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ngton. Hence: To beg (one) for a fool, to take him for a fool. I beg to, is an elliptical expression for I beg leave to; as, I beg to inform you. -- To bag the question, to assume that which was to be proved in a discussion, instead of adducing the proof or sustaining the point by argument. -- To go a-begging, a figu…

A blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness. So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus Followed with benediction. Milton. Homeward serenely she walked with God's benediction upon her. Longfellow. Specifically:…

better knowledge of the subject. All the better. See under All, adv. -- Better half, an expression used to designate one's wife. My dear, my better half (said he), I find I must now leave thee. Sir P. Sidney. -- To be better off, to be in a better condition. -- Had better. (See under Had).

An expression consisting of two terms connected by the sign plus (+) or minus (-); as, a+b, or 7-3.

An expression of disapprobation fir something deemed to be wrong; imputation of fault; censure. Let me bear the blame forever. Gen. xiiii. 9.

Lacking animation and intelligence, or their associated characteristics, as expression of face, look, etc.; expressionless; vacant. "Blank and horror-stricken faces." C. Kingsley. The blank . . . glance of a half returned consciousness. G. Eliot.

In a blank manner; without expression; vacuously; as, to stare blankly. G. Eliot.

An act of bluffing; an expression of self-confidence for the purpose of intimidation; braggadocio; as, that is only bluff, or a bluff.

or conventional rules, as in art, literature, etc.; taking liberties in o composition or expression; as, the figures of an author are bold. "Bold tales." Waller. The cathedral church is a very bold work. Addison.

A large fire built in the open air, as an expression of public joy and exultation, or for amusement. Full soon by bonfire and by bell, We learnt our liege was passing well. Gay.

Characterized by a method of expression generally found in books; formal; labored; pedantic; as, a bookish way of talking; bookish sentences. -- Book"ish*ly, adv. -- Book"ish*ness, n.

Conciseness of expression; brevity.

To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; -- usually with up. "His bridling neck." Wordsworth. By her bridling up I perceived she expected to be treated hereafter not as Jenny Distaff, but Mrs. Tranquillus. Tatler.

A contorted expression, as of the face. [R.] 'Gainst nature armed by gravity, His features too in buckle see. Churchill.

n language; an apparent congruity, but real incongruity, of ideas, contained in a form of expression; so called, perhaps, from the apparent incongruity between the dictatorial nature of the pope's bulls and his professions of humility. And whereas the papist boasts himself to be a Roman Catholic, it is a mere contradic…

on in action or in language. They burlesqued the prophet Jeremiah's words, and turned the expression he used into ridicule. Stillingfleet.

, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones, or of a general expression of surprise or approbation. "The constant buzz of a fly." Macaulay.

e magnitudes themselves, or, in other words, from having the differential of an algebraic expression to find the expression itself.

A published note, containing a brief statement, explanation, request, expression of thanks, or the like; as, to put a card in the newspapers. Also, a printed programme, and (fig.), an attraction or inducement; as, this will be a good card for the last day of the fair.

or system; unstudied; inconsiderate; spontaneouse; rash; as, a careless throw; a careless expression. He framed the careless rhyme. Beatie.