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One of a class of water spirits, commonly described as of a mischievous disposition. The treacherous nixes who entice men to a watery death. Tylor.

Not hitherto described; novel; hence, odd; abnormal; unclassifiable.

To dedicate by declaration; to inscribe; as, to nuncupate a book. [Obs.] Evelyn.

An oblate spheroid; a figure described by the revolution of an ellipse about its minor axis. Cf. Oblongum.

A prolate spheroid; a figure described by the revolution of an ellipse about its greater axis. Cf. Oblatum, and see Ellipsoid of revolution, under Ellipsoid.

Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice; observance. [Obs.] We are to procure dispensation or leave to omit the observation of it in such circumstances. Jer. Taylor.

ffirmed; as, all men are mortal; then, by obversion, no men are immortal. This is also described as "immediate inference by privative conception." Bain.

An epic poem attributed to Homer, which describes the return of Ulysses to Ithaca after the siege of Troy.

Any service other than that of ordination and the Mass; any prescribed religious service. This morning was read in the church, after the office was done, the declaration setting forth the late conspiracy against the king's person. Evelyn. Holy office. Same as Inquisition, n., 3. -- Houses of office. Same as def. 7 abo…

A circle; esp., a circle, or nearly circular orbit, described by the revolution of a heavenly body; an orbit. The schoolmen were like astronomers, which did feign eccentrics, and epicycles, and such engines of orbs. Bacon. You seem to me as Dian in her orb. Shak. In orbs Of circuit inexpressible they stood, Orb within…

The path described by a heavenly body in its periodical revolution around another body; as, the orbit of Jupiter, of the earth, of the moon.

That which prescribes a method of procedure; a rule or regulation made by competent authority; as, the rules and orders of the senate. The church hath authority to establish that for an order at one time which at another time it may abolish. Hooker.

One skilled in ornithology; a student of ornithology; one who describes birds.

Drowsiness; dullness; sluggishness. Hallam. It might proceed from the oscitancy of transcribers. Addison.

Any carnivorous animal of the genus Lutra, and related genera. Several species are described. They have large, flattish heads, short ears, and webbed toes. They are aquatic, and feed on fish. Their fur is soft and valuable. The common otter of Europe is Lutra vulgaris; the American otter is L. Canadensis; other species…

To deprive of the benefit and protection of law; to declare to be an outlaw; to proscribe. Blackstone.

To exceed in naming or describing. [R.]

d the curve. Thus, in the diagram, if P moves so that P A.P B is constant, the point P describes a Cassinian oval. The locus may consist of a single closed line, as shown by the dotted line, or of two equal ovals about the points A and B.

To color or describe too strongly. Sir W. Raleigh.

To have or possess, as something derived or bestowed; to be obliged to ascribe (something to some source); to be indebted or obliged for; as, he owed his wealth to his father; he owed his victoty to his lieutenants. Milton. O deem thy fall not owed to man's decree. Pope.