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f a curve. See under Axis. -- Curve of quickest descent. See Brachystochrone. -- Curve tracing (Math.), the process of determining the shape, location, singular points, and other perculiarities of a curve from its equation. -- Plane curve (Geom.), a curve such that when a plane passes through three points of the cur…

An instrument for making tracings of the outline or contour of profiles, moldings, etc.

A short, spirited effort or trial of speed upon a race course; -- used in horse racing, when a single trial constitutes the race.

A dishonoring; disgracing. [Obs.] Gauden.

The act of tracing origin or descent, as in grammar or genealogy; as, the derivation of a word from an Aryan root.

Disgracing. [Obs.] Feltham.

Not reputable; of bad repute; not in esteem; dishonorable; disgracing the reputation; tending to bring into disesteem; as, it is disreputable to associate familiarly with the mean, the lewd, and the profane. Why should you think that conduct disreputable in priests which you probably consider as laudable in yourself Bp…

Evil intent, embracing both malice and fraud. See Culpa. Wharton.

stimulant to (a horse) to increase his speed. It is a serious offense against the laws of racing. [Race-track Slang]

draw one's self; -- with prepositions and adverbs; as, to draw away, to move off, esp. in racing, to get in front; to obtain the lead or increase it; to draw back, to retreat; to draw level, to move up even (with another); to come up to or overtake another; to draw off, to retire or retreat; to draw on, to advance; to…

A mark, record, or tracing, made by the action of electricity.

An extinct group of marine reptiles, embracing both the Ichthyosauria and the Plesiosauria, now regarded as distinct orders.

Embracing the whole circle of learning, or a wide range of subjects.

Pertaining to, or of the nature of, an encyclopedia; embracing a wide range of subjects.

That branch of philological science which treats of the history of words, tracing out their origin, primitive significance, and changes of from and meaning.

The lightest weight that can be put on the back of a horse in racing. Youatt. (c) In wrestling, boxing, etc., a term applied to the lightest of the classes into which contestants are divided; -- in contradistinction to light weight, middle weight, and heavy weight. A feather in the cap an honour, trophy, or mark of dis…

Consisting of, or founded upon, feuds or fiefs; embracing tenures by military services; as, the feudal system.

The interval of three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the dominant of any key.

The interval of two tones and a semitone, embracing four diatonic degrees of the scale; the subdominant of any key. The Fourth, specifically, un the United States, the fourth day of July, the anniversary of the declaration of American independence; as, to celebrate the Fourth.

A clan or family connection, embracing several families of the same stock, who had a common name and certain common religious rites; a subdivision of the Roman curia or tribe.