EARTH

The globe or planet which we inhabit; the world, in distinction from the sun, moon, or stars. Also, this world as the dwelling place of mortals, in distinction from the dwelling place of spirits. That law preserves the earth a sphere And guides the planets in their course. S. Rogers. In heaven, or earth, or under earth, in hell. Milton.

The solid materials which make up the globe, in distinction from the air or water; the dry land. God called the dry land earth. Gen. i. 10. He is pure air and fire, and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in him. Shak.

The softer inorganic matter composing part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the firm rock; soil of all kinds, including gravel, clay, loam, and the like; sometimes, soil favorable to the growth of plants; the visible surface of the globe; the ground; as, loose earth; rich earth. Give him a little earth for charity. Shak.

A part of this globe; a region; a country; land. Would I had never trod this English earth. Shak.

Worldly things, as opposed to spiritual things; the pursuits, interests, and allurements of this life. Our weary souls by earth beguiled. Keble.

The people on the globe. The whole earth was of one language. Gen. xi. 1.

Any earthy-looking metallic oxide, as alumina, glucina, zirconia, yttria, and thoria.

A similar oxide, having a slight alkaline reaction, as lime, magnesia, strontia, baryta.

A hole in the ground, where an animal hides himself; as, the earth of a fox. Macaulay. They [ferrets] course the poor conies out of their earths. Holland.

To hide, or cause to hide, in the earth; to chase into a burrow or den. "The fox is earthed." Dryden.

To cover with earth or mold; to inter; to bury; -- sometimes with up. The miser earths his treasure, and the thief, Watching the mole, half beggars him ere noon. Young. Why this in earthing up a carcass R. Blair.

To burrow. Tickell.

A plowing. [Obs.] Such land as ye break up for barley to sow, Two earths at the least, ere ye sow it, bestow. Tusser.