PARADOXER; PARADOXISTPar"a*dox`er, n., Par"a*dox`ist (, n.
Defn: One who proposes a paradox.
PARADOXICALPar`a*dox"ic*al, a.
1. Of the nature of a paradox.
2. Inclined to paradoxes, or to tenets or notions contrary toreceived opinions. Southey.— Par`a*dox"ic*al*ly, adv.— Par`a*dox"ic*al*ness, n.
PARADOXIDESPar`a*dox"i*des, n. Etym: [NL.] (Paleon.)
Defn: A genus of large trilobites characteristic of the primordial formations.
PARADOXOLOGYPar`a*dox*ol"o*gy, n. Etym: [Paradox + -logy.]
Defn: The use of paradoxes. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
PARADOXUREPar`a*dox"ure, n. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any species of Paradoxurus, a genus of Asiatic viverrine mammals allied to the civet, as the musang, and the luwack or palm cat (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). See Musang.
PARADOXYPar"a*dox`y, n.
1. A paradoxical statement; a paradox.
2. The quality or state of being paradoxical. Coleridge
PARAFFIN; PARAFFINE Par"af*fin, Par"af*fine, n. Etym: [F. paraffine, fr. L. parum too little + affinis akin. So named in allusion to its chemical inactivity.] (Chem.)
Defn: A white waxy substance, resembling spermaceti, tasteless and odorless, and obtained from coal tar, wood tar, petroleum, etc., by distillation. It is used as an illuminant and lubricant. It is very inert, not being acted upon by most of the strong chemical reagents. It was formerly regarded as a definite compound, but is now known to be a complex mixture of several higher hydrocarbons of the methane or marsh-gas series; hence, by extension, any substance, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, of the same chemical series; thus coal gas and kerosene consist largely of paraffins.
Note: In the present chemical usage this word is spelt paraffin, butin commerce it is commonly spelt paraffine. Native paraffin. SeeOzocerite.— Paraffin series. See Methane series, under Methane.
PARAGE Par"age, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. par, adj., equal. Cf. Peerage, Peer an equal.]
1. (Old Eng. Law)
Defn: Equality of condition, blood, or dignity; also, equality in the partition of an inheritance. Spelman.
2. (Feudal Law)
Defn: Equality of condition between persons holding unequal portions of a fee. Burrill.
3. Kindred; family; birth. [Obs.] Ld. Berners. We claim to be of high parage. Chaucer.
PARAGENESISPar`a*gen"e*sis, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + genesis.] (Min.)
Defn: The science which treats of minerals with special reference to their origin.
PARAGENICPar`a*gen"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. para- the root of (Biol.)
Defn: Originating in the character of the germ, or at the first commencement of an individual; — said of peculiarities of structure, character, etc.
PARAGLOBULINPar`a*glob"u*lin, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + globulin.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: An albuminous body in blood serum, belonging to the group of globulins. See Fibrinoplastin.
PARAGLOSSAPar`a*glos"sa, n.; pl. Paraglossæ. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of a pair of small appendages of the lingua or labium of certain insects. See Illust. under Hymenoptera.
PARAGNATHPar"ag*nath, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Same as Paragnathus.
PARAGNATHOUSPa*rag"na*thous, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having both mandibles of equal length, the tips meeting, as in certain birds.
PARAGNATHUS Pa*rag"na*thus, n.; pl. Paragnathi. Etym: [NL. See Para-, and Gnathic.] (Zoöl.) (a) One of the two lobes which form the lower lip, or metastome, of Crustacea. (b) One of the small, horny, toothlike jaws of certain annelids.
PARAGOGEPar`a*go"ge, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
1. (Gram.)
Defn: The addition of a letter or syllable to the end of a word, as withouten for without.
2. (Med.)
Defn: Coaptation. [Obs.] Dunglison.
PARAGOGIC; PARAGOGICALPar`a*gog"ic, Par`a*gog"ic*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. paragogique.]
Defn: Of, pertaining to, or constituting, a paragoge; added to the end of, or serving to lengthen, a word. Paragogic letters, in the Semitic languages, letters which are added to the ordinary forms of words, to express additional emphasis, or some change in the sense.
PARAGON Par"a*gon, n. Etym: [OF. paragon, F. parangon; cf. It. paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. fr. Gr.
1. A companion; a match; an equal. [Obs.] Spenser. Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister. Sir P. Sidney.
2. Emulation; rivalry; competition. [Obs.] Full many feats adventurous Performed, in paragon of proudest men. Spenser.
3. A model or pattern; a pattern of excellence or perfection; as, a paragon of beauty or eloquence. Udall. Man, . . . the paragon of animals ! Shak. The riches of sweet Mary's son, Boy-rabbi, Israel's paragon. Emerson.
4. (Print.)
Defn: A size of type between great primer and double pica. See theNote under Type.
PARAGONPar"a*gon, v. t. Etym: [Cf. OF. paragonner, F. parangonner.]
1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney.
2. To compare with; to equal; to rival. [R.] Spenser. In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising. Glover.
3. To serve as a model for; to surpass. [Obs.] He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame. Shak.
PARAGONPar"a*gon, v. i.
Defn: To be equal; to hold comparison. [R.]Few or none could . . . paragon with her. Shelton.
PARAGONITEPa*rag"o*nite, n. Etym: [From Gr. (Min.)
Defn: A kind of mica related to muscovite, but containing soda instead of potash. It is characteristic of the paragonite schist of the Alps.
PARAGRAMPar"a*gram, n. Etym: [Gr. Paragraph.]
Defn: A pun.Puns, which he calls paragrams. Addison.
PARAGRAMMATISTPar`a*gram"ma*tist, n.
Defn: A punster.
PARAGRANDINE Pa`ra*gran"di*ne, n. Etym: [It., from parare to parry + grandine hail.]
Defn: An instrument to avert the occurrence of hailstorms. SeeParagr. Knight.
PARAGRAPH Par"a*graph, n. Etym: [F. paragraphe, LL. paragraphus, fr. Gr. Para-, and Graphic, and cf. Paraph.]
1. Originally, a marginal mark or note, set in the margin to call attention to something in the text, e. g., a change of subject; now, the character
Note: This character is merely a modification of a capital P (the initial of the word paragraph), the letter being reversed, and the black part made white and the white part black for the sake of distinctiveness.
2. A distinct part of a discourse or writing; any section or subdivision of a writing or chapter which relates to a particular point, whether consisting of one or many sentences. The division is sometimes noted by the mark
3. A brief composition complete in one typographical section or paragraph; an item, remark, or quotation comprised in a few lines forming one paragraph; as, a column of news paragraphs; an editorial paragraph.
PARAGRAPHPar"a*graph, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paragraphed; p. pr. & vb. n.Paragraphing.]
1. To divide into paragraphs; to mark with the character .
2. To express in the compass of a paragraph; as, to paragraph an article.
3. To mention in a paragraph or paragraphs
PARAGRAPHERPar"a*graph`er, n.
Defn: A writer of paragraphs; a paragraphist.
PARAGRAPHIC; PARAGRAPHICALPar`a*graph"ic, Par`a*graph"ic*al, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or consisting of, a paragraph or paragraphs.— Par`a*graph"ic*al*ly, adv.
PARAGRAPHISTPar"a*graph`ist, n.
Defn: A paragrapher.
PARAGRAPHISTICALPar`a*gra*phis"tic*al, a.
Defn: Of or relating to a paragraphist. [R.] Beau. & Fl.
PARA GRASSPa*ra" grass`. (Bot.)
Defn: A valuable pasture grass (Panicum barbinode) introduced into the Southern United States from Brazil.
PARAGRELEPa`ra`grêle", n. Etym: [F., fr. parer to guard + grêle hail.]
Defn: A lightning conductor erected, as in a vineyard, for drawing off the electricity in the atmosphere in order to prevent hailstorms. [France] Knight.
PARAGUAYANPar`a*guay"an, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to Paraguay.— n.
Defn: A native or inhabitant of Paraguay.
PARAGUAY TEAPa`ra*guay" tea".
Defn: See Mate, the leaf of the Brazilian holly.
PARAILPar"ail, n.
Defn: See Apparel. [Obs.] "In the parail of a pilgrim." PiersPlowman.
PARAKEETPar"a*keet`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Same as Parrakeet.
PARAKITEPar"a*kite`, n. [Para- + kite.]
Defn: A train or series of kites on one string and flying tandem, used for attaining great heights and for sending up instruments for meteorological observations or a man for military reconnoissance; also, a kite of such a train.
PARALACTICPar`a*lac"tic, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + lactic.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: Designating an acid called paralactic acid. See Lactic acid, under Lactic.
PARALBUMINPar`al*bu"min, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + albumin.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: A proteidlike body found in the fluid from ovarian cysts and elsewhere. It is generally associated with a substance related to, if not identical with, glycogen.
PARALDEHYDEPar*al"de*hyde, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + aldehyde.] (Chem.)
Defn: A polymeric modification of aldehyde obtained as a white crystalline substance.
PARALEIPSISPar`a*leip"sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A pretended or apparent omission; a figure by which a speaker artfully pretends to pass by what he really mentions; as, for example, if an orator should say, "I do not speak of my adversary's scandalous venality and rapacity, his brutal conduct, his treachery and malice." [Written also paralepsis, paralepsy, paralipsis.]
PARALEPSISPar`a*lep"sis, n. Etym: [NL.]
Defn: See Paraleipsis.
PARALGESIAPar`al*ge"si*a, n. [NL.; para-+ Gr. 'a`lghsis sense of pain.] (Med.)
Defn: Disordered sensibility to pain, including absence of sensibility to pain, excessive sensibility to pain, and abnormal painful results of stimuli. — Par`al*ge"sic (#), a.
PARALIANPa*ra"li*an, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: A dweller by the sea. [R.]
PARALIPOMENON Par`a*li*pom"e*non, n. pl. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. paraleipome`nwn of things omitted, pass. p. pr. (neuter genitive plural) fr.
Defn: A title given in the Douay Bible to the Books of Chronicles.
Note: In the Septuagint these books are called Paraleipome`nwn prw on and dey`teron, which is understood, after Jerome's explanation, as meaning that they are supplementary to the Books of Kings W. Smith.
PARALIPSISPar`a*lip"sis, n. Etym: [NL.]
Defn: See Paraleipsis.
PARALLACTIC; PARALLACTICALPar`al*lac"tic, Par`al*lac"tic*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. parallactique.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to a parallax.
PARALLAXPar"al*lax, n. Etym: [Gr. parallaxe. Cf. Parallel.]
1. The apparent displacement, or difference of position, of an object, as seen from two different stations, or points of view.
2. (Astron.)
Defn: The apparent difference in position of a body (as the sun, or a star) as seen from some point on the earth's surface, and as seen from some other conventional point, as the earth's center or the sun. Annual parallax, the greatest value of the heliocentric parallax, or the greatest annual apparent change of place of a body as seen from the earth and sun; as, the annual parallax of a fixed star. — Binocular parallax, the apparent difference in position of an object as seen separately by one eye, and then by the other, the head remaining unmoved. — Diurnal, or Geocentric, parallax, the parallax of a body with reference to the earth's center. This is the kind of parallax that is generally understood when the term is used without qualification. — Heliocentric parallax, the parallax of a body with reference to the sun, or the angle subtended at the body by lines drawn from it to the earth and sun; as, the heliocentric parallax of a planet. — Horizontal parallax, the geocentric parallx of a heavenly body when in the horizon, or the angle subtended at the body by the earth's radius. — Optical parallax, the apparent displacement in position undergone by an object when viewed by either eye singly. Brande & C. — Parallax of the cross wires (of an optical instrument), their apparent displacement when the eye changes its position, caused by their not being exactly in the focus of the object glass. — Stellar parallax, the annual parallax of a fixed star.
PARALLELPar"al*lel, a. Etym: [F. parallèle, L. parallelus, fr. Gr. alius. SeeAllien.]
1. (Geom.)
Defn: Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes. Revolutions . . . parallel to the equinoctial. Hakluyt.
Note: Curved lines or curved planes are said to be parallel when they are in all parts equally distant.
2. Having the same direction or tendency; running side by side; being in accordance (with); tending to the same result; — used with to and with. When honor runs parallel with the laws of God and our country, it can not be too much cherished. Addison.
3. Continuing a resemblance through many particulars; applicable in all essential parts; like; similar; as, a parallel case; a parallel passage. Addison. Parallel bar. (a) (Steam Eng.) A rod in a parallel motion which is parallel with the working beam. (b) One of a pair of bars raised about five feet above the floor or ground, and parallel to each other, — used for gymnastic exercises. — Parallel circles of a sphere, those circles of the sphere whose planes are parallel to each other. — Parallel columns, or Parallels (Printing), two or more passages of reading matter printed side by side, for the purpose of emphasizing the similarity or discrepancy between them. — Parallel forces (Mech.), forces which act in directions parallel to each other. — Parallel motion. (a) (Mach.) A jointed system of links, rods, or bars, by which the motion of a reciprocating piece, as a piston rod, may be guided, either approximately or exactly in a straight line. Rankine. (b) (Mus.) The ascending or descending of two or more parts at fixed intervals, as thirds or sixths. — Parallel rod (Locomotive Eng.), a metal rod that connects the crank pins of two or more driving wheels; — called also couping rod, in distinction from the connecting rod. See Illust. of Locomotive, in App. — Parallel ruler, an instrument for drawing parallel lines, so constructed as to have the successive positions of the ruling edge parallel to each other; also, one consisting of two movable parts, the opposite edges of which are always parallel. — Parallel sailing (Naut.), sailing on a parallel of latitude. — Parallel sphere (Astron. & Geog.), that position of the sphere in which the circles of daily motion are parallel to the horizon, as to an observer at either pole. — Parallel vise, a vise having jaws so guided as to remain parallel in all positions.
PARALLELPar"al*lel, n.
1. A line which, throughout its whole extent, is equidistant from another line; a parallel line, a parallel plane, etc. Who made the spider parallels design, Sure as De Moivre, without rule or line Pope.
2. Direction conformable to that of another line, Lines that from their parallel decline. Garth.
3. Conformity continued through many particulars or in all essential points; resemblance; similarity. Twixt earthly females and the moon All parallels exactly run. Swift.
4. A comparison made; elaborate tracing of similarity; as, Johnson's parallel between Dryden and Pope.
5. Anything equal to, or resembling, another in all essential particulars; a counterpart. None but thyself can be thy parallel. Pope.
6. (Geog.)
Defn: One of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth, parallel to the equator, marking the latitude; also, the corresponding line on a globe or map.
7. (Mil.)
Defn: One of a series of long trenches constructed before a besieged fortress, by the besieging force, as a cover for troops supporting the attacking batteries. They are roughly parallel to the line of outer defenses of the fortress.
8. (Print.)
Defn: A character consisting of two parallel vertical lines (thus, ) used in the text to direct attention to a similarly marked note in the margin or at the foot of a page. Limiting parallels. See under Limit, v. t. — Parallel of altitude (Astron.), one of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the horizon; an almucantar. — Parallel of declination (Astron.), one of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the equator. — Parallel of latitude. (a) (Geog.) See def. 6. above. (b) (Astron.) One of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the ecliptic.
PARALLELPar"al*lel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paralleled; p. pr. & vb. n.Paralleling.]
1. To place or set so as to be parallel; to place so as to be parallel to, or to conform in direction with, something else. The needle . . . doth parallel and place itself upon the true meridian. Sir T. Browne.
2. Fig.: To make to conform to something else in character, motive, aim, or the like. His life is paralleled Even with the stroke and line of his great justice. Shak.
3. To equal; to match; to correspond to. Shak.
4. To produce or adduce as a parallel. [R.] Locke. My young remembrance can not parallel A fellow to it. Shak.
PARALLELPar"al*lel, v. i.
Defn: To be parallel; to correspond; to be like. [Obs.] Bacon.
PARALLELABLEPar"al*lel`a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being paralleled, or equaled. [R.] Bp. Hall.
PARALLELISMPar"al*lel*ism, n. Etym: [Gr. parallélisme.]
1. The quality or state of being parallel.
2. Resemblance; correspondence; similarity. A close parallelism of thought and incident. T. Warton.
3. Similarity of construction or meaning of clauses placed side by side, especially clauses expressing the same sentiment with slight modifications, as is common in Hebrew poetry; e. g.: — At her feet he bowed, he fell: Where he bowed, there he fell down dead. Judg. v. 27.
PARALLELISTICPar`al*lel*is"tic, a.
Defn: Of the nature of a parallelism; involving parallelism. The antithetic or parallelistic form of Hebrew poetry is entirely lost. Milman.
PARALLELIZEPar"al*lel*ize, v. t.
Defn: To render parallel. [R.]
PARALLELLESSPar"al*lel*less, a.
Defn: Matchless. [R.]
PARALLELLYPar"al*lel*ly, adv.
Defn: In a parallel manner; with parallelism. [R.] Dr. H. More.
PARALLELOGRAM Par`al*lel"o*gram, n. Etym: [Gr. parallélogramme. See Parallel, and - gram.] (Geom.)
Defn: A right-lined quadrilateral figure, whose opposite sides are parallel, and consequently equal; — sometimes restricted in popular usage to a rectangle, or quadrilateral figure which is longer than it is broad, and with right angles. Parallelogram of velocities, forces, accelerations, momenta, etc. (Mech.), a parallelogram the diagonal of which represents the resultant of two velocities, forces, accelerations, momenta, etc., both in quantity and direction, when the velocities, forces, accelerations, momenta, etc., are represented in quantity and direction by the two adjacent sides of the parallelogram.
PARALLELOGRAMMATICPar`al*lel`o*gram*mat"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a parallelogram; parallelogrammic.
PARALLELOGRAMMIC; PARALLELOGRAMMICALPar`al*lel`o*gram"mic, Par`al*lel`o*gram"mic*al, a.
Defn: Having the properties of a parallelogram. [R.]
PARALLELOPIPEDPar`al*lel`o*pi"ped, n. Etym: [Gr. parallélopipède.] (Geom.)
Defn: A solid, the faces of which are six parallelograms, the opposite pairs being parallel, and equal to each other; a prism whose base is a parallelogram.
PARALLELOPIPEDONPar`al*lel`o*pip"e*don, n. Etym: [NL.]
Defn: A parallelopiped. Hutton.
PARALLEL STANDARDSParallel standards. (Numismatics)
Defn: Two or more metals coined without any attempt by the government to regulate their values.
PARALLEL SULCUSParallel sulcus. (Anat.)
Defn: A sulcus parallel to, but some distance below, the horizontal limb of the fissure of Sylvius.
PARALLEL TRANSFORMERParallel transformer. (Elec.)
Defn: A transformer connected in parallel.
PARALLEL VISEParallel vise.
Defn: A vise with jaws so guided as to remain parallel.
PARALOGICALPar`a*log"ic*al, a.
Defn: Containing paralogism; illogical. "Paralogical doubt." Sir T.Browne.
PARALOGISMPa*ral"o*gism, n. Etym: [Gr. paralogisme.] (Logic)
Defn: A reasoning which is false in point of form, that is, which is contrary to logical rules or formulæ; a formal fallacy, or pseudo- syllogism, in which the conclusion does not follow from the premises.
PARALOGIZEPa*ral"o*gize, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Paralogized; p. pr. & vb. n.Paralogizing.] Etym: [Gr.
Defn: To reason falsely; to draw conclusions not warranted by the premises. [R.]
PARALOGYPa*ral"o*gy, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: False reasoning; paralogism.
PARALYSEPar"a*lyse, v. t.
Defn: Same as Paralyze.
PARALYSISPa*ral"y*sis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Para-, and Loose, and cf. Palsy.](Med.)
Defn: Abolition of function, whether complete or partial; esp., the loss of the power of voluntary motion, with or without that of sensation, in any part of the body; palsy. See Hemiplegia, and Paraplegia. Also used figuratively. "Utter paralysis of memory." G. Eliot. Mischievous practices arising out of the paralysis of the powers of ownership. Duke of Argyll (1887).
PARALYTICPar`a*lyt"ic, a. Etym: [L. paralyticus, Gr. paralytique.]
1. Of or pertaining to paralysis; resembling paralysis.
2. Affected with paralysis, or palsy. The cold, shaking, paralytic hand. Prior.
3. Inclined or tending to paralysis. Paralytic secretion (Physiol.), the fluid, generally thin and watery, secreted from a gland after section or paralysis of its nerves, as the pralytic saliva.
PARALYTICPar`a*lyt"ic, n.
Defn: A person affected with paralysis.
PARALYTICALPar`a*lyt"ic*al, a.
Defn: See Paralytic.
PARALYZATIONPar`a*ly*za"tion, n.
Defn: The act or process of paralyzing, or the state of being paralyzed.
PARALYZEPar"a*lyze, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paralyzed; p. pr. & vb. n.Paralyzing.] Etym: [F. paralyser. See Paralysis.]
1. To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.
2. Fig.: To unnerve; to destroy or impair the energy of; to render ineffective; as, the occurrence paralyzed the community; despondency paralyzed his efforts.
PARAMPar"am, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A white crystalline nitrogenous substance (C2H4N4); — called also dicyandiamide.
PARAMAGNETICPar`a*mag*net"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + magnetic.]
Defn: Magnetic, as opposed to Ant: diamagnetic.— n.
Defn: A paramagnetic substance. Faraday.— Par`a*mag*net"ic*al*ly, adv.
PARAMAGNETISMPar`a*mag"net*ism, n.
Defn: Magnetism, as opposed to diamagnetism. Faraday.
PARAMALEICPar`a*ma*le"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + maleic.] (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained from malic acid, and now called fumaric acid. [Obs.]
PARAMALICPar`a*ma"lic, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + malic.] (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or designating, an organic acid metameric with malic acid.
PARAMASTOIDPar`a*mas"toid, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + mastoid.] (Anat.)
Defn: Situated beside, or near, the mastoid portion of the temporal bone; paroccipital; — applied especially to a process of the skull in some animals.
PARAMATTAPar`a*mat"ta, n. Etym: [So named from Paramatta, in Australia.]
Defn: A light fabric of cotton and worsted, resembling bombazine or merino. Beck (Draper's Dict.)
PARAMENT Par"a*ment, n. Etym: [Sp. paramento, from parar to prepare, L. parare.]
Defn: Ornamental hangings, furniture, etc., as of a state apartment;rich and elegant robes worn by men of rank; — chiefly in the plural.[Obs.]Lords in paraments on their coursers. Chaucer.Chamber of paraments, presence chamber of a monarch.
PARAMENTOPa`ra*men"to, n. Etym: [Sp.]
Defn: Ornament; decoration. Beau. & Fl.
PARAMEREPar"a*mere, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + -mere.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the symmetrical halves of any one of the radii, or spheromeres, of a radiate animal, as a starfish.
PARAMETERPa*ram"e*ter, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + -meter: cf. F. paramètre.]
1. (a) (Math.) A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family. Brande & C. (b) Specifically (Conic Sections), in the ellipse and hyperbola, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate, or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.
Note: The parameter of the principal axis of a conic section is called the latus rectum.
2. (Crystallog.)
Defn: The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
PARAMETRITISPar`a*me*tri"tis, n. Etym: [NL. See Para-, and Metritis.] (Med.)
Defn: Inflammation of the cellular tissue in the vicinity of the uterus.
PARAMIOGRAPHERPar`a*mi*og"ra*pher, n. Etym: [Gr. -graph + -er.]
Defn: A collector or writer of proverbs. [R.]
PARAMITOMEPar`a*mi"tome, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + mitome.] (Biol.)
Defn: The fluid portion of the protoplasm of a cell.
PARAMOPa"ra*mo, n.; pl. Paramos. Etym: [Sp. pæramo.]
Defn: A high, bleak plateau or district, with stunted trees, and cold, damp atmosphere, as in the Andes, in South America.
PARAMORPHPar"a*morph, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + Gr. (Min.)
Defn: A kind of pseudomorph, in which there has been a change of physical characters without alteration of chemical composition, as the change of aragonite to calcite.
PARAMORPHISMPar`a*mor"phism, n. (Min.)
Defn: The change of one mineral species to another, so as to involve a change in physical characters without alteration of chemical composition.
PARAMORPHOUSPar`a*mor"phous, a. (Min.)
Defn: Relating to paramorphism; exhibiting paramorphism.
PARAMOUNT Par"a*mount, a. Etym: [OF. par amont above; par through, by (L. per) + amont above. See Amount.]
Defn: Having the highest rank or jurisdiction; superior to all others; chief; supreme; preëminent; as, a paramount duty. "A traitor paramount." Bacon. Lady paramount (Archery), the lady making the best score. — Lord paramount, the king.
Syn. Superior; principal; preëminent; chief.
PARAMOUNTPar"a*mount, n.
Defn: The highest or chief. Milton.
PARAMOUNTLYPar"a*mount`ly, adv.
Defn: In a paramount manner.
PARAMOURPar"a*mour, n. Etym: [F. par amour, lit., by or with love. See 2dPar, and Amour.]
1. A lover, of either sex; a wooer or a mistress (formerly in a good sense, now only in a bad one); one who takes the place, without possessing the rights, of a husband or wife; — used of a man or a woman. The seducer appeared with dauntless front, accompanied by his paramour Macaulay.
2. Love; gallantry. [Obs.] "For paramour and jollity." Chaucer.
PARAMOUR; PARAMOURSPar"a*mour`, Par"a*mours`, adv.
Defn: By or with love, esp. the love of the sexes; — sometimes written as two words. [Obs.] For par amour, I loved her first ere thou. Chaucer.
PARAMYLUMPar*am"y*lum, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Chem.)
Defn: A substance resembling starch, found in the green frothy scum formed on the surface of stagnant water.
PARANAPHTHALENEPar`a*naph"tha*lene, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + naphthalene.] (Chem.)
Defn: Anthracene; — called also paranaphthaline. [Obs.]
PARANOIAPar`a*noi"a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: Mental derangement; insanity.
PARANOIACPar`a*noi"ac, a. (Med.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to paranoia; affected with, or characteristic of, paranoia.
PARANOIACPar`a*noi"ac, n.
Defn: A person affected with paranoia.
PARANTHRACENEPar*an"thra*cene, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + anthracene.] (Chem.)
Defn: An inert isomeric modification of anthracene.
PARANUCLEUSPar`a*nu"cle*us, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + nucleus.] (Biol.)
Defn: Some as Nucleolus.
PARA NUTPa*ra" nut`. (Bot.)
Defn: The Brazil nut.
PARANYMPHPar"a*nymph, n. Etym: [L. paranymphus, Gr. paranymphe.]
1. (Gr. Antiq.) (a) A friend of the bridegroom who went with him in his chariot to fetch home the bride. Milton. (b) The bridesmaid who conducted the bride to the bridegroom.
2. Hence: An ally; a supporter or abettor. Jer. Taylor.
PARANYMPHALPar`a*nym"phal, a.
Defn: Bridal; nuptial. [R.]At some paranymphal feast. Ford.
PARAPECTINPar`a*pec"tin, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + pectin.] (Chem.)
Defn: A gelatinous modification of pectin.
PARAPEGMPar"a*pegm, n. Etym: [L. parapegma, Gr. parapegme.]
Defn: An engraved tablet, usually of brass, set up in a public place.
Note: Parapegms were used for the publication of laws, proclamations, etc., and the recording of astronomical phenomena or calendar events.
PARAPEPTONEPar`a*pep"tone, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + peptone.] (Phisiol. Chem.)
Defn: An albuminous body formed in small quantity by the peptic digestion of proteids. It can be converted into peptone by pancreatic juice, but not by gastric juice.
PARAPETPar"a*pet, n. Etym: [F., fr. It. parapetto, fr. parare to ward off,guard (L. parare to prepare, provide) + petto the breast, L. pectus.See Parry, and Pectoral.]
1. (Arch.)
Defn: A low wall, especially one serving to protect the edge of a platform, roof, bridge, or the like.
2. (Fort.)
Defn: A wall, rampart, or elevation of earth, for covering soldiers from an enemy's fire; a breastwork. See Illust. of Casemate.
PARAPETALOUSPar`a*pet"al*ous, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + petal.] (Bot.)
Defn: Growing by the side of a petal, as a stamen.
PARAPETEDPar"a*pet`ed, a.
Defn: Having a parapet.
PARAPHPar"aph, n. Etym: [F. paraphe, parafe, contr. fr. paragraphe.]
Defn: A flourish made with the pen at the end of a signature. In theMiddle Ages, this formed a sort of rude safeguard against forgery.Brande & C.
PARAPHPar"aph, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paraphed; p. pr. & vb. n. Paraphing.]Etym: [Cf. F. parapher, parafer.]
Defn: To add a paraph to; to sign, esp. with the initials.
PARAPHERNAPar`a*pher"na, n. pl. Etym: [L.] (Rom. Law)
Defn: The property of a woman which, on her marriage, was not made a part of her dower, but remained her own.
PARAPHERNALPar`a*pher"nal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. paraphernal.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to paraphernalia; as, paraphernal property.Kent.
PARAPHERNALIA Par`a*pher*na"li*a, n. pl. Etym: [LL. paraphernalia bona, fr. L. parapherna, pl., parapherna, Gr. fe`rein to bring. See 1st Bear.]
1. (Law)
Defn: Something reserved to a wife, over and above her dower, being chiefly apparel and ornaments suited to her degree.
2. Appendages; ornaments; finery; equipments.
PARAPHIMOSISPar`a*phi*mo"sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: A condition in which the prepuce, after being retracted behind the glans penis, is constricted there, and can not be brought forward into place again.
PARAPHOSPHORICPar`a*phos*phor"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + phosphoric.] (Chem.)
Defn: Pyrophosphoric. [Obs.]
PARAPHRAGMAPar`a*phrag"ma, n.; pl. Paraphragmata. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the outer divisions of an endosternite of Crustacea.— Par`a*phrag"mal, a.
PARAPHRASE Par"a*phrase, n. Etym: [L. paraphrasis, Gr. paraphrase. See Para-, and Phrase.]
Defn: A restatement of a text, passage, or work, expressing the meaning of the original in another form, generally for the sake of its clearer and fuller exposition; a setting forth the signification of a text in other and ampler terms; a free translation or rendering; — opposed to metaphrase. In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense. Dryden. Excellent paraphrases of the Psalms of David. I. Disraeli. His sermons a living paraphrase upon his practice. Sowth. The Targums are also called the Chaldaic or Aramaic Paraphrases. Shipley.
PARAPHRASEPar"a*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paraphrased; p. pr. & vb. n.Paraphrasing.]
Defn: To express, interpret, or translate with latitude; to give themeaning of a passage in other language.We are put to construe and paraphrase our own words. Bp.Stillingfleet.
PARAPHRASEPar"a*phrase, v. i.
Defn: To make a paraphrase.
PARAPHRASERPar"a*phra`ser, n.
Defn: One who paraphrases.
PARAPHRASIANPar`a*phra"sian, n.
Defn: A paraphraser. [R.]
PARAPHRASTPar"a*phrast, n. Etym: [L. paraphrastes, Gr. paraphraste.]
Defn: A paraphraser. T. Warton.
PARAPHRASTIC; PARAPHRASTICALPar`a*phras"tic, Par`a*phras"tic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.paraphrastique.]
Defn: Paraphrasing; of the nature of paraphrase; explaining, ortranslating in words more clear and ample than those of the author;not literal; free.— Par`a*phras"tic*al*ly, adv.
PARAPHYSISPa*raph"y*sis, n.; pl. Paraphyses. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: A minute jointed filament growing among the archegonia and antheridia of mosses, or with the spore cases, etc., of other flowerless plants.
PARAPLEGIA; PARAPLEGY Par`a*ple"gi*a, Par"a*ple`gy, n. Etym: [NL. paraplegia, fr. Gr. paraplégie.] (Med.)
Defn: Palsy of the lower half of the body on both sides, caused usually by disease of the spinal cord. — Par`a*pleg"ic, a.
PARAPLEURAPar`a*pleu"ra, n.; pl. Parapleuræ. Etym: [NL. See Para-, and 2dPleura.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A chitinous piece between the metasternum and the pleuron of certain insects.
PARAPODIUMPar`a*po"di*um, n.; pl. Parapodia. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the lateral appendages of an annelid; — called also foot tubercle.
Note: They may serve for locomotion, respiration, and sensation, and often contain spines or setæ. When well developed, a dorsal part, or notopodium, and a ventral part, or neuropodium, are distinguished.
PARAPOPHYSISPar`a*poph"y*sis, n.; pl. Parapophyses. Etym: [NL. See Para-, andApophysis.] (Anat.)
Defn: The ventral transverse, or capitular, process of a vertebra.See Vertebra.— Par*ap`o*phys"ic*al, a.
PARAPTERUMPa*rap"te*rum, n.; pl. Paraptera. Etym: [NL. See Para-, and Pteron.](Zoöl.)
Defn: A special plate situated on the sides of the mesothorax and metathorax of certain insects.
PARAQUET; PARAQUITOPar`a*quet", Par`a*qui"to, n. Etym: [See Paroquet.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: See Parrakeet.
PARA RUBBERPará rubber.
Defn: The caoutchouc obtained from the South American euphorbiaceous tree Hevea brasiliensis, hence called the Pará rubber tree, from the Brazilian river and seaport named Pará; also, the similar product of other species of Hevea. It is usually exported in flat round cakes, and is a chief variety of commercial India rubber.
PARASANGPar"a*sang, n. Etym: [L. parasanga, Gr. farsang.]
Defn: A Persian measure of length, which, according to Herodotus and Xenophon, was thirty stadia, or somewhat more than three and a half miles. The measure varied in different times and places, and, as now used, is estimated at from three and a half to four English miles.
PARASCENIUMPar`a*sce"ni*um, n.; pl. Parascenia. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Greek &Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: One of two apartments adjoining the stage, probably used as robing rooms.
PARASCEVEPar`a*sce"ve, n. Etym: [L., from Gr.
1. Among the Jews, the evening before the Sabbath. [Obs.] Mark xv. 42 (Douay ver.)
2. A preparation. [R.] Donne.
PARASCHEMATICPar`a*sche*mat"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a change from the right form, as in the formation of a word from another by a change of termination, gender, etc. Max Müller.
PARASELENEPar`a*se*le"ne, n.; pl. Paraselenæ. Etym: [NL., from Gr. parasélène.](Meteor.)
Defn: A mock moon; an image of the moon which sometimes appears at the point of intersection of two lunar halos. Cf. Parhelion.
PARASHAHPar"a*shah, n.; pl. -shoth (#) or -shioth (#). [Heb. parashah.]
Defn: A lesson from the Torah, or Law, from which at least one section is read in the Jewish synagogue on every Sabbath and festival.
PARASHOTHPar"a*shoth, n.;
Defn: pl. of Parashah.
PARASITA Par`a*si"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.) (a) An artificial group formerly made for parasitic insects, as lice, ticks, mites, etc. (b) A division of copepod Crustacea, having a sucking mouth, as the lerneans. They are mostly parasites on fishes. Called also Siphonostomata.
PARASITALPar"a*si`tal, a. (Bot. & Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to parasites; parasitic.
PARASITEPar"a*site, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. parasitus, Gr.
1. One who frequents the tables of the rich, or who lives at another's expense, and earns his welcome by flattery; a hanger-on; a toady; a sycophant. Thou, with trembling fear, Or like a fawning parasite, obey'st. Milton. Parasites were called such smell-feasts as would seek to be free guests at rich men's tables. Udall.
2. (Bot.) (a) A plant obtaining nourishment immediately from other plants to which it attaches itself, and whose juices it absorbs; — sometimes, but erroneously, called epiphyte. (b) A plant living on or within an animal, and supported at its expense, as many species of fungi of the genus Torrubia.
3. (Zoöl.) (a) An animal which lives during the whole or part of its existence on or in the body of some other animal, feeding upon its food, blood, or tissues, as lice, tapeworms, etc. (b) An animal which steals the food of another, as the parasitic jager. (c) An animal which habitually uses the nest of another, as the cowbird and the European cuckoo.
PARASITIC; PARASITICAL Par`a*sit"ic, Par`a*sit"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. parasiticus, Gr. parasitique.]
1. Of the nature of a parasite; fawning for food or favors; sycophantic. "Parasitic preachers." Milton.
2. (Bot. & Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to parasites; living on, or deriving nourishment from, some other living animal or plant. See Parasite, 2 & 3. Parasitic gull, Parasitic jager. (Zoöl.) See Jager. — Par`a*sit"ic*al*ly, adv. — Par`a*sit"ic*al*ness, n.
PARASITICIDEPar`a*sit"i*cide, n. Etym: [Parasite + L. caedere to kill.]
Defn: Anything used to destroy parasites. Quain.
PARASITISMPar"a*si`tism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. parasitisme.]
1. The state or behavior of a parasite; the act of a parasite. "Court parasitism." Milton.
2. (Bot. & Zoöl.)
Defn: The state of being parasitic.
PARASOLPar"a*sol`, n. Etym: [F., fr. Sp. or Pg. parasol, or It. parasole;It. parare to ward off, Sp. & Pg. parar (L. parare to prepare) + It.sole sun, Sp. & Pg. sol (L. sol). See Parry, Solar.]
Defn: A kind of small umbrella used by women as a protection from the sun.
PARASOLPar"a*sol`, v. t.
Defn: To shade as with a parasol. [R.]
PARASOLETTEPar`a*sol*ette", n.
Defn: A small parasol.
PARASPHENOIDPar`a*sphe"noid, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + sphenoid.] (Anat.)
Defn: Near the sphenoid bone; — applied especially to a bone situated immediately beneath the sphenoid in the base of the skull in many animals. — n.
Defn: The parasphenoid bone.
PARASTICHYPa*ras"ti*chy, n. Etym: [Pref. para- + Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: A secondary spiral in phyllotaxy, as one of the evident spirals in a pine cone.
PARASYNAXISPar`a*syn*ax"is, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Civil Law)
Defn: An unlawful meeting.
PARASYNTHETICPar`a*syn*thet"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. Para-, and Synthetic.]
Defn: Formed from a compound word. "Parasynthetic derivatives." Dr.Murray.
PARATACTICPar`a*tac"tic, a. (Gram.)
Defn: Of pertaining to, or characterized by, parataxis.
PARATAXISPar`a*tax"is, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Gram.)
Defn: The mere ranging of propositions one after another, without indicating their connection or interdependence; — opposed to syntax. Brande & C.
PARATHESISPa*rath"e*sis, n.; pl. Paratheses. Etym: [NL., from Gr.
1. (Gram.)
Defn: The placing of two or more nouns in the same case; apposition.
2. (Rhet.)
Defn: A parenthetical notice, usually of matter to be afterward expanded. Smart.
3. (Print.)
Defn: The matter contained within brackets.
4. (Eccl.)
Defn: A commendatory prayer. Shipley.
PARATHETICPar`a*thet"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to parathesis.
PARATONNERRE Pa`ra`ton`nerre", n. Etym: [F., fr. parer to parry + tonnerre thunderbolt.]
Defn: A conductor of lightning; a lightning rod.
PARAUNTERPar*aun"ter, adv. Etym: [Par + aunter.]
Defn: Peradventure. See Paraventure. [Obs.] Chaucer.
PARAUQUEPa*rauque", n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A bird (Nyctidromus albicollis) ranging from Texas to SouthAmerica. It is allied to the night hawk and goatsucker.
PARAVAILPar`a*vail", a. Etym: [OF. par aval below; par through (L. per) +aval down; a- (L. ad) + val (L. vallis) a valley. Cf. Paramount.](Eng. Law)
Defn: At the bottom; lowest. Cowell.
Note: In feudal law, the tenant paravail is the lowest tenant of the fee, or he who is immediate tenant to one who holds over of another. Wharton.
PARAVANT; PARAVANTPar"a*vant`, Par"a*vant`, adv. Etym: [OF. par avant. See Par, and lstAvaunt.]
1. In front; publicly. [Obs.] Spenser.
2. Beforehand; first. [Obs.] Spenser.
PARAVENTUREPar`a*ven"ture, adv. Etym: [Par + aventure.]
Defn: Peradventure; perchance. [Obs.] Chaucer.
PARAXANTHINPar`a*xan"thin, n. Etym: [Pref. Para- + xanthin.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: A crystalline substance closely related to xanthin, present in small quantity in urine.
PARAXIALPar*ax"i*al, a. Etym: [Pref. para- + axial.] (Anat.)
Defn: On either side of the axis of the skeleton.
PARAXYLENEPar`a*xy"lene, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A hydrocarbon of the aromatic series obtained as a colorless liquid by the distillation of camphor with zinc chloride. It is one of the three metamers of xylene. Cf. Metamer, and Xylene.
PARBOIL Par"boil`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parboiled; p. pr. & vb. n. Parboiling.] Etym: [OE. parboilen, OF. parbouillir to cook well; par through (see Par) + bouillir to boil, L. bullire. The sense has been influenced by E. part. See lst Boil.]
1. To boil or cook thoroughly. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
2. To boil in part; to cook partially by boiling.
PARBREAKPar"break`, v. i. & t. Etym: [Par + break.]
Defn: To throw out; to vomit. [Obs.] Skelton.
PARBREAKPar"break`, n.
Defn: Vomit. [Obs.] Spenser.
PARBUCKLE Par"buc`kle, n. (a) A kind of purchase for hoisting or lowering a cylindrical burden, as a cask. The middle of a long rope is made fast aloft, and both parts are looped around the object, which rests in the loops, and rolls in them as the ends are hauled up or payed out. (b) A double sling made of a single rope, for slinging a cask, gun, etc.
PARBUCKLEPar"buc`kle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parbuckled; p. pr. & vb. n.Parbuckling.]
Defn: To hoist or lower by means of a parbuckle. Totten.
PARCAEPar"cæ, n. pl. Etym: [L.]
Defn: The Fates. See Fate, 4.
PARCASEPar*case", adv. Etym: [Par + case.]
Defn: Perchance; by chance. [Obs.] Chaucer.
PARCEL Par"cel, n. Etym: [F. parcelle a small part, fr. (assumed) LL. particella, dim. of L. pars. See Part, n., and cf. Particle.]
1. A portion of anything taken separately; a fragment of a whole; a part. [Archaic] "A parcel of her woe." Chaucer. Two parcels of the white of an egg. Arbuthnot. The parcels of the nation adopted different forms of self-government. J. A. Symonds.
2. (Law)
Defn: A part; a portion; a piece; as, a certain piece of land is part and parcel of another piece.
3. An indiscriminate or indefinite number, measure, or quantity; a collection; a group. This youthful parcel Of noble bachelors stand at my disposing. Shak.
4. A number or quantity of things put up together; a bundle; a package; a packet. 'Tis like a parcel sent you by the stage. Cowper. Bill of parcels. See under 6th Bill. — Parcel office, an office where parcels are received for keeping or forwarding and delivery. — Parcel post, that department of the post office concerned with the collection and transmission of parcels. — Part and parcel. See under Part.
PARCELPar"cel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parceled or Parcelled; p. pr. & vb. n.Parceling or Parcelling.]
1. To divide and distribute by parts or portions; — often with out or into. "Their woes are parceled, mine are general." Shak. These ghostly kings would parcel out my power. Dryden. The broad woodland parceled into farms. Tennyson.
2. To add a parcel or item to; to itemize. [R.] That mine own servant should Parcel the sum of my disgraces by Addition of his envy. Shak.
3. To make up into a parcel; as, to parcel a customer's purchases; the machine parcels yarn, wool, etc. To parcel a rope (Naut.), to wind strips of tarred canvas tightly arround it. Totten. — To parcel a seam (Naut.), to cover it with a strip of tarred canvas.
PARCELPar"cel, a. & adv.
Defn: Part or half; in part; partially. Shak. [Sometimes hyphenedwith the word following.]The worthy dame was parcel-blind. Sir W. Scott.One that . . . was parcel-bearded [partially bearded]. Tennyson.Parcel poet, a half poet; a poor poet. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
PARCELINGPar"cel*ing, n. Etym: [Written also parcelling.]
1. The act of dividing and distributing in portions or parts.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: Long, narrow slips of canvas daubed with tar and wound about a rope like a bandage, before it is served; used, also, in mousing on the stayes, etc.
PARCEL-MELEPar"cel-mele`, adv. Etym: [See Parcel, and Meal a part.]
Defn: By parcels or parts. [Obs.] Chaucer.
PARCEL POSTPar"cel post.
Defn: That branch of the post office having to do with the collection, transmission, and delivery of parcels. The British Inland Parcel Post was established in 1883. The present rates, dating from 1897, are 3d. for parcels not exceeding one pound and 1d. for each additional pound up to the limit of 10 pounds. A general parcel post was established in the United States by Act of August 24, 1912, which took effect Jan. 1, 1913. Parcels must not exceed 11 pounds in weight nor 72 inches in length and girth combined. Provision is made from insuring parcels up to $50.00, and also for sending parcels C.O.D. The rates of postage vary with the distance. See Zone, below.
PARCENARYPar"ce*na*ry, n. Etym: [See Parcener, partner.] (Law)
Defn: The holding or occupation of an inheritable estate which descends from the ancestor to two or more persons; coheirship.
Note: It differs in many respects from joint tenancy, which is created by deed or devise. In the United States there is no essential distinction between parcenary and tenancy in common. Wharton. Kent.
PARCENER Par"ce*ner, n. Etym: [Of. paronnier, parsonnier, fr. parzon, par, parcion, part, portion, fr. L. partitio a division. See Partition, and cf. Partner.] (Law)
Defn: A coheir, or one of two or more persons to whom an estate of inheritance descends jointly, and by whom it is held as one estate.
PARCHParch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parched; p. pr. & vb. n. Parching.] Etym:[OE. perchen to pierce, hence used of a piercing heat or cold, OF.perchier, another form of percier, F. percer. See Pierce.]
1. To burn the surface of; to scorch; to roast over the fire, as dry grain; as, to parch the skin; to parch corn. Ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn. Lev. xxiii. 14.
2. To dry to extremity; to shrivel with heat; as, the mouth is parched from fever. The ground below is parched. Dryden.
PARCHParch, v. i.
Defn: To become scorched or superficially burnt; to be very dry."Parch in Afric sun." Shak.
PARCHEDNESSParch"ed*ness, n.
Defn: The state of being parched.
PARCHEESIPar*chee"si, n.
Defn: See Pachisi.
PARCHESIPar*che"si, n.
Defn: See Pachisi.
PARCHINGParch"ing, a.
Defn: Scorching; burning; drying. "Summer's parching heat." Shak.— Parch"ing*ly, adv.
PARCHMENT Parch"ment, n. Etym: [OE. parchemin, perchemin, F. parchemin, LL. pergamenum, L. pergamena, pergamina, fr. L. Pergamenus of or belonging to Pergamus an ancient city of Mysia in Asia Minor, where parchment was first used.]
1. The skin of a lamb, sheep, goat, young calf, or other animal, prepared for writing on. See Vellum. But here's a parchment with the seal of Cæsar. Shak.
2. The envelope of the coffee grains, inside the pulp. Parchment paper. See Papyrine.
PARCHMENTIZEParch"ment*ize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. -ized; p. pr. & vb. n. -izing.]
Defn: To convert to a parchmentlike substance, esp. by sulphuric acid.
PARCITYPar"ci*ty, n. Etym: [L. parcitas, fr. parcus sparing.]
Defn: Sparingless. [Obs.]
PARCLOSEPar"close, n. Etym: [OF. See Perclose.] (Eccl. Arch.)
Defn: A screen separating a chapel from the body of the church.[Written also paraclose and perclose.] Hook.
PARDPard, n. Etym: [L. pardus, Gr. p tiger, panther.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A leopard; a panther.And more pinch-spotted make them Than pard or cat o'mountain. Shak.
PARDALEPar"dale, n. Etym: [L. pardalis, Gr. Pard.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A leopard. [Obs.] Spenser.
PARDE; PARDIEPar*de", Par*die", adv. or interj. Etym: [F. pardi, for par Dieu byGod.]
Defn: Certainly; surely; truly; verily; — originally an oath.[Written also pardee, pardieux, perdie, etc.] [Obs.]He was, parde, an old fellow of yours. Chaucer.
PARDINEPar"dine, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Spotted like a pard. Pardine lynx (Zoöl.), a species of lynx (Felis pardina) inhabiting Southern Europe. Its color is rufous, spotted with black.
PARDOPar"do, n. Etym: [Pg. pardao, fr. Skr. pratapa splendor, majesty.]
Defn: A money of account in Goa, India, equivalent to about 2s. 6d. sterling. or 60 cts.
PARDONPar"don, n. Etym: [F., fr. pardonner to pardon. See Pardon, v. t.]
1. The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution. Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings. Shak. But infinite in pardon was my judge. Milton. Used in expressing courteous denial or contradiction; as, I crave your pardon; or in indicating that one has not understood another; as, I beg pardon.
2. An official warrant of remission of penalty. Sign me a present pardon for my brother. Shak.
3. The state of being forgiven. South.
4. (Law)
Defn: A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amenesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses.
Syn.— Forgiveness; remission. See Forgiveness.
PARDONPar"don, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pardoned; p. pr. & vb. n. Pardoning.]Etym: [Either fr. pardon, n., or from F. pardonner, LL. perdonare; L.per through, thoroughly, perfectly + donare to give, to present. SeePar-, and Donation.]
1. To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; — applied to the offender. In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant. 2 Kings v. 18. I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardom me. Shak.