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To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement.

The act of distraining; the taking of a personal chattel out of the possession of a wrongdoer, by way of pledge for redress of an injury, or for the performance of a duty, as for nonpayment of rent or taxes, or for injury done by cattle, etc.

ng an approach to a town or fortress. In the latter sense, it is called also a moat or a fosse.

Fig.: To strip; to deprive; to dispossess; as, to divest one of his rights or privileges; to divest one's self of prejudices, passions, etc. Wretches divested of every moral feeling. Goldsmith. The tendency of the language to divest itself of its gutturals. Earle.

stripping, or depriving; the state of being divested; the deprivation, or surrender, of possession of property, rights, etc.

The territory over which dominion or authority is exerted; the possessions of a sovereign or commonwealth, or the like. Also used figuratively. The domain of authentic history. E. Everett. The domain over which the poetic spirit ranges. J. C. Shairp.

reign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling; independent right of possession, use, and control; sovereignty; supremacy. I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion. Dan. iv. 34. To choose between dominion or slavery. Jowett (Thucyd. ).…

any or partnership, but is entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share in losses; -- called also sleeping or silent partner. -- Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer. -- Table dormant, a stationary table. [Obs.] Chaucer.

See Dosser.

each other. Conjugate or isolated points of a curve are called double points, since they possess most of the properties of double points (see Conjugate). They are also called acnodes, and those points where the branches of the curve really cross are called crunodes. The extremity of a cusp is also a double point. -- D…

The possession of dovelike qualities, harmlessness and innocence. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.

A slut; a vagabond wench. Same as Drossel. [Obs.] Hudibras.

relating to the mere right of property, as distinguished from the right of possession; as, droitural actions. [Obs.] Burrill.

See Drossel. [Obs.]

heir nature, and consist of two distinct constituents, themselves simple or complex, and possessed of opposite chemical or electrical affinities.

r a time; to live in a place; to reside. The parish in which I was born, dwell, and have possessions. Peacham. The poor man dwells in a humble cottage near the hall where the lord of the domain resides. C. J. Smith. To dwell in, to abide in (a place); hence, to depend on. "My hopes in heaven to dwell." Shak. -- To dwe…

Same as Crossette.

The jurisdiction of an earl; the territorial possessions of an earl.

Possessing the quality of being effective; productive of, or powerful to produce, the effect intended; as, an efficacious law.

A kind of posset made of eggs, brandy, sugar, and ale. Lamb.