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mphasis on empirical method in science. It received its impetus from the unsystematic but vigorous skepticism of Pierre Bayle, the physical doctrines of Newton, and the epistemological theories of Locke, in the preceding century. Its chief center was in France, where it gave rise to the skepticism of Voltaire , the nat…

To strike repeatedly; to inflict repeated blaows; to knock vigorously or loudly. The men of the city . . . beat at the door. Judges. xix. 22.

To put into brisk or vigorous action; to move with life and vigor; -- usually with the reciprocal pronoun. You have so bestirred your valor. Shak. Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake. Milton.

A state or time of beauty, freshness, and vigor; an opening to higher perfection, analogous to that of buds into blossoms; as, the bloom of youth. Every successive mother has transmitted a fainter bloom, a more delicate and briefer beauty. Hawthorne.

Thriving in health, beauty, and vigor; indicating the freshness and beauties of youth or health.

Full of bloom; flowery; flourishing with the vigor of youth; as, a bloomy spray. But all the bloomy flush of life is fled. Goldsmith.

A sudden or forcible act or effort; an assault. A vigorous blow might win [Hanno's camp]. T. Arnold.

Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous. "The bold design leased highly." Milton.

To get tone or vigor; to rouse one's energies; -with up. [Colloq.]

Imparting strength or tone; strengthening; invigorating; as, a bracing north wind.

Having an active or vigorous mind. [Colloq.]

Liveliness; vigor in action; quickness; gayety; vivacity; effervescence.

To prepare for action; to apply with vigor and earnestness; -- generally used reflexively. Cartwright buckled himself to the employment. Fuller.

Having the characteristics of health, vigor, and comeliness, combined with a gay, lively manner; stout and rosy; jolly; frolicsome. A daughter fair, So buxom, blithe, and debonair. Milton. A parcel of buxom bonny dames, that were laughing, singing, dancing, and as merry as the day was long. Tatler. -- Bux"om*ly, adv.…

d by an attempt above its power, either is disabled for the future, or else checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after. Locke.

To make strong; to invigorate; to fortify; to corroborate. [Obs.] Wyclif. God's own testimony . . . doth not a little comfort and confirm the same. Hooker.

Strong; vigorous; valiant. [Obs.] Wyclif. Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death a while at the arm's end. Shak.

The recovery of heath and strength after disease; the state of a body renewing its vigor after sickness or weakness; the time between the subsidence of a disease and complete restoration to health.

In the manner of a convalescent; with increasing strength or vigor.

Tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate; giving strength or spirits. Behold this cordial julep here That flames and dances in his crystal bounds. Milton.