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onsideration in some statement or discussion; that which is made the object of thought or study. As to the subject-matter, words are always to be understood as having a regard thereto. Blackstone. As science makes progress in any subject-matter, poetry recedes from it. J. H. Newman.

t is obvious or apparent; not deep or profound; shallow; -- said especially in respect to study, learning, and the like; as, a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. He is a presumptuous and superficial writer. Burke. That superficial judgment, whi…

. Also used figuratively. You have added to your natural endowments the superstructure of study. Dryden.

often unknown, or imperfectly known. The close bearing of the doctrine of survival on the study of manners and customs. Tylor. Survival of the fittest. (Biol.) See Natural selection, under Natural.

Of labor, study, pain, etc.

The study of ancient symbols; esp. (Theol.),

n of the whole; as, a systematic arrangement of plants or animals; a systematic course of study. Now we deal much in essays, and unreasonably despise systematical learning; whereas our fathers had a just value for regularity and systems. I. Watts. A representation of phenomena, in order to answer the purposes of scienc…

apparatus for exposing briefly to view a screen bearing letters or figures. It is used in studying the range of attention, or the power of distinguishing separate objects in a single impression.

small wax candle; a small lighted wax candle; hence, a small light. Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. Shak.

Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite quantity or amount. Ma task of servile toil. Milton. Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close. Longfellow.

tual relish; liking; fondness; -- formerly with of, now with for; as, he had no taste for study. I have no taste Of popular applause. Dryden.

The study or science of the life of marine organisms. Agassiz.

An apparatus for studying and registering the action of various fluids and drugs on the excised heart of lower animals.

A beginner in learning; one who is in the rudiments of any branch of study; a person imperfectly acquainted with a subject; a novice. [Written also tiro.] The management of tyros of eighteen Is difficult. Cowper.

strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax; as, to unbend the mind from study or care. You do unbend your noble strength. Shak.

Not gained by study; not known.

Not studied; not acquired by study; unlabored; natural.

A discourse or treatise on the heavens and the heavenly bodies; the study of the heavens; uranography.

Empty of thought; thoughtless; not occupied with study or reflection; as, a vacant mind. The duke had a pleasant and vacant face. Sir H. Wotton. When on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood. Wordsworth.

Acquainted or familiar, as the result of experience, study, practice, etc.; skilled; practiced. Deep versed in books and shallow in himself. Milton. Opinions . . . derived from studying the Scriptures, wherein he was versed beyond any person of his age. Southey. These men were versed in the details of business. Macaula…