Chapter XV: Part 15

PORT, p[=o]rt, _n._ a harbour: a haven or safe station for vessels: a place from which vessels start, and at which they finish their voyages.--_n._ PORT'-AD'MIRAL, the admiral commanding at a naval port.--_n.pl._ PORT'-CHARG'ES, payments which a ship has to pay while in harbour.--_n._ PORT'-WARD'EN, the officer in charge of a port: a harbour-master.--PORT OF CALL, a port where vessels can call for stores or repairs; PORT OF ENTRY, a port where merchandise is allowed by law to enter.--_Free port_, a port where no duty has to be paid on landing goods. [A.S. _port_--L. _portus_; akin to L. _porta_, a gate.]

PORT, p[=o]rt, _n._ a gate or entrance, esp. of a walled town: an opening in the side of a ship for light or air: an opening through which guns can be fired: the lid of a porthole: a passage in a machine for oil, steam, &c.--_n._ PORT'AGE (_Shak._), an opening. [Fr. _porte_--L. _porta_, gate.]

PORT, p[=o]rt, _n._ a dark-red wine from _Oporto_, Portugal.

PORTA, p[=o]r'ta, _n._ the part of an organ where its vessels and ducts enter, esp. the transverse fissure of the liver: the foramen of Monro.

PORTAL, p[=o]rt'al, _n._ a small gate: any entrance: (_archit._) the arch over a gate: the lesser of two gates.--PORTAL CIRCULATION, the capillary transmission of venous blood from one organ to another in its passage to the heart; PORTAL SYSTEM, the portal vein with its tributaries, &c.; PORTAL VEIN, the vein which conveys to the liver the venous blood from intestines, spleen, and stomach. [O. Fr. (Fr. _portail_)--Low L. _portale_--L. _porta_, a gate.]

PORTCULLIS, p[=o]rt-kul'is, _n._ a sliding door of cross timbers pointed with iron, hung over a gateway, so as to be let down in a moment to keep out an enemy: (_her._) a lattice: one of the pursuivants of the English College of Heralds: an Elizabethan coin bearing a portcullis on the reverse.--_v.t._ to obstruct, as with a portcullis. [O. Fr. _portecoulisse_--_porte_, a gate, _coulisse_, a groove--L. _col[=a]re_, to strain.]

PORTE, p[=o]rt, _n._ the Turkish government, so called from the 'High Gate,' or 'Sublime Porte,' the chief office of the Ottoman government.

PORTEND, por-tend', _v.t._ to indicate the future by signs: to betoken: presage.--_n._ POR'TENT, that which portends or foreshows: an evil omen.--_adj._ PORTENT'OUS, serving to portend: foreshadowing ill: wonderful, dreadful, prodigious.--_adv._ PORTENT'OUSLY. [L. _portend[)e]re_, _portentum_--_pro_, forth, _tend[)e]re_, to stretch.]

PORTER, p[=o]rt'[.e]r, _n._ a door-keeper or gate-keeper: one who waits at the door to receive messages:--_fem._ PORT'ERESS, PORT'RESS.--_n._ PORT'ERAGE, the office or duty of a porter.--PORTER'S LODGE, a house or an apartment near a gate for the use of the porter. [O. Fr. _portier_--Low L. _portarius_--L. _porta_, a gate.]

PORTER, p[=o]rt'[.e]r, _n._ one who carries burdens for hire: a dark-brown malt liquor, prob. because a favourite drink with London porters.--_ns._ PORT'ERAGE, carriage: charge made by a porter for carrying goods; PORT'ER-HOUSE, a restaurant; PORT'ERHOUSE-STEAK (_U.S._), a choice cut of beef-steak next to the sirloin.--_adv._ PORT'ERLY, like a porter: coarse. [O. Fr. _porteur_--L. _port[=a]re_, to carry.]

PORTFOLIO, p[=o]rt-f[=o]'li-[=o], _n._ a portable case for loose papers, drawings, &c.: a collection of such papers: the office of a minister of state. [Sp. _portafolio_--L. _port[=a]re_, to carry, _folium_, a leaf.]

PORTHOLE, p[=o]rt'h[=o]l, _n._ a hole or opening in a ship's side for light and air, or for pointing a gun through. [_Port_, a gate, and _hole_.]

PORTICO, p[=o]r'ti-k[=o], _n._ (_archit._) a range of columns in the front of a building: a colonnade: a porch before the entrance to a building: the Stoic philosophy:--_pl._ POR'TICOES, POR'TICOS.--_adj._ POR'TICOED, furnished with a portico. [It.,--L. _porticus_, a porch.]

PORTIÈRE, por-ty[=a]r', _n._ a curtain hung over the door or doorway of a room. [Fr.]

PORTIFORIUM, p[=o]r-ti-f[=o]'ri-um, _n._ a breviary:--_pl._ PORTIF[=O]'RIA.--Also PORT'FORY, PORT'OUS, PORT'UARY.

PORTIFY, p[=o]r'ti-f[=i], _v.t._ (_hum._) to give one's self undue importance. [_Port_, the wine of that name, _-fy_, from L. _fac[)e]re_, to make, from the saying, 'Claret would be port if it could.']

PORTION, p[=o]r'shun, _n._ a part: an allotment: fate: destiny: dividend: the part of an estate descending to an heir: a wife's fortune.--_v.t._ to divide into portions: to allot a share: to furnish with a portion.--_adj._ POR'TIONED, having a portion or endowment.--_ns._ POR'TIONER, one who portions or assigns shares: (_Scots law_) the occupier of a small feu or portion of land: one of two or more incumbents on a benefice at one time; POR'TIONIST, one who has an academical allowance: the incumbent of a benefice which has more than one rector or vicar.--_adj._ POR'TIONLESS, having no portion, dowry, or property.--MARRIAGE PORTION, a gift given by a parent or guardian to a bride on her marriage. [O. Fr.,--L. _portio_, _portionis_, akin to _pars_, a part.]

PORTLAND VASE. See VASE.

PORTLY, p[=o]rt'li, _adj._ having a dignified port or mien: corpulent: (_Shak._) swelling.--_n._ PORT'LINESS, state of being portly. [_Port_, bearing.]

PORTMAN, p[=o]rt'man, _n._ an inhabitant of a port-town, or one of the Cinque Ports.--_n._ PORT'-MOTE, a mote composed of such citizens.

PORTMANTEAU, port-man't[=o], _n._ a bag for carrying apparel, &c., on journeys: a hook on which to hang clothing.--Also PORTMAN'TUA (_obs._). [Fr.,--_porter_, to carry, _manteau_, a cloak.]

PORTOISE, p[=o]r'tiz, _n._ the gunwale of a boat.--Also PORT'LAST.

PORTRAIT, p[=o]r'tr[=a]t, _n._ the likeness of a person, esp. of his face: a vivid description in words.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to portray.--_ns._ POR'TRAITIST, a portrait-painter; POR'TRAITURE, a likeness: the drawing of portraits, or describing in words: a collection of pictures.--_v.t._ PORTRAY (p[=o]r-tr[=a]'), to paint or draw the likeness of: to describe in words: (_obs._) to adorn.--_ns._ PORTRAY'AL, the act of portraying; PORTRAY'ER.--COMPOSITE PORTRAITS, a method of indicating the facial characteristics of a family or group of persons, while at the same time suppressing the peculiarities of individual members. [O. Fr. _portrait_, _portraire_--L. _pro_, forth, _trah[)e]re_, to draw.]

PORTREEVE, p[=o]rt'r[=e]v, _n._ once the name of the principal magistrate in a port-town, esp. in London. [A.S. _portgeréfa_--_port_, a port, _geréfa_, a reeve.]

PORTUGUESE, p[=o]r't[=u]-g[=e]z, _adj._ of or pertaining to _Portugal_ or to its inhabitants.--_n._ the people, a single inhabitant, or the language of Portugal.--PORTUGUESE MAN-OF-WAR, a species of _Physalia_.

PORTULACEÆ, p[=o]r-t[=u]-l[=a]'s[=e]-[=e], _n.pl._ a natural order of exogenous plants, shrubby or herbaceous, generally succulent, mostly growing in dry places. [L. _portulaca_, purslane.]

PORZANA, p[=o]r-z[=a]'na, _n._ an old name of the small European water-rail or crake.

POS, poz, _adj._ (_slang_) an abbreviation of _positive_.

POSADA, p[=o]-sä'dä, _n._ an inn. [Sp.,--_posar_, to lodge.]

POSAUNE, p[=o]-zow'ne, _n._ the trombone. [Ger.]

POSE, p[=o]z, _n._ a position: an attitude, either natural or assumed.--_v.i._ to assume an attitude.--_v.t._ to put in a suitable attitude: to posit. [Fr.,--_poser_, to place--Low L. _pausare_, to cease--L. _pausa_, pause--Gr. _pausis_. Between Fr. _poser_ and L. _pon[)e]re_, _positum_, there has been confusion, which has influenced the derivatives of both words.]

POSE, p[=o]z, _v.t._ to puzzle: to perplex by questions: to bring to a stand.--_ns._ P[=O]'SER, one who, or that which, poses: a difficult question; P[=O]'SING.--_adv._ P[=O]'SINGLY. [M. E. _apposen_, a corr. of _oppose_, which in the schools meant to 'argue against.']

POSÉ, po-z[=a]', _adj._ (_her._) standing still.

POSITION, po-zish'un, _n._ place, situation: attitude: a place taken or to be taken by troops: state of affairs: the ground taken in argument or in a dispute: principle laid down: place in society: method of finding the value of an unknown quantity by assuming one or more values (_single_, when one is assumed; _double_, when two).--_v.t._ POSIT (poz'it), to place in right position or relation: to lay down as something true or granted.--_adj._ POSI'TIONAL.--STRATEGIC POSITION, a position taken up by troops to check the movements of an enemy. [Fr.,--L.--_pon[)e]re_, _positum_, to place.]

POSITIVE, poz'i-tiv, _adj._ definitely placed or laid down: clearly expressed: really existing: actual: not admitting of any doubt or qualification: decisive: settled by distinct appointment: arbitrarily prescribed, laid down--opp. to _Natural_: too confident in opinion: fully assured: certain: (_gram._) noting the simple form of an adjective--as _Positive degree_ of comparison: (_math._) greater than zero, to be added, as _Positive quantity_: (_phot._) having the lights and shades in the picture the same as in the original, instead of being reversed: (_electr._) having a relatively high potential--opp. to _Negative_ (q.v.).--_n._ that which is placed or laid down: that which may be affirmed: reality: a positive picture--opp. to _Negative_.--_adv._ POS'ITIVELY.--_ns._ POS'ITIVENESS, state or quality of being positive: certainty: confidence; POS'ITIVISM, actual or absolute knowledge; POS'ITIVIST, a believer in positivism.--POS'ITIVISM, POSITIVE PHILOSOPHY, the philosophical system originated by Comte (1798-1857)--its foundation the doctrine that man can have no knowledge of anything but phenomena, and that the knowledge of phenomena is relative, not absolute. [Fr.,--L. _positivus_, fixed by agreement--_pon[)e]re_, to place.]

POSNET, pos'net, _n._ a small basin. [O. Fr. _pocenet_.]

POSOLOGY, p[=o]-sol'[=o]-ji, _n._ the science of quantity.--_adjs._ POSOLOG'IC, -AL. [Gr. _posos_, how much, _logia_, discourse.]

POSSE, pos'[=e], _n._ power: possibility.--POSSE COMITATUS, the power of the county: the body of men entitled to be called out by the sheriff to aid in enforcing the law. [L. _posse_, to be able.]

POSSESS, poz-zes', _v.t._ to have or hold as an owner: to have the control of: to inform: to seize: to enter into and influence: to put (_one's self_) in possession (_of_): (_Spens._) to achieve: (_Shak._) put in possession of information, convince.--_adj._ POSSESSED', influenced by some evil spirit, demented.--_n._ POSSES'SION, act of possessing: the thing possessed: a country taken by conquest: property: state of being possessed, as by an evil spirit: madness.--_adjs._ POSSES'SIONARY, POSSES'SIVE, pertaining to or denoting possession.--_n._ POSSES'SIVE (_gram._), a pronoun denoting possession: the possessive case.--_adv._ POSSES'SIVELY.--_n._ POSSES'SOR, one who possesses: owner: proprietor: occupant.--_adj._ POSSES'SORY, relating to a possessor or possession: having possession.--GIVE POSSESSION, to put in another's power or occupancy; TAKE POSSESSION, to assume ownership; WRIT OF POSSESSION, a process directing a sheriff to put a person in possession of property recovered in ejectment. [Fr.,--L. _possid[=e]re_, _possessum_.]

POSSET, pos'et, _n._ a dietetic preparation, made by curdling milk with some acidulous liquor, such as wine, ale, or vinegar.--_v.t._ (_Shak._) to curdle.--POSSET CUP, a large cup or covered bowl for posset. [Prob. Ir. _pusoid_, a posset; cf. W. _posel_.]

POSSIBLE, pos'i-bl, _adj._ that may be or happen: that may be done: not contrary to the nature of things.--_n._ POSSIBIL'ITY, state of being possible: that which is possible: a contingency.--_adv._ POSS'IBLY. [Fr.,--L. _possibilis_--_posse_, to be able.]

POSSUM, pos'um, _n._ Same as OPOSSUM.

POST, p[=o]st, _n._ a piece of timber fixed in the ground, generally as a support to something else: a pillar.--_v.t._ to fix on or to a post, or to any conspicuous position, in a public place: to expose to public reproach, to placard as having failed in an examination, &c.--_n._ POST'ER, one who posts bills: a large printed bill or placard for posting.--FROM PILLAR TO POST (see PILLAR). [A.S. _post_--L. _postis_, a doorpost--_pon[)e]re_, to place.]

POST, p[=o]st, _n._ a fixed place, as a military station: a fixed place or stage on a road: an office: one who travels by stages, esp. carrying letters, &c.: a public letter-carrier: an established system of conveying letters: (_Shak._) a post-horse: (_Shak._) haste: a size of writing-paper, double that of common note-paper (so called from the water-mark, a postman's horn).--_v.t._ to set or station: to put in the post-office: (_book-k._) to transfer from the journal to the ledger: to supply with necessary information, as to _post up_ (cf. _Well posted up_).--v.i to travel with post-horses, or with speed.--_adv._ with posthorses: with speed.--_ns._ POST'AGE, the act of going by post: journey: money paid for conveyance of letters, &c., by post or mail; POST'AGE-STAMP, an adhesive stamp for affixing to letters to show that the postal charge has been paid.--_adj._ POST'AL, of or pertaining to the mail-service.--_ns._ POST'-BAG, a mail-bag; POST'-BILL, a way-bill of the letters sent from a post-office; POST'BOY, a boy that rides posthorses, or who carries letters; POST'-CARD, a stamped card on which a message may be sent by post; POST'-CHAISE, POST'-CHAR'IOT, a chaise or carriage with four wheels let for hire for the conveyance of those who travel with posthorses.--_v.i._ POST'-CHAISE, to travel by post-chaise.--_ns._ POST'-DAY, the day on which the post or mail arrives or departs; POST'ER, one who travels by post: (_Shak._) a courier: one who travels expeditiously: a posthorse.--_adj._ POST'-FREE, delivered by the post without payment.--_n._ POSTHASTE', haste in travelling like that of a post.--_adj._ speedy: immediate.--_adv._ with haste or speed.--_ns._ POST'-HORN, a postman's horn: a horn blown by the driver of a mail-coach; POST'HORSE, a horse kept for posting; POST'HOUSE, a house where horses are kept for the use of parties posting: a post-office; POST'MAN, a post or courier: a letter-carrier; POST'MARK, the mark or stamp put upon a letter at a post-office showing the time and place of reception and delivery; POST'MASTER, the manager or superintendent of a post-office: one who supplies posthorses: at Merton College, Oxford, a scholar who is supported on the foundation; POST'MASTER-GEN'ERAL, the minister who is the chief officer of the post-office department; POST'-OFF'ICE, an office for receiving and transmitting letters by post: a department of the government which has charge of the reception and conveyance of letters.--_adj._ POST'-PAID, having the postage paid, as a letter.--_ns._ POST'-TIME, the time for the despatch or for the delivery of letters; POST'-TOWN, a town with a post-office.--POSTAL NOTE, a note for a fixed designated sum issued by a postmaster, payable at any office; POSTAL ORDER, an order issued by the postmaster authorising the holder to receive at some particular post-office payment of the sum marked on it. [Fr. _poste_--L. _pon[)e]re_, _positum_, to place.]

POST, p[=o]st, _adv._ and _prep._ after, behind--in compounds as _Post-abdominal_, _Post-anal_, _Post-axia_l, _Post-brachial_, _Post-canonical_, _Post-clavicle_, _Post-embryonic_, &c.--_adj._ POST'-CLASS'ICAL, after those Greek and Latin writers styled classical, but before the medieval.--_n._ POST'-COMMUN'ION, the part of the eucharistic office after the act of communion.--_adj._ succeeding communion.--_v.t._ POSTDATE', to date after the real time.--_n._ a date on a letter later than the real date on which it was written.--_adjs._ POST'-DIL[=U]'VIAL, POST'-DIL[=U]'VIAN, being or happening after the deluge.--_ns._ POST'-DIL[=U]'VIAN, one who has lived since the deluge; POST'-EN'TRY, an additional entry of merchandise at a custom-house.--_adjs._ POST'-EXIL'IC, POST'-EXIL'IAN, after the time of the Babylonian captivity of the Jews.--_ns._ POST'-EXIST'ENCE, future existence; POST'FIX, a letter, syllable, or word fixed to or put after another word, an affix.--_v.t._ POSTFIX', to add to the end of another word.--_adjs._ POST'-GL[=A]'CIAL, after the glacial epoch; POST'-GRAD'UATE, belonging to study pursued after graduation; POST'-MERID'IAN, coming after the sun has crossed the meridian: in the afternoon (written P.M.).--_n._ POST'-MILLEN[=A]'RIAN, one who believes in post-millennialism.--_adj._ POST'-MILLENN'IAL.--_n._ POST'-MILLENN'IALISM, the doctrine that the second coming of Christ will follow the millennium.--_adj._ POST'-MOR'TEM, after death.--_n._ a post-mortem examination.--_adjs._ POST'-N[=A]'TAL, after birth; POST'-N[=I]'CENE, after the first general council at _Nicæa_ in 325 A.D.--_n._ POST'-NOTE, a note issued by a bank, payable at some future time.--_adj._ POST'-NUP'TIAL, being or happening after marriage.--_ns._ POST'-[=O]'BIT, a bond or security given by heirs and others entitled to reversionary interests, whereby in consideration of a sum of money presently advanced, the debtor binds himself to pay a much larger sum after the death of some person, or of himself; POST'-POSI'TION, the state of being put back or out of the regular place: (_gram._) a word or particle placed after a word--opp. to a preposition, which is _placed before_.--_adjs._ POST'-POS'ITIVE; POST'-REMOTE', more remote in subsequent time or order; POST'-TER'TIARY, more recent than the Tertiary.--_n._ the most recent geological division. [L.]

POST-CAPTAIN, p[=o]st'-kap't[=a]n, _n._ a captain in the British navy, so called in contradistinction to a commander because his name was 'posted' in the seniority list.

POSTE RESTANTE, p[=o]st res-tant', _n._ a place in a post-office where letters are kept till called for. [Fr. _poste_, post-office, and pr.p. of _rester_, to remain.]

POSTERIOR, pos-t[=e]'ri-or, _adj._ coming after: later in time or in position: situated behind: hinder.--_n._ POSTERIOR'ITY, state of being posterior--opp. to _Priority_.--_adv._ POST[=E]'RIORLY.--_n.pl._ POST[=E]'RIORS, short for posterior parts: (_hum._) the latter part, buttock.--_n._ POSTER'ITY, those coming after: succeeding generations: descendants: a race. [L., comp. of _posterus_, coming after--_post_, after.]

POSTERN, p[=o]st'[.e]rn, _n._ a back door or gate: a small private door: (_fort._) a covered passage between the main ditch and the outworks of a fort, usually closed by a gate.--_adj._ back: private. [O. Fr. _posterne_, _posterle_--L. _posterula_, a dim. from _posterus_.]

POSTHUMOUS, post'[=u]-mus, _adj._ born after the father's death: published after the death of the author.--_adv._ POST'HUMOUSLY. [L. _posthumus_, postumus, superl. of _posterus_, coming after--_post_, after.]

POSTICHE, pos-t[=e]sh', _adj._ added after the work is finished. [Fr.]

POSTIL, pos'til, _n._ a note in the margin of the Bible, so called because written after the text or other words: a marginal note: (_R.C._) a homily read after the gospel.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ to make such notes.--_n._ POSTIL'LA, a sermon or homily explanatory of the gospel in the mass: any sermon.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ POS'TILLATE, to write or deliver a postil.--_ns._ POSTILL[=A]'TION; POS'TILLER, one who comments: a preacher. [O. Fr. _postille_ (It. _postilla_)--Low L. _postilla_--L. _post illa_ (_verba_), after those (words).]

POSTILLION, p[=o]s-til'yun, _n._ a postboy: one who guides posthorses, or horses in any carriage, riding on one of them. [Fr. _postillon_.]

POSTLIMINY, post-lim'i-ni, _n._ the right by which persons or things taken in war by the enemy are restored to their former status upon their coming again under the power of the nation to which they belonged: the return of a prisoner, exile, &c. to his former status.--_adjs._ POSTLIM'INARY, POSTLIMIN'IARY. [L. _postliminium_.]

POSTPONE, p[=o]st-p[=o]n', _v.t._ to put off to a future time: to defer: to delay: to subordinate.--_n._ POSTPONE'MENT, act of putting off to an after-time: temporary delay--also POSTP[=O]'NENCE (_obs._). [L. _postpon[)e]re_, _-positum_--_post_, after, _pon[)e]re_, to put.]

POST-PRANDIAL, p[=o]st-pran'di-al, _adj._ after dinner. [L. _post_, after, _prandium_, a repast.]

POSTSCRIPT, p[=o]st'skript, _n._ a part added to a letter after the signature: an addition to a book after it is finished.--_adj._ POST'SCRIPTAL. [L., from _post_, after, _scriptum_, written, pa.p. of _scrib[)e]re_, to write.]

POSTULATE, pos't[=u]-l[=a]t, _v.t._ to assume without proof: to take for granted or without positive consent: (_eccles._) to ask legitimate authority to admit a nominee by dispensation, when a canonical impediment is supposed to exist.--_v.i._ to make demands.--_n._ a position assumed as self-evident: (_geom._) a self-evident problem: a petition: a condition for the accomplishment of anything.--_ns._ POS'TULANT, a candidate; POSTUL[=A]'TION, the act of postulating: solicitation.--_adjs._ POS'TUL[=A]TORY, supplicatory: assuming or assumed without proof as a postulate; POS'TURAL. [L. _postul[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to demand--_posc[)e]re_, to ask urgently.]

POSTURE, pos't[=u]r, _n._ the placing or position of the body, esp. of the parts of it with reference to each other: attitude: state or condition: disposition of mind.--_v.t._ to place in a particular manner.--_v.i._ to assume an affected manner.--_ns._ POS'TURE-M[=A]'KER, POS'TURE-MAS'TER, one who teaches or practises artificial postures of the body: an acrobat; POS'TURER, POS'TURIST, an acrobat. [Fr.,--L. _positura_--_pon[)e]re_, _positum_, to place.]

POSY, p[=o]'zi, _n._ a verse of poetry, esp. a motto or an inscription on a ring: a motto sent with a bouquet: a bouquet. [_Poesy._]

POT, pot, _n._ a metallic vessel for various purposes, esp. for cooking: a drinking vessel: an earthen vessel for plants: the quantity in a pot: (_slang_) a large sum of money, a prize.--_v.t._ to preserve in pots: to put in pots: to cook in a pot: to plant in a pot: to drain, as sugar, in a perforated cask: to shoot an enemy.--_v.i._ (_Shak._) to tipple:--_pr.p._ pot'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pot'ted.--_n._ POT'-ALE, refuse from a grain distillery.--_adj._ POT'-BELL'IED, having a prominent belly.--_ns._ POT'-BELL'Y, a protuberant belly; POT'-BOIL'ER, a work in art or literature produced merely to secure the necessaries of life; POT'-BOY, a boy in a public-house who carries pots of ale to customers; POT'-COMPAN'ION, a comrade in drinking; POT'-HANG'ER, a hook on which to hang a pot; POT'-HAT, a high-crowned felt hat, worn by men; POT'-HEAD, a stupid person; POT'HERB, any vegetable which is boiled and used as food.--_n.pl._ POT'-HOLES, holes in the beds of rapid streams, made by an eddying current of water, which gives the stones a gyratory motion.--_ns._ POT'-HOOK, a hook hung in a chimney for supporting a pot: a letter shaped like a pot-hook; POT'-HOUSE, an ale-house; POT'-HUNT'ER, one who hunts or fishes for profit; POT'-LID, the cover of a pot; POT'-LIQ'UOR, a thin broth in which meat has been boiled; POT'-LUCK, what may happen to be in the pot for a meal without special preparation; POT'-MAN, a pot-companion: a pot-boy; POT'-MET'AL, an alloy of copper and lead; POT'-SHOP, a small public-house; POT'-STICK, a stick for stirring what is being cooked in a pot; POT'STONE, a massive variety of talc-schist, composed of a finely felted aggregate of talc, mica, and chlorite.--_adj._ POT'-VAL'IANT, brave owing to drink.--POTTED MEATS, meats cooked, seasoned, and hermetically sealed in tins or jars.--GO TO POT, to go to ruin, originally said of old metal, to go into the melting-pot; KEEP THE POT BOILING, to procure the necessaries of life; TAKE POT-LUCK, to accept an invitation to a meal where no preparation for guests has been made. [M. E. _pot_, from the Celt., as Ir. _pota_, Gael. _poit_, W. _pot._]

POTABLE, p[=o]'ta-bl, _adj._ that may be drunk: liquid.--_n._ something drinkable.--_n._ P[=O]'TABLENESS. [Fr.,--L. _potabilis_--_p[=o]t[=a]re_, to drink.]

POTAMOLOGY, pot-a-mol'[=o]-ji, _n._ the scientific study of rivers.--_n._ POTAMOG'RAPHY.--_adj._ POTAMOLOG'ICAL.

POTASH, pot'ash, _n._ a powerful alkali, obtained from the ashes of plants--also POTASS'.--_n._ POT'ASH-WA'TER, a kind of aerated water, which, when of full medicinal strength, contains fifteen grains of the bicarbonate of potash in each bottle--usually much less is put in. [_Pot ashes._]

POTASSA, p[=o]-tas'a, _n._ [Latinised form of _potash_.]

POTASSIUM, p[=o]-tas'i-um, _n._ the metallic base of the alkali potash--it is of a bluish colour, and presents a strong metallic lustre. [_Potassa._]

POTATION, p[=o]-t[=a]'shun, _n._ act of drinking: a draught: the liquor drunk.--_n._ POT[=A]'TOR, a drinker.--_adj._ P[=O]'T[=A]TORY. [L. _potatio_--_p[=o]t[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to drink.]

POTATO, p[=o]-t[=a]'t[=o], _n._ one of the tubers of a plant almost universally cultivated for food in the temperate parts of the globe: the plant itself:--_pl._ POT[=A]'TOES.--_ns._ POT[=A]'TO-BEE'TLE, a North American beetle which commits fearful ravages among potatoes; POT[=A]'TO-BING (_Scot._), a heap of potatoes to be preserved; POT[=A]'TO-B[=O]'GLE (_Scot._), a scarecrow; POT[=A]'TO-DISEASE', -ROT, a destructive disease of the potato caused by a parasitic fungus; POT[=A]'TO-FING'ER (_Shak._), a fat finger, used in contempt; POT[=A]'TO-FLY, a dipterous insect of the same genus as the radish-fly, whose maggots are often abundant in bad potatoes in autumn.--SMALL POTATOES (_U.S._), anything petty or contemptible. [Sp. _patata_, _batata_, orig. Haytian.]

POTCH, poch, _v.i._ (_Shak._) to thrust, to push. [Fr. _pocher_; from root of _poke_.]

POTCHING-ENGINE, poch'ing-en'jin, _n._ in paper-making, a machine in which washed rags are bleached.

POTEEN, POTHEEN, po-t[=e]n', _n._ Irish whisky, esp. that illicitly distilled. [Ir. _poitim_, I drink.]

POTENT, p[=o]'tent, _adj._ strong: powerful in a physical or a moral sense: having great authority or influence.--_n._ a prince, potentate.--_ns._ P[=O]'TENCE, power: (_her._) a marking of the shape of [T shape]: in horology, the stud or counterbridge forming a step for the lower pivot of a verge (also P[=O]'TANCE); P[=O]'TENCY, power: authority: influence; P[=O]'TENTATE, one who possesses power: a prince.--_adj._ P[=O]TEN'TIAL, powerful, efficacious: existing in possibility, not in reality: (_gram._) expressing power, possibility, liberty, or obligation.--_n._ anything that may be possible: a possibility: the name for a function in the mathematical theory of attractions: the power of a charge or current of electricity to do work.--_n._ P[=O]TENTIAL'ITY.--_adv._ P[=O]TEN'TIALLY.--_n._ P[=O]TEN'TIARY, a person invested with power or influence.--_v.t._ P[=O]TEN'TIATE, to give power to.--_n._ P[=O]'TENTITE, a blasting substance.--_adv._ P[=O]'TENTLY.--_n._ P[=O]'TENTNESS.--POTENTIAL ENERGY, the power of doing work possessed by a body in virtue of the stresses which result from its position relatively to other bodies. [L. _potens_--_potis_, able, _esse_, to be.]

POTENTILLA, p[=o]-ten-til'ä, _n._ a genus of plants of the natural order _Rosaceæ_, differing from _Fragaria_ (strawberry) in the fruit having a dry instead of a succulent receptacle--well-known varieties are _silver-weed_ and _wild strawberry_.

POTHER, poth'[.e]r, _n._ bustle: confusion.--_v.t._ to puzzle: to perplex: to tease.--_v.i._ to make a pother. [_Potter._]

POTICHE, p[=o]-t[=e]sh', _n._ a vase or jar of rounded form and short neck.--_n._ POTICHOM[=A]'NIA, the process of coating glass vessels on the inside with paper or linen decorations. [Fr.]

POTIN, p[=o]-tang', _n._ an old compound of copper, zinc, lead, and tin. [Fr.]

POTION, p[=o]'shun, _n._ a draught: a liquid medicine: a dose. [Fr.,--L. _potio_--_p[=o]t[=a]re_, to drink.]

POT-POURRI, p[=o]-p[=oo]-r[=e]', _n._ a ragout of meats, vegetables, &c.: a mixture of sweet-scented materials, chiefly dried flowers: medley of musical airs: a literary production composed of unconnected parts. [Fr. _pot_, pot, _pourrir_, to rot--L. _putr[=e]re_, to putrefy.]

POTSHERD, pot'sh[.e]rd, _n._ a piece of a broken pot--(_obs._) POT'-SHARD, POT'-SHARE. [_Pot_ and A.S. _sceard_, a shred--_sceran_, to divide.]

POTTAGE, pot'[=a]j, _n._ anything cooked in a pot: a thick soup of meat and vegetables: oatmeal porridge.--_n._ POT'TINGER, a pottage-maker. [Fr. _potage_--_pot_.]

POTTER, pot'[.e]r, _n._ one who makes earthenware.--_n._ POTT'ERY, earthenware vessels: a place where earthenware is manufactured: the business of a potter.--POTTER'S CLAY, clay used in the making of earthenware; POTTER'S FIELD, a burial-place for strangers (Matt. xxvii. 7); POTTER'S WHEEL, a horizontal wheel on which clay vessels are shaped.

POTTER, pot'[.e]r, _v.i._ to be fussily engaged about trifles: to loiter.--_n._ POTT'ERER. [Prov. _pote_, to push.]

POTTING, pot'ing, _n._ placing in a pot, as plants: preserving in a pot, as meats.

POTTLE, pot'l, _n._ a little pot: a measure of four pints: a small basket for fruit.--_adjs._ POTT'LE-BOD'IED, having a body shaped like a pottle; POTT'LE-DEEP, to the bottom of the tankard.--_n._ POTT'LE-POT (_Shak._), a drinking-vessel holding two quarts. [_Pot._]

POT-WALLER, pot'-wol'[.e]r, POT-WALLOPER, pot-wol'op-[.e]r, _n._ a pot-boiler: a voter in certain English boroughs where, before the Reform Bill of 1832, every one who boiled a pot--i.e. every male householder or lodger, was entitled to vote--also POT'-WALL'ONER.--_adj._ POT'-WALL'OPING. [Lit., 'pot-boiler,' the latter part of the word being from an Old Low Ger. _wallen_, to boil.]

POUCH, powch, _n._ a poke, pocket, or bag: the bag or sac of an animal.--_v.t._ to put into a pouch: to pocket, submit to.--_adj._ POUCHED, having a pouch.--POUCHED MOUSE, a genus of small, lean, long-tailed, agile rodents, with cheek-pouches; POUCHED RAT, a genus of plump, short-tailed rodents, with cheek-pouches which open externally. [O. Fr. _poche_; cf. _Poke_, a bag.]

POUCHONG, p[=oo]-shong', _n._ a superior black tea.

POUDRETTE, p[=oo]-dret', _n._ manure of dried night-soil, charcoal, &c. [Fr.]

POUFFE, p[=oo]f, _n._ in dressmaking, material gathered up into a kind of knot: a cushion stuffed so as to be very soft.--_n._ POUF, plaited gauze attached to a head-dress, as in 18th century. [Fr.]

POULAINE, p[=oo]-l[=a]n', _n._ a long, pointed shoe. [O. Fr.]

POULDRED, powl'drd, _adj._ (_Spens._) powdered.

POULP, POULPE, p[=oo]lp, _n._ the octopus. [Fr.--L. _polypus._]

POULT, p[=o]lt, _n._ a little hen or fowl: a chicken.--_ns._ POULT'ER (_Shak._), POULT'ERER, one who deals in fowls; POULT'-FOOT, a club-foot.--_adj._ POULT'-FOOT'ED (_arch._), club-footed.--_ns._ POULT'RY, domestic fowls; POULT'RY-YARD, a yard where poultry are confined and bred. [Fr. _poulet_, dim. of _poule_, fowl--L. _pullus_, the young of any animal.]

POULTICE, p[=o]l'tis, _n._ a soft composition of meal, bran, &c. applied to sores.--_v.t._ to put a poultice upon. [L. _pultes_, pl. of _puls_, _pultis_ (Gr. _poltos_), porridge.]

POUNCE, powns, _v.i._ to fall (_upon_) and seize with the claws: to dart suddenly (_upon_).--_v.t._ to ornament with small holes: to strike with the claws.--_n._ a hawk's claw: the paw of a lion or other animal.--_adj._ POUNCED, furnished with talons. [Orig. to _pierce_, to stamp holes in for ornament; through Romance forms, from L. _pung[)e]re_, _punctum_.]

POUNCE, powns, _n._ a fine powder for preparing a surface for writing on: coloured powder sprinkled over holes pricked in paper to form a pattern on paper underneath.--_v.t._ to sprinkle with pounce, as paper or a pattern.--_ns._ POUNCE'-BOX, POUN'CET-BOX, a box with a perforated lid for sprinkling pounce. [Fr. _ponce_, pumice--L. _pumex_, _pumicis_, pumice-stone.]

POUND, pownd, _n._ long the unit of weight in the western and central states of Europe, differing, however, in value in all of them--a weight of 16 oz. avoirdupois for general goods, the troy-pound of 12 oz. being for bullion (the troy lb. is defined as 5760 grains, of which the lb. avoirdupois contains 7000): the pound sterling, a money of account: a sovereign or 20s., also represented in Scotland by a note (the POUND SCOTS is 1/12th of the pound sterling, or 1s. 8d.--of its twenty shillings each is worth an English penny): (_Spens._) a balance.--_v.t._ (_slang_) to wager a pound on.--_ns._ POUND'AGE, a charge or tax made on each pound; POUND'AL, a name sometimes used for the absolute foot pound second unit of force, which will produce in one pound a velocity of one foot per second, after acting for one second; POUND'-CAKE, a sweet cake whose ingredients are measured by weight; POUND'ER, he who has, or that which weighs, many pounds--used only after a number, as a 12-pounder.--_adj._ POUND'-FOOL'ISH, neglecting the care of large sums in attending to little ones. [A.S. _pund_--L. _pondo_, by weight, _pondus_, a weight--_pend[)e]re_, to weigh.]

POUND, pownd, _v.t._ to shut up or confine, as strayed animals.--_n._ an enclosure in which strayed animals are confined: a level part of a canal between two locks: a pound-net.--_ns._ POUND'AGE, a charge made for pounding stray cattle; POUND'-KEEP'ER; POUND'-NET, a kind of weir in fishing, forming a trap by an arrangement of nets (the _wings_, _leader_, and _pocket_, _bowl_, or _pound_). [A.S. _pund_, enclosure.]

POUND, pownd, _v.t._ to beat into fine pieces: to bruise: to bray with a pestle.--_v.i._ to walk with heavy steps.--_n._ POUND'ER. [M. E. _pounen_--A.S. _punian_, to beat; _-d_ excrescent.]

POUR, p[=o]r, _v.t._ to cause to flow or fall in streams or drops: to throw with force: to send forth in great quantity: to give vent to: to utter.--_v.i._ to flow: to issue forth: to rush.--_n._ POUR'ER. [Celt., as W. _bwrw_, to throw, Gael. _purr_, to push.]

POURBOIRE, p[=oo]r-bwor', _n._ drink-money: a bribe. [Fr. _pour_, for, _boire_, to drink.]

POURPARLER, p[=oo]r-pär'l[=a], _n._ a conference to arrange for some important transaction, as the formation of a treaty. [Fr. _pour_=L. _pro_, before, _parler_, to speak.]

POURPOINT, p[=oo]r'point, _n._ a close-fitting men's quilted garment worn in the 14th century.

POURTRAHED, p[=oo]r-tr[=a]d', _adj._ (_Spens._) portrayed or drawn.

POURTRAY. Same as PORTRAY.

POUSSE, pows, _n._ (_Spens._) pulse, pease. [_Pulse_ or _pease_.]

POUSSE-CAFÉ, p[=oo]s'-ka-f[=a]', _n._ a cordial served after coffee.

POUSSETTE, p[=oo]s-set', _v.t._ (_Tenn._) to waltz round each other, as two couples in a contra-dance. [Fr. _poussette_, _pouser_, to push.]

POUT, powt, _v.i._ to push out the lips, in contempt or displeasure: to look sulky: to push out or be prominent.--_n._ a fit of sulkiness or ill-humour.--_ns._ POUT'ER, one who pouts: a variety of pigeon, having its breast inflated; POUT'ING, childish sullenness.--_adv._ POUT'INGLY, in a pouting or sullen manner. [Ety. dub.; cf. prov. Fr. _pot_, _pout_, lip, Fr. _bouder_, to pout; W. _pwdu_, pout.]

POVERTY, pov'[.e]r-ti, _n._ the state of being poor: necessity: want: meanness: defect.--_adjs._ POV'ERTY-STRICK'EN, POV'ERTY-STRUCK, reduced to a state of poverty: in great suffering from poverty. [O. Fr. _poverte_ (Fr. _pauvreté_)--L. _paupertas_, _-tatis_--_pauper_, poor.]

POWAN, pow'an, _n._ (_Scot._) the pollan, vendace, or Coregonus.

POWDER, pow'd[.e]r, _n._ dust: any substance in fine particles: gunpowder, a mixture of charcoal, sulphur, and saltpetre: hair-powder.--_v.t._ to reduce to powder: to sprinkle with powder: to salt by sprinkling.--_v.i._ to crumble into powder: to use powder for the hair.--_n._ POW'DER-BOX, a box for toilet-powder, &c.--_adj._ POW'DERED, reduced to powder: sprinkled with powder: salted.--_ns._ POW'DER-FLASK, POW'DER-HORN, a flask or horn for carrying powder, fitted with a means of measuring the amount of each charge; POW'DERING-GOWN, a loose dressing-gown worn while the hair was being powdered; POW'DERING-TUB, a vessel in which meat is salted: a vessel in which venereal disease is treated by sweating; POW'DER-MAG'AZINE, a strongly built place where powder is stored; POW'DER-MILL, a mill in which gunpowder is made; POW'DER-MINE, an excavation filled with gunpowder for blasting rocks, &c.; POW'DER-MONK'EY, a boy formerly employed to carry powder to the gunners on board a ship-of-war; POW'DER-ROOM, the room in a ship where powder is kept.--_adj._ POW'DERY, resembling or sprinkled with powder: dusty: friable. [O. Fr. _poudre_--L. _pulvis_, _pulveris_, dust.]

POWER, pow'[.e]r, _n._ that in a person or a thing which enables them to act on other persons or things: strength: energy: faculty of the mind: any agency: moving force of anything: right to command: rule: authority: influence: ability: capacity of suffering: a ruler: a divinity: the result of the continued multiplication of a quantity by itself any given number of times: (_optics_) magnifying strength: (_obs._) a great many.--_adjs._ POW'ERED, having power; POW'ERFUL, having great power: mighty: intense: forcible: efficacious.--_adv._ POW'ERFULLY.--_ns._ POW'ERFULNESS; POW'ER-HOUSE, a house where mechanical power (esp. electric) is generated.--_adj._ POW'ERLESS, without power: weak: impotent.--_adv._ POW'ERLESSLY.--_ns._ POW'ERLESSNESS; POW'ER-LOOM, a loom worked by some mechanical power, as water, steam, &c.--POWER OF ATTORNEY (see ATTORNEY); POWER OF SALE, a clause in securities and wills empowering property referred to to be sold on certain conditions; POWERS, or GREAT POWERS (see GREAT).--ABSOLUTE POWER, power subject to no control by law; CIVIL POWER, power of governing a state; MECHANICAL POWERS (see MECHANICAL). [O. Fr. _poer_ (Fr. _pouvoir_)--Low L. _pot-[)e]re_, to be able.]

POWSOWDY, pow-sow'di, _n._ (_Scot._) any mixture of heterogeneous kinds of food.--Also POWSOW'DIE.

POWTER, pow't[.e]r, _n._ a pigeon, the pouter.

POWWOW, pow'wow, _n._ a Red Indian conjurer: a dance, feast, &c. before an expedition: any rowdy meeting.--_v.i._ to hold such a meeting: to deliberate: to perform conjurations.--Also PAW'WAW.

POX, poks, _n._ pustules: an eruptive disease. [Written for _pocks_, pl. of _pock_.]

POYNANT, poin'ant, _adj._ (_Spens._). Same as POIGNANT.

POZZUOLANA. See PUZZOLANA.

PRACTICE, prak'tis, _n._ the habit of doing anything: frequent use: state of being used: regular exercise for instruction: performance: method: medical treatment: exercise of any profession: a rule or method in arithmetic.--_ns._ PRACTICABIL'ITY, PRAC'TICABLENESS, quality of being practicable.--_adj._ PRAC'TICABLE, that may be practised, used, or followed: passable, as a road.--_adv._ PRAC'TICABLY.--_adj._ PRAC'TICAL, that can be put in practice: useful: applying knowledge to some useful end: derived from practice.--_ns._ PRACTICAL'ITY; PRAC'TICAL-JOKE, a trick of an annoying kind played on any one; PRAC'TICAL-KNOWL'EDGE, knowledge which results in action.--_adv._ PRAC'TICALLY, in a practical way: actually: by actual trial.--_n._ PRAC'TICALNESS. [M. E. _praktike_--O. Fr. _practique_--Gr. _praktikos_, fit for doing--_prassein_, to do.]

PRACTICK, PRACTIC, prak'tik, _adj._ (_Spens._, _Shak._) skilful, hence treacherous, deceitful.

PRACTISE, prak'tis, _v.t._ to put into practice or to do habitually: to perform: to exercise, as a profession: to use or exercise: to teach by practice: to commit.--_v.i._ to have or to form a habit: to exercise any employment or profession: to try artifices.--_n._ PRAC'TISANT (_Shak._), an agent.--_adj._ PRAC'TISED, skilled through practice.--_n._ PRAC'TISER.--_adj._ PRAC'TISING, actively engaged in professional employment. [From _practice_.]

PRACTITIONER, prak-tish'un-[.e]r, _n._ one who practises or is engaged in the exercise of any profession, esp. medicine or law.--GENERAL PRACTITIONER, one who practises in all the branches of medicine and surgery. [Older form _practician_--O. Fr. _practicien_.]

PRACTIVE, prak'tiv, _adj._ directly tending towards action.

PRAD, prad, _n._ a horse in thieves' cant.

PRÆ-. See PRE-.

PRÆMUNIRE, PREMUNIRE, pr[=e]-m[=u]-n[=i]'re, _n._ the offence of disregard or contempt of the king and his government, especially the offence of introducing papal or other foreign authority into England: the writ founded on such an offence: the penalty incurred by the offence. [A corr. of L. _præmon[=e]re_, to cite.]

PRÆNOMEN, pr[=e]-n[=o]'men, _n._ the name prefixed to the family name in ancient Rome, as _Caius_ in Caius Julius Cæsar: the generic name in zoology put before the specific name.

PRÆTEXTA, pr[=e]-teks'ta, _n._ the outer garment, bordered with purple, worn at Rome by the higher magistrates and by free-born children till they assumed the _toga virilis_. [L., _prætex[)e]re_, to fringe.]

PRÆTOR, PRETOR, pr[=e]'tor, _n._ a magistrate of ancient Rome, next in rank to the consuls.--_adjs._ PRÆT[=O]'RIAL, PRET[=O]'RIAL, PRÆT[=O]'RIAN, PRET[=O]'RIAN, pertaining to a prætor or magistrate: authorised or exercised by the prætor: judicial.--_ns._ PRÆT[=O]'RIUM, PRET[=O]'RIUM, the official residence of the Roman prætor, proconsul, or governor in a province: the general's tent in a camp: the council of officers who attended the general and met in his tent; PRÆ'TORSHIP.--PRÆTORIAN BAND OF GUARD, the bodyguard of the Roman Emperor; PRÆTORIAN GATE, the gate of a Roman camp directly in front of the general's tent, and nearest to the enemy. [L. _prætor_, for _præitor_--_præ_, before, _[=i]re_, _itum_, to go.]

PRAGMATIC, -AL, prag-mat'ik, -al, _adj._ of or pertaining to public business: skilled in affairs: active: practical: interfering with the affairs of others: officious: meddlesome: self-important.--_n._ PRAGMAT'IC, a man of business, a busybody: a public decree.--_adv._ PRAGMAT'ICALLY.--_ns._ PRAGMAT'ICALNESS, PRAG'MATISM, activity: earnestness: meddlesomeness; PRAG'MATIST.--PRAGMATIC METHOD, a method of treating events with reference to their causes, conditions, and results--also called PRAG'MATISM; PRAGMATIC SANCTION, a special decree issued by a sovereign, such as that passed by the Emperor Charles VI. of Germany, securing the crown to Maria Theresa, and which led to the war so called in 1741. [Fr.,--L.,--Gr. _pragmatikos_--_pragma_--_pragmatos_, deed--_prassein_, to do.]

PRAIRIE, pr[=a]'ri, _n._ an extensive meadow or tract of land, level or rolling, without trees, and covered with tall coarse grass.--_adj._ PRAI'RIED.--_ns._ PRAI'RIE-DOG, a small gregarious North American marmot; PRAI'RIE-HAWK, the American sparrow-hawk; PRAI'RIE-HEN, a gallinaceous North American bird: the sharp-tailed grouse; PRAI'RIE-WAR'BLER, an American warbler, yellow with black spots; PRAI'RIE-WOLF, the coyote. [Fr.,--Low L. _prataria_, meadow-land--L. _pratum_, a meadow.]

PRAISE, pr[=a]z, _n._ the expression of the honour or value in which any person or thing is held: commendation on account of excellence or beauty: tribute of gratitude: a glorifying, as of God in worship: reason or ground of praise.--_v.t._ to express estimation of: to commend: to honour: to glorify, as in worship.--_n._ PRAIS'ER, one who praises.--_adv._ PRAISE'WORTHILY.--_n._ PRAISE'WORTHINESS.--_adj._ PRAISE'WORTHY, worthy of praise: commendable. [O. Fr. _preis_ (Fr. _prix_)--L. _pretium_, price.]

PRÂKRIT, prä'krit, _n._ the collective name of those languages or dialects which are immediately derived from, or stand in an immediate relation to, Sanskrit.--_adj._ PRÂKRIT'IC. [Sans. _pr[=a]krita_, the natural--_prakriti_, nature.]

PRAM, präm, _n._ a flat-bottomed Dutch lighter: a barge fitted as a floating battery. [Dut. _praam_.]

PRAM, pram, _n._ a vulgar abbrev. of _perambulator_.

PRANCE, prans, _v.i._ to strut about in a showy or warlike manner: to ride showily: to bound gaily, as a horse.--_adj._ PRANC'ING, riding showily: springing or bounding gaily.--_n._ the action of a horse in rearing, bounding, &c.--_adv._ PRANC'INGLY. [_Prank._]

PRANDIAL, pran'di-al, _adj._ relating to dinner. [L. _prandium_, breakfast.]

PRANK, prangk, _v.t._ to display or adorn showily: to put in right order.--_v.i._ to make great show.--_n._ a sportive action: a mischievous trick.--_n._ PRANK'ER.--_adv._ PRANK'INGLY.--_adjs._ PRANK'ISH, PRANK'SOME. [Closely akin to _prink_, a form of _prick_.]

PRASE, pr[=a]z, _n._ a leek-green quartz.--_adjs._ PRAS'INE, PRAS'INOUS, lightish-green.

PRATE, pr[=a]t, _v.i._ to talk idly: to tattle: to be loquacious.--_v.t._ to speak without meaning or purpose: to let out, as a secret.--_n._ trifling talk.--_n._ PR[=A]'TER, one who prates or talks idly.--_adj._ PR[=A]'TING, talking idly or unmeaningly.--_n._ idle talk.--_adv._ PR[=A]'TINGLY. [Low Ger. _pr[=a]ten_, Dan. _prate_, Dut. _praaten_.]

PRATIQUE, prat'[=e]k, _n._ converse, intercourse: a license or permission to hold intercourse, or to trade after quarantine. [Fr.]

PRATTLE, prat'l, _v.i._ to talk much and idly: to utter child's talk.--_v.t._ to talk about in a prattling way.--_n._ empty talk.--_ns._ PRATT'LEBOX, a prattler; PRATT'LEMENT, prattle; PRATT'LER, one who prattles: a child. [Freq. of _prate_.]

PRAVITY, prav'i-ti, _n._ wickedness.

PRAWN, prawn, _n._ a small edible crustacean like the shrimp. [L. _perna_, a mussel.]

PRAXIS, praks'is, _n._ practice: an example or a collection of examples for exercise: a specimen.--_n._ PRAX'INOSCOPE, an optical instrument showing a body as if in motion, by means of successive pictures and an arrangement of mirrors in a horizontally rotating box. [Gr. _praxein_, to do.]

PRAY, pr[=a], _v.i._ to ask earnestly: to entreat: to speak and make known one's desires to God.--_v.t._ to ask earnestly and reverently, as in worship: to supplicate: to get by praying:--_pr.p._ pr[=a]y'ing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pr[=a]yed.--_ns._ PRAY'ER, the act of praying: entreaty: the words used: solemn giving of thanks and praise to God, and a making known of our requests to Him: a form of prayer used in worship: a petition to a public body; PRAY'ER-BOOK, a book containing prayers or forms of devotion.--_adj._ PRAY'ERFUL, full of, or given to, prayer: praying much or often: devotional.--_adv._ PRAY'ERFULLY.--_n._ PRAY'ERFULNESS.--_adj._ PRAY'ERLESS, without or not using prayer.--_adv._ PRAY'ERLESSLY.--_ns._ PRAY'ERLESSNESS; PRAY'ER-MEET'ING, a shorter and simpler form of public religious service, in which laymen often take part; PRAY'ER-MONG'ER, one who prays mechanically; PRAY'ER-RUG, a small carpet on which a Moslem kneels at prayer; PRAY'ING, the act of making a prayer: a prayer made.--_adj._ given to prayer.--_ns._ PRAY'ING-MACHINE', -MILL, -WHEEL, a revolving apparatus used for prayer in Tibet and elsewhere. [O. Fr. _preier_ (Fr. _prier_)--L. _prec[=a]ri_--_prex_, _precis_, a prayer.]

PRE-, pr[=e], before, in compound words like _preanal_, _preauditory_, _preaxial_, _prebasal_, _prebrachial_, _precardiac_, _precentral_, _precerebral_, _precloacal_, _precordial_, _precoracoid_, _predentate_, _pre-esophageal_, &c.

PREACE, pr[=e]s, _n._ (_Spens._). Same as PREASE.

PREACH, pr[=e]ch, _v.i._ to pronounce a public discourse on sacred subjects: to discourse earnestly: to give advice in an offensive or obtrusive manner.--_v.t._ to publish in religious discourses: to deliver, as a sermon: to teach publicly.--_n._ (_coll._) a sermon.--_ns._ PREACH'ER, one who discourses publicly on religious matter: a minister or clergyman; PREACH'ERSHIP.--_v.i._ PREACH'IFY, to preach tediously: to weary with lengthy advice.--_ns._ PREACH'ING, the act of preaching: a public religious discourse: a sermon; PREACH'ING-CROSS, a cross in an open place at which monks, &c., preached.--_n.pl._ PREACH'ING-FR[=I]'ARS, the Dominicans.--_n._ PREACH'MENT, a sermon, in contempt: a discourse affectedly solemn.--_adj._ PREACH'Y, given to tedious moralising.--PREACH DOWN, and UP, to decry, or the opposite. [Fr. _prêcher_ (It. _predicare_)--L. _prædic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to proclaim.]

PREACQUAINT, pr[=e]-ak-kw[=a]nt', _v.t._ to acquaint beforehand.--_n._ PREACQUAINT'ANCE, previous knowledge.

PRE-ADAMITE, pr[=e]-ad'a-m[=i]t, _n._ one who lived before _Adam_.--_adjs._ PREADAM'IC, -AL; PREADAMIT'IC, -AL.

PREADAPTATION, pr[=e]-ad-ap-t[=a]'shun, _n._ previous adjustment of means to some end.

PREADJUSTMENT, pr[=e]-ad-just'ment, _n._ previous arrangement.

PREADMISSION, pr[=e]-ad-mish'un, _n._ previous admission.

PREADMONISH, pr[=e]-ad-mon'ish, _v.t._ to admonish or caution beforehand.--_n._ PREADMONI'TION, previous warning.

PREADVERTISE, pr[=e]-ad-v[.e]r-t[=i]z', _v.t._ to announce beforehand.

PREAMBLE, pr[=e]-am'bl, _n._ preface: introduction, esp. that of an Act of Parliament, giving its reasons and purpose.--_adj._ PREAM'BULARY. [Fr. _préambule_--L. _præ,_ before, _ambul[=a]re_, to go.]

PREANNOUNCE, pr[=e]-an-nowns', _v.t._ to announce beforehand.

PREAPPOINT, pr[=e]-ap-point', _v.t._ to appoint beforehand.--_n._ PREAPPOINT'MENT, previous appointment.

PREARRANGE, pr[=e]-ar-r[=a]nj', _v.t._ to arrange beforehand.--_n._ PREARRANGE'MENT.

PREASE, pr[=e]s, _v.t._ or _v.i._ (_Spens._) to press, to crowd.--_n._ (_Spens._) a press, a crowd.

PREASSURANCE, pr[=e]-a-sh[=oo]r'ans, _n._ previous assurance.

PRE-AUDIENCE, pr[=e]-aw'di-ens, _n._ right to be heard before another: precedence at the bar among lawyers.

PREBEND, preb'end, _n._ the share of the revenues of a cathedral or collegiate church allowed to a clergyman who officiates in it at stated times.--_adj._ PREB'ENDAL, relating to a prebend.--_ns._ PREB'ENDARY, a resident clergyman who enjoys a prebend, a canon: the honorary holder of a disendowed prebendal stall; PREB'ENDARYSHIP. [L. _præbenda_, a payment from a public source--_præb[=e]re_, to allow.]

PRECARIOUS, pr[=e]-k[=a]'ri-us, _adj._ uncertain, because depending upon the will of another: held by a doubtful tenure: depending on chance: dangerous, risky.--_adv._ PREC[=A]'RIOUSLY.--_n._ PREC[=A]'RIOUSNESS. [L. _precarius_--_prec[=a]ri_, to pray.]

PRECATORY, prek'a-t[=o]-ri, _adj._ relating to prayer, supplicatory.--_adj._ PREC'ATIVE (_obs._), suppliant.

PRECAUTION, pr[=e]-kaw'shun, _n._ caution or care beforehand: a preventive measure: something done beforehand to ward off evil or secure good.--_v.t._ to warn or advise beforehand.--_adjs._ PRECAU'TIONAL, PRECAU'TIONARY, containing or proceeding from precaution: taking precaution. [Fr.,--L. _præ_, before, _cav[=e]re_, to be careful.]

PRECEDE, pre-s[=e]d', _v.t._ to go before in time, rank, or importance.--_v.i._ to be before in time, or place. [Fr. _précéder_--L. _præced[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _ced[)e]re_, go.]

PRECEDENCE, pr[=e]-s[=e]'dens, _n._ the act of going before in time: priority: the state of being before in rank: the place of honour: the foremost place in ceremony--also PREC[=E]'DENCY.--_adj._ PREC[=E]'DENT, going before in order of time: anterior.--_n._ PRECEDENT (pres'[=e]dent), a past action which may serve as an example or rule in the future: a parallel case in the past: an established habit or custom.--_adjs._ PREC'EDENTED, having a precedent: warranted by an example; PRECEDEN'TIAL, of the nature of a precedent.--_adv._ PREC[=E]'DENTLY.--_adj._ PREC[=E]'DING, going before in time, rank, &c.: antecedent: previous: former.--ORDER OF PRECEDENCE, the rules which fix the places of persons at a ceremony; PATENT OF PRECEDENCE, a royal grant giving to certain barristers right of superior rank; TAKE PRECEDENCE OF, to have a right to a more honourable place. [Fr.,--L. _præcedens_, _-entis_, pr.p. of _præced[)e]re_, to go before.]

PRECENTOR, pre-sen'tor, _n._ he that leads in music: the leader of a choir in a cathedral, &c.: the leader of the psalmody in Scotch churches.--_n._ PRECEN'TORSHIP. [L. _præ_, before, _cantor_, a singer.]

PRECEPT, pr[=e]'sept, _n._ rule of action: a commandment: principle, or maxim: (_law_) the written warrant of a magistrate: a mandate.--_adj._ PRECEP'TIAL (_Shak._), consisting of precepts.--_n._ PRECEP'TION (_obs._), a precept.--_adj._ PRECEP'TIVE, containing or giving precepts: directing in moral conduct: didactic.--_n._ PRECEP'TOR, one who delivers precepts: a teacher: an instructor: the head of a school: the head of a preceptory of Knights Templars:--_fem._ PRECEP'TRESS.--_adjs._ PRECEPT[=O]'RIAL; PRECEP'TORY, giving precepts.--_n._ a religious house or college of the Knights Templars. [Fr.,--L. _præceptum_--_præcip[)e]re_, to take beforehand--_præ_, before, _cap[)e]re_, to take.]

PRECES, pr[=e]'sez, _n.pl._ the alternate responsive petitions, as the versicles and suffrages, between the clergyman and the congregation in liturgical worship. [L., pl. of _prex_, a prayer.]

PRECESSION, pr[=e]-sesh'un, _n._ the act of going before: a moving forward.--_adj._ PRECES'SIONAL.--PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES, a slow backward motion of the equinoctial points along the ecliptic, caused by the greater attraction of the sun and moon on the excess of matter at the equator, such that the times at which the sun crosses the equator come at shorter intervals than they would otherwise do.

PRECHRISTIAN, pr[=e]-krist'yan, _adj._ existing before the Christian era.

PRECINCT, pr[=e]'singkt, _n._ limit or boundary of a place: a district or division within certain boundaries: limit of jurisdiction or authority. [L. _præcinctus_, pa.p. of _præcing[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _cing[)e]re_, to gird.]

PRECIOUS, presh'us, _adj._ of great price or worth: costly: highly esteemed: worthless, contemptible (in irony): fastidious, overnice: (_coll._) considerable: (_B._) valuable because rare.--_adv._ (_coll._) extremely.--_n._ PRECIOS'ITY, fastidiousness, affected overrefinement.--_adv._ PREC'IOUSLY.--_ns._ PREC'IOUS-MET'AL, a metal of great value, as gold or silver; PREC'IOUSNESS; PREC'IOUS-STONE, a stone of value and beauty for ornamentation: a gem or jewel. [O. Fr. _precios_ (Fr. _précieux_)--L. _pretiosus_--_pretium_, price.]

PRECIPICE, pres'i-pis, _n._ a very steep place: any steep descent: a perpendicular bank or cliff.--_adj._ PRECIP'ITOUS, like a precipice: very steep: hasty: rash.--_adv._ PRECIP'ITOUSLY.--_n._ PRECIP'ITOUSNESS. [Fr.,--L. _præcipitium_--_præceps_, _præcipitis_, headlong--_præ_, before, _caput_, _capitis_, the head.]

PRECIPITATE, pr[=e]-sip'i-t[=a]t, _v.t._ to throw head-foremost: to urge with eagerness: to hurry rashly: to hasten: (_chem._) to cause to fall to the bottom, as a substance in solution or suspension.--_v.i._ to fall headlong: to make too great haste.--_adj._ falling, flowing, or rushing headlong: lacking deliberation: overhasty: (_med._) ending soon in death.--_n._ (_chem._) a part of a solution, falling or causing to fall to the bottom.--_n._ PRECIPITABIL'ITY.--_adj._ PRECIP'ITABLE (_chem._), that may be precipitated.--_ns._ PRECIP'ITANCE, PRECIP'ITANCY, quality of being precipitate: haste in resolving or executing a purpose.--_adj._ PRECIP'ITANT, falling headlong: rushing down with too great velocity: hasty: unexpectedly brought on.--_n._ anything that causes part of a solution to fall to the bottom.--_advs._ PRECIP'ITANTLY; PRECIP'IT[=A]TELY, in a precipitate manner: headlong: without due thought.--_n._ PRECIPIT[=A]'TION, act of precipitating: great hurry: rash haste: rapid movement: (_chem._) the process by which any substance is made to separate from another in solution, and fall to the bottom.--_adj._ PRECIP'IT[=A]TIVE.--_n._ PRECIPIT[=A]'TOR, one who, or that which, precipitates or causes precipitation.--PRECIPITATE OINTMENT is of two kinds, _red_ and _white_--the former containing red oxide of mercury, the latter ammoniated mercury. [L. _præcipit[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_præceps_.]

PRÉCIS, pr[=a]-s[=e]', _n._ a precise or abridged statement: an abstract: summary. [Fr.]

PRECISE, pr[=e]-s[=i]s', _adj._ definite: exact: not vague: just of the right amount or measure: adhering too much to rule: excessively nice, punctilious, prim.--_adv._ PRECISE'LY.--_ns._ PRECISE'NESS; PRECI'SIAN, an over-precise person: a formalist: a puritan; PRECI'SIANISM; PRECI'SIANIST, PRECI'SIONIST, a precisian; PRECI'SION, quality of being precise: exactness: accuracy.--_v.t._ PRECI'SIONISE, to make precise.--_adj._ PREC[=I]'SIVE, cutting off: pertaining to precision. [Fr. _précis_--L. _præcisus_, pa.p. of _præcid[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _cæd[)e]re_, to cut.]

PRECLASSICAL, pr[=e]-klas'i-kal, _adj._ previous to the classical time or usage.

PRECLUDE, pr[=e]-klud', _v.t._ to shut out beforehand: to hinder by anticipation: to keep back: to prevent from taking place.--_n._ PRECL[=U]'SION, act of precluding or hindering: state of being precluded.--_adj._ PRECL[=U]'SIVE, tending to preclude: hindering beforehand.--_adv._ PRECL[=U]'SIVELY. [L. _præclud[)e]re_, _-clusum_--_præ_, before, _claud[)e]re_, to shut.]

PRECOCIOUS, pr[=e]-k[=o]'shus, _adj._ having the mind developed very early, or too early: premature: forward: (_bot._) appearing before the leaves.--_adv._ PREC[=O]'CIOUSLY.--_ns._ PREC[=O]'CIOUSNESS, PRECOC'ITY, state or quality of being precocious: too early ripeness of the mind. [L. _præcox_, _præcocis_--_præ_, before, _coqu[)e]re_, to cook.]

PRECOGNITION, pr[=e]-kog-nish'un, _n._ cognition, knowledge, or examination beforehand: (_Scots law_) an examination of witnesses as to whether there is ground for prosecution.--_v.t._ PRECOGNOSCE (pr[=e]-kog-nos'), to examine witnesses beforehand: to take a precognition.

PRECOMPOSE, pr[=e]-kom-p[=o]z', _v.t._ to compose beforehand.

PRECONCEIVE, pr[=e]-kon-s[=e]v', _v.t._ to conceive or form a notion of before having actual knowledge.--_ns._ PRECONCEIT', a preconceived notion; PRECONCEP'TION, act of preconceiving: previous opinion formed without actual knowledge.

PRECONCERT, pr[=e]-kon-s[.e]rt', _v.t._ to settle beforehand.--_n._ PRECON'CERT, a previous arrangement.--_adv._ PRECONCERT'EDLY.--_n._ PRECONCERT'EDNESS.

PRECONDEMN, pr[=e]-kon-dem', _v.t._ to condemn beforehand.--_n._ PRECONDEMN[=A]'TION.

PRECONDITION, pr[=e]-kon-dish'un, _n._ a previous condition.

PRECONFORM, pr[=e]-kon-form', _v.t._ and _v.i._ to conform in anticipation.--_n._ PRECONFOR'MITY.

PRECONISE, pr[=e]'kon-[=i]z, _v.t._ to call upon or summon publicly: to confirm officially, of the pope.--_n._ PRECONIS[=A]'TION. [Fr.,--L. _præco_, a herald.]

PRECONSCIOUS, pr[=e]-kon'shus, _adj._ pertaining to a state prior to consciousness.

PRECONSENT, pr[=e]-kon-sent', _n._ a previous consent.

PRECONSIGN, pr[=e]-kon-s[=i]n', _v.t._ to consign beforehand.

PRECONSTITUTE, pr[=e]-kon'sti-t[=u]t, _v.t._ to constitute beforehand.

PRECONSUME, pr[=e]-kon-s[=u]m', _v.t._ to consume beforehand.

PRECONTEMPORANEOUS, pr[=e]-kon-tem-p[=o]-r[=a]'n[=e]-us, _adj._ prior to what is contemporaneous.

PRECONTRACT, pr[=e]-kon-trakt', _v.t._ to contract beforehand: to betroth previously.--_n._ PRECON'TRACT, a previous contract or betrothal.

PRECONTRIVE, pr[=e]-kon-tr[=i]v', _v.t._ and _v.i._ to contrive beforehand.

PRECORDIAL, PRÆCORDIAL, pr[=e]-kor'di-al, _adj._ situated in front of the heart.

PRECOURSE, pr[=e]-k[=o]rs', _v.t._ to announce beforehand.

PRECRITICAL, pr[=e]-krit'i-kal, _adj._ previous to the critical philosophy of Kant.

PRECULAR, prek'[=u]-lär, _n._ a beadsman.

PRECURRENT, pr[=e]-kur'ent, _adj._ running forward: antrorse--opp. to _Recurrent_.--_ns._ PRECURR'ER (_Shak._), a forerunner; PRECURSE' (_Shak._), a prognostication.--_adj._ PRECUR'SIVE, anticipatory.--_n._ PRECUR'SOR, a forerunner: one who, or that which, indicates the approach of an event.--_adj._ PRECUR'SORY, forerunning: indicating something to follow. [L.,--_præ_, before, _cursor_--_curr[)e]re_, to run.]

PREDACEOUS, pr[=e]-d[=a]'shus, _adj._ living by prey: predatory.--_adj._ PRED'ABLE, raptorial.--_n._ PRED[=A]'CEAN, a carnivorous animal.--_adj._ PR[=E]'DAL, pertaining to prey: plundering.--_n._ PRED[=A]'TION, the act of plundering.--_adv._ PRED'ATORILY, plunderingly.--_n._ PRED'ATORINESS, inclination to plunder.--_adj._ PRED'ATORY, plundering: characterised by plundering: living by plunder: ravenous. [L. _præda_, booty.]

PREDATE, pr[=e]-d[=a]t', _v.t._ to date before the true date: to date by anticipation: to be earlier than.

PREDECEASE, pr[=e]-d[=e]-s[=e]s', _n._ decease or death before some one or something else.--_v.t._ to die before.

PREDECESSOR, pr[=e]-d[=e]-ses'or, _n._ one who has been before another in any office.--_v.t._ PREDECESS' (_rare_), to precede.--_adj._ PREDECES'SIVE. [L. _præ_, before, _decessor_, a retiring officer, _deced[)e]re_, _decessum_, to withdraw--_de_, away, _ced[)e]re_.]

PREDECLARE, pr[=e]-d[=e]-kl[=a]r', _v.t._ to declare beforehand.

PREDEFINE, pr[=e]-d[=e]-f[=i]n', _v.t._ to define beforehand.--_n._ PREDEFINI'TION.

PREDELINEATION, pr[=e]-d[=e]-lin-[=e]-[=a]'shun, _n._ the old theory which supposed the whole body to be predelineated in little in the spermatozoon.

PREDELLA, pr[=e]-del'a, _n._ the gradino, the step or ledge sometimes seen at the back of an altar, also the frieze along the bottom of an altar-piece. [It.]

PREDESIGN, pr[=e]-d[=e]-z[=i]n', _v.t._ to design beforehand.--_v.t._ PREDES'IGNATE, to determine upon in advance.--_adj._ designated in advance: (_logic_) having the quantification of the predicate distinctly expressed (_Sir W. Hamilton_).--_n._ PREDESIGN[=A]'TION.--_adj._ PREDES'IGN[=A]TORY.

PREDESTINE, pr[=e]-des'tin, _v.t._ to destine or decree beforehand: to foreordain.--_adj._ PREDESTIN[=A]'RIAN, pertaining to predestination.--_n._ one who holds the doctrine of predestination.--_n._ PREDESTIN[=A]'RIANISM.--_v.t._ PREDES'TINATE, to determine beforehand: to preordain by an unchangeable purpose.--_adj._ fore-ordained: fated.--_n._ PREDESTIN[=A]'TION, act of predestinating: (_theol._) the doctrine that God has from all eternity unalterably fixed whatever is to happen, esp. the eternal happiness or misery of men.--_n._ PREDESTIN[=A]'TOR, one who predestinates or foreordains: a predestinarian.

PREDETERMINE, pr[=e]-d[=e]-t[.e]r'min, _v.t._ to determine or settle beforehand.--_adjs._ PREDETER'MINABLE, capable of being determined beforehand; PREDETER'MIN[=A]TE, determined beforehand.--_ns._ PREDETERMIN[=A]'TION, act of predetermining, or state of being predetermined; PREDETER'MINISM, determinism.

PREDEVOTE, pr[=e]-d[=e]-v[=o]t', _adj._ foreordained.

PREDIAL, pr[=e]'di-al, _adj._ consisting of land or farms: connected with land: growing from land. [Fr. _prédial_--L. _prædium_, an estate.]

PREDICABLE, pred'i-ka-bl, _adj._ that may be predicated or affirmed of something: attributable.--_n._ anything that can be predicated of another, or esp. of many others: one of the five attributes--genus, species, difference, property, and accident.--_n._ PREDICABIL'ITY, quality of being predicable.

PREDICAMENT, pr[=e]-dik'a-ment, _n._ (_logic_) one of the classes or categories which include all predicables: condition: an unfortunate or trying position.--_adj._ PREDICAMEN'TAL. [Low L. _predicamentum_, something predicated or asserted.]

PREDICANT, pred'i-kant, _adj._ predicating: preaching.--_n._ one who affirms anything: a preacher, esp. a preaching-friar.

PREDICATE, pred'i-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to affirm one thing of another: to assert: to base on certain grounds.--_n._ (_logic_ and _gram._) that which is stated of the subject.--_n._ PREDIC[=A]'TION, act of predicating: assertion: affirmation.--_adj._ PREDIC[=A]'TIVE, expressing predication or affirmation: affirming: asserting.--_adv._ PRED'IC[=A]TIVELY.--_adj._ PRED'IC[=A]TORY, affirmative. [L. _prædic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to proclaim.]

PREDICT, pr[=e]-dikt', _v.t._ to declare or tell beforehand: to prophesy.--_adj._ PREDIC'TABLE.--_n._ PREDIC'TION, act of predicting: that which is predicted or foretold: prophecy.--_adj._ PREDIC'TIVE, foretelling: prophetic.--_n._ PREDIC'TOR. [L. _prædictus_, pa.p. of _prædic[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _dic[)e]re_, to say.]

PREDIGEST, pr[=e]-di-jest', _v.t._ to digest artificially before introducing into the body.--_n._ PREDIGES'TION.

PREDILECTION, pr[=e]-di-lek'shun, _n._ a choosing beforehand: favourable prepossession of mind: partiality.--_v.t._ PREDILECT', to prefer. [L. _præ_, before, _dilectio_, _-onis_, choice--_dilig[)e]re_, _dilectum_, to love--_dis_, apart, _leg[)e]re_, to choose.]

PREDISCOVER, pr[=e]-dis-kuv'[.e]r, _v.t._ to discover beforehand.--_n._ PREDISCOV'ERY.

PREDISPOSE, pr[=e]-dis-p[=o]z', _v.t._ to dispose or incline beforehand: to render favourable.--_adj._ PREDISP[=O]'SING, inclining beforehand: making liable.--_n._ PREDISPOSI'TION, state of being predisposed or previously inclined: a state of body in which disease is easily excited.--_adj._ PREDISPOSI'TIONAL.

PREDOMINATE, pr[=e]-dom'in-[=a]t, _v.t._ to dominate or rule over.--_v.i._ to be dominant over: to surpass in strength or authority: to prevail.--_ns._ PREDOM'INANCE, PREDOM'INANCY, condition of being predominant: superior influence: superiority: ascendency.--_adj._ PREDOM'INANT, ruling: having superior power: ascendant.--_adv._ PREDOM'INANTLY.--_n._ PREDOMIN[=A]'TION, ascendency.--PREDOMINANT PARTNER, the partner who has a larger stake in any business than the others--applied by Lord Rosebery (1894) to England as a member of the United Kingdom.

PREDONE, pr[=e]-dun', _adj._ worn out, exhausted.

PREDOOM, pr[=e]-d[=oo]m', _v.t._ to doom in anticipation or beforehand.

PREDORSAL, pr[=e]-dor'sal, _adj._ situated before the dorsal region of the spine: cervical.

PREDY, pr[=e]'di, _adj._ (_naut._) cleared for action.

PREE, pr[=e], _v.t._ (_Scot._) to prove, esp. to taste.

PRE-ELECT, pr[=e]-e-lekt', _v.t._ to elect or choose beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]-ELEC'TION, choice or election made by previous decision.

PRE-EMINENCE, pr[=e]-em'i-nens, _n._ state of being pre-eminent: superiority in excellence: (_Shak._) prerogative.--_adj._ PR[=E]-EM'INENT, eminent above others: surpassing others in good or bad qualities: outstanding: extreme.--_adv._ PR[=E]-EM'INENTLY.

PRE-EMPLOY, pr[=e]-em-ploi', _v.t._ to employ beforehand.

PRE-EMPTION, pr[=e]-em'shun, _n._ act or right of purchasing before others.--_v.t._ PR[=E]-EMPT' (_U.S._), to secure, as land, by the right of pre-emption.--_adjs._ PR[=E]-EMPT'IBLE; PR[=E]-EMPT'IVE.--_n._ PR[=E]-EMPT'OR. [L. _præ_, before, _emptio_, a buying--_em[)e]re_, to buy.]

PREEN, pr[=e]n, _v.t._ to compose and arrange as birds do their feathers. [_Prune_ (v.).]

PREEN, pr[=e]n, _n._ (_Scot._) a pin.--_v.t._ to fasten. [A.S. _preón_, a pin.]

PRE-ENGAGE, pr[=e]-en-g[=a]j', _v.t._ to establish beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]-ENGAGE'MENT.

PRE-ESTABLISH, pr[=e]-es-tab'lish, _v.t._ to establish beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]-ESTAB'LISHMENT.--PRE-ESTABLISHED HARMONY (see HARMONY).

PREEVE, pr[=e]v, _n._ and _v.t._ obs. form of _proof_ and _prove_.

PRE-EXAMINATION, pr[=e]-egz-am-i-n[=a]'shun, _n._ previous examination.--_v.t._ PR[=E]-EXAM'INE.

PRE-EXILIC, pr[=e]-eg-zil'ik, _adj._ before the exile--of O.T. writings prior to the Jewish exile (_c._ 586-537 B.C.).