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ent to test his qualifications, a bankrupt touching the state of his property, etc. The offenders that are to be examined. Shak.

d sense; as, one man exceeds another in bulk, stature, weight, power, skill, etc. ; one offender exceeds another in villainy; his rank exceeds yours. Name the time, but let it not Exceed three days. Shak. Observes how much a chintz exceeds mohair. Pope.

f kindred to avenge injuries or affronts, done or offered to any of their blood, on the offender and all his race.

The quality of being forbearing; indulgence toward offenders or enemies; long-suffering. Have a continent forbearance, till the speed of his rage goeShak.

n account of wrong committed; to give up claim to requital from or retribution upon (an offender); to absolve; to pardon; -- said of the person offending. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke xxiii. 34. I as free forgive you, as I would be fforgiven. Shak.

A seat in churches near the altar, to which offenders formerly fled for sanctuary. [Written variously fridstool, freedstool, etc.] [Obs.]

A military punishment formerly in use, wherein the offender was made to run between two files of men facing one another, who struck him as he passed. To run the gantlet, to suffer the punishment of the gantlet; hence, to go through the ordeal of severe criticism or controversy, or ill-treatment at many hands. Winthrop…

something; to make defense against any assailing danger; to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter. -- To stop a gap, to secure a weak point; to repair a defect.

the sheriff of a country to the clerk of assize and judge's officers, when there are no offenders to be executed. -- Glove sponge (Zoöl.), a fine and soft variety of commercial sponges (Spongia officinalis). -- To be hand and glove with, to be intimately associated or on good terms with. "Hand and glove with traitors…

rs, and having cognizance of matters of justice in the household, with power to correct offenders and keep the peace within the verge of the palace, which extends two hundred yards beyond the gatees.

e guardianship and protection of each human being from birth. (b) Hence, a protector or defender in general. O. W. Holmes. -- Guardian spirit, in the belief of many pagan nations, a spirit, often of a deceased relative or friend, that presides over the interests of a household, a city, or a region.

One who holds a shield over another; hence, a defender. [Obs.] Chillingworth.

Capable of being, or liable to be, indicted; subject to indictment; as, an indictable offender or offense.

wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain by ingratitude; to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the penalty of death on a criminal. What heart could wish, what hand inflict, this dire disgrace Drygen. The persecution and the pain That man inflicts on infero-ior kinds. Cowper.

p, of a gate, etc. ; the keeper of attached property; hence, one who saves from harm; a defender; a preserver. The Lord is thy keeper. Ps. cxxi. 6.

To surprise in a fault or error; hence, to surprise or catch, as an offender. [Obs.] For which, if be lapsed in this place, I shall pay dear. Shak.

Full of mercy; having or exercising mercy; disposed to pity and spare offenders; unwilling to punish. The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious. Ex. xxxiv. 6. Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold. Shak.

ces of provocation, when one has the power to inflict it; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; clemency. Examples of justice must be made for terror to some; examples of mercy for comfort to others. Bacon.

An offender. [R.] Holland.

Long practiced; hence, skilled; experienced; cunning; as, an old offender; old in vice. Vane, young in years, but in sage counsel old. Milton.