Plastron, plas′tron,n.a breast-plate: a detachable part of a woman's dress hanging from the throat to the waist: a man's shirt-bosom: a fencer's wadded shield of leather worn on the breast: the ventral part of the shell of a chelonian or testudinate, the lower shell of a turtle or tortoise: the sternum with costal cartilages attached.—adj.Plas′tral.
Plat, plat,v.t.Same asPlait.
Plat, plat,n.a piece of ground: a piece of ground ornamentally laid out: (obs.) a plan, scheme.—v.t.to make a map or plan of.—n.Plat′-band, a border of flowers in a garden: (archit.) a slightly projecting square moulding, an architrave fascia, a list between flutings. [Plot.]
Platane, plat′ān,n.the plane-tree.—AlsoPlat′an. [L.platanus—Gr.platanos—platys, broad.]
Plate, plāt,n.something flat: a thin piece of metal: wrought gold and silver: household utensils in gold and silver: a shallow dish nearly flat: an engraved piece of metal.—v.t.to overlay with a coating of plate or metal: to arm or defend with metal plates: to adorn with metal: to beat into thin plates.—n.Plate′-arm′our, armour of strong metal plates for protecting ships-of-war, &c.—adj.Plā′ted, covered with plates of metal for strength, as ships: covered with a coating of a more precious metal: (zool.) covered with hard scales.—ns.Plate′-fleet(Milt.), vessels used for carrying precious metals;Plate′ful, as much as a plate will hold;Plate′-glass, a fine kind of glass, cast in thick plates, used for mirrors and large shop-windows;Plate′-lay′er, a workman whose occupation it is to lay the rails of a railway and fix them to the sleepers;Plate′-mark, a mark or stamp on gold or silver plate to indicate its purity and the place where it was made;Plate′-pow′der, a composition of rouge and prepared chalk used for cleaning gold and silver plate and plated articles;Plate′-print′ing, the process of printing from engraved plates;Plā′ter, one who plates articles with a coating of gold or silver;Plate′-rack, a frame for holding plates, &c., when not in use;Plate′-warm′er, an apparatus in which plates are warmed before the fire;Plā′ting, the covering of an inferior metal with one of the precious metals: a thin coating of metal on another.—adj.Plā′ty, like a plate.—Half′-plate, in photography, a size of plate measuring 4¾ by 6½ in. (4¼ by 5½ in U.S.);Quar′ter-plate, 3¼ by 4¼ in.;Whole′-plate, 6½ by 8½ in. [O. Fr.plate, fem. ofplat, flat—Gr.platys, broad.]
Plateau, pla-tō′,n.a broad flat space on an elevated position: a tableland:—pl.Plateaus,Plateaux(pla-tōz′).[Fr.,—O. Fr.platel, dim. ofplat.]
Platen, plat′en,n.the flat part of a printing-press which comes down upon the form, and by which the impression is made.
Platform, plat′form,n.a raised level surface: a part of a floor raised above the rest to form a standing-place for speakers, workmen, &c.: (mil.) an elevated floor for cannon: a statement of principles to which a body of men declare their adhesion, and on which they act: (Shak.) a scheme, plan.—v.t.(Milt.) to sketch, plan: (Mrs Browning) to support as on a platform.—ns.Plat′form-bridge(Amer.), a movable gangway between the platforms of two railway carriages;Plat′form-car, a railway car open all round and without a roof;Plat′form-crane, a crane used on a railway platform, or one mounted on a movable truck;Plat′form-scale, a weighing-machine with a flat surface for holding the thing to be weighed.—The platform, the function of public oratory. [Fr.plate-forme, 'flat form.']
Platiasmus, plat-i-as′mus,n.imperfect speech.
Platinum, plat′in-um,n.an important metal of a dim silvery appearance, between gold and silver in value, and very difficult to melt—older namePlat′ina.—adjs.Platin′ic;Platinif′erous.—v.t.Plat′inise, to coat with platinum.—ns.Plat′inoid, one of the metals with which platinum is always found associated—palladium iridium, &c.;Plat′inotype, a method of producing photographs by means of paper coated with a preparation of platinum: a picture so produced.—adj.Plat′inous, containing or consisting of platinum. [Sp.platina—plata, plate.]
Platitude, plat′i-tūd,n.flatness: that which exhibits dullness of thought: an empty remark made as if it were important.—n.Platitudinā′rian, one who indulges in platitudes.—adj.Platitū′dinous. [Fr.,—plat, flat.]
Platonic,-al, plā-ton′ik, -al,adj.pertaining toPlato, the Greek philosopher (about 427-347B.C.), or to his philosophical opinions.—adv.Plāton′ically.—v.t.andv.i.Plā′tonise, to reason like Plato.—ns.Plā′tonism, the philosophical opinions of Plato;Plā′tonist,Plāton′ic, a follower of Plato.—Platonic love, the love of soul for soul, a love into which sensual desire is supposed not to enter at all.
Platoon, pla-tōōn′,n.a number of recruits assembled for exercise—originally a small body of soldiers in a hollow square, to strengthen the angles of a longer formation: a subdivision of a company. [Fr.peloton, a ball, a knot of men—pelote—L.pĭla, a ball.]
Platter, plat′ėr,n.a large flat plate or dish. [M. E.plater—O. Fr.platel—plat, a plate.]
Platting, plat′ing,n.the process of making interwoven work: such work itself.
Platycephalous, plat-i-sef′a-lus,adj.having the vault of the skull flattened.—AlsoPlatycephal′ic.
Platypus, plat′i-poos,n.the duck-bill (q.v.). [Gr.platys, flat,pous, a foot.]
Platyrhine, plat′i-rin,adj.broad-nosed.—n.a platyrhine monkey.
Plaudit, plawd′it,n.a mark of applause: praise bestowed.—adj.Plaud′itory, applauding.—adj.Plaus′ive, applauding, approving: (Shak.) plausible. [Shortened from L.plaudite, praise ye, a call for applause, 2d pers. pl. imper. ofplaudĕre,plausum, to praise.]
Plausible, plawz′i-bl,adj.that may be applauded: seemingly worthy of approval or praise: superficially pleasing: apparently right: fair-spoken: popular.—ns.Plausibil′ity,Plaus′ibleness, an appearance of being right or worthy of approval: that which seems right and true at first sight.—adv.Plaus′ibly. [L.plausibilis—plaudĕre, to praise.]
Plaustral, plä′stral,adj.of or pertaining to a wagon. [L.plaustrum, a wagon.]
Play, plā,v.i.to engage in some amusing exercise: to take part in a game, or a piece of diversion: to gamble: to sport: to trifle: to move irregularly or (mech.) freely: to operate: to act in a theatre: to perform on a musical instrument: to practise a trick: to act a character: to act with repeated strokes.—v.t.to put in motion: to perform upon: to perform: to act a sportive part: to compete with.—n.amusement: any exercise for amusement: a contending for victory or for a prize: practice in a contest: gaming: action or use: manner of dealing, as fair-play: a dramatic composition: movement: room for action or motion: liberty of action.—ns.Play′-act′or, one who acts a part in a play: an actor;Play′-act′orism, the manner or habits of a play-actor;Play′-bill, a bill or advertisement of a play;Play′book, a book of plays or dramas;Play′-club, a wooden-headed golf-club used for driving the ball the longest distances;Play′-day,Play′-time, a day devoted to play: a holiday;Play′er, one who plays: an actor of plays or dramas: a trifler: a musician: a professional at cricket;Play′fellow,Play′mate, a fellow or mate in play or amusements.—adj.Play′ful, given to play: sportive.—adv.Play′fully.—ns.Play′fulness;Play′-gō′er, one who habitually attends the theatre;Play′-gō′ing;Play′-ground, a ground or place on which to play, esp. that connected with a school;Play′-house, a house where dramatic performances are represented: a theatre;Play′ing-card, one of a set of fifty-two cards used in playing games;Play′-mare, the hobby-horse, one of the chief parts in the ancient morris-dance;Play′thing, anything for playing with: a toy;Play′wright,Play′-writ′er, a writer of plays: one who adapts dramatic compositions for the stage.—Played out, worked to the end: used up: tired;Play fast and loose, to act in a tricky, inconstant way: to say one thing and do another;Play fine, at billiards, to strike the object-ball near the edge—opp. toPlay full, to strike it nearer the centre than the edge;Play off, to show or display;Play up, to make a beginning of playing: to play more vigorously;Play upon, to trifle with: to delude.—A play upon words, a use of words so as to give them a double meaning;Bring into play, to bring into exercise or use;Come into play, to come into use;Hold in play, to keep the attention of. [A.S.plegan, to play.]
Plea, plē,n.the defender's answer to the plaintiff's demand or charge: an excuse: an apology: an action in a court of law: urgent entreaty. [O. Fr.plait(Fr.plaid)—Low L.placitum, a decision—L.placet, it pleases,placēre, to please.]
Pleach, plēch,v.t.to intertwine the branches of, as a hedge: (Shak.) to fold, as the arms. [O. Fr.plesser—L.plec-tĕre, plait; Gr.plek-ein, weave.]
Plead, plēd,v.i.to carry on a plea or lawsuit: to argue in support of a cause against another: to seek to persuade: to admit or deny a charge of guilt.—v.t.to discuss by arguments: to allege in pleading or defence: to offer in excuse:—pa.t.andpa.p.plead′ed,or (less correctly and coll.) pled.—adj.Plead′able, capable of being pleaded.—n.Plead′er.—adj.Plead′ing, imploring.—n.act of pleading or of conducting any cause: (pl.) the statements of the two parties in a lawsuit (law).—adv.Plead′ingly.—Plead guilty, ornot guilty, to admit, or deny, guilt.—Special pleading, unfair argument aiming rather at victory than at truth. [O. Fr.plaider; cf.Plea.]
Please, plēz,v.t.to give pleasure to: to delight: to satisfy.—v.i.to like: to think fit: to choose: to give pleasure: used impers., followed by an object, originally dative, of the person=if it please you.—n.Pleas′ance, merriment: a pleasure garden.—adj.Pleas′ant, pleasing: agreeable: cheerful: gay: facetious.—adv.Pleas′antly.—ns.Pleas′antness;Pleas′antry, anything that promotes pleasure: merriment: lively or humorous talk: a trick:—pl.Pleas′antries;Please′man(Shak.), an officious fellow, a pick-thank;Pleas′er, one who pleases or gratifies.—adj.Pleas′ing, giving pleasure: agreeable: gratifying.—n.(Shak.) pleasure given: (B.) approbation.—adv.Pleas′ingly.—n.Pleas′ingness, the quality of giving pleasure.—adj.Pleas′urable, able to give pleasure: delightful: gratifying.—n.Pleas′urableness.—adv.Pleas′urably.—n.Pleasure(plezh′ūr),agreeable emotions: gratification of the senses or of the mind: what the will prefers: purpose: command: approbation.—v.t.(arch.) to give pleasure to.—ns.Pleas′ure-boat, a boat used for pleasure or amusement;Pleas′ure-ground, ground laid out in an ornamental manner for pleasure;Pleas′ure-house, a house to which one retires for recreation or pleasure.—adj.Pleas′ureless.—ns.Pleas′urer, one who seeks pleasure;Pleas′ure-trip, an excursion for pleasure.—At pleasure, whenever and as one pleases. [O. Fr.plaisir(Fr.plaire)—L.placēre, to please.]
Pleat, plēt,v.t.Same asPlait.
Plebeian, plē-bē′an,adj.pertaining to, or consisting of, the common people: popular: vulgar.—n.originally one of the common people of ancient Rome: one of the lower classes.—v.t.Plebei′anise.—ns.Plebei′anism, state of being a plebeian: the conduct or manners of plebeians: vulgarity;Plebificā′tion, the act of making plebeian.—v.t.Pleb′ify, to make plebeian: to vulgarise. [Fr.plébéien—L.plebeius—plebs,plebis, the common people.]
Plebiscite, pleb′i-sīt,n.a decree of an entire nation, obtained by an appeal to universal suffrage, as in France under Napoleon III.: a method of obtaining an expression of opinion upon a certain point from the inhabitants of a district—alsoPlebiscī′tum:—pl.Pleb′iscites,Plebis′cita.—adj.Pleb′iscitary. [Fr.,—L.plebiscitum, decree of the people—plebs, the people,scitum, a decree—scīre, to know.]
Plebs, plebz,n.the common people. [L.]
Plectognathi, plek-tog′nā-thī,n.an order of bony fishes, including file-fishes, globe-fishes, coffer-fishes, sun-fishes.—adjs.Plectognath′ic,Plectog′nathous. [Gr.plectos, plaited,gnathos, a jaw.]
Plectrum, plek′trum,n.the quill or other form of instrument by which the strings of the Greek lyre were struck.—AlsoPlec′tre,Plec′tron. [L.—Gr.,—plēssein, to strike.]
Pled, pled,pa.t.andpa.p.ofplead.
Pledge, plej,n.something given as a security: one who becomes surety for another: a sentiment of goodwill or friendship expressed by drinking together.—v.t.to give as security: to engage for by promise: to invite to drink by partaking of the cup first: to drink to the health of.—ns.Pledgee′, the person to whom a thing is pledged;Pledg′er.—Pledge card, a card given, as a remembrancer, to a person who has signed the total abstinence pledge;Pledge cup, a cup for drinking pledges.—Hold in pledge, to keep as security;Put in pledge, to pawn;Take, orSign,the pledge, to give a written promise to abstain from intoxicating liquor. [O. Fr.plege(Fr.pleige); prob. L.præbēre, to afford.]
Pledget, plej′et,n.a wad of lint, cotton, &c., as for a wound or sore: an oakum string used in caulking.
Pleiad, plī′ad,n.one of the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione, after death changed into stars:—pl.Plei′ads,Plei′ades, (astron.) a group of seven or more stars in the shoulder of the constellation Taurus.
Pleiocene. Same asPliocene.
Pleiochroism, plī-ok′rō-izm,n.the property in some crystals, such as some species of topaz, where three distinct colours may be observed on looking through them along three rectangular axes.—AlsoPol′ychrōism. [Gr.pleiōn,pleōn, more,chroa, colour.]
Pleistocene, plīs′tō-sēn,n.(geol.) the name given to the system comprising the older accumulations belonging to the Quaternary or Post-Tertiary division. [Gr.pleistos, most,kainos, recent.]
Plenary, plē′nā-ri,adj.full: entire: complete: (law) passing through all its stages—opp. toSummary: having full powers.—adv.Plen′arily.—ns.Plen′ariness;Plē′narty, the state of a benefice when occupied;Plē′nist, one who believes all space to be filled with matter;Plen′itude, fullness: completeness: repletion;Plē′num, space considered as in every part filled with matter.—Plenary inspiration, inspiration which excludes all mixture of error. [Low L.plenarius—L.ple-nus, full—plēre, to fill.]
Plenicorn, plen′i-korn,adj.solid-horned, as a ruminant.
Plenilunar, plen-i-lū′nar,adj.pertaining to the full moon.
Plenipotence, plē-nip′o-tens,n.complete power—alsoPlenip′otency.—adj.Plenip′otent, having full power. [L.plenus, full,potens,-entis, powerful.]
Plenipotentiary, plen-i-po-ten′shi-a-ri,adj.conferring or having full powers.—n.a person invested with full powers, esp. a special ambassador or envoy to some foreign court. [Low L.plenipotentiarius—L.plenus, full,potens, powerful.]
Plenish, plen′ish,v.t.to furnish: to provide, as a house or farm, with necessary furniture, implements, stock, &c.—n.Plen′ishing(Scot.), furniture. [Fr.,—L.plenus, full.]
Plenty, plen′ti,n.a full supply: all that can be needed: abundance.—adj.being in abundance.—adj.Plen′tēous, fully sufficient: abundant: fruitful: well provided: rich: (B.) giving plentifully.—adv.Plen′tēously.—n.Plen′tēousness.—adj.Plen′tiful, copious: abundant: yielding abundance.—adv.Plen′tifully.—n.Plen′tifulness.—Horn of plenty(seeHorn). [O. Fr.plente—L.plenus, full.]
Pleonasm, plē′o-nazm,n.use of more words than are necessary: (rhet.) a redundant expression.—n.Plē′onast, one who is given to pleonasm.—adjs.Pleonas′tic,-al, redundant: using too many words.—adv.Pleonas′tically. [Gr.pleonasmos—pleiōn, more.]
Pleroma, plē-rō′ma,n.fullness: abundance: in Gnosticism, divine being, including all æons which emanate from it. [Gr.,—plērēs, full.]
Plerophory, plē-rof′ō-ri,n.full conviction.—AlsoPlerophō′ria.
Plesh, plesh,n.(Spens.) a plash, a pool of water.
Plesiomorphism, plē-si-ō-mor′fizm,n.the property of certain substances of crystallising in similar forms while unlike in chemical composition—alsoIsogonism.—adjs.Plesiomor′phic,Plesiomor′phous.
Plesiosaurus, plē-zi-o-saw′rus,n.the type or leading genus of a family (Plesiosauridæ) of fossil sea-reptiles, which are characteristic of the Mesozoic systems. [Gr.plēsios, near,sauros, lizard.]
Plethora, pleth′o-ra,n.excessive fullness of blood: over-fullness in any way.—adjs.Plethore′tic,Plethor′ic,-al, afflicted with plethora: superabundant: turgid.—adv.Plethor′ically. [Gr.plēthōrē, fullness—pleos, full.]
Pleugh, plūh,n.(Scot.) a plough.—n.Pleugh′-paid′le(Scot.), a small spade or 'paddle' for cleaning a plough.
Pleura, plōō′ra,n.a delicate serous membrane which covers the lungs and lines the cavity of the chest:—pl.Pleu′ræ.—adj.Pleu′ral.—ns.Pleurapoph′ysis, a lateral process of a vertebra, with the morphological character of a rib:—pl.Pleurapoph′yses;Pleurench′yma(bot.), the woody tissue of plants;Pleu′risy, inflammation of the pleura, the investing membrane of the lung;Pleu′risy-root, a plant common in the United States, of which the root has medicinal repute, the infusion being used as a diaphoretic and expectorant.—adjs.Pleurit′ic,-al, pertaining to, or affected with, pleurisy: causing pleurisy.—ns.Pleurī′tis, pleurisy;Pleurodyn′ia, neuralgia of the chest-wall, which may simulate closely the pain of pleurisy;Pleu′ro-pneumō′nia, inflammation of the pleura and lungs, a contagious disease peculiar to cattle. [Gr., a rib.]
Pleuronectidæ, plōō-ro-nek′ti-dē,n.pl.a family of flat-fishes, the flounders. [Gr.pleura, the side,nēktēs, a swimmer.]
Pleximeter, pleks-im′e-tėr,n.a small plate of something hard and elastic, placed on the body, to receive the tap of the fingers or of the hammer in examination by percussion—alsoPlexom′eter.—adj.Pleximet′ric. [Gr.plēxis, a striking—plēssein, to strike,metron, a measure.]
Plexure, pleks′ūr,n.the act or process of weaving together: that which is woven together.—adj.Plex′iform, in the form of network: formed into a plexus.—n.Plex′us, a number of things, as veins, nerves, &c., woven together: a network: (anat.) an interlacing of nerves, vessels, or fibres. [L.plexus, a twining—plectĕre,plexum, to twine.]
Pliable, plī′a-bl,adj.easily bent or folded: supple: easily persuaded: yielding to influence.—ns.Pliabil′ity,Plī′ableness, quality of being pliable or flexible.—adv.Plī′ably, in a pliable manner.—ns.Plī′ancy,Plī′antness, the state of being pliant: readiness to be influenced.—adj.Plī′ant, bending easily: flexible: tractable: easily influenced.—adv.Plī′antly. [Fr.pliable—L.plicāre, to fold.]
Plica, plī′ka,n.in the phrasePlica Polonica, a disease of the scalp, in which the hairs become matted together by an adhesive and often fetid secretion, occurring in several countries, but esp. in Poland. [L.plicāre, to fold.]
Plicate,-d, plī′kāt, -ed,adj.folded like a fan, as a leaf: plaited.—adv.Plī′cātely.—ns.Plicā′tion,Plic′ature, act or process of folding: state of being folded: a fold. [L.plicatus—plicāre, to fold.]
Pliers, plī′ėrz,n.pl.small pincers for bending.
Plight, plīt,n.something exposed to risk: security: pledge: engagement: promise.—v.t.to pledge: to promise solemnly: to give as security.—n.Plight′er, one who, or that which, plights. [A.S.pliht, risk, danger—plión, to imperil; cog. with Dut.pligt, Ger.pflicht, an obligation.]
Plight, plīt,n.condition: state (either good or bad). [O. Fr.plite—L.plicitus,plicāre, to fold.]
Plight, plīt,v.t.to plait, to braid, to weave.—n.(Spens.) a plait, a fold. [L.plectĕre, freq. ofplicäre, to fold.]
Plim, plim,v.i.(prov.) to swell. [Plump.]
Plimsoll's mark. SeeLoad-line, underLoad.
Plinth, plinth,n.(archit.) the square at the bottom of the base of a column: the projecting band at the bottom of a wall. [L.plinthus, Gr.plinthos, a brick.]
Pliocene, plī′o-sēn,n.(geol.) the strata more recent than the Miocene or Second Tertiary. [Gr.pleiōn, more,kainos, recent.]
Pliskie, plis′ki,n.(Scot.) condition or plight: a mischievous trick.
Plod, plod,v.i.to travel slowly and steadily: to study or work on steadily: to toil.—v.t.to get along by slow and heavy walking:—pr.p.plod′ding;pa.t.andpa.p.plod′ded.—n.Plod′der, one who plods on: a dull, heavy, laborious man.—adj.Plod′ding, laborious but slow.—n.slow movement: patient study.—adv.Plod′dingly. [Orig. 'to wade through pools,' from Ir.plod, a pool.]
Plonge, plonj,n.the descending part of the path of a bomb: the superior slope of a parapet.—AlsoPlon′gée.
Plonge, plonj,v.t.to cleanse, as open sewers, by stirring with a pole when the tide is ebbing.
Plop, plop,v.i.to plump into water. [Imit.]
Plot, plot,n.a small piece of ground: a plan of a field, &c., drawn on paper: a patch or spot on clothes.—v.t.to make a plan of:—pr.p.plot′ting;pa.t.andpa.p.plot′ted.[A.S.plot.]
Plot, plot,n.a complicated scheme, esp. for a mischievous purpose: a conspiracy: stratagem: the chain of incidents which are gradually unfolded in the story of a play, &c.—v.i.to scheme: to form a scheme of mischief: to conspire.—v.t.to devise:—pr.p.plot′ting;pa.t.andpa.p.plot′ted.—adj.Plot′ful.—adj.Plot′-proof, safe from any danger by plots.—ns.Plot′ter, one who plots: a conspirator;Plot′ting.—adv.Plot′tingly. [Fr.complot, acc. to Diez, from L.complicitum, pa.p. ofcomplicāre, to fold.]
Plot, plot,v.t.(Scot.) to scald, steep in very hot water.—n.Plot′tie, a kind of mulled wine.
Plotter, plot′ėr,v.i.to plouter (q.v.).
Plough, plow,n.an instrument for turning up the soil to prepare it for seed: tillage: a joiner's plane for making grooves.—v.t.to turn up with the plough: to make furrows or ridges in: to tear: to divide: to run through, as in sailing: (university slang) to reject in an examination.—v.i.to work with a plough.—adj.Plough′able, capable of being ploughed: arable.—ns.Plough′boy, a boy who drives or guides horses in ploughing;Plough′er;Plough′gate(Scots law), a quantity of land of the extent of 100 acres Scots;Plough′ing;Plough′-ī′ron, the coulter of a plough;Plough′-land, land suitable for tillage: as much land as could be tilled with one plough, a hide of land;Plough′man, a man who ploughs: a husbandman: a rustic:—pl.Plough′men;Plough′-Mon′day, the Monday after Twelfth Day when, according to the old usage, the plough should be set to work again after the holidays;Plough′-tail, the end of a plough where the handles are;Plough′-tree, a plough-handle;Plough′wright, one who makes and mends ploughs.—Put one's hand to the plough, to begin an undertaking.—Snow plough, a strong triangular frame of wood for clearing snow off roads, railways, &c., drawn by horses or by a locomotive;Steam plough, a plough driven by a stationary steam-engine;The Plough, the seven bright stars in the constellation of the Great Bear. [Ice.plógr; perh. Celt., Gael.ploc, a block.]
Ploughshare, plow′shār,n.the part of a plough which shears or cuts the ground in the bottom of the furrow. [Plough, and A.S.scear, a share of a plough, a shearing—sceran, to cut.]
Plouter, plow′tėr,v.i.to paddle in water.—n.(Scot.) a paddling or dabbling in water.
Plover, pluv′ėr,n.a well-known wading bird. [Fr.pluvier—L.pluvia, rain.]
Plow, plow. Old spelling ofplough.
Ploy, ploi,n.employment: (Scot.) a frolic. [Employ.]
Pluck, pluk,v.t.to pull off or away: to snatch: to strip, as a fowl of its feathers: (slang) to reject an examinee as inefficient.—n.a single act of plucking.—n.Pluck′er.—Pluck off(Shak.), to abate from the rank;Pluck up, to pull out by the roots: to summon up, as courage. [A.S.pluccian; akin to Dut.plukken, Ger.pflücken.]
Pluck, pluk,n.the heart, liver, and lungs of an animal—hence heart, courage, spirit.—adjs.Plucked,Pluck′y, having pluck or spirit.—adv.Pluck′ily.—n.Pluck′iness.
Pluffy, pluf′i,adj.puffy: blown out.—n.Pluff(Scot.), a puff of smoke or dust.—v.t.to throw out such.
Plug, plug,n.a block or peg used to stop a hole: a bung: a stopper: a branch from a water-pipe to supply a hose: a flat cake of tobacco: any worn-out or useless article: (slang) a silk hat.—v.t.to stop with a plug: to drive plugs into:—pr.p.plug′ging;pa.t.andpa.p.plugged.—ns.Plug′ger, one who, or that which, plugs, esp. a dentist's instrument for filling a hollow tooth;Plug′ging, the act of stopping with a plug: the material of which a plug is made;Plug′-ug′ly, a street ruffian.—Fire plug, a contrivance by means of which a hose can be fixed to a water-main in case of fire. [Dut.plug, a bung, a peg (Sw.plugg, a peg, Ger.pflock); most prob. Celt., as in Ir., Gael., and W.ploc.]
Plum, plum,n.a well-known stone fruit of various colours, of the natural orderRosaceæ: the tree producing it: the best part of all: a sum of £100,000, a handsome fortune.—ns.Plum′-cake, a cake containing raisins, currants, &c.;Plum′-duff, a flour-pudding boiled with raisins.—adj.Plum′my, full of plums: desirable.—ns.Plum′-porr′idge, an antiquated dish, of porridge with plums, raisins, &c.;Plum′-pudd′ing, a national English dish made of flour and suet, with raisins, currants, and various spices. [A.S.plúme—L.prunum—Gr.prounon.]
Plumage, plōōm′āj,n.the whole feathers of a bird. [Fr.,—plume, a feather.]
Plumb, plum,n.a mass of lead or other material, hung on a string, to show the perpendicular position: the perpendicular direction or position.—adj.perpendicular.—adv.perpendicularly.—v.t.to adjust by a plumb-line: to make perpendicular: to sound the depth of, as water by a plumb-line.—n.Plumb′-bob, a conoid-shaped metal weight at the end of a plumb-line.—adjs.Plum′bēan,Plum′bēous, consisting of, or resembling, lead: stupid;Plumb′ic, pertaining to, or obtained from, lead;Plumbif′erous, producing lead.—n.Plumb′ing, the art of casting and working in lead, &c.—adj.Plumb′less, incapable of being sounded.—ns.Plumb′-line, a line to which a mass of lead is attached to show the perpendicular: a plummet;Plumb′-rule, a narrow board with a plumb-line fastened to the top, used to determine a perpendicular. [Fr.plomb—L.plumbum, lead.]
Plumbagineæ, plum-ba-jin′ē-ē,n.pl.a natural order of oxogenous plants found on seashores and salt-marshes.
Plumbago, plum-bā′go,n.a mineral composed of carbon, iron, and other materials, used for pencils, &c., popularly called 'blacklead:' graphite: a genus of plants with blue or violet flowers.—adj.Plumbag′inous. [L.plumbum, lead.]
Plumber, plum′ėr,n.one who works in lead, esp. one who fits into buildings the tanks, pipes, and fittings for conveying water, gas, and sewage.—ns.Plumb′er-block, a metal frame or case for holding the end of a revolving shaft: a pillow-block;Plumb′ery, articles of lead: the business of a plumber: a place for plumbing.
Plume, plōōm,n.a feather: a tuft of feathers: a feather worn as an ornament: a crest: a token of honour: a prize in a contest.—v.t.to dress the feathers of, as a bird: to adorn with plumes: to strip of feathers: to boast (used reflexively).—ns.Plumassier(plōō-ma-sēr′),one who prepares or deals in plumes;Plume′-bird, a term sometimes given to theEpimachidæor long-tailed birds-of-Paradise.—adjs.Plumed, adorned with feathers;Plume′less.—n.Plume′let, a down-feather, a plumule: anything resembling a small plume.—adj.Plume′-plucked, stripped of plumes: (Shak.) humbled.—n.Plum′ery, a display of plumes.—adjs.Plumig′erous, plumaged;Plu′miped, having feathered feet.—n.Plu′mist, a feather-dresser.—adjs.Plu′mose,Plu′mous, feathery: plume-like;Plu′my, covered or adorned with plumes. [O. Fr.,—L.pluma, a small soft feather.]
Plummer,Plummery. SeePlumber,Plumbery.
Plummet, plum′et,n.a weight of lead hung at a string, used for ascertaining the direction of the earth's attraction, and for sounding depths: a plumb-line. [O. Fr.plomet, dim. ofplom, lead.]
Plump, plump,adv.falling straight downward (like lead): heavily: suddenly.—adj.downright: unqualified.—v.i.to fall or sink suddenly: to give all one's votes to one candidate where there are more than one to be elected.—v.t.to cause to fall suddenly.—n.(Scot.) a sudden downfall of rain.—n.Plump′er, a vote given to one candidate only when more than one are to be elected: one who so votes: (slang) a downright lie.—adv.Plump′ly, fully, without reserve. [Plumb.]
Plump, plump,adj.fat and rounded: sleek: in good condition.—v.i.to grow fat or plump: to swell.—v.t.to make plump: to fatten.—ns.Plump′er, a ball kept in the mouth to give the cheeks a rounded appearance;Plump′ness.—adj.Plump′y(Shak.), plump, fat. [Teut.; Dut.plomp, lumpish, Ger.plump.]
Plump, plump,n.a cluster: a clump (of persons or things).
Plumularia, plōō-mū-lā′ri-a,n.a genus of hydrozoa, belonging to the divisionhydroidea.—adj.Plumulā′rian. [L.plumula, a little feather.]
Plumule, plōō′mūl,n.(bot.) the first bud of a plant growing from seed, springing from between the cotyledons or seed leaves: a soft feather: a feathery scale on a butterfly's wing.—AlsoPlum′ula. [L.plumula, dim. ofpluma, a feather.]
Plunder, plun′dėr,v.t.to seize the goods of another by force: to pillage.—n.that which is seized by force: booty: (U.S.) household goods.—ns.Plun′derage, the stealing of goods on board ship;Plun′derer.—adj.Plun′derous. [Ger.plündern, to pillage—plunder, trash, baggage; akin to Low Ger.plunnen, rags.]
Plunge, plunj,v.t.to cast suddenly into water or other fluid: to force suddenly (into): to immerse.—v.i.to sink suddenly into any fluid: to dive: to pitch suddenly forward and throw up the hind-legs, as a horse: to rush into any danger: (slang) to gamble recklessly.—n.act of plunging: act of rushing headlong, as a horse.—n.Plung′er, one who plunges: a diver: a long solid cylinder used as a forcer in pumps: (mil.) a cavalry-man: one who bets heavily.—adj.Plung′ing, rushing headlong: aimed from higher ground, as fire upon an enemy.—n.the putting or sinking under water, or other fluid: the act of a horse trying to throw its rider.—Plunge bath, a bath large enough to allow the whole body under water. [O. Fr.plonger—L.plumbum, lead.]
Pluperfect, plōō′pėr-fekt,adj.(gram.) noting that an action happened before some other past action referred to. [A corr. of L.plus-quam-perfectum, (lit.)more thanorbefore perfect.]
Plural, plōō′ral,adj.containing or expressing more than one.—n.(gram.) the form denoting more than one.—n.Pluralisā′tion.—v.t.Plu′ralise, to make plural.—v.i.to hold two or more benefices simultaneously.—ns.Plu′ralism, the state of being plural: the holding by one person of more than one office at once, esp. applied to ecclesiastical livings;Plu′ralist, one who holds more than one office at one time;Plural′ity, the state of being plural: a number consisting of more than one: the majority: the holding of more than one benefice at one time: the living held by a pluralist.—adv.Plu′rally. [Fr.,—L.pluralis—plus,pluris, more.]
Pluriliteral, plōō-ri-lit′ėr-al,adj.containing more letters than three.
Plurilocular, plōō-ri-lok′ū-lar,adj.multilocular.
Pluriparous, plōō-rip′a-rus,adj.having several young at a birth.—n.Plurip′ara, one who has borne two or more children.
Pluripresence, plōō-ri-prez′ens,n.presence in more places than one. [L.plus, more,præsentia, presence.]
Plurisy, plōōr′i-si,n.(Shak.) superabundance. [L.plus,pluris, more.]
Plus, plus,adj.more: to be added: positive.—n.the sign (+) prefixed to positive quantities, and set between quantities or numbers to be added together: the sign of addition—opp. toMinus. [L.plus, more.]
Plush, plush,n.a variety of cloth woven like velvet, but differing from it in having a longer and more open pile.—adj.Plush′y, of or resembling plush. [Fr.peluche, through Low L., from L.pilus, hair. SeePile, a hairy surface.]
Plutocracy, plōō-tok′ra-si,n.government by the wealthy.—n.Plu′tocrat.—adj.Plutocrat′ic.—ns.Plutol′ogist;Plutol′ogy, the science of wealth: political economy. [Gr.ploutokratia—ploutos, wealth,kratia—kratein, to rule.]
Plutonian, plōō-tō′ni-an,adj.infernal: dark: (geol.) formed by the agency of heat at a depth below the surface of the earth, as granite—alsoPluton′ic.—ns.Plu′tonism;Plu′tonist.—Plutonic action, the action of volcanic fires under the surface;Plutonic rocks, rocks formed under the surface by the action of fire, as granite, porphyry, &c.;Plutonic theory, the theory that the present state of the earth's crust is the result of the action of fire—opp. toNeptunian theory. [L.,—Gr.Ploutōnios—Ploutōn, Pluto, the god of the nether world.]
Pluvial, plōō′vi-al,adj.pertaining to rain: rainy.—ns.Plu′viograph, a self-recording rain-gauge;Pluviom′eter, an instrument for measuring the amount of rain that falls.—adjs.Pluviomet′ric,-al;Plu′vious, rainy. [Fr.,—pluvialis—pluvia, rain.]
Ply, plī,v.t.to work at steadily: to use diligently: to urge: to address with importunity.—v.i.to work steadily: to go in haste: to make regular passages, as a boat, between two ports: (naut.) to make way against the wind:—pa.t.andpa.p.plied.—n.a fold: bent: direction.—n.Ply′er. [O. Fr.plier, to fold—L.plicāre, to bend.]
Plyers. Same asPliers.
Plymouth Brethren, plim′uth breth′ren,n.pl.a rigid religious sect, originating atPlymouthabout 1830, out of a reaction against High Church principles and against a dead formalism associated with unevangelical doctrine.—n.Plym′outhism.
Pneuma, nū′ma,n.breath: spirit, soul. [Gr.]
Pneumatic,-al, nū-mat′ik, -al,adj.relating to air: consisting of air: moved by air or wind.—n.(coll.) a bicycle fitted with pneumatic tires.—adv.Pneumat′ically.—n.sing.Pneumat′ics, the science which treats of air and other elastic fluids or gases.—adj.Pneumatolog′ical.—ns.Pneumatol′ogist, one versed in pneumatology;Pneumatol′ogy, the science of elastic fluids: pneumatics: the branch of philosophy which treats of spirits or mind: (theol.) the doctrine of the Holy Spirit;Pneumatom′eter,Pneumom′eter, an instrument for measuring the quantity of air inhaled into the lungs at a single inspiration.—adj.Pneumogas′tric, pertaining to the lungs and the stomach.—n.Pneumō′nia, inflammation of the tissues of the lungs—alsoPneu′monī′tis.—adj.Pneumon′ic, pertaining to the lungs.—n.a medicine for lung diseases.—Pneumatic despatch, a method of sending letters, telegrams, and small parcels through tubes by means of compressed air;Pneumatic railway, a railway along which the carriages are driven by compressed air;Pneumatic trough, a trough of wood or iron, filled with water and used for collecting gases for experiment or examination;Pneumatic tire, a flexible air-inflated tube used as a tire on cycles, &c. [L.,—Gr.pneumatikos—pneum-a,-atos, wind, air—pnein, to blow, to breathe.]
Pnyx, niks,n.in ancient Athens, the public place of meeting for deliberation on political affairs: the assembly. [Gr.,—pyknos, crowded.]
Poaceæ, pō-ā′sē-ē,n.pl.a division of the orderGramineæ, the grasses.—n.Pō′a, a genus of grasses. [Gr.poa, grass.]
Poach, pōch,v.t.to dress eggs by breaking them into boiling water. [Perh. Fr.pocher, to put in a pocket—poche, pouch.]
Poach, pōch,v.i.to intrude on another's preserves in order to steal game.—v.t.to steal game.—ns.Poach′er, one who poaches or steals game: the widgeon, from its habit of stealing the prey of other ducks;Poach′ing. [O. Fr.pocher, orig. to pocket—poche, pouch.]
Poach, pōch,v.t.to stab: poke: to tread on, and make slushy.—n.Poach′iness.—adj.Poach′y, wet and soft. [O. Fr.pocher, to poke.]
Pochard, pō′chard,n.a genus of diving ducks which are marine during the greater part of the year. [Poacher, the widgeon.]
Pock, pok,n.a small elevation of the skin containing matter, as in smallpox.—adjs.Pocked,Pock′y, infected with, or marked by, smallpox.—ns.Pock′mark,Pock′pit, the mark, pit, or scar left by a pock.—adj.Pock′pitted. [A.S.poc, a pustule; Ger.pocke, Dut.pok. The correct pl. form waspocks, erroneouslypox, and treated as singular.]
Pocket, pok′et,n.a little pouch or bag, esp. one attached to a dress or to a billiard table: any cavity in which anything can lie: in mining, an irregular cavity filled with veinstone and ore: money, as being carried in the pocket: a bag of wool, &c., containing about 168 lb.—v.t.to put in the pocket: to take stealthily: to conceal:—pr.p.pock′eting;pa.t.andpa.p.pock′eted.—ns.Pock′et-book, a note-book: a book for holding papers or money carried in the pocket: a book for frequent perusal, to be carried in the pocket;Pock′et-bor′ough(seeBorough);Pock′et-cloth, a pocket-handkerchief;Pock′etful, as much as a pocket will hold;Pock′et-glass, a small looking-glass for the pocket;Pock′et-hand′kerchief, a handkerchief carried in the pocket;Pock′et-hole, the opening into a pocket;Pock′et-knife, a knife with one or more blades folding into the handle for carrying in the pocket;Pock′et-mon′ey, money carried for occasional expenses;Pock′et-pick′ing, act or practice of picking the pocket;Pock′et-pis′tol, a pistol carried in the pocket: a small travelling flask for liquor.—Pocket an insult,affront, &c., to submit to or put up with it;Pocket edition, a small portable edition of a standard book.—In pocket, in possession of money;Out of pocket, to lose money by a transaction;Pick a person's pocket, to steal from his pocket. [Fr.pochette, dim. ofpoche, pouch.]
Pockmanty, pok-man′ti,n.(Scot.) portmanteau.
Pococurante, pō-kō-kōō-ran′te,n.a careless or inattentive person.—ns.Pococurant′ism, carelessness: inaccuracy;Pococurant′ist. [It.poco, little,curare, to care.]
Poculiform, pok′ū-li-form,adj.cup-shaped. [L.poculum, cup.]
Pod, pod,n.the covering of the seed of plants, as the pea or bean: a shoal of fishes.—v.i.to fill, as a pod: to produce pods:—pr.p.pod′ding;pa.t.andpa.p.pod′ded.[Allied topad, anything stuffed.]
Podagra, pō-dag′ra,n.gout in the feet.—adjs.Pod′agral,Podag′ric,-al,Pod′agrous, gouty.—n.Podal′gia, pain, esp. neuralgia, in the foot. [Gr.pous,podos, the foot,agra, a catching.]
Podargus, pō-dar′gus,n.a genus of arboreal and nocturnal birds allied to the true Goatsuckers. [Gr.pous, the foot,argos, swift.]
Podesta, pō-des′tä,n.a chief magistrate in the medieval Italian republics: an inferior municipal judge. [It.,—L.potestas, power.]
Podgy, poj′i,adj.short and fat: thick.
Podium, pō′di-um,n.a continuous pedestal, a stylobate: (anat.) a foot: (bot.) a support, as a foot-stalk.—adj.Pō′dial.—ns.Podis′mus, spasm of the muscles of the foot;Pō′dite, a limb of a crustacean when ambulatory.—adj.Podit′ic.
Podocarpus, pod-ō-kär′pus,n.a genus of tropical coniferous trees. [Gr.pous,podos, foot,karpos, fruit.]
Podophthalma, pod-of-thal′ma,n.pl.a name often applied to a section of Crustacea. [Gr.pous, foot,ophthalmos, the eye.]
Podophyllum, pod-ō-fil′um,n.a genus of plants of the barberry family, the fruit edible, other parts actively cathartic.—n.Podophyll′in, the resin obtained by means of rectified spirit from its root.—adj.Podophyll′ous, having compressed leaf-like locomotive organs. [Gr.pous,podos, foot,phyllon, leaf.]
Podura, pō-dū′ra,n.a genus of apterous insects—spring-tails,snow-fleas. [Gr.pous, foot,oura, tail.]
Poe, pō′e,n.the parson-bird of New Zealand.
Poem, pō′em,n.a composition in verse: a composition of high beauty of thought or language, although not in verse.—adj.Poemat′ic, relating to a poem. [Fr.poème—L.poema—Gr.poiēma,poiein, to make.]
Pœnology. SeePenology.
Poephagous, pō-ef′a-gus,adj.eating grass.
Poesy, pō′e-si,n.the art of composing poems: poetry: a poem: poetical compositions. [Fr.poésie—L.poesis—Gr.poiēsis—poiein, to make.]
Poet, pō′et,n.the author of a poem: one skilled in making poetry: one with a strong imagination:—fem.Pō′etess.—ns.Pō′etaster, a petty poet: a writer of contemptible verses;Pō′etastry.—adjs.Poet′ic,-al, pertaining or suitable to a poet or to poetry: expressed in poetry: marked by poetic language: imaginative.—adv.Poet′ically, in a poetic manner.—n.sing.Poet′ics, the branch of criticism which relates to poetry.—n.Poet′icule, a petty poet.—v.i.Pō′etise, to write as a poet: to make verses.—ns.Pō′et-lau′reate(seeLaureate);Pō′etress(Spens.), a poetess;Pō′etry, the art of expressing in melodious words the thoughts which are the creations of feeling and imagination: utterance in song: metrical composition.—Poetic justice, ideal administration of reward and punishment;Poetic license, a departing from strict fact or rule by a poet for the sake of effect. [Fr.poète—L.poeta—Gr.poiētēs—poiein, to make.]
Pogge, pog,n.the armed bullhead.
Poh, pō,interj.exclamation of contempt.
Poignant, poin′ant,adj.stinging, pricking: sharp: penetrating: acutely painful: satirical: pungent.—n.Poign′ancy, state of being poignant.—adv.Poign′antly. [O. Fr.poignant,poindre—L.pungĕre, to sting.]
Poind, poind,v.t.(Scot.) to seize.—n.Poind′ing(Scots law), the seizing and selling of a debtor's goods under process of law, or under the warrant of a heritable security. [Pound.]
Point, point,n.anything coming to a sharp end: the mark made by a sharp instrument: (geom.) that which has position but not length, breadth, or thickness: a mark showing the divisions of a sentence: (mus.) a dot at the right hand of a note to lengthen it by one-half: needle-point lace: a very small space: a moment of time: a small affair: a single thing: a single assertion: the precise thing to be considered: anything intended: exact place: degree: the unit of count in a game: (print.) a unit of measurement for type-bodies: an advantage: that which stings, as the point of an epigram: an imaginary relish, in 'potatoes and point:' a lively turn of thought: that which awakens attention: a peculiarity, characteristic: (cricket) the fielder standing at the immediate right of the batsman, and slightly in advance: a signal given by a trumpet: (pl.) chief or excellent features, as of a horse, &c.: the switch or movable rails which allow a train to pass from one line to another.—v.t.to give a point to: to sharpen: to aim: to direct one's attention: to punctuate, as a sentence: to fill the joints of with mortar, as a wall.—v.i.to direct the finger, the eye, or the mind towards an object: to show game by looking, as a dog.—adj.Point′ed, having a sharp point: sharp: intended for some particular person: personal: keen: telling: (archit.) having sharply-pointed arches, Gothic.—adv.Point′edly.—ns.Point′edness;Point′er, that which points: a dog trained to point out game;Point′ing, the act of sharpening: the marking of divisions in writing by points or marks: act of filling the crevices of a wall with mortar;Point′ing-stock, a thing to be pointed at, a laughing-stock;Point′-lace, a fine kind of lace wrought with the needle.—adj.Point′less, having no point: blunt: dull: wanting keenness or smartness;Points′man, a man who has charge of the points or switches on a railway;Point′-sys′tem, a standard system of sizes for type-bodies, one point being .0138 inch.—Point for point, exactly: all particulars;Point of order, a question raised in a deliberative society as to whether proceedings are according to the rules;Point of view, the position from which one looks at anything;Point out(B.), to assign;Points of the compass, the pointsnorth,south,east, andwest, along with the twenty-eight smaller divisions, marked on the card of the mariner's compass.—At all points, completely;At, orOn,the point of, just about to;Cardinal point(seeCardinal);Carry one's point, to gain what one contends for in controversy;From point to point, from one particular to another;Give points to, to give odds to: to give an advantageous hint on any subject;In point, apposite;In point of, with regard to;Make a point of, to attach special importance to;Stand upon points, to be over-scrupulous; Strain a point, to go beyond proper limits;To the point, appropriate. [O. Fr.,—L.punctum—pungĕre, to prick.]
Point-blank, point′-blangk′,adj.aimed directly at the mark: direct.—adv.directly.—Point-blank shot, a shot fired in a horizontal line towards an object. [Fr.point-blanc, white point.]
Point-device,Point-devise,point′-de-vīs′,n.(orig.) a lace worked with devices: anything uncommonly nice and exact.—adj.(arch.) scrupulously neat. [Fr.point, lace,devisé, with a device.]
Pointel, poin′tel,n.a sharp instrument: any sharp-pointed thing. [O. Fr.,—Low L.punctillum, a little point.]
Poise, poiz,v.t.to balance: to make of equal weight: to examine.—v.i.to hang in suspense.—n.weight: state of balance: equilibrium: a weight which balances another: a regulating power: the weight used in steelyards.—n.Pois′er, one who, or that which, poises. [O. Fr.poiser(Fr.peser)—L.pensāre, inten. ofpendĕre, to hang.]
Poison, poi′zn,n.any substance which, introduced into the living organism, tends to destroy its life or impair its health: anything malignant or infectious: that which taints or destroys moral purity.—v.t.to infect or to kill with poison: to taint: to mar: to embitter: to corrupt.—adj.Poi′sonable.—ns.Poi′soner;Poi′son-fang, one of two large tubular teeth in the upper jaw of venomous serpents, through which poison passes from glands at their roots when the animal bites;Poi′son-gland, a gland which secretes poison;Poi′son-ī′vy, a shrub-vine of North America, causing a cutaneous eruption;Poi′son-nut, the nux vomica.—adj.Poi′sonous, having the quality of poison: destructive: impairing soundness or purity.—adv.Poi′sonously.—n.Poi′sonousness. [Fr.,—L.potio, a draught—potāre, to drink.]
Poitrel, poi′trel,n.armour to protect the horse's breast. [O. Fr.poitral—L.pectorale, a breast-plate—pectus, the breast.]
Poitrine, poi′trin,n.the breast-plate of a knight.
Pokal, pō′kal,n.an ornamental drinking-vessel.
Poke, pōk,n.a bag: a pouch.—A pig in a poke, a blind bargain, as of a pig bought without being seen. [Prob. Celt., as Ir.poc, a bag.]
Poke, pōk,v.t.to thrust or push against with something pointed: to search for with a long instrument: to thrust at with the horns.—v.i.to grope or feel, as in the dark.—n.act of pushing or thrusting: a thrust: a bonnet having a projecting front worn earlier in the century—alsoPoke′-bonn′et.—ns.Pō′ker, an iron rod for poking or stirring the fire;Po′ker-draw′ing, a design burnt into lime-tree or other wood with 'pokers,' which rather resembled plumbers' soldering irons.—adj.Pō′kerish, like a poker: stiff.—adv.Pō′kerishly.—adj.Pō′king, drudging, servile.—n.Pō′king-stick, a small stick or rod of steel formerly used for adjusting the plaits of ruffs.—adj.Pō′ky, stupid: dull: confined, with little room: poor, shabby.—Poke fun at, to ridicule, make fun of. [Ir.poc, a blow, Gael.puc, to push.]
Poker, pō′kėr,n.a bugbear.—adj.Pō′kerish, causing terror: uncanny.—Old Poker, the devil.
Poker, pō′kėr,n.a round game at cards, first played in America about 1835. [Ety. uncertain.]
Polabian, pō-lā′bi-an,n.one of an ancient Slavic race, belonging to the same group as thePoles, occupying the basin of the lower Elbe.
Polacca, po-lak′a,n.a species of vessel used in the Mediterranean, with three masts and a jib-boom; the fore and main masts being of one piece, and the mizzen-mast with a top and topmast. [It., 'a Polish vessel.']
Polack, pōl′ak,n.(Shak.) a Pole.—AlsoPol′ander.
Polar, pō′lar,adj.pertaining to, or situated near, either of the poles: pertaining to the magnetic poles: having a common meeting-point.—n.(geom.) the line joining the points of contact, of tangents drawn to meet a curve from a point called the pole of the line.—ns.pl.Pōlar-co-or′dinates, co-ordinates defining a point by means of a radius vector and the angle which it makes with a fixed line through the origin;Pō′lar-for′ces, forces that act in pairs and in different directions, as in magnetism.—n.Polarim′eter, the polariscope.—adj.Polarī′sable, capable of polarisation.—ns.Polarisā′tion(opt.), a particular modification of rays of light, by the action of certain media or surfaces, so that they cannot be reflected or refracted again in certain directions: state of having polarity;Polar′iscope, an instrument for polarising light, and analysing its properties.—v.t.Pō′larise, to give polarity to.—ns.Pō′lariser, that which polarises or gives polarity to;Polar′ity, state of having two opposite poles: a condition in certain bodies according to which their properties arrange themselves so as to have opposite powers in opposite directions, as in a magnet with its two poles.—Polar bear, a large white bear found in the Arctic regions;Polar circle, a parallel of latitude encircling each of the poles at a distance of 23°28′from the pole—the north polar being called the arctic, the south the antarctic, circle;Polar lights, the aurora borealis or australis. [L.polaris—polus, a pole.]
Polder, pōl′dėr,n.in the Netherlands, land below the level of the sea or nearest river, which, originally a morass or lake, has been drained and brought under cultivation: a morass. [Prob. cog. withpool.]
Pole, pōl,n.that on which anything turns, as a pivot or axis: one of the ends of the axis of a sphere, esp. of the earth: (physics) one of the two points of a body in which the attractive or repulsive energy is concentrated, as in a magnet: (geom.) a point from which a pencil of rays radiates (seePolar).—n.Pole′-star, a star at or near the pole of the heavens: a guide or director.—Poles of the heavens, the two points in the heavens opposite to the poles of the earth—called alsoCelestial poles. [Fr.,—L.polus—Gr.polos—pelein, to be in motion.]
Pole, pōl,n.a pale or pile: a long piece of wood: an instrument for measuring: a measure of length, 5½ yards: in square measure, 30¼ yards.—v.t.to push or stir with a pole.—v.i.to use a pole.—adj.Pole′-clipt(Shak.), hedged in with poles.—Under bare poles, with all sails furled. [A.S.pál(Ger.pfahl)—L.palus, a stake.]
Pole, pōl,n.a native ofPoland.