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An individual which has the attributes of both male and female, or which unites in itself the two sexes; an animal or plant having the parts of generation of both sexes, as when a flower contains both the stamens and pistil within the same calyx, or on the same receptacle. In some cases reproduction may take place with…

Partaking of the characteristics of both sexes; characterized by hermaphroditism. -- Her*maph`ro*dit"ic*al*ly, adv.

The union of the two sexes in the same individual, or the combination of some of their characteristics or organs in one individual.

Unfolding the signification; of or pertaining to interpretation; exegetical; explanatory; as, hermeneutic theology, or the art of expounding the Scriptures; a hermeneutic phrase.

According to the principles of interpretation; as, a verse of Scripture was examined hermeneutically.

The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained. Schaff-Herzog Encyc.

Originally, a boundary stone dedicated to Hermes as the god of boundaries, and therefore bearing in some cases a head, or head and shoulders, placed upon a quadrangular pillar whose height is that of the body belonging to the head, sometimes having feet or other parts of the body sculptured upon it. These figures, thou…

Of, pertaining to, or taught by, Hermes Trismegistus; as, hermetic philosophy. Hence: Alchemical; chemic. "Delusions of the hermetic art." Burke. The alchemists, as the people were called who tried to make gold, considered themselves followers of Hermes, and often called themselves Hermetic philosophers. A. B. Buckley.…

In an hermetical manner; chemically. Boyle.

in solitude; a recluse; an anchoret; especially, one who so lives from religious motives. He had been Duke of Savoy, and after a very glorious reign, took on him the habit of a hermit, and retired into this solitary spot. Addison.

The habitation of a hermit; a secluded residence. Some forlorn and naked hermitage, Remote from all the pleasures of the world. Shak.

A cell annexed to an abbey, for the use of a hermit. Howell.

A female hermit. Coleridge.

Pertaining to, or suited for, a hermit. Coventry.

A heart-shaped bulbous root, about the size of a finger, brought from Turkey, formerly used as a cathartic.

A disciple of Hermogenes, and heretical teacher who lived in Africa near the close of the second century. He ha

A heron; esp., the common European heron. "A stately hern." Trench.

A thin silk or woolen goods, for women's dresses, woven in various styles and colors.

A corner. [Obs.] Lurking in hernes and in lanes blind. Chaucer.

aped from its natural cavity, and projects through some natural or accidental opening in the walls of the latter; as, hernia of the brain, of the lung, or of the bowels. Hernia of the abdominal viscera in most common. Called also rupture. Strangulated hernia, a hernia so tightly compressed in some part of the channel t…