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the large, flattened, venomous kinds of the order Chilopoda, found in tropical climates. they are many-jointed, and have a great number of feet. [Written also centipede (

ossil fishes; but recently two living species have been discovered in Australian rivers. They have lungs so well developed that they can leave the water and breathe in air. In Australia they are called salmon and baramunda. See Dipnoi, and Archipterygium.

A sign or prodigy; a portent. [Obs.] Cæsar, I never stood on ceremonies, Yet, now they fright me. Shak. Master of ceremonies, an officer who determines the forms to be observed, or superintends their observance, on a public occasion. -- Not to stand on ceremony, not to be ceremonious; to be familiar, outspoken, or bol…

A genus of plants of the Cactus family. They are natives of America, from California to Chili.

gments, each of which may contain a complete set of male and female reproductive organs. They have neither mouth nor intestine. See Tapeworm. [Written also Cestoda.]

An order of marine mammals, including the whales. Like ordinary mammals they breathe by means of lungs, and bring forth living young which they suckle for some time. The anterior limbs are changed to paddles; the tail flukes are horizontal. There are two living suborders: (a) The Mysticete or whalebone whales, having n…

An order of free-swimming marine worms, of which the genus Sagitta is the type. They have groups of curved spines on each side of the head.

haracterized by the presence of lateral setæ, or spines, on most or all of the segments. They are divided into two principal groups: Oligochæta, including the earthworms and allied forms, and Polychæta, including most of the marine species.

gear (Naut.), any material used to protect sails, rigging, or the like, at points where they are exposed to friction.

, of restraint, of ornament, of the exertion and transmission of mechanical power, etc. [They] put a chain of gold about his neck. Dan. v. 29.

A signal made for a parley by beat of a drum. They beat the chamade, and sent us carte blanche. Addison.

To bite or chew impatiently. They began . . . irefully to champ upon the bit. Hooker.

anything really existing, anything that is truly an agent or the cause of any event; but they signify merely men's ignorance of the real and immediate cause. Samuel Clark. Any society into which chance might throw him. Macaulay. That power Which erring men call Chance. Milton.

else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention. They that do change old love for new, Pray gods, they change for worse! Peele.

stirrups, joined at the top and fastened to the pommel or the frame of the saddle, after they have been adjusted to the convenience of the rider. [Written also chaplet.]

A genus of flowerless plants, having articulated stems and whorled branches. They flourish in wet places.

To attract irresistibly; to delight exceedingly; to enchant; to fascinate. They, on their mirth and dance Intent, with jocund music charm his ear. Milton.

Of or pertaining to a chasm; abounding in chasms. Carlyle. They cross the chasmy torrent's foam-lit bed. Wordsworth.

To purify from errors or faults; to refine. They [classics] chasten and enlarge the mind, and excite to noble actions. Layard.

, who, about 1793, pillaged, burned, and killed in parts of France; -- so called because they used to burn the feet of their victims to extort money.