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Fig.: To plunge into difficulties and perils; to overwhelm; to ruin; to wreck. The Whig majority of the house of Lords was swamped by the creation of twelve Tory peers. J. R. Green. Having swamped himself in following the ignis fatuus of a theory. Sir W. Hamilton.

efore it; including in its scope many persons or things; as, a sweeping flood; a sweeping majority; a sweeping accusation. -- Sweep"ing*ly, adv. -Sweep"ing*ness, n.

eased husband, which, by some local laws, the widow is entitled to enjoy during her life. Major third (Mus.), an interval of two tones. -- Minor third (Mus.), an interval of a tone and a half.

nce of three playing cards of the same suit. Tierce of ace, king, queen, is called tierce-major.

A syllogism with three conditional propositions, the major premises of which are disjunctively affirmed in the minor. See Dilemma.

r. -- Trumpet leaf (Bot.), a name of several plants of the genus Sarracenia. -- Trumpet major (Mil.), the chief trumpeter of a band or regiment. -- Trumpet marine (Mus.), a monochord, having a thick string, sounded with a bow, and stopped with the thumb so as to produce the harmonic tones; -- said to be the oldest b…

Either one of the Bears. See the Phrases below. Ursa Major Etym: [L.], the Great Bear, one of the most conspicuous of the northern constellations. It is situated near the pole, and contains the stars which form the Dipper, or Charles's Wain, two of which are the Pointers, or stars which point towards the North Star. -…

Expression of judgment or will by a majority; legal decision by some expression of the minds of a number; as, the vote was unanimous; a vote of confidence.

The constellation Charles's Wain, or Ursa Major. See Ursa major, under Ursa.

The common dooryard plantain (Plantago major).

Meanwhile; meantime. [R.] The good knight whiles humming to himself the lay of some majored troubadour. Sir. W. Scott.