Defn: Capable of being governed, or subjected to authority; controllable; manageable; obedient. Locke.
GOVERNABLENESSGov"ern*a*ble*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being governable; manageableness.
GOVERNAL; GOVERNAILGov"ern*al, Gov"ern*ail (, n. Etym: [Cf. F. gouvernail helm, rudder,L. gubernaculum.]
Defn: Management; mastery. [Obs.] Chaucer. Spenser.
GOVERNANCEGov"ern*ance, n. Etym: [F. gouvernance.]
Defn: Exercise of authority; control; government; arrangement.Chaucer. J. H. Newman.
GOVERNANTEGov"ern*ante", n. Etym: [F. gouvernante. See Govern.]
Defn: A governess. Sir W. Scott.
GOVERNESSGov"ern*ess, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. governeresse. See Governor.]
Defn: A female governor; a woman invested with authority to control and direct; especially, one intrusted with the care and instruction of children, — usually in their homes.
GOVERNINGGov"ern*ing, a.
1. Holding the superiority; prevalent; controlling; as, a governing wind; a governing party in a state. Jay.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: Requiring a particular case.
GOVERNMENTGov"ern*ment, n. Etym: [F. gouvernement. See Govern.]
1. The act of governing; the exercise of authority; the administration of laws; control; direction; regulation; as, civil, church, or family government.
2. The mode of governing; the system of polity in a state; the established form of law. That free government which we have so dearly purchased, free commonwealth. Milton.
3. The right or power of governing; authority. I here resign my goverment to thee. Shak.
4. The person or persons authorized to administer the laws; the ruling powe; the administratian. When we, in England, speak of the government, we generally understand the ministers of the crown for the time being. Mozley & W.
5. The body politic governed by one authority; a state; as, the governments of Europe.
6. Management of the limbs or body. Shak.
7. (Gram.)
Defn: The influence of a word in regard to construction, requiring that another word should be in a particular case.
GOVERNMENTALGov"ern*men"tal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. gouveernemental.]
Defn: Pertaining to government; made by government; as, governmental duties.
GOVERNORGov"ern*or, n. Etym: [OE. governor, governour, OF. governeor, F.gouverneur, fr. L. gubernator steersman, ruler, governor. SeeGovern.]
1. One who governs; especially, one who is invested with the supreme executive authority in a State; a chief ruler or magistrate; as, the governor of Pennsylvania. "The governor of the town." Shak.
2. One who has the care or guardianship of a young man; a tutor; a guardian.
3. (Naut.)
Defn: A pilot; a steersman. [R.]
4. (Mach.)
Defn: A contrivance applied to steam engines, water wheels, and other machinery, to maintain nearly uniform speed when the resistances and motive force are variable.
Note: The illustration shows a form of governor commonly used for steam engines, in wich a heavy sleeve (a) sliding on a rapidly revolving spindle (b), driven by the engine, is raised or lowered, when the speed varies, by the changing centrifugal force of two balls (c c) to which it is connected by links (d d), the balls being attached to arms (e e) which are jointed to the top of the spindle. The sleeve is connected with the throttle valve or cut-off through a lever (f), and its motion produces a greater supply of steam when the engine runs too slowly and a less supply when too fast. Governor cut- off (Steam Engine), a variable cut-off gear in which the governor acts in such a way as to cause the steam to be cut off from entering the cylinder at points of the stroke dependent upon the engine's speed. — Hydraulic governor (Mach.), a governor which is operated by the action of a liquid in flowing; a cataract.
GOVERNOR GENERALGov"ern*or gen"er*al.
Defn: A governor who has lieutenant or deputy governors under him; as, the governor general of Canada, of India.
GOVERNORSHIPGov"ern*or*ship, n.
Defn: The office of a governor.
GOWANGow"an, n. Etym: [Scot., fr. Gael. gugan bud, flower, daisy.]
1. The daisy, or mountain daisy. [Scot.] And pu'd the gowans fine. Burns.
2. (Min.)
Defn: Decomposed granite.
GOWANYGow"an*y, a.
Defn: Having, abounding in, or decked with, daisies. [Scot.]Sweeter than gowany glens or new-mown hay. Ramsay.
GOWDGowd, n. Etym: [Cf. Gold.]
Defn: Gold; wealth. [Scot.]The man's the gowd for a' that. Burns.
GOWDENGowd"en, a.
Defn: Golden. [Scot.]
GOWDIEGow"die, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: See Dragont. [Scot.]
GOWDNOOKGowd"nook", n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The saury pike; — called also gofnick.
GOWKGowk, v. t. Etym: [See Gawk.]
Defn: To make a, booby of one); to stupefy. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
GOWKGowk, n. Etym: [See Gawk.] (Zoöl.)
1. The European cuckoo; — called also gawky.
2. A simpleton; a gawk or gawky.
GOWLGowl, v. i. Etym: [OE. gaulen, goulen. Cf. Yawl, v. i.]
Defn: To howl. [Obs.] Wyclif.
GOWN Gown, n. Etym: [OE. goune, prob. from W. gwn gown, loose robe, akin to Ir. gunn, Gael. gùn; cf. OF. gone, prob. of the same origin.]
1. A loose, flowing upper garment; especially: (a) The ordinary outer dress of a woman; as, a calico or silk gown. (b) The official robe of certain professional men and scholars, as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.; hence, the dress of peace; the dress of civil officers, in distinction from military. He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield. Dryden.
(c) A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown.
2. Any sort of dress or garb. He comes . . . in the gown of humility. Shak.
GOWNEDGowned, p. a.
Defn: Dressed in a gown; clad.Gowned in pure white, that fitted to the shape. Tennyson.
GOWNSMAN; GOWNMANGowns"man, Gown"man (, n.; pl. -men (-men).
Defn: One whose professional habit is a gown, as a divine or lawyer, and particularly a member of an English university; hence, a civilian, in distinction from a soldier.
GOZZARDGoz"zard, n.
Defn: See Gosherd. [Prov. Eng.]
GRAAFIANGraaf"i*an, a. (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or discovered by, Regnier de Graaf, a Dutch physician. Graafian follicles or vesicles, small cavities in which the ova are developed in the ovaries of mammals, and by the bursting of which they are discharged.
GRAALGraal, n.
Defn: See Grail., a dish.
GRABGrab, n. Etym: [Ar. & Hind. ghur crow, raven, a kind of Arab ship.](Naut.)
Defn: A vessel used on the Malabar coast, having two or three masts.
GRABGrab, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Grabbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Grabbing.]Etym: [Akin to Sw. grabba to grasp. Cf. Grabble, Grapple, Grasp.]
Defn: To gripe suddenly; to seize; to snatch; to clutch.
GRABGrab, n.
1. A sudden grasp or seizure.
2. An instrument for clutching objects for the purpose of raising them; — specially applied to devices for withdrawing drills, etc., from artesian and other wells that are drilled, bored, or driven. Grab hag, at fairs, a bag or box holding small articles which are to be drawn, without being seen, on payment of a small sum. [Colloq.] — Grab game, a theft committed by grabbing or snatching a purse or other piece of property. [Colloq.]
GRABBERGrab"ber, n.
Defn: One who seizes or grabs.
GRABBLEGrab"ble, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Grabbled; p. pr. & vb. n. Grabbling (.]Etym: [Freq. of grab; cf. D. grabbelen.]
1. To grope; to feel with the hands. He puts his hands into his pockets, and keeps a grabbling and fumbling. Selden.
2. To lie prostrate on the belly; to sprawl on the ground; to grovel. Ainsworth.
GRACEGrace, n. Etym: [F. grâce, L. gratia, from gratus beloved, dear,agreeable; perh. akin to Gr. hary to desire, and E. yearn. Cf.Grateful, Gratis.]
1. The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred. To bow and sue for grace With suppliant knee. Milton.
2. (Theol.)
Defn: The divine favor toward man; the mercy of God, as distinguished from His justice; also, any benefits His mercy imparts; divine love or pardon; a state of acceptance with God; enjoyment of the divine favor. And if by grace, then is it no more of works. Rom. xi. 6. My grace is sufficicnt for thee. 2 Cor. xii. 9. Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Rom. v. 20. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. Rom. v.2
3. (Law) (a) The prerogative of mercy execised by the executive, as pardon. (b) The same prerogative when exercised in the form of equitable relief through chancery.
4. Fortune; luck; — used commonly with hard or sorry when it means misfortune. [Obs.] Chaucer.
5. Inherent excellence; any endowment or characteristic fitted to win favor or confer pleasure or benefit. He is complete in feature and in mind. With all good grace to grace a gentleman. Shak. I have formerly given the general character of Mr. Addison's style and manner as natural and unaffected, easy and polite, and full of those graces which a flowery imagination diffuses over writing. Blair.
6. Beauty, physical, intellectual, or moral; loveliness; commonly, easy elegance of manners; perfection of form. Grace in women gains the affections sooner, and secures them longer, than any thing else. Hazlitt. I shall answer and thank you again For the gift and the grace of the gift. Longfellow.
7. pl. (Myth.)
Defn: Graceful and beautiful females, sister goddesses, represented by ancient writers as the attendants sometimes of Apollo but oftener of Venus. They were commonly mentioned as three in number; namely, Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, and were regarded as the inspirers of the qualities which give attractiveness to wisdom, love, and social intercourse. The Graces love to weave the rose. Moore. The Loves delighted, and the Graces played. Prior.
8. The title of a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop, and formerly of the king of England. How fares your Grace ! Shak.
9. (Commonly pl.)
Defn: Thanks. [Obs.]Yielding graces and thankings to their lord Melibeus. Chaucer.
10. A petition for grace; a blessing asked, or thanks rendered, before or after a meal.
11. pl. (Mus.)
Defn: Ornamental notes or short passages, either introduced by the performer, or indicated by the composer, in which case the notation signs are called grace notes, appeggiaturas, turns, etc.
12. (Eng. Universities)
Defn: An act, vote, or decree of the government of the institution; a degree or privilege conferred by such vote or decree. Walton.
13. pl.
Defn: A play designed to promote or display grace of motion. It consists in throwing a small hoop from one player to another, by means of two sticks in the hands of each. Called also grace hoop or hoops. Act of grace. See under Act. — Day of grace (Theol.), the time of probation, when the offer of divine forgiveness is made and may be accepted. That day of grace fleets fast away. I. Watts. — Days of grace (Com.), the days immediately following the day when a bill or note becomes due, which days are allowed to the debtor or payer to make payment in. In Great Britain and the United States, the days of grace are three, but in some countries more, the usages of merchants being different. — Good graces, favor; friendship. — Grace cup. (a) A cup or vessel in which a health is drunk after grace. (b) A health drunk after grace has been said. The grace cup follows to his sovereign's health. Hing. — Grace drink, a drink taken on rising from the table; a grace cup. To [Queen Margaret, of Scotland] . . . we owe the custom of the grace drink, she having established it as a rule at her table, that whosoever staid till grace was said was rewarded with a bumper. Encyc. Brit. — Grace hoop, a hoop used in playing graces. See Grace, n., 13. — Grace note (Mus.), an appoggiatura. See Appoggiatura, and def. 11 above. — Grace stroke, a finishing stoke or touch; a coup de grace. — Means of grace, means of securing knowledge of God, or favor with God, as the preaching of the gospel, etc. — To do grace, to reflect credit upon. Content to do the profession some grace. Shak. — To say grace, to render thanks before or after a meal. — With a good grace, in a fit and proper manner grace fully; graciously. — With a bad grace, in a forced, reluctant, or perfunctory manner; ungraciously. What might have been done with a good grace would at least be done with a bad grace. Macaulay.
Syn. — Elegance; comeliness; charm; favor; kindness; mercy. — Grace, Mercy. These words, though often interchanged, have each a distinctive and peculiar meaning. Grace, in the strict sense of the term, is spontaneous favor to the guilty or undeserving; mercy is kindness or compassion to the suffering or condemned. It was the grace of God that opened a way for the exercise of mercy toward men. See Elegance.
GRACEGrace, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Graced; p. pr. & vb. n. Gracing.]
1. To adorn; to decorate; to embellish and dignify. Great Jove and Phoebus graced his noble line. Pope. We are graced with wreaths of victory. Shak.
2. To dignify or raise by an act of favor; to honor. He might, at his pleasure, grace or disgrace whom he would in court. Knolles.
3. To supply with heavenly grace. Bp. Hall.
4. (Mus.) To add grace notes, cadenzas, etc., to.
GRACEDGraced, a.
Defn: Endowed with grace; beautiful; full of graces; honorable. Shak.
GRACEFULGrace"ful, a.
Defn: Displaying grace or beauty in form or action; elegant; easy;agreeable in appearance; as, a graceful walk, deportment, speaker,air, act, speech.High o'er the rest in arms the graceful Turnus rode. Dryden.— Grace"ful*ly, adv. Grace"ful*ness, n.
GRACELESSGrace"less, a.
1. Wanting in grace or excellence; departed from, or deprived of, divine grace; hence, depraved; corrupt. "In a graceless age." Milton.
2. Unfortunate. Cf. Grace, n., 4. [Obs.] Chaucer.— Grace"less*ly, adv.— Grace"less-ness, n.
GRACILE; GRACILLENTGrac"ile, Grac"il*lent a. Etym: [L. gracilis, gracilentus.]
Defn: Slender; thin. [Obs.] Bailey.
GRACILITYGra*cil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. gracilitas; cf. F. gracilité.]
Defn: State of being gracilent; slenderness. Milman. "Youthful gracility." W. D. Howells.
GRACIOUSGra"cious, a. Etym: [F. gracieux, L. gratiosus. See Grace.]
1. Abounding in grace or mercy; manifesting love,. or bestowing mercy; characterized by grace; beneficent; merciful; disposed to show kindness or favor; condescending; as, his most gracious majesty. A god ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. Neh. ix. 17. So hallowed and so gracious in the time. Shak.
2. Abounding in beauty, loveliness, or amiability; graceful; excellent. Since the birth of Cain, the first male child, . . . There was not such a gracious creature born. Shak.
3. Produced by divine grace; influenced or controlled by the divine influence; as, gracious affections.
Syn. — Favorable; kind; benevolent; friendly; beneficent; benignant; merciful.
GRACIOUSLYGra"cious*ly, adv.
1. In a gracious manner; courteously; benignantly. Dryden.
2. Fortunately; luckily. [Obs.] Chaucer.
GRACIOUSNESSGra"cious*ness, n.
Defn: Quality of being gracious.
GRACKLE Grac"kle, n. Etym: [Cf. L. graculus jackdaw.] (Zoöl.) (a) One of several American blackbirds, of the family Icteridæ; as, the rusty grackle (Scolecophagus Carolinus); the boat-tailed grackle (see Boat-tail); the purple grackle (Quiscalus quiscula, or Q. versicolor). See Crow blackbird, under Crow. (b) An Asiatic bird of the genus Gracula. See Myna.
GRADATEGra"date, v. t. Etym: [See Grade.]
1. To grade or arrange (parts in a whole, colors in painting, etc.), so that they shall harmonize.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: To bring to a certain strength or grade of concentration; as, to gradate a saline solution.
GRADATIONGra*da"tion, n., Etym: [L. gradatio: cf. F. gradation. See Grade.]
1. The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement; the state of being graded or arranged in ranks; as, the gradation of castes.
2. The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.
3. Any degree or relative position in an order or series. The several gradations of the intelligent universe. I. Taylor.
4. (Fine Arts)
Defn: A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
6. (Mus.)
Defn: A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
GRADATIONGra*da"tion, v. t.
Defn: To form with gradations. [R.]
GRADATIONALGra*da"tion*al, a.
Defn: By regular steps or gradations; of or pertaining to gradation.
GRADATORYGrad"a*to*ry, a. Etym: [See Grade.]
1. Proceeding step by step, or by gradations; gradual. Could we have seen [Macbeth's] crimes darkening on their progress . . . could this gradatory apostasy have been shown us. A. Seward.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Suitable for walking; — said of the limbs of an animal when adapted for walking on land.
GRADATORYGrad"a*to*ry, n. Etym: [Cf. LL. gradatarium.] (Arch.)
Defn: A series of steps from a cloister into a church.
GRADE Grade, n. Etym: [F. grade, L. gradus step, pace, grade, from gradi to step, go. Cf. Congress, Degree, Gradus.]
1. A step or degree in any series, rank, quality, order; relative position or standing; as, grades of military rank; crimes of every grade; grades of flour. They also appointed and removed, at their own pleasure, teachers of every grade. Buckle.
2. In a railroad or highway: (a) The rate of ascent or descent; gradient; deviation from a level surface to an inclined plane; — usually stated as so many feet per mile, or as one foot rise or fall in so many of horizontal distance; as, a heavy grade; a grade of twenty feet per mile, or of 1 in 264. (b) A graded ascending, descending, or level portion of a road; a gradient.
3. (Stock Breeding)
Defn: The result of crossing a native stock with some better breed. If the crossbreed have more than three fourths of the better blood, it is called high grade. At grade, on the same level; — said of the crossing of a railroad with another railroad or a highway, when they are on the same level at the point of crossing. — Down grade, a descent, as on a graded railroad. — Up grade, an ascent, as on a graded railroad. — Equating for grades. See under Equate. — Grade crossing, a crossing at grade.
GRADEGrade, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Graded; p. pr. & vb. n. Grading.]
1. To arrange in order, steps, or degrees, according to size, quality, rank, etc.
2. To reduce to a level, or to an evenly progressive ascent, as the line of a canal or road.
3. (Stock Breeding)
Defn: To cross with some better breed; to improve the blood of.
GRADELYGrade"ly, a. Etym: [Cf. AS. grad grade, step, order, fr. L. gradus.See Grade.]
Defn: Decent; orderly. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.— adv.
Defn: Decently; in order. [Prov. Eng.]
GRADERGrad"er, n.
Defn: 1. One who grades, or that by means of which grading is done or facilitate.
Defn: 2. A vehicle used for levelling earth, esp. one with a plow blade suspended from the center, used specifically for grading roads.
GRADIENTGra"di*ent, a. Etym: [L. gradiens, p. pr. of gradi to step, to go.See Grade.]
1. Moving by steps; walking; as, gradient automata. Wilkins.
2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination; as, the gradient line of a railroad.
3. Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birsds.
GRADIENTGra"di*ent, n.
1. The rate of regular or graded ascent or descent in a road; grade.
2. A part of a road which slopes upward or downward; a portion of a way not level; a grade.
3. The rate of increase or decrease of a variable magnitude, or the curve which represents it; as, a thermometric gradient. Gradient post, a post or stake indicating by its height or by marks on it the grade of a railroad, highway, or embankment, etc., at that spot.
GRADIN; GRADINEGra"din, Gra*dine", n. Etym: [F. gradin, dim. of grade. See Grade.](Arch.)
Defn: Any member like a step, as the raised back of an altar or the like; a set raised over another. "The gradines of the amphitheeater." Layard.
GRADINEGra*dine", n. Etym: [F. gradine.]
Defn: A toothed chised by sculptors.
GRADINGGrad"ing, n.
Defn: The act or method of arranging in or by grade, or of bringing, as the surface of land or a road, to the desired level or grade.
GRADINOGra*di"no, n.; pl. Gradinos. Etym: [It.] (Arch.)
Defn: A step or raised shelf, as above a sideboard or altar. Cf.Superaltar, and Gradin.
GRADUALGrad"u*al"; a. Etym: [Cf; F. graduel. See Grade, and cf. Gradual, n.]
Defn: Proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing, step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow; as, a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline. Creatures animate with gradual life Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man. Milton.
GRADUAL Grad"u*al, n. Etym: [LL. graduale a gradual (in sense 1), fr. L. gradus step: cf. F. graduel. See Grade, and cf. Grail a gradual.]
1. (R. C. Ch.) (a) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps. (b) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
2. A series of steps. [Obs.] Dryden.
GRADUALITYGrad"u*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state of being gradual; gradualness. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
GRADUALLYGrad"u*al*ly, adv.
1. In a gradual manner.
2. In degree. [Obs.] Human reason doth not only gradually, but specifically, differ from the fantastic reason of brutes. Grew.
GRADUALNESSGrad"u*al*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being gradual; regular progression orgradation; slowness.The gradualness of this movement. M. Arnold.The gradualness of growth is a characteristic which strikes thesimplest observer. H. Drummond.
GRADUATEGrad"u*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Graduated p. pr. & vb. n. Graduating(.] Etym: [Cf. F. graduer. See Graduate, n., Grade.]
1. To mark with degrees; to divide into regular steps, grades, or intervals, as the scale of a thermometer, a scheme of punishment or rewards, etc.
2. To admit or elevate to a certain grade or degree; esp., in a college or university, to admit, at the close of the course, to an honorable standing defined by a diploma; as, he was graduated at Yale College.
3. To prepare gradually; to arrange, temper, or modify by degrees or to a certain degree; to determine the degrees of; as, to graduate the heat of an oven. Dyers advance and graduate their colors with salts. Browne.
4. (Chem.)
Defn: To bring to a certain degree of consistency, by evaporation, as a fluid. Graduating engine, a dividing engine. See Dividing engine, under Dividing.
GRADUATEGrad"u*ate, v. i.
1. To pass by degrees; to change gradually; to shade off; as, sandstone which graduates into gneiss; carnelian sometimes graduates into quartz.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: To taper, as the tail of certain birds.
3. To take a degree in a college or university; to become a graduate;to receive a diploma.He graduated at Oxford. Latham.He was brought to their bar and asked where he had graduated.Macaulay.
GRADUATE Grad"u*ate, n. Etym: [LL. graduatus, p. p. of graduare to admit to a degree, fr. L. gradus grade. See Grade, n.]
1. One who has received an academical or professional degree; one who has completed the prescribed course of study in any school or institution of learning.
2. A graduated cup, tube, or flask; a measuring glass used by apothecaries and chemists. See under Graduated.
GRADUATEGrad"u*ate, a. Etym: [See Graduate, n. & v.]
Defn: Arrangei by successive steps or degrees; graduated. Beginning with the genus, passing through all the graduate and subordinate stages. Tatham.
GRADUATEDGrad"u*a"ted, a.
1. Marked with, or divided into, degrees; divided into grades.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Tapered; — said of a bird's tail when the outer feathers are shortest, and the others successively longer. Graduated tube, bottle, cap, or glass, a vessel, usually of glass, having horizontal marks upon its sides, with figures, to indicate the amount of the contents at the several levels. — Graduated spring (Railroads), a combination of metallic and rubber springs.
GRADUATESHIPGrad"u*ate*ship, n.
Defn: State of being a graduate. Milton.
GRADUATION Grad"u*a"tion, n. Etym: [LL. graduatio promotion to a degree: cf. F. graduation division into degrees.]
1. The act of graduating, or the state of being graduated; as, graduation of a scale; graduation at a college; graduation in color; graduation by evaporation; the graduation of a bird's tail, etc.
2. The marks on an instrument or vessel to indicate degrees or quantity; a scale.
3. The exposure of a liquid in large surfaces to the air, so as to hasten its evaporation.
GRADUATORGrad"u*a"tor, n.
1. One who determines or indicates graduation; as, a graduator of instruments.
2. An instrument for dividing any line, right or curve, into small, regular intervals.
3. An apparatus for diffusing a solution, as brine or vinegar, over a large surface, for exposure to the air.
GRADUSGra"dus, n. Etym: [From L. gradus ad Parnassum a step to Parnassus.]
Defn: A dictionary of prosody, designed as an aid in writing Greek orLatin poetry.He set to work . . . without gradus or other help. T. Hughes.
GRAFGraf, n. Etym: [G. Cf. -grave.]
Defn: A German title of nobility, equivalent to earl in English, or count in French. See Earl.
GRAFFGraff, n. Etym: [OE. grafe, greife, greive. Cf. Margrave.]
Defn: A steward; an overseer. [A prince] is nothing but a servant, overseer, or graff, and not the head, which is a title belonging only to Christ. John Knox.
GRAFFGraff n. & v.
Defn: See Graft.
GRAFFAGEGraff"age, n. Etym: [Cf. Grave, n.]
Defn: The scarp of a ditch or moat. "To clean the graffages." MissMitford.
GRAFFERGraf"fer, n. Etym: [See Greffier.] (Law.)
Defn: a notary or scrivener. Bowvier.
GRAFFITIGraf*fi"ti, n. pl. Etym: [It., pl. of graffito scratched]
Defn: Inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins, as in the Catacombs, or at Pompeii.
GRAFFITOGraf*fi"to, n. [It., fr. graffio a scratching.] (Art)
Defn: Production of decorative designs by scratching them through a surface of layer plaster, glazing, etc., revealing a different- colored ground; also, pottery or ware so decorated; — chiefly used attributively.
GRAFT Graft, n. Etym: [OE. graff, F. greffe, originally the same word as OF. grafe pencil, L. graphium, Gr. carve. So named from the resemblance of a scion or shoot to a pointed pencil. Cf. Graphic, Grammar.] (a) A small shoot or scion of a tree inserted in another tree, the stock of which is to support and nourish it. The two unite and become one tree, but the graft determines the kind of fruit. (b) A branch or portion of a tree growing from such a shoot. (c) (Surg.) A portion of living tissue used in the operation of autoplasty.
GRAFTGraft, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grafted; p. pr. & vb. n. Grafting.] Etym:[F. greffer. See Graft, n.]
1. To insert (a graft) in a branch or stem of another tree; to propagate by insertion in another stock; also, to insert a graft upon. [Formerly written graff.]
2.
(Surg.)
Defn: To implant a portion of (living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic union.
3.
Defn: To join (one thing) to another as if by grafting, so as to bring about a close union. And graft my love immortal on thy fame ! Pope.
4.
(Naut.)
Defn: To cover, as a ring bolt, block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of small cord or rope-yarns.
GRAFTGraft, v. i.
Defn: To insert scions from one tree, or kind of tree, etc., into another; to practice grafting.
GRAFTAGEGraft"age, n. (Hort.)
Defn: The science of grafting, including the various methods of practice and details of operation.
GRAFTERGraft"er, n.
1. One who inserts scions on other stocks, or propagates fruit by ingrafting.
2.
Defn: An instrument by which grafting is facilitated.
3. The original tree from which a scion has been taken for grafting upon another tree. Shak.
GRAFTINGGraft"ing n. 1. (Hort.) The act, art, or process of inserting grafts.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: The act or method of weaving a cover for a ring, rope end, etc.
3. (Surg.)
Defn: The transplanting of a portion of flesh or skin to a denuded surface; autoplasty.
4. (Carp.)
Defn: A scarfing or endwise attachment of one timber to another. Cleft grafting (Hort.) a method of grafting in which the scion is placed in a cleft or slit in the stock or stump made by sawing off a branch, usually in such a manaer that its bark evenly joins that of the stock. — Crown, or Rind, grafting, a method of grafting which the alburnum and inner bark are separated, and between them is inserted the lower end of the scion cut slantwise. — Saddle grafting, a mode of grafting in which a deep cleft is made in the end of the scion by two sloping cuts, and the end of the stock is made wedge-shaped to fit the cleft in the scion, which is placed upon it saddlewise. — Side grafting, a mode of grafting in which the scion, cut quite across very obliquely, so as to give it the form of a slender wedge, is thrust down inside of the bark of the stock or stem into which it is inserted, the cut side of the scion being next the wood of the stock. — Skin grafting. (Surg.) See Autoplasty. — Splice grafting (Hort.), a method of grafting by cutting the ends of the scion and stock completely across and obliquely, in such a manner that the sections are of the same shape, then lapping the ends so that the one cut surface exactly fits the other, and securing them by tying or otherwise. — Whip grafting, tongue grafting, the same as splice grafting, except that a cleft or slit is made in the end of both scion and stock, in the direction of the grain and in the middle of the sloping surface, forming a kind of tongue, so that when put together, the tongue of each is inserted in the slit of the other. — Grafting scissors, a surgeon's scissors, used in rhinoplastic operations, etc. — Grafting tool. (a) Any tool used in grafting. (b) A very strong curved spade used in digging canals. — Grafting wax, a composition of rosin, beeswax tallow, etc., used in binding up the wounds of newly grafted trees.
GRAHAM BREAD Gra"ham bread". Etym: [From Sylvester Graham, a lecturer on dietetics.]
Defn: Bread made of unbolted wheat flour. [U. S.] Bartlett.
GRAHAMITEGra"ham*ite, n. Etym: [See Graham bread.]
Defn: One who follows the dietetic system of Graham. [U. S.]
GRAILGrail, n. Etym: [OF. greel, LL. gradale. See Gradual, n.]
Defn: A book of offices in the Roman Catholic Church; a gradual.[Obs.] T. Warton.Such as antiphonals, missals, grails, processionals, etc. Strype.
GRAILGrail, n. Etym: [OF. graal, greal, greet, F. graal, gral, LL.gradalis, gradale, prob. derived fr. L. crater bowl, mixing vessel,Gr. krath`r. See Crater.]
Defn: A broad, open dish; a chalice; — only used of the Holy Grail.
Note: The Holy Grail, according to some legends of the Middle Ages, was the cup used by our Savior in dispensing the wine at the last supper; and according to others, the platter on which the paschal lamb was served at the last Passover observed by our Lord. This cup, according to the legend, if appoached by any but a perfectly pure and holy person, would be borne away and vanish from the sight. The quest of the Holy Grail was to be undertaken only by a knight who was perfectly chaste in thought, word, and act.
GRAIL Grail, n. Etym: [F. grêle hail, from grÉs grit, OHG. griex, grioz, G. gries, gravel, grit. See Grit.]
Defn: Small particles of earth; gravel. [Obs.]Lying down upon the sandy grail. Spenser.
GRAILGrail, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. graite slender, F. grête.]
Defn: One of the small feathers of a hawk.
GRAILLEGraille, n. Etym: [Cf. F. grêle a sort of file.]
Defn: A halfround single-cut file or fioat, having one curved face and one straight face, — used by comb makers. Knight.
GRAINGrain, v. & n.
Defn: See Groan. [Obs.]
GRAIN Grain, n. Etym: [F. grain, L. granum, grain, seed, small kernel, small particle. See Corn, and cf. Garner, n., Garnet, Gram the chick- pea, Granule, Kernel.]
1. A single small hard seed; a kernel, especially of those plants, like wheat, whose seeds are used for food.
2. The fruit of certain grasses which furnish the chief food of man, as corn, wheat, rye, oats, etc., or the plants themselves; — used collectively. Storehouses crammed with grain. Shak.
3. Any small, hard particle, as of sand, sugar, salt, etc.; hence, any minute portion or particle; as, a grain of gunpowder, of pollen, of starch, of sense, of wit, etc. I . . . with a grain of manhood well resolved. Milton.
4. The unit of the English system of weights; — so called because considered equal to the average of grains taken from the middle of the ears of wheat. 7,000 grains constitute the pound avoirdupois, and 5,760 grains the pound troy. A grain is equal to .0648 gram. See Gram.
5. A reddish dye made from the coccus insect, or kermes; hence, a red color of any tint or hue, as crimson, scarlet, etc.; sometimes used by the poets as equivalent to Tyrian purple. All in a robe of darkest grain. Milton. Doing as the dyers do, who, having first dipped their silks in colors of less value, then give' them the last tincture of crimson in grain. Quoted by Coleridge, preface to Aids to Reflection.
6. The composite particles of any substance; that arrangement of the particles of any body which determines its comparative roughness or hardness; texture; as, marble, sugar, sandstone, etc., of fine grain. Hard box, and linden of a softer grain. Dryden.
7. The direction, arrangement, or appearance of the fibers in wood, or of the strata in stone, slate, etc. Knots, by the conflux of meeting sap, Infect the sound pine and divert his grain Tortive and errant from his course of growth. Shak.
8. The fiber which forms the substance of wood or of any fibrous material.
9. The hair side of a piece of leather, or the marking on that side. Knight.
10. pl.
Defn: The remains of grain, etc., after brewing or distillation; hence, any residuum. Also called draff.
11. (Bot.)
Defn: A rounded prominence on the back of a sepal, as in the common dock. See Grained, a., 4.
12. Temper; natural disposition; inclination. [Obs.] Brothers . . . not united in grain. Hayward.
13. A sort of spice, the grain of paradise. [Obs.] He cheweth grain and licorice, To smellen sweet. Chaucer. Against the grain, against or across the direction of the fibers; hence, against one's wishes or tastes; unwillingly; unpleasantly; reluctantly; with difficulty. Swift.Saintsbury.— A grain of allowance, a slight indulgence or latitude a small allowance. — Grain binder, an attachment to a harvester for binding the grain into sheaves. — Grain colors, dyes made from the coccus or kermes in sect. — Grain leather. (a) Dressed horse hides. (b) Goat, seal, and other skins blacked on the grain side for women's shoes, etc. — Grain moth (Zoöl.), one of several small moths, of the family Tineidæ (as Tinea granella and Butalis cereAlella), whose larvæ devour grain in storehouses. — Grain side (Leather), the side of a skin or hide from which the hair has been removed; — opposed to flesh side. — Grains of paradise, the seeds of a species of amomum. — grain tin, crystalline tin ore metallic tin smelted with charcoal. — Grain weevil (Zoöl.), a small red weevil (Sitophilus granarius), which destroys stored wheat and othar grain, by eating out the interior. — Grain worm (Zoöl.), the larva of the grain moth. See grain moth, above. — In grain, of a fast color; deeply seated; fixed; innate; genuine. "Anguish in grain." Herbert.— To dye in grain, to dye of a fast color by means of the coccus or kermes grain [see Grain, n., 5]; hence, to dye firmly; also, to dye in the wool, or in the raw material. See under Dye. The red roses flush up in her cheeks . . . Likce crimson dyed in grain. Spenser. — To go against the grain of (a person), to be repugnant to; to vex, irritate, mortify, or trouble.
GRAINGrain, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grained; p. pr. & vb. n. Graining.]
1. To paint in imitation of the grain of wood, marble, etc.
2. To form (powder, sugar, etc.) into grains.
3. To take the hair off (skins); to soften and raise the grain of (leather, etc.).
GRAINGrain, v. i. Etym: [F. grainer, grener. See Grain, n.]
1. To yield fruit. [Obs.] Gower.
2. To form grains, or to assume a granular ferm, as the result of crystallization; to granulate.
GRAINGrain, n. Etym: [See Groin a part of the body.]
1. A branch of a tree; a stalk or stem of a plant. [Obs.] G. Douglas.
2. A tine, prong, or fork. Specifically: (a) One the branches of a valley or of a river. (b) pl.
Defn: An iron first speak or harpoon, having four or more barbed points.
3. A blade of a sword, knife, etc.
4. (Founding)
Defn: A thin piece of metal, used in a mold to steady a core.
GRAINEDGrained, a.
1. Having a grain; divided into small particles or grains; showing the grain; hence, rough.
2. Dyed in grain; ingrained. Persons lightly dipped, not grained, in generous honesty, are but pale in goodness. Sir T. Browne.
3. Painted or stained in imitation of the grain of wood, marble, etc.
4. (Bot.)
Defn: Having tubercles or grainlike processes, as the petals or sepals of some flowers.
GRAINERGrain"er, n.
1. An infusion of pigeon's dung used by tanners to neutralize the effects of lime and give flexibility to skins; — called also grains and bate.
2. A knife for taking the hair off skins.
3. One who paints in imitation of the grain of wood, marble, etc.; also, the brush or tool used in graining.
GRAINFIELDGrain"field`, n.
Defn: A field where grain is grown.
GRAININGGrain"ing, n.
1. Indentation; roughening; milling, as on edges of coins. Locke.
2. A process in dressing leather, by which the skin is softened and the grain raised.
3. Painting or staining, in imitation of the grain of wood, atone, etc.
4. (Soap Making)
Defn: The process of separating soap from spent lye, as with salt.
GRAININGGrain"ing, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A small European fresh-water fish (Leuciscus vulgaris); - called also dobule, and dace.
GRAINSGrains, n. pl.
1. See 5th Grain, n., 2 (b).
2. Pigeon's dung used in tanning. See Grainer. n., 1.
GRAINYGrain"y, a.
Defn: Resembling grains; granular.
GRAIPGraip, n. Etym: [Perh. akin to grope, gripe.]
Defn: A dungfork. [Scot.] Burns.
GRAITHGraith, v. t. [Obs.]
Defn: See Greith. Chaucer.
GRAITHGraith, n.
Defn: Furniture; apparatus or accouterments for work, traveling, war, etc. [Scot.] Jamieson.
GRAKLEGra"kle, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: See Grackle.
GRALLAE Gral"læ, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. grallae stilts, for gradulae, fr. gradus. See Grade.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of birds which formerly included all the waders. By later writers it is usually restricted to the sandpipers, plovers, and allied forms; — called also Grallatores.
GRALLATORES Gral"la*to"res, n. pl. Etym: [NL. from L. grallator one who runs on stilts.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: See Grallæ.
GRALLATORIAL; GRALLATORYGral`la*to"ri*al, Gral"la*to*ry, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Grallatores, or waders.
GRALLICGral"lic, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Pertaining to the Grallæ.
GRALLINEGral"line (lin), a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Grallæ.
GRALLOCHGral"loch, n.
Defn: Offal of a deer.— v. t.
Defn: To remove the offal from (a deer).
-GRAM -gram. Etym: [Gr. a thing drawn or written, a letter, fr. gra`fein to draw, write. See Graphic.]
Defn: A suffix indicating something drawn or written, a drawing, writing; — as, monogram, telegram, chronogram.
GRAMGram, a. Etym: [AS. gram; akin to E. grim. sq. root35.]
Defn: Angry. [Obs.] Havelok, the Dane.
GRAMGram, n. Etym: [Pg. gro grain. See Grain.] (Bot.)
Defn: The East Indian name of the chick-pea (Cicer arietinum) and its seeds; also, other similar seeds there used for food.
GRAM; GRAMME Gram, Gramme, n. Etym: [F. gramme, from Gr. that which is written, a letter, a small weight, fr. to write. See Graphic.]
Defn: The unit of weight in the metric system. It was intended to be exactly, and is very nearly, equivalent to the weight in a vacuum of one cubic centimeter of pure water at its maximum density. It is equal to 15.432 grains. See Grain, n., 4. Gram degree, or Gramme degree (Physics), a unit of heat, being the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one gram of pure water one degree centigrade. — Gram equivalent (Electrolysis), that quantity of the metal which will replace one gram of hydrogen.
GRAMA GRASSGra"ma grass`. Etym: [Sp. grama a sort of grass.] (Bot.)
Defn: The name of several kinds of pasture grasses found in theWestern United States, esp. the Bouteloua oligostachya.
GRAMARYEGram"a*rye, n. Etym: [OE. gramer, grameri, gramori, grammar, magic,OF. gramaire, F. grammaire. See Grammar.]
Defn: Necromancy; magic. Sir W. Scott.
GRAMASHESGra*mash"es, n. pl. Etym: [See Gamashes.]
Defn: Gaiters reaching to the knee; leggings.Strong gramashes, or leggings of thick gray cloth. Sir W. Scott.
GRAMEGrame, n. Etym: [See Gram, a.]
1. Anger; wrath; scorn. [Obs.] Chaucer.
2. Sorrow; grief; misery. [Obs.] Chaucer.
GRAMERCYGra*mer"cy, interj. Etym: [F. grand-merci. See Grand, and Mercy.]
Defn: A word formerly used to express thankfulness, with surprise;many thanks.Gramercy, Mammon, said the gentle knight. Spenser.
GRAMINACEOUSGram"i*na"ceous, a. Etym: [L. gramen, graminis, grass.]
Defn: Pertaining to, or resembling, the grasses; gramineous; as, graminaceous plants.
GRAMINEALGra*min"e*al, a.
Defn: Gramineous.
GRAMINEOUSGra*min"e*ous, a. Etym: [L. gramineus, fr. gramen, graminis, grass.](Bot.)
Defn: Like, Or pertaining to, grass. See Grass, n., 2.
GRAMINIFOLIOUS Gram"i*ni*fo"li*ous, a. Etym: [L. gramen, graminis, grass + folium leaf.] (Bot.)
Defn: Bearing leaves resembling those of grass.
GRAMINIVOROUS Gram"i*niv"o*rous, a. Etym: [L. gramen, graminis, grass + vorare to eat greedily.]
Defn: Feeding or subsisting on grass, and the like food; — said of horses, cattle, and other animals.
GRAMMALOGUEGram"ma*logue, n. Etym: [Gr. gra`mma letter + lo`gos word. Cf.Logogram.] (Phonography)
Defn: Literally, a letter word; a word represented by a logogram; as, it, represented by |, that is, t. pitman.
GRAMMARGram"mar, n. Etym: [OE. gramere, OF. gramaire, F. grammaire Prob. fr.L. gramatica Gr Gramme, Graphic, and cf. Grammatical, Gramarye.]
1. The science which treats of the principles of language; the study of forms of speech, and their relations to one another; the art concerned with the right use aud application of the rules of a language, in speaking or writing.
Note: The whole fabric of grammar rests upon the classifying of words according to their function in the sentence. Bain.
2. The art of speaking or writing with correctness or according to established usage; speech considered with regard to the rules of a grammar. The original bad grammar and bad spelling. Macaulay.
3. A treatise on the principles of language; a book containing the principles and rules for correctness in speaking or writing.
4. treatise on the elements or principles of any science; as, a grammar of geography. Comparative grammar, the science which determines the relations of kindred languages by examining and comparing their grammatical forms. — Grammar school. (a) A school, usually endowed, in which Latin and Greek grammar are taught, as also other studies preparatory to colleges or universities; as, the famous Rugby Grammar School. This use of the word is more common in England than in the United States. When any town shall increase to the number of a hundred families or householders, they shall set up a grammar school, the master thereof being able to instruct youth so far as they may be fitted for the University. Mass. Records (1647). (b) In the American system of graded common schools an intermediate grade between the primary school and the high school, in which the principles of English grammar are taught.
GRAMMARGram"mar, v. i.
Defn: To discourse according to the rules of grammar; to use grammar.[Obs.] Beau. & Fl.
GRAMMARIANGram*ma"ri*an, n. Etym: [Cf. F. grammairien.]
1. One versed in grammar, or the construction of languages; a philologist.
Note: "The term was used by the classic ancients as a term of honorable distinction for all who were considered learned in any art or faculty whatever." Brande & C.
2. One who writes on, or teaches, grammar.
GRAMMARIANISMGram*ma"ri*an*ism, n.
Defn: The principles, practices, or peculiarities of grammarians.[R.]
GRAMMARLESSGram"mar*less, a.
Defn: Without grammar.
GRAMMATESGram"mates, n. pl. Etym: [From Gr.
Defn: Rudiments; first principles, as of grammar. [Obs.] Ford.
GRAMMATICGram*mat"ic, a.
Defn: Grammatical.
GRAMMATICAL Gram*mat"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. grammaticus, grammaticalis; Gr. grammatical. See Grammar.]
1. Of or pertaining to grammar; of the nature of grammar; as, a grammatical rule.
2. According to the rules of grammar; grammatically correct; as, the sentence is not grammatical; the construction is not grammatical. — Gram*mat"ic*al*ly, adv. — Gram*mat"ic*al*ness, n.
GRAMMATICASTERGram*mat"icas"ter, n. Etym: [LL.]
Defn: A petty grammarian; a grammatical pedant or pretender.My noble Neophite, my little grammaticaster. B. Jonson.
GRAMMATICATIONGram*mat"i*ca"tion, n.
Defn: A principle of grammar; a grammatical rule. [Obs.] Dalgarno.
GRAMMATICISMGram*mat"i*cism, n.
Defn: A point or principle of grammar. Abp. Leighton.
GRAMMATICIZEGram*mat"i*cize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grammaticized; p. pr. & vb. n.Grammaticizing.]
Defn: To render grammatical. Fuller.
GRAMMATISTGram"ma*tist, n. Etym: [L. grammatista schoolmaster, Gr. grammatiste.See Grammatical.]
Defn: A petty grammarian. [R] Tooke.
GRAMMEGramme, n.
Defn: Same as Gram the weight.
GRAMME MACHINEGramme" ma*chine". (Elec.)
Defn: A kind of dynamo-electric machine; — so named from its French inventor, M. Gramme. Knight.
GRAMOPHONE Gram"o*phone, n. [Gr. a thing drawn or written (fr. write) + - phone, as in telephone.]
Defn: An instrument for recording, preserving, and reproducing sounds, the record being a tracing of a phonautograph etched in some solid material. Reproduction is accomplished by means of a system attached to an elastic diaphragm.
GRAMPUS Gram"pus, n.; pl. Grampuses. Etym: [Probably corrupted from It. gran pesce great fish, or Sp. gran pez, or Pg. gran peixe, all fr. L. grandis piscis. See Grand, and Fish. the animal.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A toothed delphinoid cetacean, of the genus Grampus, esp. G. griseus of Europe and America, which is valued for its oil. It grows to be fifteen to twenty feet long; its color is gray with white streaks. Called also cowfish. The California grampus is G. Stearnsii.
2. A kind of tongs used in a bloomery. [U.S.]
GRANADE; GRANADOGra*nade", Gra*na"do, n.
Defn: See Grenade.
GRANADILLAGrana*dil"la, n. Etym: [Sp., dim. of granada pomegranate. SeeGrenade, Garnet.] (Bot.)
Defn: The fruit of certain species of passion flower (esp. Passiflora quadrangularis) found in Brazil and the West Indies. It is as large as a child's head, and is a good dessert fruit. The fruit of Passiflora edulis is used for flavoring ices.
GRANARYGran"a*ry, n.; pl. Granaries. Etym: [L. granarium, fr. granum grain.See Garner.]
Defn: A storehouse or repository for grain, esp. after it is thrashed or husked; a cornbouse; also (Fig.), a region fertile in grain. The exhaustless granary of a world. Thomson.
GRANATEGran"ate, n.
Defn: See Garnet.
GRANATINGra*na"tin, n. Etym: [L. granatum the pomegranate.] (Chem.)
Defn: Mannite; — so called because found in the pomegranate.
GRANATITEGran"a*tite, n.
Defn: See Staurolite.
GRAND Grand, a. [Compar. Grander; superl. Grandest.] Etym: [OE. grant, grount, OF. grant, F. grand, fr. L. grandis; perh. akin to gravis heavy, E. grave, a. Cf. Grandee.]
1. Of large size or extent; great; extensive; hence, relatively great; greatest; chief; principal; as, a grand mountain; a grand army; a grand mistake. "Our grand foe, Satan." Milton. Making so bold . . . to unseal Their grand commission. Shak.
2. Great in size, and fine or imposing in appearance or impression; illustrious, dignifled, or noble (said of persons); majestic, splendid, magnificent, or sublime (said of things); as, a grand monarch; a grand lord; a grand general; a grand view; a grand conception. They are the highest models of expression, the unapproached masters of the grand style. M. Arnold.
3. Having higher rank or more dignity, size, or importance than other persons or things of the same name; as, a grand lodge; a grand vizier; a grand piano, etc.
4. Standing in the second or some more remote degree of parentage or descent; — generalIy used in composition; as, grandfather, grandson, grandchild, etc. What cause Mov'd our grand parents, in that happy state, Favor'd of Heaven so highly, to fall off From their Creator. Milton. Grand action, a pianoforte action, used in grand pianos, in which special devices are employed to obtain perfect action of the hammer in striking and leaving the string. — Grand Army of the Republic, an organized voluntary association of men who served in the Union army or navy during the civil war in the United States. The order has chapters, called Posts, throughout the country. — Grand cross. (a) The highest rank of knighthood in the Order of the Bath. (b) A knight grand cross. — Grand cordon, the cordon or broad ribbon, identified with the highest grade in certain honorary orders; hence, a person who holds that grade. — Grand days (Eng. Law), certain days in the terms which are observed as holidays in the inns of court and chancery (Candlemas, Ascension, St. John Baptist's, and All Saints' Days); called also Dies non juridici. — Grand duchess. (a) The wife or widow of a grand duke. (b) A lady having the sovereignty of a duchy in her own right. (c) In Russia, a daughter of the Czar. — Grand duke. (a) A sovereign duke, inferior in rank to a king; as, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. (b) In Russia, a son of the Czar. (c) (Zoöl.) The European great horned owl or eagle owl (Bubo maximas). — Grand-guard, or Grandegarde, a piece of plate armor used in tournaments as an extra protection for the left shoulder and breast. — Grand juror, a member of a grand jury. — Grand jury (Law), a jury of not less than twelve men, and not more than twenty-three, whose duty it is, in private session, to examine into accusations against persons charged with crime, and if they see just cause, then to find bills of indictment against them, to be presented to the court; — called also grand inquest. — Grand juryman, a grand juror. — Grand larceny. (Law) See under Larceny. — Grand lodge, the chief lodge, or governing body, among Freemasons and other secret orders. — Grand master. (a) The head of one of the military orders of knighthood, as the Templars, Hospitallers, etc. (b) The head of the order of Freemasons or of Good Templars, etc. — Grand paunch, a glutton or gourmand. [Obs.] Holland. — Grand pensionary. See under Pensionary. — Grand piano (Mus.), a large piano, usually harp-shaped, in which the wires or strings are generally triplicated, increasing the power, and all the mechanism is introduced in the most effective manner, regardless of the size of the instrument. — Grand relief (Sculp.), alto relievo. — Grand Seignior. See under Seignior. — Grand stand, the principal stand, or erection for spectators, at a, race course, etc. — Grand vicar (Eccl.), a principal vicar; an ecclesiastical delegate in France. — Grand vizier. See under Vizier.
Syn. — Magnificent; sublime; majestic; dignified; elevated; stately; august; pompous; lofty; eralted; noble. — Grand, Magnificent, Sublime. Grand, in reference to objects of taste, is applied to that which expands the mind by a sense of vastness and majesty; magnificent is applied to anything which is imposing from its splendor; sublime describes that which is awful and elevating. A cataract is grand; a rich and varied landscape is magnificent; an overhanging precipice is sublime. "Grandeur admits of degrees and modifications; but magnificence is that which has already reached the highest degree of superiority naturally belonging to the object in question." Crabb.
GRANDAMGran"dam, n. Etym: [F. grande, fem. of grand + dame. See Grand, andDame.]
Defn: An old woman; specifically, a grandmother. Shak.
GRANDAUNTGrand"aunt", n. Etym: [Cf. F. grand'tante.]
Defn: The aunt of one's father or mother.
GRANDCHILDGrand"child", n.
Defn: A son's or daughter's child; a child in the second degree of descent.
GRANDDAUGHTERGrand"daugh"ter, n.
Defn: The daughter of one's son or daughter.