Search the Dictionary

A person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science as to music or painting; esp. one who cultivates any study or art, from taste or attachment, without pursuing it professionally.

In the style of an amateur; superficial or defective like the work of an amateur. -- Am`a*teur"ish*ly, adv. -- Am`a*teur"ish*ness, n.

The practice, habit, or work of an amateur.

The quality or character of an amateur.

An amateur collector and breeder of insects, esp. of butterflies and moths; a lepidopterist.

Of or pertaining to an amateur sailor or yachtsman; as, a corinthian race (one in which the contesting yachts must be manned by amateurs.)

Of or pertaining to dilettanteism; amateur; as, dilettant speculation. Carlyle.

An admirer or lover of the fine arts; popularly, an amateur; especially, one who follows an art or a branch of knowledge, desultorily, or for amusement only.

In boxing, wrestling, etc., one weighingnot more than 133 pounds (U. S. amateur rules 135 pounds, Eng. 140 pounds).

Engaged in by professionals; as, a professional race; -- opposed to amateur.

The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; - - opposed to Ant: amateurism.

; and the cost of construction (for American boats) not more than $2400. The crew must be amateurs and citizens of the country in which the yacht was built.

Dramatic performances; especially, those produced by amateurs. Such fashionable cant terms as `theatricals,' and `musicals,' invented by the flippant Topham, still survive among his confraternity of frivolity. I. Disraeli.

racing stroke in which a double over-arm motion is used; -- so called from its use by an amateur named Trudgen, but often erroneously written trudgeon.