Search the Dictionary

An estate held of a superior on condition of military service; a fee; a feud. See under Benefice, n., 2.

me, same as Christian name. See under Name, n. -- First officer (Naut.), in the merchant service, same as First mate (above). -- First sergeant (Mil.), the ranking non-commissioned officer in a company; the orderly sergeant. Farrow. -- First watch (Naut.), the watch from eight to twelve at midnight; also, the men on…

A priest devoted to the service of a particular god, from whom he received a distinguishing epithet. The most honored were those of Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus, called respectively Flamen Dialis, Flamen Martialis, and Flamen Quirinalis. Affrights the flamens at their service quaint. Milton.

A service paid by foresters to the king.

attempt a breach, scale the wall of a fortress, or perform other extraordinarily perilous service; also, a desperate case or enterprise.

Certain or honorable; the opposite of base; as, free service; free socage. Burrill.

casionally, conferred on one not a resident, as a mark of honorary distinction for public services.

Promoting the good of any person; favorable; propitious; serviceable; as, a friendly breeze or gale. On the first friendly bank he throws him down. Addison.

; as, a frigid constitution; a frigid style; a frigid look or manner; frigid obedience or service.

Fleeing from pursuit, danger, restraint, etc., escaping, from service, duty etc.; as, a fugitive solder; a fugitive slave; a fugitive debtor. The fugitive Parthians follow. Shak. Can a fugitive daughter enjoy herself while her parents are in tear Richardson A libellous pamphlet of a fugitive physician. Sir H. Wotton.…

Leave of abserice; especially, leave given to an offcer or soldier to be absent from service for a certain time; also, the document granting leave of absence.

A rent, service, tribute, custom, tax, impost, or duty; an excise. Burrill. He enables St. Peter to pay his gabel by the ministry of a fish. Jer. Taylor.

nd where women were allowed to see the monks to whom they were related, or to hear divine service. Also, frequently applied to the porch of a church, as at Ely and Durham cathedrals. Gwilt.

nning Gloria Patri, Glory be to the Father), sung or said at the end of the Psalms in the service of the Roman Catholic and other churches.

on the fourth Sunday in Lent, and sent to some church or person in recognition of special services rendered to the Holy See. -- Golden rule. (a) The rule of doing as we would have others do to us. Cf. Luke vi. 31. (b) The rule of proportion, or rule of three. -- Golden samphire (Bot.), a composite plant (Inula crithm…

qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Gen. i. 31. Good company, good wi…

A selection from one of the gospels, for use in a religious service; as, the gospel for the day.

A priest or deacon who reads the gospel at the altar during the communion service. The Archbishop of York was the celebrant, the epistoler being the dean, and the gospeler the Bishop of Sydney. Pall Mall Gazette.

A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

by which they adhere to cattle, causing intense annoyance. -- Grapple shot (Life-saving Service), a projectile, to which are attached hinged claws to catch in a ship's rigging or to hold in the ground; -- called also anchor shot.