Search the Dictionary

The act of formally making persons known to each other; a presentation or making known of one person to another by name; as, the introduction of one stranger to another.

An informal social party at which a light collation is offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf. Drum, n., 4 and 5.

The act of leaving or departing; a formal parting; a leaving; farewell; adieu; -- used chiefly in the phrase, to take leave, i. e., literally, to take permission to go. A double blessing is a'double grace; Occasion smiles upon a second leave. Shak. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his l…

A discourse on any subject; especially, a formal or methodical discourse, intended for instruction; sometimes, a familiar discourse, in contrast with a sermon.

Authority or liberty given to do or forbear any act; especially, a formal permission from the proper authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a certain business, which without such permission would be illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license to preach, to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicat…

That which is delivered out statedly or formally, as clothing, food, etc.; especially:

gh bladed corn be lodged, and trees blown down. Shak. To lodge an information, to enter a formal complaint.

The science or art of exact reasoning, or of pure and formal thought, or of the laws according to which the processes of pure thinking should be conducted; the science of the formation and application of general notions; the science of generalization, judgment, classification, reasoning, and systematic arrangement; cor…

ned, fixed, or confined; as, the loose sheets of a book. Her hair, nor loose, nor tied in formal plat. Shak.

A portion of food taken at any time except at a regular meal; an informal or light repast, as between breakfast and dinner.

To execute with the requisite formalities; as, to make a bill, note, will, deed, etc.

A brief or informal note in writing of some transaction, or an outline of an intended instrument; an instrument drawn up in a brief and compendious form. Memorandum check, a check given as an acknowledgment of indebtedness, but with the understanding that it will not be presented at bank unless the maker fails to take…

A species of informal state paper, much used in negotiation.

ant ethereal odor. It is obtained by the partial oxidation of methyl alcohol. Called also formal.

To address or mention by the title Mr.; as, he mistered me in a formal way. [Colloq.]

9. Leading features are freedom for physical activity (no stationary desks and chairs), informal and individual instruction, the very early development of writing, and an extended sensory and motor training (with special emphasis on vision, touch, perception of movement, and their interconnections), mediated by a paten…

A proposal or suggestion looking to action or progress; esp., a formal proposal made in a deliberative assembly; as, a motion to adjourn. Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion. Shak.

To propose; to recommend; specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly; to submit, as a resolution to be adopted; as, to move to adjourn. Let me but move one question to your daughter. Shak. They are to be blamed alike who move and who decline war upon particular res…

A short informal letter; a billet.

To declare publicly or solemnly; to proclaim formally. [Obs.] In whose presence did St. Peter nuncupate it Barrow.