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Severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline. The austerity of John the Baptist. Milton.

A contribution to a loss or charge which has been imposed upon one of several for the general benefit; damage done by sea perils.

One of several imaginary lines, assumed in describing the position of the planes by which a crystal is bounded.

The ring of the fruit of several East Indian species of acacia; neb-neb. It contains gallic acid and tannin, and is used for dyeing drab.

Any one of several species of Acacia, esp. A. Arabica, which yelds a gum used as a substitute for true gum arabic.

, (Bot.) A plant with flowers shaped like buttons; especially, several species of Ranunculus, and the cornflower (Centaures cyanus) and globe amaranth (Gomphrena).

One of several lepidopterous insects which construct, in the larval state, a baglike case which they carry about for protection. One species (Platoeceticus Gloveri) feeds on the orange tree. See Basket worm.

The white-headed eagle (Haliæetus leucocephalus) of America. The young, until several years old, lack the white feathers on the head.

n France, a second ballot taken after an indecisive first ballot to decide between two or several candidates.

A ratlike marsupial animal (genus Perameles) of several species, found in Australia and Tasmania.

To delude or trick, -- esp. by way of jest. [Obs.] We diverted ourselves with bantering several poor scholars with hopes of being at least his lordship's chaplain. De Foe.

A name given to several species of Salsola from which soda is made, by burning the barilla in heaps and lixiviating the ashes.

ons of the barometer so as to determine the existence of a violent storm at a distance of several hundred miles.

The name given to several aromatic herbs of the Mint family, but chiefly to the common or sweet basil (Ocymum basilicum), and the bush basil, or lesser basil (O. minimum), the leaves of which are used in cookery. The name is also given to several kinds of mountain mint (Pycnanthemum). Basil thyme, a name given to the f…

A name given to several species of fishes: (a) The Malthe vespertilio of the Atlantic coast. (b) The flying gurnard of the Atlantic (Cephalacanthus spinarella). (c) The California batfish or sting ray (Myliobatis Californicus.)

A semi-liquid mixture of several ingredients, as, flour, eggs, milk, etc. , beaten together and used in cookery. King.

To exercise severely; to perplex; to trouble. Why should any one . . . beat his head about the Latin grammar who does not intend to be a critic Locke.

To sever the head from; to take off the head of.

To make fast, as a rope, by taking several turns with it round a pin, cleat, or kevel. Totten.

A South American bird of the genus Casmarhincos, and family Cotingidæ, of several species; the campanero.