Search the Dictionary

A small bottle of horn or other material formerly used for holding ink; an inkstand; a portable case for writing materials. "With a writer's inkhorn by his side." Ezek. ix. 2. From his pocket the notary drew his papers and inkhorn. Longfellow.

A small vessel for holding ink, to dip the pen into; also, a device for holding ink and writing materials.

Incapable of holding or containing. [Obs.] This captious and intenible sieve. Shak.

The act or custom of holding an interview or interviews. An article on interviewing in the "Nation" of January 28, 1869, . . . was the first formal notice of the practice under that name. The American.

Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious. "Him death's iron sleep oppressed." Philips.

In hunting, the pan or frame holding the fuel of the torch used to attract game at night; also, the light itself. C. Hallock.

One of a numerous sect in British India, holding the tenets of Jainism.

A deep, broad-mouthed vessel of earthenware or glass, for holding fruit, preserves, etc., or for ornamental purposes; as, a jar of honey; a rose jar. Dryden.

A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place; as, the jaw of a railway-car pedestal. See Axle guard.

ited, joined, or sharing with another or with others; not solitary in interest or action; holding in common with an associate, or with associates; acting together; as, joint heir; joint creditor; joint debtor, etc. "Joint tenants of the world." Donne.

A vessel for holding ale or wine; a jug. [Obs.] Chaucer.

A small or shallow tub; esp., one used for holding materials for calking ships, or one used for washing dishes, etc.

A ring, strap, clamp, or any device for holding an object in place; as: (a) The box on a door jamb into which the bolt of a lock protrudes, when shot. (b) A ring serving to keep another ring on the finger. (c) A loop near the buckle of a strap to receive the end of the strap.

A holding; restraint; custody; guard; charge; care; preservation. His happiness is in his own keeping. South.

re a crank, pulley, coupling, etc., upon a shaft, and prevent relative turning; sometimes holding by friction alone, but more frequently by its resistance to shearing, being usually embedded partly in the shaft and partly in the crank, pulley, etc.

The fee of a knight; specif., the amount of land the holding of which imposed the obligation of knight service, being sometimes a hide or less, sometimes six or more hides.

A hook for holding the blubber while cutting it away. [Written also cranging hook.]

cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc. His hat hung at his back down by a lace. Chaucer. For striving more, the more in laces strong Himself he tied. Spenser.

Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; lately deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration.

ting of, laws. -- Law calf. See Law binding (above). -- Law day. (a) Formerly, a day of holding court, esp. a court-leet.