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lusion . . . that our happiness depends little on political institutions, and much on the temper and regulation of our own minds. Macaulay. Heaven forming each on other to depend. Pope.

he dewpoint (Meteor.), the number of degreees that the dew-point is lower than the actual temperature of the atmosphere. -- Depression of the pole, its apparent sinking, as the spectator goes toward the equator. -- Depression of the visible horizon. (Astron.) Same as Dip of the horizon, under Dip.

fatal; productive of serious evil; mischievous; pernicious; -- often with of or to; as, intemperance is destructive of health; evil examples are destructive to the morals of youth. Time's destructive power. Wordsworth. Destructive distillation. See Distillation. -- Destructive sorties ( (Logic), a process of reasoning…

The temperature at which dew begins to form. It varies with the humidity and temperature of the atmosphere.

nfernal; impious; atrocious; nefarious; outrageously wicked; as, a diabolic or diabolical temper or act. "Diabolic power." Milton. "The diabolical institution." Motley. -- Di`a*bol"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Di`a*bol"ic*al*ness, n.

ir bulbs, and containing a colored liquid, used for indicating the difference between the temperatures to which the two bulbs are exposed, by the change of position of the colored fluid, in consequence of the different expansions of the air in the bulbs. A graduated scale is attached to one leg of the tube. -- Differe…

which bones or other substances may be subjected, usually in water or other liquid, to a temperature above that of boiling, in order to soften them.

h, flavor, color, etc., of, by mixing; to reduce, especially by the addition of water; to temper; to attenuate; to weaken. Lest these colors should be diluted and weakened by the mixture of any adventitious light. Sir I. Newton.

ing. The effect of the privations and sufferings . . . was discernible to the last in his temper and deportment. Macaulay.

e particles, as but, though, yet, etc.; as, travelers change their climate, but not their temper.

Not dictated by passion; not proceeding from temper or bias; impartial; as, dispassionate proceedings; a dispassionate view.

Natural or prevailing spirit, or temperament of mind, especially as shown in intercourse with one's fellow-men; temper of mind. "A man of turbulent disposition." Hallam. "He is of a very melancholy disposition." Shak. His disposition led him to do things agreeable to his quality and condition wherein God had placed him…

spute; apt to civil or controvert; characterized by dispute; as, a disputatious person or temper. The Christian doctrine of a future life was no recommendation of the new religion to the wits and philosophers of that disputations period. Buckminster. -- Dis`pu*ta"tious*ly, adv. -- Dis`pu*ta"tious*ness, n.…

Disposed to dispute; inclined to cavil or to reason in opposition; as, a disputative temper. I. Watts.

Not similar; unlike; heterogeneous; as, the tempers of men are as dissimilar as their features. This part very dissimilar to any other. Boyle.

Wasteful of health, money, etc., in the pursuit of pleasure; dissolute; intemperate. A life irregular and dissipated. Johnson.

Sullen; morose. [Obs. or R.] The sulky spite of a temper naturally dogged. Sir W. Scott.

ve potions to, constantly and without need. A self-opinioned physician, worse than his distemper, who shall dose, and bleed, and kill him, "secundum artem." South

nt or feasting; to carouse; to revel; hence, to lake alcoholic liquors to excess; to be intemperate in the Pope. And they drank, and were merry with him. Gem. xliii. 34. Bolingbroke always spoke freely when he had drunk freely. Thackeray. To drink to, to salute in drinking; to wish well to, in the act of taking the cup…

Sweet to the taste; luscious. [Obs.] She tempers dulcet creams. Milton.