Chapter XVI: Part 16

PRE-EXIST, pr[=e]-egz-ist', _v.i._ to exist beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]-EXIST'ENCE, the existence of the soul in a previous state, before the generation of the body with which it is united in this world.--_adj._ PR[=E]-EXIST'ENT, existent or existing beforehand.

PREFACE, pref'[=a]s, _n._ something usually of an explanatory kind, spoken before: the introduction to a book, &c.: the ascription of glory, &c., in the liturgy of consecration of the eucharist: a title or epithet.--_v.t._ to introduce with a preface.--_adj._ PREFAT[=O]'RIAL, serving as a preface or introduction.--_adv._ PREF'ATORILY.--_adj._ PREF'ATORY, pertaining to a preface: serving as an introduction: introductory. [Fr. _préface_--L. _præfatio_--_præ_, before, _f[=a]ri_, _fatus_, to speak.]

PREFECT, pr[=e]'fekt, _n._ one placed in authority over others: a commander: the administrative head of a modern French department.--_ns._ PR[=E]'FECTSHIP, his office or jurisdiction; PR[=E]'FECTURE, the office or district of a prefect: the house occupied by a prefect. [Fr. _préfet_--L. _præfectus_, pa.p. of _præfic[)e]re_--_præ_, over, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]

PREFER, pr[=e]-f[.e]r', _v.t._ to esteem above another: to regard or hold in higher estimation: to choose or select before others: to promote: to exalt: to offer or present, as a request: to bring forward for consideration: to place in advance:--_pr.p._ prefer'ring; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ preferred'.--_ns._ PREFERABIL'ITY, PREF'ERABLENESS.--_adj._ PREF'ERABLE, worthy to be preferred or chosen: more desirable or excellent: of better quality.--_adv._ PREF'ERABLY, by choice: in preference.--_n._ PREF'ERENCE, the act of preferring: estimation above another: the state of being preferred: that which is preferred: choice.--_adj._ PREFERENTIAL (pref-[.e]r-en'shal), having a preference.--_adv._ PREFEREN'TIALLY.--_ns._ PREFER'MENT, the act of preferring: the state of being preferred or advanced: advancement to a higher position: promotion: superior place, esp. in the church; PREFER'RER, one who prefers.--PREFERENCE SHARES, or STOCK, shares or stock on which the dividends must be paid before those on other kinds. [Fr. _préférer_--L. _præferre_--_præ_, before, _ferre_, to bear.]

PREFIGURE, pr[=e]-fig'[=u]r, _v.t._ to represent beforehand: to suggest by former types or figures.--_ns._ PREFIGUR[=A]'TION, PREFIG'UREMENT.--_adj._ PREFIG'UR[=A]TIVE, showing by previous figures, types, or similitudes.

PREFIX, pr[=e]-fiks', _v.t._ to put before, or at the beginning: to fix beforehand.--_ns._ PR[=E]'FIX, a letter, syllable, or word put before another word to affect its meaning; PREFIX'ION, act of prefixing.

PREFORM, pr[=e]-form', _v.t._ (_Shak._) to form beforehand: to determine the shape of beforehand.--_n._ PREFORM[=A]'TION.--_adj._ PREFOR'MATIVE.

PREFRONTAL, pr[=e]-fron'tal, _adj._ pertaining to the forepart of the forehead.--_n._ a bone of this region.

PREFULGENCY, pr[=e]-ful'jen-si, _n._ superior brightness.

PREGLACIAL, pr[=e]-gl[=a]'shal, _adj._ (_geol._) prior to the glacial or drift period.

PREGNABLE, preg'na-bl, _adj._ that may be taken by assault or force. [Fr. _prenable_--_prendre_, to take--L. _prehend[)e]re_.]

PREGNANT, preg'nant, _adj._ being with child or young: fruitful: abounding with results: full of meaning: implying more than is actually expressed: ready-witted: clever: ingenious: full of promise: free: evident: clear.--_n._ PREG'NANCY, state of being pregnant: fertility: unusual capacity.--_adv._ PREG'NANTLY. [O. Fr.--L. _prægnans_, _-antis_.]

PREHALLUX, pr[=e]-hal'uks, _n._ a cartilaginous spur on the inner side of the foot in some batrachians.

PREHENSILE, pr[=e]-hen'sil, _adj._ seizing: adapted for seizing or holding--also PREHEN'SORY.--_adj._ PREHEN'SIBLE, that may be seized.--_ns._ PREHEN'SION, act of seizing or taking hold; PREHEN'SOR, one who takes hold. [L. _pre-hend[)e]re_, _-hensum_, to seize.]

PREHISTORIC, pr[=e]-his-tor'ik, _adj._ relating to a time before that treated of in history.--_n._ PR[=E]HIS'TORY, history prior to record--the Ger. _Urgeschichte_.

PREHNITE, pren'[=i]t, _n._ a hydrous silicate of alumina and lime, usually of a pale-green colour. [Named after _Prehn_, the discoverer of the mineral.]

PREIGNAC, pr[=a]-nyak', _n._ an esteemed white wine of Bordeaux. [From _Preignac_ in the Gironde.]

PRE-INSTRUCT, pr[=e]-in-strukt', _v.t._ to instruct beforehand.

PRE-INTIMATION, pr[=e]-in-ti-m[=a]'shun, _n._ an intimation or suggestion made beforehand.

PREJINK, pr[=e]-jingk', _adj._ (_Scot._) tricked out with dress.--Also PERJINK'.

PREJUDGE, pr[=e]-juj', _v.t._ to judge or decide upon before hearing the whole case: to condemn unheard.--_n._ PREJUDG'MENT.--_adj._ PREJUDICAL (pre-j[=oo]'di-kal), pertaining to the determination of some undecided matter.--_v.t._ PREJUDIC[=A]TE (-j[=oo]d'-), to judge beforehand: to prejudge.--_v.i._ to decide without examination.--_n._ PREJUDIC[=A]'TION (-j[=oo]d-).--_adj._ PREJUDIC[=A]TIVE (-j[=oo]d'-), forming a judgment or opinion beforehand. [L. _præjudic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_præ_, before, _judic[=a]re_, to judge.]

PREJUDICE, prej'[=u]-dis, _n._ a judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without due examination: a prejudgment: unreasonable prepossession for or against anything: bias: injury or wrong of any kind: disadvantage: mischief.--_v.t._ to fill with prejudice: to cause a prejudice against: to prepossess: to bias the mind of: to injure or hurt.--_adj._ PREJUDI'CIAL, causing prejudice or injury: disadvantageous: injurious: mischievous: tending to obstruct.--_adv._ PREJUDI'CIALLY.--_n._ PREJUDI'CIALNESS. [O. Fr.,--L. _præjudicium_--_præ_, before, _judicium_, judgment.]

PREKNOWLEDGE, pr[=e]-nol'ej, _n._ prior knowledge.

PRELATE, prel'[=a]t, _n._ the holder of one of those higher dignities in the church to which, of their own right, is attached a proper jurisdiction, not derived by delegation from any superior official: a church dignitary.--_ns._ PREL'ACY, the office of a prelate: the order of bishops or the bishops collectively: church government by prelates: episcopacy; PREL'ATESHIP.--_adjs._ PRELAT'IC, -AL, pertaining to prelates or prelacy.--_adv._ PRELAT'ICALLY.--_v.t._ and _v.i._ PREL'ATISE, to make or to become prelatical.--_ns._ PREL'ATISM, PREL'ATURE, prelacy: the time during which a prelate exercises authority; PREL'ATIST, an upholder of prelacy. [Fr. _prélat_--L. _prelatus_--_præ_, before, _latus_, borne.]

PRELECT, pr[=e]-lekt', _v.i._ to read before or in presence of others: to read a discourse: to lecture.--_ns._ PRELEC'TION, a lecture or discourse read to others; PRELEC'TOR, one who prelects: a lecturer. [L. _præleg[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _leg[)e]re_, _lectum_, to read.]

PRELIBATION, pr[=e]-l[=i]-b[=a]'shun, _n._ a tasting beforehand, foretaste. [L. _prælibatio_--_præ_, before, _lib[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to taste.]

PRELIMINARY, pr[=e]-lim'in-ar-i, _adj._ introductory: preparatory: preceding or preparing for the main discourse or business.--_n._ that which precedes: introduction--used mostly in _pl._--_adv._ PRELIM'INARILY. [L. _præ_, before, _liminaris_, relating to a threshold--_limen_, _liminis_, a threshold.]

PRELINGUAL, pr[=e]-ling'gwal, _adj._ prior to language.

PRELUDE, pr[=e]-l[=u]d', or prel'[=u]d, _n._ the introductory movement of a musical work: a prefatory piece to an oratorio, &c.: an organ voluntary before a church service: a preface: a forerunner.--_v.t._ PRELUDE', to play before: to preface, as an introduction.--_v.i._ to perform a prelude: to serve as a prelude.--_adjs._ PREL[=U]'DIAL and PREL[=U]'DIOUS (_rare_); PREL[=U]'SIVE, of the nature of a prelude: introductory.--_advs._ PREL[=U]'SIVELY; PREL[=U]'SORILY.--_adj._ PREL[=U]'SORY, introductory. [Fr.,--Late L. _præludium_--L. _præ_, before, _lud[)e]re_, to play.]

PREMANDIBULAR, pr[=e]-man-dib'[=u]-lar, _adj._ in front of the lower jaw, as a bone of some reptiles.

PREMATURE, pr[=e]-ma-t[=u]r', _adj._ mature before the proper time: happening before the proper time: too soon believed: unauthenticated (as a report).--_adv._ PR[=E]MAT[=U]RE'LY.--_ns._ PREMAT[=U]R'ITY, PR[=E]MAT[=U]RE'NESS. [L. _præmaturus_--_præ_, before, _maturus_, ripe.]

PREMAXILLARY, pr[=e]-mak'si-l[=a]-ri, _adj._ in front of the maxilla.--_n._ such a bone.

PREMEDITATE, pr[=e]-med'i-t[=a]t, _v.t._ to meditate upon beforehand: to design previously.--_v.i._ to deliberate beforehand.--_adv._ PREMED'IT[=A]TEDLY.--_n._ PREMEDIT[=A]'TION.--_adj._ PREMED'IT[=A]TIVE. [L., _præmedit[=a]ri_, _-[=a]tus_--_præ_, before, _medit[=a]ri_, to meditate.]

PREMIER, pr[=e]'mi-[.e]r, _adj._ prime or first: chief: (_her._) most ancient.--_n._ the first or chief: the prime-minister.--_v.i._ to govern as premier.--_adj._ and _n._ PREMIÈRE (pre-my[=a]r'), first or leading actress, dancer, forewoman, &c.--_n._ PR[=E]'MIERSHIP. [Fr.,--L. _primarius_, of the first rank--_primus_, first.]

PREMILLENNIAL, pr[=e]-mi-len'i-al, _adj._ of or pertaining to the times before the millennium--also PREMILLEN[=A]'RIAN.--_n._ one who believes in the premillennial advent of Christ.--_ns._ PREMILLEN[=A]'RIANISM; PREMILLENN'IALISM.

PREMISE, PREMISS, prem'is, _n._ that which is premised or stated at the outset: a proposition previously stated or proved for after-reasoning: (_logic_) one of the two propositions in a syllogism from which the conclusion is drawn: the thing set forth in the beginning of a deed.--_n.pl._ PREM'ISES, a building and its adjuncts.

PREMISE, pr[=e]-m[=i]z', _v.t._ to send or state before the rest: to make an introduction: to lay down propositions for subsequent reasonings. [Fr.,--L. (_sententia_) _præmissa_, (a sentence) put before--_præ_, before, _mitt[)e]re_, _missum_, to send.]

PREMIUM, pr[=e]'mi-um, _n._ a reward: a prize: a bounty: payment made for insurance: the difference in value above the original price or par of stock--opp. to _Discount_: anything offered as an incentive.--_adjs._ PR[=E]'MIAL, PR[=E]'MIANT.--_v.t._ PR[=E]'MIATE, to reward with a premium.--AT A PREMIUM, above par (see PAR). [L. _præmium_--_præ_, above, _em[)e]re_, to buy.]

PREMOLAR, pr[=e]-m[=o]'lar, _adj._ before a molar, in place or time, deciduous.--_n._ a milk-molar.

PREMONISH, pr[=e]-mon'ish, _v.t._ to admonish or warn beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]MONI'TION, a warning or sign (often a feeling) of what is going to happen.--_adjs._ PR[=E]MON'ITIVE, PR[=E]MON'ITORY, giving warning or notice beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]MON'ITOR, one who, or that which, gives warning beforehand.--_adv._ PR[=E]MON'ITORILY. [_Pre-_, before, _monish_, a corr. form through O. Fr., from L. _mon[=e]re_, to warn.]

PREMONSTRANT, pr[=e]-mon'strant, _n._ a member of an order of regular canons founded by St Norbert, in 1119, at a place in the forest of Coucy (near Laon in the dep. of Aisne), pointed out in a vision, and thence called Prémontré (L. _Pratum monstratum_=the meadow pointed out)--called also Norbertines, and in England, from their habit, White Canons.--Also PREMONSTRATEN'SIAN (_n._ and _adj._).

PREMORSE, pr[=e]-mors', _adj._ ending abruptly, as if bitten off. [L. _præmord[=e]re_, _præmorsum_, to bite in front.]

PREMOSAIC, pr[=e]-m[=o]-z[=a]'ik, _adj._ before the time of _Moses_.

PREMOTION, pr[=e]-m[=o]'shun, _n._ previous motion.

PRENASAL, pr[=e]-n[=a]'sal, _adj._ in front of the nasal passages.

PRENATAL, pr[=e]-n[=a]'tal, _adj._ previous to birth.

PRENOMINATE, pr[=e]-nom'in-[=a]t, _p.adj._ (_Shak._) forenamed.

PRENOTION, pr[=e]-n[=o]'shun, _n._ preconception.

PRENTICE, pren'tis, _n._ Short for _apprentice_.

PREOCCIPITAL, pr[=e]-ok-sip'i-tal, _adj._ situated before the occipital region or lobe.

PREOCCUPY, pr[=e]-ok'[=u]-p[=i], _v.t._ to occupy or take possession of beforehand: to fill beforehand or with prejudices.--_ns._ PR[=E]OC'CUPANCY, the act or the right of occupying beforehand; PR[=E]OC'CUPANT, a prior occupant.--_v.t._ PR[=E]OC'CUP[=A]TE (_Bacon_), to occupy before others.--_n._ PR[=E]OCCUP[=A]'TION.--_adj._ PR[=E]OC'CUPIED, already occupied: lost in thought, abstracted.

PREOPTION, pr[=e]-op'shun, _n._ the right of first choice.

PREORAL, pr[=e]-[=o]'ral, _adj._ situated in front of the mouth.--_adv._ PRE[=O]'RALLY.

PREORDAIN, pr[=e]-or-d[=a]n', _v.t._ to ordain, appoint, or determine beforehand.--_n._ PREORDIN[=A]'TION.

PREORDER, pr[=e]-or'd[.e]r, _v.t._ to arrange beforehand.--_n._ PREOR'DINANCE, a rule previously established.

PREPAID, pr[=e]-p[=a]d', _adj._ paid beforehand.

PREPARATION, prep-a-r[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of preparing: previous arrangement: the state of being prepared or ready: that which is prepared or made ready: (_anat._) a part of any animal body preserved as a specimen: the day before the Sabbath or other Jewish feast-day: devotional exercises introducing an office: (_mus._) the previous introduction, as an integral part of a chord, of a note continued into a succeeding dissonance.--_adj._ PR[=E]PAR'ATIVE, having the power of preparing or making ready: fitting for anything.--_n._ that which prepares the way: preparation.--_adv._ PR[=E]PAR'ATIVELY, by way of preparation.--_adj._ PR[=E]PAR'ATORY, preparing for something coming: previous: introductory. [Fr.,--L.]

PREPARE, pr[=e]-p[=a]r', _v.t._ to make ready beforehand: to fit for any purpose: to make ready for use: to adapt: to form: to set or appoint: to provide: to equip.--_v.i._ to get one's self ready: to put everything in proper order: to lead up to.--_n._ (_Shak._) preparation.--_adj._ PREPARED', made ready, fit, or suitable: ready.--_adv._ PREP[=A]'REDLY.--_ns._ PREP[=A]'REDNESS; PREP[=A]'RER. [Fr.,--L. _præpar[=a]re_--_præ_, before, _par[=a]re_, to make ready.]

PREPAY, pr[=e]-p[=a]', _v.t._ to pay before or in advance.--_n._ PREPAY'MENT.

PREPENSE, pr[=e]-pens', _adj._ premeditated: intentional, chiefly in the phrase 'malice prepense'=malice aforethought or intentional--(_obs._) PREPEN'SIVE.--_v.t._ (_Spens._) to consider or deliberate beforehand.--_adv._ PREPENSE'LY, intentionally. [Fr.,--L. _præ_, before, _pens[=a]re_--_pend[)e]re_, _pensum_, to weigh.]

PREPOLLENCE, pr[=e]-pol'ens, _n._ prevalence--also PREPOLL'ENCY.--_adj._ PREPOLL'ENT.

PREPONDERATE, pr[=e]-pon'd[.e]r-[=a]t, _v.t._ to outweigh: to incline to one side: to exceed in power or influence.--_ns._ PREPON'DERANCE, PREPON'DERANCY, PREPONDER[=A]'TION, power or state of outweighing: excess of weight, number, or quantity: predominance.--_adj._ PREPON'DERANT, outweighing: superior in weight, power, or influence.--_advs._ PREPON'DERANTLY, PREPONDER[=A]'TINGLY. [L. _præ_, before, _ponder[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to weigh--_pondus_, a weight.]

PREPOSITION, prep-[=o]-zish'un, _n._ a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relation to some other word of the sentence.--_adj._ PREPOSI'TIONAL.--_adv._ PREPOSI'TIONALLY.--_adj._ PREPOSI'TIVE, put before: prefixed.--_n._ a word or particle put before another word--opp. to _Post-positive_.--_n._ PREPOS'ITOR, a school-monitor. [Fr.,--L. _præpositio_--_præ_, before, _pon[)e]re_, _positum_, to place.]

PREPOSSESS, pr[=e]-poz-zes', _v.t._ to possess beforehand: to fill beforehand, as the mind with some opinion: to bias or prejudice.--_adj._ PREPOSSESS'ING, tending to prepossess in one's favour: making a favourable impression.--_adv._ PREPOSSESS'INGLY.--_n._ PREPOSSES'SION, previous possession: impression formed beforehand, usually a favourable one.

PREPOSTEROUS, pr[=e]-pos't[.e]r-us, _adj._ contrary to nature or reason: wrong: absurd: foolish.--_adv._ PREPOS'TEROUSLY.--_n._ PREPOS'TEROUSNESS, unreasonableness. [L. _præposterus_--_præ_, before, _posterus_, after--_post_, after.]

PREPOTENT, pr[=e]-p[=o]'tent, _adj._ powerful in a very high degree: excelling others in influence or authority.--_ns._ PREP[=O]'TENCE, PREP[=O]'TENCY.--_adj._ PREPOTEN'TIAL.

PREPUCE, pr[=e]'p[=u]s, _n._ the loose skin of the penis covering the glans: the foreskin.--_adj._ PREP[=U]'TIAL. [L. _præputium_.]

PREPUNCTUAL, pr[=e]-pungk't[=u]-al, _adj._ excessively prompt.--_n._ PREPUNCTUAL'ITY.

PRERAPHAELITISM, pr[=e]-raf'[=a]-el-[=i]-tizm, _n._ a style of painting begun in 1847-49 by D. G. Rossetti, W. Holman Hunt, J. E. Millais, and others in imitation of the painters who lived before _Raphael_ (1483-1523), and characterised by a truthful, almost rigid, adherence to natural forms and effects--also PRERAPH'AELISM.--_adj._ PRERAPH'AELITE, pertaining to, or resembling, the style of art before the time of Raphael--also _n._--_adj._ PRERAPH'AELITISH.

PREREMOTE, pr[=e]-r[=e]-m[=o]t', _adj._ more remote in previous time or order.

PREREQUISITE, pr[=e]-rek'wi-zit, _n._ something previously necessary: something needed in order to gain an end.--_adj._ required as a condition of something else.

PREROGATIVE, pr[=e]-rog'a-tiv, _n._ a peculiar privilege shared by no other: a right arising out of one's rank, position, or nature.--_adj._ arising out of, or held by, prerogative.--_v.t._ to endow with a prerogative.--_adj._ PREROG'ATIVED (_Shak._), having a prerogative or exclusive privilege.--_adv._ PREROG'ATIVELY, by prerogative or exclusive privilege.--PREROGATIVE COURT, formerly a court having jurisdiction over testamentary matters.--ROYAL PREROGATIVE, the rights which a sovereign has by right of office, which are different in different countries. [Fr.,--L. _prærogativus_, that is asked before others for his opinion or vote--_præ_, before, _rog[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to ask.]

PRESAGE, pr[=e]s'[=a]j, _n._ something that gives warning of a future event: a foreboding: a presentiment.--_v.t._ PR[=E]SAGE', to forebode: to warn of something to come: to predict.--_v.i._ to have a presentiment of.--_adj._ PRESAGE'FUL.--_ns._ PRESAGE'MENT, the act of presaging: that which is presaged: prediction; PRESAG'ER. [Fr. _présage_--L. _præsagium_--_præsag[=i]re_--_præ_, before, _sag[=i]re_, to perceive quickly.]

PRESANCTIFY, pr[=e]-sangk'ti-f[=i], _v.t._ to consecrate beforehand.

PRESARTORIAL, pr[=e]-sär-t[=o]'ri-al, _adj._ before the age of tailoring. [L. _sartor_--_sarc[=i]re_, to patch.]

PRESBYOPIA, pres-bi-[=o]'pi-a, _n._ long-sightedness, together with diminished power of distinguishing things near, common in old age--also PRES'BYOPY.--_n._ PRES'BYOPE, one so affected.--_adj._ PRESBYOP'IC.--_n._ PRES'BYTE, one affected with presbyopia. [Gr. _presbys_, old, _[=o]ps_, _[=o]pos_, the eye.]

PRESBYTER, prez'bi-t[.e]r, _n._ an elder, a priest: a minister or priest in rank between a bishop and a deacon: a member of a presbytery.--_adjs._ PRESBYT'ERAL, PRESBYT[=E]'RIAL, PRESBYT[=E]'RIAN, pertaining to, or consisting of, presbyters: pertaining to Presbytery or that form of church government in which all the clergy or presbyters are equal--opp. to _Episcopacy_.--_n._ PRESBYT'ER[=A]TE, the office of a presbyter: a presbytery.--_adv._ PRESBYT[=E]'RIALLY.--_ns._ PRESBYT[=E]'RIAN; PRESBYT[=E]'RIANISM, the form of church government by presbyters; PRES'BYTERSHIP; PRES'BYTERY, a church court ranking between the Kirk-session and the Synod, consisting of the ministers and one elder, a layman, from each church within a certain district: that part of the church reserved for the officiating priests: (_R.C._) a clergyman's house.--REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, a religious body in Scotland, called also _Cameronians_, who remained separate from the Church of Scotland and maintained the perpetual obligation of the Covenants--the greater part joined the Free Church in 1876; UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, a religious body formed by the union of the Secession and Relief Churches in 1847--itself uniting with the Free Church in 1900. [L.,--Gr. _presbyteros_, comp. of _presbys_, old.]

PRESCIENCE, pr[=e]'shi-ens, _n._ knowledge of events beforehand: foresight.--_adj._ PR[=E]'SCIENT, knowing things beforehand.--_adv._ PR[=E]'SCIENTLY. [L. _præsciens_, pr.p. of _præsc[=i]re_--_præ_, before, _sc[=i]re_, to know.]

PRESCIENTIFIC, pr[=e]-s[=i]-en-tif'ik, _adj._ before the scientific age, before knowledge was systematised.

PRESCIND, pr[=e]-sind', _v.t._ to abstract from other facts or ideas.--_v.i._ to withdraw the attention (_from_).--_adj._ PR[=E]SCIN'DENT.--_n._ PR[=E]SCIS'SION.

PRESCRIBE, pr[=e]-skr[=i]b', _v.t._ to lay down as a rule or direction: to give as an order: to appoint: (_med._) to give directions for, as a remedy: to render useless or invalid through lapse of time.--_v.i._ to lay down rules: to claim on account of long possession: to become of no force through time.--_ns._ PR[=E]SCRIB'ER; PR[=E]'SCRIPT, something prescribed: direction: model prescribed; PR[=E]SCRIPTIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ PR[=E]SCRIP'TIBLE, that may be prescribed.--_n._ PR[=E]SCRIP'TION, act of prescribing or directing: (_med._) a written direction for the preparation of a medicine: a recipe: (_law_) custom continued until it becomes a right or has the force of law.--_adj._ PR[=E]SCRIP'TIVE, consisting in, or acquired by, custom or long-continued use: customary.--PRESCRIPTIVE TITLE, a title established by right of prescription. [L. _præscrib[)e]re_, _-scriptum_--_præ_, before, _scrib[)e]re_, to write.]

PRESEE, pr[=e]-s[=e]', _v.t._ to foresee.

PRESENCE, prez'ens, _n._ state of being present--opp. of Absence: situation near or within sight, &c., companionship: approach face to face: nearness to the person of a superior: an assembly of great persons: mien: personal appearance: an apparition: calmness, readiness, as of mind: (_Shak._) a presence-chamber.--_ns._ PRES'ENCE-CHAM'BER, -ROOM, the chamber or room in which a great personage receives company.--_adj._ PRES'ENT, being in a certain place--opp. to _Absent_: now under view or consideration: being at this time: not past or future: ready at hand: attentive: not absent-minded: (_gram._) denoting time just now, or making a general statement.--_n._ present time or business: (_pl._) the writing of a letter, or a deed of any kind as actually shown at any time: any deed or writing.--_adj._ PR[=E]SEN'TIAL, having or implying actual presence.--_n._ PR[=E]SENTIAL'ITY.--_adv._ PR[=E]SEN'TIALLY.--_n._ PRES'ENTNESS, state of being present.--PRESENCE OF MIND, a state of mind which enables a person to speak or act with calmness and promptness in circumstances of great and sudden difficulties.--AT PRESENT, at the present time, now; REAL PRESENCE, a doctrine or belief that the body and blood of Christ are really and substantially present in the eucharist; THE PRESENT, the present time. [O. Fr.,--L. _præsentia_--_præsens_, _-sentis_--_præ_, before, _sens_, being.]

PRESENT, pr[=e]-zent', _v.t._ to set before, to introduce into the presence of: to exhibit to view: to offer as a gift: to put into the possession of another: to make a gift of: to appoint to a benefice: to lay before for consideration: to point, as a gun before firing.--_n._ PRES'ENT, that which is presented or given, a gift.--_adj._ PR[=E]SENT'ABLE, fit to be presented: capable of being presented to a church living.--_n._ PRESENT[=A]'TION, act of presenting: a setting forth, as of a truth: representation: the act or the right of presenting to a benefice: the appearance of a particular part of the fetus at the superior pelvic strait during labour.--_adj._ PRESENT'ATIVE, having the right of presentation: pertaining to immediate cognition.--_ns._ PRESENT[=EE]', one who is presented to a benefice; PR[=E]SENT'ER.--_adj._ PR[=E]SENT'IVE, presentative, non-symbolic (of words).--_n._ PR[=E]SENT'IVENESS.--_adv._ PRES'ENTLY, after a little, by-and-by, shortly: (_arch._) without delay, at once.--_n._ PRESENT'MENT, act of presenting: the thing presented or represented: (_law_) notice taken of an offence by a grand-jury from their own knowledge or observation: accusation presented to a court by a grand-jury.--PRESENT ARMS, to bring the gun or rifle to a perpendicular position in front of the body, as a token of respect to a superior officer. [Fr.,--L. _præsent[=a]re_--_præsens_.]

PRESENTIENT, pr[=e]-sen'shi-ent, _adj._ perceiving beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]SEN'SION.

PRESENTIMENT, pr[=e]-sen'ti-ment, _n._ a sentiment or feeling beforehand: previous opinion: an impression as of something unpleasant soon to happen. [O. Fr.,--L. _præsent[=i]re_.]

PRESENTOIR, prez-en-twor', _n._ a tray or salver: a Japanese lacquered stand for a bowl. [Fr.]

PRESERVE, pr[=e]-z[.e]rv', _v.t._ to keep safe from harm or injury: to defend: to keep in a sound state: to season for preservation: to make lasting: to keep up, as appearances.--_n._ that which is preserved, as fruit, &c.: that which preserves: a place for the protection of animals, as game: (_pl._) spectacles to protect the eyes from strong light, &c.--_n._ PR[=E]SERVABIL'ITY.--_adj._ PR[=E]SER'VABLE.--_n._ PR[=E]SERV[=A]'TION, act of preserving or keeping safe: state of being preserved: safety.--_adjs._ PR[=E]SER'VATIVE, PR[=E]SER'VATORY, tending to preserve: having the quality of preserving.--_n._ that which preserves: a preventive of injury or decay.--_n._ PR[=E]SERV'ER. [Fr. _préserver_--L. _præ_, beforehand, _serv[=a]re_, to preserve.]

PRESES, pr[=e]'s[=e]z, _n._ (_Scot._) a president or chairman.

PRESIDE, pr[=e]-z[=i]d', _v.i._ to direct or control, esp. at a meeting: to superintend.--_ns._ PRES'IDENCY, the office of a president, or his dignity, term of office, jurisdiction, or residence: a division of British India, as the _Presidency_ of Bengal; PRES'IDENT, one who presides over a meeting: a chairman: the chief officer of a college, institution, &c.: an officer elected from time to time, as chief ruler of a republic--also _adj._ (_Milt._).--_n.fem._ PRES'IDENTESS.--_adj._ PRESIDEN'TIAL, presiding over: pertaining to a president.--_n._ PRES'IDENTSHIP.--LORD PRESIDENT, the presiding judge of the Court of Session in Scotland; LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL, a member of the House of Lords who presides over the privy council, with especial charge of education, sanitation, &c. [Fr. _présider_--L. _præsid[=e]re_--_præ_, before, _sed[=e]re_, to sit.]

PRESIDIAL, pr[=e]-sid'i-al, _adj._ pertaining to a garrison.--_adj._ and _n._ PR[=E]SID'IARY.--_n._ PR[=E]SID'IO (_Sp. Amer._), a military post: a penitentiary.

PRESIGNIFY, pr[=e]-sig'ni-f[=i], _v.t._ to signify beforehand.--_n._ PR[=E]SIGNIFIC[=A]'TION, the act of showing beforehand.

PRESS, pres, _v.t._ to push on or against with a heavy weight or with great force: to squeeze out, as juice: to clasp or embrace: to bear heavily on: to distress: to urge strongly: to present to the mind with earnestness: to lay stress upon: to hurry on with great speed: to shape or smooth by the application of weight.--_v.i._ to exert pressure: to push with force: to crowd: to go forward with violence: to urge with vehemence and importunity: to exert a strong influence.--_n._ PRESS'ER.--_adj._ PRESS'ING, urgent: importunate: forcible.--_adv._ PRESS'INGLY.--_n._ PRES'SION. [Fr. _presser_--L. _press[=a]re_--_prem[)e]re_, _pressum_, to squeeze.]

PRESS, pres, _n._ an instrument for squeezing bodies: a printing-machine: the art or business of printing and publishing: act of urging forward: urgency: strong demand: a crowd: a closet for holding articles.--_ns._ PRESS'-BED, a bed enclosed in a cupboard, or folding up into it; PRESS'FAT (_B._), the vat of an olive or wine press for collecting the liquor; PRESS'MAN, one who works a printing-press: a journalist or reporter: a member of a pressgang; PRESS'MARK, a mark upon a book to show its place among others in a library; PRESS'-ROOM, a room where printing-presses are worked; PRESS'-WORK, the operation of taking impressions from type or plates by means of the printing-press.--PRESS OF SAIL, as much sail as can be carried.--BRAHMAH PRESS, a hydraulic press called after Mr _Brahmah_, its inventor; CYLINDER PRESS, a printing-press in which the types are laid on a cylinder which revolves, instead of on a flat surface; HYDRAULIC PRESS (see HYDRAULIC); LIBERTY OF THE PRESS, the right of publishing books, &c., without submitting them to a government authority for permission; THE PRESS, the literature of a country, esp. its newspapers.

PRESS, pres, _v.t._ to carry men off by violence to become soldiers or sailors.--_ns._ PRESS'GANG, a gang or body of sailors under an officer empowered to impress men into the navy; PRESS'-MON'EY (for _prest-money_), earnest-money. [Corr. from old form _prest_, from O. Fr. _prester_ (Fr. _prêter_), to lend--_præst[=a]re_, to offer--_præ_, before, _st[=a]re_, to stand.]

PRESSIROSTER, pres-si-ros't[.e]r, _n._ one of a tribe of wading birds, the PRESSIROS'TRES, having a flattened beak.--_adj._ PRESSIROS'TRAL. [L. _pressus_, pa.p. of _prem[)e]re_, to press, _rostrum_, a beak.]

PRESSURE, presh'[=u]r, _n._ act of pressing or squeezing: the state of being pressed: impulse: constraining force or influence: that which presses or afflicts: difficulties: urgency: strong demand: (_physics_) the action of force on something resisting it.--CENTRE OF PRESSURE (see CENTRE). [O. Fr.,--L. _pressura_--_prem[)e]re_, to press.]

PREST, prest, _adj._ ready: neat: at hand.--_n._ ready-money: a loan.--_v.t._ to pay out: to lend. [L. _præsto_, ready.]

PRESTER JOHN, pres't[.e]r jon, _n._ the name applied by medieval credulity (12th-14th cent.) to the supposed Christian sovereign of a vast empire in Central Asia. [O. Fr. _prester_ (Fr. _prêtre_), priest.]

PRESTIDIGITATION, pres-ti-dij-i-t[=a]'shun, _n._ sleight of hand--also PRESTIG'I[=A]TION.--_adj._ PRESTIDIG'ITAL.--_ns._ PRESTIDIG'IT[=A]TOR, PRESTIG'I[=A]TOR, one who practises sleight of hand.

PRESTIGE, pres-t[=e]zh', or pres'tij, _n._ influence arising from past conduct or from reputation. [Fr.,--L. _præstigium_, delusion--_præstingu[)e]re_, to deceive.]

PRESTO, pres'to, _adv._ quick: at once: (_mus._) quickly, quicker than _allegro_:--_superl._ PRESTIS'SIMO. [It.,--L. _præsto_, ready.]

PRESTRICTION, pr[=e]-strik'shun, _n._ blindness. [L. _præstring[)e]re_, _præstrictum_, to draw tight.]

PRESTUDY, pr[=e]-stud'i, _v.t._ to study beforehand.

PRESULTOR, pr[=e]-sul'tor, _n._ a leader of a dance.

PRESUME, pr[=e]-z[=u]m', _v.t._ to take as true without examination or proof: to take for granted.--_v.i._ to venture beyond what one has ground for: to act forwardly or without proper right.--_adj._ PRES[=U]M'ABLE, that may be presumed or supposed to be true.--_adv._ PRES[=U]M'ABLY.--_adj._ PRES[=U]M'ING, venturing without permission: unreasonably bold.--_adv._ PRES[=U]M'INGLY.--_n._ PRESUMP'TION, act of presuming: supposition: strong probability: that which is taken for granted: confidence grounded on something not proved: conduct going beyond proper bounds: (_law_) an assuming of the truth of certain facts from the existence of others having some connection with them.--_adj._ PRESUMP'TIVE, presuming: grounded on probable evidence: (_law_) proving circumstantially.--_adv._ PRESUMP'TIVELY.--PRESUMPTIVE EVIDENCE, evidence for a fact derived from other facts having some connection with it: indirect evidence.--HEIR PRESUMPTIVE, the person, not son or daughter, at present next in succession to any living person. [Fr. _présumer_--L. _præsum[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _sum[)e]re_, to take--_sub_, under, _em[)e]re_, to buy.]

PRESUMPTUOUS, pr[=e]-zump't[=u]-us, _adj._ full of presumption: going beyond the bounds of right or duty: bold and confident: founded on presumption: wilful.--_adv._ PRESUMP'TUOUSLY.--_n._ PRESUMP'TUOUSNESS. [L. _præsumptuosus_.]

PRESUPPOSE, pr[=e]-sup-p[=o]z', _v.t._ to suppose before actual knowledge: to assume or take for granted.--_n._ PRESUPPOSI'TION.

PRESURMISE, pr[=e]-sur-m[=i]z', _n._ (_Shak._) a surmise previously formed.

PRETEND, pr[=e]-tend', _v.t._ to hold out as a cloak for something else: to lay claim to: to attempt, undertake: to offer as true something that is not so: to affect to feel: (_obs._) to offer, present.--_v.i._ to put in a claim: to make-believe.--_ns._ PRETENCE', something pretended: appearance or show to hide reality: false show or reason: pretext: assumption: claim; PRETEN'DANT, -ENT, a pretender.--_adjs_. PRETEN'DED, PRETEN'SED, ostensible, assumed.--_adv._ PRETEN'DEDLY.--_ns._ PRETEN'DER; PRETEN'DERSHIP.--_adv._ PRETEN'DINGLY.--_n._ PRETEN'SION, act of pretending: something pretended: false or fictitious appearance: claim either true or false.--_adj._ PRETEN'TIOUS, marked by or containing pretence: claiming more than is warranted: presumptuous: arrogant.--_adv._ PRETEN'TIOUSLY, in a pretentious manner.--_n._ PRETEN'TIOUSNESS, the quality of being pretentious. [Fr. _prétendre_--L. _prætend[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _tend[)e]re_, _tentum_, _tensum_, to stretch.]

PRETENSE. Same as PRETENCE.

PRETERCANINE, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-ka-n[=i]n', _adj._ more than canine.

PRETERHUMAN, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-h[=u]'man, _adj._ more than human.

PRETERIMPERFECT, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-im-p[.e]r'fekt, _adj._ implying that an event was happening at a certain past time.

PRETERITE, pret'[.e]r-it, _adj._ gone by: past: noting the past tense.--_n._ the past tense.--_ns._ PRET'ERIST, one who holds the prophecies of the Apocalypse already fulfilled; PRET'ERITENESS.--_adj._ PRETERI'TIAL (_biol._), once active but now latent.--_n._ PRETERI'TION, the act of passing over: the doctrine that God passes over the non-elect in electing to eternal life those predestinated to salvation.--_adj._ PRETER'ITIVE, expressing past times. [L. _præteritus_--_præter_, beyond, _[=i]re_, _[=i]tum_, to go.]

PRETERMIT, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-mit', _v.t._ to pass by: to omit: to leave undone:--_pr.p._ pr[=e]termit'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pr[=e]termit'ted.--_n._ PRETERMIS'SION, the act of passing by: omission. [L. _præter_, past, _mitt[)e]re_, to send.]

PRETERNATURAL, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-nat'[=u]-ral, _adj._ beyond what is natural: out of the regular course of things: extraordinary.--_n._ PRETERNAT'URALISM, belief in the preternatural: preternatural existence.--_adv._ PRETERNAT'URALLY.--_n._ PRETERNAT'URALNESS.

PRETERNUPTIAL, pr[=e]-ter-nup'shal, _adj._ adulterous.

PRETERPERFECT, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-p[.e]r'fekt, _adj._ denoting the perfect tense.

PRETERPLUPERFECT, pr[=e]-t[.e]r-pl[=oo]'p[.e]r-fekt, _adj._ denoting the pluperfect tense.

PRETEXT, pr[=e]'tekst, or pr[=e]-tekst', _n._ an assumed motive or reason put forward to conceal the real one: a pretence. [L. _prætextum_--_prætex[)e]re_--_præ_, before, _tex[)e]re_, to weave.]

PRETHOUGHTFUL, pr[=e]-thawt'f[=oo]l, _adj._ forethoughtful, prudent.

PRETIBIAL, pr[=e]-tib'i-al, _adj._ situated upon the front of the lower part of the leg.

PRETOR, &c. See PRÆTOR, &c.

PRETTY, pret'i, _adj._ tasteful: pleasing to the eye: having attractive but not striking beauty: neat: beautiful without dignity: small: affected: moderately large, considerable: puny, weak (a term of endearment): (in contempt) fine: (_obs._) shrewd, cunning: (_obs._) strong, warlike.--_adv._ in some degree: moderately.--_v.t._ PRETT'IFY, to make pretty in an excessively ornamental way.--_adv._ PRETT'ILY, in a pretty manner: pleasingly: elegantly: neatly.--_n._ PRETT'INESS.--_adj._ PRETT'YISH, somewhat pretty.--_n._ PRETT'YPRETTY (_coll._), a knick-knack.--_adj._ PRETT'Y-SP[=O]'KEN, speaking or spoken prettily.--PRETTY MUCH, very nearly. [A.S. _prættig_, tricky--_prætt_, trickery; prob. Low L. _practicus_--Gr. _praktikos_--_prattein_, to do.]

PRETYPIFY, pr[=e]-tip'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to represent by a type what is to happen: to prefigure.

PRETZEL, pret'sel, _n._ a brittle biscuit, cracknel. [Ger.,--Old High Ger. _brizilla_, _prezitella_--Low L. _bracellus_, also _braciolum_, a kind of cake.]

PREVAIL, pr[=e]-v[=a]l', _v.i._ to be very powerful: to gain the victory: to have the upper hand: to have greater influence or effect: to overcome: to be in force: to succeed.--_v.t._ (_obs.)_ avail.--_adj._ PREVAIL'ING, having great power: controlling: bringing about results: very general or common.--_adv._ PREVAIL'INGLY.--_ns._ PREVAIL'MENT (_Shak._), prevalence; PREV'ALENCE, PREV'ALENCY, the state of being prevalent or wide-spread: superior strength or influence: preponderance: efficacy.--_adj._ PREV'ALENT, prevailing: having great power: victorious: wide-spread: most common.--_adv._ PREV'ALENTLY. [Fr. _prévaloir_--L. _præval[=e]re_--_præ_, before, _val[=e]re_, to be powerful.]

PREVARICATE, pr[=e]-var'i-k[=a]t, _v.i._ to shift about from side to side, to evade the truth: to quibble: (_obs._) to undertake a thing with the purpose of defeating or destroying it: (_law_) to betray a client by collusion with his opponent.--_v.t._ (_obs._) to pervert, transgress.--_ns._ PR[=E]VARIC[=A]'TION, the act of quibbling to evade the truth; PR[=E]VAR'IC[=A]TOR, one who prevaricates to evade the truth: a quibbler. [L. _prævaric[=a]ri_, _-[=a]tus_--_præ_, inten., _varicus_, straddling--_varus_, bent.]

PREVENANCY, prev'[=e]-nan-si, _n._ complaisance.

PREVENT, pr[=e]-vent', _v.t._ to hinder: to check: to render impossible: (_orig._) to go before: to be earlier than.--_v.t._ PR[=E]VENE' (rare), to precede.--_n._ PREV[=E]'NIENCE.--_adj._ PREV[=E]'NIENT (_Milt._), going before: preceding: preventive.--_n._ PREVENTABIL'ITY, the quality of being preventable.--_adj._ PREVEN'TABLE, that may be prevented or hindered.--_ns._ PREVEN'TER, one who, or that which, prevents or hinders: (_naut._) an additional rope or spar for strengthening the ordinary one; PREVEN'TION, act of preventing: anticipation or forethought: obstruction.--_adjs._ PREVEN'TIVE, PREVEN'TATIVE, tending to prevent or hinder: preservative.--_n._ that which prevents: a preservative.--_adv._ PREVEN'TIVELY.--_n._ PREVEN'TIVENESS.--PREVENTIVE SERVICE, the service rendered by the coastguard in preventing smuggling. [L. _præventus_, pa.p. of _præven[=i]re_--_præ_, before, _ven[=i]re_, to come.]

PREVERTEBRAL, pr[=e]-v[.e]r'te-bral, _adj._ situated or developing before the vertebræ.

PREVIOUS, pr[=e]'vi-us, _adj._ going before in time: former.--_adv._ PR[=E]'VIOUSLY.--_n._ PR[=E]'VIOUSNESS, antecedence: priority in time.--PREVIOUS QUESTION, a motion made during a debate, 'that the main question be now put.' If the decision be 'yes,' the debate is ended and the question put and decided; if it be 'no,' the debate is adjourned in the British parliament, but continues in the American assembly. [L. _præevius_--_præ_, before, _via_, a way.]

PREVISE, pr[=e]-viz', _v.t._ to foresee: to forewarn.--_n._ PREVI'SION, foresight: foreknowledge. [L. _prævid[=e]re_, _prævisum_, to foresee--_præ_, before, _vid[=e]re_, to see.]

PREWARN, pr[=e]-wawrn', _v.t._ to warn beforehand.

PREX, preks, _n._ in U.S. college slang the president of a college.--Also PREX'Y.

PREY, pr[=a], _n._ that which is taken by robbery or force: booty: plunder: that which is or may be seized to be devoured: a victim: depredation: (_Shak._) the act of seizing.--_v.i._ to take plunder: to seize and devour: to waste or impair gradually: to weigh heavily (_on_ or _upon_), as the mind.--_adj._ PREY'FUL (_Shak._), having a disposition to prey on others.--BEAST OF PREY, one who devours other animals. [O. Fr. _praie_ (Fr. _proie_)--L. _præda_, booty.]

PRIAPUS, pr[=i]-[=a]'pus, _n._ an ancient deity personifying male generative power.--_adjs._ PRIAP'IC, PRIAP[=E]'AN.--_n._ PR[=I]'APISM.

PRICE, pr[=i]s, _n._ that at which anything is prized, valued, or bought: excellence: recompense.--_v.t._ to set value on: (_coll._) to ask the price of: (_Spens._) to pay the price of.--_ns._ PRICE'-CURR'ENT, -LIST, a list of the prices paid for any class of goods, &c.--_adjs._ PRICED, set at a value; PRICE'LESS, beyond price: invaluable: without value: worthless.--_n._ PRICE'LESSNESS.--PRICE OF MONEY, the rate of discount in lending or borrowing capital.--WITHOUT PRICE, priceless. [O. Fr. _pris_ (Fr. _prix_)--L. _pretium_, price.]

PRICK, prik, _n._ that which pricks or penetrates: a sharp point: the act or feeling of pricking: a puncture: a sting: remorse: (_Shak._) a thorn, prickle, skewer, point of time: (_Spens._) point, pitch.--_v.t._ to pierce with a prick: to erect any pointed thing: to fix by the point: to put on by puncturing: to mark or make by pricking: to incite: to deck out as with flowers or feathers: to pain.--_v.i._ to have a sensation of puncture: to stand erect: to ride with spurs:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ pricked.--_adj._ PRICK'-EARED, having pointed ears.--_ns._ PRICK'ER, that which pricks: a sharp-pointed instrument: light-horseman: a priming wire; PRICK'ING; PRICKLE (prik'l), a little prick: a sharp point growing from the bark of a plant or from the skin of an animal.--_v.t._ to prick slightly.--_v.i._ (_Spens._) to be prickly.--_ns._ PRICK'LE-BACK, the stickle-back; PRICK'LINESS; PRICK'LING, the act of piercing with a sharp point: (_Shak._) the sensation of being pricked.--_adj._ prickly.--_adj._ PRICK'LY, full of prickles.--_ns._ PRICK'LY-HEAT, a severe form of the skin disease known as lichen, with itching and stinging sensations; PRICK'LY-PEAR, a class of plants with clusters of prickles and fruit like the pear; PRICK'-ME-DAIN'TY (_Scot._), an affected person.--_adj._ over-precise.--_ns._ PRICK'-SONG (_Shak._), a song set to music: music in parts; PRICK'-SPUR, a goad-spur; PRICK'-THE-GAR'TER (cf. _Fast-and-loose_); PRICK'-THE-LOUSE (_Scot._), a tailor. [A.S. _pricu_, a point; Ger. _prickeln_, Dut. _prikkel_, a prickle.]

PRICKET, prik'et, _n._ (_Shak._) a buck in his second year.

PRIDE, pr[=i]d, _n._ state or feeling of being proud: too great self-esteem: haughtiness: overbearing treatment of others: a proper sense of what is becoming to one's self: a feeling of pleasure on account of something worthily done: that of which men are proud: that which excites boasting: elevation, loftiness: beauty displayed, ornament, ostentation: high spirit, mettle: (_Shak._) lust.--_v.t._ to have or take pride: to value, as one's self, &c.--_adj._ PRIDE'FUL.--_adv._ PRIDE'FULLY.--_n._ PRIDE'FULNESS.--_adj._ PRIDE'LESS. [A.S. _prýte_--_prút_, proud.]

PRIDIAN, prid'i-an, _adj._ pertaining to yesterday. [L. _pridie_--_prius_, before, _dies_, day.]

PRIE-DIEU, pr[=e]-di[=u]', _n._ a praying-desk. [Fr.]

PRIEF, pr[=e]f, _n._ (_Spens._) proof, trial, experiment.

PRIER, PRYER, pr[=i]'er, _n._ one who pries.

PRIEST, pr[=e]st, _n._ one who offers sacrifices or officiates in sacred offices: a minister above a deacon and below a bishop: a clergyman:--_fem._ PRIEST'ESS.--_ns._ PRIEST'CRAFT, priestly policy: the schemes of priests to gain wealth or power; PRIEST'HOOD, the office or character of a priest: the priestly order.--_adjs._ PRIEST'-LIKE, PRIEST'LY, pertaining to or like a priest.--_n._ PRIEST'LINESS.--_adj._ PRIEST'-RID'DEN, controlled by priests.--HIGH PRIEST, a chief priest, esp. the chief ecclesiastical officer in the ancient Jewish church. [A.S. _preóst_ (O. Fr. _prestre_, Fr. _prêtre_)--L. _presbyter_, an elder.]

PRIEVE, pr[=e]v, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to prove.

PRIG, prig, _n._ a pert fellow who gives himself airs of superior wisdom.--_adj._ PRIG'GISH, conceited and affected.--_adv._ PRIG'GISHLY.--_ns._ PRIG'GISHNESS, PRIG'GISM. [From _prick_, to adorn.]

PRIG, prig, _n._ a thief.--_v.t._ (_slang_) to filch.--_v.i._ (_Scot._) to plead hard, haggle: to cheapen.--_ns._ PRIG'GER; PRIG'GERY.--_adj._ PRIG'GISH.--_n._ PRIG'GISM. [Prob. the same as _prick_, to spur.]

PRILL, pril, _n._ (_prov._) a very rich piece of ore.

PRILL, pril, _v.i._ (_prov._) to grow sour: to become tipsy.

PRIM, prim, _adj._ exact and precise in manner: affectedly nice.--_v.t._ to deck with great nicety: to form with affected preciseness:--_pr.p._ prim'ming; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ primmed.--_adv._ PRIM'LY.--_n._ PRIM'NESS. [O. Fr. _prim_, fem. _prime_--L. _primus_, _prima_, first.]

PRIMACY, pr[=i]'ma-si, _n._ state of being first in order of time, rank, &c.: the office or dignity of a primate or archbishop.

PRIMA-DONNA, pr[=e]'ma-don'a, _n._ the first or leading female singer in an opera. [It.,--L. _prima domina_.]

PRIMA FACIE, pr[=i]'ma f[=a]'shi-[=e], at first view or sight.--PRIMA FACIE CASE (_law_), a case established by sufficient evidence: a case consisting of evidence sufficient to go to a jury. [L. _prima_, abl. fem. of _primus_, first, _facie_, abl. of _facies_, a face.]

PRIMAGE, pr[=i]m'[=a]j, _n._ an allowance to the captain of a vessel by the shipper or consignee of goods for care in lading the same (_hat-money_): amount or percentage of water carried from a boiler in priming. [_Prime_, first.]

PRIMARY, pr[=i]'mar-i, _adj._ first: original: chief: primitive: elementary, preparatory.--_n._ that which is highest in rank or importance: a planet in relation to its satellite or satellites.--_adv._ PR[=I]'MARILY.--_ns._ PR[=I]'MARINESS, the state of being first in time, act, or intention; PR[=I]'MARY-AC'CENT, the accent immediately after a bar in music.--_ns.pl._ PR[=I]'MARY-COL'OURS, the colours obtained by passing the sun's rays through a prism: the colours of the rainbow--red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet; PR[=I]'MARY-PLAN'ETS, planets revolving round the sun--not satellites; PR[=I]'MARY-QUILLS, the largest feathers of a bird's wing; PR[=I]'MARY-ROCKS, the rocks which seem to have been first formed and contain no animal remains, as granites, &c.

PRIMATE, pr[=i]'m[=a]t, _n._ the first or highest dignitary in a church: an archbishop.--_n._ PR[=I]'M[=A]TESHIP.--_adj._ PRIM[=A]'TIAL.

PRIME, pr[=i]m, _adj._ first in order of time, rank, or importance: chief: excellent: original: early: in early manhood: (_Shak._) eager, bold: (_math._) incapable of being separated into factors.--_n._ the beginning: the dawn: the spring: the best part: the height of perfection: full health and strength: a religious service during the first hour after sunrise: (_fencing_) the first guard against sword-thrusts, also the first and simplest thrust.--_adj._ PR[=I]'MAL, first: original: chief.--_n._ PRIMAL'ITY.--_adv._ PRIME'LY.--_ns._ PRIME'-MIN'ISTER, the chief minister of state; PRIME'-MOV'ER, the force which puts a machine in motion: a steam-engine or a water-wheel; PRIME'NESS; PRIME'-NUM'BER, a first number--i.e. one divisible only by itself or unity.--PRIME COST (see COST). [L. _pr[=i]mus_ (for _pro-i-mus_).]

PRIME, pr[=i]m, _v.t._ to put powder on the nipple of a firearm: to lay on the first coating of colour: to instruct or prepare beforehand.--_v.i._ to serve for the charge of a gun: in the steam-engine, to carry over hot water with the steam from the boiler into the cylinder.--_ns._ PR[=I]'MER; PR[=I]'MING; PR[=I]'MING-POW'DER, detonating powder: train of powder connecting a fuse with a charge. [_Prime_ (adj.).]

PRIMER, prim'[.e]r, or pr[=i]'mer, _n._ a first book: a work of elementary religious instruction: a first reading-book: an elementary introduction to any subject: a kind of type of two species, _long_-primer (10 point) and _great_-primer (18 point). [Orig. a small prayer-book.]

PRIMERO, pri-m[=a]'r[=o], _n._ an old game at cards. [Sp.]

PRIMEVAL, pr[=i]-m[=e]'val, _adj._ belonging to the first ages: original: primitive.--_adv._ PRIM[=E]'VALLY. [L. _primævus_--_primus_, first, _ævum_, an age.]

PRIMIGENIAL, pr[=i]-mi-j[=e]'ni-al, _adj._ first-born or made: primary: constituent--also PRIMOG[=E]'NIAL.--_adjs._ PRIMIG'ENOUS, PRIMIG[=E]'NIOUS, first formed; PRIMOGEN'ITAL (_obs._), PRIMOGEN'ITARY, PRIMOGEN'ITIVE, of or belonging to primogeniture.--_ns._ PRIMOGEN'ITOR, the first begetter or father: a forefather; PRIMOGEN'ITURE, state of being born first of the same parents: (_law_) the right of the eldest son to inherit his father's estates; PRIMOGEN'ITURESHIP. [Fr.,--L. _primo-genitus_, first-born--_primus_, first, _gign[)e]re_, _genitum_, to beget.]

PRIMITIÆ, pri-mish'i-[=e], _n.pl._ first-fruits offered to the gods--also PRIMI'TIAS (_Spens._): the first year's revenue of a benefice. [L.,--_primus_, first.]

PRIMITIVE, prim'i-tiv, _adj._ belonging to the beginning, or to the first times: original: ancient: antiquated, old-fashioned: not derived: (_biol._) rudimentary, primary or first of its kind: (_geol._) of the earliest formation.--_n._ a primitive word, or one not derived from another: (_math._) a form from which another is derived.--_ns.pl._ PRIM'ITIVE-COL'OURS, the colours from which all others are supposed to be derived--viz. red, yellow, and blue; PRIM'ITIVE-FA'THERS, the Christian writers before the Council of Nice, 325 A.D.--_adv._ PRIM'ITIVELY.--_n.pl._ PRIM'ITIVE-METH'ODISTS, a religious body founded in 1810, whose beliefs are the same as those of other Methodists, but whose working arrangements are nearly Presbyterian.--_n._ PRIM'ITIVENESS.--_n.pl._ PRIM'ITIVE-ROCKS (see PRIMARY-ROCKS). [Fr.,--L. _primitivus_, an extension of _primus_.]

PRIMO, pr[=e]'m[=o], _n._ (_mus._) the first or principal part.

PRIMORDIAL, pr[=i]-mor'di-al, _adj._ first in order: original: existing from the beginning: (_anat._) in a rudimentary state: (_bot._) first formed, as leaves or fruit.--_n._ first principle or element.--_ns._ PRIMOR'DIALISM; PRIMOR'DIUM. [L. _primus_, first, _ordo_, order.]

PRIMP, primp, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to dress in an affected manner.--_v.i._ to be affected. [_Prink._]

PRIMROSE, prim'r[=o]z, _n._ an early spring flower common in woods and meadows: a plant of the genus _Primula_: (_Spens._) the first or earliest flower, the first or choicest.--_adj._ resembling a primrose in colour: flowery, gay.--PRIMROSE LEAGUE, a political association for the spread of Conservative opinions--formed in 1883 in memory of Lord Beaconsfield, whose favourite flower is said to have been the _primrose_. [Fr. _prime rose_--as if L. _prima rosa_; really through O. Fr. _primerole_ and Low L. dim. forms from L. _primus_.]

PRIMSIE, prim'si, _adj._ (_Scot._) prim, demure.

PRIMULA, prim'[=u]-la, _n._ the genus of plants to which the primrose belongs. [L. _primus_, first.]

PRIMUM MOBILE, pr[=i]'mum mob'i-l[=e], in the Ptolemaic system the outermost of the ten revolving spheres of the universe, supposed to carry the others with it: any great source of motion. [L.]

PRIMUS, pr[=i]'mus, _n._ the bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church who presides over the meetings of the other bishops, but without metropolitan authority.

PRIMY, pr[=i]'mi, _adj._ (_Shak._) blooming.

PRINCE, prins, _n._ one of the highest rank: a sovereign: son of a king or emperor: a title of nobility, as in Germany: the chief of any body of men:--_fem._ PRIN'CESS.--_v.i._ to play the prince (usually with _it_).--_ns._ PRINCE'-BISH'OP, a bishop who was also the civil ruler or prince of his diocese; PRINCE'-CON'SORT, the husband of a reigning queen; PRINCE'DOM, the estate, jurisdiction, sovereignty, or rank of a prince; PRINCE'HOOD, rank or quality of a prince; PRINCE'-IMP[=E]'RIAL, the eldest son of an emperor; PRINCE'KIN, PRINCE'LET, PRINCE'LING, a little or inferior prince.--_adj._ PRINCE'-LIKE, becoming a prince.--_n._ PRINCE'LINESS.--_adj._ PRINCE'LY, prince-like: becoming a prince: grand: august: regal.--_adv._ in a prince-like manner.--_adv._ PRIN'CESSLY, like a princess.--_n._ PRIN'CESS-ROY'AL, the eldest daughter of a sovereign.--_adj._ PRIN'CIFIED, ridiculously dignified.--_n._ MER'CHANT-PRINCE, a merchant who has gained great wealth.--PRINCE OF DARKNESS, PRINCE OF THIS WORLD, Satan; PRINCE OF PEACE, Christ: the Messiah; PRINCE OF WALES, the eldest son of the British sovereign; PRINCE RUPERT'S DROPS (see DROP); PRINCE'S FEATHER, a tall showy annual with spikes of rose-coloured flowers; PRINCE'S METAL, a gold-like alloy of 70 parts of copper and 25 of zinc. [Fr.,--L. _princeps_--_primus_, first, _cap[)e]re_, to take.]

PRINCEPS, prin'seps, _n._ one who, or that which, is foremost, original, &c.: short for _editio princeps_, the first edition of a book. [L.]

PRINCESSE, prin-ses', _adj._ of a woman's garment, close-fitting, the skirt and waist in one, and undraped. [Fr.]

PRINCIPAL, prin'si-pal, _adj._ taking the first place: highest in rank, character, or importance: chief.--_n._ a principal person or thing: a head, as of a school or college: one who takes a leading part: money on which interest is paid: (_archit._) a main beam or timber: (_law_) the person who commits a crime, or one who aids and abets him in doing it: a person for whom another becomes surety, a person who, being _sui juris_, employs another to do an act which he is competent himself to do: (_mus._) an organ-stop: (_Shak._) the principal rafter.--_n._ PRINCIPAL'ITY, supreme power: the territory of a prince or the country which gives title to him: (_B._) a prince: (_obs._) a power: (_pl._) an order of angels, the seventh in the hierarchy of Dionysius.--_adv._ PRIN'CIPALLY.--_ns._ PRIN'CIPALNESS, the state of being principal or chief; PRIN'CIPALSHIP, position of a principal; PRIN'CIPATE, primary: a principality, esp. the office of the ancient Roman emperors. [L. _principalis_.]

PRINCIPIA, prin-sip'i-a, _n.pl._ first principles: elements, used often as the contracted title of the 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica' of Newton.--_adj._ PRINCIP'IAL, elementary. [L., pl. of _principium_.]

PRINCIPLE, prin'si-pl, _n._ a fundamental truth on which others are founded or from which they spring: a law or doctrine from which others are derived: an original faculty of the mind: a settled rule of action: (_chem._) a constituent part: (_obs._) a beginning.--_v.t._ to establish in principles: to impress with a doctrine.--_adj._ PRIN'CIPLED, holding certain principles.--PRINCIPLE OF CONTRADICTION, the logical principle that a thing cannot both be and not be; PRINCIPLE OF EXCLUDED MIDDLE (_logic_), the principle that a thing must be either one thing or its contradictory; PRINCIPLE OF SUFFICIENT REASON (see REASON).--FIRST PRINCIPLE, a very general principle not deducible from others. [L. _principium_, beginning--_princeps_.]

PRINCOCK, prin'kok, _n._ (_Shak._) a conceited fellow: a coxcomb.--Also PRIN'COX.

PRINK, pringk, _v.t._ to adorn ostentatiously.--_n._ PRINK'ER. [Weakened from _prank_.]

PRINT, print, _v.t._ to press or impress: to mark by pressure: to impress letters on paper, &c.: to publish: (_phot._) to produce a positive picture from a negative.--_v.i._ to practise the art of printing: to publish a book.--_n._ a mark or character made by impression: the impression of types in general: a copy: a printed picture: an engraving: a newspaper: a printed cloth: calico stamped with figures: that which impresses its form on anything: a cut, in wood or metal: (_archit._) a plaster-cast in low relief.--_ns._ PRINT'ER, one who prints, esp. books, newspapers, &c.; PRINT'ING, act, art, or practice of printing; PRINT'ING-INK, ink used in printing; PRINT'ING-MACHINE', a printing-press worked by machinery; PRINT'ING-OFF'ICE, an establishment where books, &c., are printed; PRINT'ING-P[=A]'PER, a paper suitable for printing purposes; PRINT'ING-PRESS, a machine by which impressions are taken in ink upon paper from types.--_adj._ PRINT'LESS, receiving or leaving no impression.--_ns._ PRINT'-SELL'ER, one who sells prints or engravings; PRINT'-SHOP, a shop where prints are sold; PRINT'-WORKS, an establishment where cloth is printed.--PRINTER'S DEVIL (see DEVIL); PRINTER'S INK (same as PRINTING-INK); PRINTER'S MARK, an engraved device used by printers as a trade-mark.--IN PRINT, published in printed form: in stock, as opposed to books which cannot now be got--_Out of print_. [Shortened from O. Fr. _empreindre_, _empreint_--L. _imprim[)e]re_--_in_, into, _prem[)e]re_, to press.]

PRIOR, pr[=i]'or, _adj._ former: previous: coming before in time.--_n._ the head of a priory: (in Italy) formerly a chief magistrate:--_fem._ PR[=I]'ORESS.--_ns._ PR[=I]'OR[=A]TE, PR[=I]'ORSHIP, the government or office of a prior: the time during which a prior is in office; PRIOR'ITY, state of being prior or first in time, place, or rank: preference; PR[=I]'ORY, a convent of either sex, under a prior or prioress, and next in rank below an abbey. [L. _prior_, former, comp. from _pro-_, in front.]

PRISAGE, pr[=i]'z[=a]j, _n._ formerly a right of the English kings to seize for crown purposes, esp. that of taking two tuns of wine from every ship importing twenty tuns or more. [O. Fr.,--_prise_, taking.]

PRISE, pr[=i]z, _n._ (_Spens._) an enterprise or adventure.

PRISER, pr[=i]z'[.e]r, _n._ (_Shak._). Same as PRIZER.

PRISM, prizm, _n._ (_geom._) a solid whose ends are similar, equal, and parallel planes, and whose sides are parallelograms: (_opt._) a solid glass, triangular-shaped body, used for resolving rays of light into their separate colours.--_adjs._ PRISMAT'IC, -AL, resembling or pertaining to a prism: separated or formed by a prism.--_adv._ PRISMAT'ICALLY.--_ns._ PRIS'MATOID, PRIS'MOID, a figure in the form of a prism.--_adjs_. PRIS'MATOIDAL, PRIS'MOIDAL; PRIS'MY, prismatic in colour. [L.,--Gr. _prisma_, _-atos_.]

PRISON, priz'n, _n._ a building for the confinement of criminals, &c.: a jail: any place of confinement.--_v.t._ to shut in prison, restrain.--_n.pl._ PRIS'ON-BARS, whatever confines or restrains.--_ns._ PRIS'ONER, one arrested or confined in prison: a captive; PRIS'ONER'S-, PRIS'ON-BASE, a game among boys, in which those who are caught in a certain way are confined as prisoners--a corr. of _prison-bars_; PRIS'ON-F[=E]'VER, typhus-fever; PRIS'ON-HOUSE, place of confinement; PRIS'ONMENT (_Shak._), confinement in a prison--usually _imprisonment_; PRIS'ON-SHIP; PRIS'ON-VAN, a closed conveyance for carrying prisoners.--STATE PRISONER, one confined for a political offence in a state prison. [Fr.,--L. _prensio_, _-oni_s, for _prehensio_, a seizing--_prehend[)e]re_, _-hensum_, to seize.]

PRISTINE, pris'tin, _adj._ as at first: former: belonging to the earliest time: ancient. [O. Fr.,--L. _pristinus_; cf. _priscus_, antique, _prior_, former.]

PRITHEE, pri_th_'[=e], a corruption of _I pray thee_.

PRITTLE-PRATTLE, prit'l-prat'l, _n._ empty talk.

PRIVACY, pr[=i]'va-si, or priv'-, _n._ state of being private or retired from company or observation: a place of seclusion: retreat: retirement: secrecy.

PRIVAT DOCENT, pr[=e]-vat' d[=o]-tsent', _n._ a teacher in connection with a German university, without share in its government or endowment, only receiving fees. [Ger.,--L. _privatus_, private, _docens_, _-entis_, teaching, _doc[=e]re_, to teach.]

PRIVATE, pr[=i]'v[=a]t, _adj._ apart from the state: not invested with public office: peculiar to one's self: belonging to an individual person or company: not public: retired from observation: secret: not publicly known: not holding a commission.--_n._ a common soldier: (_Shak._) a person without public office, a secret message, privacy, retirement.--_adv._ PR[=I]'VATELY.--_n._ PR[=I]'VATENESS.--PRIVATE ACT, &c., an act, &c., which deals with the concerns of private persons--opp. to _General act_, &c.; PRIVATE JUDGMENT, the judgment of an individual, esp. on the meaning of a passage or doctrine of Scripture, as distinguished from the interpretation of the church; PRIVATE LAW, that part of law which deals with the rights and duties of persons quâ individuals; PRIVATE LEGISLATION, legislation affecting the interests of private persons; PRIVATE PARTS, the sexual organs; PRIVATE PROPERTY, RIGHTS, the property, rights of individual persons, as distinguished from that which belongs to a public body and is devoted to public use; PRIVATE TRUST, a trust managed in the interest of private parties; PRIVATE WRONG, an injury done to an individual in his private capacity.--IN PRIVATE, privately, in secret; _The private_ (_obs._), the private life of individuals. [L. _privatus_, pa.p. of _priv[=a]re_, to separate--_privus_, single.]

PRIVATEER, pr[=i]-va-t[=e]r', _n._ an armed private vessel commissioned by a government to seize and plunder an enemy's ships: the commander of a privateer.--_v.i._ to cruise in a privateer: to fit out privateers.--_ns._ PRIVATEER'ING; PRIVATEER'SMAN.

PRIVATION, pr[=i]-v[=a]'shun, _n._ state of being deprived of something, esp. of what is necessary for comfort: destitution: (_logic_) absence of any quality: (_obs._) degradation or suspension from an office.--_adj._ PRIV'ATIVE, causing privation: consisting in the absence of something.--_n._ that which is privative or depends on the absence of something else: (_logic_) a term denoting the absence of a quality: (_gram._) a prefix denoting absence or negation.--_adv._ PRIV'ATIVELY.--_n._ PRIV'ATIVENESS. [L.; cf. _Private_.]

PRIVET, priv'et, _n._ a half-evergreen European shrub used for hedges. [Perh. _primet_--_prim_.]

PRIVILEGE, priv'i-lej, _n._ an advantage to an individual: a right enjoyed only by a few: freedom from burdens borne by others: prerogative: a sacred and vital civil right: (_Shak._) superiority.--_v.t._ to grant a privilege to: to exempt: to authorise, license.--_adj._ PRIV'ILEGED.--BREACH OF PRIVILEGE, any interference with or slight done to the rights or privileges of a legislative body; QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE, any question arising out of the rights of an assembly or of its members; WRIT OF PRIVILEGE, an order for the release of a person from custody. [Fr.,--L. _privilegium_--_privus_, single, _lex_, _legis_, a law.]

PRIVY, priv'i, _adj._ private: pertaining to one person: for private uses: secret: appropriated to retirement: admitted to the knowledge of something secret.--_n._ (_law_) a person having an interest in an action: a necessary house.--_adv._ PRIV'ILY, privately: secretly.--_ns._ PRIV'ITY, secrecy: something kept private: knowledge, shared with another, of something private or confidential: knowledge implying concurrence: relation between different interests, as, for example, in feudal tenure the interests of several persons in the same land, the mutual relationships of contractor and contractee, the relation caused by common knowledge in breaches of contract: (_obs._) seclusion, intimacy; PRIV'Y-CHAM'BER, private apartment in a royal residence; PRIV'Y-COUN'CIL, the private council of a sovereign to advise in the administration of government; PRIV'Y-COUN'CILLOR, a member of the privy-council; PRIV'Y-PURSE, the purse or money for the private or personal use of the sovereign; PRIV'Y-SEAL, -SIG'NET, the seal used by or for the king in subordinate matters, or those which are not to pass the great seal; PRIV'Y-VER'DICT, a verdict given to a judge out of court.--GENTLEMEN USHERS OF THE PRIVY-CHAMBER, four officials in the royal household who attend certain court ceremonies. [Fr. _privé_--L. _privatus_, private.]

PRIZE, PRISE, pr[=i]z, _v.t._ to force open by means of a lever. [Fr.; cf. _Prize_, below.]

PRIZE, pr[=i]z, _n._ that which is taken or gained by competition: anything taken from an enemy in war: (_hunting_) the note of the trumpet blown at the capture of the game: a captured vessel: that which is won in a lottery: anything offered for competition: a gain: a reward: (_Shak._) a competition.--_adj._ worthy of a prize: to which a prize is given.--_adjs._ PRIZ'ABLE, -EABLE, valuable.--_ns._ PRIZE'-COURT, a court for judging regarding prizes made on the high seas; PRIZE'-FIGHT, a combat in which those engaged fight for a prize or wager; PRIZE'-FIGHT'ER, a boxer who fights publicly for a prize; PRIZE'-FIGHT'ING; PRIZE'-LIST, recorded of the winners in a competition; PRIZE'MAN; PRIZE'-MON'EY, share of the money or proceeds from any prizes taken from an enemy; PRIZ'ER (_Shak._), one who competes for a prize; PRIZE'-RING, a ring for prize-fighting: the practice itself. [Fr. _prise_--_pris_, taken, pa.p. _prendre_--L. _prehend[)e]re_, to seize.]

PRIZE, pr[=i]z, _v.t._ to set a price on: to value: to value highly.--_n._ valuation, estimate.--_n._ PRIZ'ER (_Shak._), an appraiser. [Fr. _priser_--O. Fr. _pris_, price (Fr. _prix_)--L. _pretium_, price.]

PRO, pr[=o], Latin prep. meaning before, used in English in many phrases.--PRO AND CON, abbrev. of _pro et contra_, for and against.--_v.i._ to consider impartially.--_n.pl._ PROS AND CONS, arguments for and against an opinion.--PRO BONO PUBLICO, for the public good.

PROA, pr[=o]'a, _n._ a small and swift Malay sailing-vessel, with both ends equally sharp. [Malay _prau_.]

PROBABLE, prob'a-bl, _adj._ that can be proved: having more evidence for than against: giving ground for belief: likely: (_Shak._) plausible.--_n._ probable opinion.--_ns._ PROBABIL'IORIST; PROB'ABILISM (_R.C. theol._), the doctrine in casuistry that of two probable opinions, both reasonable, one may follow his own inclination, as a doubtful law cannot impose a certain obligation--opp. to PROBABIL'IORISM, according to which it is lawful to follow one's inclination only when there is a more probable opinion in its favour; PROB'ABILIST; PROBABIL'ITY, quality of being probable: appearance of truth: that which is probable: chance or likelihood of something happening:--_pl._ PROBABIL'ITIES.--_adv._ PROB'ABLY.--_adj._ PR[=O]'BAL (_Shak._), probable.--PROBABLE CAUSE, a reasonable ground that an accusation is true; PROBABLE ERROR, a quantity assumed as the value of an error, such that the chances of the real error being greater are equal to those of it being less than this quantity; PROBABLE EVIDENCE, evidence not conclusive, but admitting of some degree of force. [Fr.,--L. _probabilis_--_prob[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to prove.]

PROBANG, pr[=o]'bang, _n._ an instrument for pushing obstructions down the oesophagus of a choking animal.

PROBATE, pr[=o]'b[=a]t, _n._ the proof before a competent court that a written paper purporting to be the will of a person who has died is indeed his lawful act: the official copy of a will, with the certificate of its having been proved: the right or jurisdiction of proving wills.--_adj._ relating to the establishment of wills and testaments.--PROBATE COURT, a court created in 1858 to exercise jurisdiction in matters touching the succession to personal estate; PROBATE DUTY, a tax on property passing by will. [Cf. _Probable._]

PROBATION, pr[=o]-b[=a]'shun, _n._ act of proving: any proceeding to elicit truth, &c.: trial: time of trial: moral trial: noviciate.--_adjs._ PROB[=A]'TIONAL, PROB[=A]'TIONARY, relating to probation or trial.--_n._ PROB[=A]'TIONER, one who is on probation or trial: (_Scot._) one licensed to preach, but not ordained to a pastorate.--_adjs._ PR[=O]'BATIVE, PR[=O]'BATORY, serving for proof or trial: relating to proof.--_n._ PROB[=A]'TOR, an examiner.--THE DOCTRINE OF FUTURE PROBATION, the doctrine that the gospel will be preached in another life to the unregenerate dead or to those who never heard it in life. [Fr.,--L.]

PROBATUM EST, pr[=o]-b[=a]'tum est, it has been proved. [L., 3d sing. perf. indic. pass. of _prob[=a]re_, to prove.]

PROBE, pr[=o]b, _n._ a proof or trial: a long, thin instrument for examining a wound, &c.: that which tries or probes.--_v.t._ to examine with or as with a probe: to examine thoroughly.--_n.pl._ PROBE'-SCISS'ORS, scissors used to open wounds, the blade having a button at the end. [L. _prob[=a]re_, to prove.]

PROBITY, prob'i-ti, _n._ uprightness: honesty: virtue that has been tested. [Fr.,--L. _probitas_, _probus_, good.]

PROBLEM, prob'lem, _n._ a matter difficult of settlement or solution: (_geom._) a proposition in which something is required to be done.--_adjs._ PROBLEMAT'IC, -AL, of the nature of a problem: questionable: doubtful.--_adv._ PROBLEMAT'ICALLY.--_v.i._ PROB'LEMATISE. [Fr.,--L.,--Gr. _probl[=e]ma_--_pro_, before, _ballein_, to throw.]

PROBOSCIS, pr[=o]-bos'is, _n._ the trunk of some animals, as the elephant, for conveying food to the mouth: anything like a trunk:--_pl._ PROBOS'CIDES.--_adjs._ PROBOS'CID[=A]TE; PROBOSCID'EAN, having a proboscis.--_n._ a mammal of the _Proboscidea_.--_n._ PROBOS'CIS-MONK'EY, a monkey of Borneo, having a long mobile and retractile nose. [L.,--Gr. _proboskis_, a trunk--_pro_, in front, _boskein_, to feed.]

PROCACITY, pr[=o]-kas'i-ti, _n._ petulance.--_adj._ PROC[=A]'CIOUS.

PROCATHEDRAL, pr[=o]-ka-th[=e]'dral, _n._ a church used temporarily as a cathedral.