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The chief of a set of hands employed in a shop, or on works of any kind, who superintends the rest; an overseer.

An instrument formerly used at sea for taking the altitudes of heavenly bodies, now superseded by the sextant; -- called also cross- staff. Brande & C.

which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis. Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Is. xxviii. 16. The foundation of a free common wealth. Motley.

main part of the navies of the world till about 1870, when the introduction of ironclads superseded them. [Formerly spelled frigat and friggot.]

Aniline red; an artificial coal-tar dyestuff, of a metallic green color superficially, resembling cantharides, but when dissolved forming a brilliant dark red. It consists of a hydrochloride or acetate of rosaniline. See Rosaniline.

superl. Most remote; most in advance; farthest. See Further, a.

A superficial, inflammatory tumor, suppurating with a central core; a boil.

A kind of striped cotton fabric, usually of superior quality and striped with blue or red on white.

Fig.: To go rapidly or carelessly, as in making a hasty examination. Such superficial ideas he may collect in galloping over it. Locke.

erses, and the first which ommited the Apocrypha. In form it was a small quarto, and soon superseded the large folio of Cranmer's translation. Called also Genevan Bible. -- Geneva convention (Mil.), an agreement made by representatives of the great continental powers at Geneva and signed in 1864, establishing new and…

on, supposed by the ancients to preside over a man's destiny in life; a tutelary deity; a supernatural being; a spirit, good or bad. Cf. Jinnee. The unseen genius of the wood. Milton. We talk of genius still, but with thought how changed! The genius of Augustus was a tutelary demon, to be sworn by and to receive offeri…

tableware, knife handles, frames, cases, bearings of machinery, etc., but is now largely superseded by other white alloys. -- German steel (Metal.), a metal made from bog iron ore in a forge, with charcoal for fuel. -- German text (Typog.), a character resembling modern German type, used in English printing for orna…

Any superficial coating or appearance, as opposed to what is solid and genuine. Gilding metal, a tough kind of sheet brass from which cartridge shells are made.

A specious appearance; superficial quality or show. To me more dear, congenial to my heart, One native charm than all the gloss of art. Goldsmith.

A being conceived of as possessing supernatural power, and to be propitiated by sacrifice, worship, etc.; a divinity; a deity; an object of worship; an idol. He maketh a god, and worshipeth it. Is. xliv. 15. The race of Israel . . . bowing lowly down To bestial gods. Milton.

ted herself among a crowd of goddesses, she was distinguished by her graceful stature and superior beauty. Addison.

Holding the superiority; prevalent; controlling; as, a governing wind; a governing party in a state. Jay.

A step or raised shelf, as above a sideboard or altar. Cf. Superaltar, and Gradin.

Superior; admirable; commanding; -- applied to thoughts, actions, and feelings.

harge upon the land. -- Ground ash. (Bot.) See Groutweed. -- Ground bailiff (Mining), a superintendent of mines. Simmonds. -- Ground bait, bits of bread, boiled barley or worms, etc., thrown into the water to collect the fish, Wallon. -- Ground bass or base (Mus.), fundamental base; a fundamental base continually r…