PROOF a.
alcoholic liquors. Proof charge (Firearms), a charge of powder and ball, greater than the service charge, fired in an arm, as a gun or cannon, to test its strength. -- Proof impression. See under Impression. -- Proof load (Engin.), the greatest load than can be applied to a piece, as a beam, column, etc., without str…
QUANTUM n.
in an action grounded on a promise that the defendant would pay to the plaintiff for his service as much as he should deserve. -- Quantum sufficit (, or Quantum suff. Etym: [L., as much suffices] (Med.), a sufficient quantity. -- Quantum valebat ( Etym: [L., as much at it was worth] (Law), a count in an action to re…
READING a.
Reading desk, a desk to support a book while reading; esp., a desk used while reading the service in a church. -- Reading glass, a large lens with more or less magnifying power, attached to a handle, and used in reading, etc. -- Reading man, one who reads much; hence, in the English universities, a close, industrious…