Chapter VII: Part 7

Syn. Ð Uncivilized; unlettered; uncultivated; untutored; ignorant; merciless; brutal. See Ferocious. Bar¶baÏrousÏly, adv. In a barbarous manner. Bar¶baÏrousÏness, n. The quality or state of being barbarous; barbarity; barbarism. Bar¶baÏry(?), n. [Fr. Ar. Barbar the people of Barbary.] The countries on the north coast of Africa from Egypt to the Atlantic. Hence: A Barbary horse; a barb. [Obs.] Also, a kind of pigeon. Barbary ape (Zo”l.), an ape (Macacus innus) of north Africa and Gibraltar Rock, being the only monkey inhabiting Europe. It is very commonly trained by showmen. Bar¶baÏstel· (?),n. [F. barbastelle.] (Zo”l.) A European bat (Barbastellus communis), with hairy lips. Bar¶bate (?), a. [ L. barbatus, fr. barba beard. See Barb beard.] (Bot.) Bearded; beset with long and weak hairs. Bar¶baÏted (?), a. Having barbed points. A dart uncommonly barbated. T. Warton. Bar¶beÏcue (?), n. [In the language of Indians of Guiana, a frame on which all kinds of flesh and fish are roasted or smokeÐdried.] 1. A hog, ox, or other large animal roasted or broiled whole for a feast. 2. A social entertainment, where many people assemble, usually in the open air, at which one or more large animals are roasted or broiled whole. 3. A floor, on which coffee beans are sunÐdried. Bar¶beÏcue (?), v.t. [imp. & p.p. Barbecued(?); p. pr. & vb. n. Barbecuing.] 1. To dry or cure by exposure on a frame or gridiron. They use little or no salt, but barbecue their game and fish in the smoke. Stedman. 2. To roast or broil whole, as an ox or hog. Send me, gods, a whole hog barbecued. Pope. Barbed (?), a. [See 4th Bare.] Accoutered with defensive armor; Ð said of a horse. See Barded ( which is the proper form.) Sir W. Raleigh. Barbed, a. Furnished with a barb or barbs; as, a barbed arrow; barbed wire. Barbed wire, a wire, or a strand of twisted wires, armed with barbs or sharp points. It is used for fences. Bar¶bel (?), n.[OE. barbel, F. barbeau, dim. of L. barbus barbel, fr. barba beard. See 1st Barb.] 1. (Zo”l.) A slender tactile organ on the lips of certain fished. 2. (Zo”l.) A large freshÐwater fish ( Barbus vulgaris) found in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished with four barbels. 3. pl. Barbs or paps under the tongued of horses and cattle. See 1st Barb,3. Bar¶belÏlate (?),a. [See 1st Barb.] (Bot.) Having short, stiff hairs, often barbed at the point. Gray. BarÏbel¶luÏlate (?), a. (Bot.) Barbellate with diminutive hairs or barbs. Bar¶ber (?), n. [OE. barbour, OF. barbeor, F. barbier, as if fr. an assumed L. barbator, fr. barba beard. See 1st Barb.] One whose occupation it is to shave or trim the beard, and to cut and dress the hair of his patrons. Barber's itch. See under Itch. µ Formerly the barber practiced some offices of surgery, such as letting blood and pulling teeth. Hence such terms as barber surgeon ( old form barber chirurgeon), barber surgery, etc. Bar¶ber, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Barbered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Barbering.] To shave and dress the beard or hair of. Shak. Bar¶ber fish. (Zo”l.) See Surgeon fish. Bar¶berÏmon·ger (?), n. A fop. [Obs.] Bar¶berÏry (?),n. [OE. barbarin, barbere, OF. berbere.] (Bot.) A shrub of the genus Berberis, common along roadsides and in neglected fields. B. vulgaris is the species best known; its oblong red berries are made into a preserve or sauce, and have been deemed efficacious in fluxes and fevers. The bark dyes a fine yellow, esp. the bark of the root. [Also spelt berberry.] Bar¶bet (?),n. [F. barbet, fr.barbe beard, long hair of certain animals. See Barb beard.] (Zo”l.) (a) A variety of small dog, having long curly hair. (b) A bird of the family Bucconid‘, allied to the Cuckoos, having a large, conical beak swollen at the base, and bearded with five bunches of stiff bristles; the puff bird. It inhabits tropical America and Africa. (c) A larva that feeds on aphides. BarÏbette¶ (?), n. [F. Cf. Barbet.] ( Fort.) A mound of earth or a platform in a fortification, on which guns are mounted to fire over the parapet. En barbette, In barbette, said of guns when they are elevated so as to fire over the top of a parapet, and not through embrasures. Ð Barbette gun, or Barbette battery,a single gun, or a number of guns, mounted in barbette, or partially protected by a parapet or turret. Ð Barbette carriage, a gun carriage which elevates guns sufficiently to be in barbette. [See Illust. of Casemate.] Bar¶biÏcan (?), Bar¶baÏcan(?), n. [OE. barbican, barbecan, F. barbacane, LL. barbacana, barbicana, of uncertain origin: cf. Ar. barbakh aqueduct, sewer. F. barbacane also means, an opening to let out water, loophole.] 1. ( Fort.) A tower or advanced work defending the entrance to a castle or city, as at a gate or bridge. It was often large and strong, having a ditch and drawbridge of its own. 2. An opening in the wall of a fortress, through which missiles were discharged upon an enemy. Bar¶biÏcanÏage (?), Bar¶baÏcanÏage (?),n. [LL. barbicanagium. See Barbican.] Money paid for the support of a barbican. [Obs.] Bar¶biÏcel (?), n. [NL. barbicella, dim. of L. barba. See 1st Barb.] (Zo”l.) One of the small hooklike processes on the barbules of feathers. ØBar¶biers (?), n. (Med.) A variety of paralysis, peculiar to India and the Malabar coast; Ð considered by many to be the same as beriberi in chronic form. BarÏbig¶erÏous (?), a. [L. barba a beard + gerous.] Having a beard; bearded; hairy. ØBar¶biÏton (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?.] (Mus.) An ancient Greek instrument resembling a lyre. Bar·biÏtu¶ric ac¶id (?). (Chem.) A white, crystalline substance, ?, derived

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from alloxantin, also from malonic acid and urea, and regarded as a substituted urea. Bar¶ble (?), n. See Barbel. Bar¶boÏtine (?), n. [F.] A paste of clay used in decorating coarse pottery in relief. Bar¶bre (?), a. Barbarian. [Obs.] Chaucer. Bar¶bule (?), n. [L. barbula, fr. barba beard.] 1. A very minute barb or beard. Booth. 2. (Zo”l.) One of the processes along the edges of the barbs of a feather, by which adjacent barbs interlock. See Feather. Bar¶caÏrolle (?), n. [F. barcarolle, fr. It. barcaruola, fr. barca bark, barge.] (Mus.) (a) A popular song or melody sung by Venetian gondoliers. (b) A piece of music composed in imitation of such a song. Bar¶con (?), n. [It. barcone, fr. barca a bark.] A vessel for freight; Ð used in Mediterranean. Bard (?), n. [Of Celtic origin; cf. W. bardd, Arm. barz, Ir. & Gael. bard, and F. barde.] 1. A professional poet and singer, as among the ancient Celts, whose occupation was to compose and sing verses in honor of the heroic achievements of princes and brave men. 2. Hence: A poet; as, the bard of Avon. Bard, Barde (?), n. [F. barde, of doubtful origin.] 1. A piece of defensive (or, sometimes, ornamental) armor for a horse's neck, breast, and flanks; a barb. [Often in the pl.] 2. pl. Defensive armor formerly worn by a man at arms. 3. (Cookery) A thin slice of fat bacon used to cover any meat or game. Bard, v.t. (Cookery) To cover (meat or game) with a thin slice of fat bacon. Bard¶ed, p.a. [See Bard horse armor.] 1. Accoutered with defensive armor; Ð said of a horse. 2. (Her.) Wearing rich caparisons. Fifteen hundred men ... barded and richly trapped. Stow. Bard¶ic, a. Of or pertaining to bards, or their poetry. ½The bardic lays of ancient Greece.¸ G.P. Marsh. Bard¶ish, a. Pertaining to, or written by, a bard or bards. ½Bardish impostures.¸ Selden. Bard¶ism (?), n. The system of bards; the learning and maxims of bards. Bard¶ling (?), n. An inferior bard. J. Cunningham. Bard¶ship, n. The state of being a bard. Bare (?), a. [OE. bar, bare, AS. b‘r; akin to D. & G. baar, OHG. par, Icel. berr, Sw. & Dan. bar, OSlav. bos? barefoot, Lith. basas; cf. Skr. bh¾s to shine ?.] 1. Without clothes or covering; stripped of the usual covering; naked; as, his body is bare; the trees are bare. 2. With head uncovered; bareheaded. When once thy foot enters the church, be bare. Herbert. 3. Without anything to cover up or conceal one's thoughts or actions; open to view; exposed. Bare in thy guilt, how foul must thou appear ! Milton. 4. Plain; simple; unadorned; without polish; bald; meager. ½Uttering bare truth.¸ Shak. 5. Destitute; indigent; empty; unfurnished or scantily furnished; Ð used with of (rarely with in) before the thing wanting or taken away; as, a room bare of furniture. ½A bare treasury.¸ Dryden. 6. Threadbare; much worn. It appears by their bare liveries that they live by your bare words. Shak. 7. Mere; alone; unaccompanied by anything else; as, a bare majority. ½The bare necessaries of life.¸ Addison. Nor are men prevailed upon by bare of naked truth. South. Under bare poles (Naut.), having no sail set. Bare, n. 1. Surface; body; substance. [R.] You have touched the very bare of naked truth. Marston. 2. (Arch.) That part of a roofing slate, shingle, tile, or metal plate, which is exposed to the weather. Bare, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Bared(?); p. pr. & vb. n. Baring.] [AS. barian. See Bare, a.] To strip off the covering of; to make bare; as, to bare the breast. Bare. Bore; the old preterit of Bear, v. Bare¶back· (?), adv. On the bare back of a horse, without using a saddle; as, to ride bareback. Bare¶backed· (?), a. Having the back uncovered; as, a barebacked horse. Bare¶bone· (?), n. A very lean person; one whose bones show through the skin. Shak. Bare¶faced· (?), a. 1. With the face uncovered; not masked. ½You will play barefaced.¸ Shak. 2. Without concealment; undisguised. Hence: Shameless; audacious. ½Barefaced treason.¸ J. Baillie. Bare¶faced·ly, adv. Openly; shamelessly. Locke. Bare¶faced·ness, n. The quality of being barefaced; shamelessness; assurance; audaciousness. Bare¶foot (?), a. & adv. With the feet bare; without shoes or stockings. Bare¶foot·ed, a. Having the feet bare. ØBaÏr‚ge¶ (?), n. [F. bar‚ge, so called from Bar‚ges, a town in the Pyrenees.] A gauzelike fabric for ladies' dresses, veils, etc. of worsted, silk and worsted, or cotton and worsted. Bare¶hand·ed (?), n. Having bare hands. Bare¶head·ed (?), Bare¶head, a. & adv. Having the head uncovered; as, a bareheaded girl. Bare¶legged· (?), a. Having the legs bare. Bare¶ly, adv. 1. Without covering; nakedly. 2. Without concealment or disguise. 3. Merely; only. R. For now his son is duke. W. Barely in title, not in revenue. Shak. 4. But just; without any excess; with nothing to spare ( of quantity, time, etc.); hence, scarcely; hardly; as, there was barely enough for all; he barely escaped. Bare¶necked· (?), a. Having the neck bare. Bare¶ness, n. The state of being bare. Bare¶sark (?), n. [Literally, bare sark or shirt.] A Berserker, or Norse warrior who fought without armor, or shirt of mail. Hence, adverbially: Without shirt of mail or armor. Bar¶fish· (?), n. (Zo”l.) Same as Calico bass. Bar¶ful (?), a. Full of obstructions. [Obs.] Shak. Bar¶gain (?), n. [OE. bargayn, bargany, OF. bargaigne, bargagne, prob. from a supposed LL. barcaneum, fr. barca a boat which carries merchandise to the shore; hence, to traffic to and fro, to carry on commerce in general. See Bark a vessel. ] 1. An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds himself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds himself to receive the property and pay the consideration. A contract is a bargain that is legally binding. Wharton. 2. An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge. And whon your honors mean to solemnize The bargain of your faith. Shak. 3. A purchase; also ( when not qualified), a gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase; as, to buy a thing at a bargain. 4. The thing stipulated or purchased; also, anything bought cheap. She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. Shak. Bargain and sale (Law), a species of conveyance, by which the bargainor contracts to convey the lands to the bargainee, and becomes by such contract a trustee for and seized to the use of the bargainee. The statute then completes the purchase; i.e., the bargain vests the use, and the statute vests the possession. Blackstone. Ð Into the bargain, over and above what is stipulated; besides. Ð To sell bargains, to make saucy ( usually indelicate) repartees. [Obs.] Swift. Ð To strike a bargain, to reach or ratify an agreement. ½A bargain was struck.¸ Macaulay. Syn. Ð Contract; stipulation; purchase; engagement. Bar¶gain, v.i. [OE. barganien, OF. bargaigner, F. barguigner, to hesitate, fr. LL. barcaniare. See Bargain, n.] To make a bargain; to make a contract for the exchange of property or services; Ð followed by with and for; as, to bargain with a farmer for a cow. So worthless peasants bargain for their wives. Shak. Bar¶gain, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Bargained (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Bargaining.] To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade; as, to bargain one horse for another. To bargain away, to dispose of in a bargain; Ð usually with a sense of loss or disadvantage; as, to bargain away one's birthright. ½The heir ... had somehow bargained away the estate.¸ G.Eliot. Bar·fainÏee¶ (?), n. [OF. bargaign‚, p.p. See Bargain, v.i.] (Law) The party to a contract who receives, or agrees to receive, the property sold. Blackstone. Bar¶gainÏer (?), n. One who makes a bargain; Ð sometimes in the sense of bargainor. Bar·gainÏor¶ (?), n. (Law) One who makes a bargain, or contracts with another; esp., one who sells, or contracts to sell, property to another. Blackstone. Barge (?), n. [OF. barge, F. berge, fr. LL. barca, for barica (not found), prob. fr. L. baris an Egyptian rowboat, fr. Gr. ?, prob. fr. Egyptian: cf. Coptic bari a boat. Cf. Bark a vessel.] 1. A pleasure boat; a vessel or boat of state, elegantly furnished and decorated. 2. A large, roomy boat for the conveyance of passengers or goods; as, a ship's barge; a charcoal barge. 3. A large boat used by flag officers. 4. A doubleÐdecked passenger or freight vessel, towed by a steamboat. [U.S.] 5. A large omnibus used for excursions. [Local, U.S.] Barge¶board· (?), n. [Perh. corrup. of vergeboard; or cf. LL. bargus a kind of gallows.] A vergeboard. Barge¶course· (?), n. [See Bargeboard.] (Arch.) A part of the tiling which projects beyond the principal rafters, in buildings where there is a gable. Gwilt. BarÏgee¶ (?), n. A bargeman. [Eng.] Barge¶man (?), n. The man who manages a barge, or one of the crew of a barge. Barge¶mast·ter (?), n. The proprietor or manager of a barge, or one of the crew of a barge. Bar¶ger (?),n. The manager of a barge. [Obs.] Bar¶ghest· (?), n. [Perh. G. berg mountain + geist demon, or b„r a bear + geist.] A goblin, in the shape of a large dog, portending misfortune. [Also written barguest.] Ba¶riÏa (?), n. [Cf. Barium.] (Chem.) Baryta. Bar¶ic (?), a. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to barium; as, baric oxide. Bar¶ic, a. [Gr. ? weight.] (Physics) Of or pertaining to weight, esp. to the weight or pressure of the atmosphere as measured by the barometer. BaÏril¶la (?), n. [Sp. barrilla.] 1. (Bot.) A name given to several species of Salsola from which soda is made, by burning the barilla in heaps and lixiviating the ashes. 2. (Com.) (a) The alkali produced from the plant, being an impure carbonate of soda, used for making soap, glass, etc., and for bleaching purposes. (b) Impure soda obtained from the ashes of any seashore plant, or kelp. Ure. Copper barilla (Min.), native copper in granular form mixed with sand, an ore brought from Bolivia; Ð called also Barilla de cobre. ØBar¶ilÏlet (?), n. [F., dim. of baril barrel.] A little cask, or something resembling one. Smart. Bar¶ i·ron (?). See under Iron. Ba¶rite (?), n. (Min.) Native sulphate of barium, a mineral occurring in transparent, colorless, white to yellow crystals (generally tabular), also in granular form, and in compact massive forms resembling marble. It has a high specific gravity, and hence is often called heavy spar. It is a common mineral in metallic veins. Bar¶iÏtone (?), a. & n. See Barytone. Ba¶riÏum (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? heavy.] (Chem.) One of the elements, belonging to the alkaline earth group; a metal having a silverÐwhite color, and melting at a very high temperature. It is difficult to obtain the pure metal, from the facility with which it becomes oxidized in the air. Atomic weight, ?137. Symbol, Ba. Its oxide called baryta. [Rarely written barytum.] µ Some of the compounds of this element are remarkable for their high specific gravity, as the sulphate, called heavy spar, and the like. The oxide was called barote, by Guyton de Morveau, which name was changed by Lavoisier to baryta, whence the name of the metal. Bard (?), n. [Akin to Dan. & Sw. bark, Icel. b”rkr, LG. & HG. borke.] 1. The exterior covering of the trunk and branches of a tree; the rind. 2. Specifically, Peruvian bark. Bark bed. See Bark stove (below). Ð Bark pit, a pit filled with bark and water, in which hides are steeped in tanning. Ð Bark stove (Hort.), a glazed structure for keeping tropical plants, having a bed of tanner's bark ( called a bark bed) or other fermentable matter which produces a moist heat. Bark, v.t. [imp. & p.p. Barked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Barking.] 1. To strip the bark from; to peel. 2. To abrade or rub off any outer covering from; as to bark one's heel. 3. To girdle. See Girdle, v.t., 3. 4. To cover or inclose with bark, or as with bark; as, to bark the roof of a hut. Bark, v.i. [OE. berken, AS. beorcan; akin to Icel. berkja, and prob. to E. break.] 1. To make a short, loud, explosive noise with the vocal organs; Ð said of some animals, but especially of dogs. 2. To make a clamor; to make importunate outcries. They bark, and say the Scripture maketh heretics. Tyndale. Where there is the barking of the belly, there no other commands will be heard, much less obeyed. Fuller. Bark, n. The short, loud, explosive sound uttered by a dog; a similar sound made by some other animals. Bark, Barque (?), n. [F. barque, fr. Sp. or It. barca, fr. LL. barca for barica. See Barge.] 1. Formerly, any small sailing vessel, as a pinnace, fishing smack, etc.; also, a rowing boat; a barge. Now applied poetically to a sailing vessel or boat of any kind. Byron. 2. (Naut.) A threeÐmasted vessel, having her foremast and mainmast squarerigged, and her mizzenmast schoonerÐrigged. Bark¶anÏtine (?), n. Same as Barkentine. Bark¶ bee·tle (?). (Zo”l.) A small beetle of many species (family Scolytid‘), which in the larval state bores under or in the bark of trees, often doing great damage. Bark¶bound· (?), a. Prevented from growing, by having the bark too firm or close. Bar¶keep·er (?), n. One who keeps or tends a bar for the sale of liquors. Bark¶en (?), a. Made of bark. [Poetic] Whittier. Bark¶enÏtine (?), n. [See Bark, n., a vessel.] (Naut.) A threemasted vessel, having the foremast squareÐrigged, and the others schoonerÐrigged. [Spel? also barquentine, barkantine, etc.] See Illust. in Append. Bark¶er (?), n. 1. An animal that barks; hence, any one who clamors unreasonably. 2. One who stands at the doors of shops to urg? passers by to make purchases. [Cant, Eng.] 3. A pistol. [Slang] Dickens. 4. (Zo”l.) The spotted redshank. Bark¶er, n. One who strips trees of their bark. Bark¶er's mill· (?). [From Dr. Barker, the inventor.] A machine, invented in the 17th century, worked by a form of reaction wheel. The water flows into a vertical tube and gushes from apertures in hollow horizontal arms, causing the machine to revolve on its axis. Bark¶erÏy (?), n. A tanhouse. Bark¶ing i·rons (?). 1. Instruments used in taking off the bark of trees. Gardner. 2. A pair of pistols. [Slang] Bark¶less, a. Destitute of bark. Bark¶ louse· (?). (Zo”l.) An insect of the family Coccid‘, which infests the bark of trees and vines. µ The wingless females assume the shape of scales. The bark louse of vine is Pulvinaria innumerabilis; that of the pear is Lecanium pyri. See Orange scale. Bark¶y (?), a. Covered with, or containing, bark. ½The barky fingers of the elm.¸ Shak. Bar¶ley (?), n. [OE. barli, barlich, AS. b‘rlic; bere barley + lÆc (which is prob. the same as E. like, adj., or perh. a form of AS. le¾c leek). AS. bere is akin to Icel, barr barley, Goth. barizeins made of barley, L. far spelt; cf. W. barlys barley, bara bread. ?92. Cf. Farina, 6th Bear.] (Bot.) A valuable grain, of the family of grasses, genus Hordeum, used for food, and for making malt, from which are prepared beer, ale, and whisky.

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Barley bird (Zo”l.), the siskin. Ð Barley sugar, sugar boiled till it is brittle (formerly with a decoction of barley) and candied. Ð Barley water, a decoction of barley, used in medicine, as a nutritive and demulcent. Bar¶leyÏbrake· Bar¶leyÏbreak· } (?), n. An ancient rural game, commonly played round stacks of barley, or other grain, in which some of the party attempt to catch others who run from a goal. Bar¶leyÐbree· (?), n. [Lit. barley broth. See Brew.] Liquor made from barley; strong ale. [Humorous] [Scot.] Burns. Bar¶leyÏcorn· (?), n. [See Corn.] 1. A grain or ½corn¸ of barley. 2. Formerly , a measure of length, equal to the average length of a grain of barley; the third part of an inch. John Barleycorn, a humorous personification of barley as the source of malt liquor or whisky. Barm (?), n. [OE. berme, AS. beorma; akin to Sw. b„rma, G. b„rme, and prob. L. fermenium. û93. Foam rising upon beer, or other malt liquors, when fermenting, and used as leaven in making bread and in brewing; yeast. Shak. Barm , n. [OE. bearm, berm, barm, AS. beorma; akin to E. bear to support.] The lap or bosom. [Obs.] Chaucer. Bar¶maid· (?), n. A girl or woman who attends the customers of a bar, as in a tavern or beershop. A bouncing barmaid. W. Irving. Bar¶mas·ter (?), n. [Berg + master: cf. G. Bergmeister.] Formerly, a local judge among miners; now, an officer of the barmote. [Eng.] Barm¶cloth· (?), n. Apron. [Obs.] Chaucer. Bar¶meÏci·dal (?), a. [See Barmecide.] Unreal; illusory. ½A sort of Barmecidal feast.¸ Hood. Bar¶meÏcide (?), n. [A prince of the Barmecide family, who, as related in the ½Arabian Nights' Tales¸, pretended to set before the hungry Shacabac food, on which the latter pretended to feast.] One who proffers some illusory advantage or benefit. Also used as an adj.: Barmecidal. ½A Barmecide feast.¸ Dickens. Bar¶mote· (?), n. [Barg + mote meeting.] A court held in Derbyshire, in England, for deciding controversies between miners. Blount. Balm¶y (?), a. Full of barm or froth; in a ferment. ½Barmy beer.¸ Dryden. Barn (?), n. [OE. bern, AS. berern, bern; bere barley + ern, ‘rn, a close place. ?92. See Barley.] A covered building used chiefly for storing grain, hay, and other productions of a farm. In the United States a part of the barn is often used for stables. Barn owl (Zo”l.), an owl of Europe and America (Aluco flammeus, or Strix flammea), which frequents barns and other buildings. Ð Barn swallow (Zo”l.), the common American swallow (Hirundo horreorum), which attaches its nest of mud to the beams and rafters of barns. Barn, v.t. To lay up in a barn. [Obs.] Shak. Men ... often barn up the chaff, and burn up the grain. Fuller. Barn, n. A child. [Obs.] See Bairn. Bar¶naÏbite (?), n. (Eccl. Hist.) A member of a religious order, named from St. Barnabas. Bar¶naÏcle (?), n. [Prob. from E. barnacle a kind of goose, which was popularly supposed to grow from this shellfish; but perh. from LL. bernacula for pernacula, dim. of perna ham, sea mussel; cf. Gr. ? ham Cf. F. bernacle, barnacle, E. barnacle a goose; and Ir. bairneach, barneach, limpet.] (Zo”l.) Any cirriped crustacean adhering to rocks, floating timber, ships, etc., esp. (a) the sessile species (genus Balanus and allies), and (b) the stalked or goose barnacles (genus Lepas and allies). See Cirripedia, and Goose barnacle. Barnacle eater (Zo”l.), the orange filefish. Ð Barnacle scale (Zo”l.), a bark louse (Ceroplastes cirripediformis) of the orange and quince trees in Florida. The female scale curiously resembles a sessile barnacle in form. Bar¶naÏcle, n. [See Bernicle.] A bernicle goose. Bar¶naÏcle, n. [OE. bernak, bernacle; cf. OF. bernac, and Prov. F. (Berri) berniques, spectacles.] 1. pl. (Far.) An instrument for pinching a horse's nose, and thus restraining him. [Formerly used in the sing.] The barnacles ... give pain almost equal to that of the switch. Youatt. 2. pl. Spectacles; Ð so called from their resemblance to the barnacles used by farriers. [Cant, Eng.] Dickens. Barn¶yard· (?), n. A yard belonging to a barn. ØBaÏroc¶co (?), a. [It.] (Arch.) See Baroque. Bar¶oÏgraph (?), n. [Gr.? weight + Ðgraph.] (Meteor.) An instrument for recording automatically the variations of atmospheric pressure. BaÏro¶ko (?), n. [A mnemonic word.] (Logic) A form or mode of syllogism of which the first proposition is a universal affirmative, and the other two are particular negative. BaÏrol¶oÏgy (?), n. [Gr. ? weight + Ðlogy.] The science of weight or gravity. Bar·oÏmaÏcrom¶eÏter (?), n. [Gr. ? weight + ? long + Ðmeter.] (Med.) An instrument for ascertaining the weight and length of a newborn infant. BaÏrom¶eÏter (?), n. [Gr. ? weight + Ðmeter: cf. F. baromŠtre.] An instrument for determining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere, and hence for judging of the probable changes of weather, or for ascertaining the height of any ascent. µ The barometer was invented by Torricelli at Florence about 1643. It is made in its simplest form by filling a graduated glass tube about 34 inches long with mercury and inverting it in a cup containing mercury. The column of mercury in the tube descends until balanced by the weight of the atmosphere, and its rise or fall under varying conditions is a measure of the change in the atmospheric pressure. At the sea level its ordinary height is about 30 inches (760 millimeters). See Sympiesometer. Nichol. Aneroid barometer. See Aneroid barometer, under Aneroid. Ð Marine barometer, a barometer with tube contracted at bottom to prevent rapid oscillations of the mercury, and suspended in gimbals from an arm or support on shipboard. Ð Mountain barometer, a portable mercurial barometer with tripod support, and long scale, for measuring heights. Ð Siphon barometer, a barometer having a tube bent like a hook with the longer leg closed at the top. The height of the mercury in the longer leg shows the pressure of the atmosphere. Ð Wheel barometer, a barometer with recurved tube, and a float, from which a cord passes over a pulley and moves an index. Bar·oÏmet¶ric (?), Bar·oÏmet¶ricÏal (?), } a. Pertaining to the barometer; made or indicated by a barometer; as, barometric changes; barometrical observations. Bar·oÏmet¶ricÏalÏly, adv. By means of a barometer, or according to barometric observations. Bar·oÏmet¶roÏgraph (?), n. [Gr. ? weight + ? measure + Ðgraph.] A form of barometer so constructed as to inscribe of itself upon paper a record of the variations of atmospheric pressure. BaÏrom¶eÏtry (?), n. The art or process of making barometrical measurements. Bar¶oÏmetz (?), n. [ Cf. Russ. baranets' clubmoss.] (Bot.) The woollyÐskinned rhizoma or rootstock of a fern (Dicksonia barometz), which, when specially prepared and inverted, somewhat resembles a lamb; Ð called also Scythian lamb. Bar¶on (?), n. [OE. baron, barun, OF. baron, accus. of ber, F. baron, prob. fr. OHG. baro (not found) bearer, akin to E. bear to support; cf. O. Frisian bere, LL. baro, It. barone, Sp. varon. From the meaning bearer (of burdens) seem to have come the senses strong man, man (in distinction from woman), which is the oldest meaning in French, and lastly, nobleman. Cf. L. baro, simpleton. See Bear to support.] 1. A title or degree of nobility; originally, the possessor of a fief, who had feudal tenants under him; in modern times, in France and Germany, a nobleman next in rank below a count; in England, a nobleman of the lowest grade in the House of Lords, being next below a viscount. µ ½The tenants in chief from the Crown, who held lands of the annual value of four hundred pounds, were styled Barons; and it is to them, and not to the members of the lowest grade of the nobility (to whom the title at the present time belongs), that reference is made when we read of the Barons of the early days of England's history.... Barons are addressed as 'My Lord,' and are styled 'Right Honorable.' All their sons and daughters 'Honorable.'¸ Cussans. 2. (Old Law) A husband; as, baron and feme, husband and wife. [R.] Cowell. Baron of beef, two sirloins not cut asunder at the backbone. Ð Barons of the Cinque Ports, formerly members of the House of Commons, elected by the seven Cinque Ports, two for each port. Ð Baron of the exchequer, the judges of the Court of Exchequer, one of the three ancient courts of England, now abolished. Bar¶onÏage (?), n. [OE. barnage, baronage, OF.barnage, F. baronnage; cf. LL. baronagium.] 1. The whole body of barons or peers. The baronage of the kingdom. Bp. Burnet. 2. The dignity or rank of a baron. 3. The land which gives title to a baron. [Obs.] Bar¶onÏess (?), n. A baron's wife; also, a lady who holds the baronial title in her own right; as, the Baroness BurdettÐCoutts. Bar¶onÏet (?), n. [Baron + Ðet.] A dignity or degree of honor next below a baron and above a knight, having precedency of all orders of knights except those of the Garter. It is the lowest degree of honor that is hereditary. The baronets are commoners. µ The order was founded by James I. in 1611, and is given by patent. The word, however, in the sense of a lesser baron, was in use long before. ½Baronets have the title of 'Sir' prefixed to their Christian names; their surnames being followed by their dignity, usually abbreviated Bart. Their wives are addressed as 'Lady' or 'Madam'. Their sons are possessed of no title beyond 'Esquire.'¸ Cussans. Bar¶onÏetÏage (?), n. 1. State or rank of a baronet. 2. The collective body of baronets. Bar¶onÏetÏcy (?), n. The rank or patent of a baronet. BaÏro¶niÏal (?), a. Pertaining to a baron or a barony. ½Baronial tenure.¸ Hallam. Bar¶oÏny (?), n.; pl. Baronies (?). [OF. baronie, F. baronnie, LL. baronia. See Baron.] 1. The fee or domain of a baron; the lordship, dignity, or rank of a baron. 2. In Ireland, a territorial division, corresponding nearly to the English hundred, and supposed to have been originally the district of a native chief. There are 252 of these baronies. In Scotland, an extensive freehold. It may be held by a commoner. Brande & C. BaÏroque¶ (?), a. [F.; cf. It. barocco.] (Arch.) In bad taste; grotesque; odd. Bar¶oÏscope (?), n. [Gr. ? weight + Ðscope: cf. F. baroscope.] Any instrument showing the changes in the weight of the atmosphere; also, less appropriately, any instrument that indicates Ðor foreshadows changes of the weather, as a deep vial of liquid holding in suspension some substance which rises and falls with atmospheric changes. Bar·oÏscop¶ic (?), Bar·oÏscop¶icÏal (?), } a. Pertaining to, or determined by, the baroscope. BaÏrouche¶ (?), n. [G. barutsche, It. baroccio, biroccio, LL. barrotium, fr. L. birotus twoÐwheeled; bi=bis twice + rota wheel.] A fourÐwheeled carriage, with a falling top, a seat on the outside for the driver, and two double seats on the inside arranged so that the sitters on the front seat face those on the back seat. Ba·rouÏchet¶(?), n. A kind of light barouche. Bar¶post· (?), n. A post sunk in the ground to receive the bars closing a passage into a field. Barque (?), n. Same as 3d Bark, n. Bar¶raÏcan (?), n. [F. baracan, bouracan (cf. Pr. barracan, It. baracane, Sp. barragan, Pg. barregana, LL. barracanus), fr. Ar. barrak¾n a kind of black gown, perh. fr. Per. barak a garment made of camel's hair.] A thick, strong stuff, somewhat like camlet; Ð still used for outer garments in the Levant. Bar¶rack (?), n. [F. baraque, fr. It. baracca (cf. Sp. barraca), from LL. barra bar. See Bar, n.] 1. (Mil.) A building for soldiers, especially when in garrison. Commonly in the pl., originally meaning temporary huts, but now usually applied to a permanent structure or set of buildings. He lodged in a miserable hut or barrack, composed of dry branches and thatched with straw. Gibbon. 2. A movable roof sliding on four posts, to cover hay, straw, etc. [Local, U.S.] Bar¶rack, v.t. To supply with barracks; to establish in barracks; as, to barrack troops. Bar¶rack, v.i. To live or lodge in barracks. Bar¶raÏclade (?), n. [D. baar, OD. baer, naked, bare + kleed garment, i.e., cloth undressed or without nap.] A homeÐmade woolen blanket without nap. [Local, New York] Bartlett. Bar¶raÏcoon· (?), n. [Sp. or Pg. barraca. See Barrack.] A slave warehouse, or an inclosure where slaves are quartered temporarily. Du Chaillu. Bar·raÏcu¶da (?), Bar·raÏcou¶ata (?), } n. 1. (Zo”l.) A voracious pikelike, marine fish, o? the genus Sphyr‘na, sometimes used as food. µ That of Europe and our Atlantic coast is Sphyr‘na spet (or S. vulgaris); a southern species is S. picuda; the Californian is S. argentea. 2. (Zo”l.) A large edible freshÐwater fish of Australia and New Zealand (Thyrsites atun). Bar¶rage (?), n. [F., fr. barrer to bar, from barre bar.] (Engin.) An artificial bar or obstruction placed in a river or water course to increase the depth of water; as, the barrages of the Nile. ØBarÏran¶ca (?), n. [Sp.] A ravine caused by heavy rains or a watercourse. [Texas & N. Mex.] ØBar¶ras (?), n. [F.] A resin, called also galipot. Bar¶raÏtor (?), n. [OE. baratour, OF. barateor deceiver, fr. OF. barater, bareter, to deceive, cheat, barter. See Barter, v.i.] One guilty of barratry. Bar¶raÏtrous (?), ? (Law) Tainter with, or constituting, barratry. Ð Bar¶raÏtrousÏly, adv. Kent. Bar¶raÏtry (?), n. [Cf. F. baraterie, LL. barataria. See Barrator, and cf. Bartery.] 1. (Law) The practice of exciting and encouraging lawsuits and quarrels. [Also spelt barretry.] Coke. Blackstone. 2. (Mar. Law) A fraudulent breach of duty or willful act of known illegality on the part of a master of a ship, in his character of master, or of the mariners, to the injury of the owner of the ship or cargo, and without his consent. It includes every breach of trust committed with dishonest purpose, as by running away with the ship, sinking or deserting her, etc., or by embezzling the cargo. Kent. Part. 3. (Scots Law) The crime of a judge who is influenced by bribery in pronouncing judgment. Wharton. Barred¶ owl¶ (?). (Zo”l.) A large American owl (Syrnium nebulosum); Ð so called from the transverse bars of a dark brown color on the breast. Bar¶rel (?), n.[OE. barel, F. baril, prob. fr. barre bar. Cf. Barricade.] 1.A round vessel or cask, of greater length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves bound with hoops, and having flat ends or heads. 2. The quantity which constitutes a full barrel. This varies for different articles and also in different places for the same article, being regulated by custom or by law. A barrel of wine is 31 1/2 gallons; a barrel of flour is 196 pounds. 3. A solid drum, or a hollow cylinder or case; as, the barrel of a windlass; the barrel of a watch, within which the spring is coiled.

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4. A metallic tube, as of a gun, from which a projectile is discharged. Knight. 5. A jar. [Obs.] 1 Kings xvii. 12. 6. (Zo”l.) The hollow basal part of a feather. Barrel bulk (Com.), a measure equal to five cubic feet, used in estimating capacity, as of a vessel for freight. Ð Barrel drain (Arch.), a drain in the form of a cylindrical tube. Ð Barrel of a boiler, the cylindrical part of a boiler, containing the flues. Ð Barrel of the ear ( ? ), the tympanum, or tympanic cavity. Ð Barrel organ, an instrument for producing music by the action of a revolving cylinder. Ð Barrel vault. See under Vault. Bar¶rel (?), v.t. [imp. & p.p. Barreled (?), or Barrelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Barreling, or Barrelling.] To put or to pack in a barrel or barrels. Bar¶reled, Bar¶relled (?), a. Having a barrel; Ð used in composition; as, a doubleÐbarreled gun. Bar¶ren (?), a. [OE. barein, OF. brehaing, ?em. brehaigne, baraigne, F. br‚haigne; of uncertain origin; cf. Arm. br‚kha?, markha?, sterile; LL. brana a sterile mare, principally in Aquitanian and Spanish documents; Bisc. barau, baru, fasting.] 1. Incapable of producing offspring; producing no young; sterile; Ð ?aid of women and female animals. She was barren of children. Bp. Hall. 2. Not producing vegetation, or useful vegetation; ?rile. ½Barren mountain tracts.¸ Macaulay. 3. Unproductive; fruitless; unprofitable; empty. Brilliant but barren reveries. Prescott. Some schemes will appear barren of hints and matter. Swift. 4. Mentally dull; stupid. Shak. Barren flower, a flower which has only stamens without a pistil, or which as neither stamens nor pistils. Ð Barren Grounds (Geog.), a vast tract in British America northward of the forest regions. Ð Barren Ground bear (Zo”l.), a peculiar bear, inhabiting the Barren Grounds, now believed to be a variety of the brown bear of Europe. Ð Barren Ground caribou (Zo”l.), a small reindeer (Rangifer Gr?nlandicus) peculiar to the Barren Grounds and Greenland. Bar¶ren, n. 1. A tract of barren land. 2. pl. Elevated lands or plains on which grow small trees, but not timber; as, pine barrens; oak barrens. They are not necessarily sterile, and are often fertile. [Amer.] J. Pickering. Bar¶renÏly, adv. Unfruitfully; unproductively. Bar¶renÏness, n. The condition of being barren; sterility; unproductiveness. A total barrenness of invention. Dryden. Bar¶renÏwort· (?), n. (Bot.) An herbaceous plant of the Barberry family (Epimedium alpinum), having leaves that are bitter and said to be sudorific. Bar¶ret (?), n. [F. barrette, LL. barretum a cap. See Berretta, and cf. Biretta.] A kind of cap formerly worn by soldiers; Ð called also barret cap. Also, the flat cap worn by Roman Catholic ecclesiastics. Bar·riÏcade¶ (?), n. [F. barricade, fr. Sp. barricada, orig. a barring up with casks; fr. barrica cask, perh. fr. LL. barra bar. See Bar, n., and cf. Barrel, n.] 1. (Mil.) A fortification, made in haste, of trees, earth, palisades, wagons, or anything that will obstruct the progress or attack of an enemy. It is usually an obstruction formed in streets to block an enemy's access. 2. Any bar, obstruction, or means of defense. Such a barricade as would greatly annoy, or absolutely stop, the currents of the atmosphere. Derham. Bar·riÏcade¶, v. t. [imp. & p.p. Barricaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Barricading.] [Cf. F. barricader. See Barricade, n.] To fortify or close with a barricade or with barricades; to stop up, as a passage; to obstruct; as, the workmen barricaded the streets of Paris. The further end whereof [a bridge] was barricaded with barrels. Hakluyt. Bar·riÏcad¶er (?), n. One who constructs barricades. Bar·riÏca¶do (?), n. & v.t. See Barricade. Shak. Bar¶riÏer (?), n. [OE. barrere, barere, F. barriŠre, fr. barre bar. See Bar, n.] 1. (Fort.) A carpentry obstruction, stockade, or other obstacle made in a passage in order to stop an enemy. 2. A fortress or fortified town, on the frontier of a country, commanding an avenue of approach. 3. pl. A fence or railing to mark the limits of a place, or to keep back a crowd. No sooner were the barriers opened, than he paced into the lists. Sir W. Scott. 4. An any obstruction; anything which hinders approach or attack. ½Constitutional barriers.¸ Hopkinson. 5. Any limit or boundary; a line of separation. 'Twixt that [instinct] and reason, what a nice barrier ! Pope. Barrier gate, a heavy gate to close the opening through a barrier. Ð Barrier reef, a form of coral reef which runs in the general direction of the shore, and incloses a lagoon channel more or less extensive. Ð To fight at barriers, to fight with a barrier between, as a martial exercise. [Obs.] ØBar·riÏgu¶do (?),n. [Native name, fr. Sp. barrigudo bigÐbellied.] (Zo”l.) A large, darkÐcolored, South American monkey, of the genus Lagothrix, having a long prehensile tail. Bar·ringÏout¶ (?), n. The act of closing the doors of a schoolroom against a schoolmaster; Ð a boyish mode of rebellion in schools. Swift. Bar¶risÏter (?), n. [From Bar, n.] Counselor at law; a counsel admitted to plead at the bar, and undertake the public trial of causes, as distinguished from an attorney or solicitor. See Attorney. [Eng.] Bar¶room· (?), n. A room containing a bar or counter at which liquors are sold. Bar¶row (?), n. [OE. barow, fr. AS. beran to bear. See Bear to support, and cf. Bier.] 1. A support having handles, and with or without a wheel, on which heavy or bulky things can be transported by hand. See Handbarrow, and Wheelbarrow. 2. (Salt Works) A wicker case, in which salt is put to drain. Bar¶row (?), n. [OE. barow, bargh, AS. bearg, bearh; akin to Icel. b”rgr, OHG. barh, barug, G. barch. ?95.] A hog, esp. a male hog castrated. Holland. Bar¶row, n. [OE. bergh, AS. beorg, beorh, hill, sepulchral mound; akin to G. berg mountain, Goth. bairgahei hill, hilly country, and perh. to Skr. b?hant high, OIr. brigh mountain. Cf. Berg, Berry a mound, and Borough an incorporated town.] 1. A large mound of earth or stones over the remains of the dead; a tumulus. 2. (Mining) A heap of rubbish, attle, etc. Bar¶rowÏist, n. (Eccl. Hist.) A follower of Henry Barrowe, one of the founders of Independency or Congregationalism in England. Barrowe was executed for nonconformity in 1953. Bar¶ruÏlet (?), n. [Dim. of bar, n.] (Her.) A diminutive of the bar, having one fourth its width. Bar¶ruÏly (?), a. (Her.) Traversed by barrulets or small bars; Ð said of the field. Bar¶ry (?), a. (Her.), Divided into bars; Ð said of the field. Barse (?), n. [AS. bears, b‘rs, akin to D. baars, G. bars, barsch. Cf. 1st Bass, n.] The common perch. See 1st Bass. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell. Bar¶tend·er (?), n. A barkeeper. Bar¶ter (?), v.i. [imp. & p.p. Bartered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Bartering.] [OE. bartren, OF. barater, bareter, to cheat, exchange, perh. fr. Gr. ? to do, deal (well or ill), use practices or tricks, or perh. fr. Celtic; cf. Ir. brath treachery, W. brad. Cf. Barrator.] To traffic or trade, by exchanging one commodity for another, in distinction from a sale and purchase, in which money is paid for the commodities transferred; to truck. Bar¶ter, v.t. To trade or exchange in the way of barter; to exchange (frequently for an unworthy consideration); to traffic; to truck; Ð sometimes followed by away; as, to barter away goods or honor. Bar¶ter, n. 1. The act or practice of trafficking by exchange of commodities; an exchange of goods. The spirit of huckstering and barter. Burke. 2. The thing given in exchange. Syn. Ð Exchange; dealing; traffic; trade; truck. Bar¶terÏer (?), n. One who barters. Bar¶terÏy (?), n. Barter. [Obs.] Camden. Barth (?), n. [Etymol. unknown.] A place of shelter for cattle. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell. BarÏthol¶oÏmew tide· (?). Time of the festival of St. Bartholomew, August 24th. Shak. Bar¶tiÏzan· (?), n. [Cf. Brettice.] (Arch.) A small, overhanging structure for lookout or defense, usually projecting at an angle of a building or near an entrance gateway. Bart¶lett (?), n. (Bot.) A Bartlett pear, a favorite kind of pear, which originated in England about 1770, and was called Williams' Bonchr‚tien. It was brought to America, and distributed by Mr. Enoch Bartlett, of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Bar¶ton (?), n. [AS. beret?n courtyard, grange; bere barley + t?n an inclosure. ] 1. The demesne lands of a manor; also, the manor itself. [Eng.] Burton. 2. A farmyard. [Eng.] Southey. Bar¶tram (?), n. (Bot.) See Bertram. Johnson. Bar¶way· (?), n. A passage into a field or yard, closed by bars made to take out of the posts. Bar¶wise· (?), adv. (Her.) Horizontally. Bar¶wood· (?), n. A red wood of a leguminous tree (Baphia nitida), from Angola and the Gaboon in Africa. It is used as a dyewood, and also for ramrods, violin bows and turner's work. Bar·yÏcen¶tric (?), a. [Gr. ? heavy + ? center.] Of or pertaining to the center of gravity. See Barycentric calculus, under Calculus. BaÏryph¶oÏny (?), n. [Gr. ? heavy + ? a sound voice.] (Med.) Difficulty of speech. BaÏry¶ta (?), n. [Gr. ? heavy. Cf. Baria.] (Chem.) An oxide of barium (or barytum); a heavy earth with a specific gravity above 4. BaÏry¶tes (?), n. [Gr. ? heavy: cf. Gr. ? heaviness, F. baryte.] (Min.) Barium sulphate, generally called heavy spar or barite. See Barite. BaÏryt¶ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to baryta. BaÏry¶toÐcal¶cite (?), n. [Baryta + calcite.] (Min.) A mineral of a white or gray color, occurring massive or crystallized. It is a compound of the carbonates of barium and calcium. Bar¶yÏtone, Bar¶iÏtone (?), a. [Gr. ?; ? heavy + ? tone.] 1. (Mus.) Grave and deep, as a kind of male voice. 2. (Greek Gram.) Not marked with an accent on the last syllable, the grave accent being understood. Bar¶yÏtone, Bar¶iÏtone , n. [F. baryton: cf. It. baritono.] 1. (Mus.) (a) A male voice, the compass of which partakes of the common bass and the tenor, but which does not descend as low as the one, nor rise as high as the other. (b) A person having a voice of such range. (c) The viola di gamba, now entirely disused. 2. (Greek Gram.) A word which has no accent marked on the last syllable, the grave accent being understood. BaÏry¶tum (?), n. [NL.] (Chem.) The metal barium. See Barium. [R.] Ba¶sal (?), a. Relating to, or forming, the base. Basal cleavage. See under Cleavage. Ð Basal plane (Crystallog.), one parallel to the lateral or horizontal axis. Ba¶salÐnerved· (?), a. (Bot.) Having the nerves radiating from the base; Ð said of leaves. BaÏsalt¶ (?),n. [N. basaltes (an African word), a dark and hard species of marble found in Ethiopia: cf. F. basalte.] 1. (Geol.) A rock of igneous origin, consisting of augite and triclinic feldspar, with grains of magnetic or titanic iron, and also bottleÐgreen particles of olivine frequently disseminated. µ It is usually of a greenish black color, or of some dull brown shade, or black. It constitutes immense beds in some regions, and also occurs in veins or dikes cutting through other rocks. It has often a prismatic structure as at the Giant's Causeway, in Ireland, where the columns are as regular as if the work of art. It is a very tough and heavy rock, and is one of the best materials for macadamizing roads. 2. An imitation, in pottery, of natural basalt; a kind of black porcelain. BaÏsalt¶ic (?),a. [Cf. F. basaltique.] Pertaining to basalt; formed of, or containing, basalt; as basaltic lava. BaÏsalt¶iÏform (?), a. [Basalt + Ðform.] In the form of basalt; columnar. BaÏsalt¶oid (?), a. [Basalt + Ðoid.] Formed like basalt; basaltiform. Bas¶an (?), n. Same as Basil, a sheepskin. Bas¶aÏnite (?), n. [L. basanites lapis, Gr. ? the touchstone: cf. F. basanite.] (Min.) Lydian stone, or black jasper, a variety of siliceous or flinty slate, of a grayish or bluish black color. It is employed to test the purity of gold, the amount of alloy being indicated by the color left on the stone when rubbed by the metal. ØBas·bleu¶ (?), n. [F., fr. bas stocking + bleu blue.] A bluestocking; a literary woman. [Somewhat derisive] Bas¶ciÏnet (?), n. [OE. bacinet, basnet, OF. bassinet, bacinet, F. bassinet, dim. of OF. bacin, F. bassin, a helmet in the form of a basin.] A light helmet, at first open, but later made with a visor. [Written also basinet, bassinet, basnet.] Bas¶cule (?), n. [F., a seesaw.] In mechanics an apparatus on the principle of the seesaw, in which one end rises as the other falls. Bascule bridge, a counterpoise or balanced drawbridge, which is opened by sinking the counterpoise and thus lifting the footway into the air. Base (?), a. [OE. bass, F. bas, low, fr. LL. bassus thick, fat, short, humble; cf. L. Bassus, a proper name, and W. bas shallow. Cf. Bass a part in music.] 1. Of little, or less than the usual, height; of low growth; as, base shrubs. [Archaic] Shak. 2. Low in place or position. [Obs.] Shak. 3. Of humble birth; or low degree; lowly; mean. [Archaic] ½A pleasant and base swain.¸ Bacon. 4. Illegitimate by birth; bastard. [Archaic] Why bastard? wherefore base? Shak. 5. Of little comparative value, as metal inferior to gold and silver, the precious metals. 6. Alloyed with inferior metal; debased; as, base coin; base bullion. 7. Morally low. Hence: LowÐminded; unworthy; without dignity of sentiment; ignoble; mean; illiberal; menial; as, a base fellow; base motives; base occupations. ½A cruel act of a base and a cowardish mind.¸ Robynson (More's Utopia). ½Base ingratitude.¸ Milton. 8. Not classical or correct. ½Base Latin.¸ Fuller. 9. Deep or grave in sound; as, the base tone of a violin. [In this sense, commonly written bass.] 10. (Law) Not held by honorable service; as, a base estate, one held by services not honorable; held by villenage. Such a tenure is called base, or low, and the tenant, a base tenant. Base fee, formerly, an estate held at the will of the lord; now, a qualified fee. See note under Fee, n., 4. Ð Base metal. See under Metal. Syn. Ð Dishonorable; worthless; ignoble; lowÐminded; infamous; sordid; degraded. Ð Base, Vile, Mean. These words, as expressing moral qualities, are here arranged in the order of their strength, the strongest being placed first. Base marks a high degree of moral turpitude; vile and mean denote, in different degrees, the want of what is valuable or worthy of esteem. What is base excites our abhorrence; what is vile provokes our disgust or indignation; what is mean awakens contempt. Base is opposed to highÐminded; vile, to noble; mean, to liberal or generous. Ingratitude is base; sycophancy is vile; undue compliances are mean. Base, n.[F. base, L. basis, fr. Gr. ? a stepping step, a base, pedestal, fr. ? to go, step, akin to E. come. Cf. Basis, and see Come.] 1. The bottom of anything, considered as its support, or that on which something rests for support; the foundation; as, the base of a statue. ½The base of mighty mountains.¸ Prescott. 2. Fig.: The fundamental or essential part of a thing; the essential principle; a groundwork. 3. (Arch.) (a) The lower part of a wall, pier, or column, when treated as a separate feature, usually in projection, or especially ornamented. (b) The lower part of a complete architectural design, as of a monument; also, the lower part of any elaborate piece of furniture or decoration. 4. (Bot.) That extremity of a leaf, fruit, etc., at which it is attached to its support.

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