AQUA n.
soning, made by an Italian woman named Tofana, in the middle of the 17th century, who is said to have poisoned more than 600 persons. Francis. -- Aqua vitæ Etym: [L., water of life. Cf. Eau de vie, Usquebaugh], a name given to brandy and some other ardent spirits. Shak.
ARABESQUE n.
A style of ornamentation either painted, inlaid, or carved in low relief. It consists of a pattern in which plants, fruits, foliage, etc., as well as figures of men and animals, real or imaginary, are fantastically interlaced or put together.
ARCHIMEDEAN a.
chimedean drill, propeller, etc. Archimedean screw, or Archimedes' screw, an instrument, said to have been invented by Archimedes, for raising water, formed by winding a flexible tube round a cylinder in the form of a screw. When the screw is placed in an inclined position, and the lower end immersed in water, by causi…
ARMED a.
Having horns, beak, talons, etc; -- said of beasts and birds of prey. Armed at all points (Blazoning), completely incased in armor, sometimes described as armed cap-à-pie. Cussans. -- Armed en flute. (Naut.) See under Flute. -- Armed magnet, a magnet provided with an armature. -- Armed neutrality. See under Neutrali…
ARREAR n.
That which is behind in payment, or which remains unpaid, though due; esp. a remainder, or balance which remains due when some part has been paid; arrearage; -- commonly used in the plural, as, arrears of rent, wages, or taxes. Locke. For much I dread due payment by the Greeks Of yesterday's arrear. Cowper. I have a la…