Poleaxe.
Pole-axe, pōl′-aks,n.a battle-axe consisting of an axe-head on a long handle: an axe used by sailors for cutting away rigging of ships. [Orig.pollax, frompoll, the head, andaxe.]
Polecat, pōl′kat,n.a kind of weasel, which emits a stink—called also theFitchetandFoumart. [M. E.polcat; prob. Fr.poule, hen, andcat.]
Polemarch, pol′e-mark,n.a title of several officials in ancient Greek states.
Polemic,-al, po-lem′ik, -al,adj.given to disputing: controversial.—n.one who disputes: one who speaks or writes in opposition to another: a controversy.—adv.Polem′ically.—n.sing.Polem′ics, contest or controversy: (theol.) the history of ecclesiastical controversy.—n.Pol′emoscope, a perspective glass so constructed as to give views of objects not lying directly before the eye. [Gr.polemos, war.]
Polemoniaceæ, pol-e-mō-ni-ā′sē-ē,n.pl.a natural order of plants—the phlox family.
Polenta, po-len′ta,n.an Italian dish, the chief ingredients of which are maize, meal, and salt. [It.,—L.polenta, peeled barley.]
Poley, pō′li,adj.without horns: polled. [Prov. Eng.]
Polianthes, pol-i-an′thēz,n.a small genus of ornamental plants of the amaryllis family—the tuberose. [Gr.polios, white,anthos, a flower.]
Police, pō-lēs′,n.the system of regulations of a city, town, or district for the preservation of order and enforcement of law: the internal government of a state: (short forPolice′-force) the civil officers employed to preserve order, &c.—v.t.to guard or maintain order in: to put in order.—n.pl.Police′-commiss′ioners, a body of men appointed to regulate the appointments and duties of the police.—ns.Police′-inspect′or, a superior officer of police who has charge of a department, next in rank to a superintendent;Police′-mag′istrate, one who presides in a police court;Police′man, a member of a police-force;Police′-off′ice,-stā′tion, the headquarters of the police of a district, used also as a temporary place of confinement;Police′-off′icer,-con′stable, a policeman;Police′-rate, a tax levied for the support of the police.—Police court, a court for trying small offences brought before it by the police. [Fr.,—L.politia—Gr.politeia, the condition of a state—politēs, a citizen—polis, a city.]
Policy, pol′i-si,n.the art or manner of regulating or guiding conduct: the method and forms according to which the government and business of a country are carried on: a system of administration guided more by interest than by principle: dexterity of management: prudence: cunning: in Scotland, (esp. inpl.) the pleasure-grounds around a mansion. [O. Fr.policie(Fr.police)—L.politia—Gr.politeia.]
Policy, pol′i-si,n.a warrant for money in the funds: a writing containing a contract of insurance: a kind of gambling by betting on the numbers to be drawn in a lottery.—n.Pol′icy-hold′er, one who holds a policy or contract of insurance. [Fr.police, a policy—L.polyptychum, a register—Gr.polyptychon—polys, many,ptyx,ptychos, fold.]
Poling, pō′ling,n.act of using a pole for any purpose.
Polish, pō′lish,adj.relating toPolandor to its people.
Polish, pol′ish,v.t.to make smooth and glossy by rubbing: to refine: to make elegant.—v.i.to become smooth and glossy.—n.a smooth, glossy surface: refinement of manners: anything used to produce a polish.—adjs.Pol′ishable;Pol′ished, made smooth by rubbing: trained to act with great fineness and exactness: refined: polite.—ns.Pol′isher, one who, or that which, polishes;Pol′ishing-paste, polishing material made in the form of paste;Pol′ishing-pow′der, polishing material made in the form of powder, as whiting, diamond-dust, &c.;Pol′ishing-slate, a mineral used for polishing glass, marble, and metals, composed chiefly of silica, with a little alumina, lime, oxide of iron, and water;Pol′ishment. [O. Fr.polir,polissant—L.polīre, to make to shine.]
Polite, pō-līt′,adj.polished: smooth: refined: well-bred: obliging.—adv.Polite′ly.—ns.Polite′ness, state or quality of being polite: refinement of manners: good-breeding;Politesse′, politeness. [L.politus, pa.p. ofpolīre.]
Politic, pōl′i-tik,adj.pertaining to policy: well-devised: judicious in management: skilled in political affairs: prudent: discreet: cunning: (Shak.) concerned with politics.—adj.Polit′ical, pertaining to polity or government: pertaining to nations, or to parties in a nation who differ in their views of how it ought to be governed: derived from government.—adv.Polit′ically.—ns.Polit′icaster(Milt.), a petty politician;Politic′ian, one versed in or devoted to politics: a man of artifice and cunning.—adj.(Milt.) politic.—adv.Pol′iticly.—n.sing.Pol′itics, the art or science of government: the management of a political party: political affairs or opinions.—adj.Pol′itique(Bacon), political, civil.—n.Pol′ity, the constitution of the government of a state or an institution: civil constitution: a body of people arranged under a system of government.—Political economy, the science which treats of the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth;Political science, the science or study of government, as to its principles, aims, methods, &c.—Body politic, the whole body of a people, as constituting a state. [Fr.politique—Gr.politikos—politēs, a citizen.]
Polka, pōl′ka,n.a dance of Bohemian origin, invented in 1830, and introduced into England in 1843—also its tune: a knitted jacket worn by women.—v.i.Polk, to dance a polka. [Bohem.pulka, half, from the half-step prevalent in it; or from Slav.polka, a Polish woman.]
Poll, pol,v.t.(Spens.) to exact from, to plunder.
Poll, pol,n.a familiar name, often of a parrot. [Contr. ofPolly, a form ofMolly=Mary.]
Poll, pōl,n.the round part of the head, esp. the back of it: a register of heads or persons: the entry of the names of electors who vote for civil officers, such as members of Parliament: an election of civil officers: the place where the votes are taken.—v.t.to remove the top: to cut: to clip: to lop, as the branches of a tree: to enter one's name in a register: to bring to the poll as a voter: to give or to receive a vote.—v.i.to give a vote.—ns.Poll′archy, government by the mob or masses;Poll′-book, a register of voters;Poll′-clerk, a clerk who assists at the polling of voters.—adj.Polled, deprived of a poll: lopped: cropped, hence bald: having cast the horns, hence wanting horns.—ns.Poll′er, one who polls;Poll′-man, one who takes the ordinary university degree, without honours;Poll′-tax, a tax by the poll or head—i.e. on each person.—At the head of the poll, having the greatest number of votes at an election. [Old Dut.polle,bol, a ball, top—Ice.kollr, top, head.]
Pollack, pol′ak,n.a common fish on British coasts, belonging to the cod, haddock, and whiting group.—AlsoPoll′ock. [Celt., as in Gael.pollag, a whiting.]
Pollan, pol′an,n.a fresh-water fish of the familySalmonidæ, a native of lakes in Ireland.
Pollard, pol′ard,n.a tree having the whole crown cut off, leaving it to send out new branches from the top of the stem: an animal without horns: a coarse kind of bran from wheat.—v.t.to make a pollard of. [Cf.Poll, the head.]
Pollaxe. Same asPoleaxe.
Pollen, pol′en,n.the fertilising powder contained in the anthers of flowers: the male or fecundating element in flowers.—v.t.to cover with pollen.—adj.Pollenā′rious, consisting of pollen.—v.t.Poll′enise, to supply with pollen.—n.Poll′en-tube, the tube by which the fecundating element is conveyed to the ovule.—adj.Poll′inar, covered with a fine dust like pollen.—v.t.Poll′inate, to convey pollen to the stigma of.—n.Pollinā′tion, the transferring or supplying of pollen to the stigma of a flower, esp. by aid of insects or other external agents.—adj.Pollinif′erous, bearing pollen.—n.Pollin′ium, an agglutinated mass of pollen grains.—adjs.Polliniv′orous, feeding upon pollen;Poll′inose, covered with a powdery substance like pollen. [L., fine flour.]
Pollent, pol′ent,adj.powerful: strong. [L.pollens,-entis, pr.p. ofpollēre, to be strong.]
Pollex, pol′eks,n.the thumb or the great-toe:—pl.Pollices(pol′i-sēz).—adj.Poll′ical. [L., the thumb.]
Pollicitation, po-lis-i-tā′shun,n.a promise, a paper containing such: a promise without mutuality.
Polliwig, pol′i-wig,n.a tadpole.—AlsoPoll′ywig.
Pollusion, pol-lū′shun,n.(Shak.) forallusion.
Pollute, pol-lūt′,v.t.to soil: to defile: to make foul: to taint: to corrupt: to profane: to violate.—adj.defiled.—adj.Pollut′ed.—adv.Pollut′edly.—ns.Pollut′edness;Pollut′er;Pollū′tion, act of polluting: state of being polluted: defilement. [L.polluĕre,pollutus—pol, towards,luĕre, to wash.]
Pollux, pol′uks,n.(myth.) the twin brother of Castor: a star in the constellation of the twins. [L.]
Polly. SeePoll(2).
Polo, pō′lo,n.an equestrian game, which may be shortly described as hockey on horseback—of Oriental origin and high antiquity.
Polo, pō′lo,n.a Spanish gipsy dance.
Polonaise, pō-lō-nāz′,n.a light kind of gown looped up at the sides to show an ornamented petticoat: a short overcoat bordered with fur: a Polish national dance of slow movement in ¾ time, during which the dancers march or promenade: music for such a dance. [Fr., 'Polish.']
Polony, po-lō′ni,n.a dry sausage made of meat partly cooked. [Prob. a corr. ofBologna sausage.]
Polt, pōlt,n.a blow.
Poltroon, pol-trōōn′,n.an idle, lazy fellow: a coward: a dastard: one without spirit.—adj.base, vile, contemptible.—n.Poltroon′ery, laziness: cowardice: want of spirit. [Fr.poltron—It.poltro(forpolstro), lazy—Ger.polster, a bolster.]
Polverine, pol′vėr-in,n.the calcined ashes of a Levantine and Syrian plant, used in glass-making. [It.polverino—L.pulvis,pulvĕris, dust.]
Polyacoustic, pol-i-a-kowst′ik,adj.multiplying or magnifying sound.—n.an instrument for effecting this.
Polyact, pol′i-akt,adj.having numerous rays.—AlsoPolyac′tinal.
Polyad, pol′i-ad,n.(chem.) an element whose valence is greater than two.
Polyadelph, pol′i-a-delf,n.a plant having its stamens united in three or more bundles by the filaments.—n.pl.Polyadel′phia, the 18th class in the Linnæan system.—adjs.Polyadel′phian,Polyadel′phous.
Polyandria, pol-i-an′dri-a,n.a class of plants in the Linnæan system, having more than twenty stamens inserted on the receptacle.—adjs.Polyan′drian,Polyan′drous.—n.Polyan′dry, the social usage of some races in certain stages of civilisation in which the woman normally forms a union with several husbands. [Gr.polys, many,anēr,andros, a man.]
Polyanthus, pol-i-an′thus,n.a kind of primrose much prized and cultivated by florists:—pl.Polyan′thuses.—n.Polyan′thea, a note-book for keeping choice quotations. [Gr.polys, many,anthos, a flower.]
Polyarchy, pol′i-ar-ki,n.government by many persons of whatever class.—n.Pol′yarchist. [Gr.polys, many,archein, to rule.]
Polyatomic, pol-i-a-tom′ik,adj.(chem.) noting elements or radicals with an equivalency greater than two: with more than one atom in the molecule.
Polyautography, pol-i-aw-tog′ra-fi,n.the art of multiplying copies of one's own handwriting.
Polybasic, pol-i-bā′sik,adj.(chem.) capable of combining with more than two univalent bases.
Polycarpic, pol-i-kar′pik,adj.fruiting many times or year after year.
Polycarpous, pol-i-kar′pus,adj.having the fruit composed of two or more distinct carpels.
Polychord, pol′i-kord,adj.having many chords.
Polychrestic, pol-i-kres′tik,adj.admitting of use in various ways.—n.Pol′ychresty.
Polychroite, pol-i-krō′īt,n.safranine.
Polychromatic, pol-i-krō-mat′ik,adj.many-coloured—alsoPolychrō′mic.—adj.Pol′ychrome, having, or tinted with, several or many colours.—n.Pol′ychromy, decoration or execution in many colours, esp. of statuary or buildings.
Polycladous, pol-i-klā′dus,adj.much-branched.—n.Pol′yclādy, the production of a number of branches where there is normally but one.
Polycotyledon, pol-i-kot-i-lē′don,n.a plant whose embryo has more than two cotyledons or seed-lobes.—adj.Polycotylē′donous.
Polycracy, pō-lik′rā-si,n.government by many rulers.
Polycrotic, pol-i-krot′ik,adj.having several beats—of pulses.
Polydactyl, pol-i-dak′til,adj.having many digits.—n.a polydactyl animal.—n.Polydac′tylism, the condition of having many digits.—adj.Polydac′tylous.
Polydipsia, pol-i-dip′si-a,n.excessive thirst. [Gr.polys, much,dipsa, thirst.]
Polyergic, pol-i-er′jik,adj.acting in many ways.
Polyfoil, pol′i-foil,n.an opening or ornament consisting of several combined foliations, a combination of more than five foils.—Alsoadj.
Polygalaceæ, pol-i-gā-lā′sē-ē,n.pl.an order of polypetalous plants—the milkwort family.
Polygamy, pō-lig′a-mi,n.the practice of having more than one wife at the same time.—n.pl.Polygā′mia, the 23d class in the Linnæan system, embracing plants in which the stamens and pistils are separate in some flowers and associated in others.—adj.Polygā′mian.—n.Polyg′amist.—adj.Polyg′amous, relating to polygamy: (bot.) a term applied to plants which bear both unisexual and hermaphrodite flowers, either on the same or on different individual plants. [Gr.,—polys, many,gamos, marriage.]
Polygastric, pol-i-gas′trik,adj.having, or appearing to have, many stomachs, as an animalcule.—AlsoPolygas′trian.
Polygenesis, pol-i-jen′e-sis,n.origin from many separate germs: the theory that organisms sprang from different cells.—adjs.Polygenet′ic,Polygen′ic,Polyg′enous.—ns.Polyg′enism;Polyg′enist;Polyg′eny, the multiple genesis of man.
Polyglot, pol′i-glot,adj.having or containing many languages.—n.a collection of versions in different languages of the same work, esp. a Bible of this kind: one who understands many languages.—adjs.Polyglot′tic,Polyglot′tous. [Gr.polys, many,glōtta, the tongue.]
Polygon, pol′i-gon,n.a plane figure bound by a number of straight lines: a figure of many angles.—adjs.Polyg′onal,Polyg′onous. [L.,—Gr.polygōnon—polys, many,gōnia, a corner.]
Polygonum, po-lig′o-num,n.a kind of plant with many joints, as the bistort, knotweed, &c.—n.pl.Polygonā′ceæ, an order of apetalous plants, mostly herbs—the buckwheat family. [Gr.polys, many,gonu, a knee.]
Polygram, pol′i-gram,n.a figure consisting of many lines.—adj.Polygrammat′ic.
Polygraph, pol′i-graf,n.an instrument for multiplying copies of a writing: a collection of different books.—adjs.Polygraph′ic,-al.—n.Polyg′raphy, voluminous writing: art of writing in various ciphers.
Polygyny, pō-lij′i-ni,n.polygamy.—n.Pol′ygyn, a plant of the orderPolygyn′ia(pl.), the 12th order in the first 13 classes of the Linnæan artificial system of plants, embracing those having flowers with more than twelve styles.—adjs.Polygyn′ian,Polygyn′ic,Polyg′ynous. [Gr.polys, many,gynē, woman.]
Polyhedron, pol-i-hē′dron,n.a solid body with many bases or sides.—adjs.Polyhē′dral,Polyhē′drical,Polyhē′drous. [Gr.polys, many,hedra, a base.]
Polyhistor, pol-i-his′tor,n.a person of great and varied learning.
Polyhymnia, pol-i-him′ni-a,n.the muse of the sublime hymn. [Gr.polys, many,hymnos, a hymn.]
Polymathy, pō-lim′a-thi,n.knowledge of many arts and sciences.—n.Pol′ymath, a person possessing this.—adj.Polymath′ic.—n.Polym′athist.
Polymerism, pō-lim′ėr-ism,n.a particular form of isomerism, the property possessed by several compounds of having similar percentage composition but different molecular weights. [Gr.polys, many,meros, part.]
Polymorphous, pol-i-mor′fus,adj.having many forms: varying in appearance: taking on many changes—alsoPolymor′phic.—ns.Pol′ymorph, an organism showing polymorphism: a substance that crystallises in two or more systems;Polymor′phism, the property of being polymorphous. [Gr.polys, many,morphē,form.]
Polynesian, pol-i-nē′zi-an,adj.pertaining toPolynesia, the numerous groups of islands in the Pacific within or near the tropics.—n.a native of Polynesia. [Gr.polys, many,nēsos, an island.]
Polynomial, pol-i-nō′mi-al,n.an algebraic quantity of many names or terms—same asmultinomial—alsoPol′ynome.—adj.of many names or terms.—n.Polynō′mialism. [Gr.polys, many, L.nomen, a name.]
Polyonymous, pol-i-on′i-mus,adj. having many names.—n.Pol′yonym, a name consisting of several terms.—adjs.Polyon′ymal;Polyonym′ic, of more than two terms.—ns.Polyon′ymist;Polyon′ymy, multiplicity of names for the same object.
Polyopia, pol-i-ō′pi-a,n.multiple vision.—AlsoPol′yopy.
Polyoptrum, pol-i-op′trum,n.a glass through which objects appear multiplied but diminished.—AlsoPolyop′tron.
Polyorama, pol-i-ō-ra′ma,n.an optical apparatus presenting many views.
Polyp,Polype, pol′ip,n.a name usually applied to an animal like the fresh-water hydra, having a tubular body, and a wreath of many tentacles round the mouth: something with many feet or roots: a pedunculated tumour attached to the surface of a mucous membrane—in the nose, &c.—alsoPol′ypus:—pl.Polypes(pol′ips),Polypi(pol′i-pī).—ns.Pol′ypary, the horny or chitonous outer covering of a colony of polyps;Pol′ypide, an individual zoöid of a polyzoarium or compound polyzoan;Polyp′idom, an aggregate of polypites or polypides;Pol′ypier, one individual of a compound polyp: a polypidom, polypary, or polyp-stock.—adj.Pol′ypous. [Gr.polypous—polys, many,pous, foot.]
Polypetalous, pol-i-pet′al-us,adj.with many petals. [Gr.polys, many,petalon, a leaf.]
Polyphagous, pō-lif′a-gus,adj.eating many different kinds of food.
Polypharmacy, pol-i-fär′ma-sin.the prescribing of too many medicines.
Polyphlœsbœan, pol-i-fles-bē′an,adj.loud-roaring. [Homer's frequent description of the sea,polys, much,phloisbos, noise.]
Polyphonic, pol-i-fon′ik,adj.capable of being read in more than one way: noting a musical composition of two or more parts, each with an independent melody of its own.—ns.Pol′yphōnism,Polyph′ony;Pol′yphōnist, a ventriloquist: a contrapuntist. [Gr.polys, many,phōnē, a voice.]
Polyphyletic, pol-i-fī-let′ik,adj.pertaining to many tribes or families: pertaining to the theory that animals are derived from several sources.
Polyphyllous, pol-i-fil′us,adj.many-leafed.
Polyplastic, pol-i-plas′tik,adj.having or assuming many forms.
Polypode, pol′i-pōd,n.an animal with many feet. [Gr.polypous—polys, many,pous,podos, a foot.]
Polypodium, pol-i-pō′di-um,n.a genus of ferns with spore-cases on the back of the frond, distinct, ring-shaped, in roundishsori, destitute ofindusium.—n.Pol′ypody, a fern of the genusPolypodium, having the seed-clusters round, and on each side of the midrib. [Gr.polys, many,pous, a foot.]
Polyporous, pō-lip′ō-rus,adj.having many pores.
Polyporus, pō-lip′or-us,n.a large genus of pore-bearing fungus, which grows on trees, from which amadou is prepared. [Gr.polys, many,poros, a passage.]
Polypterus, pō-lip′te-rus,n.a genus of Ganoid fishes of one species, in the Nile and elsewhere. [Gr.polys, many,pteron, a wing.]
Polyrhizous, pol-i-rī′zus,adj.possessing numerous rootlets.—AlsoPolyrhī′zal.
Polyscope, pol′i-skōp,n.a multiplying lens: (surg.) an instrument for throwing light into cavities of the body.
Polysepalous, pol-i-sep′a-lus,adj.having the sepals separate from each other.
Polysperm, pol′i-sperm,n.a tree whose fruit contains many seeds.—adjs.Polysper′mal,Polysper′mous, containing many seeds.
Polysporous, pol-i-spō′rus,adj.producing many spores.
Polystigmous, pol-i-stig′mus,adj.having many carpels.
Polystome, pol′i-stōm,n.an animal with many mouths.—adj.Polystom′atous.
Polystyle, pol′i-stīl,adj.having many columns.—adj.Polysty′lous.
Polysyllable, pol′i-sil-a-bl,n.a word of many or of more than three syllables.—adjs.Polysyllab′ic,-al.—ns.Polysyllab′icism,Polysyll′abism.
Polysyllogism, pol-i-sil′ō-jizm,n.a combination of syllogisms.—adj.Polysyllogis′tic.
Polysymmetrical, pol-i-si-met′ri-kal,adj.divisible into exactly similar halves by more than one plane.—adv.Polysymmet′rically.—n.Polysym′metry.
Polysyndeton, pol-i-sin′de-ton,n.(rhet.) figurative repetition of connectives or conjunctions.
Polysynthetic,-al, pol-i-sin-thet′ik, -al,adj.made up of many separate elements: formed by the combination of many simple words, as words in the native languages of America.—n.Polysyn′thesis.—adv.Polysynthet′ically.—ns.Polysynthet′icism,Polysyn′thetism, the character of being polysynthetic.
Polytechnic,-al, pol-i-tek′nik, -al,adj.comprehending many arts.—n.an exhibition of objects illustrating many arts: an institution in which many arts are taught.—ns.Polytech′nics, the science of the mechanical arts;Polytech′nique, orPolytechnic school, an industrial school in which the technical sciences that rest in great part upon a mathematical basis, such as engineering, architecture, &c., are taught. [Gr.polys, many,technē, an art.]
Polythalamous, pol-i-thal′a-mus,adj.having many cells or chambers.
Polytheism, pol′i-thē-izm,n.the doctrine of a plurality of gods.—v.i.Pol′ytheise, to adhere to, or conform to, polytheism.—n.Pol′ytheist, a believer in many gods.—adjs.Polytheist′ic,-al.—adv.Polytheist′ically. [Gr.polys, many,theos, a god.]
Polytocous, pō-lit′ō-kus,adj.producing many or several at a birth.
Polytrichum, pō-lit′ri-kum,n.a genus of mosses, widely distributed in north temperate and arctic countries.—adj.Polyt′richous, very hairy, densely ciliate. [Gr.polys, many,thrix,thrichos, hair.]
Polytype, pol′i-tīp,n.a cast or fac-simile of an engraving, matter in type, &c., produced by pressing a wood-cut or other plate into semi-fluid metal.—v.t.to reproduce by polytypage—alsoadj.—n.Pol′ytypage, stereotyping by the above method.
Polyzoa, pol-i-zō′a,n.pl.a class of animals forming a crust on stones, shells, &c. under water:—sing.Polyzō′an,Polyzō′on.—adjs.Pol′yzoan,Polyzoā′rial.—ns.Polyzoā′rium, a compound polyzoan;Polyzō′ary, the polypary or polypidom of a polyzoan.—adjs.Polyzō′ic, filled with imaginary animals, zoolatrous;Polyzō′öid, consisting of many zoöids. [Gr.polys, many,zōon, an animal.]
Polyzonal, pol-i-zō′nal,adj.composed of many zones or belts.
Pomade, po-mād′,n.a preparation of fine inodorous fat, such as lard or suet, used instead of liquid oil for the hair—alsoPomā′tum.—v.t.to anoint with pomade. [Fr.pommade—It.pomada,pommata, lip-salve—L.pomum, an apple.]
Pomander, pō-man′dėr,n.(Shak.) a perfumed ball, or box containing perfumes, formerly supposed to ward off infection. [O. Fr.pomme d'ambre, apple of amber.]
Pome, pōm,n.an apple or a fruit like an apple: a small globe of silver or the like, filled with hot water, on which in cold weather the priest at mass warms his numbed hands.—n.Pom′ace, the substance of apples or similar fruit: fish-scrap.—n.pl.Pomā′ceæ, a suborder ofRosaceæ—the apple family—alsoPome′æ.—adj.Pomā′ceous, relating to, consisting of, or resembling apples: like pomace.—ns.Pome′-cit′ron, a variety of apple;Pom′eroy, the king-apple;Pome′-wa′ter(Shak.), a sweet, juicy apple;Pomicul′ture, pomology.—adjs.Pomif′erous(bot.), pome-bearing, applied to all plants producing the larger fruits, as distinguished from berry-bearing;Pomolog′ical.—ns.Pomol′ogist;Pomol′ogy, the science of garden-fruits. [L.pomum, an apple.]
Pomegranate, pom′gran-āt,n.a fruit much cultivated in warm countries, as large as a medium-sized orange, having a thick leathery rind filled with numerous seeds. [O. Fr.pome grenate—L.pomum, an apple,granatum, having many grains.]
Pomeranian, pom-e-rā′ni-an,adj.pertaining toPomeraniain northern Prussia.—Pomeranian, orSpitz,dog, a cross from the Eskimo dog, about the size of a spaniel, with a sharp-pointed face and an abundant white, creamy, or black coat.
Pomfret-cake, pom′fret-kāk,n.a liquorice-cake. [Pontefractin Yorkshire.]
Pommel, pum′el,n.a knob or ball: the knob on a sword-hilt: the high part of a saddle-bow.—v.t.to beat as with a pommel, or with anything thick or heavy: to beat soundly: to bruise:—pr.p.pomm′elling;pa.t.andpa.p.pomm′elled.—adjs.Pomm′eled,Pomm′elled(her.), having a rounded knob ending in a smaller one;Pomm′etty, ending in a small knob, esp. of a cross—alsoPomm′elé. [O. Fr.pomel(Fr.pommeau)—L.pomum, an apple.]
Pomona, pom-ō′na,n.the goddess of fruit and garden produce. [L.—pomum, fruit, apple.]
Pom-pom, pom-pom,n.the name given to a one-pounder quick-firing shell gun, from its sound.
Pomp, pomp,n.a splendid procession: great show or display: ceremony: splendour: ostentation: grandeur.—adv.Pompō′so(mus.), in a dignified style.—adj.Pomp′ous, displaying pomp or grandeur: grand: magnificent: dignified: boastful, self-important.—adv.Pomp′ously.—ns.Pomp′ousness,Pompos′ity. [Fr.pompe—L.pompa—Gr.pompē—pempein, to send.]
Pompadour, pom′pa-dōōr,n.an 18th-century head-dress, a fashion of dressing women's hair by brushing it up from the forehead and rolling it over a cushion: a corsage with low square neck: a pattern for silk, with leaves and flowers pink, blue, and gold. [Marquise dePompadour, 1721-64.]
Pompeian, pom-pē′an,adj.pertaining toPompeii, a city buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79A.D., excavated since 1755.—n.Pompei′an-red, a red colour like that on the walls of Pompeian houses.
Pompelmoose, pom′pel-mōōs,n.the shaddock.—AlsoPom′pelmous,Pom′pelo,Pum′elo.
Pompholyx, pom′fō-liks,n.a vesicular eruption chiefly on the palms and soles. [Gr.,—pomphos, a blister.]
Pompion=Pumpion.
Pompon, pom′pon,n.a tuft of feathers, &c., for a hat, the coloured woollen ball on the front of a shako. [Fr.]
Ponceau, pon-sō′,n.a corn-poppy: corn-poppy colour.
Ponceau, pon-sō′,n.a small bridge or culvert. [Fr.]
Poncho, pon′chō,n.a cloak worn by South American Indians, a blanket with a hole in the middle for the head: camlet or strong worsted.
Pond, pond,v.i.(Spens.) to ponder.
Pond, pond,n.a pool of standing water.—v.t.to make into a pond.—v.i.to collect into a pond.—ns.Pon′dage, the amount of water in a pond;Pond′-lil′y, a plant of the aquatic genusNymphæa;Pond′-tur′tle, a terrapin, a mud turtle;Pond′weed, a common aquatic herb. [From A.S.pyndan, to shut in, thus a doublet ofpound, an enclosure.]
Ponder, pon′dėr,v.t.to weigh in the mind: to think over: to consider.—v.i.to think (withonandover).—ns.Ponderabil′ity,Pon′derableness.—adjs.Pon′derable, that may be weighed: having sensible weight;Pon′deral, ascertained by weight.—ns.Pon′derance,Ponderā′tion, weight;Pon′derer, one who ponders.—adv.Pon′deringly.—ns.Pon′derling, a thing of little weight;Pon′derment, the act of pondering.—adj.Pon′derous, weighty: massive: forcible: important: clumsy or unwieldy by reason of weight.—adv.Pon′derously.—ns.Pon′derousness,Ponderos′ity, weight: heaviness: heavy matter. [L.ponderāre—pondus,pondĕris, a weight.]
Pone, pōn,n.(U.S.) bread made from Indian corn.
Ponent, pō′nent,adj.(Milt.) western.
Ponerology, pon-ē-rol′ō-ji,n.(theol.) the doctrine of wickedness. [Gr.ponēros, bad.]
Pongee, pon-jē′,n.a soft kind of silk, woven in China from the cocoons of a wild silkworm. [Chin.]
Pongo, pong′gō,n.a large anthropoid ape of Borneo.
Poniard, pon′yard,n.a small dagger for stabbing.—v.t.to stab with a poniard. [Fr.poignard—poing, fist (It.pugno)—L.pugnus.]
Ponk, pongk,n.(Spens.,Shak.) a nocturnal spirit. [A false reading forpouke=Puck.]
Pons, ponz,n.(anat.) a part connecting two parts.—adjs.Pon′tic,Pon′tile, relating to the pons of the brain.—Pons asinōrum, the asses' bridge, a name given to Euclid, i. 5. [L., a bridge.]
Pontage, pont′āj,n.a toll paid on bridges: a tax for repairing bridges. [Low L.pontagium—L.pons,pontis, a bridge.]
Pontic, pon′tik,adj.pertaining to thePontus, Euxine, or Black Sea, or the regions round it.
Pontiff, pon′tif,n.(R.C.) a bishop, esp. the pope—originally an ancient Roman high-priest, thePon′tifex.—adjs.Pontif′ic,-al, of or belonging to a pontiff or to a bishop, esp. the pope: splendid: magnificent.—n.Pontif′ical, an office-book of ecclesiastical ceremonies proper to a bishop.—adv.Pontif′ically.—n.pl.Pontif′icals, the dress of a priest, bishop, or pope.—n.Pontif′icate, the dignity of a pontiff or high-priest: the office and dignity or reign of a pope.—v.i.to perform the duties of a pontiff.—n.Pon′tifice(Milt.), bridge-work, a bridge.—Pontifical mass, mass celebrated by a bishop while wearing his full vestments. [Fr.pontife—L.pontifex,pontificis—pons,pont-is, a bridge,facĕre, to make.]
Pontil, pon′til,n.an iron rod used in glass-making for revolving the glass while soft.—AlsoPontee′,Pon′ty. [Fr.,—point, a point.]
Pontinal, pon′ti-nal,adj.bridging.—n.a bone of the skull of some fishes.
Pontlevis, pont-lev′is,n.a drawbridge. [Fr.]
Pontoon, pon-tōōn′,n.a flat kind of boat used in forming a bridge for the passage of an army: a bridge of boats: a lighter or barge used for loading or unloading ships—alsoPon′ton.—ns.Pontonier′,Pontonnier′, one who has charge of a pontoon;Pontoon′-bridge, a platform or roadway supported upon pontoons. [Fr.ponton—L.pons, a bridge.]
Pony, pō′ni,n.a small horse—one less than 13 hands high: (slang) £25: a key or translation of the writings of an author: a small glass of beer.—v.t.to use a crib in translating.—ns.Pō′ny-carr′iage, a small carriage drawn by one or more ponies;Pō′ny-en′gine, a small engine used for shunting wagons, &c.—Jerusalem pony, an ass. [Prob. Gael.poniadh.]
Pood, pōōd,n.a Russian weight, 36 lb. avoirdupois.
Poodle, pōō′dl,n.one of a breed of small curly-haired pet dogs, intelligent and affectionate. [Ger.pudel; Low Ger.pudeln, to waddle.]
Pooh, pōō,interj.of disdain.—v.t.Pooh′-pooh, to express contempt for: to sneer at. [Imit.]
Pool, pōōl,n.a small body of water: a deep part of a stream of water.—n.Pool′er, a stick for stirring a tan-vat. [A.S.pól(Dut.poel, Ger.pfuhl)—Celt., as Ir. and Gael.poll, W.pwll.]
Pool, pōōl,n.the receptacle for the stakes in certain games: the stakes themselves: a set of players at quadrille, &c.: a game played on a billiard-table with six pockets by two or more persons.—v.t.to put into a common fund for redistribution.—v.i.to form a pool. [Fr.poule, orig. a hen—L.pullus, a young animal.]
Poon, pōōn,n.name of a tree of India and Burma, very commonly used in the East Indies, particularly in shipbuilding, for planks and spars.—n.Poon′-wood, the wood of the tree.
Poonac, pōō′nak,n.the cake left after expressing oil from coco-nut pulp.
Poop, pōōp,n.the hinder part of a ship: a deck above the ordinary deck in the after part of a ship.—v.t.to strike the stern, break in the stern of. [Fr.poupe—L.puppis, the poop.]
Poor, pōōr,adj.having little or nothing: without means: needy: spiritless: depressed: (B.) humble: contrite: wanting in appearance: lean: wanting in strength: weak: wanting in value: inferior: wanting in fertility: sterile: wanting in fitness, beauty, or dignity: trifling: paltry: dear (endearingly).—ns.Poor′house, a house established at the public expense for sheltering the poor: an almshouse;Poor′john(Shak.), a coarse kind of fish, the hake when salted.—n.pl.Poor′-laws, laws providing for the support of the poor.—adv.Poor′ly.—ns.Poor′ness;Poor′-rate, a rate or tax for the support of the poor;Poor′-Rob′in, an almanac;Poor's′-box, a box for receiving contributions to the poor.—adj.Poor′-spir′ited, cowardly: mean.—ns.Poor′-spir′itedness, cowardice;Poor's′-roll(Scots law), the list of poor persons who are litigants, but unable to pay the expenses of litigation, and therefore are allowed to sue informâ pauperis.—Poor man of mutton(Scot.), cold mutton broiled, esp. the shoulder;Poor man's herb, the hedge-hyssop;Poor Will, a common American bird of the genusPhalænoptilus.—The poor, poor people collectively: those depending on public or private charity. [O. Fr.poure,povre(Fr.pauvre)—L.pauper, poor.]
Poortith, pōōr′tith,n.(Scot.) poverty.
Pop, pop,v.i.to make a sharp, quick sound: to dart: to move quickly: to propose marriage.—v.t.to cause to make a sudden report: to thrust suddenly: to bring suddenly into notice: (slang) to pawn:—pr.p.pop′ping;pa.t.andpa.p.popped.—n.a sharp, quick sound or report: an effervescent beverage: (slang) a pistol.—adv.suddenly.—adj.coming without warning.—v.t.Pop′-corn, to parch maize till it bursts open.—n.corn so prepared.—n.pl.Pop′-eyes, prominent eyes.—ns.Pop′-gun, a tube and rammer for shooting pellets, which makes a noise by the expansion of compressed air;Pop′per, anything that makes a popping sound;Pop′-shop, a pawnshop;Pop′-weed, a name for the bladderwort.—Pop off, to disappear all at once;Pop the question, to make an offer of marriage. [Imit.]
Pope, pōp,n.the bishop of Rome, head of the R.C. Church: a priest of the Eastern Church: the autocratic head of any church or organisation.—ns.Pope′dom, office, dignity, or jurisdiction of the pope;Pope′hood,Pope′ship, the condition of being pope;Pope′ling, a little pope;Pop′ery, the religion of which the pope is the head: Roman Catholicism;Pope's′-eye, the gland surrounded with fat in the middle of the thigh of an ox or a sheep;Pope's′-head, a long-handled brush;Pope's′-nose, the fleshy part of a bird's tail.—adj.Pop′ish, relating to the pope or to popery: taught by popery.—adv.Pop′ishly.—Pope Joan, a game at cards in which the eight of diamonds is removed. [A.S.pápa—L.papa, a father.]
Pope, pōp,n.a kind of perch. [Ety. obscure.]
Popinjay, pop′in-jā,n.a parrot: a mark like a parrot, put on a pole to be shot at: a fop or coxcomb. [O. Fr.papegai—Low L.papagallus—Late Gr.papagas, a parrot; prob. Eastern.]
Popjoying, pop′joi-ing,n.sport: amusement. [Perh. conn. withpopinjay.]
Poplar, pop′lar,n.a tree common in the northern hemisphere, of rapid growth, and having diœcious flowers arranged in catkins, both male and female flowers with an oblique cup-shaped perianth. [O. Fr.poplier—L.pōpulus, poplar-tree.]
Poplin, pop′lin,n.a kind of cloth consisting of a warp of silk and a weft of worsted, the latter, being thicker than the former, giving a corded appearance. [Fr.popeline. Ety. unknown.]
Popliteal, pop-li-tē′al,adj.of or pertaining to the back of the knee.—AlsoPoplit′ic. [L.poples,poplitis, the hock.]
Poppet, pop′et,n.a puppet: a piece of timber used to support a vessel while being launched: one of the heads of a lathe. [Puppet.]
Popple, pop′l,v.i.to flow, to bob up and down.
Poppy, pop′i,n.a plant having large showy flowers, from one species of which opium is obtained.—adj.Popp′ied, covered or filled with poppies: listless, as the effects of opium.—ns.Popp′y-head, a carved ornament in wood, often finishing the end of a pew;Popp′y-oil, a fixed oil from the seeds of the opium-poppy. [A.S.popig—L.papaver, poppy.]
Populace, pop′ū-lās,n.the common people: those who are not distinguished by rank, education, office, &c. [Fr.,—It.popolazzo—L.populus, people.]
Popular, pop′ū-lar,adj.pertaining to the people: pleasing to, or prevailing among, the people: enjoying the favour of the people: easily understood: inferior: (Shak.) vulgar.—n.Popularisā′tion.—v.t.Pop′ularise, to make popular or suitable to the people: to spread among the people.—ns.Pop′ulariser;Popular′ity,Pop′ularness, quality or state of being popular or pleasing to the people: favour with the people: a desire to obtain favour with the people.—adv.Pop′ularly.—v.t.Pop′ulāte, to people: to furnish with inhabitants.—v.i.to increase in numbers.—adj.populous.—n.Populā′tion, act of populating: the number of the inhabitants of any place.—adj.Pop′ulous, full of people: numerously inhabited: (Shak.) numerous.—adv.Pop′ulously.—n.Pop′ulousness. [Fr.populaire—L.popularis—populus, the people.]
Poral, pō′ral. SeePore.
Porbeagle, por-bē′gl,n.a kind of tope or mackerel-shark. [Fr.porc, a hog + Eng.beagle.]
Porcate, por′kāt,adj.ridged.
Porcelain, pors′lān,n.a fine earthenware, white, thin, semi-transparent, first made in China: china-ware.—adj.of the nature of porcelain.—adjs.Por′celānous,Porcellā′neous,Por′cellānous.—n.Por′cellanite, a very hard, impure, jaspideous rock.—Cast, orFusible,porcelain, a milky glass made of silica and cryolite with oxide of zinc;Egg-shell porcelain, an extremely thin and translucent porcelain;False porcelain, a name given to the artificial or soft-paste porcelain;Frit porcelain, a name given to artificial soft-paste English porcelain, from its vitreous nature;Tender porcelain, a ware imitating hard-paste or natural porcelain. [O. Fr.porcelaine—It.porcellana, the Venus' shell—L.porcella, a young sow—porcus, a pig.]