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A weight in the metric system; one tenth of a gram, equal to 1.5432 grains avoirdupois.

The system of a decimal currency, decimal weights, measures, etc.

decay; as, the declension of virtue, of science, of a state, etc. Seduced the pitch and height of all his thoughts To base declension. Shak.

A set or squad of ten men under a decurion. Sir W. Raleigh.

bs, with opposite leaves, and showy flowers (usually bright purple), with four petals and eight stamens, -- the only genus of the order Melastomaceæ inhabiting a temperate clime.

; a falling away; apostasy; backsliding. "Defection and falling away from God." Sir W. Raleigh. The general defection of the whole realm. Sir J. Davies.

eing defended; protection, as from violence or danger. In cases of defense 't is best to weigh The enemy more mighty than he seems. Shak.

The art or act of determining the directions and heights of the lines of rampart with reference to the protection of the interior from exposure to an enemy's fire from any point within range, or from any works which may be erected. Farrow.

hat every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare Law of multiple proportions, under Multiple.

The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load.

being delegated; deputed power. [Obs.] By way of delegacy or grand commission. Sir W. Raleigh.

serted eleven stanzas which do not appear in Sir Walter Scott's version, and have deleted eight. Aytoun.

Weighing facts and arguments with a view a choice or decision; carefully considering the probable consequences of a step; circumspect; slow in determining; -- applied to persons; as, a deliberate judge or counselor. "These deliberate fools." Shak.

The act of deliberating, or of weighing and examining the reasons for and against a choice or measure; careful consideration; mature reflection. Choosing the fairest way with a calm deliberation. W. Montagu.

A discourse in which a question is discussed, or weighed and examined. Bacon.

licates have, -- those I mean that would seem to be more fine in their houses than their neighbors, -- are only of the Corinth metal. Holland.

A kind of ordnance, carrying a ball weighing from thirty to thirty-six pounds. Shak.

A kind of ordnance, carrying a ball weighing from nine to thirteen pounds.

The detention of a vessel by the freighter beyond the time allowed in her charter party for loading, unloading, or sailing.

An instrument to measure the height and diameter of trees.