Search the Dictionary

Compar. of Oft. [Obs.] Chaucer.

One who rents and tills a small farm or helding; as, the crofters of Scotland.

An iron club used in lofting the ball; -- called also lofting iron.

The white and softer part of wood, between the inner bark and the hard wood or duramen; sapwood.

urnal bearing, so called because frequently made of brass. A brass is often lined with a softer metal, when the latter is generally called a white metal lining. See Axle box, Journal Box, and Bearing.

The softer inorganic matter composing part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the firm rock; soil of all kinds, including gravel, clay, loam, and the like; sometimes, soil favorable to the growth of plants; the visible surface of the globe; the ground; as, loose earth; rich earth. Give him a little earth…

ing six or more holes, and a mouthpiece inserted at one end. It produces a shrill sound, softer than of the piccolo flute, and is said to have superseded the old recorder. Flageolet tones (Mus.), the naturel harmonics or overtones of stringed instruments.

s; texture; as, marble, sugar, sandstone, etc., of fine grain. Hard box, and linden of a softer grain. Dryden.

or from the outer layers. It is technically known as duramen, and distinguished from the softer sapwood or alburnum.

Same as Lofter.

roller having a design in relief, used for imprinting a reversed copy of the design in a softer metal, as copper.

ne stones in general, such as are used for inlay and the like, as distinguished from the softer stones used in building; thus, a Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura, though the ground may be soft marble.

A textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side, longer and softer than the nap of velvet. Cowper.

Having a hard albumen penetrated by irregular channels filled with softer matter, as the nutmeg and the seeds of the North American papaw.

To cleanse anything. Warm water is softer than cold, for it scoureth better. Bacon.

Growing gradually fainter and softer; dying away; morendo.

; as, the strings took up the theme. "An instrument of ten strings." Ps. xxx. iii. 2. Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still. Milton.

Susceptible of the softer passions, as love, compassion, kindness; compassionate; pitiful; anxious for another's good; easily excited to pity, forgiveness, or favor; sympathetic. The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James v. 11. I am choleric by my nature, and tender by my temper. Fuller.

d pepperidge. Largo tupelo, or Tupelo gum (Bot.), an American tree (Nyssa uniflora) with softer wood than the tupelo. -- Sour tupelo (Bot.), the Ogeechee lime.

to be struck with a bow, and the neck furnished with frets for stopping the strings. Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful things. Milton.