Chapter CDXLI: Prologue (92)

Note: It is purified by distillation, and is obtained as a lemon- yellow powder (by sublimation), called flour, or flowers, of sulphur, or in cast sticks called roll sulphur, or brimstone. It burns with a blue flame and a peculiar suffocating odor. It is an ingredient of gunpowder, is used on friction matches, and in medicine (as a laxative and insecticide), but its chief use is in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Sulphur can be obtained in two crystalline modifications, in orthorhombic octahedra, or in monoclinic prisms, the former of which is the more stable at ordinary temperatures. Sulphur is the type, in its chemical relations, of a group of elements, including selenium and tellurium, called collectively the sulphur group, or family. In many respects sulphur resembles oxygen.

2. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Any one of numerous species of yellow or orange butterflies of the subfamily Pierinæ; as, the clouded sulphur (Eurymus, or Colias, philodice), which is the common yellow butterfly of the Eastern United States. Amorphous sulphur (Chem.), an elastic variety of sulphur of a resinous appearance, obtained by pouring melted sulphur into water. On standing, it passes back into a brittle crystalline modification. -- Liver of sulphur. (Old Chem.) See Hepar. -- Sulphur acid. (Chem.) See Sulphacid. -- Sulphur alcohol. (Chem.) See Mercaptan. -- Sulphur auratum Etym: [L.] (Old Chem.), a golden yellow powder, consisting of antimonic sulphide, Sb2S5, -- formerly a famous nostrum. -- Sulphur base (Chem.), an alkaline sulphide capable of acting as a base in the formation of sulphur salts according to the old dual theory of salts. [Archaic] -- Sulphur dioxide (Chem.), a colorless gas, SO2, of a pungent, suffocating odor, produced by the burning of sulphur. It is employed chiefly in the production of sulphuric acid, and as a reagent in bleaching; -- called also sulphurous anhydride, and formerly sulphurous acid. -- Sulphur ether (Chem.), a sulphide of hydrocarbon radicals, formed like the ordinary ethers, which are oxides, but with sulphur in the place of oxygen. -- Sulphur salt (Chem.), a salt of a sulphacid; a sulphosalt. -- Sulphur showers, showers of yellow pollen, resembling sulphur in appearance, often carried from pine forests by the wind to a great distance. -- Sulphur trioxide (Chem.), a white crystalline solid, SO3, obtained by oxidation of sulphur dioxide. It dissolves in water with a hissing noise and the production of heat, forming sulphuric acid, and is employed as a dehydrating agent. Called also sulphuric anhydride, and formerly sulphuric acid. -- Sulphur whale. (Zoöl.) See Sulphur-bottom. -- Vegetable sulphur (Bot.), lycopodium powder. See under Lycopodium.

SULPHURATE Sul"phu*rate, a. Etym: [L. sulphuratus, sulfuratus.]

Defn: Sulphureous. [Poetic & R.] Dr. H. More.

SULPHURATE Sul"phu*rate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sulphurated; p. pr. & vb. n. Sulphurating.] (Chem.)

Defn: To sulphurize. [Archaic]

SULPHURATION Sul`phu*ra"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. sulfuration, L. sulphuratio, sulfuratio, a vein of sulphur.]

Defn: The act or process of combining or impregnating with sulphur or its compounds; also, the state of being so combined or impregnated.

SULPHURATOR Sul"phu*ra`tor, n.

Defn: An apparatus for impregnating with, or exposing to the action of, sulphur; especially, an apparatus for fumigating or bleaching by means of the fumes of burning sulphur.

SULPHUR-BOTTOM Sul`phur-bot"tom, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A very large whalebone whale of the genus Sibbaldius, having a yellowish belly; especially, S. sulfureus of the North Pacific, and S. borealis of the North Atlantic; -- called also sulphur whale.

SULPHUREITY Sul`phu*re"i*ty, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being sulphureous. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

SULPHUREOUS Sul*phu"re*ous, a. Etym: [L. sulphureus, sulfureus.]

Defn: Consisting of sulphur; having the qualities of sulphur, or brimstone; impregnated with sulphur. Her snakes united, sulphureous waters drink. Pope. -- Sul*phu"re*ous*ly, adv. -- Sul*phu"re*ous*ness, n.

SULPHURET Sul"phu*ret, n. (Chem.)

Defn: A sulphide; as, a sulphuret of potassium. [Obsoles.]

SULPHURETED Sul"phu*ret`ed, a. (Chem.)

Defn: Combined or impregnated with sulphur; sulphurized. [Written also sulphuretted.] Sulphureted hydrogen. (Chem.) See Hydrogen sulphide, under Hydrogen.

SULPHURIC Sul*phu"ric, a. Etym: [Cf. F. sulfurique.]

1. Of or pertaining to sulphur; as, a sulphuric smell.

2. (Chem.)

Defn: Derived from, or containing, sulphur; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a higher valence as contrasted with the sulphurous compounds; as, sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid. (a) Sulphur trioxide (see under Sulphur); -- formerly so called on the dualistic theory of salts. [Obs.] (b) A heavy, corrosive, oily liquid, H2SO4, colorless when pure, but usually yellowish or brownish, produced by the combined action of sulphur dioxide, oxygen (from the air), steam, and nitric fumes. It attacks and dissolves many metals and other intractable substances, sets free most acids from their salts, and is used in the manufacture of hydrochloric and nitric acids, of soda, of bleaching powders, etc. It is also powerful dehydrating agent, having a strong affinity for water, and eating and corroding paper, wood, clothing, etc. It is thus used in the manufacture of ether, of imitation parchment, and of nitroglycerin. It is also used in etching iron, in removing iron scale from forgings, in petroleum refining, etc., and in general its manufacture is the most important and fundamental of all the chemical industries. Formerly called vitriolic acid, and now popularly vitriol, and oil of vitriol. -- Fuming sulphuric acid, or Nordhausen sulphuric acid. See Disulphuric acid, under Disulphuric. -- Sulphuric anhydride, sulphur trioxide. See under Sulphur. -- Sulphuric ether, common anæsthetic ether; -- so called because made by the catalytic action of sulphuric acid on alcohol. See Ether, 3 (a).

SULPHURINE Sul"phur*ine, a.

Defn: Sulphureous. [R.]

SULPHURING Sul"phur*ing, n.

Defn: Exposure to the fumes of burning sulphur, as in bleaching; the process of bleaching by exposure to the fumes of sulphur.

SULPHURIZE Sul"phur*ize, v. t. (Chem.)

Defn: To combine or impregnate with sulphur or any of its compounds; as, to sulphurize caoutchouc in vulcanizing.

SULPHUROUS Sul"phur*ous, a. Etym: [L. sulphurosus, sulfurosus: cf. F. sulfureux.]

1. Of or pertaining to sulphur.

2. (Chem.) (a) Derived from, or containing, sulphur; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a lower valence as contrasted with the sulphuric compounds. (b) Having the characteristic odor of sulphur dioxide, or of hydrogen sulphide, or of other sulphur compounds. Sulphurous acid. (a) Sulphur dioxide. See under Sulphur. [Obs.] (b) An acid, H2SO3, not known in the free state except as a solution of sulphur dioxide in water, but forming a well-known series of salts (the sulphites). -- Sulphurous anhydride (Chem.), sulphur dioxide. See under Sulphur.

SULPHURWORT Sul"phur*wort`, n. (Bot.)

Defn: The hog's fennel. See under Fennel.

SULPHURY Sul"phur*y, a.

Defn: Resembling, or partaking of the nature of, sulphur; having the qualities of sulphur.

SULPHURYL Sul"phur*yl, n. Etym: [Sulphur + -yl.] (Chem.)

Defn: The hypothetical radical SO2; -- called also sulphon. Sulphuryl chloride, a chloride, pungent, fuming liquid, SO2.Cl2, obtained by the action of phosphorus pentachloride on sulphur trioxide. On treatment with water it decomposes into sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, and is hence called also sulphuric chloranhydride.

SULPHYDRATE Sul*phy"drate, n. (Chem.)

Defn: A compound, analogous to a hydrate, regarded as a salt of sulphydric acid, or as a derivative of hydrogen sulphide in which one half of the hydrogen is replaced by a base (as potassium sulphydrate, KSH), or as a hydrate in which the oxygen has been wholly or partially replaced by sulphur.

SULPHYDRIC Sul*phy"dric, a. (Chem.)

Defn: Of, pertaining to, or designating, hydrogen sulphide, which is regarded as an acid, especially when in solution.

SULPICIAN Sul*pi"cian, n. Etym: [So called after the parish of St. Sulpice in Paris, of which the founder, Jean Jacques Olier, was pastor in 1643.] (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: One of an order of priests established in France in 1642 to educate men for the ministry. The order was introduced soon afterwards into Canada, and in 1791 into the United States. [Written also Sulpitian.]

SULTAN Sul"tan, n. Etym: [F. sultan (cf. Sp. soldan, It. sultano, soldano), Ar. sultan sultan, dominion. Cf. Soldan.]

Defn: A ruler, or sovereign, of a Mohammedan state; specifically, the ruler of the Turks; the Padishah, or Grand Seignior; -- officially so called. Sultan flower. (Bot.) See Sweet sultan, under Sweet.

SULTANA Sul*ta"na, n. Etym: [It.]

1. The wife of a sultan; a sultaness.

2. pl.

Defn: A kind of seedless raisin produced near Smyrna in Asiatic Turkey. Sultana bird (Zoöl.), the hyacinthine, or purple, gallinule. See Illust. under Gallinule.

SULTANATE Sul"tan*ate, n. Etym: [Cf. F. sultanat.]

Defn: The rule or dominion of a sultan; sultanship.

SULTANESS Sul"tan*ess, n.

Defn: A sultana.

SULTANIC Sul*tan"ic, a.

Defn: Pertaining to a sultan.

SULTAN-RED Sul"tan-red`, a.

Defn: Having a deep red color.

SULTANRY Sul"tan*ry, n.

Defn: The dominions of a sultan. Bacon.

SULTANSHIP Sul"tan*ship, n.

Defn: The office or dignity of a sultan.

SULTANY Sul"tan*y, n.

Defn: Sultanry. [Obs.] Fuller.

SULTRILY Sul"tri*ly, adv.

Defn: In a sultry manner.

SULTRINESS Sul"tri*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being sultry.

SULTRY Sul"try, a. [Compar. Sultrier; superl. Sultriest.] Etym: [From Sweltry.]

1. Very hot, burning, and oppressive; as, Libya's sultry deserts. Such as, born beneath the burning sky And sultry sun, betwixt the tropics lie. Dryden.

2. Very hot and moist, or hot, close, stagnant, and oppressive, as air. When in the sultry glebe I faint, Or on the thirsty mountain plant. Addison.

SULU Su*lu", n. [Malay Suluk.]

Defn: A member of the most prominent tribe of the Moro tribes, occupying the Sulu Archipelago; also, their language.

SUM Sum, n. Etym: [OE. summe, somme, OF. sume, some, F. somme, L. summa, fr. summus highest, a superlative from sub under. See Sub-, and cf. Supreme.]

1. The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particulars added together; as, the sum of 5 and 7 is 12. Take ye the sum of all the congregation. Num. i. 2.

Note: Sum is now commonly applied to an aggregate of numbers, and number to an aggregate of persons or things.

2. A quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely; as, a sum of money; a small sum, or a large sum. "The sum of forty pound." Chaucer. With a great sum obtained I this freedom. Acts xxii. 28.

3. The principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the amount; the substance; compendium; as, this is the sum of all the evidence in the case; this is the sum and substance of his objections.

4. Height; completion; utmost degree. Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought My story to the sum of earthly bliss. Milton.

5. (Arith.)

Defn: A problem to be solved, or an example to be wrought out. Macaulay. A sum in arithmetic wherein a flaw discovered at a particular point is ipso facto fatal to the whole. Gladstone. A large sheet of paper . . . covered with long sums. Dickens. Algebraic sum, as distinguished from arithmetical sum, the aggregate of two or more numbers or quantities taken with regard to their signs, as + or -, according to the rules of addition in algebra; thus, the algebraic sum of -2, 8, and -1 is 5. -- In sum, in short; in brief. [Obs.] "In sum, the gospel . . . prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids every sin." Rogers.

SUM Sum, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Summed; p. pr. & vb. n. Summing.] Etym: [Cf. F. sommer, LL. summare.]

1. To bring together into one whole; to collect into one amount; to cast up, as a column of figures; to ascertain the totality of; -- usually with up. The mind doth value every moment, and then the hour doth rather sum up the moments, than divide the day. Bacon.

2. To bring or collect into a small compass; to comprise in a few words; to condense; -- usually with up. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard," in few words sums up the moral of this fable. L'Estrange. He sums their virtues in himself alone. Dryden.

3. (Falconry)

Defn: To have (the feathers) full grown; to furnish with complete, or full-grown, plumage. But feathered soon and fledge They summed their pens [wings]. Milton. Summing up, a compendium or abridgment; a recapitulation; a résumé; a summary.

Syn. -- To cast up; collect; comprise; condense; comprehend; compute.

SUMAC; SUMACH Su"mac, Su"mach, n. Etym: [F. sumac, formerly sumach (cf. Sp. zumaque), fr. Ar. summaq.] [Written also shumac.]

1. (Bot.)

Defn: Any plant of the genus Rhus, shrubs or small trees with usually compound leaves and clusters of small flowers. Some of the species are used in tanning, some in dyeing, and some in medicine. One, the Japanese Rhus vernicifera, yields the celebrated Japan varnish, or lacquer.

2. The powdered leaves, peduncles, and young branches of certain species of the sumac plant, used in tanning and dyeing. Poison sumac. (Bot.) See under Poison.

SUMATRA LEAF Su*ma"tra leaf.

Defn: A thin, elastic, uniformly light-colored tobacco leaf, raised in Sumatra and extensively used for cigar wrappers.

SUMATRAN Su*ma"tran, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to Sumatra or its inhabitants. -- n.

Defn: A native of Sumatra.

SUMBUL Sum"bul, n. Etym: [Pers.]

Defn: The musky root of an Asiatic umbelliferous plant, Ferula Sumbul. It is used in medicine as a stimulant. [Written also sumbal.] -- Sum*bul"ic, a.

SUMERIAN Su*me"ri*an, a. [Written also Sumirian.]

Defn: Of or pertaining to the region of lower Babylonia, which was anciently called Sumer, or its inhabitants or their language.

SUMERIAN Su*me"ri*an, n. [Written also Sumirian.]

Defn: A native of lower Babylonia, anciently called Sumer.

SUMLESS Sum"less, a.

Defn: Not to be summed up or computed; so great that the amount can not be ascertained; incalculable; inestimable. "Sumless treasure." Pope.

SUMMARILY Sum"ma*ri*ly, adv.

Defn: In a summary manner.

SUMMARIST Sum"ma*rist, n.

Defn: One who summarized.

SUMMARIZE Sum"ma*rize, v. t.

Defn: To comprise in, or reduce to, a summary; to present briefly. Chambers.

SUMMARY Sum"ma*ry, a. Etym: [Cf. F. sommaire. See Sum.]

1. Formed into a sum; summed up; reduced into a narrow compass, or into few words; short; brief; concise; compendious; as, a summary statement of facts.

2. Hence, rapidly performed; quickly executed; as, a summary process; to take summary vengeance.

Syn. -- Short; brief; concise; compendious; succinct.

SUMMARY Sum"ma*ry, n.; pl. Summaries. Etym: [F. sommaire, or L. summarium. See Summary, a.]

Defn: A general or comprehensive statement; an abridged account; an abstract, abridgment, or compendium, containing the sum or substance of a fuller account.

SUMMATION Sum*ma"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. sommation. See Sum, v. t.]

Defn: The act of summing, or forming a sum, or total amount; also, an aggregate. Of this series no summation is possible to a finite intellect. De Quincey.

SUMMER Sum"mer, n. Etym: [From Sum, v.]

Defn: One who sums; one who casts up an account.

SUMMER Sum"mer, n. Etym: [F. sommier a rafter, the same word as sommier a beast of burden. See Sumpter.] (Arch.)

Defn: A large stone or beam placed horizontally on columns, piers, posts, or the like, serving for various uses. Specifically: (a) The lintel of a door or window. (b) The commencement of a cross vault. (c) A central floor timber, as a girder, or a piece reaching from a wall to a girder. Called also summertree.

SUMMER Sum"mer, n. Etym: [OE. sumer, somer, AS. sumor, sumer; akin to OFries. sumur, D. zomer, OS. sumar, G. sommer, OHG. & Icel. sumar, Dan. sommer, Sw. sommar, W. haf, Zend hama, Skr. sama year. *292.]

Defn: The season of the year in which the sun shines most directly upon any region; the warmest period of the year.

Note: North of the equator summer is popularly taken to include the months of June, July, and August. Astronomically it may be considered, in the northern hemisphere, to begin with the summer solstice, about June 21st, and to end with the autumnal equinox, about September 22d. Indian summer, in North America, a period of warm weather late in autumn, usually characterized by a clear sky, and by a hazy or smoky appearance of the atmosphere, especially near the horizon. The name is derived probably from the custom of the Indians of using this time in preparation for winter by laying in stores of food. -- Saint Martin's summer. See under Saint. -- Summer bird (Zoöl.), the wryneck. [Prov. Eng.] -- Summer colt, the undulating state of the air near the surface of the ground when heated. [Eng.] -- Summer complaint (Med.), a popular term for any diarrheal disorder occurring in summer, especially when produced by heat and indigestion. -- Summer coot (Zoöl.), the American gallinule. [Local, U.S.] -- Summer cypress (Bot.), an annual plant (Kochia Scoparia) of the Goosefoot family. It has narrow, ciliate, crowded leaves, and is sometimes seen in gardens. -- Summer duck. (Zoöl.) (a) The wood duck. (b) The garganey, or summer teal. See Illust. of Wood duck, under Wood. -- Summer fallow, land uncropped and plowed, etc., during the summer, in order to pulverize the soil and kill the weeds. -- Summer rash (Med.), prickly heat. See under Prickly. -- Summer sheldrake (Zoöl.), the hooded merganser. [Local, U.S.] -- Summer snipe. (Zoöl.) (a) The dunlin. (b) The common European sandpiper. (c) The green sandpiper. -- Summer tanager (Zoöl.), a singing bird (Piranga rubra) native of the Middle and Southern United States. The male is deep red, the female is yellowish olive above and yellow beneath. Called also summer redbird. -- Summer teal (Zoöl.), the blue-winged teal. [Local, U.S.] -- Summer wheat, wheat that is sown in the spring, and matures during the summer following. See Spring wheat. -- Summer yellowbird. (Zoöl.) See Yellowbird.

SUMMER Sum"mer, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Summered; p. pr. & vb. n. Summering.]

Defn: To pass the summer; to spend the warm season; as, to summer in Switzerland. The fowls shall summer upon them. Isa. xviii. 6.

SUMMER Sum"mer, v. t.

Defn: To keep or carry through the summer; to feed during the summer; as, to summer stock.

SUMMER-FALLOW Sum"mer-fal"low, v. t.

Defn: To plow and work in summer, in order to prepare for wheat or other crop; to plow and let lie fallow.

SUMMERHOUSE Sum"mer*house`, n.; pl. Summerhouses (.

Defn: A rustic house or apartment in a garden or park, to be used as a pleasure resort in summer. Shak.

SUMMERLINESS Sum"mer*li*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being like summer. [R.] Fuller.

SUMMERSAULT; SUMMERSET Sum"mer*sault, Sum"mer*set, n.

Defn: See Somersault, Somerset.

SUMMERSTIR Sum"mer*stir`, v. t.

Defn: To summer-fallow.

SUMMERTIDE Sum"mer*tide`, n.

Defn: Summer time.

SUMMERTREE Sum"mer*tree`, n. Etym: [Summer a beam + tree.] (Arch.)

Defn: A summer. See 2d Summer.

SUMMERY Sum"mer*y, a.

Defn: Of or pertaining to summer; like summer; as, a summery day.

SUMMIST Sum"mist, n.

Defn: One who sums up; one who forms an abridgment or summary. Sir E. Dering.

SUMMIT Sum"mit, n. Etym: [F. sommet, dim. of OF. som, sum, top, from L. summum, from summus highest. See Sum, n.]

1. The top; the highest point. Fixed on the summit of the highest mount. Shak.

2. The highest degree; the utmost elevation; the acme; as, the summit of human fame.

3. (Zoöl.)

Defn: The most elevated part of a bivalve shell, or the part in which the hinge is situated. Summit level, the highest level of a canal, a railroad, or the like, in surmounting an ascent.

SUMMITLESS Sum"mit*less, a.

Defn: Having no summit.

SUMMITY Sum"mit*y, n. Etym: [L. summitas, fr. summus highest: cf. F. sommité. See Sum, n.]

1. The height or top of anything. [Obs.] Swift.

2. The utmost degree; perfection. [Obs.] Hallywell.

SUMMON Sum"mon, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Summoned; p. pr. & vb. n. Summoning.] Etym: [OE. somonen, OF. sumundre, semondre, F. semondre, from (assumed) LL. summonêre, for L. summonere to give a hint; sub under + monere to admonish, to warn. See Monition, and cf. Submonish.]

1. To call, bid, or cite; to notify to come to appear; -- often with up. Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood. Shak. Trumpets summon him to war. Dryden.

2. To give notice to, or command to appear, as in court; to cite by authority; as, to summon witnesses.

3. (Mil.)

Defn: To call upon to surrender, as a fort.

Syn. -- To call; cite; notify; convene; convoke; excite; invite; bid. See Call.

SUMMONER Sum"mon*er, n. Etym: [OE. somner, sompnour, OF. semoneor, F. semonneur. See Summon, v. t.]

Defn: One who summons; one who cites by authority; specifically, a petty officer formerly employed to summon persons to appear in court; an apparitor.

SUMMONS Sum"mons, n.; pl. Summonses. Etym: [OE. somouns, OF. sumunse, semonse, semonce, F. semonce, semondre to summon, OF. p.p. semons. See Summon, v.]

1. The act of summoning; a call by authority, or by the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some duty. Special summonses by the king. Hallam. This summons . . . unfit either to dispute or disobey. Bp. Fell. He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. Sir J. Hayward.

2. (Law)

Defn: A warning or citation to appear in court; a written notification signed by the proper officer, to be served on a person, warning him to appear in court at a day specified, to answer to the plaintiff, testify as a witness, or the like.

3. (Mil.)

Defn: A demand to surrender.

SUMMONS Sum"mons, v. t.

Defn: To summon. [R. or Colloq.] Swift.

SUMMUM BONUM Sum"mum bo"num. [L.] (Philos.)

Defn: The supreme or highest good, -- referring to the object of human life.

SUMNER Sum"ner, n.

Defn: A summoner. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

SUMOOM Su*moom", n.

Defn: See Simoom.

SUMP Sump, n. Etym: [Cf. G. sumpf a sump in a mine, a swamp, akin to LG. sump, D. somp a swamp, Dan. & Sw. sump, and perhaps to E. swamp.]

1. (Metal.)

Defn: A round pit of stone, lined with clay, for receiving the metal on its first fusion. Ray.

2. The cistern or reservoir made at the lowest point of a mine, from which is pumped the water which accumulates there.

3. A pond of water for salt works. Knight.

4. A puddle or dirty pool. [Prov. Eng.] Sump fuse, a fuse used in blasting under water. -- Sump men (Mining), the men who sink the sump in a mine.

SUMPH Sumph, n.

Defn: A dunce; a blockhead. [Scot.]

SUMPITAN Sum"pi*tan, n.

Defn: A kind of blowgun for discharging arrows, -- used by the savages of Borneo and adjacent islands.

SUMPTER Sump"ter, n. Etym: [OF. sommetier the driver of a pack horse; akin to OF. & F. sommier a pack horse, L. sagmarius, fr. sagma a pack saddle, in LL., a load, Gr. saj, sañj, to hang on. Cf. Seam a weight, Summer a beam.]

1. The driver of a pack horse. [Obs.] Skeat.

2. A pack; a burden. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

3. An animal, especially a horse, that carries packs or burdens; a baggage horse. Holinshed.

SUMPTER Sump"ter, a.

Defn: Carrying pack or burdens on the back; as, a sumpter horse; a sumpter mule. Bacon.

SUMPTION Sump"tion, n. Etym: [L. sumptio, fr. sumere, sumptum, to take.]

1. A taking. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.

2. (Logic)

Defn: The major premise of a syllogism.

SUMPTUARY Sump"tu*a*ry, a. Etym: [L. sumptuarius, fr. sumptus expense, cost, fr. sumere, sumptum, to take, use, spend; sub under + emere to take, buy: cf. F. somptuaire. See Redeem.]

Defn: Relating to expense; regulating expense or expenditure. Bacon. Sumptuary laws or regulations, laws intended to restrain or limit the expenditure of citizens in apparel, food, furniture, etc.; laws which regulate the prices of commodities and the wages of labor; laws which forbid or restrict the use of certain articles, as of luxurious apparel.

SUMPTUOSITY Sump`tu*os"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. sumptuositas: cf. F. somptuosité.]

Defn: Expensiveness; costliness; sumptuousness. [R.] Sir W. Raleigh.

SUMPTUOUS Sump"tu*ous, a. Etym: [L. sumptuosus, fr. sumptus expanse, cost: cf. F. somptueux. See Sumptuary.]

Defn: Involving large outlay or expense; costly; expensive; hence, luxurious; splendid; magnificient; as, a sumptuous house or table; sumptuous apparel. We are too magnificient and sumptuous in our tables and attendance. Atterbury. She spoke, and turned her sumptuous head, with eyes Of shining expectation fixed on mine. Tennyson. -- Sump"tu*ous*ly, adv. -- Sump"tu*ous*ness, n.

SUN Sun, n. (Bot.)

Defn: See Sunn.

SUN Sun, n. Etym: [OE. sunne, sonne, AS. sunne; akin to OFries. sunne, D. zon, OS. & OHG. sunna, G. sonne, Icel. sunna, Goth. sunna; perh. fr. same root as L. sol. *297. Cf. Solar, South.]

1. The luminous orb, the light of which constitutes day, and its absence night; the central body round which the earth and planets revolve, by which they are held in their orbits, and from which they receive light and heat. Its mean distance from the earth is about 92,500,000 miles, and its diameter about 860,000.

Note: Its mean apparent diameter as seen from the earth is 32' 4", and it revolves on its own axis once in 25photosphere, above which is an envelope consisting partly of hydrogen, called the chromosphere, which can be seen only through the spectroscope, or at the time of a total solar eclipse. Above the chromosphere, and sometimes extending out millions of miles, are luminous rays or streams of light which are visible only at the time of a total eclipse, forming the solar corona.

2. Any heavenly body which forms the center of a system of orbs.

3. The direct light or warmth of the sun; sunshine. Lambs that did frisk in the sun. Shak.

4. That which resembles the sun, as in splendor or importance; any source of light, warmth, or animation. For the Lord God is a sun and shield. Ps. lxxiv. 11. I will never consent to put out the sun of sovereignity to posterity. Eikon Basilike. Sun and planet wheels (Mach.), an ingenious contrivance for converting reciprocating motion, as that of the working beam of a steam engine, into rotatory motion. It consists of a toothed wheel (called the sun wheel), firmly secured to the shaft it is desired to drive, and another wheel (called the planet wheel) secured to the end of a connecting rod. By the motion of the connecting rod, the planet wheel is made to circulate round the central wheel on the shaft, communicating to this latter a velocity of revolution the double of its own. G. Francis. -- Sun angel (Zoöl.), a South American humming bird of the genus Heliangelos, noted for its beautiful colors and the brilliant luster of the feathers of its throat. -- Sun animalcute. (Zoöl.) See Heliozoa. -- Sun bath (Med.), exposure of a patient to the sun's rays; insolation. -- Sun bear (Zoöl.), a species of bear (Helarctos Malayanus) native of Southern Asia and Borneo. It has a small head and short neck, and fine short glossy fur, mostly black, but brownish on the nose. It is easily tamed. Called also bruang, and Malayan bear. -- Sun beetle (Zoöl.), any small lustrous beetle of the genus Amara. -- Sun bittern (Zoöl.), a singular South American bird (Eurypyga helias), in some respects related both to the rails and herons. It is beautifully variegated with white, brown, and black. Called also sunbird, and tiger bittern. -- Sun fever (Med.), the condition of fever produced by sun stroke. -- Sun gem (Zoöl.), a Brazilian humming bird (Heliactin cornutus). Its head is ornamented by two tufts of bright colored feathers, fiery crimson at the base and greenish yellow at the tip. Called also Horned hummer. -- Sun grebe (Zoöl.), the finfoot. -- Sun picture, a picture taken by the agency of the sun's rays; a photograph. -- Sun spots (Astron.), dark spots that appear on the sun's disk, consisting commonly of a black central portion with a surrounding border of lighter shade, and usually seen only by the telescope, but sometimes by the naked eye. They are very changeable in their figure and dimensions, and vary in size from mere apparent points to spaces of 50,000 miles in diameter. The term sun spots is often used to include bright spaces (called faculæ) as well as dark spaces (called maculæ). Called also solar spots. See Illustration in Appendix. -- Sun star (Zoöl.), any one of several species of starfishes belonging to Solaster, Crossaster, and allied genera, having numerous rays. -- Sun trout (Zoöl.), the squeteague. -- Sun wheel. (Mach.) See Sun and planet wheels, above. -- Under the sun, in the world; on earth. "There is no new thing under the sun." Eccl. i. 9.

Note: Sun is often used in the formation of compound adjectives of obvious meaning; as, sun-bright, sun-dried, sun-gilt, sunlike, sun- lit, sun-scorched, and the like.

SUN Sun, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sunned; p. pr. & vb. n. Sunning.]

Defn: To expose to the sun's rays; to warm or dry in the sun; as, to sun cloth; to sun grain. Then to sun thyself in open air. Dryden.

SUNBEAM Sun"beam`, n. Etym: [AS. sunnebeam.]

Defn: A beam or ray of the sun. "Evening sunbeams." Keble. Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even On a sunbeam. Milton.

SUNBIRD Sun"bird`, n. (Zoöl.) (a) Any one of numerous species of small brilliantly colored birds of the family Nectariniidæ, native of Africa, Southern Asia, the East Indies, and Australia. In external appearance and habits they somewhat resemble humming birds, but they are true singing birds (Oscines). (b) The sun bittern.

SUNBLINK Sun"blink`, n.

Defn: A glimpse or flash of the sun. [Scot.] Sir W. Scott.

SUNBONNET Sun"bon"net, n.

Defn: A bonnet, generally made of some thin or light fabric, projecting beyond the face, and commonly having a cape, -- worn by women as a protection against the sun.

SUNBOW Sun"bow`, n.

Defn: A rainbow; an iris. Byron.

SUNBURN Sun"burn`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sunburned or Sunburnt (; p. pr. & vb. n. Sunburning.]

Defn: To burn or discolor by the sun; to tan. Sunburnt and swarthy though she be. Dryden.

SUNBURN Sun"burn`, n.

Defn: The burning or discoloration produced on the skin by the heat of the sun; tan.

SUN-BURNER Sun"-burn`er, n.

Defn: A circle or cluster of gas-burners for lighting and ventilating public buildings.

SUNBURNING Sun"burn`ing, n.

Defn: Sunburn; tan. Boyle.

SUNBURST Sun"burst`, n.

Defn: A burst of sunlight.

SUNCUP Sun"cup`, n.

Defn: A yellow flowered evening primrose (Taraxia, syn. Onothera, ovata) native of California.

SUNDART Sun"dart`, n.

Defn: Sunbeam. [R.] Mrs. Hemans.

SUNDAY Sun"day, n. Etym: [AS. sunnandæg; sunne, gen. sunnan, the sun + dæg day; akin to D. zondag, G. sonntag; -- so called because this day was anciently dedicated to the sun, or to its worship. See Sun, and Day.]

Defn: The first day of the week, -- consecrated among Christians to rest from secular employments, and to religious worship; the Christian Sabbath; the Lord's Day. Advent Sunday, Low Sunday, Passion Sunday, etc. See under Advent, Low, etc.

Syn. -- See Sabbath.

SUNDAY Sun"day, a.

Defn: Belonging to the Christian Sabbath. Sunday letter. See Dominical letter, under Dominical. -- Sunday school. See under School.

SUNDER Sun"der, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sundered; p. pr. & vb. n. Sundering.] Etym: [OE. sundren, AS. sundrain (in asundrain, gesundrain), from sundor asunder, separately, apart; akin to D. zonder, prep., without, G. sonder separate, as prep., without, sondern but, OHG. suntar separately, Icel. sundr asunder, Sw. & Dan. sönder, Goth. sundro alone, separately.]

Defn: To disunite in almost any manner, either by rending, cutting, or breaking; to part; to put or keep apart; to separate; to divide; to sever; as, to sunder a rope; to sunder a limb; to sunder friends. It is sundered from the main land by a sandy plain. Carew.

SUNDER Sun"der, v. i.

Defn: To part; to separate. [R.] Shak.

SUNDER Sun"der, n. Etym: [See Sunder, v. t., and cf. Asunder.]

Defn: A separation into parts; a division or severance. In sunder, into parts. "He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder." Ps. xlvi. 9.

SUNDER Sun"der, v. t.

Defn: To expose to the sun and wind. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

SUNDEW Sun"dew`, n. (Bot.)

Defn: Any plant of the genus Drosera, low bog plants whose leaves are beset with pediceled glands which secrete a viscid fluid that glitters like dewdrops and attracts and detains insects. After an insect is caught, the glands curve inward like tentacles and the leaf digests it. Called also lustwort.

SUNDIAL Sun"di`al, n.

Defn: An instrument to show the time of day by means of the shadow of a gnomon, or style, on a plate. Sundial shell (Zoöl.), any shell of the genus Solarium. See Solarium.

SUNDOG Sun"dog`, n. (Meteorol.)

Defn: A luminous spot occasionally seen a few degrees from the sun, supposed to be formed by the intersection of two or more halos, or in a manner similar to that of halos.

SUNDOWN Sun"down`, n.

1. The setting of the sun; sunset. "When sundown skirts the moor." Tennyson.

2. A kind of broad-brimmed sun hat worn by women.

SUNDOWNER Sun"down`er, n.

Defn: A tramp or vagabond in the Australian bush; -- so called from his coming to sheep stations at sunset of ask for supper and a bed, when it is too late to work; -- called also traveler and swagman (but not all swagmen are sundowners).

Sundowners, -- men who loaf about till sunset, and then come in with the demand for unrefusable rations. Francis Adams.

SUN-DRIED Sun"-dried`, a.

Defn: Dried by the heat of the sun. "Sun-dried brick." Sir T. Herbert.

SUNDRIES Sun"dries, n. pl.

Defn: Many different or small things; sundry things.

SUNDRILY Sun"dri*ly, adv.

Defn: In sundry ways; variously.

SUNDROPS Sun"drops`, n. [Sun + drop.] (Bot.)

Defn: Any one of the several species of Kneiffia, esp. K. fruticosa (syn. Onothera fruticosa), of the Evening-primrose family, having flowers that open by daylight.

SUNDRY Sun"dry, a. Etym: [OE. sundry, sondry, AS. syndrig, fr. sundor asunder. See Sunder, v. t.]

1. Several; divers; more than one or two; various. "Sundry wines." Chaucer. "Sundry weighty reasons." Shak. With many a sound of sundry melody. Chaucer. Sundry foes the rural realm surround. Dryden.

2. Separate; diverse. [Obs.] Every church almost had the Bible of a sundry translation. Coleridge. All and sundry, all collectively, and each separately.

SUNDRYMAN Sun"dry*man, n.; pl. Sundrymen (.

Defn: One who deals in sundries, or a variety of articles.

SUNFISH Sun"fish`, n. (Zoöl.) (a) A very large oceanic plectognath fish (Mola mola, Mola rotunda, or Orthagoriscus mola) having a broad body and a truncated tail. (b) Any one of numerous species of perch-like North American fresh- water fishes of the family Centrachidæ. They have a broad, compressed body, and strong dorsal spines. Among the common species of the Eastern United States are Lepomis gibbosus (called also bream, pondfish, pumpkin seed, and sunny), the blue sunfish, or dollardee (L. pallidus), and the long-eared sunfish (L. auritus). Several of the species are called also pondfish. (c) The moonfish, or bluntnosed shiner. (d) The opah. (e) The basking, or liver, shark. (f) Any large jellyfish.

SUNFLOWER Sun"flow`er, n.

Defn: Any plant of the genus Helianthus; -- so called probably from the form and color of its flower, which is large disk with yellow rays. The commonly cultivated sunflower is Helianthus annuus, a native of America.

SUNFLOWER STATE Sun"flow`er State.

Defn: Kansas; a nickname.

SUNG Sung,

Defn: imp. & p. p. of Sing.

SUNGLASS Sun"glass`, n.; pl. Sunglasses (.

Defn: A convex lens of glass for producing heat by converging the sun's rays into a focus. "Lighting a cigar with a sunglass." Hawthorne.

SUNGLOW Sun"glow`, n.

Defn: A rosy flush in the sky seen after sunset.

SUNK Sunk,

Defn: imp. & p. p. of Sink. Sunk fence, a ditch with a retaining wall, used to divide lands without defacing a landscape; a ha-ha.

SUNKEN Sunk"en, a.

Defn: Lying on the bottom of a river or other water; sunk.

SUNLESS Sun"less, a.

Defn: Destitute or deprived of the sun or its rays; shaded; shadowed. The sunken glen whose sunless shrubs must weep. Byron.

SUNLIGHT Sun"light`, n.

Defn: The light of the sun. Milton.

SUNLIKE Sun"like`, a.

Defn: Like or resembling the sun. "A spot of sunlike brilliancy." Tyndall.

SUNLIT Sun"lit`, a.

Defn: Lighted by the sun.

SUNN Sunn, n. Etym: [Hind. san, fr. Skr. çana.] (Bot.)

Defn: An East Indian leguminous plant (Crotalaria juncea) and its fiber, which is also called sunn hemp. [Written also sun.]

SUNNA Sun"na, n. Etym: [Ar. sunnah rule, law.]

Defn: A collection of traditions received by the orthodox Mohammedans as of equal authority with the Koran.

SUNNIAH Sun"ni*ah, n.

Defn: One of the sect of Sunnites.

SUNNINESS Sun"ni*ness, n.

Defn: The quality or state of being sunny.

SUNNITE Sun"nite, n.

Defn: One of the orthodox Mohammedans who receive the Sunna as of equal importance with the Koran.

SUNNUD Sun"nud, n. Etym: [Hind., fr. Ar. sanad.]

Defn: A charter or warrant; also, a deed of gift. [India]

SUNNY Sun"ny, a. [Compar. Sunnier; superl. Sunniest.]

1. Of or pertaining to the sun; proceeding from, or resembling the sun; hence, shining; bright; brilliant; radiant. "Sunny beams." Spenser. "Sunny locks." Shak.

2. Exposed to the rays of the sun; brightened or warmed by the direct rays of the sun; as, a sunny room; the sunny side of a hill. Her blooming mountains and her sunny shores. Addison.

3. Cheerful; genial; as, a sunny disposition. My decayed fair A sunny look of his would soon repair. Shak.

SUNNY Sun"ny, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: See Sunfish (b).

SUNPROOF Sun"proof`, a.

Defn: Impervious to the rays of the sun. "Darksome yew, sunproof." Marston.

SUNRISE; SUNRISING Sun"rise`, Sun"ris`ing, n.

1. The first appearance of the sun above the horizon in the morning; more generally, the time of such appearance, whether in fair or cloudy weather; as, to begin work at sunrise. "The tide of sunrise swells." Keble.

2. Hence, the region where the sun rises; the east. Which were beyond Jordan toward the sunrising. Deut. iv. 47 (Rev. Ver.) Full hot and fast the Saxon rides, with rein of travel slack, And, bending o'ev his saddle, leaves the sunrise at his back. Whittier.

SUNSET; SUNSETTING Sun"set", Sun"set`ting, n.

1. The descent of the sun below the horizon; also, the time when the sun sets; evening. Also used figuratively. 'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore. Campbell.

2. Hence, the region where the sun sets; the west. Sunset shell (Zoöl.), a West Indian marine bivalve (Tellina radiata) having a smooth shell marked with radiating bands of varied colors resembling those seen at sunset or before sunrise; -- called also rising sun.

SUNSHADE Sun"shade`, n.

Defn: Anything used as a protection from the sun's rays. Specifically: (a) A small parasol. (b) An awning.

SUNSHINE Sun"shine`, n.

1. The light of the sun, or the place where it shines; the direct rays of the sun, the place where they fall, or the warmth and light which they give. But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon Culminate from the equator. Milton.

2. Anything which has a warming and cheering influence like that of the rays of the sun; warmth; illumination; brightness. That man that sits within a monarch's heart, And ripens in the sunshine of his favor. Shak.

SUNSHINE Sun"shine`, a.

Defn: Sunshiny; bright. Shak. "Sunshine hours." Keble.

SUNSHINY Sun"shin`y, a.

1. Bright with the rays of the sun; clear, warm, or pleasant; as, a sunshiny day.

2. Bright like the sun; resplendent. Flashing beams of that sunshiny shield. Spenser.

3. Beaming with good spirits; cheerful. "Her sunshiny face." Spenser.

SUNSQUALL Sun"squall`, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Any large jellyfish.

SUN STAR Sun" star`. (Zoöl.)

Defn: See Sun star, under Sun.

SUNSTED Sun"sted, n. Etym: [Sun + stead a place.]

Defn: Solstice. [Obs.] "The summer sunsted." Holland.

SUNSTONE Sun"stone`, n. (Med.)

Defn: Aventurine feldspar. See under Aventurine.

SUNSTROKE Sun"stroke`, n. (Med.)

Defn: Any affection produced by the action of the sun on some part of the body; especially, a sudden prostration of the physical powers, with symptoms resembling those of apoplexy, occasioned by exposure to excessive heat, and often terminating fatally; coup de soleil.

SUN-STRUCK Sun"-struck`, a. (Med.)

Defn: Overcome by, or affected with, sunstroke; as, sun-struck soldiers.

SUNUP Sun"up`, n.

Defn: Sunrise. [Local, U.S.] Such a horse as that might get over a good deal of ground atwixt sunup and sundown. Cooper.

SUNWARD Sun"ward, adv.

Defn: Toward the sun.

SUNWISE Sun"wise`, adv.

Defn: In the direction of the sun's apparent motion, or from the east southward and westward, and so around the circle; also, in the same direction as the movement of the hands of a watch lying face upward.

SUP Sup, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Supped; p. pr. & vb. n. Supping.] Etym: [OE. soupen to drink, AS. s; akin to D. zuipen, G. saufen, OHG. s, Icel. s, Sw. supa, Dan. söbe. Cf. Sip, Sop, Soup, Supper.]

Defn: To take into the mouth with the lips, as a liquid; to take or drink by a little at a time; to sip. There I'll sup Balm and nectar in my cup. Crashaw.

SUP Sup, n.

Defn: A small mouthful, as of liquor or broth; a little taken with the lips; a sip. Tom Thumb had got a little sup. Drayton.

SUP Sup, v. i. Etym: [See Supper.]

Defn: To eat the evening meal; to take supper. I do entreat that we may sup together.

SUP Sup, v. t.

Defn: To treat with supper. [Obs.] Sup them well and look unto them all. Shak.

SUPAWN Su*pawn", n. Etym: [Of American Indian origin.]

Defn: Boiled Indian meal; hasty pudding; mush. [Written also sepawn, sepon, and suppawn.] [Local, U.S.]

SUPE Supe, n.

Defn: A super. [Theatrical Cant]

SUPER- Su"per-. Etym: [L. super over, above; akin to Gr. sub under, and E. over. See Over, and cf. Hyper-, Sub-, Supra-, Sur-.]

1. A prefix signifying above, over, beyond, and hence often denoting in a superior position, in excess, over and above, in addition, exceedingly; as in superimpose, supersede, supernatural, superabundance.

2. (Chem.)

Defn: A prefix formerly much used to denote that the ingredient to the name of which it was prefixed was present in a large, or unusually large, proportion as compared with the other ingredients; as in calcium superphosphate. It has been superseded by per-, bi-, di-, acid, etc. (as peroxide, bicarbonate, disulphide, and acid sulphate), which retain the old meanings of super-, but with sharper definition. Cf. Acid, a., Bi-, Di-, and Per-.

SUPER Su"per, n.

Defn: A contraction of Supernumerary, in sense 2. [Theatrical Cant]

SUPERABLE Su"per*a*ble, a. Etym: [L. superabilis, from superare to go over, to surmount, fr. super above, over.]

Defn: Capable of being overcome or conquered; surmountable. Antipathies are generally superable by a single effort. Johnson. -- Su"per*a*ble*ness, n. -- Su"per*a*bly, adv.

SUPERABOUND Su`per*a*bound", v. i. Etym: [L. superabundare: cf. OF. superabonder. See Super-, and Abound.]

Defn: To be very abundant or exuberant; to be more than sufficient; as, the country superabounds with corn.

SUPERABUNDANCE Su`per*a*bun"dance, n. Etym: [L. superabundantia: cf. OF. superabondance.]

Defn: The quality or state of being superabundant; a superabundant quantity; redundancy; excess.

SUPERABUNDANT Su`per*a*bun"dant, a. Etym: [L. superabundans, p.pr. of superabundare. See Superabound.]

Defn: Abounding to excess; being more than is sufficient; redundant; as, superabundant zeal. -- Su`per*a*bun"dant*ly, adv.

SUPERACIDULATED Su`per*a*cid"u*la`ted, a.

Defn: Acidulated to excess. [R.]

SUPERADD Su`per*add", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Superadded; p. pr. & vb. n. Superadding.] Etym: [L. superaddere. See Super-, and Add.]

Defn: To add over and above; to add to what has been added; to annex, as something extrinsic. The strength of any living creature, in those external motion, is something distinct from, and superadded unto, its natural gravity. Bp. Wilkins. The peacock laid it extremely to heart that he had not the nightingale's voice superadded to the beauty of his plumes. L'Estrange.

SUPERADDITION Su`per*ad*di"tion, n.

Defn: The act of adding something in excess or something extraneous; also, something which is added in excess or extraneously. This superaddition is nothing but fat. Arbuthnot.

SUPERADVENIENT Su`per*ad*ven"ient, a.

Defn: Coming upon; coming in addition to, or in assistance of, something. [R.] He has done bravely by the superadvenient assistance of his God. Dr. H. More.

SUPERALIMENTATION Su`per*al`i*men*ta"tion, n.

Defn: The act of overfeeding, or making one take food in excess of the natural appetite for it.

SUPERALTAR Su"per*al`tar, n. (Arch.)

Defn: A raised shelf or stand on the back of an altar, on which different objects can be placed; a predella or gradino.

SUPERANGELIC Su`per*an*gel"ic, a.

Defn: Superior to the angels in nature or rank. [R.] Milman.

SUPERANNUATE Su`per*an"nu*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Superannuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Superannuating.] Etym: [Pref. super- + L. annus a year.]

1. To impair or disquality on account of age or infirmity. Sir T. Browne.

2. To give a pension to, on account of old age or other infirmity; to cause to retire from service on a pension.

SUPERANNUATE Su`per*an"nu*ate, v. i.

Defn: To last beyond the year; -- said of annual plants. [Obs.] Bacon.

SUPERANNUATION Su`per*an`nu*a"tion, n.

Defn: The state of being superannuated, or too old for office or business; the state of being disqualified by old age; decrepitude. The world itself is in a state of superannuation. Cowper. Slyness blinking through the watery eye of superannuation. Coleridge.

SUPERB Su*perb", a. Etym: [F. superbe, L. superbus, fr. super over. See Super-.]

1. Grand; magnificent; august; stately; as, a superb edifice; a superb colonnade.

2. Rich; elegant; as, superb furniture or decorations.

3. Showy; excellent; grand; as, a superb exhibition. Superb paradise bird (Zoöl.), a bird of paradise (Paradisæa, or Lophorina, superba) having the scapulars erectile, and forming a large ornamental tuft on each shoulder, and a large gorget of brilliant feathers on the breast. The color is deep violet, or nearly black, with brilliant green reflections. The gorget is bright metallic green. -- Superb warber. (Zoöl.) See Blue wren, under Wren. -- Su*perb"ly, adv. -- Su*perb"ness, n.

SUPERBIATE Su*per"bi*ate, v. t. Etym: [Cf. L. superbiare.]

Defn: To make (a person) haughty. [Obs. & R.] Feltham.

SUPERCARBONATE Su`per*car"bon*ate, n. (Chem.)

Defn: A bicarbonate. [Obsoles.]

SUPERCARBURETED Su`per*car"bu*ret`ed, a. (Chem.)

Defn: Bicarbureted. [Written also supercarburetted.] [Obsoles.]

SUPERCARGO Su`per*car"go, n. Etym: [Super- + cargo: cf. Sp. sobrecargo. Cf. Surcharge.]

Defn: An officer or person in a merchant ship, whose duty is to manage the sales, and superintend the commercial concerns, of the voyage.

SUPERCARPAL Su`per*car"pal, a. (Anat.)

Defn: Situated above, or in the upper part of, the carpus.

SUPERCELESTIAL Su`per*ce*les"tial, a. Etym: [Pref. super- + celestial: cf. L. supercaelestis.]

1. Situated above the firmament, or great vault of heaven. Waterland.

2. Higher than celestial; superangelic.

SUPERCHARGE Su`per*charge", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Supercharged; p. pr. & vb. n. Supercharging.] Etym: [Pref. super- + charge. Cf. Surcharge.] (Her.)

Defn: To charge (a bearing) upon another bearing; as, to supercharge a rose upon a fess.

SUPERCHARGE Su`per*charge", n. (Her.)

Defn: A bearing charged upon another bearing. [R.]

SUPERCHEMICAL Su`per*chem"ic*al, a.

Defn: Above or beyond chemistry; inexplicable by chemical laws. J. Le Conte.

SUPERCHERY Su*perch"er*y, n. Etym: [F. supercherie.]

Defn: Deceit; fraud; imposition. [Obs. & R.]

SUPERCILIARY Su`per*cil"i*a*ry, a. Etym: [L. supercilium an eyebrow. See Supercilious.]

1. Of or pertaining to the eyebrows; supraorbital.

2. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Having a distinct streak of color above the eyes; as, the superciliary woodpecker.

SUPERCILIOUS Su`per*cil"i*ous, a. Etym: [L. superciliosus, fr. supercilium an eyebrow, pride; super over, + cilium an eyelid; probably akin to celare to conceal. Cf. Conceal.]

Defn: Lofty with pride; haughty; dictatorial; overbearing; arrogant; as, a supercilious officer; asupercilious air; supercilious behavior. -- Su`per*cil"i*ous*ly, adv. -- Su`per*cil"i*ous*ness, n.

SUPERCILIUM Su`per*cil"i*um, n. Etym: [L.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: The eyebrow, or the region of the eyebrows.

SUPERCOLUMNIATION Su`per*co*lum`ni*a"tion, n. (Arch.)

Defn: The putting of one order above another; also, an architectural work produced by this method; as, the putting of the Doric order in the ground story, Ionic above it, and Corinthian or Composite above this.

SUPERCONCEPTION Su`per*con*cep"tion, n. (Physiol.)

Defn: Superfetation. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

SUPERCONSEQUENCE Su`per*con"se*quence, n.

Defn: Remote consequence. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

SUPERCRESCENCE Su`per*cres"cence, n. Etym: [See Supercrescent.]

Defn: That which grows upon another growing thing; a parasite. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

SUPERCRESCENT Su`per*cres"cent, a. Etym: [L. supercrescens, p.pr. of supercrescere; super above + crescere to grow.]

Defn: Growing on some other growing thing. [R.] Johnson.

SUPERCRETACEOUS Su`per*cre*ta"ceous, a. (Geol.)

Defn: Same as Supracretaceous.

SUPERCURIOUS Su`per*cu"ri*ous, a.

Defn: Excessively curious or inquisitive. Evelyn.

SUPERDOMINANT Su`per*dom"i*nant, n. (Mus.)

Defn: The sixth tone of the scale; that next above the dominant; -- called also submediant.

SUPERDREADNOUGHT Su`per*dread"nought`, n.

Defn: See Dreadnought, above.

SUPEREMINENCE; SUPEREMINENCY Su`per*em"i*nence, Su`per*em"i*nen*cy, n. Etym: [L. supereminentia.]

Defn: The quality or state of being supereminent; distinguished eminence; as, the supereminence of Cicero as an orator, or Lord Chatham as a statesman. Ayliffe. He was not forever beset with the consciousness of his own supereminence. Prof. Wilson.

SUPEREMINENT Su`per*em"i*nent, a. Etym: [L. supereminens, p.pr. of supereminere. See Super-, and Eminent.]

Defn: Eminent in a superior degree; surpassing others in excellence; as, a supereminent divine; the supereminent glory of Christ. -- Su`per*em"i*nent*ly, adv.

SUPEREROGANT Su`per*er"o*gant, a. Etym: [L. supererogans, p.pr. See Supererogate.]

Defn: Supererogatory. [Obs.]

SUPEREROGATE Su`per*er"o*gate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Supererogated; p. pr. & vb. n. Supererogating.] Etym: [L. supererogatus, p.p. of supererogare to spend or pay out over and above; super over, above + erogare to expend or pay out money from the public treasury after asking the consent of the people. See Super-, and Erogate, Rogation.]

Defn: To do more than duty requires; to perform works of supererogation; to atone (for a dificiency in another) by means of a surplus action or quality. The fervency of one man in prayer can not supererogate for the coldness of another. Milton.

SUPEREROGATION Su`per*er`o*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. supererogatio a payment in addition.]

Defn: The act of supererogating; performance of more than duty or necessity requires. Works of supererogation (R. C. Ch.), those good deeds believed to have been performed by saints, or capable of being performed by men, over and above what is required for their own salvation.

SUPEREROGATIVE Su`per*e*rog"a*tive, a.

Defn: Supererogatory.

SUPEREROGATORY Su`per*e*rog"a*to*ry, a.

Defn: Performed to an extent not enjoined, or not required, by duty or necessity; as, supererogatory services. Howell.

SUPERESSENTIAL Su`per*es*sen"tial, a.

Defn: Essential above others, or above the constitution of a thing. J. Ellis.

SUPERETHICAL Su`per*eth"ic*al, a.

Defn: More than ethical; above ethics. Bolingbroke.

SUPEREXALT Su`per*ex*alt", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Superexalted; p. pr. & vb. n. Superexalting.]

Defn: To exalt to a superior degree; to exalt above others. Barrow.

SUPEREXALTATION Su`per*ex`al*ta"tion, n.

Defn: Elevation above the common degree. Holyday.

SUPEREXCELLENCE Su`per*ex"cel*lence, n.

Defn: Superior excellence; extraordinary excellence.

SUPEREXCELLENT Su`per*ex"cel*lent, a. Etym: [Pref. super- + excellent: cf. L. superexcellens.]

Defn: Excellent in an uncommon degree; very excellent. Drayton.

SUPEREXCINATION Su`per*ex`ci*na"tion, n.

Defn: Excessive, or more than normal, excitation.

SUPEREXCRESCENCE Su`per*ex*cres"cence, n.

Defn: Something growing superfluously.

SUPERFAMILY Su"per*fam`i*ly, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A group intermediate between a family and a suborder.

SUPERFECUNDATION Su`per*fec`un*da"tion, n. (Physiol.)

Defn: Fertilization of two ova, at the same menstruation, by two different acts of coition.

SUPERFECUNDITY Su`per*fe*cun"di*ty, n.

Defn: Superabundant fecundity or multiplication of the species.

SUPERFETATE Su`per*fe"tate, v. i. Etym: [L. superfetare; super above, over + fetare to bring forth.]

Defn: To conceive after a prior conception, but before the birth of the offspring. The female . . . is said to superfetate. Grew.

SUPERFETATION Su`per*fe*ta"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. superfétation.] (Physiol.)

Defn: The formation of a fetus at the result of an impregnation occurring after another impregnation but before the birth of the offspring produced by it. This is possible only when there is a double uterus, or where menstruation persists up to the time of the second impregnation. In then became a superfetation upon, and not an ingredient in, the national character. Coleridge.

SUPERFETE Su`per*fete", v. i.

Defn: To superfetate. [Obs.]

SUPERFETE Su`per*fete", v. t.

Defn: To conceive (another fetus) after a former conception. [Obs.] Howell.

SUPERFICE Su"per*fice, n.

Defn: A superficies. [Obs.] Dryden.

SUPERFICIAL Su`per*fi"cial, a. Etym: [L. superficialis: cf. F. superficiel. See Superficies.]

1. Of or pertaining to the superficies, or surface; lying on the surface; shallow; not deep; as, a superficial color; a superficial covering; superficial measure or contents; superficial tillage.

2. Reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; not deep or profound; shallow; -- said especially in respect to study, learning, and the like; as, a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. He is a presumptuous and superficial writer. Burke. That superficial judgment, which happens to be right without deserving to be so. J. H. Newman. -- Su`per*fi"cial*ly, adv. -- Su`per*fi"cial*ness, n.

SUPERFICIALIST Su`per*fi"cial*ist, n.

Defn: One who attends to anything superficially; a superficial or shallow person; a sciolist; a smatterer.

SUPERFICIALITY Su`per*fi`ci*al"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. superficialité.]

Defn: The quality or state of being superficial; also, that which is superficial. Sir T. Browne.

SUPERFICIALIZE Su`per*fi"cial*ize, v. t.

Defn: To attend to, or to treat, superficially, or in a shallow or slighting way. [R.] It is a characteristic weakness of the day to superficialize evil. E. P. Whipple.

SUPERFICIARY Su`per*fi"ci*a*ry, n. (Rom. Law)

Defn: One to whom a right of surface occupation is granted; one who pays quitrent for a house built upon another man's ground.

SUPERFICIARY Su`per*fi"ci*a*ry, a.

1. Of or pertaining to the superficies, or surface; superficial.

2. (Rom. Law)

Defn: Situated or built on another man's land, as a house.

SUPERFICIES Su`per*fi"cies, n. Etym: [L., fr. super above, over + facies make, figure, shape. See Surface.]

1. The surface; the exterior part, superficial area, or face of a thing.

2. (Civil Law) (a) Everything on the surface of a piece of ground, or of a building, so closely connected by art or nature as to constitute a part of it, as houses, or other superstructures, fences, trees, vines, etc. (b) A real right consisting of a grant by a landed proprietor of a piece of ground, bearing a strong resemblance to the long building leases granted by landholders in England, in consideration of a rent, and under reservation of the ownership of the soil. Bouvier. Wharton.

SUPERFINE Su"per*fine, a.