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in the base of the cranium, frequently forming a part of the occipital in the adult, but usually distinct in the young. -- n.

that part of the base of the cranium between the basioccipital and the presphenoid, which usually ossifies separately in the embryo or in the young, and becomes a part of the sphenoid in the adult.

A game, usually played indoors, in which two parties of players contest with each other to toss a large inflated ball into opposite goals resembling baskets.

Of an unusual make or proportion; as, a bastard musket; a bastard culverin. [Obs.]

To sew loosely, or with long stitches; -- usually, that the work may be held in position until sewed more firmly. Shak.

The immersion of the body in water; as to take one's usual bathe. Edin. Rev.

horses, and all equipments. In the United States, a battery of flying artillery consists usually of six guns. Barbette battery. See Barbette. -- Battery d'enfilade, or Enfilading battery, one that sweeps the whole length of a line of troops or part of a work. -- Battery en écharpe, one that plays obliquely. -- Batt…

itution, or procures women for a lewd purpose; a procurer or procuress; a lewd person; -- usually applied to a woman.

An inlet of the sea, usually smaller than a gulf, but of the same general character.

eceased person is one of "the blessed," or has attained the second degree of sanctity, -- usually a stage in the process of canonization. "The beatification of his spirit." Jer. Taylor.

A hat, formerly made of the fur of the beaver, but now usually of silk. A brown beaver slouched over his eyes. Prescott.

A plat or level piece of ground in a garden, usually a little raised above the adjoining ground. "Beds of hyacinth and roses." Milton.

Steps for mounting a bed of unusual height.

A genus of slender herbs, usually with square stems, whorled leaves, and small white flowers. Our Lady's bedstraw, which has yellow flowers, is Galium verum. -- White bedstraw is G. mollugo.

casioned by beggary. [Obs.] Beggarly sins, that is, those sins which idleness and beggary usually betray men to; such as lying, flattery, stealing, and dissimulation. Jer. Taylor.

Delayed beyond the usual time; too late; overtaken by night; benighted. "Some belated peasant." Milton. -- Be*lat"ed*ness, n. Milton.

A bell tower, usually attached to a church or other building, but sometimes separate; a campanile.

cal block of some tough stone, esp. granite, used as a material for street pavements. Its usual diameter is 5 to 7 inches.

A hollow metallic vessel, usually shaped somewhat like a cup with a flaring mouth, containing a clapper or tongue, and giving forth a ringing sound on being struck.

A hard alloy or bronze, consisting usually of about three parts of copper to one of tin; -- used for making bells. Bell metal ore, a sulphide of tin, copper, and iron; the mineral stannite.