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formed in a square between two vertical lines. The theory of determinants forms a very important branch of modern mathematics.

tance or producing very slow or very rapid motion. -- Differential pulley. (Mach.) (a) A portable hoisting apparatus, the same in principle as the differential windlass. (b) A hoisting pulley to which power is applied through a differential gearing. -- Differential screw, a compound screw by which a motion is produce…

Extent; reach; scope; importance; as, a project of large dimensions.

for the first time ascertained or recognized; as, the properties of the magnet were an important discovery.

The act of sending a message or messenger in haste or on important business.

n, etc.; alienation, or parting; as, a disposal of property. A domestic affair of great importance, which is no less than the disposal of my sister Jenny for life. Tatler.

ner or character of a dogmatist; arrogance or positiveness in stating opinion. The self-importance of his demeanor, and the dogmatism of his conversation. Sir W. Scott.

Self-importance; loftiness of carriage. [Cant, Eng. Universities]

bearer; a statue of a man holding a spear or in the attitude of a spear bearer. Several important sculptures of this subject existed in antiquity, copies of which remain to us.

ss; destruction; ruin. Dire were the consequences which would follow the downfall of so important a place. Motley.

ting of draperies. See under Casting. The casting of draperies . . . is one of the most important of an artist's studies. Fairholt.

ore the invasion of tribes speaking Sanskrit. Of these languages, the Tamil is the most important.

s the whole, and sometimes only a part, remitted or paid back by the government, on the exportation of the commodities on which they were levied. M

, impost, or customs; excise; any sum of money required by government to be paid on the importation, exportation, or consumption of goods.

d, without the presence of other diseases, or, if others are present, they are of minor importance. Its symptoms are loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn, acrid or fetid eructations, a sense of weight or fullness in the stomach, etc. Dunglison.

Serious; important. [Obs.] They whom earnest lets do often hinder. Hooker.

Power to produce results; efficiency; force; importance; account; as, to speak with effect.

To set aside as unimportant in a process of inductive inquiry; to leave out of consideration. Eliminate errors that have been gathering and accumulating. Lowth.

ntends to impress specially upon his audience. The province of emphasis is so much more important than accent, that the customary seat of the latter is changed, when the claims of emphasis require it. E. Porter.

An empty box, crate, cask, etc.; -- used in commerce, esp. in transportation of freight; as, "special rates for empties."