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F.

F (&ebreve;f). 1. F is the sixth letter of the English alphabet, and a nonvocal consonant. Its form and sound are from the Latin. The Latin borrowed the form from the Greek digamma &?;, which probably had the value of English w consonant. The form and value of Greek letter came from the Phœnician, the ultimate source being probably Egyptian. Etymologically f is most closely related to p, k, v, and b; as in E. five, Gr. pe`nte; E. wolf, L. lupus, Gr. ly`kos; E. fox, vixen ; fragile, break; fruit, brook, v. t.; E. bear, L. ferre. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 178, 179, 188, 198, 230.

2. (Mus.) The name of the fourth tone of the model scale, or scale of C. F sharp (F ♯) is a tone intermediate between F and G.

F clef, the bass clef. See under Clef.

Fa (fä), n. [It.] (Mus.) (a) A syllable applied to the fourth tone of the diatonic scale in solmization. (b) The tone F.

Fa*ba"ceous (f&adot;*bā"shŭs), a. [L. fabaceus, fr. faba bean.] Having the nature of a bean; like a bean.

||Fa*bel"la (?), n.; pl. Fabellae (-l&?;). [NL., dim. of L. faba a bean.] (Anat.) One of the small sesamoid bones situated behind the condyles of the femur, in some mammals.

Fa"bi*an (?), a. [L. Fabianus, Fabius, belonging to Fabius.] Of, pertaining to, or in the manner of, the Roman general, Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus; cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest.

Fabian policy, a policy like that of Fabius Maximus, who, by carefully avoiding decisive contests, foiled Hannibal, harassing his army by marches, countermarches, and ambuscades; a policy of delays and cautions.

Fa"ble (fā"b'l), n. [F., fr. L. fabula, fr. fari to speak, say. See Ban, and cf. Fabulous, Fame.] 1. A Feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept; an apologue. See the Note under Apologue.

Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant.
Addison.

2. The plot, story, or connected series of events, forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem.

The moral is the first business of the poet; this being formed, he contrives such a design or fable as may be most suitable to the moral.
Dryden.

3. Any story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk. "Old wives' fables. " 1 Tim. iv. 7.

We grew
The fable of the city where we dwelt.
Tennyson.

4. Fiction; untruth; falsehood.

It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by secret methods.
Addison.

Fa"ble, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fabled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fabling (?).] To compose fables; hence, to write or speak fiction ; to write or utter what is not true. "He Fables not." Shak.

Vain now the tales which fabling poets tell.
Prior.

He fables, yet speaks truth.
M. Arnold.

Fa"ble, v. t. To feign; to invent; to devise, and speak of, as true or real; to tell of falsely.

The hell thou fablest.
Milton.

Fa"bler (fā"bl&etilde;r), n. A writer of fables; a fabulist; a dealer in untruths or falsehoods. Bp. Hall.

||Fa`bli`au" (?), n.; pl. Fabliaux (-&osl;"). [F., fr. OF. fablel, dim. of fable a fable.] (Fr. Lit.) One of the metrical tales of the Trouvères, or early poets of the north of France.

Fab"ric (?), n. [L. fabrica fabric, workshop: cf. F. fabrique fabric. See Forge.] 1. The structure of anything; the manner in which the parts of a thing are united; workmanship; texture; make; as cloth of a beautiful fabric.

2. That which is fabricated; as: (a) Framework; structure; edifice; building.

Anon out of the earth a fabric huge
Rose like an exhalation.
Milton.

(b) Cloth of any kind that is woven or knit from fibers, either vegetable or animal; manufactured cloth; as, silks or other fabrics.

3. The act of constructing; construction. [R.]

Tithe was received by the bishop, . . . for the fabric of the churches for the poor.
Milman.

4. Any system or structure consisting of connected parts; as, the fabric of the universe.

The whole vast fabric of society.
Macaulay.

Fab"ric, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fabricked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fabricking.] To frame; to build; to construct. [Obs.] "Fabric their mansions." J. Philips.

Fab"ri*cant (?), n. [F.] One who fabricates; a manufacturer. Simmonds.

Fab"ri*cate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fabricated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fabricating (?).] [L. fabricatus, p. p. of fabricari, fabricare, to frame, build, forge, fr. fabrica. See Fabric, Farge.] 1. To form into a whole by uniting its parts; to frame; to construct; to build; as, to fabricate a bridge or ship.

2. To form by art and labor; to manufacture; to produce; as, to fabricate woolens.

3. To invent and form; to forge; to devise falsely; as, to fabricate a lie or story.

Our books were not fabricated with an accomodation to prevailing usages.
Paley.

Fab`ri*ca"tion (?), n. [L. fabricatio; cf. F. fabrication.] 1. The act of fabricating, framing, or constructing; construction; manufacture; as, the fabrication of a bridge, a church, or a government. Burke.

2. That which is fabricated; a falsehood; as, the story is doubtless a fabrication.

Syn. -- See Fiction.

Fab"ri*ca`tor (?), n. [L.] One who fabricates; one who constructs or makes.

The fabricator of the works of Ossian.
Mason.

Fab"ri*ca`tress (?), n. A woman who fabricates.

Fab"rile (?), a. [L. fabrilis, fr. faber workman. See Forge.] Pertaining to a workman, or to work in stone, metal, wood etc.; as, fabrile skill.

Fab"u*list (?), n. [Cf. F. fabuliste, fr. L. fabula. See Fable.] One who invents or writes fables.

Fab"u*lize (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fabulized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fabulizing (?).] [Cf. F. fabuliser. See Fable.] To invent, compose, or relate fables or fictions. G. S. Faber.

Fab`u*los"i*ty (?), n. [L. fabulositas: cf. F. fabulosité.] 1. Fabulousness. [R.] Abp. Abbot.

2. A fabulous or fictitious story. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

Fab"u*lous (făb"&usl;*lŭs), a. [L. fabulosus; cf. F. fabuleux. See Fable.] 1. Feigned, as a story or fable; related in fable; devised; invented; not real; fictitious; as, a fabulous description; a fabulous hero.

The fabulous birth of Minerva.
Chesterfield.

2. Passing belief; exceedingly great; as, a fabulous price. Macaulay.

Fabulous age, that period in the history of a nation of which the only accounts are myths and unverified legends; as, the fabulous age of Greece and Rome.

-- Fab"u*lous*ly (#), adv. -- Fab"u*lous*ness, n.

Fab"ur*den (făb"ŭr*den), n. [F. faux bourdon. See False, and Burden a verse.] 1. (Mus.) (a) A species of counterpoint with a drone bass. (b) A succession of chords of the sixth. [Obs.]

2. A monotonous refrain. [Obs.] Holland.

Fac (făk), n. [Abbrev. of facsimile.] A large ornamental letter used, esp. by the early printers, at the commencement of the chapters and other divisions of a book. Brande & C.

||Fa`çade" (f&adot;`s&adot;d" or f&adot;`sād"), n. [F., fr. It. facciata, fr. faccia face, L. facies. See Face.] (Arch.) The front of a building; esp., the principal front, having some architectural pretensions. Thus a church is said to have its façade unfinished, though the interior may be in use.

Face (?), n. [F., from L. facies form, shape, face, perh. from facere to make (see Fact); or perh. orig. meaning appearance, and from a root meaning to shine, and akin to E. fancy. Cf. Facetious.] 1. The exterior form or appearance of anything; that part which presents itself to the view; especially, the front or upper part or surface; that which particularly offers itself to the view of a spectator.

A mist . . . watered the whole face of the ground.
Gen. ii. 6.

Lake Leman wooes me with its crystal face.
Byron.

2. That part of a body, having several sides, which may be seen from one point, or which is presented toward a certain direction; one of the bounding planes of a solid; as, a cube has six faces.

3. (Mach.) (a) The principal dressed surface of a plate, disk, or pulley; the principal flat surface of a part or object. (b) That part of the acting surface of a cog in a cog wheel, which projects beyond the pitch line. (c) The width of a pulley, or the length of a cog from end to end; as, a pulley or cog wheel of ten inches face.

4. (Print.) (a) The upper surface, or the character upon the surface, of a type, plate, etc. (b) The style or cut of a type or font of type.

5. Outside appearance; surface show; look; external aspect, whether natural, assumed, or acquired.

To set a face upon their own malignant design.
Milton.

This would produce a new face of things in Europe.
Addison.

We wear a face of joy, because
We have been glad of yore.
Wordsworth.

6. That part of the head, esp. of man, in which the eyes, cheeks, nose, and mouth are situated; visage; countenance.

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.
Gen. iii. 19.

7. Cast of features; expression of countenance; look; air; appearance.

We set the best faceon it we could.
Dryden.

8. (Astrol.) Ten degrees in extent of a sign of the zodiac. Chaucer.

9. Maintenance of the countenance free from abashment or confusion; confidence; boldness; shamelessness; effrontery.

This is the man that has the face to charge others with false citations.
Tillotson.

10. Presence; sight; front; as in the phrases, before the face of, in the immediate presence of; in the face of, before, in, or against the front of; as, to fly in the face of danger; to the face of, directly to; from the face of, from the presence of.

11. Mode of regard, whether favorable or unfavorable; favor or anger; mostly in Scriptural phrases.

The Lord make his face to shine upon thee.
Num. vi. 25.

My face [favor] will I turn also from them.
Ezek. vii. 22.

12. (Mining) The end or wall of the tunnel, drift, or excavation, at which work is progressing or was last done.

13. (Com.) The exact amount expressed on a bill, note, bond, or other mercantile paper, without any addition for interest or reduction for discount. McElrath.

&fist; Face is used either adjectively or as part of a compound; as, face guard or face-guard; face cloth; face plan or face-plan; face hammer.

Face ague (Med.), a form of neuralgia, characterized by acute lancinating pains returning at intervals, and by twinges in certain parts of the face, producing convulsive twitches in the corresponding muscles; -- called also tic douloureux. -- Face card, one of a pack of playing cards on which a human face is represented; the king, queen, or jack. -- Face cloth, a cloth laid over the face of a corpse. -- Face guard, a mask with windows for the eyes, worn by workman exposed to great heat, or to flying particles of metal, stone, etc., as in glass works, foundries, etc. -- Face hammer, a hammer having a flat face. -- Face joint (Arch.), a joint in the face of a wall or other structure. -- Face mite (Zoöll.), a small, elongated mite (Demdex folliculorum), parasitic in the hair follicles of the face. -- Face mold, the templet or pattern by which carpenters, ect., outline the forms which are to be cut out from boards, sheet metal, ect. -- Face plate. (a) (Turning) A plate attached to the spindle of a lathe, to which the work to be turned may be attached. (b) A covering plate for an object, to receive wear or shock. (c) A true plane for testing a dressed surface. Knight. -- Face wheel. (Mach.) (a) A crown wheel. (b) A Wheel whose disk face is adapted for grinding and polishing; a lap.

Cylinder face (Steam Engine), the flat part of a steam cylinder on which a slide valve moves. -- Face of an anvil, its flat upper surface. -- Face of a bastion (Fort.), the part between the salient and the shoulder angle. -- Face of coal (Mining), the principal cleavage plane, at right angles to the stratification. -- Face of a gun, the surface of metal at the muzzle. -- Face of a place (Fort.), the front comprehended between the flanked angles of two neighboring bastions. Wilhelm. -- Face of a square (Mil.), one of the sides of a battalion when formed in a square. -- Face of a watch, clock, compass, card etc., the dial or graduated surface on which a pointer indicates the time of day, point of the compass, etc. -- Face to face. (a) In the presence of each other; as, to bring the accuser and the accused face to face. (b) Without the interposition of any body or substance. "Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face." 1 Cor. xiii. 12. (c) With the faces or finished surfaces turned inward or toward one another; vis à vis; -- opposed to back to back. -- To fly in the face of, to defy; to brave; to withstand. -- To make a face, to distort the countenance; to make a grimace. Shak.

Face (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Faced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Facing (?).] 1. To meet in front; to oppose with firmness; to resist, or to meet for the purpose of stopping or opposing; to confront; to encounter; as, to face an enemy in the field of battle.

I'll face
This tempest, and deserve the name of king.
Dryden.

2. To Confront impudently; to bully.

I will neither be facednor braved.
Shak.

3. To stand opposite to; to stand with the face or front toward; to front upon; as, the apartments of the general faced the park.

He gained also with his forces that part of Britain which faces Ireland.
Milton.

4. To cover in front, for ornament, protection, etc.; to put a facing upon; as, a building faced with marble.

5. To line near the edge, esp. with a different material; as, to face the front of a coat, or the bottom of a dress.

6. To cover with better, or better appearing, material than the mass consists of, for purpose of deception, as the surface of a box of tea, a barrel of sugar, etc.

7. (Mach.) To make the surface of (anything) flat or smooth; to dress the face of (a stone, a casting, etc.); esp., in turning, to shape or smooth the flat surface of, as distinguished from the cylindrical surface.

8. To cause to turn or present a face or front, as in a particular direction.

To face down, to put down by bold or impudent opposition. "He faced men down." Prior. -- To face (a thing) out, to persist boldly or impudently in an assertion or in a line of conduct. "That thinks with oaths to face the matter out." Shak.

Face, v. i. 1. To carry a false appearance; to play the hypocrite. "To lie, to face, to forge." Spenser.

2. To turn the face; as, to face to the right or left.

Face about, man; a soldier, and afraid!
Dryden.

3. To present a face or front.

Faced (fāst), a. Having (such) a face, or (so many) faces; as, smooth-faced, two- faced.

Fa"cer (fā"s&etilde;r), n. 1. One who faces; one who puts on a false show; a bold-faced person. [Obs.]

There be no greater talkers, nor boasters, nor fasers.
Latimer.

2. A blow in the face, as in boxing; hence, any severe or stunning check or defeat, as in controversy. [Collog.]

I should have been a stercoraceous mendicant if I had hollowed when I got a facer.
C. Kingsley.

Fac"et (?), n. [F. facette, dim. of face face. See Face.] 1. A little face; a small, plane surface; as, the facets of a diamond. [Written also facette.]

2. (Anat.) A smooth circumscribed surface; as, the articular facet of a bone.

3. (Arch.) The narrow plane surface between flutings of a column.

4. (Zoöl.) One of the numerous small eyes which make up the compound eyes of insects and crustaceans.

Fac"et, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Faceted; p. pr. & vb. n. Faceting.] To cut facets or small faces upon; as, to facet a diamond.

Fa*cete" (?), a. [L. facetus elegant, fine, facetious; akin to facies. See Face, and cf. Facetious.] Facetious; witty; humorous. [Archaic] "A facete discourse." Jer. Taylor.

"How to interpose" with a small, smart remark, sentiment facete, or unctuous anecdote.
Prof. Wilson.

-- Fa*cete"ly, adv. -- Fa*cete"ness, n.

Fac"et*ed (?), a. Having facets.

||Fa*ce"ti*æ (&?;), n. pl. [L., fr. facetus. See Facete.] Witty or humorous writings or saying; witticisms; merry conceits.

Fa*ce"tious (?), a. [Cf. F. facétieux. See Facetiæ.] 1. Given to wit and good humor; merry; sportive; jocular; as, a facetious companion.

2. Characterized by wit and pleasantry; exciting laughter; as, a facetious story or reply.

-- Fa*ce"tious*ly, adv. -- Fa*ce"tious*ness, n.

Fa*cette" (?), n. [F.] See Facet, n.

Face"work` (?), n. The material of the outside or front side, as of a wall or building; facing.

Fa"ci*a (?), n. (Arch.) See Fascia.

Fa"cial (?), a. [LL. facialis, fr. L. facies face : cf. F. facial.] Of or pertaining to the face; as, the facial artery, vein, or nerve. -- Fa"cial*ly, adv.

Facial angle (Anat.), the angle, in a skull, included between a straight line (ab, in the illustrations), from the most prominent part of the forehead to the front efge of the upper jaw bone, and another (cd) from this point to the center of the external auditory opening. See Gnathic index, under Gnathic.

Fa"ci*end (?), n. [From neut. of L. faciendus, gerundive of facere to do.] (Mach.) The multiplicand. See Facient, 2.

Fa"cient (?), n. [L. faciens, -- entis, p. pr. of facere to make, do. See Fact.] 1. One who does anything, good or bad; a doer; an agent. [Obs.] Bp. Hacket.

2. (Mach.) (a) One of the variables of a quantic as distinguished from a coefficient. (b) The multiplier.

&fist; The terms facient, faciend, and factum, may imply that the multiplication involved is not ordinary multiplication, but is either some specified operation, or, in general, any mathematical operation. See Multiplication.

||Fa"ci*es (?), n. [L., from, face. See Face.]

1. The anterior part of the head; the face.

2. (Biol.) The general aspect or habit of a species, or group of species, esp. with reference to its adaptation to its environment.

3. (Zoöl.) The face of a bird, or the front of the head, excluding the bill.

Facies Hippocratica. (Med.) See Hippocratic.

Fac"ile (?) a. [L. facilis, prop., capable of being done or made, hence, facile, easy, fr. facere to make, do: cf. F. facile. Srr Fact, and cf. Faculty.] 1. Easy to be done or performed: not difficult; performable or attainable with little labor.

Order . . . will render the work facile and delightful.
Evelyn.

2. Easy to be surmounted or removed; easily conquerable; readily mastered.

The facile gates of hell too slightly barred.
Milton.

3. Easy of access or converse; mild; courteous; not haughty, austere, or distant; affable; complaisant.

I meant she should be courteous, facile, sweet.
B. Jonson.

4. Easily persuaded to good or bad; yielding; ductile to a fault; pliant; flexible.

Since Adam, and his facile consort Eve,
Lost Paradise, deceived by me.
Milton.

This is treating Burns like a child, a person of so facile a disposition as not to be trusted without a keeper on the king's highway.
Prof. Wilson.

5. Ready; quick; expert; as, he is facile in expedients; he wields a facile pen.

-- Fac"ile*ly, adv. -- Fac"ile*ness, n.

Fa*cil"i*tate (f&adot;*s&ibreve;l"&ibreve;*tāt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Facilitated (-tā`t&ebreve;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Facilitating (-tā`t&ibreve;ng).] [Cf. F. faciliter. See Facility.] To make easy or less difficult; to free from difficulty or impediment; to lessen the labor of; as, to facilitate the execution of a task.

To invite and facilitate that line of proceeding which the times call for.
I. Taylor.

Fa*cil`i*ta"tion (?), n. The act of facilitating or making easy.

Fa*cil"i*ty (f&adot;*s&ibreve;l"&ibreve;*t&ybreve;), n.; pl. Facilities (- t&ibreve;z). [L. facilitas, fr. facilis easy: cf. F. facilité. See Facile.] 1. The quality of being easily performed; freedom from difficulty; ease; as, the facility of an operation.

The facility with which government has been overturned in France.
Burke.

2. Ease in performance; readiness proceeding from skill or use; dexterity; as, practice gives a wonderful facility in executing works of art.

3. Easiness to be persuaded; readiness or compliance; -- usually in a bad sense; pliancy.

It is a great error to take facility for good nature.
L'Estrange.

4. Easiness of access; complaisance; affability.

Offers himself to the visits of a friend with facility.
South.

5. That which promotes the ease of any action or course of conduct; advantage; aid; assistance; -- usually in the plural; as, special facilities for study.

Syn. -- Ease; expertness; readiness; dexterity; complaisance; condescension; affability. -- Facility, Expertness, Readiness. These words have in common the idea of performing any act with ease and promptitude. Facility supposes a natural or acquired power of dispatching a task with lightness and ease. Expertness is the kind of facility acquired by long practice. Readiness marks the promptitude with which anything is done. A merchant needs great facility in dispatching business; a banker, great expertness in casting accounts; both need great readiness in passing from one employment to another. "The facility which we get of doing things by a custom of doing, makes them often pass in us without our notice." Locke. "The army was celebrated for the expertness and valor of the soldiers." "A readiness to obey the known will of God is the surest means to enlighten the mind in respect to duty."

Fa"cing (?), n. 1. A covering in front, for ornament or other purpose; an exterior covering or sheathing; as, the facing of an earthen slope, sea wall, etc. , to strengthen it or to protect or adorn the exposed surface.

2. A lining placed near the edge of a garment for ornament or protection.

3. (Arch.) The finishing of any face of a wall with material different from that of which it is chiefly composed, or the coating or material so used.

4. (Founding) A powdered substance, as charcoal, bituminous coal, ect., applied to the face of a mold, or mixed with the sand that forms it, to give a fine smooth surface to the casting.

5. (Mil.) (a) pl. The collar and cuffs of a military coat; -- commonly of a color different from that of the coat. (b) The movement of soldiers by turning on their heels to the right, left, or about; -- chiefly in the pl.

Facing brick, front or pressed brick.

Fa"cing*ly, adv. In a facing manner or position.

Fa*cin"o*rous (?), a. [L. facinorous, from facinus deed, bad deed, from facere to make, do.] Atrociously wicked. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.

-- Fa*cin"o*rous*ness, n. [Obs.]

Fac"ound (?), n. [F. faconde, L. facundia. See Facund.] Speech; eloquence. [Obs.]

Her facound eke full womanly and plain.
Chaucer.

Fac*sim"i*le (?), n.; pl. Facsimiles (-l&?;z). [L. fac simile make like; or an abbreviation of factum simile made like; facere to make + similes like. See Fact, and Simile.] A copy of anything made, either so as to be deceptive or so as to give every part and detail of the original; an exact copy or likeness.

Facsimile telegraph, a telegraphic apparatus reproducing messages in autograph.

Fac*sim"i*le, (&?;), v. t. To make a facsimile of.

Fact (făkt), n. [L. factum, fr. facere to make or do. Cf. Feat, Affair, Benefit, Defect, Fashion, and -fy.] 1. A doing, making, or preparing. [Obs.]

A project for the fact and vending
Of a new kind of fucus, paint for ladies.
B. Jonson.

2. An effect produced or achieved; anything done or that comes to pass; an act; an event; a circumstance.

What might instigate him to this devilish fact, I am not able to conjecture.
Evelyn.

He who most excels in fact of arms.
Milton.

3. Reality; actuality; truth; as, he, in fact, excelled all the rest; the fact is, he was beaten.

4. The assertion or statement of a thing done or existing; sometimes, even when false, improperly put, by a transfer of meaning, for the thing done, or supposed to be done; a thing supposed or asserted to be done; as, history abounds with false facts.

I do not grant the fact.
De Foe.

This reasoning is founded upon a fact which is not true.
Roger Long.

&fist; The term fact has in jurisprudence peculiar uses in contrast with law; as, attorney at law, and attorney in fact; issue in law, and issue in fact. There is also a grand distinction between law and fact with reference to the province of the judge and that of the jury, the latter generally determining the fact, the former the law. Burrill Bouvier.
[1913 Webster]

Accessary before, or after, the fact. See under Accessary. -- Matter of fact, an actual occurrence; a verity; used adjectively: of or pertaining to facts; prosaic; unimaginative; as, a matter-of-fact narration.

Syn. -- Act; deed; performance; event; incident; occurrence; circumstance.

Fac"tion (făk"shŭn), n. [L. factio a doing, a company of persons acting together, a faction: cf. F. faction See Fashion.] 1. (Anc. Hist.) One of the divisions or parties of charioteers (distinguished by their colors) in the games of the circus.

2. A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, and reckless of the common good.

3. Tumult; discord; dissension.

They remained at Newbury in great faction among themselves.
Clarendon.

Syn. -- Combination; clique; junto. See Cabal.

Fac"tion*a*ry (?), a. [Cf. F. factionnaire, L. factionarius the head of a company of charioteers.] Belonging to a faction; being a partisan; taking sides. [Obs.]

Always factionary on the party of your general.
Shak.

Fac"tion*er (-?r), n. One of a faction. Abp. Bancroft.

Fac"tion*ist, n. One who promotes faction.

Fac"tious (?). a. [L. factiosus: cf. F. factieux.] 1. Given to faction; addicted to form parties and raise dissensions, in opposition to government or the common good; turbulent; seditious; prone to clamor against public measures or men; -- said of persons.

Factious for the house of Lancaster.
Shak.

2. Pertaining to faction; proceeding from faction; indicating, or characterized by, faction; -- said of acts or expressions; as, factious quarrels.

Headlong zeal or factious fury.
Burke.

-- Fac"tious*ly, adv. -- Fac"tious- ness, n.

Fac*ti"tious (?), a. [L. factitius, fr. facere to make. See Fact, and cf. Fetich.] Made by art, in distinction from what is produced by nature; artificial; sham; formed by, or adapted to, an artificial or conventional, in distinction from a natural, standard or rule; not natural; as, factitious cinnabar or jewels; a factitious taste. -- Fac-ti"tious*ly, adv. -- Fac*ti"tious-ness, n.

He acquires a factitious propensity, he forms an incorrigible habit, of desultory reading.
De Quincey.

Syn. -- Unnatural. -- Factitious, Unnatural. Anything is unnatural when it departs in any way from its simple or normal state; it is factitious when it is wrought out or wrought up by labor and effort, as, a factitious excitement. An unnatural demand for any article of merchandise is one which exceeds the ordinary rate of consumption; a factitious demand is one created by active exertions for the purpose. An unnatural alarm is one greater than the occasion requires; a factitious alarm is one wrought up with care and effort.

Fac"ti*tive (?). a. [See Fact.] 1. Causing; causative.

2. (Gram.) Pertaining to that relation which is proper when the act, as of a transitive verb, is not merely received by an object, but produces some change in the object, as when we say, He made the water wine.

Sometimes the idea of activity in a verb or adjective involves in it a reference to an effect, in the way of causality, in the active voice on the immediate objects, and in the passive voice on the subject of such activity. This second object is called the factitive object.
J. W. Gibbs.

Fac"tive (?), a. Making; having power to make. [Obs.] "You are . . . factive, not destructive." Bacon.

||Fac"to (?), adv. [L., ablative of factum deed, fact.] (Law) In fact; by the act or fact.

De facto. (Law) See De facto.

Fac"tor (?), n. [L. factor a doer: cf. F. facteur a factor. See Fact.] 1. (Law) One who transacts business for another; an agent; a substitute; especially, a mercantile agent who buys and sells goods and transacts business for others in commission; a commission merchant or consignee. He may be a home factor or a foreign factor. He may buy and sell in his own name, and he is intrusted with the possession and control of the goods; and in these respects he differs from a broker. Story. Wharton.

My factor sends me word, a merchant's fled
That owes me for a hundred tun of wine.
Marlowe.

2. A steward or bailiff of an estate. [Scot.] Sir W. Scott.

3. (Math.) One of the elements or quantities which, when multiplied together, form a product.

4. One of the elements, circumstances, or influences which contribute to produce a result; a constituent.

The materal and dynamical factors of nutrition.
H. Spencer.

Fac"tor, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Factored (-t?rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Factoring.] (Mach.) To resolve (a quantity) into its factors.

Fac"tor*age (?), n. [Cf. F. factorage.] The allowance given to a factor, as a compensation for his services; -- called also a commission.

Fac"tor*ess (?), n. A factor who is a woman. [R.]

Fac*to"ri*al (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to a factory. Buchanan.

2. (Math.) Related to factorials.

Fac*to"ri*al, n. (Math.) (a) pl. A name given to the factors of a continued product when the former are derivable from one and the same function F(x) by successively imparting a constant increment or decrement h to the independent variable. Thus the product F(x).F(x + h).F(x + 2h) . . . F[x + (n-1)h] is called a factorial term, and its several factors take the name of factorials. Brande & C.

(b) The product of the consecutive numbers from unity up to any given number.

Fac"tor*ing (?), n. (Math.) The act of resolving into factors.

Fac"tor*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Factorized (-?zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Factorizing (-?"z?ng).] (Law) (a) To give warning to; -- said of a person in whose hands the effects of another are attached, the warning being to the effect that he shall not pay the money or deliver the property of the defendant in his hands to him, but appear and answer the suit of the plaintiff. (b) To attach (the effects of a debtor) in the hands of a third person ; to garnish. See Garnish. [Vt. & Conn.]

Fac"tor*ship, n. The business of a factor.

Fac"to*ry (?), n.; pl. Factories (-r&?;z). [Cf. F. factorerie.] 1. A house or place where factors, or commercial agents, reside, to transact business for their employers. "The Company's factory at Madras." Burke.

2. The body of factors in any place; as, a chaplain to a British factory. W. Guthrie.

3. A building, or collection of buildings, appropriated to the manufacture of goods; the place where workmen are employed in fabricating goods, wares, or utensils; a manufactory; as, a cotton factory.

Factory leg (Med.), a variety of bandy leg, associated with partial dislocation of the tibia, produced in young children by working in factories.

Fac*to"tum (făk*tō"tŭm), n.; pl. Factotums (- tŭmz). [L., do everything; facere to do + totus all : cf. F. factotum. See Fact, and Total.] A person employed to do all kinds of work or business. B. Jonson.

Fac"tu*al (făk*t&usl;"al), a. Relating to, or containing, facts. [R.]

||Fac"tum (făk"tŭm), n.; pl. Facta (#). [L. See Fact.] 1. (Law) A man's own act and deed; particularly: (a) (Civil Law) Anything stated and made certain. (b) (Testamentary Law) The due execution of a will, including everything necessary to its validity.

2. (Mach.) The product. See Facient, 2.

Fac"ture (?), n. [F. facture a making, invoice, L. factura a making. See Fact.] 1. The act or manner of making or doing anything; -- now used of a literary, musical, or pictorial production. Bacon.

2. (Com.) An invoice or bill of parcels.

||Fac"u*læ (?), n. pl. [L., pl. of facula a little torch.] (Astron.) Groups of small shining spots on the surface of the sun which are brighter than the other parts of the photosphere. They are generally seen in the neighborhood of the dark spots, and are supposed to be elevated portions of the photosphere. Newcomb.

Fac"u*lar (?) a. (Astron.) Of or pertaining to the faculæ. R. A. Proctor.

Fac"ul*ty (?), n.; pl. Faculties (#). [F. facult&?;, L. facultas, fr. facilis easy (cf. facul easily), fr. fecere to make. See Fact, and cf. Facility.] 1. Ability to act or perform, whether inborn or cultivated; capacity for any natural function; especially, an original mental power or capacity for any of the well-known classes of mental activity; psychical or soul capacity; capacity for any of the leading kinds of soul activity, as knowledge, feeling, volition; intellectual endowment or gift; power; as, faculties of the mind or the soul.

But know that in the soul
Are many lesser faculties that serve
Reason as chief.
Milton.

What a piece of work is a man ! how noble in reason ! how infinite in faculty !
Shak.

2. Special mental endowment; characteristic knack.

He had a ready faculty, indeed, of escaping from any topic that agitated his too sensitive and nervous temperament.
Hawthorne.

3. Power; prerogative or attribute of office. [R.]

This Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek.
Shak.

4. Privilege or permission, granted by favor or indulgence, to do a particular thing; authority; license; dispensation.

The pope . . . granted him a faculty to set him free from his promise.
Fuller.

It had not only faculty to inspect all bishops' dioceses, but to change what laws and statutes they should think fit to alter among the colleges.
Evelyn.

5. A body of a men to whom any specific right or privilege is granted; formerly, the graduates in any of the four departments of a university or college (Philosophy, Law, Medicine, or Theology), to whom was granted the right of teaching (profitendi or docendi) in the department in which they had studied; at present, the members of a profession itself; as, the medical faculty; the legal faculty, ect.

6. (Amer. Colleges) The body of person to whom are intrusted the government and instruction of a college or university, or of one of its departments; the president, professors, and tutors in a college.

Dean of faculty. See under Dean. -- Faculty of advocates. (Scot.) See under Advocate.

Syn. -- Talent; gift; endowment; dexterity; expertness; cleverness; readiness; ability; knack.

Fac"und (?), a. [L. facundus, fr. fari to speak.] Eloquent. [Archaic]

Fa*cun"di*ous (?), a. [L. facundiosus.] Eloquement; full of words. [Archaic]

Fa*cun"di*ty (?), n. [L. facunditas.] Eloquence; readiness of speech. [Archaic]

Fad (?), n. [Cf. Faddle.] A hobby ; freak; whim. -- Fad"dist, n.

It is your favorite fad to draw plans.
G. Eliot.

Fad"dle (?), v. i. [Cf. Fiddle, Fiddle-faddle.] To trifle; to toy. -- v. t. To fondle; to dandle. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

Fade (?) a. [F., prob. fr. L. vapidus vapid, or possibly fr,fatuus foolish, insipid.] Weak; insipid; tasteless; commonplace. [R.] "Passages that are somewhat fade." Jeffrey.

His masculine taste gave him a sense of something fade and ludicrous.
De Quincey.

Fade (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Faded; p. pr. & vb. n. Fading.] [OE. faden, vaden, prob. fr. fade, a.; cf. Prov. D. vadden to fade, wither, vaddigh languid, torpid. Cf. Fade, a., Vade.] 1. To become fade; to grow weak; to lose strength; to decay; to perish gradually; to wither, as a plant.

The earth mourneth and fadeth away.
Is. xxiv. 4.

2. To lose freshness, color, or brightness; to become faint in hue or tint; hence, to be wanting in color. "Flowers that never fade." Milton.

3. To sink away; to disappear gradually; to grow dim; to vanish.

The stars shall fade away.
Addison

He makes a swanlike end,
Fading in music.
Shak.

Fade, v. t. To cause to wither; to deprive of freshness or vigor; to wear away.

No winter could his laurels fade.
Dryden.

Fad"ed (?), a. That has lost freshness, color, or brightness; grown dim. "His faded cheek." Milton.

Where the faded moon
Made a dim silver twilight.
Keats.

Fad"ed*ly, adv. In a faded manner.

A dull room fadedly furnished.
Dickens.

Fade"less, a. Not liable to fade; unfading.

Fa"der (?), n. Father. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fadge (?), v. i. [Cf. OE. faden to flatter, and AS. f&?;gan to join, unit, G. fügen, or AS. āfægian to depict; all perh. form the same root as E. fair. Cf. Fair, a., Fay to fit.] To fit; to suit; to agree.

They shall be made, spite of antipathy, to fadge together.
Milton.

Well, Sir, how fadges the new design ?
Wycherley.

Fadge (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] A small flat loaf or thick cake; also, a fagot. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

Fad"ing (?), a. Losing freshness, color, brightness, or vigor. -- n. Loss of color, freshness, or vigor. -- Fad"ing*ly, adv. -- Fad"ing*ness, n.

Fad"ing, n. An Irish dance; also, the burden of a song. "Fading is a fine jig." [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Fad"me (?), n. A fathom. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fad"y (?), a. Faded. [R.] Shenstone.

Fæ"cal (?), a. See Fecal.

||Fæ"ces (?), n. pl. [L. faex, pl. faeces, dregs.] Excrement; ordure; also, settlings; sediment after infusion or distillation. [Written also feces.]

||Fæc"u*la (?), n. [L.] See Fecula.

Fa"ër*y (?), n. & a. Fairy. [Archaic] Spenser.

Faf"fle (?), v. i. [Cf. Famble, Maffle.] To stammer. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

Fag (făg) n. A knot or coarse part in cloth. [Obs.]

Fag, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fagged (făgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fagging (făg"g&ibreve;ng).] [Cf. LG. fakk wearied, weary, vaak slumber, drowsiness, OFries. fai, equiv. to fāch devoted to death, OS. fēgi, OHG. feigi, G. feig, feige, cowardly, Icel. feigr fated to die, AS. f&aemacr;ge, Scot. faik, to fail, stop, lower the price; or perh. the same word as E. flag to droop.] 1. To become weary; to tire.
[1913 Webster]

Creighton withheld his force till the Italian began to fag.
G. Mackenzie.

2. To labor to wearness; to work hard; to drudge.

Read, fag, and subdue this chapter.
Coleridge.

3. To act as a fag, or perform menial services or drudgery, for another, as in some English schools.

To fag out, to become untwisted or frayed, as the end of a rope, or the edge of canvas.

Fag, v. t. 1. To tire by labor; to exhaust; as, he was almost fagged out.

2. Anything that fatigues. [R.]

It is such a fag, I came back tired to death.
Miss Austen.

Brain fag. (Med.) See Cerebropathy.

Fag"-end" (?), n. 1. An end of poorer quality, or in a spoiled condition, as the coarser end of a web of cloth, the untwisted end of a rope, ect.

2. The refuse or meaner part of anything.

The fag-end of business.
Collier.

Fag"ging (făg"g&ibreve;ng), n. Laborious drudgery; esp., the acting as a drudge for another at an English school.

Fag"ot (făg"ŭt) n. [F., prob. aug. of L. fax, facis, torch, perh. orig., a bundle of sticks; cf. Gr. fa`kelos bundle, fagot. Cf. Fagotto.] 1. A bundle of sticks, twigs, or small branches of trees, used for fuel, for raising batteries, filling ditches, or other purposes in fortification; a fascine. Shak.

2. A bundle of pieces of wrought iron to be worked over into bars or other shapes by rolling or hammering at a welding heat; a pile.

3. (Mus.) A bassoon. See Fagotto.

4. A person hired to take the place of another at the muster of a company. [Eng.] Addison.

5. An old shriveled woman. [Slang, Eng.]

Fagot iron, iron, in bars or masses, manufactured from fagots. -- Fagot vote, the vote of a person who has been constituted a voter by being made a landholder, for party purposes. [Political cant, Eng.]

Fag"ot (?) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fagoted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fagoting.] To make a fagot of; to bind together in a fagot or bundle; also, to collect promiscuously. Dryden.

||Fa*got"to (?), n. [It. See Fagot.] (Mus.) The bassoon; -- so called from being divided into parts for ease of carriage, making, as it were, a small fagot.

||Fa"ham (?), n. The leaves of an orchid (Angraecum fragrans), of the islands of Bourbon and Mauritius, used (in France) as a substitute for Chinese tea.

||Fahl"band` (?), n. [G., fr. fahl dun-colored + band a band.] (Mining) A stratum in crystalline rock, containing metallic sulphides. Raymond.

{ Fahl"erz (?), Fahl"band (?), } n. [G. fahlerz; fahl dun-colored, fallow + erz ore.] (Min.) Same as Tetrahedrite.

Fah"lun*ite (fä"lŭn*īt), n. [From Fahlun, a place in Sweden.] (Min.) A hydrated silica of alumina, resulting from the alteration of iolite.
[1913 Webster]

Fah"ren*heit (?) a. [G.] Conforming to the scale used by Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit in the graduation of his thermometer; of or relating to Fahrenheit's thermometric scale. -- n. The Fahrenheit thermometer or scale.

&fist; The Fahrenheit thermometer is so graduated that the freezing point of water is at 32 degrees above the zero of its scale, and the boiling point at 212 degrees above. It is commonly used in the United States and in England.

||Fa`ï*ence" (?), n. [F., fr. Faenza, a town in Italy, the original place of manufacture.] Glazed earthenware; esp., that which is decorated in color.

Fail (fāl) v. i. [imp. & p. p. Failed (fāld); p. pr. & vb. n. Failing.] [F. failir, fr. L. fallere, falsum, to deceive, akin to E. fall. See Fail, and cf. Fallacy, False, Fault.] 1. To be wanting; to fall short; to be or become deficient in any measure or degree up to total absence; to cease to be furnished in the usual or expected manner, or to be altogether cut off from supply; to be lacking; as, streams fail; crops fail.

As the waters fail from the sea.
Job xiv. 11.

Till Lionel's issue fails, his should not reign.
Shak.

2. To be affected with want; to come short; to lack; to be deficient or unprovided; -- used with of.

If ever they fail of beauty, this failure is not be attributed to their size.
Berke.

3. To fall away; to become diminished; to decline; to decay; to sink.

When earnestly they seek
Such proof, conclude they then begin to fail.
Milton.

4. To deteriorate in respect to vigor, activity, resources, etc.; to become weaker; as, a sick man fails.

5. To perish; to die; -- used of a person. [Obs.]

Had the king in his last sickness failed.
Shak.

6. To be found wanting with respect to an action or a duty to be performed, a result to be secured, etc.; to miss; not to fulfill expectation.

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this.
Ezra iv. 22.

Either my eyesight fails, or thou look'st pale.
Shak.

7. To come short of a result or object aimed at or desired ; to be baffled or frusrated.

Our envious foe hath failed.
Milton.

8. To err in judgment; to be mistaken.

Which ofttimes may succeed, so as perhaps
Shall grieve him, if I fail not.
Milton.

9. To become unable to meet one's engagements; especially, to be unable to pay one's debts or discharge one's business obligation; to become bankrupt or insolvent.

Fail (?), v. t. 1. To be wanting to ; to be insufficient for; to disappoint; to desert.

There shall not fail thee a man on the throne.
1 Kings ii. 4.

2. To miss of attaining; to lose. [R.]

Though that seat of earthly bliss be failed.
Milton.

Fail, n. [OF. faille, from failir. See Fail, v. i.] 1. Miscarriage; failure; deficiency; fault; -- mostly superseded by failure or failing, except in the phrase without fail. "His highness' fail of issue." Shak.

2. Death; decease. [Obs.] Shak.

Fail"ance (?), n. [Of. faillance, fr. faillir.] Fault; failure; omission. [Obs.] Bp. Fell.

Fail"ing, n. 1. A failing short; a becoming deficient; failure; deficiency; imperfection; weakness; lapse; fault; infirmity; as, a mental failing.

And ever in her mind she cast about
For that unnoticed failing in herself.
Tennyson.

2. The act of becoming insolvent of bankrupt.

Syn. -- See Fault.

||Faille (?), n. [F.] A soft silk, heavier than a foulard and not glossy.

Fail"ure (?), n. [From Fail.] 1. Cessation of supply, or total defect; a failing; deficiency; as, failure of rain; failure of crops.

2. Omission; nonperformance; as, the failure to keep a promise.

3. Want of success; the state of having failed.

4. Decay, or defect from decay; deterioration; as, the failure of memory or of sight.

5. A becoming insolvent; bankruptcy; suspension of payment; as, failure in business.

6. A failing; a slight fault. [Obs.] Johnson.

Fain (?), a. [OE. fain, fagen, AS. fægen; akin to OS. fagan, Icel. faginn glad; AS. fægnian to rejoice, OS. faganōn, Icel. fagna, Goth. faginōn, cf. Goth. fahēds joy; and fr. the same root as E. fair. Srr Fair, a., and cf. Fawn to court favor.] 1. Well-pleased; glad; apt; wont; fond; inclined.

Men and birds are fain of climbing high.
Shak.

To a busy man, temptation is fainto climb up together with his business.
Jer. Taylor.

2. Satisfied; contented; also, constrained. Shak.

The learned Castalio was fain to make trechers at Basle to keep himself from starving.
Locke.

Fain, adv. With joy; gladly; -- with wold.

He would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat.
Luke xv. 16.

Fain Would I woo her, yet I dare not.
Shak.

Fain, v. t. & i. To be glad ; to wish or desire. [Obs.]

Whoso fair thing does fain to see.
Spencer.

||Fai`né`ant" (f&asl;`n&asl;`äN"), a. [F.; fait he does + néant nothing.] Doing nothing; shiftless. -- n. A do-nothing; an idle fellow; a sluggard. Sir W. Scott.

Faint (fānt), a. [Compar. Fainter (-&etilde;r); superl. Faintest.] [OE. feint, faint, false, faint, F. feint, p. p. of feindre to feign, suppose, hesitate. See Feign, and cf. Feint.] 1. Lacking strength; weak; languid; inclined to swoon; as, faint with fatigue, hunger, or thirst.

2. Wanting in courage, spirit, or energy; timorous; cowardly; dejected; depressed; as, "Faint heart ne'er won fair lady." Old Proverb.

3. Lacking distinctness; hardly perceptible; striking the senses feebly; not bright, or loud, or sharp, or forcible; weak; as, a faint color, or sound.

4. Performed, done, or acted, in a weak or feeble manner; not exhibiting vigor, strength, or energy; slight; as, faint efforts; faint resistance.

The faint prosecution of the war.
Sir J. Davies.

Faint, n. The act of fainting, or the state of one who has fainted; a swoon. [R.] See Fainting, n.

The saint,
Who propped the Virgin in her faint.
Sir W. Scott.

Faint, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fainted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fainting.] 1. To become weak or wanting in vigor; to grow feeble; to lose strength and color, and the control of the bodily or mental functions; to swoon; -- sometimes with away. See Fainting, n.

Hearing the honor intended her, she fainted away.
Guardian.

If I send them away fasting . . . they will faint by the way.
Mark viii. 8.

2. To sink into dejection; to lose courage or spirit; to become depressed or despondent.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Prov. xxiv. 10.

3. To decay; to disappear; to vanish.

Gilded clouds, while we gaze upon them, faint before the eye.
Pope.

Faint (?), v. t. To cause to faint or become dispirited; to depress; to weaken. [Obs.]

It faints me to think what follows.
Shak.

Faint"-heart`ed (?), a. Wanting in courage; depressed by fear; easily discouraged or frightened; cowardly; timorous; dejected.

Fear not, neither be faint- hearted.
Is. vii. 4.

-- Faint"-heart`ed*ly, adv. -- Faint"-heart`ed*ness, n.

Faint"ing (?), n. Syncope, or loss of consciousness owing to a sudden arrest of the blood supply to the brain, the face becoming pallid, the respiration feeble, and the heat's beat weak.

Fainting fit, a fainting or swoon; syncope. [Colloq.]

Faint"ish, a. Slightly faint; somewhat faint. -- Faint"ish*ness, n.

Faint"ling (?), a. Timorous; feeble-minded. [Obs.] "A fainting, silly creature." Arbuthnot.

Faint"ly, adv. In a faint, weak, or timidmanner.

Faint"ness, n. 1. The state of being faint; loss of strength, or of consciousness, and self-control.

2. Want of vigor or energy. Spenser.

3. Feebleness, as of color or light; lack of distinctness; as, faintness of description.

4. Faint-heartedness; timorousness; dejection.

I will send a faintness into their hearts.
Lev. xxvi. 36.

Faints (?), n. pl. The impure spirit which comes over first and last in the distillation of whisky; -- the former being called the strong faints, and the latter, which is much more abundant, the weak faints. This crude spirit is much impregnated with fusel oil. Ure.

Faint"y (?), a. Feeble; languid. [R.] Dryden.

Fair (fâr), a. [Compar. Fairer (?); superl. Fairest.] [OE. fair, fayer, fager, AS. fæger; akin to OS. & OHG. fagar, Icel. fagr, Sw. fager, Dan. faver, Goth. fagrs fit, also to E. fay, G. fügen, to fit. fegen to sweep, cleanse, and prob. also to E. fang, peace, pact, Cf. Fang, Fain, Fay to fit.] 1. Free from spots, specks, dirt, or imperfection; unblemished; clean; pure.

A fair white linen cloth.
Book of Common Prayer.

2. Pleasing to the eye; handsome; beautiful.

Who can not see many a fair French city, for one fair French made.
Shak.

3. Without a dark hue; light; clear; as, a fair skin.

The northern people large and fair- complexioned.
Sir M. Hale.

4. Not overcast; cloudless; clear; pleasant; propitious; favorable; -- said of the sky, weather, or wind, etc.; as, a fair sky; a fair day.

You wish fair winds may waft him over.
Prior.

5. Free from obstacles or hindrances; unobstructed; unincumbered; open; direct; -- said of a road, passage, etc.; as, a fair mark; in fair sight; a fair view.

The caliphs obtained a mighty empire, which was in a fair way to have enlarged.
Sir W. Raleigh.

6. (Shipbuilding) Without sudden change of direction or curvature; smooth; flowing; -- said of the figure of a vessel, and of surfaces, water lines, and other lines.

7. Characterized by frankness, honesty, impartiality, or candor; open; upright; free from suspicion or bias; equitable; just; -- said of persons, character, or conduct; as, a fair man; fair dealing; a fair statement. "I would call it fair play." Shak.

8. Pleasing; favorable; inspiring hope and confidence; -- said of words, promises, etc.

When fair words and good counsel will not prevail on us, we must be frighted into our duty.
L' Estrange.

9. Distinct; legible; as, fair handwriting.

10. Free from any marked characteristic; average; middling; so-so; as, a fair specimen.

The news is very fair and good, my lord.
Shak.

Fair ball. (Baseball) (a) A ball passing over the home base at the height called for by the batsman, and delivered by the pitcher while wholly within the lines of his position and facing the batsman. (b) A batted ball that falls inside the foul lines; -- called also a fair hit. -- Fair maid. (Zoöl.) (a) The European pilchard (Clupea pilchardus) when dried. (b) The southern scup (Stenotomus Gardeni). [Virginia] -- Fair one, a handsome woman; a beauty, -- Fair play, equitable or impartial treatment; a fair or equal chance; justice. -- From fair to middling, passable; tolerable. [Colloq.] -- The fair sex, the female sex.

Syn. -- Candid; open; frank; ingenuous; clear; honest; equitable; impartial; reasonable. See Candid.

Fair, adv. Clearly; openly; frankly; civilly; honestly; favorably; auspiciously; agreeably.

Fair and square, justly; honestly; equitably; impartially. [Colloq.] -- To bid fair. See under Bid. -- To speak fair, to address with courtesy and frankness. [Archaic]

Fair, n. 1. Fairness, beauty. [Obs.] Shak.

2. A fair woman; a sweetheart.

I have found out a gift for my fair.
Shenstone.

3. Good fortune; good luck.

Now fair befall thee !
Shak.

The fair, anything beautiful; women, collectively. "For slander's mark was ever yet the fair." Shak.

Fair, v. t. 1. To make fair or beautiful. [Obs.]

Fairing the foul.
Shak.

2. (Shipbuilding) To make smooth and flowing, as a vessel's lines.

Fair, n. [OE. feire, OF. feire, F. foire, fr. L. fariae, pl., days of rest, holidays, festivals, akin to festus festal. See Feast.] 1. A gathering of buyers and sellers, assembled at a particular place with their merchandise at a stated or regular season, or by special appointment, for trade.

2. A festival, and sale of fancy articles. erc., usually for some charitable object; as, a Grand Army fair.

3. A competitive exhibition of wares, farm products, etc., not primarily for purposes of sale; as, the Mechanics' fair; an agricultural fair.

After the fair, Too late. [Colloq.]

Fair"-haired` (?), a. Having fair or light-colored hair.

Fair"hood (?), n. Fairness; beauty. [Obs.] Foxe.

Fair"i*ly (?), adv. In the manner of a fairy.

Numerous as shadows haunting fairily
The brain.
Keats.

Fair"ing, n. A present; originally, one given or purchased at a fair. Gay.

Fairing box, a box receiving savings or small sums of money. Hannah More.

Fair"ish, a. Tolerably fair. [Colloq.] W. D. Howells.

Fair"-lead`er (?), n. (Naut.) A block, or ring, serving as a guide for the running rigging or for any rope.

Fair"ly, adv. 1. In a fair manner; clearly; openly; plainly; fully; distinctly; frankly.

Even the nature of Mr. Dimmesdale's disease had never fairly been revealed to him.
Hawthorne.

2. Favorably; auspiciously; commodiously; as, a town fairly situated for foreign trade.

3. Honestly; properly.

Such means of comfort or even luxury, as lay fairly within their grasp.
Hawthorne.

4. Softly; quietly; gently. [Obs.] Milton.

Fair"-mind`ed (?), a. Unprejudiced; just; judicial; honest. -- Fair"- mind`ed*ness, n.

Fair"-na`tured (?), a. Well- disposed. "A fair-natured prince." Ford.

Fair"ness, n. The state of being fair, or free form spots or stains, as of the skin; honesty, as of dealing; candor, as of an argument, etc.

Fair"-spo`ken (?), a. Using fair speech, or uttered with fairness; bland; civil; courteous; plausible. "A marvelous fair-spoken man." Hooker.

Fair"way` (?), n. The navigable part of a river, bay, etc., through which vessels enter or depart; the part of a harbor or channel ehich is kept open and unobstructed for the passage of vessels. Totten.

Fair"-weath`er (?), a. 1. Made or done in pleasant weather, or in circumstances involving but little exposure or sacrifice; as, a fair-weather voyage. Pope.

2. Appearing only when times or circumstances are prosperous; as, a fair-weather friend.

Fair-weather sailor, a make-believe or inexperienced sailor; -- the nautical equivalent of carpet knight.

Fair"-world` (?) n. State of prosperity. [Obs.]

They think it was never fair-world with them since.
Milton.

Fair"y (?), n.; pl. Fairies (#). [OE. fairie, faierie, enchantment, fairy folk, fairy, OF. faerie enchantment, F. féer, fr. LL. Fata one of the goddesses of fate. See Fate, and cf. Fay a fairy.] [Written also faëry.] 1. Enchantment; illusion. [Obs.] Chaucer.

The God of her has made an end,
And fro this worlde's fairy
Hath taken her into company.
Gower.

2. The country of the fays; land of illusions. [Obs.]

He [Arthur] is a king y-crowned in Fairy.
Lydgate.

3. An imaginary supernatural being or spirit, supposed to assume a human form (usually diminutive), either male or female, and to meddle for good or evil in the affairs of mankind; a fay. See Elf, and Demon.

The fourth kind of spirit [is] called the Fairy.
K. James.

And now about the caldron sing,
Like elves and fairies in a ring.
Shak.

5. An enchantress. [Obs.] Shak.

Fairy of the mine, an imaginary being supposed to inhabit mines, etc. German folklore tells of two species; one fierce and malevolent, the other gentle, See Kobold.

No goblin or swart fairy of the mine
Hath hurtful power over true virginity.
Milton.

Fair"y, a. 1. Of or pertaining to fairies.

2. Given by fairies; as, fairy money. Dryden.

Fairy bird (Zoöl.), the Euoropean little tern (Sterna minuta); -- called also sea swallow, and hooded tern. -- Fairy bluebird. (Zoöl.) See under Bluebird. -- Fairy martin (Zoöl.), a European swallow (Hirrundo ariel) that builds flask-shaped nests of mud on overhanging cliffs. -- Fairy rings or circles, the circles formed in grassy lawns by certain fungi (as Marasmius Oreades), formerly supposed to be caused by fairies in their midnight dances. -- Fairy shrimp (Zoöl.), a European fresh-water phyllopod crustacean (Chirocephalus diaphanus); -- so called from its delicate colors, transparency, and graceful motions. The name is sometimes applied to similar American species. -- Fairy stone (Paleon.), an echinite.

Fair"y*land` (?) n. The imaginary land or abode of fairies.

Fair"y*like` (?), a. Resembling a fairy, or what is made or done be fairies; as, fairylike music.

Faith (fāth), n. [OE. feith, fayth, fay, OF. feid, feit, fei, F. foi, fr. L. fides; akin to fidere to trust, Gr. pei`qein to persuade. The ending th is perhaps due to the influence of such words as truth, health, wealth. See Bid, Bide, and cf. Confide, Defy, Fealty.] 1. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.

2. The assent of the mind to the statement or proposition of another, on the ground of the manifest truth of what he utters; firm and earnest belief, on probable evidence of any kind, especially in regard to important moral truth.

Faith, that is, fidelity, -- the fealty of the finite will and understanding to the reason.
Coleridge.

3. (Theol.) (a) The belief in the historic truthfulness of the Scripture narrative, and the supernatural origin of its teachings, sometimes called historical and speculative faith. (b) The belief in the facts and truth of the Scriptures, with a practical love of them; especially, that confiding and affectionate belief in the person and work of Christ, which affects the character and life, and makes a man a true Christian, -- called a practical, evangelical, or saving faith.

Without faith it is impossible to please him [God].
Heb. xi. 6.

The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind which is called "trust" or "confidence" exercised toward the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior.
Dr. T. Dwight.

Faith is an affectionate, practical confidence in the testimony of God.
J. Hawes.

4. That which is believed on any subject, whether in science, politics, or religion; especially (Theol.), a system of religious belief of any kind; as, the Jewish or Mohammedan faith; and especially, the system of truth taught by Christ; as, the Christian faith; also, the creed or belief of a Christian society or church.

Which to believe of her,
Must be a faith that reason without miracle
Could never plant in me.
Shak.

Now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal. i. 23.

5. Fidelity to one's promises, or allegiance to duty, or to a person honored and beloved; loyalty.

Children in whom is no faith.
Deut. xxvii. 20.

Whose failing, while her faith to me remains,
I should conceal.
Milton.

6. Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity; as, he violated his faith.

For you alone
I broke me faith with injured Palamon.
Dryden.

7. Credibility or truth. [R.]

The faith of the foregoing narrative.
Mitford.

Act of faith. See Auto-da- fé. -- Breach of faith, Confession of faith, etc. See under Breach, Confession, etc. -- Faith cure, a method or practice of treating diseases by prayer and the exercise of faith in God. -- In good faith, with perfect sincerity.

Faith (?), interj. By my faith; in truth; verily.

Faithed (?), a. Having faith or a faith; honest; sincere. [Obs.] "Make thy words faithed." Shak.

Faith"ful (?), a. 1. Full of faith, or having faith; disposed to believe, especially in the declarations and promises of God.

You are not faithful, sir.
B. Jonson.

2. Firm in adherence to promises, oaths, contracts, treaties, or other engagements.

The faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him.
Deut. vii. 9.

3. True and constant in affection or allegiance to a person to whom one is bound by a vow, by ties of love, gratitude, or honor, as to a husband, a prince, a friend; firm in the observance of duty; loyal; of true fidelity; as, a faithful husband or servant.

So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found,
Among the faithless, faithful only he.
Milton.

4. Worthy of confidence and belief; conformable to truth ot fact; exact; accurate; as, a faithful narrative or representation.

It is a faithful saying.
2 Tim. ii. 11.

The Faithful, the adherents of any system of religious belief; esp. used as an epithet of the followers of Mohammed.

Syn. -- Trusty; honest; upright; sincere; veracious; trustworthy.

-- Faith"ful*ly, adv. - Faith"ful*ness, n.

Faith"less, a. 1. Not believing; not giving credit.

Be not faithless, but believing.
John xx. 27.

2. Not believing on God or religion; specifically, not believing in the Christian religion. Shak.

3. Not observant of promises or covenants.

4. Not true to allegiance, duty, or vows; perfidious; trecherous; disloyal; not of true fidelity; inconstant, as a husband or a wife.

A most unnatural and faithless service.
Shak.

5. Serving to disappoint or deceive; delusive; unsatisfying. "Yonder faithless phantom." Goldsmith.

-- Faith"less*ly, adv.Faith"less*ness, n.

Fai"tour (?), n. [OF. faitor a doer, L. factor. See Factor.] A doer or actor; particularly, an evil doer; a scoundrel. [Obs.]

Lo! faitour, there thy meed unto thee take.
Spenser.

Fake (?), n. [Cf. Scot. faik fold, stratum of stone, AS. fæc space, interval, G. fach compartment, partition, row, and E. fay to fit.] (Naut.) One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.

Fake, v. t. (Naut.) To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form,, to prevent twisting when running out.

Faking box, a box in which a long rope is faked; used in the life-saving service for a line attached to a shot.

Fake, v. t. [Cf. Gael. faigh to get, acquire, reach, or OD. facken to catch or gripe.] [Slang in all its senses.] 1. To cheat; to swindle; to steal; to rob.

2. To make; to construct; to do.

3. To manipulate fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is; as, to fake a bulldog, by burning his upper lip and thus artificially shortening it.

Fake, n. A trick; a swindle. [Slang]

Fa"kir (?), n. [Ar. faqīr poor.] An Oriental religious ascetic or begging monk. [Written also faquir anf fakeer.]

||Fa"la*na"ka (?), n. [Native name.] (Zoöl.) A viverrine mammal of Madagascar (Eupleres Goudotii), allied to the civet; -- called also Falanouc.

Fal*cade" (făl*kād"), n. [F., ultimately fr. L. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe.] (Man.) The action of a horse, when he throws himself on his haunches two or three times, bending himself, as it were, in very quick curvets. Harris.

{ Fal"cate (?), Fal"ca*ted (?), } a. [L. falcatus, fr. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe.] Hooked or bent like a sickle; as, a falcate leaf; a falcate claw; -- said also of the moon, or a planet, when horned or crescent- formed.

Fal*ca"tion (?), n. The state of being falcate; a bend in the form of a sickle. Sir T. Browne.

Fal"cer (?), n. [From L. falx, falcis, a sickle.] (Zoöl.) One of the mandibles of a spider.

Fal"chion (?), n. [OE. fauchon, OF. fauchon, LL. fälcio, fr. L. falx, falcis, a sickle, cf. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; a ship's rib, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; bandy-legged; perh, akin to E. falcon; cf. It. falcione. Cf. Defalcation.] 1. A broad-bladed sword, slightly curved, shorter and lighter than the ordinary sword; -- used in the Middle Ages.

2. A name given generally and poetically to a sword, especially to the swords of Oriental and fabled warriors.

Fal*cid"i*an (?), a. [L. Falcidius.] Of or pertaining to Publius Falcidius, a Roman tribune.

Falcidian law (Civil Law), a law by which a testator was obliged to leave at least a fourth of his estate to the heir. Burrill.

Fal"ci*form (?), a. [L. falx, falcis, a sickle + -form: cf. F. falciforme.] Having the shape of a scithe or sickle; resembling a reaping hook; as, the falciform ligatment of the liver.

Fal"con (?), n. [OE. faucon, faucoun, OF. faucon, falcon, &?;. faucon, fr. LL. falco, perh. from L. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe, and named from its curving talons. Cf. Falchion.] 1. (Zoöl.) (a) One of a family (Falconidæ) of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, strong claws, and powerful flight. (b) Any species of the genus Falco, distinguished by having a toothlike lobe on the upper mandible; especially, one of this genus trained to the pursuit of other birds, or game.

In the language of falconry, the female peregrine (Falco peregrinus) is exclusively called the falcon.
Yarrell.

2. (Gun.) An ancient form of cannon.

Chanting falcon. (Zoöl.) See under Chanting.

Fal"con*er (?), n. [OE. fauconer, OF. falconier, fauconier, F. fauconnier. See Falcon.] A person who breeds or trains hawks for taking birds or game; one who follows the sport of fowling with hawks. Johnson.

Fal"co*net (?), n. [Dim. of falcon: cf. F. fauconneau, LL. falconeta, properly, a young falcon.] 1. One of the smaller cannon used in the 15th century and later.

2. (Zoöl.) (a) One of several very small Asiatic falcons of the genus Microhierax. (b) One of a group of Australian birds of the genus Falcunculus, resembling shrikes and titmice.

Fal"con*gen`til (?), n. [F. faucon- gentil. See Falcon, and Genteel.] (Zoöl.) The female or young of the goshawk (Astur palumbarius).

Fal"co*nine (?), a. (Zoöl.) Like a falcon or hawk; belonging to the Falconidæ

Fal"con*ry (?), n. [Cf. F. fauconnerie. See Falcon.] 1. The art of training falcons or hawks to pursue and attack wild fowl or game.

2. The sport of taking wild fowl or game by means of falcons or hawks.

||Fal"cu*la (?), n. [L., a small sickle, a billhook.] (Zoöl.) A curved and sharp- pointed claw.

Fal"cu*late (?), a. (Zoöl.) Curved and sharppointed, like a falcula, or claw of a falcon.

Fald"age (?), n. [LL. faldagium, fr. AS. fald, E. fold. Cf. Foldage.] (O. Eng. Law) A privilege of setting up, and moving about, folds for sheep, in any fields within manors, in order to manure them; -- often reserved to himself by the lord of the manor. Spelman.

Fald"fee` (?), n. [AS. fald (E. fold) + E. fee. See Faldage.] (O. Eng. Law) A fee or rent paid by a tenant for the privilege of faldage on his own ground. Blount.

Fald"ing, n. A frieze or rough- napped cloth. [Obs.]

Fal"dis*to*ry (?), n. [LL. faldistorium, faldestorium, from OHG. faldstuol; faldan, faltan, to fold (G. falten) + stuol stool. So called because it could be folded or laid together. See Fold, and Stool, and cf. Faldstool, Fauteuil.] The throne or seat of a bishop within the chancel. [Obs.]

Fald"stool` (?), n. [See Faldistory.] A folding stool, or portable seat, made to fold up in the manner of a camo stool. It was formerly placed in the choir for a bishop, when he offciated in any but his own cathedral church. Fairholt.

&fist; In the modern practice of the Church of England, the term faldstool is given to the reading desk from which the litany is read. This esage is a relic of the ancient use of a lectern folding like a camp stool.

Fa*ler"ni*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to Mount Falernus, in Italy; as, Falernianwine.

Falk (f&add;k), n. (Zoöl.) The razorbill. [Written also falc, and faik.] [Prov. Eng.]

Fall (f&add;l), v. i. [imp. Fell (f&ebreve;l); p. p. Fallen (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Falling.] [AS. feallan; akin to D. vallen, OS. & OHG. fallan, G. fallen, Icel. Falla, Sw. falla, Dan. falde, Lith. pulti, L. fallere to deceive, Gr. sfa`llein to cause to fall, Skr. sphal, sphul, to tremble. Cf. Fail, Fell, v. t., to cause to fall.] 1. To Descend, either suddenly or gradually; particularly, to descend by the force of gravity; to drop; to sink; as, the apple falls; the tide falls; the mercury falls in the barometer.

I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke x. 18.

2. To cease to be erect; to take suddenly a recumbent posture; to become prostrate; to drop; as, a child totters and falls; a tree falls; a worshiper falls on his knees.

I fell at his feet to worship him.
Rev. xix. 10.

3. To find a final outlet; to discharge its waters; to empty; -- with into; as, the river Rhone falls into the Mediterranean.

4. To become prostrate and dead; to die; especially, to die by violence, as in battle.

A thousand shall fall at thy side.
Ps. xci. 7.

He rushed into the field, and, foremost fighting, fell.
Byron.

5. To cease to be active or strong; to die away; to lose strength; to subside; to become less intense; as, the wind falls.

6. To issue forth into life; to be brought forth; -- said of the young of certain animals. Shak.

7. To decline in power, glory, wealth, or importance; to become insignificant; to lose rank or position; to decline in weight, value, price etc.; to become less; as, the price falls; stocks fell two points.

I am a poor fallen man, unworthy now
To be thy lord and master.
Shak.

The greatness of these Irish lords suddenly fell and vanished.
Sir J. Davies.

8. To be overthrown or captured; to be destroyed.

Heaven and earth will witness,
If Rome must fall, that we are innocent.
Addison.

9. To descend in character or reputation; to become degraded; to sink into vice, error, or sin; to depart from the faith; to apostatize; to sin.

Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Heb. iv. 11.

10. To become insnared or embarrassed; to be entrapped; to be worse off than before; as, to fall into error; to fall into difficulties.

11. To assume a look of shame or disappointment; to become or appear dejected; -- said of the countenance.

Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen. iv. 5.

I have observed of late thy looks are fallen.
Addison.

12. To sink; to languish; to become feeble or faint; as, our spirits rise and fall with our fortunes.

13. To pass somewhat suddenly, and passively, into a new state of body or mind; to become; as, to fall asleep; to fall into a passion; to fall in love; to fall into temptation.

14. To happen; to to come to pass; to light; to befall; to issue; to terminate.

The Romans fell on this model by chance.
Swift.

Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall.
Ruth. iii. 18.

They do not make laws, they fall into customs.
H. Spencer.

15. To come; to occur; to arrive.

The vernal equinox, which at the Nicene Council fell on the 21st of March, falls now [1694] about ten days sooner.
Holder.

16. To begin with haste, ardor, or vehemence; to rush or hurry; as, they fell to blows.

They now no longer doubted, but fell to work heart and soul.
Jowett (Thucyd. ).

17. To pass or be transferred by chance, lot, distribution, inheritance, or otherwise; as, the estate fell to his brother; the kingdom fell into the hands of his rivals.

18. To belong or appertain.

If to her share some female errors fall,
Look on her face, and you'll forget them all.
Pope.

19. To be dropped or uttered carelessly; as, an unguarded expression fell from his lips; not a murmur fell from him.

To fall abroad of (Naut.), to strike against; -- applied to one vessel coming into collision with another. -- To fall among, to come among accidentally or unexpectedly. -- To fall astern (Naut.), to move or be driven backward; to be left behind; as, a ship falls astern by the force of a current, or when outsailed by another. -- To fall away. (a) To lose flesh; to become lean or emaciated; to pine. (b) To renounce or desert allegiance; to revolt or rebel. (c) To renounce or desert the faith; to apostatize. "These . . . for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." Luke viii. 13. (d) To perish; to vanish; to be lost. "How . . . can the soul . . . fall away into nothing?" Addison. (e) To decline gradually; to fade; to languish, or become faint. "One color falls away by just degrees, and another rises insensibly." Addison. -- To fall back. (a) To recede or retreat; to give way. (b) To fail of performing a promise or purpose; not to fulfill. -- To fall back upon. (a) (Mil.) To retreat for safety to (a stronger position in the rear, as to a fort or a supporting body of troops). (b) To have recourse to (a reserved fund, or some available expedient or support). -- To fall calm, to cease to blow; to become calm. -- To fall down. (a) To prostrate one's self in worship. "All kings shall fall down before him." Ps. lxxii. 11. (b) To sink; to come to the ground. "Down fell the beauteous youth." Dryden. (c) To bend or bow, as a suppliant. (d) (Naut.) To sail or drift toward the mouth of a river or other outlet. -- To fall flat, to produce no response or result; to fail of the intended effect; as, his speech fell flat. -- To fall foul of. (a) (Naut.) To have a collision with; to become entangled with (b) To attack; to make an assault upon. -- To fall from, to recede or depart from; not to adhere to; as, to fall from an agreement or engagement; to fall from allegiance or duty. -- To fall from grace (M. E. Ch.), to sin; to withdraw from the faith. -- To fall home (Ship Carp.), to curve inward; -- said of the timbers or upper parts of a ship's side which are much within a perpendicular. -- To fall in. (a) To sink inwards; as, the roof fell in. (b) (Mil.) To take one's proper or assigned place in line; as, to fall in on the right. (c) To come to an end; to terminate; to lapse; as, on the death of Mr. B., the annuuity, which he had so long received, fell in. (d) To become operative. "The reversion, to which he had been nominated twenty years before, fell in." Macaulay. -- To fall into one's hands, to pass, often suddenly or unexpectedly, into one's ownership or control; as, to spike cannon when they are likely to fall into the hands of the enemy. -- To fall in with. (a) To meet with accidentally; as, to fall in with a friend. (b) (Naut.) To meet, as a ship; also, to discover or come near, as land. (c) To concur with; to agree with; as, the measure falls in with popular opinion. (d) To comply; to yield to. "You will find it difficult to persuade learned men to fall in with your projects." Addison. -- To fall off. (a) To drop; as, fruits fall off when ripe. (b) To withdraw; to separate; to become detached; as, friends fall off in adversity. "Love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide." Shak. (c) To perish; to die away; as, words fall off by disuse. (d) To apostatize; to forsake; to withdraw from the faith, or from allegiance or duty.

Those captive tribes . . . fell off
From God to worship calves.
Milton.

(e) To forsake; to abandon; as, his customers fell off. (f) To depreciate; to change for the worse; to deteriorate; to become less valuable, abundant, or interesting; as, a falling off in the wheat crop; the magazine or the review falls off. "O Hamlet, what a falling off was there!" Shak. (g) (Naut.) To deviate or trend to the leeward of the point to which the head of the ship was before directed; to fall to leeward. -- To fall on. (a) To meet with; to light upon; as, we have fallen on evil days. (b) To begin suddenly and eagerly. "Fall on, and try the appetite to eat." Dryden. (c) To begin an attack; to assault; to assail. "Fall on, fall on, and hear him not." Dryden. (d) To drop on; to descend on. -- To fall out. (a) To quarrel; to begin to contend.

A soul exasperated in ills falls out
With everything, its friend, itself.
Addison.

(b) To happen; to befall; to chance. "There fell out a bloody quarrel betwixt the frogs and the mice." L'Estrange. (c) (Mil.) To leave the ranks, as a soldier. -- To fall over. (a) To revolt; to desert from one side to another. (b) To fall beyond. Shak. -- To fall short, to be deficient; as, the corn falls short; they all fall short in duty. -- To fall through, to come to nothing; to fail; as, the engageent has fallen through. - - To fall to, to begin. "Fall to, with eager joy, on homely food." Dryden. -- To fall under. (a) To come under, or within the limits of; to be subjected to; as, they fell under the jurisdiction of the emperor. (b) To come under; to become the subject of; as, this point did not fall under the cognizance or deliberations of the court; these things do not fall under human sight or observation. (c) To come within; to be ranged or reckoned with; to be subordinate to in the way of classification; as, these substances fall under a different class or order. -- To fall upon. (a) To attack. [See To fall on.] (b) To attempt; to have recourse to. "I do not intend to fall upon nice disquisitions." Holder. (c) To rush against.

&fist; Fall primarily denotes descending motion, either in a perpendicular or inclined direction, and, in most of its applications, implies, literally or figuratively, velocity, haste, suddenness, or violence. Its use is so various, and so mush diversified by modifying words, that it is not easy to enumerate its senses in all its applications.

Fall (?), v. t. 1. To let fall; to drop. [Obs.]

For every tear he falls, a Trojan bleeds.
Shak.

2. To sink; to depress; as, to fall the voice. [Obs.]

3. To diminish; to lessen or lower. [Obs.]

Upon lessening interest to four per cent, you fall the price of your native commodities.
Locke.

4. To bring forth; as, to fall lambs. [R.] Shak.

5. To fell; to cut down; as, to fall a tree. [Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]

Fall, n. 1. The act of falling; a dropping or descending be the force of gravity; descent; as, a fall from a horse, or from the yard of ship.

2. The act of dropping or tumbling from an erect posture; as, he was walking on ice, and had a fall.

3. Death; destruction; overthrow; ruin.

They thy fall conspire.
Denham.

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov. xvi. 18.

4. Downfall; degradation; loss of greatness or office; termination of greatness, power, or dominion; ruin; overthrow; as, the fall of the Roman empire.

Beholds thee glorious only in thy fall.
Pope.

5. The surrender of a besieged fortress or town ; as, the fall of Sebastopol.

6. Diminution or decrease in price or value; depreciation; as, the fall of prices; the fall of rents.

7. A sinking of tone; cadence; as, the fall of the voice at the close of a sentence.

8. Declivity; the descent of land or a hill; a slope.

9. Descent of water; a cascade; a cataract; a rush of water down a precipice or steep; -- usually in the plural, sometimes in the singular; as, the falls of Niagara.

10. The discharge of a river or current of water into the ocean, or into a lake or pond; as, the fall of the Po into the Gulf of Venice. Addison.

11. Extent of descent; the distance which anything falls; as, the water of a stream has a fall of five feet.

12. The season when leaves fall from trees; autumn.

What crowds of patients the town doctor kills,
Or how, last fall, he raised the weekly bills.
Dryden.

13. That which falls; a falling; as, a fall of rain; a heavy fall of snow.

14. The act of felling or cutting down. "The fall of timber." Johnson.

15. Lapse or declension from innocence or goodness. Specifically: The first apostasy; the act of our first parents in eating the forbidden fruit; also, the apostasy of the rebellious angels.

16. Formerly, a kind of ruff or band for the neck; a falling band; a faule. B. Jonson.

17. That part (as one of the ropes) of a tackle to which the power is applied in hoisting.

Fall herring (Zoöl.), a herring of the Atlantic (Clupea mediocris); -- also called tailor herring, and hickory shad. -- To try a fall, to try a bout at wrestling. Shak.

Fal*la"cious (?), a. [L. fallaciosus, fr. fallacia: cf. F. fallacieux. See Fallacy.] Embodying or pertaining to a fallacy; illogical; fitted to deceive; misleading; delusive; as, fallacious arguments or reasoning. -- Fal*la"cious*ly, adv. - Fal*la"cious*ness, n.

Fal"la*cy (făl"l&adot;*s&ybreve;), n.; pl. Fallacies (- s&ibreve;z). [OE. fallace, fallas, deception, F. fallace, fr. L. fallacia, fr. fallax deceitful, deceptive, fr. fallere to deceive. See Fail.] 1. Deceptive or false appearance; deceitfulness; that which misleads the eye or the mind; deception.

Winning by conquest what the first man lost,
By fallacy surprised.
Milton.

2. (Logic) An argument, or apparent argument, which professes to be decisive of the matter at issue, while in reality it is not; a sophism.

Syn. -- Deception; deceit; mistake. -- Fallacy, Sophistry. A fallacy is an argument which professes to be decisive, but in reality is not; sophistry is also false reasoning, but of so specious and subtle a kind as to render it difficult to expose its fallacy. Many fallacies are obvious, but the evil of sophistry lies in its consummate art. "Men are apt to suffer their minds to be misled by fallacies which gratify their passions. Many persons have obscured and confounded the nature of things by their wretched sophistry; though an act be never so sinful, they will strip it of its guilt." South.

Fal"-lals` (?), n. pl. Gay ornaments; frippery; gewgaws. [Colloq.] Thackeray.

Fal"lax (?), n. [L. fallax deceptive. See Fallacy.] Cavillation; a caviling. [Obs.] Cranmer.

Fall"en (?), a. Dropped; prostrate; degraded; ruined; decreased; dead.

Some ruined temple or fallen monument.
Rogers.

Fal"len*cy (?), n. [LL. fallentia, L. fallens p. pr of fallere.] An exception. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.

Fall"er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, falls.

2. (Mach.) A part which acts by falling, as a stamp in a fulling mill, or the device in a spinning machine to arrest motion when a thread breaks.

Fall"fish` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A fresh-water fish of the United States (Semotilus bullaris); -- called also silver chub, and Shiner. The name is also applied to other allied species.

Fal`li*bil"i*ty (?), n. The state of being fallible; liability to deceive or to be deceived; as, the fallibity of an argument or of an adviser.

Fal"li*ble (?), a. [LL. fallibilis, fr. L. fallere to deceive: cf. F. faillible. See Fail.] Liable to fail, mistake, or err; liable to deceive or to be deceived; as, all men are fallible; our opinions and hopes are fallible.

Fal"li*bly, adv. In a fallible manner.

Fall"ing (?), a. & n. from Fall, v. i.

Falling away, Falling off, etc. See To fall away, To fall off, etc., under Fall, v. i. -- Falling band, the plain, broad, linen collar turning down over the doublet, worn in the early part of the 17th century. -- Falling sickness (Med.), epilepsy. Shak. -- Falling star. (Astron.) See Shooting star. -- Falling stone, a stone falling through the atmosphere; a meteorite; an aërolite. -- Falling tide, the ebb tide. -- Falling weather, a rainy season. [Colloq.] Bartlett.

Fal*lo"pi*an (?), a. [From Fallopius, or Fallopio, a physician of Modena, who died in 1562.] (Anat.) Pertaining to, or discovered by, Fallopius; as, the Fallopian tubes or oviducts, the ducts or canals which conduct the ova from the ovaries to the uterus.

Fal"low (?), a. [AS. fealu, fealo, pale yellow or red; akin to D. vaal fallow, faded, OHG. falo, G. falb, fahl, Icel. fölr, and prob. to Lith. palvas, OSlav. plavŭ white, L. pallidus pale, pallere to be pale, Gr. polio`s gray, Skr. palita. Cf. Pale, Favel, a., Favor.] 1. Pale red or pale yellow; as, a fallow deer or greyhound. Shak.

2. [Cf. Fallow, n.] Left untilled or unsowed after plowing; uncultivated; as, fallow ground.

Fallow chat, Fallow finch (Zoöl.), a small European bird, the wheatear (Saxicola œnanthe). See Wheatear.

Fal"low, n. [So called from the fallow, or somewhat yellow, color of naked ground; or perh. akin to E. felly, n., cf. MHG. valgen to plow up, OHG. felga felly, harrow.] 1. Plowed land. [Obs.]

Who . . . pricketh his blind horse over the fallows.
Chaucer.

2. Land that has lain a year or more untilled or unseeded; land plowed without being sowed for the season.

The plowing of fallows is a benefit to land.
Mortimer.

3. The plowing or tilling of land, without sowing it for a season; as, summer fallow, properly conducted, has ever been found a sure method of destroying weeds.

Be a complete summer fallow, land is rendered tender and mellow. The fallow gives it a better tilth than can be given by a fallow crop.
Sinclair.

Fallow crop, the crop taken from a green fallow. [Eng.] -- Green fallow, fallow whereby land is rendered mellow and clean from weeds, by cultivating some green crop, as turnips, potatoes, etc. [Eng.]

Fal"low (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fallowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fallowing.] [From Fallow, n.] To plow, harrow, and break up, as land, without seeding, for the purpose of destroying weeds and insects, and rendering it mellow; as, it is profitable to fallow cold, strong, clayey land.

Fal"low deer` (?). [So called from its fallow or pale yellow color.] (Zoöl.) A European species of deer (Cervus dama), much smaller than the red deer. In summer both sexes are spotted with white. It is common in England, where it is often domesticated in the parks.

Fal"low*ist (?), n. One who favors the practice of fallowing land. [R.] Sinclair.

Fal"low*ness, n. A well or opening, through the successive floors of a warehouse or manufactory, through which goods are raised or lowered. [U.S.] Bartlett.

Fal"sa*ry (?), n. [L. falsarius, fr. falsus. See False, a.] A falsifier of evidence. [Obs.] Sheldon.

False (?), a. [Compar. Falser (?); superl. Falsest.] [L. falsus, p. p. of fallere to deceive; cf. OF. faus, fals, F. faux, and AS. fals fraud. See Fail, Fall.] 1. Uttering falsehood; unveracious; given to deceit; dishnest; as, a false witness.

2. Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous; perfidious; as, a false friend, lover, or subject; false to promises.

I to myself was false, ere thou to me.
Milton.

3. Not according with truth or reality; not true; fitted or likely to deceive or disappoint; as, a false statement.

4. Not genuine or real; assumed or designed to deceive; counterfeit; hypocritical; as, false tears; false modesty; false colors; false jewelry.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
Shak.

5. Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous; as, a false claim; a false conclusion; a false construction in grammar.

Whose false foundation waves have swept away.
Spenser.

6. Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.

7. (Mus.) Not in tune.

False arch (Arch.), a member having the appearance of an arch, though not of arch construction. -- False attic, an architectural erection above the main cornice, concealing a roof, but not having windows or inclosing rooms. -- False bearing, any bearing which is not directly upon a vertical support; thus, the weight carried by a corbel has a false bearing. -- False cadence, an imperfect or interrupted cadence. -- False conception (Med.), an abnormal conception in which a mole, or misshapen fleshy mass, is produced instead of a properly organized fetus. -- False croup (Med.), a spasmodic affection of the larynx attended with the symptoms of membranous croup, but unassociated with the deposit of a fibrinous membrane. -- False door or window (Arch.), the representation of a door or window, inserted to complete a series of doors or windows or to give symmetry. -- False fire, a combustible carried by vessels of war, chiefly for signaling, but sometimes burned for the purpose of deceiving an enemy; also, a light on shore for decoying a vessel to destruction. -- False galena. See Blende. -- False imprisonment (Law), the arrest and imprisonment of a person without warrant or cause, or contrary to law; or the unlawful detaining of a person in custody. -- False keel (Naut.), the timber below the main keel, used to serve both as a protection and to increase the shio's lateral resistance. -- False key, a picklock. -- False leg. (Zoöl.) See Proleg. -- False membrane (Med.), the fibrinous deposit formed in croup and diphtheria, and resembling in appearance an animal membrane. -- False papers (Naut.), documents carried by a ship giving false representations respecting her cargo, destination, ect., for the purpose of deceiving. -- False passage (Surg.), an unnatural passage leading off from a natural canal, such as the urethra, and produced usually by the unskillful introduction of instruments. -- False personation (Law), the intentional false assumption of the name and personality of another. -- False pretenses (Law), false representations concerning past or present facts and events, for the purpose of defrauding another. -- False rail (Naut.), a thin piece of timber placed on top of the head rail to strengthen it. -- False relation (Mus.), a progression in harmony, in which a certain note in a chord appears in the next chord prefixed by a flat or sharp. -- False return (Law), an untrue return made to a process by the officer to whom it was delivered for execution. -- False ribs (Anat.), the asternal rebs, of which there are five pairs in man. -- False roof (Arch.), the space between the upper ceiling and the roof. Oxford Gloss. -- False token, a false mark or other symbol, used for fraudulent purposes. -- False scorpion (Zoöl.), any arachnid of the genus Chelifer. See Book scorpion. -- False tack (Naut.), a coming up into the wind and filling away again on the same tack. -- False vampire (Zoöl.), the Vampyrus spectrum of South America, formerly erroneously supposed to have blood-sucking habits; -- called also vampire, and ghost vampire. The genuine blood-sucking bats belong to the genera Desmodus and Diphylla. See Vampire. -- False window. (Arch.) See False door, above. -- False wing. (Zoöl.) See Alula, and Bastard wing, under Bastard. -- False works (Civil Engin.), construction works to facilitate the erection of the main work, as scaffolding, bridge centering, etc.

False, adv. Not truly; not honestly; falsely. "You play me false." Shak.

False, v. t. [L. falsare to falsify, fr. falsus: cf. F. fausser. See False, a.] 1. To report falsely; to falsify. [Obs.] Chaucer.

2. To betray; to falsify. [Obs.]

[He] hath his truthe falsed in this wise.
Chaucer.

3. To mislead by want of truth; to deceive. [Obs.]

In his falsed fancy.
Spenser.

4. To feign; to pretend to make. [Obs.] "And falsed oft his blows." Spenser.

False"-faced` (?), a. Hypocritical. Shak.

False"-heart` (?), a. False- hearted. Shak.

False"-heart`ed, a. Hollow or unsound at the core; treacherous; deceitful; perfidious. Bacon. -- False"-heart`ed*ness, n. Bp. Stillingfleet.

False"hood (?), n. [False + - hood] 1. Want of truth or accuracy; an untrue assertion or representation; error; misrepresentation; falsity.

Though it be a lie in the clock, it is but a falsehood in the hand of the dial when pointing at a wrong hour, if rightly following the direction of the wheel which moveth it.
Fuller.

2. A deliberate intentional assertion of what is known to be untrue; a departure from moral integrity; a lie.

3. Treachery; deceit; perfidy; unfaithfulness.

Betrayed by falsehood of his guard.
Shak.

4. A counterfeit; a false appearance; an imposture.

For his molten image is falsehood.
Jer. x. 14.

No falsehood can endure
Touch of celestial temper.
Milton.

Syn. -- Falsity; lie; untruth; fiction; fabrication. See Falsity.

False"ly (?), adv. In a false manner; erroneously; not truly; perfidiously or treacherously. "O falsely, falsely murdered." Shak.

Oppositions of science, falsely so called.
1 Tim. vi. 20.

Will ye steal, murder . . . and swear falsely ?
Jer. vii. 9.

False"ness, n. The state of being false; contrariety to the fact; inaccuracy; want of integrity or uprightness; double dealing; unfaithfulness; treachery; perfidy; as, the falseness of a report, a drawing, or a singer's notes; the falseness of a man, or of his word.

Fals"er (?), n. A deceiver. [Obs.] Spenser.

Fal*set"to (?), n.; pl. Falsettos (#). [It. falsetto, dim. fr. L. falsus. See False.] A false or artificial voice; that voice in a man which lies above his natural voice; the male counter tenor or alto voice. See Head voice, under Voice.

||Fal"si*cri"men (?). [L.] (Civ. Law) The crime of falsifying.

&fist; This term in the Roman law included not only forgery, but every species of fraud and deceit. It never has been used in so extensive a sense in modern common law, in which its predominant significance is forgery, though it also includes perjury and offenses of a like character. Burrill. Greenleaf.

Fal"si*fi`a*ble (?), a. [Cf. OF. falsifiable.] Capable of being falsified, counterfeited, or corrupted. Johnson.

Fal`si*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. falsification.] 1. The act of falsifying, or making false; a counterfeiting; the giving to a thing an appearance of something which it is not.

To counterfeit the living image of king in his person exceedeth all falsifications.
Bacon.

2. Willful misstatement or misrepresentation.

Extreme necessity . . . forced him upon this bold and violent falsification of the doctrine of the alliance.
Bp. Warburton.

3. (Equity) The showing an item of charge in an account to be wrong. Story.

Fal"si*fi*ca`tor (?), n. [Cf. F. falsificateur.] A falsifier. Bp. Morton.

Fal"si*fi`er (?), n. One who falsifies, or gives to a thing a deceptive appearance; a liar.

Fal"si*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Falsified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Falsifying.] [L. falsus false + -ly: cf. F. falsifier. See False, a.] 1. To make false; to represent falsely.

The Irish bards use to forge and falsify everything as they list, to please or displease any man.
Spenser.

2. To counterfeit; to forge; as, to falsify coin.

3. To prove to be false, or untrustworthy; to confute; to disprove; to nullify; to make to appear false.

By how much better than my word I am,
By so much shall I falsify men's hope.
Shak.

Jews and Pagans united all their endeavors, under Julian the apostate, to baffie and falsify the prediction.
Addison.

4. To violate; to break by falsehood; as, to falsify one's faith or word. Sir P. Sidney.

5. To baffle or escape; as, to falsify a blow. Butler.

6. (Law) To avoid or defeat; to prove false, as a judgment. Blackstone.

7. (Equity) To show, in accounting, (an inem of charge inserted in an account) to be wrong. Story. Daniell.

8. To make false by multilation or addition; to tamper with; as, to falsify a record or document.

Fal"si*fy, v. i. To tell lies; to violate the truth.

It is absolutely and universally unlawful to lie and falsify.

South.

Fals"ism (?), n. That which is evidently false; an assertion or statement the falsity of which is plainly apparent; -- opposed to truism.

Fal"si*ty (?), n.;pl. Falsities (#). [L. falsitas: cf. F. fausseté, OF. also, falsité. See False, a.] 1. The quality of being false; coutrariety or want of conformity to truth.

Probability does not make any alteration, either in the truth or falsity of things.
South.

2. That which is false; falsehood; a lie; a false assertion.

Men often swallow falsities for truths.
Sir T. Brown.

Syn. -- Falsehood; lie; deceit. -- Falsity, Falsehood, Lie. Falsity denotes the state or quality of being false. A falsehood is a false declaration designedly made. A lie is a gross, unblushing falsehood. The falsity of a person's assertion may be proved by the evidence of others and thus the charge of falsehood be fastened upon him.

Fal"ter (?), v. t. To thrash in the chaff; also, to cleanse or sift, as barley. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

Fal"ter, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Faltered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Faltering.] [OE. falteren, faltren, prob. from fault. See Fault, v. & n.] 1. To hesitate; to speak brokenly or weakly; to stammer; as, his tongue falters.

With faltering speech and visage incomposed.
Milton.

2. To tremble; to totter; to be unsteady. "He found his legs falter." Wiseman.

3. To hesitate in purpose or action.

Ere her native king
Shall falter under foul rebellion's arms.
Shak.

4. To fail in distinctness or regularity of exercise; -- said of the mind or of thought.

Here indeed the power of disinct conception of space and distance falters.
I. Taylor.

Fal"ter, v. t. To utter with hesitation, or in a broken, trembling, or weak manner.

And here he faltered forth his last farewell.
Byron.

Mde me most happy, faltering "I am thine."
Tennyson.

Fal"ter (?), n. [See Falter, v. i.] Hesitation; trembling; feebleness; an uncertain or broken sound; as, a slight falter in her voice.

The falter of an idle shepherd's pipe.
Lowell.

Fal"ter*ing, a. Hesitating; trembling. "With faltering speech." Milton. -- n. Falter; halting; hesitation. -- Fal"ter*ing*ly, adv.

||Fa`luns" (?), n. [F.] (Geol.) A series of strata, of the Middle Tertiary period, of France, abounding in shells, and used by Lyell as the type of his Miocene subdivision.

Fal"we (?), a. & n. Fallow. [Obs.] Chaucer.

||Falx (?), n. [L., a sickle.] (Anat.) A curved fold or process of the dura mater or the peritoneum; esp., one of the partitionlike folds of the dura mater which extend into the great fissures of the brain.

Fam"ble (?), v. i. [OE. falmelen; cf. SW. famla to grope, Dan. famle to grope, falter, hesitate, Icel. fālma to grope. Cf. Famble.] To stammer. [Obs.] Nares.

Fam"ble, n. [Cf. Famble, v.] A hand. [Slang & Obs.] "We clap our fambles." Beau. & Fl.

Fame (?), n. [OF. fame, L. fama, fr. fari to speak, akin to Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?; a saying, report, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to speak. See Ban, and cf. Fable, Fate, Euphony, Blame.] 1. Public report or rumor.

The fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house.
Gen. xlv. 16.

2. Report or opinion generally diffused; renown; public estimation; celebrity, either favorable or unfavorable; as, the fame of Washington.

I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited.
Shak.

Syn. -- Notoriety; celebrity; renown; reputation.

Fame, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Famed (?),; p. pr. & vb. n. Faming.] 1. To report widely or honorably.

The field where thou art famed
To have wrought such wonders.
Milton.

2. To make famous or renowned.

Those Hesperian gardens famed of old.
Milton.

Fame"less, a. Without fame or renown. -- Fame"less*ly, adv.

Fa*mil`iar (?), a. [OE. familer, familier, F. familier, fr. L. familiaris, fr. familia family. See Family.] 1. Of or pertaining to a family; domestic. "Familiar feuds." Byron.

2. Closely acquainted or intimate, as a friend or companion; well versed in, as any subject of study; as, familiar with the Scriptures.

3. Characterized by, or exhibiting, the manner of an intimate friend; not formal; unconstrained; easy; accessible. "In loose, familiar strains." Addison.

Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Shak.

4. Well known; well understood; common; frequent; as, a familiar illustration.

That war, or peace, or both at once, may be
As things acquainted and familiar to us.
Shak.

There is nothing more familiar than this.
Locke.

5. Improperly acquainted; wrongly intimate. Camden.

Familiar spirit, a demon or evil spirit supposed to attend at call. 1 Sam. xxviii. 3, 7-9.

Fa*mil"iar, n. 1. An intimate; a companion.

All my familiars watched for my halting.
Jer. xx. 10.

2. An attendant demon or evil spirit. Shak.

3. (Court of Inquisition) A confidential officer employed in the service of the tribunal, especially in apprehending and imprisoning the accused.

Fa*mil`iar"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Familiarities (#). [OE. familarite, F. familiaritéfr. L. faniliaritas. See Familiar.] 1. The state of being familiar; intimate and frequent converse, or association; unconstrained intercourse; freedom from ceremony and constraint; intimacy; as, to live in remarkable familiarity.

2. Anything said or done by one person to another unceremoniously and without constraint; esp., in the pl., such actions and words as propriety and courtesy do not warrant; liberties.

Syn. -- Acquaintance; fellowship; affability; intimacy. See Acquaintance.

Fa*mil`iar*i*za"tion (?), n. The act or process of making familiar; the result of becoming familiar; as, familiarization with scenes of blood.

Fa*mil"iar*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Familiarized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Familiarizing (?).] [Cf. F. familiariser.] 1. To make familiar or intimate; to habituate; to accustom; to make well known by practice or converse; as, to familiarize one's self with scenes of distress.

2. To make acquainted, or skilled, by practice or study; as, to familiarize one's self with a business, a book, or a science.

Fa"mil"iar*ly, adv. In a familiar manner.

Fa*mil"iar*ness, n. Familiarity. [R.]

Fa*mil"ia*ry (?), a. [L. familiaris. See Familiar.] Of or pertaining to a family or household; domestic. [Obs.] Milton.

Fam"i*lism (?), n. The tenets of the Familists. Milton.

Fam"i*list (?), n. [From Family.] (Eccl. Hist.) One of afanatical Antinomian sect originating in Holland, and existing in England about 1580, called the Family of Love, who held that religion consists wholly in love.

Fam"i*lis*ter*y (?), n.; pl. Familisteries (&?;). [F. familistère.] A community in which many persons unite as in one family, and are regulated by certain communistic laws and customs.

{ Fam`i*listic (?), Fam`i*lis"tic*al (?), } a. Pertaining to Familists. Baxter.

Fam"i*ly (?), n.; pl. Families (#). [L. familia, fr. famulus servant; akin to Oscan famel servant, cf. faamat he dwells, Skr. dhāman house, fr. dhāto set, make, do: cf. F. famille. Cf. Do, v. t., Doom, Fact, Feat.] 1. The collective body of persons who live in one house, and under one head or manager; a household, including parents, children, and servants, and, as the case may be, lodgers or boarders.

2. The group comprising a husband and wife and their dependent children, constituting a fundamental unit in the organization of society.

The welfare of the family underlies the welfare of society.
H. Spencer.

3. Those who descend from one common progenitor; a tribe, clan, or race; kindred; house; as, the human family; the family of Abraham; the father of a family.

Go ! and pretend your family is young.
Pope.

4. Course of descent; genealogy; line of ancestors; lineage.

5. Honorable descent; noble or respectable stock; as, a man of family.

6. A group of kindred or closely related individuals; as, a family of languages; a family of States; the chlorine family.

7. (Biol.) A group of organisms, either animal or vegetable, related by certain points of resemblance in structure or development, more comprehensive than a genus, because it is usually based on fewer or less pronounced points of likeness. In zoölogy a family is less comprehesive than an order; in botany it is often considered the same thing as an order.

Family circle. See under Circle. -- Family man. (a) A man who has a family; esp., one who has a wife and children living with him andd dependent upon him. (b) A man of domestic habits. "The Jews are generally, when married, most exemplary family men." Mayhew. -- Family of curves or surfaces (Geom.), a group of curves or surfaces derived from a single equation. -- In a family way, like one belonging to the family. "Why don't we ask him and his ladies to come over in a family way, and dine with some other plain country gentlefolks?" Thackeray. -- In the family way, pregnant. [Colloq.]

Fam"ine (?), n. [F. famine, fr. L. fames hunger; cf. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?; want, need, Skr. hāni loss, lack, hā to leave.] General scarcity of food; dearth; a want of provisions; destitution. "Worn with famine." Milton.

There was a famine in the land.
Gen. xxvi. 1.

Famine fever (Med.), typhus fever.

Fam"ish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Famished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Famishing.] [OE. famen; cf. OF. afamer, L. fames. See Famine, and cf. Affamish.] 1. To starve, kill, or destroy with hunger. Shak.

2. To exhaust the strength or endurance of, by hunger; to distress with hanger.

And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread.
Cen. xli. 55.

The pains of famished Tantalus he'll feel.
Dryden.

3. To kill, or to cause to suffer extremity, by deprivation or denial of anything necessary.

And famish him of breath, if not of bread.
Milton.

4. To force or constrain by famine.

He had famished Paris into a surrender.
Burke.

Fam"ish, v. i. 1. To die of hunger; to starve.

2. To suffer extreme hunger or thirst, so as to be exhausted in strength, or to come near to perish.

You are all resolved rather to die than to famish?
Shak.

3. To suffer extremity from deprivation of anything essential or necessary.

The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish.
Prov. x. 3.

Fam"ish*ment (?), n. State of being famished.

Fa*mos"i*ty (?), n. [L. famositas infamy: cf. F. famosité. See Famous.] The state or quality of being famous. [Obs.] Johnson.

Fa"mous (?), a. [L. famosus, fr. fama fame: cf. F. fameux. See Fame.] Celebrated in fame or public report; renowned; mach talked of; distinguished in story; -- used in either a good or a bad sense, chiefly the former; often followed by for; as, famous for erudition, for eloquence, for military skill; a famous pirate.

Famous for a scolding tongue.
Shak.

Syn. -- Noted; remarkable; signal; conspicuous; celebrated; renowned; illustrious; eminent; transcendent; excellent. -- Famous, Renowned, Illustrious. Famous is applied to a person or thing widely spoken of as extraordinary; renowned is applied to those who are named again and again with honor; illustrious, to those who have dazzled the world by the splendor of their deeds or their virtues. See Distinguished.

Fa"moused (?), a. Renowned. [Obs.] Shak.

Fa"mous*ly (?), adv. In a famous manner; in a distinguished degree; greatly; splendidly.

Then this land was famously enriched
With politic grave counsel.
Shak.

Fa"mous*ness, n. The state of being famous.

Fam"u*lar (?), n. [Cf. L. famularis of servants.] Domestic; familiar. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fam"u*late (?), v. i. [L. famulatus, p. p. of famulari to serve, fr. famulus servant.] To serve. [Obs.]

Fam"u*list (?), n. [L. famulus servant.] A collegian of inferior rank or position, corresponding to the sizar at Cambridge. [Oxford Univ., Eng.]

Fan (?), n. [AS. fann, fr. L. vannus fan, van for winnowing grain; cf. F. van. Cf. Van a winnowing machine, Winnow.] 1. An instrument used for producing artificial currents of air, by the wafting or revolving motion of a broad surface; as: (a) An instrument for cooling the person, made of feathers, paper, silk, etc., and often mounted on sticks all turning about the same pivot, so as when opened to radiate from the center and assume the figure of a section of a circle. (b) (Mach.) Any revolving vane or vanes used for producing currents of air, in winnowing grain, blowing a fire, ventilation, etc., or for checking rapid motion by the resistance of the air; a fan blower; a fan wheel. (c) An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is tossed and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away. (d) Something in the form of a fan when spread, as a peacock's tail, a window, etc. (e) A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock windmill always in the direction of the wind.

Clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
Is. xxx. 24.

2. That which produces effects analogous to those of a fan, as in exciting a flame, etc.; that which inflames, heightens, or strengthens; as, it served as a fan to the flame of his passion.

3. A quintain; -- from its form. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fan blower, a wheel with vanes fixed on a rotating shaft inclosed in a case or chamber, to create a blast of air (fan blast) for forge purposes, or a current for draft and ventilation; a fanner. -- Fan cricket (Zoöl.), a mole cricket. -- Fan light (Arch.), a window over a door; -- so called from the semicircular form and radiating sash bars of those windows which are set in the circular heads of arched doorways. -- Fan shell (Zoöl.), any shell of the family Pectinidæ. See Scallop, n., 1. -- Fan tracery (Arch.), the decorative tracery on the surface of fan vaulting. -- Fan vaulting (Arch.), an elaborate system of vaulting, in which the ribs diverge somewhat like the rays of a fan, as in Henry VII.'s chapel in Westminster Abbey. It is peculiar to English Gothic. -- Fan wheel, the wheel of a fan blower. -- Fan window. Same as Fan light (above).

Fan (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fanning (?).] [Cf. OF. vanner, L. vannere. See Fan, n., Van a winnowing machine.] 1. To move as with a fan.

The air . . . fanned with unnumbered plumes.
Milton.

2. To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.

3. To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.

Calm as the breath which fans our eastern groves.
Dryden.

4. To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat. Jer. li. 2.

5. To excite or stir up to activity, as a fan excites a flame; to stimulate; as, this conduct fanned the excitement of the populace.

Fanning machine, or Fanning mill, a machine for separating seed from chaff, etc., by a blast of air; a fanner.

||Fa`nal" (?), n. [F.] A lighthouse, or the apparatus placed in it for giving light.

Fa*nat"ic (?), a. [L. fanaticus inspired by divinity, enthusiastic, frantic, fr. fanum fane: cf. F. fanatique. See Fane.] Pertaining to, or indicating, fanaticism; extravagant in opinions; ultra; unreasonable; excessively enthusiastic, especially on religious subjects; as, fanatic zeal; fanatic notions.

But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast
To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.
T. Moore.

Fa*nat"ic, n. A person affected by excessive enthusiasm, particularly on religious subjects; one who indulges wild and extravagant notions of religion.

There is a new word, coined within few months, called fanatics, which, by the close stickling thereof, seemeth well cut out and proportioned to signify what is meant thereby, even the sectaries of our age.
Fuller (1660).

Fanatics are governed rather by imagination than by judgment.
Stowe.

Fa*nat"ic*al (?), a. Characteristic of, or relating to, fanaticism; fanatic. - Fa*nat"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Fa*nat"ic*al*ness, n.

Fa*nat"i*cism (?), n. [Cf. Fanatism.] Excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on any subject, especially religion; religious frenzy.

Syn. -- See Superstition.

Fa*nat"i*cize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fanaticized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fanaticizing (?).] To cause to become a fanatic.

Fan"a*tism (?), n. [Cf. F. fanatisme. Cf. Fanaticism.] Fanaticism. [R.] Gibbon.

Fan"cied (?), a. [From Fancy, v. t.] Formed or conceived by the fancy; unreal; as, a fancied wrong.

Fan"ci*er (?), n. 1. One who is governed by fancy. "Not reasoners, but fanciers." Macaulay.

2. One who fancies or has a special liking for, or interest in, a particular object or class or objects; hence, one who breeds and keeps for sale birds and animals; as, bird fancier, dog fancier, etc.

Fan"ci*ful (?), a. 1. Full of fancy; guided by fancy, rather than by reason and experience; whimsical; as, a fanciful man forms visionary projects.

2. Conceived in the fancy; not consistent with facts or reason; abounding in ideal qualities or figures; as, a fanciful scheme; a fanciful theory.

3. Curiously shaped or constructed; as, she wore a fanciful headdress.

Gather up all fancifullest shells.
Keats.

Syn. -- Imaginative; ideal; visionary; capricious; chimerical; whimsical; fantastical; wild. -- Fanciful, Fantastical, Visionary. We speak of that as fanciful which is irregular in taste and judgment; we speak of it as fantastical when it becomes grotesque and extravagant as well as irregular; we speak of it as visionary when it is wholly unfounded in the nature of things. Fanciful notions are the product of a heated fancy, without any tems are made up of oddly assorted fancies, aften of the most whimsical kind; visionary expectations are those which can never be realized in fact.

-- Fan"ci*ful*ly, adv. - Fan"ci*ful*ness, n.

Fan"ci*less (?), a. Having no fancy; without ideas or imagination. [R.]

A pert or bluff important wight,
Whose brain is fanciless, whose blood is white.
Armstrong.

Fan"cy (?), n.; pl. Fancies (#). [Contr. fr. fantasy, OF. fantasie, fantaisie, F. fantaisie, L. phantasia, fr. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; appearance, imagination, the power of perception and presentation in the mind, fr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to make visible, to place before one's mind, fr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to show; akin to &?;&?;&?;&?;, &?;&?;&?;, light, Skr. bhāto shine. Cf. Fantasy, Fantasia, Epiphany, Phantom.] 1. The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such objects into new pictures or images; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination.

In the soul
Are many lesser faculties, that serve
Reason as chief. Among these fancy next
Her office holds.
Milton.

2. An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit.

How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone,
Of sorriest fancies your companoins making ?
Shak.

3. An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression.

I have always had a fancy that learning might be made a play and recreation to children.
Locke.

4. Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.

To fit your fancies to your father's will.
Shak.

5. That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.

London pride is a pretty fancy for borders.
Mortimer.

6. A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad. [Obs.] Shak.

The fancy, all of a class who exhibit and cultivate any peculiar taste or fancy; hence, especially, sporting characters taken collectively, or any specific class of them, as jockeys, gamblers, prize fighters, etc.

At a great book sale in London, which had congregated all the fancy.
De Quincey.

Syn. -- Imagination; conceit; taste; humor; inclination; whim; liking. See Imagination.

Fan"cy, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fancied (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Fancying (&?;).] 1. To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof.

If our search has reached no farther than simile and metaphor, we rather fancy than know.
Locke.

2. To love. [Obs.] Shak.

Fan"cy, v. t. 1. To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.

He whom I fancy, but can ne'er express.
Dryden.

2. To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners. "We fancy not the cardinal." Shak.

3. To believe without sufficient evidence; to imagine (something which is unreal).

He fancied he was welcome, because those arounde him were his kinsmen.
Thackeray.

Fan"cy, a. 1. Adapted to please the fancy or taste; ornamental; as, fancy goods.

2. Extravagant; above real value.

This anxiety never degenerated into a monomania, like that which led his [Frederick the Great's] father to pay fancy prices for giants.
Macaulay.

Fancy ball, a ball in which porsons appear in fanciful dresses in imitation of the costumes of different persons and nations. -- Fancy fair, a fair at which articles of fancy and ornament are sold, generally for some charitable purpose. -- Fancy goods, fabrics of various colors, patterns, etc., as ribbons, silks, laces, etc., in distinction from those of a simple or plain color or make. -- Fancy line (Naut.), a line rove through a block at the jaws of a gaff; -- used to haul it down. -- Fancy roller (Carding Machine), a clothed cylinder (usually having straight teeth) in front of the doffer. -- Fancy stocks, a species of stocks which afford great opportunity for stock gambling, since they have no intrinsic value, and the fluctuations in their prices are artificial. -- Fancy store, one where articles of fancy and ornament are sold. -- Fancy woods, the more rare and expensive furniture woods, as mahogany, satinwood, rosewood, etc.

Fan"cy-free` (?), a. Free from the power of love. "In maiden meditation, fancy-free." Shak.

Fan"cy*mon`ger (?), n. A lovemonger; a whimsical lover. [Obs.] Shak.

Fan"cy-sick` (?), a. Love- sick. Shak.

Fan"cy*work` (?), n. Ornamental work with a needle or hook, as embroidery, crocheting, netting, etc.

Fand (?), obs. imp. of Find. Spenser.

Fan*dan"go (?), n.; pl. Fandangoes (#). [Sp. A name brought, together with the dance, from the West Indies to Spain.] 1. A lively dance, in 3-8 or 6-8 time, much practiced in Spain and Spanish America. Also, the tune to which it is danced.

2. A ball or general dance, as in Mexico. [Colloq.]

Fane (?), n. [L. fanum a place dedicated to some deity, a sanctuary, fr. fari to speak. See Fame.] A temple; a place consecrated to religion; a church. [Poet.]

Such to this British Isle, her Christian fanes.
Wordsworth.

Fane, n. [See Vane.] A weathercock. [Obs.]

||Fa*ne"ga (?), n. [Sp.] A dry measure in Spain and Spanish America, varying from 1&?; to 2&?; bushels; also, a measure of land. De Colange.

Fan"fare` (?), n. [F. Cf. Fanfaron.] A flourish of trumpets, as in coming into the lists, etc.; also, a short and lively air performed on hunting horns during the chase.

The fanfare announcing the arrival of the various Christian princes.
Sir W. Scott.

||Fan"fa*ron (?), n. [F., fr. Sp. fanfarron; cf. It. fanfano, and OSp. fanfa swaggering, boasting, also Ar. farfār talkative.] A bully; a hector; a swaggerer; an empty boaster. [R.] Dryden.

Fan*far`on*ade" (?), n. [F. fanfaronnade, fr. Sp. fanfarronada. See Fanfaron.] A swaggering; vain boasting; ostentation; a bluster. Swift.

Fan"foot` (?), n. (Zoöl.) (a) A species of gecko having the toes expanded into large lobes for adhesion. The Egyptian fanfoot (Phyodactylus gecko) is believed, by the natives, to have venomous toes. (b) Any moth of the genus Polypogon.

Fang (făng), v. t. [OE. fangen, fongen, fon (g orig. only in p. p. and imp. tense), AS. fōn; akin to D. vangen, OHG. fāhan, G. fahen, fangen, Icel. fā, Sw. få, fånga, Dan. fange, faae, Goth. fahan, and prob. to E. fair, peace, pact. Cf. Fair, a.] 1. To catch; to seize, as with the teeth; to lay hold of; to gripe; to clutch. [Obs.] Shak.

He's in the law's clutches; you see he's fanged.
J. Webster.

2. To enable to catch or tear; to furnish with fangs. "Chariots fanged with scythes." Philips.

Fang, n. [From Fang, v. t.; cf. AS. fang a taking, booty, G. fang.] 1. (Zoöl.) The tusk of an animal, by which the prey is seized and held or torn; a long pointed tooth; esp., one of the usually erectile, venomous teeth of serpents. Also, one of the falcers of a spider.

Since I am a dog, beware my fangs.
Shak.

2. Any shoot or other thing by which hold is taken.

The protuberant fangs of the yucca.
Evelyn.

3. (Anat.) The root, or one of the branches of the root, of a tooth. See Tooth.

4. (Mining) A niche in the side of an adit or shaft, for an air course. Knight.

5. (Mech.) A projecting tooth or prong, as in a part of a lock, or the plate of a belt clamp, or the end of a tool, as a chisel, where it enters the handle.

6. (Naut.) (a) The valve of a pump box. (b) A bend or loop of a rope.

In a fang, fast entangled. -- To lose the fang, said of a pump when the water has gone out; hence: To fang a pump, to supply it with the water necessary to make it operate. [Scot.]

Fanged (?), a. Having fangs or tusks; as, a fanged adder. Also used figuratively.

Fan"gle (?), n. [From Fang, v. t.; hence, prop., a taking up a new thing.] Something new-fashioned; a foolish innovation; a gewgaw; a trifling ornament.

Fan"gle, v. t. To fashion. [Obs.]

To control and new fangle the Scripture.
Milton.

Fan"gled (?), a. New made; hence, gaudy; showy; vainly decorated. [Obs., except with the prefix new.] See Newfangled. "Our fangled world." Shak.

Fan"gle*ness (?), n. Quality of being fangled. [Obs.]

He them in new fangleness did pass.
Spenser.

Fang"less (?), a. Destitute of fangs or tusks. "A fangless lion." Shak.

Fan"got (?), n. [Cf. It. fagotto, fangotto, a bundle. Cf. Fagot.] A quantity of wares, as raw silk, etc., from one hundred weight.

Fan"ion (?), n. [See Fanon.] 1. (Mil.) A small flag sometimes carried at the head of the baggage of a brigade. [Obs.]

2. A small flag for marking the stations in surveying.

Fan"like` (?), a. Resembling a fan; -- specifically (Bot.), folded up like a fan, as certain leaves; plicate.

Fan"nel (?), n. [Dim., from same source as fanon.] Same as Fanon.

Fan"ner (?), n. 1. One who fans. Jer. li. 2.

2. A fan wheel; a fan blower. See under Fan.

Fan"-nerved` (?), a. (Bot. & Zoöl.) Having the nerves or veins arranged in a radiating manner; -- said of certain leaves, and of the wings of some insects.

Fan"on (?), n. [F. fanon, LL. fano, fr. OHG. fano banner cloth, G. fahne banner. See Vane, and cf. Fanion, Gonfalon.] (Eccl.) A term applied to various articles, as: (a) A peculiar striped scarf worn by the pope at mass, and by eastern bishops. (b) A maniple. [Written also fannel, phanon, etc.]

Fan" palm` (?). (Bot.) Any palm tree having fan-shaped or radiate leaves; as the Chamærops humilis of Southern Europe; the species of Sabal and Thrinax in the West Indies, Florida, etc.; and especially the great talipot tree (Corypha umbraculifera) of Ceylon and Malaya. The leaves of the latter are often eighteen feet long and fourteen wide, and are used for umbrellas, tents, and roofs. When cut up, they are used for books and manuscripts.

Fan"tail` (făn"tāl`), n. (Zool.) (a) A variety of the domestic pigeon, so called from the shape of the tail. (b) Any bird of the Australian genus Rhipidura, in which the tail is spread in the form of a fan during flight. They belong to the family of flycatchers.

Fan"-tailed` (?), a. (Zoöl.) Having an expanded, or fan-shaped, tail; as, the fan-tailed pigeon.

Fan*ta"si*a (?), n. [It. See Fancy.] (Mus.) A continuous composition, not divided into what are called movements, or governed by the ordinary rules of musical design, but in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted by set form.

Fan"ta*sied (?), a. [From Fantasy.] Filled with fancies or imaginations. [Obs.] Shak.

Fan"tasm (?), n. [See Phantasm, Fancy.] Same as Phantasm.

Fan"tast (?), n. One whose manners or ideas are fantastic. [R.] Coleridge.

Fan*tas"tic (?), a. [F. fantastique, fr. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; able to represent, fr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to make visible. See Fancy.] 1. Existing only in imagination; fanciful; imaginary; not real; chimerical.

2. Having the nature of a phantom; unreal. Shak.

3. Indulging the vagaries of imagination; whimsical; full of absurd fancies; capricious; as, fantastic minds; a fantastic mistress.

4. Resembling fantasies in irregularity, caprice, or eccentricity; irregular; oddly shaped; grotesque.

There at the foot of yonder nodding beech,
That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high.
T. Gray.

Syn. -- Fanciful; imaginative; ideal; visionary; capricious; chimerical; whimsical; queer. See Fanciful.

Fan*tas"tic, n. A person given to fantastic dress, manners, etc.; an eccentric person; a fop. Milton.

Our fantastics, who, having a fine watch, take all ocasions to draw it out to be seen.
Fuller.

Fan*tas"tic*al (?), a. Fanciful; unreal; whimsical; capricious; fantastic.

Fan*tas`ti*cal"i*ty (?), n. Fantastically. [Obs.]

Fan*tas"tic*al*ly (?), adv. In a fantastic manner.

the letter A, in scarlet, fantastically embroidered with gold thread, upon her bosom.
Hawthorne.

Fan*tas"tic-al*ness, n. The quality of being fantastic.

Fan*tas"ti*cism (?), n. The quality of being fantastical; fancifulness; whimsicality. Ruskin.

Fan*tas"tic*ly (?), adv. Fantastically. [Obs.]

Fan*tas"tic*ness, n. Fantasticalness. [Obs.]

||Fan*tas"ti*co (?), n. [It.] A fantastic. [Obs.] Shak.

Fan"ta*sy (?), n.; pl. Fantasies (#). [See Fancy.] 1. Fancy; imagination; especially, a whimsical or fanciful conception; a vagary of the imagination; whim; caprice; humor.

Is not this something more than fantasy ?
Shak.

A thousand fantasies
Begin to throng into my memory.
Milton.

2. Fantastic designs.

Embroidered with fantasies and flourishes of gold thread.
Hawthorne.

Fan"ta*sy, v. t. To have a fancy for; to be pleased with; to like; to fancy. [Obs.] Cavendish.

Which he doth most fantasy.
Robynson (More's Utopia).

||Fan`toc*ci"ni (?), n. pl. [It., dim. fr. fante child.] Puppets caused to perform evolutions or dramatic scenes by means of machinery; also, the representations in which they are used.

Fan"tom (?), n. See Phantom.

Fantom corn, phantom corn. Grose.

Fap (?), a. Fuddled. [Obs.] Shak.

Fa*quir" (?), n. See Fakir.

Far (?), n. [See Farrow.] (Zoöl.) A young pig, or a litter of pigs.

Far, a. [Farther (#) and Farthest (#) are used as the compar. and superl. of far, although they are corruptions arising from confusion with further and furthest. See Further.] [OE. fer, feor, AS. feor; akin to OS. fer, D. ver, OHG. ferro, adv., G. fern, a., Icel. fjarri, Dan. fjirn, Sw. fjerran, adv., Goth. faīrra, adv., Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?; beyond, Skr. paras, adv., far, and prob. to L. per through, and E. prefix for-, as in forgive, and also to fare. Cf. Farther, Farthest.] 1. Distant in any direction; not near; remote; mutually separated by a wide space or extent.

They said, . . . We be come from a far country.
Josh. ix. 6.

The nations far and near contend in choice.
Dryden.

2. Remote from purpose; contrary to design or wishes; as, far be it from me to justify cruelty.

3. Remote in affection or obedience; at a distance, morally or spiritually; t enmity with; alienated.

They that are far from thee ahsll perish.
Ps. lxxiii. 27.

4. Widely different in nature or quality; opposite in character.

He was far from ill looking, though he thought himself still farther.
F. Anstey.

5. The more distant of two; as, the far side (called also off side) of a horse, that is, the right side, or the one opposite to the rider when he mounts.

&fist; The distinction between the adjectival and adverbial use of far is sometimes not easily discriminated.

By far, by much; by a great difference. -- Far between, with a long distance (of space or time) between; at long intervals. "The examinations are few and far between." Farrar.

Far, adv. 1. To a great extent or distance of space; widely; as, we are separated far from each other.

2. To a great distance in time from any point; remotely; as, he pushed his researches far into antiquity.

3. In great part; as, the day is far spent.

4. In a great proportion; by many degrees; very much; deeply; greatly.

Who can find a virtuous woman ? for her price is far above rubies.
Prov. xxxi. 10.

As far as, to the extent, or degree, that. See As far as, under As. -- Far off. (a) At a great distance, absolutely or relatively. (b) Distant in sympathy or affection; alienated. "But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who some time were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph. ii. 13. -- Far other, different by a great degree; not the same; quite unlike. Pope. -- Far and near, at a distance and close by; throughout a whole region. -- Far and wide, distantly and broadly; comprehensively. "Far and wide his eye commands." Milton. -- From far, from a great distance; from a remote place.

&fist; Far often occurs in self-explaining compounds, such as far-extended, far-reaching, far-spread.

Far"-a*bout` (?), n. A going out of the way; a digression. [Obs.] Fuller.

Far"ad (?), n. [From Michael Faraday, the English electrician.] (Elec.) The standard unit of electrical capacity; the capacity of a condenser whose charge, having an electro-motive force of one volt, is equal to the amount of electricity which, with the same electromotive force, passes through one ohm in one second; the capacity, which, charged with one coulomb, gives an electro-motive force of one volt.

Far*ad"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to Michael Faraday, the distinguished electrician; -- applied especially to induced currents of electricity, as produced by certain forms of inductive apparatus, on account of Faraday's investigations of their laws.

{ Far"a*dism (?), Far`a*di*za"tion (?), } n. (Med.) The treatment with faradic or induced currents of electricity for remedial purposes.

Far"and (?), n. See Farrand, n.

Far"an*dams (?), n. A fabrik made of silk and wool or hair. Simmonds.

Far"ant*ly (?), a. [See Farrand.] Orderly; comely; respectable. [Obs.] Halliwell.

Farce (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Farced (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Farcing (&?;).] [F. Farcir, L. farcire; akin to Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to fence in, stop up. Cf. Force to stuff, Diaphragm, Frequent, Farcy, Farse.] 1. To stuff with forcemeat; hence, to fill with mingled ingredients; to fill full; to stuff. [Obs.]

The first principles of religion should not be farced with school points and private tenets.
Bp. Sanderson.

His tippet was aye farsed full of knives.
Chaucer.

2. To render fat. [Obs.]

If thou wouldst farce thy lean ribs.
B. Jonson.

3. To swell out; to render pompous. [Obs.]

Farcing his letter with fustian.
Sandys.

Farce, n. [F. farce, from L. farsus (also sometimes farctus), p. p. pf farcire. See Farce, v. t.] 1. (Cookery) Stuffing, or mixture of viands, like that used on dressing a fowl; forcemeat.

2. A low style of comedy; a dramatic composition marked by low humor, generally written with little regard to regularity or method, and abounding with ludicrous incidents and expressions.

Farce is that in poetry which "grotesque" is in a picture: the persons and action of a farce are all unnatural, and the manners false.
Dryden.

3. Ridiculous or empty show; as, a mere farce. "The farce of state." Pope.

Farce"ment (?), n. Stuffing; forcemeat. [Obs.]

They spoil a good dish with . . . unsavory farcements.
Feltham.

Far"ci*cal (?), a. Pertaining to farce; appropriated to farce; ludicrous; unnatural; unreal.

They deny the characters to be farcical, because they are &?;&?;tually in in nature.
Gay.

-- Far"ci*cal*ly, adv. - Far"ci*cal*ness, n.

Far"ci*cal, a. Of or pertaining to the disease called farcy. See Farcy, n.

Far"ci*lite (?), n. [Farce+- lite.] (Min.) Pudding stone. [Obs.] Kirwan.

{ Far"ci*men (?), Far"cin (?), } n. (Far.) Same as Farcy.

Far"cing (?), n. (Cookery) Stuffing; forcemeat.

Farc"tate (?), a. [L. farctus, p. p. of farcire. See Farce, v. t.] (Bot.) Stuffed; filled solid; as, a farctate leaf, stem, or pericarp; -- opposed to tubular or hollow. [Obs.]

Far"cy (?), n. [F. farcin; cf. L. farciminum a disease of horses, fr. farcire. See Farce.] (Far.) A contagious disease of horses, associated with painful ulcerating enlargements, esp. upon the head and limbs. It is of the same nature as glanders, and is often fatal. Called also farcin, and farcimen.

&fist; Farcy, although more common in horses, is communicable to other animals and to human beings.

Farcy bud, a hard, prominent swelling occurring upon the cutaneous surface in farcy, due to the obstruction and inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, and followed by ulceration. Youatt.

Fard (?), n. [F., prob. fr. OHG. gifarit, gifarwit p. p. of farwjan to color, tinge, fr. farawa color, G. farbe.] Paint used on the face. [Obs.] "Painted with French fard." J. Whitaker.

Fard, v. t. [F. farder to paint one's face.] To paint; -- said esp. of one's face. [Obs.] Shenstone.

||Far`dage" (?), n. [F. See Fardel.] (Naut.) See Dunnage.

Far"del (?), n. [OF. fardel, F. fardeau; cf. Sp. fardel, fardillo, fardo, LL. fardellus; prob. fr. Ar. fard one of the two parts of an object divisible into two, hence, one of the two parts of a camel's load. Cf. Furl.] A bundle or little pack; hence, a burden. [Obs.] Shak.

A fardel of never-ending misery and suspense.
Marryat.

Far"del, v. t. To make up in fardels. [Obs.] Fuller.

Far"ding-bag` (?), n. [Of uncertain origin; cf. Fardel.] The upper stomach of a cow, or other ruminant animal; the rumen.

Far"ding*dale (?), n. A farthingale. [Obs.]

Far"ding*deal (?), n. [See Farthing, and Deal a part.] The fourth part of an acre of land. [Obs.] [Written also farding dale, fardingale, etc.]

Fare (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Faring.] [AS. faran to travel, fare; akin to OS., Goth., & OHG. faran to travel, go, D. varen, G. fahren, OFries., Icel., & Sw. fara, Dan. fare, Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?; a way through, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; a ferry, strait, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to convey, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to go, march, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?; beyond, on the other side, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to pass through, L. peritus experienced, portus port, Skr. par to bring over. √78. Cf. Chaffer, Emporium, Far, Ferry, Ford, Peril, Port a harbor, Pore, n.] 1. To go; to pass; to journey; to travel.

So on he fares, and to the border comes
Of Eden.
Milton.

2. To be in any state, or pass through any experience, good or bad; to be attended with any circummstances or train of events, fortunate or unfortunate; as, he fared well, or ill.

So fares the stag among the enraged hounds.
Denham.

I bid you most heartily well to fare.
Robynson (More's Utopia).

So fared the knight between two foes.
Hudibras.

3. To be treated or entertained at table, or with bodily or social comforts; to live.

There was a certain rich man which . . . fared sumptuously every day.
Luke xvi. 19.

4. To happen well, or ill; -- used impersonally; as, we shall see how it will fare with him.

So fares it when with truth falsehood contends.
Milton.

5. To behave; to conduct one's self. [Obs.]

She ferde [fared] as she would die.
Chaucer.

Fare (?), n. [AS. faru journey, fr. faran. See Fare, v.] 1. A journey; a passage. [Obs.]

That nought might stay his fare.
Spenser.

2. The price of passage or going; the sum paid or due for conveying a person by land or water; as, the fare for crossing a river; the fare in a coach or by railway.

3. Ado; bustle; business. [Obs.]

The warder chid and made fare.
Chaucer.

4. Condition or state of things; fortune; hap; cheer.

What fare? what news abroad ?
Shak.

5. Food; provisions for the table; entertainment; as, coarse fare; delicious fare. "Philosophic fare." Dryden.

6. The person or persons conveyed in a vehicle; as, a full fare of passengers. A. Drummond.

7. The catch of fish on a fishing vessel.

Bill of fare. See under Bill. -- Fare indicator or register, a device for recording the number of passengers on a street car, etc. -- Fare wicket. (a) A gate or turnstile at the entrance of toll bridges, exhibition grounds, etc., for registering the number of persons passing it. (b) An opening in the door of a street car for purchasing tickets of the driver or passing fares to the conductor. Knight.

Far"en (?), obs. p. p. of Fare, v. i. Chaucer.

Fare`well" (?), interj. [Fare (thou, you) + well.] Go well; good-by; adieu; -- originally applied to a person departing, but by custom now applied both to those who depart and those who remain. It is often separated by the pronoun; as, fare you well; and is sometimes used as an expression of separation only; as, farewell the year; farewell, ye sweet groves; that is, I bid you farewell.

So farewell hope, and with hope, farewell fear.
Milton.

Fare thee well! and if forever,
Still forever fare thee well.
Byron.

&fist; The primary accent is sometimes placed on the first syllable, especially in poetry.

Fare`well" (?), n. 1. A wish of happiness or welfare at parting; the parting compliment; a good-by; adieu.

2. Act of departure; leave-taking; a last look at, or reference to something.

And takes her farewell of the glorious sun.
Shak.

Before I take my farewell of the subject.
Addison.

Fare"well` (?), a. Parting; valedictory; final; as, a farewell discourse; his farewell bow.

Leans in his spear to take his farewell view.
Tickell.

Farewell rock (Mining), the Millstone grit; -- so called because no coal is found worth working below this stratum. It is used for hearths of furnaces, having power to resist intense heat. Ure.

Far"fet` (?), a. [Far + fet, p. p. of Fette.] Farfetched. [Obs.]

York with his farfet policy.
Shak.

Far"fetch` (?), v. t. [Far + fetch.] To bring from far; to seek out studiously. [Obs.]

To farfetch the name of Tartar from a Hebrew word.
Fuller.

Far"fetch`, n. Anything brought from far, or brought about with studious care; a deep strategem. [Obs.] "Politic farfetches." Hudibras.

Far"fetched` (?), a. 1. Brought from far, or from a remote place.

Every remedy contained a multitude of farfetched and heterogeneous ingredients.
Hawthorne.

2. Studiously sought; not easily or naturally deduced or introduced; forced; strained.

Fa*ri"na (f&adot;*rī"n&adot; or f&adot;*rē"n&adot;), n. [L., meal, flour, fr. far a sort of grain, spelt; akin to E. barley.] 1. A fine flour or meal made from cereal grains or from the starch or fecula of vegetables, extracted by various processes, and used in cookery.

2. (Bot.) Pollen. [R.] Craig.

Far`i*na"ceous (?), a. [L. farinaceus.] 1. Consisting or made of meal or flour; as, a farinaceous diet.

2. Yielding farina or flour; as, ffarinaceous seeds.

3. Like meal; mealy; pertaining to meal; as, a farinaceous taste, smell, or appearance.

Far`i*nose" (?), a. [L. farinosus: cf. F. farineux.] 1. Yielding farina; as, farinose substances.

2. (Bot. & Zoöl.) Covered with a sort of white, mealy powder, as the leaves of some poplars, and the body of certain insects; mealy.

Farl (?), v. t. Same as Furl. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Far"lie (?), n. [OE. ferlish wonder, as adj., strange, sudden, fearful, AS. f&aemacr;rlīc sudden. See Fear.] An unusual or unexpected thing; a wonder. See Fearly. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Drayton.

Farm (?), n. [OE. ferme rent, lease, F. ferme, LL. firma, fr. L. firmus firm, fast, firmare to make firm or fast. See Firm, a. & n.] 1. The rent of land, -- originally paid by reservation of part of its products. [Obs.]

2. The term or tenure of a lease of land for cultivation; a leasehold. [Obs.]

It is great willfulness in landlords to make any longer farms to their tenants.
Spenser.

3. The land held under lease and by payment of rent for the purpose of cultivation.

4. Any tract of land devoted to agricultural purposes, under the management of a tenant or the owner.

&fist; In English the ideas of a lease, a term, and a rent, continue to be in a great degree inseparable, even from the popular meaning of a farm, as they are entirely so from the legal sense. Burrill.

5. A district of country leased (or farmed) out for the collection of the revenues of government.

The province was devided into twelve farms.
Burke.

6. (O. Eng. Law) A lease of the imposts on particular goods; as, the sugar farm, the silk farm.

Whereas G. H. held the farm of sugars upon a rent of 10,000 marks per annum.
State Trials (1196).

Farm (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Farmed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Farming.] 1. To lease or let for an equivalent, as land for a rent; to yield the use of to proceeds.

We are enforced to farm our royal realm.
Shak.

2. To give up to another, as an estate, a business, the revenue, etc., on condition of receiving in return a percentage of what it yields; as, to farm the taxes.

To farm their subjects and their duties toward these.
Burke.

3. To take at a certain rent or rate.

4. To devote (land) to agriculture; to cultivate, as land; to till, as a farm.

To farm let, To let to farm, to lease on rent.

Farm, v. i. To engage in the business of tilling the soil; to labor as a farmer.

Farm"a*ble (?), a. Capable of being farmed.

Farm"er (?), n. [Cf. F. fermier.] One who farms; as: (a) One who hires and cultivates a farm; a cultivator of leased ground; a tenant. Smart. (b) One who is devoted to the tillage of the soil; one who cultivates a farm; an agriculturist; a husbandman. (c) One who takes taxes, customs, excise, or other duties, to collect, either paying a fixed annuual rent for the privilege; as, a farmer of the revenues. (d) (Mining) The lord of the field, or one who farms the lot and cope of the crown.

Farmer-general [F. fermier-general], one to whom the right of levying certain taxes, in a particular district, was farmed out, under the former French monarchy, for a given sum paid down. -- Farmers' satin, a light material of cotton and worsted, used for coat linings. McElrath. -- The king's farmer (O. Eng. Law), one to whom the collection of a royal revenue was farmed out. Burrill.

Farm"er*ess, n. A woman who farms.

Farm"er*ship, n. Skill in farming.

Farm"er*y (?), n. The buildings and yards necessary for the business of a farm; a homestead. [Eng.]

Farm"house`, n. A dwelling house on a farm; a farmer's residence.

Farm"ing, a. Pertaining to agriculture; devoted to, adapted to, or engaged in, farming; as, farming tools; farming land; a farming community.

Farm"ing, n. The business of cultivating land.

Far"most` (?), a. Most distant; farthest.

A spacious cave within its farmost part.
Dryden.

Farm"stead (?), n. A farm with the building upon it; a homestead on a farm. Tennyson.

With its pleasant groves and farmsteads.
Carlyle.

Farm"stead*ing, n. A farmstead. [Scot.] Black.

Farm"yard` (?), n. The yard or inclosure attached to a barn, or the space inclosed by the farm buildings.

Far"ness (?), n. [From Far, a.] The state of being far off; distance; remoteness. [R.] Grew.

Far"o (?), n. [Said to be so called because the Egyptian king Pharaoh was formerly represented upon one of the cards.] A gambling game at cards, in which all the other players play against the dealer or banker, staking their money upon the order in which the cards will lie and be dealt from the pack.

Faro bank, the capital which the proprietor of a faro table ventures in the game; also, the place where a game of faro is played. Hoyle.

Fa`ro*ese` (?), n. sing. & pl. An inhabitant, or, collectively, inhabitants, of the Faroe islands.

Far"-off` (?), a. Remote; as, the far-off distance. Cf. Far-off, under Far, adv.

Far*rag*i*nous (?), a. [See Farrago.] Formed of various materials; mixed; as, a farraginous mountain. [R.] Kirwan.

A farraginous concurrence of all conditions, tempers, sexes, and ages.
Sir T. Browne.

||Far*ra"go (?), n. [L. farrago, -aginis, mixed fodder for cattle, mash, medley, fr. far a sort of grain. See Farina.] A mass composed of various materials confusedly mixed; a medley; a mixture.

A confounded farrago of doubts, fears, hopes, wishes, and all the flimsy furniture of a country miss's brain.
Sheridan.

Far"rand (?), n. [OE. farand beautiful; cf. Gael. farranta neat, stout, stately; or perh. akin to E. fare.] Manner; custom; fashion; humor. [Prov. Eng.] [Written also farand.] Grose.

Far`re*a"tion (?), n. [L. farreatio.] Same as Confarreation.

Far"ri*er (?), n. [OE. farrour, ferrer, OF. ferreor, ferrier, LL. Ferrator, ferrarius equorum, from ferrare to shoe a horse, ferrum a horseshoe, fr. L. ferrum iron. Cf. Ferreous.] 1. A shoer of horses; a veterinary surgeon.

Far"ri*er, v. i. To practice as a farrier; to carry on the trade of a farrier. [Obs.] Mortimer.

Far"ri*er*y (?), n. 1. The art of shoeing horses.

2. The art of preventing, curing, or mitigating diseases of horses and cattle; the veterinary art.

3. The place where a smith shoes horses.

Far"row (făr"r&osl;), n. [AS. fearh a little pig; a akin to OHG. farh, farah, pig, dim. farheli little pig, G. fercel, D. varken pig, Lith. parszas OIr. orc, L. porcus, Gr. po`rkos. Cf. Pork.] A litter of pigs. Shak.

Far"row, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Farrowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Farrowing.] To bring forth (young); -- said only of swine. Tusser.

Far"row, a. [Cf. Scot. ferry cow a cow that is not with calf, D. vaarkoe, vaars, heifer, G. färse, AS. fearr bull, G. farre. Cf. Heifer.] Not producing young in a given season or year; - - said only of cows.

&fist; If a cow has had a calf, but fails in a subsequent year, she is said to be farrow, or to go farrow.

Far"ry (?), n. A farrow. [Obs.] Perry.

Farse (?), n. [See Farce, n.] (Eccl.) An addition to, or a paraphrase of, some part of the Latin service in the vernacular; -- common in English before the Reformation.

Far"see`ing (?), a. 1. Able to see to a great distance; farsighted.

2. Having foresight as regards the future.

Far"sight`ed (?), a. 1. Seeing to great distance; hence, of good judgment regarding the remote effects of actions; sagacious.

2. (Med.) Hypermetropic.

Far"sight`ed*ness, n. 1. Quality of bbeing farsighted.

2. (Med.) Hypermetropia.

Far"-stretched` (?), a. Stretched beyond ordinary limits.

Far"ther (fär"&thlig;&etilde;r), a., compar. of Far. [superl. Farthest (-&thlig;&ebreve;st). See Further.] [For farrer, OE. ferrer, compar. of far; confused with further. Cf. Farthest.] 1. More remote; more distant than something else.

2. Tending to a greater distance; beyond a certain point; additional; further.

Before our farther way the fates allow.
Dryden.

Let me add a farther Truth.
Dryden.

Some farther change awaits us.
MIlton.

Far"ther, adv. 1. At or to a greater distance; more remotely; beyond; as, let us rest with what we have, without looking farther.

2. Moreover; by way of progress in treating a subject; as, farther, let us consider the probable event.

No farther, (used elliptically for) go no farther; say no more, etc.

It will be dangerous to go on. No farther !
Shak.

Far"ther, v. t. To help onward. [R.] See Further.

Far"ther*ance (?), n. [Obs.] See Furtherance.

Far"ther*more` (?), adv. [Obs.] See Furthermore.

Far"ther*most` (?), a. Most remote; farthest.

Far"thest (fär"&thlig;&ebreve;st), a. Superl. of far. [See Farther and cf. Furthest] Most distant or remote; as, the farthest degree. See Furthest.

Far"thest adv. At or to the greatest distance. See Furthest.

Far"thing (?), n. [OE. furthing, AS. feórðung, fr. feórða fourth, feór, feówer, four. See Four.] 1. The fourth of a penny; a small copper coin of Great Britain, being a cent in United States currency.

2. A very small quantity or value. [Obs.]

In her cup was no farthing seen of grease.
Chaucer.

3. A division of land. [Obs.]

Thirty acres make a farthing land; nine farthings a Cornish acre; and four Cornish acres a knight's fee.
R. Carew.

Far"thin*gale (?), n. [OE. vardingale, fardingale, fr. OF. vertugale, verdugade, F. vertugade, vertugadin, from Sp. verdugado, being named from its hoops, fr. verdugo a young shoot of tree, fr. verde green, fr. L. viridis. See Verdant.] A hoop skirt or hoop petticoat, or other light, elastic material, used to extend the petticoat.

We'll revel it as bravely as the best, . . .
With ruffs and cuffs, and farthingales and things.
Shak.

||Fas"ces (?), n. pl. [L., pl. of fascis bundle; cf. fascia a band, and Gr. fa`kelos a bundle.], (Rom. Antiq.) A bundle of rods, having among them an ax with the blade projecting, borne before the Roman magistrates as a badge of their authority.

Fas"cet (?), n. (Glass Making) A wire basket on the end of a rod to carry glass bottles, etc., to the annealing furnace; also, an iron rod to be thrust into the mouths of bottles, and used for the same purpose; -- called also pontee and punty.

||Fas"ci*a (?), n.; pl. Fasciæ (#). [L., a band: cf. It. fascia. See Fasces, and cf. Fess.] 1. A band, sash, or fillet; especially, in surgery, a bandage or roller.

2. (Arch.) A flat member of an order or building, like a flat band or broad fillet; especially, one of the three bands which make up the architrave, in the Ionic order. See Illust. of Column.

3. (Anat.) The layer of loose tissue, often containing fat, immediately beneath the skin; the stronger layer of connective tissue covering and investing all muscles; an aponeurosis.

4. (Zoöl.) A broad well-defined band of color.

Fas"ci*al (?), a. 1. Pertaining to the fasces.

2. (Anat.) Relating to a fascia.

{ Fas"ci*ate (?), Fas"ci*a`ted (?), } a. [L. fasciatus, p. p. of fasciare to envelop with bands, fr. fascia band. See Fasces.] 1. Bound with a fillet, sash, or bandage.

2. (Bot.) (a) Banded or compacted together. (b) Flattened and laterally widened, as are often the stems of the garden cockscomb.

3. (Zoöl.) Broadly banded with color.

Fas`ci*a"tion, n. The act or manner of binding up; bandage; also, the condition of being fasciated.

Fas"ci*cle (?), n. [L. fasciculus, dim. of fascis. See Fasces.] A small bundle or collection; a compact cluster; as, a fascicle of fibers; a fascicle of flowers or roots.

Fas"ci*cled (?), a. Growing in a bundle, tuft, or close cluster; as, the fascicled leaves of the pine or larch; the fascicled roots of the dahlia; fascicled muscle fibers; fascicled tufts of hair.

Fas*cic"u*lar (?), a. Pertaining to a fascicle; fascicled; as, a fascicular root.

Fas*cic"u*lar*ly, adv. In a fascicled manner. Kirwan.

{ Fas*cic"u*late (?), Fas*cic"u*la`ted (?),} a. Grouped in a fascicle; fascicled.

||Fas*cic"u*lus (?), n.; pl. Fasciculi (#). [L. See Fascicle.] 1. A little bundle; a fascicle.

2. A division of a book.

Fas"ci*nate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fascinated (?), p. pr. & vb. n.. Fascinating (&?;).] [L. fascinare; cf. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to slander, bewitch.] 1. To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant.

It has been almost universally believed that . . . serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which they are desirous to obtain.
Griffith (Cuvier).

2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to captivate, as by physical or mental charms.

There be none of the passions that have been noted to fascinate or bewitch but love and envy.
Bacon.

Syn. -- To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch; attract.

Fas`ci*na"tion (?), n. [L. fascinatio; cf. F. fascination.] 1. The act of fascinating, bewitching, or enchanting; enchantment; witchcraft; the exercise of a powerful or irresistible influence on the affections or passions; unseen, inexplicable influence.

The Turks hang old rags . . . upon their fairest horses, and other goodly creatures, to secure them against fascination.
Waller.

2. The state or condition of being fascinated.

3. That which fascinates; a charm; a spell.

There is a certain bewitchery or fascination in words.
South.

Fas*cine" (?), n. [F., fr. L. fascina a bundle of sticks, fr. fascis. See Fasces.] (Fort. & Engin.) A cylindrical bundle of small sticks of wood, bound together, used in raising batteries, filling ditches, strengthening ramparts, and making parapets; also in revetments for river banks, and in mats for dams, jetties, etc.

Fas"ci*nous (?), a. [L. fascinum witchcraft, akin to fascinare. See Fascinate.] Caused or acting by witchcraft. [Obs.] "Fascinous diseases." Harvey.

||Fas*ci"o*la (?), n.;pl. Fasciolæ (#). [See Fasciole.] (Anat.) A band of gray matter bordering the fimbria in the brain; the dentate convolution. Wilder.

Fas"ci*ole (?), n. [L. fasciola a little bandage. See Fascia.] (Zoöl.) A band of minute tubercles, bearing modified spines, on the shells of spatangoid sea urchins. See Spatangoidea.

Fash (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fashing.] [OF. faschier, F. f&?;cher, to anger, vex; cf. Pr. fasticar, fastigar, fr. L. fastidium dilike. See Fastidious.] To vex; to tease; to trouble. [Scot.]

Fash, n. Vexation; anxiety; care. [Scot.]

Without further fash on my part.
De Quincey.

Fash"ion (?), n. [OE. fasoun, facioun, shape, manner, F. facon, orig., a making, fr. L. factio a making, fr. facere to make. See Fact, Feat, and cf. Faction.]

1. The make or form of anything; the style, shape, appearance, or mode of structure; pattern, model; as, the fashion of the ark, of a coat, of a house, of an altar, etc.; workmanship; execution.

The fashion of his countenance was altered.
Luke ix. 29.

I do not like the fashion of your garments.
Shak.

2. The prevailing mode or style, especially of dress; custom or conventional usage in respect of dress, behavior, etiquette, etc.; particularly, the mode or style usual among persons of good breeding; as, to dress, dance, sing, ride, etc., in the fashion.

The innocent diversions in fashion.
Locke.

As now existing, fashion is a form of social regulation analogous to constitutional government as a form of political regulation.
H. Spencer.

3. Polite, fashionable, or genteel life; social position; good breeding; as, men of fashion.

4. Mode of action; method of conduct; manner; custom; sort; way. "After his sour fashion." Shak.

After a fashion, to a certain extent; in a sort. -- Fashion piece (Naut.), one of the timbers which terminate the transom, and define the shape of the stern. -- Fashion plate, a pictorial design showing the prevailing style or a new style of dress.

Fash"ion, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fashioned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fashioning.] [Cf. F. faconner.] 1. To form; to give shape or figure to; to mold.

Here the loud hammer fashions female toys.
Gay.

Ingenious art . . .
Steps forth to fashion and refine the age.
Cowper.

2. To fit; to adapt; to accommodate; -- with to.

Laws ought to be fashioned to the manners and conditions of the people.
Spenser.

3. To make according to the rule prescribed by custom.

Fashioned plate sells for more than its weight.
Locke.

4. To forge or counterfeit. [Obs.] Shak.

Fashioning needle (Knitting Machine), a needle used for widening or narrowing the work and thus shaping it.

Fash"ion*a*ble (?), a. 1. Conforming to the fashion or established mode; according with the prevailing form or style; as, a fashionable dress.

2. Established or favored by custom or use; current; prevailing at a particular time; as, the fashionable philosophy; fashionable opinions.

3. Observant of the fashion or customary mode; dressing or behaving according to the prevailing fashion; as, a fashionable man.

4. Genteel; well-bred; as, fashionable society.

Time is like a fashionable host
That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand.
Shak.

Fash"ion*a*ble, n. A person who conforms to the fashions; -- used chiefly in the plural.

Fash"ion*a*ble*ness, n. State of being fashionable.

Fash"ion*a*bly, adv. In a fashionable manner.

Fash"ioned (?), a. Having a certain style or fashion; as old-fashioned; new- fashioned.

Fash"ion*er (?), n. One who fashions, forms, ar gives shape to anything. [R.]

The fashioner had accomplished his task, and the dresses were brought home.
Sir W. Scott.

Fash"ion*ist (?), n. An obsequious follower of the modes and fashions. [R.] Fuller.

Fash"ion*less, a. Having no fashion.

Fash"ion-mon`ger (?), n. One who studies the fashions; a fop; a dandy. Marston.

Fash"ion-mon`ger*ing, a. Behaving like a fashion-monger. [R.] Shak.

Fas"sa*ite (?), n. (Min.) A variety of pyroxene, from the valley of Fassa, in the Tyrol.

Fast (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fasting.] [AS. fæstan; akin to D. vasten, OHG. fastēn, G. fasten, Icel. & Sw. fasta, Dan. faste, Goth. fastan to keep, observe, fast, and prob. to E. fast firm.] 1. To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole or in part; to go hungry.

Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.
Milton.

2. To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of grief, or humiliation and penitence.

Thou didst fast and weep for the child.
2 Sam. xii. 21.

Fasting day, a fast day; a day of fasting.

Fast, n. [OE. faste, fast; cf. AS. fæsten, OHG. fasta, G. faste. See Fast, v. i.] 1. Abstinence from food; omission to take nourishment.

Surfeit is the father of much fast.
Shak.

2. Voluntary abstinence from food, for a space of time, as a spiritual discipline, or as a token of religious humiliation.

3. A time of fasting, whether a day, week, or longer time; a period of abstinence from food or certain kinds of food; as, an annual fast.

Fast day, a day appointed for fasting, humiliation, and religious offices as a means of invoking the favor of God. -- To break one's fast, to put an end to a period of abstinence by taking food; especially, to take one's morning meal; to breakfast. Shak.

Fast, a. [Compar. Faster (?); superl. Fastest (?).] [OE., firm, strong, not loose, AS. f&?;st; akin to OS. fast, D. vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan. fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use. Cf. Fast, adv., Fast, v., Avast.] 1. Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose, unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the door.

There is an order that keeps things fast.
Burke.

2. Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art; impregnable; strong.

Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.
Spenser.

3. Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.

4. Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.

5. Tenacious; retentive. [Obs.]

Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their smells.
Bacon.

6. Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.

All this while in a most fast sleep.
Shak.

7. Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast horse.

8. Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint; reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a fast liver. Thackeray.

Fast and loose, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant, esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another. "Play fast and loose with faith." Shak. - - Fast and loose pulleys (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and reëngage the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and vice versa. -- Hard and fast (Naut.), so completely aground as to be immovable. -- To make fast (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as a vessel, a rope, or a door.

Fast (?), adv. [OE. faste firmly, strongly, quickly, AS. fæste. See Fast, a.] 1. In a fast, fixed, or firmly established manner; fixedly; firmly; immovably.

We will bind thee fast.
Judg. xv. 13.

2. In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly; extravagantly; wildly; as, to run fast; to live fast.

Fast by, or Fast beside, close or near to; near at hand.

He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk
Into the wood fast by.
Milton.

Fast by the throne obsequious Fame resides.
Pope.

Fast, n. That which fastens or holds; especially, (Naut.) a mooring rope, hawser, or chain; - - called, according to its position, a bow, head, quarter, breast, or stern fast; also, a post on a pier around which hawsers are passed in mooring.

Fas"ten (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fastened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fastening (?).] [AS. fæstnian; akin to OHG. festinōn. See Fast, a.] 1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot, lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to fasten a door or window.

2. To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something , or to cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our thoughts.

The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the service of many successions of parties, with very different ideas fastened to them.
Swift.

3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on; as, to fasten a blow. [Obs.] Dryden.

If I can fasten but one cup upon him.
Shak.

To fasten a charge, or a crime, upon, to make his guilt certain, or so probable as to be generally believed. -- To fasten one's eyes upon, to look upon steadily without cessation. Acts iii. 4.

Syn. -- To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.

Fas"ten, v. i. To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch; to cling.

A horse leech will hardly fasten on a fish.
Sir T. Browne.

Fas"ten*er (?), n. One who, or that which, makes fast or firm.

Fas"ten*ing (?), n. Anything that binds and makes fast, as a lock, catch, bolt, bar, buckle, etc.

Fast"er (?), n. One who abstains from food.

Fast"-hand`ed (?), a. Close- handed; close-fisted; covetous; avaricious. [Obs.] Bacon.

||Fas"ti (?), n. pl. [L.] 1. The Roman calendar, which gave the days for festivals, courts, etc., corresponding to a modern almanac.

2. Records or registers of important events.

Fas*tid`i*os"i*ty (?), n. Fastidiousness; squeamishness. [Obs.] Swift.

Fas*tid"i*ous (?), a. [L. fastidiosus disdainful, fr. fastidium loathing, aversion, perh. fr. fastus arrogance (of uncertain origin) + taedium loathing. Cf. Tedious, Fash.] Difficult to please; delicate to a fault; suited with difficulty; squeamish; as, a fastidious mind or ear; a fastidious appetite.

Proud youth ! fastidious of the lower world.
Young.

Syn. -- Squeamish; critical; overnice; difficult; punctilious. -- Fastidious, Squeamish. We call a person fastidious when his taste or feelings are offended by trifling defects or errors; we call him squeamish when he is excessively nice or critical on minor points, and also when he is overscrupulous as to questions of duty. "Whoever examines his own imperfections will cease to be fastidious; whoever restrains his caprice and scrupulosity will cease to be squeamish." Crabb.

-- Fas*tid"i*ous*ly, adv. -- Fas*tid"i*ous*ness, n.

{ Fas*tig"i*ate (?), Fas*tig"i*a`ted (?), } a. [L. fastigium gable end, top, height, summit.] 1. Narrowing towards the top.

2. (Bot.) Clustered, parallel, and upright, as the branches of the Lombardy poplar; pointed.

3. (Zoöl.) United into a conical bundle, or into a bundle with an enlarged head, like a sheaf of wheat.

Fast"ish (?), a. Rather fast; also, somewhat dissipated. [Colloq.] Thackeray.

Fast"ly, adv. Firmly; surely.

Fast"ness, n. [AS. fæstnes, fr. fæst fast. See Fast, a.] 1. The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness.

All . . . places of fastness [are] laid open.
Sir J. Davies.

2. A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a secure retreat; a castle; as, the enemy retired to their fastnesses in the mountains.

3. Conciseness of style. [Obs.] Ascham.

4. The state of being fast or swift.

Fas"tu*ous (?), a. [L. fastuosus, from fastus haughtiness, pride: cf. F. fastueux.] Proud; haughty; disdainful. [Obs.] Barrow. -- Fas"tu*ous*ness, n. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.

Fat (?), n. [See Vat, n.] 1. A large tub, cistern, or vessel; a vat. [Obs.]

The fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
Joel ii. 24.

2. A measure of quantity, differing for different commodities. [Obs.] Hebert.

Fat, a. [Compar. Fatter (?); superl. Fattest (?).] [AS. f&aemacr;tt; akin to D. vet, G. fett, feist, Icel. feitr, Sw. fet, Dan. fed, and perh. to Gr. pi^dax spring, fountain, pidy`ein to gush forth, pi`wn fat, Skr. pi to swell.] 1. Abounding with fat; as: (a) Fleshy; characterized by fatness; plump; corpulent; not lean; as, a fat man; a fat ox. (b) Oily; greasy; unctuous; rich; -- said of food.

2. Exhibiting the qualities of a fat animal; coarse; heavy; gross; dull; stupid.

Making our western wits fat and mean.
Emerson.

Make the heart of this people fat.
Is. vi. 10.

3. Fertile; productive; as, a fat soil; a fat pasture.

4. Rich; producing a large income; desirable; as, a fat benefice; a fat office; a fat job.

Now parson of Troston, a fat living in Suffolk.
Carlyle.

5. Abounding in riches; affluent; fortunate. [Obs.]

Persons grown fat and wealthy by long impostures.
Swift.

6. (Typog.) Of a character which enables the compositor to make large wages; -- said of matter containing blank, cuts, or many leads, etc.; as, a fat take; a fat page.

Fat lute, a mixture of pipe clay and oil for filling joints.

Fat (?), n. 1. (Physiol. Chem.) An oily liquid or greasy substance making up the main bulk of the adipose tissue of animals, and widely distributed in the seeds of plants. See Adipose tissue, under Adipose.

&fist; Animal fats are composed mainly of three distinct fats, tristearin, tripalmitin, and triolein, mixed in varying proportions. As olein is liquid at ordinary temperatures, while the other two fats are solid, it follows that the consistency or hardness of fats depends upon the relative proportion of the three individual fats. During the life of an animal, the fat is mainly in a liquid state in the fat cells, owing to the solubility of the two solid fats in the more liquid olein at the body temperature. Chemically, fats are composed of fatty acid, as stearic, palmitic, oleic, etc., united with glyceryl. In butter fat, olein and palmitin predominate, mixed with another fat characteristic of butter, butyrin. In the vegetable kingdom many other fats or glycerides are to be found, as myristin from nutmegs, a glyceride of lauric acid in the fat of the bay tree, etc.

2. The best or richest productions; the best part; as, to live on the fat of the land.

3. (Typog.) Work. containing much blank, or its equivalent, and, therefore, profitable to the compositor.

Fat acid. (Chem.) See Sebacic acid, under Sebacic. -- Fat series, Fatty series (Chem.), the series of the paraffine hydrocarbons and their derivatives; the marsh gas or methane series. -- Natural fats (Chem.), the group of oily substances of natural occurrence, as butter, lard, tallow, etc., as distinguished from certain fatlike substance of artificial production, as paraffin. Most natural fats are essentially mixtures of triglycerides of fatty acids.

Fat, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fatted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. atting (?).] [OE. fatten, AS. f&aemacr;ttian. See Fat, a., and cf. Fatten.] To make fat; to fatten; to make plump and fleshy with abundant food; as, to fat fowls or sheep.

We fat all creatures else to fat us.
Shak.

Fat, v. i. To grow fat, plump, and fleshy.

An old ox fats as well, and is as good, as a young one.
Mortimer.

Fa"tal, a. [L. fatalis, fr. fatum: cf. F. fatal. See Fate.] 1. Proceeding from, or appointed by, fate or destiny; necessary; inevitable. [R.]

These thing are fatal and necessary.
Tillotson.

It was fatal to the king to fight for his money.
Bacon.

2. Foreboding death or great disaster. [R.]

That fatal screech owl to our house
That nothing sung but death to us and ours.
Shak.

3. Causing death or destruction; deadly; mortal; destructive; calamitous; as, a fatal wound; a fatal disease; a fatal day; a fatal error.

Fa"tal*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. fatalisme.] The doctrine that all things are subject to fate, or that they take place by inevitable necessity.

Fa"tal*ist (?), n. [Cf. F. fataliste.] One who maintains that all things happen by inevitable necessity.

Fa`tal*is"tic (?), a. Implying, or partaking of the nature of, fatalism.

Fa*tal"i*ty (?), n.;pl. Fatalities (#). [L. fatalitas: cf. F. fatalité] 1. The state of being fatal, or proceeding from destiny; invincible necessity, superior to, and independent of, free and rational control.

The Stoics held a fatality, and a fixed, unalterable course of events.
South.

2. The state of being fatal; tendency to destruction or danger, as if by decree of fate; mortaility.

The year sixty-three is conceived to carry with it the most considerable fatality.
Ser T. Browne.

By a strange fatality men suffer their dissenting.
Eikon Basilike.

3. That which is decreed by fate or which is fatal; a fatal event. Dryden.

Fa"tal*ly (?), adv. 1. In a manner proceeding from, or determined by, fate. Bentley.

2. In a manner issuing in death or ruin; mortally; destructively; as, fatally deceived or wounded.

Fa"tal*ness, n. Quality of being fatal. Johnson.

||Fa"ta Mor*ga"na (?). [It.; -- so called because this phenomenon was looked upon as the work of a fairy (It. fata) of the name of Morgána. See Fairy.] A kind of mirage by which distant objects appear inverted, distorted, displaced, or multiplied. It is noticed particularly at the Straits of Messina, between Calabria and Sicily.

Fat"back` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The menhaden.

Fat"-brained` (?), a. Dull of apprehension.

Fate (?), n. [L. fatum a prophetic declaration, oracle, what is ordained by the gods, destiny, fate, fr. fari to speak: cf. OF. fat. See Fame, Fable, Ban, and cf. 1st Fay, Fairy.] 1. A fixed decree by which the order of things is prescribed; the immutable law of the universe; inevitable necessity; the force by which all existence is determined and conditioned.

Necessity and chance
Approach not me; and what I will is fate.
Milton.

Beyond and above the Olympian gods lay the silent, brooding, everlasting fate of which victim and tyrant were alike the instruments.
Froude.

2. Appointed lot; allotted life; arranged or predetermined event; destiny; especially, the final lot; doom; ruin; death.

The great, th'important day, big with the fate
Of Cato and of Rome.
Addison.

Our wills and fates do so contrary run
That our devices still are overthrown.
Shak.

The whizzing arrow sings,
And bears thy fate, Antinous, on its wings.
Pope.

3. The element of chance in the affairs of life; the unforeseen and unestimated conitions considered as a force shaping events; fortune; esp., opposing circumstances against which it is useless to struggle; as, fate was, or the fates were, against him.

A brave man struggling in the storms of fate.
Pope.

Sometimes an hour of Fate's serenest weather strikes through our changeful sky its coming beams.
B. Taylor.

4. pl. [L. Fata, pl. of fatum.] (Myth.) The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, sometimes called the Destinies, or Parcæwho were supposed to determine the course of human life. They are represented, one as holding the distaff, a second as spinning, and the third as cutting off the thread.

&fist; Among all nations it has been common to speak of fate or destiny as a power superior to gods and men -- swaying all things irresistibly. This may be called the fate of poets and mythologists. Philosophical fate is the sum of the laws of the universe, the product of eternal intelligence and the blind properties of matter. Theological fate represents Deity as above the laws of nature, and ordaining all things according to his will -- the expression of that will being the law. Krauth- Fleming.

Syn. -- Destiny; lot; doom; fortune; chance.

Fat"ed (?), p. p. & a. 1. Decreed by fate; destined; doomed; as, he was fated to rule a factious people.

One midnight
Fated to the purpose.
Shak.

2. Invested with the power of determining destiny. [Obs.] "The fated sky." Shak.

3. Exempted by fate. [Obs. or R.] Dryden.

Fate"ful (?), a. . Having the power of serving or accomplishing fate. "The fateful steel." J. Barlow.

2. Significant of fate; ominous.

The fateful cawings of the crow.
Longfellow.

-- Fate"ful*ly, adv.- Fate"ful*ness, n.

Fat"head` (?), n. (Zoöl.) (a) A cyprinoid fish of the Mississippi valley (Pimephales promelas); -- called also black-headed minnow. (b) A labroid food fish of California; the redfish.

Fa"ther (fä"&thlig;&etilde;r), n. [OE. fader, AS. fæder; akin to OS. fadar, D. vader, OHG. fatar, G. vater, Icel. faðir Sw. & Dan. fader, OIr. athir, L. pater, Gr. path`r, Skr. pitr, perh. fr. Skr. pā protect. √75, 247. Cf. Papa, Paternal, Patriot, Potential, Pablum.] 1. One who has begotten a child, whether son or daughter; a generator; a male parent.

A wise son maketh a glad father.
Prov. x. 1.

2. A male ancestor more remote than a parent; a progenitor; especially, a first ancestor; a founder of a race or family; -- in the plural, fathers, ancestors.

David slept with his fathers.
1 Kings ii. 10.

Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Rom. iv. 16.

3. One who performs the offices of a parent by maintenance, affetionate care, counsel, or protection.

I was a father to the poor.
Job xxix. 16.

He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house.
Gen. xiv. 8.

4. A respectful mode of address to an old man.

And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him [Elisha], . . . and said, O my father, my father!
2 Kings xiii. 14.

5. A senator of ancient Rome.

6. A dignitary of the church, a superior of a convent, a confessor (called also father confessor), or a priest; also, the eldest member of a profession, or of a legislative assembly, etc.

Bless you, good father friar !
Shak.

7. One of the chief ecclesiastical authorities of the first centuries after Christ; -- often spoken of collectively as the Fathers; as, the Latin, Greek, or apostolic Fathers.

8. One who, or that which, gives origin; an originator; a producer, author, or contriver; the first to practice any art, profession, or occupation; a distinguished example or teacher.

The father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Gen. iv. 21.

Might be the father, Harry, to that thought.
Shak.

The father of good news.
Shak.

9. The Supreme Being and Creator; God; in theology, the first person in the Trinity.

Our Father, which art in heaven.
Matt. vi. 9.

Now had the almighty Father from above . . .
Bent down his eye.
Milton.

Adoptive father, one who adopts the child of another, treating it as his own. -- Apostolic father, Conscript fathers, etc. See under Apostolic, Conscript, etc. -- Father in God, a title given to bishops. -- Father of lies, the Devil. -- Father of the bar, the oldest practitioner at the bar. -- Fathers of the city, the aldermen. -- Father of the Faithful. (a) Abraham. Rom. iv. Gal. iii. 6- 9. (b) Mohammed, or one of the sultans, his successors. -- Father of the house, the member of a legislative body who has had the longest continuous service. -- Most Reverend Father in God, a title given to archbishops and metropolitans, as to the archbishops of Canterbury and York. -- Natural father, the father of an illegitimate child. -- Putative father, one who is presumed to be the father of an illegitimate child; the supposed father. -- Spiritual father. (a) A religious teacher or guide, esp. one instrumental in leading a soul to God. (b) (R. C. Ch.) A priest who hears confession in the sacrament of penance. -- The Holy Father (R. C. Ch.), the pope.

Fa"ther (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fathered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fathering.] 1. To make one's self the father of; to beget.

Cowards father cowards, and base things sire base.
Shak.

2. To take as one's own child; to adopt; hence, to assume as one's own work; to acknowledge one's self author of or responsible for (a statement, policy, etc.).

Men of wit
Often fathered what he writ.
Swift.

3. To provide with a father. [R.]

Think you I am no stronger than my sex,
Being so fathered and so husbanded ?
Shak.

To father on or upon, to ascribe to, or charge upon, as one's offspring or work; to put or lay upon as being responsible. "Nothing can be so uncouth or extravagant, which may not be fathered on some fetch of wit, or some caprice of humor." Barrow.

Fa"ther*hood (?), n. The state of being a father; the character or authority of a father; paternity.

Fa"ther-in-law` (?), n.; pl. Fathers-in-law (&?;). The father of one's husband or wife; -- correlative to son-in-law and daughter- in-law.

&fist; A man who marries a woman having children already, is sometimes, though erroneously, called their father-in-law.

Fa"ther*land" (?), n. [Imitated fr. D. vaderland. See Father, and Land.] One's native land; the native land of one's fathers or ancestors.

Fa"ther-lash`er (?), n. (Zoöl.) A European marine fish (Cottus bubalis), allied to the sculpin; -- called also lucky proach.

Fa"ther*less, a. 1. Destitute of a living father; as, a fatherless child.

2. Without a known author. Beau. & Fl.

Fa"ther*less*ness, n. The state of being without a father.

Fa"ther*li*ness (?), n. [From Fatherly.] The qualities of a father; parantal kindness, care, etc.

Fa"ther long"legs` (?). (Zoöl.) See Daddy longlegs, 2.

Fa"ther*ly, a. 1. Like a father in affection and care; paternal; tender; protecting; careful.

You have showed a tender, fatherly regard.
Shak.

2. Of or pertaining to a father.

Fa"ther*ship, n. The state of being a father; fatherhood; paternity.

Fath"om (fă&thlig;"ŭm), n. [OE. fadme, faðme, AS. fæðm fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. faðmos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. faðmr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to spread out, &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; outspread, flat, L. patere to lie open, extend. Cf. Patent, Petal.] 1. A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.

2. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.]

Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business.
Shak.

Fath"om, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fathomed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fathoming.] 1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas.

2. To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. Dryden.

The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.
Hawthotne.

Fath"om*a*ble (?), a. Capable of being fathomed.

Fath"om*er (?), n. One who fathoms.

Fath"om*less, a. 1. Incapable of being fathomed; immeasurable; that can not be sounded.

And buckle in a waist most fathomless.
Shak.

2. Incomprehensible.

The fathomless absurdity.
Milton.

Fa*tid"i*cal (?), a. [L. fatidicus; fatum fate + dicere to say, tell.] Having power to foretell future events; prophetic; fatiloquent; as, the fatidical oak. [R.] Howell. -- Fa*tid"i*cal*ly, adv.

Fa*tif"er*ous (?), a. [L. fatifer; fatum fate + ferre to bear, bring.] Fate-bringing; deadly; mortal; destructive. [R.] Johnson.

Fat"i*ga*ble (?), a. [L. fatigabilis: cf. F. fatigable. See Fatigue.] Easily tired. [Obs.] Bailey.

Fat"i*gate (?), a. [L. fatigatus, p. p. of fatigare. See Fatigue.] Wearied; tired; fatigued. [Obs.]

Requickened what in flesh was fatigate.
Shak.

Fat"i*gate (?), v. t. To weary; to tire; to fatigue. [Obs.] Sir T. Elyot.

Fat`i*ga"tion (?), n. [L. fatigatio: cf. OF. fatigation.] Weariness. [Obs.] W. Montaqu.

Fa*tigue" (?), n. [F., fr. fatiguer to fatigue, L. fatigare; cf. L. affatim sufficiently.] 1. Weariness from bodily labor or mental exertion; lassitude or exhaustion of strength.

2. The cause of weariness; labor; toil; as, the fatigues of war. Dryden.

3. The weakening of a metal when subjected to repeated vibrations or strains.

Fatigue call (Mil.), a summons, by bugle or drum, to perform fatigue duties. -- Fatigue dress, the working dress of soldiers. -- Fatigue duty (Mil.), labor exacted from soldiers aside from the use of arms. Farrow. -- Fatigue party, a party of soldiers on fatigue duty.

Fa*tigue", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fatigued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fatiguing, n.] [Cf. F. fatiguer. See Fatigue, n.] To weary with labor or any bodily or mental exertion; to harass with toil; to exhaust the strength or endurance of; to tire.

Syn. -- To jade; tire; weary; bore. See Jade.

Fa*til"o*quent (?), a. [See Fatiloquist.] Prophetic; fatidical. [Obs.] Blount.

Fa*til"o*quist (?), n. [L. fatiloquus declaring fate; fatum fate+ Loqui to speak.] A fortune teller.

{ Fat"i*mite (?), Fat"i*mide (?) }, a. (Hist.) Descended from Fatima, the daughter and only child of Mohammed. -- n. A descendant of Fatima.

Fa*tis"cence (?), n. [L. fatiscense, p. pr. of fatiscere to gape or crack open.] A gaping or opening; state of being chinky, or having apertures. Kirwan.

Fat"-kid`neyed (?), a. Gross; lubberly.

Peace, ye fat-kidneyed rascal !
Shak.

Fat"ling (?), n. [Fat + - ling.] A calf, lamb, kid, or other young animal fattened for slaughter; a fat animal; -- said of such animals as are used for food.

He sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
2 Sam. vi. 13.

Fat"ly, adv. Grossly; greasily.

Fat"ner (?), n. One who fattens. [R.] See Fattener. Arbuthnit.

Fat"ness, n. 1. The quality or state of being fat, plump, or full-fed; corpulency; fullness of flesh.

Their eyes stand out with fatness.
Ps. lxxiii. 7.

2. Hence; Richness; fertility; fruitfulness.

Rich in the fatness of her plenteous soil.
Rowe.

3. That which makes fat or fertile.

The clouds drop fatness.
Philips.

Fat"ten (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fattened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fattening (?).] [See Fat, v. t.] 1. To make fat; to feed for slaughter; to make fleshy or plump with fat; to fill full; to fat.

2. To make fertile and fruitful; to enrich; as, to fatten land; to fatten fields with blood. Dryden.

Fat"ten, v. i. To grow fat or corpulent; to grow plump, thick, or fleshy; to be pampered.

And villains fatten with the brave man's labor.
Otway.

Fat"ten*er (?), n. One who, or that which, fattens; that which gives fatness or fertility.

Fat"ti*ness (?), n. State or quality of being fatty.

Fat"tish (?), a. Somewhat fat; inclined to fatness.

Coleridge, a puffy, anxious, obstructed-looking, fattish old man.
Carlyle.

Fat"ty (?), a. Containing fat, or having the qualities of fat; greasy; gross; as, a fatty substance.

Fatty acid (Chem.), any one of the paraffin series of monocarbonic acids, as formic acid, acetic, etc.; -- so called because the higher members, as stearic and palmitic acids, occur in the natural fats, and are themselves fatlike substances. -- Fatty clays. See under Clay. -- Fatty degeneration (Med.), a diseased condition, in which the oil globules, naturally present in certain organs, are so multiplied as gradually to destroy and replace the efficient parts of these organs. -- Fatty heart, Fatty liver, etc. (Med.), a heart, liver, etc., which have been the subjects of fatty degeneration or infiltration. -- Fatty infiltration (Med.), a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of fat in an organ, without destruction of any essential parts of the latter. -- Fatty tumor (Med.), a tumor consisting of fatty or adipose tissue; lipoma.

Fa*tu"i*tous (?), a. Stupid; fatuous.

Fa*tu"i*ty (?), n. [L. fatuitas, fr. fatuus foolish: cf. F. fatuité Cf. Fatuous.] Weakness or imbecility of mind; stupidity.

Those many forms of popular fatuity.
I Taylor.

Fat"u*ous (?), a. [L. fatuus.] 1. Feeble in mind; weak; silly; stupid; foolish; fatuitous. Glanvill.

2. Without reality; illusory, like the ignis fatuus.

Thence fatuous fires and meteors take their birth.
Danham.

Fat"-wit`ted (?), a. Dull; stupid. Shak.

||Fau`bourg" (fō`b&oomac;r"; E. fō"b&oomac;rg), n. [F.] A suburb of a French city; also, a district now within a city, but formerly without its walls.

Fau"cal (?), a. [L. fauces throat.] Pertaining to the fauces, or opening of the throat; faucial; esp., (Phon.) produced in the fauces, as certain deep guttural sounds found in the Semitic and some other languages.

Ayin is the most difficult of the faucals.
I. Taylor (The Alphabet).

||Fau"ces (?), n. pl. [L.] 1. (Anat.) The narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx, situated between the soft palate and the base of the tongue; -- called also the isthmus of the fauces. On either side of the passage two membranous folds, called the pillars of the fauces, inclose the tonsils.

2. (Bot.) The throat of a calyx, corolla, etc.

3. (Zoöl.) That portion of the interior of a spiral shell which can be seen by looking into the aperture.

Fau"cet (?), n. [F. fausset, perh. fr. L. fauces throat.] 1. A fixture for drawing a liquid, as water, molasses, oil, etc., from a pipe, cask, or other vessel, in such quantities as may be desired; -- called also tap, and cock. It consists of a tubular spout, stopped with a movable plug, spigot, valve, or slide.

2. The enlarged end of a section of pipe which receives the spigot end of the next section.

Fau"chion (?), n. See Falchion. [Obs.]

Fau"cial (?), a. (Anat.) Pertaining to the fauces; pharyngeal.

Faugh (?), interj. [Cf. Foh.] An exclamation of contempt, disgust, or abhorrence.

Faul"chion (?), n. See Falchion.

Faul"con (?), n. (Zoöl.) See Falcon.

Fauld (?), n. The arch over the dam of a blast furnace; the tymp arch.

Faule (?), n. A fall or falling band. [Obs.]

These laces, ribbons, and these faules.
Herrick.

Fault (?), n. [OE. faut, faute, F. faute (cf. It., Sp., & Pg. falta), fr. a verb meaning to want, fail, freq., fr. L. fallere to deceive. See Fail, and cf. Default.] 1. Defect; want; lack; default.

One, it pleases me, for fault of a better, to call my friend.
Shak.

2. Anything that fails, that is wanting, or that impairs excellence; a failing; a defect; a blemish.

As patches set upon a little breach
Discredit more in hiding of the fault.
Shak.

3. A moral failing; a defect or dereliction from duty; a deviation from propriety; an offense less serious than a crime.

4. (Geol. & Mining) (a) A dislocation of the strata of the vein. (b) In coal seams, coal rendered worthless by impurities in the seam; as, slate fault, dirt fault, etc. Raymond.

5. (Hunting) A lost scent; act of losing the scent.

Ceasing their clamorous cry till they have singled,
With much ado, the cold fault cleary out.
Shak.

6. (Tennis) Failure to serve the ball into the proper court.

At fault, unable to find the scent and continue chase; hence, in trouble or embarrassment, and unable to proceed; puzzled; thrown off the track. -- To find fault, to find reason for blaming or complaining; to express dissatisfaction; to complain; -- followed by with before the thing complained of; but formerly by at. "Matter to find fault at." Robynson (More's Utopia).

Syn. -- -- Error; blemish; defect; imperfection; weakness; blunder; failing; vice. -- Fault, Failing, Defect, Foible. A fault is positive, something morally wrong; a failing is negative, some weakness or falling short in a man's character, disposition, or habits; a defect is also negative, and as applied to character is the absence of anything which is necessary to its completeness or perfection; a foible is a less important weakness, which we overlook or smile at. A man may have many failings, and yet commit but few faults; or his faults and failings may be few, while his foibles are obvious to all. The faults of a friend are often palliated or explained away into mere defects, and the defects or foibles of an enemy exaggerated into faults. "I have failings in common with every human being, besides my own peculiar faults; but of avarice I have generally held myself guiltless." Fox. "Presumption and self-applause are the foibles of mankind." Waterland.

Fault (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Faulted; p. pr. & vb. n. Faulting.] 1. To charge with a fault; to accuse; to find fault with; to blame. [Obs.]

For that I will not fault thee.
Old Song.

2. (Geol.) To interrupt the continuity of (rock strata) by displacement along a plane of fracture; -- chiefly used in the p. p.; as, the coal beds are badly faulted.

Fault, v. i. To err; to blunder, to commit a fault; to do wrong. [Obs.]

If after Samuel's death the people had asked of God a king, they had not faulted.
Latimer.

Fault"er (?), n. One who commits a fault. [Obs.]

Behold the faulter here in sight.
Fairfax.

Fault"-find`er (?), n. One who makes a practice of discovering others' faults and censuring them; a scold.

Fault"-find`ing, n. The act of finding fault or blaming; -- used derogatively. Also Adj.

Fault"ful (?), a. Full of faults or sins. Shak.

Fault"i*ly (?), adv. In a faulty manner.

Fault"i*ness, n. Quality or state of being faulty.

Round, even to faultiness.
Shak.

Fault"ing, n. (Geol.) The state or condition of being faulted; the process by which a fault is produced.

Fault"less, a. Without fault; not defective or imperfect; free from blemish; free from incorrectness, vice, or offense; perfect; as, a faultless poem.

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be.
Pope.

Syn. -- Blameless; spotless; perfect. See Blameless.

-- Fault"less*ly, adv.- Fault"less*ness, n.

Fault"y (?), a. 1. Containing faults, blemishes, or defects; imperfect; not fit for the use intended.

Created once
So goodly and erect, though faulty since.
Milton.

2. Guilty of a fault, or of faults; hence, blamable; worthy of censure. Shak.

The king doth speak . . . as one which is faulty.
2 Sam. xiv. 13.

Faun (?), n. [L. Faunus, fr. favere to be favorable. See Favor.] (Rom. Myth.) A god of fields and shipherds, diddering little from the satyr. The fauns are usually represented as half goat and half man.

Satyr or Faun, or Sylvan.
Milton.

Fau"na (?), n. [NL.: cf. F. faune. See Faun.] (Zoöl.) The animals of any given area or epoch; as, the fauna of America; fossil fauna; recent fauna.

Fau"nal (?), a. Relating to fauna.

Fau"nist (?), n. One who describes the fauna of country; a naturalist. Gilbert White.

||Fau"nus (?), n.;pl. Fauni (#). [L.] (Myth.) See Faun.

Fau"sen (?), n. [Cf. W. llysowen eel, ll sounding in Welsh almost like fl.] (Zoöl.) A young eel. [Prov. Eng.]

||Fausse`-braye" (?), n. [F. fausse- braie.] (Mil.) A second rampart, exterior to, and parallel to, the main rampart, and considerably below its level.

||Fau`teuil" (?), n. [F. See Faldistory.] 1. An armchair; hence (because the members sit in fauteuils or armchairs), membership in the French Academy.

2. Chair of a presiding officer.

Fau"tor (?), n. [L., contr. fr. favitor, fr. favere to be favorable: cf. F. fauteur. See Favor.] A favorer; a patron; one who gives countenance or support; an abettor. [Obs.]

The king and the fautors of his proceedings.
Latimer.

Fau"tress (?), n. [L. fauutrix: cf. F. fautrice.] A patroness. [Obs.] Chapman.

||Fau`vette" (?), n. [F., dim. fr. fauve fawn-colored.] (Zoöl.) A small singing bird, as the nightingale and warblers.

||Faux (?), n.; pl. Fauces (#). [L.] See Fauces.

||faux` pas" (?). [F. See False, and Pas.] A false step; a mistake or wrong measure.

Fa*vag"i*nous (?), a. [L. favus a honeycomb.] Formed like, or resembling, a honeycomb.

Fa"vas (?), n. See Favus, n., 2. Fairholt.

Fa"vel (?), a. [OF. fauvel, favel, dim. of F. fauve; of German oigin. See Fallow, a.] Yellow; fal&?;ow; dun. [Obs.] Wright.

Fa"vel, n. A horse of a favel or dun color.

To curry favel. See To curry favor, under Favor, n.

Fa"vel, n. [OF. favele, fr. L. fabella short fable, dim. of fabula. See Fable.] Flattery; cajolery; deceit. [Obs.] Skeat.

||Fa*vel"la (?), n. [NL., prob. from L. favus a honeycomb.] (Bot.) A group of spores arranged without order and covered with a thin gelatinous envelope, as in certain delicate red algæ.

Fa*ve"o*late (?), a. [L. favus honeycomb.] Honeycomb; having cavities or cells, somewhat resembling those of a honeycomb; alveolate; favose.

Fa*vil"lous (?), a. [L. favilla sparkling or glowing ashes.] Of or pertaining to ashes. [Obs.]

Light and favillous particles.
Sir T. Browne.

Fa*vo"ni*an (?), a. [L. Favonius the west wind.] Pertaining to the west wind; soft; mild; gentle.

Fa"vor (?), n. [Written also favour.] [OF. favor, F. faveur, L. favor, fr. favere to be favorable, cf. Skr. bhāvaya to further, foster, causative of bhū to become, be. Cf. Be. In the phrase to curry favor, favor is prob. for favel a horse. See 2d Favel.] 1. Kind regard; propitious aspect; countenance; friendly disposition; kindness; good will.

Hath crawled into the favor of the king.
Shak.

2. The act of countenancing, or the condition of being countenanced, or regarded propitiously; support; promotion; befriending.

But found no favor in his lady's eyes.
Dryden.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke ii. 52.

3. A kind act or office; kindness done or granted; benevolence shown by word or deed; an act of grace or good will, as distinct from justice or remuneration.

Beg one favor at thy gracious hand.
Shak.

4. Mildness or mitigation of punishment; lenity.

I could not discover the lenity and favor of this sentence.
Swift.

5. The object of regard; person or thing favored.

All these his wondrous works, but chiefly man,
His chief delight and favor.
Milton.

6. A gift or represent; something bestowed as an evidence of good will; a token of love; a knot of ribbons; something worn as a token of affection; as, a marriage favor is a bunch or knot of white ribbons or white flowers worn at a wedding.

Wear thou this favor for me, and stick it in thy cap.
Shak.

7. Appearance; look; countenance; face. [Obs.]

This boy is fair, of female favor.
Shak.

8. (Law) Partiality; bias. Bouvier.

9. A letter or epistle; -- so called in civility or compliment; as, your favor of yesterday is received.

10. pl. Love locks. [Obs.] Wright.

Challenge to the favor or for favor (Law), the challenge of a juror on grounds not sufficient to constitute a principal challenge, but sufficient to give rise to a probable suspicion of favor or bias, such as acquaintance, business relation, etc. See Principal challenge, under Challenge. -- In favor of, upon the side of; favorable to; for the advantage of. -- In favor with, favored, countenanced, or encouraged by. -- To curry favor [see the etymology of Favor, above], to seek to gain favor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious civilities. -- With one's favor, or By one's favor, with leave; by kind permission.

But, with your favor, I will treat it here.
Dryden.

Syn. -- Kindness; countenance; patronage; support; lenity; grace; gift; present; benefit.

Fa"vor, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Favored (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Favoring.] [Written also favour.] [Cf. OF. favorer, favorir. See Favor, n.] 1. To regard with kindness; to support; to aid, or to have the disposition to aid, or to wish success to; to be propitious to; to countenance; to treat with consideration or tenderness; to show partiality or unfair bias towards.

O happy youth! and favored of the skies.
Pope.

He that favoreth Joab, . . . let him go after Joab.
2 Sam. xx. 11.

[The painter] has favored her squint admirably.
Swift.

2. To afford advantages for success to; to facilitate; as, a weak place favored the entrance of the enemy.

3. To resemble in features; to have the aspect or looks of; as, the child favors his father.

The porter owned that the gentleman favored his master.
Spectator.

Fa"vor*a*ble (?), a. [Written also favourable.] [F. favorable, L. favorabilis favored, popular, pleasing, fr. favor. See Favor, n.] 1. Full of favor; favoring; manifesting partiality; kind; propitious; friendly.

Lend favorable ears to our request.
Shak.

Lord, thou hast been favorable unto thy land.
Ps. lxxxv. 1.

2. Conducive; contributing; tending to promote or facilitate; advantageous; convenient.

A place very favorable for the making levies of men.
Clarendon.

The temper of the climate, favorable to generation, health, and long life.
Sir W. Temple.

3. Beautiful; well-favored. [Obs.] Spenser.

-- Fa"vora*ble*ness, n. -- Fa"vor*a*bly, sdv.

The faborableness of the present times to all extertions in the cause of liberty.
Burke.

Fa"vored (?), a. 1. Countenanced; aided; regarded with kidness; as, a favored friend.

2. Having a certain favor or appearance; featured; as, well-favored; hard-favored, etc.

Fa"vored*ly (?), adv. In a favored or a favorable manner; favorably. [Obs.] Deut. xvii. 1. Arscham.

Fa"vored*ness, n. Appearance. [Obs.]

Fa"vor*er (?), n. One who favors; one who regards with kindness or friendship; a well-wisher; one who assists or promotes success or prosperity. [Written also favourer.]

And come to us as favorers, not as foes.
Shak.

Fa"vor*ess (?), n. A woman who favors or gives countenance. [Written also fovouress.]

Fa"vor*ing, a. That favors. -- Fa"vor*ing*ly, adv.

Fa"vor*ite (?), n. [OF. favorit favored, F. favori, fem. favorite, p. p. of OF. favorir, cf. It. favorito, frm. favorita, fr. favorire to favor. See Favor.] 1. A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.

Committing to a wicked favorite
All public cares.
Milton.

2. pl. Short curls dangling over the temples; -- fashionable in the reign of Charles II. [Obs.] Farquhar.

3. (Sporting) The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.

Fa"vor*ite, a. Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child. "His favorite argument." Macaulay.

Fa"vor*it*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. favoritisme.] The disposition to favor and promote the interest of one person or family, or of one class of men, to the neglect of others having equal claims; partiality.

A spirit of favoritism to the Bank of the United States.
A. Hamilton.

Fa"vor*less, a. 1. Unfavored; not regarded with favor; having no countenance or support.

2. Unpropitious; unfavorable. [Obs.] "Fortune favorless." Spenser.

Fa*vose" (?), a. [L. favus honeycomb.] 1. (Bot.) Honeycombed. See Faveolate.

2. (Med.) Of or pertaining to the disease called favus.

Fav"o*site (?), a. (Zoöl.) Like or pertaining to the genus Favosites.

||Fav`o*si"tes (?), n. [NL. See Favose.] (Paleon.) A genus of fossil corals abundant in the Silurian and Devonian rocks, having polygonal cells with perforated walls.

||Fa"vus (?), n. [L., honeycomb.] 1. (Med.) A disease of the scalp, produced by a vegetable parasite.

2. A tile or flagstone cut into an hexagonal shape to produce a honeycomb pattern, as in a pavement; -- called also favas and sectila. Mollett.

Fawe (?), a. [See Fain.] Fain; glad; delighted. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fawk"ner (?), n. [See Falconer.] A falconer. [Obs.] Donne.

Fawn (?), n. [OF. faon the young one of any beast, a fawn, F. faon a fawn, for fedon, fr. L. fetus. See Fetus.] 1. (Zoöl.) A young deer; a buck or doe of the first year. See Buck.

2. The young of an animal; a whelp. [Obs.]

[The tigress] . . . followeth . . . after her fawns.
Holland.

3. A fawn color.

Fawn, a. Of the color of a fawn; fawn-colored.

Fawn, v. i. [Cf. F. faonner.] To bring forth a fawn.

Fawn, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fawned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fawning.] [OE. fawnen, fainen, fagnien, to rejoice, welcome, flatter, AS. fægnian to rejoice; akin to Icel. fagna to rejoice, welcome. See Fain.] To court favor by low cringing, frisking, etc., as a dog; to flatter meanly; -- often followed by on or upon.

You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds.
Shak.

Thou with trembling fear,
Or like a fawning parasite, obeyest.
Milton.

Courtiers who fawn on a master while they betray him.
Macaulay.

Fawn, n. A servile cringe or bow; mean flattery; sycophancy. Shak.

Fawn"-col`ored (?), a. Of the color of a fawn; light yellowish brown.

Fawn"er (?), n. One who fawns; a sycophant.

Fawn"ing*ly, adv. In a fawning manner.

Faxed (?), a. [AS. feaxede haired, fr. feax hair. Cf. Paxwax.] Hairy. [Obs.] amden.

Fay (?), n. [F. fée. See Fate, and cf. Fairy.] A fairy; an elf. "Yellow-skirted fays." Milton.

Fay, n. [OF. fei, F. foi. See Faith.] Faith; as, by my fay. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fay (fā), v. t. [imp. & p. p. fayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Faying.] [OE. feien, v.t. & i., AS. fēgan to join, unite; akin to OS. fōgian, D. voegen, OHG. fuogen, G. fügen, Sw. foga. See Fair, and cf. Fadge.] (Shipbuilding) To fit; to join; to unite closely, as two pieces of wood, so as to make the surface fit together.

Fay, v. i. (Shipbuilding) To lie close together; to fit; to fadge; -- often with in, into, with, or together.

Faying surface, that surface of an object which comes with another object to which it is fastened; -- said of plates, angle irons, etc., that are riveted together in shipwork.

Fay"al*ite (?), n. [So called from the island Fayal.] (Min.) A black, greenish, or brownish mineral of the chrysolite group. It is a silicate of iron.

||Fa`y*ence" (?), n. See Fa&?;ence.

Fay"tour (?), n. See Faitour. [Obs.] Spenser.

Faze (?), v. t. See Feeze.

Faz"zo*let` (?), n. [It. fazzoletto.] A handkerchief. [R.] percival.

Fea"ber*ry (?), n. [Cf. Prov. E. feabe, theabe, thape.] (Bot.) A gooseberry. [Prov. Eng.] Prior.

Feague (?), v. t. [Cf. G. fegen to sweep, Icel. fægia to cleanse, polish, E. fair, fay, to fit, fey to cleanse.] To beat or whip; to drive. [Obs.] Otway.

Fe"al (?), a. [OF. feal, feel, feeil, fedeil, F. fidèle, L. fidelis faithful, fr. fides faith. See Faith.] Faithful; loyal. [Obs.] Wright.

Fe"al*ty (?), n. [OE. faute, OF. fauté, fealté, feelé, feelteit, fr. L. fidelitas, fr. fidelis faithful. See Feal, and cf. Fidelity.] 1. Fidelity to one's lord; the feudal obligation by which the tenant or vassal was bound to be faithful to his lord; the special oath by which this obligation was assumed; fidelity to a superior power, or to a government; loyality. It is no longer the practice to exact the performance of fealty, as a feudal obligation. Wharton (Law Dict. ). Tomlins.

2. Fidelity; constancy; faithfulness, as of a friend to a friend, or of a wife to her husband.

He should maintain fealty to God.
I. Taylor.

Makes wicked lightnings of her eyes, and saps
The fealty of our friends.
tennyson.

Swore fealty to the new government.
Macaulay.

&fist; Fealty is distinguished from homage, which is an acknowledgment of tenure, while fealty implies an oath. See Homage. Wharton.

Syn. -- Homage; loyality; fidelity; constancy.

Fear (?), n. A variant of Fere, a mate, a companion. [Obs.] Spenser.

Fear, n. [OE. fer, feer, fere, AS. f&?;r a coming suddenly upon, fear, danger; akin to D. vaar, OHG. fāra danger, G. gefahr, Icel. fār harm, mischief, plague, and to E. fare, peril. See Fare.] 1. A painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger; apprehension; anxiety; solicitude; alarm; dread.

&fist; The degrees of this passion, beginning with the most moderate, may be thus expressed, -- apprehension, fear, dread, fright, terror.

Fear is an uneasiness of the mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
Locke.

Where no hope is left, is left no fear.
Milton.

2. (Script.) (a) Apprehension of incurring, or solicitude to avoid, God's wrath; the trembling and awful reverence felt toward the Supreme Belng. (b) Respectful reverence for men of authority or worth.

I will put my fear in their hearts.
Jer. xxxii. 40.

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Ps. xxxiv. 11.

render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due . . . fear to whom fear.
Rom. xiii. 7.

3. That which causes, or which is the object of, apprehension or alarm; source or occasion of terror; danger; dreadfulness.

There were they in great fear, where no fear was.
Ps. liii. 5.

The fear of your adventure would counsel you to a more equal enterprise.
Shak.

For fear, in apprehension lest. "For fear you ne'er see chain nor money more." Shak.

Fear, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fearing.] [OE. feren, faeren, to frighten, to be afraid, AS. f&?;ran to terrify. See Fear, n.] 1. To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
Ps. xxiii. 4.

With subordinate clause.

I greatly fear my money is not safe.
Shak.

I almost fear to quit your hand.
D. Jerrold.

2. To have a reverential awe of; to solicitous to avoid the displeasure of.

Leave them to God above; him serve and fear.
Milton.

3. To be anxious or solicitous for. [R.]

The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children, therefore . . . I fear you.
Shak.

4. To suspect; to doubt. [Obs.]

Ay what else, fear you not her courage?
Shak.

5. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear. [Obs.]

fear their people from doing evil.
Robynsin (More's utopia).

Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs.
Shak.

Syn. -- To apprehend; dread; reverence; venerate.

Fear, v. i. To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.

I exceedingly fear and quake.
Heb. xii. 21.

Fear"er (?), n. One who fars. Sir P. Sidney.

Fear"ful (?), a. 1. Full of fear, apprehension, or alarm; afraid; frightened.

Anxious amidst all their success, and fearful amidat all their power.
Bp. Warburton.

2. inclined to fear; easily frightened; without courage; timid.

What man is there that is fearful and faint- hearted?
Deut. xx. 8.

3. Indicating, or caused by, fear.

Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
Shak.

4. Inspiring fear or awe; exciting apprehension or terror; terrible; frightful; dreadful.

This glorious and fearful name, The Lord thy God.
Deut. xxviii. 58.

Death is a fearful thing.
Shak.

In dreams they fearful precipices tread.
Dryden.

Syn. -- Apprehensive; afraid; timid; timorous; horrible; distressing; shocking; frightful; dreadful; awful.

Fear"ful*ly, adv. In a fearful manner.

Fear"ful*ness, n. The state of being fearful.

Fear"less, a. Free from fear.

Syn. -- Bold; courageous; intrepid; valorous; valiant; brave; undaunted; dauntless; heroic.

-- Fear"less*ly, adv. -- Fear"less*ness, n.

Fear"naught` (?), n. 1. A fearless person.

2. A stout woolen cloth of great thickness; dreadnaught; also, a warm garment.

Fear"some (?) a. 1. Frightful; causing fear. [Scotch] "This fearsome wind." Sir W. Scott

2. Easily frightened; timid; timorous. "A silly fearsome thing." B. Taylor

Fea"si*bil*ity (?) n.; pl. Feasibilities (-tiz). [from Feasible] The quality of being feasible; practicability; also, that which is feasible; as, before we adopt a plan, let us consider its feasibility.

Men often swallow falsities for truths, dubiosities for certainties, possibilities for feasibilities.
Sir T. Browne.

Fea"si*ble (?) a. [F. faisable, fr. faire to make or do, fr. L. facere. See Fact, Feat.] 1. Capable of being done, executed, or effected; practicable.

Always existing before their eyes as a thing feasible in practice.
Burke.

It was not feasible to gratify so many ambitions.
Beaconsfield.

2. Fit to be used or tailed, as land. [R.] R. Trumbull.

Fea"si*ble*ness, n. -- Fea"si*bly, adv.

Feast (fēst), n. [OE. feste festival, holiday, feast, OF. feste festival, F. fête, fr. L. festum, pl. festa, fr. festus joyful, festal; of uncertain origin. Cf. Fair, n., Festal, Fête.] 1. A festival; a holiday; a solemn, or more commonly, a joyous, anniversary.

The seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.
Ex. xiii. 6.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
Luke ii. 41.

&fist; Ecclesiastical feasts are called immovable when they always occur on the same day of the year; otherwise they are called movable.

2. A festive or joyous meal; a grand, ceremonious, or sumptuous entertainment, of which many guests partake; a banquet characterized by tempting variety and abundance of food.

Enough is as good as a feast.
Old Proverb.

Belshazzar the King made a great feast to a thousand of his lords.
Dan. v. 1.

3. That which is partaken of, or shared in, with delight; something highly agreeable; entertainment.

The feast of reason, and the flow of soul.
Pope.

Feast day, a holiday; a day set as a solemn commemorative festival.

Syn. -- Entertainment; regale; banquet; treat; carousal; festivity; festival. -- Feast, Banquet, Festival, Carousal. A feast sets before us viands superior in quantity, variety, and abundance; a banquet is a luxurious feast; a festival is the joyful celebration by good cheer of some agreeable event. Carousal is unrestrained indulgence in frolic and drink.

Feast, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Feasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Feasting.] [OE. festen, cf. OF. fester to rest from work, F. fêter to celebrate a holiday. See Feast, n.] 1. To eat sumptuously; to dine or sup on rich provisions, particularly in large companies, and on public festivals.

And his sons went and feasted in their houses.
Job. i. 4.

2. To be highly gratified or delighted.

With my love's picture then my eye doth feast.
Shak.

Feast, v. t. 1. To entertain with sumptuous provisions; to treat at the table bountifully; as, he was feasted by the king. Hayward.

2. To delight; to gratify; as, to feast the soul.

Feast your ears with the music a while.
Shak.

Feast"er (?), n. 1. One who fares deliciously.

2. One who entertains magnificently. Johnson.

Feast"ful (?), a. Festive; festal; joyful; sumptuous; luxurious. "Feastful days." Milton.

-- Feast"ful*ly, adv.

Feat (?), n. [OE. fet, OF. fet, fait, F. fait, factum, fr. L. facere, factum, to make or do. Cf. Fact, Feasible, Do.] 1. An act; a deed; an exploit.

The warlike feats I have done.
Shak.

2. A striking act of strength, skill, or cunning; a trick; as, feats of horsemanship, or of dexterity.

Feat, v. t. To form; to fashion. [Obs.]

To the more mature,
A glass that feated them.
Shak.

Feat, a. [Compar. Feater (?); superl. Featest.] [F. fait made, shaped, fit, p. p. of faire to make or do. See Feat, n.] Dexterous in movements or service; skillful; neat; nice; pretty. [Archaic]

Never master had a page . . . so feat.
Shak.

And look how well my garments sit upon me --
Much feater than before.
Shak.

Feat"-bod`ied (?), a. Having a feat or trim body. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Feat"e*ous (?), a. [Cf. OF. faitis, faitice, fetis, well made, fine, L. facticius made by art.] Dexterous; neat. [Obs.] Johnson.

-- Feat"e*ous*ly, adv.

Feath"er (f&ebreve;&thlig;"&etilde;r), n. [OE. fether, AS. feðer; akin to D. veder, OHG. fedara, G. feder, Icel. fjöðr, Sw. fjäder, Dan. fjæder, Gr. ptero`n wing, feather, pe`tesqai to fly, Skr. pattra wing, feather, pat to fly, and prob. to L. penna feather, wing. √76, 248. Cf. Pen a feather.] 1. One of the peculiar dermal appendages, of several kinds, belonging to birds, as contour feathers, quills, and down.

&fist; An ordinary feather consists of the quill or hollow basal part of the stem; the shaft or rachis, forming the upper, solid part of the stem; the vanes or webs, implanted on the rachis and consisting of a series of slender laminæ or barbs, which usually bear barbules, which in turn usually bear barbicels and interlocking hooks by which they are fastened together. See Down, Quill, Plumage.

2. Kind; nature; species; -- from the proverbial phrase, "Birds of a feather," that is, of the same species. [R.]

I am not of that feather to shake off
My friend when he must need me.
Shak.

3. The fringe of long hair on the legs of the setter and some other dogs.

4. A tuft of peculiar, long, frizzly hair on a horse.

5. One of the fins or wings on the shaft of an arrow.

6. (Mach. & Carp.) A longitudinal strip projecting as a fin from an object, to strengthen it, or to enter a channel in another object and thereby prevent displacement sidwise but permit motion lengthwise; a spline.

7. A thin wedge driven between the two semicylindrical parts of a divided plug in a hole bored in a stone, to rend the stone. Knight.

8. The angular adjustment of an oar or paddle-wheel float, with reference to a horizontal axis, as it leaves or enters the water.

&fist; Feather is used adjectively or in combination, meaning composed of, or resembling, a feather or feathers; as, feather fan, feather-heeled, feather duster.

Feather alum (Min.), a hydrous sulphate of alumina, resulting from volcanic action, and from the decomposition of iron pyrites; -- called also halotrichite. Ure. -- Feather bed, a bed filled with feathers. -- Feather driver, one who prepares feathers by beating. -- Feather duster, a dusting brush of feathers. -- Feather flower, an artifical flower made of feathers, for ladies' headdresses, and other ornamental purposes. -- Feather grass (Bot.), a kind of grass (Stipa pennata) which has a long feathery awn rising from one of the chaffy scales which inclose the grain. -- Feather maker, one who makes plumes, etc., of feathers, real or artificial. -- Feather ore (Min.), a sulphide of antimony and lead, sometimes found in capillary forms and like a cobweb, but also massive. It is a variety of Jamesonite. -- Feather shot, or Feathered shot (Metal.), copper granulated by pouring into cold water. Raymond. -- Feather spray (Naut.), the spray thrown up, like pairs of feathers, by the cutwater of a fast-moving vessel. -- Feather star. (Zoöl.) See Comatula. -- Feather weight. (Racing) (a) Scrupulously exact weight, so that a feather would turn the scale, when a jockey is weighed or weighted. (b) The lightest weight that can be put on the back of a horse in racing. Youatt. (c) In wrestling, boxing, etc., a term applied to the lightest of the classes into which contestants are divided; -- in contradistinction to light weight, middle weight, and heavy weight. -- A feather in the cap an honour, trophy, or mark of distinction. [Colloq.] -- To be in full feather, to be in full dress or in one's best clothes. [Collog.] -- To be in high feather, to be in high spirits. [Collog.] -- To cut a feather. (a) (Naut.) To make the water foam in moving; in allusion to the ripple which a ship throws off from her bows. (b) To make one's self conspicuous. [Colloq.] -- To show the white feather, to betray cowardice, -- a white feather in the tail of a cock being considered an indication that he is not of the true game breed.

Feath"er (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feathered (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Feathering.] 1. To furnish with a feather or feathers, as an arrow or a cap.

An eagle had the ill hap to be struck with an arrow feathered from her own wing.
L'Estrange.

2. To adorn, as with feathers; to fringe.

A few birches and oaks still feathered the narrow ravines.
Sir W. Scott.

3. To render light as a feather; to give wings to.[R.]

The Polonian story perhaps may feather some tedious hours.
Loveday.

4. To enrich; to exalt; to benefit.

They stuck not to say that the king cared not to plume his nobility and people to feather himself.
Bacon. Dryden.

5. To tread, as a cock. Dryden.

To feather one's nest, to provide for one's self especially from property belonging to another, confided to one's care; -- an expression taken from the practice of birds which collect feathers for the lining of their nests. -- To feather an oar (Naut), to turn it when it leaves the water so that the blade will be horizontal and offer the least resistance to air while reaching for another stroke. -- To tar and feather a person, to smear him with tar and cover him with feathers, as a punishment or an indignity.

Feath"er, v. i. 1. To grow or form feathers; to become feathered; -- often with out; as, the birds are feathering out.

2. To curdle when poured into another liquid, and float about in little flakes or "feathers;" as, the cream feathers. [Colloq.]

3. To turn to a horizontal plane; -- said of oars.

The feathering oar returns the gleam.
Tickell.

Stopping his sculls in the air to feather accurately.
Macmillan's Mag.

4. To have the appearance of a feather or of feathers; to be or to appear in feathery form.

A clump of ancient cedars feathering in evergreen beauty down to the ground.
Warren.

The ripple feathering from her bows.
Tennyson.

Feath"er-brained` (?), a. Giddy; frivolous; feather-headed. [Colloq.]

Feath"ered (?), a. 1. Clothed, covered, or fitted with (or as with) feathers or wings; as, a feathered animal; a feathered arrow.

Rise from the ground like feathered Mercury.
Shak.

Nonsense feathered with soft and delicate phrases and pointed with pathetic accent.
Dr. J. Scott.

2. Furnished with anything featherlike; ornamented; fringed; as, land feathered with trees.

3. (Zoöl.) Having a fringe of feathers, as the legs of certian birds; or of hairs, as the legs of a setter dog.

4. (Her.) Having feathers; -- said of an arrow, when the feathers are of a tincture different from that of the shaft.

Feath"er-edge` (?), n. 1. (Zoöl.) The thin, new growth around the edge of a shell, of an oyster.

2. Any thin, as on a board or a razor.

Feath"er-edged` (?), a. Having a feather-edge; also, having one edge thinner than the other, as a board; -- in the United States, said only of stuff one edge of which is made as thin as practicable.

Feath"er-few (?), n. (Bot.) Feverfew.

Feath"er-foil` (?), n. [Feather + foil a leaf.] (Bot.) An aquatic plant (Hottonia palustris), having finely divided leaves.

Feath"er-head` (?), n. A frivolous or featherbrained person. [Colloq.] H. James.

Feath"er-head`ed (?), a. Giddy; frivolous; foolish. [Colloq.] G. Eliot.

Feath"er-heeled` (?), a. Light- heeled; gay; frisky; frolicsome. [Colloq.]

Feath"er*i*ness (?), n. The state or condition of being feathery.

Feath"er*ing, n. 1. (Arch.) Same as Foliation.

2. The act of turning the blade of the oar, as it rises from the water in rowing, from a vertical to a horizontal position. See To feather an oar, under Feather, v. t.

3. A covering of feathers.

Feathering float (Naut.), the float or paddle of a feathering wheel. -- Feathering screw (Naut.), a screw propeller, of which the blades may be turned so as to move edgewise through the water when the vessel is moving under sail alone. -- Feathering wheel (Naut.), a paddle wheel whose floats turn automatically so as to dip about perpendicularly into the water and leave in it the same way, avoiding beating on the water in the descent and lifting water in the ascent.

Feath"er*less, a. Destitute of feathers.

Feath"er*ly, a. Like feathers. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Feath"er-pat"ed (?), a. Feather- headed; frivolous. [Colloq.] Sir W. Scott.

Feath"er-veined` (?), a. (Bot.) Having the veins (of a leaf) diverging from the two sides of a midrib.

Feath"er*y (?), a. Pertaining to, or resembling, feathers; covered with, or as with, feathers; as, feathery spray or snow. Milton.

Ye feathery people of mid air.
Barry Cornwall.

Feat"ly (?), adv. [From Feat, a.] Neatly; dexterously; nimbly. [Archaic]

Foot featly here and there.
Shak.

Feat"ness, n. Skill; adroitness. [Archaic] Johnson.

Fea"ture (?; 135), n. [OE. feture form, shape, feature, OF. faiture fashion, make, fr. L. factura a making, formation, fr. facere, factum, to make. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Facture.] 1. The make, form, or outward appearance of a person; the whole turn or style of the body; esp., good appearance.

What needeth it his feature to descrive?
Chaucer.

Cheated of feature by dissembling nature.
Shak.

2. The make, cast, or appearance of the human face, and especially of any single part of the face; a lineament. (pl.) The face, the countenance.

It is for homely features to keep home.
Milton.

3. The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic; as, one of the features of the landscape.

And to her service bind each living creature
Through secret understanding of their feature.
Spenser.

4. A form; a shape. [R.]

So scented the grim feature, and upturned
His nostril wide into the murky air.
Milton.

Fea"tured (?; 135), a. 1. Shaped; fashioned.

How noble, young, how rarely featured!
Shak.

2. Having features; formed into features.

The well-stained canvas or the featured stone.
Young.

Fea"ture*less (?; 135), a. Having no distinct or distinctive features.

Fea"ture*ly, a. Having features; showing marked peculiarities; handsome. [R.]

Featurely warriors of Christian chivalry.
Coleridge.

Feaze (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feazed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feazing.] [Cf. OE. faseln to ravel, fr. AS. fæs fringe; akin to G. fasen to separate fibers or threads, fasen, faser, thread, filament, OHG. faso.] To untwist; to unravel, as the end of a rope. Johnson.

Feaze, v. t. [See Feese.] To beat; to chastise; also, to humble; to harass; to worry. [Obs.] insworth.

Feaze, n. A state of anxious or fretful excitement; worry; vexation. [Obs.]

Feaz"ings (?), n. pl. [See Feaze, v. t.] (Naut.) The unlaid or ragged end of a rope. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Fe*bric"i*tate (?), v. i. [L. febricitare, fr. febris. See Febrile.] To have a fever. [Obs.] Bailey.

Fe*bric"u*lose` (?), a. [L. febriculosus.] Somewhat feverish. [Obs.] Johnson.

Feb`ri*fa"cient (?), a. [L. febris fever + faciens, p. pr. of facere to make.] Febrific. Dunglison.

-- n. That which causes fever. Beddoes.

Fe*brif"er*ous (?), a. [L. febris fever + -ferous.] Causing fever; as, a febriferous locality.

Fe*brif"ic (?), a. [L. febris fever + ficare (in comp.) to make. See fy-.] Producing fever. Dunglison.

Fe*brif"u*gal (? or ?), a. [See Febrifuge.] Having the quality of mitigating or curing fever. Boyle.

Feb"ri*fuge (?), n. [L. febris fever + fugare to put to flight, from fugere to flee: cf. F. fébrifuge. see Febrile, Feverfew.] (Med.) A medicine serving to mitigate or remove fever. -- a. Antifebrile.

Fe"brile (?; 277), a. [F. fébrile, from L. febris fever. See Fever.] Pertaining to fever; indicating fever, or derived from it; as, febrile symptoms; febrile action. Dunglison.

Feb"ru*a*ry (?), n. [L. Februarius, orig., the month of expiation, because on the fifteenth of this month the great feast of expiation and purification was held, fr. februa, pl., the Roman festival or purification; akin to februare to purify, expiate.] The second month in the year, said to have been introduced into the Roman calendar by Numa. In common years this month contains twenty-eight days; in the bissextile, or leap year, it has twenty-nine days.

Feb`ru*a"tion (?), n. [L. februatio. See february.] Purification; a sacrifice. [Obs.] Spenser.

Fe"cal (fē"kal), a. [Cf. F. fécal. See Feces.] relating to, or containing, dregs, feces, or ordure; fæcal.

Fec"che (?), v. t. To fetch. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fe"ces (?), n. pl. dregs; sediment; excrement. See FÆces.

Fe"cial (?), a. [L. fetialis belonging to the fetiales, the Roman priests who sanctioned treaties and demanded satisfaction from the enemy before a formal declaration of war.] Pertaining to heralds, declarations of war, and treaties of peace; as, fecial law. Kent.

Fe"ci*fork` (?), n. [Feces + fork.] (Zoöl.) The anal fork on which the larvæ of certain insects carry their fæces.

Feck"less (?), a. [Perh. a corruption of effectless.] Spiritless; weak; worthless. [Scot]

feck"less*ness n. absence of merit.
[WordNet 1.5]

Fecks (?), n. A corruption of the word faith. Shak.

Fec"u*la (?), n.; pl. FeculÆ [L. faecula burnt tartar or salt of tartar, dim. of faex, faecis, sediment, dregs: cf. F. fécule.] Any pulverulent matter obtained from plants by simply breaking down the texture, washing with water, and subsidence. Especially: (a) The nutritious part of wheat; starch or farina; -- called also amylaceous fecula. (b) The green matter of plants; chlorophyll.

Fec"u*lence (?), n. [L. faeculentia dregs, filth: cf. F. féculence.] 1. The state or quality of being feculent; muddiness; foulness.

2. That which is feculent; sediment; lees; dregs.

Fec"u*len*cy (?), n. Feculence.

Fec"u*lent (?), a. [L. faeculentus, fr. faecula: cf. F. féculent. See Fecula.] Foul with extraneous or impure substances; abounding with sediment or excrementitious matter; muddy; thick; turbid.

Both his hands most filthy feculent.
Spenser.

Fec"und (?), a. [L. fecundus, from the root of fetus: cf. F. fécond. see Fetus.] Fruitful in children; prolific. Graunt.

Fec"un*date (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fecundated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fecundating (?).] [L. fecundare, fr. fecundus. See Fecund.] 1. To make fruitful or prolific. W. Montagu.

2. (Biol.) To render fruitful or prolific; to impregnate; as, in flowers the pollen fecundates the ovum through the stigma.

Fec`un*da"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. fécondation.] (Biol.) The act by which, either in animals or plants, material prepared by the generative organs the female organism is brought in contact with matter from the organs of the male, so that a new organism results; impregnation; fertilization.

Fe*cun"di*fy (?), v. t. [Fecund + -fy.] To make fruitful; to fecundate. Johnson.

Fe*cun"di*ty (?), n. [L. fecunditas: cf. F. fécondité. See Fecund.] 1. The quality or power of producing fruit; fruitfulness; especially (Biol.), the quality in female organisms of reproducing rapidly and in great numbers.

2. The power of germinating; as in seeds.

3. The power of bringing forth in abundance; fertility; richness of invention; as, the fecundity of God's creative power. Bentley.

Fed (?), imp. & p. p. of Feed.

Fed"a*ry (?), n. A feodary. [Obs.] Shak.

Fed"er*al (?), a. [L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. F. fédéral. see Faith.] 1. Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually governments or their representatives.

The Romans compelled them, contrary to all federal right, . . . to part with Sardinia.
Grew.

2. Specifically: (a) Composed of states or districts which retain only a subordinate and limited sovereignty, as the Union of the United States, or the Sonderbund of Switzerland. (b) Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer. (c) Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.

Federal Congress. See under Congress.

Fed"er*al, n. See Federalist.

Fed"er*al*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. fédéralisme.] The principles of Federalists or of federal union.

Fed"er*al*ist, n. [Cf. F. fédéraliste.] An advocate of confederation; specifically (Amer. Hist.), a friend of the Constitution of the United States at its formation and adoption; a member of the political party which favored the administration of president Washington.

Fed"er*al*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Federalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Federalizing (?).] [Cf. F. fédéraliser.] To unite in compact, as different States; to confederate for political purposes; to unite by or under the Federal Constitution. Barlow.

Fed"er*a*ry (?), n. [See Federal.] A partner; a confederate; an accomplice. [Obs.] hak.

Fed"er*ate (?), a. [L. foederatus, p. p. of foederare to establish by treaty or league, fr. foedus. See Federal.] United by compact, as sovereignties, states, or nations; joined in confederacy; leagued; confederate; as, federate nations.

Fed`er*a"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. fédération.] 1. The act of uniting in a league; confederation.

2. A league; a confederacy; a federal or confederated government. Burke.

Fed"er*a*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. fédératif.] Uniting in a league; forming a confederacy; federal. "A federative society." Burke.

Fed"i*ty (?), n. [L. foeditas, fr. foedus foul, filthy.] Turpitude; vileness. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.

Fee (fē), n. [OE. fe, feh, feoh, cattle, property, money, fief, AS. feoh cattle, property, money; the senses of "property, money," arising from cattle being used in early times as a medium of exchange or payment, property chiefly consisting of cattle; akin to OS. fehu cattle, property, D. vee cattle, OHG. fihu, fehu, G. vieh, Icel. fē cattle, property, money, Goth. faíhu, L. pecus cattle, pecunia property, money, Skr. paçu cattle, perh. orig., "a fastened or tethered animal," from a root signifying to bind, and perh. akin to E. fang, fair, a.; cf. OF. fie, flu, feu, fleu, fief, F. fief, from German, of the same origin. the sense fief is due to the French. √249. Cf. Feud, Fief, Fellow, Pecuniary.] 1. property; possession; tenure. "Laden with rich fee." Spenser.

Once did she hold the gorgeous East in fee.
Wordsworth.

2. Reward or compensation for services rendered or to be rendered; especially, payment for professional services, of optional amount, or fixed by custom or laws; charge; pay; perquisite; as, the fees of lawyers and physicians; the fees of office; clerk's fees; sheriff's fees; marriage fees, etc.

To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.
Shak.

3. (Feud. Law) A right to the use of a superior's land, as a stipend for services to be performed; also, the land so held; a fief.

4. (Eng. Law) An estate of inheritance supposed to be held either mediately or immediately from the sovereign, and absolutely vested in the owner.

&fist; All the land in England, except the crown land, is of this kind. An absolute fee, or fee simple, is land which a man holds to himself and his heirs forever, who are called tenants in fee simple. In modern writers, by fee is usually meant fee simple. A limited fee may be a qualified or base fee, which ceases with the existence of certain conditions; or a conditional fee, or fee tail, which is limited to particular heirs. Blackstone.

5. (Amer. Law) An estate of inheritance belonging to the owner, and transmissible to his heirs, absolutely and simply, without condition attached to the tenure.

Fee estate (Eng. Law), land or tenements held in fee in consideration or some acknowledgment or service rendered to the lord. -- Fee farm (Law), land held of another in fee, in consideration of an annual rent, without homage, fealty, or any other service than that mentioned in the feoffment; an estate in fee simple, subject to a perpetual rent. Blackstone. -- Fee farm rent (Eng. Law), a perpetual rent reserved upon a conveyance in fee simple. -- Fee fund (Scot. Law), certain court dues out of which the clerks and other court officers are paid. -- Fee simple (Law), an absolute fee; a fee without conditions or limits.

Buy the fee simple of my life for an hour and a quarter.
Shak.

-- Fee tail (Law), an estate of inheritance, limited and restrained to some particular heirs. Burill.

Fee (fē), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feed (fēd); p. pr. & vb. n. Feeing.] To reward for services performed, or to be performed; to recompense; to hire or keep in hire; hence, to bribe.

The patient . . . fees the doctor.
Dryden.

There's not a one of them but in his house
I keep a servant feed.
Shak.

Fee"ble (fē"b'l), a. [Compar. Feebler (-bl&etilde;r); superl. Feeblest (-bl&ebreve;st).] [OE. feble, OF. feble, flebe, floibe, floible, foible, F. faible, L. flebilis to be wept over, lamentable, wretched, fr. flere to weep. Cf. Foible.] 1. Deficient in physical strength; weak; infirm; debilitated.

Carried all the feeble of them upon asses.
2 Chron. xxviii. 15.

2. Wanting force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; not full, loud, bright, strong, rapid, etc.; faint; as, a feeble color; feeble motion. "A lady's feeble voice." Shak.

Fee"ble, v. t. To make feble; to enfeeble. [Obs.]

Shall that victorious hand be feebled here?
Shak.

Fee"ble-mind"ed (?), a. Weak in intellectual power; wanting firmness or constancy; irresolute; vacillating; imbecile. "comfort the feeble-minded." 1 Thess. v. 14.

-- Fee"ble-mind"ed*ness, n.

Fee"ble*ness, n. The quality or condition of being feeble; debility; infirmity.

That shakes for age and feebleness.
Shak.

Fee"bly (?), adv. In a feeble manner.

The restored church . . . contended feebly, and with half a heart.
Macaulay.

Feed (fēd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fed (f&ebreve;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Feeding.] [AS. fēdan, fr. fōda food; akin to OS. fōdian, OFries. fēda, fōda, D. voeden, OHG. fuottan, Icel. fæða, Sw. föda, Dan. föde. √75. See Food.] 1. To give food to; to supply with nourishment; to satisfy the physical huger of.

If thine enemy hunger, feed him.
Rom. xii. 20.

Unreasonable creatures feed their young.
Shak.

2. To satisfy; gratify or minister to, as any sense, talent, taste, or desire.

I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
Shak.

Feeding him with the hope of liberty.
Knolles.

3. To fill the wants of; to supply with that which is used or wasted; as, springs feed ponds; the hopper feeds the mill; to feed a furnace with coal.

4. To nourish, in a general sense; to foster, strengthen, develop, and guard.

Thou shalt feed my people Israel.
2 Sam. v. 2.

Mightiest powers by deepest calms are fed.
B. Cornwall.

5. To graze; to cause to be cropped by feeding, as herbage by cattle; as, if grain is too forward in autumn, feed it with sheep.

Once in three years feed your mowing lands.
Mortimer.

6. To give for food, especially to animals; to furnish for consumption; as, to feed out turnips to the cows; to feed water to a steam boiler.

7. (Mach.) (a) To supply (the material to be operated upon) to a machine; as, to feed paper to a printing press. (b) To produce progressive operation upon or with (as in wood and metal working machines, so that the work moves to the cutting tool, or the tool to the work).

Feed, v. i. 1. To take food; to eat.

Her kid . . . which I afterwards killed because it would not feed.
De Foe.

2. To subject by eating; to satisfy the appetite; to feed one's self (upon something); to prey; -- with on or upon.

Leaving thy trunk for crows to feed upon.
Shak.

3. To be nourished, strengthened, or satisfied, as if by food. "He feeds upon the cooling shade." Spenser.

4. To place cattle to feed; to pasture; to graze.

If a man . . . shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field.
Ex. xxii. 5.

Feed (?), n. 1. That which is eaten; esp., food for beasts; fodder; pasture; hay; grain, ground or whole; as, the best feed for sheep.

2. A grazing or pasture ground. Shak.

3. An allowance of provender given to a horse, cow, etc.; a meal; as, a feed of corn or oats.

4. A meal, or the act of eating. [R.]

For such pleasure till that hour
At feed or fountain never had I found.
Milton.

5. The water supplied to steam boilers.

6. (Mach.) (a) The motion, or act, of carrying forward the stuff to be operated upon, as cloth to the needle in a sewing machine; or of producing progressive operation upon any material or object in a machine, as, in a turning lathe, by moving the cutting tool along or in the work. (b) The supply of material to a machine, as water to a steam boiler, coal to a furnace, or grain to a run of stones. (c) The mechanism by which the action of feeding is produced; a feed motion.

Feed bag, a nose bag containing feed for a horse or mule. -- Feed cloth, an apron for leading cotton, wool, or other fiber, into a machine, as for carding, etc. -- Feed door, a door to a furnace, by which to supply coal. -- Feed head. (a) A cistern for feeding water by gravity to a steam boiler. (b) (Founding) An excess of metal above a mold, which serves to render the casting more compact by its pressure; -- also called a riser, deadhead, or simply feed or head Knight. -- Feed heater. (a) (Steam Engine) A vessel in which the feed water for the boiler is heated, usually by exhaust steam. (b) A boiler or kettle in which is heated food for stock. -- Feed motion, or Feed gear (Mach.), the train of mechanism that gives motion to the part that directly produces the feed in a machine. -- Feed pipe, a pipe for supplying the boiler of a steam engine, etc., with water. -- Feed pump, a force pump for supplying water to a steam boiler, etc. -- Feed regulator, a device for graduating the operation of a feeder. Knight. -- Feed screw, in lathes, a long screw employed to impart a regular motion to a tool rest or tool, or to the work. -- Feed water, water supplied to a steam boiler, etc. -- Feed wheel (Mach.), a kind of feeder. See Feeder, n., 8.

Feed"er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, gives food or supplies nourishment; steward.

A couple of friends, his chaplain and feeder.
Goldsmith.

2. One who furnishes incentives; an encourager. "The feeder of my riots." Shak.

3. One who eats or feeds; specifically, an animal to be fed or fattened.

With eager feeding, food doth choke the feeder.
Shak.

4. One who fattens cattle for slaughter.

5. A stream that flows into another body of water; a tributary; specifically (Hydraulic Engin.), a water course which supplies a canal or reservoir by gravitation or natural flow.

6. A branch railroad, stage line, or the like; a side line which increases the business of the main line.

7. (Mining) (a) A small lateral lode falling into the main lode or mineral vein. Ure. (b) A strong discharge of gas from a fissure; a blower. Raymond.

8. (Mach.) An auxiliary part of a machine which supplies or leads along the material operated upon.

9. (Steam Engine) A device for supplying steam boilers with water as needed.

Feed"ing, n. 1. the act of eating, or of supplying with food; the process of fattening.

2. That which is eaten; food.

3. That which furnishes or affords food, especially for animals; pasture land.

Feeding bottle. See under Bottle.

Fee`-faw`-fum" (?), n. A nonsensical exclamation attributed to giants and ogres; hence, any expression calculated to impose upon the timid and ignorant. "Impudent fee-faw-fums." J. H. Newman.

Fee"jee (?), a. & n. (Ethnol.) See Fijian.

Feel (fēl), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Felt (f&ebreve;lt); p. pr. & vb. n. Feeling.] [AS. fēlan; akin to OS. gifōlian to perceive, D. voelen to feel, OHG. fuolen, G. fühlen, Icel. fālma to grope, and prob. to AS. folm palm of the hand, L. palma. Cf. Fumble, Palm.] 1. To perceive by the touch; to take cognizance of by means of the nerves of sensation distributed all over the body, especially by those of the skin; to have sensation excited by contact of (a thing) with the body or limbs.

Who feel
Those rods of scorpions and those whips of steel.
Creecn.

2. To touch; to handle; to examine by touching; as, feel this piece of silk; hence, to make trial of; to test; often with out.

Come near, . . . that I may feel thee, my son.
Gen. xxvii. 21.

He hath this to feel my affection to your honor.
Shak.

3. To perceive by the mind; to have a sense of; to experience; to be affected by; to be sensible of, or sensitive to; as, to feel pleasure; to feel pain.

Teach me to feel another's woe.
Pope.

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing.
Eccl. viii. 5.

He best can paint them who shall feel them most.
Pope.

Mankind have felt their strength and made it felt.
Byron.

4. To take internal cognizance of; to be conscious of; to have an inward persuasion of.

For then, and not till then, he felt himself.
Shak.

5. To perceive; to observe. [Obs.] Chaucer.

To feel the helm (Naut.), to obey it.

Feel (?), v. i. 1. To have perception by the touch, or by contact of anything with the nerves of sensation, especially those upon the surface of the body.

2. To have the sensibilities moved or affected.

[She] feels with the dignity of a Roman matron
. Burke.

And mine as man, who feel for all mankind.
Pope.

3. To be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, persuasion, physical condition, etc.; to perceive one's self to be; -- followed by an adjective describing the state, etc.; as, to feel assured, grieved, persuaded.

I then did feel full sick.
Shak.

4. To know with feeling; to be conscious; hence, to know certainly or without misgiving.

Garlands . . . which I feel
I am not worthy yet to wear.
Shak.

5. To appear to the touch; to give a perception; to produce an impression by the nerves of sensation; -- followed by an adjective describing the kind of sensation.

Blind men say black feels rough, and white feels smooth.
Dryden.

To feel after, to search for; to seek to find; to seek as a person groping in the dark. "If haply they might feel after him, and find him." Acts xvii. 27.

-- To feel of, to examine by touching.

Feel (?), n. 1. Feeling; perception. [R.]

To intercept and have a more kindly feel of its genial warmth.
Hazlitt.

2. A sensation communicated by touching; impression made upon one who touches or handles; as, this leather has a greasy feel.

The difference between these two tumors will be distinguished by the feel.
S. Sharp.

Feel"er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, feels.

2. (Zoöl.) One of the sense organs or certain animals (as insects), which are used in testing objects by touch and in searching for food; an antenna; a palp.

Insects . . . perpetually feeling and searching before them with their feelers or antennæ.
Derham.

3. Anything, as a proposal, observation, etc., put forth or thrown out in order to ascertain the views of others; something tentative.

Feel"ing, a. 1. Possessing great sensibility; easily affected or moved; as, a feeling heart.

2. Expressive of great sensibility; attended by, or evincing, sensibility; as, he made a feeling representation of his wrongs.

Feel"ing, n. 1. The sense by which the mind, through certain nerves of the body, perceives external objects, or certain states of the body itself; that one of the five senses which resides in the general nerves of sensation distributed over the body, especially in its surface; the sense of touch; nervous sensibility to external objects.

Why was the sight
To such a tender ball as the eye confined, . . .
And not, as feeling, through all parts diffused?
Milton.

2. An act or state of perception by the sense above described; an act of apprehending any object whatever; an act or state of apprehending the state of the soul itself; consciousness.

The apprehension of the good
Gives but the greater feeling to the worse.
Shak.

3. The capacity of the soul for emotional states; a high degree of susceptibility to emotions or states of the sensibility not dependent on the body; as, a man of feeling; a man destitute of feeling.

4. Any state or condition of emotion; the exercise of the capacity for emotion; any mental state whatever; as, a right or a wrong feeling in the heart; our angry or kindly feelings; a feeling of pride or of humility.

A fellow feeling makes one wondrous kind.
Garrick.

Tenderness for the feelings of others.
Macaulay.

5. That quality of a work of art which embodies the mental emotion of the artist, and is calculated to affect similarly the spectator. Fairholt.

Syn. -- Sensation; emotion; passion; sentiment; agitation; opinion. See Emotion, Passion, Sentiment.

Feel"ing*ly, adv. In a feeling manner; pathetically; sympathetically.

Feere (?), n. [See Fere, n.] A consort, husband or wife; a companion; a fere. [Obs.]

Feese (?), n. [Cf. OE. fesien to put to flight, AS. fēsian, f&ymacr;sian, f&ymacr;san, fr. fūs, prompt, willing.] The short run before a leap. [Obs.] Nares.

Feet (?), n. pl. See Foot.

Feet, n. [See Feat, n.] Fact; performance. [Obs.]

Feet"less, a. Destitute of feet; as, feetless birds.

Feeze (?), v. t. [For sense 1, cf. F. visser to screw, vis screw, or 1st E. feaze, v.t.: for sense 2, see Feese.] 1. To turn, as a screw. [Scot] Jamieson.

2. To beat; to chastise; to humble; to worry. [Obs.] [Written also feaze, feize, pheese.] Beau. & Fl.

To feeze up, to work into a passion. [Obs.]

Feeze, n. Fretful excitement. [Obs.] See Feaze.

||Feh"ling (?), n. (Chem.) See Fehling's solution, under Solution.

Feh"mic (?), a. See Vehmic.

Feign (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feigned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feigning.] [OE. feinen, F. feindre (p. pr. feignant), fr. L. fingere; akin to L. figura figure,and E. dough. See Dough, and cf. Figure, Faint, Effigy, Fiction.] 1. To give a mental existence to, as to something not real or actual; to imagine; to invent; hence, to pretend; to form and relate as if true.

There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
Neh. vi. 8.

The poet
Did feign that Orpheus drew trees, stones, and floods.
Shak.

2. To represent by a false appearance of; to pretend; to counterfeit; as, to feign a sickness. Shak.

3. To dissemble; to conceal. [Obs.] Spenser.

Feigned (?), a. Not real or genuine; pretended; counterfeit; insincere; false. "A feigned friend." Shak.

Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Ps. xvii. 1.

-- Feign"ed*ly (#), adv. -- Feign"ed*ness, n.

Her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly.
Jer. iii. 10.

Feigned issue (Law), an issue produced in a pretended action between two parties for the purpose of trying before a jury a question of fact which it becomes necessary to settle in the progress of a cause. Burill. Bouvier.

Feign"er (?), n. One who feigns or pretends.

Feign"ing, a. That feigns; insincere; not genuine; false.

-- Feign"ing*ly, adv.

Feine (?), v. t. & i. To feign. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Feint (?), a. [F. feint, p. p. of feindre to feign. See Feign.] Feigned; counterfeit. [Obs.]

Dressed up into any feint appearance of it.
Locke.

Feint, n. [F. feinte, fr. feint. See Feint, a.] 1. That which is feigned; an assumed or false appearance; a pretense; a stratagem; a fetch.

Courtley's letter is but a feint to get off.
Spectator.

2. A mock blow or attack on one part when another part is intended to be struck; -- said of certain movements in fencing, boxing, war, etc.

Feint, v. i. To make a feint, or mock attack.

||Fei`tsui" (?), n. (Min.) The Chinese name for a highly prized variety of pale green jade. See Jade.

Feize (?), v. t. See Feeze, v. t.

Fel"an*ders (?), n. pl. See Filanders.

{ Feld"spar` (?), Feld"spath` (?) }, n. [G. feldspath; feld field + spath spar.] (Min.) A name given to a group of minerals, closely related in crystalline form, and all silicates of alumina with either potash, soda, lime, or, in one case, baryta. They occur in crystals and crystalline masses, vitreous in luster, and breaking rather easily in two directions at right angles to each other, or nearly so. The colors are usually white or nearly white, flesh-red, bluish, or greenish.

&fist; The group includes the monoclinic (orthoclastic) species orthoclase or common potash feldspar, and the rare hyalophane or baryta feldspar; also the triclinic species (called in general plagioclase) microcline, like orthoclase a potash feldspar; anorthite or lime feldspar; albite or soda feldspar; also intermediate between the last two species, labradorite, andesine, oligoclase, containing both lime and soda in varying amounts. The feldspars are essential constituents of nearly all crystalline rocks, as granite, gneiss, mica, slate, most kinds of basalt and trachyte, etc. The decomposition of feldspar has yielded a large part of the clay of the soil, also the mineral kaolin, an essential material in the making of fine pottery. Common feldspar is itself largely used for the same purpose.

{ Feld*spath"ic (?), Feld*spath"ose (?) }, a. Pertaining to, or consisting of, feldspar.

Fele (?), a. [AS. fela, feola; akin to G. viel, gr. &?;. See Full, a.] Many. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fe*lic"ify (?), v. t. [L. felix happy + -fy.] To make happy; to felicitate. [Obs.] Quarles.

Fe*lic"i*tate (?), a. [L. felicitatus, p. p. of felicitare to felicitate, fr. felix, -icis, happy. See felicity.] Made very happy. [Archaic]

I am alone felicitate
In your dear highness' love.
Shak.

Fe*lic"i*tate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Felicitated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. felicitating.] [Cf. F. féliciter.] 1. To make very happy; to delight.

What a glorious entertainment and pleasure would fill and felicitate his spirit.
I. Watts.

2. To express joy or pleasure to; to wish felicity to; to call or consider (one's self) happy; to congratulate.

Every true heart must felicitate itself that its lot is cast in this kingdom.
W. Howitt.

Syn. -- See Congratulate.

Fe*lic`i*ta"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. félicitation.] The act of felicitating; a wishing of joy or happiness; congratulation.

Fe*lic"i*tous (?), a. Characterized by felicity; happy; prosperous; delightful; skillful; successful; happily applied or expressed; appropriate.

Felicitous words and images.
M. Arnold.

-- Fe*lic"i*tous*ly, adv. -- Fe*lic"i*tous*ness, n.

Fe*lic"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Felicities (#). [OE. felicite, F. félicité, fr. L. felicitas, fr. felix, -icis, happy, fruitful; akin to fetus.] 1. The state of being happy; blessedness; blissfulness; enjoyment of good.

Our own felicity we make or find.
Johnson.

Finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity.
Book of Common Prayer.

2. That which promotes happiness; a successful or gratifying event; prosperity; blessing.

the felicities of her wonderful reign.
Atterbury.

3. A pleasing faculty or accomplishment; as, felicity in painting portraits, or in writing or talking. "Felicity of expression." Bp. Warburton.

Syn. -- Happiness; bliss; beatitude; blessedness; blissfulness. See Happiness.

Fe"line (?), a. [L. felinus, fr. feles, felis, cat, prob. orig., the fruitful: cf. F. félin. See Fetus.] 1. (Zoöl.) Catlike; of or pertaining to the genus Felis, or family Felidæ; as, the feline race; feline voracity.

2. Characteristic of cats; sly; stealthy; treacherous; as, a feline nature; feline manners.

||Fe"lis (?), n. [L., cat.] (Zoöl.) A genus of carnivorous mammals, including the domestic cat, the lion, tiger, panther, and similar animals.

Fell (?), imp. of Fall.

Fell, a. [OE. fel, OF. fel cruel, fierce, perfidious; cf. AS. fel (only in comp.) OF. fel, as a noun also accus. felon, is fr. LL. felo, of unknown origin; cf. Arm fall evil, Ir. feal, Arm. falloni treachery, Ir. & Gael. feall to betray; or cf. OHG. fillan to flay, torment, akin to E. fell skin. Cf. Felon.] 1. Cruel; barbarous; inhuman; fierce; savage; ravenous.

While we devise fell tortures for thy faults.
Shak.

2. Eager; earnest; intent. [Obs.]

I am so fell to my business.
Pepys.

Fell, n. [Cf. L. fel gall, bile, or E. fell, a.] Gall; anger; melancholy. [Obs.]

Untroubled of vile fear or bitter fell.
Spenser.

Fell, n. [AS. fell; akin to D. vel, OHG. fel, G. fell, Icel. fell (in comp.), Goth fill in þrutsfill leprosy, L. pellis skin, G. &?;. Cf. Film, Peel, Pell, n.] A skin or hide of a beast with the wool or hair on; a pelt; -- used chiefly in composition, as woolfell.

We are still handling our ewes, and their fells, you know, are greasy.
Shak.

Fell (?), n. [Icel. fell, fjally; akin to Sw. fjäll a ridge or chain of mountains, Dan. fjeld mountain, rock and prob. to G. fels rock, or perh. to feld field, E. field.] 1. A barren or rocky hill. T. Gray.

2. A wild field; a moor. Dryton.

Fell, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Felled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Felling.] [AS. fellan, a causative verb fr. feallan to fall; akin to D. vellen, G. fällen, Icel. fella, Sw. fälla, Dan. fælde. See Fall, v. i.] To cause to fall; to prostrate; to bring down or to the ground; to cut down.

Stand, or I'll fell thee down.
Shak.

Fell, n. (Mining) The finer portions of ore which go through the meshes, when the ore is sorted by sifting.

Fell, v. t. [Cf. Gael. fill to fold, plait, Sw. fåll a hem.] To sew or hem; -- said of seams.

Fell, n. 1. (Sewing) A form of seam joining two pieces of cloth, the edges being folded together and the stitches taken through both thicknesses.

2. (Weaving) The end of a web, formed by the last thread of the weft.

Fell"a*ble (?), a. Fit to be felled.

||Fel"lah (?), n.; pl. Ar. Fellahin (#), E. Fellahs (#). [Ar.] A peasant or cultivator of the soil among the Egyptians, Syrians, etc. W. M. Thomson.

Fell"er (?), n. One who, or that which, fells, knocks or cuts down; a machine for felling trees.

Fell"er, n. An appliance to a sewing machine for felling a seam.

Fell"fare` (?), n. [Cf. AS. fealafor, and E. fieldfare.] (Zoöl.) The fieldfare.

Fel*lif"lu*ous (?), a. [L. fellifuus; fel gall + fluere to flow.] Flowing with gall. [R.] Johnson.

Fel*lin"ic (?), a. [L. fel, fellis, gall.] Of, relating to, or derived from, bile or gall; as, fellinic acid.

Fell"mon`ger (?), n. A dealer in fells or sheepskins, who separates the wool from the pelts.

Fell"ness, n. [See Fell cruel.] The quality or state of being fell or cruel; fierce barbarity. Spenser.

Fel"loe (?), n. See Felly.

Fel"lon (?), n. Variant of Felon. [Obs.]

Those two were foes the fellonest on ground.
Spenser.

Fel"low (?), n. [OE. felawe, felaghe, Icel. fēlagi, fr. fēlag companionship, prop., a laying together of property; fē property + lag a laying, pl. lög law, akin to liggja to lie. See Fee, and Law, Lie to be low.] 1. A companion; a comrade; an associate; a partner; a sharer.

The fellows of his crime.
Milton.

We are fellows still,
Serving alike in sorrow.
Shak.

That enormous engine was flanked by two fellows almost of equal magnitude.
Gibbon.

&fist; Commonly used of men, but sometimes of women. Judges xi. 37.

2. A man without good breeding or worth; an ignoble or mean man.

Worth makes the man, and want of it, the fellow.
Pope.

3. An equal in power, rank, character, etc.

It is impossible that ever Rome
Should breed thy fellow.
Shak.

4. One of a pair, or of two things used together or suited to each other; a mate; the male.

When they be but heifers of one year, . . . they are let go to the fellow and breed.
Holland.

This was my glove; here is the fellow of it.
Shak.

5. A person; an individual.

She seemed to be a good sort of fellow.
Dickens.

6. In the English universities, a scholar who is appointed to a foundation called a fellowship, which gives a title to certain perquisites and privileges.

7. In an American college or university, a member of the corporation which manages its business interests; also, a graduate appointed to a fellowship, who receives the income of the foundation.

8. A member of a literary or scientific society; as, a Fellow of the Royal Society.

&fist; Fellow is often used in compound words, or adjectively, signifying associate, companion, or sometimes equal. Usually, such compounds or phrases are self- explanatory; as, fellow-citizen, or fellow citizen; fellow-student, or fellow student; fellow- workman, or fellow workman; fellow-mortal, or fellow mortal; fellow-sufferer; bedfellow; playfellow; workfellow.

Were the great duke himself here, and would lift up
My head to fellow pomp amongst his nobles.
Ford.

Fel"low (?), v. t. To suit with; to pair with; to match. [Obs.] Shak.

Fel"low-com"mon*er (?), n. A student at Cambridge University, England, who commons, or dines, at the Fellow's table.

Fel"low-crea"ture (?; 135), n. One of the same race or kind; one made by the same Creator.

Reason, by which we are raised above our fellow- creatures, the brutes.
I. Watts.

Fel"low*feel" (?), v. t. To share through sympathy; to participate in. [R.] D. Rodgers.

Fel"low-feel"ing, n. 1. Sympathy; a like feeling.

2. Joint interest. [Obs.] Arbuthnot.

Fel"low*less, a. Without fellow or equal; peerless.

Whose well-built walls are rare and fellowless.
Chapman.

Fel"low*like` (?), a. Like a companion; companionable; on equal terms; sympathetic. [Obs.] Udall.

Fel"low*ly, a. Fellowlike. [Obs.] Shak.

Fel"low*ship (?), n. [Fellow + -ship.] 1. The state or relation of being or associate.

2. Companionship of persons on equal and friendly terms; frequent and familiar intercourse.

In a great town, friends are scattered, so that there is not that fellowship which is in less neighborhods.
Bacon.

Men are made for society and mutual fellowship.
Calamy.

3. A state of being together; companionship; partnership; association; hence, confederation; joint interest.

The great contention of the sea and skies
Parted our fellowship.
Shak.

Fellowship in pain divides not smart
. Milton.

Fellowship in woe doth woe assuage
. Shak.

The goodliest fellowship of famous knights,
Whereof this world holds record.
Tennyson.

4. Those associated with one, as in a family, or a society; a company.

The sorrow of Noah with his fellowship.
Chaucer.

With that a joyous fellowship issued
Of minstrels.
Spenser.

5. (Eng. & Amer. Universities) A foundation for the maintenance, on certain conditions, of a scholar called a fellow, who usually resides at the university.

6. (Arith.) The rule for dividing profit and loss among partners; -- called also partnership, company, and distributive proportion.

Good fellowship, companionableness; the spirit and disposition befitting comrades.

There's neither honesty, manhood, nor good fellowship in thee.
Shak.

Fel"low*ship (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fellowshiped (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n.. Fellowshiping.] (Eccl.) To acknowledge as of good standing, or in communion according to standards of faith and practice; to admit to Christian fellowship.

Fel"ly (?), adv. In a fell or cruel manner; fiercely; barbarously; savagely. Spenser.

Fel"ly, n.; pl. Fellies (&?;). [OE. feli, felwe, felow, AS. felg, felge; akin to D. velg, G. felge, OHG. felga felly (also, a harrow, but prob. a different word), Dan. felge.] The exterior wooden rim, or a segment of the rim, of a wheel, supported by the spokes. [Written also felloe.]

Break all the spokes and fellies from her wheel.
Shak.

||Fe"lo-de-se` (?), n.; pl. Felos-de-se (#). [LL. felo, E. felon + de of, concerning + se self.] (Law) One who deliberately puts an end to his own existence, or loses his life while engaged in the commission of an unlawful or malicious act; a suicide. Burrill.

Fel"on (?), n. [OE., adj., cruel, n., villain, ruffian, traitor, whitlow, F. félon traitor, in OF. also, villain, fr. LL. felo. See Fell, a.] 1. (Law) A person who has committed a felony.

2. A person guilty or capable of heinous crime.

3. (Med.) A kind of whitlow; a painful imflammation of the periosteum of a finger, usually of the last joint.

Syn. -- Criminal; convict; malefactor; culprit.

Fel"on, a. Characteristic of a felon; malignant; fierce; malicious; cruel; traitorous; disloyal.

Vain shows of love to vail his felon hate.
Pope.

Fe*lo"ni*ous (?), a. Having the quality of felony; malignant; malicious; villainous; traitorous; perfidious; in a legal sense, done with intent to commit a crime; as, felonious homicide.

O thievish Night,
Why should'st thou, but for some felonious end,
In thy dark lantern thus close up the stars?
Milton.

-- Fe*lo"ni*ous*ly, adv. -- Fe*lo"ni*ous*ness, n.

Fel"o*nous (?), a. [Cf. OF. feloneus. Cf. Felonious.] Wicked; felonious. [Obs.] Spenser.

Fel"on*ry (?), n. A body of felons; specifically, the convict population of a penal colony. Howitt.

Fel"on*wort` (?), n. (Bot.) The bittersweet nightshade (Solanum Dulcamara). See Bittersweet.

Fel"o*ny (?), n.; pl. Felonies (#). [OE. felonie cruelty, OF. felonie, F. félonie treachery, malice. See Felon, n.] 1. (Feudal Law) An act on the part of the vassal which cost him his fee by forfeiture. Burrill.

2. (O. Eng. Law) An offense which occasions a total forfeiture either lands or goods, or both, at the common law, and to which capital or other punishment may be added, according to the degree of guilt.

3. A heinous crime; especially, a crime punishable by death or imprisonment.

&fist; Forfeiture for crime having been generally abolished in the United States, the term felony, in American law, has lost this point of distinction; and its meaning, where not fixed by statute, is somewhat vague and undefined; generally, however, it is used to denote an offense of a high grade, punishable either capitally or by a term of imprisonment. In Massachusetts, by statute, any crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison, and no other, is a felony; so in New York. the tendency now is to obliterate the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors; and this has been done partially in England, and completely in some of the States of the Union. The distinction is purely arbitrary, and its entire abolition is only a question of time.

&fist; There is no lawyer who would undertake to tell what a felony is, otherwise than by enumerating the various kinds of offenses which are so called. originally, the word felony had a meaning: it denoted all offenses the penalty of which included forfeiture of goods; but subsequent acts of Parliament have declared various offenses to be felonies, without enjoining that penalty, and have taken away the penalty from others, which continue, nevertheless, to be called felonies, insomuch that the acts so called have now no property whatever in common, save that of being unlawful and purnishable. J. S. Mill.

To compound a felony. See under Compound, v. t.

Fel"site (?), n. [Cf. Feldspar.] (Min.) A finegrained rock, flintlike in fracture, consisting essentially of orthoclase feldspar with occasional grains of quartz.

Fel*sit"ic (?), a. relating to, composed of, or containing, felsite.

{ Fel"spar` (?), Fel"spath` (?) }, n. (Min.) See Feldspar.

Fel*spath"ic (?), a. See Feldspathic.

Fel"stone` (?), n. [From G. feldstein, in analogy with E. felspar.] (Min.) See Felsite.

Felt (?), imp. & p. p. or a. from Feel.

Felt (?), n. [AS. felt; akin to D. vilt, G. filz, and possibly to Gr. &?; hair or wool wrought into felt, L. pilus hair, pileus a felt cap or hat.] 1. A cloth or stuff made of matted fibers of wool, or wool and fur, fulled or wrought into a compact substance by rolling and pressure, with lees or size, without spinning or weaving.

It were a delicate stratagem to shoe
A troop of horse with felt.
Shak.

2. A hat made of felt. Thynne.

3. A skin or hide; a fell; a pelt. [Obs.]

To know whether sheep are sound or not, see that the felt be loose.
Mortimer.

Felt grain, the grain of timber which is transverse to the annular rings or plates; the direction of the medullary rays in oak and some other timber. Knight.

Felt, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Felted; p. pr. & vb. n. Felting.] 1. To make into felt, or a feltike substance; to cause to adhere and mat together. Sir M. Hale.

2. To cover with, or as with, felt; as, to felt the cylinder of a steam engine.

Felt"er (?), v. t. To clot or mat together like felt.

His feltered locks that on his bosom fell.
Fairfax.

Felt"ing, n. 1. The material of which felt is made; also, felted cloth; also, the process by which it is made.

2. The act of splitting timber by the felt grain.

Fel"try (?), n. [OF. feltre.] See Felt, n. [Obs.]

Fe*luc"ca (&?;), n. [It. feluca (cf. Sp. faluca, Pg. falua), fr. Ar. fulk ship, or harrāqah a sort of ship.] (Naut.) A small, swift-sailing vessel, propelled by oars and lateen sails, -- once common in the Mediterranean. Sometimes it is constructed so that the helm may be used at either end.

Fel"wort` (?), n. [Probably a corruption of fieldwort.] (Bot.) A European herb (Swertia perennis) of the Gentian family.

Fe"male (?), n. [OE. femel, femal, F. femelle, fr. L. femella, dim. of femina woman. See Feminine.] 1. An individual of the sex which conceives and brings forth young, or (in a wider sense) which has an ovary and produces ova.

The male and female of each living thing.
Drayton.

2. (Bot.) A plant which produces only that kind of reproductive organs which are capable of developing into fruit after impregnation or fertilization; a pistillate plant.

Fe"male, a. 1. Belonging to the sex which conceives and gives birth to young, or (in a wider sense) which produces ova; not male.

As patient as the female dove
When that her golden couplets are disclosed.
Shak.

2. Belonging to an individual of the female sex; characteristic of woman; feminine; as, female tenderness. "Female usurpation.'b8 Milton.

To the generous decision of a female mind, we owe the discovery of America.
Belknap.

3. (Bot.) Having pistils and no stamens; pistillate; or, in cryptogamous plants, capable of receiving fertilization.

Female rhymes (Pros.), double rhymes, or rhymes (called in French feminine rhymes because they end in e weak, or feminine) in which two syllables, an accented and an unaccented one, correspond at the end of each line.

&fist; A rhyme, in which the final syllables only agree (strain, complain) is called a male rhyme; one in which the two final syllables of each verse agree, the last being short (motion, ocean), is called female. Brande & C.

-- Female screw, the spiral-threaded cavity into which another, or male, screw turns. Nicholson. -- Female fern (Bot.), a common species of fern with large decompound fronds (Asplenium Filixfæmina), growing in many countries; lady fern.

&fist; The names male fern and female fern were anciently given to two common ferns; but it is now understood that neither has any sexual character.

Syn. -- Female, Feminine. We apply female to the sex or individual, as opposed to male; also, to the distinctive belongings of women; as, female dress, female form, female character, etc.; feminine, to things appropriate to, or affected by, women; as, feminine studies, employments, accomplishments, etc. "Female applies to sex rather than gender, and is a physiological rather than a grammatical term. Feminine applies to gender rather than sex, and is grammatical rather than physiological." Latham.

Fe"mal*ist (?), n. A gallant. [Obs.]

Courting her smoothly like a femalist.
Marston.

Fe"mal*ize (?), v. t. To make, or to describe as, female or feminine. Shaftesbury.

||Feme (f&ebreve;m or făm), n. [OF. feme, F. femme.] (Old Law) A woman. Burrill.

Feme covert (Law), a married woman. See Covert, a., 3. -- Feme sole (Law), a single or unmarried woman; a woman who has never been married, or who has been divorced, or whose husband is dead. -- Feme sole trader or merchant (Eng. Law), a married woman, who, by the custom of London, engages in business on her own account, inpendently of her husband.

Fem"er*al (?), n. (Arch.) See Femerell.

Fem"er*ell (?), n. [OF. fumeraille part of a chimney. See Fume.] (Arch.) A lantern, or louver covering, placed on a roof, for ventilation or escape of smoke.

Fem"i*nal (?), a. Feminine. [Obs.] West.

Fem`i*nal"i*ty (?), n. Feminity.

Fem"i*nate (?), a. [L. feminatus effeminate.] Feminine. [Obs.]

Fem`i*ne"i*ty (?), n. [L. femineus womanly.] Womanliness; femininity. C. Reade.

Fem"i*nine (?), a. [L. femininus, fr. femina woman; prob. akin to L. fetus, or to Gr. qh^sqai to suck, qh^sai to suckle, Skr. dhā to suck; cf. AS. f&aemacr;mme woman, maid: cf. F. féminin. See Fetus.] 1. Of or pertaining to a woman, or to women; characteristic of a woman; womanish; womanly.

Her letters are remarkably deficient in feminine ease and grace.
Macaulay.

2. Having the qualities of a woman; becoming or appropriate to the female sex; as, in a good sense, modest, graceful, affectionate, confiding; or, in a bad sense, weak, nerveless, timid, pleasure-loving, effeminate.

Her heavenly form
Angelic, but more soft and feminine.
Milton.

Ninus being esteemed no man of war at all, but altogether feminine, and subject to ease and delicacy.
Sir W. Raleigh.

Feminine rhyme. (Pros.) See Female rhyme, under Female, a.

Syn. -- See Female, a.

Fem"i*nine, n. 1. A woman. [Obs. or Colloq.]

They guide the feminines toward the palace.
Hakluyt.

2. (Gram.) Any one of those words which are the appellations of females, or which have the terminations usually found in such words; as, actress, songstress, abbess, executrix.

There are but few true feminines in English.
Latham.

Fem"i*nine*ly, adv. In a feminine manner. Byron.

Fem"i*nine*ness, n. The quality of being feminine; womanliness; womanishness.

Fem`i*nin"i*ty (?), n. 1. The quality or nature of the female sex; womanliness.

2. The female form. [Obs.]

O serpent under femininitee.
Chaucer.

Fe*min"i*ty (?), n. Womanliness; femininity. [Obs.] "Trained up in true feminity." Spenser.

Fem`i*ni*za"tion (?), n. The act of feminizing, or the state of being feminized.

Fem"i*nize (?), v. t. [Cf. F. féminiser.] To make womanish or effeminate. Dr. H. More.

Fem"i*nye (?), n. [OF. femenie, feminie, the female sex, realm of women.] The people called Amazons. [Obs.] "[The reign of] feminye." Chaucer.

||Femme (? or ?), n. [F.] A woman. See Feme, n.

Femme de chambre (?). [F.] A lady's maid; a chambermaid.

Fem"o*ral (?), a. [L. femur, femoris, thigh: cf. F. fémoral.] Pertaining to the femur or thigh; as, the femoral artery. "Femoral habiliments." Sir W. Scott.

||Fe"mur (fē"mŭr), n.; pl. Femora (f&ebreve;m"&osl;*r&adot;). [L. thigh.] (Anat.) (a) The thigh bone. (b) The proximal segment of the hind limb containing the thigh bone; the thigh. See Coxa.

Fen (?), n. [AS. fen, fenn, marsh, mud, dirt; akin to D. veen, OFries. fenne, fene, OHG. fenna, G. fenn, Icel. fen, Goth. fani mud.] Low land overflowed, or covered wholly or partially with water, but producing sedge, coarse grasses, or other aquatic plants; boggy land; moor; marsh.

'Mid reedy fens wide spread.
Wordsworth.

&fist; Fen is used adjectively with the sense of belonging to, or of the nature of, a fen or fens.

Fen boat, a boat of light draught used in marshes. -- Fen duck (Zoöl.), a wild duck inhabiting fens; the shoveler. [Prov. Eng.] -- Fen fowl (Zoöl.), any water fowl that frequent fens. -- Fen goose (Zoöl.), the graylag goose of Europe. [Prov. Eng.] -- Fen land, swamp land.

Fence (?), n. [Abbrev. from defence.] 1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.

Let us be backed with God and with the seas,
Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
Shak.

A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
Addison.

2. An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.

Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
Milton.

&fist; In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence.

3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.

4. Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.

Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,
That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
Milton.

Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
Macaulay.

5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang] Mayhew.

Fence month (Forest Law), the month in which female deer are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. Bullokar. -- Fence roof, a covering for defense. "They fitted their shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof." Holland. -- Fence time, the breeding time of fish or game, when they should not be killed. -- Rail fence, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by posts. -- Ring fence, a fence which encircles a large area, or a whole estate, within one inclosure. -- Worm fence, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one another at their ends; -- called also snake fence, or Virginia rail fence. -- To be on the fence, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies. [Colloq.]

Fence, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fenced (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Fencing (?).] 1. To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.

To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
Milton.

2. To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure.

O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,
And fence not Athens.
Shak.

A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
Shak.

To fence the tables (Scot. Church), to make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table. McCheyne.

Fence (?), v. i. 1. To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.

Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against.
Locke.

2. To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.

He will fence with his own shadow.
Shak.

3. Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.

They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;
Their dewlaps and their sides are bat&?;ed in gore.
Dryden.

As when a billow, blown against,
Falls back, the voice with which I fenced
A little ceased, but recommenced.
Tennyson.

Fence"ful (?), a. Affording defense; defensive. [Obs.] Congreve.

Fence"less, a. Without a fence; uninclosed; open; unguarded; defenseless. Milton.

Fen"cer (?), n. One who fences; one who teaches or practices the art of fencing with sword or foil.

As blunt as the fencer's foils.
Shak.

Fen"ci-ble (?), a. Capable of being defended, or of making or affording defense. [Obs.]

No fort so fencible, nor walls so strong.
Spenser.

Fen"ci*ble, n. (Mil.) A soldier enlisted for home service only; -- usually in the pl.

Fen"cing (?), n. 1. The art or practice of attack and defense with the sword, esp. with the smallsword. See Fence, v. i., 2.

2. Disputing or debating in a manner resembling the art of fencers. Shak.

3. The materials used for building fences. [U.S.]

4. The act of building a fence.

5. The aggregate of the fences put up for inclosure or protection; as, the fencing of a farm.

Fen" crick`et (?). (Zoöl.) The mole cricket. [Prov. Eng.]

Fend (?), n. A fiend. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fend (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fended; p. pr. & vb. n. Fending.] [Abbrev. fr. defend.] To keep off; to prevent from entering or hitting; to ward off; to shut out; -- often with off; as, to fend off blows.

With fern beneath to fend the bitter cold.
Dryden.

To fend off a boat or vessel (Naut.), to prevent its running against anything with too much violence.

Fend, v. i. To act on the defensive, or in opposition; to resist; to parry; to shift off.

The dexterous management of terms, and being able to fend . . . with them, passes for a great part of learning.
Locke.

Fen"der (?), n. [From Fend, v. t. & i., cf. Defender.] One who or that which defends or protects by warding off harm; as: (a) A screen to prevent coals or sparks of an open fire from escaping to the floor. (b) Anything serving as a cushion to lessen the shock when a vessel comes in contact with another vessel or a wharf. (c) A screen to protect a carriage from mud thrown off the wheels: also, a splashboard. (d) Anything set up to protect an exposed angle, as of a house, from damage by carriage wheels.

Fend"liche (?), a. Fiendlike. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fen"er*ate (?), v. i. [L. faeneratus, p. p. of faenerari lend on interest, fr. faenus interest.] To put money to usury; to lend on interest. [Obs.] Cockeram.

Fen`er*a"tion (?), n. [L. faeneratio.] The act of fenerating; interest. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

||Fen`es-tel"la (?), n. [L., dim. of fenestra &?; window.] (Arch.) Any small windowlike opening or recess, esp. one to show the relics within an altar, or the like.

||Fe*nes"tra (?), n.; pl. Fenestræ (#). [L., a window.] (Anat.) A small opening; esp., one of the apertures, closed by membranes, between the tympanum and internal ear.

Fe*nes"tral (?), a. [L. fenestra a window.] 1. (Arch.) Pertaining to a window or to windows.

2. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to a fenestra.

Fe*nes"tral, n. (Arch.) A casement or window sash, closed with cloth or paper instead of glass. Weale.

Fe*nes"trate (?), a. [L. fenestratus, p. p. of fenestrare to furnish with openings and windows.] 1. Having numerous openings; irregularly reticulated; as, fenestrate membranes; fenestrate fronds.

2. (Zoöl.) Having transparent spots, as the wings of certain butterflies.

Fe*nes"tra*ted (?), a. 1. (Arch.) Having windows; characterized by windows.

2. Same as Fenestrate.

Fen`es*tra"tion (?), n. 1. (Arch.) The arrangement and proportioning of windows; -- used by modern writers for the decorating of an architectural composition by means of the window (and door) openings, their ornaments, and proportions.

2. (Anat.) The state or condition of being fenestrated.

Fe*nes"trule (?), n. [L. fenestrula a little window, dim. of fenestra a window.] (Zoöl.) One of the openings in a fenestrated structure.

Fen"gite (?), n. (Min.) A kind of marble or alabaster, sometimes used for windows on account of its transparency.

Fe"ni*an (?), n. [From the Finians or Fenii, the old militia of Ireland, who were so called from Fin or Finn, Fionn, or Fingal, a popular hero of Irish traditional history.] A member of a secret organization, consisting mainly of Irishmen, having for its aim the overthrow of English rule in Ireland.

Fe"ni*an (?), a. Pertaining to Fenians or to Fenianism.

Fe"ni*an*ism (?), n. The principles, purposes, and methods of the Fenians.

Fenks (f&ebreve;&nsm;ks), n. The refuse whale blubber, used as a manure, and in the manufacture of Prussian blue. Ure.

Fen"nec (f&ebreve;n"n&ebreve;k), n. [Ar. fanek.] (Zoöl.) A small, African, foxlike animal (Vulpes zerda) of a pale fawn color, remarkable for the large size of its ears.

Fen"nel (f&ebreve;n"n&ebreve;l), n. [AS. fenol, finol, from L. feniculum, faeniculum, dim. of fenum, faenum, hay: cf. F. fenouil. Cf. Fenugreek. Finochio.] (Bot.) A perennial plant of the genus Fæniculum (F. vulgare), having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds.

Smell of sweetest fennel.
Milton.

A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling bottle of the tender sex.
S. G. Goodrich.

Azorean, or Sweet, fennel, (Fæniculum dulce). It is a smaller and stouter plant than the common fennel, and is used as a pot herb. -- Dog's fennel (Anthemis Cotula), a foul- smelling European weed; -- called also mayweed. -- Fennel flower (Bot.), an herb (Nigella) of the Buttercup family, having leaves finely divided, like those of the fennel. N. Damascena is common in gardens. N. sativa furnishes the fennel seed, used as a condiment, etc., in India. These seeds are the "fitches" mentioned in Isaiah (xxviii. 25). -- Fennel water (Med.), the distilled water of fennel seed. It is stimulant and carminative. -- Giant fennel (Ferula communis), has stems full of pith, which, it is said, were used to carry fire, first, by Prometheus. -- Hog's fennel, a European plant (Peucedanum officinale) looking something like fennel.

Fen"nish (?), a. Abounding in fens; fenny.

Fen"ny (?), a. [AS. fennig.] Pertaining to, or inhabiting, a fen; abounding in fens; swampy; boggy. "Fenny snake." Shak.

Fen"owed (?), a. [AS. fynig musty, fynegean to become musty or filthy: cf. fennig fenny, muddy, dirty, fr. fen fen. Cf. Finew.] Corrupted; decayed; moldy. See Vinnewed. [Obs.] Dr. Favour.

Fen"si-ble (?), a. Fencible. [Obs.] Spenser.

Fen"-sucked` (?), a. Sucked out of marches. "Fen-sucked fogs." Shak.

Fen"u*greek (? or ?), n. [L. faenum Graecum, lit., Greek hay: cf. F. fenugrec. Cf. Fennel.] (Bot.) A plant (trigonella Fœnum Græcum) cultivated for its strong-smelling seeds, which are "now only used for giving false importance to horse medicine and damaged hay." J. Smith (Pop. Names of Plants, 1881).

Feod (?), n. A feud. See 2d Feud. Blackstone.

Feod"al (?), a. Feudal. See Feudal.

Feo*dal"i*ty (?), n. Feudal tenure; the feudal system. See Feudality. Burke.

Feod"a*ry (?), n. 1. An accomplice.

Art thou a feodary for this act?
Shak.

2. (Eng. Law) An ancient officer of the court of wards. Burrill.

Feod"a*to*ry (?), n. See Feudatory.

Feoff (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feoffed (#); p. pr. & vb. n.. Feoffing.] [OE. feffen, OF. feffer, fieffer, F. fieffer, fr. fief fief; cf. LL. feoffare, fefare. See Fief.] (Law) To invest with a fee or feud; to give or grant a corporeal hereditament to; to enfeoff.

Feoff, n. (Law) A fief. See Fief.

Feof*fee" (?; 277), n. [OF. feoffé.] (Law) The person to whom a feoffment is made; the person enfeoffed.

Feoff"ment (?), n. [OF. feoffement, fieffement; cf. LL. feoffamentum.] (Law) (a) The grant of a feud or fee. (b) (Eng. Law) A gift or conveyance in fee of land or other corporeal hereditaments, accompanied by actual delivery of possession. Burrill.

(c) The instrument or deed by which corporeal hereditaments are conveyed. [Obs. in the U.S., Rare in Eng.]

{ Feo"for (?), Feof"fer (?) }, n. [OF. feoour.] (Law) One who enfeoffs or grants a fee.

Fer (?), a. & adv. Far. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fe*ra"cious (?), a. [L. ferax, -acis, fr. ferre to bear.] Fruitful; producing abundantly. [R.] Thomson.

Fe*rac"i*ty (?), n. [L. feracitas.] The state of being feracious or fruitful. [Obs.] Beattie.

||Fe"ræ (?), n. pl. [L., wild animals, fem. pl. of ferus wild.] (Zoöl.) A group of mammals which formerly included the Carnivora, Insectivora, Marsupialia, and lemurs, but is now often restricted to the Carnivora.

||Fe"ræ na*tu"ræ (?). [L.] Of a wild nature; -- applied to animals, as foxes, wild ducks, etc., in which no one can claim property.

Fe"ral (?), a. [L. ferus. See Fierce.] (Bot. & Zoöl.) Wild; untamed; ferine; not domesticated; -- said of beasts, birds, and plants.

Fe"ral, a. [L. feralis, belonging to the dead.] Funereal; deadly; fatal; dangerous. [R.] "Feral accidents." Burton.

Ferde (?), obs. imp. of Fare. Chaucer.

||Fer`-de-lance" (?), n. [F., the iron of a lance, lance head.] (Zoöl.) A large, venomous serpent (Trigonocephalus lanceolatus) of Brazil and the West Indies. It is allied to the rattlesnake, but has no rattle.

Fer"ding (?), n. [See Farthing.] A measure of land mentioned in Domesday Book. It is supposed to have consisted of a few acres only. [Obs.]

Ferd"ness (?), n. [OE. ferd fear. See Fear.] Fearfulness. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fere (?), n. [OE. fere companion, AS. gefēra, from fēran to go, travel, faran to travel. √78. See Fare.] A mate or companion; -- often used of a wife. [Obs.] [Written also fear and feere.] Chaucer.

And Cambel took Cambrina to his fere.
Spenser.

In fere, together; in company. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fere, a. [Cf. L. ferus wild.] Fierce. [Obs.]

Fere, n. [See Fire.] Fire. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fere, n. [See Fear.] Fear. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fere, v. t. & i. To fear. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fer`e*to*ry (?), n. [L. feretrum bier, Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to bear, akin to L. ferre, E. bear to support.] A portable bier or shrine, variously adorned, used for containing relics of saints. Mollett.

Fer"forth` (?), adv. Far forth. [Obs.]

As ferforth as, as far as. -- So ferforth, to such a degree.

Fer"forth`ly, adv. Ferforth. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fer"gu*son*ite (?), n. (Min.) A mineral of a brownish black color, essentially a tantalo- niobate of yttrium, erbium, and cerium; -- so called after Robert Ferguson.

||Fe"ri*a (?), n.; pl. Feriæ (&?;). (Eccl.) A week day, esp. a day which is neither a festival nor a fast. Shipley.

Fe"ri*al (?), n. Same as Feria.

Fe"ri*al, a. [LL. ferialis, fr. L. ferie holidays: cf. F. férial. See 5th Fair.] 1. Of or pertaining to holidays. [Obs.] J. Gregory.

2. Belonging to any week day, esp. to a day that is neither a festival nor a fast.

Fe`ri*a"tion (?), n. [L. feriari to keep holiday, fr. ferie holidays.] The act of keeping holiday; cessation from work. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Fe"rie (?), n. [OF. ferie, fr. L. ferie holidays. See 5th Fair.] A holiday. [Obs.] Bullokar.

Fe"ri*er (?), a., compar. of Fere, fierce. [Obs.]

Rhenus ferier than the cataract.
Marston.

Fe"rine (?), a. [L. ferinus, fr. ferus wild. See Fierce.] Wild; untamed; savage; as, lions, tigers, wolves, and bears are ferine beasts. Sir M. Hale. -- n. A wild beast; a beast of prey. -- Fe"rine*ly, adv. - - Fe"rine*ness, n.

||Fer*in"gee (?), n. [Per. Farangī, or Ar. Firanjī, properly, a Frank.] The name given to Europeans by the Hindos. [Written also Feringhee.]

Fer"i*ty (?), n. [L. feritas, from ferus wild.] Wildness; savageness; fierceness. [Obs.] Woodward.

Fer"ly (?), a. [AS. f&?;rlic sudden, unexpected. See Fear, n.] Singular; wonderful; extraordinary. [Obs.] -- n. A wonder; a marvel. [Obs.]

Who hearkened ever such a ferly thing.
Chaucer.

{ Ferm, Ferme (?), n. }[See Farm.] Rent for a farm; a farm; also, an abode; a place of residence; as, he let his land to ferm. [Obs.]

Out of her fleshy ferme fled to the place of pain.
Spenser.

Fer"ma*cy (?), n. [OE. See Pharmacy.] Medicine; pharmacy. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fer"ment (?), n. [L. fermentum ferment (in senses 1 & 2), perh. for fervimentum, fr. fervere to be boiling hot, boil, ferment: cf. F. ferment. Cf. 1st Barm, Fervent.] 1. That which causes fermentation, as yeast, barm, or fermenting beer.

&fist; Ferments are of two kinds: (a) Formed or organized ferments. (b) Unorganized or structureless ferments. The latter are also called soluble or chemical ferments, and enzymes. Ferments of the first class are as a rule simple microscopic vegetable organisms, and the fermentations which they engender are due to their growth and development; as, the acetic ferment, the butyric ferment, etc. See Fermentation. Ferments of the second class, on the other hand, are chemical substances, as a rule soluble in glycerin and precipitated by alcohol. In action they are catalytic and, mainly, hydrolytic. Good examples are pepsin of the dastric juice, ptyalin of the salvia, and disease of malt.

2. Intestine motion; heat; tumult; agitation.

Subdue and cool the ferment of desire.
Rogers.

the nation is in a ferment.
Walpole.

3. A gentle internal motion of the constituent parts of a fluid; fermentation. [R.]

Down to the lowest lees the ferment ran.
Thomson.

ferment oils, volatile oils produced by the fermentation of plants, and not originally contained in them. These were the quintessences of the alchenists. Ure.

Fer*ment" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fermented; p. pr. & vb. n. Fermenting.] [L. fermentare, fermentatum: cf. F. fermenter. See Ferment, n.] To cause ferment of fermentation in; to set in motion; to excite internal emotion in; to heat.

Ye vigorous swains! while youth ferments your blood.
Pope.

Fer*ment", v. i. 1. To undergo fermentation; to be in motion, or to be excited into sensible internal motion, as the constituent particles of an animal or vegetable fluid; to work; to effervesce.

2. To be agitated or excited by violent emotions.

But finding no redress, ferment and rage.
Milton.

The intellect of the age was a fermenting intellect.
De Quincey.

Fer*ment`a*bil"i*ty (?), n. Capability of fermentation.

Fer*ment"a*ble (?), a. [Cf. F. fermentable.] Capable of fermentation; as, cider and other vegetable liquors are fermentable.

Fer*ment"al (?), a. Fermentative. [Obs.]

Fer`men*ta"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. fermentation.] 1. The process of undergoing an effervescent change, as by the action of yeast; in a wider sense (Physiol. Chem.), the transformation of an organic substance into new compounds by the action of a ferment, either formed or unorganized. It differs in kind according to the nature of the ferment which causes it.

2. A state of agitation or excitement, as of the intellect or the feelings.

It puts the soul to fermentation and activity.
Jer. Taylor.

A univesal fermentation of human thought and faith.
C. Kingsley.

Acetous, or Acetic, fermentation, a form of oxidation in which alcohol is converted into vinegar or acetic acid by the agency of a specific fungus or ferment (Mycoderma aceti). The process involves two distinct reactions, in which the oxygen of the air is essential. An intermediate product, aldehyde, is formed in the first process.

1. C2H6O + O = H2O + C2H4O Alcohol. Water. Aldehyde.

2. C2H4O + O = C2H4O2 Aldehyde. Acetic acid.

-- Alcoholic fermentation, the fermentation which saccharine bodies undergo when brought in contact with the yeast plant or Torula. The sugar is converted, either directly or indirectly, into alcohol and carbonic acid, the rate of action being dependent on the rapidity with which the Torulæ develop. - - Ammoniacal fermentation, the conversion of the urea of the urine into ammonium carbonate, through the growth of the special urea ferment.

CON2H4 + 2H2O = (NH4)2CO3 Urea. Water. Ammonium carbonate.

Whenever urine is exposed to the air in open vessels for several days it undergoes this alkaline fermentation. -- Butyric fermentation, the decomposition of various forms of organic matter, through the agency of a peculiar worm-shaped vibrio, with formation of more or less butyric acid. It is one of the many forms of fermentation that collectively constitute putrefaction. See Lactic fermentation. -- Fermentation by an unorganized ferment or enzyme. Fermentations of this class are purely chemical reactions, in which the ferment acts as a simple catalytic agent. Of this nature are the decomposition or inversion of cane sugar into levulose and dextrose by boiling with dilute acids, the conversion of starch into dextrin and sugar by similar treatment, the conversion of starch into like products by the action of diastase of malt or ptyalin of saliva, the conversion of albuminous food into peptones and other like products by the action of pepsin-hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice or by the ferment of the pancreatic juice. -- Fermentation theory of disease (Biol. & Med.), the theory that most if not all, infectious or zymotic disease are caused by the introduction into the organism of the living germs of ferments, or ferments already developed (organized ferments), by which processes of fermentation are set up injurious to health. See Germ theory. -- Glycerin fermentation, the fermentation which occurs on mixing a dilute solution of glycerin with a peculiar species of schizomycetes and some carbonate of lime, and other matter favorable to the growth of the plant, the glycerin being changed into butyric acid, caproic acid, butyl, and ethyl alcohol. With another form of bacterium (Bacillus subtilis) ethyl alcohol and butyric acid are mainly formed. -- Lactic fermentation, the transformation of milk sugar or other saccharine body into lactic acid, as in the souring of milk, through the agency of a special bacterium (Bacterium lactis of Lister). In this change the milk sugar, before assuming the form of lactic acid, presumably passes through the stage of glucose.

C12H22O11.H2O = 4C3H6O3 Hydrated milk sugar. Lactic acid.

In the lactic fermentation of dextrose or glucose, the lactic acid which is formed is very prone to undergo butyric fermentation after the manner indicated in the following equation: 2C3H6O3 (lactic acid) = C4H8O2 (butyric acid) + 2CO2 (carbonic acid) + 2H2 (hydrogen gas). -- Putrefactive fermentation. See Putrefaction.

Fer*ment"a*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. fermentatif.] Causing, or having power to cause, fermentation; produced by fermentation; fermenting; as, a fermentative process.

-- Fer*ment"a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fer*ment"a*tive*ness, n.

Fer"mer*ere (?), n. [OF. enfermerier, fr. enfermerie infirmary. See Infirmary.] The officer in a religious house who had the care of the infirmary. [Obs.]

Fer"mil*let (?), n. [OF., dim. of fermeil, fermail, clasp, prob. fr. OF. & F. fermer to make fast, fr. ferme fast. See Firm.] A buckle or clasp. [Obs.] Donne.

Fern (?), adv. Long ago. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fern, a. [AS. fyrn.] Ancient; old. [Obs.] "Pilgrimages to . . . ferne halwes." [saints]. Chaucer.

Fern (f&etilde;rn), n. [AS. fearn; akin to D. varen, G. farn, farnkraut; cf. Skr. parn.a wing, feather, leaf, sort of plant, or Lith. papartis fern.] (Bot.) An order of cryptogamous plants, the Filices, which have their fructification on the back of the fronds or leaves. They are usually found in humid soil, sometimes grow epiphytically on trees, and in tropical climates often attain a gigantic size.

&fist; The plants are asexual, and bear clustered sporangia, containing minute spores, which germinate and form prothalli, on which are borne the true organs of reproduction. The brake or bracken, the maidenhair, and the polypody are all well known ferns.

Christmas fern. See under Christmas. -- Climbing fern (Bot.), a delicate North American fern (Lygodium palmatum), which climbs several feet high over bushes, etc., and is much sought for purposes of decoration. -- Fern owl. (Zoöl.) (a) The European goatsucker. (b) The short-eared owl. [Prov. Eng.] -- Fern shaw, a fern thicket. [Eng.] R. Browning.

Fern"er*y (?), n. A place for rearing ferns.

Fern"ti*cle (?), n. A freckle on the skin, resembling the seed of fern. [Prov. Eng.]

Fern"y (?), a. Abounding in ferns.

Fe*ro"cious (?), a. [L. ferox, -ocis, fierce: cf. F. féroce. See Ferocity.] Fierce; savage; wild; indicating cruelty; ravenous; rapacious; as, ferocious look or features; a ferocious lion.

The humbled power of a ferocious enemy.
Lowth.

Syn. -- Ferocious, Fierce, Savage, Barbarous. When these words are applied to human feelings or conduct, ferocious describes the disposition; fierce, the haste and violence of an act; barbarous, the coarseness and brutality by which it was marked; savage, the cruel and unfeeling spirit which it showed. A man is ferocious in his temper, fierce in his actions, barbarous in the manner of carrying out his purposes, savage in the spirit and feelings expressed in his words or deeds.

-- Fe*ro"cious*ly, adv. -- Fe*ro"cious*ness, n.

It [Christianity] has adapted the ferociousness of war.
Blair.

Fe*roc"i*ty (?), n. [L. ferocitas, fr. ferox, -ocis, fierce, kin to ferus wild: cf. F. ferocité. See Fierce.] Savage wildness or fierceness; fury; cruelty; as, ferocity of countenance.

The pride and ferocity of a Highland chief.
Macaulay.

||Fer*o"her (?), n. (Archæol.) A symbol of the solar deity, found on monuments exhumed in Babylon, Nineveh, etc.

Fe"rous (?), a. [L. ferus. See Fierce.] Wild; savage. [R.] Arthur Wilson.

-fer*ous (?). [L. -fer. fr. ferre to bear. See Bear to support.] A suffix signifying bearing, producing, yielding; as, auriferous, yielding gold; chyliferous, producing chyle.

Fer*ran"dine (? or ?), n. [F.; cf. OF. ferrant iron-gray, from L. ferrum iron.] A stuff made of silk and wool.

I did buy a colored silk ferrandine.
Pepys.

Fer*ra"ra (?), n. A sword bearing the mark of one of the Ferrara family of Italy. These swords were highly esteemed in England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Fer`ra*rese" (?), a. Pertaining to Ferrara, in Italy. -- n., sing. & pl. A citizen of Ferrara; collectively, the inhabitants of Ferrara.

Fer"ra*ry (?), n. [L. ferraria iron works. See Ferreous.] The art of working in iron. [Obs.] Chapman.

Fer"rate (?), n. [L. ferrum iron.] (Chem.) A salt of ferric acid.

{ Fer"re (?), Fer"rer (?), a. & adv. } Obs. compar. of Fer.

Fer"re*ous (?), a. [L. ferreus, fr. ferrum iron. Cf. Farrier, Ferrous.] Partaking of, made of, or pertaining to, iron; like iron. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Fer"rest (?), a. & adv. Obs. superl. of Fer. Chaucer.

Fer"ret (?), n. [F. furet, cf. LL. furo; prob. fr. L. fur thief (cf. Furtive); cf. Arm. fur wise, sly.] (Zoöl.) An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela or Putorius furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white color, with red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe. Ferrets are used to drive rabbits and rats out of their holes.

Fer"ret, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ferreted; p. pr. & vb. n. Ferreting.] [Cf. F. fureter. See Ferret, n.] To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; -- often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret.

Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
Shak.

Fer"ret, n. [Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F. fleuret. Cf. Floret.] A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting.

Fer"ret, n. [F. feret, dim. or fer iron, L. ferrum.] (Glass Making) The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles.

Fer"ret*er (?), n. One who ferrets. Johnson.

Fer"ret-eye` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The spur-winged goose; -- so called from the red circle around the eyes.

Fer*ret"to (?), n. [It. ferretto di Spagna, dim. of ferro iron, fr. L. ferrum.] Copper sulphide, used to color glass. Hebert.

Fer"ri- (&?;). (Chem.) A combining form indicating ferric iron as an ingredient; as, ferricyanide.

Fer"ri*age (?; 48), n. [From Ferry.] The price or fare to be paid for passage at a ferry.

Fer"ric (?), a. [L. ferrum iron: cf. F. ferrique. See Ferrous.] Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric oxide; ferric acid.

Ferric acid (Chem.), an acid, H2FeO4, which is not known in the free state, but forms definite salts, analogous to the chromates and sulphates. -- Ferric oxide (Chem.), sesquioxide of iron, Fe2O3; hematite. See Hematite.

Fer`ri*cy"a*nate (?), n. [Ferri- + cyanate.] (Chem.) A salt of ferricyanic acid; a ferricyanide.

Fer`ri*cy*an"ic (?), a. [Ferri- + cyanic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or derived from, a ferricyanide.

Ferricyanic acid (Chem.), a brown crystalline substance, H6(CN)12Fe2, obtained from potassium ferricyanide, and regarded as the type of the ferricyanides; -- called also hydro-ferricyanic acid, hydrogen ferricyanide, etc.

Fer`ri*cy"a*nide (?; 104), n. [Ferri- + cyanide.] (Chem.) One of a complex series of double cyanides of ferric iron and some other base.

Potassium ferricyanide (Chem.), red prussiate of potash; a dark, red, crystalline salt, K6(CN)12Fe2, consisting of the double cyanide of potassium and ferric iron. From it is derived the ferrous ferricyanate, Turnbull's blue.

Fer"ri*er (?), n. A ferryman. Calthrop.

Fer*rif"er*ous (?), a. [L. ferrum iron + -ferous: cf. F. ferrifère.] Producing or yielding iron.

Fer`ri*prus"si*ate (? or ?; see Prussiate, 277), n. [Ferri- + prussiate.] (Chem.) A ferricyanate; a ferricyanide. [R.]

Fer`ri*prus"sic (? or ?; see Prussik, 277), a. [Ferri- + prussic.] (Chem.) Ferricyanic. [R.]

Fer"ro- (&?;). (Chem.) A prefix, or combining form, indicating ferrous iron as an ingredient; as, ferrocyanide.

Fer`ro*cal"cite (?), n. [Ferro- + calcite.] Limestone containing a large percentage of iron carbonate, and hence turning brown on exposure.

Fer`ro*cy"a*nate (?), n. [Ferro- + cyanate: cf. F. ferrocyanate.] (Chem.) A salt of ferrocyanic acid; a ferrocyanide.

Fer`ro*cy*an"ic (?), a. [Ferro- + cyanic: cf. F. ferrocyanique.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, a ferrocyanide.

ferrocyanic acid (Chem.), a white crystalline substance, H4(CN)6Fe, of strong acid properties, obtained from potassium ferrocyanide, and regarded as the type of the ferrocyanides; -- called also hydro-ferrocyanic acid, hydrogen ferrocyanide. etc.

Fer`ro*cy"a*nide (? or ?; 104), n. [Ferro- + cyanide.] (Chem.) One of a series of complex double cyanides of ferrous iron and some other base.

Potassium ferrocyanide (Chem.), yellow prussiate of potash; a tough, yellow, crystalline salt, K4(CN)6Fe, the starting point in the manufacture of almost all cyanogen compounds, and the basis of the ferric ferrocyanate, prussian blue. It is obtained by strongly heating together potash, scrap iron, and animal matter containing nitrogen, as horn, leather, blood, etc., in iron pots.

Fer`ro*prus"si*ate (&?; or &?; or &?;; see Prussiate, 277), n. [Ferro- + prussiate.] (Chem.) A ferrocyanate; a ferocyanide. [R.]

Fer`ro*prus"sic (? or ?; see Prussic, 277), a. [Ferro- + prussic.] (Chem.) Ferrocyanic.

Fer*ro"so- (&?;). (Chem.) See Ferro- .

Fer"ro*type (?), n. [L. ferrum iron + -type.] A photographic picture taken on an iron plate by a collodion process; -- familiarly called tintype.

Fer"rous (?), a. [Cf. F. ferreux. See Ferreous.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or derived from, iron; -- especially used of compounds of iron in which the iron has its lower valence; as, ferrous sulphate.

Fer*ru"gi*na`ted (?), a. [See Ferrugo.] Having the color or properties of the rust of iron.

Fer`ru*gin"e*ous (?), a. Ferruginous. [R.]

Fer*ru"gi*nous (?), a. [L. ferruginus, ferrugineus, fr. ferrugo, - ginis, iron rust: cf. F. ferrugineux. See Ferrugo.] 1. Partaking of iron; containing particles of iron. Boyle.

2. Resembling iron rust in appearance or color; brownish red, or yellowish red.

||Fer*ru"go (?), n. [L., iron rust, fr. ferrum iron.] A disease of plants caused by fungi, commonly called the rust, from its resemblance to iron rust in color.

Fer"rule (? or ?; 277), n. [Formerly verrel, F. virole, fr. L. viriola little bracelet, dim. of viriae, pl., bracelets; prob. akin to viere to twist, weave, and E. withe. The spelling with f is due to confusion with L. ferrum iron.] 1. A ring or cap of metal put round a cane, tool, handle, or other similar object, to strengthen it, or prevent splitting and wearing.

2. (Steam Boilers) A bushing for expanding the end of a flue to fasten it tightly in the tube plate, or for partly filling up its mouth.

Fer*ru"mi*nate (?), v. t. [L. ferruminatus, p. p. of ferruminare to cement, solder, fr. ferrumen cement, fr. ferrum iron.] To solder or unite, as metals. [R.] Coleridge.

Fer*ru`mi*na"tion (?), n. [L. ferruminatio: cf. F. ferrumination.] The soldering or uniting of metals. [R.] Coleridge.

Fer"ry (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ferried (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ferrying.] [OE. ferien to convey, AS. ferian, from faran to go; akin to Icel. ferja to ferry, Goth. farjan to sail. See Fare.] To carry or transport over a river, strait, or other narrow water, in a boat.

Fer"ry, v. i. To pass over water in a boat or by a ferry.

They ferry over this Lethean sound
Both to and fro.
Milton.

Fer"ry, n.; pl. Ferries (#). [OE. feri; akin to Icel. ferja, Sw. färja, Dan. færge, G. fähre. See Ferry, v. t.] 1. A place where persons or things are carried across a river, arm of the sea, etc., in a ferryboat.

It can pass the ferry backward into light.
Milton.

To row me o'er the ferry.
Campbell.

2. A vessel in which passengers and goods are conveyed over narrow waters; a ferryboat; a wherry.

3. A franchise or right to maintain a vessel for carrying passengers and freight across a river, bay, etc., charging tolls.

Ferry bridge, a ferryboat adapted in its structure for the transfer of railroad trains across a river or bay. -- Ferry railway. See under Railway.

Fer"ry*boat` (?), n. A vessel for conveying passengers, merchandise, etc., across streams and other narrow waters.

Fer"ry*man (?), n.; pl. Ferrymen (&?;). One who maintains or attends a ferry.

Fers (?), a. Fierce. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Ferthe (?), a. Fourth. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fer"tile (? or ?; 277), a. [L. fertilis, fr. ferre to bear, produce: cf. F. fertile. See Bear to support.] 1. Producing fruit or vegetation in abundance; fruitful; able to produce abundantly; prolific; fecund; productive; rich; inventive; as, fertile land or fields; a fertile mind or imagination.

Though he in a fertile climate dwell.
Shak.

2. (Bot.) (a) Capable of producing fruit; fruit-bearing; as, fertile flowers. (b) Containing pollen; -- said of anthers.

3. produced in abundance; plenteous; ample.

Henceforth, my early care . . .
Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease
Of thy full branches.
Milton.

Syn. -- Fertile, Fruitful. Fertile implies the inherent power of production; fruitful, the act. The prairies of the West are fertile by nature, and are turned by cultivation into fruitful fields. The same distinction prevails when these words are used figuratively. A man of fertile genius has by nature great readiness of invention; one whose mind is fruitful has resources of thought and a readiness of application which enable him to think and act effectively.

Fer"tile*ly (? or ?; 277), adv. In a fertile or fruitful manner.

fer"tile*ness, n. Fertility. Sir P. Sidney.

Fer*til"i*tate (?), v. t. To fertilize; to fecundate. Sir T. Browne.

Fer*til"i*ty (?), n. [L. fertilitas: cf. F. fertilité.] The state or quality of being fertile or fruitful; fruitfulness; productiveness; fecundity; richness; abundance of resources; fertile invention; quickness; readiness; as, the fertility of soil, or of imagination. "fertility of resource." E. Everett.

And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps
Corrupting in its own fertility.
Shak.

Thy very weeds are beautiful; thy waste
More rich than other climes' fertility.
Byron.

Fer`ti*li*za"tion (?), n. 1. The act or process of rendering fertile.

2. (Biol.) The act of fecundating or impregnating animal or vegetable germs; esp., the process by which in flowers the pollen renders the ovule fertile, or an analogous process in flowerless plants; fecundation; impregnation.

Close fertilization (Bot.), the fertilization of pistils by pollen derived from the stamens of the same blossom. -- Cross fertilization, fertilization by pollen from some other blossom. See under Cross, a.

Fer"ti*lize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fertilized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fertilizing (?).] [Cf. F. fertiliser.] 1. To make fertile or enrich; to supply with nourishment for plants; to make fruitful or productive; as, to fertilize land, soil, ground, and meadows.

And fertilize the field that each pretends to gain.
Byron.

2. To fecundate; as, to fertilize flower. A. R. Wallace.

Fer"ti*lizer (?), n. 1. One who fertilizes; the agent that carries the fertilizing principle, as a moth to an orchid. A. R. Wallace.

2. That which renders fertile; a general name for commercial manures, as guano, phosphate of lime, etc.

||Fer"u*la (?), n. [L. ferula giant fennel (its stalks were used in punishing schoolboys), rod, whip, fr. ferire to strike; akin to OHG. berjan, Icel. berja. Cf. Ferule.] 1. A ferule. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

2. The imperial scepter in the Byzantine or Eastern Empire.

Fer`u*la"ceous (?), a. [L. ferulaceus, fr. ferula rod: cf. F. férulacé.] Pertaining to reeds and canes; having a stalk like a reed; as, ferulaceous plants.

Fer"u*lar (?), n. A ferule. [Obs.] Milton.

Fer"ule (? or ?; 277), n. [L. ferula: cf. F. férule. See Ferula.] A flat piece of wood, used for striking, children, esp. on the hand, in punishment.

Fer"ule (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feruled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feruling.] To punish with a ferule.

Fe*ru"lic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or derived from, asafetida (Ferula asafœtida); as, ferulic acid. [Written also ferulaic.]

Fer"vence (?), n. Heat; fervency. [Obs.]

Fer"ven*cy (?), n. [Cf. OF. fervence. See Fervent.] The state of being fervent or warm; ardor; warmth of feeling or devotion; eagerness.

When you pray, let it be with attention, with fervency, and with perseverance.
Wake.

Fer"vent (?), a. [F. fervent, L. fervens, -entis. p. pr. of fervere o the boiling hot, to boil, glow.] 1. Hot; glowing; boiling; burning; as, a fervent summer.

The elements shall melt with fervent heat.
2 Pet. iii. 10.

2. Warm in feeling; ardent in temperament; earnest; full of fervor; zealous; glowing.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit.
Rom. iii. 11.

So spake the fervent angel.
Milton.

A fervent desire to promote the happiness of mankind.
Macaulay.

-- Fer"vent*ly, adv. -- Fer"vent*ness, n.

Laboring fervently for you in prayers.
Col. iv. 12.

Fer*ves"cent (?), a. [L. fervescens, p. pr. of fervescere to become boiling hot, incho., fr. fervere. See Fervent.] Growing hot.

Fer"vid (?), a. [L. fervidus, fr. fervere. See Fervent.] 1. Very hot; burning; boiling.

The mounted sun
Shot down direct his fervid rays.
Milton.

2. Ardent; vehement; zealous.

The fervid wishes, holy fires.
Parnell.

-- Fer"vid*ly, adv. -- Fer"vid*ness, n.

Fer"vor (?), n. [Written also fervour.] [OF. fervor, fervour, F. ferveur, L. fervor, fr. fervere. See Fervent.] 1. Heat; excessive warmth.

The fevor of ensuing day.
Waller.

2. Intensity of feeling or expression; glowing ardor; passion; holy zeal; earnestness. Hooker.

Winged with fervor of her love.
Shak.

Syn. -- Fervor, Ardor. Fervor is a boiling heat, and ardor is a burning heat. Hence, in metaphor, we commonly use fervor and its derivatives when we conceive of thoughts or emotions under the image of ebullition, or as pouring themselves forth. Thus we speak of the fervor of passion, fervid declamation, fervid importunity, fervent supplication, fervent desires, etc. Ardent is used when we think of anything as springing from a deepseated glow of soul; as, ardent friendship, ardent zeal, ardent devotedness; burning with ardor for the fight.

Fes"cen*nine (?), a. [L. Fescenninus, fr. Fescennia, a city of Etruria.] Pertaining to, or resembling, the Fescennines. -- n. A style of low, scurrilous, obscene poetry originating in fescennia.

Fes"cue (f&ebreve;s"k&usl;), n. [OE. festu, OF. festu, F. fétu, fr. L. festuca stalk, straw.] 1. A straw, wire, stick, etc., used chiefly to point out letters to children when learning to read. "Pedantic fescue." Sterne.

To come under the fescue of an imprimatur.
Milton.

2. An instrument for playing on the harp; a plectrum. [Obs.] Chapman.

3. The style of a dial. [Obs.]

4. (Bot.) A grass of the genus Festuca.

Fescue grass (Bot.), a genus of grasses (Festuca) containing several species of importance in agriculture. Festuca ovina is sheep's fescue; F. elatior is meadow fescue.

Fes"cue (f&ebreve;s"k&usl;), v. i. & t. [imp. & p. p. Fescued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fescuing.] To use a fescue, or teach with a fescue. Milton.

Fes"els (?), n. pl. [Written also fasels.] See Phasel. [Obs.] May (Georgics).

{ Fess, Fesse } (?), n. [OF. fesse, faisse, F. fasce, fr. L. fascia band. See Fascia.] (Her.) A band drawn horizontally across the center of an escutcheon, and containing in breadth the third part of it; one of the nine honorable ordinaries.

Fess point (Her.), the exact center of the escutcheon. See Escutcheon.

Fes"si*tude (?), n. [L. fessus wearied, fatigued.] Weariness. [Obs.] Bailey.

Fess"wise (?), adv. In the manner of fess.

Fest (?), n. [See Fist.] The fist. [Obs.] Chaucer.

{ Fest, Fes"te (?), n. } A feast. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fes"tal (?), a. [L. festum holiday, feast. See feast.] Of or pertaining to a holiday or a feast; joyous; festive.

You bless with choicer wine the festal day.
Francis.

Fes"tal*ly, adv. Joyously; festively; mirthfully.

Fes"ten*nine (?), n. A fescennine.

Fes"ter (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Festered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Festering.] [OE. festern, fr. fester, n.; or fr. OF. festrir, fr. festre, n. See Fester, n.] 1. To generate pus; to become imflamed and suppurate; as, a sore or a wound festers.

Wounds immedicable
Rankle, and fester, and gangrene.
Milton.

Unkindness may give a wound that shall bleed and smart, but it is treachery that makes it fester.
South.

Hatred . . . festered in the hearts of the children of the soil.
Macaulay.

2. To be inflamed; to grow virulent, or malignant; to grow in intensity; to rankle.

Fes`ter, v. t. To cause to fester or rankle.

For which I burnt in inward, swelt'ring hate,
And festered ranking malice in my breast.
Marston.

Fes"ter, n. [OF. festre, L. fistula a sort of ulcer. Cf. Fistula.] 1. A small sore which becomes inflamed and discharges corrupt matter; a pustule.

2. A festering or rankling.

The fester of the chain their necks.
I. Taylor.

Fes"ter*ment (?), n. A festering. [R.] Chalmers.

Fest"eye (?), v. t. [OF. festier, festeer, F. festoyer.] To feast; to entertain. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fes"ti*nate (?), a. [L. festinatus, p. p. of festinare to hasten.] Hasty; hurried. [Obs.] -- Fes"ti*nate*ly, adv. [Obs.] Shak.

Fes`ti*na"tion (?), n. [L. festinatio.] Haste; hurry. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Fes"ti*val (?), a. [OF. festival, fr. L. festivum festive jollity, fr. festivus festive, gay. See Festive.] Pertaining to a fest; festive; festal; appropriate to a festival; joyous; mirthful.

I cannot woo in festival terms.
Shak.

Fes"ti-val, n. A time of feasting or celebration; an anniversary day of joy, civil or religious.

The morning trumpets festival proclaimed.
Milton.

Syn. -- Feast; banquet; carousal. See Feast.

Fes"tive (?), a. [L. festivus, fr. festum holiday, feast. See feast, and cf. Festivous.] Pertaining to, or becoming, a feast; festal; joyous; gay; mirthful; sportive. -- Fes"tive*ly, adv.

The glad circle round them yield their souls
To festive mirth and wit that knows no gall.
Thomson.

Fes*tiv"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Festivities (#). [L. festivitas: cf. F. festivité.] 1. The condition of being festive; social joy or exhilaration of spirits at an entertaintment; joyfulness; gayety.

The unrestrained festivity of the rustic youth.
Bp. Hurd.

2. A festival; a festive celebration. Sir T. Browne.

Fes"ti*vous (?), a. [See Festive.] Pertaining to a feast; festive. [R.] Sir W. Scott.

Fest"lich (?), a. [See Feast, n.] Festive; fond of festive occasions. [Obs.] "A festlich man." Chaucer.

Fes*toon" (?), n. [F. feston (cf. Sp. feston, It. festone), prob. fr. L. festum festival. See Feast.] 1. A garland or wreath hanging in a depending curve, used in decoration for festivals, etc.; anything arranged in this way.

2. (Arch. & Sculp.) A carved ornament consisting of flowers, and leaves, intermixed or twisted together, wound with a ribbon, and hanging or depending in a natural curve. See Illust. of Bucranium.

Fes*toon", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Festooned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Festooning.] To form in festoons, or to adorn with festoons.

Fes*toon"y (?), a. Pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling, festoons. Sir J. Herschel.

Fes*tu*cine (? or ?), a. [L. festula stalk, straw. Cf. Fescue.] Of a straw color; greenish yellow. [Obs.]

A little insect of a festucine or pale green.
Sir T. Browne.

Fes"tu*cous (?), a. Formed or consisting of straw. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Fes"tue (?), n. [See Fescue.] A straw; a fescue. [Obs.] Holland.

Fet (?), n. [Cf. feat, F. fait, and It. fett&?; slice, G. fetzen rag, Icel. fat garment.] A piece. [Obs.] Dryton.

Fet, v. t. [OE. fetten, feten, AS. fetian; akin to AS. fæt a journey, and to E. foot; cf. G. fassen to seize. √ 77. See Foot, and cf. Fetch.] To fetch. [Obs.]

And from the other fifty soon the prisoner fet.
Spenser.

Fet, p. p. of Fette. Fetched. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fe"tal (?), a. [From Fetus.] Pertaining to, or connected with, a fetus; as, fetal circulation; fetal membranes.

Fe*ta"tion (?), n. The formation of a fetus in the womb; pregnancy.

Fetch (f&ebreve;ch; 224), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fetched 2; p. pr. & vb. n.. Fetching.] [OE. fecchen, AS. feccan, perh. the same word as fetian; or cf. facian to wish to get, OFries. faka to prepare. √ 77. Cf. Fet, v. t.] 1. To bear toward the person speaking, or the person or thing from whose point of view the action is contemplated; to go and bring; to get.

Time will run back and fetch the age of gold.
Milton.

He called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bred in thine hand.
1 Kings xvii. 11, 12.

2. To obtain as price or equivalent; to sell for.

Our native horses were held in small esteem, and fetched low prices.
Macaulay.

3. To recall from a swoon; to revive; -- sometimes with to; as, to fetch a man to.

Fetching men again when they swoon.
Bacon.

4. To reduce; to throw.

The sudden trip in wrestling that fetches a man to the ground.
South.

5. To bring to accomplishment; to achieve; to make; to perform, with certain objects; as, to fetch a compass; to fetch a leap; to fetch a sigh.

I'll fetch a turn about the garden.
Shak.

He fetches his blow quick and sure.
South.

6. To bring or get within reach by going; to reach; to arrive at; to attain; to reach by sailing.

Meantine flew our ships, and straight we fetched
The siren's isle.
Chapman.

7. To cause to come; to bring to a particular state.

They could n't fetch the butter in the churn.
W. Barnes.

To fetch a compass (Naut.), to make a sircuit; to take a circuitious route going to a place. -- To fetch a pump, to make it draw water by pouring water into the top and working the handle. -- To fetch headway or sternway (Naut.), to move ahead or astern. -- To fetch out, to develop. "The skill of the polisher fetches out the colors [of marble]" Addison. -- To fetch up. (a) To overtake. [Obs.] "Says [the hare], I can fetch up the tortoise when I please." L'Estrange. (b) To stop suddenly.

fetch, v. i. To bring one's self; to make headway; to veer; as, to fetch about; to fetch to windward. Totten.

To fetch away (Naut.), to break loose; to roll slide to leeward. -- To fetch and carry, to serve obsequiously, like a trained spaniel.

Fetch, n. 1. A stratagem by which a thing is indirectly brought to pass, or by which one thing seems intended and another is done; a trick; an artifice.

Every little fetch of wit and criticism.
South.

2. The apparation of a living person; a wraith.

The very fetch and ghost of Mrs. Gamp.
Dickens.

Fetch candle, a light seen at night, superstitiously believed to portend a person's death.

Fetch"er (?), n. One who fetches or brings.

Fete (fēt), n. [See feat.] A feat. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fete, n. pl. [See Foot.] Feet. [Obs.] Chaucer.

||Fête (f&asl;t), n. [F. See Feast.] A festival.

Fête champêtre (&?;) [F.], a festival or entertainment in the open air; a rural festival.

Fête (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fêted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fêting.] [Cf. F. fêter.] To feast; to honor with a festival.

{ Fe"tich, Fe"tish (?), n. }[F. fétiche, from Pg. feitiço, adj., n., sorcery, charm, fr. L. facticius made by art, artifical, factitious. See Factitious.] 1. A material object supposed among certain African tribes to represent in such a way, or to be so connected with, a supernatural being, that the possession of it gives to the possessor power to control that being.

2. Any object to which one is excessively devoted.

{ fe"tich*ism, Fe"tish*ism (? or ?); 277), n. }[Cf. F. fétichisme.] [Written also feticism.] 1. The doctrine or practice of belief in fetiches.

2. Excessive devotion to one object or one idea; abject superstition; blind adoration.

The real and absolute worship of fire falls into two great divisions, the first belonging rather to fetichism, the second to polytheism proper.
Tylor.

{ Fe"tich*ist, Fe"tish*ist, n. } A believer in fetiches.

He was by nature a fetichist.
H. Holbeach.

{ Fe`tich*is"tic (?), Fe`tish*is"tic, a.} Pertaining to, or involving, fetichism.

A man of the fifteenth century, inheriting its strange web of belief and unbelief, of epicurean levity and fetichistic dread.
G. Eliot.

Fe"ti*cide (? or ?), n. [Written also fœticide.] [Fetus + L. caedere to kill.] (Med. & Law) The act of killing the fetus in the womb; the offense of procuring an abortion.

Fe"ti*cism (?), n. See Fetichism.

Fet"id (? or ?; 277), a. [L. fetidus, foetidus, fr. fetere, foetere, to have an ill smell, to stink: cf. F. fétide.] Having an offensive smell; stinking.

Most putrefactions . . . smell either fetid or moldy.
Bacon.

Fet*id"i*ty (? or ?), n. Fetidness.

Fet"id*ness, n. The quality or state of being fetid.

Fe*tif"er*ous (?), a. [Fetus + -ferous.] Producing young, as animals.

Fe"tis (?), a. [OF. fetis, faitis. Cf. Factitious.] Neat; pretty; well made; graceful. [Obs.]

Full fetis was her cloak, as I was ware.
Chaucer.

Fe"tise*ly (?), adv. Neatly; gracefully; properly. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fe"tish (?), n., Fe"tish*ism (&?; or &?;; 277), n., Fe`tish*is"tic (&?;), a. See Fetich, n., Fetichism, n., Fetichistic, a.

Fet"lock (?), n. [OE. fetlak, fitlock, cf. Icel. fet pace, step, fit webbed foot of water birds, akin to E. foot. √77. See Foot.] The cushionlike projection, bearing a tuft of long hair, on the back side of the leg above the hoof of the horse and similar animals. Also, the joint of the limb at this point (between the great pastern bone and the metacarpus), or the tuft of hair.

Their wounded steeds
Fret fetlock deep in gore.
Shak.

Fe"tor (?), n. [L. fetor, foetor. See Fetid.] A strong, offensive smell; stench; fetidness. Arbuthnot.

Fet"te (? or ?), v. t. [imp. Fette, p. p. Fet.] [See Fet, v. t.] To fetch. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fet"ter (f&ebreve;t"t&etilde;r), n. [AS. fetor, feter; akin to OS. feterōs, pl., OD. veter, OHG. fezzera, Icel. fjöturr, L. pedica, Gr. pe`dh, and to E. foot. √ 77. See Foot.] [Chiefly used in the plural, fetters.] 1. A chain or shackle for the feet; a chain by which an animal is confined by the foot, either made fast or disabled from free and rapid motion; a bond; a shackle.

[They] bound him with fetters of brass.
Judg. xvi. 21.

2. Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint.

Passion's too fierce to be in fetters bound.
Dryden.

Fet"ter, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fettered (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Fettering.] 1. To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet of with a chain; to bind.

My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.
Milton.

2. To restrain from motion; to impose restraints on; to confine; to enchain; as, fettered by obligations.

My conscience! thou art fettered
More than my shanks and wrists.
Shak.

Fet"tered (?), a. (Zoöl.) Seeming as if fettered, as the feet of certain animals which bend backward, and appear unfit for walking.

Fet"ter*er (?), n. One who fetters. Landor.

Fet"ter*less, a. Free from fetters. Marston.

Fet"tle (?), v. t. [OE. & Prov. E., to fettle (in sense 1), fettle, n., order, repair, preparation, dress; prob. akin to E. fit. See Fit, a.] 1. To repair; to prepare; to put in order. [Prov. Eng.] Carlyle.

2. (Metal.) To cover or line with a mixture of ore, cinders, etc., as the hearth of a puddling furnace.

Fet"tle, v. i. To make preparations; to put things in order; to do trifling business. [Prov. Eng.] Bp. Hall.

Fet"tle, n. The act of fettling. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.

In fine fettle, in good spirits.

Fet"tling (?), n. 1. (Metal.) A mixture of ore, cinders, etc., used to line the hearth of a puddling furnace. [Eng.] [It is commonly called fix in the United States.]

2. (Pottery) The operation of shaving or smoothing the surface of undried clay ware.

Fet"u*ous (?), a. Neat; feat. [Obs.] Herrick.

Fe"tus (?), n.; pl. Fetuses (#). [L. fetus, foetus, a bringing forth, brood, offspring, young ones, cf. fetus fruitful, fructified, that is or was filled with young; akin to E. fawn a deer, fecundity, felicity, feminine, female, and prob. to do, or according to others, to be.] The young or embryo of an animal in the womb, or in the egg; often restricted to the later stages in the development of viviparous and oviparous animals, embryo being applied to the earlier stages. [Written also fœtus.]

||Fet"wah (?), n. [Ar.] A written decision of a Turkish mufti on some point of law. Whitworth.

Feu (?), n. [See 2d Feud, and Fee.] (Scots Law) A free and gratuitous right to lands made to one for service to be performed by him; a tenure where the vassal, in place of military services, makes a return in grain or in money. Burrill.

Feu"ar (?), n. [From Feu.] (Scots Law) One who holds a feu. Sir W. Scott.

Feud (fūd), n. [OE. feide, AS. f&aemacr;hð, fr. fāh hostile; akin to OHG. fēhida, G. fehde, Sw. fejd, D. feide; prob. akin to E. fiend. See Foe.] 1. A combination of kindred to avenge injuries or affronts, done or offered to any of their blood, on the offender and all his race.

2. A contention or quarrel; especially, an inveterate strife between families, clans, or parties; deadly hatred; contention satisfied only by bloodshed.

Mutual feuds and battles betwixt their several tribes and kindreds.
Purchas.

Syn. -- Affray; fray; broil; contest; dispute; strife.

Feud, n. [LL. feudum, feodum prob. of same origin as E. fief. See Fief, Fee.] (Law) A stipendiary estate in land, held of superior, by service; the right which a vassal or tenant had to the lands or other immovable thing of his lord, to use the same and take the profists thereof hereditarily, rendering to his superior such duties and services as belong to military tenure, etc., the property of the soil always remaining in the lord or superior; a fief; a fee.

Feu"dal (?), a. [F. féodal, or LL. feudalis.] 1. Of or pertaining to feuds, fiefs, or feels; as, feudal rights or services; feudal tenures.

2. Consisting of, or founded upon, feuds or fiefs; embracing tenures by military services; as, the feudal system.

Feu"dal*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. féodalisme.] The feudal system; a system by which the holding of estates in land is made dependent upon an obligation to render military service to the kind or feudal superior; feudal principles and usages.

Feu"dal*ist, n. An upholder of feudalism.

Feu*dal"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. féodalité.] The state or quality of being feudal; feudal form or constitution. Burke.

Feu`dal*i*za"tion (?), n. The act of reducing to feudal tenure.

Feu"dal*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feudalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Feudalizing (?).] To reduce to a feudal tenure; to conform to feudalism.

Feu"dal*ly, adv. In a feudal manner.

Feu"da*ry (?), a. [LL. feudarius, fr. feudum. See 2d Feud.] Held by, or pertaining to, feudal tenure.

Feu"da*ry, n. 1. A tenant who holds his lands by feudal service; a feudatory. Foxe.

2. A feodary. See Feodary.

Feu"da*ta*ry (?), a. & n. [LL. feudatarius: cf. F. feudataire.] See Feudatory.

Feu"da*to*ry (?), n.; pl. Feudatories (&?;). A tenant or vassal who held his lands of a superior on condition of feudal service; the tenant of a feud or fief.

The grantee . . . was styled the feudatory or vassal.
Blackstone.

[He] had for feudatories great princes.
J. H. Newman.

Feu"da*to*ry, a. Held from another on some conditional tenure; as, a feudatory title. Bacon.

||Feu` de joie" (?). [F., lit., fire of joy.] A fire kindled in a public place in token of joy; a bonfire; a firing of guns in token of joy.

Feud"ist (?), n. [Cf. F. feudiste.] A writer on feuds; a person versed in feudal law. Spelman.

||Feu`illants" (?), n. pl. A reformed branch of the Bernardines, founded in 1577 at Feuillans, near Toulouse, in France.

Feuille"mort` (?), a. [F. feuille morte a dead leaf.] Having the color of a faded leaf. Locke.

||Feu`ille*ton" (? or ?), n. [F., from feulle leaf.] A part of a French newspaper (usually the bottom of the page), devoted to light literature, criticism, etc.; also, the article or tale itself, thus printed.

Feuill"ton*ist (?), n. [F. feuilletoniste.] A writer of feuilletons. F. Harrison.

feu"ter (&?;), v. t. [OE. feutre rest for a lance, OF. feutre, fautre, feltre, felt, cushion, rest for a lance, fr. LL. filtrum, feltrum; of German origin, and akin to E. felt. See Felt, and cf. Filter.] To set close; to fix in rest, as a spear. Spenser.

Feu"ter*er (?), n. [Either fr. G. fütterer feeder, or corrupted fr. OF. vautrier, vaultrier; fr. vaultre, viautre, a kind of hound, fr. L. vertragus, vertraga, a greyhound. The last is of Celtic origin.] A dog keeper. [Obs.] Massinger.

Fe"ver (?), n. [OE. fever, fefer, AS. fefer, fefor, L. febris: cf. F. fièvre. Cf. Febrile.] 1. (Med.) A diseased state of the system, marked by increased heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of appetite. Many diseases, of which fever is the most prominent symptom, are denominated fevers; as, typhoid fever; yellow fever.

&fist; Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals; intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at intervals; continued or continual fevers neither remit nor intermit.

2. Excessive excitement of the passions in consequence of strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as, this quarrel has set my blood in a fever.

An envious fever
Of pale and bloodless emulation.
Shak.

After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.
Shak.

Brain fever, Continued fever, etc. See under Brain, Continued, etc. -- Fever and ague, a form of fever recurring in paroxysms which are preceded by chills. It is of malarial origin. -- Fever blister (Med.), a blister or vesicle often found about the mouth in febrile states; a variety of herpes. -- Fever bush (Bot.), the wild allspice or spice bush. See Spicewood. -- Fever powder. Same as Jame's powder. -- Fever root (Bot.), an American herb of the genus Triosteum (T. perfoliatum); -- called also feverwort amd horse gentian. -- Fever sore, a carious ulcer or necrosis. Miner.

Fe"ver, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fevered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fevering.] To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as, a fevered lip. [R.]

The white hand of a lady fever thee.
Shak.

Fe"ver*et (?), n. A slight fever. [Obs.] Ayliffe.

Fe"ver*few (?), n. [AS. feferfuge, fr. L. febrifugia. See fever, Fugitive, and cf. Febrifuge.] (Bot.) A perennial plant (Pyrethrum, or Chrysanthemum, Parthenium) allied to camomile, having finely divided leaves and white blossoms; -- so named from its supposed febrifugal qualities.

Fe"ver*ish, a. 1. Having a fever; suffering from, or affected with, a moderate degree of fever; showing increased heat and thirst; as, the patient is feverish.

2. Indicating, or pertaining to, fever; characteristic of a fever; as, feverish symptoms.

3. Hot; sultry. "The feverish north." Dryden.

4. Disordered as by fever; excited; restless; as, the feverish condition of the commercial world.

Strive to keep up a frail and feverish bing.
Milton.

-- Fe"ver*ish*ly, adv. -- Fe"ver*ish*ness, n.

Fe"ver*ous (?), a. [Cf.F. fiévreux.] 1. Affected with fever or ague; feverish.

His heart, love's feverous citadel.
Keats.

2. Pertaining to, or having the nature of, fever; as, a feverous pulse.

All maladies . . . all feverous kinds.
Milton.

3. Having the tendency to produce fever; as, a feverous disposition of the year. [R.] Bacon.

Fe"ver*ous*ly, adv. Feverishly. [Obs.] Donne.

Fe"ver*wort` (?), n. See Fever root, under Fever.

Fe"ver*y (?), a. Feverish. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Few (fū), a. [Compar. Fewer (?); superl. Fewest.] [OE. fewe, feawe, AS. feá, pl. feáwe; akin to OS. fāh, OHG. fō fao, Icel. fār, Sw. få, pl., Dan. faa, pl., Goth. faus, L. paucus, cf. Gr. pay^ros. Cf. Paucity.] Not many; small, limited, or confined in number; -- indicating a small portion of units or individuals constituing a whole; often, by ellipsis of a noun, a few people. "Are not my days few?" Job x. 20.

Few know and fewer care.
Proverb.

&fist; Few is often used partitively; as, few of them.

A few, a small number. -- In few, in a few words; briefly. Shak.

-- No few, not few; more than a few; many. Cowper.

-- The few, the minority; -- opposed to the many or the majority.

Fe"wel (?), n. [See Fuel.] Fuel. [Obs.] Hooker.

Few"met (?), n. See Fumet. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Few"ness, n. 1. The state of being few; smallness of number; paucity. Shak.

2. Brevity; conciseness. [Obs.] Shak.

Fey (?), a. [AS. f&?;ga, Icel. feigr, OHG. feigi.] Fated; doomed. [Old Eng. & Scot.]

Fey (?), n. [See Fay faith.] Faith. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fey (?), v. t. [Cf. Feague.] To cleanse; to clean out. [Obs.] Tusser.

Feyne (?), v. t. To feign. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Feyre (?), n. A fair or market. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fez (?), n. [F., fr. the town of Fez in Morocco.] A felt or cloth cap, usually red and having a tassel, -- a variety of the tarboosh. See Tarboosh. B. Taylor.

||Fia"cre (?), n. [F.] A kind of French hackney coach.

Fi"ance (?), v. t. [F. fiancer. See Affiance.] To betroth; to affiance. [Obs.] Harmar.

||Fi`an`cé" (?), n. [F.] A betrothed man.

||Fi`an`cée" (?), n. [F.] A betrothed woman.

Fi"ants (?), n. [F. fiente dung.] The dung of the fox, wolf, boar, or badger.

Fi"ar (? or ?), n. [See Feuar.] 1. (Scots Law) One in whom the property of an estate is vested, subject to the estate of a life renter.

I am fiar of the lands; she a life renter.
Sir W. Scott.

2. pl. The price of grain, as legally fixed, in the counties of Scotland, for the current year.

||Fi*as"co (?), n.; pl. Fiascoes (#). [It.] A complete or ridiculous failure, esp. of a musical performance, or of any pretentious undertaking.

Fi"at (?), n. [L., let it be done, 3d pers. sing., subj. pres., fr. fieri, used as pass. of facere to make. Cf. Be.] 1. An authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.

His fiat laid the corner stone.
Willis.

2. (Eng. Law) (a) A warrant of a judge for certain processes. (b) An authority for certain proceedings given by the Lord Chancellor's signature.

Fiat money, irredeemable paper currency, not resting on a specie basis, but deriving its purchasing power from the declaratory fiat of the government issuing it.

Fi*aunt" (?), n. Commission; fiat; order; decree. [Obs.] Spenser.

Fib (?), n. [Prob. fr. fable; cf. Prov. E. fibble-fabble nonsense.] A falsehood; a lie; -- used euphemistically.

They are very serious; they don't tell fibs.
H. James.

Fib, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fibbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fibbing (?).] To speak falsely. [Colloq.]

Fib, v. t. To tell a fib to. [R.] De Quincey.

Fib"ber (?), n. One who tells fibs.

{ Fi"ber, Fi"bre }, (&?;), n. [F. fibre, L. fibra.] 1. One of the delicate, threadlike portions of which the tissues of plants and animals are in part constituted; as, the fiber of flax or of muscle.

2. Any fine, slender thread, or threadlike substance; as, a fiber of spun glass; especially, one of the slender rootlets of a plant.

3. Sinew; strength; toughness; as, a man of real fiber.

Yet had no fibers in him, nor no force.
Chapman.

4. A general name for the raw material, such as cotton, flax, hemp, etc., used in textile manufactures.

Fiber gun, a kind of steam gun for converting, wood, straw, etc., into fiber. The material is shut up in the gun with steam, air, or gas at a very high pressure which is afterward relieved suddenly by letting a lid at the muzzle fly open, when the rapid expansion separates the fibers. -- Fiber plants (Bot.), plants capable of yielding fiber useful in the arts, as hemp, flax, ramie, agave, etc.

{ Fi"bered, Fi"bred } (?), a. Having fibers; made up of fibers.

{ Fi"ber-faced`, Fi"bre-faced` } (?), a. Having a visible fiber embodied in the surface of; -- applied esp. to a kind of paper for checks, drafts, etc.

{ Fi"ber*less, Fi"bre*less }, a. Having no fibers; destitute of fibers or fiber.

Fi"bri*form (? or ?), a. [L. fibra a fiber + -form.] (Biol.) Having the form of a fiber or fibers; resembling a fiber.

Fi"bril (?), n. [F. fibrille, dim. of fibre, L. fibra.] A small fiber; the branch of a fiber; a very slender thread; a fibrilla. Cheyne.

||Fi*bril"la (?), n.; pl. FibrillÆ (#). [NL. See Fibril.] A minute thread or fiber, as one of the fibrous elements of a muscular fiber; a fibril.

Fi"bril*lar (?), a. Of or pertaining to fibrils or fibers; as, fibrillar twitchings.

Fi"bril*la*ry (? or ?), a. Of of pertaining to fibrils.

Fi"bril*la`ted (? or ?), a. Furnished with fibrils; fringed.

Fi`bril*la"tion (?), n. The state of being reduced to fibers. Carpenter.

Fi*bril"lose (? or ?), a. Covered with hairlike appendages, as the under surface of some lichens; also, composed of little strings or fibers; as, fibrillose appendages.

Fi*bril"lous (? or ?), a. [Cf. F. fibraleux.] Pertaining to, or composed of, fibers.

Fi"brin (?), n. [Cf. F. fibrine. See Fiber.] (Physiol. Chem.) 1. A white, albuminous, fibrous substance, formed in the coagulation of the blood either by decomposition of fibrinogen, or from the union of fibrinogen and paraglobulin which exist separately in the blood. It is insoluble in water, but is readily digestible in gastric and pancreatic juice.

2. The white, albuminous mass remaining after washing lean beef or other meat with water until all coloring matter is removed; the fibrous portion of the muscle tissue; flesh fibrin.

3. An albuminous body, resembling animal fibrin in composition, found in cereal grains and similar seeds; vegetable fibrin.

Fibrin factors (Physiol.), the albuminous bodies, paraglobulin and fibrinigen in the blood, which, by the action of the fibrin ferment, are changed into fibrin, in coagulation. -- Fibrin ferment (Physiol. Chem.), a ferment which makes its appearance in the blood shortly after it is shed, and is supposed to be the active agent in causing coagulation of the blood, with formation of fibrin.

Fi`bri*na"tion (?), n. (Med.) The state of acquiring or having an excess of fibrin.

Fi"brine (?), a. Belonging to the fibers of plants.

Fi*brin"o*gen (?), n. [Fibrin + -gen.] (Physiol. Chem.) An albuminous substance existing in the blood, and in other animal fluids, which either alone or with fibrinoplastin or paraglobulin forms fibrin, and thus causes coagulation.

Fi`bri*nog"e*nous (?), a. (Physiol. Chem.) Possessed of properties similar to fibrinogen; capable of forming fibrin.

Fi`bri*no*plas"tic (?), a. (Physiol.Chem.) Like fibrinoplastin; capable of forming fibrin when brought in contact with fibrinogen.

Fi`bri*no*plas"tin (?), n. [Fibrin + Gr. &?; to form, mold.] (Physiol.Chem.) An albuminous substance, existing in the blood, which in combination with fibrinogen forms fibrin; -- called also paraglobulin.

Fi"bri*nous (? or ?; 277), a. Having, or partaking of the properties of, fibrin; as, fibrious exudation.

Fi`bro*car"ti*lage (?), n. [L. fibra a fiber + E. cartilage.] (Anat.) A kind of cartilage with a fibrous matrix and approaching fibrous connective tissue in structure. -- Fi`bro*car`ti*lag"i*nous (#), a.

Fi`bro*chon*dros"te*al (?), a. [L. fibra a fiber + gr. &?; cartilage + &?; bone.] (Anat.) Partly fibrous, partly cartilaginous, and partly osseous. St. George Mivart.

Fi"broid (?), a. [L. fibra a fiber + -oid.] (Med.) Resembling or forming fibrous tissue; made up of fibers; as, fibroid tumors. - - n. A fibroid tumor; a fibroma.

Fibroid degeneration, a form of degeneration in which organs or tissues are converted into fibroid tissue. -- Fibroid phthists, a form of pulmonary consumption associated with the formation of fibrous tissue in the lungs, and the gradual atrophy of the lungs, from the pressure due to the contraction of this tissue.

Fi"bro*in (? or ?), n. [L. fibra a fiber.] (Chem.) A variety of gelatin; the chief ingredient of raw silk, extracted as a white amorphous mass.

Fi"bro*lite (? or ?), n. [L. fibra a fiber + -lite: cf. F. fibrolithe.] (Min.) A silicate of alumina, of fibrous or columnar structure. It is like andalusite in composition; -- called also sillimanite, and bucholizite.

||Fi*bro"ma (?), n. [NL. See Fiber, and -oma.] (Med.) A tumor consisting mainly of fibrous tissue, or of same modification of such tissue.

||Fi`bro*spon"gi*æ (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. fibra a fiber + spongia a sponge.] (Zoöl.) An order of sponges having a fibrous skeleton, including the commercial sponges.

Fi"brous (?), a. [Cf. F. fibreux.] Containing, or consisting of, fibers; as, the fibrous coat of the cocoanut; the fibrous roots of grasses. -- Fi"brous*ness, n.

Fi`bro*vas"cu*lar (?), a. [L. fibra a fiber + E. vascular.] (Bot.) Containing woody fiber and ducts, as the stems of all flowering plants and ferns; -- opposed to cellular.

Fib"ster (?), n. One who tells fibs. [Jocular]

||Fib"u*la (?), n.; pl. FibulÆ (#). [L., clasp, buckle.] 1. A brooch, clasp, or buckle.

Mere fibulæ, without a robe to clasp.
Wordsworth.

2. (Anat.) The outer and usually the smaller of the two bones of the leg, or hind limb, below the knee.

3. (Surg.) A needle for sewing up wounds.

Fib"u-lar (?), a. Pertaining to the fibula.

||Fib`u*la"re (?), n.; pl. Fibularia (#). [NL. See Fibula.] (Anat.) The bone or cartilage of the tarsus, which articulates with the fibula, and corresponds to the calcaneum in man and most mammals.

Fice (?), n. A small dog; -- written also fise, fyce, fiste, etc. [Southern U.S.]

Fi*ché (?), a. (Her.) See FitchÉ.

Fich"tel*ite (?), n. (Min.) A white crystallized mineral resin from the Fichtelgebirge, Bavaria.

Fich"u (?), n. [F., neckerchief.] A light cape, usually of lace, worn by women, to cover the neck and throat, and extending to the shoulders.

Fic"kle (?), a. [OE. fikel untrustworthy, deceitful, AS. ficol, fr. fic, gefic, fraud, deceit; cf. fācen deceit, OS. f&?;kn, OHG. feichan, Icel. feikn portent. Cf. Fidget.] Not fixed or firm; liable to change; unstable; of a changeable mind; not firm in opinion or purpose; inconstant; capricious; as, Fortune's fickle wheel. Shak.

They know how fickle common lovers are.
Dryden.

Syn. -- Wavering; irresolute; unsettled; vacillating; unstable; inconsonant; unsteady; variable; mutable; changeful; capricious; veering; shifting.

Fic"kle*ness (?), n. The quality of being fickle; instability; inconsonancy. Shak.

Fic"kly (?), adv. In a fickle manner. [Obs.] Pepys.

||Fi"co (?), n.; pl. Ficoes (#). [It., a fig, fr. L. ficus. See Fig.] A fig; an insignificant trifle, no more than the snap of one's thumb; a sign of contempt made by the fingers, expressing. A fig for you.

Steal! foh, a fico for the phrase.
Shak.

Fic"tile (?), a. [L. fictilis. See Fiction.] Molded, or capable of being molded, into form by art; relating to pottery or to molding in any soft material.

Fictile earth is more fragile than crude earth.
Bacon.

The earliest specimens of Italian fictile art.
C. Wordsworth.

Fictile ware, ware made of any material which is molded or shaped while soft; hence, pottery of any sort.

-- Fic"tile*ness, n. -- Fic*til"i*ty (#), n.

Fic"tion (?), n. [F. fiction, L. fictio, fr. fingere, fictum to form, shape, invent, feign. See Feign.] 1. The act of feigning, inventing, or imagining; as, by a mere fiction of the mind. Bp. Stillingfleet.

2. That which is feigned, invented, or imagined; especially, a feigned or invented story, whether oral or written. Hence: A story told in order to deceive; a fabrication; -- opposed to fact, or reality.

The fiction of those golden apples kept by a dragon.
Sir W. Raleigh.

When it could no longer be denied that her flight had been voluntary, numerous fictions were invented to account for it.
Macaulay.

3. Fictitious literature; comprehensively, all works of imagination; specifically, novels and romances.

The office of fiction as a vehicle of instruction and moral elevation has been recognized by most if not all great educators.
Dict. of Education.

4. (Law) An assumption of a possible thing as a fact, irrespective of the question of its truth. Wharton.

5. Any like assumption made for convenience, as for passing more rapidly over what is not disputed, and arriving at points really at issue.

Syn. -- Fabrication; invention; fable; falsehood. -- Fiction, Fabrication. Fiction is opposed to what is real; fabrication to what is true. Fiction is designed commonly to amuse, and sometimes to instruct; a fabrication is always intended to mislead and deceive. In the novels of Sir Walter Scott we have fiction of the highest order. The poems of Ossian, so called, were chiefly fabrications by Macpherson.

Fic"tion*al (?), a. Pertaining to, or characterized by, fiction; fictitious; romantic."Fictional rather than historical." Latham.

Fic"tion*ist, n. A writer of fiction. [R.] Lamb.

Fic"tious (?), a. Fictitious. [R.] Prior.

Fic*ti"tious (?), a. [L. fictitius. See Fiction.] Feigned; imaginary; not real; fabulous; counterfeit; false; not genuine; as, fictitious fame.

The human persons are as fictitious as the airy ones.
Pope.

-- Fic*ti"tious*ly, adv. -- Fic*ti"tious*ness, n.

Fic"tive (?), a. [Cf. F. fictif.] Feigned; counterfeit. "The fount of fictive tears." Tennyson.

Fic"tor (?), n. [L.] An artist who models or forms statues and reliefs in any plastic material. [R.] Elmes.

||Fi"cus (?), n. [L., a fig.] A genus of trees or shrubs, one species of which (F. Carica) produces the figs of commerce; the fig tree.

&fist; Ficus Indica is the banyan tree; F. religiosa, the peepul tree; F. elastica, the India-rubber tree.

Fid (?), n. [Prov. E. fid a small, thick lump.] 1. (Naut.) A square bar of wood or iron, used to support the topmast, being passed through a hole or mortise at its heel, and resting on the trestle trees.

2. A wooden or metal bar or pin, used to support or steady anything.

3. A pin of hard wood, tapering to a point, used to open the strands of a rope in splicing.

&fist; There are hand fids and standing fids (which are larger than the others, and stand upon a flat base). An iron implement for this purpose is called a marline spike.

4. (Mil.) A block of wood used in mounting and dismounting heavy guns.

Fi*dal"go (?), n. [Pg. See Hidalgo.] The lowest title of nobility in Portugal, corresponding to that of Hidalgo in Spain.

Fid"dle (f&ibreve;d"d'l), n. [OE. fidele, fithele, AS. fiðele; akin to D. vedel, OHG. fidula, G. fiedel, Icel. fiðla, and perh. to E. viol. Cf. Viol.] 1. (Mus.) A stringed instrument of music played with a bow; a violin; a kit.

2. (Bot.) A kind of dock (Rumex pulcher) with fiddle-shaped leaves; -- called also fiddle dock.

3. (Naut.) A rack or frame of bars connected by strings, to keep table furniture in place on the cabin table in bad weather. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Fiddle beetle (Zoöl.), a Japanese carabid beetle (Damaster blaptoides); -- so called from the form of the body. -- Fiddle block (Naut.), a long tackle block having two sheaves of different diameters in the same plane, instead of side by side as in a common double block. Knight. -- Fiddle bow, fiddlestick. -- Fiddle fish (Zoöl.), the angel fish. -- Fiddle head, an ornament on a ship's bow, curved like the volute or scroll at the head of a violin. -- Fiddle pattern, a form of the handles of spoons, forks, etc., somewhat like a violin. -- Scotch fiddle, the itch. (Low) -- To play first, or second, fiddle, to take a leading or a subordinate part. [Colloq.]

Fid"dle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fiddled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fiddling (?).] 1. To play on a fiddle.

Themistocles . . . said he could not fiddle, but he could make a small town a great city.
Bacon.

2. To keep the hands and fingers actively moving as a fiddler does; to move the hands and fingers restlessy or in busy idleness; to trifle.

Talking, and fiddling with their hats and feathers.
Pepys.

Fid"dle (?), v. t. To play (a tune) on a fiddle.

Fid"dle*dee*dee` (?), interj. An exclamatory word or phrase, equivalent to nonsense! [Colloq.]

Fid"dle-fad`dle (?), n. A trifle; trifling talk; nonsense. [Colloq.] Spectator.

Fid"dle-fad`dle, v. i. To talk nonsense. [Colloq.] Ford.

Fid"dler (?), n. [AS. fiðelere.] 1. One who plays on a fiddle or violin.

2. (Zoöl.) A burrowing crab of the genus Gelasimus, of many species. The male has one claw very much enlarged, and often holds it in a position similar to that in which a musician holds a fiddle, hence the name; -- called also calling crab, soldier crab, and fighting crab.

3. (Zoöl.) The common European sandpiper (Tringoides hypoleucus); -- so called because it continually oscillates its body.

Fiddler crab. (Zoöl.) See Fiddler, n., 2.

Fid"dle-shaped` (?), a. (Bot.) Inversely ovate, with a deep hollow on each side. Gray.

Fid"dle*stick` (?), n. The bow, strung with horsehair, used in playing the fiddle; a fiddle bow.

Fid"dle*string` (?), n. One of the catgut strings of a fiddle.

Fid"dle*wood` (?), n. [Corrupted fr. F. bois-fidèle, lit., faithful wood; -- so called from its durability.] The wood of several West Indian trees, mostly of the genus Citharexylum.

Fi`de*jus"sion (?), n. [L. fidejussio, from fidejubere to be surety or bail; fides faith + jubere to order: cf. F. fidéjussion.] (Civil Law) The act or state of being bound as surety for another; suretyship.

Fi`de*jus"sor (?), n. [L.: cf. F. fidéjusseur.] (Civil Law) A surety; one bound for another, conjointly with him; a guarantor. Blackstone.

Fi*del"i*ty (?), n. [L. fidelitas: cf. F. fidélité. See Fealty.] Faithfulness; adherence to right; careful and exact observance of duty, or discharge of obligations. Especially: (a) Adherence to a person or party to which one is bound; loyalty.

Whose courageous fidelity was proof to all danger.
Macaulay.

The best security for the fidelity of men is to make interest coincide with duty.
A. Hamilton.

(b) Adherence to the marriage contract. (c) Adherence to truth; veracity; honesty.

The principal thing required in a witness is fidelity.
Hooker.

Syn. -- Faithfulness; honesty; integrity; faith; loyalty; fealty.

||Fi"des (?), n. [L., faith.] (Roman Muth.) Faith personified as a goddess; the goddess of faith.

Fidge (f&ibreve;j), n. & v. i. See Fidget. [R.] Swift.

Fidg"et (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fidgeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fodgeting.] [From Fidge; cf. OE. fiken to fidget, to flatter, Icel. fika to hasten, Sw. fika to hunt after, AS. befician to deceive. Cf. Fickle.] To move uneasily one way and the other; to move irregularly, or by fits and starts. Moore.

Fidg"et, n. 1. Uneasiness; restlessness. Cowper.

2. pl. A general nervous restlessness, manifested by incessant changes of position; dysphoria. Dunglison.

Fidg"et*i*ness (?), n. Quality of being fidgety.

Fidg"et*y (?), a. Restless; uneasy. Lowell.

||Fid"i*a (?), n. [NL., prob. fr. L. fidus trusty.] (Zoöl.) A genus of small beetles, of which one species (the grapevine Fidia, F. longipes) is very injurious to vines in America.

Fi*dic"i*nal (?), a. [L. fidicinus, fr. fidicen, -inis, a lute player.] (Mus.) Of or pertaining to a stringed instrument.

Fi*du"cial (?), a. [L. fiducia trust, confidence; akin to fides faith. See Faith.] 1. Having faith or trust; confident; undoubting; firm. "Fiducial reliance on the promises of God." Hammond.

2. Having the nature of a trust; fiduciary; as, fiducial power. Spelman.

Fiducial edge (Astron. & Surv.), the straight edge of the alidade or ruler along which a straight line is to be drawn. -- Fiducial line or point (Math. & Physics.), a line or point of reference, as for setting a graduated circle or scale used for measurments.

Fi*du"cial*ly, adv. With confidence. South.

Fi*du"ci*a*ry (? or ?), a. [L. fiduciarus, fr. fiducia: cf. F. fiduciaire. See Fiducial.] 1. Involving confidence or trust; confident; undoubting; faithful; firm; as, in a fiduciary capacity. "Fiduciary obedience." Howell.

2. Holding, held, or founded, in trust. Spelman.

Fi*du"ci*a*ry, n. 1. One who holds a thing in trust for another; a trustee.

Instrumental to the conveying God's blessing upon those whose fiduciaries they are.
Jer. Taylor.

2. (Theol.) One who depends for salvation on faith, without works; an Antinomian. Hammond.

Fie (?), interj. [OE. fi; cf. D. fif. G. pfui, Icel. f&?;, Sw. & Dan. fy, F. fi, L. fi, phy.] An exclamation denoting contempt or dislike. See Fy. Fuller.

Fief (?), n. [F. fief; of German origin, and the same word as E. fee. See Fee, and cf. Feud, a tief.] (Law) An estate held of a superior on condition of military service; a fee; a feud. See under Benefice, n., 2.

Field (fēld), n. [OE. feld, fild, AS. feld; akin to D. veld, G. feld, Sw. fält, Dan. felt, Icel. fold field of grass, AS. folde earth, land, ground, OS. folda.] 1. Cleared land; land suitable for tillage or pasture; cultivated ground; the open country.

2. A piece of land of considerable size; esp., a piece inclosed for tillage or pasture.

Fields which promise corn and wine.
Byron.

3. A place where a battle is fought; also, the battle itself.

In this glorious and well-foughten field.
Shak.

What though the field be lost?
Milton.

4. An open space; an extent; an expanse. Esp.: (a) Any blank space or ground on which figures are drawn or projected. (b) The space covered by an optical instrument at one view.

Without covering, save yon field of stars.
Shak.

Ask of yonder argent fields above.
Pope.

5. (Her.) The whole surface of an escutcheon; also, so much of it is shown unconcealed by the different bearings upon it. See Illust. of Fess, where the field is represented as gules (red), while the fess is argent (silver).

6. An unresticted or favorable opportunity for action, operation, or achievement; province; room.

Afforded a clear field for moral experiments.
Macaulay.

7. A collective term for all the competitors in any outdoor contest or trial, or for all except the favorites in the betting.

8. (Baseball) That part of the grounds reserved for the players which is outside of the diamond; -- called also outfield.

&fist; Field is often used adjectively in the sense of belonging to, or used in, the fields; especially with reference to the operations and equipments of an army during a campaign away from permanent camps and fortifications. In most cases such use of the word is sufficiently clear; as, field battery; field fortification; field gun; field hospital, etc. A field geologist, naturalist, etc., is one who makes investigations or collections out of doors. A survey uses a field book for recording field notes, i.e., measurment, observations, etc., made in field work (outdoor operations). A farmer or planter employs field hands, and may use a field roller or a field derrick. Field sports are hunting, fishing, athletic games, etc.

Coal field (Geol.) See under Coal. -- Field artillery, light ordnance mounted on wheels, for the use of a marching army. -- Field basil (Bot.), a plant of the Mint family (Calamintha Acinos); -- called also basil thyme. -- Field colors (Mil.), small flags for marking out the positions for squadrons and battalions; camp colors. -- Field cricket (Zoöl.), a large European cricket (Gryllus campestric), remarkable for its loud notes. -- Field day. (a) A day in the fields. (b) (Mil.) A day when troops are taken into the field for instruction in evolutions. Farrow. (c) A day of unusual exertion or display; a gala day. -- Field driver, in New England, an officer charged with the driving of stray cattle to the pound. - - Field duck (Zoöl.), the little bustard (Otis tetrax), found in Southern Europe. -- Field glass. (Optics) (a) A binocular telescope of compact form; a lorgnette; a race glass. (b) A small achromatic telescope, from 20 to 24 inches long, and having 3 to 6 draws. (c) See Field lens. -- Field lark. (Zoöl.) (a) The skylark. (b) The tree pipit. -- Field lens (Optics), that one of the two lenses forming the eyepiece of an astronomical telescope or compound microscope which is nearer the object glass; -- called also field glass. -- Field madder (Bot.), a plant (Sherardia arvensis) used in dyeing. -- Field marshal (Mil.), the highest military rank conferred in the British and other European armies. -- Field mouse (Zoöl.), a mouse inhabiting fields, as the campagnol and the deer mouse. See Campagnol, and Deer mouse. -- Field officer (Mil.), an officer above the rank of captain and below that of general. -- Field officer's court (U.S.Army), a court-martial consisting of one field officer empowered to try all cases, in time of war, subject to jurisdiction of garrison and regimental courts. Farrow. -- Field plover (Zoöl.), the black-bellied plover (Charadrius squatarola); also sometimes applied to the Bartramian sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). -- Field spaniel (Zoöl.), a small spaniel used in hunting small game. -- Field sparrow. (Zoöl.) (a) A small American sparrow (Spizella pusilla). (b) The hedge sparrow. [Eng.] -- Field staff> (Mil.), a staff formerly used by gunners to hold a lighted match for discharging a gun. -- Field vole (Zoöl.), the European meadow mouse. -- Field of ice, a large body of floating ice; a pack. -- Field, or Field of view, in a telescope or microscope, the entire space within which objects are seen. -- Field magnet. see under Magnet. -- Magnetic field. See Magnetic. -- To back the field, or To bet on the field. See under Back, v. t. -- To keep the field. (a) (Mil.) To continue a campaign. (b) To maintain one's ground against all comers. -- To lay, or back, against the field, to bet on (a horse, etc.) against all comers. -- To take the field (Mil.), to enter upon a campaign.

Field (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fielded; p. pr. & vb. n. Fielding.] 1. To take the field. [Obs.] Spenser.

2. (Ball Playing) To stand out in the field, ready to catch, stop, or throw the ball.

Field, v. t. (Ball Playing) To catch, stop, throw, etc. (the ball), as a fielder.

Field"ed, a. Engaged in the field; encamped. [Obs.]

To help fielded friends.
Shak.

Field"en (?), a. Consisting of fields. [Obs.]

The fielden country also and plains.
Holland.

Field"er (?), n. (Ball Playing) A ball payer who stands out in the field to catch or stop balls.

Field"fare` (?; 277), n. [OE. feldfare, AS. feldfare; field + faran to travel.] (Zoöl.) a small thrush (Turdus pilaris) which breeds in northern Europe and winters in Great Britain. The head, nape, and lower part of the back are ash-colored; the upper part of the back and wing coverts, chestnut; -- called also fellfare.

Field"ing, n. (Ball Playing) The act of playing as a fielder.

Field"piece` (?), n. A cannon mounted on wheels, for the use of a marching army; a piece of field artillery; -- called also field gun.

Field"work` (?), n. (Mil.) Any temporary fortification thrown up by an army in the field; - - commonly in the plural.

All works which do not come under the head of permanent fortification are called fieldworks.
Wilhelm.

Field"y (?), a. Open, like a field. [Obs.] Wyclif.

Fiend (?), n. [OE. fend, find, fiend, feond, fiend, foe, AS. feónd; akin to OS. fīond, D. vijand enemy, OHG. fīant, G. feind, Icel. fjānd, Sw. & Dan. fiende, Goth. fijands; orig. p. pr. of a verb meaning to hate, AS. feón, feógan, OHG. fī&?;n, Goth. fijan, Skr. pīy to scorn; prob. akin to E. feud a quarrel. √81. Cf. Foe, Friend.] An implacable or malicious foe; one who is diabolically wicked or cruel; an infernal being; -- applied specifically to the devil or a demon.

Into this wild abyss the wary fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while.
Milton.

O woman! woman! when to ill thy mind
Is bent, all hell contains no fouler fiend.
Pope.

Fiend"ful (?), a. Full of fiendish spirit or arts. Marlowe.

-- Fiend"ful*ly, adv.

Fiend"ish (?), a. Like a fiend; diabolically wicked or cruel; infernal; malignant; devilish; hellish. -- Fiend"ish*ly, adv. -- Fiend"ish*ness, n.

Fiend"like` (?), a. Fiendish; diabolical. Longfellow.

Fiend"ly, a. [AS. feóndlic.] Fiendlike; monstrous; devilish. [Obs.] Chaucer.

||Fi`e*ras"fer (?), n. [NL.] (Zoöl.) A genus of small, slender fishes, remarkable for their habit of living as commensals in other animals. One species inhabits the gill cavity of the pearl oyster near Panama; another lives within an East Indian holothurian.

Fierce (?), a. [Compar. Fiercer (?); superl. Fiercest (?).] [OE. fers, fiers, OF. fier, nom. fiers, fierce, savage, cruel, F. fier proud, from L. ferus wild, savage, cruel; perh. akin to E. bear the animal. Cf. Feral, Ferocity.] 1. Furious; violent; unrestrained; impetuous; as, a fierce wind.

His fierce thunder drove us to the deep.
Milton.

2. Vehement in anger or cruelty; ready or eager to kill or injure; of a nature to inspire terror; ferocious. "A fierce whisper." Dickens. "A fierce tyrant." Pope.

The fierce foe hung upon our broken rear.
Milton.

Thou huntest me as a fierce lion.
Job. x. 16.

3. Excessively earnest, eager, or ardent.

Syn. -- Ferocious; savage; cruel; vehement; impetuous; barbarous; fell. See Ferocious.

-- Fierce"ly, adv. -- Fierce"ness, n.

||Fi"e*ri fa"ci*as (?). [L., cause it to be done.] (Law) A judicial writ that lies for one who has recovered in debt or damages, commanding the sheriff that he cause to be made of the goods, chattels, or real estate of the defendant, the sum claimed. Blackstone. Cowell.

Fi"er*i*ness (?), n. The quality of being fiery; heat; acrimony; irritability; as, a fieriness of temper. Addison.

Fi"er*y (? or ?), a. [Formerly written firy, fr. fire.] 1. Consisting of, containing, or resembling, fire; as, the fiery gulf of Etna; a fiery appearance.

And fiery billows roll below.
I. Watts.

2. Vehement; ardent; very active; impetuous.

Hath thy fiery heart so parched thine entrails?
Shak.

The fiery spirit of his forefathers.
W. Irwing.

3. Passionate; easily provoked; irritable.

You know the fiery quality of the duke.
Shak.

4. Unrestrained; fierce; mettlesome; spirited.

One curbed the fiery steed.
Dryden.

5. heated by fire, or as if by fire; burning hot; parched; feverish. Pope.

The sword which is made fiery.
Hooker.

Fiery cross, a cross constructed of two firebrands, and pitched upon the point of a spear; formerly in Scotland borne by a runner as a signal for the clan to take up arms. Sir W. Scott.

Fife (?), n. [F. fifre, OHG. pfīfa, LL. pipa pipe, pipare to play on the pipe, fr. L. pipire, pipare, to peep, pip, chirp, as a chiken. See Pipe.] (Mus.) A small shrill pipe, resembling the piccolo flute, used chiefly to accompany the drum in military music.

Fife major (Mil.), a noncommissioned officer who superintends the fifers of a regiment. -- Fife rail. (Naut.) (a) A rail about the mast, at the deck, to hold belaying pins, etc. (b) A railing around the break of a poop deck.

Fife, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fifed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. fifing.] To play on a fife.

Fif"er (?), n. One who plays on a fife.

Fif"teen` (?), a. [OE. fiftene, AS. fīft&ymacr;ne, fīftēne. See Five, and Ten, and cf. Fifty.] Five and ten; one more than fourteen.

Fif"teen`, n. 1. The sum of five and ten; fifteen units or objects.

2. A symbol representing fifteen units, as 15, or xv.

Fif"teenth` (?), a. [OE. fiftenthe; cf. fiftethe, AS. fīfteōða. See Fifteen.] 1. Next in order after the fourteenth; -- the ordinal of fifteen.

2. Consisting of one of fifteen equal parts or divisions of a thing.

Fif"teenth`, n. 1. One of fifteen equal parts or divisions; the quotient of a unit divided by fifteen.

2. A species of tax upon personal property formerly laid on towns, boroughs, etc., in England, being one fifteenth part of what the personal property in each town, etc., had been valued at. Burrill.

3. (Mus.) (a) A stop in an organ tuned two octaves above the diaposon. (b) An interval consisting of two octaves.

Fifth (?), a. [OE. fifte, fifthe, AS. fīfta. See Five.] 1. Next in order after the fourth; -- the ordinal of five.

2. Consisting of one of five equal divisions of a thing.

Fifth monarchy men (Hist.), a fanatical sect in England, of the time of the commonwealth, who maintained that there would be a fifth universal monarchy, during which Christ would reign on earth a thousand years. -- Fifth wheel, a horizontal wheel or segment above the fore axle of a carriage and beneath the body, forming an extended support to prevent careening.

Fifth (?), n. 1. The quotient of a unit divided by five; one of five equal parts; a fifth part.

2. (Mus.) The interval of three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the dominant of any key.

Fifth"ly, adv. In the fifth place; as the fifth in order.

Fif"ti*eth (?), a. [AS. fīftigoða. See Fifty.] 1. Next in order after the forty-ninth; -- the ordinal of fifty.

2. Consisting of one of fifty equal parts or divisions.

Fif"ti*eth, n. One of fifty equal parts; the quotient of a unit divided by fifty.

Fif"ty (?), a. [AS. fīftig; akin to OHG. finfzug, fimfzuc, G. fünfzig, funfzig, Goth. fimftigjus. See Five, and Ten, and cf. Fifteen.] Five times ten; as, fifty men.

Fif"ty, n.; pl. Fifties (&?;). 1. The sum of five tens; fifty units or objects.

2. A symbol representing fifty units, as 50, or l.

Fig (?), n. [F. figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, fr. L. ficus fig tree, fig. Cf. Fico.] 1. (Bot.) A small fruit tree (Ficus Carica) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria westward to the Canary Islands.

2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors.

&fist; The fruit of a fig tree is really the hollow end of a stem, and bears numerous achenia inside the cavity. Many species have little, hard, inedible figs, and in only a few does the fruit become soft and pulpy. The fruit of the cultivated varieties is much prized in its fresh state, and also when dried or preserved. See Caprification.

3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.]

4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt. "A fig for Peter." Shak.

Cochineal fig. See Conchineal fig. -- Fig dust, a preparation of fine oatmeal for feeding caged birds. -- Fig faun, one of a class of rural deities or monsters supposed to live on figs. "Therefore shall dragons dwell there with the fig fauns." Jer. i. 39. (Douay version). -- Fig gnat (Zoöl.), a small fly said to be injurious to figs. -- Fig leaf, the leaf tree; hence, in allusion to the first clothing of Adam and Eve (Genesis iii.7), a covering for a thing that ought to be concealed; esp., an inadequate covering; a symbol for affected modesty. -- Fig marigold (Bot.), the name of several plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers. -- Fig tree (Bot.), any tree of the genus Ficus, but especially F. Carica which produces the fig of commerce.

Fig, v. t. [See Fico, Fig, n.] 1. To insult with a fico, or contemptuous motion. See Fico. [Obs.]

When Pistol lies, do this, and fig me like
The bragging Spaniard.
Shak.

2. To put into the head of, as something useless o&?; contemptible. [Obs.] L'Estrange.

Fig, n. Figure; dress; array. [Colloq.]

Were they all in full fig, the females with feathers on their heads, the males with chapeaux bras?
Prof. Wilson.

||Fi`ga`ro" (?), n. [From the name of the barber in Beaumarchais' "Barber of Seville."] An adroit and unscrupulous intriguer.

Fig"a*ry (?), n. [Corrupted fr. vagary.] A frolic; a vagary; a whim. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Fig"eat`er (?), n. (Zoöl.) (a) A large beetle (Allorhina nitida) which in the Southern United States destroys figs. The elytra are velvety green with pale borders. (b) A bird. See Figpecker.

Fig"ent (?), a. Fidgety; restless. [Obs.]

Such a little figent thing.
Beau. & Fl.

Fig"gum (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] A juggler's trick; conjuring. [Obs.]

The devil is the author of wicked figgum.
B. Jonson.

Fight (fīt), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fought (f&add;t); p. pr. & vb. n. Fighting.] [OE. fihten, fehten, AS. feohtan; akin to D. vechten, OHG. fehtan, G. fechten, Sw. fäkta, Dan. fegte, and perh. to E. fist; cf. L. pugnare to fight, pugnus fist.] 1. To strive or contend for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms; -- followed by with or against.

You do fight against your country's foes.
Shak.

To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.
Milton.

2. To act in opposition to anything; to struggle against; to contend; to strive; to make resistance.

To fight shy, to avoid meeting fairly or at close quarters; to keep out of reach.

Fight, v. t. 1. To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one's way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause.

He had to fight his way through the world.
Macaulay.

I have fought a good fight.
2 Tim. iv. 7.

2. To contend with in battle; to war against; as, they fought the enemy in two pitched battles; the sloop fought the frigate for three hours.

3. To cause to fight; to manage or maneuver in a fight; as, to fight cocks; to fight one's ship.

To fight it out, to fight until a decisive and conclusive result is reached.

Fight, n. [OE. fight, feht, AS. feoht. See Fight, v. i.] 1. A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, ships, or navies, etc.

Who now defies thee thrice to single fight.
Milton.

2. A struggle or contest of any kind.

3. Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity; as, he has a great deal of fight in him. [Colloq.]

4. A screen for the combatants in ships. [Obs.]

Up with your fights, and your nettings prepare.
Dryden.

Running fight, a fight in which the enemy is continually chased; also, one which continues without definite end or result.

Syn. -- Combat; engagement; contest; struggle; encounter; fray; affray; action; conflict. See Battle.

Fight"er (?), n. [AS. feohtere.] One who fights; a combatant; a warrior. Shak.

Fight"ing, a. 1. Qualified for war; fit for battle.

An host of fighting men.
2 Chron. xxvi. 11.

2. Occupied in war; being the scene of a battle; as, a fighting field. Pope.

A fighting chance, one dependent upon the issue of a struggle. [Colloq.] -- Fighting crab (Zoöl.), the fiddler crab. -- Fighting fish (Zoöl.), a remarkably pugnacious East Indian fish (Betta pugnax), reared by the Siamese for spectacular fish fights.

Fight"ing*ly, adv. Pugnaciously.

Fight"wite` (?), n. [Fight + wite.] (O.Eng. Law) A mulct or fine imposed on a person for making a fight or quarrel to the disturbance of the peace.

Fig"ment (?), n. [L. figmentum, fr. fingere to form, shape, invent, feign. See Feign.] An invention; a fiction; something feigned or imagined.

Social figments, feints, and formalism.
Mrs. Browning.

It carried rather an appearance of figment and invention . . . than of truth and reality.
Woodward.

Fig"peck`er (?), n. (Zoöl.) The European garden warbler (Sylvia, or Currica, hortensis); -- called also beccafico and greater pettychaps.

Fig"-shell` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A marine univalve shell of the genus Pyrula, or Ficula, resembling a fig in form.

{ Fig"u*late (?), Fig"u*la`ted (?) }, a. [L. figulatus, p. p. of figulare to shape, fr. figulus potter, fr. fingere to shape.] Made of potter's clay; molded; shaped. [R.] Johnson.

Fig"u*line (? or ?), n. [F., fr. L. figulina pottery, fr. figulus. See Figulate.] A piece of pottery ornamented with representations of natural objects.

Whose figulines and rustic wares
Scarce find him bread from day to day.
Longfellow.

Fig`ur*a*bil"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. figurabilité.] The quality of being figurable. Johnson.

Fig`ur*a*ble (?), a. [L. figurare to form, shape, fr. figura figure: cf. F. figurable. See Figure.] Capable of being brought to a fixed form or shape.

Lead is figurable, but water is not.
Johnson.

Fig"ur*al (?), a. [From Figure.] 1. Represented by figure or delineation; consisting of figures; as, figural ornaments. Sir T. Browne.

2. (Mus.) Figurate. See Figurate.

Figural numbers. See Figurate numbers, under Figurate.

Fig"u*rant` (? or ?), n. masc. [F., prop. p. pr. of figurer figure, represent, make a figure.] One who dances at the opera, not singly, but in groups or figures; an accessory character on the stage, who figures in its scenes, but has nothing to say; hence, one who figures in any scene, without taking a prominent part.

Fig"u*rante` (? or ?), n. fem. [F.] A female figurant; esp., a ballet girl.

Fig"ur*ate (?), a. [L. figuratus, p. p. of figurare. See Figure.] 1. Of a definite form or figure.

Plants are all figurate and determinate, which inanimate bodies are not.
Bacon.

2. Figurative; metaphorical. [Obs.] Bale.

3. (Mus.) Florid; figurative; involving passing discords by the freer melodic movement of one or more parts or voices in the harmony; as, figurate counterpoint or descant.

Figurate counterpoint or descant (Mus.), that which is not simple, or in which the parts do not move together tone for tone, but in which freer movement of one or more parts mingles passing discords with the harmony; -- called also figural, figurative, and figured counterpoint or descant (although the term figured is more commonly applied to a bass with numerals written above or below to indicate the other notes of the harmony). -- Figurate numbers (Math.), numbers, or series of numbers, formed from any arithmetical progression in which the first term is a unit, and the difference a whole number, by taking the first term, and the sums of the first two, first three, first four, etc., as the successive terms of a new series, from which another may be formed in the same manner, and so on, the numbers in the resulting series being such that points representing them are capable of symmetrical arrangement in different geometrical figures, as triangles, squares, pentagons, etc. In the following example, the two lower lines are composed of figurate numbers, those in the second line being triangular, and represented thus: --

. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. . . . 1, 3, 6, 10, etc. . . . . . . . etc. 1, 4, 10, 20, etc . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fig"ur*a`ted (?), a. Having a determinate form.

Fig"ur*ate*ly (?), adv. In a figurate manner.

Fig`u*ra"tion (?), n. [L. figuratio.] 1. The act of giving figure or determinate form; determination to a certain form. Bacon.

2. (Mus.) Mixture of concords and discords.

Fig"ur*a*tive (?), a. [L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.] 1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.

This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity.
Hooker.

2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.

3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.

4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2.

They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
J. A. Symonds.

Figurative counterpoint or descant. See under Figurate.

-- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.

Fig"ure (f&ibreve;g"&usl;r; 135), n. [F., figure, L. figura; akin to fingere to form, shape, feign. See Feign.] 1. The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.

Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Bacon.

2. The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.

A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Shak.

3. A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.

4. (Geom.) A diagram or drawing; made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; -- called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.

5. The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.

I made some figure there.
Dryden.

Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Blackstone.

6. Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.

That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Law.

7. A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.

8. Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure. [Colloq.]

With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Thackeray.

9. A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.

Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Rom. v. 14.

10. (Rhet.) A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement.

To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Macaulay.

11. (Logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.

12. (Dancing) Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.

13. (Astrol.) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses. Johnson.

14. (Music) (a) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression. Grove.

(b) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.

&fist; Figures are often written upon the staff in music to denote the kind of measure. They are usually in the form of a fraction, the upper figure showing how many notes of the kind indicated by the lower are contained in one measure or bar. Thus, 2/4 signifies that the measure contains two quarter notes. The following are the principal figures used for this purpose: --

2/22/42/8 4/22/44/8 3/23/43/8 6/46/46/8

Academy figure, Canceled figures, Lay figure, etc. See under Academy, Cancel, Lay, etc. -- Figure caster, or Figure flinger, an astrologer. "This figure caster." Milton. - - Figure flinging, the practice of astrology. -- Figure-of-eight knot, a knot shaped like the figure 8. See Illust. under Knot. -- Figure painting, a picture of the human figure, or the act or art of depicting the human figure. -- Figure stone (Min.), agalmatolite. -- Figure weaving, the art or process of weaving figured fabrics. -- To cut a figure, to make a display. [Colloq.] Sir W. Scott.

Fig"ure, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Figured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Figuring.] [F. figurer, L. figurare, fr. figura. See Figure, n.] 1. To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.

If love, alas! be pain I bear,

No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.

2. To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.

The vaulty top of heaven
Figured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Shak.

3. To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.

As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Dryden.

4. To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.

Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Shak.

5. To prefigure; to foreshow.

In this the heaven figures some event.
Shak.

6. (Mus.) (a) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords. (b) To embellish.

To figure out, to solve; to compute or find the result of. -- To figure up, to add; to reckon; to compute the amount of.

Fig"ure, v. i. 1. To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.

Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
M. Arnold.

2. To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination. [Colloq.]

Fig"ured (?), a. 1. Adorned with figures; marked with figures; as, figured muslin.

2. Not literal; figurative. [Obs.] Locke.

3. (Mus.) (a) Free and florid; as, a figured descant. See Figurate, 3. (b) Indicated or noted by figures.

Figured bass. See Continued bass, under Continued.

Fig"ure*head` (?), n. 1. (Naut.) The figure, statue, or bust, on the prow of a ship.

2. A person who allows his name to be used to give standing to enterprises in which he has no responsible interest or duties; a nominal, but not real, head or chief.

Fi*gu"ri*al (?), a. Represented by figure or delineation. [R.] Craig.

||Fi`gu`rine" (? or ?), n. [F., dim. of figure.] A very small figure, whether human or of an animal; especially, one in terra cotta or the like; -- distinguished from statuette, which is applied to small figures in bronze, marble, etc.

Fig"ur*ist (?), n. One who uses or interprets figurative expressions. Waterland.

Fig"wort` (?), n. (Bot.) A genus of herbaceous plants (Scrophularia), mostly found in the north temperate zones. See Brownwort.

Fi"ji*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to the Fiji islands or their inhabitants. -- n. A native of the Fiji islands. [Written also Feejeean, Feejee.]

Fike (?), n. See Fyke.

Fil (?), obs. imp. of Fall, v. i. Fell. Chaucer.

Fi*la"ceous (? or ?), a. [L. filum thread.] Composed of threads. Bacon.

Fil"a*cer (?), n. [OE. filace a file, or thread, on which the records of the courts of justice were strung, F. filasse tow of flax or hemp, fr. L. filum thread.] (Eng. Law) A former officer in the English Court of Common Pleas; -- so called because he filed the writs on which he made out process. [Obs.] Burrill.

Fil"a*ment (?), n. [F. filament, fr. L. filum thread. See File a row.] A thread or threadlike object or appendage; a fiber; esp. (Bot.), the threadlike part of the stamen supporting the anther.

Fil`a*men"ta*ry (?), a. Having the character of, or formed by, a filament.

Fil"a*men*toid` (?), a. [Filament + -oid.] Like a filament.

Fil`a*men"tous (?), a. [Cf. F. filamenteux.] Like a thread; consisting of threads or filaments. Gray.

Fil"an*der (?), n. (Zoöl.) A species of kangaroo (Macropus Brunii), inhabiting New Guinea.

Fil"an*ders (?), n. pl. [F. filandres, fr. L. filum thread.] (Falconry) A disease in hawks, characterized by the presence of small threadlike worms, also of filaments of coagulated blood, from the rupture of a vein; -- called also backworm. Sir T. Browne.

Fi"lar (?), a. [L. filum a thread.] Of or pertaining to a thread or line; characterized by threads stretched across the field of view; as, a filar microscope; a filar micrometer.

||Fi*la"ri*a (?), n. [NL., fr. L. filum a thread.] (Zoöl.) A genus of slender, nematode worms of many species, parasitic in various animals. See Guinea worm.

Fil"a*to*ry (?), n. [LL. filatorium place for spinning, fr. filare to spin, fr. L. filum a thread.] A machine for forming threads. [Obs.] W. Tooke.

Fil"a*ture (?; 135), n. [LL. filatura, fr. filare to spin: cf. F. filature. See Filatory.] 1. A drawing out into threads; hence, the reeling of silk from cocoons. Ure.

2. A reel for drawing off silk from cocoons; also, an establishment for reeling silk.

Fil"bert (?), n. [Perh. fr. fill + bread, as filling the bread or husk; cf. G. bartnuss (lit., bread nut) filbert; or perh. named from a St. Philibert, whose day, Aug. 22, fell in the nutting season.] (Bot.) The fruit of the Corylus Avellana or hazel. It is an oval nut, containing a kernel that has a mild, farinaceous, oily taste, agreeable to the palate.

&fist; In England filberts are usually large hazelnuts, especially the nuts from selected and cultivated trees. The American hazelnuts are of two other species.

Filbert gall (Zoöl.), a gall resembling a filbert in form, growing in clusters on grapevines. It is produced by the larva of a gallfly (Cecidomyia).

Filch (f&ibreve;lch), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filched (f&ibreve;lcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Filching.] [Cf. AS. feolan to stick to, OHG. felhan, felahan, to hide, Icel. fela, Goth. filhan to hide, bury, Prov. E. feal to hide slyly, OE. felen.] To steal or take privily (commonly, that which is of little value); to pilfer.

Fain would they filch that little food away.
Dryden.

But he that filches from me my good name,
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.
Shak.

Filch"er (f&ibreve;lch"&etilde;r), n. One who filches; a thief.

Filch"ing*ly, adv. By pilfering or petty stealing.

File (fīl), n. [F. file row (cf. Pr., Sp., Pg., & It. fila), LL. fila, fr. L. filum a thread. Cf. Enfilade, Filament, Fillet.] 1. An orderly succession; a line; a row; as: (a) (Mil) A row of soldiers ranged one behind another; -- in contradistinction to rank, which designates a row of soldiers standing abreast; a number consisting the depth of a body of troops, which, in the ordinary modern formation, consists of two men, the battalion standing two deep, or in two ranks.

&fist; The number of files in a company describes its width, as the number of ranks does its depth; thus, 100 men in "fours deep" would be spoken of as 25 files in 4 ranks. Farrow.

(b) An orderly collection of papers, arranged in sequence or classified for preservation and reference; as, files of letters or of newspapers; this mail brings English files to the 15th instant. (c) The line, wire, or other contrivance, by which papers are put and kept in order.

It is upon a file with the duke's other letters.
Shak.

(d) A roll or list. "A file of all the gentry." Shak.

2. Course of thought; thread of narration. [Obs.]

Let me resume the file of my narration.
Sir H. Wotton.

File firing, the act of firing by file, or each file independently of others. -- File leader, the soldier at the front of any file, who covers and leads those in rear of him. -- File marching, the marching of a line two deep, when faced to the right or left, so that the front and rear rank march side by side. Brande & C. --Indian file, or Single file, a line of men marching one behind another; a single row. -- On file, preserved in an orderly collection. -- Rank and file. (a) The body of soldiers constituing the mass of an army, including corporals and privates. Wilhelm. (b) Those who constitute the bulk or working members of a party, society, etc., in distinction from the leaders.

File (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Filing.] 1. To set in order; to arrange, or lay away, esp. as papers in a methodical manner for preservation and reverence; to place on file; to insert in its proper place in an arranged body of papers.

I would have my several courses and my dishes well filed.
Beau. & Fl.

2. To bring before a court or legislative body by presenting proper papers in a regular way; as, to file a petition or bill. Burrill.

3. (Law) To put upon the files or among the records of a court; to note on (a paper) the fact date of its reception in court.

To file a paper, on the part of a party, is to place it in the official custody of the clerk. To file, on the part of the clerk, is to indorse upon the paper the date of its reception, and retain it in his office, subject to inspection by whomsoever it may concern.
Burrill.

File, v. i. [Cf. F. filer.] (Mil.) To march in a file or line, as soldiers, not abreast, but one after another; -- generally with off.

To file with, to follow closely, as one soldier after another in file; to keep pace.

My endeavors
Have ever come too short of my desires,
Yet filed with my abilities.
Shak.

File (fīl), n. [AS. feól; akin to D. viji, OHG. fīla, fīhala, G. feile, Sw. fil, Dan. fiil, cf. Icel. þēl, Russ. pila, and Skr. piç to cut out, adorn; perh. akin to E. paint.] 1. A steel instrument, having cutting ridges or teeth, made by indentation with a chisel, used for abrading or smoothing other substances, as metals, wood, etc.

&fist; A file differs from a rasp in having the furrows made by straight cuts of a chisel, either single or crossed, while the rasp has coarse, single teeth, raised by the pyramidal end of a triangular punch.

2. Anything employed to smooth, polish, or rasp, literally or figuratively.

Mock the nice touches of the critic's file.
Akenside.

3. A shrewd or artful person. [Slang] Fielding.

Will is an old file in spite of his smooth face.
Thackeray.

Bastard file, Cross file, etc. See under Bastard, Cross, etc. -- Cross-cut file, a file having two sets of teeth crossing obliquely. -- File blank, a steel blank shaped and ground ready for cutting to form a file. -- File cutter, a maker of files. -- Second-cut file, a file having teeth of a grade next finer than bastard. -- Single-cut file, a file having only one set of parallel teeth; a float. -- Smooth file, a file having teeth so fine as to make an almost smooth surface.

File, v. t. 1. To rub, smooth, or cut away, with a file; to sharpen with a file; as, to file a saw or a tooth.

2. To smooth or polish as with a file. Shak.

File your tongue to a little more courtesy.
Sir W. Scott.

File, v. t. [OE. fulen, filen, foulen, AS. f&?;lan, fr. f&?;l foul. See Foul, and cf. Defile, v. t.] To make foul; to defile. [Obs.]

All his hairy breast with blood was filed.
Spenser.

For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind.
Shak.

File"fish` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any plectognath fish of the genera Monacanthus, Alutera, balistes, and allied genera; -- so called on account of the roughly granulated skin, which is sometimes used in place of sandpaper.

Fil"e*mot (?), n. See Feullemort. Swift.

Fil"er (?), n. One who works with a file.

Fil"ial (?), a. [L. filialis, fr. filius son, filia daughter; akin to e. female, feminine. Cf. Fitz.] 1. Of or pertaining to a son or daughter; becoming to a child in relation to his parents; as, filial obedience.

2. Bearing the relation of a child.

And thus the filial Godhead answering spoke.
Milton.

Fil"ial*ly (?), adv. In a filial manner.

Fil"i*ate (?), v. t. To adopt as son or daughter; to establish filiation between. [R.] Southey.

Fil`i*a"tion (?), n. [LL. filiatio, fr. L. filius son: cf. F. filiation. See Filial.] 1. The relationship of a son or child to a parent, esp. to a father.

The relation of paternity and filiation.
Sir M. Hale.

2. (Law) The assignment of a bastard child to some one as its father; affiliation. Smart.

Fil"i*beg (?), n. [Gael. feileadhbeag, i. e., little kilt; feileadh kilt + beag little, small; cf. filleadh a plait, fold.] Same as Kilt. [Written also philibeg.]

Fil"i*bus`ter (?), n. [Sp. flibuster, flibustero, corrupted fr. E. freebooter. See Freebooter.] A lawless military adventurer, especially one in quest of plunder; a freebooter; -- originally applied to buccaneers infesting the Spanish American coasts, but introduced into common English to designate the followers of Lopez in his expedition to Cuba in 1851, and those of Walker in his expedition to Nicaragua, in 1855.

Fil"i*bus*ter, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fillibustered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Filibustering.] 1. To act as a filibuster, or military freebooter. Bartlett.

2. To delay legislation, by dilatory motions or other artifices. [political cant or slang, U.S.] Bartlett.

Fil"i*bus`ter*ism (?), n. The characteristics or practices of a filibuster. Bartlett.

Fil"i*cal (?), a. Belonging to the Filices, r ferns.

Fi*lic"ic (?), a. [L. filix, -icis, a fern.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or derived from, ferns; as, filicic acid.

Fil"i*cide (?), n. [L. filius son, filia daughter + caedere to kill.] The act of murdering a son or a daughter; also, parent who commits such a murder.

Fi*lic"i*form (?), a. [L. filix, -icis, fern + -form: cf. F. filiciforme] Shaped like a fern or like the parts of a fern leaf. Smart.

Fil"i*coid (?), a. [L. filix, -icis, fern + -oid: cf. F. filicoiïde.] (Bot.) Fernlike, either in form or in the nature of the method of reproduction.

Fil"i*coid, n. (Bot.) A fernlike plant. Lindley.

Fi*li"e*ty (?), n. [L. filietas.] The relation of a son to a father; sonship; -- the correlative of paternity. J. S. Mill.

Fi*lif"er*ous (?), a. [L. filum a thread + -ferous.] Producing threads. Carpenter.

Fil"i*form (?), a. [L. filum thread + -form: cf. F. filiforme.] Having the shape of a thread or filament; as, the filiform papillæ of the tongue; a filiform style or peduncle. See Illust. of AntennÆ.

{ Fil"i*grain, Fil"i*grane } (?), n. [Sp. filigrana (cf. It. filigrana, E. filigrane), fr. L. filuma thread + granum grain. See File a row, and Grain, and cf. Filigree.] Filigree. [Archaic]

With her head . . . touches the crown of filigrane.
Longfellow.

Fil"i*graned (?), a. See Filigreed. [Archaic]

Fil"i*gree (?), n. [Corrupted fr. filigrane.] Ornamental work, formerly with grains or breads, but now composed of fine wire and used chiefly in decorating gold and silver to which the wire is soldered, being arranged in designs frequently of a delicate and intricate arabesque pattern.

Fil"i*gree, a. Relating to, composed of, or resembling, work in filigree; as, a filigree basket. Hence: Fanciful; unsubstantial; merely decorative.

You ask for reality, not fiction and filigree work.
J. C. Shairp.

Fil"i*greed (?), a. Adorned with filigree. Tatler.

Fil"ing (?), n. A fragment or particle rubbed off by the act of filing; as, iron filings.

Fil`i*pen"du*lous (?; 135), a. [L. filum a thread + pendulus hanging, fr. pend&?;re to hang.] (Bot.) Suspended by, or strung upon, a thread; -- said of tuberous swellings in the middle or at the extremities of slender, threadlike rootlets.

Fill (?), n. [See Thill.] One of the thills or shafts of a carriage. Mortimer.

Fill horse, a thill horse. Shak.

Fill, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Filling.] [OE. fillen, fullen, AS. fyllan, fr. full full; akin to D. vullen, G. füllen, Icel. fylla, Sw. fylla, Dan. fylde, Goth. fulljan. See Full, a.] 1. To make full; to supply with as much as can be held or contained; to put or pour into, till no more can be received; to occupy the whole capacity of.

The rain also filleth the pools.
Ps. lxxxiv. 6.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. Anf they filled them up to the brim.
John ii. 7.

2. To furnish an abudant supply to; to furnish with as mush as is desired or desirable; to occupy the whole of; to swarm in or overrun.

And God blessed them, saying. Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas.
Gen. i. 22.

The Syrians filled the country.
1 Kings xx. 27.

3. To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.

Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fillso great a multitude?
Matt. xv. 33.

Things that are sweet and fat are more filling.
Bacon.

4. To possess and perform the duties of; to officiate in, as an incumbent; to occupy; to hold; as, a king fills a throne; the president fills the office of chief magistrate; the speaker of the House fills the chair.

5. To supply with an incumbent; as, to fill an office or a vacancy. A. Hamilton.

6. (Naut.) (a) To press and dilate, as a sail; as, the wind filled the sails. (b) To trim (a yard) so that the wind shall blow on the after side of the sails.

7. (Civil Engineering) To make an embankment in, or raise the level of (a low place), with earth or gravel.

To fill in, to insert; as, he filled in the figures. -- To fill out, to extend or enlarge to the desired limit; to make complete; as, to fill out a bill. -- To fill up, to make quite full; to fill to the brim or entirely; to occupy completely; to complete. "The bliss that fills up all the mind." Pope. "And fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." Col. i. 24.

Fill (?), v. i. 1. To become full; to have the whole capacity occupied; to have an abundant supply; to be satiated; as, corn fills well in a warm season; the sail fills with the wind.

2. To fill a cup or glass for drinking.

Give me some wine; fill full.
Shak.

To back and fill. See under Back, v. i. -- To fill up, to grow or become quite full; as, the channel of the river fills up with sand.

Fill, n. [AS. fyllo. See Fill, v. t.] A full supply, as much as supplies want; as much as gives complete satisfaction. "Ye shall eat your fill." Lev. xxv. 19.

I'll bear thee hence, where I may weep my fill.
Shak.

Fill"er (?), n. One who, or that which, fills; something used for filling.

'T is mere filler, to stop a vacancy in the hexameter.
Dryden.

They have six diggers to four fillers, so as to keep the fillers always at work.
Mortimer.

Fill"er, n. [From 1st Fill.] A thill horse. [Prov. Eng.]

Fil"let (?), n. [OE. filet, felet, fr. OF. filet thread, fillet of meat, dim. of fil a thread, fr. L. filum. See Fille a row.] 1. A little band, especially one intended to encircle the hair of the head.

A belt her waist, a fillet binds her hair.
Pope.

2. (Cooking) A piece of lean meat without bone; sometimes, a long strip rolled together and tied.

&fist; A fillet of beef is the under side of the sirlom; also called tenderloin. A fillet of veal or mutton is the fleshy part of the thigh. A fillet of fish is a slice of flat fish without bone. "Fillet of a fenny snake." Shak.

3. A thin strip or ribbon; esp.: (a) A strip of metal from which coins are punched. (b) A strip of card clothing. (c) A thin projecting band or strip.

4. (Mach.) A concave filling in of a reëntrant angle where two surfaces meet, forming a rounded corner.

5. (Arch.) A narrow flat member; especially, a flat molding separating other moldings; a reglet; also, the space between two flutings in a shaft. See Illust. of Base, and Column.

6. (Her.) An ordinary equaling in breadth one fourth of the chief, to the lowest portion of which it corresponds in position.

7. (Mech.) The thread of a screw.

8. A border of broad or narrow lines of color or gilt.

9. The raised molding about the muzzle of a gun.

10. Any scantling smaller than a batten.

11. (Anat.) A fascia; a band of fibers; applied esp. to certain bands of white matter in the brain.

12. (Man.) The loins of a horse, beginning at the place where the hinder part of the saddle rests.

Arris fillet. See under Arris.

Fil"let, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filleted; p. pr. & vb. n. Filleting.] To bind, furnish, or adorn with a fillet.

Fil"let*ing, n. 1. (Arch.) The protecting of a joint, as between roof and parapet wall, with mortar, or cement, where flashing is employed in better work.

2. The material of which fillets are made; also, fillets, collectively.

Fil"li*beg (?), n. A kilt. See Filibeg.

Fil"li*bus`ter (?), n. See Filibuster.

Fill"ing (?), n. 1. That which is used to fill a cavity or any empty space, or to supply a deficiency; as, filling for a cavity in a tooth, a depression in a roadbed, the space between exterior and interior walls of masonry, the pores of open-grained wood, the space between the outer and inner planks of a vessel, etc.

2. The woof in woven fabrics.

3. (Brewing) Prepared wort added to ale to cleanse it.

Back filling. (Arch.) See under Back, a.

Fil"lip (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filliped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Filliping.] [For filp, flip. Cf. Flippant.] 1. To strike with the nail of the finger, first placed against the ball of the thumb, and forced from that position with a sudden spring; to snap with the finger. "You filip me o' the head." Shak.

2. To snap; to project quickly.

The use of the elastic switch to fillip small missiles with.
Tylor.

Fil"lip, n. 1. A jerk of the finger forced suddenly from the thumb; a smart blow.

2. Something serving to rouse or excite.

I take a glass of grog for a filip.
Dickens.

Fil"li*peen` (?), n. See Philopena.

Fil"lis*ter (?), n. 1. The rabbet on the outer edge of a sash bar to hold the glass and the putty. Knight.

2. A plane for making a rabbet.

Fillister screw had, a short cylindrical screw head, having a convex top.

Fil"ly (?), n.; pl. Fillies (#). [Cf. Icel. fylia, fr. foli foal. See Foal.] 1. (Zoöl.) A female foal or colt; a young mare. Cf. Colt, Foal.

Neighing in likeness of a filly foal.
Shak.

2. A lively, spirited young girl. [Colloq.] Addison.

Film (?), n. [AS. film skin, fr. fell skin; akin to fylmen membrane, OFries. filmene skin. See Fell skin.] 1. A thin skin; a pellicle; a membranous covering, causing opacity; hence, any thin, slight covering.

He from thick films shall purge the visual ray.
Pope.

2. A slender thread, as that of a cobweb.

Her whip of cricket's bone, the lash of film.
Shak.

Film, v. t. To cover with a thin skin or pellicle.

It will but skin and film the ulcerous place.
Shak.

Film"i*ness (?), n. State of being filmy.

Film"y (?), a. Composed of film or films.

Whose filmy cord should bind the struggling fly.
Dryden.

Fil`o*plu*ma"ceous (?), a. (Zoöl.) Having the structure of a filoplume.

Fil"o*plume (?), n. [L. filum a thread &?; pluma a soft feather.] (Zoöl.) A hairlike feather; a father with a slender scape and without a web in most or all of its length.

Fi"lose` (?), a. [L. filum a thread.] Terminating in a threadlike process.

Fil"ter (?), n. [F. filtre, the same word as feutre felt, LL. filtrum, feltrum, felt, fulled wool, this being used for straining liquors. See Feuter.] Any porous substance, as cloth, paper, sand, or charcoal, through which water or other liquid may passed to cleanse it from the solid or impure matter held in suspension; a chamber or device containing such substance; a strainer; also, a similar device for purifying air.

Filter bed, a pond, the bottom of which is a filter composed of sand gravel. -- Filter gallery, an underground gallery or tunnel, alongside of a stream, to collect the water that filters through the intervening sand and gravel; -- called also infiltration gallery.

Fil"ter, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filtered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Filtering] [Cf. F. filter. See Filter, n., and cf. Filtrate.] To purify or defecate, as water or other liquid, by causing it to pass through a filter.

Filtering paper, or Filter paper, a porous unsized paper, for filtering.

Fil"ter, v. i. To pass through a filter; to percolate.

Fil"ter, n. Same as Philter.

Filth (?), n. [OE. filthe, fulðe, AS. f&?;lð, fr. fūl foul; akin to OHG. fūlida. See Foul, and cf. File.] 1. Foul matter; anything that soils or defiles; dirt; nastiness.

2. Anything that sullies or defiles the moral character; corruption; pollution.

To purify the soul from the dross and filth of sensual delights.
Tillotson.

Filth disease (Med.), a disease supposed to be due to pollution of the soil or water.

Filth"i*ly (?), adv. In a filthy manner; foully.

Filth"i*ness, n. 1. The state of being filthy.

Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.
2 Cor. vii. 1.

2. That which is filthy, or makes filthy; foulness; nastiness; corruption; pollution; impurity.

Carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.
2 Chron. xxix. 5.

Filth"y (?), a. [Compar. Filthier (?); superl. Filthiest.] Defiled with filth, whether material or moral; nasty; dirty; polluted; foul; impure; obscene. "In the filthy-mantled pool." Shak.

He which is filthy let him be filthy still.
Rev. xxii. 11.

Syn. -- Nasty; foul; dirty; squalid; unclean; sluttish; gross; vulgar; licentious. See Nasty.

Fil"trate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Filtrated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Filtrating. (&?;)] [Cf. LL. filtrare. See Filter.] To filter; to defecate; as liquid, by straining or percolation. Arbuthnot.

Fil"trate (?), n. That which has been filtered; the liquid which has passed through the filter in the process of filtration.

Fil*tra"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. filtration.] The act or process of filtering; the mechanical separation of a liquid from the undissolved particles floating in it.

{ Fim"ble, n., or Fim"ble hemp` (f&ibreve;m"b'l h&ebreve;mp`). }[Corrupted from female hemp.] Light summer hemp, that bears no seed.

||Fim"bri*a (?), n.; pl. Fimbriæ (#). [L., fringe. See Fringle.] (Anat.) (a) pl. A fringe, or fringed border. (b) A band of white matter bordering the hippocampus in the brain. -- Fim"bri*al (#), a.

Fim*bri*ate (?), a. [L. fimbriatus fibrous, fringed, fr. fimbria fiber, fringe. See Fringe.] Having the edge or extremity bordered by filiform processes thicker than hairs; fringed; as, the fimbriate petals of the pink; the fimbriate end of the Fallopian tube.

Fim"bri*ate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fimbriated; p. pr. & vb. n. Fimbriating.] To hem; to fringe. Fuller.

Fim"bri*a`ted (?), a. 1. Having a fringed border; fimbriate.

2. (Her.) Having a very narrow border of another tincture; -- said esp. of an ordinary or subordinary.

Fim"bri*cate (?), a. 1. Fringed; jagged; fimbriate.

2. (Zoöl.) fringed, on one side only, by long, straight hairs, as the antennæ of certain insects.

Fin (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Finned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Finning.] [Cf. Fin of a fish.] To carve or cut up, as a chub.

Fin, n. [See Fine, n.] End; conclusion; object. [Obs.] "She knew eke the fin of his intent." Chaucer.

Fin, n.[OE. finne, fin, AS. finn; akin to D. vin, G. & Dan. finne, Sw. fena, L. pinna, penna, a wing, feather. Cf. pen a feather.] 1. (Zoöl.) An organ of a fish, consisting of a membrane supported by rays, or little bony or cartilaginous ossicles, and serving to balance and propel it in the water.

&fist; Fishes move through the water chiefly by means of the caudal fin or tail, the principal office of the other fins being to balance or direct the body, though they are also, to a certain extent, employed in producing motion.

2. (Zoöl.) A membranous, finlike, swimming organ, as in pteropod and heteropod mollusks.

3. A finlike organ or attachment; a part of an object or product which protrudes like a fin, as: (a) The hand. [Slang] (b) (Com.) A blade of whalebone. [Eng.] McElrath.

(c) (Mech.) A mark or ridge left on a casting at the junction of the parts of a mold. (d) (Mech.) The thin sheet of metal squeezed out between the collars of the rolls in the process of rolling. Raymond.

(e) (Mech.) A feather; a spline.

4. A finlike appendage, as to submarine boats.

Apidose fin. (Zoöl.) See under Adipose, a. -- Fin ray (Anat.), one of the hornlike, cartilaginous, or bony, dermal rods which form the skeleton of the fins of fishes. -- Fin whale (Zoöl.), a finback. -- Paired fins (Zoöl.), the pectoral and ventral fins, corresponding to the fore and hind legs of the higher animals. -- Unpaired, or Median, fins (Zoöl.), the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins.

Fin"a*ble (?), a. [From Fine.] Liable or subject to a fine; as, a finable person or offense. Bacon.

Fi"nal (fī"nal), a. [F., fr. L. finalis, fr. finis boundary, limit, end. See Finish.] 1. Pertaining to the end or conclusion; last; terminating; ultimate; as, the final day of a school term.

Yet despair not of his final pardon.
Milton.

2. Conclusive; decisive; as, a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue.

3. Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.

Final cause. See under Cause.

Syn. -- Final, Conclusive, Ultimate. Final is now appropriated to that which brings with it an end; as, a final adjustment; the final judgment, etc. Conclusive implies the closing of all discussion, negotiation, etc.; as, a conclusive argument or fact; a conclusive arrangement. In using ultimate, we have always reference to something earlier or proceeding; as when we say, a temporary reverse may lead to an ultimate triumph. The statements which a man finally makes at the close of a negotiation are usually conclusive as to his ultimate intentions and designs.

||Fi*na"le (f&esl;*nä"l&asl;), n. [It. See Final.] Close; termination; as: (a) (Mus.) The last movement of a symphony, sonata, concerto, or any instrumental composition. (b) The last composition performed in any act of an opera. (c) The closing part, piece, or scene in any public performance or exhibition.

Fi*nal"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Finalities (#). [L. finalitas the being last.] 1. The state of being final, finished, or complete; a final or conclusive arrangement; a settlement. Baxter.

2. The relation of end or purpose to its means. Janet.

Fi"nal*ly (?), adv. 1. At the end or conclusion; ultimately; lastly; as, the contest was long, but the Romans finally conquered.

Whom patience finally must crown.
Milton.

2. Completely; beyond recovery.

Not any house of noble English in Ireland was utterly destroyed or finally rooted out.
Sir J. Davies.

Fi*nance" (?), n. [F., fr. LL. financia payment of money, money, fr. finare to pay a fine or subsidy (cf. OF. finer to finish, pay), fr. L. finis end. See Fine, n., Finish.] 1. The income of a ruler or of a state; revenue; public money; sometimes, the income of an individual; often used in the plural for funds; available money; resources.

All the finances or revenues of the imperial crown.
Bacon.

2. The science of raising and expending the public revenue. "Versed in the details of finance." Macaulay.

Fi*nan"cial (?), a. Pertaining to finance. "Our financial and commercial system." Macaulay.

Fi*nan"cial*ist, n. A financier.

Fi*nan"cial*ly, adv. In a financial manner. Burke.

Fin`an*cier" (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. financier.] 1. One charged with the administration of finance; an officer who administers the public revenue; a treasurer. Burke.

2. One skilled in financial operations; one acquainted with money matters.

Fin`an*cier", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Financiered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Financiering.] To conduct financial operations.

Fin"a*ry (?), n. (Iron Works) See Finery.

Fi"na*tive (?), a. Conclusive; decisive; definitive; final. [Obs.] Greene (1593).

Fin"back` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any whale of the genera Sibbaldius, Balænoptera, and allied genera, of the family Balænopteridæ, characterized by a prominent fin on the back. The common finbacks of the New England coast are Sibbaldius tectirostris and S. tuberosus.

Finch (f&ibreve;nch), n.; pl. Finches (-&ebreve;z). [AS. finc; akin to D. vink, OHG. fincho, G. fink; cf. W. pinc a finch; also E. spink.] (Zoöl.) A small singing bird of many genera and species, belonging to the family Fringillidæ.

&fist; The word is often used in composition, as in chaffinch, goldfinch, grassfinch, pinefinch, etc.

Bramble finch. See Brambling. -- Canary finch, the canary bird. -- Copper finch. See Chaffinch. -- Diamond finch. See under Diamond. - - Finch falcon (Zoöl.), one of several very small East Indian falcons of the genus Hierax. -- To pull a finch, to swindle an ignorant or unsuspecting person. [Obs.] "Privily a finch eke could he pull." Chaucer.

Finch"backed` (?), a. Streaked or spotted on the back; -- said of cattle.

Finched (?), a. Same as Finchbacked.

Find (fīnd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Found (found); p. pr. & vb. n. Finding.] [AS. findan; akin to D. vinden, OS. & OHG. findan, G. finden, Dan. finde, icel. & Sw. finna, Goth. finþan; and perh. to L. petere to seek, Gr. pi`ptein to fall, Skr. pat to fall, fly, E. petition.] 1. To meet with, or light upon, accidentally; to gain the first sight or knowledge of, as of something new, or unknown; hence, to fall in with, as a person.

Searching the window for a flint, I found
This paper, thus sealed up.
Shak.

In woods and forests thou art found.
Cowley.

2. To learn by experience or trial; to perceive; to experience; to discover by the intellect or the feelings; to detect; to feel. "I find you passing gentle." Shak.

The torrid zone is now found habitable.
Cowley.

3. To come upon by seeking; as, to find something lost. (a) To discover by sounding; as, to find bottom. (b) To discover by study or experiment direct to an object or end; as, water is found to be a compound substance. (c) To gain, as the object of desire or effort; as, to find leisure; to find means. (d) To attain to; to arrive at; to acquire.

Seek, and ye shall find.
Matt. vii. 7.

Every mountain now hath found a tongue.
Byron.

4. To provide for; to supply; to furnish; as, to find food for workemen; he finds his nephew in money.

Wages £14 and all found.
London Times.

Nothing a day and find yourself.
Dickens.

5. To arrive at, as a conclusion; to determine as true; to establish; as, to find a verdict; to find a true bill (of indictment) against an accused person.

To find his title with some shows of truth.
Shak.

To find out, to detect (a thief); to discover (a secret) -- to solve or unriddle (a parable or enigma); to understand. "Canst thou by searching find out God?" Job. xi. 7. "We do hope to find out all your tricks." Milton. -- To find fault with, to blame; to censure. -- To find one's self, to be; to fare; -- often used in speaking of health; as, how do you find yourself this morning?

Find (?), v. i. (Law) To determine an issue of fact, and to declare such a determination to a court; as, the jury find for the plaintiff. Burrill.

Find, n. Anything found; a discovery of anything valuable; especially, a deposit, discovered by archæologists, of objects of prehistoric or unknown origin.

Find"a*ble (?), a. Capable of being found; discoverable. Fuller.

Find"er (?), n. One who, or that which, finds; specifically (Astron.), a small telescope of low power and large field of view, attached to a larger telescope, for the purpose of finding an object more readily.

Find"fault` (?), n. A censurer or caviler. [Obs.]

Find"fault`ing, a. Apt to censure or cavil; faultfinding; captious. [Obs.] Whitlock.

Find"ing, n. 1. That which is found, come upon, or provided; esp. (pl.), that which a journeyman artisan finds or provides for himself; as tools, trimmings, etc.

When a man hath been laboring . . . in the deep mines of knowledge, hath furnished out his findings in all their equipage.
Milton.

2. Support; maintenance; that which is provided for one; expence; provision.

3. (Law) The result of a judicial examination or inquiry, especially into some matter of fact; a verdict; as, the finding of a jury. Burrill.

After his friends finding and his rent.
Chaucer.

Fin"dy (?), a. [AS. finding heavy; cf. Dan. fyndig strong, energetical, fynd strength, energy, emphasis.] Full; heavy; firm; solid; substantial. [Obs.]

A cold May and a windy
Makes the barn fat amd findy.
Old Proverb.

Fine (fīn), a. [Compar. Finer (?); superl. Finest.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See Finish, and cf. Finite.] 1. Finished; brought to perfection; refined; hence, free from impurity; excellent; superior; elegant; worthy of admiration; accomplished; beautiful.

The gain thereof [is better] than fine gold.
Prov. iii. 14.

A cup of wine that's brisk and fine.
Shak.

Not only the finest gentleman of his time, but one of the finest scholars.
Felton.

To soothe the sick bed of so fine a being [Keats].
Leigh Hunt.

2. Aiming at show or effect; loaded with ornament; overdressed or overdecorated; showy.

He gratified them with occasional . . . fine writing.
M. Arnold.

3. Nice; delicate; subtle; exquisite; artful; skillful; dexterous.

The spider's touch, how exquisitely fine!
Pope.

The nicest and most delicate touches of satire consist in fine raillery.
Dryden.

He has as fine a hand at picking a pocket as a woman.
T. Gray.

4. Not coarse, gross, or heavy; as: (a) Not gross; subtile; thin; tenous.

The eye standeth in the finer medium and the object in the grosser.
Bacon.

(b) Not coarse; comminuted; in small particles; as, fine sand or flour. (c) Not thick or heavy; slender; filmy; as, a fine thread. (d) Thin; attenuate; keen; as, a fine edge. (e) Made of fine materials; light; delicate; as, fine linen or silk.

5. Having (such) a proportion of pure metal in its composition; as, coins nine tenths fine.

6. (Used ironically.)

Ye have made a fine hand, fellows.
Shak.

&fist; Fine is often compounded with participles and adjectives, modifying them adverbially; a, fine-drawn, fine-featured, fine-grained, fine-spoken, fine-spun, etc.

Fine arch (Glass Making), the smaller fritting furnace of a glasshouse. Knight. -- Fine arts. See the Note under Art. -- Fine cut, fine cut tobacco; a kind of chewing tobacco cut up into shreds. -- Fine goods, woven fabrics of fine texture and quality. McElrath. -- Fine stuff, lime, or a mixture of lime, plaster, etc., used as material for the finishing coat in plastering. -- To sail fine (Naut.), to sail as close to the wind as possible.

Syn. -- Fine, Beautiful. When used as a word of praise, fine (being opposed to coarse) denotes no "ordinary thing of its kind." It is not as strong as beautiful, in reference to the single attribute implied in the latter term; but when we speak of a fine woman, we include a greater variety of particulars, viz., all the qualities which become a woman, -- breeding, sentiment, tact, etc. The term is equally comprehensive when we speak of a fine garden, landscape, horse, poem, etc.; and, though applied to a great variety of objects, the word has still a very definite sense, denoting a high degree of characteristic excellence.

Fine, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fined (fīnd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fining.] [From Fine, a.] 1. To make fine; to refine; to purify, to clarify; as, to fine gold.

It hath been fined and refined by . . . learned men.
Hobbes.

2. To make finer, or less coarse, as in bulk, texture, etc.; as. to fine the soil. L. H. Bailey.

3. To change by fine gradations; as (Naut.), to fine down a ship's lines, to diminish her lines gradually.

I often sate at home
On evenings, watching how they fined themselves
With gradual conscience to a perfect night.
Browning.

Fine (?), n. [OE. fin, L. finis end, also in LL., a final agreement or concord between the lord and his vassal; a sum of money paid at the end, so as to make an end of a transaction, suit, or prosecution; mulct; penalty; cf. OF. fin end, settlement, F. fin end. See Finish, and cf. Finance.] 1. End; conclusion; termination; extinction. [Obs.] "To see their fatal fine." Spenser.

Is this the fine of his fines?
Shak.

2. A sum of money paid as the settlement of a claim, or by way of terminating a matter in dispute; especially, a payment of money imposed upon a party as a punishment for an offense; a mulct.

3. (Law) (a) (Feudal Law) A final agreement concerning lands or rents between persons, as the lord and his vassal. Spelman.

(b) (Eng. Law) A sum of money or price paid for obtaining a benefit, favor, or privilege, as for admission to a copyhold, or for obtaining or renewing a lease.

Fine for alienation (Feudal Law), a sum of money paid to the lord by a tenant whenever he had occasion to make over his land to another. Burrill. -- Fine of lands, a species of conveyance in the form of a fictitious suit compromised or terminated by the acknowledgment of the previous owner that such land was the right of the other party. Burrill. See Concord, n., 4. -- In fine, in conclusion; by way of termination or summing up.

Fine, v. t. [From Fine, n.] To impose a pecuniary penalty upon for an offense or breach of law; to set a fine on by judgment of a court; to punish by fine; to mulct; as, the trespassers were fined ten dollars.

Fine, v. i. To pay a fine. See Fine, n., 3 (b). [R.]

Men fined for the king's good will; or that he would remit his anger; women fined for leave to marry.
Hallam.

Fine, v. t. & i. [OF. finer, F. finir. See Finish, v. t.] To finish; to cease; or to cause to cease. [Obs.]

Fine"draw` (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Finedrawn (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Finedrawing.] To sew up, so nicely that the seam is not perceived; to renter. Marryat.

Fine"draw`er (?), n. One who finedraws.

Fine"drawn` (?), a. Drawn out with too much subtilty; overnice; as, finedrawn speculations.

Fi*neer" (?), v. i. To run in debt by getting goods made up in a way unsuitable for the use of others, and then threatening not to take them except on credit. [R.] Goldsmith.

Fi*neer", v. t. To veneer.

Fine"less (?), a. [Fine end + -less.] Endless; boundless. [Obs.] Shak.

Fine"ly, adv. In a fine or finished manner.

Fine"ness, n. [From Fine, a.] 1. The quality or condition of being fine.

2. Freedom from foreign matter or alloy; clearness; purity; as, the fineness of liquor.

The fineness of the gold, and chargeful fashion.
Shak.

3. The proportion of pure silver or gold in jewelry, bullion, or coins.

&fist; The fineness of United States coin is nine tenths, that of English gold coin is eleven twelfths, and that of English silver coin is &frac925x1000;.

4. Keenness or sharpness; as, the fineness of a needle's point, or of the edge of a blade.

Fin"er (?), n. One who fines or purifies.

Fin"er*y (?), n. 1. Fineness; beauty. [Obs.]

Don't choose your place of study by the finery of the prospects.
I. Watts.

2. Ornament; decoration; especially, excecially decoration; showy clothes; jewels.

Her mistress' cast-off finery.
F. W. Robertson.

3. [Cf. Refinery.] (Iron Works) A charcoal hearth or furnace for the conversion of cast iron into wrought iron, or into iron suitable for puddling.

Fine"spun` (?), a. Spun so as to be fine; drawn to a fine thread; attenuated; hence, unsubstantial; visionary; as, finespun theories.

Fi`nesse" (? or ?), n. [F., fr. fin fine. See Fine, a.] 1. Subtilty of contrivance to gain a point; artifice; stratagem.

This is the artificialest piece of finesse to persuade men into slavery.
Milton.

2. (Whist Playing) The act of finessing. See Finesse, v. i., 2.

Fi*nesse" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Finessed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Finessing.] 1. To use artifice or stratagem. Goldsmith.

2. (Whist Playing) To attempt, when second or third player, to make a lower card answer the purpose of a higher, when an intermediate card is out, risking the chance of its being held by the opponent yet to play.

Fine"still` (?), v. t. To distill, as spirit from molasses or some saccharine preparation.

Fine"still`er (?), n. One who finestills.

Fin"ew (?), n. [See Fenowed.] Moldiness. [R.]

Fin"fish` (?), n. (Zoöl.) (a) A finback whale. (b) (pl.) True fish, as distinguished from shellfish.

Fin"foot` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A South American bird (Heliornis fulica) allied to the grebes. The name is also applied to several related species of the genus Podica.

Fin"-foot`ed, a. (Zoöl.) (a) Having palmate feet. (b) Having lobate toes, as the coot and grebe.

Fin"ger (f&ibreve;&nsm;"g&etilde;r), n. [AS. finger; akin to D. vinger, OS. & OHG. fingar, G. finger, Icel. fingr, Sw. & Dan. finger, Goth. figgrs; of unknown origin; perh. akin to E. fang.] 1. One of the five terminating members of the hand; a digit; esp., one of the four extremities of the hand, other than the thumb.

2. Anything that does the work of a finger; as, the pointer of a clock, watch, or other registering machine; especially (Mech.) a small projecting rod, wire, or piece, which is brought into contact with an object to effect, direct, or restrain a motion.

3. The breadth of a finger, or the fourth part of the hand; a measure of nearly an inch; also, the length of finger, a measure in domestic use in the United States, of about four and a half inches or one eighth of a yard.

A piece of steel three fingers thick.
Bp. Wilkins.

4. Skill in the use of the fingers, as in playing upon a musical instrument. [R.]

She has a good finger.
Busby.

Ear finger, the little finger. -- Finger alphabet. See Dactylology. - - Finger bar, the horizontal bar, carrying slotted spikes, or fingers, through which the vibratory knives of mowing and reaping machines play. -- Finger board (Mus.), the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the tone; the keyboard of a piano, organ, etc.; manual. -- Finger bowl or glass, a bowl or glass to hold water for rinsing the fingers at table. -- Finger flower (Bot.), the foxglove. -- Finger grass (Bot.), a kind of grass (Panicum sanguinale) with slender radiating spikes; common crab grass. See Crab grass, under Crab. -- Finger nut, a fly nut or thumb nut. -- Finger plate, a strip of metal, glass, etc., to protect a painted or polished door from finger marks. -- Finger post, a guide post bearing an index finger. -- Finger reading, reading printed in relief so as to be sensible to the touch; -- so made for the blind. -- Finger shell (Zoöl.), a marine shell (Pholas dactylus) resembling a finger in form. -- Finger sponge (Zoöl.), a sponge having finger-shaped lobes, or branches. -- Finger stall, a cover or shield for a finger. -- Finger steel, a steel instrument for whetting a currier's knife.

To burn one's fingers. See under Burn. -- To have a finger in, to be concerned in. [Colloq.] -- To have at one's fingers' ends, to be thoroughly familiar with. [Colloq.]

Fin"ger (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fingered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fingering.] 1. To touch with the fingers; to handle; to meddle with.

Let the papers lie;
You would be fingering them to anger me.
Shak.

2. To touch lightly; to toy with.

3. (Mus.) (a) To perform on an instrument of music. (b) To mark the notes of (a piece of music) so as to guide the fingers in playing.

4. To take thievishly; to pilfer; to purloin. Shak.

5. To execute, as any delicate work.

Fin"ger, v. i. (Mus.) To use the fingers in playing on an instrument. Busby.

Fin"gered (?), a. 1. Having fingers.

2. (Bot.) Having leaflets like fingers; digitate.

3. (Mus.) Marked with figures designating which finger should be used for each note.

Fin"ger*er (?), n. One who fingers; a pilferer.

Fin"ger*ing, n. 1. The act or process of handling or touching with the fingers.

The mere sight and fingering of money.
Grew.

2. The manner of using the fingers in playing or striking the keys of an instrument of music; movement or management of the fingers in playing on a musical instrument, in typewriting, etc.

3. The marking of the notes of a piece of music to guide or regulate the action or use of the fingers.

4. Delicate work made with the fingers. Spenser.

Fin"ger*ling (?), n. [Finger + -ling.] (Zoöl.) A young salmon. See Parr.

Fin"gle-fan`gle (?), n. [From fangle.] A trifle. [Low] Hudibras.

||Fin"gri*go (?), n.; pl. Fingrigos (#). [So called in Jamaica.] (Bot.) A prickly, climbing shrub of the genus Pisonia. The fruit is a kind of berry.

Fin"i*al (?), n. [L. finire to finish, end. See Finish.] (Arch.) The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture; sometimes, the pinnacle itself.

Fin"i*cal (?), a. [From Fine, a.] Affectedly fine; overnice; unduly particular; fastidious. "Finical taste." Wordsworth.

The gross style consists in giving no detail, the finical in giving nothing else.
Hazlitt.

Syn. -- Finical, Spruce, Foppish. These words are applied to persons who are studiously desirous to cultivate finery of appearance. One who is spruce is elaborately nice in dress; one who is finical shows his affectation in language and manner as well as in dress; one who is foppish distinguishes himself by going to the extreme of the fashion in the cut of his clothes, by the tawdriness of his ornaments, and by the ostentation of his manner. "A finical gentleman clips his words and screws his body into as small a compass as possible, to give himself the air of a delicate person; a spruce gentleman strives not to have a fold wrong in his frill or cravat, nor a hair of his head to lie amiss; a foppish gentleman seeks . . . to render himself distinguished for finery." Crabb.

-- Fin"i*cal*ly, adv. -- Fin"i*cal*ness, n.

Fin`i*cal"i*ty (?), n. The quality of being finical; finicalness.

{ Fin"ick*ing (?), Fin"ick*y, a. } Finical; unduly particular. [Colloq.]

Fi*nif"ic (? or ?), n. [L. finis end + facere to make.] A limiting element or quality. [R.]

The essential finific in the form of the finite.
Coleridge.

Fin"i*fy (? or ?), v. t. [Fine, a. + -fy.] To make fine; to dress finically. [Obs.]

Hath so pared and finified them [his feet.]
B. Jonson.

Fin"i*kin (?), a. [Fine, a. + -kin.] Precise in trifles; idly busy. [Colloq.] Smart.

Fin"ing (?), n. 1. The act of imposing a fin&?;.

2. The process of fining or refining; clarification; also (Metal.), the conversion of cast iron into suitable for puddling, in a hearth or charcoal fire.

3. That which is used to refine; especially, a preparation of isinglass, gelatin, etc., for clarifying beer.

Fining pot, a vessel in which metals are refined. Prov. xvii. 3.

||Fi"nis (?), n. [L.] An end; conclusion. It is often placed at the end of a book.

Fin"ish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Finished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Finishing.] [F. finir (with a stem finiss- in several forms, whence E. -ish: see -ish.),fr. L. finire to limit, finish, end, fr. finis boundary, limit, end; perh. for fidnis, and akin findere to cleave, E. fissure.] 1. To arrive at the end of; to bring to an end; to put an end to; to make an end of; to terminate.

And heroically hath finished
A life heroic.
Milton.

2. To bestow the last required labor upon; to complete; to bestow the utmost possible labor upon; to perfect; to accomplish; to polish.

Syn. -- To end; terminate; close; conclude; complete; accomplish; perfect.

Fin"ish, v. i. 1. To come to an end; to terminate.

His days may finish ere that hapless time.
Shak.

2. To end; to die. [R.] Shak.

Fin"ish, n. 1. That which finishes, puts an end to&?; or perfects.

2. (Arch.) The joiner work and other finer work required for the completion of a building, especially of the interior. See Inside finish, and Outside finish.

3. (Fine Arts) (a) The labor required to give final completion to any work; hence, minute detail, careful elaboration, or the like. (b) See Finishing coat, under Finishing.

4. The result of completed labor, as on the surface of an object; manner or style of finishing; as, a rough, dead, or glossy finish given to cloth, stone, metal, etc.

5. Completion; -- opposed to start, or beginning.

Fin"ished (?), a. Polished to the highest degree of excellence; complete; perfect; as, a finished poem; a finished education.

Finished work (Mach.), work that is made smooth or polished, though not necessarily completed.

Fin"ish*er (?), n. 1. One who finishes, puts an end to, completes, or perfects; esp. used in the trades, as in hatting, weaving, etc., for the workman who gives a finishing touch to the work, or any part of it, and brings it to perfection.

O prophet of glad tidings, finisher
Of utmost hope!
Milton.

2. Something that gives the finishing touch to, or settles, anything. [Colloq.]

Fin"ish*ing, n. The act or process of completing or perfecting; the final work upon or ornamentation of a thing.

Fin"ish*ing, a. Tending to complete or to render fit for the market or for use.

Finishing coat. (a) (Plastering) the final coat of plastering applied to walls and ceilings, usually white and rubbed smooth. (b) (Painting) The final coat of paint, usually differently mixed applied from the others. -- Finishing press, a machine for pressing fabrics. -- Finishing rolls (Iron Working), the rolls of a train which receive the bar from roughing rolls, and reduce it to its finished shape. Raymond.

Fi"nite (?), a. [L. finitus, p. p. of finire. See Finish, and cf. Fine, a.] Having a limit; limited in quantity, degree, or capacity; bounded; -- opposed to infinite; as, finite number; finite existence; a finite being; a finite mind; finite duration.

Fi"nite*less, a. Infinite. [Obs.] Sir T. browne.

Fi"nite*ly, adv. In a finite manner or degree.

Fi"nite*ness, n. The state of being finite.

Fin"i*tude (?), n. [L. finire. See Finish.] Limitation. Cheyne.

Fin"land*er (?), n. A native or inhabitant of Finland.

Fin"less, a. (Zoöl.) destitute of fins.

Fin"let (?), n. [Fin + - let.] A little fin; one of the parts of a divided fin.

Fin"like` (?), a. Resembling a fin.

Finn (?), a. A native of Finland; one of the Finn&?; in the ethnological sense. See Finns.

Fin"nan had"die (?). [See Haddock.] Haddock cured in peat smoke, originally at Findon (pron. f&ibreve;n"an), Scotland. the name is also applied to other kinds of smoked haddock. [Written also finnan haddock.]

Finned (?), a. Having a fin, or fins, or anything resembling a fin. Mortimer.

Fin"ner (?), n. (Zoöl.) A finback whale.

Finn"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to the Finns.

Fin"ni*kin (?), n. (Zoöl.) A variety of pigeon, with a crest somewhat resembling the mane of a horse. [Written also finikin.]

Finn"ish (?), a. Of or pertaining to Finland, to the Finns, or to their language. -- n. A Northern Turanian group of languages; the language of the Finns.

Finns (?), n. pl.; sing. Finn. (Ethnol.) (a) Natives of Finland; Finlanders. (b) A branch of the Mongolian race, inhabiting Northern and Eastern Europe, including the Magyars, Bulgarians, Permians, Lapps, and Finlanders. [Written also Fins.]

Fin"ny (?), a. 1. (Zoöl.) Having, or abounding in, fins, as fishes; pertaining to fishes.

2. Abounding in fishes.

With patient angle trolls the finny deep.
Goldsmoth.

||Fi*no"chi*o (?; 277), n. [It. finocchio fennel, LL. fenuclum. See Fennel.] (Bot.) An umbelliferous plant (Fœniculum dulce) having a somewhat tuberous stem; sweet fennel. The blanched stems are used in France and Italy as a culinary vegetable.

||Fi"nos (?), n. pl. [Sp., pl., fr. fino fine.] Second best wool from Merino sheep. Gardner.

Fin"pike` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The bichir. See Crossopterygii.

Fint (?), 3d pers. sing. pr. of Find, for findeth. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fin"-toed` (?), a. (Zoöl.) Having toes connected by a membrane; palmiped; palmated; also, lobate.

||Fiord (fy&?;rd; i or y consonant, § 272), n. [Dan. & Norw. fiord. See Frith.] A narrow inlet of the sea, penetrating between high banks or rocks, as on the coasts of Norway and Alaska. [Written also fjord.]

Fi"o*rin (?), n. [Cf. Ir. fiothran a sort of grass.] (Bot.) A species of creeping bent grass (Agrostis alba); -- called also fiorin grass.

Fi"o*rite (?), n. (Min.) A variety of opal occuring in the cavities of volcanic tufa, in smooth and shining globular and botryoidal masses, having a pearly luster; - - so called from Fiora, in Ischia.

||Fio`ri*tu"re (?), n. pl. [It., pl. of fioritura a flowering.] (Mus.) Little flowers of ornament introduced into a melody by a singer or player.

Fip"pen*ny bit` (? or ?). [Corruption of five penny bit.] The Spanish half real, or one sixteenth of a dollar, - - so called in Pennsylvania and the adjacent States. [Obs.]

&fist; Before the act of Congress, Feb. 21, 1857, caused the adoption of decimal coins and the withdrawal of foreign coinage from circulation, this coin passed currently for 6¼ cents, and was called in New England a fourpence ha'penny or fourpence; in New York a sixpence; in Pennsylvania, Virginia, etc., a fip; and in Louisiana, a picayune.

Fip"ple (f&etilde;r), n. [perh. fr. L. fibula a clasp, a pin; cf. Prov. E. fible a stick used to stir pottage.] A stopper, as in a wind instrument of music. [Obs.] Bacon.

Fir (f&etilde;r), n. [Dan. fyr, fyrr; akin to Sw. furu, Icel. fura, AS. furh in furhwudu fir wood, G. föhre, OHG. forha pine, vereheih a sort of oak, L. quercus oak.] (Bot.) A genus (Abies) of coniferous trees, often of large size and elegant shape, some of them valued for their timber and others for their resin. The species are distinguished as the balsam fir, the silver fir, the red fir, etc. The Scotch fir is a Pinus.

&fist; Fir in the Bible means any one of several coniferous trees, including, cedar, cypress, and probably three species of pine. J. D. Hooker.

Fire (fīr), n. [OE. fir, fyr, fur AS. f&ymacr;r; akin to D. vuur, OS. & OHG. fiur, G. feuer, Icel. f&ymacr;ri, fūrr, Gr. py^r, and perh. to L. purus pure, E. pure Cf. Empyrean, Pyre.] 1. The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.

&fist; The form of fire exhibited in the combustion of gases in an ascending stream or current is called flame. Anciently, fire, air, earth, and water were regarded as the four elements of which all things are composed.

2. Fuel in a state of combustion, as on a hearth, or in a stove or a furnace.

3. The burning of a house or town; a conflagration.

4. Anything which destroys or affects like fire.

5. Ardor of passion, whether love or hate; excessive warmth; consuming violence of temper.

he had fire in his temper.
Atterbury.

6. Liveliness of imagination or fancy; intellectual and moral enthusiasm; capacity for ardor and zeal.

And bless their critic with a poet's fire.
Pope.

7. Splendor; brilliancy; luster; hence, a star.

Stars, hide your fires.
Shak.

As in a zodiac
representing the heavenly fires.
Milton.

8. Torture by burning; severe trial or affliction.

9. The discharge of firearms; firing; as, the troops were exposed to a heavy fire.

Blue fire, Red fire, Green fire (Pyrotech.), compositions of various combustible substances, as sulphur, niter, lampblack, etc., the flames of which are colored by various metallic salts, as those of antimony, strontium, barium, etc. -- Fire alarm (a) A signal given on the breaking out of a fire. (b) An apparatus for giving such an alarm. -- Fire annihilator, a machine, device, or preparation to be kept at hand for extinguishing fire by smothering it with some incombustible vapor or gas, as carbonic acid. -- Fire balloon. (a) A balloon raised in the air by the buoyancy of air heated by a fire placed in the lower part. (b) A balloon sent up at night with fireworks which ignite at a regulated height. Simmonds. -- Fire bar, a grate bar. -- Fire basket, a portable grate; a cresset. Knight. -- Fire beetle. (Zoöl.) See in the Vocabulary. -- Fire blast, a disease of plants which causes them to appear as if burnt by fire. -- Fire box, the chamber of a furnace, steam boiler, etc., for the fire. -- Fire brick, a refractory brick, capable of sustaining intense heat without fusion, usually made of fire clay or of siliceous material, with some cementing substance, and used for lining fire boxes, etc. -- Fire brigade, an organized body of men for extinguished fires. -- Fire bucket. See under Bucket. -- Fire bug, an incendiary; one who, from malice or through mania, persistently sets fire to property; a pyromaniac. [U.S.] -- Fire clay. See under Clay. -- Fire company, a company of men managing an engine in extinguishing fires. -- Fire cross. See Fiery cross. [Obs.] Milton. -- Fire damp. See under Damp. -- Fire dog. See Firedog, in the Vocabulary. -- Fire drill. (a) A series of evolutions performed by fireman for practice. (b) An apparatus for producing fire by friction, by rapidly twirling a wooden pin in a wooden socket; -- used by the Hindoos during all historic time, and by many savage peoples. -- Fire eater. (a) A juggler who pretends to eat fire. (b) A quarrelsome person who seeks affrays; a hotspur. [Colloq.] -- Fire engine, a portable forcing pump, usually on wheels, for throwing water to extinguish fire. -- Fire escape, a contrivance for facilitating escape from burning buildings. -- Fire gilding (Fine Arts), a mode of gilding with an amalgam of gold and quicksilver, the latter metal being driven off afterward by heat. -- Fire gilt (Fine Arts), gold laid on by the process of fire gilding. -- Fire insurance, the act or system of insuring against fire; also, a contract by which an insurance company undertakes, in consideration of the payment of a premium or small percentage -- usually made periodically -- to indemnify an owner of property from loss by fire during a specified period. -- Fire irons, utensils for a fireplace or grate, as tongs, poker, and shovel. -- Fire main, a pipe for water, to be used in putting out fire. -- Fire master (Mil), an artillery officer who formerly supervised the composition of fireworks. -- Fire office, an office at which to effect insurance against fire. -- Fire opal, a variety of opal giving firelike reflections. -- Fire ordeal, an ancient mode of trial, in which the test was the ability of the accused to handle or tread upon red-hot irons. Abbot. -- Fire pan, a pan for holding or conveying fire, especially the receptacle for the priming of a gun. -- Fire plug, a plug or hydrant for drawing water from the main pipes in a street, building, etc., for extinguishing fires. -- Fire policy, the writing or instrument expressing the contract of insurance against loss by fire. -- Fire pot. (a) (Mil.) A small earthen pot filled with combustibles, formerly used as a missile in war. (b) The cast iron vessel which holds the fuel or fire in a furnace. (c) A crucible. (d) A solderer's furnace. -- Fire raft, a raft laden with combustibles, used for setting fire to an enemy's ships. -- Fire roll, a peculiar beat of the drum to summon men to their quarters in case of fire. -- Fire setting (Mining), the process of softening or cracking the working face of a lode, to facilitate excavation, by exposing it to the action of fire; -- now generally superseded by the use of explosives. Raymond. -- Fire ship, a vessel filled with combustibles, for setting fire to an enemy's ships. -- Fire shovel, a shovel for taking up coals of fire. -- Fire stink, the stench from decomposing iron pyrites, caused by the formation of sulphureted hydrogen. Raymond. -- Fire surface, the surfaces of a steam boiler which are exposed to the direct heat of the fuel and the products of combustion; heating surface. -- Fire swab, a swab saturated with water, for cooling a gun in action and clearing away particles of powder, etc. Farrow. -- Fire teaser, in England, the fireman of a steam emgine. -- Fire water, ardent spirits; -- so called by the American Indians. -- Fire worship, the worship of fire, which prevails chiefly in Persia, among the followers of Zoroaster, called Chebers, or Guebers, and among the Parsees of India. -- Greek fire. See under Greek. -- On fire, burning; hence, ardent; passionate; eager; zealous. -- Running fire, the rapid discharge of firearms in succession by a line of troops. -- St. Anthony's fire, erysipelas; -- an eruptive fever which St. Anthony was supposed to cure miraculously. Hoblyn. -- St. Elmo's fire. See under Saint Elmo. -- To set on fire, to inflame; to kindle. -- To take fire, to begin to burn; to fly into a passion.

Fire (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fired (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fring.] 1. To set on fire; to kindle; as, to fire a house or chimney; to fire a pile.

2. To subject to intense heat; to bake; to burn in a kiln; as, to fire pottery.

3. To inflame; to irritate, as the passions; as, to fire the soul with anger, pride, or revenge.

Love had fired my mind.
Dryden.

4. To animate; to give life or spirit to; as, to fire the genius of a young man.

5. To feed or serve the fire of; as, to fire a boiler.

6. To light up as if by fire; to illuminate.

[The sun] fires the proud tops of the eastern pines.
Shak.

7. To cause to explode; as, to fire a torpedo; to disharge; as, to fire a musket or cannon; to fire cannon balls, rockets, etc.

8. To drive by fire. [Obs.]

Till my bad angel fire my good one out.
Shak.

9. (Far.) To cauterize.

To fire up, to light up the fires of, as of an engine.

Fire, v. i. 1. To take fire; to be kindled; to kindle.

2. To be irritated or inflamed with passion.

3. To discharge artillery or firearms; as, they fired on the town.

To fire up, to grow irritated or angry. "He . . . fired up, and stood vigorously on his defense." Macaulay.

Fire"arm` (-ärm`), n. A gun, pistol, or any weapon from which a shot is discharged by the force of an explosive substance, as gunpowder.

Fire"back` (?), n. (Zoöl.) One of several species of pheasants of the genus Euplocamus, having the lower back a bright, fiery red. They inhabit Southern Asia and the East Indies.

Fire"ball` (?), n. (a) (Mil.) A ball filled with powder or other combustibles, intended to be thrown among enemies, and to injure by explosion; also, to set fire to their works and light them up, so that movements may be seen. (b) A luminous meteor, resembling a ball of fire passing rapidly through the air, and sometimes exploding.

Fire"bare` (?), n. A beacon. [Obs.] Burrill.

Fire" bee`tle (?). (Zoöl.) A very brilliantly luminous beetle (Pyrophorus noctilucus), one of the elaters, found in Central and South America; -- called also cucujo. The name is also applied to other species. See Firefly.

Fire"bird` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The Baltimore oriole.

Fire"board` (?), n. A chimney board or screen to close a fireplace when not in use.

Fire"bote` (?), n. (O. Eng. Law) An allowance of fuel. See Bote.

Fire"brand` (?), n. 1. A piece of burning wood. L'Estrange.

2. One who inflames factions, or causes contention and mischief; an incendiary. Bacon.

Fire"crack`er (?), n. See Cracker., n., 3.

Fire"crest` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A small European kinglet (Regulus ignicapillus), having a bright red crest; -- called also fire-crested wren.

Fire"dog` (?), n. A support for wood in a fireplace; an andiron.

Fire"drake` (?), n. [AS. f&ymacr;rdraca; f&ymacr;r fire + draca a dragon. See Fire, and Drake a dragon.] [Obs.] 1. A fiery dragon. Beau. & Fl.

2. A fiery meteor; an ignis fatuus; a rocket.

3. A worker at a furnace or fire. B. Jonson.

Fire"-fanged` (?), a. [Fire + fanged seized.] Injured as by fire; burned; -- said of manure which has lost its goodness and acquired an ashy hue in consequence of heat generated by decomposition.

Fire"fish` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A singular marine fish of the genus Pterois, family Scorpænidæ, of several species, inhabiting the Indo-Pacific region. They are usually red, and have very large spinose pectoral and dorsal fins.

Fire"flaire` (?), n. [Fire + Prov. E. flaire a ray.] (Zoöl.) A European sting ray of the genus Trygon (T. pastinaca); -- called also fireflare and fiery flaw.

Fire"flame` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The European band fish (Cepola rubescens).

Fire"fly` (?), n.; pl. Fireflies (&?;). (Zoöl.) Any luminous winged insect, esp. luminous beetles of the family Lampyridæ.

&fist; The common American species belong to the genera Photinus and Photuris, in which both sexes are winged. The name is also applied to luminous species of Elateridæ. See Fire beetle.

Fire"less, a. Destitute of fire.

Fire"lock`, n. An old form of gunlock, as the flintlock, which ignites the priming by a spark; perhaps originally, a matchlock. Hence, a gun having such a lock.

Fire"man (?), n.; pl. Firemen (-men). 1. A man whose business is to extinguish fires in towns; a member of a fire company.

2. A man who tends the fires, as of a steam engine; a stocker.

Fire"-new` (?), a. Fresh from the forge; bright; quite new; brand-new. Charles reade.

Your fire-new stamp of honor is scarce current.
Shak.

Fire"place` (?), n. The part a chimney appropriated to the fire; a hearth; -- usually an open recess in a wall, in which a fire may be built.

Fire"proof` (?), a. Proof against fire; incombustible.

Fire"proof`ing (?), n. The act or process of rendering anything incombustible; also, the materials used in the process.

Fir"er (?), n. One who fires or sets fire to anything; an incendiary. [R.] R. Carew.

Fire"-set` (?), n. A set of fire irons, including, commonly, tongs, shovel, and poker.

Fire"side` (?), n. A place near the fire or hearth; home; domestic life or retirement.

Fire"stone` (?; 110), n. [AS. f&ymacr;rstān flint; f&ymacr;r fire + stān stone.] 1. Iron pyrites, formerly used for striking fire; also, a flint.

2. A stone which will bear the heat of a furnace without injury; -- especially applied to the sandstone at the top of the upper greensand in the south of England, used for lining kilns and furnaces. Ure.

Fire"tail` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The European redstart; -- called also fireflirt. [prov. Eng.]

Fire"ward`en (?), n. An officer who has authority to direct in the extinguishing of fires, or to order what precautions shall be taken against fires; -- called also fireward.

Fire"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) (a) An American plant (Erechthites hiercifolia), very troublesome in spots where brushwood has been burned. (b) The great willow-herb (Epilobium spicatum).

Fire"wood` (?), n. Wood for fuel.

Fire"work` (?), n. 1. A device for producing a striking display of light, or a figure or figures in plain or colored fire, by the combustion of materials that burn in some peculiar manner, as gunpowder, sulphur, metallic filings, and various salts. The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube filled with the combustible material. A number of these tubes or cases are often combined so as to make, when kindled, a great variety of figures in fire, often variously colored. The skyrocket is a common form of firework. The name is also given to various combustible preparations used in war.
[1913 Webster]

2. pl. A pyrotechnic exhibition. [Obs. in the sing.]

Night before last, the Duke of Richmond gave a firework.
Walpole.

Fire"worm` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The larva of a small tortricid moth which eats the leaves of the cranberry, so that the vines look as if burned; -- called also cranberry worm.

Fir"ing, n. 1. The act of discharging firearms.

2. The mode of introducing fuel into the furnace and working it. Knight.

3. The application of fire, or of a cautery. Dunglison.

4. The process of partly vitrifying pottery by exposing it to intense heat in a kiln.

5. Fuel; firewood or coal. [Obs.] Mortimer.

Firing iron, an instrument used in cauterizing.

Firk (?), v. t. [Cf. OE. ferken to proceed, hasten, AS. fercian to bring, assist; perh. akin to faran to go, E. fare.] To beat; to strike; to chastise. [Obs.]

I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
Shak.

Firk, v. i. To fly out; to turn out; to go off. [Obs.]

A wench is a rare bait, with which a man

No sooner's taken but he straight firks mad.B.Jonson.

Firk, n. A freak; trick; quirk. [Obs.] Ford.

Fir"kin (?), n. [From AS. feówer four (or an allied word, perh. Dutch or Danish) + -kin. See Four.] 1. A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons. [Eng.]

2. A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for butter, lard, etc. [U.S.]

Fir"lot (?), n. [Scot., the fourth part of a boll of grain, from a word equiv. to E. four + lot part, portion. See Firkin.] A dry measure formerly used in Scotland; the fourth part of a boll of grain or meal. The Linlithgow wheat firlot was to the imperial bushel as 998 to 1000; the barley firlot as 1456 to 1000. Brande & C.

Firm (?), a. [Compar. Firmer (?); superl. Firmest.] [OE. ferme, F. ferme, fr.L. firmus; cf. Skr. dharman support, law, order, dh&?; to hold fast, carry. Cf. Farm, Throne.] 1. Fixed; hence, closely compressed; compact; substantial; hard; solid; -- applied to the matter of bodies; as, firm flesh; firm muscles, firm wood.

2. Not easily excited or disturbed; unchanging in purpose; fixed; steady; constant; stable; unshaken; not easily changed in feelings or will; strong; as, a firm believer; a firm friend; a firm adherent.

Under spread ensigns, moving nigh, in slow
But firm battalion.
Milton.

By one man's firm obediency fully tried.
Milton.

3. Solid; -- opposed to fluid; as, firm land.

4. Indicating firmness; as, a firm tread; a firm countenance.

Syn. -- Compact; dense; hard; solid; stanch; robust; strong; sturdly; fixed; steady; resolute; constant.

Firm, n. [It. firma the (firm, sure, or confirming) signature or subscription, or Pg. firma signature, firm, cf. Sp. firma signature; all fr. L. firmus, adj., firm. See Firm, a.] The name, title, or style, under which a company transacts business; a partnership of two or more persons; a commercial house; as, the firm of Hope & Co.

Firm, v. t. [OE. fermen to make firm, F. fermer, fr. L. firmare to make firm. See Firm, a.] 1. To fix; to settle; to confirm; to establish. [Obs.]

And Jove has firmed it with an awful nod.
Dryden.

2. To fix or direct with firmness. [Obs.]

He on his card and compass firms his eye.
Spenser.

Fir"ma*ment (?), n. [L. firmamentum, fr. firmare to make firm: cf. F. firmament. See Firm, v. & a.] 1. Fixed foundation; established basis. [Obs.]

Custom is the . . . firmament of the law.
Jer. Taylor.

2. The region of the air; the sky or heavens.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
Gen. i. 6.

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament.
Gen. i. 14.

&fist; In Scripture, the word denotes an expanse, a wide extent; the great arch or expanse over out heads, in which are placed the atmosphere and the clouds, and in which the stars appear to be placed, and are really seen.

3. (Old Astron.) The orb of the fixed stars; the most rmote of the celestial spheres.

Fir`ma*men"tal (?), a. Pertaining to the firmament; celestial; being of the upper regions. Dryden.

Fir"man (? or ?), n.; pl. Firmans (#) or (#). [Pers. fermān.] In Turkey and some other Oriental countries, a decree or mandate issued by the sovereign; a royal order or grant; -- generally given for special objects, as to a traveler to insure him protection and assistance. [Written also firmaun.]

Firm"er-chis"el (?), n. A chisel, thin in proportion to its width. It has a tang to enter the handle instead of a socket for receiving it. Knight.

Firm"i*tude (?), n. [L. firmitudo. See Firm.] Strength; stability. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.

Firm"i*ty (?), n. [L. firmitas.] Strength; firmness; stability. [Obs.] Chillingworth.

Firm"less, a. 1. Detached from substance. [Obs.]

Does passion still the firmless mind control?
Pope.

2. Infirm; unstable. "Firmless sands." Sylvester.

Firm"ly, adv. In a firm manner.

Firm"ness, n. The state or quality of being firm.

Syn. -- Firmness, Constancy. Firmness belongs to the will, and constancy to the affections and principles; the former prevents us from yielding, and the latter from fluctuating. Without firmness a man has no character; "without constancy," says Addison, "there is neither love, friendship, nor virtue in the world."

Firms (?), n. pl. [From Firm, a.] (Arch.) The principal rafters of a roof, especially a pair of rafters taken together. [Obs.]

Fir"ring (?), n. (Arch.) See Furring.

Fir"ry (?), a. Made of fir; abounding in firs.

In firry woodlands making moan.
Tennyson.

First (?), a. [OE. first, furst, AS. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Sw. & Dan. förste, OHG. furist, G. fürst prince; a superlatiye form of E. for, fore. See For, Fore, and cf. Formeer, Foremost.] 1. Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest; as, the first day of a month; the first year of a reign.

2. Foremost; in front of, or in advance of, all others.

3. Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest; as, Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.

At first blush. See under Blush. -- At first hand, from the first or original source; without the intervention of any agent.

It is the intention of the person to reveal it at first hand, by way of mouth, to yourself.
Dickens.

-- First coat (Plastering), the solid foundation of coarse stuff, on which the rest is placed; it is thick, and crossed with lines, so as to give a bond for the next coat. -- First day, Sunday; -- so called by the Friends. -- First floor. (a) The ground floor. [U.S.] (b) The floor next above the ground floor. [Eng.] -- First fruit or fruits. (a) The fruits of the season earliest gathered. (b) (Feudal Law) One year's profits of lands belonging to the king on the death of a tenant who held directly from him. (c) (Eng. Eccl. Law) The first year's whole profits of a benefice or spiritual living. (d) The earliest effects or results.

See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprung
From thy implanted grace in man!
Milton.

-- First mate, an officer in a merchant vessel next in rank to the captain. -- First name, same as Christian name. See under Name, n. -- First officer (Naut.), in the merchant service, same as First mate (above). -- First sergeant (Mil.), the ranking non-commissioned officer in a company; the orderly sergeant. Farrow. -- First watch (Naut.), the watch from eight to twelve at midnight; also, the men on duty during that time. -- First water, the highest quality or purest luster; -- said of gems, especially of diamond and pearls.

Syn. -- Primary; primordial; primitive; primeval; pristine; highest; chief; principal; foremost.

First (?), adv. Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; -- much used in composition with adjectives and participles.

Adam was first formed, then Eve.
1 Tim. ii. 13.

At first, At the first, at the beginning or origin. -- First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end.

And all are fools and lovers first or last.
Dryden.

First, n. (Mus.) The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; -- so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a preëminence in the combined effect.

First"born` (?), a. First brought forth; first in the order of nativity; eldest; hence, most excellent; most distinguished or exalted.

First"-class` (?), a. Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the first division; of the best quality; first-rate; as, a first-class telescope.

First-class car or First-class railway carriage, any passenger car of the highest regular class, and intended for passengers who pay the highest regular rate; -- distinguished from a second-class car.

First"-hand` (?), a. Obtained directly from the first or original source; hence, without the intervention of an agent.

One sphere there is . . . where the apprehension of him is first-hand and direct; and that is the sphere of our own mind.
J. Martineau.

First"ling (?), n. [First + - ling.] 1. The first produce or offspring; -- said of animals, especially domestic animals; as, the firstlings of his flock. Milton.

2. The thing first thought or done.

The very firstlings of my heart shall be
The firstlings of my hand.
Shak.

First"ling, a. Firstborn.

All the firstling males.
Deut. xv. 19.

First"ly, adv. In the first place; before anything else; -- sometimes improperly used for first.

First"-rate` (?), a. Of the highest excellence; preëminent in quality, size, or estimation.

Our only first-rate body of contemporary poetry is the German.
M. Arnold.

Hermocrates . . . a man of first-rate ability.
Jowett (Thucyd).

First"-rate`, n. (Naut.) A war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class.

Firth (?), n. [Scot. See Frith.] (geog.) An arm of the sea; a frith.

Fir" tree` (?). See Fir.

Fisc (?), n. [F. fisc, fr. L. fiscus basket, money basket, treasury; prob. akin to fascis bundle. See Fasces.] A public or state treasury. Burke.

Fis"cal (?), a. [F. fiscal, L. fiscalis, fr. fiscus. See Fisc.] Pertaining to the public treasury or revenue.

The fiscal arreangements of government.
A>Hamilton.

Fis"cal, n. 1. The income of a prince or a state; revenue; exhequer. [Obs.] Bacon.

2. A treasurer. H. Swinburne.

3. A public officer in Scotland who prosecutes in petty criminal cases; -- called also procurator fiscal.

4. The solicitor in Spain and Portugal; the attorney-general.

Fi*set"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to fustet or fisetin.

Fis"e*tin (?), n. [G. fisettholz a species of fustic.] (Chem.) A yellow crystalline substance extracted from fustet, and regarded as its essential coloring principle; -- called also fisetic acid.

Fish (?), n. [F. fiche peg, mark, fr. fisher to fix.] A counter, used in various games.

Fish, n.; pl. Fishes (#), or collectively, Fish. [OE. fisch, fisc, fis, AS. fisc; akin to D. visch, OS. & OHG. fisk, G. fisch, Icel. fiskr, Sw. & Dan. fisk, Goth. fisks, L. piscis, Ir. iasg. Cf. Piscatorial. In some cases, such as fish joint, fish plate, this word has prob. been confused with fish, fr. F. fichea peg.] 1. A name loosely applied in popular usage to many animals of diverse characteristics, living in the water.

2. (Zoöl.) An oviparous, vertebrate animal usually having fins and a covering scales or plates. It breathes by means of gills, and lives almost entirely in the water. See Pisces.

&fist; The true fishes include the Teleostei (bony fishes), Ganoidei, Dipnoi, and Elasmobranchii or Selachians (sharks and skates). Formerly the leptocardia and Marsipobranciata were also included, but these are now generally regarded as two distinct classes, below the fishes.

3. pl. The twelfth sign of the zodiac; Pisces.

4. The flesh of fish, used as food.

5. (Naut.) (a) A purchase used to fish the anchor. (b) A piece of timber, somewhat in the form of a fish, used to strengthen a mast or yard.

&fist; Fish is used adjectively or as part of a compound word; as, fish line, fish pole, fish spear, fish-bellied.

Age of Fishes. See under Age, n., 8. -- Fish ball, fish (usually salted codfish) shared fine, mixed with mashed potato, and made into the form of a small, round cake. [U.S.] -- Fish bar. Same as Fish plate (below). -- Fish beam (Mech.), a beam one of whose sides (commonly the under one) swells out like the belly of a fish. Francis. -- Fish crow (Zoöl.), a species of crow (Corvus ossifragus), found on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It feeds largely on fish. -- Fish culture, the artifical breeding and rearing of fish; pisciculture. -- Fish davit. See Davit. -- Fish day, a day on which fish is eaten; a fast day. -- Fish duck (Zoöl.), any species of merganser. -- Fish fall, the tackle depending from the fish davit, used in hauling up the anchor to the gunwale of a ship. -- Fish garth, a dam or weir in a river for keeping fish or taking them easily. - - Fish glue. See Isinglass. -- Fish joint, a joint formed by a plate or pair of plates fastened upon two meeting beams, plates, etc., at their junction; -- used largely in connecting the rails of railroads. -- Fish kettle, a long kettle for boiling fish whole. -- Fish ladder, a dam with a series of steps which fish can leap in order to ascend falls in a river. -- Fish line, or Fishing line, a line made of twisted hair, silk, etc., used in angling. -- Fish louse (Zoöl.), any crustacean parasitic on fishes, esp. the parasitic Copepoda, belonging to Caligus, Argulus, and other related genera. See Branchiura. -- Fish maw (Zoöl.), the stomach of a fish; also, the air bladder, or sound. -- Fish meal, fish desiccated and ground fine, for use in soups, etc. -- Fish oil, oil obtained from the bodies of fish and marine animals, as whales, seals, sharks, from cods' livers, etc. -- Fish owl (Zoöl.), a fish-eating owl of the Old World genera Scotopelia and Ketupa, esp. a large East Indian species (K. Ceylonensis). -- Fish plate, one of the plates of a fish joint. -- Fish pot, a wicker basket, sunk, with a float attached, for catching crabs, lobsters, etc. -- Fish pound, a net attached to stakes, for entrapping and catching fish; a weir. [Local, U.S.] Bartlett. -- Fish slice, a broad knife for dividing fish at table; a fish trowel. -- Fish slide, an inclined box set in a stream at a small fall, or ripple, to catch fish descending the current. Knight. -- Fish sound, the air bladder of certain fishes, esp. those that are dried and used as food, or in the arts, as for the preparation of isinglass. -- Fish story, a story which taxes credulity; an extravagant or incredible narration. [Colloq. U.S.] Bartlett. -- Fish strainer. (a) A metal colander, with handles, for taking fish from a boiler. (b) A perforated earthenware slab at the bottom of a dish, to drain the water from a boiled fish. -- Fish trowel, a fish slice. -- Fish weir or wear, a weir set in a stream, for catching fish. -- Neither fish nor flesh (Fig.), neither one thing nor the other.

Fish (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fishing.] 1. To attempt to catch fish; to be employed in taking fish, by any means, as by angling or drawing a net.

2. To seek to obtain by artifice, or indirectly to seek to draw forth; as, to fish for compliments.

Any other fishing question.
Sir W. Scott.

Fish, v. t. [OE. fischen, fisken, fissen, AS. fiscian; akin to G. fischen, OHG. fisc&?;n, Goth. fisk&?;n. See Fish the animal.] 1. To catch; to draw out or up; as, to fish up an anchor.

2. To search by raking or sweeping. Swift.

3. To try with a fishing rod; to catch fish in; as, to fish a stream. Thackeray.

4. To strengthen (a beam, mast, etc.), or unite end to end (two timbers, railroad rails, etc.) by bolting a plank, timber, or plate to the beam, mast, or timbers, lengthwise on one or both sides. See Fish joint, under Fish, n.

To fish the anchor. (Naut.) See under Anchor.

Fish"-bel`lied (?), a. Bellying or swelling out on the under side; as, a fish-bellied rail. Knight.

Fish"-block` (?), n. See Fish- tackle.

Fish"er (?), n. [AS. fiscere.] 1. One who fishes.

2. (Zoöl.) A carnivorous animal of the Weasel family (Mustela Canadensis); the pekan; the "black cat."

Fish"er*man (?), n.; pl. Fishermen (&?;). 1. One whose occupation is to catch fish.

2. (Naut.) A ship or vessel employed in the business of taking fish, as in the cod fishery.

Fish"er*y (?), n.; pl. Fisheries (&?;). 1. The business or practice of catching fish; fishing. Addison.

2. A place for catching fish.

3. (Law) The right to take fish at a certain place, or in particular waters. Abbott.

Fish"ful (?), a. Abounding with fish. [R.] "My fishful pond." R. Carew.

Fish"gig` (?), n. A spear with barbed prongs used for harpooning fish. Knight.

Fish"hawk` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The osprey (Pandion haliaëtus), found both in Europe and America; -- so called because it plunges into the water and seizes fishes in its talons. Called also fishing eagle, and bald buzzard.

Fish"hook` (?), n. 1. A hook for catching fish.

2. (Naut.) A hook with a pendant, to the end of which the fish-tackle is hooked. Dana.

Fish"i*fy (?), v. t. To change to fish. [R.] Shak.

Fish"i*ness, n. The state or quality of being fishy or fishlike. Pennant.

Fish"ing, n. 1. The act, practice, or art of one who fishes.

2. A fishery. Spenser.

Fish"ing, a. [From Fishing, n.] Pertaining to fishing; used in fishery; engaged in fishing; as, fishing boat; fishing tackle; fishing village.

Fishing fly, an artificial fly for fishing. -- Fishing line, a line used in catching fish. -- Fishing net, a net of various kinds for catching fish; including the bag net, casting net, drag net, landing net, seine, shrimping net, trawl, etc. -- Fishing rod, a long slender rod, to which is attached the line for angling. -- Fishing smack, a sloop or other small vessel used in sea fishing. -- Fishing tackle, apparatus used in fishing, as hook, line, rod, etc. -- Fishing tube (Micros.), a glass tube for selecting a microscopic object in a fluid.

Fish"like (?), a. Like fish; suggestive of fish; having some of the qualities of fish.

A very ancient and fishlike smell.
Shak.

Fish"mon`ger (?), n. A dealer in fish.

Fish"skin` (?), n. 1. The skin of a fish (dog fish, shark, etc.)

2. (Med.) See Ichthyosis.

Fish"-tac`kle (?), n. A tackle or purchase used to raise the flukes of the anchor up to the gunwale. The block used is called the fish-block.

Fish"-tail` (?), a. Like the of a fish; acting, or producing something, like the tail of a fish.

Fish-tail burner, a gas burner that gives a spreading flame shaped somewhat like the tail of a fish. -- Fish-tail propeller (Steamship), a propeller with a single blade that oscillates like the tail of a fish when swimming.

Fish"wife` (?), n. A fishwoman.

Fish"wom`an (?), n.; pl. Fishwomen (&?;). A woman who retails fish.

Fish"y (?), a. 1. Consisting of fish; fishlike; having the qualities or taste of fish; abounding in fish. Pope.

2. Extravagant, like some stories about catching fish; improbable; also, rank or foul. [Colloq.]

Fisk (?), v. i. [Cf. Sw. fjeska to bustle about.] To run about; to frisk; to whisk. [Obs.]

He fisks abroad, and stirreth up erroneous opinions.
Latimer.

Fis`si*gem*ma"tion (?), n. [L. fissus (p. p. of findere to split) + E. gemmation.] (Biol.) A process of reproduction intermediate between fission and gemmation.

Fis"sile (?), a. [L. fissilis, fr. fissus, p. p. of findere to split. See Fissure.] Capable of being split, cleft, or divided in the direction of the grain, like wood, or along natural planes of cleavage, like crystals.

This crystal is a pellucid, fissile stone.
Sir I. Newton.

Fis`si*lin"gual (?), a. [L. fissus (p. p. of findere to split) + E. lingual.] (Zoöl.) Having the tongue forked.

||Fis`si*lin"gui*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. fissus (p. p. o f findere to split) + lingua tongue.] (Zoöl.) A group of Lacertilia having the tongue forked, including the common lizards. [Written also Fissilingues.]

Fis*sil"i*ty (?), n. Quality of being fissile.

Fis"sion (?), n. [L. fissio. See Fissure.] 1. A cleaving, splitting, or breaking up into parts.

2. (Biol.) A method of asexual reproduction among the lowest (unicellular) organisms by means of a process of self-division, consisting of gradual division or cleavage of the into two parts, each of which then becomes a separate and independent organisms; as when a cell in an animal or plant, or its germ, undergoes a spontaneous division, and the parts again subdivide. See Segmentation, and Cell division, under Division.

3. (Zoöl.) A process by which certain coral polyps, echinoderms, annelids, etc., spontaneously subdivide, each individual thus forming two or more new ones. See Strobilation.

Fis`si*pal"mate (?), a. [L. fissus (p. p. of findere to split) + palma palm.] (Zoöl.) Semipalmate and loboped, as a grebe's foot. See Illust. under Aves.

||Fis*sip"a*ra (?), n. pl. [NL. See Fissiparous.] (Zoöl.) Animals which reproduce by fission.

Fis*sip"a*rism (?), n. [See Fissiparous.] (Biol.) Reproduction by spontaneous fission.

Fis`si*par"i*ty (?), n. (Biol.) Quality of being fissiparous; fissiparism.

Fis*sip"a*rous (?), a. [L. fissus (p. p. of findere to split) + parere to bring forth: cf. F. fissipare.] (Biol.) Reproducing by spontaneous fission. See Fission. -- Fis*sip"a*rous*ly, adv.

Fis`si*pa"tion (?), n. (Biol.) Reproduction by fission; fissiparism.

{ Fis"si*ped (?), Fis*sip"e*dal (?) }, a. [Cf. F. fissipède.] (Zoöl.) Having the toes separated to the base. [See Aves.]

Fis"si*ped, n. (Zoöl.) One of the Fissipedia.

||Fis`si*pe"di*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. fissus (p. p. of findere to cleave) + pes, pedis, a foot.] (Zoöl.) A division of the Carnivora, including the dogs, cats, and bears, in which the feet are not webbed; -- opposed to Pinnipedia.

Fis`si*ros"tral (?), a. [Cf. F. fissirostre.] (Zoöl.) Having the bill cleft beyond the horny part, as in the case of swallows and goatsuckers.

||Fis`si*ros"tres (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. fissus (p. p. of findere to cleave) + rostrum beak.] (Zoöl.) A group of birds having the bill deeply cleft.

Fis"sur*al (?), a. Pertaining to a fissure or fissures; as, the fissural pattern of a brain.

Fis`su*ra"tion (?), n. (Anat.) The act of dividing or opening; the state of being fissured.

Fis"sure (?), n. [L. fissura, fr. findere, fissum, to cleave, split; akin to E. bite: cf. F. fissure.] A narrow opening, made by the parting of any substance; a cleft; as, the fissure of a rock.

Cerebral fissures (Anat.), the furrows or clefts by which the surface of the cerebrum is divided; esp., the furrows first formed by the infolding of the whole wall of the cerebrum. -- Fissure needle (Surg.), a spiral needle for catching together the gaping lips of wounds. Knight. -- Fissure of rolando (Anat.), the furrow separating the frontal from the parietal lobe in the cerebrum. -- Fissure of Sylvius (Anat.), a deep cerebral fissure separating the frontal from the temporal lobe. See Illust. under Brain. -- Fissure vein (Mining), a crack in the earth's surface filled with mineral matter. Raymond.

Fis"sure (?), v. t. To cleave; to divide; to crack or fracture.

||Fis`su*rel"la (?), n. [NL., dim. of L. fissura a fissure.] (Zoöl.) A genus of marine gastropod mollusks, having a conical or limpetlike shell, with an opening at the apex; -- called also keyhole limpet.

Fist (f&ibreve;st), n. [OE. fist, fust, AS. f&ymacr;st; akin to D. vuist, OHG. fūst, G. faust, and prob. to L. pugnus, Gr. pygmh` fist, py`x with the fist. Cf. Pugnacious, Pigmy.] 1. The hand with the fingers doubled into the palm; the closed hand, especially as clinched tightly for the purpose of striking a blow.

Who grasp the earth and heaven with my fist.
Herbert.

2. The talons of a bird of prey. [Obs.]

More light than culver in the falcon's fist.
Spenser.

3. (print.) the index mark [&fist;], used to direct special attention to the passage which follows.

Hand over fist (Naut.), rapidly; hand over hand.

Fist, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fisting.] 1. To strike with the fist. Dryden.

2. To gripe with the fist. [Obs.] Shak.

Fist"ic (?), a. [From Fist.] Pertaining to boxing, or to encounters with the fists; puglistic; as, fistic exploits; fistic heroes. [Colloq.]

Fist"i*cuff (?), n. A cuff or blow with the fist or hand; (pl.) a fight with the fists; boxing. Swift.

Fis"ti*nut (?), n. [Cf. Fr. fistinq, fistuq. See Pistachio.] A pistachio nut. [Obs.] Johnson.

||Fis*tu"ca (?), n. [L.] An instrument used by the ancients in driving piles.

||Fis"tu*la (?; 135), n.; pl. Fistulæ (#). [L.] 1. A reed; a pipe.

2. A pipe for convejing water. [Obs.] Knight.

3. (Med.) A permanent abnormal opening into the soft parts with a constant discharge; a deep, narrow, chronic abscess; an abnormal opening between an internal cavity and another cavity or the surface; as, a salivary fistula; an anal fistula; a recto-vaginal fistula.

Incomplete fistula (Med.), a fistula open at one end only.

Fis"tu*lar (?), a. [L. fistularis: cf. F. fistulaire.] Hollow and cylindrical, like a pipe or reed. Johnson.

||Fis`tu*la"ri*a (?), n. [NL., fr. L. fistula pipe.] (Zoöl.) A genus of fishes, having the head prolonged into a tube, with the mouth at the extremity.

Fis`tu*la"ri*oid (?), a. [Fistularia + -oid.] (Zoöl.) Like or pertaining to the genus Fistularia.

Fis"tu*late (?; 135), v. t. & i. [Cf. L. fistulatus furnished with pipes.] To make hollow or become hollow like a fistula, or pipe. [Obs.] "A fistulated ulcer." Fuller.

Fis"tule (?; 135), n. A fistula.

Fis"tu*li*form (? or ?), a. [Fistula + -form.] Of a fistular form; tubular; pipe-shaped.

Stalactite often occurs fistuliform.
W. Philips.

Fis"tu*lose` (?; 135), a. [L. fistulosus.] Formed like a fistula; hollow; reedlike. Craig.

Fis"tu*lous (?), a. [Cf. F. fistuleux.] 1. Having the form or nature of a fistula; as, a fistulous ulcer.

2. Hollow, like a pipe or reed; fistulose. Lindley.

Fit (?), imp. & p. p. of Fight. [Obs. or Colloq.]

Fit, n. [AS. fitt a song.] In Old English, a song; a strain; a canto or portion of a ballad; a passus. [Written also fitte, fytte, etc.]

To play some pleasant fit.
Spenser.

Fit, a. [Compar. Fitter (?); superl. Fittest (?).] [OE. fit, fyt; cf. E. feat neat, elegant, well made, or icel. fitja to web, knit, OD. vitten to suit, square, Goth. fētjan to adorn. √77.] 1. Adapted to an end, object, or design; suitable by nature or by art; suited by character, qualitties, circumstances, education, etc.; qualified; competent; worthy.

That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in.
Shak.

Fit audience find, though few.
Milton.

2. Prepared; ready. [Obs.]

So fit to shoot, she singled forth among
her foes who first her quarry's strength should feel.
Fairfax.

3. Conformed to a standart of duty, properiety, or taste; convenient; meet; becoming; proper.

Is it fit to say a king, Thou art wicked?
Job xxxiv. 18.

Syn. -- Suitable; proper; appropriate; meet; becoming; expedient; congruous; correspondent; apposite; apt; adapted; prepared; qualified; competent; adequate.

Fit (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fitted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fitting (?).] 1. To make fit or suitable; to adapt to the purpose intended; to qualify; to put into a condition of readiness or preparation.

The time is fitted for the duty.
Burke.

The very situation for which he was peculiarly fitted by nature.
Macaulay.

2. To bring to a required form and size; to shape aright; to adapt to a model; to adjust; -- said especially of the work of a carpenter, machinist, tailor, etc.

The carpenter . . . marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes.
Is. xliv. 13.

3. To supply with something that is suitable or fit, or that is shaped and adjusted to the use required.

No milliner can so fit his customers with gloves.
Shak.

4. To be suitable to; to answer the requirements of; to be correctly shaped and adjusted to; as, if the coat fits you, put it on.

That's a bountiful answer that fits all questions.
Shak.

That time best fits the work.
Shak.

To fit out, to supply with necessaries or means; to furnish; to equip; as, to fit out a privateer. -- To fit up, to furnish with things suitable; to make proper for the reception or use of any person; to prepare; as, to fit up a room for a guest.

Fit (?), v. i. 1. To be proper or becoming.

Nor fits it to prolong the feast.
Pope.

2. To be adjusted to a particular shape or size; to suit; to be adapted; as, his coat fits very well.

Fit, n. 1. The quality of being fit; adjustment; adaptedness; as of dress to the person of the wearer.

2. (Mach.) (a) The coincidence of parts that come in contact. (b) The part of an object upon which anything fits tightly.

Fit rod (Shipbuilding), a gauge rod used to try the depth of a bolt hole in order to determine the length of the bolt required. Knight.

Fit, n. [AS. fit strife, fight; of uncertain origin. √ 77.] 1. A stroke or blow. [Obs. or R.]

Curse on that cross, quoth then the Sarazin,
That keeps thy body from the bitter fit.
Spenser.

2. A sudden and violent attack of a disorder; a stroke of disease, as of epilepsy or apoplexy, which produces convulsions or unconsciousness; a convulsion; a paroxysm; hence, a period of exacerbation of a disease; in general, an attack of disease; as, a fit of sickness.

And when the fit was on him, I did mark
How he did shake.
Shak.

3. A mood of any kind which masters or possesses one for a time; a temporary, absorbing affection; a paroxysm; as, a fit of melancholy, of passion, or of laughter.

All fits of pleasure we balanced by an equal degree of pain.
Swift.

The English, however, were on this subject prone to fits of jealously.
Macaulay.

4. A passing humor; a caprice; a sudden and unusual effort, activity, or motion, followed by relaxation or inaction; an impulsive and irregular action.

The fits of the season.
Shak.

5. A darting point; a sudden emission. [R.]

A tongue of light, a fit of flame.
Coleridge.

By fits, By fits and starts, by intervals of action and repose; impulsively and irregularly; intermittently.

Fitch (?; 224), n.; pl. Fitches (#). [See Vetch.] 1. (Bot.) A vetch. [Obs.]

2. pl. (Bot.) A word found in the Authorized Version of the Bible, representing different Hebrew originals. In Isaiah xxviii. 25, 27, it means the black aromatic seeds of Nigella sativa, still used as a flavoring in the East. In Ezekiel iv. 9, the Revised Version now reads spelt.

Fitch, n. [Contr. of fitched.] (Zoöl.) The European polecat; also, its fur.

Fitch"é (?), a. [Cf. F. fiché, lit. p. p. of ficher to fasten, OF. fichier to pierce. Cf. 1st Fish.] (Her.) Sharpened to a point; pointed.

Cross fitché, a cross having the lower arm pointed.

Fitched (?), a. (her.) Fitché. [Also fiched.]

{ Fitch"et (?), Fitch"ew (?) }, n. [Cf. OF. fisseau, fissel, OD. fisse, visse, vitsche, D. vies nasty, loathsome, E. fizz.] (Zoöl.) The European polecat (Putorius fœtidus). See Polecat.

Fitch"y (?), a. Having fitches or vetches.

Fitch"y, a. [See Fitché.] (Her.) Fitché.

Fit"ful (?), a. [From 7th Fit.] Full of fits; irregularly variable; impulsive and unstable.

After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well.
Shak.

-- Fit"ful*ly, adv. -- Fit"ful*ness, n.

The victorious trumpet peal
Dies fitfully away.
Macaulay.

{ Fith"el (?), Fith"ul (?) }, n. [OE. See Fiddle.] A fiddle. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fit"ly (?), adv. In a fit manner; suitably; properly; conveniently; as, a maxim fitly applied.

Fit"ment (?), n. The act of fitting; that which is proper or becoming; equipment. [Obs.] Shak.

Fit"ness, n. The state or quality of being fit; as, the fitness of measures or laws; a person's fitness for office.

Fitt (?), n. See 2d Fit.

Fit"ta*ble (?), a. Suitable; fit. [Obs.] Sherwood.

Fit"ted*ness (?), n. The state or quality of being fitted; adaptation. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.

Fit"ter (?), n. 1. One who fits or makes to fit; esp.: (a) One who tries on, and adjusts, articles of dress. (b) One who fits or adjusts the different parts of machinery to each other.

2. A coal broker who conducts the sales between the owner of a coal pit and the shipper. [Eng.] Simmonds.

Fit"ter, n. A little piece; a flitter; a flinder. [Obs.]

Where's the Frenchman? Alas, he's all fitters.
Beau. & Fl.

Fit"ting (?), n. Anything used in fitting up; especially (pl.), necessary fixtures or apparatus; as, the fittings of a church or study; gas fittings.

Fit"ting, a. Fit; appropriate; suitable; proper. -- Fit"ting*ly, adv. -- Fit"ting*ness, n. Jer. Taylor.

Fit"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) A plant (Eryngium fœtidum) supposed to be a remedy for fits.

Fitz (?), n. [OF. fils, filz, fiz, son, F. fils, L. filius. See Filial.] A son; -- used in compound names, to indicate paternity, esp. of the illegitimate sons of kings and princes of the blood; as, Fitzroy, the son of the king; Fitzclarence, the son of the duke of Clarence.

Five (?), a. [OE. fif, five, AS. fīf, fīfe; akin to D. vijf, OS. fīf, OHG. finf, funf, G. fünf, Icel. fimm, Sw. & Sw. Dan. fem, Goth. fimf, Lith. penki, W. pump, OIr. cóic, L. quinque, Gr. &?;, Æol. &?;, Skr. pa&?;can. √303. Cf. Fifth, Cinque, Pentagon, Punch the drink, Quinary.] Four and one added; one more than four.

Five nations (Ethnol.), a confederacy of the Huron-Iroquois Indians, consisting of five tribes: Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, Oneidas, and Senecas. They inhabited the region which is now the State of new York.

Five (fīv), n. 1. The number next greater than four, and less than six; five units or objects.

Five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Matt. xxv. 2.

2. A symbol representing this number, as 5, or V.

Five"-fin`ger (?), n. 1. (Bot.) See Cinquefoil.

2. (Zoöl.) A starfish with five rays, esp. Asterias rubens.

Five"fold` (?), a. & adv. In fives; consisting of five in one; five repeated; quintuple.

Five"-leaf` (?), n. Cinquefoil; five-finger.

{ Five"-leafed` (?), Five"-leaved` (?) }, a. (Bot.) Having five leaflets, as the Virginia creeper.

Five"ling (?), n. (Min.) A compound or twin crystal consisting of five individuals.

Fives (fīvz), n. pl. A kind of play with a ball against a wall, resembling tennis; -- so named because three fives, or fifteen, are counted to the game. Smart.

Fives court, a place for playing fives.

Fives, n. [See Vives.] A disease of the glands under the ear in horses; the vives. Shak.

Five`-twen"ties (?), n. pl. Five- twenty bonds of the United States (bearing six per cent interest), issued in 1862, '64, and '65, redeemable after five and payable in twenty years.

Fix (f&ibreve;ks), a. [OE., fr. L. fixus, p. p. of figere to fix; cf. F. fixe.] Fixed; solidified. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fix, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fixed (f&ibreve;kst); p. pr. & vb. n. Fixing.] [Cf. F. fixer.] 1. To make firm, stable, or fast; to set or place permanently; to fasten immovably; to establish; to implant; to secure; to make definite.

An ass's nole I fixed on his head.
Shak.

O, fix thy chair of grace, that all my powers
May also fix their reverence.
Herbert.

His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
Ps. cxii. 7.

And fix far deeper in his head their stings.
Milton.

2. To hold steadily; to direct unwaveringly; to fasten, as the eye on an object, the attention on a speaker.

Sat fixed in thought the mighty Stagirite.
Pope.

One eye on death, and one full fix'd on heaven.
Young.

3. To transfix; to pierce. [Obs.] Sandys.

4. (Photog.) To render (an impression) permanent by treating with such applications as will make it insensible to the action of light. Abney.

5. To put in order; to arrange; to dispose of; to adjust; to set to rights; to set or place in the manner desired or most suitable; hence, to repair; as, to fix the clothes; to fix the furniture of a room. [Colloq. U.S.]

6. (Iron Manuf.) To line the hearth of (a puddling furnace) with fettling.

Syn. -- To arrange; prepare; adjust; place; establish; settle; determine.

Fix, v. i. 1. To become fixed; to settle or remain permanently; to cease from wandering; to rest.

Your kindness banishes your fear,
Resolved to fix forever here.
Waller.

2. To become firm, so as to resist volatilization; to cease to flow or be fluid; to congeal; to become hard and malleable, as a metallic substance. Bacon.

To fix on, to settle the opinion or resolution about; to determine regarding; as, the contracting parties have fixed on certain leading points.

Fix, n. 1. A position of difficulty or embarassment; predicament; dilemma. [Colloq.]

Is he not living, then? No. is he dead, then? No, nor dead either. Poor Aroar can not live, and can not die, -- so that he is in an almighty fix.
De Quincey.

2. (Iron Manuf.) fettling. [U.S.]

Fix"a*ble (-&adot;*b'l), a. Capable of being fixed.

Fix*a"tion (f&ibreve;ks*ā"shŭn), n. [Cf. F. fixation.] 1. The act of fixing, or the state of being fixed.

An unalterable fixation of resolution.
Killingbeck.

To light, created in the first day, God gave no proper place or fixation.
Sir W. Raleigh.

Marked stiffness or absolute fixation of a joint.
Quain.

A fixation and confinement of thought to a few objects.
Watts.

2. The act of uniting chemically with a solid substance or in a solid form; reduction to a non-volatile condition; -- said of gaseous elements.

3. The act or process of ceasing to be fluid and becoming firm. Glanvill.

4. A state of resistance to evaporation or volatilization by heat; -- said of metals. Bacon.

Fix"a*tive (?), n. That which serves to set or fix colors or drawings, as a mordant.

Fixed (f&ibreve;kst), a. 1. Securely placed or fastened; settled; established; firm; imovable; unalterable.

2. (Chem.) Stable; non- volatile.

Fixed air (Old Chem.), carbonic acid or carbon dioxide; -- so called by Dr. Black because it can be absorbed or fixed by strong bases. See Carbonic acid, under Carbonic. -- Fixed alkali (Old Chem.), a non-volatile base, as soda, or potash, in distinction from the volatile alkali ammonia. -- Fixed ammunition (Mil.), a projectile and powder inclosed together in a case ready for loading. -- Fixed battery (Mil.), a battery which contains heavy guns and mortars intended to remain stationary; -- distinguished from movable battery. -- Fixed bodies, those which can not be volatilized or separated by a common menstruum, without great difficulty, as gold, platinum, lime, etc. -- Fixed capital. See the Note under Capital, n., 4. -- Fixed fact, a well established fact. [Colloq.] -- Fixed light, one which emits constant beams; -- distinguished from a flashing, revolving, or intermittent light. -- Fixed oils (Chem.), non-volatile, oily substances, as stearine and olein, which leave a permanent greasy stain, and which can not be distilled unchanged; -- distinguished from volatile or essential oils. -- Fixed pivot (Mil.), the fixed point about which any line of troops wheels. -- Fixed stars (Astron.), such stars as always retain nearly the same apparent position and distance with respect to each other, thus distinguished from planets and comets.

Fix"ed*ly (f&ibreve;ks"&ebreve;d*l&ybreve;), adv. In a fixed, stable, or constant manner.

Fix"ed*ness, n. 1. The state or quality of being fixed; stability; steadfastness.

2. The quality of a body which resists evaporation or volatilization by heat; solidity; cohesion of parts; as, the fixedness of gold.

Fix*id"i*ty (f&ibreve;ks*&ibreve;d"&ibreve;*t&ybreve;), n. Fixedness. [Obs.] Boyle.

Fix"ing (f&ibreve;ks"&ibreve;ng), n. 1. The act or process of making fixed.

2. That which is fixed; a fixture.

3. pl. Arrangements; embellishments; trimmings; accompaniments. [Colloq. U.S.]

Fix"i*ty (-&ibreve;*t&ybreve;), n. [Cf. F. fixité.] 1. Fixedness; as, fixity of tenure; also, that which is fixed.

2. Coherence of parts. Sir I. Newton.

Fix"ture (f&ibreve;ks"t&usl;r; 135), n. [Cf. Fixure.] 1. That which is fixed or attached to something as a permanent appendage; as, the fixtures of a pump; the fixtures of a farm or of a dwelling, that is, the articles which a tenant may not take away.

2. State of being fixed; fixedness.

The firm fixture of thy foot.
Shak.

3. (Law) Anything of an accessory character annexed to houses and lands, so as to constitute a part of them. This term is, however, quite frequently used in the peculiar sense of personal chattels annexed to lands and tenements, but removable by the person annexing them, or his personal representatives. In this latter sense, the same things may be fixtures under some circumstances, and not fixtures under others. Wharton (Law Dict.). Bouvier.

&fist; This word is frequently substituted for fixure (formerly the word in common use) in new editions of old works.

Fix"ure (-&usl;r), n. [L. fixura a fastening, fr. figere to fix. See Fix, and cf. Fixture.] Fixed position; stable condition; firmness. [Obs.] Shak.

Fiz"gig` (f&ibreve;z"g&ibreve;g), n. A fishgig. [Obs.] Sandys.

Fiz"gig`, n. [Fizz + gig whirling thing.] A firework, made of damp powder, which makes a fizzing or hissing noise when it explodes.

Fiz"gig`, n. [See Gig a flirt.] A gadding, flirting girl. Gosson.

Fizz (f&ibreve;z), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fizzed (f&ibreve;zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fizzing.] [Cf. Icel. fīsa to break wind, Dan. fise to foist, fizzle, OSw. fisa, G. fisten, feisten. Cf. Foist.] To make a hissing sound, as a burning fuse.

Fizz, n. A hissing sound; as, the fizz of a fly.

Fiz"zle (f&ibreve;z"z'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fizzled (-z'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Fizzling (-zl&ibreve;ng).] [See Fizz.] 1. To make a hissing sound.

It is the easiest thing, sir, to be done,
As plain as fizzling.
B. Jonson.

2. To make a ridiculous failure in an undertaking. [Colloq. or Low]

To fizzle out, to burn with a hissing noise and then go out, like wet gunpowder; hence, to fail completely and ridiculously; to prove a failure. [Colloq.]

Fiz"zle, n. A failure or abortive effort. [Colloq.]

||Fjord (fyôrd), n. See Fiord.

Flab"ber*gast (?), v. t. [Cf. Flap, and Aghast.] To astonish; to strike with wonder, esp. by extraordinary statements. [Jocular] Beaconsfield.

Flab`ber*gas*ta"tion (?), n. The state of being flabbergasted. [Jocular] London Punch.

Flab"bi*ly (?), adv. In a flabby manner.

Flab"bi*ness, n. Quality or state of being flabby.

Flab"by (?), a. [See Flap.] Yielding to the touch, and easily moved or shaken; hanging loose by its own weight; wanting firmness; flaccid; as, flabby flesh.

Fla"bel (?), n. [L. flabellum a fan, dim. of flabrum a breeze, fr. flare to blow.] A fan. [Obs.] Huloet.

Fla*bel"late (?), a. [L. flabellatus, p. p. of flabellare to fan, fr. flabellum. See Flabbel.] (Bot.) Flabelliform.

Flab`el*la"tion (?), n. The act of keeping fractured limbs cool by the use of a fan or some other contrivance. Dunglison.

Fla*bel"li*form (?), a. [L. flabellum a fan + -form: cf. F. flabeliforme.] Having the form of a fan; fan-shaped; flabellate.

Fla*bel"li*nerved` (?), a. [L. flabellum a fan + E. nerve.] (Bot.) Having many nerves diverging radiately from the base; -- said of a leaf.

||Fla*bel"lum (?), n. [L. See Flabel.] (Eccl.) A fan; especially, the fan carried before the pope on state occasions, made in ostrich and peacock feathers. Shipley.

Flab"ile (?), a. [L. flabilis.] Liable to be blown about. Bailey.

Flac"cid (?), a. [L. flaccidus, fr. flaccus flabby: cf. OF. flaccide.] Yielding to pressure for want of firmness and stiffness; soft and weak; limber; lax; drooping; flabby; as, a flaccid muscle; flaccid flesh.

Religious profession . . . has become flacced.
I. Taylor.

-- Flac"cid*ly (#), adv. -- Flac"cid*ness, n.

Flac*cid"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. flaccidité.] The state of being flaccid.

Flack"er (?), v. i. [OE. flakeren, fr. flacken to move quickly to and fro; cf. icel. flakka to rove about, AS. flacor fluttering, flying, G. flackern to flare, flicker.] To flutter, as a bird. [Prov. Eng.] Grose.

Flack"et (?), n. [OF. flasquet little flask, dim. of flasque a flask.] A barrel-shaped bottle; a flagon.

Flag (flăg), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flagged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flagging (?).] [Cf. Icel. flaka to droop, hang loosely. Cf. Flacker, Flag an ensign.] 1. To hang loose without stiffness; to bend down, as flexible bodies; to be loose, yielding, limp.

As loose it [the sail] flagged around the mast.
T. Moore.

2. To droop; to grow spiritless; to lose vigor; to languish; as, the spirits flag; the streugth flags.

The pleasures of the town begin to flag.
Swift.

Syn. -- To droop; decline; fail; languish; pine.

Flag (flăg), v. t. 1. To let droop; to suffer to fall, or let fall, into feebleness; as, to flag the wings. prior.

2. To enervate; to exhaust the vigor or elasticity of.

Nothing so flags the spirits.
Echard.

Flag, n. [Cf. LG. & G. flagge, Sw. flagg, Dan. flag, D. vlag. See Flag to hang loose.] 1. That which flags or hangs down loosely.

2. A cloth usually bearing a device or devices and used to indicate nationality, party, etc., or to give or ask information; -- commonly attached to a staff to be waved by the wind; a standard; a banner; an ensign; the colors; as, the national flag; a military or a naval flag.

3. (Zoöl.) (a) A group of feathers on the lower part of the legs of certain hawks, owls, etc. (b) A group of elongated wing feathers in certain hawks. (c) The bushy tail of a dog, as of a setter.

Black flag. See under Black. -- Flag captain, Flag leutenant, etc., special officers attached to the flagship, as aids to the flag officer. -- Flag officer, the commander of a fleet or squadron; an admiral, or commodore. -- Flag of truse, a white flag carried or displayed to an enemy, as an invitation to conference, or for the purpose of making some communication not hostile. -- Flag share, the flag officer's share of prize money. -- Flag station (Railroad), a station at which trains do not stop unless signaled to do so, by a flag hung out or waved. -- National flag, a flag of a particular country, on which some national emblem or device, is emblazoned. -- Red flag, a flag of a red color, displayed as a signal of danger or token of defiance; the emblem of anarchists. -- To dip, the flag, to mlower it and quickly restore it to its place; -- done as a mark of respect. -- To hang out the white flag, to ask truce or quarter, or, in some cases, to manifest a friendly design by exhibiting a white flag. -- To hang the flag half-mast high or half- staff, to raise it only half way to the mast or staff, as a token or sign of mourning. -- To strike, or lower, the flag, to haul it down, in token of respect, submission, or, in an engagement, of surrender. -- Yellow flag, the quarantine flag of all nations; also carried at a vessel's fore, to denote that an infectious disease is on board.

Flag, v. t. [From Flag an ensign.] 1. To signal to with a flag; as, to flag a train.

2. To convey, as a message, by means of flag signals; as, to flag an order to troops or vessels at a distance.

Flag, n. [From Flag to hang loose, to bend down.] (Bot.) An aquatic plant, with long, ensiform leaves, belonging to either of the genera Iris and Acorus.

Cooper's flag, the cat-tail (Typha latifolia), the long leaves of which are placed between the staves of barrels to make the latter water-tight. -- Corn flag. See under 2d Corn. -- Flag broom, a coarse of broom, originally made of flags or rushes. -- Flag root, the root of the sweet flag. -- Sweet flag. See Calamus, n., 2.

Flag, v. t. To furnish or deck out with flags.

Flag, n. [Icel. flaga, cf. Icel. flag spot where a turf has been cut out, and E. flake layer, scale. Cf. Floe.] 1. A flat stone used for paving. Woodward.

2. (Geol.) Any hard, evenly stratified sandstone, which splits into layers suitable for flagstones.

Flag, v. t. To lay with flags of flat stones.

The sides and floor are all flagged with . . . marble.
Sandys.

Flag"el*lant (?), n. [L. flagellans, p. p. of flagellare: cf.F. flagellant. See Flagellate.] (Eccl. Hist.) One of a fanatical sect which flourished in Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries, and maintained that flagellation was of equal virtue with baptism and the sacrament; -- called also disciplinant.

||Flag`el*la"ta (?), n. pl. [NL., fr.L. flagellatus, p. p. See Flagellate, v. t.] (Zoöl.) An order of Infusoria, having one or two long, whiplike cilia, at the anterior end. It includes monads. See Infusoria, and Monad.

Flag"el*late (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flagellated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flagellating (?).] [L. flagellatus, p. p. of flagellare to scoure, fr. flagellum whip, dim. of flagrum whip, scoure; cf. fligere to strike. Cf. Flall.] To whip; to scourge; to flog.

Fla*gel"late (?), a. 1. Flagelliform.

2. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Flagellata.

Flag`el*la"tion (?), n. [L. flagellatio: cf. F. flagellation.] A beating or flogging; a whipping; a scourging. Garth.

Flag"el*la`tor (?), n. One who practices flagellation; one who whips or scourges.

Fla*gel"li*form (?), a. [L. flagellum a whip + -form.] Shaped like a whiplash; long, slender, round, flexible, and (comming) tapering.

||Fla*gel"lum (?), n.; pl. E. Flagellums (#), L. Flagella (#). [L., a whip. See Flagellate, v. t.] 1. (Bot.) A young, flexible shoot of a plant; esp., the long trailing branch of a vine, or a slender branch in certain mosses.

2. (Zoöl.) (a) A long, whiplike cilium. See Flagellata. (b) An appendage of the reproductive apparatus of the snail. (c) A lashlike appendage of a crustacean, esp. the terminal ortion of the antennæ and the epipodite of the maxilipeds. See Maxilliped.

Flag"eo*let` (?), n. [F. flageolet, dim. of OF. flaj&?;l (as if fr. a LL. flautio;us), of flaüte, flahute, F. fl&?;te. See Flute.] (Mus.) A small wooden pipe, having 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.

Flag"gi*ness (?), n. The condition of being flaggy; laxity; limberness. Johnson.

Flag"ging (?), n. A pavement or sidewalk of flagstones; flagstones, collectively.

Flag"ging, a. Growing languid, weak, or spiritless; weakening; delaying. -- Flag"ging*ly, adv.

Flag"gy (?), a. 1. Weak; flexible; limber. "Flaggy wings." Spenser.

2. Tasteless; insipid; as, a flaggy apple. [Obs.] Bacon.

Flag"gy, a. [From 5th Flag.] Abounding with the plant called flag; as, a flaggy marsh.

Flag"i*tate (?), v. t. [L. flagitatus, p. p. of flagitare to demand. See Flagitious.] To importune; to demand fiercely or with passion. [Archaic] Carcyle.

Flag`i*ta"tion (?), n. [L. flagitatio.] Importunity; urgent demand. [Archaic] Carlyle.

Fla*gi"tious (?), a. [L. flagitiosus, fr. flagitium a shameful or disgraceful act, orig., a burning desire, heat of passion, from flagitare to demand hotly, fiercely; cf. flagrare to burn, E. flagrant.] 1. Disgracefully or shamefully criminal; grossly wicked; scandalous; shameful; -- said of acts, crimes, etc.

Debauched principles and flagitious practices.
I. Taylor.

2. Guilty of enormous crimes; corrupt; profligate; -- said of persons. Pope.

3. Characterized by scandalous crimes or vices; as, flagitious times. Pope.

Syn. -- Atrocious; villainous; flagrant; heinous; corrupt; profligate; abandoned. See Atrocious.

-- Fla*gi"tious*ly, adv. -- Fla*gi"tious*ness, n.

A sentence so flagitiously unjust.
Macaulay.

Flag"man (?), n.; pl. Flagmen (&?;). One who makes signals with a flag.

Flag"on (?), n. [F. flacon, for flascon, fr. OF. flasche, from LL. flasco. See Flask.] A vessel with a narrow mouth, used for holding and conveying liquors. It is generally larger than a bottle, and of leather or stoneware rather than of glass.

A trencher of mutton chops, and a flagon of ale.
Macaulay.

Fla"grance (?), n. Flagrancy. Bp. Hall.

Fla"gran*cy (?), n.; pl. Flagrancies (#). [L. flagrantia a burning. See Flagrant.] 1. A burning; great heat; inflammation. [Obs.]

Lust causeth a flagrancy in the eyes.
Bacon.

2. The condition or quality of being flagrant; atrocity; heiniousness; enormity; excess. Steele.

Fla"grant (?), a. [L. flagrans, -antis, p. pr. of flagrate to burn, akin to Gr. &?;: cf. F. flagrant. Cf. Flame, Phlox.] 1. Flaming; inflamed; glowing; burning; ardent.

The beadle's lash still flagrant on their back.
Prior.

A young man yet flagrant from the lash of the executioner or the beadle.
De Quincey.

Flagrant desires and affections.
Hooker.

2. Actually in preparation, execution, or performance; carried on hotly; raging.

A war the most powerful of the native tribes was flagrant.
Palfrey.

3. Flaming into notice; notorious; enormous; heinous; glaringly wicked.

Syn. -- Atrocious; flagitious; glaring. See Atrocious.

Fla"grant*ly, adv. In a flagrant manner.

Fla"grate (?), v. t. [L. flagrare, flagratum, v.i. & t., to burn.] To burn. [Obs.] Greenhill.

Fla*gra"tion (?), n. A conflagration. [Obs.]

Flag"ship` (?), n. (Naut.) The vessel which carries the commanding officer of a fleet or squadron and flies his distinctive flag or pennant.

Flag"staff` (?), n.; pl. -staves (&?;) or -staffs (&?;). A staff on which a flag is hoisted.

Flag"stone` (?), n. A flat stone used in paving, or any rock which will split into such stones. See Flag, a stone.

Flag"worm` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A worm or grub found among flags and sedge.

Flail (?), n. [L. flagellum whip, scourge, in LL., a threshing flail: cf. OF. flael, flaiel, F. fléau. See Flagellum.] 1. An instrument for threshing or beating grain from the ear by hand, consisting of a wooden staff or handle, at the end of which a stouter and shorter pole or club, called a swipe, is so hung as to swing freely.

His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn.
Milton.

2. An ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or loaded. Fairholt.

No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to brain the Popish assassins.
Macaulay.

Flail"y (?), a. Acting like a flail. [Obs.] Vicars.

Flain (?), obs. p. p. of Flay. Chaucer.

Flake (flāk), n. [Cf. Icel. flaki, fleki, Dan. flage, D. vlaak.] 1. A paling; a hurdle. [prov. Eng.]

2. A platform of hurdles, or small sticks made fast or interwoven, supported by stanchions, for drying codfish and other things.

You shall also, after they be ripe, neither suffer them to have straw nor fern under them, but lay them either upon some smooth table, boards, or flakes of wands, and they will last the longer.
English Husbandman.

3. (Naut.) A small stage hung over a vessel's side, for workmen to stand on in calking, etc.

Flake (flāk), n. [Cf. Icel. flakna to flake off, split, flagna to flake off, Sw. flaga flaw, flake, flake plate, Dan. flage snowflake. Cf. Flag a flat stone.] 1. A loose filmy mass or a thin chiplike layer of anything; a film; flock; lamina; layer; scale; as, a flake of snow, tallow, or fish. "Lottle flakes of scurf." Addison.

Great flakes of ice encompassing our boat.
Evelyn.

2. A little particle of lighted or incandescent matter, darted from a fire; a flash.

With flakes of ruddy fire.
Somerville.

3. (Bot.) A sort of carnation with only two colors in the flower, the petals having large stripes.

Flake knife (Archæol.), a cutting instrument used by savage tribes, made of a flake or chip of hard stone. Tylor. -- Flake stand, the cooling tub or vessel of a still worm. Knight. -- Flake white. (Paint.) (a) The purest white lead, in the form of flakes or scales. (b) The trisnitrate of bismuth. Ure.

Flake, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flaked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flaking.] To form into flakes. Pope.

Flake, v. i. To separate in flakes; to peel or scale off.

Flak"i*ness (?), n. The state of being flaky.

Flak"y (?), a. Consisting of flakes or of small, loose masses; lying, or cleaving off, in flakes or layers; flakelike.

What showers of mortal hail, what flaky fires!
Watts.

A flaky weight of winter's purest snows.
Wordsworth.

Flam (flăm), n. [Cf. AS. fleám, fl&aemacr;m, flight. √ 84 . Cf. Flimflam.] A freak or whim; also, a falsehood; a lie; an illusory pretext; deception; delusion. [Obs.]

A perpetual abuse and flam upon posterity.
South.

Flam, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flammed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Flamming.] To deceive with a falsehood. [Obs.]

God is not to be flammed off with lies.
South.

Flam"beau (?); n.; pl. Flambeaux (#) or Flambeaus (#). [F., fr. OF. flambe flame, for flamble, from L. flammula a little flame, dim. of flamma flame. See Flame.] A flaming torch, esp. one made by combining together a number of thick wicks invested with a quick-burning substance (anciently, perhaps, wax; in modern times, pitch or the like); hence, any torch.

Flam*boy"ant (?), a. [F.] (Arch.) Characterized by waving or flamelike curves, as in the tracery of windows, etc.; -- said of the later (15th century) French Gothic style.

Flam*boy"er (?), n. [F. flamboyer to be bright.] (Bot.) A name given in the East and West Indies to certain trees with brilliant blossoms, probably species of Cæsalpinia.

Flame (flām), n. [OE. flame, flaume, flaumbe, OF. flame, flambe, F. flamme, fr. L. flamma, fr. flamma, fr. flagrare to burn. See Flagrant, and cf. Flamneau, Flamingo.] 1. A stream of burning vapor or gas, emitting light and heat; darting or streaming fire; a blaze; a fire.

2. Burning zeal or passion; elevated and noble enthusiasm; glowing imagination; passionate excitement or anger. "In a flame of zeal severe." Milton.

Where flames refin'd in breasts seraphic glow.
Pope.

Smit with the love of sister arts we came,
And met congenial, mingling flame with flame.
Pope.

3. Ardor of affection; the passion of love. Coleridge.

4. A person beloved; a sweetheart. Thackeray.

Syn. -- Blaze; brightness; ardor. See Blaze.

Flame bridge, a bridge wall. See Bridge, n., 5. -- Flame color, brilliant orange or yellow. B. Jonson. -- Flame engine, an early name for the gas engine. -- Flame manometer, an instrument, invented by Koenig, to obtain graphic representation of the action of the human vocal organs. See Manometer. -- Flame reaction (Chem.), a method of testing for the presence of certain elements by the characteristic color imparted to a flame; as, sodium colors a flame yellow, potassium violet, lithium crimson, boracic acid green, etc. Cf. Spectrum analysis, under Spectrum. -- Flame tree (Bot.), a tree with showy scarlet flowers, as the Rhododendron arboreum in India, and the Brachychiton acerifolium of Australia.

Flame, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flamed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flaming.] [OE. flamen, flaumben, F. flamber, OF. also, flamer. See Flame, n.] 1. To burn with a flame or blaze; to burn as gas emitted from bodies in combustion; to blaze.

The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again.
Shak.

2. To burst forth like flame; to break out in violence of passion; to be kindled with zeal or ardor.

He flamed with indignation.
Macaulay.

Flame, v. t. To kindle; to inflame; to excite.

And flamed with zeal of vengeance inwardly.
Spenser.

Flame"-col`ored (?), a. Of the color of flame; of a bright orange yellow color. Shak.

Flame"less, a. Destitute of flame. Sandys.

Flame"let (?), n. [Flame + - let.] A small flame.

The flamelets gleamed and flickered.
Longfellow.

Fla"men (?), n.; pl. E. Flammens (#), L. Flamines (#). [L.] (Rom. Antiq.) A priest devoted to the service of a particular god, from whom he received a distinguishing epithet. The most honored were those of Jupiter, Mars, and Quirinus, called respectively Flamen Dialis, Flamen Martialis, and Flamen Quirinalis.

Affrights the flamens at their service quaint.
Milton.

Fla*min"e*ous (?), a. Pertaining to a flamen; flaminical.

Flam"ing (?), a. 1. Emitting flames; afire; blazing; consuming; illuminating.

2. Of the color of flame; high-colored; brilliant; dazzling. "In flaming yellow bright." Prior.

3. Ardent; passionate; burning with zeal; irrepressibly earnest; as, a flaming proclomation or harangue.

Flam"ing*ly, adv. In a flaming manner.

Fla*min"go (?), n.; pl. Flamingoes (#). [Sp. flamenco, cf. Pg. flamingo, Prov. flammant, F. flamant; prop. a p. pr. meaning flaming. So called in allusion to its color. See Flame.] (Zoöl.) Any bird of the genus Phœnicopterus. The flamingoes have webbed feet, very long legs, and a beak bent down as if broken. Their color is usually red or pink. The American flamingo is P. ruber; the European is P. antiquorum.

Fla*min"i*cal (?), a. Pertaining to a flamen. Milton.

Flam`ma*bil"ity (?), n. The quality of being flammable; inflammability. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Flam"ma*ble (?), a. Inflammable. [Obs.]

Flam*ma"tion (?), n. The act of setting in a flame or blaze. [Obs.] Sir. T. Browne.

Flam"me*ous (?), a. [L. flammeus from flamma flame.] Pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling, flame. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Flam*mif"er*ous (?), a. [L. flammifer; flamma flame + ferre to bear.] Producing flame.

Flam*miv"o*mous (?), a. [L. flammivomus; flamma flame + vomere to vomit.] Vomiting flames, as a volcano. W. Thompson. (1745).

Flam"mu*la`ted (?), a. [L. flammula little flame, dim. fr. flamma flame.] Of a reddish color.

Flam"y (?), a. [From Flame.] Flaming; blazing; flamelike; flame-colored; composed of flame. Pope.

Flanch (?), n.; pl. Flanches (#). [Prov. E., a projection, OF. flanche flank. See Flank.] 1. A flange. [R.]. (Her.) A bearing consisting of a segment of a circle encroaching on the field from the side.

&fist; Flanches are always in pairs. A pair of flanches is considered one of the subordinaries.

Flanched (?), a. (Her.) Having flanches; -- said of an escutcheon with those bearings.

Flan`co*nade" (?), n. [F.] (Fencing) A thrust in the side.

||Fla`neur" (?), n. [F., fr. flâner to stroll.] One who strolls about aimlessly; a lounger; a loafer.

Flang (?), n. A miner's two- pointed pick.

Flange (flănj), n. [Prov. E. flange to project, flanch a projection. See Flanch, Flank.] 1. An external or internal rib, or rim, for strength, as the flange of an iron beam; or for a guide, as the flange of a car wheel (see Car wheel.); or for attachment to another object, as the flange on the end of a pipe, steam cylinder, etc. Knight.

2. A plate or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the pipe.

Blind flange, a plate for covering or closing the end of a pipe. -- Flange joint, a joint, as that of pipes, where the connecting pieces have flanges by which the parts are bolted together. Knight. - - Flange rail, a rail with a flange on one side, to keep wheels, etc. from running off. -- Flange turning, the process of forming a flange on a wrought iron plate by bending and hammering it when hot.

Flange, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flanged (flănjd); p. pr. & vb. n. Flanging (flăn"j&ibreve;ng).] (Mach.) To make a flange on; to furnish with a flange.

Flange, v. i. To be bent into a flange.

Flanged (flănjd), a. Having a flange or flanges; as, a flanged wheel.

Flank (flă&nsm;k), n. [F. flanc, prob. fr. L. flaccus flabby, with n inserted. Cf. Flaccid, Flanch, Flange.] 1. The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of Beef.

2. (Mil.) (a) The side of an army, or of any division of an army, as of a brigade, regiment, or battalion; the extreme right or left; as, to attack an enemy in flank is to attack him on the side.

When to right and left the front
Divided, and to either flank retired.
Milton.

(b) (Fort.) That part of a bastion which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the curtain, the flank and face of the opposite bastion; any part of a work defending another by a fire along the outside of its parapet. See Illust. of Bastion.

3. (Arch.) The side of any building. Brands.

4. That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.

Flank attack (Mil.), an attack upon the side of an army or body of troops, distinguished from one upon its front or rear. -- Flank company (Mil.), a certain number of troops drawn up on the right or left of a battalion; usually grenadiers, light infantry, or riflemen. -- Flank defense (Fort.), protection of a work against undue exposure to an enemy's direct fire, by means of the fire from other works, sweeping the ground in its front. -- Flank en potence (Mil.), any part of the right or left wing formed at a projecting angle with the line. -- Flank files, the first men on the right, and the last on the left, of a company, battalion, etc. -- Flank march, a march made parallel or obliquely to an enemy's position, in order to turn it or to attack him on the flank. -- Flank movement, a change of march by an army, or portion of one, in order to turn one or both wings of the enemy, or to take up a new position. -- Flanks of a frontier, salient points in a national boundary, strengthened to protect the frontier against hostile incursion. -- Flank patrol, detachments acting independently of the column of an army, but patrolling along its flanks, to secure it against surprise and to observe the movements of the enemy.

Flank (flă&nsm;k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flanked (flă&nsm;kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Flanking.] [Cf. F. flanquer. See Flank, n., and cf. Flanker, v. t.] 1. To stand at the flank or side of; to border upon.

Stately colonnades are flanked with trees.
Pitt.

2. To overlook or command the flank of; to secure or guard the flank of; to pass around or turn the flank of; to attack, or threaten to attack; the flank of.

Flank, v. i. 1. To border; to touch. Bp. Butler.

2. To be posted on the side.

Flank"er (?), n. One who, or that which, flanks, as a skirmisher or a body of troops sent out upon the flanks of an army toguard a line of march, or a fort projecting so as to command the side of an assailing body.

They threw out flankers, and endeavored to dislodge their assailants.
W. Irwing.

Flank"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flankered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flankering.] [See Flank, v. t.] 1. To defend by lateral fortifications. [Obs.] Sir T. Herbert.

2. To attack sideways. [Obs.] Evelyn.

Flan"nel (flăn"n&ebreve;l), n. [F. flanelle, cf. OF. flaine a pillowcase, a mattress (?); fr. W. gwlanen flannel, fr. gwlan wool; prob. akin to E. wool. Cf. Wool.] A soft, nappy, woolen cloth, of loose texture. Shak.

Adam's flannel. (Bot.) See under Adam. -- Canton flannel, Cotton flannel. See Cotton flannel, under Cotton.

Flan"neled (?), a. Covered or wrapped in flannel.

Flan"nen (?), a. Made or consisting of flannel. [Obs.] "Flannen robes." Dryden.

Flap (?), n. [OE. flappe, flap, blow, bly-flap; cf. D. flap, and E. flap, v.] Anything broad and limber that hangs loose, or that is attached by one side or end and is easily moved; as, the flap of a garment.

A cartilaginous flap upon the opening of the larynx.
Sir T. Browne.

2. A hinged leaf, as of a table or shutter.

3. The motion of anything broad and loose, or a stroke or sound made with it; as, the flap of a sail or of a wing.

4. pl. (Far.) A disease in the lips of horses.

Flap tile, a tile with a bent up portion, to turn a corner or catch a drip. -- Flap valve (Mech.), a valve which opens and shuts upon one hinged side; a clack valve.

Flap, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flapped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flapping (?).] [Prob. of imitative origin; cf. D. flappen, E. flap, n., flop, flippant, fillip.] 1. To beat with a flap; to strike.

Yet let me flap this bug with gilded wings.
Pope.

2. To move, as something broad and flaplike; as, to flap the wings; to let fall, as the brim of a hat.

To flap in the mouth, to taunt. [Obs.] W. Cartwright.

Flap, v. i. 1. To move as do wings, or as something broad or loose; to fly with wings beating the air.

The crows flapped over by twos and threes.
Lowell.

2. To fall and hang like a flap, as the brim of a hat, or other broad thing. Gay.

Flap"drag`on (?), n. 1. A game in which the players catch raisins out burning brandy, and swallow them blazing. Johnson.

2. The thing thus caught and eaten. Johnson.

Cakes and ale, and flapdragons and mummer's plays, and all the happy sports of Christians night.
C. Kingsley.

Flap"drag`on, v. t. To swallow whole, as a flapdragon; to devour. [Obs.]

See how the sea flapdragoned it.
Shak.

Flap"-eared` (?), a. Having broad, loose, dependent ears. Shak.

Flap"jack` (?), n. 1. A fklat cake turned on the griddle while cooking; a griddlecake or pacake.

2. A fried dough cake containing fruit; a turnover. [Prov. Eng.]

Flap"-mouthed` (?), a. Having broad, hangling lips. [R.] Shak.

Flap"per (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, flaps.

2. See Flipper. "The flapper of a porpoise." Buckley.

Flapper skate (Zoöl.), a European skate (Raia intermedia).

Flare (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flaring.] [Cf. Norw. flara to blaze, flame, adorn with tinsel, dial. Sw. flasa upp, and E. flash, or flacker.] 1. To burn with an unsteady or waving flame; as, the candle flares.

2. To shine out with a sudden and unsteady light; to emit a dazzling or painfully bright light.

3. To shine out with gaudy colors; to flaunt; to be offensively bright or showy.

With ribbons pendant, flaring about her head.
Shak.

4. To be exposed to too much light. [Obs.]

Flaring in sunshine all the day.
Prior.

5. To open or spread outwards; to project beyond the perpendicular; as, the sides of a bowl flare; the bows of a ship flare.

To flare up, to become suddenly heated or excited; to burst into a passion. [Colloq.] Thackeray.

Flare, n. 1. An unsteady, broad, offensive light.

2. A spreading outward; as, the flare of a fireplace.

Flare, n. Leaf of lard. "Pig's flare." Dunglison.

Flare"-up` (?), n. A sudden burst of anger or passion; an angry dispute. [Colloq.]

Flar"ing (?), a. 1. That flares; flaming or blazing unsteadily; shining out with a dazzling light.

His [the sun's] flaring beams.
Milton.

2. Opening or speading outwards.

Flar"ing*ly, adv. In a flaring manner.

Flash (flăsh), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flashed (flăsht); p. pr. & vb. n. Flashing.] [Cf. OE. flaskien, vlaskien to pour, sprinkle, dial. Sw. flasa to blaze, E. flush, flare.] 1. To burst or break forth with a sudden and transient flood of flame and light; as, the lighting flashes vividly; the powder flashed.

2. To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst instantly and brightly on the sight; to show a momentary brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash.

Names which have flashed and thundered as the watch words of unnumbered struggles.
Talfourd.

The object is made to flash upon the eye of the mind.
M. Arnold.

A thought flashed through me, which I clothed in act.
Tennyson.

3. To burst forth like a sudden flame; to break out violently; to rush hastily.

Every hour
He flashes into one gross crime or other.
Shak.

To flash in the pan, to fail of success. [Colloq.] See under Flash, a burst of light. Bartlett.

Syn. -- Flash, Glitter, Gleam, Glisten, Glister. Flash differs from glitter and gleam, denoting a flood or wide extent of light. The latter words may express the issuing of light from a small object, or from a pencil of rays. Flash differs from other words, also, in denoting suddenness of appearance and disappearance. Flashing differs from exploding or disploding in not being accompanied with a loud report. To glisten, or glister, is to shine with a soft and fitful luster, as eyes suffused with tears, or flowers wet with dew.

Flash (flăsh), v. t. 1. To send out in flashes; to cause to burst forth with sudden flame or light.

The chariot of paternal Deity,
Flashing thick flames.
Milton.

2. To convey as by a flash; to light up, as by a sudden flame or light; as, to flash a message along the wires; to flash conviction on the mind.

3. (Glass Making) To cover with a thin layer, as objects of glass with glass of a different color. See Flashing, n., 3 (b).

4. To trick up in a showy manner.

Limning and flashing it with various dyes.
A. Brewer.

5. [Perh. due to confusion between flash of light and plash, splash.] To strike and throw up large bodies of water from the surface; to splash. [Obs.]

He rudely flashed the waves about.
Spenser.

Flashed glass. See Flashing, n., 3.

Flash, n.; pl. Flashes (&?;). 1. A sudden burst of light; a flood of light instantaneously appearing and disappearing; a momentary blaze; as, a flash of lightning.

2. A sudden and brilliant burst, as of wit or genius; a momentary brightness or show.

The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind.
Shak.

No striking sentiment, no flash of fancy.
Wirt.

3. The time during which a flash is visible; an instant; a very brief period.

The Persians and Macedonians had it for a flash.
Bacon.

4. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for coloring and giving a fictitious strength to liquors.

Flash light, or Flashing light, a kind of light shown by lighthouses, produced by the revolution of reflectors, so as to show a flash of light every few seconds, alternating with periods of dimness. Knight. -- Flash in the pan, the flashing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece; hence, sudden, spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing.

Flash, a. 1. Showy, but counterfeit; cheap, pretentious, and vulgar; as, flash jewelry; flash finery.

2. Wearing showy, counterfeit ornaments; vulgarly pretentious; as, flash people; flash men or women; -- applied especially to thieves, gamblers, and prostitutes that dress in a showy way and wear much cheap jewelry.

Flash house, a house frequented by flash people, as thieves and whores; hence, a brothel. "A gang of footpads, reveling with their favorite beauties at a flash house." Macaulay.

Flash, n. Slang or cant of thieves and prostitutes.

Flash, n. [OE. flasche, flaske; cf. OF. flache, F. flaque.] 1. A pool. [Prov. Eng.] Haliwell.

2. (Engineering) A reservoir and sluiceway beside a navigable stream, just above a shoal, so that the stream may pour in water as boats pass, and thus bear them over the shoal.

Flash wheel (Mech.), a paddle wheel made to revolve in a breast or curved water way, by which water is lifted from the lower to the higher level.

Flash"board` (?), n. A board placed temporarily upon a milldam, to raise the water in the pond above its usual level; a flushboard. [U.S.]

Flash"er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, flashes.

2. A man of more appearance of wit than reality.

3. (Zoöl.) (a) A large sparoid fish of the Atlantic coast and all tropical seas (Lobotes Surinamensis). (b) The European red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio); -- called also flusher.

Flash"i*ly (?), adv. In a flashy manner; with empty show.

Flash"i*ness, n. The quality of being flashy.

Flash"ing, n. 1. (Engineering) The creation of an artifical flood by the sudden letting in of a body of water; -- called also flushing.

2. (Arch.) Pieces of metal, built into the joints of a wall, so as to lap over the edge of the gutters or to cover the edge of the roofing; also, similar pieces used to cover the valleys of roofs of slate, shingles, or the like. By extension, the metal covering of ridges and hips of roofs; also, in the United States, the protecting of angles and breaks in walls of frame houses with waterproof material, tarred paper, or the like. Cf. Filleting.

3. (Glass Making) (a) The reheating of an article at the furnace aperture during manufacture to restore its plastic condition; esp., the reheating of a globe of crown glass to allow it to assume a flat shape as it is rotated. (b) A mode of covering transparent white glass with a film of colored glass. Knight.

Flashing point (Chem.), that degree of temperature at which a volatile oil gives off vapor in sufficient quantity to burn, or flash, on the approach of a flame, used as a test of the comparative safety of oils, esp. kerosene; a flashing point of 100° F. is regarded as a fairly safe standard. The burning point of the oil is usually from ten to thirty degree above the flashing point of its vapor.

Flash"y (?), a. 1. Dazzling for a moment; making a momentary show of brilliancy; transitorily bright.

A little flashy and transient pleasure.
Barrow.

2. Fiery; vehement; impetuous.

A temper always flashy.
Burke.

3. Showy; gay; gaudy; as, a flashy dress.

4. Without taste or spirit.

Lean and flashy songs.
Milton.

Flask (?), n. [AS. flasce, flaxe; akin to D. flesch, OHG. flasca, G. flasche, Icel. & Sw. flaska, Dan. flaske, OF. flasche, LL. flasca, flasco; of uncertain origin; cf. L. vasculum, dim. of vas a vessel, Gr. &?;, &?;, &?;. Cf. Flagon, Flasket.] 1. A small bottle-shaped vessel for holding fluids; as, a flask of oil or wine.

2. A narrow-necked vessel of metal or glass, used for various purposes; as of sheet metal, to carry gunpowder in; or of wrought iron, to contain quicksilver; or of glass, to heat water in, etc.

3. A bed in a gun carriage. [Obs.] Bailey.

4. (Founding) The wooden or iron frame which holds the sand, etc., forming the mold used in a foundry; it consists of two or more parts; viz., the cope or top; sometimes, the cheeks, or middle part; and the drag, or bottom part. When there are one or more cheeks, the flask is called a three part flask, four part flask, etc.

Erlenmeyer flask, a thin glass flask, flat- bottomed and cone-shaped to allow of safely shaking its contents laterally without danger of spilling; -- so called from Erlenmeyer, a German chemist who invented it. -- Florence flask. [From Florence in Italy.] (a) Same as Betty, n., 3. (b) A glass flask, round or pear-shaped, with round or flat bottom, and usually very thin to allow of heating solutions. -- Pocket flask, a kind of pocket dram bottle, often covered with metal or leather to protect it from breaking.

Flask"et (?), n. [Cf. W. fflasged a vessel of straw or wickerwork, fflasg flask, basket, and E. flask.] 1. A long, shallow basket, with two handles. [Eng.]

In which they gathered flowers to fill their flasket.
Spenser.

2. A small flask.

3. A vessel in which viands are served. [Obs.] Pope.

Flat (?), a. [Compar. Flatter (?); superl. Flattest (?).] [Akin to Icel. flatr, Sw. flat, Dan. flad, OHG. flaz, and AS. flet floor, G. flötz stratum, layer.] 1. Having an even and horizontal surface, or nearly so, without prominences or depressions; level without inclination; plane.

Though sun and moon
Were in the flat sea sunk.
Milton.

2. Lying at full length, or spread out, upon the ground; level with the ground or earth; prostrate; as, to lie flat on the ground; hence, fallen; laid low; ruined; destroyed.

What ruins kingdoms, and lays cities flat!
Milton.

I feel . . . my hopes all flat.
Milton.

3. (Fine Arts) Wanting relief; destitute of variety; without points of prominence and striking interest.

A large part of the work is, to me, very flat.
Coleridge.

4. Tasteless; stale; vapid; insipid; dead; as, fruit or drink flat to the taste.

5. Unanimated; dull; uninteresting; without point or spirit; monotonous; as, a flat speech or composition.

How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world.
Shak.

6. Lacking liveliness of commercial exchange and dealings; depressed; dull; as, the market is flat.

7. Clear; unmistakable; peremptory; absolute; positive; downright.

Flat burglary as ever was committed.
Shak.

A great tobacco taker too, -- that's flat.
Marston.

8. (Mus.) (a) Below the true pitch; hence, as applied to intervals, minor, or lower by a half step; as, a flat seventh; A flat. (b) Not sharp or shrill; not acute; as, a flat sound.

9. (Phonetics) Sonant; vocal; -- applied to any one of the sonant or vocal consonants, as distinguished from a nonsonant (or sharp) consonant.

Flat arch. (Arch.) See under Arch, n., 2. (b). -- Flat cap, cap paper, not folded. See under Paper. -- Flat chasing, in fine art metal working, a mode of ornamenting silverware, etc., producing figures by dots and lines made with a punching tool. Knight. -- Flat chisel, a sculptor's chisel for smoothing. -- Flat file, a file wider than its thickness, and of rectangular section. See File. -- Flat nail, a small, sharp- pointed, wrought nail, with a flat, thin head, larger than a tack. Knight. -- Flat paper, paper which has not been folded. -- Flat rail, a railroad rail consisting of a simple flat bar spiked to a longitudinal sleeper. -- Flat rods (Mining), horizontal or inclined connecting rods, for transmitting motion to pump rods at a distance. Raymond. -- Flat rope, a rope made by plaiting instead of twisting; gasket; sennit. Some flat hoisting ropes, as for mining shafts, are made by sewing together a number of ropes, making a wide, flat band. Knight. -- Flat space. (Geom.) See Euclidian space. -- Flat stitch, the process of wood engraving. [Obs.] -- Flat tint (Painting), a coat of water color of one uniform shade. -- To fall flat (Fig.), to produce no effect; to fail in the intended effect; as, his speech fell flat.

Of all who fell by saber or by shot,
Not one fell half so flat as Walter Scott.
Lord Erskine.

Flat (?), adv. 1. In a flat manner; directly; flatly.

Sin is flat opposite to the Almighty.
Herbert.

2. (Stock Exchange) Without allowance for accrued interest. [Broker's Cant]

Flat, n. 1. A level surface, without elevation, relief, or prominences; an extended plain; specifically, in the United States, a level tract along the along the banks of a river; as, the Mohawk Flats.

Envy is as the sunbeams that beat hotter upon a bank, or steep rising ground, than upon a flat.
Bacon.

2. A level tract lying at little depth below the surface of water, or alternately covered and left bare by the tide; a shoal; a shallow; a strand.

Half my power, this night
Passing these flats, are taken by the tide.
Shak.

3. Something broad and flat in form; as: (a) A flat-bottomed boat, without keel, and of small draught. (b) A straw hat, broad- brimmed and low-crowned. (c) (Railroad Mach.) A car without a roof, the body of which is a platform without sides; a platform car. (d) A platform on wheel, upon which emblematic designs, etc., are carried in processions.

4. The flat part, or side, of anything; as, the broad side of a blade, as distinguished from its edge.

5. (Arch.) A floor, loft, or story in a building; especially, a floor of a house, which forms a complete residence in itself.

6. (Mining) A horizontal vein or ore deposit auxiliary to a main vein; also, any horizontal portion of a vein not elsewhere horizontal. Raymond.

7. A dull fellow; a simpleton; a numskull. [Colloq.]

Or if you can not make a speech,
Because you are a flat.
Holmes.

8. (Mus.) A character [♭] before a note, indicating a tone which is a half step or semitone lower.

9. (Geom.) A homaloid space or extension.

Flat (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flatted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flatting (?).] 1. To make flat; to flatten; to level.

2. To render dull, insipid, or spiritless; to depress.

Passions are allayed, appetites are flatted.
Barrow.

3. To depress in tone, as a musical note; especially, to lower in pitch by half a tone.

Flat, v. i. 1. To become flat, or flattened; to sink or fall to an even surface. Sir W. Temple.

2. (Mus.) To fall form the pitch.

To flat out, to fail from a promising beginning; to make a bad ending; to disappoint expectations. [Colloq.]

Flat"bill` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any bird of the genus Flatyrynchus. They belong to the family of flycatchers.

Flat"boat` (?), n. A boat with a flat bottom and square ends; -- used for the transportation of bulky freight, especially in shallow waters.

Flat"-bot`tomed (?), a. Having an even lower surface or bottom; as, a flat-bottomed boat.

Flat"-cap` (?), n. A kind of low- crowned cap formerly worn by all classes in England, and continued in London after disuse elsewhere; -- hence, a citizen of London. Marston.

Flat"fish` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any fish of the family Pleuronectidæ; esp., the winter flounder (Pleuronectes Americanus). The flatfishes have the body flattened, swim on the side, and have eyes on one side, as the flounder, turbot, and halibut. See Flounder.

Flat" foot` (?). (Med.) A foot in which the arch of the instep is flattened so that the entire sole of the foot rests upon the ground; also, the deformity, usually congential, exhibited by such a foot; splayfoot.

Flat"-foot`ed, a. 1. Having a flat foot, with little or no arch of the instep.

2. Firm-footed; determined. [Slang, U.S.]

Flat"head` (?), a. Characterized by flatness of head, especially that produced by artificial means, as a certain tribe of American Indians.

Flat"head`, n. (Ethnol.) A Chinook Indian. See Chinook, n., 1.

Flat"-head`ed (?), a. Having a head with a flattened top; as, a flat-headed nail.

Flat"i`ron (?), n. An iron with a flat, smooth surface for ironing clothes.

Fla"tive (?), a. [L. flare, flatum to blow.] Producing wind; flatulent. [Obs.] A. Brewer.

Flat"ling (?), adv. [Flat, a. + adverbial suff. -ling.] With the flat side, as of a sword; flatlong; in a prostrate position. [Obs.] Spenser.

Flat"long (?; 115), adv. With the flat side downward; not edgewise. Shak.

Flat"ly, adv. In a flat manner; evenly; horizontally; without spirit; dully; frigidly; peremptorily; positively; plainly. "He flatly refused his aid." Sir P. Sidney.

He that does the works of religion slowly, flatly, and without appetite.
Jer. Taylor.

Flat"ness, n. 1. The quality or state of being flat.

2. Eveness of surface; want of relief or prominence; the state of being plane or level.

3. Want of vivacity or spirit; prostration; dejection; depression.

4. Want of variety or flavor; dullness; insipidity.

5. Depression of tone; the state of being below the true pitch; -- opposed to sharpness or acuteness.

Fla*tour" (?), n. [OF.] A flatterer. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flat"ten (flăt"t'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flattened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flattening.] [From Flat, a.] 1. To reduce to an even surface or one approaching evenness; to make flat; to level; to make plane.

2. To throw down; to bring to the ground; to prostrate; hence, to depress; to deject; to dispirit.

3. To make vapid or insipid; to render stale.

4. (Mus.) To lower the pitch of; to cause to sound less sharp; to let fall from the pitch.

To flatten a sail (Naut.), to set it more nearly fore-and-aft of the vessel. -- Flattening oven, in glass making, a heated chamber in which split glass cylinders are flattened for window glass.

Flat"ten, v. i. To become or grow flat, even, depressed, dull, vapid, spiritless, or depressed below pitch.

Flat"ter (flăt"t&etilde;r), n. 1. One who, or that which, makes flat or flattens.

2. (Metal Working) (a) A flat-faced fulling hammer. (b) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc.

Flat"ter (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flattered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flattering.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. fla&?;ra to fawn, flatter: cf. F. flatter. Cf. Flitter, Flutter, Flattery.] 1. To treat with praise or blandishments; to gratify or attempt to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by artful and interested commendation or attentions; to blandish; to cajole; to wheedle.

When I tell him he hates flatterers,
He says he does, being then most flattered.
Shak.

A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet.
Prov. xxix. 5.

Others he flattered by asking their advice.
Prescott.

2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.

3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him.

Flat"ter, v. i. To use flattery or insincere praise.

If it may stand him more in stead to lie,
Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure.
Milton.

Flat"ter*er (?), n. One who flatters.

The most abject flaterers degenerate into the greatest tyrants.
Addison.

Flat"ter*ing, a. That flatters (in the various senses of the verb); as, a flattering speech.

Lay not that flattering unction to your soul.
Shak.

A flattering painter, who made it his care,
To draw men as they ought be, not as they are.
Goldsmith.

Flat"ter*ing*ly, adv. With flattery.

Flat"ter*y (?), n.; pl. Flatteries (#). [OE. flaterie, OF. flaterie, F. flaterie, fr. flater to flatter, F. flatter; of uncertain origin. See Flatter, v. t.] The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful commendation or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise.

Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
Rambler.

Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
Burke.

Syn. -- Adulation; compliment; obsequiousness. See Adulation.

Flat"ting (?), n. 1. The process or operation of making flat, as a cylinder of glass by opening it out.

2. A mode of painting,in which the paint, being mixed with turpentine, leaves the work without gloss. Gwilt.

3. A method of preserving gilding unburnished, by touching with size. Knolles.

4. The process of forming metal into sheets by passing it between rolls.

Flatting coat, a coat of paint so put on as to have no gloss. -- Flatting furnace. Same as flattening oven, under Flatten. -- Flatting mill. (a) A rolling mill producing sheet metal; esp., in mints, the ribbon from which the planchets are punched. (b) A mill in which grains of metal are flatted by steel rolls, and reduced to metallic dust, used for purposes of ornamentation.

Flat"tish (?), a. Somewhat flat. Woodward.

{ Flat"u*lence (?), Flat"u*len*cy (?) }, n. [Cf. F. flatulence.] The state or quality of being flatulent.

Flat"u*lent (?), a. [L. flatus a blowing, flatus ventris windiness, flatulence, fr. flare to blow: cf. F. flatulent. See Blow.] 1. Affected with flatus or gases generated in the alimentary canal; windy.

2. Generating, or tending to generate, wind in the stomach.

Vegetables abound more with aërial particles than animal substances, and therefore are more flatulent.
Arbuthnot.

3. Turgid with flatus; as, a flatulent tumor. Quincy.

4. Pretentious without substance or reality; puffy; empty; vain; as, a flatulent vanity.

He is too flatulent sometimes, and sometimes too dry.
Dryden.

Flat"u*lent*ly, adv. In a flatulent manner; with flatulence.

Flat`u*os"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. flatuosité.] Flatulence. [Obs.] Bacon.

Flat"u*ous (?), a. [Cf. F. flatueux.] Windy; generating wind. [Obs.] Bacon.

||Fla"tus (?), n.; pl. E. Flatuses (#), L. Flatus. [L., fr. flare to blow.] 1. A breath; a puff of wind. Clarke.

2. Wind or gas generated in the stomach or other cavities of the body. Quincy.

Flat"ware` (?), n. Articles for the table, as china or silverware, that are more or less flat, as distinguished from hollow ware.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]

Flat"wise` (?), a. or adv. With the flat side downward, or next to another object; not edgewise.

Flat"worm` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any worm belonging to the Plathelminthes; also, sometimes applied to the planarians.

Flaun"drish (? or ?), a. Flemish. [Obs.]

Flaunt (flänt or fl&add;nt; 277), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flaunted; p. pr. & vb. n.. Flaunting.] [Cf. dial. G. flandern to flutter, wave; perh. akin to E. flatter, flutter.] To throw or spread out; to flutter; to move ostentatiously; as, a flaunting show.

You flaunt about the streets in your new gilt chariot.
Arbuthnot.

One flaunts in rags, one flutters in brocade.
Pope.

Flaunt, v. t. To display ostentatiously; to make an impudent show of.

Flaunt, n. Anything displayed for show. [Obs.]

In these my borrowed flaunts.
Shak.

Flaunt"ing*ly, adv. In a flaunting way.

Flau"tist (?), n. [It. flauto a flute See Flute.] A player on the flute; a flutist.

||Flau"to (flou"t&osl;), n. [It.] A flute.

Flaute piccolo (&?;) [It., little flute], an octave flute. -- Flauto traverso (&?;) [It., transverse flute], the German flute, held laterally, instead of being played, like the old flûte à bec, with a mouth piece at the end.

Fla*van"i*line (? or ?; 104), n. [L. flavus yellow + E. aniline.] (Chem.) A yellow, crystalline, organic dyestuff, C16H14N2, of artifical production. It is a strong base, and is a complex derivative of aniline and quinoline.

Fla*ves"cent (?), a. [L. flavescens, p. pr. of flavescere to turn yellow.] Turning yellow; yellowish.

Fla*vic"o*mous (?), a. [L. flavicomus; flavus yellow + coma hair.] Having yellow hair. [R.]

Fla"vin (?), n. [L. flavus yellow.] (Chem.) A yellow, vegetable dyestuff, resembling quercitron.

Fla"vine (?; 104), n. (Chem.) A yellow, crystalline, organic base, C13H12N2O, obtained artificially.

Fla"vol (?), n. [L. flavus yellow + -oil.] (Chem.) A yellow, crystalline substance, obtained from anthraquinone, and regarded as a hydroxyl derivative of it.

Fla"vor (?), n. [OF. fleur, flaur (two syllables), odor, cf. F. fleurer to emit an odor, It. flatore a bad odor, prob. fr. L. flare to bow, whence the sense of exhalation. Cf. Blow.] [Written also flavour.] 1. That quality of anything which affects the smell; odor; fragrances; as, the flavor of a rose.

2. That quality of anything which affects the taste; that quality which gratifies the palate; relish; zest; savor; as, the flavor of food or drink.

3. That which imparts to anything a peculiar odor or taste, gratifying to the sense of smell, or the nicer perceptions of the palate; a substance which flavors.

4. That quality which gives character to any of the productions of literature or the fine arts.

Fla"vor, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flavored (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flavoring.] To give flavor to; to add something (as salt or a spice) to, to give character or zest.

Fla"vored (?), a. Having a distinct flavor; as, high-flavored wine.

Fla"vor*less (?), a. Without flavor; tasteless.

Fla"vor*ous (?), a. Imparting flavor; pleasant to the taste or smell; sapid. Dryden.

Fla"vous (?), a. [L. flavus.] Yellow. [Obs.]

Flaw (fl&add;), n. [OE. flai, flaw flake; cf. Sw. flaga flaw, crack, breach, flake, D. vlaag gust of wind, Norw. flage, flaag, and E. flag a flat stone.] 1. A crack or breach; a gap or fissure; a defect of continuity or cohesion; as, a flaw in a knife or a vase.

This heart
Shall break into a hundered thousand flaws.
Shak.

2. A defect; a fault; as, a flaw in reputation; a flaw in a will, in a deed, or in a statute.

Has not this also its flaws and its dark side?
South.

3. A sudden burst of noise and disorder; a tumult; uproar; a quarrel. [Obs.]

And deluges of armies from the town
Came pouring in; I heard the mighty flaw.
Dryden.

4. A sudden burst or gust of wind of short duration.

Snow, and hail, and stormy gust and flaw.
Milton.

Like flaws in summer laying lusty corn.
Tennyson.

Syn. -- Blemish; fault; imperfection; spot; speck.

Flaw, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flawed (fl&add;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Flawing.] 1. To crack; to make flaws in.

The brazen caldrons with the frosts are flawed.
Dryden.

2. To break; to violate; to make of no effect. [Obs.]

France hath flawed the league.
Shak.

Flaw"less, a. Free from flaws. Boyle.

Flawn (fl&add;n), n. [OF. flaon, F. flan, LL. flado, fr. OHG. flado, G. fladen, a sort of pancake; cf. Gr. &?; broad. See Place.] A sort of flat custard or pie. [Obs.] Tusser.

Flaw"ter (?), v. t. [Cf. Flay.] To scrape or pare, as a skin. [Obs.] Johnson.

Flaw"y (?), a. 1. Full of flaws or cracks; broken; defective; faulty. Johnson.

2. Subject to sudden flaws or gusts of wind.

Flax (flăks), n. [AS. fleax; akin to D. vlas, OHG. flahs, G. flachs, and prob. to flechten to braid, plait,m twist, L. plectere to weave, plicare to fold, Gr. &?; to weave, plait. See Ply.] 1. (Bot.) A plant of the genus Linum, esp. the L. usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. The fiber of the bark is used for making thread and cloth, called linen, cambric, lawn, lace, etc. Linseed oil is expressed from the seed.

2. The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken and cleaned by hatcheling or combing.

Earth flax (Min.), amianthus. -- Flax brake, a machine for removing the woody portion of flax from the fibrous. -- Flax comb, a hatchel, hackle, or heckle. -- Flax cotton, the fiber of flax, reduced by steeping in bicarbonate of soda and acidulated liquids, and prepared for bleaching and spinning like cotton. Knight. -- Flax dresser, one who breaks and swingles flax, or prepares it for the spinner. -- Flax mill, a mill or factory where flax is spun or linen manufactured. -- Flax puller, a machine for pulling flax plants in the field. -- Flax wench. (a) A woman who spins flax. [Obs.] (b) A prostitute. [Obs.] Shak. -- Mountain flax (Min.), amianthus. -- New Zealand flax (Bot.) See Flax- plant.

Flax"en (?), a. Made of flax; resembling flax or its fibers; of the color of flax; of a light soft straw color; fair and flowing, like flax or tow; as, flaxen thread; flaxen hair.

Flax"-plant` (?), n. (Bot.) A plant in new Zealand (Phormium tenax), allied to the lilies and aloes. The leaves are two inches wide and several feet long, and furnish a fiber which is used for making ropes, mats, and coarse cloth.

Flax"seed` (?), n. The seed of the flax; linseed.

Flax"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) See Toadflax.

Flax"y (?), a. Like flax; flaxen. Sir M. Sandys.

Flay (flā), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flayed (flād); p. pr. & vb. n. Flaying.] [OE. flean, flan, AS. fleán; akin to D. vlaen, Icel. flā, Sw. flå, Dan. flaae, cf. Lith. pleszti to tear, plyszti, v.i., to burst, tear; perh. akin to E. flag a flat stone, flaw.] To skin; to strip off the skin or surface of; as, to flay an ox; to flay the green earth.

With her nails
She 'll flay thy wolfish visage.
Shak.

Flay"er (?), n. One who strips off the skin.

Flea (flē), v. t. [See Flay.] To flay. [Obs.]

He will be fleaed first
And horse collars made of's skin.
J. Fletcher.

Flea, n. [OE. fle, flee, AS. fleá, fleáh; akin to D. vtoo, OHG. flōh, G. floh, Icel. flō, Russ. blocha; prob. from the root of E. flee. √84. See Flee.] (Zoöl.) An insect belonging to the genus Pulex, of the order Aphaniptera. Fleas are destitute of wings, but have the power of leaping energetically. The bite is poisonous to most persons. The human flea (Pulex irritans), abundant in Europe, is rare in America, where the dog flea (P. canis) takes its place. See Aphaniptera, and Dog flea. See Illustration in Appendix.

A flea in the ear, an unwelcome hint or unexpected reply, annoying like a flea; an irritating repulse; as, to put a flea in one's ear; to go away with a flea in one's ear. -- Beach flea, Black flea, etc. See under Beach, etc.

Flea"bane` (?), n. (Bot.) One of various plants, supposed to have efficacy in driving away fleas. They belong, for the most part, to the genera Conyza, Erigeron, and Pulicaria.

Flea"-bee`tle (?), n. (Zoöl.) A small beetle of the family Halticidæ, of many species. They have strong posterior legs and leap like fleas. The turnip flea-beetle (Phyllotreta vittata) and that of the grapevine (Graptodera chalybea) are common injurious species.

Flea"-bite` (?), n. 1. The bite of a flea, or the red spot caused by the bite.

2. A trifling wound or pain, like that of the bite of a flea. Harvey.

Flea"-bit`ten (?), a. 1. Bitten by a flea; as, a flea-bitten face.

2. White, flecked with minute dots of bay or sorrel; -- said of the color of a horse.

Fleagh (flē), obs. imp. of Fly.

Fleak (flēk), n. A flake; a thread or twist. [Obs.]

Little long fleaks or threads of hemp.
Dr. H. More.

Fleak"ing, n. A light covering of reeds, over which the main covering is laid, in thatching houses. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.

Flea"-louse` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A jumping plant louse of the family Psyllidæ, of many species. That of the pear tree is Psylla pyri.

Fleam (?), n. [F. flamme, OF. flieme, fr. LL. flevotomum, phlebotomum; cf. D. vlijm. See Phlebotomy.] (Surg. & Far.) A sharp instrument used for opening veins, lancing gums, etc.; a kind of lancet.

Fleam tooth, a tooth of a saw shaped like an isosceles triangle; a peg tooth. Knight.

Fleam"y (?), a. Bloody; clotted. [Obs. or Prov.]

Foamy bubbling of a fleamy brain.
Marston.

Flear (?), v. t. & i. See Fleer.

Flea"wort` (?), n. (Bot.) An herb used in medicine (Plantago Psyllium), named from the shape of its seeds. Loudon.

||Flèche (?), n. [F. flèche, prop., an arrow.] (Fort.) A simple fieldwork, consisting of two faces forming a salient angle pointing outward and open at the gorge.

Fleck (fl&ebreve;k), n. A flake; also, a lock, as of wool. [Obs.] J. Martin.

Fleck (?), n. [Cf. Icel. flekkr; akin to Sw. fläck, D. vlek, G. fleck, and perh. to E. flitch.] A spot; a streak; a speckle. "A sunny fleck." Longfellow.

Life is dashed with flecks of sin.
tennyson.

Fleck, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flecked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flecking.] [Cf. Icel. flekka, Sw. fläcka, D. vlekken, vlakken, G. flecken. See Fleck, n.] To spot; to streak or stripe; to variegate; to dapple.

Both flecked with white, the true Arcadian strain.
Dryden.

A bird, a cloud, flecking the sunny air.
Trench.

Fleck"er (?), v. t. To fleck. Johnson.

Fleck"less, a. Without spot or blame. [R.]

My consnience will not count me fleckless.
Tennyson.

Flec"tion (?), n. [See Flexion.] 1. The act of bending, or state of being bent.

2. The variation of words by declension, comparison, or conjugation; inflection.

Flec"tion*al (?), a. Capable of, or pertaining to, flection or inflection.

A flectional word is a phrase in the bud.
Earle.

Flec"tor (?), n. A flexor.

Fled (?), imp. & p. p. of Flee.

Fledge (?), a. [OE. flegge, flygge; akin to D. vlug, G. flügge, flücke, OHG. flucchi, Icel. fleygr, and to E. fly. √84. See Fly, v. i.] Feathered; furnished with feathers or wings; able to fly.

His shoulders, fledge with wings.
Milton.

Fledge, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Fledged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fledging.] 1. To furnish with feathers; to supply with the feathers necessary for flight.

The birds were not as yet fledged enough to shift for themselves.
L'Estrange.

2. To furnish or adorn with any soft covering.

Your master, whose chin is not yet fledged.
Shak.

Fledge"ling (?), n. A young bird just fledged.

Flee (flē), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fled (fl&ebreve;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Fleeing.] [OE. fleon, fleen, AS. fleón (imperf. fleáh); akin to D. vlieden, OHG. & OS. fliohan, G. fliehen, Icel. fl&ymacr;ja (imperf. fl&ymacr;ði), Dan. flye, Sw. fly (imperf. flydde), Goth. þliuhan. √84. Cf. Flight.] To run away, as from danger or evil; to avoid in an alarmed or cowardly manner; to hasten off; -- usually with from. This is sometimes omitted, making the verb transitive.

[He] cowardly fled, not having struck one stroke.
Shak.

Flee fornication.
1 Cor. vi. 18.

So fled his enemies my warlike father.
Shak.

&fist; When great speed is to be indicated, we commonly use fly, not flee; as, fly hence to France with the utmost speed. "Whither shall I fly to 'scape their hands?" Shak. See Fly, v. i., 5.

Fleece (flēs), n. [OE. flees, AS. fleós; akin to D. flies, vlies .] 1. The entire coat of wool that covers a sheep or other similar animal; also, the quantity shorn from a sheep, or animal, at one time.

Who shore me
Like a tame wether, all my precious fleece.
Milton.

2. Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.

3. (Manuf.) The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.

Fleece wool, wool shorn from the sheep. -- Golden fleece. See under Golden.

Fleece, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fleeced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fleecing.] 1. To deprive of a fleece, or natural covering of wool.

2. To strip of money or other property unjustly, especially by trickery or fraud; to bring to straits by oppressions and exactions.

Whilst pope and prince shared the wool betwixt them, the people were finely fleeced.
Fuller.

3. To spread over as with wool. [R.] Thomson.

Fleeced (?), a. 1. Furnished with a fleece; as, a sheep is well fleeced. Spenser.

2. Stripped of a fleece; plundered; robbed.

Fleece"less (?), a. Without a fleece.

Flee"cer (?), n. One who fleeces or strips unjustly, especially by trickery or fraund. Prynne.

Flee"cy (?), a. Covered with, made of, or resembling, a fleece. "Fleecy flocks." Prior.

Fleen (?), n. pl. Obs. pl. of Flea. Chaucer.

Fle"er (?), n. One who flees. Ld. Berners.

Fleer (?), [imp. & p. p. Fleered (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Fleering.] [OE. flerien; cf. Scot. fleyr, Norw. flira to titter, giggle, laugh at nothing, MHG. vlerre, vlarre, a wide wound.] 1. To make a wry face in contempt, or to grin in scorn; to deride; to sneer; to mock; to gibe; as, to fleer and flout.

To fleer and scorn at our solemnity.
Shak.

2. To grin with an air of civility; to leer. [Obs.]

Grinning and fleering as though they went to a bear baiting.
Latimer.

Fleer, v. t. To mock; to flout at. Beau. & Fl.

Fleer, n. 1. A word or look of derision or mockery.

And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorn.
Shak.

2. A grin of civility; a leer. [Obs.]

A sly, treacherous fleer on the face of deceivers.
South.

Fleer"er (?), n. One who fleers. Beau. & Fl.

Fleer"ing*ly, adv. In a fleering manner.

Fleet (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fleeted; p. pr. & vb. n. Fleeting.] [OE. fleten, fleoten, to swim, AS. fleótan to swim, float; akin to D. vlieten to flow, OS. fliotan, OHG. fliozzan, G. fliessen, Icel. fljōta to float, flow, Sw. flyta, D. flyde, L. pluere to rain, Gr. &?; to sail, swim, float, Skr. plu to swim, sail. √84. Cf. Fleet, n. & a., Float, Pluvial, Flow.] 1. To sail; to float. [Obs.]

And in frail wood on Adrian Gulf doth fleet.
Spenser.

2. To fly swiftly; to pass over quickly; to hasten; to flit as a light substance.

All the unaccomplished works of Nature's hand, . . .
Dissolved on earth, fleet hither.
Milton.

3. (Naut.) To slip on the whelps or the barrel of a capstan or windlass; -- said of a cable or hawser.

Fleet, v. t. 1. To pass over rapidly; to skin the surface of; as, a ship that fleets the gulf. Spenser.

2. To hasten over; to cause to pass away lighty, or in mirth and joy.

Many young gentlemen flock to him, and fleet the time carelessly.
Shak.

3. (Naut.) (a) To draw apart the blocks of; -- said of a tackle. Totten.

(b) To cause to slip down the barrel of a capstan or windlass, as a rope or chain.

Fleet, a. [Compar. Fleeter (?); superl. Fleetest.] [Cf. Icel. flj&?;tr quick. See Fleet, v. i.] 1. Swift in motion; moving with velocity; light and quick in going from place to place; nimble.

In mail their horses clad, yet fleet and strong.
Milton.

2. Light; superficially thin; not penetrating deep, as soil. [Prov. Eng.] Mortimer.

Fleet, n. [OE. flete, fleote, AS. fleót ship, fr. fleótan to float, swim. See Fleet, v. i. and cf. Float.] A number of vessels in company, especially war vessels; also, the collective naval force of a country, etc.

Fleet captain, the senior aid of the admiral of a fleet, when a captain. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Fleet, n. [AS. fleót a place where vessels float, bay, river; akin to D. vliet rill, brook, G. fliess. See Fleet, v. i.] 1. A flood; a creek or inlet; a bay or estuary; a river; -- obsolete, except as a place name, -- as Fleet Street in London.

Together wove we nets to entrap the fish
In floods and sedgy fleets.
Matthewes.

2. A former prison in London, which originally stood near a stream, the Fleet (now filled up).

Fleet parson, a clergyman of low character, in, or in the vicinity of, the Fleet prison, who was ready to unite persons in marriage (called Fleet marriage) at any hour, without public notice, witnesses, or consent of parents.

Fleet (?), v. t. [AS. flēt cream, fr. fleótan to float. See Fleet, v. i.] To take the cream from; to skim. [Prov. Eng.] Johnson.

Fleet"en (?), n. Fleeted or skimmed milk. [Obs.]

Fleeten face, a face of the color of fleeten, i. e., blanched; hence, a coward. "You know where you are, you fleeten face." Beau. & Fl.

Fleet"-foot` (?), a. Swift of foot. Shak.

Fleet"ing, a. Passing swiftly away; not durable; transient; transitory; as, the fleeting hours or moments.

Syn. -- Evanescent; ephemeral. See Transient.

Fleet"ing*ly, adv. In a fleeting manner; swiftly.

Fleet"ings (?), n. pl. A mixture of buttermilk and boiling whey; curds. [prov. Eng.] Wright.

Fleet"ly, adv. In a fleet manner; rapidly.

Fleet"ness, n. Swiftness; rapidity; velocity; celerity; speed; as, the fleetness of a horse or of time.

Fleigh (?), obs. imp. of Fly. Chaucer.

Fleme (?), v. t. [AS. flēman, fl&ymacr;man.] To banish; to drive out; to expel. [Obs.] "Appetite flemeth discretion." Chaucer.

Flem"er (?), n. One who, or that which, banishes or expels. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flem"ing (?), n. A native or inhabitant of Flanders.

Flem"ish (?), a. Pertaining to Flanders, or the Flemings. -- n. The language or dialect spoken by the Flemings; also, collectively, the people of Flanders.

Flemish accounts (Naut.), short or deficient accounts. [Humorous] Ham. Nav. Encyc. -- Flemish beauty (Bot.), a well known pear. It is one of few kinds which have a red color on one side. -- Flemish bond. (Arch.) See Bond, n., 8. -- Flemish brick, a hard yellow paving brick. -- Flemish coil, a flat coil of rope with the end in the center and the turns lying against, without riding over, each other. -- Flemish eye (Naut.), an eye formed at the end of a rope by dividing the strands and lying them over each other. -- Flemish horse (Naut.), an additional footrope at the end of a yard.

Flench (?), v. t. Same as Flence.

Flense (?), v. t. [Cf. Dan. flense, D. vlensen, vlenzen, Scot. flinch.] To strip the blubber or skin from, as from a whale, seal, etc.

the flensed carcass of a fur seal.
U. S. Census (1880).

Flesh (?), n. [OE. flesch, flesc, AS. fl&?;sc; akin to OFries. flāsk, D. vleesch, OS. fl&?;sk, OHG. fleisc, G. fleisch, Icel. & Dan. flesk lard, bacon, pork, Sw. fläsk.] 1. The aggregate of the muscles, fat, and other tissues which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles.

&fist; In composition it is mainly albuminous, but contains in adition a large number of crystalline bodies, such as creatin, xanthin, hypoxanthin, carnin, etc. It is also rich in phosphate of potash.

2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, as distinguished from fish.

With roasted flesh, or milk, and wastel bread.
Chaucer.

3. The human body, as distinguished from the soul; the corporeal person.

As if this flesh, which walls about our life,
Were brass impregnable.
Shak.

4. The human eace; mankind; humanity.

All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Gen. vi. 12.

5. Human nature: (a) In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness.

There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart.
Cowper.

(b) In a bad sense, tendency to transient or physical pleasure; desire for sensual gratification; carnality. (c) (Theol.) The character under the influence of animal propensities or selfish passions; the soul unmoved by spiritual influences.

6. Kindred; stock; race.

He is our brother and our flesh.
Gen. xxxvii. 27.

7. The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, and the like, which is fit to be eaten.

&fist; Flesh is often used adjectively or self-explaining compounds; as, flesh broth or flesh-broth; flesh brush or fleshbrush; flesh tint or flesh-tint; flesh wound.

After the flesh, after the manner of man; in a gross or earthly manner. "Ye judge after the flesh." John viii. 15. -- An arm of flesh, human strength or aid. -- Flesh and blood. See under Blood. -- Flesh broth, broth made by boiling flesh in water. -- Flesh fly (Zoöl.), one of several species of flies whose larvæ or maggots feed upon flesh, as the bluebottle fly; -- called also meat fly, carrion fly, and blowfly. See Blowly. -- Flesh meat, animal food. Swift. -- Flesh side, the side of a skin or hide which was next to the flesh; -- opposed to grain side. -- Flesh tint (Painting), a color used in painting to imitate the hue of the living body. -- Flesh worm (Zoöl.), any insect larva of a flesh fly. See Flesh fly (above). -- Proud flesh. See under Proud. -- To be one flesh, to be closely united as in marriage; to become as one person. Gen. ii. 24.

Flesh, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fleshed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fleshing.] 1. To feed with flesh, as an incitement to further exertion; to initiate; -- from the practice of training hawks and dogs by feeding them with the first game they take, or other flesh. Hence, to use upon flesh (as a murderous weapon) so as to draw blood, especially for the first time.

Full bravely hast thou fleshed
Thy maiden sword.
Shak.

The wild dog
Shall flesh his tooth on every innocent.
Shak.

2. To glut; to satiate; hence, to harden, to accustom. "Fleshed in triumphs." Glanvill.

Old soldiers
Fleshed in the spoils of Germany and France.
Beau. & Fl.

3. (Leather Manufacture) To remove flesh, membrance, etc., from, as from hides.

Fleshed (?), a. 1. Corpulent; fat; having flesh.

2. Glutted; satiated; initiated.

Fleshed with slaughter.
Dryden.

Flesh"er (?), n. 1. A butcher.

A flesher on a block had laid his whittle down.
Macaulay.

2. A two-handled, convex, blunt-edged knife, for scraping hides; a fleshing knife.

Flesh"hood (?), n. The state or condition of having a form of flesh; incarnation. [R.]

Thou, who hast thyself
Endured this fleshhood.
Mrs. Browning.

Flesh"i*ness (?), n. The state of being fleshy; plumpness; corpulence; grossness. Milton.

Flesh"ings (?), n. pl. Flesh- colored tights, worn by actors and dancers. D. Jerrold.

Flesh"less, a. Destitute of flesh; lean. Carlyle.

Flesh"li*ness (?), n. The state of being fleshly; carnal passions and appetites. Spenser.

Flesh"ling (?), n. A person devoted to fleshly things. [Obs.] Spenser.

Flesh"ly (-l&ybreve;), a. [AS. fl&aemacr;sclīc.] 1. Of or pertaining to the flesh; corporeal. "Fleshly bondage." Denham.

2. Animal; not vegetable. Dryden.

3. Human; not celestial; not spiritual or divine. "Fleshly wisdom." 2 Cor. i. 12.

Much ostentation vain of fleshly arm
And fragile arms.
Milton.

4. Carnal; wordly; lascivious.

Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
1 Pet. ii. 11.

Flesh"ly, adv. In a fleshly manner; carnally; lasciviously. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flesh"ment (?), n. The act of fleshing, or the excitement attending a successful beginning. [R.] Shak.

Flesh"mon`ger (?), n. [AS. fl&aemacr;sc mangere.] One who deals in flesh; hence, a pimp; a procurer; a pander. [R.] Shak.

Flesh"pot` (?), n. A pot or vessel in which flesh is cooked; hence (pl.), plenty; high living.

In the land of Egypt . . . we sat by the fleshpots, and . . . did eat bread to the full.
Ex. xvi. 3.

Flesh"quake` (?), n. A quaking or trembling of the flesh; a quiver. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Flesh"y (?), a. [Compar. Fleshier (?); superl. Fleshiest (?).] 1. Full of, or composed of, flesh; plump; corpulent; fat; gross.

The sole of his foot is fleshy.
Ray.

2. Human. [Obs.] "Fleshy tabernacle." Milton.

3. (Bot.) Composed of firm pulp; succulent; as, the houseleek, cactus, and agave are fleshy plants.

Flet (?), p. p. of Fleet. Skimmed. [Obs.]

Fletch (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fletched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fletching.] [F. flèche arrow.] To feather, as an arrow. Bp. Warburton.

[Congress] fletched their complaint, by adding: "America loved his brother."
Bancroft.

Fletch"er (?), n. [OF. flechier.] One who fletches or feathers arrows; a manufacturer of bows and arrows. [Obs.] Mortimer.

Flete (?), v. i. [See Fleet, v. i.] To float; to swim. [Obs.] "Whether I sink or flete." Chaucer.

Fle*tif"er*ous (?), a. [L. fletifer; fletus a weeping (from flere, fletum, to weep) + ferre to bear.] Producing tears. [Obs.] Blount.

||Fleur`-de-lis` (?), n.; pl. Fleurs-de-lis (#). [F., flower of the lily. Cf. Flower-de-luce, Lily.] 1. (Bot.) The iris. See Flower-de-luce.

2. A conventional flower suggested by the iris, and having a form which fits it for the terminal decoration of a scepter, the ornaments of a crown, etc. It is also a heraldic bearing, and is identified with the royal arms and adornments of France.

Fleur"y (?), a. [F. fleuri covered with flowers, p. p. of fleurir. See Flourish.] (Her.) Finished at the ends with fleurs-de-lis; -- said esp. of a cross so decorated.

Flew (?), imp. of Fly.

Flewed (?), a. Having large flews. Shak.

Flews (?), n. pl. The pendulous or overhanging lateral parts of the upper lip of dogs, especially prominent in hounds; -- called also chaps. See Illust. of Bloodhound.

Flex (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flexed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flexing.] [L. flexus, p. p. of flectere to bend, perh. flectere and akin to falx sickle, E. falchion. Cf. Flinch.] To bend; as, to flex the arm.

Flex, n. Flax. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flex*an"i*mous (?), a. [L. flexanimus; flectere, flexum, to bend + animus mind.] Having power to change the mind. [Obs.] Howell.

Flex`i*bil"i*ty (?), n. [L. flexibilitas: cf. F. flexibilite.] The state or quality of being flexible; flexibleness; pliancy; pliability; as, the flexibility of strips of hemlock, hickory, whalebone or metal, or of rays of light. Sir I. Newton.

All the flexibility of a veteran courtier.
Macaulay.

Flex"i*ble (?), a. [L. flexibilis: cf. F. flexible.] 1. Capable of being flexed or bent; admitting of being turned, bowed, or twisted, without breaking; pliable; yielding to pressure; not stiff or brittle.

When the splitting wind
Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks.
Shak.

2. Willing or ready to yield to the influence of others; not invincibly rigid or obstinate; tractable; manageable; ductile; easy and compliant; wavering.

Phocion was a man of great severity, and no ways flexible to the will of the people.
Bacon.

Women are soft, mild, pitiful, and flexible.
Shak.

3. Capable or being adapted or molded; plastic,; as, a flexible language.

This was a principle more flexible to their purpose.
Rogers.

Syn. -- Pliant; pliable; supple; tractable; manageable; ductile; obsequious; inconstant; wavering.

-- Flex"i*ble*ness, n. -- Flex"i*bly, adv.

Flex`i*cos"tate (?), a. [L. flexus bent + E. costate.] (Anat.) Having bent or curved ribs.

Flex"ile (?), a. [L. flexilis.] Flexible; pliant; pliable; easily bent; plastic; tractable. Wordsworth.

Flex"ion (?), n. [L. flexio: cf. F. flexion.] 1. The act of flexing or bending; a turning.

2. A bending; a part bent; a fold. Bacon.

3. (Gram.) Syntactical change of form of words, as by declension or conjugation; inflection.

Express the syntactical relations by flexion.
Sir W. Hamilton.

4. (Physiol.) The bending of a limb or joint; that motion of a joint which gives the distal member a continually decreasing angle with the axis of the proximal part; -- distinguished from extension.

Flex"or (?), n. [NL.] (Anat.) A muscle which bends or flexes any part; as, the flexors of the arm or the hand; -- opposed to extensor.

Flex"u*ose` (?; 135), a. Flexuous.

Flex"u*ous (?), a. [L. flexuosus, fr. flexus a bending, turning.] 1. Having turns, windings, or flexures.

2. (Bot.) Having alternate curvatures in opposite directions; bent in a zigzag manner.

3. Wavering; not steady; flickering. Bacon.

Flex"u*ral (?), a. [From Flexure.] Of, pertaining to, or resulting from, flexure; of the nature of, or characterized by, flexure; as, flexural elasticity.

Flex"ure (?; 135), n. [L. flexura.] 1. The act of flexing or bending; a turning or curving; flexion; hence, obsequious bowing or bending.

Will it give place to flexure and low bending?
Shak.

2. A turn; a bend; a fold; a curve.

Varying with the flexures of the valley through which it meandered.
British Quart. Rev.

3. (Zoöl.) The last joint, or bend, of the wing of a bird.

4. (Astron.) The small distortion of an astronomical instrument caused by the weight of its parts; the amount to be added or substracted from the observed readings of the instrument to correct them for this distortion.

The flexure of a curve (Math.), the bending of a curve towards or from a straight line.

Flib"ber*gib (?), n. A sycophant. [Obs. & Humorous.] "Flatterers and flibbergibs." Latimer.

Flib"ber*ti*gib`bet (?), n. An imp. Shak.

||Fli`bus`tier" (?), n. [F.] A buccaneer; an American pirate. See Filibuster. [Obs.]

Flick (fl&ibreve;k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flicked (fl&ibreve;kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Flicking.] [Cf. Flicker.] To whip lightly or with a quick jerk; to flap; as, to flick a horse; to flick the dirt from boots. Thackeray.

Flick, n. A flitch; as, a flick of bacon.

Flick"er (-&etilde;r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flickered (-&etilde;rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Flickering.] [OE. flikeren, flekeren, to flutter, AS. flicerian, flicorian, cf. D. flikkeren to sparkle. √84. Cf. Flacker.] 1. To flutter; to flap the wings without flying.

And flickering on her nest made short essays to sing.
Dryden.

2. To waver unsteadily, like a flame in a current of air, or when about to expire; as, the flickering light.

The shadows flicker to fro.
Tennyson.

Flick"er, n. 1. The act of wavering or of fluttering; fluctuation; sudden and brief increase of brightness; as, the last flicker of the dying flame.

2. (Zoöl.) The golden-winged woodpecker (Colaptes aurutus); -- so called from its spring note. Called also yellow-hammer, high-holder, pigeon woodpecker, and yucca.

The cackle of the flicker among the oaks.
Thoureau.

Flick"ering*ly, adv. In a flickering manner.

Flick"er*mouse` (?), n. (Zoöl.) See Flittermouse.

Flidge (?), a. Fledged; fledge. [Obs.] Holland.

Flidge, v. i. To become fledged; to fledge. [Obs.]

Every day build their nests, every hour flidge.
R. Greene.

Fli"er (flī"&etilde;r), n. [Form Fly, v.; cf. Flyer] 1. One who flies or flees; a runaway; a fugitive. Shak.

2. (Mach.) A fly. See Fly, n., 9, and 13 (b).

3. (Spinning) See Flyer, n., 5.

4. (Arch.) See Flyer, n., 4.

Flight (flīt), n. [AS. fliht, flyht, a flying, fr. fleógan to fly; cf. flyht a fleeing, fr. fleón to flee, G. flucht a fleeing, Sw. flykt, G. flug a flying, Sw. flygt, D. vlugt a fleeing or flying, Dan. flugt. √84. See Flee, Fly.] 1. The act of flying; a passing through the air by the help of wings; volitation; mode or style of flying.

Like the night owl's lazy flight.
Shak.

2. The act of fleeing; the act of running away, to escape danger or expected evil; hasty departure.

Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
Matt. xxiv. 20.

Fain by flight to save themselves.
Shak.

3. Lofty elevation and excursion; a mounting; a soaring; as, a flight of imagination, ambition, folly.

Could he have kept his spirit to that flight,
He had been happy.
Byron.

His highest flights were indeed far below those of Taylor.
Macaulay.

4. A number of beings or things passing through the air together; especially, a flock of birds flying in company; the birds that fly or migrate together; the birds produced in one season; as, a flight of arrows. Swift.

Swift flights of angels ministrant.
Milton.

Like a flight of fowl
Scattered winds and tempestuous gusts.
Shak.

5. A series of steps or stairs from one landing to another. Parker.

6. A kind of arrow for the longbow; also, the sport of shooting with it. See Shaft. [Obs.]

Challenged Cupid at the flight.
Shak.

Not a flight drawn home
E'er made that haste that they have.
Beau. & Fl.

7. The husk or glume of oats. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.

Flight feathers (Zoöl.), the wing feathers of a bird, including the quills, coverts, and bastard wing. See Bird. -- To put to flight, To turn to flight, to compel to run away; to force to flee; to rout.

Syn. -- Pair; set. See Pair.

Flight"ed (?), a. 1. Taking flight; flying; -- used in composition. "Drowsy- flighted steeds." Milton.

2. (Her.) Feathered; -- said of arrows.

Flight"er (?), n. (Brewing) A horizontal vane revolving over the surface of wort in a cooler, to produce a circular current in the liquor. Knight.

Flight"i*ly (?), adv. In a flighty manner.

Flight"i*ness, n. The state or quality of being flighty.

The flightness of her temper.
Hawthorne.

Syn. -- Levity; giddiness; volatility; lightness; wildness; eccentricity. See Levity.

Flight"-shot` (?), n. The distance to which an arrow or flight may be shot; bowshot, -- about the fifth of a mile. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

Within a flight-shot it inthe valley.
Evelyn.

Half a flight-shot from the king's oak.
Sir W. Scott.

Flight"y (?), a. 1. Fleeting; swift; transient.

The flighty purpose never is o'ertook,
Unless the deed go with it.
Shak.

2. Indulging in flights, or wild and unrestrained sallies, of imagination, humor, caprice, etc.; given to disordered fancies and extravagant conduct; volatile; giddy; eccentric; slighty delirious.

Proofs of my flighty and paradoxical turn of mind.
Coleridge.

A harsh disciplinarian and a flighty enthusiast.
J. S. Harford.

Flim"flam (?), n. [Cf. Flam.] A freak; a trick; a lie. Beau. & Fl.

Flim"si*ly (?), adv. In a flimsy manner.

Flim"si*ness, n. The state or quality of being flimsy.

Flim"sy (?), a. [Compar. Flimsier (?); superl. Flimsiest.] [Cf. W. llymsi naked, bare, empty, sluggish, spiritless. Cf. Limsy.] Weak; feeble; limp; slight; vain; without strength or solidity; of loose and unsubstantial structure; without reason or plausibility; as, a flimsy argument, excuse, objection.

Proud of a vast extent of flimsy lines.
Pope.

All the flimsy furniture of a country miss's brain.
Sheridan.

Syn. -- Weak; feeble; superficial; shallow; vain.

Flim"sy, n. 1. Thin or transfer paper.

2. A bank note. [Slang, Eng.]

Flinch (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flinched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flinching.] [Prob. fr. OE. flecchen to waver, give way, F. fléchir, fr. L. flectere to bend; but prob. influenced by E. blench. Cf. Flex.] 1. To withdraw from any suffering or undertaking, from pain or danger; to fail in doing or perserving; to show signs of yielding or of suffering; to shrink; to wince; as, one of the parties flinched from the combat.

A child, by a constant course of kindness, may be accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or complaining.
Locke.

2. (Croquet) To let the foot slip from a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.

Flinch, n. The act of flinching.

Flinch"er (?), n. One who flinches or fails.

Flinch"ing*ly, adv. In a flinching manner.

Flin"der*mouse` (?), n.[OE. vlindre moth (cf. D. vlinder butterfly) + E. mouse. Cf. Flittermouse, Flinders.] (Zoöl.) A bat; a flittermouse.

Flin"ders (?), n. pl. [Scot. flenders, flendris; perh. akin to E. flutter; cf. D. flenters rags, broken pieces.] Small pieces or splinters; fragments.

The tough ash spear, so stout and true,
Into a thousand flinders flew.
Sir W. Scott.

Fling (fl&ibreve;ng), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flung (flŭng); p. pr. & vb. n. Flinging.] [OE. flingen, flengen, to rush, hurl; cf. Icel. flengia to whip, ride furiously, OSw. flenga to strike, Sw. flänga to romp, Dan. flenge to slash.] 1. To cast, send, to throw from the hand; to hurl; to dart; to emit with violence as if thrown from the hand; as, to fing a stone into the pond.

'T is Fate that flings the dice: and, as she flings,
Of kings makes peasants, and of peasants kings.
Dryden.

He . . . like Jove, his lighting flung.
Dryden.

I know thy generous temper well.
Fling but the appearance of dishonor on it,
It straight takes fire.
Addison.

2. To shed forth; to emit; to scatter.

The sun begins to fling
His flaring beams.
Milton.

Every beam new transient colors flings.
Pope.

3. To throw; to hurl; to throw off or down; to prostrate; hence, to baffle; to defeat; as, to fling a party in litigation.

His horse started, flung him, and fell upon him.
Walpole.

To fling about, to throw on all sides; to scatter. -- To fling away, to reject; to discard.

Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition.
Shak.

--To fling down. (a) To throw to the ground; esp., to throw in defiance, as formerly knights cast a glove into the arena as a challenge.

This question so flung down before the guests, . . .
Was handed over by consent of all
To me who had not spoken.
Tennyson.

(b) To overturn; to demolish; to ruin. -- To fling in, to throw in; not to charge in an account; as, in settling accounts, one party flings in a small sum, or a few days' work. -- To fling off, to baffle in the chase; to defeat of prey; also, to get rid of. Addison. -- To fling open, to throw open; to open suddenly or with violence; as, to fling open a door. -- To fling out, to utter; to speak in an abrupt or harsh manner; as, to fling out hard words against another. -- To fling up, to relinquish; to abandon; as, to fling up a design.

Fling (?), v. i. 1. To throw; to wince; to flounce; as, the horse began to kick and fling.

2. To cast in the teeth; to utter abusive language; to sneer; as, the scold began to flout and fling.

3. To throw one's self in a violent or hasty manner; to rush or spring with violence or haste.

And crop-full, out of doors he flings.
Milton.

I flung closer to his breast,
As sword that, after battle, flings to sheath.
Mrs. Browning.

To fling out, to become ugly and intractable; to utter sneers and insinuations.

Fling, n. 1. A cast from the hand; a throw; also, a flounce; a kick; as, the fling of a horse.

2. A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe; a sarcasm.

I, who love to have a fling,
Both at senate house and king.
Swift.

3. A kind of dance; as, the Highland fling.

4. A trifing matter; an object of contempt. [Obs.]

England were but a fling
Save for the crooked stick and the gray goose wing.
Old Proverb.

To have one's fling, to enjoy one's self to the full; to have a season of dissipation. J. H. Newman. "When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure." D. Jerrold.

Fling"dust` (?), n. One who kicks up the dust; a streetwalker; a low manner. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Fling"er (?), n. One who flings; one who jeers.

Flint (?), n. [AS. flint, akin to Sw. flinta, Dan. flint; cf. OHG. flins flint, G. flinte gun (cf. E. flintlock), perh. akin to Gr. &?; brick. Cf. Plinth.] 1. (Min.) A massive, somewhat impure variety of quartz, in color usually of a gray to brown or nearly black, breaking with a conchoidal fracture and sharp edge. It is very hard, and strikes fire with steel.

2. A piece of flint for striking fire; -- formerly much used, esp. in the hammers of gun locks.

3. Anything extremely hard, unimpressible, and unyielding, like flint. "A heart of flint." Spenser.

Flint age. (Geol.) Same as Stone age, under Stone. -- Flint brick, a fire made principially of powdered silex. -- Flint glass. See in the Vocabulary. -- Flint implements (Archæol.), tools, etc., employed by men before the use of metals, such as axes, arrows, spears, knives, wedges, etc., which were commonly made of flint, but also of granite, jade, jasper, and other hard stones. -- Flint mill. (a) (Pottery) A mill in which flints are ground. (b) (Mining) An obsolete appliance for lighting the miner at his work, in which flints on a revolving wheel were made to produce a shower of sparks, which gave light, but did not inflame the fire damp. Knight. -- Flint stone, a hard, siliceous stone; a flint. -- Flint wall, a kind of wall, common in England, on the face of which are exposed the black surfaces of broken flints set in the mortar, with quions of masonry. -- Liquor of flints, a solution of silica, or flints, in potash. -- To skin a flint, to be capable of, or guilty of, any expedient or any meanness for making money. [Colloq.]

Flint" glass` (?). (Chem.) A soft, heavy, brilliant glass, consisting essentially of a silicate of lead and potassium. It is used for tableware, and for optical instruments, as prisms, its density giving a high degree of dispersive power; -- so called, because formerly the silica was obtained from pulverized flints. Called also crystal glass. Cf. Glass.

&fist; The concave or diverging half on an achromatic lens is usually made of flint glass.

Flint"-heart`ed (?), a. Hard- hearted. Shak.

Flint"i*ness (?), n. The state or quality of being flinty; hardness; cruelty. Beau. & Fl.

Flint"lock` (?), n. 1. A lock for a gun or pistol, having a flint fixed in the hammer, which on striking the steel ignites the priming.

2. A hand firearm fitted with a flintlock; esp., the old-fashioned musket of European and other armies.

Flint"ware` (?), n. A superior kind of earthenware into whose composition flint enters largely. Knight.

Flint"wood` (?), n. (Bot.) An Australian name for the very hard wood of the Eucalyptus piluralis.

Flint"y (?), a. [Compar. Flintier (?); superl. Flintiest.] Consisting of, composed of, abounding in, or resembling, flint; as, a flinty rock; flinty ground; a flinty heart.

Flinty rock, or Flinty state, a siliceous slate; -- basanite is here included. See Basanite.

Flip (?), n. [Cf. Prov. E. flip nimble, flippant, also, a slight blow. Cf. Flippant.] A mixture of beer, spirit, etc., stirred and heated by a hot iron.

Flip dog, an iron used, when heated, to warm flip.

Flip, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flipped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flipping.] To toss or fillip; as, to flip up a cent.

As when your little ones
Do 'twixt their fingers flip their cherry stones.
W. Browne.

Flipe (?), v. t. To turn inside out, or with the leg part back over the foot, as a stocking in pulling off or for putting on. [Scot.]

Flip"-flap` (?), n. [See Flip, and Flap.] The repeated stroke of something long and loose. Johnson.

Flip"-flap`, adv. With repeated strokes and noise, as of something long and loose. Ash.

Flip"pan*cy (?), n.[See Flippant.] The state or quality of being flippant.

This flippancy of language.
Bp. Hurd.

Flip"pant (?), a. [Prov. E. flip to move nimbly; cf. W. llipa soft, limber, pliant, or Icel. fleipa to babble, prattle. Cf. Flip, Fillip, Flap, Flipper.] 1. Of smooth, fluent, and rapid speech; speaking with ease and rapidity; having a voluble tongue; talkative.

It becometh good men, in such cases, to be flippant and free in their speech.
Barrow.

2. Speaking fluently and confidently, without knowledge or consideration; empty; trifling; inconsiderate; pert; petulant. "Flippant epilogues." Thomson.

To put flippant scorn to the blush.
I. Taylor.

A sort of flippant, vain discourse.
Burke.

Flip"pant, n. A flippant person. [R.] Tennyson.

Flip"pant*ly, adv. In a flippant manner.

Flip"pant*ness, n. State or quality of being flippant.

Flip"per (?), n. [Cf. Flip, Flippant.] 1. (Zoöl.) A broad flat limb used for swimming, as those of seals, sea turtles, whales, etc.

2. (Naut.) The hand. [Slang]

Flirt (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flirted; p. pr. & vb. n. Flirting.] [Cf. AS. fleard trifle, folly, fleardian to trifle.] 1. To throw with a jerk or quick effort; to fling suddenly; as, they flirt water in each other's faces; he flirted a glove, or a handkerchief.

2. To toss or throw about; to move playfully to and fro; as, to flirt a fan.

3. To jeer at; to treat with contempt; to mock. [Obs.]

I am ashamed; I am scorned; I am flirted.
Beau. & Fl.

Flirt, v. i. 1. To run and dart about; to act with giddiness, or from a desire to attract notice; especially, to play the coquette; to play at courtship; to coquet; as, they flirt with the young men.

2. To utter contemptuous language, with an air of disdain; to jeer or gibe. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Flirt, n. 1. A sudden jerk; a quick throw or cast; a darting motion; hence, a jeer.

Several little flirts and vibrations.
Addison.

With many a flirt and flutter.
E. A. Poe.

2. [Cf. LG. flirtje, G. flirtchen. See Flirt, v. t.] One who flirts; esp., a woman who acts with giddiness, or plays at courtship; a coquette; a pert girl.

Several young flirts about town had a design to cast us out of the fashionable world.
Addison.

Flirt, a. Pert; wanton. [Obs.]

Flir*ta"tion (?), n. 1. Playing at courtship; coquetry.

The flirtations and jealousies of our ball rooms.
Macaulay.

Flirt"-gill` (?), n. A woman of light behavior; a gill-flirt. [Obs.] Shak.

You heard him take me up like a flirt- gill.
Beau. & Fl.

Flirt"i*gig (?), n. A wanton, pert girl. [Obs.]

Flirt"ing*ly, adv. In a flirting manner.

Flisk (?), v. i. To frisk; to skip; to caper. [Obs. Scot.] "The flisking flies." Gosson.

Flisk, n. A caper; a spring; a whim. [Scot.]

Flit (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flitted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flitting (?).] [OE. flitten, flutten, to carry away; cf. Icel. flytja, Sw. flytta, Dan. flytte. √84. Cf. Fleet, v. i.] 1. To move with celerity through the air; to fly away with a rapid motion; to dart along; to fleet; as, a bird flits away; a cloud flits along.

A shadow flits before me.
Tennyson.

2. To flutter; to rove on the wing. Dryden.

3. To pass rapidly, as a light substance, from one place to another; to remove; to migrate.

It became a received opinion, that the souls of men, departing this life, did flit out of one body into some other.
Hooker.

4. To remove from one place or habitation to another. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.] Wright. Jamieson.

5. To be unstable; to be easily or often moved.

And the free soul to flitting air resigned.
Dryden.

Flit, a. Nimble; quick; swift. [Obs.] See Fleet.

Flitch (?), n.; pl. Flitches (#). [OE. flicche, flikke, AS. flicce, akin to Icel. flikki; cf. Icel. flīk flap, tatter; perh. akin to E. fleck. Cf. Flick, n.] 1. The side of a hog salted and cured; a side of bacon. Swift.

2. One of several planks, smaller timbers, or iron plates, which are secured together, side by side, to make a large girder or built beam.

3. The outside piece of a sawed log; a slab. [Eng.]

Flite (?), v. i. [AS. flītan to strive, contend, quarrel; akin to G. fleiss industry.] To scold; to quarrel. [Prov. Eng.] Grose.

Flit"ter (?), v. i. To flutter. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flit"ter, v. t. To flutter; to move quickly; as, to flitter the cards. [R.] Lowell.

Flit"ter, n. [Cf. G. flitter spangle, tinsel, flittern to make a tremulous motion, to glitter. Cf. Flitter, v. i.] A rag; a tatter; a small piece or fragment.

Flit"ter*mouse` (?), n. [Flitter, v.i. + mouse; cf. G. fledermaus, OHG. fledarmūs. Cf. Flickermouse, Flindermouse.] (Zoöl.) A bat; -- called also flickermouse, flindermouse, and flintymouse.

Flit"tern (?), a. A term applied to the bark obtained from young oak trees. McElrath.

Flit"ti*ness (?), n. [From Flitty.] Unsteadiness; levity; lightness. [Obs.] Bp. Hopkins.

Flit"ting (?), n. 1. A flying with lightness and celerity; a fluttering.

2. A removal from one habitation to another. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.]

A neighbor had lent his cart for the flitting, and it was now standing loaded at the door, ready to move away.
Jeffrey.

Flit"ting*ly, adv. In a flitting manner.

Flit"ty (?), a. [From Flit.] Unstable; fluttering. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.

Flix (?), n. [Cf. Flax.] Down; fur. [Obs. or Eng.] J. Dyer.

Flix, n. The flux; dysentery. [Obs.] Udall.

Flix weed (Bot.), the Sisymbrium Sophia, a kind of hedge mustard, formerly used as a remedy for dysentery.

Flo (flō), n.; pl. Flon (flōn). [AS. flā, flān.] An arrow. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Float (flōt), n.[OE. flote ship, boat, fleet, AS. flota ship, fr. fleótan to float; akin to D. vloot fleet, G. floss raft, Icel. floti float, raft, fleet, Sw. flotta. √ 84. See Fleet, v. i., and cf. Flotilla, Flotsam, Plover.] 1. Anything which floats or rests on the surface of a fluid, as to sustain weight, or to indicate the height of the surface, or mark the place of, something. Specifically: (a) A mass of timber or boards fastened together, and conveyed down a stream by the current; a raft. (b) The hollow, metallic ball of a self-acting faucet, which floats upon the water in a cistern or boiler. (c) The cork or quill used in angling, to support the bait line, and indicate the bite of a fish. (d) Anything used to buoy up whatever is liable to sink; an inflated bag or pillow used by persons learning to swim; a life preserver.

This reform bill . . . had been used as a float by the conservative ministry.
J. P. Peters.

2. A float board. See Float board (below).

3. (Tempering) A contrivance for affording a copious stream of water to the heated surface of an object of large bulk, as an anvil or die. Knight.

4. The act of flowing; flux; flow. [Obs.] Bacon.

5. A quantity of earth, eighteen feet square and one foot deep. [Obs.] Mortimer.

6. (Plastering) The trowel or tool with which the floated coat of plastering is leveled and smoothed.

7. A polishing block used in marble working; a runner. Knight.

8. A single-cut file for smoothing; a tool used by shoemakers for rasping off pegs inside a shoe.

9. A coal cart. [Eng.] Simmonds.

10. The sea; a wave. See Flote, n.

Float board, one of the boards fixed radially to the rim of an undershot water wheel or of a steamer's paddle wheel; -- a vane. -- Float case (Naut.), a caisson used for lifting a ship. -- Float copper or gold (Mining), fine particles of metallic copper or of gold suspended in water, and thus liable to be lost. -- Float ore, water-worn particles of ore; fragments of vein material found on the surface, away from the vein outcrop. Raymond. -- Float stone (Arch.), a siliceous stone used to rub stonework or brickwork to a smooth surface. -- Float valve, a valve or cock acted upon by a float. See Float, 1 (b).

Float, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Floated; p. pr. & vb. n. Floating.] [OE. flotien, flotten, AS. flotian to float, swim, fr. fleótan. See Float, n.] 1. To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up.

The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground.
Milton.

Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast,
I floated.
Dryden.

2. To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air.

They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the wind.
Pope.

There seems a floating whisper on the hills.
Byron.

Float, v. t. 1. To cause to float; to cause to rest or move on the surface of a fluid; as, the tide floated the ship into the harbor.

Had floated that bell on the Inchcape rock.
Southey.

2. To flood; to overflow; to cover with water.

Proud Pactolus floats the fruitful lands.
Dryden.

3. (Plastering) To pass over and level the surface of with a float while the plastering is kept wet.

4. To support and sustain the credit of, as a commercial scheme or a joint-stock company, so as to enable it to go into, or continue in, operation.

Float"a*ble (?), a. That may be floated.

Float"age (?; 48), n. Same as Flotage.

Float*a"tion (?), n. See Flotation.

Float"er (?), n. 1. One who floats or swims.

2. A float for indicating the height of a liquid surface.

Float"ing, a. 1. Buoyed upon or in a fluid; a, the floating timbers of a wreck; floating motes in the air.

2. Free or lose from the usual attachment; as, the floating ribs in man and some other animals.

3. Not funded; not fixed, invested, or determined; as, floating capital; a floating debt.

Trade was at an end. Floating capital had been withdrawn in great masses from the island.
Macaulay.

Floating anchor (Naut.), a drag or sea anchor; drag sail. -- Floating battery (Mil.), a battery erected on rafts or the hulls of ships, chiefly for the defense of a coast or the bombardment of a place. -- Floating bridge. (a) A bridge consisting of rafts or timber, with a floor of plank, supported wholly by the water; a bateau bridge. See Bateau. (b) (Mil.) A kind of double bridge, the upper one projecting beyond the lower one, and capable of being moved forward by pulleys; -- used for carrying troops over narrow moats in attacking the outworks of a fort. (c) A kind of ferryboat which is guided and impelled by means of chains which are anchored on each side of a stream, and pass over wheels on the vessel, the wheels being driven by stream power. (d) The landing platform of a ferry dock. -- Floating cartilage (Med.), a cartilage which moves freely in the cavity of a joint, and often interferes with the functions of the latter. -- Floating dam. (a) An anchored dam. (b) A caisson used as a gate for a dry dock. -- Floating derrick, a derrick on a float for river and harbor use, in raising vessels, moving stone for harbor improvements, etc. -- Floating dock. (Naut.) See under Dock. -- Floating harbor, a breakwater of cages or booms, anchored and fastened together, and used as a protection to ships riding at anchor to leeward. Knight. -- Floating heart (Bot.), a small aquatic plant (Limnanthemum lacunosum) whose heart-shaped leaves float on the water of American ponds. -- Floating island, a dish for dessert, consisting of custard with floating masses of whipped cream or white of eggs. -- Floating kidney. (Med.) See Wandering kidney, under Wandering. -- Floating light, a light shown at the masthead of a vessel moored over sunken rocks, shoals, etc., to warn mariners of danger; a light-ship; also, a light erected on a buoy or floating stage. -- Floating liver. (Med.) See Wandering liver, under Wandering. -- Floating pier, a landing stage or pier which rises and falls with the tide. -- Floating ribs (Anat.), the lower or posterior ribs which are not connected with the others in front; in man they are the last two pairs. -- Floating screed (Plastering), a strip of plastering first laid on, to serve as a guide for the thickness of the coat. -- Floating threads (Weaving), threads which span several other threads without being interwoven with them, in a woven fabric.

Float"ing (?), n. 1. (Weaving) Floating threads. See Floating threads, above.

2. The second coat of three-coat plastering. Knight.

Float"ing*ly, adv. In a floating manner.

Float"y (?), a. Swimming on the surface; buoyant; light. Sir W. Raleigh.

Flo"bert (?), n. (Gun.) A small cartridge designed for target shooting; -- sometimes called ball cap.

Flobert rifle, a rifle adapted to the use of floberts.

Floc`cil*la"tion (?), n. [L. floccus a flock of wool. Cf. Flock of wool.] (Med.) A delirious picking of bedclothes by a sick person, as if to pick off flocks of wool; carphology; -- an alarming symptom in acute diseases. Dunglison.

Floc*cose" (?), a. [L. floccosus. Cf. 2d Flock, n.] 1. Spotted with small tufts like wool. Wright.

2. (Bot.) Having tufts of soft hairs, which are often deciduous.

Floc"cu*lar (?), a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the flocculus.

Floc"cu*late (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flocculated; p. pr. & vb. n. Flocculating.] (Geol.) To aggregate into small lumps.

Floc"cu*late (?), a. (Zoöl.) Furnished with tufts of curly hairs, as some insects.

Floc`cu*la"tion (?), n. (Geol.) The process by which small particles of fine soils and sediments aggregate into larger lumps.

Floc"cu*lence (?), n. The state of being flocculent.

Floc"cu*lent (?), a. [See Flock of wool.] 1. Clothed with small flocks or flakes; woolly. Gray.

2. (Zoöl.) Applied to the down of newly hatched or unfledged birds.

||Floc"cu*lus (?), n.; pl. Flocculi (#). [NL., dim. of L. floccus a lock or flock of wool.] (Anat.) A small lobe in the under surface of the cerebellum, near the middle peduncle; the subpeduncular lobe.

||Floc"cus (?), n.; pl. Flocci (#). [L., a flock of wool.] 1. (Zoöl.) (a) The tuft of hair terminating the tail of mammals. (b) A tuft of feathers on the head of young birds.

2. (Bot.) A woolly filament sometimes occuring with the sporules of certain fungi.

Flock (?), n. [AS. flocc flock, company; akin to Icel. flokkr crowd, Sw. flock, Dan. flok; prob. orig. used of flows, and akin to E. fly. See Fly.] 1. A company or collection of living creatures; -- especially applied to sheep and birds, rarely to persons or (except in the plural) to cattle and other large animals; as, a flock of ravenous fowl. Milton.

The heathen . . . came to Nicanor by flocks.
2 Macc. xiv. 14.

2. A Christian church or congregation; considered in their relation to the pastor, or minister in charge.

As half amazed, half frighted all his flock.
Tennyson.

Flock, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flocked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flocking.] To gather in companies or crowds.

Friends daily flock.
Dryden.

Flocking fowl (Zoöl.), the greater scaup duck.

Flock, v. t. To flock to; to crowd. [Obs.]

Good fellows, trooping, flocked me so.
Taylor (1609).

Flock, n. [OE. flokke; cf. D. vlok, G. flocke, OHG. floccho, Icel. flōki, perh. akin to E. flicker, flacker, or cf. L. floccus, F. floc.] 1. A lock of wool or hair.

I prythee, Tom, beat Cut's saddle, put a few flocks in the point [pommel].
Shak.

2. Woolen or cotton refuse (sing. or pl.), old rags, etc., reduced to a degree of fineness by machinery, and used for stuffing unpholstered furniture.

3. Very fine, sifted, woolen refuse, especially that from shearing the nap of cloths, used as a coating for wall paper to give it a velvety or clothlike appearance; also, the dust of vegetable fiber used for a similar purpose.

Flock bed, a bed filled with flocks or locks of coarse wool, or pieces of cloth cut up fine. "Once a flock bed, but repaired with straw." Pope. -- Flock paper, paper coated with flock fixed with glue or size.

Flock, v. t. To coat with flock, as wall paper; to roughen the surface of (as glass) so as to give an appearance of being covered with fine flock.

Flock"ling, n. A lamb. [Obs.] Brome (1659).

Flock"ly, adv. In flocks; in crowds. [Obs.]

Flock"mel (?), adv. [AS. flocm&?;lum. See Meal part.] In a flock; in a body. [Obs.]

That flockmel on a day they to him went.
Chaucer.

Flock"y, a. Abounding with flocks; floccose.

Floe (flō), n. [Cf. Dan. flag af iis, iisflage, Sw. flaga, flake, isflaga, isflake. See Flag a flat stone.] A low, flat mass of floating ice.

Floe rat (Zoöl.), a seal (Phoca fœtida).

Flog (fl&obreve;g), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flogged (fl&obreve;gd); p. pr. & vb. n. Flogging (-g&ibreve;ng).] [Cf. Scot. fleg blow, stroke, kick, AS. flocan to strike, or perh. fr. L. flagellare to whip. Cf. Flagellate.] To beat or strike with a rod or whip; to whip; to lash; to chastise with repeated blows.

Flog"ger (?), n. 1. One who flogs.

2. A kind of mallet for beating the bung stave of a cask to start the bung. Knight.

Flog"ging (?), a. & n. from Flog, v. t.

Flogging chisel (Mach.), a large cold chisel, used in chipping castings. -- Flogging hammer, a small sledge hammer used for striking a flogging chisel.

Flon (?), n. pl. See Flo. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flong (? or ?), obs. imp. & p. p. of Fling.

Flood (?), n. [OE. flod a flowing, stream, flood, AS. flōd; akin to D. vloed, OS. flōd, OHG. fluot, G. flut, Icel. flōð, Sw. & Dan. flod, Goth. flōdus; from the root of E. flow. √80. See Flow, v. i.] 1. A great flow of water; a body of moving water; the flowing stream, as of a river; especially, a body of water, rising, swelling, and overflowing land not usually thus covered; a deluge; a freshet; an inundation.

A covenant never to destroy
The earth again by flood.
Milton.

2. The flowing in of the tide; the semidiurnal swell or rise of water in the ocean; -- opposed to ebb; as, young flood; high flood.

There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.
Shak.

3. A great flow or stream of any fluid substance; as, a flood of light; a flood of lava; hence, a great quantity widely diffused; an overflowing; a superabundance; as, a flood of bank notes; a flood of paper currency.

4. Menstrual disharge; menses. Harvey.

Flood anchor (Naut.) , the anchor by which a ship is held while the tide is rising. -- Flood fence, a fence so secured that it will not be swept away by a flood. -- Flood gate, a gate for shutting out, admitting, or releasing, a body of water; a tide gate. -- Flood mark, the mark or line to which the tide, or a flood, rises; high-water mark. -- Flood tide, the rising tide; -- opposed to ebb tide. -- The Flood, the deluge in the days of Noah.

Flood, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flooded; p. pr. & vb. n. Flooding.] 1. To overflow; to inundate; to deluge; as, the swollen river flooded the valley.

2. To cause or permit to be inundated; to fill or cover with water or other fluid; as, to flood arable land for irrigation; to fill to excess or to its full capacity; as, to flood a country with a depreciated currency.

Flood"age (?; 48), n. Inundation. [R.] Carlyle.

Flood"er (?), n. One who floods anything.

Flood"ing, n. The filling or covering with water or other fluid; overflow; inundation; the filling anything to excess.

2. (Med.) An abnormal or excessive discharge of blood from the uterus. Dunglison.

Flook (?), n. A fluke of an anchor.

{ Flook"an (?), Flu"kan (?) }, n. (Mining) See Flucan.

Flook"y (?), a. Fluky.

Floor (?), n. [AS. fl&?;r; akin to D. vloer, G. flur field, floor, entrance hall, Icel. fl&?;r floor of a cow stall, cf. Ir. & Gael. lar floor, ground, earth, W. llawr, perh. akin to L. planus level. Cf. Plain smooth.] 1. The bottom or lower part of any room; the part upon which we stand and upon which the movables in the room are supported.

2. The structure formed of beams, girders, etc., with proper covering, which divides a building horizontally into stories. Floor in sense 1 is, then, the upper surface of floor in sense 2.

3. The surface, or the platform, of a structure on which we walk or travel; as, the floor of a bridge.

4. A story of a building. See Story.

5. (Legislative Assemblies) (a) The part of the house assigned to the members. (b) The right to speak. [U.S.]

&fist; Instead of he has the floor, the English say, he is in possession of the house.

6. (Naut.) That part of the bottom of a vessel on each side of the keelson which is most nearly horizontal.

7. (Mining) (a) The rock underlying a stratified or nearly horizontal deposit. (b) A horizontal, flat ore body. Raymond.

Floor cloth, a heavy fabric, painted, varnished, or saturated, with waterproof material, for covering floors; oilcloth. -- Floor cramp, an implement for tightening the seams of floor boards before nailing them in position. -- Floor light, a frame with glass panes in a floor. -- Floor plan. (a) (Shipbuilding) A longitudinal section, showing a ship as divided at the water line. (b) (Arch.) A horizontal section, showing the thickness of the walls and partitions, arrangement of passages, apartments, and openings at the level of any floor of a house.

Floor, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Floored (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flooring.] 1. To cover with a floor; to furnish with a floor; as, to floor a house with pine boards.

2. To strike down or lay level with the floor; to knock down; hence, to silence by a conclusive answer or retort; as, to floor an opponent.

Floored or crushed by him.
Coleridge.

3. To finish or make an end of; as, to floor a college examination. [Colloq.]

I've floored my little-go work.
T. Hughes.

Floor"age (?; 48), n. Floor space.

Floor"er (?), n. Anything that floors or upsets a person, as a blow that knocks him down; a conclusive answer or retort; a task that exceeds one's abilities. [Colloq.]

Floor"heads`, n. pl. (Naut.) The upper extermities of the floor of a vessel.

Floor"ing, n. A platform; the bottom of a room; a floor; pavement. See Floor, n. Addison.

2. Material for the construction of a floor or floors.

Floor"less, a. Having no floor.

Floor"walk`er (?), n. One who walks about in a large retail store as an overseer and director. [U.S.]

Flop (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flopped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flopping.] [A variant of flap.] 1. To clap or strike, as a bird its wings, a fish its tail, etc.; to flap.

2. To turn suddenly, as something broad and flat. [Colloq.] Fielding.

Flop (?), v. i. 1. To strike about with something broad and flat, as a fish with its tail, or a bird with its wings; to rise and fall; as, the brim of a hat flops.

2. To fall, sink, or throw one's self, heavily, clumsily, and unexpectedly on the ground. [Colloq.] Dickens.

Flop, n. Act of flopping. [Colloq.] W. H. Russell.

Flop"py (?), n. Having a tendency to flop or flap; as, a floppy hat brim. G. Eliot.

Flop"wing` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The lapwing.

Flo"ra (?), n. [L., the goddess of flowers, from flos, floris, flower. See Flower.] 1. (Rom. Myth.) The goddess of flowers and spring.

2. (Bot.) The complete system of vegetable species growing without cultivation in a given locality, region, or period; a list or description of, or treatise on, such plants.

Flo"ral (?), a. [L. Floralis belonging to Flora: cf. F. floral. See Flora.] 1. Pertaining to Flora, or to flowers; made of flowers; as, floral games, wreaths.

2. (Bot.) Containing, or belonging to, a flower; as, a floral bud; a floral leaf; floral characters. Martyn.

Floral envelope (Bot.), the calyx and corolla, one or the other of which (mostly the corolla) may be wanting.

Flo"ral*ly, adv. In a floral manner.

Flo"ra*mour (?), n.[L. flos, floris, flower + amorlove.] The plant love-lies- bleeding. [Obs.] Prior.

Flo"ran (?), n. (Mining) Tin ore scarcely perceptible in the stone; tin ore stamped very fine. Pryce.

||Flo`réal" (?), n. [F. floréal, fr. L. flos, floris, flower.] The eight month of the French republican calendar. It began April 20, and ended May 19. See Vendémiare.

Flor"en (?), n. [LL. florenus. See Florin.] A cerain gold coin; a Florence. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Flor"ence (?), n. [From the city of Florence: cf. F. florence a kind of cloth, OF. florin.] 1. An ancient gold coin of the time of Edward III., of six shillings sterling value. Camden.

2. A kind of cloth. Johnson.

Florence flask. See under Flask. -- Florence oil, olive oil prepared in Florence.

Flor"en*tine (? or ?; 277), a. [L. Florentinus, fr. Florentia Florence: cf. F. florentin.] Belonging or relating to Florence, in Italy.

Florentine mosaic, a mosaic of hard or semiprecious stones, often so chosen and arranged that their natural colors represent leaves, flowers, and the like, inlaid in a background, usually of black or white marble.

Flor"en*tine, n. 1. A native or inhabitant of Florence, a city in Italy.

2. A kind of silk. Knight.

3. A kind of pudding or tart; a kind of meat pie. [Obs.]

Stealing custards, tarts, and florentines.
Beau. & Fl.

Flo*res"cence (?), n. [See Florescent.] (Bot.) A bursting into flower; a blossoming. Martyn.

Flo*res"cent (?), a. [L. florescens, p. pr. of florescere begin to blossom, incho. fr. florere to blossom, fr. flos, floris, flower. See Flower.] Expanding into flowers; blossoming.

Flo"ret (?), n. [OF. florete, F. fleurette, dim. of OF. lor, F. fleur. See Flower, and cf. Floweret, 3d Ferret.] 1. (Bot.) A little flower; one of the numerous little flowers which compose the head or anthodium in such flowers as the daisy, thistle, and dandelion. Gray.

2. [F. fleuret.] A foil; a blunt sword used in fencing. [Obs.] Cotgrave.

Flo"ri*age (?), n. [L. flos, floris, flower.] Bloom; blossom. [Obs.] J. Scott.

Flo"ri*a`ted (?), a. (Arch.) Having floral ornaments; as, floriated capitals of Gothic pillars.

Flo*ric"o*mous (?), a. [L. flos, floris, flower + coma hair.] Having the head adorned with flowers. [R.]

Flo`ri*cul"tur*al (? or ?; 135), a. Pertaining to the cultivation of flowering plants.

Flo"ri*cul`ture (? or ?; 135, 277), n. [L. flos, floris, flower + cultura culture.] The cultivation of flowering plants.

Flo`ri*cul"tur*ist (?), n. One skilled in the cultivation of flowers; a florist.

Flor"id (?), a. [L. floridus, fr. flos, floris, flower. See Flower.] 1. Covered with flowers; abounding in flowers; flowery. [R.]

Fruit from a pleasant and florid tree.
Jer. Taylor.

2. Bright in color; flushed with red; of a lively reddish color; as, a florid countenance.

3. Embellished with flowers of rhetoric; enriched to excess with figures; excessively ornate; as, a florid style; florid eloquence.

4. (Mus.) Flowery; ornamental; running in rapid melodic figures, divisions, or passages, as in variations; full of fioriture or little ornamentations.

Flor"i*da bean" (?). (Bot.) (a) The large, roundish, flattened seed of Mucuna urens. See under Bean. (b) One of the very large seeds of the Entada scandens.

||Flo*rid"e*æ (?), n. pl. [NL., from L. flos, floris, a flower.] (Bot.) A subclass of algæ including all the red or purplish seaweeds; the Rhodospermeæ of many authors; -- so called from the rosy or florid color of most of the species.

Flo*rid"i*ty (?), n. The quality of being florid; floridness. Floyer.

Flor"id*ly (?), adv. In a florid manner.

Flor"id*ness, n. The quality of being florid. Boyle.

Flo*rif"er*ous (?), a. [L. florifer; flos, floris, flower + ferre to bear; cf. F. florifère.] Producing flowers. Blount.

Flo`ri*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [L. flos, floris, flower + facere to make.] The act, process, or time of flowering; florescence.

Flo"ri*form (? or ?), a. [L. flos, floris, flower + -form: cf. F. floriforme.] Having the form of a flower; flower- shaped.

Flo"ri*ken (?), n. (Zoöl.) An Indian bustard (Otis aurita). The Bengal floriken is Sypheotides Bengalensis. [Written also florikan, florikin, florican.]

Flo"ri*lege (?), n. [L. florilegus flower-culling; flos, floris, flower + legere to gather: cf. F. florilège.] The act of gathering flowers.

Flo"ri*mer (?), n. (Bot.) See Floramour. [Obs.]

Flor"in (?), n. [F. florin, It. florino, orig., a Florentine coin, with a lily on it, fr. flore a flower, fr. L. flos. See Flower, and cf. Floren.] A silver coin of Florence, first struck in the twelfth century, and noted for its beauty. The name is given to different coins in different countries. The florin of England, first minted in 1849, is worth two shillings, or about 48 cents; the florin of the Netherlands, about 40 cents; of Austria, about 36 cents.

Flo"rist (? or ?; 277), n. [Cf. F. fleuriste, floriste, fr. F. fleur flower. See Flower.] 1. A cultivator of, or dealer in, flowers.

2. One who writes a flora, or an account of plants.

Flo*roon" (?), n. [F. fleuron. See Flower.] A border worked with flowers. Wright.

Flor"u*lent (?), a. [L. florulentus, fr. flos, floris, flower.] Flowery; blossoming. [Obs.] Blount.

Flos"cu*lar (?), a. (Bot.) Flosculous.

Flos`cu*la"ri*an (?), n. [From L. flosculus a floweret.] (Zoöl.) One of a group of stalked rotifers, having ciliated tentacles around the lobed disk.

Flos*cule (?), n. [L. flosculus, dim. of flos flower: cf. F. floscule.] (Bot.) A floret.

Flos"cu*lous (?), a. (Bot.) Consisting of many gamopetalous florets.

||Flos`-fer"ri (?), n.[L., flower of iron.] (Min.) A variety of aragonite, occuring in delicate white coralloidal forms; -- common in beds of iron ore.

Flosh (?), n. [Cf. G. flösse a trough in which tin ore is washed.] (Metallurgy) A hopper-shaped box or &?;nortar in which ore is placed for the action of the stamps. Knight.

Floss (?; 195), n. [It. floscio flabby, soft, fr. L. fluxus flowing, loose, slack. See Flux, n.] 1. (Bot.) The slender styles of the pistillate flowers of maize; also called silk.

2. Untwisted filaments of silk, used in embroidering.

Floss silk, silk that has been twisted, and which retains its loose and downy character. It is much used in embroidery. Called also floxed silk. -- Floss thread, a kind of soft flaxen yarn or thread, used for embroidery; -- called also linen floss, and floss yarn. McElrath.

Floss, n. [Cf. G. floss a float.] 1. A small stream of water. [Eng.]

2. Fluid glass floating on iron in the puddling furnace, produced by the vitrification of oxides and earths which are present.

Floss hole. (a) A hole at the back of a puddling furnace, at which the slags pass out. (b) The tap hole of a melting furnace. Knight.

Flos`si*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [Cf. Florification.] A flowering; florification. [R.] Craig.

Floss"y (?; 115), a. Pertaining to, made of, or resembling, floss; hence, light; downy.

||Flo"ta (?), n. [Sp. See Flotilla.] A fleet; especially, a &?;eet of Spanish ships which formerly sailed every year from Cadiz to Vera Cruz, in Mexico, to transport to Spain the production of Spanish America.

Flo"tage (?), n. [OF. flotage, F. flottage, fr. flotter to float.] 1. The state of floating.

2. That which floats on the sea or in rivers. [Written also floatage.]

Flo"tant (?), a. [OF. flotant, F. flottant, p. pr. of flotter to float.] (Her.) Represented as flying or streaming in the air; as, a banner flotant.

Flo*ta"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. flottation a floating, flottaison water line, fr. flotter to float. See Flotilla.] 1. The act, process, or state of floating.

2. The science of floating bodies.

Center of flotation. (Shipbuilding) (a) The center of any given plane of flotation. (b) More commonly, the middle of the length of the load water line. Rankine. -- Plane, or Line, of flotation, the plane or line in which the horizontal surface of a fluid cuts a body floating in it. See Bearing, n., 9 (c). -- Surface of flotation (Shipbuilding), the imaginary surface which all the planes of flotation touch when a vessel rolls or pitches; the envelope of all such planes.

Flote (?), v. t. To fleet; to skim. [Obs.] Tusser.

Flote, n. [Cf. F. flot, L. fluctus; also cf. Float, n.] A wave. [Obs.] "The Mediterranean flote." Shak.

Flot"er*y (?), a. Wavy; flowing. [Obs.]

With flotery beard.
Chaucer.

Flo*til"la (?), n. [Sp. flotilla, dim. of flota fleet; akin to F. flotte, It. flotta, and F. flot wave, fr. L. fluctus, but prob. influenced by words akin to E. float. See Fluctuate, and cf. Float, n.] A little fleet, or a fleet of small vessels.

{ Flot"sam (?), Flot"son (?) }, n. [F. flotter to float. See FFlotilla, and cf. Jetsam.] (Law) Goods lost by shipwreck, and floating on the sea; -- in distinction from jetsam or jetson. Blackstone.

Flot"ten (?), p. p. of Flote, v. t. Skimmed. [Obs.]

Flounce (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flounced (flounst); p. pr. & vb. n. Flouncing (?).] [Cf. OSw. flunsa to immerge.] To throw the limbs and body one way and the other; to spring, turn, or twist with sudden effort or violence; to struggle, as a horse in mire; to flounder; to throw one's self with a jerk or spasm, often as in displeasure.

To flutter and flounce will do nothing but batter and bruise us.
Barrow.

With his broad fins and forky tail he laves
The rising sirge, and flounces in the waves.
Addison.

Flounce (?), n. The act of floucing; a sudden, jerking motion of the body.

Flounce, n. [Cf. G. flaus, flausch, a tuft of wool or hair; akin to vliess, E. fleece; or perh. corrupted fr. rounce.] An ornamental appendage to the skirt of a woman's dress, consisting of a strip gathered and sewed on by its upper edge around the skirt, and left hanging.

Flounce, v. t. To deck with a flounce or flounces; as, to flounce a petticoat or a frock.

Floun"der (?), n. [Cf. Sw. flundra; akin to Dan. flynder, Icel. fly&?;ra, G. flunder, and perh. to E. flounder, v.i.] 1. (Zoöl.) A flatfish of the family Pleuronectidæ, of many species.

&fist; The common English flounder is Pleuronectes flesus. There are several common American species used as food; as the smooth flounder (P. glabra); the rough or winter flounder (P. Americanus); the summer flounder, or plaice (Paralichthys dentatus), Atlantic coast; and the starry flounder (Pleuronectes stellatus).

2. (Bootmaking) A tool used in crimping boot fronts.

Floun"der, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Floundered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Floundering.] [Cf. D. flodderen to flap, splash through mire, E. flounce, v.i., and flounder the fish.] To fling the limbs and body, as in making efforts to move; to struggle, as a horse in the mire, or as a fish on land; to roll, toss, and tumble; to flounce.

They have floundered on from blunder to blunder.
Sir W. Hamilton.

Floun"der, n. The act of floundering.

Flour (?), n. [F. fleur de farine the flower (i.e., the best) of meal, cf. Sp. flor de la harina superfine flour, Icel. flür flower, flour. See Flower.] The finely ground meal of wheat, or of any other grain; especially, the finer part of meal separated by bolting; hence, the fine and soft powder of any substance; as, flour of emery; flour of mustard.

Flour bolt, in milling, a gauze-covered, revolving, cylindrical frame or reel, for sifting the flour from the refuse contained in the meal yielded by the stones. -- Flour box a tin box for scattering flour; a dredging box. -- Flour dredge or dredger, a flour box. -- Flour dresser, a mashine for sorting and distributing flour according to grades of fineness. -- Flour mill, a mill for grinding and sifting flour.

Flour, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Floured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flouring.] 1. To grind and bolt; to convert into flour; as, to flour wheat.

2. To sprinkle with flour.

Floured (?), p. a. Finely granulated; -- said of quicksilver which has been granulated by agitation during the amalgamation process. Raymond.

Flour"ish (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flourished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flourishing.] [OE. florisshen, flurisshen, OF. flurir, F. fleurir, fr. L. florere to bloom, fr. flos, floris, flower. See Flower, and - ish.] 1. To grow luxuriantly; to increase and enlarge, as a healthy growing plant; a thrive.

A tree thrives and flourishes in a kindly . . . soil.
Bp. Horne.

2. To be prosperous; to increase in wealth, honor, comfort, happiness, or whatever is desirable; to thrive; to be prominent and influental; specifically, of authors, painters, etc., to be in a state of activity or production.

When all the workers of iniquity do flourish.
Ps. xcii 7

Bad men as frequently prosper and flourish, and that by the means of their wickedness.
Nelson.

We say
Of those that held their heads above the crowd,
They flourished then or then.
Tennyson.

3. To use florid language; to indulge in rhetorical figures and lofty expressions; to be flowery.

They dilate . . . and flourish long on little incidents.
J. Watts.

4. To make bold and sweeping, fanciful, or wanton movements, by way of ornament, parade, bravado, etc.; to play with fantastic and irregular motion.

Impetuous spread
The stream, and smoking flourished o'er his head.
Pope.

5. To make ornamental strokes with the pen; to write graceful, decorative figures.

6. To execute an irregular or fanciful strain of music, by way of ornament or prelude.

Why do the emperor's trumpets flourish thus?
Shak.

7. To boast; to vaunt; to brag. Pope.

Flour"ish, v. t. 1. To adorn with flowers orbeautiful figures, either natural or artificial; to ornament with anything showy; to embellish. [Obs.] Fenton.

2. To embellish with the flowers of diction; to adorn with rhetorical figures; to grace with ostentatious eloquence; to set off with a parade of words. [Obs.]

Sith that the justice of your title to him
Doth flourish the deceit.
Shak.

3. To move in bold or irregular figures; to swing about in circles or vibrations by way of show or triumph; to brandish.

And flourishes his blade in spite of me.
Shak.

4. To develop; to make thrive; to expand. [Obs.]

Bottoms of thread . . . which with a good needle, perhaps may be flourished into large works.
Bacon.

Flour"ish (?), n.; pl. Flourishes (&?;). 1. A flourishing condition; prosperity; vigor. [Archaic]

The Roman monarchy, in her highest flourish, never had the like.
Howell.

2. Decoration; ornament; beauty.

The flourish of his sober youth
Was the pride of naked truth.
Crashaw.

3. Something made or performed in a fanciful, wanton, or vaunting manner, by way of ostentation, to excite admiration, etc.; ostentatious embellishment; ambitious copiousness or amplification; parade of words and figures; show; as, a flourish of rhetoric or of wit.

He lards with flourishes his long harangue.
Dryden.

4. A fanciful stroke of the pen or graver; a merely decorative figure.

The neat characters and flourishes of a Bible curiously printed.
Boyle.

5. A fantastic or decorative musical passage; a strain of triumph or bravado, not forming part of a regular musical composition; a cal; a fanfare.

A flourish, trumpets! strike alarum, drums!
Shak.

6. The waving of a weapon or other thing; a brandishing; as, the flourish of a sword.

Flour"ish*er (?), n. One who flourishes.

Flour"ish*ing*ly, adv. In a flourishing manner; ostentatiously.

Flour"y (?), a. Of or resembling flour; mealy; covered with flour. Dickens.

Flout (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flouted; p. pr. & vb. n. Flouting.] [OD. fluyten to play the flute, to jeer, D. fluiten, fr. fluit, fr. French. See Flute.] To mock or insult; to treat with contempt.

Phillida flouts me.
Walton.

Three gaudy standards flout the pale blue sky.
Byron.

Flout, v. i. To practice mocking; to behave with contempt; to sneer; to fleer; -- often with at.

Fleer and gibe, and laugh and flout.
Swift.

Flout, n. A mock; an insult.

Who put your beauty to this flout and scorn.
Tennyson.

Flout"er (?), n. One who flouts; a mocker.

Flout"ing*ly, adv. With flouting; insultingly; as, to treat a lover floutingly.

Flow (flō), obs. imp. sing. of Fly, v. i. Chaucer.

Flow (flō), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flowed (flōd); p. pr. & vb. n. Flowing.] [AS. flōwan; akin to D. vloeijen, OHG. flawen to wash, Icel. flōa to deluge, Gr. plw`ein to float, sail, and prob. ultimately to E. float, fleet. √80. Cf. Flood.] 1. To move with a continual change of place among the particles or parts, as a fluid; to change place or circulate, as a liquid; as, rivers flow from springs and lakes; tears flow from the eyes.

2. To become liquid; to melt.

The mountains flowed down at thy presence.
Is. lxiv. 3.

3. To proceed; to issue forth; as, wealth flows from industry and economy.

Those thousand decencies that daily flow
From all her words and actions.
Milton.

4. To glide along smoothly, without harshness or asperties; as, a flowing period; flowing numbers; to sound smoothly to the ear; to be uttered easily.

Virgil is sweet and flowingin his hexameters.
Dryden.

5. To have or be in abundance; to abound; to full, so as to run or flow over; to be copious.

In that day . . . the hills shall flow with milk.
Joel iii. 18.

The exhilaration of a night that needed not the influence of the flowing bowl.
Prof. Wilson.

6. To hang loose and waving; as, a flowing mantle; flowing locks.

The imperial purple flowing in his train.
A. Hamilton.

7. To rise, as the tide; -- opposed to ebb; as, the tide flows twice in twenty-four hours.

The river hath thrice flowed, no ebb between.
Shak.

8. To discharge blood in excess from the uterus.

Flow, v. t. 1. To cover with water or other liquid; to overflow; to inundate; to flood.

2. To cover with varnish.

Flow, n. 1. A stream of water or other fluid; a current; as, a flow of water; a flow of blood.

2. A continuous movement of something abundant; as, a flow of words.

3. Any gentle, gradual movement or procedure of thought, diction, music, or the like, resembling the quiet, steady movement of a river; a stream.

The feast of reason and the flow of soul.
Pope.

4. The tidal setting in of the water from the ocean to the shore. See Ebb and flow, under Ebb.

5. A low-lying piece of watery land; -- called also flow moss and flow bog. [Scot.] Jamieson.

Flow"age (?; 48), n. An overflowing with water; also, the water which thus overflows.

Flow"en (?), obs. imp. pl. of Fly, v. i. Chaucer.

Flow"er (?), n. [OE. flour, OF. flour, flur, flor, F. fleur, fr. L. flos, floris. Cf. Blossom, Effloresce, Floret, Florid, Florin, Flour, Flourish.] 1. In the popular sense, the bloom or blossom of a plant; the showy portion, usually of a different color, shape, and texture from the foliage.

2. (Bot.) That part of a plant destined to produce seed, and hence including one or both of the sexual organs; an organ or combination of the organs of reproduction, whether inclosed by a circle of foliar parts or not. A complete flower consists of two essential parts, the stamens and the pistil, and two floral envelopes, the corolla and callyx. In mosses the flowers consist of a few special leaves surrounding or subtending organs called archegonia. See Blossom, and Corolla.

&fist; If we examine a common flower, such for instance as a geranium, we shall find that it consists of: First, an outer envelope or calyx, sometimes tubular, sometimes consisting of separate leaves called sepals; secondly, an inner envelope or corolla, which is generally more or less colored, and which, like the calyx, is sometimes tubular, sometimes composed of separate leaves called petals; thirdly, one or more stamens, consisting of a stalk or filament and a head or anther, in which the pollen is produced; and fourthly, a pistil, which is situated in the center of the flower, and consists generally of three principal parts; one or more compartments at the base, each containing one or more seeds; the stalk or style; and the stigma, which in many familiar instances forms a small head, at the top of the style or ovary, and to which the pollen must find its way in order to fertilize the flower. Sir J. Lubbock.

3. The fairest, freshest, and choicest part of anything; as, the flower of an army, or of a family; the state or time of freshness and bloom; as, the flower of life, that is, youth.

The choice and flower of all things profitable the Psalms do more briefly contain.
Hooker.

The flower of the chivalry of all Spain.
Southey.

A simple maiden in her flower
Is worth a hundred coats of arms.
Tennyson.

4. Grain pulverized; meal; flour. [Obs.]

The flowers of grains, mixed with water, will make a sort of glue.
Arbuthnot.

5. pl. (Old Chem.) A substance in the form of a powder, especially when condensed from sublimation; as, the flowers of sulphur.

6. A figure of speech; an ornament of style.

7. pl. (Print.) Ornamental type used chiefly for borders around pages, cards, etc. W. Savage.

8. pl. Menstrual discharges. Lev. xv. 24.

Animal flower (Zoöl.) See under Animal. -- Cut flowers, flowers cut from the stalk, as for making a bouquet. -- Flower bed, a plat in a garden for the cultivation of flowers. -- Flower beetle (Zoöl.), any beetle which feeds upon flowers, esp. any one of numerous small species of the genus Meligethes, family Nitidulidæ, some of which are injurious to crops. - - Flower bird (Zoöl.), an Australian bird of the genus Anthornis, allied to the honey eaters. -- Flower bud, an unopened flower. -- Flower clock, an assemblage of flowers which open and close at different hours of the day, thus indicating the time. -- Flower head (Bot.), a compound flower in which all the florets are sessile on their receptacle, as in the case of the daisy. -- Flower pecker (Zoöl.), one of a family (Dicæidæ) of small Indian and Australian birds. They resemble humming birds in habits. -- Flower piece. (a) A table ornament made of cut flowers. (b) (Fine Arts) A picture of flowers. -- Flower stalk (Bot.), the peduncle of a plant, or the stem that supports the flower or fructification.

Flow"er (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flowered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flowering.] [From the noun. Cf. Flourish.] 1. To blossom; to bloom; to expand the petals, as a plant; to produce flowers; as, this plant flowers in June.

2. To come into the finest or fairest condition.

Their lusty and flowering age.
Robynson (More's Utopia).

When flowered my youthful spring.
Spenser.

3. To froth; to ferment gently, as new beer.

That beer did flower a little.
Bacon.

4. To come off as flowers by sublimation. [Obs.]

Observations which have flowered off.
Milton.

Flow"er, v. t. To embellish with flowers; to adorn with imitated flowers; as, flowered silk.

Flow"er*age (?; 48), n. State of flowers; flowers, collectively or in general. Tennyson.

Flow"er-de-luce" (?), n. [Corrupted fr. fleur-de-lis.] (Bot.) A genus of perennial herbs (Iris) with swordlike leaves and large three-petaled flowers often of very gay colors, but probably white in the plant first chosen for the royal French emblem.

&fist; There are nearly one hundred species, natives of the north temperate zone. Some of the best known are Iris Germanica, I. Florentina, I. Persica, I. sambucina, and the American I. versicolor, I. prismatica, etc.

Flow"er*er (?), n. A plant which flowers or blossoms.

Many hybrids are profuse and persistent flowerers.
Darwin.

Flow"er*et (?), n. A small flower; a floret. Shak.

Flow"er-fence` (?), n. (Bot.) A tropical leguminous bush (Poinciana, or Cæsalpinia, pulcherrima) with prickly branches, and showy yellow or red flowers; -- so named from its having been sometimes used for hedges in the West Indies. Baird.

Flow"er*ful (?), a. Abounding with flowers. Craig.

Flow"er-gen`tle (?), n. (Bot.) A species of amaranth (Amarantus melancholicus).

Flow"er*i*ness (?), n. The state of being flowery.

Flow"er*ing, a. (Bot.) Having conspicuous flowers; -- used as an epithet with many names of plants; as, flowering ash; flowering dogwood; flowering almond, etc.

Flowering fern, a genus of showy ferns (Osmunda), with conspicuous bivalvular sporangia. They usually grow in wet places. -- Flowering plants, plants which have stamens and pistils, and produce true seeds; phenogamous plants; -- distinguished from flowerless plants. -- Flowering rush, a European rushlike plant (Butomus umbellatus), with an umbel of rosy blossoms.

Flow"er*ing, n. 1. The act of blossoming, or the season when plants blossom; florification.

2. The act of adorning with flowers.

Flow"er*less, a. Having no flowers.

Flowerless plants, plants which have no true flowers, and produce no seeds; cryptogamous plants.

Flow"er*less*ness, n. State of being without flowers.

Flow"er*pot` (?), n. A vessel, commonly or earthenware, for earth in which plants are grown.

Flow"er*y (?), a. 1. Full of flowers; abounding with blossoms.

2. Highly embellished with figurative language; florid; as, a flowery style. Milton.

The flowery kingdom, China.

Flow"er*y-kir`tled (?), a. Dressed with garlands of flowers. [Poetic & Rare] Milton.

Flow"ing, a. That flows or for flowing (in various sense of the verb); gliding along smoothly; copious.

Flowing battery (Elec.), a battery which is kept constant by the flowing of the exciting liquid through the cell or cells. Knight. -- Flowing furnace, a furnace from which molten metal, can be drawn, as through a tap hole; a foundry cupola. -- Flowing sheet (Naut.), a sheet when eased off, or loosened to the wind, as when the wind is abaft the beam. Totten.

Flow"ing (?), a. & n. from Flow, v. i. & t.

Flow"ing*ly, adv. In a flowing manner.

Flow"ing*ness, n. Flowing tendency or quality; fluency. [R.] W. Nichols.

Flowk (? or ?), n. (Zoöl.) See 1st Fluke.

Flown (?), p. p. of Fly; -- often used with the auxiliary verb to be; as, the birds are flown.

Flown, a. Flushed, inflated. [Supposed by some to be a mistake for blown or swoln.] Pope.

Then wander forth the sons
Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.
Milton.

Floxed" silk` (?). See Floss silk, under Floss.

Floyte (?), n. & v. A variant of Flute. [Obs.]

Flu"ate (?), n. [Cf. F. fluate. See Fluor.] (Chem.) A fluoride. [Obs.]

Flu"a*vil (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Chem.) A hydrocarbon extracted from gutta-percha, as a yellow, resinous substance; -- called also fluanil.

Flu"can (?), n. (Mining) Soft clayey matter in the vein, or surrounding it. [Written also flookan, flukan, and fluccan.]

Fluc*tif"er*ous (?), a. [L. fluctus wave + -ferous.] Tending to produce waves. Blount.

Fluc*tis"o*nous (?), a. [L. fluctisonus; fluctus wave + sonus sound.] Sounding like waves.

Fluc`tu*a*bil"i*ty (?; 135), n. The capacity or ability to fluctuate. [R.] H. Walpole.

Fluc"tu*ant (?; 135), a. [L. fluctuans, p. pr. of fluctuare. See Fluctuate.] 1. Moving like a wave; wavering; (Med.) showing undulation or fluctuation; as, a fluctuant tumor.

2. Floating on the waves. [Obs.] Bacon.

Fluc"tu*ate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fluctuated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fluctuating (?).] [L. fluctuatus, p. p. of fluctuare, to wave, fr. fluctus wave, fr. fluere, fluctum, to flow. See Fluent, and cf. Flotilla.] 1. To move as a wave; to roll hither and thither; to wave; to float backward and forward, as on waves; as, a fluctuating field of air. Blackmore.

2. To move now in one direction and now in another; to be wavering or unsteady; to be irresolute or undetermined; to vacillate.

Syn. -- To waver; vacillate; hesitate; scruple. -- To Fluctuate, Vacillate, Waver. -- Fluctuate is applied both to things and persons and denotes that they move as they are acted upon. The stocks fluctuate; a man fluctuates between conflicting influences. Vacillate and waver are applied to persons to represent them as acting themselves. A man vacillates when he goes backward and forward in his opinions and purposes, without any fixity of mind or principles. A man wavers when he shrinks back or hesitates at the approach of difficulty or danger. One who is fluctuating in his feelings is usually vacillating in resolve, and wavering in execution.

Fluc"tu*ate, v. t. To cause to move as a wave; to put in motion. [R.]

And fluctuate all the still perfume.
Tennyson.

Fluc`tu*a"tion (?), n. [L. fluctuatio; cf. F. fluctuation.] 1. A motion like that of waves; a moving in this and that direction; as, the fluctuations of the sea.

2. A wavering; unsteadiness; as, fluctuations of opinion; fluctuations of prices.

3. (Med.) The motion or undulation of a fluid collected in a natural or artifical cavity, which is felt when it is subjected to pressure or percussion. Dunglison.

Flue (?), n. [Cf. OF. flue a flowing, fr. fluer to flow, fr. L. fluere (cf. Fluent); a perh. a corruption of E. flute.] An inclosed passage way for establishing and directing a current of air, gases, etc.; an air passage; esp.: (a) A compartment or division of a chimney for conveying flame and smoke to the outer air. (b) A passage way for conducting a current of fresh, foul, or heated air from one place to another. (c) (Steam Boiler) A pipe or passage for conveying flame and hot gases through surrounding water in a boiler; -- distinguished from a tube which holds water and is surrounded by fire. Small flues are called fire tubes or simply tubes.

Flue boiler. See under Boiler. - - Flue bridge, the separating low wall between the flues and the laboratory of a reverberatory furnace. -- Flue plate (Steam Boiler), a plate to which the ends of the flues are fastened; -- called also flue sheet, tube sheet, and tube plate. -- Flue surface (Steam Boiler), the aggregate surface of flues exposed to flame or the hot gases.

Flue (?), n. [Cf. F. flou light, tender, G. flau weak, W. llwch dust. √84.] Light down, such as rises from cotton, fur, etc.; very fine lint or hair. Dickens.

Flu"ence (?), n. Fluency. [Obs.] Milton.

Flu"en*cy (?), n. [L. fluentia: cf. F. fluence. See Fluent.] The quality of being fluent; smoothness; readiness of utterance; volubility.

The art of expressing with fluency and perspicuity.
Macaulay.

Flu"ent (?), a. [L. fluens, - entis, p. pr. of fluere to flow; cf. Gr. &?; to boil over. Cf. Fluctuate, Flux.] 1. Flowing or capable of flowing; liquid; glodding; easily moving.

2. Ready in the use of words; voluble; copious; having words at command; and uttering them with facility and smoothness; as, a fluent speaker; hence, flowing; voluble; smooth; -- said of language; as, fluent speech.

With most fluent utterance.
Denham.

Fluent as the flight of a swallow is the sultan's letter.
De Quincey.

Flu"ent, n. 1. A current of water; a stream. [Obs.]

2. [Cf. F. fluente.] (Math.) A variable quantity, considered as increasing or diminishing; -- called, in the modern calculus, the function or integral.

Flu"ent*ly, adv. In a fluent manner.

Flu"ent*ness, n. The quality of being fluent.

Flue"work` (?), n. (Mus.) A general name for organ stops in which the sound is caused by wind passing through a flue or fissure and striking an edge above; -- in distinction from reedwork.

Flue"y (?), a. [2d Flue.] Downy; fluffy. [R.]

Fluff (?), n. [Cf. 2d Flue. √84.] Nap or down; flue; soft, downy feathers.

Fluff"y (?), a. [Compar. Fluffier (?); superl. Fluffiest.] Pertaining to, or resembling, fluff or nap; soft and downy. "The carpets were fluffy." Thackeray.

The present Barnacle . . . had a youthful aspect, and the fluffiest little whisker, perhaps, that ever was seen.
Dickens.

-- Fluff"i*ness, n.

||Flü"gel (?), n. [G., a wing.] (Mus.) A grand piano or a harpsichord, both being wing- shaped.

Flu"gel*man (?), n. [G. flügelman.] (Mil.) Same as Fugleman.

Flu"id (flū&ibreve;d), a. [L. fluidus, fr. fluere to flow: cf. F. fluide. See Fluent.] Having particles which easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass, and which easily yield to pressure; capable of flowing; liquid or gaseous.

Flu"id, n. A fluid substance; a body whose particles move easily among themselves.

&fist; Fluid is a generic term, including liquids and gases as species. Water, air, and steam are fluids. By analogy, the term is sometimes applied to electricity and magnetism, as in phrases electric fluid, magnetic fluid, though not strictly appropriate.

Fluid dram, or Fluid drachm, a measure of capacity equal to one eighth of a fluid ounce. -- Fluid ounce. (a) In the United States, a measure of capacity, in apothecaries' or wine measure, equal to one sixteenth of a pint or 29.57 cubic centimeters. This, for water, is about 1.04158 ounces avoirdupois, or 455.6 grains. (b) In England, a measure of capacity equal to the twentieth part of an imperial pint. For water, this is the weight of the avoirdupois ounce, or 437.5 grains. -- Fluids of the body. (Physiol.) The circulating blood and lymph, the chyle, the gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal juices, the saliva, bile, urine, aqueous humor, and muscle serum are the more important fluids of the body. The tissues themselves contain a large amount of combined water, so much, that an entire human body dried in vacuo with a very moderate degree of heat gives about 66 per cent of water. -- Burning fluid, Elastic fluid, Electric fluid, Magnetic fluid, etc. See under Burning, Elastic, etc.

Flu"id*al (?), a. Pertaining to a fluid, or to its flowing motion.

Fluidal structure (Geol.), the structure characteristic of certain volcanic rocks in which the arrangement of the minute crystals shows the lines of flow of thew molten material before solidification; -- also called fluxion structure.

Flu*id"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. fluidité.] The quality of being fluid or capable of flowing; a liquid, aëriform, or gaseous state; -- opposed to solidity.

It was this want of organization, this looseness and fluidity of the new movement, that made it penetrate through every class of society.
J. R. Green.

Flu"id*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fluidized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fluidizing.] To render fluid.

Flu"id*ness, n. The state of being fluid; fluidity.

Flu"id*ounce`, n. See Fluid ounce, under Fluid.

Flu"i*drachm` (?), n. See Fluid dram, under Fluid. Pharm. of the U. S.

Flu"kan (?), n. (Mining) Flucan.

Fluke (flūk), n. [Cf. AS. flōc a kind of flatfish, Icel. flōki a kind of halibut.] 1. (Zoöl.) The European flounder. See Flounder. [Written also fleuk, flook, and flowk].
[1913 Webster]

2. (Zoöl.) A parasitic trematode worm of several species, having a flat, lanceolate body and two suckers. Two species (Fasciola hepatica and Distoma lanceolatum) are found in the livers of sheep, and produce the disease called rot.
[1913 Webster]

Fluke (flūk), n. [Cf. LG. flunk, flunka wing, the palm of an anchor; perh. akin to E. fly.] 1. The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See Anchor.

2. (Zoöl.) One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor.

3. An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting.

4. An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke. [Cant, Eng.] A. Trollope.

Fluke"worm` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Same as 1st Fluke, 2.

Fluk"y (?), a. Formed like, or having, a fluke.

Flume (?), n. [Cf. OE. flum river, OF, flum, fr. L. flumen, fr. fluere to flow. √84. See Fluent.] A stream; especially, a passage channel, or conduit for the water that drives a mill wheel; or an artifical channel of water for hydraulic or placer mining; also, a chute for conveying logs or lumber down a declivity.

Flu"mi*nous (?), a. [L. flumen, fluminis, river.] Pertaining to rivers; abounding in streama.

Flum"mer*y (?), n. [W. llumru, or llumruwd, a kind of food made of oatmeal steeped in water until it has turned sour, fr. llumrig harsh, raw, crude, fr. llum sharp, severe.] 1. A light kind of food, formerly made of flour or meal; a sort of pap.

Milk and flummery are very fit for children.
Locke.

2. Something insipid, or not worth having; empty compliment; trash; unsubstantial talk of writing.

The flummery of modern criticism.
J. Morley.

Flung (?), imp. & p. p. of Fling.

Flunk (flŭ&nsm;k), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flunked (flŭ&nsm;kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Flunking.] [Cf. Funk.] To fail, as on a lesson; to back out, as from an undertaking, through fear.

Flunk, v. t. To fail in; to shirk, as a task or duty. [Colloq. U.S.]

Flunk, n. A failure or backing out; specifically (College cant), a total failure in a recitation. [U.S.]

Flun"ky (flŭ&nsm;"k&ybreve;), n.; pl. Flunkies (- k&ibreve;z). [Prob. fr. or akin to flank.] [Written also flunkey.] 1. A contemptuous name for a liveried servant or a footman.

2. One who is obsequious or cringing; a snob.

3. One easily deceived in buying stocks; an inexperienced and unwary jobber. [Cant, U.S.]

Flun"ky*dom (?), n. The place or region of flunkies. C. Kingsley.

Flun"ly*ism (?), n. The quality or characteristics of a flunky; readiness to cringe to those who are superior in wealth or position; toadyism. Thackeray.

Flu"o- (&?;). (Chem.) A combining form indicating fluorine as an ingredient; as in fluosilicate, fluobenzene.

Flu`o*bo"rate (?), n. [Cf. F. fluoborate.] (Chem.) A salt of fluoboric acid; a fluoboride.

Flu`o*bo"ric (?), a. [Fluo- boric: cf. F. fluoborique.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, derived from, or consisting of, fluorine and boron.

Fluoridic acid (Chem.), a double fluoride, consisting essentially of a solution of boron fluoride, in hydrofluoric acid. It has strong acid properties, and is the type of the borofluorides. Called also borofluoric acid.

Flu`o*bo"ride (?), n. (Chem.) See Borofluoride.

{ Flu`o*ce"rine (?), Flu`o*ce"rite (?) }, n. [Fluo- + cerium.] (Min.) A fluoride of cerium, occuring near Fahlun in Sweden. Tynosite, from Colorado, is probably the same mineral.

Flu`o*hy"dric (?), a. [Fluo- + hydrogen.] (Chem.) See Hydrofluoric.

Flu`o*phos"phate (?), n. [Fluo- + phosphate.] (Chem.) A double salt of fluoric and phosphoric acids.

||Flu"or (?), n. [L., a flowing, fr. fluere to flow. See Fluent.] 1. A fluid state. [Obs.] Sir I. Newton.

2. Menstrual flux; catamenia; menses. [Obs.]

3. (Min.) See Fluorite.

||Flu"or albus (?). [L., white flow.] (Med.) The whites; leucorrhæa.

Flu`or*an"thene (?), n. [Fluorene + anthracene.] (Chem.) A white crystalline hydrocarbon C15H10, of a complex structure, found as one ingredient of the higher boiling portion of coal tar.

Flu"or*a`ted (?), a. (Chem.) Combined with fluorine; subjected to the action of fluoride. [R.]

Flu`or*ene (?), n. (Chem.) A colorless, crystalline hydrocarbon, C13H10 having a beautiful violet fluorescence; whence its name. It occurs in the higher boiling products of coal tar, and is obtained artificially.

Flu`o*res"ce*in (?), n. (Chem.) A yellowish red, crystalline substance, C20H12O5, produced by heating together phthalic anhydride and resorcin; -- so called, from the very brilliant yellowish green fluorescence of its alkaline solutions. It has acid properties, and its salts of the alkalies are known to the trade under the name of uranin.

Flu`o*res"cence (?), n. [From Fluor.] (Opt.) That property which some transparent bodies have of producing at their surface, or within their substance, light different in color from the mass of the material, as when green crystals of fluor spar afford blue reflections. It is due not to the difference in the color of a distinct surface layer, but to the power which the substance has of modifying the light incident upon it. The light emitted by fluorescent substances is in general of lower refrangibility than the incident light. Stockes.

Flu`o*res"cent (?), a. Having the property of fluorescence.

Flu`o*res"cin (?), n. (Chem.) A colorless, amorphous substance which is produced by the reduction of fluoresceïn, and from which the latter may be formed by oxidation.

Flu*or"ic (?), a. [Cf. F. fluorique.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, obtained from, or containing, fluorine.

Flu"or*ide (? or ?; 104), n. [Cf. F. fluoride.] (Chem.) A binary compound of fluorine with another element or radical.

Calcium fluoride (Min.), fluorite, CaF2. See Fluorite.

Flu"or*ine (flū"&obreve;r*&ibreve;n or -ēn; 104), n. [NL. fluorina: cf. G. fluorin, F. fluorine. So called from its occurrence in the mineral fluorite.] (Chem.) A non-metallic, gaseous element, strongly acid or negative, and associated with chlorine, bromine, and iodine, in the halogen group of which it is the first member. It always occurs combined, is very active chemically, and possesses such an avidity for most elements, and silicon especially, that it can neither be prepared nor kept in glass vessels. If set free it immediately attacks the containing material, so that it was not isolated until 1886. It is a pungent, corrosive, colorless gas. Symbol F. Atomic weight 19.

&fist; Fluorine unites with hydrogen to form hydrofluoric acid, which is the agent employed in etching glass. It occurs naturally, principally combined as calcium fluoride in fluorite, and as a double fluoride of aluminium and sodium in cryolite.

Flu"or*ite (?), n. (Min.) Calcium fluoride, a mineral of many different colors, white, yellow, purple, green, red, etc., often very beautiful, crystallizing commonly in cubes with perfect octahedral cleavage; also massive. It is used as a flux. Some varieties are used for ornamental vessels. Also called fluor spar, or simply fluor.

Flu"or*oid (?), n. [Fluor + - oid.] (Crystallog.) A tetrahexahedron; -- so called because it is a common form of fluorite.

Flu*or"o*scope (?), n. [Fluorescence + -scope.] (Phys.) An instrument for observing or exhibiting fluorescence.

Flu"or*ous (?), a. Pertaining to fluor.

Flu"or spar` (?). (Min.) See Fluorite.

Flu`o*sil"i*cate (?), n. [Cf. F. fluosilicate.] (Chem.) A double fluoride of silicon and some other (usually basic) element or radical, regarded as a salt of fluosilicic acid; -- called also silicofluoride.

Flu`o*si*lic"ic (?), a. [Fluo- + silicic: cf. F. fluosilicique.] (Chem.) Composed of, or derived from, silicon and fluorine.

Fluosilicic acid, a double fluoride of hydrogen and silicon, H2F6Si, obtained in solution in water as a sour fuming liquid, and regarded as the type of the fluosilicates; -- called also silicofluoric acid, and hydrofluosilicic acid.

Flur"ried (?), a. Agitated; excited. -- Flur"ried*ly adv.

Flur"ry (?), n.; pl. Flurries (#). [Prov. E. flur to ruffle.] 1. A sudden and brief blast or gust; a light, temporary breeze; as, a flurry of wind.

2. A light shower or snowfall accompanied with wind.

Like a flurry of snow on the whistling wind.
Longfellow.

3. Violent agitation; commotion; bustle; hurry.

The racket and flurry of London.
Blakw. Mag.

4. The violent spasms of a dying whale.

Flur"ry, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flurried (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flurrying.] To put in a state of agitation; to excite or alarm. H. Swinburne.

Flurt (?), n. A flirt. [Obs.] Quarles.

Flush (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flushed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flushing.] [Cf. OE. fluschen to fly up, penetrate, F. fluz a flowing, E. flux, dial. Sw. flossa to blaze, and E. flash; perh. influenced by blush. √84.] 1. To flow and spread suddenly; to rush; as, blood flushes into the face.

The flushing noise of many waters.
Boyle.

It flushes violently out of the cock.
Mortimer.

2. To become suddenly suffused, as the cheeks; to turn red; to blush.

3. To snow red; to shine suddenly; to glow.

In her cheek, distemper flushing glowed.
Milton.

4. To start up suddenly; to take wing as a bird.

Flushing from one spray unto another.
W. Browne.

Flush, v. t. 1. To cause to be full; to flood; to overflow; to overwhelm with water; as, to flush the meadows; to flood for the purpose of cleaning; as, to flush a sewer.

2. To cause the blood to rush into (the face); to put to the blush, or to cause to glow with excitement.

Nor flush with shame the passing virgin's cheek.
Gay.

Sudden a thought came like a full-blown rose,
Flushing his brow.
Keats.

3. To make suddenly or temporarily red or rosy, as if suffused with blood.

How faintly flushed. how phantom fair,
Was Monte Rosa, hanging there!
Tennyson.

4. To excite; to animate; to stir.

Such things as can only feed his pride and flush his ambition.
South.

5. To cause to start, as a hunter a bird. Nares.

To flush a joints (Masonry), to fill them in; to point the level; to make them flush.

Flush, n. 1. A sudden flowing; a rush which fills or overflows, as of water for cleansing purposes.

In manner of a wave or flush.
Ray.

2. A suffusion of the face with blood, as from fear, shame, modesty, or intensity of feeling of any kind; a blush; a glow.

The flush of angered shame.
Tennyson.

3. Any tinge of red color like that produced on the cheeks by a sudden rush of blood; as, the flush on the side of a peach; the flush on the clouds at sunset.

4. A sudden flood or rush of feeling; a thrill of excitement. animation, etc.; as, a flush of joy.

5. A flock of birds suddenly started up or flushed.

6. [From F. or Sp. flux. Cf. Flux.] A hand of cards of the same suit.

Flush, a. 1. Full of vigor; fresh; glowing; bright.

With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May.
Shak.

2. Affluent; abounding; well furnished or suppled; hence, liberal; prodigal.

Lord Strut was not very flush in ready.
Arbuthnot.

3. (Arch. & Mech.) Unbroken or even in surface; on a level with the adjacent surface; forming a continuous surface; as, a flush panel; a flush joint.

4. (Card Playing) Consisting of cards of one suit.

Flush bolt. (a) A screw bolt whose head is countersunk, so as to be flush with a surface. (b) A sliding bolt let into the face or edge of a door, so as to be flush therewith. -- Flush deck. (Naut.) See under Deck, n., 1. -- Flush tank, a water tank which can be emptied rapidly for flushing drainpipes, etc.

Flush (?), adv. So as to be level or even.

Flush"board` (?), n. Same as Flashboard.

Flush"er (?), n. 1. A workman employed in cleaning sewers by flushing them with water.

2. (Zoöl.) The red-backed shrike. See Flasher.

Flush"ing, n. 1. A heavy, coarse cloth manufactured from shoddy; -- commonly in the &?; [Eng.]

2. (Weaving) A surface formed of floating threads.

Flush"ing*ly, adv. In a flushing manner.

Flush"ness, n. The state of being flush; abundance.

Flus"ter (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flustered; p. pr. & vb. n. Flustering.] [Cf. Icel. flaustra to be flustered, flaustr a fluster.] To make hot and rosy, as with drinking; to heat; hence, to throw into agitation and confusion; to confuse; to muddle.

His habit or flustering himself daily with claret.
Macaulay.

Flus"ter, v. i. To be in a heat or bustle; to be agitated and confused.

The flstering, vainglorious Greeks.
South.

Flus"ter, n. Heat or glow, as from drinking; agitation mingled with confusion; disorder.

Flus`ter*a"tion (?), n. The act of flustering, or the state of being flustered; fluster. [Colloq.]

Flus"trate (?), v. t. [See Fluster, v. t.] To fluster. [Colloq.] Spectator.

Flus*tra"tion (?), n. The act of flustrating; confusion; flurry. [Colloq.] Richardson.

Flute (?), n. [OE. floute, floite, fr. OF. flaüte, flahute, flahuste, F. fl&?;te; cf. LL. flauta, D. fluit. See Flute, v. i.] 1. A musical wind instrument, consisting of a hollow cylinder or pipe, with holes along its length, stopped by the fingers or by keys which are opened by the fingers. The modern flute is closed at the upper end, and blown with the mouth at a lateral hole.

The breathing flute's soft notes are heard around.
Pope.

2. (Arch.) A channel of curved section; -- usually applied to one of a vertical series of such channels used to decorate columns and pilasters in classical architecture. See Illust. under Base, n.

3. A similar channel or groove made in wood or other material, esp. in plaited cloth, as in a lady's ruffle.

4. A long French breakfast roll. Simonds.

5. A stop in an organ, having a flutelike sound.

Flute bit, a boring tool for piercing ebony, rosewood, and other hard woods. -- Flute pipe, an organ pipe having a sharp lip or wind-cutter which imparts vibrations to the column of air in the pipe. Knight.
[1913 Webster]

Flute (flūt), n. [Cf. F. flûte a transport, D. fluit.] A kind of flyboat; a storeship.

Armed en flûte (&?;) (Nav.), partially armed.

Flute (?), v. i. [OE. flouten, floiten, OF. flaüter, fleüter, flouster, F. flûter, cf. D. fluiten; ascribed to an assumed LL. flautare, flatuare, fr. L. flatus a blowing, fr. flare to blow. Cf. Flout, Flageolet, Flatulent.] To play on, or as on, a flute; to make a flutelike sound.

Flute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fluted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fluting (?).] 1. To play, whistle, or sing with a clear, soft note, like that of a flute.

Knaves are men,
That lute and flute fantastic tenderness.
Tennyson.

The redwing flutes his o-ka-lee.
Emerson.

2. To form flutes or channels in, as in a column, a ruffle, etc.

||Flûte` à bec" (?). [F.] (Mus.) A beak flute, an older form of the flute, played with a mouthpiece resembling a beak, and held like a flageolet.

Flut"ed (?), a. 1. Thin; fine; clear and mellow; flutelike; as, fluted notes. Busby.

2. Decorated with flutes; channeled; grooved; as, a fluted column; a fluted ruffle; a fluted spectrum.

Flute"mouth` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A fish of the genus Aulostoma, having a much elongated tubular snout.

Flut"er (?), n. 1. One who plays on the flute; a flutist or flautist.

2. One who makes grooves or flutings.

Flut"ing, n. Decoration by means of flutes or channels; a flute, or flutes collectively; as, the fluting of a column or pilaster; the fluting of a lady's ruffle.

Fluting iron, a laundry iron for fluting ruffles; -- called also Italian iron, or gaufering iron. Knight. -- Fluting lathe, a machine for forming spiral flutes, as on balusters, table legs, etc.

Flut"ist (?), n. [Cf. F. flûtiste.] A performer on the flute; a flautist. Busby.

2. To move with quick vibrations or undulations; as, a sail flutters in the wind; a fluttering fan.

3. To move about briskly, irregularly, or with great bustle and show, without much result.

No rag, no scrap, of all the beau, or wit,
That once so fluttered, and that once so writ.
Pope.

4. To be in agitation; to move irregularly; to flucttuate; to be uncertainty.

Long we fluttered on the wings of doubtful success.
Howell.

His thoughts are very fluttering and wandering.
I. Watts.

Flut"ter (?), v. t. 1. To vibrate or move quickly; as, a bird flutters its wings.

2. To drive in disorder; to throw into confusion.

Like an eagle in a dovecote, I
Fluttered your Volscians in Corioli.
Shak.

Flut"ter, n. 1. The act of fluttering; quick and irregular motion; vibration; as, the flutter of a fan.

The chirp and flutter of some single bird
Milnes. .

2. Hurry; tumult; agitation of the mind; confusion; disorder. Pope.

Flutter wheel, a water wheel placed below a fall or in a chute where rapidly moving water strikes the tips of the floats; -- so called from the spattering, and the fluttering noise it makes.

Flut"ter*er (?), n. One who, or that which, flutters.

Flut"ter*ing*ly, adv. In a fluttering manner.

Flut"y (?), a. Soft and clear in tone, like a flute.

Flu"vi*al (?), a. [L. fluvialis, from fluvius river, fr. fluere to flow: cf.F. fluvial. See Fluent.] Belonging to rivers; growing or living in streams or ponds; as, a fluvial plant.

Flu"vi*al*ist, n. One who exlpains geological phenomena by the action of streams. [R.]

Flu`vi*at"ic (?), a. [L. fluviaticus. See Fluvial.] Belonging to rivers or streams; fluviatile. Johnson.

Flu"vi*a*tile (?), a. [L. fluviatilis, fr. fluvius river: cf. F. fluviatile.] Belonging to rivers or streams; existing in or about rivers; produced by river action; fluvial; as, fluviatile starta, plants. Lyell.

Flu`vi*o-ma*rine" (?), a. [L. fluvius river + E. marine.] (Geol.) Formed by the joint action of a river and the sea, as deposits at the mouths of rivers.

Flux (flŭks), n. [L. fluxus, fr. fluere, fluxum, to flow: cf.F. flux. See Fluent, and cf. 1st & 2d Floss, Flush, n., 6.] 1. The act of flowing; a continuous moving on or passing by, as of a flowing stream; constant succession; change.

By the perpetual flux of the liquids, a great part of them is thrown out of the body.
Arbuthnot.

Her image has escaped the flux of things,
And that same infant beauty that she wore
Is fixed upon her now forevermore.
Trench.

Languages, like our bodies, are in a continual flux.
Felton.

2. The setting in of the tide toward the shore, -- the ebb being called the reflux.

3. The state of being liquid through heat; fusion.

4. (Chem. & Metal.) Any substance or mixture used to promote the fusion of metals or minerals, as alkalies, borax, lime, fluorite.

&fist; White flux is the residuum of the combustion of a mixture of equal parts of niter and tartar. It consists chiefly of the carbonate of potassium, and is white. -- Black flux is the ressiduum of the combustion of one part of niter and two of tartar, and consists essentially of a mixture of potassium carbonate and charcoal.

5. (Med.) (a) A fluid discharge from the bowels or other part; especially, an excessive and morbid discharge; as, the bloody flux or dysentery. See Bloody flux. (b) The matter thus discharged.

6. (Physics) The quantity of a fluid that crosses a unit area of a given surface in a unit of time.

Flux, a. [L. fluxus, p. p. of fluere. See Flux, n.] Flowing; unstable; inconstant; variable.

The flux nature of all things here.
Barrow.

Flux, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fluxed (flŭkst); p. pr. & vb. n. Fluxing.] 1. To affect, or bring to a certain state, by flux.

He might fashionably and genteelly . . . have been dueled or
fluxed into another world.
South.

2. To cause to become fluid; to fuse. Kirwan.

3. (Med.) To cause a discharge from; to purge.

Flux*a"tion (?), n. The act of fluxing.

Flux`i*bil"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. LL. fluxibilitas fluidity.] The quality of being fluxible. Hammond.

Flux"i*ble (?), a. [Cf.LL. fluxibilis fluid, OF. fluxible.] Capable of being melted or fused, as a mineral. Holland.

-- Flux"i*ble*ness, n.

Flux"ile (?), a. [L. fluxilis, a., fluid.] Fluxible. [R.]

Flux*il"i*ty (?), n. State of being fluxible.[Obs.]

Flux"ion (?), n. [Cf. F. fluxion.] The act of flowing. Cotgrave.

2. The matter that flows. Wiseman.

3. Fusion; the running of metals into a fluid state.

4. (Med.) An unnatural or excessive flow of blood or fluid toward any organ; a determination.

5. A constantly varying indication.

Less to be counted than the fluxions of sun dials.
De Quincey.

6. (Math.) (a) The infinitely small increase or decrease of a variable or flowing quantity in a certain infinitely small and constant period of time; the rate of variation of a fluent; an incerement; a differential. (b) pl. A method of analysis developed by Newton, and based on the conception of all magnitudes as generated by motion, and involving in their changes the notion of velocity or rate of change. Its results are the same as those of the differential and integral calculus, from which it differs little except in notation and logical method.

Flux"ion*al (?), a. Pertaining to, or having the nature of, fluxion or fluxions; variable; inconstant.

The merely human,the temporary and fluxional.
Coleridge.

Fluxional structure (Geol.), fluidal structure.

Flux"ion*a*ry (?), a. 1. Fluxional. Berkeley.

2. (Med.) Pertaining to, or caused by, an increased flow of blood to a part; congestive; as, a fluxionary hemorrhage.

Flux"ion*ist, n. One skilled in fluxions. Berkeley.

Flux"ions (?), n. pl. (Math.) See Fluxion, 6(b).

Flux"ive (?), a. Flowing; also, wanting solidity. B. Jonson.

Flux"ure (?; 138), n. [L. fluxura a flowing.] 1. The quality of being fluid. [Obs.] Fielding.

2. Fluid matter. [Obs.] Drayton.

Fly (flī), v. i. [imp. Flew (flū); p. p. Flown (flōn); p. pr. & vb. n. Flying.] [OE. fleen, fleen, fleyen, flegen, AS. fleógan; akin to D. vliegen, OHG. fliogan, G. fliegen, Icel. fljūga, Sw. flyga, Dan. flyve, Goth. us-flaugjan to cause to fly away, blow about, and perh. to L. pluma feather, E. plume. √84. Cf. Fledge, Flight, Flock of animals.] 1. To move in or pass through the air with wings, as a bird.

2. To move through the air or before the wind; esp., to pass or be driven rapidly through the air by any impulse.

3. To float, wave, or rise in the air, as sparks or a flag.

Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Job v. 7.

4. To move or pass swiftly; to hasten away; to circulate rapidly; as, a ship flies on the deep; a top flies around; rumor flies.

Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race.
Milton.

The dark waves murmured as the ships flew on.
Bryant.

5. To run from danger; to attempt to escape; to flee; as, an enemy or a coward flies. See Note under Flee.

Fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.
Milton.

Whither shall I fly to escape their hands ?
Shak.

6. To move suddenly, or with violence; to do an act suddenly or swiftly; -- usually with a qualifying word; as, a door flies open; a bomb flies apart.

To fly about (Naut.), to change frequently in a short time; -- said of the wind. -- To fly around, to move about in haste. [Colloq.] -- To fly at, to spring toward; to rush on; to attack suddenly. -- To fly in the face of, to insult; to assail; to set at defiance; to oppose with violence; to act in direct opposition to; to resist. -- To fly off, to separate, or become detached suddenly; to revolt. -- To fly on, to attack. -- To fly open, to open suddenly, or with violence. -- To fly out. (a) To rush out. (b) To burst into a passion; to break out into license. -- To let fly. (a) To throw or drive with violence; to discharge. "A man lets fly his arrow without taking any aim." Addison. (b) (Naut.) To let go suddenly and entirely; as, to let fly the sheets.

Fly, v. t. 1. To cause to fly or to float in the air, as a bird, a kite, a flag, etc.

The brave black flag I fly.
W. S. Gilbert.

2. To fly or flee from; to shun; to avoid.

Sleep flies the wretch.
Dryden.

To fly the favors of so good a king.
Shak.

3. To hunt with a hawk. [Obs.] Bacon.

To fly a kite (Com.), to raise money on commercial notes. [Cant or Slang]

Fly, n.; pl. Flies (flīz). [OE. flie, flege, AS. fl&ymacr;ge, fleóge, fr. fleógan to fly; akin to D. vlieg, OHG. flioga, G. fliege, Icel. & Sw. fluga, Dan. flue. √ 84. See Fly, v. i.] 1. (Zoöl.) (a) Any winged insect; esp., one with transparent wings; as, the Spanish fly; firefly; gall fly; dragon fly. (b) Any dipterous insect; as, the house fly; flesh fly; black fly. See Diptera, and Illust. in Append.

2. A hook dressed in imitation of a fly, -- used for fishing. "The fur-wrought fly." Gay.

3. A familiar spirit; a witch's attendant. [Obs.]

A trifling fly, none of your great familiars.
B. Jonson.

4. A parasite. [Obs.] Massinger.

5. A kind of light carriage for rapid transit, plying for hire and usually drawn by one horse. [Eng.]

6. The length of an extended flag from its staff; sometimes, the length from the "union" to the extreme end.

7. The part of a vane pointing the direction from which the wind blows.

8. (Naut.) That part of a compass on which the points are marked; the compass card. Totten.

9. (Mech.) (a) Two or more vanes set on a revolving axis, to act as a fanner, or to equalize or impede the motion of machinery by the resistance of the air, as in the striking part of a clock. (b) A heavy wheel, or cross arms with weights at the ends on a revolving axis, to regulate or equalize the motion of machinery by means of its inertia, where the power communicated, or the resistance to be overcome, is variable, as in the steam engine or the coining press. See Fly wheel (below).

10. (Knitting Machine) The piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch. Knight.

11. The pair of arms revolving around the bobbin, in a spinning wheel or spinning frame, to twist the yarn.

12. (Weaving) A shuttle driven through the shed by a blow or jerk. Knight.

13. (a) Formerly, the person who took the printed sheets from the press. (b) A vibrating frame with fingers, attached to a power to a power printing press for doing the same work.

14. The outer canvas of a tent with double top, usually drawn over the ridgepole, but so extended as to touch the roof of the tent at no other place.

15. One of the upper screens of a stage in a theater.

16. The fore flap of a bootee; also, a lap on trousers, overcoats, etc., to conceal a row of buttons.

17. (Baseball) A batted ball that flies to a considerable distance, usually high in the air, also called a fly ball; also, the flight of a ball so struck; as, it was caught on the fly.

Black fly, Cheese fly, Dragon fly, etc. See under Black, Cheese, etc. -- Fly agaric (Bot.), a mushroom (Agaricus muscarius), having a narcotic juice which, in sufficient quantities, is poisonous. -- Fly block (Naut.), a pulley whose position shifts to suit the working of the tackle with which it is connected; -- used in the hoisting tackle of yards. -- Fly board (Printing Press), the board on which printed sheets are deposited by the fly. -- Fly book, a case in the form of a book for anglers' flies. Kingsley. -- Fly cap, a cap with wings, formerly worn by women. -- Fly drill, a drill having a reciprocating motion controlled by a fly wheel, the driving power being applied by the hand through a cord winding in reverse directions upon the spindle as it rotates backward and forward. Knight. -- Fly fishing, the act or art of angling with a bait of natural or artificial flies. Walton. -- Fly flap, an implement for killing flies. -- Fly governor, a governor for regulating the speed of an engine, etc., by the resistance of vanes revolving in the air. -- Fly honeysuckle (Bot.), a plant of the honeysuckle genus (Lonicera), having a bushy stem and the flowers in pairs, as L. ciliata and L. Xylosteum. -- Fly hook, a fishhook supplied with an artificial fly. -- Fly leaf, an unprinted leaf at the beginning or end of a book, circular, programme, etc. -- Fly maggot, a maggot bred from the egg of a fly. Ray. -- Fly net, a screen to exclude insects. -- Fly nut (Mach.), a nut with wings; a thumb nut; a finger nut. -- Fly orchis (Bot.), a plant (Ophrys muscifera), whose flowers resemble flies. - - Fly paper, poisoned or sticky paper for killing flies that feed upon or are entangled by it. -- Fly powder, an arsenical powder used to poison flies. -- Fly press, a screw press for punching, embossing, etc., operated by hand and having a heavy fly. -- Fly rail, a bracket which turns out to support the hinged leaf of a table. -- Fly rod, a light fishing rod used in angling with a fly. -- Fly sheet, a small loose advertising sheet; a handbill. -- Fly snapper (Zoöl.), an American bird (Phainopepla nitens), allied to the chatterers and shrikes. The male is glossy blue-black; the female brownish gray. -- Fly wheel (Mach.), a heavy wheel attached to machinery to equalize the movement (opposing any sudden acceleration by its inertia and any retardation by its momentum), and to accumulate or give out energy for a variable or intermitting resistance. See Fly, n., 9. -- On the fly (Baseball), still in the air; -- said of a batted ball caught before touching the ground..

Fly (?), a. Knowing; wide awake; fully understanding another's meaning. [Slang] Dickens.

flyaway adj. 1. frivolous; -- of people. serious
Syn. -- flighty.
[WordNet 1.5]

2. Tending to move away from a center, rather than remain in a compact group; -- used of hair or clothing or of small particles of matter. Light objects or particles readily taking a static electric charge may be moved apart by acquisition of a charge, or by approach of a charged object. Such a property is called flyaway.
Syn. -- fluttering.
[WordNet 1.5]

Fly"bane` (?), n. (Bot.) A kind of catchfly of the genus Silene; also, a poisonous mushroom (Agaricus muscarius); fly agaric.

Fly"-bit`ten (?), a. Marked by, or as if by, the bite of flies. Shak.

Fly"blow` (?), v. t. To deposit eggs upon, as a flesh fly does on meat; to cause to be maggoty; hence, to taint or contaminate, as if with flyblows. Bp. Srillingfleet.

Fly"blow`, n. (Zoöl.) One of the eggs or young larvæ deposited by a flesh fly, or blowfly.

Fly"blown` (?), a. Tainted or contaminated with flyblows; damaged; foul.

Wherever flyblown reputations were assembled.
Thackeray.

Fly"boat` (?), n. [Fly + boat: cf. D. vlieboot.] 1. (Naut.) A large Dutch coasting vessel.

Captain George Weymouth made a voyage of discovery to the northwest with two flyboats.
Purchas.

2. A kind of passenger boat formerly used on canals.

Fly"-case` (?), n. (Zoöl.) The covering of an insect, esp. the elytra of beetles.

Fly"catch`er (?), n. (Zoöl.) One of numerous species of birds that feed upon insects, which they take on the wing.

&fist; The true flycatchers of the Old World are Oscines, and belong to the family Muscicapidæ, as the spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola). The American flycatchers, or tyrant flycatchers, are Clamatores, and belong to the family Tyrannidæ, as the kingbird, pewee, crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), and the vermilion flycatcher or churinche (Pyrocephalus rubineus). Certain American flycatching warblers of the family Sylvicolidæ are also called flycatchers, as the Canadian flycatcher (Sylvania Canadensis), and the hooded flycatcher (S. mitrata). See Tyrant flycatcher.

Fly"-catch`ing, a. (Zoöl.) Having the habit of catching insects on the wing.

Fly"er (?), n. [See Flier.] 1. One that uses wings.

2. The fly of a flag: See Fly, n., 6.

3. Anything that is scattered abroad in great numbers as a theatrical programme, an advertising leaf, etc.

4. (Arch.) One in a flight of steps which are parallel to each other(as in ordinary stairs), as distinguished from a winder.

5. The pair of arms attached to the spindle of a spinning frame, over which the thread passes to the bobbin; -- so called from their swift revolution. See Fly, n., 11.

6. The fan wheel that rotates the cap of a windmill as the wind veers. Internat. Cyc.

7. (Stock Jobbing) A small operation not involving ? considerable part of one's capital, or not in the line of one's ordinary business; a venture. [Cant] Bartlett.

Fly"fish` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A California scorpænoid fish (Sebastichthys rhodochloris), having brilliant colors.

Fly"-fish, v. i. To angle, using flies for bait. Walton.

Fly"ing (?), a. [From Fly, v. i.] Moving in the air with, or as with, wings; moving lightly or rapidly; intended for rapid movement.

Flying army (Mil.) a body of cavalry and infantry, kept in motion, to cover its own garrisons and to keep the enemy in continual alarm. Farrow. --Flying artillery (Mil.), artillery trained to rapid evolutions, -- the men being either mounted or trained to spring upon the guns and caissons when they change position. -- Flying bridge, Flying camp. See under Bridge, and Camp. -- Flying buttress (Arch.), a contrivance for taking up the thrust of a roof or vault which can not be supported by ordinary buttresses. It consists of a straight bar of masonry, usually sloping, carried on an arch, and a solid pier or buttress sufficient to receive the thrust. The word is generally applied only to the straight bar with supporting arch. -- Flying colors, flags unfurled and waving in the air; hence: To come off with flying colors, to be victorious; to succeed thoroughly in an undertaking. -- Flying doe (Zoöl.), a young female kangaroo. -- Flying dragon. (a) (Zoöl.) See Dragon, 6. (b) A meteor. See under Dragon. -- Flying Dutchman. (a) A fabled Dutch mariner condemned for his crimes to sail the seas till the day of judgment. (b) A spectral ship. -- Flying fish. (Zoöl.) See Flying fish, in the Vocabulary. -- Flying fox (Zoöl.), the colugo. -- Flying frog (Zoöl.), an East Indian tree frog of the genus Rhacophorus, having very large and broadly webbed feet, which serve as parachutes, and enable it to make very long leaps. -- Flying gurnard (Zoöl.), a species of gurnard of the genus Cephalacanthus or Dactylopterus, with very large pectoral fins, said to be able to fly like the flying fish, but not for so great a distance. Three species are known; that of the Atlantic is Cephalacanthus volitans. -- Flying jib (Naut.), a sail extended outside of the standing jib, on the flying-jib boom. -- Flying-jib boom (Naut.), an extension of the jib boom. -- Flying kites (Naut.), light sails carried only in fine weather. -- Flying lemur. (Zoöl.) See Colugo. -- Flying level (Civil Engin.), a reconnoissance level over the course of a projected road, canal, etc. -- Flying lizard. (Zoöl.) See Dragon, n. 6. -- Flying machine, an apparatus for navigating the air; a form of balloon. -- Flying mouse (Zoöl.), the opossum mouse (Acrobates pygmæus), of Australia. It has lateral folds of skin, like the flying squirrels. -- Flying party (Mil.), a body of soldiers detailed to hover about an enemy. -- Flying phalanger (Zoöl.), one of several species of small marsuupials of the genera Petaurus and Belideus, of Australia and New Guinea, having lateral folds like those of the flying squirrels. The sugar squirrel (B. sciureus), and the ariel (B. ariel), are the best known; -- called also squirrel petaurus and flying squirrel. See Sugar squirrel. -- Flying pinion, the fly of a clock. -- Flying sap (Mil.), the rapid construction of trenches (when the enemy's fire of case shot precludes the method of simple trenching), by means of gabions placed in juxtaposition and filled with earth. -- Flying shot, a shot fired at a moving object, as a bird on the wing. -- Flying spider. (Zoöl.) See Ballooning spider. -- Flying squid (Zoöl.), an oceanic squid (Ommastrephes, or Sthenoteuthis, Bartramii), abundant in the Gulf Stream, which is able to leap out of the water with such force that it often falls on the deck of a vessel. -- <