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ass, or the state of being crowded or pressed together; condensation. [Obs.] Fullness of matter, or a pretty close constipation . . . of its particles. Boyle.

nd juridical government, as distinguished from statutory and common law, which relate to matters subordinate to such constitution.

determining the meaning and proper effect of language by a consideration of the subject matter and attendant circumstances in connection with the words employed. Abbott. Interpretation properly precedes construction, but it does not go beyond the written text. Parsons. Construction of an equation (Math.), the drawing…

The faculty which enables one to construct, as in mechanical, artistic, or literary matters.

s, to consult one's wishes. We are . . . to consult the necessities of life, rather than matters of ornament and delight. L'Estrange.

The act of consulting or conferring; deliberation of two or more persons on some matter, with a view to a decision. Thus they doubtful consultations dark Ended. Milton.

Contagion; contagious matter. "Contagium of measles." Tyndall.

uous sarcasm. Macaulay. Rome . . . entertained the most contemptuous opinion of the Jews. Atterbury.

Area or quantity of space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid contents; superficial contents. The geometrical content, figure, and situation of all the lands of a kingdom. Graunt. Table of contents, or Contents, a table or list of topics in a book, showing their order and the place where they may be fo…

point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion of strife; a position taken or contended for. All men seem agreed what is to be done; the contention is how the subject is to be divided and defined. Bagehot. This was my original contention, and I still mainta…

ower to decide controversy. Contentious jurisdiction (Eng. Eccl. Law), jurisdiction over matters in controversy between parties, in contradistinction to voluntary jurisdiction, or that exercised upon matters not opposed or controverted.

To make matter of controversy; to dispute or oppose by reasoning; to contend against in words or writings; to contest; to debate. Some controverted points had decided according to the sense of the best jurists. Macaulay.

eing together; union; coalition. The conventions or associations of several particles of matter into bodies of any certain denomination. Boyle.

oof. Such convincing proofs and assurances of it as might enable them to convince others. Atterbury.

Quietly impudent; negligent of propriety in matters of minor importance, either ignorantly or willfully; presuming and selfish; audacious; as, cool behavior. Its cool stare of familiarity was intolerable. Hawthorne.

Soot; coal dust; refuse matter, as the dirty grease which comes from axle boxes, or the refuse at the mouth of an oven. Phillips. Bailey.

The state of being a copartner or of having a joint interest in any matter.

treasures forth. Thomson. Hail, Son of God, Savior of men! thy name Shall be the copious matter of my song. Milton.

That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation. Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters. Holder.

for shaping some part of the casting, the form of which is not determined by that of the pattern.