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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



153 words match “LITERAL”

DOWN adv. 2 definitions
From a higher to a lower position, literally or figuratively; in a descending direction; from the top of an ascent; from an upright position; to the ground or floor; to or into a lower or an inferior condition; as, into a state of humility, disgrace, misery, and the like; into a state of rest; -- used with verbs indica…
DRAW v.
To move; to come or go; literally, to draw one's self; -- with prepositions and adverbs; as, to draw away, to move off, esp. in racing, to get in front; to obtain the lead or increase it; to draw back, to retreat; to draw level, to move up even (with another); to come up to or overtake another; to draw off, to retire o…
DROP v.
To fall, in general, literally or figuratively; as, ripe fruit drops from a tree; wise words drop from the lips. Mutilations of which the meaning has dropped out of memory. H. Spencer. When the sound of dropping nuts is heard. Bryant.
EFFUSION n.
That which is poured out, literally or figuratively. Wash me with that precious effusion, and I shall be whiter than sow. Eikon Basilike. The light effusions of a heedless boy. Byron.
ELEMENTALLY adv.
According to elements; literally; as, the words, "Take, eat; this is my body," elementally understood.
EPITAPHIAL; EPITAPHIAN a.
ericles in his epitaphian speech. Milton. Epitaphial Latin verses are not to be taken too literally. Lowell.
EXCELLENTLY adv.
In a high or superior degree; -- in this literal use, not implying worthiness. [Obs.] When the whole heart is excellently sorry. J. Fletcher.
EXTIRPATE v.
To pluck up by the stem or root; to root out; to eradicate, literally or figuratively; to destroy wholly; as, to extirpate weeds; to extirpate a tumor; to extirpate a sect; to extirpate error or heresy.
FIGURATIVE a.
Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
FIGURED a.
Not literal; figurative. [Obs.] Locke.
FILE n.
Anything employed to smooth, polish, or rasp, literally or figuratively. Mock the nice touches of the critic's file. Akenside.
FORISFAMILIATE v.
Literally, to put out of a family; hence, to portion off, so as to exclude further claim of inheritance; to emancipate (as a with his own consent) from paternal authority. Blackstone.
FOUND v.
set, or place, as on something solid, for support; to ground; to establish upon a basis, literal or figurative; to fix firmly. I had else been perfect, Whole as the marble, founded as the rock. Shak. A man that all his time Hath founded his good fortunes on your love. Shak. It fell not, for it was founded on a rock. M…
FRAZZLE v.
To fray; to wear or pull into tatters or tag ends; to tatter; - -used literally and figuratively. [Prov. Eng. & U. S.]
GERMANE a.
Literally, near akin; hence, closely allied; appropriate or fitting; relevant. The phrase would be more germane to the matter. Shak. [An amendment] must be germane. Barclay (Digest).
GO v.
To be swallowed; -- used literally or figuratively. [Colloq.] Nothing so ridiculous, . . . but it goes down whole with him for truth. L' Estrange. -- To go far. (a) To go to a distance. (b) To have much weight or influence. -- To go for. (a) To go in quest of. (b) To represent; to pass for.
GOBEMOUCHE n.
Literally, a fly swallower; hence, once who keeps his mouth open; a boor; a silly and credulous person.
GOOD a.
polite education. Distinguished by good humor and good breeding. Macaulay. -- Good cheap, literally, good bargain; reasonably cheap. -- Good consideration (Law). (a) A consideration of blood or of natural love and affection. Blackstone. (b) A valuable consideration, or one which will sustain a contract. -- Good fello…
GRAMMALOGUE n.
Literally, a letter word; a word represented by a logogram; as, it, represented by |, that is, t. pitman.
HAECCEITY n.
Literally, this-ness. A scholastic term to express individuality or singleness; as, this book.
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