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A continual approach or coming nearer to a result; as, to solve an equation by approximation.

various signification, determined by the word or words annexed. Aqua ammoniæ, the aqueous solution of ammonia; liquid ammonia; often called aqua ammonia. -- Aqua marine, or Aqua marina. Same as Aquamarine. -- Aqua regia. Etym: [L., royal water] (Chem.), a very corrosive fuming yellow liquid consisting of nitric and h…

In an arbitrary manner; by will only; despotically; absolutely.

Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government. Dryden. Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function (Math.), a quantity of function that is introduced into the solution of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will be given, so that the solu…

Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed.

Of or characterized by antiquity or archaism; antiquated; obsolescent.

Antiquity of style or use; obsoleteness. A select vocabulary corresponding (in point of archaism and remoteness from ordinary use) to our Scriptural vocabulary. De Quincey.

The absolute dominion of presbytery. Milton.

A solution of silver phosphate in an aqueous solution of ethylene diamine, used as an antiseptic astringent and as a disinfectant.

To furnish or equip with weapons of offense or defense; as, to arm soldiers; to arm the country. Abram . . . armed his trained servants. Gen. xiv. 14.

Iron bars or framing employed for the consolidation of a building, as in sustaining slender columns, holding up canopies, etc. Oxf. Gloss.

hawk from the thigh to the foot. Halliwell. Bred to arms, educated to the profession of a soldier. -- In arms, armed for war; in a state of hostility. -- Small arms, portable firearms known as muskets, rifles, carbines, pistols, etc. -- A stand of arms, a complete set for one soldier, as a musket, bayonet, cartridge…

ude; a host. An army of good words. Shak. Standing army, a permanent army of professional soldiers, as distinguished from militia or volunteers.

ps its armed land forces. The usual divisions are: (1) A regular or active army, in which soldiers serve continuously with the colors and live in barracks or cantonments when not in the field; (2) the reserves of this army, in which the soldiers, while remaining constantly subject to a call to the colors, live at their…

An inhabitant of Albania and neighboring mountainous regions, specif. one serving as a soldier in the Turkish army.

A soldier armed with an arquebus. Soldiers armed with guns, of whatsoever sort or denomination, appear to have been called arquebusiers. E. Lodge.

The whole body of persons thus placed in order; an orderly collection; hence, a body of soldiers. A gallant array of nobles and cavaliers. Prescott.

One who arrays. In some early English statutes, applied to an officer who had care of the soldiers' armor, and who saw them duly accoutered.

Striking; attracting attention; impressive. This most solemn and arresting occurrence. J. H. Newman.

atify. [Archaic] B. Jonson. Above all thy rarities, old Oxenford, what do most arride and solace me are thy repositories of moldering learning. Lamb.