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The act of referring, or the state of being referred; as, reference to a chart for quidance.

n; predilection; choice; also, the power or opportunity of choosing; as, to give him his preference. Leave the critics on either side to contend about the preference due to this or that sort of poetry. Dryden. Knowledge of things alone gives a value to our reasonings, and preference of one man's knowledge over another'…

ial sense. See Above, adv., 4.) above all, before every other consideration; chiefly; in preference to other things. Over and above, prep. or adv., besides; in addition to.

One of the elements of reference by which a point, as of a curve, is referred to a system of fixed rectilineal coördinate axes.

A statement and explanation or vindication of one's conduct with reference to judgment thereon. Give an account of thy stewardship. Luke xvi. 2.

rally considered to be, in the male sex, from fourteen to twenty-one. Sometimes used with reference to the lower animals.

To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its being the natural result; to provide; to furnish; as, a good life affords consolation in old age. His tuneful Muse affords the sweetest numbers. Addison. The quiet lanes . . . afford calmer retreats. Gilpin.

ure after Rubens; the boy takes after his father. To name or call after, to name like and reference to. Our eldest son was named George after his uncle. Goldsmith.

To refer to something indirectly or by suggestion; to have reference to a subject not specifically and plainly mentioned; -- followed by to; as, the story alludes to a recent transaction. These speeches . . . do seem to allude unto such ministerial garments as were then in use. Hooker.

A figurative or symbolical reference. [Obs.]

Having reference to something not fully expressed; containing an allusion.

between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among. My decided preference is for the fourth and last of thalternatives. Gladstone.

A call upon a person or an authority for proof or decision, in one's favor; reference to another as witness; a call for help or a favor; entreaty. A kind of appeal to the Deity, the author of wonders. Bacon.

Fig.: With reference to April being the month in which vegetation begins to put forth, the variableness of its weather, etc. The April's her eyes; it is love's spring. Shak. April fool, one who is sportively imposed upon by others on the first day of April.

With reference to the archetype; originally. "Parts archetypally distinct." Dana.

An asterisk, or mark of reference. [R.]

e other part. -- Axis of the equator, ecliptic, horizon (or other circle considered with reference to the sphere on which it lies), the diameter of the sphere which is perpendicular to the plane of the circle. Hutton. -- Axis of the Ionic capital (Arch.), a line passing perpendicularly through the middle of the eye o…

Of, or from, barbarian nations; foreign; -- often with reference to barbarous nations of east. "Barbaric pearl and gold." Milton.

ascertain the relation of one object or place to another; to ascertain one's position by reference to landmarks or to the compass; hence (Fig.), to ascertain the condition of things when one is in trouble or perplexity.

which other levels may be referred. Specif. : A horizontal mark at the water's edge with reference to which the height of tides and floods may be measured.