Lenses.
Lens, lenz,n.(optics) a piece of transparent substance with one or both sides convex or concave, the object to refract rays of light really or apparently radiating from a point, and make them deviate so as to pass, or travel on as if they had passed, through another point: the crystalline humour of the eye: a genus of leguminous plants:—pl.Lens′es. [L.lens,lentis, the lentil.]
Lent, lent,n.an annual fast of forty days in commemoration of the fast of our Saviour (Matt. iv. 2), from Ash-Wednesday to Easter.—adj.Lent′en, relating to, or used in, Lent: sparing.—n.Lent′-lil′y, the daffodil, as flowering in Lent. [A.S.lencten, the spring; Dut.lente, Ger.lenz.]
Lentamente, len-ta-men′te,adv.(mus.) slowly, in slow time.—advs.Lentan′do, becoming slower by degrees;Len′to, slow, slowly. [It.]
Lenticular, len-tik′ū-lar,adj.resembling a lens or lentil seed: double-convex—alsoLen′tiform.—n.Len′ticel(bot.), a loose, lens-shaped mass of cells belonging to the corky layer or periderm of plants.—adj.Lenticel′late.—n.Lentic′ula, a small lens: a lenticel: a freckle—alsoLen′ticule.—adv.Lentic′ularly.—adjs.Lentig′erous, having a crystalline lens;Len′toid, lens-shaped. [L.lenticularis—lenticula, dim. oflens, a lentil.]
Lentigo, len-tī′gÅ,n.a freckle.—adjs.Lentig′inose,Lentig′inous(bot.), covered with minute dots as if dusted. [L.]
Lentil, len′til,n.an annual plant, common near the Mediterranean, bearing pulse used for food. [O. Fr.lentille—L.lens,lentis, the lentil.]
Lentisk, len′tisk,n.the mastic-tree. [L.lentiscus.]
Lentor, len′tor,n.tenacity, viscidity.—adj.Len′tous. [L.lentus, slow.]
Lenvoy, len-voi′,n.a kind of postscript appended to a literary composition: an envoy. [O. Fr.l'envoi.]
Leo, lē′Å,n.the Lion, the 5th sign of the zodiac.
Leonine, lē′o-nīn,adj.of or like a lion.
Leonine, lē′o-nīn,adj.a kind of Latin verse, generally alternate hexameter and pentameter, rhyming at the middle and end. [FromLeoninus, a 12th-cent. canon in Paris; or from PopeLeoII.]
Leopard, lep′ard,n.an animal of the cat kind, with a spotted skin, now generally supposed to be identical with the panther:—fem.Leop′ardess: (her.) a lion passant gardant. [O. Fr.,—L.,—Gr.leopardos—leÅn, lion,pardos, pard.]
Leper, lep′ėr,n.one affected with leprosy.—adjs.Lep′erous(Shak.),Lep′rous. [Fr.,—L.,—Gr.lepra—lepros, scaly—lepos, a scale—lepein, to peel off.]
Lepid, lep′id,adj.pleasant, jocose. [L.lepidus.]
Lepidodendron, lep-i-do-den′dron,n.a common fossil plant of the Carboniferous strata, the stem covered with ovate leaf-scars arranged spirally. [Gr.lepis,-idos, a scale,dendron, a tree.]
Lepidoptera, lep-i-dop′tėr-a,n.pl.an order of insects, with four wings covered with fine scales—butterfly, moth, &c.—adjs.Lepidop′teral,Lepidop′terous. [Gr.lepis,-idos, a scale,pteron, a wing.]
Lepidosauria, lep-i-do-sawr′i-a,n.a sub-class or sub-order of Reptilia, with scales and plates—the ophidians and lacertilians, not crocodilians and chelonians. [Gr.lepis, a scale,sauros, a lizard.]
Lepidosiren, lep-i-do-sī′ren,n.one of the Amazon mud-fishes or Dipnoi. [Gr.lepis, a scale, Eng.siren.]
Lepidosteus, lep-i-dos′te-us,n.a genus of fishes with rhomboid scales hard like bone. [Gr.lepis,-idos, a scale,osteon, a bone.]
Leporine, lep′o-rÄ«n,adj.pertaining to or resembling the hare. [L.leporinus—lepus,lepÅris, the hare.]
Lepped, lep′d,pa.t.(Spens.) leaped.
Leprechaun,Leprechawn,lep′rē-kawn,n.a small-sized brownie who helps Irish housewives, mends shoes, grinds meal, &c. [Ir.luchorpan,lu, small,corpan,corp, a body—L.corpus.]
Leprosy, lep′ro-si,n.a name applied to several different cutaneous diseases of contagious character, now confined tolepra cutanea,elephantiasis,Græcorum, orLeontiasis.—n.Lep′ra, leprosy: a scurfy, mealy substance on the surface of some plants.—adjs.Lep′rose, scale-like or scurf-like;Lep′rous, affected with leprosy.—adv.Lep′rously.—ns.Lep′rousness,Lepros′ity. [SeeLeper.]
Leptocardian, lep-to-kär′di-an,adj.pertaining to theLeptocardii, the lowest group of true vertebrates, the lancelets.—n.a lancelet, branchiostome, or amphioxus. [Gr.leptos, thin,kardia, heart.]
Leptocephalic, lep-to-se-fal′ik,adj.having a narrow skull, as in certain flat-fishes. [Gr.leptos, thin,kephalē, the head.]
Leptodactyl, lep-to-dak′til,adj.having small or slender toes. [Gr.leptos, thin,daktylos, a finger.]
Leptology, lep-tol′o-ji,n.minute description. [Gr.leptos, thin,logia—legein, to speak.]
Lepton, lep′ton,n.the smallest of modern Greek coins, 100 to the drachma. [Gr.,—leptos, small.]
Leptorrhine, lep′tÅ-rin,adj.with small nose or slender snout. [Gr.leptos, thin,hris,hrinos, nose.]
Leptospermum, lep-to-sper′mum,n.a genus of Australian trees and shrubs, evergreens, with leaves like those of myrtles—the tea-tree, &c. [Gr.leptos, thin,sperma, seed.]
Lere, lēr,n.(Spens.) learning a lesson.—v.t.to learn: to teach. [Learn.]
Lesbian, les′bi-an,adj.pertaining to the island ofLesbosin the Ægean Sea, and the adjoining part of the coast of Asia Minor, together forming Æolis, the home of a famous school of lyric poets, including Alcæus and Sappho: amatory, erotic.
Lese-majestie, lēz′-maj′es-ti,n.any crime committed against the sovereign power in a state, treason.—AlsoLeze′-maj′esty. [O. Fr.,—Low L.læsa majestas—L.læsa—lædĕre, to hurt,majestas, majesty.]
Lesion, lē′zhun,n.a hurt: (med.) an injury or wound. [Fr.,—L.læsion-em—lædĕre,læsum, to hurt.]
Less, les,adj.(serves as comp. oflittle) diminished: smaller.—adv.not so much: in a lower degree.—n.a smaller portion: (B.) the inferior or younger. [A.S.lǽssa, less,lǽs(adv.); comparative form from a rootlasinn, feeble, found also in Goth.lasiws, weak, Ice.las, weakness, not conn. withlittle.]
Lessee, les-sē′,n.one to whom a lease is granted.
Lessen, les′n,v.t.to make less, in any sense: to weaken: to degrade.—v.i.to become less, shrink.
Lesser, les′ėr,adj.(B.) less: smaller: inferior. [A double comp. formed fromless.]
Lesson, les′n,n.a portion of Scripture appointed to be read in divine service: that which a pupil learns at a time: a precept or doctrine inculcated: instruction derived from experience: severe lecture.—v.t.to give a lesson to. [Fr.leçon—L.lection-em—legĕre, to read.]
Lessor, les′or,n.one who grants a lease.
Lest, lest,conj.that not: for fear that. [From the A.S. phraseðý læs ðe(for the reason less that=L.quominus), the first word being dropped, while the others coalesced intolest.]
Lest, lest,v.i.(Spens.) to listen.
Let, let,v.t.to slacken or loose restraint upon: to give leave or power to: to allow, permit, suffer: to grant to a tenant or hirer: to cause (with infin. withoutto):—pr.p.let′ting;pa.t.andpa.p.let.—n.a letting for hire.—ns.Let′ter;Let′ting.—Let alone, to leave out, not to mention.—adj.passive, inactive—alson.(Shak.) forbearance.—Let blood, to open a vein and let the blood run out;Let down, to allow to fall: to bring down;Let go, to cease holding: to pass by or disregard;Let in, to allow to enter: to take in or swindle;Let into, to admit to the knowledge of;Let off, to allow to go free without punishment, to excuse from payment, &c.;Let on, to allow a thing to be believed, to pretend;Let one's self loose, to let go restraint on words or actions, to indulge in extravagant talk or conduct;Let out, to allow to get free, to let some secret become known;Let slip, to allow to escape: to lose sight of;Let well alone, to let things remain as they are from fear of making them worse. [A.S.lǽtan, to permit, pt.t.lét,leót, pp.læten; Ger.lassen, Fr.laisser, to permit.]
Let, let,v.t.(B.) to prevent.—n.(law) hinderance, obstruction: delay.—n.Let′ter. [A.S.lettan, to hinder—læt, slow.]
Letch, lech,n.strong desire: a crotchet.
Lethal, lē′thal,adj.death-dealing: deadly: mortal.—n.Lethe(Shak.), death.—adj.Lethif′erous, carrying death. [L.lethalis—lethum,letum, death.]
Lethargy, leth′ar-ji,n.heavy unnatural slumber: dullness.—v.t.(Shak.) to make lethargic.—adjs.Lethar′gic,-al, pertaining to lethargy: unnaturally sleepy: dull.—adv.Lethar′gically.—n.Lethar′gicness, the state of being lethargic: morbid sleepiness.—v.t.Leth′argise. [Fr.,—L.,—Gr.lēthargia, drowsy forgetfulness—lēthē, forgetfulness.]
Lethe, lē′thÄ“,n.one of the rivers of hell causing forgetfulness of the past to all who drank of it: oblivion.—adj.Lethē′an, of Lethe: oblivious. [Gr.,—lÄ“thÅ, old form oflanthanein, to forget.]
Letter, let′ėr,n.a conventional mark to express a sound: a written or printed message: literal meaning: a printing-type: (pl.) learning, literary culture.—v.t.to stamp letters upon.—ns.Lett′er-bal′ance, a balance for testing the weight of a letter for post;Lett′er-board(print.), board on which matter in type is placed for keeping or convenience in handling;Lett′er-book, a book in which letters or copies of letters are kept;Lett′er-box, a box in a post-office, at the door of a house, &c., for receiving letters;Lett′er-carr′ier, a postman;Lett′er-case, a portable writing-desk.—adj.Lett′ered, marked with letters: educated: versed in literature: belonging to learning (Lettered proofandProof before letters; seeProof).—ns.Lett′erer;Lett′er-found′er, one who founds or casts letters or types;Lett′ering, the act of impressing letters: the letters impressed.—adj.Lett′erless, illiterate.—ns.Lett′er-miss′ive, an official letter on matters of common interest, sent to members of a church: a letter from the sovereign addressed to a dean and chapter, naming the person they are to elect bishop—alsoRoyal letter;Lett′ern(same asLectern);Lett′er-of-cred′it, a letter authorising credit or cash to a certain sum to be paid to the bearer;Lett′er-of-marque(märk), a commission given to a private ship by a government to make reprisals on the vessels of another state.—adj.Lett′er-per′fect, kept in the memory exactly (of an actor's part, &c.).—ns.Lett′erpress, letters impressed or matter printed from type, as distinguished from engraving: a copying-press;Lett′ers-pÄ′tent, a writing conferring a patent or authorising a person to enjoy some privilege, so called because written on open sheets of parchment;Lett′er-stamp, a post-office implement for defacing a postage-stamp: a stamp for imprinting dates, &c., on letters or papers;Lett′er-wood, the heart-wood of a tree found in British Guiana, dark brown, with darker spots somewhat resembling hieroglyphics;Lett′er-writ′er, one who writes letters, esp. for hire: a book containing forms for imitation in writing letters.—Letter of indication(seeCircular);Letters of administration, a document issued by court appointing an administrator of an intestate estate;Letters requisitory, orrogatory, an instrument by which a court of one country asks that of another to take certain evidence on its behalf;Lettre de cachet(seeCachet). [Fr.lettre—L.littera.]
Lettic, let′ik,adj.of or pertaining to theLettsor Lithuanians, or to their language.—AlsoLett′ish.
Letting, let′ing,n.the act of granting to a tenant: the act of giving to a contractor.
Lettuce, let′is,n.a plant containing a milky juice, its leaves used as a salad. [O. Fr.laictuce(Fr.laitue)—L.lactuca—lac, milk.]
Leucæmia, lū-sē′mi-a,n.a disease in which the number of white corpuscles in the blood is greatly increased, with changes in the lymphatic tissues, enlargement of the spleen, &c.—AlsoLeucocythæ′mia. [Gr.leukos, white,haima, blood.]
Leucine, lū′sin,n.a product of the decomposition of albuminous materials occurring in many of the juices of the animal body. [Gr.leukos, white.]
Leuciscus, lū-sis′kus,n.a genus of fresh-water fishes of the Cyprinoid family, including the roach, dace, chub, minnow, &c. [Gr.leukos, white.]
Leucite, lū′sīt,n.a whitish mineral occurring only in volcanic rocks.—adj.Leucit′ic. [Gr.leukos, white.]
Leucocyte, lū′kÅ-sÄ«t,n.a white corpuscle of the blood or lymph (seePhagocyte).—adj.Leucocyt′ic.—ns.Leucocytog′enesis, the production of leucocytes;LeucocytÅ′sis, the presence of an excessive number of white corpuscles in the blood.
Leucocythæmia. SeeLeucæmia.
Leucol, lū′kol,n.an organic base obtained by the distillation of coal-tar. [Gr.leukos, white.]
Leucoma, lÅ«-kÅ′ma,n.a white opacity of the cornea, the result of acute inflammation. [Gr.leukos, white.]
Leucomaine, lū′kÅ-mÄn,n.an alkaloid found in living animal tissue:—opp. toPtomaine(q.v.).
LeucorrhÅ“a, lÅ«-kÅ-rē′a,n.an abnormal mucous or muco-purulent discharge from the vagina, the whites. [Gr.leukos, white,hroia—hrein, to flow.]
Leucosis, lÅ«-kÅ′sis,n.whiteness of skin, pallor.—ns.Leucism(lū′sizm),whiteness resulting from lack of colour, albinism;Leucop′athy, albinism.—adj.Leu′cous, white, albinotic. [Gr.leukos, white.]
Levant, le-vant′,n.the point where the sun rises: the East: the coasts of the Mediterranean east of Italy.—adj.Lev′ant, orLē′vant, eastern.—n.Levant′er, a strong easterly wind in the Levant.—adj.Levant′ine, belonging to the Levant. [Fr.levant—L.levÄre, to raise.]
Levant, le-vant′,v.i.to decamp.—n.Levant′er, one who runs away dishonourably, who dodges paying his bets, &c. [Sp.levantar, to move—L.levÄre, to raise.]
Levator, le-vÄ′tor,n.that which raises (of a muscle):—opp. toDepressor. [L.levÄre, to raise.]
Levee, lev′Ä, lev′ē,le-vē′,n.a morning assembly of visitors: an assembly received by a sovereign or other great personage.—v.t.to attend the levee of. [Fr.lever, to rise.]
Levee, le-vē′,n.an artificial bank, as that of the Lower Mississippi: a quay. [Fr.]
Level, lev′el,n.a horizontal line or surface: a surface without inequalities: proper position: usual elevation: state of equality: the line of direction: an instrument for showing the horizontal.—adj.horizontal: even, smooth: even with anything else: uniform: well-balanced, sound of judgment: in the same line or plane: equal in position or dignity.—v.t.to make horizontal: to make flat or smooth: to make equal: to take aim:—pr.p.lev′elling;pa.t.andpa.p.lev′elled.—ns.Lev′el-cross′ing, orGrade′-cross′ing, a place at which a common road crosses a railway at the same level;Lev′eller, one who levels or makes equal, esp. one of an ultra-republican and revolutionary sect or party which grew up in the parliamentary army in 1647, crushed by Cromwell in 1649;Lev′elling, the act of making uneven surfaces level: the process of finding the differences in level between different points on the surface of the earth by means of aLevelling instrument, consisting of a telescope carrying a parallel and sensitive spirit-level, adjustable by means of screws;Lev′elling-rod,-staff, an instrument used in levelling, in conjunction with a levelling instrument, or with a spirit-level and a telescope.—adv.Lev′elly, evenly.—n.Lev′elness, state of being level, even, or equal.—Level downorup, to lower or raise to the same level or status;Do one's level best(coll.) to do one's utmost. [O. Fr.livel,liveau(Fr.niveau)—L.libella, a plummet, dim. oflibra, a balance.]
Kinds of Levers.
Lever, lē′vÄ—r,n.a bar of metal or other substance turning on a support called the fulcrum or prop, for imparting pressure or motion from a source of power to a resistance—of three kinds, according to the relative positions of the power, weight, and fulcrum: (fig.) anything which exerts influence: any one of various tools on the principle defined above—in surgery, dentistry, &c.: a removable rod or bar inserted in a machine, to be operated by hand leverage.—ns.Lē′verage, the mechanical power gained by the use of the lever: advantage gained for any purpose;Lē′ver-watch, a watch having a vibrating lever in the mechanism of the escapement. [Fr.levier—lever—L.levÄre, to raise.]
Lever, lē′vėr,adv.an obsolete comp. oflief.
Leveret, lev′ėr-et,n.a hare in its first year. [O. Fr.levret(Fr.lièvre)—L.lepus,lepÅris, a hare.]
Leviable, lev′i-a-bl,adj.able to be levied or assessed.
Leviathan, le-vī′a-than,n.(B.) a huge aquatic animal in Job xli., here a crocodile; in Isa. xxvii. 1, apparently the great python of Egyptian monuments: anything of huge size: any huge sea-monster, as in Ps. civ. 26. [Heb.livyÄthÄn—lÄvÄh, to cleave.]
Levigate, lev′i-gÄt,v.t.to make smooth: to grind to a fine, impalpable powder.—adj.made smooth, polished.—adj.Lev′igable, capable of being ground down to fine powder.—n.LevigÄ′tion. [L.lÄ“vigÄre,-Ätum—lÄ“vis, smooth; Gr.leios, akin tolevel.]
Levigate, lev′i-gÄt,v.t.to lighten, belittle. [L.lÄ•vigÄre,-Ätum—lÄ•vis, light.]
Levin, lev′n,n.(Spens.) lightning.—AlsoLev′en.
Levirate, lev′i-rÄt,n.marriage between a man and a childless brother's widow—an obligation amongst the ancient Hebrews.—adj.Levirat′ical.—n.LevirÄ′tion. [L.levir, a brother-in-law.]
Levitation, lev-i-tÄ′shun,n.act of rendering light: the floating in the air of heavy bodies believed in by spiritualists.—v.t.Lev′itate, to cause to float.
Levite, lē′vīt,n.a descendant ofLevi: an inferior priest of the ancient Jewish Church.—adjs.Levit′ic,-al.—adv.Levit′ically.—n.Levit′icus, the third book of the Old Testament.—Levitical degrees, the degrees of kindred within which marriage was forbidden in Lev. xviii. 6-18.
Levity, lev′it-i,n.lightness of weight: lightness of temper or conduct: thoughtlessness: disposition to trifle: vanity. [L.levitat-em—lĕvis, light.]
Levogyrate(Læv-), lÄ“-vÅ-jī′rÄt,adj.causing to turn toward the left hand.—n.LevogyrÄ′tion.—adj.Levogy′rous.
Levulose, lev′ū-lÅs,n.a sugar isomeric with dextrose, but turning the plane of polarisation to the left. [L.lævus, left.]
Levy, lev′i,v.t.to raise: to collect by authority, as an army or a tax:—pr.p.lev′ying;pa.t.andpa.p.lev′ied.—n.the act of collecting by authority: the troops so collected. [L.levÄre, to raise.]
Lew, lū,adj.tepid, lukewarm. [Cf. Ger.lau.]
Lewd, lÅ«d, or lÅÅd,adj.lustful: unchaste: debauched: ignorant, vicious, or bad, so inB.—adv.Lewd′ly.—ns.Lewd′ness;Lewd′ster, one addicted to lewdness. [A.S.lǽwede, ignorant, belonging to the laity, the pa.p. of the verblǽwan, to weaken.]
Lewis, lū′is,n.a contrivance for securing a hold on a block of stone to allow of its being raised by a derrick.—AlsoLew′isson. [Ety. dub.]
Lexicon, leks′i-kon,n.a word-book or dictionary.—adj.Lex′ical, belonging to a lexicon.—adv.Lex′ically.—n.Lexicog′rapher, one skilled in lexicography.—adjs.Lexicograph′ic,-al.—ns.Lexicog′raphist,Lexicol′ogist, one skilled in lexicology;Lexicog′raphy, the art of compiling a dictionary;Lexicol′ogy, that branch of philology which treats of the proper signification and use of words.—adjs.Lexigraph′ic,-al, pertaining to lexigraphy.—n.Lexig′raphy, the art of defining words. [Gr.,—lexis, a word,legein, to speak.]
Ley, lē,n.Same asLea.
Leyden jar, lī′den jär,n.a form of condenser for statical electricity, a glass jar coated inside and outside with tinfoil for two-thirds of its height, the inner coating connected with a metallic knob at the top of the jar, usually by means of a loose chain.
Lherzolite, ler′zÅ-lÄ«t,n.an igneous rock, consisting of a granular aggregate of olivine, pyroxene, enstatite, and picotite. [From LakeLherz.]
Li, lē,n.a Chinese weight, equal to the one-thousandth of a liang or ounce, and nominally to the Japaneserin: a Chinese mile, equal to rather more than one-third of an English mile. [Chinese.]
Liable, lī′a-bl,adj.able to be bound or obliged: responsible: tending to: subject: (Shak.) exposed: suitable.—ns.Liabil′ity, state of being liable: that for which one is liable, an obligation, debt, &c.;Lī′ableness, state of being liable.—Employers' Liability Act, an enactment (1880) making employers answerable to their servants for the negligence of those to whom they have delegated their authority;Limited liability, a principle of modern statute law which attempts to limit the responsibilities of shareholders in a partnership, joint-stock company, &c., by the extent of their personal interest therein. [Fr.lier—L.ligÄre, to bind.]
Liaison, lÄ“-Ä-zong′,n.union, or bond of union: connection, esp. if illicit between the sexes: in French, the linking in pronunciation of a final consonant to the succeeding word, when that begins with a vowel. [Fr.—L.ligation-em—ligÄre, to bind.]
Liana, li-an′a,n.a general name for the woody, climbing, and twining plants in tropical forests. [Fr.liane—lier, to bind—L.ligÄre, to bind.]
Liang, lyang,n.a Chinese ounce or tael, reckoned as one-third heavier than the ounce avoirdupois.
Liar, lī′ar,n.one who lies. [Lie.]
Liard, lī′ard,adj.gray, dapple-gray—(Scot.)Lī′art,Ly′art. [M. E.liard—O. Fr.liard,liart.]
Liard, liär,n.an old French coin, worth 3 deniers.
Lias, lī′as,n.(geol.) a formation of argillaceous limestone, &c., underlying the oolitic system.—adj.Lias′sic, pertaining to the lias formation. [Fr., perh. Bret.liach, a stone, Gael.leac, a stone.]
Lib, lib,v.t.(prov.) to geld, castrate.
Libation, lÄ«-bÄ′shun,n.the pouring forth wine or other liquid in honour of a deity: the liquid poured.—adj.Lī′bant, sipping.—v.t.Lī′bate(rare), to make a libation to.—adj.Lī′batory, pertaining to libation. [L.libation-em—libÄre,-Ätum; Gr.leibein, to pour.]
Libbard, lib′bard,n.(Spens.) a leopard.
Libeccio, li-bech′Å,n.the south-west wind. [It.]
Libel, lī′bel,n.a written accusation: any malicious defamatory publication or statement: (law) the statement of a plaintiff's grounds of complaint against a defendant.—v.t.to defame by a libel: to satirise unfairly: (law) to proceed against by producing a written complaint:—pr.p.lī′belling;pa.t.andpa.p.lī′belled.—ns.Lī′bellant, one who brings a libel;Lī′beller;Lī′belling, defaming.—adj.Lī′bellous, containing a libel: defamatory.—adv.Lī′bellously. [L.libellus, dim. ofliber, a book.]
Liber, lī′ber,n.the bast or inner bark of exogenous plants: a book. [L.]
Liberal, lib′ėr-al,adj.becoming a gentleman: generous: noble-minded: candid: free: free from restraint: general, extensive.—n.one who advocates greater freedom in political institutions.—n.LiberalisÄ′tion, the process of making liberal.—v.t.Lib′eralise, to make liberal, or enlightened: to enlarge.—ns.Lib′eralism, the principles of a Liberal in politics or religion;Liberal′ity, the quality of being liberal: generosity: largeness or nobleness of mind: candour: impartiality.—adv.Lib′erally.—v.t.Lib′erÄte, to set free: to release from restraint, confinement, or bondage.—ns.LiberÄ′tion;LiberÄ′tionist, one who is in favour of church disestablishment;Lib′erÄtor, one who liberates or frees.—adj.Lib′erÄtory, tending to liberate.—Liberal Party, the name adopted by the Whigs (1830) to denote the body formed by their union with the Radicals;Liberal Unionist, one of that section of the Liberal Party which joined the Conservatives from inability to accede to Mr Gladstone's policy of giving Home Rule to Ireland (1886);German Liberals, a party in German politics, formed by the amalgamation of the Progressist party and the Liberal union, and advocating moderate liberalism in opposition to the policy of Prince Bismarck;National Liberals, a party in German politics which before 1871 advocated the completion of governmental unity in Germany, as well as supported progressive measures of reform. [Fr.,—L.liberalis, befitting a freeman—liber, free, akin tolibet,lubet, it pleases.]
Liberty, lib′ėr-ti,n.freedom to do as one pleases: the unrestrained enjoyment of natural rights: power of free choice: privilege: exemption: relaxation of restraint: the bounds within which certain privileges are enjoyed: freedom of speech or action beyond ordinary civility.—ns.LibertÄ′rian, one who believes in free-will as opposed to necessity;LibertÄ′rianism, the doctrine of the freedom of the will, as opposed to necessitarianism;Liber′ticide, a destroyer of liberty;Liber′tinage, debauchery;Lib′ertine, formerly one who professed free opinions, esp. in religion: one who leads a licentious life, a rake or debauchee.—adj.belonging to a freedman: unrestrained: licentious.—n.Lib′ertinism, licentiousness of opinion or practice: lewdness or debauchery.—Liberty of indifference, freedom of the will—because before action the will is undetermined as to acting or not acting;Liberty of the press, liberty to print and publish without previous permission from government.—Cap of liberty(seeBonnet rouge, underBonnet);Religious liberty, the right of thinking about religion or of worshipping as one likes. [Fr.,—L.libertas.]
Libidinous, li-bid′in-us,adj.lustful, lascivious, lewd.—ns.Libid′inist, a lewd person;Libidinos′ity,Libid′inousness.—adv.Libid′inously. [Fr.,—L.libidinosus—libido, desire—libet,lubet, it pleases.]
Libken,lib′ken,n.(slang) a place of abode.
Libra, lī′bra,n.the balance, the seventh sign of the zodiac. [L.]
Library, lī′brar-i,n.a building or room containing a collection of books: a collection of books.—ns.LibrÄ′rian, the keeper of a library;LibrÄ′rianship. [L.librarium—liber, a book.]
Librate, lī′brÄt,v.t.to poise: to balance.—v.i.to move slightly: to be poised.—n.LibrÄ′tion, balancing: a state of equipoise: a slight swinging motion.—adj.Lī′bratory.—Libration of the moon, an apparent irregularity in the moon's motion, whereby its globe seems to turn slightly round to each side alternately. [L.librÄre,-Ätum—libra, balance.]
Libretto, li-bret′Å,n.a book of the words of an opera or other musical composition: the text itself.—n.Librett′ist, a writer of librettos. [It., dim. oflibro—L.liber, a book.]
Libyan, lib′yan,adj.ofLibya, northern Africa from Egypt to the Atlantic.—n.a native thereof.
Lice, līs,pl.oflouse.
License,Licence, lī′sens,n.a being allowed: leave: grant of permission, as for manufacturing a patented article or for the sale of intoxicants: the document by which authority is conferred: excess or abuse of freedom: a departure from rules or standards in art or literature.—v.t.Lī′cense, to grant license to: to authorise or permit.—adj.Lī′censable.—ns.Licensee′, one to whom license is granted;Lī′censer, one who grants license or permission: one authorised to license;Lī′censure, act of licensing;Licen′tiate, among Presbyterians, a person authorised by a Presbytery to preach: on the Continent, an academical dignity, forming the step from the baccalaureate to the doctorate.—adj.Licen′tious, indulging in excessive freedom: given to the indulgence of the animal passions: dissolute.—adv.Licen′tiously.—n.Licen′tiousness.—High license, a mode of regulating the traffic in alcoholic drinks by exacting a comparatively large sum for the privilege of selling such;Special license, license given by the Archbishop of Canterbury permitting the marriage of two specified persons without banns, and at a place and time other than those prescribed by law. [Fr.,—L.licentia—licet.]
Lichen, lī′ken, lich′en,n.one of an order of cellular flowerless plants: an eruption on the skin.—adjs.Lī′chened, covered with lichens;Lichen′ic, pertaining to lichens;Lī′cheniform.—ns.Lī′chenine, a starch-like substance, found in Iceland moss and other lichens;Lī′chenist,Lichenog′rapher, one versed inLichenog′raphy, the description of lichens.—adjs.Lichenograph′ic,-al.—n.Lichenol′ogy, the department of botany relating to lichens.—adj.Lī′chenous, abounding in, or pertaining to, lichens. [L.,—Gr.leichēn—leichein, to lick.]
Lichgate.
Lichgate, lich′gÄt,n.a churchyard gate with a porch to rest the bier under.—ns.Lich′wake, the wake or watch held over a dead body—alsoLikewake,Lykewake, and evenLatewake;Lich′way, the path by which the dead are carried to the grave. [M. E.lich—A.S.lÃc(Ger.leiche),geat, a gate.]
Licit, lis′it,adj.lawful, allowable.—adv.Lic′itly. [L.]
Lick, lik,v.t.to pass the tongue over: to take in by the tongue: to lap: to beat by repeated blows: (coll.) to triumph over, overcome.—n.a passing the tongue over: a slight smear: (Scot.) a tiny amount: a blow: (coll.) an attempt, trial: (pl.,Scot.) a thrashing.—ns.Lick′er;Lick′ing, a thrashing;Lick′penny(Scot.), a miserly person;Lick′-plat′ter,Lick′-trench′er,Lick′spittle, a mean, servile dependent.—Lick into shape, to give form and method to—from the notion that the she-bear gives form to her shapeless young by licking them;Lick the dust, to be slain: to be abjectly servile. [A.S.liccian; Ger.lecken, L.lingĕre, Gr.leichein.]
Lickerish, lik′ėr-ish,adj.dainty: eager to taste or enjoy: tempting.—adv.Lick′erishly.—n.Lick′erishness. [Formerly alsoliquorish; a corr. of obsoletelickerous, lecherous.]
Licorice. Same asLiquorice.
Lictor, lik′tor,n.an officer who attended the Roman magistrates, bearing an axe and bundle of rods. [L.]
Lid, lid,n.a cover: that which shuts a vessel: the cover of the eye.—adjs.Lid′ded, having a lid or lids;Lid′less, without lid or lids. [A.S.hlid(Dut.lid)—hlÃdan, to cover.]
Lie, lī,n.anything meant to deceive: an intentional violation of truth: anything that misleads.—v.i.to utter falsehood with an intention to deceive: to make a false representation:—pr.p.ly′ing;pa.t.andpa.p.lied.—Lie in one's throat, to lie shamelessly;Lie out of whole cloth, to lie without any foundation whatever;Give the lie to, to charge with falsehood;White lie, a conventional phrase not strictly true: a well-meant falsehood. [A.S.leógan(lyge, a falsehood), prov. Eng.lig; Dut.liegen, Goth.liugan, Ger.lügen, to lie.]
Lie, lī,v.i.to rest in a reclining posture: to lean: to press upon: to be situated: to abide: to consist: (law) to be sustainable: (Shak.) to be imprisoned: to lodge, pass the night:—pr.p.ly′ing;pa.t.lay;pa.p.lain, (B.)lī′en.—n.manner of lying: relative position: an animal's lair: (golf) position of the ball for striking.—ns.Lī′er,Lie′-abed′, one who lies late—alsoadj.—Lie along, to be extended at full length;Lie at one's door, to be directly imputable to one;Lie at one's heart, to be an object of interest or affection to one;Lie by, to take rest from labour: (Shak.) to be under the charge of;Lie hard or heavy on,upon, (Shak.) to, to oppress, burden;Lie in, to be in childbed;Lie in one, to be in one's power;Lie in the way, to be ready, at hand: to be an obstacle;Lie in wait, to lie in ambush;Lie low, to conceal one's actions or intentions;Lie on,upon, to be incumbent on;Lie on the hands, to remain unused or unoccupied;Lie over, to be deferred to a future occasion;Lie to, to be checked in sailing;Lie under, to be subject to or oppressed by;Lie up, to abstain from work;Lie with, to lodge or sleep with: to have carnal knowledge of;Lying-in hospital, a hospital for those about to become mothers. [A.S.licgan; Ger.liegen; Goth.ligan.]
Liebig, lē′big,n.a nutritious extract of beef first prepared by the great German chemist, Baron vonLiebig(1803-1873).
Lied, lēt,n.a German ballad, secular or sacred, fitted for singing and often set to music. [Ger.; cf. A.S.leóth, a song.]
Lief, lēf,adj.(arch.) loved, dear.—adv.willingly—now chiefly used in the phrases, 'I had as lief,' 'to have liefer.' [A.S.leóf; Ger.lieb, loved.]
Liege, lēj,adj.free, except as within the relations of vassal and feudal lord: under a feudal tenure.—n.one under a feudal tenure: a vassal: a lord or superior, or one who has lieges.—n.Liege′dom, allegiance.—adj.Liege′less, not subject to a superior.—n.Liege′man, a vassal: a subject. [O. Fr.lige, prob. from Old High Ger.ledic, free (Ger.ledig, free, unfettered),līdan, to depart.]
Lien, lī′en, or lē′en,n.(law) a right in one to retain the property of another to pay a claim. [Fr., tie, band—L.ligamen—ligÄre, to bind.]
Lien, lī′en (B.),pa.p.oflie, to lie down.
Lientery, lī′en-ter-i,n.a form of diarrhœa, with frequent liquid evacuations in which the food is discharged undigested.—adj.Lienter′ic. [Gr.leios, smooth,enteron, an intestine.]
Lierne, li-ern′,n.(archit.) a cross-rib or branch-rib in vaulting. [Fr.]
Lieu, lū,n.place, stead, chiefly in the phrase 'in lieu of.' [Fr.,—L.locus, place.]
Lieutenant, lef-ten′ant,n.one representing or performing the work of another: an officer holding the place of another in his absence: a commissioned officer in the army next below a captain, or in the navy next below a commander and ranking with captain in the army: one holding a place next in rank to a superior, as in the compoundsLieuten′ant-col′onel,Lieuten′ant-gen′eral.—ns.Lieuten′ancy,Lieuten′antship, office or commission of a lieutenant: the body of lieutenants;Lieuten′ant-gov′ernor, in India, the name of the chief official in the provinces of Bengal, Behar, and Orissa, the North-western Provinces, and Oudh, Punjab, and Delhi;Lieuten′ant-gov′ernorship;Lieuten′antry(Shak.), lieutenancy;Lord′-lieuten′ant, the title of the viceroy of Ireland: in the British Isles, a permanent governor of a county appointed by the sovereign, usually a peer or other large land-owner, at the head of the magistracy and the chief executive authority;Sub′-lieuten′ant, formerly mate or passed midshipman, now the intermediate rank in the navy between midshipman and lieutenant.—Field-marshal lieutenant(seeField-marshal). [Fr.; cf.LieuandTenant.]