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r running; as, one step is generally about three feet, but may be more or less. Used also figuratively of any kind of progress; as, he improved step by step, or by steps. To derive two or three general principles of motion from phenomena, and afterwards to tell us how the properties and actions of all corporeal things…

With the stern, instead of the bow, in advance; hence, figuratively, in an awkward, blundering manner. A fatal genius for going sternforemost. Lowell.

oin, and money of account, of the value of two cents, or about one penny sterling; hence, figuratively, anything of little worth.

f a series of layers, which form a rock as it lies between beds of other kinds. Also used figuratively.

Figuratively, to wander from the path of duty or rectitude; to err. We have erred and strayed from thy ways. While meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray. Cowper.

place where an alluvial deposit of tin ore is worked. Ure. -- To float with the stream, figuratively, to drift with the current of opinion, custom, etc., so as not to oppose or check it.

what is superfluous or corrupt. -- To strike oil, to find petroleum when boring for it; figuratively, to make a lucky hit financially. [Slang, U.S.] -- To strike one luck, to shake hands with one and wish good luck. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl. -- To strike out. (a) To produce by collision; to force out, as, to strike out spa…

Also used figuratively; as, sugared kisses.

To soil; to dirty; to spot; to tarnish; to stain; to darken; -- used literally and figuratively; as, to sully a sword; to sully a person's reputation. Statues sullied yet with sacrilegious smoke. Roscommon. No spots to sully the brightness of this solemnity. Atterbury.

escent of the sun below the horizon; also, the time when the sun sets; evening. Also used figuratively. 'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore. Campbell.

all that part of a building above the basement. Also used figuratively. You have added to your natural endowments the superstructure of study. Dryden.

To sink or stick in a swamp; figuratively, to become involved in insuperable difficulties.

om for the purpose of cleaning; as, to sweep a floor, the street, or a chimney. Used also figuratively. I will sweep it with the besom of destruction. Isa. xiv. 23.

Figuratively: The human body, as the temporary abode of the soul.

icles of certain corals and hydroids. Tabula rasa ( Etym: [L.], a smoothed tablet; hence, figuratively, the mind in its earliest state, before receiving impressions from without; -- a term used by Hobbes, Locke, and others, in maintaining a theory opposed to the doctrine of innate ideas.

disengaged; a snarl; as, hair or yarn in tangles; a tangle of vines and briers. Used also figuratively.

; to tarnish gilding; to tarnish the purity of color. "Tarnished lace." Fuller. Used also figuratively; as, to tarnish one's honor.

ive the relish or flavor of (anything) by taking a small quantity into a mouth. Also used figuratively. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine. John ii. 9. When Commodus had once tasted human blood, he became incapable of pity or remorse. Gibbon.

probe or to search with a tent; to keep open with a tent; as, to tent a wound. Used also figuratively. I'll tent him to the quick. Shak.

Dense; not thin; inspissated; as, thick vapors. Also used figuratively; as, thick darkness. Make the gruel thick and slab. Shak.