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ically, one who avoids the literal sense of the language of Scripture by explaining it as mere tropes and figures of speech.

A little tower, frequently a merely ornamental structure at one of the angles of a larger structure.

- and done) meaning not done, not finished. Un- is sometimes used with an intensive force merely; as in unloose.

er in definite structure, with mutual and reciprocal influence on each other, and are not mere aggregations of more or less complex groups; -- distinguished from the dualistic theory.

ties was suitable to the end of their institutions, either theology or something that was merely preparatory to theology. A. Smith.

A thermometer by merely inverting which the temperature may be registered. The column of mercury is broken and, as it remains until the instrument is reset, the reading may be made at leisure.

The sternal, or under piece, of any one of the uromeres of insects and other arthropods.

ed; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. This faith is neither a mere fantasy of future glory, nor a vague ebullition of feeling. I. Taylor. The poet turned away, and gave himself up to a sort of vague revery, which he called thought. Hawthorne.

is) which swims in the open sea. Its form is due to the enormous development of two spheromeres. See Illust. in Appendix. -- Venus's hair (Bot.), a delicate and graceful fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) having a slender, black and shining stem and branches. -- Venus's hair stone (Min.), quartz penetrated by acicular…

; as, a verbal critic; a verbal change. And loses, though but verbal, his reward. Milton. Mere verbal refinements, instead of substantial knowledge. Whewell.

The quality or state of being verbal; mere words; bare literal expression. [R.] "More verbality than matter." Bp. Hall.

The quality or state of being a virtuoso; in a bad sense, the character of one in whom mere artistic feeling or æsthetic cultivation takes the place of religious character; sentimentalism. This famous passage . . . over which the virtuosity of modern times, rejoicing in evil, has hung so fondly. C. Kingsley.…

nymous. The former implies the resistance itself which is given, while the latter implies merely the property by which it is given. -- Vis mortua Etym: [L.] (Mech.), dead force; force doing no active work, but only producing pressure. -- Vis vitæ, or Vis vitalis Etym: [L.] (Physiol.), vital force. -- Vis viva Etym:…

ueen Elizabeth's] reign. Fuller. The faith of Christianity is far more vivacious than any mere ravishment of the imagination can ever be. I. Taylor.

on. What can be urged for them who not having the vocation of poverty to scribble, out of mere wantonness make themselves ridiculous Dryden.

d, etc., and in the vowels; sonant, or intonated, utterance; tone; -- distinguished from mere breath sound as heard in f, s, sh, etc., and also whisper.

ct of sovereign powers; declared and open hostilities. Men will ever distinguish war from mere bloodshed. F. W. Robertson.

A particular method or pattern of weaving; as, the cassimere weave.

Mere breath or talk; empty effort; idle words. Nor think thou with wind Of airy threats to awe. Milton.

To whirl; to eddy. [R.] The waters went wirbling above and around. Owen. Meredith.