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To contract the size of, as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.

e one thing nor the other; on neither side; impartial; neutral. [Archaic] In all our undertakings God will be either our friend or our enemy; for Providence never stands neuter. South.

Not engaged on either side; not taking part with or assisting either of two or more contending parties; neuter; indifferent. The heart can not possibly remain neutral, but constantly takes part one way or the other. Shaftesbury.

y of being neutral; the condition of being unengaged in contests between others; state of taking no part on either side; indifference. Men who possess a state of neutrality in times of public danger, desert the interest of their fellow subjects. Addison.

In a neutral manner; without taking part with either side; indifferently.

To bite upon something gently or cautiously; to eat a little of a thing, as by taking small bits cautiously; as, fishes nibble at the bait. Instead of returning a full answer to my book, he manifestly falls a- nibbling at one single passage. Tillotson.

Snowy; resembling snow; partaking of the qualities of snow. Sir T. Browne.

An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea. I. Watts.

Trifles; things of no importance. Nonsense verses, lines made by taking any words which occur, but especially certain words which it is desired to recollect, and arranging them without reference to anything but the measure, so that the rhythm of the lines may aid in recalling the remembrance of the words.…

, again, signifies either the act of apprehending, signalizing, that is, the remarking or taking note of, the various notes, marks, or characters of an object which its qualities afford, or the result of that act. Sir W. Hamilton.

Hence: Time of probation in a religious house before taking the vows.

Supplying or taking nourishment from, or as from, the breast; as, a nursing mother; a nursing infant.

Taking notice; viewing or noticing attentively; watchful; attentive; as, an observant spectator; observant habits. Wandering from clime to clime observant stray'd. Pope.

The act or the faculty of observing or taking notice; the act of seeing, or of fixing the mind upon, anything. My observation, which very seldom lies. Shak.

A favorable opportunity; a convenient or timely chance; convenience. Sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me. Rom. vii. 11. I'll take the occasion which he gives to bring Him to his death. Waller.

The act of taking or holding possession; possession; occupation. Title by occupancy (Law), a right of property acquired by taking the first possession of a thing, or possession of a thing which belonged to nobody, and appropriating it. Blackstone. Kent.

The act or process of occupying or taking possession; actual possession and control; the state of being occupied; a holding or keeping; tenure; use; as, the occupation of lands by a tenant.

Act of taking off; specif., the taking off or purchase of goods.

Taking place in the open air; outdoor; as, an open-air game or meeting.

The art or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances, or of seeking immediate advantage with little regard for ultimate consequences. [Recent]