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or standard; to test; as, to prove the strength of gunpowder or of ordnance; to prove the contents of a vessel by a standard measure. Thou hast proved mine heart. Ps. xvii. 3.

A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations. Deut. xxviii. 37.

To dress; to prink; -used humorously or in contempt. Dryden.

Pish! pooch! -- an exclamation used as an expression of contempt, disdain, dislike, etc. [Written also psha.]

To repel with words; to blow at contemptuously. I puff the prostitute away. Dryden.

Pshaw! pish! -- a word used in contempt or disdain.

To eject the contests of the stomach; to vomit; to spew. The infant Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms. Shak.

A contest; a struggle; as, a wrestling pull. Carew.

One who speaks in a pulpit; a preacher; -- so called in contempt. Howell. We never can think it sinful that Burns should have been humorous on such a pulpiteer. Prof. Wilson.

One controlled in his action by the will of another; a tool; -- so used in contempt. Sir W. Scott.

A name of contemptuous reproach for a conceited and impertinent person. I found my place taken by an ill-bred, awkward puppy with a money bag under each arm. Addison.

The low, murmuring sound made by a cat to express contentment or pleasure. [Written also purr.]

One who is scrupulous and strict in his religious life; -- often used reproachfully or in contempt; one who has overstrict notions. She would make a puritan of the devil. Shak.

eligious requirements; strict; overscrupulous; rigid; -- often used by way of reproach or contempt. Paritanical circles, from which plays and novels were strictly excluded. Macaulay. He had all the puritanic traits, both good and evil. Hawthorne.

White-faced; -- used contemptuously. Clarke.

e; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his father about expenses. I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant. Lev. xxvi. 25. On open seas their quarrels they debate.…

Apt or disposed to quarrel; given to brawls and contention; easily irritated or provoked to contest; irascible; choleric.

Not giving offense; not exciting disorder or trouble; not turbulent; gentle; mild; meek; contented. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 1 Pet. iii. 4. I will sit as quiet as a lamb. Shak.

the mind from worldly interests and anxieties and its constant employment in the passive contemplation of God and his attributes.

A game, match, etc., open only to losers in early stages of contests.