Search the Dictionary

Doubt-dispelling; decisive. [R.] A kind of peremptory and discussive voice. Hopkins.

ut the later addition of the filioque, which, with the doctrine it represents, the church decisively rejects), baptizes infants with trine immersion, makes confirmation follow immediately upon baptism, administers the Communion in both kinds (using leavened bread) and to infants as well as adults, permits its secular c…

Having the power to produce an effect or effects; producing a decided or decisive effect; efficient; serviceable; operative; as, an effective force, remedy, speech; the effective men in a regiment. They are not effective of anything, nor leave no work behind them. Bacon. Whosoever is an effective, real cause of doing h…

g adequate power or force to produce, an intended effect; adequate; efficient; operative; decisive. Shak. Effectual steps for the suppression of the rebellion. Macaulay. Effectual calling (Theol.), a doctrine concerning the work of the Holy Spirit in producing conviction of sin and acceptance of salvation by Christ, --…

Exigency; pressing necessity; decisive moment. [Obs.] Why do you cross me in this exigent Shak.

of, the Roman general, Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus; cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest. Fabian policy, a policy like that of Fabius Maximus, who, by carefully avoiding decisive contests, foiled Hannibal, harassing his army by marches, countermarches, and ambuscades; a policy of delays and cautions.…

An argument, or apparent argument, which professes to be decisive of the matter at issue, while in reality it is not; a sophism.

er in a fight; as, to fight cocks; to fight one's ship. To fight it out, to fight until a decisive and conclusive result is reached.

Conclusive; decisive; as, a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue.

Conclusive; decisive; definitive; final. [Obs.] Greene (1593).

To judge or form an opinion of, from reasons that seem preponderating, but are not decisive. We may then guess how far it was from his design. Milton. Of ambushed men, whom, by their arms and dress, To be Taxallan enemies I guess. Dryden.

Specially or decisively characteristic of a disease; indicating with certainty a disease; as, a pathognomonic symptom. The true pathognomonic sign of love jealousy. Arbuthnot.

cluding debate or expostulation; not admitting of question or appeal; positive; absolute; decisive; conclusive; final. Think of heaven with hearty purposes and peremptory designs to get thither. Jer. Taylor.

Decisive procedure. [Obs.]

probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof. "'T is positive 'gainst all exceptions." Shak.

Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture. Blackstone. He that was in question for the robbery. Shak. The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question. Macaulay.

ccurrence or a phenomenon; a motive for an action or a determination; proof, more or less decisive, for an opinion or a conclusion; principle; efficient cause; final cause; ground of argument. I'll give him reasons for it. Shak. The reason of the motion of the balance in a wheel watch is by the motion of the next wheel…

That which has been resolved on or determined; decisive conclusion; fixed purpose; determination; also, legal or official determination; a legislative declaration; a resolution. Nor is your firm resolve unknown. Shak. Cæsar's approach has summoned us together, And Rome attends her fate from our resolves. Addison.…

Any quick, decisive stroke or act. [Colloq. U.S.]

Examination or trial by the cupel; hence, any critical examination or decisive trial; as, to put a man's assertions to a test. "Bring me to the test." Shak.