Search the Dictionary

An inhabitant of Abdera, in Thrace. The Abderite, Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher.

Having the quality of hiding. [R.] Bailey.

A place for hiding or preserving articles of value. Cowell.

One of a sect in Africa (4th century), mentioned by St. Augustine, who states that they married, but lived in continence, after the manner, as they pretended, of Abel.

A substance resembling mannite, found in the needles of the common silver fir of Europe (Abies pectinata). Eng. Cyc.

The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty, talent. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send reli…

A medicine that diminishes irritation.

To diminish the sensibility of; to debilitate.

A pathological condition opposite to that of irritation; debility; want of strength; asthenia.

Characterized by abirritation or debility.

3d sing. pres. of Abide. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Diminishing; as, an ablatitious force. Sir J. Herschel.

Prodigal expense for food. [Obs.] Bailey.

The state or quality of being abnormal; variation; irregularity. Darwin.

Departure from the ordinary type; irregularity; monstrosity. "An abnormity . . . like a calf born with two heads." Mrs. Whitney.

or the state of being abolished; an annulling; abrogation; utter destruction; as, the abolition of slavery or the slave trade; the abolition of laws, decrees, ordinances, customs, taxes, debts, etc.

The principles or measures of abolitionists. Wilberforce.

A person who favors the abolition of any institution, especially negro slavery.

To imbue with the principles of abolitionism. [R.] Bartlett.

The quality of being aboriginal. Westm. Rev.