Search the Dictionary

A quadrumanous mammal, esp. of the family Simiadæ, having teeth of the same number and form as in man, having teeth of the same number and form as in man, and possessing neither a tail nor cheek pouches. The name is applied esp. to species of the genus Hylobates, and is sometimes used as a general term for all Quadruma…

Of or pertaining to the family Aphidæ. -- n.

Feeding upon aphides, or plant lice, as do beetles of the family Coccinellidæ.

A genus of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera and family Aphidæ, including numerous species known as plant lice and green flies.

Having the qualities of an ape; prone to imitate in a servile manner. Hence: Apelike; fantastically silly; foppish; affected; trifling. The apish gallantry of a fantastic boy. Sir W. Scott.

In certain forms of lenses there are two such foci; and it is by taking advantage of this fact that the best aplanatic object glasses of microscopes are constructed.

Incomplete or faulty development.

An ornamental appendage of wood at the ship's stern, usually spreading like a fan and curved like a bird's feather. Audsley.

Not canonical. Hence: Of doubtful authority; equivocal; mythic; fictitious; spurious; false. The passages . . . are, however, in part from apocryphal or fictitious works. Sir G. C. Lewis.

Belonging to, or resembling, a family of plants, of which the dogbane (Apocynum) is the type.

One of certain animals that have no feet or footlike organs; esp. one of certain fabulous birds which were said to have no feet.

Fig.: The farthest or highest point; culmination.

One who makes an apology; one who speaks or writes in defense of a faith, a cause, or an institution; especially, one who argues in defense of Christianity.

To make an apology or excuse; to make acknowledgment of some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends; -- with for; as, my correspondent apologized for not answering my letter. To apologize for his insolent language. Froude.

A story or relation of fictitious events, intended to convey some moral truth; a moral fable.

Any one of the thicker and denser of the deep fasciæ which cover, invest, and the terminations and attachments of, many muscles. They often differ from tendons only in being flat and thin. See Fascia.

A figure by which a speaker formally declines to take notice of a favorable point, but in such a manner as to produce the effect desired. [For example, see Mark Antony's oration. Shak., Julius Cæsar, iii. 2.]

Designed to facilitate discharges of phlegm or mucus from mouth or nostrils. -- n.

ndonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total desertion of departure from one's faith, principles, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as, Julian's apostasy from Christianity.

One who has forsaken the faith, principles, or party, to which he before adhered; esp., one who has forsaken his religion for another; a pervert; a renegade.