Search the Dictionary

To consider; to deliberate. [Obs.] Advise if this be worth attempting. Milton.

aracterized by the absence of power or force. Adynamic fevers, malignant or putrid fevers attended with great muscular debility.

That which is done or is to be done; matter; concern; as, a difficult affair to manage; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public; -- often in the plural. "At the head of affairs." Junius. "A talent for affairs." Prescott.

An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show. "An affectation of contempt." Macaulay. Affectation is an awkward and forced imitation of what should be genuine and easy, wanting the beauty that accompanies what is natural what is natural. Locke.

Fig.: In motion; in action; astir; in progress. The matter being afoot. Shak.

ared; previously provided; -- opposed to behindhand. [Archaic or Dial.] Aforehand in all matters of power. Bacon.

The seaman or seamen stationed on the poop or after part of the ship, to attend the after-sails. Totten.

Gaping, as with wonder, expectation, or eager attention. Dazzles the crowd and sets them all agape. Milton.

The latter part of life; an advanced period of life; seniority; state of being old. Nor wrong mine age with this indignity. Shak.

of a plan proposed for adoption; earnest discussion; debate. A logical agitation of the matter. L'Estrange. The project now in agitation. Swift.

An intermittent fever, attended by alternate cold and hot fits.

An exclamation to call one's attention; hem.

and claims assistance from some one who has a further or more permanent interest in the matter in suit. -- To pray in aid, to beseech and claim such assistance.

To affect with pain or uneasiness, either physical or mental; to trouble; to be the matter with; -- used to express some uneasiness or affection, whose cause is unknown; as, what ails the man I know not what ails him. What aileth thee, Hagar Gen. xxi. 17.

To direct the indention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to try to gain; to endeavor; -- followed by at, or by an infinitive; as, to aim at distinction; to aim to do well. Aim'st thou at princes Pope.

A sack or matters inflated with air, and used as a bed.

A kind of atomizer for applying liquid coloring matter in a spray by compressed air.

vessels of insects, birds, plants, etc.; the air vessel of a pump, engine, etc. For the latter, see Air chamber. The air vessels of insects are called tracheæ, of plants spiral vessels.

d or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warming sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger. Sound an alarm in my holy mountain. Joel ii. 1.

Nourishing matter stored up within the integuments of the seed in many plants, but not incorporated in the embryo. It is the floury part in corn, wheat, and like grains, the oily part in poppy seeds, the fleshy part in the cocoanut, etc.