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The third season of the year, or the season between summer and winter, often called "the fall." Astronomically, it begins in the northern temperate zone at the autumnal equinox, about September 23, and ends at the winter solstice, about December 23; but in popular language, autumn, in America, comprises September, Octo…

t to defeat the suit; this scheme will not avail; medicines will not avail to check the disease. "What signs avail " Milton. Words avail very little with me, young man. Sir W. Scott.

charge which has been imposed upon one of several for the general benefit; damage done by sea perils.

Turned away or backward. [Obs.] The tracks averse a lying notice gave, And led the searcher backward from the cave. Dryden.

The pulpy fruit of Persea gratissima, a tree of tropical America. It is about the size and shape of a large pear; -- called also avocado pear, alligator pear, midshipman's butter.

A variety of jade. It is used by some savages, particularly the natives of the South Sea Islands, for making axes or hatchets.

To place or seat upon the back. [R.] Great Jupiter, upon his eagle backed, Appeared to me. Shak.

To sew with backstitches; as, to backstitch a seam.

Late or behindhand; as, a backward season.

A disease of hawks. See Filanders. Wright.

ctive agents in fermentation, while others appear to be the cause of certain infectious diseases. See Bacillus.

A large black seaweed (Alaria esculenta) sometimes eaten in Europe; -- also called murlins, honeyware, and henware.

Balance valve, a valve whose surfaces are so arranged that the fluid pressure tending to seat, and that tending to unseat the valve, are nearly in equilibrium; esp., a puppet valve which is made to operate easily by the admission of steam to both sides. See Puppet valve. -- Hydrostatic balance. See under Hydrostatic.…

Of or pertaining to the isles of Majorca, Minorca, Ivica, etc., in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Valencia. Balearic crane. (Zoöl.) See Crane.

A pole or a frame raised as a sea beacon or a landmark.

The treatment of disease by baths.

Of or pertaining to the sea which separates Norway and Sweden from Jutland, Denmark, and Germany; situated on the Baltic Sea.

A bench; a high seat, or seat of distinction or judgment; a tribunal or court. In banc, In banco (the ablative of bancus), In bank, in full court, or with full judicial authority; as, sittings in banc (distinguished from sittings at nisi prius).

any article of dress, to bind, strengthen, ornament, or complete it. "Band and gusset and seam." Hood.

A disease in sheep, commonly termed the rot.