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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

2,685 words match “FIR”

In the breech mechanism of a firearm, the pin which strikes the head of the cartridge and explodes it.

FIRK v. 3 definitions

To beat; to strike; to chastise. [Obs.] I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him. Shak.

FIRKIN n. 2 definitions

A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons. [Eng.]

rmerly used in Scotland; the fourth part of a boll of grain or meal. The Linlithgow wheat firlot was to the imperial bushel as 998 to 1000; the barley firlot as 1456 to 1000. Brande & C.

FIRM a. 7 definitions

ly compressed; compact; substantial; hard; solid; -- applied to the matter of bodies; as, firm flesh; firm muscles, firm wood.

FIRMAMENT n. 3 definitions

Fixed foundation; established basis. [Obs.] Custom is the . . . firmament of the law. Jer. Taylor.

Pertaining to the firmament; celestial; being of the upper regions. Dryden.

special objects, as to a traveler to insure him protection and assistance. [Written also firmaun.]

FIRMER-CHISEL n.

A chisel, thin in proportion to its width. It has a tang to enter the handle instead of a socket for receiving it. Knight.

Strength; stability. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.

Strength; firmness; stability. [Obs.] Chillingworth.

FIRMLESS a. 2 definitions

Detached from substance. [Obs.] Does passion still the firmless mind control Pope.

In a firm manner.

The state or quality of being firm.

The principal rafters of a roof, especially a pair of rafters taken together. [Obs.]

Made of fir; abounding in firs. In firry woodlands making moan. Tennyson.

FIRST a. 5 definitions

Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest; as, the first day of a month; the first year of a reign.

Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the first division; of the best quality; first-rate; as, a first-class telescope. First- class car or First-class railway carriage, any passenger car of the highest regular class, and intended for passengers who pay the highest regular rate; -- distinguished from a second-clas…

Obtained directly from the first or original source; hence, without the intervention of an agent. One sphere there is . . . where the apprehension of him is first-hand and direct; and that is the sphere of our own mind. J. Martineau.