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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

560 words match “QUIRE”

QUIRE n. 3 definitions

See Choir. [Obs.] Spenser. A quire of such enticing birds. Shak.

To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own; as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad habits. No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step. Barrow. Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his hei…

The act of acquiring, or that which is acquired; attainment. "Rules for the acquirement of a taste." Addison. His acquirements by industry were . . . enriched and enlarged by many excellent endowments of nature. Hayward.

A person who acquires.

APPLE-SQUIRE n.

A pimp; a kept gallant. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

ESQUIRE n. 2 definitions

knight and above gentleman; also, a title of office and courtesy; -- often shortened to squire.

To search into or out. [Obs.] Chapman.

INQUIRE v. 4 definitions

tion; to seek for truth or information by putting queries. We will call the damsel, and inquire. Gen. xxiv. 57. Then David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him. 1 Sam. xxiii. 4.

Making inquiry; inquiring; questioning. [Obs.] Shenstone.

One who inquires or examines; questioner; investigator. Locke. Expert inquirers after truth. Cowper.

To require beforehand. Some things are prerequired of us. Bp. Hall.

REQUIRE v. 3 definitions

To demand; to insist upon having; to claim as by right and authority; to exact; as, to require the surrender of property. Shall I say to Cæsar What you require of him Shak. By nature did what was by law required. Dryden.

REQUIREMENT n. 2 definitions

That which is required; an imperative or authoritative command; an essential condition; something needed or necessary; a need. One of those who believe that they can fill up every requirement contained in the rule of righteousness. J. M. Mason. God gave her the child, and gave her too an instinctive knowledge of its na…

One who requires.

SQUIRE n. 7 definitions

A square; a measure; a rule. [Obs.] "With golden squire." Spenser.

One who is half squire and half farmer; -- used humorously. [Eng.] C. Kingsley.

The rank or state of a squire; squireship. Swift.

A petty squire. Tennyson.