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An earlier type; a progenitor; as, this fossil animal is regarded as the ancestor of the horse.

The earlier events of one's life; previous principles, conduct, course, history. J. H. Newman. If the troops . . . prove worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely ours. Gen. G. McClellan.

To date before the true time; to assign to an earlier date; thus, to antedate a deed or a bond is to give it a date anterior to the true time of its execution.

disease, common among coal miners, due to the inhalation of coal dust; -- called also collier's lung and miner's phthisis.

ake up or introduce beforehand, or before the proper or normal time; to cause to occur earlier or prematurely; as, the advocate has anticipated a part of his argument.

l.) the accouterments of military officers or soldiers, as belts, sashes, swords. The cavaliers emulated their chief in the richness of their appointments. Prescott. I'll prove it in my shackles, with these hands Void of appoinment, that thou liest. Beau. & Fl.

rder; an orderly collection; hence, a body of soldiers. A gallant array of nobles and cavaliers. Prescott.

gems, salts, minerals, fountains, flowers. Artificial strife Lives in these touches, livelier than life. Shak.

That which may be heard. [Obs.] Visibles are swiftlier carried to the sense than audibles. Bacon.

A popular song or melody sung by Venetian gondoliers.

A church building of the earlier centuries of Christianity, the plan of which was taken from the basilica of the Romans. The name is still applied to some churches by way of honorary distinction.

Preceding in time; earlier than; previously to; anterior to the time when; -- sometimes with the additional idea of purpose; in order that. Before Abraham was, I am. John viii. 58. Before this treatise can become of use, two points are necessary. Swift.

ion; show; description; record. Obtrude the blazon of their exploits upon the company. Collier. Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and spirit, Do give thee fivefold blazon. Shak.

ts, including the boa constrictor, the emperor boa of Mexico (B. imperator), and the chevalier boa of Peru (B. eques).

the main body of thing; ramification; as, the branch of an antler; the branch of a chandelier; a branch of a river; a branch of a railway. Most of the branches , or streams, were dried up. W. Irving.

dship. To break upon the score of danger or expense is to be mean and narrow-spirited. Collier.

A knight or cavalier; hence, a gentleman.

w corrupt; to become venomous. Deceit and cankered malice. Dryden. As with age his body uglier grows, So his mind cankers. Shak.

A claim or demand. [Obs.] There must be no challenge of superiority. Collier.

Singing, esp. as a chant is sung. Chanting falcon (Zoöl.), an African falcon (Melierax canorus or musicus). The male has the habit, remarkable in a bird of prey, of singing to his mate, while she is incubating.