L L (?). 1. L is the twelfth letter of the English alphabet, and a vocal consonant. It is usually called a semivowel or liquid. Its form and value are from the Greek, through the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being from the Ph\'d2nician, and the ultimate origin prob. Egyptian. Etymologically, it is most closely related to r and u; as in pilgrim, peregrine, couch (fr. collocare), aubura (fr. LL. alburnus). NOTE: At th e end of monosyllables containing a single vowel, it is often doubled, as in fall, full, bell; but not after digraphs, as in foul, fool, prowl, growl, foal. In English words, the terminating syllable le is unaccented, the e is silent, and l is preceded by a voice glide, as in able, eagle, pronounced \'be\'b6b'l, \'b6g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, § 241. 2. As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the Latin language. For 50 the Romans used the Chalcidian chi, I. Taylor (The Alphabet). L L (?), n. 1. An extension at right angles to the length of a main building, giving to the ground plan a form resembling the letter L; sometimes less properly applied to a narrower, or lower, extension in the direction of the length of the main building; a wing. [Written also ell.] 2. (Mech.) A short right-angled pipe fitting, used in connecting two pipes at right angles. [Written also ell.] La La (?), n. (Mus.) (a) A syllable applied to the sixth tone of the scale in music in solmization. (b) The tone A; -- so called among the French and Italians. La La (?), interj. [Cf. Lo.] 1. Look; see; behold; -- sometimes followed by you. [Obs.] Shak. 2. An exclamation of surprise; -- commonly followed by me; as, La me! [Low] Laas Laas (?), n. A lace. See Lace. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lab Lab (?), v. i. [Cf. OD. labben to babble.] To prate; to gossip; to babble; to blab. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lab Lab, n. A telltale; a prater; a blabber. [Obs.] "I am no lab." Chaucer. Labadist Lab"a*dist, n. (Eccl. Hist.) A follower of Jean de Labadie, a religious teacher of the 17th century, who left the Roman Catholic Church and taught a kind of mysticism, and the obligation of community of property among Christians. Labarraque's solution La`bar`raque's" so*lu"tion (?). [From Labarraque, a Parisian apothecary.] (Med.) An aqueous solution of hypochlorite of sodium, extensively used as a disinfectant. Labarum Lab"a*rum (, n.; pl. Labara (#). [L.] The standard adopted by the Emperor Constantine after his conversion to Christianity. It is described as a pike bearing a silk banner hanging from a crosspiece, and surmounted by a golden crown. It bore a monogram of the first two letters (CHR)<-- appearing as English XP --> of the name of Christ in its Greek form. Later, the name was given to various modifications of this standard. <-- Illustration of monogram, an X (Greek CHI) superimposed on a lengthened P (Greek RHO) --> Labdanum Lab"da*num (?), n. (Bot.) See Ladanum. Labefaction Lab`e*fac"tion (?), n. [See Labefy.] The act of labefying or making weak; the state of being weakened; decay; ruin. There is in it such a labefaction of all principles as may be injurious to morality. Johnson. Labefy Lab"e*fy (?), v. t. [L. labefacere; labare to totter + facere to make.] To weaken or impair. [R.] Label La"bel (?), n. [OF. label sort of ribbon or fringe, label in heraldry, F. lambeau shred, strip, rag; of uncertain origin; cf. L.labellum, dim. of labrum lip, edge, margin, G. lappen flap, patch, rag, tatter (cf. Lap of a dress), W. llab, llabed, label, flap, Gael. leab, leob, slice, shred, hanging lip.] 1. A tassel. [Obs.] Huloet. Fuller. 2. A slip of silk, paper, parchment, etc., affixed to anything, usually by an inscription, the contents, ownership, destination, etc.; as, the label of a bottle or a package. 3. A slip of ribbon, parchment, etc., attached to a document to hold the appended seal; also, the seal. 4. A writing annexed by way of addition, as a codicil added to a will. 5. (Her.) A barrulet, or, rarely, a bendlet, with pendants, or points, usually three, especially used as a mark of cadency to distinguish an eldest or only son while his father is still living. 6. A brass rule with sights, formerly used, in connection with a circumferentor, to take altitudes. Knight. 7. (Gothic Arch.) The name now generally given to the projecting molding by the sides, and over the tops, of openings in medi\'91val architecture. It always has a Arch. Pub. Soc. 8. In medi\'91val art, the representation of a band or scroll containing an inscription. Fairholt. Label La"bel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Labeled (?) or Labelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Labeling or Labelling.] 1. To affix a label to; to mark with a name, etc.; as, to label a bottle or a package. 2. To affix in or on a label. [R.] Labeler La"bel*er (?), n. One who labels. [Written also labeller.] Labellum La*bel"lum (?), n.; pl. L. Labella (#), E. Labellums (#). [L., dim. of labrum lip.] 1. (Bot.) The lower or apparently anterior petal of an orchidaceous flower, often of a very curious shape. 2. (Zo\'94l.) A small appendage beneath the upper lip or labrum of certain insects. Labent La"bent (?), a. [L. labens, p. pr. of labi to slide, glide.] Slipping; sliding; gliding. [R.] Labia La"bi*a (?), n. pl. See Labium. Labial La"bi*al (?), a. [LL. labialis, fr. L. labium lip: cf. F. labial. See Lip.] 1. Of or pertaining to the lips or labia; as, labial veins. 2. (Mus.) Furnished with lips; as, a labial organ pipe. 3. (Phonetics) (a) Articulated, as a consonant, mainly by the lips, as b, p, m, w. (b) Modified, as a vowel, by contraction of the lip opening, as &oomac; (f&oomac;d), &omac; (&omac;ld), etc., and as eu and u in French, and \'94, \'81 in German. See Guide to Pronunciation, 4. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the labium; as, the labial palpi of insects. See Labium. Labial La"bi*al, n. 1. (Phonetics) A letter or character representing an articulation or sound formed or uttered chiefly with the lips, as b, p, w. 2. (Mus.) An organ pipe that is furnished with lips; a flue pipe. 3. (Zo\'94l.) One of the scales which border the mouth of a fish or reptile. Labialism La"bi*al*ism (?), n. (Phonetics) The quality of being labial; as, the labialism of an articulation; conversion into a labial, as of a sound which is different in another language. J. Peile. Labialization La`bi*al*i*za"tion (?), n. (Phonetics) The modification of an articulation by contraction of the lip opening. Labialize La"bi*al*ize (?), v. t. (Phonetics) To modify by contraction of the lip opening. Labially La"bi*al*ly, adv. In a labial manner; with, or by means of, the lips. Labiate La"bi*ate (?), v. t. To labialize. Brewer. Labiate La"bi*ate (?), a. [NL. labiatus, fr. L. labium lip.] (Bot.) (a) Having the limb of a tubular corolla or calyx divided into two unequal parts, one projecting over the other like the lips of a mouth, as in the snapdragon, sage, and catnip. (b) Belonging to a natural order of plants (Labiat\'91), of which the mint, sage, and catnip are examples. They are mostly aromatic herbs. Labiate La"bi*ate, n. (Bot.) A plant of the order Labiat\'91. Labiated La"bi*a`ted (?), a. (Bot.) Same as Labiate, a. (a). Labiatifloral, Labiatifloral La`bi*a`ti*flo"ral (?), La`bi*a`ti*flo"ral (?), a. [Labiate + L. flos, floris, flower.] (Bot.) Having labiate flowers, as the snapdragon. Labidometer Lab`i*dom"e*ter (?), n. [Gr.meter: cf. F. labidometre.] (Med.) A forceps with a measuring attachment for ascertaining the size of the fetal head. Labile La"bile (?), a. [L. labilis apt to slip, fr. labi to slip.] Liable to slip, err, fall, or apostatize. [Obs.] Cheyne. Lability La*bil"i*ty (?), n. Liability to lapse, err, or apostatize. [Archaic] Coleridge. Labimeter La*bim"e*ter (?), n. [Cf. F. labimetre.] (Med.) See Labidometer. Labiodental La`bi*o*den"tal (?), a. [Labium + dental.] (Phonetics) Formed or pronounced by the cooperation of the lips and teeth, as f and v. -- n. A labiodental sound or letter. Labionasal La`bi*o*na"sal (?), a. [Labium + nasal.] (Phonetics) Formed by the lips and the nose. -- n. A labionasal sound or letter. Labiose La"bi*ose` (?), a. [From Labium.] (Bot.) Having the appearance of being labiate; -- said of certain polypetalous corollas. Labipalpus La`bi*pal"pus (?), n.; pl. Labipalpi (. [NL. See Labium, and Palpus.] (Zo\'94l.) One of the labial palpi of an insect. See Illust. under Labium. Labium La"bi*um (?), n. ; pl. L. Labia (#), E. Labiums (#). [L.] 1. A lip, or liplike organ. 2. The lip of an organ pipe. 3. pl. (Anat.) The folds of integument at the opening of the vulva. 4. (Zo\'94l.) (a) The organ of insects which covers the mouth beneath, and serves as an under lip. It consists of the second pair of maxill\'91, usually closely united in the middle line, but bearing a pair of palpi in most insects. It often consists of a thin anterior part (ligula or palpiger) and a firmer posterior plate (mentum). (b) Inner margin of the aperture of a shell. Lablab Lab"lab (?), n. (Bot.) an East Indian name for several twining leguminous plants related to the bean, but commonly applied to the hyacinth bean (Delichos Lablab). Labor La"bor (?), n. [OE. labour, OF. labour, laber, labur, F. labeur, L. labor; cf. Gr. labh to get, seize.] [Written also labour.] 1. Physical toil or bodily exertion, especially when fatiguing, irksome, or unavoidable, in distinction from sportive exercise; hard, muscular effort directed to some useful end, as agriculture, manufactures, and like; servile toil; exertion; work. God hath set Labor and rest, as day and night, to men Successive. Milton. 2. Intellectual exertion; mental effort; as, the labor of compiling a history. 3. That which requires hard work for its accomplishment; that which demands effort. Being a labor of so great a difficulty, the exact performance thereof we may rather wish than look for. Hooker. 4. Travail; the pangs and efforts of childbirth. The queen's in labor, They say, in great extremity; and feared She'll with the labor end. Shak. 5. Any pang or distress. Shak. 6. (Naut.) The pitching or tossing of a vessel which results in the straining of timbers and rigging. 7. [Sp.] A measure of land in Mexico and Texas, equivalent to an area of 177 acres. Bartlett. Syn. -- Work; toil; drudgery; task; exertion; effort; industry; painstaking. See Toll. Labor La"bor, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Labored (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laboring.] [OE. labouren, F. labourer, L. laborare. See Labor, n.] [Written also labour.] 1. To exert muscular strength; to exert one's strength with painful effort, particularly in servile occupations; to work; to toil. Adam, well may we labor still to dress This garden. Milton. 2. To exert one's powers of mind in the prosecution of any design; to strive; to take pains. 3. To be oppressed with difficulties or disease; to do one's work under conditions which make it especially hard, wearisome; to move slowly, as against opposition, or under a burden; to be burdened; -- often with under, and formerly with of. The stone that labors up the hill. Granville. The line too labors,and the words move slow. Pope. To cure the disorder under which he labored. Sir W. Scott. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. xi. 28 4. To be in travail; to suffer the pangs of childbirth. 5. (Naut.) To pitch or roll heavily, as a ship in a turbulent sea. Totten. Labor La"bor, v. t. [F. labourer, L. laborare.] 1. To work at; to work; to till; to cultivate by toil. The most excellent lands are lying fallow, or only labored by children. W. Tooke. 2. To form or fabricate with toil, exertion, or care. "To labor arms for Troy." Dryden. 3. To prosecute, or perfect, with effort; to urge streas, to labor a point or argument. 4. To belabor; to beat. [Obs.] Dryden. Laborant Lab"o*rant (?), n. [L.laborans, p. pr. of laborare to labor.] A chemist. [Obs.] Boyle. Laboratory Lab"o*ra*to*ry (?), n.; pl. Laboratories (#). [Shortened fr. elaboratory; cf. OF. elaboratoire, F. laboratoire. See Elaborate, Labor.] [Formerly written also elaboratory.] The workroom of a chemist; also, a place devoted to experiments in any branch of natural science; as, a chemical, physical, or biological laboratory. Hence, by extension, a place where something is prepared, or some operation is performed; as, the liver is the laboratory of the bile. Labored La"bored (?), a. Bearing marks of labor and effort; elaborately wrought; not easy or natural; as, labored poetry; a labored style. Laboredly La"bored*ly, adv. In a labored manner; with labor. Laborer La"bor*er (?), n. [Written also labourer.] One who labors in a toilsome occupation; a person who does work that requires strength rather than skill, as distinguished from that of an artisan. Laboring La"bor*ing, a. 1. That labors; performing labor; esp., performing coarse, heavy work, not requiring skill also, set apart for labor; as, laboring days. The sleep of a laboring man is sweet. eccl. v. 12. 2. Suffering pain or grief. Pope. Laboring oar, the oar which requires most strength and exertion; often used figuratively; as, to have, or pull, the laboring oar in some difficult undertaking. Laborious La*bo"ri*ous (?), a. [L. laboriosus,fr. labor labor: cf. F. laborieux.] 1. Requiring labor, perseverance, or sacrifices; toilsome; tiresome. Dost thou love watchings, abstinence, or toil, Laborious virtues all ? Learn these from Cato. Addison. 2. Devoted to labor; diligent; industrious; as, a laborious mechanic. -- La*bo"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- La*bo"ri*ous*ness, n. Laborless La"bor*less (?), a. Not involving labor; not laborious; easy. _________________________________________________________________ Page 822 Laborous La"bor*ous (?), a. Laborious. [Obs.] Wyatt. -- La"bor*ous*ly, adv. [Obs.] Sir T. Elyot. Labor-saving La"bor-sav`ing (?), a. Saving labor; adapted to supersede or diminish the labor of men; as, laborsaving machinery. Laborsome La"bor*some (?), a. 1. Made with, or requiring, great labor, pains, or diligence. [Obs.] Shak. 2. (Naut.) Likely or inclined to roll or pitch, as a ship in a heavy sea; having a tendency to labor. Labrador Lab`ra*dor" (?), n. A region of British America on the Atlantic coast, north of Newfoundland. Labrador duck (Zo\'94l.), a sea duck (Camtolaimus Labradorius) allied to the eider ducks. It was formerly common on the coast of New England, but is now supposed to be extinct, no specimens having been reported since 1878. -- Labrador feldspar. See Labradorite. -- Labrador tea (Bot.), a name of two low, evergreen shrubs of the genus Ledum (L. palustre and L. latifolium), found in Northern Europe and America. They are used as tea in British America, and in Scandinavia as a substitute for hops. Labradorite Lab"ra*dor`ite (, n. (Min.) A kind of feldspar commonly showing a beautiful play of colors, and hence much used for ornamental purposes. The finest specimens come from Labrador. See Feldspar. Labras La"bras (?), n. pl. [L.labrum; cf. It. labbro, pl. labbra.] Lips. [Obs. & R.] Shak. Labroid La"broid (?), a. [Labrus + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Like the genus Labrus; belonging to the family Labrid\'91, an extensive family of marine fishes, often brilliantly colored, which are very abundant in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The tautog and cunner are American examples. Labrose La"brose` (?), a. [L. labrosus, fr. labrum lip.] Having thick lips. Labrum La"brum (?), n.; pl. L. Labra (#), E. Labrums (#). [L.] 1. A lip or edge, as of a basin. 2. (Zo\'94l.) (a) An organ in insects and crustaceans covering the upper part of the mouth, and serving as an upper lip. See Illust. of Hymenoptera. (b) The external margin of the aperture of a shell. See Univalve. Labrus La"brus (?), n.; pl. Labri (-br&imac;). [L., a sort of fish.] (Zo\'94l.) A genus of marine fishes, including the wrasses of Europe. See Wrasse. Laburnic La*bur`nic (?), a. Of, pertaining to, or derived from, the laburnum. La-burnine La-bur`nine (?), n. (Chem.) A poisonous alkaloid found in the unripe seeds of the laburnum. Laburnum La*bur"num (?), n. [L.] (Bot.) A small leguminous tree (Cytisus Laburnum), native of the Alps. The plant is reputed to be poisonous, esp. the bark and seeds. It has handsome racemes of yellow blossoms. NOTE: &hand; Sc otch laburnum (Cytisus alpinus) is similar, but has smooth leaves; purple laburnum is C. purpureus. Labyrinth Lab"y*rinth (?), n. [L. labyrinthus, Gr. laby`rinthos: cf. F. labyrinthe.] 1. An edifice or place full of intricate passageways which render it difficult to find the way from the interior to the entrance; as, the Egyptian and Cretan labyrinths. <-- said to be from from the ax symbol of the "labyrinth" at Knossos, Crete -- a multistoried royal palace with labyrinthine passages between rooms. --> 2. Any intricate or involved inclosure; especially, an ornamental maze or inclosure in a park or garden. 3. Any object or arrangement of an intricate or involved form, or having a very complicated nature. The serpent . . . fast sleeping soon he found, In labyrinth of many a round self-rolled. Milton. The labyrinth of the mind. Tennyson. 4. An inextricable or bewildering difficulty. I' the maze and winding labyrinths o' the world. Denham. 5. (Anat.) The internal ear. See Note under Ear. 6. (Metal.) A series of canals through which a stream of water is directed for suspending, carrying off, and depositing at different distances, the ground ore of a metal. Ure. 7. (Arch.) A pattern or design representing a maze, -- often inlaid in the tiled floor of a church, etc. Syn. -- Maze; confusion; intricacy; windings. -- Labyrinth, Maze. Labyrinth, originally; the name of an edifice or excavation, carries the idea of design, and construction in a permanent form, while maze is used of anything confused or confusing, whether fixed or shifting. Maze is less restricted in its figurative uses than labyrinth. We speak of the labyrinth of the ear, or of the mind, and of a labyrinth of difficulties; but of the mazes of the dance, the mazes of political intrigue, or of the mind being in a maze. Labyrinthal Lab`y*rin"thal (?), a. Pertaining to, or resembling, a labyrinth; intricate; labyrinthian. Labyrinthian Lab`y*rin"thi*an (, a. Intricately winding; like a labyrinth; perplexed; labyrinthal. Labyrinthibranch Lab`y*rin"thi*branch (?), a. [See Labyrinth, and Branchia.] (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the Labyrinthici. -- n. One of the Labyrinthici. Labyrinthic, Labyrinthical Lab`y*rin"thic (?), Lab`y*rin`thic*al (?), a. [L. labyrinthicus: cf. F. labyrinthique.] Like or pertaining to a labyrinth. Labyrinthici Lab`y*rin"thi*ci (?), n. pl. [NL. See Labyrinth.] (Zo\'94l.) An order of teleostean fishes, including the Anabas, or climbing perch, and other allied fishes. NOTE: &hand; Th ey have, connected with the gill chamber, a special cavity in which a labyrinthiform membrane is arranged so as to retain water to supply the gills while the fish leaves the water and travels about on land, or even climbs trees. Labyrinthiform Lab`y*rin"thi*form (?), a. [Labyrinth + -form: cf. F. labyrinthiforme.] Having the form of a labyrinth; intricate. Labyrinthine Lab`y*rin"thine (?), a. Pertaining to, or like, a labyrinth; labyrinthal. Labyrinthodon Lab`y*rin"tho*don (?), n. [Gr. (Paleon.) A genus of very large fossil amphibians, of the Triassic period, having bony plates on the under side of the body. It is the type of the order Labyrinthodonta. Called also Mastodonsaurus. Labyrinthodont Lab`y*rin"tho*dont (?), a. (Paleon.) Of or pertaining to the Labyrinthodonta. -- n. One of the Labyrinthodonta. Labyrinthodonta Lab`y*rin`tho*don"ta (?), n. pl. [NL. See Labyrinthodon.] (Paleon.) An extinct order of Amphibia, including the typical genus Labyrinthodon, and many other allied forms, from the Carboniferous, Permian, and Triassic formations. By recent writers they are divided into two or more orders. See Stegocephala. Lac, Lakh Lac (?), Lakh (, n. [Hind. lak, l\'bekh, l\'beksh, Skr. laksha a mark, sign, lakh.] One hundred thousand; also, a vaguely great number; as, a lac of rupees. [Written also lack.] [East Indies] Lac Lac, n. [Per. lak; akin to Skr. l\'beksh\'be: cf. F. lague, It. & NL. lacca. Cf. Lake a color, Lacquer, Litmus.] A resinous substance produced mainly on the banyan tree, but to some extent on other trees, by the Coccus lacca<-- now Laccifer lacca -->, a scale-shaped insect, the female of which fixes herself on the bark, and exudes from the margin of her body this resinous substance. NOTE: &hand; St ick-lac is th e su bstance in it s natural state, incrusting small twigs. When broken off, and the coloring matter partly removed, the granular residuum is called seed-lac. When melted, and reduced to a thin crust, it is called shell-lac or shellac. Lac is an important ingredient in sealing wax, dyes, varnishes, and lacquers. Ceylon lac, a resinous exudation of the tree Croton lacciferum, resembling lac. -- Lac dye, a scarlet dye obtained from stick-lac. -- Lac lake, the coloring matter of lac dye when precipitated from its solutions by alum. -- Mexican lac, an exudation of the tree Croton Draco. Laccic Lac"cic (?), a. [Cf. F. laccique.] (Chem.) Pertaining to lac, or produced from it; as, laccic acid. Laccin Lac"cin (?), n. [Cf. F. laccine.] (Chem.) A yellow amorphous substance obtained from lac. Laccolite, Laccolith Lac"co*lite (?), Lac"co*lith (?), n. [Gr. -lite, -lith.] (Geol.) A mass of igneous rock intruded between sedimentary beds and resulting in a mammiform bulging of the overlying strata. -- Lac`co*lit"ic (#), a. Lace Lace (l\'bes), n. [OE. las, OF. laz, F. lacs, dim. lacet, fr. L. laqueus noose, snare; prob. akin to lacere to entice. Cf. Delight, Elicit, Lasso, Latchet.] 1. That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven; a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc. His hat hung at his back down by a lace. Chaucer. For striving more, the more in laces strong Himself he tied. Spenser. 2. A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net. [Obs.] Fairfax. Vulcanus had caught thee [Venus] in his lace. Chaucer. 3. A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc., often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of thread, much worn as an ornament of dress. Our English dames are much given to the wearing of costlylaces. Bacon. 4. Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage. [Old Slang] Addison. Alencon lace, a kind of point lace, entirely of needlework, first made at Alencon in France, in the 17th century. It is very durable and of great beauty and cost. -- Bone lace, Brussels lace, etc. See under Bone, Brussels, etc. -- Gold lace, OR Silver lace, lace having warp threads of silk, or silk and cotton, and a weft of silk threads covered with gold (or silver), or with gilt. -- Lace leather, thin, oil-tanned leather suitable for cutting into lacings for machine belts. -- Lace lizard (Zo\'94l.), a large, aquatic, Australian lizard (Hydrosaurus giganteus), allied to the monitors. -- Lace paper, paper with an openwork design in imitation of lace. -- Lace piece (Shipbuilding), the main piece of timber which supports the beak or head projecting beyond the stem of a ship. -- Lace pillow, AND Pillow lace. See under Pillow. Lace Lace, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Laced (\'best); p. pr. & vb. n. Lacing (?).] 1. To fasten with a lace; to draw together with a lace passed through eyelet holes; to unite with a lace or laces, or, figuratively. with anything resembling laces. Shak. When Jenny's stays are newly laced. Prior. 2. To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material; as, cloth laced with silver. Shak. 3. To beat; to lash; to make stripes on. [Colloq.] I'll lace your coat for ye. L'Estrange. 4. To add spirits to (a beverage). [Old Slang] Lace Lace, v. i. To be fastened with a lace, or laces; as, these boots lace. Lace-bark Lace"-bark` (?), n. (Bot.) A shrub in the West Indies (Lagetta Iintearia); -- so called from the lacelike layers of its inner bark. Laced Laced (?), a. 1. Fastened with a lace or laces; decorated with narrow strips or braid. See Lace, v. t. 2. Decorated with the fabric lace. A shirt with laced ruffles. Fielding. Laced mutton, a prostitute. [Old slang] -- Laced stocking, a strong stocking which can be tightly laced; -- used in cases of weak legs, varicose veins, etc. Dunglison. Laced\'91monian Lac`e*d\'91*mo"ni*an (?), a. [L. Lacedamonius, Gr. Lakedaimo`nios, fr. Lakedai`mwn Laced\'91mon.] Of or pertaining to Laced\'91mon or Sparta, the chief city of Laconia in the Peloponnesus. -- n. A Spartan. [Written also Lacedemonian.] Laceman Lace"man (?), n.; pl. Lacemen (. A man who deals in lace. Lacerable Lac"er*a*ble (?), a. [L. lacerabilis: cf. F. lac\'82rable.] That can be lacerated or torn. Lacerate Lac"er*ate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lacerated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lacerating ().] [L. laceratus, p. p. of lacerare to lacerate, fr. lacer mangled, lacerated; cf. Gr. slay.] To tear; to rend; to separate by tearing; to mangle; as, to lacerate the flesh. Hence: To afflict; to torture; as, to lacerate the heart. Lacerate, Lacerated Lac"er*ate (?), Lac"er*a`ted (?), p. a. [L. laceratus, p. p.] 1. Rent; torn; mangled; as, a lacerated wound. By each other's fury lacerate Southey. 2. (Bot. & Zo\'94l.) Jagged, or slashed irregularly, at the end, or along the edge. Laceration Lac`er*a"tion (?), n. [L.laceratio: cf. F. lac\'82ration.] 1. The act of lacerating. 2. A breach or wound made by lacerating. Arbuthnot. Lacerative Lac"er*a*tive (?), a. Lacerating, or having the power to lacerate; as, lacerative humors. Harvey. Lacert La"cert (?), n. [OE. lacerte. See Lacertus.] A muscle of the human body. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lacerta La*cer"ta (?), n. [L. lacertus the arm.] A fathom. [Obs.] Domesday Book. Lacerta La*cer"ta, n. [L. a lizard. See Lizard.] 1. (Zo\'94l.) A genus of lizards. See Lizard. NOTE: &hand; Fo rmerly it included nearly all the known lizards. It is now restricted to certain diurnal Old World species, like the green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and the sand lizard (L. agilis), of Europe. 2. (Astron.) The Lizard, a northern constellation. Lacertian La*cer"tian (?), a. [Cf. F. lacertien.] (Zo\'94l.) Like a lizard; of or pertaining to the Lacertilia. -- n. One of the Lacertilia. Lacertilia Lac`er*til"i*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L.lacertus a lizard.] (Zo\'94l.) An order of Reptilia, which includes the lizards. NOTE: &hand; Th ey ar e closely related to the snakes, and life the latter, usually have the body covered with scales or granules. They usually have eyelids, and most of then have well-formed legs; but in some groups (amphisb\'91na, glass-snake, etc.) the legs are wanting and the body is serpentlike. None are venomous, unless Heloderma be an exception. The order includes the chameleons, the Cionocrania, or typical lizards, and the amphisb\'91nas. See Amphisb\'91na, Gecko, Gila monster, and Lizard. Lacertilian Lac`er*til"i*an (-an), a. & n. Same as Lacertian. Lacertiloid La*cer"ti*loid (?), a. [Lacertilia + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Like or belonging to the Lacertilia. Lacertine La*cer"tine (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Lacertian. Lacertus La*cer"tus (?), n.; pl. Lacerti (-t\'c6). [L., the upper arm.] (Anat.) A bundle or fascicle of muscular fibers. Lacewing Lace"wing` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of several species of neuropterous insects of the genus Chrysopa and allied genera. They have delicate, lacelike wings and brilliant eyes. Their larv\'91 are useful in destroying aphids. Called also lace-winged fly, and goldeneyed fly. Lace-winged Lace"-winged`, a. (Zo\'94l.) Having thin, transparent, reticulated wings; as, the lace-winged flies. Laches, Lache Lach"es (?), Lache (?), n. [OF. lachesse, fr. lache lax, indolent, F. l\'83che, ultimately fr. L. laxus loose, lax. See Lax.] (Law) Neglect; negligence; remissness; neglect to do a thing at the proper time; delay to assert a claim. It ill became him to take advantage of such a laches with the eagerness of a shrewd attorney. Macaulay. Lachrymable Lach"ry*ma*ble (?), a. [L. lacrimabilis, fr. lacrima a tear.] Lamentable. Martin Parker. Lachrym\'91 Christi Lach"ry*m\'91 Chris"ti (?). [L., lit., Christ's tears.] A rich, sweet, red Neapolitan wine. Lachrymal Lach"ry*mal (, a. [Cf. F. lacrymal. See Lachrymose.] 1. Of or pertaining to tears; as, lachrymal effusions. 2. (Anat.) (a) Pertaining to, or secreting, tears; as, the lachrymal gland. (b) Pertaining to the lachrymal organs; as, lachrymal bone; lachrymal duct. Lacrymal, Lacrymal Lac"ry*mal, Lac"ry*mal (?), n. See Lachrymatory. Lachrymary Lach"ry*ma*ry (?), a. Containing, or intended to contain, tears; lachrymal. Addison. Lachrymate Lach"ry*mate (-m\'bet), v. i. To weep. [R.] Blount. Lachrymation Lach`ry*ma"tion (?), n. [L. lacrimatio, from lacrimare to shed tears, fr. lacrima tear.] The act of shedding tears; weeping. Lachrymatory Lach"ry*ma*to*ry (?), n.; pl. -ries (#). [Cf. F. lacrymatoire.] (Antiq.) A "tear-bottle;" a narrow-necked vessel found in sepulchers of the ancient Romans; -- so called from a former notion that the tears of the deceased person's friends were collected in it. Called also lachrymal or lacrymal. Lachrymiform Lach"ry*mi*form (?), a, [L.lacrima tear + -form; cf. F. lacrymiforme.] Having the form of a tear; tear-shaped. Lachrymose Lach"ry*mose` (?), a. [L. lacrymosus, better lacrimosus, fr. lacrima, lacruma (also badly spelt lachryma) a tear, for older dacrima, akin to E. tear. See Tear the secretion.] Generating or shedding tears; given to shedding tears; suffused with tears; tearful. You should have seen his lachrymose visnomy. Lamb. -- Lach"ry*mose`ly, adv. _________________________________________________________________ Page 823 Lacing La"cing (?), n. 1. The act of securing, fastening, or tightening, with a lace or laces. 2. A lace; specifically (Mach.), a thong of thin leather for uniting the ends of belts. 3. A rope or line passing through eyelet holes in the edge of a sail or an awning to attach it to a yard, gaff, etc. 4. (Bridge Building) A system of bracing bars, not crossing each other in the middle, connecting the channel bars of a compound strut. Waddell. Lacinia La*cin"i*a (?), n.; pl. L. Lacini\'91 (#). [L., the lappet or flap of a garment.] 1. (Bot.) (a) One of the narrow, jagged, irregular pieces or divisions which form a sort of fringe on the borders of the petals of some flowers. (b) A narrow, slender portion of the edge of a monophyllous calyx, or of any irregularly incised leaf. 2. (Zo\'94l.) The posterior, inner process of the stipes on the maxill\'91 of insects. Laciniate, Laciniated La*cin"i*ate (?), La*cin"i*a"ted (?), a. [See Lacinia.] 1. Fringed; having a fringed border. 2. (Bot. & Zo\'94l.) Cut into deep, narrow, irregular lobes; slashed. Laciniolate La*cin"i*o*late (?), a. [See Lacinia.] (Bot.) Consisting of, or abounding in, very minute lacini\'91. Lacinula La*cin"u*la (?), n.; pl. Lacinul\'91 (#), E. Lacinulas (#). [NL.] (Bot.) A diminutive lacinia. Lack Lack (?), n. [OE. lak; cf. D. lak slander, laken to blame, OHG. lahan, AS. le\'a0n.] 1. Blame; cause of blame; fault; crime; offense. [Obs.] Chaucer. 2. Deficiency; want; need; destitution; failure; as, a lack of sufficient food. She swooneth now and now for lakke of blood. Chaucer. Let his lack of years be no impediment. Shak. Lack Lack, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lacked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lacking.] 1. To blame; to find fault with. [Obs.] Love them and lakke them not. Piers Plowman. 2. To be without or destitute of; to want; to need. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. James i. 5. Lack Lack, v. i. 1. To be wanting; often, impersonally, with of, meaning, to be less than, short, not quite, etc. What hour now ? I think it lacks of twelve. Shak. Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty. Gen. xvii. 28. 2. To be in want. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger. Ps. xxxiv. 10. Lack Lack, interj. [Cf. Alack.] Exclamation of regret or surprise. [Prov. Eng.] Cowper. Lackadaisical Lack`a*dai"si*cal (?), a. [From Lackadaisy, interj.] Affectedly pensive; languidly sentimental. -- Lack`a*dai"si*cal*ly, adv. Lackadaisy Lack"a*dai`sy (?), interj. [From Lackaday, interj.] An expression of languor. Lackadaisy Lack"a*dai`sy, a. Lackadaisical. Lackaday Lack"a*day` (?), interj. [Abbreviated from alackaday.] Alack the day; alas; -- an expression of sorrow, regret, dissatisfaction, or surprise. Lackbrain Lack"brain` (?), n. One who is deficient in understanding; a witless person. Shak. Lacker Lack"er (?), n. One who lacks or is in want. Lacker Lack"er, n. & v. See Lacquer. Lackey Lack"ey (?), n.; pl. Lackeys (#). [F. laquais; cf. Sp. & Pg. lacayo; of uncertain origin; perh. of German origin, and akin to E.lick, v.] An attending male servant; a footman; a servile follower. Like a Christian footboy or a gentleman's lackey. Shak. Lackey caterpillar (Zo\'94l.), the caterpillar, or larva, of any bombycid moth of the genus Clisiocampa; -- so called from its party-colored markings. The common European species (C. neustria) is striped with blue, yellow, and red, with a white line on the back. The American species (C. Americana and C. sylvatica) are commonly called tent caterpillars. See Tent caterpillar,under Tent. -- Lackey moth (Zo\'94l.), the moth which produces the lackey caterpillar. Lackey Lack"ey, v. t. To attend as a lackey; to wait upon. A thousand liveried angels lackey her. Milton. Lackey Lack"ey, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lackeyed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lackeying.] To act or serve as lackey; to pay servile attendance. Lackluster, Lacklustre Lack"lus`ter, Lack"lus`tre (?), n. A want of luster. -- a. Wanting luster or brightness. "Lackluster eye." Shak. Lacmus Lac"mus (?), n. See Litmus. Laconian La*co"ni*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to Laconia, a division of ancient Greece; Spartan. -- n. An inhabitant of Laconia; esp., a Spartan. Laconic, Laconical La*con"ic (?), La*con"ic*al (?), a. [L. Laconicus Laconian, Gr. laconique.] 1. Expressing much in few words, after the manner of the Laconians or Spartans; brief and pithy; brusque; epigrammatic. In this sense laconic is the usual form. I grow laconic even beyond laconicism; for sometimes I return only yes, or no, to questionary or petitionary epistles of half a yard long. Pope. His sense was strong and his style laconic. Welwood. 2. Laconian; characteristic of, or like, the Spartans; hence, stern or severe; cruel; unflinching. His head had now felt the razor, his back the rod; all that laconical discipline pleased him well. Bp. Hall. Syn. -- Short; brief; concise; succinct; sententious; pointed; pithy. -- Laconic, Concise. Concise means without irrelevant or superfluous matter; it is the opposite of diffuse. Laconic means concise with the additional quality of pithiness, sometimes of brusqueness. Laconic La*con"ic, n. Laconism. [Obs.] Addison. Laconical La*con"ic*al (?), a. See Laconic, a. Laconically La*con"ic*al*ly, adv. In a laconic manner. LaconIcism La*con"I*cism (?), n. Same as Laconism. Pope. Laconism Lac"o*nism (?), n. [Gr. laconisme.] 1. A vigorous, brief manner of expression; laconic style. 2. An instance of laconic style or expression. Laconize Lac"o*nize (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Laconized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laconizing (?).] [Gr. Laconic.] To imitate the manner of the Laconians, especially in brief, pithy speech, or in frugality and austerity. Lacquer Lac"quer (?), n. [F. lacre a sort of sealing wax, Pg. lacte, fr. laca lac. See Lac the resin.] [Written also lacker.] A varnish, consisting of a solution of shell-lac in alcohol, often colored with gamboge, saffron, or the like; -- used for varnishing metals, papier-mach\'82, and wood. The name is also given to varnishes made of other ingredients, esp. the tough, solid varnish of the Japanese, with which ornamental objects are made. <-- shell-lac = shellac; it is the prime spelling in this dictionary, though not found in MW10! --> Lacquer Lac"quer, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lacquered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lacquering.] To cover with lacquer. "Lacquer'd chair." Pope. Lacquerer Lac"quer*er (?), n. One who lacquers, especially one who makes a business of lacquering. Lacquering Lac"quer*ing, n. The act or business of putting on lacquer; also, the coat of lacquer put on. Lacrimoso La`cri*mo"so (?), a. [It. See Lachrymose.] (Mus.) Plaintive; -- a term applied to a mournful or pathetic movement or style. Moore. Lacrosse La*crosse" (?), n. [F. la crosse, lit., the crosier, hooked stick. Cf. Crosier.] A game of ball, originating among the North American Indians, now the popular field sport of Canada, and played also in England and the United States. Each player carries a long-handled racket, called a "crosse". The ball is not handled but caught with the crosse and carried on it, or tossed from it, the object being to carry it or throw it through one of the goals placed at opposite ends of the field. Lacrymal Lac"ry*mal (?), n. & a. See Lachrymatory, n., and Lachrymal, a. Lacrymary, Lacrytory, Lacrymose Lac"ry*ma*ry, Lac"ry*to*ry, Lac"ry*mose.See Lachrymary, Lachrymatory, Lachrymose. Lactage Lac"tage (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. laitage. See Lacteal.] The produce of animals yielding milk; milk and that which is made from it. Lactam Lac"tam (?), n. [Lactone + amido.] (Chem.) One of a series of anhydrides of an amido type, analogous to the lactones, as oxindol. Lactamic Lac*tam"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an amido acid related to lactic acid, and called also amido-propionic acid. Lactamide Lac*tam"ide (?), n. [Lactic + amide.] (Chem.) An acid amide derived from lactic acid, and obtained as a white crystalline substance having a neutral reaction. It is metameric with alanine. Lactant Lac"tant (?), a. [L. lactans, p. pr. of lactare to suck, fr. lac, lactis, milk.] Suckling; giving suck. Lactarene Lac"ta*rene (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk.] A preparation of casein from milk, used in printing calico. Lactary Lac"ta*ry (?), a. [l. lactarius, fr. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactaire.] Milky; full of white juice like milk. [Obs.] "Lactary or milky plants." Sir T. Browne. Lactary Lac"ta*ry, n. a dairyhouse. [R.] Lactate Lac"tate (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactate.] (Chem.) A salt of lactic acid. Lactation Lac*ta"tion (?), n. A giving suck; the secretion and yielding of milk by the mammary gland. Lacteal Lac"te*al (?), a. [L. lacteus milky, fr. lac, lactis, milk. Cf. Galaxy, Lettuce.] 1. Pertaining to, or resembling, milk; milky; as, the lacteal fluid. 2. (Anat. & Physiol.) Pertaining to, or containing, chyle; as, the lacteal vessels. Lacteal Lac"te*al, n. (Anat.) One of the lymphatic vessels which convey chyle from the small intestine through the mesenteric glands to the thoracic duct; a chyliferous vessel. Lacteally Lac"te*al*ly, adv. Milkily; in the manner of milk. Lactean Lac"te*an (?), a. [See Lacteal.] 1. Milky; consisting of, or resembling, milk. "This lactean whiteness." Moxon. 2. (Anat. & Physiol.) Lacteal; conveying chyle. Lacteous Lac"te*ous (?), a. [See Lacteal.] 1. Milky; resembling milk. "The lacteous circle." Sir T. Browne. 2. Lacteal; conveying chyle; as, lacteous vessels. Lacteously Lac"te*ous*ly, adv. In a lacteous manner; after the manner of milk. Lactescence Lac*tes"cence (?), n. [Cf. F. lactescence.] 1. The state or quality of producing milk, or milklike juice; resemblance to milk; a milky color. This lactescence does commonly ensue when . . . fair water is suddenly poured upon the solution. Boyle. 2. (Bot.) The latex of certain plants. See Latex. Lactescent Lac*tes"cent (?), a. [L. lactescens, p. pr. of lactescere to turn to milk, incho. fr. lactere to be milky, fr. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactescent.] 1. Having a milky look; becoming milky. [Obs.] 2. (Bot.) Producing milk or a milklike juice or fluid, as the milkweed. See Latex. Lactic Lac"tic (?), a. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactique. See Lacteal, and cf. Galactic.] (Physiol. Chem.) Of or pertaining to milk; procured from sour milk or whey; as, lactic acid; lactic fermentation, etc. Lactic acid (Physiol. Chem.), a sirupy, colorless fluid, soluble in water, with an intensely sour taste and strong acid reaction. There are at least three isomeric modifications all having the formula C3H6O3. Sarcolactic or paralactic acid occurs chiefly in dead muscle tissue, while ordinary lactic acid results from fermentation. The two acids are alike in having the same constitution (expressed by the name ethylidene lactic acid), but the latter is optically inactive, while sarcolactic acid rotates the plane of polarization to the right. The third acid, ethylene lactic acid, accompanies sarcolactic acid in the juice of flesh, and is optically inactive. -- Lactic ferment, an organized ferment (Bacterium lacticum OR lactis), which produces lactic fermentation, decomposing the sugar of milk into carbonic and lactic acids, the latter, of which renders the milk sour, and precipitates the casein, thus giving rise to the so-called spontaneous coagulation of milk. -- Lactic fermentation. See under Fermentation. <-- the three are D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, and DL-lactic acid, the third being merely an equimolar mixture of the first two. --> Lactide Lac"tide (?), n. [Lactic + anhydride.] (Chem.) A white, crystalline substance, obtained from also, by extension, any similar substance. Lactiferous Lac*tif"er*ous (?), a. [l. lac, lactis, milk + -ferous: cf. F. lactif\'8are.] Bearing or containing milk or a milky fluid; as, the lactiferous vessels, cells, or tissue of various vascular plants. Lactific, Lactifical Lac*tif"ic (?), Lac*tif"ic*al (?), a. [L. lac, lactis, milk + facere to make.] Producing or yielding milk. Lactifuge Lac"ti*fuge (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + fugare to expel.] (Med.) A medicine to check the secretion of milk, or to dispel a supposed accumulation of milk in any part of the body. Lactim Lac"tim (?), n. [Lactic + imido.] (Chem.) One of a series of anhydrides resembling the lactams, but of an imido type; as, isatine is a lactim. Cf. Lactam. Lactimide Lac*tim"ide (?), n. [Lactic + imide.] (Chem.) A white, crystalline substance obtained as an anhydride of alanine, and regarded as an imido derivative of lactic acid. Lactin Lac"tin (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk: cf. F. lactine. Cf. Galactin.] (Physiol. Chem.) See Lactose. Lactoabumin Lac`to*a*bu"min (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + E. albumin.] (Physiol. Chem.) The albumin present on milk, apparently identical with ordinary serum albumin. It is distinct from the casein of milk. Lactobutyrometer Lac`to*bu`ty*rom"e*ter (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + E. butyrometer.] An instrument for determining the amount of butter fat contained in a given sample of milk. Lactodensimeter Lac`to*den*sim"e*ter (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + E. densimeter.] A form of hydrometer, specially graduated, for finding the density of milk, and thus discovering whether it has been mixed with water or some of the cream has been removed. Lactometer Lac*tom"e*ter (?), n. [L. lac, lactis, milk + meter: cf. F. lactom\'8atre. Cf. Galactometer.] An instrument for estimating the purity or richness of milk, as a measuring glass, a specific gravity bulb, or other apparatus. Lactone Lac"tone (?), n. (Chem.) One of a series of organic compounds, regarded as anhydrides of certain hydroxy acids. In general, they are colorless liquids, having a weak aromatic odor. They are so called because the typical lactone is derived from lactic acid. Lactonic Lac*ton"ic (?), a. [From Lactone.] (Chem.) Of, pertaining to, or derived from, lactone. Lactonic Lac*ton"ic, a. [From Lactose.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained by the oxidation of milk sugar (lactose). Lactoprotein Lac`to*pro"te*in (?), n. [L.lac, lactis,milk + E. protein.] (Physiol. Chem.) A peculiar albuminous body considered a normal constituent of milk. Lactory Lac"to*ry (?), a. Lactiferous. [Obs.] "Lactory or milky plants." Sir T. Browne. Lactoscope Lac"to*scope (?), n. [L. lac, lactis + scope.] An instrument for estimating the amount of cream contained in milk by ascertaining its relative opacity. Lactose Lac"tose` (?), n. 1. (Physiol. Chem.) Sugar of milk or milk sugar; a crystalline sugar present in milk, and separable from the whey by evaporation and crystallization. It has a slightly sweet taste, is dextrorotary, and is much less soluble in water than either cane sugar or glucose. Formerly called lactin. 2. (Chem.) See Galactose. Lactuca Lac*tu"ca (?), n. [L., lettuce. See Lettuce.] (Bot.) A genus of composite herbs, several of which are cultivated foe salad; lettuce. Lactucarium Lac`tu*ca"ri*um (?), n. [NL., fr. L. lactuca lettuce.] The inspissated juice of the common lettuce, sometimes used as a substitute for opium. Lactucic Lac*tu"cic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or derived from, the juice of the Lactuca virosa; -- said of certain acids. Lactucin Lac*tu"cin (?), n. [From Lactuca: cf. F. lactucine.] (Chem.) A white, crystalline substance, having a bitter taste and a neutral reaction, and forming one of the essential ingredients of lactucarium. Lactucone Lac*tu"cone (?), n. [From Lactuca.] (Chem.) A white, crystalline, tasteless substance, found in the milky sap of species of Lactuca, and constituting an essential ingredient of lactucarium. Lacturamic Lac`tu*ram"ic (, a. [Lactic + urea + amic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an organic amido acid, which is regarded as a derivative of lactic acid and urea. Lactyl Lac"tyl (?), n. [Lactic + -yl.] (Chem.) An organic residue or radical derived from lactic acid. Lacuna La*cu"na (?), n.; pl. L. Lacun\'91 (#); E. Lacunas (#). [L., ditch, pit, lake, orig., anything hollow. See Lagoon.] 1. A small opening; a small pit or depression; a small blank space; a gap or vacancy; a hiatus. 2. (Biol.) A small opening; a small depression or cavity; a space, as a vacant space between the cells of plants, or one of the spaces left among the tissues of the lower animals, which serve in place of vessels for the circulation of the body fluids, or the cavity or sac, usually of very small size, in a mucous membrane. _________________________________________________________________ Page 824 Lacunal, Lacunar La*cu"nal (?), La*cu"nar (?), a. Pertaining to, or having, lacun\'91; as, a lacunar circulation. Lacunar La*cu"nar, n.; pl. E. Lacunars (#), L. Lacunaria (#). [L.] (Arch.) (a) The ceiling or under surface of any part, especially when it consists of compartments, sunk or hollowed without spaces or bands between the panels. Gwilt (b) One of the sunken panels in such a ceiling. Lacune La*cune" (?), n. [F.] A lacuna. [R.] Landor. Lacunose, Lacunous Lac"u*nose` (?), La*cu"nous (?), a. [L. lacunosus full of holes or hollows; cf. F. lacuneux. See Lacuna.] (Biol.) Furrowed or pitted; having shallow cavities or lacun\'91; as, a lacunose leaf. Lacustral, Lacustrine La*cus"tral (?), La*cus"trine (?), a. [L. lacus lake: cf. F. lacustral, lacustre.] Found in, or pertaining to, lakes or ponds, or growing in them; as, lacustrine flowers. Lacustrine deposits (Geol.), the deposits which have been accumulated in fresh-water areas. -- Lacustrine dwellings. See Lake dwellings, under Lake. Lacwork Lac"work` (?), n. Ornamentation by means of lacquer painted or carved, or simply colored, sprinkled with gold or the like; -- said especially of Oriental work of this kind. Lad Lad (?), obs. p. p. of Lead, to guide Chaucer. Lad Lad (?), n. [OE. ladde, of Celtic origin; cf. W. , Ir. lath. (. Cf. Lass.] 1. A boy; a youth; a stripling. "Cupid is a knavish lad." Shak. There is a lad here, which hath fire barley loaves and two small fishes. John vi. 9. 2. A companion; a comrade; a mate. Lad's love. (Bot.) See Boy's love, under Boy. Ladanum Lad"a*num (?), n. [L. ladanum, ledanum, Fr. (l\'bedan, l\'beden. Cf. Laudanum.] A gum resin gathered from certain Oriental species of Cistus. It has a pungent odor and is chiefly used in making plasters, and for fumigation. [Written also labdanum.] Ladde Lad"de (?), obs. imp. of Lead, to guide. Chaucer. Ladder Lad"der (?), n. [OE. laddre, AS. hl, hl; akin to OFries. hladder, OHG.leitara, G. leiter, and from the root of E. lean, v. (Lean, v. i., and cf. Climax.] 1. A frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps. Some the engines play, And some, more bold, mount ladders to the fire. Dryden. 2. That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence. Lowliness is young ambition's ladder. Shak. Fish ladder. See under Fish. -- Ladder beetle (Zo\'94l.), an American leaf beetle (Chrysomela scalaris). The elytra are silvery white, striped and spotted with green; the under wings are rose-colored. It feeds upon the linden tree. -- Ladder handle, an iron rail at the side of a vertical fixed ladder, to grasp with the hand in climbing. -- Ladder shell (Zo\'94l.), a spiral marine shell of the genus Scalaria. See Scalaria. Laddie Lad"die (?), n. A lad; a male sweetheart. [Scot.] Lade Lade (?), v. t. [imp. Laded; p. p. Laded, Laded (; p. pr. & vb. n. Lading.] [AS. hladan to heap, load, draw (water); akin to D. & G. laden to load, OHG. hladan, ladan, Icel. hla, Sw. ladda, Dan. lade, Goth. afhlapan. Cf. Load, Ladle, Lathe for turning, Last a load.] 1. To load; to put a burden or freight on or in; -- generally followed by that which receives the load, as the direct object. And they laded their asses with the corn. Gen. xlii. 26. 2. To throw in out. with a ladle or dipper; to dip; as, to lade water out of a tub, or into a cistern. And chides the sea that sunders him from thence, Saying, he'll lade it dry to have his way. Shak. 3. (Plate Glass Manuf.) To transfer (the molten glass) from the pot to the forming table. Lade Lade, v. i. [See Lade, v. t.] 1. To draw water. [Obs.] 2. (Naut.) To admit water by leakage, as a ship, etc. Lade Lade, n. [Prov. E., a ditch or drain. Cf. Lode, Lead to conduct.] 1. The mouth of a river. [Obs.] Bp. Gibson. 2. A passage for water; a ditch or drain. [Prov. Eng.] Lademan Lade"man (?), n. One who leads a pack horse; a miller's servant. [Obs. or Local] Laden Lad"en (?), p. & a. Loaded; freighted; burdened; as, a laden vessel; a laden heart. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity. Is. i. 4. A ship laden with gold. Shak. Ladied La"died (?), a. Ladylike; not rough; gentle. [Obs.] "Stroked with a ladied land." Feltham. Ladies' eardrops La"dies' ear`drops` (?). (Bot.) The small-flowered Fuchsia (F. coccinea), and other closely related species. Ladify La"di*fy (?), v. t. [Lady + -fy.] To make a lady of; to make ladylike. [Obs.] Massinger. Ladin La*din" (?), n. [From L. Latinus Latin. See Latin] A Romansch dialect spoken in some parts of Switzerland and the Tyrol. Lading Lad"ing (?), n. 1. The act of loading. 2. That which lades or constitutes a load or cargo; freight; burden; as, the lading of a ship. Bill of lading. See under Bill. Ladino La*di"no (?), n.; pl. Ladinos (#). [Sp.] One of the half-breed descendants of whites and Indians; a mestizo; -- so called throughout Central America. They are usually of a yellowish orange tinge. Am. Cyc. Ladkin Lad"kin (?), n. A little lad. [R.] Dr. H. More. Ladle La"dle (?), n. [AS.hl\'91del, fr. hladan to load, drain. See Lade, v. t.] 1. A cuplike spoon, often of large size, with a long handle, used in lading or dipping. When the materials of glass have been kept long in fusion, the mixture casts up the superfluous salt, which the workmen take off with ladles. Boyle. 2. (Founding) A vessel to carry liquid metal from the furnace to the mold. 3. The float of a mill wheel; -- called also ladle board. 4. (Gun.) (a) An instrument for drawing the charge of a cannon. (b) A ring, with a handle or handles fitted to it, for carrying shot. Ladle wood (Bot.), the wood of a South African tree (Cassine Colpoon), used for carving. Ladle La"dle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ladled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ladling (?).] To take up and convey in a ladle; to dip with, or as with, a ladle; as, to ladle out soup; to ladle oatmeal into a kettle. Ladleful La"dle*ful (?), n.; pl. Ladlefuls (. A quantity sufficient to fill a ladle. Ladrone La*drone" (?), n. [Sp. ladron, L. latro servant, robber, Gr. ( A robber; a pirate; hence, loosely, a rogue or rascal. Lady La"dy (?), n.; pl. Ladies (#). [OE. ladi, l\'91fdi, AS. hl, hl; AS. hl\'bef loaf + a root of uncertain origin, possibly akin to E. dairy. See Loaf, and cf. Lord.] 1. A woman who looks after the domestic affairs of a family; a mistress; the female head of a household. Agar, the handmaiden of Sara, whence comest thou, and whither goest thou? The which answered, Fro the face of Sara my lady. Wyclif (Gen. xvi. 8.). 2. A woman having proprietary rights or authority; mistress; -- a feminine correlative of lord. "Lord or lady of high degree." Lowell. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, . . . We make thee lady. Shak. 3. A woman to whom the particular homage of a knight was paid; a woman to whom one is devoted or bound; a sweetheart. The soldier here his wasted store supplies, And takes new valor from his lady's eyes. Waller. 4. A woman of social distinction or position. In England, a title prefixed to the name of any woman whose husband is not of lower rank than a baron, or whose father was a nobleman not lower than an earl. The wife of a baronet or knight has the title of Lady by courtesy, but not by right. 5. A woman of refined or gentle manners; a well-bred woman; -- the feminine correlative of gentleman. 6. A wife; -- not now in approved usage. Goldsmith. 7. (Zo\'94l.) The triturating apparatus in the stomach of a lobster; -- so called from a fancied resemblance to a seated female figure. It consists of calcareous plates. Ladies' man, a man who affects the society of ladies. -- Lady altar, an altar in a lady chapel. Shipley. -- Lady chapel, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. -- Lady court, the court of a lady of the manor. -- Lady court, the court of a lady of the manor. -- Lady crab (Zo\'94l.), a handsomely spotted swimming crab (Platyonichus ocellatus) very common on the sandy shores of the Atlantic coast of the United States. -- Lady fern. (Bot.) See Female fern, under Female, and Illust. of Fern. -- Lady in waiting, a lady of the queen's household, appointed to wait upon or attend the queen. -- Lady Mass, a Mass said in honor of the Virgin Mary. Shipley. Lady of the manor, a lady having jurisdiction of a manor; also, the wife of a manor lord. Lady's maid, a maidservant who dresses and waits upon a lady. Thackeray. -- Our Lady, the Virgin Mary. Lady La"dy, a. Belonging or becoming to a lady; ladylike. "Some lady trifles." Shak. Ladybird La"dy*bird` (?), n. [Equiv. to, bird of Our Lady.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of numerous species of small beetles of the genus Coccinella and allied genera (family Coccinellid\'91); -- called also ladybug, ladyclock, lady cow, lady fly, and lady beetle. Coccinella seplempunctata in one of the common European species. See Coccinella. NOTE: &hand; Th e la dybirds are usually more or less hemispherical in form, with a smooth, polished surface, and often colored red, brown, or black, with small spots of brighter colors. Both the larv\'91 and the adult beetles of most species feed on aphids, and for this reason they are very beneficial to agriculture and horticulture. Ladybug La"dy*bug` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) Same as Ladybird. Ladyclock La"dy*clock` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) See Ladyrird. Lady La"dy` (?). The day of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary, March 25. See Annunciation. Ladyfish La"dy*fish` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A large, handsome oceanic fish (Albula vulpes), found both in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; -- called also bonefish, grubber, French mullet, and macab\'82. (b) A labroid fish (Harpe rufa) of Florida and the West Indies. Ladyhood La"dy*hood (?), n. The state or quality of being a lady; the personality of a lady. Lady-killer La"dy-kill`er (?), n. A gallant who captivates the hearts of women. "A renowned dandy and lady-killer." Blackw. Mag. Lady-killing La"dy-kill`ing, n. The art or practice of captivating the hearts of women. Better for the sake of womankind that this dangerous dog should leave off lady-killing. Thackeray. Ladykin La"dy*kin (?), n. [Lady + -kin.] A little lady; -- applied by the writers of Queen Elizabeth's time, in the abbreviated form Lakin, to the Virgin Mary. NOTE: &hand; Th e di minutive do es no t re fer to si ze, bu t is equivalent to "dear." Brewer. Ladylike La"dy*like` (?), a. 1. Like a lady in appearance or manners; well-bred. She was ladylike, too, after the manner of the feminine gentility of those days. Hawthorne. 2. Becoming or suitable to a lady; as, ladylike manners. "With fingers ladylike." Warner. 3. Delicate; tender; feeble; effeminate. Too ladylike a long fatigue to bear. Dryden. Ladylikeness La"dy*like`ness (?), n. The quality or state of being ladylike. Ladylove La"dy*love` (?), n. A sweetheart or mistress. Lady's bedstraw La"dy's bed"straw` (?), (Bot.) The common bedstraw (Galium verum); also, a slender-leaved East Indian shrub (Pharnaceum Mollugo), with white flowers in umbels. Lady's bower La"dy's bow"er (?). (Bot.) A climbing plant with fragrant blossoms (Clematis vitalba). NOTE: &hand; Th is term is sometimes applied to other plants of the same genus. Lady's comb La"dy's comb" (?), (Bot.) An umbelliferous plant (Scandix Pecten-Veneris), its clusters of long slender fruits remotely resembling a comb. Lady's cushion La"dy's cush"ion (?), (Bot.) An herb growing in dense tufts; the thrift (Armeria vulgaris). Lady's finger La"dy's fin"ger (?), 1. pl. (Bot.) The kidney vetch. 2. (Cookery) A variety of small cake of about the dimensions of a finger. 3. A long, slender variety of the potato. 4. (Zo\'94l.) One of the branchi\'91 of the lobster. Lady's garters La"dy's gar"ters (?). (Bot.) Ribbon grass. Lady's hair La"dy's hair" (?). (Bot.) A plant of the genus Briza (B. media); a variety of quaking grass. Ladyship La"dy*ship (?), n. The rank or position of a lady; -- given as a title (preceded by her or your.) Your ladyship shall observe their gravity. B. Jonson. Lady's laces La"dy's la"ces (?). (Bot.) A slender climbing plant; dodder. Lady's looking-glass La"dy's look"ing-glass` (?). (Bot.) See Venus's looking-glass, under Venus. Lady's mantle La"dy's man"tle (?). (Bot.) A genus of rosaceous herbs (Alchemilla), esp. the European A. vulgaris, which has leaves with rounded and finely serrated lobes. Lady's seal La"dy's seal" (?).(Bot.) (a) The European Solomon's seal (Polygonatum verticillatum). (b) The black bryony (Tamus communis). Lady's slipper La"dy's slip"per (?). (Bot.) Any orchidaceous plant of the genus Cypripedium, the labellum of which resembles a slipper. Less commonly, in the United States, the garden balsam (Impatiens Balsamina). Lady's smock La"dy's smock" (?). (Bot.) A plant of the genus Cardamine (C. pratensis); cuckoo flower. Lady's thimble La"dy's thim"ble (?). (Bot.) The harebell. Lady's thumb La"dy's thumb" (?). (Bot.) An annual weed (Polygonum Persicaria), having a lanceolate leaf with a dark spot in the middle. Lady's traces, Ladies' tresses La"dy's tra"ces (?), La"dies' tress"es (?). (Bot.) A name given to several species of the orchidaceous genus Spiranthes, in which the white flowers are set in spirals about a slender axis and remotely resemble braided hair. L\'91laps L\'91"laps (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ( (Paleon.) A genus of huge, carnivorous, dinosaurian reptiles from the Cretaceous formation of the United States. They had very large hind legs and tail, and are supposed to have been bipedal. Some of the species were about eighteen feet high. Laemmergeyer Laem"mer*gey`er (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) See Lammergeir. L\'91modipod L\'91*mod"i*pod (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) One of the L\'91modipoda. L\'91modipoda L\'91`mo*dip"o*da (?), n. pl. [NL., from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A division of amphipod Crustacea, in which the abdomen is small or rudimentary and the legs are often reduced to five pairs. The whale louse, or Cyamus, and Caprella are examples. L\'91modipodous L\'91`mo*dip"o*dous (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the L\'91modipoda. L\'91tere Sunday L\'91*te"re Sun"day (?). The fourth Sunday of Lent; -- so named from the Latin word L\'91tare (rejoice), the first word in the antiphone of the introit sung that day in the Roman Catholic service. L\'91vigate L\'91v"i*gate (?), a. [See Levigate.] (Biol.) Having a smooth surface, as if polished. L\'91vo- L\'91"vo- (?). A prefix. See Levo. L\'91vorotatory L\'91"vo*ro"ta*to*ry (?), a. Same as Levorotatory. Cf. Dextrorotatory. L\'91vulose L\'91v"u*lose` (?), n. (Chem.) See Levulose. Lafayette La`fa`yette" (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) (a) The dollar fish. (b) A market fish, the goody, or spot (Liostomus xanthurus), of the southern coast of the United States. Laft Laft (?), obs. p. p. of Leave. Chaucer. Lafte Laf"te (?), obs. imp. of Leave. Chaucer. Lag Lag (?), a. [Of Celtic origin: cf. Gael. & Ir. lagweak, feeble, faint, W. llag, llac, slack, loose, remiss, sluggish; prob. akin to E. lax, languid.] 1. Coming tardily after or behind; slow; tardy. [Obs.] Came too lag to see him buried. Shak. 2. Last; long-delayed; -- obsolete, except in the phrase lag end. "The lag end of my life." Shak. _________________________________________________________________ Page 825 3. Last made; hence, made of refuse; inferior. [Obs.] "Lag souls." Dryden. Lag Lag (?), n. 1. One who lags; that which comes in last. [Obs.] "The lag of all the flock." Pope. 2. The fag-end; the rump; hence, the lowest class. The common lag of people. Shak. 3. The amount of retardation of anything, as of a valve in a steam engine, in opening or closing. 4. A stave of a cask, drum, etc.; especially (Mach.), one of the narrow boards or staves forming the covering of a cylindrical object, as a boiler, or the cylinder of a carding machine or a steam engine. 5. (Zo\'94l.) See Graylag. Lag of the tide, the interval by which the time of high water falls behind the mean time, in the first and third quarters of the moon; -- opposed to priming of the tide, or the acceleration of the time of high water, in the second and fourth quarters; depending on the relative positions of the sun and moon. -- Lag screw, an iron bolt with a square head, a sharp-edged thread, and a sharp point, adapted for screwing into wood; a screw for fastening lags. Lag Lag, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lagged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lagging (?).] To walk or more slowly; to stay or fall behind; to linger or loiter. "I shall not lag behind." Milton. Syn. -- To loiter; linger; saunter; delay; be tardy. Lag Lag, v. t. 1. To cause to lag; to slacken. [Obs.] "To lag his flight." Heywood. 2. (Mach.) To cover, as the cylinder of a steam engine, with lags. See Lag, n., 4. Lag Lag, n. One transported for a crime. [Slang, Eng.] Lag Lag, v. t. To transport for crime. [Slang, Eng.] She lags us if we poach. De Quincey. Lagan La"gan (?), n. & v. See Ligan. Lagarto La*gar"to (?), n. [See Alligator.] An alligator. [Obs.] Sir W. Raleigh. Lagena La*ge"na (?), n.; pl. L. Lagen\'91 (#), E. Lagenas (#). [L., a flask; cf. Gr. (Anat.) The terminal part of the cochlea in birds and most reptiles; an appendage of the sacculus, corresponding to the cochlea, in fishes and amphibians. Lagenian La*ge"ni*an (?), a. [See Lagena.] (Zo\'94l.) Like, or pertaining to, Lagena, a genus of Foraminifera having a straight, chambered shell. Lageniform La*ge"ni*form (?), a. [See Lagena, and -form.] (Bot.) Shaped like a bottle or flask; flag-shaped. Lager La"ger (?), n. Lager beer. Lager beer La"ger beer` (?). [G. lager bed, storehouse + bier beer. See Lair, and Beer.] Originally a German beer, but now also made in immense quantities in the United States; -- so called from its being laid up or stored for some months before use. Lager wine La"ger wine` (?). Wine which has been kept for some time in the cellar. Simmonds. Laggard Lag"gard (?), a. [Lag + -ard.] Slow; sluggish; backward. Laggard Lag"gard, n. One who lags; a loiterer. Lagger Lag"ger (?), n. A laggard. Lagging Lag"ging (?), n. 1. (Mach.) The clothing (esp., an outer, wooden covering), as of a steam cylinder, applied to prevent the radiation of heat; a covering of lags; -- called also deading and cleading. 2. Lags, collectively; narrow planks extending from one rib to another in the centering of arches. Laggingly Lag"ging*ly, adv. In a lagging manner; loiteringly. Lagly Lag"ly (?), adv. Laggingly. [Prov. Eng.] Lagomorph Lag"o*morph (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) One of the Lagomorpha. Lagemorpha Lag`e*mor"pha (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A group of rodents, including the hares. They have four incisors in the upper jaw. Called also Duplicidentata. Lagoon La*goon" (?), n. [It. or Sp. laguna, L. lacuna ditch, pool, pond,lacus lake. See Lake, and cf. Lacuna.] [Written also lagune.] 1. A shallow sound, channel, pond, or lake, especially one into which the sea flows; as, the lagoons of Venice. 2. A lake in a coral island, often occupying a large portion of its area, and usually communicating with the sea. See Atoll. Lagoon island, a coral island consisting of a narrow reef encircling a lagoon. Lagophthalmia, Lagophthalmos Lag`oph*thal"mi*a (?), Lag`oph*thal"mos (?), n. [NL. lagophtalmia, fr. Gr. lagw`s hare + 'ofqalmo`s eye; -- so called from the notion that a hare sleeps with his eyes open.] (Med.) A morbid condition in which the eye stands wide open, giving a peculiar staring appearance. Lagopous La*go"pous (?), a. [Gr. (Bot.) Having a dense covering of long hair, like the foot of a hare. Lagune La*gune" (?), n. See Lagoon. Laic, Laical La"ic (?), La"ic*al (?), a. [L. laicus: cf. F. la\'8bque. See Lay laic.] Of or pertaining to a layman or the laity. "Laical literature." Lowell. An unprincipled, unedified, and laic rabble. Milton. Laic La"ic, n. A layman. Bp. Morton. Laicality La"ic*al"i*ty (?), n. The state or quality of being laic; the state or condition of a layman. Laically La"ic*al*ly (?), adv. As a layman; after the manner of a layman; as, to treat a matter laically. Laid Laid (?), imp. & p. p. of Lay. Laid paper, paper marked with parallel lines or water marks, as if ribbed, from parallel wires in the mold. It is called blue laid, cream laid, etc., according to its color. Laidly Laid"ly, a. Ugly; loathsome. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.] This laidly and loathsome worm. W. Howitt. Lain Lain (?), p. p. of Lie, v. i. Lainere Lain"ere (?), n. See Lanier. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lair Lair (?), n. [OE. leir, AS. leger; akin to D. leger, G. lager couch, lair, OHG. laga, Goth. ligrs, and to E. lie. See Lie to be prostrate, and cf. Layer, Leaguer.] 1. A place in which to lie or rest; especially, the bed or couch of a wild beast. 2. A burying place. [Scot.] Jamieson. 3. A pasture; sometimes, food. [Obs.] Spenser. Laird Laird (?), n. [See Lord.] A lord; a landholder, esp. one who holds land directly of the crown. [Scot.] Lairdship Laird"ship, n. The state of being a laird; an estate; landed property. [Scot.] Ramsay. Laism La"ism (?), n. See Lamaism. [R.] Laissez faire Lais`sez" faire" (?). [F., let alone.] Noninterference; -- an axiom of some political economists, deprecating interference of government by attempts to foster or regulate commerce, manufactures, etc., by bounty or by restriction; as, the doctrine of laissez faire; the laissez faire system government. Lai-ty La"i-ty (?), n. [See Lay, a.] 1. The people, as distinguished from the clergy; the body of the people not in orders. A rising up of the laity against the sacerdotal caste. Macaulay. 2. The state of a layman. [Obs.] Ayliffe. 3. Those who are not of a certain profession, as law or medicine, in distinction from those belonging to it. Lakao La*ka"o (?), n. Sap green. [China] Lake Lake (?), n. [F. laque, fr. Per. See Lac.] A pigment formed by combining some coloring matter, usually by precipitation, with a metallic oxide or earth, esp. with aluminium hydrate; as, madder lake; Florentine lake; yellow lake, etc. Lake Lake, n. [Cf. G. laken.] A kind of fine white linen, formerly in use. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lake Lake (?), v. i. [AS. l\'becan, l\'91can, to spring, jump, l\'bec play, sport, or fr. Icel. leika to play, sport; both akin to Goth. laikan to dance. &root;120. Cf. Knowledge.] To play; to sport. [Prov. Eng.] Lake Lake, n. [AS. lac, L. lacus; akin to AS. lagu lake, sea, Icel. l\'94gr; OIr. loch; cf. Gr. Loch, Lough.] A large body of water contained in a depression of the earth's surface, and supplied from the drainage of a more or less extended area. NOTE: &hand; La kes ar e for the most part of fresh water; the salt lakes, like the Great Salt Lake of Utah, have usually no outlet to the ocean. Lake dwellers (Ethnol.), people of a prehistoric race, or races, which inhabited different parts of Europe. Their dwellings were built on piles in lakes, a short distance from the shore. Their relics are common in the lakes of Switzerland. -- Lake dwellings (Arch\'91ol.), dwellings built over a lake, sometimes on piles, and sometimes on rude foundations kept in place by piles; specifically, such dwellings of prehistoric times. Lake dwellings are still used by many savage tribes. Called also lacustrine dwellings. See Crannog. -- Lake fly (Zo\'94l.), any one of numerous species of dipterous flies of the genus Chironomus. In form they resemble mosquitoes, but they do not bite. The larv\'91 live in lakes. -- Lake herring (Zo\'94l.), the cisco (Coregonus Artedii). -- Lake poets, Lake school, a collective name originally applied in contempt, but now in honor, to Southey, Coleridge, and Wordsworth, who lived in the lake country of Cumberland, England, Lamb and a few others were classed with these by hostile critics. Called also lakers and lakists. -- Lake sturgeon (Zo\'94l.), a sturgeon (Acipenser rubicundus), of moderate size, found in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. It is used as food. -- Lake trout (Zo\'94l.), any one of several species of trout and salmon; in Europe, esp. Salmo fario; in the United States, esp. Salvelinus namaycush of the Great Lakes, and of various lakes in New York, Eastern Maine, and Canada. A large variety of brook trout (S. fontinalis), inhabiting many lakes in New England, is also called lake trout. See Namaycush. -- Lake whitefish. (Zo\'94l.) See Whitefish. -- Lake whiting (Zo\'94l.), an American whitefish (Coregonus Labradoricus), found in many lakes in the Northern United States and Canada. It is more slender than the common whitefish. Lake-dweller Lake"-dwell`er (?), n. See Lake dwellers, under Lake. Lakelet Lake"let (?), n. A little lake. Southey. Lakeweed Lake"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) The water pepper (Polygonum Hydropiper), an aquatic plant of Europe and North America. Lakh Lakh (?), n. Same as Lac, one hundred thousand. Lakin La"kin (?), n. See Ladykin. Lakke Lak"ke (?), n. & v. See Lack. [Obs.] Chaucer. Laky Lak"y (?), a. Pertaining to a lake. Sir W. Scott. Laky Lak"y, a. [From Lake the pigment.] Transparent; -- said of blood rendered transparent by the action of some solvent agent on the red blood corpuscles. Lallation Lal*la"tion (?), n. [L. lallare to sing lalla, or lullaby: cf. F. lallation.] An imperfect enunciation of the letter r, in which it sounds like l. Lalo La"lo (?), n. The powdered leaves of the baobab tree, used by the Africans to mix in their soup, as the southern negroes use powdered sassafras. Cf. Couscous. Lam Lam (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lammed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lamming.] [Icel. lemja to beat, or lama to bruise, both fr. lami, lama, lame. See Lame.] To beat soundly; to thrash. [Obs. or Low] Beau. & Fl. Lama La"ma (?; 277), n. (Zo\'94l.) See Llama. Lama La"ma, n. [Thibet. blama (pronounced l\'84\'b6ma) a chief, a high priest.] In Thibet, Mongolia, etc., a priest or monk of the belief called Lamaism. The Grand Lama, OR Dalai Lama [lit., Ocean Lama], the supreme pontiff in the lamaistic hierarchy. See Lamaism. Lamaic La"ma*ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to Lamaism. Lamaism La"ma*ism (?), n. A modified form of Buddhism which prevails in Thibet, Mongolia, and some adjacent parts of Asia; -- so called from the name of its priests. See 2d Lama. Lamaist, Lamaite La"ma*ist (?), La"ma*ite (?) n. One who believes in Lamaism. Lamaistic La`ma*is"tic (?), a. Of or pertaining to Lamaism. Lamantin La*man"tin (?), n. [F. lamantin, lamentin, prob. from the name of the animal in the Antilles. Cf. Manater.] (Zo\'94l.) The manatee. [Written also lamentin, and lamantine.] Lamarckian La*marck"i*an (?), a. Pertaining to, or involved in, the doctrines of Lamarckianism. Lamarckianism La*marck"i*an*ism (?), n. (Biol.) Lamarckism. Lamarckism La"marck"ism (?), n. [From Lamarck, a distinguished French naturalist.] (Biol.) The theory that structural variations, characteristic of species and genera, are produced in animals and plants by the direct influence of physical environments, and esp., in the case of animals, by effort, or by use or disuse of certain organs. Lamasery La"ma*ser*y (?), n. [See 2d Lama.] A mo Lamb Lamb (?), n. [AS. lamb; akin to D. & Dan. lam, G. & Sw. lamm, OS., Goth., & Icel. lamb.] 1. (Zo\'94l.) The young of the sheep. 2. Any person who is as innocent or gentle as a lamb. 3. A simple, unsophisticated person; in the cant of the Stock Exchange, one who ignorantly speculates and is victimized. Lamb of God, The Lamb (Script.), the Jesus Christ, in allusion to the paschal lamb. The twelve apostles of the Lamb. Rev. xxi. 14. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John i. 29. -- Lamb's lettuce (Bot.), an annual plant with small obovate leaves (Valerianella olitoria), often used as a salad; corn salad. [Written also lamb lettuce.] -- Lamb's tongue, a carpenter's plane with a deep narrow bit, for making curved grooves. Knight. -- Lamb's wool. (a) The wool of a lamb. (b) Ale mixed with the pulp of roasted apples; -- probably from the resemblance of the pulp of roasted apples to lamb's wool. [Obs.] Goldsmith. Lamb Lamb (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lambed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lambing.] To bring forth a lamb or lambs, as sheep. Lambale Lamb"ale` (?), n. A feast at the time of shearing lambs. Lambaste Lam*baste" (?), v. t. [Lam + baste to beat.] To beat severely. [Low] Nares. Lambative Lam"ba*tive (?), a. [L. lambere to lick. See Lambent.] Taken by licking with the tongue. "Sirups and lambative medicines." Sir T. Browne. Lambative Lam"ba*tive, n. A medicine taken by licking with the tongue; a lincture. Wiseman. Lambda Lamb"da (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 1. The name of the Greek letter , l, corresponding with the English letter L, l. 2. (Anat.) The point of junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures of the skull. Lambda moth (Zo\'94l.), a moth so called from a mark on its wings, resembling the Greek letter lambda (). Lambdacism Lamb"da*cism (?), n. [L. lambdacismus, Gr. la`mbda the letter lambda ().] 1. A fault in speaking or in composition, which consists in too frequent use of the letter l, or in doubling it erroneously. 2. A defect in pronunciation of the letter l when doubled, which consists in giving it a sound as if followed by y, similar to that of the letters lli in billion. 3. The use of the sound of l for that of r in pronunciation; lallation; as, Amelican for American. Lambdoid Lamb"doid (?), a. [Gr. la`mbda the letter lambda () + e"i^dos shape.] Shaped like the Greek letter lambda (); as, the lambdoid suture between the occipital and parietal bones of the skull. Lambdoidal Lamb*doid"al (?), a. Same as Lambdoid. Lambent Lam"bent (?), a. [L. lambens, -enlis, p. pr. of lambere to lick; akin to lap. See Lap to drink by licking.] 1. Playing on the surface; touching lightly; gliding over. "A lambent flame." Dryden. "A lambent style." Beaconsfield. 2. Twinkling or gleaming; fickering. "The lambent purity of the stars." W. Irving. Lambert pine Lam"bert pine` (?). [So called from Lambert, an English botanist.] (Bot.) The gigantic sugar pine of California and Oregon (Pinus Lambertiana). It has the leaves in fives, and cones a foot long. The timber is soft, and like that of the white pine of the Eastern States. Lambkin Lamb"kin (?), n. A small lamb. Lamblike Lamb"like (?), a. Like a lamb; gentle; meek; inoffensive. Lamboys Lam"boys (?), n. pl. [Cf. F. lambeau. Cf. Label.] (Anc. Armor) Same as Base, n., 19. Lambrequin Lam"bre*quin (?), n. [F. Cf. Lamboys, Label.] 1. A kind of pendent scarf or covering attached to the helmet, to protect it from wet or heat. 2. A leather flap hanging from a cuirass. Wilhelm. 3. A piece of ornament drapery or short decorative hanging, pendent from a shelf or from the casing above a window, hiding the curtain fixtures, or the like. Lambskin Lamb"skin` (?), n. 1. The skin of a lamb; especially, a skin dressed with the wool on, and used as a mat. Also used adjectively. 2. A kind of woolen. Lambskinnet Lamb"skin`net" (?), n. See Lansquenet. Lamb's-quarters Lamb's-quar"ters (?), n. (Bot.) A name given to several plants of the Goosefoot family, sometimes used as pot herbs, as Chenopodium album and Atriplex patulsa. Lamdoidal Lam*doid"al (?), a. Lambdoid. [R.] Lame Lame (?), a. [Compar. Lamer (?); superl. Lamest.] [OE. lame, AS. lama; akin to D. lam, G. lahm,OHG., Dan., & Sw. lam, Icel. lami, Russ. lomate to break, lomota rheumatism.] 1. (a) Moving with pain or difficulty on account of injury, defect, or temporary obstruction of a function; as, a lame leg, arm, or muscle. (b) To some degree disabled by reason of the imperfect action of a limb; crippled; as, a lame man. "Lame of one leg." Arbuthnot. "Lame in both his feet." 2 Sam. ix. 13. "He fell, and became lame." 2 Sam. iv. 4. 2. Hence, hobbling; limping; inefficient; imperfect. "A lame endeavor." Barrow. O, most lame and impotent conclusion! Shak. Lame duck (stock Exchange), a person who can not fulfill his contracts. [Cant] _________________________________________________________________ Page 826 Lame Lame (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lamed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laming.] To make lame. If you happen to let child fall and lame it. Swift. Lamel Lam"el (?), n. See Lamella. Lamella La*mel"la (?), n.; pl. L. Lamell\'91 (#), E. Lamellas (#). [L. lamella, dim. of lamina plate, leaf, layer: cf. F. lamelle. Cf. Lamina, Omelet.] a thin plate or scale of anything, as a thin scale growing from the petals of certain flowers; or one of the thin plates or scales of which certain shells are composed. Lamellar, a. [Cf. F. lamellaire.] Flat and thin; lamelliform; composed of lamell\'91. -- Lamellarly Lam"el*lar (?), a. [Cf. F. lamellaire.] Flat and thin; lamelliform; composed of lamell\'91. -- Lam"el*lar*ly, adv. In thin plates or scales. Lamellary Lam"el*la*ry (?), a. Of or pertaining to lamella or to lamell\'91; lamellar. Lamellate, Lamellated Lam"el*late (?), Lam"el*la`ted (?), a. [See Lamella.] Composed of, or furnished with, thin plates or scales. See Illust. of Antenn\'91. Lamellibranch La*mel"li*branch (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) One of the Lamellibranchia. Also used adjectively. Lamellibranchia, Lamellibranchiata La*mel`li*bran"chi*a (?), La*mel`li*bran`chi*a"ta (?), n. pl. [NL. See lamella, and Branchia, Branchiate.] (Zo\'94l.) A class of Mollusca including all those that have bivalve shells, as the clams, oysters, mussels, etc. NOTE: &hand; Th ey us ually ha ve tw o (r arely bu t on e) fl at, lamelliform gills on each side of the body. They have an imperfectly developed head, concealed within the shell, whence they are called Acephala. Called also Conchifera, and Pelecypoda. See Bivalve. Lamellibranchiate Lam`el*li*bran"chi*ate (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Having lamellar gills; belonging to the Lamellibranchia. -- n. One of the Lamellibranchia. Lamellicorn La*mel"li*corn (?), a. [Lamella + L. cornu a horn: cf. F. lamellicorne. See Lamella.] (Zo\'94l.) (a) Having antenn\'91 terminating in a group of flat lamell\'91; -- said of certain coleopterous insects. (b) Terminating in a group of flat lamell\'91; -- said of antenn\'91. -- n. A lamellicorn insect. Lamellicornia La*mel`li*cor"ni*a (?), n. pl. [NL. See Lamellicorn.] (Zo\'94l.) A group of lamellicorn, plant-eating beetles; -- called also Lamellicornes. Lamelliferous Lam`el*lif"er*ous (?), a. [Lamella + -ferous: cf. F. lamellif\'8are.] Bearing, or composed of, lamell\'91, or thin layers, plates, or scales; foliated. Lamelliform La*mel"li*form (?), a. [Lamella + -form : cf. F. lamelliforme.] Thin and flat; scalelike; lamellar. Lamellirostral Lam`el*li*ros"tral (?), a. [Lamella + rostral : cf. F. lamellirostre.] (Zo\'94l.) Having a lamellate bill, as ducks and geese. Lamellirostres La*mel`li*ros"tres (?), n. pl. [NL. See Lamella, and Rostrum.] (Zo\'94l.) A group of birds embracing the Anseres and flamingoes, in which the bill is lamellate. Lamellose Lam"el*lose` (?), a. [Cf. F. lamelleux.] Composed of, or having, lamell\'91; lamelliform. Lamely Lame"ly (?), adv. [See Lame.] An a lame, crippled, disabled, or imperfect manner; as, to walk lamely; a figure lamely drawn. Lameness Lame"ness, n. The condition or quality of being lame; as, the lameness of an excuse or an argument. Lament La*ment" (?), v. i. [F. lamenter, L. lamentari, fr. lamentum a lament.] To express or feel sorrow; to weep or wail; to mourn. Jeremiah lamented for Josiah. 2 Chron. xxxv. 25. Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice. John xvi. 20. Lament La*ment", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lamented; p. pr. & vb. n. Lamenting.] To mourn for; to bemoan; to bewail. One laughed at follies, one lamented crimes. Dryden. Syn. -- To deplore; mourn; bewail. See Deplore. Lament La*ment", n. [L. lamentum. Cf. Lament, v.] 1. Grief or sorrow expressed in complaints or cries; lamentation; a wailing; a moaning; a weeping. Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage. Milton. 2. An elegy or mournful ballad, or the like. Lamentable Lam"en*ta*ble (?), a. [L. lamentabilis : cf. F. lamentable.] 1. Mourning; sorrowful; expressing grief; as, a lamentable countenance. "Lamentable eye." Spenser. 2. Fitted to awaken lament; to be lamented; sorrowful; pitiable; as, a lamentable misfortune, or error. "Lamentable helplessness." Burke. 3. Miserable; pitiful; paltry; -- in a contemptuous or Bp. Stillingfleet. -- Lam"en*ta*ble*ness, n. -- Lam"en*ta*bly, adv. Lamentation Lam`en*ta"tion (?), n. [F. lamentation, L. lamentatio.] 1. The act of bewailing; audible expression of sorrow; wailing; moaning. In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping Matt. ii. 18. 2. pl. (Script.) A book of the Old Testament attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and taking its name from the nature of its contents. Lamented La*ment"ed (?), a. Mourned for; bewailed. This humble praise,lamented shade ! receive. Pope. Lamenter La*ment"er (, n. One who laments. Lamentin La*men"tin (?), n. See Lamantin. Lamenting La*ment"ing (?), n. Lamentation. Lamentings heard i' the air. Shak. Lamentingly La*ment"ing*ly, adv. In a lamenting manner. Lames Lames (?), n. pl. [F. lame a thin plate, L. lamina.] (Armor) Small steel plates combined together so as to slide one upon the form a piece of armor. Lametta La*met"ta (?), n. [Cf. It. lametta, dim of lama a thin plate.] Foil or wire made of gold, silver, or brass. De Colange. Lamia La"mi*a (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. (Class. Myth.) A monster capable of assuming a woman's form, who was said to devour human beings or suck their blood; a vampire; a sorceress; a with. Lamina Lam"i*na (?), n.; pl. L. Lamella. 1. A thin plate or scale; a laying over another; -- said of thin plates or platelike substances, as of bone or minerals. 2. (Bot.) The blade of a leaf; the broad, expanded portion of a petal or sepal of a flower. Gray. 3. (Zo\'94l.) A thin plate or scale; specif., one of the thin, flat processes composing the vane of a feather. Laminability Lam`i*na*bil"i*ty (?), n. The quality or state of being laminable. Laminable Lam"i*na*ble (?), a. Capable of being split into lamin\'91 or thin plates, as mica; capable of being extended under pressure into a thin plate or strip. When a body can be readily extended in all directions under the hammer, it is said to be malleable; and when into fillets under the rolling press, it is said to be laminable. Ure. Laminar, Laminal Lam"i*nar (?), Lam"i*nal (?), a. [Cf. F. laminaire. See Lamina] In, or consisting of, thin plates or layers; having the form of a thin plate or lamina. Laminaria Lam`i*na"ri*a (?), n. [NL. See Lamina.] (Bot.) A genus of great seaweeds with long and broad fronds; kelp, or devil's apron. The fronds commonly grow in clusters, and are sometimes from thirty to fifty feet in length. See Illust. of Kelp. Laminarian Lam`i*na"ri*an (?), a. Pertaining to seaweeds of the genus Laminaria, or to that zone of the sea (from two to ten fathoms in depth) where the seaweeds of this genus grow. Laminarite Lam"i*na*rite (?), n. [See Lamina.] (Paleon.) A broad-leafed fossil alga. Laminary Lam"i*na*ry (?), a. Laminar. Laminate Lam"i*nate (?), a. [See Lamina.] Consisting of, or covered with, lamin\'91, or thin plates, scales, or layers, one over another; laminated. Laminate Lam"i*nate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Laminated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laminating (?).] [See Lamina.] 1. To cause to separate into thin plates or layers; to divide into thin plates. 2. To form, as metal, into a thin plate, as by rolling. <-- 3. To form by uniting two or more layers (in sheet form) of a material, so that the layers are bonded tightly. 4. (With material as object) To unite (layers in sheet form) by bonding, so as to create a single object with multiple layers. --> Laminate Lam"i*nate, v. i. To separate into lamin\'91. Laminated Lam"i*na`ted (?), a. Laminate. Laminated arch (Arch.), a timber arch made of layers of bent planks secured by treenails. Laminating Lam"i*na`ting (?), a. Forming, or separating into, scales or thin layers. Lamination Lam`i*na"tion (?), n. The process of laminating, or the state of being laminated. Laminiferous Lam`i*nif"er*ous (?), a. [Lamina + -ferous.] Having a structure consisting of lamin\'91, or thin layers. Laminiplantar Lam`i*ni*plan"tar (?), a. [Lamina + L. planta sole of the foot.] (Zo\'94l.) Having the tarsus covered behind with a horny sheath continuous on both sides, as in most singing birds, except the larks. Laminitis Lam`i*ni"tis (?), n. [NL. See Lamina, and -itis.] (Far.) Inflammation of the lamin\'91 or fleshy plates along the coffin bone of a horse; founder. Youatt. Lamish Lam"ish (?), a. Somewhat lame. Wood. Lamm Lamm (?), v. t. See Lam. Lammas Lam"mas (?), n. [AS. hl\'bemmesse, hl\'befm\'91sse, loaf mass, bread feast, or feast of first fruits; hl\'bef loaf + m\'91sse mass. See Loaf, and Mass religious service.] The first day of August; -- called also Lammas day, and Lammastide. Lammergeir, Lammergeier Lam"mer*geir (?), Lam"mer*gei`er (?), n. [G. l\'84mmergeier; lamm, pl. l\'84mmer, lamb + geier vulture.] (Zo\'94l.) A very large vulture (Gypa\'89tus barbatus), which inhabits the mountains of Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. When full-grown it is nine or ten feet in extent of wings. It is brownish black above, with the under parts and neck rusty yellow; the forehead and crown white; the sides of the head and beard black. It feeds partly on carrion and partly on small animals, which it kills. It has the habit of carrying tortoises and marrow bones to a great height, and dropping them on stones to obtain the contents, and is therefore called bonebreaker and ossifrage. It is supposed to be the ossifrage of the Bible. Called also bearded vulture and bearded eagle. [Written also lammergeyer.] Lamnunguia Lam*nun"gui*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. lamina a scale + unguis a nail.] (Zo\'94l.) Same as Hyracoidea. Lamp Lamp (?), n.[OE. (with excrescent p), fr. F. lame, L. lamina. See Lamina.] A thin plate or lamina. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lamp Lamp (?), n. [F. lampe, L. lampas, -adis, fr. Gr. Lampad, Lantern.] 1. A light-producing vessel, instrument or apparatus; especially, a vessel with a wick used for the combustion of oil or other inflammable liquid, for the purpose of producing artificial light.<-- needs modernization for electric lamps! See def. 3 --> 2. Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the uses of a lamp. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. cxix. 105. Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared. Cowper. 3. (Elec.) A device or mechanism for producing light by electricity. See Incandescent lamp, under Incandescent. \'92olipile lamp, a hollow ball of copper containing alcohol which is converted into vapor by a lamp beneath, so as to make a powerful blowpipe flame when the vapor is ignited. Weale. -- Arc lamp (Elec.), a form of lamp in which the voltaic arc is used as the source of light. -- D\'89bereiner's lamp, an apparatus for the instantaneous production of a flame by the spontaneous ignition of a jet of hydrogen on being led over platinum sponge; -- named after the German chemist D\'94bereiner, who invented it. Called also philosopher's lamp. -- Flameless lamp, an aphlogistic lamp. -- Lamp burner, the part of a lamp where the wick is exposed and ignited. Knight. -- Lamp fount, a reservoir for oil, in a lamp. -- Lamp jack. See 2d Jack, n., 4 (l) & (n). -- Lamp shade, a screen, as of paper, glass, or tin, for softening or obstructing the light of a lamp. -- Lamp shell (Zo\'94l.), any brachiopod shell of the genus Terebratula and allied genera. The name refers to the shape, which is like that of an antique lamp. See Terebratula. -- Safety lamp, a miner's lamp in which the flame is surrounded by fine wire gauze, preventing the kindling of dangerous explosive gases; -- called also, from Sir Humphry Davy the inventor, Davy lamp. -- To smell of the lamp, to bear marks of great study and labor, as a literary composition. Lampad Lam"pad (?), n. [Gr. Lamp.] A lamp or candlestick. [R.] By him who 'mid the golden lampads went. Trench. Lampadist Lam"pa*dist (?), n. [Gr. Lamp.] (Gr. Antiq.) One who gained the prize in the lampadrome. Lampadrome Lam"pa*drome (?), n. [Gr. (Gr. Antiq.) A race run by young men with lighted torches in their hands. He who reached the goal first, with his torch unextinguished, gained the prize. Lampas Lam"pas (?), n. [F. lampas.] An inflammation and swelling of the soft parts of the roof of the mouth immediately behind the fore teeth in the horse; -- called also lampers. Lampate Lam"pate (?), n. [Cf. F. lampate.] (Chem.) A supposed salt of lampic acid. [Obs.] Lampblack Lamp"black` (?), n. [Lamp + black.] The fine impalpable soot obtained from the smoke of carbonaceous substances which have been only partly burnt, as in the flame of a smoking lamp. It consists of finely divided carbon, with sometimes a very small proportion of various impurities. It is used as an ingredient of printers' ink, and various black pigments and cements. Lamper eel Lam"per eel` (?). (Zo\'94l.) See Lamprey. Lampern Lam"pern (?), n. [See Lamprey.] (Zo\'94l.) The river lamprey (Ammoc\'d2tes, OR Lampetra, fluviatilis). NOTE: &hand; The name is also applied to other river lampreys. Lampers Lam"pers (?), n. See Lampas. Lampic Lam"pic (?), a. [F. lampique, fr. lampe lamp. See Lamp.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or produced by, a lamp; -- formerly said of a supposed acid. Lamping Lamp"ing (?), a.Shining; brilliant. [Obs.] "Lamping eyes." Spenser. Lampless Lamp"less, a. Being without a lamp, or without light; hence, being without appreciation; dull. Your ladies' eyes are lampless to that virtue. Beau. & Fl. Lamplight Lamp"light` (?), n. Light from a lamp. This world's artificial lamplights. Owen Meredith. Lamplighter Lamp"light`er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, lights a lamp; esp., a person who lights street lamps. 2. (Zo\'94l.) The calico bass. Lampoon Lam*poon" (?), n. [F. lampon a drinking song, fr. lampons let us drink, -- the burden of such a song, fr. lamper to guzzle, to drink much and greedily; of German origin, and akin to E. lap to drink. Prob. so called because drinking songs often contain personal slander or satire.] A personal satire in writing; usually, malicious and abusive censure written only to reproach and distress. Like her who missed her name in a lampoon, And grieved to find herself decayed so soon. Dryden. Lampoon Lam*poon", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lampooned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lampooning.] To subject to abusive ridicule expressed in writing; to make the subject of a lampoon. Ribald poets had lampooned him. Macaulay. Syn. -- To libel; defame; satirize; lash. Lampooner Lam*poon"er (?), n. The writer of a lampoon. "Libelers, lampooners, and pamphleteers." Tatler. Lampoonry Lam*poon"ry (?), n. The act of lampooning; a lampoon, or lampoons. Lamp-post Lamp"-post` (?), n. A post (generally a pillar of iron) supporting a lamp or lantern for lighting a street, park, etc. Lamprel Lam"prel (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) See Lamprey. Lamprey Lam"prey (?), n. ; pl. Lampreys (#). [OE. lampreie, F. lamproie, LL. lampreda, lampetra, from L. lambere to lick + petra rock, stone. The lampreys are so called because they attach themselves with their circular mouths to rocks and stones, whence they are also called rocksuckers. See Lap to drink, Petrify.] (Zo\'94l.) An eel-like marsipobranch of the genus Petromyzon, and allied genera. The lampreys have a round, sucking mouth, without jaws, but set with numerous minute teeth, and one to three larger teeth on the palate (see Illust. of Cyclostomi). There are seven small branchial openings on each side. [Written also lamper eel, lamprel, and lampron.] _________________________________________________________________ Page 827 NOTE: &hand; Th e co mmon or se a la mprey of Am erica and Europe (Petromyzon marinus), which in spring ascends rivers to spawn, is considered excellent food by many, and is sold as a market fish in some localities. The smaller river lampreys mostly belong to the genus Ammoc\'d2les, or Lampetra, as A. fluviatilis, of Europe, and A. \'91pypterus of America. All lampreys attach themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by means of the suckerlike mouth. Lampron Lam"pron (?), n. [Cf. OE. lampreon. See Lamprey.] (Zo\'94l.) See Lamprey. Lampyrine Lam*py"rine (?), n. [See Lampyris.] (Zo\'94l.) An insect of the genus Lampyris, or family Lampyrid\'91. See Lampyris. Lampyris Lam*py"ris (?), n. [L., glowworm, Gr. ( (Zo\'94l.) A genus of coleopterous insects, including the glowworms. Lanarkite Lan"ark*ite (?), n. [From Lanarkshire, a county in Scotland.] (Min.) A mineral consisting of sulphate of lead, occurring either massive or in long slender prisms, of a greenish white or gray color. Lanary La"na*ry (?), n. [L. lanaria, fr. lanarius belonging to wool, lana wool.] A place for storing wool. Lanate, Lanated La"nate (?), La"na*ted (?),[L. lanatus, fr. lana wool, down.] Wooly; covered with fine long hair, or hairlike filaments. Lacashire boiler La"ca*shire boil"er (?). A steam boiler having two flues which contain the furnaces and extend through the boiler from end to end. Lacasterian La`cas*te"ri*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to the monitorial system of instruction followed by Joseph Lancaster, of England, in which advanced pupils in a school teach pupils below them. Lance Lance (?), n. [OE. lance, F. lance, fr. L. lancea; cf. Gr. Launch.] 1. A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen. A braver soldier never couched lance. Shak. 2. A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer. 3. (Founding) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell. 4. (Mil.) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home. 5. (Pyrotech.) One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure. Free lance, in the Middle Ages, and subsequently, a knight or roving soldier, who was free to engage for any state or commander that purchased his services; hence, a person who assails institutions or opinions on his own responsibility without regard to party lines or deference to authority. -- Lance bucket (Cavalry), a socket attached to a saddle or stirrup strap, in which to rest the but of a lance. -- Lance corporal, same as Lancepesade. -- Lance knight, a lansquenet. B. Jonson. -- Lance snake (Zo\'94l.), the fer-de-lance. -- Stink-fire lance (Mil.), a kind of fuse filled with a composition which burns with a suffocating odor; -- used in the counter operations of miners. To break a lance, to engage in a tilt or contest. Lance Lance, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lanced (; p. pr. & vb. n. Lancing (?).] 1. To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon. Seized the due victim, and with fury lanced Her back. Dryden. 2. To open with a lancet; to pierce; as, to lance a vein or an abscess. 3. To throw in the manner of a lance. See Lanch. Lance fish Lance" fish` (?). (Zo\'94l.) A slender marine fish of the genus Ammodytes, especially Ammodytes tobianus of the English coast; -- called also sand lance. Lancegay, Lancegaye Lance"gay`, Lance"gaye` (?), n. [OF. lancegaie, corrupted from the same source as E. assagai, under the influence of F. lance lance. See Assagai.] A kind of spear anciently used. Its use was prohibited by a statute of Richard II. Nares. In his hand a launcegay, A long sword by his side. Chaucer. Lancelet Lance"let (?), n. [Lance + -let.] (Zo\'94l.) A small fishlike animal (Amphioxus lanceolatus), remarkable for the rudimentary condition of its organs. It is the type of the class Leptocardia. See Amphioxus, Leptocardia. Lancely Lance"ly, a. Like a lance. [R.] Sir P. Sidney. Lanceolar Lan"ce*o*lar (?), a. [L. lanceola a little lance, dim. of lancea lance: cf. F. lanc\'82olaire.] (Bot.) Lanceolate. Lanceolate, Lanceolated Lan"ce*o*late (?), Lan"ce*o*la`ted (?) a. [L. lanceolatus: cf. F. lanc\'82ol. See Lanceolar.] (Bot. & Zo\'94l.) Rather narrow, tapering to a point at the apex, and sometimes at the base also; as, a lanceolate leaf. Lancepesade Lance`pe*sade" (?), n. [F. lancepessade, lanspessade, anspessade, It. lancia spezzata a broken lance or demilance, a demilance roan, a light horseman, bodyguard.] An assistant to a corporal; a private performing the duties of a corporal; -- called also lance corporal. Lancer Lan"cer (?), n. [Cf. F. lancier.] 1. One who lances; one who carries a lance; especially, a member of a mounted body of men armed with lances, attached to the cavalry service of some nations. Wilhelm. 2. A lancet. [Obs.] 3. pl. (Dancing) A set of quadrilles of a certain arrangement. [Written also lanciers.] Lancet Lan"cet (?), n. [F. lancette, dim. of lance lance. See Lance.] 1. A surgical instrument of various forms, commonly sharp-pointed and two-edged, used in venesection, and in opening abscesses, etc. 2. (Metal.) An iron bar used for tapping a melting furnace. Knight. Lancet arch (Arch.), a pointed arch, of which the width, or span, is narrow compared with the height. -- Lancet architecture, a name given to a style of architecture, in which lancet arches are common; -- peculiar to England and 13th century. -- Lancet fish. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A large, voracious, deep-sea fish (Alepidosaurus ferox), having long, sharp, lancetlike teeth. (b) The doctor, or surgeon fish. Lancewood Lance"wood` (?), n. (Bot.) A tough, elastic wood, often used for the shafts of gigs, archery bows, fishing rods, and the like. Also, the tree which produces this wood, Duguetia Quitarensis (a native of Guiana and Cuba), and several other trees of the same family (Anonase\'91). Australian lancewood, a myrtaceous tree (Backhousia Australis). Lanch Lanch (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lanched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lanching. See Lanching. See Launch, Lance.] To throw, as a lance; to let fly; to launch. See Whose arm can lanch the surer bolt. Dryden & Lee. Lanciferous Lan*cif"er*ous (?), a [Lance + -ferous.] Bearing a lance. Lanciform Lan"ci*form (?), a [Lance + -form: cf. F. lanciforme.] Having the form of a lance. Lanciname Lan"ci*name (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lancinated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lancinating (?).] [L. lancinatus, p. p. of lancinare to fear.] To tear; to lacerate; to pierce or stab. De Quincey. Lancinating Lan"ci*na`ting, a. Piercing; seeming to pierce or stab; as, lancinating pains (i.e., severe, darting pains). Lancination Lan`ci*na"tion (?), n. A tearing; laceration. "Lancinations of the spirit." Jer. Taylor. Land Land (?), n. Urine. See Lant. [Obs.] Land Land, n. [AS. land, lond; akin to D., G., Icel., Sw., Dan., and Goth. land. ] 1. The solid part of the surface of the earth; -- opposed to water as constituting a part of such surface, especially to oceans and seas; as, to sight land after a long voyage. They turn their heads to sea, their sterns to land. Dryden. 2. Any portion, large or small, of the surface of the earth, considered by itself, or as belonging to an individual or a people, as a country, estate, farm, or tract. Go view the land, even Jericho. Josh. ii. 1. Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay. Goldsmith. <-- See also, Goldsmith: Where wealth and freedom reign contentment fails, And honor sinks where commerce long prevails. (THe captivity, an Oratorio. Act II line 91) --> NOTE: &hand; In th e expressions "to be, or dwell, upon land," "to go, or fare, on land," as used by Chaucer, land denotes the country as distinguished from the town. A poor parson dwelling upon land [i.e., in the country]. Chaucer. 3. Ground, in respect to its nature or quality; soil; as, wet land; good or bad land. 4. The inhabitants of a nation or people. These answers, in the silent night received, The kind himself divulged, the land believed. Dryden. 5. The mainland, in distinction from islands. 6. The ground or floor. [Obs.] Herself upon the land she did prostrate. Spenser. 7. (Agric.) The ground left unplowed between furrows; any one of several portions into which a field is divided for convenience in plowing. 8. (Law) Any ground, soil, or earth whatsoever, as meadows, pastures, woods, etc., and everything annexed to it, whether by nature, as trees, water, etc., or by the hand of man, as buildings, fences, etc.; real estate. Kent. Bouvier. Burrill. 9. (Naut.) The lap of the strakes in a clinker-built boat; the lap of plates in an iron vessel; -- called also landing. Knight. 10. In any surface prepared with indentations, perforations, or grooves, that part of the surface which is not so treated, as the level part of a millstone between the furrows, or the surface of the bore of a rifled gun between the grooves. Land agent, a person employed to sell or let land, to collect rents, and to attend to other money matters connected with land. -- Land boat, a vehicle on wheels propelled by sails. -- Land blink, a peculiar atmospheric brightness seen from sea over distant snow-covered land in arctic regions. See Ice blink. -- Land breeze. See under Breeze. -- Land chain. See Gunter's chain. -- Land crab (Zo\'94l.), any one of various species of crabs which live much on the land, and resort to the water chiefly for the purpose of breeding. They are abundant in the West Indies and South America. Some of them grow to a large size. -- Land fish a fish on land; a person quite out of place.Shak. -- Land force, a military force serving on land, as distinguished from a naval force. -- Land, ho! (Naut.), a sailor's cry in announcing sight of land. -- Land ice, a field of ice adhering to the coast, in distinction from a floe. -- Land leech (Zo\'94l.), any one of several species of blood-sucking leeches, which, in moist, tropical regions, live on land, and are often troublesome to man and beast. -- Land measure, the system of measurement used in determining the area of land; also, a table of areas used in such measurement. -- Land, OR House, of bondage, in Bible history, Egypt; by extension, a place or condition of special oppression. -- Land o' cakes, Scotland. -- Land of Nod, sleep. -- Land of promise, in Bible history, Canaan: by extension, a better country or condition of which one has expectation. -- Land of steady habits, a nickname sometimes given to the State of Connecticut. -- Land office, a government office in which the entries upon, and sales of, public land are registered, and other business respecting the public lands is transacted. [U.S.] -- Land pike. (Zo\'94l.) (a) The gray pike, or sauger. (b) The Menobranchus. -- Land service, military service as distinguished from naval service. -- Land rail. (Zo\'94l) (a) The crake or corncrake of Europe. See Crake. (b) An Australian rail (Hypot\'91nidia Phillipensis); -- called also pectoral rail. -- Land scrip, a certificate that the purchase money for a certain portion of the public land has been paid to the officer entitled to receive it. [U.S.] -- Land shark, a swindler of sailors on shore. [Sailors' Cant] -- Land side (a) That side of anything in or on the sea, as of an island or ship, which is turned toward the land. (b) The side of a plow which is opposite to the moldboard and which presses against the unplowed land. -- Land snail (Zo\'94l.), any snail which lives on land, as distinguished from the aquatic snails are Pulmonifera, and belong to the Geophila; but the operculated land snails of warm countries are Di\'d2cia, and belong to the T\'91nioglossa. See Geophila, and Helix. -- Land spout, a descent of cloud and water in a conical form during the occurrence of a tornado and heavy rainfall on land. -- Land steward, a person who acts for another in the management of land, collection of rents, etc. -- Land tortoise, Land turtle (Zo\'94l.), any tortoise that habitually lives on dry land, as the box tortoise. See Tortoise. -- Land warrant, a certificate from the Land Office, authorizing a person to assume ownership of a public land. [U.S.] -- Land wind. Same as Land breeze (above). -- To make land (Naut.), to sight land. To set the land, to see by the compass how the land bears from the ship. -- To shut in the land, to hide the land, as when fog, or an intervening island, obstructs the view. Land Land (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Landed; p. pr. & vb. n. Landing.] 1. To set or put on shore from a ship or other water craft; to disembark; to debark. I 'll undertake top land them on our coast. Shak. 2. To catch and bring to shore; to capture; as, to land a fish. 3. To set down after conveying; to cause to fall, alight, or reach; to bring to the end of a course; as, he landed the quoit near the stake; to be thrown from a horse and landed in the mud; to land one in difficulties or mistakes. Land Land, v. i. To go on shore from a ship or boat; to disembark; to come to the end of a course. Landamman Lan"dam*man (?), n. [G. Landamman; land land, country + amimann bailiff. See Land, and Ambassador.] 1. A chief magistrate in some of the Swiss cantons. 2. The president of the diet of the Helvetic republic. Landau Lan"dau (?), n. [From the town Ladau in Germany; cf. F. landau. See Land, Island.] A four-wheeled covered vehicle, the top of which is divided into two sections which can be let down, or thrown back, in such a manner as to make an open carriage. [Written also landaw.] Landaulet Lan`dau*let" (?), n. [Cf. F. landaulet, dim, of landau. See Landau.] A small landau. Landed Land"ed (?), a. 1. Having an estate in land. The House of Commons must consist, for the most part, of landed men. Addison. 2. Consisting in real estate or land; as, landed property; landed security. Lander Land"er (?), n. 1. One who lands, or makes a landing. "The lander in a lonely isle." Tennyson. 2. (Mining) A person who waits at the mouth of the shaft to receive the kibble of ore. Landfall Land"fall (?), n. 1. A sudden transference of property in land by the death of its owner. 2. (Naut.) Sighting or making land when at sea. A good landfall (Naut.), the sighting of land in conformity with the navigator's reckoning and expectation. Landflood Land"flood` (?), n. An overflowing of land by river; an inundation; a freshet. Clarendon. Landgrave Land"grave` (?), n. [G. landgraf; land land + graf earl, count; cf. D. landgraaf, F. landgrave.] A German nobleman of a rank corresponding to that of an earl in England and of a count in France. NOTE: &hand; Th e ti tle was first adopted by some German counts in the twelfth century, to distinguish themselves from the inferior counts under their jurisdiction. Three of them were princes of the empire. Landgraviate Land*gra"vi*ate (?), n. [Cf. F. landgraviat.] 1. The territory held by a landgrave. 2. The office, jurisdiction, or authority of a landgrave. Landgravine Land"gra*vine (?), n. [G. landgr\'84fin; cf. D. landgravin.] The wife of a landgrave. Landholder Land"hold`er (?), n. A holder, owner, or proprietor of land. -- Land"hold`ing, n. & a. Landing Land"ing, a. Of, pertaining to or used for, setting, bringing, or going, on shore. Landing charges, charges or fees paid on goods unloaded from a vessel. -- Landing net, a small, bag-shaped net, used in fishing to take the fish from the water after being hooked. -- Landing stage, a floating platform attached at one end to a wharf in such a manner as to rise and fall with the tide, and thus facilitate passage between the wharf and a vessel lying beside the stage. -- Landing waiter, a customhouse officer who oversees the landing of goods, etc., from vessels; a landwaiter. Landing Land"ing, n. 1. A going or bringing on shore. 2. A place for landing, as from a ship, a carriage. etc. 3. (Arch.) The level part of a staircase, at the top of a flight of stairs, or connecting one flight with another. Landing place. me as Landing, n., 2 and 3. Landlady Land"la`dy (?), n.; pl. Landladies (#). [Cf. Landlord.] 1. A woman having real estate which she leases to a tenant or tenants. 2. The mistress of an inn or lodging house. _________________________________________________________________ Page 828 Landleaper Land"leap`er (?), n. See Landlouper. Landless Land"less (?), a. Having no property in land. Landlock Land"lock` (?), v. t. To inclose, or nearly inclose, as a harbor or a vessel, with land. Landlocked Land"locked` (?), a. 1. Inclosed, or nearly inclosed, by land. 2. (Zo\'94l.) Confined to a fresh-water lake by reason of waterfalls or dams; -- said of fishes that would naturally seek the sea, after spawning; as, the landlocked salmon. Landloper Land"lo`per (?), n. Same as Landlouper. Landlord Land"lord` (?), n. [See Land, and Lord.] 1. The lord of a manor, or of land; the owner of land or houses which he leases to a tenant or tenants. 2. The master of an inn or of a lodging house. Upon our arrival at the inn, my companion fetched out the jolly landlord. Addison. Landlordism Land"lord`ism (?), n. The state of being a landlord; the characteristics of a landlord; specifically, in Great Britain, the relation of landlords to tenants, especially as regards leased agricultural lands. J. S. Mill. Landlordry Land"lord`ry (?), n. The state of a landlord. [Obs.] Landlouper Land"loup`er (?), n. [D. landlooper, lit., landrunner; land land + loopen to run. See Land, and Leap.] A vagabond; a vagrant. [Written also landleaper and landloper.] "Bands of landloupers." Moltey. Landlouping Land"loup`ing, a. Vagrant; wandering about. Landlubber Land"lub`ber (?), n. [Prop. fr. land + lubber, or possibly corrupted fr. laudlouper.] (Naut.) One who passes his life on land; -- so called among seamen in contempt or ridicule. Landman Land"man (?), n.; pl. Landmen (. 1. A man who lives or serves on land; -- opposed to seaman. 2. (Eng.) An occupier of land. Cowell. Landmark Land"mark` (?), n. [AS. landmearc. See Land, and Mark a sign.] 1. A mark to designate the boundary of land; any , mark or fixed object (as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones) by which the limits of a farm, a town, or other portion of territory may be known and preserved. 2. Any conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide; some prominent object, as a hill or steeple. Landmarks of history, important events by which eras or conditions are determined. Landowner Land"own`er (?), n. An owner of land. Landowning Land"own`ing, n. The owning of land. -- a. Having property in land; of or pertaining to landowners. Land-poor Land"-poor` (?), a. Pecuniarily embarrassed through owning much unprofitable land. [Colloq.] Landreeve Land"reeve` (?), n. [Land + reeve an officer.] A subordinate officer on an extensive estate, who acts as an assistant to the steward. Landscape Land"scape (?), n. [Formerly written also landskip.] [D. landschap; land land + -schap, equiv. to E. -schip; akin to G. landschaft, Sw. landskap, Dan. landskab. See Land, and -schip.] 1. A portion of land or territory which the eye can comprehend in a single view, including all the objects it contains. 2. A picture representing a scene by land or sea, actual or fancied, the chief subject being the general aspect of nature, as fields, hills, forests, water. etc. 3. The pictorial aspect of a country. The landscape of his native country had taken hold on his heart. Macaulay. Landscape gardening, The art of laying out grounds and arranging trees, shrubbery, etc., in such a manner as to produce a picturesque effect. Landscapist Land"scap`ist (?), n. A painter of landscapes. Landskip Land"skip (?), n. [See Landscape.] A landscape. [Obs. except in poetry.] Straight my eye hath caught new pleasures, Whilst the landskip round it measures. Milton. Landslip, Landslide Land"slip` (?), Land"slide` (?), n. 1. The slipping down of a mass of land from a mountain, hill, etc. 2. The land which slips down. Landsman Lands"man (?), n.; pl. Landsmen (#). 1. One who lives on the land; -- opposed to seaman. 2. (Naut.) A sailor on his first voyage. Landstreight Land"streight` (?), n. [See Strait.] A narrow strip of land. [Obs.] Landsturm Land"sturm` (?), n. [G. See Land, and Storm.] That part of the reserve force in Germany which is called out last. Landtag Land"tag` (?), n. [G. See Land, and Day.] The diet or legislative body; as, the Landtag of Prussia. Landwaiter Land"wait`er (?), n. See Landing waiter, under Landing, a. Landward Land"ward (?), adv. & a. Toward the land. Landwehr Land"wehr` (?), n. [G., fr. land land, country + wehr defense.] That part of the army, in Germany and Austria, which has completed the usual military service and is exempt from duty in time of peace, except that it is called out occasionally for drill. Lane Lane (?), a. [See Lone.] Alone [Scot.] His lane, by himself; himself alone. Lane Lane (?), n. [OE. lane, lone, AS. lone, lone; akin to D. laan, OFries. lana, lona.] A passageway between fences or hedges which is not traveled as a highroad; an alley between buildings; a narrow way among trees, ras, a lane between lines of men, or through a field of ice. It is become a turn-again lane unto them which they can not go through. Tyndale. Lang Lang (?), a. & adv. Long. [Obs. or Scot.] Langaha Lan"ga*ha (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A curious colubriform snake of the genus Xyphorhynchus, from Madagascar. It is brownish red, and its hose is prolonged in the form of a sharp blade. Langarey Lan`ga*rey" (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) One of numerous species of long-winged, shrikelike birds of Australia and the East Indies, of the genus Artamus, and allied genera; called also wood swallow. Langate Lan"gate (?), n. (Surg.) A linen roller used in dressing wounds. Langdak Lang"dak` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A wolf (Canis pallipes), found in India, allied to the jackal. Langrage, Langrel Lan"grage (?), Lan"grel (?), n. A kind of shot formerly used at sea for tearing sails and rigging. It consisted of bolts, nails, and other pieces of iron fastened together or inclosed in a canister. Langret Lan"gret (?), n. A kind of loaded die. [Obs.] Langridge Lan"gridge (?), n. See Langrage. NOTE: [Sometimes compounded with shot.] Langsyne Lang`syne" (?), adv. & n. [Scot. lang long + syne since.] Long since; long ago. [Scot.] Langteraloo Lang`ter*a*loo" (?), n. [See Loo.] An old game at cards. See Loo (a) Tatler. Language Lan"guage (?), n. [OE. langage, F. langage, fr. L. lingua the tongue, hence speech, language; akin to E. tongue. See Tongue, cf. Lingual.] 1. Any means of conveying or communicating ideas; specifically, human speech; the expression of ideas by the voice; sounds, expressive of thought, articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth. NOTE: &hand; La nguage co nsists in th e or al utterance of sounds which usage has made the representatives of ideas. When two or more persons customarily annex the same sounds to the same ideas, the expression of these sounds by one person communicates his ideas to another. This is the primary sense of language, the use of which is to communicate the thoughts of one person to another through the organs of hearing. Articulate sounds are represented to the eye by letters, marks, or characters, which form words. 2. The expression of ideas by writing, or any other instrumentality. 3. The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas, peculiar to a particular nation. 4. The characteristic mode of arranging words, peculiar to an individual speaker or writer; manner of expression; style. Others for language all their care express. Pope. 5. The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man express their feelings or their wants. 6. The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers. There was . . . language in their very gesture. Shak. 7. The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or department of knowledge; as, medical language; the language of chemistry or theology. 8. A race, as distinguished by its speech. [R.] All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image. Dan. iii. 7. Language master, a teacher of languages.[Obs.] Syn. -- Speech; tongue; idiom; dialect; phraseology; diction; discourse; conversation; talk. -- Language, Speech, Tongue, Idiom, Dialect. Language is generic, denoting, in its most extended use, any mode of conveying ideas; speech is the language of articulate sounds; tongue is the Anglo-Saxon tern for language, esp. for spoken language; as, the English tongue. Idiom denotes the forms of construction peculiar to a particular language; dialects are varieties if expression which spring up in different parts of a country among people speaking substantially the same language. Language Lan"guage, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Languaged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Languaging (?).] To communicate by language; to express in language. Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that they have a double sense. Fuller. Languaged Lan"guaged (?), a. Having a language; skilled in language; -- chiefly used in composition. " Manylanguaged nations." Pope. Languageless Lan"guage*less (?), a. Lacking or wanting language; speechless; silent. Shak. Langued Langued (?), a. [F. langue tongue. See Language.] (Her.) Tongued; having the tongue visible. Lions . . . represented as armed and langued gules. Cussans. Langue d'oc Langue` d'oc" (?). [F., language of oc yes.] The dialect, closely akin to French, formerly spoken south of the Loire (in which the word for "yes" was oc); Provencal. Langue d'o\'8bl Langue` d'o\'8bl" (?). [F., language of o\'8bl yes.] The dialect formerly spoken north of the Loire (in which the word for "yes" was o\'8bl, F. oui). Languente Lan*guen"te (?), adv. [It., p. pr. of languire. See Languish.] (Mus.) In a languishing manner; pathetically. Languet Lan"guet, n. [F. languette, dim. of langue tongue, L. lingua.] 1. Anything resembling the tongue in form or office; specif., the slip of metal in an organ pipe which turns the current of air toward its mouth. 2. That part of the hilt, in certain kinds of swords, which overlaps the scabbard. Languid Lan"guid (?), a. [L. languidus, fr. languere to be faint or languid: cf. F. languide. See Languish.] 1. Drooping or flagging from exhaustion; indisposed to exertion; without animation; weak; weary; heavy; dull. " Languid, powerless limbs. " Armstrong. Fire their languid souls with Cato's virtue. Addison. 2. Slow in progress; tardy. " No motion so swift or languid." Bentley. 3. Promoting or indicating weakness or heaviness; as, a languid day. Feebly she laugheth in the languid moon. Keats. Their idleness, aimless and languid airs. W. Black. Syn. -- Feeble; weak; faint; sickly; pining; exhausted; weary; listless; heavy; dull; heartless. -- Lan"guid*ly, adv. -- Lan"guid*ness, n. Languish Lan"guish (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Languished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Languishing.] [OE. languishen, languissen, F. languir, L. languere; cf. Gr. lakra to lag behind; prob. akin to E. lag, lax, and perh. to E. slack.See -ish.] 1. To become languid or weak; to lose strength or animation; to be or become dull, feeble or spiritless; to pine away; to wither or fade. We . . . do languish of such diseases. 2 Esdras viii. 31. Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, And let me landguish into life. Pope. For the fields of Heshbon languish. Is. xvi. 8. 2. To assume an expression of weariness or tender grief, appealing for sympathy. Tennyson. Syn. -- To pine; wither; fade; droop; faint. Languish Lan"guish (?), v. i. To cause to dr [Obs.] Shak. Dryden. Languish Lan"guish, n. See Languishiment. [Obs. or Poetic] What, of death, too, That rids our dogs of languish ? Shak. And the blue languish of soft Allia's eye. Pope. Languisher Lan"guish*er (?), n. One who languishes. Languishing Lan"guish*ing, a. 1. Becoming languid and weak; pining; losing health and strength. 2. Amorously pensive; as, languishing eyes, or look. Languishingly Lan"guish*ing*ly, adv. In a languishing manner. Languishment Lan"guish*ment (?), n. 1. The state of languishing. " Lingering languishment." Shak. 2. Tenderness of look or mien; amorous pensiveness. Languishness Lan"guish*ness, n. Languishment. [Obs.] Languor Lan"guor (?), n. [OE. langour, OF. langour, F. langueur, L. languor. See Languish.] 1. A state of the body or mind which is caused by exhaustion of strength and characterized by a languid feeling; feebleness; lassitude; laxity. 2. Any enfeebling disease. [Obs.] Sick men with divers languors. Wyclif (Luke iv. 40). 3. Listless indolence; dreaminess. Pope. " German dreams, Italian languors." The Century. Syn. -- Feebleness; weakness; faintness; weariness; dullness; heaviness; lassitude; listlessness. Languorous Lan"guor*ous (?), a. [From Languor: cf. F. langoureux.] Producing, or tending to produce, languor; characterized by languor. [Obs. or Poetic] Whom late I left in languorous constraint. Spenser. To wile the length from languorous hours, and draw The sting from pain. Tennyson. Langure Lan"gure (?), v. i. To languish. [Obs.] Chaucer. Langya Lan"gya (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) [Native name Anglicized.] One of several species of East Indian and Asiatic fresh-water fishes of the genus Ophiocephalus, remarkable for their power of living out of water, and for their tenacity of life; -- called also walking fishes. Laniard Lan"iard (?), n. See Lanyard. Laniariform La`ni*ar"i*form (?), a. [Laniary + -form.] (Anat.) Shaped like a laniary, or canine, tooth. Owen. Laniary La"ni*a*ry (?), a. [L. laniarius, fr. lanius butcher, laniare to tear in pieces: cf. F. laniaire.] (Anat.) Lacerating or tearing; as, the laniary canine teeth. Laniary La"ni*a*ry, n. [L. Laniary, a.] 1. The shambles; a place of slaughter. [R.] 2. (Anat.) A laniary, or canine, tooth. Laniate La"ni*ate (?), v. t. [L. laniatus, p. p. of laniare.] To tear in pieces. [R.] Laniation La`ni*a"tion (?), n. [L. laniatio.] A tearing in pieces. [R.] Lanier Lan"ier (?), n. [F. lani\'8are. See Lanyard.] [Written also lanner, lanyer.] 1. A thong of leather; a whip lash. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell. 2. A strap used to fasten together parts of armor, to hold the shield by, and the like. Fairholt. Laniferous La*nif"er*ous (?), n. [L. lanifer; lana wool + ferre to bear: cf. F. lanif\'8are.] Bearing or producing wool. Lanifical La*nif"i*cal (?), a. [L. lanificus; lana wool + facere to make.] Working in wool. Lanifice Lan"i*fice (?), n. [L. lanificium: cf. OF. lanifice.] Anything made of wool. [Obs.] Bacon. Lanigerous La*nig"er*ous (?), a. [L. laniger; lano wool + gerere to hear.] Bearing or producing wool. Lanioid La"ni*oid (?), a. [NL. Lanius (fr. L. lanius a butcher), the typical genus + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the shrikes (family Laniid\'91). Lank Lank (?), a. [Compar. Lanker (?); superl. Lankest.] [AS. hlanc; cf. G. lenken to turn, gelenk joint, OHG. hlanca hip, side, flank, and E. link of a chain.] 1. Slender and thin; not well filled out; not plump; shrunken; lean. Meager and lank with fasting grown. Swift. Who would not choose . . . to have rather a lank purse than an empty brain? Barrow. 2. Languid; drooping.[Obs.] Who, piteous of her woes, reared her lank head. Milton. Lank hair, long, thin hair. Macaulay. Lank Lank, v. i. & t. To become lank; to make lank. [Obs.] Shak. G. Fletcher. Lankiness Lank"i*ness (?), n. The condition or quality or being lanky. Lankly Lank"ly, adv. In a lank manner. Lankness Lank"ness, n. The state or quality of being lank. Lanky Lank"y, a. Somewhat lank. Thackeray. The lanky Dinka, nearly seven feet in height. The Century. Lanner, n. f. Lanneret Lan"ner (?), n. f. Lan"ner*et (?), n. m. [F. lanier, OF. also, lasnier. Cf. Lanyard.] (Zo\'94l.) A long-tailed falcon (Falco lanarius), of Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, resembling the American prairie falcon. Lanolin Lan"o*lin (?), n. [L. lana wool + oleum oil.] (Physiol. Chem.) A peculiar fatlike body, made up of cholesterin and certain fatty acids, found in feathers, hair, wool, and keratin tissues generally. NOTE: &hand; Un der th e sa me na me, it is prepared from wool for commercial purposes, and forms an admirable basis for ointments, being readily absorbed by the skin. _________________________________________________________________ Page 829 Lanseh Lan"seh (?), n. The small, whitish brown fruit of an East Indian tree (Lansium domesticum). It has a fleshy pulp, with an agreeable subacid taste. Balfour. Lansquenet Lans"que*net (?), n. [F., fr. G. landsknecht a foot soldier, also a game of cards introduced by these foot soldiers; land country + knecht boy, servant. See Land, and Knight.] 1. A German foot soldier in foreign service in the 15th and 16th centuries; a soldier of fortune; -- a term used in France and Western Europe. 2. A game at cards, vulgarly called lambskinnet. [They play] their little game of lansquenet. Longfellow. Lant Lant (?), n. Urine. [Prov. Eng.] Nares. Lant Lant, n. [Cf. Lance.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of several species of small, slender, marine fishes of the genus Ammedytes. The common European species (A. tobianus) and the American species (A. Americanus) live on sandy shores, buried in the sand, and are caught in large quantities for bait. Called also launce, and sand eel. Lant Lant, n. See Lanterloo. [Obs.] Halliwell. Lantanium, Lantanum Lan*ta"ni*um (?), Lan"ta*num (?), n. (Chem.) See Lanthanum. Lantanuric Lan`ta*nu"ric (?), a. [Formed by transposition of the letters of allantoin and -uric.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, a nitrogenous organic acid of the uric acid group, obtained by the decomposition of allantoin, and usually called allanturic acid. Lanterloo Lan"ter*loo` (?), n. An old name of loo (a). Lantern Lan"tern (?), n. [F. lanterne, L. lanterna, laterna, from Gr. Lamp.] 1. Something inclosing a light, and protecting it from wind, rain, etc. ; -- sometimes portable, as a closed vessel or case of horn, perforated tin, glass, oiled paper, or other material, having a lamp or candle within; sometimes fixed, as the glazed inclosure of a street light, or of a lighthouse light. 2. (Arch.) (a) An open structure of light material set upon a roof, to give light and air to the interior. (b) A cage or open chamber of rich architecture, open below into the building or tower which it crowns. (c) A smaller and secondary cupola crowning a larger one, for ornament, or to admit light; such as the lantern of the cupola of the Capitol at Washington, or that of the Florence cathedral. 3. (Mach.) A lantern pinion or trundle wheel. See Lantern pinion (below). 4. (Steam Engine) A kind of cage inserted in a stuffing box and surrounding a piston rod, to separate the packing into two parts and form a chamber between for the reception of steam, etc. ; -- called also lantern brass. 5. (Founding) A perforated barrel to form a core upon. 6. (Zo\'94l.) See Aristotle's lantern. NOTE: &hand; Fi g. 1 re presents a ha nd la ntern; fig. 2, an arm lantern; fig. 3, a breast lantern; -- so named from the positions in which they are carried. Dark lantern, a lantern with a single opening, which may be closed so as to conceal the light; -- called also bull's-eye. -- Lantern fly, Lantern carrier (Zo\'94l.), any one of several species of large, handsome, hemipterous insects of the genera Laternaria, Fulgora, and allies, of the family Fulgorid\'91. The largest species is Laternaria phosphorea of Brazil. The head of some species has been supposed to be phosphorescent. -- Lantern jaws, long, thin jaws; hence, a thin visage. -- Lantern pinion, Lantern wheel (Mach.), a kind of pinion or wheel having cylindrical bars or trundles, instead of teeth, inserted at their ends in two parallel disks or plates; -- so called as resembling a lantern in shape; -- called also wallower, or trundle. -- Lantern shell (Zo\'94l.), any translucent, marine, bivalve shell of the genus Anatina, and allied genera. -- Magic lantern, an optical instrument consisting of a case inclosing a light, and having suitable lenses in a lateral tube, for throwing upon a screen, in a darkened room or the like, greatly magnified pictures from slides placed in the focus of the outer lens. Lantern Lan"tern, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lanterned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lanterning.] [Cf. F. lanterner to hang at the lamp post, fr. lanterne. See Lantern.] To furnish with a lantern; as, to lantern a lighthouse. Lantern-jawed Lan"tern-jawed` (?), a. Having lantern jaws or long, thin jaws; as, a lantern-jawed person. Lanthanite Lan"tha*nite (?), n. (Min.) Hydrous carbonate of lanthanum, found in tabular while crystals. Lanthanum Lan"tha*num (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Chem.) A rare element of the group of the earth metals, allied to aluminium. It occurs in certain rare minerals, as cerite, gadolinite, orthite, etc., and was so named from the difficulty of separating it from cerium, didymium, and other rare elements with which it is usually associated. Atomic weight 138.5. Symbol La. [Formerly written also lanthanium.] Lanthopine Lan"tho*pine (?), n. [Gr. (Chem.) An alkaloid found in opium in small quantities, and extracted as a white crystalline substance. Lanthorn Lan"thorn (?), n. See Lantern. [Obs.] Lanuginose, Lanuginous La*nu"gi*nose` (?), La*nu"gi*nous (?), a. [L. lanuginosus, fr. lanugo, -ginis, woolly substance, down, fr. lana wool: cf. F. lanugineux.] Covered with down, or fine soft hair; downy. Lanugo La*nu"go (?), n. [See Lanuginose.] (Anat.) The soft woolly hair which covers most parts of the mammal fetus, and in man is shed before or soon after birth. Lanyard Lan"yard (?), n. [F.lani\'8are thong, strap, OF. lasniere, fr. lasne strap, thong, L. lacinia lappet. flap, edge of a garment. Cf. Lanier.] [Written also laniard.] 1. (Naut.) A short piece of rope or line for fastening something in ships; as, the lanyards of the gun ports, of the buoy, and the like; esp., pieces passing through the dead-eyes, and used to extend shrouds, stays, etc. 2. (Mil.) A strong cord, about twelve feet long, with an iron hook at one end a handle at the other, used in firing cannon with a friction tube. Lanyer Lan"yer (?), n. See Lanier. Laoco\'94n La*oc"o*\'94n (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. 1. (Class. Myth.) A priest of Apollo, during the Trojan war. (See 2.) 2. (Sculp.) A marble group in the Vatican at Rome, representing the priest Laoco\'94n, with his sons, infolded in the coils of two serpents, as described by Virgil. Laodicean La*od`i*ce"an (?), a. Of or pertaining to Laodicea, a city in Phrygia Major; like the Christians of Laodicea; lukewarm in religion. Rev. iii. 14-16. Lap Lap (?), n. [OE. lappe, AS. l\'91ppa; akin to D. lap patch, piece, G. lappen, OHG. lappa, Dan. lap, Sw. lapp.] 1. The loose part of a coat; the lower part of a garment that plays loosely; a skirt; an apron. Chaucer. 2. An edge; a border; a hem, as of cloth. Chaucer. If he cuts off but a lap of truth's garment, his heart smites him. Fuller. 3. The part of the clothing that lies on the knees or thighs when one sits down; that part of the person thus covered; figuratively, a place of rearing and fostering; as, to be reared in the lap of luxury. Men expect that happiness should drop into their laps. Tillotson. 4. That part of any substance or fixture which extends over, or lies upon, or by the side of, a part of another; as, the lap of a board; also, the measure of such extension over or upon another thing. NOTE: &hand; Th e la p of sh ingles or sl ates in roofing is the distance one course extends over the second course below, the distance over the course immediately below being called the cover. 5. (Steam Engine) The amount by which a slide valve at its half stroke overlaps a port in the seat, being equal to the distance the valve must move from its mid stroke position in order to begin to open the port. Used alone, lap refers to outside lap. See Outside lap (below). 6. The state or condition of being in part extended over or by the side of something else; or the extent of the overlapping; as, the second boat got a lap of half its length on the leader. 7. One circuit around a race track, esp. when the distance is a small fraction of a mile; as, to run twenty laps; to win by three laps. See Lap, to fold, 2. 8. In card playing and other games, the points won in excess of the number necessary to complete a game; -- so called when they are counted in the score of the following game. 9. (Cotton Manuf.) A sheet, layer, or bat, of cotton fiber prepared for the carding machine. 10. (Mach.) A piece of brass, lead, or other soft metal, used to hold a cutting or polishing powder in cutting glass, gems, and the like, or in polishing cutlery, etc. It is usually in the form of wheel or disk, which revolves on a vertical axis. Lap joint, a joint made by one layer, part, or piece, overlapping another, as in the scarfing of timbers. -- Lap weld, a lap joint made by welding together overlapping edges or ends. -- Inside lap (Steam Engine), lap of the valve with respect to the exhaust port. -- Outside lap, lap with respect to the admission, or steam, port. Lap Lap, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lapped (; p. pr. & vb. n. Lapping.] 1. To rest or recline in a lap, or as in a lap. To lap his head on lady's breast. Praed. 2. To cut or polish with a lap, as glass, gems, cutlery, etc. See 1st Lap, 10. Lap Lap, v. t. [OE. lappen to fold (see Lap, n.); cf. also OE. wlappen, perh. another form of wrappen, E, wrap.] 1. To fold; to bend and lay over or on something; as, to lap a piece of cloth. 2. To wrap or wind around something. About the paper . . . I lapped several times a slender thread of very black silk. Sir I. Newton. 3. To infold; to hold as in one's lap; to cherish. Her garment spreads, and laps him in the folds. Dryden. 4. To lay or place over anything so as to partly or wholly cover it; as, to lap one shingle over another; to lay together one partly over another; as, to lap weather-boards; also, to be partly over, or by the side of (something); as, the hinder boat lapped the foremost one. 5. (Carding & Spinning) To lay together one over another, as fleeces or slivers for further working. To lap boards, shingles, etc., to lay one partly over another. -- To lap timbers, to unite them in such a way as to preserve the same breadth and depth throughout, as by scarfing. Weale. Lap Lap, v. i. To be turned or folded; to lie partly upon or by the side of something, or of one another; as, the cloth laps back; the boats lap; the edges lap. The upper wings are opacous; at their hinder ends, where they lap over, transparent, like the wing of a flay. Grew. Lap Lap (?), v. i. [OE. lappen, lapen, AS. lapian; akin to LG. lappen, OHG. laffan, Icel. lepja, Dan. lade, Sw. l\'84ppja, L. lambere; cf. Gr. llepio. Cf. Lambent.] 1. To take up drink or food with the tongue; to drink or feed by licking up something. The dogs by the River Nilus's side, being thirsty, lap hastily as they run along the shore. Sir K. Digby. 2. To make a sound like that produced by taking up drink with the tongue. I heard the ripple washing in the reeds, And the wild water lapping on the crag. Tennyson. Lap Lap, v. t. To take into the mouth with the tongue; to lick up with a quick motion of the tongue. They 'II take suggestion as a cat laps milk. Shak. Lap Lap, n. 1. The act of lapping with, or as with, the tongue; as, to take anything into the mouth with a lap. 2. The sound of lapping. Laparocele Lap"a*ro*cele` (?), n. [Gr. (Med.) A rupture or hernia in the lumbar regions. Laparotomy Lap`a*rot"o*my (?), n. [Gr. (Surg.) A cutting through the walls of the abdomen, as in the C\'91sarean section. Lapboard Lap"board` (?), n. A board used on the lap as a substitute for a table, as by tailors. Lapdog Lap"dog` (?), n. A small dog fondled in the lap. Lapel La*pel" (?), n. [Dim. of lap a fold.] That part of a garment which is turned back; specifically, the lap, or fold, of the front of a coat in continuation of collar. [Written also lappel and lapelle.] Lapelled La*pelled" (?), a. Furnished with lapels. Lapful Lap"ful (?), n.; pl. Lapfuls (. As much as the lap can contain. Lapicide Lap"i*cide (?), n. [L. lapicida, fr. lapis stone + caedere to cut.] A stonecutter. [Obs.] Lapidarian Lap`i*da"ri*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to stone; inscribed on stone; as, a lapidarian record. Lapidarious Lap`i*da"ri*ous (?), a. [L. lapidarius, fr. lapis, -idis, stone.] Consisting of stones. Lapidary Lap"i*da*ry (?), n. ; pl. Lapidaries (#). [L. lapidarius, fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.] 1. An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones. 2. A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a connoisseur of lapidary work. Lapidary's lathe, mill, or wheel, a machine consisting essentially of a revolving lap on a vertical spindle, used by a lapidary for grinding and polishing. Lapidary Lap"i*da*ry, a. [L. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.] 1. Of or pertaining to the art of cutting stones, or engraving on stones, either gems or monuments; as, lapidary ornamentation. 2. Of or pertaining to monumental inscriptions; as, lapidary adulation. Lapidary style, that style which is proper for monumental and other inscriptions; terse; sententious. Lapidate Lap"i*date (?), v. t. [L.lapidatus, p. p. of lapidare, fr. lapis stone.] To stone. [Obs.] Lapidation Lap`i*da"tion (?), n. [L. lapidatio: cf. F. lapidation.] The act of stoning. [Obs.] Bp. Hall. Lapideous La*pid"e*ous (?), a. [L. lapideus, fr. lapis stone.] Of the nature of stone; [Obs.] Ray. Lapidescence Lap`i*des"cence (?), n. 1. The state or quality of being lapidescent. 2. A hardening into a stone substance. 3. A stony concretion. Sir T. Browne. Lapidescent Lap`i*des"cent (?), a. [L. lapidescens, p. pr. of lapidescere to become stone, fr. lapis, -idis, stone: cf. F. lapidescent.] Undergoing the process of becoming stone; having the capacity of being converted into stone; having the quality of petrifying bodies. Lapidescent Lap"i*des"cent, n. Any substance which has the quality of petrifying other bodies, or of converting or being converted into stone. Lapidific, Lapidifical Lap`i*dif"ic (?), Lap`i*dif"ic*al (?), a. [L. lapis, -idis, stone + facere to make: cf. F. lapidifique.] Forming or converting into stone. Lapidification La*pid`i*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. lapidification.] The act or process of lapidifying; fossilization; petrifaction. Lapidify La*pid"i*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lapidified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lapidifying (?).] [Cf. f. lapidifier. See Lapidific, and -fy.] To convert into stone or stony material; to petrify. Lapidify La*pid"i*fy, v. i. To become stone or stony Lapidist Lap"i*dist (?), n. [L. lapis, -idis, a stone.] A lapidary. Ray. Lapillation Lap"il*la"tion (?), n.[See Lapilli.] The state of being, or the act of making, stony. Lapilli La*pil"li (?), n. pl. [L. lapillus a little stone, dim. of lapis stone.] (Min.) Volcanic ashes, consisting of small, angular, stony fragments or particles. Lapis La"pis (?), n.; pl. Lapides (#). [L.] A stone. Lapis calaminaris (. [NL.] (Min.) Calamine. -- Lapis infernalis (. [L.] Fused nitrate of silver; lunar caustic. Lapis lazuli La"pis laz"u*li (?). (Min.) An albuminous mineral of a rich blue color. Same as Lazuli, which see.<-- lapis, for short --> Lap-jointed Lap"-joint`ed (?), a.Having a lap joint, or lap joints, as many kinds of woodwork and metal work. Laplander Lap"land*er (?), n. A native or inhabitant of Lapland; -- called also Lapp. Laplandish Lap"land*ish, a. Of or pertaining to Lapland. Lapling Lap"ling (?), n. [Lap of a garment + ling.] One who has been fondled to excess; one fond of ease and sensual delights; -- a term of contempt. Lapp Lapp (?), n. Same as Laplander. Cf. Lapps. _________________________________________________________________ Page 830 Lappaceous Lap*pa"ceous (?), a. [L. lappaceus burlike, fr. lappa a bur.] (Bot.) Resembling the capitulum of burdock; covered with forked points. Lapper Lap"per (?), n. [From Lap to drink.] One who takes up food or liquid with his tongue. Lappet Lap"pet (?), n. [Dim. of lap a fold.] A small decorative fold or flap, esp, of lace or muslin, in a garment or headdress. Swift. Lappet moth (Zo\'94l.), one of several species of bombycid moths, which have stout, hairy caterpillars, flat beneath. Two common American species (Gastropacha Americana, and Tolype velleda) feed upon the apple tree. Lappet Lap"pet, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lappeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Lappeting.] To decorate with, or as with, a lappet. [R.] Landor. Lappic Lap"pic (?), a. Of or pertaining to Lapland, or the Lapps. -- n. The language of the Lapps. See Lappish. Lapping Lap"ping (?), n. A kind of machine blanket or wrapping material used by calico printers. Ure. Lapping engine, Lapping machine (Textile Manuf.), A machine for forming fiber info a lap. See its Lap, 9. Lappish Lap"pish (?), a. Of or pertaining to the Lapps; Laplandish. -- n. The language spoken by the Lapps in Lapland. It is related to the Finnish and Hungarian, and is not an Aryan language. Lapponian, Lapponic Lap*po"ni*an (?), Lap*pon"ic (?), a. Laplandish; Lappish. Lapps Lapps (?), n. pl.; sing. Lapp (. (Ethnol.) A branch of the Mongolian race, now living in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and the adjacent parts of Russia. Lapsable Laps"a*ble (?), a. Lapsible. Cudworth. Lapse Lapse (?), n. [L. lapsus, fr. labi, p. p. lapsus, to slide, to fall: cf. F. laps. See Sleep.] 1. A gliding, slipping, or gradual falling; an unobserved or imperceptible progress or passing away,; -- restricted usually to immaterial things, or to figurative uses. The lapse to indolence is soft and imperceptible. Rambler. Bacon was content to wait the lapse of long centuries for his expected revenue of fame. I. Taylor. 2. A slip; an error; a fault; a failing in duty; a slight deviation from truth or rectitude. To guard against those lapses and failings to which our infirmities daily expose us. Rogers. 3. (Law) The termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within the limited time, or through failure of some contingency; hence, the devolution of a right or privilege. 4. (Theol.) A fall or apostasy. Lapse Lapse, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lapsed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Lapsing.] 1. To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away; to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; -- mostly restricted to figurative uses. A tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those northern nations from whom we are descended. Swift. Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites, has lapsed into the burlesque character. Addison. 2. To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to fall from virtue; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault by inadvertence or mistake. To lapse in fullness Is sorer than to lie for need. Shak. 3. (Law) (a) To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, or from the original destination, by the omission, negligence, or failure of some one, as a patron, a legatee, etc. (b) To become ineffectual or void; to fall. If the archbishop shall not fill it up within six months ensuing, it lapses to the king. Ayliffe. Lapse Lapse, v. t. 1. To let slip; to permit to devolve on another; to allow to pass. An appeal may be deserted by the appellant's lapsing the term of law. Ayliffe. 2. To surprise in a fault or error; hence, to surprise or catch, as an offender. [Obs.] For which, if be lapsed in this place, I shall pay dear. Shak. Lapsed Lapsed (?), a. 1. Having slipped downward, backward, or away; having lost position, privilege, etc., by neglect; -- restricted to figurative uses. Once more I will renew His lapsed powers, though forfeit. Milton. 2. Ineffectual, void, or forfeited; as, a lapsed policy of insurance; a lapsed legacy. Lapsed devise, Lapsed legacy (Law), a devise, or legacy, which fails to take effect in consequence of the death of the devisee, or legatee, before that of the testator, or for ether cause. Wharton (Law Dict.). Lapsible Laps"i*ble (?), a. Liable to lapse. Lapsided Lap"sid`ed (?), a. See Lopsided. Lapstone Lap"stone` (?), n. A stone for the lap, on which shoemakers beat leather. Lapstreak, Lapstrake Lap"streak` (?), Lap"strake` (?), a. Made with boards whose edges lap one over another; clinker-built; -- said of boats. Laputan La*pu"tan (?), a. Of or pertaining to Laputa, an imaginary flying island described in Gulliver's Travels as the home of chimerical philosophers. Hence, fanciful; preposterous; absurd in science or philosophy. "Laputan ideas." G. Eliot. Lap-welded Lap"-weld`ed (?), a Having edges or ends united by a lap weld; as, a lap-welded pipe. Lapwing Lap"wing` (?), n. [OE.lapwynke, leepwynke, AS. hle\'a0pewince; hle\'a0pan to leap, jump + (prob.) a word akin to AS. wincian to wink, E. wink, AS. wancol wavering; cf. G. wanken to stagger, waver. See Leap, and Wink.] (Zo\'94l.) A small European bird of the Plover family (Vanellus cristatus, or V. vanellus). It has long and broad wings, and is noted for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards, downwards, and in circles. Its back is coppery or greenish bronze. Its eggs are the "plover's eggs" of the London market, esteemed a delicacy. It is called also peewit, dastard plover, and wype. The gray lapwing is the Squatarola cinerea. Lapwork Lap"work` (?), n. Work in which one part laps over another. Grew. Laguay Lag"uay (?), n. A lackey. [Obs.] Evelyn. Laquear La"que*ar (?), n.; pl. Laquearia (#). [L.] (Arch.) A lacunar. Laqueary Laq"ue*a*ry (?), a. [L. laqueus a noose.] Using a noose, as a gladiator. [Obs. or R.] Retiary and laqueary combatants. Sir T. Browne. Lar Lar (?), n.; pl. Lares (#), sometimes Lars (#). [L.] (Rom. Myth.) A tutelary deity; a deceased ancestor regarded as a protector of the family. The domestic Lares were the tutelar deities of a house; household gods. Hence, Eng.: Hearth or dwelling house. Nor will she her dear Lar forget, Victorious by his benefit. Lovelace. The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint. Milton. Looking backward in vain toward their Lares and lands. Longfellow. Lar Lar (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A species of gibbon (Hylobates lar), found in Burmah. Called also white-handed gibbon. Laramie group Lar"a*mie group` (?). (Geol.) An extensive series of strata, principally developed in the Rocky Mountain region, as in the Laramie Mountains, and formerly supposed to be of the Tertiary age, but now generally regarded as Cretaceous, or of intermediate and transitional character. It contains beds of lignite, often valuable for coal, and is hence also called the lignitic group. See Chart of Geology. Larboard Lar"board` (?), n. [Lar- is of uncertain origin, possibly the same as lower, i. e., humbler in rank, because the starboard side is considered by mariners as higher in rank; cf. D. laag low, akin to E. low. See Board, n., 8.] (Naut.) The left-hand side of a ship to one on board facing toward the bow; port; -- opposed to starboard. NOTE: &hand; La rboard is a ne arly ob solete te rm, ha ving been superseded by port to avoid liability of confusion with starboard, owing to similarity of sound. Larboard Lar"board`, a. On or pertaining to the left-hand side of a vessel; port; as, the larboard quarter. Larcener, Larcenist Lar"ce*ner (?), Lar"ce*nist (?), n. One who commits larceny. Larcenous Lar"ce*nous (?), a. [Cf. OE. larrecinos. See Larceny.] Having the character of larceny; as, a larcenous act; committing larceny. "The larcenous and burglarious world." Sydney Smith. -- Lar"ce*nous*ly, adv. Larceny Lar"ce*ny (?), n.; pl. Larcenies (#). [F. larcin, OE. larrecin, L. latrocinium, fr. latro robber, mercenary, hired servant; cf. Gr. (Latrociny.] (Law) The unlawful taking and carrying away of things personal with intent to deprive the right owner of the same; theft. Cf. Embezzlement. Grand larceny AND Petit larceny are distinctions having reference to the nature or value of the property stolen. They are abolished in England. -- Mixed, OR Compound, larceny, that which, under statute, includes in it the aggravation of a taking from a building or the person. -- Simple larceny, that which is not accompanied with any aggravating circumstances. Larch Larch (?), n. [Cf. OE. larege (Cotgrave), It.larice, Sp. larice, alerce, G. l\'84rche; all fr. L. larix, -icis, Gr. ( (Bot.) A genus of coniferous trees, having deciduous leaves, in fascicles (see Illust. of Fascicle). NOTE: The European larch is Larix Europ\'91a. The American or black larch is L. Americana, the hackmatack or tamarack. The trees are generally of a drooping, graceful appearance. Larchen Larch"en (?), a. Of or pertaining to the larch. Keats. Lard Lard (?), n. [F., bacon, pig's fat, L. lardum, laridum; cf. Gr. ( 1. Bacon; the flesh of swine. [Obs.] Dryden. 2. The fat of swine, esp. the internal fat of the abdomen; also, this fat melted and strained. Lard oil, an illuminating and lubricating oil expressed from lard. -- Leaf lard, the internal fat of the hog, separated in leaves or masses from the kidneys, etc.; also, the same melted. Lard Lard, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Larded; p. pr. & vb. n. Larding.] [F. larder. See Lard, n.] 1. To stuff with bacon; to dress or enrich with lard; esp., to insert lardons of bacon or pork in the surface of, before roasting; as, to lard poultry. And larded thighs on loaded altars laid. Dryden. 2. To fatten; to enrich. [The oak] with his nuts larded many a swine. Spenser. Falstaff sweats to death. And lards the lean earth as he walks along. Shak. 3. To smear with lard or fat. In his buff doublet larded o'er with fat Of slaughtered brutes. Somerville. 4. To mix or garnish with something, as by way of improvement; to interlard. Shak. Let no alien Sedley interpose To lard with wit thy hungry Epsom prose. Dryden. Lard Lard (?), v. i. To grow fat. [Obs.] Lardacein Lar`da*ce"in (?), n. [See Lardaceous.] (Physiol. Chem.) A peculiar amyloid substance, colored blue by iodine and sulphuric acid, occurring mainly as an abnormal infiltration into the spleen, liver, etc. Lardaceous Lar*da"ceous (?), a. [Cf. F. lardac\'82.] Consisting of, or resembling, lard. Lardaceous degeneration (Med.), amyloid degeneration. Larder Lard"er (?), n. [OF. lardier. See Lard, n.] A room or place where meat and other articles of food are kept before they are cooked. Shak. Larderer Lard"er*er (?), n. One in charge of the larder. Lardery Lard"er*y, n. [Cf. OE. larderie.] A larder. [Obs.] Lardon, Lardoon Lar"don (?), Lar*doon" (?), n. [F. lardon, fr. lard lard.] A bit of fat pork or bacon used in larding. Lardry Lard"ry (?), n. [See Lardery.] A larder. [Obs.] Lardy Lard"y (?), a. Containing, or resembling, lard; of the character or consistency of lard. Lare Lare (?), n. [See Lore.] Lore; learning. [Obs.] Lare Lare, n. Pasture; feed. See Lair. [Obs.] Spenser. Lare Lare, v. t. To feed; to fatten. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl. Lares La"res (?), n. pl. See 1st Lar. Large Large (?), a. [Compar. Larger (?); superl. Largest.] [F., fr. L. largus. Cf. Largo.] 1. Exceeding most other things of like in bulk, capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of constituent units; big; great; capacious; extensive; -- opposed to small; as, a nlarge horse; a large house or room; a large lake or pool; a large jug or spoon; a large vineyard; a large army; a large city. NOTE: &hand; For linear dimensions, and mere extent, great, and not large, is used as a qualifying word; as, great length, breadth, depth; a great distance; a great height. 2. Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions. We hare yet large day. Milton. 3. Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse. I might be very large upon the importance and advantages of education. Felton. 4. Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said of the mind and heart. 5. Free; unembarrassed. [Obs.] Of burdens all he set the Paynims large. Fairfax. 6. Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language. [Obs.] "Some large jests he will make." Shak. 7. Prodigal in expending; lavish. [Obs.] Chaucer. 8. (Naut.) Crossing the line of a ship's course in a favorable direction; -- said of the wind when it is abeam, or between the beam and the quarter. At large. (a) Without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large; to be left at large. (b) Diffusely; fully; in the full extent; as, to discourse on a subject at large. -- Common at large. See under Common, n. -- Electors at large, Representative at large, electors, or a representative, as in Congress, chosen to represent the whole of a State, in distinction from those chosen to represent particular districts in a State. [U. S.] -- To give, go, run, OR sail large (Naut.), to have the wind crossing the direction of a vessel's course in such a way that the sails feel its full force, and the vessel gains its highest speed. See Large, a., 8. Syn. -- Big; bulky; huge; capacious; comprehensive; ample; abundant; plentiful; populous; copious; diffusive; liberal. Large Large, adv. Freely; licentiously. [Obs.] Chaucer. Large Large, n. (Mus.) A musical note, formerly in use, equal to two longs, four breves, or eight semibreves. Large-acred Large"-a`cred (?), a. Possessing much land. Large-handed Large"-hand`ed (?), a. Having large hands, Fig.: Taking, or giving, in large quantities; rapacious or bountiful. Large-hearted Large"-heart`ed (?), a. Having a large or generous heart or disposition; noble; liberal. -- Large"-heart`ed*ness, n. Largely Large"ly, adv. In a large manner. Dryden. Milton. Largeness Large"ness, n. The quality or state of being large. Largess, Largesse Lar"gess, Lar"gesse (?), n. [F. largesse, fr. large. See Large, a.] 1. Liberality; generosity; bounty. [Obs.] Fulfilled of largesse and of all grace. Chaucer. 2. A present; a gift; a bounty bestowed. The heralds finished their proclamation with their usual cry of "Largesse, largesse, gallant knights!" and gold and silver pieces were showered on them from the galleries. Sir W. Scott. Larget Lar"get (?), n. [Cf. F. larget.] A sport piece of bar iron for rolling into a sheet; a small billet. Larghetto Lar*ghet"to (?), a. & adv. [It., dim. of largo largo.] (Mus.) Somewhat slow or slowly, but not so slowly as largo, and rather more so than andante. Largifical Lar*gif"i*cal (?), a. [L. largificus; largus large + facere.] Generous; ample; liberal. [Obs.] Largifluous Lar*gif"lu*ous (?), a. [L. largifiuus; large abundantly + fluere to flow.] Flowing copiously. [Obs.] Largiloquent Lar*gil"o*quent (?), a. [Cf. L. largiloquus.] Grandiloquent. [Obs.] Largish Lar"gish (?), a. Somewhat large. [Colloq.] Largition Lar*gi"tion (?), [L. largitio, fr. largiri, p. p. largitus, to give bountifully.] The bestowment of a largess or gift. [Obs.] Largo Lar"go (?), a. & adv. [It., large, L. largus, See Large.] (Mus.) Slow or slowly; -- more so than adagio; next in slowness to grave, which is also weighty and solemn. -- n. A movement or piece in largo time. Lariat Lar"i*at (?), n. [Sp. la reata the rope; la the + reata rope. Cf. Reata.] A long, slender rope made of hemp or strips of hide, esp. one with a noose; -- used as a lasso for catching cattle, horses, etc., and for picketing a horse so that he can graze without wandering. [Mexico & Western U.S.] _________________________________________________________________ Page 831 Lariat Lar"i*at (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lariated; p. pr. & vb. n. Lariating.] To secure with a lariat fastened to a stake, as a horse or mule for grazing; also, to lasso or catch with a lariat. [Western U.S.] Larine La"rine (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the Gull family (Larid\'91). Larixinic Lar`ix*in"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Of, or derived from, the larch (Larix); as, larixinic acid. Lark Lark (?), n. [Perh fr. AS. l\'bec play, sport. Cf. Lake, v. i.] A frolic; a jolly time. [Colloq.] Dickens. Lark Lark, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Larked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Larking.] To sport; to frolic. [Colloq.] Lark Lark, n. [OE. larke, laverock, AS. l\'bewerce; akin to D. leeuwerik, LG. lewerke, OHG. l, G. lerche, Sw. l\'84rka, Dan. lerke, Icel. l\'91virki.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus Alauda and allied genera (family Alaudid\'91). They mostly belong to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. In America they are represented by the shore larks, or horned by the shore larks, or horned larks, of the genus Otocoris. The true larks have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws, and usually, dull, sandy brown colors. NOTE: &hand; Th e Eu ropean sk ylark, or lark of the poets (Alauda arvensis), is of a brown mottled color, and is noted for its clear and sweet song, uttered as it rises and descends almost perpendicularly in the air. It is considered a table delicacy, and immense numbers are killed for the markets. Other well-known European species are the crested, or tufted, lark (Alauda cristata), and the wood lark (A. arborea). The pipits, or titlarks, of the genus Anthus (family Motacillid\'91) are often called larks. See Pipit. The American meadow larks, of the genus Sturnella, are allied to the starlings. See Meadow Lark. The Australian bush lark is Mirafra Horsfieldii. See Shore lark. Lark bunting (Zo\'94l.), a fringilline bird (Calamospiza melanocorys) found on the plains of the Western United States. -- Lark sparrow (Zo\'94l.), a sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), found in the Mississippi Valley and the Western United States. Lark Lark, v. i. To catch larks; as, to go larking. Lark-colored Lark"-col`ored (?), a. Having the sandy brown color of the European larks. Larker Lark"er (?), n. [See 3d Lark, for sense 1, and 1st Lark, for sense 2.] 1. A catcher of larks. 2. One who indulges in a lark or frolic. [Colloq.] Lark's-heel Lark's"-heel` (?), n. (Bot.) Indian cress. Larkspur Lark"spur (?), n. (Bot.) A genus of ranunculaceous plants (Delphinium), having showy flowers, and a spurred calyx. They are natives of the North Temperate zone. The commonest larkspur of the gardens is D. Consolida. The flower of the bee larkspur (D. elatum) has two petals bearded with yellow hairs, and looks not unlike a bee. Larmier Lar"mi*er (?), n. [F., fr. larme tear, drop, L. lacrima. See Lachrymose.] (Anat.) See Tearpit. Laroid La"roid (?), a. [Larus + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Like or belonging to the Gull family (Larid\'91). Larrup Lar"rup (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Larruped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Larruping.] [Perh, a corrupt. of lee rope, used by sailors in beating the boys; but cf. D. larpen to thresh, larp a whip, blow.] To beat or flog soundly. [Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.] Forby. Larry Lar"ry (?), n. Same as Lorry, or Lorrie. Larum Lar"um (?), See Alarum, and Alarm. Larva Lar"va (?), n.; pl. L. Larv\'91 (#), E. Larvas (#). [L. larva ghost, specter, mask.] 1. (Zo\'94l.) Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or color each time. The larv\'91 of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larv\'91 are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc. 2. (Zo\'94l.) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape. Larval Lar"val (?), a. [L. larvalis ghostly. See Larva.] (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to a larva. Larvalia Lar*va"li*a (?), n. pl. [NL. See Larval.] (Zo\'94l.) An order of Tunicata, including Appendicularia, and allied genera; -- so called because certain larval features are retained by them through life. Called also Copelata. See Appendicularia. Larvated Lar"va*ted (?), a. [L.larvatus bewitched. See Larva.] Masked; clothed as with a mask. Larve Larve (?), n.; pl.Larves (#). [F.] A larva. Larviform Lar"vi*form (?), a. [Larva + -form.] (Zo\'94l.) Having the form or structure of a larva. Larviparous Lar*vip"a*rous (?), a. [Larva + L. parete to bring forth.] (Zo\'94l.) Depositing living larv\'91, instead of eggs; -- said of certain insects. Lary La"ry (?), n. [Cf. F. lare sea gull, L. larus a sort of sea bird, Gr. ( A guillemot; -- called also lavy. [Prov. Eng.] Laryngeal Lar`yn*ge"al (?), a. [From Larynx.] Of or pertaining to the larynx; adapted to operations on the larynx; as, laryngeal forceps. Laryngean Lar`yn*ge"an (?), a. See Laryngeal. Larypgismus Lar`yp*gis"mus (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Larynx.] (Med.) A spasmodic state of the glottis, giving rise to contraction or closure of the opening. Laryngitis Lar`yn*gi"tis (?), n. [NL. See Larynx, and -tis.] (Med.) Inflammation of the larynx. Laryngological La*ryn`go*log"ic*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to laryngology. Laryngologist Lar`yn*gol"o*gist (?), n. One who applies himself to laryngology. Laryngology Lar`yn*gol"o*gy (?), n. [Larynx + -logy.] Systematized knowledge of the action and functions of the larynx; in pathology, the department which treats of the diseases of the larynx. Laryngophony Lar`yn*goph"o*ny (?), n. [Larynx + Gr. ( The sound of the voice as heard through a stethoscope when the latter is placed upon the larynx. Larungoscope La*run"go*scope (?), n. [Larynx + -scope.] (Surg.) An instrument, consisting of an arrangement of two mirrors, for reflecting light upon the larynx, and for examining its image. Laryngoscopic La*ryn`go*scop"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to the inspection of the larynx. Laryngoscopist Lar`yn*gos"co*pist (?), n. One skilled in laryngoscopy. Laryngoscopy Lar`yn*gos"co*py (?), n. The art of using the laryngoscope; investigations made with the laryngoscope. Laryngotome La*ryn"go*tome (?), n. (Surg.) An instrument for performing laryngotomy. Laryngotomy Lar`yn*got"o*my (?), n. [Gr. (laryngotomie.] (Surg.) The operation of cutting into the larynx, from the outside of the neck, for assisting respiration when obstructed, or for removing foreign bodies. Laryngotracheal La*ryn`go*tra"che*al (?), a. [Larynx + tracheal.] (Anat.) Pertaining to both larynx and trachea; as, the laryngotracheal cartilage in the frog. Laryngotracheotomy La*ryn`go*tra`che*ot"o*my (?), n. [Larynx + tracheotomy.] (Surg.) The operation of cutting into the larynx and the upper part of the trachea, -- a frequent operation for obstruction to breathing. Larynx Lar"ynx (?), n. [ (Anat.) The expanded upper end of the windpipe or trachea, connected with the hyoid bone or cartilage. It contains the vocal cords, which produce the voice by their vibrations, when they are stretched and a current of air passes between them. The larynx is connected with the pharynx by an opening, the glottis, which, in mammals, is protected by a lidlike epiglottis. NOTE: &hand; In th e fr amework of th e human larynx, the thyroid cartilage, attached to the hyoid bone, makes the protuberance on the front of the neck known as Adam's apple, and is articulated below to the ringlike cricoid cartilage. This is narrow in front and high behind, where, within the thyroid, it is surmounted by the two arytenoid cartilages, from which the vocal cords pass forward to be attached together to the front of the thyroid. See Syrinx. Las Las (?), n. A lace. See Lace. [Obs.] Chaucer. Las Las, a. & adv. Less. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lascar Las"car (?), n. [Per. & Hind. lashkar an army, an inferior artillery man, a cooly, a native sailor.] A native sailor, employed in European vessels; also, a menial employed about arsenals, camps, camps, etc.; a camp follower. [East Indies] Lascious Las"ci*ous (?), a. Loose; lascivious. [Obs.] "To depaint lascious wantonness." Holland. Lasciviency Las*civ"i*en*cy (?), n. [See Lascivient.] Lasciviousness; wantonness. [Obs.] Lascivient Las*civ"i*ent (?), a. [L. lasciviens, pr. of lascivire to be wanton, fr. lascivus. See Lascivious.] Lascivious. [Obs.] Dr. H. More. Lascivious Las*civ"i*ous (?), a. [L. lascivia wantonness, fr. lascivus wanton; cf. Gr. (lash to desire.] 1. Wanton; lewd; lustful; as, lascivious men; lascivious desires. Milton. 2. Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions. He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. Shak. -- Las*civ"i*ous*ly, adv. -- Las*civ"i*ous*ness, n. Laserwort La"ser*wort` (?), n. [L.laser the juice of the laserwort.] (Bot.) Any plant of the umbelliferous genus Laserpitium, of several species (as L. glabrum, and L. siler), the root of which yields a resinous substance of a bitter taste. The genus is mostly European. Lash Lash (?), n. [OE. lasche; cf. D. lasch piece set in, joint, seam, G. lashe latchet, a bit of leather, gusset, stripe, laschen to furnish with flaps, to lash or slap, Icel. laski gusset, flap, laska to break.] 1. The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow is given. I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it. Addison. 2. A leash in which an animal is caught or held; hence, a snare. [Obs.] 3. A stroke with a whip, or anything pliant and tough; as, the culprit received thirty-nine lashes. 4. A stroke of satire or sarcasm; an expression or retort that cuts or gives pain; a cut. The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that to ourselves which succeeds well. L'Estrange. 5. A hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash. 6. In carpet weaving, a group of strings for lifting simultaneously certain yarns, to form the figure. Lash Lash (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lashng.] 1. To strike with a lash ; to whip or scourge with a lash, or with something like one. We lash the pupil, and defraud the ward. Dryden. 2. To strike forcibly and quickly, as with a lash; to beat, or beat upon, with a motion like that of a lash; as, a whale lashes the sea with his tail. And big waves lash the frighted shores. Dryden. 3. To throw out with a jerk or quickly. He falls, and lashing up his heels, his rider throws. Dryden. 4. To scold; to berate; to satirize; to censure with severity; as, to lash vice. Lash Lash,. v. i. To ply the whip; to strike; to uttercensure or sarcastic language. To laugh at follies, or to lash at vice. Dryden. To lash out, to strike out wildly or furiously. Lash Lash, v. t. [Cf. D. lasschen to fasten together, lasch piece, joint, Sw. laska to stitch, Dan. laske stitch. See Lash, n. ] To bind with a rope, cord, thong, or chain, so as to fasten; as, to lash something to a spar; to lash a pack on a horse's back. Lasher Lash"er (?), n. One who whips or lashes. Lasher Lash"er, n. 1. A piece of rope for binding or making fast one thing to another; -- called also lashing. 2. A weir in a river. [Eng.] Halliwell. Lashing Lash"ing, n. The act of one who, or that which, lashes; castigation; chastisement. South. Lashing out, a striking out; also, extravagance. Lashing Lash"ing, n. See 2d Lasher. Lask Lask (?), n. A diarrhea or flux. [Obs.] Holland. Lasket Las"ket (?), n. [Cf. Lash, Latching.] (Naut.) latching. Lass Lass (?), n. [OE. lasse; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. llodes girl, fem. of llawd lad. (Lad a youth.] A youth woman; a girl; a sweetheart. Lasse Lasse (?), a. & adv. Less. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lassie Las"sie (?), n. A young girl; a lass. [Scot.] Lassitude Las"si*tude (?), n. [L. lassitudo, fr. lassus faint, weary; akin to E. late: cf. F. lassitude. See Late.] A condition of the body, or mind, when its voluntary functions are performed with difficulty, and only by a strong exertion of the will; languor; debility; weariness. The corporeal instruments of action being strained to a high pitch . . . will soon feel a lassitude. Barrow. Lasslorn Lass"lorn` (?), a. Forsaken by a lass. Shak. Lasso Lass"o (l&acr;s"s&osl;) n.; pl. Lassos (-s&omac;z). [Sp. lazo, L. laqueus. See Lace.] A rope or long thong of leather with, a running noose, used for catching horses, cattle, etc. Lasso cell (Zo\'94l.), one of a peculiar kind of defensive and offensive stinging cells, found in great numbers in all c\'d2lenterates, and in a few animals of other groups. They are most highly developed in the tentacles of jellyfishes, hydroids, and Actini\'91. Each of these cells is filled with, fluid, and contains a long, slender, often barbed, hollow thread coiled up within it. When the cell contracts the thread is quickly ejected, being at the same time turned inside out. The thread is able to penetrate the flesh of various small, soft-bodied animals, and carries a subtle poison by which they are speedily paralyzed and killed. The threads, at the same time, hold the prey in position, attached to the tentacles. Some of the jellyfishes, as the Portuguese man-of-war, and Cyanea, are able to penetrate the human skin, and inflict painful stings in the same way. Called also nettling cell, cnida, cnidocell. Lasso Las"so, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lassoed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lassoing.] To catch with a lasso. Last Last (?), 3d pers. sing. pres. of Last, to endure, contracted from lasteth. [Obs.] Chaucer. Last Last (, a. [OE. last, latst, contr. of latest, superl. of late; akin to OS. lezt, lazt, last, D. laatst, G. letzt. See Late, and cf. Latest.] 1. Being after all the others, similarly classed or considered, in time, place, or order of succession; following all the rest; final; hindmost; farthest; as, the last year of a century; the last man in a line of soldiers; the last page in a book; his last chance. Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. Neh. viii. 18. Fairest of stars, last in the train of night. Milton. 2. Next before the present; as, I saw him last week. 3. Supreme; highest in degree; utmost. Contending for principles of the last importance. R. Hall . 4. Lowest in rank or degree; as, the last prize. Pope. 5. Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely; having least fitness; as, he is the last person to be accused of theft. _________________________________________________________________ Page 832 At last, at the end of a certain period; after delay. "The duke of Savoy felt that the time had at last arrived." Motley. -- At the last. [Prob. fr. AS. on l\'beste behind, following behind, fr. l\'best race, track, footstep. See Last mold of the foot.] At the end; in the conclusion. [Obs.] "Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the last." Gen. xlix. 19. -- Last heir, the person to whom lands escheat for want of an heir. [Eng.] Abbott. -- On one's last legs, at, or near, the end of one's resources; hence, on the verge of failure or ruin, especially in a financial sense. [Colloq.] -- To breathe one's last, to die. -- To the last, to the end; till the conclusion. And blunder on in business to the last. Pope. Syn. -- At Last, At Length. These phrases both denote that some delayed end or result has been reached. At length implies that a long period was spent in so doing; as, after a voyage of more than three months, we at Length arrived safe. At last commonly implies that something has occurred (as interruptions, disappointments, etc.) which leads us to emphasize the idea of having reached the end; as, in spite of every obstacle, we have at last arrived.<-- "eventually" also suggests a (relatively) long interval, but does not specifically imply any interruptions --> Last Last (?), adv. [See Last, a.] 1. At a time or on an occasion which is the latest of all those spoken of or which have occurred; the last time; as, I saw him last in New York. 2. In conclusion; finally.<-- = lastly --> Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires, Adores; and, last, the thing adored desires. Dryden. 3. At a time next preceding the present time. How long is't now since last yourself and I Were in a mask ? Shak. Last Last, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Lasting.] [OE. lasten, As. l\'91stan to perform, execute, follow, last, continue, fr. l\'best, l, trace, footstep, course; akin to G. leisten to perform, Goth. laistjan to follow. See Last mold of the foot.] 1. To continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence. [I] proffered me to be slave in all that she me would ordain while my life lasted. Testament of Love. 2. To endure use, or continue in existence, without impairment or exhaustion; as, this cloth lasts better than that; the fuel will last through the winter. Last Last, n. [AS. l\'besttrace, track, footstep; akin to D. leest a last, G. leisten, Sw. l\'84st, Dan. l\'91st, Icel. leistr the foot below the ankle, Goth. laists track, way; from a root signifying, to go. Cf. Last, v. i., Learn, Delirium.] A wooden block shaped like the human foot, on which boots and shoes are formed. The cobbler is not to go beyond his last. L'Estrange. Darning last, a smooth, hard body, often egg-shaped, put into a stocking to preserve its shape in darning. Last Last, v. t. To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last; as, to last a boot. Last Last, n. [As. hl\'91st, fr. hladan to lade; akin to OHG. hlast, G., D., Dan., & Sw. last: cf. F. laste, last, a last, of German or Dutch origin. See Lade.] 1. A load; a heavy burden; hence, a certain weight or measure, generally estimated at 4,000 lbs., but varying for different articles and in different countries. In England, a last of codfish, white herrings, meal, or ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn, ten quarters, or eighty bushels, in some parts of England, twenty-one quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each containing 100 lbs; of red herrings, twenty cades, or 20,000; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool, twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1,700 lbs. 2. The burden of a ship; a cargo. Lastage Last"age (?) n. [E. lestage ballasting, fr. lest ballast, or LL. lastagium, lestagium. See Last a load.] 1. A duty exacted, in some fairs or markets, for the right to carry things where one will. [Obs.] 2. A tax on wares sold by the last. [Obs.] Cowell. 3. The lading of a ship; also, ballast. Spelman. 4. Room for stowing goods, as in a ship. Laste Last"e (?), obs. imp. of Last, to endure. Chaucer. Laster Last"er, n. A workman whose business it is to shape boots or shoes, or place leather smoothly, on lasts; a tool for stretching leather on a last. Laster-y Last"er-y (?), n. A red color.[Obs.] Spenser. Lasting Last"ing, a. Existing or continuing a long while; enduring; as, a lasting good or evil; a lasting color. Syn. -- Durable; permanent; undecaying; perpetual; unending. -- Lasting, Permanent, Durable. Lasting commonly means merely continuing in existence; permanent carries the idea of continuing in the same state, position, or course; durable means lasting in spite of agencies which tend to destroy. Lasting Last"ing, n. 1. Continuance; endurance. Locke. 2. A species of very durable woolen stuff, used for women's shoes; everlasting. 3. The act or process of shaping on a last. Lasting Last"ing, adv. In a lasting manner. Lastly Last"ly, adv. 1. In the last place; in conclusion. 2. at last; finally. Lat Lat (?), v. t. To let; to allow. [Obs.] Chaucer. Latakia Lat`a*ki"a (?), n. [Turk.] A superior quality of Turkish smoking tobacco, so called from the place where produced, the ancient Laodicea. Latch Latch (?), v. t. [Cf. F. l\'82cher to lick (of German origin). Cf. Lick.] To smear; to anoint. [Obs.] Shak. Latch Latch, n. [OE. lacche, fr. lacchen to seize, As. l\'91ccan.] 1. That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare. [Obs.] Rom. of R. 2. A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted. 3. (Naut.) A latching. 4. A crossbow. [Obs.] Wright. Latch Latch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Latched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Latching.] [OE.lacchen. See Latch. n.] 1. To catch so as to hold. [Obs.] Those that remained threw darts at our men, and latching our darts, sent them again at us. Golding. 2. To catch or fasten by means of a latch. The door was only latched. Locke. Latchet Latch"et (?), n. [OE. lachet, from an OF. dialect form of F. lacet plaited string, lace dim. of lacs. See Lace.] The string that fastens a shoe; a shoestring. Latching Latch"ing, n. (Naut.) A loop or eye formed on the head rope of a bonnet, by which it is attached to the foot of a sail; -- called also latch and lasket. [Usually in pl.] Latchkey Latch"key` (?), n. A key used to raise, or throw back, the latch of a door, esp. a night latch. Latchstring Latch"string` (?), n. A string for raising the latch of a door by a person outside. It is fastened to the latch and passed through a hole above it in the door. To find the latchstring out, to meet with hospitality; to be welcome. (Intrusion is prevented by drawing in the latchstring.) [Colloq. U.S.] Late Late (?), a. [Compar. Later (?), or latter (; superl. Latest (?).] [OE. lat slow, slack, As.l\'91t; akin to Os. lat, D. laat late, G. lass weary, lazy, slack, Icel. latr, Sw. lat, Dan. lad, Goth. lats, and to E. let, v. See Let to permit, and cf. Alas, Lassitude.] 1. Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring. 2. Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life. 3. Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; lately deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration. 4. Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence. 5. Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher. Late Late, adv. [AS. late. See Late, a.] 1. After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to early. 2. Not long ago; lately. 3. Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night. Of late, in time not long past, or near the present; lately; as, the practice is of late uncommon. -- Too late, after the proper or available time; when the time or opportunity is past. Lated Lat"ed (?), a. Belated; too late. [Obs.] Shak. La-teen La-teen" (?), a. (Naut.) Of or pertaining to a peculiar rig used in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, esp. on the northern coast of Africa. See below. Lateen sail. [F. voile latine a sail in the shape of a right-angled triangle; cf. It. & Sp. vela latina; properly Latin sail. See Latin.] (Naut.) A triangular sail, extended by a long yard, which is slung at about one fourth of its length from the lower end, to a low mast, this end being brought down at the tack, while the other end is elevated at an angle or about forty-five degrees; -- used in small boats, feluccas, xebecs, etc., especially in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters. Some lateen sails have also a boom on the lower side. Lately Late"ly (?), adv. Not long ago; recently; as, he has lately arrived from Italy. Latence La"tence (?), n. Latency. Coleridge. Latency La"ten*cy (?), n. [See Latent.] The state or quality of being latent. To simplify the discussion, I shall distinguish three degrees of this latency. Sir W. Hamilton. Lateness Late"ness (?), n. The state, condition, or quality, of being late; as, the lateness of his arrival; the lateness of the hour; the lateness of the season. Latent La"tent (?), a. [L. latens, -entis, p. pr. of latere to lie hid or concealed; cf. Gr. lethargy: cf. F.latent.] Not visible or apparent; hidden; springs of action. The evils latent in the most promising contrivances are provided for as they arise. Burke. Latent buds (bot.), buds which remain undeveloped or dormant for a long time, but may at length grow. Latent heat (Physics), that quantity of heat which disappears or becomes concealed in a body while producing some change in it other than rise of temperature, as fusion, evaporation, or expansion, the quantity being constant for each particular body and for each species of change. -- Latent period. (a) (Med.) The regular time in which a disease is supposed to be existing without manifesting itself. (b) (Physiol.) One of the phases in a simple muscular contraction, in which invisible preparatory changes are taking place in the nerve and muscle. (c) (Biol.) One of those periods or resting stages in the development of the ovum, in which development is arrested prior to renewed activity. Latently La"tent*ly, adv. In a secret or concealed manner; invisibly. Later La"ter (?), n.; pl. Lateres (#). [L.] A brick or tile. Knight. Later Lat"er (?), a. Compar. of Late, a. & adv. Laterad Lat"er*ad (?), adv. [L. latus, lateris, side + ad to.] (Anat.) Toward the side; away from the mesial plane; -- opposed to mesiad. Lateral Lat"er*al (?), a. [L. lateralis, fr. latus, lateris, side: cf. F.lat\'82ral.] 1. Of or pertaining to the sides; as, the lateral walls of a house; the lateral branches of a tree. 2. (Anat.) Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from the mesial plane; external; -- opposed to mesial. 3. Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing. Lateral cleavage (Crystallog.), cleavage parallel to the lateral planes. -- Lateral equation (Math.), an equation of the first degree. [Obs.] -- Lateral line (Anat.), in fishes, a line of sensory organs along either side of the body, often marked by a distinct line of color. -- Lateral pressure or stress (Mech.), a pressure or stress at right angles to the length, as of a beam or bridge; -- distinguished from longitudinal pressure or stress. -- Lateral strength (Mech.), strength which resists a tendency to fracture arising from lateral pressure. -- Lateral system (Bridge Building), the system of horizontal braces (as between two vertical trusses) by which lateral stiffness is secured. Laterality Lat`er*al"i*ty (?), n. The state or condition of being lateral. Laterally Lat"er*al*ly (?), adv. By the side; sidewise; toward, or from, the side. Lateran Lat"er*an (?), n. The church and palace of St. John Lateran, the church being the cathedral church of Rome, and the highest in rank of all churches in the Catholic world. NOTE: &hand; The name is said to have been derived from that of the Laterani family, who possessed a palace on or near the spot where the church now stands. In this church several ecclesiastical councils, hence called Lateran councils, have been held. Latered Lat"ered (?), a. Inclined to delay; dilatory. [Obs.] "When a man is too latered." Chaucer. Laterifolious Lat`er*i*fo"li*ous (?), a. [L. latus, lateris, side + folium leaf: cf. F. lat\'82rifoli\'82.] (Bot.) Growing from the stem by the side of a leaf; as, a laterifolious flower. Laterite Lat"er*ite (?), n. [L. later brick, tile: cf. F. lat\'82rite.] (Geol.)An argillaceous sandstone, of a red color, and much seamed; -- found in India. Later-itic Lat`er-it"ic (?), a. consisting of, containing, or characterized by, laterite; as, lateritic formations. Lateritic Lat`er*it"ic (?), a. Consisting of, containing, or characterized by, laterite; as, lateritic formations. Lateritious Lat"er*i"tious (?), a. [L.lateritius, fr. later a brick.] Like bricks; of the color of red bricks. Lateritious sediment (Med.), a sediment in urine resembling brick dust, observed after the crises of fevers, and at the termination of gouty paroxysms. It usually consists of uric acid or urates with some coloring matter. Lates La"tes (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A genus of large percoid fishes, of which one species (Lates Niloticus) inhabits the Nile, and another (L. calcariferLatescence La*tes"cence (?), n. A slight withdrawal from view or knowledge. Sir W. Hamilton. Latescent La*tes"cent (?), a. [L. latescens, -entis, p. pr. of latescere to be concealed, fr. latere to be hid.] Slightly withdrawn from view or knowledge; as, a latescent meaning. Sir W. Hamilton. Latewake Late"wake` (?), n. See Lich wake, under Lich. Lateward Late"ward (?), a. & adv. Somewhat late; backward. [Obs.] "Lateward lands." Holland. Latex La"tex (?), n. [L.] (Bot.) A milky or colored juice in certain plants in cavities (called latex cells or latex tubes). It contains the peculiar principles of the plants, whether aromatic, bitter, or acid, and in many instances yields caoutchouc upon coagulation. <-- produced_by AND contained_in latex cells, --> Lath Lath (?), n.; pl. Laths (#). [OE. laththe, latthe, latte, AS. l\'91tta; akin to D. lat, G. latte, OHG. latta; cf. W. llath a rod, staff, yard. Cf. Lattice, Latten.] A thin, narrow strip of wood, nailed to the rafters, studs, or floor beams of a building, for the purpose of supporting the tiles, plastering, etc. A corrugated metallic strip or plate is sometimes used. Lath brick, a long, slender brick, used in making the floor on which malt is placed in the drying kiln. Lath nail a slender nail for fastening laths. Lath Lath (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lathed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lathing.] To cover or line with laths. Lathe Lathe (?), n. [AS.l&aemac;&edh;. Of. uncertain origin.] Formerly, a part or division of a county among the Anglo-Saxons. At present it consists of four or five hundreds, and is confined to the county of Kent. [Written also lath.] Brande & C. Lathe Lathe (?), n. [OE. lathe a granary; akin to G. lade a chest, Icel. hla&edh;a a storehouse, barn; but cf. also Icel. l\'94&edh; a smith's lathe. Senses 2 and 3 are perh. of the same origin as lathe a granary, the original meaning being, a frame to hold something. If so, the word is from an older form of E. lade to load. See Lade to load.] 1. A granary; a barn. [Obs.] Chaucer. 2. (Mach.) A machine for turning, that is, for shaping articles of wood, metal, or other material, by causing them to revolve while acted upon by a cutting tool. <-- "turning" here is in the sense of cutting while turning. turn 6 and turning 4, in this dict. --> 3. The movable swing frame of a loom, carrying the reed for separating the warp threads and beating up the weft; -- called also lay and batten. Blanchard lathe, a lathe for turning irregular forms after a given pattern, as lasts, gunstocks, and the like. -- Drill lathe, OR Speed lathe, a small lathe which, from its high speed, is adapted for drilling; a hand lathe. -- Engine lathe, a turning lathe in which the cutting tool has an automatic feed; -- used chiefly for turning and boring metals, cutting screws, etc. -- Foot lathe, a lathe which is driven by a treadle worked by the foot. -- Geometric lathe. See under Geometric -- Hand lathe, a lathe operated by hand; a power turning lathe without an automatic feed for the tool. -- Slide lathe, an engine lathe. -- Throw lathe, a small lathe worked by one hand, while the cutting tool is held in the other. _________________________________________________________________ Page 833 Lather Lath"er (?), n. [AS. le\'a0&edh;or niter, in le\'a0&edh;orwyrt soapwort; cf. Icel. lau; perh. akin to E. lye.] 1. Foam or froth made by soap moistened with water. 2. Foam from profuse sweating, as of a horse. Lather Lath"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lathered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lathering.] [AS. l&emac;&edh;rian to lather, anoint. See Lather, n. ] To spread over with lather; as, to lather the face. Lather Lath"er, v. i. To form lather, or a froth like lather; to accumulate foam from profuse sweating, as a horse. Lather Lath"er, v. t. [Cf. Leather.] To beat severely with a thong, strap, or the like; to flog. [Low] Lathereeve, Lathreeve Lathe"reeve` (?), Lath"reeve` (?), n. Formerly, the head officer of a lathe. See 1st Lathe. Lathing Lath"ing (?), n. The act or process of covering with laths; laths, collectively; a covering of laths. Lath-shaped Lath"-shaped` (?), a. Having a slender elongated form, like a lath; -- said of the feldspar of certain igneous rocks, as diabase, as seen in microscopic sections. Lathwork Lath"work` (?), n. Same as Lathing. Lathy Lath"y (?), a. Like a lath; long and slender. A lathy horse, all legs and length. R. Browning. Latian La"tian (?), a. Belonging, or relating, to Latium, a country of ancient Italy. See Latin. Latibulize La*tib"u*lize (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Latibulized (; p. pr. & vb. n. Latibulizing (?).] [L. latibulum hiding place, fr. latere to lie hid.] To retire into a den, or hole, and lie dormant in winter; to retreat and lie hid. [R.] G. Shaw. Latibulum La*tib"u*lum (?), n; pl. Latibula (#). [L.] A concealed hiding place; a burrow; a lair; a hole. Laticiferous Lat`i*cif"er*ous (?), a. [L. latex, laticis, a liquid + -ferous.] (Bot.) Containing the latex; -- applied to the tissue or tubular vessels in which the latex of the plant is found. Laticlave Lat"i*clave (?), n. [L. laticlavus, laticlavium; latus broad + clavus nail, a purple stripe on the tunica: cf. F. laticlave.] (Rom. Antiq.) A broad stripe of purple on the fore part of the tunic, worn by senators in ancient Rome as an emblem of office. Laticostate Lat`i*cos"tate (?), a. [L. latus broad + E. costate.] Broad-ribbed. Latidentate Lat`i*den"tate (?), a. [L. latus broad + E. dentate.] Broad-toothed. Latifoliate, Latifolious Lat`i*fo"li*ate (?), Lat`i*fo"li*ous (?), a. [L. latifolius; latus broad + folium leaf: cf. F. latifoli\'82.] (Bot.) Having broad leaves. Latimer Lat"i*mer (?), n. [OF. latinier, latimier, prop., one knowing Latin.] An interpreter. [Obs.] Coke. Latin Lat"in (?), a. [F., fr. L. Latinus belonging to Latium, Latin, fr. Latium a country of Italy, in which Rome was situated. Cf. Ladin, Lateen sail, under Lateen.] 1. Of or pertaining to Latium, or to the Latins, a people of Latium; Roman; as, the Latin language. 2. Of, pertaining to, or composed in, the language used by the Romans or Latins; as, a Latin grammar; a Latin composition or idiom. Latin Church (Eccl. Hist.), the Western or Roman Catholic Church, as distinct from the Greek or Eastern Church. -- Latin cross. See Illust. 1 of Cross. -- Latin races, a designation sometimes loosely given to certain nations, esp. the French, Spanish, and Italians, who speak languages principally derived from Latin. Latin Union, an association of states, originally comprising France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy, which, in 1865, entered into a monetary agreement, providing for an identity in the weight and fineness of the gold and silver coins of those countries, and for the amounts of each kind of coinage by each. Greece, Servia, Roumania, and Spain subsequently joined the Union. Latin Lat"in, n. 1. A native or inhabitant of Latium; a Roman. 2. The language of the ancient Romans. 3. An exercise in schools, consisting in turning English into Latin. [Obs.] Ascham. 4. (Eccl.) A member of the Roman Catholic Church. ( Dog Latin, barbarous Latin; a jargon in imitation of Latin; as, the log Latin of schoolboys. -- Late Latin, Low Latin, terms used indifferently to designate the latest stages of the Latin language; low Latin (and, perhaps, late Latin also), including the barbarous coinages from the French, German, and other languages into a Latin form made after the Latin had become a dead language for the people. -- Law Latin, that kind of late, or low, Latin, used in statutes and legal instruments; -- often barbarous. Latin Lat"in, v. t. To write or speak in Latin; to turn or render into Latin. [Obs.] Fuller. Latinism Lat"in*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. latinisme.] A Latin idiom; a mode of speech peculiar to Latin; also, a mode of speech in another language, as English, formed on a Latin model. NOTE: &hand; Th e te rm is also sometimes used by Biblical scholars to designate a Latin word in Greek letters, or the Latin sense of a Greek word in the Greek Testament. Latinist Lat"in*ist, n. [Cf. F. latiniste.] One skilled in Latin; a Latin scholar. Cowper. He left school a good Latinist. Macaulay. Latinistic Lat`in*is"tic (?), a. Of, pertaining to, or derived from, Latin; in the Latin style or idiom. "Latinistic words." Fitzed. Hall. Latinitaster La*tin"i*tas`ter (?), n. [Cf. Poetaster.] One who has but a smattering of Latin. Walker. Latinity La*tin"i*ty (?), n. [L. latinitas: cf. F. latinit\'82.] The Latin tongue, style, or idiom, or the use thereof; specifically, purity of Latin style or idiom. "His eleLatinity." Motley. Latinization Lat`in*i*za"tion (?), n. The act or process of Latinizing, as a word, language, or country. The Germanization of Britain went far deeper than the Latinization of France. M. Arnold. Latinize Lat"in*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Latinized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Latinizing (?).] [L. latinizare: cf. F.latiniser.] 1. To give Latin terminations or forms to, as to foreign words, in writing Latin. 2. To bring under the power or influence of the Romans or Latins; to affect with the usages of the Latins, especially in speech. "Latinized races." Lowell. 3. To make like the Roman Catholic Church or diffuse its ideas in; as, to Latinize the Church of England. Latinize Lat"in*ize, v. i. To use words or phrases borrowed from the Latin. Dryden. 2. To come under the influence of the Romans, or of the Roman Catholic Church. Latinly Lat"in*ly, adv. In the manner of the Latin language; in correct Latin. [Obs.] Heylin. Lation La"tion (?), n. [L. latio, fr. latus borne. See Tolerate.] Transportation; conveyance. [Obs.] Latirostral, Latirostrous Lat`i*ros"tral (?), Lat`i*ros"trous (?), a. [Cf. F. latirostre. See Latirostres.] (Zo\'94l.) Having a broad beak. Sir T. Browne. Latirostres Lat`i*ros"tres (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. latus broad + rostrum beak.] (Zo\'94l.) The broad-billed singing birds, such as the swallows, and their allies. Latish Lat"ish (?), a. Somewhat late. [Colloq.] Latisternal Lat`i*ster"nal (?), a. [L. latus broad + E. sternal.] (Zo\'94l.) Having a broad breastbone, or sternum; -- said of anthropoid apes. Latitancy Lat"i*tan*cy (?), n. [See Latitant.] Act or state of lying hid, or lurking. [R.] Sir T. Browne. Latitant Lat"i*tant (?), a. [L. latitans, pr. of latitare to lie hid, to lurk, v. intens. fr. latere to be hid: cf. F. latitant.] Lying hid; concealed; latent. [R.] Latitat Lat"i*tat (?), n. [L., he lies hid.] (O. Eng. Law) A writ based upon the presumption that the person summoned was hiding. Blackstone. Latitation Lat`i*ta"tion (?), n. [L. latitatio.] A lying in concealment; hiding. [Obs.] Latitude Lat"i*tude (?), n. [F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.] 1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width. Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part. Sir H. Wotton. 2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence. In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged. Jer. Taylor. 3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc. No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations. Fuller. 4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope. I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude. Locke. 5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian. 6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic. Ascending latitude, Circle of latitude, Geographical latitude, etc. See under Ascending. Circle, etc. -- High latitude, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle. -- Low latitude, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator. Latitudinal Lat`i*tu"di*nal (?), a. Of or pertaining to latitude; in the direction of latitude. Latitudinarian Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an (?), a. [Cf. F. latitudinaire.] 1. Not restrained; not confined by precise limits. 2. Indifferent to a strict application of any standard of belief or opinion; hence, deviating more or less widely from such standard; lax in doctrine; as, latitudinarian divines; latitudinarian theology. Latitudinarian sentiments upon religious subjects. Allibone. 3. Lax in moral or religious principles. Latitudinarian Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an, n. 1. One who is moderate in his notions, or not restrained by precise settled limits in opinion; one who indulges freedom in thinking. 2. (Eng. Eccl. Hist.) A member of the Church of England, in the time of Charles II., who adopted more liberal notions in respect to the authority, government, and doctrines of the church than generally prevailed. They were called "men of latitude;" and upon this, men of narrow thoughts fastened upon them the name of latitudinarians. Bp. Burnet. 3. (Theol.) One who departs in opinion from the strict principles of orthodoxy. Latitudinarianism Lat`i*tu`di*na"ri*an*ism (?), n. A latitudinarian system or condition; freedom of opinion in matters pertaining to religious belief. Fierce sectarianism bred fierce latitudinarianism. De Quincey. He [Ammonius Saccas] plunged into the wildest latitudinarianism of opinion. J. S. Harford. Latitudinous Lat`i*tu"di*nous (?), a. Having latitude, or wide extent. Laton, Latoun Lat"on (?), Lat"oun (?), n. Latten, 1. [Obs.] Chaucer. Latrant La"trant (?), a. [L. latrans, p. pr. of latrare. See Latrate.] Barking. [Obs.] Tickell. Latrate La"trate (?), v. i. [L. latratus, p. p. of latrare to bark.] To bark as a dog. [Obs.] Latration La*tra"tion (?), n. A barking. [Obs.] Latreutical La*treu"tic*al (?), a. [Gr. 1. Acting as a hired servant; serving; ministering; assisting. [Obs.] 2. Of or pertaining to latria. [Obs.] Bp. Hall. Latria La*tri"a (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. The highest kind of worship, or that paid to God; -- distinguished by the Roman Catholics from dulia, or the inferior worship paid to saints. Latrine La*trine" (?), n. [L. latrina: cf. F. latrines.] A privy, or water-closet, esp. in a camp, hospital, etc. Latrociny Lat"ro*cin`y (?), n. [L. latrocinium. Cf. Larceny.] Theft; larceny. [Obs.] Latten Lat"ten (?), n. [OE. latoun, laton, OF. laton, F. laiton, prob. fr. OF. late lath, F. latte; -- because made in thin plates; cf. It. latta a sheet of tinned iron, tin plate. F. latte is of German origin. See Lath a thin board.] 1. A kind of brass hammered into thin sheets, formerly much used for making church utensils, as candlesticks, crosses, etc.; -- called also latten brass. He had a cross of latoun full of stones. Chaucer. 2. Sheet tin; iron plate, covered with tin; also, any metal in thin sheets; as, gold latten. Black latten, brass in milled sheets, composed of copper and zinc, used by braziers, and for drawing into wire. -- Roll latten, latten polished on both sides ready for use. -- Shaven latten, a thinner kind than black latten. -- White latten, a mixture of brass and tin. Latter Lat"ter (?), a. [OE. later, l\'91tter, compar. of lat late. See Late, and cf. Later.] 1. Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; -- opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain. 2. Of two things, the one mentioned second. The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior. I. Watts. 3. Recent; modern. Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania? Locke. 4. Last; latest; final. [R.] "My latter gasp." Shak. Latter harvest, the last part of the harvest. -- Latter spring, the last part of the spring of the year. Shak. Latter-day saint Lat"ter-day` saint" (?). A Mormon; -- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being the name assumed by the whole body of Mormons. Latterkin Lat"ter*kin (?), n. A pointed wooden tool used in glazing leaden lattice. Latterly Lat"ter*ly, adv. Lately; of late; recently; at a later, as distinguished from a former, period. Latterly Milton was short and thick. Richardson. Lattermath Lat"ter*math (?), n. [Cf. Aftermath.] The latter, or second, mowing; the aftermath. Lattice Lat"tice (?), n. [OE. latis, F. lattis lathwork, fr. latte lath. See Latten, 1st Lath.] 1. Any work of wood or metal, made by crossing laths, or thin strips, and forming a network; as, the lattice of a window; -- called also latticework. The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice. Judg. v. 28. 2. (Her.) The representation of a piece of latticework used as a bearing, the bands being vertical and horizontal. Lattice bridge, a bridge supported by lattice girders, or latticework trusses. -- Lattice girder (Arch.), a girder of which the wed consists of diagonal pieces crossing each other in the manner of latticework. -- Lattice plant (Bot.), an aquatic plant of Madagascar (Ouvirandra fenestralis), whose leaves have interstices between their ribs and cross veins, so as to resemble latticework. A second species is O. Berneriana. The genus is merged in Aponogeton by recent authors. Lattice Lat"tice, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Latticed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Latticing (?).] 1. To make a lattice of; as, to lattice timbers. 2. To close, as an opening, with latticework; to furnish with a lattice; as, to lattice a window. To lattice up, to cover or inclose with a lattice. Therein it seemeth he [Alexander] hath latticed up C\'91sar. Sir T. North. Latticework Lat"tice*work` (?), n. Same as Lattice, n., 1. Latticing Lat"ti*cing (?), n. 1. The act or process of making a lattice of, or of fitting a lattice to. 2. (Bridge Building) A system of bars crossing in the middle to form braces between principal longitudinal members, as of a strut. Latus rectum La"tus rec"tum (?). [L., the right side.] (Conic Sections) The line drawn through a focus of a conic section parallel to the directrix and terminated both ways by the curve. It is the parameter of the principal axis. See Focus, and Parameter. Laud Laud (?), n. [L. laus, laudis. See Laud, v. i.] 1. High commendation; praise; honor; exaltation; glory. "Laud be to God." Shak. So do well and thou shalt have laud of the same. Tyndals. 2. A part of divine worship, consisting chiefly of praise; -- usually in the pl. NOTE: &hand; In th e Ro man Ca tholic Ch urch, the prayers used at daybreak, between those of matins and prime, are called lauds. 3. Music or singing in honor of any one. Laud Laud, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lauded; p. pr. & vb. n. Lauding.] [L.laudare, fr. laus, laudis, praise. Cf. Allow.] To praise in words alone, or with words and singing; to celebrate; to extol. With all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name. Book of Common Prayer. Laudability Laud`a*bil"i*ty (?), n. [L. laudabilitas.] Laudableness; praiseworthiness. Laudable Laud"a*ble (?), a. [L. laudabilis: cf. OE. laudable. See Laud, v. i.] 1. Worthy of being lauded; praiseworthy; commendable; as, laudable motives; laudable actions; laudable ambition. 2. (Med.) Healthy; salubrious; normal; having a disposition to promote healing; not noxious; as, laudable juices of the body; laudable pus. Arbuthnot. _________________________________________________________________ Page 834 Laudableness Laud"a*ble*ness (?), n. The quality of being laudable; praiseworthiness; commendableness. Laudably Laud"a*bly (?), adv. In a laudable manner. Laudanine Lau"da*nine (?), n. [From Laudanum.] (Chem.) A white organic base, resembling morphine, and obtained from certain varieties of opium. Laudanum Lau"da*num (?), n. [Orig. the same wort as ladanum, ladbdanum: cf. F. laudanum, It. laudano, ladano. See Ladanum.] Tincture of opium, used for various medical purposes. NOTE: &hand; A fluid ounce of American laudanum should contain the soluble matter of one tenth of an ounce avoirdupois of powdered opium with equal parts of alcohol and water. English laudanum should have ten grains less of opium in the fluid ounce. U. S. Disp. Dutchman's laudanum (Bot.) See under Dutchman. Laudation Lau*da"tion (?), n. [L. laudatio: cf. OE. taudation. See Land, v. t.] The act of lauding; praise; high commendation. Laudative Laud"a*tive (?), a. [L. laudativus laudatory: cf. F. laudatif.] Laudatory. Laudative Laud"a*tive, n. A panegyric; a eulogy. [Obs.] Bacon. Laudator Lau*da"tor (?), n. [L.] 1. One who lauds. 2. (Law) An arbitrator. [Obs.] Cowell. Laudatory Laud"a*to*ry (?), a. [L. laudatorius: cf. OF. laudatoire.] Of or pertaining praise, or to the expression of praise; as, laudatory verses; the laudatory powers of Dryden. Sir J. Stephen. Lauder Laud"er (?), n. One who lauds. Laugh Laugh (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Laughed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laughing.] [OE. laughen, laghen, lauhen, AS. hlehhan, hlihhan, hlyhhan, hliehhan; akin to OS. hlahan, D. & G.lachen, OHG. hlahhan, lahhan, lahh, Icel. hl\'91ja. Dan. lee, Sw. le, Goth. hlahjan; perh. of imitative origin.] 1. To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter. Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er. Shak. He laugheth that winneth. Heywood's Prov. 2. Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport. Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets crowned. Dryden. In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy. Pope. To laugh at, to make an object of laughter or ridicule; to make fun of; to deride. No wit to flatter left of all his store, No fool to laugh at, which he valued more. Pope. -- To laugh in the sleeve<-- or to laugh up one's sleeve -->, to laugh secretly, or so as not to be observed, especially while apparently preserving a grave or serious demeanor toward the person or persons laughed at. -- To laugh out, to laugh in spite of some restraining influence; to laugh aloud. -- To laugh out of the other corner (OR side) of the mouth, to weep or cry; to feel regret, vexation, or disappointment after hilarity or exaltation. [Slang] Laugh Laugh, v. t. 1. To affect or influence by means of laughter or ridicule. Will you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy? Shak. I shall laugh myself to death. Shak. 2. To express by, or utter with, laughter; -- with out. From his deep chest laughs out a loud applause. Shak. To laugh away. (a) To drive away by laughter; as, to laugh away regret. (b) To waste in hilarity. "Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune." Shak. -- To laugh down. (a) To cause to cease or desist by laughter; as, to laugh down a speaker. (b) To cause to be given up on account of ridicule; as, to laugh down a reform. -- To laugh one out of, to cause one by laughter or ridicule to abandon or give up; as, to laugh one out of a plan or purpose. -- To laugh to scorn, to deride; to treat with mockery, contempt, and scorn; to despise. Laugh Laugh (?), n. An expression of mirth peculiar to the human species; the sound heard in laughing; laughter. See Laugh, v. i. And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind. Goldsmith. That man is a bad man who has not within him the power of a hearty laugh. F. W. Robertson. Laughable Laugh"a*ble (?), a. Fitted to excite laughter; as, a laughable story; a laughable scene. Syn. -- Droll; ludicrous; mirthful; comical. See Droll, and Ludicrous. -- Laugh"a*ble*ness, n. -- Laugh"a*bly, adv. Laugher Laugh"er (?), n. 1. One who laughs. 2. A variety of the domestic pigeon. Laughing Laugh"ing (?), a. & n. from Laugh, v. i. Laughing falcon (Zo\'94l.), a South American hawk (Herpetotheres cachinnans); -- so called from its notes, which resemble a shrill laughing. -- Laughing gas (Chem.), hyponitrous oxide, or protoxide of nitrogen<-- = nitrous oxide -->; -- so called from the exhilaration and laughing which it sometimes produces when inhaled. It is much used as an an\'91sthetic agent.<-- now primarily in dentistry --> -- Laughing goose (Zo\'94l.), the European white-fronted goose. -- Laughing gull. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A common European gull (Xema ridibundus); -- called also pewit, black cap, red-legged gull, and sea crow. (b) An American gull (Larus atricilla). In summer the head is nearly black, the back slate color, and the five outer primaries black. -- Laughing hyena (Zo\'94l.), the spotted hyena. See Hyena. -- Laughing jackass (Zo\'94l.), the great brown kingfisher (Dacelo gigas), of Australia; -- called also giant kingfisher, and gogobera. -- Laughing owl (Zo\'94l.), a peculiar owl (Sceloglaux albifacies) of New Zealand, said to be on the verge of extinction. The name alludes to its notes. Laughingly Laugh"ing*ly (?), adv. With laughter or merriment. Laughingstock Laugh"ing*stock` (?), n. An object of ridicule; a butt of sport. Shak. When he talked, he talked nonsense, and made himself the laughingstock of his hearers. Macaulay. Laughsome Laugh"some (?), a. Exciting laughter; also, addicted to laughter; merry. [R.] Laughter Laugh"ter (?), n. [AS. hleahtor; akin to OHG. hlahtar, G. gel\'84chter, Icel. hl\'betr, Dan. latter. See Laugh, v. i. ] A movement (usually involuntary) of the muscles of the face, particularly of the lips, with a peculiar expression of the eyes, indicating merriment, satisfaction, or derision, and usually attended by a sonorous and interrupted expulsion of air from the lungs. See Laugh, v. i. The act of laughter, which is a sweet contraction of the muscles of the face, and a pleasant agitation of the vocal organs, is not merely, or totally within the jurisdiction of ourselves. Sir T. Browne. Archly the maiden smiled, and with eyes overrunning with laughter. Longfellow. Laughterless Laugh"ter*less, a. Not laughing; without laughter. Laughworthy Laugh"wor`thy (?), a. Deserving to be laughed at. [R.] B. Jonson. Laumontite Lau"mont*ite (?), n. [From Dr. Laumont, the discoverer.] (Min.) A mineral, of a white color and vitreous luster. It is a hydrous silicate of alumina and lime. Exposed to the air, it loses water, becomes opaque, and crumbles. [Written also laumonite.] Launce Launce (?), n. A lance. [Obs.] Launce Launce, n. [It. lance, L. lanx, lancis, plate, scale of a balance. Cf. Balance.] A balance. [Obs.] Fortune all in equal launce doth sway. Spenser. Launce Launce, n. (Zo\'94l.) See Lant, the fish. Launcegaye Launce"gaye` (?), n. See Langegaye. [Obs.] Launch Launch (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Launched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Launching.] [OE. launchen to throw as a lance, OF. lanchier, another form of lancier, F. lancer, fr. lance lance. See Lance.] [Written also lanch.] 1. To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly. 2. To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce. [Obs.] Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds. Spenser. 3. To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to set afloat; as, to launch a ship. With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship, And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep. Pope. 4. To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or enterprise. All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch presbytery in England. Eikon Basilike. Launch Launch, v. i. To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures; -- often with out. Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. Luke v. 4. He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths. Prior. Launch Launch, n. 1. The act of launching. 2. The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. 3. [Cf. Sp. lancha.] (Naut.) The boat of the largest size belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like. Launching ways. (Naut.) See Way, n. (Naut.). Laund Laund (l&add;nd), n. [See Lawn of grass.] A plain sprinkled with trees or underbrush; a glade. [Obs.] In a laund upon an hill of flowers. Chaucer. Through this laund anon the deer will come. Shak. Launder Laun"der (?), n. [Contracted fr. OE. lavender, F. lavandi\'8are, LL. lavandena, from L. lavare to wash. See Lave.] 1. A washerwoman. [Obs.] 2. (Mining) A trough used by miners to receive the powdered ore from the box where it is beaten, or for carrying water to the stamps, or other apparatus, for comminuting, or sorting, the ore. Launder Laun"der, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Laundered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laundering.] 1. To wash, as clothes; to wash, and to smooth with a flatiron or mangle; to wash and iron; as, to launder shirts. 2. To lave; to wet. [Obs.] Shak. Launderer Laun"der*er (?), n. One who follows the business of laundering. Laundering Laun"der*ing, n. The act, or occupation, of one who launders; washing and ironing. Laundress Laun"dress (?), n. A woman whose employment is laundering. Laundress Laun"dress, v. i. To act as a laundress.[Obs.] Laundry Laun"dry (?), n.; pl. Laundries (#). [OE. lavendrie, OF. lavanderie. See Launder.] 1. A laundering; a washing. 2. A place or room where laundering is done. Laundryman Laun"dry*man (?), n.; pl. Laundrymen (. A man who follows the business of laundering. Laura Lau"ra (?), n. [LL., fr. Gr. ( (R. C. Ch.) A number of hermitages or cells in the same neighborhood occupied by anchorites who were under the same superior. C. Kingsley. Lauraceous Lau*ra"ceous (?), a. [From Laurus.] (Bot.) Belonging to, or resembling, a natural order (Laurace\'91) of trees and shrubs having aromatic bark and foliage, and including the laurel, sassafras, cinnamon tree, true camphor tree, etc. Laurate Lau"rate (?), n. (Chem.) A salt of lauric acid. Laureate Lau"re*ate (?), a. [L. laureatus, fr. laurea laurel tree, fr. laureus of laurel, fr. laurus laurel: cf. F. laur\'82at. Cf. Laurel.] Crowned, or decked, with laurel. Chaucer. To strew the laureate hearse where Lycid lies. Milton. Soft on her lap her laureate son reclines. Pope. Poet laureate. (b) One who received an honorable degree in grammar, including poetry and rhetoric, at the English universities; -- so called as being presented with a wreath of laurel. [Obs.] (b) Formerly, an officer of the king's household, whose business was to compose an ode annually for the king's birthday, and other suitable occasions; now, a poet officially distinguished by such honorary title, the office being a sinecure. It is said this title was first given in the time of Edward IV. [Eng.] Laureate Lau"re*ate, n. One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate. "A learned laureate." Cleveland. Laureate Lau"re*ate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Laureated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laureating (?).] To honor with a wreath of laurel, as formerly was done in bestowing a degree at the English universities. Laureateship Lau"re*ate*ship, n. State, or office, of a laureate. Laureation Lau`re*a"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. laur\'82ation.] The act of crowning with laurel; the act of conferring an academic degree, or honorary title. Laurel Lau"rel (?), n. [OE. lorel, laurer, lorer, OF. lorier, laurier, F. laurier, (assumed) LL. Laurarius, fr. L. laurus.] 1. (Bot.) An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus (L. nobilis), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils; -- called also sweet bay. NOTE: The fr uit is a pu rple be rry. It is fo und ab out th e Mediterranean, and was early used by the ancient Greeks to crown the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of laurel, with the fruit. The leaves and tree yield an aromatic oil, used to flavor the bay water of commerce. NOTE: &hand; Th e na me is ex tended to other plants which in some respect resemble the true laurel. See Phrases, below. 2. A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; -- especially in the plural; as, to win laurels. 3. An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because the king's head on it was crowned with laurel. Laurel water, water distilled from the fresh leaves of the cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other products carried over in the process. American laurel, OR Mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia. See under Mountain. -- California laurel, Umbellularia Californica. -- Cherry laurel (in England called laurel). See under Cherry. -- Great laurel, the rosebay (Rhododendron maximum). -- Ground laurel, trailing arbutus. -- New Zealand laurel, Laurelia Nov\'91 Zelandi\'91. -- Portugal laurel, the Prunus Lusitanica. -- Rose laurel, the oleander. See Oleander. -- Sheep laurel, a poisonous shrub, Kalmia angustifolia, smaller than the mountain laurel, and with smaller and redder flowers. -- Spurge laurel, Daphne Laureola. -- West Indian laurel, Prunus occidentalis. Laureled Lau"reled (?), a. Crowned with laurel, or with a laurel wreath; laureate. [Written also laurelled.] Laurentian Lau*ren"tian (?), a. Pertaining to, or near, the St. Lawrence River; as, the Laurentian hills. Laurentian period (Geol.), the lower of the two divisions of the Arch\'91an age; -- called also the Laurentian. Laurer Lau"rer (?), n. Laurel. [Obs.] Chaucer. Laurestine Lau"res*tine (?), n. [NL. lautus tinus, fr. L. laurus the laurel + tinus laurestine. See Laurel.] (Bot.) The Viburnum Tinus, an evergreen shrub or tree of the south of Europe, which flowers during the winter mouths. [Written also laurustine and laurestina.] Lauric Lau"ric (?), a. Pertaining to, or derived from, the European bay or laurel (Laurus nobilis). Lauric acid (Chem.), a white, crystalline substance, C12H24O2, resembling palmitic acid, and obtained from the fruit of the bay tree, and other sources. <-- CH3(CH2)10COOH = dodecanoic acid, laurostearic acid, dodecoic acid. Obtained from various vegetable sources. Sodium salt used as a detergent. --> Lauriferous Lau*rif"er*ous (?), a. [L. laurifer; laurus + ferre to bear.] Producing, or bringing, laurel. Laurin Lau"rin (?), n. [Cf. F. laurine.] (Chem.) A white crystalline substance extracted from the fruit of the bay (Laurus nobilis), and consisting of a complex mixture of glycerin ethers of several organic acids. Laurinol Lau"ri*nol (?), n. [Laurin + -ol.] (Chem.) Ordinary camphor; -- so called in allusion to the family name (Laurace\'91) of the camphor trees. See Camphor. Lauriol Lau"ri*ol (?), n. Spurge laurel. [Obs.] Chaucer. Laurite Lau"rite (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Min.) A rare sulphide of osmium and ruthenium found with platinum in Borneo and Oregon. Laurone Lau"rone (?), n. [Lauric + -one.] (Chem.) The ketone of lauric acid. Laurus Lau"rus (?), n. [L., laurel.] (Bot.) A genus of trees including, according to modern authors, only the true laurel (Laurus nobilis), and the larger L. Canariensis of Madeira and the Canary Islands. Formerly the sassafras, the camphor tree, the cinnamon tree, and several other aromatic trees and shrubs, were also referred to the genus Laurus. Laus Laus (?), a. Loose. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lava La"va (?), n. [It. lava lava, orig. in Naples, a torrent of rain overflowing the streets, fr. It. & L. lavare to wash. See Lave.] The melted rock ejected by a volcano from its top or fissured sides. It flows out in streams sometimes miles in length. It also issues from fissures in the earth's surface, and forms beds covering many square miles, as in the Northwestern United States. NOTE: &hand; La vas ar e cl assed, according to their structure, as scoriaceous or cellular, glassy, stony, etc., and according to the material of which they consist, as doleritic, trachytic, etc. Lava millstone, a hard and coarse basaltic millstone from the neighborhood of the Rhine. -- Lava ware, a kind of cheap pottery made of iron slag cast into tiles, urns, table tops, etc., resembling lava in appearance. Lavaret Lav"a*ret (?), n. [F.] (Zo\'94l.) A European whitefish (Coregonus laveretus), found in the mountain lakes of Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. _________________________________________________________________ Page 835 Lavatic La*vat"ic (?), a. Like lava, or composed of lava; lavic. Lavation La*va"tion (?), n. [L. lavatio: cf. OF. lavation.] A washing or cleansing. [Obs. or R.] Lavatory Lav"a*to*ry (?), a. Washing, or cleansing by washing. Lavatory Lav"a*to*ry, n.; pl. Lavatories (#). [L. lavatorium: cf. lavatoire. See Lave to wash, and cf. Laver.] 1. A place for washing. 2. A basin or other vessel for washing in. 3. A wash or lotion for a diseased part. 4. A place where gold is obtained by washing. <-- 5. a room containing one or more sinks for washing, as well as one or more toilets (fixtures). also bathroom, toilet, and sometimes commode. Commode may refer to a room with a toilet (fixture) but without a sink. Toilet may refer to a small room with only a toilet fixture. --> Lavature Lav"a*ture (?; 135), n. A wash or lotion. [Obs.] Lave Lave (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Laved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laving.] [F. laver, L. lavare, akin to luere to wash, Gr. Ablution, Deluge, Lavender, Lava, Lotion.] To wash; to bathe; as, to lave a bruise. His feet the foremost breakers lave. Byron. Lave Lave, v. i. To bathe; to wash one's self. In her chaste current oft the goddess laves. Pope. Lave Lave, v. t. [OE. laven. See Lavish.] To lade, dip, or pour out. [Obs.] Dryden. Lave Lave, n. [AS. l\'bef the remainder, what is left. Leave.] The remainder; others. [Scot.] Bp. Hall. Lave-eared Lave"-eared` (?), a. [Cf. W. llaf that extends round, llipa flaccid, flapping, G. lapp flabby, lappohr flap ear.] Having large, pendent ears. [Obs.] Bp. Hall. Laveer La*veer" (?), v. i. [D. laveren.] (Naut.) To beat against the wind; to tack. [Obs.] Dryden. Lavement Lave"ment (?), n. [F. lavement, fr. laver to wash.] A washing or bathing; also, a clyster. Lavender Lav"en*der (?), n. [OE. lavendre, F. lavande, It. lavanda lavender, a washing, fr. L. lavare to wash; cf. It. lsavendola, LL. lavendula. So called because it was used in bathing and washing. See Lave. to wash, and cf. Lavender.] 1. (Bot.) An aromatic plant of the genus Lavandula (L. vera), common in the south of Europe. It yields and oil used in medicine and perfumery. The Spike lavender (L. Spica) yields a coarser oil (oil of spike), used in the arts. 2. The pale, purplish color of lavender flowers, paler and more delicate than lilac. Lavender cotton (Bot.), a low, twiggy, aromatic shrub (Santolina Cham\'91cyparissus) of the Mediterranean region, formerly used as a vermifuge, etc., and still used to keep moths from wardrobes. Also called ground cypress. -- Lavender water, a perfume composed of alcohol, essential oil of lavender, essential oil of bergamot, and essence of ambergris. -- Sea lavender. (Bot.) See Marsh rosemary. -- To lay in lavender. (a) To lay away, as clothing, with sprigs of lavender. (b) To pawn. [Obs.] Laver Lav"er (?), n. [OE. lavour, F. lavoir, L. lavatorium a washing place. See Lavatory.] 1. A vessel for washing; a large basin. 2. (Script. Hist.) (a) A large brazen vessel placed in the court of the Jewish tabernacle where the officiating priests washed their hands and feet. (b) One of several vessels in Solomon's Temple in which the offerings for burnt sacrifices were washed. 3. That which washes or cleanses. J. H. Newman. Laver Lav"er, n. [From Lave to wash.] One who laves; a washer. [Obs.] Laver La"ver (?), n. The fronds of certain marine alg\'91 used as food, and for making a sauce called laver sauce. Green laver is the Ulva latissima; purlpe laver, Porphyra laciniata and P. vulgaris. It is prepared by stewing, either alone or with other vegetables, and with various condiments; -- called also sloke, or sloakan. Mountain laver (Bot.), a reddish gelatinous alga of the genus Palmella, found on the sides of mountains Laverock La"ver*ock (?), n. [See Lark the bird.] The lark. [Old Eng. & Scot.] [Written also lavrock.] Gower. Lavic La"vic (?), a. See Lavatic. Lavish Lav"ish (?), a. [Akin to E. lave to lade out; cf. AS. gelafian to refresh, G. laben.] 1. Expending or bestowing profusely; profuse; prodigal; as, lavish of money; lavish of praise. 2. Superabundant; excessive; as, lavish spirits. Let her have needful, but not lavish, means. Shak. Syn. -- Profuse; prodigal; wasteful; extravagant; exuberant; immoderate. See Profuse. Lavish Lav"ish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lavished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lavishing.] To expend or bestow with profusion; to use with prodigality; to squander; as, to lavish money or praise. Lavisher Lav"ish*er (?), n. One who lavishes. Lavishly Lav"ish*ly, adv. In a lavish manner. Lavishment Lav"ish*ment (?), n. The act of lavishing. Lavishness Lav"ish*ness, n. The quality or state of being lavish. Lav La*v (?), n. [NL., fr. Lavoisier, the celebrated French chemist.] (Chem.) A supposed new metallic element. It is said to have been discovered in pyrites, and some other minerals, and to be of a silver-white color, and malleable. Lavolt, Lavolta La*volt" (?), La*vol"ta (?), n. [It.la volta the turn, turning, whirl. Cf. Volt of a horse, Volta.] An old dance, for two persons, being a kind of waltz, in which the woman made a high spring or bound. Shak. Lavoltateer La*vol`ta*teer" (?), n. A dancer of the lavolta. Lavour Lav"our (?), n. A laver. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lavrock La"vrock (?), n. Same as Laverock. Law Law (?), n. [OE. lawe, laghe, AS. lagu, from the root of E. lie: akin to OS. lag, Icel. l\'94g, Sw. lag, Dan. lov; cf. L. lex, E. legal. A law is that which is laid, set, or fixed; like statute, fr. L. statuere to make to stand. See Lie to be prostrate.] 1. In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by an authority able to enforce its will; a controlling regulation; the mode or order according to which an agent or a power acts. NOTE: &hand; A la w ma y be un iversal or particular, written or unwritten, published or secret. From the nature of the highest laws a degree of permanency or stability is always implied; but the power which makes a law, or a superior power, may annul or change it. These are the statutes and judgments and law, which the Lord made. Lev. xxvi. 46. The law of thy God, and the law of the King. Ezra vii. 26. As if they would confine the Interminable . . . Who made our laws to bind us, not himself. Milton. His mind his kingdom, and his will his law. Cowper. 2. In morals: The will of God as the rule for the disposition and conduct of all responsible beings toward him and toward each other; a rule of living, conformable to righteousness; the rule of action as obligatory on the conscience or moral nature. 3. The Jewish or Mosaic code, and that part of Scripture where it is written, in distinction from the gospel; hence, also, the Old Testament. What things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law . . . But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Rom. iii. 19, 21. 4. In human government: (a) An organic rule, as a constitution or charter, establishing and defining the conditions of the existence of a state or other organized community. (b) Any edict, decree, order, ordinance, statute, resolution, judicial, decision, usage, etc., or recognized, and enforced, by the controlling authority. 5. In philosophy and physics: A rule of being, operation, or change, so certain and constant that it is conceived of as imposed by the will of God or by some controlling authority; as, the law of gravitation; the laws of motion; the law heredity; the laws of thought; the laws of cause and effect; law of self-preservation. 6. In matematics: The rule according to which anything, as the change of value of a variable, or the value of the terms of a series, proceeds; mode or order of sequence. 7. In arts, works, games, etc.: The rules of construction, or of procedure, conforming to the conditions of success; a principle, maxim; or usage; as, the laws of poetry, of architecture, of courtesy, or of whist. 8. Collectively, the whole body of rules relating to one subject, or emanating from one source; -- including usually the writings pertaining to them, and judicial proceedings under them; as, divine law; English law; Roman law; the law of real property; insurance law. 9. Legal science; jurisprudence; the principles of equity; applied justice. Reason is the life of the law; nay, the common law itself is nothing else but reason. Coke. Law is beneficence acting by rule. Burke. And sovereign Law, that state's collected will O'er thrones and globes elate, Sits empress, crowning good, repressing ill. Sir W. Jones. 10. Trial by the laws of the land; judicial remedy; litigation; as, to go law. When every case in law is right. Shak. He found law dear and left it cheap. Brougham. 11. An oath, as in the presence of a court. [Obs.] See Wager of law, under Wager. Avogadro's law (Chem.), a fundamental conception, according to which, under similar conditions of temperature and pressure, all gases and vapors contain in the same volume the same number of ultimate molecules; -- so named after Avogadro, an Italian scientist. Sometimes called Amp\'8are's law. -- Bode's law (Astron.), an approximative empirical expression of the distances of the planets from the sun, as follows: -- Mer. Ven. Earth. Mars. Aste. Jup. Sat. Uran. Nep. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 0 3 6 12 24 48 96 192 384 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- --- 4 7 10 16 28 52 100 196 388 5.9 7.3 10 15.2 27.4 52 95.4 192 300 where each distance (line third) is the sum of 4 and a multiple of 3 by the series 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, etc., the true distances being given in the lower line. -- Boyle's law (Physics), an expression of the fact, that when an elastic fluid is subjected to compression, and kept at a constant temperature, the product of the pressure and volume is a constant quantity, i. e., the volume is inversely proportioned to the pressure; -- known also as Mariotte's law, and the law of Boyle and Mariotte. -- Brehon laws. See under Brehon. -- Canon law, the body of ecclesiastical law adopted in the Christian Church, certain portions of which (for example, the law of marriage as existing before the Council of Tent) were brought to America by the English colonists as part of the common law of the land. Wharton. -- Civil law, a term used by writers to designate Roman law, with modifications thereof which have been made in the different countries into which that law has been introduced. The civil law, instead of the common law, prevails in the State of Louisiana. Wharton. -- Commercial law. See Law merchant (below). -- Common law. See under Common. -- Criminal law, that branch of jurisprudence which relates to crimes. -- Ecclesiastical law. See under Ecclesiastical. -- Grimm's law (Philol.), a statement (propounded by the German philologist Jacob Grimm) of certain regular changes which the primitive Indo-European mute consonants, so-called (most plainly seen in Sanskrit and, with some changes, in Greek and Latin), have undergone in the Teutonic languages. Examples: Skr. bh\'betr, L. frater, E. brother, G. bruder; L. tres, E. three, G. drei, Skr. go, E. cow, G. kuh; Skr. dh\'be to put, Gr. ti-qe`-nai, E. do, OHG, tuon, G. thun. -- Kepler's laws (Astron.), three important laws or expressions of the order of the planetary motions, discovered by John Kepler. They are these: (1) The orbit of a planet with respect to the sun is an ellipse, the sun being in one of the foci. (2) The areas swept over by a vector drawn from the sun to a planet are proportioned to the times of describing them. (3) The squares of the times of revolution of two planets are in the ratio of the cubes of their mean distances. -- Law binding, a plain style of leather binding, used for law books; -- called also law calf. -- Law book, a book containing, or treating of, laws. -- Law calf. See Law binding (above). -- Law day. (a) Formerly, a day of holding court, esp. a court-leet. (b) The day named in a mortgage for the payment of the money to secure which it was given. [U. S.] -- Law French, the dialect of Norman, which was used in judicial proceedings and law books in England from the days of William the Conqueror to the thirty-sixth year of Edward III. -- Law language, the language used in legal writings and forms. -- Law Latin. See under Latin. -- Law lords, peers in the British Parliament who have held high judicial office, or have been noted in the legal profession. -- Law merchant, OR Commercial law, a system of rules by which trade and commerce are regulated; -- deduced from the custom of merchants, and regulated by judicial decisions, as also by enactments of legislatures.<-- now in most state superseded by the Uniform Commercial Code --> -- Law of Charles (Physics), the law that the volume of a given mass of gas increases or decreases, by a definite fraction of its value for a given rise or fall of temperature; -- sometimes less correctly styled Gay Lussac's law, or Dalton's law. -- Law of nations. See International law, under International. -- Law of nature. (a) A broad generalization expressive of the constant action, or effect, of natural conditions; as, death is a law of nature; self-defense is a law of nature. See Law, 4. (b) A term denoting the standard, or system, of morality deducible from a study of the nature and natural relations of human beings independent of supernatural revelation or of municipal and social usages. -- Law of the land, due process of law; the general law of the land. -- Laws of honor. See under Honor. -- Laws of motion (Physics), three laws defined by Sir Isaac Newton: (1) Every body perseveres in its state of rest or of moving uniformly in a straight line, except so far as it is made to change that state by external force. (2) Change of motion is proportional to the impressed force, and takes place in the direction in which the force is impressed. (3) Reaction is always equal and opposite to action, that is to say, the actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal and in opposite directions. -- Marine law, OR Maritime law, the law of the sea; a branch of the law merchant relating to the affairs of the sea, such as seamen, ships, shipping, navigation, and the like. Bouvier. -- Mariotte's law. See Boyle's law (above). -- Martial law.See under Martial. -- Military law, a branch of the general municipal law, consisting of rules ordained for the government of the military force of a state in peace and war, and administered in courts martial. Kent. Warren's Blackstone. -- Moral law,the law of duty as regards what is right and wrong in the sight of God; specifically, the ten commandments given by Moses. See Law, 2. -- Mosaic, OR Ceremonial, law. (Script.) See Law, 3. -- Municipal, OR Positive, law, a rule prescribed by the supreme power of a state, declaring some right, enforcing some duty, or prohibiting some act; -- distinguished from international and constitutional law. See Law, 1. -- Periodic law. (Chem.) See under Periodic. -- Roman law, the system of principles and laws found in the codes and treatises of the lawmakers and jurists of ancient Rome, and incorporated more or less into the laws of the several European countries and colonies founded by them. See Civil law (above). -- Statute law, the law as stated in statutes or positive enactments of the legislative body. -- Sumptuary law. See under Sumptuary. -- To go to law, to seek a settlement of any matter by bringing it before the courts of law; to sue or prosecute some one. -- To take, OR have, the law of, to bring the law to bear upon; as, to take the law of one's neighbor. Addison. -- Wager of law. See under Wager. Syn. -- Justice; equity. -- Law, Statute, Common law, Regulation, Edict, Decree. Law is generic, and, when used with reference to, or in connection with, the other words here considered, denotes whatever is commanded by one who has a right to require obedience. A statute is a particular law drawn out in form, and distinctly enacted and proclaimed. Common law is a rule of action founded on long usage and the decisions of courts of justice. A regulation is a limited and often, temporary law, intended to secure some particular end or object. An edict is a command or law issued by a sovereign, and is peculiar to a despotic government. A decree is a permanent order either of a court or of the executive government. See Justice. Law Law (?), v. t. Same as Lawe, v. t. [Obs.] Law Law, interj. [Cf. La.] An exclamation of mild surprise. [Archaic or Low] Law-abiding Law"-a*bid`ing (?), a. Abiding the law; waiting for the operation of law for the enforcement of rights; also, abiding by the law; obedient to the law; as, law-abiding people. Lawbreaker Law"break`er (?), n. One who disobeys the law; a criminal. -- Law"break`ing, n. & a. Lawe Lawe (?), v. t. [See 2d Lawing.] To cut off the claws and balls of, as of a dog's fore feet. Wright. Lawer Law"er (?), n. A lawyer. [Obs.] Bale. Lawful Law"ful (?), a. 1. Conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent. 2. Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful owner of lands. Lawful age, the age when the law recognizes one's right of independent action; majority; -- generally the age of twenty-one years.<-- = legal age --> NOTE: &hand; In some of the States, and for some purposes, a woman attains lawful age at eighteen. Abbott. Syn. -- Legal; constitutional; allowable; regular; rightful. -- Lawful, Legal. Lawful means conformable to the principle, spirit, or essence of the law, and is applicable to moral as well as juridical law. Legal means conformable to the letter or rules of the law as it is administered in the courts; conformable to juridical law. Legal is often used as antithetical to equitable, but lawful is seldom used in that sense. -- Law"ful*ly, adv. -- Law"ful*ness, n. Lawgiver Law"giv`er (?), n. One who makes or enacts a law or system of laws; a legislator. Lawgiving Law"giv`ing, a. Enacting laws; legislative. Lawing Law"ing, n. Going to law; litigation. Holinshed. Lawing Law"ing, n. [So called because done in compliance with an English forest law.] Expeditation. Blackstone. Lawless Law"less, a. 1. Contrary to, or unauthorized by, law; illegal; as, a lawless claim. He needs no indirect nor lawless course. Shak. 2. Not subject to, or restrained by, the law of morality or of society; as, lawless men or behavior. 3. Not subject to the laws of nature; uncontrolled. Or, meteorlike, flame lawless through the void. Pope. -- Law"less*ly, adv. -- Law"less*ness, n. Lawmaker Law"mak`er (?), n. A legislator; a lawgiver. _________________________________________________________________ Page 836 Lammaking Lam"mak`ing (?), a. Enacting laws; legislative. -- n. The enacting of laws; legislation. Lawmonger Law"mon`ger (?), n. A trader in law; one who practices law as if it were a trade. Milton. Lawn Lawn (?), n. [OE. laund, launde, F. lande heath, moor; of Celtic origin; cf. W. llan an open, clear place, llawnt a smooth rising hill, lawn, Armor. lann or lan territory, country, lann a prickly plant, pl. lannou heath, moor.] 1. An open space between woods. Milton. "Orchard lawns and bowery hollows." Tennyson. 2. Ground (generally in front of or around a house) covered with grass kept closely mown. Lawn mower, a machine for clipping the short grass of lawns. -- Lawn tennis, a variety of the game of tennis, played in the open air, sometimes upon a lawn, instead of in a tennis court. See Tennis. Lawm Lawm, n. [Earlier laune lynen, i. e., lawn linen; prob. from the town Laon in France.] A very fine linen (or sometimes cotton) fabric with a rather open texture. Lawn is used for the sleeves of a bishop's official dress in the English Church, and, figuratively, stands for the office itself. A saint in crape is twice in lawn. Pope. Lawnd Lawnd (?), n. [Obs.] See Laund. Lawny Lawn"y (?), a. Having a lawn; characterized by a lawn or by lawns; like a lawn. Musing through the lawny park. T. Warton. Lawny Lawn"y, a. Made of lawn or fine linen. Bp. Hall. Lawsonia Law*so"ni*a (?), n. (Bot.) An Asiatic and North African shrub (Lawsonia inermis), with smooth oval leaves, and fragrant white flowers. Henna is prepared from the leaves and twigs. In England the shrub is called Egyptian privet, and in the West Indies, Jamaica mignonette. Lawsuit Law"suit` (?), n. An action at law; a suit in equity or admiralty; any legal proceeding before a court for the enforcement of a claim. Lawyer Law"yer (?), n. [From Law, like bowyer, fr.bow.] 1. One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates. 2. (Zo\'94l.) (a) The black-necked stilt. See Stilt. (b) The bowfin (Amia calva). (c) The burbot (Lota maculosa). Lawyerlike, Lawyerly Law"yer*like` (?), Law"yer*ly (?), a. Like, or becoming, a lawyer; as, lawyerlike sagacity. "Lawyerly mooting of this point." Milton. Lax Lax (?), a. [Compar. Laxer (?); superl. Laxest.] [L. laxus Cf. Laches, Languish, Lease, v. t., Leash.] 1. Not tense, firm, or rigid; loose; slack; as, a lax bandage; lax fiber. The flesh of that sort of fish being lax and spongy. Ray. 2. Not strict or stringent; not exact; loose; weak; vague; equivocal. The discipline was lax. Macaulay. Society at that epoch was lenient, if not lax, in matters of the passions. J. A. Symonds. The word "\'91ternus" itself is sometimes of a lax signification. Jortin. 3. Having a looseness of the bowels; diarrheal. Syn. -- Loose; slack; vague; unconfined; unrestrained; dissolute; licentious. Lax Lax, n. A looseness; diarrhea. Laxation Lax*a"tion (?), n. [L. laxatio, fr. laxare to loosen, fr. laxus loose, slack.] The act of loosening or slackening, or the state of being loosened or slackened. Laxative Lax"a*tive (?), a. [L. laxativus mitigating, assuaging: cf. F. laxatif. See Lax, a.] 1. Having a tendency to loosen or relax. Milton. 2. (Med.) Having the effect of loosening or opening the intestines, and relieving from constipation; -- opposed to astringent. -- n. (Med.) A laxative medicine. See the Note under Cathartic. Laxativeness Lax"a*tive*ness, n. The quality of being laxative. Laxator Lax*a"tor (?), n. [NL., fr. L. laxare, laxatum, to loosen.] (Anat.) That which loosens; -- esp., a muscle which by its contraction loosens some part. Laxi-ty Lax"i-ty (?), n. [L. laxitas, fr. laxus loose, slack: cf. F. laxit\'82, See Lax, a.] The state or quality of being lax; want of tenseness, strictness, or exactness. Laxly Lax"ly, adv. In a lax manner. Laxness Lax"ness, n. The state of being lax; laxity. Lay Lay (?), imp. of Lie, to recline. Lay Lay, a. [F. lai, L. laicus, Gr. Laic.] 1. Of or pertaining to the laity, as distinct from the clergy; as, a lay person; a lay preacher; a lay brother. 2. Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.[Obs.] 3. Not belonging to, or emanating from, a particular profession; unprofessional; as, a lay opinion regarding the nature of a disease. Lay baptism (Eccl.), baptism administered by a lay person. F. G. Lee. -- Lay brother (R. C. Ch.), one received into a convent of monks under the three vows, but not in holy orders. -- Lay clerk (Eccl.), a layman who leads the responses of the congregation, etc., in the church service. Hook. -- Lay days (Com.), time allowed in a charter party for taking in and discharging cargo. McElrath. -- Lay elder. See 2d Elder, 3, note. Lay Lay (?), n. The laity; the common people. [Obs.] The learned have no more privilege than the lay. B. Jonson. Lay Lay, n. A meadow. See Lea. [Obs.] Dryden. Lay Lay, n. [OF.lei faith, law, F. loi law. See Legal.] 1. Faith; creed; religious profession. [Obs.] Of the sect to which that he was born He kept his lay, to which that he was sworn. Chaucer. 2. A law. [Obs.] "Many goodly lays." Spenser. 3. An obligation; a vow. [Obs.] They bound themselves by a sacred lay and oath. Holland. Lay Lay (?), a. [OF. lai, lais, prob. of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. laoi, laoidh, song, poem, OIr.laoidh poem, verse; but cf. also AS. l\'bec play, sport, G. leich a sort of poem (cf. Lake to sport). 1. A song; a simple lyrical poem; a ballad. Spenser. Sir W. Scott. 2. A melody; any musical utterance. The throstle cock made eke his lay. Chaucer. Lay Lay (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Laid (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laying.] [OE. leggen, AS. lecgan, causative, fr. licgan to lie; akin to D.leggen, G. legen, Icel. leggja, Goth. lagjan. See Lie to be prostrate.] 1. To cause to lie down, to be prostrate, or to lie against something; to put or set down; to deposit; as, to lay a book on the table; to lay a body in the grave; a shower lays the dust. A stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den. Dan. vi. 17. Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid. Milton. 2. To place in position; to establish firmly; to arrange with regularity; to dispose in ranks or tiers; as, to lay a corner stone; to lay bricks in a wall; to lay the covers on a table. 3. To prepare; to make ready; to contrive; to provide; as, to lay a snare, an ambush, or a plan. 4. To spread on a surface; as, to lay plaster or paint. 5. To cause to be still; to calm; to allay; to suppress; to exorcise, as an evil spirit. After a tempest when the winds are laid. Waller. 6. To cause to lie dead or dying. Brave C\'91neus laid Ortygius on the plain, The victor C\'91neus was by Turnus slain. Dryden. 7. To deposit, as a wager; to stake; to risk. I dare lay mine honor He will remain so. Shak. 8. To bring forth and deposit; as, to lay eggs. 9. To apply; to put. She layeth her hands to the spindle. Prov. xxxi. 19. 10. To impose, as a burden, suffering, or punishment; to assess, as a tax; as, to lay a tax on land. The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Is. Iiii. 6. 11. To impute; to charge; to allege. God layeth not folly to them. Job xxiv. 12. Lay the fault on us. Shak. 12. To impose, as a command or a duty; as, to lay commands on one. 13. To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a particular county; to lay a scheme before one. 14. (Law) To state; to allege; as, to lay the venue. Bouvier. 15. (Mil.) To point; to aim; as, to lay a gun. 16. (Rope Making) To put the strands of (a rope, a cable, etc.) in their proper places and twist or unite them; as, to lay a cable or rope. 17. (Print.) (a) To place and arrange (pages) for a form upon the imposing stone. (b) To place (new type) properly in the cases. To lay asleep, to put sleep; to make unobservant or careless. Bacon. -- To lay bare, to make bare; to strip. And laid those proud roofs bare to summer's rain. Byron. -- To lay before, to present to; to submit for consideration; as, the papers are laid before Congress. -- To lay by. (a) To save. (b) To discard. Let brave spirits . . . not be laid by. Bacon. -- To lay by the heels, to put in the stocks. Shak. -- To lay down. (a) To stake as a wager. (b) To yield; to relinquish; to surrender; as, to lay down one's life; to lay down one's arms. (c) To assert or advance, as a proposition or principle. -- To lay forth. (a) To extend at length; (reflexively) to exert one's self; to expatiate. [Obs.] (b) To lay out (as a corpse). [Obs.] Shak. -- To lay hands on, to seize. -- To lay hands on one's self, or To lay violent hands on one's self, to injure one's self; specif., to commit suicide. -- To lay heads together, to consult. -- To lay hold of, OR To lay hold on, to seize; to catch. -- To lay in, to store; to provide. -- To lay it on, to apply without stint. Shak. -- To lay on, to apply with force; to inflict; as, to lay on blows. -- To lay on load, to lay on blows; to strike violently. [Obs. OR Archaic] -- To lay one's self out, to strive earnestly. No selfish man will be concerned to lay out himself for the good of his country. Smalridge. -- To lay one's self open to, to expose one's self to, as to an accusation. -- To lay open, to open; to uncover; to expose; to reveal. -- To lay over, to spread over; to cover. -- To lay out. (a) To expend. Macaulay. (b) To display; to discover. (c) To plan in detail; to arrange; as, to lay out a garden. (d) To prepare for burial; as, to lay out a corpse. (e) To exert; as, to lay out all one's strength. -- To lay siege to. (a) To besiege; to encompass with an army. (b) To beset pertinaciously. -- To lay the course (Naut.), to sail toward the port intended without jibing. -- To lay the land (Naut.), to cause it to disappear below the horizon, by sailing away from it. -- To lay to (a) To charge upon; to impute. (b) To apply with vigor. (c) To attack or harass. [Obs.] Knolles. (d) (Naut.) To check the motion of (a vessel) and cause it to be stationary. -- To lay to heart, to feel deeply; to consider earnestly. -- To lay under, to subject to; as, to lay under obligation or restraint. -- To lay unto. (a) Same as To lay to (above). (b) To put before. Hos. xi. 4. -- To lay up. (a) To store; to reposit for future use. (b) To confine; to disable. (c) To dismantle, and retire from active service, as a ship. -- To lay wait for, to lie in ambush for. -- To lay waste, to destroy; to make desolate; as, to lay waste the land. Syn. -- See Put, v. t., and the Note under 4th Lie. Lay Lay, v. i. 1. To produce and deposit eggs. 2. (Naut.) To take a position; to come or go; as, to lay forward; to lay aloft. 3. To lay a wager; to bet. To lay about, OR To lay about one, to strike vigorously in all directions. J. H. Newman. -- To lay at, to strike or strike at. Spenser. -- To lay for, to prepare to capture or assault; to lay wait for. [Colloq.] Bp Hall. -- To lay in for, to make overtures for; to engage or secure the possession of. [Obs.] "I have laid in for these." Dryden. -- To lay on, to strike; to beat; to attack. Shak. -- To lay out, to purpose; to plan; as, he lays out to make a journey. Lay Lay (?), n. 1. That which lies or is laid or is conceived of as having been laid or placed in its position; a row; a stratum; a layer; as, a lay of stone or wood. Addison. A viol should have a lay of wire strings below. Bacon. NOTE: &hand; Th e la y of a ro pe is right-handed or left-handed according to the hemp or strands are laid up. See Lay, v. t., 16. The lay of land is its topographical situation, esp. its slope and its surface features. 2. A wager. "My fortunes against any lay worth naming." 3. (a) A job, price, or profit. [Prov. Eng.] Wright. (b) A share of the proceeds or profits of an enterprise; as, when a man ships for a whaling voyage, he agrees for a certain lay. [U. S.] 4. (Textile Manuf.) (a) A measure of yarn; a les. See 1st Lea (a). (b) The lathe of a loom. See Lathe, 8. 5. A plan; a scheme. [Slang] Dickens. Lay figure. (a) A jointed model of the human body that may be put in any attitude; -- used for showing the disposition of drapery, etc. (b) A mere puppet; one who serves the will of others without independent volition. -- Lay race, that part of a lay on which the shuttle travels in weaving; -- called also shuttle race. Layer Lay"er (?), n. [See Lay to cause to lie flat.] 1. One who, or that which, lays. 2. [Prob. a corruption of lair.] That which is laid; a stratum; a bed; one thickness, course, or fold laid over another; as, a layer of clay or of sand in the earth; a layer of bricks, or of plaster; the layers of an onion. 3. A shoot or twig of a plant, not detached from the stock, laid under ground for growth or propagation. 4. An artificial oyster bed. Layering Lay"er*ing, n. A propagating by layers. Gardner. Laying Lay"ing (?), n. 1. The act of one who, or that which, lays. 2. The act or period of laying eggs; the eggs laid for one incubation; a clutch. 3. The first coat on laths of plasterer's two-coat work. Layland Lay"land` (?), n. [Lay a meadow + land.] Land lying untilled; fallow ground. [Obs.] Blount. Layman Lay"man (?) n.; pl. Laymen (. [Lay, adj. + man.] 1. One of the people, in distinction from the clergy; one of the laity; sometimes, a man not belonging to some particular profession, in distinction from those who do.<-- used esp. by physicians of those w/o medical training --> Being a layman, I ought not to have concerned myself with speculations which belong to the profession. Dryden. 2. A lay figure. See under Lay, n. (above). Dryden Layner Lay"ner (?), n.[See Lanier.] A whiplash. [Obs.] Layship Lay"ship (?), n. The condition of being a layman. [Obs.] Milton. Laystall Lay"stall` (?), n. 1. A place where rubbish, dung, etc., are laid or deposited.[Obs.] B. Jonson. Smithfield was a laystall of all ordure and filth. Bacon. 2. A place where milch cows are kept, or cattle on the way to market are lodged. [Obs.] Lazar La"zar (?), n. [OF. lazare, fr. Lazarus the beggar. Luke xvi. 20.] A person infected with a filthy or pestilential disease; a leper. Chaucer. Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay. Spenser. Lazar house a lazaretto; also, a hospital for quarantine. Lazaret, Lazaretto Laz`a*ret" (?), Laz`a*ret"to (?), n. [F. lazaret, or It. lazzeretto, fr. Lazarus. See Lazar.] A public building, hospital, or pesthouse for the reception of diseased persons, particularly those affected with contagious diseases. Lazarist, Lazarite Laz"a*rist (?), Laz"a*rite (?), n. (R. C. Ch.) One of the Congregation of the Priests of the Mission, a religious institute founded by Vincent de Paul in 1624, and popularly called Lazarists or Lazarites from the College of St. Lazare in Paris, which was occupied by them until 1792. Lazarlike, Lazarly La"zar*like` (?), La"zar*ly (?), a. Full of sores; leprous. Shak. Bp. Hall. Lazaroni Laz`a*ro"ni (?), n. pl. See Lazzaroni. Lazarwort La"zar*wort` (?), n. (Bot.) Laserwort. Laze Laze (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lazed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lazing.] [See Lazy.] To be lazy or idle. [Colloq.] Middleton. Laze Laze, v. t. To waste in sloth; to spend, as time, in idleness; as, to laze away whole days. [Colloq.] Lazily La"zi*ly (?), adv. In a lazy manner. Locke. Laziness La"zi*ness, n. The state or quality of being lazy. Laziness travels so slowly, that Poverty soon overtakes him. Franklin. Lazuli Laz"u*li (?), n.[F. & NL. lapis lazuli, LL. lazulus, lazurius, lazur from the same Oriental source as E. azure. See Azure.] (Min.) A mineral of a fine azure-blue color, usually in small rounded masses. It is essentially a silicate of alumina, lime, and soda, with some sodium sulphide, is often marked by yellow spots or veins of sulphide of iron, and is much valued for ornamental work. Called also lapis lazuli, and Armenian stone. <-- and lapis. --> Lazulite Laz"u*lite (?), n. [From lazuli : cf. F. lazulite, G. lazulith.] (Min.) A mineral of a light indigo-blue color, occurring in small masses, or in monoclinic crystals; blue spar. It is a hydrous phosphate of alumina and magnesia. Lazy La"zy (?), a. [Compar. Lazier (?); superl. Laziest.] [OE. lasie, laesic, of uncertain origin; cf. F. las tired, L. lassus, akin to E. late; or cf. LG. losig, lesig.] 1. Disinclined to action or exertion; averse to labor; idle; shirking work. Bacon. 2. Inactive; slothful; slow; sluggish; as, a lazy stream. "The night owl's lazy flight." Shak. 3. Wicked; vicious. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] B. Jonson. _________________________________________________________________ Page 837 Lazy tongs, a system of jointed bars capable of great extension, originally made for picking up something at a distance, now variously applied in machinery. Syn. -- Idle; indolent; sluggish; slothful. See Idle. Lazyback La"zy*back` (?), n. A support for the back, attached to the seat of a carriage. [Colloq.] Lazybones La"zy*bones` (?), n. A lazy person. [Colloq.] Lazzaroni Laz`za*ro"ni (?; It. , n. pl. [It. lazzarone, pl. lazzaroni.] The homeless idlers of Naples who live by chance work or begging; -- so called from the Hospital of St. Lazarus, which serves as their refuge. [Written also, but improperly, lazaroni.] Lea Lea, n. [Cf. Lay, n. (that which is laid), 4.] (Textile Manuf.) (a) A measure of yarn; for linen, 300 yards; for cotton, 120 yards; a lay. (b) A set of warp threads carried by a loop of the heddle. Lea Lea, n. [OE. ley, lay, As. le\'a0h, le\'a0; akin to Prov. G. lon bog, morass, grove, and perh. to L. lucus grove, E. light, n.] A meadow or sward land; a grassy field. "Plow-torn leas." Shak. The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea. Gray. Leach Leach (?), n. (Naut.) See 3d Leech. Leach Leach, n. [Written also letch.] [Cf. As. le\'a0h lye, G. lauge. See Lye.] 1. A quantity of wood ashes, through which water passes, and thus imbibes the alkali. 2. A tub or vat for leaching ashes, bark, etc. Leach tub, a wooden tub in which ashes are leached. Leach Leach, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leached (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaching.] [Written also leech and letch.] 1. To remove the soluble constituents from by subjecting to the action of percolating water or other liquid; as, to leach ashes or coffee. 2. To dissolve out; -- often used with out; as, to leach out alkali from ashes. Leach Leach, v. i. To part with soluble constituents by percolation. Leach Leach, n. See Leech, a physician. [Obs.] Leachy Leach"y (?), a. Permitting liquids to pass by percolation; not capable of retaining water; porous; pervious; -- said of gravelly or sandy soils, and the like. Lead Lead (l&ecr;d), n. [OE. led, leed, lead, AS. le\'a0d; akin to D. lood, MHG. l&omac;t, G. loth plummet, sounding lead, small weight, Sw. & Dan. lod. &root;123] 1. (Chem.) One of the elements, a heavy, pliable, inelastic metal, having a bright, bluish color, but easily tarnished. It is both malleable and ductile, though with little tenacity, and is used for tubes, sheets, bullets, etc. Its specific gravity is 11.37. It is easily fusible, forms alloys with other metals, and is an ingredient of solder and type metal. Atomic weight, 206.4. Symbol Pb (L. Plumbum). It is chiefly obtained from the mineral galena, lead sulphide. 2. An article made of lead or an alloy of lead; as: (a) A plummet or mass of lead, used in sounding at sea. (b) (Print.) A thin strip of type metal, used to separate lines of type in printing. (c) Sheets or plates of lead used as a covering for roofs; hence, pl., a roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates. I would have the tower two stories, and goodly leads upon the top. Bacon 3. A small cylinder of black lead or plumbago, used in pencils. Black lead, graphite or plumbago, ; -- so called from its leadlike appearance and streak. [Colloq.] -- Coasting lead, a sounding lead intermediate in weight between a hand lead and deep-sea lead. -- Deep-sea lead, the heaviest of sounding leads, used in water exceeding a hundred fathoms in depth. Ham. Nav. Encyc. -- Hand lead, a small lead use for sounding in shallow water. -- Krems lead, Kremnitz lead [so called from Krems or Kremnitz, in Austria], a pure variety of white lead, formed into tablets, and called also Krems, or Kremnitz, white, and Vienna white. -- Lead arming, tallow put in the hollow of a sounding lead. See To arm the lead (below). -- Lead colic. See under Colic. -- Lead color, a deep bluish gray color, like tarnished lead. -- Lead glance. (Min.) Same as Galena. -- Lead line (a) (Med.) A dark line along the gums produced by a deposit of metallic lead, due to lead poisoning. (b) (Naut.) A sounding line. -- Lead mill, a leaden polishing wheel, used by lapidaries. -- Lead ocher (Min.), a massive sulphur-yellow oxide of lead. Same as Massicot. -- Lead pencil, a pencil of which the marking material is graphite (black lead). -- Lead plant (Bot.), a low leguminous plant, genus Amorpha (A. canescens), found in the Northwestern United States, where its presence is supposed to indicate lead ore. Gray. -- Lead tree. (a) (Bot.) A West Indian name for the tropical, leguminous tree, Leuc\'91na glauca; -- probably so called from the glaucous color of the foliage. (b) (Chem.) Lead crystallized in arborescent forms from a solution of some lead salt, as by suspending a strip of zinc in lead acetate. -- Mock lead, a miner's term for blende. -- Red lead, a scarlet, crystalline, granular powder, consisting of minium when pure, but commonly containing several of the oxides of lead. It is used as a paint or cement and also as an ingredient of flint glass. -- Red lead ore (Min.), crocoite. -- Sugar of lead, acetate of lead. -- To arm the lead, to fill the hollow in the bottom of a sounding lead with tallow in order to discover the nature of the bottom by the substances adhering. Ham. Nav. Encyc. -- To cast, OR heave, the lead, to cast the sounding lead for ascertaining the depth of water. -- White lead, hydrated carbonate of lead, obtained as a white, amorphous powder, and much used as an ingredient of white paint. Lead Lead, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Leading.] 1. To cover, fill, or affect with lead; as, continuous firing leads the grooves of a rifle. 2. (Print.) To place leads between the lines of; as, to lead a page; leaded matter. Lead Lead (l&emac;d), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Led (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leading.] [OE. leden, AS. l (akin to OS. l, D. leiden, G. leiten,Icel. le, Sw. leda, Dan.lede), properly a causative fr. AS. li to go; akin to OHG. l, Icel. l,Goth. leipan (in comp.). Cf. Lode, Loath.] 1. To guide or conduct with the hand, or by means of some physical contact connection; as, a father leads a child; a jockey leads a horse with a halter; a dog leads a blind man. If a blind man lead a blind man, both fall down in the ditch. Wyclif (Matt. xv. 14.) They thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill. Luke iv. 29. In thy right hand lead with thee The mountain nymph, sweet Liberty. Milton. 2. To guide or conduct in a certain course, or to a certain place or end, by making the way known; to show the way, esp. by going with or going in advance of. Hence, figuratively: To direct; to counsel; to instruct; as, to lead a traveler; to lead a pupil. The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way. Ex. xiii. 21. He leadeth me beside the still waters. Ps. xxiii. 2. This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask. Content, though blind, had I no better guide. Milton. 3. To conduct or direct with authority; to have direction or charge of; as, to lead an army, an exploring party, or a search; to lead a political party. Christ took not upon him flesh and blood that he might conquer and rule nations, lead armies, or possess places. South. 4. To go or to be in advance of; to precede; hence, to be foremost or chief among; as, the big sloop led the fleet of yachts; the Guards led the attack; Demosthenes leads the orators of all ages. As Hesperus, that leads the sun his way. Fairfax. And lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. Leigh Hunt. 5. To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to prevail on; to induce; to entice; to allure; as, to lead one to espouse a righteous cause. He was driven by the necessities of the times, more than led by his own disposition, to any rigor of actions. Eikon Basilike. Silly women, laden with sins,led away by divers lusts. 2 Tim. iii. 6 (Rev. Ver.). 6. To guide or conduct one's self in, through, or along (a certain course); hence, to proceed in the way of; to follow the path or course of; to pass; to spend. Also, to cause (one) to proceed or follow in (a certain course). That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. 1 Tim. ii. 2. Nor thou with shadowed hint confuse A life that leads melodious days. Tennyson. You remember . . . the life he used to lead his wife and daughter. Dickens. 7. (Cards & Dominoes) To begin a game, round, or trick, with; as, to lead trumps; the double five was led. To lead astray, to guide in a wrong way, or into error; to seduce from truth or rectitude. -- To lead captive, to carry or bring into captivity. -- To lead the way, to show the way by going in front; to act as guide. Goldsmith. Lead Lead (?), v. i. 1. To guide or conduct, as by accompanying, going before, showing, influencing, directing with authority, etc.; to have precedence or pre\'89minence; to be first or chief; -- used in most of the senses of lead, v. t. 2. To tend or reach in a certain direction, or to a certain place; as, the path leads to the mill; gambling leads to other vices. The mountain foot that leads towards Mantua. Shak. To lead off OR out, to go first; to begin. Lead Lead, n. 1. The act of leading or conducting; guidance; direction; as, to take the lead; to be under the lead of another. At the time I speak of, and having a momentary lead, . . . I am sure I did my country important service. Burke. 2. precedence; advance position; also, the measure of precedence; as, the white horse had the lead; a lead of a boat's length, or of half a second. 3. (Cards & Dominoes) The act or right of playing first in a game or round; the card suit, or piece, so played; as, your partner has the lead. 4. An open way in an ice field. Kane. 5. (Mining) A lode. 6. (Naut.) The course of a rope from end to end. 7. (Steam Engine) The width of port opening which is uncovered by the valve, for the admission or release of steam, at the instant when the piston is at end of its stroke. NOTE: &hand; When used alone it means outside lead, or lead for the admission of steam. Inside lead refers to the release or exhaust. 8. (Civil Engineering) the distance of haul, as from a cutting to an embankment. 9. (Horology) The action of a tooth, as a tooth of a wheel, in impelling another tooth or a pallet. Saunier. Lead angle (Steam Engine), the angle which the crank maker with the line of centers, in approaching it, at the instant when the valve opens to admit steam. -- Lead screw (Mach.), the main longitudinal screw of a lathe, which gives the feed motion to the carriage. Leaded Lead"ed (?), a. 1. Fitted with lead; set in lead; as, leaded windows. 2. (Print.) Separated by leads, as the lines of a page. Leaden Lead"en (?), a. 1. Made of lead; of the nature of lead; as, a leaden ball. 2. Like lead in color, etc. ; as, a leaden sky. 3. Heavy; dull; sluggish. "Leaden slumber." Shak. Leader Lead"er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, leads or conducts; a guide; a conductor. Especially: (a) One who goes first. (b) One having authority to direct; a chief; a commander. (c) (Mus.) A performer who leads a band or choir in music; also, in an orchestra, the principal violinist; the one who plays at the head of the first violins. (d) (Naut.) A block of hard wood pierced with suitable holes for leading ropes in their proper places. (e) (Mach.) The principal wheel in any kind of machinery. [Obs. or R.] G. Francis. (f) A horse placed in advance of others; one of the forward pair of horses. He forgot to pull in his leaders, and they gallop away with him at times. Hare. (g) A pipe for conducting rain water from a roof to a cistern or to the ground; a conductor. (h) (Fishing) A net for leading fish into a pound, weir, etc. ; also, a line of gut, to which the snell of a fly hook is attached. (i) (Mining) A branch or small vein, not important in itself, but indicating the proximity of a better one. 2. The first, or the principal, editorial article in a newspaper; a leading or main editorial article. 3. (Print.) (a) A type having a dot or short row of dots upon its face. (b) pl. a row of dots, periods, or hyphens, used in tables of contents, etc., to lead the eye across a space to the right word or number. Syn. -- chief; chieftain; commander. See Chief. Leadership Lead"er*ship (?), n. The office of a leader. Leadhillite Lead"hill*ite (?), n. (Min.) A mineral of a yellowish or greenish white color, consisting of the sulphate and carbonate of lead; -- so called from having been first found at Leadhills, Scotland. Leading Lead"ing (?), a. Guiding; directing; controlling; foremost; as, a leading motive; a leading man; a leading example. -- Lead"ing*ly, adv. Leading case (Law), a reported decision which has come to be regarded as settling the law of the question involved. Abbott. -- Leading motive [a translation of G. leitmotif] (Mus.), a guiding theme; in the modern music drama of Wagner, a marked melodic phrase or short passage which always accompanies the reappearance of a certain person, situation, abstract idea, or allusion in the course of the play; a sort of musical label. -- Leading note (Mus.), the seventh note or tone in the ascending major scale; the sensible note. -- Leading question, a question so framed as to guide the person questioned in making his reply. -- Leading strings, strings by which children are supported when beginning to walk. -- To be in leading strings, to be in a state of infancy or dependence, or under the guidance of others. -- Leading wheel, a wheel situated before the driving wheels of a locomotive engine. Leading Lead"ing, n. 1. The act of guiding, directing, governing, or enticing; guidance. Shak. 2. Suggestion; hint; example. [Archaic] Bacon. Leadman Lead"man (?), n.; pl. Leadmen (. One who leads a dance.[Obs.] B. Jonson. Leadsman Leads"man (?), n.; pl. Leadsmen (. (Naut.) The man who heaves the lead. Totten. Leadwort Lead"wort` (?), n. (Bot.) A genus of maritime herbs (Plumbago). P. Europ\'91a has lead-colored spots on the leaves, and nearly lead-colored flowers. Leady Lead"y (?), a. Resembling lead. Sir T. Elyot. Leaf Leaf (?), n.; pl. Leaves (#). [OE. leef, lef, leaf, AS. le\'a0f; akin to S. l, OFries. laf, D. loof foliage, G. laub,OHG. loub leaf, foliage, Icel. lauf, Sw. l\'94f, Dan. l\'94v, Goth. laufs; cf. Lith. lapas. Cf. Lodge.] 1. (Bot.) A colored, usually green, expansion growing from the side of a stem or rootstock, in which the sap for the use of the plant is elaborated under the influence of light; one of the parts of a plant which collectively constitute its foliage. NOTE: &hand; Su ch le aves us ually consist of a blade, or lamina , supported upon a leafstalk or petiole, which, continued through the blade as the midrib, gives off woody ribs and veins that support the cellular texture. The petiole has usually some sort of an appendage on each side of its base, which is called the stipule. The green parenchyma of the leaf is covered with a thin epiderm pierced with closable microscopic openings, known as stomata. 2. (Bot.) A special organ of vegetation in the form of a lateral outgrowth from the stem, whether appearing as a part of the foliage, or as a cotyledon, a scale, a bract, a spine, or a tendril. NOTE: &hand; In th is vi ew every part of a plant, except the root and the stem, is either a leaf, or is composed of leaves more or less modified and transformed. 3. Something which is like a leaf in being wide and thin and having a flat surface, or in being attached to a larger body by one edge or end; as : (a) A part of a book or folded sheet containing two pages upon its opposite sides. (b) A side, division, or part, that slides or is hinged, as of window shutters, folding doors, etc. (c) The movable side of a table. (d) A very thin plate; as, gold leaf. (e) A portion of fat lying in a separate fold or layer. (f) One of the teeth of a pinion, especially when small. Leaf beetle (Zo\'94l.), any beetle which feeds upon leaves; esp., any species of the family Chrysomelid\'91, as the potato beetle and helmet beetle. -- Leaf bridge, a draw-bridge having a platform or leaf which swings vertically on hinges. -- Leaf bud (Bot.), a bud which develops into leaves or a leafy branch. -- Leaf butterfly (Zo\'94l.), any butterfly which, in the form and colors of its wings, resembles the leaves of plants upon which it rests; esp., butterflies of the genus Kallima, found in Southern Asia and the East Indies. -- Leaf crumpler (Zo\'94l.), a small moth (Phycis indigenella), the larva of which feeds upon leaves of the apple tree, and forms its nest by crumpling and fastening leaves together in clusters. -- Leaf cutter (Zo\'94l.) , any one of various species of wild bees of the genus Megachile, which cut rounded pieces from the edges of leaves, or the petals of flowers, to be used in the construction of their nests, which are made in holes and crevices, or in a leaf rolled up for the purpose. Among the common American species are M. brevis and M. centuncularis. Called also rose-cutting bee. -- Leaf fat, the fat which lies in leaves or layers within the body of an animal. -- Leaf flea (Zo\'94l.), a jumping plant louse of the family Psyllid\'91. -- Leaf frog (Zo\'94l.), any tree frog of the genus Phyllomedusa. -- Leaf green.(Bot.) See Chlorophyll. -- Leaf hopper (Zo\'94l.), any small jumping hemipterous insect of the genus Tettigonia, and allied genera. They live upon the leaves and twigs of plants. See Live hopper. -- Leaf insect (Zo\'94l.), any one of several genera and species of orthopterous insects, esp. of the genus Phyllium, in which the wings, and sometimes the legs, resemble leaves in color and form. They are common in Southern Asia and the East Indies. -- Leaf lard, lard from leaf fat. See under Lard. -- Leaf louse (Zo\'94l.), an aphid. -- Leaf metal, metal in thin leaves, as gold, silver, or tin. -- Leaf miner (Zo\'94l.), any one of various small lepidopterous and dipterous insects, which, in the larval stages, burrow in and eat the parenchyma of leaves; as, the pear-tree leaf miner (Lithocolletis geminatella). -- Leaf notcher (Zo\'94l.), a pale bluish green beetle (Artipus Floridanus), which, in Florida, eats the edges of the leaves of orange trees. -- Leaf roller (Zo\'94l.), the larva of any tortricid moth which makes a nest by rolling up the leaves of plants. See Tortrix. -- Leaf scar (Bot.), the cicatrix on a stem whence a leaf has fallen. -- Leaf sewer (Zo\'94l.), a tortricid moth, whose caterpillar makes a nest by rolling up a leaf and fastening the edges together with silk, as if sewn; esp., Phoxopteris nubeculana, which feeds upon the apple tree. -- Leaf sight, a hinges sight on a firearm, which can be raised or folded down. -- Leaf trace (Bot.), one or more fibrovascular bundles, which may be traced down an endogenous stem from the base of a leaf. -- Leaf tier (Zo\'94l.), a tortricid moth whose larva makes a nest by fastening the edges of a leaf together with silk; esp., Teras cinderella, found on the apple tree. -- Leaf valve, a valve which moves on a hinge. -- Leaf wasp (Zo\'94l.), a sawfiy. -- To turn over a new leaf, to make a radical change for the better in one's way of living or doing. [Colloq.] They were both determined to turn over a new leaf. Richardson. _________________________________________________________________ Page 838 Leaf Leaf (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leafed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leafing.] To shoot out leaves; to produce leaves; to leave; as, the trees leaf in May.<-- = leaf out --> Sir T. Browne. Leafage Leaf"age (?), n. Leaves, collectively; foliage. Leafcup Leaf"cup` (?), n. (Bot.) A coarse American composite weed (Polymnia Uvedalia). Leafed Leafed (?), a. Having (such) a leaf or (so many) leaves; -- used in composition; as, broad-leafed; four-leafed. Leafet Leaf"et (?), n. (Bot.) A leaflet. Leaf-footed Leaf"-foot`ed (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Having leaflike expansions on the legs; -- said of certain insects; as, the leaf-footed bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus). Leafiness Leaf"i*ness (?), n. The state of being leafy. Leafless Leaf"less, a. Having no leaves or foliage; bearing no foliage. "Leafless groves." Cowper. -- Leaf"less*ness, n. Leafless plants, plants having no foliage, though leaves may be present in the form of scales and bracts. See Leaf, n., 1 and 2. Leaflet Leaf"let (?), n. 1. A little leaf; also, a little printed leaf or a tract. 2. (Bot.) One of the divisions of a compound leaf; a foliole. 3. (Zo\'94l.) A leaflike organ or part; as, a leaflet of the gills of fishes. Leaf-nosed Leaf"-nosed` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) Having a leaflike membrane on the nose; -- said of certain bats, esp. of the genera Phyllostoma and Rhinonycteris. See Vampire. Leafstalk Leaf"stalk` (?), n. (Bot.) The stalk or petiole which supports a leaf. Leafy Leaf"y (?), a. [Compar. Leafier (?); superl. Leafiest.] 1. Full of leaves; abounding in leaves; as, the leafy forest. "The leafy month of June." Coleridge. 2. Consisting of leaves. "A leafy bed." Byron. League League (?), n. [Cf. OE. legue, lieue, a measure of length, F. lieue, Pr. lega, legua, It. & LL. lega, Sp. legua, Pg. legoa, legua; all fr. LL. leuca, of Celtic origin: cf. Arm. leo, lev (perh. from French), Ir.leige (perh. from English); also Ir. & Gael. leac a flag, a broad, flat stone, W. llech, -- such stones having perh. served as a sort of milestone (cf. Cromlech).] 1. A measure of length or distance, varying in different countries from about 2.4 to 4.6 English statute miles of 5.280 feet each, and used (as a land measure) chiefly on the continent of Europe, and in the Spanish parts of America. The marine league of England and the United States is equal to three marine, or geographical, miles of 6080 feet each. NOTE: &hand; Th e En glish la nd le ague is equal to three English statute miles. The Spanish and French leagues vary in each country according to usage and the kind of measurement to which they are applied. The Dutch and German leagues contain about four geographical miles, or about 4.6 English statute miles. 2. A stone erected near a public road to mark the distance of a league. [Obs.] League League (?), n. [F.ligue, LL. liga, fr. L. ligare to bind; cf. Sp. liga. Cf. Ally a confederate, Ligature.] An alliance or combination of two or more nations, parties, or persons, for the accomplishment of a purpose which requires a continued course of action, as for mutual defense, or for furtherance of commercial, religious, or political interests, etc. And let there be 'Twixt us and them no league, nor amity. Denham. NOTE: &hand; A le ague ma y be of fensive or defensive, or both; offensive, when the parties agree to unite in attacking a common enemy; defensive, when they agree to a mutual defense of each other against an enemy. The Holy League, an alliance of Roman Catholics formed in 1576 by influence of the Duke of Guise for the exclusion of Protestants from the throne of France. -- Solemn League and Covenant. See Covenant,2. -- The land league, an association, organized in Dublin in 1879, to promote the interests of the Irish tenantry, its avowed objects being to secure fixity of tenure fair rent, and free sale of the tenants' interest. It was declared illegal by Parliament, but vigorous prosecutions have failed to suppress it. Syn. -- Alliance; confederacy; confederation; coalition; combination; compact; co\'94peration. League League (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leagued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaguing (?).] [Cf. F. se liguer. See 2d League.] To unite in a league or confederacy; to combine for mutual support; to confederate South. League League, v. t. To join in a league; to cause to combine for a joint purpose; to combine; to unite; as, common interests will league heterogeneous elements. Leaguer Lea"guer, n. [D.leger camp, bed, couch, lair. See Lair, and cf.Beleaguer.] 1. The camp of a besieging army; a camp in general. b. Jonson. 2. A siege or beleaguering. [R.] Sir W. Scott. Leaguer Lea"guer, v. t.To besiege; to beleaguer. [Obs.] Leaguerer Lea"guer*er (?), n. A besieger. [R.] J. Webster. Leak Leak (?), n. [Akin to D. lek leaky, a leak, G.leck, Icel. lekr leaky, Dan. l\'91k leaky, a leak, Sw. l\'84ck; cf. AS. hlec full of cracks or leaky. Cf. Leak, v.] 1. A crack, crevice, fissure, or hole which admits water or other fluid, or lets it escape; as, a leak in a roof; a leak in a boat; a leak in a gas pipe. "One leak will sink a ship." Bunyan. 2. The entrance or escape of a fluid through a crack, fissure, or other aperture; as, the leak gained on the ship's pumps. To spring a leak, to open or crack so as to let in water; to begin to let in water; as, the ship sprung a leak. Leak Leak, a. Leaky. [Obs.] Spenser. Leak Leak, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leaked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaking.] [Akin to D. lekken, G. lecken, lechen, Icel. leka, Dan. l\'91kke, Sw. l\'84cka, AS. leccan to wet, moisten. See Leak, n.] 1. To let water or other fluid in or out through a hole, crevice, etc.; as, the cask leaks; the roof leaks; the boat leaks. 2. To enter or escape, as a fluid, through a hole, crevice, etc. ; to pass gradually into, or out of, something; -- usually with in or out. To leak out, to be divulged gradually or clandestinely; to become public; as, the facts leaked out. Leakage Leak"age (, n. [Cf. D. lekkage, for sense 1.] 1. A leaking; also, the quantity that enters or issues by leaking. 2. (Com.) An allowance of a certain rate per cent for the leaking of casks, or waste of liquors by leaking. Leakiness Leak"i*ness (?), n. The quality of being leaky. Leaky Leak"y (?), a. [Compar. Leakier (?); superl. Leakiest.] 1. Permitting water or other fluid to leak in or out; as, a leaky roof or cask. 2. Apt to disclose secrets; tattling; not close. [Colloq.] Leal Leal (?), a. [OE. leial, another form of loial, F. loyal. See Loyal.] Faithful; loyal; true. All men true and leal, all women pure. Tennyson. Land of the leal, the place of the faithful; heaven. Leam Leam (?), n. & v. i. See Leme. [Obs.] Holland. Leam Leam, n. [See Leamer, Lien.] A cord or strap for leading a dog. Sir W. Scott. Leamer Leam"er (?), n. [F. limier, OF. liemier, fr. L. ligamen band, bandage. See Lien.] A dog held by a leam. Lean Lean (?), v. t. [Icel. leyna; akin to G. l\'84ugnen to deny, AS. l, also E. lie to speak falsely.] To conceal. [Obs.] Ray. Lean Lean (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leaned (?), sometimes Leant (p. pr. & vb. n. Leaning.] [OE. lenen, AS. hlinian, hleonian, v. i.; akin to OS. hlin\'d3n, D. leunen, OHG. hlin\'c7n, lin\'c7n, G. lehnen, L. inclinare, Gr. clivus hill, slope. &root;40. Cf. Declivity, Climax, Incline, Ladder.] 1. To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column. "He leant forward." Dickens. 2. To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; -- with to, toward, etc. They delight rather to lean to their old customs. Spenser. 3. To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; -- with on, upon, or against. He leaned not on his fathers but himself. Tennyson. Lean Lean, v. t. [From Lean, v. i. ; AS. hl, v. t., fr. hleonian, hlinian, v. i.] To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest. Mrs. Browning. His fainting limbs against an oak he leant. Dryden. Lean Lean (?), a. [Compar. Leaner (?); superl. Leanest.] [OE. lene, AS. hl; prob. akin to E. lean to incline. See Lean, v. i. ] 1. Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; not plump; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle. 2. Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender; scant; barren; bare; mean; -- used literally and figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean discourse; lean wages. "No lean wardrobe." Shak. Their lean and fiashy songs. Milton. What the land is, whether it be fat or lean. Num. xiii. 20. Out of my lean and low ability I'll lend you something. Shak. 3. (Typog.) Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; -- opposed to fat; as lean copy, matter, or type. Syn. -- slender; spare; thin; meager; lank; skinny; gaunt. Lean Lean (?), n. 1. That part of flesh which consist principally of muscle without the fat. The fat was so white and the lean was so ruddy. Goldsmith. 2. (Typog.) Unremunerative copy or work. Lean-faced Lean"-faced` (?), a. 1. Having a thin face. 2. (Typog.) slender or narrow; -- said of type the letters of which have thin lines, or are unusually narrow in proportion to their height. W. Savage. Leaning Lean"ing, n. The act, or state, of inclining; inclination; tendency; as, a leaning towards Calvinism. Leanly Lean"ly, adv. Meagerly; without fat or plumpness. Leanness Lean"ness, n. [AS. hl&aemac;nnes.] The condition or quality of being lean. Lean-to Lean"-to` (?), a. (Arch.) Having only one slope or pitch; -- said of a roof. -- n. A shed or slight building placed against the wall of a larger structure and having a single-pitched roof; -- called also penthouse, and to-fall.<-- a crude, usually temporary shelter comprising a lean-to roof braced against any convenient support, as a wall, a tree or a pole. The roof may extend all the way to the ground. --> The outer circuit was covered as a lean-to, all round this inner apartment. De Foe. Lean-witted Lean"-wit`ted (?), a. Having but little sense or shrewdness. Leany Lean"y (?), a. Lean. [Obs.] Spenser. Leap Leap (?), n. [AS. le\'a0p.] 1. A basket. [Obs.] Wyclif. 2. A weel or wicker trap for fish. [Prov. Eng.] Leap Leap (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leaped (?), rarely Leapt; p. pr. & vb. n. Leaping.] [OE. lepen, leapen, AS. hle\'a0pan to leap, jump, run; akin to OS. \'behl, OFries. hlapa, D. loopen, G. laufen, OHG. louffan, hlauffan, Icel. hlaupa, Sw. l\'94pa, Dan. l\'94be, Goth. ushlaupan. Cf. Elope, Lope, Lapwing, Loaf to loiter.] 1. To spring clear of the ground, with the feet; to jump; to vault; as, a man leaps over a fence, or leaps upon a horse. Bacon. Leap in with me into this angry flood. Shak. 2. To spring or move suddenly, as by a jump or by jumps; to bound; to move swiftly. Also Fig. My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky. Wordsworth. Leap Leap, v. t. 1. To pass over by a leap or jump; as, to leap a wall, or a ditch. 2. To copulate with (a female beast); to cover. 3. To cause to leap; as, to leap a horse across a ditch. Leap Leap, n. 1. The act of leaping, or the space passed by leaping; a jump; a spring; a bound. Wickedness comes on by degrees, . . . and sudden leaps from one extreme to another are unnatural. L'Estrange. Changes of tone may proceed either by leaps or glides. H. Sweet. 2. Copulation with, or coverture of, a female beast. 3. (Mining) A fault. 4. (Mus.) A passing from one note to another by an interval, especially by a long one, or by one including several other and intermediate intervals. Leaper Leap"er (?), n. [AS. hle\'a0pere.] One who, or that which, leaps. Leaper Leap"er, n. [See 1st Leap.] A kind of hooked instrument for untwisting old cordage. Leapfrog Leap"frog` (?), n. A play among boys, in which one stoops down and another leaps over him by placing his hands on the shoulders of the former. Leapful Leap"ful (?), n. [See 1st Leap.] A basketful. [Obs.] Leaping Leap"ing, a. & n. from Leap, to jump. Leaping house, a brothel. [Obs.] Shak. -- Leaping pole, a pole used in some games of leaping. -- Leaping spider (Zo\'94l.), a jumping spider; one of the Saltigrad\'91. Leapingly Leap"ing*ly, adv. By leaps. Leap year Leap" year` (?). Bissextile; a year containing 366 days; every fourth year which leaps over a day more than a common year, giving to February twenty-nine days. See Bissextile. NOTE: &hand; Every year whose number is divisible by four without a remainder is a leap year, excepting the full centuries, which, to be leap years, must be divisible by 400 without a remainder. If not so divisible they are common years. 1900, therefore, is not a leap year. Lear Lear (?), v. t. To learn. See Lere, to learn. [Obs.] Lear Lear, n. Lore; lesson. [Obs.] Spenser. Lear Lear, a. See Leer, a. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell. Lear Lear, n. An annealing oven. See Leer, n. Learn Learn (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Learned (?), or Learnt (p. pr. & vb. n. Learning.] [OE. lernen, leornen, AS. leornian; akin to OS. lin\'d3n, for lirn\'d3n, OHG. lirn\'c7n, lern\'c7n, G. lernen, fr. the root of AS. l to teach, OS. l\'c7rian, OHG.l\'c7ran, G. lehren, Goth. laisjan, also Goth lais I know, leis acquainted (in comp.); all prob. from a root meaning, to go, go over, and hence, to learn; cf. AS. leoran to go . Cf. Last a mold of the foot, lore.] 1. To gain knowledge or information of; to ascertain by inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction concerning; to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding of, or skill; as, to learn the way; to learn a lesson; to learn dancing; to learn to skate; to learn the violin; to learn the truth about something. "Learn to do well." Is. i. 17. Now learn a parable of the fig tree. Matt. xxiv. 32. 2. To communicate knowledge to; to teach. [Obs.] Hast thou not learned me how To make perfumes ? Shak. NOTE: &hand; Le arn fo rmerly ha d al so th e se nse of te ach, in accordance with the analogy of the French and other languages, and hence we find it with this sense in Shakespeare, Spenser, and other old writers. This usage has now passed away. To learn is to receive instruction, and to teach is to give instruction. He who is taught learns, not he who teaches. Learn Learn, v. i. To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress in acquiring knowledge or skill; to receive information or instruction; as, this child learns quickly. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. Matt. xi. 29. To learn by heart. See By heart, under Heart. -- To learn by rote, to memorize by repetition without exercise of the understanding. _________________________________________________________________ Page 839 Learnable Learn"a*ble (?), a. Such as can be learned. Learned Learn"ed (?), a. Of or pertaining to learning; possessing, or characterized by, learning, esp. scholastic learning; erudite; well-informed; as, a learned scholar, writer, or lawyer; a learned book; a learned theory. The learnedlover lost no time. Spenser. Men of much reading are greatly learned, but may be little knowing. Locke. Words of learned length and thundering sound. Goldsmith. The learned, learned men; men of erudition; scholars. -- Learn"ed*ly, adv. Learn"ed*ness, n. Every coxcomb swears as learnedly as they. Swift. Learner Learn"er (?), n. One who learns; a scholar. Learning Learn"ing, n. [AS. leornung.] 1. The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy. 2. The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning. Book learning. See under Book. Syn. -- Literature; erudition; lore; scholarship; science; letters. See Literature. Leasable Leas"a*ble (?), a. [From 2d Lease.] Such as can be leased. Lease Lease (?), v. i. [AS. lesan to gather; akin to D. lezen to gather, read, G. lesen, Goth. lisan to gather; cf. Lith lesti to peck.] To gather what harvesters have left behind; to glean. [Obs.] Dryden. Lease Lease (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leased (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leasing.] [F.laisser, OF. laissier, lessier, to leave, transmit, L. laxare to loose, slacken, from laxus loose, wide. See Lax, and cf. Lesser.] 1. To grant to another by lease the possession of, as of lands, tenements, and hereditaments; to let; to demise; as, a landowner leases a farm to a tenant; -- sometimes with out. There were some [houses] that were leased out for three lives. Addison. 2. To hold under a lease; to take lease of; as, a tenant leases his land from the owner. Lease Lease (?), n. [Cf. OF. lais. See Lease, v. t.] 1. A demise or letting of lands, tenements, or hereditaments to another for life, for a term of years, or at will, or for any less interest than that which the lessor has in the property, usually for a specified rent or compensation. 2. The contract for such letting. 3. Any tenure by grant or permission; the time for which such a tenure holds good; allotted time. Our high-placed Macbeth Shall live the lease of nature. Shak. Lease and release a mode of conveyance of freehold estates, formerly common in England and in New York. its place is now supplied by a simple deed of grant. Burrill. Warren's Blackstone. Leasehold Lease"hold` (?), a. Held by lease. Leasehold Lease"hold`, n. A tenure by lease; specifically, land held as personalty under a lease for years. Leaseholder Lease"hold`er (?), n. A tenant under a lease. -- Lease"hold`ing, a. & n. Leaser Leas"er (?), n. [From 1st Lease.] One who leases or gleans. [Obs.] Swift. Leaser Leas"er, n. A liar. [Obs.] See Leasing. Leash Leash (?), n. [OE. lese, lees, leece, OF. lesse, F. laisse, LL.laxa, fr. L. laxus loose. See Lax.] 1. A thong of leather, or a long cord, by which a falconer holds his hawk, or a courser his dog. Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash. Shak. 2. (Sporting) A brace and a half; a tierce; three; three creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes, bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general. [I] kept my chamber a leash of days. B. Jonson. Then were I wealthier than a leash of kings. Tennyson. 3. (Weaving) A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp threads, in a loom. Leash Leash, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leashing.] To tie together, or hold, with a leash. Leasing Leas"ing (?), n. [AS. le\'a0sung, fr. le\'a0s loose, false, deceitful. See -less, Loose, a.] The act of lying; falsehood; a lie or lies. [Archaic] Spenser. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing. Ps. v. 6. Blessed be the lips that such a leasing told. Fairfax. Leasing making (Scots Law), the uttering of lies or libels upon the personal character of the sovereign, his court, or his family. Bp. Burnet. Leasow Lea"sow (?), n. [AS. lesu, l\'91su.] A pasture. [Obs.] Least Least (?), a. [OE. last, lest, AS. l, l, superl. of l less. See Less, a.] [Used as the superlative of little.] Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space. NOTE: &hand; Least is often used with the, as if a noun. I am the least of the apostles. 1 Cor. xv. 9. At least, OR At the least, at the least estimate, consideration, chance, etc.; hence, at any rate; at all events; even. See However. He who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses The tempted with dishonor. Milton. Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he were a man, who sat as on horseback. Sir P. Sidney. -- In least, OR In the least, in the least degree, manner, etc. "He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." Luke xvi. 10. -- Least squares (Math.), a method of deducing from a number of carefully made yet slightly discordant observations of a phenomenon the most probable values of the unknown quantities. NOTE: It ta kes as its fundamental principle that the most probable values are those which make the sum of the squares of the residual errors of the observation a minimum. Least Least, adv. In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it. Least Least, conj. See Lest, conj. [Obs.] Spenser. Leastways, Leastwise Least"ways` (?), Least"wise` (?), adv. At least; at all events. [Colloq.] At leastways, OR At leastwise, at least. [Obs.] Fuller. Leasy Lea"sy (?), a. [AS. le\'a0s void, loose, false. Cf. Leasing.] Flimsy; vague; deceptive. [Obs.] Ascham. Leat Leat (?), n. [Cf. Lead to conduct.] An artificial water trench, esp. one to or from a mill. C. Kingsley. Leather Leath"er (?), n. [OE. lether, AS. le; akin to D. leder, le\'88r, G. leder, OHG. ledar, Icel. le, Sw. l\'84der, Dan. l\'91der.] 1. The skin of an animal, or some part of such skin, tanned, tawed, or otherwise dressed for use; also, dressed hides, collectively. 2. The skin. [Ironical or Sportive] NOTE: &hand; Le ather is much used adjectively in the sense of made of, relating to, or like, leather. Leather board, an imitation of sole leather, made of leather scraps, rags, paper, etc. -- Leather carp (Zo\'94l.) , a variety of carp in which the scales are all, or nearly all, absent. See Illust. under Carp. -- Leather jacket. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A California carangoid fish (Oligoplites saurus). (b) A trigger fish (Balistes Carolinensis). -- Leather flower (Bot.), a climbing plant (Clematis Viorna) of the Middle and Southern States having thick, leathery sepals of a purplish color. -- Leather leaf (Bot.), a low shrub (Cassandra calyculata), growing in Northern swamps, and having evergreen, coriaceous, scurfy leaves. -- Leather plant (Bot.), one or more New Zealand plants of the composite genus Celmisia, which have white or buff tomentose leaves. -- Leather turtle. (Zo\'94l.) See Leatherback. -- Vegetable leather. (a) An imitation of leather made of cotton waste. (b) Linen cloth coated with India rubber. Ure. Leather Leath"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leathered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leathering.] To beat, as with a thong of leather. [Obs. or Colloq.] G. Eliot. Leatherback Leath"er*back` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A large sea turtle (Sphargis coriacea), having no bony shell on its back. It is common in the warm and temperate parts of the Atlantic, and sometimes weighs over a thousand pounds; -- called also leather turtle, leathery turtle, leather-backed tortoise, etc. Leatheret, Leatherette Leath"er*et (?), Leath`er*ette" (?), n. [Leather + et, F. -ette.] An imitation of leather, made of paper and cloth. Leatherhead Leath"er*head` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) The friar bird. Leathern Leath"ern (?), a. Made of leather; consisting of. leather; as, a leathern purse. "A leathern girdle about his loins." Matt. iii. 4. Leatherneck Leath"er*neck` (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) The sordid friar bird of Australia (Tropidorhynchus sordidus). Leatherwood Leath"er*wood`, n. (Bot.) A small branching shrub (Dirca palustris), with a white, soft wood, and a tough, leathery bark, common in damp woods in the Northern United States; -- called also moosewood, and wicopy. Gray. Leathery Leath"er*y (?), a. Resembling leather in appearance or consistence; tough. "A leathery skin." Grew. Leave Leave (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leaved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaving] To send out leaves; to leaf; -- often with out. G. Fletcher. Leave Leave, v. t. [See Levy.] To raise; to levy. [Obs.] An army strong she leaved. Spenser. Leave Leave, n. [OE. leve, leave, AS. le\'a0f; akin to le\'a2f pleasing, dear, E. lief, D. oorlof leave, G. arlaub, and erlauben to permit, Icel. leyfi. Lief.] 1. Liberty granted by which restraint or illegality is removed; permission; allowance; license. David earnestly asked leave of me. 1 Sam. xx. 6. No friend has leave to bear away the dead. Dryden. 2. The act of leaving or departing; a formal parting; a leaving; farewell; adieu; -- used chiefly in the phrase, to take leave, i. e., literally, to take permission to go. A double blessing is a'double grace; Occasion smiles upon a second leave. Shak. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren. Acts xviii. 18. French leave. See under French. Syn. -- See Liberty. Leave Leave, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Left (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaving.] [OE. leven, AS. l, fr. l\'bef remnant, heritage; akin to lifian, libban, to live, orig., to remain; cf. bel\'c6fan to remain, G. bleiben, Goth. bileiban. Live, v.] 1. To withdraw one's self from; to go away from; to depart from; as, to leave the house. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife. Gen. ii. 24. 2. To let remain unremoved or undone; to let stay or continue, in distinction from what is removed or changed. If grape gatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes ? Jer. xlix. 9. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Matt. xxiii. 23. Besides it leaveth a suspicion, as if more might be said than is expressed. Bacon. 3. To cease from; to desist from; to abstain from. Now leave complaining and begin your tea. Pope. 4. To desert; to abandon; to forsake; hence, to give up; to relinquish. Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. Mark x. 28. The heresies that men do leave. Shak. 5. To let be or do without interference; as, I left him to his reflections; I leave my hearers to judge. I will leave you now to your gossiplike humor. Shak. 6. To put; to place; to deposit; to deliver; to commit; to submit -- with a sense of withdrawing one's self from; as, leave your hat in the hall; we left our cards; to leave the matter to arbitrators. Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way. Matt. v. 24. The foot That leaves the print of blood where'er it walks. Shak. 7. To have remaining at death; hence, to bequeath; as, he left a large estate; he left a good name; he left a legacy to his niece. To leave alone. (a) To leave in solitude. (b) To desist or refrain from having to do with; as, to leave dangerous chemicals alone. -- To leave off. (a) To desist from; to forbear; to stop; as, to leave off work at six o'clock. (b) To cease wearing or using; to omit to put in the usual position; as, to leave off a garment; to leave off the tablecloth. (c) To forsake; as, to leave off a bad habit. -- To leave out, to omit; as, to leave out a word or name in writing. -- To leave to one's self, to let (one) be alone; to cease caring for (one). Syn>- To quit; depart from; forsake; abandon; relinquish; deliver; bequeath; give up; forego; resign; surrender; forbear. See Quit. Leave Leave (?), v. i. 1. To depart; to set out. [Colloq.] By the time I left for Scotland. Carlyle. 2. To cease; to desist; to leave off. "He . . . began at the eldest, and left at the youngest." Gen. xliv. 12. To leave off, to cease; to desist; to stop. Leave off, and for another summons wait. Roscommon. Leaved Leaved (?), a. [From Leaf.] Bearing, or having, a leaf or leaves; having folds; -- used in combination; as, a four-leaved clover; a two-leaved gate; long-leaved. Leaveless Leave"less (?), a. Leafless. [Obs.] Carew. Leaven Leav"en (?), n. [OE. levain, levein, F. levain, L. levamen alleviation, mitigation; but taken in the sense of, a raising, that which raises, fr. levare to raise. See Lever, n.] 1. Any substance that produces, or is designed to produce, fermentation, as in dough or liquids; esp., a portion of fermenting dough, which, mixed with a larger quantity of dough, produces a general change in the mass, and renders it light; yeast; barm. 2. Anything which makes a general assimilating (especially a corrupting) change in the mass. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke xii. 1. Leaven Leav"en, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leavened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leavening (?).] 1. To make light by the action of leaven; to cause to ferment. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Cor. v. 6. 2. To imbue; to infect; to vitiate. With these and the like deceivable doctrines, he leavens also his prayer. Milton. Leavening Leav"en*ing (?), n. 1. The act of making light, or causing to ferment, by means of leaven. 2. That which leavens or makes light. Bacon. Leavenous Leav"en*ous (?), a. Containing leaven. Milton. Leaver Leav"er (?), n. One who leaves, or withdraws. Leaves Leaves (?), n., pl. of Leaf. Leave-taking Leave"-tak`ing (?), n. Taking of leave; parting compliments. Shak. Leaviness Leav"i*ness (?), n. [Fr. Leaf.] Leafiness.[Obs.] Leavings Leav"ings, n. pl. 1. Things left; remnants; relics. 2. Refuse; offal. Leavy Leav"y (?), a. Leafy. [Obs.] Chapman. Leban, Lebban Leb"an, Leb"ban (?), n. Coagulated sour milk diluted with water; -- a common beverage among the Arabs. Also, a fermented liquor made of the same. Lecama Le*ca"ma (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) The hartbeest. Lecanomancy Le*can"o*man`cy (?), n. [Gr. -mancy.] divination practiced with water in a basin, by throwing three stones into it, and invoking the demon whose aid was sought. Lecanoric Lec`a*no"ric (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an organic acid which is obtained from several varieties of lichen (Lecanora, Roccella, etc.), as a white, crystalline substance, and is called also orsellic, OR diorsellinic acid, lecanorin, etc. Lecanorin Lec`a*no"rin (?), n. (Chem.) See Lecanoric. Lech Lech (?), v. t. [F. l\'82cher. See Lick.] To lick. [Obs.] Leche Le*che" (?), n. See water buck, under 3d Buck. Lecher Lech"er (?), n. [OE.lechur, lechour, OF.lecheor, lecheur, gormand, glutton, libertine, parasite, fr. lechier to lick, F. l\'82cher; of Teutonic origin. See Lick.] A man given to lewdness; one addicted, in an excessive degree, to the indulgence of sexual desire, or to illicit commerce with women. Lecher Lech"er, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lechered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lechering.] To practice lewdness. Lecherer Lech"er*er (?), n. See Lecher, n. Marston. Lecherous Lech"er*ous (?), a. Like a lecher; addicted to lewdness; lustful; also, lust-provoking. "A lecherous thing is wine." Chaucer. -- Lech"er*ous*ly, adv. -- Lech"er*ous*ness, n. Lechery Lech"er*y (?), n. [OE. lecherie, OF. lecherie. See Lecher.] 1. Free indulgence of lust; lewdness. 2. Selfish pleasure; delight. [Obs.] Massinger. Lecithin Lec"i*thin (?), n. [Gr. (Physiol. Chem.) A complex, nitrogenous phosphorized substance widely distributed through the animal body, and especially conspicuous in the brain and nerve tissue, in yolk of eggs, and in the white blood corpuscles. lectern lec"tern (?), n. See Lecturn. Lectica Lec*ti"ca (?), n.; pl. Lectic\'91 (#). [L.] (Rom. Antiq.) A kind of litter or portable couch. Lection Lec"tion (?), n. [L. lectio, fr. legere, lectum, to read. See lesson, Legend.] 1. (Eccl.) A lesson or selection, esp. of Scripture, read in divine service. 2. A reading; a variation in the text. We ourselves are offended by the obtrusion of the new lections into the text. De Quincey. Lectionary Lec"tion*a*ry (?), n.; pl. -ries (#). [LL. lectionarium, lectionarius : cf. F. lectionnaire.] (Eccl.) A book, or a list, of lections, for reading in divine service. _________________________________________________________________ Page 840 Lector Lec"tor (?), n. [L. See Lection.] (Eccl.) A reader of lections; formerly, a person designated to read lessons to the illiterate. Lectual Lec"tu*al (?), a. [LL. lectualis, fr. L. lectus bed.] (Med.) Confining to the bed; as, a lectual disease. Lecture Lec"ture (?), n. [F. lecture, LL. lectura, fr. L. legere, lectum, to read. See Legend.] 1. The act of reading; as, the lecture of Holy Scripture. [Obs.] 2. A discourse on any subject; especially, a formal or methodical discourse, intended for instruction; sometimes, a familiar discourse, in contrast with a sermon. 3. A reprimand or formal reproof from one having authority. 4. (Eng. Universities) A rehearsal of a lesson. Lecture Lec"ture, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lectured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lecturing.] 1. To read or deliver a lecture to. 2. To reprove formally and with authority. Lecture Lec"ture, v. i. To deliver a lecture or lectures. Lecturer Lec"tur*er (?), n. One who lectures; an assistant preacher. Lectureship Lec"ture*ship, n. The office of a lecturer. Lecturn Lec"turn (?), n. [LL. lectrinum, fr. lectrum; cf. L. legere, lectum, to read.] A choir desk, or reading desk, in some churches, from which the lections, or Scripture lessons, are chanted or read; hence, a reading desk. [Written also lectern and lettern]. Fairholt. Lecythis Lec"y*this (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 3 an oil flask.] (Bot.) A genus of gigantic trees, chiefly Brazilian, of the order Myrtace\'91, having woody capsules opening by an apical lid. Lecythis Zabucajo yields the delicious sapucaia nuts. L. Ollaria produces the monkey-pots, its capsules. Its bark separates into thin sheets, like paper, used by the natives for cigarette wrappers. Led Led (?), imp. & p. p. of Lead. Led captain. An obsequious follower or attendant. [Obs.] Swift. -- Led horse, a sumpter horse, or a spare horse, that is led along. Leden, Ledden Led"en (?), Led"den (?) n. [AS. l, l, language, speech. Cf. Leod.] Language; speech; voice; cry. [Obs.] Chaucer. Spenser. Ledge Ledge (?), n. [Akin to AS. licgan to lie, Icel. liggja; cf. Icel. l\'94gg the ledge or rim at the bottom of a cask. See Lie to be prostrate.] [Formerly written lidge.] 1. A shelf on which articles may be laid; also, that which resembles such a shelf in form or use, as a projecting ridge or part, or a molding or edge in joinery. 2. A shelf, ridge, or reef, of rocks. 3. A layer or stratum. The lowest ledge or row should be of stone. Sir H. Wotton. 4. (Mining) A lode; a limited mass of rock bearing valuable mineral. 5. (Shipbuilding) A piece of timber to support the deck, placed athwartship between beams. Ledgement Ledge"ment (?), n. See Ledgment. Ledger Ledg"er, n. [Akin to D. legger layer, daybook (fr. leggen to lay, liggen to lie), E. ledge, lie. See Lie to be prostrate.] 1. A book in which a summary of accounts is laid up or preserved; the final book of record in business transactions, in which all debits and credits from the journal, etc., are placed under appropriate heads. [Written also leger.] 2. (Arch.) (a) A large flat stone, esp. one laid over a tomb. Oxf. Gloss. (b) A horizontal piece of timber secured to the uprights and supporting floor timbers, a staircase, scaffolding, or the like. It differs from an intertie in being intended to carry weight. [Written also ligger.] Ledger bait, fishing bait attached to a floating line fastened to the bank of a stream, pond, etc. Walton. J. H. Walsh. -- Ledger line. See Leger line, under 3d Leger, a. -- Ledger wall (Mining), the wall under a vein; the foot wall. Raymond. Ledgment Ledg"ment (?), n. (Arch.) (a) A string-course or horizontal suit of moldings, such as the base moldings of a building. Oxf. Gloss. (b) The development of the surface of a body on a plane, so that the dimensions of the different sides may be easily ascertained. Gwilt. [Written also ledgement, legement, and ligement.] Ledgy Ledg"y (?), a. Abounding in ledges; consisting of a ledge or reef; as, a ledgy island. Lee Lee (?), v, i, To lie; to speak falsely. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lee Lee, n.; pl. Lees (#). [F. lie, perh. fr. L. levare to lift up, raise. Cf. Lever.] That which settles at the bottom, as, of a cask of liquor (esp. wine); sediment; dregs; -- used now only in the plural. [Lees occurs also as a form of the singular.] "The lees of wine." Holland. A thousand demons lurk within the lee. Young. The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees Is left this vault to brag of. Shak. Lee Lee, n. [OE. lee shelter, Icel. hl, akin to AS. hle\'a2, hle\'a2w, shelter, protection, OS. hl\'8ao, D. lij lee, Sw. l\'84, Dan. l\'91.] 1. A sheltered place; esp., a place; protected from the wind by some object; the side sheltered from the wind; shelter; protection; as, the lee of a mountain, an island, or a ship. We lurked under lee. Morte d'Arthure. Desiring me to take shelter in his lee. Tyndall. 2. (Naut.) That part of the hemisphere, as one stands on shipboard, toward which the wind blows. See Lee, a. By the lee, To bring by the lee. See under By, and Bring. -- Under the lee of, on that side which is sheltered from the wind; as, to be under the lee of a ship. Lee Lee, a. (Naut.) Of or pertaining to the part or side opposite to that against which the wind blows; -- opposed to weather; as, the lee side or lee rail of a vessel. Lee gauge. See Gauge, n. (Naut.) -- Lee shore, the shore on the lee side of a vessel. -- Lee tide, a tide running in the same direction that the wind blows. -- On the lee beam, directly to the leeward; in a line at right angles to the length of the vessel and to the leeward. Leeboard Lee"board` (?), n. A board, or frame of planks, lowered over the side of a vessel to lessen her leeway when closehauled, by giving her greater draught. Leech Leech (?), n. See 2d Leach. Leech Leech, v. t. See Leach, v. t. Leech Leech, n. [Cf. LG. leik, Icel. l\'c6k, Sw. lik boltrope, stliken the leeches.] (Naut.) The border or edge at the side of a sail. [Written also leach.] Leech line, a line attached to the leech ropes of sails, passing up through blocks on the yards, to haul the leeches by. Totten. -- Leech rope, that part of the boltrope to which the side of a sail is sewed. Leech Leech, n. [OE. leche, l\'91che, physician, AS. l; akin to Fries. l, OHG. l\'behh\'c6, Icel. l\'91knari, Sw. l\'84kare, Dan. l\'91ge, Goth. l, AS. l\'becnian to heal, Sw. l\'84ka, Dan.l\'91ge, Icel. l\'91kna, Goth. l.] 1. physician or surgeon; a professor of the art of healing. [Written also leach.] [Archaic] Spenser. Leech, heal thyself. Wyclif (Luke iv. 23). 2. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of numerous genera and species of annulose worms, belonging to the order Hirudinea, or Bdelloidea, esp. those species <-- formerly! -->used in medicine, as Hirudo medicinalis of Europe, and allied species. NOTE: &hand; In th e mo uth of bl oodsucking le eches ar e th ree convergent, serrated jaws, moved by strong muscles. By the motion of these jaws a stellate incision is made in the skin, through which the leech sucks blood till it is gorged, and then drops off. The stomach has large pouches on each side to hold the blood. The common large bloodsucking leech of America (Macrobdella decora) is dark olive above, and red below, with black spots. Many kinds of leeches are parasitic on fishes; others feed upon worms and mollusks, and have no jaws for drawing blood. See Bdelloidea. Hirudinea, and Clepsine. 3. (Surg.) A glass tube of peculiar construction, adapted for drawing blood from a scarified part by means of a vacuum. Horse leech, a less powerful European leech (H\'91mopis vorax), commonly attacking the membrane that lines the inside of the mouth and nostrils of animals that drink at pools where it lives. Leech Leech, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leeched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leeching.] 1. To treat as a surgeon; to doctor; as, to leech wounds. [Archaic] 2. To bleed by the use of leeches. Leechcraft Leech"craft` (?), n. The art of healing; skill of a physician. [Archaic] Chaucer. Leed, Leede Leed, Leede (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] A caldron; a copper kettle. [Obs.] "A furnace of a leed." Chaucer. Leef Leef (?), a. & adv. See Lief. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leek Leek (?), n. [AS.le\'a0c; akin to D. look, G. lauch, OHG. louh, Icel. laukr, Sw. l\'94k, Dan l\'94g. Cf. Garlic.] (Bot.) A plant of the genus Allium (A. Porrum), having broadly linear succulent leaves rising from a loose oblong cylindrical bulb. The flavor is stronger than that of the common onion. Wild leek , in America, a plant (Allium tricoccum) with a cluster of ovoid bulbs and large oblong elliptical leaves. Leeme Leeme (?), v. & n. See Leme. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leep Leep (?), obs. strong imp. of Leap. leaped. Leer Leer (?), v. t. To learn. [Obs.] See Lere, to learn. Leer Leer, a. [OE. lere; akin to G. leer, OHG. & OS. l\'beri.] [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Empty; destitute; wanting; as: (a) Empty of contents. "A leer stomach." Gifford. (b) Destitute of a rider; and hence, led, not ridden; as, a leer horse. B. Jonson. (c) Wanting sense or seriousness; trifling; trivolous; as, leer words. Leer Leer, n. An oven in which glassware is annealed. Leer Leer, n. [OE.lere cheek, face, look, AS. hle\'a2r cheek, face; akin to OS. hlear, hlior, OD. lier, Icel. hl.] 1. The cheek. [Obs.] Holinshed. 2. complexion; aspect; appearance. [Obs.] A Rosalind of a better leer than you. Shak. 3. A distorted expression of the face, or an indirect glance of the eye, conveying a sinister or immodest suggestion. With jealous leer malign Eyed them askance. Milton. She gives the leer of invitation. Shak. Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer. Pope. Leer Leer, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leering.] To look with a leer; to look askance with a suggestive expression, as of hatred, contempt, lust, etc. ; to cast a sidelong lustful or malign look. I will leer him as a'comes by. Shak. The priest, above his book, Leering at his neighbor's wife. Tennyson. Leer Leer, v. t. To entice with a leer, or leers; as, to leer a man to ruin. Dryden. Leere Leere (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] Tape or braid; an ornament. Halliwell. Leere side, the left side, as that on which a leere or ornament was worn. B. Jonson. Leeringly Leer"ing*ly, adv. In a leering manner. Lees Lees (?), n. pl. Dregs. See 2d Lee. Lees Lees (?), n. A leash. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leese Leese (?), v. t. [See Lose.] To lose. [Obs.] They would rather leese their friend than their jest. Lord Burleigh. Leese Leese, v. t. [Cf. f. l\'82ser, L.laesus, p. p. of laedere.] To hurt. [Obs.] B. Jonson. Leet Leet (?), obs. imp. of Let, to allow. Chaucer. Leet Leet n. [Cf. AS. hl share, lot.] A portion; a list, esp. a list of candidates for an office. [Scot.] Leet Leet, n. [LL.leta. Cf. F. lit de justice a solemn sitting of the king in Parliament, L. lis, litis, a lawsuit, It., Sp., & Pg. lite.] (Eng. Hist.) A court-leet; the district within the jurisdiction of a court-leet; the day on which a court-leet is held. Shak. NOTE: &hand; Th e original intent of the court-leet was to view the frankpledges or freemen within the liberty; hence called the view of frankpledge. Latterly it has fallen into almost entire disuse. Burrill. Warren's Blackstone. Leet ale, a feast or merrymaking in time of leet. [Obs.] Leet Leet, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zo\'94l.) The European pollock. Leetman Leet"man (?), n.; pl. Leetmen (. One subject to the jurisdiction of a court-leet. Leeward Lee"ward (?), a. (Naut.) Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the part or side toward which the wind blows; -- opposed to windward; as, a leeward berth; a leeward ship. -- n. The lee side; the lee. -- adv. Toward the lee. Leeway Lee"way` (?), n. (Naut.) The lateral movement of a ship to the leeward of her course; drift. Left Left (?), imp. & p. p. of Leave. Left Left, a. [OE. left, lift, luft; akin to Fries. leeft, OD.lucht, luft; cf. AS.left (equiv. to L. inanis), lyft\'bedl palsy; or cf. AS.l weak.] Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action of the limbs is usually weaker than on the other side; -- opposed to right, when used in reference to a part of the body; as, the left ear. Also said of the corresponding side of the lower animals. Left bank of a river, that which is on the left hand of a person whose face is turned downstream. -- Left bower. See under 2d Bower. -- Left center, the members whose sympathies are, in the main, with the members of the Left, but who do not favor extreme courses, and on occasions vote with the government. They sit between the Center and the extreme Left. -- Over the left shoulder, OR Over the left, an old but still current colloquialism, or slang expression, used as an aside to indicate insincerity, negation, or disbelief; as, he said it, and it is true, -- over the left. Left Left, n. 1. that part of surrounding space toward which the left side of one's body is turned; as, the house is on the left when you face North. Put that rose a little more to the left. Ld. Lytton. 2. those members of a legislative assembly (as in France) who are in the opposition; the advanced republicans and extreme radicals. They have their seats at the left-hand side of the presiding officer. See Center, and Right.<-- now used of any group advocating a leftist policy -- which is variously interpeted, as meaning "radical", "liberal", "reformist", "anti-establishment" "advocating change in the name of greater freedom or well-being of the common man[MW10]" -- opposed to rightist, and in the "liberal" interpretation, opposed to "conservative". --> Left-hand Left"-hand` (?), a. Situated on the left; nearer the left hand than the right; as, the left-hand side; the left-hand road. Left-hand rope, rope laid up and twisted over from right to left, or against the sun; -- called also water-laid rope. Left-handed Left"-hand`ed, a. 1. Having the left hand or arm stronger and more dexterous than the right; using the left hand and arm with more dexterity than the right. 2. Clumsy; awkward; unlucky; insincere; sinister; malicious; as, a left-handed compliment. The commendations of this people are not always left-handed and detractive. Landor. 3. Having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a watch when seen in front; -- said of a twist, a rotary motion, etc., looked at from a given direction. Left-handed marriage, a morganatic marriage. See Morganatic. -- Left-handed screw, a screw constructed to advance away from the observer, when turned, as in a nut, with a left-handed rotation. An ordinary wood screw is right-handed. Left-handedness, Left-handiness Left"-hand`ed*ness, Left"-hand`i*ness (?), n. The state or quality of being left-handed; awkwardness. An awkward address, ungraceful attitudes and actions, and a certain left-handiness (if I may use the expression) proclaim low education. Chesterfield. Left-off Left"-off" (?), a. Laid a side; cast-off. Leftward Left"ward (?), adv. Toward or on the left side. Rightward and leftward rise the rocks. Southey. Leful Le"ful (?), a. See Leveful. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leg Leg (?), n. [Icel. leggr; akin to Dan. l\'91g calf of the leg, Sw. l\'84gg.] 1. A limb or member of an animal used for supporting the body, and in running, climbing, and swimming; esp., that part of the limb between the knee and foot. 2. That which resembles a leg in form or use; especially, any long and slender support on which any object rests; as, the leg of a table; the leg of pair of compasses or dividers. 3. The part of any article of clothing which covers the leg; as, the leg of a stocking or of a pair of trousers. 4. A bow, esp. in the phrase to make a leg; probably from drawing the leg backward in bowing. [Obs.] He that will give a cap and make a leg in thanks for a favor he never received. Fuller. 5. A disreputable sporting character; a blackleg. [Slang, Eng.] 6. (Naut.) The course and distance made by a vessel on one tack or between tacks. 7. (Steam Boiler) An extension of the boiler downward, in the form of a narrow space between vertical plates, sometimes nearly surrounding the furnace and ash pit, and serving to support the boiler; -- called also water leg. 8. (Grain Elevator) The case containing the lower part of the belt which carries the buckets. 9. (Cricket) A fielder whose position is on the outside, a little in rear of the batter. A good leg (Naut.), a course sailed on a tack which is near the desired course. -- Leg bail, escape from custody by flight. [Slang] -- Legs of an hyperbola (or other curve) (Geom.), the branches of the curve which extend outward indefinitely. -- Legs of a triangle, the sides of a triangle; -- a name seldom used unless one of the sides is first distinguished by some appropriate term; as, the hypothenuse and two legs of a right-angled triangle. On one's legs, standing to speak. -- One's last legs. See under Last. -- To have legs (Naut.), to have speed.<-- also, to have endurance, to continue longer than usual, --> -- To stand on one's own legs, to support one's self; to be independent. _________________________________________________________________ Page 841 Leg Leg (?), v. t. To use as a leg, with it as object: (a) To bow. [Obs.] (b) To run [Low] Legacy Leg"a*cy (?), n.; pl.Legacies (#). [L. (assumed) legatia, for legatum, from legare to appoint by last will, to bequeath as a legacy, to depute: cf. OF. legat legacy. See Legate.] 1. A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor or disease. 2. A business with which one is intrusted by another; a commission; -- obsolete, except in the phrases last legacy, dying legacy, and the like. My legacy and message wherefore I am sent into the world. Tyndale. He came and told his legacy. Chapman. Legacy duty, a tax paid to government on legacies. Wharton. -- Legacy hunter, one who flatters and courts any one for the sake of a legacy.<-- related to gold-digger (latter for any riches, not just a legacy) --> Legal Le"gal (?), a. [L. legalis, fr. lex, legis, law; prob. orig., that which lies or is fixed (cf. L. lectus bed), and if so akin to E. lie, law: cf. F. l\'82gal. Cf. Lie to be prostrate, Loyal, Leal.] 1. Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating to, law; as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test; a legal procedure; a legal claim; a legal trade; anything is legal which the laws do not forbid. 2. (Theol.) (a) According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace; or resting on works for salvation. (b) According to the old or Mosaic dispensation; in accordance with the law of Moses 3. (Law) Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from the rules of equity; as, legal estate; legal assets. Bouvier. Burrill. Legal cap. See under Cap. -- Legal tender. (a) The act of tendering in the performance of a contract or satisfaction of a claim that which the law prescribes or permits, and at such time and place as the law prescribes or permits. (b) That currency, or money, which the law authorizes a debtor to tender and requires a creditor to receive. It differs in different countries. Syn. -- Lawful; constitutional; legitimate; licit; authorized. See Lawful. Legalism Le"gal*ism (?), n. Strictness, or the doctrine of strictness, in conforming to law. Legalist Le"gal*ist, n. One who practices or advocates strict conformity to law; in theology, one who holds to the law of works. See Legal, 2 (a). Legality Le*gal"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. LL. legalitas, F. l\'82galit\'82. Cf. Loyalty.] 1. The state or quality of being letter of the law. Legalization Le`gal*i*za"tion (?), n. The act of making legal. Legalize Le"gal*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Legalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Legalizing (?).] [Cf. F. l\'82galiser.] 1. To make legal. 2. (Theol.) To interpret or apply in a legal spirit. Legally Le"gal*ly, adv. In a legal manner. Legantine Le*gan"tine (?), a. [Obs.] See Legatine. Legatary Leg"a*ta*ry (?), n. [L. legatarius, fr. legaturius enjoined by a last will: cf. F. l\'82gataire. See Legacy.] A legatee. [R.] Ayliffe. Legate Leg"ate (?), n. [OE. legal, L. legatus, fr. legare to sent with a commission or charge, to depute, fr. lex, legis, law: cf. F. l\'82gat, It. legato. See Legal.] 1. An ambassador or envoy. 2. An ecclesiastic representing the pope and invested with the authority of the Holy See. NOTE: &hand; Le gates are of three kinds: (a) Legates a latere, now always cardinals. They are called ordinary or extraordinary legates, the former governing provinces, and the latter class being sent to foreign countries on extraordinary occasions. (b) Legati missi, who correspond to the ambassadors of temporal governments. (c) Legati nati, or legates by virtue of their office, as the archbishops of Salzburg and Prague. 3. (Rom. Hist.) (a) An official assistant given to a general or to the governor of a province. (b) Under the emperors, a governor sent to a province. Legatee Leg`a*tee" (?), n. [See Legacy.] (Law) One to whom a legacy is bequeathed. Legateship Leg"ate*ship (?), n. The office of a legate. Legatine Leg"a*tine (?), a. Of or pertaining to a legate; as, legatine power. Holinshed. 2. Made by, proceeding from, or under the sanction of, a legate; as, a legatine constitution. Ayliffe. Legation Le*ga"tion (?), n. [L. legatio: cf. F. l\'82gation, It. legazione. See Legate.] 1. The sending forth or commissioning one person to act for another. "The Divine legation of Moses." Bp. Warburton. 2. A legate, or envoy, and the persons associated with him in his mission; an embassy; or, in stricter usage, a diplomatic minister and his suite; a deputation. 3. The place of business or official residence of a diplomatic minister at a foreign court or seat of government. 4. A district under the jurisdiction of a legate. Legato Le*ga"to (?), a. [It., tied, joined, fr. legare to tie, bind, L. ligare.] (Mus.) Connected; tied; -- a term used when successive tones are to be produced in a closely connected, smoothly gliding manner. It is often indicated by a tie, thus staccato. Legator Leg`a*tor" (?), n. [L., fr. legare: cf. OF. legateur. See Legacy.] (Law) A testator; one who bequeaths a legacy. Dryden. Legatura Le`ga*tu"ra (?), n. [It. See Ligature.] (Mus.) A tie or brace; a syncopation. Legature Leg"a*ture (?), n. Legateship. [Obs.] Lege Lege (?), v. t. [Abbrev. fr. allege to assert.] To allege; to assert. [Obs.] Bp. Fisher. Legement Lege"ment (?), n. See Ledgment. Legend Leg"end (?), n. [OE. legende, OF. legende, F. l\'82gende, LL. legenda, fr. L. legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr. Collect, Dialogue, Lesson, Logic.] 1. That which is appointed to be read; especially, a chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses. 2. A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature. Addison. 3. Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable. And in this legend all that glorious deed. Read, whilst you arm you. Fairfax. 4. An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration. Golden legend. See under Golden. Legend Leg"end, v. t. To tell or narrate, as a legend. Bp. Hall. Legendary Leg"end*a*ry (?), a. Of or pertaining to a legend or to legends; consisting of legends; like a legend; fabulous. "Legendary writers." Bp. Lloyd. Legendary stories of nurses and old women. Bourne. Legendary Leg"end*a*ry, n. [Cf. OF. legendaire, LL. legendarius.] 1. A book of legends; a tale or parrative. Read the Countess of Pembroke's "Arcadia," a gallant legendary full of pleasurable accidents. James I. 2. One who relates legends. Bp. Lavington. Leger Leg"er (?), n. [See Ledger.] 1. Anything that lies in a place; that which, or one who, remains in a place. [Obs.] 2. A minister or ambassador resident at a court or seat of government. [Written also lieger, leiger.] [Obs.] Sir Edward Carne, the queen's leger at Rome. Fuller. 3. A ledger. Leger Leg"er, a. Lying or remaining in a place; hence, resident; as, leger ambassador. Leger Leg"er, a. [F. l\'82ger, fr. LL. (assumed) leviarius, fr. L. levis light in weight. See Levity.] Light; slender; slim; trivial. [Obs. except in special phrases.] Bacon. Leger line (Mus.), a line added above or below the staff to extend its compass; -- called also added line. Legerdemain Leg`er*de*main" (?), n. [F. l\'82ger light, nimble + de of + main hand, L. manus. See 3d Leger, and Manual.] Sleight of hand; a trick of sleight of hand; hence, any artful deception or trick. He of legierdemayne the mysteries did know. Spenser. The tricks and legerdemain by which men impose upon their own souls. South. Legerdemainits Leg`er*de*main"its, n. One who practices sleight of hand; a prestidigitator. Legerity Le*ger"i*ty (?), n. [F. l\'82g\'8aret\'82. See 3d Leger.] Lightness; nimbleness [Archaic] Shak. Legge Legge (?), v. t. [See Lay, v. t. ] To lay. [Obs.] Legge Legge, v. t. [Abbrev. fr. alegge.] To lighten; to allay. [Obs.] Rom. of R. Legged Legged (?), a. [From Leg.] Having (such or so many) legs; -- used in composition; as, a long-legged man; a two-legged animal. Leggiadro, Leggiero Leg`gi*a"dro (?), Leg`gi*e"ro (?), a. & adv. [It.] (Mus.) Light or graceful; in a light, delicate, and brick style. Legging, Legging Leg"ging (?), Leg"ging, n. [From Leg.] A cover for the leg, like a long gaiter. Legging Leg"ging, a. & vb. n., from Leg, v. t. Leghorn Leg"horn (?), n. A straw plaiting used for bonnets and hats, made from the straw of a particular kind of wheat, grown for the purpose in Tuscany, Italy; -- so called from Leghorn, the place of exportation. Legibility Leg`i*bil"i*ty (?), n. The quality of being legible; legibleness. Sir. D. Brewster. Legible Leg"i*ble (?), a. [L. legibilis, fr. legere to read: cf. OF. legible. See Legend.] 1. Capable of being read or deciphered; distinct to the eye; plain; -- used of writing or printing; as, a fair, legible manuscript. The stone with moss and lichens so overspread, Nothing is legible but the name alone. Longfellow. 2. Capable of being discovered or understood by apparent marks or indications; as, the thoughts of men are often legible in their countenances. Legibleness Leg"i*ble*ness, n. The state or quality of being legible. Legibly Leg"i*bly, adv. In a legible manner. Legific Le*gif"ic (?), a. [L. lex, legis, law + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See -fy.] Of or pertaining to making laws. Practically, in many cases, authority or legific competence has begun in bare power. J. Grote. Legion Le"gion (?), n. [OE. legioun, OF. legion, F. l\'82gion, fr. L. legio, fr. legere to gather, collect. See Legend.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A body of foot soldiers and cavalry consisting of different numbers at different periods, -- from about four thousand to about six thousand men, -- the cavalry being about one tenth. 2. A military force; an army; military bands. 3. A great number; a multitude. Where one sin has entered,legions will force their way through the same breach. Rogers. 4. (Taxonomy) A group of orders inferior to a class. Legion of honor, an order instituted by the French government in 1802, when Bonaparte was First Consul, as a reward for merit, both civil and military. Legionary Le"gion*a*ry (?), a. [L.legionarius: cf. F. l\'82gionnaire.] Belonging to a legion; consisting of a legion or legions, or of an indefinitely great number; as, legionary soldiers; a legionary force. "The legionary body of error." Sir T. Browne. Legionary Le"gion*a*ry (?), n.; pl. Legionaries (. A member of a legion. Milton. Legioned Le"gioned (?), a. Formed into a legion or legions; legionary. Shelley. Legionry Le"gion*ry (?), n. A body of legions; legions, collectively. [R.] Pollok. Legislate Leg"is*late (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Legislated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Legislating (?).] [See Legislator.] To make or enact a law or laws. Solon, in legislating for the Athenians, had an idea of a more perfect constitution than he gave them. Bp. Watson (1805). Legislation Leg`is*la"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82gislation, L. legis latio. See Legislator.] The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws; the laws enacted. Pythagoras joined legislation to his philosophy. Lyttelton. Legislative Leg"is*la*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. l\'82gislatij.] 1. Making, or having the power to make, a law or laws; lawmaking; -- distinguished from executive; as, a legislative act; a legislative body. The supreme legislative power of England was lodged in the king and great council, or what was afterwards called the Parliament. Hume. 2. Of or pertaining to the making of laws; suitable to legislation; as, the transaction of legislative business; the legislative style. Legislatively Leg"is*la*tive*ly, adv. In a legislative manner. Legislator Leg"is*la`tor (?), n. [L. legis lator, prop., a proposer of a law; lex, legis, law + lator a proposer, bearer, fr. latus, used as p. p. of ferre to bear: cf. F. l\'82gislateur. See Legal, and Tolerate.] A lawgiver; one who makes laws for a state or community; a member of a legislative body. The legislators in ancient and heroical times. Bacon. Many of the legislators themselves had taken an oath of abjuration of his Majesty's person and family. E. Phillips. Legislatorial Leg`is*la*to"ri*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to a legislator or legislature. Legislatorship Leg"is*la`tor*ship (?), n. The office of a legislator. Halifax. Legislatress, Legislatrix Leg"is*la`tress (?), Leg"is*la`trix (?), n. A woman who makes laws. Shaftesbury. Legislature Leg"is*la`ture (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82gislature.] The body of persons in a state or kingdom invested with power to make and repeal laws; a legislative body. Without the concurrent consent of all three parts of the legislature, no law is, or can be, made. Sir M. Hale. NOTE: &hand; The legislature of Great Britain consists of the Lords and Commons, with the king or queen, whose sanction is necessary to every bill before it becomes a law. The legislatures of most of the United States consist of two houses or branches; but the sanction or consent of the governor is required to give their acts the force of law, or a concurrence of two thirds of the two houses after he has refused his sanction and assigned his objections. Legist Le"gist (?), n. [F. l\'82giste, LL. legista, fr. L. lex, legis, law. See Legal.] One skilled in the laws; a writer on law. Milman. J. Morley. Legitim Le*git"im (?), n. [See Legitimate, a.] (Scots Law) The portion of movable estate to which the children are entitled upon the death of the father. Legitimacy Le*git"i*ma*cy (?), n. [See Legitimate, a.] The state, or quality, of being legitimate, or in conformity with law; hence, the condition of having been lawfully begotten, or born in wedlock. The doctrine of Divine Right, which has now come back to us, like a thief from transportation, under the alias of Legitimacy. Macaulay. Legitimate Le*git"i*mate (?), a. [LL. legitimatus, p. p. of legitimare to legitimate, fr. L. legitimus legitimate. See Legal.] 1. Accordant with law or with established legal forms and requirements; lawful; as, legitimate government; legitimate rights; the legitimate succession to the throne; a legitimate proceeding of an officer; a legitimate heir. 2. Lawfully begotten; born in wedlock. 3. Authorized; real; genuine; not false, counterfeit, or spurious; as, legitimate poems of Chaucer; legitimate inscriptions. 4. Conforming to known principles, or accepted rules; as, legitimate reasoning; a legitimate standard, or method; a legitimate combination of colors. Tillotson still keeps his place as a legitimate English classic. Macaulay. 5. Following by logical sequence; reasonable; as, a legitimate result; a legitimate inference. Legitimate Le*git"i*mate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Legitimated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Legitimating (?).] To make legitimate, lawful, or valid; esp., to put in the position or state of a legitimate person before the law, by legal means; as, to legitimate a bastard child. To enact a statute of that which he dares not seem to approve, even to legitimate vice. Milton. Legitimately Le*git"i*mate*ly (?), adv. In a legitimate manner; lawfully; genuinely. Legitimateness Le*git"i*mate*ness, n. The state or quality of being legitimate; lawfulness; genuineness. Legitimation Le*git`i*ma"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82gitimation.] 1. The act of making legitimate. The coining or legitimation of money. East. 2. Lawful birth. [R.] Shak. Legitimatist Le*git"i*ma*tist (?), n. See Legitimist. Legitimatize Le*git"i*ma*tize (?), v. t. To legitimate. Legitimism Le*git"i*mism (?), n. The principles or plans of legitimists. Legitimist Le*git"i*mist (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82gitimiste.] 1. One who supports legitimate authority; esp., one who believes in hereditary monarchy, as a divine right. 2. Specifically, a supporter of the claims of the elder branch of the Bourbon dynasty to the crown of France. _________________________________________________________________ Page 842 Legitimize Le*git"i*mize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Legitimized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Legitimizing.] To legitimate. Legless Leg"less (?), a. Not having a leg. Lego-literary Le"go-lit"er*a*ry (?), a. [See Legal, and Literary.] Pertaining to the literature of law. Leguleian Le`gu*le"ian (?), a. [L. leguleius pettifogger, fr. lex, legis, law.] Lawyerlike; legal. [R.] "Leguleian barbarism." De Quincey. -- n. A lawyer. Legume Leg"ume (?), n. [F. l\'82gume, L. legumen, fr. legere to gather. So called because they may be gathered without cutting. See Legend.] 1. (Bot.) A pod dehiscent into two pieces or valves, and having the seed attached at one suture, as that of the pea. NOTE: &hand; In the latter circumstance, it differs from a siliqua, in which the seeds are attached to both sutures. In popular use, a legume is called a pod, or cod; as, pea pod, or peas cod. 2. pl. The fruit of leguminous plants, as peas, beans, lupines; pulse. Legumen Le*gu"men (?), n.; pl> L. Legumina (#), E. Legumens (#). [L.] Same as Legume. Legumin Le*gu"min (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82gumine.] (Physiol. Chem.) An albuminous substance resembling casein, found as a characteristic ingredient of the seeds of leguminous and grain-bearing plants. Leguminous Le*gu"mi*nous (?), a. [Cf. F. l\'82gumineux.] 1. Pertaining to pulse; consisting of pulse. 2. (Bot.) Belonging to, or resembling, a very large natural order of plants (Leguminos\'91), which bear legumes, including peas, beans, clover, locust trees, acacias, and mimosas. Leiger Lei"ger (?), n. [See Leger, and Ledger.] See Leger, n., 2. [Obs.] Shak. Leiotrichan Lei*ot"ri*chan (?), a. Of or pertaining to the Leiotrichi. -- n. One of the Leiotrichi. Leiotrichi Lei*ot"ri*chi (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Anthropol.) The division of mankind which embraces the smooth-haired races. Leiotrichous Lei*ot"ri*chous (?), a. [See Leiotrichi.] (Anthropol.) Having smooth, or nearly smooth, hair. Leipoa Lei*po"a (?), n. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) A genus of Australian gallinaceous birds including but a single species (Leipoa ocellata), about the size of a turkey. Its color is variegated, drown, black, white, and gray. Called also native pheasant. NOTE: &hand; It makes large mounds of sand and vegetable material, in which its eggs are laid to be hatched by the heat of the decomposing mass. Leipothymic Lei`po*thym"ic (?), a. See Lipothymic. Leister, Lister Leis"ter, Lis"ter (?), n. A spear armed with three or more prongs, for striking fish. [Scotland] Leisurable Lei"sur*a*ble (?), a. [See Leisure.] 1. Leisurely. [Obs.] Hooker. 2. Vacant of employment; not occupied; idle; leisure; as leisurable hours. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne. Leisurably Lei"sur*a*bly, adv. At leisure. [Obs.] Leisure Lei"sure (?) n. [OE. leisere, leiser, OF.leisir, F. loisir, orig., permission, fr. L. licere to be permitted. See License.] 1. Freedom from occupation or business; vacant time; time free from employment. The desire of leisure is much more natural than of business and care. Sir W. Temple. 2. Time at one's command, free from engagement; convenient opportunity; hence, convenience; ease. He sighed, and had no leisure more to say. Dryden. At leisure. (a) Free from occupation; not busy. (b) In a leisurely manner; at a convenient time. Leisure Lei"sure, a. Unemployed; as, leisure hours. Leisured Lei"sured (?), a.Having leisure. "The leisured classes." Gladstone. Leisurely Lei"sure*ly (?), a. Characterized by leisure; taking abundant tome; not hurried; as, a leisurely manner; a leisurely walk. Leisurely Lei"sure*ly, adv. In a leisurely manner. Addison. Leitmotif Leit"mo*tif" (?), n. [G.] (Mus.) See Leading motive, under Leading, a. Leman Le"man (?), n. [OE. lemman, legman; AS.le\'a2f dear + mann man. See Lief, and Man.] A sweetheart, of either sex; a gallant, or a mistress; -- usually in a bad sense. [Archaic] Chaucer. Spenser. Shak. Leme Leme (?), n. [OE. leem, leme, leam, AS. le\'a2ma light, brightness; akin to E. light, n. &root;122.] A ray or glimmer of light; a gleam. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lame Lame, v. i. To shine. [Obs.] Piers Plowman. Lemma Lem"ma (?), n.; pl. L. Lemmata (#), E. Lemmas (#). [L. lemma, Gr. Syllable.] A preliminary or auxiliary proposition demonstrated or accepted for immediate use in the demonstration of some other proposition, as in mathematics or logic. Lemman Lem"man (?), n. A leman. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lemming Lem"ming (?), n. [Nor. lemming, lemende; cf. Sw. lemel, Lapp. lummik.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of several species of small arctic rodents of the genera Myodes and Cuniculus, resembling the meadow mice in form. They are found in both hemispheres. NOTE: &hand; Th e co mmon Northern European lemming (Myodes lemmus) is remarkable for making occasional devastating migrations in enormous numbers from the mountains into the lowlands. Lemnian Lem"ni*an (?), a. [L. Lemnius, fr. Lemnus, Gr. Of or pertaining to the isle of Lemnos. Lemnian bole, Lemnian earth, an aluminous earth of a grayish yellow color; sphragide; -- formerly sold as medicine, having astringent properties. -- Lemnian reddle, a reddle of firm consistence and deep red color; -- used by artificers in coloring. Lemniscata, Lemniscate Lem`nis*ca"ta (?), Lem*nis"cate (?), n. [L. lemniscatus adorned with ribbons, fr. lemniscus a ribbon having down, Gr. (Geom.) A curve in the form of the figure 8, with both parts symmetrical, generated by the point in which a tangent to an equilateral hyperbola meets the perpendicular on it drawn from the center. Lemniscus Lem*nis"cus (?), n.; pl. Lemnisci () [L. See Lemniscata.] (Zo\'94l.) One of two oval bodies hanging from the interior walls of the body in the Acanthocephala. Lemon Lem"on (?), n. [F. limon, Per. lim; cf. Ar.laim, Sp. limon, It. limone. Cf. Lime a fruit.] 1. (Bot.) An oval or roundish fruit resembling the orange, and containing a pulp usually intensely acid. It is produced by a tropical tree of the genus Citrus,the common fruit known in commerce being that of the species C. Limonum or C. Medica (var. Limonum). There are many varieties of the fruit, some of which are sweet. 2. The tree which bears lemons; the lemon tree. Lemon grass (Bot.), a fragrant East Indian grass (Andropogon Sh\'d2nanthus, and perhaps other allied species), which yields the grass oil used in perfumery. -- Lemon sole (Zo\'94l.), a yellow European sole (Solea aurantiaca). -- Salts of lemon (Chem.), a white crystalline substance, inappropriately named, as it consists of an acid potassium oxalate and contains no citric acid, which is the characteristic acid of lemon; -- called also salis of sorrel. It is used in removing ink stains. See Oxalic acid, under Oxalic. [Colloq.] <-- Lemon adj. 1. of the color lemon-yellow. 2. of or relating to lemons, as lemon pie. --> Lemonade Lem`on*ade" (?), n. [F. limonade; cf. Sp. limonada, It. limonata. See Lemon.] A beverage consisting of lemon juice mixed with water and sweetened. Lemur Le"mur (?), n. [L., a ghost, specter. So called on account of its habit of going abroad by night.] (Zo\'94l.) One of a family (Lemurid\'91) of nocturnal mammals allied to the monkeys, but of small size, and having a sharp and foxlike muzzle, and large eyes. They feed upon birds, insects, and fruit, and are mostly natives of Madagascar and the neighboring islands, one genus (Galago) occurring in Africa. The slow lemur or kukang of the East Indies is Nycticebus tardigradus. See Galago, Indris, and Colugo. Lemures Lem"u*res (?), n. pl. [L. See Lemur.] Spirits or ghosts of the departed; specters. The Lars and Lemures moan with midnight plaint. Milton. Lemuria Le*mu"ri*a (?), n. [So named from the supposition that it was the original home of the lemurs.] A hypothetical land, or continent, supposed by some to have existed formerly in the Indian Ocean, of which Madagascar is a remnant. Herschel. Lemurid Lem"u*rid (?), a. & n. (Zo\'94l.) Same as Lemuroid. Lemuridous, Lemurine Le*mu"ri*dous (?), Lem"u*rine (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Lemuroid. Lemuroid Lem"u*roid (?), a. [Lemur + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Like or pertaining to the lemurs or the Lemuroidea. -- n. One of the Lemuroidea. Lemuroidea Lem`u*roi"de*a (?), n. pl. [NL. See Lemur, and -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) A suborder of primates, including the lemurs, the aye-aye, and allied species. [Written also Lemuroida.] Lena Le"na (?), n. [L.] A procuress. J. Webster. Lend Lend (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lent ; p. pr. & vb. n. Lending.] [OE.lenen, AS. l, fr. l loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See Loan.] 1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to lend a book; -- opposed to borrow. Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power To give it from me. Shak. 2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some article of food. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. Levit. xxv. 37. 3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend assistance; to lend one's name or influence. Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. Addison. Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and largeness to his compositions. J. A. Symonds. 4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or gig. NOTE: &hand; Th is us e of th e word is rare in the United States, except with reference to money. To lend a hand, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.] -- To lend an ear OR one's ears, to give attention. Lendable Lend"a*ble (?), a. Such as can be lent. Sherwood. Lender Lend"er (?), n. One who lends. The borrower is servant to the lender. Prov. xxii. 7. Lendes Lend"es (?), n. pl. See Lends. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lending Lend"ing, n. 1. The act of one who lends. 2. That which is lent or furnished. Lends Lends (?), n. pl. [AS. lend, lenden; akin to D. & G. lende, OHG. lenti, Icel. lend, and perh to E. loin.] Loins. [Obs.] Wyclif. Lene Lene (?), v. i. [See Lend.] To lend; to grant; to permit. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lene Le"ne (?), a. [L. lenis smooth.] (Phonetics) (a) Smooth; as, the lene breathing. (b) Applied to certain mute consonants, as p, k, and t. (or Gr. p, k, t.). W. E. Jelf. Lene Le"ne, n. (Phonetics) (a) The smooth breathing (spiritus lenis). (b) Any one of the lene consonants, as p, k, or i (or Gr. p, k, t.). W. E. Jelf. Lenger, Lengest Leng"er (?), Leng"est, a. Longer; longest; -- obsolete compar. and superl. of long. Chaucer. Length Length (?), n. [OE. lengthe, AS. leng, fr. land, long, long; akin to D. lengte, Dan. l\'91ngde, Sw. l\'84ngd, Icel. lengd. See Long, a. ] 1. The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a rope or line. 2. A portion of space or of time considered as measured by its length; -- often in the plural. Large lengths of seas and shores. Shak. The future but a length behind the past. Dryden. 3. The quality or state of being long, in space or time; extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for the length of their wings; he was tired by the length of the sermon, and the length of his walk. 4. A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence. 5. Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to pursue a subject to a great length. May Heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss. With length of days and every day like this. Dryden. 6. Distance.[Obs.] He had marched to the length of Exeter. Clarendon. At length. (a) At or in the full extent; without abbreviation; as, let the name be inserted at length. (b) At the end or conclusion; after a long period. See Syn. of At last, under Last. -- At arm's length. See under Arm. Length Length, v. i. To lengthen. [Obs.] Shak. Lengthen Length"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lengthenel (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lengthening (?).] To extent in length; to make longer in extent or duration; as, to lengthen a line or a road; to lengthen life; -- sometimes followed by out. What if I please to lengthen out his date. Dryden. Lengthen Length"en, v. i. To become longer. Locke. Lengthful Length"ful (?), a. Long. [Obs.] Pope. Lengthily Length"i*ly (?), adv. In a lengthy manner; at great length or extent. Lengthiness Length"i*ness, n. The state or quality of being lengthy; prolixity. Lengthways, Lengthwise Length"ways` (?), Length"wise` (?), adv. In the direction of the length; in a longitudinal direction. Lengthy Length"y (?), a. [Compar. Lengthier (?); superl. Lengthiest.] Having length; rather long or too long; prolix; not brief; -- said chiefly of discourses, writings, and the like. "Lengthy periods." Washington. "Some lengthy additions." Byron. "These would be details too lengthy." Jefferson. "To cut short lengthy explanations." Trench. Lenience, Leniency Le"ni*ence (?), Le"ni*en*cy, n. The quality or state of being lenient; lenity; clemency. Leniont Le"ni*ont (?), a. [L. leniens, -entis, p. pr. of lenire to soften, fr. lenis soft, mild. Cf. Lithe.] 1. Relaxing; emollient; softening; assuasive; -- some "Lenient of grief." Milton. Of relax the fibers, are lenient, balsamic. Arbuthnot. Time, that on all things lays his lenient hand. Pope. 2. Mild; clement; merciful; not rigorous or severe; as, a lenient disposition; a lenient judge or sentence. Lenient Le"ni*ent, n. (Med.) A lenitive; an emollient. Leniently Le"ni*ent*ly, adv. In a lenient manner. Lenify Len"i*fy (?), v. t. [L. lenis soft, mild + -fy: cf. F.l\'82nifier.] To assuage; to soften; to Bacon. Dryden. Leniment Len"i*ment (?), n. [L. lenimentum: cf. OF. leniment. See Lenient.] An assuasive. [Obs.] Lenitive Len"i*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. l\'82nitif. See Lenient.] Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient. Lenitive Len"i*tive, n. [Cf. F. l\'82nitif.] 1. (Med.) (a) A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain or protecting from the action of irritants. (b) A mild purgative; a laxative. 2. That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative. There is one sweet Lenitive at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep. Sterne. Lenitiveness Len"i*tive*ness, n. The quality of being lenitive. Lenitude Len"i*tude (?), n. [L. lenitudo.] The quality or habit of being lenient; lenity. [Obs.] Blount. Lenity Len"i*ty (?), n. [L. lenitas, fr. lenis soft, mild: cf. OF. lenit\'82. See Lenient.] The state or quality of being lenient; mildness of temper or disposition; gentleness of treatment; softness; tenderness; clemency; -- opposed to severity and rigor. His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too severe. Macaulay. Syn. -- Gentleness; kindness; tenderness; softness; humanity; clemency; mercy. Lenni-Lenape Len`ni-Len*a"pe (?), n. pl. (Ethnol.) A general name for a group of Algonquin tribes which formerly occupied the coast region of North America from Connecticut to Virginia. They included the Mohicans, Delawares, Shawnees, and several other tribes. _________________________________________________________________ Page 843 Leno Le"no (?), n. [Cf. It. leno weak, flexible.] A light open cotton fabric used for window curtains. Lenocinant Le*noc"i*nant (?), a. [L. lenocinans, p. pr. of lenocinari to pander, cajole; akin to leno pimp.] Given to lewdness. [Obs.] Lens Lens (?), n.; pl. Lenses (-&ecr;z). [L. lens a lentil. So named from the resemblance in shape of a double convex lens to the seed of a lentil. Cf. Lentil.] (Opt.) A piece of glass, or other transparent substance, ground with two opposite regular surfaces, either both curved, or one curved and the other plane, and commonly used, either singly or combined, in optical instruments, for changing the direction of rays of light, and thus magnifying objects, or otherwise modifying vision. In practice, the curved surfaces are usually spherical, though rarely cylindrical, or of some other figure. Lenses NOTE: &hand; Of spherical lenses, there are six varieties, as shown in section in the figures herewith given: viz., a plano-concave; b double-concave; c plano-convex; d double-convex; converging concavo-convex, or converging meniscus; f diverging concavo-convex, or diverging meniscus. Crossed lens (Opt.), a double-convex lens with one radius equal to six times the other. -- Crystalline lens. (Anat.) See Eye. -- Fresnel lens (Opt.), a compound lens formed by placing around a central convex lens rings of glass so curved as to have the same focus; used, especially in lighthouses, for concentrating light in a particular direction; -- so called from the inventor. -- Multiplying lens OR glass (Opt.), a lens one side of which is plane and the other convex, but made up of a number of plane faces inclined to one another, each of which presents a separate image of the object viewed through it, so that the object is, as it were, multiplied. -- Polyzonal lens. See Polyzonal. Lent Lent (?), imp. & p. p. of Lend. Lent Lent, n. [OE. lente, lenten, leynte, AS. lengten, lencten, spring, lent, akin to D. lente, OHG. lenzin, langiz, G. lenz, and perh. fr. AS. lang long, E. long, because at this season of the year the days lengthen.] (Eccl.) A fast of forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing till Easter, observed by some Christian churches as commemorative of the fast of our Savior. Lent lily Lent lily (Bot.), the daffodil; -- so named from its blossoming in spring. Lent Lent, a. [L. lentus; akin to lenis soft, mild: cf. F. lent. See Lenient.] 1. Slow; mild; gentle; as, lenter heats. [Obs.] B.Jonson. 2. (Mus.) See Lento. Lentamente Len`ta*men"te (?); adv. [It.] (Mus.) Slowly; in slow time. Lentando Len*tan"do (?), a. [It., p. pr. of lentare to make slow. See Lent, a.] (Mus.) Slackening; retarding. Same as Rallentando. Lenten Lent"en (?), n. Lent. [Obs.] Piers Plowman. Lenten Lent"en, a. [From OE. lenten lent. See Lent, n. ] 1. Of or pertaining to the fast called Lent; used in, or suitable to, Lent; as, the Lenten season. She quenched her fury at the flood. And with a Lenten salad cooled her blood. Dryden. 2. Spare, meager; plain; somber; unostentatious; not abundant or showy. "Lenten entertainment." " Lenten answer." Shak. " Lenten suit." Beau. & Fl. Lenten color, black or violet. F. G. Lee. Lententide Lent"en*tide` (?), n. The season of Lenten or Lent. Lenticel Len"ti*cel (?), n. [F. lenticelle, dim. fr. L. lens, lentis, a lentil. Cf. Lentil.] (Bot.) (a) One of the small, oval, rounded spots upon the stem or branch of a plant, from which the underlying tissues may protrude or roots may issue, either in the air, or more commonly when the stem or branch is covered with water or earth. (b) A small, lens-shaped gland on the under side of some leaves. Lenticellame Len`ti*cel"lame (?), a. (Bot.) Producing lenticels; dotted with lenticels. Lenticelle Len`ti*celle" (?), n. [F.] (Bot.) Lenticel. Lenticula Len*tic"u*la (?), n.; pl. E. Lenticulas (#), L. Lenticul\'91 (#). [L. See Lenticel.] 1. (Med.) A kind of eruption upon the skin; lentigo; freckle. 2. (Opt.) A lens of small size. 3. (Bot.) A lenticel. Lenticular Len*tic"u*lar (?), a. [L. lenticularis: cf. F. lenticulaire. See Lenticel.] Resembling a lentil in size or form; having the form of a double-convex lens. Lenticularly Len*tic"u*lar*ly, adv. In the manner of a lens; with a curve. Lentiform Len"ti*form (?), a. [L. lens, lentis, lentil + -form: cf. F. lentifarme,] Lenticular. Lentiginose Len*tig"i*nose` (?), a. [See Lentiginous.] (Bot.) Bearing numerous dots resembling freckles. Lentiginous Len*tig"i*nous (?), a. [L. lentiginosus. See Lentigo.] Of or pertaining to lentigo; freckly; scurfy; furfuraceous. Lentigo Len*ti"go (?), n. [L., fr. lens, lentis, lentil.] (Med.) A freckly eruption on the skin; freckles. Lentil Len"til (?), n. [F. lentille, fr. L. lenticula, dim. of lens, lentis, lentil. Cf. Lens.] (Bot.) A leguminous plant of the genus Ervum (Ervum Lens), of small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed, which is used for food on the continent. NOTE: &hand; The lentil of the Scriptures probably included several other vetchlike plants. Lentil shell (Zo\'94l.), a small bivalve shell of the genus Ervillia, family Tellinid\'91. Lentiscus, Lentisk Len*tis"cus (?), Len"tisk (?),, n. [L. lentiscus, lentiscum: cf. F. lentisque.] (Bot.) A tree; the mastic. See Mastic. Lentitude Len"ti*tude (?), n. [L. lentitudo, fr. lentus slow: cf. OF. lentitude. See Lent, a.] Slowness; sluggishness. [Obs.] Lento Len"to (?), a. & adv. [It.] (Mus.) Slow; in slow time; slowly; -- rarely written lente. Lentoid Len"toid (?), a. [Lens + -oid.] Having the form of a lens; lens-shaped. Lentor Len"tor (?), n. [L. fr. lentus pliant, tough, slow. See Lent, a.] 1. Tenacity; viscidity; viscidity, as of fluids. 2. Slowness; delay; sluggishness. Arbuthnot. Lentous Len"tous (?), a. [L. lentus. See Lentor.] Viscid; viscous; tenacious. Spawn of a lentous and transparent body. Sir T. Browne. L'envoi, OR L'envoy L'en`voi", OR L'en`voy" (, n. [F. le the + envei a sending. See Envoy.] 1. One or more detached verses at the end of a literary composition, serving to convey the moral, or to address the poem to a particular person; -- orig. employed in old French poetry. Shak. 2. A conclusion; a result. Massinger. Leo Le"o (?), n. [L. See Lion.] (Astron.) 1. The Lion, the fifth sign of the zodiac, marked thus 2. A northern constellation east of Cancer, containing the bright star Regulus at the end of the handle of the Sickle. Leo Minor, a small constellation between Leo and the Great Bear. Leod Le"od (?), n. [AS.le\'a2d people, nation, man, chief; akin to OS. liud, OHG. liut, pl. liuti, G.leute, pl., fr. AS.le\'a2dan to grow, akin to Goth. liudan, OS. liodan, OHG. liotan to grow; cf. Skr. ruh. ] People; a nation; a man. [Obs.] Piers Plowman. Bp. Gibson. Leon Le"on (?), n. A lion. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leonced Le"onced (?), a. (Her.) See Lionced. Leonese Le`o*nese" (?), a. Of or pertaining to Leon, in Spain. -- n. sing. & pl. A native or natives of Leon. Leonid Le"o*nid, n. [From Leo: cf. F. l\'82onides, pl.] (Astron.) One of the shooting stars which constitute the star shower that recurs near the fourteenth of November at intervals of about thirty-three years; so called because shooting stars appear on the heavens to move in lines directed from the constellation Leo. Leonine Le"o*nine (?), a. [L. leoninus, fr. leo, leonis, lion: cf. F. l\'82onin. See Lion.] Pertaining to, or characteristic of, the lion; as, a leonine look; leonine repacity. -- Le"o*nine*ly, adv. Leonine verse, a kind of verse, in which the end of the line rhymes with the middle; -- so named from Leo, or Leoninus, a Benedictine and canon of Paris in the twelfth century, who wrote largely in this measure, though he was not the inventor. The following line is an example: Gloria factorum temere conceditur horum. Leontodon Le*on"to*don (?), n. [Gr. Lion's-tooth, Dandelion.] (Bot.) A genus of liguliflorous composite plants, including the fall dandelion (L. autumnale), and formerly the true dandelion; -- called also lion's tooth. Leopard Leop"ard (?), n. [OE. leopart, leparde, lebarde, libbard, OF. leopard, liepart, F. l\'82opard, L. leopardus, fr. Gr. Lion, and Pard.] (Zo\'94l.) A large, savage, carnivorous mammal (Felis leopardus). It is of a yellow or fawn color, with rings or roselike clusters of black spots along the back and sides. It is found in Southern Asia and Africa. By some the panther (Felis pardus) is regarded as a variety of leopard. Hunting leopard. See Cheetah. Leopard cat (Zo\'94l.) any one of several species or varieties of small, spotted cats found in Africa, Southern Asia, and the East Indies; esp., Felis Bengalensis. -- Leopard marmot. See Gopher, 2. Leopard's bane Leop"ard's bane` (?). (Bot.) A name of several harmless plants, as Arnica montana, Senecio Doronicum, and Paris quadrifolia. Leopardwood Leop"ard*wood`, n. (Bot.) See Letterwood. Lep Lep (?), obs. strong imp. of Leap. Leaped. Chaucer. Lepadite 2 Lep"a*dite 2, n. [L. lepas, lepadis, limpet, Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Same as Lepadoid. Lepadoid Lep"a*doid (?), n. [Lepas + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) A stalked barnacle of the genus Lepas, or family Lepadid\'91; a goose barnacle. Also used adjectively. Lepal Lep"al (?), n. [Gr. l\'82pale.] (Bot.) A sterile transformed stamen. Lepas Le"pas (?), n. [L., a limpet, fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of various species of Lepas, a genus of pedunculated barnacles found attached to floating timber, bottoms of ships, Gulf weed, etc.; -- called also goose barnacle. See Barnacle. Leper Lep"er (?), n. [OE. lepre leprosy, F. l\'8apre, L. leprae, lepra, fr. Gr. A person affected with leprosy. Lepered Lep"ered (?), a. Affected or tainted with leprosy. Leperize Lep"er*ize (?), v. t. To affect with leprosy. Leperous Lep"er*ous (?), a. Leprous; infectious; corrupting; poisonous. "The leperous distillment." Shak. Lepid Lep"id (?), a. [L. lepidus.] Pleasant; jocose. [R.] The joyous and lepid consul. Sydney Smith. Lepidine Lep"i*dine (?), n. (Chem.) An organic base, C9H6.N.CH3, metameric with quinaldine, and obtained by the distillation of cinchonine. Lepidodendrid Lep`i*do*den"drid (?), n. (Paleon.) One of an extinct family of trees allied to the modern club mosses, and including Lepidodendron and its allies. Lepidodendroid Lep`i*do*den"droid (?), a. (Paleon.) Allied to, or resembling, Lepidodendron. -- n. A lepidodendrid. Lepidodendron Lep`i*do*den"dron (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Paleon.) A genus of fossil trees of the Devonian and Carboniferous ages, having the exterior marked with scars, mostly in quincunx order, produced by the separation of the leafstalks. Lepidoganoid Lep`i*do*ga"noid (?), n. [Gr. ganoid.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of a division (Lepidoganoidei) of ganoid fishes, including those that have scales forming a coat of mail. Also used adjectively. Lepidolite Le*pid"o*lite (?), n. [Gr. -lite: cf. F. l\'82pidolithe.] (Min.) A species of mica, of a lilac or rose-violet color, containing lithia. It usually occurs in masses consisting of small scales. See Mica. Lepidomelane Lep`i*dom"e*lane (?), n. [Fr. (Min.) An iron-potash mica, of a raven-black color, usually found in granitic rocks in small six-sided tables, or as an aggregation of minute opaque scales. See Mica. Lepidopter Lep`i*dop"ter (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82pidopt\'8are.] (Zo\'94l.) One of the Lepidoptera. Lepidoptera Lep`i*dop"te*ra (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping scales, usually brightly colored. NOTE: &hand; Th ey ha ve a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by the two slender maxill\'91. The labial palpi are usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are rudimentary. The larv\'91, called caterpillars, are often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of flowers. Lepidopteral, Lepidopterous Lep`i*dop"ter*al (?), Lep`i*dop"ter*ous (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the Lepidoptera. Lepidopterits Lep`i*dop"ter*its, n. (Zo\'94l.) One who studies the Lepidoptera. Lepidosauria Lep`i*do*sau"ri*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A division of reptiles, including the serpents and lizards; the Plagiotremata. Lepidosiren Lep`i*do*si"ren (?), n. [Gr. (Zo\'94l.) An eel-shaped ganoid fish of the order Dipnoi, having both gills and lungs. It inhabits the rivers of South America. The name is also applied to a related African species (Protopterus annectens). The lepidosirens grow to a length of from four to six feet. Called also doko. Lepidote, Lepidoted Lep"i*dote (?), Lep"i*do`ted (?), a. [Gr. (Bot.) Having a coat of scurfy scales, as the leaves of the oleaster. Lepisma Le*pis"ma (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A genus of wingless thysanurous insects having an elongated flattened body, covered with shining scales and terminated by seven unequal bristles. A common species (Lepisma saccharina) is found in houses, and often injures books and furniture. Called also shiner, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.<-- also called silverfish. Eats sized paper and starched clothes --> Lepismoid Le*pis"moid (?), a. [Lepisma + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Like or pertaining to the Lepisma. Leporine Lep"o*rine (?), a. [L. leporinus, fr. lepus, leporis, hare. See Leveret.] (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to a hare; like or characteristic of, a hare. Lepra Le"pra (?), n. [L. See Leper.] (Med.) Leprosy. NOTE: &hand; Th e te rm le pra wa s fo rmerly given to various skin diseases, the leprosy of modern authors being Lepra Arabum. See Leprosy. _________________________________________________________________ Page 844 Lepre Lep"re (?), n. Leprosy.[Obs.] Wyclif. Leprose Lep"rose` (?), a. [See Leprous.] (Nat. Hist.) Covered with thin, scurfy scales. Leprosity Le*pros"i*ty (?), n. The state or quality of being leprous or scaly; also, a scale. Bacon. Leprosy Lep"ro*sy (?), n. [See Leprous.] (Med.) A cutaneous disease which first appears as blebs or as reddish, shining, slightly prominent spots, with spreading edges. These are often followed by an eruption of dark or yellowish prominent nodules, frequently producing great deformity. In one variety of the disease, an\'91sthesia of the skin is a prominent symptom. In addition there may be wasting of the muscles, falling out of the hair and nails, and distortion of the hands and feet with destruction of the bones and joints. It is incurable, and is probably contagious.<-- caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, curable in most cases by therapy with a combination of antibiotics, but cases resistant to therapy are increasing. --> NOTE: &hand; Th e di sease no w ca lled leprosy, also designated as Lepra or Lepra Arabum, and Elephantiasis Gr\'91corum, is not the same as the leprosy of the ancients. The latter was, indeed, a generic name for many varieties of skin disease (including our modern leprosy, psoriasis, etc.), some of which, among the Hebrews, rendered a person ceremonially unclean. A variety of leprosy of the Hebrews (probably identical with modern leprosy) was characterized by the presence of smooth, shining, depressed white patches or scales, the hair on which participated in the whiteness while the skin and adjacent flesh became insensible. It was incurable disease. Leprous Lep"rous (?), a. [OF. leprous, lepros, F. l\'82preux, fr. L. leprosus, fr. lepra, leprae, leprosy. See Leper.] 1. Infected with leprosy; pertaining to or resembling leprosy. "His hand was leprous as snow." Ex. iv. 6. 2. (Nat. Hist.) Leprose. -- Lep"rous*ly, adv. -- Lep"rous*ness, n. Lepry Lep"ry (?), n. Leprosy. [Obs.] Holland. Leptiform Lep"ti*form (?), a. [Leptus + -form.] (Zo\'94l.) Having a form somewhat like leptus; -- said of active insect larv\'91 having three pairs of legs. See Larva. Leptocardia Lep`to*car"di*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) The lowest class of Vertebrata, including only the Amphioxus. The heart is represented only by a simple pulsating vessel. The blood is colorless; the brain, renal organs, and limbs are wanting, and the backbone is represented only by a simple, unsegmented notochord. See Amphioxus. [Written also Leptocardii.] Leptocardian Lep`to*car"di*an (?) a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the Leptocardia. -- n. One of the Leptocardia. Leptodactyl Lep`to*dac"tyl (?), n. [Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A bird or other animal having slender toes. [Written also lepodactyle.] Leptodactylous Lep`to*dac"tyl*ous (?), Having slender toes. Leptology Lep*tol"o*gy (?), n. [Gr. A minute and tedious discourse on trifling things. Leptomeningitis Lep`to*men`in*gi"tis (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. meningitis.] (Med.) Inflammation of the pia mater or of the arachnoid membrane. Leptorhine Lep"to*rhine (?), a. [Gr. , , the nose.] (Anat.) Having the nose narrow; -- said esp. of the skull. Opposed to platyrhine. Leptostraca Lep*tos"tra*ca (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) An order of Crustacea, including Nebalia and allied forms. Leptothrix Lep"to*thrix (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Biol.) A genus of bacteria, characterized by having their filaments very long, slender, and indistinctly articulated. Leptothrix Lep"to*thrix, a. [See Leptothrix, n. ] (Biol.) Having the form of a little chain; -- applied to bacteria when, as in multiplication by fission, they form chain of filiform individuals. Leptus Lep"tus (?), n. [NL., from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) The six-legged young, or larva, of certain mites; -- sometimes used as a generic name. See Harvest mite, under Harvest. Leptynite Lep"ty*nite (?), n. (Min.) See Granulite. Lere Lere (?), n. [See Lore knowledge.] Learning; lesson; lore. [Obs.] Spenser. Lere Lere, v. t. & i. [OE. leeren, leren, AS. l. See Lore, Learn.] To learn; to teach. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lere Lere, a. Empty. [Obs.] See Lere, a. Lere Lere, n. [AS. lira flesh; cf. Icel l\'91r thigh.] Flesh; skin. [Obs.] "His white leer." Chaucer. Lered Ler"ed (?), a. [From lere, v. t.] Learned. [Obs.] " Lewed man or lered." Chaucer. Lern\'91a Ler*n\'91"a (?), n. [NL., fr. L. Lernaeus Lern\'91an, fr. Lerna, Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A Linn\'91an genus of parasitic Entomostraca, -- the same as the family Lern\'91id\'91. NOTE: &hand; Th e ge nus is restricted by modern zo\'94logists to a limited number of species similar to Lern\'91a branchialis found on the gills of the cod. Lern\'91acea Ler`n\'91*a"ce*a (?), n. pl. [NL. See Lern\'91a.] (Zo\'94l.) A suborder of copepod Crustacea, including a large number of remarkable forms, mostly parasitic on fishes. The young, however, are active and swim freely. See Illustration in Appendix. Lernean Ler*ne"an (?), n. [See Lern\'91a.] (Zo\'94l.) One of a family (Lern\'91id\'91) of parasitic Crustacea found attached to fishes and other marine animals. Some species penetrate the skin and flesh with the elongated head, and feed on the viscera. See Illust. in Appendix. L\'82rot L\'82`rot" (?), n. [F.] (Zo\'94l.) A small European rodent (Eliomys nitela), allied to the dormouse. Les Les (?), n. A leash. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lesbian Les"bi*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to the island anciently called Lesbos, now Mitylene, in the Grecian Archipelago. Lese Lese (?), v. t. To lose. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lese-majesty Lese`-maj"es*ty (?), n. See Leze majesty. Lesion Le"sion (?), n. [F. lesion, L. laesio, fr. laedere, laesum, to hurt, injure.] A hurt; an injury. Specifically: (a) (Civil Law) Loss sustained from failure to fulfill a bargain or contract. Burrill. (b) (Med.) Any morbid change in the exercise of functions or the texture of organs. Dunglison. -less -less (?). [AS. le\'a0s loose, false; akin to OS. l loose, false, D. los loose, loos false, sly, G. los loose, Icel. lauss loose, vacant, Goth. laus empty, vain, and also to E. loose, lose. &root;127. See Lose, and cf. Loose, Leasing.] A privative adjective suffix, denoting without, destitute of, not having; as witless, childless, fatherless. Less Less (l&ecr;s), conj. Unless. [Obs.] B. Jonson. Less Less, a. [OE. lesse, AS. l&aemac;ssa; akin to OFries. l&emac;ssa; a compar. from a lost positive form. Cf. Lesser, Lest, Least. Less has the sense of the comparative degree of little.] Smaller; not so large or great; not so much; shorter; inferior; as, a less quantity or number; a horse of less size or value; in less time than before. NOTE: &hand; The substantive which less qualifies is often omitted; as, the purse contained less (money) than ten dollars. See Less, n. Thus in less [time] than a hundred years from the coming of Augustine, all England became Christian. E. A. Freeman. Less Less, adv. [AS. l. See Less, adj., and cf. Lest.] Not so much; in a smaller or lower degree; as, less bright or loud; less beautiful. Less Less, n. 1. A smaller portion or quantity. The children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. Ex. xvi. 17. 2. The inferior, younger, or smaller. The less is blessed of the better. Heb. vii. 7. Less Less, v. t. To make less; to lessen. [Obs.] Gower. Lessee Les*see" (?), n. [F. laiss\'82, p. p. of laisser. See Lease, v. t.] (Law) The person to whom a lease is given, or who takes an estate by lease. Blackstone. Lessen Less"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lessening.] [From Less, a. ] To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune. Charity . . . shall lessen his punishment. Calamy. St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men conspired to lessen it. Atterbury. Syn. -- To diminish; reduce; abate; decrease; lower; impair; weaken; degrade. Lessen Less"en, v. i. To become less; to shrink; to contract; to decrease; to be diminished; as, the apparent magnitude of objects lessens as we recede from them; his care, or his wealth, lessened. The objection lessens much, and comes to no more than this: there was one witness of no good reputation. Atterbury. Lessener Less"en*er (?), n. One who, or that which, lessens. His wife . . . is the lessener of his pain, and the augmenter of his pleasure. J. Rogers (1839). Lesser Less"er (?), a. [This word is formed by adding anew the compar. suffix -er (in which r is from an original s) to less. See Less, a.] Less; smaller; inferior. God made . . . the lesser light to rule the night. Gen. i. 15. NOTE: &hand; Lesser is used for less, now the compar. of little, in certain special instances in which its employment has become established by custom; as, Lesser Asia (i. e., Asia Minor), the lesser light, and some others; also in poetry, for the sake of the meter, and in prose where its use renders the passage more euphonious. The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace. Shak. The larger here, and there the lesser lambs. Pope. By the same reason may a man, in the state of nature, punish the lesser breaches of the law. Locke. Lesser Less"er, adv. Less. [Obs.] Shak. Lesses Les"ses (?), n. pl. [F. laiss\'82es, from laisser to leave. See Lease, v. t.] The leavings or dung of beasts. Lesson Les"son (?), n. [OE. lessoun, F. le lesson, reading, fr. L. lectio a reading, fr. legere to read, collect. See Legend, and cf. Lection.] 1. Anything read or recited to a teacher by a pupil or learner; something, as a portion of a book, assigned to a pupil to be studied or learned at one time. 2. That which is learned or taught by an express effort; instruction derived from precept, experience, observation, or deduction; a precept; a doctrine; as, to take or give a lesson in drawing." A smooth and pleasing lesson." Milton. Emprinteth well this lesson in your mind. Chaucer. 3. A portion of Scripture read in divine service for instruction; as, here endeth the first lesson. 4. A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning. She would give her a lesson for walking so late. Sir. P. Sidney. 5. (Mus.) An exercise; a composition serving an educational purpose; a study. Lesson Les"son, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessoned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lessoning.] To teach; to instruct. Shak. To rest the weary, and to soothe the sad, Doth lesson happier men, and shame at least the bad. Byron. Lessor Les"sor (?), n. [See Lessee, Lease, v. t. ] (Law) One who leases; the person who lets to farm, or gives a lease. Blackstone. Lest Lest (?), v. i. To listen. [Obs.] Chaucer. Spenser. Lest Lest, n. [See List to choose.] Lust; desire; pleasure. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lest Lest, a. Last; least. [Obs.] Chaucer. Lest Lest, conj. [OE.leste, fr. AS. l the less that, where that, who, which. See The, Less, a.] 1. For Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. Prov. xx. 18. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth he standeth take heed lest he fall. I Cor. x. 12. 2. That (without the negative particle); -- after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension. I feared Lest I might anger thee. Shak. -let -let (?).[From two French dim. endings -el (L. -ellus) and -et, as in bracelet.] A noun suffix having a diminutive force; as in streamlet, armlet. Let Let (?), v. t. [OE.letten, AS. lettan to delay, to hinder, fr. l\'91t slow; akin to D. letten to hinder, G. verletzen to hurt, Icel. letja to hold back, Goth. latjan. See Late.] To retard; to hinder; to impede; to oppose. [Archaic] He was so strong that no man might him let. Chaucer. He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2. Thess. ii. 7. Mine ancient wound is hardly whole, And lets me from the saddle. Tennyson. Let Let, n. 1. A retarding; hindrance; obstacle; impediment; delay; -- common in the phrase without let or hindrance, but elsewhere archaic. Keats. Consider whether your doings be to the let of your salvation or not. Latimer. 2. (Lawn Tennis) A stroke in which a ball touches the top of the net in passing over. Let Let, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Let (Letted (?), [Obs].); p. pr. & vb. n. Letting.] [OE. leten, l\'91ten (past tense lat, let, p. p. laten, leten, lete), AS. l&aemac;tan (past tense l&emac;t, p. p. l&aemac;ten); akin to OFries. l&emac;ta, OS. l\'betan, D. laten, G. lessen, OHG. l\'bezzan, Icel. l\'beta, Sw. l\'86ta, Dan. lade, Goth. l&emac;tan, and L. lassus weary. The original meaning seems to have been, to let loose, let go, let drop. Cf. Alas, Late, Lassitude, Let to hinder.] 1. To leave; to relinquish; to abandon. [Obs. or Archaic, except when followed by alone or be.] He . . . prayed him his voyage for to let Chaucer. Yet neither spins nor cards, ne cares nor frets, But to her mother Nature all her care she lets. Spenser. Let me alone in choosing of my wife. Chaucer. 2. To consider; to think; to esteem. [Obs.] Chaucer. 3. To cause; to make; -- used with the infinitive in the active form but in the passive sense; as, let make, i. e., cause to be made; let bring, i. e., cause to be brought. [Obs.] This irous, cursed wretch Let this knight's son anon before him fetch. Chaucer. He . . . thus let do slay hem all three. Chaucer. Anon he let two coffers make. Gower. 4. To permit; to allow; to suffer; -- either affirmatively, by positive act, or negatively, by neglecting to restrain or prevent. NOTE: &hand; In th is se nse, wh en followed by an infinitive, the latter is commonly without the sign to; as to let us walk, i. e., to permit or suffer us to walk. Sometimes there is entire omission of the verb; as, to let [to be or to go] loose. Pharaoh said, I will let you go Ex. viii. 28. If your name be Horatio, as I am let to know it is. Shak. 5. To allow to be used or occupied for a compensation; to lease; to rent; to hire out; -- often with out; as, to let a farm; to let a house; to let out horses. 6. To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract; -- often with out; as, to let the building of a bridge; to let out the lathing and the plastering. NOTE: &hand; Th e ac tive form of the infinitive of let, as of many other English verbs, is often used in a passive sense; as, a house to let (i. e., for letting, or to be let). This form of expression conforms to the use of the Anglo-Saxon gerund with to (dative infinitive) which was commonly so employed. See Gerund, 2. " Your elegant house in Harley Street is to let." Thackeray. In the imperative mood, before the first person plural, let has a hortative force. " Rise up, let us go." Mark xiv. 42. " Let us seek out some desolate shade." Shak. To let alone, to leave; to withdraw from; to refrain from interfering with. -- To let blood, to cause blood to flow; to bleed. -- To let down. (a) To lower. (b) To soften in tempering; as to let down tools, cutlery, and the like.<-- to let (someone) down. to disappoint (someone) by filing to perform as expected. --> -- To let drive OR fly, to discharge with violence, as a blow, an arrow, or stone. See under Drive, and Fly. -- To let in OR into. (a) To permit or suffer to enter; to admit. (b) To insert, or imbed, as a piece of wood, in a recess formed in a surface for the purpose. To let loose, to remove restraint from; to permit to wander at large. -- To let off (a) To discharge; to let fly, as an arrow; to fire the charge of, as a gun. (b) To release, as from an engagement or obligation. [Colloq.] To let out. (a) To allow to go forth; as, to let out a prisoner. (b) To extend or loosen, as the folds of a garment; to enlarge; to suffer to run out, as a cord. (c) To lease; to give out for performance by contract, as a job. (d) To divulge. -- To let slide, to let go; to cease to care for. [Colloq.] " Let the world slide." Shak. Let Let, v. i. 1. To forbear. [Obs.] Bacon. 2. To be let or leased; as, the farm lets for $500 a year. See note under Left, v. i. To let on, to tell; to tattle; to divulge something. [Low] -- To let up, to become less severe; to diminish; to cease; as, when the storm lets up. [Colloq.] Let-alone Let"-a*lone" (?), a. Letting alone. The let-alone principle, doctrine, OR policy. (Polit. Econ.) See Laissez faire. Letch Letch (?), v. & n. See Leach. Letch Letch, n. [See Lech, Lecher.] Strong desire; passion. (Archaic.) Some people have a letch for unmasking impostors, or for avenging the wrongs of others. De Quincey. Letchy Letch"y (?), a. See Leachy. Lete Lete (?), v. t. To let; to leave. [Obs.] Leten Let"en (?), obs. p. p. of Lete. Chaucer. Lethal Leth"al (?), n. [Lauric + ether + alcohol.] (Chem.) One of the higher alcohols of the paraffine series obtained from spermaceti as a white crystalline solid. It is so called because it occurs in the ethereal salt of lauric acid. _________________________________________________________________ Page 845 Lethal Le"thal (?), a. [L. lethalis, letalis, fr. lethum, letum, death: cf. F. l\'82thal.] Deadly; mortal; fatal. "The lethal blow." W. Richardson. -- Le"thal*ly, adv. Lethality Le*thal"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. l\'82thalit\'82.] The quality of being lethal; mortality. Lethargic, Lethargical Le*thar"gic (?), Le*thar"gic*al (?), a. [L. lethargicus, Gr. l\'82thargique. See Lethargy.] Pertaining to, affected with, or resembling, lethargy; morbidly drowsy; dull; heavy. -- Le*thar"gic*al*ly, v. -- Le*thar"gic*al*ness, n. -- Le*thar"gic*ness, n. Lethargize Leth"ar*gize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lethargized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lethargizing (?).] To make lethargic. All bitters are poison, and act by stilling, and depressing, and lethargizing the irritability. Coleridge. Lethargy Leth"ar*gy (?), n.; pl. -gies (#). [F. l\'82thargie, L. letgargia, Gr. Lethe.] 1. Morbid drowsiness; continued or profound sleep, from which a person can scarcely be awaked. 2. A state of inaction or indifference. Europe lay then under a deep lethargy. Atterbury. Lethargy Leth"ar*gy, v. t. To lethargize. [Obs.] Shak. Lethe Le"the (?), n. [See Lethal.] Death.[Obs.] Shak. Lethe Le"the (l&emac;"th&esl;), n. [L., fr. Gr. 1. (Class. Myth.) A river of Hades whose waters when drunk caused forgetfulness of the past. 2. Oblivion; a draught of oblivion; forgetfulness. Lethean Le*the"an (?), a. [L. Letha, Gr. Of or pertaining to Lethe; resembling in effect the water of Lethe. Milton. Barrow. Letheed Le"theed (?), a. Caused by Lethe. " Letheed dullness." [Obs.] Shak. Letheon Le"the*on (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.) Sulphuric ether used as an an\'91sthetic agent. [R.] Letheonize Le"the*on*ize (?), v. t. To subject to the influence of letheon. [R. or Obs.] Lethiferous Le*thif"er*ous (?), a. [L. lethifer, letifer, fr. lethum, letum, death + ferre to bear, to bring: cf. F. l\'82thif\'8are.] Deadly; bringing death or destruction. Lethy Le"thy (?), a. Lethean. [Obs.] Marston. Let-off Let"-off` (?), n. (Mach.) A device for letting off, releasing, or giving forth, as the warp from the cylinder of a loom. Lette Let"te (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Letted.] To let; to hinder. See Let, to hinder. [Obs.] Chaucer. Letter Let"ter (?), n. [From Let to permit.] One who lets or permits; one who lets anything for hire. Letter Let"ter, n. [From Let to hinder.] One who retards or hinders. [Archaic.] Letter Let"ter, n. [OE. lettre, F. lettre, OF. letre, fr. L.littera, litera, a letter; pl., an epistle, a writing, literature, fr. linere, litum, to besmear, to spread or rub over; because one of the earliest modes of writing was by graving the characters upon tablets smeared over or covered with wax. Pliny, xiii. 11. See Leniment, and cf. Literal.] 1. A mark or character used as the representative of a sound, or of an articulation of the human organs of speech; a first element of written language. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. Luke xxiii. 38. 2. A written or printed communication; a message expressed in intelligible characters on something adapted to conveyance, as paper, parchment, etc.; an epistle. The style of letters ought to be free, easy, and natural. Walsh. 3. A writing; an inscription. [Obs.] None could expound what this letter meant. Chaucer. 4. Verbal expression; literal statement or meaning; exact signification or requirement. We must observe the letter of the law, without doing violence to the reason of the law and the intention of the lawgiver. Jer. Taylor. I broke the letter of it to keep the sense. Tennyson. 5. (Print.) A single type; type, collectively; a style of type. Under these buildings . . . was the king's printing house, and that famous letter so much esteemed. Evelyn. 6. pl. Learning; erudition; as, a man of letters. 7. pl. A letter; an epistle. [Obs.] Chaucer. Dead letter, Drop letter, etc. See under Dead, Drop, etc. -- Letter book, a book in which copies of letters are kept. -- Letter box, a box for the reception of letters to be mailed or delivered. -- Letter carrier, a person who carries letters; a postman; specif., an officer of the post office who carries letters to the persons to whom they are addressed, and collects letters to be mailed. -- Letter cutter, one who engraves letters or letter punches. -- Letter lock, a lock that can not be opened when fastened, unless certain movable lettered rings or disks forming a part of in are in such a position (indicated by a particular combination of the letters) as to permit the bolt to be withdrawn. A strange lock that opens with AMEN. Beau. & Fl. -- Letter paper, paper for writing letters on; especially, a size of paper intermediate between note paper and foolscap. See Paper. -- Letter punch, a steel punch with a letter engraved on the end, used in making the matrices for type. -- Letters of administration (Law), the instrument by which an administrator or administratrix is authorized to administer the goods and estate of a deceased person. -- Letter of attorney, Letter of credit, etc. See under Attorney, Credit, etc. -- Letter of license, a paper by which creditors extend a debtor's time for paying his debts. -- Letters close OR clause (Eng. Law.), letters or writs directed to particular persons for particular purposes, and hence closed or sealed on the outside; -- distinguished from letters patent. Burrill. -- Letters of orders (Eccl.), a document duly signed and sealed, by which a bishop makes it known that he has regularly ordained a certain person as priest, deacon, etc. -- Letters patent, overt, OR open (Eng. Law), a writing executed and sealed, by which power and authority are granted to a person to do some act, or enjoy some right; as, letters patent under the seal of England. -- Letter-sheet envelope, a stamped sheet of letter paper issued by the government, prepared to be folded and sealed for transmission by mail without an envelope. -- Letters testamentary (Law), an instrument granted by the proper officer to an executor after probate of a will, authorizing him to act as executor. -- Letter writer. (a) One who writes letters. (b) A machine for copying letters. (c) A book giving directions and forms for the writing of letters. Letter Let"ter (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lettered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lettering.] To impress with letters; to mark with letters or words; as, a book gilt and lettered. Lettered Let"tered (?), a. 1. Literate; educated; versed in literature. " Are you not lettered?" Shak. The unlettered barbarians willingly accepted the aid of the lettered clergy, still chiefly of Roman birth, to reduce to writing the institutes of their forefathers. Milman. 2. Of or pertaining to learning or literature; learned. " A lettered education." Collier. 3. Inscribed or stamped with letters. Addison. Letterer Let"ter*er (?), n. One who makes, inscribes, or engraves, alphabetical letters. Lettering Let"ter*ing, n. 1. The act or business of making, or marking with, letters, as by cutting or painting. 2. The letters made; as, the lettering of a sign. Letterless Let"ter*less (?), a. 1. Not having a letter. 2. Illiterate. [Obs.] E. Waterhouse. Lettern Let"tern (?), n. See Lecturn. Letterpress Let"ter*press" (?), n. Print; letters and words impressed on paper or other material by types; -- often used of the reading matter in distinction from the illustrations. Letterpress printing, printing directly from type, in distinction from printing from plates. Letterure Let"ter*ure (?), n. Letters; literature. [Obs.] "To teach him letterure and courtesy." Chaucer. Letterwood Let"ter*wood` (?), n. (Bot.) The beautiful and highly elastic wood of a tree of the genus Brosimum (B. Aubletii), found in Guiana; -- so called from black spots in it which bear some resemblance to hieroglyphics; also called snakewood, and leopardwood. It is much used for bows and for walking sticks. Lettic Let"tic (?), a. (a) Of or pertaining to the Letts; Lettish. (b) Of or pertaining to a branch of the Slavic family, subdivided into Lettish, Lithuanian, and Old Prussian. -- n. (a) The language of the Letts; Lettish. (b) The language of the Lettic race, including Lettish, Lithuanian, and Old Prussian. Lettish Let"tish (?), a. Of or pertaining to the Letts. -- n. The language spoken by the Letts. See Lettic. Lettrure Let"trure (?), n. See Letterure. [Obs.] Chaucer. Letts Letts (?), n. pl.; sing. Lett (. (Ethnol.) An Indo-European people, allied to the Lithuanians and Old Prussians, and inhabiting a part of the Baltic provinces of Russia. Lettuce Let"tuce (?), n. [OE. letuce, prob. through Old French from some Late Latin derivative of L. lactuca lettuce, which, according to Varro, is fr. lac, lactis, milk, on account of the milky white juice which flows from it when it is cut: cf. F. laitue. Cf. Lacteal, Lactucic.] (Bot.) A composite plant of the genus Lactuca (L. sativa), the leaves of which are used as salad. Plants of this genus yield a milky juice, from which lactucarium is obtained. The commonest wild lettuce of the United States is L. Canadensis. Hare's lettuce, Lamb's lettuce. See under Hare, and Lamb. -- Lettuce opium. See Lactucarium. -- Sea lettuce, certain papery green seaweeds of the genus Ulva. Letuary Let"u*a*ry (?), n. Electuary. [Obs.] Chaucer. Letup Let"*up` (?). n. [See Let to forbear.] Abatement; also, cessation; as, it blew a gale for three days without any let-up. [Colloq.] Leuc- Leuc- (?). Same as Leuco-. Leucadendron Leu`ca*den"dron (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Bot.) A genus of evergreen shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope, having handsome foliage. Leucadendron argenteum is the silverboom of the colonists. Leucaniline Leu*can"i*line (?), n. [Leuc- + aniline.] (Chem.) A colorless, crystalline, organic base, obtained from rosaniline by reduction, and also from other sources. It forms colorless salts. Leuch\'91mia Leu*ch\'91"mi*a (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.) See Leucocyth\'91mia. -- Leu*ch\'91m"ic (#), a. [Written also leuk\'91mia, leuk\'91mic.] <-- now (1990) mainly leukemia --> Leucic, Leucinic Leu"cic (?), Leu*cin"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained from leucin, and called also oxycaproic acid. Leucin Leu"cin (?), n. [Gr. (Physiol. Chem.) A white, crystalline, nitrogenous substance formed in the decomposition of albuminous matter by pancreatic digestion, by the action of boiling dilute sulphuric acid, and by putrefaction. It is also found as a constituent of various tissues and organs, as the spleen, pancreas, etc., and likewise in the vegetable kingdom. Chemically it is to be considered as amido-caproic acid. <-- now called "leucine", one of the essential amino acids (not synthesized by the human body, required component for proper nutrition). (CH3)2CH.CH2.CH(NH2)-COOH. L-leucine, the natural form, is present in most proteins. --> Leucite Leu"cite (?), n. [Gr.leucite.] 1. (Min.) A mineral having a glassy fracture, occurring in translucent trapezohedral crystals. It is a silicate of alumina and potash. It is found in the volcanic rocks of Italy, especially at Vesuvius. 2. (Bot.) A leucoplast. Leucitic Leu*cit"ic (?), a. (Min.) Containing leucite; as, leucitic rocks. Leucitoid Leu"ci*toid (?), n. [Leucite + -oid.] (Crystallog.) The trapezohedron or tetragonal trisoctahedron; -- so called as being the form of the mineral leucite. Leuco-, Leuc- Leu"co- (?), Leuc- (?).[Gr. A combining form signifying white, colorless; specif. (Chem.), denoting an extensive series of colorless organic compounds, obtained by reduction from certain other colored compounds; as, leucaniline, leucaurin, etc. Leucocyte Leu"co*cyte (?), n. [Leuco- + Cr. (Physiol.) A colorless corpuscle, as one of the white blood corpuscles, or those found in lymph, marrow of hone, connective tissue, etc. NOTE: &hand; Th ey al l consist of more or less spherical masses of protoplasm, without any surrounding membrane or wall, and are capable of motion. Leucocyth\'91mia, Leucocythemia Leu`co*cy*th\'91"mi*a, Leu`co*cy*the"mi*a (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.) A disease in which the white corpuscles of the blood are largely increased in number, and there is enlargement of the spleen, or the lymphatic glands; leuch\'91mia. Leucocytogenesis Leu`co*cy`to*gen"e*sis (?), n. [Leucocyte + genesis.] (Physiol.) The formation of leucocytes. Leucoethiopic Leu`co*e`thi*op"ic (?), a. [Leuco- + Ethiopic.] White and black; -- said of a white animal of a black species, or the albino of the negro race. Leucoethiops Leu`co*e"thi*ops (?), n. [Leuco- + Aethiops.] An albino. [Also written leuc\'d2thiops.] Leucoline Leu"co*line (?), n. [Leuc- + L. oleum oil.] (Chem.) A nitrogenous organic base from coal tar, and identical with quinoline. Cf. Quinoline. Leucoma Leu*co"ma (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.) A white opacity in the cornea of the eye; -- called also albugo. Leucomaine Leu*co"ma*ine (?), n. [Leuco- + -maine, as in ptomaine.] (Physiol. Chem.) An animal base or alkaloid, appearing in the tissue during life; hence, a vital alkaloid, as distinguished from a ptomaine or cadaveric poison. Leuconic Leu*con"ic (?), a. [Leuc- + croconic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, a complex organic acid, obtained as a yellowish white gum by the oxidation of croconic acid. Leucopathy Leu*cop"a*thy (?), n. [Leuco- + Gr. The state of an albino, or of a white child of black parents. Leucophane Leu"co*phane (?), n. [Gr. leukophan.] (Min.) A mineral of a greenish yellow color; it is a silicate of glucina, lime, and soda with fluorine. Called also leucophanite. Leucophlegmacy Leu`co*phleg"ma*cy (?), n. [Gr. leucophlegmasie.] (Med.) A dropsical habit of body, or the commencement of anasarca; paleness, with viscid juices and cold sweats. Leucophlegmatic Leu`co*phleg*mat"ic (?), a. [Cf. F. leucophlegmatique, Gr. Having a dropsical habit of body, with a white bloated skin. Leucophyll Leu"co*phyll (?), n. [Leuco- + Gr. (Chem.) A colorless substance isomeric with chlorophyll, contained in parts of plants capable of becoming green. Watts. Leucophyllous Leu*coph"yl*lous (?), a. [Gr. (Bot.) Having white or silvery foliage. Leucoplast, Leucoplastid Leu"co*plast (?), Leu`co*plas"tid (?), n. [Leuco- + Gr. (Bot.) One of certain very minute whitish or colorless granules occurring in the protoplasm of plants and supposed to be the nuclei around which starch granules will form. Leucopyrite Leu*cop"y*rite (?), n. [Leuco- + pyrites.] (Min.) A mineral of a color between white and steel-gray, with a metallic luster, and consisting chiefly of arsenic and iron. Leucorrh\'d2a Leu`cor*rh\'d2"a (?), n. [Leuco- + Gr. "rei^n to flow.] (Med.) A discharge of a white, yellowish, or greenish, viscid mucus, resulting from inflammation or irritation of the membrane lining the genital organs of the female; the whites.<-- leukorrhea, leukorrhagia --> Dunglison. Leucoryx Leu"co*ryx (?), n. [NL., from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A large antelope of North Africa (Oryx leucoryx), allied to the gemsbok. Leucoscope Leu"co*scope (?), n. [Leuco- + -scope.] (Physics) An instrument, devised by Professor Helmholtz, for testing the color perception of the eye, or for comparing different lights, as to their constituent color or their relative whiteness. Leucosoid Leu"co*soid (?), a. [NL. Leucosia, the typical genus (fr. Gr. -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Like or pertaining to the Leucosoidea, a tribe of marine crabs including the box crab or Calappa. Leucosphere Leu"co*sphere (?), n. [Leuco- + sphere.] (Astron.) The inner corona. [R.] Leucoturic Leu`co*tu"ric (?), a. [Leuco- + allantoic + uric.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, a nitrogenous organic substance of the uric acid group, called leucoturic acid or oxalantin. See Oxalantin. Leucous Leu"cous (?), a. [Gr. White; -- applied to albinos, from the whiteness of their skin and hair. Leucoxene Leu*cox"ene (?), n. [Leuco- + Gr. xe`nos stranger.] (Min.) A nearly opaque white mineral, in part identical with titanite, observed in some igneous rocks as the result of the alteration of titanic iron. Leuk\'91mia Leu*k\'91"mi*a (?), n. Leucocyth\'91mia. Leuke, a., Leukeness Leuke (?), a., Leuke"ness, n. See Luke, etc. Leucoplast Leu"co*plast (?), n. (Bot.) See Leucoplast. Levana Le*va"na (?), n. [L., fr. levare to raise.] (Rom. Myth.) A goddess who protected newborn infants. Levant Le"vant (?), a. [F., p. pr. of lever to raise.] (Law) Rising or having risen from rest; -- said of cattle. See Couchant and levant, under Couchant. Levant Le*vant" (?), n. [It. levante the point where the sum rises, the east, the Levant, fr.levare to raise, levarsi to rise: cf. F. levant. See Lever.] 1. The countries washed by the eastern part of the Mediterranean and its contiguous waters. 2. A levanter (the wind so called). Levant Le"vant (?), a. Eastern. [Obs.] Forth rush the levant and the ponent winds. Milton. Levant Le*vant" (?), v. i. [Cf. Sp. levantar to raise, go from one place to another.] To run away from one's debts; to decamp. [Colloq. Eng.] Thackeray. _________________________________________________________________ Page 846 Levanter Le*vant"er (?), n. [From Levant, v.] One who levants, or decamps. [Colloq. Eng.] Levanter Le*vant"er, n. [From Levant, n.] A strong easterly wind peculiar to the Mediterranean. W. H. Russell. Levantine Le*vant"ine (?), a. [F. levantin, or It. levantino. See Levant, n.] Of or pertaining to the Levant. J. Spencer. Levantine Le*vant"ine, n. 1. A native or inhabitant of the Levant. 2. [F. levantine, or It. levantina.] A stout twilled silk fabric, formerly made in the Levant. Levari facias Le*va`ri fa"ci*as (?). [Law L., cause to be levied.] A writ of execution at common law. Levation Le*va"tion (?), n. [L. levatio.] The act of raising; elevation; upward motion, as that produced by the action of a levator muscle. Levator Le*va"tor (?), n. [NL., fr. L. levare to raise. See Lever, n.] 1. (Anat.) A muscle that serves to raise some part, as the lip or the eyelid. 2. (Surg.) A surgical instrument used to raise a depressed part of the skull. Leve Leve (?), a. Dear. See Lief. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leve Leve, n. & v. Same as 3d & 4th Leave. [Obs.] Leve Leve, v. i. To live. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leve Leve, v. t. [OE., fr. AS. l, abbrev. fr. gel. See Believe.] To believe. [Obs.] Chaucer. Leve Leve, v. t. [OE. leven, AS. l, l. See Leave permission.] To grant; -- used esp. in exclamations or prayers followed by a dependent clause. [Obs.] God leve all be well. Chaucer. Levee Lev"ee (?), n. [F. lever, fr. lever to raise, se lever to rise. See Lever, n.] 1. The act of rising. " The sun's levee." Gray. 2. A morning assembly or reception of visitors, -- in distinction from a soir\'82e, or evening assembly; a matin\'82e; hence, also, any general or somewhat miscellaneous gathering of guests, whether in the daytime or evening; as, the president's levee. NOTE: &hand; In England a ceremonious day reception, when attended by both ladies and gentlemen, is called a drawing-room. Levee Lev"ee, v. t. To attend the levee or levees of. He levees all the great. Young. Levee Lev"ee, n. [F. lev\'82e, fr. lever to raise. See Lever, and cf. Levy.] An embankment to prevent inundation; as, the levees along the Mississippi; sometimes, the steep bank of a river. [U. S. ] Levee Lev"ee, v. t. To keep within a channel by means of levees; as, to levee a river. [U. S.] Lev\'82e en masse Le*v\'82e" en` masse" (?). [F.] See Levy in mass, under Levy, n. Leveful Leve"ful (?), a. [Leve, n. + -ful.] Allowable; permissible; lawful. [Obs.] Chaucer. Level Lev"el (?), n. [OE. level, livel, OF. livel, F. niveau, fr. L. libella level, water level, a plumb level, dim. of libra pound, measure for liquids, balance, water poise, level. Cf. Librate, Libella.] 1. A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; -- this is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere. 2. A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; -- this is the apparent level at the given point. 3. An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the l of the plateau and then descent to the level of the valley or of the sea. After draining of the level in Northamptonshire. Sir M. Hale. Shot from the deadly level of a gun. Shak. 4. Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation. Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level. Addison. Somebody there of his own level. Swift. Be the fair level of thy actions laid As temperance wills and prudence may persuade. Prior. 5. A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level. When merit shall find its level. F. W. Robertson. 6. (Mech. & Surv.) (a) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line. (b) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points, by means of a level; as, to take a level. 7. A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in mine. Air level, a spirit level. See Spirit level (below). -- Box level, a spirit level in which a glass-covered box is used instead of a tube. -- Garpenter's level, Mason's level, either the plumb level or a straight bar of wood, in which is imbedded a small spirit level. -- Level of the sea, the imaginary level from which heights and depths are calculated, taken at a mean distance between high and low water. -- Line of levels, a connected series of measurements, by means of a level, along a given line, as of a railroad, to ascertain the profile of the ground. -- Plumb level, one in which a horizontal bar is placed in true position by means of a plumb line, to which it is at right angles. -- Spirit level, one in which the adjustment to the horizon is shown by the position of a bubble in alcohol or ether contained in a nearly horizontal glass tube, or a circular box with a glass cover. -- Surveyor's level, a telescope, with a spirit level attached, and with suitable screws, etc., for accurate adjustment, the whole mounted on a tripod, for use in leveling; -- called also leveling instrument. -- Water level, an instrument to show the level by means the surface of water in a trough, or in upright tubes connected by a pipe. Level Lev"el (?), a. 1. Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or lake. Ample spaces o'er the smooth And level pavement. Milton. 2. Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level. 3. Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance; -- followed by with, sometimes by to. Young boys and girls Are level now with men; the odds is gone. Shak. Everything lies level to our wish. Shak. 4. Straightforward; direct; direct; clear; open. A very plain and level account. M. Arnold. 5. Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.] " A level consideration." Shak. 6. (Phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection. H. Sweet. Level line (Shipbuilding), the outline of a section which is horizontal crosswise, and parallel with the rabbet of the keel lengthwise. Level surface (Physics), an equipotential surface at right angles at every point to the lines of force. Level Lev"el, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leveled (?) or Levelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Leveling or Levelling.] 1. To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden. 2. To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower. And their proud structures level with the ground. Sandys. He levels mountains and he raises plains. Dryden. 3. To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct. Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow. Stow. 4. Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.; as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men. 5. To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children. For all his mind on honor fixed is, To which he levels all his purposes. Spenser. Level Lev"el, v. i. 1. To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit. [Obs.] With such accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding. Shak. 2. To aim a gun, spear, etc., horizontally; hence, to aim or point a weapon in direct line with the mark; fig., to direct the eye, mind, or effort, directly to an object. The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife. Shak. The glory of God and the good of his church . . . ought to be the mark whereat we also level. Hooker. She leveled at our purposes. Shak. Leveler Lev"el*er (?), n. [Written also leveller.] 1. One who, or that which, levels. 2. One who would remove social inequalities or distinctions; a socialist. Leveling Lev"el*ing, n. [Written also levelling.] 1. The act or operation of making level. 2. (Surveying) The art or operation of using a leveling instrument for finding a horizontal line, for ascertaining the differences of level between different points of the earth's surface included in a survey, for establishing grades, etc., as in finding the descent of a river, or locating a line of railroad. Leveling instrument. See Surveyor's level, under Level, n. -- Leveling staff, a graduated rod or staff used in connection with a leveling instrument for measuring differences of level between points. Levelism Lev"el*ism (?), n. The disposition or endeavor to level all distinctions of rank in society. Levelly Lev"el*ly, adv. In an even or level manner. Levelness Lev"el*ness, n. The state or quality of being level. Leven Lev"en (?), n. [See Levin.] Lightning. [Obs.] Wild thunder dint and fiery leven. Chaucer. Lever Lev"er (?), a. [Old compar. of leve or lief.] More agreeable; more pleasing. [Obs.] Chaucer. To be lever than. See Had as lief, under Had. Lever Lev"er, adv. Bather. [Obs.] Chaucer. For lever had I die than see his deadly face. Spenser. Lever Le"ver (?), n. [OE. levour, OF. leveor, prop., a lifter, fr. F. lever to raise, L. levare; akin to levis light in weight, E. levity, and perh. to E. light not heavy: cf. F. levier. Cf. Alleviate, Elevate, Leaven, Legerdemain, Levy, n.] 1. (Mech.) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; -- used for transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P. respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures. 2. (Mach.) (a) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it. (b) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it. Compound lever, a machine consisting of two or more levers acting upon each other. -- Lever escapement. See Escapement. -- Lever jack. See Jack, n., 5. -- Lever watch, a watch having a vibrating lever to connect the action of the escape wheel with that of the balance. Universal lever, a machine formed by a combination of a lever with the wheel and axle, in such a manner as to convert the reciprocating motion of the lever into a continued rectilinear motion of some body to which the power is applied. Leverage Lev"er*age (?), n. The action of a lever; mechanical advantage gained by the lever. Leverage of a couple (Mech.), the perpendicular distance between the lines of action of two forces which act in parallel and opposite directions. -- Leverage of a force, the perpendicular distance from the line in which a force acts upon a body to a point about which the body may be supposed to turn. Leveret Lev"er*et (?), n. [F. levraut, dim. of li\'8avre hare, L. lepus. Cf. Leporine.] (Zo\'94l.) A hare in the first year of its age. Leverock Lev"er*ock (?), n. [See Lark.] A lark. [Scot.] Leverwood Lev"er*wood` (?), n. (Bot.) The American hop hornbeam (Ostrya Virginica), a small tree with very tough wood. Levesel Lev"e*sel (?), n. [AS. le\'a0f a leaf + s\'91l, sel, a room, a hall.] A leafy shelter; a place covered with foliage. [Obs.] Behind the mill, under a levesel. Chaucer. Levet Lev"et (?), n. [Cf. F. lever to raise.] A trumpet call for rousing soldiers; a reveille. [Obs.] Hudibras. Leviable Lev"i*a*ble (?), a. [From Levy to assess.] Fit to be levied; capable of being assessed and collected; as, sums leviable by course of law. Bacon. Leviathan Le*vi"a*than (?), n. [Heb. livy\'beth\'ben.] 1. An aquatic animal, described in the book of Job, ch. xli., and mentioned on other passages of Scripture. NOTE: &hand; It is no t ce rtainly known what animal is intended, whether the crocodile, the whale, or some sort of serpent. 2. The whale, or a great whale. Milton. Levier Lev"i*er (?), n. One who levees. Cartwright. Levigable Lev"i*ga*ble (?) a. [See Levigate, v. t.] Capable of being levigated. Levigate Lev"i*gate (?), a. [L. levigatus, p. p. of levigare to lighten, fr. l light.] Made less harsh or burdensome; alleviated. [Obs.] Sir. T. Elyot. Levigate Lev"i*gate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Levigated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Levigating.] [L. levigatus, p. p. of levigare to make smooth, fr. l smooth; akin to Gr. To make smooth in various senses: (a) To free from grit; to reduce to an impalpable powder or paste. (b) To mix thoroughly, as liquids or semiliquids. (c) To polish. (d) To make smooth in action. " When use hath levigated the organs." Barrow. (e) Technically, to make smooth by rubbing in a moist condition between hard surfaces, as in grinding pigments. Levigate Lev"i*gate (?), a. [L. levigatus, p. p.] Made smooth, as if polished. Levigation Lev"i*ga"tion (?), n. [L. levigatio a smoothing: cf. F. l\'82vigation.] The act or operation of levigating. Levin Lev"in (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain. Cf. Leven.] Lightning. [Obs.] Spenser. Levin brand, a thunderbolt. [Obs.] Spenser. Leviner Lev"in*er (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A swift hound. Levir Le"vir (?), n. [L.] A husband's brother; -- used in reference to levirate marriages. Levirate, Leviratical Lev"i*rate (?), Lev`i*rat"ic*al (?), a. [L. levir a husband's brother, brother-in-law; akin to Gr. l\'82virat leviration.] Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with, a law of the ancient Israelites and other tribes and races, according to which a woman, whose husband died without issue, was married to the husband's brother. The firstborn son of a leviratical marriage was reckoned and registered as the son of the deceased brother. Alford. Leviration Lev`i*ra"tion (?), n. Levirate marriage or marriages. Kitto. Levirostres Lev`i*ros"tres (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. levis light + rostrum beak.] (Zo\'94l.) A group of birds, including the hornbills, kingfishers, and related forms. Levitate Lev"i*tate (?), v. i. [L. levitas, -atis, lightness. See Levity.] To rise, or tend to rise, as if lighter than the surrounding medium; to become buoyant; -- opposed to gravitate. Sir. J. Herschel. Levitate Lev"i*tate, v. i. (Spiritualism) To make buoyant; to cause to float in the air; as, to levitate a table. [Cant] Levitation Lev`i*ta"tion (?), n. [L. levis light in weight.] 1. Lightness; buoyancy; act of making light. Paley. 2. The act or process of making buoyant. Levite Le"vite (?), n. [L. Levites, Gr. Levi, one of the sons of Jacob.] 1. (Bib. Hist.) One of the tribe or family of Levi; a descendant of Levi; esp., one subordinate to the priests (who were of the same tribe) and employed in various duties connected with the tabernacle first, and afterward the temple, such as the care of the building, bringing of wood and other necessaries for the sacrifices, the music of the services, etc. 2. A priest; so called in contempt or ridicule. _________________________________________________________________ Page 847 Levitical Le*vit"ic*al (?), a. [L. Leviticus, Gr. 1. Of or pertaining to a Levite or the Levites. 2. Priestly. " Levitical questions." Milton. 3. Of or pertaining to, or designating, the law contained in the book of Leviticus. Ayliffe. Levitical degrees, degrees of relationship named in Leviticus, within which marriage is forbidden. Levitically Le*vit"ic*al*ly, adv. After the manner of the Levites; in accordance with the levitical law. Leviticus Le*vit"i*cus (?), n. [See Levitical.] The third canonical book of the Old Testament, containing the laws and regulations relating to the priests and Levites among the Hebrews, or the body of the ceremonial law. Levity Lev"i*ty (?), n. [L. levitas, fr. levis light in weight; akin to levare to raise. See Lever, n.] 1. The quality of weighing less than something else of equal bulk; relative lightness, especially as shown by rising through, or floating upon, a contiguous substance; buoyancy; -- opposed to gravity. He gave the form of levity to that which ascended; to that which descended, the form of gravity. Sir. W. Raleigh. This bubble by reason of its comparative levity to the fluidity that incloses it, would ascend to the top. Bentley. 2. Lack of gravity and earnestness in deportment or character; trifling gayety; frivolity; sportiveness; vanity. " A spirit of levity and libertinism." Atterbury. He never employed his omnipotence out of levity. Calamy. 3. Lack of steadiness or constancy; disposition to change; fickleness; volatility. The levity that is fatigued and disgusted with everything of which it is in possession. Burke. Syn. -- Inconstancy; thoughtlessness; unsteadiness; inconsideration; volatility; flightiness. -- Levity, Volatility, Flightiness. All these words relate to outward conduct. Levity springs from a lightness of mind which produces a disregard of the proprieties of time and place.Volatility is a degree of levity which causes the thoughts to fly from one object to another, without resting on any for a moment. Flightiness is volatility carried to an extreme which often betrays its subject into gross impropriety or weakness. Levity of deportment, of conduct, of remark; volatility of temper, of spirits; flightiness of mind or disposition. Levo- Le"vo- (?). A prefix from L. laevus, meaning: (a) Pertaining to, or toward, the left; as, levorotatory. (b) (Chem. & Opt.) Turning the plane of polarized light to the left; as, levotartaric acid; levoracemic acid; levogyratory crystals, etc. [Written also l\'91vo-.] Levogyrate Le`vo*gy"rate (?), a. [Levo- + gyrate.] (Chem. & Physics) Turning or twisting the plane of polarization towards the left, as levulose, levotartaric acid, etc. [Written also l\'91vogyrate.] Levorotatory Le`vo*ro"ta*to*ry (?), a. [Levo- + rotatory.] (Chem. & Physics) Turning or rotating the plane of polarization towards the left; levogyrate, as levulose, left handed quartz crystals, etc. [Written also l\'91vorotatory.] Levulin Lev"u*lin (?), n. (Chem.) A substance resembling dextrin, obtained from the bulbs of the dahlia, the artichoke, and other sources, as a colorless, spongy, amorphous material. It is so called because by decomposition it yields levulose. [Written also l\'91vulin.] Levulinic Lev`u*lin"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or denoting, an acid (called also acetyl-propionic acid), C5H8O3, obtained by the action of dilute acids on various sugars (as levulose). [Written also l\'91vulinic.] Levulosan Lev`u*lo"san (?), n. (Chem.) An unfermentable carbohydrate obtained by gently heating levulose. Levulose Lev"u*lose` (?), n. [See Levo-.] (Chem.) A sirupy variety of sugar, rarely obtained crystallized, occurring widely in honey, ripe fruits, etc., and hence called also fruit sugar. It is called levulose, because it rotates the plane of polarization to the left. [Written also l\'91vulose.]<-- also called fructose: C6H12O6> NOTE: &hand; It is ob tained, to gether with an equal quantity of dextrose, by the inversion of ordinary cane or beet sugar, and hence, as being an ingredient of invert sugar, is often so called. It is fermentable, nearly as sweet as cane sugar, and is metameric with dextrose. Cf. Dextrose. Levy Lev"y (?), n.; pl. Levies (#). [A contr. of elevenpence or elevenpenny bit.] A name formerly given in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to the Spanish real of one eight of a dollar (or 12 cents), valued at eleven pence when the dollar was rated at 7s. 6d. Levy Lev"y, n. [F. lev\'82e, fr. lever to raise. See Lever, and cf. Lever.] 1. The act of levying or collecting by authority; as, the levy of troops, taxes, etc. A levy of all the men left under sixty. Thirlwall. 2. That which is levied, as an army, force, tribute, etc. " The Irish levies." Macaulay. 3. (Law) The taking or seizure of property on executions to satisfy judgments, or on warrants for the collection of taxes; a collecting by execution. Levy in mass [F. lev\'82e en masse], a requisition of all able-bodied men for military service.