Defn: turning, rolling, or whirling round.
CIRCUMROTATE Cir`cum*ro"tate, v. t. & i. Etym: [L. circumrotare; circum + rotare to turn round.]
Defn: To rotate about. [R.]
CIRCUMROTATIONCir`cum*ro*ta"tion, n.
Defn: The act of rolling or revolving round, as a wheel; circumvolution; the state of being whirled round. J. Gregory.
CIRCUMSCISSILECir`cum*scis"sile, a. Etym: [Pref. circum- + scissle.] (Bot.)
Defn: Dehiscing or opening by a transverse fissure extending around (a capsule or pod). See Illust. of Pyxidium.
CIRCUMSCRIBABLECir`cum*scrib"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being circumscribed.
CIRCUMSCRIBECir`cum*scribe", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Circumscribed; p. pr. & vb. n.Circumscribing.] Etym: [L. circumscribere, -scriptum; circum +scribere to write, draw. See Soribe.]
1. to write or engare around. [R.] Thereon is circumscribed this epitaph. Ashmole.
2. To inclose within a certain limit; to hem in; to surround; to bound; to confine; to restrain. To circumscribe royal power. Bancroft.
3. (Geom.)
Defn: To draw a line around si as to touch at certain points without cutting. See Inscribe, 5.
Syn. — To bound; limit; restrict; confine; abridge; restrain; environ; encircle; inclose; encompass.
CIRCUMSCRIBERCir`cum*scrib"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, circumscribes.
CIRCUMSCRIPTIBLECir`cum*scrip"ti*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being circumscribed or limited by bounds.
CIRCUMSCRIPTIONCir`cum*scrip"tion, n. Etym: [L. circumscriptio. See Circumscribe.]
1. An inscription written around anything. [R.] Ashmole.
2. The exterior line which determines the form or magnitude of a body; outline; periphery. Ray.
3. The act of limiting, or the state of being limited, by conditions or restraints; bound; confinement; limit. The circumscriptions of terrestrial nature. Johnson. I would not my unhoused, free condition Put into circumscription and confine. Shak.
CIRCUMSCRIPTIVECir`cum*scrip"tive, a.
Defn: Circumscribing or tending to circumscribe; marcing the limits or form of.
CIRCUMSCRIPTIVELYCir`cum*scrip"tive*ly, adv.
Defn: In a limited manner.
CIRCUMSCRIPTLYCir"cum*script`ly, adv.
Defn: In a literal, limited, or narrow manner. [R.] Milton.
CIRCUMSPECT Cir"cum*spect, a. Etym: [L. circumspectus, p. p. of circumspicere to look about one's self, to observe; circum + spicere, specere, to look. See Spy.]
Defn: Attentive to all the circustances of a case or the probable consequences of an action; cautious; prudent; wary.
Syn.— See Cautious.
CIRCUMSPECTIONCir`cum*spec"tion, n. Etym: [L. circumspectio.]
Defn: Attention to all the facts and circumstances of a case; caution; watchfulness. With silent circumspection, unespied. Milton.
Syn. — Caution; prudence; watchfulness; deliberation; thoughtfulness; wariness; forecast.
CIRCUMSPECTIVECir`cum*spec"tive, a.
Defn: Looking around everi way; cautious; careful of consequences; watchful of danger. "Circumspective eyes." Pope.
CIRCUMSPECTIVELYCir`cum*spec"tive*ly, adv.
Defn: Circumspectly.
CIRCUMSPECTLYCir"cum*spect"ly, adv.
Defn: In a circumspect manner; cautiously; warily.
CIRCUMSPECTNESSCir"cum*spect"ness, n.
Defn: Vigilance un guarding against evil from every quarter; caution. [Travel] forces circumspectness on those abroad, who at home are nursed in security. Sir H. Wotton.
CIRCUMSTANCECir"cum*stance, n. Etym: [L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis,p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. SeeStand.]
1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things. The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. W. Irving.
2. An event; a fact; a particular incident. The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqoeror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in histery. Addison.
3. Circumlocution; detail. [Obs.] So without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that shake hands and part. Shak.
4. pl.
Defn: Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings. When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations. Addison. Not a circumstance, of no account. [Colloq.] — Under the circumstances, taking all things into consideration.
Syn. — Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.
CIRCUMSTANCECir"cum*stance, v. t.
Defn: To place in a particular situation; to suppy relativeincidents.The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him andcircumstanced them, after his own manner. Addison.
CIRCUMSTANCEDCir"cum*stanced, p. a.
1. Placed in a particular position or condition; situated. The proposition is, that two bodies so circumstanced will balance each other. Whewell.
2. Governed by events or circumstances. [Poetic & R.] "I must be circumstanced." Shak.
CIRCUMSTANTCir"cum*stant, a. Etym: [L. circumstans. See Circumstance.]
Defn: Standing or placed around; surrounding. [R.] "Circumstant bodies." Sir K. Digby.
CIRCUMSTANTIABLECir`cum*stan"tia*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being circumstantiated. [Obs.] Jer Taylor.
CIRCUMSTANTIALCir`cum*stan"tial, a. Etym: [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents. The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. Paley.
2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential. We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. Sharp.
3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular. Tedious and circumstantial recitals. Prior. Circumstantial evidence (Law), evidence obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption. According to some authorities circumstantial is distinguished from positive evidence in that the latter is the testimony of eyewitnesses to a fact or the admission of a party; but the prevalent opinion now is that all such testimony is dependent on circumstances for its support. All testimony is more or less circumstantial. Wharton.
Syn.— See Minute.
CIRCUMSTANTIALCir`cum*stan"tial, n.
Defn: Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to an essential; — generally in the plural; as, the circumstantials of religion. Addison.
CIRCUMSTANTIALITYCir`cum*stan`ti*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state, characteristic, or quality of being circumstantial; particularity or minuteness of detail. "I will endeavor to describe with sufficient circumstantiality." De Quincey.
CIRCUMSTANTIALLYCir`cum*stan"tial*ly, adv.
1. In respect to circumstances; not essentially; accidentally. Of the fancy and intellect, the powers are only circumstantially different. Glanvill.
2. In every circumstance or particular; minutely. To set down somewhat circumstantially, not only the events, but the manner of my trials. Boyle.
CIRCUMSTANTIATE Cir`cum*stan"ti*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Circumstantiated; p. pr. & vb. n. Circumstantiating.] Etym: [See Circumstantiating (
1. To place in particular circumstances; to invest with particular accidents or adjuncts. [R.] If the act were otherwise circumstantiated, it might will that freely which now it wills reluctantly. Bramhall.
2. To prove or confirm by circumstances; to entr into detailsconcerning.Neither will time permint to circumstantiate these particulars, whichI have only touched in the general. State Trials (1661).
CIRCUMTERRANEOUSCir`cum*ter*ra"ne*ous, a. Etym: [Pref. circum- + L. terra earth.]
Defn: Being or dwelling around the earth. "Circumterraneous demouns."H. Hallywell.
CIRCUMUNDULATECir`cum*un"du*late, v. t. Etym: [Pref. circum- + undulate.]
Defn: To flow round, as waves. [R.]
CIRCUMVALLATE Cir`cum*val"late, v. t. Etym: [L. circumvallatus, p. p. of circumvallare to surround with a wall; circum + vallare to wall, fr. vallum rampart.]
Defn: To surround with a rampart or wall. Johnson.
CIRCUMVALLATECir`cum*val"late, a.
1. Surrounded with a wall; inclosed with a rampart.
2. (Anat.)
Defn: Surrounded by a ridle or elevation; as, the circumvallate papillæ, near the base of the tongue.
CIRCUMVALLATION Cir`cum*val*la"tion, n. (Mil.) (a) The act of surrounding with a wall or rampart. (b) A line of field works made around a besieged place and the besieging army, to protect the camp of the besiegers against the attack of an enemy from without.
CIRCUMVECTION Cir`cum*vec"tion, n. Etym: [L. circumvectio; circum + vehere to carry.]
Defn: The act of carrying anything around, or the state of being so carried.
CIRCUMVENT Cir`cum*vent", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Circumvented; p. pr. vb. n. Circumventing.] Etym: [L. circumventis, p. p. of circumvenire, to come around, encompass, decieve; circum + venire to come, akin to E. come.]
Defn: To gain advantage over by arts, stratagem, or deception; to decieve; to delude; to get around. I circumvented whom I could not gain. Dryden.
CIRCUMVENTIONCir`cum*ven"tion, n. Etym: [L. circumventio.]
Defn: The act of prevailing over another by arts, address, or fraud; deception; fraud; imposture; delusion. A school in which he learns sly circumvention. Cowper.
CIRCUMVENTIVECir`cum*vent"ive, a.
Defn: Tending to circumvent; deceiving by artifices; deluding.
CIRCUMVENTORCir`cum*vent"or, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: One who circumvents; one who gains his purpose by cunning.
CIRCUMVEST Cir`cum*vest", v. t. Etym: [L. circumvestire; circum + vestire to clothe.]
Defn: To cover round, as woth a garment; to invest. [Obs.]Circumvested with much prejudice. Sir H. Wotton.
CIRCUMVOLANTCir*cum"vo*lant, a. Etym: [L. circumvolans, p. pr. SeeCircumvolation.]
Defn: Flying around.The circumvolant troubles of humanity. G. Macdonald.
CIRCUMVOLATION Cir`cum*vo*la"tion, n. Etym: [L. circumvolate. -volatum, to fly around; circum + volare to fly.]
Defn: The act of flying round. [R.]
CIRCUMVOLUTIONCir`cum*vo*lu"tion, n. Etym: [See Circumvolve.]
1. The act of rolling round; the state of being rolled.
2. A thing rolled round another. Arbuthnot.
3. A roundabout procedure; a circumlocution. He had neither time nor temper for sentimental circumvolutions. Beaconsfield.
CIRCUMVOLVECir`cum*volve", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Circumvolved; p. pr. vb. n.Circumvolving.] Etym: [L. circumvolvere, -volutum; circum + volvereto roll.]
Defn: To roll round; to cause to revolve; to put into a circular motion. Herrick.
CIRCUMVOLVECir`cum*volve", v. i.
Defn: To roll round; to revolve.
CIRCUS Cir"cus, n.; pl. Circuses. Etym: [L. circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See Circle, and cf. Cirque.]
1. (Roman Antiq.)
Defn: A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows.
Note: The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators. Harpers' Latin Dict.
2. A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
3. Circuit; space; inclosure. [R.] The narrow circus of my dungeon wall. Byron.
CIRL BUNTINGCirl" bun`ting. Etym: [Cf. It. cirlo.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A European bunting (Emberiza cirlus).
CIRQUECirque, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. circus.]
1. A circle; a circus; a circular erection or arrangement of objects. A dismal cirque Of Druid stones upon a forlorn moor. Keats.
2. A kind of circular valley in the side of a mountain, walled around by precipices of great height.
CIRRATECir"rate, a. Etym: [L. cirratus having ringlets, fr. cirrus a curl.](Zoöl.)
Defn: Having cirri along the margin of a part or organ.
CIRRHIFEROUSCir*rhif"er*ous, a.
Defn: See Cirriferous.
CIRRHOSECir"rhose, a.
Defn: Same as Cirrose.
CIRRHOSIS Cir*rho"sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. cirrhose. So called from the yellowish appearance which the diseased liver often presents when cut.] (Med.)
Defn: A disease of the liver in which it usually becomes smaller in size and more dense and fibrous in consistence; hence sometimes applied to similar changes in other organs, caused by increase in the fibrous framework and decrease in the proper substance of the organ.
CIRRHOTICCir*rhot"ic, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, caused by, or affected with, cirrhosis; as, cirrhotic degeneration; a cirrhotic liver.
CIRRHOUSCir"rhous, a.
Defn: See Cirrose.
CIRRHUSCir"rhus, n.
Defn: Same as Cirrus.
CIRRICir"ri, n. pl.
Defn: See Cirrus.
CIRRIFEROUSCir*rif"er*ous, a. Etym: [Cirrus + -ferous.]
Defn: Bearing cirri, as many plants and animals.
CIRRIFORMCir"ri*form, a. Etym: [Cirrus + -form.] (Biol.)
Defn: Formed like a cirrus or tendril; — said of appendages of both animals and plants.
CIRRIGEROUSCir*rig"er*ous, a. Etym: [Cirrus + -gerous.] (Biol.)
Defn: Having curled locks of hair; supporting cirri, or hairlike appendages.
CIRRIGRADECir"ri*grade, a. Etym: [Cirrus + L. gradi to walk.] (Biol.)
Defn: Moving or moved by cirri, or hairlike appendages.
CIRRIPEDCir"ri*ped, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the Cirripedia.
CIRRIPEDIA Cir`ri*pe"di*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. cirrus curl + pes, pedis, foot.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of Crustacea including the barnacles. When adult, they have a calcareous shell composed of several pieces. From the opening of the shell the animal throws out a group of curved legs, looking like a delicate curl, whence the name of the group. See Anatifa.
CIRROBRANCHIATA Cir`ro*bran`chi*a"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. E. cirrus + L. branchiae gills.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of Mollusca having slender, cirriform appendages near the mouth; the Scaphopoda.
CIRRO-CUMULUSCir`ro-cu"mu*lus, n. Etym: [Cirrus + cumulus.] (Meteor.)
Defn: See under Cloud.
CIRROSE Cir"rose, a. Etym: [See Cirrus.] (Bot.) (a) Bearing a tendril or tendrils; as, a cirrose leaf. (b) Resembling a tendril or cirrus. [Spelt also cirrhose.]
CIRROSTOMICir`ros"to*mi, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. E. cirrus + Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The lowest group of vertebrates; — so called from the cirri around the mouth; the Leptocardia. See Amphioxus.
CIRRO-STRATUSCir`ro-stra"tus, n. Etym: [Cirrus + stratus.] (Meteor.)
Defn: See under Cloud.
CIRROUSCir"rous, a.
1. (Bot.)
Defn: Cirrose.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Tufted; — said of certain feathers of birds.
CIRRUS Cir"rus, n.; pl. Cirri. Etym: [L., lock, curl, ringlet.] [Also written cirrhus.]
1. (Bot.)
Defn: A tendril or clasper.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) A soft tactile appendage of the mantle of many Mollusca, and of the parapodia of Annelida. Those near the head of annelids are Tentacular cirri; those of the last segment are caudal cirri. (b) The jointed, leglike organs of Cirripedia. See Annelida, and Polychæta.
Note: In some of the inferior animals the cirri aid in locomotion; in others they are used in feeding; in the Annelida they are mostly organs of touch. Some cirri are branchial in function.
3. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The external male organ of trematodes and some other worms, and of certain Mollusca.
4. (Meteor.)
Defn: See under Cloud.
CIRSOCELECir"so*cele, n. Etym: [Gr. (Med.)
Defn: The varicose dilatation of the spermatic vein.
CIRSOIDCir"soid, a. Etym: [Gr. -oid.] (Med.)
Defn: Varicose. Cirsoid aneurism, a disease of an artery in which it becomes dilated and elongated, like a varicose vein.
CIRSOTOMYCir*sot"o*my, n. Etym: [Gr. (Surg.)
Defn: Any operation for the removal of varices by incision.Dunglison.
CIS-Cis-.
Defn: A Latin preposition, sometimes used as a prefix in English words, and signifying on this side.
CISALPINECis*al"pine, a. Etym: [L. Cisalpinus; cis on this side + AlpinusAlpine.]
Defn: On the hither side of the Alps with reference to Rome, that is, on the south side of the Alps; — opposed to transalpine.
CISATLANTICCis`at*lan"tic, a. Etym: [Pref. cis- + Atlantic.]
Defn: On this side of the Atlantic Ocean; — used of the eastern or the western side, according to the standpoint of the writer. Story.
CISCOCis"co, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The Lake herring (Coregonus Artedi), valuable food fish of the Great Lakes of North America. The name is also applied to C. Hoyi, a related species of Lake Michigan.
CISELURECi`se*lure", n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: The process of chasing on metals; also, the work thus chased.Weale.
CISLEITHANCis*lei"than, a. Etym: [Pref. cis- + Leitha.]
Defn: On the Austrian side of the river Leitha; Austrian.
CISMONTANECis*mon"tane, a. Etym: [Pref. cis- + L. mons mountain.]
Defn: On this side of the mountains. See under Ultramontane.
CISPADANE Cis"pa*dane`, a. Etym: [Pref. cis- + L. Padanus, pert. to the Padus or Po.]
Defn: On the hither side of the river Po with reference to Rome; that is, on the south side.
CISSOIDCis"soid, n. Etym: [Gr. (Geom.)
Defn: A curve invented by Diocles, for the purpose of solving two celebrated problems of the higher geometry; viz., to trisect a plane angle, and to construct two geometrical means between two given straight lines.
CISTCist, n. Etym: [L. cista box, chest, Gr. Chest.]
1. (Antiq.)
Defn: A box or chest. Specifically: (a) A bronze receptacle, round or oval, frequently decorated with engravings on the sides and cover, and with feet, handles, etc., of decorative castings. (b) A cinerary urn. See Illustration in Appendix.
2. See Cyst.
CISTEDCist"ed, a.
Defn: Inclosed in a cyst. See Cysted.
CISTERCIAN Cis*ter"cian, n. Etym: [LL. Cistercium. F. Cîteaux, a convent not far from Dijon, in France: cf. F. cistercien.] (Eccl.)
Defn: A monk of the prolific branch of the Benedictine Order, established in 1098 at Cîteaux, in France, by Robert, abbot of Molesme. For two hundred years the Cistercians followed the rule of St. Benedict in all its rigor. — a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Cistercians.
CISTERN Cis"tern, n. Etym: [OE. cisterne, OF. cisterne, F. cisterne, fr. L. cisterna, fr. cista box, chest. See Cist, and cf. chest.]
1. An artificial reservoir or tank for holding water, beer, or other liquids.
2. A natural reservoir; a hollow place containing water. "The wide cisterns of the lakes." Blackmore.
CISTICCist"ic, a.
Defn: See Cystic.
CITCit (, n. Etym: [Contr. fr. citizen.]
Defn: A citizen; an inhabitant of a city; a pert townsman; — used contemptuously. "Insulted as a cit". Johnson Which past endurance sting the tender cit. Emerson.
CITABLECit"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being cited.
CITADEL Cit"a*del, n. Etym: [F. citadelle, It. citadella, dicitt city, fr. L. civitas. See City.]
Defn: A fortress in or near a fortified city, commanding the city and fortifications, and intended as a final point of defense. Syn. - Stronghold. See Fortress.
CITALCit"al, n. Etym: [From Cite]
1. Summons to appear, as before a judge. [R.] Johnson
2. Citation; quotation [R.] Johnson.
CITATIONCi*ta"tion, n. Etym: [F. citation, LL. citatio, fr.L. citare to cite.See Cite]
1. An official summons or notice given to a person to appear; the paper containing such summons or notice.
2. The act of citing a passage from a book, or from another person, in his own words; also, the passage or words quoted; quotation. This horse load of citations and fathers. Milton.
3. Enumeration; mention; as, a citation of facts.
4. (Law)
Defn: A reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
CITATORCi*ta"tor, n.
Defn: One who cites. [R]
CITATORYCi"ta*to*ry, a. Etym: [LL. citatirius.]
Defn: Having the power or form of a citation; as, letters citatory.
CITE Cite, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cited; p. pr. & vb. n. Citing] Etym: [F. citer, fr. L. citare, intens. of cire, ciere, to put in motion, to excite; akin to Gr.
1. To call upon officially or authoritatively to appear, as before acourt; to summon.The cited dead, Of all past ages, to the general doom Shall hasten.Milton.Cited by finger of God. De Quincey.
2. To urge; to enjoin. [R.] Shak.
3. To quote; to repeat, as a passage from a book, or the words of another. The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. Shak.
4. To refer to or specify, as for support, proof, illustration, or confirmation. The imperfections which you have cited. Shak.
5. To bespeak; to indicate. [Obs.] Aged honor cites a virtuous youth. Shak.
6. (Law)
Defn: To notify of a proceeding in court. Abbot
Syn.— To quote; mention, name; refer to; adduce; select; call; summon.See Quote.
CITERCit"er, n.
Defn: One who cites.
CITESSCit"ess, n. Etym: [From Cit.]
Defn: A city woman [R.]
CITHARACith"a*ra, n. Etym: [L. Cf. Cittern, Guitar.] (Mus.)
Defn: An ancient instrument resembling the harp.
CITHARISTICCith`a*ris"tic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Pertaining, or adapted, to the cithara.
CITHERNCith"ern, n.
Defn: See Cittern.
CITICISMCit"i*cism, n. Etym: [From cit.]
Defn: The manners of a cit or citizen.
CITIEDCit"ied, a.
1. Belonging to, or resembling, a city. "Smoky, citied towns" [R.] Drayton.
2. Containing, or covered with, cities. [R.] "The citied earth." Keats.
CITIFIEDCit"i*fied, a. Etym: [City +-fy.]
Defn: Aping, or having, the manners of a city.
CITIGRADAE Cit`i*gra"dæ, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. citus swift (p. p. of cire, ciere, to move) + gradi to walk. See Cite.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A suborder of Arachnoidea, including the European tarantula and the wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and their allies, which capture their prey by rapidly running and jumping. See Wolf spider.
CITIGRADECit"i*grade, a. Etym: [Cf. F. citigrade.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Pertaining to the Citigradæ.— n.
Defn: One of the Citigradæ.
CITINERCit"i*ner, n.
Defn: One who is born or bred in a city; a citizen. [Obs.] Champan.
CITIZEN Cit"i*zen, n. Etym: [OE. citisein, OF. citeain, F. citoyen, fr. cité city. See City, and cf. Cit.]
1. One who enjoys the freedom and privileges of a city; a freeman of a city, as distinguished from a foreigner, or one not entitled to its franchises. That large body of the working men who were not counted as citizens and had not so much as a vote to serve as an anodyne to their stomachs. G. Eliot.
2. An inhabitant of a city; a townsman. Shak.
3. A person, native or naturalized, of either sex, who owes allegiance to a government, and is entitled to reciprocal protection from it.
Note: This protection is . . . national protection, recognition of the individual, in the face of foreign nations, as a member of the state, and assertion of his security and rights abroad as well as at home. Abbot
4. One who is domiciled in a country, and who is a citizen, though neither native nor naturalized, in such a sense that he takes his legal status from such country.
CITIZENCit"i*zen, a.
1. Having the condition or qualities of a citizen, or of citizens; as, a citizen soldiery.
2. Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of a city; characteristic of citizens; effeminate; luxurious. [Obs.] I am not well, But not so citizen a wanton as To seem to die ere sick. Shak.
CITIZENESSCit"i*zen*ess, n.
Defn: A female citizen. [R.]
CITIZENSHIPCit"i*zen*ship, n.
Defn: The state of being a citizen; the status of a citizen.
CITOLECit"ole, n. Etym: [OF. citole, fr. L. cithara. See Cittern.] (Mus.)
Defn: A musical instrument; a kind of dulcimer. [Obs.]
CITRACONICCit`ra*con"ic, a. Etym: [Citric + aconitic.]
Defn: Pertaining to, derived from, or having certain characteristics of, citric and aconitic acids. Citraconic acid (Chem.), a white, crystalline, deliquescent substance, C3H4(CO2H)2, obtained by distillation of citric acid. It is a compound of the ethylene series.
CITRANGECit"range, n. [Citrus + orange.]
Defn: A citrous fruit produced by a cross between the sweet orange and the trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata). It is more acid and has a more pronounced aroma than the orange; the tree is hardier. There are several varieties.
CITRATECit"rate, n. Etym: [From Citric.] (Chem.)
Defn: A salt of citric acid.
CITRICCit"ric, a. Etym: [Cf. F. citrique. See Citron.] (Chem.)
Defn: Of, pertaining to, or derived from, the citron or lemon; as, citric acid. Citric acid (Chem.), an organic acid, C3H4OH.(CO2H)3, extracted from lemons, currants, gooseberies, etc., as a white crystalline substance, having a pleasant sour taste.
CITRINATIONCit`ri*na"tion, n. Etym: [See Citrine.]
Defn: The process by which anything becomes of the color of a lemon; esp., in alchemy, the state of perfection in the philosopher's stone indicated by its assuming a deep yellow color. Thynne.
CITRINECit"rine, a. Etym: [F. citrin. See Citron.]
Defn: Like a citron or lemon; of a lemon color; greenish yellow. Citrine ointment (Med.), a yellowish mercurial ointment, the unquentum hydrargyri nitratis.
CITRINECit"rine, n.
Defn: A yellow, pellucid variety of quartz.
CITRON Cit"ron, n. Etym: [F. citron, LL. citro, fr. L. citrus citron tree (cf. citreum, sc. malum, a citron), from Gr.
1. (Bot)
Defn: A fruit resembling a lemon, but larger, and pleasantly aromatic. The thick rind, when candied, is the citron of commerce.
2. A citron tree.
3. A citron melon. Citron melon. (a) A small variety of muskmelon with sugary greenish flesh. (b) A small variety of watermelon, whose solid white flesh is used in making sweetmeats and preserves. — Citron tree (Bot.), the tree which bears citrons. It was probably a native of northern India, and is now understood to be the typical form of Citrus Medica.
CITRUSCit"rus, n. Etym: [L., a citron tree.] (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of trees including the orange, lemon, citron, etc., originally natives of southern Asia.
CITTERNCit"tern, n. Etym: [L.cithara, Gr. Cithara, Gittern.] (Mus.)
Defn: An instrument shaped like a lute, but strung with wire and played with a quill or plectrum. [Written also cithern.] Shak.
Note: Not to be confounded with zither.
CITTERN-HEADCit"tern-head`, n.
Defn: Blockhead; dunce; — so called because the handle of a cittern usually ended with a carved head. Marsion
CITY Cit"y (, n.; pl. Cities. Etym: [OE. cite, F. citcivitas citizenship, state, city, fr. civis citizen; akin to Goth. heiwa (in heiwafrauja man of the house), AS. heirath marriage, prop., providing a house, E. hind a peasant.]
1. A large town.
2. A corporate town; in the United States, a town or collective body of inhabitants, incorporated and governed by a mayor and aldermen or a city council consisting of a board of aldermen and a common council; in Great Britain, a town corporate, which is or has been the seat of a bishop, or the capital of his see. A city is a town incorporated; which is, or has been, the see of a bishop; and though the bishopric has been dissolved, as at Westminster, it yet remaineth a city. Blackstone When Gorges constituted York a city, he of course meant it to be the seat of a bishop, for the word city has no other meaning in English law. Palfrey
3. The collective body of citizens, or inhabitants of a city. "What is the city but the people" Shak.
Syn.— See Village.
CITYCit"y, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a city. Shak. City council. See underCouncil.— City court, The municipal court of a city. [U. S.] — City ward,a watchman, or the collective watchmen, of a city. [Obs.] Fairfax.
CIVECive, n. (Bot.)
Defn: Same as Chive.
CIVETCiv"et, n. Etym: [F. civette (cf. It. zibetto) civet, civet cat, fr.LGr. zub, zab, civet.]
1. A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from glands in the anal pouch of the civet (Viverra civetta). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but agreeble when a small portion is mixed with another substance. It is used as a perfume.
2. (Zoöl)
Defn: The animal that produces civet (Viverra civetta); — called also civet cat. It is carnivorous, from two to three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is also applied to other species.
CIVETCiv"et, v. t.
Defn: To scent or perfume with civet. Cowper
CIVICCiv"ic, a. Etym: [L.civicus, fr. civis citizen. See City.]
Defn: Relating to, or derived from, a city or citizen; relating to man as a member of society, or to civil affairs. Civic crown (Rom. Antiq.), a crown or garland of oak leaves and acorns, bestowed on a soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle.
CIVICISMCiv"i*cism, n.
Defn: The principle of civil government.
CIVICSCiv"ics, n.
Defn: The science of civil government.
CIVILCiv"il, a. Etym: [L. civilis, fr. civis citizen: cf. F. civil. SeeCity.]
1. Pertaining to a city or state, or to a citizen in his relations to his fellow citizens or to the state; within the city or state.
2. Subject to government; reduced to order; civilized; not barbarous; — said of the community. England was very rude and barbarous; for it is but even the other day since England grew civil. Spenser.
3. Performing the duties of a citizen; obedient to government; — said of an individual. Civil men come nearer the saints of God than others; they come within a step or two of heaven. Preston
4. Having the manners of one dwelling in a city, as opposed to those of savages or rustics; polite; courteous; complaisant; affable.
Note: "A civil man now is one observant of slight external courtesies in the mutual intercourse between man and man; a civil man once was one who fulfilled all the duties and obligations flowing from his position as a 'civis' and his relations to the other members of that 'civitas.'" Trench
5. Pertaining to civic life and affairs, in distinction from military, ecclesiastical, or official state.
6. Relating to rights and remedies sought by action or suit distinctfrom criminal proceedings. Civil action, an action to enforce therights or redress the wrongs of an individual, not involving acriminal proceeding.— Civil architecture, the architecture which is employed inconstructing buildings for the purposes of civil life, in distinctionfrom military and naval architecture, as private houses, palaces,churches, etc.— Civil death. (Law.) See under Death.— Civil engineering. See under Engineering.— Civil law. See under Law.— Civil list. See under List.— Civil remedy (Law), that given to a person injured, by action, asopposed to a criminal prosecution.— Civil service, all service rendered to and paid for by the stateor nation other than that pertaining to naval or military affairs.— Civil service reform, the substitution of business principles andmethods for the spoils system in the conduct of the civil service,esp. in the matter of appointments to office.— Civil state, the whole body of the laity or citizens not includedunder the military, maritime, and ecclesiastical states.— Civil suit. Same as Civil action.— CCivil war. See under War.— Civil year. See under Year.
CIVILIANCi*vil"ian, n. Etym: [From Civil]
1. One skilled in the civil law. Ancient civilians and writers upon government. Swift.
2. A student of the civil law at a university or college. R. Graves.
3. One whose pursuits are those of civil life, not military or clerical.
CIVILISTCiv"il*ist, n.
Defn: A civilian. [R.] Warbur
CIVILITY Ci*vil"i*ty, n.; pl. Civilities. Etym: [L. civilitas: cf. F. civilité. See Civil.]
1. The state of society in which the relations and duties of a citizen are recognized and obeyed; a state of civilization. [Obs.] Monarchies have risen from barbarrism to civility, and fallen again to ruin. Sir J. Davies. The gradual depature of all deeper signification from the word civility has obliged the creation of another word — civilization. Trench.
2. A civil office, or a civil process [Obs.] To serve in a civility. Latimer.
3. Courtesy; politeness; kind attention; good breeding; a polite act or expression. The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be. Chesterfield. The sweet civilities of life. Dryden.
Syn.— Urbanity; affability; complaisance.
CIVILIZABLECiv"i*li`za*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being civilized.
CIVILIZATIONCiv`i*li*za"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. civilisation.]
1. The act of civilizing, or the state of being civilized; national culture; refinement. Our manners, our civilization, and all the good things connected with manners, and with civilization, have, in this European world of ours, depended for ages upon two principles — . . . the spirit of a gentleman, and spirit of religion. Burke
2. (Law)
Defn: Rendering a criminal process civil. [Obs.]
CIVILIZECiv"i*lize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Civilized; p. pr. & vb. n.Civilizing.] Etym: [Cf. F. civilizer, fr.L. civilis civil. SeeCivil.]
1. To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine. Yet blest that fate which did his arms dispose Her land to civilize, as to subdue. Dryden
2. To admit as suitable to a civilized state. [Obs. or R.] "Civilizing adultery." Milton.
Syn.— To polish; refine; humanize.
CIVILIZEDCiv"i*lized, a.
Defn: Reclaimed from savage life and manners; instructed in arts, learning, and civil manners; refined; cultivated. Sale of conscience and duty in open market is not reconcilable with the present state of civilized society. J. Quincy.
CIVILIZERCiv"i*li*zer, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, civilizes or tends to civilize.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIONCivil Service Commission.
Defn: In the United States, a commission appointed by the President, consisting of three members, not more than two of whom may be adherents of the same party, which has the control, through examinations, of appointments and promotions in the classified civil service. It was created by act of Jan, 16, 1883 (22 Stat. 403).
CIVIL SERVICE REFORMCivil Service Reform.
Defn: The substitution of business principles and methods for political methods in the conduct of the civil service. esp. the merit system instead of the spoils system in making appointments to office.
CIVILYCiv"i*ly, adv.
Defn: In a civil manner; as regards civil rights and privileges; politely; courteously; in a well bred manner.
CIVISMCiv"ism, n. Etym: [Cf.F. civisme, fr.L. civis citizen.]
Defn: State of citizenship. [R.] Dyer.
CIZARCiz"ar, v. i. Etym: [From Cizars.]
Defn: To clip with scissors. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.
CIZARSCiz"ars, n. pl.
Defn: Scissors. [Obs.] Swift.
CIZECize, n.
Defn: Bulk; largeness. [Obs.] See Size.
CLABBERClab"ber, n. Etym: [See Bonnyclabber]
Defn: Milk curdled so as to become thick.
CLABBERClab"ber, v. i.
Defn: To become clabber; to lopper.
CLACHANClach"an, n. Etym: [Scot., fr.Gael.]
Defn: A small village containing a church. [Scot.] Sir W. ScottSitting at the clachon alehouse. R. L. Stevenson.
CLACKClack, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Clacked;p. pr. & vb. n. Clacking.] Etym:[Prob. of imitative origin; cf. F.claquer to clap, crack, D. klakken,MHG. klac crack, Ir. clagaim I make a noise, ring. Cf. Clack, n.,Clatter, Click.]
1. To make a sudden, sharp noise, or a succesion of such noises, as by striking an object, or by collision of parts; to rattle; to click. We heard Mr.Hodson's whip clacking on the ahoulders of the poor little wretches. Thackeray.
2. To utter words rapidly and continually, or with abruptness; to let the tongue run.
CLACKClack, v. t.
1. To cause to make a sudden, sharp noise, or succession of noises; to click.
2. To utter rapidly and inconsiderately. Feltham. To clack wool, to cut off the sheep's mark, in order to make the wool weigh less and thus yield less duty. [Eng.]
CLACK Clack, n. Etym: [Cf. F. claque a slap or smack, MHG. klac crack, W. clec crack, gossip. See Clack, v. t.]
1. A sharp, abrupt noise, or succession of noises, made by striking an object.
2. Anything that causes a clacking noise, as the clapper of a mill, or a clack valve.
3. Continual or importunate talk; prattle; prating. Whose chief intent is to vaunt his spiritual clack. South. Clack box (Mach.), the box or chamber in which a clack valve works. — Clack dish, a dish with a movable lid, formerly carried by beggars, who clacked the lid to attract notice. Shak. Clack door (Mining), removable cover of the opening through which access is had to a pump valve. — Clack valve (Mach.), a valve; esp. one hinged at one edge, which, when raised from its seat, falls with a clacking sound.
CLACKERClack"er, n.
1. One who clacks; that which clacks; especially, the clapper of a mill.
2. A claqueur. See Claqueur.
CLADClad, v.t
Defn: To clothe. [Obs.] Holland.
CLADClad,
Defn: imp. & p. p. of Clothe.
CLADOCERACla*doc"e*ra, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of the Entomostraca.
Note: They have a bivalve shell, covering the body but not the head, and from four to six pairs of legs and two pairs of antenæ, for use in swimming. They mostly inhabit fresh water.
CLADOPHYLLClad"o*phyll, n. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: A special branch, resembling a leaf, as in the apparent foliage of the broom (Ruscus) and of the common cultivated smilax (Myrsiphillum).
CLAGGYClag"gy, a. Etym: [Cf. Clog.]
Defn: Adhesive; — said of a roof in a mine to which coal clings.
CLAIKClaik, n.
Defn: See Clake.
CLAIM Claim (klam), v. [imp. & p. p. Claimed (klamd); p. pr. & vb. n. Claiming.] Etym: [OE. clamen, claimen, OF. clamer, fr. L. clamare to cry out, call; akin to calare to proclaim, Gr. kal to sound, G. holen to fetch, E. hale haul.]
1. To ask for, or seek to obtain, by virtue of authority, right, or supposed right; to challenge as a right; to demand as due.
2. To proclaim. [Obs.] Spenser.
3. To call or name. [Obs.] Spenser.
4. To assert; to maintain. [Colloq.]
CLAIMClaim, v. i.
Defn: To be entitled to anything; to deduce a right or title; to havea claim.We must know how the first ruler, from whom any one claims, came byhis authority. Locke.
CLAIM Claim, n. Etym: [Of. claim cry, complaint, from clamer. See Claim, v.t.]
1. A demand of a right or supposed right; a calling on another for something due or supposed to be due; an assertion of a right or fact.
2. A right to claim or demand something; a title to any debt, privilege, or other thing in possession of another; also, a title to anything which another should give or concede to, or confer on, the claimant. "A bar to all claims upon land." Hallam.
3. The thing claimed or demanded; that (as land) to which any one intends to establish a right; as a settler's claim; a miner's claim. [U.S. & Australia]
4. A laoud call. [Obs.] Spenser To lay claim to, to demand as a right. "Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance" Shak.
CLAIMABLEClaim"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being claimed.
CLAIMANTClaim"ant, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. clamant, p. pr. of clamer. Cf.Clamant.]
Defn: One who claims; one who asserts a right or title; a claimer.
CLAIMERClaim"er, n.
Defn: One who claims; a claimant.
CLAIMLESSClaim"less, a.
Defn: Having no claim.
CLAIRAUDIENCEClair*au"di*ence, n. [F. clair clear + F. & E. audience a hearing.See Clear.]
Defn: Act of hearing, or the ability to hear, sounds not normally audible; — usually claimed as a special faculty of spiritualistic mediums, or the like.
CLAIRAUDIENTClair*au"di*ent, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or characterized by, clairaudience.
CLAIRAUDIENTClair*au"di*ent, n.
Defn: One alleged to have the power of clairaudience.
CLAIREClaire, n. [F.]
Defn: A small inclosed pond used for gathering and greening oysters.
CLAIR-OBSCURClair"-ob*scur" (, n. Etym: [F. See Clare-obscure.]
Defn: See Chiaroscuro.
CLAIRVOYANCEClair*voy"ance, n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: A power, attributed to some persons while in a mesmeric state, of discering objects not perceptible by the senses in their normal condition.
CLAIRVOYANT Clair*voy"ant, a. Etym: [F., fr. clair clear + voyant, p. pr. of voir to see. See Clear, and Vision.]
Defn: Pertaining to clairvoyance; discerning objects while in a mesmeric state which are not present to the senses.
CLAIRVOYANTClair*voy"ant n.
Defn: One who is able, when in a mesmeric state, to discern objects not present to the senses.
CLAKE; CLAIKClake, Claik, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The bernicle goose; — called also clack goose.
CLAMClam, n. Etym: [Cf. Clamp, Clam, v. t., Clammy.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A bivalve mollusk of many kinds, especially those that are edible; as, the long clam (Mya arenaria), the quahog or round clam (Venus mercenaria), the sea clam or hen clam (Spisula solidissima), and other species of the United States. The name is said to have been given originally to the Tridacna gigas, a huge East Indian bivalve. You shall scarce find any bay or shallow shore, or cove of sand, where you may not take many clampes, or lobsters, or both, at your pleasure. Capt. John Smith (1616). Clams, or clamps, is a shellfish not much unlike a coclke; it lieth under the sand. Wood (1634).
2. (Ship Carp.)
Defn: Strong pinchers or forceps.
3. pl. (Mech.)
Defn: A kind of vise, usually of wood. Blood clam. See under Blood.
CLAMClam (clam), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clammed; p. pr. & vb. n. Clamming.]Etym: [Cf. AS. clæman to clam, smear; akin to Icel. kleima to smear,OHG. kleimjan, chleimen, to defile, or E. clammy.]
Defn: To clog, as with glutinous or viscous matter. A swarm of wasps got into a honey pot, and there they cloyed and clammed Themselves till there was no getting out again. L'Estrange.
CLAMClam, v. i.
Defn: To be moist or glutinous; to stick; to adhere. [R.] Dryden
CLAMClam, n.
Defn: Claminess; moisture. [R.] "The clam of death." Carlyle.
CLAMClam, n. Etym: [Abbrev. fr. clamor.]
Defn: A crash or clangor made by ringing all the bells of a chime at once. Nares.
CLAMClam, v. t. & i.
Defn: To produce, in bell ringing, a clam or clangor; to cause to clang. Nares.
CLAMANTCla"mant, a. Etym: [L. clamans, p. pr. of clamare to call. Cf.Claimant.]
Defn: Crying earnestly, beseeching clamorousky. "Clamant children."Thomson.
CLAMATIONCla*ma"tion, n. Etym: [LL. clamatio, fr. L. clamare to call.]
Defn: The act of crying out. Sir T. Browne.
CLAMATORESClam`a*to"res, n. pl. Etym: [L. clamator, pl. clamatores, a bawler.](Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of passerine birds in which the vocal muscles are but little developed, so that they lack the power of singing.
CLAMATORIALClam`a*to"rial, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Like or pertaining to the Clamatores.
CLAMBAKEClam"bake, n.
Defn: The backing or steaming of clams on heated stones, between layers of seaweed; hence, a picnic party, gathered on such an occasion.
CLAMBERClam"ber, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Clambered; p. pr. & vb. n. Clambering.]Etym: [OE clambren, clameren, to heap together, climb; akin to Icel.klambra to clamp, G. klammern. Cf. Clamp, Climb.]
Defn: To climb with difficulty, or with hands and feet; — also usedfiguratively.The narrow street that clambered toward the mill. Tennyson.
CLAMBERClam"ber, n.
Defn: The act of clambering. T. Moore.
CLAMBERClam"ber, v. t.
Defn: To ascend by climbing with difficulty.Clambering the walls to eye him. Shak.
CLAMJAMPHRIEClam*jam"phrie, n.
Defn: Low, worthless people; the rabble. [Scot.] Jamieson.
CLAMMILYClam"mi*ly, adv.
Defn: In a clammy manner. "Oozing so clammily." Hood.
CLAMMINESSClam"mi*ness, n.
Defn: State of being clammy or viscous.
CLAMMY Clam"my, a. [Compar. Clammier; superl. Clammiest.] Etym: [Cf. AS. clam clay. See Clam to clog, and cf. Clay.]
Defn: Having the quality of being viscous or adhesive; soft and sticky; glutinous; damp and adhesive, as if covered with a cold perspiration.
CLAMOR Clam"or, n. Etym: [OF. clamour, clamur, F. clameur, fr. L. clamor, fr. clamare to cry out. See Claim.]
1. A great outcry or vociferation; loud and continued shouting or exclamation. Shak.
2. Any loud and continued noise. Addison.
3. A continued expression of dissatisfaction or discontent; a popular outcry. Macaulay.
Syn.— Outcry; exclamation; noise; uproar.
CLAMORClam"or, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clamored; p. pr. & vb. n. Clamoring.]
1. To salute loudly. [R.] The people with a shout Rifted the air, clamoring their god with praise. Milton .
2. To stun with noise. [R.] Bacon.
3. To utter loudly or repeatedly; to shout. Clamored their piteous prayer incessantly. Longfellow. To clamor bells, to repeat the strokes quickly so as to produce a loud clang. Bp. Warbur
CLAMORClam"or, v. i.
Defn: To utter loud sounds or outcries; to vociferate; to complain; to make importunate demands. The obscure bird Clamored the livelong night. Shak.
CLAMORERClam"or*er, n.
Defn: One who clamors.
CLAMOROUS Clam"or*ous, a. Etym: [LL. clamorosus, for L. Clamosus: cf. OF. clamoreux.]
Defn: Speaking and repeating loud words; full of clamor; calling or demanding loudly or urgently; vociferous; noisy; bawling; loud; turbulent. "My young ones were clamorous for a morning's excursion." Southey. — Clam"or*ous*ly, adv. — Clam"or*ous*ness, n.
CLAMP Clamp, n. Etym: [Cf. LG. & D. klamp, Dan. klampe, also D. klampen to fasten, clasp. Cf. Clam, Cramp.]
1. Something rigid that holds fast or binds things together; a piece of wood or metal, used to hold two or more pieces together.
2. (a) An instrument with a screw or screws by which work is held in its place or two parts are temporarily held together. (b) (Joinery) A piece of wood placed across another, or inserted into another, to bind or strengthen.
3. One of a pair of movable pieces of lead, or other soft material, to cover the jaws of a vise and enable it to grasp without bruising.
4. (Shipbuilding)
Defn: A thick plank on the inner part of a ship's side, used to sustuan the ends of beams.
5. A mass of bricks heaped up to be burned; or of ore for roasting, or of coal coking.
6. A mollusk. See Clam. [Obs.] Clamp nails, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.
CLAMPClamp, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clamped p. pr. & vb. n. Clamping.]
1. To fasten with a clamp or clamps; to apply a clamp to; to place in a clamp.
2. To cover, as vegetables, with earth. [Eng.]
CLAMPClamp, n. Etym: [Prob. an imitative word. Cf.Clank.]
Defn: A heavy footstep; a tramp.
CLAMPClamp, v. i.
Defn: To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump.The policeman with clamping feet. Thackeray.
CLAMPERClamp"er, n.
Defn: An instrument of iron, with sharp prongs, attached to a boot or shoe to enable the wearer to walk securely upon ice; a creeper. Kane.
CLAN Clan, n. Etym: [Gael. clann offspring, descendants; akin to Ir. clann, cland, offspring, tribe, family; perh. from L. plania scion, slip, cutting. Cf. Plant, n.]
1. A tribe or collection of families, united under a chieftain, regarded as having the same common ancestor, and bearing the same surname; as, the clan of Macdonald. "I have marshaled my clan." Campbell.
2. A clique; a sect, society, or body of persons; esp., a body of persons united by some common interest or pursuit; — sometimes used contemptuously. Partidge and the rest of his clan may hoot me. Smolett. The whole clan of the enlightened among us. Burke.
CLANCULAR Clan"cu*lar, a. Etym: [L. clancularius , from clanculum secretly, adv. dim. of clam secretly.]
Defn: Conducted with secrecy; clandestine; concealed. [Obs.]Not close and clancular, but frank and open. Barrow.
CLANCULARLYClan"cu*lar*ly, adv.
Defn: privately; secretly. [Obs.]
CLANDESTINE Clan*des"tine, a. Etym: [L. clandestinus, fr. clam secretly; akin to celare, E. conceal: cf. F. clandestin.]
Defn: Conducted with secrecy; withdrawn from public notice, usually for an evil purpose; kept secret; hidden; private; underhand; as, a clandestine marriage. Locke.
Syn.— Hidden; secret; private; concealed; underhand; sly; stealthy;surreptitious; furtive; fraudulent.— Clan*des"tine*ly, adv.— Clan*des"tine*ness, n.
CLANDESTINITYClan`des*tin"i*ty, n.
Defn: Privacy or secrecy. [R.]
CLANGClang, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clanged; p. pr. & vb. n. Clanging.] Etym:[L. clangere; akin to Gr. clank.]
Defn: To strike together so as to produce a ringing metallic sound.The fierce Caretes . . . clanged their sounding arms. Prior.
CLANGClang, v. i.
Defn: To give out a clang; to resound. "Clanging hoofs." Tennyson.
CLANGClang, n.
1. A loud, ringing sound, like that made by metallic substances when clanged or struck together. The broadsword's deadly clang, As if a thousand anvils rang. Sir W. Scott.
2. (Mus.)
Defn: Qualyty of tone.
CLANGORClan"gor, n. Etym: [L., fr. clangere. See Clang, v. t.]
Defn: A sharp, harsh, ringing sound. Dryden.