Propensities (.

Defn: The quality or state of being propense; natural inclination; disposition to do good or evil; bias; bent; tendency. "A propensity to utter blasphemy." Macaulay.

Syn. — Disposition; bias; inclination; proclivity; proneness; bent; tendency.

PROPENYL Pro"pe*nyl, n. Etym: [Propene + -yl.] (Chem.)

Defn: A hypothetical hydrocarbon radical, C3H5, isomeric with allyl and glyceryl, and regarded as the essential residue of glycerin. Cf. Allyl, and Glyceryl.

PROPEPSIN Pro*pep"sin, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + pepsin.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: See Persinogen.

PROPEPTONE Pro*pep"tone, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + peptone.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: A product of gastric digestion intermediate between albumin and peptone, identical with hemialbumose.

PROPER Prop"er, a. Etym: [OE. propre, F. propre, fr. L. proprius. Cf. Appropriate.]

1. Belonging to one; one's own; individual. "His proper good" [i. e., his own possessions]. Chaucer. "My proper son." Shak. Now learn the difference, at your proper cost, Betwixt true valor and an empty boast. Dryden.

2. Belonging to the natural or essential constitution; peculiar; not common; particular; as, every animal has his proper instincts and appetites. Those high and peculiar attributes . . . which constitute our proper humanity. Coleridge.

3. Befitting one's nature, qualities, etc.; suitable in all respect; appropriate; right; fit; decent; as, water is the proper element for fish; a proper dress. The proper study of mankind is man. Pope. In Athens all was pleasure, mirth, and play, All proper to the spring, and sprightly May. Dryden.

4. Becoming in appearance; well formed; handsome. [Archaic] "Thou art a proper man." Chaucer. Moses . . . was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child. Heb. xi. 23.

5. Pertaining to one of a species, but not common to the whole; not appellative; — opposed to common; as, a proper name; Dublin is the proper name of a city.

6. Rightly so called; strictly considered; as, Greece proper; the garden proper.

7. (Her.)

Defn: Represented in its natural color; — said of any object used as a charge. In proper, individually; privately. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor. — Proper flower or corolla (Bot.), one of the single florets, or corollets, in an aggregate or compound flower. — Proper fraction (Arith.) a fraction in which the numerator is less than the denominator. — Proper nectary (Bot.), a nectary separate from the petals and other parts of the flower. — Proper noun (Gram.), a name belonging to an individual, by which it is distinguished from others of the same class; — opposed to Ant: common noun; as, John, Boston, America. — Proper perianth or involucre (Bot.), that which incloses only a single flower. — Proper receptacle (Bot.), a receptacle which supports only a single flower or fructification.

PROPER Prop"er, adv.

Defn: Properly; hence, to a great degree; very; as, proper good. [Colloq & Vulgar]

PROPERATE Prop"er*ate, v. t. & i. Etym: [L. properatus, p. p. of properare to hasten.]

Defn: To hasten, or press forward. [Obs.]

PROPERATION Prop`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. properatio.]

Defn: The act of hastening; haste. [Obs.] T. Adams.

PROPERISPOME Pro*per"i*spome, n. (Gr. Gram.)

Defn: Properispomenon.

PROPERISPOMENON Pro*per`i*spom"e*non, n.; pl. Properispomena. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. Perispomenon.] (Gr. Gram.)

Defn: A word which has the circumflex accent on the penult.

PROPERLY Prop"er*ly, adv.

1. In a proper manner; suitably; fitly; strictly; rightly; as, a word properly applied; a dress properly adjusted. Milton.

2. Individually; after one's own manner. [Obs.] Now, harkeneth, how I bare me properly. Chaucer.

PROPERNESS Prop"er*ness, n.

1. The quality of being proper.

2. Tallness; comeliness. [Obs.] Udall.

PROPERTIED Prop"er*tied, a.

Defn: Possessing property; holding real estate, or other investments of money. "The propertied and satisfied classes." M. Arnold.

PROPERTY Prop"er*ty, n.; pl. Properties. Etym: [OE. proprete, OF. propreté property, F. propreté neatness, cleanliness, propriété property, fr. L. proprietas. See Proper, a., and cf. Propriety.]

1. That which is proper to anything; a peculiar quality of a thing; that which is inherent in a subject, or naturally essential to it; an attribute; as, sweetness is a property of sugar. Property is correctly a synonym for peculiar quality; but it is frequently used as coextensive with quality in general. Sir W. Hamilton.

Note: In physical science, the properties of matter are distinguished to the three following classes: 1. Physical properties, or those which result from the relations of bodies to the physical agents, light, heat, electricity, gravitation, cohesion, adhesion, etc., and which are exhibited without a change in the composition or kind of matter acted on. They are color, luster, opacity, transparency, hardness, sonorousness, density, crystalline form, solubility, capability of osmotic diffusion, vaporization, boiling, fusion, etc. 2. Chemical properties, or those which are conditioned by affinity and composition; thus, combustion, explosion, and certain solutions are reactions occasioned by chemical properties. Chemical properties are identical when there is identity of composition and structure, and change according as the composition changes. 3. Organoleptic properties, or those forming a class which can not be included in either of the other two divisions. They manifest themselves in the contact of substances with the organs of taste, touch, and smell, or otherwise affect the living organism, as in the manner of medicines and poisons.

2. An acquired or artificial quality; that which is given by art, or bestowed by man; as, the poem has the properties which constitute excellence.

3. The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying, and disposing of a thing; ownership; title. Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood. Shak. Shall man assume a property in man Wordsworth.

4. That to which a person has a legal title, whether in his possession or not; thing owned; an estate, whether in lands, goods, or money; as, a man of large property, or small property.

5. pl.

Defn: All the adjuncts of a play except the scenery and the dresses of the actors; stage requisites. I will draw a bill of properties. Shak.

6. Propriety; correctness. [Obs.] Camden. Literary property. (Law) See under Literary. — Property man, one who has charge of the "properties" of a theater.

PROPERTY Prop"er*ty, v. t.

1. To invest which properties, or qualities. [Obs.] Shak.

2. To make a property of; to appropriate. [Obs.] They have here propertied me. Shak.

PROPHANE Pro*phane", a. & v. t.

Defn: See Profane. [Obs.]

PROPHASIS Proph"a*sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. Pro-, and Phasis.] (Med.)

Defn: Foreknowledge of a disease; prognosis.

PROPHECY Proph"e*cy, n.; pl. Prophecies, Etym: [OE. prophecie, OF. profecie, F. prophétie, L. prophetia, fr. Gr. , fr. Prophet.]

1. A declaration of something to come; a foretelling; a prediction; esp., an inspired foretelling. He hearkens after prophecies and dreams. Shak. Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man. 2. Pet. i. 21.

2. (Script.)

Defn: A book of prophecies; a history; as, the prophecy of Ahijah. 2 Chron. ix. 29.

3. Public interpretation of Scripture; preaching; exhortation or instruction.

PROPHESIER Proph"e*si`er, n.

Defn: A prophet. Shak.

PROPHESY Proph"e*sy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prophesied; p. pr. & vb. n. Prophesying.] Etym: [See Prophecy.]

1. To foretell; to predict; to prognosticate. He doth not prophesy good concerning me. 1 Kings xxii. 8. Then I perceive that will be verified Henry the Fifth did sometime prophesy. Shak.

2. To foreshow; to herald; to prefigure. Methought thy very gait did prophesy A royal nobleness; I must embrace thee. Shak.

PROPHESY Proph"e*sy, v. i.

1. To utter predictions; to make declaration of events to come. Matt. xv. 7.

2. To give instruction in religious matters; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects; to preach; to exhort; to expound. Ezek. xxxvii. 7.

PROPHET Proph"et, n. Etym: [F. prophète, L. propheta, fr. Gr. Fame. ]

1. One who prophesies, or foretells events; a predicter; a foreteller.

2. One inspired or instructed by God to speak in his name, or announce future events, as, Moses, Elijah, etc.

3. An interpreter; a spokesman. [R.] Ex. vii. 1.

4. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A mantis. School of the prophets (Anc. Jewish Hist.), a school or college in which young men were educated and trained for public teachers or members of the prophetic order. These students were called sons of the prophets.

PROPHETESS Proph"et*ess, n. Etym: [Cf. F. prophétesse, L. prophetissa.]

Defn: A female prophet.

PROPHETIC; PROPHETICAL Pro*phet"ic, Pro*phet"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. propheticus, Gr. prophétique.]

Defn: Containing, or pertaining to, prophecy; foretelling events; as, prophetic writings; prophetic dreams; — used with of before the thing foretold. And fears are oft prophetic of the event. Dryden.

PROPHETICALITY Pro*phet`ic*al"i*ty, n.

Defn: Propheticalness.

PROPHETICALLY Pro*phet"ic*al*ly, adv.

Defn: In a prophetical manner; by way of prediction.

PROPHETICALNESS Pro*phet"ic*al*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being prophetical; power or capacity to foretell.

PROPHETIZE Proph"et*ize, v. i. Etym: [L. prophetizare, Gr. prophétiser. Cf. Prophesy.]

Defn: To give predictions; to foreshow events; to prophesy. [R.] "Prophetizing dreams." Daniel.

PROPHORIC Pro*phor"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.

Defn: Enunciative. [R.]

PROPHRAGMA Pro*phrag"ma, n.; pl. Prophragmata. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: An internal dorsal chitinous process between the first two divisions of the thorax of insects.

PROPHYLACTIC Proph`y*lac"tic, n. Etym: [Cf. F. prophylactique.] (Med.)

Defn: A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.

PROPHYLACTIC; PROPHYLACTICAL Proph`y*lac"tic, Proph`y*lac"tic*al, a. Etym: [Gr. prophylactique.] (Med.)

Defn: Defending or preserving from disease; preventive. Coxe.

PROPHYLAXIS Proph`y*lax"is, n. Etym: [NL. See Prophylactic.] (Med.)

Defn: The art of preserving from, or of preventing, disease; the observance of the rules necessary for the preservation of health; preservative or preventive treatment.

PROPICE Pro*pice", a. Etym: [OE., fr. F. propice, See Propitious.]

Defn: Fit; propitious. [Obs.] E. Hall.

PROPIDENE Pro"pi*dene, n. Etym: [Propyl + ethylidene.] (Chem.)

Defn: The unsymmetrical hypothetical hydrocarbon radical, CH3.CH2.CH, analogous to ethylidene, and regarded as the type of certain derivatives of propane; — called also propylidene.

PROPINATION Prop`i*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. propinatio. See Propine.]

Defn: The act of pledging, or drinking first, and then offering the cup to another. [Obs.] Abp. Potter.

PROPINE Pro*pine", v. t. Etym: [L. propinare, Gr.

1. To pledge; to offer as a toast or a health in the manner of drinking, that is, by drinking first and passing the cup. [Obs.] The lovely sorceress mixed, and to the prince Health, peace, and joy propined. C. Smart.

2. Hence, to give in token of friendship. [Obs.]

3. To give, or deliver; to subject. [Obs.] Fotherby.

PROPINE Pro*pine", n.

1. A pledge. [Obs. or Scot.]

2. A gift; esp., drink money. [Obs or Scot.]

PROPINE Pro"pine, n. Etym: [Propyl + ethine.] (Chem.)

Defn: Same as Allylene.

PROPINQUITY Pro*pin"qui*ty, n. Etym: [L. propinquitas, from propinquus near, neighboring, from prope near.]

1. Nearness in place; neighborhood; proximity.

2. Nearness in time. Sir T. Browne.

3. Nearness of blood; kindred; affinity. Shak.

PROPINYL Pro"pi*nyl, n. Etym: [Propine + -yl.] (Chem.)

Defn: A hydrocarbon radical regarded as an essential residue of propine and allied compounds.

PROPIOLATE Pro"pi*o*late, n.

Defn: A salt of propiolic acid.

PROPIOLIC Pro`pi*ol"ic, a. Etym: [Propionic + tetrolic.] (Chem.)

Defn: Pertaining to, or designating, an organic acid (called also propargylic acid) of the acetylene or tetrolic series, analogous to propionic acid, and obtained as a white crystalline substance.C3H2O2, CH.C.COOH

PROPIONATE Pro"pi*o*nate, n. (Chem.)

Defn: A salt of propionic acid.

PROPIONE Pro"pi*one, n. (Chem.)

Defn: The ketone of propionic acid, obtained as a colorless fragrant liquid.

PROPIONIC Pro`pi*on"ic, a. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. pi`wn fat.] (Chem.)

Defn: Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, an organic acid which is produced in the distillation of wood, in the fermentation of various organic substances, as glycerin, calcium lactate, etc., and is obtained as a colorless liquid having a sharp, pungent odor. Propionic acid is so called because it is the first or lowest member of the fatty acid series whose salts have a fatty feel.

PROPIONYL Pro"pi*o*nyl, n. (Chem.)

Defn: The hypothetical radical C3H5O, regarded as the essential residue of propionic acid and certain related compounds.

PROPITHECUS Prop`i*the"cus, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A genus including the long-tailed, or diadem, indris. See Indris.

PROPITIABLE Pro*pi"ti*a*ble, a. Etym: [L. propitiabilis.]

Defn: Capable of being propitiated.

PROPITIATE Pro*pi"ti*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propitiated; p. pr. & vb. n. Propitiating.] Etym: [L. propitiatus, p. p. of propitiare to propitiate, fr. propitius favorable. See Propitious.]

Defn: To appease to render favorable; to make propitious; to conciliate. Let fierce Achilles, dreadful in his rage, The god propitiate, and the pest assuage. Pope.

PROPITIATE Pro*pi"ti*ate, v. i.

Defn: To make propitiation; to atone.

PROPITIATION Pro*pi`ti*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. propitiatio: cf. F. propitiation.]

1. The act of appeasing the wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious.

2. (Theol.)

Defn: That which propitiates; atonement or atoning sacrifice; specifically, the influence or effects of the death of Christ in appeasing the divine justice, and conciliating the divine favor. He [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John ii. 2.

PROPITIATOR Pro*pi"ti*a`tor, n. Etym: [L.]

Defn: One who propitiates or appeases.

PROPITIATORILY Pro*pi"ti*a*to*ri*ly, adv.

Defn: By way of propitiation.

PROPITIATORY Pro*pi"ti*a*to*ry, a. Etym: [L. propitiatorius: cf. F. propitiatoire.]

Defn: Having the power to make propitious; pertaining to, or employed in, propitiation; expiatory; as, a propitiatory sacrifice. Sharp.

PROPITIATORY Pro*pi"ti*a*to*ry, n. Etym: [L. propitiatorium.] (Jewish Antiq.)

Defn: The mercy seat; — so called because a symbol of the propitiated Jehovah. Bp. Pearson.

PROPITIOUS Pro*pi"tious, a. Etym: [L. propitius, perhaps originally a term of augury meaning, flying forward (pro) or well; cf. Skr. pat to fly, E. petition, feather.]

1. Convenient; auspicious; favorable; kind; as, a propitious season; a propitious breeze.

2. Hence, kind; gracious; merciful; helpful; — said of a person or a divinity. Milton. And now t' assuage the force of this new flame, And make thee [Love] more propitious in my need. Spenser.

Syn. — Auspicious; favorable; kind. — Propitious, Auspicious. Auspicious (from the ancient idea of auspices, or omens) denotes "indicative of success," or "favored by incidental occurrences;" as, an auspicious opening; an auspicious event. Propitious denotes that which efficaciously protect us in some undertaking, speeds our exertions, and decides our success; as, propitious gales; propitious influences. — Pro*pi"tious*ly, adv. — Pro*pi"tious*ness, n.

PROPLASM Pro"plasm, n. Etym: [L. proplasma, Gr.

Defn: A mold; a matrix. [R.] Woodward.

PROPLASTIC Pro*plas"tic, a.

Defn: Forming a mold.

PROPLASTICS Pro*plas"tics, n.

Defn: The art of making molds for castings. [R.]

PROPLEG Prop"leg`, n. Etym: [So called because it props up or supports the body.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Proleg.

PROPODIAL Pro*po"di*al, a. (Anat.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to the propodialia, or the parts of the limbs to which they belong.

PROPODIALE Pro*po`di*a"le, n.; pl. Propodialia.. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: The bone of either the upper arm or the thing, the propodialia being the humerus and femur.

PROPODITE Prop"o*dite, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The sixth joint of a typical leg of a crustacean; usually, the penultimate joint.

PROPODIUM Pro*po"di*um, n.; pl. Propodia. Etym: [NL. See Propodiale.] (Zoöl.) (a) The anterior portion of the foot of a mollusk. (b) The segment which forms the posterior part of the thorax of a hymenopterous insect. [Written also propodeum.]

PROPOLIS Pro"po*lis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.

Defn: Same as Bee glue, under Bee.

PROPONE Pro*pone", v. t. Etym: [L. proponere to propose. See Propound.]

Defn: To propose; to bring forward.

PROPONENT Pro*po"nent, a. Etym: [L. proponens, p. pr.]

Defn: Making proposals; proposing.

PROPONENT Pro*po"nent, n.

1. One who makes a proposal, or lays down a proposition. Dryden.

2. (Law)

Defn: The propounder of a thing.

PROPORTION Pro*por"tion, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. proportio; pro before + portio part or share. See Portion.]

1. The relation or adaptation of one portion to another, or to the whole, as respect magnitude, quantity, or degree; comparative relation; ratio; as, the proportion of the parts of a building, or of the body. The image of Christ, made after his own proportion. Ridley. Formed in the best proportions of her sex. Sir W. Scott. Documents are authentic and facts are true precisely in proportion to the support which they afford to his theory. Macaulay.

2. Harmonic relation between parts, or between different things of the same kind; symmetrical arrangement or adjustment; symmetry; as, to be out of proportion. "Let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith." Rom. xii. 6.

3. The portion one receives when a whole is distributed by a rule or principle; equal or proper share; lot. Let the women . . . do the same things in their proportions and capacities. Jer. Taylor.

4. A part considered comparatively; a share.

5. (Math.) (a) The equality or similarity of ratios, especially of geometrical ratios; or a relation among quantities such that the quotient of the first divided by the second is equal to that of the third divided by the fourth; — called also geometrical proportion, in distinction from arithmetical proportion, or that in which the difference of the first and second is equal to the difference of the third and fourth.

Note: Proportion in the mathematical sense differs from ratio. Ratio is the relation of two quantities of the same kind, as the ratio of 5 to 10, or the ratio of 8 to 16. Proportion is the sameness or likeness of two such relations. Thus, 5 to 10 as 8 to 16; that is, 5 bears the same relation to 10 as 8 does to 16. Hence, such numbers are said to be in proportion. Proportion is expressed by symbols thus: a:b::c:d, or a:b = c:d, or a/b = c/d. (b) The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional. Continued proportion, Inverse proportion, etc. See under Continued, Inverse, etc. — Harmonical, or Musical, proportion, a relation of three or four quantities, such that the first is to the last as the difference between the first two is to the difference between the last two; thus, 2, 3, 6, are in harmonical proportion; for 2 is to 6 as 1 to 3. Thus, 24, 16, 12, 9, are harmonical, for 24:9::8:3. — In proportion, according as; to the degree that. "In proportion as they are metaphysically true, they are morally and politically false." Burke.

PROPORTION Pro*por"tion, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proportioned; p. pr. & vb. n. Proportioning.] Etym: [Cf. F. proportionner. Cf. Proportionate, v.]

1. To adjust in a suitable proportion, as one thing or one part to another; as, to proportion the size of a building to its height; to proportion our expenditures to our income. In the loss of an object we do not proportion our grief to the real value . . . but to the value our fancies set upon it. Addison.

2. To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body. Nature had proportioned her without any fault. Sir P. Sidney.

3. To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.

PROPORTIONABLE Pro*por"tion*a*ble, a.

Defn: Capable of being proportioned, or made proportional; also, proportional; proportionate. — Pro*por"tion*a*ble*ness, n. But eloquence may exist without a proportionable degree of wisdom. Burke. Proportionable, which is no longer much favored, was of our [i. e., English writers'] own coining. Fitzed. Hall.

PROPORTIONABLY Pro*por"tion*a*bly, adv.

Defn: Proportionally. Locke.

PROPORTIONAL Pro*por"tion*al, a. Etym: [L. proportionalis: cf. F. proportionnel.]

1. Having a due proportion, or comparative relation; being in suitable proportion or degree; as, the parts of an edifice are proportional. Milton.

2. Relating to, or securing, proportion. Hutton. 3. (Math.) Constituting a proportion; having the same, or a constant, ratio; as, proportional quantities; momentum is proportional to quantity of matter. Proportional logarithms, logistic logarithms. See under Logistic. — Proportional scale, a scale on which are marked parts proportional to the logarithms of the natural numbers; a logarithmic scale. — Proportional scales, compasses, dividers, etc. (Draughting), instruments used in making copies of drawings, or drawings of objects, on an enlarged or reduced scale.

PROPORTIONAL Pro*por"tion*al, n.

1. (Math.)

Defn: Any number or quantity in a proportion; as, a mean proportional.

2. (Chem.)

Defn: The combining weight or equivalent of an element. [Obs.]

PROPORTIONALITY Pro*por`tion*al"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. proportionnalité.]

Defn: The state of being in proportion. Coleridge.

PROPORTIONALLY Pro*por"tion*al*ly, adv.

Defn: In proportion; in due degree; adapted relatively; as, all parts of the building are proportionally large. Sir I. Newton.

PROPORTIONATE Pro*por"tion*ate, a. Etym: [L. proportionatus. See Proportion.]

Defn: Adjusted to something else according to a proportion; proportional. Longfellow. What is proportionate to his transgression. Locke.

PROPORTIONATE Pro*por"tion*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proportionated; p. pr. & vb. n. Proportionating.] Etym: [Cf. Proportion, v.]

Defn: To make proportional; to adjust according to a settled rate, or to due comparative relation; to proportion; as, to proportionate punishment to crimes.

PROPORTIONATELY Pro*por"tion*ate*ly (, adv.

Defn: In a proportionate manner; with due proportion; proportionally.

PROPORTIONATENESS Pro*por"tion*ate*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being proportionate. Sir M. Hale.

PROPORTIONLESS Pro*por"tion*less, a.

Defn: Without proportion; unsymmetrical.

PROPORTIONMENT Pro*por"tion*ment, n.

Defn: The act or process of dividing out proportionally.

PROPOSAL Pro*pos"al, n. Etym: [From Propose.]

1. That which is proposed, or propounded for consideration or acceptance; a scheme or design; terms or conditions proposed; offer; as, to make proposals for a treaty of peace; to offer proposals for erecting a building; to make proposals of marriage. "To put forth proposals for a book." Macaulay.

2. (Law)

Defn: The offer by a party of what he has in view as to an intended business transaction, which, with acceptance, constitutes a contract.

Syn. — Proffer; tender; overture. See Proposition.

PROPOSE Pro*pose", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Proposing.] Etym: [F. proposer; pref. pro- (L. pro for, forward) + poser to place. See Pose, v.]

1. To set forth. [Obs.] That being proposed brimfull of wine, one scarce could lift it up. Chapman.

2. To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, or adoption; as, to propose terms of peace; to propose a question for discussion; to propose an alliance; to propose a person for office.

3. To set before one's self or others as a purpose formed; hence, to purpose; to intend. I propose to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England. Palfrey. To propose to one's self, to intend; to design.

PROPOSE Pro*pose", v. i.

1. To speak; to converse. [Obs.] There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice, Proposing with the prince and Claudio. Shak.

2. To form or declare a purpose or intention; to lay a scheme; to design; as, man proposes, but God disposes.

3. To offer one's self in marriage.

PROPOSE Pro*pose", n. Etym: [F. propos, L. propositum. See Propound, Purpose, n.]

Defn: Talk; discourse. [Obs.] Shak.

PROPOSER Pro*pos"er, n.

1. One who proposes or offers anything for consideration or adoption.

2. A speaker; an orator. [Obs.] Shak.

PROPOSITION Prop`o*si"tion, n. Etym: [L. propositio: cf. F. proposition. See Propound.]

1. The act of setting or placing before; the act of offering. "Oblations for the altar of proposition." Jer. Taylor.

2. That which is proposed; that which is offered, as for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; a proposal; as, the enemy made propositions of peace; his proposition was not accepted.

3. A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed; as, the propositions of Wyclif and Huss. Some persons . . . change their propositions according as their temporal necessities or advantages do turn. Jer. Taylor.

4. (Gram. & Logic)

Defn: A complete sentence, or part of a sentence consisting of a subject and predicate united by a copula; a thought expressed or propounded in language; a from of speech in which a predicate is affirmed or denied of a subject; as, snow is white.

5. (Math.)

Defn: A statement in terms of a truth to be demonstrated, or of an operation to be performed.

Note: It is called a theorem when it is something to be proved, and a problem when it is something to be done.

6. (Rhet.)

Defn: That which is offered or affirmed as the subject of the discourse; anything stated or affirmed for discussion or illustration.

7. (Poetry)

Defn: The part of a poem in which the author states the subject or matter of it. Leaves of proposition (Jewish Antiq.), the showbread. Wyclif (Luke vi. 4).

Syn. — Proposal; offer; statement; declaration. — Proposition, Proposal. These words are both from the Latin verb proponere, to set forth, and as here compared they mark different forms or stages of a negotiation. A proposition is something presented for discussion or consideration; as, propositions of peace. A proposal is some definite thing offered by one party to be accepted or rejected by the other. If the proposition is favorably received, it is usually followed by proposals which complete the arrangement.

PROPOSITIONAL Prop`o*si"tion*al, a.

Defn: Pertaining to, or in the nature of, a proposition; considered as a proposition; as, a propositional sense. I. Watts.

PROPOUND Pro*pound", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Propounding.] Etym: [From earlier propone, L. proponere, propositum, to set forth, propose, propound; pro for, before + ponere to put. See Position, and cf. Provost.]

1. To offer for consideration; to exhibit; to propose; as, to propound a question; to propound an argument. Shak. And darest thou to the Son of God propound To worship thee, accursed Milton. It is strange folly to set ourselves no mark, to propound no end, in the hearing of the gospel. Coleridge.

2. (Eccl.)

Defn: To propose or name as a candidate for admission to communion with a church.

PROPOUNDER Pro*pound"er, n.

Defn: One who propounds, proposes, or offers for consideration. Chillingworth.

PROPRETOR Pro*pre"tor, n. Etym: [L. propraetor; pro for, before + praetor a pretor.] (Rom. Antiq.)

Defn: A magistrate who, having been pretor at home, was appointed to the government of a province. [Written also proprætor.]

PROPRIETARY Pro*pri"e*ta*ry, n.; pl. Proprietaries. Etym: [L. proprietarius: cf. F. propriétaire. See Propriety, and cf. Proprietor.]

1. A proprietor or owner; one who has exclusive title to a thing; one who possesses, or holds the title to, a thing in his own right. Fuller.

2. A body proprietors, taken collectively.

3. (Eccl.)

Defn: A monk who had reserved goods and effects to himself, notwithstanding his renunciation of all at the time of profession.

PROPRIETARY Pro*pri"e*ta*ry, a. Etym: [L. proprietarius.]

Defn: Belonging, or pertaining, to a proprietor; considered as property; owned; as, proprietary medicine. Proprietary articles, manufactured articles which some person or persons have exclusive right to make and sell. U. S. Statutes.

PROPRIETOR Pro*pri"e*tor, n. Etym: [For older proprietary: cf. F. propriétarie.]

Defn: One who has the legal right or exclusive title to anything, whether in possession or not; an owner; as, the proprietor of farm or of a mill.

PROPRIETORIAL Pro*pri`e*to"ri*al, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to ownership; proprietary; as, proprietorial rights.

PROPRIETORSHIP Pro*pri"e*tor*ship, n.

Defn: The state of being proprietor; ownership.

PROPRIETRESS Pro*pri"e*tress, n.

Defn: A female proprietor.

PROPRIETY Pro*pri"e*ty, n.; pl. Proprieties. Etym: [F. propriété, L. proprietas, fr. proprius one's own, proper. See Property, Proper.]

1. Individual right to hold property; ownership by personal title; property. [Obs.] "Onles this propriety be exiled." Robynson (More's Utopia). So are the proprieties of a wife to be disposed of by her lord, and yet all are for her provisions, it being a part of his need to refresh and supply hers. Jer. Taylor.

2. That which is proper or peculiar; an inherent property or quality; peculiarity. [Obs.] Bacon. We find no mention hereof in ancient zoögraphers, . . . who seldom forget proprieties of such a nature. Sir T. Browne.

3. The quality or state of being proper; suitableness to an acknowledged or correct standard or rule; consonance with established principles, rules, or customs; fitness; appropriateness; as, propriety of behavior, language, manners, etc. "The rule of propriety," Locke.

PROPROCTOR Pro*proc"tor, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + proctor.] [Eng. Univ.]

Defn: A assistant proctor. Hook.

PROPS Props, n. pl.

Defn: A game of chance, in which four sea shells, each called a prop, are used instead of dice.

PROPTERYGIUM Prop`te*ryg"i*um, n; pl. Propterygia. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: The anterior of three principal cartilages in the fins of some fishes. — Prop`ter*yg"i*al, a.

PROPUGN Pro*pugn", v. t. Etym: [L. propugnare; pro for + pugnare to fight.]

Defn: To contend for; to defend; to vindicate. [Obs.] Hammond.

PROPUGNACLE Pro*pug"na*cle, n. Etym: [L. propugnaculum.]

Defn: A fortress. [Obs.] Howell.

PROPUGNATION Pro`pug*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. propugnatio.]

Defn: Means of defense; defense. [Obs.] Shak.

PROPUGNER Pro*pugn"er, n.

Defn: A defender; a vindicator. "Zealous propugners." Gov. of Tongue.

PROPULSATION Pro`pul*sa"tion, n. Etym: [L. propulsatio. See Propulse.]

Defn: The act of driving away or repelling; a keeping at a distance. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.

PROPULSE Pro*pulse", v. t. Etym: [L. propulsare, v. intens. from propellere to propel. See Propel.]

Defn: To repel; to drive off or away. [Obs.] Cotgrave.

PROPULSION Pro*pul"sion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. propulsion. See Propel.]

1. The act driving forward or away; the act or process of propelling; as, steam propulsion.

2. An impelling act or movement. God works in all things; all obey His first propulsion. Whittier.

PROPULSIVE Pro*pul"sive, a.

Defn: Tending, or having power, to propel; driving on; urging. "[The] propulsive movement of the verse." Coleridge.

PROPULSORY Pro*pul"so*ry, a.

Defn: Propulsive.

PROPYL Pro"pyl, n. Etym: [Propionic + -yl.] (Chem.)

Defn: The hypothetical radical C3H7, regarded as the essential residue of propane and related compounds.

PROPYLAEUM Prop`y*læ"um, n.; pl. Propylæa. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Anc. Classical Arch.)

Defn: Any court or vestibule before a building or leading into any inclosure.

PROPYLENE Pro"pyl*ene, n. Etym: [Cf. F. propylène.] (Chem.)

Defn: A colorless gaseous hydrocarbon (C3H6) of the ethylene series, having a garlic odor. It occurs in coal gas, and is produced artificially in various ways. Called also propene.

PROPYLIC Pro*pyl"ic, a. (Chem.)

Defn: Pertaining to, derived from, or containing, propyl; as, propylic alcohol.

PROPYLIDENE Pro*pyl"i*dene, n. (Chem.)

Defn: See Propidene.

PROPYLON Prop"y*lon, n.; pl. Propyla. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Anc. Arch.)

Defn: The porch, vestibule, or entrance of an edifice.

PRO RATA Pro` ra"ta. Etym: [L.]

Defn: In proportion; proportionately; according to the share, interest, or liability of each.

PRORATABLE Pro*rat"a*ble, a.

Defn: Capable of being prorated, or divided proportionately. [U.S.]

PRORATE Pro*rate", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prorated; p. pr. & vb. n. Prorating.] Etym: [From L. pro rata (sc. parte) according to a certain part, in proportion.]

Defn: To divide or distribute proportionally; to assess pro rata. [U.S.]

PRORE Prore, n. Etym: [L. prora, Gr. prora. See Prow, n.]

Defn: The prow or fore part of a ship. [Poetic] "Galleys with vermilion prores." Pope.

PRORECTOR Pro*rec"tor, n. Etym: [NL. See Pro-, and Rector.]

Defn: An officer who presides over the academic senate of a German university. Heyse.

PRORECTORATE Pro*rec"tor*ate, n.

Defn: The office of prorector.

PRORENAL Pro*re"nal, a. Etym: [Pref. pro- + renal.] (Anat.)

Defn: Pronephric.

PROREPTION Pro*rep"tion, n. Etym: [L. prorepere, proreptum, to creep forth; pro + repere.]

Defn: A creeping on.

PRORHINAL Pro*rhi"nal, a. Etym: [Pref. pro- + rhinal.] (Anat.)

Defn: Situated in front of the nasal chambers.

PROROGATE Pro"ro*gate, v. t.

Defn: To prorogue. [R.]

PROROGATION Pro`ro*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. prorogatio: cf. F. prorogation.]

1. The act of counting in duration; prolongation. [Obs.] South.

2. The act of proroguing; the ending of the session of Parliament, and postponing of its business, by the command of the sovereign. [Eng.]

Note: After an adjournment all things continue as they were at the adjournment; whereas, after a prorogation, bill introduced and nut passed are as if they had never been begun at all. Mozley & W.

PROROGUE Pro*rogue", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prorogued; p. pr. & vb. n. Proroguing.] Etym: [F. proroger, L. prorogare, prorogatum; pro forward + rogare to ask, to ask one for his opinion or vote, or about a law. See Rogation.]

1. To protract; to prolong; to extend. [Obs.] He prorogued his government. Dryden.

2. To defer; to delay; to postpone; as, to proroguedeath; to prorogue a marriage. Shak.

3. To end the session of a parliament by an order of the sovereign, thus deferring its business. Parliament was prorogued to [meet at] Westminster. Bp. Hall. The Parliament was again prorogued to a distant day. Macaulay.

Syn. — To adjourn; postpone; defer. See Adjourn.

PRORUPTION Pro*rup"tion, n. Etym: [L. proruptio, fr. prorumpere, proruptum, to break forth; pro forth + rumpere to break.]

Defn: The act or state of bursting forth; a bursting out. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

PROSAIC; PROSAICAL Pro*sa"ic, Pro*sa"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. prosaius, from prosa prose: cf. F,. prosaïque. See Prose.]

1. Of or pertaining to prose; resembling prose; in the form of prose; unpoetical; writing or using prose; as, a prosaic composition. Cudworth.

2. Dull; uninteresting; commonplace; unimaginative; prosy; as, a prosaic person. Ed. Rev. — Pro*sa"ic*al*ly, adv. — Pro*sa"ic*al*ness, n.

PROSAICISM Pro*sa"i*cism, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being prosaic; a prosaic manner or style. [R.] Poe.

PROSAISM Pro"sa*ism, n.

Defn: That which is in the form of prose writing; a prosaic manner. Coleridge.

PROSAIST Pro"sa*ist, n.

Defn: A writer of prose; an unpoetical writer. "An estimable prosaist." I. Taylor.

PROSAL Pro"sal, a

Defn: Of or pertaining to prose; prosaic. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

PROSCENIUM Pro*sce"ni*um, n.; pl. Proscenia. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Scene.]

1. (Anc. Theater)

Defn: The part where the actors performed; the stage.

2. (Modern Theater)

Defn: The part of the stage in front of the curtain; sometimes, the curtain and its framework. proscenium arch, the framework around the front of the stage.

PROSCOLEX Pro*sco"lex, n.; pl. Proscolices. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: An early larval form of a trematode worm; a redia. See Redia.

PROSCRIBE Pro*scribe", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proscribed; p. pr. & vb. n. Proscribing.] Etym: [L. proscribere, proscriptum, to write before, to publish, proscribe; pro before + scribere to write. See Scribe. The sense of this word originated in the Roman practice of writing the names of persons doomed to death, and posting the list in public.]

1. To doom to destruction; to put out of the protection of law; to outlaw; to exile; as, Sylla and Marius proscribed each other's adherents. Robert Vere, Earl of Oxford, . . . was banished the realm, and proscribed. Spenser.

2. To denounce and condemn; to interdict; to prohibit; as, the Puritans proscribed theaters. The Arian doctrines were proscribed and anathematized in the famous Council of Nice. Waterland.

PROSCRIBER Pro*scrib"er, n.

Defn: One who, or that which, proscribes, denounces, or prohibits.

PROSCRIPT Pro"script, n. Etym: [See Proscribe.]

1. A proscription; a prohibition; an interdict. [R.]

2. One who is proscribed. [R.]

PROSCRIPTION Pro*scrip"tion, n. Etym: [L. proscriptio: cf. F. proscription.]

1. The act of proscribing; a dooming to death or exile; outlawry; specifically, among the ancient Romans, the public offer of a reward for the head of a political enemy; as, under the triumvirate, many of the best Roman citizens fell by proscription. Every victory by either party had been followed by a sanguinary proscription. Macaulay.

2. The state of being proscribed; denunciation; interdiction; prohibition. Macaulay.

PROSCRIPTIONAL Pro*scrip"tion*al, a.

Defn: Proscriptive.

PROSCRIPTIONIST Pro*scrip"tion*ist, n.

Defn: One who proscribes.

PROSCRIPTIVE Pro*scrip"tive, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to proscription; consisting in, or of the nature of, proscription; proscribing. Burke. — Pro*scrip"tive*ly, adv.

PROSE Prose, n. Etym: [F. prose, L. prosa, fr. prorsus, prosus, straight forward, straight on, for proversus; pro forward + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.]

1. The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in poetical measure or rhythm; — contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition. I speak in prose, and let him rymes make. Chaucer. Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. Milton. I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is; prose — words in their best order; poetry — the best order. Coleridge.

2. Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.

3. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See Sequence.

PROSE Prose, a.

1. Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not in verse; as, prose composition.

2. Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical characteristics; plain; dull; prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.

PROSE Prose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosed; p. pr. & vb. n. Prosing.]

1. To write in prose.

2. To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.

PROSE Prose, v. i.

1. To write prose. Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter. Milton.

PROSECTOR Pro*sec"tor, n. Etym: [L., an anatomist, from prosecare to cut up; pro before + secare to cut.]

Defn: One who makes dissections for anatomical illustration; usually, the assistant of a professional anatomist.

PROSECUTABLE Pros"e*cu`ta*ble, a.

Defn: Capable of being prosecuted; liable to prosecution.

PROSECUTE Pros"e*cute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosecuted; p. pr. & vb. n. Prosecuting.] Etym: [L. prosecutus, p. p. of prosequi to follow, pursue. See Pursue.]

1. To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim. I am beloved Hermia; Why should not I, then, prosecute my right Shak.

2. To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law.

3. (Law)

Defn: To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot. To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes. Milton.

PROSECUTE Pros"e*cute, v. i.

1. To follow after. [Obs.] Latimer.

2. (Law)

Defn: To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses. Blackstone.

PROSECUTION Pros`e*cu"tion, n. Etym: [L. prosecutio a following.]

1. The act or process of prosecuting, or of endeavoring to gain or accomplish something; pursuit by efforts of body or mind; as, the prosecution of a scheme, plan, design, or undertaking; the prosecution of war. Keeping a sharp eye on her domestics . . . in prosecution of their various duties. Sir W. Scott.

2. (Law) (a) The institution and carrying on of a suit in a court of law or equity, to obtain some right, or to redress and punish some wrong; the carrying on of a judicial proceeding in behalf of a complaining party, as distinguished from defense. (b) The institution, or commencement, and continuance of a criminal suit; the process of exhibiting formal charges against an offender before a legal tribunal, and pursuing them to final judgment on behalf of the state or government, as by indictment or information. (c) The party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted. Blackstone. Burrill. Mozley & W.

PROSECUTOR Pros"e*cu`tor, n. Etym: [Cf. L.prosecutor an attendant.]

1. One who prosecutes or carries on any purpose, plan, or business.

2. (Law)

Defn: The person who institutes and carries on a criminal suit against another in the name of the government. Blackstone.

PROSECUTRIX Pros"e*cu`trix, n. Etym: [NL.]

Defn: A female prosecutor.

PROSELYTE Pros"e*lyte, n. Etym: [OE. proselite, OF. proselite, F. proselytus, Gr.

Defn: A new convert especially a convert to some religion or religious sect, or to some particular opinion, system, or party; thus, a Gentile converted to Judaism, or a pagan converted to Christianity, is a proselyte. Ye [Scribes and Pharisees] compass sea and land to make one proselyte. Matt. xxiii. 15. Fresh confidence the speculatist takes From every harebrained proselyte he makes. Cowper.

Syn. — See Convert.

PROSELYTE Pros"e*lyte, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proselyted; p. pr. & vb. n. Proselyting.]

Defn: To convert to some religion, opinion, or system; to bring over. Dr. H. More.

PROSELYTISM Pros"e*ly*tism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. prosélytisme.]

1. The act or practice of proselyting; the making of converts to a religion or a religious sect, or to any opinion, system, or party. They were possessed of a spirit of proselytism in the most fanatical degree. Burke.

2. Conversion to a religion, system, or party.

PROSELYTIZE Pros"e*ly*tize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. proselytized; p. pr. & vb. n. Proselytizing.]

Defn: To convert to some religion, system, opinion, or the like; to bring, or cause to come, over; to proselyte. One of those whom they endeavor to proselytize. Burke.

PROSELYTIZE Pros"e*ly*tize, v. i.

Defn: To make converts or proselytes.

PROSELYTIZER Pros"e*ly*ti`zer, n.

Defn: One who proselytes.

PROSEMAN Prose"man, n.

Defn: A writer of prose. [R.]

PROSEMINARY Pro*sem"i*na*ry, n.

Defn: A seminary which prepares pupils for a higher institution. T. Warton.

PROSEMINATION Pro*sem`i*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. proseminare, proseminatum, to disseminate.]

Defn: Propagation by seed. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.

PROSENCEPHALIC Pros*en`ce*phal"ic, a. (Anat.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to the prosencephalon.

PROSENCEPHALON Pros`en*ceph"a*lon, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. encephalon.] [Sometimes abbreviated to proen.] (Anat.) (a) The anterior segment of the brain, including the cerebrum and olfactory lobes; the forebrain. (b) The cerebrum. Huxley.

PROSENCHYMA Pros*en"chy*ma, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. -enchyma, as in parenchyma.] (Bot.)

Defn: A general term applied to the tissues formed of elongated cells, especially those with pointed or oblique extremities, as the principal cells of ordinary wood.

PROSER Pros"er, n.

1. A writer of prose. [Obs.]

2. One who talks or writes tediously. Sir W. Scott.

PROSILIENCY Pro*sil"i*en*cy, n. Etym: [L. prosilere to leap forth.]

Defn: The act of leaping forth or forward; projection. "Such prosiliency of relief." Coleridge.

PROSILY Pros"i*ly, adv.

Defn: In a prosy manner.

PROSIMETRICAL Pros`i*met"ric*al, a. Etym: [Prose + metrical.]

Defn: Consisting both of prose and verse. Clarke.

PROSIMIAE Pro*sim"i*æ, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Pro-. and Simia.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Lemuroidea.

PROSINESS Pros"i*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being prosy; tediousness; tiresomeness.

PROSING Pros"ing, n.

Defn: Writing prose; speaking or writing in a tedious or prosy manner. Sir W. Scott.

PROSINGLY Pros"ing*ly, adv.

Defn: Prosily.

PROSIPHON Pro*si"phon, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- for + siphon.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: A minute tube found in the protocon

PROSIT Pro"sit, interj. [L., 3d pers. sing. subj. present of prodesse to do good; pro for + esse to be.]

Defn: Lit., may it do (you) good; — a salutation used in well wishing, esp. among Germans, as in drinking healths.

PROSLAVERY Pro*slav"er*y, a. Etym: [Pref. pro- + slavery.]

Defn: Favoring slavery. — n.

Defn: Advocacy of slavery.

PROSOBRANCH Pros"o*branch, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the Prosobranchiata.

PROSOBRANCHIATA Pros`o*bran`chi*a"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The highest division, or subclass, of gastropod mollusks, including those that have the gills situated anteriorly, or forward of the heart, and the sexes separate.

PROSOCOELE Pros"o*coele, n. Etym: [Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: The entire cavity of the prosencephalon. B. G. Wilder.

PROSOCOELIA Pros`o*coe"li*a, n.; pl. Prosocoelle, Etym: [NL.] (Anat.)

Defn: Same as Prosocoele.

PROSODIACAL Pros`o*di"a*cal, a.

Defn: Prosodical.

PROSODIACALLY Pros`o*di"a*cal*ly, adv.

Defn: Prosodically.

PROSODIAL Pro*so"di*al, a.

Defn: Prosodical.

PROSODIAN Pro*so"di*an, n.

Defn: A prosodist. Rush.

PROSODICAL Pro*sod"ic*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. prosodique, L. prosodiacus.]

Defn: Of or pertaining to prosody; according to the rules of prosody. — Pro*sod"ic*al*ly, adv.

PROSODIST Pros"o*dist, n.

Defn: One skilled in prosody.

PROSODY Pros"o*dy, n. Etym: [L. prosodia the tone or accent of a syllable, Gr. prosodie. See Ode.]

Defn: That part of grammar which treats of the quantity of syllables, of accent, and of the laws of versification or metrical composition.

PROSOMA Pro*so"ma, n.; pl. Prosomata. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The anterior of the body of an animal, as of a cephalopod; the thorax of an arthropod.

PROSOPALGIA Pros`o*pal"gi*a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)

Defn: Facial neuralgia.

PROSOPOCEPHALA Pros`o*po*ceph`a*la, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Scaphopoda.

PROSOPOLEPSY Pros`o*po*lep"sy, n. Etym: [Gr.

Defn: Respect of persons; especially, a premature opinion or prejudice against a person, formed from his external appearance. [R.] Addison.

PROSOPOPOEIA Pros`o*po*poe"ia, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Rhet.)

Defn: A figure by which things are represented as persons, or by which things inanimate are spoken of as animated beings; also, a figure by which an absent person is introduced as speaking, or a deceased person is represented as alive and present. It includes personification, but is more extensive in its signification.

PROSOPULMONATA Pros`o*pul`mo*na"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. pulmo a lung.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: A division of pulmonate mollusks having the breathing organ situated on the neck, as in the common snail.

PROSPECT Pros"pect, n. Etym: [L. prospectus, fr. prospicere, prospectum, to look forward; pro before, forward + specere, spicere, look, to see: cf. OF. prospect. See Spy, v., and cf. Prospectus.]

1. That which is embraced by eye in vision; the region which the eye overlooks at one time; view; scene; outlook. His eye discovers unaware The goodly prospect of some foreign land. Milton.

2. Especially, a picturesque or widely extended view; a landscape; hence, a sketch of a landscape. I went to Putney . . . to take prospects in crayon. Evelyn.

3. A position affording a fine view; a lookout. [R.] Him God beholding from his prospect high. Milton.

4. Relative position of the front of a building or other structure; face; relative aspect. And their prospect was toward the south. Ezek. xl. 44.

5. The act of looking forward; foresight; anticipation; as, a prospect of the future state. Locke. Is he a prudent man as to his temporal estate, that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to, or provision for, the remaining part of life Tillotson.

6. That which is hoped for; ground for hope or expectation; expectation; probable result; as, the prospect of success. "To brighter prospects born." Cowper. These swell their prospectsd exalt their pride, When offers are disdain'd, and love deny'd. Pope.

PROSPECT Pros"pect, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prospected; p. pr. & vb. n. Prospecting.]

Defn: To look over; to explore or examine for something; as, to prospect a district for gold.

PROSPECT Pros"pect, v. i.

Defn: To make a search; to seek; to explore, as for mines or the like; as, to prospect for gold.

PROSPECTION Pro*spec"tion, n.

Defn: The act of looking forward, or of providing for future wants; foresight.

PROSPECTIVE Pro*spec"tive, a. Etym: [L. prospectivus: cf. F. prospectif. See Prospect, n.]

1. Of or pertaining to a prospect; furnishing a prospect; perspective. [Obs.] Time's long and dark prospective glass. Milton.

2. Looking forward in time; acting with foresight; — opposed to retrospective. The French king of Sweden are circumspect, industrious, and prospective, too, in this affair. Sir J. Child.

3. Being within view or consideration, as a future event or contingency; relating to the future: expected; as, a prospective benefit. Points on which the promises, at the time of ordination, had no prospective bearing. W. Jay.

PROSPECTIVE Pro*spec"tive, n.

1. The scene before or around, in time or in space; view; prospect. Sir H. Wotton.

2. A perspective glass. [Obs.] Chaucer. Beau. & Fl.

PROSPECTIVELY Pro*spec"tive*ly, adv.

Defn: In a prospective manner.

PROSPECTIVENESS Pro*spec"tive*ness, n.

Defn: Quality of being prospective.

PROSPECTLESS Pros"pect*less, a.

Defn: Having no prospect.

PROSPECTOR Pros"pect*or, n. Etym: [L., one who looks out.]

Defn: One who prospects; especially, one who explores a region for minerals and precious metals.

PROSPECTUS Pro*spec"tus, n. Etym: [L., a prospect, sight, view: cf. F. prospectus. See Prospect.]

Defn: A summary, plan, or scheme of something proposed, affording a prospect of its nature; especially, an exposition of the scheme of an unpublished literary work.

PROSPER Pros"per, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prospered; p. pr. & vb. n. Prospering.] Etym: [F. prospérer v. i., or L. prosperare, v. i., or L. prosperare, v. t., fr. prosper or prosperus. See Prosperous.]

Defn: To favor; to render successful. "Prosper thou our handiwork." Bk. of Common Prayer. All things concur toprosper our design. Dryden.

PROSPER Pros"per, v. i.

1. To be successful; to succeed; to be fortunate or prosperous; to thrive; to make gain. They, in their earthly Canaan placed, Long time shall dwell and prosper. Milton.

2. To grow; to increase. [Obs.] Black cherry trees prosper even to considerable timber. Evelyn.

PROSPERITY Pros*per"i*ty, n. Etym: [F. prospérité, L. prosperitas. See Prosperous.]

Defn: The state of being prosperous; advance or gain in anything good or desirable; successful progress in any business or enterprise; attainment of the object desired; good fortune; success; as, commercial prosperity; national prosperity. Now prosperity begins to mellow. Shak. Prosperities can only be enjoyed by them who fear not at all to lose the Jer. Taylor.

Syn. — Fortunate; successful; flourishing; thriving; favorable; auspicious; lucky. See Fortunate. — Pros"per*ous*ly, adv. — Pros"per*ous*ness, n.

PROSPEROUS Pros"per*ous, a. [L. prosperus or prosper, originally, answering to hope; pro according to + the root of sperare to hope. See Despair.]

1. Tending to prosperity; favoring; favorable; helpful.

A happy passage and a prosperous wind. Denham.

2. Being prospered; advancing in the pursuit of anything desirable; making gain, or increase; thriving; successful; as, a prosperous voyage; a prosperous undertaking; a prosperous man or nation.

By moderation either state to bear Prosperous or adverse. Milton.

Syn. — Fortunate; successful; flourishing; thriving; favorable; auspicious; lucky. See Fortunate.

— Pros"per*ous*ly, adv. —Pros"per*ous*ness, n.

PROSPHYSIS Pros"phy*sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)

Defn: A growing together of parts; specifically, a morbid adhesion of the eyelids to each other or to the eyeball. Dunglison.

PROSPICIENCE Pro*spi"cience, n. Etym: [L. prospicientia, fr. prospiciens, p. pr. of prospicere. See Prospect.]

Defn: The act of looking forward.

PROSTATE Pros"tate, a.Etym: [Gr. prostate.] (Anat.)

Defn: Standing before; — applied to a gland which is found in the males of most mammals, and is situated at the neck of the bladder where this joins the urethra. — n.

Defn: The prostate gland.

PROSTATIC Pro*stat"ic, a. (Anat.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to the prostate gland. Prostatic catheter. (Med.) See under Catheter.

PROSTATITIS Pros`ta*ti"tis, n. Etym: [NL. See Prostate, and -itis.] (Med.)

Defn: Inflammation of the prostate.

PROSTERNATION Pros`ter*na"tion, n. Etym: [F. See Prostration.]

Defn: Dejection; depression. [Obs.] Wiseman.

PROSTERNUM Pro*ster"num, n. Etym: [NL. See Pro- and Sternum.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: The ventral plate of the prothorax of an insect.

PROSTHESIS Pros"the*sis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.

1. (Surg.)

Defn: The addition to the human body of some artificial part, to replace one that is wanting, as a log or an eye; — called also prothesis.

2. (Gram.)

Defn: The prefixing of one or more letters to the beginning of a word, as in beloved.

PROSTHETIC Pros*thet"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. Gr.

Defn: Of or pertaining to prosthesis; prefixed, as a letter or letters to a word.

PROSTIBULOUS Pros*tib"u*lous, a. Etym: [L. prostibulum prostitute.]

Defn: Of or pertaining to prostitutes or prostitution; meretricious. [Obs.] Bale.

PROSTITUTE Pros"ti*tute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prostituted; p. pr. & vb. n. Prostituting.] Etym: [L. prostitutus, p. p. of prostituere to prostitute; pro before, forth + statuere to put, place. See Statute.]

1. To offer, as a woman, to a lewd use; to give up to lewdness for hire. "Do not prostitute thy daughter." Lev. xix. 29.

2. To devote to base or unworthy purposes; to give up to low or indiscriminate use; as, to prostitute talents; to prostitute official powers. Milton.

PROSTITUTE Pros"ti*tute, a. Etym: [L. prostitutus, p. p.]

Defn: Openly given up to lewdness; devoted to base or infamous purposes. Made bold by want, and prostitute for bread. Prior

PROSTITUTE Pros"ti*tute, n. Etym: [L. prostituta.]

1. A woman giver to indiscriminate lewdness; a strumpet; a harlot.

2. A base hireling; a mercenary; one who offers himself to infamous employments for hire. No hireling she, no prostitute to praise. Pope.

PROSTITUTION Pros`ti*tu"tion, n. Etym: [L. prostitutio: cf. F. prostitution.]

1. The act or practice of prostituting or offering the body to an indiscriminate intercourse with men; common lewdness of a woman.

2. The act of setting one's self to sale, or of devoting to infamous purposes what is in one's power; as, the prostitution of abilities; the prostitution of the press. "Mental prostitution." Byron.

PROSTITUTOR Pros"ti*tu`tor, n. Etym: [L.]

Defn: One who prostitutes; one who submits himself, of or offers another, to vile purposes. Bp. Hurd.

PROSTOMIUM Pro*sto"mi*um, n.; pl. Prostomia. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: That portion of the head of an annelid situated in front of the mouth. — Pro*sto"mi*al, a.

PROSTRATE Pros"trate, a. Etym: [L. prostratus, p. p. of prosternere to prostrate; pro before, forward + sternere to spread out, throw down. See Stratum.]

1. Lying at length, or with the body extended on the ground or other surface; stretched out; as, to sleep prostrate Elyot. Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire. Milton.

2. Lying at mercy, as a supplicant. Dryden.

3. Lying in a humble, lowly, or suppliant posture. Prostrate fall Before him reverent, and there confess Humbly our faults. Milton.

4. (Bot.)

Defn: Trailing on the ground; procumbent.

PROSTRATE Pros"trate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prostrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Prostrating.]

1. To lay fiat; to throw down; to level; to fell; as, to prostrate the body; to prostrate trees or plants. Evelyn.

2. to overthrow; to demolish; to destroy; to deprive of efficiency; to ruin; as, to prostrate a village; to prostrate a government; to prostrate law or justice.

3. To throw down, or cause to fall in humility or adoration; to cause to bow in humble reverence; used reflexively; as, he prostrated himself. Milman.

4. To cause to sink totally; to deprive of strength; to reduce; as, a person prostrated by fever.

PROSTRATION Pros*tra"tion, n. Etym: [L. prostratio: cf. F. prostration.]

1. The act of prostrating, throwing down, or laying fiat; as, the prostration of the body.

2. The act of falling down, or of bowing in humility or adoration; primarily, the act of falling on the face, but usually applied to kneeling or bowing in reverence and worship. A greater prostration of reason than of body. Shak.

3. The condition of being prostrate; great depression; lowness; dejection; as, a postration of spirits. "A sudden prostration of strength." Arbuthnot.

4. (Med.)

Defn: A latent, not an exhausted, state of the vital energies; great oppression of natural strength and vigor.

Note: Prostration, in its medical use, is analogous to the state of a spring lying under such a weight that it is incapable of action; while exhaustion is analogous to the state of a spring deprived of its elastic powers. The word, however, is often used to denote any great depression of the vital powers.

PROSTYLE Pro"style, a. Etym: [L. prostylus, Gr. prostyle.] (Arch.)

Defn: Having columns in front. — n.

Defn: A prostyle portico or building.

PROSY Pros"y, a. [Compar. Prosier; superl. Prosiest.]

1. Of or pertaining to prose; like prose.

2. Dull and tedious in discourse or writing; prosaic.

PROSYLOGISM Pro*sy"lo*gism, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + syllogism.] (Logic)

Defn: A syllogism preliminary or logically essential to another syllogism; the conclusion of such a syllogism, which becomes a premise of the following syllogism.

PROTACTIC Pro*tac"tic, a. Etym: [Gr.

Defn: Giving a previous narrative or explanation, as of the plot or personages of a play; introductory. = 32,500 yrs.) Also called brevium, Uranium X2 and UX2.

PROTAGON Pro"ta*gon, n. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. Protagonist. So called because it was the first definitely ascertained principle of the brain.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: A nitrogenous phosphorized principle found in brain tissue. By decomposition it yields neurine, fatty acids, and other bodies.

PROTAGONIST Pro*tag"o*nist, n. Etym: [Gr.

Defn: One who takes the leading part in a drama; hence, one who takes lead in some great scene, enterprise, conflict, or the like. Shakespeare, the protagonist on the great of modern poetry. De Quincey.

PROTAMIN Pro"ta*min, n. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: An amorphous nitrogenous substance found in the spermatic fluid of salmon. It is soluble in water, which an alkaline reaction, and unites with acids and metallic bases.

PROTANDRIC Pro*tan"dric, a. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Having male sexual organs while young, and female organs later in life. — Pro*tan"trism, n.

PROTANDROUS Pro*tan"drous, a. (Bot.)

Defn: Proterandrous.

PROTASIS Prot"a*sis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.

1. A proposition; a maxim. Johnson.

2. (Gram.)

Defn: The introductory or subordinate member of a sentence, generally of a conditional sentence; — opposed to apodosis. See Apodosis.

3. The first part of a drama, of a poem, or the like; the introduction; opposed to epitasis. B. Jonson.

PROTATIC Pro*tat"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. protaticus, F. protatique.]

Defn: Of or pertaining to the protasis of an ancient play; introductory.

PROTEACEOUS Pro`te*a"ceous, a. Etym: [From Proteus.] (Bot.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to the Proteaceæ, an order of apetalous evergreen shrubs, mostly natives of the Cape of Good Hope or of Australia.

PROTEAN Pro"te*an, a.

1. Of or pertaining to Proteus; characteristic of Proteus. " Protean transformations." Cudworth.

2. Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms; as, an amoeba is a protean animalcule.

PROTEANLY Pro"te*an*ly, adv.

Defn: In a protean manner. Cudworth.

PROTECT Pro*tect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Protected; p. pr. & vb. n. Protecting.] Etym: [L. protectus, p. p. of protegere, literally, to cover in front; pro before + tegere to cover. See Tegument.]

Defn: To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety; as, a father protects his children. The gods of Greece protect you! Shak.

Syn. — To guard; shield; preserve. See Defend.

PROTECTINGLY Pro*tect"ing*ly, adv.

Defn: By way of protection; in a protective manner.

PROTECTION Pro*tec"tion, n. Etym: [L. protectio: cf. F. protection.]

1. The act of protecting, or the state of being protected; preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance; defense; shelter; as, the weak need protection. To your protection I commend me, gods. Shak.

2. That which protects or preserves from injury; a defense; a shield; a refuge. Let them rise up . . . and be your protection. Deut. xxxii. 38.

3. A writing that protects or secures from molestation or arrest; a pass; a safe-conduct; a passport. He . . . gave them protections under his hand. Macaulay.

4. (Polit. Econ.)

Defn: A theory, or a policy, of protecting the producers in a country from foreign competition in the home market by the imposition of such discriminating duties on goods of foreign production as will restrict or prevent their importation; — opposed to free trade. Writ of protection. (Law) (a) A writ by which the king formerly exempted a person from arrest; — now disused. [Eng.] Blackstone. (b) A judicial writ issued to a person required to attend court, as party, juror, etc., intended to secure him from arrest in coming, staying, and returning.

Syn. — Preservation; defense; guard; shelter; refuge; security; safety.

PROTECTIONISM Pro*tec"tion*ism, n. (Polit. Econ.)

Defn: The doctrine or policy of protectionists. See Protection, 4.

PROTECTIONIST Pro*tec"tion*ist, n. (Polit. Econ.)

Defn: One who favors protection. See Protection, 4.

PROTECTIVE Pro*tect"ive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. protectif.]

Defn: Affording protection; sheltering; defensive. " The favor of a protective Providence." Feltham. Protective coloring (Zoöl.), coloring which serves for the concealment and preservation of a living organism. Cf. Mimicry. Wallace. — Protective tariff (Polit. Econ.), a tariff designed to secure protection (see Protection, 4.), as distinguished from a tariff designed to raise revenue. See Tariff, and Protection, 4.

PROTECTIVENESS Pro*tect"ive*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being protective. W. Pater.

PROTECTOR Pro*tect"or, n. Etym: [L.: cf. F. protecteur.]

1. One who, or that which, defends or shields from injury, evil, oppression, etc.; a defender; a guardian; a patron. For the world's protector shall be known. Waller.

2. (Eng. Hist.)

Defn: One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent. Is it concluded he shall be protector ! Shak.

3. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: A cardinal, from one of the more considerable Roman Catholic nations, who looks after the interests of his people at Rome; also, a cardinal who has the same relation to a college, religious order, etc. Lord Protector (Eng. Hist.), the title of Oliver Cromwell as supreme governor of the British Commonwealth (1653-1658).

PROTECTORAL Pro*tect"or*al, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to a protector; protectorial; as, protectoral power.

PROTECTORATE Pro*tect"or*ate, n. Etym: [Cf. F. protectorat.]

1. Government by a protector; — applied especially to the government of England by Oliver Cromwell.

2. The authority assumed by a superior power over an inferior or a dependent one, whereby the former protects the latter from invasion and shares in the management of its affairs.

PROTECTORIAL Pro`tec*to"ri*al, a. Etym: [Cf. L. protectorius.]

Defn: Same as Protectoral.

PROTECTORLESS Pro*tect"or*less, a.

Defn: Having no protector; unprotected.

PROTECTORSHIP Pro*tect"or*ship

Defn: , The office of a protector or regent; protectorate.

PROTECTRESS; PROTECTRIX Pro*tect"ress, Pro*tect"rix, n. Etym: [NL. protectrix.]

Defn: A woman who protects.

PROTEGE; PROTEGEE Pro`té`gé", n. m. Pro`té`gée", n. f. Etym: [F., p. p. of protéger. See Protect.]

Defn: One under the care and protection of another.

PROTEID Pro"te*id, n. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: One of a class of amorphous nitrogenous principles, containing, as a rule, a small amount of sulphur; an albuminoid, as blood fibrin, casein of milk, etc. Proteids are present in nearly all animal fluids and make up the greater part of animal tissues and organs. They are also important constituents of vegetable tissues. See 2d Note under Food. — Pro"te*id, a.

PROTEIDEA Pro`te*id"e*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Proteus, and -oid.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: An order of aquatic amphibians having prominent external gills and four legs. It includes Proteus and Menobranchus (Necturus). Called also Proteoidea, and Proteida.

PROTEIFORM Pro*te"i*form, a. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Changeable in form; resembling a Proteus, or an amoeba.

PROTEIN Pro"te*in, n. Etym: [Gr. prw os first: cf. prwtei^on the first place.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: A body now known as alkali albumin, but originally considered to be the basis of all albuminous substances, whence its name. Protein crystal. (Bot.) See Crystalloid, n., 2.

PROTEINACEOUS Pro`te*i*na"*ceous, a. (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: Of or related to protein; albuminous; proteid.

PROTEINOUS Pro*te"i*nous, a.

Defn: Proteinaceuos.

PROTELES Pro"te*les, n. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: A South Africa genus of Carnivora, allied to the hyenas, but smaller and having weaker jaws and teeth. It includes the aard-wolf.

PROTEND Pro*tend" v. t. [imp. & p. p. Protended; p. pr. & vb. n. Protending.] Etym: [L. protendere, protensum; pro before, forth + tendere to stretch.]

Defn: To hold out; to stretch forth. [Obs.] With his protended lance he makes defence. Dryden .

PROTENSE Pro*tense", n. Etym: [See Protend.]

Defn: Extension.[Obs.] " By due degrees and long protense." Spenser.

PROTENSION Pro*ten"sion, n. Etym: [L. protensio.]

Defn: A drawing out; extension. [R.] Sir W. Hamilton.

PROTENSIVE Pro*ten"sive, a.

Defn: Drawn out; extended. [R.] Time is a protensive quantity. Sir W. Hamilton.

PROTEOLYSIS Pro`te*ol"y*sis, n. Etym: [NL. See Proteolytic.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: The digestion or dissolving of proteid matter by proteolytic ferments.

PROTEOLYTIC Pro`te*o*lyt"ic, a. Etym: [Proteid + Gr. (Physiol.)

Defn: Converting proteid or albuminous matter into soluble and diffusible products, as peptones. " The proteolytic ferment of the pancreas." Foster.

PROTEOSE Pro"te*ose`, n. [Proteid + -ose.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: One of a class of soluble products formed in the digestion of proteids with gastric and pancreatic juice, and also by the hydrolytic action of boiling dilute acids on proteids. Proteoses are divided into the two groups, the primary and secondary proteoses.

PROTERANDROUS Pro`ter*an"drous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)

Defn: Having the stamens come to maturity before the pistil; — opposed to proterogynous.

PROTERANDRY Pro`ter*an"dry, n. (Bot.)

Defn: The condition of being proterandrous.

PROTERANTHOUS Pro`ter*an"thous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)

Defn: Having flowers appearing before the leaves; — said of certain plants. Gray.

PROTEROGLYPHA Pro`te*rog"ly*pha, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A suborder of serpents including those that have permanently erect grooved poison fangs, with ordinary teeth behind them in the jaws. It includes the cobras, the asps, and the sea snakes. Called also Proteroglyphia.

PROTEROGYNOUS Pro`ter*og"y*nous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)

Defn: Having the pistil come to maturity before the stamens; protogynous; — opposed to proterandrous.

PROTEROSAURUS Pro`te*ro*sau"rus, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Paleon.)

Defn: An extinct genus of reptiles of the Permian period. Called also Protosaurus.

PROTERVITY Pro*ter"vi*ty, n. Etym: [L. protervitas, from protervus violent.]

Defn: Peevishness; petulance. [Obs.] Fuller.

PROTEST Pro*test", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Protested; p. pr. & vb. n. Protesting.] Etym: [F. protester, L. protestari, pro before + testari to be a witness, testis a witness. See Testify.]

1. To affirm in a public or formal manner; to bear witness; to declare solemnly; to avow. He protest that his measures are pacific. Landor. The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Shak.

2. To make a solemn declaration (often a written one) expressive of opposition; — with against; as, he protest against your votes. Denham. The conscience has power . . . to protest againts the exorbitancies of the passions. Shak.

Syn. — To affirm; asseverate; assert; aver; attest; testify; declare; profess. See Affirm.

PROTEST Pro*test", v. t.

1. To make a solemn declaration or affirmation of; to proclaim; to display; as, to protest one's loyalty. I will protest your cowardice. Shak.

2. To call as a witness in affirming or denying, or to prove an affirmation; to appeal to. Fiercely [they] opposed My journey strange, with clamorous uproar Protesting fate supreme. Milton. To protest a bill or note (Law), to make a solemn written declaration, in due form, on behalf of the holder, against all parties liable for any loss or damage to be sustained by the nonacceptance or the nonpayment of the bill or note, as the case may be. This should be made by a notary public, whose seal it is the usual practice to affix. Kent. Story.

PROTEST Pro"test, n. Etym: [Cf. F. protêt, It. protesto. See Protest, v.]

1. A solemn declaration of opinion, commonly a formal objection against some act; especially, a formal and solemn declaration, in writing, of dissent from the proceedings of a legislative body; as, the protest of lords in Parliament.

2. (Law) (a) A solemn declaration in writing, in due form, made by a notary public, usually under his notarial seal, on behalf of the holder of a bill or note, protesting against all parties liable for any loss or damage by the nonacceptance or nonpayment of the bill, or by the nonpayment of the note, as the case may be. (b) A declaration made by the master of a vessel before a notary, consul, or other authorized officer, upon his arrival in port after a disaster, stating the particulars of it, and showing that any damage or loss sustained was not owing to the fault of the vessel, her officers or crew, but to the perils of the sea, etc., ads the case may be, and protesting against them. (c) A declaration made by a party, before or while paying a tax, duty, or the like, demanded of him, which he deems illegal, denying the justice of the demand, and asserting his rights and claims, in order to show that the payment was not voluntary. Story. Kent.

PROTESTANCY Prot"es*tan*cy, n.

Defn: Protestantism. [R.]

PROTESTANT Prot"es*tant, n. Etym: [F. protestant, fr. L. protestans, -antis, p. pr. of protestare. See Protest, v.]

Defn: One who protests; — originally applied to those who adhered to Luther, and protested against, or made a solemn declaration of dissent from, a decree of the Emperor Charles V. and the Diet of Spires, in 1529, against the Reformers, and appealed to a general council; — now used in a popular sense to designate any Christian who does not belong to the Roman Catholic or the Greek Church.

PROTESTANT Prot"es*tant, a. Etym: [Cf. F. protestant.]

1. Making a protest; protesting.

2. Of or pertaining to the faith and practice of those Christians who reject the authority of the Roman Catholic Church; as, Protestant writers.

PROTESTANTICAL Prot`es*tant"ic*al, a.

Defn: Protestant. [Obs.]

PROTESTANTISM Prot"es*tant*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. protestantisme.]

Defn: The quality or state of being protestant, especially against the Roman Catholic Church; the principles or religion of the Protestants.

PROTESTANTLY Prot"es*tant*ly, adv.

Defn: Like a Protestant; in conformity with Protestantism. [R.] Milton.

PROTESTATION Prot`es*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. protestatio: cf. F. protestation. See Protest.]

1. The act of making a protest; a public avowal; a solemn declaration, especially of dissent. " The protestation of our faith." Latimer.

2. (Law)

Defn: Formerly, a declaration in common-law pleading, by which the party interposes an oblique allegation or denial of some fact, protesting that it does or does not exist, and at the same time avoiding a direct affirmation or denial.

PROTESTATOR Prot"es*ta`tor, n. Etym: [Cf. F. protestateur.]

Defn: One who makes protestation; a protester.

PROTESTER Pro*test"er, n.

1. One who protests; one who utters a solemn declaration. Shak.

2. (Law)

Defn: One who protests a bill of exchange, or note.

PROTESTINGLY Pro*test"ing*ly, adv.

Defn: By way of protesting.

PROTEUS Pro"te*us, n. Etym: [L., Gr.

1. (Class. Myth.)

Defn: A sea god in the service of Neptune who assumed different shapes at will. Hence, one who easily changes his appearance or principles.

2. (Zoöl.) (a) A genus of aquatic eel-shaped amphibians found in caves in Austria. They have permanent external gills as well as lungs. The eyes are small and the legs are weak. (b) A changeable protozoan; an amoeba.

PROTHALAMION; PROTHALAMIUM Pro`tha*la"mi*on, Pro`tha*la"mi*um, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.

Defn: A song in celebration of a marriage. Drayton.

PROTHALLIUM Pro*thal"li*um, n.; pl. Prothallia. Etym: [NL.] (Bot.)

Defn: Same as Prothallus.

PROTHALLUS Pro*thal"lus, n.; pl. Prothalli. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Bot.)

Defn: The minute primary growth from the spore of ferns and other Pteridophyta, which bears the true sexual organs; the oöphoric generation of ferns, etc.

PROTHESIS Proth"e*sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.

1. (Eccl.)

Defn: A credence table; — so called by the Eastern or Greek Church.

2. (Med.)

Defn: See Prosthesis. Dunglison.

PROTHETIC Pro*thet"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.

Defn: Of or pertaining to prothesis; as, a prothetic apparatus.

PROTHONOTARY; PROTONOTARY Pro*thon"o*ta*ry, or; Pro*ton"o*ta*ry, n.; pl. -ries. Etym: [LL. protonotarius, fr. Gr. prw os first + L. notarius a shorthand writer, a scribe: cf. F. protonotaire.]

1. A chief notary or clerk. " My private prothonotary." Herrick.

2. Formerly, a chief clerk in the Court of King's Bench and in the Court of Common Pleas, now superseded by the master. [Eng.] Wharton. Burrill.

3. A register or chief clerk of a court in certain States of the United States.

4. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: Formerly, one who had the charge of writing the acts of the martyrs, and the circumstances of their death; now, one of twelve persons, constituting a college in the Roman Curia, whose office is to register pontifical acts and to make and preserve the official record of beatifications.

5. (Gr. Ch.)

Defn: The chief secretary of the patriarch of Constantinople. Prothonotary warbler (Zoöl.), a small American warbler (Protonotaria citrea). The general color is golden yellow, the back is olivaceous, the rump and tail are ash-color, several outer tail feathers are partly white.

PROTHONOTARYSHIP Pro*thon"o*ta*ry*ship, n.

Defn: Office of a prothonotary.

PROTHORACIC Pro`tho*rac"ic, a. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to the prothorax.

PROTHORAX Pro*tho"rax, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + thorax.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: The first or anterior segment of the thorax in insects. See Illusts. of Butterfly and Coleoptera.

PRO THYALOSOMA Pro* thy`a*lo*so"ma, n.; pl. Prothyalosomata. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Biol.)

Defn: The investing portion, or spherical envelope, surrounding the eccentric germinal spot of the germinal vesicle.

PROTHYALOSOME Pro*thy"a*lo*some, n. (Biol.)

Defn: Same as Prothyalosoma.

PROTIST Pro"tist, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the Protista.

PROTISTA Pro*tis"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. prw`tistos first.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: A provisional group in which are placed a number of low microscopic organisms of doubtful nature. Some are probably plants, others animals.

PROTISTON Pro*tis"ton, n.; pl. Protista. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the Protista.

PROTO- Pro"to-. Etym: [Gr. prw os first, a superl. fr. Pro-.]

1. A combining form prefix signifying first, primary, primordial; as, protomartyr, the first martyr; protomorphic, primitive in form; protoplast, a primordial organism; prototype, protozoan.

2. (Chem.) (a) Denoting the first or lowest of a series, or the one having the smallest amount of the element to the name of which it is prefixed; as protoxide, protochloride, etc. (b) Sometimes used as equivalent to mono-, as indicating that the compound has but one atom of the element to the name of which it is prefixed. Also used adjectively.

PROTOCANONICAL Pro`to*ca*non"ic*al, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to the first canon, or that which contains the authorized collection of the books of Scripture; — opposed to deutero-canonical.

PROTOCATECHUIC Pro`to*cat`e*chu"ic, a. (Chem.)

Defn: Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, an organic acid which is obtained as a white crystalline substance from catechin, asafetida, oil of cloves, etc., and by distillation itself yields pyrocatechin.

PROTOCERCAL Pro`to*cer"cal, a. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Having a caudal fin extending around the end of the vertebral column, like that which is first formed in the embryo of fishes; diphycercal.

PROTOCOCCUS Pro`to*coc"cus, n. Etym: [NL. See Proto-, and Coccus.] (Bot.)

Defn: A genus of minute unicellular algæ including the red snow plant (Protococcus nivalis).

PROTOCOL Pro"to*col, n. Etym: [F. protocole, LL. protocollum, fr. Gr. prw os the first (see Proto-) +

1. The original copy of any writing, as of a deed, treaty, dispatch, or other instrument. Burrill.

2. The minutes, or rough draught, of an instrument or transaction.

3. (Diplomacy) (a) A preliminary document upon the basis of which negotiations are carried on. (b) A convention not formally ratified. (c) An agreement of diplomatists indicating the results reached by them at a particular stage of a negotiation.

PROTOCOL Pro"to*col, v. t.

Defn: To make a protocol of.

PROTOCOL Pro"to*col, v. i.

Defn: To make or write protocols, or first draughts; to issue protocols. Carlyle.

PROTOCOLIST Pro"to*col`ist, n.

Defn: One who draughts protocols.

PROTOCONCH Pro"to*conch, n. Etym: [Proto- + conch.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: The embryonic shell, or first chamber, of ammonites and other cephalopods.

PROTO-DORIC Pro`to-Dor*ic, a. Etym: [Proto- + Doric.] (Arch.)

Defn: Pertaining to, or designating, architecture, in which the beginnings of the Doric style are supposed to be found.

PROTOGINE Pro"to*gine, n. Etym: [Proto- + root of Gr. protogyne.] (Min.)

Defn: A kind of granite or gneiss containing a silvery talcose mineral.

PROTOGYNOUS Pro*tog"y*nous, a. Etym: [Proto + Gr. gynh` a woman.] (Bot.)

Defn: Same as Proterogynous.

PROTOHIPPUS Pro`to*hip"pus, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Paleon.)

Defn: A genus of fossil horses from the Lower Pliocene. They had three toes on each foot, the lateral ones being small.

PROTOMARTYR Pro"to*mar`tyr, n. Etym: [LL., fr. Gr. protomartyr. See Proto-, and Martyr.]

Defn: The first martyr; the first who suffers, or is sacrificed, in any cause; — applied esp. to Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

PROTOMERITE Pro`to*mer"ite, n. Etym: [Proto- + -mere + -ite.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: The second segment of one of the Gregarinæ.

PROTOMETALS Pro`to*met"als, n. pl.

Defn: A finer form of metals, indicated by enhanced lines in their spark spectra (which are also observed in the spectra of some stars), obtained at the highest available laboratory temperatures (Lockyer); as protocalcium, protochromium, protocopper, protonickel, protosilicon, protostrontium, prototitanium, protovanadium. — Pro`to*me*tal"ic (#), a.

PROTOMORPHIC Pro`to*mor"phic, a. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. (Biol.)

Defn: Having the most primitive character; in the earliest form; as, a protomorphic layer of tissue. H. Spencer.

PROTONEMA Pro`to*ne"ma, n.; pl. Protonemata. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Bot.)

Defn: The primary growth from the spore of a moss, usually consisting of branching confervoid filaments, on any part of which stem and leaf buds may be developed.

PROTONOTARY Pro*ton"o*ta*ry, n.

Defn: Same as Prothonotary.

PROTOORGANISM; PROTOOERGANISM Pro`to*ör"gan*ism, n. Etym: [Proto- + organism.] (Biol.)

Defn: An organism whose nature is so difficult to determine that it might be referred to either the animal or the vegetable kingdom.

PROTOPAPAS Pro`to*pap"as (, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Gr. Ch.)

Defn: A protopope.

PROTOPHYTE Pro"to*phyte, n. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. (Bot.)

Defn: Any unicellular plant, or plant forming only a plasmodium, having reproduction only by fission, gemmation, or cell division.

Note: The protophytes (Protophyta) are by some botanists considered an independent branch or class of the vegetable kingdom, and made to include the lowest forms of both fungi and algæ, as slime molds, Bacteria, the nostocs, etc. Cf. Carpophyte, and Oöphyte.

PROTOPHYTOLOGY Pro`to*phy*tol"o*gy, n. Etym: [Proto- + phytology.]

Defn: Paleobotany.

PROTOPINE Pro"to*pine, n. Etym: [Proto- + opium.] (Chem.)

Defn: An alkaloid found in opium in small quantities, and extracted as a white crystalline substance.

PROTOPLASM Pro"to*plasm, n. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. (Biol.)

Defn: The viscid and more or less granular material of vegetable and animal cells, possessed of vital properties by which the processes of nutrition, secretion, and growth go forward; the so-called " physical basis of life;" the original cell substance, cytoplasm, cytoblastema, bioplasm sarcode, etc.

Note: The lowest forms of animal and vegetable life (unicellular organisms) consist of simple or unaltered protoplasm; the tissues of the higher organisms, of differentiated protoplasm.

PROTOPLASMATIC Pro`to*plas*mat"ic, a.

Defn: Protoplasmic.

PROTOPLASMIC Pro`to*plas"mic, a.

1. Of or pertaining to the first formation of living bodies.

2. (Biol.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to protoplasm; consisting of, or resembling, protoplasm.

PROTOPLAST Pro"to*plast, n. Etym: [L. protoplastus the first man, Gr.

1. The thing first formed; that of which there are subsequent copies or reproductions; the original.

2. (Biol.)

Defn: A first-formed organized body; the first individual, or pair of individuals, of a species. A species is a class of individuals, each of which is hypothetically considered to be the descendant of the same protoplast, or of the same pair of protoplasts. Latham.

PROTOPLASTA Pro`to*plas"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: A division of fresh-water rhizopods including those that have a soft body and delicate branched pseudopodia. The genus Gromia is one of the best-known.

PROTOPLASTIC Pro`to*plas"tic, a.

Defn: First-formed. Howell.

PROTOPODITE Pro*top"o*dite, n. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The basal portion, or two proximal and more or less consolidated segments, of an appendage of a crustacean.

PROTOPOPE Pro"to*pope, n. Etym: [Proto- + pope: cf. F. protopope, Russ. protopop'.] (Gr. Ch.)

Defn: One of the clergy of first rank in the lower order of secular clergy; an archpriest; — called also protopapas.

PROTOPTERUS Pro*top"te*rus, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: See Komtok.

PROTOSALT Pro"to*salt, n. Etym: [Proto- + salt.] (Chem.)

Defn: A salt derived from a protoxide base. [Obs.]

PROTOSILICATE Pro`to*sil"i*cate, n. Etym: [Proto- + silicate.] (Chem.)

Defn: A silicate formed with the lowest proportion of silicic acid, or having but one atom of silicon in the molecule.

PROTOSOMITE Pro`to*so"mite, n. Etym: [Proto- + somite.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the primitive segments, or metameres, of an animal.

PROTOSULPHIDE Pro`to*sul"phide, n. Etym: [Proto- + sulphide.] (Chem.)

Defn: That one of a series of sulphides of any element which has the lowest proportion of sulphur; a sulphide with but one atom of sulphur in the molecule.

PROTOSULPHURET Pro`to*sul"phu*ret, n. Etym: [Proto- + sulphuret.] (Chem.)

Defn: A protosulphide. [Obs.]

PROTOTHERIA Pro`to*the"ri*a n. pl. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Monotremata.

PROTOTRACHEATA Pro`to*tra`che*a"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Proto-, and Trachea.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Malacopoda.

PROTOTYPE Pro"to*type, n. Etym: [F., from L. prototypus original, primitive, Gr. Proto-, and Type]

Defn: An original or model after which anything is copied; the pattern of anything to be engraved, or otherwise copied, cast, or the like; a primary form; exemplar; archetype. They will turn their backs on it, like their great precursor and prototype. Burke.