Search the Dictionary

The act of tergiversating; a shifting; shift; subterfuge; evasion. Writing is to be preferred before verbal conferences, as being freer from passions and tergiversations. Abp. Bramhall.

As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those), that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is true; those in the basket are good apples. The early fame of Gratian was e…

To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; -- said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.

At that time (referring to a time specified, either past or future). And the Canaanite was then in the land. Gen. xii. 6. Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Cor. xiii. 12.

o theory and speculation; a speculatist. Cowper. The greatest theoretists have given the preference to such a government as that which obtains in this kingdom. Addison.

For that or this reason, referring to something previously stated; for that. I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come. Luke xiv. 20. Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore Matt. xix. 27.

she, or it. They is never used adjectively, but always as a pronoun proper, and sometimes refers to persons without an antecedent expressed. Jolif and glad they went unto here [their] rest And casten hem [them] full early for to sail. Chaucer. They of Italy salute you. Heb. xiii. 24. Blessed are they which do hunger an…

Performance or occurrence of an action or event, considered with reference to repetition; addition of a number to itself; repetition; as, to double cloth four times; four times four, or sixteen. Summers three times eight save one. Milton.

A color considered with reference to other very similar colors; as, red and blue are different colors, but two shades of scarlet are different tints.

General or prevailing character or style, as of morals, manners, or sentiment, in reference to a scale of high and low; as, a low tone of morals; a tone of elevated sentiment; a courtly tone of manners.

being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.

Personal reference or application. [Obs.] Speech of touch toward others should be sparingly used. Bacon.

With direction to, in a moral sense; with respect or reference to; regarding; concerning. His eye shall be evil toward his brother. Deut. xxviii. 54. Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men. Acts xxiv. 16.

The business done upon a railway, steamboat line, etc., with reference to the number of passengers or the amount of freight carried. Traffic return, a periodical statement of the receipts for goods and passengers, as on a railway line. -- Traffic taker, a computer of the returns of traffic on a railway, steamboat line…

Lying or being on the further side of the river Po with reference to Rome, that is, on the north side; -- opposed to cispadane.

ar forward or much aft, erect or raking. -- Trim of sails (Naut.), that adjustment, with reference to the wind, witch is best adapted to impel the ship forward.

r optimes, and the second the names of the junior optimes. The word tripos is supposed to refer to the three-legged stool formerly used at the examinations for these honors, though some derive it from the three brackets formerly printed on the back of the paper. C. A. Bristed.

ne view or party to another. -- To turn to, to apply one's self to; have recourse to; to refer to. "Helvicus's tables may be turned to on all occasions." Locke. -- To turn to account, profit, advantage, or the like, to be made profitable or advantageous; to become worth the while. -- To turn under, to bend, or be fo…

To handle lightly; -- said with reference to awkward fiddling; hence, to influence as if by fiddling; to coax; to allure. A fiddler brought in with him a body of lusty young fellows, whom he had tweedled into the service. Addison.

crystal composed of two or more crystals, or parts of crystals, in reversed position with reference to each other.