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as soldiers, in military evolutions and exercises; hence, to instruct thoroughly in the rudiments of any art or branch of knowledge; to discipline. He [Frederic the Great] drilled his people, as he drilled his grenadiers. Macaulay.

purposelessness; a term applied by Haeckel to that branch of physiology which treats of rudimentary organs, in view of their being useless to the life of the organism. To the doctrine of dysteleology, or the denial of final causes, a proof of the real existence of such a thing as instinct must necessarily be fatal. Wor…

ing elastic; the inherent property in bodies by which they recover their former figure or dimensions, after the removal of external pressure or altering force; springiness; tendency to rebound; as, the elasticity of caoutchouc; the elasticity of the air.

The simplest or fundamental principles of any system in philosophy, science, or art; rudiments; as, the elements of geometry, or of music.

Pertaining to rudiments or first principles; rudimentary; elementary. "The elemental rules of erudition." Cawthorn.

Pertaining to, or treating of, the elements, rudiments, or first principles of anything; initial; rudimental; introductory; as, an elementary treatise.

A state of being embarrassed; perplexity; impediment to freedom of action; entanglement; hindrance; confusion or discomposure of mind, as from not knowing what to do or to say; disconcertedness. The embarrassment which inexperienced minds have often to express themselves upon paper. W. Irving. The embarrassments tom co…

The first rudiments of an organism, whether animal or plant; as:

Of or pertaining to an embryo; embryonal; rudimentary. Embryonic sac or vesicle (Bot.), the vesicle within which the embryo is developed in the ovule; -- sometimes called also amnios sac, and embryonal sac.

ers; a burden which impedes action, or renders it difficult and laborious; a clog; an impediment. See Incumbrance.

To make larger; to increase in quantity or dimensions; to extend in limits; to magnify; as, the body is enlarged by nutrition; to enlarge one's house. To enlarge their possessions of land. Locke.

One of the embodiments of the divine attributes of the Eternal Being. Among the higher Æons are Mind, Reason, Power, Truth, and Life. Am. Cyc.

t important derivatives are common alcohol, aldehyde, ether, and acetic acid. Called also dimethyl.

vena cava inferior. It directs the blood towards the left auricle in the fetus, but is rudimentary and functionless in the adult.

be changed or received in exchange for; to pass in exchange; as, dollar exchanges for ten dimes.

Free of impediment; unimpeded. To make the way plain and expedite. Hooker.

To make easy or less difficult; to free from difficulty or impediment; to lessen the labor of; as, to facilitate the execution of a task. To invite and facilitate that line of proceeding which the times call for. I. Taylor.

Excrement; ordure; also, settlings; sediment after infusion or distillation. [Written also feces.]

dregs; sediment; excrement. See FÆces.

That which is feculent; sediment; lees; dregs.