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The infliction of a penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or penalty thus imposed. It differs from a fine,in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statue for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See Affeer.] Blacksto…

A phrase, discourse, or proposition, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which arises from the twofold sense of a single term.

Ambiguous discourse; amphibology. If it oracle contrary to our interest or humor, we will create an amphiboly, a double meaning where there is none. Whitlock.

To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat copiously by adding particulars, illustrations, etc.; to expand; to make much of. Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard author, but much amplified by our English translator. Dryden.

luence of "bhang," and attack every one that comes in the way; to assail recklessly and indiscriminately. Satire's my weapon, but I'm too discreet To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet. Pope.

g enlightens the mind, because it is to the mind what light is to the eye, enabling it to discover things before hidden.

A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a discourse, disposed in their natural order.

To discriminate minutely or carefully; to analyze. If we anatomize all other reasonings of this nature, we shall find that they are founded on the relation of cause and effect. Hume.

t of dissecting, or artificially separating the different parts of any organized body, to discover their situation, structure, and economy; dissection.

y in thick rhombic prisms, nearly square, of a grayish or pale reddish tint. It was first discovered in Andalusia, Spain.

A discourse on angels, or a body of doctrines in regard to angels. The same mythology commanded the general consent; the same angelology, demonology. Milman.

A periodic publication, containing records of discoveries, transactions of societies, etc.; as "Annals of Science."

A feeling of discomfort or vexation caused by what one dislikes; also, whatever causes such a feeling; as, to work annoy. Worse than Tantalus' is her annoy. Shak.

To be opposite to; to face. The windows answering each other, we could just discern the glowing horizon them. Gilpin.

ondent; conformable; hence, comparable. What wit and policy of man is answerable to their discreet and orderly course Holland. This revelation . . . was answerable to that of the apostle to the Thessalonians. Milton.

A discourses on flowers. [R.]

The art of discovering or judging of a man's character, passions. and inclinations from a study of his visible features. [R.]

rehand, or before the proper time in natural order. So shall my anticipation prevent your discovery. Shak.

The quality of being antique; an appearance of ancient origin and workmanship. We may discover something venerable in the antiqueness of the work. Addison.

the incus. See Incus. To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion, formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is forming, but not matured. Swift.