Chapter CCCXLVIII: Preface: Pref"ace, v. i (5)

Defn: The young tissue of a fibrovascular bundle before its component cells have begun to be differentiated. Sachs.

PROCATARCTIC Pro`cat*arc"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. procatarctique. ] (Med.)

Defn: Beginning; predisposing; exciting; initial. [Obs.]

Note: The words procatarctic causes have been used with different significations. Thus they have been employed synonymously with prime causes, exciting causes, and predisposing or remote causes. The physician inquires into the procatarctic causes. Harvey.

PROCATARXIS Pro`cat*arx"is, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)

Defn: The kindling of a disease into action; also, the procatarctic cause. Quincy.

PROCEDENDO Pro`ce*den"do, n. Etym: [Abl. of the gerundive of L. procedere. see Proceed.] (Law) (a) A writ by which a cause which has been removed on insufficient grounds from an inferior to a superior court by certiorari, or otherwise, is sent down again to the same court, to be proceeded in there. (b) In English practice, a writ issuing out of chancery in cases where the judges of subordinate courts delay giving judgment, commanding them to proceed to judgment. (c) A writ by which the commission of the justice of the peace is revived, after having been suspended. Tomlins. Burrill.

PROCEDURE Pro*ce"dure, n. Etym: [F. procédure. See Proceed.]

1. The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct. "The true procedure of conscience." South.

2. A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding. "Gracious procedures." I. Taylor.

3. That which results; issue; product. [Obs.] Bacon.

PROCEED Pro*ceed" v. i. [imp. & p. p. Proceeded; p. pr. & vb. n. Proceeding.] Etym: [F. procéder. fr. L. procedere, processum, to go before, to proceed; pro forward + cedere to move. See Cede.]

1. To move, pass, or go forward or onward; to advance; to continue or renew motion begun; as, to proceed on a journey. If thou proceed in this thy insolence. Shak.

2. To pass from one point, topic, or stage, to another; as, to proceed with a story or argument.

3. To issue or come forth as from a source or origin; to come from; as, light proceeds from the sun. I proceeded forth and came from God. John viii. 42. It proceeds from policy, not love. Shak.

4. To go on in an orderly or regulated manner; to begin and carry on a series of acts or measures; to act by method; to prosecute a design. He that proceeds upon other principles in his inquiry. Locke.

5. To be transacted; to take place; to occur. [Obs.] He will, after his sour fashion, tell you What hath proceeded worthy note to-day. Shak.

6. To have application or effect; to operate. This rule only proceeds and takes place when a person can not of common law condemn another by his sentence. Ayliffe.

7. (Law)

Defn: To begin and carry on a legal process.

Syn. -- To advance; go on; continue; progress; issue; arise; emanate.

PROCEED Pro"ceed n.

Defn: See Proceeds. [Obs.] Howell.

PROCEEDER Pro*ceed"er, n.

Defn: One who proceeds.

PROCEEDING Pro*ceed"ing, n.

1. The act of one who proceeds, or who prosecutes a design or transaction; progress or movement from one thing to another; a measure or step taken in a course of business; a transaction; as, an illegal proceeding; a cautious or a violent proceeding. The proceedings of the high commission. Macaulay.

2. pl. (Law)

Defn: The course of procedure in the prosecution of an action at law. Blackstone. Proceedings of a society, the published record of its action, or of things done at its meetings.

Syn. -- Procedure; measure; step, See Transaction.

PROCEEDS Pro"ceeds, n. pl.

Defn: That which comes forth or results; effect; yield; issue; product; sum accruing from a sale, etc.

PROCELEUSMATIC Proc`e*leus*mat"ic, a. Etym: [L. proceleusmaticus, Gr. procéleusmatique.]

1. Inciting; animating; encouraging. [R.] Johnson.

2. (Pros.)

Defn: Consisting of four short syllables; composed of feet of four short syllables each.

PROCELEUSMATIC Proc`e*leus*mat"ic, n. (Pros.)

Defn: A foot consisting of four short syllables.

PROCELLARIAN Pro`cel*la"ri*an, n. Etym: [L. procella a storm.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of a family of oceanic birds (Procellaridæ) including the petrels, fulmars, and shearwaters. They are often seen in great abundance in stormy weather.

PROCELLOUS Pro*cel"lous, a. Etym: [L. procellosus, fr. procella a storm.]

Defn: Stormy. [Obs.] Bailey.

PROCEPHALIC Pro`ce*phal"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. pro- + cephalic.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: Pertaining to, or forming, the front of the head. Procephalic lobe (Zoöl.), that part of the head of an invertebrate animal which is in front of the mouth.

PROCEPTION Pro*cep"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + L. capere to take.]

Defn: Preoccupation. [Obs.] Eikon Basilik

PROCERE Pro*cere", a. Etym: [L. procerus tall.]

Defn: Of high stature; tall. [Obs.] Evelyn.

PROCEREBRUM Pro*cer"e*brum n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + cerebrum.] (Anat.)

Defn: The prosencephalon.

PROCERES Proc"e*res n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. procer (Zoöl.)

Defn: An order of large birds; the Ratitæ; -- called also Proceri.

PROCERITE Proc"er*ite, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The segment next to the flagellum of the antennæ of Crustacea.

PROCERITY Pro*cer"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. proceritas.]

Defn: Height of stature; tallness. [R.] Johnson.

PROCESS Proc"ess, n. Etym: [F. procès, L. processus. See Proceed.]

1. The act of proceeding; continued forward movement; procedure; progress; advance. "Long process of time." Milton. The thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns. Tennyson.

2. A series of actions, motions, or occurrences; progressive act or transaction; continuous operation; normal or actual course or procedure; regular proceeding; as, the process of vegetation or decomposition; a chemical process; processes of nature. Tell her the process of Antonio's end. Shak.

3. A statement of events; a narrative. [Obs.] Chaucer.

4. (Anat. & Zoöl.)

Defn: Any marked prominence or projecting part, especially of a bone; anapophysis.

5. (Law)

Defn: The whole course of proceedings in a cause real or personal, civil or criminal, from the beginning to the end of the suit; strictly, the means used for bringing the defendant into court to answer to the action; -- a generic term for writs of the class called judicial. Deacon's process Etym: [from H. Deacon, who introduced it] (Chem.), a method of obtaining chlorine gas by passing hydrochloric acid gas over heated slag which has been previously saturated with a solution of some metallic salt, as sulphate of copper. -- Final process (Practice), a writ of execution in an action at law. Burrill. -- In process, in the condition of advance, accomplishment, transaction, or the like; begun, and not completed. -- Jury process (Law), the process by which a jury is summoned in a cause, and by which their attendance is enforced. Burrill. -- Leblanc's process (Chem.), the process of manufacturing soda by treating salt with sulphuric acid, reducing the sodium sulphate so formed to sodium sulphide by roasting with charcoal, and converting the sodium sulphide to sodium carbonate by roasting with lime. -- Mesne process. See under Mesne. -- Process milling, the process of high milling for grinding flour. See under Milling. -- Reversible process (Thermodynamics), any process consisting of a cycle of operations such that the different operations of the cycle can be performed in reverse order with a reversal of their effects.

PROCESSION Pro*ces"sion, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. processio. See Proceed.]

1. The act of proceeding, moving on, advancing, or issuing; regular, orderly, or ceremonious progress; continuous course. Bp. Pearson. That the procession of their life might be More equable, majestic, pure, and free. Trench.

2. That which is moving onward in an orderly, stately, or solemn manner; a train of persons advancing in order; a ceremonious train; a retinue; as, a procession of mourners; the Lord Mayor's procession. Here comes the townsmen on procession. Shak.

3. (Eccl.)

Defn: An orderly and ceremonial progress of persons, either from the sacristy to the choir, or from the choir around the church, within or without. Shipley.

4. pl. (Eccl.)

Defn: An old term for litanies which were said in procession and not kneeling. Shipley. Procession of the Holy Ghost, a theological term applied to the relation of the Holy Spirit to the Father and the Son, the Eastern Church affirming that the Spirit proceeds from the Father only, and the Western Church that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Shipley. -- Procession week, a name for Rogation week, when processions were made; Cross-week. Shipley.

PROCESSION Pro*ces"sion, v. t. (Law)

Defn: To ascertain, mark, and establish the boundary lines of, as lands. [Local, U. S. (North Carolina and Tennessee).] "To procession the lands of such persons as desire it." Burrill.

PROCESSION Pro*ces"sion, v. i.

Defn: To march in procession. [R.]

PROCESSION Pro*ces"sion, v. i.

Defn: To honor with a procession. [R.]

PROCESSIONAL Pro*ces"sion*al, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to a procession; consisting in a procession. The processional services became more frequent. Milman.

PROCESSIONAL Pro*ces"sion*al, n. Etym: [F. processionnal, LL. processionale.]

1. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: A service book relating to ecclesiastical processions. J. Gregory.

2. A hymn, or other selection, sung during a church procession; as, the processional was the 202d hymn.

PROCESSIONALIST Pro*ces"sion*al*ist, n.

Defn: One who goes or marches in a procession. [R.]

PROCESSIONARY Pro*ces"sion*a*ry, a. Etym: [Cf. LL. processionarius, F. processionnaire.]

Defn: Pertaining to a procession; consisting in processions; as, processionary service. Processionary moth (Zoöl.), any moth of the genus Cnethocampa, especially C. processionea of Europe, whose larvæ make large webs on oak trees, and go out to feed in regular order. They are covered with stinging hairs.

PROCESSIONER Pro*ces"sion*er, n.

1. One who takes part in a procession.

2. A manual of processions; a processional. Fuller.

3. An officer appointed to procession lands. [Local, U. S. (North Carolina and Tennessee).] Burrill.

PROCESSIONING Pro*ces"sion*ing, n.

Defn: A proceeding prescribed by statute for ascertaining and fixing the boundaries of land. See 2d Procession. [ Local, U. S.] Bouvier.

PROCESSIVE Pro*ces"sive, a.

Defn: Proceeding; advancing. Because it is language, -- ergo, processive. Coleridge.

PROCESS PLATE Proc"ess plate. (a) A plate prepared by a mechanical process, esp. a photomechanical process. (b) A very slow photographic plate, giving good contrasts between high lights and shadows, used esp. for making lantern slides.

PROCES VERBAL Pro`cès" ver`bal". Etym: [ F.] (French Law)

Defn: An authentic minute of an official act, or statement of facts.

PROCHEIN Pro"chein, a. Etym: [F. prochain, fr. L. (assumed) proximanus, fr. proximus.]

Defn: Next; nearest. Prochein ami or amy ( (Law), the next friend. See under Next.

PROCHORDAL Pro*chor"dal, a. Etym: [Pref. pro + chordal.] (Anat.)

Defn: Situated in front of the notochord; -- applied especially to parts of the cartilaginous rudiments in the base of the skull.

PROCHRONISM Pro"chro*nism n. Etym: [Gr. prochronisme.]

Defn: The dating of an event before the time it happened; an antedating; -- opposed to Ant: metachronism.

PROCHRONIZE Pro"chro*nize, v. t.

Defn: To antedate. Fitzed. Hall.

PROCIDENCE; PROCIDENTIA Proc"i*dence, Proc*i*den"ti*a, n. Etym: [L. procidentia, fr. procidens, p. pr. of procidere to fall down forward.] (Med.)

Defn: A falling down; a prolapsus. [R.] Parr.

PROCIDUOUS Pro*cid"u*ous (, a. Etym: [ L. prociduus.]

Defn: Falling from its proper place.

PROCINCT Pro*cinct" n. Etym: [L. procinctus, fr. procingere, procinctum, to gird up.]

Defn: A state of complete readiness for action. [Obs.] "War in procinct." Milton.

PROCLAIM Pro*claim", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proclaimed; p. pr. & vb. n. Proclaiming.] Etym: [OE. proclamen, L. proclamare; pro before, forward + clamare to call or cry out: cf. F. proclamer. See Claim.]

1. To make known by public announcement; to give wide publicity to; to publish abroad; to promulgate; to declare; as, to proclaim war or peace. To proclaim liberty to the captives. Isa. lxi. 1. For the apparel oft proclaims the man. Shak. Throughout the host proclaim A solemn council forthwith to be held. Milton.

2. To outlaw by public proclamation. I heard myself proclaimed. Shak.

Syn. -- To publish; promulgate; declare; announce. See Announce.

PROCLAIMER Pro*claim"er, n.

Defn: One who proclaims.

PROCLAMATION Proc`la*ma"tion n. Etym: [F. proclamation, L. proclamatio. See Proclaim.]

1. The act of proclaiming; official or general notice; publication. King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted. 1 Kings xv. 22.

2. That which is proclaimed, publicly announced, or officially declared; a published ordinance; as, the proclamation of a king; a Thanksgiving proclamation.

PROCLITIC Pro*clit"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. Enclitic.] (Gr. Gram.)

Defn: Leaning forward; -- said of certain monosyllabic words which are so closely attached to the following word as not to have a separate accent.

PROCLIVE Pro*clive" a. Etym: [L. proclivis sloping, inclined; pro forward + clivus hill: cf. F. proclive. See Declivity, and cf. Proclivous.]

Defn: Having a tendency by nature; prone; proclivous. [R.] Mrs. Browning.

PROCLIVITY Pro*cliv"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. proclivitas: cf. F. proclivité.]

1. Inclination; propensity; proneness; tendency. "A proclivity to steal." Abp. Bramhall.

2. Readiness; facility; aptitude. He had such a dexterous proclivity as his teachers were fain to restrain his forwardness. Sir H. Wotton.

PROCLIVOUS Pro*cli"vous, a. Etym: [L. proclivus. See Proclive.]

1. Inclined; tending by nature. [R.]

2. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Having the incisor teeth directed forward.

PROCOELE Pro*coele", n. Etym: [Pref. pro + Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: A lateral cavity of the prosencephalon; a lateral ventricle of the brain. B. G. Wilder.

PROCOELIA Pro*coe"li*a n.; pl. Procoeliæ (. Etym: [ NL.] (Anat.)

Defn: Same as Procoele.

PROCOELIA Pro*coe"li*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: A division of Crocodilia, including the true crocodiles and alligators, in which the dorsal vertebræ are concave in front.

PROCOELIAN Pro*coe"li*an a. Etym: [See Procoele.] (Anat & Zoöl.)

Defn: Concave in front; as, procoelian vertebræ, which have the anterior end of the centra concave and the posterior convex.

PROCOELIAN Pro*coe"li*an, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A reptile having procoelian vertebræ; one of the Procoelia.

PROCOELOUS Pro*coe"lous, a.

Defn: Same as Procoelian.

PROCONSUL Pro*con"sul, n. Etym: [L., fr. pro for + consul consul.] (Rom. Antiq.)

Defn: An officer who discharged the duties of a consul without being himself consul; a governor of, or a military commander in, a province. He was usually one who had previously been consul.

PROCONSULAR; PROCONSULARY Pro*con"su*lar, Pro*con"su*la*ry, a. Etym: [L. proconsularis: cf. F. proconsulaire.]

1. Of or pertaining of a proconsul; as, proconsular powers.

2. Under the government of a proconsul; as, a proconsular province.

PROCONSULATE Pro*con"su*late, n. Etym: [L. proconsulatus: cf. F. proconsulat.]

Defn: The office jurisdiction of a proconsul, or the term of his office.

PROCONSULSHIP Pro*con"sul*ship n.

Defn: Proconsulate.

PROCRASTINATE Pro*cras"ti*nate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Procrastinated; p. pr. & vb. n. Procrastinating.] Etym: [L. procrastinatus, p. p. of procrastinare to procrastinate; pro forward + crastinus of to-morrow, fr. cras to- morrow.]

Defn: To put off till to-morrow, or from day to day; to defer; to postpone; to delay; as, to procrastinate repentance. Dr. H. More. Hopeless and helpless Ægeon wend, But to procrastinate his lifeless end. Shak.

Syn. -- To postpone; adjourn; defer; delay; retard; protract; prolong.

PROCRASTINATE Pro*cras"ti*nate, v. i.

Defn: To delay; to be dilatory. I procrastinate more than I did twenty years ago. Swift.

PROCRASTINATION Pro*cras`ti*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. procrastinatio: cf. F. procrastination.]

Defn: The act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off to a future time; delay; dilatoriness. Procrastination is the thief of time. Young.

PROCRASTINATOR Pro*cras"ti*na`tor n.

Defn: One who procrastinates, or defers the performance of anything.

PROCRASTINATORY Pro*cras"ti*na*to*ry a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to procrastination; dilatory.

PROCRASTINE Pro*cras"tine v. t.

Defn: To procrastinate. [Obs.]

PROCREANT Pro"cre*ant, a. Etym: [L. procreans, p. pr. of procreare. See Procreate.]

Defn: Generating; producing; productive; fruitful; assisting in procreation. [R.] "His pendent bed and procreant cradle." Shak.

PROCREANT Pro"cre*ant, n.

Defn: One who, or that which, procreates.

PROCREATE Pro"cre*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Procreated; p. pr. & vb. n. Procreating.] Etym: [L. procreatus, p. p. of procreare; pro forward, forth + create to create.]

Defn: To generate and produce; to beget; to engender.

PROCREATION Pro`cre*a"tion n. Etym: [F. procréation, L, procreatio.]

Defn: The act of begetting; generation and production of young. South.

PROCREATIVE Pro"cre*a`tive, a.

Defn: Having the power to beget; generative. Sir M. Hale.

PROCREATIVENESS Pro"cre*a`tive*ness, n.

Defn: The power of generating.

PROCREATOR Pro"cre*a`tor, n. Etym: [L.]

Defn: One who begets; a father or sire; a generator.

PROCRIS Pro"cris n. Etym: [L., the wife of Cephalus, Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Any species of small moths of the genus Procris. The larvæ of some species injure the grapevine by feeding in groups upon the leaves.

PROCRUSTEAN Pro*crus"te*an, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to Procrustes, or the mode of torture practiced by him; producing conformity by violent means; as, the Procrustean treatment; a Procrustean limit. See Procrustes.

PROCRUSTEANIZE Pro*crus"te*an*ize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Procrusteanized; p. pr. & vb. n. Procrusteanizing.]

Defn: To stretch or contract according to some rule or standard.

PROCRUSTES Pro*crus"tes n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Gr. Antiq.)

Defn: A celebrated legendary highwayman of Attica, who tied his victims upon an iron bed, and, as the case required, either stretched or cut of their legs to adapt them to its length; -- whence the metaphorical phrase, the bed of Procrustes.

PROCRUSTESIAN Pro`crus*te"si*an, a.

Defn: See Procrustean.

PROCTITIS Proc*ti"tis, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. -itis.] (Med.)

Defn: Inflammation of the rectum.

PROCTOCELE Proc"to*cele, n. Etym: [Gr. (Med.)

Defn: Inversion and prolapse of the mucous coat of the rectum, from relaxation of the sphincter, with more or less swelling; prolapsus ani. Dunglison.

PROCTODAEUM Proc`to*dæ"um, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: See Mesenteron.

PROCTOR Proc"tor, n. Etym: [OE. proketour, contr. fr. procurator. See Procurator.]

Defn: One who is employed to manage to affairs of another. Specifically: (a) A person appointed to collect alms for those who could not go out to beg for themselves, as lepers, the bedridden, etc.; hence a beggar. [Obs.] Nares. (b) (Eng. Law) An officer employed in admiralty and ecclesiastical causes. He answers to an attorney at common law, or to a solicitor in equity. Wharton. (c) (Ch. of Eng.) A representative of the clergy in convocation. (d) An officer in a university or college whose duty it is to enforce obedience to the laws of the institution.

PROCTOR Proc"tor, v. t.

Defn: To act as a proctor toward; to manage as an attorney or agent. Bp. Warburton.

PROCTORAGE Proc"tor*age n.

Defn: Management by a proctor, or as by a proctor; hence, control; superintendence; -- in contempt. "The fogging proctorage of money." Milton.

PROCTORIAL Proc*to"ri*al, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to a proctor, esp. an academic proctor; magisterial.

PROCTORICAL Proc*tor"ic*al, a.

Defn: Proctorial. [R.]

PROCTORSHIP Proc"tor*ship n.

Defn: The office or dignity of a proctor; also, the term of his office. Clarendon.

PROCTOTOMY Proc*tot"o*my, n. Etym: [Gr. (Surg.)

Defn: An incision into the rectum, as for the division of a stricture.

PROCTUCHA Proc"tu*cha, n. pl. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Zoöl.) (a) A division of Turbellaria including those that have an intestine terminating posteriorly. (b) The Nemertina.

PROCUMBENT Pro*cum"bent, a. Etym: [L. procumbens, -entis, p. pr. of procumbere to fall, bend, or lean forward; pro forward + cumbere (in comp.), akin to cubare to lie down: cf. F. procombant. Cf. Incumbent.]

1. Lying down, or on the face; prone. " Procumbent each obeyed." Cowper.

2. (Bot.)

Defn: Lying on the ground, but without putting forth roots; trailing; prostrate; as, a procumbent stem.

PROCURABLE Pro*cur"a*ble, a.

Defn: Capable of being procured; obtainable. Boyle.

PROCURACY Proc"u*ra*cy, n.; pl. Procuracies. Etym: [LL. procuratia: cf. F. procuratie. See Procuration, and cf,. Proxy.]

1. The office or act of a proctor or procurator; management for another.

2. Authority to act for another; a proxy. [Obs.]

PROCURATION Proc`u*ra"tion n. Etym: [L. procuratio: cf. F. procuration. See Procure.]

1. The act of procuring; procurement.

2. The management of another's affairs.

3. The instrument by which a person is empowered to transact the affairs of another; a proxy.

4. (Ch. of Eng.)

Defn: A sum of money paid formerly to the bishop or archdeacon, now to the ecclesiastical commissioners, by an incumbent, as a commutation for entertainment at the time of visitation; -- called also proxy. Procuration money (Law), money paid for procuring a loan. Blackstone.

PROCURATOR Proc"u*ra`tor, n. Etym: [L.: cf. F. procurateur. See Procure, and cf. Proctor. ]

1. (Law)

Defn: One who manages another's affairs, either generally or in a special matter; an agent; a proctor. Chaucer. Shak.

2. (Rom. Antiq.)

Defn: A governor of a province under the emperors; also, one who had charge of the imperial revenues in a province; as, the procurator of Judea. Procurator fiscal (Scots Law), public prosecutor, or district attorney.

PROCURATORIAL Proc`u*ra*to"ri*al (, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to a procurator, or proctor; made by a proctor. Ayliffe.

PROCURATORSHIP Proc"u*ra`tor*ship, n.

Defn: The office or term of a procurator. Bp. Pearson.

PROCURATORY Pro*cu"ra*to*ry, a. Etym: [L. procuratorius.]

Defn: Tending to, or authorizing, procuration.

PROCURE Pro*cure", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Procured; p. pr. & vb. n. Procuring.] Etym: [F. procurer, L. procurare, procuratum, to take care of; pro for + curare to take care, fr. cura care. See Cure, and cf. Proctor, Proxy.]

1. To bring into possession; to cause to accrue to, or to come into possession of; to acquire or provide for one's self or for another; to gain; to get; to obtain by any means, as by purchase or loan. If we procure not to ourselves more woe. Milton.

2. To contrive; to bring about; to effect; to cause. By all means possible they procure to have gold and silver among them in reproach. Robynson (More's Utopia) . Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall. Shak.

3. To solicit; to entreat. [Obs.] The famous Briton prince and faery knight, . . . Of the fair Alma greatly were procured To make there longer sojourn and abode. Spenser.

4. To cause to come; to bring; to attract. [Obs.] What unaccustomed cause procures her hither Shak.

5. To obtain for illicit intercourse or prostitution.

Syn. -- See Attain.

PROCURE Pro*cure", v. i.

1. To pimp. Shak.

2. To manage business for another in court. [Scot.]

PROCUREMENT Pro*cure"ment, n.

1. The act of procuring or obtaining; obtainment; attainment.

2. Efficient contrivance; management; agency. They think it done By her procurement. Dryden.

PROCURER Pro*cur"er, n. Etym: [Cf. F. procureur.]

1. One who procures, or obtains; one who, or that which, brings on, or causes to be done, esp. by corrupt means.

2. One who procures the gratification of lust for another; a pimp; a pander. South.

PROCURESS Pro*cur"ess, n.

Defn: A female procurer, or pander.

PROCYON Pro"cy*on, n. Etym: [L., a constellation which rises before the Dog Star, Gr.

1. (Astron.)

Defn: a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Canis Minor, or the Little Dog.

2. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A genus of mammals including the raccoon.

PROD Prod, n. Etym: [Cf. Gael. & Ir. brod goad, prickle, sting, and E. brad, also W. procio to poke, thrust.]

1. A pointed instrument for pricking or puncturing, as a goad, an awl, a skewer, etc.

2. A prick or stab which a pointed instrument.

3. A light kind of crossbow; -- in the sense, often spelled prodd. Fairholt.

PROD Prod, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prodded; p. pr. & vb. n. Prodding.]

Defn: To thrust some pointed instrument into; to prick with something sharp; as, to prod a soldier with a bayonet; to prod oxen; hence, to goad, to incite, to worry; as, to prod a student. H. Taylor.

PRODD Prodd, n.

Defn: A crossbow. See Prod, 3.

PRODIGAL Prod"i*gal, a. Etym: [L. prodigus, from prodigere to drive forth, to squander away; pro forward, forth + agere to drive; cf. F. prodigue. See Agent. ]

Defn: Given to extravagant expenditure; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as, a prodigal man; the prodigal son; prodigal giving; prodigal expenses. In fighting fields [patriots] were prodigal of blood. Dryden.

Syn. -- Profuse; lavish; extravagant; squandering; wasteful. See Profuse.

PRODIGAL Prod"i*gal, n.

Defn: One who expends money extravagantly, viciously, or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish in any expenditure; a waster; a spendthrift. "Noble prodigals of life." Trench.

PRODIGALITY Prod`i*gal"i*ty, n. Etym: [F. prodigalité, L. prodigalitas. See Prodigal.]

Defn: Extravagance in expenditure, particularly of money; excessive liberality; profusion; waste; -- opposed to frugality, economy, and parsimony."The prodigality of his wit." Dryden.

PRODIGALIZE Prod"i*gal*ize, v. i.

Defn: To act as a prodigal; to spend liberally. Sherwood.

PRODIGALIZE Prod"i*gal*ize, v. t.

Defn: To expend lavishly. Ld. Lytton.

PRODIGALLY Prod"i*gal*ly, adv.

Defn: In a prodigal manner; with profusion of expense; extravagantly; wasteful; profusely; lavishly; as, an estate prodigally dissipated. Nature not bounteous now, but lavish grows; Our paths with flowers she prodigally strows. Dryden.

PRODIGATE Prod"i*gate, v. t.

Defn: To squander. Thackeray.

PRODIGENCE Prod"i*gence, n. Etym: [L. prodigentia, fr. prodigens, p. pr. of prodigere. See Prodigal. ]

Defn: Waste; profusion; prodigality. [R.] Bp. Hall.

PRODIGIOUS Pro*di"gious, a. Etym: [L. prodigiosus, fr. prodigium a prodigy; cf. F. prodigieux. See Prodigy.]

1. Of the nature of a prodigy; marvelous; wonderful; portentous. [Obs. or R.] Spenser. It is prodigious to have thunder in a clear sky. Sir T. Browne.

2. Extraordinary in bulk, extent, quantity, or degree; very great; vast; huge; immense; as, a prodigious mountain; a prodigious creature; a prodigious blunder. "Prodigious might." Milton.

Syn. -- Huge; enormous; monstrous; portentous; marvelous; amazing; astonishing; extraordinary.

PRODIGIOUSLY Pro*di"gious*ly, adv.

1. Enormously; wonderfully; astonishingly; as, prodigiously great.

2. Very much; extremely; as, he was prodigiously pleased. [Colloq.] Pope.

PRODIGIOUSNESS Pro*di"gious*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being prodigious; the state of having qualities that excite wonder or astonishment; enormousness; vastness.

PRODIGY Prod"i*gy, n.; pl. Prodigies. Etym: [ L. prodigium; pro before + (perh.) a word appearing in adagium adage: cf. F. prodige. Cf. Adage. ]

1. Something extraordinary, or out of the usual course of nature, from which omens are drawn; a portent; as, eclipses and meteors were anciently deemed prodigies. So many terrors, voices, prodigies, May warn thee, as a sure foregoing sign. Milton.

2. Anything so extraordinary as to excite wonder or astonishment; a marvel; as, a prodigy of learning.

3. A production out of ordinary course of nature; an abnormal development; a monster. B. Jonson.

Syn. -- Wonder; miracle; portent; marvel; monster.

PRODITION Pro*di"tion, n. Etym: [L. proditio, from prodere to give forth, betray: cf. OF. prodition.]

Defn: Disclosure; treachery; treason. [Obs.] Ainsworth.

PRODITOR Prod"i*tor, n. Etym: [L.]

Defn: A traitor. [Obs.]

PRODITORIOUS Prod`i*to"ri*ous, a. Etym: [Cf. OF. proditoire.]

1. Treacherous; perfidious; traitorous. [Obs.] Daniel.

2. Apt to make unexpected revelations. [Obs.] "Nature is proditorious." Sir H. Wotton.

PRODITORY Prod"i*to*ry, a.

Defn: Treacherous. [Obs.]

PRODROMAL Prod"ro*mal, a. (Med.)

Defn: Of or pertaining to prodromes; as, the prodromal stage of a disease.

PRODROME Pro"drome, n. Etym: [Gr. prodrome.]

Defn: A forerunner; a precursor.

PRODROMOUS Prod"ro*mous, a.

Defn: Precursory. [R.]

PRODROMUS Prod"ro*mus, n. Etym: [NL.]

1. A prodrome.

2. A preliminary course or publication; -- used esp. in the titles of elementary works.

PRODUCE Pro*duce", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Produced; p. pr. & vb. n. Producing.] Etym: [L. producere, productum, to bring forward, beget, produce; pro forward, forth + ducere to lead. See Duke.]

1. To bring forward; to lead forth; to offer to view or notice; to exhibit; to show; as, to produce a witness or evidence in court. Produce your cause, saith the Lord. Isa. xli. 21. Your parents did not produce you much into the world. Swift.

2. To bring forth, as young, or as a natural product or growth; to give birth to; to bear; to generate; to propagate; to yield; to furnish; as, the earth produces grass; trees produce fruit; the clouds produce rain. This soil produces all sorts of palm trees. Sandys. [They] produce prodigious births of body or mind. Milton. The greatest jurist his country had produced. Macaulay.

3. To cause to be or to happen; to originate, as an effect or result; to bring about; as, disease produces pain; vice produces misery.

4. To give being or form to; to manufacture; to make; as, a manufacturer produces excellent wares.

5. To yield or furnish; to gain; as, money at interest produces an income; capital produces profit.

6. To draw out; to extend; to lengthen; to prolong; as, to produce a man's life to threescore. Sir T. Browne.

7. (Geom.)

Defn: To extend; -- applied to a line, surface, or solid; as, to produce a side of a triangle.

PRODUCE Pro*duce", v. i.

Defn: To yield or furnish appropriate offspring, crops, effects, consequences, or results.

PRODUCE Prod"uce, n.

Defn: That which is produced, brought forth, or yielded; product; yield; proceeds; result of labor, especially of agricultural labors; hence, specifically, agricultural products.

PRODUCEMENT Pro*duce"ment, n.

Defn: Production. [Obs.]

PRODUCENT Pro*du"cent, n. Etym: [L. producens, p. pr.]

Defn: One who produces, or offers to notice. [Obs.] Ayliffe.

PRODUCER Pro*du"cer, n.

1. One who produces, brings forth, or generates.

2. One who grows agricultural products, or manufactures crude materials into articles of use.

3. (Iron & Steel Manuf.)

Defn: A furnace for producing combustible gas which is used for fuel.

PRODUCE RACE Prod"uce race. (Horse Racing)

Defn: A race to be run by the produce of horses named or described at the time of entry.

PRODUCER'S GOODS Pro*duc"er's goods. (Polit. Econ.)

Defn: Goods that satisfy wants only indirectly as factors in the production of other goods, such as tools and raw material; -- called also instrumental goods, auxiliary goods, intermediate goods, or goods of the second and higher orders, and disting. from consumers' goods.

PRODUCER'S SURPLUS; PRODUCER'S RENT Producer's surplus. (Polit. Econ.)

Defn: Any profit above the normal rate of interest and wages accruing to a producer on account of some monopoly (temporary or permanent) of the means or materials of production; -- called also Producer's rent.

PRODUCIBILITY Pro*du`ci*bil"i*ty, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being producible. Barrow.

PRODUCIBLE Pro*du"ci*ble, a.

Defn: Capable of being produced, brought forward, brought forth, generated, made, or extended. -- Pro*du"ci*ble*ness, n.

PRODUCT Prod"uct, n. Etym: [L. productus, p. pr. of producere. See Produce.]

1. Anything that is produced, whether as the result of generation, growth, labor, or thought, or by the operation of involuntary causes; as, the products of the season, or of the farm; the products of manufactures; the products of the brain. There are the product Of those ill-mated marriages. Milton. These institutions are the products of enthusiasm. Burke.

2. (Math.)

Defn: The number or sum obtained by adding one number or quantity to itself as many times as there are units in another number; the number resulting from the multiplication of two or more numbers; as, the product of the multiplication of 7 by 5 is 35. In general, the result of any kind of multiplication. See the Note under Multiplication.

Syn. -- Produce; production; fruit; result; effect; consequence; outcome; work; performance.

PRODUCT Pro*duct", v. t.

1. To produce; to bring forward. "Producted to . . . examination." [Obs.] Foxe.

2. To lengthen out; to extend. [Obs.] He that doth much . . . products his mortality. Hackett.

3. To produce; to make. [Obs.] Holinshed.

PRODUCTIBILITY Pro*duct`i*bil"i*ty, n.

Defn: The state of being productible; producibility. Ruskin.

PRODUCTIBLE Pro*duct"i*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. productible.]

Defn: Capable of being produced; producible.

PRODUCTILE Pro*duc"tile, a. Etym: [L. productilis, fr. producere to stretch out.]

Defn: Capable of being extended or prolonged; extensible; ductile.

PRODUCTION Pro*duc"tion, n. Etym: [L. productio a lengthening, prolonging: cf. F. production. See Produce. ]

1. The act or process or producing, bringing forth, or exhibiting to view; as, the production of commodities, of a witness.

2. That which is produced, yielded, or made, whether naturally, or by the application of intelligence and labor; as, the productions of the earth; the productions of handicraft; the productions of intellect or genius.

3. The act of lengthening out or prolonging.

Syn. -- Product; produce; fruit; work; performance; composition.

PRODUCTIVE Pro*duc"tive, a. Etym: [F. productif, L. productivus fit for prolongation.]

1. Having the quality or power of producing; yielding or furnishing results; as, productive soil; productive enterprises; productive labor, that which increases the number or amount of products.

2. Bringing into being; causing to exist; producing; originative; as, an age productive of great men; a spirit productive of heroic achievements. And kindle with thy own productive fire. Dryden. This is turning nobility into a principle of virtue, and making it productive of merit. Spectator.

3. Producing, or able to produce, in large measure; fertile; profitable. -- Pro*duc"tive*ly, adv. -- Pro*duc"tive*ness, n.

PRODUCTIVITY Pro`duc*tiv"i*ty, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being productive; productiveness. Emerson. Not indeed as the product, but as the producing power, the productivity. Coleridge.

PRODUCTRESS Pro*duc"tress, n.

Defn: A female producer.

PRODUCTUS Pro*duc"tus, n. Etym: [NL. See Product.] (Paleon.)

Defn: An extinct genus of brachiopods, very characteristic of the Carboniferous rocks.

PROEGUMINAL Pro`e*gu"mi*nal, a. Etym: [Gr. proégumène.] (Med.)

Defn: Serving to predispose; predisposing; as, a proeguminal cause of disease.

PROEM Pro"em, n. Etym: [L. prooemium, Gr. proème.]

Defn: Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude. Thus much may serve by way of proem. Swift.

PROEM Pro"em, v. t.

Defn: To preface. [Obs.] South.

PROEMBRYO Pro*em"bry*o, n. Etym: [Pref. pro- + embryo. ] (Bot.) (a) The series of cells formed in the ovule of a flowering plant after fertilization, but before the formation of the embryo. (b) The primary growth from the spore in certain cryptogamous plants; as, the proembryo, or protonema, of mosses.

PROEMIAL Pro*e"mi*al, a.

Defn: Introductory; prefatory; preliminary. [R.] Hammond.

PROEMPTOSIS Pro`emp*to"sis, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Chron.)

Defn: The addition of a day to the lunar calendar. [R.] See Metemptosis.

PROFACE Pro"face, interj. Etym: [OF. prou face, prou fasse; prou profit + faire to make, do.]

Defn: Much good may it do you! -- a familiar salutation or welcome. [Obs.] Master page, good master page, sit. Proface! Shak.

PROFANATE Prof"a*nate, v. t.

Defn: To profane. [Obs.]

PROFANATION Prof`a*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. profanatio: cf. F. profanation. See Profane, v. t.]

1. The act of violating sacred things, or of treating them with contempt or irreverence; irreverent or too familiar treatment or use of what is sacred; desecration; as, the profanation of the Sabbath; the profanation of a sanctuary; the profanation of the name of God.

2. The act of treating with abuse or disrespect, or with undue publicity, or lack of delicacy. 'T were profanation of our joys To tell the laity our love. Donne.

PROFANE Pro*fane", a. Etym: [F., fr. L. profanus, properly, before the temple, i. e., without the temple, unholy; pro before + fanum temple. See 1st Fane.]

1. Not sacred or holy; not possessing peculiar sanctity; unconsecrated; hence, relating to matters other than sacred; secular; -- opposed to sacred, religious, or inspired; as, a profane place. "Profane authors." I. Disraeli. The profane wreath was suspended before the shrine. Gibbon.

2. Unclean; impure; polluted; unholy. Nothing is profane that serveth to holy things. Sir W. Raleigh.

3. Treating sacred things with contempt, disrespect, irreverence, or undue familiarity; irreverent; impious. Hence, specifically; Irreverent in language; taking the name of God in vain; given to swearing; blasphemous; as, a profane person, word, oath, or tongue. 1 Tim. i. 9.

Syn. -- Secular; temporal; worldly; unsanctified; unhallowed; unholy; irreligious; irreverent; ungodly; wicked; godless; impious. See Impious.

PROFANE Pro*fane", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Profaned; p. pr. & vb. n. Profaning.] Etym: [L. profanare: cf. F. profaner. See Profane, a.]

1. To violate, as anything sacred; to treat with abuse, irreverence, obloquy, or contempt; to desecrate; to pollute; as, to profane the name of God; to profane the Scriptures, or the ordinance of God. The priests in the temple profane the sabbath. Matt. xii. 5.

2. To put to a wrong or unworthy use; to make a base employment of; to debase; to abuse; to defile. So idly to profane the precious time. Shak.

PROFANELY Pro*fane"ly, adv.

Defn: In a profane manner. The character of God profanely impeached. Dr. T. Dwight.

PROFANENESS Pro*fane"ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being profane; especially, the use of profane language.

PROFANER Pro*fan"er, n.

Defn: One who treats sacred things with irreverence, or defiles what is holy; one who uses profane language. Hooker.

PROFANITY Pro*fan"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. profanitas.]

1. The quality or state of being profane; profaneness; irreverence; esp., the use of profane language; blasphemy.

2. That which is profane; profane language or acts. The brisk interchange of profanity and folly. Buckminster.

PROFECTION Pro*fec"tion, n. Etym: [See Proficient.]

Defn: A setting out; a going forward; advance; progression. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

PROFECTITIOUS Pro`fec*ti"tious, a. Etym: [L. profectitius, fr. proficisci to set out, proceed.]

Defn: Proceeding from, as from a parent; derived, as from an ancestor. [R.] The threefold distinction of profectitious, adventitious, and professional was ascertained. Gibbon.

PROFERT Pro"fert, n. Etym: [L., he brings forward, 3d pers. pr. of proferre. See Proffer. ] (Law)

Defn: The exhibition or production of a record or paper in open court, or an allegation that it is in court.

PROFESS Pro*fess", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Professed; p. pr. & vb. n. Professing.] Etym: [F. profès, masc., professe, fem., professed (monk or nun), L. professus, p. p. of profiteri to profess; pro before, forward + fateri to confess, own. See Confess.]

1. To make open declaration of, as of one's knowledge, belief, action, etc.; to avow or acknowledge; to confess publicly; to own or admit freely. "Hear me profess sincerely." Shak. The best and wisest of them all professed To know this only, that he nothing knew. Milton.

2. To set up a claim to; to make presence to; hence, to put on or present an appearance of. I do profess to be no less than I seem. Shak.

3. To present to knowledge of, to proclaim one's self versed in; to make one's self a teacher or practitioner of, to set up as an authority respecting; to declare (one's self to be such); as, he professes surgery; to profess one's self a physician.

PROFESS Pro*fess", v. i.

1. To take a profession upon one's self by a public declaration; to confess. Drayton.

2. To declare friendship. [Obs.] Shak.

PROFESSED Pro*fessed", a.

Defn: Openly declared, avowed, acknowledged, or claimed; as, a professed foe; a professed tyrant; a professed Christian. The professed (R. C. Ch.) , a certain class among the Jesuits bound by a special vow. See the note under Jesuit.

PROFESSEDLY Pro*fess"ed*ly, adv.

Defn: By profession.

PROFESSION Pro*fes"sion, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. professio. See Profess, v.]

1. The act of professing or claiming; open declaration; public avowal or acknowledgment; as, professions of friendship; a profession of faith. A solemn vow, promise, and profession. Bk. of Com. Prayer.

2. That which one professed; a declaration; an avowal; a claim; as, his professions are insincere. The Indians quickly perceive the coincidence or the contradiction between professions and conduct. J. Morse.

3. That of which one professed knowledge; the occupation, if not mechanical, agricultural, or the like, to which one devotes one's self; the business which one professes to understand, and to follow for subsistence; calling; vocation; employment; as, the profession of arms; the profession of a clergyman, lawyer, or physician; the profession of lecturer on chemistry. Hi tried five or six professions in turn. Macaulay.

Note: The three professions, or learned professions, are, especially, theology, law, and medicine.

4. The collective body of persons engaged in a calling; as, the profession distrust him.

5. (Eccl. Law.)

Defn: The act of entering, or becoming a member of, a religious order.

PROFESSIONAL Pro*fes"sion*al, a.

1. Of or pertaining to a profession, or calling; conforming to the rules or standards of a profession; following a profession; as, professional knowledge; professional conduct. "Pride, not personal, but professional." Macaulay. "A professional sneerer." De Quincey.

2. Engaged in by professionals; as, a professional race; -- opposed to amateur.

PROFESSIONAL Pro*fes"sion*al, n.

Defn: A person who prosecutes anything professionally, or for a livelihood, and not in the character of an amateur; a professional worker.

PROFESSIONALISM Pro*fes"sion*al*ism, n.

Defn: The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; - - opposed to Ant: amateurism.

PROFESSIONALIST Pro*fes"sion*al*ist, n.

Defn: professional person. [R.]

PROFESSIONALLY Pro*fes"sion*al*ly, adv.

Defn: In a professional manner or capacity; by profession or calling; in the exercise of one's profession; one employed professionally.

PROFESSOR Pro*fess"or, n. Etym: [L., a teacher, a public teacher: cf. F. professeur. See Profess.]

1. One who professed, or makes open declaration of, his sentiments or opinions; especially, one who makes a public avowal of his belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church. "Professors of religion." Bacon.

2. One who professed, or publicly teaches, any science or branch of learning; especially, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business it is to read lectures, or instruct students, in a particular branch of learning; as a professor of theology, of botany, of mathematics, or of political economy.

PROFESSORIAL Pro`fes*so"ri*al, a. Etym: [L. professorius: cf. F. professorial.]

Defn: Of or pertaining to a professor; as, the professional chair; professional interest.

PROFESSORIALISM Pro`fes*so"ri*al*ism, n.

Defn: The character, manners, or habits of a professor. [R.]

PROFESSORIAT Pro`fes*so"ri*at, n.

Defn: See Professoriate.

PROFESSORIATE Pro`fes*so"ri*ate, n.

1. The body of professors, or the professorial staff, in a university or college.

2. A professorship.

PROFESSORSHIP Pro*fess"or*ship, n.

Defn: The office or position of a professor, or public teacher. Walton.

PROFESSORY Pro*fes"so*ry, a. Etym: [L. professorius.]

Defn: Of or pertaining to a professor; professorial. [R.] Bacon.

PROFFER Prof"fer, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proffered; p. pr. & vb. n. Proffering.] Etym: [OE. profren, proferen, F. proférer, fr. L. proferre to bring forth or forward, to offer; pro forward + ferre to bring. See Bear to produce.]

1. To offer for acceptance; to propose to give; to make a tender of; as, to proffer a gift; to proffer services; to proffer friendship. Shak. I reck not what wrong that thou me profre. Chaucer.

2. To essay or attempt of one's own accord; to undertake, or propose to undertake. [R.] Milton.

PROFFER Prof"fer, n.

1. An offer made; something proposed for acceptance by another; a tender; as, proffers of peace or friendship. He made a proffer to lay down his commission. Clarendon.

2. Essay; attempt. [R.] Bacon.

PROFFERER Prof"fer*er, n.

Defn: One who proffers something.

PROFICIENCE; PROFICIENCY Pro*fi"cience, Pro*fi"cien*cy, n.

Defn: The quality of state of being proficient; advance in the acquisition of any art, science, or knowledge; progression in knowledge; improvement; adeptness; as, to acquire proficiency in music.

PROFICIENT Pro*fi"cient, n. Etym: [L. proficiens, -entis, p. pr. of proficere to go forward, make progress; pro forward + facere to make. See Fact, and cf. Profit, (

Defn: One who has made considerable advances in any business, art, science, or branch of learning; an expert; an adept; as, proficient in a trade; a proficient in mathematics, music, etc.

PROFICIENT Pro*fi"cient, a.

Defn: Well advanced in any branch of knowledge or skill; possessed of considerable acquirements; well-skilled; versed; adept,

PROFICIENTLY Pro*fi"cient*ly, adv.

Defn: In a proficient manner.

PROFICUOUS Pro*fic"u*ous, a. Etym: [L. proficuus.]

Defn: Profitable; advantageous; useful. [Obs.] Harvey.

PROFILE Pro"file, n. Etym: [It. profilo, fr. L. pro before + filum a thread, an outline, shape: cf. F. profil. See File arow, and cf. Purfle, Purl, a fringe.]

1. An outline, or contour; as, the profile of an apple.

2. (Paint & Sculp.)

Defn: A human head represented sidewise, or in a side view; the side face or half face.

3. (a) (Arch.) A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of moldings and the like. (b) (Civil Engin.) A drawing exhibiting a vertical section of the ground along a surveyed line, or graded work, as of a railway, showing elevations, depressions, grades, etc. Profile paper (Civil Engin.), paper ruled with vertical and horizontal lines forming small oblong rectangles, adapted for drawing profiles.

PROFILE Pro"file, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Profiled; p. pr. & vb. n. Profiling] Etym: [Cf. F. profiler, It. profilare. See Profile, n.]

1. to draw the outline of; to draw in profile, as an architectural member.

2. (Mech.)

Defn: To shape the outline of an object by passing a cutter around it. Profiling machine, a jigging machine.

PROFILING Pro"fil*ing, n. (Fort.)

Defn: In the construction of fieldworks, the erection at proper intervals of wooden profiles, to show to the workmen the sectional form of the parapets at those points.

PROFILIST Pro"fil*ist, n.

Defn: One who takes profiles.

PROFIT Pro"fit, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. profectus advance, progress, profit, fr. profectum. See Proficient.]

1. Acquisition beyond expenditure; excess of value received for producing, keeping, or selling, over cost; hence, pecuniary gain in any transaction or occupation; emolument; as, a profit on the sale of goods. Let no man anticipate uncertain profits. Rambler.

2. Accession of good; valuable results; useful consequences; benefit; avail; gain; as, an office of profit, This I speak for your own profit. 1 Cor. vii. 35. If you dare do yourself a profit and a right. Shak.

Syn. -- Benefit; avail; service; improvement; advancement; gain; emolument.

PROFIT Prof"it, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Profited; p. pr. & vb. n. Profiting.] Etym: [F. profiter. See Profit, n.]

Defn: To be of service to; to be good to; to help on; to benefit; to advantage; to avail; to aid; as, truth profits all men. The word preached did not profit them. Heb. iv. 2. It is a great means of profiting yourself, to copy diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs. Dryden.

PROFIT Prof"it, v. i.

1. To gain advantage; to make improvement; to improve; to gain; to advance. I profit not by thy talk. Shak.

2. To be of use or advantage; to do or bring good. Riches profit not in the day of wrath. Prov. xi. 4.

PROFITABLE Prof"it*a*ble, a. Etym: [F. profitable.]

Defn: Yielding or bringing profit or gain; gainful; lucrative; useful; helpful; advantageous; beneficial; as, a profitable trade; profitable business; a profitable study or profession. What was so profitable to the empire became fatal to the emperor. Arbuthnot. -- Prof"it*a*ble*ness, n. -- Prof"it*a*bly, adv.

PROFITING Prof"it*ing, n.

Defn: Gain; advantage; profit. That thy profiting may appear to all. 1 Tim. iv. 15.

PROFITLESS Prof"it*less, a.

Defn: Without profit; unprofitable. Shak.

PROFLIGACY Prof"li*ga*cy, n. Etym: [See Profligate, a.]

Defn: The quality of state of being profligate; a profligate or very vicious course of life; a state of being abandoned in moral principle and in vice; dissoluteness.

PROFLIGATE Prof"li*gate, a. Etym: [L. profligatus, p. p. of profligare to strike or dash to the ground, to destroy; pro before + a word akin to fligere to strike. See Afflict.]

1. Overthrown; beaten; conquered. [Obs.] The foe is profligate, and run. Hudibras.

2. Broken down in respect of rectitude, principle, virtue, or decency; openly and shamelessly immoral or vicious; dissolute; as, profligate man or wretch. A race more profligate than we. Roscommon. Made prostitute and profligate muse. Dryden.

Syn. -- Abandoned; corrupt; dissolute; vitiated; depraved; vicious; wicked. See Abandoned.

PROFLIGATE Prof"li*gate, n.

Defn: An abandoned person; one openly and shamelessly vicious; a dissolute person. "Such a profligate as Antony." Swift.

PROFLIGATE Prof"li*gate, v. t.

Defn: To drive away; to overcome.

Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] Harvey.

PROFLIGATELY Prof"li*gate*ly, adv.

Defn: In a profligate manner.

PROFLIGATENESS Prof"li*gate*ness, n.

Defn: The quality of being profligate; an abandoned course of life; profligacy.

PROFLIGATION Prof`li*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. profligatio.]

Defn: Defeat; rout; overthrow. [Obs.] Bacon.

PROFLUENCE Prof"lu*ence, n. Etym: [L. profluentia.]

Defn: Quality of being profluent; course. [R.] Sir H. Wotton.

PROFLUENT Prof"lu*ent, a. Etym: [L. profluens, p. pr. of profluere; pro forward + fluere to flow.]

Defn: Flowing forward, [R.] "In the profluent stream." Milton.

PROFOUND Pro*found", a. Etym: [F. profond, L. profundus; pro before, forward + fundus the bottom. See Found to establish, Bottom lowest part.]

1. Descending far below the surface; opening or reaching to a great depth; deep. "A gulf profound." Milton.

2. Intellectually deep; entering far into subjects; reaching to the bottom of a matter, or of a branch of learning; thorough; as, a profound investigation or treatise; a profound scholar; profound wisdom.

3. Characterized by intensity; deeply felt; pervading; overmastering; far-reaching; strongly impressed; as, a profound sleep. "Profound sciatica." Shak. Of the profound corruption of this class there can be no doubt. Milman.

4. Bending low, exhibiting or expressing deep humility; lowly; submissive; as, a profound bow. What humble gestures! What profound reverence! Dupp

PROFOUND Pro*found", n.

1. The deep; the sea; the ocean. God in the fathomless profound Hath all this choice commanders drowned. Sandys.

2. An abyss. Milton.

PROFOUND Pro*found", v. t.

Defn: To cause to sink deeply; to cause to dive or penetrate far down. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

PROFOUND Pro*found", v. i.

Defn: To dive deeply; to penetrate. [Obs.]

PROFOUNDLY Pro*found"ly, adv.

Defn: In a profound manner. Why sigh you so profoundly Shak.

PROFOUNDNESS Pro*found"ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being profound; profundity; depth. Hooker.

PROFULGENT Pro*ful"gent, a. Etym: [Pref. pro- + L. fulgere to shine.]

Defn: Shining forth; brilliant; effulgent. [Obs.] "Profulgent in preciousness." Chaucer.

PROFUNDITY Pro*fun"di*ty, n.; pl. -ties. Etym: [L. profunditas: cf. F. profondite. See Profound.]

Defn: The quality or state of being profound; depth of place, knowledge, feeling, etc. "The vast profundity obscure." Milton.

PROFUSE Pro*fuse", a. Etym: [L. profusus, p. p. of profundere to pour forth or out; pro forward, forth + fundere to pour: cf. F. profus. See Fuse to melt.]

1. Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful; exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as, a profuse government; profuse hospitality. A green, shady bank, profuse of flowers. Milton.

2. Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse expenditure. "Profuse ornament." Kames.

Syn. -- Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant. -- Profuse, Lavish, Prodigal. Profuse denotes pouring out (as money, etc.) with great fullness or freeness; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks, promises, etc. Lavish is stronger, implying unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his bounties, favors, praises, etc. Prodigal is stronger still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as, prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure some object. Dryden.

PROFUSE Pro*fuse", v. t.

Defn: To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander. [Obs.] Chapman.

PROFUSELY Pro*fuse"ly, adv.

Defn: In a profuse manner.

PROFUSENESS Pro*fuse"ness, n.

Defn: Extravagance; profusion. Hospitality sometimes degenerates into profuseness. Atterbury.

PROFUSION Pro*fu"sion, n. Etym: [L. profusio: cf. F. profusion.]

1. The act of one who is profuse; a lavishing or pouring out without sting. Thy vast profusion to the factious nobles Rowe.

2. Abundance; exuberant plenty; lavish supply; as, a profusion of commodities. Addison.

PROFUSIVE Pro*fu"sive, a.

Defn: Profuse; lavish; prodigal.[Obs.]

PROG Prog, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Progged (. p. pr. & vb. n. Progging.] Etym: [Cf. D. prachen, G. prachern, Dan. prakke, Sw. pracka, to beg, L. procare, procari, to ask, demand, and E. prowl.]

1. To wander about and beg; to seek food or other supplies by low arts; to seek for advantage by mean shift or tricks. [Low] A perfect artist in progging for money. Fuller. I have been endeavoring to prog for you. Burke.

2. To steal; to rob; to filch. [Low] Johnson.

3. To prick; to goad; to progue. [Scot.]

PROG Prog, n.

1. Victuals got by begging, or vagrancy; victuals of any kind; food; supplies. [Slang] Swift. So long as he picked from the filth his prog. R. Browning.

2. A vagrant beggar; a tramp. [Slang]

3. A goal; progue. [Scot.]

PROGENERATE Pro*gen"er*ate, v. t. Etym: [L. progeneratus, p. p. of progenerare to beget; pro forth, forward + generare to generate.]

Defn: To beget; to generate; to produce; to procreate; as, to progenerate a race. [R.] Landor.

PROGENERATION Pro*gen`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. progeneratio.]

Defn: The act of begetting; propagation. [R.]

PROGENITOR Pro*gen"i*tor, n. Etym: [OF. progeniteur, L. progenitor, fr. progignere, progenitum, to bring forth, to beget; pro forth + gignere to beget. See Gender kind.]

Defn: An ancestor in the direct line; a forefather. And reverence thee their great progenitor. Milton.

PROGENITORSHIP Pro*gen"i*tor*ship, n.

Defn: The state of being a progenitor.

PROGENITRESS Pro*gen"i*tress, n.

Defn: A female progenitor.

PROGENITURE Pro*gen"i*ture, n. Etym: [F. progéniture.]

Defn: A begetting, or birth. [R.]

PROGENY Prog"e*ny, n. Etym: [OE. progenie, F. progénie, fr. L. progenies, fr. progignere. See Progenitor.]

Defn: Descendants of the human kind, or offspring of other animals; children; offspring; race, lineage. " Issued from the progeny of kings." Shak.

PROGLOTTID Pro*glot"tid, n. (Zoöl)

Defn: Proglottis.

PROGLOTTIS Pro*glot"tis, n.; pl. Proglottides. Etym: [NL. fr. Gr. (Zoöl)

Defn: One of the free, or nearly free, segments of a tapeworm. It contains both male and female reproductive organs, and is capable of a brief independent existence.

PROGNATHI Prog"na*thi, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Prognathous.] (Zoöl)

Defn: A comprehensive group of mankind, including those that have prognathous jaws.

PROGNATHIC Prog*nath"ic, a. (Anat.)

Defn: Prognathous.

PROGNATHISM Prog"na*thism, n. (Anat.)

Defn: Projection of the jaws. -- Prog"na*thy, n.

PROGNATHOUS Prog"na*thous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Anat.)

Defn: Having the jaws projecting beyond the upper part of the face; - - opposed to orthognathous. See Gnathic index, under Gnathic. Their countenances had the true prognathous character. Kane.

PROGNE Prog"ne, n. Etym: [L., a swallow, traditionally said to be fr. Progne (The sister of Philomela), who was changed into a swallow, Gr. (Zoöl.) (a) A swallow. (b) A genus of swallows including the purple martin. See Martin. (c) An American butterfly (Polygonia, or Vanessa, Progne). It is orange and black above, grayish beneath, with an L-shaped silver mark on the hind wings. Called also gray comma.

PROGNOSIS Prog*no"sis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Know.] (Med.)

Defn: The act or art of foretelling the course and termination of a disease; also, the outlook afforded by this act of judgment; as, the prognosis of hydrophobia is bad.

PROGNOSTIC Prog*nos"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. Prognosis.]

Defn: Indicating something future by signs or symptoms; foreshowing; aiding in prognosis; as, the prognostic symptoms of a disease; prognostic signs.

PROGNOSTIC Prog*nos"tic, n. Etym: [L. prognosticum, Gr. pronostic, prognostic. See Prognostic, a.]

1. That which prognosticates; a sign by which a future event may be known or foretold; an indication; a sign or omen; hence, a foretelling; a prediction. That choice would inevitably be considered by the country as a prognostic of the highest import. Macaulay.