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The infliction of a penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or penalty thus imposed. It differs from a fine,in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statue for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See Affeer.] Blacksto…

A secret organization in the United States, formed in Iowa in 1887, ostensibly for the protection of American institutions by keeping Roman Catholics out of public office. Abbrev. commonly to A. P .A.

The concrete juice (gum resin) of an umbelliferous plant, the Dorema ammoniacum. It is brought chiefly from Persia in the form of yellowish tears, which occur singly, or are aggregated into masses. It has a peculiar smell, and a nauseous, sweet taste, followed by a bitter one. It is inflammable, partially soluble in wa…

ovement, movement produced, as in the amoeba, by successive processes of prolongation and retraction.

A phrase, discourse, or proposition, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which arises from the twofold sense of a single term.

word in a sentence or clause, at the beginning of the next, with an adjunct idea; as, "He retained his virtues amidst all his misfortunes -- misfortunes which no prudence could foresee or prevent."

Mystical interpretations or studies, esp. of the Scriptures. L. Addison.

A crystalline compound used as an antipyretic and analgesic, employed chiefly in rheumatism and neuralgia. It is a complex derivative of quinoline.

One of a series of substances formed, in secreting cells, by constructive or anabolic processes, in the production of protoplasm; -- opposed to katastate. Foster.

The application of the principles of anatomy, as in art. The stretched and vivid anatomism of their [i. e., the French] great figure painters. The London Spectator.

ain), and which, being cast overboard, lays hold of the earth by a fluke or hook and thus retains the ship in a particular station.

Abode of an anchoret.

A female anchoret. And there, a saintly anchoress, she dwelt. Wordsworth.

Same as Anchoret.

g moderately slow, but distinct and flowing; quicker than larghetto, and slower than allegretto. -- n.

Rather quicker than andante; between that allegretto.

A soft, pulsating, hollow tumor, containing blood, arising from the preternatural dilation or rupture of the coats of an artery. [Written also aneurysm.]

To make painful; to cause to smart; to inflame. [Obs.] He . . . angereth malign ulcers. Bacon.

Returning with the year, at a stated time; annual; yearly; as, an anniversary feast. Anniversary day (R. C. Ch.). See Anniversary, n., 2. -- Anniversary week, that week in the year in which the annual meetings of religious and benevolent societies are held in Boston and New York. [Eastern U. S.]

Of or pertaining to a year; returning every year; coming or happening once in the year; yearly. The annual overflowing of the river [Nile]. Ray.