Chapter XIII: Part 13

PITCH, pich, _n._ the solid black shining substance obtained by boiling down common tar.--_v.t._ to smear with pitch.--_adjs._ PITCH'-BLACK, PITCH'-DARK, dark as pitch: very dark.--_ns._ PITCH'-BLENDE, a black oxide of uranium; PITCH'-COAL, a kind of bituminous coal: jet; PITCH'INESS, state or quality of being pitchy; PITCH'-PINE, a kind of pine which yields pitch, and is much used in America as fuel; PITCH'-PLAS'TER, a plaster of Burgundy or white pitch; PITCH'-STONE, an old volcanic-like hardened pitch; PITCH'-TREE, the kauri pine, the Amboyna pine, or the Norway spruce.--_adj._ PITCH'Y, having the qualities of pitch: smeared with pitch: black like pitch: dark: dismal. [A.S. _pic_--L. _pix_, _pic-is_.]

PITCH, pich, _v.t._ to thrust or fix in the ground: to fix or set in array: to fix the rate or price: to fling or throw: (_mus._) to set the keynote of.--_v.i._ to settle, as something pitched: to come to rest from flight: to fall headlong: to fix the choice: to encamp: to rise and fall, as a ship.--_n._ a throw or cast from the hand: any point or degree of elevation or depression: degree: degree of slope: a descent: the height of a note in speaking or in music: (_mech._) distance between the centres of two teeth in a wheel or a saw, or between the threads of a screw measured parallel to the axis.--_ns._ PITCHED'-BATT'LE, a battle in which the contending parties have fixed positions: a battle previously arranged for on both sides; PITCH'ER; PITCH'-FAR'THING, chuck-farthing; PITCH'FORK, a fork for pitching hay, &c.: a tuning-fork.--_v.t._ to lift with a pitchfork: to throw suddenly into any position.--_ns._ PITCH'ING, the act of throwing: a facing of stone along a bank to protect against the action of water; PITCH'PIPE, a small pipe to pitch the voice or tune with.--PITCH AND PAY (_Shak._), pay down at once, pay ready-money; PITCH AND TOSS, a game in which coins are thrown at a mark, the person who throws nearest having the right of _tossing_ all the coins, and keeping those which come down head uppermost; PITCH IN, to begin briskly; PITCH INTO, to assault. [A form of _pick_.]

PITCHER, pich'[.e]r, _n._ a vessel for holding water, &c.--_n._ PITCH'ER-PLANT, a plant with leaves shaped like a pitcher or ascidium--_Nepenthes_, &c.--PITCHERS HAVE EARS, there may be listeners. [O. Fr. _picher_--Low L. _picarium_, a goblet--Gr. _b[=i]kos_, a wine-vessel, an Eastern word.]

PITEOUS, pit'e-us, _adj._ showing or feeling pity: fitted to excite pity: mournful: compassionate: paltry.--_adv._ PIT'EOUSLY.--_n._ PIT'EOUSNESS. [O. Fr. _pitos_, _piteus_. Cf. _Pity_.]

PITFALL, pit'fawl, _n._ a pit slightly covered, so that wild beasts may fall into it: any concealed danger.

PITH, pith, _n._ the marrow or soft substance in the centre of the stems of dicotyledonous plants: force or energy: importance: condensed substance: quintessence.--_n._ PITH'-BALL, a pellet of pith.--_adv._ PITH'ILY.--_n._ PITH'INESS.--_adj._ PITH'LESS, wanting pith, force, or energy.--_n._ PITH'-P[=A]'PER, a thin sheet cut from pith for paper: rice-paper.--_adj._ PITH'Y, full of pith: forcible: strong: energetic. [A.S. _pitha_; Dut. _pit_, marrow.]

PITHECUS, pi-th[=e]'kus, _n._ a name formerly used by zoologists for various groups of apes and monkeys.--_ns._ PITHECANTHR[=O]'PI, hypothetical ape-men; PITH[=E]'CIA, the genus of South American monkeys which includes the _Sakis_ and allied species.--_adj._ PITH[=E]'COID. [L.,--Gr. _pith[=e]kos_, an ape.]

PITHOS, pith'os, _n._ a large spheroid Greek earthenware vase. [Gr.]

PIT-MIRK, pit'-m[.e]rk, _adj._ (_Scot._) dark as pitch.

PITRI, pit'r[=e], _n.pl._ the deceased ancestors of a man: in Hindu mythology, an order of divine beings inhabiting celestial regions of their own, and receiving into their society the spirits of those mortals for whom funeral rites have been duly performed. [Sans., 'father,' pl. _pitaras_.]

PITSAW, pit'saw, _n._ a large saw for cutting timber, worked by the _pit-sawyer_ in the pit below the log and the _top-sawyer_ on the log.

PITTACAL, pit'a-kal, _n._ a blue substance obtained from wood-tar oil and used in dyeing. [Gr. _pitta_, pitch, _kalos_, beautiful.]

PITTANCE, pit'ans, _n._ an allowance of food or drink: a dole: a very small portion or quantity. [Fr. _pitance_, an allowance of food in a monastery--Low L. _pietantea_--L. _pietas_, pity.]

PITUITARY, pit'[=u]-i-t[=a]-ri, _adj._ mucous--also PIT'[=U]ITAL, PIT'[=U]ITOUS.--_ns._ PIT[=U][=I]'TA, PIT'UITE, phlegm.--PITUITARY BODY, a rounded body of the size of a small bean, situated in the sella turcica in the sphenoid bone on the floor of the cavity of the skull. [L. _pituitarius_--_pituita_, mucus.]

PITY, pit'i, _n._ a strong feeling for or with the sufferings of others: sympathy with distress: a cause or source of pity or grief.--_v.t._ to feel pity with: to sympathise with:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pit'ied.--_adj._ PIT'IABLE, deserving pity: affecting: wretched.--_n._ PIT'IABLENESS.--_adv._ PIT'IABLY.--_n._ PIT'IER, one who pities.--_adj._ PIT'IFUL, feeling pity: compassionate: exciting pity: sad: despicable.--_adv._ PIT'IFULLY.--_n._ PIT'IFULNESS.--_adj._ PIT'ILESS, without pity: cruel.--_adv._ PIT'ILESSLY.--_n._ PIT'ILESSNESS.--_adv._ PIT'YINGLY, in a pitying manner.--IT PITIETH ME, YOU, THEM, &c. (_Pr. Bk._), it causeth pity in me, you, them, &c. [O. Fr. _pite_ (Fr. _pitié_, It. _pietà_)--L. _pietas_, _pietatis_--_pius_, pious.]

PITYRIASIS, pit-i-r[=i]'a-sis, _n._ the term given to certain of the squamous or scaly diseases of the skin, in which there is a continual throwing off of bran-like scales of epidermis.--_adj._ PIT'YROID, bran-like. [Gr. _pityron_, bran.]

PIÙ, p[=u], _adv._ more.--PIÙ ALLEGRO, quicker. [It.]

PIVOT, piv'ut, _n._ the pin on which anything turns: the officer or soldier at the flank upon whom a company wheels: that on which anything depends or turns.--_adj._ PIV'OTAL, of the nature of a pivot: acting as a pivot.--_n._ PIV'OT-BRIDGE, a form of swing-bridge moving on a vertical pivot.--_adj._ PIV'OTED, furnished with a pivot or pivots.--_ns._ PIV'OT-GEAR'ING, a system of gearing permitting the driving-shaft to be swivelled so as to set the machine in any direction with relation to the power; PIV'OT-GUN, a gun mounted on a pivot, so as to be able to turn in any direction; PIV'OTING, the pivot-work in machines; PIV'OT-MAN, the soldier or officer who acts as a pivot (see PIVOT). [Fr. dim. of It. _piva_, a pipe, a peg, a pin--Low L. _pipa_.]

PIX, piks, _n._ Same as PYX.

PIXY, PIXIE, pik'si, _n._ a small Devonshire fairy.--_adj._ PIX'Y-LED, bewildered.--_ns._ PIX'Y-RING, a fairy-ring, a well-marked ring of a different kind of grass, common on meadows and heaths; PIX'Y-STOOL, a toadstool or mushroom. [_Puck_.]

PIZE, p[=i]z, _n._ a term used in execration, like _pox_.

PIZZICATO, pit-si-kä'to, _adj._ a phrase used in music for the violin or violoncello, to denote that here the strings are to be twitched with the fingers in the manner of a harp or guitar. [It.,--_pizzicare_, to twitch.]

PIZZLE, piz'l, _n._ the penis of an animal, as a bull. [Low Ger. _pesel_.]

PLACABLE, pl[=a]'ka-bl, or plak'a-bl, _adj._ that may be appeased: relenting: willing to forgive.--_ns._ PLACABIL'ITY, PL[=A]'CABLENESS.--_adv._ PL[=A]'CABLY.--_v.t._ PL[=A]'C[=A]TE, to conciliate.--_n._ PLAC[=A]'TION, propitiation.--_adj._ PL[=A]'CATORY, conciliatory. [L. _placabilis_--_plac[=a]re_, to appease, akin to _plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLACARD, plak'ärd, or pl[=a]-kärd', _n._ a written or printed paper stuck upon a wall as an advertisement, &c.: a public proclamation: the woodwork and frame of the door of a closet and the like.--_v.t._ PLACARD (pl[=a]-kärd', or plak'ärd), to publish or notify by placards. [Fr. _placard_, a bill stuck on a wall--_plaque_, plate, tablet; acc. to Diez, from Dut. _plak_, a piece of flat wood.]

PLACCATE, plak'[=a]t, _n._ See PLACKET.

PLACE, pl[=a]s, _n._ a broad way in a city: an open space used for a particular purpose: a particular locality: a town: room to dwell, sit, or stand in: the position held by anybody, employment, office, a situation: a mansion with its grounds: proper position or dignity, priority in such: stead: passage in a book: a topic, matter of discourse: in sporting contests, position among the first three.--_v.t._ to put in any place or condition: to find a home for: to settle: to lend: invest: to ascribe.--_n._ PLACE'-HUNT'ER, one who seeks eagerly official position or public office.--_adj._ PLACE'LESS, without place or office.--_ns._ PLACE'MAN, one who has a place or office under a government:--_pl._ PLACE'MEN; PLACE'MENT, placing or setting; PLACE'-MONG'ER, one who traffics in appointments to places; PLACE'-NAME, the name of a place or locality: a local name; PLAC'ER.--GIVE PLACE, to make room, to yield; HAVE PLACE, to have existence; IN PLACE, in position: opportune; OUT OF PLACE, inappropriate, unseasonable; TAKE PLACE, to come to pass: to take precedence of. [Fr.,--L. _platea_, a broad street--Gr. _plateia_, a street--_platys_, broad.]

PLACEBO, pl[=a]-s[=e]'bo, _n._ in the R.C. service of vespers for the dead the name of the first antiphon, which begins with the word: a medicine given to humour or gratify a patient rather than to exercise any curative effect. [L., 'I will please'--_plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLACENTA, pla-sen'ta, _n._ the structure which unites the unborn mammal to the womb of its mother and establishes a nutritive connection between them: (_bot._) the portion of the ovary which bears the ovules:--_pl._ PLACEN'TÆ.--_adj._ PLACEN'TAL.--_n.pl._ PLACENT[=A]'LIA, placental mammals.--_adjs._ PLACENT[=A]'LIAN; PLACEN'TARY, pertaining to, or having, a placenta.--_n._ a mammal having a placenta.--_adjs._ PLACEN'TATE, PLACENTIF'EROUS.--_ns._ PLACENT[=A]'TION, the mode in which the placenta is formed and attached to the womb; PLACENT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the placenta. [L., a flat cake, akin to Gr. _plakous_, a flat cake, from _plax_, _plak-os_, anything flat.]

PLACER, plas'er, _n._ a place where the superficial detritus is washed for gold, &c.: hence any place holding treasures. [Sp.]

PLACET, pl[=a]'set, _n._ a vote of assent in a governing body: permission given, esp. by a sovereign, to publish and carry out an ecclesiastical order, as a papal bull or edict. [L., 'it pleases,' 3d sing. pres. indic. of _plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLACID, plas'id, _adj._ gentle: peaceful.--_ns._ PLACID'ITY, PLAC'IDNESS.--_adv._ PLAC'IDLY. [Fr.,--L. _placidus_--_plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLACITORY, plas'i-t[=o]-ri, _adj._ of or relating to pleas or pleading in courts of law.

PLACITUM, plas'i-tum, _n._ a public assembly in the Middle Ages, presided over by the sovereign, to consult on affairs of state: a resolution of such an assembly:--_pl._ PLAC'ITA. [L., from _plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLACK, plak, _n._ a small copper coin formerly current in Scotland, equal in value to the third part of an English penny.--_adj._ PLACK'LESS, penniless. [O. Fr. _plaque_, a plate.]

PLACKET, plak'et, _n._ (_Shak._) the slit in a petticoat: a petticoat--hence, a woman: a placcate or additional plate of steel on the lower half of the breast-plate, or back-plate: a leather jacket strengthened with strips of steel. [Fr. _plaquet_--_plaquer_, to clap on.]

PLACODERM, plak'o-d[.e]rm, _adj._ noting an order of fossil fishes having their skin covered with bony plates. [Gr. _plax_, _plakos_, anything flat, _derma_, skin.]

PLACOID, plak'oid, _adj._ plate-like.--PLACOID FISHES, an order of fishes having placoid scales, irregular plates of hard bone, not imbricated, but placed near together in the skin. [Gr. _plax_, _plakos_, anything flat and broad, _eidos_, form.]

PLACULA, plak'[=u]-la, _n._ a little plate or plaque.--_adjs._ PLAC'ULAR, PLAC'UL[=A]TE.

PLAFOND, pla-fond', _n._ the ceiling of a room, any soffit. [Fr.]

PLAGAL, pl[=a]'gal, _adj._ in Gregorian music, denoting a mode or melody in which the final is in the middle of the compass instead of at the bottom--opp. to _Authentic_. [Gr. _plagios_, sidewise--_plagos_, a side.]

PLAGIARISE, pl[=a]'ji-ar-[=i]z, _v.t._ to steal from the writings or ideas of another.--_ns._ PL[=A]'GIARISM, the act or practice of plagiarising; PL[=A]'GIARIST, one who plagiarises; PL[=A]'GIARY, one who steals the thoughts or writings of others and gives them out as his own: the crime of plagiarism.--_adj._ practising literary theft. [Fr. _plagiaire_--L. _plagiarius_, a kidnapper--_plaga_, a net.]

PLAGIOCLASE, pl[=a]'ji-[=o]-kl[=a]z, _n._ a group of triclinic feldspars whose cleavage planes are not at right angles to each other.--_adj._ PLAGIOCLAS'TIC. [Gr. _plagios_, oblique, _klasis_, a fracture.]

PLAGIODONT, pl[=a]'ji-[=o]-dont, _adj._ having the teeth oblique.

PLAGIOSTOME, pl[=a]'ji-[=o]-st[=o]m, _n._ a plagiostomous fish, one of the PLAGIOS'TOMI, a division of fishes, including sharks and rays.--_adjs._ PLAGIOSTOM'ATOUS, PLAGIOS'TOMOUS.

PLAGIOTROPISM, pl[=a]-ji-ot'r[=o]-pizm, _n._ a mode of turning of the organs of plants in the direction of gravitation or of the ray of light.--_adj._ PLAGIOTROP'IC.--_adv._ PLAGIOTROP'ICALLY. [Gr. _plagios_, oblique, _tropos_, a turning.]

PLAGIUM, pl[=a]'ji-um, _n._ the crime of kidnapping.

PLAGUE, pl[=a]g, _n._ any great natural evil: a deadly disease or pestilence: a very troublesome person or thing, esp. a malignant kind of contagious fever, prevailing epidemically, characterised by buboes, or swellings of the lymphatic glands, by carbuncles and petechiæ.--_v.t._ to infest with disease or trouble: to harass or annoy:--_pr.p._ pl[=a]g'uing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pl[=a]gued.--_ns._ PLAGUE'-MARK, -SPOT, a mark or spot of plague or foul disease: a place where disease is constantly present; PLAG'UER, one who plagues, vexes, or annoys; PLAGUE'-SORE.--_adv._ PLAG'UILY, vexatiously.--_adj._ PLAGUY (pl[=a]'gi), vexatious: (_Shak._) troublesome.--_adv._ vexatiously.--PLAGUE ON, may a curse rest on.--BE AT THE PLAGUE, to be at the trouble. [O. Fr. _plague_--L. _plaga_, a blow; Gr. _pl[=e]g[=e]_.]

PLAICE, pl[=a]s, _n._ a broad, flat fish, in the same genus as the flounder. [O. Fr. _plaïs_ (Fr. _plie_)--Low L. _platessa_, a flat fish--Gr. _platys_, flat.]

PLAID, plad, or pl[=a]d, _n._ a loose outer garment of woollen cloth, often of a tartan, or coloured striped pattern, a special dress of the Highlanders of Scotland.--_adj._ like a plaid in pattern or colours.--_adj._ PLAID'ED, wearing a plaid: made of plaid cloth.--_n._ PLAID'ING, a strong woollen twilled fabric. [Gael. _plaide_, a blanket, contr. of _peal-laid_, a sheepskin--_peall_, a skin, cog. with L. _pellis_, Eng. _fell_.]

PLAIN, pl[=a]n, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to complain: to lament.--_ns._ PLAIN'ANT, one who complains: a plaintiff; PLAIN'ING (_Shak._), complaint. [O. Fr. _pleigner_ (Fr. _plaindre_)--L. _plang[)e]re_, to lament.]

PLAIN, pl[=a]n, _adj._ without elevations, even, flat: level, smooth, without obstructions: free from difficulties, easy, simple: without ornament or beauty, homely: artless: sincere: evident, unmistakable: mere: not coloured, figured, or variegated: not highly seasoned, natural, not cooked or dressed: not trumps at cards.--_n._ an extent of level land: an open field.--_adv._ clearly: distinctly.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to make plain.--_n.pl._ PLAIN'-CLOTHES, clothes worn by an officer when off duty or not in uniform.--_ns._ PLAIN'-COOK, one able to cook all ordinary dishes; PLAIN'-DEAL'ER, one who deals or speaks his mind plainly.--_adj._ PLAIN'-DEAL'ING, speaking or acting plainly, candid.--_n._ candid speaking or acting, sincerity.--_adj._ PLAIN'-HEART'ED, having a plain or honest heart: sincere.--_n._ PLAIN'-HEART'EDNESS.--_adv._ PLAIN'LY.--_ns._ PLAIN'NESS; PLAIN'-SONG, the music of a recitative-like character and sung in unison, used in the Christian Church of the West from the earliest times, and still in use in all R.C. churches: a simple air without variations: a plain unvarnished statement; PLAIN'-SPEAK'ING, straight-forwardness or bluntness of speech.--_adj._ PLAIN'-SPOK'EN, speaking with plain, rough sincerity.--_n.pl._ PLAIN'STANES (_Scot._), flagstones, pavement.--_n._ PLAIN'WORK, plain needlework, as distinguished from embroidery.--PLAIN AS A PIKESTAFF, perfectly plain or clear. [Fr.,--L. _pl[=a]nus_, plain.]

PLAINT, pl[=a]nt, _n._ lamentation: complaint: a sad song: (_law_) the exhibiting of an action in writing by a complainant.--_adj._ PLAINT'FUL, complaining: expressing sorrow.--_n._ PLAINT'IFF (_Eng. law_), one who commences a suit against another--opp. to _Defendant_.--_adj._ PLAINT'IVE, complaining: expressing sorrow: sad.--_adv._ PLAINT'IVELY.--_n._ PLAINT'IVENESS.--_adj._ PLAINT'LESS, without complaint: unrepining. [O. Fr. _pleinte_ (Fr. _plainte_)--L. _planctus_--_plang[)e]re_, _planctum_, to lament.]

PLAISE, pl[=a]s, _n._ Same as PLAICE.

PLAISTER, pl[=a]s't[.e]r, _n._ an obsolete form of _plaster_.

PLAIT, pl[=a]t, _n._ a fold: a doubling over, as of cloth upon itself: a braid.--_v.t._ to fold: to double in narrow folds: to interweave.--_adj._ PLAIT'ED, folded over in narrow folds: braided: interwoven: intricate.--_ns._ PLAIT'ER, one who plaits or braids: a machine for making plaits, as in cloth; PLAIT'ING, the act of making plaits. [O. Fr. _pleit_, _ploit_ (Fr. _pli_)--L. _plic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to fold.]

PLAN, plan, _n._ a drawing of anything on a plane or flat surface: a drawing of a building as it stands on the ground: a scheme or project for accomplishing a purpose: a contrivance: a method or custom.--_v.t._ to make a sketch of on a flat surface: to form in design: to lay plans for:--_pr.p._ plan'ning; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ planned.--_adj._ PLAN'LESS.--_ns._ PLAN'NER, one who forms a plan: a projector; WORK'ING-PLAN, a draft on a large scale given to workmen to work from.--PLAN OF CAMPAIGN, the method of conducting the struggle of the Irish tenants against the landlords, organised by the National League in 1886, its officers collecting what they considered a fair rent, and offering it to the landlord, and where he refused to accept it spending it on the support of the persons evicted. [Fr.,--L. _planus_, flat.]

PLANARIAN, pl[=a]-n[=a]'ri-an, _adj._ and _n._ a term practically coextensive with Turbellarian, applicable to the members of the lowest class of worm-like animals, living in fresh and salt water, and sometimes in damp earth.--_adjs._ PLANAR'IFORM, PLAN[=A]'RIOID. [L. _planarius_, flat.]

PLANCH, planch, _v.t._ (_Shak._) to cover with planks. [Fr. _planche_--L. _planea_.]

PLANCHET, plan'chet, _n._ a flat piece of metal ready to receive impression as a coin.

PLANCHETTE, plan-shet', _n._ a small heart-shaped or triangular piece of board resting on three props, two of which are castors and one a pencil-point, which, while a person's fingers are lightly resting on it, sometimes moves, as if of its own accord, and traces with the pencil marks and even words upon a piece of paper below it. [Fr. _planchette_, a small board.]

PLANE, pl[=a]n, _n._ (_geom._) a surface on which, if any two points be taken, the straight line joining them will lie entirely on the surface: (_astron._) a surface thought of as bounded by the line round which a heavenly body moves: any flat or level surface: any incline on which coal is lowered by the effect of gravity: any grade of life or of development.--_adj._ having the character of a plane: pertaining to, lying in, or forming a plane.--_v.t._ to make plane or smooth.--_adj._ PL[=A]'NARY, relating to a plane: flat.--_n._ PLANE'-T[=A]'BLE, a topographical instrument used in field-mapping, and having a sighting-telescope for observing objects, whose angles may be noted on a paper on the table of the instrument: an inclined table on which ore is dressed.--_v.t._ to survey with a plane-table.--_ns._ PLAN'IGRAPH, an instrument for reducing or enlarging drawings; PLANIM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the area of a plane figure.--_adjs._ PLANIMET'RIC, -AL.--_n._ PLANIM'ETRY, the mensuration of plane surfaces.--_adj._ PLANIPET'ALOUS, having flat petals.--_ns._ PLAN'ISHER, a thin flat-ended tool used for smoothing tin-plate and brasswork: a workman who planishes, esp. one who prepares copper-plates for engravers; PLAN'ISPHERE, a sphere projected on a plane.--_adjs._ PLANISPHER'IC; PL[=A]NO-CON'CAVE, plane on one side and concave on the other; PL[=A]'NO-CON'ICAL, plane on one side and conical on the other; PL[=A]'NO-CON'VEX, plane on one side and convex on the other.--_n._ PLANOG'RAPHIST, a map-maker.--_adj._ PL[=A]'NO-HORIZON'TAL, having a plane horizontal surface or position.--_ns._ PLANOM'ETER, a plane surface used in machine-making as a gauge for plane surfaces; PLANOM'ETRY, the measurement of plane surfaces.--_adj._ PL[=A]'NO-SUB'ULATE, smooth and awl-shaped.--PLANE ANGLE, an angle contained by two straight lines in a plane; PLANE FIGURE, a figure all of whose points lie in one plane; PLANE GEOMETRY, the geometry of plane figures; PLANE SAILING, the calculation of a ship's place in its course, as if the earth were flat instead of spherical: easy work; PLANE TRIGONOMETRY, that branch of trigonometry which treats of triangles described on a plane.--INCLINED PLANE (see INCLINE); PERSPECTIVE PLANE (see PERSPECTIVE). [Fr.,--L. _planus_, plain.]

PLANE, pl[=a]n, _n._ a carpenter's tool for producing a level or smooth surface.--_v.t._ to make a surface (as of wood) level by means of a plane.--_ns._ PL[=A]'NER, a tool or machine for planing: a smooth wooden block used for levelling a form of type; PL[=A]N'ING-MACHINE', a machine for planing wood or metals.--_v.t._ PLAN'ISH, to make smooth: to polish. [Fr.,--Low L. _plan[=a]re_, to make level.]

PLANET, plan'et, _n._ one of the bodies in the solar system which revolve in elliptic orbits round the sun.--_n._ PLANET[=A]'RIUM, a machine showing the motions and orbits of the planets.--_adjs._ PLAN'ETARY, pertaining to the planets: consisting of, or produced by, planets: under the influence of a planet: erratic: revolving; PLANET'IC, -AL.--_n._ PLAN'ETOID, a celestial body having the form or nature of a planet: one of a number of very small planets, often called asteroids, moving round the sun between Mars and Jupiter.--_adjs._ PLANETOI'DAL; PLAN'ET-STRICK'EN, PLAN'ET-STRUCK (_astrol._), affected by the influence of the planets: blasted.--_n._ PLAN'ETULE, a little planet.--MINOR PLANETS, the numerous group of very small planets which is situated in the solar system between Mars and Jupiter. [Fr. _planète_--Gr. _plan[=e]t[=e]s_, wanderer--_plan[=a]n_, to make to wander.]

PLANE-TREE, pl[=a]n'-tr[=e], _n._ any one of the several trees constituting the genus _Platanus_, esp. the oriental or common plane-tree, with its variety the maple-leaved plane-tree, and the American plane-tree, usually called _sycamore_ or _buttonwood_ or _buttonball_: in Great Britain, the sycamore maple. [Fr. _plane_--L. _platanus_--Gr. _platanos_--_platys_, broad.]

PLANGENT, plan'jent, _adj._ resounding: noisy. [L. _plangens_, _-gentis_--_plang[)e]re_, to beat.]

PLANK, plangk, _n._ a long piece of timber, thicker than a board: one of the principles or aims of an associated party.--_v.t._ to cover with planks.--_n._ PLANK'ING, the act of laying planks: a series of planks: work made up of planks.--WALK THE PLANK, to be compelled to walk along a plank projecting over the ship's edge into the sea. [L. _planca_, a board; cf. _Plain_, even.]

PLANKTON, plangk'ton, _n._ pelagic animals collectively. [Gr., _planktos_, wandering.]

PLANODIA, pl[=a]-n[=o]'di-a, _n._ a false passage, such as may be made in using a catheter.

PLANT, plant, _n._ a something living and growing, fixed on the ground and drawing food therefrom by means of its root, and developing into a stem, leaves, and seed: a sprout: any vegetable production: the tools or material of any trade or business: (_slang_) a trick, dodge, hidden plunder.--_v.t._ to put into the ground for growth: to furnish with plants: to set in the mind, implant: to establish.--_v.i._ to set shoots in the ground.--_adj._ PLANT'ABLE.--_ns._ PLANT'AGE (_Shak._), plants in general, or the vegetable kingdom; PLANT[=A]'TION, a place planted: a wood or grove: (_U.S._) a large estate: a colony: act or process of introduction: (_Milt._) the act of planting; PLANT'ER, one who plants or introduces: the owner of a plantation; PLANT'-HOUSE, a garden structure designed for the protection and cultivation of the plants of warmer climates than our own; PLANT'ICLE, a young plant; PLANT'ING, the act of setting in the ground for growth: the art of forming plantations of trees: a plantation.--_adj._ PLANT'LESS, destitute of vegetation.--_ns._ PLANT'LET, a little plant; PLANT'-LOUSE, a small homopterous insect which infests plants; PLANT'ULE, the embryo of a plant. [A.S. _plante_ (Fr. _plante_)--L. _planta_, a shoot, a plant.]

PLANTAIN, plan't[=a]n, _n._ an important food-plant of tropical countries, so called from its broad leaf: a common roadside plant of several species, with broad leaves and seed-bearing spikes.--PLANTAIN EATER, one of a family of African, arboreal, vegetarian Pie-like birds. [Fr.,--L. _plantago_, _plantaginis_.]

PLANTIGRADE, plant'i-gr[=a]d, _adj._ that walks on the sole of the foot.--_n._ a plantigrade animal, as the bear.--_adj._ PLANT'AR, pertaining to the sole of the foot. [L. _planta_, the sole, _gradi_, to walk.]

PLANULA, plan'[=u]-la, _n._ the locomotory embryo of the coelenterates.--_adjs._ PLAN'ULAR; PLAN'ULIFORM; PLAN'ULOID.

PLANURIA, pl[=a]-n[=u]'ri-a, _n._ the discharge of urine through an abnormal passage, uroplania.--Also PLAN'URY.

PLAP, plap, _v.i._ to plash, fall with plashing sound. [Imit.]

PLAQUE, plak, _n._ a flat piece of metal or other material, used for ornament, as a brooch, &c., or for painting on, to form a wall-picture.--_n._ PLAQUETTE', a small plaque. [Fr.; cf. _Plack_.]

PLASH, plash, _v.t._ to bind and interweave the branches of.--_v.i._ to bend down a branch.--_n._ a small branch of a tree partly cut and bound to or twisted among other branches.--_n._ PLASH'ING, a mode of repairing a hedge by bending the branches and twisting them about each other. [O. Fr. _plassier_--L. _plexus_--_plect[)e]re_, to twist.]

PLASH, plash, _n._ a dash of water: a puddle: a shallow pool: a splashing sound: a sudden downpour: a flash.--_v.i._ to dabble in water: to splash.--_v.t._ to sprinkle with colouring matter, as a wall.--_adj._ PLASH'Y, full of puddles: watery. [Imit.]

PLASM, plazm, _n._ a mould or matrix: protoplasm--also PLAS'MA.--_adjs._ PLASMAT'IC, -AL, plastic, formative; PLAS'MIC, pertaining to plasma, protoplasmic.--_ns._ PLASM[=O]'DIUM, composite masses of primitive protozoa, in which numerous units are fused, or in rare cases simply combined in close contact; PLAS'MOGEN, true protoplasm; PLASMOG'ONY, the generation of an organism from plasma; PLASMOL'OGY, minute or microscopic anatomy, histology.--_v.t._ PLAS'MOLYSE.--_n._ PLASMOL'YSIS, the contraction of the protoplasm in active cells under the action of certain reagents.--_adj._ PLASMOLYT'IC.

PLASMA, plas'ma, _n._ a green variety of translucent quartz or silica.--_adj._ PLAS'MIC. [Gr.,--_plassein_, to form.]

PLASTER, plas't[.e]r, _n._ something that can be moulded into figures: a composition of lime, water, and sand for overlaying walls, &c.: (_med._) a medicinal agent consisting of an adhesive substance spread upon cloth or leather, so as to stick to the part of the body to which it is applied.--_adj._ made of plaster.--_v.t._ to cover with plaster: to cover with a plaster, as a wound: to besmear: (_fig._) to smooth over.--_ns._ PLAS'TERER, one who plasters, or one who works in plaster; PLAS'TERING, the art of covering the internal faces of walls, the partitions and ceiling of a building, with plaster: a covering of plaster: the plasterwork of a building; PLAS'TER-STONE, gypsum.--_adj._ PLAS'TERY, like plaster, containing plaster.--PLASTER CAST, a copy of an object got by pouring a mixture of plaster of Paris and water into a mould formed from the object; PLASTER OF PARIS, a kind of gypsum, originally found near _Paris_, used in building and in making casts of figures; POROUS PLASTER, a plaster for application to the body, full of small holes, which prevent it from wrinkling. [A.S. _plaster_--O. Fr. _emplastre_--L. _emplastrum_--Gr. _emplastron_.]

PLASTIC, plas'tik, _adj._ having power to give form to: capable of being moulded: of or pertaining to moulding.--_ns._ PLASTIC'ITY, state or quality of being plastic; PLASTIL[=I]'NA, a modelling clay which remains soft and plastic for a considerable time; PLASTOG'RAPHY, imitation of handwriting. [Gr. _plastikos_--_plassein_, to mould.]

PLASTRON, plas'tron, _n._ a breast-plate: a detachable part of a woman's dress hanging from the throat to the waist: a man's shirt-bosom: a fencer's wadded shield of leather worn on the breast: the ventral part of the shell of a chelonian or testudinate, the lower shell of a turtle or tortoise: the sternum with costal cartilages attached.--_adj._ PLAS'TRAL.

PLAT, plat, _v.t._ Same as PLAIT.

PLAT, plat, _n._ a piece of ground: a piece of ground ornamentally laid out: (_obs._) a plan, scheme.--_v.t._ to make a map or plan of.--_n._ PLAT'-BAND, a border of flowers in a garden: (_archit._) a slightly projecting square moulding, an architrave fascia, a list between flutings. [_Plot._]

PLATANE, plat'[=a]n, _n._ the plane-tree.--Also PLAT'AN. [L. _platanus_--Gr. _platanos_--_platys_, broad.]

PLATE, pl[=a]t, _n._ something flat: a thin piece of metal: wrought gold and silver: household utensils in gold and silver: a shallow dish nearly flat: an engraved piece of metal.--_v.t._ to overlay with a coating of plate or metal: to arm or defend with metal plates: to adorn with metal: to beat into thin plates.--_n._ PLATE'-ARM'OUR, armour of strong metal plates for protecting ships-of-war, &c.--_adj._ PL[=A]'TED, covered with plates of metal for strength, as ships: covered with a coating of a more precious metal: (_zool._) covered with hard scales.--_ns._ PLATE'-FLEET (_Milt._), vessels used for carrying precious metals; PLATE'FUL, as much as a plate will hold; PLATE'-GLASS, a fine kind of glass, cast in thick plates, used for mirrors and large shop-windows; PLATE'-LAY'ER, a workman whose occupation it is to lay the rails of a railway and fix them to the sleepers; PLATE'-MARK, a mark or stamp on gold or silver plate to indicate its purity and the place where it was made; PLATE'-POW'DER, a composition of rouge and prepared chalk used for cleaning gold and silver plate and plated articles; PLATE'-PRINT'ING, the process of printing from engraved plates; PL[=A]'TER, one who plates articles with a coating of gold or silver; PLATE'-RACK, a frame for holding plates, &c., when not in use; PLATE'-WARM'ER, an apparatus in which plates are warmed before the fire; PL[=A]'TING, the covering of an inferior metal with one of the precious metals: a thin coating of metal on another.--_adj._ PL[=A]'TY, like a plate.--HALF'-PLATE, in photography, a size of plate measuring 4¾ by 6½ in. (4¼ by 5½ in U.S.); QUAR'TER-PLATE, 3¼ by 4¼ in.; WHOLE'-PLATE, 6½ by 8½ in. [O. Fr. _plate_, fem. of _plat_, flat--Gr. _platys_, broad.]

PLATEAU, pla-t[=o]', _n._ a broad flat space on an elevated position: a tableland:--_pl._ PLATEAUS, PLATEAUX (pla-t[=o]z'). [Fr.,--O. Fr. _platel_, dim. of _plat_.]

PLATEN, plat'en, _n._ the flat part of a printing-press which comes down upon the form, and by which the impression is made.

PLATFORM, plat'form, _n._ a raised level surface: a part of a floor raised above the rest to form a standing-place for speakers, workmen, &c.: (_mil._) an elevated floor for cannon: a statement of principles to which a body of men declare their adhesion, and on which they act: (_Shak._) a scheme, plan.--_v.t._ (_Milt._) to sketch, plan: (_Mrs Browning_) to support as on a platform.--_ns._ PLAT'FORM-BRIDGE (_Amer._), a movable gangway between the platforms of two railway carriages; PLAT'FORM-CAR, a railway car open all round and without a roof; PLAT'FORM-CRANE, a crane used on a railway platform, or one mounted on a movable truck; PLAT'FORM-SCALE, a weighing-machine with a flat surface for holding the thing to be weighed.--THE PLATFORM, the function of public oratory. [Fr. _plate-forme_, 'flat form.']

PLATIASMUS, plat-i-as'mus, _n._ imperfect speech.

PLATINUM, plat'in-um, _n._ an important metal of a dim silvery appearance, between gold and silver in value, and very difficult to melt--older name PLAT'INA.--_adjs._ PLATIN'IC; PLATINIF'EROUS.--_v.t._ PLAT'INISE, to coat with platinum.--_ns._ PLAT'INOID, one of the metals with which platinum is always found associated--_palladium iridium_, &c.; PLAT'INOTYPE, a method of producing photographs by means of paper coated with a preparation of platinum: a picture so produced.--_adj._ PLAT'INOUS, containing or consisting of platinum. [Sp. _platina_--_plata_, plate.]

PLATITUDE, plat'i-t[=u]d, _n._ flatness: that which exhibits dullness of thought: an empty remark made as if it were important.--_n._ PLATITUDIN[=A]'RIAN, one who indulges in platitudes.--_adj._ PLATIT[=U]'DINOUS. [Fr.,--_plat_, flat.]

PLATONIC, -AL, pl[=a]-ton'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to _Plato_, the Greek philosopher (about 427-347 B.C.), or to his philosophical opinions.--_adv._ PL[=A]TON'ICALLY.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ PL[=A]'TONISE, to reason like Plato.--_ns._ PL[=A]'TONISM, the philosophical opinions of Plato; PL[=A]'TONIST, PL[=A]TON'IC, a follower of Plato.--PLATONIC LOVE, the love of soul for soul, a love into which sensual desire is supposed not to enter at all.

PLATOON, pla-t[=oo]n', _n._ a number of recruits assembled for exercise--originally a small body of soldiers in a hollow square, to strengthen the angles of a longer formation: a subdivision of a company. [Fr. _peloton_, a ball, a knot of men--_pelote_--L. _p[)i]la_, a ball.]

PLATTER, plat'[.e]r, _n._ a large flat plate or dish. [M. E. _plater_--O. Fr. _platel_--_plat_, a plate.]

PLATTING, plat'ing, _n._ the process of making interwoven work: such work itself.

PLATYCEPHALOUS, plat-i-sef'a-lus, _adj._ having the vault of the skull flattened.--Also PLATYCEPHAL'IC.

PLATYPUS, plat'i-poos, _n._ the duck-bill (q.v.). [Gr. _platys_, flat, _pous_, a foot.]

PLATYRHINE, plat'i-rin, _adj._ broad-nosed.--_n._ a platyrhine monkey.

PLAUDIT, plawd'it, _n._ a mark of applause: praise bestowed.--_adj._ PLAUD'ITORY, applauding.--_adj._ PLAUS'IVE, applauding, approving: (_Shak._) plausible. [Shortened from L. _plaudite_, praise ye, a call for applause, 2d pers. pl. imper. of _plaud[)e]re_, _plausum_, to praise.]

PLAUSIBLE, plawz'i-bl, _adj._ that may be applauded: seemingly worthy of approval or praise: superficially pleasing: apparently right: fair-spoken: popular.--_ns._ PLAUSIBIL'ITY, PLAUS'IBLENESS, an appearance of being right or worthy of approval: that which seems right and true at first sight.--_adv._ PLAUS'IBLY. [L. _plausibilis_--_plaud[)e]re_, to praise.]

PLAUSTRAL, plä'stral, _adj._ of or pertaining to a wagon. [L. _plaustrum_, a wagon.]

PLAY, pl[=a], _v.i._ to engage in some amusing exercise: to take part in a game, or a piece of diversion: to gamble: to sport: to trifle: to move irregularly or (_mech._) freely: to operate: to act in a theatre: to perform on a musical instrument: to practise a trick: to act a character: to act with repeated strokes.--_v.t._ to put in motion: to perform upon: to perform: to act a sportive part: to compete with.--_n._ amusement: any exercise for amusement: a contending for victory or for a prize: practice in a contest: gaming: action or use: manner of dealing, as fair-play: a dramatic composition: movement: room for action or motion: liberty of action.--_ns._ PLAY'-ACT'OR, one who acts a part in a play: an actor; PLAY'-ACT'ORISM, the manner or habits of a play-actor; PLAY'-BILL, a bill or advertisement of a play; PLAY'BOOK, a book of plays or dramas; PLAY'-CLUB, a wooden-headed golf-club used for driving the ball the longest distances; PLAY'-DAY, PLAY'-TIME, a day devoted to play: a holiday; PLAY'ER, one who plays: an actor of plays or dramas: a trifler: a musician: a professional at cricket; PLAY'FELLOW, PLAY'MATE, a fellow or mate in play or amusements.--_adj._ PLAY'FUL, given to play: sportive.--_adv._ PLAY'FULLY.--_ns._ PLAY'FULNESS; PLAY'-G[=O]'ER, one who habitually attends the theatre; PLAY'-G[=O]'ING; PLAY'-GROUND, a ground or place on which to play, esp. that connected with a school; PLAY'-HOUSE, a house where dramatic performances are represented: a theatre; PLAY'ING-CARD, one of a set of fifty-two cards used in playing games; PLAY'-MARE, the hobby-horse, one of the chief parts in the ancient morris-dance; PLAY'THING, anything for playing with: a toy; PLAY'WRIGHT, PLAY'-WRIT'ER, a writer of plays: one who adapts dramatic compositions for the stage.--PLAYED OUT, worked to the end: used up: tired; PLAY FAST AND LOOSE, to act in a tricky, inconstant way: to say one thing and do another; PLAY FINE, at billiards, to strike the object-ball near the edge--opp. to PLAY FULL, to strike it nearer the centre than the edge; PLAY OFF, to show or display; PLAY UP, to make a beginning of playing: to play more vigorously; PLAY UPON, to trifle with: to delude.--A PLAY UPON WORDS, a use of words so as to give them a double meaning; BRING INTO PLAY, to bring into exercise or use; COME INTO PLAY, to come into use; HOLD IN PLAY, to keep the attention of. [A.S. _plegan_, to play.]

PLEA, pl[=e], _n._ the defender's answer to the plaintiff's demand or charge: an excuse: an apology: an action in a court of law: urgent entreaty. [O. Fr. _plait_ (Fr. _plaid_)--Low L. _placitum_, a decision--L. _placet_, it pleases, _plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLEACH, pl[=e]ch, _v.t._ to intertwine the branches of, as a hedge: (_Shak._) to fold, as the arms. [O. Fr. _plesser_--L. _plec-t[)e]re_, plait; Gr. _plek-ein_, weave.]

PLEAD, pl[=e]d, _v.i._ to carry on a plea or lawsuit: to argue in support of a cause against another: to seek to persuade: to admit or deny a charge of guilt.--_v.t._ to discuss by arguments: to allege in pleading or defence: to offer in excuse:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plead'ed, or (less correctly and coll.) pled.--_adj._ PLEAD'ABLE, capable of being pleaded.--_n._ PLEAD'ER.--_adj._ PLEAD'ING, imploring.--_n._ act of pleading or of conducting any cause: (_pl._) the statements of the two parties in a lawsuit (_law_).--_adv._ PLEAD'INGLY.--PLEAD GUILTY, or NOT GUILTY, to admit, or deny, guilt.--SPECIAL PLEADING, unfair argument aiming rather at victory than at truth. [O. Fr. _plaider_; cf. _Plea_.]

PLEASE, pl[=e]z, _v.t._ to give pleasure to: to delight: to satisfy.--_v.i._ to like: to think fit: to choose: to give pleasure: used impers., followed by an object, originally dative, of the person=if it please you.--_n._ PLEAS'ANCE, merriment: a pleasure garden.--_adj._ PLEAS'ANT, pleasing: agreeable: cheerful: gay: facetious.--_adv._ PLEAS'ANTLY.--_ns._ PLEAS'ANTNESS; PLEAS'ANTRY, anything that promotes pleasure: merriment: lively or humorous talk: a trick:--_pl._ PLEAS'ANTRIES; PLEASE'MAN (_Shak._), an officious fellow, a pick-thank; PLEAS'ER, one who pleases or gratifies.--_adj._ PLEAS'ING, giving pleasure: agreeable: gratifying.--_n._ (_Shak._) pleasure given: (_B._) approbation.--_adv._ PLEAS'INGLY.--_n._ PLEAS'INGNESS, the quality of giving pleasure.--_adj._ PLEAS'URABLE, able to give pleasure: delightful: gratifying.--_n._ PLEAS'URABLENESS.--_adv._ PLEAS'URABLY.--_n._ PLEASURE (plezh'[=u]r), agreeable emotions: gratification of the senses or of the mind: what the will prefers: purpose: command: approbation.--_v.t._ (_arch._) to give pleasure to.--_ns._ PLEAS'URE-BOAT, a boat used for pleasure or amusement; PLEAS'URE-GROUND, ground laid out in an ornamental manner for pleasure; PLEAS'URE-HOUSE, a house to which one retires for recreation or pleasure.--_adj._ PLEAS'URELESS.--_ns._ PLEAS'URER, one who seeks pleasure; PLEAS'URE-TRIP, an excursion for pleasure.--AT PLEASURE, whenever and as one pleases. [O. Fr. _plaisir_ (Fr. _plaire_)--L. _plac[=e]re_, to please.]

PLEAT, pl[=e]t, _v.t._ Same as PLAIT.

PLEBEIAN, pl[=e]-b[=e]'an, _adj._ pertaining to, or consisting of, the common people: popular: vulgar.--_n._ originally one of the common people of ancient Rome: one of the lower classes.--_v.t._ PLEBEI'ANISE.--_ns._ PLEBEI'ANISM, state of being a plebeian: the conduct or manners of plebeians: vulgarity; PLEBIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of making plebeian.--_v.t._ PLEB'IFY, to make plebeian: to vulgarise. [Fr. _plébéien_--L. _plebeius_--_plebs_, _plebis_, the common people.]

PLEBISCITE, pleb'i-s[=i]t, _n._ a decree of an entire nation, obtained by an appeal to universal suffrage, as in France under Napoleon III.: a method of obtaining an expression of opinion upon a certain point from the inhabitants of a district--also PLEBISC[=I]'TUM:--_pl._ PLEB'ISCITES, PLEBIS'CITA.--_adj._ PLEB'ISCITARY. [Fr.,--L. _plebiscitum_, decree of the people--_plebs_, the people, _scitum_, a decree--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]

PLEBS, plebz, _n._ the common people. [L.]

PLECTOGNATHI, plek-tog'n[=a]-th[=i], _n._ an order of bony fishes, including file-fishes, globe-fishes, coffer-fishes, sun-fishes.--_adjs._ PLECTOGNATH'IC, PLECTOG'NATHOUS. [Gr. _plectos_, plaited, _gnathos_, a jaw.]

PLECTRUM, plek'trum, _n._ the quill or other form of instrument by which the strings of the Greek lyre were struck.--Also PLEC'TRE, PLEC'TRON. [L.--Gr.,--_pl[=e]ssein_, to strike.]

PLED, pled, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _plead_.

PLEDGE, plej, _n._ something given as a security: one who becomes surety for another: a sentiment of goodwill or friendship expressed by drinking together.--_v.t._ to give as security: to engage for by promise: to invite to drink by partaking of the cup first: to drink to the health of.--_ns._ PLEDGEE', the person to whom a thing is pledged; PLEDG'ER.--PLEDGE CARD, a card given, as a remembrancer, to a person who has signed the total abstinence pledge; PLEDGE CUP, a cup for drinking pledges.--HOLD IN PLEDGE, to keep as security; PUT IN PLEDGE, to pawn; TAKE, or SIGN, THE PLEDGE, to give a written promise to abstain from intoxicating liquor. [O. Fr. _plege_ (Fr. _pleige_); prob. L. _præb[=e]re_, to afford.]

PLEDGET, plej'et, _n._ a wad of lint, cotton, &c., as for a wound or sore: an oakum string used in caulking.

PLEIAD, pl[=i]'ad, _n._ one of the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione, after death changed into stars:--_pl._ PLEI'ADS, PLEI'ADES, (_astron._) a group of seven or more stars in the shoulder of the constellation Taurus.

PLEIOCENE. Same as PLIOCENE.

PLEIOCHROISM, pl[=i]-ok'r[=o]-izm, _n._ the property in some crystals, such as some species of topaz, where three distinct colours may be observed on looking through them along three rectangular axes.--Also POL'YCHR[=O]ISM. [Gr. _plei[=o]n_, _ple[=o]n_, more, _chroa_, colour.]

PLEISTOCENE, pl[=i]s't[=o]-s[=e]n, _n._ (_geol._) the name given to the system comprising the older accumulations belonging to the Quaternary or Post-Tertiary division. [Gr. _pleistos_, most, _kainos_, recent.]

PLENARY, pl[=e]'n[=a]-ri, _adj._ full: entire: complete: (_law_) passing through all its stages--opp. to _Summary_: having full powers.--_adv._ PLEN'ARILY.--_ns._ PLEN'ARINESS; PL[=E]'NARTY, the state of a benefice when occupied; PL[=E]'NIST, one who believes all space to be filled with matter; PLEN'ITUDE, fullness: completeness: repletion; PL[=E]'NUM, space considered as in every part filled with matter.--PLENARY INSPIRATION, inspiration which excludes all mixture of error. [Low L. _plenarius_--L. _ple-nus_, full--_pl[=e]re_, to fill.]

PLENICORN, plen'i-korn, _adj._ solid-horned, as a ruminant.

PLENILUNAR, plen-i-l[=u]'nar, _adj._ pertaining to the full moon.

PLENIPOTENCE, pl[=e]-nip'o-tens, _n._ complete power--also PLENIP'OTENCY.--_adj._ PLENIP'OTENT, having full power. [L. _plenus_, full, _potens_, _-entis_, powerful.]

PLENIPOTENTIARY, plen-i-po-ten'shi-a-ri, _adj._ conferring or having full powers.--_n._ a person invested with full powers, esp. a special ambassador or envoy to some foreign court. [Low L. _plenipotentiarius_--L. _plenus_, full, _potens_, powerful.]

PLENISH, plen'ish, _v.t._ to furnish: to provide, as a house or farm, with necessary furniture, implements, stock, &c.--_n._ PLEN'ISHING (_Scot._), furniture. [Fr.,--L. _plenus_, full.]

PLENTY, plen'ti, _n._ a full supply: all that can be needed: abundance.--_adj._ being in abundance.--_adj._ PLEN'T[=E]OUS, fully sufficient: abundant: fruitful: well provided: rich: (_B._) giving plentifully.--_adv._ PLEN'T[=E]OUSLY.--_n._ PLEN'T[=E]OUSNESS.--_adj._ PLEN'TIFUL, copious: abundant: yielding abundance.--_adv._ PLEN'TIFULLY.--_n._ PLEN'TIFULNESS.--HORN OF PLENTY (see HORN). [O. Fr. _plente_--L. _plenus_, full.]

PLEONASM, pl[=e]'o-nazm, _n._ use of more words than are necessary: (_rhet._) a redundant expression.--_n._ PL[=E]'ONAST, one who is given to pleonasm.--_adjs._ PLEONAS'TIC, -AL, redundant: using too many words.--_adv._ PLEONAS'TICALLY. [Gr. _pleonasmos_--_plei[=o]n_, more.]

PLEROMA, pl[=e]-r[=o]'ma, _n._ fullness: abundance: in Gnosticism, divine being, including all æons which emanate from it. [Gr.,--_pl[=e]r[=e]s_, full.]

PLEROPHORY, pl[=e]-rof'[=o]-ri, _n._ full conviction.--Also PLEROPH[=O]'RIA.

PLESH, plesh, _n._ (_Spens._) a plash, a pool of water.

PLESIOMORPHISM, pl[=e]-si-[=o]-mor'fizm, _n._ the property of certain substances of crystallising in similar forms while unlike in chemical composition--also _Isogonism_.--_adjs._ PLESIOMOR'PHIC, PLESIOMOR'PHOUS.

PLESIOSAURUS, pl[=e]-zi-o-saw'rus, _n._ the type or leading genus of a family (_Plesiosauridæ_) of fossil sea-reptiles, which are characteristic of the Mesozoic systems. [Gr. _pl[=e]sios_, near, _sauros_, lizard.]

PLETHORA, pleth'o-ra, _n._ excessive fullness of blood: over-fullness in any way.--_adjs._ PLETHORE'TIC, PLETHOR'IC, -AL, afflicted with plethora: superabundant: turgid.--_adv._ PLETHOR'ICALLY. [Gr. _pl[=e]th[=o]r[=e]_, fullness--_pleos_, full.]

PLEUGH, pl[=u]h, _n._ (_Scot._) a plough.--_n._ PLEUGH'-PAID'LE (_Scot._), a small spade or 'paddle' for cleaning a plough.

PLEURA, pl[=oo]'ra, _n._ a delicate serous membrane which covers the lungs and lines the cavity of the chest:--_pl._ PLEU'RÆ.--_adj._ PLEU'RAL.--_ns._ PLEURAPOPH'YSIS, a lateral process of a vertebra, with the morphological character of a rib:--_pl._ PLEURAPOPH'YSES; PLEURENCH'YMA (_bot._), the woody tissue of plants; PLEU'RISY, inflammation of the pleura, the investing membrane of the lung; PLEU'RISY-ROOT, a plant common in the United States, of which the root has medicinal repute, the infusion being used as a diaphoretic and expectorant.--_adjs._ PLEURIT'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or affected with, pleurisy: causing pleurisy.--_ns._ PLEUR[=I]'TIS, pleurisy; PLEURODYN'IA, neuralgia of the chest-wall, which may simulate closely the pain of pleurisy; PLEU'RO-PNEUM[=O]'NIA, inflammation of the pleura and lungs, a contagious disease peculiar to cattle. [Gr., a rib.]

PLEURONECTIDÆ, pl[=oo]-ro-nek'ti-d[=e], _n.pl._ a family of flat-fishes, the flounders. [Gr. _pleura_, the side, _n[=e]kt[=e]s_, a swimmer.]

PLEXIMETER, pleks-im'e-t[.e]r, _n._ a small plate of something hard and elastic, placed on the body, to receive the tap of the fingers or of the hammer in examination by percussion--also PLEXOM'ETER.--_adj._ PLEXIMET'RIC. [Gr. _pl[=e]xis_, a striking--_pl[=e]ssein_, to strike, _metron_, a measure.]

PLEXURE, pleks'[=u]r, _n._ the act or process of weaving together: that which is woven together.--_adj._ PLEX'IFORM, in the form of network: formed into a plexus.--_n._ PLEX'US, a number of things, as veins, nerves, &c., woven together: a network: (_anat._) an interlacing of nerves, vessels, or fibres. [L. _plexus_, a twining--_plect[)e]re_, _plexum_, to twine.]

PLIABLE, pl[=i]'a-bl, _adj._ easily bent or folded: supple: easily persuaded: yielding to influence.--_ns._ PLIABIL'ITY, PL[=I]'ABLENESS, quality of being pliable or flexible.--_adv._ PL[=I]'ABLY, in a pliable manner.--_ns._ PL[=I]'ANCY, PL[=I]'ANTNESS, the state of being pliant: readiness to be influenced.--_adj._ PL[=I]'ANT, bending easily: flexible: tractable: easily influenced.--_adv._ PL[=I]'ANTLY. [Fr. _pliable_--L. _plic[=a]re_, to fold.]

PLICA, pl[=i]'ka, _n._ in the phrase PLICA POLONICA, a disease of the scalp, in which the hairs become matted together by an adhesive and often fetid secretion, occurring in several countries, but esp. in Poland. [L. _plic[=a]re_, to fold.]

PLICATE, -D, pl[=i]'k[=a]t, -ed, _adj._ folded like a fan, as a leaf: plaited.--_adv._ PL[=I]'C[=A]TELY.--_ns._ PLIC[=A]'TION, PLIC'ATURE, act or process of folding: state of being folded: a fold. [L. _plicatus_--_plic[=a]re_, to fold.]

PLIERS, pl[=i]'[.e]rz, _n.pl._ small pincers for bending.

PLIGHT, pl[=i]t, _n._ something exposed to risk: security: pledge: engagement: promise.--_v.t._ to pledge: to promise solemnly: to give as security.--_n._ PLIGHT'ER, one who, or that which, plights. [A.S. _pliht_, risk, danger--_plión_, to imperil; cog. with Dut. _pligt_, Ger. _pflicht_, an obligation.]

PLIGHT, pl[=i]t, _n._ condition: state (either good or bad). [O. Fr. _plite_--L. _plicitus_, _plic[=a]re_, to fold.]

PLIGHT, pl[=i]t, _v.t._ to plait, to braid, to weave.--_n._ (_Spens._) a plait, a fold. [L. _plect[)e]re_, freq. of _plicäre_, to fold.]

PLIM, plim, _v.i._ (_prov._) to swell. [_Plump_.]

PLIMSOLL'S MARK. See LOAD-LINE, under LOAD.

PLINTH, plinth, _n._ (_archit._) the square at the bottom of the base of a column: the projecting band at the bottom of a wall. [L. _plinthus_, Gr. _plinthos_, a brick.]

PLIOCENE, pl[=i]'o-s[=e]n, _n._ (_geol._) the strata more recent than the Miocene or Second Tertiary. [Gr. _plei[=o]n_, more, _kainos_, recent.]

PLISKIE, plis'ki, _n._ (_Scot._) condition or plight: a mischievous trick.

PLOD, plod, _v.i._ to travel slowly and steadily: to study or work on steadily: to toil.--_v.t._ to get along by slow and heavy walking:--_pr.p._ plod'ding; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plod'ded.--_n._ PLOD'DER, one who plods on: a dull, heavy, laborious man.--_adj._ PLOD'DING, laborious but slow.--_n._ slow movement: patient study.--_adv._ PLOD'DINGLY. [Orig. 'to wade through pools,' from Ir. _plod_, a pool.]

PLONGE, plonj, _n._ the descending part of the path of a bomb: the superior slope of a parapet.--Also PLON'GÉE.

PLONGE, plonj, _v.t._ to cleanse, as open sewers, by stirring with a pole when the tide is ebbing.

PLOP, plop, _v.i._ to plump into water. [Imit.]

PLOT, plot, _n._ a small piece of ground: a plan of a field, &c., drawn on paper: a patch or spot on clothes.--_v.t._ to make a plan of:--_pr.p._ plot'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plot'ted. [A.S. _plot._]

PLOT, plot, _n._ a complicated scheme, esp. for a mischievous purpose: a conspiracy: stratagem: the chain of incidents which are gradually unfolded in the story of a play, &c.--_v.i._ to scheme: to form a scheme of mischief: to conspire.--_v.t._ to devise:--_pr.p._ plot'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plot'ted.--_adj._ PLOT'FUL.--_adj._ PLOT'-PROOF, safe from any danger by plots.--_ns._ PLOT'TER, one who plots: a conspirator; PLOT'TING.--_adv._ PLOT'TINGLY. [Fr. _complot_, acc. to Diez, from L. _complicitum_, pa.p. of _complic[=a]re_, to fold.]

PLOT, plot, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to scald, steep in very hot water.--_n._ PLOT'TIE, a kind of mulled wine.

PLOTTER, plot'[.e]r, _v.i._ to plouter (q.v.).

PLOUGH, plow, _n._ an instrument for turning up the soil to prepare it for seed: tillage: a joiner's plane for making grooves.--_v.t._ to turn up with the plough: to make furrows or ridges in: to tear: to divide: to run through, as in sailing: (_university slang_) to reject in an examination.--_v.i._ to work with a plough.--_adj._ PLOUGH'ABLE, capable of being ploughed: arable.--_ns._ PLOUGH'BOY, a boy who drives or guides horses in ploughing; PLOUGH'ER; PLOUGH'GATE (_Scots law_), a quantity of land of the extent of 100 acres Scots; PLOUGH'ING; PLOUGH'-[=I]'RON, the coulter of a plough; PLOUGH'-LAND, land suitable for tillage: as much land as could be tilled with one plough, a hide of land; PLOUGH'MAN, a man who ploughs: a husbandman: a rustic:--_pl._ PLOUGH'MEN; PLOUGH'-MON'DAY, the Monday after Twelfth Day when, according to the old usage, the plough should be set to work again after the holidays; PLOUGH'-TAIL, the end of a plough where the handles are; PLOUGH'-TREE, a plough-handle; PLOUGH'WRIGHT, one who makes and mends ploughs.--PUT ONE'S HAND TO THE PLOUGH, to begin an undertaking.--SNOW PLOUGH, a strong triangular frame of wood for clearing snow off roads, railways, &c., drawn by horses or by a locomotive; STEAM PLOUGH, a plough driven by a stationary steam-engine; THE PLOUGH, the seven bright stars in the constellation of the Great Bear. [Ice. _plógr_; perh. Celt., Gael. _ploc_, a block.]

PLOUGHSHARE, plow'sh[=a]r, _n._ the part of a plough which shears or cuts the ground in the bottom of the furrow. [_Plough_, and A.S. _scear_, a share of a plough, a shearing--_sceran_, to cut.]

PLOUTER, plow't[.e]r, _v.i._ to paddle in water.--_n._ (_Scot._) a paddling or dabbling in water.

PLOVER, pluv'[.e]r, _n._ a well-known wading bird. [Fr. _pluvier_--L. _pluvia_, rain.]

PLOW, plow. Old spelling of _plough_.

PLOY, ploi, _n._ employment: (_Scot._) a frolic. [_Employ_.]

PLUCK, pluk, _v.t._ to pull off or away: to snatch: to strip, as a fowl of its feathers: (_slang_) to reject an examinee as inefficient.--_n._ a single act of plucking.--_n._ PLUCK'ER.--PLUCK OFF (_Shak._), to abate from the rank; PLUCK UP, to pull out by the roots: to summon up, as courage. [A.S. _pluccian_; akin to Dut. _plukken_, Ger. _pflücken_.]

PLUCK, pluk, _n._ the heart, liver, and lungs of an animal--hence heart, courage, spirit.--_adjs._ PLUCKED, PLUCK'Y, having pluck or spirit.--_adv._ PLUCK'ILY.--_n._ PLUCK'INESS.

PLUFFY, pluf'i, _adj._ puffy: blown out.--_n._ PLUFF (_Scot._), a puff of smoke or dust.--_v.t._ to throw out such.

PLUG, plug, _n._ a block or peg used to stop a hole: a bung: a stopper: a branch from a water-pipe to supply a hose: a flat cake of tobacco: any worn-out or useless article: (_slang_) a silk hat.--_v.t._ to stop with a plug: to drive plugs into:--_pr.p._ plug'ging; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ plugged.--_ns._ PLUG'GER, one who, or that which, plugs, esp. a dentist's instrument for filling a hollow tooth; PLUG'GING, the act of stopping with a plug: the material of which a plug is made; PLUG'-UG'LY, a street ruffian.--FIRE PLUG, a contrivance by means of which a hose can be fixed to a water-main in case of fire. [Dut. _plug_, a bung, a peg (Sw. _plugg_, a peg, Ger. _pflock_); most prob. Celt., as in Ir., Gael., and W. _ploc_.]

PLUM, plum, _n._ a well-known stone fruit of various colours, of the natural order _Rosaceæ_: the tree producing it: the best part of all: a sum of £100,000, a handsome fortune.--_ns._ PLUM'-CAKE, a cake containing raisins, currants, &c.; PLUM'-DUFF, a flour-pudding boiled with raisins.--_adj._ PLUM'MY, full of plums: desirable.--_ns._ PLUM'-PORR'IDGE, an antiquated dish, of porridge with plums, raisins, &c.; PLUM'-PUDD'ING, a national English dish made of flour and suet, with raisins, currants, and various spices. [A.S. _plúme_--L. _prunum_--Gr. _prounon_.]

PLUMAGE, pl[=oo]m'[=a]j, _n._ the whole feathers of a bird. [Fr.,--_plume_, a feather.]

PLUMB, plum, _n._ a mass of lead or other material, hung on a string, to show the perpendicular position: the perpendicular direction or position.--_adj._ perpendicular.--_adv._ perpendicularly.--_v.t._ to adjust by a plumb-line: to make perpendicular: to sound the depth of, as water by a plumb-line.--_n._ PLUMB'-BOB, a conoid-shaped metal weight at the end of a plumb-line.--_adjs._ PLUM'B[=E]AN, PLUM'B[=E]OUS, consisting of, or resembling, lead: stupid; PLUMB'IC, pertaining to, or obtained from, lead; PLUMBIF'EROUS, producing lead.--_n._ PLUMB'ING, the art of casting and working in lead, &c.--_adj._ PLUMB'LESS, incapable of being sounded.--_ns._ PLUMB'-LINE, a line to which a mass of lead is attached to show the perpendicular: a plummet; PLUMB'-RULE, a narrow board with a plumb-line fastened to the top, used to determine a perpendicular. [Fr. _plomb_--L. _plumbum_, lead.]

PLUMBAGINEÆ, plum-ba-jin'[=e]-[=e], _n.pl._ a natural order of oxogenous plants found on seashores and salt-marshes.

PLUMBAGO, plum-b[=a]'go, _n._ a mineral composed of carbon, iron, and other materials, used for pencils, &c., popularly called 'blacklead:' graphite: a genus of plants with blue or violet flowers.--_adj._ PLUMBAG'INOUS. [L. _plumbum_, lead.]

PLUMBER, plum'[.e]r, _n._ one who works in lead, esp. one who fits into buildings the tanks, pipes, and fittings for conveying water, gas, and sewage.--_ns._ PLUMB'ER-BLOCK, a metal frame or case for holding the end of a revolving shaft: a pillow-block; PLUMB'ERY, articles of lead: the business of a plumber: a place for plumbing.

PLUME, pl[=oo]m, _n._ a feather: a tuft of feathers: a feather worn as an ornament: a crest: a token of honour: a prize in a contest.--_v.t._ to dress the feathers of, as a bird: to adorn with plumes: to strip of feathers: to boast (used reflexively).--_ns._ PLUMASSIER (pl[=oo]-ma-s[=e]r'), one who prepares or deals in plumes; PLUME'-BIRD, a term sometimes given to the _Epimachidæ_ or long-tailed birds-of-Paradise.--_adjs._ PLUMED, adorned with feathers; PLUME'LESS.--_n._ PLUME'LET, a down-feather, a plumule: anything resembling a small plume.--_adj._ PLUME'-PLUCKED, stripped of plumes: (_Shak._) humbled.--_n._ PLUM'ERY, a display of plumes.--_adjs._ PLUMIG'EROUS, plumaged; PLU'MIPED, having feathered feet.--_n._ PLU'MIST, a feather-dresser.--_adjs._ PLU'MOSE, PLU'MOUS, feathery: plume-like; PLU'MY, covered or adorned with plumes. [O. Fr.,--L. _pluma_, a small soft feather.]

PLUMMER, PLUMMERY. See PLUMBER, PLUMBERY.

PLUMMET, plum'et, _n._ a weight of lead hung at a string, used for ascertaining the direction of the earth's attraction, and for sounding depths: a plumb-line. [O. Fr. _plomet_, dim. of _plom_, lead.]

PLUMP, plump, _adv._ falling straight downward (like lead): heavily: suddenly.--_adj._ downright: unqualified.--_v.i._ to fall or sink suddenly: to give all one's votes to one candidate where there are more than one to be elected.--_v.t._ to cause to fall suddenly.--_n._ (_Scot._) a sudden downfall of rain.--_n._ PLUMP'ER, a vote given to one candidate only when more than one are to be elected: one who so votes: (_slang_) a downright lie.--_adv._ PLUMP'LY, fully, without reserve. [_Plumb._]

PLUMP, plump, _adj._ fat and rounded: sleek: in good condition.--_v.i._ to grow fat or plump: to swell.--_v.t._ to make plump: to fatten.--_ns._ PLUMP'ER, a ball kept in the mouth to give the cheeks a rounded appearance; PLUMP'NESS.--_adj._ PLUMP'Y (_Shak._), plump, fat. [Teut.; Dut. _plomp_, lumpish, Ger. _plump_.]

PLUMP, plump, _n._ a cluster: a clump (of persons or things).

PLUMULARIA, pl[=oo]-m[=u]-l[=a]'ri-a, _n._ a genus of hydrozoa, belonging to the division _hydroidea_.--_adj._ PLUMUL[=A]'RIAN. [L. _plumula_, a little feather.]

PLUMULE, pl[=oo]'m[=u]l, _n._ (_bot._) the first bud of a plant growing from seed, springing from between the cotyledons or seed leaves: a soft feather: a feathery scale on a butterfly's wing.--Also PLUM'ULA. [L. _plumula_, dim. of _pluma_, a feather.]

PLUNDER, plun'd[.e]r, _v.t._ to seize the goods of another by force: to pillage.--_n._ that which is seized by force: booty: (_U.S._) household goods.--_ns._ PLUN'DERAGE, the stealing of goods on board ship; PLUN'DERER.--_adj._ PLUN'DEROUS. [Ger. _plündern_, to pillage--_plunder_, trash, baggage; akin to Low Ger. _plunnen_, rags.]

PLUNGE, plunj, _v.t._ to cast suddenly into water or other fluid: to force suddenly (into): to immerse.--_v.i._ to sink suddenly into any fluid: to dive: to pitch suddenly forward and throw up the hind-legs, as a horse: to rush into any danger: (_slang_) to gamble recklessly.--_n._ act of plunging: act of rushing headlong, as a horse.--_n._ PLUNG'ER, one who plunges: a diver: a long solid cylinder used as a forcer in pumps: (_mil._) a cavalry-man: one who bets heavily.--_adj._ PLUNG'ING, rushing headlong: aimed from higher ground, as fire upon an enemy.--_n._ the putting or sinking under water, or other fluid: the act of a horse trying to throw its rider.--PLUNGE BATH, a bath large enough to allow the whole body under water. [O. Fr. _plonger_--L. _plumbum_, lead.]

PLUPERFECT, pl[=oo]'p[.e]r-fekt, _adj._ (_gram._) noting that an action happened before some other past action referred to. [A corr. of L. _plus-quam-perfectum_, (lit.) _more than_ or _before perfect_.]

PLURAL, pl[=oo]'ral, _adj._ containing or expressing more than one.--_n._ (_gram._) the form denoting more than one.--_n._ PLURALIS[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ PLU'RALISE, to make plural.--_v.i._ to hold two or more benefices simultaneously.--_ns._ PLU'RALISM, the state of being plural: the holding by one person of more than one office at once, esp. applied to ecclesiastical livings; PLU'RALIST, one who holds more than one office at one time; PLURAL'ITY, the state of being plural: a number consisting of more than one: the majority: the holding of more than one benefice at one time: the living held by a pluralist.--_adv._ PLU'RALLY. [Fr.,--L. _pluralis_--_plus_, _pluris_, more.]

PLURILITERAL, pl[=oo]-ri-lit'[.e]r-al, _adj._ containing more letters than three.

PLURILOCULAR, pl[=oo]-ri-lok'[=u]-lar, _adj._ multilocular.

PLURIPAROUS, pl[=oo]-rip'a-rus, _adj._ having several young at a birth.--_n._ PLURIP'ARA, one who has borne two or more children.

PLURIPRESENCE, pl[=oo]-ri-prez'ens, _n._ presence in more places than one. [L. _plus_, more, _præsentia_, presence.]

PLURISY, pl[=oo]r'i-si, _n._ (_Shak._) superabundance. [L. _plus_, _pluris_, more.]

PLUS, plus, _adj._ more: to be added: positive.--_n._ the sign (+) prefixed to positive quantities, and set between quantities or numbers to be added together: the sign of addition--opp. to _Minus_. [L. _plus_, more.]

PLUSH, plush, _n._ a variety of cloth woven like velvet, but differing from it in having a longer and more open pile.--_adj._ PLUSH'Y, of or resembling plush. [Fr. _peluche_, through Low L., from L. _pilus_, hair. See PILE, a hairy surface.]

PLUTOCRACY, pl[=oo]-tok'ra-si, _n._ government by the wealthy.--_n._ PLU'TOCRAT.--_adj._ PLUTOCRAT'IC.--_ns._ PLUTOL'OGIST; PLUTOL'OGY, the science of wealth: political economy. [Gr. _ploutokratia_--_ploutos_, wealth, _kratia_--_kratein_, to rule.]