Search the Dictionary

Strictness of fidelity in conforming to any practice, as if it were an enjoined rule of conduct. [R.] Those parts of pleading which in ancient times might perhaps be material, but at this time are become only mere styles and forms, are still continued with much religion. Sir M. Hale.

, pungent, bitterish taste. It is used in cookery, perfumery, etc., and is an emblem of fidelity or constancy. There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Shak. Marsh rosemary. (a) A little shrub (Andromeda polifolia) growing in cold swamps and having leaves like those of the rosemary. (b) See under Marsh. -- Rosemary p…

The quality of being secretive; fidelity to a secret; forbearance of disclosure or discovery. It is not with public as with private prayer; in this, rather secrecy is commanded than outward show. Hooker.

company. (b) To put faith in; to accept as trustworthy; as, to take stock in a person's fidelity. [Slang] -- To take stock of, to take account of the stock of; to take an inventory of; hence, to ascertain the facts in regard to (something). [Eng.] At the outset of any inquiry it is proper to take stock of the results o…

Belief; faith; fidelity. Bid her alight And hertroth plight. Shak.

Having fidelity pledged.

Of inflexible honesty and fidelity; -- a term derived from the true, or Coventry, blue, formerly celebrated for its unchanging color. See True blue, under Blue.

Fidelity; constancy; steadfastness; faithfulness. Alas! they had been friends in youth, But whispering tongues can poison truth. Coleridge.

The grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who holds land of superior, and who vows fidelity and homage to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. Burrill.

To avenge; to punish; as, a war to vindicate or punish infidelity. [Obs.] Bacon. God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion. Bp. Pearson.

Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or affection; as, the marriage vow. Knights of love, who never broke their vow; Firm to their plighted faith. Dryden.

calamities and horrors we must expect, should we ever witness the triumphs of modern infidelity. R. Hall. General Washington did not live to witness the restoration of peace. Marshall.

A man who knows his wife's infidelity and submits to it; a tame cuckold; -- so called because the cuckoo lays its eggs in the wittol's nest. [Obs.] Shak.