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To unite in wedlock or matrimony; to perform the ceremony of joining, as a man and a woman, for life; to constitute (a man and a woman) husband and wife according to the laws or customs of the place. Tell him that he shall marry the couple himself. Gay.

A dramatic performance, formerly in vogue, in which the actors wore masks and represented mythical or allegorical characters.

The work or performance of a mason; as, good or bad masonry; skillful masonry.

A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask,

A rubbing or kneading of the body, especially when performed as a hygienic or remedial measure.

One who performs massage.

head of a school or college. (g) A male teacher. (h) The director of a number of persons performing a ceremony or sharing a feast. (i) The owner of a docile brute, -- especially a dog or horse. (j) The controller of a familiar spirit or other supernatural being.

e or superior skill and power; showing a master's hand; as, a masterly design; a masterly performance; a masterly policy. "A wise and masterly inactivity." Sir J. Mackintosh.

Anything done or made with extraordinary skill; a capital performance; a chef-d'oeuvre; a supreme achievement. The top and masterpiece of art. South. Dissimulation was his masterpiece. Claredon.

Chewing; adapted to perform the office o

efined quantity; extent; degree. There is a great measure of discretion to be used in the performance of confession. Jer. Taylor.

eration or action. He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or accident. Bentley.

A young monk who was excused from performing a portion of a monk's duties. Shipley.

A part of an animal capable of performing a distinct office; an organ; a limb. We have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office. Rom. xii. 4.

Belonging to a retinue or train of servants; performing servile office; serving. Two menial dogs before their master pressed. Dryden.

To earn by service or performance; to have a right to claim as reward; to deserve; sometimes, to deserve in a bad sense; as, to merit punishment. "This kindness merits thanks." Shak.

A person appointed to perform certain ministerial duties under bankrupt and insolvent laws, such as to take charge og the estate of the bankrupt or insolvent. Bouvier. Tomlins.

To perform the office of midwife.

Performed or made by soldiers; as, a military election; a military expedition. Bacon. Military law. See Martial law, under Martial. -- Military order. (a) A command proceeding from a military superior. (b) An association of military persons under a bond of certain peculiar rules; especially, such an association of kni…

One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments. Addison.