Search the Dictionary

rivileges. Also, an instrument in writing from the constituted authorities of an order or society (as the Freemasons), creating a lodge and defining its powers.

ce to order or obedience; to correct or purify; to free from faults or excesses. The gay, social sense, by decency chastised. Thomson.

A small American sparrow (Spizella socialis), very common near dwelling; -- also called chipping bird and chipping sparrow, from its simple note.

mble, about a central point of interest, or bound by a common tie; a class or division of society; a coterie; a set. As his name gradually became known, the circle of his acquaintance widened. Macaulay.

See Cirsocele.

f which are standards with narrow slits for sighting, supported on a tripod by a ball and socket joint.

Relating to, or derived from, a city or citizen; relating to man as a member of society, or to civil affairs. Civic crown (Rom. Antiq.), a crown or garland of oak leaves and acorns, bestowed on a soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle.

The state of society in which the relations and duties of a citizen are recognized and obeyed; a state of civilization. [Obs.] Monarchies have risen from barbarrism to civility, and fallen again to ruin. Sir J. Davies. The gradual depature of all deeper signification from the word civility has obliged the creation of a…

onscience and duty in open market is not reconcilable with the present state of civilized society. J. Quincy.

A clique; a sect, society, or body of persons; esp., a body of persons united by some common interest or pursuit; -- sometimes used contemptuously. Partidge and the rest of his clan may hoot me. Smolett. The whole clan of the enlightened among us. Burke.

A secret society of Irish Fenians founded in Philadelphia in 1881.

Of or pertaining to a clan; closely united, like a clan; disposed to associate only with one's clan or clique; actuated by the traditions, prejudices, habits, etc., of a clan. -- Clan"nish*ly, adv. -- Clan"nish*ness, n.

A state of being united togheter as in a clan; an association under a chieftain.

iduals ranked together as possessing common characteristics; as, the different classes of society; the educated class; the lower classes.

A narrow circle of persons associated by common interests or for the accomplishment of a common purpose; -- generally used in a bad sense.

The tendency to associate in cliques; the spirit of cliques.

An association of persons for the promotion of some common object, as literature, science, politics, good fellowship, etc.; esp. an association supported by equal assessments or contributions of the members. They talked At wine, in clubs, of art, of politics. Tennyson. He [Goldsmith] was one of the nine original member…

Suitable for membership in a club; sociable. [Humorous.] G. W. Curtis.

An associate in an act; a coworker. Drayton.

The socket in the ball of a millstone, which sits on the cockhead.