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optical phenomenon sometimes seen on the summit of mountains (as on the Brocken) when the observer is between the sun and a mass of cloud. The figures of the observer and surrounding objects are seen projected on the cloud, greatly enlarged and often encircled by rainbow colors.

To be absent in mind; to be so occupied in study or contemplation as not to observe passing scenes or things present; to be in a brown study. Daniel.

One of a sect of Judaizing Christians in the first and second centuries, who observed the laws of Moses, and held to certain heresies.

Neglect or failure to observe or fulfill.

A thing to be noted or observed; a notable fact; -- chiefly used in the plural.

To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed; to attend to. Pope. No more of that; I have noted it well. Shak.

Attention; respectful treatment; civility. To take notice of, to perceive especially; to observe or treat with particular attention.

Capable of being observed; worthy of notice; likely to attract observation; conspicous. A noticeable man, with large gray eyes. Wordsworth.

regarded as put, in the way of some of the senses; something visible or tangible; as, he observed an object in the distance; all the objects in sight; he touched a strange object in the dark.

trial sphere when its axis is oblique to the horizon of the place; or as it appears to an observer at any point on the earth except the poles and the equator. -- Oblique step (Mil.), a step in marching, by which the soldier, while advancing, gradually takes ground to the right or left at an angle of about 25º. It is n…

Worthy or capable of being observed; discernible; noticeable; remarkable. Sir. T. Browne. The difference is sufficiently observable. Southey. -- Ob*serv"a*ble*ness, n. -- Ob*serv"a*bly, adv.

A thing to be observed. Swift.

One who observes forms and rules. [Obs.] Hooker.

Hence: An expression of an opinion or judgment upon what one has observed; a remark. "That's a foolish observation." Shak. To observations which ourselves we make We grow more partial for the observer's sake. Pope.

One who observes or takes notice. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.

A place, as an elevated chamber, from which a view may be observed or commanded.

ppear in the finished plan. -- Occult qualities, those qualities whose effects only were observed, but the nature and relations of whose productive agencies were undetermined; -- so called by the schoolmen. -- Occult sciences, those sciences of the Middle Ages which related to the supposed action or influence of occu…

ccompanied by certain ceremonies in honor of some pagan deity; especially, the ceremonies observed by the Greeks and Romans in the worship of Dionysus, or Bacchus, which were characterized by wild and dissolute revelry. As when, with crowned cups, unto the Elian god, Those priests high orgies held. Drayton.…

The tendency in fluids to mix, or become equably diffused, when in contact. It was first observed between fluids of differing densities, and as taking place through a membrane or an intervening porous structure. The more rapid flow from the thinner to the thicker fluid was then called endosmose, and the opposite, slowe…

To see; to observe. [Obs.] Shak.