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, crystallizable substance, C4H8N2O3+H2O, found in many plants, and first obtained from asparagus. It is believed to aid in the disposition of nitrogenous matter throughout the plant; -- called also altheine.

Pertaining or allied to, or resembling, asparagus; having shoots which are eaten like asparagus; as, asparaginous vegetables.

ch branched stems, and very slender branchlets which are sometimes mistaken for leaves. Asparagus racemosus is a shrubby climbing plant with fragrant flowers. Specifically: The Asparagus officinalis, a species cultivated in gardens.

The name of several very beautiful birds of the genus Paradisea and allied genera, inhabiting New Guinea and the adjacent islands. The males have brilliant colors, elegant plumes, and often remarkable tail feathers.

See Buffer, 1.

Overalls of sheepskin or leather, usually open at the back, worn, esp. by cowboys, to protect the legs from thorny bushes, as in the chaparral; -- called also chapareras or colloq. chaps. [Sp. Amer.]

Capable of being compared; worthy of comparison. There is no blessing of life comparable to the enjoyment of a discreet and virtuous friend. Addison. -- Com"pa*ra*ble*ness, n. -- Com"pa*ra*bly, adv.

One of two things compared together.

A making ready; provision. [Obs.]

Of or pertaining to comparison. "The comparative faculty." Granvill.

ing to estimate made by comparison; relatively; not positively or absolutely. With but comparatively few exceptions. Prescott.

An instrument or machine for comparing anything to be measured with a standard measure; -- applied especially to a machine for comparing standards of length.

Removed from paradise. [R.] Cockeram.

ishonor by an unequal marriage. [Obs.] Alas! that any of my nation Should ever so foul disparaged be. Chaucer.

ior excellence; a lowering in rank or estimation. [Eng.] And thought that match a foul disparagement. Spenser.

One who disparages or dishonors; one who vilifies or disgraces.

In a manner to disparage or dishonor; slightingly.

Unequal; dissimilar; separate. Connecting disparate thoughts, purely by means of resemblances in the words expressing them. Coleridge.

Things so unequal or unlike that they can not be compared with each other.

Any parasite which lives on the exterior of animals; -- opposed to endoparasite. -- Ec`to*par`a*sit"ic, a.