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A gold coin of Russia worth ten rubles, or about eight dollars. McElrath.

To bring about, arrange, or make, on a sudden, or without previous preparation. Charles attempted to improvise a peace. Motley.

A Japanese measure of length equal to about two and one twelfth yards. [Written also ink.]

as, the inclination of the plane of the earth's equator to the plane of the ecliptic is about 23º 28'; the inclination of two rays of light.

Not turned or changed about. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

fference to all that occurs. Indifference can not but be criminal, when it is conversant about objects which are so far from being of an indifferent nature, that they are highest importance. Addison.

Having the edges rolled inward and then arranged about the axis without overlapping; -- said of leaves in vernation.

till worse, they that did thus break out spread the infection further by their wandering about with the distemper upon them. De Foe.

Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, phusical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers,of the stars over affa…

inciple that men scarcely ever shake off, as long as they carry anything of human nature about them. South.

To ask about; to seek to know by asking; to make examination or inquiry respecting. Having thus at length inquired the truth concerning law and dispense. Milton. And all obey and few inquire his will. Byron.

, especially in matters which do not concern the inquirer. A wise man is not inquisitive about things impertinent. Broome.

he instant is at rest. The motion of the body is for the instant simply that of rotation about the instantaneous axis. -- In`stan*ta"ne*ous*ly, adv. -- In`stan*ta"ne*ous*ness, n.

members; to give and take mutually in marriage; -- said of families, ranks, castes, etc. About the middle of the fourth century from the building of Rome, it was declared lawful for nobles and plebeians to intermarry. Swift.

A kind of full sleeveless cape, fitting closely about the neck.

ought iron (Metal.), the purest form of iron commonly known in the arts, containing only about half of one per cent of carbon. It is made either directly from the ore, as in the Catalan forge or bloomery, or by purifying (puddling) cast iron in a reverberatory furnace or refinery. It is tough, malleable, and ductile. W…

Incapable of being reversed or turned about or back; incapable of being made to run backward; as, an irreversible engine.

The common designation of one a sect founded by the Rev. Edward Irving (about 1830), who call themselves the Catholic Apostolic Church. They are highly ritualistic in worship, have an elaborate hierarchy of apostles, prophets, etc., and look for the speedy coming of Christ.

R.] Ischiadic passion or disease (Med.), a rheumatic or neuralgic affection of some part about the hip joint; -- called also sciatica.

As a demonstrative, especially at the beginning of a sentence, pointing to that which is about to be stated, named, or mentioned, or referring to that which apparent or well known; as, I saw it was John. It is I; be not afraid. Matt. xiv. 27. Peter heard that it was the Lord. John xxi. 7. Often, in such cases, as a sub…