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Initiation; beginning. [Obs.] Sir R. Naunton.

The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, the telescope accurate in definition.

Relating to definition; of the nature of a definition; employed in defining.

A smearing. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.

A thin crust of some extraneous substance formed on minerals. [R.] A thin crust or illinition of black manganese. Kirwan.

Previous limitation. [Obs.] Fotherby.

m the observation of facts, or by generalizations from facts arrives at principles and definitions, or infers causes from effects. This is the reverse of a priori reasoning.

Characterizing that kind of reasoning which deduces consequences from definitions formed, or principles assumed, or which infers effects from causes previously known; deductive or deductively. The reverse of a posteriori.

, or correspondent; fully sufficient; as, powers adequate to a great work; an adequate definition. Ireland had no adequate champion. De Quincey.

l arrangement in aid; assistance. It was, no doubt, disposed with all the adjutancy of definition and division. Burke.

A prerequisite to a clear understanding of the predicaments and categories, such as definitions of common terms. Chambers.

A description or definition contrary to that which is given by the adverse party. [R.]

a multiplicity of symmetrical parts uniting in a consistent whole. Wordsworth. The old definition of beauty, in the Roman school, was, "multitude in unity;" and there is no doubt that such is the principle of beauty. Coleridge.

t disclosing likes, dislikes, prejudice, etc.; as, colorless music; a colorless style; definitions should be colorless.

much; comprising many things; having a wide scope or a full view. A very comprehensive definition. Bentley. Large and comprehensive idea. Channing.

ion had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions. Macaulay.

Capable of being defined, limited, or explained; determinable; describable by definition; ascertainable; as, definable limits; definable distinctions or regulations; definable words. -- De*fin"a*bly, adv.

The act of defining; definition; description. [Obs.] Shak.

certain result is a necessary consequence of assumed premises; -- these premises being definitions, axioms, and previously established propositions. Direct, or Positive, demonstration (Logic & Math.), one in which the correct conclusion is the immediate sequence of reasoning from axiomatic or established premises; -- o…

guishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact definition or determination.