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The general term for the Hebrew oral or traditional law; one of two branches of exposition in the Midrash. See Midrash.

A small, slender, branching plant (Campanula rotundifolia), having blue bell-shaped flowers; also, Scilla nutans, which has similar flowers; -- called also bluebell. [Written also hairbell.] E'en the light harebell raised its head. Sir W. Scott .

That branch of moral philosophy which treats of the relation of duty to pleasure; the science of practical, positive enjoyment or pleasure. J. Grote.

One of the grand divisions or branches of the animal kingdom. It is a large group including a vast number of species, most of which are parasitic. Called also Enthelminthes, Enthelmintha.

The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained. Schaff-Herzog Encyc.

The natural history of reptiles; that branch of zoölogy which relates to reptiles, including their structure, classification, and habits.

Having each of the two flexor tendons of the toes bifid, the branches of one going to the first and second toes; those of the other, to the third and fourth toes. See Illust. in Append.

The native language of the Irish; that branch of the Celtic languages spoken by the natives of Ireland. Also adj.

A genus of lophobranch fishes of several species in which the head and neck have some resemblance to those of a horse; -- called also sea horse.

That branch of biological science, which treats of the minute (microscopic) structure of animal and vegetable tissues; -- called also histiology.

o*ric"i*ty, n. There warriors frowning in historic brass. Pope. Historical painting, that branch of painting which represents the events of history. -- Historical sense, that meaning of a passage which is deduced from the circumstances of time, place, etc., under which it was written. -- The historic sense, the capac…

A low bush (Viburnum lantanoides) having long, straggling branches and handsome flowers. It is found in the Northern United States. Called also shinhopple.

A conical or branching body, by which a seaweed is attached to its support, and differing from a root in that it is not specially absorbent of moisture.

A parent stock or race of people, not yet divided into separate branches or tribes.

An order of elasmobranch fishes, including, among living species, only the chimæras; -- called also Holocephala. See Chimæra; also Illustration in Appendix.

The art of preaching; that branch of theology which treats of homilies or sermons, and the best method of preparing and delivering them.

f stems twining round a support, or of the spiral succession of leaves on stems and their branches.

A book containing the rudiments of any science or branch of knowledge; a manual; a handbook.

of a vein, as of coal or ore; hence, to take horse -- said of a vein -- is to divide into branches for a distance.

The branches of polite or elegant learning; as language, rhetoric, poetry, and the ancient classics; belles-letters.