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Constriction or contraction of some natural passage, as in constipation from inflammation.

apply the magnetic force. In the ordinary horseshoe magnet, it serves to prevent the dissipation of the magnetic force.

systematic application of knowledge or skill in effecting a desired result. Also, an occupation or business requiring such knowledge or skill. The fishermen can't employ their art with so much success in so troubled a sea. Addison.

An artistic worker; a mechanic or manufacturer; one whose occupation requires skill or knowledge of a particular kind, as a silversmith.

One who shows trained skill or rare taste in any manual art or occupation. Pope.

Constipation. Arbuthnot.

transfer to another tribunal. [Obs. or Archaic] One who avocateth his mind from other occupations. Barrow. He, at last, . . . avocated the cause to Rome. Robertson.

One whose occupation it is to shave or trim the beard, and to cut and dress the hair of his patrons. Barber's itch. See under Itch.

A professional poet and singer, as among the ancient Celts, whose occupation was to compose and sing verses in honor of the heroic achievements of princes and brave men.

of sentiment; ignoble; mean; illiberal; menial; as, a base fellow; base motives; base occupations. "A cruel act of a base and a cowardish mind." Robynson (More's Utopia). "Base ingratitude." Milton.

In a state of anticipation ore preoccupation; in advance; -- often followed by with. Agricola . . . resolves to be beforehand with the danger. Milton. The last cited author has been beforehand with me. Addison.

To use; to apply; to devote, as time or strength in some occupation.

One whose occupation is to post handbills or posters in public places.

The art, act, or occupation or catching birds or wild fowls.

One who whitens, or whose occupation is to whiten, by bleaching.

) which grows on cheese. Brande & C. -- Blue Monday, a Monday following a Sunday of dissipation, or itself given to dissipation (as the Monday before Lent). -- Blue ointment (Med.), mercurial ointment. -- Blue Peter (British Marine), a blue flag with a white square in the center, used as a signal for sailing, to rec…

or dislocated bones; -- commonly applied to one, not a regular surgeon, who makes an occupation of setting bones. -- Bone"set*ting, n.

One whose occupation is to bind books.

A house or shed built of boards, boughs, or other slight materials, for temporary occupation. Camden.

One who brews; one whose occupation is to prepare malt liquors.