HABIT

n. v.

7 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

The usual condition or state of a person or thing, either natural or acquired, regarded as something had, possessed, and firmly retained; as, a religious habit; his habit is morose; elms have a spreading habit; esp., physical temperament or constitution; as, a full habit of body.

2.
n.

The general appearance and manner of life of a living organism.

3.
n.

Fixed or established custom; ordinary course of conduct; practice; usage; hence, prominently, the involuntary tendency or aptitude to perform certain actions which is acquired by their frequent repetition; as, habit is second nature; also, peculiar ways of acting; characteristic forms of behavior. A man of very shy, retired habits. W. Irving.

4.
n.

Outward appearance; attire; dress; hence, a garment; esp., a closely fitting garment or dress worn by ladies; as, a riding habit. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy. Shak. There are, among the states, several of Venus, in different habits. Addison.

5.
v.

To inhabit. [Obs.] In thilke places as they [birds] habiten. Rom. of R.

6.
v.

To dress; to clothe; to array. They habited themselves lite those rural deities. Dryden.

7.
v.

To accustom; to habituate. [Obs.] Chapman.


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