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The name belongs for the most part to ruby sapphire, though it has been also given to red spinel and garnet.

The act or process of preparing staple for spinning, etc., bycarding it. See the Note under Card, v. t.

The esculent root of cultivated varieties of the plant, usually spindle-shaped, and of a reddish yellow color.

substance, consisting of plates overlapping each other, and it has a group of long sharp spines on each wing which are used as defensive organs. It is a shy bird, and runs with great rapidity. Other species inhabit New Guinea, Australia, etc.

A term applied to the action of nerve force in the spinal center. Marshall Hall.

Applied to those nerve fibers which go from the brain to the spinal cord, and so transfer cerebral impulses (centrifugal impressions) outwards.

Applied to those nerve fibers which go from the spinal cord to the brain and so transfer sensations (centripetal impressions) from the exterior inwards.

A dingy blue, or grayish black, variety of spinel. It is also called pleonaste. [Written also ceylonite.]

swimming marine worms, of which the genus Sagitta is the type. They have groups of curved spines on each side of the head.

A very extensive order of Annelida, characterized by the presence of lateral setæ, or spines, on most or all of the segments. They are divided into two principal groups: Oligochæta, including the earthworms and allied forms, and Polychæta, including most of the marine species.

gaints a preceding joint or a projecting part of it, so that the whole may be ised for grasping, as the claw of a crab; pincherlike.

The backbone or spine of an animal; the back. "And chine with rising bristles roughly spread." Dryden.

lo. It is covered with a leathery shell or coat of mail, like a cloak, attached along the spine.

prickly or thorny shrubs found in Palestine, especially the Paliurus aculeatus, Zizyphus Spina-Christi, and Z. vulgaris. The last bears the fruit called jujube, and may be considered to have been the most readily obtainable for the Crown of Thorns.

A musical instrument, formerly in use, in form of a spinet; -- called also manichord and clavichord.

To surround and cling to; to entwine about. "Clasping ivy." Milton.

One of a pair of organs used by the male for grasping the female among many of the Crustacea.

To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing tightly. "Clinch the pointed spear." Dryden.

The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping firmly; -- often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches of an adversary. I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever more come near the clutches of such a giant. Bp. Stillingfleet.

ntic ocean (Dutes auriga); -- called also charioteer. The name refers to a long, lashlike spine of the dorsal fin.